We’re happy to announce the signing of Germany’s Dark Metal band SCHWARZER ENGEL!
The band was formed in 2007 by the vocalist and guitarist Dave Jason. The live line-up includes Jens Lindmaier (guitar), Stefan Grießhammer (guitar), Bert Oeler (bass) and Marcel Woitowicz (drums).
In 2010 they signed with Trisol Music Group and released their debut album “Apokalypse”.
In late 2010 SCHWARZER ENGEL toured with Ahab and The Vision Bleak through Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. The tour was accompanied by the release of the band’s EP “Geister und Dämonen”.
The second album “Träume Einer Nacht” followed in April 2011.
SCHWARZER ENGEL played at several festivals in 2011 and 2012, such as the Wave-Gotik-Treffen, Hexentanz Festival, Castle Storm Festival and Dark Storm Festival.
SCHWARZER ENGEL’s music can be described as modern dark metal with heavy guitar riffs, double bass attacks, catchy melodies and furious, deep vocals – all topped with orchestral arrangements.
The band’s poetic German lyrics are about human failures, impressions of nature, myths and the cruel reality of today’s world.
Band leader Dave Jason about the signing with Massacre Records:
“I’m happy to announce that SCHWARZER ENGEL has teamed up with Massacre Records! The label has proven that it’s doing a great job in supporting their artists.
Massacre Records is the perfect partner for the release of SCHWARZER ENGEL’s upcoming album as well as the “Schwarze Sonne EP”, which will be the album’s harbringer.”
SCHWARZER ENGEL’s “Schwarze Sonne EP” will be released in late May via Massacre Records, followed by the worldwide release of the band’s third album “In Brennenden Himmeln” in late July!
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Source:
* For more info on SCHWARZER ENGEL, click on the links below!
Rock legend George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) and Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker Mark Mclaughlin are currently working together on Shadowtrain: Under a Crooked Sky, a stirring documentary that explores a hybrid way of life merging modern society with the ancient practices of people who have lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years; native American Indians.
The film follows Lynch and drummer/activist/artist Vincent Nicastro as they visit different reservations around the American Southwest with a trailer full of gear and group of musicians to get a firsthand look at effects of modern consumerism on our native population and the steps they’re taking towards sustainability.
While the documentary is nearly complete, the filmmakers are now seeking help in seeing their collective vision come to fruition. In order to see “Shadowtrain” become a reality, Lynch and Mclaughlin have launched an IndieGoGo Flexible Funding campaign where contributions can be made towards the completion of the film in exchange for autographed copies of George Lynch’s most recent release Legacy, guitar lessons, a signed guitar and more. To donate to the making of “Shadowtrain: Under a Crooked Sky” visit the following link below:
A trailer for the film, featuring Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine. The Nightwatchman) and Serj Tankian (System Of A Down), can be seen below:
For more clips from the film and to learn more about the message behind “Shadowtrain: Under a Crooked Sky” and what you can do to help, visit http://www.shadowtrainmovie.com.
When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty…
“Shadowtrain: Under a Crooked Sky” will illuminate the cost of the destruction of the Native American community; to both the indigenous population as well as to their European conquerors. The documentary will reveal the qualities inherent in indigenous people’s world views that should be recognized and adopted if we all, collectively, intend to not only survive, but to find a way to live happier, more meaningful lives. While engaging a wide variety of opinions from notable activists, authors, artists, elders and shaman, politicians and government officials, clergy, teachers and everyday people, the film will reveal its message through a powerful music-driven road trip.
The journey begins as renowned guitarist George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), drummer, artist and activist Vinnie Nicastro and a musical band of politically engaged musicians climb into an old station wagon in the southwest desert. They pull a vintage horse trailer, retro-fitted to carry band equipment, solar panels, generators and camping gear.
They travel the back roads, searching for a truth that can speak to power. They visit the Apache, Navajo and Hopi reservations in Arizona, Zuni and Tewa in New Mexico, Shoshone in Nevada, Utes in Utah and Colorado and then on to the Dakotas to visit the people and places that were (and still are) the epicenter of conflict between the native peoples and their European conquerors.
The people they visit on the reservations will share how they have created sensible environmentally sustainable solutions that work in today’s world. Simple and proven practices like passive solar water heaters on the Paiute reservation, active community gardens and other ideas will be explored. Then as Shadowtrain moves on to other reservations, they will help to integrate these workable procedures, pick up more ideas and carry them further.
(Source: ClawHammer PR)
* For more info on SHADOWTRAIN – Under A Crooked Sky, click on link below!
IRON MAIDEN – In Metal tribute to the late and forever legendary Clive Burr, I have chosen the first 3 Iron Maiden studio albums asStone’s METAL Picks Of The Day! Clive Burr was never marketed for an album as many drummers are today. Still, from the very beginning, Clive’s drumming introduced a fresh style, which sounded so natural, that it made the early Metal sound of Iron Maiden vibrate so exquisitely special for me. The NWOBHM was kicking in the door to my Metal soul… and I didn’t even know it back then.
These first 3 Iron Maiden albums still cast a magical Metal spell upon me. Simply put, I’ve never grown tired of them. I absolutely love the vocals of Paul Di’Anno, he brought his uniqueness to the table with Iron Maiden; just as Clive Burr delivered his unique style of drumming on these first 3 Iron Maiden classics.
As I listened back then, as I do today, the beats from Clive Burr were truly unlike any other. How can the haunting intro beats of Run To The Hills be denied? How can the near mystical percussion performance on Remember Tomorrow ever be forgotten? I won’t ever forget Clive Burr… and I know my fellow Metal brethren won’t either.
IRON MAIDEN – KILLERS (1981)
The last studio album to feature Paul Di’Anno on vocals and it’s a True Metal treasure to behold! I’ll always choose Murders In The Rue Morgue as my favorite song from Killers. Just hearing Clive Burr pound the cymbals on this song is grand stuff alone!
IRON MAIDEN – THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST (1982)
Just an iconic debut with the legendary Bruce Dickinson! An entire new era of Iron Maiden had been ushered in with The Number Of The Beast. I’d have to pick Hallowed BeThy Name as my favorite song from this album. Hallowed Be Thy Name can easily be my favorite Iron Maiden song of all-time too.
* STONE’S METAL PICK OF THE DAY BONUS:
IRON MAIDEN – MAIDEN JAPAN (1981)
This live EP, Maiden Japan, also features Clive Burr during his prime! The album cover above is the version that I own. I was fortunate enough to score this gem on vinyl, at an antiques mall. Price: $10.00 (U.S.). That’s a Metal steal! I’ve seen this vinyl treasure selling online for much more than I paid! Metal be thy name.
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* For more info on IRON MAIDEN, click on the links below!
Mexican corpse-walkers ZOMBIEFICATION have announced their second full-length album as At The Caves Of Eternal, and will be scheduled for 8th April 2013 (Europe) and 14th May 2013 (North America) respectively.
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At The Caves Of Eternal – Track Listing:
1) At The Caves Of Eternal
2) Disembodied Souls
3) Soul Collector
4) In The Mist
5) Passage Of Darkness
6) In The Gallery Of Laments
7) The Crypt
8) In The Shadowed Garden
9) Slaves Whisper Your Name
Check out the teaser below for At The Caves Of Eternal (Teaser1):
The full-length effort was recorded at Revolution Studios with Jesús Bravo manning the engineering and brought over to Necromorbus, Sweden (Watain, Demonical, Desultory, etc) for mixing and mastering duties under the helm of Tore Stjerna.
On Record Store Day, April 20, Soundgarden will be releasing a limited edition vinyl of the King Animal demos worldwide. This is the first time these recordings have been available together.
The songs will be pressed on 10″ PINK vinyl and the 6-song package will also include a free digital download card.
The demos were recorded by Chris Cornell & Soundgarden at TNC Studios in Los Angeles, CA and Deke River Studio in Seattle, WA.
We are deeply saddened to report that Clive Burr passed away last night. He had suffered poor health for many years after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and died peacefully in his sleep at home.
Steve Harris said “This is terribly sad news. Clive was a very old friend of all of us. He was a wonderful person and an amazing drummer who made a valuable contribution to Maiden in the early days when we were starting out. This is a sad day for everyone in the band and those around him and our thoughts and condolences are with his partner Mimi and family at this time.”
Bruce Dickinson adds “I first met Clive when he was leaving Samson and joining Iron Maiden. He was a great guy and a man who really lived his life to the full. Even during the darkest days of his M.S., Clive never lost his sense of humour or irreverence. This is a terribly sad day and all our thoughts are with Mimi and the family”
As Maiden fans all know, Clive joined Maiden in 1979 and performed on the first three albums Iron Maiden (1980), Killers (1981) and The Number Of The Beast (1982). Prior to that he was a member of Samson, the band Bruce fronted before he too joined Maiden.
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* For more info on this article, click on the link below:
Blasting forth from the guts of Erie, Pennsylvania, a vicious new act is about to invade the Death Metal universe, with the debut full-length from EXTINCTION PROTOCOL, confirmed for release via NYC-based D.I.Y. label P2.
Formed in 2010, EXTINCTION PROTOCOL merges classic Death Metal structures with breakdowns and grooves of modern, guttural slam while infusing the darkness of dissonant black metal into the proverbial cataclysmic blender. A nihilistic Death Metal vortex, EXTINCTION PROTOCOL’s debut album, Aeonic Obliteration lyrically scrutinizes the greed and corruption of mankind thus concluding mankind’s eventual downfall due to genetic testing and world altering events.
With nine devastating songs packed into a nearly thirty-three minute event horizon, Aeonic Obliteration features stellar production values courtesy of Ivan at Anthropocide Studios (Abominable Putridity) and full-color cosmic destruction ala JoeJesus of DeviantArt, and will see release on May 14th worldwide.
Inundate your senses with the hellish force of the album-opening track Aeonic Obliteration, “The Merging Of Titans,” alongside the cover art and more EXTINCTION PROTOCOL info RIGHT HERE.
Erik: vocals, Drew: guitars, TJ: Drums, AJ: bass
New York-based P2, while a fairly young label, is based upon disbursing quality material over quantity, the curators of its releases focused on maintaining more of a devout cult status within the extreme underground music world rather than sales-based mass appeal. P2 has released a 7” version of NYC sci-fi/tech Death Metal outfit Artificial Brain’s 2011 demo, and is preparing to unleash the vinyl pressing of New York death/gore kingpins Malignancy’s newest album, Eugenics, in addition to the debut from EXTINCTION PROTOCOL and more over the coming months.
HVM & Twisted Nail Productions present Spring Stampede 2013!
The night will be headlined by the legendary, Lizzy Borden, who is bringing his 30 years of American Metal to the Stampede! Co-headling this show will be Red Lamb! Get ready to strap in for a night of mayhem!
Also on the bill:Icarus Witch, The Beautifully Demolished, Spread Eagle, ModernSuperstar, & Ghost Of War.
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.
GAMMA RAY – The iconic Kai Hansen and his legendary Power Metal force from Germany, known and celebrated world-wide as GAMMA RAY, will be seeing their Master Of Confusion album release on March 15th, via earMUSIC.
GAMMA RAY are currently on tour with Power Metal pioneers/legends HELLOWEEN, on the Hellish Rock Part II Tour!
Master Of Confusion – Track Listing:
A Side
1. Empire Of The Undead (new studio track)
2. Master Of Confusion (new studio track)
B Side
3. Death Or Glory (Holocaust studio cover version)
4. Lost Angels (Sweet studio cover version)
C Side*
5. The Spirit / 6. Wings Of Destiny / 7. Gamma Ray
8. Farewell / 9. Time To Break Free / 10. Insurrection
*Recorded live in Bochum.
GAMMA RAY:
Kai Hansen – vocals & guitar
Henjo Richter – guitar & keyboards
Dirk Schlächter – bass
Michael Ehré – drums
* For more info on GAMMA RAY, click on the links below!
Texas Thrash heavyweights WARBEAST have announced the upcoming release date for their new full length album, Destroy. The new album, produced by Philip H.Anselmo (DOWN, ex-PANTERA) and engineered by Stephen“The Big Fella” Berrigan, will hit stores and digital retailers on April 2nd via Housecore Records.
Destroy was recorded at Nodferatu’s Lair in May and July 2012 and mixed by Anselmo and Berrigan. The album artwork and concept were designed by “Carcass” John Fossum with graphic and technical assistance by John Deleon.
A CD release show for Destroy will take place at The Rail Club in Fort Worth, TX on April 6th.
Robb Chavez of the legendary Robb’s MetalWorks will be making the trip from San Antonio to cover this event. He will do video interviews with Bruce Corbitt and Scott Shelby as well as getting some live footage. He will also be filming some video testimonials from musicians and fans on their memories of Mike Scaccia.
APRIL 6th CD RELEASE SHOW SET TIMES:
8:00 – ASTYANAX
9:00 – PRIMORDIUS
10:00 – HYMNS (Fayetteville, AR – HOUSECORE RECORDS NEWEST BAND)
11:00 – WARBEAST
12:30 – RABID FLESH EATERS
Warbeast recently announced that Casey Orr (RIGOR MORTIS, GWAR) will join them as their fill-in bassist while on the road this spring with Gwar. The band’s upcoming tour dates with Gwar and WILSON kick off in Tucson, AZ on April 10th. The 16 day run, dubbed the Fate Or Chaos Tour, will continue through the month of April until it closes in Jacksonville, FL on April 25th.
As reported on the KAMELOT Official facebook page:
Dear Kamelot Fans, our brethren! We are so pleased to announce these exclusive tour dates for Europe 2013. We cannot wait to bring Kamelot to some new cities and meet you all again on the road. See you all this Fall for the SilverStorm!!
Tommy, Casey, Sean, Oliver, and Thomas
KAMELOT
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SILVERTHORN OVER EUROPE 2013
03. Nov 13 GER-Cologne, Essigfabrik
06. Nov 13 FIN-Tampere, Pakkahuone
07. Nov 13 FIN-Helsinki, Nosturi
08. Nov 13 SWE-Stockholm, Klubben
09. Nov 13 NOR-Oslo, Rockefeller
11. Nov 13 GER-Hamburg, Knust
12. Nov 13 GER-Bochum, Matrix
13. Nov 13 BEL-Genk, Rondpunt
15. Nov 13 NED-Tilburg, O13
16. Nov 13 CHE-Lausanne, Les Docks
17. Nov 13 CHE-Pratteln, Z7
18. Nov 13 GER-Frankfurt, Batschkapp
19. Nov 13 GER-Munich, Backstage Halle
21. Nov 13 ITA-Trieste, Teatro Miela
22. Nov 13 SVK-Bratislava, Majestic
23. Nov 13 CZE-Zlin, Winter Masters of Rock
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Tickets will go on presale March 11th, 2013. Additional “Silverthorn World Tour” dates coming soon, stay tuned and check back often for ticket info!!
KAMELOT – SILVERTHORN
Released in North America on October 30th, 2012.
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* For more info on KAMELOT, click on the links below!
WITCH CROSS lead vocalist Kev Moore has confirmed today, their new studio album Axe To Grind is now with Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica, Morbid Angel) and mastering is underway! WITCH CROSS is also confirmed for the Sun Valley Metal Fest in Italy on Friday, June 28th.
Soon Demon in the Mirror, the first single, will be promoted with a brand new video produced by Peter Hansen.
For more information on this Sun Valley Metal Fest, click on the link below!
SLAUGHTER REVOLUTION – STONE’S METAL PICK OF THE DAY!
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SLAUGHTER REVOLUTION – This fourth studio album from Slaughter, Revolution, may not bestow that same 90’s Arena-style Heavy Rock which skyrocketed this band up the charts; still this is a Slaughter album that deserves to be revisited for its Psychedelic backdrop meets late 90’s Hard Rock. Truthfully, the album cover is much more Psychedelic than the songs! Back when Post-Grunge was heating up the airwaves and Heavy Metal was not getting anymore love from the media, for me, Slaughter honestly released a very memorable album with Revolution back in 1997.
The vocals of Mark Slaughter are toned down here and there on Revolution, yet Tongue n’ Groove is a song that Mark Slaughter nails with excitement! Believe me, Mark Slaughter has his classic moments, vocally, on this album. There’s something about the ambiance of it all, some special Slaughter potion was added here that makes this album still Rock like crazy for me. The album opener American Piemakes me feel like it’s 1970; only in a good way. This American Pie song has all the retro/Psychedelic flavor one could ask for and it seriously sucks me right in.
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The (legendary) Joe Walsh gem from 1973, Rocky Mountain Way, is covered here by Slaughter and it sounds exceptionally groovy. Metal as my witness, Slaughter made this song their own… still, the original can never be topped. From beginning to end, Revolution is worthy of listening to in its entirety. I truly don’t want to skip a song on Revolution, each time I listen to it. A sad fact about Revolution is it’s the last time guitarist Tim Kelly would shine on a Slaughter studio album. Tim Kelly had passed away in an automobile accident the following year of 1998.
I’ve seen Revolution for sale on Amazon.com as an import CD, along with the MP3 album. If you’re looking to get your ears into a 90’s Hard Rock album without all the bells and whistles featuring the flavor-of-the-month from that era, then Revolution from Slaughter just might do the Rockin’ trick. By the way, my media version of Revolution is on cassette and it sounds grand while I’m driving my 2000 Ford Taurus. Metal be thy name.
PRETTY MAIDS – The 13th studio album, Motherland, from Danish Heavy Rock legends Pretty Maids will be released on March 26th, via Frontiers Records. This highly anticipated new album from Pretty Maids coincides with an exciting year of many live festival dates the band will be performing at.
Listen to and watch the Motherland EPK below! Metal be thy name!
7 Days Dead have just announced that, as of today, they will be releasing their debut Beyond Within EP digitally for free! “We want to share our music with as many people as possible and do everything possible to get our name out there”, states drummer StephenBrown.
7 Days Dead will leave the option open for fans to donate should they wish and there is also the option to buy a physical copy through the bands official webstore: www.7daysdead.bigcartel.com
Critical Praise:
“No BS, straight-from-the-gut metal with melody. Period. 7 Days Dead‘s new EP, Beyond Within, is a great listen. Kick ass guitar riffs and awesome vocals; these guys are out to prove that is all you need to entertain in this day and age.”Skulls N Bones
“7 Days Dead are a powerful sounding four piece!”Sea Of tranquility
“Ryan McManus is the Irish response to James Hetfield.” Rock Portaal
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‘Beyond Within’ was recorded at Manor Park Studios, Northern Ireland with producer NealCalderwood (The Answer, The Dangerfields, General Fiasco, Million Dollar Reload, Therapy?). Artwork was undertaken by Kieran Hill from Dog Day Design.
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7 DAYS DEAD – BEYOND WITHIN
STONE’S METAL PICK OF THE DAY!
Stone Says:7 Days Dead are a Metal band worth every second of checking out! This band delivers groove laced Metal that will appeal to both Hard Rock and Metal fans alike. BeyondWithin showcases guitar driven songs with an overall modern and melodic sound that crunches! Eye popping riffs abound! Lead vocalist Ryan McManus does have a striking resemblance to James Hetfield (vocally) and I’m digging it.
Just a terrific new band that I look forward to hearing a whole lot more of in the Metal future! 7 Days Dead have nailed it with their debut EP Beyond Within. Metal be thy name.
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(Source: Future PR)
* For more info on 7 DAYS DEAD, click on the link below!
UK-based Modern Thrash Metallers SYLOSIS, whose latest album Monolith was released via Nuclear Blast in October 2012, have just announced that they’ll join KILLSWITCH ENGAGE on their upcoming “Disarm The Descent” European tour as special guests!
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Make sure to catch them live on one of the following occasions:
08.04. NL Amsterdam – Melkweg
09.04. D Stuttgart – LKA
10.04. D Bochum – Matrix
11.04. D Hannover – Musik Zentrum
13.04. S Malmo – Kulturbolaget
14.04. NO Oslo – Rockefeller Music Hall
16.04. FIN Helsinki – The Circus
17.04. EST Tallinn – Rock Cade
19.04. S Goteborg – Brewhouse
20.04. DK Copenhagen – Amager Bio
21.04. D Berlin – C Club
23.04. D Munich – Theaterfabrik
24.04 AT Vienna – Arena
25.04. I Milan – Magazzini Gernali
26.04 CH Solothurn – Kofmehl
28.04. B Meerhout – Groezrock Festival
29.04. FR Paris – Le Trabbendo
30.04. D Cologne – Essigfabrik
02.05. UK Manchester – HMV Ritz
03.05. UK Glasgow – 02 ABC
04.05.UK Birmingham – The Institute
05.05. UK London – 02 Shepherds Bush Empire
06.05. UK Cardiff – Solus @ Cardiff University
SYLOSIS – MONOLITH
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(Source: Nuclear Blast)
* For more info on SYLOSIS, click on the links below!
BLACK STAR RIDERS, the new band featuring THIN LIZZY members Ricky Warwick, Damon Johnson, Scott Gorham and Marco Mendoza together with drummer Jimmy DeGrasso (Alice Cooper / Megadeth), have announced ‘All Hell BreaksLoose’ as the title of their debut album on Nuclear Blast Entertainment, which will be released Worldwide on the following dates:
May 21st – Japan
May 22nd – Sweden
May 24th – Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Norway
May 27th – U.K., France, BeNeLux, Poland, Czech Republic, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Greece
May 28th – U.S., Canada, Italy, South America
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About the origin of the album title, BLACK STAR RIDERS frontman Ricky Warwick states:
“I was watching a documentary about World War II bombers and saw the name painted on the side of one of the aircraft. The name just resonated with me and it seem to encapsulate the turmoil that we, as a society, are currently experiencing. The past few years have been such a wild ride and now with the release of the album, it sounded like a bad-ass album title that summed up what BLACK STAR RIDERS is all about.”
Produced & mixed by the legendary Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, Rush), the track listing for All Hell Breaks Loose is:
01. All Hell Breaks Loose
02. Bound For Glory
03. Kingdom Of The Lost
04. Bloodshot
05. Kissin’ The Ground
06. Hey Judas
07. Hoodoo Voodoo
08. Valley Of The Stones
09. Someday Salvation
10. Before The War
11. Blues Ain’t So Bad
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The album will be released as a standard CD and also as a special edition digi-pak featuring a bonus track “Got A Right To Be Wrong” and a “Making of” DVD.
A 24-minute compilation of behind-the-scenes video reports from the band’s studio time in Los Angeles can be viewed on YouTube: http://youtu.be/JEx9gD8RPz8
Confirmed festival appearances for BLACK STAR RIDERS include:
June 1st Hi Rock Festival – Inzell, Germany
June 2nd Hi Rock Festival – St. Goarshausen, Germany
June 8th Sweden Rock Festival – Solvesborg, Sweden
Left to right: Michael Lardie (keys & guitar), Audie Desbrow (drums), Mark Kendall (guitar), Terry Ilous (lead vocals) and Scott Snyder (bass).
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“I genuinely love my fans.” – Terry Ilous
Terry Ilous is no longer the new singer of the legendary Great White. Terry Ilous is the singer of Great White. Make no mistake about it, the electricity is swirling in the air within the Great White camp and Terry Ilous is a credible reason why. One listen to Great White’s 12th studio album Elation and their newly released live gem 30 Years – Live From The SunsetStripand the energy and good-times vibes are contagious, all with a little boost from Terry Ilous.
With previous work with an envious list of who’s who within the Rock, Metal and Pop recording industries, plus previous live lead vocal duties under his belt for Great White, along with being an original member and vocalist for XYZ, Terry Ilous couldn’t have been a better choice for this new era of Great White. Terry Ilous answered the Rockin’ call. Big time.
With an intensely busy schedule, Terry Ilous was very considerate to answer a few questions for me. This music and fan driven artist reflects on his invitation to join Great White, making money, playing live, his greatest moments as a musician and yes… the fans. Here’s what Terry Ilous had to say:
Stone: Terry, how did it all unfold as your becoming the lead vocalist for Great White?
Terry: I was asked to join the band in 2010 to replace Jack (Russell) who was sick. I received a phone call from Mark on Wednesday asking if could perform with the band the next day. I said, ” Yes, of course!” The fans were very supportive. It wasn’t easy, to be honest, as those were big shoes to fill. Jack has recorded some amazing songs. I respect his talent.
The band was very helpful. I developed a strong friendship with them and it helped me tremendously. We performed over 80 shows. When Jack decided not come back in December 2011, I was asked to permanently join the band. Please remember I was initially asked to temporarily join the band, to fill-in during Jack’s absence.
It’s never easy to replace a lead singer. It doesn’t matter how good the singer is! Fans are used to a sound they love. Introducing someone new is very challenging. That’s why when I sing the classic Great White hits, I respect the core structure of the melody.
Stone: Of course, money is essential to live. However, what is more important, selling multi-millions of albums or playing the music that you love in concert for your fans?
Terry: I think both are important. An artist has to have both a business mind and a creative mind. How can I perform for my fans if I have to work two jobs to support my family? And, if I only have a business mind, how can I be creative and genuine for my fans? The music I would create would be calculated and not heart-felt. The fans can feel that. I spend a lot of time with them, I answer my own Facebook questions, not always timely as I receive over 200 emails per day, plus I manage my own Twitter account. I genuinely love my fans.
Stone: Media and fan response to “Elation” and your hit single “Hard To Say Goodbye” has been phenomenal. What were your expectations with the release of “Elation”? I look upon it all as a tremendous fresh and new start for Great White.
Terry: I didn’t know what to expect to be honest with you. All I could do as a singer/songwriter is to be honest with myself. The band sat down, started writing and writing non-stop, comparing ideas. Michael would come up with something then Mark and then myself, not necessarily in that order and we would jam on them and if one idea would please all of us, we would work on it. Audie and Scotty would also be at the studio to comment and help us as well.
At times, it was very exhilarating and at times scary, as we only had 2 weeks to write the songs. We went into the studio with 2 songs. We had to be finished writing, recording, mixing, and mastering within 28 days! It was a lot of pressure! I believe in sincerity and honesty, I know, I’m old-fashioned. So I gave it my very best. Yes, I was nervous, I knew some would welcome me and some would not. I know that replacing a singer is never easy. The fans are used to a sound and it’s sometimes difficult for some to accept a new singer but it’s been done many times before. Dio replaced Ozzy and Coverdale replaced Gillan. Talk about iconic singers being replaced!
We did what a real band does and that’s write music because we love music! They love their fans! Before anything else they are just a bunch of guys getting together to share their same passion for music, not money. Previously, you had asked me about money and the fans. In this case it’s all for the love of music!
Listen to and watch “Hard To Say Goodbye” below!
Stone: Terry, could you pinpoint the greatest moment you’ve experienced as a musician, regardless of how small or large the moment was?
Terry: Coming to America with $500 dollars in my pocket! Getting the deal with XYZ, opening a sold out show for Ted Nugent in Detroit, performing on stage with an acoustic guitar and hearing eighteen thousand fans sing the song a cappella with me, and of course joining the Great White! That’s for sure!
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* For more info on GREAT WHITE, click on the links below!
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.”
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