RUSS DWARF, the two-time Canadian Juno Award nominee and founding member the KillerDwarfs, is pleased to announce the release of his latest album, Wireless, on March 18th. Having stripped back ten of his most recognizable hits from his thirty plus year career, Russ has delivered an album high on raw emotion and inner beauty. Guns N’ Roses guitarist, Bumblefoot, lends a hand with a blistering solo on the album’s closing track, Driftin’ Back.
To support the new album, Russ has launch the all new website, www.RussDwarf.com where fans can pre-order the album and be kept up-to-date on all his latest news. The album is available worldwide as of March 18th via iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and all other distribution channels.
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The track listing for Wireless is:
1. Keep The Spirit Alive
2. Stand Tall
3. I’m Alive
4. Startin’ To Shine
5. Doesn’t Matter
6. Comin’ Through
7. Dirty Weapons
8. Look Around
9. Four Seasons
10. Driftin’ Back
Russ is currently on tour supporting the new release and is hard at work on a documentary film about his life tentatively called Tall Tales. The movie with an accompanying book of the same title is set to be released in early 2014.
London, UK – Muli-instrumentalist and former drummer with the longest running KISS tribute act Dressed To Kill, Ian Danter has released his debut hard rock CD ‘Prove You Wrong’ on CherryRed Records. Ian Danter, a well-respected musician in his own right,can proficiently play several instruments, which he displays on his new CD. Ian plays drums, guitars, bass, keyboards and sings background vocals and lead on the three tracks. Lee Small, lead vocalist from the UK hard rock outfit SHY, lends his powerful Dio-esque vocals to 12 of the 15 tracks on the CD. Upon first listening to ‘Prove You Wrong’ classic rock artists like Rainbow and Dio immediately spring to mind. Ian explains, “I loved the music I grew up on because it made me stop and listen. It also made me appreciate good melody and how to construct a song. That is what ‘Prove You Wrong’ set out to do – to recreate the era of the song, the riff, the FEEL rather than following a trend.”
Some say sports and Rock and Roll don’t mix.. yet in the case of Ian Danter, this notion has been proven wrong. As well as his fame in the music industry, Ian is also known for his highly successful and fanatical fan-supported Saturday evening show ‘Football First’ on talkSPORT Radio, as well as presenting both local and national radio programmes in a wide variety of formats for well over a decade. Some may find it peculiar that a renowned sportscaster with an immense fan following would be able to deliver a hard rocking, well written and produced album, yet the CD title says it all. Ian explains, “As for the title, ‘Prove You Wrong’…well that is all about my desire to show that sports broadcasting and rock music are not mutually exclusive career choices! You can be credible as both, despite conventional wisdom, and I want to ‘prove’ that with this album.”
Because of Ian’s fame and work schedule as sports presenter, recording his new CD was not something that happened overnight. Says Ian, “I’ve been meaning to record my original stuff for over a decade now. The spark to actually get me into the studio was a little unfortunate – a couple of local musicians and friends passed away recently, including SHY guitarist/songwriter Steve Harris. At Steve’s funeral, I started talking to a producer friend and the subject came around to my stuff… Steve had been able to complete recording SHY’s best album just before his passing, and it suddenly occurred to me that I had to record my songs as soon as I could…you never know what the future might bring, after all.”
Ian’s musical influences can be heard loud and clear on his new CD, in particular his earliest musical loves Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy and Rainbow. Ian recalls, “My older brothers owned ‘Machine Head’ by Deep Purple, ‘Live & Dangerous’ by Thin Lizzy and ‘Rising’ by Rainbow. Rainbow and Ronnie Dio’s voice were a huge influence on me. ‘Rising’ especially really captivated me…the riffs, the vocals, the sheer scale of it all just blew me away. Then one day at my cousin’s place I saw a couple of KISS albums in his collection and asked to borrow one – that was ‘Alive!’ and it was a total life-changer and had a profound effect on me. Before long I was buying everything I could find in their back catalogue – which wasn’t an easy task in 1970’s England! I’ve remained a staunch foot soldier in the KISS Army ever since.” Ian played drums with the longest running KISS tribute band Dressed To Kill for 5 years. Other musical influences include Dio, Rush, Foo Fighters, Wildhearts, Cheap Trick, Jellyfish, Pantera, Journey and Aerosmith, to name a few.
In closing, Ian has this to impart to his fans and listeners, “I hope you get as much out of listening to these songs as I did putting them together. It was a real labor of love… and hard work should always pay off!”
Ian Danter’s CD release party will be held on Friday March 22, 2013 at Birmingham City FC’s Jasper Carrott Suite.
Our fans are the are the most loyal fans in the world. We are totally grateful and feel very blessed! – Mark Kendall
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The story of Great White has many twists and turns; rising to a hard-earned status of world-wide popularity in the 80’s, with millions of albums sold, resulting in an instantly recognizable and branded band name, a 1990 Grammy nomination, touring across the globe with the industries biggest name bands, tragedy, a media intensified change in lead vocalists, lawsuits and then… Elation. With the arrival of Terry Ilous as the new frontman for Great White, a whole new era of Rock ‘N’ Roll spirit was ushered in as well for this legendary band.
Mark Kendall, Great White’s founding member, guitarist and songwriter, has recently took the time from his packed schedule to be interviewed by me; for which I extend a tremendous thank you to this talented and legendary gentleman of Rock. Mark elaborates on what the current vibes within Great White are like, the band’s newest studio and live albums, the changeover with lead vocalists and of course the fans. Here is what Mark Kendall had to say:
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Stone: What was (until now) the untold “big break” that Great White encountered during the early days of the band?
Mark: One of our first big breaks was meeting our Manager Alan Niven and making our first 5 song EP. This was such a huge moment for us. Michael Wagener was brought out from Germany to Engineer and Produce it and we already knew of him because of his work with Accept. Then when airplay followed on the 2 biggest Radio Stations in Los Angeles on KMET and KLOS we had really started to get excited.
Stone: After all these years, can Great White declare a feeling of Elation, just as your new album title reads?
Mark: Absolutely! We are really enjoying ourselves at the moment and the energy within the band is very positive!
Stone: During the exit period of Jack Russell was there ever a time when you thought Great White was “on the ropes”?
Mark: I never felt the band was on the ropes, but I felt Jack was. It’s very difficult to watch a person self destruct and you can’t do anything about it. I have never put that much energy and attention into trying to get a person sober and healthy in my entire life. It just wears on you and it’s a very difficult thing when someone just won’t accept help. His addiction unfortunately is winning and it has literally destroyed his body. He has this huge extended stomach, skinny little legs and just looks so sick, it’s very sad. I asked people who have 30 plus years sobriety is there anything I am missing or is there something else I can be doing for him. I was told that if an addict is not ready to surrender to his addiction there is nothing anyone can do. I work with a lot of struggling addicts and alcoholics on a daily basis, as well as I am involved with the Grammy Foundation through MusiCares to give back to the program and help people. What I have found is the ones who do well and are successful are the ones who want it more than anything! One can only hope he finds help before it’s too late..He remains in our prayers…
Stone: Is there a new-found feeling of brotherhood within Great White, now that Terry (Ilous) has become your new lead vocalist?
Mark: Everything is just easy and fun. We are having fun again without any drama. That alone is worth its weight in gold! Terry leaves it on stage every night and always brings everything he has to our live shows. He is a pleasure to be around and always has a positive vibe. He makes you feel good when you’re around him. The brotherhood is totally intact and our creative juices are flowing like crazy! I can’t wait to do the next record.
GREAT WHITE:
Mark Kendall – Guitar Michael Lardie – Keyboards & Guitar Scott Snyder – Bass Audie Desbrow – Drums Terry Ilous – Vocals
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Stone: Mark, how did it all unfold as Terry becoming the lead vocalist for Great White?
Mark: He filled in when Jack was on his path of self-destruction. Jack had to pull out of a tour with more than 30 dates on the books. To save face with the promoters we asked Terry to fill in. Terry had already filled in for one show. We actually had Jani Lane fill in for a few shows as well. When Jack reached the point of no return and announced he was moving on, Terry was a no brainer. We loved the man. Terry is such a good singer and a total pro. He is very dedicated and wants to work very hard all the time and is always very motivated. He vibrates at a frequency that’s a little higher than your average person!
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, live for your fans?
Mark: Playing live is everything to us!! Selling music has nothing to do with anything as far as just pure enjoyment. The great thing if you are selling millions of records though means your music is reaching a lot of people. That probably means more people will be at the shows and that’s very cool. Playing live is my favorite thing about making music though. Nothing else even comes close!
Stone: I look upon your newly released “30 Years – Live From The Sunset Strip” (Frontiers Records) as not only a celebration of Great White; I look upon it as a band that has persevered and showcases one of America’s greatest live Hard Rock Bands of yesterday and today. Did you guys have to be prodded for this live anniversary album or was it always in the cards?
Mark: No we didn’t. This is a tremendous milestone and we really wanted to celebrate it. We felt what a great way to do it by bringing it back to where it all started for us on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood California! It was such a great night. All our friends, fans and family came down to the show. We brought the video cameras out and recorded the show.
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.
Mark: The feedback from everyone has been absolutely amazing!I think it’s a very great first effort. It was a lot of fun to make and we are all happy. I think the album is consistent and for writing, recording, mixing and mastering the album in 35 days we can’t complain. I really look forward to doing the next one. I am ready to make a statement and the next album I feel is going to be our strongest ever. I am setting my goals high and I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t believe it. This is a new chapter in the Great White book and we are enjoying riding the wave. Our fans are the are the most loyal fans in the world. We are totally grateful and feel very blessed!
Listen to and watch “Hard To Say Goodbye” below!
Stone: Frontiers Records has continuously signed the crème de la crème of 80’s Rock and Hard Rock bands. Were you approached by Frontiers or did you approach them?
Mark: We approached them and a few others. I think it’s great that there are labels that help get rock and roll music to the people. It’s a different world now than it was back in the day. We no longer have all the mediums like MTV and Radio, so it’s harder to get our music to the people. I just want people to hear our music. Everything is internet now so you really need a good team of people who know how to network.We have a great staff who are doing a wonderful job!
Stone: Mark, could you pinpoint the greatest moment you’ve experienced as a musician, regardless of how small or large the moment was?
Mark: For me it was having a musician father that encouraged me. I had some natural ability and there was always music in my house. I think having a Mother and Father that encouraged just about anything I did musically was a great experience and I don’t think anything else could really compare to that.
The Misfits & Osaka Popstar Vintage Vinyl Records in-store signing (originally scheduled for Feb. 9th but postponed due to the blizzard that hit the East Coast), will take place on SUNDAY MARCH 10TH @ 3PM!
PLUS as a ‘snow day special’ bonus, for those who’ve patiently been awaiting the upcoming in-store signing, Vintage Vinyl Records has 50 copies of the super-limited Misfits Psycho in the Wax Museum clear vinyl 7-inch single! The first 50 customers to purchase both the Misfits DEA.D. Alive vinyl LP AND Osaka Popstar Super Hero 12-inch receive a Psycho in the Wax Museum single as a special added value item. Unavailable for sale anywhere, get one of these rare promo only 7-inch premiums FREE on a first come first serve basis, limited to one per customer, while supplies last, only at Vintage Vinyl.
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BE THERE! SUN. MARCH 10TH, 3PM @ VINTAGE VINYL RECORDS 51 Lafayette Rd. • Fords, NJ • 732-225-7717
Buy Misfits DEA.D. ALIVE on CD or Vinyl LP, or the Osaka Popstar Super Hero 12-inch single to get a wristband for this event. Each item pre-ordered comes with one wristband. Each person in line needs their own wristband in order to get into the signing.
If you haven’t already, click here http://www.vvinyl.com/ to pre-order your copies online from Vintage Vinyl Records now!
On March 30th AVANTASIA will release their new album The Mystery Of Time. Now the band presents the first track called INVOKE THE MACHINE. Besides mastermind TOBIAS SAMMET, the track features PRETTY MAIDS vocalist RONNIE ATKINS as a guest singer.
Tobias Sammet comments: “I have been a huge PRETTY MAIDS fan since I was a teenager. I already asked Ronnie to be on the Metal Opera in 1999, but he was busy back then. Last year I saw PRETTY MAIDS live and they were a steam train on stage, unbelievable. After the show we met and Ronnie was a great guy. Finally after 13 years, I am really proud to have him on the new Avantasia album. And his kick-ass performance leaves no doubt: It was a great decision to ask him!”
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(Source: Nuclear Blast)
* For more info on AVANTASIA, click on the links below!
DRAGONFORCE – After all these years, I’ve come to the conclusion that if Metal wants to mingle and/or partner within the mainstream, the benefit can be that (hopefully) more people will be enticed into our beloved Metal universe. I know I sure would love a payday if Capital One wanted to partner with me! Stone and Capital One… nah, I can’t see it anytime soon.
Now on to this post… the Dragonforce guitar duo of Herman Li and Sam Totman are shredding some serious Metal in the Capital One video below. Whoa.
As reported on the official facebook of Dragonforce: “Finally, the full-length version of the exclusive DragonForce track “Galactic Astro Domination” of the Capital One commercial is out!”
I found this cool message and link for a FREE Dragonforce MP3 on youtube:
For a limited time and while supplies last, an exclusive MP3 of this smoldering, sweltering, and scorching anthem is available as a free download only on http://www.WhileBanking.com
Ripple Music will release Fate is Your Muse from Indianapolis Heavy Rockers DEVIL TO PAY on April 9th. The album will be available on CD, vinyl, and digital formats. Fate is your Muse is an introspective lyrical journey that careens from the metaphysical, to the absurd, to the pragmatic (and back again), all set to bone crushing heaviness wrapped in elaborate vocal melodies and elegant guitar phrases. Exploring topics such as reincarnation, the end of days, and the thin veil between reality and fantasy, the Indianapolis foursome create a rare musical experience; one that will have Heavy Rock fans returning for the primal emotional riffs, as well as the complex and heady lyrical content.
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FATE IS YOUR MUSE – Track Listing:
Wearin’ You Down
Ten Lizardmen & One Pocketknife
Yes Master
Already Dead
This Train Won’t Stop*
Savonarola
Black Black Heart
The Naked Truth
Mass Psychosis
Tie One On*
Beyond The Ether
*CD version only
DEVIL TO PAY released a video for the single “This Train Won’t Stop,” which was premiered by The Obelisk in conjunction with the end of the Mayan Baktun on December 21st. The lyrics are about the continual false prophesying of the world’s end. Check out the video below!
The band is hosting a listening party for Fate Is Your Muse at the Sound Square Brewery in Indianapolis on the 16th of March, which will feature the establishment’s home brews, all of which will be named after DEVIL TO PAY songs for the night. DEVIL TO PAY’s album release party will be held at Radio Radio in Indianapolis on the 12th of April.
Pre-order Fate is your Muse by clicking the link below!
Photo from Ultraviolet recording sessions at The Jam Room
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“UNSPOKEN” MP3 AVAILABLE NOW
Feb. 26, 2013, Philadelphia – Kylesa is set to release Ultraviolet, one of the most anticipated Hard Rock releases of the year and the follow-up to their critically acclaimed album SpiralShadow, on May 28 via Season of Mist (May 24 in Europe).
“Whereas Spiral Shadow was a warm album suggesting concepts of hope, Ultraviolet is a bit colder and darker,” explains songwriter/guitar player Laura Pleasants. “All of our studio albums have their own unique identity and we’ve always been a band who strives for something different than what current fads suggest. With Ultraviolet, we took a step inward and wrote music that we felt we had to write; this album centers around the multiple themes of loss and you can feel it in the music. Everyone goes through it during their lifetime and this record reflects that experience.”
The Savannah-based quintet recorded Ultraviolet at The Jam Room in Columbia, SC with the band’s guitar player/songwriter, and sought-after producer, Phillip Cope (Baroness, Black Tusk) once again overseeing production.
Kylesa released a rarities collection in November titled From The Vaults, Vol. 1, which featured unreleased, new and alternate versions of songs spanning the band’s catalogue as well as one new song titled End Truth. Cope and Pleasants spent over a year going through their archives preparing the release.
The band’s most recent studio album, Spiral Shadow, had the highest Metal/Hard Rock entry on the Village Voice’s 2010 Pazz & Jop album poll, led Pitchfork to say “Kylesa would be a household name” following the release and landed the band on the cover of Terrorizer as well as album of the month accolades from Metal Hammer, Rock Sound and Visions Magazines. In 2011, Kylesa became the first Metal band to perform on Last Call with Carson Daly.
Kylesa will return to the road in May with more details forthcoming.
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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)
* For more info on KYLESA, click on the links below!
TOKYO DRAGONS – They came from London, England. They played in-your-face, denim and leather wrapped, good-times Hard Rock. Their debut album Give Me The Fear was released back in 2005, via Escapi Music. This band certainly packed 100% Heavy Rockin’ potency and Give Me The Fear is 100% proof, to my middle-aged and Metal scorched ears. Tokyo Dragons was their name and how I wish they were still in the Hard Rock game!
Apparently, Tokyo Dragons is no longer a band. From what I’ve read, Tokyo Dragons disbanded back in 2008; just after releasing their sophomore album Hot Nuts. With no official website or facebook page existing for this band, the alternative source for information is reading about their career biography on Wikipedia. Now that’s an unfortunate thing.
What I do know is what I hear and Give Me The Fear is an amazing experience of Hard Rock bliss upon my senses! This debut from Tokyo Dragons could have easily been titled: Psyche-You-Out-Of-Your-Hard-Rockin’-Party-Lovin’ Mind! ALL 11 songs on Give Me The Fear are high-octane and pedal to the metal! This is an album that can be enjoyed by both Classic Rock and Hard Rock fans alike; with the 80’s Heavy Metal crowd undoubtedly included!
There’s so many memorable riffs and hooks on Give Me The Fear that it’s flat-out insane! Guitar driven to the maximum and lead vocalist/guitarist Steve Lomax sounds like a seasoned superstar of the Hard Rock world. To me, Tokyo Dragons were (very likely) feeling and sharing some legitimate Hard Rockin’ chemistry as a band, when they recorded their debut; it’s such a damn shame they’re no longer around.
I landed Give Me The Fear on CD this past weekend; finding a used copy at a store called BuybacksEntertainment. For $2.99, I couldn’t have spent my money any wiser! Due to Give Me The Fear, I’ve been transported from being unfamiliar with Tokyo Dragons to being a fan of their heavy music. Tokyo Dragons played some blue-collar, kick-ass Hard Rock. ‘Nuff said.
In my most honest opinion, Tokyo Dragons wasn’t any copycat band. Fans of AC/DC to Cheap Trick (with Helix, Fastway and Motörhead fans in-between) can all find something to savor from Give Me The Fear. I know I’m savoring every moment, each and every time I listen to this album. Now if only Tokyo Dragons would reunite… that would be Hard Rock news to celebrate. Metal be thy name.
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Give Me The Fear – Track Listing:
What The Hell
Get ‘Em Off
Do You Wanna?
Come On Baby
Let It Go
Johnny Don’t Wanna Ride
Teenage Screamers
Ready Or Not
Burn On
Rockin’ The Stew
Chasing The Night
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TOKYO DRAGONS:
Steve Lomax – lead vocals & guitar
Phil Martini – drums & vocals
Mal Bruk – guitar & vocals
Ade Easily – bass guitar
* In the liner notes of Give Me The Fear, it reads: “Tokyo Dragons welcome aboard Mathias Stady on Bass Guitar.”
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LONG LIVE THE HARD ROCKIN’ LEGACY OF TOKYO DRAGONS.
CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC is pleased and extremely proud to have signed a deal with FATESWARNING’s original guitarist and founding member Victor Arduini for the release of Arduini’s new band FREEDOMS REIGN.
FREEDOMS REIGN marks Arduini’s comeback to the Metal world since he left FATES WARNING after the release of The Spectre Within in 1985.
Keeping his original, charismatic and unmistakable guitar-style untouched, Arduini returns under the spotlights with fresh enthusiasm and dedication, producing a notable effort of true American-styled Heavy Metal with a classic Ozzy/Sabbath’s flavor. FREEDOMS REIGN was introduced to Cruz Del Sur by long-time friend and “occasional A&R” Tom Phillips (While Heaven Wept) who said about F.R.’s music:
“I think Freedoms Reign would be a welcome addition for anyone into classic heavy rock, early Fates fans, those into both the recent Proto-Metal movement, and the wave of Classic Metal bands that evolved on the outer fringes of the Doom scene!”
Besides Arduini (guitar/vocals) , FREEDOMS REIGN also consists of Tommy Vumback (Guitars), Michael Jones (Bass) and Chris Judge (Drums).
The release of FREEDOMS REIGN’s self-titled debut is set for April 30th to celebrate the Walpurgis Night that originally influenced Fates Warning to release their Night on Bröcken debut exactly 29 years ago.
FREEDOMS REIGN has been active in the Connecticut Metal scene since 2011. The idea behind the band’s formation was to simply make some great music that returned the musicians involved to their roots and could deliver on their commitment to making some Old School Metal that would be relevant in today’s scene. Expect nothing less than a true return to heavy, hard and driving Old School Metal. The band’s self-titled debut was produced by Nick Belmore (Toxic Holocaust/Hatebreed) at Dexters Lab in Milford, CT.
Feb. 25, 2013, Los Angeles – TOOL will release a handcrafted, bonus-laden, limited edition package of their original debut EP, Opiate, on Mar. 26 to mark the 21st anniversary of the six-song release.
The anniversary edition is limited to 5,000 copies and features art direction by Adam Jones, illustrations by legendary artist Adi Granov and design packaging by Mackie Osborne, who has collaborated with TOOL on many albums including 10,000 Days, Lateralus and Salival as well as posters and merchandise.
The 5,000 copies will be broken down as 5 x 1,000 runs with each set featuring a variation of the exterior graphics and included bonus items which include a new stereoscopic image for fans to use with their glasses from the 10,000 Days packaging.
The packages will only be available via TOOL’s website (www.toolband.com) on Mar. 26 and there will be no pre-orders. A limit of three packages from each of the 5 x 1,000 versions will be in place. More details to be announced soon.
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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)
* For more info on TOOL, click on the links below!
KROKUS – For almost 40 years now, Krokus has stood for high-quality, honest-to-goodness, hand-made power rock. No other Swiss rock band sells albums worldwide like Krokus. The band has already sold over 14 million records, toured the world, and received gold and platinum discs in the USA and Canada. The milestones in their rock career are dotted around the world: from Australia and the USA to Mexico, Russia, Japan, and China.
Today they are back in their classic line-up with Mandy Meyer and are stronger than ever on their new album, DIRTY DYNAMITE. The band spent two years working on the new album under the watchful eye of producer Chris Von Rohr at the legendary Abbey Road Studio. Guitarist MarkKohler has this to add: ‘This is not just another Krokus album. I think we have definitely passed another rock milestone with this record.
San Francisco – Death Valley High, the NorCal quartet Alternative Press described as “a particularly edgy Queens Of The Stone Age with a few stolen At The Drive-In moves thrown in…,” return with Positive Euth on June 4 via Minus Head Records.
“With Positive Euth, we turned everything up a notch,” explains Reyka Osburn, singer and guitar player for Death Valley High. “If it was dark, we went darker. If it was hard, we went harder and if it was dancy, we went, you guessed it… dancier.”
The 12-track album was produced by Osburn and Jesse Nichols (The White Stripes, Ty Segall, AFI), mixed by Eric Stenman (Weezer, Deftones) and mastered by Brian Gardner (Queens Of The Stone Age, Linkin Park). Positive Euth was recorded in late 2012 at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, Calif.
The band kicks off a brief tour, which includes an Austin stop during SXSW, on Mar. 6 at the DNALounge in San Francisco. Dates are:
BUCKCHERRY – I’ll call it this way, while I was eagerly anticipating the release of Buckcherry’s sixth studio album, Confessions, I knew it would just have to be really good. Let me say this much, my fellow Metal brethren and Rockaholics: Confessions is really, really, really good. Really. Confessions is this type of good: it’s running through the village square naked, while bellowing hallelujah to the Hard Rock and Rock ‘N’ Roll Gods. Now, that’s what Stone calls good.
My eardrums and whatever part of my brain that’s responsible for absorbing music has been thanking me, ever since I’ve been listening to Confessions. The hooks, rhythms, melodic continuance, psyche-you-out beats, vocals, backing vocals, mellow album closing and irresistibly grand presence of guitar driven songs makes Confessions a measuring stick for all other Hard Rock and Rock albums released in 2013. I’m not trying to bamboozle anyone here. Take my Metal word for it and go cash it in at the Rockaholic savings and loan and tell ’em you were sent by Stone.
* Above: Cover artwork for inside cover of jewel case.
* At top of post is the cover artwork for CD outer sleeve.
Apparently, Buckcherry realizes that there are many Rock, Hard Rock and Metal bands out there all competing for the same audiences and greenbacks. Therefore, obviously, Buckcherry decided to write and record a new album that would stand above the heap and kick the living shit out of my Hard Rock lovin’ ass. Has this new Buckcherry album done the same to you? If so, it feels damn fine… doesn’t it?
It’s like that old cliché of capturing lightning in a bottle; yet with Confessions, Buckcherry captured Hard Rock lightning in a case of bottles. With Confessions being an album of songs that carry the theme of the Seven Deadly Sins, (as seven song titles of Gluttony, Wrath, Greed, Sloth, Pride, Envy and Lust portray), this is an album that is as lyrically potent as its memorable music.
With songs like album opener Gluttony and the mid-tempo Rocker of The Truth, Confessions is stacked and packed with song favorites I could continue to list; only what’s the point when the total package is my favorite? I will note that Dreamin’ Of You is a perfect song to end this album. With its inspiring lyrics and slower vibe, Buckcherry sends a clear message through Dreamin’ Of You; that there is still hope and a spirit of belief in oneself for us to reach for after all. Buckcherry can take a justified Hard Rockin’ and Rockin’ bow and I’m raising the horns to the sky for their accomplishment with Confessions. Metal be thy name.
* Buckcherry – Confessions was released on February 19th, via Century Media.
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BUCKCHERRY:
Josh Todd – vocals
Keith Nelson – guitars & backing vocals
Stevie D. – guitars & backing vocals
Jimmy Ashhurst – bass
Xavier Muriel – drums & percussion
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As you can see by the above promo ad, Confessions is available at many retail locations; therefore there’s no excuse for not scoring the whoop-ass Hard Rock of the new Buckcherry!
Philadelphia – ASG, North Carolina’s favorite Psych-Rock quartet, have set a May 28 release date for Blood Drive, their Relapse Records debut.
Blood Drive was produced by Matt Hyde (Slayer, Fu Manchu) in the Fall of 2012. “Days Work,” a new song from the album, was released as a split 7″ with Red Fang on Tuesday (http://www.relapse.com/split-7in-ep-blue.html). The new album will be available on CD/2xLP/Digital.
The band also kicked off a new round of tour dates, including a stop at SXSW, with a Wrightsville Beach performance last evening at Red Dog’s.
Ohio-based trio THE UNCLEAN has this month self-released their sophomore full-length album, in the process unleashing some of the most classic but contemporary, polluted but pristine Rock n’ Roll the underground has to offer.
Known for trolling Akron’s dive-bars and tattoo shops, the members of THE UNCLEAN collective pulled their resources together in 2007. Hailing from predominantly sludge/doom-scene acts including Rue, Fistula, Sofa King Killer, with this act the members crank out solid, no-frills, riff-heavy, Blues-based Rock anthems. With influences and comparisons tracing to classic acts like ZZ Top, Humble Pie, Thin Lizzy and Motörhead, the band self-released their debut album No Excuse Necessary in the Fall of 2008 and have since honed their soulful tunes even further on-stage regionally, alongside other hard-working local and touring acts.
At the end of 2012 the trio shacked-up in the studio to lay down the thunder that would culminate into their second full-length. The drums were recorded at Studio Time in Akron, Ohio (former Black Keys studio) by Jason Tarulli (current mastermind behind Black Keys live sound), and the rest of the album written, recorded, mixed, mastered and produced by the band in their own Unclean Studio. Now completed and available to the public once again in totally D.I.Y. fashion, THE UNCLEAN proudly offer their most honest and lively material yet with The Eagle.
Boasting nearly forty minutes of ballsy, Bluesy, beer-swilling anthems about good times and bad, guitarist/vocalist Bremmy (ex-Sofa King Killer, Honkeytonk Damnation), bassist Burns (ex-Rue, Nailblack, Fistula, Sofa King Killer), and drummer Frank The Tank (ex- Search Block) play it straight from hip, loud and in your face.
After releasing The Eagle this month digitally via all the usual online suspects (iTunes, Spotify, EMusic, Google Play and more), THE UNCLEAN will drop a CD version in the coming months alongside regional shows and sporadic touring in support of the record. Stay tuned for further info in the coming weeks.
Record to See North American Release Next Tuesday!
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In celebration of the upcoming release of their new full-length, Nemesis, Melodic Metal legends STRATOVARIUS are offering up sound/video snippets of its eleven tracks. Produced and mixed by guitarist Matias Kupiainen and mastered by Mika Jussila (Finnvox Studios), Nemesis will be released in North America via earMUSIC in conjunction withArmoury Records next Tuesday, February 26, 2013.
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From the signature power of “Abandon,” and the aggressively energetic “Stand My Ground,” to the folkish elements of “Out Of The Fog,” and the title track “Nemesis,” which boasts medieval melodies and double bass drumming, Nemesis delivers new elements fused with the traditional melodic power metal for which STRATOVARIUS is known.
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In an early review of the record, Metal Underground dubs Nemesis, “one of the finest releases in the band’s history,” while Metal Reviews gushes, “… Nemesis is pure epic! It is grandiose, majestic, melodic yet heavy when it needs to be. It’s an unexpected return to form for STRATOVARIUS. It’s what power metal should sound like, period! It is without the shadow of a doubt STRATOVARIUS‘ best album in ages… Album of the year award? You betchya! If you are a fan of this band, you can’t afford to miss this incredible album.”
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Metalholic, in a perfect 10/10 rating, notes, “Nemesis has a lot of the traditional STRATOVARIUS power metal edge, but they’ve managed to evolve and develop their sound to a much more rounded, matured, and polished heavy metal… This album hit the very depths of my core, my will, my heart, and my soul… This is more than music, it’s a masterpiece and should go down in the book of heavy metal as one of the best heavy metal albums of all time,” while About.com adds, “Nemesis finds the band recapturing the magic of their glory days. Most importantly, the songwriting is excellent as the band seems determined to capture memorable songs that sit alongside the best of their catalog.”
I (first) found this breaking news (this morning) regarding Dave Lombardo being dismissed as Slayer’s drummer for the Australian tour on the very cool and informative: MELODYOFTHESOUL. All I can say, is Dave Lombardo is THElegendary and original Slayer drummer and Slayer is the crème de la crèmeofThrash Metal history.I just wish they could all get along… then again… we’re all human. Read on, cause this is one jaw-dropping story! Metal be thy name.
Statement From Dave Lombardo Regarding Slayer Australian Tour 2013
I want to personally apologize to all of our fans in Australia who have bought tickets for the tour expecting to see me in my usual place on the drums.
So that you all know the truth, as of the end of the business day on February 14th, I was notified that I would not be drumming for the tour in Australia. I’m saddened, and to be honest I am shocked by the situation.
Last year, I discovered 90% of Slayer’s tour income was being deducted as expenses including the professional fees paid to management, costing the band millions of dollars and leaving 10% or less to split amongst the four of us. In my opinion, this is not the way a band’s business should operate. I tried rectifying it by letting my band mates know, and Tom and I hired auditors to figure out what happened, but I was denied access to detailed information and the necessary back up documents.
I spent the Christmas and New Year holidays realizing I had toured all over the world in 2012, but yet, had not been paid (except a small advance) or provided a proper accounting for a full year’s sweat and blood. On top of this, I was told that I would not be paid until I signed a long form contract which gave me no written assurance of how much or on what basis management would deduct commissions, nor did it provide me access to the financial budgets or records for review. It also forbade me to do interviews or make statements having to do with the band, in effect a gagging order.
Last Monday, I sat down with Kerry and Tom to rehearse for Australia and to propose a new business model that I felt was the best way forward for Slayer to confidently protect itself so we could do what we do best . . . play for the fans. Kerry made it clear he wasn’t interested in making changes and said if I wanted to argue the point, he would find another drummer. On Thursday, I arrived at rehearsals at 1 pm as scheduled, but Kerry did not show. Rather, at 6:24 pm I received an email from the lawyers saying I was being replaced for the Australian dates.
I remain hopeful that we can resolve our issues. But once again, I sincerely apologize to all of our fans in Australia who spent their money expecting to see the 3 of us original Slayer members.
I look forward to seeing you in the future.
Okay, so there are worse things in life to worry about. I know that. I am thankful my family and I are all alive and healthy after our big relocation to Ohio; via Pennsylvania. Still, I am floored by how messed up my CD collection has become, since the unpacking commenced! I, like so many of my fellow Metal brethren, have always strived for some sort of “system” to the way I group my CD collection. I’m far from being a perfectionist, however, I’ve come close to it, when it comes to my CD organization skills.
Part of my CD collection used to be in alphabetical order. Other parts of my CD collection used to be divided up into bands and genres. Now my CD’s are just divided up into a where is it? collection! You see, I was told not to pack my CD’s by the moving company; they were hired to do all the packing of all our possessions for us. I should have packed my own CD’s. Glory be to the Metal Gods, I should have!
Eventually, I’ll have my “systems” all back into place and my CD collection will be back to normal. For now, I’ll just get by with having my Hatebreed and Electric Light Orchestra CD’s next to each other. I’ll ignore that my Venom CD’s are on top of my Santana CD’s too. I’m certain that these CD’s will all get along with each other; unless the Venom CD’s have something to say about it! Metal be thy name.
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