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Manos Spanos

EPICA: ‘Unleashed’ Performance Clip From ‘Retrospect’ DVD

Manos Spanos
Dutch symphonic metal band EPICA celebrated its 10th anniversary with a one-night-only event, dubbed "Retrospect", on March 23 in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. The band was accompanied by the seventy-piece Reményi Ede Chamber Orchestra and the Miskolc National Theatre Choir, playing an unforgettable three-hour best-of set. According to respected Dutch newspaper the Volkskrant, "The band wrote a chapter of Dutch metal history" this evening. Rock Tribune (Belgium) thought it was "an unforgettable show." Ten high-definition cameras captured this very special sold-out show while EPICA played in front of nearly five thousand ecstatic fans. In addition to a collection of the band's biggest hits from across the spectrum of their entire catalog, this once-in-a-lifetime spectacular also featured the live debut of "Twin Flames" and the previously unreleased "Retrospect", covers of classics by Vivaldi, Pergolesi, and Oscar-winning film composer John Williams, two guest collaborations with the venerable Floor Jansen (NIGHTWISH, REVAMP), and a very special performance of their breakthrough single "Quietus" with founding members Jeroen Simons, Ad Sluijter and Yves Huts. On November 8, Nuclear Blast will release "Retrospect" as a deluxe hardcover book with 48 pages, both as a 2DVD/3CD and 2Blu-ray/3CD version. "Retrospect" will contain the following fan favorites: 01. Introspect 02. Monopoly On Truth 03. Sensorium 04. Unleashed 05. Martyr Of The Free Word 06. Chasing The Dragon 07. Presto 08. Never Enough 09. Stabat Mater Dolorosa 10. Twin Flames 11. Serenade Of Self-Destruction 12. Orchestral Medley 13. The Divine Conspiracy ~Anniversary Edition~ 14. Delirium 15. Blank Infinity 16. The Obsessive Devotion 17. Retrospect 18. Battle Of The Heroes & Imperial March 19. Quietus 20. The Phantom Agony 21. Cry For The Moon 22. Sancta Terra 23. Design Your Universe 24. Storm The Sorrow 25. Consign To Oblivion 26. Outrospect "Retrospect" features this massive performance in its entirety, as well as exclusive interviews with all band members and behind-the-scenes footage from the show. The "Unleashed" performance clip, taken "Retrospect", can be seen below.
02 min read

GODFLESH Forced To Postpone U.S. Tour

Manos Spanos
Reformed industrial metal pioneers GODFLESH have been forced to postpone their previously announced U.S. tour due to "visa issues." While they are very disappointed in this situation, they hope to see everyone out on the rescheduled dates, which are expected to take place in early 2014. GODFLESH released its first new recording in over 12 years through Decibel magazine's Flexi Series. A cover of the track "F.O.D. (Fuck of Death)" by legendary death thrashers SLAUGHTER (Canada) was included in the subscriber version of the magazine's November issue (streeting October 5). You can now stream the track at this location. In a recent interview with the French radio station Le 106, GODFLESH's Justin Broadrick stated about the band's forthcoming album — which is tentatively titled "A World Lit Only By Fire" and due in early 2014 — "It will be [musically] similar to the first two or three [GODFLESH albums]. I just think, like we're playing these shows, we feel very pure about we're doing and honoring the initial intentions with what we originally set out to do. Which, I think, like most bands and musicians and all the rest of it, by the time you get on to your fourth album, it's somewhat of a dilution going on to what you initially tried to achieve. It will definitely sound aggressive and it probably won't sound like any of the other records we've made, but it will have the minimalism of the first few records."
03 min read

IRON MAIDEN’s BRUCE DICKINSON Talks Next Album, Touring, Singing Technique And Outside Projects

Manos Spanos
IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson recently spoke to Argentina's Vorterix about the band's plans to record a new studio album, the touring life, his singing technique and his many outside projects, among other topics. A few excerpts from the chat follow below. (Thanks to MaidenRevelations.com for helping transcribe some parts of the interview.) On when IRON MAIDEN plans to release a new studio album: Dickinson: "Well, I mean, we are going to do another album. When we do it, I can't tell you." On whether any new material has already been written for the next IRON MAIDEN CD: Dickinson: "Actually I've written a load of stuff. You know, we're all writing little bits and bobs all the time. We'll see what happens, you know. But yeah, sure." On whether IRON MAIDEN plans to revisit its '90s material on its future tours: Dickinson: "We haven't got that far yet. Let's finish this one ['Maiden England'] first and see what happens next year. But yeah, I do not think MAIDEN fans are going to be too disappointed for too long." On how IRON MAIDEN has managed to avoid the excesses that came along with being a huge '80s rock band: Dickinson: "It's just kind of what we're like, really. I mean, I'm not saying that nobody in the band has ever tried or mucked around with smoking dope when they we're younger. Most kids have probably tried smoking dope. Most kids have probably tried a few other things that I've never tried.
010 min read

VIXEN Guitarist JAN KUEHNEMUND Dies

Manos Spanos
The official Facebook page of the platinum-selling all-female '80s band chas been updated with the following message: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of VIXEN founder and lead guitarist, Jan Kuehnemund, who lost a fierce battle with cancer on Thursday, October 10, 2013. "Though most well known for her gifted guitar playing and other musical talents, Jan was a rare friend and beautiful in every sense of the word. Humble, thoughtful, loyal and kind, she was the most gracious of women, possessing the quiet strength of a true warrior. She genuinely loved and appreciated her friends and fans more than most could ever know. Those who were most fortunate to have known her and loved her are heartbroken at the loss of Jan, whose spirit will shine through her music eternally. "Jan was very courageous. Never complained. Never gave up. The cancer beat her body but it NEVER broke her spirit at any point. "Up until the actual moment that she died, she really believed she was going back home. "Jan... you will be missed... but never forgotten." Jan Kuehnemund was only 51 years old at the time of her death. VIXEN's last studio album, "Live & Learn", was released in 2006. The group, whose latest lineup featured Kuehnemund alongside Jenna Sanz-Agero (vocals), Lynn Louise Lowrey (bass), and Kat Kraft (drums), reformed several times, most recently in 2008, resulting in the live release "Live In Sweden", which arrived in 2009.
03 min read

AEON Guitarist Quits, Says He ‘Can’t Afford’ To Stay In The Band

Manos Spanos
Guitarist Daniel Dlimi has announced his departure from Swedish death metal overlords AEON. He says in a statement: "It's with a heavy heart that I finally have decided to call it quits. "Why?!? I simply can't afford doing this no more. To tour with a band in our size, you actually lose money on each and every tour. For us, the expenses is always higher then the income, and if that wasn't enough, I also need to take time of from my daytime job which means absolutely no income at all during the period of a tour plus the extra expenses I get from the tour that does not get covered by the tour income. "You see where this is going? "We have done four tours this year alone and each one of them has made us lose money. I have actually NEVER done a single tour and made a single dime in the end of the day. I am actually paying money to do shows for you guys. And the saddest thing about this is that the industry expects you to do so. Something must be seriously fucked up when, for example, the driver, the sound guy, the merch guy, the tour manager etc makes more money on a tour compared to bands on the bill that is not headlining?!? "The one thing I love doing the most with my band is actually being on stage performing for you guys. But my passion for the music simply won't pay my bills. And as we all know, the record industry is suffering as hell and the record sales are lower then ever. So the only way to grow your band bigger is to do new albums and tour like hell… If you are lucky enough, one day you will be at a level where you actually get paid for you job, And like I said, I can't afford doing all the tours required to maybe one day be a big enough name to do headline tours and actually make money out of it. Neither do I see an option to stay with AEON and only record albums since the reward for me with doing an album is to actually perform the songs on stage. And if I can't do that, there is simply no point for me to go on. "So with this being said, I am now leaving the world as a 'professional' musician. Because you are considered to be a professional musician if you have released four albums worldwide and toured Europe, U.S., and Japan, right?!? It's ironic in many ways… It's pure charity. "A big thanks from me to all the fans that has been supporting us through the years, Metal Blade Records for being a super professional label and not least, all the crazy and awesome guys in all the bands we have had the honor to toured with. Cheers!!!!" AEON released its fourth studio offering, "Aeons Black", on November 20, 2012 via Metal Blade Records. The mammoth 15-track effort was recorded at Empire Studio in Östersund, Sweden, engineered, mixed and mastered by Ronnie Björnström (Garageland Studios) and featuring cover art by Kristian "Necrolord" Wåhlin (BATHORY, AT THE GATES,DISSECTION, EMPEROR).
03 min read

JUDAS PRIEST Singer ROB HALFORD To Guest On ‘The Simpsons’

Manos Spanos
According to Entertainment Weekly, the voice of JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford wil be featured in an episode of the animated series "The Simpsons", set to air sometime next year. The episode will also star Will Arnett, director Judd Apatow, and his frequent costars Leslie Mann, Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen. Simpsons executive producer Matt Selman tells Entertainment Weekly that in the episode, titled "Steal This Episode", Homer is taught by Bart how to illegally download films, and he starts screening them in his backyard for folks in Springfield. "Even though Homer is stealing, he's doing it for the community, he’s doing it out of the goodness of his heart," says Selman. An overzealous FBI director in charge of anti-piracy subsuqently goes after Homer, andHalford winds up singing a parody of the JUDAS PRIEST classic "Breaking The Law" in an effort to nab Homer. In 2002, Halford had a small film role as a pornographic video store clerk in "Spun", a crime comedy-drama dark-comedy directed by Jonas Åkerlund, who has helmed music videos for some of the biggest pop and rock artists in the world. Rob told Screamer Magazine earlier this year: "I had a fantastic opportunity to work on that 'Spun' movie with Mickey Rourke. And to watch Mickey Rourke, I just don't know how he does it. He just switches it on, and he's a different person almost. That's the great challenge that these actors have. It's not easy, but these actors make it look easy because they are so good at what they do." Given a chance to act again, Halford said that he would certainly consider it. "I never say no to anything," he said. "I think if you do, you don't know what you've missed. I think you should try everything in life. If it doesn't work out, then at least you can say you've tried it. There's nothing worse than having regrets. If life affords you an opportunity and you can go for it, then you should."
02 min read

SLAYER’s KERRY KING Wants To Sell You Some ‘Coldcock’

Manos Spanos
SLAYER guitarist Kerry King is part owner of the Coldcock American Herbal Flavored Whiskey, the brand new adult beverage created for the hard-working, bad-ass American by hard-working, bad-ass Americans. Coldcock was co-founded by John Reese (co-creator of the Rockstar Energy Mayhem and Uproar festivals), and Michael Arfin (AGI). On top of that, Coldcock is touted by artists and tastemakers like David Draiman (DISTURBED),Ashley Purdy (BLACK VEIL BRIDES), Miles Doughty (SLIGHTLY STOOPID), Raul Bianchi(THE EXPENDABLES) and more. These great people are helping to bring this brand new drink to you, but not without the help of more of your favorite up-and-coming bands, too. Growing hard rock/metal artists such as SEVENDUST, EYES SET TO KILL, ANGELS FALL plus DJs like Datsik, Mike Czech of Skratch 'n Sniff, Shannon Gunz of SiriusXM, world-famous tattoo artists such as Paul Booth, Steve Soto, famed street artist Risk and more are supporting Coldcock on the road and at home, not only because of its fantastic taste and herbal benefits, but because it gives back to them! Coldcock is all about working hard together and sharing success, and its vision to share that success with artists is already taking off. Zeiler Spirits supports hard-working artists by giving them the opportunity to earn ownership in the brand. Want to learn more and/or get your band in on the action? Bands can submit their information to ColdcockWhiskey.com under "sponsorship" or email info@zeilerspirits.com with inquiries. Pictured above: Kerry King and his wife Ayesha enjoying some Coldcock. "Having the ability to utilize our experience in the spirits industry to create the most unique and best-tasting whiskey ever and marrying it with our contacts in the entertainment world to offer a chance for bands to reap the benefits of their hard work, is a dream come true," said Rick Zeiler, founder of Coldcock. "An opportunity like this only comes along once in a lifetime and we are taking our shot at building something successful for all involved." Coldcock American Herbal Flavored Whiskey is a three-year aged American bourbon blended with a variety of meaningful and detoxifying herbs, including green tea, hibiscus, ginger, eucalyptus, cinnamon and gingko. In addition to those natural ingredients, Coldcockcontains roughly half the amount of sugar of its competitors. Coldcock is currently available for purchase in California, New York, Tennessee, Georgia, Indiana, and South Carolina, with more states joining the ranks throughout the year. As of now, Coldcock is available at the Roxy and the Rainbow on Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, and is set to appear in more Los Angeles-area bars soon.
03 min read

RUSH To Release ‘The Garden’ 10-Inch Picture Disc

Manos Spanos
After a successful campaign last year for Record Store Day, Canadian rock legends RUSH are again partnering with independent retail for an exclusive 10-inch picture disc for Black Friday — November 29. The 10-inch includes two versions of "The Garden" — the closing track fromRUSH's 2012 album "Clockwork Angels". Side A features the studio version from the album, while Side B includes a live version of the song with the Clockwork Angels String Ensembletaken from the upcoming live release "Clockwork Angels Tour". Designed by Crankbunny (Norma V. Toraya), the 10-inch features artwork from her stunning animated screen projections shown during the performance of "The Garden" during the"Clockwork Angels" tour. This special 10-inch will be limited and available only for this special celebration of independent music retailers.
01 min read

ANTHRAX’s SCOTT IAN Has Flesh-Ripping Good Time In New Episode Of ‘Blood & Guts’ (Video)

Manos Spanos
The second episode in the third season of "Blood & Guts", the Nerdist YouTube channel web series hosted by ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian, can be seen below. Join Ian as he goes behind the scenes of Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights with John Murdyand Chris Williams and has a flesh-ripping good time with Larry Bones of Boneyard Effects. The clip includes a cameo appearance by Danny Trejo. Following two successful seasons, "Blood & Guts With Scott Ian" has returned to theNerdist Channel with Season 3. A new episode will debut every Thursday, leading up to the season finale on Halloween. "Blood & Guts" is hosted by Scott Ian, guitarist and founding member of legendary metal band ANTHRAX. Ian, a longtime horror aficionado, gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the all-time greatest practical effects artists create the gore and monsters that genre fans love. The series differs from typical behind-the-scenes shows due to Ian's infectious excitement and curiosity, coupled with the clever ways the effects are integrated into each episode. Ian is often the one in the makeup chair, experiencing squibs, gore appliances and complex character makeups with rare enthusiasm. "I've been into horror longer than music, longer than comics. It was my first true nerd-love," says Ian. "And that love affair still burns hot all these years later. Horror has been a huge influence on my music career, my writing, and now I get to actually be a part of it by hosting'Blood & Guts'. It's my dream gig." Previous guests on the show included the likes of seven-time Academy Award winner Rick Baker, "The Walking Dead"'s Greg Nicotero and frequent Guillermo Del Toro collaboratorsSpectral Motion. Season 3 of "Blood & Guts" ups the ante with an original creature created by Joel Harlow exclusively for the series, unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the creation of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights and an episode with Tony Gardner that includes a surprise visit from a legendary horror character, reprised by the original actor. "Blood & Guts With Scott Ian" is produced by Chris Hardwick's Nerdist Channel as part of their partnership with YouTube, with episodes premiering online alongside All-Star Celebrity Bowling and other Nerdist content. The show was originally launched with Fangoria's involvement, but Nerdist has taken on full production duties for Season 3. The dedicated crew remains the same, with Jack Bennett directing and producing each episode.
04 min read

PROTEST THE HERO Announces New Drummer

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After the departure of longtime drummer Moe Carlson, Canada's PROTEST THE HERO enlistedLAMB OF GOD's Chris Adler to sit behind the kit for the recording sessions of the band's forthcoming album, "Volition". Now with extensive touring on the horizon, PROTEST THE HERO has decided to fill the slot permanently with Mike Ieradi. Says the band: "Finding a new drummer has proven to be a tough task! We had interest and video submissions from many friends, fans, and family alike (yes, Choadie's mom sent in a video of her ripping 'C'est La Vie!'). Every single one of those submissions was wonderful — but we realized it was going to be impossible to select a drummer based on a YouTube video. We needed someone who we knew. Someone who we thought we wouldn't murder and leave at the side of the road two weeks into tour. We think we have found that person in Mike Ieradi— a Canadian fella we met many moons ago. "What's that, you say? Mike is already in another band? Yes, he is. He will be playing in two bands on this upcoming tour. He will be opening with his band THE KINDRED and will then wrap the night up playing with us. "Despite pulling double duty on this tour, he IS the newest member of PROTEST THE HERO and will hopefully be with us until we hang up the old jazz picks. No pressure, Mike!" Adds Ieradi, "[I'm] happy to announce my new role in PROTEST THE HERO. I'm excited to be a full-blown member of a great band with some great friends, and looking forward to the future with these goons. Stoked to see everyone out on this upcoming tour, and I hope you enjoy watching me sweat my way through two sets with PROTEST and THE KINDRED. It should be a fun one!" PROTEST THE HERO's fourth studio CD, "Volition", will be released on October 29 (one day earlier internationally). The long-awaited follow-up to 2011's "Scurrilous" (Vagrant), "Volition" has been licensed to series of worldwide partners who will help distribute and market it to both traditional stores alongside digital service providers, thus making the new record available on a worldwide scale. PROTEST THE HERO and Razor & Tie will join forces for the United States, while the album will be released in Canada through Sony Music and in the rest of the word via Spinefarm. "Volition" track listing: 01. Clarity 02. Drum-Head Trial 03. Tilting Against Windmills 04. Without Prejudice 05. Yellow Teeth 06. Plato's Tripartite 07. A Life Embossed 08. Mist 09. Underbite 10. Animal Bones 11. Skies The cover artwork can be seen below.
03 min read

Manos Spanos

Manos Spanos (Metalpaths' co-editor-in-chief), eight years in this site but still can't be characterised as a metalhead.