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Manos Spanos

New SLIPKNOT Bassist’s Identity Revealed?

Manos Spanos
The new SLIPKNOT bassist, who is featured in the band's just-released video for the song "The Devil In I", is believed to be Alessandro "Vman" Venturella, who has served as a guitar tech for MASTODON, FIGHTSTAR and COHEED AND CAMBRIA and was also a member of KROKODIL. A recent interview with Venturella can be found at MusicRadar.com. A side-by-side comparison of Venturella's disctinctive hand tattoo tattoo and that from the person posing as SLIPKNOT's new bassist in the "The Devil In I" video can be seen on this page. SLIPKNOT is rumored to be no longer working with Donnie Steele, the group's original guitar player who has been playing bass since they resumed touring in 2011. The identity of SLIPKNOT's new drummer is still a secret, although it is widely believed to be Jay Weinberg, son of longtime Bruce Springsteen drummer Max Weinberg. SLIPKNOT singer Corey Taylor confirmed earlier this week that the band's new drummer and bassist will both wear the same generic mask onstage. SLIPKNOT's fifth studio album, ".5: The Gray Chapter", will be released on October 21 via Roadrunner. It is the band's first album without bassist Paul Gray, who died in May 2010, and drummer Joey Jordison, who was dismissed in 2013. SLIPKNOT announced in December 2013 that it had parted ways with Jordison. The band has not disclosed the reasons for Jordison's exit, although the drummer issued a statement in January saying that he did not quit the group.
02 min read

KATATONIA: ‘July’ Performance Clip From ‘Last Fair Day Gone Night’

Manos Spanos
Swedish dark rockers KATATONIA will release "Last Fair Day Gone Night", a special four-disc DVD/CD, on September 15. "Last Fair Day Gone Night" features the rock/metal masters at their glorious best with this electrifying set from London's esteemed Koko venue, with the band's captivating performance captured on DVD with accompanying double audio disc of the whole concert. This special set also includes a full and extensive documentary charting the early days and subsequent rise of the prolific Swedes, as told in the words of band masterminds Jonas Renkse and Anders Nyström. Recorded during a series of special celebratory shows to mark the band's 20th anniversary during 2011's "Last Fair Day Gone Night" tour, founding members Nyström and Renkse are joined by drummer Daniel Liljekvist, plus guitarist Per Eriksson and bassist Niklas Sandin, for an exhilarating evening fuelled by a rich and extensive set of KATATONIA tracks both past and present. Also includes a special 10th-anniversary performance of the landmark 2001 album "Last Fair Deal Gone Down" in its entirety. Sleeve artwork comes courtesy of long-time collaborator Travis Smith. Disc 1 01. Dispossession 02. Chrome 03. We Must Bury You 04. Teargas 05. I Transpire 06. Tonight's Music 07. Clean Today 08. The Future Of Speech 09. Passing Bird 10. Sweet Nurse 11. Don't Tell A Soul Disc 2 01. Brave 02. Nephilim 03. My Twin 04. I Break 05. Right Into The Bliss 06. The Promise Of Deceit 07. Wait Outside 08. The Longest Year 09. July 10. New Night 11. Dissolving Bonds 12. Forsaker DVD 1 Last Fair Day Gone Night Concert Film DVD 2 A 20th Year Flashback Documentary The "July" performance clip from "Last Fair Day Gone Night" can be seen below. Drummer Daniel Liljekvist in April announced his departure from KATATONIA. He explained in a statement: "It's got nothing to do with 'difference in views' or any other bullshit. I just cannot combine job, family and commit 100% to KATATONIA. Times for musicians are rough and I've decided to concentrate on my family and get a normal job that gets the bills paid." KATATONIA recently parted ways with guitarist Per "Sodomizer" Eriksson due to "a difference in views on the band's current operative as well as last year's decision from Per to permanently live in Barcelona."
03 min read

MONSTER MAGNET To Release ‘Milking The Stars: A Reimagining Of Last Patrol’ In November

Manos Spanos
2013 saw the release of MONSTER MAGNET's latest album, "Last Patrol". Now comes "Milking The Stars: A Reimagining Of Last Patrol", due on November 18 via Napalm Records. Met with critical acclaim and supported by a world tour, "Last Patrol" has become a staple in the MONSTER MAGNET discography. Today the artwork, track listing and first song from "Milking The Stars" have been released. MONSTER MAGNET mainman Dave Wyndorf's pick for the first track he wanted fans to be exposed to is "No Paradise For Me". The song, according to Wyndorf, is "interesting, fucked up and old-school sounding." Check it out below. Says Wyndorf about "Milking The Stars": "'Milking The Stars' is a 'reimagined' version of 'Last Patrol' featuring four new songs and live tracks. "This was a happy experiment for me. It's not a remix record by the current definition. It's more like 'Last Patrol' in a 'what-if?'-style alternate reality. "'What if these songs were recorded in 1968?' 'What would happen if I turned a pretty song into an angry one?' 'How would adding creepy organs and Mellotrons affect the emotional vibe of a song?' These are just a few of the questions that roll around in my head when I write and record any album but this time I decided to actually answer them with fully fleshed out, recorded and mixed examples. "The process actually created new songs. That's the icing on the cake for me. New sounds, new vocals, different instruments and arrangements make for a weird 1960's vibe totally apart from 'Last Patrol' which was fun for Phil, Bob, Garrett, mixer Joe Barresi and myself to explore. "Finally there's expanded versions of the songs 'Last Patrol' and 'Three Kingfishers' as recorded live at the AB club in Belgium, 2014. Both those songs were re-arranged for 'maximum rock and psych' before we hit the road last year and feature the debut performance of new MAGNET bassist, Chris Kosnik. Personally, I think they beat the original versions." "Milking The Stars: A Reimagining Of Last Patrol" track listing: 01. Let the Circus Burn 02. Mindless Ones '68 03. No Paradise For Me 04. End Of Time (B-3) 05. Milking The Stars 06. Hellelujah (Fuzz And Swamp) 07. I Live Behind The Clouds (Roughed Up And Slightly Spaced) 08. Goliath Returns 09. Stay Tuned (Even Sadder) 10. The Duke (Full On Drums 'N Wah) 11. Last Patrol (live) 12. Three Kingfishers (live)
03 min read

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY: ‘On Your Way’ Video Released

Manos Spanos
The official video for the song "On Your Way" from CORROSION OF CONFORMITY can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's new album, "IX", which was released on July 1 via Candlelight. The CD was produced by the band and longtime comrade John Custer. In a recent interview with The Obelisk, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY bassist/vocalist Mike Dean stated about the band's collaboration with Custer: "Our relationship has evolved with John, and some of his approaches to working with musicians have changed a little bit. He likes to work with an engineer, likes to be hands-on. "For this one, we really wanted to take it out of the computer a lot more and to the desk. If we had the resources, we might not even use the computer, if I had a tape machine and a few more accoutrements. But given what we have, we decided to really get John to have a place where he had his own perspective on what was happening performance-wise, and through nepotism, I just kind of gave myself the job as engineer. It's something I'm interested in and want to keep perfecting, towards my own aspirations of producing other people's music and not having it be a sham where you have some musician you've heard of be a producer, but what did they really do? Getting my hands dirty is something I'm interested in, so it's a good situation being not too obsessed about my performance. It gives me some real work to do rather than being preoccupied, and it kind of allows John to stand back and have some perspective, and we kind of tag-teamed on the gear like that. "Originally, John had a very specific idea in mind about certain parts, going back to 'Blind' and 'Deliverance', and now he's more about letting the performance happen and seeing where it goes, and like ourselves, he's reached a point with the over-emphasis on perfection that just makes a lot of today's music really boring and really makes you kind of smell a rat. Basically, we're kind of about a performance that has some emotion to it. When the performance gets too perfect via the computer, you start to smell a rat, and you start to wonder if the can play any of it. [Laughs] It's just not where we're coming from. He's right there with us on that. It's been good, the way things have evolved working with him. It's something that, while we've had this relationship for a while, it's a way to keep it fresh." "IX" track listing: 01. Brand New Sleep 02. Elphyn 03. Denmark Vesey 04. The Nectar 05. Interlude 06. On Your Way 07. Trucker 08. The Hanged Man 09. Tarquinius Superbus 10. Who You Need To Blame 11. The Nectar Revised
03 min read

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH Has Already Recorded Four New Songs For Next Studio Album

Manos Spanos
Las Vegas metallers FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH have begun tracking brand new compositions for the follow-up to last year's two-album set, "The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell". "We're at the studio right now, and we're recording some new material," FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH drummer Jeremy Spencer told Artisan News earlier this month while promoting his autobiography, "Death Punch'd: Surviving Five Finger Death Punch's Metal Mayhem" (see video below). "And after we finish the [fall North American co-headlining] tour with VOLBEAT, we're gonna go back in and try to finish up everything in the winter and then get something out late spring [or] early summer." He continued: "We've recorded four [songs so far]. I'm liking what I'm hearing, but there's a long way to go, so there's no… We haven't, like, 'Cool, these are four singles.' It's not… We'll judge the body of work when it's done." FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's tour with VOLBEAT kicks off on September 16 in Salt Lake City. The band will also appear at SLIPKNOT's Knotfest festival, scheduled for late October in San Bernardino, California. The second volume of "The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell" sold 77,000 copies in the U.S. during its first week of release to debut at No. 2 on the Billboard album chart last November. The first volume, which came out in July 2013, also debuted in the same position, although it sold a more substantial 113,000 copies. "Volume 1" has sold more than 414,000 copies to date. FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's three previous albums have all gone gold for sales of 500,000 copies or more. "Death Punch'd: Surviving Five Finger Death Punch's Metal Mayhem" was released on September 2 by HarperCollins. According to the publisher, Spencer's "personal journey through the wild highs and terrifying lows of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle is told with candor, redemption and enlightenment. The first-time author offers a wry and rollicking tale of music, addiction and recovery, revealing the path that served as a catalyst to make him the man he is today."
02 min read

DROWNING POOL To Perform Entire ‘Sinner’ Album On 13th-Anniversary Tour

Manos Spanos
Texas heavy rockers DROWNING POOL will celebrate the 13th anniversary of their debut album, "Sinner", by performing the LP in its entirety on the 20-date "unLUCKy 13th Anniversary 'Sinner' Tour", which is set to kick off in late October. "Sinner" was certified platinum within six weeks of its release in 2001, while the CD's first single, "Bodies", was one of the most frequently aired videos on MTV by a new band. DROWNING POOL reached out to an ever-greater audience with dynamic performances at Wrestlemania XVIII and Ozzfest during the summers of 2001 and 2002. Unfortunately, their streak of success was not to last. Shortly after rousing the crowd at Ozzfest in Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 3, 2002, vocalist Dave "Stage" Williams was found dead of natural causes on the tour bus. In January 2004, the band announced the addition of singer Jason "Gong" Jones. Their sophomore effort, "Desensitized", followed several months later. In 2006, Ryan McCombs assumed the vocal duties, and a year later they released "Full Circle", followed by a self-titled album in 2010. McCombs, the only singer to ever record more than one album with the group, departed the following year, and was replaced by SUICIDE HOOK vocalist Jasen Moreno, who made his official debut on 2013's "Resilience". "unLUCKy 13th Anniversary 'Sinner' Tour" dates: Oct. 22 - Jefferson, LA - Southport Hall Oct. 23 - Destin, FL - Club LA Oct. 24 - Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits Oct. 25 - Mobile, AL - Soul Kitchen Oct. 26 - Cape Coral, FL - Dixie Roadhouse Oct. 28 - Fredericksburg, VA - Hard Times Oct. 29 - Virginia Beach, VA - Shakas Oct. 30 - Lynchburg, VA - Phase 2 Oct. 31 - Fostoria, OH - The New Nest Nov. 01 - Macomb, IL - The Outskirts Nov. 02 - Sioux Falls, SD - The District Nov. 04 - Colorado Springs, CO - The Black Sheep Nov. 05 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theatre Nov. 06 - Grand Junction, CO - Mesa Theater & Lounge Nov. 07 - Salt Lake City, UT - Murray Theater Nov. 08 - Las Vegas, NV - LVCS Nov. 13 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven Nov. 14 - Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory Concert House Nov. 15 - Missoula, MT - Stage 112 Nov. 16 - Billings, MT - Babcock Theatre Nov. 18 - Minot, ND - The Original Bar and Nightclub Nov. 19 - Spring Lake Park, MN - Pov’s Nov. 21 - Racine, WI - RT 20 Nov. 22 - Ringle, WI - Q and Z Expo Center Nov. 23 - Joliet, IL - Mojoes Nov. 26 - Joplin, MO - Rock 3405 "Resilience" sold 6,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 72 on The Billboard chart. The band teamed up with producer Kato Khandwalla at House of Loud Studios in New Jersey, as well as John Feldmann (THE USED, STORY OF THE YEAR), and completed the album in Dallas. drowningpool13thannivtoursinner
03 min read

METALLICA To Serve As ‘Artists In Residence’ At 37th Annual MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL

Manos Spanos
METALLICA has been named as Artists In Residence of the 37th annual Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF), and Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich and Robert Trujillo will all be on hand to introduce and discuss the films they have selected to host. Presented by the California Film Institute (CFI), the highly acclaimed event will run from Thursday, October 2 to Sunday, October 12, and will welcome stars that include Hilary Swank, Ansel Elgort and director Jason Reitman. Says METALLICA: "Each year the internationally acclaimed Mill Valley Film Festival takes place in our very own backyard here in Marin County, California and we are honored that we have been asked to be a part of the festival this year as Artists in Residence. "Last year we kicked off the festival with the first public screening of 'Through The Never'. Tis year we will each be hosting a film that we've selected that is significant to us personally. "The festival is now is now in its 37th year and annually welcomes more than 200 filmmakers, representing more than 50 countries during the eleven-day event and we're excited to play a role in it. "We'll be on hand to introduce each of our film choices, take questions and in some instances will be joined by the filmmakers. "Tickets will be available not only to festival attendees and CFI members (watch for details from MVFF via e-mail), but also to the general public starting on Sunday, September 14 at 10:00 a.m. Fan Club members should log in for more details regarding a special allocation of tickets for them. "The METALLI-fun kicks off on Friday, October 3 as Kirk, who, as you know, is a noted horror movie aficionado, presents the schlock-filled, Z-movie late-night screening of the 1971 favorite 'Dracula vs. Frankenstein'. That screening takes place on Friday, October 3 at 10:00 p.m. at the Rafael Theater in San Rafael, California. "Robert is proud to offer up a sneak peek at his passion project, 'Jaco', the new documentary that brings the story of legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius to the screen. Robert co-produced the film and will be joined by some of his partners in film-making for a Q&A. The screening will be on Monday, October 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sequoia in Mill Valley, California and following the movie there will be a special live music event at the Sweetwater Music Hall. "Lars' choice is the yet-unreleased 'Whiplash', an indie feature about an aspiring drummer and his ruthless teacher that won multiple awards at Sundance this year. Following the film, director/screenwriter Damien Chazelle will join Lars on stage for a conversation and Q&A. The screening will be Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Cinema Corte Madera in Corte Madera, California. "James' classic pick is 'The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly', shown in all its restored big screen glory. You just might recognize some of the music from this one! Check out his choice at Cinema Corte Madera in Corte Madera, California on Wednesday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m." For more information, visit www.mvff.com. Following the screening of "Jaco" on Monday, October 6, Robert will host a musical celebration honoring pioneering jazz musician Jaco Pastorius at the Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, California. The event is a benefit for the California Film Institute, the nonprofit that celebrates and promotes film as art and education through the Mill Valley Film Festival and year-round exhibitions at the Rafael Film Center. Performers include: * MAERIC with Mary Pastorius * David Pastorius * Eric Young * Kirk Hammett (METALLICA) * Robert Trujillo (METALLICA) * Rodrigo y Gabriela * Stephen Perkins (JANE'S ADDICTION) * L. Shenkar Tickets will be $150 and are not available through the Mill Valley Film Festival and festival badges will not be valid. Fan Club members should log in for information about an allocation of tickets for them. millvalleyfilm2014_638
04 min read

JUDAS PRIEST’s GLENN TIPTON Thought Band Was Finished After K.K. DOWNING Left

Manos Spanos
Rustyn Rose of Metalholic.com recently conducted an interview with JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Glenn Tipton. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below. Metalholic.com: You spent over 35 years playing side by side with the same guitar partner [Kenneth "K.K." Downing]. What was it like for you to suddenly have a new face, a new style of player standing across from you in Richie Faulkner? Tipton: It was a surprise, really. It came as a surprise to us all. At that time, I really, truly thought the band were finished. We were poised to do a farewell tour and, of course, Ken decided he'd had enough of that. I respect his decision. It must have been a big decision to make. I think we've all been through that phase. We've been around for 35, 40 years. But we found Richie, and Richie is a small miracle, because the guy is such a great guitar player and he blended in so well first on stage. And then, of course, he's worked so hard and contributed so much to the [new JUDAS PRIEST] album ["Redeemer Of Souls"] that it's just a miracle. Metalholic.com: You guys declared the "Epitaph" tour to signal the retirement of JUDAS PRIEST and, as [you have] since said, "we lied." Clearly the injection of new blood into the lineup re-energized the band. How did that translate into the writing for "Redeemer Of Souls"? Tipton: Tremendously, you know, because when we got, obviously, new blood in the band, it was needed at the time. It would be the same thing; you get some new blood in there and there's energy and enthusiasm — motivation. You see things in a different way. He just gave everybody a keep up the backside, really. And that's what happened. We went from literally meaning it was our last tour to there's such great songs on this album, it's a shame we can't get out and play them. So, by any means this isn't another world tour. I'm glad we're doing it. I feel that it would be great to get on stage and play these new numbers as well as the old classics. Metalholic.com: When I reviewed "Redeemer Of Souls", I stated it was the band's most fully realized album since "Painkiller", but more accurately, it seems to me it would have been a natural follow-up to that record. Tell us about the album from your perspective. Tipton: I think it's probably in line with "Painkiller", as you say. It's what everybody wants from JUDAS PRIEST. I mean, we've always been a band not afraid to expand and try new things, try new paths and directions. Like "Nostradamus". There were many fans that got what we were trying to do with "Nostradamus", but there were a number of fans that wanted a "JUDAS PRIEST" album, and in "Redeemer Of Souls" we give them a "JUDAS PRIEST" album. We listened, and we learned, and we've gone back, if you like, to what people want from PRIEST. I'm proud of "Nostradamus". It was a monumental task to record and put together. But I think "Redeemer Of Souls" is what people expect from JUDAS PRIEST. Read the entire interview at Metalholic.com.
03 min read

Necrorgasm Signed With Ablaze Productions

Manos Spanos
We present you the official statement from Greek Death metallers Necrorgasm: "We are proud to announce you that our new album "CANNIBALISM" will be released by the mighty Ablaze Productions!! In the next days you will have the exact date of release!! Until then enjoy our brand new LYRIC VIDEO of the track DOUBLE RAPE PENETRATION made by Giannis "Remedy" Nakos! Stay fucking sick!!"
00 min read

METAL STARS ON ‘TOP CHEF DUELS’

Manos Spanos
Rob Zombie, Scott Ian (ANTHRAX) and Gary Holt (EXODUS, SLAYER) will appear as guest judges on this week's episode of culinary competition series "Top Chef Duels" on Bravo. The episode airs tonight (Wednesday, September 10) at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. "Top Chef Duels" pits 18 of the best, boldest and most talked-about personalities from past seasons of "Top Chef" and "Top Chef Masters" for a "battle royale" in the kitchen. Two chefs face off every episode in a series of three head-to-head challenges and the winner moves on to the finale where one chef will win $100,000. The series is hosted by celebrity chef Curtis Stone. Episode description: “Two all-stars known for their tempers face off and angle for redemption in front of rock star judges. When two chefs known for their tempers face off, it is bound to get hot in the kitchen. First, Dale challenges Tiffani to relive a past failure of hers in preparing dim sum. Then Tiffani counters with a contest based on an American canapé and classic cocktail. For the duel, featuring guest judges Rob Zombie, Scott Ian and Gary Holt, the chefs must prepare a vegan meal and service will get hard core as one chef will be rocked. These 'Top Chef' all-stars are out to prove that the third time's the charm." Check out a trailer for tonight's episode below. For more information, visit Bravotv.com.
01 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.