News
THE WINERY DOGS: ‘I’m No Angel’ Video Premiere
"I'm No Angel" , the new video from THE WINERY DOGS — the power trio featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, ADRENALINE MOB), legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, TALAS, DAVID LEE ROTH) and guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen (MR. BIG, POISON) — can be seen below.
BLACK STONE CHERRY’s ‘Magic Mountain’ Cracks U.K. Top 5
"Magic Mountain", the fourth album from Kentucky rockers BLACK STONE CHERRY, entered the official chart in the United Kingdom at position No. 5. The CD was released in North America on May 6 (one day earlier internationally) via Roadrunner Records.
Video: CLUTCH Performs New Song ‘Sidewinder’ In Edinburgh
Fan-filmed video footage of Maryland rockers CLUTCH performing a brand new song, "Sidewinder", on May 6 at the Liquid Room in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom can be seen below.
CLUTCH — Neil Fallon (vocals, rhythm guitar), Tim Sult (lead guitar), Dan Maines (bass,), Jean-Paul Gaster (drums and percussion) —launched an overseas tour on April 22 in Newcastle, U.K. at the O2 Academy, taking them through the European festival circuit through June 29. In July, they'll return to the U.S. for a handful of shows before joining JANE'S ADDICTION, RISE AGAINST, GOGOL BORDELLO and HALESTORM at the Shindig Festival in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, September 27.
CLUTCH has teamed with producer J. Robbins (THE SWORD, COLISEUM) to record the new song "Run, John Barleycorn, Run". The track was released on April 19 via Weathermaker Music as a special split seven-inch single with labelmates LIONIZE as part of Record Store Day.
On June 10, CLUTCH will release a triple deluxe version of their acclaimed "Earth Rocker" album via Weathermaker Music. Released in 2013, "Earth Rocker" was tagged by Rolling Stone on the "Top 20 Metal Albums" list and hailed by the magazine for its fusion of "seething admixtures of jam-band chops, careening blues-punk riffs" (December 2013). The "Earth Rocker" triple deluxe album package will include: 1) the full record and brand new songs "Night Hag" and "Scavengers", 2) "Earth Rocker Live", a CD audio version of the album performed live; and 3) on DVD "Live In Denver" recorded with seven cameras in 1080i on November 14 at the sold-out Ogden Theatre show in Denver, two videos shot, directed and edited by actress Aisha Tyler: "Gone Cold" (unreleased) and "Crucial Velocity".
Produced, engineered and mixed by Machine (KING CRIMSON, LAMB OF GOD), "Earth Rocker"'s triple deluxe cover artwork was created by longtime CLUTCH art director Nick Lakiotis.
CLUTCH's classic 2005 album, "Robot Hive/Exodus", will receive a collector’s edition double vinyl release on Tuesday, June 10. The beautiful double LP is remastered and comes in a re-designed gatefold package boasting some of CLUTCH's best tracks.
JIMMY PAGE Writing New Songs: ‘I’ve Got Lots of Material’
LED ZEPPELIN legend Jimmy Page told RollingStone.com that he will be playing guitar "daily for the foreseeable future" with a view towards "getting to a point where I could play some gigs." He added: "What those gigs are going to be, I don't know yet. I have ideas of what I want to do, but they're pretty complex. I would love to play live again. I love playing live. It's wonderful."
Page, who put out "Outrider", his one and only solo album, in 1988, revealed to RollingStone.com that he's "got lots of material I've written on acoustic guitar. Lots and lots. And right now I need to get myself up to speed, and that won't take too long. But I don't know what musicians I'd play with. I do have material and a passion for it. I need to work towards it, and now I can without all the other side issues going on."
According to The Pulse Of Radio, Jimmy Page will be the commencement speaker on May 10 at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. The Associated Press reported that Page will address graduating seniors art the Agganis Arena, with the college also presenting honorary doctorates to Motown songwriter Valerie Simpson — best known for her string of classics written with her late husband Nick Ashford, including "Let's Go Get Stoned", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "You're All I Need To Get By", "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing", "Reach Out And Touch (Somebody's Hand)" and "Solid (As A Rock)".
Page, who's now 70, has been playing guitar since he was 12. The Pulse Of Radio asked him what originally attracted him to the instrument. "It was just that whole thing of the transmission of ideas through the tactile quality of playing an instrument, y'know, your steel, strings and wood, translating through the electric pickup through the amp, and that's really what it is for me," he said. "It's that, some magical quality, really. Some sort of alchemy, if you like."
Coming on June 3 will be deluxe editions of LED ZEPPELIN's first three albums: "Led Zeppelin", "Led Zeppelin II" and "Led Zeppelin III". The launch of the reissue program, which is being led by Jimmy Page, includes the band opening "its vaults to share dozens of unheard studio and live recordings, with each album featuring a second disc of companion audio comprised entirely of unreleased music related to that album."
The albums are being issued in six different versions — the Super Deluxe Box; Deluxe Edition; Deluxe Edition Vinyl; Single CD; Original Album Vinyl; and Digital Download.
PHILIP ANSELMO Joins ZAKK WYLDE And BLACK LABEL SOCIETY On Stage To Perform PANTERA’s ‘I’m Broken’ (Video)
Former PANTERA and current DOWN singer Philip Anselmo joined BLACK LABEL SOCIETY on stage last night (Thursday, May 8) at Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts to perform a cover of the PANTERA classic "I'm Broken". Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below.
During a September 2013 interview with Artisan News, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY mainman Zakk Wylde was asked about the possibility of a hypothetical PANTERA reunion with him filling in for the late "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott on guitar. "It'd be up to [former PANTERA members] Vinnie [Paul Abbott, drums], Phil and Rex [Brown, bass] — they're the guys that make everything happen," he said. "So if they were all gonna do it and honor Dimebag and [if they said to me], 'Zakk, would you wanna honor Dime and do Dime's parts?' Of course, I was a pallbearer for him — I laid him to rest — so, of course, I'd say, it would be a beautiful way to honor him and stuff like that. And to celebrate all things PANTERA and what they achieved. 'Cause they changed the game, as far as extreme metal goes. I mean, they're the kings of it. But it's up to the fellows. Then it would just be me woodsheddin' 25-8, learning all of Dime's parts, you know what I mean?! Yeah, but like I said, as far as I'm concerned, it would just be honoring Dime. Like with the Yankees, you honor… everybody's wearing Thurman Munson's '15' for that day, just because we're honoring Thurman's greatness. So it's the same thing, man."
Asked about the possibility of a PANTERA "reunion" with Wylde filling in for Dimebag, Vinnie Paul told the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas radio station 97.1 The Eagle Rocks in March 2012: "I spent two hours with Zakk, sitting down — a really great talk about… [Zakk] calls [Dimebag] 'the old man.' I mean, [Zakk] and my brother were so tight. If [a PANTERA reformation] ever were to happen, [Zakk] would be the guy [to step in for Dimebag]. But I honestly think, out of respect for my brother, we should just leave the 14 amazing years PANTERA had be. We're all happy doing our own thing. We have to continue living and do other things."
Dimebag's longtime girlfriend Rita Haney in 2011 called on Vinnie and Anselmo to settle their differences in honor of Dimebag, who was shot and killed by a crazed gunman while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at a Columbus, Ohio rock club in December 2004.
Vinnie, who is Dimebag's brother, and Anselmo have not spoken since PANTERA split in 2003. But the relationship got even more acrimonious when Vinnie indirectly blamed Philip for Dimebag's death, suggesting that some remarks the vocalist had made about Dimebag in print just weeks earlier might have incited Dimebag's killer.
Speaking to Fuse News, Anselmo said about the possibility of a PANTERA reunion with Wylde filling in for Dimebag: "For me, really, I think it would mean a lot for Rex and Vince and myself to sit down and, I guess, bury the hatchet where we can be on more friendly terms. And, you know, I think it would mean a lot to the fans."
He added: "Without Vince, there's not any PANTERA reunion at all; it's useless. But he damn well knows my door's wide open. He needs to bust out the keys and unlock his, man. I'm waiting, but I'm not holding my breath."
Comedian’s DISTURBED Parody Pokes Fun At Band’s ‘Limited Creativity’ And ‘Repetitive Vocal Phrasing’
According to The Pulse Of Radio, a comedian named Brandon Muller has posted a two-and-a-half minute parody online of the heavy rock band DISTURBED. Titled "The Greatest Hit Of Disturbed", the clip takes the form of an infomercial and pokes fun at the band's "limited creativity" and singer David Draiman's "repetitive vocal phrasing," even suggesting that the band's material sounds like "one never-ending song."
The clip satirizes several of the band's hits, like "Down With The Sickness" and "Liberate", while taking apart Draiman's vocals by boiling them all down to "yuh-nuh-muh-yuh."
At least Draiman himself seems to have a sense of humor about it: he posted a link to the video on his Facebook page, calling it "fucking hysterical."
Muller stars as Draiman in the video, right down to the chin rings, although the vocals are handled by Archie Wilson.
Muller, who has also created a parody video of LINKIN PARK among many other short videos, has performed at comedy venues all over the U.S.
The DISTURBED video comes with a disclaimer that reads, "We actually like DISTURBED even more than LINKIN PARK. It’s fun to poke fun of things you love."
DISTURBED has been on hiatus since the fall of 2011, with Draiman introducing a new band called DEVICE last year. Guitarist Dan Donegan and drummer Mike Wengren also premiered a new project called FIGHT OR FLIGHT.
Guitarist DOUG ALDRICH Quits WHITESNAKE
Doug Aldrich, WHITESNAKE's guitarist of the past 11 years, is leaving the band "to pursue a solo career," according to the group's founding singer and mainman, David Coverdale.
JOB FOR A COWBOY Mixing New Album
Arizona extreme metallers JOB FOR A COWBOY have begun mixing their fourth full-length album at Audiohammer studios in Sanford, Florida with producer Jason Suecof. This is the band's fourth consecutive project with Suecof, having previously worked with him on "Ruination" (2009), "Gloom" (2011), and "Demonocracy" (2012).
As previously reported, JOB FOR A COWBOY has enlisted Danny Walker to fill in as the studio drummer for the recording session for the band's new CD. Walker is known for his work in INTRONAUT, as well as having performed with EXHUMED, JESU, PHOBIA, MURDER CONSTRUCT, and more.
Commented Walker: "I'm thrilled to be working with these guys on this record! I look forward to challenging myself and contributing to a fresh and different outlet!"
Added JOB FOR A COWBOY bassist Nick Schendzielos: "Well, my friends, the time has come and [Jon 'The Charn' Rice] has officially decided to step off the JOB FOR A COWBOY train. Absolutely no hahd feelins or nothin! We love the dude, cherish the memories we made with him, and in all likelihood will be seeing him again very soon…which brings up the next awesome piece of news…
"Our phenomenally talented friend Danny Walker is going to grace our next full-length with his decidedly delicious drum tracks! We are seriously excited to hear what it's going to turn out like. Let the anticipation build!"
"Demonocracy" sold 4,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 87 on The Billboard 200 chart.
"Ruination" opened with around 10,600 units back in July 2009 to land at No. 42.
TRIVIUM Parts Ways With Drummer NICK AUGUSTO
Bassist Paolo Gregoletto of Florida metallers TRIVIUM has released the following statement:
"To TRIVIUM fans, friends and family:
"I had asked everyone to make this statement regarding [drummer] Nick [Augusto], personally and on behalf of the band, because of the history we both have had together as friends and bandmates.
"There is no easy way to go about parting ways with someone; whether it's in a band or not, but if it is coming directly from one of us, I hope that it will be perceived out of our respect for him.
"This past Sunday, Matt [Heafy, guitar/vocals], Corey [Beaulieu], and I decided that it was best to part ways with Nick and to move forward as soon as possible. This decision was not one that we took lightly, given the fact that we are in the midst of a tour, and, more importantly, that Nick has been with us for almost three and half years. We spoke face to face for about an hour on the bus — first informing him of our decision to move forward, both discussing the situation and how to proceed with announcing it, as well as personally thanking him for being there when we needed him as a tech, and then as drummer.
"I made both those calls to Nick — I asked him if he would be willing to drop everything and come out and be apart of TRIVIUM at a moment's notice, and he did without hesitation. On stage we all fit well together — I believe we became a tighter and more unified band because of him.
"There was not a dramatic ending to this. Honestly, it was quite muted and I am happy to have been able to speak directly and calmly to one another.
"I believe we all agreed that what started out great 'off stage' in the beginning over time began to fray. It became obvious that things were not going to work out in the long run.
"We did not want to reach the point where the differences between us became apparent on stage.
"Being in a band is privilege afforded to us by all of you, and as much as we owe you guys the best show we can possibly give you, we also realize that being out here has to be enjoyable enough for us to continue to do so.
"We truly wish nothing but the best for Nick and whatever projects he becomes involved in. We will be rooting for him to succeed. I would like to add that as the one who championed Nick to become our drummer three and half years ago, I will be the first person to vouch for him as an incredible drummer and as an immense force and presence on stage. The last show together at Carolina Rebellion was a powerful one, and I am happy to say that we ended our time together on such a high and positive note.
"Lastly, I would like to thank our drum tech, Mat Madiro, for stepping up to the plate and learning our entire set in 24 hours, allowing us to continue this tour without a hitch.
"We have always tried to treat both band and crew as family, and the support for Mat from our other crew guys has been amazing. Thank you all — Eric, Joey, Sam, Jeremy, and Mike! Another HUGE thank you to VOLBEAT and their crew for giving us their entire soundcheck at the Niagara Falls show to allow us to run through the set with Mat. They have been a great band to tour with and this act only further solidified to us what standup guys they are on and off stage.
"Nick, thank you once again for the hard work with us. We will always be grateful for the time we spent together with you on the road and in the studio.
"Thank you all for your support and understanding."
TRIVIUM's new album, "Vengeance Falls", made Top 10 chart debuts in Japan, Australia, Germany and Austria as well as a Top 15 debut in Canada and a Top 25 debut in the United Kingdom. This marked the acclaimed metallers' second consecutive Top 15 debut in the U.S. and highest-career debuts around the globe — including a No. 2 debut in Japan.
"Vengeance Falls" sold 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The record — which was produced by David Draim