Tuesday 29 April 2008

Porcupine Tree - Enmore Theatre Sydney, Saturday 26 '08

For some people this is probably not one of the most known bands around. A lot of people when I told them who I'll be going to see gave me the same 'Porcupine Who?' look, which, funny enough, one of my music teachers at college gave us when another student mentioned them. But this concert, despite being of a whole different genre than my usual listening, was most excellent indeed. I lined up with 2 hours to spare, and just happened to be beside the side exit doors where I could hear the sound check, and what I heard from within was exciting enough to be sure.

There was an odd mix of people about, from a variety of generations and genres, and the crowd had a whole different sort of feel than my average metal gig. Safe to say the Opeth shirts were out in force, as to be expected since Mr. Åkerfeldt is Porcupine Tree's unofficial spokesperson with many local stores confusing Fear of a Blank Planet for a new Opeth album since it has an Opeth logo on the front (but only to accompany Mikael's comments on the band). And I'm sure, like a lot of other fans, that a lot of the Opeth supporters heard of PT from Opeth, since front man Steven Wilson did produce and help create a few of Opeth's epic masterpieces. it is, afterall, how I came to find this awesome band.

But back to the concert. For some reason the venue decided it'd be fun to let everyone in through the one main door, which ended up taking a few more minutes than I'd have liked considering the time I waited just to get in. Most people seemed to head straight for the merch desk (me and my company included), and, sorry to say, it was one of the slowest merch desks I've been at, only 2 guys serving the Porcupine Tree fans. I must have stood at the desk waiting while the guy served 10 people that got there after me. But alas, we got through that just happy to have a shirt, and headed up front.

The support act was Melbourne band Sleep Parade, and although they had talent, they could only play one good song a few times. Yes, all songs sounded pretty much the same to me. I was impressed by their sound and presence on stage, and the epic ending where guitarist/vocalist Leigh Davies sung into the bridge pickup of his guitar, which sounded freaking awesome! it gave me a sorta vibe I'd get when listening to The Angelic Process with the awesome distorted sounding vocals. But unfortunately that was pretty much the only highlight of their act for me. The crowd really warmed up to them though, giving them a torrent of applause and cheers at the completion of their set, which despite my elitist views on them, I felt they earned it.

The wait for Porcupine Tree was next, and although I feel I had waited longer for bands to arrive, I started to think how silly it is having a support act to get the crowd 'worked up' only to have that wear off in the 40 or so min wait for the main act. The crowd seemed a tad more arrogant than they do at my usual sort of show, infact I felt rather privileged when someone decided I was good enough for them to flick their cigarette butt at my hand in this non-smoking venue. Or even when some girl pushed past me, and at the same time spilt her drink all over my leg. At least she said a prompt 'sorry mate' as she vanished as quick as possible. Gotta love how considerate others are these days. Alas, the crowd was getting excited, and restless as the wait went on. Any slight movement on stage meant cheering in hopes that the band was coming out. Patience people, paitience!

But finally Porcupine Tree were ready, and rushed out to begin their set with the title track from their latest album, Fear of a Blank Planet. The mix was excellent, although could have used a little less bass, but otherwise it sounded great, and Steve's vocals were in top shape this evening. The stage was set up rather differently to most other bands. Seemed to have taken inspiration from Opeth, with having the drums on the audience's right and the keyboards on the left. A nice touch indeed. The light display was impressive aswell. After the first song or two people were calling out requests, which Steve responded to by pointing out that they have this thing called a 'set list'. Really? Since when?


A few of the songs they played from Deadwing, and all of the songs they played from the later album were accompanied by visuals on a projected backdrop. Fear Of A Blank Planet and Way Out of Here were both accompanied by the film clips, which were rather interesting I found since I hadn't seen them before, and went rather well with the music. it was all timed perfectly aswell, in particular in Sleep Together where they had visuals of robots in bubbles on some form of computer tapping to the beat, and perfectly on time aswell, which I found impressive.

The band played a bunch of (awesome) songs from all over their catalogue, some of which I didn't recognise, but still thoroughly enjoyed. Those played included Blackest Eyes, Lazarus, Sleep Together, Open Car, Halo and Trains. I was hoping to hear something from Up the Downstair's first disc, but didn't recognise anything from that. They played for close to 2 hours and the crowd loved it.
As soon as they were off stage people were cheering for an encore, despite the fact that it's now become a part of the performance to go off stage for a little while with the intentions to return anyway. You really can't call it an 'encore' if it's a part of the set list, where an encore was originally a band coming back out after finishing their set to play some requested songs because the audience kicked arse. But, it's what everyone does these days, apart from a select few. And as expected, they returned to play another three songs before saying their goodbyes to their first Sydney crowd in 15 years or so.


So, for me it was an awesome evening, despite a few minor set-backs, but let's be honest, what gig doesn't have it's problems. I'd definitely go see Porcupine Tree live again in a f*cking heartbeat, and so should you.

Thanks to Anna for the pics.

Unleashed Album and Tour News


To ease the wait for the new Unleashed album, Hammer Battalion, the band have put up two full songs and a few 1 minute samples for lstening on their official website, www.unleashed.se. The Greatest of Our Lies and Long Before Winter's Fall are the two full songs you will hear, and from what I can tell, this album will most likely follow the same direction as Midvinterblot and Sworn Allegiance, which is great!

Unleashed have also confirmed a bunch of tourdates throughout the US with metal legends Obituary. The info on when and where can also be found on Unleashed's official website.

Bring on the Hammer Battalion in June!

Sunday 27 April 2008

Soulfly - "Conquer" tracklisting revealed

Soulfly will release its new album, "Conquer", on July 29 via Roadrunner Records. Soulfly members Max Cavalera (guitar/vocals), Joe Nunez (drums), Marc Rizzo (guitar), and Bobby Burns (bass) entered Porch Studio in Florida on September 12, 2007 to begin recording the band's sixth studio LP.

Soulfly's upcoming CD will feature guest appearances by Morbid Angel frontman David Vincent and Throwdown singer Dave Peters.

"Conquer" track listing:

01. Blood Fire War Hate
02. Unleash
03. Paranoia
04. Warmageddon
05. War Ghost
06. Rough
07. Fall Of Sycophants
08. Doom
09. Rot
10. Touching The Void
11. Soulfly VI

In a recent interview with PyroMusic.net, Max Cavalera stated about the new Soulfly CD;

"Well, the next Soulfly album is being mixed in England with Andy Sneap, and it's very heavy in its own way. In a Soulfly way. It's still got craziness... I recorded a lot in Egypt this time. I spent some time in Cairo working with some Egyptian musicians and we came up with some really wicked interludes and passages. It sounds nothing like anything I ever done. Very very amazing Egyptian instruments. There is a song that is a colloboration with Morbid Angel's singer David Vincent which is one of my favourite songs forever in my whole life that I wrote. It's called 'Blood Fire War Hate' and that should be the opening of the album. It's very energizing, very powerful, man. I can't wait for fans to hear it. It's the s***. That one is gonna definitely create some chaos in the moshpit."

Source: Blabbermouth

Thursday 24 April 2008

In Flames Euro tour!!


In Flames will be touring Europe later in the year. Starting in October 2008:

October
03 Luxembourg Den Atelier LUX
04 Cologne Paladium GER
05 Wiesbaden Schlachthof GER
08 Paris Zenith FRA
09 Tilburg 013 HOL
10 Nancy L’escale FRA
11 Lyon Tranbordeur FRA
13 Barcelona Razzamatazz 1 ESP
14 Granada La Copera ESP
15 Madrid La Riviera ESP
16 Bilbao Rock Star Live ESP
19 Munich Zenith GER
24 Dresden Alter Schlacthof GER
25 Berlin Columbiahalle GER

This is to be part of the upcoming European headline tour and more dates will be announced soon, so please note that these are NOT all the dates on this tour, more to be announced VERY soon! Support on the tour comes from:

Gojira - http://www.%20myspace.%20com/gojira
Volbeat - http://www.%20myspace.%20com/volbeat
Sonic Syndicate - http://www.%20myspace.%20com/sonicsyndicate

Keep checking the official IN FLAMES site for more news and dates.

Until then, you can see In Flames live at the GIGANTOUR in North America. Get all the dates here: http://www.%20gigantour.%20com/2008intro.%20html


You can also catch In Flames live at the following festivals/shows this summer:
29 May – Gröna Lund/Stockholm – Sweden (Headline show)
7 June – Rock Am Ring – Germany
8 June – Rock IM Park – Germany
13 June – Greenfields – Switzerland
14 June – Nova Rock – Austria
15 June – Download Festival – UK
16 June – Metal Hammer Golden Gods awards – “Indigo2 (02 arena)" - London - UK
20 June – Hellfest – France
21 June – Nummi Rock – Finland
26 June - Peace & Love – Sweden
27 June – Hove Festival – Norway
28 June – Metal Town – Gothenburg/Sweden
29 June – Graspop – Belgium
4 July - Metal Camp – Slovenia
5 July – With Full Force – Germany
12 July – Evolution Festival – Italy
18 July – Rockperry Festival – Finland
1 August – Lustenau – Austria

Moonspell - Night Eternal

Portuguese metal legends Moonspell have created a 'widget', as they call it, dedicated to their upcoming release entitled Night Eternal. The widget contains their album in it's entirety for listening, Blogs, a "Making Of the Scorpion Flower" video (feat. Anneke van Giersbergen) and a blog from Moonspell singer Fernando Ribiero.

The widget will be constantly updated, and can be embedded into a Myspace page or website, and Fernando will be using the blog to keep everyone updated on Moonspell news and happenings.

Night Eternal is to be released in Germany on May 16th, Europe on May 19th and USA on June 10th. A normal jewel case issue will be released aswell as a special limited edition CD/DVD Digipack with three bonus tracks and live performances. Be sure to get your hands on this new album as it sounds awesome!

Check out the widget in this link:
http://www.spv.de/moonspell/widget

Tuesday 22 April 2008

HAMMERFALL recruit guitarist Pontus Norgren


Swedish metallers HAMMERFALL have recruited guitarist Pontus Norgren (THE POODLES, TALISMAN, GREAT KING RAT) to replace Stefan Elmgren, who left the in early April to focus on his new career as a pilot.

"Pontus is a fantastic guitar player with musical roots in ACCEPT and neo-classical metal," commented HAMMERFALL drummer Anders Johansson. "I have known him for many years. I know how he works as a musician and as a person."

Pontus said in a statement: "I like HAMMERFALL. I think they have amazing stage shows and I like their songs, so when I heard they were looking for a guitar player I thought I'd give it a try. Playing in THE POODLES has been a wonderful experience in many ways, but I have always liked a little heavier music and have felt at times that this wasn't the right kind of forum for the music I'd most like to play. It's simply time to move on."

Singer Joacim Cans commented: "Replacing Stefan is not easy; he has a very characteristic way of playing and is a great guitarist. But Pontus will add a different style than Stefan since they are two quite different persons. I'm looking forward to see how we will mesh as a band during the coming months!"

HAMMERFALL will perform at the Heavy MTL festival in Montréal, Quebec, Canada on June 21 before entering the studio in July to begin recording a new album. On June 27, two new HAMMERFALL releases will see the light of day: a DVD continuing chronicling the band's career, and a covers CD - a collection of all the covers recorded by HAMMERFALL to date plus three new, unreleased ones. Incidentally, this will be guitarist Stefan Elmgren's last release with HAMMERFALL.

* "Rebels With A Cause - Unruly, Unrestrained, Uninhibited" DVD:
The DVD will be a continuation of the previous two ("The First Crusade" and "The Templar/Renegade Crusades") and will contain newly recorded interviews with the band interspersed with footage from their own cameras. The time span is six years, from the beginning of 2002 until the end of 2007, and it's edited together as a documentary of sorts, i.e. one continuous film, but of course with chapters. Also included will be all six promo videos made during the time in question plus some behind the scenes, four professionally filmed live songs from Filderstadt 2005, five TV clips they have purchased the rights to from SVT (the Swedish national television network) and some more homemade stuff as bonus. The complete running time is estimated to be almost three hours.

* "Masterpieces" covers CD:
01. Child of the Damned (WARLORD)
02. Ravenlord (STORMWITCH)
03. Eternal Dark (PICTURE)
04. Back to Back (PRETTY MAIDS)
05. I Want Out (HELLOWEEN)
06. Man on the Silver Mountain (RAINBOW)
07. Head Over Heels (ACCEPT)
08. Run With the Devil (HEAVY LOAD)
09. We're Gonna Make It (TWISTED SISTER)
10. Breaking the Law (JUDAS PRIEST)
11. Angel of Mercy (CHASTAIN)
12. Rising Force (YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN'S RISING FORCE)
13. Detroit Rock City (KISS)
14. Crazy Nights (LOUDNESS)
15. När Vindarna Viskar Mitt Namn (ROGER PONTARE)
16. Flight of the Warrior (RIOT)
17. Youth Gone Wild (SKID ROW)
18. Aphasia (EUROPE)

source: blabbermouth.net

Monday 21 April 2008

Turisas hit the road in May



Finnish folkmetallers TURISAS have scheduled the following European tour dates:

May 31 - Paljassaare Rock Fest - Tallinn, Estonia
Jun. 06 - Rock Im Park - Nürnberg, Germany
Jun. 08 - Rock Am Ring - Nürburgring, Germany
Jun. 14 - Myötätuulirock - Vantaa, Finland
Jun. 21 - Nummirock - Nummijärvi, Finland
Jul. 04 - Ruisrock - Turku, Finland
Jul. 12 - Voimasointu Festival - Mäntyharju, Finland
Jul. 13 - Ilosaarirock - Joensuu, Finland
Jul. 18 - Rock Harz Open Air - Osterode, Germany
Jul. 19 - Wanaja Festival - Hämeenlinna, Finland
Jul. 26 - Lorca Rock - Lorca, Spain
Aug. 08 - Jurassic Rock - Mikkeli, Finland
Aug. 15 - Jalometalli - Oulu, Finland



TURISAS is set to invade North American shores this upcoming spring as part of Paganfest 2008, which also features fellow Finns ENSIFERUM, TYR and ELUVEITIE. This Metal Maniacs-sponsored trek, which kicks off on April 25, is in support of the group's critically acclaimed new album, "The Varangian Way". The critically acclaimed disc is going to be re-released on April 29 and this special tour edition package features a bonus DVD jam-packed with live performance footage.

"The Varangian Way" bonus DVD content:

01. Rasputin (video clip)
02. Battle Metal (live) (recorded at Rock Hard Festival 2007)
03. To Holmgard And Beyond (live)
04. In The Court Of Jarisleif (live)
05. Battle Metal (live) (filmed live at Download Festival
06. Battle Metal (live) (recorded at With Full Force 2007)

source: blabbermouth.net

Sunday 20 April 2008

Mayhem Australian Tour update

Due to visa issues, black metallers Mayhem have been forced to postpone all scheduled tour dates. Tickets are refundable, however they will still be valid for the new dates when they are confirmed.

A lot of fans would be unhappy over the news, obviously, but hopefully this will give a few more fans a chance to summon the funds to be able to go.

Bloodbath is here to slay, Bloodbath is here to stay!


Bloodbath
have released news of a new full length album to be released very soon! I took the info from their website, bloodbath.biz, and have pasted it below (with a few spaces to make it easier to read).

Here it is in full:
"Bloodbath just spent the last week at Park Studio in Stockholm where Axe (Drums) put down an (un)healthy doze of all the basic ingredients and more to get this death metal monster meal cooking in hell’s oven. We’re talking classic oldschool skinpounding, furious blastbeats, double bassdrums, all kinds of tempos and a heavy load of killer fills, yeah you name it… This time it turned out to be 11 brand new songs on the menu for the band’s still untitled third album.

So what direction does the material take this time? Well It’s definately taking off where we left with Unblessing the Purity. The material represents nothing but hateful brutality, so there’s surely a lot of speed countered with heavy groove. Riff wise, we’re playing a lot with dissonant harmonies for that feverish possessed feeling, but we also brought back the whole melodic yet haunting “bee-swarming” theme concept from the past albums to represent the classic sound, so there’s definately gonna be a good deal of variety on here which we hope to pack together in the most crushing production yet.

The recording will now be moved to engineer
David Castillo’s newbuilt studio where we’ll put down the guitars and bass over the next month while waiting for Mike (Åkerfeldt-vocals) to return from his touring in June to cut the vocals before we enter mix mode. The cover artwork will once again be handled by Dusty Peterson. The album has been set for an October 6th release, but the album title, song titles, audio teasers and the coverartwork will show up during the summer. Stay tuned. Bloodbath is here to slay, Bloodbath is here to stay!" - posted on www.Bloodbath.biz, April 16th, 2008 by Blakkheim

There you have it, new, currently un-named Bloodbath album to be released in October. What more can you want? Well, more is what the fans will be getting, finally!
The new Bloodbath - Wacken Carnage Cd/DVD is still set for release on the 19th of May, and can be pre-ordered on the Peaceville website. Bloodbath have also been confirmed to co-headline this years Party.San Metal Open Air Festival in Germany on Friday the 8th of August alongside Bolt Thrower and Obituary plus many others. This is the only Bloodbath show booked so far. Fingers crossed for more!

Links/Sources:
www.bloodbath.biz
http://www.party-san.net/openair

Tuesday 15 April 2008

Exodus w/ Evile & Gama Bomb - Sheffield Corporation 4/12/2008

This was a show that I've been looking forward to for months - Exodus, Evile and Gama Bomb, three thrash bands in one night. The excitement was beyond belief, not only because I'd get to say hi to the Evile boys again, but also because the idea of being in the same country - let alone the same room - as Lee Altus and Gary Holt made me weak at the knees. Having spoken to all the members of Evile and Gama Bomb for awhile, gone to Starbucks with Tom Hunting and said a quick nervous hello to Gary, I made my way inside the venue and up to the front of the stage.

Gama Bomb - at this point, its a name that not many people know. Hell, I'd be entirely surprised if anymore than five people in the crowd of 500+ knew who they were. Are they any good? What sort of show are they gonna put on? Are they going to completely suck nuts? These worries were blown awya once the band hit the stage - their fast paced riffs came as no surprise, but their stage presence and cheesy humor had everyone cheering. The irish quintet played mostly material from their forthcoming debut 'Citizen Brain', songs such as Evil Voices, Hammer Slammer, Final Fight and Zombie Brew had the crowd headbanging and cheering for more with every second - Philly prowls the stage spitting Venom at the crowd, whilst Domo's shreddery and whammy antics just added to the ferocity of the band's set. However, some may argue that there was simply too much going on to really hear the riffs, or maybe the guitars were too low... I don't know, but all I can say is this - watch out for Gama Bomb, because they're gonna be big! [8]

Evile were up next, and having seen them before I knew exactly what to expect. This band never disappoints, disappoint isn't a word in their dictionary - they come out all guns blazing with the brilliant First Blood, which whips the crowd into a snarling, headbanging frenzy, followed by the scathing Thrasher. Ol Drake's lead work is on top notch, making all those sweeps and licks look completely effortless, Ben Carter's drumming is faster than Sonic the Hedgehog with his ass on fire, and Matt towers over the crowd in a manner so fierce that it makes Zakk Wylde look weedy. Following songs are the anthemic Bathe in Blood and the colossal We Who Are About To Die, and to end it all they bring out a fourteen year old teenager to play Matt's parts on Enter the Grave. And that kid shredded, believe me! The cheers the band recieved at the end of their set was absolutely deafening, and I'm sure many necks were sore after that sort of brutality!
Now, many people who know me personally have told me that if I give Evile a good review then it makes me a fanboy - well, if I gave them a bad review then I'd be lying, and lying isn't metal. At the end of Evile's set, I seriously pondered as to whether or not Exodus could follow up such a tremendous act - the Huddersfield boys are making their way to the top! [10]

By the time Evile are done, some people (namely the older ones) are getting impatient for Exodus.They didn't have to wait long though, as before you knew it the band came out in full force with Iconoclasm from their new record 'The Atrocity Exhibition...Exhibit A'. The crowd goes absolutely crazy, Rob Dukes literally looks like hes going to kill you as hes screaming the lyrics to Pirahna in your face! Gary Holt and especially Lee Altus have never played better, with every single solo and every riff crunchy, fresh and clear, and Jack Gibson's thunderous bass work is easily heard amongst the wailing leads and pounding drums - a rarity for live metal gigs nowadays. Most impressive of all was when the band played another new song, Children of a Worthless God - never in my life have I heard such an amazing singalong to a metal track in my life! I myself, standing right in front of Lee Altus, will never listen to that song in the same way again. Spectacular doesn't come close. Exodus' brutal set is mostly composed of songs from the past three albums (2004's 'Tempo of the Damned', 2005's 'Shovel Headed Kill Machine' and last year's incredible 'Exhibit A') with brilliant lead work from Holt during Blacklist and the most violent headbanging I've witnessed throughout Deathamphetemine, and those pits... the circle pits were so violent, so big, so dangerous! There was blood all over people's faces, thats what this music does to you y'know? Needless to say, I stayed the hell out of the way haha. Closing their main set with the evil Lesson in Violence, the crowd bays for more - and we got the standard encore routine of Bonded by Blood and the infamous Toxic Waltz. Singalong galorefor the much older thrashers who were in the crowd, and no better way to end such a fantastic show. [10]
Never in my life have I witnessed such an energetic, violent, heavy and more fun show in my life. Many people have hailed Machine Head as the best live band in metal - until I witnessed this show, I agreed. All three bands were absolutely brilliant, Evile and Exodus in particular completely blew the roof off the Corperation Nightclub and anyone who has doubts about these bands can instantly lay those doubts to rest. Thrash is back... but its pissed off!!

Unfortunately I didn't manage to get any interviews, although Ol Drake assured me we'll get around to it next time I see him. Quote of the day comes from Exodus drummer Tom Hunting - 'Rob Dukes is a pussy'.

That is all!

-Dave Ingram (www.myspace.com/rustedwithblood)

Opeth - Porcelain Heart

Those of you waiting for more new Opeth, and have already seen the Heir Apparent live video a million times can now listen to a short sample from their up and coming single Porcelain Heart. The song will, according to Amazon.com, be available on April 22nd as a downlaodable mp3. From the short sample I can tell that this is going to be a great song, although I could have told you before even hearing it.

Visit this following link to hear it:
http://www.amazon.com/Porcelain-Heart/dp/B0017IZOT6/


The accompanying artwork is a rather nice touch aswell, and on the Roadrunner Records site, I happened to find another piece of artwork to go with the song. Both pieces are featured in this article.

Just a reminder, Opeth's new album Watershed is in stores through Roadrunner Records late May/early June. The band will also begin touring in a few days, and will create a path of destruction through America and Canada before returning to mortify some more European fans in concert. All gig info can be found at www.myspace.com/opeth. Make sure you go see them, and think of us other fans that have to wait still.

Sunday 13 April 2008

Metal News

Amon Amarth

Amon Amarth
have confirmed a few festivals that they are scheduled to play at. Taken from their Myspace announcement:
"We are proud to announce that we will do our very first appearance in Serbia this summer. The show will take place at the Catle Festival on July 4. We are also happy to announce that we will be appearing at this years Lorca Rock in Spain on July 25."

Dates that have been confirmed:

27-29 - May Tuska Festival (SF) - HELSINKI
28th May - Metal Town Festival (S) - Frihamnen, GÖTEBORG
04th June - Castle Festival (SRB) - SMEDEREVO
12th June - Masters Of Rock Festival (CZ) - VIZOVICE
17-19th June - Rock Harz Open Air (D) - OSTERODE
25th June - Lorca Festival (E) - LORCA

Warrel Dane

Warrel Dane has uploaded his up and coming solo release "Praises to the War Machine" in it's entirety on his official Myspace page for a limited time only. The album is to be released on May 13th, and from what I have heard of it sofar, it is very good! Nevermore fans shall not be disappointed! The album is up for a 'pre-listening' from April 11th to april 18th. Get in and have a listen!

Head to http://www.myspace.com/warreldane to hear it.

Red Sparowes

Californian experimental/instrumental band Red Sparowes have confirmed a few Europe shows, and are to confirm a few more very soon.
Red Sparowes is comprised of Bryant Clifford Meyer from ISIS, Josh Graham of Nurosis, Greg Burns of Halifax Pier, Andy Arahood of Angel Hair and David Clifford of The VSS and Pleasure Forever. Since releasing At The Soundless Dawn, they have gained a lot of attention from fans all over, and have been working hard on releases and touring since. Not a band to be missed!

Dates:
5 Jul 2008 - Eurockeennes Festival - FR Belfort
7 Jul 2008 - Barfly -UK Brighton
8 Jul 2008 - ULU - UK London
9 Jul 2008 - TBA - UK TBA
10 Jul 2008 - Stereo - UK Glasgow, Scotland
11 Jul 2008 - TBA - UK TBA
12 Jul 2008 - The Corporation - UK Sheffield
13 Jul 2008 - Supersonic - UK Birmingham
14 Jul 2008 - The Croft - UK Bristol
16 Jul 2008 - La Maroquinerie w/ Oxbow & Harvey Milk Paris
19 Jul 2008 - Rock Herk - w/ Battles Herk De Stad

http://www.myspace.com/redsparowes

ISIS

ISIS are currently on tour, and stopping by a venue near you very soon! Each of their headlining shows will be played with New Zealand experimental band Jakob, who are more than deserving of such a privilege.
Be sure not to miss these two awesome bands in the following shows:

15 Apr Uebel & Gefaehrlich - Hamburg w/ Jakob
16 Apr Conne Island- Leipzig w/ Jakob
17 Apr Forum - Bielefeld w/ Jakob & The Austerity Program
18 Apr 013 - ROADBURN Fest - Tilburg w/ Celtic Frost, Electric Wizard, etc.
19 Apr Grenslandhallen - POLSSLAG FESTIVAL - Hasselt w/ The Breeders, Blonde Redhead, etc.
20 Apr Substage - Karlsruhe w/ Jakob & The Austerity Program
22 Apr Arena - Vienna w/ Jakob & The Austerity Program
23 Apr Feierwerk - Munich w/ Jakob & The Austerity Program
24 Apr Latte - Bresciaw/ The Austerity Program & Jakob
25 Apr Mascotte - Zurich w/ Jakob & The Austerity Program
26 Apr L’Epicerie Moderne - Lyon (Feyzin) w/ Jakob & The Austerity Program
27 Apr L’Autre Canal - Nancy w/ Jakob & The Austerity Program

Isis: http://www.myspace.com/sgnl05

Jakob: http://www.myspace.com/jakobmusic

Moonspell

Moonspell have confirmed a whole bunch of dates of shows they are going to be playing this year. The new album titled Night Eternal is to be released in Europe on the 19th of May and in the USA on the 10th of June.

Here's a list of all confrimed dated for 2008:
19 Apr Extrememusika - Caceres, Spain
17 May Mihai Eminescu Amphitheater - Bucharest, Romania
30 May Tochka - Moscow, Russia
31 May Port. - ST.Petersburg,Russia
5 Jun Rock in Rio - Lisbon, Portugal
27 Jun GRASPOP METAL MEETING - Dessel
28 Jun HUNTERFEST - Szczytno
4 Jul Apollo Stage 2 - Arvika, Sweden
6 Jul With Full Force - Leipzig, Germany
10 Jul Masters of Rock - Vizovice, Chec Rep.
26 Jul Zwarte Cross - Lichtenvoorde, Holand
5 Aug Metal Heads AO - Morskoe,Sudak,Crimea
1 Dec Forum - London
2 Dec Bataclan - Paris
3 Dec 013 - Tilburg
4 Dec Garage - Saarbrucken
6 Dec Z7 - Pratteln
7 Dec Palanord - Bologna
8 Dec Planet Music - Vienna
9 Dec Pecsa - Budapest
11 Dec Reithalle - Dresden
12 Dec CCN Weimarhalle - Weimar
13 Dec Backstage - Munchen
14 Dec Huxleys - Berlin
16 Dec Vega - Kobenhavn
17 Dec Live Music Hall - Cologne
18 Dec Hugenottenhalle - Neu Isenburg
19 Dec Hof ter loo - Antwerpen
20 Dec Halle Gartlage - Osnabruck

Moonspell have also uploaded a few songs from the new album onto their Official Myspace Profie. These songs sound good, so be sure to give them a preview!

http://www.myspace.com/moonspell

The Berzerker

Aussie death/grind outfit The Berzerker have released a teaser video of their progress in recording their 5th studio album. The album doesn't seem to have a title yet, but will be released around September/October 2008 on the band's own label 'Berzerker Industries'.

THE video:


The band has also confirmed some New Zealand dates for late this month, which can be found on their Official Myspace, or on the flier below.


http://www.myspace.com/theberzerker

Friday 11 April 2008

Death "Symbolic" reissue - Audio samples posted online

Audio samples of all the tracks that appear on the brand new reissue of DEATH’s classic 1995 album "Symbolic" are available at www.fye.com.

Released on April 1 via Roadrunner Records, the remastered LP includes the original album tracks plus several previously unreleased, ultra-rare, mostly instrumental demo recordings that were completed in early 1994 with the lineup of Chuck Schuldiner (guitar), Gene Hoglan (drums) and Steve DiGiorgio (bass). The package also comes with brand new liner notes written by longtime metal journalist Don Kaye.

"Symbolic" reissue track listing:

01. Symbolic
02. Zero Tolerance
03. Empty Words
04. Sacred Serenity
05. 1,000 Eyes
06. Without Judgement
07. Crystal Mountain
08. Misanthrope
09. Perennial Quest

Demo/Pre-Production Recordings:

10. Symbolic Acts (original "Symbolic" title) (instrumental)
11. Zero Tolerance (instrumental)
12. Crystal Mountain (instrumental)
13. Misanthrope (instrumental)
14. Symbolic Acts (original "Symbolic" title) (with vocals)*

Tracks 10-13 recorded March 1994:
Chuck Schuldiner - Guitar
Gene Hoglan - Drum Programming
Steve DiGiorgio - Bass*

Track 14 recorded January 1994:
Chuck Schuldiner - Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drum Programming

"Symbolic" has sold around 50,000 copies in the United States in the 12 years since its release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.


Source - Blabbermouth.net

Wednesday 9 April 2008

Candlemass News!



Some exciting news for all you US based Candlemass fans. Here's a blog from the bands official myspace page:

Swedish doom metal merchants, CANDLEMASS, are preparing to embark on what is sure to be one of the biggest events in metal in 2008... their first US tour in 17 years! This is will also mark the bands first time performing in the States with vocalist and Texas native Robert Lowe, also of SOLITUDE AETURNUS fame. Bassist and founding member Leif Edling could barley contain his excitment when asked about finally returning to North America:

"Last time we were over was in 1991 and that’s way too long! We wanna make this tour a very special event for all our fans in the States and all new American fans of doom and metal too. It will be great to meet up and hang out, and play all the classic C-mass songs for you guys plus some new ones of course. We’ve been waiting 17 years for this so make sure you don’t miss this opportunity to catch the Kings of Doom in your hometown! See ya soon in a city near you!"


Confirmed Dates w/Daylight Dies:

05/19 Jaxx – W. Springfield, VA

05/20 BB King Blues Club – New York City, NY

05/22 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ

05/23 Peabody’s – Cleveland, OH

05/24 The Pearl Room – Mokena, IL

05/25 Station 4 – St. Paul, MN

05/28 Studio Seven – Seattle, WA

05/29 Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR

05/30 Slim’s – San Francisco, CA

05/31 The Jumping Turtle – San Marcos, CA

06/01 Whisky A Go Go – Hollywood, CA

06/03 Brickhouse – Phoenix, AZ

06/04 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM

06/05 Scout Bar – San Antonio, TX

06/06 Scout Bar – Houston, TX

06/07 Ridglea Theater – Fort Worth, TX

06/08 The Muse – Nashville, TN

Tickets are on sale exclusively through EnterTheVault.com until December 20 at which point they become available through all ticketing systems.


CANDLEMASS’ new album, "King of the Grey Islands", was released June 22 of 2007 via Nuclear Blast Records. The album is the first to feature vocalist Robert Lowe (SOLITUDE AETURNUS), a welcome replacement to former frontman Messiah Marcolin.

Saturday 5 April 2008

Jonathan Davis (Korn frontman) Cancels Solo Tour Dates

Jonathan Davis, the lead vocalist of nu metallers, Korn, has cancelled a number of dates up the upcoming solo European tour. From what I can gather, these dates have been cancelled due to "personal reasons".

Cancelled dates include Carling Academy Oxford, Sheffield Leadmill, Carling Academy Liverpool, Perth Concert Hall. It appears that it isn't just the UK tour, but spreads to Belgium, Sweden and France.

I will update this news as soon as I find out more information!

Friday 4 April 2008

Slaughter In The Lewisham

It's coming up pretty soon, just inder a month away and it looks massive! Bands include Heratik, Killrazer, Dred, Daemon Foetal Harvest and Antonomasia, amongst others. 2pm til late, only $12 to get in.
Support local!!

Flyer:

Thursday 3 April 2008

Stefan Elmgren leaves HAMMERFALL

HAMMERFALL guitarist Stefan Elmgren has issued the following statement:

I have decided to leave HAMMERFALL. The reason is that I have been offered a job as a pilot within an airline. My interest in aviation has been growing very strong, and now I feel its time for me to take a step and be a pilot on a professional level.

We have been discussing the possibility of combining the work with HAMMERFALL and both me and the rest of the band realized that it would be very hard indeed. It has been a great journey with lots of great memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I would like to give a big thanks to all the wonderful fans; it's has truly been a pleasure to meet and perform for you all during these 11 years.


I still love to play the guitar so you might hear from me again someday somehow.


I would like to wish who ever is taking my place and the rest of the band good luck in the future.


HAMMERFALL has yet to announce a replacement guitarist.


Tuesday 1 April 2008

Unleashed News


The death metal viking from Sweden have revealed their release dates for their new album Hammer Battalion. It will be released on the 6th of June for Germany, 9th of June for UK & Europe and finally 10th of June for USA/Canada and presumably the rest of the world.
The album will consist of 13 songs.

You can also catch Unleashed at the following dates:
30 May 2008 Zagreb Metalfest, Zagreb, Croatia
31 May 2008 Legacy Festival, Belgrade, Serbia
13 Jun 2008 Death Feast Open Air, Hünxe, Germany (Headline)
25 Jul 2008 Eisenwahnfestival, Obersinn, Germany (Headline)

Along with the release of the new (very highly anticipated by me) Opeth album around the same time, lets just say it's going to be some great listening!!

Pantera Reunion in the Works?

Talks are underway of a possible Pantera "reunion" in the near future, though details are not clear at this point, according to Blender magazine.

In a recent interview with the magazine, Vinnie Paul (currently of the heavy metal supergroup HellYeah) discusses his brother Dimebag Darrel and Pantera. The drummer said: "Well, we had a lot of both recorded and unrecorded material left over from Reinventing the Steel, you know, that didn’t make the album because of time issues. Dime really laid down some great leads on a lot of the tracks. I think we owe it to all of our loyal fans, who have supported and stood by us through the years, to have something more to really enjoy. It’s what Dime would’ve wanted."

Going into further details, Vinnie said: "I’ve already spoken to Rex (Rex Brown, bassist), and he was immediately onboard. I called Phil (Phil Anselmo, vocalist, Down, Superjoint Ritual, ex-Necropahgia) but couldn’t reach him. He hasn’t returned any of the calls so far." Vinnie also talked about the pre-"Cowboys From Hell" Pantera albums, Anselmo-era Pantera albums, Dime getting asked to join Megadeth, how Pantera got signed to Atco, Meeting Alex and Eddie Van Halen, and his own musical future.

As for who will be replacing Dime, it’s unofficially confirmed that Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, ex-Ozzy Osbourne) will be filling in on missing parts. "I know they’re big shoes to fill, but it’s an honor for me to be given the opportunity. He (Dime) is an inspiration to all of us average guitarists all over the world. I can only dream of being as over-rated as him someday, although I’d say I’m pretty close already."

Guitar World was able to reach Phil Anselmo at his home in New Orleans, LA, where he gave the following short comment: "Yes, I’ve heard that Vinnie is planning a Pantera reunion, but I’ll tell you that I don’t want anything to do with it. I simply can’t figure out any more ways to rip off Exhorder, I’ve exhausted all their material. I’ll stick to my crappy Southern doom. Thank you." Anselmo additionally rose his fist and yelled "White power!" as he drove away in his Mini Cooper.

What do you guys think of this? I personally don't like this idea one bit. It just won't be Pantera without Dime.

Source: Blabbermouth.net