TV Premiere of the 2011 Revolver Golden Gods Awards

Your television sets will experience a tremendous amount of Rocking and Rolling tomorrow Saturday, May 28, as VH1 Classic premieres the Revolver Golden Gods Awards at 10 PM Eastern. We suggest that you pick up a 12 pack of your favorite beverage, and that you crank up the volume as loud as possible! Then glue your eyes to your TV's, as Dave Grohl enters the stage at Club Nokia in Los Angeles and leaves you with the awesome Heavy Music (NOT!) of Justin Bieber! We are so lucky that Chris Jericho reacted immediately and...

Here is the OFFICIAL trailer:


Oh, wait a minute, you didn't think we were going to ruin the show for you, did you? What we can do is give you a rundown of who you can expect to see on national television tomorrow night and since its Heavy Music on TV, we'll do in analphabetical order just to get you in a chaotic mode:

- William Shattner: Received an award
- Wendy Dio: Presenter
- Volbeat: Performers
- Vinnie Paul (Pantera, Damageplan & Hellyeah): Performer
- Steve Jones (Sex Pistols): Performer
- Sebastian Bach: Performer
- Scott Ian (Anthrax): Presenter and performer
- Rob Zombie: Presenter
- Rammstein: Presenters
- Mötley Crüe: Received an award
- Max Cavalera (Soulfly & Cavalera Conspiracy): Presenter
- Lars Ulrich & Robert Trujillo (Metallica): Presenters
- Jerry Cantrell & Mike Inez (Alice In Chains): Presenters
- Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath): Presenter
- Corey Taylor (Slipknot & Stone Sour): Presenter and performer
- Chris Jericho (Fozzy): Host and performer
- Duff McKaggan: Performer
- Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters): Cameo appearance
- Brian Posehn (Comedian): Presenter
- Avenged Sevenfold: Performers and received an award
- Asking Alexandria: Performers
- Alice Cooper: Performer and received an award

Wait a minute, so out of all this badass amazing musicians which ones survived the final edit of VH1 Classic's version of the 2011 Revolver Golden Gods Awards?

- "School's Out" (Original Alice Cooper band)
- "I Only Want to Be With You" (Originally by Dusty Springfield, performed by Volbeat with Scott Ian)
- "Mouth for War" (Originally by Pantera, performed by Avenged Sevenfold with Vinnie Paul)
- "Electric Eye" (Originally by Judas Priest, performed by Loaded with Corey Taylor and Steve Jones)
- "Youth Gone Wild" (Originally by Skid Row, performed by Asking Alexandria with Sebastian Bach)

What we will never understand is why they didn't include the Black Flag tribute. Perhaps, the people at VH1 Classic don't understand how influential the Hardcore Punk Rock giants are to many Heavy Metal bands? Or did someone forget to press record? Makes no sense at all!

Now that we have that out of our chests, here are the GOLDEN GODS of 2011:

\m/ - Hunted: The Demon’s Forge® Golden God Award: Alice Cooper (presented by Rob Zombie)

\m/ - Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award: Mötley Crüe (presented by Corey Taylor of Slipknot/Stone Sour)

\m/ - Honorary Headbanger Award: William Shatner (presented by Scott Ian of Anthrax and The Damned Things and comedian Brian Posehn)

\m/ - Epiphone® Best Guitarists Award: Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance of Avenged Sevenfold (presented by Robb Flynn of Machine Head and Wayne Static of Static X)

\m/ - Drum Workshop® Best Drummer Award: Mike Portnoy for his work with Avenged Sevenfold (presented by Vinnie Paul of Pantera/HellYeah)

\m/ - Best New Band Award: Black Veil Brides (presented by Duff McKagan of Loaded/Velvet Revolver/Guns N’ Roses)

\m/ - Most Metal Athlete Award: Skateboarder Mike Vallely (presented by Chino Moreno of Deftones)

\m/ - Rockstar Energy® Best Vocalist Award: M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold (presented by Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless and Sebastian Bach)

\m/ - Samson/Zoom® Best Live Band Award: Rammstein (presented by Charlie Benante of Anthrax and Mike Portnoy)

\m/ - Eagle Rock® Comeback of the Year Award: Murderdolls (presented by David Coverdale of Whitesnake)

\m/ - Affliction® Album of the Year Award: Avenged Sevenfold (presented by Jerry Cantrell and Mike Inez of Alice in Chains)

"I don't know what metal is anymore. I don't think we're it. Classic metal to me is Judas Priest and the first Iron Maiden record. Loaded plays a lot of European festivals, and we see a lot of [Extreme Metal]. Compared to that we're a little pop band." - Duff McKaggan

Here are some of our "Black Carpet" interviews:













Related links:
VH1
Revolver Magazine

The Death Angel "Thrashumentary"

Death Angel has had quiet a journey throughout their musical career, and what is amazing about them is that not even a break up after a near-fatal car accident, extinguished their fire and passion!

After the release of their groundbreaking 6th studio album titled "Relentless Retibution" (Nuclear Blast). Death Angel proved that Thrash Metal is alive and well here in the United States. On their upcoming "Thrashumentary", the band documents their unpredictable career and also shares with their fans plenty of kickass live footage. The Thrashumentary" was directed by Tommy Jones from "The Studio" in New Jersey and mixed by Chris Clancy from Mutiny Within. Check out the OFFICIAL trailer now! \m/

Death Angel's discography:

- The Ultra-Violence, 1987 (Engima Records)
- Frolic through the Park, 1988 (Engima Records)
- Act III, 1990 (Geffen Records)
- The Art of Dying, 2004 (Nuclear Blast Records)
- Killing Season, 2008 (Nuclear Blast Records)
- Relentless Retribution, 2010 (Nuclear Blast Records)

Music videos:
- "Voracious Souls" (1987)
- "Bored" (1988)
- "Seemingly Endless Time" (1990)
- "A Room with a View" (1990)
- "Dethroned" (2008) - Director: Robert Sexton
- "Truce" (2010)
- "River of Rapture" (2011) - Director: Tommy Jones



Related links:
Death Angel
The Studio NJ

Amon Amarth: Always One Step Ahead

When Amon Amarth arrived to the Heavy Metal spectrum, they immediately stomped the ground with lots of might and in a thick Scandinavian accent said: "we are here to kick your ass with some brutal chaotic Metal"! The band was formed in 1988 in Tumba, Sweden, but didn't catch their "break" until 1998 when their full length album titled "Once Sent from the Golden Hall" was released via Metal Blade Records. Ever since then, the band has been one of the most hard working bands in the world and without having a "commercial" sound, they have managed to gather a significant worldwide audience.

After barely missing the first train that carried the first wave of Swedish Death Metal with bands like Entombed and Dismember, the Swedish Metal Vikings jumped on board the second train and made it derail with their energetic, chaotic, well crafted music. Ever since then Heavy Metal has been a more dangerous and unpredictable genre.

What we've always liked about Amon Amarth is their ability to expand their musical style, without losing sight of their ultimate goal. They also possess a "signature sound", which is harder and harder to find these days. Their hard work and perseverance has recently been rewarded: the band recently hit the number 1 spot on the Billboard charts, and after the success of their "An Evening with Amon Amarth" tour all across North America, they have already announced a second leg of the tour (click for tour dates). We wouldn't be surprised if the band takes a Swedish Grammy next February in Stockholm.

Amon Amarth is:
Johan Hegg
Johan Söderberg
Olavi Mikkonen
Ted Lundström
Fredrik Andersson

Amon Amarth's Discography:

- Sorrow Throughout the Nine Worlds (1996)
- Once Sent from the Golden Hall (1998)
- The Avenger (1999)
- The Crusher (2001)
- Versus the World (2002)
- Fate of Norns (2004)
- With Oden on Our Side (2006)
- Twilight of the Thunder God (2008)
- Surtur Rising (2011)

Prior to their recent show at New York City's Best Buy Theater, we had the chance to interview Amon Amarth's bassist Ted Lundström about the past, the present, and the future of Amon Amarth! Hold on to your sits, because this is going to get dangerous! \m/



Special thanks to Amon Amarth, Metal Blade Records and Earsplit PR!

Photo credit: Betyouidid and Tania Gomez

Related links:
Official landing page for Surtur Rising
Amon Amarth's Official site
Metal Blade TV
Amon Amarth on Facebook
Follow Amon Amarth on Twitter
Amon Amarth on MySpace

Judas Priest on the Series finale of American Idol

Heavy Metal legends Judas Priest performed last night on the Series finale of American Idol. The Metal gods performed Judas Priest classics "Living After Midnight" and "Breaking the Law", alongside James Durbin (who finished fourth in the competition). While some out there might think that this is a disgrace for Heavy Music, the reality is that we should all be proud to see some of the ambassadors of the music we love, represent all of us in front of millions of people all across the world.

Some other Heavy Music icons that have been on national TV are:

- Zakk Wylde: American Idol
- Chris Jericho: Dancins with the Stars
- Ozzy Osbourne: The Osbournes
- Gene Simmons: Family Jewels
- Ted Nugent, Sebastian Bach, Jason Bonham and Scott Ian: Supergroup
- Evan Seinfeld: OZ and Supergroup
- Dee Snider and Jamey Jasta: Headbangers Ball

We think its time for all Heavy Music fans to start embracing such triumphs. Think about it, we are exposing our outcast music to millions of eyeballs, and by no means does this mean that the genre will become "mainstream". The other factor here is that American Idol is a great way for artists to promote their upcoming releases and tours, specially in times when most people are not investing money into the music industry by purchasing music, artist merchandise, or by going to concerts. Judas Priest announced their farewell tour last December (click here for dates), so it makes sense for them to be out there promoting themselves.

Here is Judas Priest on American Idol:



Related links:
Judas Priest's Official Site

The Judas Syndrome cover Lady Gaga's "Judas"

New York City thrashers The Judas Syndrome decided to risk their reputation for being a hard hitting band, and to cover the song "Judas" by Pop Queen Lady Gaga. While Heavy Music is all about being open minded to new things, we don't think a band that is looking to get signed should be risking their reputation by covering a Pop song, specially when a handful of other artists have already covered Lady Gaga. Why not be original and cover a Heavy Music classic and add a unique flavor to it? Or taking a wise risk like Resolution 15 did when they covered U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and proved that they are phenomenal musicians. Same goes for Slam One Down, who blew everyone's mind at the Horns Up Rocks 1 year anniversary party with their flawless covers of Pantera's "Becoming", ACDC's "Dirty Deeds" and Machine Head's "Davidian".

Some of you may think that we are being too harsh, but the music industry today is not looking for bands that are taking risks without measuring the consequences. Nowadays a record label will only invest in a band that is smart about how they handle their business on and off stage. Our advice to any up and coming band is to think carefully about what you want to represent and what your ultimate goal is. Don't put years of hard work down, by making the wrong moves.

Here is The Judas Syndrome covering the song "Judas" by Lady Gaga:
the judas syndrome - judas by The Judas Syndrome

Now here is also The Judas Syndrome with their original song titled "Death of the Soul":


Related links:
The Judas Syndrome on MySpace
Official site of the Judas Syndrome
The Judas Syndrome

Judas Priest announce North American Tour

The mighty Judas Priest announced last December that they would call it a day after the completion of their "Epitaph World Tour", which should run until 2012. In an interview earlier this year, Heavy Metal icon Rob Halford confirmed this news:

"I think it's time, you know. We're not the first band to say farewell, it's just the way everyone comes to at some point and we're gonna say a few more things early next year, so I think the main thing that we just want to ask everybody to consider is don't be sad about this, start celebrating and rejoicing over all the great things we've done in Judas Priest."

Judas Priest will be joined this Fall by Thin Lizzy and Black Label Society for a short North American tour. The tour which was announced during a press conferences at the Renaissance Hotel in Los Angeles, will get jump started on October 12 in San Antonio, Texas and will conclude on November 18 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Here are the confirmed tour-dates:

- Oct. 12 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center
- Oct. 14 – Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street Ampitheater
- Oct. 15 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
- Oct. 16 – Dallas, TX – Allen Event Center
- Oct. 18 – Tucson, AZ – Ava Ampitheater
- Oct. 19 – San Diego, CA – Cricket Wireless Ampitheater
- Oct. 21 – Phoenix, AZ – AZ State Fair
- Oct. 22 – San Bernardino, CA – San Manuel Ampitheater
- Oct. 23 – Las Vegas, NV – Hard Rock
- Oct. 25 – Los Angeles, CA – Gibson Ampitheater
- Oct. 26 – Oakland, CA – Oracle Arena
- Oct. 29 – Seattle, WA – WaMu Theater
- Oct. 30 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
- Nov. 01 – Edmonton, AB – Shaw Conference Center
- Nov. 02 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome
- Nov. 04 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center
- Nov. 05 – Denver, CO – 1st Bank Center
- Nov. 12 – Chicago, IL – The Venue At Horeshoe Casino
- Nov. 13 – Detroit, MI – Joe Louis Arena
- Nov. 18 – East Rutherford, NJ – Izod Center





Related links:
Judas Priest's Official Site

A Pale Horse Named Death Listening Party at Idle Hands Bar

On Thursday, May 25, our friends at Idle Hands Bar bring you the Official A Pale Horse Named Death listening party for their brand new album titled "And Hell Will Follow Me". Not only will the music be cranked and the drink specials will be poured to the masses, but the bands founder and front-man Mr. Sal Abruscato (Life of Agony) will be there to meet his fans. Here is the Official press release:

"A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH's debut album "And Hell Will Follow Me" is set to be released June 14th on SPV/Steamhammer. To celebrate the release of the album, the band will be hosting an exclusive listening party at Idle Hands Bar in New York, NY. Idle Hands is located at 25 Avenue B. The party is open to the public and members of APHND will of course be in attendance. Don't miss what is sure to be a killer event with drink specials and your chance to hear the new album before it hits stores."

Here is the artist bio:

"A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH is the brainchild of Brooklyn, NY native Sal Abruscato, and sounds like Alice in Chains mysteriously sneaking up behind Type O Negative with a butcher knife while being filmed for a future episode of "Law & Order". Critical acclaim has been quick upon the announcement of the album's June release.

Sal's partner in crime on "And Hell Will Follow Me" is Matt Brown, sound engineer extraordinaire and guitarist of fellow NY band SEVENTH VOID. "The chemistry between me and Matt is unique and flawless very rare in today's music. We are the murdering evil version of Lennon and McCartney." says Abruscato.

Brown adds, "Sal asked me if I would help to take these songs to the next level. I took on this project for my friend, to find some closure in rough times. The music is just an extension of our friendship and our passion for creativity."

The album artwork was done by Sam Shearon aka Mr. Sam, who has previously done work for Rob Zombie, Fear Factory and Cradle of Filth to name a few, and features a 20 page booklet with artwork for each individual song. Additionally, the Double LP version will feature a never before heard bonus track called "Pick Up Truck".

To top that all off, Life of Agony's Keith Caputo lent background vocals to four tracks and Lou Reed's saxophonist Ulrich Krieger guests on "Die Alone". Bobby Hambel from Biohazard - who also plays with the band live - played the guitar leads on three tunes.

APHND is also a force to be reckoned with live, with shows and festivals already planned in both the U.S. and Europe. Alongside Sal, Matt and Bobby, the live line-up places Type O and Seventh Void drummer Johnny Kelly behind the kit, and Eric Morgan on bass.

"This is my pinnacle creation, the best album I have ever done." commented Sal. And after listening, most people are tending to agree."

Click to listen to their NEW song To Die in Your Arms (Courtesy of Revolver Magazine)

Click to listen to their NEW song Serial Killer (Courtesy of Metal Sucks)

Click to listen to their NEW song Devil in the Closet (Courtesy of GunShy Assassin)

Click to listen to their NEW song Heroin Train

LIVE - Line Up:
- Sal Abruscato (Life Of Agony), Guitar & Vocals
- Johnny Kelly (Type O Negative, Seventh Void), Drums
- Bobby Hambel (Biohazard), Guitar
- Matt Brown (Supermassiv, Seventh Void), Guitar
- Eric Morgan, Bass

Guests:
- Keith Caputo (Life Of Agony) - background vocals
- Ulrich Krieger (Lou Reed) - saxophone on "Die Alone"
- Bobby Hambell (Biohazard) - additional guitars

Related links:
A Pale Horse Named Death
SPV Music
Official Facebook Invite

Tribute from Joey Jordison to Paul Gray # 2

Paul Dedrick Gray (A.K.A. # 2) passed away 1 year ago, and left behind an eternal legacy. The charismatic bass player was a key member of the Heavy Metal band Slipknot. Paul was 38 at the time of his death, and was found dead by a hotel worker at 10:50 AM in his in hotel room in Urbandale, Iowa. On June 21, 2010, autopsy results revealed that Gray had died of an accidental overdose of morphine and fentanyl, he also showed signs of "significant heart disease". Gray's best friend Joey Jordison (Slipknot, Murder Dolls), released this statement yesterday via his Facebook page.

Hey Paul,

It was so great hanging out with you yesterday and today. Talking and reminiscing about old times and seeing you respond with some of the strongest gusts of wind I’ve ever felt.

Paul, you always told it like it was. You’re the same guy that wouldn’t let me stay home on New Year’s Eve back in 1992, and once drove over in four feet of snow during a storm, just to hang out! There was no one like you. That’s why you were my best friend.


All the music that we’ve done together, all the times that we’ve shared, will live on forever. I miss you each and every day.

All right Balls, I’ll see you on stage! Let’s destroy.

There will never be another # 2. I love you.


Fuck it all! Fuck this world!

Fuck everything that you stand for!

Don't belong! Don't exist!

Don't give a shit! Don't ever judge me!


And to all my friends, the Maggots:

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you eternally for your support on this difficult day. You’re keeping us and Paul’s memory, alive.

There were supposed to be five days of tornadoes and rain here in Iowa, but the sun came out stronger than it has all year. It’s good to know Paul’s keeping an eye on things.

This is a horrible thing that happened, but each of you has made this just a little bit easier to deal with. Your support means everything to us.

Thank you,

Nathan Jonas Jordison

Paul Gray had an amazing career, here is his discography and filmography:

- With Slipknot

* 1996: Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.
* 1999: Slipknot
* 2001: Iowa
* 2004: Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)
* 2005: 9.0: Live
* 2008: All Hope Is Gone

- Other appearances

* 2005: The All-Star Sessions (Roadrunner United)
* 2007: Worse Than a Fairy Tale (Drop Dead, Gorgeous)
* 2008: "Last Stop: Crappy Town" (Reggie And The Full Effect)
* 2009: "Annual Assault" (Roadrunner Records)



- Filmography

* 1999: Welcome to Our Neighborhood
* 2002: Disasterpieces
* 2002: Rollerball
* 2006: Voliminal: Inside the Nine
* 2008: Nine: The Making of "All Hope Is Gone"
* 2008: Behind The Player: Paul Gray
* 2009: Of the (sic): Your Nightmares, Our Dreams
* 2010: (sic)nesses (posthumous)

Today and every day make sure you keep Paul's memory alive! Crank up some SLIPKNOT and put your HORNS UP for #2!

Related links:
SLIPKNOT's OFFICIAL SITE

VH1 Classic presents: The 2011 Revolver Golden Gods Awards

This Saturday, May 28, 2011, VH1 Classic will premiere their exclusive coverage of the 2011 Revolver Golden Gods Awards at 10:00 PM ET/PT. If you were not able to be there in person, this is your chance to experience the historic event that brought together various Heavy Music icons to the Nokia Club in downtown Los Angeles. Here is the Official press release:

"The 2011 REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS VH1 Classic special is hosted by Chris Jericho (Dancing With the Stars, WWE, Fozzy) and features performances from: Alice Cooper performing his classic anthem “School’s Out” with the living members of his original band, Avenged Sevenfold performing Pantera’s “Mouth for War” with Vinnie Paul (Pantera), Sebastian Bach performing Skid Row’s “Youth Gone Wild” with Asking Alexandria, Duff McKagan (Loaded, Guns N’ Roses), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols) and Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour) performing Judas Priest’s “Electric Eye,” and Scott Ian (Anthrax) and Volbeat performing Dusty Springfield’s “I Only Want To Be With You.”


The hour-long REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS special features winners and presenters including:

\m/ Hunted: The Demon’s Forge® Golden God Award: Alice Cooper, presented by Rob Zombie.
\m/ Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award: Mötley Crüe, presented by Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour.
\m/ Honorary Headbanger Award: William Shatner, presented by Scott Ian of Anthrax and The Damned Things and comedian Brian Posehn.
\m/Affliction® Album of the Year Award: Avenged Sevenfold, presented by Jerry Cantrell and Mike Inez of Alice in Chains.


Other notable appearances at the 2011 broadcast include Metallica’s Lars Ulrich and Robert Trujillo, Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction), comedian Brian Posehn, Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler and many more."



Here is the OFFICIAL trailer:


NEW issue by Revolver Magazine:



Here are some of our "Black Carpet" interviews:













Photo credit: Justin Borucki

Related links:
Revolver Magazine

Jasta debuts NEW song featuring Zakk Wylde

As we had previously mentioned, Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed, Kingdom Of Sorrow) has a solo album coming out on July 26 via EONE Music and just by hearing this new track he recorded with the almighty Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society), we're pretty sure that this album will be another hit for the hardest working man in Heavy Music.

The birth of "Jasta" is a result of Jamey having so much music to share, that he decided to produce another project. Some may ask why the hell is he starting another project? Well, Jasta felt that with so many songs that he has created throughout the years that didn't make it into either Hatebreed or Kingdom of Sorrow, that it would dope for the fans to get some new material this summer. Jasta's new project will be released this summer via EONE Music and it will feature a bunch of special guests.

A diverse variety of guest appearances can be found on this record. Tim Lambesis (AS I LAY DYING), pro skater Mike Vallely, Philip Labonte (ALL THAT REMAINS), Randy Blythe and Mark Morton (LAMB OF GOD) and guitar god ZAKK WYLDE just to name a few.

Without further due here is "The Fearless Must Endure", featuring Jamey Jasta and Zakk Wylde:


Here is an interview we did with Jamey Jasta at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards, in which we discuss his new solo album:


Related links:
Jasta Official
Hatebreed Official
Kingdom Of Sorrow Official
Black Label Society
EONE Music

Black N Blue Bowl at Webster Hall

On Saturday, May 28, 2011, the Hardcore history books will have to be written after the Black N Blue Bowl (formerly the Superbowl of Hardcore) takes over Webster Hall once again with a ridiculous lineup!

These year's headliners are Gorilla Biscuits and Agnostic Front. Joining them will be Terror, Absolution, Antidote, Maximum Penalty, Backtrack, Down To Nothing, Take Offense, No Turning Back, Bottom Out and special guest SICK OF IT ALL.

They still have tickets left so get there early!

"It's probably the most amazing mix of the old school Hardcore guys and the young guys! There's so much fucking talent out there right now, its unbelievable! The 2011 Black N Blue Bowl is going to knock everybody out! You're never going to see a lineup like this ever again in your life! We promise!" - Black N Blue Productions



Related links:
Black N Blue Productions
TICKETS
Gorilla Biscuits
Agnostic Front
Sick Of It All
Terror
Absolution
Antidote
Maximum Penalty
Backtrack
Down To Nothing
Take Offense
No Turning Back
Bottom Out