Saturday, May 12, 2012

Celebrate Mother's Day With Metal Mother Lita Ford - NEW Song "Mother" Available!


In honor of Mothers Day, Decibel Magazine is celebrating with a special interview and song premiere from "Metal Mother" Lita Ford. Recently LITA took some time to talk about her children and her forthcoming release 'Living Like A Runaway'. Check out the interview and an exclusive premiere from Living Like a Runaway, the heartfelt ballad dedicated to her sons entitled "Mother" HERE.



LITA FORD has teamed up with producer Gary Hoey and lyricist Michael Dan Ehmig to work on 'Living Like a Runaway'. Together the team invested a lot of time and effort into this kick ass project: "We worked on the lyrics intensively to really give the songs a lot of meaning and that special emotional depth. I think that these are some of the best lyrics ever, period. FORD is referring to numbers such as 'Devil In My Head,' 'Hate,' and 'The Asylum' which see her bare her soul in a way which she has never done before.

Coinciding with the album's release, LITA is hitting the road this summer with Def Leppard and Poison on the "Rock of Ages Tour". The dates for the first leg of the tour have been announced and are listed below. More dates are expected to be announced soon.

Following the demise of the Runaways, LITA FORD concentrated on her own career and now looks back on many memorable hits including: the chart topping duet with Ozzy Osbourne "Close Your Eyes Forever" "What Do You Know About Love", "Shot Of Poison", "Larger Than Life" and "Kiss Me Deadly". With the release of Living Like A Runaway, expect many more songs to be added to the list of hits.

Standard Jewel Case Version:

1. Branded
2. Hate
3. The Mask
4. Living Like A Runaway
5. Relentless
6. Mother
7. Devil In My Head
8. Asylum
9. Love 2 Hate U
10. A Song To Slit Your Wrists By

LITA FORD on Tour With Def Leppard and Poison (First Leg):

- 6/20: Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheater
- 6/22: Irvine, CA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
- 6/23: Las Vegas, NV @ Red Rock Amphitheater
- 6/25: Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center
- 6/27: Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
- 6/29: Atlanta, GA @ Aaron's Amphitheater at Lakewood
- 6/30: Tampa, FL @ Tampa Bay Time Forum
- 7/2: Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
- 7/3: Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
- 7/6: Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena
- 7/7: Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theater
- 7/10: Baltimore, MD @ Merriweather Pavilion
- 7/11: Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
- 7/13: Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Pavilion
- 7/16: Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
- 7/17: Hamilton, ON @ Copps Coliseum
- 7/19: Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena

Related links:
Official Site of Lita Ford
Steamhammer SPV

Devin Townsend's Yearbook Picture Is VERY Metal - Check It Out!

This is awesome! Check out Devin Townsend's yearbook picture:


As previously announced, Devin Townsend will be releasing his DVD box-set, 'By A Thread - Live in London 2011', on June 18th in Europe and June 19th in North America through HevyDevy Records/InsideOut Music. This special box-set contains a 4-DVD set with footage from the unique, sold-out UK shows from last fall where he performed all four DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT albums (Ki, Addicted, Ghost, Deconstruction), along with a 5-CD set with the four DTP albums and one disc of encores. All of the box-sets are autographed and numbered with a collector's certificate of authenticity.

In addition to the 4 DVDs and 5 CDs, all pre-orders of 'By A Thread - Live in London 2011' will include an exclusive 7" with take 2 of the track "Coast" (Devin's hand-drawn etching is on the B-side), which was taken from the Ki performance.

To pre-order By 'A Thread - Live in London 2011', click here now!

More information about 'By A Thread - Live in London 2011' will be revealed soon, so stay tuned!


Related links:
Hevy Devy
The Devin Townsend Project on Facebook
OMerch.com

Deutsche Metal Queen DORO To Appear On THAT METAL SHOW Tonight!


Episode 7 of That Metal Show’s tenth season will air tonight and features none other than the Queen of Metal herself, DORO PESCH.

Tune in to VH1 Classic tonight, Saturday May 12th, at 8 PM PACIFIC/11 PM EASTERN to watch DORO, Billy Duffy, and Ian Astbury of The Cult visit with That Metal Show hosts Eddie Trunk, Don Jamieson, and Jim Florentine.

Catch a sneak-peek of Saturday’s episode below.


Get More: That Metal Show

DORO is busy working on the follow-up to last September’s 25 Years In Rock mammoth 2 DVD/CD set, which has immortalized her 2,500th live concert. 'Her Raise Your Fist In The Air' EP will be released later this year.

Upcoming episodes:

- 5/12/2012:
Ian Astbury, Billy Duffy & Doro
with guest guitarist Frank Hannon

- 5/19/2012:
Bobby Blotzer, Steve Riley & Phil Lewis
with guest guitarist Steve Stevens

- 5/26/2012:
David Draiman, Russell Allen & Mike Orlando
with guest drummer Mike Portnoy

- 6/2/2012:
Vinnie Paul, Tommy Shaw & James Young
with guest guitarist Steve Stevens

Related links:
Official Site of Doro Pesch
Doro Pesch's Official Facebook
Doro Pesch on Twitter
That Metal Show

Friday, May 11, 2012

Hottest Summer Tour Ever? LAMB OF GOD + DETHKLOK + GOJIRA To Join Forces In North America - Tour Dates Available!

This just in, three of the most relevant Heavy Metal bands today will be joining forces on a North American tour this summer! LAMB OF GOD and DETHKLOK will be co-headlining (swapping slots every night?), while GOJIRA provide direct support! Here are the confirmed tour dates:
 
8/1 Seattle, WA @ WaMu Thater
8/2 Vancouver, BC @ Queen Elizabeth Theater
8/4 Calgary, AB @ Big 4
8/5 Edmonton, AB @ Shaw Conference Centre
8/7 Winnipeg, MB @ Convention Centre
8/9 Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
8/10 Columbus, OH @ LC Pavilion
8/11 Toronto, ON @ Heavy TO
8/12 Montreal, QC @ Heavy MTL
8/14 Grand Rapids, MI @ Delta Plex
8/15 St. Louis, MO @ Family Arena
8/19 Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theater
8/21 Chicago, IL @ Congress Ballroom
8/22 Detroit, MI @ Compuware Arena
8/23 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
8/24 Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheater
8/25 Norfolk, VA @ Constant Convocation Center
8/26 Baltimore, MD @ Pier 6 Pavilion
8/29 New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom
8/30 Lowell, MA @ Tsongas Arena
8/31 Wallingford, CT @ Toyota Presents Oakdale Theater
9/1 Philadelphia, PA @ Outside at the Electric Factory
9/2 Asbury Park, NJ @ Asbury Park Convention Hall
9/4 Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
9/5 Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
9/7 Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center
9/8 San Antonio, TX @ Sunken Garden
9/9 Dallas, TX @ Verizon Wireless Theater
9/11 Denver, CO @ The Fillmore
9/13 Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theater
9/14 Los Angeles, CA @ Gibson Amphitheater
9/15 San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic

Related links:
Lamb Of God's Official Site
Dethklok's Official Site
Gojira's Official Site

SEPULTURA Do Brasil - Part 1: Andreas Kisser Discusses Bands Legacy + 'Kairos Tour'!


Recently, SEPULTURA wrapped up the "North American Kairos Tour" at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City. Joining the Kings of Tribal Metal were fellow Brazilian Metallers KRISIUN, as well as the legendary Thrash Metal band DEATH ANGEL. Opening every night of the "Kairos Tour" were new comers HAVOK.

Prior to the show we had the chance to chat with SEPULTURA's legendary guitarist Andreas Kisser. During part one of the conversation, which came to a halt when RAMMSTEIN was suddenly cranked all over the venue, we had the chance to talk to Andreas about the "North American Kairos Tour" and how he and Paolo Jr. have managed to keep the bands legacy intact! Part two is coming soon, so stay tuned!



Live Photos by: Zulie Alvarez (www.zuliephotographierocks.com/)

Related links:
Sepultura's Official Site

DEFTONES In The Midst Of Tracking SMOKING NEW Album - Images Available!

The as of yet entitled NEW DEFTONES album will the follow up to the critically acclaimed 'Diamond Eyes', released on May 4, 2010. 'Diamond Eyes' sold 62,000 copies in the US in its first week and debuted at the Number 6 position on The Billboard 200 chart. 'Diamond Eyes' was the deftones first album, since their bassist Chi Cheng had a horrific car accident on November 4, 2008. The accident left him in a comatose state. Sergio Vega recorded 'Diamond Eyes', toured with the band, and is back in the studio to record the bands seventh studio album.

The DEFTONES are currently busy in the studio tracking their brande NEW album. Here are some images posted by the band!






As previously reported, the DEFTONES and SYSTEM OF A DOWN will be joining forces on what will be a series of live shows, that promise to be loud and dangerous! Here is the confirmed list of tour dates:

August 2, 2012: Susquehanna Bank Center – Philadelphia, PA*
August 4, 2012: PNC Center – Holmdel Township, NJ**
August 5, 2012: Nikon at Jones Beach – Wantagh, NY**
August 7, 2012: Verizon Center - Washington, DC*
August 9, 2012: Comcast Center – Boston, MA*
August 11, 2012: Heavy MTL Festival -  Montreal, QC***
August 12, 2012: Heavy TO Festival – Toronto, ON***
August 14, 2012: DTE Energy Amphitheater – Detroit, MI*
August 15, 2012: Allstate Arena – Chicago, IL**

Related links:
Deftones on iTunes
Deftones Official Site
Deftones on MySpace
Follow Deftones on Twitter
One Love For Chi

MANOWAR Reveals NEW Album Title & Announces Release Date!


MANOWAR has been hard at work on what is to be their twelfth studio album! According to Aftonbladet (Swedish newspaper), the title of their NEW record is 'The Lord Of Steel' (set to be released on June 16 on iTunes and the bands web store). On this very same day, Metal Hammer magazine will unleash a special issue called the "Steel Edition" and it will include a hard copy of 'The Lord Of Steel', as well as a digital copy.

'The Lord Of Steel' was mixed and mastered at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands with the help of mixing engineer Ronald Prent and Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Darcy Proper. Some of the track titles are "Annihilation" and "Hail, Kill And Die!"

If there is difference between MANOWAR's 2007 release 'Gods Of War' and this new album, is that 'The Lord Of Steel' is not a concept album, yet each song tells a different story, retaining the MANOWAR vision of righteousness, honor and everything MANOWAR fans have come to know and love. Here is what Joey DeMaio had to say about the bands newest effort:

"We were talking about a concept album but then got inspired to go in a different direction. This is where we are right now," explained DeMaio. "I've been doing research on getting the best microphones and pre-amps for the guitars. The bass sound is death defying. We've done a lot of work on drums too, giving Donnie [Hamzik, drums] room to stretch out. And Eric [Adams, vocals] will simply sound bigger than life, as always."

Here are a few samples of what you can expect:





Related links:
Manowar's Official Site
Manowar on Facebook
Manowar on Twitter

Watch RINGWORM's Music Video For "Used Up, Spit Out"!

Cleveland Hardcore Metal act RINGWORM, has debuted a music video for “Used” Up, Spit Out”, off their latest album, 'Scars', released on July 19, 2011. Directed by Don Tyler, RINGWORM delivers a powerful, hard hitting and in your face music video.

Human Furnace said, “We had this great opportunity to use this huge, open, dirty space and pretty much had a skeleton crew to do the video with 2 cameras and a giant crane. Good times! Every video we do I end up completely filthy afterwards. Guess that's my thing, plus the rest of the band got to hurl big rocks and clumps of dirt at the back of my head for a few minutes, so I'm sure they enjoyed that. We are really happy with the way things turned out. Don Tyler and the rest of the guys did a great job on short notice and with a shoestring budget. This is just a warm-up video, we got something really awesome planned for the next one no doubt.”

Click here to watch RINGWORM's NEW video for "Used Up, Spit Out"!

RINGWORM will be hitting the road on May 29, 2012 with support from EVERYTHING WENT BLACK. You can bet this tour will be wreaking havoc on fans ears with delight. Check out tour dates below.

- May 29, 2012: Chicago, IL at Beat Kitchen        
- May 30, 2012: Des Moines, IA at Vaudeville Mews        
- May 31, 2012: Kansas City, MO at The Sidecar        
- Jun 2, 2012: Fort Worth, TX at Tomcats West        
- Jun 3, 2012: Austin, TX at Red 7        
- Jun 4, 2012: Houston, TX at Walter's On Washington        
- Jun 5, 2012: New Orleans, LA at Siberia        
- Jun 6, 2012: Atlanta, GA at Drunken Unicorn        
- Jun 7, 2012: Evansville, IN at The Hatch

Related links:
RINGWORM on Facebook
RINGWORM on Victory Records

Thursday, May 10, 2012

FREE Music From Dave Lombardo's NEW Band PHILM In Anticipation Of Record Release Show!


PHILM's debut album, 'Harmonic', is set for a May 15 release via Ipecac Recordings. The 15-track release was recorded in 2011 with members Dave Lombardo (Slayer), Pancho Tomaselli (WAR) and Gerry Nestler (Civil Defiance) collectively writing the release and utilizing vintage recording equipment during the recording sessions, giving the music a unique flavor AOL Noisecreep called "crunchy, Thrashy, yet thoroughly unclassifiable."

The LA based power trio that features members of Slayer, War and Civil Defiance, will give a free webcast performance on May 16 at 7 pm pacific/10 pm eastern, recorded at Bob Weir's TRI Studios and streamed directly via TriStudios.com and Yahoo Music (music.yahoo.com).

Here are some FREE MP3's of PHILM:

HELD IN LIGHT (Click to Download)
AREA (Click to Download)

"Harmonic" track listing:

01. Vitriolize
02. Mitch
03. Hun
04. Area
05. Way Down
06. Harmonic
07. Exuberance
08. Sex Amp
09. Amoniac
10. Held in Light
11. Dome
12. Killion
13. Mezzanine
14. Mild
15. Meditation

Related links:
PHILM's Official Site

BATTLECROSS Releases "Occupation Domination" Tour Update & "Trespass America Festival" Preview Video!


Detroit, Michigan thrashers BATTLECROSS are currently making waves across the United States as the next big thing in Heavy Metal while touring with the "Occupation Domination" tour.  BATTLECROSS will continue to slay the states with Origin, Cattle Decapitation, Decrepit Birth, Aborted, and Rings of Saturn through the tour’s close in Lawrence, KS on May 18. Earlier this week in California, the band filmed a video tour update and TRESPASS AMERICA Festival preview message, watch it below!

The TRESPASS AMERICA festival is a newly minted music festival set on revitalizing the Metal scene with some of the most current and credible bands in hard Rock/Metal. Co-produced with Metal Hammer, the biggest Metal magazine in the U.K., the tour kicks off July 13 at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, CO, and will cover 31 cities in two months between July and August across the United States. BATTLECROSS will be joined by headliners Five Finger Death Punch, as well as the reunited original line-up of Killswitch Engage. The TRESPASS AMERICA Festival also features Trivium, Emmure, Pop Evil, and God Forbid. Tickets are on sale now; see the link below.
 
BATTLECROSS has come a long way since their recent signing with Metal Blade Records and their release of their debut 'Pursuit of Honor' in August 2011. Since its release, the single "Push Pull Destroy" was the #1 Most Requested Metal Track for five weeks (Sirius XM Liquid Metal Devil's Dozen), remains a stable on the Liquid Metal channel, and the track's video has racked up over 700,000 YouTube views in the last five months. BATTLECROSS has received killer reviews across the internet and in print publications throughout North America and overseas and was named “Band of the Month” in Metal Hammer Norway and Metal Hammer Spain, so it should be no surprise that this blue collar, hard-work ethic that comes from the band's five musicians - Kyle "Gumby" Gunther (vocals), Tony Asta & Hiran Deraniyagala (guitars), Mike Kreger (drums), Don Slater (bass) - translates into a potent force on record as well as on stage. BATTLECROSS is also confirmed to sail the seas with the first annual MAYHEM FESTIVAL Cruise this December 7-10.



BATTLECROSS touring with the Occupation Domination Tour:

MAY:

- 9: Stockton, CA at Plea For Peace
- 10: Sparks, NV at The Alley
- 11: Portland, OR at Branx
- 12: Seattle, WA at Studio Seven
- 13: Boise, ID at The Venue
- 14: Salt Lake City, UT at In The Venue
- 15: Denver, CO at The Summit Music Hall
- 18: Lawrence, KS at Granada Theater 

BATTLECROSS touring with the TRESPASS AMERICA Festival:

JULY:
- 13: Broomfield, CO at 1st Bank Center
- 15: Billings, MT at MetraPark Arena
- 16: Bismarck, ND at Bismarck Civic Center
- 17: Sioux Falls, SD at Sioux Falls Arena
- 19: Milwaukee, WI at Eagles Ballroom
- 21: Fort Wayne, IN at Allen County Expo Center
- 24: Lubbock, TX at Lonestar Amphitheatre
- 25: Belton, TX at Bell County Expo Center
- 27: San Antonio, TX at Freeman Coliseum
- 28: Beaumont, TX at Ford Pavilion
- 30: Nashville, TN at Bridgestone Arena
- 31: Evansville, IN at Ford Center

AUGUST:

- 3: Battle Creek, MI at Kellogg Arena
- 7: Syracuse, NY at SRC Arena and Events Center/Onondaga Community Center
- 8: Glens Falls, NY at Glens Falls Civic Center
- 10: Scarborough, ME at Scarborough Downs
- 14: Pittsburgh, PA at Stage AE
- 15: Hartford, CT at Comcast Theatre
- 17: Worchester, MA at DCU Center
- 18: Newark, NJ at Prudential Center
- 19: Philadelphia, PA at Penn’s Landing – Festival Pier
- 22: Knoxville, TN at Knoxville Civic Coliseum
- 25: Rio Rancho, NM at Santa Ana Star Center
- 26: Phoenix, AZ at Comercia Theatre
- 28: Los Angeles, CA at Hollywood Palladium

Related links:

TESSERACT Premieres "Dream Brother" (Jeff Buckley Cover) - Listen Now!

UK's TESSERACT has just made "Dream Brother" available as stream via Metal Hammer UK's website, so head over to check out this very special cover of the song:

http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/tesseract-exclusive-tesseract-dream-brother-premiere/

Amos Williams (bass): "We decided to cover 'Dream Brother' (originally by Jeff Buckley) for an acoustic session in New York. Myself and Acle spent ages looking at different tracks. I think we entertained 'Tear Drop' by Massive Attack, 'Thin Air' by Anathema, and many more. But 'Dream Brother' just fits TESSERACT very well. Plus it is one of our collective favourite tracks. It's always a risk working with a track that you love, but we feel we did it justice. It's a great showcase for the musicianship in TESSERACT, and the deep emotive power that Elliot has added to the band since he joined."

"Dream Brother" will be out on the 'Perspective' EP that is set for a North American release of May 22 and a European release of May 21. The five song digital only EP features "Eden 2.0", acoustic versions of three tracks ["Perfection (acoustic)", "April (acoustic)", "Origin (acoustic)"] from the band's debut album, 'One', plus the aforementioned cover of Jeff Buckley's classic, "Dream Brother".  As a bonus, iTunes will offer instrumentals of all the songs on the EP.


Recently, TESSERACT has just launched a drum playthrough for the track "Eden 2.0".  This is the second playthrough that the band has launched for their upcoming EP, Perspective, that will be out on May 22 (North America, May 21 Europe).  The video playthrough of drummer Jay Postones playing along with "Eden 2.0" can be seen here:
 



Related links:
Click here to visit TesseracT's web shop!
TesseracT

SABATON Premiere Lyric Video In Both English & Swedish For NEW Song "Lifetime Of War"; North American Tour Underway!

The official lyric video for SABATON's "Lifetime Of War" is now available for viewing below in both English and in the band's native Swedish. The track comes off SABATON's sixth studio album, 'Carolus Rex', which will be released in North America on May 22nd.  





The theme of the album is the Swedish Empire; lyrical references are to the Kingdom of Sweden between 1561 and 1721. The band collaborated with well-known Swedish historian Bengt Liljegren whose previously published work includes an acclaimed biography of Karl XII, King of Sweden.  Liljegren has also appeared on the popular Swedish television series "Boston Tea Party."
Sweden's epic war Metal specialists are currently on their "Swedish Empire" tour through the U.S. and Canada. Remaining dates are:

- 05/10/12  Wreck Room - Toronto, ON - CANADA
- 05/11/12  Music Hall - London, ON - CANADA
- 05/12/12  Alrosa's Villa - Columbus, OH
- 05/13/12  Blondie´s - Detroit, MI
- 05/15/12  Station 4 - St Paul, MN
- 05/16/12  Reggie Rock Club - Chicago, IL
- 05/18/12  Vernon Club - Louisville, KY
- 05/19/12  Kingdom - Richmond, VA
- 05/20/12  Soundstage - Baltimore, MD
- 05/21/12  Jaxx - West Springfield, VA
- 05/23/12  Key Club - Hollywood, CA *OFFICIAL RELEASE PARTY*
- 05/25/12  Circo Volador - Mexico City, D.F. - MÉXICO

Tickets for all remaining shows (except México) can be purchased online at EnterTheVault.com.

SABATON is:

- Joakim Brodén: Vocals
- Pär Sundström: Bass
- Chris Rörland: Guitars
- Tobbe Englund: Guitars
- Robban Beck: Drums

Related links:
SABATON's Official Site 
SABATON on Facebook 
SABATON on Twitter

THE AGONIST Reveal Artwork & Track-listing For 'Prisoners'!

Extreme Metallers THE AGONIST will finally be unleashing their long-awaited third studio album, 'Prisoners', on June 4th in Europe and June 5th in North America via Century Media Records! In regards to the album artwork, front-woman Alissa White-Gluz comments: "We wanted to really include a chaotic visual to reflect the chaotic sound of the band, but we also wanted to show that the lyrics on this album are a lot more introverted... The human face was left non-descript on purpose-- it doesn't belong to any particular person, but we could call him the Lonely Solipsist."


The track-listing for 'Prisoners' is below.

1. You're Coming With Me
2. The Escape
3. Predator & Prayer
4. Anxious Darwinians
5. Panophobia
6. Ideomotor
7. Lonely Solipsist
8. Dead Ocean
9. The Mass Of The Earth
10. Everybody Wants You (dead)
11. Revenge Of The Dadaists


THE AGONIST recently debuted Prisoners' first single, "Ideomotor", which can be heard here. Fans can also enter a Lyric Interpretation Video Contest for the track here and purchase the digital single on iTunes here. The full album is also available for pre-order on CM Distro here in a variety of formats.

Throughout their North American tour with KITTIE, THE AGONIST will be selling digital download cards that feature two tracks from Prisoners: "Ideomotor" and the previously limited edition EP-only track "The Escape". These tracks will be available for immediate download, with the remainder of the album available on release day. Dates for this trek are below, so check to see when THE AGONIST will be coming to a city near you!


'Prisoners' is out June 5 in North America and June 4 in Europe via Century Media.

- 5/10/12 St Louis, MO The Firebird
- 5/11/12 Joliet, Il Mojoes
- 5/12/12 Detroit, MI Blondie's
- 5/13/12 Cleveland, OH Peabody's
- 5/14/12 West Springfield, VA Jaxx
- 5/15/12 Baltimore, MD Soundstage
- 5/16/12 New York, NY The Gramercy Theatre
- 5/17/12 Hampton Beach, NH Wallys Pub
- 5/18/12 Worcester, MA Tammany Hall
- 5/19/12 Boston, MA Middle East Downstairs
- 5/20/12 Auburn, ME Club Texas
- 5/21/12 Montreal, QUE FouFounes
- 5/22/12 Ottawa, ON Mavericks
- 5/23/12 Hartford, CT Webster Theater
- 5/24/12 Trenton, NJ Championship Bar and Grill
- 5/25/12 Providence, RI The Ruins at Coliseum

Related links:
The Agonist on Facebook
The Agonist On YouTube
The Agonist on MySpace
The Agonist on Twitter
Century Media Records

PRESIDENT Randy Blythe Has A Message For People Who Don't Support Major Acts Since They Don't Want To Feed The "Corporate Machine"; Read Carefully!

LAMB OF GOD's Randy Blythe is an avid Twitter user, and his rants are famous within the Heavy Music Twitheads. Recently, Randy took it upon himself to discuss the state of the recording industry and how even established artists like MARILYN MANSON struggle to sell records. Here are Randy's Twits of wisdom:

"So Marilyn Manson’s new record debuted at #10 with just over 38k sold, including iTunes. He released it independently on his own record. This is a guy with 3 platinum records, 3 gold, 5 top 10 debuts including two NUMBER ONE RECORDS in the US.
"He also has a HUGE CULT FOLLOWING. A #10 record? 38,000 sold first week for arguably one of the biggest “underground” type acts? IT’S FUCKING PATHETIC. The industry is DYING.

"All the people who argue about not feeding the record labels, the corporate machine, etc, about how artists should just release their albums THEMSELVES and THE FANS, THE REAL UNDERGROUND FANS will back them to support the artists? There is your fucking answer.

"I don’t listen to MM but dude has credibility for making his own artistic choices. He hasn't released a record in 3 years & his fans, his HUGE ASS FAN BASE, could only chart 38k records? That’s fucked up- MM is a MUCH LARGER BAND than LOG, & we outsold him by over 10k 1st week. Not because we have gotten bigger, but because we had a label, a promotional machine behind us. So so much for the “release it yourself & we will support the artist” “and not the greedy corporate label pigs” theory. Amazing.

"MM is rich as fuck, & this won’t put him in the poorhouse by any means, but if a huge-ass Rock star like him can only sell 38k records 1st week, RELEASING IT HIMSELF, then how are the bands putting out their FIRST record when nobody knows who they are supposed to survive? Don’t cry for me, Argentina- I can tour til the cows come home & pay my bills.

"But I feel sorry for the young bands. Good luck guys & gals- yer gonna need it. “Support the artists no the labels…” GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE.”

Related links:
Randy Blythe's Blog
Lamb Of God
Lamb Of God of Facebook

Want To Be On Stage With Slipknot, Slayer, Motörhead Or Anthrax At Mayhem Fest?


The 5th Annual ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL, the country’s largest touring Heavy Music festival experience, is proud to announce the 2012 VIP Charity Ticket Auction that will put fans onstage with their favorite bands. Proceeds will benefit Metal of Honor and Living The Dream Foundation.

Beginning Thursday, May 17, 2012 and running for ten-days, fans can bid on eBay for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to receive two (2) VIP passes to the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL. In addition, the top bidder and their guest will watch their favorite band perform from the best seats in the house: ONSTAGE! They will also receive: Level 1 premium reserved seats OR General Admission ‘Pit’ tickets, a backstage guided tour to see the "inner workings" of a large scale concert festival (who knows who you’ll meet?), all-day access to the Rockstar Energy Drink VIP Lounge, a one-of-a-kind ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL custom artwork drum head autographed by all members of one (1) of their favorite bands on the tour, and front-of-the-line access to all band signings.

The ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL eBay ticket auctions will begin on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at 8:30 p.m. PST, CST and EST, when 26 pairs of tickets with accompanying VIP credentials for all 26 festival dates will be posted to eBay as TEN-Day Auctions.  Fans interested in bidding on these very special ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL VIP tickets and credentials can access the eBay ticket auctions from the Metal of Honor Charity Auction Button at www.rockstarmayhemfest.com or by searching for “MAYHEM Charity” on www.eBay.com.

The 5th annual ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL will make a 27 date trek across the U.S. beginning on June 30th at the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California. The tour line-up features SLIPKNOT, SLAYER, and MOTÖRHEAD on the main stage as well as a ferocious rotation of today’s best artists, including THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, AS I LAY DYING and ASKING ALEXANDRIA.  This year the JAGERMEISTER STAGE will feature a special headline set by ANTHRAX, supported by a rotation of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, AS I LAY DYING and ASKING ALEXANDRIA, along with WHITECHAPEL, HIGH ON FIRE and the JAGERMEISTER opener. Please note that bands may vary per market.

Also recently announced: Presented by Headbang For The Highway, the SUMERIAN RECORDS STAGE is joining the festival and features UPON A BURNING BODY, I THE BREATHER, and DIRTFEDD, as well as the Headbang For The Highway “Battle of the Bands” winners. The tour will also feature ROCKSTAR METAL MULISHA JUMP TEAM, on select dates. To learn more about the ROCKSTAR METAL MULISHA JUMP TEAM head to this link: http://www.metalmulisha.com/.

6/30 – San Bernardino, CA
7/1 – San Francisco, CA
7/3 – Seattle, WA
7/6 – Phoenix, AZ
7/7 – Albuquerque, NM
7/8 – Denver, CO
7/10 – Dallas, TX
7/11 – Houston, TX
7/13 – Tampa, FL
7/14 – Atlanta, GA
7/15 – Indianapolis, IN
7/18 – Oklahoma City, OK
7/20 – St. Louis, MO
7/21 – Chicago, IL
7/22 – Detroit, MI
7/24 – Cincinnati, OH
7/25 – Cleveland, OH
7/27 – Philadelphia, PA
7/28 – Pittsburgh, PA
7/29 – Washington, DC
7/31 – Saratoga, NY
8/1 – Buffalo, NY
8/3 – Boston, MA
8/4 – Scranton, PA
8/5 – Hartford, CT

Related links:
Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival
Livenation

DYING FETUS Premiere "Second Skin": NEW Song From 'Reign Supreme'!


Our good friends from Revolver Magazine are premiering a brand NEW song from Death Metal icons DYING FETUS. The song is called "Second Skin" and it is part of their seventh studio album 'Reign Supreme', which is scheduled for a June 19th release via Relapse Records. Check it out now!


The band has released a full album teaser for 'Reign Supreme'. 'Reign Supreme' features nine tracks and is a "return to roots" with production focused slightly more on slam than in the band's last few works.  Thematically, the album is set to be a good old-fashioned piece of social and political commentary in the style of DYING FETUS as we have come to know. View the album teaser HERE.
Check out an exclusive lyric video for the first new song from Reign Supreme entitled "Subjected to a Beating" HERE.
Reign Supreme can be pre-ordered HERE.
DYING FETUS will be on tour all summer long including an appearance at Maryland Death Fest as well as the "18 Nights of Blood Tour" in North America with label mates REVOCATION and Six Feet Under. They will also be on a headlining tour of Europe which includes appearances at the "Copenhell Festival" in Copenhagen, Denmark, "Hell Fest" in Clisson, France, the "With Full Force" festival in Roitzschjora, Germany, "Sevilla Rock Festival" in Sevilla, Spain and the "Getaway Rock Fest" in Gävle, Sweden.



The first video in the series which focuses on the drum tracking process can be viewed HERE.
DYING FETUS 18 Nights Of Blood Tour 2012 with Six Feet Under and Revocation:

- 6/08/2012: The Masquerade in Atlanta, GA
- 6/09/2012: Empire in Springfield, VA
- 6/10/2012: Palladium in Worcester, MA
- 6/11/2012: Bowery Ballroom in New York, NY
- 6/12/2012: Alrosa Villa in Columbus, OH
- 6/13/2012: Reggie's in Chicago, IL
- 6/14/2012: Peabody's in Cleveland, OH
- 6/15/2012: Harpo's in Detroit, MI
- 6/16/2012: People's Court in Des Moines, IA*
- 6/18/2012: The Gothic Theater in Denver, CO*
- 6/20/2012: Studio Seven in Seattle, WA
- 6/21/2012: Hawthorne Theater in Portland, OR
- 6/23/2012: The Metro in Oakland, CA
- 6/24/2012: The Whisky in Los Angeles, CA
- 6/25/2012: TBA in Tempe, AZ
- 6/26/2012: House Of Rock in El Paso, TX
- 6/27/2012: Scout Bar in Houston, TX
- 6/29/2012: Brass Mug in Tampa, FL*

* - No Dying Fetus

Related links:

OPETH's Mikael Åkerfeldt Injures His Head On Tour Bus; Image Of His Gnarly Gash Available!


Earlier this week, rumors surfaced online about OPETH's frontman Mikael Akerfeldt allegedly breaking his arm in a car accident. It has been confirmed by OPETH's camp that Arkefeldt was not in a car accident. So why did Opeth cancel their performance on Monday night in St. Paul, Minnesota? Here is the band's official statement:

"Right before stage time Mike bumped his head on the tour bus which resulted in a pretty deep cut that required urgent medical attention. Mike was taken to hospital which he left a little later with eight stitches and a nasty headache. He’s doing OK now and we expect him to be up and running (though slightly slower) for the rest of the "Heritage" tour.

"Mike & the band were very disappointed not being able to play yesterday (Monday, May 7) but thank everyone for their understanding and for the tons of get-well-wishes Mike has received since.

"The band also thanks their friends in Mastodon for playing an extended set that hopefully kept all who attended happy."


The "Heritage" Tour With Opeth, Mastodon & Ghost (remaining tour dates):

May 10 – The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC
May 11 – House of Blues – Myrtle Beach, SC *
May 12 – Masquerade Music Park – Atlanta, GA

*Denotes Opeth close the show

Related links:
Official site of Opeth
Official site of Mastodon
Official site of Ghost

BEHEMOTH's Adam "Nergal" Darski Is Ready To Make Triumphant Return To New York City This Weekend; Decibel Magazine Tour To Wrap Up This Saturday!

                                                Photo credit: Aline Cote-Miladinovich

There is no question that the biggest comeback of 2011 in Heavy Music for the headbanging community, was when Adam "Nergal" Darski from Behemoth returned to the musical spectrum after battling with Cancer. "Nergal" had been diagnosed with Leukemia on August 8, 2010, and in an unprecedented move his fans united in order to find him a match that could donate some bone marrow in order for Nergal to be able to get a bone marrow transplant. Following the chemo therapy, and the bone marrow transplant, today Nergal is cancer free!


"Nergal" and the rest of the Behemoth clan, are currently headlining The Decibel Magazine tour. So far the tour has crushed thousands of ear drums all over North America. This once in a lifetime tour, features Behemoth, Watain, The Devil's Blood, and In Solitude. This Saturday, May 12, "Nergal" will make his triumphant return to New York City's Irving Plaza! The highly anticipated concert, will close the chapter of the first-ever inaugural Decibel Magazine Tour!  This is what fans can expect:



The Decibel Magazine Tour (Remaining Tour Dates):

05/10 Quebec City, QC – Imperial05/11 Worcester, MA – Palladium
05/12 New York, NY – Irving Plaza


Related links:
Decibel Magazine Tour
Metal Blade Records
Behemoth on Metal Blade Records
Behemoth on Facebook
Behemoth on Twitter

MARDUK Premiere Super Brutal Music Video For "Souls For Belial"!


Swedish Black Metallers MARDUK will be releasing their 12th studio album, 'Serpent Sermon', on June 5th in North America via Century Media Records! See below for the exact release dates by territory.

'Serpent Sermon' street dates:

- GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND / NORWAY: Friday, May 25, 2012
- UK / BENELUX / FRANCE / GREECE / DENMARK / PORTUGAL / REST OF EUROPE: Monday, May 28, 2012
- SPAIN / ITALY: Tuesday, May 29, 2012
- SWEDEN / FINLAND / HUNGARY: Wednesday, May 30, 2012
- AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND: Friday, June 1, 2012
- USA / CANADA: Tuesday, June 5, 2012

In anticipation of the album's release, MARDUK has now posted a NEW video for "Souls For Belial". Directed by Håkan Sjödin, this clip acts as the perfect visual for the aural inferno of the track, and it can be viewed here:



A limited-edition 7" EP with "Souls For Belial" and a cover of WOVEN HAND's "Oil On Panel" will be available for purchase in late May exclusively at CM Distro, but in the meantime, fans can pre-order Serpent Sermon now at CM Distro in a variety of formats (link below). The track-listing for the album is below.

1. Serpent Sermon
2. Messianic Pestilence
3. Souls For Belial
4. Into Second Death
5. Temple Of Decay
6. Damnation's Gold
7. Hail Mary (Piss-Soaked Genuflexion)
8. M.A.M.M.O.N.
9. Gospel Of The Worm
10. World Of Blades

**The limited-edition mediabook CD will also include the studio bonus track "Coram Satanae".**

In support of 'Serpent Sermon', MARDUK will be playing headlining shows in Chile, Puerto Rico, and North America starting May 31st. Joining them on the road will be 1349, WITHERED, and WEAPON, so be sure to attend! A list of all upcoming tour dates is below.

May 31 - Santiago, Chile @ Club 334 **MARDUK only**
June 1 - Puerto Rico, PR @ La Respuesta **MARDUK only**
June 2 - Baltimore, MD @ Sonar
June 3 - Brooklyn, NY @ Williamsburg Music Hall
June 4 - Montreal, QC @ Les Foufounes Electriques
June 5 - Toronto, ON @ Wreck Room
June 6 - Ottawa, ON @ Maverick's
June 7 - Columbus, OH @ Alrosa Villa
June 8 - Chicago, IL @ Reggie's
June 9 - St Paul, MN @ Station 4
June 10 - Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theatre
June 11 - Regina, SK @ The Exchange
June 12 - Calgary, AB @ Distillery
June 14 - Vancouver, BC @ Venue
June 15 - Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
June 16 - Portland, OR @ Bossanova
June 17 - San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
June 18 - Fullerton, CA @ Slidebar **MARDUK only**
June 19 - Hollywood, CA @ House Of Blues
June 20 - San Diego, CA @ Ruby Room

Related links:
Click here to pre-order MARDUK's 'Serpent Sermon' on CM DISTRO
Official Site of Marduk
Marduk on Facebook

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER + NILE+ SKELETONWITCH In New York City - Killer Pictures Available!


Detroit Michigan's melodic Death Metal outfit THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER recently wrapped up their first headline run of 2012. Joining THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER were NILE, SKELETONWITCH, and HOUR OF PENANCE. During the tours recent tour stop at Irving Plaza in New York City, we captured these killer images!

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER











NILE






SKELETONWITCH





Video and Photo credit: Steve Lars from Creative Ventures International & Steve Lars on Facebook

Related links:
Click to Download RITUAL
BDM on Metal Blade Records
BDM Official Site
BDM on Youtube
BDM on Twitter