Horns Up Rocks: 7/8/12

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Vinnie Paul & Chad Gray Present: HELLYEAH 'Band Of Brothers' - Full Album Stream Available!

This Tuesday, July 17th, Hard Rock supergroup HELLYEAH will be releasing their third album entitled 'Band of Brothers' via Eleven Seven Music. The album, the band’s first effort for their NEW label home, Eleven Seven Music, was recorded in Dallas at drummer Vinnie Paul’s home studio, VP’s Upstairs Studio, and was produced by the band and Jeremy Parker (Godsmack, Evanessence), who also served as engineer.

Buckle up and raise the volume! Here is HELLYEAH's NEW album 'Band Of Brothers' (courtesy of AOL Music: http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/2

Recently, the great folks over at Eleven Seven Music invited us to their headquarters to chat with the entire band! While the scenario wasn't very Rock N' Roll, we were in a conference room, the HELLYEAH boys were very open to discuss anything we threw at them. Here is what went down!

Related links:
HELLYEAH's Official Site
HELLYEAH on MySpace
Follow HELLYEAH on Twitter

OBITUARY Recording NEW Music - Video Interview Available!

OBITUARY are back from the dead! Earlier this week, the band announced the "Carnival Of Death" tour with Broken Hope, Decrepit Birth, Jungle Rot and Encrust (details below)! Now, according to an interview that MetalBlast.net conducted with Trevor Peres (OBITUARY guitarist) at the 2012 edition of the "Dokk'em Open Air" festival at Spriens Raard in Dokkum, Netherlands, the Floridean Death Metallers are recording a NEW 3 song EP! Here are a few excerpts of the interview:

Plans for NEW music:

Trevor Peres:

"We're actually… Before this tour, we started recording an EP. We were hoping to be finished recording before this tour, but a bunch of different personal things happened and we just didn't have time to finish it. But I've got all the guitar scratch tracks done and Donald [Tardy, drums] started doing scratch drum tracks. But when we get home from this, in one or two weeks we finish recording. It's like three NEW songs; it's an EP we're gonna do. We're actually gonna do a seven-inch picture disc — no CDs at all; just picture disc only. But then you [will be able to] download it from iTunes or Google Music and stuff. But then we've got another 10 songs we're gonna record after that. So, hopefully, by the end of the year — January, maybe — [there will be] a brand NEW full-length album."

On what the NEW Obituary music sounds like:

Trevor Peres:

"It's pure OBITUARY. In fact, we've got some of the catchiest hooks on this album. These songs are so amazing. In fact, one of the first songs [we wrote] for it I'm always humming in my head. It pisses me off because it's stuck there all the time. So it's a good thing; it's, like, really catchy, groovy OBITUARY."

As previously reported, OBITUARY has announced their long-anticipated North American headlining tour. Brought to you by Rock The Nation and sponsored by Fender, the near month-long Carnival Of Death Tour 2012 will run through September and include additional audio demolition from Broken Hope, Decrepit Birth, Jungle Rot and Encrust! Tour dates and further info to be announced in the coming days…. You have been warned.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Crank TESTAMENT's NEW Song "Native Blood" Right Now!

In case you didn't know, TESTAMENT will be releasing a NEW album entitled 'Dark Roots of Earth' on July 27, 2012 (Europe) and July 31, 2012 (North America) via Nuclear Blast Records. The album was produced, mixed and mastered once again by the world renowned Andy Sneap (ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE, ACCEPT, EXODUS). Special bonus tracks were recorded, mixed and mastered by Juan Urteaga (CATTLE DECAPITATION, HEATHEN, VILE, SADUS) at his Trident Studios. The highly anticipated follow up to their 2008 release 'The Formation of Damnation' will be released.

Right now, you can listen to a brand NEW song called "Native Blood" by clicking HERE!

- Dark Roots of Earth Jewel Case CD Track Listing:

01. Rise Up
02. Native Blood
03. Dark Roots Of Earth
04. True American Hate
05. A Day In The Death
06. Cold Embrace
07. Man Kills Mankind
08. Throne Of Thorns
09. Last Stand For Independence

- Dark Roots of Earth CD/DVD Track Listing:

01. Rise Up
02. Native Blood
03. Dark Roots Of Earth
04. True American Hate
05. A Day In The Death
06. Cold Embrace
07. Man Kills Mankind
08. Throne Of Thorns
09. Last Stand For Independence

- Bonus:

10. Dragon Attack (QUEEN cover)
11. Animal Magnetism (SCORPIONS cover)
12. Powerslave (IRON MAIDEN cover)
13. Throne Of Thornes (extended version)

+ Bonus DVD

Dark Roots of Earth Vinyl Track Listing:

- Side A:

01. Rise Up
02. Native Blood
03. Dark Roots Of Earth

- Side B:

04. True American Hate
05. A Day In The Death
06. Cold Embrace

- Side C:

07. Man Kills Mankind
08. Throne Of Thorns
09. Last Stand For Independence

- Side D (Bonus):

10. Dragon Attack (QUEEN cover)
11. Animal Magnetism (SCORPIONS cover)
12. Powerslave (IRON MAIDEN cover)

Related links:

Testament

BATTLECROSS: Ready To Kick Off "Trespass America Festival" Today With FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, TRIVIUM and More Today!

Detroit, MI’s self-touted “blue collar thrashers” BATTLECROSS are hitting the road today with the TRESPASS AMERICA festival! The festival kicks off tonight in Broomfield, CO at the 1st Bank Center and features 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.

"Is this real? I was just watching Killswitch Engage’s soundcheck and I kept asking myself, ‘Is this is really happening?’" comments vocalist Kyle "Gumby" Gunther. "We’ve got food on this tour and everything, I might actually be able to gain a pound on this tour because I’m skinny as shit! But in all seriousness, it’s an extreme honor to be performing on the same stage with these bands. We never would have imagined playing these types of shows. It’s a true honor to be performing with the big dogs."

See below for all confirmed BATTLECROSS tour dates and stay tuned for more updates coming soon!

BATTLECROSS touring with the TRESPASS AMERICA Festival:

JULY:

- 13: Broomfield, CO at 1^st 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

BATTLECROSS is:

Kyle "Gumby" Gunther: Vocals

Tony Asta: Guitar

Hiran Deraniyagala: Guitar

Mike Kreger: Drums

Don Slater: Bass

Related links:

Battlecross on Metal Blade Records

Battlecross' Official Site

Battlecross on Facebook

Battlecross on MySpace

Follow Battlecross on Twitter
Trespass America Festival

PANTERA'S Final 3 Albums To Be Printed On Vinyl - Details Available!

Earlier this year, Rhino unveiled the 20th Anniversary Edition of Pantera’s 'Vulgar Display of Power', which featured the debut of the incendiary lost track "Piss." Following up on Vulgar’s success, Rhino continues to honor Pantera’s legacy as one of Metal’s most influential bands by offering the Texas quartet’s final three releases on 180-gram vinyl.

Presented in gatefold jackets, 'THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRENDKILL', 'OFFICIAL LIVE: 101 PROOF' and 'REINVENTING THE STEEL' will be available July 24 from retail outlets, including www.pantera.com and www.rhino.com. The first two albums are double LPs and available for a suggested price of $24.98 each, while STEEL will be issued as a single LP for $17.98.

This vinyl release of TRENDKILL is different from an earlier version that was issued as a single LP without the track "Suicide Note Pt. I." To include the song for this NEW release and ensure ultimate sound quality, Rhino expanded the album to a double LP.

Recorded over four years (1996-2000), these two studio albums and live collection represent the final three releases from Pantera, singer Philip Anselmo, guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, bassist Rex Brown and drummer Vinnie Paul.

The follow-up to the classic 'Far Beyond Driven', 'THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRENDKILL' is the group’s fourth platinum album, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard charts. It yielded three singles, "Drag The Waters," "Suicide Note Pt. I" and "Floods," the latter an epic track that features one of Dimebag’s defining guitar solos.

The following year, the band returned with its first live album, the gold-certified 'OFFICIAL LIVE: 101 PROOF'. Recorded during the tour for Trendkill, the collection captures the group at the peak of its live prowess as it grinds and grooves through many of its greatest songs, like "Walk," "Cowboys From Hell" and "Cemetery Gates," as well as "Dom/Hollow," which combines the tracks "Domination" and "Hollow." Along with the live recordings, the release also includes two studio recordings, "Where You Come From" and "I Can’t Hide."

The group’s final studio album, 'REINVENTING THE STEEL' was certified gold, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard charts. Along with the singles "Revolution Is My Name" and "I’ll Cast A Shadow," the album’s other standout tracks include "Death Rattle" and "Goddamn Electric," which features a guest guitar solo by Slayer’s Kerry King.

THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRENDKILL:

Side One

    “The Great Southern Trendkill”
    “War Nerve”
    “Drag The Waters”

Side Two

    “10’s”
    “13 Steps To Nowhere”
    “Suicide Note Pt. I”
    “Suicide Note Pt. II”

Side Three

    “Living Through Me (Hell’s Wrath)”
    “Floods”

Side Four

    “The Underground In America”
    “(Reprise) Sandblasted Skin”

OFFICIAL LIVE: 101 PROOF

Side One

    “New Level”
    “Walk”
    “Becoming”
    “5 Minutes Alone”

Side Two

    “Sandblasted Skin”
    “Suicide Note Pt. 2”
    “War Nerve”
    “This Love”

Side Three

    “Dom/Hollow”
    “I’m Broken”
    “Cowboys From Hell”
    “Cemetery Gates”

Side Four

    “Strength Beyond Strength”
    “Hostile”
    “Where You Come From”*
    “I Can’t Hide”*

REINVENTING THE STEEL:

Side One

    “Hellbound”
    “Goddamn Electric”
    “Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit”
    “You’ve Got To Belong To It”
    “Revolution Is My Name”

Side Two

    “Death Rattle”
    “We’ll Grind That Axe For A Long Time”
    "Uplift"
    "It Makes Them Disappear"
    "I'll Cast A Shadow"

*Studio Recording May '97

Click here to order the 20th anniversary reissue of 'Vulgar Display Of Power"!

GOD FORBID: Music Video Premiere For "Equilibrium" Available Now!

New Jersey Metal warriors, GOD FORBID have unleashed a powerful music video for their title track, “Equilibrium” from the March 26, 2012 release, which is sure to resonate with many while leaving fans yearning to find their own balance.

Filmed in Brooklyn, NY and directed by Eric Richter, "Equilibrium" takes you through the layers of life. "It's about discovering that no matter how much you strive to achieve a goal, you become sidetracked. You look for ways to find patience and balance while becoming stable and finding a renewed feeling or belief in what may come your way." says vocalist, Byron Davis. Watch the video now.

GOD FORBID are more ready than ever to bring their unforgettable, energetic and engaging stage performance to life on the TRESPASS AMERICA FESTIVAL that kicks off today, July 13 in Broomfield, Colo. Davis took the time to express his excitement and talk about what he is looking forward to the most. He says, “This tour is going to be an amazing experience and is our chance to reintroduce GOD FORBID to the world. I'm curious to see how extreme FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH will take their production level. It'll be great being out with Jesse from KILLSWITCH, seeing him back in action and of course sharing the stage TRIVIUM again. He continues, "I'm looking forward to making friends with EMMURE and POP EVIL, plus chillin' with our new boys in BATTLECROSS who have been with us since we left to head out on this tour." GOD FORBID will be in full force, making an impact with new and diehard fans alike.

GOD FORBID on the road:

7/13 –Broomfield, CO @ 1st Bank Center
7/15 –Billings, MT @ Metra Park Arena
7/16 –Bismarck, ND @ Bismarck Civic Center
7/17 –Sioux Falls, SD @ Sioux Falls Arena
7/18 –St. Paul, MN @ Station 4 *God Forbid & Battlecross Only
7/19 – Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
7/20 –Joliet, IL @ Mojoes *God Forbid &Battlecross Only
7/21 –Fort Wayne, IN @ Allen County Expo Center
7/22 –Waterloo, IA @ McElroy Auditorium
7/24 –Lubbock, TX @ Lonestar Amphitheatre
7/25 –Belton, TX @ Bell County Expo Center
7/27 –San Antonio, TX @ Freeman Coliseum
7/28 –Beaumont, TX @ Ford Pavilion
7/30 –Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
7/31 –Evansville, IN @ Ford Center
8/01 –Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion At Riverbend Music
8/03- Battle Creek, MI @ Kellogg Arena
8/04 –Rochester Hills, MI @ Meadowbrook Arena
08/05- Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion
8/07- Syracuse, NY @ Oswego Speedway
8/08 –Glens Falls, NY @ Glens Falls Civic Center
8/09 –S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground *God Forbid & Battlecross Only
8/10 – Scarborough, ME @ Scarborough Downs
8/11 –Montreal, QC @Parc Jean Drapeau Festival * Heavy Metal Fest w/ God Forbid
8/12 –Montreal, QC @Parc Jean Drapeau Festival * Heavy Metal Fest w/ Emmure
8/14 –Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
8/15 –Hartford, CT @ Comcast Theatre
8/17 –Worchester, MA @ DCU Center
8/18 –Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
8/19 –Philadelphia, PA @ Penn’s Landing – Festival Pier
8/21 –Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Uptown
8/22- Knoxville, TN @ Knoxville Civic Coliseum
8/24 –Oklahoma City, OK @ Zoo Amphitheater
8/25 –Rio Rancho, NM @ Santa Ana Star Center
8/26 –Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theater
8/28- Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
8/31 –Shreveport, LA @ The Riverside Warehouse *God Forbid &Battlecross Only

Related links:
Official Site of God Forbid

CRO-MAGS Beef: John Joseph Responds To Harley Flanagan's Statement & Says That A Tragedy Like DIMEBAG DARRELL's Was Avoided!

Yesterday (July 11th), Harley Flanagan (founder of the CRO MAGS) released a statement regarding the events that took place on July 6 at Webster Hall in New York City. On Friday night, Flanagan attacked a few of bands current members. The incident took place during the CBGB Fest show that featured SICK OF IT ALL, CRO MAGS, VISION OF DISORDER, ABSOLUTION and SAI NAM.

After reading what Flanagan had to say (available here), current CRO MAGS frontman John Joseph released the following statement:

"[Harley has] been watching too many sci-fi movies.

"First off, Harley was NOT invited to the show. He was told repeatedly by CBGB [Festival organizers] NOT to come. (I have all the texts and e-mails to CBGBs and security.) He was given a CBGBs laminate to attend another event ('American Hardcore' screening) and then used it to sneak into the show. And if he wanted to talk and resolve things, as he claims, why didn't he come before doors where we could taken care of any beef he had? No, he just wanted to come on the stage during show and try and do something to gain press — well, he got his press alright.

"At 6 p.m. [Harley] texted Louise (CBGBs) and asked her what time we were going [on]. She didn't respond, but warned me. To which I alerted security to let them deal with it, I had a show to do. He showed up 20 minutes before [and] hid in the crowd outside our dressing room door with a backpack and a KNIFE, never knocking on our door and saying, 'Yo, guys… can we talk?' He was also heard ranting outside that he was putting a stop to us playing his music (his music?). And while sitting outside our door he told someone else that said to Harley that he doesn't care about the beef he attends both HARLEY'S WAR shows and CRO-MAGS shows, that he was just a fan of the music. Harley's response: 'Yeah, well, fuck you. Some shit's about to go down, so if you don't wanna be involved, keep fucking walking.' He also told people initially that I was in the dressing room when it all went down, making it look like I set him up when a thousand people saw me on stage ready to play.

"Look here's the bottom line: Security was told to come up and they never did. So knowing this dude always carries weapons and his plan was obviously to use the laminate to gain access to the stage while we played and hearing what he was ranting that night, also remembering the whole Dimebag Darrell (who got shot and killed on stage) situation, as we were on stage about to go on, he was asked to come in the dressing room by Mike. When Harley was grabbed to be searched for weapons, the fight ensued and those three took him down where he pulled a knife and began stabbing people. When the security finally arrived, he wouldn't drop the knife and THEY banged him up, not those three. Again, dozens of witnesses.

"Look if you got beef, a show with women and children on stage ain't the place to bring it. I believe those three stopped a much worse situation where perhaps kids could have got hurt who were on stage. And no one snitched — I refused to talk to the cops. Unfortunately for [Harley], it's a criminal case so no one has to press charges 'cuz he did that shit in a public venue. We have a way of dealing with matters — it's called 'street justice.' You pull a knife, I pull a pipe and smash your face in. And I did have a pipe on stage, by the way, knowing this dude can't really fight and always has a weapon, as I said.

"DMS are not thugs, so for the new jacks who weren't even around long enough to remember their past and said that — keep your mouths shut. For the last 10 years plus, they have been security at shows stopping violence, even promoting the Black N' Blue Bowl and other events where there is NEVER violence. If they had been doing security that night, Harley would have never got in and ALL of this could have been avoided. And only Mike is DMS, not the other two, and anyone who REALLY knows him (not you keyboard commandos talking crap anonymously) will attest to the fact that he's the nicest dude in the world and NEVER starts trouble. The other one is a veteran who tried to get the knife away from Harley. The other just a friend of the band. And Mike (Harley's replacement) was the one who got stabbed first.

"Bottom line, [Harley] was told not to come, he showed up right before we went on, he made threats and then he stabbed people. End of story.

"We will make up the show with SICK OF IT ALL as we are discussing another date now, but I wanted to set the record straight.

"Sure, obviously anyone who knows the past (it's all in my book, 'The Evolution Of A Cro-Magnon') knows [Harley] has a problem with me. He talks shit all the time — I do not. But he knows my bell and where I live. He NEVER rang it once. I told him we can go to the East River and resolve any issues. He refused. So if you wanna believe all the lies and B.S. that dude posts on [Facebook] — your choice. The truth is an entirely different thing, though. Your sympathy should lie with those who got stabbed, not the dude who did the stabbing and caused this whole problem. So stop gossiping and move on — that's what we are doing.

"See you in the pit.

"Peace and PMA."

- John Joseph (CRO-MAGS frontman)

Here is Harley Flanagan's statement!

Click here for all the details on this story!

Related links:
Click here to help out Mike Couls (one of Flanagan's victims)
Here is a statement from the Cro Mags
Here is a statement from Sick Of It All!
Here is a statement from the organizers of CBGB Fest!

OZZY OSBOURNE Friday the 13th DVD Release Party To Take Place Tonight At Duff's Brooklyn!

It is Friday the 13th, and we can't think of a better way to celebrate this horrific holiday: DUFF's Brooklyn is hosting yet another official DVD release party for OZZY, this time for his latest release 'SPEAK OF THE DEVIL'. They have over a case of free DVDs and other promo goodies to give away, so join the festivities and "LET GO WILD TONIGHT!"

The DVD Release party for OZZY'S 'SPEAK OF THE DEVIL' begins at 9 PM.

'SPEAK OF THE DEVIL' was filmed at Irvine Meadows, California in 1982. The show was part of the delayed continuation of the 'Diary Of A Madman' tour following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads in March '82 in a flying accident during the early part of the tour. The show features guitarist Brad Gillis who was brought in to replace Randy Rhoads. The concert is a perfect snapshot of Ozzy Osbourne's live performances in the eighties with dramatic staging and masses of energy with a set-list based around his first two solo albums and a few Black Sabbath classics. Ozzy has always been one of Heavy Metal's great frontmen and, despite the difficult circumstances, this show captures him at his absolute best.

Line-up: Ozzy Osbourne (vocals); Don Airey (keyboards); Tommy Aldridge (drums); Brad Gillis (guitar); Rudy Sarzo (bass).

'SPEAK OF THE DEVIL' Track Listing:

1) Over The Mountain
2) Mr Crowley
3) Crazy Train
4) Revelation (Mother Earth)
5) Steal Away (The Night)
6) Suicide Solution
7) Guitar / Drum Solo
8) Goodbye To Romance
9) I Don't Know
10) Believer
11) Flying High Again
12) Iron Man
13) Children Of The Grave
14) Paranoid

Related links:
OZZY's Official Website
DuffsBrooklyn.com

CRYPTOPSY Premiere Video Trailer For NEW Album!

Today, Canadian Heavy Metallers CRYPTOPSY are premiering a video trailer for their NEW self-titled album! The follow up to their 2008 release 'The Unspoken King' (set to be released digitally on September 14), is now available for pre-sale at the bands brand NEW website Cryptopsy.ca!

"We hope that you enjoy the sneak peek of the new CRYPTOPSY. We greatly appreciate your dedication and support. It is thanks to your help alone that we can continue doing this!!!"

As special thanks to you, the pre-sale participants, the band has decided to give some digital goodies. First, on August 14, one month before the digital release and official street date, you will receive two songs from the new CD. Then on September 11, you will receive the "Making Of Cryptopsy" (a 30-minute documentary) alongside your completed album.

All pre-sale participants will be placed in a draw to win the following grand prize:
- Autographed limited edition vinyls of "Ungental Exhumation", "Blasphemy Made Flesh" and "None So Vile".
- Autographed CD "Cryptopsy".
- Full merch package, guy shirt, girly and zip up hoody of "Cryptopsy".

'Cryptopsy' track listing:

01. Two-Pound Torch
02. Shag Harbour's Visitors
03. Red-Skinned Scapegoat
04. Damned Draft Dodgers
05. Amputated Enigma
06. The Golden Square Mile
07. Ominous
08. Cleansing The Hosts

Related links:
Cryptopsy's Official Site
Cryptopsy on Facebook

ATTIKA 7: Design A Badass Biker Helmet & Win Some Killer Swag - Details Available!

ATTIKA 7 is pleased to announce a brand NEW contest celebrating the release of their upcoming July 31^st release, 'Blood Of My Enemies', hitting stores via Rocket Science Ventures/THC : MUSIC. Have you entered the "ATTIKA 7 Helmet Design Contest" (sponsored by HOT BIKE Magazine)? See below for general details, and head to CraveOnline.com for more details and an exclusive quote from Evan about the rules and details!

DETAILS:

Create a unique ATTIKA 7 themed biker helmet, then take a picture and post it on Facebook. Make sure to tag ATTIKA 7 in the post! The band will create an album of their diehard fans in their designed helmets. The photo with the most “likes” will win the prizes below! CONTEST ENDS July 31, 2012.

PRIZES:

1. Two free tickets to the ATTIKA 7 show of the winner’s choice in 2012 (transportation not included)

2. Signed band poster or 4x4 lithograph.

3. Cloth banner signed by Rusty and Evan.

4. Exclusive HOT BIKE MAGAZINE baseball caps.

Check out the official ATTIKA 7 Facebook page and HOT BIKE Magazine Facebook page for updates!

ATTIKA 7 recorded Blood of My Enemies with legendary producer MUDROCK (Avenged Sevenfold, Godsmack). Expect an announcement coming very soon detailing some big things happening with ATTIKA 7!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Legendary NYHC Band THE MOB to Release 7" Single "Back to Queens"

Sometime during 1980 searching for a harder/faster outlet than the current NYC punk rock trend, three teenagers from Jackson Heights, Queens: Jack Flanagan, Jose Gonzalez and Ralph Gebbia formulated THE MOB. Once the concept was established they added high-school bud Jamie Shanahan on drums, to round out the 4 piece assault. The early MOB sound was heavily influenced by what was going on in L.A. and D.C. With NY not having a true representative taking up this new sound and culture THE MOB chose to carry the flag. THE MOB were not alone in this endeavor and these ideas, as others were feeling the same excitement and picked up guitars, mics and sticks in pursuing these same ideas: which turned into the first wave of the NYHC scene.

Fast forward to 2012 and THE MOB is back in business. This year's Black N' Blue Bowl marked THE MOB's return to the stage and to the forefront of the NYHC Scene after a ten year absence. Along with performing at the Black N' Blue Bowl this year, THE MOB has recorded their newest offering "Back to Queens" which will be released in true "MobStyle" as a 7" vinyl including the track "That's It". This release is limited to 1000 individually hand numbered copies which were signed by all four members of the band and then shrink-wrapped making this a true collector's item. The EP is available for pre-order on Amazon.

'Back To Queens' is the first in a series of four 7" singles that will be released by THE MOB on Weathermaker Music. The artwork for the singles was created by famed New York tattoo artist Mr. Den. While each single has its own distinct artwork, once all four are released each piece takes on a new meaning as one part of a complete piece of art.

There will also be a digital version of the single available which includes a bonus offering of "Zoo Crew".

Stereo Killer is hosting an exclusive premiere of "Back to Queens" below. Be one of the first to hear it before it is released.

THE MOB recently completed work on a video for 'Back To Queens'. The video was directed by Drew Stone, who is known for his work documenting the Boston Hardcore Scene, particularly in his film "xxx All Ages xxx". Photos from the video shoot can be viewed on The Mob's Facebook page. Look for the video to be released in the coming weeks.

Related links:
The Mob on Facebook
Weather Maker Music

CRO MAGS Founder Harley Flanagan Talks About Friday's Stabbing Incident In New York City

Yesterday (July 11th), New York Natives sat down with Harley Flanagan (founder of the CRO MAGS) for an exclusive interview about the events that took place on July 6 at Webster Hall in New York City. On Friday night, Flanagan attacked a few of bands current members. The incident took place during the CBGB Fest show that featured SICK OF IT ALL, CRO MAGS, VISION OF DISORDER, ABSOLUTION and SAI NAM. The incident took place right after VISION OF DISORDER's set, who performed right before CRO MAGS and SICK OF IT ALL!

According to the NY Post, Flanagan's victims were: William Berario, 45, who was slashed above the eye and bitten on his cheek, and Michael "The Gook" Couls, 33 (current CRO MAGS bassist & member of the DMS crew) who was cut in the lung, under his left armpit to his heart and on his arm.

Here are a few excerpts of the interview:

According to Harley, he was invited to the dressing room back stage and instead of being welcomed as he expected he was jumped by a group of men. "When I saw that door get pulled shut I was literally fighting for my life. I was afraid these guys were going to kick me half to death, roll me down the back steps and that no one would see it... and there would be no witnesses and that would be that.... and all I could think about was getting home safe to my kids... I wanted to save my life, to protect myself and these guys were trying to do me in.

"... I was getting the shit beat out of me. It was like an old fashion biker beat down, like BA BABABABABA BA And at that point everybody started screaming and I saw the door of the dressing room open and I started screaming security, security and I saw somebody pull the door shut to keep security out. And in my mind I thought to myself, 'fuck, these dudes, their intention is to fuck me up, they don't want no one to see it they're trying to beat the shit out of me...SO what I did was defend my life...'

"…I’m getting the shit beat out of me. …Then at that point that’s when the bouncers managed to get in the room and I ended up getting dragged out into the balcony area, which is where everybody says the mêlée took place but no the mêlée took place in the dressing room behind a locked door where I was getting jumped by myself.

"One dude says get on your stomach, get on your stomach, put your hands out in front of you and this one guy, big guy steps on my back and he’s standing with both of his feet on my back… and one guy is literally looking at me squeezing my throat choking me and… at this point it was DMS guys and security I don’t know who the fuck was which… one guy looks at me and says motherfucker I’ll fucking kill you… I will kick you in your fucking face until you are dead motherfucker stop moving.. and I’m just like Yo, I’m stopping moving at that point. And one guy's like put your hands out in front of you and I’m like are you a cop and he’s like yeah and I’m like show me your badge and at that point …the boys in blue hallelujah… the cops came running up the stairs… I was like fine, I’m not moving anymore … please cuff me, I stuck my hands out in front of me... I’m face down on the floor. At that point I still didn’t know that I had been stabbed, I got 30 stitches in my leg. Thank God it was in my leg …and the cops cuffed me, turned me over and that’s when I saw the wound in my leg…

"[ It] was just grotesque…the blood was bubbling out of it, the fischa was ..the tendons was literally hanging out of my leg… that’s why people started saying that’s a compound fracture… it was until I got cleaned up in the ambulance they realized it was more of a stab wound. And that’s when the cops put me on the chair. And they put me in the ambulance."

Click HERE to check the rest of the interview out!

Click here for all the details on this story!

Related links:
Click here to help out Mike Couls (one of Flanagan's victims)
Here is a statement from the Cro Mags
Here is a statement from Sick Of It All!
Here is a statement from the organizers of CBGB Fest!

Rob Zombie + Marilyn Manson Announce 2012 "Twins of Evil" Tour; KORN's Jonathan Davis To Join Them!

It had to happen. Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie are hitting the road together this fall, co-headlining the "Twins of Evil" tour. Debauchery, theatrics, ghoulish imagery, and a full-on assault of all the senses are what's in store for fans when the tour kicks off, first in the U.S. and then with a 10-country sweep through Europe.

Kicking off September 28 when both Zombie and Manson co-headline the first day of the Desert Uprising Festival in Phoenix, Arizona, expect defiant rock'n'roll showmanship in the form of these unholy rollers with the first U.S. date wrapping in Dallas on Halloween, October 31.

"Finally! Why did the most obvious tour take so long to happen? Who knows? Who cares? It's happening now," stated Zombie. "If good taste is the chief enemy of great art, then we should be able to fill the Louvre with this f***ing tour. Be prepared for something wicked this way a-coming."

"I have sympathy for the Whore of Babylon that gave birth to these twins of evil, and this abomination of a tour," says Marilyn Manson. "There is no babysitter, and there is no repairing her womb. If Rob Zombie doesn't f*** you up, than I surely will. Hide all drugs and firearms...I'm coming to town."

J Devil, the DJ alter ego of KoRn's frontman Jonathan Davis, will support the Manson/Zombie dates with his chaotic electro-metal. "I like to think of J Devil as the 'anti-christ' of EDM," he said. "To play alongside Zombie and Manson is going to be a f***ing sinister night all around, and an unbelievable theatrical experience. I can't wait."

Marilyn Manson's eighth full-length album Born Villain debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart, also grabbing the #1 spots on both the Heavy Album Chart and the Independent Album Chart. "This is Manson at his best," says ARTISTdirect. "Elegantly, he slices throats and puts up a middle finger to everyone once more."

For the "Twins of Evil" tour, Zombie and his band of maniacs - John 5/guitar, Piggy D/bass and drummer Ginger Fish - will bring their elaborate, multi-media production, complete with hair-raising theatrics, animatronic robots, oversized LED screens, a non-stop collage of psychotronic monster film clips, a spectacular light show, a gigantic robot with flames shooting out of its body, pyrotechnics, insane guitar riffs and vicious beats. On August 7, prior to the kick off of the "Twins of Evil" tour, Mondo Sex Head, an album featuring new and unique remixes of Rob Zombie classics by some of today's top DJs, including KoRn's Jonathan "J Devil" Davis, Photek, the Bloody Beetroots, Kraddy, Drumcorps, and Ki: Theory will be released (Universal Music Enterprises/UMe). Fans can download one of the new songs, "Thunder Kiss '65 (J-Devil Number of the Beast Remix)," from iTunes.

For ticket on-sale and purchasing info, log onto www.marilynmanson.com or www.robzombie.com

With more to be announced, dates for the "Twins of Evil" tour are as follows:

(U.S. Leg)

SEPTEMBER:

28   Desert Uprising Festival, Ashley Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ
29   48 Hours Festival, Las Vegas, NV

OCTOBER:

1   USANA Amphitheatre, Salt Lake City, UT
2   1st Bank Center, Denver, CO
4   Topeka Expo Center, Topeka, KS
8   Pershing Auditorium, Lincoln, NE
9   Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, MN
11   Allstate Arena, Chicago, IL
12   DTE Energy Music Theatre, Detroit, MI
13   US Cellular Coliseum, Bloomington, IL
15   Covelli Center, Youngstown, OH
16   The Armory, Rochester, NY
19   Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ
20   Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
21   Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester, NH
23   Agganis Arena, Boston, MA
25   Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood, Atlanta, GA
30   Reliant Arena, Houston, TX
31   Dallas, TX

(European Leg)

NOVEMBER:

26   London, UK
27   Manchester, UK
28   Glasgow SECC, UK
29   Birmingham, UK

DECEMBER:

1   Luxembourg
2   Bochum, Germany
3   Amsterdam, The Netherlands
5   Stockholm, Sweden
6   Copenhagen, Denmark
8   Vienna, Austria
9   Munich, Germany
10   Basel, Switzerland
12   Bologna, Italy

Related links:
RobZombie.com
MarilynManson.com

MÖTLEY CRÜE: Audio Teaser For NEW Single "Sex" Revealed

As previously reported, MÖTLEY CRÜE entered The Atrium (recording studio owned by Tommy Lee) in Calabasas, California to record a NEW song entitled "Sex". The song will be released to coincide with the band's upcoming summer co-headlining tour with KISS (tour dates below).

The writing sessions for this song, took place during their residency in Las Vegas last February. "Sex" is the first studio track from MÖTLEY CRÜE in over 4 years ('Saints Of Los Angeles' was released in June 2008).

"Sex" will debut on Friday, July 13 on SiriusXM and be available on Tuesday, July 17 — three days before the tour begins.

An audio sample for the bands NEW single can be heard below.

KISS & Mötley Crüe live!
Jul. 20 - Jiffy Lube Live - Bristow, VA
Jul. 21 - Farm Bureau Live - Virginia Beach, VA
Jul. 22 - Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion - Raleigh, NC
Jul. 24 - Aaron's Amphitheater at Lakewood - Atlanta, GA
Jul. 25 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Charlotte, NC
Jul. 27 - Cruzan Amphitheatre - West Palm Beach, FL
Jul. 28 - 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheater - Tampa, FL
Jul. 31 - Oak Mountain Amphitheatre - Pelham, A\L
Aug. 03 - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion - Woodlands, TX
Aug. 04 - Gexa Energy Paviliion - Dallas, TX
Aug. 07 - Hard Rock Casino Presents: The Pavilion - Albuquerque, NM
Aug. 08 - Comfort Dental Amphitheater - Englewood, CO
Aug. 10 - Ashley Furniture Home Store Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ
Aug. 11 - Mandalay Bay Arena - Las Vegas, NV
Aug. 12 - Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre - Chula Vista, CA
Aug. 14 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Irvine, CA
Aug. 16 - Sleep Train Pavilion - Concord, MA
Aug. 18 - White River Amphitheatre - Auburn, WA
Aug. 19 - Sleep Country Amphitheater - Ridgefield, CT
Aug. 24 - Rock Jam - Grand Junction, CO
Aug. 26 - BOK Center - Tulsa, OK
Aug. 27 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Maryland Heights, MO
Aug. 29 - Minnesota State Fair - Minneapolis, MN
Aug. 31 - Riverbend Music Center - Cincinnati, OH
Sep. 01 - Klipsch Music Center - Noblesville, IN
Sep. 02 - First Niagara Pavilion - Burgettstown, PA
Sep. 04 - Bridgestone Arena - Nashville, TN
Sep. 05 - DTE Energy Music Theatre - Clarkston, MI
Sep. 07 - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - Tinley Park, IL
Sep. 08 - Alpine Valley Music Theater - East Troy, MI
Sep. 11 - Allegan County Fair - Allegan, MI
Sep. 12 - Blossom Music Center - Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Sep. 13 - Molson Amphitheatre - Toronto, ON
Sep. 15 - Darien Lake PAC - Darien Lake, NY
Sep. 16 - Comcast Center - Mansfield, MA
Sep. 18 - Toyota Pavilion - Scranton, PA
Sep. 19 - Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, NJ
Sep. 21 - PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ
Sep. 22 - Nikon at Jones Beach - Wantagh, NY
Sep. 23 - Comcast Theater - Hartford, CT

Related links:
MotleyCrue.com

JOB FOR A COWBOY Joined By The Red Chord’s Mike "Gunface" McKenzie!

JOB FOR A COWBOY are currently readying for their month-long Summer Slaughter trek, set to commence next week in Los Angeles. Bassist Nick Schendzielos will be forced to sit out part of the run due to a family emergency. The band will be joined temporarily by The Red Chord guitarist Mike "Gunface" McKenzie.

Comments Schendzielos: "Hey friends: On June 28, immediately after landing in Boston to rehearse for Puerto Rico/Summer Slaughter, my girlfriend was in a head-on collision on her scooter. She sustained very serious head and bodily injuries. I flew right home, and we've been in the ICU for a week and are still in the hospital to make sure everything is okay. She needs 24/7 supervision for at least two weeks once we get out of here, so I'm very grateful to announce that Gunface from The Red Chord is going to help me out filling in on Summer Slaughter until I can meet back up with it. We love the dude very much and it's going to be really cool for both JFAC and TRC fans to see. Enormous thanks for understanding this difficult situation and I'll be back as soon as possible!"

Adds McKenzie: "I'm excited to be playing with JFAC on this tour. Great dudes in this band as well as in the bands on Summer Slaughter. Playing bass is a little different for me but definitely an interesting challenge. I'm definitely looking forward to getting out on the road again. Nick's bass work is incredible and I'm working hard to get all of his parts down. Sending positive vibes out to him and his lady."

JOB FOR A COWBOY will be touring in support of Demonocracy, released earlier this Spring through Metal Blade Records. Called “…an ass-kicking, skull-cracking record,” by Alternative Press and “…a very strong exercise in slickly-produced, technically sound death metal…” by Decibel, the maniacal Jason Suecof-produced masterwork tackles a host of political and economic themes and continues to raise the eyebrows of fans and media alike. Don’t miss the band on Summer Slaughter!

Complete list of tour dates:

7/20 - Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues 
7/21 - San Diego, CA @ SOMA 
7/22 - Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
7/23 - Scottsdale, AZ @ Venue of Scottsdale 
7/25 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues 
7/26 - San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
7/27 - Mission, TX @ Pharr Events Center
7/28 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues
7/30 - Tampa, FL @ The Ritz 
7/31 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution 
8/01 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
8/02 - Knoxville, TN @ The Valarium 
8/03 - Charlotte, NC @ Amos Southend 
8/04 - Baltimore, MD @ Sonar
8/05 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero 
8/07 - Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom 
8/08 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza 
8/09 - Albany, NY @ Northern Lights
8/10 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium 
8/11 - Montreal, QC @ Heavy Montreal
8/12 - Toronto, ON @ Heavy Toronto
8/14 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues 
8/15 - Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew's
8/16 - Chicago, IL @ House Blues
8/17 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
8/18 - St. Paul, MN @ Station 4 
8/20 - Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall 
8/22 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox Sodo 
8/23 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater 
8/24 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore 
8/25 - Anaheim, CA @ The Grove

Former KITTIE Bassist To Appear On NEW Season Of "Big Brother" Starting Tonight!

Tonight, the NEW season of Big Brother premieres on CBS at 9 PM Eastern. And guess what? Former KITTIE bassist Jennifer "JennCity" Arroyo will be representing the Heavy Music community. JennCity, as per her biography, is a sassy Puerto Rican/New Yorker (via Washington, D.C) and vocalist/bassist/DJ/host/writer that started touring when she was 14 years old and has been touring the world since.

When asked what she would do if she won the Big Brother reality contest, Arroyo commented that she would "head right back into the studio and record a full length album and then head out on the road with my band and tour. Start a music program to help underprivileged kids stay focused. Music has saved my life and I want to give back to what has been so good to me."

Make sure you tune in every Thursday, starting tonight, to CBS at 9 PM Eastern! We wish JennCity the best of luck!!!

Related links:
Big Brother's Official Site
JenniferArroyoMusic

First-ever European Heavy Metal Cruise Announced - Stops Include Amsterdam, Hamburg & More!

This just in: The organizers of Wacken Open Air, have released the following press release:

Be prepared for the first and the biggest Metal Cruise in Europe: From 5th to 12th of May 2013, the FULL METAL CRUISE brings the real festival feeling to the sea.

The FULL METAL CRUISE starts in Hamburg and enters the harbors of Southampton (UK), Le Havre (F) and Amsterdam (NL). After 7 days full of sea & relaxing and Metal & party feeling, the ship then returns to Hamburg with a special show at the harbor anniversary fest.

Whilst there will be big fireworks and a special show on board, the cruise will return to the harbor and this will be one of the many things leading to a great overall experience for every metal-sailor!

The special features of this Metal Cruise:

- Drinks and food are included
- No difficult travelling to the starting point
- Hamburg, the gateway to the world!
- Concerts take place onboard and onshore
- Interesting shore excursions for every metal-heart

More than 20 high-quality bands from the Metal and Rock scene will perform on 3 stages at the Mein Schiff 1. Certainly there will be everything which provides you with festival fun onboard: Meet & Greets, Metal Karaoke, movie nights, metal comedy, workshops for musicians and much more.
In the many lounges onboard, the metalheads can party and meet the artists – nowhere else it is possible to have such a direct connection to the musicians.

Furthermore, Metalheads can book shore excursions with more concerts at the harbors. The line up of the shows at the seaports and onboard of the cruise will be announced soon. You can find more information about this Heavy Metal Cruise at the link below.

"Heavy and hard music and a cruise don’t conflict with each other", says Wacken boss Thomas Jensen. "With the FULL METAL CRUISE we want to bring a real Metal festival to the sea!"

You can purchase your FULL METAL CRUISE ticket from 18th of July on!

On this seven days FULL METAL CRUISE, the food and drinks are included alongside with the floating festival program: drinks such as beer, wine and softdrinks are free of charge at all times, from 18 o´clock on also most of the spirituous beverages and cocktails will be for free. In addition, there is no need to pay for the food in most of the restaurants onboard.

Attention: The tickets for this very special festival are limited to an amount of 2000. The quick ones can show the whole world that they will attend the cruise: the first 500 metal sailors will receive an exclusive Full Metal Cruise Shirt!

Join the cruise, Metalheads!

Related links:
www.full-metal-cruise.com

Randy Blythe's Wife: "I miss him very much and I really hope I get to see him soon"

On Wednesday (July 11), Cindy Blythe (Randy Blythe's) was able to visit him for a few hours on in the Pankrác Prison in Prague, Czech Republic where he is facing manslaughter charges in connection with the death of a fan more than two years ago. Here is wht Cindy told reporters about her visit:

"It was really good to see him. I miss him very much and I really hope I get to see him soon, and that we'll be together again soon. So this was a special day, getting to see him."

She added, "I think it's terrible what happened — that the kid lost his life and his family lost him — but I believe [Randy] is innocent. That's what I believe."

Video footage of Cindy Blythe speaking to Czech reporters in Prague can be seen by following these links:

* Blesk.cz
* TV Nova

Earlier this week, a spokesman for the the Municipal Public Prosecutor's Office in Prague Štepánka Zenklová confirmed that the complaint was delivered to the Prague 8 district court this past Friday (July 6).

Another bail hearing will be held at the Municipal Court in Prague at a later date.

The cool folks over at the Gauntlet have EXCLUSIVELY obtained the charges from the court in Prague. The charge against Blythe is as follows:

"David R, B [Randy Blythe] was on 6/27/2012 charged with the severe crime of manslaughter under section 146, subsection 1 and subsection 2 (see below) which he could have committed on May 24, 2010 when he as the singer acting in the music club, after one of the listeners [Daniel Nosek] without permission climbed on the stage, pushed this observer in his chest. As a result of which this listener made a step back, stumbled over the guard rail, fell into the auditorium, hit his head on the floor and died a month later."

Is Randy Blythe being framed? We definitely believe so. The video of the incident (below) show very clearly that Daniel N. climbed numerous times (at least three) on stage and jumped into the crowd. Additionally, Blythe's "push" was assisted by the security guard.

"In watching the video, we see Daniel climb up on stage, grabbed around the waist by a security guard, thrown over the guard rail and hits his head in the barricade. This happens 90 seconds after the second time Daniel is pushed off the stage by venue security when he is near Randy Blythe. The injury to his head [skull fracture] is only consistent to the third time Daniel was on stage." - The Gauntlet

Czech law:

§146
Injury to health(1) Whoever intentionally injures another health shall be punished by imprisonment for six months to three years.
...
(4) imprisonment for five to ten years, the offender will cause the offense referred to in paragraph 1 death.

This facts should also be considered:

- There is no confirmation of whither or not the security guard (whose name can't be confirmed by anyone) has been called in for questioning.

- The ambulance that came to pick Daniel N. up on the day of the incident, took over an hour to arrive at the club. This was definitely what caused him to slip into a coma and eventually die was a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, since it was obviously a medical emergency that got treated too late. And how long did Daniel have to wait before he received treatment at the hospital?

Could Daniel have been saved with timely and proper treatment after being thrown from the stage? Absolutely!

Lamb Of God's Statement
Click here to donate your beer money to the "Randy Blythe Legal Fund"

Click here to sign the petition to FREE Randy Blythe!

Related links:
Lamb Of God's Official Site

Live Rock N' Roll Art Tonight In New York City, Followed By Some Furious Metal!

Tonight (July 12th), in New York City, Grit N Glory & Tim No. 37 are bringing you the opening party for the artwork of multi-talented artists Joey James and Forest. The event will kick off at 7 PM and will feature coffee from Stumptown and pastries from Chew NYC.

Then, at around 10 PM, there will be an afterparty at Tammany Hall, that will feature live music by SLAM ONE DOWN and a live DJ set by Tim No 37. Additionally, there will be drink specials from 10-11PM: 5 dollars for certain beers and 7 dollar whiskey drinks.

SLAM ONE DOWN hits the stage @ 11:15 PM!

Related links:
Gritnglory.com
TammanyHallny.com
SlamOneDown

JUDAS PRIEST Working On A NEW Album?

JUDAS PRIEST are always full of surprises, which is not a bad thing at all. The legendary Heavy Metal supposedly had their farewell tour last year. But who can blame them for wanting to continue their musical legacy? After all, the "Epitaph" tour proved that the iconic Rob Halford and company have many more years to kick some serious ass!

Recently, Peter Hodgson of Gibson.com spoke with JUDAS PRIEST's guitarist Richie Faulkner (who replaced K.K. Downing). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Gibson.com:

You've been in JUDAS PRIEST for over a year now and the fans seem to have welcomed you with open arms. How does that feel? Were you worried about how you'd be accepted?

Richie:

I think that any big change in such a legendary band is going to bring a certain amount of skepticism and when people don't know the outcome, we tend to fear the worst. The band and me were sure that when the fans came to see us live, all fears would be put to bed. It astonishes, really, how the fans have welcomed me into the family and I feel honored to be accepted in the way that I have been. The great thing is, even though the fans didn't know how it was gonna be at first, they still believed in the band, got their tickets and came to see the show. When the opening song kicked in, all politics and uncertainty seemed to be blown out the door and everyone was just part of a huge family, ya know? Hats off to the fans for that and a massive thank you.

Gibson.com:

How much lead-up did you have between getting the PRIEST gig and stepping on stage with them?

Richie: It was about a month before rehearsals started for the "Epitaph" tour that I got the gig. We rehearsed for two weeks and then flew out to L.A. to play on the finale of "American Idol". So my first show with the band was in front of nearly 30 million people! No pressure then guys, eh?! We then flew back to England again to continue rehearsing, so I think it was about two months in total before we played the first show of the "Epitaph" tour.

Gibson.com:

Are you writing NEW material with PRIEST? And are you able to fit in your own musical pursuits at the moment?

Richie:

We are working on a NEW album. Glenn [Tipton, guitar] and Rob [Halford, vocals] started writing material early 2011 before I joined the band, and I got together with them earlier this year to work on some more tracks with them. We're getting together again after the summer to do some more writing and if all goes to plan, we might have the album out early next year. The ideas we have so far are sounding very strong and very PRIEST, so watch this space!

Read the entire interview HERE.

Related links:
Judas Priest
Gibson.com