Listen To DIO's 'Holy Diver' On Its 30th Anniversary!

Today, in 1983, DIO released their classic album 'Holy Diver'. Not only is this record considered one of the greatest album of all time, but it changed our music forever thanks to Ronnie James Dio's excellent delivery of vocals. After that, every singer out there was forced to step their game up.

The album was originally released on May 25th, 1983 and contained some of the greatest Dio songs ever written, including "Rainbow In The Dark," "Holy Diver, "Stand Up And Shout" and many more amazing Dio classics! Listen to it here:

Related links:
Official site of Ronnie James Dio DIO on MySpace Official Ronnie James Dio Facebook page

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS Sue Scott Weiland Due To "Unspecified Damages" - Details Available!

As previously reported, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS have a NEW lead vocalist. That's right, Chester Bennington of LINKIN PARK has replaced the bands legendary but unreliable vocalist Scott Weiland.

Up until now the other members of the band - Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz - didn't explain why they decided to fire Weiland. Well, according to TMZ and Billboard, the DeLeo brothers and Eric Kretz, are suing Weiland for unspecified damages. Why? Well, they are claiming in their lawsuit that Weiland sabotaged the bands 20^th anniversary tour by being consistently late for performances and missing promotional gigs. The band are also claiming that the singer’s plan was to “hijack” to tour, to the point he wouldn’t even communicate with band members in an effort to “seize all the glory.”

There is more! The band also want the court to force Weiland to stop calling himself a former member of the band, stating that they own the songs, copyrights and trademarks (not Weiland). “Enough is enough,” the band’s lawsuit reportedly states. “Without relief from the court, Weiland will continue violating STP’s rights, misappropriating STP assets and interfering with the band’s livelihood.”

Weiland posted the following letter earlier this week, following the bands decision to replace him with Bennington:

“A letter to my fans,

Like everybody else out there, I read about my band, Stone Temple Pilots, and their recent performance this past weekend with a new singer. To tell you the truth, it took me by surprise. And it hurt. But the band that played last weekend was not Stone Temple Pilots and it was wrong of them to present themselves as that.

First of all they don’t have the legal right to call themselves STP because I’m still a member of the band. And more importantly, they don’t have the ethical right to call themselves Stone Temple Pilots because it’s misleading and dishonest to the millions of fans that have followed us for so many years. When I tour on my own, it’s never as Stone Temple Pilots. It’s as Scott Weiland. The fans deserve to know what they’re getting.

Like any band that’s stood the test of time and made music for more than two decades, STP had a special alchemy – the four of us together were greater than any one of us apart. So if my former bandmates want to tour with a new singer, that’s their prerogative. I don’t give a fuck what they call themselves, but it’s not Stone Temple Pilots.

And so I say to you, our fans, I’ll see you out there on the road this summer where I’m touring as ‘Scott Weiland’ with my band The Wildabouts. But don’t give up on STP. I know I haven’t."

Here is a NEW STP song called "Out Of Time":










Related links:
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS' official site

Brian Fair's "Best Week Ever": He Gives Birth To A Baby Girl & To DEATH RAY VISION!

Brian Fair: You Are The Father!!! EXTREME congratulations are in order for the "Metal Hippie", who just helped his wife give birth to a beautiful baby girl!!! After running all over the place in order to make it in time to St. Louis, Missouri. Brian delivered the goods to his wife Abigail. ;) Here are Brian's Tweets that lead to this awesome event:

And we can't forget DEATH RAY VISION, Brian's NEW project with Mike D from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE! Listen to their debut EP below:






Congrats to the Fair familia! And for gods sake, help them get some diapers, milk and toys for the NEW member of our Metal fam! Here is the official SHADOWS FALL merch store!

When we last interviewed Brian, he told us about his wifes pregnancy and about DEATH RAY VISION:

Related links:

Official Site of Shadows Fall
Official site of Death Ray Vision 

Geoff Tate Takes Cell Phone Away From A Fan In The Midst Of A Concert - Video Available!

Wow! This is absolutely insane! Geoff Tate, the lead vocalist for the second lineup of Queensrÿche (yeah, there are two Queensrÿche's at the moment), seems to be losing control of his temper. While we understand that it has to be frustrating to be let go from your band because of "outright business necessity" (details HERE), Tate has to get it together before he loses all of his fans.

Recently, his version of Queensrÿche performed at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, Illinois, as part of the 25th Anniversary Tour of Queensrÿche’s ‘Operation: Mindcrime’ album. 10 minutes into the concert, Tate snatched a cell phone away from a fan who was recording the show. Watch video of the incident below (it happens at around the 10:00 minute mark):



Related links: Queensryche.com

Members Of SICK OF IT ALL: NEW Album Plans, Evolution Of Hardcore Music & The SOIA Hot Sauce!

Hardcore is alive and well in 2013 thanks to bands like SICK OF IT ALL. Recently, the legendary band teamed up with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and performed around the United States for a tour package that will be talked about for years. Also on the bill, were the amazing D.R.I. and WAKE THE DEAD.

On Saturday, April 20, the tour package arrived to the Best Buy Theater in New York City. Prior to SICK OF IT ALL's crushing set, we had the chance to chat with drummer Armand Majidi and bassist Craig Setari. During the chat we discussed the bands NEW album plans, the evolution of Hardcore music and they even gave us the exclusive on the NEW SICK OF IT ALL hot sauce. Watch this interview, and remember that Hardcore lives!



Related links:
SICK OF IT ALL on MySpace SICK OF IT ALL Official Site SICK OF IT ALL on Twitter

SLAYER Fanatics: Watch Videos Of Jeff Hanneman's Memorial Celebration

                                                               See more photos HERE!

Yesterday (May 24), the Jeff Hanneman Memorial Celebration took place at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. Hanneman passed away on Thursday, May 2, from liver failure (Details HERE).

The event featured appearances by Kerry King, Brian Slagel (Founder/CEO of Metal Blade Records/Slayer's First Label), Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, System of a Down’s Shavo Odadjian, Dino Paredes from American Recordings (Slayer’s longtime label), Marshall Amplification’s Nick Bowcott and the Slayer Family and Management Team of Rick Sales, Kristen Mulderig, Andrew Stuart, Jen Jacobs and Nick John. Kristen Mulderig also had the honor of reading a beautiful letter from Jeff's widow Kathy Hanneman.

Guess who didn't show up? The freaks from the Westboro Baptist Church, who had threatened to picket the memorial ceremony. Here are some videos from the memorial:




















Our condolences go out to Jeff's family, friends and the Slayer camp! Rock in Peace, Jeff!

METALLICA's James Hetfield Has A NEW Album Update For You!

As you already know, METALLICA are going to take their sweet time before they release the follow up to 2008's 'Death Magnetic'. Up until now the bands legions of fans had no idea why the band is taking so long to release a NEW record. Well, during a recen interview with Gary Graff of Billboard, James Hetfield explained why the band hasn't even began recording their next sonic assault.

“I want it done yesterday,” frontman James Hetfield tells Billboard about Metallica’s next album, “and (Orion Music Festival) and this movie is keeping us pretty busy at this point and it’s taking a lot of our time and effort. We’ve been touring some obscure places; I guess basically what we’re trying to do is pay for this movie, so the touring is keeping us from getting in there and finishing the record. Right now the focus is on the movie.”

Hetfield did mention that the band has made a start on a NEW album.

“Yeah, we got out into the room and jammed and we’ve come up with enough material for a record, for sure,” Hetfield says. “We’ve gone through maybe one-tenth of the material that’s on our riffs CDs. We’ve got enough for an album, we just haven’t had enough time to really focus on it and dial in and start whittling it into these masterpieces, hopefully.”





METALLICA's "Orion Music + More" will take place this year in Detroit, Michigan during the weekend of June 8-9, 2013." Full details HERE

'Tallica will also be releasing their first ever 3D movie this fall! Details HERE!

Related links:
Metallica

Dave Mustaine Claims That Roadrunner Records Mistreated MEGADETH

MEGADETH's 'Super Collider' will be released on June 4th via Universal Music Group (not Roadrunner Records) with Mustaine's NEW label, Tradecraft. During a recent interview with Vlad Busca in Romania, Mustaine talked about some of the issues he had with his former label home.

"I remember I was in Germany one time and this woman, who was from our label, was calling another band that was coming in 'product.' Not people, not the name of the band or anything like that. And I thought, 'Wow, that's really kind of impersonal.' 'Cause, I mean, this is our art, this is what we believe in; we struggle to translate our feelings and emotions into music and stuff. And sometimes you kind of get lost in the business part of it, because you have so much pressure from someone who works for a label. It's like: sell, sell, sell, sell. Instead of how it used to be 30 years ago when music business was all one word. Now it's, like, music, which is us, and business, which is a lot of the people who are board members and stockholders and publicly traded record companies."

He added: "That's what I one of the things I love about Universal is, they spent more money on our first photo shoot than almost all the videos that Roadrunner did. One photo shoot! Our last video we did for Roadrunner was one sixth of the money that they spent on our photo shoot. It just shows you how out of place we were there. At the time, though, you figure going back several years, heavy metal was not popular in America. It was about, you've gotta be Tayor Swift or you've gotta… First off, we were never really in this to be the most popular band in the world. We play this music, 'cause we love this music."


Don't forget that MEGADETH is going on the road again with GIGANTOUR! The tour will also feature BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, HELLYEAH, DEVICE (David Draiman's NEW band), NEWSTED and DEATH DIVISION. Details and VIP packages for Gigantour HERE!

Listen to "Super Collider" HERE!

As reported recently, MEGADETH will be part of "The Battle Of San Bernardino"! This very special event will take place on Friday, September 13, at the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, CA. "The Battle Of San Bernardino" will feature very special appearances by Iron Maiden, Anthrax, Testament, Overkill and Sabaton. This will be a big, loud and exciting day out for Metal fans in Southern California.


Stay tuned for more MEGADETH news! 

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

Tony Iommi Talks About Why The Band Replaced Bill Ward With Brad Wilk

BLACK SABBATH will be releasing their comeback record entitled '13' on June 10 via Vertigo (album artwork & details HERE). Talk about beating all odds! Not only was the record produced in the midst of Tony Iommi's ongoing cancer treatment, but they also lost their legendary drummer Bill Ward because of contractual issues.

Members of the band were recently interviewed for a cover story in the July 2013 issue of Guitar World magazine. During the interview, Iommi talked about having to replace Bill Ward with Brad Wilk (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, AUDIOSLAVE).

Iommi on Bill Ward's complains about the financial terms presented by the band: "I was shocked. We were hearing stuff from lawyers, like, 'I'm not happy with this. I'm not happy with that.' We waited a long time for Bill and we wanted to sort it out. But at the end of the day, especially after I was diagnosed, I thought, Fucking hell, that's it. We've got to get a move on. I might pop off next year! So I emailed him and said, 'Bill, we can't wait any longer. We've got to get on with it.' And that was it."

On having Brad Wilk record drums on '13':

Iommi: "We had our doubts, because they play a different, funky sort of music. But after a few days of rehearsal, we knew [producer] Rick [Rubin] was right. Brad was a really good player, and he was getting it. We liked his style and the way he tried different things instead of being regimented. It was sort of jazzy and loose, like Bill."

In other SABBATH news, last week, the band performed a NEW song from '13' on the season finale of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Check it out HERE!
 
Upcoming BLACK SABBATH tour dates:


DATE                    CITY                     VENUE

+Thu- Jul 25          Houston, TX          Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

+Sat-Jul 27           Austin, TX             Frank Erwin Center

<Mon-Jul 29          Tampa, FL             Live Nation Amphitheatre

+Wed-Jul 31          W. Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre

~Fri-Aug 02          Bristow, VA           Jiffy Lube Live

*Sun-Aug 04        Holmdel, NJ           PNC Bank Arts Center

+Tue-Aug 06        Detroit, MI            DTE Energy Music Theatre

+Thu-Aug 08        Uncasville, CT        Mohegan Sun Arena

+Sat-Aug 10         Philadelphia, PA     Wells Fargo Center

^Mon-Aug 12        Boston, MA           Comcast Center

*Wed-Aug 14        Toronto, ON          Air Canada Centre

+Fri Aug 16           Tinley Park, IL       First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

+Sun-Aug 18        Indianapolis, IN       Klipsch Music Center

+Thu-Aug 22        Vancouver, BC       Rogers Arena

*Sat-Aug 24        Seattle, WA           Gorge Amphitheatre

+Mon-Aug 26        San Francisco, CA  Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View

+Wed-Aug 28       Irvine, CA              Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

+Fri-Aug 30          Phoenix, AZ           US Airways Center

+Sun-Sep 01        Las Vegas, NV       MGM Grand Garden Arena

*Tue-Sep 03        Los Angeles, CA     Los Angeles Sports Arena

*Previously announced date.
^On sale Friday, May 3
+On sale Saturday, May 4
~On sale, Friday May 10
<On sale, Saturday, May 11
>On sale TBD

Nov. 20 - Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland
Nov. 22 - Friends Arena, Stockholm, Sweden
Nov. 24 - Telenor Arena, Oslo, Norway
Nov. 26 - Forum, Denmark, Copenhagen
Nov. 28 - Ziggo Dome, Holland, Amsterdam
Nov. 30 - Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
Dec. 02 - Bercy, Paris, France
Dec. 05 - Fiera Arena, Milan, Italy
Dec. 07 - 02 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
Dec. 10 - 02 Arena, London, UK
Dec. 12 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast, Ireland
Dec. 14 - Arena, Sheffield, UK
Dec. 16 - Hydro, Glasgow, UK
Dec. 18 - Arena, Manchester, UK
Dec. 20 - LG Arena, Birmingham, UK 

Be the first to get information about the new Black Sabbath album: http://bitly.com/BlackSabbathMailingList.

Related links:
BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

Three Years Since The Passing Of SLIPKNOT's Paul Gray - Tribute Available!

Today (May 24) marks the third anniversary of the passing of Paul Gray (SLIPKNOT). When Paul Dedrick Gray (A.K.A. # 2) passed away 3 years ago he 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".
 
Here is a compilation of the best of Paul Gray (RIP):

OFFICIAL tribute from Slipknot to Paul Gray (1972 - 2010)


Slipknot Debut Ozzfest Performance 1999 (RAW AND UNCUT)


SLIPKNOT GRAMMY EXPERIENCE (Paul Gray talking about the significance of a Grammy)


Paul Gray Interview Unmasked


#2 Paul Gray video tribute (4/8/1972 - 5/24/2010)


Slipknot - Paul Gray Behind The Player - Duality Lesson [Part 1]


Slipknot - Paul Gray Behind The Player - Duality Lesson [Part 2]


Slipknot - Paul Gray #2 Mask


Slipknot - Paul Gray Behind The Player - Surfacing - Jam with Roy Mayorga


Slipknot - Duality ( Ozzfest 2005 ) @ San Bernadino (Raw and Uncompromised)


Slipknot - Spit it Out! LIVE @ DOWNLOAD 2009!


SlipKnoT - Duality ＆ (SIC) (Live at LOUD PARK 08)


#2 Paul Gray Unmasked Photos


#2 Paul Gray lighting his Xmas tree on FIRE! (DO NOT ATTEMPT!)


THIS IS DEDICATED TO PAUL GRAY! RIP!!! \M/

Westboro Baptist Church Freaks Are A No Show At The Jeff Hanneman Memorial

As we type this, the Jeff Hanneman Memorial Celebration is taking place at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. The event kicked off at 4:00 PM PT and will conclude at 7:30 PM PT. Hanneman passed away on Thursday, May 2, from liver failure (Details HERE).
Follow all the action at our Instagram and Twitter accounts!

Guess who decided that it was a bad idea to show up? The freaks from the Westboro Baptist Church, who had threatened to picket the memorial ceremony. Was it because they were afraid of the SLAYER fans? Probably. We will let you know if they do eventually show up.





Our condolences go out to Jeff's family, friends and the Slayer camp! Rock in Peace, Jeff!

This Is How The Arrest Of Tim Lambesis From AS I LAY DYING Went Down

As you probably know by now, Tim Lambesis from AS I LAY DYING is currently imprisoned after being charged with trying to hire a hitman to kill his wife. His bail is now set at $3 million dollars. Full details HERE!

Up until now, no details were revealed on how the arrest of Lambesis went down. Here is what happened according to an employee of the Barnes & Noble store (were Lambesis was arrested):

"It was about 2 p.m. My buddy was outside the store doing face-painting and the cops told him that he needed to stop immediately and go inside. Tim was there with a friend just browsing. I saw one special task-force cop, two regular officers, and two undercover officers. They just pushed everyone aside and handcuffed him. It all happened so fast. It seemed like they were planning it out for a long time."

During last weeks hearing, Lambesis' attorney claimed that his client began using steroids, which clouded his judgement. He also said that Lambesis had gotten into body building and eating healthy, and later began taking nutritional supplements as a paid product spokesman. At some point, he also began taking steroids.

According to Warwick, "his thought processes were devastatingly affected by his steroid use".

It was also revealed by the prosecution that the cost of alleged hit on Lambesis' wife was priced at $20,000 and that Lambesis was "very willing to pay that".

As previously reported, Lambesis's band AS I LAY DYING have been forced to pull out from the KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. Here is a statement from the band!

Stay tuned for more updates regarding this shocking story.



Via  San Diego Reader
Related links:
As I Lay Dying's official site

Jon Bon Jovi Talks About Richie Sambora's Departure From The Band

As previously reported, Jon Bon Jovi is currently touring without his guitarist Richie Sambora who allegedly is going through rehab again. Bon Jovi recently sat down with the London Evening Standard to talk about the Sambora situation:

“It’s getting more and more difficult every day to not just sit here and say something… Because all I can say is this — it’s for personal reasons. He’s been through it before, fortunately for us the same guy who filled in last time was available this time.”

He continued to snub Sambora by comparing him to U2’s The Edge, who would not be so easy to substitute.

“Life goes on, so if someone chooses not to be here… unlike if this were, God forbid, The Edge, and he for some reason couldn’t make a U2 show, [then] it would be very difficult to just step in,” he said.

“You have a choice — you either figure it out, go and grow, not only survive but thrive. Or, you say, ‘I hate my brother and I’m gonna quit the band.’”

During the interview, Bon Jovi called Justin Bieber “an a**hole” for showing up to his O2 arena concert in March 2013 two hours late.

Related links:
Bon Jovi's official site

ALICE IN CHAINS: Samples Of Every Song From 'The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here' Available Now!

As you probably know by now, ALICE IN CHAINS' fifth studio album entitled 'The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here' will be released this coming Tuesday, May 28. The album was produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Deftones) and engineered by Paul Figueroa. You can listen to samples of the record at the following link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-devil-put-dinosaurs-here/id622941441

The samples found at the link above is the only taste you will get of the NEW AIC, since they refuse to perform any of these songs until the record comes out next week. This is what Jerry Cantrell had to say about this:

"You always have to protect your stuff, but it's something you now have to be way more careful about. Early on, with the demos for 'Facelift', before it even came out, we were hanging out with the Pantera guys, and Phil Anselmo talked me into giving him a copy back in '89. He started passing copies around to bands and shit, and then [then-Columbia president] Don Ienner got in my ass for that. It didn't go that far, though, just to a few bands. If that happens today, it goes everywhere. If somebody turned you on to something back when I was coming up, it was that much more special: "Nobody's heard this yet. Check this out." I'm from a different era, and I just haven't gotten used to it. I don't necessarily think it's a healthier situation for music or for people who enjoy music."

ALICE IN CHAINS are currently on your. For information on where to purchase tickets, head to www.aliceinchains.com/tour.

May 24 - Lincoln, NE - Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater
May 25 - Pryor, Oklahoma - Rocklahoma
Jun 15 - Donington Park, England - Download Festival
Sep 19 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Rock in Rio

The bands first single out of their upcoming NEW record is called "Hollow" and is now available via iTunes at this link:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hollow-single/id586393217 Watch the music video for "Hollow" HERE!

Related links:  Alice In Chains' Official Site

The Irving Plaza Thief Is FREE & Ready To Strike Again!

Last Summer, the individual pictured above thought it was a good to steal a camera, camera gear, cell phones, wallets, and other valuable items, during a Wendigo Productions LLC concert at Irving Plaza in New York City.

Once this occurred, the entire Heavy Music community in New York City joined forces in order to catch this scumbag. Thanks to the picture above and facial recognition software, he was eventually arrested by the NYPD.

Unfortunately he is now free and plans to strike again. He was spotted last night at Tammany Hall in New York City, standing close to the bands gear with a bagpack in hand. Thankfully, someone tipped off management, who quickly escorted him out without incident.

If you see this scumbag around, let management or security know that he is a thief or call the NYPD's 13th Precinct (212) 477-7444 (Detective Rodriguez).

SHARE this article with all your friends, so he can't strike again!


Related links:
Wendigo Productions LLC

14 Year Old Rocker Chica Performs A Flawless Rendition Of The Guitar Solo For VAN HALEN's "Eruption"

On May 20, a video featuring a very talented 14-year-old that calls herself "Tina" covering Eddie Van Halen's solo for "Eruption" erupted all over the internet. "Tina" was taught by Renaud Louis-Servais, who also shot and posted the video. Tina is playing a Vigier Excalibur Custom guitar. Check it out!



Related links:
Van Halen's official site 
Tina's YouTube channel 

CARCASS Announce NEW Label Home; Band To Be Part Of One Of The Metal Cruises!

As previously reported, CARCASS's next sonic assault 'Surgical Steel' has already been recorded and is currently being mixed by Andy Sneap, not Colin Richardson (who quit the project). This will be the bands first studio album in 17 years. This highly anticipated release will see the light of day later this year via Nuclear Blast Records.

The band has been confirmed for next years 70000 Tons Of Metal, which is scheduled to take place in January of 2014!

Here is the bands official statement regarding their NEW deal with NB:

"We are pleased to announce that we have found the perfect home for 'Surgical Steel', the first Carcass album for, what, eighteen years?! We've inked a deal with Nuclear Blast for our new baby.

"We have to thank Markus Staiger for his enthusiasm and belief in what he heard, but mostly his ability to take advantage of Jeff with a bad hangover when he visited the office in Stuttgart to let him be the first to hear the rough mixes. Nuclear Blast has managed to secure this release despite interest from all the main players in what remains of the metal ‘music industry.’

"We're also looking forward to working with our pals in the US Office, who have done favors for us behind the scenes over the last few years. On a personal note, Jeff looks forward to his and label manager Gerardo Martinez' friendship to come crashing down in flames and tears in a few months.

"As long as we don't mention ‘The War’ we think we're going to do just fine with our new Teutonic home!"

Here are the songs that the band recorded for 'Surgical Steel':

* The Master Butcher’s Apron
* The Granulating Dark Satanic Mills
* A Congealed Clot Of Blood
* A Wraith In The Apparatus
* 316l Grade Surgical Steel
* Cadaver Pouch Conveyor System
* Captive Bolt Pistol
* Intensive Battery Brooding
* None Compliance To Astm F899-12 Standard
* Mount Of Execution
* 1985/Thrasher’s Abattoir
* Unfit For Human Consumption
* Zochrot
* Livestock Marketplace

CARCASS is:
- Jeff Walker
- Bill Steer
- Daniel Wilding
- Ben Ash

Related links:
CARCASS on MySpace

The Jeff Hanneman Memorial Is Happening Today, Here Are All The Details!

The day has arrived. The Jeff Hanneman Memorial Celebration will take place on today, Thursday, May 23, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. The event kicks off at 3:30 PM and concludes at 7:30PM. Hanneman passed away on Thursday, May 2, from liver failure (Details HERE).

The memorial service will start promptly at 4:00PM, reception to follow immediately afterwards. The service will consist of a slideshow of Jeff's life, a video presentation, and a series of people close to Jeff who will share stories, memories, and so on. There are no plans for live music performances.

Location:

The Hollywood Palladium

6215 Sunset Blvd.

Hollywood

NOTE: Paid parking is available at the Palladium lot, or those in the venue's immediate vicinity

MESSAGE TO FANS FROM SLAYER:

"Want to really piss off the Westboro Baptist Church at Jeff's Memorial Celebration? Do exactly what Slayer members and family are going to do - totally ignore them. They don't exist. And then come inside and celebrate Jeff's life with us."





Our condolences go out to Jeff's family, friends and the Slayer camp! Rock in Peace, Jeff!

Randy Blythe Reflects On Oklahoma's Devastating Tornado & How It Affected The LAMB OF GOD Family

Once again, Randy Blythe from LAMB OF GOD touched the hearts of all his Instagram followers. This time he posted a picture and a blurb about Emily Conatzer, a child who passed away in the Plaza Towers Elementary School in Oklahoma during the tornado. RIP Emily, this is devastating!
Here is what Randy had to say about this terrible tragedy:

"This is Emily Conatzer, a little girl who died in the Plaza Towers Elementary School in Oklahoma during the tornado. She is standing with her Mom (who survived). As you can see, her Mom has on a lamb of god shirt- while we feel terrible for everyone affected by this disaster, have been in the midwest the last few days & have been following the news (& weather) closely, & I mentioned the tornado victims the other evening on stage, this picture makes it just so much more personal for me- it really breaks my heart. A little member of our extended family is dead. According to the news, Emily died with her best friend, Antonia Lee Candelaria. It appeared that they were holding on to each other when they died, for they were inseparable in death, just as they were in life. The two girls were just nine years old. Words can't heal the loss of a child (I know this from personal experience), but if anyone knows Emily or Antonia's family, please let them know that we in lamb of god are thinking of them and praying for them. Those two little girls were part of several that died. Life is brutal at times- it just is. So if you know someone who is suffering, reach out your hand however you can, & comfort them in their time of sorrow. One day you may need that hand too. RIP Emily & Antonia."

Make sure you catch Randy and his band LAMB OF GOD on tour, HERE are their current tour dates!

If you are attending ROCKLAHOMA, here is a word from the organizers who have setup many ways for all who attend to help the victims out. The event will take place on May 24, 25 and 26 in Pryor, OK and will feature Guns N' Roses, Alice In Chains, Korn, Bush, Cheap Trick, and more.

"Rocklahoma is deeply committed to providing assistance to our neighbors in the Oklahoma City area after the tragic storms earlier this week. The festival producers will be donating a portion of every ticket sold this weekend to local relief efforts as well as fundraising on-site including the auction of autographed memorabilia, artist meet & greets and more. There will also be cash donation stations located throughout the venue at the gates, information booth and in the VIP area. All funds raised at Rocklahoma 2013 will be donated to the American Red Cross to provide assistance in the Region. We ask those attending Rocklahoma to NOT bring clothes, food, toiletries, etc. to the festival for donation. Per the Red Cross, we are focusing our efforts on raising money. Thank you in advance for helping our Oklahoma family."

Related links:
Help Oklahoma out!
Randy Blythe on Instagram
Rocklahoma's official site

REVOCATION: NEW Album Title, Artwork & Tracklisting Revealed!

REVOCATION have confirmed an August 6th release date for their new self-titled album via Relapse Records. This is their 4th full-length release and the first featuring new bassist Brett Bamberger. Today the band has unveiled the artwork and tracklisting for the album. The artwork was created by Orion Landau (Dying Fetus, Obscura, Nile).

REVOCATION Tracklisting:

1.     The Hive
2.     Scattering the Flock
3.     Arch Fiend
4.     Numbing Agents
5.     Fracked
6.     The Gift You Gave
7.     Invidious
8.     Spastic
9.     Entombed By Wealth
10.  A Visitation

Throughout the recording process the band had cameras rolling capturing everything. From this footage REVOCATION has put together a series of videos detailing different aspects of the recording process. Watch them HERE

Don't forget to catch REVOCATION at the 2013 Summer Slaughter Tour! Lineup and tour dates can be seen HERE

Related links:

Revocation

METALLICA: Trailer For Their 3D Movie "Through the Never" Available Now!

As recently announced, IMAX Corporation and Picturehouse have announced that Metallica "Through the Never" will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® 3D format and released wide in North America exclusively into IMAX® theatres for a one-week engagement starting Friday, September 27. The film will expand into additional theatres on October 4.

Today (May 22), the trailer for "Through the Never" has been revealed and we got it for you!



Related links:
Metallica

Check Out Zakk Wylde's Guitar Rig!

Last week, Zakk Wylde announced a series of very special book release events for his NEW book "Bringing Metal to the Children: The Complete Berzerker’s Guide to World Tour Domination" that will take place at The Iridium in New York City. Here is a word from Zakk:

"An Evening with Yours Truly a/k/a The Book Tour of Doom June 11 & 12 NYC! 2 shows per night."

Tix at BandsInTown.com/ZakkWylde

In celebration of the release of his book "Bringing Metal to the Children: The Complete Berzerker’s Guide to World Tour Domination", Zakk launched his very own YouTube series. Here is a video featuring Zakk showing the world his guitar rig.



Related links:
Zakk Wylde's official site

Guitarist & Manager Of THE DOORS Talk About Ray Manzarek!

As reported earlier this week, Ray Manzarek, founding member and keyboardist of THE DOORS, passed away at the age of 74 in Rosenheim, Germany from bile duct cancer. Here is the bands official statement.

His band-mate and guitarist Robby Krieger, reflected on how Manzarek took the chance of meeting with Jim Morrison at Venice Beach in 1965 and how this lead to the formation of the band.
Manzarek, who was born in Chicago, moved to Los Angeles to study film at UCLA. While at UCLA, he met Morrison on the Westwood campus during the singers short stint at college.

“[Manzarek] was the only one at UCLA who was smart enough to know that Jim Morrison wasn’t just a jerk, like a lot of people thought. To me, that make him a genius.” – Doors guitarist Robby Krieger

After Manzarek graduated in 1965, him and Morrison met again at Venice Beach and decided to start THE DOORS. This is when they added guitar player Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore. Since the band lacked a bass player, Manzarek usually played the bass lines on his Fender Rhodes piano. Manzarek was the oldest in the band and occasionally sang as well.

“[Manzarek] was relentless in his pursuit of the vision. And you have to give Ray a lot of credit because he understood what Jim [Morrison] was and what was magic about Jim, and he just never backed down from that.” – Bill Siddons, former manager for The Doors

In lieu of flowers, please make a memoriam donation in Ray Manzarek's name at www.standup2cancer.org

Rock In Peace Mr. Manzarek, your music will surely live forever!





Related links:
The Doors' official site

SLAYER Has A Message For Their Fans Regarding Plans By The Westboro Baptist Church To Crash Jeff Hanneman's Memorial!

As previously reported, The Jeff Hanneman Memorial Celebration will take place on Thursday, May 23 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles from 3:30 - 7:30PM. And guess which group had the stupid idea to picket Hanneman's memorial?

The a&*holes from the West Baptist Church. However, SLAYER wants all who attend to ignore them!

MESSAGE TO FANS FROM SLAYER:

"Want to really piss off the Westboro Baptist Church at Jeff's Memorial Celebration? Do exactly what Slayer members and family are going to do - totally ignore them. They don't exist. And then come inside and celebrate Jeff's life with us."

Hanneman passed away on May 2 at the age of 49 (Details HERE).






Our condolences go out to Jeff's family, friends and the Slayer camp! Rock in Peace, Jeff!

THINNING THE HERD Are Streaming Their NEW Album 'Freedom From The Known'

Talk about persevering! Last year, right after THINNING THE HERD completed the recording sessions for their NEW album 'Freedom From The Known', their drummer Rick Cimato passed away after being involved in a massive car accident (Details HERE). After contemplating retirement, the band decided to move forward and to release their unique blend of music.

TTH recorded the album with acclaimed producer Steve Albini (NIRVANA) last summer and it was not an easy task. Here is what the bands leader Gavin Spielman had to say about presenting the massed with 'Freedom From The Known'.

"This record (Freedom From the Known) was written over several years, after going through a bunch of friendships and lineup changes – I knew I had to create a record reflecting my acceptance of working alone in music, in becoming a bandleader and not a team member. After a trip to Alaska in 2011, I found I had written Freedom From the Known – and came back hopeful to record with Steve Albini – I was already booking a tour, when the band fell apart.

My drummer Ben decided it was time to go back to school, while my bassist Nick – (who is one of the most amazing guitarists in New York, and now plays in the L.I. band Moontooth), who was just filling in and wound up staying for 2 years – got swept up by a Brooklyn Hipster band for a European tour. That night I went out drinking and met Wes – who has been playing Bass for TTH since, he also mixed the record. The next day Rick Cimato called me knowing I was looking for a drummer – and TTH 2.0 was formed. It was that easy, I did not sweat over the lineup change – and subsequently opened myself up to record Freedom From the Known with inspiration – with people who wanted to play it. All the music was already written by the time Rick and Wes entered the band – and this makes me proud to be able to create something worthy of other peoples time and money.

When we finished recording and mastering Rick died. I was going to pull the plug – but the record and my love for life pulled me to completing this thing. The message in this record, before Rick died – was to engage the Unknown, to go the path not usually taken. I trust in light and sound, in music and love, as well as darkness and death – and hope to put this into the music.

Since then we have moved on – Wes is still playing bass, and Garth Macaleavey is on drums. Garth also plays guitar and writes music. One funny thing is – Garths old bassist was also pilfered – by the same hipster that took mine.

The band sounds better than ever now. The live shows and rehearsals are super tight. I am looking forward to this being the final shift in rolls – and the best lineup possible."

Listen to 'Freedom From The Known' HERE!

Related links:
Thinning The Herd
Rick Cimato's memorial page

Jason Newsted Gets Knocked Out By Stage Diver In New York City - Video Available

Yesterday (May 21), Jason Newsted performed with his solo band NEWSTED at the Highline Ballroom in New York City. During the performance, Newsted was knocked out by a fan who decided it would be a good idea to hop on stage and then stage dive into the crowd. While stage diving is part of Metal shows, this stage diver ended up knocking Jason Newsted off his feet and could have caused some serious injuries on himself, on Newsted, or on other concert goers. Guys: PLEASE BE CAREFUL!

Our good friend Ryan Dwyer (pictured above) was right in front of Newsted when this incident took place, here is what he saw:

"I attended the Jason Newsted show last night in new York City at the Highline Ballroom and an incident took place during 'Whiplash'. During the solo, a fan jumped on stage to jump into the crowd but for some reason in the process, rammed Newsted into the audience where I was, and he fell on top of us and on to the floor. At first we thought Newsted wanted to crowd surf but we had no idea he was pushed since it happened so fast. Myself and the fans around me thought Jason was going to crowd surf but turns out a fan knocked him down and thought it was awesome that he did it. It looked like he was shaken up for a few seconds but the band continued on with 'Whiplash'. Jason was in high spirits again and continued playing like a badass. I caught up with Jason after the show and showed him the video. He was feeling a little sore but was still ok. He even said to me, put it on Youtube."




Upcoming NEWSTED tour dates in the United States:

May 22: The Middle East Downstairs - Cambridge, MA
May 23: The Stone Pony - Asbury Park, NJ

Get the NEW NEWSTED EP here!

Related links:
Jason Newstead's Official Site