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Showing posts with label 30th anniversary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 30th anniversary. Show all posts
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!
METALLICA are going to take their sweet time before they release the follow up to 2008's 'Death Magnetic'. As a matter of fact, the legions of 'Tallica fans worldwide won't see a NEW record for a while.
Cape Town's Channel24 recently spoke to METALLICA's own Lars Ulrich when the band returned to South Africa for three shows — one in Johannesburg and two in Cape Town. During the interview, Ulrich offered the following update regarding the bands 10th studio album:
"It would surprise me if the next full-length METALLICA record would come out before 2015. It takes us awhile to make records, and we're also so busy with so many other things. But we'll get around to it eventually."
What are the band members busy with? Well, they will be hosting the second annual 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!
METALLICA are in no rush to release the follow up to 2008's 'Death Magnetic'. As a matter of fact, the legions of 'Tallica fans worldwide won't see a NEW record before 2014. During an interview with Metal Hammer's What's On, Rob Trujillo offered a few snippets of what we can all expect.
“As clichéd as it sounds. It’s the music — or maybe just music in general [that keeps us going]. When we’re back home and we strap on the guitars, it just works. At the moment, we’re in the middle of writing a NEW album and, if anything, the problem is that we write too many riffs. That proves that there is a lot of music still in us.
What’s On: How’s the new album coming along?
Trujillo: Well, we can’t really say much, because it’s still being written, but we’ve been listening to our last album, 'Death Magnetic', a lot, which is inspiring the arrangements we are currently writing. There is a certain quality to that album that we are really proud of and we want to maintain a certain standard. Is the NEW album going to sound like “Death Magnetic”? Probably not, but there will still be those signature Metallica grooves and thrash elements.
Don't forget that METALLICA's"Orion Music + More" will take place this year in Detroit, Michigan during the weekend of June 8-9, 2013." Full details HERE
In celebration of the upcoming 30th anniversary of the release of METALLICA’s time-honored debut album, allegedly the band have announced that the second album to be released under their NEW label, Blackened Recordings, will be a re-recorded version of 'Kill Em' All'. The bands debut album was originallyreleased on July 25, 1983.
Lars Ulrich commented on the re-recording, stating: "The songs on Kill Em All are vintage Metallica, but will benefit so
much more from today’s studio and mixing technology. So we decided it
would be better to re-record them entirely than release a simple
remaster from those old analog recordings. I can’t wait to get in the
studio and do these songs justice and give them a polished, modern
sound".
UPDATE: reportedly this was an April Fools Joke. When are the online NEWS outlets going to understand what the word PROFESSIONAL means? We have contacted the Metallica camp to see if there are any plans of re-recording 'Kill Em' All'. We will let you know once we hear back from them.
Don't forget that METALLICA's"Orion Music + More" will take place this year in Detroit, Michigan during the weekend of June 8-9, 2013." Full details HERE
Hellyeah! Bay Area Thrashers METALLICA have announced that they will be teaming up with Stern Pinball, Inc., for what will be THE METALLICA pinball machine. The game will feature the following track listing:
- Seek And Destroy
- Battery
- Sad But True
- Enter Sandman
- Creeping Death
- For Whom The Bell Tolls
- Fuel
- Master Of Puppets
- The Unforgiven
- One
- Fade To Black
- The End Of The Line
Below is a trailer for METALLICA's pinball machine. The game is currently in production, so stay tuned for more details!
Don't forget that METALLICA's"Orion Music + More" will take place this year in Detroit, Michigan during the weekend of June 8-9, 2013." Full details HERE
This is pretty damn cool! METALLICA's James Hetfield is famous for singing "Yea" in pretty much all of the bands records. If you have ever wondered in which album he uses the most "Yea's", it is on the bands legendary album 'Kill Em All' (released in July 25, 1983). Without further due, here is a compilation of all the "Yea's" that Hetfield has recorded throughout his career:
Speaking of 'Kill Em' All', did you check the NEW METALLICA 'Kill Em' All' VANS shoes out? Go here for the info!
Don't forget that METALLICA "Orion Music + More", will take place this year in Detroit, Michigan during the weekend of June 8-9, 2013." Full details HERE
In celebration of the upcoming 30th anniversary of the release of METALLICA’s time-honored debut album Vans x Metallica have teamed up to
bring you special 'Kill ‘Em All' editions of both the classic Slip-On and
Sk8-Hi.'Kill‘Em All' was released on July 25, 1983. These distinctively 'Metal' shoes each feature 'Kill ‘Em All'
album artwork on canvas upper panels and embroidered, blood red
METALLICA logos. Designed with your lifestyle in mind and thoroughly
capable of thrashing all around!
Plus, with 'Kill ‘Em All' merchandise around the store on sale as well
you can pick up tons of cool items at prices that won’t give you
whiplash. Save on popular t-shirt designs like "Young Metal Attack" and
"Vintage Jump in the Fire", "Seek and Destroy" work jackets, "Drink ‘Em All"
Solo cups, stickers, iron-ons, back patches and more.
Place your order HERE! Don't forget that METALLICA's"Orion Music + More" will take place this year in Detroit, Michigan during the weekend of June 8-9, 2013." Full details HERE
Pasadena, CA's Gypsyhawk recently filmed a video for their song "State Lines" from their latest release: 'Revelry & Resilience'. The video was filmed, in true DIY fashion, on their headlining tour in August at a house party in South Lake Tahoe, CA. The video, as well their tour dates with The Sword, can be seen HERE:
Additionally, Gypsyhawk will be performing at the Metal Blade Records 30th anniversary show with Armored Saint and Sacred Reich on November 30th, at the House of Blues in Hollywood, CA. Additional special guests confirmed for the show include: Amon's Amarth's Johan Hegg, Ray Alder of Fates Warning/Redemption, as well as dUg Pinnick of King's X. The guest musicians will join Armored Saint on stage throughout their set to perform a variety of cover songs. That Metal Show's Eddie Trunk and Don Jamieson are confirmed to host the event. Tickets are currently on sale HERE.
Gypsyhawk's 'Revelry & Resilience' is available now in stores and on-line. Fans can preview and purchase the album now on iTunes and Amazon, as well as pick up the CD and LP at record stores nationwide. For a list of stores, head to Metalblade.com/gypsyhawk, where you'll also find guitar demonstration and song concept description videos!
GYPSYHAWK with Armored Saint (Metal Blade 30th Anniversary Show):
- 11/30: West Hollywood, CA at House of Blues w/ The Sword, American Sharks - 12/02: Tulsa, OK at Eclipse - 12/03: Kansas City, MO at Record Bar - 12/04: Denver, CO at Bluebird - 12/05: Salt Lake City, UT at Urban Lounge - 12/06: Boise, ID at Neurolux - 12/07: Portland, OR at Hawthorne Theater - 12/08: Seattle, WA at Neumos - 12/10: Sacramento, CA at Harlows - 12/11: San Francisco, CA at Independent - 12/12: Los Angeles, CA at El Rey Theater - 12/13: San Diego, CA at Brick By Brick - 12/14: Phoenix, AZ at Club Red - 12/15: Tucson, AZ at Clug Congress - 12/17: Dallas, TX at Trees - 12/18: Houston, TX at Fitzgerald's - 12/19: Austin, TX at Emo's East
This year, the great folks over at Metal Blade Records are celebrating their 30th anniversary,
marking 1982 as the official beginning with the release of the first
Metal Massacre compilation. In a fitting tribute, writer Dan Slessor
(Kerrang, Outburn, Alternative Press) has penned a NEW company history,
which includes quotes, anecdotes, and praise from members of Metallica,
Slayer, GWAR, and more. The NEW history can be read in its entirety HERE!
Right now, our friend over at Siriux XM Liquid Metal are hosting the "Liquid Metal Blade's 30th Anniversary Weekend". The massive radio party features song premieres from SATAN'S WRATH, DOWNFALL OF GAIA, OVER YOUR THRESHOLD, ABIOTIC and a cover from BATTLECROSS! Additionally, Brian Slagel (CEO & Founder Of Metal Blade Records) will be talking about the legacy of the label and much more!
"We’re astonished and delighted", said singer Bruce Dickinson. "Some of the most influential and classic albums from the last 60 years were in the running, so it’s a testament to our incredibly loyal and ever-supportive fans".
When music retailer HMV recently ran a poll to determine the best British album of the past 60 years, the competition was undoubtedly stiff — with 'The Dark Side of the Moon', 'Abbey Road' and 'Led Zeppelin IV' in the running, just to name a few — it was IRON MAIDEN that took home top honors, earning just over 9% of the vote for their 1982 classic, 'The Number of the Beast'.
The full top ten are:
1. Iron Maiden: The Number of the Beast (9.2%)
2. Depeche Mode: Violator (6.3%)
3. The Beatles: Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (5.7%)
4. The Beatles: Abbey Road (5.6%)
5. Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon (5.2%)
6. The Beatles: Revolver (4.0%)
7. Queen: A Night at the Opera (3.9%)
8. Oasis: (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (3.9%)
9. Adele: 21 (3.1%)
10. The Beatles: White Album (2.6%)
All songs written and composed by Steve Harris, except where noted.
Original track listing
1. "Invaders"
2. "Children of the Damned"
3. "The Prisoner" (Harris, Adrian Smith)
4. "22 Acacia Avenue" (Harris, Adrian Smith)
5. "The Number of the Beast"
6. "Run to the Hills"
7. "Gangland" (Clive Burr, Smith)
8. "Hallowed Be Thy Name"
Total length: 40:15
Personnel:
Bruce Dickinson – Lead vocals
Dave Murray – Guitar
Adrian Smith – Guitar, backing vocals
Steve Harris – Bass, backing vocals
Clive Burr – Drums, percussion
Martin Birch – Producer, engineer
Rod Smallwood – Manager
Derek Riggs – Illustration
Ross Halfin – Photography
Denis O'Regan – photography
SINGLES:
"Run to the Hills" - Released: 12 February 1982
"The Number of the Beast" - Released: 26 April 1982
"Hallowed Be Thy Name (live)" - Released: 4 October 1993
Catch IRON MAIDEN in North America With Alice Cooper!
June (Tickets available NOW):
- Thu 21: Charlotte, NC, USA at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
- Sat 23: Atlanta, GA, USA at Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood
- Tue 26: Boston, MA, USA at Comcast Center
- Wed 27: Wantagh, NY, USA at Jones Beach
- Fri 29: Philadelphia, PA, USA at Susquehanna Bank Center
- Sat 30: Washington, DC, USA at Jiffy Lube Live
July (Tickets available NOW):
- Mon 2: Newark, NJ, USA at Prudential Center
- Wed 4: Milwaukee, WI, USA at Marcus Amphitheater - Summerfest
- Thu 5: Chicago, IL, USA at First Midwest Bank
- Sun 8: Quebec City, QC, CANADA at Colisee Pepsi Arena
- Wed 11: Montreal, QC, CANADA at Bell Centre
- Fri 13: Toronto, ON, CANADA at Molson Amphitheater
- Sat 14: Sarnia, ON, CANADA at Bayfest
- Mon 16: Buffalo, NY, USA at Darien Center
- Wed 18: Detroit, MI, USA at DTE Music Theatre
- Thu 19: Indianapolis, IN, USA at Klipsch Music Center
- Sat 21: Cadott, WI, USA at Rock Fest
- Tue 24: Winnipeg, MB, CANADA at MTS Center
- Thu 26: Calgary, AB, CANADA at Scotiabank Saddledome
- Fri 27: Edmonton, AB, CANADA at Rexall Place
- Sun 29: Vancouver, BC, CANADA at Rogers Arena
- Mon 30: Seattle, WA, USA at White River Amphitheatre
August (Tickets available NOW):
- Wed 1: Salt Lake City, UT, USA at USANA Amphitheatre
- Fri 3: San Francisco, CA, USA at Shoreline Amphitheatre
- Mon 6: Phoenix, AZ, USA at Cricket Pavilion
- Thu 9: Irvine, CA, USA at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
- Sun 12: Albuquerque, NM, USA at Hard Rock Pavilion
- Mon 13: Denver, CO, USA at Comfort Dental Amphitheatre / Pepsi Center
- Wed 15: San Antonio, TX, USA at AT&T Center
- Fri 17: Dallas, TX, USA at Gexa Energy Pavilion
- Sat 18: Houston, TX, USA at The Woodlands / Toyota Center
Iconic German Thrash Metal trio, Destruction, have kicked off their North American 30th Year Anniversary Tour! Direct support on this historical trek, comes from Vital Remains and Warbringer (who will be alternating each night) plus Pathology. An updated list of all the confirmed shows can be seen below.
Commented Destruction frontman and bassist, Schmier, “A killer package for old-school Thrash and Death Metal freaks! This may be the best set list we’ve ever had – the essence of Thrash Metal history united with our NEW anthems. We’ll have more classics than ever in the set, more from the first records for sure. Can’t wait to hit the road again!!! Some North American cities have a great audience for this old school sound again, and it wasn’t always like that. The main intention for this second North American tour within a year is that we could not play all markets that we wanted to book last time. Now, we’ll play some NEW places and return to those cities that gave us a great welcome last year like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Montreal. Warbringer are a perfect match to a Destruction bill. They are one of the best NEW Thrash bands and keep our ‘80s spirit alive. It will be great to have them with us! We’ve played with Vital Remains before; awesome guys and a brutal band. They bring a good variety into the billing. Thrash/Death Metal is always the best mix, that’s why Pathology complete the show!”
Destruction is touring in support of its 11th studio release, 'Day Of Reckoning' (Nuclear Blast) - the first album to feature NEW drummer, Vaaver (Indukti, ex-Unsun) – which debuted at #54 on the Hard Music Albums chart, #58 on the New Artist/Heatseekers Album chart, and #143 on the Independent Current Albums chart the week following its release in March 2011. The album entered Germany’s Media Control chart at #95.
The NEW music video for “Hate Is My Fuel” can be seen here:
Produced by Roax Films of Berlin, Germany, it was shot on location at the Headbangersball Silvester Festival in Burgdorf, Switzerland. Stay tuned for more information on Destruction and the upcoming 30th Year Anniversary Tour.
Destruction 30th Year Anniversary Tour dates:
5/10 – Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s5/11 – Detroit, MI @ I-Rock (DESTRUCTION + VITAL REMAINS ONLY)
5/12 – Lansing, MI @ Blackened Moon Concert Hall
5/13 – Albany, NY @ Bogies(DESTRUCTION + VITAL REMAINS ONLY)
5/14 – Montreal, QC – CANADA @ Les Foufones Electriques
5/15 – Quebec City, QC – CANADA @ Imperial
5/16 – New York, NY @ B.B. Kings
5/17 – Pawtucket, RI @ The Met
5/18 – Ottawa, ON – CANADA @ Maverick’s
5/19 – Toronto, ON – CANADA @ Rockpile
5/20 – Joliet, IL @ Mojoe’s (DESTRUCTION + VITAL REMAINS ONLY)
5/22 – Pueblo, CO @ Kim’s Pixie Inn
5/24 – San Juan Capistrano, CA @ The Coach House
5/25 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
5/26 – Oakland, CA @ The Metro
5/27 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
5/28 – Vancouver, BC – CANADA @ The Venue
5/30 – Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
6/01 – Ramona, CA @ Romona Mainstage
6/02 – Santa Clara, CA @ The Avalon
6/03 – Hollywood, CA @ The Whisky
METAL BLADE RECORDS is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. In celebration of their third decade as Heavy Music visionaries, the label is holding the ultimate switchblade contest. Here are the contents for the METAL BLADE prize package for May 2012:
- Metal Blade Records 30th Anniversary Collector's Pint Glass
- Cannibal Corpse 'Torture' Limited Edition Figurine
- Cannibal Corpse 'Torture' CD
- The Black Dahlia Murder 'Ritual' Vinyl LP
- Allegaeon 'Formshifter' CD
- Goatwhore 'Blood For The Master' CD
- Arch/Matheos 'Sympathetic Resonance' CD
- Six Feet Under 'Undead' CD
- Job For A Cowboy 'Demonocracy' CD
- OSI 'Fire Make Thunder' CD
Thirty years ago today (April 17, 2012), Motörhead released their fifth studio album entitled 'Iron Fist'. Recorded from January 26 - March 1, 1982 at Ramport Studios and Morgan Studios (both in London), according to LEMMY the album was "bad, inferior to anything else we've ever done. Having Eddie produce it was a mistake that even he would now probably admit to".
Upon the release of 'Iron Fist' on April 17, 1982, the album peaked at number 6 on the UK album charts.It was preceded by the release of the title track "Iron Fist" as a single on 3 April, which peaked in the UK singles chart at number 29. 'Iron Fist' was the last album recorded by the Lemmy, Eddie Clarke, and Phil Taylor line up.
The the name of the album was chosen by LEMMY, who writes all the lyrics and records all the vocals on all Motörhead albums. After struggling to think of a name for the title track for the album, he remembered the time the band had performed live under the name Iron Fist and the Hordes from Hell, the name was eventually shortened to simply 'Iron Fist'.
Track listing (All tracks composed by Ian Kilmister, Eddie Clarke and Phil Taylor):
Side A:
"Iron Fist" – 2:55
"Heart of Stone" – 3:04
"I'm the Doctor" – 2:43
"Go to Hell" – 3:10
"Loser" – 3:57
"Sex & Outrage" – 2:10
Side B:
"America" – 3:38
"Shut It Down" – 2:41
"Speedfreak" – 3:28
"(Don't Let 'em) Grind Ya Down" – 3:08
"(Don't Need) Religion" – 2:43
"Bang to Rights" – 2:43
As previously reported, Motörhead will be appearing at these years ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL!
6/30 – San Bernardino, CA
7/1 – San Francisco, CA
7/3 – Seattle, WA
7/6 – Phoenix, AZ
7/7 – Albuquerque, NM
7/8 – Denver, CO
7/10 – Dallas, TX
7/11 – Houston, TX
7/13 – Tampa, FL
7/14 – Atlanta, GA
7/15 – Indianapolis, IN
7/18 – Oklahoma City, OK
7/20 – St. Louis, MO
7/21 – Chicago, IL
7/22 – Detroit, MI
7/24 – Cincinnati, OH
7/25 – Cleveland, OH
7/27 – Philadelphia, PA
7/28 – Pittsburgh, PA
7/29 – Washington, DC
7/31 – Saratoga, NY
8/1 – Buffalo, NY
8/3 – Boston, MA
8/4 – Scranton, PA
8/5 – Hartford, CT
Metal Blade Records is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking 1982 as the official beginning with the release of the first Metal Massacre compilation. In a fitting tribute, writer Dan Slessor (Kerrang, Outburn, Alternative Press) has penned a NEW company history, which includes quotes, anecdotes, and praise from members of Metallica, Slayer, GWAR, and more. The NEW history can be read in its entirety below.
Metal Blade Records has been celebrating in various ways in 2012, including a showcase at SXSW that featured Job for a Cowboy, Cancer Bats, Battlecross, Pilgrim, Early Graves, and Gypsyhawk. Also, 30 different albums are on sale EACH MONTH throughout 2012 on iTunes, Amazon, and in stores with participating retailers. The current list of releases with buy links, as well as a NEW video featuring greetings from Metal Blade artists, can be seen at MetalBlade.com/30thanniversary. That is not all, though, as more plans are in the works for 2012, so stay tuned to MetalBlade.com for updates.
Metal Blade Records history by Dan Slessor: Founded upon owner Brian Slagel's enduring drive to find great bands and get their music out to as many people as possible, since 1982 Metal Blade has brought wave after wave of powerful, innovative, and often genre-defining music to the ever-hungry Metal masses. It is this ethos that has seen Metal Blade build up a stunning and diverse catalogue, weather the various storms facing any independent label, and in an age of declining record sales boast the most successful years of its existence as it strides into its fourth decade.
What perhaps makes this achievement all the more notable is the fact that Slagel never even intended to start a label. Working in an LA record store and writing for various publications, Slagel was acutely aware that many great bands in the local Metal scene were being ignored, and he decided to release a compilation of tracks drawn from these ranks. "There were a lot of really good bands and I was just bummed out that nobody could hear them. It just seemed like I could help them out and have some fun at the same time, and that compilation was the first Metal Massacre," he states. Collating tracks from then unknown bands including Ratt, Bitch, Cirith Ungol, and Metallica amongst others, the compilation sold out immediately. "How important is Metal Blade to our career? They're only the reason we are enjoying the worldwide success we have today," states Metallica's James Hetfield. "Without Brian's openness to some raunchy teens with a crap sounding cassette tape we would be who knows where, and playing who knows what!" With the popularity of the tape spurring Slagel on, the first seeds of Metal Blade were sown. "After the success of those compilations I just started putting out records of bands that I was friends with, but without ever really intending it to be a label at all," he explains. "After I put out four or five releases I started to feel like something was happening, and I decided to quit the record store and quit college and see where it went."
Battling through the first few lean years, when the label consisted solely of Slagel working out of his mom's poorly ventilated garage in the San Fernando Valley, it gradually grew in both revenue and stature. Within a few years Metal Blade would go on to release the debuts of Slayer, Armored Saint, Trouble, and Corrosion Of Conformity amongst others, fanning the flames of the burgeoning Metal scene and launching careers of bands that would go onto reap global success. "Without Metal Blade, there is a damn good chance we never would've made it out of L.A," says Slayer's Kerry King. "That was the one bit of luck we needed. You can be the most awesome band on the scene, and if no one notices you, you don't catch on. And Brian Slagel is still one of the biggest Metalheads I know!" This genuine love and devotion to Metal is central to the relationship many of the artists have with Metal Blade, and King Diamond credits much of its relevance and strength to this passion. "I refer to it as having 'boots on the ground'," the mighty Dane states. "It's not like a major label where some people might be into what you're doing but a lot of them just see it as a job there's a genuine love for Metal there. Through staying true to that and doing their own thing they've carved out a very specific niche that they control, and as an artist it's wonderful to be a part of that."
Integral to the label's strength and longevity is Slagel's open-mindedness when it comes to Heavy Music, and his refusal to work to any kind of criteria as to what makes a 'Metal Blade band'. Albert Mudrian, editor-in-chief of Decibel magazine admires this about the company. "Rare is the label that can discover the cornerstone of a subgenre. Between Slayer (Thrash), Cannibal Corpse (Death Metal) and GWAR (whatever cosmic plane they occupy), Metal Blade has accomplished that feat multiple times. And with the likes In Solitude and Ghost on their current roster, the label is poised to do it again and again." This capacity for staying ahead of the game is one of the cornerstones of Metal Blade's success, though Slagel asserts that there is really no science to it. "To this day if I really like a band and if the staff really like it then no matter what they sound like we want to work with them," Slagel explains. "I've always liked a wide variety of sounds in Metal, which I think is reflected in our roster, and I've never gotten into trying to sign a lot of bands that sound the same. I would personally rather find something that nobody else has heard of before, something that's really different from what's going on, and put that out."
Equally, the label has built a strong reputation for nurturing and developing the artists they sign, embracing a mentality common to the music industry in the 1970s but sorely absent in recent years. For As I Lay Dying, who have been with the label since 2003's crushing 'Frail Words Collapse', this kind of support and the belief Metal Blade have in their bands based upon the sounds they build themselves has been invaluable. "For years Metal Blade have helped guide us in our career, building us up as a band while never once forcing their hand on us creatively, as some labels do in the hope of selling a few more records," states drummer Jordan Mancino. Alex Wade, guitarist for Knoxville bruisers Whitechapel, concurs, appreciating the integrity of the label and the down-to-earth approach the staff bring to bear. "I admire how even though they are a huge label and have signed some of the biggest names in Metal that they are still all very humble human beings, and they care about seeing the development and growth of their artists, which makes such a difference." While both of these bands signed to the label in the 00's and have since reaped great success, Cannibal Corpse, who have been one of the torchbearers for Death Metal since the late-1980s, have released all twelve of their full-lengths through Metal Blade. Their enduring relationship with the label typifies the kind of bond Slagel wants to build with all his signings, and bassist Alex Webster is proud of the alliance his band have with the label. "It's nice being with a label that lets you do what you want to do. They've always given us free reign whether it's artistically, musically or whatever, they have never tried to restrict us in any way, and they have been hugely supportive of us. The enthusiasm of everyone there for the bands they work with counts for a lot, because you really do feel this united effort behind you." Oderus Urungus (also occasionally known as Dave Brockie) of the truly inimitable Gwar, who have also had a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship with the company, is equally enthused when it comes to the steadfast support they show their artists, placing integrity first and foremost. "At one time Warner Bros was doing Metal Blade's distribution, and there was a lot of talk about Gwar and WB hooking up. The trouble was that we had written a song called "Baby Dick Fuck", and WB said they wouldn't release the record if we wanted it on the album. We stood to lose a lot if we didn't cave, so I was in a tough spot. I asked Brian Slagel what he thought, and he didn't blink, he told us to do what we wanted to do, and he would back us no matter what. That took guts, and we ended up flushing our Warner Bros deal over a song about having sex with children before they are born."
Now a truly worldwide force with offices in the US, Germany, Canada, the UK, and Japan, Metal Blade remains fiercely independent and continues to adapt to the constantly evolving music industry. This adaptability is a primary factor in why the label is currently thriving while others struggle to keep their heads above water. "We have a lot of things on our side," Slagel says. "That there's no board of governors definitely works to our benefit we can literally make a decision and have something happen in fifteen or twenty minutes. We can react quickly to changes in the business, and we've also really embraced those changes while a lot of people have been really resistant. You can't do that, the industry is changing, things are different, and you're selling records much differently now than you did before. I think if people are willing to make the necessary changes, and utilize the NEW technology to their benefit it will work, and clearly for us knock on wood the last few years doing so have been good."
Looking back on the achievements of the last thirty years Slagel is proud of the body of work they have assembled, though he remains humble when it comes to the contribution the label has made to Heavy Metal. "There are so many people out there who do so much for the music, and we play our own little part in there. That's really cool, and what makes me really proud is seeing the bands we worked with having nice long careers, and that these guys are able to buy houses and have families solely through making music." Metallica's Lars Ulrich has nothing but admiration for everything the label has done, not only in helping launch his own band but in remaining so vital over three decades. "The fact that Brian and Metal Blade have maintained their integrity over thirty years is obviously very admirable," he enthuses. "Even today I'll call him up and ask him what bands I should be checking out, who is going to blow me away and who should we be thinking about taking on tour with us, because he knows. He's so connected with what's going on out there in a way the rest of us mere mortals can't quite compete with! I also love that not that much has changed over the years when we get together we're still those enthusiastic Metalhead outcasts who got all pumped listening to all these amazing bands. Maybe we have a little less hair, and what we do have is a little grayer, but it's the same shit it's always been, and I love that." Aware that it is only through the support of fans who share this passion that the label has been able to flourish, Slagel is equally grateful for the devotion of Metalheads everywhere. "At the end of the day I just want to thank everybody out there who has supported the label and all the bands over the years. Clearly without those people we couldn't do what we do, and to everyone out there who has helped us along by being a fan we are so very grateful to you."
'The Number of the Beast' is the third studio album by the British heavy Metal legends IRON MAIDEN, released on March 22, 1982. The album saw the debut of vocalist Bruce Dickinson, and the final appearance of drummer Clive Burr in the band.
'The Number of the Beast' met with considerable critical and commercial success and was a landmark release for the band, becoming their first album to reach No. 1 in the UK albums chart, and be certified platinum in the US. The album also produced the singles "Run to the Hills" and "The Number of the Beast", the former of which was the band's first top-10 UK single. The album was also controversial – particularly in the US – due to the religious nature of its lyrics and its artwork.
Since the release of 'The Number of the Beast' and its subsequent tour, The Beast on the Road, "The Beast" has become an alternate name for Iron Maiden, and was later used in the titles of some of their compilations and live releases, including 'Best of the Beast' and 'Visions of the Beast'. Here is a ton if information about 6,6,6... 'The Number Of The Beast'.
All songs written and composed by Steve Harris, except where noted.
Original track listing
1. "Invaders"
2. "Children of the Damned"
3. "The Prisoner" (Harris, Adrian Smith)
4. "22 Acacia Avenue" (Harris, Adrian Smith)
5. "The Number of the Beast"
6. "Run to the Hills"
7. "Gangland" (Clive Burr, Smith)
8. "Hallowed Be Thy Name"
Total length: 40:15
Personnel:
Bruce Dickinson – Lead vocals
Dave Murray – Guitar
Adrian Smith – Guitar, backing vocals
Steve Harris – Bass, backing vocals
Clive Burr – Drums, percussion
Martin Birch – Producer, engineer
Rod Smallwood – Manager
Derek Riggs – Illustration
Ross Halfin – Photography
Denis O'Regan – photography
SINGLES:
"Run to the Hills" - Released: 12 February 1982
"The Number of the Beast" - Released: 26 April 1982
"Hallowed Be Thy Name (live)" - Released: 4 October 1993
Catch IRON MAIDEN in North America With Alice Cooper!
June (Tickets available NOW):
- Thu 21: Charlotte, NC, USA at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
- Sat 23: Atlanta, GA, USA at Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood
- Tue 26: Boston, MA, USA at Comcast Center
- Wed 27: Wantagh, NY, USA at Jones Beach
- Fri 29: Philadelphia, PA, USA at Susquehanna Bank Center
- Sat 30: Washington, DC, USA at Jiffy Lube Live
July (Tickets available NOW):
- Mon 2: Newark, NJ, USA at Prudential Center
- Wed 4: Milwaukee, WI, USA at Marcus Amphitheater - Summerfest
- Thu 5: Chicago, IL, USA at First Midwest Bank
- Sun 8: Quebec City, QC, CANADA at Colisee Pepsi Arena
- Wed 11: Montreal, QC, CANADA at Bell Centre
- Fri 13: Toronto, ON, CANADA at Molson Amphitheater
- Sat 14: Sarnia, ON, CANADA at Bayfest
- Mon 16: Buffalo, NY, USA at Darien Center
- Wed 18: Detroit, MI, USA at DTE Music Theatre
- Thu 19: Indianapolis, IN, USA at Klipsch Music Center
- Sat 21: Cadott, WI, USA at Rock Fest
- Tue 24: Winnipeg, MB, CANADA at MTS Center
- Thu 26: Calgary, AB, CANADA at Scotiabank Saddledome
- Fri 27: Edmonton, AB, CANADA at Rexall Place
- Sun 29: Vancouver, BC, CANADA at Rogers Arena
- Mon 30: Seattle, WA, USA at White River Amphitheatre
August (Tickets available NOW):
- Wed 1: Salt Lake City, UT, USA at USANA Amphitheatre
- Fri 3: San Francisco, CA, USA at Shoreline Amphitheatre
- Mon 6: Phoenix, AZ, USA at Cricket Pavilion
- Thu 9: Irvine, CA, USA at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
- Sun 12: Albuquerque, NM, USA at Hard Rock Pavilion
- Mon 13: Denver, CO, USA at Comfort Dental Amphitheatre / Pepsi Center
- Wed 15: San Antonio, TX, USA at AT&T Center
- Fri 17: Dallas, TX, USA at Gexa Energy Pavilion
- Sat 18: Houston, TX, USA at The Woodlands / Toyota Center
