TESTAMENT, BTBAM & MOTIONLESS IN WHITE to Headline the NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL!

We have some awesome news: the seventeenth chapter of the legendary NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL will be taking place at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts on April 17th, 18th, and 19th of 2015.

Headlining day one of the event will be BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, with TESTAMENT headlining day two and MOTIONLESS IN WHITE headlining the last day of the fest. Below you can see the list of confirmed bands (with more to be added soon).

Versión en Español:

Les tenemos una excelente noticia: el capitulo numero diecisiete del NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL se llevara a cabo el 17, 18, y 19 de Abril del 2015 en el Palladium en Worcester, Massachusetts.

Mientras que BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME estará cerrando el primer día del evento, TESTAMENT cerrara el segundo día y MOTIONLESS IN WHITE cerrara el ultimo día del legendario festival.

A continuación les tenemos las bandas que ya han sido confirmadas (mas adelante habrá otro anuncio con bandas adicionales).

Friday April 17th (Viernes, 17 de Abril):

- Between The Buried And Me
- The Red Chord
- Code Orange
- Overcast
- The Atlas Moth
- The Banner
- Black Mask
- Homewrecker
- Discourse
- Phinehas
- Downpour

Saturday April 18th (Sábado, 18 de Abril):

- Testament
- Exodus
- Nuclear Assault
- NAILS
- Indecision
- Incendiary
- Suburban Scum
- Allegaeon
- Rivers of Nihil
- The Agonist
- Wisdom In Chains
- Disgrace
- Gods Hate
- Thy Will Be Done
- No Zodiac
- Extinction AD
- Vice
- Absolute Suffering

Sunday April 19th (Domingo, 19 de Abril):

- Motionless In White
- For Today
- The Color Morale
- Rotting Out
- Death Before Dishonor
- Cruel Hand
- My Ticket Home
- Rude Awakening
- Lorna Shore
- The Last Ten Seconds of Life
- World Of Pain
- Shark Ethic
- Ghost X Ship
- Living Laser Oath

Related links/Enlaces relacionados:
Metalandhardcorefestival.com

ANTHRAX To Film Live DVD In Chile; TESTAMENT To Join Them!

Following their participation at the 2013 Metal Alliance Tour and at the fifth edition of the Revolver Golden Gods Awards, ANTHRAX have announced that this Summer they will be playing in Santiago, Chile with TESTAMENT. The band posted the following message on their official Facebook page:

"MOSH FOR ME CHILE! Anthrax to shoot live DVD!

"ATTENTION SANTIAGO, ANTHRAX is playing Teatro Caupolican on Friday MAY 10th and will be shooting a live DVD!

"Be sure to be there and hear all of your favorite ANTHRAX songs in a special extended set featuring tracks from their whole catalog!!!

"Special guest for the show is TESTAMENT.

"Get there early, doors are at 7pm, show starts at 8:30pm SHARP!
"And someone translate this into Spanish! ¡Vamonos!" -> Let's go!

Here are the tour dates were you can catch two of most prolific bands in Heavy Music history:

- May 10: Santiago, Chile at Teatro Caupolican

- June 31: Madrid, Spain at Sonisphere Festival
- July 1: Barcelona, Spain at Sonisphere Festival
- July 26: Istanbul, Turkey at Istanbul Inonu Stadium
- July 31: Zagreb, Croatia at Arena
- September 13: San Bernardino, California at San Manuel Ampitheater

Related links:
ANTHRAX's Official Site

ESCAPE Becomes The First Cuban Based Metal Band To Ever Perform In New York City - Videos Available!

This passed Saturday, April 27th, music history was written by ESCAPE at "Metal Revolution" (presented by Horns Up Rocks and Unblock The Rock) at Tobacco Road in New York City, as they become the first Cuban based band to ever perform in New York City! In celebration of this awesome achievement the band were joined on stage by legendary guitar player Alex Skolnick of TESTAMENT. Joining ESCAPE were their Cuban brothers from FIREHAZE as well as SHITKILL, DEATH IMMORTAL, SIXTH RENAISSANCE and DARK MATTER.

The entire night was a great musical experience for all involved, and we have to hand it to the crowd who packed Tobacco Road from beginning to end. Thanks to everyone who was part of METAL REVOLUTION! Here are some videos filmed by our good friend Carlos "Panchito" Sanchez of ESCAPE's performance!






Horns Up Rocks decided to join forces with UBTR to host Escape at Tobacco Road. "For Horns Up Rocks it is vital to keep underground music alive and breathing. This can only be done thanks to bands like ESCAPE, a band willing to cross all borders for the love of their music, and most importantly their culture,” explained our founder Jö Schüftan.

 
Photos by: Francine Grillo

METAL REVOLUTION Tonight In New York With Special Guest Alex Skolnick from TESTAMENT!

Tonight, ESCAPE will write history at "Metal Revolution" (presented by Horns Up Rocks and Unblock The Rock) at Tobacco Road in New York City, as they become the first Cuban based band to ever perform in New York City! In celebration of this awesome achievement the band will be joined by legendary guitar player Alex Skolnick of TESTAMENT. Joining ESCAPE will be their Cuban brothers from FIREHAZE as well as SHITKILL, DEATH IMMORTAL, SIXTH RENAISSANCE and DARK MATTER.

Skolnick will join ESCAPE to perform their Metal anthem “Cuba Rebelión" (rebellious Cuba). "It's been an honor and a thrill to help raise awareness of the thriving Cuban Metal scene, of which ESCAPE is a shining example. I’m looking forward to jamming with this ultra­heavy, musically sophisticated band in person and hope for an eventual dismantling of the long outdated economic and artistic blockade between our countries,” said Skolnick.

“None of us can believe ESCAPE is in New York City,” said Alejandro Padron, drummer and musical director for Escape.

Horns Up Rocks decided to join forces with UBTR to host Escape at Tobacco Road. "For Horns Up Rocks it is vital to keep underground music alive and breathing. This can only be done thanks to bands like ESCAPE, a band willing to cross all borders for the love of their music, and most importantly their culture,” explained our founder Jö Schüftan.

This historic show will take place tonight at Tobacco Road and is only $12 (21+ with ID), RSVP HERE!

JOIN THE REVOLUTION!

METAL REVOLUTION: Cuba's ESCAPE to jam this weekend with TESTAMENT’s Alex Skolnick in New York City!

After successfully bringing Cuban Heavy Metal band ESCAPE from Havana to perform in the United States at the SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas, for the first performance by a Cuban based Metal band in American history, UnBlock the Rock (UBTR), a grassroots movement is continuing their campaign and bringing Escape to perform in New York City. 

ESCAPE will headline “Metal Revolution with ESCAPE” (presented in association with Horns Up Rocks) at Tobacco Road 354 West 41st Street on Saturday, April 27th and will be joined by legendary guitar player Alex Skolnick of TESTAMENT. Joining ESCAPE will be their Cuban brothers from FIREHAZE as well as SHITKILL, DEATH IMMORTAL, SIXTH RENAISSANCE and DARK MATTER.

Skolnick will join ESCAPE to perform their Metal anthem “Cuba Rebelión" (rebellious Cuba). "It's been an honor and a thrill to help raise awareness of the thriving Cuban Metal scene, of which ESCAPE is a shining example. I’m looking forward to jamming with this ultra­heavy, musically sophisticated band in person and hope for an eventual dismantling of the long outdated economic and artistic blockade between our countries,” said Skolnick.

“None of us can believe ESCAPE is in New York City,” said Alejandro Padron, drummer and musical director for Escape. “It’s taken us a long time to get here, but we will play the concert of our lives.” “This is only possible with support of UnBlock the Rock and all our friends from all over the world. Infinite thanks for helping us realize a dream."Escape, founded over 12 years ago, is the focus of the documentary “They Will Be Heard”, directed by Tracey Noelle Luz, co­founder of UBTR. The film depicts Escape’s struggle to become a band and the obstacles they have faced while pioneering a Metal movement in Cuba despite resistance by the Cuban government. Luz documented the band for nine months, including the departure of Jennifer Hernandez, Escape’s original keyboardist and co-­founder of UBTR, who immigrated to the U.S. in February of 2010.

“After being here for a year, Tracey and I agreed that a movie wasn't enough to change the isolation of the metalheads left behind in Cuba, still fighting to be listened to, still oppressed with so much to give to the world,” explained Hernandez about forming UBTR. “We thought we could open doors that have been shut for so long through music. And we did. I’ll be playing with my band again in New York City just like I always dreamed.” 

Horns Up Rocks decided to join forces with UBTR to host Escape at Tobacco Road. "For Horns Up Rocks it is vital to keep underground music alive and breathing. This can only be done thanks to bands like ESCAPE, a band willing to cross all borders for the love of their music, and most importantly their culture,” explained our founder Jö Schüftan.

Escape’s latest release, “La Hora de la Verdad” (The Hour of Truth) is available on the UBTR website, www.unblocktherock.com as a free download. UBTR continues to promote THE RED ALBUM, also available off the website at www.unblocktherock.com/donate to raise funds to help the band with their costs coming into New York City.

This historic show will take place at Tobacco Road and is only $12 (21+ with ID), RSVP HERE!

JOIN THE REVOLUTION! 

ESCAPE To Become First Cuban Based Metal Band To Perform In New York City!

Next Saturday, April 27, Heavy Metal history will be written in New York City as ESCAPE will become the first Metal band from Cuba to perform in New York City! Talk about music revolution!!!
 
Joining ESCAPE on stage at Tobacco i as a very special guest will be Alex Skolnick from TESTAMENT! Also performing will be:

- ShitKill: www.soundcloud.com/shitkill
- Sixth Renaissance: www.sixthrenaissance.com
- Death Immortal: www.deathimmortal.com
- Firehaze: www.firehazeband.com
- Dark Matter: www.reverbnation.com/darkmatter10

Hosted & DJed by: Jö Schüftan of Horns Up Rocks

This historic show will take place at Tobacco Road and is only $12 (21+ with ID), RSVP HERE!

More info about Cuban metal band Escape and UnBlock the Rock, the movement to bring them to the United States here:
www.unblocktherock.com

JOIN THE REVOLUTION!

Biggest Concert Since The Big Four, To Arrive To Southern California This Summer!

As reported earlier today, IRON MAIDEN will be headlining "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 Megadeth, Anthrax, Testament, Overkill and Sabaton. This will be a big, loud and exciting day out for Metal fans in Southern California.

Tickets go on sale on April 12. Check www.ironmaiden.com for fanclub presale info.

If you are stoked, share this news with all your friends!

Related links:
Iron Maiden's official site 

SCION Rock Fest: TESTAMENT, THE MELVINS, C.O.C., WHITECHAPEL, MUNICIPAL WASTE & More Confirmed!

As previously reported, the Scion Rock Fest returns in 2013 and it promises to be another awesome event celebrating Heavy Music. The event will take place on June 1st in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Today (March 26), the event organizers have revealed the entire lineup. The Melvins, Municipal Waste and Pallbearer will be joined by 17 additional acts including co-headliner Testament, plus Corrosion of Conformity, Whitechapel, Negative Approach and many more.

As always, Scion Rock Fest is a free event, but you must RSVP to attend. The RSVP will open on April 10, 2013, at the Scion AV website.

Here is the full list of Scion Rock Fest 2013 artists:

- Testament 
- Melvins
- Municipal Waste
- Whitechapel
- The Obsessed
- Corrosion of Conformity
- The Casualties 
- Negative Approach 
- Pallbearer 
- Six Feet Under
- Impaled 
- Vision of Disorder
- Royal Thunder 
- Vektor 
- Arsis 
- A Life Once Lost
- Touché Amoré 
- Code Orange Kids
- The Gates of Slumber
- Hot Lunch
- Rotting Out
- The Shrine 
- Ice Dragon 
- Call of the Void
- Subrosa
- Gigan
- Anciients
- Dirty Streets
- Inter Arma 
- Complete Failure
- Indian Handcrafts 
- Noisem

Related links:
Scion Rock Fest 2013

Heavy Metal's Replacement For Pope Benedict XVI Has Been Unleashed In Rome!

As Pope Benedict XVI steps down because he is not Metal enough. For real, what a quitter! We smell some conspiracy lined up by the Catholic church, but lets not even go there. Rome, Italy, is ready to welcome the NEW Pope. While Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister from Motörhead would be a great candidate, Lemmy is god so he wasn't considered for the Vatican's unholiest position. Then we got Robert John Arthur "Rob" Halford from Judas Priest, but Halford is the Metal God. And while John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne would make the Vatican go "fucking crazy", Ozzy is the Prince Of Darkness and that might be too controversial for the super sacred Catholic church (note our sarcasm).
So after many hours of deliberating a group of Metallic Cardinals that wear leather and spikes instead of some wacked uniform, have announced that the NEW Pope is:

Kim Bendix Petersen, also known as our holiness King Diamond! Born in Copenhagen, Denmark on June 14, 1956, he is at the perfect age to become the 267th Pope and with his heart fixed he is ready to reign in blood for many years (not like the quitter dude who just retired). Please welcome Kim Bendix I to the Vatican. His first order of business as the NEW leader of the Catholic Church is to headline a massive live concert at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran at the ecclesiastical Province of Rome! His special guests: Motörhead, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath WITH Bill Ward, Slayer, and Testament. Oh, and we can't forget Metal Church. Now get off your knees and start headbanging!

He has also announced that from now on priests and nuns can have as much sex as they want and the NEW testament will be rewritten by Kim Bendix I! About bloody time! Get it?

As previously reported, KING DIAMOND, BOLT THROWER, TESTAMENT and CHILDREN OF BODOM have all been confirmed for this year's Tuska festival! Finland's Heavy Metal fest will take place between June 28-30 in Suvilahti, Helsinki, Finland. It has also been announced that "The King" will be Friday night's closing performance at Bloodstock Open Air 2013! This memorable event marks not only their first-ever U.K. festival appearance, but their first U.K. show of any kind in many years and will be their only U.K. date in 2013!

Related links:
Official Site of King Diamond
King Diamond on Facebook

China's Government Against Heavy Music? TESTAMENT & CRADLE OF FILTH Concerts Cancelled!

Mainland China is one of those territories in which all media is heavily controlled by the government. The rigid censorship laws have definitely affected the growth of our music, even though there are thousands of Heavy Music fans in all of China's territories.

Yesterday (February 26), CRADLE OF FILTH were forced to cancel their upcoming tour because of "The Cultural Section of the Chinese Government have decided that COF are unsuitable to play in Mainland China", stated the band. "We are currently banned from playing there. Therefore the show on Tue 30 April in Shang Hai, China - MAO Live House has had to be moved to Hong Kong. The new venue is Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre (KITEC) in Hong Kong on April 30th 2013." 
 

It has just been announced by TESTAMENT that they won't be able to perform in China and Taiwan after their Visa's were denied. A statement from the band follows:

"To all our friends in China and Taiwan:

"It is with regret that we must inform you of the cancellation of our performances in Shanghai and Taipei until further notice due to visa issues beyond the control of the band or promoter. Fans in the Asian Pacific region are encouraged to come visit us at our shows in Japan. As we had a terrific experience performing in China and Taiwan in 2007, we eagerly await the resolution of the visa issues and hope to visit again very soon.

"Thanks for your understanding and your undying support."

It is pretty sad when the government dictates the type of entertainment the citizens can or cannot have access to.

Related links:
Cradle Of Filth
Testament

John Dette Talks About The Experience Of Performing With Both SLAYER & ANTHRAX - Video Available!

As previously reported drummer Jon Dette (Testament, Slayer) was recently recruited by SLAYER and ANTHRAX to fill in for Dave Lombardo and Charlie Benante, respectively. As you probably heard, Lombardo didn't make it to Australia because of contract issues within the band, while Benante wasn't able to travel outside of the United States to some legal issues he is currently facing.

So Dette is now drumming for BOTH bands during Australia's Soundwave Fest. Dette recently took a few minutes out of his busy rehearsal and touring schedule to tell TAMA what the experience has been like.

Related links:
TAMA Drums 
Slayer 
Anthrax 

OVERKILL's Bobby "Blitz" Discusses Music Evolution At "The Dark Roots Of Thrash" Tour!

If there is a man that defines the term "Metal Warrior" in our music, that man is Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth. Why? 

Well, even though he was suffering from walking pneumonia, "Blitz" tried his very best to keep the show going with his band OVERKILL and performed a few full concerts while taking oxygen in between songs.

Unfortunately, the body sometimes can't do what our mind wants it to do. As a result, OVERKILL were forced to pull the plug and pull out from "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" (full statement HERE). The tour features TESTAMENT, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, and 4ARM.

Even though "Blitz" was not feeling well, he still warriored through our interview and as you can see was in very high spirits. During the chat, which took place backstage at the Best Buy Theater in New York City on February 14, he shared with us his musical wisdom and the vision behind the OVERKILL machine. He also discussed music evolution, and what it takes to remain relevant in the ever changing music world. Without further due, buckle up and step inside the "wrecking crew"!




Here is our show review! And here is our photo gallery!

TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, 4ARM (remaining tour dates):
2/25: The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26: In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
2/27: Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
2/28: Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA
* – Denotes FLOTSAM AND JETSAM will not be playing

Video and photo credit: Zulie Alvarez Related links:
Overkill's official site

"Zulie's Dozen" At "The Dark Roots Of Thrash" Tour In New York City!

On Valentines Day, Horns Up Rocks' Zulie Alvarez entered the pit at the Best Buy Theater in New York City. Here is "Zulie's Dozen" at "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour", featuring TESTAMENT, OVERKILL and FLOTSAM AND JETSAM! Full review HERE!

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM:

OVERKILL:

TESTAMENT:

Photos by: Zulie Alvarez


Related links:
Testament
Overkill
Flotsam And Jetsam

The "Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" Brings The Love To New York City On Valentines Day!

This past Thursday, February 14, over two thousand headbangers celebrated Valentines Day at The "Dark Roots Of Thrash" Tour. This once in a lifetime tour features TESTAMENT, OVERKILL (no longer part of the tour), FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, and 4ARM. The New York City stop of the tour took place at the Best Buy Theater in the heart of Times Square, were the love for Thrash Metal was present from beginning to end.

While most fans showed up to see TESTAMENT and OVERKILL share a stage for the first time in over 25 years, 4ARM and FLOTSAM AND JETSAM were perfectly picked to warm up the crowd. FLOTSAM AND JETSAM always deliver the musical goods. Not only does FLOTSAM AND JETSAM bring plenty of experience to this tour, but they offer the TestaKill fans a fresh sonic approach when it comes to live music by jamming their hearts out.

Once OVERKILL took center stage, the venue was fully packed and the crowd was on their feet when Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and the rest of the band demolished ear drums via their vulgar display of old school Metal! Even though "Blitz" was later diagnosed with pneumonia, which is why the band had to cancel their appearance on the rest of the tour, he sounded great and do not let anybody tell you otherwise. While he was kneeling down quiet often while performing live,and allegedly was given oxygen during the bands set, "Blitz" didn't miss a beat and OVERKILL brought their A game!
However, OVERKILL were forced to cancel their appearance for the rest of the tour due to the fact that Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth's needs time to recover from pneumonia. Full statement HERE!

After we all quenched our thirsts with some cold brews, which we obviously enjoyed responsibly, TESTAMENT took center stage and became everyone's Valentine! We have personally seen TESTAMENT various times within the last few years and even though they performed some amazing sets, this time around the band - Chuck Billy (vocals), Alex Skolnick & Eric Peterson (guitars), Greg Christian (bass), Gene Hoglan (drums) - went for the kill. Even though the competition between Heavy Music bands is always a friendly one, we humans love competition. And TESTAMENT definitely stepped their game up in order to be able to outperform OVERKILL and FLOTSAM AND JETSAM. Take a look at the bands killer set list:

It is refreshing to know that our music is alive and well, and that the future is very bright! If you get the chance to catch this amazing tour, do not hesitate. Just make sure you warm your neck up and that you bring ear plugs. Here are the remaining tour dates:

2/20: Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
2/21: The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
2/22: The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
2/23: First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
2/25: The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26: In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
2/27: Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
2/28: Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA

Related links:  
Testament
Overkill
Flotsam And Jetsam

Flotsam & Jetsam Ink Record Deal With Metal Blade Records; Band On Tour Now With Testament!

Flotsam and Jetsam, arguably one of the most influential and prominent acts from Thrash Metal's birth in the early 80s, has returned to Metal Blade Records to release their NEW album, 'Ugly Noise'. The lead single/title track is available for streaming now here (courtesy of Metal Blade Records).


'Ugly Noise' is the band's eleventh full-length album, their first release on Metal Blade since 2001, and the follow up to their 2010 album, 'The Cold'. The record also heralds the return of original members Michael Gilbert on guitar and Kelly David Smith on drums, who haven't recorded with Flotsam and Jetsam since High in 1997.

Flotsam and Jetsam's Kelly Smith comments on working with Metal Blade: "We have just inked a distribution deal for the release of 'Ugly Noise' through Metal Blade Records. 'Ugly Noise' will be released worldwide in late March/Early April of 2013. It was the obvious choice for us after our long-standing relationship and Metal Blades 30 year history of Metal. You can't match what they can do with 30 years of experience behind them. We are excited and looking forward to working with MB in 2013."

Also, tune into Liquid Metal on SiriusXM this week for a Flotsam and Jetsam interview & Liquid Metal Takeover! Kelly Smith, Eric AK and Michael Gilbert stop by the SiriusXM NYC studios to talk to Jose Mangin about their NEW album, 'Ugly Noise', and their current comeback tour with Testament on "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour". After the hour interview special, the guys host a Liquid Metal Takeover picking out their go-to Metal songs.

Tune in to listen:
- Thurs, 2/21 @ 5pm ET / 2pm PT
- Sat, 2/23 @ Noon ET / 9am PT
- Sun, 2/24 @ 9pm ET / 6pm PT

As previously reported, "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" was dented this weekend as OVERKILL were forced to cancel their appearance due to the fact that Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth's contracted pneumonia. Full statement HERE!

TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, 4ARM (remaining tour dates):

2/20: Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
2/21: The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
2/22: The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
2/23: First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
2/25: The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26: In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
2/27: Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
2/28: Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA 

Related links:
Official Site of Flotsam And Jetsam

OVERKILL's Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth Unable To Continue Touring With TESTAMENT & FLOTSAM AND JETSAM - Official Statement Available!

As previously reported, "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" was dented this weekend as OVERKILL were unable to perform in Huntington, NY and in Buffalo, NY because their singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth was rushed to the hospital after falling ill with walking pneumonia. Being the warrior that he is, "Blitz" sucked it up and performed at The Palladium in Worcester, MA on Saturday (February 16) were he allegedly was given oxygen between songs.

Unfortunately, "Blitz" pushed himself a bit far and really needs the proper time to recover as pneumonia is a very serious illness. As a result, the band have made the wise decision to pull out from "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour". A statement from the collective band, released exclusively to Horns Up Rocks!, follows: 

"Overkill regretfully announce that we can no longer continue on the Testament North American tour. Blitz's condition has gotten slightly worse and he needs some time to get back to 100%. We would like to thank Testament for a great tour and look forward to everyone back on the road soon."

We wish Bobby a speedy recovery!

TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, 4ARM (remaining tour dates):
2/18: Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON
2/20: Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
2/21: The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
2/22: The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
2/23: First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
2/25: The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26: In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
2/27: Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
2/28: Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA
* – Denotes FLOTSAM AND JETSAM will not be playing

Photo credit: Zulie Alvarez
Related links:
Overkill's official site

OVERKILL Releases Statement Regarding The Health Status Of Bobby "Blitz' Ellsworth

As previously reported, "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" was dented last night in Huntington, New York. Unfortunately, OVERKILL were forced to cancel their appearance last night at The Paramount Theater in Huntington, Long Island, NY because their singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth was rushed to the hospital after falling ill with walking pneumonia. The bands has just released the following update:

"We are terribly sorry that we had to cancel our performance last night, but let's put the rumors to rest, before speculation runs rampant.

"Blitz was diagnosed with what is called "walking pneumonia", and was medically advised to not perform due to it potentially getting worse if he did. When the health risk is no longer an issue, he'll be ready to kick ass once again."

So it is safe to assume that OVERKILL will not be performing on "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" until further notice.

OVERKILL bassist DD Vernie commented: "We live just on the other side of the bridge, we will make up the show".

The epic tour, which features TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, and 4ARM, marks the first time that TESTAMENT and OVERKILL share the stage in over 25 years. 

We wish Bobby a speedy recovery! Please keep flexing your muscles like on the picture above for many years to come!

TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, 4ARM (remaining tour dates):
2/16: The Palladium – Worcester, MA
2/17: Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY
2/18: Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON
2/20: Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
2/21: The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
2/22: The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
2/23: First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
2/25: The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26: In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
2/27: Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
2/28: Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA
* – Denotes FLOTSAM AND JETSAM will not be playing

Related links:
Overkill's official site

OVERKILL: Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth Forced To Miss Huntington, NY Show Allegedly Due To Pneumonia!

Last night, "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" arrived to Huntington, New York. The epic tour, which features TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, and 4ARM, marks the first time that TESTAMENT and OVERKILL share the stage in over 25 years. Unfortunately, OVERKILL were forced to cancel their appearance last night at The Paramount Theater in Huntington, Long Island, NY because their singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth was allegedly rushed to the hospital after falling ill with pneumonia. OVERKILL bassist DD Vernie commented: "We live just on the other side of the bridge, we will make up the show".

What is very surprising to us is that we interviewed Bobby 24 hours before the tour arrived in Long Island, and he seemed to be completely healthy. As a matter of fact, he seemed to be in very high spirits and was on fire while on stage at the Best Buy Theater in New York City. Can someone fall ill with pneumonia in less than 24 hours? We think not.

Whatever the situation is, we will keep you posted as more information becomes available. We wish Bobby a speedy recovery, regardless!

TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, 4ARM (remaining tour dates):

2/16: The Palladium – Worcester, MA
2/17: Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY
2/18: Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON
2/20: Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
2/21: The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
2/22: The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
2/23: First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
2/25: The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26: In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
2/27: Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
2/28: Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA

* – Denotes FLOTSAM AND JETSAM will not be playing

Related links:
Overkill's official site 

TESTAMENT To Film LIVE DVD This Friday In Long Island, New York!

TESTAHEADS! Bay Area Thrash Metallers have an invitation for you!
"Testament will be filming for a 90-minute live DVD (via Nuclear Blast) this Friday, February 15th at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York!

"Come out to the show and join the thrash metal festivities!"

The DVD will be produced by Tommy Jones from The Studio in New Jersey. Here is what he had to say about it:
"I am stoked to announce that I am producing the new Testament DVD, and we are shooting it this Friday at The Paramount in Huntington Long Island NY! Come out and get crazy for the cameras!"

TESTAMENT's tour continues tonight at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland, and will be trekking through the United States until the end of February.

TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, 4ARM (remaining tour dates):

2/12: The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD
2/13: Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA
2/14: Best Buy Theatre – New York, NY
2/15: The Paramount – Huntington, NY (DVD Shoot)
2/16: The Palladium – Worcester, MA
2/17: Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY
2/18: Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON
2/20: Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
2/21: The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
2/22: The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
2/23: First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
2/25: The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26: In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
2/27: Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
2/28: Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA

* – Denotes FLOTSAM AND JETSAM will not be playing


We recently chatted with Chuck Billy from TESTAMENT about this tour and how the band plans to celebrate their 25th anniversary:




Related links:  
Testament's Official Site

TESTAMENT: Meet Eric Peterson Thanks To Dean Guitars!

Eric Peterson has scheduled meet & greets at Guitar Center while he is out on tour with Testament (details below). Below are his remaining appearances:

2/07 in Dallas, TX – #444
2/12 in Rockville, MD – #832
2/20 in Cincinnati, OH – #613
2/21 in Grand Rapids, MI – #338
2/25 in Denver, CO – #421
2/26 in SLC, UT – #431
2/28 in Sacto, CA #-226

TESTAMENT's tour continues tonight at the House Of Blues in Dallas, Texas, and will be trekking through the United States until the end of February.

TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, 4ARM (remaining tour dates):

2/7: House of Blues – Dallas, TX
2/9: Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
2/10: The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC
2/12: The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD
2/13: Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA
2/14: Best Buy Theatre – New York, NY
2/15: The Paramount – Huntington, NY
2/16: The Palladium – Worcester, MA
2/17: Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY
2/18: Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON
2/20: Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
2/21: The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
2/22: The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
2/23: First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
2/25: The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26: In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
2/27: Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
2/28: Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA

* – Denotes FLOTSAM AND JETSAM will not be playing


We recently chatted with Chuck Billy from TESTAMENT about this tour and how the band plans to celebrate their 25th anniversary:




Related links:  
Testament's Official Site