Mastodon's "The Hunter" Cover Art Revealed!

Mastodon is set to unleash their fifth studio album titled "The Hunter" this October. The majority of the album was recorded at Doppler Studios in Atlanta, Georgia with producer Mike Elizondo. The drums were tracked at Sound City Studios, which is were Nirvana recorded their hit album "Nevermind". Some confirmed songs are:

- "Blasteroids"
- "The Octopus Has No Friends"
- "Stargasm"
- "Curl of the Burl"
- "All the Heavy Lifting"
- "The Sparrow"
- "The Ruiner"
- "Dry Bone Valley"

Here is the album cover of Mastodon's "The Hunter":

"When you listen to the songs, they don't sound as 'fun' as we perceive them to be, I guess; it's still pretty extremely heavy material. We had a few songs that were kind of, not left over from 'Crack The Skye', but just stuff that we wanted to be on that album, but that album kind of took on a whole different thing of its own and there were a few stragglers that were super-heavy and crazy that didn't make it, and we finally got to put them on this record. And then we wrote a whole bunch of brand new stuff. There's, like, 14 songs that we recorded. And it's sort all over the place — a lot of different sounds. Some straight-up classic-rock-sounding songs, straight-up death metal-sounding songs and some completely bizarre, weirdo rock songs that we're not really sure what they are, but we love them." - Brann Dailor (On Metal Hammer)

Here is the NEW video by Mastodon for "Deathbound" (previously unreleased song from "Crack the Skye"). The song is part of the ten-week 2011 "Adult Swim Singles Program (Click to download the song)."



Related links:
Mastodon's Official Site
Crack the Skye
Mastodon on MySpace
Mastodon on YouTube
Mastodon on Twitter
Adult Swim Singles Program

Macabre to Self-Release Picture Disc LP and to tour North America

Macabre is easily one of the scariest Heavy Metal bands out there, which is why many have labeled them as "Murder Metal"! The band is currently preparing to self-release a 12" picture disc LP version of their recent full-length titled "Grim Scary Tales" (via their own Decomposed Records).

Macabre's first album in eight long years, Grim Scary Tales was released earlier this year on the band's Decomposed Records, with North American distro by Willowtip and European distribution by Hammerheart. The album delivers the madness and musicianship Macabre fans have come to love over the past quarter of a century, cleverly combining nursery rhyme sing-along quirkiness with ultra-tight, high-speed, gore/grind/death ingenuity. Macabre have cleverly devised a “story book of murder” with this album, as Grim Scary Tales tracing back to the earliest recorded and most infamous mass killers.

This gory platter of splatter bears the bold:

This special edition LP comes just in time for Macabre's next leg of their Grim Scary Tales Tour. The band is gearing up to hit the road in two weeks, with Exhumed, Cephalic Carnage and Withered. The gore tour gets begins on July 24th -- with Macabre headlining the Central Illinois Metalfest, joined by Nachtmystium, Nunslaughter Embalmer and tons more -- the tour lineup them moving on to invade sectors of the Midwest and Western North America.

Here are the tour-dates:
7/24/2011 Canopy Club - Urbana, IL @ Central Illinois Metalfest
7/25/2011 The Rave - Milwaukee, WI
7/26/2011 Station 4 - St. Paul, MN
7/27/2011 Park Theatre - Winnipeg, MB
7/28/2011 The Exchange - Regina, SK
7/29/2011 The Pawn Shop - Edmonton, AB
7/30/2011 The Distillery - Calgary, AB
7/31/2011 Knights Of Columbus Hall - Kelowna, BC
8/01/2011 Rickshaw Theater - Vancouver, BC
8/02/2011 Studio Seven - Seattle, WA
8/03/2011 Branx - Portland, OR
8/04/2011 Slim's - San Francisco, CA
8/05/2011 The Alley - Sparks, NV
8/06/2011 Cheyenne - Las Vegas, NV
8/07/2011 Key Club - Hollywood, CA

MACABRE Headlining Dates w/ Withered:
8/08/2011 Ruby Room - San Diego, CA
8/09/2011 Chaser's - Phoenix, AZ
8/11/2011 Sorority House - Amarillo, TX
8/12/2011 Korova - San Antonio, TX
8/13/2011 *TBD
8/14/2011 The Conservatory - Oklahoma City, OK
8/15/2011 Downtown Music - Little Rock, AR
8/16/2011 Hi Tone - Memphis, TN
8/17/2011 FuBar - St Louis, MO @ (no Withered)

Related links:
Macabre's Official Site
Macabre on Facebook
Macabre on MySpace

The Agonist's Alissa White-Gluz is the world's "Sexiest Female Vegetarian"

Alissa White-Gluz from Canadian Metal band The Agonist was named one of the 2011 "Hottest Chicks In Metal" by Revolver Magazine, and she is now also the world's "Sexiest Female Vegetarian" according to Peta2! In order to win the 2011 title she had to beat celebrities such as Natalie Portman, Anne Hathaway, and Olivia Wilde, but ultimately our Metal queen Alissa reigned supreme. While honored by the title, the ever modest front-woman is just happy to show a different side of herself and other fellow veggies:

"I have been vegetarian since birth and vegan for more than half my life. Living cruelty-free is the closest thing to a religion I'll ever believe in and it is a huge part of me and my music. Of course, the 'sexiest veg celebrity' contest is just for fun, but I do like how it shines a different light on the idea of veganism/vegetarianism. It's showing people that a lot of the celebrities that they look up to and admire already follow this lifestyle, and that it's not some weird, challenging, alienating ordeal to be veg - it's simple, healthy, popular, and, well, sexy! I'm very honored to have won." - Alissa White-Gluz

The Agonist recently completed a very successful South American tour and are currently in the studio working on their upcoming release. All instruments have been tracked and Alissa is in the midst of finishing up her vocals on the album, due in early 2012. Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Dark Tranquility, Suicide Silence) will be handling mixing duties on what promises to be yet another epic melodic death metal masterpiece!

For North American fans that can't wait until 2012, The Agonist will be touring this August/September with Alestorm and Kamelot, so be sure to catch them on the road where they're be selling an exclusive tour-only EP that will include two tracks from the upcoming album, plus a remix of "The Tempest" off of Lullabies for the Dormant Mind!

Tour Dates feat. The Agonist with Kamelot, Alestorm:

8/26 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
8/27 West Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
8/28 Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero
8/30 New York, NY @ The Gramercy Theatre
8/31 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
9/2 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
9/3 Quebec City, QC @ Imperial
9/4 Toronto, ON @ MOD Club
9/6 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's
9/7 Detroit, MI @ Blondie's
9/8 Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
9/9 St. Paul, MN @ Station 4
9/12 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
9/13 Portland, OR @ Peter's Room
9/15 West Hollywood, CA @ House Of Blues
9/16 Tempe, AZ @ The Clubhouse
9/17 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
9/18 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
9/20 Dallas, TX @ Trees
9/21 Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
9/23 Orlando, FL @ The Club At Firestone

Related links:
The Agonist on MySpace
Century Media

Thinning The Herd Nominated as NYC's Artist of the Month on The Deli Magazine

New York's own Thinning the Herd are currently busy giving out free ear candy to the masses with their unique psychedelic mix of Rock. After the release of their album titled "Ocean's Rise", the power trio has been hard at work spreading their musical craft. The band is now starting to see the fruit of their hard labor and The Deli Magazine has nominated the band via their online poll.

Click to vote for Thinning the Herd!

Thinning the Herd is:
Gavin Spielman - Guitar/Vocals
Nick Lee - Bass
Ben Proudman - Drums

Here are all the facts about Thinning the Herd's "Ocean Rise":

- Release date: April 5th, 2011 via NYC-based St. Mark’s Records.
- The record is titled "Ocean Rise" and it contains eight-song raging songs.
- Engineered by the masters at Seizures Palace in Brooklyn (Child Abuse, Swans, OvO, Dresden Dolls).
- The album surges with soul over its 35-minute life span, alive with groove and stories, inciting a trampled but triumphant sense of survival and good times.

Check out this bad-ass photo montage featuring "Thinning The Herd":


Related links:
Click to vote for Thinning the Herd!
Thinning the Herd's Official Site
Thinning The Herd on MySpace

Humanity Falls Kicks Off "The Imminent Dehumanization Tour" with The Leviathan's Mandible!

Humanity Falls keeps making a lot of deafening noise thanks to their furious display of Death Metal blended to perfection with some Grindcore! This past May they performed with Death Metal legends Suffocation and Misery Index at Santos Party House in New York City, after winning a contest the band put together in order to pick the opening band. They recently performed with Defeated Sanity from Germany.

Starting today (July 8) New York's Humanity Falls who just released their debut album titled "Ordaining The Apocalypse" (via Less Traveled Records) will be embarking on a mini-tour entitled "The Imminent Dehumanization Tour" with Virginia's own The Leviathan's Mandible who will be touring in support of their upcoming 3 way split with Kindergarden Hazing Ritual and Baby Basher (for fans of Maruta, Phobia, Circle of Dead Children).

The short 5 day tour begins in Boston, Mass at Champion's Cafe and concludes in Montclair, New Jersey where they will be playing with California's Ash Borer and Ruin Lust (feat. members of Fell Voices) who are also on tour together.







Here are the tour-dates:
- July 8 in Boston, MA at Champion's Cafe with Scaphism, Untombed
*No Leviathan's Mandible

- July 9 in Dunellen, NJ at North Tavern (FREE SHOW)

- July 10 in New York City, New York at Port 41 with Flourishing

- July 11 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at JR's Bar with Hollenlarm, The Gurchick Tree

- July 12 in Montclair, New Jersey at Meatlocker with Ash Borer, Ruin Lust

See you all inside the pit! \m/

Related links:
Humanity Falls on Bandcamp
Humanity Falls on MySpace
Humanity Falls on Facebook
Humanity Falls Blog
Humanity Falls on Reverbnation
The Leviathan's Mandible

ArtistData founder Brenden Mulligan Launches Onesheet.com For Artists

In times where artists are looking to stand out from the ocean of like-minded talents that are surfacing from the depths of creativity. In order for an artist to get their name, and most importantly their craft out to the masses, they must think outside the box and utilize all the efficient internet tools that can make or break an artist. But with so many tools out there, it is very labor intensive to keep a half a dozen pages up to date. The solution? Onesheet.com!

What is Onsheet.com?

Onesheet allows musicians to set up a web presence in minutes using content from other websites they're already updating. They simply connect their existing social networks and services immediately have a website full of content already posted across the web: music, videos, photos, concert dates, blogs, social streams, mailing list signups, online stores and more.

How does Onesheet.com work?

With Onesheet.com, bands can verify their identity through Facebook or Twitter and connect their musician-specific third party services like Soundcloud, Bandcamp and ReverbNation as well as social media services like Posterous, Tumblr and YouTube. Once all their content is in, bands can tweak their Onesheet’s design, making changes like font and widget positioning. Aside from this slight customization, bands really don’t have to do much work, as the service updates itself.

Why not use About.me?

Well namely because About.me doesn’t support band-specific data like concert dates and song uploads. In fact Brendan Mulligan (founder of ArtistDirect) has added this helpful addendum to the registration process, “Note: This site is built for musicians. If you want a personal page, click here.“ The same exact problem exists with the web’s most ubiquitous presence option, Facebook Fan pages, which are more like places to interact with fans then a way to showcase your music. Hence Onesheet …

What if I am using Myspace.com as my main site for showcasing my music?

Right now bands have limited options in terms of web presence, and with Myspace’s imminent fall, it might be a good idea to port your content from the flailing social network onto some place more stable. “Musicians are constantly having to direct fans from service to service and from used-to-be-awesome social network to now-is-awesome social network,” says Mulligan, who brings his copious industry experience with ArtistData to this endeavor. “It’s confusing for them and for their fans.”



Facts about Onesheet.com:

- Musicians can set up a web presence in minutes using content from other websites they're already updating.

- Artists simply connect their existing social networks and services immediately have a website full of content already posted across the web: music, videos, photos, concert dates, blogs, social streams, mailing list signups, online stores and more.

- Onesheet.com is made by Brenden Mulligan, music industry veteran and founder of ArtistData, the premier syndication tool for musicians to post information across the web. With Onesheet, the aim is to create a beautiful web presence that is automatically maintained by the use of other services.

Why not give it a try? This website could help you find the break you are looking for!

Related links:
Onesheet

Neurosis to Reissue Classic "Sovereign" EP!

The Kings of Atmospheric Sludge Metal Neurosis have had a very extensive career. Ever since their formation in 1985 they have revolutionized music and have never stopped reinventing their sonic adventures in the music industry. They have consciously tapped into the elusive wellspring where resonance and dissonance collude, circling emotional poles where nothing is withheld, where the psyche screams for answers to Earth's ancient mysteries.

The reissue of their classic EP titled "Sovereign" will be released in North America on September 12, 2011. Neurosis is currently plotting more live appearances for the coming months, and as they continue to culminate their energies into the band's upcoming new full-length release.

Originally unveiled in 2000, the "Sovereign EP" was the first release that the band did through the band's own record label called Neurot Recordings, with the vinyl pressing handled by Hydra Head. "Sovereign" served as a millennial segue between two of the band's two revered full-lengths of that era; "Times Of Grace" (1999) and "A Sun That Never Sets" (2001)

Sovereign Reissue Track Listing:
1. Prayer
2. An Offering
3. Flood
4. Sovereign
5. Misgiven* [newly released track]

The EP is a psychotropic experience of the highest order. And to top that off, this Neurot Recordings CD reissue also includes a previously unreleased fifth track, with the inescapably feedback-tormented hymn "Misgiven" closing out the reissue, added as a special bonus to this repressing of the recordings. The reissue comes bound in an O-Card/jewel case setup like the other recent Neurosis reissues, with artwork completely redesigned and updated by Aaron Turner.

The band has recently reissued the following albums:
- Souls At Zero (1992)
- Enemy Of The Sun (1993)

Check out the new cover, live footage of Neurosis performing at this year's Maryland Deathfest:



Stay tuned for more updates on the reissue and on Neurosis actions as a whole throughout 2012!

Related links:
Official Site of Neurosis
Neurosis on Facebook
Neurot Recordings
Neurot Recordings on Facebook

Slipknot's Historic Headline Performance at Sonisphere Festival to be Webcast!

Slipknot returned to the musical spectrum on June 17 at the Sonisphere Festival in Athens, Greece. While Slipknot's future is still very uncertain, the band is continuing to do a few shows in memory of #2. For this very special performance the band didn't have a bass player on stage, and instead paid tribute to Paul Gray by having his bass and jumpsuit placed right were he would usually stand at. They also used their original red coveralls and old school masks.

On Sunday, July 10, Slipknot will be headlining the Sonisphere Festival in Knebworth, England. The band just announced a special real-time Webcast of their Performance via their website, Slipknot1.com, and on Sonispherefestivals.com! Their headline set will take place on Sunday, July 10th at 9PM (GMT).

Set to be an epic and emotional occasion, this highly anticipated show will mark the band’s first appearance in the UK in over two years and their first British performance without founding member Paul Gray, who tragically passed away last year.

“England has always been a special place for this band from the very beginning. We can’t think of a better way to culminate our celebration of Paul’s life than to share it with the Maggots at Knebworth and the millions more watching around the world. This is not to be missed.” - SLIPKNOT

“This is the first time Sonisphere Festival has been transmitted live across the web and represents yet another major stride in its commitment to harnessing the power of the internet to engage with the Rock audience at large across the planet. Given that this is going to be such an important event for Slipknot fans the world over, we felt it only right to allow them all to share in what is set to be a historic experience, wherever they are.” - Festival producer Stuart Galbraith



Related links:
SLIPKNOT's Official Site
Sonisphere Festivals
Roadrunner Records

Horns Up Rocks presents: The Official CD Release Party of Mahavatar's "Rise From Betrayal"

We are very pleased to inform you all that Horns Up Rocks and Mahavatar have joined forces and are bringing you "The Official CD Release Party of Mahavatar's "Rise From Betrayal" (In memory of: Paul N Demauro R.I.P).

Here are all the details:

- Date/Time: Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 8 PM
- Location: Mercury Lounge: 217 E Houston St, New York, NY
- Cost $10 (21 + with ID)
- Lineup:

Mahavatar: A unique act on the Alternative Metal scene due to its leading female lineup, Mahavatar's strains reveal a singular ability to deliver tense and anguished themes, pulled by tumultuous guitars and ponderous Rock features. The band's mission is also defined by the meaning of their designation. The word itself, Mahavatar, has an Indian origin significance of immortality, but the New York crew adjoined it with their very own particular signification: Mind Hypnotic Vision Towards Revolution.

Lies Beneath: A five-piece Metal band with influences ranging from Thrash, to Death Metal and Hardcore. With classic dual-guitar attack, a crushing rhythm section, dynamic vocals and brooding soundscapes, this band creates an undeniable presence and demands captivation from any audience. With the release of their new album "Death of the American Dream", Lies Beneath is ready for bigger, heavier things!

No Remission: Exploding onto the music scene in early 2004, No Remission is a powerful 4-piece Heavy Metal band from Westchester, NY. They have proven the very meaning of perseverance in establishing themselves among the underground NY/CT Metal scene. Relentless in their quest to push far beyond the barriers of mainstream predictability, this fearsome foursome has earned the respect in opening for acts Dying Fetus, Anal Cunt, and Marc Rizzo of Soulfly. After unleashing their new record titled "Through Blackened Skies", No Remission is ready to crush all your senses! Are you ready for No Remission?

Hosted and DJed by:

Official after-party at Idle Hands Bar: 25 Avenue B (btwn 2nd & 3rd streets)

Related links:
Official Facebook Invite
Mahavatar
Lies Beneath
No Remission
Mercury Lounge
Idle Hands Bar

Richard Christy Discusses Charred Walls of the Damned's Second Album on Howard 101

Our good friend Richard Christy from the Howard Stern Show and Charred Walls of the Damned, is very excited about the bands follow up to their self-titled debut album (to be released via Metal Blade Records on October 11, 2011).

"If you liked the first album, you're definitely going to love this album! It's going to be super-melodic, have plenty of blast beats, plenty of super-catchy vocal parts, heavy guitars, and insane bass parts!" - Richard Christy

Listen to Richard Christy as he discusses the New Charred Walls of the Damned album on Howard 101

Charred Walls of the Damned recorded their second studio album at Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, Florida with producer/guitarist Jason Suecof (Trivium, All That Remains, Bury Your Dead, August Burns Red, The Black Dahilia Murder, Daath, Chimaira, Devildriver and God Forbid, among others.

Charred Walls of the Damned is:

\m/ Richard Christy – drums
\m/ Steve DiGiorgio – bass guitar
\m/ Tim "Ripper" Owens – lead vocals
\m/ Jason Suecof – guitar

Discography:

- Studio albums
\m/ Charred Walls of the Damned (2010)
\m/ TBA (October 11, 2011)

- Singles
\m/ "Ghost Town" (2009)





Related links:
Charred Walls of The Damned on MySpace
Official Site of Richard Christy
Metal Blade Records

Dying Fetus Cover of Napalm Death’s "Unchallenged Hate"

Maryland's machine of aggressive Death Metal known as Dying Fetus, decided to cover "Unchallenged Hate" by Napalm Death on their upcoming covers EP titled "History Repeats". The band is gearing up for the "Summer Slaughter Tour" and its save to assume that the band will include this Napalm Death classic into their set-list. Here are the tour-dates:

Summer Slaughter Tour w/ The Black Dahilia Murder, Whitechapel, Darkest Hour, Six Feet Under, Dying Fetus, As Blood Runs Black, Oceano, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Powerglove:

- 7/22-Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues
- 7/23-Anaheim, CA @ The Grove
- 7/25-Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre
- 7/26-Seattle, WA @ King Cat Theatre
- 7/27-Boise, ID @ The Knitting Factory
- 7/28-Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
- 7/29-San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
- 7/30-San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
- 7/31-Scottsdale, AZ @ Venue of Scottsdale
- 8/01-Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
- 8/02-Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
- 8/04-Louisville, KY @ Expo Five
- 8/05-Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews
- 8/06-Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
- 8/07-Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
- 8/08-Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
- 8/09-Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy
- 8/10-Montreal, QC @ Olympia
- 8/11-New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
- 8/12-Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
- 8/13-Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
- 8/14-Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
- 8/16-Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
- 8/17-Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
- 8/19-Houston, TX @ House of Blues
- 8/20-San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live
- 8/21-Dallas, TX @ House of Blues

Here Dying Fetus Cover of Napalm Death’s "Unchallenged Hate" (Courtesy of Metal Hammer):


Metal Hammer - Dying Fetus - Unchallenged Hate (Napalm Death cover) on MUZU.TV

Related links:
Dying Fetus on MySpace
Relapse Records

Hate Eternal to Perform at Santos Party House in New York City

Hate Eternal are currently busy infecting the masses with some pure Floridian Death Metal, and presenting to them their sixth studio album titled "Phoenix Amongst the Ashes" (Released on May 10, 2011 via Metal Blade Records). Here is what Erik Rutan had to say about their latest album:

"The response to our new album "Phoenix Amongst The Ashes" continues to be incredible, and we hope to see all you guys out on this U.S./Canadian tour. The show each night is gonna be awesome! Thanks so much for all your support. It is what keeps us strong!"

Phoenix Amongst the Ashes was released on May 10th and was hailed as "a relentless, intriciate, and near-anthemic crowd-pleaser" by Revolver Magazine. Title sponsor of the tour, Decibel Magazine, proclaimed "Rutan's ornate melodies engage in a constant give-and-take with moments of absolutely vicious discordance, while drummer Jade Simonetto is so in control of such complex cadences and fills that you're compelled to sit back and marvel." Jade Simonetto's performance was further complimented by the highly respected DRUM! Magazine: "Phoenix showcases a far more dynamic band. Guitar passages range from weedly to art-y to textured…juxtaposing break-neck verses with near-mid-tempo groove sections…Simonetto takes the gold for endurance." Needless to say, Phoenix is in the running for one of the best overall death metal releases of 2011 and could very well be considered the best of the band's long and storied career.

On Sunday, July 10, 2011, Erik Rutan and company will take over Santos Party House in New York City. This show is not to be missed by any Heavy Metal fan out there! Joining Hate Eternal on stage will be Origin, Vital Remains, Abysmal Dawn. The show starts at 7 PM and tickets are only $18 (in advance).

HATE ETERNAL kicks off North American tour with ORIGIN today in Austin, TX!
Vital Remains and Abysmal Dawn to support

Erik Rutan and co. will be joining fellow death metal legends Origin for a North American tour throughout June and July. The tour kicks off TODAY in Austin, TX at Emo's and wraps up on July 14th in Orlando, FL at Firestone Live. This tour will be the first in Hate Eternal's North American campaign in support of their latest album, Phoenix Amongst the Ashes. The tour is being presented by Decibel Magazine and Metal Injection in association with Sick Drummer, Scion, Laboga, and Choosing Death.

Erik Rutan comments, "The response to our new album "Phoenix Amongst The Ashes" continues to be incredible, and we hope to see all you guys out on this U.S./Canadian tour. The show each night is gonna be awesome! Thanks so much for all your support. It is what keeps us strong!"

Phoenix Amongst the Ashes was released on May 10th and was hailed as "a relentless, intriciate, and near-anthemic crowd-pleaser" by Revolver Magazine. Title sponsor of the tour, Decibel Magazine, proclaimed "Rutan's ornate melodies engage in a constant give-and-take with moments of absolutely vicious discordance, while drummer Jade Simonetto is so in control of such complex cadences and fills that you're compelled to sit back and marvel." Jade Simonetto's performance was further complimented by the highly respected DRUM! Magazine: "Phoenix showcases a far more dynamic band. Guitar passages range from weedly to art-y to textured…juxtaposing break-neck verses with near-mid-tempo groove sections…Simonetto takes the gold for endurance." Needless to say, Phoenix is in the running for one of the best overall death metal releases of 2011 and could very well be considered the best of the band's long and storied career.

Tour dates:
- July 6 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's
- July 7 Toronto, ON @ Wreck Room
- July 8 Montreal, QC @ Les Foufounes Electriques
- July 9 Worcester, MA @ Palladium
- July 10 New York, NY @ Santo's Party House
- July 11 Baltimore, MD @ Otto Bar
- July 13 Charleston, SC @ The Oasis
- July 14 Orlando, FL @ Firestone Live

Here are some facts about Hate Eternal:

- Hate Eternal was formed in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1997.

- Current lineup:
\m/ Erik Rutan - Guitars/Vocals (ex Morbid Angel, Ripping Corpse)
\m/ JJ Hrubovcak - Bass Guitar (Vile)
\m/ Jade Simonetto - Drums (ex-Camilla Rhodes, ex-The Plasmarifle)

- Discography
\m/ 1999: Conquering the Throne
\m/ 2002: King of All Kings
\m/ 2005: I, Monarch
\m/ 2006: The Perilous Fight (DVD)
\m/ 2008: Fury & Flames
\m/ 2011: Phoenix Amongst The Ashes (Release May 10, 2011)



Related links:
Hate Eternal
Santos Party House
Metal Blade Records

Corey Taylor Interview with Jim Florentine about "Seven Deadly Sins" - Part 1

The very outspoken Corey Taylor from Slipknot and Stone Sour decided that instead of writing an autobiography like everyone else does, he would write something very different. This is what he had to say about this:

“I’ve been threatening to write a book for a long time, but since every Tom, Dick and Harry writes an autobiography, I didn’t want to just do that. My approach to writing is the same as my approach to music: I don’t want to do what everybody else is doing.”

“Seven Deadly Sins” is Taylor’s candid, outrageous manifesto reflecting on the subject and nature of sin. The book will be released July 12 in the U.S and July 14 in the U.K.

Our good friend Jim Florentine from VH1 Classic's That Metal Show, conducted an in depth interview with Taylor about his upcoming book "Seven Deadly Sins", his life and of course, his music. The three part interview premieres today (July 5th). Part two will be available on July 12, and Part three will be available on July 19.



Related links:
Corey Taylor's official site
Slipknot
Stone Sour

Twisted Sister to Unleash their New DVD "Double Live - Northstage Theatre 1982/New York Steel Benefit show 2001" at Duff's Brooklyn

The legendary band Twisted Sister will be releasing a two DVD set that features their 1982 performance at the Northstage Theater in Long Island, as well as their 2001 performance at the New York Steal Benefit show. The dual DVD is set to be released on July 26 via Eagle Entertainment.

A few days before the release (July 23), fans get the chance to check out the two DVD's at the Official release party at Duff's Brooklyn. As most of you know, Duff's Brooklyn is our second home and the undisputed King of Heavy Metal bars!

The address is:

Duff's Brooklyn
168 Marcy Avenue (between S 5th & Broadway)
Williamsburg, New York
JMZ Trains to Marcy Avenue

"Double Live - Northstage Theatre 1982 / New York Steel Benefit show 2001" track listing:

Disc 1

01. What You Don't Know (Sure Can Hurt You)
02. Destroyer
03. Tear it Loose
04. Bad Boys (Of Rock 'n' Roll)
05. Lady's Boy
06. Leader of the Pack
07. Under the Blade
08. Shoot 'Em Down
09. Sin After Sin
10. I'll Never Grow Up, Now
11. You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll
12. You Know I Cry
13. It's Only Rock 'N' Roll
14. Rock 'n' Roll Saviors

Disc 2

01. What You Don't Know (Sure Can Hurt You)
02. The Kids Are Back
03. Stay Hungry
04. Burn in Hell
05. You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll
06. Under the Blade
07. Shoot 'Em Down
08. Come Back
09. You Know I Cry
10. I Wanna Rock
11. We're Not Gonna Take It
12. The Price
13. SMF

Related links:
Twisted Sister
Duff's Brooklyn

Machine Head & Sepultura Announce South American Tour

Heavy Metal titans Machine Head and Sepultura took a conversation they had about doing a South American tour together very seriously, and after just a few weeks the tour was locked and loaded! Now they two bands are going to send shockwaves all over the continent!

This October, for the first time in history, Machine Head and Sepultura will make their impact be felt in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. We can already hear the soccer chants and envision some extreme headbanging and mosh-pitting!

Machine Head will be in full force after having played the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival and Australia's Soundwave Revolution tour in support of their newest crushing release, "Unto The Locust" (due September 26/27, 2011 via Roadrunner Records).

Sepultura, who will also be in full-on tour mode in support of their newest album "Kairos" are always devastating live, leaving both bands primed to deliver a set of shows that will be unlike anything South American metal fans ever dared to imagine.

"Going back to South America is going to be fucking rad! The crowds there are absolutely insane, it has been a long time coming and we cannot wait for this! We've been working on getting back there for a while now and this proved to be a great opportunity. This is going to crush, and having Sepultura together with us? Well, all I'll say is that these dates are going to be one hell of a monster unleashed on the crowds in Brazil, Argentina and Chile. No one will be left standing at the end of the night!" - Robb Flynn "Machine Head"

"We are all looking forward to touring with Machine Head in South America. It was an idea that we have had for some time and it will be a great pleasure to share the stage with them. This is a show that cannot be missed by anyone." - Derrick Green (Sepultura)

TOUR DATES:
- October 14 - Sao Paulo, Brazil @ Citibank Hall
- October 15 - Curitiba, Brazil @ Master Hall
- October 16 - Porto Alegre, Brazil @ Casa de Gaucho
- October 21 - Buenos Aires, Argentina @ El Teatro Flores
- October 23 - Santiago, Chile @ Teatro Caupolican

Related links:
Official Site of Machine Head
Official Site of Sepultura

Chris Adler from Lamb Of God Awarded the 2011 Modern Drummer Readers Poll in Metal Category

When it comes to Heavy Music, a drummer can make or break a band. In the case of Lamb Of God, Chris is not only a beat machine who plays with lots of precision and groove, but he is also the founder of Burn the Priest (who eventually became Lamb Of God) along with Mark Morton (Guitarist) and John Campbell (Bassist). Adler is also the man behind all business decisions within the band. He is a Heavy Metal Impresario!

Chris was recently awarded by voters as the winner of the 2011 Modern Drummer Readers Poll in the Metal drummer category! A shoo-in for the top honors in the Poll’s metal drummer category, Lamb Of God’s self-taught rhythm wizard spent much of 2009 and 2010 headlining tours and major festivals behind their well-received "Wrath" studio album and Hourglass box set.

The ranking of the 2011 Modern Drummer Readers Poll in the Metal drummer category:

1) Chris Adler
2) Joey Jordison
3) Morgan Rose
4) Gene Hoglan
5) Brann Dailor

In March 2011, Chris also set out on a successful clinic tour, wrote a number of articles for Modern Drummer, had a signature snare drum produced by Mapex, and released his first instructional book, "The Making of New American Gospel: Drum Tablature, Short Stories and Reflections".

We can't think of a better drummer to be given this award! Congratulations Chris! \m/





Related links:
Official Site of Lamb Of God
Official Site of Chris Adler

The Sindependence Metal Bash United People at Fontana's Bar

When we booked the Sindependence Metal Bash with the great staff at Fontana's Bar, they were concerned that not too many people would show up to the show since it was on Independence Day weekend. We literally told them that with the lineup we had in mind and the devotion of the New York City Heavy Music fans, that we would have a room full of hungry friendly moshpitters. This and more, is exactly what happened. So first of all, thanks so much to everyone who came!

The event kicked off at 8 PM with a DJ set by Alissa Shimansky from Brutal Bitches Productions, followed with a revolutionary rendition of the Star Spangled Banner performed by the very talented Cassandra Sotos. Why was this revolutionary? Well, she played the SPB with a 7 string electric violin that penetrated everyone's soul!

Without giving a chance for the attendees to take a deep breath, Tim Martinez (A.K.A. DJ Tim No 37) from No Mercy Metal welcomed Eyes Like Cyanide got on stage, who made a very strong statement through a crushing performance. There is no question in our minds, that they made every band that followed them step their game up for this very special night. We had never seen the band with their new vocalist Tracy Misery Gonzales, and she totally blew our minds up! The pipes on this young lady are up to par with any vocalist out there! Whoever says that you need balls in order to be able to brutally scream like a maniac, is in the wrong!

Next up was Ashes Of Your Enemy from central New Jersey who delivered a vulgar display of power and sounded like musical dynamite! Its always refreshing when a band gets the crowd moving, and the crowd gets the band moving. They will definitely be part of future Horns Up Rocks events and if you haven't check them out yet, you HAVE TO!

Just when the crowd thought the night was going to mellow down, No Remission took center stage and once again performed their brand new album titled "Through Blackened Skies" with a lot of power, stage presence, and great attitude. They also got the floor shaking when they covered Pantera's "Domination", for which our founder Jo Schüftan stepped on stage to do backup vocals. This guys are on the right side of the tracks!

"Death of the American Dream" is the new full-length album by Lies Beneath, and on Saturday night they presented it to a full room of headbangers with a flawless set. During their furious performance, the Serr brothers thanked their mom in front of everyone after everyone sang Happy Birthday to their singer Nick, which we thought was very Metal! What we really liked about Lies Beneaths' performance, is that their new songs transmitted very naturally on stage, and the whole band was on point! This is another band you must check out, and what better way to do that then by purchasing their new album (Click to Purchase)?

Ending the night of mayhem was Brooklyn's own Alekhine's Gun, a band that we have dubbed as the most extreme Heavy Metal in the New York Heavy Music scene. These guys got on stage with the arduous task of following four bands that could have easily headlined the show. But Alekhine's Gun are always fired up and nothing can stop them! They always seal and deliver a can of whoop ass to the crowd, who always leave with their melted faces when their vocalist "The Crusher" gets close to them and rages out her powerful lyrics. And for the record, this band consistently brings in a very good amount of heads to their shows, so we think you should feed your ears some Alekhine's Gun, you will NOT be disappointed.

All in all, the Sindependence Metal Bash was a complete success! Our next event will be the Mahavatar CD Release Show on Saturday, August 6, at Mercury Lounge in New York City. Hope to see you all there!

"Holy fuck! Nights like this remind me of why I started Horns Up Rocks! The sense of unity inside that was present inside that basement inspires me to keep working hard at booking the best Heavy Music shows in New York City, and soon in a town near you! I want to thank my partner in musical crime Alissa Shimansky from Brutal Bitches Productions, the staff at Fontana's Bar for kicking ass, Nick Serr and the Lies Beneath dudes for giving Horns Up Rocks the chance to present their album release show, Eyes Like Cyanide, No Remission, Ashes Of Your Enemy, and Alekhine's Gun for being a pleasure to work with! And most importantly, I want to thank everyone who came out and celebrated Independence Day the METAL way with some pure American Metal!" - Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

Photo credit: Steve Lars

Related links:
Lies Beneath
Alekhine's Gun
No Remission
Ashes of Your Enemy
Eyes Like Cyanide
Brutal Bitches Productions
Cassandra Sotos
No Mercy Metal

Resolution 15 is Revolutionizing Heavy Music On and Off Stage

In times when there is a flood of bands in the Heavy Music world that are attempting to swim to shore, there are very few bands that offer the musicality, the intensity, and the vibe that Resolution 15 from New York City is offering at currently. Added to this is how well they blend their crushing music together and always present to the masses a powerful message.

Recently the Resolution 15 guys, Nick Serr (Vocals), Earl Maneein and Joel Lambdin (Violins), Kenny Grohowski (Drums), and Jim Robertson (Bass), decided to record a series of single track recordings. The concept behind "The Svaha Sessions" is to present to the listener a raw, organic, and versatile recording. In times when a lot of bands are being over produced, Resolution 15 is letting their music speak for them and not Captain Pro Tools.

Tomorrow (July 5), they are presenting the second track out of the "The Svaha Sessions" (available here), this time they decided to record their own version of U2's anthem "Sunday Bloody Sunday". Produced by Ryan Kelly (Opeth, Winds of Plague, Beyonce etc.), it will be available for only $1.00 at their Bandcamp website.

There are several remarkable things about this release and about Resolution 15's musical philosophy:

- The most remarkable characteristic is that this band has completely eliminated guitars from their line-up.

- Resolution 15 uses custom made 7-string electric violins to achieve the intensity and heaviness that guitars offer in Heavy Metal.

- Their music is realized on these unique instruments, and because of that they are able to pull away from simply playing guitar driven metal riffs on acoustic instruments.

- They realize this new sound by translating some aspects of Metal guitar playing, and merging these with the inherent strengths of bowed strings, and finally super-charging that sound through guitar heads and cabinets.

- The next, and perhaps most interesting item is that they are recording live in-studio to 2” analog tape. In an age of digital sound-replacement, beat detection, unlimited undo, and compulsive editing, they are instead minimizing edits and going for full takes. Like it’s meant to be.

“I don’t take on many Metal projects these days”. I miss hearing a recording back from tape and knowing it was actually performed instead of constructed. I think recordings can lose a lot without the live aspect. Music is collaborative, and I feel recorded music should reflect that. Resolution 15 is a group of musicians that can deliver a solid live performance and I wanted to convey that with these recordings.” - Ryan Kelly (Producer)

“We are really happy with how it turned out. We have never recorded all together in this way, and we were a little nervous about it. But we feel like we’re on the right track. We know what we need to do.” - Nick Serr (Vocalist)

"It’s good to be free from the album format for a while. There’s nothing wrong with it, but we can change the way we do things for each track if we want to, and not worry about losing the continuity you expect on an album.” - Earl Maneein (Violinist)

What we find real interesting and exciting about "The Svaha Sessions" is that the band can keep up with the demand of their fans by releasing new material constantly, instead of making them wait for a full-length release and then they might lose momentum. Also, with single tracks far outstripping full-length records in sales, there has to be a good reason to do a whole album. By no means is Resolution 15 eliminating the idea of releasing another full-length, they simply are offering their fans something of quality and musically interesting to listen to more often.

The bands next live performance will be on July 8th, 2011 at the Mercury Lounge in New York City .

Related links:
The Svaha Sessions on Bandcamp
Resolution 15
Resolution 15 on Facebook
Resolution 15 on Twitter

Agnostic Front Announces SPECIAL Show in Hamburg!

The legendary New York Hardcore band Agnostic Front are busy on the road in support of their 15th studio album titled "My Life, My Way". They are currently in Europe and they just announced a special show at the legendary Club Logo in Hamburg, Deutschland.

"My Life, My Way" is everything you can expect from Agnostic Front: simple songs structures carried by excellent vocals and a great message. Produced by Freddy Madball and engineered by Erik Rutan from Hate Eternal, the vibe of the album reminds us of their legendary album "Victim In Pain". The band consciously added more Punk Rock elements to this album because they wanted to change the AF equation up a bit, but don't get mistaken, the album has the signature AF sound that has been a lethal part of the band since their inception in 1980.

Here are a few interviews we did in the recent past with Vinnie Stigma and Mike Gallo from Agnostic Front!





Here are the remaining tour-dates:

- Tuesday, July 5, 2011 in Pecs, (Hungary) @ Rockmaraton

- Wednesday, July 6, 2011 in Brno, (Czech Republic) @ Faval

- Thursday, July 7, 2011 in Vienna, (Austria) @ Viper Room

- Friday, July 8, 2011 in Gavele, (Sweden) @ Gateway Rock Festival

- Saturday, July 9, 2011 in Copenhagen, (Denmark) @ The Rock Cph

- Sunday, July 10, 2011 in Hamburg, (Germany) @ Club Logo

- Monday, July 11, 2011 in Stuttgart, (Germany) @ Uni

- Tuesday, July 12, 2011 in Chur, (Switzerland) @ Eventstage

- Wednesday, July 13, 2011 in Freiburg, (Germany) @ Atlantic

- Thursday, July 14, 2011 in Friedewald, (Germany) @ Festhalle

Related links:
Official Site of Agnostic Front
Agnostic Front on Facebook
Agnostic Front on Twitter
Agnostic Front on You Tube