GHOST forced to miss US tour with Enslaved

Due to some last minute complications with the Ghouls’ visas, Swedish heavy rock band GHOST will not be able perform on the upcoming tour with Enslaved and Alcest.

GHOST will do their best to make it back to the states to perform a full US tour as soon as they can. Here is the Official Statement from GHOST:

Everybody,

Due to some last minute complications with our visas, we have been forced to cancel our North American tour.

We are sorry towards the other bands on the tour, Enslaved and Alcest, and we wish them a very joyful tour without us.

And we are most of all tremendously sorry towards all of our fans.

This is truly beyond our control and we are making everything within our (His) powers to be able to come back to the US as soon as possible and perform for all of you.

Thank you all for your support!

Our most malicious of wishes

/A Nameless Ghoul
on behalf of GHOST



Related links:
Ghost
Ghost on Facebook

The Devin Townsend Project North American Headlining Tour with The Ocean!

Canadian musical genius Devin Townsend is one of the most charismatic and talented musicians in Rock N Roll! Not only is he one of the pioneers of "Progressive Metal", but the music he has created has influenced an entire generation of artists and fans alike. His stage show is always on point, regardless of where or who he is performing for.

This October,The Devin Townsend Project will be back in North America for a headlining tour, which begins on Oct. 12 in Baltimore and concludes on Oct. 29 in Vancouver, BC. The Ocean will also join Hevy Devy as the supporting act for the run, making this one tour that you don't want to miss!

THE DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT tour dates feat. THE OCEAN

- Oct. 8 at Station 4-Minneapolis, MN **Devin solo date**
- Oct. 9 at Intersection-Grand Rapids, MI **Devin solo date**
- Oct. 10 at Ravari Room-Columbus, OH **Devin solo date**
- Oct. 12 at Sound Stage-Baltimore, MD
- Oct. 13 - at The Note-Philadelphia, PA
- Oct. 14 at Rock And Shock-Worcester, MA
- Oct. 15 at The Chance-Poughkeepsie, NY
- Oct. 16 at The Altar-Pittsburgh, PA
- Oct. 17 at Peabody's-Cleveland, OH
- Oct. 18 at Harpo's-Detroit, MI
- Oct. 19 at Reggie's-Chicago, IL
- Oct. 21 at Black Sheep-Colorado Springs, CO
- Oct. 22 at Marquis-Denver, CO
- Oct. 24 at Troubadour-Los Angeles, CA
- Oct. 25 at Slim's-San Francisco, CA
- Oct. 27 at Hawthorne-Portland, OR
- Oct. 28 at El Corazon-Seattle, WA
- Oct. 29 at Commodore Theater-Vancouver, BC

Here is a previous interview we conducted with Devin Townsend!



Video & Photo credit: Steve Lars from Creative Ventures International & Steve Lars on Facebook

Related links:
Devin Townsend
The Ocean
Century Media

IKILLYA Set to Perform at The Trash Bar in Brooklyn NY Tonight!

In the past year we have seen a lot of great bands take the New York City Underground Heavy Music Scene by the horns, and collectively they are helping to drive the scene to the sky passed the top of the Empire State Building! One band that is helping out by always delivering the goods is Ikillya. Fronted by vocalist Jason Lekberg, Ikillya's new album titled "Recon" is a fresh sounding groove machine full of furious well polished songs. "Recon" was produced and mixed by Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Hatebreed, This or the Apocalypse) and engineered by Paul Suarez (Lamb of God, Avenged Sevenfold), Ryan Kelly (Opeth, Orbs), and Armando Subero.

Tonight, Ikillya is taking center stage at the The Trash Bar in Brooklyn NY. Joining Ikillya will be Resolution 15, Slam One Down, World Lost and Hellshot. Additionally, Jo Schüftan from Horns Up Rocks will be hosting and DJing the event. This event is not to be missed, here are all the details:

- Date/Time: Saturday, September 10, 2011
- Location: The Trash Bar, 256 Grand St. (between Driggs & Roebling), Williamsburg, BK
- Cost: $8! OPEN bar from 8-9 PM!
- Lineup/Set Times:
8 PM - Hellshot
9 PM - World Lost
10 PM - Slam One Down
11 PM - IKILLYA
12 AM - Resolution 15
- Official Facebook Invite
- Sponsored by: Horns Up Rocks, Evil Steve Photography, Defcon Hot Sauces and Beaver Tattoos

Ikillya’s debut music video for their first single off "Recon" “…And Hell Followed With Him” was shot by seasoned director Frankie Nasso (All That Remains, Mudvayne, Hellyeah) in Staten Island, New York. “Being able to work with the amazing Frankie Nasso and his team and then have "Recon" be the #5 most added album with no label support is simply mind-boggling” said Ikillya vocalist Jason Lekberg, “We've got lots more work to do and we thank those who have worked with us so far for helping get us off to such a great start.”



Related links:
Official Facebook Invite
The Trash Bar
Ikillya's Official Site
Resolution 15
Slam One Down
World Lost
Hellshot

The Crown Takes The Throne Back!

Headbangers of the world! Today is a very exciting day in Heavy Music! Swedish Metal Meisters The Crown just announced that vocalist Johan Lindstrand has re-joined The Crown, this means that the original line-up is now ready to kill once again!!

The Crown September 2011:

Johan Lindstrand - Vocals
Magnus Olsfelt - Bass
Marko Tervonen - Rhythm Guitars
Janne Saarenpää - Drums
Marcus Sunesson - Lead Guitars

Here is a message from the band:

We would like to thank our Metal-brother Jonas Stålhammar for the amazing team-work for the last couple of years!!! Respect!!!

Next week we'll start rehearsing new material (6-7 news songs written at this point). We hope to enter the studio early 2012.

We are thinking of doing a few Swedish dates within a couple of months (most likely a first re-union show in our hometown Trollhättan, this time in a proper club) and then focus on doing some kick-ass festivals in 2012."

Johan Lindstrand: "Hi there all amazing The Crown fans out there, Johan Lindstrand speaking: Once again I have been blessed with the opportunity to join my oldest friends and brothers in arms Marko, Janne, Magnus and Markus. I'm am so grateful for this and I will do my best to make the original line-up live up to all expectations and we will definitely have a total blast together while rippin´ the world to pieces with a lot more years to come.

Yeah, from now on I am the lead singer in this classic Death Metal outfit called The Crown. Damn! That feels good to say.

I will also take some time here to thank Jonas Stålhammar 'cause he did an amazing job on "Doomsday King". You rule dude!

Other than that I have to say: THE ORIGINAL 5 HAS RETURNED!!! Go hide your children."

Jonas Stålhammar: "Come in Number 51, your time is up! It's fitting quoting the classic Pink Floyd song right about now. My time with The Crown comes to an end with the return of the true voice of The Crown, Johan Lindstrand. It's been a bumpy but really enjoyable ride for me being a member of The Crown.

It's with great respect I step down to let Johan take his rightful place in the band again. I wish them all the best and they are truly my brothers still."

Needless to say that it was a pleasure to work with Jonas on "Doomsday King"!



Discography:

\m/ Demos

- Forever Heaven Gone (1993)
- Forget the Light (1994)

Albums:

- Crown of Thorns (1994 as Crown of Thorns)
- The Burning (1995 as Crown of Thorns)
- Eternal Death (1997 as Crown of Thorns)
- Hell Is Here (1999)
- Deathrace King (2000)
- Crowned in Terror (2002)
- Possessed 13 (2003)
- Crowned Unholy (2004)
- Doomsday King (2010)

Related links:
The Crown on Facebook
The Crown on MySpace
Century Media Records

Arch Enemy's Angela Gossow Discusses Musical Career & NEW Album "Khaos Legions"

Yesterday, Swedish extreme Metallers Arch Enemy kicked off the "North American Khaos 2011" tour in Baltimore, MD. The kickass tour, which also features Devil Driver, Skeletonwitch, Chtonic, is in celebration of the release of Arch Enemy's eight studio album titled "Khaos Legions" (released on May 30th via Century Media).

Today, they are taking over New York City's Best Buy Theater, in what promises to be an evening in which only the strong will survive.

Prior to the tour kickoff, we had the chance to chat with Arch Enemy's badass front-woman Angela Gossow about her musical career, the evolution of the band, and about the bands new album entitled "Khaos Legions". During the interview you will hear what sets Angela apart from most singers out there! Crank it up and see you in the pit!



Arch Enemy is:

- Angela Gossow
- Michael Amott
- Christopher Amott
- Sharlee D'Angelo
- Daniel Erlandsson

Studio albums:

- Black Earth (1996)
- Stigmata (1998)
- Burning Bridges (1999)
- Wages of Sin (2001)
- Anthems of Rebellion (2003)
- Doomsday Machine (2005)
- Rise of the Tyrant (2007)
- The Root of All Evil (2009)
- Khaos Legions (2011)

North American Khaos 2011:

- Sept. 09 – New York, NY at Best Buy Theater
- Sept. 10 – Worcester, MA at The Palladium
- Sept. 12 – Quebec City, QC at Imperial
- Sept. 13 – Montreal, QC at Metropolis
- Sept. 14 – Toronto, ON at Phoenix
- Sept. 17 – Winnipeg, MB at The Garrick Center
- Sept. 19 – Calgary, AB at MacEwan Hall
- Sept. 20 – Edmonton, AB at Edmonton Events Centre
- Sept. 22 – Vancouver, BC at ommodore Ballroom
- Sept. 23 – Seattle, WA at Showbox
- Sept. 24 – Spokane, WA at Knitting Factory
- Sept. 26 – San Francisco, CA at Regency Center
- Sept. 27 – Los Angeles, CA at Nokia Theatre
- Sept. 29 – Phoenix, AZ at The Marquee
- Sept. 30 – Albuquerque, NM at The Sunshine Theater
- Oct. 01 – Denver, CO at The Gothic Theatre
- Oct. 03 – Minneapolis, MN at First Avenue
- Oct. 04 – Chicago, IL at House of Blues

Related links:
Click to enter the contest
Landin Page for Khaos Legions
Arch Enemy's Official Site
Arch Enemy on Facebook
Arch Enemy on MySpace
Arch Enemy on Twitter
Arch Enemy on YouTube

TOOL Tribute band Schism set to Perform at Leyla's in Brooklyn NY Tonight!

Tonight, Horns Up Rocks is hosting Rene Encarnacion's birthday bash at Leyla's in Brooklyn, New York. Every single one of you is invited to this show! Performing this evening will be Schism (America's only Tool tribute band). For those of you who haven't seen these guys perform, you do not want to miss them! Not only do they possess the same musicality as Tool, but they put on a flawless show time after time!

Also performing will be New York City Heavy Music Underground meisters Desolate. Alongside Schism and Desolate will be Lies Beneath, Edge of Existence and Eyes Like Cyanide. And like if that wasn't enough, the show will be hosted by our founder Jo Schüftan, who will also be behind the wheels of steel!

Here is all the info you need:

- Date/Time: September 9, 2011, at 7 PM
- Location: Leyla's (424 A 3rd Ave (@ 7th St.) in Park Slope Brooklyn, NY, 11215. F, G, R Trains to 4th Ave./9th St.
- Lineup: Schism, Desolate, Lies Beneath, Edge Of Existence and Eyes Like Cyanide.
- Official flier:

Related links:
Official Facebook Invite
Leyla's Brooklyn

Is the Bronx Ready for the Big Four?

Heavy Metal history will be written on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, as the Big Four of Thrash Metal takeover Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The highly anticipated concert is the second Big Four concert to take place in North America, and will feature Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. The bands are ready, the fans are anxious, but is the Bronx ready for one of the biggest concerts in the history of New York City? This is what Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. had to say about this.

"This mega concert, one of the most anticipated events in recent memory, will bring thousands of new visitors to the Bronx. We're inviting concert goers to come early and count down to the start of the show at our great neighborhood restaurants and bars, and take in a little of what the Bronx has to offer. The Bronx may be known as the home of hip-hop and salsa, but make no mistake, our musical contributions are much more expansive. These Heavy Metal legends grew up right here in our borough, and I am proud to welcome Anthrax back to their Bronx home."

In addition, Mr. Diaz, Jr. has announced that he will name Wednesday, September 14, "ANTHRAX DAY!" The Big Four concert represents a homecoming for Anthrax as all five members - Joey Belladonna, Frank Bello, Charlie Benante, Rob Cagianno, and Scott Ian - are from New York, with three of them - Benante, Bello and Caggiano - born and raised in The Bronx.

CONFIRMED set times:

DOORS: 2:00PM
ANTHRAX: 4:00PM
MEGADETH: 5:30PM
SLAYER: 7:00PM
METALLICA: 8:35PM

Related links:
The Big 4
The Big Four Festival
Metallica
Slayer
Megadeth
Anthrax

Slayer's Dave Lombardo Schedules Drum Clinic in New York City!

Slayer's meister drummer Dave Lombardo will be grooving the hell out of the skins and tearing up the cymbals when Slayer performs at the Big Four show in New York City's Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, September 14th! Also performing that night will be Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax.

In anticipation of one of the biggest concerts in New York City history, Lombardo is scheduled to hold a drum clinic at the Sam Ash in Times Square, New York. Here are all the details:

- Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011
- Time: 7 - 10 PM
- Location: Sam Ash Music 48th St Drum Shop
- Sponsored by Ludwig, Paiste, Evans and Promark.

Related links:
Sam Ash
The Big 4
The Big Four Festival
Metallica
Slayer
Megadeth
Anthrax

TERROR - Trailer for "Definining the Faith" DVD

Hardcore veterans Terror are gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated DVD entitled "Defining the Faith" (November 1, 2011 via Century Media Records). This DVD will be part of the special deluxe reissue of their latest CD, "Keepers of the Faith".

Produced, edited, and authored by Carlo Oppermann and Ambitious.Films, "Defining The Faith" features a full live set that is composed of three different Terror shows in three distinct settings: a small club, a big hall, and a massive European festival. These live performances were filmed at the following concerts: Mach1 festival in Montabaur (June 24th), Cafe Central in Weinheim (June 28th), and Essigfabrik in Köln (June 29th).

"Defining The Faith" live DVD set-list:

1) Stick Tight
2) Out Of My Face
3) One With The Underdogs
4) Push it Away
5) Never Alone
6) Lowest Of The Low
7) Betrayer
8) Spit My Rage
9) Always The Hard Way
10) Keep Your Mouth Shut
11) Hell And Back
12) Life & Death
13) You're Caught
14) You're Enemies Are Mine
15) Overcome
16) Keepers Of The Faith

"Defining The Faith" also features a European tour documentary with band interviews, backstage footage, plus, four music videos taken from the band's "Keepers Of The Faith" album: "Stick Tight", "Keepers Of The Faith", "Return To Strength", and "You're Caught". And as yet another additional bonus, the making of their latest music video, "You're Caught", will also be included in the DVD! If you haven't seen the video yet, you can watch it here now! But be warned! "You're Caught" is a bit on the extreme side, so it isn't for the faint of heart.



With hours of live footage, behind-the-scenes interviews, music videos, and more, this special CD/DVD-set is a must-have for all diehard Terror fans! Be sure to pick up your copy of "Keepers Of The Faith"/"Defining The Faith" in stores on November 1st! Without further due, here is the trailer for Terror's "Defining the Faith" DVD!



In support of this upcoming release, Terror will be back on the road this fall with The Acacia Strain, Stray From The Path, and Harm's Way for the "God Damn" tour. Here are the tourdates.

- Oct 26: Albany, NY @ Northern Lights
- Oct 27: Jermyn, PA @ Eleanor Rigby's
- Oct 28: Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar
- Oct 29: Columbus, OH @ The Outland
- Oct 30: Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
- Oct 31: Indianapolis, IN @ Emerson Theatre
- Nov 1: Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
- Nov 3: Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
- Nov 4: Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
- Nov 5: Boise, ID @ The Venue
- Nov 6: Spokane, WA @ The A Club
- Nov 7: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
- Nov 8: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
- Nov 10: Oakland, CA @ Oakland Metro
- Nov 11: Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
- Nov 12: Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
- Nov 13: San Diego, CA @ Soma
- Nov 14: Tempe, AZ @ The Clubhouse
- Nov 16: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Studio
- Nov 17: Austin, TX @ Emo's Inside
- Nov 18: San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
- Nov 19: Dallas, TX @ The Door
- Nov 20: Tulsa, OK @ The Marquee
- Nov 21: Sauget, IL @ Pop's
- Nov 22: Chicago, IL @ Reggies Rock Club
- Nov 25: Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's
- Nov 26: Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon

Related links:
Terror on Facebook

Krisiun to make Triumphant Return with "The Great Execution"!

The Brazilian jungle hasn't been the same ever since Death Metaleros Krisium surfaced in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 1990. Through uncompromised brutal music, Krisiun has managed to gain a worldwide audience who know that the band doesn't play around when it comes to their musical craft. Arguably one of the most extreme bands in Death Metal today, Krisiun are ready to unleash their newest monument of brutality, "The Great Execution", set for release on November 1st in North America vie Century Media Records!

"The Great Execution" is the band's 8th studio album and musically expands Krisiun's trademark high speed Death Metal violence with a heavily increased amount of diversity, ranging from extreme tempo variations over distinct rhythm patterns to clean guitars and even Flamenco parts!

Krisium only used analog gear and instruments while recording this album to avoid the compressed sound that so many musicians produce today. This wise decision resulted in a more organic sound, with the songs on "The Great Execution" possessing both a warmth and a rawness that is so often lost through digital production. The low end is deeper, with drums that pound instead of bounce and guitar tones that sear rather than hiss.

"With our new record we managed to capture the sound and the vibe that we were always looking for. Going back to Stage One Studio in Germany and working with Andy Classen again was the right choice. The album came out with a very distinctive and natural sound, shattering the boundaries of the style once more." Alex Camargo (Vocalist/Bassist)

The cover artwork was created by Japanese artist Toshihiro Egawa, who previously designed artwork for acts like Suicide Silence, Heaven Shall Burn, Devourment, Dying Fetus, among many others.

"The Great Execution" will be available as a limited edition digipak including a re-recorded version of the classic Krisiun song "Black Force Domain" as a bonus track, plus as a180g gatefold vinyl and as a digital download.

Related links:
Krisiun
Krisiun on MySpace
Century Media Records

Brutal Truth Premiere NEW Tracks from Upcoming Album 'End Time'!

Brutal Truth was born in New York City in 1990 and quickly became monarchs of the kingdom of Grindcore music. After a seven year hiatus the band returned with a vengeance with the release of "Evolution Through Revolution" in 2009, released via Relapse Records. Now Brutal Truth is ready to unleash their sixth studio album entitled End Time, set for North American release via Relapse Records on September 27th.



Brutal Truth has already dropped a plethora of other brand new tracks from the upcoming album over the past several weeks, including "Crawling Man Blues" and "Butcher" courtesy of Metal Hammer Germany.

Brutal Truth - ENDTIME Player by Metal-Hammer

Additionally, you can listen to “Echo Friendly Discharge” via sickdrummermagazine.com, and “Addicted” via Noisecreep.com.

Today The Onion's A.V. Club has posted the track "Celebratory Gunfire" from End Time, which can be streamed HERE right now!

Abusing the listener with 23 songs in under 55 minutes, End Time was recorded with Doug White at Watchman Studios in Lockport, New York, and showcases Brutal Truth continuing to reign as one of Grindcore's most influential acts.

Beyond the normal CD, LP, and digital offerings, End Time will also be available in a limited edition box set that includes the CD with six bonus tracks, a 20-page booklet, six custom art flats, a marijuana-scented disc card and more. Pre-orders for this limited to 500 edition are available here.

Track-listing for End Time:

01. Malice
02. Simple Math
03. End Time
04. Fuck Cancer
05. Celebratory Gunfire
06. Small Talk
07. .58 Caliber
08. Swift And Violent (Swift Version)
09. Crawling Man Blues
10. Lottery
11. Warm Embrace Of Poverty
12. Old World Order
13. Butcher
14. Killing Planet Earth
15. Gut-Check
16. All Work And No Play
17. Addicted
18. Sweet Dreams
19. Echo Friendly Discharge
20. Twenty Bag
21. Trash
22. Drink Up
23. Control Room

Brutal Truth is:

- Kevin Sharp - Vocals (Venomous Concept, Damaged, etc.)
- Danny Lilker - Bass (Nuclear Assault, Venomous Concept, Crucifist, Exit-13, S.O.D. Anthrax, etc.)
- Rich Hoak - Drums (Total Fucking Destruction, Exit-13, etc.)
- Eric Burke - Guitar (Kalibas, Sulaco, Lethargy, Nuclear Assault, As the World Burns, etc.)

Related links:
Brutal Truth
Brutal Truth on Facebook
Brutal Truth on MySpace
Brutal Truth on Twitter
Relapse Records
Relapse Records on Facebook

Anthrax Performing at Late Night With Jimmy Fallon!

In anticipation of the release of Anthrax's first record in eight years, the band performed last night (September 7) on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon". For broadcast, the band performed "The Devil You Know", which is the first single from Worship Music, Anthrax's new album due out September 13: the day before the band plays The Big 4 show at Yankee Stadium.



Anthrax also performed their "classic" song "Caught in a Mosh"!



Related links:
www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com
Anthrax Official Site
Anthrax on MySpace
Anthrax on Twitter

Doro Pesch Discusses 25 Years Of Rock N' Roll!

Doro Pesch is considered one of the most talented female vocalists in the history of Heavy Music. Ever since she came across The New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Doro hasn't looked back and has been flying the flag of Heavy Metal up high all over the world. Not only is Doro a phenomenal singer, but she is also a fantastic actress, songwriter, and record producer.

After 25 years and 2,500 concerts, Doro is ready to present her epic 2 DVD/CD set entitled "DORO's 25 Years In Rock DVD" to her North American fans. This special release includes DORO's 25-year anniversary show in its entirety as well as out-takes from her 2,500th concert and so much more.

We had the chance to chat with the Queen of Metal about her extensive career, as well as the production of her new DVD/CD package! Check it out!

This Friday (September 9), Doro will be hosting the Official screening/release party for "DORO's 25 Years In Rock DVD" at the Gramercy Theater in New York City on Friday, September 9. You can purchase tickets below.

Related links:
Official Site of Doro Pesch
Doro Pesch's Official Facebook
Doro Pesch on Twitter
Click to purchase your ticket for Doro's SPECIAL Show in New York City!

Megadeth Reveal TH1RT3EN Cover Art, Track-Listing & NEW Single!

"This record is the culmination of my work over the 13 records I recorded. There are moments on TH1RT3EN that capture my every emotion, and other moments where I am releasing feelings I never knew existed! My proudest moments of my musical career are captured on TH1RT3EN.” - Dave Mustaine

On November 1st, 2011, Thrash Metal titans Megadeth are releasing their 13th studio album appropriately titled TH1RT3EN via Roadrunner Records. Today, they are unveiling the track-listing of one of the most anticipated records of 2011.

CD track listing:

01. Sudden Death
02. Public Enemy No. 1
03. Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)
04. We The People
05. Guns, Drugs & Money
06. Never Dead
07. New World Order
08. Fast Lane
09. Black Swan
10. Wrecker
11. Millennium Of The Blind
12. Deadly Nightshade
13. 13

Vinyl track listing:

Side A:

01. Sudden Death
02. Public Enemy No. 1
03. Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)
04. We The People

Side B:

01. Guns, Drugs & Money
02. Never Dead
03. New World Order

Side C:

01. Fast Lane
02. Black Swan
03. Wrecker

Side D:

01. Millennium Of the Blind
02. Deadly Nightshade
03. 13

Facts about TH1RT3EN:

- TH1RT3EN follows up 2009's Endgame, which was one of the most celebrated albums of the pioneering band's storied career.

- Anticipation is high and fans are anxious for a taste of new music from the legends, who have sold over 25 million albums globally throughout the course of their career, and they will get it imminently.

- TH1RT3EN also marks the recorded return of bassist Dave Ellefson who was part of the band's classic lineup from 1983 to 2002. In a move that delighted the band's legion of diehards, Ellefson returned to performing live with Megadeth in early 2010 and has remained a fixture on the stage ever since. This is the first time Ellefson has played on a Megadeth record since 2002's Rude Awakening.

You can now listen to Megadeth's NEW single titled "Public Enemy No 1" right here! Or you can watch the band performing it live at the Big 4 show in Knebworth, England!



The band will cap off a busy and headline-making summer by performing as part of "The Big 4" once again, this time in New York at Yankee Stadium alongside Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax. The only previous "Big 4" show in the U.S. took place in April in Southern California.

Here is an interview we conducted with drummer Shawn Drover, in which we discuss the bands new album, the Big 4 and more!



Tour-dates:

- The Big Four (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax:

9/14 - Yankee Stadium - Bronx, New York

Latin American tour:

11/9 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Estadio Cubierto Malvinas
11/10 - Estadio Cubierto Malvinas - Buenos Aires, Argentina
11/12 - Maquinaria Festival, Club Hipico - Santiago, Chile
11/14 - SWU Music & Arts Festival - Sao Paulo, Brazil
11/16 - Jose Cuervo Salon - Mexico City, Mexico
11/17 - Jose Cuervo Salon - Mexico City, Mexico
11/19 - H&H Metal Fest, Calle 2 - Guadalajara, Mexico
11/20 - Banamex Auditorium - Monterrey, Mexico

Video credit: Steve Lars from Creative Ventures International & Steve Lars on Facebook

Related links:
Megadeth
The Horns Up Rocks Recap of Mayhemfest in Hartford Connecticut
Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival
The Big 4 on Facebook

Cradle Of Filth Unleashes Cover Art & Track List for NEW Mini-Album "Evermore Darkly..."

The United Kingdom has never been the same since Extreme Metallers Cradle Of Filth surfaced in Suffolk, England in 1991.

After carefully analyzing the state of the music industry, the band decided to release a CD/DVD mini-album titled “Evermore Darkly…", which is set to be released on October 18th via Nuclear Blast Records.

Since Cradle Of Filth knows their fans can't wait for their new release, they have revealed the track list and artwork for the band’s upcoming CD/DVD mini-album entitled, “Evermore Darkly…".

The track list for Evermore Darkly… is…

1. Transmission From Hell

2. Thank Your Lucky Scars
3. Forgive Me Father (I Have Sinned) - Elder Version
4. Lilith Immaculate (Extended Length)
5. The Persecution Song - Elder Version
6. Forgive Me Father (I'm In A Trance)
7. The Spawn Of Love And War - Elder Version
8. Summer Dying Fast ('Midnight in The Labyrinth' breadcrumb trail)

Venus Diversa DVD…

1. Lilith Immaculate Promo Video
2. ‘You Can't Polish A Turd…But You Can Roll It In Glitter’ Rockumentary
3. Burning Down Graspop, Dessel, Belgium, 25th June 2011 Live Footage

“It is a much-loved musical stop-gap between albums, a pleasure treasure trove of wild and wicked wonders primed especially for fans. Something for them to sink their teeth into this autumn as the Cradle invasion fleet is primed for future contagion.” - Vocalist, Dani Filth.

Artwork comes courtesy of Natalie Shau, whom also contributed the cover art for Cradle Of Filth's previous release titled "Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa".

The forthcoming mini-album features the brand new musical beast, “Thank Your Lucky Stars,” plus a special remix of “Forgive Me Father,” courtesy of Rob C from Anthrax, an extended rendition of “Lilith Immaculate,” as well as tempered demo versions of three Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa songs. The CD closes with a special taster from Cradle Of Filth’s impending orchestral project, in the form of a haunting, classic reworking of fan-favorite, “Summer Dying Fast.”

The Evermore Darkly… DVD contains footage from Summer 2011, when Cradle Of Filth embarked on a rapid spat of tours, accompanied by two eager filmmakers. The resulting documentary, 'You Can't Polish A Turd… But You Can Roll It In Glitter,' combined with performance and interview footage, culminates in a forty five minute film of the not so glamorous reality of life in a touring band at work and play, as they trawl their way across Europe over eight performances. The DVD includes an interview with ghoul-guide, Dani Filth, interspersed and peppered with live footage and backstage shenanigans, culminating in the entire hour long set from this year's highly anticipated Graspop festival appearance.

Cradle Of Filth is:

- Dani Filth (vocals)
- Paul Allender (guitar)
- James McIlroy (guitar)
- David Pybus (bass)
- Martin Skaroupka (drums)
- Caroline Campbell (keys)

Related links:
Cradle Of Filth
The Order Of The Dragon
Cradle Of Filth on Facebook
Cradle Of Filth on You Tube
Cradle Of Filth on Twitter
Cradle Of Filth on Peaceville

Cannibal Corpse Enter Studio with Producer Erik Rutan

Death Metal masters Cannibal Corpse have just announced that they will be entering the studio with producer Erik Rutan from Hate Eternal to record their twelfth studio album. Once again, the band will be working Sonic Ranch studios. The band has spent months writing the album and has recorded at Sonic Ranch in the past, but never with Rutan at the helm. More details on the album, including art, songs, title and more will be revealed in the months to follow. For now, the band is hard at work carving their next Death Metal offering.

"After having spent the past 7 months writing and rehearsing new material, we're very excited to finally begin recording. We've had great success working with Erik Rutan on our past two albums so we've decided to work with him again, but to keep things fresh we decided on a change of location - we're returning to Sonic Ranch studios in Texas, where we've recorded several albums in the past. We are psyched to see how this combination works out- we feel it's pairing that could result in our best album yet." - Bassist Alex Webster

Erik Rutan worked with Cannibal Corpse for both "Kill" (2006) and "Evisceration Plague" (2009) and is returning for a third time. Rutan explains further: "I am super excited to work with Cannibal Corpse for our 3rd album together. We are determined to make the best album we possibly can. Everyone is very focused and the new material is awesome. There is a great blend of classic, old school CC with a newer, more heavy, dynamic and aggressive approach. I look forward to the challenge of making one heavy as hell record!"

Cannibal Corpse's latest release, the "Global Evisceration" DVD, was released March of this year and contains nearly three hours of live and behind the scenes footage of the band as they traveled to 10 different countries in 18 days, three of which were countries the band had not previously played.



Cannibal Corpse is:

- Alex Webster
- Paul Mazurkiewicz
- Rob Barrett
- George Fisher
- Pat O'Brien

Studio albums:

- 1990: Eaten Back to Life
- 1991: Butchered at Birth
- 1992: Tomb of the Mutilated
- 1994: The Bleeding
- 1996: Vile
- 1998: Gallery of Suicide
- 1999: Bloodthirst
- 2002: Gore Obsessed
- 2004: The Wretched Spawn
- 2006: Kill
- 2009: Evisceration Plague

CANNIBAL CORPSE Latin American Tour 2011 THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER and SUICIDE SILENCE:

12/03 Sao Paulo, Brazil
12/04 Curitiba, Brazil
12/06 Buenos Aires, Argentina
12/07 Santiago, Chile
12/08 Quito, Ecuador
12/10 Bogota, Colombia
12/11 Caracas, Venezuela
12/13 Mexico City, Mexico

CANNIBAL CORPSE European Tour 2012 BEHEMOTH, Legion Of The Damned, Misery Index and Suicidal Angels:

- Feb. 09: Hamburg, Germany at Markthalle
- Feb. 10 - Oberhausen, Germany at Turbinenhalle
- Feb. 11 - Stuttgart, Germany at LKA Longhorn
- Feb. 12 - Enschede, Netherlands at Atak
- Feb. 13 - Paris, France at Bataclan
- Feb. 14 - Saarbrücken, Germany at Garage
- Feb. 15 - Pratteln, Switzerland at Z7
- Feb. 16 - Milan, Italy at Live Club
- Feb. 17 - Wien, Austria at Arena
- Feb. 18 - München, Germany at Backstage
- Feb. 19 - Antwerpen, Belgium at Trix
- Feb. 21 - Bologna, Italy at Estragon
- Feb. 22 - Bratislava, Slovakia at Majestic Music Club
- Feb. 23 - Prague, Czech Republic at KD Vltavska
- Feb. 24 - Linz, Austria at Posthof
- Feb. 25 - Geiselwind, Germany at Music Hall
- Feb. 27 - Stockholm, Sweden at Münchenbryggeriet
- Feb. 28 - Gothenburg, Sweden at Trädgårn
- Feb. 29 - Aarhus, Denmark at Voxhall
- Mar. 01 - Berlin, Germany at Postbahnhof
- Mar. 02 - Leipzig, Germany at Hellraiserv
- Mar. 03 - Giessen, Germany at Hessenhalle
- Mar. 04 - Tilburg, Netherlands at O13 (Neurotic Deathfest)

Related links:
Cannibal Corpse on Metal Blade Records
Cannibal Corpse on Facebook
Cannibal Corpse on YouTube
Cannibal Corpse on Twitter

Dir En Grey Discuss NEW Album "Dum Spiro Spero"!

Dir En Grey was formed in Osaka, Japan in 1997 and are considered one of the most successful bands to ever come from Japan. Originally a visual kei band, the band has always offered numerous stylistic changes throughout the years and have made the genre of their music difficult to determine. With the release of their eighth studio album titled "Dum Spiro Spero", the band’s deep and extensive, unique perspective is once again borderless, uncategorized and proves once again that their musical evolution is not stopping anytime soon.

The themes from the new album also happen to directly coincide with the recent turmoil in their native Japan. Bassist Toshiya explains, “We live in a world where we don’t know what is the truth and what we should believe in. We just wanted to put some hope into the music we created.” Kaoru continues, “And, the title is what we can say to the world as the people of Japan.” The title translates to the Latin phrase, “While I breathe, I hope.”

We had the chance to interview guitarists Kaoru and Die (via an interpreter) about the bands career, as well as about their NEW album titled "Dum Spiro Spero". Check it out!



Dir En Grey recently filmed a video for “Different Sense” which further pushes the societal envelope. The intense composition incorporates various snippets of Japanese anime, news clips, performance scenes and an underlining message of sea creatures and scientific experiments. Their music is inspired by sorrow, pain and anger either personally experienced or witnessed in others, and Dir En Grey strives to maintain this theme in their videos.



Related links:
Dir En Grey

Machine Head Release Studio Update # 3!

Machine Head's "Unto The Locust" is set to be released on September 26/27, 2011 via Roadrunner Records. After the bands recent success at the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival, Machine Head are ready to unleash the beast and to get on the road (tour-dates below)! "Unto The Locust" is unquestionably one of the most anticipated albums of 2011. Here is Machine Head's third studio update, you can view the previous updates below.







Here are a few interviews we conducted with members of Machine Head, in which we discussed "Unto The Locust":





Soundwave Revolution 2011 with VAN HALEN / ALICE COOPER / BAD RELIGION / HOLE / MACHINE HEAD & MORE!
09.24 - Brisbane, QLD - RNA Showgrounds
09.25 - Sydney, NSW - Old Kings Oval, Parramatta Park
09.30 - Melbourne, VIC - Tabcorp Park, Melton
10.01 - Adelaide, SA - Showgrounds
10.03 - Perth, WA - Arena, Joondalup

South American Tour-Dates with Sepultura:
10/14 - Sao Paulo, Brazil @ Citibank Hall
10/15 - Curitiba, Brazil @ Master Hall
10/16 - Porto Alegre, Brazil @ Casa de Gaucho
10/21 - Buenos Aires, Argentina @ El Teatro Flores
10/23 - Santiago, Chile @ Teatro Caupolican

European Tour Dates:
- 02-Nov Wed: Norway, Oslo - Sentrum
- 03-Nov Thu: Sweden, Stockholm - Aren
- 05-Nov Sat: Finland, Tampere - Sorsapuisto-Sali
- 06-Nov Sun: Finland, Helsinki - Circus
- 08-Nov Tue: Denmark, Copenhagen - KB Halle
- 09-Nov Wed: Germany, Hamburg - Grosse Freiheit 36
- 10-Nov Thu: Germany, Dresden - Alter Schlachthof
- 12-Nov Sat: Austria, Vienna - Gasomter
- 13-Nov Sun: Italy, Milan - Alcatraz
- 15-Nov Tue: Spain, Barcelona - Razzmatazz
- 16-Nov Wed: Spain, Madrid - Riviera
- 17-Nov Thu: Portugal, Lisbon - Coliseum
- 18-Nov Fri: Portugal, Oporto - Coliseum
- 19-Nov Sat: Spain, Bilbao - Rockitar
- 21-Nov Mon: Switzerland, Zurich - Volkshaus
- 23-Nov Wed: France, Paris - Zenith
- 24-Nov Thu: Germany, Neu-Isenburg - Hugenottenhalle
- 25-Nov Fri: Germany, Munich - Tonhalle
- 26-Nov Sat: Germany, Ludwigsburg - Arena
- 28-Nov Mon: Holland, Eindhoven - Klokgebown
- 29-Nov Tue: Belgium, Brussels - Forest
- 30-Nov Wed: Germany, Oberhausen - Turbinenhalle
- 01-Dec Thu: Luxembourg - Rockhal
- 03-Dec Sat: UK, London - Wembley Arena
- 04-Dec Sun: UK, Birmingham - NIA
- 05-Dec Mon: UK, Glasgow - SECC
- 06-Dec Tue: UK, Manchester - Central

Video and Photo credit: Steve Lars from Creative Ventures International

Related links:
The Horns Up Rocks Recap of Mayhemfest in Hartford Connecticut
Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival
Machine Head
Purchase Locust on Amazon
Purchase Locust on Itunes

Mastodon Unleashes NEW Song Entitled "Spectrelight"

Mastodon will be releasing their fifth studio album titled "The Hunter" on September 27 via Reprise/Warner Bros. 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".

Today the band is premiering their new song called "Spectrelight", which is track 11 on "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)

Track listing of "The Hunter":

01. Black Tongue
02. Curl Of The Burl
03. Blasteroid
04. Stargasm
05. Octopus Has No Friends
06. All The Heavy Lifting
07. The Hunter
08. Dry Bone Valley
09. Thickening
10. Creature Lives
11. Spectrelight
12. Bedazzled Fingernails
13. The Sparrow
14. The Ruiner (limited-edition bonus track)
15. Deathbound (limited-edition bonus track)

You can pre-order a limited-edition package of "The Hunter" at MastodonRocks.com. It includes:

- A CD/DVD housed in a digipack with an exclusive alternative artwork cover!
- A 20" x 30" lenticular poster featuring the album cover of the standard CD!
- An Augmented Reality Experience by Total Immersion that will contain exclusive content only available to this package!
- Plus an instant download of the band's first new album track, "Black Tongue" (available for sale through all participating digital music retailers).

Related links:
Mastodon's Official Site
Crack the Skye
Mastodon on MySpace
Mastodon on YouTube
Mastodon on Twitter

Philip Anselmo Talks About Vinnie Paul & Distrust for the Press!

As we all know, Pantera was a Heavy Metal machine that single handily changed Heavy Music forever. Unfortunately, the band came to a tragic halt when Dimebag Darrell Abbott was shot on stage in Columbus, Ohio while performing with his post Pantera band called Damageplan. Ever since then, Philip Anselmo and Vinnie Paul have gone complete separate ways mainly because of some controversial words that Philip said about Dimebag, prior to the assassination of the most influential guitarist in Heavy Music history.

During a recent interview with the San Antonio Metal Music Examiner, Philip said some controversial words about Vinnie Paul, which Anselmo believes were taken out of proportion by members of the press. As we all know he seems to have a constant feud with the press. Maybe Anselmo needs to think before he talks, or filter out certain words that might be considered controversial?

His latest battle with the press, came after Blabbermouth.net published the following headline on September 3, 2011:

PHILIP ANSELMO On VINNIE PAUL: 'That Motherf**ker Is So F**king Terrified Of Me'

Philip Anselmo made the following statement regarding his feud with Blabbermouth.net:



"This is Philip H. Anselmo and I just wanna talk to you people out there and all the fans that might be interested in the last video interview that I did that Blabbermouth.com [sic] got ahold of, and they picked one little sentence out of my entire transcript and they made it a headline and they made it look ugly. Really, all I was saying was that I love Vinnie Paul and my door is always open. I may not approve of how he may go about things and this and that in regards to our relationship, but still, the big deal and the bottom line here is, make no doubt and let there be no question, I love Vince, and all of you out there, you know what Blabbermouth is — it's a sensationalist site and they're looking for as many hits as they can possibly get at anyone's expense. So take that for it's worth. I apologize to anyone who I might have offended who read this little headline. But for any of you who were offended, read a little deeper into it, and you'll understand that I come from love as well. Once again, my choice of words wasn't the best, but that's just how I talk. Anyway, I love you all. See you soon on tour."

Here is the interview that the San Antonio Metal Music Examiner conducted with Philip Anselmo, which was then transcribed by Blabbermouth.net:







Related links:
Pantera
DOWN

Testament & Anthrax Announce North American Tour!

Today, there are some Heavy Music fans that think that Testament should be on the Big 4 instead of Anthrax. The reason that some believe this is because Anthrax lost some power after a dry period of eight years in which the fans kept waiting for a new album. Well, this dry period will come to an end when Anthrax present their highly anticipated new album entitled "Worship Music" on September 13: the day before the band plays The Big 4 show at Yankee Stadium.

On the other hand, Testament is set to release their tenth studio album titled "The Dark Roots" in February 2012 via German record label Nuclear Blast Records. The album features a reunion with former drummer Gene Hoglan (who previously appeared on the band's 1997 album "Demonic"); during the recording, he filled in for Paul Bostaph due to his "serious injury". Bostaph is expected to return to the band for the album's tour. Chris Adler of Lamb of God provided drum tracks as well.

Now the two Thrash Metal titans are joining forces on a North American tour! The two bands, who haven't toured together in more than a decade, are set to co-headline a U.S. tour beginning Friday, October 14 in Grand Rapids, MI and will conclude on Saturday, November 19 in Milwaukee, WI. Anthrax will close all shows, and Death Angel will be main support for the entire tour. The coast-to-coast trek will figure to decimate more than two dozen cities over a five-week period, with both Anthrax and Death Angel debuting brand new material from their new albums, both set for summer/fall release.

The Anthrax fan club presale begins today, and the public on-sale kicks off this Friday, September 9 at 10 AM local time.

"We've been tight with the guys in Testament for a long, long time, so we're really looking forward to hanging out with them on the road. And all of us in Anthrax are big Death Angel fans, so this is going to be a monster of a good time - for all of us and for the fans. Plus, with the incredible success of The Big Four shows over the last year, we wanted to tour with some of the 'second wave' of Thrash bands." - Anthrax's Charlie Benante.

"We're excited to do this tour because Anthrax was actually the first band we ever toured with. It's an accomplishment 20 odd years later that we're going to do it again. The tour kick-off date is actually about five days difference from the kick off date of the first tour 20 years ago. The first time we performed with Anthrax, we only had a total of ten songs, so obviously now we have many songs to pick from so it will be very different. It's good to see that a lot of the faces in the bands are the same as back when we first did this original tour 20 years ago." - Testament vocalist Chuck Billy

Dates are subject to change and more will be announced - the itinerary for the Anthrax/Testament/Death Angel Fall 2011 tour is as follows:

OCTOBER:

- 14 at Orbit Room, Grand Rapids, MI
- 15 at Congress Theatre, Chicago, IL
- 16 at First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
- 18 at The Cotillion, Wichita, KS
- 19 at Summit Music Hall, Denver, CO
- 22 at Nokia LA Live, Los Angeles, CA
- 23 at Warfield Theatre, San Francisco, CA
- 24 at House of Blues, San Diego, CA
- 26 at Sunshine Theatre, Albuquerque, NM
- 28 at South Side Music Hall, Dallas, TX
- 29 at Emo's East, Austin, TX
- 30 at Warehouse Live, Houston, TX

NOVEMBER:

- 1 at House of Blues, Orlando, FL
- 2 at Revolution, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- 4 at House of Blues, Myrtle Beach, SC
- 5 at Fillmore Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
- 6 at The Fillmore, Silver Spring, MD
- 8 at Northern Lights, Clifton Park, NY
- 10 at Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
- 11 at Palladium, Worcester, MA
- 15 at Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY
- 17 at Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA
- 19 at Rave, Milwaukee, WI

Related links:
Testament
Antrax
Death Angel

Ahes Of Your Enemy to Perform with Sevendust in New Jersey!

Ashes of Your Enemy hails from the heart of New Jersey. Formed in late 2005, Ashes Of Your Enemy is a 5 piece Metal outfit whose name alone underlines a fierce, uncompromising vision. Brought together by means of a shared concept, they collectively dug deep into their Metal roots and began to structure and refine their sound. Their latest EP "Anthem" is currently in heavy rotation on Sirius XM Liquid Metal XM!

It has been confirmed by Horns Up Rocks that Ashes Of Your Enemy will be performing on Wednesday, September 13, 2011, with the legendary Georgian Heavy Metal band Sevendust at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey. Here is the Official event flier.

- Vital Statistics:

\m/

LINEUP:

- Kevin: Guitar & Vocals
- Matty: Drums
- Joey: Bass/Backing Vocals
- Shottie: Guitar

\m/ YEAR OF FORMATION: 2005

\m/ ORIGIN: New Jersey

\m/ MISSION: To create an undeniable presence and to captivate any audience.

\m/ BIOGRAPHY:

From the heart of New Jersey in late 2005, emerged this 4 piece metal outfit whose name alone underlines a fierce, uncompromising vision. Brought together by means of a shared concept, they collectively dug deep into their metal roots and began to structure and refine their sound.

In September of 2010 the band released their 3rd EP, entitled “Anthem”. This punishing collection of six songs features tracks such as “Black out the Sun” and “Heartless Divine”. Recorded and Produced by vocalist Kevin Schormann at Immortal Sound Studios, this new EP highlights the evolution of AOYE. "Anthem has definitely taken us into a more aggressive raw direction, which is a place were we all feel we belong.” states Kevin.

The bands first release in 2005 was Produced by Max Illidge of 40 Below Summer. Once released, it wasn't long before their music began to generate a buzz among the metal scene and the music industry. They pounded the tri-state area backed by a riveting, high-energy live performance. “We want our fans to have a true sense of who we are onstage,” says drummer Matty. “When we’re performing, it shows how much we enjoy playing the hardest music we can create”.

In December of 2006, AOYE signed with Crash Music and decided to head back into the studio with Max to record their debut album, “The Undying”. They shot a video with Frankie Nasso (Hatebreed, Mudvayne) for the song “Surrender”, which became the groups first single. After the release of The Undying, the band embarked on a nationwide tour along side Thorp Recording Artists Hell Within.



After parting ways with Crash Music in 2008, the band headed for the studio once again and recorded a new EP which featured the single “Embodiment of Rage”. In April 2009, AOYE was chosen to perform at the annual Music As A Weapon Tour at the Izod Center in New Jersey. The tour featured Disturbed, Killswitch Engage, Chimaira, Lacuna Coil, Bury Your Dead and others. REVOLVER Magazine reviewed the show, and praised Ashes for their “funky, death-core” blend.

Ashes of your Enemy has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in Metal today, and with the release of “Anthem”, its clear the band continues to grow and break new ground.

Related links:
Ashes Of Your Enemy on Facebook

Philip Anselmo's Statement About Parting Ways With Rex Brown

After performing together with Phil Anselmo for over 20 years, Rex Brown announced in May that he would be leaving Down in order to slow his pace down and dedicate more time to his family and health. You may remember that in August 2009, Brown had to sit out the Down tour due to acute pancreatitis. As a result of this illness, Brown had to get his gallbladder and polyps on his pancreas removed.

After leaving Down, Rex joined Kill Devil Hill, the super-group featuring Vinnie Appice (Heaven & Hell) and Mark Zavon (Ratt, W.A.S.P., 40 Cycle Hum). This is what Rex told Metal Assault about this matter:

"This is it. I’m not doing any Down. This is my devotion right here. There’s no side gigs, or anything else that’s going on. So this is what it’s going to be for the future."

Philip Anselmo recently made a statement about Rex Brown's departure from Down, during an interview with the San Antonio Metal Music Examiner prior to DOWN's September 1, 2011 concert at Backstage Live in San Antonio, Texas (see below).

Here is Philip Anselmo's statement about parting ways with Rex Brown as band-mates:

"It's always difficult, man, but there comes a time… We're not in our 20s anymore, we're not young kids. Rex has to address a lot of things in his personal life, and it was a mutual thing, the split, because… You know, playing in a band and all that type of stuff, is a great portion of your life; it is a great importance in your life. Rex has two beautiful kids and he has obligations to his children and to his health, to himself, to his family, and that is always bigger than just being in the band. So, with blessing and with love… Like I said, the split was absolutely, 100 percent two-sided. Rex and I still talk today, we're still brothers. And when you mention [Rex's replacement in DOWN] Pat [Bruders], Pat and I go back a long time, too. 'Cause, you know, we're both from New Orleans, and Pat was always around and playing in various bands. And obviously, he's been in CROWBAR a long time. So, you know, if he couldn't do the job, he wouldn't be here, and I think, really, in Pat's case, playing in DOWN has made him a better bass player, and he has stepped up big time. As a matter of fact, he's fucking solid as a rock and he's doing fucking great. So all sides of the fence are pretty covered there."

Here is the interview that the San Antonio Metal Music Examiner conducted with Philip Anselmo:







Related links:
DOWN