SUFFOCATION's Crushing NEW Album 'Pinnacle Of Bedlam' Available For Pre-Order!

Headbangers! The moment we have all been waiting for is finally here!! SUFFOCATION's NEW album 'Pinnacle of Bedlam' is available for PRE-ORDER now in North America at this link:

http://bit.ly/sffnbjsr

SUFFO's 'Pinnacle Of Bedlam' is set to be released on February 15 in Europe, February 19 in North America, via Nuclear Blast Records and it features 10 genre-defining-bone-crushing tracks and also marks the return of drummer Dave Culross, who played with the band previously on their 'Despise The Sun' EP. Founding member and former drummer Mike Smith also makes a special guest appearance on the re-recorded Breeding the Spawn track, “Beginning of Sorrow.”

NOTE: SUFFOCATION's North American tour will run from April 3rd to the 28th. More details coming soon!





On Saturday, January 5, SUFFOCATION rang in the NEW Year in style! The "Heavy Metal Mecca", Duff's Brooklyn, became the video set for their NEW single "As Grace Descends". Watch our exclusive behind the scenes video HERE!
Related links:
Suffocation's Official Site

MACHINE HEAD's Robb Flynn Announces Acoustic Solo Performances - Details Available!

Recently, MACHINE HEAD's "General" Robb Flynn performed an acoustic set at the Tony La Russa (yes, the baseball legend) "Stars To The Rescue XXII" benefit event. By now we are all familiar with Flynn's acoustic work thanks to songs like "Darkness Within" (part of 'Unto The Locust') and "Die Young" (BLACK SABBATH cover in honor of Debbie Abono and Ronnie James Dio).

Following his acoustic performance, we asked Flynn via Twitter what his plans are regarding an acoustic project and the time he replied: "Thinking about it."

Well, it seems like Flynn is taking his musical talents and an acoustic guitar for a mini tour of California. Here is the official press release, followed by the tour dates:

"In anticipation of his upcoming acoustic performance Friday, January 25th at NAMM, Robb has decided to book 4 acoustic shows at various bars and intimate clubs in the greater Orange County/Los Angeles area. He will be performing a mix of cover songs and re-interpreted Machine Head songs, so if you're around, come on down!"

The tour dates are as follows:

- Mon Jan 21st: On The Rox, Hollywood, CA
- Wed Jan 23rd: Mission Tobacco Lounge, Riverside, CA
- Thu Jan 24th: Brick By Brick, San Diego, CA
- Sat Jan 26th: The Slidebar Rock-N-Roll Kitchen, Fullerton, CA

NOTE: Robb will be performing at 9:30PM on all nights, check venue websites for support and other info.

As these shows are very last minute please "share" this as much as possible, re-post, re-tweet, and spread the word in whatever way you can.




Recently, MACHINE HEAD released 'Machine Fucking Head Live' via Roadrunner Records (Pick it up HERE!). It's Machine Head's second live effort; 'Hellalive' was released in 2003. Nine years have passed and Machine Head still slay and administer a "Bay Area Beatdown" in the live realm. Full details HERE!

Related links:
MACHINE HEAD's Official Site

DEATH TO ALL TOUR 2013 Confirmed!

The "Death To All Tour" (presented by Perseverance Holdings Ltd.) is returning this year in benefit of Sweet Relief. Once again, the short tour will feature a handful of DEATH All-Starts, as well as various special guests. This tour is to celebrate the life and music of Chuck Schuldiner, as well as to raise awareness of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund — a charity that provides financial assistance to career musicians faced with illness, disability or age-related problems.

Earlier this week, the event organizers posted the following message regarding the tour dates and lineup:

"DEATH TO ALL was chosen as the number 1 live event of 2012!

"Just to let everyone know that we are trying to get everyone's schedules to coincide in order to do more shows. Much of this surrounds Gene Hoglan's personal touring schedule, as he is busy as hell (thankfully!). We've all agreed that 2014 will be the year of DEATH TO ALL worldwide, but there is a chance for some shows in 2013... not sure just yet... as some of the guys have stated that they don't wish to do it again. But we do have a hardcore group of former DEATH dudes waiting for the chance to hit the road again. Viva DEATH! :)" - ERIC GREIF

Today, they confirmed the tour via the following poster! More details will be announced in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!



Related links: Death' Official Site Death To All Tour on Facebook

CLUTCH Announce More North American Tour Dates!

With a little bit more than two months left before the release of CLUTCH's highly anticipated NEW studio effort 'Earth Rocker', the band has announced more dates for their upcoming North American 'Earth Rocker' world tour.

CLUTCH's first leg of the "Earth Rocker North American tour", begins on March 8th in Cincinnati, OH and runs through April 20th in Baltimore, MD. Support on the tour will come from Orange Goblin, Lionize and Kyng. The shows from March 8th through March 24th are on sale now, and the newly announced dates are set to go on sale for fan club members Tuesday January 22nd HERE. Tickets will go on sale for the general public on Friday January 25th and Saturday January 26th.

CLUTCH recently unveiled the artwork for 'Earth Rocker' HERE. The art was created by Nick Lakiotes, long time CLUTCH art director, who has worked on previous efforts including: 'Robot Hive/Exodus' and 'Strange Cousins From the West'. Fans can keep up on the progress of 'Earth Rocker' by visiting the NEW website www.earthrocker.com. The website is a hub dedicated to all things 'Earth Rocker'. Fans can expect to see frequent updates including photos, videos from the studio, song title announcements and samples of NEW songs. In addition to the new website CLUTCH has joined the world of twitter. Follow CLUTCH on Twitter @ClutchOfficial.

Earth Rocker European Tour:

- 1/22: London, UK @ Koko - SOLD OUT!

- 1/23: Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg - Tickets

- 1/24: Press Day in Paris, FR

- 1/25: Paris, FR @ La Maroquinerie - SOLD OUT!

- 1/26: Stuttgart, GER @ Universum - Tickets

- 1/27: Munchen, GER @ Backstage Club - Tickets

- 1/28: Press Day in Berlin, GER

- 1/29: Berlin, GER @ Lido - Tickets

- 1/30: Press Day in Cologne, GER

- 1/31: Cologne, GER @ Luxor - Tickets

- 2/1: Brussels, BE @ VK - Tickets

- 2/2: Hamburg, GER @ Logo - SOLD OUT!

- 2/3: Copenhagen, DK @ Amager Bio - Tickets

- 2/4: Press Day in Oslo, NO

- 2/5: Oslo, NO @ Parkteateret - Tickets

- 2/6: Press Day in Stockholm, SWE

- 2/7: Stockholm, SWE @ Tyrol - Tickets

Earth Rocker North American Tour:

- 3/8: Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's
- 3/9: Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
- 3/10: Sauget, IL @ Pop's
- 3/11: Little Rock, AR @ Juanita's Cantina Ballroom
- 3/12: Tulsa, OK @ Cain's Ballroom
- 3/14: Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom
- 3/15: Austin, TX @ SXSW
- 3/16: Austin, TX @ SXSW
- 3/18: Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep
- 3/19: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
- 3/21: Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues
- 3/22: Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
- 3/23: Las Vegas, NV @ Hard Rock Café Las Vegas Strip
- 3/24: Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
- 3/26: San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
- 3/27: Reno, NV @ Knitting Factory
- 3/29: Seattle, WA @ Showbox at the Market
- 3/30: Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
- 3/31: Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Concert House
- 4/1: Missoula, MT @ The Wilma Theater
- 4/2: Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory Concert House
- 4/3: Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
- 4/5: Calgary, AB @ Flames Central
- 4/6: Saskatoon, SK @ Odeon Events Centre
- 4/7: Edmonton, AB @ Union Hall
- 4/9: Winnipeg, MB @ The Garrick Centre
- 4/10: Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
- 4/11: Des Moines, IA @ Wooly's
- 4/12: Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
- 4/13: Grand Rapids, MI @ The Orbit Room
- 4/15: Syracuse, NY @ Westcott Theater
- 4/16: New Haven, CT @ Toad's Place
- 4/18: Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy
- 4/19: Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE - Indoor
- 4/20: Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live
 
Related links:

Clutch's Official Site
Weather Music

Listen To Another SOILWORK Song Called "The Momentary Bliss"!

As previously reported, 'The Living Infinite', the ninth studio album and first dual-disc release by Swedish melodic Metal maestros SOILWORK, will be unleashed on February 27th in Asia (via license to Marquee Records), in Europe on March 1st, and in North America on March 5th (via Nuclear Blast Records). Peep the album cover and track listing HERE!

Right now, feed your ears another NEW SOILWORK song. This one is called "The Momentary Bliss" and it louder you crank the volume, the better it sounds!



Recently, the bands drummer Dirk Verbeuren has posted the following track-by-track commentary about 'The Living Infinite'. Check it out HERE!

In celebration of their highly anticipated album, SOILWORK will kick off their world tour with a 55-show headlining trek through the U.S. and Canada this March. Support comes from Jeff Loomis, Blackguard, The Browning, and Wretched.

Related links:

SOILWORK's Official Site

SOILWORK on Facebook

SOILWORK on Twitter

SOILWORK on YouTube

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's Tom Morello To Join BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND

The Pulse Of Radio have confirmed that Tom Morello from RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE will be filling in for Steve Van Zandt during the upcoming BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND's Australian tour.

According to Rolling Stone, Van Zandt will be busy shooting his Netflix series, "Lillyhammer", during the bands Australian trek. The tour kicks off on March 14 in Boondall, Australia. Van Zandt will return to the band on April 29 when the tour hits Fornebu, Norway.

As we all know, Morello and Springsteen have quiet some musical history together. Morello has jammed as a special guest guitarist with Springsteen at various gigs. He also played a few solos on Springsteen's 1995 classic 'The Ghost Of Tom Joad' (covered by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE).

Additionally, Morello was part of two song from Springsteen's newest album entitled 'Wrecking Ball'. The songs are called "Jack of All Trades" and "This Depression". Morello also sat in with Springsteen during his most recent appearance on NBC's "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" and at The Boss' March appearance in Austin the night of his keynote address at South By Southwest.

Morello will be among the musicians paying tribute to Springsteen on February 8, when he's honored as the 2013 MusiCares Person Of The Year in L.A.

Via Blabbermouth

Related links:
Bruce Springsteen's official site
Tom Morello's official site

TESTAMENT's Alex Skolnick Presents "From Geek To Guitar Hero" In New York City - Review Available!

                            Photo by: Zulie Alvarez

Yesterday (January 17), TESTAMENT's Alex Skolnick took center stage at Tammany Hall New York City to present his brand NEW book "From Geek To Guitar Hero". Here is what went down.

In typical Skolnick fashion, the event was full of really good music and an awesome vibe. We must say that it was a real awesome treat seeing him perform in such an intimate setting, and what was really cool is that he didn't just read snippets from his book. Instead, he first read a few snippets and then talked about parts of the book. Eventually, he related various stories within the book by performing a song that had to do with that particular story. The fans definitely loved Skolnick's unique way of launching his book.

Skolnick was joined on stage by many of his musician friends, including young kids who are following his foot steps. And make no mistake, they rocked the hell out of cover songs by JUDAS PRIEST, AC/DC, METALLICA, LED ZEPPELIN, and many more.

The book is a must read for any Heavy Music fan. What we really think sets this book apart is the fact that Skolnick didn't make this an autobiography per say, instead he shares stories of how his journey through the music industry started and how it evolved into what it is today.
The first book-store where 'Geek to Guitar Hero' is available is at McNally Jackson, New York. http://mcnallyjackson.com/
Here is the book synopsis:

"Alex is an awkward, introverted child growing up in 1970s Berkeley, California – a confusing vortex of shifting values, rampant drug use and social confusion. Misunderstood by his family and taunted mercilessly by classmates, he suffers from a paralyzing lack of confidence and low self-esteem. His existence is made tolerable when he discovers a superhero-like Rock band, KISS, which inspires him to learn the guitar. While in high school, he auditions for Legacy – a group of hard partying, working class, twenty-something Metalheads from the East Bay suburbs. After recording his first album with the group at age eighteen, he defies his Ivy League parents’ rigid academic expectations by forgoing college and hitting the road with Metal bands including Slayer, Megadeth, White Zombie and Judas Priest. As his own band, now known as Testament, rises through the ranks of Thrash Metal, the world begins to take notice of the young guitar prodigy who, despite being fawned over by autograph-seeking Metalheads, guitar fanatics and adoring female fans, still feels the pain, awkwardness and ghosts of his past. Soon, a blooming interest in Jazz and literature reshapes his values and strengthens his musicianship, bringing further accolades from fans and media but causing resistance and tension from within his inner circle. These experiences cause a realization to unfold: that the scene in which he had first sought his freedom and self-identity is fraught with its own perilous limitations, while the education he’d so fiercely resisted from his family can be invaluable when sought on one’s own terms."

Very soon, TESTAMENT will be taking over North America with OVERKILL, FLOTSAM & JETSAM (on select dates), and 4ARM, for their first headlining tour since the release of their phenomenal chart success 'Dark Roots of Earth' (available now via Nuclear Blast Records). The trek promises to be one of the best Thrash Metal lineups of the year! More information HERE!

Earlier this week, we chatted with the bands vocalist Chuck Billy about the upcoming tour, and how the band plans to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Listen to it here:



 
Related Links:
Geek To Guitar Hero
Official Site of Alex Skolnick
Official Site of The Alex Skolnick Trio
Official Site of Testament

Listen To ANTHRAX's Cover Of RUSH's "Anthem"!

'Anthems', Anthrax's long-awaited, eight-track EP that pays tribute to the classic songs by some of Anthrax's favorite bands from the 1970s, will be released in North America on March 19 (MRI/Megaforce), and on March 22 in Europe (Nuclear Blast). The track listing for 'Anthems' features Rush's "Anthem," Thin Lizzy's "Jailbreak," "TNT" by AC/DC, Boston's "Smokin'," "Big Eyes" by Cheap Trick, Journey's "Keep on Runnin," as well as the album version and a special remix of Anthrax's "Crawl" from the band's critically-acclaimed 2011 album 'Worship Music'. 

Right now, you can get a taste of what Anthrax has in store for your ears. Go to this link to listen to Anthrax covering RUSH's song "Anthem": http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/anthrax-pay-tribute-to-rush-with-anthem-song-premiere-20130118

The EP will be available on CD as well as digitally via iTunes and other online retailers. In addition to the cover art for 'Anthems', Benante and artist Stephen Thompson have subtly redesigned each track's original album cover art to "Anthrax" it. The 'Anthems' EP will first be housed in one of the "re-imagined" digipak covers, and then inserted inside the main CD cover sleeve. The main cover sleeve has been designed in such a way so fans will be able to see which one of the six "re-imagined" covers is inside.

'Anthems' was produced by Anthrax, Jay Ruston and the bands former guitarist Rob Caggiano, and recorded for the most part throughout 2012 literally all over the world: at Benante's home studio, in Ruston's New York studio, on the band's tour bus while on last summer's Mayhem Tour, in hotel rooms, and backstage at their Berlin show last December.

The Grammy-nominated Anthrax - Belladonna/vocals, Benante/drums, Scott Ian/guitar and Frank Bello/bass - will hit the road in support 'Anthems' on February 16 with dates in India and Australia, and then return to North America to headline the Metal Alliance Tour that kicks off March 22 in California. For all of these dates, Anthrax will be joined by Shadows Fall guitarist Jon Donais.

As previously reported HERE, after a long and successful run as guitarist for the legendary Thrash Metal act Anthrax, Rob Caggiano has decided that it's time to move on and focus on his other passion: producing records for the time being. Caggiano recently announced that he is producing the NEW VOLBEAT album! More info HERE!




The dates for the Metal Alliance tour are as follows (General-admission tickets are available now at this link):

Mar. 23 - House of Blues - Las Vegas, NV
Mar. 24 - Marquee Theatre - Tempe, AZ
Mar. 25 - House of Blues - San Diego, CA
Mar. 27 - House of Blues - West Hollywood, CA
Mar. 28 - Regency Ballroom - San Francisco, CA
Mar. 29 - The Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR
Mar. 30 - Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver, BC
Mar. 31 - Showbox SoDo - Seattle, WA
Apr. 02 - Summit Music Hall - Denver, CO
Apr. 04 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN
Apr. 05 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL
Apr. 06 - The Fillmore Detroit - Detroit, MI
Apr. 07 - Bogarts - Cincinnati, OH
Apr. 09 - House of Blues - Dallas, TX
Apr. 10 - House of Blues - Houston, TX
Apr. 12 - House of Blues - Lake Buena Vista, FL
Apr. 13 - Tremont Music Hall - Charlotte, NC
Apr. 14 - The Fillmore - Silver Spring, MD
Apr. 16 - House of Blues - Cleveland, OH
Apr. 18 - Theatre of the Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA
Apr. 20 - Irving Plaza - New York, NY

Related links:
ANTHRAX's Official Site

The Osbourne's Home Catches Fire & Ozzy Loses His Eyebrows

According to Blabbermouth, the Osbourne's home in Beverly Hills, California caught fire earlier this morning due to a candle that was left on overnight in its glass vase and sparked a small blaze in their living room. As a result, firefighters were called and thankfully, there were not major consequences.

Speaking about the incident on today's edition of the CBS program "The Talk", which she co-hosts, Sharon said: "Everybody is fine. There was only Ozzy, myself and the dogs in the house last night.

"At five o' clock [in the morning], I heard a noise like metal had fallen. I thought it was my housekeeper coming in and she had dropped her keys on the tiles, that's what it sounded like, so I didn't pay any attention. A few minutes later, my eyes are stinging and my throat's closing up, [I thought], 'Something's weird smelling in here.' Then my dog started to bark. I go downstairs and the whole living room [was on fire]. The candle had burst and the cracking sound was the glass and the candle exploding...

"My husband had an operation on his hand yesterday so he's in a complete cast... He comes down and goes, 'Oh, the fire, the fire!' [and tries to put it out] with his hand in the cast. Then he opens the French doors and I go into the kitchen and throw water on it and it erupted...

"Ozzy's front of his hair from (his ear down is), gone! His eyebrows (are gone)... he's got like, skinned cheeks. We are, like, two idiots, it was like The Three Stooges... Everything you are not meant to do — go to bed with candles alight, open the doors and put water on — we did it all."

She continued: "[The firemen] come up, they give us a lecture, and Ozzy's like, 'She's been doing this to me for 32 years! You tell her, you tell her, no more candles!'

"I apologize to my husband because he put himself out. He made his hand worse, it started to bleed, the whole nine yards, and I'm sorry and I love you and I will never light a candle again...

"I want to thank the firemen from Beverly Hills Fire Station because you are magnificent there and I want to say to everyone out there, please, please check your candles before you go to bed."

In other Osbourne's news, the Ozzfest clan announced that Ozzy Osbourne's traveling festival will take place on May 11-12, 2013 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City (outside Tokyo), Japan. Not only will be BLACK SABBATH be performing, but joining them will be: find out HERE

BLACK SABBATH have also announced that they will be embarking on an Australian tour this coming April. Here are the confirmed tour dates:

- Apr. 25: Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
- Apr. 27: Allphones Arena, Sydney
- May 01: Rod Laver, Melbourne
- May 04: Perth Arena, Perth

It has also been announced that BLACK SABBATH's NEW album is tentatively scheduled for release in June 2013 via Vertigo/Universal Republic in the U.S. and Vertigo in all other territories.

Related links:
Click To Watch BLACK SABBATH's Comeback Show!
BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

VOIVOD: NEW Album 'Target Earth' Available For Streaming!

On January 21st in Europe and January 22nd in North America, Canadian progressive Metal pioneers VOIVOD will release their 13th studio album, 'Target Earth'! On January 21st in Europe and January 22nd in North America, Canadian progressive Metal pioneers VOIVOD will release their 13th studio album, 'Target Earth'! To listen to the entire album, head over to this link: http://loudwire.com/voivod-target-earth-exclusive-album-stream/

To get the latest VOIVOD updates, be sure to download the band's new free app for mobile smart phones here:

iPhone

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voivod/id543666457?mt=8

Android

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobilecartel.voivod&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5tb2JpbGVjYXJ0ZWwudm9pdm9kIl0.

Blackberry

http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/130055/?lang=en

Stay tuned for more news about 'Target Earth' and VOIVOD coming soon!

Related links:
Voivod's Official Site

SYSTEM OF A DOWN Confirm Concert In Italy With LACUNA COIL!

SYSTEM OF A DOWN have confirmed via Twitter, that they will be back in Italy to re-embrace their fans with a show that will be held on August 27 at the Fiera Milano Rho Live. The concert will be re living the history that made famous the band guided by the charismatic Serj Tankian
Special guest: LACUNA COIL and another band that we will reveal soon. Mark this event , you can't miss it!


For info and tickets: http://www.livenation.it/event/385008/system-of-a-down-tickets?c=FB_WP_systemofadown_150113

What about some NEW music? Last year, Musik Universe chatted with SYSTEM OF A DOWN's front man Serj Tankian about the bands future plans

About writing NEW music:

The band has made it clear in recent interviews that no plans have yet been made for the group to begin work on a NEW studio album.

Future releases:

"I think we have about four or five unreleased tracks that we finished before. We need to talk about what to do with them, etc. But I would be very open to releasing, like, a greatest-hits record with a few [previously] unreleased tracks. However, we haven't really discussed it, so I don't wanna make a promise."

Solo project vs SYSTEM OF A DOWN:

"It's an interesting dynamic, I think, writing by yourself and writing with people. When you have a very focused idea, a very concrete kind of understanding of what you wanna present and have the skills and the ability to completely present it the exact way that you want to, it's much more conducive to do it yourself. If you have ideas that require other people's input to kind of make it something else than what you have, then a collaboration — whether it's with SYSTEM or anyone else for that matter — would be much smarter."


Related links:
SYSTEM OF A DOWN's Official Site

Former LACUNA COIL Guitarist Claudio Leo Passes Away (RIP) - Statement From Cristina Scabbia Available!

According to Soundsblog.it, guitarist Claudio Leo died this morning after struggling with an undisclosed "serious disease." The exact cause of death has not yet been revealed. Claudio was a former member of LACUNA COIL and was currently part of CAYNE.

Cristina Scabbia from LACUNA COIL made the following post via her Facebook page earlier today:

"It's with deep sadness that I inform you all know that our dear friend and ex guitar player Claudio Leo left us.

"My deepest condolences to his family, close friends and the band Cayne.

"You will always be remembered for your strenght and positivity.

"We love you, Claudio."

Our condolences go out to Claudio's family, friends and band members. Rock In Peace!

Related links:
Cayne's official site 
Lacuna Coil's official site 

AMORPHIS Unleash NEW Album Details & Video Reports!

Finnish masters of melacholic dark Metal, AMORPHIS, have dubbed their 11th full length release 'Circle'. The album is set to be released on April 19, 2013 (Europe) and April 30 (North America) via Nuclear Blast records. 'Circle', The follow-up to 2011’s highly successful masterpiece 'The Beginning Of Times' (Finnish charts: #1, German charts: #16) was produced and mixed by no less than HYPOCRISY and PAIN mastermind Peter Tägtgren (CHILDREN OF BODOM, CELTIC FROST, IMMORTAL, DIMMU BORGIR). Tracking was done at Petrax Studio in Hollola (NIGHTWISH, CHILDREN OF BODOM, KORPIKLAANI) and 5K Studios in Helsinki, Finland.

A short summary of the album's concept/story written by Pekka Kainulainen, who wrote the lyrics for the album, can be read below:

"The protagonist has been dealt a bad hand at birth. He’s always felt himself an outsider with strong potential to become marginalized. Through an accident, after a crisis, he finds a connection with his inner powers. A guide is sent to him, from some other time and place. He gets a chance to take hold of his own life and change his destiny. From the past of Carelian Finland he finds his own spiritual tribe and the power to turn the course of his doomed life. This is a story of survival."

Singer Tomi Joutsen added about the album's title: “Circle represents integrity. Back in the days, when there was something special to talk about, wise men used to sit in circle. Not everyone was invited to join them. But in this story, the protagonist was invited among the wise men's circle.”

Studio reports:







Related links:
Amorphis' Official Site
Amorphis on Facebook
Amorphis on Nuclear Blast Records

7 HORNS 7 EYES Forced To Pull Out Of Canadian Tour - Details Available!

Due to unforeseen issues concerning 7 HORNS 7 EYES internally, the band has made the decision to pull out of their tour with ANNEX THEORY this February. In spite of steps taken to try to alleviate these issues, the band will be unable to take part in the tour. However, the tour itself is not cancelled and ANNEX THEORY will press on on their own.

Comments 7H7E guitarist Aaron Smith:

"This is certainly not the outcome we had in mind when we announced our participation in this tour, and it's really a bummer to let everyone down who had made plans to come see 7H7E play and to the promoters of the shows as well. There are several factors in our decision to cancel, including unforeseen financial strain, and it was not a decision we made quickly or lightly, but it's definitely the best decision. We fully intend and look forward to rescheduling a similar run of dates in the future (we hope with ANNEX THEORY), so that we can make it up to our Canadian fans! We will not forget!"

7H7E released their debut album, 'Throes of Absolution', on April 24, 2012 via Century Media Records in North America. The record features artwork by Travis Smith (OPETH, NEVERMORE) and a guest appearance by former NEVERMORE guitarist Jeff Loomis. To purchase 'Throes of Absolution', please head over to CM Distro or iTunes.

ANNEX THEORY's latest EP, 'Process Existence', was self-released last May. The effort was mixed and mastered by Travis Montgomery of THREAT SIGNAL and features a cover of the RUSH classic "Subdivisions."

Related links:
7 Horns 7 Eyes on Facebook
7 Horns 7 Eyes on MySpace
7 Horns 7 Eyes on YouTube
7 Horns 7 Eyes on Big Cartel

WATAIN Begin Working On NEW Music!

Today (January 17), his Masters Noise and Century Media are proud to announce the beginning of a NEW chapter of the WATAIN epos! The band comments:

"Since the harvest, WATAIN have been occupied with preparations for a long and hard journey. Seeds have been sown, blades have been sharpened and new fires have been lit to illuminate the untrodden tunnels that lay before us as we descend further down the maze..."   

And so it was that on the 3rd of January, 3 years on the day since the recording of 'Lawless Darkness' did commence, WATAIN returned to Necromorbus Studio and begun working on what is to become the 5th full length album. The tentative time of release is now set for August 2013. More details will be unveiled soon.

Formed back in 1998, the first two albums 'Rabid Death's Curse' (2000) and 'Casus Luciferi' (2003) established the band firmly within the underground scene whereas 'Sworn To The Dark' (2007) and especially 'Lawless Darkness' (2010) helped them conquer a wider audience making them one of the most talked about acts in recent years. Musically rooted in classic Black Metal inspired by the likes of VENOM, HELLHAMMER, BATHORY, MAYHEM, DISSECTION as well as the grandeur of old IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA, RAINBOW, it is the larger-than-life aesthetics and total dedication to their art that elevates WATAIN beyond almost any other extreme metal band out there. WATAIN is satanic metal at its most frightening and fascinating.

Related links:
WATAIN
Century Media Records

When Heavy Music Goes Acoustic & How It Impacts A Musicians Nerves

Back in the 90s, the "MTV Unplugged" series became very popular since it showcased artists in a very intimate setting. Part of the magic within the series was that the majority of artists would step out of their "comfort zone", and many would switch their electric guitars into acoustic guitars. This obviously added extra stress to the artists, since they had to rehearse and many times learn how to play a certain "amplified" musical part without any electrical effects or "tricks".

One thing that all musicians who are not used to performing in an intimate setting have in common, is that they get nervous as hell. Of course they are professionals and usually shine within this unusual environment for them, without letting anyone know how nervous they are. And even though they are used to performing in front of massive amounts of people, they do feel the added pressure.

Take for example MACHINE HEAD's Robb Flynn, who recently performed and acoustic set at a Tony La Russa benefit show (video below). Here is what he had to say about how nerve wrecking his recent acoustic experience was:

"And then the time came to do my set for a 40-to-70 year-old audience that I was certain had no fuckin’ clue who the hell I or Machine Head was. I cracked a couple jokes about it and definitely broke the ice; I was nervous, surprisingly so, irrationally so. Every time I do these acoustic things I'm nervous, I kept telling myself "dude, you headline festivals in front of 100,000 people, and don't even blink an eye, why are you nervous?" I guess the idea of sitting, just me and an acoustic, and just being in the moment, connecting to the lyrics, connecting to the emotion and the place where I wrote it, and the idea that I couldn't rely on my old bag of tricks is... well, scary. I both like and hate that feeling. I feel like I need to do more of it just to get past this weird... I dunno, fear? "

Another Heavy Music artist who recently performed acoustically in New York City and in Gothenburg, Sweden, is TRIVIUM's Matt Heafy (video below). Prior to his first acoustic solo performance at the Moscot Gallery in New York City, Heafy made it clear that he was out of his "comfort zone".

"I’m never nervous with Trivium shows but I’m always nervous with things I don’t really do – like dancing in public, if I had to do it I would be terrified. Having never done a solo acoustic show of songs that no one would expect me to do I don’t know what vibe I’m going to get, I’ll figure it out. I was asking Corey Taylor, who was doing those acoustic shows – I saw him do one in front of 8,000 people in Austria and people were freaking out, he played the Spongebob Square Pants Theme, Alice in Chains and all this stuff. So I asked him how he gets into it and he gave me a couple of tips."

Since Heafy brought up Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT/STONE SOUR)...

In 2011, we had the chance to catch "An Evening With Corey Taylor". The event was Taylor's super smart way of promoting his debut book "Seven Deadly Sins: Settling the Argument Between Born Bad and Damaged Good". Seeing Taylor in such an intimate setting without of his jumpsuit and mask, was very powerful (video below). Almost as powerful as seeing his as #8 in SLIPKNOT.

So for those who say that acoustic sets are not Metal: if you want to be close minded about it and not open your mind to NEW/COOL ways for our music to be presented, that is your personal choice. Just don't forget that the key ingredient of Metal is rebellion, which it can be translated into trying things that most are too scared to try.

Mr. Flynn, Mr. Heafy and Mr. Taylor, are all vocalists in some of the most important Heavy Music bands today. If they weren't "Metal" enough, they would have never dared stepping out of their "comfort zone" and rebelling all for the love of music.







Lets take a look at the differences between an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar:




What do you think about this? Let us know at the comments section below.

TRIVIUM To Join Forces With DISTURBED On Their NEW Album?

After a successful European tour with AS I LAY DYING, CALIBAN and UPON A BURNING BODY, Florida's TRIVIUM are currently at home working on their next batch of music!

As previously reported, pre-production to the follow up for 2011's 'In Waves' (available now via Roadrunner Records) began this Monday, January 14. According to Metal Injection, the band has lined up DISTURBED's frontman David Draiman to produce the bands sixth studio album. Here are a few pictures of the band working on some ideas with Draiman under the helm:

 Photo credit: Paolo Gregoletto

Related links:
Trivium

NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FEST: Tickets Unleashed For 15th Anniversary Event

As previously reported, the NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL will once again overthrow the historic venue, The Palladium, in Worcester, Massachusetts, this year marking the 15th anniversary of the iconic weekend-long gathering! The festivities will commence with a pre-party on April 18th, 2013 and the three official days of the fest following on the 19th, 20th, and 21st.

Tickets for this year’s NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL are officially on sale NOW. Details below!

Latest additions to the fest include: Agitator, Battlecross, Disgrace, Foundation, Glass Cloud, King 810, Miss May I, Mouth Of The South, Mutilation Rites, Texas In July, The Greenery, Thick As Blood and To The Wind and VYGR with more acts to be announced in the coming weeks. See day-to-day breakdown below.

Friday: Anthrax performing Among The Living in its entirety, Hatebreed, Shadows Fall, Exodus, Municipal Waste, Black Breath, Holy Grail, VYGR, Dead By Wednesday, Multilation Rites, Trap Them, Death Before Dishonor, Xibalba, The Mongoloids, Power Trip, Expire, Twitching Tongues, Suburban Scum, Rude Awakening, The Greenery, Disgrace, Antagonist AD, The Greenery, Battlecross.

Saturday: Opeth, Katatonia, Trollfest, Tyr, Hellsot, Heidevolk, Ensiferum, Born of Osiris, After The Burial,  The Contortionist, I Declare War, Legion, Erra, Fit For An Autopsy, Sworn In, Reflections, Mouth of the South, Ark of the Covenant, Those Who Fear, Saving Grace, Years Since The Storm, Mouth of the South, King 810.

Sunday: Suicidal Tendencies, Miss May I, Texas In July, Glass Cloud, Your Memorial, No Mercy, Foundation, Remembering Never, Bracewar, Mother of Mercy, Agitator, Incendiary, Thick As Blood, To The Wind.

New England Metal & Hardcore Festival 2013 Ticket Prices/Packages:

- Weekend Pass For All Three Days - $90 [BUY HERE]

- Thursday, April 18th – Kick Off Party – $12 In Advance/$15 Day-Of  [BUY HERE]

- Friday, April 19th: $35 In Advance/$40 Day-Of [BUY HERE]

- Saturday, April 20th: $40 In Advance/$45 Day-Of [BUY HERE]

- Sunday, April 21st: $35 In Advance/$40 Day-Of [BUY HERE]

- VIP Three-Day Package – $165: Includes one three-day NEMHHF Pass, entry to Thursday’s pre-party, an NEMHF T-shirt, 18 x 24 NEMHF poster, NEMHF sampler CD, exclusive meet and greets with artists all weekend, early entry each day, NEHMF guitar picks, NEHMF button pack, raffles for exclusive gear, NEMHF beer koozie, NEMHF + Shock Clothing key chain, free Monster energy drink at the signing tent. [BUY HERE]

- VIP One-Day Pass - $80: Includes one NEMHHF day pass for Friday, Saturday or Sunday, an NEMHF T-shirt, 18 x 24 NEMHF poster, NEMHF sampler CD, exclusive meet and greets with artists all weekend, NEHMF guitar picks, NEMHF beer koozie, NEMHF + Shock Clothing key chain, free Monster energy drink at the signing tent. [BUY HERE]

Since 1999, the NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL has showcased a vast array of Metal and Hardcore acts, while also providing merchandising and promotional areas for record labels and other vendors, at Worcester, Massachusetts’ massive venue The Palladium. Join the this years festivities!

Related links:
https://www.facebook.com/metalandhardcorefest
http://metalandhardcorefestival.com
https://twitter.com/moshfest
http://www.massconcerts.com

Testament's Chuck Billy Reveals 25th Anniversary Plans & Discusses Upcoming Tour!

In case you have been living under a rock, Charles Billy (A.K.A. Chuck Billy) is the vocalist of Thrash Metallers Testament! Chuck joined Testament when band was still called Legacy. Coincidentally, Testament's first album was entitled 'The Legacy' and was released in 1987. Ever since then, Chuck has remained a permanent member of the band (along with guitarist Eric Peterson). His vocal style is always evolving: Chuck combines a clear, high pitch Thrash style of singing with a deeper low register Death Metal style grunt. Ever since the 'Low' album, he has mixed both styles both on and off stage.

Earlier today (January 16), Chuck called us to discuss their upcoming North American tour with Overkill, Flotsam and Jetsam, and 4ARM. We also discussed the bands groundbreaking album 'The Dark Roots Of Earth'. And how the band plans to celebrate their 25th anniversary!

During this extensive interview we also discussed Testament's award for “best music video” at the American Indian Film Festival for their clip for the track “Native Blood!” So clean your dirty ears and listen up!




TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, 4ARM:

1/30: The Filmore – San Francisco, CA*
1/31: House of Blues – Anaheim, CA*
2/1: The Marquee – Tempe, AZ*
2/2: House of Blues – Hollywood, CA*
2/4: Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM*
2/5: Emo’s – Austin, TX
2/6: House of Blues – Houston, TX
2/7: House of Blues – Dallas, TX
2/9: Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
2/10: The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC
2/12: The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD
2/13: Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA
2/14: Best Buy Theatre – New York, NY
2/15: The Paramount – Huntington, NY
2/16: The Palladium – Worcester, MA
2/17: Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY
2/18: Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON
2/20: Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
2/21: The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
2/22: The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
2/23: First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
2/25: The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26: In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
2/27: Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
2/28: Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA
* – Denotes FLOTSAM AND JETSAM will not be playing

TESTAMENT have also scheduled two exclusive shows in Japan alongside thrash titans DESTRUCTION and DEATH ANGEL. The event will take place on March 9th and 10th of 2013 at Club Citta in Kawasak-Shi, Japan. Fans can pre-reserve tickets starting December 8th at the following link http://clubcitta.co.jp/ticket. Tickets go on sale everywhere on Saturday December 22. For further information visit http://clubcitta.co.jp/.

THRASH DOMINATION 2013 ANASTASIS, TESTAMENT, DESTRUCTION & DEATH ANGEL:

- 3/9 Club Citta: Kawasak-Shi, Japan
- 3/10 Club Citta: Kawasak-Shi, Japan

Related links:
Testament's Official Site