Nine Inch Nails Are D O N E Recording, NEW Album Out This Year!

Oh yeah! Trent Reznor has confirmed that NINE INCH NAILS are done recording their eight studio album. In a press release, Reznor said:

"I've been less than honest about what I've really been up to lately. For the last year I've been secretly working non-stop with Atticus Ross and Alan Moulder on a NEW, full-length Nine Inch Nails record, which I am happy to say is finished and frankly fucking great. This is the real impetus and motivation behind the decision to assemble a new band and tour again. My forays into film, HTDA and other projects really stimulated me creatively and I decided to focus that energy on taking Nine Inch Nails to a new place. Here we go!"

Additionally, NIN will be touring this Summer! Here are the confirmed tour dates:

07-26: Niigata, Japan at Fuji Rocks Festival
07-28: Ansan, South Korea at Ansan Valley Festival
08-02-04: Chicago, IL at Lollapalooza
08-09-11: San Francisco, CA at Outside Lands
08-15: Hasselt, Belgium at Pukkelpop
08-16: Biddinghuizen, Holland at Lowlands Festival
08-18: Hockenheim, Germany at Rock 'n' Heim
08-21: Belfast, Northern Ireland at Belsonic Festival
08-23: Leeds, England at Leeds Festival
08-24: Paris, France at Rock en Seine
08-25: Reading, England at Reading Festival
08-28: Milan, Italy at Mediolanum Forum
08-31-09-1: Philadelphia, PA at Made in America Festival
10-25-27: Asheville, NC at Mountain Oasis Electronic Music Summit
11-01-03: New Orleans, LA at Voodoo Music Experience



Related links:
Trent Reznor on Facebook
Nine Inch Nails' Official Site

Christian Olde Wolbers Is Not The NEW MACHINE HEAD Bassist!

As previously reported, MACHINE HEAD are currently searching for a NEW bassist after letting go of Adam Duce. Robb Flynn and the boys have been holding auditions for a fill in bassist as they partake at these years Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival.

One of the bass players that they auditioned was none other than former FEAR FACTORY bassist Christian Olde Wolbers, but according to a post Christian did on his Facebook page, he did not land the job:

"There she goes back in the case.. Probably where she belongs.."

MACHINE HEAD haven't announced who will be their bassist at these years Mayhem Fest (full agenda below).

The band is currently busy writing music for the follow-up to 2011's 'Unto The Locust'. A late 2013 release is projected. Here is an update from Robb Flynn.

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival tour dates for 2013 are as follows:
 
- 06/29/13: San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, CA
- 06/30/13: Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, CA
- 07/02/13: Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa, ID
- 07/03/13: White River Amphitheater in Auburn, WA
- 07/05/13: Desert Sky Pavilion in Phoenix, AZ
- 07/06/13: Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque, NM
- 07/07/13: Fiddler's Green Amphitheater in Englewood, CO
- 07/10/13: Molson Canadian Amphitheater in Toronto, ON– CANADA
- 07/12/13: First Niagara Pavilion in Burgettstown, PA
- 07/13/13: Susquehana Bank Center in Camden, NJ
- 07/14/13: Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, NY
- 07/16/13: Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA
- 07/17/13: Bangor Waterfront in Bangor, ME
- 07/19/13: Toyota Pavilion in Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA
- 07/20/13: Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY
- 07/21/13: The Comcast Theatre in Hartford, CT
- 07/23/13: PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
- 07/24/13: Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA
- 07/26/13: Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, IN
- 07/27/13: First Midwest Bank Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL
- 07/28/13: DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkson, MI
- 07/30/13: Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
- 07/31/13: 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheater in Tampa, FL
- 08/02/13: Tower Amphitheater in Austin, TX
- 08/03/13: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands, TX
- 08/04/13: Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, TX

Related links:
MACHINE HEAD's Official Site

THINNING THE HERD Are Streaming Their NEW Album 'Freedom From The Known'

Talk about persevering! Last year, right after THINNING THE HERD completed the recording sessions for their NEW album 'Freedom From The Known', their drummer Rick Cimato passed away after being involved in a massive car accident (Details HERE). After contemplating retirement, the band decided to move forward and to release their unique blend of music.

TTH recorded the album with acclaimed producer Steve Albini (NIRVANA) last summer and it was not an easy task. Here is what the bands leader Gavin Spielman had to say about presenting the massed with 'Freedom From The Known'.

"This record (Freedom From the Known) was written over several years, after going through a bunch of friendships and lineup changes – I knew I had to create a record reflecting my acceptance of working alone in music, in becoming a bandleader and not a team member. After a trip to Alaska in 2011, I found I had written Freedom From the Known – and came back hopeful to record with Steve Albini – I was already booking a tour, when the band fell apart.

My drummer Ben decided it was time to go back to school, while my bassist Nick – (who is one of the most amazing guitarists in New York, and now plays in the L.I. band Moontooth), who was just filling in and wound up staying for 2 years – got swept up by a Brooklyn Hipster band for a European tour. That night I went out drinking and met Wes – who has been playing Bass for TTH since, he also mixed the record. The next day Rick Cimato called me knowing I was looking for a drummer – and TTH 2.0 was formed. It was that easy, I did not sweat over the lineup change – and subsequently opened myself up to record Freedom From the Known with inspiration – with people who wanted to play it. All the music was already written by the time Rick and Wes entered the band – and this makes me proud to be able to create something worthy of other peoples time and money.

When we finished recording and mastering Rick died. I was going to pull the plug – but the record and my love for life pulled me to completing this thing. The message in this record, before Rick died – was to engage the Unknown, to go the path not usually taken. I trust in light and sound, in music and love, as well as darkness and death – and hope to put this into the music.

Since then we have moved on – Wes is still playing bass, and Garth Macaleavey is on drums. Garth also plays guitar and writes music. One funny thing is – Garths old bassist was also pilfered – by the same hipster that took mine.

The band sounds better than ever now. The live shows and rehearsals are super tight. I am looking forward to this being the final shift in rolls – and the best lineup possible."

Listen to 'Freedom From The Known' HERE!

Related links:
Thinning The Herd
Rick Cimato's memorial page

MACHINE HEAD's Robb Flynn Pays Tribute To SLAYER's Jeff Hanneman!

During a recent entry of Robb Flynn's "THE GENERAL JOURNALS: DIARY OF A FRONTMAN... AND OTHER RAMBLINGS", Flynn wrote in detail about the legacy of Jeff Hanneman and shared a bunch of stories that he shared with the legendary guitarist who passed away recently from liver failure. Here is what Flynn wrote:

"Still can't believe the Jeff Hanneman from Slayer is dead, things like that just don't happen. Thrashers don't die??!! WTF!!??

I'm not going to sit here and say how him and I were best buds or something, we definitely weren't, I'd barely call us acquaintances, I did 8 tours and over 120 shows with the dude and honestly, I never really got to "know him". I was always closer with Kerry. Jeff was super quiet, really kept to himself, would get rowdy when he was drunk, but was a bit aloof, and seemed annoyed at the people partying around him despite the fact that he himself would be getting hammered.

I can remember some good hangs with him though. The first was in Basel, Switzerland back in November, 1994 when Machine Head was main support to Slayer on the Divine Intervention tour. It was one of those shows were something so random happens it just never leaves you, in this case, the show was sponsored by Chesterfield cigarettes and every kid entering the show got 2 free packs of smokes. I've never seen so much smoke in a venue in my life. I remember walking onstage and yelling at our roadie / everything-guy Mike Scum, "DUDE, turn off the fuckin' smoke machine", he said "YOOOOO, it's not the smoke machine bro, it's the cigarettes!" It was damn near impossible to breath onstage. After the show we were hanging backstage and Jeff walked back, we started bitching about the crazy cigarette show, and he invited me back to the dressing room to grab a beer, we sat down and chatted for a while, and then I went all Slayer-nerd on him and started grilling him on what songs he wrote.

Me: "Who wrote Angel Of Death?"
Jeff: "I did"
Me: "Lyrics too?"
Jeff: "Yep"
Me: "Reign In Blood?"
Jeff: "Me"
Me: "Dead Skin Mask?"
Jeff: "Yep"
Me: "South Of Heaven?"
Jeff: "Me"
Me: "Black Magic?"
Jeff: "You know it"
Me: "Hell Awaits?"
Jeff: "Yep"

On and on it went, that man wrote both the music and lyrics to a large goddamn portion of my favorite Slayer songs. He was a huge influence on my songwriting growing up in particular with arrangements and the bold use of key changes. The one thing Slayer band always had over so many other bands is they were all over the guitar neck when it came to key changes. Leads would be in some of the most random keys ever, but somehow it made it all that much more frantic, and when the chorus kicked back in, BOOM! CRUSHING! Set up perfectly. He was one of the few metal heads I met who never really got into Pantera, he told me he "liked some stuff", but thought they we're "too bluesy at times", and that he "liked more evil notes or sad riffs"

Another good memory was sharing a tour bus on the August 2001 Korean / Japan / Australia tour, it was all fly-dates and hotels, we were sharing crew, tour manager and manager, so we all rode on the bus together to and from the airport to the hotel every day. Sometimes the rides were an hour or two, so you'd just all BS and hang. One time a kid in Australia bum-rushed the bus while we were all sitting in it, hammered after partying one night. He was desperate for autographs and came on the bus screaming (what else?) "SLAAAAAAAAAYYYYYEEEEERRRR!!!" He then saw me and went all, "Oh shit, Robb Flynn, mate I fuckin' LOVE Machine Head, but it's fuckin' SLAAAAAAAYYYYYYYEEEERRRRR" I looked the fucker right in the eye and slurred, "Oh just FUCK RIGHT OFF!!" Hannamen fell out dying, he laughed for 10 minutes straight, cracked him up, that slightly feminine high pitched giggle that he always did.

Dude backed me when Kerry King and I were beefin all that time long ago, he would come up to me at festivals and would talk, just be normal. He even backed me in Decibel magazine when they asked him about the beef, saying "Robb is a good dude", and that "Kerry was like the girlfriend of the band, always beefin' with someone". I got a good laugh outta that.

The last memory I'll share is from the American leg of the Divine Intervention tour in March 1995. It was Slayer band, Biohazard supporting, and Machine Head opening. We were playing the International Ballroom in Atlanta Georgia. He had been sitting out some of the new songs from "Divine", which was odd to me. We were hanging out in their dressing room before the show, just him and I, and I mustered up the nerve to ask him what the deal with it was. At first he joked that he just "didn't feel like learning them, didn't like 'em, Kerry wrote them", he was chuckling, and then he stopped. He looked down and got serious. He said he'd been having a lot of pain in his wrists, his hands and wrists were going numb all the time, and would go numb during those songs because they were really fast, then he started to cry. It was a startling confession. I offered some awkward feel-good comment, but he just continued to cry, and I decided to sit there in the silence with him for a minute. He gave me a hug, and said "Whoa!", and laughed walked out toward the stage, turned back and said "thanks dude".

It was an intense moment, one of those rare, intense moments you have with someone, let alone with someone from another band.

It made me really respect the dude.

That's the Jeff I'm gonna remember.

To Kerry, Tom, Dave, Paul, Rick Sales Mgmt and Jeff's family, my sincere condolences.

R.I.P brother."




As previously reported, MACHINE HEAD has begun jamming some NEW music, and the recording sessions are going very smoothly according to Robb Flynn. Here is what he recently posted on The General Journals (sign up HERE):

"We've been really productive writing-wise. As of last night we have 4 songs pretty much done musically, another 5 jams / half songs. The song we finished last night felt like it could be something really special. Phil has been on a riff roll, bringing some really unique sounding riffage and Dave McClain (our secret weapon) has brought some damn cool riffs to the table as well."

MACHINE HEAD on the road in 2013:
HEADLINE DATES: (Tix on sale now)

JUNE 24 - Spokane WA. Knitting Factory [Spokane]
http://sp.knittingfactory.com/event/?id=3531354

JUNE 26 - Portland OR. - Hawthorne Theatre
http://event.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSale.do?performance_id=1717541&cobrand=cascadetickets&method=restoreToken

JUNE 28 - Fresno, CA - Fulton 55
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3536754

ROB ZOMBIE / HEAVY MTL DATES: (Tix on sale now)

AUG 5 - Bonner Springs, KS - Sandstone Amphitheater
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06004A8499AA4B5D?artistid=776549&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1&tm_link=artist_msg-0_06004A8499AA4B5D

AUG 7 - Sturgis. SD - Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Buffalo Chip

AUG 9 - Columbus. OH - Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/05004A6E9B628683?brand=promowest&camefrom=CFC_LCP_pwlive

AUG ? - Montreal, CAN - Heavy MTL
http://heavymtl.com/en/tickets/


Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival tour dates for 2013 are as follows:
 
- 06/29/13: San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, CA
- 06/30/13: Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, CA
- 07/02/13: Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa, ID
- 07/03/13: White River Amphitheater in Auburn, WA
- 07/05/13: Desert Sky Pavilion in Phoenix, AZ
- 07/06/13: Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque, NM
- 07/07/13: Fiddler's Green Amphitheater in Englewood, CO
- 07/10/13: Molson Canadian Amphitheater in Toronto, ON– CANADA
- 07/12/13: First Niagara Pavilion in Burgettstown, PA
- 07/13/13: Susquehana Bank Center in Camden, NJ
- 07/14/13: Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, NY
- 07/16/13: Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA
- 07/17/13: Bangor Waterfront in Bangor, ME
- 07/19/13: Toyota Pavilion in Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA
- 07/20/13: Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY
- 07/21/13: The Comcast Theatre in Hartford, CT
- 07/23/13: PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
- 07/24/13: Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA
- 07/26/13: Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, IN
- 07/27/13: First Midwest Bank Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL
- 07/28/13: DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkson, MI
- 07/30/13: Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
- 07/31/13: 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheater in Tampa, FL
- 08/02/13: Tower Amphitheater in Austin, TX
- 08/03/13: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands, TX
- 08/04/13: Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, TX

Subscribe to The General Journals: Diary Of A Frontman... And Other Ramblings
http://thegeneraljournals.hosted.phplist.com/lists/?p=subscribe

Visit The General Journals archive:
http://machinehead1.com/topics/diary

Related links:
MACHINE HEAD's Official Site

MASTODON: NEW Album Update Available!

Great news! MASTODON have confirmed the rumors that they are working on their sixth studio album, the follow up to 2011's 'The Hunter', via the following statement:

"For those of you who are interested, Yes we have been VERY busy writing and putting songs together for the next studio MASTODON album, we are down at our space hammering out riffs that can be friends and working our fingers to the bone to put out another great album. thank you to all our loyal fans!!!!" - MASTODON

The band also recently recorded a track for "Monsters University", the prequel to the Disney/Pixar movie Monsters Inc. scheduled for release on June 21, 2013. This will be the second time that the band dwells into animated features. The band made an appearance in the Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie.

Related links:
Official site of Mastodon

OPETH's Mikael Åkerfeldt: Bands NEW Record, SABBATH's Return, Touring With KATATONIA & Much More!

As previously reported, OPETH are writing NEW music! According to the bands frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt, the band is planning to re-enter the studio this fall, perhaps at the end of September! Exciting ah? Stay tuned for more OPETH news! For now, check out this killer interview that our good friend Metal Mark from Skulls N Bones recently conducted with Åkerfeldt!




Don't for that the "North American Heritage Tour 2013" featuring OPETH and KATATONIA its well on its way. Get your tickets HERE!

Here is the official tour poster:

Related links:
Official site of Opeth

ENSIFERUM announce NEW label home & begin working on another album

Finland's ENSIFERUM have spent the past 18 years honing the steel of their folk-infused battle Metal auditory attack. Their albums are further bolstered by a live show that has become one of the most entertaining in all of Metal. Proof of ENSIFERUM's status as one of the most vital bands in modern Metal was made apparent through their headlining slot on this year's Paganfest USA tour. To further spread the band's music to a worldwide audience, ENSIFERUM has forged a deal with Metal Blade Records! The band inked the deal with Metal Blade CEO Brian Slagel during the Paganfest USA tour, and all parties are enthusiastic about NEW music and NEW possibilities.

Bassist/backing vocalist Sami Hinkka comments: "We are really looking forward to our co-operation with such a great and legendary label as Metal Blade. The next full length album should be out in early 2015. We have already started working with the NEW songs and it's obvious that the next album will be another step ahead for Ensiferum. And now that we have united forces with mighty Metal Blade nothing can stop us! The next album is going to be something that will rock the very foundations of folk Metal genre.

"We also would like to thank Spinefarm Records for all these 13 years, it's been as blast but now it is time for us to move on and head bravely towards NEW challenges.

"The future looks bright for Sword Bearers!"

ENSIFERUM will be touring throughout Europe and South America this summer as they continue their live campaign in support of their most recent album, 'Unsung Heroes'. Confirmed dates can be seen below, as well as on ensiferum.com and facebook.com/Ensiferum. ENSIFERUM merch is available now at http://shop.ensiferum.com.

European Festivals:

04/26 Oulu , FI Teatria
04/27 Helsinki, FI Virgin Oil
04/28 Losheim Am See, DE Hexentanz Festival
05/05 Istanbul, TR Headbangers Weekend Istanbul
05/18 Gelsenkirchen, DE Rock Hard Festival
05/20 Leipzig, DE Wave Gothic Treffen
06/07 Espoo, FI Kivenlahti Rock
06/20-22 Nummijärvi, FI Nummirock
06/26-30 Tokaj-Rakamaz, HU Hegyalka Festival
07/11-13 Ballenstedt, DE Rockharz Open Air
07/22-26 Tolmin, SL Metaldays
08/07-10 Jaromer, CZ Brutal Assault
08/09-10 Villena, ES Leyendas del Rock Festival
08/15-17 Dinkelsbühl, DE Summer Breeze
08/15-17 Falun, SE Rockstad Falun

South American Tour:

05/28 Bogota, CO Teatro Las Vegas Nevada
05/30 Santiago, CL Blondie Club
05/31 Buenos Aires, AR Teatro Vorterix
06/01 Sao Paulo, BR Carioca Club
06/02 Rio De Janeiro, BR Teatro Odisséia

Related links:
Ensiferum's official site
Ensiferum on Twitter
Ensiferum on Facebook

MACHINE HEAD "moved to tears" after receiving a one hand bassist audition

MACHINE HEAD have closed the audition period for the bass player position, and are now real busy reviewing all of the submissions. Here is a collective statement from the band:

"A lot of hard work and effort went into each and every submission, with many people bravely making them public for the whole world to see and judge. It took a lot of brass to do that – we earned an even greater respect for our fans in doing so.

"There are some incredible musicians out there, fantastic players who unfortunately did not make an attempt to sing, and thus were ineligible, but you should absolutely keep at it! In fact, in the course of these submissions, it looks like many people have earned a lot of fans in doing so. Congrats!"

The singled out fan Frank Memolo for a special mention: "Many of the men and women who sent in YouTube clips performing, did so with the utmost passion and intensity. But of all the submissions, this man deserves a special mention. He learned and played not only the hardest song of the submission, 'This Is The End', but played it with only one hand.

“It moved some of us to tears. It took a lot of heart to do this. Cheers, Frank Memolo.”

Watch this moving audition here:



As previously reported, MACHINE HEAD has begun jamming some NEW music, and the recording sessions are going very smoothly according to Robb Flynn. Here is what he recently posted on The General Journals (sign up HERE):

"We've been really productive writing-wise. As of last night we have 4 songs pretty much done musically, another 5 jams / half songs. The song we finished last night felt like it could be something really special. Phil has been on a riff roll, bringing some really unique sounding riffage and Dave McClain (our secret weapon) has brought some damn cool riffs to the table as well."

MACHINE HEAD on the road in 2013:

HEADLINE DATES: (Tix on sale now)

JUNE 24 - Spokane WA. Knitting Factory [Spokane]
http://sp.knittingfactory.com/event/?id=3531354

JUNE 26 - Portland OR. - Hawthorne Theatre
http://event.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSale.do?performance_id=1717541&cobrand=cascadetickets&method=restoreToken

JUNE 28 - Fresno, CA - Fulton 55
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3536754

ROB ZOMBIE / HEAVY MTL DATES: (Tix on sale now)

AUG 5 - Bonner Springs, KS - Sandstone Amphitheater
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06004A8499AA4B5D?artistid=776549&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1&tm_link=artist_msg-0_06004A8499AA4B5D

AUG 7 - Sturgis. SD - Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Buffalo Chip

AUG 9 - Columbus. OH - Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/05004A6E9B628683?brand=promowest&camefrom=CFC_LCP_pwlive

AUG ? - Montreal, CAN - Heavy MTL
http://heavymtl.com/en/tickets/


Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival tour dates for 2013 are as follows:
 
- 06/29/13: San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, CA
- 06/30/13: Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, CA
- 07/02/13: Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa, ID
- 07/03/13: White River Amphitheater in Auburn, WA
- 07/05/13: Desert Sky Pavilion in Phoenix, AZ
- 07/06/13: Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque, NM
- 07/07/13: Fiddler's Green Amphitheater in Englewood, CO
- 07/10/13: Molson Canadian Amphitheater in Toronto, ON– CANADA
- 07/12/13: First Niagara Pavilion in Burgettstown, PA
- 07/13/13: Susquehana Bank Center in Camden, NJ
- 07/14/13: Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, NY
- 07/16/13: Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA
- 07/17/13: Bangor Waterfront in Bangor, ME
- 07/19/13: Toyota Pavilion in Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA
- 07/20/13: Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY
- 07/21/13: The Comcast Theatre in Hartford, CT
- 07/23/13: PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
- 07/24/13: Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA
- 07/26/13: Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, IN
- 07/27/13: First Midwest Bank Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL
- 07/28/13: DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkson, MI
- 07/30/13: Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
- 07/31/13: 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheater in Tampa, FL
- 08/02/13: Tower Amphitheater in Austin, TX
- 08/03/13: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands, TX
- 08/04/13: Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, TX

Related links:
MACHINE HEAD's Official Site

OPETH: celebrate 10 years of 'Damnation' at an in-store performance on Record Store Day!

This past Saturday, April 20, Sweden's OPETH performed a very special set at a record store in Leominster, Massachusetts in celebration of ‘Record Store Day‘ as well as the 10th anniversary of their groundbreaking studio album 'Damnation'. Fan-filmed footage can be seen below.

'Damnation' was released on April 22, 2003 via Koch Records. Damnation is the seventh full-length studio album by Opeth and produced by Steven Wilson. 'Damnation' was released only five months after 'Deliverance' and was dedicated by Mikael Åkerfeldt to his grandmother, who died in a car accident during the recordings of 'both albums which was also the reason why he did not write lyrics to "Death Whispered a Lullaby" because of how distraught he was the incident, distracting him to do so.

The album was a radical departure from their typical death metal sound and the first Opeth release to do so with a much softer with clean vocals and guitar sounds, prominent mellotron, 1970s inspired progressive rock genre which features no heavy riffs, extendedly fast tempos and shorter songs.

Here is video of OPETH jamming on Record Store Day:



In case you missed this: OPETH are writing NEW music! According to Fredrik, the next record will go "in a somewhat different direction to 'Heritage'. It won't be a step back, but it will be different. Maybe more intense in a way. You'll have to wait and see! I was in the studio today and put down my solos and I was very happy about it. The song I heard that Mikael [Åkerfeldt]wrote today sounds very cool. I think that's all I can say at this point!"

According to Åkesson, the band is planning to re-enter the studio this fall, perhaps at the end of September! Exciting ah? Stay tuned for more OPETH news!

Get your tickets HERE!

Here is the official tour poster:

Related links:
Official site of Opeth

MACHINE HEAD Announce Only U.S. Headline Dates For 2013 + A Few Shows With ROB ZOMBIE!

Machine Head are proud to announce 3 headline shows as part of "The Road To Mayhem Tour", and will be the only headline shows MH are playing in all of 2013. The dates listed are specifically catered to not conflict with the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Fest summer tour where Machine Head are headlining the Jägermeister USA stage.

Says Robb Flynn "We love playing in these markets, the fans in these places don't have the luxury of a hundred shows a month, they're starving for Metal, and they f**king lose their marbles and go BANANAS when Machine Head come there!!"

Phil Demmel added, "All right Summer '13, whatcha got?!?! West Coast Machine Head headlining shows before The Mayhem Fest, that's what!!!!! Look out Spokane, Portland and Fresno, prepare to be F**KED UP!! We'll see you there!!"

Machine Head are asking you, the Head Cases, to do whatever you can to spread the word via Facebook, Twitter, Text or good ol' fashioned flyering about the headline shows and will have a digital downloadable flyer available later this week.

Machine Head will also be playing 4 post-Mayhem Festival support dates with Rob Zombie including this years Sturgis Bike Rally and Montreal Canada's premier Metal festival Heavy MTL 2013, Dave McClain added his thoughts on sharing the stage with Zombie, "Our summer just got even better! Pretty excited to be doing a few Rob Zombie shows after Mayhem and also Heavy MTL in Montreal!"

HEADLINE DATES: (Tix on sale this Friday)

JUNE 24 - Spokane WA. Knitting Factory [Spokane]
http://sp.knittingfactory.com/event/?id=3531354

JUNE 26 - Portland OR. - Hawthorne Theatre
http://event.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSale.do?performance_id=1717541&cobrand=cascadetickets&method=restoreToken

JUNE 28 - Fresno, CA - Fulton 55
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3536754

ROB ZOMBIE / HEAVY MTL DATES: (Tix on sale now)

AUG 5 - Bonner Springs, KS - Sandstone Amphitheater
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06004A8499AA4B5D?artistid=776549&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1&tm_link=artist_msg-0_06004A8499AA4B5D

AUG 7 - Sturgis. SD - Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Buffalo Chip

AUG 9 - Columbus. OH - Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/05004A6E9B628683?brand=promowest&camefrom=CFC_LCP_pwlive

AUG ? - Montreal, CAN - Heavy MTL
http://heavymtl.com/en/tickets/

As previously reported, MACHINE HEAD has begun jamming some NEW music, and the recording sessions are going very smoothly according to Robb Flynn. Here is what he recently posted on The General Journals (sign up HERE):

"We've been really productive writing-wise. As of last night we have 4 songs pretty much done musically, another 5 jams / half songs. The song we finished last night felt like it could be something really special. Phil has been on a riff roll, bringing some really unique sounding riffage and Dave McClain (our secret weapon) has brought some damn cool riffs to the table as well."

Don't forget that MACHINE HEAD are holding auditions for a fill in bassist as they partake at these years Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. HERE are all the details you need!

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival tour dates for 2013 are as follows:
 
- 06/29/13: San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, CA
- 06/30/13: Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, CA
- 07/02/13: Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa, ID
- 07/03/13: White River Amphitheater in Auburn, WA
- 07/05/13: Desert Sky Pavilion in Phoenix, AZ
- 07/06/13: Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque, NM
- 07/07/13: Fiddler's Green Amphitheater in Englewood, CO
- 07/10/13: Molson Canadian Amphitheater in Toronto, ON– CANADA
- 07/12/13: First Niagara Pavilion in Burgettstown, PA
- 07/13/13: Susquehana Bank Center in Camden, NJ
- 07/14/13: Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, NY
- 07/16/13: Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA
- 07/17/13: Bangor Waterfront in Bangor, ME
- 07/19/13: Toyota Pavilion in Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA
- 07/20/13: Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY
- 07/21/13: The Comcast Theatre in Hartford, CT
- 07/23/13: PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
- 07/24/13: Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA
- 07/26/13: Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, IN
- 07/27/13: First Midwest Bank Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL
- 07/28/13: DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkson, MI
- 07/30/13: Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
- 07/31/13: 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheater in Tampa, FL
- 08/02/13: Tower Amphitheater in Austin, TX
- 08/03/13: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands, TX
- 08/04/13: Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, TX

Related links:
MACHINE HEAD's Official Site 
The General Journals

MACHINE HEAD: Update On Bass Player Search

Recently, MACHINE HEAD announced that their bassist Adam Duce is no longer part of the Bay Area Thrash Metallers. Robb Flynn and the boys are currently holding auditions for a fill in bassist as they partake at these years Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. Here is an update from the band regarding their search for their NEW bassist:

"Machine Head would like to thank all of the people who have submitted YouTube clips so far, we want you all to know that we’ve watched all of your videos, and while there may not have been an initial confirmation/reply that your video was received, we have been going through each of the many submissions one-by-one. We will continue taking submissions until next Friday, April 19th, at which point we will stop accepting submissions, select candidates and begin tryouts.

"If you want to submit your clips but have not yet done so, make sure you do before next Friday. Videos can be set to private with the only allowed viewer set to the audition e-mail address (MHBassAuditions@gmail.com), should you choose.

"Remember, you are being asked to play bass AND sing. Anyone who is not also singing in their clips will unfortunately have to be overlooked, so if you’re going through the instrumental effort, give the singing a shot!

"Thanks to everyone for all of the submissions so far, your time and effort is sincerely appreciated."

    - Machine Head 


The band is currently busy writing music for the follow-up to 2011's 'Unto The Locust'. A late 2013 release is projected. Here is an update from Robb Flynn.

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival tour dates for 2013 are as follows:
 
- 06/29/13: San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, CA
- 06/30/13: Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, CA
- 07/02/13: Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa, ID
- 07/03/13: White River Amphitheater in Auburn, WA
- 07/05/13: Desert Sky Pavilion in Phoenix, AZ
- 07/06/13: Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque, NM
- 07/07/13: Fiddler's Green Amphitheater in Englewood, CO
- 07/10/13: Molson Canadian Amphitheater in Toronto, ON– CANADA
- 07/12/13: First Niagara Pavilion in Burgettstown, PA
- 07/13/13: Susquehana Bank Center in Camden, NJ
- 07/14/13: Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, NY
- 07/16/13: Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA
- 07/17/13: Bangor Waterfront in Bangor, ME
- 07/19/13: Toyota Pavilion in Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA
- 07/20/13: Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY
- 07/21/13: The Comcast Theatre in Hartford, CT
- 07/23/13: PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
- 07/24/13: Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA
- 07/26/13: Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, IN
- 07/27/13: First Midwest Bank Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL
- 07/28/13: DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkson, MI
- 07/30/13: Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
- 07/31/13: 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheater in Tampa, FL
- 08/02/13: Tower Amphitheater in Austin, TX
- 08/03/13: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands, TX
- 08/04/13: Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, TX

Related links:
MACHINE HEAD's Official Site

Former FEAR FACTORY Bassist Tries Out For MACHINE HEAD - Video Available!

Recently, MACHINE HEAD announced that their bassist Adam Duce is no longer part of the Bay Area Thrash Metallers. Robb Flynn and the boys are currently holding auditions for a fill in bassist as they partake at these years Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. Here are all the details about their audition!

Former FEAR FACTORY bassist Christian Olde Wolbers has auditioned for the band, and definitely possesses the chops required as you can see on this video: 



The band is currently busy writing music for the follow-up to 2011's 'Unto The Locust'. A late 2013 release is projected. Here is an update from Robb Flynn.

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival tour dates for 2013 are as follows:
 
- 06/29/13: San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, CA
- 06/30/13: Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, CA
- 07/02/13: Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa, ID
- 07/03/13: White River Amphitheater in Auburn, WA
- 07/05/13: Desert Sky Pavilion in Phoenix, AZ
- 07/06/13: Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque, NM
- 07/07/13: Fiddler's Green Amphitheater in Englewood, CO
- 07/10/13: Molson Canadian Amphitheater in Toronto, ON– CANADA
- 07/12/13: First Niagara Pavilion in Burgettstown, PA
- 07/13/13: Susquehana Bank Center in Camden, NJ
- 07/14/13: Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, NY
- 07/16/13: Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA
- 07/17/13: Bangor Waterfront in Bangor, ME
- 07/19/13: Toyota Pavilion in Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA
- 07/20/13: Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY
- 07/21/13: The Comcast Theatre in Hartford, CT
- 07/23/13: PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
- 07/24/13: Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA
- 07/26/13: Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, IN
- 07/27/13: First Midwest Bank Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL
- 07/28/13: DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkson, MI
- 07/30/13: Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
- 07/31/13: 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheater in Tampa, FL
- 08/02/13: Tower Amphitheater in Austin, TX
- 08/03/13: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands, TX
- 08/04/13: Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, TX

Related links:
MACHINE HEAD's Official Site

OPETH Are Writing NEW Music - Details Available!

According the great folks over at Roadrunner Records, OPETH guitarist Fredrik Åkesson recently chatted with Australia's Loudmag, and during the interview he revealed that OPETH are writing NEW music!

According to Fredrik, the next record will go "in a somewhat different direction to 'Heritage'. It won't be a step back, but it will be different. Maybe more intense in a way. You'll have to wait and see! I was in the studio today and put down my solos and I was very happy about it. The song I heard that Mikael [Åkerfeldt]wrote today sounds very cool. I think that's all I can say at this point!"

According to Åkesson, the band is planning to re-enter the studio this fall, perhaps at the end of September! Exciting ah? Stay tuned for more OPETH news!

Don't for that the "North American Heritage Tour 2013" kicks off on April 18 in Buffalo, N.Y. Get your tickets HERE!

Here is the official tour poster:

Related links:
Official site of Opeth

MACHINE HEAD: Robb Flynn Releases Update On Album # 7!

As previously reported, MACHINE HEAD has begun jamming some NEW music, and the recording sessions are going very smoothly according to Robb Flynn. Here is what he recently posted on The General Journals (sign up HERE):

"We've been really productive writing-wise. As of last night we have 4 songs pretty much done musically, another 5 jams / half songs. The song we finished last night felt like it could be something really special. Phil has been on a riff roll, bringing some really unique sounding riffage and Dave McClain (our secret weapon) has brought some damn cool riffs to the table as well."

Don't forget that MACHINE HEAD are holding auditions for a fill in bassist as they partake at these years Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. HERE are all the details you need!

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival tour dates for 2013 are as follows:
 
- 06/29/13: San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, CA
- 06/30/13: Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, CA
- 07/02/13: Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa, ID
- 07/03/13: White River Amphitheater in Auburn, WA
- 07/05/13: Desert Sky Pavilion in Phoenix, AZ
- 07/06/13: Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque, NM
- 07/07/13: Fiddler's Green Amphitheater in Englewood, CO
- 07/10/13: Molson Canadian Amphitheater in Toronto, ON– CANADA
- 07/12/13: First Niagara Pavilion in Burgettstown, PA
- 07/13/13: Susquehana Bank Center in Camden, NJ
- 07/14/13: Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, NY
- 07/16/13: Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA
- 07/17/13: Bangor Waterfront in Bangor, ME
- 07/19/13: Toyota Pavilion in Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA
- 07/20/13: Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY
- 07/21/13: The Comcast Theatre in Hartford, CT
- 07/23/13: PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
- 07/24/13: Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA
- 07/26/13: Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, IN
- 07/27/13: First Midwest Bank Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL
- 07/28/13: DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkson, MI
- 07/30/13: Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
- 07/31/13: 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheater in Tampa, FL
- 08/02/13: Tower Amphitheater in Austin, TX
- 08/03/13: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands, TX
- 08/04/13: Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, TX

Related links:
MACHINE HEAD's Official Site 
The General Journals 

MACHINE HEAD Are Auditioning For Bass Players - Details Available!

Recently, MACHINE HEAD shocked the Heavy Music world when they announced that their bassist Adam Duce is no longer part of the Bay Area Thrash Metallers. The band also announced that they have begun the writing process for their follow-up to 2011's 'Unto The Locust'. A late 2013 release is projected.

Robb Flynn and the boys will begin holding auditions for a fill in bassist as they partake at these years Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. MACHINE HEAD will accept and review YouTube submissions that include the following:

1) Video: A standalone performance of the songs listed below, just you, singing and playing bass along to the the tracks off the albums. **Camera phone is fine as long as it's stable**

2) A brief 1- to-2-minute statement about your musical experience; playing, touring experience, etc.

Please upload your videos to YouTube and e-mail a link (or links) to MHBassAuditions@gmail.com that includes the following songs:

1) This Is The End
2) Halo
3) Beautiful Mourning

Once the band has narrowed down potential candidates, they will hold tryouts in person at a to-be-determined location. 

But why did Adam Duce leave the band? HERE is an extensive explanation offered by Robb Flynn in which he claims that it became impossible to work with Duce.

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival tour dates for 2013 are as follows:
 
- 06/29/13: San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, CA
- 06/30/13: Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, CA
- 07/02/13: Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa, ID
- 07/03/13: White River Amphitheater in Auburn, WA
- 07/05/13: Desert Sky Pavilion in Phoenix, AZ
- 07/06/13: Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque, NM
- 07/07/13: Fiddler's Green Amphitheater in Englewood, CO
- 07/10/13: Molson Canadian Amphitheater in Toronto, ON– CANADA
- 07/12/13: First Niagara Pavilion in Burgettstown, PA
- 07/13/13: Susquehana Bank Center in Camden, NJ
- 07/14/13: Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, NY
- 07/16/13: Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA
- 07/17/13: Bangor Waterfront in Bangor, ME
- 07/19/13: Toyota Pavilion in Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA
- 07/20/13: Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY
- 07/21/13: The Comcast Theatre in Hartford, CT
- 07/23/13: PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
- 07/24/13: Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA
- 07/26/13: Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, IN
- 07/27/13: First Midwest Bank Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL
- 07/28/13: DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkson, MI
- 07/30/13: Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
- 07/31/13: 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheater in Tampa, FL
- 08/02/13: Tower Amphitheater in Austin, TX
- 08/03/13: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands, TX
- 08/04/13: Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, TX

Related links:
MACHINE HEAD's Official Site