BLAST FROM THE PAST: SUICIDE SILENCE Turn Into Santa Claus To Make Kids In Need Very Happy - Video Available!

California Deathcore Metallers Suicide Silence, have always been known for setting themselves apart from the competition by creating original music that conveys the bands message flawlessly. Last Christmas, the band decided to take over the role of Santa Claus and deliver presents to kids in need. Here is what the band had to say at the time:

"We sold the shirt Mitch wore in the "You Only Live Once" video and spent all of the money on toys for less fortunate kids. A very special thanks to the Variety Boys & Girls Club: Pueblo Del Sol Unit in Downtown Los Angeles for all of their cooperation. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!"



The Heavy Music world was struck earlier this year by the very sad news that Mitchell Adam Lucker passed away at the young age of 28 (More information HERE). According to the Los Angeles Times, Lucker struck a light pole near the intersection of Main and 13th streets and was thrown from his 2013 Harley Davidson. The motorcycle continued sliding south on Main Street and struck a northbound 2007 Nissan Titan pickup.

Last Friday (December 21), the remaining members of SUICIDE SILENCE - Chris Garza, Mark Heylmun, Alex Lopez and Dan Kenny - were joined by many of Heavy Music's finest to pay tribute to their frontman Mitch Lucker. See some video footage HERE!

Here is one of the last interviews that Mitch ever conducted:



Related links:
Official Site of Suicide Silence

Machine Head's Phil Demmel Discusses NEW DVD & Announces Engagement!

As we all know, Machine Head's Phil Demmel is not only one of the most talented shredders in Heavy Music today, but he is also one of the nicest guys in the music business. Recently, Artisan News caught up with Demmel at the Dimebash event at the Key Club in Hollywood, California. During the interview, Demmel spoke about the production of the band's long-awaited DVD featuring footage from the extensive tour in support of 2007's critically acclaimed album "The Blackening".

"We toured on 'The Blackening' for three years, [played] almost four hundred shows, [and] we have footage from everything," commented Demmel. "So much happened on that tour — our drummer's mom died, my dad died… So much happened to us. We almost broke up, we went to therapy… All this different shit happened. So we're trying to put all of this together. It's just too much [to include in a single DVD package]. So we wanna whittle it down and create a cool story."



In other news, Phil Demmel recently announced that he is engaged to Bleeding Through's keyboardist Marta Peterson. Demmel and Peterson started dating when their bands toured together in Australia and Japan in early 2010. Peterson was twice named "Hottest Chick" in Metal by Revolver magazine.

"I met the girl of my dreams in Australia the last time we were down there. One of the greatest things that has ever happened to me was on that run. I have very special memories of Australia and knowing that I was in love for the first time when I was in Brisbane." - Phil Demmel

Phil has a five-year-old son, Jadon Philip Demmel, with "rock model" Jamie Jagger.

So far Machine Head has exceeded all expectations and have definitely proven their elite status amongst today’s massive array of Heavy Metal artists. Actually, "Unto The Locust" doubled on the #54 Billboard Top 200 debut chart position of the band’s 2007 Grammy-nominated release, "The Blackening", Machine Head have topped themselves again with a remarkable #22 Billboard Top 200 chart debut for their new album, "Unto The Locust", with over 17,000 albums scanned. The band is currently gearing up for their North American tour.

MACHINE HEAD W/ Suicide Silence, Darkest Hour, Rise To Remain:

- 1/15, Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
- 1/17, Sauget, IL @ Pop’s
- 1/19, St. Paul, MN @ Station 4
- 1/20, Milwaukee, WI @ Rave Ballroom
- 1/21, Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
- 1/22, Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
- 1/24, Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
- 1/26, Portland, ME @ State Theatre
- 1/27, Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
- 1/28, Toronto, ON @ The Sound Academy
- 1/29, Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
- 1/31, Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
- 2/1, Baltimore, MD @ Ram’s Head Live
- 2/2, Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
- 2/3, New York, NY @ Best Buy Theatre
- 2/4, Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
- 2/6, Norfolk, VA @ NorVA Theatre
- 2/7, Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
- 2/8, Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
- 2/10, New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
- 2/11, Houston, TX @ House of Blues
- 2/12, San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live
- 2/13, Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
- 2/15, Farmington, NM @ Top Deck
- 2/16, Tuscon, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
- 2/17, Hollywood, CA @ Avalon
- 2/18, San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield





Related links:
Machine Head
Purchase Locust on Amazon
Purchase Locust on Itunes

Suicide Silence Turn Into Santa Clause - Video Available!

California Deathcore Metallers Suicide Silence, have always been known for setting themselves apart from the competition by creating original music that conveys the bands message flawlessly. Recently, the band decided to take over the role of Santa Clause and deliver presents to kids in need. Here is the band's official statement:

"We sold the shirt Mitch wore in the "You Only Live Once" video and spent all of the money on toys for less fortunate kids. A very special thanks to the Variety Boys & Girls Club: Pueblo Del Sol Unit in Downtown Los Angeles for all of their cooperation. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!"



In other Suicide Silence news, the band is scheduled to hit the road in mid January with Machine Head, Darkest Hour and Rise To Remain. Here are the tourdates:

- 1/15, Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
- 1/17, Sauget, IL @ Pop’s
- 1/19, St. Paul, MN @ Station 4
- 1/20, Milwaukee, WI @ Rave Ballroom
- 1/21, Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
- 1/22, Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
- 1/24, Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
- 1/26, Portland, ME @ State Theatre
- 1/27, Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
- 1/28, Toronto, ON @ The Sound Academy
- 1/29, Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
- 1/31, Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
- 2/1, Baltimore, MD @ Ram’s Head Live
- 2/2, Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
- 2/3, New York, NY @ Best Buy Theatre
- 2/4, Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
- 2/6, Norfolk, VA @ NorVA Theatre
- 2/7, Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
- 2/8, Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
- 2/10, New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
- 2/11, Houston, TX @ House of Blues
- 2/12, San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live
- 2/13, Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
- 2/15, Farmington, NM @ Top Deck
- 2/16, Tuscon, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
- 2/17, Hollywood, CA @ Avalon
- 2/18, San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield



Related links:
Official Site of Suicide Silence

Unearth To Join Forces With Heaven Shall Burn On The 'Progression Tour'!

American Metal maniacs Unearth have been flying the New American Metal flag up high since they hit the scene in 1998. Ever since then, they have been working hard on their musical craft and have crushed all obstacles in order to keep bringing their fans original hard hitting music. This is why its no surprise, that Unearth have secured the direct support slot on the March 2012 tour of Heaven Shall Burn! Check the dates below.

Progression Tour 2012, with Heaven Shall Burn, Unearth, Rise To Remain, Neaera and Special Guest!

\m/ 20/03/12 – FR – Paris – Petit Brain
\m/ 21/03/12 – DE – Köln – Live Music Hall
\m/ 22/03/12 – DE – Hamburg – Markthalle
\m/ 23/03/12 – DE – Dresden – Alter Schlachthof
\m/ 24/03/12 – CH – Pratteln – Z7
\m/ 25/03/12 – DE – Würzburg – Posthalle
\m/ 26/03/12 – DE – Hannover – Musikcentrum
\m/ 27/03/12 – PL – Posen – Blue Note
\m/ 28/03/12 – DE – Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn
\m/ 29/03/12 – IT – Romagnano Sesia – RNR Arena
\m/ 30/03/12 – AT – Graz – Orpheum
\m/ 31/03/12 – DE – München - Theaterfabrik

Presented by Impercion.com, Metal Hammer, Fuze, Slam, in-your-face.de

'Darkness In The Light', the latest studio album from Massachusetts Metal heavyweights, Unearth, landed at #72 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, #14 on the Billboard Top Independent Album chart, and #7 on the Billboard Top Hard Music Albums chart. In addition, 'Darkness In The Light' came in at #42 on Canada's Top 200 chart, #5 on the Hard chart and #44 on the Digital Albums chart.

Chart entries don't stop here though; 'Darkness In The Light' hit the official German Album charts coming in at position #99 and also entered the Media Markt/Saturn charts in Germany coming in at position #68!

Related links:
Unearth
Unearth's Landing Page for Darkness In the Light
Unearth on Facebook
Unearth on Twitter
Unearth on MySpace
Metal Blade Records

Machine Head 2012 North American Tour - Full Details Announced!

Machine Head are pleased to announce their upcoming North American headlining tour with support acts Suicide Silence, Darkest Hour, and Rise To Remain. The tour kicks off on January 15th in Denver, CO and will tour through North American for the remainder of the month, coming to a close on February 18th in the band’s hometown area of San Francisco, CA. Stay tuned for more updates on the tour and see below for all current tour dates.

MACHINE HEAD W/ Suicide Silence, Darkest Hour, Rise To Remain:

- 1/15, Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
- 1/17, Sauget, IL @ Pop’s
- 1/19, St. Paul, MN @ Station 4
- 1/20, Milwaukee, WI @ Rave Ballroom
- 1/21, Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
- 1/22, Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
- 1/24, Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
- 1/26, Portland, ME @ State Theatre
- 1/27, Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
- 1/28, Toronto, ON @ The Sound Academy
- 1/29, Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
- 1/31, Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
- 2/1, Baltimore, MD @ Ram’s Head Live
- 2/2, Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
- 2/3, New York, NY @ Best Buy Theatre
- 2/4, Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
- 2/6, Norfolk, VA @ NorVA Theatre
- 2/7, Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
- 2/8, Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
- 2/10, New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
- 2/11, Houston, TX @ House of Blues
- 2/12, San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live
- 2/13, Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
- 2/15, Farmington, NM @ Top Deck
- 2/16, Tuscon, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
- 2/17, Hollywood, CA @ Avalon
- 2/18, San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield

In celebration of the upcoming headline tour, Machine Head and CraveOnline.com are giving away one Epiphone Robb Flynn Love/Death Baritone Flying-V to a lucky winner! Make sure to head to CraveOnline.com to enter for your chance to win! For information and specifications on the Love/Death Flying-V, see the link below.

Machine Head recently unveiled their new music video for the single 'Locust'. The track 'Locust' is cut from the band's latest Billboard-charting album, "Unto The Locust". The video is directed by veteran Machine Head video director Mike Sloat and features motion picture-quality computer-generated imagery that includes a sinister swarm of locusts enveloping the band in a cloud of darkness and chaos, much like the ominous track itself. The incredible effects were all created by a team of veteran Hollywood CGI artists and monster makers including album art designer Paul Gerrard who all helped bring Paul's amazing album artwork to life.



The bands latest release bludgeoned into the charts last month with a remarkable #22 Billboard Top 200 chart debut. Released in North America on September 27th, 2011 via Roadrunner Records, "Unto The Locust" is widely-regarded as a new opus in modern Metal, garnering stellar reviews referring to it as “a breathtaking work”, “one of 2011’s essential albums”, “a modern Metal masterpiece”, “the most accomplished record [MACHINE HEAD] has ever recorded”, and “album of the year” by several of today’s top music publications and entertainment journalists. Be sure to purchase "Unto The Locust" on iTunes or physically at Best Buy or your local music retailer.



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

Related links:
Click here for your chance to win Robb Flynn's Guitar!
Machine Head
Purchase Locust on Amazon

Machine Head Announce North American Tour!

Bay Area Metallers Machine Head have been pretty busy in 2011... between the production and promotion of their seventh studio album entitled "Unto The Locust" and various tours, the band is definitely warmed up for what's to come in 2012. Not only will Machine Head be headlining next years Wacken Open Air Festival, but today the band announced that in February of 2012 they will be embarking on a U.S. headlining tour with Suicide Silence, Darkest Hour and Rise To Remain! So far, Ticketmaster.com has listed the following dates:

- Feb. 06: Norfolk, VA - The Norva
- Feb. 08: Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
- Feb. 18: San Francisco, CA - The Warfield

Machine Head recently unleashed their brand NEW video for their song 'Locust'. Taken from Machine Head's NEW album "Unto The Locust" (Released on September 27 via Roadrunner Records). The video was directed by Mike Sloat, who previously worked on Machine Head's videos for "Imperium", "Days Turn Blue To Gray", "Aesthetics Of Hate", "Now I Lay Thee Down" and "Halo". This is what Sloat had to say about the new Machine Head video.



"The video is all based on the artwork from the album as well as the vision of the artist, Paul Gerrard. Together we hashed out some concepts for attack scenes as well as the band's performance.

"We shot the band on green screen in Philadelphia on August 1st, 2011. It was on a 'off' date from the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. There's well over 600 shots in the video, all of which have varying levels of CG effects, and ended up taking over two months to complete. It is easily the BIGGEST music video I've ever done. With so many CG shots, we had to divide the work among several CG FX people and editors. Once the shots came back, I would edit them in and start the color effects and any last minute tweaks I wanted to add.

"Since the song is so long (six minutes and sixteen seconds for the edited version!!), we had a LOT of time to cover, so I began making up scenarios as I edited; the bearded guy at the window, the woman and child, the bloody attack scenes, the church steeple being smashed...these were all made up on the spot as I was editing and found that I needed more scenes! It was actually pretty fun to have to be creative 'on the fly.' The band wasn't able to see very much until the first edit was done (about six weeks after the shoot). From there we tweaked the edit and the look until we found what we wanted. It was a VERY long process, but the end result is pretty great, I think."

So far the band has exceeded all expectations and have definitely proven their elite status amongst today’s massive array of Heavy Metal artists. Actually, "Unto The Locust" doubled on the #54 Billboard Top 200 debut chart position of the band’s 2007 Grammy-nominated release, "The Blackening", Machine Head have topped themselves again with a remarkable #22 Billboard Top 200 chart debut for their new album, "Unto The Locust", with over 17,000 albums scanned.

European Tour with DevilDriver and Darkest Hour:

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

Related links:
Machine Head
Purchase Locust on Amazon