I was lucky enough to have caught Great White Featuring Jack Russell recently in Farmington, New Mexico. As usual, Jack put on an outstanding performance. What was very cool was the band itself, featuring Derrick Pontier on drums, Matthew Johnson on guitars, Robby Lochner on guitars, and Dario Seixas on bass. The band itself was tight and clean, true professionals at their craft.
Dario and Robby TCOB!
I managed to get a hold of Dario on the phone for an audio interview. Great guy, great stage presence, and great friend and supporter to Mr. Jack Russell. Give it a listen right here:
Producer, Engineer, Writer and AIDEN Frontman WILLIAM FRANCIS Takes his Electronic Solo Project on the Road
For the past few years, William Francis has been opening the eyes (and ears) of fans new and old with his haunting electronic “dark wave” project WILLIAM CONTROL. Now, with three full-length albums, an EP, a DVD and several live performances under his belt, the singer, writer, producer and engineer (also known around the world as the wickedly-striking frontman for scene giants Aiden), has taken his project out on the road with his friends in Black Veil Brides on their “The Church of the Wild Ones” tour.
Infusing a new wave sensibility reminiscent of New Order, Bauhaus, Gary Numan, and Depeche Mode with a reinvented twist of his own, WILLIAM CONTROL has already proven to be an accepted, unique, and unrelenting addition to the Black Veil Brides tour.
WILLIAM CONTROL is on the road now! See below for all remaining tour dates.
WILLIAM CONTROL with Black Veil Brides:
1/18 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live
1/19 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero
1/22 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
1/23 – Buffalo, NY @ Club Infinity
1/25 – New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater
1/26 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
1/27 – Manchester, NH @ Armory Ballroom
1/29 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Alter Bar
1/30 – Toronto, ON @ Opera House
2/17 – Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock Cafe
2/19 – Louisville, KY @ Headliners Music Hall
2/20 – Chicago, IL @ The Castle Theatre
2/22 – Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom
2/27 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
2/28 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
3/1 – Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
3/2 – Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
3/4 – Chico, CA @ Senator Theatre
3/5 – Reno, NV @ Knitting Factory
3/6 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
3/8 – San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom
3/9 – West Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues
The latest album to come out of the WILLIAM CONTROL solo project, 2012’s Silentium Amoris, melds together dark, cinematic themes with experimental synth pop sounds. While alarmingly melancholic and moody, it also evokes an unrelenting fury, as well as aggressive elements of the industrial dance sound. William also just released a 90-minute live DVD entitled William Control – Live in London Town. The DVD, shot over the course of three days in London, England, and features 20 tracks, including a brand new unreleased song.
William has two other albums (Hate Culture, Noir) and an EP (Novus Ordo Seclorum) out now. He has also had select tracks featured on soundtracks for Saw V, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans and Underworld: Awakening and has appeared as a guest vocalist on tracks byThe Used, Vampires Everywhere! and more.
You can purchase all WILLIAM CONTROL releases via iTunes, Amazon and other digital retailers.
For more information on William Francis and WILLIAM CONTROL, please visit these websites:
“Innovation and Controversial” are two terms synonymous with Rik Fox; these two terms are defined and closely associated in the world of Marketing with High Media Ratings and Successful Sales of Products and Magazines. Ergo, Rik Fox equals high ratings and sales.
Among his many accomplishments and achievements as the first officially recognized living history re-enactor in U.S. History, responsible for introducing and representing the 17th Century Polish Winged Cavalry in America as well as having served for five years in the California State Military Reserve (C.S.M.R.), as an E-4 Corporal in Communications/Electronics, places Rik Fox at a definite advantage over the average, screaming, brainless fist-pumping rocker. “I have an ‘AGOD’ – Air, Ground, Offensive, Defensive – Systems Capability that places me second to none; my opposition will be destroyed and left as ashes.” His band SIN (Systems Interdiction Neutralization) is coming back and meaner than ever!
As one the largest and most promising rock metal bands of the mid-1980’s, SIN and Rik Fox’s performance reputation for tearing up full-house stages is the stuff of legend – that is what made SIN the top drawing metal band of Los Angeles in 1984 by a voters choice poll – Rik Fox’s vision, tenacity and driving force.
As an original founding member of WASP and creator of the bands’ moniker, to keeping the solid backbone of Shrapnel Records’ legendary cornerstone metal band STEELER with Ron Keel and Yngwie Malmsteen, to lending his solid bass to such bands as BURN (under Niji Mgt.), and Arizona’s SURGICAL STEEL, to his own bands such as SIN and THUNDERBALL, burning down the competition is nothing new to Rik Fox.
And yet, such a successful reputation brings with it a tendency to create potential jealous rivalries along the way, which apparently persist to the present day; (There exists, bands and individuals who actively attempt to prevent his progress which, when the worm turns, ultimately will be pushed aside and left behind in the return and rise of SIN) – It is said that people love to root for the underdog, and so, like ‘ROCKY’ – “When this thing is over, there will be a lot of people who will owe you an engraved apology” – Everyone else, gets to enjoy the ride.
RIK FOX MUSICAL GEAR ENDORSEMENTS
Rik Fox is one of the most well-known and highly popular and legendary rock and heavy metal bassist’s and performers since the mid 1970’s. He has created recorded with and or performed or been featured in many known bands, such as WASP, STEELER, SIN, BURN, THUNDERBALL and SURGICAL STEEL among others. He has had shared the stage and performed with some of Rock’s Legends, such as the late Ronnie James Dio and rock comedian Sam Kinison, Randy Hansen, Ozzy Osbourne drummer Randy Castillo, and ‘Little Steven’ Van Zant, as well as KISS’s Mark St. John, Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Mighty’ Max Weinberg, Roseanne’s John Goodman, producer Jean Beauvoir, as well as Warrant, Guns n’ Roses, Dokken’s Mick Brown and others at various all-star jams, or jamming with the likes of Steppenwolf’s legendary guitarist Michael Monarch, and was the creator of the band name WASP.
Rik Fox has been featured in rock and heavy metal magazines and publications around the world though the 1980’s and continues to be a sought-after interview subject for his many rock stories. He has been featured on Television and in Film. Among his many legendary interviews, Fox has been a popular interview subject, being sought-after and written about in such books as Darren Upton’s “WASP; A Sting in the Tale”, David Konow’s “Bang Your Head; The Rise and Fall of Heavy Metal” , and the upcoming book: “KISS; Nothin’ to Lose;The Early Years” by famed KISS author Ken Sharp. More can be seen at his Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rik_Fox . As a rocker who, time and again, shows promise in his work, over that time, he has earned many endorsements by actively promoting the gear and instruments by those companies he has endorsed. Although, in addition to major recording acts such as Dokken and Def Leppard, Rik Fox and his band SIN was one of the most popular and highly-visible Hollywood rock bands that popularized Randall Amplifiers, on the local level receiving the deal from Don Randall himself! (Although, to their detriment, and that of several other companies), the Randall Amplifier company today, has no previous knowledge on record of this.
Despite which, Fox still faithfully endorses many companies who don’t even acknowledge or realize it; Rik Fox has been one of their longest unsupported endorsees, still promoting their gear…As seen in the photos, just to name a few various Musical Gear Endorsements by Rik Fox and of the bands SIN, THUNDERBALL and SURGICAL STEEL as seen in magazines around the world; Showing in all the photos: Randall Amps, Ampeg Amps, B.C.Rich Basses, Ibanez Basses, ARIA Pro Basses, Gibson Basses, Epiphone Basses, Esp Guitars, Charvel-Jackson Guitars, GHS Strings, Nady Wireless, Ludwig Drums, Paiste and Zildjin Cymbals, Dunlop Picks, Vans Footwear (Boxing boots)…
In 2012-13, Rik has recently re-signed an endorsement deal with GHS Bass Strings and Dunlop Custom Picks as Rik Fox and SIN prepares to rise and, as many 1980’s bands are doing, making a much-anticipated comeback, meaner than ever. Thanks for your consideration.
New Video Launched Highlighting the CHRIS ADLER Signature VRUK DrumMaster Heel Plate
LAMB OF GOD’s CHRIS ADLER is pleased to announce his new, exclusive North American endorsement and distribution deal with VRUK Corporation, specifically in conjunction with the CHRIS ADLER Signature VRUK DrumMaster Heel Plate—a vital tool for drummers looking to increase endurance and speed that CHRIS ADLER himself will be distributing exclusively throughout North America.
The CHRIS ADLER Signature VRUK DrumMaster Heel Plate acts as an attachment to your current pedal setup providing heel support, rebound acceleration and control, the key factor of any drum technique. Today, CHRIS ADLER released a brand new video that shows what the VRUK DrumMaster Heel Plate is and how it works! Head to this location to view the video (click “watch video” link), read testimonials, grab coupon codes and more!
“In every aspect of my life, my intention is to seek out the very best. When it comes to drumming, I insist on it. I won’t use free because it’s free. I’ll overpay for the tools that allow me to exceed my own expectations,” says CHRIS ADLER. “When writing the Wrath album I wore ankle weights to increase my kick drum endurance and speed. One day after a long rehearsal, I took them off and one rested under my heel. I immediately noticed that securing and resting my ankle and heel while still playing heel-up allowed much more control over each stroke. I took the ankle weights on my US and European clinic appearances and shared what I had found. I used the ankle weights under my heels every night on the following two year world tour. Fast forward to the spring of 2012 and I began R&D on creating a device that could attach to my pedal and provide consistent support and control. Mr. Vruk had beaten me to it and we were immediately in touch. The VRUK design allows for secure attachment to any pedal and grip and heel support system far greater than my homemade designs. I recently used them at the US festivals that the band just played and not only did they perform well, I performed better. With my heel and ankle able to rest between strokes, my endurance and speed have noticeably improved. This product exceeds my expectations and helps me do what I love doing.”
Marking the Band’s First U.S. Live Performances in 10 Years, COAL CHAMBER Announces Co-Headliner with SEVENDUST, Featuring Special Guests LACUNA COIL
CANDLELIGHT RED and STOLEN BABIES to Open Select Dates
Marking their first U.S. live performances in over 10 years, 90’s alt-metal band COAL CHAMBER is pleased to announce that they are back in action and kicking off a co-headline tour with Sevendust this spring. The tour will also feature special guests Lacuna Coil as direct support on each date, as well as Candlelight Red and Stolen Babies opening on either half of the run (see the split below). See below for a full listing of North American tour dates.
Each member of COAL CHAMBER had words to share about the announcement.
“I’m STOKED to be bringing COAL CHAMBER back to the United States,” exclaims vocalist Dez Fafara. “These shows are going to fucking rule! The line-up is perfect! Hope to see you all there!”
“The past has fuelled the fire to bring COAL CHAMBER back stronger than ever,” adds drummer Mike Cox. “I couldn’t be more excited to tour the states on an amazing tour. HERE WE GO!”
“I’m really excited and grateful to be a part of such an awesome bill! We will be slaying it across America and the world,” adds guitarist Meegs Rascón.
Bassist Chela Rhea Harper states, “America is where COAL CHAMBER started; where the music first came to life. The entire experience in Australia and South America has been so surreal up until this point, and to be able to continue this adventure on the band’s home soil is an honor. The support from all has been tremendous.”
Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 18th! See below for all currently confirmed tour dates and stay tuned for more ticketing information.
COAL CHAMBER with Sevendust, Lacuna Coil, Candlelight Red and Stolen Babies:
3/28 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee*
3/29 – Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia LA Live*
3/30 – San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom*
3/31 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades*
4/2 – Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre*
4/3 – Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion*
4/4 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom*
4/5 – Sauget, IL @ Pop’s*
4/6 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave*
4/8 – Minneapolis, MN @ Mill City Nights*
4/9 – Joliet, IL @ Mojoes*
4/11 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ Piere’s*
4/12 – Detroit, MI @ Harpo’s*
4/13 – Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy**
4/14 – Hartford, CT @ Webster Theater**
4/16 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium**
4/17 – New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater**
4/18 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory**
4/19 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom**
4/20 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom**
4/22 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live!**
4/23 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore**
4/24 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle**
4/26 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Ballroom**
4/27 – Corpus Christi, TX @ Concrete Street Amphitheater**
With long hard thought about the subject of my favorite release of 2012 I ended up picking All Hail The Yeti for several reasons. Every listen to this CD something new is heard that was missed before. To me that takes a lot of talent to add such depth and dimension to songwriting. This CD reaches into you and grabs a hold of your soul. The intensity and emotion in Vocalist Connor Garrity’s vocals is out of this world amazing. Connor reaches deep within himself and pulls guttural screams, and then compliments them with clean vocals. My good friend and brother Craw NeQuent compliments Connor’s vocals exquisitely. From searing leads, to background fills, Craw gets it done . Nicholas Diltz lays down some killer bottom end that crushes your chest. Combined, band puts down some great harmonies that add to the power of All Hail The Yeti.
1. “Deep Creek” – A powerful song that imparts the fear of some THING that’s coming to get you. This track is an all out assault on your senses, and you can almost feel the fear of the monster from Deep Creek.
2. “When The Sky Falls” – Carries on the power of the record and tells a disturbing story, listen to the lyrics. Connor’s vocals are all over the place from spoken, to scream, and then to harmony.
3. “Suicide Woods” – Fe Fi Fo Fum I smell the blood of everyone. Well put together track.
4. “The Weak and Wounded (Prelude to Flames)” – With a haunting back track that sets your hair on edge this leads you into the horror to follow.
5. “After the Great Fire” – My personal favorite track. This tells the tale of a horrible, tragic event. I can feel the terror of the children crying out for help and feel the evil of the “being” responsible. This song has so many layers that you can truly find something new every listen. The chilling line “I am the Devil, I am the Smoke” really gives me the chills. Here is the lyric video:
6. “Bloodguilt” –This track is one of the two that shows the guitar skills of Craw. Reminiscent of Pantera, the vocal/guitar combos fit nicely in your ears.
7. “The Art Of Mourning” – Crackling fire and an old time folk song start this tale of violence and retribution off. This was the first track by All Hail The Yeti to fill my ears. The video for it is a stellar piece of work depicting a tale of the old west. Haunting harmonies combined with powerhouse vocals, and some kick ass harmonica hold this track up. check out the video:
8. “I Am Wendigod” – A tale of a Native legend of a flesh eating spirit being called the Wendigo. You can feel the cold of its haunts…what’s that looking in your window? Growling, snarling, Connor almost makes you believe that he is channeling the Wendigo….hmmmm???
9. “Axe Murder Hollow” – This is the second track of the two that showcases the talent of guitarist Craw. All over the map with his playing, Craw is a guitarist that the world needs to hear. Carrying on the dark theme of the record, this one is another personal favorite.
10. “Ruby Ridge (Every Knee Shall Bow)” – If oyu don’t know the story of Ruby Ridge you should do your homework and look into it. A solid doom laden track with a great hook.
11. “Judas Cradle” – This track powers the album just as you were brought into it. Raw power is the only way to describe it. This is something you have to experience.
Every track is anchored most solidly by extraordinary bassist Nicholas Diltz. He sets the solid background that I dare anyone to shake. This guy has become one of my favorite bassists in a hurry.
There you have it, the experience of All Hail The Yeti. You MUST get this record and help to support a band that should be heard by everyone.
Andy- Lead Vocals
Tom – Guitars
Goran – Bass
Michael – Drums
The up-and-coming sensational four-piece modern metal band ToxicRose was formed in Stockholm Sweden in 2010.
Consisting of Tom (Gemini Five), Andy and Michael (both EX Lipstixx ‘n’ Bulletz) and Goran (EX Sexydeath).
There is no compromising or limits in the world of ToxicRose. Powerful Vocals combined with Aggressive Guitars , Grand melodic Synths & Dark Emotional Lyrics.
TXR stands tall for the outcast and they’re here to take metal to a new level.
With their catchy melodic epic metal anthems and shocking look they are unstoppable!
Peter Tägtgren – Vocals & Guitar
David Wallin – Drums (2003)
Michael Bohlin – Guitar (2007)
Johan Husgafvel – Bass (2007)
PAIN is a musical project from Sweden that mix heavy metal with influences from electronic music and techno. The project started out as a hobby project for front man Peter Tägtgren, whose idea was to fuse heavy metal with 1980s-inspired electro-industrial and techno influences. Tägtgren, who is also the vocalist/guitarist of Hypocrisy and producer of his own The Abyss studios, is the only current member.
Jason M Arigoni -Vocals-Songwriting
Dan Zavadil- Bass-Songwriting
Session Players:
Jason Bittner-Drums
Ben Carroll-Guitar
With strong melodic presences and driving beats, HALF PAST MY SIN will find a place with fans of bands like SEVENDUST, DISTURBED and DROWNING POOL, to name a few…..
The new Album from Half Past My Sin “4:44” featuring Sinn on vocals and Dan Zavadil on bass with special guests Jason Bittner of Shadows Fall on drums and Ben Carroll of RA on guitars!!! Also appearing on 4:44 will be the songwriting Clint Lowery of Sevendust!!!
Out early 2013!!!!
welcome to the sin!!!
Jason Newsted – Bass, vocals
Jesus Mendez Jr. – Drums
Jessie Farnsworth – guitars
In December 2012, Jason announced that he had formed his own band called Newsted with drummer Jesus Mendez Jr. and guitarist Jessie Farnsworth. The band released a four-song EP, titled Metal, on January 8, 2013.
Ricky Warwick – Vocals/Guitar
Scott Gorham – Guitars
Damon Johnson – Guitars
Marco Mendoza – Bass
Jimmy DeGrasso – Drums
In October 2012 Thin Lizzy announced that they would not be recording new material under the Thin Lizzy monicker. The last incarnation of the band – Scott Gorham, Brian Downey, Darren Wharton, Ricky Warwick, Damon Johnson and Marco Mendoza – would be looking to form a new project.
Step forward Black Star Riders…
Today sees the announcement of the new band formed by Thin Lizzy alumni Ricky Warwick (vocals), Scott Gorham (guitar), Damon Johnson (guitar), Marco Mendoza (bass) with new addition Jimmy DeGrasso on drums (Alice Cooper, Megadeth, David Lee Roth, Suicidal Tendencies). The change in personnel came about as Brian Downey didn’t want to commit to the touring cycle a new album would entail and Darren Wharton wanted to concentrate on Dare and other music and film projects.
Black Star Riders is set to enter the studio in Los Angeles in January 2013 to start recording their debut album with the legendary Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, Rush). The album will feature material the band wrote whilst touring as Thin Lizzy and the sound retains that classic feel but is very much its own as well. The Black Star Riders record is the next step in the evolution of the Thin Lizzy story.
Chad Smith – Drums
Boe Skadeland – Bass
Todd Evans – Guitar/Vocals
Based out of Toledo, Ohio, MOBILE DEATHCAMP has been sawing clubs in half, and leaving crowds with their collective jaws on the floor since the band’s inception in 2008. Formed by Todd Evans at the end of his 6 year stint as Beefcake The Mighty with the legendary shock rockers, GWAR, and joined in aural battle by Boe Skadeland and Chad Smith, this musical terror pocket has been consistently leveling venues across North America.
Johnny DiCarlo – Lead Vocals – Guitar
James Watson – Guitar – Vocals
Marcus Giannamore – Drums
George Scott – Bass
“NeverWake” concentrates on songs that reside between Rock and Metal to bridge both genres. They combine memorable, melodic vocals and gothic guitar harmonies over heavy distortion to achieve their style. They are currently looking to be signed to a record label and hit the road. NeverWake continues to develop their style by incorporating more complex riffs, heavier background vocal style, and dark orchestration while keeping their melodic lyricism. NeverWake released their debut full-length album “VITALITY” in August 2011, produced/engineered/mixed by Mike Ofca at Innovation Studios! “Vitality” is available on iTunes and other main online retailers. You can also order the hard copy by emailing neverwakemusic@gmail.com for inquires.
Recently, they have also released their debut music video on YouTube for the song “Pulse”, produced by Jeff Moore of Axtravaganza Films!
Mark Alexander – Guitar
Sam Rhodes – Guitar
Jason Sain – Vocals
Matt Staley – Bass
Kenny Wyatt – Drums
3 Quarters Dead was formed back in 1999 with original members Kenny Wyatt and Mark Alexander. After they returned from a tour with Mushroomhead, they began recording their second full length CD with Steve Felton (Skinny) of Mushroomhead. The vocalist at that time was Waylon Reavis who was recruited by Mushroomhead to take the place of J-Mann (aka Jason Popson) who had announced his departure from the band. After starting all over, they finally found a vocalist that suited their style of music. Jason Sain started with the band in late 2007. In 2008 they recorded “Between Angels & Demons” with producer Jamie King of ‘Between The Buried & Me’, ‘The Human Abstract’ fame. In late 2009 they signed with indie label ‘Project Alpha Music’ and released their latest effort “Once Upon This Broken Glass” in March, 2010.
The lead single, “The Unknown” is off of their new CD “Once Upon This Broken Glass. It about loves someone who doesn’t love you back. This song has many melodic sections to it. But when you hear the change ups which are dynamic, it sets a tone of a story being told through 3 degrees of separation. These three levels are clearly defined and portrayed beautifully by the talents of these individuals.
In 2009, Uta Plotkin added her voice to Witch Mountain in front of a triumphant sold out crowd at Portland, OR’s venerable club Satyricon. Supporting Pentagram—East coast godfathers of American doom who also took far too long to receive their rightful due—Plotkin brought the necessary ingredient that Witch Mountain founders Rob Wrong and Nate Carson had been seeking since they initially formed the group back in 1997.
Originally far out of step with the lazy, indie-rock scene in Portland, guitarist Wrong and drummer Carson sought to put their own stamp on the tradition of doom metal as laid down by Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Trouble, and Saint Vitus. Years of road work in support of peers such as High on Fire, Spirit Caravan, Electric Wizard, YOB, Weedeater, Eyehategod, and all the rest had granted Witch Mountain a solid footnote in the history of one of music’s heaviest genres. And though real life careers took the band largely out of commission between 2003 and 2008, Plotkin’s emergence kicked the band back into a high gear that shows no signs of waning.
With renewed vigor, WM returned to the studio to capture the long-awaited sophomore album South of Salem. Produced by master “engine-ear” Billy Anderson (Sleep, Neurosis, Melvins), the record was self-released by the band on vinyl, and shortly thereafter recognized as the “#4 Best Metal Album of 2011” by NPR. With a SXSW showcase, west coast tours with Christian Mistress and Wino project Premonition 13, and a massively downloaded Adult Swim compilation under its belt, Witch Mountain proved its modern work ethic and soon signed up with dream label Profound Lore.
Once South of Salem was unleashed on CD and properly distributed, it was time to follow up with all new material. 2012’s Cauldron of the Wild was the answer, produced once more by Billy Anderson, and this time featuring a further matured sound and more immersive influence from Plotkin. Rob Wrong was writing the best, heaviest blues-metal he’d yet conjured, and Carson–as both manager and booker–kept the band grounded in a professional DIY ethic. New bassist Neal Munson fit like a glove, and overall the group has never fired on all cylinders so successfully.
KATATONIA TO SUPPORT OPETH ON “NORTH AMERICAN HERITAGE TOUR 2013”
Sweden’s elite team up for 30+ city tour beginning in April
SWEDEN – Sweden’s ultimate dark rock/metal band, Katatonia, has announced an extensive North American tour with headliner and fellow Swedish elite, Opeth. The upcoming run, “North American Heritage Tour 2013,” will conquer over 30 cities this spring beginning April 18 in Buffalo, N.Y.
Commented guitarist, Anders Nyström, “Back in the U.S.A…That’s right Springsteen! We’re looking at round #2 as special guests to our brothers in Opeth on their last North American leg of the Heritage World Tour. This time we’ll mainly cover off-territories, so regardless if you caught or missed us last time, consider this a second chance to attend the dead ends of North America with one of the best bills there’ll ever be!”
The tour will make two special stops, the first in Worcester, Mass. on April 20 where the band returns to play the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival, then in Clifton Park, N.Y. on April 28 where acclaimed Porcupine Tree front-man Steven Wilson will join for the night. A full list of confirmed dates can be seen below.
Katatonia last toured North America in September 2012 as part of the co-headlining “Epic Kings & Idols Tour” with The Devin Townsend Project.
Dead End Kings, Katatonia’s ninth studio album and the follow-up to 2009’s critically acclaimed,Night is the New Day, hit stores on August 28, 2012 via Peaceville Records.
The record debuted at #4 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, #138 on the Billboard Top 200 and #10 on Hard Rock, topping Night is the New Day first week sales in the U.S. and making it Katatonia’s most successful U.S. debut in its 20-year career.
Stay tuned to the Dead End Kings mini-site: http://www.deadendkings.com for more information on Katatonia, Dead End Kings and “North American Heritage Tour 2013.”
Katatonia on tour w/ Opeth…
4/18 – Buffalo, NY @ The Town Ballroom
4/20 – Worcester, MA @ New England Metal & Hardcore Fest
4/21 – Quebec City, QC @ Capitole
4/23 – Halifax, NS @ Halifax Forum
4/24 – Moncton, NB @ Casino New Brunswick
4/26 – Guelph, ON @ Guelph Concert Theatre
4/27 – Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock
4/28 – Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall *w/ Steven Wilson
4/29 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
4/30 – Norfolk, VA @ NorVa Theatre
5/02 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
5/03 – St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theatre
5/04 – Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre
5/05 – Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre
5/06 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
5/08 – Lexington, KY @ Buster’s Billiards & Backroom
5/09 – Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
5/10 – Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop
5/11 – Joliet, IL @ Mojoe’s
5/12 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
5/14 – Fargo, ND @ The Venue
5/15 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s
5/16 – Sauget, IL @ Pop’s
5/17 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
5/18 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
5/20 – Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre
5/21 – Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre
5/23 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
5/24 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
5/25 – Agoura Hills, CA @ The Canyon Club
5/26 – Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
“Legendary WASP, STEELER, SIN and SURGICAL STEEL bassist, RIK FOX has just re-signed a new Endorsement Deal with GHS Strings and will once again be packing a punch using his tried and true favorites, GHS BASS BOOMERS Custom Bass Strings. Fox told Artists Relations Rep Chris Walters:
“I generally use a good, overall, ‘traditional’ warm tone thru my Randall’s (amps) with a nice gut-pounding bottom end thru my 15’s. Not too much over-driven midrange that some of the later 90’s bands tend to use, so, for my bass strings, I like my sound loud with a good bite to them, but something that won’t be gouging out my necks, and a string that doesn’t go flat or worn out too fast. I generally like my G and D strings a little heavier to better match the consistency ‘bridge’ to the A and E strings; not so much separation between gauge weights from higher to lower strings. I’ve found that that creates better sound consistency overall and cuts down on the potential breaking of the lighter gauge strings. I have found GHS Boomers to fit that need and hit the mark every time”
So, I’m looking forward to ‘coming back home’ to GHS Strings once again.” Congratulations to RIK FOX on his new re-signing back to GHS Strings!
Justin Manning is a local southern CA rocker born and raised Los Angeles and is currently one of the
founding members and lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Crowned By Fire. This shredder started his
musical journey as a drummer at the age of 10 and became the “First Chair” drummer in his Junior High
marching band and local school band. He always inspired to be a guitarist and it was not until the age
of 12 when he received a red and white Fender Stratocaster for Christmas from his father. Not knowing
where to begin playing guitar, Justin used his knowledge of reading drum music to incorporate it into his
guitar playing, a distinct signature to his rhythm playing still heard to this day.
He listened to records from the likes of Guns N Roses, Van Halen and Ozzy Osbourne and learned
playing the solos off the records by creating music patterns and on many occasions played guitar with his
friends to gain more experience.
At around this time, he met a graduate of Musicians Institute who became his mentor and taught Justin
to play scales and on many occasions would take him to various band rehearsals with the likes of Lemmy
from Motorhead, El Duce (The Mentors), Jimmy Bain (Dio) and other major rock stars. Justin would
sometimes sit in as a drummer for these bands when the actual drummers missed their rehearsals. It was
at this ripe age of 13 that Justin’s calling to be a musician came to be.
At the age of 16 with a bass his mother bought him, he joined the local band Men in Black as a bass
player and played the local clubs on the sunset strip. He shortly left the band to start a new Pantera-
esque inspired band, again taking the helm as lead guitarist. It was during this time that he met Zakk
Wylde and was asked to be his guitar tech and in less than 24 hours was on a plane to Arkansas to start
the Black Label Society and Crowbar tour. This gave Justin the opportunity to meet some of the greats,
most notably the members of Pantera and other notable rock stars. This opportunity gave Justin a taste of
what life on tour really is as well as a vast amount technical experience.
When he returned back home from the BLS tour, Justin became the personal assistant to Zakk’s wife
Barbaranne, helping with her the various necessities. He also became Zakk’s protégé during the Ozzfest
tour that same year and appeared on the TV show the Osbournes.
Justin started various bands and held regular day jobs at ESP and Schecter Guitar Research as a guitar
technician. While at ESP he became acquainted with George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) who gave him
the opportunity to work as a bass tech for Anthony Esposito (Thin Lizzy, Lynch Mob, Ace Frehley) and he eventually took the reigns as Georges tech. Justin
was asked on several occasions to actually play on stage with Lynch Mob as a second guitar player
doubling the rhythm and leads for the guitar legend himself.
Upon his return home he started a few bands one which will eventually turn into the current band
Crowned By Fire with co-founder John Fitterer and released an EP and their latest full album “Prone To
Destroy” recorded in Florence, Italy and distributed under a European label.
Justin still remains close friends with Zakk Wylde, George Lynch and also with Tommy Victor (Danzig,
Prong, Ministry) who has offered him a gig as his guitar tech on the Danzig Legacy Tour which includes
Danzig, Samhain and The Misfits on their tour in the coming months. Justin carries various major
endorsement deals and mainly plays his favorite Les Paul specially given to him by the great Zakk Wylde.
the Hellion Rocks 