I’m gonna rant today. I have interviewed a lot of musicians over the years. Some of them I have connected with and remain friends with. By friends I mean we exchange phone calls, emails, text messages, etc. While with others I am sure I am forgotten as soon as the phone is hung up or the camera is turned off. Within all of this I have become privy to band business and drama. I have been asked for advice and been a sounding board for various band members. ALL OF WHICH REMAIN BEHIND THE SCENES AS IT SHOULD BE.
I have recently seen a trend in social media where fans try to involve themselves in band business. I am of the opinion that fans need to support the band and their music and leave the business to them. I, for one, am not on any bands payroll and thus I have no say in their business. It’s ok to have an opinion, and yes bands put themselves in the public eye, but negativity breeds negativity and the music world needs to come together and unite. I’m just sayin..
WHITECHAPEL Post Third “Making of Our Endless War” Video
New Album Available April 29th on
Metal Blade Records
Our Endless WarWHITECHAPEL‘s fifth full-length record and fourth for Metal Blade Records is a ruthlessly honed album that refuses to compromise on brutality; it is also by far WHITECHAPEL‘s most streamlined, atmospheric, and emotionally powerful release, pushing every aspect of their sound to the next level. The wait is almost over and in less then two weeks,Our Endless War will be released to the masses.
On release day Tuesday April 29th, hometown fans in Knoxville, TN will have a chance to meet WHITECHAPEL and pick up a copy of Our Endless Warat a special in-store autograph signing. The signing will take place at FYE at the West Town Mall located at 7600 Kingston, Pike Ste. 1464 in Knoxville, TN. The signing begins at 7:00 PM.
During the recording of Our Endless War the band shot a series of behind the scenes and in-studio videos documenting the process. Today the third episode in the series has been released. This video takes a closer looks at Phil’s performance and lyrics on the album. This album is his darkest and most personal material to date lyrically and in the video he explains the meaning behind some of the songs on the album. The clip can be viewed here:
The first episode in the series focuses on the pre-production and the band’s writing process for the new album. It can be viewed here:
The second video showcases each member sharing their part in tracking the riffs that made up the album and can be viewed here:
Earlier this week WHITECHAPEL premiered a lyric video for the song “Our Endless War” on Artist Direct. It can be viewed here:
WHITECHAPEL will hit the road this Friday April 16th as part of a string of shows leading up to the release of Our Endless War. The shows run through April 27th in Birmingham, AL with support coming from Carnifex, Within the Ruins, and Cruelhand. This run also includes an appearance at this year’s New England Metal & Hardcore Festival.
Following those shows, WHITECHAPEL will take part in a co-headline tour DevilDriver. Support on the tour will come from Revocation, Carnifex, Rivers of Nihil and Fit For an Autopsy. The tour runs from May 17th in Denver, CO through June 23rd in Austin, TX. A complete list of dates can be found below.
The band have also confirmed an appearance at this year’s Heavy MTL Festival on August 9th as well as select headline dates around their appearance. These shows run from August 7th through August 12th.
WHITECHAPEL have created an online contest with their new single “Mono”. Vocalist Phil Bozeman has a video message for fans that are interested and would like to enter the contest, which can be viewedHERE. The object of the contest is that fans will film themselves doing a vocal cover of the new song “Mono” and then upload their videos to YouTube. The contest ends April 21st and the winner will be announced on April 22nd and will receive a grand prize package that consists of: 1 Deluxe CD Bundle of Our Endless War, a 30 minute vocal coaching lesson with Phil Bozeman via Skype and their video will be featured on Phil’s YouTube Channel.
Our Endless War Track Listing:
1. Rise
2. Our Endless War
3. The Saw is the Law
4. Mono
5. Let Me Burn
6. Worship the Digital Age
7. How Times Have Changed
8. Psychopathy
9. Blacked Out
10. Diggs Road
11. A Process So Familiar (Bonus Track)
12. Fall of the Hypocrites (Bonus Track)
WHITECHAPEL w/ Carnifex, Within The Ruins and Cruelhand
4/16: Columbus, OH @ The Basement
4/17: Buffalo, NY @ Waiting Room
4/18: Worcester, MA @ Palladium – New England Metal and Hardcore Fest*
4/19: Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club
4/20: Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
4/22: Greensboro, NC @ Greene Street Club
4/23: Columbia, SC @ New Brooklyn Tavern
4/24: Jacksonville, FL @ Roc Bar
4/25: Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
4/27: Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco
*Festival Date
WHITECHAPEL in Mexico
5/3: Zapopan, Jalosco, MX @ Calle 2 Pabellon B
5/4: Monterey NL, MZ @ Café Iguana
5/5: Mexico City, MX @ Plaza Condesa
WHITECHAPEL w/ Revocations and Rivers of Nihil:
5/14: St Louis, MO @ Fubar
5/15: Kansas City, MO @ Czar Bar
WHITECHAPEL w/ DevilDriver, Revocation, Carnifex, Rivers of Nihil and Fit For An Autopsy
5/17: Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
5/18: Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
5/19: Tempe, AZ @ Marquis Theater
5/20: West Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues
5/21: San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
5/22: San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
5/23: Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spade
5/24: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
5/25: Boise, ID @ Knitting Factor
5/26: Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factor
5/27: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
5/29: Calgary, AB @ Marquee Beer & Market Stag
5/30: Edmonton, AB @ Union Hall
5/31: Regina, SK @ Riddell Centre
6/1: Fargo, ND @ The Venue
6/2: Minneapolis, MN @ Mill City Nights
6/3: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
6/4: Joliet, IL @ Mojoes
6/5: Kokomo, IN @ CenterStage Bar and Grill
6/7: Knoxville, TN @ The International
6/8: Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts
6/10: Toronto, ON @ The Opera House
6/11: Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar
6/12: New York, NY @ Stage 48
6/13: Philadelphia, PA @ Theater of the Living Arts
6/14: Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Sound Stage
6/15: Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall
6/16: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
6/17: Orlando, FL @ Firestone Live
6/18: Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
6/20: Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
6/21: Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock
6/22: Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar ‘N Grill (Outside)
6/23: Austin, TX @ Mohwak
MOTÖRHEAD is BACK – First Performances Since August 2013 Kick Off to an Electrifying Start!
Rocked to a SOLD OUT Club Nokia on Friday & Coachella on Sunday
Photo by John Harrell
Undisputed rock n’ roll legends MOTÖRHEAD kicked off their first live performances since August 2013 with an electrifying bang this past weekend – performing to completely packed, sold out crowds on Friday at Club Nokia in Los Angeles and on Sunday at Coachella.
MOTÖRHEAD performed 15 songs on Friday, including top tracks ‘Ace of Spades’ and ‘Overkill’, with Slash joining in (see below for some fantastic photos from the set). The exciting set included tracks encompassing the band’s career; including a track from the band’s new album Aftershock.
As mentioned above, not only did MOTÖRHEAD bring down the house at Club Nokia, but then turned right around to rock the sold out crowd at Coachella on Sunday! “Legendary London heavy metal band MOTÖRHEAD, with special guest Slash, got the devil horns approval of fans on Sunday at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival,” states Wes Woods of the Los Angeles Daily News. In a Twitter post, Billboard adds, “MOTÖRHEAD, who have already pummeled the crowd with the heaviest riffs heard all weekend, welcome Guns N’ Roses guitar god Slash to the stage for a balls to the walls rendition of “Ace of Spades.” Any marbles Coachella had left are instantly lost.”
Apparently MOTÖRHEAD out-rocked other bands, even way across the festival grounds! According to Yahoo Music, “The roaring riffs of Slash and MOTÖRHEAD axeman Phil Campbell could be heard all the way across Coachella’s vast polo field, practically bleeding over into Arcade Fire‘s Main Stage revue.”
MOTÖRHEAD will continue to perform throughout April, including another Coachella performance on April 20th. Other stops include Chandler, AZ, Las Vegas, NV, and San Francisco, CA.
MOTÖRHEAD Spring Performance Dates:
4/15 Chandler, AZ @ Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
4/17 Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl Concert Theater
4/18 San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theatre
4/20 Indio, CA @ Coachella
Photo by Alex Solca
Photo by Scott Uchida
Photo by John Harrell
Photo by John Harrell
MOTÖRHEAD is taking part in Record Store Day 2014 in a big way – offering a must-have collectible item! The band is releasing a limited and numbered special edition Aftershock picture disc vinyl, exclusively for Record Store Day on April 19th. The 180-gram picture discs are limited to 4,500 units worldwide and are individually numbered. Go to www.recordstoreday.com to find a participating Record Store Day store near you.
Catch MOTÖRHEAD performing with Megadeth and Anthrax on the first annual MOTÖRHEAD’s Motörboat cruise onboard the Carnival Ecstasy from September 22-26, 2014. In addition to these three rock giants, “The Loudest Boat In The World” will also feature performances from Zakk Wylde, Jim Breuer, Danko Jones, Fireball Ministry, Wilson,and some big surprises. More bands are set to be announced soon. Tickets for MOTÖRHEAD’s Motörboat, as well as full details and cabin pricing, are on sale now at www.MotorheadCruise.com.
MOTÖRHEAD’s Aftershock did not only act as another stellar addition to the band’s legendary catalog, but is widely regarded as one of the best musical releases of 2013. Aftershock marked MOTÖRHEAD’s biggest selling first week and highest US chart debut numbers to date.You can order Aftershock now in Limited Edition Digipack format via Amazon.com at this link. The album is also available in regular CD format and vinyl (gatefold – 180-Gram Single LP).
On Tour with SLAYER and SUICIDAL TENDENCIES in May 2014 + Rock On The Range + Heavy Montreal
San Francisco’s veteran thrashers EXODUS have entered a studio in Northern California with producer Andy Sneap to record their eleventh studio album. Guitarist and songwriter Gary Holt has issued the following update:
“We are well into drum tracks; everything is going super smooth and Tom [Hunting] is just killing it! Best drum sound this band has ever laid down – sounds just simply pummeling! Only one more song and some B sides to go, then we go through things and make sure everything is up to par, and then time for guitars! Can’t wait to add the crunch to these monsters. This is gonna be so goddamned heavy it ain’t even funny! We couldn’t be more stoked and pleased with how this record is coming along! Bludgeoning!”
EXODUS performed atKirk Von Hammett’s Fear FestEviLin San Francisco in early February. This May, they’ll play six shows as direct support to Slayer with openers SUICIDAL TENDENCIES before joining Guns N’ Roses, Avenged Sevenfold, and Kid Rock at this year’sRock On The Range festival. On August 10th, EXODUS will perform at Heavy Montreal at Parc Jean-Deapeau in Montreal, QC with Slayer, Lamb of God, Hatebreed and more.
EXODUS US TOUR with SLAYER, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES:
5/9 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Great Salt Air
5/10 – Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium
5/11 – Billings, MT @ Shrine Auditorium
5/13 – Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater
5/15 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
5/16 – Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
5/17 – Columbus, OH @ Columbus Crew Stadium – Rock on the Range
8/10 – Montreal, QC @ Parc Jean-Drapeau – Heavy Montreal
EXODUS INTERNATIONAL DATES:
7/11 – Balingen, Germany @ Bang Your Head Festival
7/12 – Antwerp, Belgium @ Antwerp Metal Festival
8/16 – Bogota, Columbia @ Rock al Parque
ABOUT EXODUS:
With a career spanning 34 years and over five million albums sold worldwide, EXODUS have not only helped shape & define the thrash metal genre for over three decades but they continually seek to raise its standards. One of the forefathers of the Bay Area scene that became known & envied throughout the world, the band’s1985debut album, Bonded By Blood, has since become a legacy album featuring mandatory live staples such as “Strike Of The Beast,”“A Lesson In Violence,” and the album’s title track. Formed in 1980, the band’s original members included Tom Hunting on drums, Kirk Hammett (METALLICA) & Tim Agnello on guitars, and Carlton Melson on bass. With a line-up that evolved throughout the years, the current incarnation of EXODUS has remained unchanged since 2007: Gary Holt & Lee Altus on guitars, Tom Hunting on drums, Jack Gibson on bass, and Rob Dukes on vocals. To date,EXODUS has released ten studio albums, two live albums, and one compilation. Their most recent release, Exhibit B: The Human Condition, debuted at #114 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart in 2010.
Jack Flanagan, manager of GWAR has issued this official statement:
On behalf of Dave Brockie’s family, Slave Pit Inc. and GWAR, we would like to thank all the loyal fans worldwide for the outpouring of love and support shown to us over the past few days. Knowing that we have such amazing family, friends and fans is truly helping us all get through this tough time.
We are awaiting a toxicology report from the medical examiners office to confirm the cause of death. The medical examiners office has informed us that the results can take one to three months to be processed. Standard protocol exists that a toxicology procedure be performed.
We have made funeral arrangements and a private memorial has been scheduled for close friends and family.
As Dave and Oderus would have wanted, this year’s GWAR-B-Q scheduled for August 16th at Hadad’s Lake (7900 Osborne Turnpike Richmond, VA) will still take place as planned. We have scheduled the Dave Brockie public memorial to take place the day prior to the GWAR-B-Q, Friday August 15th, also at Hadad’s Lake.
More information shall be released as the details are confirmed.
You ever listen to some music and think to yourself “Wow, that sounds great!” I’m not talking about the band or the song, I’m talking about the SOUND of it. The drums are huge, the bass is punchy, the guitar tones come through, the vocals have presence, and the entire package is clean and brilliant.
So how did it get that way? Proper production that’s how. A lot of things are necessary to making a recording with great quality: the band and their songs , recording equipment and place to record, and a producer.
The pre-production process is a necessity for any recording project. This is an opportunity for the band and the producer to put their heads together and come up with a battle plan to record the band and their songs in the best way. Often times during this process the songs are reworked with the assistance of the producer in order to maximize the tracks for recording. I have spoken to producers who have told me that sometimes a band has reworked all of their songs intended for an album based upon the producers’s input.
Over the years some producers have become stars in their own right often sought out by artists for the particular “sound” that is associated with them . Does this change the band? I don’t think so, in fact, I think that a working relationship between a band and a producer over time can become a magical thing. Think of the relationship between Rick Rubin and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, magic, sheer magic.
Sometimes the artist puts on the producer’s hat as well. This can work for some and be too daunting for others. I feel that this can be exhausting both physically and mentally and takes a superhuman effort to pull off.
Then there is the producer who is also a musician who does double duty, producing AND playing on project he is working on. While this sounds like it would be cool for the producer it makes me wonder if something is lost on either side because of the hard work it takes to play and produce. I know some who have pulled it off successfully, more power to them. Chris Collier and his double duty work on the Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza Project song “It’s All I Need” comes quickly to mind.
Here’s a piece of advice to up and coming bands: Do yourself a favor and make sure you pay attention to the production of your recordings, it will pay off in the end.
I wish to thank the following producers for the body of work they have given to the world of music: George Clinton, Roy Thomas Baker, Jerry Wexler, Jimmy Miller, Trevor Horn, Steve Lillywhite, Jeff Lynne, Jimmy Iovine, Sam Phillips, Berry Gordy, Mutt Lange, Teo Macero, Jim Steinman, Chris Thomas, Daniel Lanois, Todd Rundgren, T Bone Burnett, Arif Mardin, Brian Wilson, Brian Eno, Rick Rubin, Phil Spector, Nile Rodgers, Quincy Jones, Sir George Martin, Chris Collier, Sterling Winfield, Steve Thompson. While in no means complete, these producers quickly come to mind for me.
In conclusion, take out that favorite recording and listen to it, I mean REALLY listen to it. The mix of bass, drums, guitars, and overall presence combined with the talent of the band. Then look at the production credits, seek out the producer and thank them.
The Pretty Reckless “Heaven Knows” At #1
All That Remains “What If I Was Nothing” At #2
(New York, NY) – Razor & Tie celebrates the top two spots on the Active Rock Radio chart this week with The Pretty Reckless hit song “Heaven Knows” hitting #1 and All That Remains’ “What If I Was Nothing” landing at #2. Led by Razor & Tie Senior Vice President Promotions Kurt Steffek, this marks the first time an independent label has held the top two spots on the chart. The Pretty Reckless join All That Remains and P.O.D. as Razor & Tie bands that have gone to #1 on the rock charts.
Steffek comments, “I’m extremely proud of this accomplishment for Razor & Tie and couldn’t be happier for our bands. Hats off to some great A&R as well as the wonderful promo team that I work with.”
Razor & Tie Co-Owner’s Cliff Chenfeld and Craig Balsam add, “We have made a commitment to work with the most inspiring artists in rock and this is an incredibly gratifying accomplishment. We are very fortunate to support The Pretty Reckless and All That Remains. More to come.
The Pretty Reckless celebrate this first #1 Radio hit in advance of their forthcoming album release, Going To Hell, on March 18th. The video for the “Heaven Knows” can be watched here: http://vevo.ly/GlreyE. The band, led by singer Taylor Momsen, has supported Evanescence, Guns N’ Roses and Marilyn Manson on tour in addition to headline runs in both the U.S. and abroad. The Pretty Reckless is currently supporting Fall Out Boy on tour in Europe and UK and look out for dates in North America this spring and summer.
“What If I Was Nothing” is from All That Remains’ album A War You Cannot Win. The album debuted at #13 on the Billboard Top 200. “What If I Was Nothing” also marks the band’s 6th Top 10 single at the format. The first single from the album, “Stand Up” reached #1 at Active Rock Radio. One of the leading rock/metal bands in music today, ATR has sold more than 1 million combined albums to date and 1,500,000 tracks to date.
An exciting time in the label’s history, Razor & Tie has upcoming releases from Chiodos, Chelsea Grin and KYNG along with additional releases via the label’s new imprint Washington Square from The Hold Steady and Augustana.
ENTHRONED, NOISEY LAUNCH NEW TRACK “OF SHRINES AND SOVEREIGNS”
10th studio album “Sovereigns” out April 15 on Agonia Records
BELGIUM – Belgium’s leading black metal force, Enthroned, has teamed up with Noisey to launch a new track, “Of Shrines and Sovereigns,” from the band’s upcoming full-length,Sovereigns. Stream the new song today at: http://noisey.vice.com/blog/enthroned-of-shrines-sovereigns-from-sovereign-LP before Sovereigns hits stores on April 15 via Agonia Records.
Sovereigns can be pre-ordered now in digipack CD, black vinyl, bone-white vinyl with green splatter limited to 100 hand numbered copies and exclusive BOX CD limited to 333 hand numbered copies (including: the new album released in exclusive jewel case edition, embroidered patch, flag and a lighter with band’s logo) at: https://www.agoniarecords.com/index.php?pos=shop&lang=en.
The follow up to the critically acclaimed, Obsidium (2012), Sovereigns was recorded and mixed in Enthroned’s own studio, Blackout Multimedia. The band’s 10th album drifts from sonic blast beats to oppressive slower parts, melds together aggressive shredding with forceful riffs, and blends satanic whispers with Nornagest’s trademark vocals. The release also welcomes a new drummer, Menthor, in the place of Garghuf and a new rhythm guitarist, ZarZax.
An additional Sovereigns track, “Of Feathers and Flames,” can be streamed on YouTube at
1. Anteloquium
2. Sine Qua Non
3. Of Feathers and Flames
4. Lamp of Invisible Lights
5. Of Shrines and Sovereigns
6. The Edge of Agony
7. Divine Coagulation
8. Baal al-Maut
9. Nerxiarxin Mahathallah
Stay tuned for more information on Enthroned and Sovereigns, out this spring on Agonia Records.
Enthroned is…
Nornagest – lead vocals & lead guitar
Phorgath – bass
Neraath – lead guitar
Menthor – drums
ZarZax – rhythm guitar
Hammer of the Witch Available March 18th on Relapse Records
“Tore my head clean off my shoulders upon my first listen through”
-Metal Injection-
Cleveland’s legendary kings of metallic hardcore RINGWORM will release their new album and Relapse Records debut Hammer of the Witch March 18th in North America, March 17th for the UK/World and March 14th for Germany / Benelux / Finland. The album is available for pre-order from Relapse in CD, LP and digital formats at http://bit.ly/RingwormHammer. The deluxe iTunes edition is available for pre-order HERE. This version features two bonus tracks from RINGWORM‘s 2013 EP release Bleed
Beginning today Invisible Oranges and Brooklyn Vegan are hosting an exclusive full album stream of Hammer of the Witch. Listen to it on Invisible Oranges HERE and on Brooklyn Vegan HERE.
Starting this Wednesday, RINGWORM will embark on the “North American Inquisition: Chapter 1”. These dates begin March 12th in Nashville, TN and wrap up March 16th in St. Louis, MO. This run also includes an appearance on March 14th in Austin, TX as part of the 4th Annual Metal Sucks South By South Death Showcase. The show will take place at the Dirty Dog Bar.
Following the shows in early March, RINGWORM will be hitting the road in support of Hammer of the Witch beginning March 29th in Reading, PA, where the band will embark on a co-headline tour with Death Before Dishonor, which runs through April 19th in Lakewood, OH. A complete list of dates can be found below.
The band worked on Hammer of the Witch with Ben Schigel (Chimaira, Walls of Jericho) handling production duties at Spider Studios in Cleveland, OH and vocalist Human Furnace handling the album’s stunning cover art. Destined to be a mainstay in every hardcore metal fan’s headphones, RINGWORM‘s Hammer of the Witch serves to solidify the bands vital place in hardcore history. Noisey hails this work as “yet another achievement in a long line of uncompromising heavy [music] from these dudes,” while New Noise Magazine raves, “Everything you love about the brutalest, viciousest metal infused hardcore legends continues without missing a step.”
RINGWORM – North American Inquisition: Chapter 1
3/12: Nashville, TN @ Café Coco
3/13: Little Rock, AR @ Vinos
3/14: Austin, TX @ Dirty Dog Bar (Metal Sucks Showcase)
the Hellion Rocks 