Katatonia kicks off “North American Heritage Tour” tonight with Opeth, ‘Buildings’ 7″ vinyl coming for Record Store Day 2013‏

 

KATATONIA KICKS OFF “NORTH AMERICAN HERITAGE TOUR” TONIGHT WITH OPETH

‘Buildings’ limited 7″ vinyl coming for Record Store Day 2013

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SWEDEN – Katatonia, Sweden’s master of dark rock, will kick off its North American tour with Opeth, “North American Heritage Tour,” tonight in Buffalo, N.Y. The extensive run will conquer over 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada this spring, including 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, including five Katatonia headlining performances, can be seen below.

Said guitarist Anders Nyström, “Dear Katatoniaks of North America! You have been blessed to get another round of this truly classic bill together, because today Opeth and Katatonia, two bands who share a longtime friendship and many musical collaborations, are back on the road to cloak you with some true Swedish atmosphere across North America for the next six weeks. We’ve have also added five headlining sideshows that will see Katatonia play a full set. Check out our Facebook (www.facebook.com/katatonia) for daily updates on stage times (as a general rule we’re always on early after doors) and there you’ll also find the ticket links. More and more shows are already added to the sold out list, so we look forward to many fine evenings to come. Let the sunset choir sing again and see ya soon!”

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Katatonia is touring in support of its ninth studio album, Dead End Kings, which released August 28, 2012 on Peaceville Records.

 

Katatonia’s most successful U.S. debut in its 20-year career, Dead End Kings entered at #4 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, #138 on the Billboard Top 200 and #10 on Hard Rock, while also topping 2009’s Night is the New Day first week sales in the U.S.

 

The band’s latest music video for “Lethean,” directed by Lasse Hoile (Katatonia, Opeth, Porcupine Tree), can be seen online here: http://www.deadendkings.com/.

 

Additionally, to coincide with this year’s Record Store Day set for Saturday, April 20, Katatonia will release a special limited 7″ featuring the track ‘Buildings,’ lifted from last year’s universally lauded album. The title is presented on transparent 7″ vinyl and features a re-mix of “Hypnone (Frank Default Hypnocadence Mix),” a track previously unavailable in the U.S.

 

Katatonia last toured North America in September 2012 as part of the co-headlining “Epic Kings & Idols Tour” with The Devin Townsend Project.

 

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

4/19 – Montclair, NJ @ Wellmont Theatre

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

4/25 – Montreal, QC @ Petit Campus **Katatonia headline
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

5/07 – Wilmington, NC @ Soapbox **Katatonia headline
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

5/19 – Merriam, KS @ Aftershock **Katatonia headline
5/20 – Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre
5/21 – Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre

5/22 – Farmington, NM @ Top Deck **Katatonia headline
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

5/27 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy **Katatonia headline

 

 

Katatonia is…

 

Jonas Renske – vocals

Anders Nyström – guitar, backing vocals

Daniel Liljekvist – drums

Per Eriksson – guitar

Niklas Sandin – bass

 

 

Katatonia online…

 

www.katatonia.com

www.deadendkings.com

www.facebook.com/katatonia

www.myspace.com/katatonia

www.peaceville.com

www.omerch.com

 

The song that best defines the spirit of who I am

During a discussion yesterday about the impact of music on our lives the topic of defining songs came up. The question was posed “What single song defines who you are?” I pondered this question for a bit and came to only one conclusion, Rainbow- “Long Live Rock N’ Roll”. It simply states my feelings on the music I love. There is not a second of any day when a song is not running through my head. Someone once told me that if they were to cut me music notes would bleed out of me. “Long Live Rock N’ Roll” indeed!

 

 

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!

the Hellion

Guitarist Randy “The Arsonist” Cooper talks about past, present, and the future.

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I met Randy a few years back and was amazed by his playing and his style. I stayed in sort of a disjointed contact with him through the internet throughout that time. I found out in passing that we shared some common friends in the music world. Randy even played on my good friends Scattered Hamlets’ new release Skeleton Dixie. Randy and I finally caught up and had a great conversation about the events in his life. Enjoy and leave some feedback!

      it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!

the Hellion

Zakk TV? Now our miserable lives are complete!

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     A very cool series from the Boss himself. Now if only we had some Black Label Crunch cereal or Skully Charms with marshmallow guitars to go with it!!! Enjoy, my BLS Family, and GI/FD!

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!

the Hellion

WORNSTAR CLOTHING WELCOMES NEW GM – KURT ARFT!!!!

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http://www.wornstar.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wornstar?fref=ts

Special Announcement: WORNSTAR CLOTHING has a new secret weapon. Kurt Arft officially joins the Wornstar team as GM. Kurt has been a big supporter since the beginning and has volunteered his time over the past couple of years and stepped up to help Stephen and Sylvia without question. He’s been a true loyal friend so it was easy to bring him on board as an essential piece to our ever growing puzzle. Join us in officially welcoming Kurt to the team. www.facebook.com/kurt.arft

     I want to personally congratulate my good friend Kurt. There is no one more deserving than this hard working guy! I know he will take Wornstar even further than they have already gone! I am a Wornstar for life!!!

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!

the Hellion

Stacey Blades gets real on the Hellion Rocks!

     https://www.facebook.com/StaceyBladesMusic

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www.staceyblades.com

     Great interview with the legendary Stacey Blades. We talked about the past, present, and future of Stacey’s endeavors. Very personable guy easy to talk with, and very humble. I was lucky enough to run into him at NAMM 2013.

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     Enjoy this awesome interview and support this hard working rocker! Here is the link to the interview:

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!

     the Hellion

ROCK U-NIGHT SHOWCASE 2013!!! – APRIL 27TH ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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Another KICK ASS show here in New Mexico!! Here is the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/195311230592553/

Rusty Tramp
Shit Happens
Mud River
Scars Blue
Knucklez Deep

Chad Erickson’s CARVED ROCK LEATHER!!!

     I have met many great people in the music community Chad Erickson is one of them. He has made awesome leather works for a lot of people in the music world. He recently made a custom leather cuff for me with the Hellion logo. Check out his page and give him a like at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carvedrockleather/

Adam Joad from Scattered Hamlet guitar strap.

Randy “The Arsonist” Cooper guitar strap

the Hellion custom cuff

custom strap for Justin Manning from Crowned By Fire!

Benefit Concert Featuring David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Troy McLawhorn (EVANESCENCE), Sal G (STAIND) + EYE EMPIRE — Performing Together for ONE NIGHT ONLY in Celebration of the “Battlefield of the Mind” Film and Soundtrack Release‏

Benefit Concert Featuring David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Troy McLawhorn (EVANESCENCE), Sal G (STAIND) + EYE EMPIRE

and MORE Performing Together for ONE NIGHT ONLY in Celebration of the “Battlefield of the Mind” Film and Soundtrack Release

 

The All-Star Line-Up Unites to Benefit the Boot Campaign at the Legendary Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, CA on April 24, 2013

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Tickets Available Now!

http://battlefieldofthemindlive.eventbrite.com/

 

*A portion of the proceeds will go to support the Boot Campaign*

 

 

On April 24th, an all-star cast of musicians will perform at the legendary Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, CA as part of a benefit concert for the Boot Campaign and their support of our military veterans. In a rare appearance, these alternative rock stars will appear together, performing songs off the “Battlefield of the Mind”documentary soundtrack, releasing on the same day on Chill (www.chill.com/botm). April 24th is also the official release date of the documentary.

 

“Battlefield of the Mind”, a film ArtistDirect calls, “the most powerful documentary of the decade,” is a full-length documentary that tells the raw and tragic details of what life is like as an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran today. Many veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and among them are those whose lives have fallen apart and have become homeless as a result. Severe PTSD leaves these returning heroes on a downward spiral into their own personal hell. The documentary is available to stream and download at: http://chill.com/fran_strine/battlefield-of-the-mind

 

The musicians performing together for ONE NIGHT ONLY in support of the film and the cause include:

 

– David Ellefson of MEGADETH

– Troy McLawhorn of EVANESCENCE

– Sal G of STAIND

– Pete Murray of LO-PRO

– Neil Godfrey of LO-PRO

– Headliners EYE EMPIRE, featuring Corey Lowery (STUCK MOJO /STEREOMUD /DARK NEW DAY) and B.C. Kochmit (SWITCHED) and Ryan Bennett (TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION) and military veteran Donald ‘DC’ Carpenter (SUBMERSED)

 

 

Event Details

The event will open at 7:00pm with filmmaker and participant interaction, exclusive look at the documentary, and Q&A. At 8:30pm the doors will re-open for the all-star jam and performance from Eye Empire.

*A taste of the music from the soundtrack can be found here. (The track is “No Words” Featuring Mike Mushok, Pete Murray, David Ellefson and Sal G.)

 

Tickets are $20 for full access, $15 for performance only.

To purchase tickets and RSVP visit: http://battlefieldofthemindlive.eventbrite.com/

 

VIP tickets (which include early access to soundcheck) are made available at www.chill.com/botm.

 

 

The Documentary

Narrated by David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Co-produced by Aaron Lewis (STAIND), this documentary by Fran Strine takes on a tragic truth – that those men that put their lives on the line to defend our freedom have come home to a world plagued by PTSD and homelessness.  1 in 7 homeless adults are veterans and over ¼ of homeless veterans suffer from mental illness, physical illness and substance abuse at the same time.

 

These sad truths moved a concerned public to donate en masse to get the film made leading to a rousing KICKSTARTER success.  The film raised 190% of its funding goal with the soundtrack raising 120% of its funding goal. The film is currently available on CHILL (chill.com/botm) and will see its official physical release along with its soundtrack on April 24th.

 

“After engaging in conversations with these veterans living on the streets and hearing their stories, I knew this was the documentary I had to make and show that we, as citizens can make a difference,” says director and co-producer Fran Strine. The VA was approved $1.35 billion for the homeless in 2013 – a mere 0.035% of the $8.3 trillion US budget, says The White House Office of Management & Budget.  Forbes adds that providing permanent housing for the chronic homeless would save taxpayers $3 billion.

 

The soundtrack for the film features members of many prominent rock bands. DC of EYE EMPIRE, a former soldier himself, said of his band’s involvement, “I have always been sensitive to issues that face our troops Stateside & abroad.  When our good friend Fran mentioned that he and Aaron were going to be making this film and that he would like for us to be involved with the music, we were very humbled.”  Vocalist, Pete Murray (previously of ULTRASPANK) called working with the likes of Ellefson and Mike Mushok of STAIND “…an amazing experience. Working with other musicians with different backgrounds and influences has been an incredible opportunity.”

 

In addition to his narration duties, MEGADETH’s David Ellefson contributed to the soundtrack.  He explains the synergy between the music and the film, “Lyrically these songs were inspired directly by the film and the people portrayed in it.  In many ways, the Soundtrack continues the narrative of the film in music form.  I am proud that the songs and people involved in making them took the subject matter to heart and used it as the springboard for our songwriting.”  Composing score and soundtrack music was a labor of love for STAIND’s Mike Mushok.  “In writing music to the film, I got to watch a scene and express how I feel about it by writing music to it,” explains Mushok.  “It was something that I really enjoyed doing and am happy with the way it ultimately turned out.”

 

Spread the information about the plight of these veterans by purchasing the film and soundtrack and sharing it with your friends and family. Information is power and “Battlefield Of The Mind” is the ultimate ammunition in battling veteran homelessness and PTSD.

 

 

The Soundtrack

Track listing:

1. War Isn’t Over Yet – Eye Empire

2. Give Me Life – LoPro

3. Tear It Down – Feat. Mike Mushok, Pete Murray, David Ellefson & Sal G.

4. Wake of War – Feat. Troy McLawhorn, D.C., Mike Mushok, Corey Lowery & Mike Froedge

5. No Words – Feat. Mike Mushok, Pete Murray, David Ellefson & Sal G.

6. Not Like You – Feat. Troy McLawhorn, Pete Murray & Mike Froedge

7. When – Life on planet 0

8. Witness – Viasava

9. Drop us in hell – Feat. Sal G & Joseph Dougherty

10. Awakening – When earth awakes

11. Wake up – Feat. Michael Benedetto & Keith Caro

12. Save me – Feat. Michael Benedetto & Keith Caro

13. Ask McFly – The Dreaded Marco

14. Hollow Destination – Otan Vargas

 

 

 

For press inquiries and additional information, please contact Adrenaline PR and Maria Ferrero at 732-462-4262 or maria@adrenalinepr.com.

 

 

About Boot Campaign:

The Boot Campaign is a grassroots initiative started by five women from Texas known as The Boot Girls.  The campaign encourages everyone to ‘get their boots on’ providing an easy and tangible way for Americans to show appreciation for troops, cultivate awareness of the challenges they face upon return and raise funds for military programs meeting the physical and emotional needs of our heroes.  What better way to say “Thank You” to our troops than wearing a pair of boots just like theirs?  Proceeds from boot sales combined with donations and corporate sponsorships help us to assist wounded military and their families with job placement, mortgage free homes, PTSD counseling, adaptive clothing and so much more.

 

About Chill:

Chill is the premier video platform and marketplace to find entertainment content distributed for a global audience direct from artists, comedians and filmmakers. Consumers can stream or download-to-own top films, docs, series and comedy specials in HD quality to any device and transact worldwide. Chill recently released the critically acclaimed Maria Bamford: Special, Special, Special. Based in Los Angeles, CA, the company is backed by venture funding from Kleiner Perkins, William Morris Endeavor (WME), 500 Startups, Redpoint Ventures, Crunchfund, Science Media, Troy Carter and Atlas Venture. Chill is founded by Brian Norgard and Daniel Gould.

 

 

 

 

Crowned by Fire – Southern Horsepower Tour 2013 03/28/13

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Ever since Crowned By Fire hit my radar I have been jonesing to see them live. I have been lucky enough to have become friends with guitarist Justin Manning, and interviewed him  on several occasions. When the promise of new music via a new EP called SPACE MUSIC FOR CAVE PEOPLE was announced the metal world shivered in anticipation. Add to the fact that it was being recorded at The Black Vatican (Zakk Wylde’s personal studio) AND was being produced by the one and only Sterling Winfield (Pantera, HellYeah, Damageplan, yeah that guy) make it a winner straight out of the gate.

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Even cooler was the announcement of their Southern Horsepower Tour 2013. The Metal Gods were smiling down on me when it was revealed that the tour was starting in my hometown. FINALLY I would be able to experience Crowned By Fire in person. The day had finally come.

The day of the show was it was hard to stay focused on work but I managed. A text and then phone call with Justin let me know they were closing in on my home town. They wanted a day room to freshen up before the show so a quick phone call to the man Trev McKendry (band manager) and info was passed along and the band was taken care of.

I met the guys as they were getting ready for the show and found them to be just as awesome as I had hoped them to be. I wanted to do something nice for them and get them dinner before the show. We headed towards a restaurant that was near the venue but it had unfortunately gone out of business. There was a local brew pub right next to the venue that served food so to the Farside Brew Pub it was. Pizza was ordered and Charles, the proprietor, took care of the beer needs. With bellies full, and good craft beer enjoyed,  we were off next door to the venue.

The amount of gear that the guys pulled out of their trailer seemed endless. It was miraculous how they had fit everything into such a small trailer.

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Eventually the gear was in and the set up began. We were all awestruck by the awesomeness of the gear as it was un-crated and revealed. Justin had some wonderful guitars with some awesome stories behind them. The Green V OV Doom and its custom paint work by the AWESOME Jason Oberly .

Green V OV Doom with custom paint by Jason Oberly.

Green V OV Doom with custom paint by Jason Oberly.

Probably one of the more surreal moments of the night was getting to hold in my hands the guitar given to Justin by the one, the only Zakk Wylde. I could feel the immense power emanating from it as it was in my grasp. I was holding the mighty Ol’ Betsy in my grasp. It also had a custom strap made by Chad Erickson of Carved Rock Leather!!!

in awe that I am holding a guitar given to Justin by Zakk Wylde.

in awe that I am holding a guitar given to Justin by Zakk Wylde.

     After watching Justin warm up with licks that would kill a mere mortal it was time. As I was shooting pics of the stage I heard Justin call my name, I handed my camera off to Charlie M.F. Owens and went to see what Justin needed. I was again floored when he told me I was introducing the band. Well, now I was not only going to see one of my favorite bands, I was going to introduce them as well.

Introducing Crowned By Fire

Introducing Crowned By Fire

“Well alright Hooligans! Are you ready for CROWNED BY FIRE?!?!?!” I roared into the microphone and it was on. Exploding on to the stage Crowned By Fire delivered everything I expected, and then some. The band lineup was spot on, Jonathan Paschall brought the thunder from his throne on high, Chris Breedlove  handled the bottom end like a boss, Michael Pacheco kicked your ass with his guitar, and you thanked him for it, John Fitterer   stalked the stage like some deranged shaman belting out vocals from some primal age. And then there is Justin Manning , his wizardry of the fretboard was mystical and enthralling. The combination was perfect. We were treated to some of the new songs from the above mentioned impending release as well as some tracks from the always awesome PRONE TO DESTROY. 

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     Wow! What a show! It did not disappoint! Crowned By Fire is a band not to miss and EVERYONE needs to experience it! I will leave you with a video from the show, this is “Buried Away” enjoy!

the Hellion

PS: A special shout out to Chad Miller for keeping the guys geared up and tuned up! Make sure you stop and shake this mans hand for helping to keep the guys runnin’!

Justin and Chad preshow

Justin and Chad preshow

P.S.S. extra special thanks to Lindsey Thompson for handling the merch area, and various and sundry needs. She will prove invaluable to the guys on this tour.

Justin and Lindsey at dinner

Justin and Lindsey at dinner

Crowned By Fire, Classic American Metal? You bet your ass they are!

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