Monday, December 20, 2010

CANDLELIGHT RECORDS TRAILERS FOR EASTERN FRONT,OBSIDIAN AND DEMONIC RESURRECTION

CANDLELIGHT RECORDS released trailers for 2010 new releases from recording artists EASTERN FRONT, OBSIDIAN and DEMONIC RESURRECTION.

Amsterdam, Holland based death metal warriors OBSIDIAN unleashed the bands new offering "Point of Infinity" 9/20/2010 on

UK black metal warriors EASTERN FRONT released a trailer for the bands latest release "Blood on Snow" unleashed 9/21/2010 on CANDLELIGHT RECORDS.
FROM EASTERN FRONT:
Eastern Front are a non-political band nor do they promote any type of government/organisation.
Eastern Front lyrics are based on the history of war and it's battles and have been written in memory and to honour the fallen soldiers of war.

"Through our music we hope that people will be reminded of their forefathers who lived in less fortunate times. If that opens up discussion, contemplation and further study into the history of war, we would feel we have done a small part to help honour the fallen soldiers of war."
-Eastern Front-


Holocaust and Krieg formed Eastern Front at the end of 2006. With an interest in the Second World War, and its effect on Europe, they were interested in exploring the history, through music; and from a subjective, personal and emotional, point of view.

Eastern Front takes a new approach to Black Metal – which has been labelled “War Torn Black Metal”. Musically, they retain a traditional Black Metal sound but experiment with other genres, like Doom, Death, folk and classical, to create a range of different atmospheres in their songs. Each song evokes the emotional experiences of battle, encompassing hope, pride, comradeship, misery, sorrow and victory.


Holocaust and Krieg formed Eastern Front at the end of 2006. With an interest in the Second World War, and its effect on Europe, they were interested in exploring the history, through music; and from a subjective, personal and emotional, point of view.

Eastern Front takes a new approach to Black Metal – which has been labelled “War Torn Black Metal”. Musically, they retain a traditional Black Metal sound but experiment with other genres, like Doom, Death, folk and classical, to create a range of different atmospheres in their songs. Each song evokes the emotional experiences of battle, encompassing hope, pride, comradeship, misery, sorrow and victory.

Indian death metal band DEMONIC RESURRECTION unleashed a trailer for the bands anticipated new release entitled "The Return To Darkness" unleashed 1/15/2010 on CANDLELIGHT RECORDS/DEMONSTEALER RECORDS.



Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Sunday, December 19, 2010

FALKENBACH ANNOUNCE NEW COVER ART AND TRACKLISTING FOR TIURIDA


German folk/viking/black metal project FALKENBACH have announced the tracklisting and cover art of the bands anticipated new release entitled "Tiurida" due to be unleashed 1/28/2011 on NAPALM RECORDS.
Tiurida means "Glory"

Recorded by Patrick Damiani at Tidalwave Studio
Released as:
- Jewelcase
- Limited Digipak incl. Bonus track (Asaland)
- LP limited to 350 Gatefold copies in black heavy Vinyl & 100 Gatefold copies
in golden heavy Vinyl incl. Bonustrack (Asaland)
- Deluxe Box incl. Limited Digipak & logo pendant 1/28/2011 on NAPALM RECORDS.

FALKENBACH "TIURIDA" TRACKLISTING:

1. Intro 01:38
2. ...Where His Ravens Fly... 07:25
3. Time Between Dog and Wolf 06:01
4. Tanfana 05:32
5. Runes Shall You Know 05:59
6. In Flames 07:53
7. Sunnavend 05:51
8. Asaland (Bonus Track) 04:06
Total playing time 44:25
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

MORBID ANGEL and BLOWSIGHT CONFIRMED FOR WACKEN OPEN AIR 8/4-6, 2011 WACKEN, GERMANY

2011 Florida death metal legends MORBID ANGEL and BLOWSIGHT are confirmed for the 2011 WACKEN OPEN AIR FEST set to take place 8/4-6th, 2011 Wacken, Germany.
FROM WACKEN OPEN AIR PROMOTERS-WACKEN OPEN AIR 2011 LINEUP:
ACCU§ER
APOCALYPTICA
AVANTASIA
BLAAS OF GLORY
BLIND GUARDIAN
BLOWISIGHT
CHILDREN OF BODOM
CRADLE OF FILTH
EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS
HEAVEN SHALL BURN
HAYSEED DIXIE
IN SOLITUDE
JUDAS PRIEST
KHOLD
KNORKATOR
MAYHEM
MORBID ANGEL
MOTÖRHEAD
OZZY OSBOURNE
PRIMAL FEAR
RHAPSODY OF FIRE
RUSSKAJA
SEPULTURA
SKÁLMÖLD
SKI KING
SMACK BALLZ
SODOM
STIER
SUBWAY TO SALLY
SUICIDAL TENDENCIES
THE HAUNTED
THE PROPHECY²³
TOKYO BLADE
TRIVIUM
TSJUDER
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS
WARRANT
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

DECIBEL MAGAZINE DECIBLOG FEATURES: New Sodom Track “Feigned Death Throes” Streaming + Vinyl Contest

In War And Pieces
DECIBEL MAGAZINE's "DECIBLOG" features a new track by German thrash legends SODOM entitled "FEIGNED DEATH THROES" as SODOM's new release "In War and Pieces" shall be unleashed JANUARY 11, 2011 IN NORTH AMERICA ON SPV/STEAMHAMMER.
FROM SODOM AND DECIBEL MAGAZINE: Over the last three weeks we’ve been fortunate enough to open three cans of Sodom agent orange on your sorry fiveheads. Week 1 we premiered an uncompromisingly intense set of tracks in “In War and Pieces” & “Hellfire”. For Week 2, another two cans (“Through Toxic Veins” & “Nothing Counts More Than Blood”) of Sodom tear gas were ceremoniously launched out of the dB howitzer in your general direction. Week 3 whipped us into the saddest of shapes. We’ve been pistol-whacked before, but Sodom’s AK-47 wallop to the brain in track “Storm Raging Up” was something else entirely.
This week, Tom Angelripper decided to describe the track, “Feigned Death Throes”, himself.

Read the excerpt from Tom, hear the track and enter the Vinyl contest all going on right now at the Deciblog
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Saturday, December 18, 2010

AMON AMARTH ANNOUNCE SPRING 2011 EUROPEAN TOUR WITH BLACK DAHLIA MURDER


Swedish viking metal warriors AMON AMARTH have announced a spring 2011 EUROPEAN tour with BLACK DAHLIA MURDER. AMON AMARTH have entitled the bands 8th release "Surtur Rising" due to be unleashed March 29, 2011 via Metal Blade Records.







FROM AMON AMARTH: We can now announce the dates for our European headline tour:
Special Guest: BLACK DAHLIA MURDER

13.05.2011 (N) OSLO / Betong
14.05.2011 (S) STOCKHOLM / Tyrol
15.05.2011 (S) GOTHENBURG / Trädgarn *
17.05.2011 (DK) COPENHAGEN / Vega
18.05.2011 (D) HAMBURG / Grosse Freiheit 36 (Tickets)
19.05.2011 (B) ANTWERP / Hof Ter Lo
20.05.2011 (NL) AMSTERDAM / Melkweg
21.05.2011 (D) COLOGNE / E-Werk (Tickets)
22.05.2011 (F) PARIS / Elysee Montmartre
24.05.2011 (D) MUNICH / Tonhalle (Tickets)
25.05.2011 (I) MILAN / Limelight
27.05.2011 (D) DESSAU / Metalfest Germany
28.05.2011 (A) MINING / Metalfest Austria
29.05.2011 (CH) PRATTELN / Metalfest Switzerland

*without Black Dahlia Murder

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

ITP SOCIAL JUSTICE: U.S. SENATE REPEALS "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" MILITARY DISCRIMINATION

Noh8-campaign-logo2
Today, in a historic day for LGBT equal rights, the U.S. SENATE repealed the notorious "Don't ask, Don't Tell" law discriminating against gays in the military.
FROM YAHOO.COM NEWS:



Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-GAY PRIDE-\m/ -l-

CRADLE OF FILTH, THE HAUNTED and TSJUDER ADDED TO WACKEN OPEN AIR 8/4-6th, 2011 WACKEN, GERMANY

2011 Promoters for Germany's WACKEN OPEN AIR FEST SET to take place 8/4-6th, 2011 Wacken, Germany have confirmed the addition of CRADLE OF FILTH, THE HAUNTED and TSJUDER to the annual metal fest.
FROM WACKEN OPEN AIR PROMOTERS WACKEN OPEN AIR 2011 LINEUP, MORE TBA:
ACCU§ER
APOCALYPTICA
AVANTASIA
BLAAS OF GLORY
BLIND GUARDIAN
CHILDREN OF BODOM
CRADLE OF FILTH
EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS
HEAVEN SHALL BURN
HAYSEED DIXIE
IN SOLITUDE
JUDAS PRIEST
KHOLD
KNORKATOR
MAYHEM
MOTÖRHEAD
OZZY OSBOURNE
PRIMAL FEAR
RHAPSODY OF FIRE
RUSSKAJA
SEPULTURA
SKÁLMÖLD
SKI KING
SMACK BALLZ
SODOM
STIER
SUBWAY TO SALLY
SUICIDAL TENDENCIES
THE HAUNTED
THE PROPHECY²³
TOKYO BLADE
TRIVIUM
TSJUDER
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS
WARRANT
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

ITP V.010 THE ART OF DANCE PART 4: HEADBANGING/WINDMILL HEADBANGING


Here we are again with ITP V.010 THE ART OF DANCE: PART 4 "HEADBANGING". ITP THE ART OF DANCE chronicles both the conventional and unconventional aspects of dance associated and integrated within the sub and counter cultures of metal, extreme metal and hard rock.
ITP V.010 THE ART OF DANCE PART 4 features good old fashioned "Headbanging".
Long hair regarding both genders is optional but not always necessary. BTW, the "windmill" a variation of headbanging requires long hair, and looks awesome when bands and fans choreographed the "windmill headbanging" perfectly. Hair and neck brace not included.
FROM THE URBAN DICTIONARY:
When someone's listening to hard rock/heavy metal reaches to an epic level, normal headbanging can't coupe with the sheer power of it. That's when windmilling comes to play.

Goes great if the person has long hair and a brain as strong an Air Force pilot's ('cause it'll gives you some fucking powerful headaches if you're not careful).
Windmill headbanging, harder to do but much more fun to watch than normal headbanging.

"Fuck, man! Listening to Amon Amarth, Morbid Angel and Cannibal Corpse is giving me the urge to windmill my head off!"
THE URBAN DICTIONARY DEFINITION OF HEADBANGING:


1.) To vigorously nod your head up and down.

2.) To quickly roll your head around to make your long greasy hair swirl about you.

3.) A type of body movement which can cause permanent brain damage.
FROM WIKEPEDIA "HEADBANGING":
Headbanging is a type of dance which involves violently shaking the head in time with music, most commonly rock music, heavy metal music and thrash metal music.
 Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-Hair and Neck brace not included-\m/ -l-

FROM "THE GET WELL SOON" FILES: BEHEMOTH FRONTMAN ADAM "NERGAL" DARSKI UNDERWENT A BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT LAST NIGHT


(EDITORS NOTE: I love NERGALS T-SHIRT in the above pic, lol) FROM "THE GET WELL SOON" FILES: Adam "Nergal" Darski, front man of Polish death metal warriors BEHEMOTH did undergo a bone marrow transplant last night and is recovering. We at ITP and metal heads world wide are wishing NERGAL the best in health and recovery. Adam "Nergal" Darski (33) was diagnosed with Leukemia last summer and was in desperate need of a bone marrow donor. DARSKI recently found a genetic match and as is recovering from the bone marrow transplant. FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET: According to reports in the Polish media, Adam "Nergal" Darski, the 33-year-old leukemia-stricken guitarist/vocalist of the Polish extreme metal act BEHEMOTH, underwent a bone marrow transplant procedure earlier tonight, having found a donor that was a genetic match. He will spend the next four weeks in an isolation room at the hematology division of Uniwersyteckie Centrum Kliniczne (UCK) in Gdansk to avoid any infection while his immune system is low.
In a recent online posting, Nergal stated that the search for a suitable bone marrow donor "would have been difficult to achieve if it wasn't for the support of so many people . . . The concerts for charity have been organized all over the world and people of show business, bands and, most of all, the fans got deeply involved. You are beyond great! One of you made my transplant possible, but remember, your attitude may save many others in need."
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

SLAYER and MEGADETH ANNOUNCE EUROPEAN (2011) CARNAGE TOUR



American thrash legends SLAYER and MEGADETH have announced the "European Carnage Tour" set for MARCH/APRIL 2011.
FROM EUROPEAN CARNAGE TOUR PROMOTERS:

Mar. 13 - Kiev, Ukraine - Expo
Mar. 15 - Moscow, Russia - Olimpiski
Mar. 16 - St Petersburg, Russia - Jubileeny
Mar. 17 - Helsinki, Finland - Ice Hall
Mar. 19 - Stockholm, Sweden - Arenan
Mar. 20 - Oslo, Norway - Sentrum Scene
Mar. 21 - Aarhus, Denmark - SCC
Mar. 23 - Brussels, Belgium - Forest
Mar. 24 - Bamberg, Germany - Stechert Arena
Mar. 26 - Paris, France - Zenith
Mar. 28 - Madrid, Spain - La Riviera
Mar. 29 - La Coruna, Spain - Coliseum
Mar. 30 - Lisbon, Portugal - Pavilhao Atlantico
Apr. 01 - Barcelona, Spain - St Jordi Club
Apr. 03 - Rome, Italy - Atlantico
Apr. 04 - Padova, Italy - Gran Teatro
Apr. 06 - Zagreb, Croatia - Arena
Apr. 07 - Vienna, Austria - Gasometer
Apr. 08 - Budapest, Hungary - Arena
Apr. 10 - Prague, Czech Republic - O2 Arena
Apr. 11 - Lodz, Poland - Sportshall
Apr. 13 - Basel, Switzerland - St Jakobshalle

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Friday, December 17, 2010

MARDUK CONFIRMED FOR SUMMER BREEZE OPEN AIR 8/18-20, 2011 DINKELSBUHL, GERMANY

Come To The SUMMER BREEZE Open Air!
Promoters of THE SUMMER BREEZE OPEN AIR FEST set to take place 8/18-20, 2011 DINKELSBUHL, GERMANY have confirmed Swedish black metal legends MARDUK. THE 2011 SUMMER BREEZE OPEN AIR will also feature THE HAUNTED, KAMPFAR, SKELETONWITCH, TURISAS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, CALIBAN, PRIMORDIAL, TARJA, BOLTHROWER and many more confirmed and TBA.
FROM SUMMER BREEZE OPEN AIR PROMOTERS:
They are veterans of the international black metal scene: MARDUK! Only very few bands in the black metal genre have had a similarly influential and darkly brilliant career. After 2008, this will be the second time the four Swedes grace the SUMMER BREEZE stage with their sharp, unholy songs about Satan, death and war. A true feast for fans of this legendary band, which was formed in 1990 with the intention to become the most evil in the world, in stark contrast to the Swedish death metal scene of the time which MARDUK deemed too bland. In 2011, a Panzer Division named MARDUK will overrun you and darken the horizon with their sheer presence.
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

ONLY ONE PER COFFIN: R.I.P. CAPTAIN BEEFHEART (Don Van Vliet) 1/15/1941-12/17/2010


Avant Garde musician Don Van Vliet better known by his stage name CAPTAIN BEEFHEART (Vocals, harmonica, saxophone, clarinet, oboe, french horn, shehnai, theremin, flute, piccolo and FRANK ZAPPA's band MOTHERS OF INVENTION) has passed today from complications of multiple sclerosis at 69.
CAPTAIN BEEFHEART was a musical genius incorporating psychedelia, jazz rock and blues into an amalgamation of unique musical styles. BEEFHEART also toured/performed with Frank Zappa's Mothers Of Invention and his own band "The Magic Band".
ITP's author remembered CAPTAIN BEEFHEART featured prominently in CREEM MAGAZINE and the BEEFHEART release "Trout Mask Replica" (progressive, anti pop, avant garde) in her early teens.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Beefheart

R.I.P CAPTAIN BEEFHEART
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-RIP CAPTAIN BEEFHEART\m/ -l-

ITP V.010: METAL AT THE MOVIES: PART 20: (FIRST ANNUAL) HEAVY METAL FILM FESTIVAL 3/31-4/3/2011 LOS ANGELES, CA


Here we are with ITP V.010 METAL AT THE MOVIES PART 20 as directors and producers have announced THE FIRST ANNUAL HEAVY METAL FILM FESTIVAL 3/31-4/3/2011 LOS ANGELES, CA.
FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
This inaugural event is the brainchild of Samuel Douek, a metalhead since the age of six and director of the Hola México Film Festival. He says, "After the success of films like 'Metal: A Headbanger's Journey', 'Heavy Metal In Baghdad', 'Anvil: The Story Of Anvil', 'Lemmy', 'Until The Light Takes Us', and many others in recent years, the idea is to bring the best films in metal together and give them one home. The primary objective is to bring the metal community together to watch our music on the big screen. There's a bright future for metal films, and I want to have a platform to launch them, promote them, and support them. I also want to have some great [question-and-answer] sessions with directors and maybe even some surprise guests."

There is still an open call for submissions, which can include full-length features, documentaries, shorts, "making-of"s and live concerts. The only required theme is that the footage focus on heavy metal music. Deadline for submissions is Friday, February 4, 2011.

The program for the Heavy Metal Film Festival will be finalized on Friday, February 18, 2011.

For more information about submitting to the film festival or volunteering for the event, please write in to heavymetalfilmfestival@gmail.com. You can also visit the festival's official Facebook page.
FROM HEAVY METAL FILM FESTIVAL: The 1st ever Heavy Metal Film Festival will take place in Los Angeles, CA. At the Downtown Independent Cinema this coming March 31st to April 3rd 2011.

We're looking for features, documentaries, making offs and live concerts! All of them sharing the theme of Heavy Metal music.

After the success of films like Headbangers Journey, Anvil, Lemmy, and many more in recent years. The people that have brought the Hola Mexico Film Festival (www.holamexicoff.com) are organizing the 1st ever Heavy Metal Film Festival with the idea to bring the best film in metal.

Think Opeth and Immortal concerts on the big screen. Think Lemmy the movie, with great Q & A with directors. Think making of the new Dimmu Borgir Album or the next big feature film.

We're looking for volunteers, webdesigners and people who would like to help make this a great festival.

See you at the cinema,

Keep Metal,

Samuel Douek
festival director
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

AVENGED SEVENFOLD COMMENT ON (DRUMMER) MIKE PORTNOY's DEPARTURE

Southern California hard rockers AVENGED SEVENFOLD have commented on drummer Mike Portnoy's departure. AVENGED SEVENFOLD's original drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan passed on from a poly drug overdose in late 2009. Mike Portnoy, drummer for New York progressive metal legends DREAM THEATER left the veteran band to bang the skins for AVENGED SEVENFOLD in September of 2010. Mike Portnoy announced his departure from AVENGED SEVENFOLD yesterday.
FROM AVENGED SEVENFOLD:
"For the past few months, we've been blessed with Mike Portnoy's talent and humanity.

"When Mike agreed to tour with us, it was only through the end of 2010. We always knew we'd need to find another solution for 2011 and beyond. And it's time for us to take that next step.

"We know we are not ready to add another permanent member of AVENGED SEVENFOLD. We don't know if we will ever be. But if we do, it will only be with someone who is not only a brilliant drummer, but also someone we've gotten to know well on the road and off, and who you the fans have had a chance to get to know, and hopefully accept. In other words, in this family, we take these steps together, band and our extended fan family.

"We are lucky to be surrounded by so many friends, many of whom knew [late AVENGED SEVENFOLD drummer] Jimmy ['The Rev' Sullivan] very well personally, as well as our band and Jimmy's drumming talent and style. These friends have introduced us to several amazing drummers. We have decided to take one of them out starting in January. He will not be a member of AVENGED SEVENFOLD. He will be someone you and we are getting to know. Perhaps this drummer will be a fit. Perhaps not. One thing is for sure. Over time we will find someone who helps us continue our quest to make the music we love for the fans we love.

"Mike and the band agree that can't be him. Why? Long before there was an AVENGED SEVENFOLD, there were members of this band who looked up to Mike and, in Jimmy's case, learned a lot from watching Mike play. He is a brilliant writer, producer and, of course, drummer. Because of that, the world and we would always see it as AVENGED SEVENFOLD with Mike Portnoy.

"We take a lot of pride in AVENGED SEVENFOLD being about something greater than any individuals. It's about the music, the fans and the friends and family we have as well as continuing our best friends legacy.

"Please give whoever we try your love and support....and the benefit of the doubt. They won't be Jimmy. Who could be? But he will be himself, with his own special talents and creativity. And that's all we could ever look for.

"Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for everything you've done love and support us and help us get back on our feet."
UPDATE 12/18/2010:
FROM AVENGED SEVENFOLD VIA WEST COAST WEEKLY'S WEST COAST SOUND BLOG::
AVENGED SEVENFOLD manager Larry Jacobson has told LA Weekly's "West Coast Sound" blog that there is no correlation between drummer Mike Portnoy's departure from the band and the cancellation of the group's participation in the Australian Soundwave festival. He writes, "The plan had always been for Mike Portnoy to play with the band through 2010. Nothing changed there but it was confusing [because] Mike gave interviews suggesting he may be touring with the band beyond 2010. There will be another drummer behind the kit for the band's 'Nightmare After Christmas' tour [in January/February] as well as for the many other dates around the world that are underway into 2011 and beyond. As for Australia, the timing is completely unrelated. If you've read any of the juvenile and public attacks by the [Soundwave] promoter, you can probably figure out why the band had legitimate doubts they could work with him to be able to put on the professional show their fans expect. They're not in Australia every day so each tour needs to be the best the band has to offer."


Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Thursday, December 16, 2010

ITP SOCIAL MEDIA: YAHOO PLANS TO SHUT DOWN ALTA VISTA BUZZ AFFECTED, DELICIOUS "SEARCHING FOR NEW HOME OUTSIDE OF YAHOO"


Yahoo Inc. plans on shutting down "under performing" social media such as (search engine) ALTA VISTA as news aggregator BUZZ could be adversely affected and social bookmarking site DELICIOUS announced 12/17/2010 that the site is: "SEARCHING FOR NEW HOME OUTSIDE OF YAHOO".. :Looks down below journal entries for BUZZ:
FROM THE WALL STR. JOURNAL: Yahoo Inc. said it is planning to shut down several "underperforming" and "non-core" Web properties, including the venerable search site AltaVista, as it continues a years-long turnaround effort.

Sites that could be affected by the moves include Delicious, a so-called social bookmarking service, search site AlltheWeb, and online news aggregator Buzz, according to an internal company slide that was posted on the Web on Thursday.

A Yahoo spokeswoman confirmed the veracity of the slide and said the company is evaluating its options for those sites.

"Part of our organizational streamlining involves cutting our investment in underperforming or off-strategy products to put better focus on our core strengths and fund new innovation in the next year and beyond," the spokeswoman said in a statement.

"We continuously evaluate and prioritize our portfolio of products and services, and do plan to shut down some products in the coming months," she added. "We will communicate specific plans when appropriate."

Yahoo, based in Sunnyvale, Calif., on Tuesday said it was cutting about 600 jobs, or about 4% of its work force. Yahoo had about 14,000 employees at the end of the third quarter of this year.

The Yahoo spokeswoman declined to comment on whether the job cuts were related to the product cuts but said the company is continuing to hire people for other areas of the business, including mobile-device applications.

AltaVista, launched in the mid-1990s, became a popular search engine until Google Inc. and others grabbed much of the market several years later. Yahoo also developed its own search technology but struggled to compete with Google and last year reached a deal with Microsoft Corp.'s Bing search engine to power searches for Yahoo sites.

Other sites among those being considered for closure include MyBlogLog, a social network that Yahoo bought in 2007, according to the internal company presentation--which was published on the Web by a co-founder of MyBlogLog, who has since left Yahoo. The MyBlogLog co-founder, Eric Marcoullier, said in an interview that if he were Yahoo Chief Executive Carol Bartz "I'd probably do the same thing."

After their purchase by Yahoo, sites like MyBlogLog became "little pieces of technology inside Yahoo" and "languished," he said. They often weren't fully integrated with other Yahoo sites and never reached the same scale as popular sites such as the Yahoo homepage, or its media content and email sites, he said. The Yahoo spokeswoman declined to comment.

Yahoo sites get hundreds of millions of unique visitors per month, but the company has been grappling with a slide in how much time people have been spending on its sites, among other issues.

The company's executives have said they would continue investing in applications tailored to mobile devices such as Apple Inc.'s iPad and said Yahoo is also working to better integrate social-networking site Facebook Inc. and microblogging service Twitter Inc. into its sites.
FROM PCMAG.COM and DELICIOUS BLOG 12/17/2010:
Delicious on Friday denied that it was shutting down, and insisted that it was instead shopping for a home outside of Yahoo.

"We are not shutting down Delicious," the company said in a blog post. "While we have determined that there is not a strategic fit at Yahoo, we believe there is a ideal home for Delicious outside of the company where it can be resourced to the level where it can be competitive."

Delicious is currently "exploring a variety of options and talking to companies right now," but the company had few other details.

On Thursday, it was reported that Yahoo would shut down several of its Web properties, including Delicious, Yahoo Buzz, MyBlogLog, and AltaVista. The news came out after MyBlogLog founder Eric Marcoullier tweeted a link to a Yahoo presentation slide that said Yahoo would "sunset" these and other services.

On Friday, Yahoo cross-posted the Delicious blog post on its developer network blog. Blake Irving, executive vice president and chief product officer at Yahoo, also tweeted that Yahoo had been planning to get rid of Delicious for quite some time.

"Reason leaks suck? They're rarely right. This wrong one caused a shit storm. This has been the plan for months," Irving said.

When asked for comment about the slide leak on Thursday, however, a Yahoo spokesperson confirmed that Yahoo does plan "to shut down some products in the coming months such as Yahoo Buzz, our Traffic APIs, and others."

Yahoo acquired MyBlogLog in 2007; Marcoullier is now co-CEO of social network OneTrueFan. Yahoo acquired Delicious in 2005.

On Friday, Delicious said "there's no reason to panic." The service will be maintained and the company encouraged users to keep using it. For those who want to pull their bookmarks from Delicious, the service has an export option and many services allow users to import Delicious links and tags.

"We can only imagine how upsetting the news coverage over the past 24 hours has been to many of you," the company concluded. "Speaking for our team, we were very disappointed by the way that this appeared in the press."
Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703395204576024024258782758.html#ixzz18Kt4Fgjn
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

KHORS: Ukrainian Black Metal Horde Unleash New Full-Length




Ukrainian black metal warriors KHORS have sent this update on the release of the bands new full length "Return To Abandoned" due to be unleashed soon on PARAGON RECORDS.
FROM EARSPLIT PR:

Paragon Records is proud to announce the release of Return To Abandoned, the long-awaited new full-length from Ukrainian black metal horde KHORS. On Return To Abandoned KHORS yield harsher, brooding sounds of their earlier work whilst mixing in the melancholy and atmosphere

of 2008's unsung dark black gem Mysticism. Inarguably the most majestic journey the band has taken its listeners on thus far, Return To Abandoned will appeal to old and new fans alike.

KHORS was formed by former Astrofaes bassist, Khorus, in August 2004, with an aim to create gloomy, powerful, atmospheric black metal. Sometime later, guitarist/vocalist Helg (Runes Of Dianceht) and drummer Khaoth (Tessaract, ex-Astrofaes, ex-Hate Forest) joined the fold. The band was later rounded out by guitarist Warth. Contrary to rumors, KHORS is not attached to any politically motivated groups or extremists. For fans of Kampfar, Moonsorrow, Borknagar, etc.

Return To Abandoned Track Listing
1. The Arrival (Intro)
2. Lost Threads
3. Asgard's Shining
4. Song of the Void
5. The Fog (...and Grief Still Moans)
6. Mysteries Cosmos
7. The Seas Burn of Omnipotence
8. Sacrament of Buyan
http://www.khors.info
http://www.myspace.com/khorspagan
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

MIKE PORTNOY LEAVES AVENGED SEVENFOLD

Mike Portnoy Pictures, Images and Photos EX DREAM THEATER drummer MIKE PORTNOY has issued this update, as PORTNOY left DREAM THEATER for AVENGED SEVENFOLD last September (2010), DREAM THEATER are currently auditioning new drummers. (http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=150802, http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=151012)
FROM MIKE PORTNOY:

"Yes, the rumors are true... Sadly my time with AVENGED SEVENFOLD has come to an end... The band has decided to carry on into 2011 without me...

"I had a great time with them throughout 2010, but it was their choice to end the relationship at the end of 2010 as was always the initial plan....

"I had an awesome time on stage with the guys every night and have so many cool memories from the experience with them... I am proud to always be part of the AVENGED SEVENFOLD family and history. I also adore the AVENGED SEVENFOLD fans and totally appreciate the way they welcomed me aboard and were so loving and supportive during my time with the band...thank you!

"As far as my future, I am excited by the endless musical possibilities that lie ahead of me...my love for music runs very deep and my taste is very broad and ecclectic which will give me the chance to explore many different things and collaborate with many great friends and artists I admire and respect...

"Happy holidaze to you all and c-ya in the New Year."
FROM SOUNDWAVE PROMOTERS VIA BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
AJ Maddah, who is responsible for organizing Australia's Soundwave festival, has slammed AVENGED SEVENFOLD for allegedly refusing to play during the day or clash with festival headliners IRON MAIDEN, despite being billed in tenth place on the lineup poster.

In a series of comments posted on Twitter, Maddah said, "AVENGED have decided, despite having originally confirmed a mid-afternoon spot, that they are now unwilling to play unless it is night time. At the same time, they are refusing to play at the same time as MAIDEN… In other words, they want MAIDEN to play in the afternoon!

"While AVENGED are a massive band, having sold around 8,000 copies of their new album nationally, I won't be able to move MAIDEN's time slot. I have now reached the point where I can no longer mess around 70 other bands and 180,000 ticket holders to appease this band's nonsense. I have every expectation that they will go back on their agreement and cancel."

Earlier today, AVENGED SEVENFOLD issued a statement confirming that it has decided to pull out of Soundwave, explaining that "the band decided that they could not offer fans the live experience they have come to expect and didn’t want to disappoint them. AVENGED SEVENFOLD will return to Australia soon to headline their own tour."

Soundwave festival dates are as follows:

Feb. 26 - Brisbane, Showgrounds
Feb. 27 - Sydney, Eastern Creek Raceway
Mar. 04 - Melbourne, Showgrounds
Mar. 05 - Adelaide, Bonython Park
Mar. 07 - Perth, Steel Blue Oval
FROM AVENGED SEVENFOLD VIA PULSE OF RADIO and BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
AVENGED SEVENFOLD frontman M. Shadows told The Pulse Of Radio that the band was not happy about the public way in which drummer Mike Portnoy's split with his former group DREAM THEATER was played out, which may have soured Portnoy's relationship with AVENGED, ultimately causing his departure from the Orange County, California-based act. "We were actually a little more shocked," M. Shadows said. "We felt that maybe both parties could have handled it a little more internally without being so press release-happy about what had happened between them. Because we're a band that, really, when it comes to news all over web sites or this or that about bands, you know, we don't tweet much, we don't try to put ourselves out that much, and all the drama and controversy wasn't something that we wanted at all."

M. Shadows talking to The Pulse Of Radio about DREAM THEATER / Mike Portnoy drama (audio):



Portnoy recorded the drum parts for AVENGED SEVENFOLD's latest album, "Nightmare", and toured with them for much of 2010 following the death last December of AVENGED drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan.

Although AVENGED SEVENFOLD did not immediately issue a statement regarding Mike's split with the group, Portnoy broke the news himself yesterday (Thursday, December 16) on Facebook, writing, "Sadly my time with AVENGED SEVENFOLD has come to an end...The band has decided to carry on into 2011 without me ...I had a great time with them throughout 2010, but it was their choice to end the relationship at the end of 2010 as was always the initial plan..."
UPDATE 12/20/2010 as PORTNOY CAN NOT REJOIN DREAM THEATER:

"Fairly recently, I reached out to the guys to try and make amends and offered to reconcile for the sake of having peace back in our lives… (plus I know how much it meant to a lot of the fans…)

"I figured it was still possible to try and save us, because they hadn't made any announcements yet or begun any public activity with another drummer… but sadly, they declined my offer (well, actually their lawyer did… they didn't even tell me themselves….)

"Sorry, gang, I honestly gave it my all…

"So now the fans on my Twitter and Facebook can please stop asking me to go back to DREAM THEATER… I tried, and the door is now shut… The ball is now in their court, not mine…

"I'm not crying or looking for mercy by posting this… I am merely trying to set the record straight as that is always the most important thing about my relationship with you guys… No BS, no spins, nothing to hide… and for better or for worse, I tell it like it is… I've also recently seen some people accuse my online activity of 'looking for attention or media coverage,' or 'looking for sympathy,' but it's honestly none of the above… I merely value having an open and active communication with my fans… Always have, always will… It is the cornerstone of everything I've done since day #1 with DREAM THEATER…

"This was posted here FOR YOU GUYS to know about... here on MY message board on MY website... If it ends up on Blabbermouth or wherever else, that is THEIR choice to spread, I did not request it or send out a 'press release'...

"Anyways, onward and upward...

"I've got a lot of great music and ideas waiting to come out of me and alot of exciting collaborations in the works....so goodbye 2010...bring on 2011!"




Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

KYLESA, RISING DREAM, KALMAH and THAUROROD CONFIRMED FOR METAL CAMP 7/11-16, 2011 TOLMIN. SLOVENIA


Promoters of the 2011 METAL CAMP set to take place 7/11-16, 2011 TOLMIN. SLOVENIA have confirmed KYLESA, RISING DREAM, KALMAH and THAUROROD as the festival billing is shaping up as follows.
FROM METAL CAMP 2011 PROMOTERS:

ABINCHOVA
ALESTORM
AMORPHIS
ARKONA
BREZNO
HEAVEN GREY
IN SOLITUDE
KALMAH
KYLESA
MOONSORROW
MOONSPELL
RISING DREAM
THAUROROD
VANDERBUYST
WATAIN
WINTERSUN
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

GORGUTS, VADER, EXHUMED, TRIPTYKON and DORDEDUH CONFIRMED FOR BRUTAL ASSAULT 8/11-13, 2011 OLD ARMY FORTRESS JOSEFOV, CZECH REPUBLIC

Promoters have announced the confirmation of GORGUTS, VADER, EXHUMED, TRIPTYKON and DORDEDUH for the BRUTAL ASSAULT FEST set to take place August 11-13, 2011 inside the Old Army Fortress in Josefov, Czech Republic.
FROM BRUTAL ASSAULT PROMOTERS:

The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):

DORDEDUH
EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS
EXHUMED
GORGUTS
KVELERTAK
MORBID ANGEL
SKELETONWITCH
SKYFORGER
SUICIDAL TENDENCIES
TRIGGER THE BLOODSHED
TRIPTYKON
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

MOTORHEAD AND RHAPSODY OF FIRE CONFIRMED FOR WACKEN OPEN AIR 8/4-6, 2011 WACKEN, GERMANY

2011
PROMOTERS for WACKEN OPEN AIR 2011, set to take place 8/4-6th, 2011 WACKEN, GERMANY have announced the confirmation of MOTORHEAD and RHAPSODY OF FIRE. The 2011 WACKEN OPEN AIR FEST will also feature OZZY OSBOURNE, TOKYO BLADE, BLIND GUARDIAN, AVANTASIA, JUDAS PRIEST, MAYHEM, SEPULTURA, SODOM, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, ACCUSER, SUBWAY TO SALLY, TRIVIUM and many more TBA.
FROM WACKEN OPEN AIR PROMOTERS: Wacken Open Air (W:O:A) takes place annually in the small town of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany. With 70,000 festival visitors, it attracts all kinds of metal music fans, such as fans of black metal, death metal, power metal, thrash metal, gothic metal and also folk metal, from around the world. The festival was first held in 1990 as a small event for local German bands. By 1998 the event had become the major festival on the European metal calendar and one of the most important in the world and included over 70 bands from all over Europe, North America and Australia. W:O:A is held at the beginning of August and lasts three days." We are glad to announce another top act for next Wacken Open Air.
Motörhead will rock the stage!
Besides new songs of the album “THE WÖRLD IS YOURS” you can look forward to all classics from the past years.
Definitely
Rhapsody Of Fire:
The Italian metal band RHAPSODY OF FIRE is definitely one of the most influential acts of the 90’s. With their mixture of melodic metal and elements of classical music influenced by the cinema soundtracks, the Italians created a complete new genre: The Symphonic Metal. See them live at W:O:A.
FROM RHAPSODY OF FIRE http://www.myspace.com/rhapsodyoffireofficial:
EXCLUSIVE: RHAPSODY OF FIRE’S NEW ALBUM !!!
Monday, 06 December 2010 17:22


“From Chaos To Eternity” is the title of the new RHAPSODY OF FIRE’s full length album, that will be released in Spring 2011 through Nuclear Blast at a worldwide level. The 10th studio album of the Italian power metal act will be a new musical masterpiece. Described by the band as the natural evolution of the monumental chartbreaker of 2010 “The Frozen Tears Of Angels”, the new album will represent an important goal in the history of RHAPSODY OF FIRE, as it will be the last one based on the fantasy saga started in 1997 with the debut album “Legendary Tales”.

As usual Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli will be the producers of the new work. But for the first time, part of such a production (vocals and guitar recordings) was and will be mostly based in Trieste, the Italian hometown of the two founders. The recordings of bass and drums already took place in Wolfsburg at “The Gate Studio” under the wise supervision of their longtime friend Sascha Paeth (AVANTASIA, ANGRA and more).

Luca says: “We are really proud to reveal to the whole world that the production of our new full length album is at a very good point already. Lyrically it has a particular meaning for all of us, as with the 5th and final chapter of the “Dark Secret saga” our band will close its fantasy cycle started 13 years ago. The dark secret will finally reveal itself and for the last time Sir Christopher Lee will give his unique and fundamental contribution to our work. Musically expect something really special out of the ten album titles. A song like “Ghosts Of Forgotten Worlds” with its rageous and hypnotic guitar riff, will make you breath the dusty atmospheres of the southern ghostlands. “Aeons Of Raging Darkness” is pure melodic chaos translated into music, “Tornado” the greatest technical challenge for each single bandmember and “Tempesta Di Fuoco”, the first speed track completely sung in Italian language. For my song “Fantasia Gotica” I wrote and finalized the cinematic orchestral arrangements inspired by the visionary genius of Tim Burton, while “The Splendour Of Angels’s Glory (A Final Revelation)” is Alex’s choral and majestic track for the perfect finale of the dark secret saga. Our bass player Patrice Guers and our drummer Alex Holzwarth did their best job so far in a RHAPSODY OF FIRE album. One more word is needed to underline the excellent performance of our singer: in this new release, Fabio Lione will present himself definitely as one of the best and most versatile singers, being able to pass with unique ability and talent from the most aggressive vocals, to clean angelic voices and powerful operatic parts. Once more you are going to be really surprised.”

Alex Staropoli adds: “As always the cinematic elements that defined our style will enrich each track, but the guitar work will be again very important too. What is sure is, that for such an album Luca and I composed our best solos ever!”

“From Chaos To Eternity” will be released in spring 2011, in a jewelcase standard edition of 24 pages, and in an exclusive limited edition of 48 pages, full of great and unique surprises – as well as two bonus tracks, for a total of 65 minutes of RHAPSODY OF FIRE’s legendary music.

Stay tuned for further news!
Dates:

Feb. 08 - Pratteln (CH) Z7
Feb. 09 - Lyon (F) Transbordeur
Feb. 11 - Bilbao (SP) Rockstar Live
Feb. 12 - Madrid (SP) La Riviera
Feb. 13 - Barcelona (SP) Razzmatazz
Feb. 15 - Paris (F) Elysee Montmartre
Feb. 16 - Ludwigsburg (D) Rockfabrik
Feb. 17 - K�ln (D) Live Music Hall
Feb. 18 - Charleroi (B) Le Coliseum
Feb. 20 - N�rnberg (D) Hirsch
Feb. 21 - Katowice (PL) Mega Club
Feb. 22 - Kosice (SK) JUMBO centrum
Feb. 23 - Bratislava (SK) MMC (Majestic Music Club)
Feb. 25 - Bologna (I) Estragon
Feb. 26 - Roma (I) Atlantico
Feb. 28 - Milano (I) Alcatraz





Tokyo Blade:
The Blade is back! Once being one of the leading bands of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, Tokyo Blade will be reviving the glory of yesteryears at W:O:A.

Bandinfo:
Rhapsody of Fire
Tokyo Blade

And here are the winners of the 14th of december:
Krishna G. - Konz
Lasse G. - Münsterdorf
Ingo D. - Haste
Stefan G. - Hemmingen
Mario J. - Barmstedt

One AC/DC Package + 1 voucher code for the Full:Metal:Shop goes to:
Patrick A. - Stolk

All winners will also be informed per mail!

We wish all winners a lot of fun with their prizes and a good portion of luck during the remaining X-MAS lottery!

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

KAMPFAR, SKELETONWITCH,TURISAS and EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS CONFIRMED FOR 2011 SUMMER BREEZE OPEN AIR 8/18-20, 2011 DINKELSBUHL, GERMANY

Promoters of the 2011 SUMMER BREEZE OPEN AIR FEST, set to take place 8/18-20, 2011 DINKELSBUHL, GERMANY have confirmed KAMPFAR, SKELETONWITCH, TURISAS and EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS. FROM SUMMER BREEZE OPEN AIR PROMOTERS: Once were the champions of hearts, Gauck was the president of hearts, and Käßmann the bishop of hearts. But who are the headliners of hearts? None other than the EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, who have just christened their album with the title of the year 2010. Musically, nothing has changed in the Hannover band. Unbelievably still without a record deal, the jokers go on ridiculing famous songs (“Bohemian Schnapsidee”, anyone?) and presenting their comedic, self-ironic original compositions (“Hinnerk, der Grindfucker”, anyone?) in uncompromising grind fashion, making for a great party atmosphere wherever they are unleashed. If you have always wondered what “Grindcore Vibes” feel like, go see the GRINDFUCKERS!
KAMPFAR started their prowl in 1994, a time when the trend that now is pagan metal couldn't be seen on the distant horizon. True to their monicker, which translates as “battle cry”, the Norwegians were already combining black metal with folk elements in an uncompromising, captivating manner back then, providing the blueprint which countless bands after them used as the basis of their musical endeavours. After a recording hiatus that lasted from 1999 to 2006, KAMPFAR are now actively back on the scene. There's only few bands nowadays who can manage to deliver this sound in such an authentic and primal fashion. Those who have always wondered what the original pagan metal sounds like shouldn't miss their very first appearance at SUMMER BREEZE.
SKELETONWITCH are angry, brutal and, most of all, metal to the bone. Thir mix of 80s Bay Area thrash, a good shot of death metal and a dash of black metal makes every extreme metal fan's mouth water. From the traditional headbanger with the denim cutoff and greasy hair to the metal youngster, everyone can headbang to the American's killer songs in unity. The five-piece even incorporates some melodies that are vaguely reminiscent of Amon Amarth, which enhance their homogeneous sound even more. Last year they unfortunately had to cancel at short notice. So be there in 2011 to have your ear canals blown clean by SKELETONWITCH at their first ever SUMMER BREEZE appearance. Heads will roll!
Good news for all TURISAS fans: The long-awaited successor to their sophomore album 'The Varangian Way', which came out almost four years ago, has been completed, is titled 'Stand Up And Fight' and will be released in January. As if that wasn't enough, we can also tell you that the Finns will provide plenty of headbanging, mead drinking, partying, battle hymn singing and raising horns in Dinkelsbühl next August. Their catchy, party-compatible metal mix combines the best of pagan, viking, folk, black and death metal. The warpaint-wearing six-piece call their style “battle metal”, which hits the pagan nail right on the head. Look forward to the second TURISAS show at SUMMER BREEZE after their 2006 debut! They will prove they have become even more powerful in these four years.


Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

CROWBAR INTERVIEWED BY NYC EXAMINER

NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) sludge metal heroes CROWBAR were recently interviewed by the NYC EXAMINER. FROM THE NYC EXAMINER: Sludge metal pioneers Crowbar came to New York City this past Sunday, playing a packed show at Santo's Party House in support of their upcoming album Sever the Wicked Hand. Before the show, I was fortunate enough to get some time to speak with frontman and songwriter Kirk Windstein, who pulls triple duty playing guitar in Down and Kingdom of Sorrow as well as fronting Crowbar. Read the interview below for Kirk's thoughts on the new Crowbar record, rehab, Youtube recordings, and more, and my review of the concert itself here:

Examiner: Kirk, we’re in downtown Manhattan today, Crowbar plays tonight at Santo’s Party House, welcome to New York City.
Kirk: Thank you, good to be here.

Examiner: I know you’ve played here many times before, do you have any favorite parts of New York?

Kirk: I don’t know, usually it’s just a gig and doing press all day. If the weather’s nice, which it’s not today, I try to get out a little bit. Last time I was here was with Down, at Nokia, but I’ve been at different spots... I’d like to come here on vacation once, and see it and not work, yknow?

Examiner: Totally. Now I understand you filmed a video here in New York today, for Cemetery Angles. Where did you film?

Kirk: I don’t know, some cemetery.. I think down, lower side somewhere by the river. A couple of locations but I wouldn’t know. Then we’ll get some live stuff from the show tonight and mix it in with some other footage and storyline and stuff and that’ll be the video.

Examiner: So fans who are at tonight’s show should be looking for themselves when the video comes out.

Kirk: Absolutely, they may be in it.

Examiner: So over the summer you checked into rehab...

Kirk: Actually I didn’t ‘check in...’ it was time to stop drinking. Time to do a 180 and get my life together.

Examiner: In college I remember a couple of friends going to rehab, and coming back and saying that was the most fun they ever had. But I think my friends missed the point of rehab.

Kirk: They probably did. It’s real simple dude, it’s one of those things where it gets to the point where not only is it not fun anymore but it’s a problem, when it starts affecting all aspects of your life it’s time to stop. So everybody’s going congratulations, I’m like don’t congratulate me. People fall off every day, 90% of people that stop, start again. So, you just go day by day. It’s actually easier, believe it or not, on this particular tour, because we’re doing 23 shows in a row. Staying busy keeps me away from being bored, which used to be a lot of my problem. I’m touring and I’m bored and it’s an off day or I’m travelling and boom, there ya go, it’s fun again cause I’m drunk. And it’s not like that, today I was up before daylight shooting the video, we were playing in Trenton, NJ last night I didn’t get to bed until 3am, slept like three hours, did that, took a nap, got up, did photo shoots all day, the whole nine yards. MTV Headbangers Ball hosting, anything, just keep me busy.

Examiner: And you weren’t worried about going right back on the road with all the partying that goes on there?

Kirk: Well, yes and no. And what I mean by yes is because you’re obviously surrounded by it. But no because let’s be honest, my drug of choice is beer. It’s not only socially accepted, you can’t even watch a football game without having it shoved in your face a thousand times. In New Orleans it’s literally a way of life. Drinking goes with everything, there’s always an excuse to drink. We sell beer and liquor 24/7/365 everywhere, you can buy a 5th of vodka at 3am on Easter Sunday if you want. So it’s one of those things, where it’s not like cocaine or heroin or whatever, when you’re on those kind of drugs you quit calling the dealer, you quit hanging out at the places you used to frequent or you quit hanging out with those people. You can’t get away, I can’t fill my car up at a gas station without Coors Light, Bud Light, Corona, whatever, it’s just the way it is.

Examiner: So the new album comes out in February, Sever the Wicked Hand, and you’ve been playing a couple of new songs on this tour. How has the fan response been?

Kirk: Really good, I mean it’s odd because they’ve never heard it before, or maybe they saw the crappy version on Youtube where you can’t even hear, so it’s a little odd when you haven’t heard the new material, but I think the stuff’s killer and we’re probably playing two tonight, I’m gonna work on a special setlist for tonight. That’s why we’re just doing Cemetery Angels at soundcheck, it’s the first time we’ve done it since rehearsal before we went in the studio, so we have to practice at soundcheck. And that song everybody’s heard, it’s all over the Internet, we let it out with the preorder and put it out there. And then when the record is actually released, we can begin picking up some others.

Examiner: Well you mention fans seeing it on Youtube, in this day and age people come home from a show and the video’s online hours later, and sites like Blabbermouth pick it up... do you follow Internet chatter?

Kirk: Well, I do and I don’t. If it’s something real... by the time the show’s over, I go check on merch, I check on things, I get on the bus and chill and pop the laptop open, it’s already on Youtube, and then a lot of the people are haters and you’re like, well of course it sounds like shit, somebody did it from their phone! That’s why when people are like “can we film tonight?” I’m like absolutely. I’d much rather it be put on with a legitimate camera or a better version for people to see, it sounds like “(muffled noise)” well this song sucks, well yes it does, it could be Bohemian Rhapsody, it sounds like shit, you can’t tell what it is. So I don’t really follow it or let the haters get to me, it is what it is.

Examiner: Generally speaking, how would you say the new record compares to your existing discography in terms of the production, the tone, the overall sound?

Kirk: Definitely production-wise better than anything we’ve done, soundwise. And Zeuss mixed it and did a great job, he did the two Kingdom records and Hatebreed, and just did the Murderdolls, he’s really good. Great guy and really, really good producer, engineer, the whole nine yards. Production was incredible, best we’ve ever had. And as far as the record as a whole, the music and whatnot, I’m very, very satisfied that it’s really satisfied all the Crowbar fans. It’s twelve tracks, and none of them sound like the one you’re gonna hear before it. Play it like it’s meant to be, from A to Z, it’s a journey. It’s supposed to take you somewhere. Every song is different, I’m very proud of it, and to me, bands always say it’s the best they’ve ever done, and fans have their favorites, I understand that, but no matter what, if you like Crowbar, I don’t see how you could say it’s not killer.

Examiner: What would you say your favorite record has been until now?

Kirk: Either Odd Fellows Rest or Broken Glass, although I like Sonic Excess quite a bit. And Lifeblood. I mean, you have favorites, I mean an album like Crowbar - Crowbar, the self-titled one, it’s a classic and all that. We do two or three songs every night off that, because people want to hear it and it’s like, me playing All I Had (I Gave) is like Lemmy playing Ace of Spades or something. Sure he does it, he’s got to do it, it’s fun, you enjoy it because the crowd loves it, but there’s a lot more to Motorhead than the Ace of Spades. There’s a lot more to Crowbar than All I Had (I Gave). There’s a lot more to Crowbar than just slow stuff or heavy vocals too. People, when they really dig deep into what it is and really listen to it with an open mind they’ll be like wow, I didn’t know there was that much going on.

Examiner: You mention Odd Fellows Rest, I have to ask you about the song Odd Fellows Rest. Because you’re listening to an otherwise crushing record, and all of a sudden out of nowhere you have this slow, trippy, spacey jam coming out, where did that come from?

Kirk: Something I came up with, and I just wanted it to be a short segue piece, and it ended up being, I said I could sing on this. I ended up singing and doing some soloing, lots of texture on it... That’s what I love to do in the studio. I love to write and have the basic foundation of what the song’s all about. Then once the drums are done it’s time for fun for me, because I don’t know what I’m going to sing yet, and melody-wise I don’t even have my lyrics written... I write my lyrics the day I sing the song, so even when I have the basic things, I’m thinking what can I change, what can I add, how many harmonies can I do? What can I trick up, and really what you get in rehearsal and the final outcome are two very different things, and that’s where the fun comes in, doing the guitar stuff, the harmony stuff. And also vocally, I don’t know what the lyrics will be. I leave the studio, and I have a disc. And I wake up in the morning and I listen to the song, and I write whatever I’m feeling, and I go to the studio and sing it, and that’s pretty much on the fly. I build my vocals with a pen and paper, scratch stuff out, change lyrics, I don’t know what my melody’s gonna be, I experiment with different things, and the final outcome is what I think is best.

Examiner: So I was driving my sister the other day, and I put the Broken Glass album on in the car. And she grew up listening to me blast Metallica, Megadeth, but nothing this heavy, and she listens for a minute, and turns to me and says “Why is he so angry?” And I was gonna give the usual generic ‘this is what heavy metal means’ but then I said “you know what? I’m interviewing him in a couple of weeks, so I’ll ask him.” So Kirk, why are you so angry?

Kirk: Well I’m not...

Examiner: Well, why is your music so angry?

Kirk: It’s therapeutic. For me and the people who listen to it. The lyrics are therapeutic for me and the people who listen to it, I met a guy in Virginia Beach the other night who’s been to Afghanistan three times, and he’s like “I just want to thank you for your music, for helping me get through some of the weirdest parts of the world, some of the craziest things, and the only thing I could relate to was Crowbar. And it really helped me get through it. And that’s what it’s really all about. I mean, I’m not angry, I’m talking to you right now, do I seem mad? ** Kirk throws a playful punch at my face ** It’s the type of music we play. It’s heavy, it’s aggressive, it’s emotional, and it’s a perfect venue to let out what’s bugging you.

Examiner: I spoke to Phil Anselmo a month ago, I spoke to Pepper Keenan a month before that, so you make three out of the five Down guys for me. Pepper promised some Down shows this summer, any word on that?

Kirk: Well yeah, I’d expect so. You gotta understand, 90% of my musical life has been Down, and all of ours, since the beginning of 2006, up until this late, late summer of 2010, it’s been nonstop touring, recording, whatever with Down. And you need a little break. But at home, me, Jimmy and Pepper get together two, three times a week if I’m not out with Crowbar and Jimmy’s not out with Eyehategod, and write and demo and whatnot. I saw Phil the day before Thanksgiving, hung out over there, he’s ready to hear what we’ve got and he’s got tons of great ideas. He doesn’t stop, you just need a little break from time to time. It’s one of those things, I don’t care what band you are, how great you are, how popular you are, when you spend that much time around each other, doing that for so long, you need some time to step away and let the creative juices start to build up with Down again. We’re doing it right now, and I’m loving what we’re doing, and I’m loving the stuff we’re doing with the writing, but obviously the clock’s ticking on us, we’re not kids anymore, but we’ve also built a solid foundation worldwide with Down, and when we all feel really excited, then it will come together overnight. And we’re really getting close to that right now.

Examiner: So you juggle Down, Crowbar, and Kingdom of Sorrow. How many bands can you actually be active in at once?

Kirk: That’s it. Just three. I tried four a couple of times, but it’s too much. Even with Kingdom, me and Jamey Jasta really want to do something proper with it, as far as doing a legit tour at some point, because sure it’s a side project, but at the same time we love it, we think it’s a great band, our fanbase is there, if we really push and do things right it can really take off. But three’s the limit for me, I’m too old, that’s enough.
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

VREID ANNOUNCE NEW RELEASE TITLE, ARTWORK and TRACKLISTING

Norwegian black metal warriors VREID have announced the title, art work and tracklisting of the bands new release "V" due out on INDIE RECORDINGS 2/7/2011.
Track listing for VREID "V":
01. Arche
02. The Blood Eagle
03. Wolverine Bastards
04. The Sound Of The River
05. Fire On The Mountain
06. The Others & The Look
07. Slave
08. Welcome To The Asylum
09. Then We Die

FROM VREID:

We are exited to announce a Norwegian headliner tour in February.
5 shows will take place in the periode of 17-25 Feb.
Support will come from our good friends The Batallion & Iskald.

Check out dates/poster and more info at the frontpage.

See you on the road in 2011.

The Brigade.

"There has been several changes around this time. A lot of new equipment has been used, Hváll [bass] has rebuilt his Studio 1184, and set up a completely new system. Also this is the first time the entire production is done by ourselves. Everything from pre-production, all recording and mixing. This has been very refreshing and liberating, and we are extremely satisfied with the production for this album.

"We had a lineup change as Strom joined us on guitar at the end of last year. This is his first recording with VREID, and he has made a tremendous contribution for the album. He has been working closely with Sture and Hváll with the guitar arrangements, and definitive set his mark on the songs.

"10 songs has been recorded, and it seem that nine of them will make it for the album.
"How does it sound?? Bloody great, if you ask us. Everyone seems very satisfied with the album, and the spirit within the band is fantastic




Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

LIFELOVER NEW RELEASE DATE AND TRACKLISTING FOR "SJUKDOM"


Live in Arnhem, October 4th, 2009, PulverCities

Swedish DSBM project LIFELOVER have sent this update on the tracklisting, art work for the bands new release entitled "Sjudkdom" due out 2/14/2011 on PROPHECY PRODUCTIONS and in North America 3/8/2011.

A reissue of Lifelover's infamous third album, Konkurs, will be released in North America via Prophecy Productions on January 11th, 2011.


FROM LIFELOVER MYSPACE:

Sjukdom tracklisting:

'Svart Galla'
'Led By Misfortune'
'Expandera'
'Homicidal Tendecies'
'Resignation'
'Doften Av Tomhet'
'Totus Anctus'
'Horans Hora'
'Bitterljuv Kakofoni'
'Becksvart Frustration'
'Nedvaknande'
'Instrumental Asylum'
'Utdrag'
'Karma'

The master for our new album as well as the layout for both the standard CD and the LP-edition
(which will come with a poster) have now been delivered to Prophecy Productions!

The album clocks in at around 55 minutes and features 14 tracks.
Right now it looks like February 14th, 2011 will be the release date
for this piece of twisted music. So make sure to put down the date in
your notebooks, or whatever you use, haha!

More news to come soon! Hang in there folks!
Thanks for the support!

Regards
-LIFELOVER
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

AT THE GATES CONFIRMED FOR 2011 BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR -CANTON HALL DERBY 8/12, 13th, 14th, 2011

Promoters for the annual BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR FESTIVAL set to take place 8/12th, 13th and 14th 2011 CANTON HALL DERBY have confirmed re united extreme metal band AT THE GATES.
FROM BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR PROMOTERS: Extreme Metal Legends AT THE GATES has confirmed their only UK show of 2011 will take place at next year’s BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR.

“We had such a blast during the 2008 reunion that we decided to do some more shows.” States drummer Adrian Erlandsson. He continues, “We had an amazing gig at Bloodstock in 2008 and are really looking forward to playing there again.”

One of the most influential metal bands of the last 20 years, AT THE GATES made a permanent mark after 1995’s “Slaughter of the Soul” album captured the imaginations of metal heads the world over. Taking the aggression of death metal and lacing it heavily with melody, the album was released to huge critical acclaim - including a Swedish Grammy nomination - and AT THE GATES looked set to take the world by storm. However disbanding in 1996 meant the next chapter was never written. The 12 years that passed left hundreds of thousands of fans hoping that one day they would get to see their heroes again.

Their wish came true and AT THE GATES reunion was one of the summer festival highlights across Europe in 2008. Now the band return for an exclusive appearance and BLOODSTOCK is honoured to welcome them back for what is bound to be an unforgettable set at Catton Hall.

2 DAYS AND COUNTING UNTIL EARLY BIRD TICKET OFFER EXPIRES

Bloodstock weekend with camping tickets are on sale from the Bloodstock store at the incredible prize of just *£90 until 23.59 hours on 15th December 2010.


LINE UP SO FAR:
IMMORTAL - RHAPSODY OF FIRE - AT THE GATES - MORBID ANGEL - CORONER - THERION – TRIPTYKON - ANGELWITCH LAWNMOWER DETH - GRAVE DIGGER ....and loads more to be announced
ALSO, AT THE GATES have been confirmed for the 2011 PARTY SAN OPEN AIR set to take place August 11-13, 2011 at a new location in Schlotheim/Flugplatz Obermehler, Germany.
PARTY SAN OPEN AIR 2011 LINEUP:
AT THE GATES
BELPHEGOR
ENSIFERUM
HAIL OF BULLETS
MELECHESH
MORBID ANGEL
NACHTMYSTIUM
NEGURA BUNGET
PANZERCHRIST
TAAKE
http://www.myspace.com/partysanopenair



Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

ENSLAVED ON TOURING WITH DIMMU BORGIR

Tour Dates at http//listn.to/enslaved Norwegian post black metal warriors ENSLAVED elaborate on touring with Norwegian countrymen DIMMU BORGIR.
FROM ENSLAVED: Eternal Terror's Roy Kristensen met up with Ivar Bjørnson in Enslaved's rehearsal room during 2010's Hole In The Sky festival, since the new album had just been made. They talked about "Axioma Ethica Odhinn ", creating the music, touring with Dimmu Borgir, Hole In The Sky and Cato Bækkevold's way of torturing the rest of the band.

Live material is filmed in Drammen (Union Scene) 01.10.10
The photos from Eternal Terror by Unn Marit Forrestad & Lise Mette Eidet in September 2010.
VIDEO BELOW ENSLAVED ON TOURING WITH DIMMU BORGIR:


Produced by Imhotep Productions.

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

KYLESA and ZOROASTER ANNOUNCE JANUARY 2011 U.S. DATES

KYLESA and ZOROASTER have announced a JANUARY 2011 U.S. mini tour, dates are as follows:
FROM ZOROASTER:
We're happy to announce that we've been confirmed as direct support to Kylesa on several dates in January. Fight Amp open.


January 13 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
January 14 – Savannah, GA @ The Jinx
January 15 – Orlando, FL @ Backbooth
January 16 – Tampa, FL @ Brass Mug
January 19 – Raleigh, NC @ Kings
January 20 – Washington D.C. @ Black Cat

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Monday, December 13, 2010

WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM Announce More North American Appearances

Northwestern black metal warriors WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM have announced a JANUARY 2011 U.S. mini tour.
FROM EARSPLIT PR:

Northwestern metal horde WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM have just announced an upcoming mini-tour to take place this January, following their previously announced performance with Neurosis and labelmates Black Breath in Seattle on December 30th. The ‘Wolves will embark on the newly announced dates just days after the start of 2011, and have stops planned for stateside audiences in Oregon and Washington, as well as first time appearances in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia. The mini-tour closes out in Olympia, Washington on January 9th with a benefit show for the Wolftown Wildlife Rehabilitation Project and local victims of the Green Scare.

Confirmed WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM Live Appearances:

12/30/2010 Neumo’s – Seattle, WA w/ Neurosis, Black Breath
01/04/2011 Branx – Portland, OR w/ Druden, Wilderness, thee.casualty.company
01/06/2011 Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC w/ Ahna, Gyibaaw, Sick, thee.casualty.company
01/07/2011 The Sons of Norway Hall - Victoria, BC w/ Shibboleth, Northern, thee.casualty.company
01/08/2011 Jinx Art Space - Bellingham, WA w/ Druden, Frozen Cloak, thee.casualty.company
01/09/2011 The Loft on Cherry - Olympia, WA w/ Alda, Druden, RVIVR

This new rash of shows follow the band’s recently completed tour through several European countries, which included a date in London with Shrinebuilder as well as the coveted All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival in Minehead, United Kingdom where they appeared alongside Neurosis, Godspeed You! Black Emperor and more last week. These will likely be the last live dates WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM will be planning for the coming months, as they are planning to hole up through the Winter months preparing their next full-length release.





http://www.wittr.com
http://www.southernlord.com
http://blog.southernlord.com
http://www.myspace.com/southernlordrecordings
http://twitter.com/twatterlord

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

"BIG FOUR" CONFIRMED FOR UK SONISPHERE (METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX) ALSO: IRON MAIDEN CONFIRMED FOR POLAND SONICSPHERE




"The Big Four", the most prominent of 80's/90's American thrash bands (METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX) have been confirmed for the UK SONISPHERE FEST set to take place July of 2011.











FROM UK SONISPHERE:
METALLICA,SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX will headline the first night of next year's U.K. installment of the Sonisphere festival, which will take place July 8-10, 2011. Saturday night headliner will be BIFFY CLYRO and Sunday's festival closer is SLIPKNOT.

Commented METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich: "As soon as the 'Big Four' gigs started rolling across Sonisphere festivals in Eastern Europe last summer, we all felt we were part of something special. The vibe within the bands was more than anyone had anticipated and the vibe with the fans was so next level, it completely blew our minds . . . there was no way this should not happen again!!! So I am beyond psyched that the first 'Big Four' show in Western Europe will take place on the hallowed grounds of Knebworth, where so many unique and special gigs have happened over the years."

Last summer saw the live debut of the "Big Four" — as this collective of thrash legends are commonly known — marking what was possibly the most significant event in the history of metal. Fans all over Europe could barely contain their excitement, as over 500,000 metalheads bore witness to the show they thought they'd never see.

The "Big Four" fever did not stop at Europe, as fans the world over eagerly anticipated the possibility of seeing the historical show for themselves in their own countries. Such was the demand that a live cinecast of the Bulgarian show saw over 130,000 people turn out to local cinemas, with reports of mosh pits breaking out in movie theatres across the globe. The recently released DVD of the event, which features all four bands collaborating on a cover of DIAMOND HEAD's "Am I Evil?" as well as their individual sets, has only added fuel to the "Big Four" fire, with a frenzied demand for more performances in the countries not fortunate enough to play host last summer.

"There is simply no better venue for a European round two of the 'Big Four'!!" METALLICA's Lars Ulrich says. "Put your dancing shoes on, this is gonna be fun!"

"Always excited to do 'Big Four' shows," says SLAYER's Kerry King. "Now England is in line to be devastated by this heavy metal powerhouse! Can't fucking wait!!!"

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine states: "The 'Big Four' concerts are the most important, most exciting event to happen in the history of live concerts in our genre, and perhaps the entire music industry. I am glad to be a part of this enormous celebration of thrash, speed, and good ole heavy metal!"

"Oh, yeah!!!" proclaims ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante. "Here we come, England! The 'Big Four', BABY! Can't wait to get metal thrashing mad for you thrashers!"

ANTHRAX bandmate, guitarist Scott Ian, concurs: "Merry early Xmas present for us... more 'Big Four' shows!!! The shows we did together with our brothers in METALLICA, SLAYER and MEGADETH were not only the high point of 2010, but also some of the best shows ANTHRAX have ever played. Getting to share this with our friends in the U.K. will be amazing."
Also, IRON MAIDEN, MOTORHEAD and SLIPKNOT have just been confirmed for Polands SONICSPHERE.
FROM SONICSPHERE POLAND:
British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN will headline the Polish installment of the Sonisphere festival on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the 100,000-capacity Bemowo Airfield in Warsaw. According to Antyradio, the biggest rock radio station in Poland, SLIPKNOT and MOTÖRHEAD will also perform at the event, although this has not yet been officially confirmed by the festival organizers.

The first-ever "Big Four" concert — featuring METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER and ANTHRAX — was held on June 16, 2010 at the Sonisphere festival at the Bemowo Airfield. This year's event was attended by around 85,000 people and was reportedly the biggest rock/metal concert ever to be held in Poland.



Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

BREWING MEAD WITH AMON AMARTH

Swedish Viking death metal warriors AMON AMARTH instruct on how to make thier favorite brew.
FROM EARSPLIT PR and METALKULT:
In the following video, watch as mead connoisseurs Hegg, Söderberg and Lundström demonstrate how to make their favorite brew out of everyday items such as empty water jugs, honey, raisins, oranges, yeast and balloons. Metal Kult all rights reserved. www.metalkult.com



Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Sunday, December 12, 2010

WATAIN Erik Danielsson INTERVIEW FROM 107.7 THE BONE METAL ZONE


Erik Danielsson of Watain talks with Nikki Blakk of 107.7 The BONE's Metal Zone about their live show and new album before their show @ the DNA Lounge, SF 11.17.10
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

NEGURA BUNGET TO UNLEASH LAST RELEASE "Poartă de dincolo" - MCD


Romanian post/ambient black metal warriors NEGURA BUNGET shall unleash the bands last mini CD entitled "Poartă de dincolo" MCD in 2011.
FROM NEGURA BUNGET MYSPACE:
We are proud to announce Negură Bunget is now finishing the work on the upcoming MCD - Poartă de dincolo ("a gate from the above" or "carrying from the other side"). The material will be recorded again at Negura MUSIC studio. As the name suggests it, the material focuses on exploring the relation between worlds, either from above, under or beyond... The MCD is the last Negură Bunget material to be released by code666 Records marking the end of a collaboration started almost 10 years ago. We thank them for all the support and wish them good luck in the future!

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

VADER RETURNS TO STUDIO MARCH 2011

f.l.t.r. Peter (Vocals-Guitar), Paul (drums), Vogg (sitting - Guitar), Reyash (standing - Bass) Polish death metal Gods VADER have sent this update as the band is due to go back in the studio March 2011.
FROM VADER: Last two months we have spent on tour in USA/Canada with Immolation/Abigail Williams, in Brasil with norwegian Ragnaroak and in Mexico. We were performing a nice mix of Vader's classics and - first time in history -our second album "De Profundis" as a whole. It is 15 years since this record came out. Your response for this idea was more then great so we decided to repeat this in the future with other Vader titles too.
The silence in media in last weeks is "a silence before the storm".We're finishing slowly promotion of last album to start work upon the successor of "Necropolis". Some Music, Words also Designs are already initiated... I will inform You about the progress in proper time and give a little inside information of "secrets of the returning Morbid Reich". We start recording in Hertz Studion in March 2011. Till then we'll show yet in Switzerland (Sylvester Festival) and some places in Europe. More details soon... And one more news: the band Vader (and me personaly) was awarded a yearly prize by Warmia&Mazury Region's Mayor for promotion and support of the region in the World for over 25 years...Better late then never;) THANKS ALOT!!!! We'll talk to You soon!!!!!
Peter&VADER

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Saturday, December 11, 2010

SLIPKNOT ANNOUNCE FIRST SHOWS POST PAUL GRAY's DEATH

Iowa nu metal heroes SLIPKNOT have announced the bands first live festival shows since the tragic death of bassist Paul Gray.
FROM SLIPKNOT MYSPACE:
Slipknot are proud to announce that they will return in 2011 to headline the UK’s Sonisphere Festival. The weekend event at the world famous Knebworth site is set for Friday July 8th- Sunday July 10th.


Expect the band to bring an incendiary show to Sonisphere, as the icons prepare to honour Paul Gray’s memory and musical career with their Knebworth appearance. Slipknot say, “We’re looking forward to spending our summer in Europe. This tour is about us and our fans. It’s about celebrating the life of our brother, Paul and his legacy. The door is neither open nor closed. This tour is about burning down that door. See you this summer.”


The band hope you will come join them in Europe next Summer to celebrate and remember their brother, Paul Gray.


Check back soon for info on tickets and on sale dates.

Slipknot have officially been confirmed to perform on September 25th at Rock In Rio! Slipknot will be playing on the World Stage alongside Metallica and many others. Slipknot’s show at Rock in Rio 2011 marks the band’s return to Brazil. One of the acts most requested by heavy metal fans on Rock In Rio’s social networks, the band’s first and only performance in the country was in 2005, a year after the first edition of Rock in Rio Lisbon. Tickets are going fast for Rock in Rio, so if you plan to make it get yours now right here!


SLIPKNOT is the first band to be announced for GMM2011! The Iowa metallers have been a crowd favorite at Graspop for many years. Not surprisingly, they have been invited for the fourth time in a row to do what they do best: whip the masses into a frenzy. If you’ve seen this outfit at work, you will know that Slipknot stands for a unique combination of pummeling songs and a crushing stage show. Slipknot promises to destroy Benelux with their performance on Sunday 26 June.

Graspop Metal Meeting 2011 will be held in Dessel festival park over the weekend of Friday 24 June to Sunday 26 June. With leading bands from nearly every metal and rock subgenre and a lineup that spans several generations of heavy music, there’s something for metalheads of all ages. Graspop Metal Meeting features, 70+ bands, four stages and lots of fringe events to boot, including signing sessions, an outdoor festival fair, an indoor metal market and more. Check back soon for more info.
FROM NOISECREEP:
Since the untimely passing of bassist Paul Gray earlier this year, Slipknot have been surrounded by the question of whether they would press on without one of their founding members. The simple answer is yes -- at least in terms of playing big overseas festivals next year, as the band has been confirmed for Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium in June, UK's Sonisphere in July and Brazil's Rock in Rio in September.

In a recent interview with NME, frontman Corey Taylor said he believed Gray "would want us to keep going," later adding, "There are some moments that are more somber than others. But when you are here to entertain, you don't wanna spend too much time in melancholy. There is time to reflect, there is time to celebrate, and for me, dealing with loss, it's important to celebrate life and not revel in death, to be honest."

Now the question of new material from the groundbreaking band seems to be where things get confusing, or at least where there might be division among Taylor and drummer Joey Jordison. Since the loss of Gray, who died from an accidental overdose of morphine, the two have given varying updates on the band, with Jordison holding steadfastly that a new record was in the works, saying "I think it's gonna be a really, really great record because everyone's really involved in the process."

Taylor, who initially said he doubted the future of Slipknot, responded to Jordison via a Twitter update denying any songwriting. "Like I said, shows? Yes. Album? No. Baby steps, people. For the fans."

The apparent lack of communication and public disagreements from one of metal's biggest acts have many wondering about the band's future. No matter how you analyze the quotable chatter, the fact remains: We may be a long way off from a new Slipknot record.



Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-RIP PAUL GREY- \m/ -l-

"GET WELL SOON FILES" : KING DIAMOND RECEIVES OPEN HEART/TRIPLE BYPASS SURGERY

Backstage band photo somewhere in Europe.
Still photo taken during the new video shoot. Not part of actual video EDITORS NOTE: I've never had more fun at a metal show than at KING DIAMOND SHOWS, a mighty hails to and get well soon to KING DIAMOND. FROM THE "GET WELL SOON FILES": Legendary Danish vocalist King Diamond has undergone open heart, triple by pass surgery after several heart attacks.
FROM KING DIAMOND MYSPACE and HIS WIFE:
Livia Zita (pictured below), the 26-year-old wife of 54-year-old Danish heavy metal singer King Diamond (real name: Kim Bendix Petersen; MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND), has issued the following update:


"On Monday the 29th of November, King had to be transported to the nearby hospital by ambulance. After several different tests were done and the EKG machine showing abnormalities, the doctors recommended that he get a cardiac catheterization.


"Let me catch you all up on the past couple of weeks' happenings, because it affects many things.


"Cardiac catheterization is a procedure where the doctors lead a very thin tube up from the leg and into the heart, where it injects dye into the bloodstream. Then a camera at the end of the tube takes many pictures of the heart's arteries, looking for blockages.

"After this was done, they determined that King had several heart attacks, and three of his heart's arteries were the cause: one was completely blocked, the second was 90% blocked, and the third was 65% blocked. The only solution to this was an open-heart triple-bypass surgery.

"If you are interested in the details of how this surgery is performed, please look it up online. I will only touch on the basics. The sternum (breastbone) is cut in half and pulled apart, to expose the heart. Veins are harvested from other places of the body, in King's case it was his left leg and chest wall. The person is then hooked up to a machine that practically does the job of the heart, circulating and oxygenating the blood. The heart is then stopped, and the lungs collapse (the lungs stop working since the blood is being oxygenated by the machine). The surgeon then sews the harvested veins in place, bypassing the found blockages. Once the surgery is done, the surgeon moves the ribs and breastbone back into place and wires it together. The chest is closed as well. They use an electric pulse to start the heart and a breathing machine is lead into the lungs to restart breathing.

"King's surgery took approximately seven hours. Everything went well, and King was taken to ICU for recovery. He was walking and eating solid food already two days after the operation, and he was the first one in the history of the hospital who walked on his own power from the ICU to normal care.

"10 days after the ambulance took him to the emergency room, he is at home and is recovering well. It will be a few months before he feels completely normal and is without pain.

"He would like to mention here that he's eternally grateful for the wonderful staff at Centennial Medical Center who took care of him. Dr. Kourlis, Dr. Kamili, Dr. Alang, Nurse Christie and Nurse Thomas among many others made sure that he got the best care and attention he could ever have hoped for. They were always very nice to me, too, letting me stay overnight in the ICU after visiting hours were over.

"In light of this, he will be taking a break from music and the music business altogether until further notice. He very much wants to write new music, finish the DVDs, and go on tour, but for now, all those things are in the distant future and he's not thinking about them.

"Please understand that the KING DIAMOND band is not stopping, disbanding or anything of the sort. King's health is first priority, and when everything is going good with him, the music will resume.

"Thank you all very much for reading this and STAY HEAVY."

A video update from King Diamond — which was filmed by Germany's Rock Hard magazine on September 27, 2010 in King's homebase of Frisco, Texas — can be viewed below.

KING DIAMOND's video for the song "Give Me Your Soul" can be viewed below. The band's first clip in 17 years was shot in September 2007 with director Bill Schacht from video company Aestheticom, which has previously worked with DIO, ALICE COOPER and DREAM THEATER, among other artists. Speaking to MTV.com, the group's frontman/namesake — who was suffering from a herniated disc at the time — said about the video shoot, "They limited what I had to do, of course, so I only did one day of shooting for 90 minutes, but just standing there moving a little bit in the full outfit was very difficult. And afterwards, I got one of those sharp attacks of pain that I hadn't had in a month and a half. The only thing I can compare it to is a really super-bad toothache or earache. And afterwards, I was like, 'OK, I'm not ready [to tour] yet.' "

KING DIAMOND received a Grammy nomination in the "Best Metal Performance" category for the track "Never Ending Hill" off the group's latest album, "Give Me Your Soul … Please".

"Give Me Your Soul ... Please" entered the Swedish national chart at position No. 28. The CD also landed at No. 58 on the Danish chart (the second highest new entry on the chart behind VELVET REVOLVER).

"Give Me Your Soul ... Please" sold 4,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 174 on The Billboard 200 chart.


Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-GET WELL SOON KING DIAMOND-\m/ -l-