29 December, 2010

Crowbar: Cemetery Angels – new video / Sever The Wicked Hand – new album

 

American sludge metal legends, CROWBAR, have just released new video for the song ‘Cemetery Angels’, directed by Dale “Rage” Resteghini. ‘Cemetery Angels’ comes off CROWBAR's forthcoming ninth album, ‘Sever The Wicked Hand’, to be released on February 8th, 2011 in USA and on February 14th, 2011 in Europe. Longtime awaited follow-up to band's last album, ‘Lifesblood For The Downtrodden’, will be released through eOne Music/Housecore Records/Century Media Records. The album (CD and vinyl) can be preordered on iTunes and Amazon.

Kirk Windstein (CROWBAR's founder, guitarist and singer as well as guitarist for DOWN and KINGDOM OF SORROW) summed up CROWBAR's past with the following words: “1989. That’s over 20 long years ago. Countless memories. Some still vivid, most just a blur. The one constant thing has been my focus and desire. The same vision I had in '89 is still burning strong in my head. Possibly stronger than ever. When you put this much blood, sweat and tears into something you can never look back. Fueled by the down-tuned sludge of the MELVINS and the over-the-top aggression of Peter Steele's CARNIVORE, I set out to create my own beast and CROWBAR was born. The band's sound was labeled “doom-core” by the European press shortly after the debut release of ‘Obedience Thru Suffering’. I found it to be quite fitting then and still do honestly. CROWBAR have released 8 full length CDs, the second selling over 100,000 units worldwide. We threw in a live EP and a few compilations for good measure and that’s where we stand today. Anyone who knows CROWBAR is familiar with the numerous label and line-up changes over the years. I couldn’t be more happy with the group of guys in our current line-up. In terms of musicianship, loyalty and friendship, this is our strongest line-up to date. Period.”

CROWBAR features: Kirk Windstein – vocals and guitar, Matthew Brunson (KINGDOM OF SORROW) – guitar, Patrick Brunders (GOATWHORE) – bass and Tommy Buckley (SOILENT GREEN/CHRIST INVERSION) – drums

Follow-up: Check out this in-depth interview with CROWBAR's mastermind Kirk Windstein. Also featuring music from the upcoming album ‘Sever The Wicked Hand’:

 Crowbar_SeverTheWickedHand

28 December, 2010

Living Sacrifice: Overkill Exposure – new video

         

 

‘Overkill Exposure', opening track from LIVING SACRIFICE seventh studio album entitled ‘The Infinite Order’ (January 2010, Solid State Records), got visually remodeled by director Michael Dalton. Work instructions given to him by band's vocalist Bruce Fitzhugh were more than clear: “He wanted to make sure I understood the song dealt with some dark content. The message he was portraying on this song was that the dark/evil things we expose ourselves to, open us up to more darkness and evil,” video director told Noisecreep. “When I set out to make this video, I wanted to make sure nothing was pretty and everything had a very eerie feel. What we ended up getting out of that was a story of a man being filled with images of substance abuse, suicide and murder, all heralded in by a raging LIVING SACRIFICE.”

LIVING SACRIFICE is a Christian metal band that formed  in 1989 in Arkansas, USA. The group released seven studio albums to date, broke up in 2002 and reunited in 2008. Former and current members of LIVING SACRIFICE went on to play in bands such as EVANESCENCE, P.O.D. and NORMA JEAN.

LIVING SACRIFICE features Bruce Fitzhugh – lead vocals and guitar, Rocky Gray – lead guitar, Arthur Green – bass and vocals and Lance Garvin – drums.

23 December, 2010

Kryoburn: Broken Hero – new video

 

KRYOBURN, New Mexico-based industrial metal band that is proud to be compared to FEAR FACTORY, has released new video for the track ‘Broken Hero’, taken from their second full-length entitled ‘Three Years Eclipsed’. The new album, mixed and mastered by Danish producer (I seem to mention here a lot) Tue Madsen, can be pre-ordered on Amazon and iTunes. The CD will be released on January 11th, 2011 through Candlelight Records. The video was directed by Marcos Morales (Dirty City Studios).

KRYOBURN formed in 1995, been busy amassing following by wrecking nightclubs and rehearsal spaces in their native town Carlsbad for a decade before releasing their “FEAR FACTORY-inspired” industrial/trash album ‘Enigmatic Existence’ (2005). Their 2010 release was produced by vocalist and guitarist Todd Brashear who - along with Les Huber – bass/vocals, Chris Huber – drums, Allen Scott – guitar/vocals and Sam Logan – synth/keyboards – makes for the current line-up.

Kyroburn

16 December, 2010

Massive Slavery: Humanity’s Last Hope – new video

 

MASSIVE SLAVERY, hailing from Rouyn-Noranda in Northern Quebec, Canada, play “a refined version of melodic death metal on steroids” according to some and “a form of modern urgent metal” according to others. Brave Words' (& Bloody Knuckles) Jason Deaville, who awarded this Canadian death metal band's debut album, ‘Global Enslavement’ (2010, Maple Metal Records) with 8.5/10, described their music style as a refreshingly unique mix of melodic, brutal and technical death metal and complimented the album thusly: “ ‘Global Enslavement’ is an album that delivers a quintessential death metal experience, while demonstrating a level of faith in the intelligence and taste of its intended audience that’s become all but nonexistent in this genre of clichés and stilted linearity.” The album was produced by by Yannick St-Amand (DESPISED ICON, BENEATH THE MASSACRE, NEURAXIS). The video was directed by Chad Archibald, co-directed by Philip Carrer and produced by Black Fawn Films. Singer Jon “The ProF” St-Pierre survived a near-death experience during the shoot: “I nearly killed myself on the first scene, hahaha. I fell from a rock stand on a pile of big rocks right on my back and arm. I still have bruises from it, but when I see this video produced by Chad it was definitely worth it!”

MASSIVE SLAVERY features: Jon “The ProF” St-Pierre – vocals, Joel St-Amant – guitar, Marc-André Barrette – bass and P-A Mercier – drums.

14 December, 2010

Mary Magdalan: The Dark Passenger – new video

The following video is one of those “Dexter”-inspired, hence embedded below the text. Viewers discretion is advised, heh.

According to press release, M∀ЯY MAGD∀LAN are a high energy hybrid band made up of three passionate and extreme people who literally live for their music. Fronted by the elusive Mary Magdalan the band represents an outlet for her former self; from junkie to rock star, this band is, allegedly, ready to open a vein for you in an attempt to help you understand yourself and to understand them. Phew! MARY MAGDALAN are more than just a band; they claim to be an eye opener, a source to be reckoned with and are ready to show you just how music can turn your life around. In an interview KikAxe Music conducted with the singer earlier this year, Mary Magdalan described band's music stile as “anti-genre”: “As far as I’m concerned, genres have ruined music. Once they were able to categorize music as it sounds like this or it sounds like that, it became shit. A bunch of bands that sound like a bunch of other bands. Absolute shit. So I  just say ‘fuck your genre’.  Be original. That’s what we have done since day one.” She and producer Gzus met through a mutual friend about four years ago and “ended up being really good drug buddies”. Eventually, having to decide between music and drugs, they chose the former: “We took all of our sober anxiety and applied that to our songs. Then we hooked up with Jizm [guitarist].” The band recorded a few demos and posted them on their MySpace page; following the encouraging response by fans, the band decided to record an album, ‘Pity Girl’.

‘The Dark Passenger’ is taken from MARY MAGDALAN's wildly successful double album ‘R.I.P.’ which sold over 10,000 units with no label or distributor via band's own imprint Smack Records. The video was directed by DJ Ray (aka Gzus) and Valerie Babayan.

10 December, 2010

Brutus: All Roads Lead To Rome – seminew album

Brutus AllRoadsLeadToRome

If understood correctly, ‘All Roads Lead To Rome’, debut album by Egypt's BRUTUS, was released back in May 2010. It can be streamed in its entirety and downloaded (if registered) at this location (Indiefonica) as of now. The band, formed in 2007 in Cairo, Egypt, is comprised of four musicians from four different parts of the world: Al (drums) hails from Ireland, guitarist Wez is from Egypt, T (guitar) comes from Russia and Bassam (vocals) is Palestinian.

They describe their music as “heavy, dark, hard-hitting, modern sounding, a bit old-school, not technical but demanding where necessary”: “We wanted to give something people can seriously headbang to, get their blood pumping, and release all that pent up aggression from living the daily grind during these hard times,” explained guitarist T. “We don’t really have a particular message but at the same time we would like to let everyone know about the bullshit that we see in our lives everyday. There are several world political references in our song titles but the lyrics are just catharsis for whoever wrote the words; basically, thoughts on personal struggles, expressed in different ways. Some of it is straightforward some not really, like a stream of consciousness, but who said it’s supposed to make sense anyway.” 

Alter Bridge: Isolation – new video

 

Video for ‘Isolation’, one of ALTER BRIDGE's most successful singles ever, was shot on their recent European tour and aims to give a look into the everyday life of the band: “It is not some put together story, it’s a tribute to the fans. It’s a look into the tour. We just wanted to show our interaction with the fans by including them in the video,” guitarist Mark Tremonti told Noisecreep. The video was directed by Dan Catullo.

‘Isolation’ comes off ALTER BRIDGE's third album, ‘AB III’, produced by Michael “Elvis” Baskette and released via Roadrunner Records (self-released on Alter Bridge Recordings via Capitol Records in North America). Lyrically, the new album marks a radical departure from the band's first two albums, ‘One Day Remains’ (2004) and ‘Blackbird’ (2007), it being a very dark record, focusing on themes of “hope and perseverance in the face of adversity” as explained by singer and guitarist Myles Kennedy. “It touches on the thoughts and emotions of someone who has come to question everything that was once regarded as an absolute truth and the realization that everything you once believed in might not exist.” Rick Florino (Artist Direct) awarded the album with 5 out of 5, describing it as a “sprawling masterpiece”. Below you’ll find the tune ‘Life Must Go On’, taken from ‘AB3.5’ – ALTER BRIDGE's repackaged special edition of ‘ABIII’.

ALTER BRIDGE is American rock band that formed in 2004 in Orlando, Florida, by former CREED members, lead guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips, with lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Myles Kennedy, formerly of THE MAYFIELD FOUR and the current frontman of SLASH's touring band.

ALTER BRIDGE: Life Must Go On – courtesy of Roadrunner RecordsAlterBridge_ABIII

08 December, 2010

Full Album Stream: Dukatalon: Saved By Fear – new album

 Dukatlon SavedByFear

Israel's doom & sludge metallers DUKATALON are finally getting some deserved worldwide attention; the band has recently signed with Relapse Records which will avail their debut album, ‘Saved By Fear’, to the world on December 14th, 2010. ‘Saved By Fear’, tightly-budgeted and recorded in just three days, was produced by Billy Anderson, known for his work with EYEHATEGOD and HIGH ON FIRE among many others. Decibel is streaming ‘Saved By Fear’ in its entirety at this location. If you like what you hear do click here to pre-order the album. You can also watch footage of DUKATALON’s live performance here (YouTube).

DUKATALON's founder Zafrir Tzori commented the album's title thusly: “Without going too much into philosophical discussions, fear is not necessarily a bad thing. If you listen to it, it can really save you and be of help rather than be something bad as the initial negative customary association. This is something reflected in everyone's life, including ours [band's].” As for the group's name, DUKATALON, band's name, Tzori explained: “It looked cool, it sounds catchy especially because no one has a clue of its interpretation.” Well, of course. DUKATALON, featuring Zafrir Tzori on vocals and guitar, Yariv Shilo on drums and Lior Mayer on bass, self-released self-titled EP via Sleeping Village Records in 2007.

 

04 December, 2010

The Damned Things: Ironclast – new album / We’ve Got A Situation Here – new video

 

American heavy metal soupergroup THE DAMNED THINGS, consisting of ANTHRAX members Scot Ian and Rob Caggiano, Keith Bucklet of EVERY TIME I DIE and Joe Trohman and Andy Hurley of FALL OUT BOY, has released its first video, ‘We’ve Got A Situation Here’, for the track that comes off group's forthcoming debut album ‘Ironclast’. ‘Ironclast’, self-produced by Caggiano and Trohman, will be released through Island Records/Def Jam Records on December 13th, 2010 (13. 12. 2010) - a day later in North America. The video was directed by Brendan Small, the co-creator of animated series “Metalocalypse”.

Joe Trohman, guitarist for FALL OUT BOY and a life-long ANTHRAX fan, met legendary ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian for dinner and “was surprised by Scott's lack of hatred for his band [FALL OUT BOY]”. The pair, inspired by the encounter, agreed to start working on a new project which they originally dubbed “Methuselah”: “You know, like, Methuselah — the oldest man in the Bible! Leave it to two Jews to come up with the most Jewish band name of all time!” Ian reportedly told Rolling Stone Magazine. According to the same source, Ian managed to rope in fellow ANTHRAX guitarist Caggiano while Trohman snagged FOB's Hurley, and when they realized they needed a vocalist, Trohman was able to convince Buckley by text-messaging him. When THE DAMNED THINGS finally announced their new project, fans of both FALL OUT BOY and ANTHRAX were a bit skeptical but: "If ANTHRAX would’ve listened to anybody we never would have gotten past our first record," braved on Scott Ian. "I learned a million years ago that you can’t listen to what anyone else says about your music.” The two agree that the song ‘We’ve Got a Situation Here’ is probably the best example of band's hybrid approach to music: “Musically, it’s a good representation of the band,” says Trohman. “It has the sludgy riffs, but there’s a catchy chorus, a tempo change breakdown, and some leads/solos. There’s a real bluesy feel to the verses. [It’s] everything the group stands for.” If you click here you’ll get to Absolute Punk where you can listen to the song ‘Little Darling’, also from ‘Ironclast’ album.

TheDanmedThings Ironclast

25 November, 2010

haarp: The Filth – new album

haarp the_filth

After the devastation caused by hurricane “Katrina” in 2005, two New Orleans residents, Keith Sierra Jr. (drummer from RAT IN A BUCKET), and Grant Tom (guitarist from DE CAPA PRETA) got together and decided to start a new band. Vocalist Shaun Emmons (also of RAT IN A BUCKET) and bassist Ryan Pomes (of MILKTOAST) joined the pair to finalize the line-up. The group named itself HAARP and eventually got signed by Housecore Records, owned by another famous Louisiana native, Philip Anselmo (PANTERA/ DOWN), who also produced HAARP's debut album. Album artwork was created by tattoo artist Paul Booth. If you would like to get to know the band batter, click here and here (Vimeo) and watch Metal Underground's interview with vocalist Shaun Emmons and guitarist Grant Tom.

Brooklyn Vegan is streaming four of HAARP's songs at this location. Or just use the player available below. If you like what you hear please buy the album here (Housecore Records).

HAARP: The Filth – courtesy of BrooklynVegan

Ill Niño: Against The Wall – new video

 

New Jersey-based Latin metal sextet, ILL NINO, has released new video for ‘Against The Wall’, a song that comes off group's fifth album ‘Dead New World’. Their latest effort, released late October 2010 via Victory Records, was self-produced (with some help from SEVENDUST guitarist Clint Lowery and musician Sahaj Ticotin) and mixed by Eddie Wohl. Album artwork (see below) was created by Tim Butler of XIII Designs, know for his works for SLIPKNOT, DISTURBED, SLAYER and many notable others. The video, ‘Against The Wall’, was directed by talented Scott Hansen.

ILL NINO formed in 1999 and has since sold more than 800,000 albums over the course of four releases; 2001's ‘Revolution...’, 2003's ‘Confession’, 2005's ‘One Nation Underground’, and 2008's ‘Enigma’. ‘Dead New World’ reportedly sold around 3,000 copies in the U.S. in its first week of release and debuted at number 164 on Billboard 200 albums chart. “With its rapid shifts from soaring to searing, the album has a kind of capricious feeling about it, abusing you with massive, chugging riffs and growling vocals before extending a hand of friendship with a big rock chorus, only to pull it away at the last moment as the verse comes back again and knocks you back to the floor,” AllMusic's Gregory Heaney thusly described ILL NINO latest record.

IllNino DeadNewWorld

24 November, 2010

Widow Sunday: Forever Sleep – new video

 

(“Sleep” seems to be the theme on this blog today, heh.) WIDOW SUNDAY named themselves after a medical abomination from the 19th century; “Widow Sunday” was the nickname of Madame Dimanche, a 19th century Parisian woman who grew a 20cm-long bone (approx. 8-inch) horn from the center of her forehead in her late 70's. They hail from central Massachusetts, USA, cite MESHUGGAH, WHITECHAPEL, PANTERA and DEVILDRIVER as their influence, combine elements of hardcore, industrial, and heavy metal in their music and, according to Rat Pak Records, refuse to follow trends and create music infused with honesty and passion. Jacob Falconer (vocals), Michael Todd (lead guitar), Adam Cutler (guitar), Patrick Flaherty (bass guitar) and Darin Moyen (drums) released their debut EP, ‘Embracing The Beast’, in 2009, which was followed by recruitment of new lead-guitarist Sean Duffy and the release of highly successful debut full-length, entitled ‘In These Rusted Veins’ (May 2010, Rat Pak Records). Video for ‘Forever Sleep’ was directed by Anthony Jarvis and produced by Punchdance and Brett McCabe.

As They Sleep: Dynasty – new album

AsTheySleep Dynasty

Brutally heavy and savagely technical death metal band AS THEY SLEEP, released their second full-length a couple of days ago (November 22nd/23rd, 2010). The album is a concept album, entitled ‘Dynasty’: “ ‘Dynasty’ focuses mainly on the rise and fall of various kingdoms, empires and dynasties throughout history, both factual and mythological. It ties in the reasons for collapse with power and battle-lust, and intertwines it all with modern problems and politics that we are dealing with today. It pretty much outlines popular stories in history regarding false gods, struggle, famine, dictatorship, and why these things didn't work,” explained band's singer Aaron Bridgewater. The album was mixed by audio wizard Jason Suecoff (DEVILDRIVER, ALL THAT REMAINS…) and was released via Solid State Records.

AS THEY SLEEP mission statement is: “to broaden the scope of what is possible in heavy music and introduce as many people as possible to their sound, vision, personal beliefs and the inspirations behind each and every song”. If their lyrics can make you think, and their rhythms make you bang your head, the band believes it has achieved its objective. These young musicians that hail from Michigan, USA, were chosen as “The Next Great Metal Band” in 2009 contest presented by Metal Blade & Metal Hammer.

Follow-up: In February 2011, AS THEY SLEEP released video for ‘Oracle Of The Dead’: “ [The track] itself is a commanding blast against “the human race”,”  frontman Aaron Bridgewater told Noisecreep, where the video, directed by Drew Russ, debuted. “The video definitely captures the feeling, but I wouldn’t go as far as to say the meaning," Bridgewater explained. “The song definitely is not about wrestling. It was a zany idea that the director had, but we were all down with it. We just wanted to do something weird and off topic.”

“ ‘Oracle of the Dead’ is a kick to the groin, a visceral assault that takes command and never lets up. The growls are rough, interspersed with painful screams, lacking any appeal to the trendy hipsters that call Hot Topic their home away from home. This is a band angry and out for blood, never relenting from the blistering pace set from the beginning,” wrote Metal Underground reviewer about AS THEY SLEEP's second album. Read the rest of the review here.

AS THEY SLEEP features: Aaron Bridgewater on vocals, Nick Morris on guitar, Barry Gomez on guitar, Derek Kosiba on bass and Tony Lukitsh on drums.

19 November, 2010

Bliss Of Flesh: Emaciated Deity – new video

With a word of caution, I am informing you that French death/black metallers BLISS OF FLESH who aim to express their hate and disgust through their music, have released a video for ‘Emaciated Deity’. Since the band - that claims to draw inspiration from their weaknesses and miasmas inherent to any human being which “they choose to accept and face” - is fascinated and appalled by religion which, in turn, they view as  the biggest weapon of mass destruction and believe it to be “a catalyst for us to reject our own hatred of ourselves”, and whose band members are “filled with such hate before performing live that they avoid talking to each other”, heh, you really shouldn’t be surprised by what you see  if you choose to watch the video, dear visitor. According to the band, different scenes in it allude to Dante's purgatory and the seven paths of repentance. ‘Emaciated Deity’ is the title track off BLISS OF FLESH's 2009 debut full-length, released through Twilight Vertrieb Records.

18 November, 2010

Ratt: Eat Me Up Alive – new video

 

RATT, Hollywood's Sunset Strip sound and scene legends that bring back memories of a time when metal ruled the earth and real musicians wore eyeliner like a badge of honor, released video for the song ‘Eat Me Up Alive’, from their back in April 2010-released album ‘Infestation’. ‘Infestation’ was released when most fans and disapprovers alike had given the band up as a hopeless cause; after 11 years of absence from the music world and 8 years after the tragic death of founding guitarist Robbin Crosby. Original members Stephen Pearcy, Warren DeMartini and Bobby Blotzer recruited former QUIET RIOT guitarist Carlos Cavazo and signed a new deal with Roadrunner Records. Bravewords awarded the album with 9 out of 10 and accompanied it with words: “If you’re looking for RATT to write about corporate greed or global warming then this album is not for you. But if you’re looking for sizzling guitars, a driving rhythm section, frivolous (but fun) lyrics and sneering vocals (that only Stephen Pearcy can deliver) than you’ve come to the right place. With this album, RATT have not gambled on trying to figure out what’s “cool” in 2010, but instead have placed all their bets on party rock anthems with loud guitars. Ah, welcome to 1987! You’ll be glad you came.” In Japan, the album charted at number 5 on best-selling albums chart and in the USA, the album debuted at number 30 on Billboard 200 and sold over 13,000 copies in the first week of release.

16 November, 2010

Calm Hatchery: Sacrilege Of Humanity – new album

CalmHatchery Sacrilege

CALM HATCHERY, death metal band from Poland that features past and present members of DEAD INFECTION and TEHACE, has released their second album entitled ‘Sacrilege Of Humanity’ yesterday, November 15th, 2010 (15. 11. 2010) via Polish Selfmadegod Records. Listen to three songs off the new album (‘We Are The Universe’, ‘Messerschmitt’ and ‘Lost In The Sands’) at this location (official MySpace). ‘Sacrilege Of Humanity’ is technical, brutal death metal album, inspired by such genre leaders as NILE, MORBID ANGEL, DECAPITATED and IMMOLATION. The album was recorded and supervised by Wiesławscy Bros (BEHEMOTH/VADER/HATE) at Hertz Studio in Bialystok. Album artwork was created by Mentalporn, known for his works for BEHEMOTH and DEATHSTARS.

CALM HATCHERY features: Huzar – rhythm/solo guitar, Szczepan – vocals, Zombie – rhythm guitar, Hacel – bass and MG 42 – drums.

11 As In Adversaries: The Full Intrepid Experience of Light – new album

11AsAdversaries

It’s all very complicated so I’ll just copy-paste the whole thing: “ 11 AS IN ADVERSARIES are here to flip the script and destroy the norm. Existing in a stratosphere where rules no longer apply, 11 AS IN ADVERSARIES features the mastermind of extreme-metal rule-breakers GLORIOR BELLI and fittingly combines dark, moody post-punk with the most avant-garde ends of extreme metal. Utterly twisted yet surprisingly melodic, contorting and slithering like a snake, the band's ‘The Full Intrepid Experience of Light’ seeks its own truth, its own light in the darkness, vast and epic yet brave and unselfconscious.” Press release further on suggests we should “absorb the album and be forever altered”. If so inclined, click here (official MySpace) and live with the consequences, heh. 11 AS IN ADVERSARIES' debut album was released yesterday, November 15th, 2010 (15. 11. 2010) through ATMF (Aeternitas Tenebrarum Music Foundation).

11 AS IN ADVERSARIES is a metal/rock/psyche project that aims to offer an alternative outlet for occasionally limited artists. The band was formed in early 2010 by J. (guitar/bass/vocals) and G. (drums). With some help from Niklas Kvarforth (from Sweden's SHINING), the ADVERSARIES  messed around with extreme metal and indie tunes in order to mix-together “a massively demented debut album” – their words not mine. And there is more; the meaning of their name “lies within a numerological context where 11 stands for what is beyond 10”. Heh. Explanation: “Numbers 1 to 10 are representative of the law & order and cosmic completion. 11 is a manifestation of freedom and rebellion for its magic can bring one to defy the limitations imposed by the Demiurge.” (“Demiurge” probably being the originator of evil or perhaps represents the public official, heh.) And since there are eleven letters in the word “adversaries”, we get to call the band “11 AS IN ADVERSARIES”.

11 November, 2010

Animals As Leaders: CAFO – new video

 

ANIMALS AS LEADERS, instrumental progressive metal project by guitar virtuoso Tosin Abasi, has released video for the track ‘CAFO’, off band's self-titled debut, released in 2009 via Prosthetic Records. The video was directed by Scott Hansen, whose previous works include videos for THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA and A DAY TO REMEMBER, amongst others. It features animation and visual effects by AFTER .

‘Animals As Leaders’ was recorded in early 2008. Abasi recorded all guitar and bass tracks on the album; drums and various synthesized effects were programmed by Misha Mansoor (PERIPHERY/HAUNTED SHORES). On the album, eight-stringer showcases his formidable mastery of his instrument through a daringly progressive and oftentimes mellow and new agey collection of songs. AllMusic's critic E. Rivadavia said it best: “The album's endless parade of circular scales and sheer barrage of flickered notes (epitomized by the dizzying ‘Behaving Badly’) may prove just a bit tiresome to less adventurous musical tourists, but for those looking for sounds that both awe and challenge their faculties, ‘Animals As Leaders’ delivers quite the cerebral workout.”

ANIMALS AS LEADERS features: Tosin Abasi – guitar, Javier Reyes – guitar, Navene Koperweis – drums and Chebon Littlefield – bass / keyboards.

03 November, 2010

Grenouer: Indecent Loyalty – new video

 

GRENOUER, industrial/progressive metal band from St. Petersburg, Russia, has just released their long-in-the-making video for the track ‘Indecent Loyalty’, off their album ‘Lifelong Days’, released in 2008 via Locomotive Records. The video was created by Postnuclear Noise Register.

GRENOUR formed in 1992 in Perm, Russia and started off a death metal band, and as such released four albums: ‘Border Of Misty Times’ (1996), ‘Gravehead’ (1999), ‘The Order O’Folly’ (2001) and ‘Presence With War’ (2003), none of which was released outside of then USSR. GRENOUER is considered one of the originators of Russian death metal along with MERLIN, MORTEM and GRAVESIDE. In mid 2000's the band relocated to St. Petersburg and recorded an album entitled ‘Try’, which was given worldwide distribution by UK's Casket Music (2007). ‘Try’ was well received by the majority of critics who compared GRENOUR's musical style to that of MESHUGGAH and FEAR FACTORY. In 2008 the group signed a record contract with Locomotive Records.

02 November, 2010

Black Label Society: Overlord – new video

 

 

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY has released an absolute gem of a video for the song ‘Overlord’, directed by Master Cylinder. The video finds guitar legend Zakk Wylde and his BLACK LABEL SOCIETY in a satire of 70's Kung Fu movies.  Wylde is featured as the Bruce Lee-type action hero in hot pursuit of the Overlord - in this case an old lady who holds the key to a very special prize. ‘Overlord’ comes from BLS's latest album ‘Order Of The Black’, released back in August 2010 via E1 Music. AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine reviewed the album with approbation: “BLACK LABEL SOCIETY are as close as you can get to unapologetic heavy guitar rock in the 21st century, holding true to the power of two guitars, bass, drums, and overwhelming amplification. Songs don’t necessarily stick but riffs do, as do Wylde's dexterous solos, which pull off a tricky thing – they’re breakneck but have a bluesy, almost soulful, undertow.” ‘Order Of The Black’ sold around 33,000 copies in the U.S. in its first week of release and entered Billboard 200 chart at number 4.

Zakk Wylde formed BLACK LABEL SOCIETY (BLS) in 1994 as a vehicle for his own artistic vision: “Uncompromising, unfiltered, no bullshit rock'n'roll”. The band released eight successful studio albums which have sold well over a million and a half albums total to date. At only 19 years old, Wylde joined Ozzy Osbourne's band as lead guitarist and co-writer. He performed with Osbourne for nearly twenty years. After falling out with his mentor, Wylde released his debut solo album, a guitar showcase entitled ‘Book Of Shadows’ in 1996. BLS' first album, ‘Sonic Brew’ - “a boozy, balls-to-the-wall metallic hard rock album that is unashamed about being a hard rock album” (by AllMusic) - was initially released in Japan in 1998 and eventually in USA (1999). Drummer Phil Ondrich stuck around for BLS' second album, ‘Stronger Than Death’ (2000, Spitfire Records). Robert Trujillo (now METALLICA), Craig Nunenmacher and Christian Werr joined the six-stinger for ‘1919 Eternal’ (2002, Spitfire Records). Nunenmacher remained for 2003's ‘Blessed Hellride’ which features guest vocals from Ozzy Osbourne on a single ‘Stillborn’. (According to Wikipedia, ‘Stillborn’ tells the story of a man whose girlfriend treats him so poorly and takes so much advantage of him that his love for her dies, leaving him feeling dead as well. Wylde insists that it is not autobiographical and that if any girl were to treat him like that, he would simply break up with her. Heh.) Detroit's Harpos Concert Theatre bar allegedly ran out of alcohol during the recording of the show BLS released as a DVD that same year, entitled ‘Boozed, Broozed, And Broken-Boned’. Fifth album, ‘Hangover Music Vol. VI’, followed a year later (Spitfire Records) and band's most commercially successful release (selling over 250,000 copies in the U.S.) ‘Mafia’ came out in 2005 through now defunct Artemis Records. BLS released their seventh album, ‘Shot To Hell’, in 2006 via Roadrunner Records before issuing a compilation/live album/DVD ‘Scullage’ in 2009 (Armoury/Eagle Rock). In February 2010, drummer Craig "Louisiana Lightning" Nunenmacher had quit BLACK LABEL SOCIETY to be replaced with EVANESENCE's Will Hunt.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY features: Zakk Wylde – lead vocals/lead guitar/piano, Nick Catanese – rhythm guitar, John DeServio – bass/backing vocals and Will Hunt – drums

Black Label Society_Order

28 October, 2010

Full Album Stream: Chuck Norris Experiment: Dead Central – new album

ChuckNorrisExperiment_Dead Central

CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT hail from Gothenburg, Sweden, go by their adopted names - Chuck Daniels (lead guitar), Chuck Van Horn (drums), Dr, Chuck Ransom (vocals), Chuck The Ripper (guitar) and Chuck Dakota (bass) - and play sweet punk ‘n’ roll.  The band formed in 2004 after ex-lead guitarist Chuck Rooster met the real Chuck Norris in an L.A. club and, in his excitement, told him he played in the as-yet-inexistent group called CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIENCE - or so the story goes. According to a different story, the name is a tribute to the legendary American blues guitarist Charles “Chuck” Norris, who recorded his live album, ‘Los Angeles Flash’, in band's hometown in 1980. As stated in the third story, their debut came together within the span of a mere ten rehearsals, was recorded live with no overdubs allowed, and was released in 2005. Three albums later, ‘Volume Voltage’ (2006), ‘And The Rest Will Follow’ (2007), ‘The Return Of Rock’N’Roll’ (2008), CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT is richer for two new bloodthirsty band members and has its new red-hot uniforms ready for show (and the makeup kit screaming for action). Listen to their new album ‘Dead Central’ here (SoundCloud). ‘Dead Central’ is set for release November 12th, 2010 (12. 11. 2010) via I Hate Records and Evil Wheel Records.

Watch the video for ‘Psycho Man’, featuring Texas Terri as the biker chick, below. The song comes off ‘Dead Central’; the video was made by Glibb.

26 October, 2010

Dååth: Dååth – new album

Daath_selftitled2010

When a band names itself דעת and its guitarist's and founder's name could be your neighbor's you should take notice, dear visitor, heh. DAATH, Atlanta, Georgia-based quintet's fourth self-titled album is being released upon this world today. Released through Century Media Records, the album was produced by Mark Lewis and the group's guitarist Eyal Levi. Three new songs, ‘Indestructible Overdose’, ‘Double Tap Suicide’ and ‘N.A.T.G.O.D.’, can be played via players available below. Eyal Levi had the following to say about the new album: “In retrospect, I will say that more sacrifice was put into this record than anything I’ve ever been involved in. The content is extremely dark, distraught, and completely honest. The timing is appropriate as well considering how lacking music has been in the creative department for the last year or two. I'm not hinting that we are going to become some pop culture phenomenon. We have no interest in that. As long as someone completely hates it, loves it or is moved in anyway be it positive or negative, our job is done. We have no interest in middle ground. You would have to be deaf to not hear that.”

DAATH: Indestructible Overdose – courtesy of Century Media Records

DAATH: Double Tap Suicide – courtesy of Century Media Records

DAATH: N.A.T.G.O.D. – courtesy of Century Media Records

“The self-titled ‘Dååth’ represents a step forward by means of a step backward, since it sees the Atlanta, Georgia-based quintet cautiously flirting with the symphonic, electronic, and industrial elements that so dominated its first two efforts, after virtually abandoning them on [their] third album. Caution is the operative word, however, because these elements rarely exceed the role of embellishments on what are otherwise some of the most brutal quasi-black metal assaults of DAATH's career (see ‘Destruction/Restoration’, ‘Exit Plan’, ‘Accelerant’ etc.) and, in the case of bipolar opener ‘Genocidal Maniac’ almost comical in moving from ‘Lick My Love Pump’ [SPINAL TAP] territory to gratuitous violence with troubling ease. In essence, this state of affairs is another reminder that now it’s the guitar-wielding duo of Eyal Levi and Emil Werstler (whose superlative lead work remains a must-hear proposition in its own right) running the DAATH show, instead of the band's original Kabbalah-inspired keyboard player and chief composer, Mike Kameron,” [commented the release Eduardo Rivadavia, AllMusic – more here]

DAATH was formed in 2003 by childhood friends guitarist Eyal Levi, vocalist and keyboardist Mike Kameron and vocalst Sean Farber. Perfecting their unique blend of death, thrash, and black metal with symphonic and electronic elements, DAATH self-released their debut album, ‘Futility’, in 2004. Their second full-length, 2007's ‘The Hinderers’, was released through Roadrunner Records. Produced by James Murphy, the ambitious album's lyrics were based on the Kabbalistic concept of an inverted “Tree Of Life”, with each of the thirteen songs representing one of the points on the tree.

“ ‘The Hinderers’ largely succeeds solely on its aforementioned musical merits [“meshing ample symphonic and electronic elements into an otherwise archetypal death metal sound”], providing equally satisfying physical catharsis for the head-banging faithful, as it does cerebral stimulation for those who actually care about all of this thematic mucky-muck,” [commented Eduardo Rivadavia, AllMusic – more here]:

DAATH: Subterfuge – courtesy of Century Media Records

DAATH: Ovum – courtesy of Century Media Records

DAATH's third album would be the group's first without vocalist and keyboardist Mike Kameron, whose replacement was found in Sean Zatorsky. ‘The Concealers’ was released in 2009 through Century Media Records:

DAATH: Sharpen The Blades – courtesy of Century Media Records

DAATH: Silenced – courtesy of Century Media Records

DAATH: Day of Endless Light – courtesy of Century Media Records

DAATH features: Sean Zatorsky – vocals, Eyal Levi – guitar, Jeremy Creamer – bass guitar, Emil Werstler – guitar and Kevin Talley – drums     

19 October, 2010

Triptykon: Shatter – new video / new EP

 

TRIPTYKON, avant-garde extreme metal proposition orchestrated by heavy metal legend Tom Gabriel Warrior (Thomas Gabriel Fischer) of CELTIC FROST and HELLHAMMER fame, has released new video for the title-track ‘Shatter’, taken from their new five-track EP. EP is to be released on October 25th, 2010 (25. 10. 2010) in Europe and on October 26th, 2010 in North America via Century Media Records. Video, based on a concept devised by Warrior which combines the imagery of occult metal with the somber aesthetics of 1920s-era silent movies, was filmed and directed  by Philip Hirsch of Film-M.

EP ‘Shatter’ was produced by Warrior himself. Track listing is as follows: ‘Shatter’ , ‘I Am the Twilight’ , ‘Cruxifixus’ , ‘Circle of the Tyrants’ (Live) and ‘Dethroned Emperor’ (Live). Tracks 4 and 5 are cover versions of CELTIC FROST songs, recorded live during TRIPTYKON's headliner performance at the Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, The Netherlands in April, 2010. ‘Dethroned Emperor’ features guest lead vocals by “Nocturno Culto” (Ted Skjellum, singer for DARKTHRONE).

TRYPTIKON features: Thomas Gabriel Fischer – vocals & guitar, V. Santura (DARK FORTRESS) – guitar & vocals, Norman Lonhard (FEAR MY THOUGHTS) – drums and Vanja Slajh – bass.

Triptycon Shatter

Withered: Dualitas – new album

Withered Dualitas

Blackened doom outfit WITHERED's third album, ‘Dualitas’, is due out on October 26th, 2010 (26. 10. 2010) via Prosthetic Records. ‘Dualitas’ was produced by KYLESA's member Philip Cope; with album artwork created by Paul Romano.

WITHERED was formed by guitarists & singers Chris Freeman and Mike Thompson in Atlanta (Georgia, USA) in 2003 and “exists to explore the darker aspects of human existence and deliver it to the masses while exemplifying unbridled truths about human nature. From the exploration of coping with tragedy to theoretical philosophical approaches, WITHERED continues to push their boundaries of perception into a realm of solitude and raw introspective discovery,” according to the press release. They also play good music. In 2005 they got signed by Lifeforce Records and released its debut album ‘Memento Mori’. Bassist Greg Hess left the band and was replaced by Mike Longoria and drummer  Beau Brandon filled vacancy left by Wes Kever. WITHERED signed to Prosthetic Records in 2008 and released their second album, ‘Foile Circulaire’, that same year. Music critic William Ruhlmann (AllMusic) reviewed it thusly: “The two guitars provide majestic midtempo riffs on such songs as ‘Gnosis Unveils’ and ‘Purification of Ignorance’ although the band also manages some typical speed metal pummeling elsewhere. The CD booklet provides a lyric sheet that reveals abstract Biblical reflections on doom and gloom, and those sentiments would be unknown otherwise, since the howled vocals are utterly indiscernible in the mix. [Heh] What matters here are those guitars, creating forceful music that carries a meaning of its own.”

10 October, 2010

Dark Fortress: Ylem – new video

 

German black metal outfit DARK FORTRESS has just released video for the title-track ‘Ylem’, taken from their latest album released back in January 2010 via Century Media. The idea behind the song and the clip is very specific and was eloquently explained by vocalist [known as] Morean: “The title track of our last album is a spell summoning the death of the universe in an accelerated “big crunch”. The end of all living matter in the universe is inevitable, and in this invocation the sorcerer is a witness to this inevitable cosmic disaster. The clip is set in an atmosphere of desertion, with no more signs of civilization, after the exponentially growing sun has scorched away all traces of life. As a last refuge, going underground offers the only shelter that is left, where the protagonist willingly surrenders to destruction and embraces his own end in a vision evoking both the distant past and distant future of our planet.”

‘Ylem’ was described as “fearless [album]” by AllMusic critic Eduardo Rivadavia. It is the sixth studio release by DARK FORTRESS and the second to feature new vocalist Morean who explained the album thusly: “On ‘Ylem’ we explore the stylistic diversity inherent in this band deeper than ever before. There is a lot of slow, very heavy stuff going on, some truly rotten clean parts, but also insane blast beats, some orchestral darkness, and tons of killer riffs to break your neck to. It is our ambition that every song is its own world and has a strong and unmistakable identity. We exploited this ambition to the fullest here.”

DARK FORTRESS features: Morean on vocals, V. Santura on guitars, Asvargr on guitars, Seraph on drums, Draug on bass and Paymon on keyboards.

 

09 October, 2010

Arson Anthem: Insecurity Notoriety – new album

arson anthem_insecurity notoriety

ARSON ANTHEM's upcoming debut full-length entitled ‘Insecurity Notoriety’ is set for Housecore Records-release on October 12th, 2010 (12. 10. 2010).

ARSON ANTHEM, hardcore punk band featuring an all-star lineup that includes Phil Anselmo, (PANTERA/DOWN/SUPERJOINT RITUAL) on guitar, Hank Williams III (SUPERJOINT RITUAL/ASSJACK) on drums, Mike IX Williams (OUTLAW ORDER/EYEHATEGOD) on vocals and Collin Yeo (PONYKILLER) on bass, formed in New Orleans, USA in 2006. After losing all his possessions in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, Mike Williams moved into Anselmo's spare apartment and the two spent countless hours listening to Phil's collection of early hardcore bands. As an attempt to revisit the days of “pure” hardcore, ARSON ANTHEM released their debut eight track self-titled EP in 2008. The EP, reportedly, not only harnessed the hardcore sound but also wrapped it in with a healthy dose of sludge.

Anselmo told Noisecreep about ARSON ANTHEM's humble origins: “Everyone was scrambling to get their lives back together, which left little time for making music. Equipment was gone, you know. Playing music with amps and a PA was the last thing on people's minds. Me and Mike were holed up, and EYEHATEGOD was on hold and this was before DOWN considered getting back together; we were right on the cusp of it, actually. But we did this out of pure frustration. Hank [Williams III] came down and everything gelled, and it was an awesome thing to do, so we decided to do a full-length and I am really happy about this. It’s fucking as true as it can be."

04 October, 2010

Ozzy Osbourne: Scream - Tour Edition – new album

Ozzy_Osbourne Scream_Tour_Edition

OZZY OSBOURNE's album ‘Scream – Tour Edition’ - a  two-CD tour version of the album ‘Scream’, is being released in the U.S. today, October 5th, 2010, through Epic Records. The package contains the original album on the first CD, and a second CD containing seven bonus songs: ‘One More Time’ (originally a pre-order iTunes exclusive), ‘Jump The Moon’ (originally a bonus track on the Japanese release) and ‘Hand Of The Enemy’ (previously unreleased track from the ‘Scream’ sessions, and four additional live tracks recorded during the UK leg of the ‘Scream’ tour: ‘Bark At The Moon’, ‘Let Me Hear You Scream’, ‘No More Tears’ and a cover of BLACK SABBATH's ‘Fairies Wear Boots’.

AllMusic's critic James Christopher Monger describes Ozzy's latest effort as one that suffers from “a handful of songs are great and the rest are OK - curse” and continues to say that the songs that are great are great indeed : “ ‘Scream’ may not win any awards for brain cell power as far as titles go, but the 11 tracks contained within find the “Prince Of Darkness” in fine form. People who only know the metal legend from watching him mumble and baby step around his house in sunglasses and a track suit on reality television can hardly be blamed for steering away from his music, but it only takes one chorus of opener ‘Let It Die’ to suggest otherwise. Ozzy Osbourne may be more product than man these days, but for every uncomfortable TV commercial there’s a ‘Time’ or a ‘Let Me Hear You Scream’ to help remind people that the man behind the machine still has at least one hand on the wheel.”

28 September, 2010

Mushroomhead: Beautiful Stories For Ugly Children – new album

Mushroomhead Beautiful_Stories_For_Ugly_Children

MUSHROOMHEAD's new album is entitled ‘Beautiful Stories For Ugly Children’ and is being released today, September 28th, 2010 through Megaforce Records. The album was produced by co-founder and drummer Steve “Skinny” Felton and mastered by Roger Lian at Masterdisc, New York City. With statement made by MUSHROOMHEAD keyboardist “Shmotz” (Tom Schmitz) in mind: “MUSHROOMHEAD never draws a line without blurring it first” - go and buy the record.

MUSHROOMHEAD formed in 1993 in Cleveland, Ohio. It was meant to be a side project since its members played in various local bands at the time; they even wore blacks masks in order not to be recognized. Few  years later and MUSHROOMHEAD became one of Cleveland's top local attractions: masks, costumes, pseudonyms and theatricals its members used, became part of the group's lure and intrigue. MUSHROOMHEAD's self-titled debut album was released independently in 1995 as were its followers, ‘Superbuic’ (1996) and ‘M3’ (1999). The band than signed with Eclipse Records in 2000 and released its next album, ‘XX’, the following year. AllMusic's Alex Henderson described the album as: “[one of] the most ambitious alternative metal releases of 2001” and MUSHROOMHEAD's music as “fresh and risk-taking and as creative as their [band’s] image”. The effort sold over 300,000 copies. Universal Records released the group's last cooperation with singer “JMann” (Jason Popson), 2003's album entitled ‘XII’. ‘XII’ debuted at number 40 on American albums chart Billboard 200 and sold 400,000 copies worldwide. New singer “Waylon” (Waylon Reavis) got enlisted in 2004 and the following year MUSHROOMHEAD self-released, self-directed, self-produced and self-edited its first DVD (Filthy Hands label) entitled ‘Volume 1’. The band returned to Megaforce Records to release ‘Savior Sorrow’ in 2006 which reached number 50 on the Billboard 200, with sales estimation of around 125,000 copies sold worldwide. Thom Jurek (AllMusic) commented: “MUSHROOMHEAD build their tunes from grooves and themes. They use rhythm as a composition. Yeah, they still wear masks, they still create a mystique which would be worthless if the music itself weren’t so damn compelling. True: if BAUHAUS had come to birth in 2006 instead of the late '70s, they may have sounded like MUSHROOMHEAD do in ‘Savior Sorrow’. Beauty, chaos, tension, and fierce guitar and keyboard interplay create a taut instrumental attack that is both multitextured and dynamic. Vocals, strings, whispers, and guitars - both acoustic and electric - entwine classical themes with the spirit of rock's past in a quiet, unsettling song [‘Embrace The Ending’] that is as well-crafted and beautiful as it is deranged.”

Follow-up: Video for ‘Come On’ - first single from MUSHROOMHEAD's new album has been banned from TV but you can watch it right here, courtesy of Megaforce Records. The video was directed by David Greathouse (also known as “House”) and produced by Robert Kurtzman's Creature Corps. Bloodier and uncensored version of the clip can be also found here (Creature Corps).

MUSHROOMHEAD features: Jeffrey Nothing – vocals, Waylon – vocals, Gravy – guitars, Pig Benis – bass, Shmotz – keyboards, Skinny – drums/percussion, ST1TCH – turntables/samples/electronics and Lil’ Dan – percussion

 

15 September, 2010

Dimmu Borgir: Gateways – new video / Abrahadabra – new album

 

Those who have named themselves after unusually shaped lava fields and rock formations east of Lake Mývatn in Iceland, DIMMU BORGIR, have released brand new video in support of the new album entitled ‘Abrahadabra’. ‘Abrahadabra’ will be released on September 24th, 2010 (24. 9. 2010) in Europe and on October 12th, 2010 in North America through Nuclear Blast Records. Video ‘Gateway’ was directed by Sandra Marschner of Katapult Films and it features guest vocalist Agnete Kjølsrud (DJERV/ex-ANIMAL ALPHA).

DIMMU BORGIR features: Shagrath (Stian Tomt Thoresen) – drums, guitars, vocals and bass, Silenoz (Sven Atle Kopperud) – vocals, rhythm guitar and bass and Galder (Tom Rune Andersen) – lead guitar.

DIMMU BORGIR: Born Treacherous – courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records

DIMMU BORGIR: Dimmu Borgir – courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records

Dimmu Borgir_Abrahadabra