April 2014


California deathcore masters SUICIDE SILENCE will release "You Can't Stop Me", their first album to feature new vocalist Hernan "Eddie" Hermida (ex-ALL SHALL PERISH) and their first since the tragic loss of singer Mitch Lucker, on July 11 in Europe (except in the U.K., where it will arrive on July 14) and July 15 in North America via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

"You Can't Stop Me" was produced and mixed by Steve Evetts (SEPULTURA, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN), who worked with the band not only on "The Black Crown", but also on some instrumental demos for the new CD just prior to Lucker's death in the fall of 2012.

"You Can't Stop Me" standard jewelcase track listing:

01. M.A.L.
02. Inherit The Crown
03. Cease To Exist
04. Sacred Words
05. Control (feat. George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher)
06. Warrior
07. You Can't Stop Me
08. Monster Within (feat. Greg Puciato)
09. We Have All Had Enough
10. Ending Is The Beginning
11. Don't Die
12. Ouroboros

"You Can't Stop Me" special edition track listing:

01. M.A.L.
02. Inherit The Crown
03. Cease To Exist
04. Sacred Words
05. Control (feat. George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher)
06. Warrior
07. You Can't Stop Me
08. Monster Within (feat. Greg Puciato)
09. We Have All Had Enough
10. Ending Is The Beginning
11. Don't Die
12. Ouroboros

Bonus Tracks:

13. Blue Haze
14. Last Breath (HATEBREED cover)
+ Bonus DVD (featuring studio & touring footage)

"You Can't Stop Me" vinyl track listing:

Side One:

01. M.A.L.
02. Inherit The Crown
03. Cease To Exist
04. Sacred Words
05. Control (feat. George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher)
06. Warrior

Side Two:

01. You Can't Stop Me
02. Monster Within (feat. Greg Puciato)
03. We Have All Had Enough
04. Ending Is The Beginning
05. Don't Die
06. Ouroboros

"The long and short of it is this," says guitarist Mark Heylmun. "Mitch left behind a set of lyrics with the title 'You Can't Stop Me'. This gave us chills, to say the least, and we knew we had the title and title track. This filled us with inspiration for writing sessions to empower us and empower you, the supporters of SUICIDE SILENCE.

"We as a band (and Steve Evetts) worked tirelessly on this record and I'm not gonna say we can't wait for you to hear it. I'm gonna tell you that you have to hear it. You have to sit and listen from start to finish.

"I'm not gonna tell you this is our best record we've ever done. I'm gonna tell you this is the record we care more about than any record we've ever done. This is a record that we fought, bled, sweated, and fucking cried over.

"Go pick up a copy and turn this sucker up to eleven.

"We couldn't be more excited.

"Thank you all for supporting SUICIDE SILENCE."


The Prism is a three piece hard rock band, that will soon make you "Encounter The Balance". Guitarist and vocalist Martin, gives us the rundown on these up-and-comers and the plans that they have and want to share.


1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in The Prism, and how long the band has been together?

Martin: My name is Martin, I am the guitarist and vocalist and have been w/ the band for the past 5 years.

2. Tell us the brief history of your band.

Martin: We are a two piece band (Guitar / Drums) and have been working on our sound for quite sometime.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Martin: We are based out of Los Angelas California, and have been in the Hollywood rock n roll scene for the past two years. The band we recommend are Kolm, With Our Arms To The Sun and Mal.

4. What type of band are you?

Martin: We are a rhythmic rock band.

5. Why did you want to name the band The Prism? What does it symbolize and represent for the band?

Martin: We named the band The Prism, because of what was to come in the near future and at the time we were a three piece crew.

6. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

Martin: We have been influenced from Latin New York music from the past and from our 70's icon heroes… Alexis Arguello, Hector Lavoe, Evel Knievel, Bruce Lee, Harry Houdini and Marvel Comic-esque.

7. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)

Martin: Our songs are based on  Gov. MK-ULTRA Mind Control and on the Book of Revelations.

8. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)

Martin: We do write our own material and have based the writing process on rhythmic Break Dance Beats and off timing tempos.

9. What's new in the recording of your music?

Martin: We have not recording studio yet, but do plan in the future, once we feel our original sound is fully complete.

10. What are your dreams and goals?

Martin: Our Dreams and goals is to live out the American Dream thru the freedom of rock n roll.

11. What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?

Martin: We feel that today's rock sound needs to evolve with a new much more rhythmic approach, which we most definitely provide.

12. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Martin: Our site is on our our Facebook.com/theprism7777

13. What plans do you have for the near future as a band?

Martin: We plan on touring this summer and meeting new ppl and new experiences.

14. What is it you'd like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Martin: We'd like our listeners to experience the power that is music and the message that it can deliver.

15. Any final words of wisdom?

Martin: Since we feel that times have drastically changed in our society and that many predictions have come to pass, we as ppl should begin to enlighten each other w/ our craft , talents and art. And make a conscious change for the near future. Here's some of what we've been working on, hope you enjoy it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqOn06uhB7Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4KdaCU5F1Q


For U.S. fans of Judas Priest that simply cannot wait for the July 15th release date of their latest classic metal album, 'Redeemer of Souls,' there is some relief on the way. On Tuesday, April 29th, the title track from the album will be available for purchase via iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/redeemer-of-souls-single/id863086125) and other digital service providers. And a clip of the song (plus the single's artwork) is now available to sample at the band's website, www.judaspriest.com.

 If you are wondering what to expect from the mighty Priest on their forthcoming album, guitarist Glenn Tipton has set the record straight. "Sometimes in the past we may have come under fire for being too adventurous musically - so we have listened!! From start to finish 'Redeemer of Souls' is 13 songs of pure classic Priest metal!!"

 There are only a select number of bands that have accomplished what Judas Priest has throughout their career (as well as having served as a stylistic influence on such a wide variety of bands). Soon the group - singer Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis - will be offering up more classic Judas Priest metal with the release of 'Redeemer of Souls'


It Dies Today have debuted the demo version of a new song of theirs titled “Son Of Dawn, Brilliant Star“. The track is the first official taste of the new material the band have in the works and it finds them reunited with vocalist Nick Brooks. It can be heard below via Lambgoat HERE. Along with the new track comes a planned 10th anniversary tour in support of their full-length debut, “The Caitiff Choir“ with more dates to be announced!

TOUR DATES:

09/05 Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance (feat. Come The Dawn)
09/06 Albany, NY – Bogies (feat. Come The Dawn)
09/12 Amityville, NY – Revolution (feat. Scare Don’t Fear)
09/13 Providence, RI – Simons 677
09/19 Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar
09/20 Buffalo, NY – The Waiting Room


Metal shredmaster Xander Demos' plays the guitar and has played with a variety of bands at various events and festivals doing his thing.  He took sometime to discuss about all what he does, that he does, that makes him do it.


1. What type of artist are you?

Xander: I am a shred metal guitarist, with melodic tendencies and a taste of attitude.

2. Tell us the brief history of how you became the artist you are today?

Xander: Started out playing drums, believe it, or not.  After watching the “Guitar Gods” of 80s hair metal on MTV (when they used to play music—haha) I thought to myself, THAT’S where it’s at!  So, after playing around on the Florida metal scene for a while, I moved to Pittsburgh, PA and played in quite a few bands, Stormfront and Stronghold were probably two of the bigger bands.  Then, came Into the Arena, a party-rock band that covered much of the great music from the 80s and early 90s.  We even started adding some current pop/dance material, but crunched up and metal-ized.  After ITA, I wanted to put out an instrumental guitar album, like the days of the Shrapnel Records releases, and I was lucky enough to hook up with CJ Snare of the band, Firehouse, who mixed my debut album, “Guitarcadia.”  That brings us up to date.

3. What lead you to wanting to play the guitar as your instrument of choice?

Xander: Just seeing those guys play on MTV was very inspiring.  Plus, chicks dig guitar players…

4. Out of all of the guitars you may have owned or would like to own which would those be and why?

Xander: Gotta be my McNaught XD727 signature guitar model!  Talk about a career highlight and milestone!  I helped design it, so it’s exactly what I want in a guitar.  I never leave home without it.

5. Who are some of the guitarists, artists, bands, musicians you take influence or inspiration from and why?

Xander: I listen to a wide, eclectic range of music, everything from 80s rock and pop to classical, to straight out thrash metal.  I love the classic stuff with melody, like Boston, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, etc.  Those guys could write amazing songs, put in killer riffs and impressive solos.  Real Musicians, you know?  But, I can get inspired by Lady Gaga and Abba, too.  Haha.

6. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)

Xander: Anything from driving to politics to space-type themes.  I’m kind of all over the place.  The first record was mostly instrumental, so the themes aren't as “in your face.”  With the new record we’re working on, the lyrics are relationship-based and a snapshot of society.

7. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)

Xander: Yes.  I’ll usually be practicing and just come up with a cool riff.  Then, I develop that riff into a chord progression and melody.  If it’s a good song, it usually comes quickly.  There are songs that I've literally written start to finish in under 30 minutes.  Some have developed over years, just because of different band lineups.  You might like a part of one song that you've been sitting on, and then, combine it with something new you've come up with.  So, it can evolve over years, or it can take minutes.

8. Why go and call yourself Xander Demos is that your real name? If so, why name this project after yourself? If it's not your real name why name this project this anyway?

Xander: Yes. Xander Demos is my real name.  Alexander is my given first name.  Demos is my last name, and while it can be confusing to some, they think it’s like a recording demo..it’s actually pronounced “Dee-muss.”  The project was named for me, because it was my recording.  I just brought in studio guys/friends to play on the first record.   Now, this next one, is going to be named something different.  It may be XDB, cause that’s what we’re called now, but we may just choose another band name, altogether.  It’s much more of a band feeling and atmosphere this time.

9. Can you tell me about the other projects and bands you're involved with and why juggle so many at once?

Xander: Right now, I’m involved with a Pittsburgh-based tribute act called Bon Journey.  We do all Journey and Bon Jovi tunes.  It’s a fun release, and gets me out and in front of crowds.  Keeps my chops up.  Sabbath Judas Sabbath has been a lot of fun, as well as playing with James Rivera’s solo band, but we haven’t been doing too much with that, at the moment.  Always great crowds.  I still do an Into the Arena show or two, here or there.  Everyone in the band is busy with other projects, so we just do that for fun, to reminisce.  Our old following seems to love it.  I've had the pleasure of recording with some incredible musicians.  The Ged Ryland’s Rage of Angels project won all kind of “Best Of 2013” awards.  I played part of a solo on that.  XDB is my main focus, and it comes ahead of everything.  I just love to play, and if I had the opportunity to tour, as part of another act, I’d love to do that, too!

10. Have you ever considered bringing this project and the other projects together for a tour or show?

Xander: Mmmm, not really.  The other projects are more cover material, where as XDB is mostly original.  We do throw a few covers in, to get the crowd pumped up for something familiar, but overall, I doubt we’d ever do a show with the other acts.  XDB is more of a national act.  I mean, we've played some pretty big festival events, with a national focus, so it’s sort of on a different level than ITA or Bon Journey.

11. What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?

Xander: So far, just Guitarcadia.  It was received extremely well by the press.  Most reviews were outstanding.  It was named among the Best of 2012 by Hair Metal Mansion, which was quite an honor!  We sell a lot of CDs at shows, too.  That’s the number one place for us.

12. What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?

Xander: I think they should be interested, because we bring a lot to the table.  The national press and concert scenes have invited us in, and they've helped us get to that next level.  We’re bringing technical playing with that classic metal feel and melody thrown in for good measure.  Our fans are super-supportive, too.  We recently helped sell out our show with Metal Church. We've got openers with Stryper and Primal Fear up next.  The fact that we’re working with CJ and JK Northrup of King Kobra, on the next record, should be of interest too.

13. What plans do you have for the future?

Xander: Finish up the new record.  Should be done by June.  We've got Skull Fest 2 in Nebraska and Rock N’ Skull in Illinois coming up this fall.  Plus the other shows I mentioned.  I’ll be back at NAMM Metal Jam in LA this January.  More touring.  More press.  More videos.  A new XD signature McNaught will be out this spring/summer, too!

14. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Xander: www.xanderdemos.com   www.reverbnation.com/xanderdemos  www.xanderdemos.bigcartel.com

And of course, on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc.

15. How does music affect you and the world around you?

Xander: It makes it a hell of a lot more tolerable.

16. What's new in the recording of your music?

Xander: We’re working on album #2, Dancing Through Daggers.  Should be out by June.

17. What advice would you give to fellow acts who want to do what you're doing?

Xander: Stick with a steady day job.  No, seriously…work hard at your music, practice a TON, play out as often as you can.  But, make sure you have $ to pay for the things that you need for your career.  Kickstarter and other outlets like that are only going to last so long.  Nothing beats working hard and paying for stuff yourself.  Then, you owe nothing to nobody.  Good luck!

18. Is that your final answer?

Xander: That is my final answer.



Australia’s Groove/Progressive metal giants  Humality will be releasing their highly anticipated debut EP, "Nowhere" on May 11. The video for the first single "Amaurosis", can be viewed below.

"Nowhere" will be part one, of a two part release, consisting of 5 tracks including the single, ‘ Amaurosis’.
“We are all so happy with the songs and production this time round. We look forward to the reactions of our listeners/fans”, said guitarist  Nathan Dakin.

"Nowhere" was mixed and mastered by the bands vocalist/producer,  Clint Curtisat  BIMA Studiosin West End, Brisbane. Humalitygives the music listener exactly what they want to hear; heavy grooves, abstract chaos with an underlining intensity that is on the path of destruction.

By aligning their firm dedication to the do-it-yourself work ethic with a signature sound, they have established themselves as a promising up and coming act with recognition amongst Australia’s biggest rock and metal names including  Northlane,  Twelve Foot Ninjaand  Circles. 2014 will see the band touring extensively throughout Australia. For more information, head to:  www.facebook.com/humality

Check out the video HERE.


The most extreme tour of the year has returned with its most devastating line-up yet. The 8th annual Summer Slaughter Tour, presented by IndieMerchStore.com, runs from July 17th through August 10th. It features such heavyweights as Morbid Angel, Dying Fetus, The Faceless, Thy Art Is Murder, Goatwhore, Origin, Decrepit Birth, Within The Ruins and Fallujah. The tour will stop at The House of Blues in Los Angeles on July 19th and Irving Plaza in New York on August 8th with VIP ticketing currently available now for both shows (see below).

Look for the complete list of tour dates to be announced in the coming weeks. David Vincent (vocals/bass) of Morbid Angel states: "Summer Slaughter will be the ultimate, extreme music festival this year and we look forward to headlining this special touring event. It will be great to see our long-time fans and also to expose a new generation to Morbid Angel."

Ash Avildsen (founder of the Summer Slaughter tour) further states: "Eight years strong. Extreme metal lives! Thank you for keeping the tour alive. See you this Summer."

Be sure to visit any of the links below for all up-to-date news and VIP ticketing information.

- www.thesummerslaughtertour.com

- www.facebook.com/summerslaughtertour

- www.twitter.com/summerslaughter, #summerslaughter

- www.instagram.com/summerslaughter

TOUR DATES: (MORE TBA)

7/19 - Los Angeles, CA @ House Of Blues
8/08 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza


Hasbro's My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic has the best music since it's fourth generation launch a few years back, since then Daniel Ingram has crafted some superb tunes everypony enjoys! This collection of songs is featured within the first three seasons of the show and is currently available via iTunes and other platforms soon. Check out the tracklisting and album artwork below with purchase rights HERE.


TRACKLISTING:

1. Hearts as Strong as Horses
2. Apples to the Core
3. Ballad of the Crystal Ponies
4. Find A Way (Extended Version)
5. What My Cutie Mark Is Telling Me
6. A True, True Friend
7. Raise This Barn Daniel Ingram
8. Babs Seed
9. Twilight’s Failure Song
10. Make A Wise (Extended Version)
11. My Little Pony Theme Song (Extended Version)


Hasbro's My Little Pony's Equestria Girls series Rainbow Rocks has been releasing prequel shorts this is the fifth in the series. Two more shorts will be released and the book tied to the shorts and the prequel storyline to the movie is out now with the movie due out this fall! Check out the video HERE.


Three Days Grace released a new song entitled "Painkiller" which is available for sale now at all digital providers and currently Top 10 on the Active Rock radio chart. Click HERE to watch the brand new lyric video for "Painkiller".

"The song is about how everyone is addicted to something," says Sanderson. "It's written from the perspective of the vice that you're drawn to. The drug, the love - the villain who taunts you into wanting more and more."

For "Painkiller," Three Days Grace reteamed with Gavin Brown, who produced the band's platinum-selling 2003 self-titled debut album. "We went back to our roots a bit and recaptured that collaborative feeling of being in a band and bringing out the best ideas in each other," says Sanderson. "Gavin was a huge part of that in the beginning and we feel like we're back in those days where we're high-fiving each other with guitars in our hands."

The band also recently announced on their website that Matt Walst, who has been touring with the band for the past year, has joined Three Days Grace as its lead singer. "Matt has been an unofficial member for a while now," says bassist Brad Walst, who is also Matt's older brother. "We were so fortunate that he was able to step in and help us out during our tour with Shinedown and P.O.D. The fans really embraced him and it made us realize that he was the right person to be our singer. We're thrilled to announce that we truly feel like a full band again."

Matt has written with Three Days Grace in the past and is excited to be a part of the new album, which is shaping up to be a very collaborative songwriting process among the four band members. "I've always wanted to be a part of this band, ever since watching my older brother and his friends jam in my basement when I was 12," he says. "I've always looked up to them, so I'm grateful to have this opportunity." Though Matt is now part of Three Days Grace, he is still a member of My Darkest Days and will continue to record and tour with them.


Chicago, Illinois - Beauty In The Suffering have released a new lyric video for their track "Reveille (The Zombie Charge)," and the track is also available for free download on their Bandcamp page HERE. The lyric video originally premiered with Bloody Disgusting HERE, and is a follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut single and video, "The Crazies (The Zombie Song)."

Excited to add to the craziness that kicked off our official introduction to Beauty In The Suffering music a few months ago – The new track is called ‘REVEILLE’ (The Zombie Charge) – we’re coming for YOU! - DieTrich Thrall

A little over 2 years in the making, "Reveille (The Zombie Charge)" is the first Beauty In The Suffering track to feature Chris Emery of American Head Charge on drums. A full production zombie video is expected in the coming weeks.


CANNIBAL CORPSE have announced a full European tour for the fall. This will be their first European tour in support of their new, yet untitled album due for release later this year via Metal Blade Records.
New label mates REVOCATION have been confirmed as direct support while Swedish Death Metal heroes AEON - also signed to Metal Blade Records - have been picked as the opening band.

CANNIBAL CORPSE
+ REVOCATION
+ AEON

TOUR DATES:

14/10/14 FI - Jyvaskyla - Lutakko
15/10/14 FI - Helsinki - Nosturi
17/10/14 SE - Stockholm - Debaser Strand
18/10/14 NO - Oslo - Vulkan Arena
19/10/14 SE - Gothenburg - Sticky Fingers
21/10/14 NL - Zwolle - Hedon
22/10/14 DE - Saarbrücken - Garage
23/10/14 FR - Lyon - Ninksi Kao
24/10/14 ES - Barcelona - Razzmatazz 2
25/10/14 ES - Madrid - Arena
27/10/14 FR - Toulouse - Le Bikini
28/10/14 FR - Paris - Trabendo
29/10/14 FR - Strasbourg - La Laiterie
30/10/14 BE - Antwerp - Trix
31/10/14 UK - London - Forum
01/11/14 UK - Leeds - Damnation Festival (only CANNIBAL CORPSE)
02/11/14 FR - Lille - Splendid
04/11/14 DE - Frankfurt - Batschkapp
05/11/14 DE - Ludwigsburg - Rockfabrik
06/11/14 DE - Osnabrück - Rosenhof
07/11/14 DE - Hamburg - Klubsen
08/11/14 DK - Aalborg - Metal Festival
09/11/14 DK - Copenhagen - Amager Bio
11/11/14 DE - Berlin - C-Club
12/11/14 CZ - Prague - Club Roxy
13/11/14 DE - München - Backstage
14/11/14 DE - Glauchau - Alte Spinnerei
15/11/14 CZ - Brno - Fleda
16/11/14 PL - Cracow - Fabryka
17/11/14 PL - Warsaw - Progresja
19/11/14 AT - Graz - Explosiv
20/11/14 HU - Budapest - Club 202
21/11/14 SK - Zilina - Klub Smer
22/11/14 AT - Wien - Szene
23/11/14 SI - Nova Gorica - Mostovna Club
25/11/14 IT - Treviso - New Age
26/11/14 IT - Milan - Alcatrazz
27/11/14 CH - Lausanne - Les Docks
28/11/14 CH - Pratteln - Z7
29/11/14 DE - Bochum- Matrix
30/11/14 NL - Uden - De Pul


Last night at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, Slayer surprised the capacity crowd with an unannounced performance, kicking off the show with a three-song set that included the global premiere of "Implode," the band's first new studio recording in five years.

Recorded earlier this month at Henson Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Terry Date and co-produced by Greg Fidelman, "Implode" is now available as a free download as a "thank you" to the band's fans for their continued support.  Or, as Kerry King put it, "you have been waiting for us, now we are delivering for you." Registered members of Slayer's fan club were sent an email right around midnight giving them the link to the song and a chance to hear it before it was made public. "Implode" can now be downloaded at www.slayer.net.

Later this year, the two-time Grammy-winning Slayer will begin recording a new album, tentatively set for an early 2015 release date.  The album will make Slayer history as it will be released on Nuclear Blast Records through the band's own label imprint, closing out a 28-year relationship with Rick Rubin and American Recordings.  No name for the imprint has been decided on yet.

"Rick has played a huge role in our career, we've made some great albums with him," said Slayer's Tom Araya.  "But today is a new day, record companies don't play the kind of role they once did, and we really like the idea of going out on our own, connecting directly with our fans, and Nuclear Blast is fired up about taking on that challenge with us."

All future recordings on the band's label imprint will be released worldwide exclusively through Nuclear Blast.

"I was a teenage rebel when 'Show No Mercy' came out," said Markus Staiger, owner of Nuclear Blast, "and I identified with that record.  It was the most extreme, aggressive thing at the time. They were then and still are the most brutal metal band on the planet!  I really cannot express how proud I am that we are able to work with Slayer to join the Nuclear Blast family. We are ready for that next record and, I'm sure it will go into metal history!"

Added Nuclear Blast label manager Gerardo Martinez, "The prospect of helping Slayer take a leading role in the creative process surrounding their releases, projects and other cross-promotional opportunities is the ultimate honor for me, a metalhead who grew up in Los Angeles listening to Slayer.  Nowhere in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that Nuclear Blast would be making history alongside one of the best bands in metal."

Slayer - Tom Araya/vocals, bass, Kerry King/guitar, drummer Paul Bostaph, and Gary Holt who continues to stand in for the band's founding guitarist Jeff Hanneman - will spend the next few months on the road touring major North American and European festivals as well as headlining dates, sharing the stages with Metallica, Iron Maiden and more (see below), but is expected to be back in the studio in the fall to record the rest of the new album.

Stay connected to www.slayer.net for all the updates.


TOUR DATES:

MAY

 9     The Great Salt Air, Salt Lake City, UT
10     Fillmore, Denver, CO
11     Shrine, Billings, MT
13     Uptown Theatre, Kansas City, MO
15     The Pageant, St Louis, MO
16     Eagles Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI
17     Rock on the Range, Columbus, OH

EUROPEAN TOUR

MAY
28     Sonisphere Festival @ Hietaniemi Beach, Helsinki, Finland
30     STHLM Fields @ Gardet Royal Park, Stockholm, Sweden
31     FortaRock Festival Goffertpark, Nijmegen, Netherlands

JUNE

 1      Sonisphere Festival @ Valle Hoven, Oslo, Norway
 3      Horsens Gaol, Horsens, Denmark
 4      Sonisphere Festival @ Imtech Arena, Hamburg, Germany
 5      Den Atelier, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
 7      Rock AM Ring, Nurburgring, Germany
 8      Rock Im Ring, Nurnberg, Germany
 9      Z7 Konzertfabrik, Prattein, Switzerland
13     Nova Rock @Pannonia Fields, Nicklesdorf, Austria
15     Live Club, Milan, Italy
16     Estragon, Bologna, Italy
18     Paloma, Niems, France
20     Hellfest @Rue de Champ Louet, Clisson, France
21     Tons of Rock Restival, Halden, Norway
24     Stadion Miejeski, Poznan, Poland
26     La Laiterie, Strasbourg, France
27     Graspop, Dessel, Belgium
30     Limelight, Belfast, Ireland

JULY

 1      Academy, Dublin, Ireland
 4      Paris Le Zenith, Paris, France
 5      Sonisphere Festival @ Knebworth, Knebworth Park, England

AUGUST

 3      Milo Club, Nizny Novgorad, Russia
 4      Arena Moscow Club, Moscow, Russia
 5      A2 Club, St. Petersburg, Russia
 8      Brutal Assault Festival, Old Army Fortress Josefov, Jaromer, Czech Republic
10     Heavy Montreal Festival @ Parc Jean Drapeau, Montreal, Quebec


Sheffield’s (UK) punk fuelled alternative/metal outfit ‘Such Sights’ announce the release of their debut video single for ‘ In Her Name’. Taken from the bands infectiously appealing -‘Where Hell Begins’ EP, the young upcoming British rock act are gearing up for a string of releases this year and live shows across the UK.

Already starting to make waves across the north of England, the South Yorkshire bred quintet - hit listeners hard with an exciting fusion of alternative rock, pop punk and metal. Influenced by bands such as Taking Back Sunday. The Bled and Comeback Kid – the fast paced, hard riffing and distinctly anthemic ‘Such Sights’ are quickly building their reputation as a live band exploding with raw energy and potential. 2014 could well see yet another Sheffield act with the skills to achieve great heights.

 Check out the video HERE.


J-Pop and anime singer May'n returns to L.A. for a special performance at the Musicians Institute (www.mi.edu) in Hollywood, CA, on July 17, 2014.

The popular Japanese singer is famous worldwide for her music for numerous films, television series, and anime programs. The concert event is the first American stop in her 10th Anniversary "dots and lines" World Tour which began in February this year.

Known for her work as Sheryl Nome (singing voice) in Macross Frontier and several anime themes such as Accel World, Aria The Scarlet Ammo, Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha, Blood Lad, and Shangri-La, May'n last visited Hollywood in 2012 for her “ROCK YOUR BEATS” World Tour. Her latest album NEW WORLD was released in January in three separate editions, including music videos and a live concert recording.

May'n's live concert at the MI Concert Hall will offer fans a spectacular live show by one of Japan's most dynamic singers whose performances have sold out Nippon Budokan multiple times. A limited amount of VIP "meet-and-greet" tickets are available for fans to gain a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet the singer in person after the show.

dots and lines  – May’n Road to 10th Anniversary Japan & World Tour 2014 – 2015.

DATE: Thursday, July 17

DOORS OPEN: 7:30pm / SHOW START: 8:00pm

LOCATION: MI Concert Hall at Musicians Institute, 1655 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood CA  90028

Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/640985

Website: www.utbhollywood.com/mayn


Japanese girls rock band exist†trace released a video message on "Igu Day" April 19, announcing the official start date of their international fan club Archangel Diamond. May 19 will be the first day of registration for fans worldwide to connect to exist†trace members through exclusive fan club goods and messages.

Check out the video message via this link;

http://youtu.be/UukDhBU2kHk


J-Pop female vocal duo YANAKIKU's new song "FUJIAYAMA DISCO" is set for digital release on May 7, 2014. The rising star Kimo-Cos (kimono cosplay) singer/songwriters made the announcement during their April 19 live show at Ikebukuro mismatch to the excitement of their fans.

Earlier this month, YANAKIKU released the eye-popping, colorful music video for "FIJUYAMA DISCO", which has already scored nearly 50,000 views. YANAKIKU wrote the song to inspire appreciation of Mount Fuji's beauty, hoping fans will visit Japan to see Fujiyama for themselves.

"FUJIYAMA DISCO" will be available on iTunes in 109 countries, plus online services Amazon MP3, Recochoku.jp, dwaongo.jp, music.jp, Spotify, XBox music and FaRao.

iTunes link:

https://itunes.apple.com/album/id862854889

With Harajuku-inspired fashion and catchy dance beats, YANAKIKU has built up a strong following among Japanese music and fashion fans this year after appearances at Hyper Japan (London) and TIFFCOM 2013 (Japan). They recently performed at Tokyo Dome's Furusato Matsuri and the special "New Year Event with Japanese Artists 2014" live show in Korea.

Check out the video via this link;

http://youtu.be/hqLOvm8T9wk


Jordan Mancino (drums), Nick Hipa (guitar), Phil Sgrosso (guitar) and Josh Gilbert (bass) of San Diego, California-based metal act AS I LAY DYING have teamed up with vocalist Shane Blay (previously lead guitar/clean vocals in OH, SLEEPER) to create the new band WOVENWAR. Over approximately the last year, the band completed work on new material recorded with producer Bill Stevenson (DESCENDENTS, BLACK FLAG) with mixing duties currently being handled by Colin Richardson (SLIPKNOT, MACHINE HEAD, TRIVIUM).

Fans can now get their first full listen of WOVENWAR's debut single, "All Rise". While not the final mastered version, the song is a proper representation of what's to come when WOVENWAR's self-titled debut, set to drop late summer. As I Lay Dying will be put on hiatus until further notice. For now check out the new single from Wovenwar HERE.


The female-fronted hard rock band Mongrel has inked a deal with independent record label Unable Records, based in southern New Jersey, for the release of Mongrel’s “Evolution” EP in June.

For Mongrel, noted as the hardest working band in Boston by Metal Edge Magazine, this signing represents the next logical step on their path forward.  Since the addition of lead singer Jessica Sierra, Mongrel has been an unstoppable force, taking the bars and hard rock venues of the eastern U.S. by storm.  Show after show, release after release, Mongrel has consistently proven that they are among the best bands active in the scene today.  Dan Nelson, formerly of Anthrax, has said, “Mongrel is more than punk, more than metal, they tread the line somewhere in between; a rare musical hybrid that brings the listener into their dangerous and heavy world, then keeps them there with beautiful and unapologetic force”.

A professional and dedicated band that has already put out amazing records to wide critical acclaim, Mongrel and Unable Records are poised to raise the bar yet again with the June release of the five-song EP entitled “Evolution”.  Aptly named, this latest effort by Mongrel was recorded by Jim Foster (POD, Nullset, Sully Erna) and mixed by Dave Fortman (Slipknot, Evanescence, Godsmack).  Famed engineer Howie Weinberg, who has worked with bands like Metallica, Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pantera, mastered “Evolution”, bringing huge production value to the outstanding song writing and musicianship that has made Mongrel fan-favorites everywhere they go.

The partnership between Mongrel and Unable Records is a natural fit.  Voted the Best Punk Band of 2014 by Pulse Magazine, Mongrel will be right at home on the Unable Records roster.  Previous projects by these punk rock specialists include releases from The Bastard Suns, No Fuego, Murder Majesty, and Ransom Price.

“Evolution” will be available exclusively through iTunes beginning May 20th, and will be released through all major online retailers and streaming services on June 3rd.  Physical copies will be available in select U.S. stores as well as through Unable Records, Amazon, and Mongrel directly.  Radio promotional support for “Evolution” will be provided by SP Unlimited, with general promotion and public relations provided by Unable Records.  “This band will bring a smile to your face and have your first pumping from beginning to end.  They don’t make records like this anymore”  -  Pivotal Rage Webzine.  Let the fist pumping begin.

Check out the single for snakes HERE.


Hasbro's My Little Pony's Equestria Girls series Rainbow Rocks has been releasing prequel shorts this is the fourth in the series in terms of a music video called "Shake Your Tail" check it out below. Three more shorts will be released and the book tied to the shorts and the prequel storyline to the movie is out now with the movie due out this fall!


The third film in the Winx Club series will debut in Italy this fall in September! This film will fall between the lines of season 5 and season 6 in the series. This time the Winx Club are back in the Infinite Ocean's depths! Thanks to their new ally Politea the Trix the Winx's long time rivals, are teaming together with Politea to free from his prison cell Tritannus, swapping his life with Bloom's lover Prince Sky!

Their evil plan is to conquer the Magical Dimension getting ever so close to their success that this time they shall succeed once and for all! But to the save the Prince, Bloom must count on her friend's like never before, her and the Winx and the small Selkie will go together to defeat Tritannus, the Trix and Politea for good!

But can they do it? What will happen if they fail to save and restore the balance to the Infinite Ocean and Sky's life? Magic, transformations, and an ancient magical mystery will unfold with the Winx as they are more united than ever in this all new adventure! Do not miss out on the adventures, the curosity, and the exclusive content that is the Winx Club!

Check out the teaser trailer HERE.


THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER are set to release their brand new DVD next month! "Fool 'Em All" is the band's second DVD and follows up their immensely popular "Majesty" DVD. Once again, director Robbie Tassaro captured the band on tour for another installment of absurdity and hilarity! This time around, put on your 3D glasses (included in the package!) to experience the band in stereoscopic 3D in select scenes throughout the DVD. "Fool 'Em All" is scheduled for release on May 23rd in Europe. Fans can pre-order a copy and stream the brand new trailer at metalblade.com/bdm.


 Metal hardcore act My Revengence, is a 5-piece who's dealt with various band changes through the years, played some shows on and off, and are finally down to recording some material and continuing with their current line-up, while there has been some mishaps along the way these guys are determined to get the word out about themselves for all to hear. They all in fact got together to discuss their tireless little journey and just how far along they have come.



 1. What type of band are you?

Dewey says a bad ass one! Eric add's hardcore metal while Bo and Ray say it's a touch of progressive revenge-core! Matt says it's a little of everything but mostly hardcore metal.

2. Tell us a brief history of the band.

Matt says The band was started with three people, Raymond Surratt, and Matthew Eanes and also Trent Manning. They practiced in the basement of a church. We played two shows and the drummer was fired. Raymond left the band to finish school. Then John Coulson, Garrett Ingle, Mike Patterson, all three lasted only two months, then there was Matthew left.

  Then after eight months of cycling out members, John Mattingly played drums for three shows then left for the army. Finally we found someone me, then found Ray Milton, John Meeks, Eric Hale, and Dewey Milton, these members to this day remain true blue. Except for Ray Milton who had to quit due to job issues then Raymond Surrat came back after finishing school.

The current members have played shows for almost a year. We have done small recordings and started a Facebook page and we're ready to create studio recordings from now on.

3. Why did you want your band to be a five piece act?

Two guitarists, bassist, drummer, vocalist, and synth, sounded like a great mix to us. But it's been hard finding a dedicated synth player.

4. Where did the bands name "My Revengence" come from and mean for the band?

It came from an idea of taking vengeance twice, and it means to Ray Eric "Taking vengeance for yourself from issues of the past.

Matt says For me its like I've been in many bands and so far all of them but this one have failed, because
undedicated members, and a lot of people keep telling me I will never make it as a musician, I wont make it, I'm not good enough, and every show I play, the closer I get, to making it big, is another way of telling all of them Fuck You!

Bo " Dewey " says I don't know much about vengeance but it means family to me.

5. Who are your musical and non musical influences?

Non-musical, Eric says Luna Hale *daughter* desiring to escape Virginia and I am a fan of Bo, pussy, pot, and boobs make me smile.

Ray says My dad, brother, and I'm a fan of Bo's Dewey, my uncle Ray, family, dogs, and I'm a fan of Bo.

Matt says My son Corbin Eanes, my wife Amber Eanes, The Crow's Brandon Lee, Bruce Lee, oh and I'm a fan of Bo.

Musical influences would be Swift, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Whitechapel, Gwar, Suicide Silence, Killswitch Engage, Pig Destroyer, ICP. Pantera, Rings of Saturn, As I lay Dying, Born of Osiris, Animals As Leaders, Anisokay, and Dream Theater.

6. What are your songs about, what themes do they cover?

Sadistic realities of life, a little humor, and some dark tragedy with some very iconic epic heroic themes.

7. Do you write your own songs?

Bo says "We all just start with music and try to come up with an idea for a theme. Then we try to fit the vocals to fit the tone for a song, whether it'd be dark or melodic."

8: When can we expect to see an EP or full length release from you guys?

Hopefully this summer, we are in the studio currently, so keep up with us on our social media pages for a release date.

9. Are you guys unsigned or signed to a label?

Well no we're not actually signed but we should be damnit! We have our own booking group though who helps us and other bands in the area out which does make a difference and helps a lot.

10. What are our dreams and goals?

To make it BIG! Get out of this bullshit town, proving to people how wrong they were about us then kill them all for it with the love of our music and show creativity.

11. How do you promote your band in shows?

We have a booking group that helps other bands and us, we also mix in the fans, social media, friends and family with a lot of word of the mouth. Nowadays venues do not advertise shit for bands it's all for the band to do, to get the word out!

12. Describe your shows, visually, and musically for us.

Dewey says "Matt won't let us have visuals". We have a ton of fucking energy mixed with juagerbombs, synchronized bouncing, the more you see us the more crazier we get and our fans get too. Everyone in the band tries to be as professional as we can without loosing the fun in it!

13: What are the future plans for you guys?

To continue to rock this shit like never before, get some bad ass records made and hopefully a label will sign us! We'll then do some tours across the U.S. and outside of the U.S. For everyone to stay a family, Bo wouldn't have to take it off, she would find a way to take it off!

14. Anything else you would like to say.

We are fans of Bo! Do not understand what that means, just go to a show, listen to us, find out we are still kicking ass and are number 1! In our area of Martinsville Vawe and from around the world we would really like the fans to help with promoting as much as possible. We're also getting merch ready for purchase so keep your fucking eyes and ears peeled! Don't forget to check us out on our Facebook page  www.facebook.com/MyRevengence


BabyMetal everyone still may not know what this is or who they are but BabyMetal is actually a band, a trip that has fused together the Japanese idol music and metal together to create their own unique style of music. It's worked well for them thus far but some fans still take this as not being metal whatsoever. However you look or listen to it, these girls have released singles, videos, and their first full-length self-titled debut, combining of those singles and some new tracks too.

Now if you've seen the videos, heard the singles, and even had a chance to see them live in-person or via their live concert DVD "Live ~Legend I, D, Z Apocalypse~" you can already guess what to expect and this release is a copycat of the concert DVD. It features the same setlist they use in their performance.  BabyMetal's style is as said before, unique in its own way, the pop aspect is like other Japanese styles, but again they bring the metal appeal, making it more "out there" it's heavy, catchy, has the riffs, solos, just everything you would expect metal to be. Some of those notable songs has to be the obvious "Megitsune", "Head Bangya!!", and "Ijime Dame Zettai", other's include "Catch Me If You Can", "Doki Doki Morning", "4no Uta", and "Uki Uki Midnight".

BabyMetal is one of those bands that's truly interesting, has a concept that the band can stick to, and you just have to listen to it to understand it. It's one of those releases you won't regret in listening too because it has you wanting to hear it again and again because it's hard to resist.


Mainman Tom Gabriel formerly of Celtic Frost decided to continue his career with making music and established Triptykon. Since its formation their second full-length album "Melana Chasmata" is upon them and this release takes their musical approach down an interesting route.

A nightmarish journey some could call it, really opens up on this album with such songs as the opener and follower "Tree Of Suffocating Souls", and "Boleskine House" both pulsing out some really dark and eerie beats and vocal chords that really sets the scene for this eerily presents. The guitar and drum work is done quite well  so well in fact it keeps a stable tone throughout the album with other noted songs like "Breathing", "Demon Pack", and "In The Sleep Of Death", all of which consists of black metal crossed with doom metal meets extreme metal with some thrash metal in between, really makes a combination here, making this band and this release rather unique on a number of levels.

Triptykon has made an album that is really out there and stunning that it's heavy yet soothing if not even beautiful at times, making this release one that for a listener that has not heard these guys before, makes you rather enjoy it at any way you hear it.


Three piece rock act Divot has released a new EP they like to call "The Shape The Mold" featuring the hit single "Downer". These guys take influence from Tool, Deftones, and Linkin Park combining their own melodic vocals, heavy guitar riffs and hard hitting drum grooves that just brings everything together. On this release the hit single "Downer" along with other songs "One Up", and "Stay" really as the title says shapes the mold of sound and the style that these guys are pushing for here.  It's really hard hitting aggression with smooth hitting melodies that captures that essence of the music, the lyrics and instrumentals really pick at each other, making it work and work well enough that it sticks from beginning to end. Divot is an act that can handle a sense of style and work at it, pushing it to the limits of success and that is what has been done upon "The Shape The Mold". 


Finnish female-fronted metal group My Reflection released their new single "This World Belongs To Us (Tonight)" with a video to accompany it. The single was released in cooperation with Inverse Records and includes songs "This World Belongs To Us (Tonight)" and "Walk".

“We focus more on how to convey a story through our music”, said Jenni Räikkönen, vocalist of My Reflection. “It has been exciting to play new music live, especially when the audience has responded so well to the new songs.”

Check out the video HERE.






Aenimus is proud to release their debut music video for "The Awakening." This is their first music video from their first full length album Transcend Reality. "The Awakening" was directed by their guitarist, Sean Swafford. The guitarist/director Sean Swafford elaborates on the video: "I am extremely excited to show what we have been working on for a long time. This was definitely a group effort and I'd like to thank all the friends and family that helped make this possible. I'd like to also thank my fellow band mates for putting their trust in me." The record is currently available via Bandcamp at http://aenimus.bandcamp.com/album/transcend-reality.

Check out their video;
http://youtu.be/nvNvaaCnISQ

Aenimus is also going back on the road this Spring on the Breaking Rad tour with Sacramento's Lifeforms for the first half and then they are touring with Bermuda, Aechoes, and Aethere for the second half. The dates are listed below.

TOUR DATES:

Lifeforms and Aenimus:

4/16 Wed DNA Lounge San Francisco (Only Aenimus)
4/17 Thurs The Boardwalk Sacramento, CA
4/18 Fri Southern Nevada Sports Centre Las Vegas, NV
4/19 Sat The Nile Theater Phoenix, AZ
4/20 Sun The Gasworks Albuquerque, NM
4/21 Mon The Dirty Dog Bar Austin, TX
4/22 Tue The White Rabbit San Antonio, TX
4/23 Wed Walters Houston, TX
4/24 Thurs The Center Stage Lake Charles, LA
4/25 Fri Tomcats West Fortworth TX
4/26 Sat Dream Center Las Cruces, NM
4/27 Sun The Spot El Paso, TX

Bermuda, Aenimus, Aechoes, and Aethere:

5/01 Thurs The Soma San Diego CA
5/02 Fri Rock Faith Pomona, CA
5/03 Sat Jerry's Pizza Bakersfield, CA
5/04 Sun The Rock Shop San Jose, CA
5/05 Mon Duffy’s Hanger Salem, OR (No Aethere)
5/06 Tues Studio 7 Seattle WA (No Aethere)
5/07 Wed The Hop Spokane, WA (No Aethere)
5/08 Thurs The Branx Portland, OR (No Aethere)
5/09 Fri D St. Community Center Arcata, CA (No Aethere)
5/10 Sat The Phoenix Petaluma, CA
5/11 Sun Cobalt Cafe, Canoga Park CA (No Aethere)


All-female J-Rock band Gacharic Spin treated fans to an early performance of their new song "Winner" at Pittsburgh's Tekko 2014 in front of an audience of over 1200 people.

With the release of their new album Winner just a few days away from the concert, the 6-member band performed a high energy, hour-long set on April 5 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, including "Sayonara Cherry" (from their recent single Boku Dake No Cinderella) and a playful, costumed performance of "Beauty and the Beast", Gacharic Spin's contribution to the Disney Rocks!!! Girls Power! compilation album.

Gacharic Spin brought their trademark theatrics for the Pittsburgh fans including bright costumes, neon accessories, a flame-colored banner held behind F-Chopper Koga's bass solo, and non-stop choreography from dancers Mai and Arisa.

Drummer Hana handled the majority of the concert's vocals, pounding the kit with her signature blue Tama drum sticks. Keyboard player and vocalist Oreo Reona jumped off the stage to give a surprise greeting to the front row, and guitarist Tomo-zo shredded through hits "Juicy Beats" and "Lock On!".

Gacharic Spin filled up the weekend with a fan Q&A, two autograph sessions, and a private live show at Pittsburgh's Hard Rock Cafe on April 6.

Gacharic Spin

Tekko 2014 at David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Set List:

1. Never say never
2. BOMBER GIRL
-MC-
3. Beauty and the Beast
4. SAYONARA CHERRY
5. JUICY BEATS
-MC-
6. HUNTING SUMMER
7. WINNER
-MC-
8. MORE POWER
9. Lock On!
10. BROKEN LOVER

Encore
1. I’m Sexy 〜 GS Gacha2012


Hasbro's My Little Pony's Equestria Girls series Rainbow Rocks has been releasing prequel shorts this is the third in the series entitled "Hamstocalypse Now" check it out HERE. Four more shorts will be released and the book tied to the shorts and the prequel storyline to the movie is out now with the movie due out this fall!


J-Pop female vocal duo YANAKIKU revealed the eye-popping music video for their new single "FUJIYAMA DISCO" this week, scoring over 20,000 views in the first few days of release. The song was written by the rising star Kimo-Cos (Kimono Cosplay) vocalists to inspire appreciation of Mount Fuji's beauty, hoping fans will visit Japan to see Fujiyama for themselves.

With Harajuku-inspired fashion and catchy dance beats, YANAKIKU has built up a strong following among Japanese music and fashion fans this year after appearances at Hyper Japan (London) and TIFFCOM 2013 (Japan). They recently performed at Tokyo Dome's Furusato Matsuri and the special "New Year Event with Japanese Artists 2014" live show in Korea.

Check out the video here;

http://youtu.be/hqLOvm8T9wk



 GWAR and Slave Pit Inc. would like to thank the fans and friends for the outpouring of love after the passing of our dear friend Dave Brockie. Our intention is to honor Dave, preserve his legacy and continue to share his brilliant works with the world. With that being said, GWAR and Slave Pit Inc. are proud to announce the creation of The Dave Brockie Foundation.

 A video message from GWAR and Slave Pit Inc. addressing the fans can be viewed HERE.

"The Dave Brockie Foundation is a charity fund with the mission of promoting the advancement of music, images, letters and performances in the arts. It will endeavor to encourage promising talents, as well as preserving the legacy of Dave's body of works. It intends to be a support system to those who have dedicated their lives in pursuit of creativity. The Dave Brockie Foundation will be a resource for artists in the fields of music, film, literature and all visual arts who cannot find funding through mainstream channels. The DBF will also strive to catalog and preserve Dave's vast collection of original images, recordings and written words, and make them available for the world to appreciate. The foundation's first goal is to finance the creation of a memorial monument in Richmond, Virginia to provide the world with a place to pay respects to the memory of a very cherished man."

 Donations can be made to The Dave Brockie Foundation at http://www.gwar.net/dave-brockie-foundation.


Montreal's aggressive, hilarious, heavy and bloody five-piece Dark Century have been hard at work writing and recording for their latest album to date, "Murder Motel". Soon after the guys have shows planned along with writing new material for future releases including an EP and even more shows all in the working process. Frontman vocalist Leather King discusses this album's progress and these so called plans for the future.


1. What brought about the creation of Dark Century and is there a long history of music appreciation between each of the members?

Leather: In the beginning, it was in 2000 / 2001 the years in which Martin Gendreau decided to form a Death Metal band, and soon the rest of the lineup was assembled with the intention to bring the MOSH to the entire world.

2. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there?Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Leather: Dark Century is based out of Montreal, in the Quebec province of Canada, where there exists an ever flowing quantity of metal bands. The crowd is hard to win over if you're not a huge act yet, you've got to deliver very energetic and dynamic performances to them in order to grab their attention over any other band of your caliber. Great bands of the area? Oh yeah man! To name a few: Transe Metal Machine, Your Last Wish, Vaginal Scars, Forbidden Sin, Mythosis, Erimha, Ashes of Eden, Trainwreck Architect, Crosstitution... ah man... too many!! Without forgetting our city's big guns like Kataklysm, Cryptopsy, Voivod, Quo Vadis, Augury, Gorguts, etc.

3. Why is it a Dark Century?

Leather: The theory and thought of time has always been something that founder Martin Gendreau was fascinated by. Looking for something that is present for all, a moment, a time... an ambiance as a setting. Thus, a whole century of metal in the life of humankind sounded like a good time span of a plan on the long term.

As a metal band, Funky Century wouldn't have been the best of ideas. Enter; Dark Century! One hundred years of heavy and crushing death metal over everyone's heads, right there and here to stay. Where the beginning of this 100 year-long reign were the Days of the Mosh! Reflecting exactly what was going on at that time; every weekend had it's heavy share of mosh pits in the local scene.

4. You have shared the stage with many well respected metal bands. Are there any bands that have inspired the overall sound of Dark Century?

Leather: Yes we have! But unfortunately we haven't shared the stage with the bands who have inspired us the most, yet. They are mainly: Six Feet Under, Dying Fetus, Cannibal Corpse and Hatebreed.

5. How would you define your style and sound of metal? Why go with this particular genre of choice?

Leather: We'd say, Humouristic Death Mosh Heavy Bacon style of we could! Funny/comical lyrics blended with gore-gushing blast beats on the drums, trans fat-filled death metal grindings accompanied by greasy and crispy hardcore grooves in our songs, that would be the description of our sound in words. We would't win the vegan or vegetarian's choice awards that's for sure! We chose to play this kind of music because it is exactly what we enjoy listening to, thus also wanting to play it.

6. Your lyrical context is in both English and French why do the double-double effect? What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?

Leather: It's obvious enough to state that writing English lyrics makes sense to the fact that this is mainly how this business rolls, so why not, right?... Right! And besides that, we do have our own francophone identity being based out of Canadian province here, called Quebec. We speak french amongst ourselves and there are things that cannot be expressed better than in our language. Plus, its funny! Included in our lyrical subjects are humor-infested fictional gore stories with beer drinking, partying, eating various meats in the mix and just plainly about moshing your life away. Nothing too serious as to a message to send out there; it's pure fun and violent energy!

7. Why did you want "Kill The Crowd" to be the first single off this album, what was it about this song that made you want "this one"! Can you tell me about the song and video for it?

Leather: Simple, it was the only new song written at the moment! (Laughs) It was in 2011 that Kill The Crowd was completely written, and it is only at that moment that the decision was taken about starting to write a new record. So it was not an option at the moment to "choose" a new single; it was simply the fact of releasing this new song to the masses a few months later in 2012 to promote this upcoming album in the works.

This song is about our crowd. Seen from the stage, we're always under the impression that they have unleashed one hell of an auto-destructive mosh pit among themselves. Thanks to them all! They are the ones who inspired us to write this song. We play, and we Kill The Crowd with our music. Isn't that beautiful?

As soon as the tracking process for the whole album was finished, we jumped on set to film the Kill The Crowd music video with filmmaker Malcolm Garn, parallel to the album being mixed and mastered. It would become our great promotional tool for the album that we were going to call "Murder Motel".

The video clip's scenario is indeed inspired by the aggression and the violence in the pit in our shows that we've decided to portray it with humor! Using a baseball bat, grave-digging shovel, a rake, having a football player tackle in right through the crowd, a spoon as a weapon and even a chainsaw in the mix! Just as if it were completely normal to show up at our gigs and release your inner-demon with weapon in hand. And that's awesome!

8. How was the vibe in the studio for everyone and what was it like working with producer Chris Donaldson? What did he bring to the table for you guys?

Leather: The vibe is really cool, mellow and fun with this guy. Productivity is at its best in his studio (called Garage Studios back then, now called The Grid in a newer location). We all entered studio to track our instruments one by one. He's an awesome and great funny guy to work with who has a quick and efficient talent at grinding at his recording art. Quite the patient worker too, incredible! 3 years ago, never would we have even thought we would record in his studio, Lord Donaldson as we call him. (Laughs). It sure was a great time and a new experience for us. We also filmed a mini 6-part webisode series of the whole tracking process. It can all be found on Dark Century's official website.

9. You decided to go and call this album "Murder Motel" which one of you spent the night at this so called motel?

Leather: Oh yeah man, funny story tellin' time!

The band was tired driving out from a show and had to stop along the road somewhere in the western Canadian province of Saskatchewan to spent the night and sleep 'cause the next big city was too far.

Arriving to the first motel to cross our path, we were stunned at how the atmosphere looked macabre and dark this place seemed to give out. We automatically thought: "Ok! That's it! This place looks like where serial killers execute their murders in horror movies." (Laughs).

Martin G. was the only one who did not sleep in the motel room that night, he slept in the car. It's not because he shat his pants trembling in fear of the place, no. It was because he couldn't bear hearing Leather King's snoring that made him leave the room and into the car. And even then! He could still hear his snoring from the room into the car!

10. Who did the cover art for "Murder Motel" and how much input did you have on it?

Leather: Founder and rhythm guitarist Martin Gendreau made it using a photography that he took himself from a similar motel. With his computer graphics knowledge he modified it with gore and violent humor to give it the extreme imaginative aspects of how we felt the original freak motel we had first stopped at looks like. Fucking brutal man!

11. How would you describe the overall sound of the new album? How does it compare to "Days of the Mosh"?

Leather: Sweet, heavy and powerful. It rips out a new hole! A huge level up from our first album; we had better amplifiers, better guitars and pedal boards to clarify the sounds. We drank more beer... more bacon. That also goes without forgetting the Great Lord Donaldson's awesome sound engineering capabilities!

12. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?

Leather: Nah, absolutely not. We had kept the buzz going solely with our Days Of The Mosh album for quite a while. We started writing what became Murder Motel to spark some new blood in the band and also to grow and evolve a bit more.

13. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?

Leather: Equipping our guitars with active pickups was quite an upgrade. We didn't have that while tracking the first record. And a sweet add-on on this new album is most certainly the guitar solos. That's fairly new to us.

14. When did you start writing for this album? How was the songwriting process different/similar to previous Dark Century releases?

Leather: 2011 was the year that the thought and work began for a new album. Besides Kill The Crowd and few others, most of the rough draft ideas for new songs were scrapped. They weren't brutal enough and/or were not reflecting the vibe which represents Dark Century.

We then had to cut it short in 2012 to leave place to prepare for and play our cross-Canada tour that year, and compete in this 6-month-long band contest to win a spot to play at the Heavy Montreal 2012 festival. In the ending result, we won! It earned us an awesome spot at that huge metal festival. Hey, at least we went in studio to track our single that year, so that's a start!

So after that summer touring and festival season, we took a few months off feeding on awesome quantities of beer, mountains of bacon and assorted greasy meats. Eventually we kicked ours asses back into the writing process.

The process itself is comprised of many steps, all of which is the mastermind of Martin G. Using methods very similar to the first record: taking a bunch of single or unused riffs and piecing them together to create songs from A to Z, structuring them as best as possible and tracking them as demos on computer with programmed drums.

All of this created a good draft for every song giving us an idea of the new material's vibe. Not too difficult to learn the songs afterwards; just need to jam them!

15. It's been a few years since the release of "Days of the Mosh". Why such a long time period between albums?

Leather: After releasing the first record, it wasn't necessary to do a second one so fast because the hype around the band was still flowing strong years after its release. We just kept playing shows and our fan base was growing exponentially.

But parallel to that, two factors that probably were in play was the few lineup changes aaaand the lack of money.

The remaining members just fell in the deep abyss of video gaming like Resident Evil zombie shooter games and any of the like. Shooting zombies is a great way to disconnect until everything shapes up again, you know??

16. "Days of the Mosh" was a success. Did you feel any pressure to follow it up?

Leather: Yup! That is the reason why the first drafts of new songs written back in 2011 didn't make it on the album. They weren't badass enough to be there.

Everything had to be revised and restructured in order to extract trans-fats properly and use that juice to our advantage. All the while keeping it simple and efficient, our art has to remain strong and powerful with an unpreceded reputation. In a time where it's been years and years where bands around the world push the boundaries and leave less and less riffs available for anyone else, we decide to stay in our musical mold, exploring slower and heavier mosh beats instead of writing faster records. We prefer to keep our simple riffing as opposed to trying to make some more technical ones.

All-in-all, we do what we do. This is our sound: our identity. And we are very satisfied with the new songs we have written, even more so now that they sound killer because of where we recorded it!

17. What are the plans that you guys have for touring and this year?

Leather: We take things as they come. Usually we play gigs and go out on tour when we are called upon by show bookers who have touring ideas. One thing that's for sure though, in any city in which we have caused brutal headbanging whiplashes before, we can't wait to come back and brawl it up some more! Our album launch in April this year is the exception, we put it up ourselves. We're very strong on the DIY concept so this is the only gig that we find it fitting for us to be involved in completely. This is how personal and friendly our usual approach is with our fans. Also, aside from touring plans in the future, we've also got plans to begin writing songs for an EP release soon. We've got a new lineup that was announced for this year of 2014 and plans to make a new videoclip having the new crew included in the shots are in the thinking works as well. A very promising year indeed!

18. If there's anything you'd like to add, say, please do.

Leather: We'd like to add beer, cholesterol and anything that's not too good for a diet! But there is one thing that we do wish firmly though: if you really like a band's music (metal only!) and you're thinking of not buying just one song online for 0.99$ a pop, think twice and remember that it's a very very small price to pay to keep that song forever. Never forget that just that song plus all the other ones on the album were made out of passion, talent and an incredible amount of energy and dedication to the vast world of Heavy Metal! Support the music you like. MOSH!

www.darkcentury.ca

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