iMusicWeb

Interview with Volbeat

2010-09-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

iMusicWeb conducted an interview with Volbeat on August 26th, 2010 in San Francisco.

Check out the interview below:

All Images courtesy of Eric Van Vossen.

Volbeat release 'Fallen' Video, Tour US

2010-08-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

Volbeat have released their music video for their new single 'Fallen'. The song is off of of their upcoming fourth studio album, 'Beyond Hell/Above Heaven', which is set to be released on September 10th. View the video here.

The band has currently embarked on a headlining US tour. Dates are as follows:

Aug 18 2010 8:30P Machine Shop Flint, US
Aug 19 2010 8:30P Bottom Lounge Chicago, US
Aug 20 2010 8:30P The Intersection Grand Rapids, US
Aug 22 2010 8:00P Marquis Theatre Denver, US
Aug 23 2010 8:00P The Complex Salt Lake City, UT
Aug 24 2010 8:00A Knitting Factory Boise, US
Aug 26 2010 8:00P The Independent San Francisco, CA
Aug 27 2010 8:00A House Of Blues Anaheim, US

SOiL to replace singer and drummer?

2010-07-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

Rumor is that Chicago based rock band Soil is seeking to replace it's singer A. J. Cavalier and Drummer Tom Schofield after both reportedly quit the band.

This would mark the 3rd vocalist the band has had, and would leave only two original members, guitarist Adam Zadel and bassist Tim King.

Anthrax joins the American Carnage tour with Megadeth and Slayer

2010-07-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX — will be featured on the 2nd leg two of the "American Carnage" tour.

As previously noted, Slayer will be playing their 1990 classic "Seasons in the Abyss" in its entirety. Megadeth will also performing their 1990 release "Rust in Peace" in its entirety.

Confirmed dates are:

Sep. 24 - Verizon Wireless Theatre, Dallas, TX
Sep. 25 - AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
Sep. 26 - Verizon Wireless Theatre, Houston, TX
Sep. 28 - Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, LA
Sep. 30 - Civic Coliseum, Knoxville, TN
Oct. 01 - The Arena at Gwinnett Center, Atlanta, GA
Oct. 02 - Hard Rock Live, Orlando, FL
Oct. 03 - Bayfront Park Amphitheatre, Miami, FL
Oct. 05 - Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA
Oct. 06 - 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, MD
Oct. 08 - Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, Long Island, NY
Oct. 09 - Toyota Pavilion @ Montage Mountain, Scranton, PA
Oct. 10 - LC Pavilion, Columbus, OH
Oct. 12 - Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY
Oct. 14 - War Memorial Coliseum, Ft.Wayne, IN*
Oct. 15 - DeltaPlex, Grand Rapids, MI*
Oct. 16 - Eagles Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI
Oct. 19 - E Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Oct. 20 - The Pearl, Las Vegas, NV
Oct. 21 - Gibson Amphitheatre, Hollywood, CA

NOVA to support SORE EYES

2010-07-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

Bay Area Rockers NOVA will support SORE EYES on the latest leg of their fall tour, kicking off in Memphis on August 28th.

NOVA's new album, Castles for Crows drops on Sept 2010.

Machine Head frontman release tribute to Debbie Abono

2010-06-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

Machine Head front man Rob Flynn released a cover of Black Sabbath's 'Die Young' in Tribute to Bay Area Thrash metal pioneer Debbie Abono.

Debbie recently passed away on May 16th, 2009. She managed such bands as POSSESSED, FORBIDDEN, EXODUS, VIO-LENCE, SKINLAB.

'Big Four' perform 'Am I Evil' together in Sofia

2010-06-22T23:46:00.000-07:00

Members from Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax performed the Diamond Head classic 'Am I Evil' in Sofia on June 22nd.

The marks the first time Dave Mustaine has performed on-stage with Metallica since April 9, 1983.

Ronnie James Dio passes away

2010-05-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ronnie James Dio, the iconic singer of Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio, died on Sunday in Los Angeles. He was 67.

His death was announced by his wife, Wendy, on his Web site, www.ronniejamesdio.com.

Dio had been battling stomach cancer over the past several years.

Dunlop release Max Grip Picks

2010-04-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

The new Max Grip Nylon Pick from Dunlop is a big leap forward in pick evolution. A molded gripping surface made of a carefully engineered coarse grid provides an unparalleled non-slip surface. The combination of Max Grip and a sleek, nylon, tapered tip makes this the perfect pick for speed pickers and hard strummers who want extreme precision and durability—without losing control of their pick. Available in .60, .73, .88, 1.0, 1.14 and 1.5 mm for all playing styles and techniques.

From personal experience, these things are great. The gripping surface makes it easy to hold on to the picksk, even in sweaty, on stage settings. Check them out.

HARMONY CENTRAL talks to Megadeth Techs about Gear

2010-04-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

Harmony Central recently spoke to Megadeth Tech's Fred Kowalo and Willie Gee and found out which is gear being used during MEGADETH's "Rust In Peace 20th Anniversary Tour".

FORBIDDEN Signs With NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS

2010-03-05T11:24:00.000-08:00

San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Legends FORBIDDEN have signed a deal with Nuclear Blast Records. The band entered the studio on March 1 to begin recording its new album for a late 2010 release.

Commented the group in a statement: "We are very proud to announce that FORBIDDEN has signed to Nuclear Blast Records! Ultimately, we all knew that there is NO better label in the world to handle metal and bring it to the masses with authority.

"For the last year, we have been intensely working on our craft while re-examining our past with a perspective we'd never had before. Our vision is clear and we know exactly who and what we are today.

"FORBIDDEN is in an amazing creative space and we can't wait for everyone to hear it!

"We must thank Jaap Wagemaker and everyone else at Nuclear Blast for making their enthusiasm known to us since we've committed to writing this record. Also, there are so many other amazing friends that helped us along the way and we appreciate everything you've done for us to get FORBIDDEN back into a position of strength.

"If you feel in your bones that you are one of them, then you definitely are!

"Thank you all so much."

Added Nuclear Blast A&R Manager Jaap Wagemaker: "We are totally stoked to announce that FORBIDDEN has inked a deal with Nuclear Blast!!

"It is no secret that the staff of Nuclear Blast has a soft spot for thrash metal! We all grew up here with classics such as 'Forbidden Evil' and 'Twisted into Form'!

"I am sure you can imagine that we were totally thrilled when we heard the news that FORBIDDEN were coming back and after seeing them live several times since then and seeing them doing a smoking rendition of 'Twisted into Form', it was totally clear to us! FORBIDDEN needs a new home and that home is called Nuclear Blast! This feeling became even bigger after [guitarist] Craig [Locicero] had sent us the two new songs last year! Needless to say that a dream is coming true!

"The future belongs to FORBIDDEN and together with Nuclear Blast, we will bring the band back on the metal map!

"What the future will bring? I cannot tell you! 'Cause it is…..forbidden!"

FORBIDDEN is:

* Russ Anderson - Vocals
* Craig Locicero - Guitar
* Steve Smyth (NEVERMORE, TESTAMENT) - Guitar
* Matt Camacho - Bass
* Mark Hernandez (HEATHEN, DEFIANCE, VIO-LENCE) - Drums

Demonica release 'Demon Class' Video

2010-02-23T12:30:00.000-08:00

DEMONICA, the heavy metal supergroup whose lineup includes: Hank Shermann (MERCYFUL FATE), Craig Locicero (FORBIDDEN), Klaus "Hyr" Hansen (BATTALION, TRAUMA CENTER), Mark Hernandez (FORBIDDEN, HEATHEN, DEFIANCE, VIO-LENCE) and Marc Grabowski (CORRUPTION), has released the video for "Demon Class". The song comes off the band's debut album, "Demonstrous", which is scheduled for release on February 26 via Massacre Records.

The video features camera work done by our very own iMusicWeb editor Steve Harang.

"Demonstrous" track listing:

01. Demon Class
02. Ghost Hunt
03. My Tongue
04. Luscious Damned
05. Below Zero
06. Alien Six
07. Palace Of Glass
08. Fast And Furious
09. Summoned
10. Astronomica

FEAR FACTORY announces U.S. w/ WINDS OF PLAGUE, DIRGE WITHIN, PERIPHERY

2010-02-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

FEAR FACTORY will embark on a U.S. headling tour in March with support coming from WINDS OF PLAGUE, DIRGE WITHIN, PERIPHERY.

FEAR FACTORY's new album, "Mechanize", is scheduled to be released in the U.S. on February 9, 2010 via Candlelight Records.

New ROADRAGE BASS CABINETS

2010-01-19T14:35:00.000-08:00

Check out the press release from the new RoadRage Bass cabinets:

"Tone. Let's face it, that's what we all want is good tone

So … after playing everything out in the market over the past 25 years, working in studios and running live sound I decided to design, build and play what I have needed, solid great sounding bass cabinets.

We have designed what we feel are the most durable great sounding American Made Bass Cabinets on the market. These things are ready for the road! Love on it, beat on it, crank it up, do what ever you want to it, these cabinets can take it. We play bass and have consulted with touring bass players throughout the industry and have come up with what they asked for!

Road Rage cabinets are MADE IN AMERICA, which is something we are proud of. Do us a personal favor and even if you don't buy our PHENOMINAL product buy something that is made in America."

http://www.roadrage-online.com/

'Big Four' Europen Shows Announced

2009-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

METALLICA's official web site just announced the following:

"You've been posting and chatting about it for months and we're here now to confirm it . . . METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, and ANTHRAX will all share the same stage for the first time EVER! Look for the four of us at the Sonisphere shows in Warsaw, Poland and Prague, Czech Republic on June 16 and 19, 2010, with a few more of the festival dates still in the works. You can be sure these shows won't be the only ones."

Commented METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich: "Who would have thought that more than 25 years after its inception, thrash metal's 'Big Four' would not only still be around and more popular than ever, but will now play together for the first time...what a mindfuck! Bring it on!"

World Magnetic Review 12/8/2009 Sacramento

2009-12-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

The World Magnetic tour stormed into Arco Arena Tuesday night for a ripping show featuring Volbeat, Machine Head and of course, the Mighty Metallica.

Volbeat got the crowd warmed up as the intro for 'The Human Instrument' played over the PA. I'm not sure how many in the audience had ever heard the Danish Quartet before tonight, but it seems like the crowd had been converted by the end of the night.
The band's eclectic mix of 50's style singing and straight up heavy metal is truly unique and inspiring. Check these guys if you haven't yet: www.volbeat.dk/

Next up was Machine Head, and they did not disappoint. The band continues to punish audiences with their crushing band of Bay Area Metal. It's about time this band got the recognition they deserve and it's great that Metallica has discovered their potential and chosen to take them out as direct support. Machine Head's set included a heart felt tribute to Dimebag Darrell on the anniversary of his death as the band launched into a blistering cover of Pantera's "Fucking Hostile". This is the last tour for the band in the US before they start working on the followup to the tremendous 'The Blacking'.

Finally the stage was set for Metallica. What's left to say about these guys? They accomplished everything, yet are still out on the road, delivering live for the fans. It seems as though the band's return to form on their latest release, 'Death Magnetic' has reinvigorated the public's interest, with many of the shows on this tour being sold out. The first 2 songs of the night, 'That was just your life' & 'The end of the line' showed just how well this new material blends with the classics of old like Creeping Death. Metallica owned the crowd all night and never let up. They closed with Seek and Destroy, prompting intense crowd sing-a-longs and Metallica labelled beach balls dropping from the ceiling and filling the arena.

Metallica's setlist was as follows:

That Was Just Your Life
The End Of The Line
Creeping Death
Fuel
Fade To Black
Broken, Beat And Scarred
Cyanide
Sad But True
One
All Nightmare Long
The Day That Never Comes
Master Of Puppets
Fight Fire With Fire
Nothing Else Matters
Enter Sandman
- - - - - - - -
Breadfan
Motorbreath
Seek and Destroy

Catch this tour if you can, you won't be disappointed.

Megadeth and Machine Head Kick Off Tour

2009-11-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

MEGADETH and MACHINE HEAD kicked off their tour this past Saturday (November 14) at the Orbit Room in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

MEGADETH's setlist was as follows:

01. 1,320'
02. Wake Up Dead
03. Hangar 18
04. Skin O' My Teeth
05. Head Crusher
06. She-Wolf
07. In My Darkest Hour
08. Take No Prisoners
09. Rattlehead
10. Kick The Chair
11. Sweating Bullets
12. Tornado Of Souls
13. Ashes In Your Mouth
14. Devil's Island
15. Symphony Of Destruction
16. Peace Sells
----------------
17. Holy Wars

CREEP INC.: New Bay Area Rock

2009-11-10T09:17:00.001-08:00

What would you get if you mixed Nirvana, Social Distortion and Metallica?.........Two words: Creep Inc.

The new trio from the San Francisco Bay Area combine elements of punk, grunge, metal and good old fashion rock to come up with a sound that is both unique and memorable. Creep Inc. is comprised of Bassist/Vocalist Jim Bushneff, Guitarist Steve Harang and Drummer Melvin Salazar. Bushneff, a bay area music veteran(The Swillers, Grandaddy), brings a vocal range reminiscent of Cobain and Mike Ness. Harang, primarily a studio musician, has worked with such acts as Good Charlotte, Linkin Park and The Game on remix albums. New comer Salazar rounds out the band with intricate rhythmic sections and straight ahead driving beats.

Creep Inc. is playing shows around the SF Bay Area and beyond, and are currently recording their first batch of material. Keep an eye out for these guys when they hit your town.

www.creepinc.net

Creep Inc. plays the Uptown Nightclub in Oakland on December 12th with Social Unrest

Metallica Chicago 2009 Pictures

2009-11-06T12:21:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year, iMusicWeb's own Eric Van Vossen took some amazing pictures of Metallica Live at All State Arena in Chicago. Enjoy:

Slayer - World Painted Blood Review

2009-11-06T09:56:00.000-08:00

Slayer is back with a new album 'World Painted Blood', their 2nd with the recently re-formed original lineup.

How does it stack up? This albums is a noticeably stronger effort than their last release, Christ Illusion. Slayer noted that they wrote most of this album in the studio, and perhaps the extra pressure of a deadline forced them to come up with some great material. The title track opener starts with what I believe is Mayan chanting and rhythmic drumming before exploding into a classic Slayer riff fest. The chorus is an instant classic, and this tune should be a live staple for some years to come. The chorus on 'Snuff' is also classic slayer, with the instantly recognizable E Minor riffing providing a great back drop to Tom Araya's intense vocal delivery.

Although Slayer will always have their detractors, namely those wanting them to re-create Reign in Blood, this album delivers and is a great addition to their catalogue. My only gripe with the album is the production. Greg Fiddleman does not know how to mix metal records. His last attempt, Metallica's Death Magnetic, was also lacking in it's sonic qualities.

Vocalist Tom Araya underwent back surgery this week, causing Slayer to have to postpone several Canadian dates with Megadeth. Let's all wish him a speedy recovery, so we can once again be subjected to the sonic assault that only Slayer can deliver.

SO REAL CRU @ Sole on ICE Shoes

2008-11-19T10:52:00.001-08:00

Concert Review: Santana

2008-11-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

Carlos Santana wrapped up his 2008 'Live Your Light' tour in the San Francisco Bay Area on October 11th. He treated fans to a set filled with old and new favorites, and even a brand new song "Shape Shifter". Carlos' son's group, The Salvador Santana band opened the show and warmed up the crowd. As soon as Santana hit the stage, he wasted no time, opening up with the fan favorite "Jingo". Throughout the evening, Carlos spoke of the current economic crisis that is gripping the country. He told the hometown crowd not to 'buy-in' to the fear surrounding us, but fill their lives with love. His music seems to transcend all political and economic problems, and to truly take you somewhere else. Having seen Carlos live many time, it was a treat seeing some of the rarer choices of the even, such as when Tom Coster joined the band onstage for "Europa". I'm sure the 20,000 plus in attendance at the Shoreline Amphitheater would agree, no matter who is in office, Santana will always be there to get us through the tough times.

Set List:
1. JINGO
2. LIFE IS FOR LIVING
3. INCIDENT AT NESHABUR
4. BATUKA/ NO ONE TO DEPEND ON
5. MARIA MARIA
6. FOO FOO
7. CORAZON ESPINADO
8. FUNKY NASSAU
9. SHAPE SHIFTER
10. PEACE LIGHT LOVE JOY
11. EVERYBODY’S EVERYTHING
12. SAVOR/ KARL AND RAUL SOLO
13. *EUROPA
14. BMW/ GYPSY QUEEN
15. OYE COMO VA
16. GENERIQUE
17. SMOOTH/ DAME TU AMOR
- ENCORES -
18. WOODSTOCK CHANT/SOUL SACRIFICE/DRUM SOLO
19. BRIDEGROOM/ INTO THE NIGHT

View all pictures here

New Slayer Song Psychopathy Red available for Streaming

2008-10-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

The brand new song from thrash legends Slayer, "Psychopathy Red", is now available for streaming below. Slayer's new album is expected to be released in Summer of 2009.

Another new Slayer clip posted

2008-10-28T09:31:00.001-07:00

Another new Slayer clip has been posted of them working on their new song "Psychopathy Red" in the studio. The albums is expected to be released in Summer of 2009.

Slayer is currently out touring on the Unholy Alliance III Tour in Europe.

New Slayer Song Clip: "Psychopathy Red"

2008-10-26T13:21:00.000-07:00

A new video of Slayer working on a brand new track, "Psychopathy Red", has been posted online. The video shows the band tracking with engineer Greg Fiddleman. Slayer's new album is expected to be released in Summer of 2009.