Finlands Heavy Metal outfit TAROT, led by NIGHTWISH bass player Marko Hietala, just entered the Finnish charts with thier new masterpice „Gravity Of Light" on position # 2. It's the highest ever chart position for Tarot in Finland. Their latest release „Crows Fly Black" entered the charts on # 8 back then.
Furthermore they just finnished the shootings for their upcoming videoclip „I Walk Alone" which was filmed in Cairo, Egypt.
Gravity Of Lights will be unleashed via Nuclear Blast in whole Europe on April 23rd and in North America on June 08th 2010.
Morbid Angel drummer undergoes surgery
Yesterday
Legendary death metal pioneers MORBID ANGEL, whose next album is to be expected later this year, issued the following statement in order to address the rumors regarding drummer Pete Sandoval...
"World Management and MORBID ANGEL would like to let the fans know that rumors about Pedro Sandoval's back surgery are in fact true. Pete has suffered for a long time with a deteriorating disc problem. He was in daily pain and needed to have this done. He has recently been treated by a laser back surgery specialist in Tampa, Florida. He is currently in rehabilitation and doing well. Pete is part of our family and the band's History and we all wish him well and a full recovery. Unfortunately this type of injury, subsequent surgery and rehab cannot be rushed and it will take ample time for him to hopefully be back behind his drums again and out on tour with MORBID ANGEL. The band is moving forward on their next recording with Tim Yeung. Currently the guys are in rehearsals in Tampa putting their finishing touches on the songs for the new album, which is slated for later this year with subsequent touring world wide."
April Divine to release new single
2010-03-17
Swedish alt rockers April Divine are gearing up for their second album "Redemption" on March 22 when they release their title track "Redemption" World wide, their first release with new label Supernova records.
Bassist Peter Uvén states: "This is hint of things to to come, THIS IS what our massive new album is gonna be all about, bon appetite!"
The bands second album is set for a release in May 2010.
APRIL DIVINE, who released their critically acclaimed debut album "Chapter One" in 2007 recorded the follow-up effort in Atlanta, Georgia with American producer Rick Beato (BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, DARK NEW DAY, SHINEDOWN, SEVENDUST, VINCE NEIL, SUBMERSED) and in Gothenburg, Sweden with award-winning producer Tobias Lindell (MUSTASCH, HEED, EUROPE). They recently signed for Swedish label Supernova Records.
Solitude reunion show announced
2010-03-17
SOLITUDE REUNION SHOW 2010 w/ Faith Or Fear & Thunderbrew
WHEN: APRIL 17, 2010
WHERE: JB McGuinnes - 519 E. Basin Rd, New Castle, DE 19720
(near the airport/10 mins. from Wilmington)
Delaware thrash/speed metal band, SOLITUDE, was formed in 1983. Despite releasing three critically acclaimed demos true “break out success” always seemed to slip through their fingers. While influenced by Metallica and Testament they were also equally drawn to works by Rush, Mahavishnu Orchestra and even Eric Johnson.
In 1987, they released their first demo, Focus Of Terror, which received an enthusiastic response from the scene thus resulting in the track “The End” appearing on Thrash Attack III. Sickness, released a year later, found the band quickly gaining ground with great reviews in fanzines worldwide most notably, Kerrang! As if all the positive press and opening for bands such as DEATH, DARK ANGEL and SACRED REICH, wasn’t enough to warrant the scene’s attention “Typhoid Mary” was then chosen to appear on Metal Blade Records’ prestigious Metal Massacre series.
Fall Of Creation brought greater exposure in publications like Metal Maniacs, Thrash ‘Em All and Metal Forces and they signed with Red Light Records in 1993 and recorded From Within in 1994. Sadly enough, right before the album’s release the label went belly up and it never saw the light of day in the US. After a crushing blow like that and 10 years as a band SOLITUDE decided to quietly bow out of the metal world.
Poisoned Population: The Complete Collection (1987-1994) is a two disc remastered collection of all 26 tracks. It features all new artwork, extensive liner notes, full lyrics, enhanced live concert videos and much more.
Brain Drill announce track list for new album
2010-03-17
AGOURA HILLS, Calif. - March 17, 2010 - Santa Cruz, CA technical death metalers BRAIN DRILL have just released the track listing for their upcoming sophomore release, Quantum Catastrophe, which hits streets on May 11th and will undoubtedly be met by great praise by fans and media alike.
In preparation for the release of Quantum Catastrophe and the band's first music video for the album, BRAIN DRILL has posted a new track on their MySpace page. The new track is Beyond Bludgeoned, which the band filmed a video for back in February out in the San Joaquin Delta/Rio Vista, CA area. The video for Beyond Bludgeoned was directed by Nikko DeLuna and shot by Justin Potter. Stay tuned for when and where the video will be premiered.
BRAIN DRILL will once again take fans on a mind-melting voyage through the boundaries of exactly how incredible technical death metal can be. Quantum Catastrophe continues to push the band to their physical limits while somehow still exhibiting their trademark and infectious hook-laden riffs. Fan should expect an exponentially more technical and brutal release than they got with the band's Metal Blade debut Apocalyptic Feasting. The song structures are way more over the top than before and the riffs catchier than before, which was a natural progression for the band as BRAIN DRILL's goal is to push the limits of what they can do musically and technically. With Quantum Catastrophe, BRAIN DRILL truly does push themselves to the limits.
Quantum Catastrophe was recorded at Castle Ultimate Studios in Oakland, CA with Zach Ohren, who handled engineering mastering and produced the album along with the band. Bassist Ivan Munguia got to show off his guitar skills on the tracks "Mercy to None" and "Awaiting Imminent Destruction" which he wrote and recorded.
Vocalist Steve Rathjen explains the concept behind Quantum Catastrophe; "Universal decimation (black holes, galactic cosmic radiation), pandemic disease and zombie re-awakenings - mankind is entering an age of mass speculation as foreseen by numerous ancient cultures. Space to all humanity still primarily remains a mystery even in our days of immense technological advancements. We know this void is filled with infinite extremities which could occur at any instant; easily decimating all habitations. We also know our planet has fulfilled these mass extinctions time and again centuries in the past. The question which remains, are we due for another apocalyptic transition?"
Guitarist Dylan Ruskin adds some insight into the musical process; "The album was definitely a huge accomplishment in the chronicling of the drill. The musical dynamics and skill level of everyone in the band have improved much more than the previous album. The songs are more technical and musically diverse but are also well balanced and catchy."
Quantum Catastrophe again features cover art by Par Olofsson. The over the top cover art perfectly complements the nearly unbelievable musicianship present on the record.
To date BRAIN DRILL has shared the stage with bands such as: Cannibal Corpse, Dying Fetus, The Black Dahlia Murder, Necrophagist, Job for a Cowboy, Unmerciful, All Shall Perish, Decrepit Birth, and many other extreme metal bands. In addition BRAIN DRILL has also managed to land the #1 spot on the MySpace grindcore band charts and #7 on the MySpace death metal charts. Currently, BRAIN DRILL is hard at work on the follow up to 2008's highly acclaimed Apocalyptic Feasting.
Brain Drill is:
Dylan Ruskin - guitar
Steve Rathjen - vocals
Ivan Munguia - bass
Ron Casey - drums
Exodus reveal track listing of new album
2010-03-16
US thrash metal icons EXODUS have uploaded "Hammer And Life," a new track off their upcoming May 7th release, Exhibit B: The Human Condition, onto their MySpace page!
"We decided to put up an early rough mix of "Hammer and Life" to give everybody a little taste of the new record. The really fast songs, you'll get soon enough! This song is inspired by the one and only Paul Baloff, our ode to him. Paul was always the hammer in Exodus, and he lived for metal more than anyone I've ever known. R.I.P." Gary Holt, EXODUS
The track listing for the band's ninth studio album is as follows:
01. 'The Ballad Of Leonard And Charles'
02. 'Beyond The Pale'
03. 'Hammer And Life'
04. 'Class Dismissed (A Hate Primer)'
05. 'Downfall'
06. 'March Of The Sycophants'
07. 'Nanking'
08. 'Burn, Hollywood, Burn'
09. 'Democide'
10. 'The Sun Is My Destroyer'
11. 'A Perpetual State Of Indifference'
12. 'Good Riddance'
Nuclear Blast USA's Webshop will be issuing an exclusive mail-order edition of the album featuring a slipcase with different artwork (to be unveiled soon) plus the North American bonus track "Devil's Teeth."
Exhibit B: The Human Condition was recorded this past December in Northern California with producer Andy Sneap (Megadeth, Arch Enemy, Kreator). EXODUS are currently on the Rust In Peace 20th Anniversary Tour with Megadeth and Testament. Remaining dates are:
3/16 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live
3/18 - Scranton, PA - Scranton Cultural Center
3/19 - Norfolk, VA - The NorVa
3/21 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle
3/22 - Asheville, NC - Orange Peel
3/23 - Memphis, TN - Minglewood Hall
3/25 - Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Theater
3/26 - Austin, TX - Stubb's Amphitheater
3/27 - Lubbock, TX - The Pavilion
3/28 - El Paso, TX - Club 101
3/30 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theater
3/31 - Hollywood, CA - Hollywood Palladium
Ex Deo releases new video
2010-03-16
, the Ancient Roman themed arsenal lead by KATAKLYSM frontman Maurizio Iacono, have uploaded the video clip for the song "The Final War (Battle of Actium)" which can be viewed right below. The song also features a guest solo appearance from Karl Sanders of NILE. The clip was released on March 15 (Ides of March) in honour of the god of war, Mars. Iacono commented:
"It has come, on the 15th day the birth of Mars has arrived. The god of war, the celebrations have begun! Let the sirens of war echo the might of Rome. This is the final war!"
New Avantasia opus on its way
2010-03-16
On April 3rd the two long awaited new Avantasia masterpieces "The Wicked Symphony" and "Angel Of Babylon" will hit music stores. As previously reported you can check out first impressions and audio samples here at tobiassammet.com (go to the "Backstage" button in the menu bar!). You can also find one complete track called "Dying For An Angel" on which legendary Scorpions front man Klaus Meine shares the microphone with Avantasia mainman Tobias Sammet.
If you want to know more about the collaboration you can check the upcoming issue of the German magazine Metal Hammer where you will find an 8-page special featuring a conversation with Klaus Meine, Tobias Sammet, and music journalist Marc Halupzcok. The group met for an interesting chat about the forthcoming Scorpions tour with Edguy, the recordings of Klaus with Avantasia for the song "Dying For An Angel", the new Scorpions album "Sting In The Tail" and a lot more.
This issue of Metal Hammer will be out on March 17th.
Leiana releases new video
2010-03-16
The promising American rock singstress Leiana has released her video for the track "Nothing=You" online which can be seen below.
Leiana will release her third album, “Lucky #3”, through FOF Label Group/EMI on May 18th, 2010.
"An animated video is something I have always wanted to do. I think that cool, stylish animation always stands out, and with this video it tells the story of how my music came to be so it’s perfect,” commented Leiana. “I have used Tony Squindo's artwork for everything I have ever done, so it was a no brainer to have him do my video as well. He has also rocked artwork for Metallica, Korn, the Misfits among others, so adding this video to his plate worked with his artistic style."
Leiana's “Lucky #3” is an action packed rock/metal/punk extravaganza that will delight fans of any genre. Recorded in Los Angeles, CA and produced by Eddie Wohl (Smile Empty Soul, Anthrax), the album captures the alt-rock energy of Leiana’s stage show and melds it with infectious hooks that leaves listeners thirsty for more. Leiana's "Lucky #3" is the soundtrack for those that love to surf and skate or just like to rock out.
Deicide and Tankard for Lithuanian festival
2010-03-16
, Lithuanian metal music festival, apparently the biggest and the most rapidly growing throughout the Baltic States, will take place for the second time in Dainuva valley of Anyksciai, on July 16-18 of this year. Highly acclaimed for the prominent debut last summer, DEVILSTONE Open Air is looking to unleash a real storm with its second
coming.
No longer a secret, US death metal veterans DEICIDE are announced as one
of the festival headliners, together with German thrash metal fellows TANKARD and French heavy metal enthusiasts NIGHTMARE. It is hardly
possible to present these acts within a short paragraph, as all of them have their particular stories or shocking scandals, experienced throughout the long years of existence.
Lithuanian front this time will be held by black metal bastards ARGHARUS and veteran brutal death metal headbangers BURYING PLACE. The latest news report three more bands, recently added to the line-up. LIE IN RUINS shall evoke mystic old school Finnish death metal
aggressiveness, while SCYTIAN will bring warlike moods from the shores of
Great Britain. And yes, there will be a doze of melodious metal as well –
Spanish HELEVORN spread the spells of gothic and doom metal flavour.
All together, up to twenty bands will share the stage of DEVILSTONE Open
Air this year, the selection of which is most thorough & particularly
attentive. Uniqueness, creativity and professionally performed metal music
are the basic criteria set for the musicians to make the DEVILSTONE an
exclusive weekend. Keep an eye for the upcoming revelations of festival
line-up in coming weeks, and trust the DEVILSTONE taste!
Apart from live performances, other action will be presented on the second
festival stage and all around the river site. Night Rockteques of purely
old-school rock will make it sleepless. Volleyball tournament will
challenge to win a Devil’s hoof as a trophy. Workshops of crafts and other
creative actions shall provide a feeling of art and culture, as well as
the whole town of Anyksciai, rich of unique cultural heritage and
possibilities for tourists. Beautiful and untouched nature of the festival
site in Dainuva valley is also one of the festival cornerstones – the
location alone is worth the trip. One shall find a cozy campsite on the
bank of the river as well as a refreshing shadow among the tall pines...
Finally, loads of beer and other seductions will no way be missing. There
are all reasons to take this devilish challenge for the midsummer’s
holiday!
Gather your fellows into a larger group and get the DEVILSTONE Open Air
tickets for the minimal price. Decent discounts are available for foreign
groups. Find all information at
http://www.devilstone.net/en/pages/tickets/tick
Devilstone Open Air is still looking for media partners (magazines,
webzines, etc.) in different countries. Here is our offer:
http://www.altevents.net/OFFER_to_media_partners.pdf This is addressed
for the medias that are not yet in cooperation.
Much more information in detail – www.devilstone.net
DEVILSTONE video trailer based on 2009 video:
http://www.youtube.com/velnioakmuo
Keep your eyes on the following updates.
Finnish battle metallers TURISAS have begun work for their upcoming third album in Sound Supreme studio, Hämeenlinna, Finland – the same studio where they recorded their previous album. The new album, successor to the much-praised records “Battle Metal” (2004) and “The Varangian Way” (2007), is due to be released still later this year. The band has just posted the first part of their video blog / studio diary at http://www.youtube.com/turisasofficial which can also be seen right below.
Vocalist, songwriter and producer Mathias Nygård comments:
“After a nine-month break from touring to be able to fully focus on songwriting, we've finally moved forward and have now started recording. It's going to be a long project, and keep us busy all the way until the break of summer, but believe me, the wait will be all worth it. With three years between albums, there's been enough of time to find a fresh angle and new ideas not to repeat ourselves or albums we've done in the past. The songs rock big time, but the epic elements aren't going anywhere – it's going to sound larger than ever before. The leap forward is going to be just as big as between Battle Metal and The Varangian Way. “
Last week TURISAS announced a row of Australian tour dates for May, and more Asian shows are to be announced shortly.
21 May – The Globe Theatre, Brisbane (AUS)
22 May – The Factory Theatre (All Ages), Sydney (AUS)
23 May – Billboard the Venue, Melbourne (AUS)
Hail of Bullets in the studio
2010-03-16
Dutch rulers of War Death Metal HAIL OF BULLETS have posted an update about the status of the recordings for their long anticipated second longplayer. Check it out!
"So we are almost finished with the sessions for the new Hail of Bullets studio album. We've been pretty busy these past few months, especially Ed who was and still is working his ass off handling all recording and editing chores. But we're not too far removed from finishing all the work! Martin will do vocals in a few weeks at Excess studios where we also recorded the drums last month. Everything else was recorded at Ed's home studio, the aptly named Warbunker. Mixing and mastering will once again be in the capable hands of mister Dan Swano, crushing heaviness guaranteed!
We'll be posting some choice footage of the metallic proceedings for your viewing pleasure on our MySpace and YouTube channel shortly."
HAIL OF BULLETS have also confirmed some more European festival dates for the summer. Right now the list looks like this:
10/04/10 – CH – Zürich - Heavymetal.ch Festival
16/04/10 – DE – Paderborn – Metal Inferno Festival
10/06/10 – DE – Hünxe – Death Feast Open Air
12/06/10 – TR – Istanbul – Studio Live
26/06/10 – BE – Dessel – Graspop Metal Meeting
17/07/10 – AT – Kaltenbach – Kaltenbach Open Air
20/08/10 – DE – Dinkelsbühl – Summer Breeze Open Air
28/08/10 – NL – Rijssen - Elsrock
Kristian Wåhlin designs new Grand Magus
2010-03-16
The well-known Swedish artist Kristian Wåhlin (aka Necrolord) will design the cover art for the upcoming album of Swedish metallers Grand Magus, to be released later this year via Roadrunner Records. The band has made the following announcement:
"Necrolord is a legend and has created some of the most striking and
powerful images ever, he's also closely connected with Swedish metal. We
just knew that he would deliver the perfect feel, mood and imagery for the
new record. No one else would come close, it's an honour to have his
artwork for HAMMER OF THE NORTH"
Scale The Summit to appear on-air
2010-03-16
(Los Angeles, CA) Houston's SCALE THE SUMMIT will appear live on the Austin, Texas radio station KLBJ (93.7 FM), "The Rock of Austin," this Wednesday (March 17), around 3 p.m. CST. The Texas instru-metalists will be interviewed by DJ B-Doe, who'll be broadcasting live from Ace's Lounge (222 East 6th Street). B-Doe will also be playing a track from the band's acclaimed 2009 release "Carving Desert Canyons." You can listen to the interview live at this location: http://www.klbjfm.com/stream/index.aspx
Later that evening, SCALE THE SUMMIT will headline PROSTHETIC RECORDS' inaugural SXSW showcase on the inside stage at THE MOHAWK (912 Red River Street), where they'll perform at 1 a.m. and will be debuting a brand new song. Also appearing are labelmates LANDMINE MARATHON, WITHERED, BOOK OF BLACK EARTH, THE FUNERAL PYRE, CLINGING TO THE TREES OF A FOREST FIRE and special guests, Austin's own LIONS OF TSAVO. The all-ages show is free for those with SXSW badges and wristbands and $15 for the general public. The showcase is sponsored by MetalSucks, Indie Merch, Sailor Jerry Rum, Tones of Death, Epiphone Guitars, Hastings and Warlord Clothing.
SCALE THE SUMMIT is a Houston-based instrumental quartet founded in 2005 while its members attended the Musicians' Institute in Los Angeles. In the year since the release of their PROSTHETIC debut "Carving Desert Canyons," which Metal Edge called "some of the most twisting, shapely prog-metal in America," the band has toured with some of the biggest names in progressive hard rock/metal, including Dream Theater, Zappa Plays Zappa, Between the Buried and Me, Cynic and Protest the Hero. In addition, they have been featured prominently in national magazines such as Guitar World and Revolver, as well as their hometown Houston Chronicle.
Founded in 1998, the Los Angeles-based Prosthetic Records has released nearly 100 albums to date, covering practically every subgenre of heavy metal. Highlights of the independent label's catalog include Lamb of God's seminal debut "New American Gospel" and their landmark follow-up "As The Palaces Burn," Gojira's groundbreaking "From Mars To Sirius," several reissues by thrash icons Testament and the entire discography of All That Remains, whose latest album "Overcome" debuted at #16 on the Billboard Top 200 and yielded the top 10 active rock hit "Two Weeks."
Cadaveria enter studio
2010-03-16
Italian Horror Metal band CADAVERIA have entered the studio to begin recording their new album. After their live dates in Mexico
at the end of June, CADAVERIA spent the second half of 2009 in the rehearsal room to complete the songwriting for their fourth full-length.
The as yet untitled album will contain eleven tracks and will be released in late 2010.
In January 2009 CADAVERIA had announced the addition of Dick Laurent as second guitar. The new member's touch is clearly perceivable in the new compositions, that the singer Cadaveria defines as "heavy, obscure and insane".
Cadaveria recently made a guest appearance on Italian Death metallers
Mechanical God Creation's new CD, performing backing vocals on the song
"I Shall Remain Unforgiven".
Evemaster sign with Supernova Records
2010-03-15
Finnish dark metallers Evemaster have issued the following update:
Just a short newsbit here... We have signed a deal with Supernova Records. Supernova is a sublabel of one of the biggest independent record labels Bonnier Amigo. Supernova is led by Johnny Hagel (ex- Tiamat, Sundown, Roadrunner).
The album will be preceted with a single and I also have high hopes for a LP-release.
Currently we are working on the artwork for the album and after it's finished the label will set the release dates etc.
I'll let you know further details when it's set in stone.
Cheers!
-tomi -
Morbid Angel classic out on vinyl
2010-03-15
FORMULAS FATAL TO THE FLESH, the 1998 death metal masterclass from MORBID ANGEL, is out now on vinyl for the first time ever.
Marking the third release in Earache's "First Time on Vinyl" campaign, FORMULAS FATAL TO THE FLESH marked a new era for MORBID ANGEL upon its release, being the band's first album with new vocalist and bassist Steve Tucker.
While FORMULAS FATAL TO THE FLESH featured the traditional, blasting death metal for which MORBID ANGEL became known, the album also included more experimental instrumental pieces, showcasing a new diversity and ambition from the band.
FORMULAS FATAL TO THE FLESH is available now on limited edition double gatefold vinyl LP in the following colours:
Lava vinyl - 100 copies - SOLD OUT
Red vinyl - 200 copies
Clear vinyl - 300 copies
Black vinyl - 1400
Atlantean Codex sign with Cruz Del Sur
2010-03-15
German Epic Metal band ATLANTEAN KODEX and Italian label Cruz Del Sur Music announce to have signed a deal for the worldwide release of the upcoming debut ATLANTEAN KODEX album The Golden Bough.
ATLANTEAN KODEX are one of the most acclaimed newer bands in the European underground metal scene. Rooted deeply in the sound of old Manowar, Viking-era Bathory and classic 1980s-metal, their Pnakotic Demos EP has sold close to 2000 copies and has been praised by critics as one of the best epic metal releases ever. With festival appearances at renowned events like Keep it True XII, Up the Hammers and Hammer of Doom, ATLANTEAN KODEX have also earned a reputation as an intense live band who never fail to deliver the steel.
Says guitar-player Manuel Trummer about the deal: "I couldn't have imagined anyone else than Cruz del Sur to release The Golden Bough. We‘re highly impressed by the work label-owner Enrico did in the past and we‘re honored to be on the same label like some of our favorite bands such as While Heaven Wept, Slough Feg, Twisted Tower Dire or Battleroar."
On behalf of Cruz Del Sur Music, label owner Enrico Leccese states: “I am very glad we have the opportunity of working together with ATLANTEAN KODEX. I am definitely impressed by the enthusiasm, the strength and motivation these guys have shown so far; that’s exactly what we’re looking for in a band. And the music contained in The Golden Bough is simply fantastic!”
The Golden Bough is scheduled for a release on Cruz del Sur in September 2010. A deluxe vinyl edition will be released by renowned German high-quality vinyl label Iron Kodex.
The Golden Bough track list:
1. The Atlantean Kodex - 8:26
2. Pilgrim (Through The Ruins Of Europa) - 10:56
3. The Golden Bough - 1:35
4. Fountain Of Nepenthe (Journey To The Island Of The Blessed) - 9:30
5. Temple Of Katholic Magick - 6:54
6. Vesperal Hymn (For A Long-Gone Friend) - 6:03
7. Disciples Of The Iron Crown - 4:24
8. A Prophet In The Forest - 10:49
Kataklysm album news
2010-03-12
Canadian extreme metallers KATAKLYSM have completed the song writing process for their new album entitled "Heaven's Venom"! Currently the album is tentatively scheduled for a Fall of 2010 release via Nuclear Blast! Vocalist Maurizio Iacono commented:
"It's done after two years of hard work! We really made sure we had every element covered, going over all the riffs and arrangements hundreds of times to make it the best it could be. Our fans have given us so much over the years and it was time for us, without any label pressure or time limit, to give back with the album they have been waiting for. We think we've accomplished something special, but we are not going to say this is the heaviest or best KATAKLYSM and all that stuff. The fans will decide that. I just know the mission is accomplished when all of us have big cheesy smiles on our faces!
We're going to take a little break now and hit the road with KREATOR, which should be a lot of fun! Come party with us and hang out. As soon as we are back we will give the album one last check up and then start recording this beast. Should be warped up and mixed by this summer. Next year it will be the bands 20th anniversary so you can bet that we will deliver the goods. We promise! Lots of cool surprises ahead. See ya!"
Some tentative song titles appearing on the album include "Soul Made of Shrapnel", "Blind Savior", "Hail the Renegade" and "Push the Venom".
"Heaven's Venom" will be KATAKLYSM's follow up to their 2008 release, "Prevail". Guitarist J-F Dagenais (MALEVOLENT CREATION, MISERY INDEX) will once again handle the recording process, while Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, SUICIDE SILENCE, WINDS OF PLAGUE, DARK TRANQUILLITY) will handle mixing duties this time around.
Meat Loaf sign with Loud & Proud
2010-03-12
New York, NY: Roadrunner Records/Loud & Proud Records is pleased to announce the signing of Meat Loaf to the label. Meat Loaf has been a towering monument on the musical landscape for the past 35 years and his new deal with Roadrunner/Loud & Proud will allow him to retain his post as the pre-eminent voice in rock music and beyond.
His new album, Hang Cool Teddy Bear, whose title was taken from a line in Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, is 13 tracks of classic Meat Loaf, primed and ready for the 21st century. More than four decades into his career, the man and his voice are as big, bold and relevant as ever. The album features a hot producer, a slew of impressive guest appearances, ranging from guitar god Steve Vai to actor Hugh Laurie, and of course, Meat Loaf’s signature pipes!
"I wanted it big, I wanted it dramatic, I wanted a rock record,” Meat Loaf said about the new album. “Yes, it sounds like a Meat Loaf record. But it sounds different too: it sounds new, it sounds fresh. It speaks to you in a different way.” For Hang Cool Teddy Bear, Meat Loaf’s creativity was sparked by working with a new collaborator, producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Fleetwood Mac), a lifelong Meat Loaf fan who has worked with some of the most explosive names in rock music and who helped to foster a modern and contemporary vibe for the album. Of their relationship, Meat Loaf said, “Rob is the number one rock producer in the world because he leaves his ego out of the equation and gives an artist his voice, making it sound better than the artist could even imagine.”
Regarding Roadrunner/Loud & Proud, Meat Loaf is excited about his new label digs, saying, “In my bones, I've always been a rocker and I finally found a home that rocks.” Loud & Proud President Tom Lipsky also commented on the signing, saying “Meat Loaf has once again created a masterpiece and we are excited and proud to be his new label partner.”
Thematically, like most Meat Loaf albums, Hang Cool Teddy Bear has a larger concept and was inspired by a short story written by Los Angeles screenwriter, director and longtime Meat Loaf friend Kilian Kerwin.
“It's the story of a soldier,” revealed Meat Loaf. “He's been in battle and he's lying face down on the ground. He can't move, but he turns his head and starts to see blood run across the ground, and so he thinks he's going to die. They always say you see your life flash backward when you're about to die. But his life flashes forward - into what possibly could happen. He sees what his life could be: the good and the bad. The songs are the different scenarios he finds himself in. It's not always the same time or the same place, but it's always the same woman. But I don't want to give too much away. I want people to work it out for themselves.”
Hang Cool Teddy Bear also features a stellar array of big-name guests, including Steve Vai (who appears on ‘Love is Not Real’), former Queen guitarist Brian May (who appears on ‘Song of Madness’ and ‘Love is Not Real’), American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi (who co-wrote and sings on ‘If I Can't Have You’) and Hollywood star Jack Black, who duets with Meat Loaf on ‘Like a Rose.’ Additionally, English actor Hugh Laurie of TV’s House fame has a cameo on the album, playing piano on ‘If I Can’t Have You.’ The pair met after Meat Loaf guested on Laurie’s hit series and discovered the star was a classically trained pianist.
For Hang Cool Teddy Bear, the singer enlisted elite musicians, including Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins, who co-wrote two songs for the album, guitarists Tim Pierce, Paul Crook and Randy Flowers, legendary bass players Chris Chaney and Kasim Sulton, genius keyboardist Jamie Mulhoberac and the world’s greatest rock drummer, John Micelli.
Hang Cool Teddy Bear is due out May 11 in the US.
While Meat Loaf certainly requires no introduction, he burst onto the world music stage in 1977, with his landmark release, Bat Out Of Hell, which transformed him from a stage actor into an American rock ‘n’ roll icon, as the album sold more than 43 million copies worldwide and is the 3rd biggest selling record of all time. Following Bat Out Of Hell with further masterpieces like 1981’s Dead Ringer, 1984’s Bad Attitude and the Bat Out Of Hell sequels, 1993’s Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell and 2006’s Bat Out Of Hell III: The Monster is Loose proves what Rob Cavallo believes about Meat Loaf: that he has more rock ‘n’ roll in his bones than anyone he’s ever met.
