OPETH & MASTODON Announce Co-Headlining “HERITAGE HUNTER TOUR”
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OPETH & MASTODON Announce Co-Headlining “HERITAGE HUNTER TOUR”By Ivan Chopik
February 1st, 2012
New York, NY: This is one tour that rock fans will be talking about for years to come and if you miss it, you’ll be terribly sorry. Opeth and Mastodon will be embarking on a co-headline tour this spring, which kicks off April 4 in Portland, Maine and runs through May 12 in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s the first time these two titans of progressive and forward-thinking hard rock have hit the road together and it’s going to be one for the ages. Ghost will serve as the opener of the tour, which has been christened the “Heritage Hunter.” About the tour, Opeth frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt, in… (Continue)
PAUL WARDINGHAM Announces Forthcoming Release THE HUMAN AFFLICTIONBy admin
January 23rd, 2012
Australian guitar shredder and producer, Paul Wardingham, has announced The Human Affliction as the title of his new instrumental cyber metal album. Wardingham, who released his acclaimed debut Assimilate Regenerate in 2011 through Enigmatic Records, says this second full-length will be a concept album. “I wasn’t planning on making an album like this for a few years, but the music began to take on a life of its own and a story materialized from the themes of each track” says Wardingham. “Assimilate Regenerate was conceptual in that it was inspired by science fiction, future technology and the effect it has on society, and… (Continue)
MESHUGGAH Announce New Album TitleBy admin
January 16th, 2012
Sweden’s extreme, technical metal band MESHUGGAH have chosen KOLOSS as the title to their eighth studio album, set for North American release on March 27th and European release on March 23rd. Drummer Tomas Haake has issued the following warning: “As always, we try to take our music in a slightly different direction with each album and with KOLOSS we feel that we really nailed what we were going for. Organic brutality, viscera and groove all crammed into a 54-minute metalicious treat, best avoided by the faint of heart!!” Sign up here to receive the latest information on MESHUGGAH’s KOLOSS. 2008’s obZen has sold over 82,000 copies in the… (Continue)
T.R.A.M. To Release Debut Album on February 28th (Mars Volta, Animals As Leaders, Suicidal Tendencies)By admin
January 14th, 2012
It’s extremely rare to come across a new band that just flips the script of conventionality throwing caution to the wind, but the debut effort from T.R.A.M. does just that while blazing a trail of creativity that will quickly turn heads across the world. This unit will be referred to by many as a “supergroup,” however the members of this dynamic unit aren’t in this for any reason but to use it as a platform to further express their art without limitations or any preconceived notions. Their much anticipated debut album, Lingua Franca, is now officially set for a Feb. 28th… (Continue)
EVER FORTHRIGHT Release Self-Titled DebutBy admin
December 14th, 2011
Ever Forthright have released their self-titled debut this week. The NYC-based collective is pushing the boundaries progressive metal with their with infusions of hip hop, DnB and pop into a djenty brew of jarring, syncopated riffs and eerily pleasing vocal harmonies. The physical record can be bought at everforthright.bigcartel.com, while digital copies can be obtained at everforthright.bandcamp.com. In the meantime, be sure to check out THIS featured lesson with Ever Forthright’s Nick Llerandi and Kevin Theodore!
NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL 14 Announces LineupBy admin
December 12th, 2011
WORCESTER, Mass. – Killswitch Engage has been confirmed as the headliner of the 14th Annual New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. The festival helped to launch the career of the Westfield, Mass., band and the festival vets went on to sign with Roadrunner Records. With over 1.5 million records sold in the United States alone and a Grammy nomination under its belt, the band will return to the NEMF stage in 2012. About this homecoming of sorts, vocalist Howard Jones said, ” Yup, trouble’s brewing. It’s been great to have time off, but now it’s back to business. All the… (Continue)
PERIPHERY Part Ways With Bassist TOM MURPHYBy admin
November 16th, 2011
On November 15th, 2011 Periphery made the following announcement on their Facebook page: “We have some sad news to announce, unfortunately Tom Murphy has decided to leave the band: ‘I’m sorry to announce that as of today I will no longer be playing bass for Periphery. I have had so many unforgettable experiences and have met so many wonderful people while playing with the band and just want to say thank you to all the fans for making that possible. I am leaving to pursue something new. If you are interested following up with me, feel free to add my… (Continue)
Roadrunner Records Announces The Signing Of GOJIRABy admin
November 9th, 2011
Roadrunner Records announced today the addition of French metal behemoths Gojira to the label. The band is universally recognized as one of the most talented and extreme art-metal acts on the scene today. Gojira is one of those rare bands that comes along every couple of years and takes everything you know about metal, twists it, reimagines it and comes up with something wholly unique. It’s doubtful you’ve heard anything like Gojira before. The band makes that much of an impact with its music and approach. Gojira are comprised of vocalist/guitarist Joe Duplantier, who has a previous relationship with Roadrunner,… (Continue)
Acoustic Guitar Virtuoso JON GOMM Releases PASSIONFLOWERBy admin
October 27th, 2011
With a once-seen-never-forgotten two-handed style, both physical and complex, Jon Gomm is an incredible guitar virtuoso, using one acoustic instrument to create drum sounds, bass lines and sparkling melodies all at the same time. The son of a music critic, musicians would often stay at the Gomm household in Blackpool on the understanding Jon would get a guitar lesson, meaning he had one-to-one tuition from blues legends like Walter Trout and Bob Brozman. International tours have generated a huge cult following and Jon is regarded by those ‘in the know’ as one of the world’s most talented and innovative guitarists…. (Continue)
EVILE Unleash New Album “FIVE SERPENT’S TEETH”By admin
October 24th, 2011
British thrash metal band EVILE will release their third studio album, Five Serpent’s Teeth, in North America on October 18 via Earache Records. A 15-minute preview of the album, featuring one-and-a-half blistering minutes of each song, is available to listen to now at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np5HFxA3U4s. Five Serpent’s Teeth was recorded at Parlour Studios in Kettering, UK, with producer Russ Russell (Napalm Death, Dimmu Borgir), who also helmed the band’s highly regarded 2009 release Infected Nations. Conceptually derived from the dreams of vocalist/rhythm guitarist Matt Drake and heavily influenced by the passing of the band’s beloved bassist Mike Alexander, Five Serpent’s Teeth… (Continue)
ANDY TIMMONS BAND Plays SGT. PEPPER To Be Released October 24By admin
October 20th, 2011
One of the most beloved cultural milestones of the ‘60s generation and every generation since, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles gets creatively interpreted and re-imagined in this all-instrumental rendition by a guitarist whose lifelong love of this material has resulted in an album that transcends all musical boundaries and genres. Two years in the making, guitar fans, Beatle fans and everyone in-between will come together when Favored Nations Entertainment releases Andy Timmons Band Plays Sgt. Pepper on October 24. “I must hip you to new music I just heard that floored me! It is, without a… (Continue)
PERIPHERY Announces New Guitarist and Dream Theater Off Day ShowsBy admin
October 19th, 2011
PERIPHERY have redefined the boundaries of progressive music and previously announced they will be touring as direct support to the legendary Dream Theater throughout Europe from Jan. 23rd through Feb. 26th. Yesterday the band announced that they will play two headlining shows amidst those dates. Brussels, Belgium, and Prague, Czech Republic, have been added to the band’s schedule. All of their tour dates can be found below or by visiting www.facebook.com/peripheryband Following PERIPHERY’s extremely successful “Frak The Gods” North American tour, the group are excited to now officially announce its newest member Mark Holcomb (he had a project with Misha Mansoor… (Continue)
Progressive Death Metallers ORDINANCE Release Debut Album INTERNAL MONOLOGUESBy admin
October 18th, 2011
Ordinance is a four piece Progressive Death Metal act based out of Frederick, Maryland. The band is comprised of Alex Rudinger (of Threat Signal), Greg Macklin (of System Divide), Mike Semesky (of Vestascension, Haunted Shores, Rest Among Ruins), and Gunter Ostendorp (of Knossis). Originated by Macklin and Rudinger in 2009 as a two piece, Ordinance joined forces with guitarist Ostendorp shortly thereafter, and began writing for the debut album Internal Monologues. Throughout the writing process, each new song found its way to YouTube via Rudinger’s drum video releases, bringing about an ever-growing online audience awaiting a record from the trio…. (Continue)
Electro-Harmonix Unveils The Ravish Sitar PedalBy admin
October 10th, 2011
Electro-Harmonix introduces the Ravish Sitar pedal, which transforms a guitar into a sitar. A traditional sitar achieves its instantly recognizable sound through a combination of melody, drone and sympathetic strings, as well as its unique construction. Mike Matthews and the pedal wizards at Electro-Harmonix have distilled the essence of that exotic instrument into a compact, polyphonic pedal. The Ravish Sitar features three independent level controls, one each for the Dry sound, Lead voice and Sympathetic strings. There are also individual Timbre controls for the Lead voice and the Sympathetic strings. The Timbre controls act like filter controls and introduce more… (Continue)
GUTHRIE GOVAN’s Group THE ARISTOCRATS Release Album & Announce Tour DatesBy admin
September 27th, 2011
Featuring three of the most accomplished virtuosos in the world in the genre of rock-fusion instrumental music, The Aristocrats was formed shortly after January, 2011 after rock guitar sensation Guthrie Govan (Asia, Erotic Cakes, Dizzee Rascal), drum phenom Marco Minnemann (Adrian Belew, Necrophagist, UKZ), and bassist extraordinaire Bryan Beller (Steve Vai, Dethklok, Mike Keanelly) got together to do an impromptu Bass Bash event during NAMM. The three musicians hit it off so well in terms of musical interplay and chemistry that they immediately said after the show that they need to do this again. That talk evolved into making a… (Continue)
DREAM THEATER Announce Tour Dates, Special Editions of ‘A Dramatic Turn of Events’By admin
August 1st, 2011
New York, NY: Dream Theater, who were recently voted one of the top 10 Prog Rock bands of all time by RollingStone.com readers, will return with A Dramatic Turn of Events, on September 13th. The band is armed with one of the most powerful efforts of their storied, iconic career. The album marks the recorded debut of new drummer Mike Mangini, which fans are clamoring to hear. Roadrunner Records will issue the release in multiple versions that will be sure to delight the band’s disciple-like fanbase. In addition to the standard version, a special edition CD/DVD set will include The… (Continue)
ALL SHALL PERISH Release New Album THIS IS WHERE IT ENDSBy admin
July 28th, 2011
This Is Where It Ends was mixed and mastered once again by long time collaborator Zach Ohren (DECREPIT BIRTH, SUFFOCATION). The bands fourth album marks the recording debut of new drummer Adam Pierce and guitar virtuoso Francesco Artusato. Fully renewed and invigorated, never has the band sounded so determined! This Is Where It Ends mixes the technical groove-laden extreme metal that garnered them so much attention on The Price of Existence, along with the more progressive and melodic moments on Awaken the Dreamers. ALL SHALL PERISH were also recenlty added to this years installment of the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYEM… (Continue)
OPETH Premiere First Track From New Album HERITAGE: “The Devil’s Orchard”By admin
July 27th, 2011
Swedish progressive metal stalwarts Opeth’s 10th album Heritage — which follows 2008′s Watershed and 2005′s Ghost Reveries — is their strangest, most genre-melding to date. For starters it includes guest spots from Swedish flautist/composer Björn J:son Lindh and Weather Report percussionist Alex Acuña. As you may have guessed, it also includes 100% clean singing. Main man Mikael Åkerfeldt refers to Opeth records as “observations.” Of this one he notes, “It feels like I’ve been building up to write for and participate on an album like this since I was 19.” Fittingly, he says he listened to a bunch of Alice… (Continue)
ALL SHALL PERISH’S FRANCESCO ARTUSATO Releases New Album CHAOS AND THE PRIMORDIALBy admin
July 6th, 2011
Renowned guitar shredder Francesco Artusato (All Shall Perish) has released his new solo album, Chaos and The Primordial, under THE FRANCESCO ARTUSATO PROJECT moniker on June 28th on Sumerian Records. The album is available across all digital platforms and full-artwork physical copies are available exclusively via www.merchconnection.com or at his merch booth at the Rockstar Mayhem Festival all summer long. Head over now to www.facebook.com/thefrancescoartusatoproject in order to view the disc’s striking artwork, track listing and to stream the blistering new title track. Artusato states: “The song ‘Chaos and the Primordial’ is a very technical and intense track that has… (Continue)
Periphery Part Ways With Alex BoisBy Ivan Chopik
July 6th, 2011
Earlier today Periphery have issued the following announcement on their Facebook and MySpace pages: Hey Guys! We have some sad news to share. Alex Bois and Periphery have decided to part ways. This is truly a sad day for Periphery, because Alex has been with us since the beginning, and he is like a brother to us. We’re going to do everything we can to make the most out of this unfortunate situation, and soldier on like we always have in the past when faced with setbacks. In regards to all of our upcoming shows and tours, worry not! We… (Continue)
Tony MacAlpine Releases New Self-Titled Solo AlbumBy Ivan Chopik
June 22nd, 2011
New York, NY: He’s been a producer, band member and solo artist. Guitarist Tony MacAlpine, in his 25-year career, has redefined hard rock jazz-fusion for a generation of progressive-minded music fanatics. Whether it’s with the groundbreaking prog-rock band Planet X (with Derek Sherinian of Dream Theater), the jazz-fusion super-group CAB or the band of another guitar hero Steve Vai, MacAlpine has set the bar exceedingly high. On June 21, this most anticipated all-instrumental masterpiece Tony MacAlpine (Favored Nations Entertainment) will be released, his 13th solo album (and 26th album over-all). The album contains 12 tracks of complex, intricate heavy music… (Continue)
PERIPHERY Announces Their First Ever North American Headlining Touring PackageBy Ivan Chopik
June 16th, 2011
Very rarely does a band come along that just defies the boundaries of conventionality, but the experimental, progressive metal outfit PERIPHERY have done just that and have blazed a trail of originality that has sent shockwaves throughout the metal world. Now after countless years of touring as a supporting band the group has finally attained headlining status. They will embark on the highly anticipated “Frak The Gods” tour in September and has put together a stunning package. See below and keep in touch to www.facebook.com/peripheryband for additional information and VIP Ticketing info, which will be announced in the coming weeks…. (Continue)
![[UPDATED] OPETH Announce New Album & Tour Dates](http://www.guitarmessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/opeth_thumbnail.jpg)
[UPDATED] OPETH Announce New Album & Tour DatesBy admin
June 10th, 2011
Sweden’s most revered and respected progressive metal mavens Opeth will release Heritage, their third album for Roadrunner, on September 20th. The first single and video will be the song “The Devil’s Orchard.” Heritage follows up 2008’s Watershed and 2005’s Ghost Reveries, each of which garnered the forward-thinking, genre-bending band some of the best reviews of their career. Opeth frontman and guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt weighed in on Heritage, saying, “It will be our 10th album/observation. I dig it; we all do. In fact, it feels like I’ve been building up to write for and participate on an album like this since… (Continue)
CHRISTIAN MUENZNER Releases Debut Solo Album TIMEWARPBy Ivan Chopik
June 9th, 2011
Guitarist Christian Muenzner (Obscura, Spawn Of Possession, ex Necrophagist) has just released his first all instrumental solo album Timewarp. Being described by Muenzner as “80’s Shrapnel Records shred meets modern metal,” the album contains 12 songs filled with high tech guitar techniques, but also with a strong emphasis on composition, melody and musical arrangements. Muenzner is accompained by German keyboard virtuoso Daniel Galmarini and Obscura/Blotted Science drummer Hannes Grossmann, while the bass duties are split between Steve DiGiorgio (Sadus, ex Death, Control Denied, ex Artension, ex Testament etc.) and Jacob Schmidt (Defeated Sanity). The album features several guest appearances by… (Continue)
DREAM THEATER Announce New Album Name, Tracks & Release DateBy Ivan Chopik
June 8th, 2011
(New York, NY): The recent announcement that Mike Mangini would be joining Dream Theater, replacing departed drummer Mike Portnoy, caused such fanfare that Mangini was a trending topic on Twitter, second only to England’s Royal Wedding. Now, the band is revealing more information about their upcoming album. The new album is titled A Dramatic Turn of Events. The much-anticipated platter, which marks Mangini’s recorded debut, will be released via Roadrunner Records on September 13th and will be supported by a massive world tour. “I’m incredibly psyched with the way this album came out and can’t wait to share it with… (Continue)
UNEARTH Premieres New Track ‘Ruination Of The Lost’ Through MetalSucksBy admin
May 24th, 2011
Today popular metal portal MetalSucks hosts the worldwide premiere of UNEARTH‘s ‘Ruination Of The Lost,’ the explosive second track off the band’s upcoming Darkness In The Light full-length. Check it out HERE. Commented vocalist Trevor Phipps: “‘Ruination Of The Lost‘ is a pummeling front-end album song that showcases our mix of both American and European metallic influences with an apocalyptic lyrical theme. Buz [McGrath] and Ken [Susi] both rip some serious guitar solos in the tune and their guitar harmonies are hauntingly catchy. This one is a high energy shredder, while lyrically it speaks about the end of the human race in… (Continue)
BEHOLD OBLIVION Releases New Song ‘The Desert’s Curse’By admin
May 22nd, 2011
Pushing boundaries seems to be the norm for Boston based metal band Behold Oblivion. Their music fuses progressive and traditional styles of metal and hardcore, and the end result is heavy as sh*t. Behold Oblivion, formerly known as Tight Rope, has a free EP (The Infinite Being) available which was released under their previous alias. The track ‘The Desert’s Curse‘ from the band’s upcoming release Witness just joined the album’s title track on the band’s Facebook page. Keep an eye out for Behold Oblivion, now partnered with Halfwest Management, to be hitting the road in July with Applaud The Impaler, along… (Continue)
SYMPHONY X Offers Behind-The-Scenes Interview & Releases New Song For Sale (UPDATED)By admin
May 20th, 2011
Taking a break from their current headlining North American tour, New Jersey’s progsters SYMPHONY X checked in from the House of Blues in Hollywood via a live chat last week to answer fan-submitted questions. View the 38-minute footage – where the band discusses their most memorable show, the merits of Taco Bell, the significance of Ozzy Osbourne’s Blizzard Of Oz album, “sha-nahnah” rock and other musical labels here. “The End Of Innocence,” a track off SYMPHONY X’s upcoming album Iconoclast, is now available for purchase as a digital single on Amazon.com & on iTunes. The single also includes an instrumental… (Continue)
Australia’s DEAD LETTER CIRCUS Signs With Sumerian Records For North American ReleaseBy admin
May 18th, 2011
Some bands truly defy the odds of innovation, spinning the wheels of creativity to venture into previously unchartered waters without any hesitancy and with only one objective in mind: uninhibited artistic creativity and open-mindedness. This sentiment perfectly describes Dead Letter Circus, who have just inked a deal with Sumerian Records. The label will issue the group’s debut effort, This Is The Warning, in North America on July 26th. Never content to settle for mediocrity or banality, this Australian sensation set out from the start to establish a fresh sound that pushed the boundaries of alternative rock, and it quickly captivated… (Continue)
Norwegian Guitar Virtuoso JARLE H. OLSEN Releases QUADRASONICBy admin
May 14th, 2011
Norwegian virtuoso Jarle H. Olsen has just released his full-length debut Quadrasonic, the follow-up to his acclaimed instrumental release JHO. The album serves to showcase his formidable talent as both a guitarist and a composer of melodic progressive metal. Keyboardist Alex Argento appears throughout the album to flesh out the music’s rich harmony and add searing leads of his own. For an insight Jarle’s style and approach to songwriting, check out his ‘Sweeping Harmony’ Lesson for Guitar Messenger, where he uses part of his song ‘Event Horizon‘ to demonstrate the fusion of advanced technique with strong melodic composition and arrangement – or… (Continue)
DAVID GILMOUR Joins ROGER WATERS Onstage At O2 ArenaBy admin
May 12th, 2011
Legendary guitarist David Gilmour made good tonight on his promise to join former Pink Floyd bandmate Roger Waters at a show during Waters’ ‘The Wall Live’ tour this year, by appearing not only only on a stirring rendition of ‘Comfortably Numb,’ but also for the climactic ‘Outside The Wall‘ along with fellow Pink Floyd alum Nick Mason on drums. Before this concert, Gilmour and Waters had performed together only twice since Waters left the band in the wake of 1983′s The Final Cut – at 2005′s Live 8 and a much smaller benefit concert in 2010.
TONY MACALPINE To Release New Self-Titled Solo AlbumBy admin
May 11th, 2011
Legendary guitar and piano/keyboard virtuoso, Tony MacAlpine‘s new selftitled album, to be released June 21 on Favored Nations, marks a highly-anticipated return to solo work after a prolific decade of output with his bands, including prog-metal-fusion trio Planet X; GRAMMY-nominated jazz fusion outfit CAB; power metallers Ring Of Fire; as well as performing keyboard and guitar duties in Steve Vai‘s double platinum DVD-selling live band The Breed from 2001-2006. ‘When I set out to write a new album, I quickly realized that my urge to once again create and define myself as a solo artist had returned with a vengeance,’… (Continue)
VEIL OF MAYA Prepares For European Tour & Demos New Tracks With PERIPHERY’S MISHA MANSOORBy admin
May 9th, 2011
Chicago’s VEIL OF MAYA are perennial road warriors and will continue their worldwide tour de force in support of their highly acclaimed [id] album, heading overseas to annihilate the masses on the Sumerian Records’ “European Invasion Tour 2011″ alongside labelmates Born of Osiris and The Faceless. This will be a masterful clinic on progressive, technical metal mastery, so you don’t want to miss out on this once in a lifetime event. This much-anticipated trek also features Gorod in the opening slot and kicks off on May 13th – head over now to www.facebook.com/veilofmaya to view their entire touring schedule. “Holy… (Continue)
Fractal Audio Systems Unveils The AXE-FX IIBy admin
May 9th, 2011
Check out Fractal’s press release here for the full list of improvements! Fractal Audio Systems, the creators of the popular Axe-Fx Standard and Ultra guitar processors, have announced their plans to release the new Axe-Fx II. Among the model’s innovations are Fractal’s new G2 Amp Modeling Technology, which features detailed vacuum tube and power amp simulations and makes exclusive use of one of the unit’s two dual-core processors. The new unit also boasts compatibility with USB 2.0 for audio streaming and remote control, improved connectivity with the MFC-101 MIDI foot controller, twice the RAM of its predecessors, a headphone jack that sits… (Continue)
THE KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND Announces New Album HOW I GOBy admin
May 2nd, 2011
Roadrunner Records/Loud & Proud is releasing The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band’s new album, How I Go, on August 2nd, 2011. This is the band’s first studio album since signing with Roadrunner/Loud & Proud Records last year and follows the release of the GRAMMY nominated album Live! In Chicago. Recorded in Sausalito, California’s Studio D, and produced by both Kenny Wayne Shepherd and his longtime collaborator and producer Jerry Harrison (Trouble Is, Live On, 10 Days Out, Blues From The Backroads, Live! In Chicago), How I Go signals the band’s welcome return to the studio. With the help of co-writers Mark… (Continue)
![UNDEROATH & TIMES OF GRACE Embark On Illuminato[u]r](http://www.guitarmessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/illuminatour_thumb.jpg)
UNDEROATH & TIMES OF GRACE Embark On Illuminato[u]rBy admin
April 28th, 2011
Open your mind and your eyes, hard rock fans! You are about to be illuminated this summer, thanks to the “Illuminato[u]r,” a brand new road trek featuring some of the best and, well, brightest bands in the scene! Underoath will headline “Illuminato(u)r,” with support provided by a stellar lineup that includes Times of Grace, Stray From the Path and Letlive. The lineup was announced yesterday on www.underoath777.com, along with the premiere of the band’s new video for the song “Paper Lung.” Excitement and buzz about the tour has already been ramped up and is steadily building online and beyond. Multi… (Continue)
ALL SHALL PERISH Announces Album Title & Release DateBy admin
April 27th, 2011
Oakland, California extreme metallers, ALL SHALL PERISH, have announced This Is Where It Ends as the title of their fourth full-length record and follow up to their 2008 release Awaken the Dreamers. The majority of This Is Where It Ends was recorded and mixed once again at Castle Ultimate Studios in Oakland with producer Zack Ohren (LIGHT THIS CITY, DECREPIT BIRTH, SUFFOCATION). Look for the album on sale both physically and digitally on July 26 (North America) and July 29 (Europe)! Studio Updates: Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgGnqJtPUQs Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgZw205AFKM Part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrE8KNLgdAg Part 4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI13lQ1ZAyg The new album will mark the recording debut… (Continue)
STRYPER Return To Their Roots With THE COVERINGBy admin
April 20th, 2011
Christian rockers Stryper are offering fans a headbanging view of who their influences were early on, with the arrival of almost an entire album’s worth of covers, The Covering. Set for release on February 15th via Big3 Records, the album includes twelve rocking covers, as well as an all-new original tune, “God.” And most significantly, the album marks the return of original bassist Tim Gaines back into the Stryper fold, setting up the first Stryper release in years to feature the definitive line-up of Michael Sweet (vocals/guitar), Oz Fox (guitar), Tim Gaines (bass), and Robert Sweet (drums). According to Michael… (Continue)
DREAM THEATER Offer An Exclusive Look Into Their Search For A New DrummerBy admin
April 20th, 2011
A little more than a month after original drummer Mike Portnoy’s sudden departure from Dream Theater, the band held three days of auditions in New York City. Over an amazing and productive three-day period, the band played, jammed and spoke candidly with seven of the world’s greatest drummers, learning about them musically, personally and professionally, and assessing the fit of each drummer’s incredible chops with the band’s trademark prog-rock sound. Dream Theater have been extremely sensitive to the fact that this is not only a monumental decision in their own lives, but also a critical moment in the lives of… (Continue)
PERIPHERY Releases ICARUS EP, Posts Webisode & Announces Drum PerformanceBy admin
April 19th, 2011
There is no doubt that PERIPHERY are innovators, and guitarist Misha Mansoor is being hailed by industry experts and his peers as one of the main purveyors of this current Djent movement that is feverishly spreading throughout the progressive circles. Check out the new issue of Guitar World on stands now to view the band’s striking five-page feature and to view a special instructional lesson series with Misha that can only be accessed via the CD Rom in the magazine. The group’s much anticipated new Icarus EP is now available in stores everywhere. This offering features a brand new unreleased… (Continue)
SCAR SYMMETRY Post Album Trailers And 2 Songs From THE UNSEEN EMPIREBy admin
April 14th, 2011
Swedish progressive melodic death metal heroes SCAR SYMMETRY have uploaded another short album teaser for their upcoming masterpiece The Unseen Empire. Check it out above, or here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl-a9lEFBbU Pre-order the new album with or without an exclusive t-shirt design from the following location: http://store.nuclearblastusa.com/Artist/Scar_Symmetry/69540 Also, check out the first teaser – a track-by-track video by drummer/lyricist Henrik Ohlsson. The video explains the lyrical concept of the album, which deals with conspiracy theories/illuminati themes and gives short snippets of EVERY song from the album: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwON-tZOxQ0 The Unseen Empire will be released April 15 (Europe) and May 17th (North America) 2011 via… (Continue)
DDM Releases Debut Album LUCIDITYBy admin
April 1st, 2011
Danny Dodge, who recently captured the public’s attention with ‘Death Metal Friday,’ his brutal answer to Rebecca Black’s ‘Friday,’ released his first album Lucidity today under the project name DDM (Danny Dodge Music.) Lucidity is available for free for a limited time in full vocal and instrumental form through Guitar Messenger’s Facebook as part of the first Artist Spotlight feature – a series that highlights upcoming artists that Guitar Messenger believes will make an impact on the music world. The album is also available streaming through Danny’s official YouTube page, and for purchase through his Myspace page.
PERIPHERY Streams New Track ‘Frak The Gods’By admin
March 24th, 2011
Periphery has released the song ‘Frak The Gods‘ from their upcoming Icarus EP for fans to stream! Having completed their European League Of Extraordinary Djentlemen tour, the band has now embarked on a North American journey with Scale The Summit and Fair To Midland. Also featured on the new EP are several remixes of Periphery’s ‘Icarus Lives!‘ and a terrific remix of ‘Jetpacks Was Yes!‘ – the very same version that was used for the video seen above (which is also, you guessed it, on the EP!) Check out riffs from ‘Frak The Gods’ in Guitar Messenger’s Artist Riff feature… (Continue)
JOHN WESLEY Releases THE LILYPAD SUITE And Prepares To Tour The NortheastBy admin
March 21st, 2011
the lilypad suite is a six-song collection that was written over the last few years and recorded over the last few weeks in Tampa’s RedRoom Recorders. John elaborates: “Over the last few years I have been writing songs to put into my next full-length album, Disconnect, which should be finished in the summer. As I was writing the songs that would be a part of Disconnect, I noticed a consistent theme running through several of them. I assembled those songs, got the team together and decided that we would record them and release them as a separate collection. This collection… (Continue)
ALL SHALL PERISH Studio Update #4By admin
March 18th, 2011
Oakland, California extreme metallers ALL SHALL PERISH have posted the fourth installment of their new studio reports. ALL SHALL PERISH recently completed their fourth album, the follow up to their 2008 release Awaken the Dreamers. The record was completed right before the band hit the road for their current tour with KATAKLYSM, DECREPIT BIRTH, CONDUCTING FOR THE GRAVE and ABYSMAL DAWN. Expect the album to be released around the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL TOUR this year. Guitarist Ben Orum recently had this to say about the bands new material: “I have never been this excited about a release. This is going to be ALL SHALL PERISH’s finest hour!” ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL, the… (Continue)
TEXTURES Studio Report (Part One)By admin
March 17th, 2011
Progressive technical metal band TEXTURES continue their work on their fourth studio album at Split Second Sound studios in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. In their first video report, TEXTURES guitarist & backing vocalist Jochem Jacobs and drummer Stef Broks discuss their new studio, their songwriting process, working titles of new songs, and more. View “Return to the Studio, Part One” here. The band’s 2003 debut album, Polars, received worldwide critical acclaim and TEXTURES went on to receive an Essent Award for ‘Most Promising Act’ in 2004 in their native Holland. Their 2006 sophomore album, Drawing Circles, was their true breakthrough and… (Continue)
BLACK STONE CHERRY Announces New Record Due May 31By admin
March 11th, 2011
Kentucky’s Black Stone Cherry, comprised of vocalist Chris Robertson, guitarist Ben Wells, bassist Jon Lawhon and Drummer John Fred Young, is a band adept at creating both timeless rock ‘n roll and new, innovative sounds. While the band’s last record, Folklore and Superstition, was a compelling tribute to brotherhood and history, the new album is the summation of a year in the life of the band—every emotion, triumph, loss, romance and everything in between—it’s all here on Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. This is the first time Black Stone Cherry has not recorded in the South, this time… (Continue)
SOILWORK Forced To Cancel Upcoming North American TourBy admin
March 10th, 2011
Swedish modern metallers SOILWORK – who were originally scheduled to head out this April & May supporting SYMPHONY X – have regretfully been forced to cancel their participation on this upcoming North American tour. Drummer Dirk Verbeuren has issued the following statement: “Due to recurring issues with a herniated disc in his lower back requiring a prolonged period of resting and healing, our guitarist Peter Wichers is forced to sit out this spring’s North American tour with Symphony X and Nevermore. We did consider hiring a fill-in guitar player, but we’ve decided to stick together as a band and out… (Continue)
Mike Starr (ALICE IN CHAINS) DiesBy admin
March 9th, 2011
Mike Starr, the original bassist for grunge icons Alice In Chains, was found dead by police on March 8th at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Starr was featured on VH1′s Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2010, where he appeared to be making progress towards recovery, but was later arrested on suspicion of drug possession in February of 2011. Before he left Alice In Chains in the early 90′s, Starr contributed to the band’s first two albums: Facelift, which spawned the hit single ‘Man In The Box’ and the landmark album Dirt, a record still considered by many fans… (Continue)
T.R.A.M. (Featuring Tosin Abasi) Signs With Sumerian RecordsBy admin
March 8th, 2011
The newly-formed T.R.A.M. is comprised of such renowned artists as Adrian Terrazas (The Mars Volta) on saxophone, flute, bass clarinet and percussion, Javier Reyes (Animals As Leaders) on guitars, Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders) on guitars and Eric Moore (Suicidal Tendencies) on drums. Their debut album, Lingua Franca, is set for a May release through Sumerian Records. Expect a new song to be posted at www.facebook.com/tramband within the coming weeks. T.R.A.M. is also proud to announce that they will be performing their first show ever at SXSW as part of NJ’s WSOU 89.5FM’s showcase on Thursday, March 17th at Venue… (Continue)
PERIPHERY Launches North American Tour With Extended Set For All Headlining Shows This WeekBy admin
March 4th, 2011
There is no doubt that PERIPHERY are innovators and guitarist Misha Mansoor is being hailed by industry experts and his peers as one of the main purveyors of this current Djent movement that is feverishly spreading throughout the progressive circles. This Maryland based six-piece now embarks on a North American tour alongside Fair To Midland and Scale The Summit. This five-week trek is going to be a monster and see below or visit www.facebook.com/peripheryband to view the entire touring itinerary. Guitarist Alex Bois states: “This tour couldn’t have come at a better time! We are fresh off of our first… (Continue)
DRAGONFORCE Reveals New SingerBy admin
March 2nd, 2011
UK based metal heroes DRAGONFORCE have announced that their long search for a new vocalist is finally over. After entries from thousands of hopefuls across the globe, the shredmasters supreme welcome 23-year-old Marc Hudson to the band to fill the boots left by ZP Theart, who parted ways with the band in March of last year. “I’m really excited about being a part of the DragonForce family,” said Hudson. “It’s always been my dream to dedicate my life to making music. I’m going to bring all the power and emotion I can to the songs, and help make the killer… (Continue)
BETWEEN THE BURED AND ME To Release THE PARALLAX: HYPERSLEEP DIALOGUESBy admin
March 1st, 2011
Globally celebrated progressive rock/cutting-edge metal innovators BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME (aka BTBAM) will release their new album The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues on April 12, 2011 through Metal Blade Records. The three-song strong, 30 minute tour de force was recorded at Canada’s Metalworks Studios and Rattlebox Studios and produced/engineered by the Grammy award–winning David Bottrill (Tool, Muse, King Crimson, Dream Theater, etc.) with BTBAM. The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues represents BTBAM‘s musical and conceptual masterwork; the record showcases both the quintet’s vivid execution and ambitious vision. The otherworldly conceptual thread linking each of the songs is mobilized around two human characters that… (Continue)
SCAR SYMMETRY Reveals Album Cover + Details For THE UNSEEN EMPIREBy admin
February 28th, 2011
Swedish progressive melodic death metallers SCAR SYMMETRY just revealed the cover artwork for the bands upcoming album The Unseen Empire. Furthermore, drummer Henrik Ohlsson stated the following about the album: “The Unseen Empire seeks to expose the hidden hand of the elite that pull the strings of mankind in order to fullfill their agenda of global domination. The album concept goes from theories of shadow governments to secret ancient bloodlines and even further into speculations of malevolent influence from metaphysical reptilian-based intelligences. Mankind’s only hope to survive seems to be an internal awakening where the influence of the unseen empire that rules in… (Continue)
Guitar Legend STEVE VAI and BERKLEE Attempt World Record For Largest Online Guitar LessonBy admin
February 7th, 2011
Berkleemusic, the online continuing education division of Berklee College of Music, along with Grammy-award winning guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, announced a call to action today for guitarists around the world to join forces and set the Guinness World Record for the largest online guitar lesson on March 3rd, 2011 at 1:30PM EST. This first-of-its-kind initiative will bring together the worldwide community of guitarists in an unprecedented online celebration of music education. Vai, who co-authored Berkleemusic’s new Steve Vai Guitar Techniques online course is a Berklee Alum with a devoted fan base in over 70 countries. He hopes the event will… (Continue)
Irish Guitar Luminary GARY MOORE Dies At 58By admin
February 6th, 2011
The legendary guitarist Gary Moore passed away early this morning in Spain. Moore was known among rock fans for his stints with Irish hard rock titans Thin Lizzy, and appeared as lead guitarist on the band’s most successful studio album, Black Rose: A Rock Legend. As a solo artist, Moore released over 20 albums, most of which featured his impassioned take on the blues. Moore was known throughout his career for his fiery, melodic performances, and left his mark on a range of guitarists including Kirk Hammett, the late Randy Rhoads, and Joe Bonamassa.
HAUNTED SHORES Releases ‘Terra Firma’ With VocalsBy admin
January 31st, 2011
Haunted Shores by Haunted Shores In anticipation of the release of their full-length debut, Washington, DC-based Haunted Shores has released their latest song ‘Terra Firma,’ a re-working of the song ‘Oslo’ featuring vocals by Mike Semesky of Vestascension and Rest Among Ruins. ‘Terra Firma’ is available to stream and download from their official SoundCloud, embedded above. Stay tuned for the first part of Guitar Messenger’s Masterclass with Haunted Shores’ Mark Holcomb, arriving later this week. Each half of the masterclass will include an exclusive new track for fans to download, along with tabs and performance notes for the examples in… (Continue)
PERIPHERY Announces New ICARUS LIVES EP Details And Tour InfoBy admin
January 26th, 2011
There is no doubt that Periphery are innovators, and they continue to raise the bar of originality upon the release of their much anticipated new Icarus Lives EP, which is now officially set for an April 19th release. This offering features a brand new, previously unreleased track, a series of remixes and several video clips. Thomas Murphy (bass) states: “Hello to all of our fans out there. We wanted to let you in on some exciting news! We will be releasing our second effort in the form of The Icarus Lives EP later this spring. We like to think of… (Continue)
TIMES OF GRACE Announces Touring LineupBy admin
January 25th, 2011
Times of Grace are excited to announce that they have solidified the touring lineup for their forthcoming debut tour this February. The core of the band is Jesse Leach on vocals and Adam Dutkiewicz on guitars/vocals, and they will be supported by guitarist Joel Stroetzel, bassist Daniel Struble and drummer Dan Gluszak. Stroetzel is a familiar name to Times of Grace fans, as he is also guitarist for Killswitch Engage, alongside Adam D., and is an original member who played with Leach while he was singing in KsE. Stroetzel’s involvement in Times of Grace was a happy accident, as he… (Continue)
HD Trailer Released For New JASON BECKER Documentary PERPETUAL BURNBy admin
January 22nd, 2011
Perpetual Burn tells the inspiring story of Jason Becker, a guitar prodigy who despite being diagnosed with ALS at the height of his promising performing career at 19, has continued to make music through his sheer will to live and create. This film documents Jason’s journey, and the impact that his music and indomitable spirit has had on the world around him. Those interested in supporting the film’s production are encouraged to follow the filmmakers’ website and donate through their IndieGoGo page.
EVER FORTHRIGHT Releases ‘Dispose Of Your Optimism’ & Prepares To Unveil Debut EP (UPDATED)By admin
January 21st, 2011
Progressive Metal/Jazz or ‘Djazz’ ensemble Ever Forthright has released ‘Dispose Of Your Optimism,’ their third song with new vocalist Chris Barretto, of Friend For A Foe and formerly Periphery. The NYC-based collective is currently working on a full-length album scheduled to debut in early 2011. Along with jazz, Ever Forthright mixes elements of hip hop, DnB and pop into their djenty brew. Check out the band’s SoundCloud to sample the chugging, churning new ‘Dispose Of Your Optimism,’ along with the band’s previous release, ’The Counter Shift‘ – a fusion of jarring, syncopated riffs and eerily pleasing vocal harmonies. While you’re checking out the… (Continue)
TIMES OF GRACE Announces First-Ever TourBy admin
December 15th, 2010
Times of Grace, the collaboration between Adam Dutkiewicz and Jesse Leach, two old friends and renewed colleagues, are getting ready to take the show on the road for the very first time. The band will embark on its inaugural tour, beginning February 1 in Baltimore, MD and wrapping up in their native Boston, MA on February 27. Straight Line Stitch and War of Ages will round out the bill, making for an evening of eclectic hard rock and metal. The result of the reunion of Adam D. and Killswitch Engage‘s original vocalist is a hypercharged yet artfully aggressive album that… (Continue)
JOHN PETRUCCI Demonstrates His MESA/BOOGIE Mark V Amp SettingsBy admin
December 14th, 2010
For these videos, Dream Theater’s John Petrucci visited Mesa/Boogie’s California factory to give the world an insight into the way he uses the new Mark V to achieve his tones. He covers his use of Channels 1 and 2 in the first video, and the powerful Channel 3 in the second. Channel 3 includes the sounds of the legendary Mark IIC+ and the Mark IV, two amps that were once staples of John’s rig. Roadrunner Records also conducted a brief interview with John recently, where they asked him to summarize his thoughts on this eventful year in Dream Theater history.
BEN LEVIN GROUP Releases PULSE OF A NATIONBy admin
December 13th, 2010
Last week New England’s Ben Levin Group released Pulse of a Nation, a cathartic multi-movement epic depicting humanity’s reaction to the end of the world. Pulse is composer/guitarist Ben Levin’s third and most expansive release to date, featuring an ambitious structure, dynamic sound design and a slew of well-developed motifs. Ben Levin Group are following up their successful CD Release Show with the first leg of the Pulse of a Nation Tour this January, with additional dates to follow. Check the band’s site for more details.
THIS TIME IT’S WAR Releases TERROR PLOTSBy admin
December 8th, 2010
After a lengthy recording process, the collapse of a record deal and a triumph of the independent spirit, Richmond, VA’s This Time It’s War released their latest album Terror Plots this fall. The ferocious Terror Plots fuses elements of prog and modern metal with an aggressive political bent more often associated with the hardcore community. A major force in the Richmond metal scene, This Time It’s War is currently playing in support of the album, which is available in physical and digital form directly from their online store and as a download through iTunes, Amazon.com MP3 and other major online retailers…. (Continue)
TIMES OF GRACE Releases Their First Video: THE HYMN OF A BROKEN MANBy admin
December 7th, 2010
Alternative Press has teamed up with Jesse Leach and Adam D’s Times of Grace to premiere the duo’s first official video for “Strength in Numbers” – the song is the lead single off ToG’s upcoming debut album The Hymn of a Broken Man, which is set for a January 18th, 2011 release. Shot just outside of Pittsburgh, PA earlier this Fall, and directed by Robby Starbuck, the video shows a familiar but devastated world. Watch it above! The unique video is just one of 13 total artistic visual aids that will appear on the special edition of the album, which is also out… (Continue)
OPETH To Record Their Tenth Album In January; STEVEN WILSON To MixBy admin
December 6th, 2010
Swedish progressive metal legends Opeth will be entering Stockholm’s Atlantis Studios on January 31st of the new year to start recording their tenth album, which they expect to release later in 2011. Jens Bogren, who worked with Opeth on Watershed and with their friends Katatonia on The Great Cold Distance, will be engineering the album. Mixing duties will be handed by Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree, who co-produced Opeth’s classic Blackwater Park album and is collaborating with Opeth frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt on a much-anticipated project called Storm Corrosion – also set for a 2011 release.
BTBAM Vocalist TOMMY ROGERS To Release Debut Solo Album ‘PULSE’By admin
December 2nd, 2010
TOMMY ROGERS, lead vocalist, keyboardist and founding member of the award-winning North Carolina progressive rock band BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME (also BTBAM) will release his debut solo album Pulse on February 1, 2011 via Metal Blade Records. The versatile front man and multi-instrumentalist, who not only self-produced the record, but also arranged, composed and played all instruments on the recording, will use the pseudonym THOMAS GILES (his given middle name) as his moniker for the project. Recorded with Jamie King at The Basement Studios in Winston-Salem, NC, THOMAS GILES’ Pulse is a challenging rock record designed so that the… (Continue)
GUTHRIE GOVAN CONTEST and CONCERT At Berklee – Winner PLAYS WITH GUTHRIE At The Show! (UPDATED)By admin
December 1st, 2010
On January 28th of 2011, Guthrie Govan returns to Boston’s Berklee College of Music to play at the Berklee Performance Center, where he conducted a clinic for students and faculty the previous winter. Guthrie will be supported once again by faculty member and fellow guitarist Jon Finn and his band, Jon Finn Group. Concerts at the Berklee Performance Center are open to the general public – tickets for this show are $15 each. Additionally, guitarists are encouraged to enter the Guthrie Govan Guitar Contest for a chance to jam live with Guthrie and Jon Finn Group at the BPC show! Contestants will… (Continue)
SOILWORK Releases 6 Parts Of Tour Documentary (UPDATED)By admin
November 24th, 2010
The Godfathers of Swedish modern metal, SOILWORK, have uploaded 6 parts of the bands tour documentary. The footage was filmed and edited by Tommy Jones and taken during the bands first North American headlining tour this past Summer in support of The Panic Broadcast. Check out all the exclusive live footage and tour hijinks now: Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlduvcFVXIQ Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-opqu1zRB9g Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rYT5nFZgFs Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIyFJckgGqU Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zomDQ7urWJo Part 6a: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZWuFo33IMw Part 6b: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6YFJ-FCZ-E Check out the video clip for the song “Deliverance Is Mine” on the bands Myspace page: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=105994975. The track comes off SOILWORKs brand new studio album The Panic Broadcast, and was directed by Ivan Colic (EX… (Continue)
HAUNTED SHORES Releases ‘Passenger’ and ‘My The Man’, Announce Partial Lineup Of Vocalists (UPDATED)By admin
November 16th, 2010
Haunted Shores, a collaboration between Mark Holcomb and Periphery’s Misha Mansoor, released a track on September 24th from their upcoming full-length debut. The album, which is set to arrive this winter, will feature an impressive array of singers including Periphery’s Spencer Sotelo, who sings on the first released track ‘Passenger‘, Elliot Coleman of OMNOM and Sky Eats Airplane, who sings on the recently released ‘My The Man‘, former Periphery vocalist Casey Sabol, Jesse Leach of Times Of Grace and The Empire Shall Fall and formerly Killswitch Engage, and TesseracT‘s Daniel Tompkins. Also providing vocals on one or more songs will be… (Continue)
SYMPHONY X Announces Headlining North American Tour (UPDATED)By admin
November 9th, 2010
New Jersey’s progressive metal masters SYMPHONY X are pleased to announce their headlining North American tour featuring Seattle’s Nevermore, Soilwork from Sweden, Boston‘s Powerglove, and Blackguard from Montreal. The trek will launch on April 21st in Philadelphia and wrap-up in West Springfield, Virginia on May 22nd. Exclusive pre-sale tickets are available now at EnterTheVault.com. V.I.P. tickets/packages are available for select shows and will include early entry and a Meet & Greet. After December 1st, tickets can be purchased via regular ticketing outlets. Tour Dates 04/21/11 The Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA 04/22/11 Best Buy Theatre – New York, NY 04/23/11 The Palladium… (Continue)
SLASH Debuts New Music Video Featuring FERGIEBy admin
October 28th, 2010
Slash will premiere his steamy new music video for current single, ‘Beautiful Dangerous,’ featuring Fergie, from the guitarist’s self-titled debut today, October 28, 2010. Directed by Rich Lee, the ultra sexy video has Fergie portraying a leather lingerie-wearing crazed fan. Things get racy when the singer ties Slash to a bed, kisses him and even teases him with a knife. “Fergie came up with the idea for the ‘Beautiful Dangerous’ video. I knew that the way she had it set up it was going to be a showcase for her to be really fucking awesome,” said the legendary guitarist. “Well, I… (Continue)
VEIL OF MAYA Prepares For North American Fall Tour With DARKEST HOUR and PERIPHERYBy admin
October 26th, 2010
The Chicago based Veil Of Maya encompass the good old American blue collar work ethic and have definitely taken the hard road to success grinding it out on the road through countless tours over the years, but now that backbreaking schedule is paying off tenfold. This quartet are one of the few very bands that can authentically mix elements of progressive metal, melodic death metal, thrash and hardcore brutality together effectively, all while keeping the listener constantly interested with baited breath wondering just what is coming next. This is exactly why they will have a career for years to come…. (Continue)
ERIC JOHNSON Releases Expansive New Album & Joins EXPERIENCE HENDRIX TourBy admin
October 25th, 2010
Guitarist, songwriter and singer Eric Johnson brings listeners Up Close to his stunning musicality when the Grammy winning artist releases his sixth studio album on his own Vortexan Music label (via EMI Distribution) on December 7th 2010. The 15-track disc presents 14 new Johnson compositions plus his version of the Electric Flag song “Texas,” and features guest appearances by fellow master players Jimmie Vaughan and Sonny Landreth on guitar and vocals by Steve Miller, Johnny Lang and collaborator Malford Milligan as well as Johnson himself. Lyrical themes of reflection, emotional revelations, personal growth and fulfillment are underscored on the album by… (Continue)
SLASH Signs On For OZZY OSBOURNE TourBy admin
October 14th, 2010
Living legend Slash is set to hit the road again. After wrapping up his sold out “We’re All Gonna Die” headlining tour featuring Myles Kennedy, and releasing his SLASH Deluxe Edition CD, the iconic musician consistently referenced as one of the best living guitarists announced that he will bring his show back out on the road joining Ozzy Osbourne for an 18 city commitment. The U.S. dates will kick-off January 16, 2011 in Omaha, NE. The six-week 2011 trek will include a pair of intimate shows: January 26 at the Dodge Theater in Phoenix and Feb 1 at the Gibson… (Continue)
Hardcore Heavyweights THE EMPIRE SHALL FALL Release Debut Album ‘AWAKEN’ To Major RetailersBy admin
October 13th, 2010
Providence, RI-based The Empire Shall Fall, the brainchild of longtime friends Nick Sollecito and former Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Leach, celebrated the retail release of their debut album Awaken on October 12. The Empire Shall Fall’s eclectic sound is rooted in metal/hardcore, citing luminaries At the Gates, Meshuggah, and Edge of Sanity as major inspirations. However, Awaken also draws heavily upon the band members’ combined interests in jazz, punk, and experimental music to create a compelling blend of melody, brutality, and sheer determination that is impossible to pin down and sure to intrigue fans of Refused, At the Drive In, Deftones, and… (Continue)
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN Prepares To Release ‘RELENTLESS’By admin
September 27th, 2010
“Shred guitar” and “neo classical metal” are two phrases that have been commonplace in the world of heavy metal for decades by this point, but both can be attributed to the unmistakable work by Yngwie Malmsteen. Ever since the early 1980′s, Yngwie has been pushing the limits of guitar, and influencing countless other players in the process. And he continues to impress to this day, as evidenced by his forthcoming album, Relentless, the highly anticipated follow-up to 2008′s critically acclaimed Perpetual Flame (Yngwie’s first album for Rising Force Records). The album is the second to feature ex-Judas Priest and Iced Earth… (Continue)
KING’S X Kick Off Co-Headlining Tour With ACCEPTBy admin
September 24th, 2010
International music critics and rock gourmets agree: King’s X is among the most unusual acts in the history of rock music. Their technical skills are above reproach, and their creativity has impressed fans and media alike. Next to Rush, there is currently no other rock trio capable of producing such a dense and at the same time transparent sound. The much anticipated double CD/DVD set, Live Love in London, showcases prime examples of King’s X’s incredible live show of classic groove rock featuring great melodies with vocal harmonies, driving rhythms and tough guitars. The album is set for a November release… (Continue)
NEVERMORE Prepares For Massive Headlining North American TourBy admin
September 23rd, 2010
The anticipation for NEVERMORE’s headlining North American fall trek is now at an all-time high as the massive tour prepares to kick off in the band’s hometown of Seattle this weekend. This is the band’s first headlining Stateside tour in almost three years and features Warbringer, Hatesphere and Blackguard in the support slots. The MetalSucks sponsored tour is not to be missed and to celebrate, they’re giving away five pairs of VIP tickets to the tour! Here’s how to win: http://www.metalsucks.net/2010/09/21/contest-win-a-pair-of-vip-tickets-to-see-nevermore/#more-44323 NEVERMORE are back and truly better than ever with the much anticipated new full-length release, The Obsidian Conspiracy, which… (Continue)
STONE SOUR Debuts Top 10 With ‘AUDIO SECRECY’By admin
September 22nd, 2010
New York, NY: Fueled by hit single ‘Say You’ll Haunt Me,’ new STONE SOUR album Audio Secrecy (Roadrunner Records) entered Billboard’s Top 200 this week at No. 6, making it the second consecutive top ten debut for the 3-time Grammy nominated quintet. The band also claimed the top spot on the iTunes Rock Album Chart, shooting straight to No. 1 with a special edition of the record, which included three bonus tracks. Internationally, the album garnered the highest debuts of the band’s career including top 5 charts in Germany, Japan and Austria, as well as top 10 in the UK… (Continue)
HALFORD Confirms North American OZZY OSBOURNE Tour DatesBy admin
September 21st, 2010
Metal God Records and Rob Halford are pleased to confirm Halford North American concert dates November and December with Ozzy Osbourne! Twelve cities are currently available for sale with additional dates to be announced. Ozzy Osbourne & Rob Halford 2010 North American Fall Tour: Nov. 12 – Victoria, BC – Save On Foods Memorial Centre Nov. 14 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena Nov. 16 – Calgary, AB – Pengrowth Saddledome Nov. 18 – Edmonton, MB – Rexall Place Nov. 20 – Winnipeg, MB – MTS Centre Nov. 23 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre Nov. 25 – Ottawa, ON – Scotiabank… (Continue)
THREAT SIGNAL Seek New DrummerBy admin
September 20th, 2010
Canada’s modern metal masters, THREAT SIGNAL, have parted ways with drummer Norm Killeen and are currently auditioning new members for the position. The band has issued the following statement: “After three amazing years together the THREAT SIGNAL camp has decided to part ways with drummer Norm Killeen. This was a mutual decision and there are no hard feelings towards each other. We will still continue to work with Norm’s graphic design company NME Studios. We wish you all the best with your future endeavors Norm, much love and respect. So now the drummer search begins! We’re looking for someone preferably with touring experience, but if… (Continue)
TESSERACT Release New Samples From THE CONCEALING FATE EPBy admin
September 19th, 2010
Progressive Metal act TesseracT will release their Concealing Fate EP on Oct. 12th. This EP will be available online with a limited edition digipack sold exclusively at CM Distro. Pre-order packages are available now at the link below. The band’s much anticipated debut full-length, One, will be released early 2011 and will feature the songs from Concealing Fate along with 5 additional tracks plus some soon to be announced bonus features. A new video trailer is now available below featuring audio snippets of all the songs on the EP – check it out: Preorder Concealing Fate here: http://www.cmdistro.com/Item/Tesseract_-_Concealing_Fate_E.P._-U.S._Digipak–PRE-ORDER-/35644 TesseracT –… (Continue)
FIREWIND Announce Four Special North American Headlining Shows This FallBy admin
September 18th, 2010
The Greek melodic metal phenomenon FIREWIND, led by the young guitar sensation Gus G., have returned with the scathing new studio album Days of Defiance, which is easily their defining musical moment. The group will celebrate the album’s release with a limited number of special North American headlining shows. The trek, which kicks off on Nov. 4th and runs through Nov. 7th, features Powerglove and The Absence in the support slots. Either see below or visit www.myspace.com/firewind to view all of the dates – these shows are not to be missed. Gus G. states: “We are very happy to announce… (Continue)
TEXTURES Announces New Keyboard PlayerBy admin
September 17th, 2010
The members of Dutch extreme progressive technical metal band TEXTURES are proud to announce the addition of new keyboard and sample-maestro Uri Dijk to their line-up. According to the band, “This past summer Uri helped out by filling in on keyboards [for our] festival appearances. During the rehearsals and live shows, there was a strong personal and musical connection between Uri and the members of TEXTURES, which made [us] decide to ask Uri to join TEXTURES as a full member. Uri gladly accepted, which means TEXTURES is a 6-piece again after a small period being without a keyboard player.” Uri comments… (Continue)
‘DIO At Donington UK’ Coming This NovemberBy admin
September 16th, 2010
2010 will go down as the year that we lost one of hard rock/heavy metal’s all-time great vocalists, Ronnie James Dio (after a valiant battle with cancer). Throughout a career that saw Ronnie pen or co-pen classics with such legendary acts as Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, and with his solo group, Dio, there are simply not enough words to describe the singer’s contribution to rock music worldwide. To celebrate the life of the man that has become synonymous with metal, several new releases will soon be arriving, that are certain to please Dio’s large and loyal fanbase…. (Continue)
Where The Wild Things Are DOUBLE VINYLBy admin
September 15th, 2010
Available September 14th, 2010 With over 15 million career album and DVD sales around the world, Steve Vai will soon be adding to these figures with the release Live In Minneapolis: Where The Wild Things Are Vinyl! This package contains two colored 180 gram audiophile virgin vinyl LPs in a stunning full-color gatefold jacket. The double LP was specifically mixed and mastered through analog equipment to a 96kHz/24 bit digital format, the highest resolution audio experience of all the Live In Minneapolis: Where The Wild Things Arereleases. The show was recorded and filmed at the State Theatre in Minneapolis, MN… (Continue)
In The Wake Of Portnoy’s DepartureBy admin
September 14th, 2010
Drummer Mike Portnoy, who announced his withdrawal from Dream Theater last Wednesday September 8th, followed up soon after with this message: “I BEG of the fans to please NOT hold A7X responsible for MY decision…they are just as shocked as you guys..I had been contemplating this and desiring a ‘break’ (not split) as long ago as last year…everything else is fully explained in the press release…thank you all for your support and understanding…this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done…” Although the remainder of Dream Theater quickly made a group statement after Mike’s first announcement, individual members of the band… (Continue)
BLIND GUARDIAN Announce North American Tour DatesBy admin
September 8th, 2010
Triumphantly returning to North American shores in support of their Billboard-charting new album At The Edge Of Time, Germany’s favorite sons BLIND GUARDIAN are pleased to announce the western hemisphere’s portion of the Sacred Worlds And Songs Divine 2010 World Tour, commencing on November 19th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and concluding on December 22nd in West Springfield, Virginia. Support acts are California’s Holy Grail and Florida’s Seven Kingdoms. BLIND GUARDIAN’s lead vocalist & lyricist Hansi Kürsch checks in about the upcoming trek: “Christmas will be a little earlier this year, ‘cause The Guardian is coming to town in November and December! The band… (Continue)
Mike Portnoy LEAVES Dream TheaterBy admin
September 8th, 2010
Today drum legend and Dream Theater co-founder Mike Portnoy announced the following through his forum and Facebook page: “I am about to write something I never imagined I’d ever write: After 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater….the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century. To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision…it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so…. After having had such amazing experiences… (Continue)
MESHUGGAH’s “Bleed” now available on the RockBand NetworkBy admin
September 7th, 2010
The MESHUGGAH track “Bleed” is now available for purchase from the RockBand Network’s online store for Playstation 3 & XBOX 360. The track comes off the band’s release ObZen, which debuted at #59 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart in March, 2008. Add “Bleed” to your RockBand music library by purchasing the song game track here. Other Nuclear Blast artist tracks available on the Rock Band Network include EXODUS’ “Riot Act,” DEATH ANGEL’s “Dethroned,” TESTAMENT’s “Henchmen Ride,” and “We Are The Nightmare” by ARSIS. Metal fans are encouraged to submit artist & song requests for Rock Band here. View Killswitch Productions’ video for… (Continue)
DIMMU BORGIR Announce North American TourBy admin
September 3rd, 2010
A foreboding Wagnerian majesty will soon shroud all major cities in the U.S. and Canada. Launching the “Darkness Reborn Tour” on Friday, November 5th in Worcester, Massachusetts, Norway’s infamous symphonic black metallers DIMMU BORGIR return to the western hemisphere on a headlining, 32-date run across North America supported by fellow countrymen Enslaved and Blood Red Throne, plus Dawn Of Ashes from Los Angeles. Confirmed tour dates are: 11/05/10 The Palladium – Worcester, MA 11/06/10 Northern Lights – Albany, NY 11/07/10 Recher Theater – Towson, MD 11/08/10 Terminal 5 – New York, NY 11/10/10 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA 11/12/10 Mr. Smalls –… (Continue)
TEXTURES Guitarist Launches “Inside The Songs” Online Video SeriesBy admin
September 2nd, 2010
TEXTURES 7-string guitarist Bart Hennephof has launched an “Inside The Songs” online video series explaining “some of the coolest riffs used in the songs by TEXTURES. I talk about how they are created and what processes we have gone through to come up with rhythms and patterns that challenge us while still keeping it as musical as possible. I think it’s a nice way to get some insight into our songs, and for guitarists, it’s cool to see how some riffs are played.” The first in the series, which was recorded at Final Focus Studio in Tilburg, offers an inside look into playing… (Continue)
TESSERACT Announce THE CONCEALING FATE EP Details; Prepare For Devin Townsend North American TourBy admin
September 1st, 2010
Progressive Metal act TesseracT will release their Concealing Fate EP on Oct. 12th. This EP will be available online with a limited edition digipack sold exclusively at CM Distro. Pre-order packages are available now at the link below. The band’s much anticipated debut full- length, One, will be released early 2011 and will feature the songs from Concealing Fate along with 5 additional tracks plus some soon to be announced bonus features. Preorder Concealing Fate here: http://www.cmdistro.com/Item/Tesseract_-_Concealing_Fate_E.P._-U.S._Digipak–PRE-ORDER-/35644 TesseracT states: “Deciding to put out just the Concealing Fate EP was a bitter pill to swallow, but we soon saw it as the only logical thing… (Continue)
BEHEMOTH’s Nergal responds to overwhelming fan supportBy admin
August 31st, 2010
Since news on Nergal’s recent health issues has been released, the band, management, and label has received an overwhelming response from fans and bands all over the world asking how they can directly help Nergal. In response to everyone offering his or her help in terms of setting up benefits and shows to raise money for the frontman of the Polish blackened death metal band BEHEMOTH, Nergal has issued the following statement: “I haven’t intended to manifest myself in any way and, especially at this stage, to share my feelings or any other news with the world for obvious reasons…. (Continue)
ERIC JOHNSON and others unite for an acoustic guitar masters tourBy admin
August 26th, 2010
Three of the most popular, talented, innovative and musically rich guitar players and composers in contemporary music will bring their acoustic guitars together to perform and interact on stages across America this October and January 2011 when Eric Johnson, Andy McKee and Peppino D’Agostino meet on the Guitar Masters tour. The 21-date two-leg run of theaters, colleges and clubs will feature individual sets by each capped with a finale where all three interplay and collaborate for the first time together to offer an engaging and enlightening aural feast of acoustic six-string mastery and melodic brilliance. The trek is sure to… (Continue)
Friend For A Foe Release Debut Song!By admin
August 16th, 2010
Washington DC based progressive metal group Friend For A Foe just released their debut song called “Niacin”. Niacin will be on an upcoming 6 song EP expected to be out in the fall. For a free download visit soundclick.com/friendforafoe “Washington DC’s Friend For A Foe (FFaF) began as a one-man band, gaining attention since 2004. After a lengthy nationwide search, FFaF is now established as a full-fledged band consisting of talented musicians who are making big strides in the underground metal music scene and taking the nation by storm. FFaF’s band members share the common thread of capturing the trials and… (Continue)
Century Media announces worldwide signing of TESSERACTBy admin
July 29th, 2010
Hailed as one of the best unsigned bands from everyone from the Washington Post to UK’s Rock Sound magazine, TESSERACT are pleased to finally shed the “unsigned” tag as they announce a worldwide recording deal with Century Media Records. The band comments: “TESSERACT is very excited to be working with Century Media. We have been looking for a long time and have spoken to many companies but feel that the hard work ethic and enthusiasm that Century Media showed will help take us to the next level and will see TESSERACT emerge from the underground and on to the international scene.” TESSERACT has… (Continue)
Dream Theater’s JAMES LABRIE Unveils His New Static Impulse Solo ReleaseBy admin
July 22nd, 2010
Dream Theater’s JAMES LABRIE is easily one of the defining, elite and naturally talented vocalists the world has to offer and after selling over a million albums worldwide he further challenges himself with an aggressive and dynamic new solo effort. The much anticipated new full-length offering, Static Impulse, also marks LABRIE’s first solo effort in over five years and is sure to please his legion of diehard fans, as well as win over many new devotees in the process. Be sure to stay tuned towww.jameslabrie.com for new information. Static Impulse also features the immensely talented longtime songwriting partner and keyboardist Matt… (Continue)
Electro-Harmonix Release The Freeze Sound Retainer & Headphone AmpBy admin
July 20th, 2010
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY — Electro-Harmonix releases the Freeze Sound Retainer, a performance device that captures a frozen moment and turns it into a unique sonic landscape. The Freeze delivers infinite sustain of any note or chord at the press of a momentary footswitch. Play over your captured sound for liquid, interactive creativity. Release the footswitch and you are again capture ready. The Freeze has three selectable decay rates plus a latch mode. Each was designed to allow the musician to apply smooth tonal transitions that allow you to continuously sample-capture the perfect moment. Hook it up to your favorite… (Continue)
Soilwork Kick Off North American TourBy admin
July 20th, 2010
The Godfathers of Swedish modern metal, SOILWORK, recently kick off their North American headlining tour with San Francisco Bay Area thrash legends DEATH ANGEL, Quebec’s tech-death masters AUGURY, Roadrunner Records recording artists MUTINY WITHIN, and pirate themed thrashers SWASHBUCKLE. Frontman Bjorn “Speed” Strid commented on the first show of the tour, and what it was like to play in front of a crowd again after an extended absence from the stage: “So we kicked off our North American tour last night in West Springfield, VA. All I can say is that we had an absolute blast performing the new songs for the first… (Continue)
Francesco Artusato joins All Shall Perish & Unveils Details of a New Solo EffortBy admin
July 13th, 2010
June 9th, 2010 Guitar Messenger’s very own Francesco Artusato has recently been announced as the new touring guitarist for Oakland, California’s extreme metal unit All Shall Perish. The band issued the following statement: “So we’re long due for an update on the currently happenings of All Shall Perish. Firstly, we’re pleased to announce that Adam Pierce (Sea of Treachery) has come onboard as our new drummer. Yes, this means that one of our original members, Matt Kuykendall, is no longer in the band. It’s always tough to part ways with a longtime member and friend, but it was absolutely necessary in order… (Continue)
Steve Vai Presents: Western VacationBy admin
June 28th, 2010
In the early 1980s, Steve Vai had just moved to California and bought a house in rural Sylmar California. At the time, it was a place with more animals than people. Steve’s little house out in the wilderness, was a place where wayward musicians can come and call home. One of those musicians living at the house, was Marty Schwartz, Steve’s friend from his Berklee School Of Music Days. When Steve broke his whammy bar during a gig in the Berklee recital hall, he asked if anyone had a spare rubber band, thats when a faint voice came from audience… (Continue)
Electro-Harmonix releases the Germanium 4 Big Muff Pi & 44 Magnum Power AmpBy admin
June 9th, 2010
ELECTRO-HARMONIX RELEASES THE GERMANIUM 4 BIG MUFF Pi, a combination overdrive and distortion pedal using four classic Germanium transistors. Electro-Harmonix has resurrected the warm sound unique to the Germanium transistors of the 1960s and applied several modern twists to deliver a new pedal with a vintage vibe and feel, but modern control and power. The Germanium 4 Big Muff Pi features two independent circuits, one Overdrive and one Distortion that can be used individually or in series. The Overdrive and Distortion circuits each use a pair of N.O.S. NKT275 Germanium transistors. Purists will appreciate the authentic sound of these vintage… (Continue)
George Bellas – The Dawn of TimeBy admin
June 3rd, 2010
The Dawn Of Time – Coming July 16th, 2010. In the beginning there was nothing… And then there was light! The Dawn Of Time. Fifteen billion years later George Bellas presents to you an epic collection of instrumental songs inspired by the universe, how it was created, and from where and what it came from. ‘The Dawn Of Time’ is an instrumental album rich in Romanticism and Futurism with over-the-top performances by Marco Minnemann and George Bellas. The album contains a diverse collection of 19 songs that range from simple and delicate, to complex and ferocious. The production is dynamic,… (Continue)
Guitar Virtuoso Month at Lion MusicBy admin
May 28th, 2010
To celebrate the release of new albums from world acclaimed guitar virtuosos George Bellas and Alex Masi on July 16th, Lion Music are celebrating “Guitar Virtuoso Month” in July 2010. The whole of July will see exclusive interviews with guitarists on the labels roster, special offers on releases from the LM store and a whole host of other goodies. Be sure to not miss out on the action by checking back at the LM site regularly or joining the LM facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lion-Music-Record-Label/344149693292
Legendary Heavy Metal Vocalist RONNIE JAMES DIO DiesBy admin
May 16th, 2010
Wendy Dio, wife/manager of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW), has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET: “Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. [on Sunday] 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away. “Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. “We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. “Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. “Please know he loved you all and… (Continue)
Peter Wichers Comments on Producing New SOILWORK RecordBy admin
May 14th, 2010
The Godfathers of Swedish modern metal, SOILWORK, will release The Panic Broadcast on July 2 (EUROPE) and July 13 (N. America) via Nuclear Blast. It will be the first album to feature original guitarist, songwriter & producer Peter Wichers since his return to the band in 2008! The Panic Broadcast was also produced by Wichers, as he did with the latest NEVERMORE release, and was mixed by Jen Bogren (OPETH, AMON AMARTH, KATATONIA, SYMPHONY X). Wicher’s took a moment recently to talk about what it was like to produce his own band after working with so many other great artists:… (Continue)
Periphery debuts ‘Icarus Lives’ VideoBy admin
April 15th, 2010
Today Periphery have released their video for ‘Icarus Lives’ off their upcoming self-titled debut via Metal Injection. The album is coming out on April 20th via Sumerian Records.
Guitar Legend Steve Vai to Release “Where The Other Wild Things Are”By admin
April 13th, 2010
Los Angeles, CA, February 10, 2010: Triple GRAMMY® Award winning guitarist Steve Vai will release a new live album, “Where The Other Wild Things Are,” on April 13, 2010 on his own Favored Nations Entertainment imprint. The 12-track album is the second companion CD to be released alongside the 2009 concert film “Live In Minneapolis: Where The Wild Things Are,” which is currently available on DVD and Blu-ray. The DVD made a #4 debut on Billboard’s Top Music DVD Chart, went Gold in both the USA and Canada and the track “Now We Run” was nominated for a 2010 Grammy®… (Continue)
KORN sign to Roadrunner Records – Album Due Summer 2010By admin
March 30th, 2010
New York, NY: Roadrunner Records announced today the worldwide signing of multi-platinum, genre-defining hard rock band Korn to the label. Korn III – Remember Who You Are is the band’s ninth album overall and their first album for their new label. It was produced by Ross Robinson, who also manned the boards for the band’s explosively definitive self-titled 1994 debut, as well as the follow up, 1996′s Life is Peachy. Bursting onto and instantly dominating the hard rock scene in 1994, Korn have proven to be one of the pre-eminent bands in the world, as well as one of the most influential… (Continue)
TEXTURES Announce New Front ManBy admin
March 25th, 2010
Dutch extreme progressive technical metallers TEXTURES are excited to announce that Daniel de Jongh, former front man of the Dutch metal band Cilice, will replace Eric Kalsbeek who left the band earlier this year. De Jongh had to say this about joining TEXTURES: “I am truly honored to have been asked to replace Eric as vocalist for TEXTURES. TEXTURES is a standout band which I’ve listened to the last couple of years, like so many other metal-fans out there. Although it was a pretty tough decision to leave my former band Cilice, this was an offer I just couldn’t refuse…. (Continue)
DREAM THEATER to support IRON MAIDEN on Summer TourBy admin
March 4th, 2010
New York, NY: Prog rock/metal icons DREAM THEATER will spend their summer supporting Iron Maiden on the band’s month-long tour of major US and Canadian markets. The tour launches on June 9 and runs through July 20, and includes a stop at the storied Madison Square Garden in NYC, marking the first time in a lengthy and respected career that Dream Theater will have played the world’s most famous arena. This tour will mark another milestone in Dream Theater’s history, which continues to expand and evolve, twenty-five years deep. Of touring with Iron Maiden in North America, drummer Mike Portnoy… (Continue)
Workshop Featuring Pat Metheny, Larry Carlton, Alex De Grassi, Scott TennantBy admin
March 3rd, 2010
Bigfork, Montana (PRWEB) March 3, 2010 – The non-profit Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation (CCGF) announced today its first annual guitar festival and workshop. The event offers the opportunity to play with and learn from world renowned guitarists against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Montana during the centennial celebration of nearby Glacier National Park. The event includes classes and jam sessions with distinguished guitar artists including Pat Metheny, Larry Carlton, Alex De Grassi, and Scott Tennant. The festival is being held at the Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork, Montana from August 29 – September 5, 2010…. (Continue)
DARK TRANQUILLITY Vocalist Checks In From Killswitch Engage TourBy admin
February 25th, 2010
As the anticipation surrounding the new, highly acclaimed DARK TRANQUILLITY album, We Are The Void, continues to build to epic proportions Mikael Stanne (vocals) checks in with the following report from the road: “Sitting here in beautifully cold Minneapolis trying to get the hangover out of my system. Fargo yesterday was as barren and cold as I remember it from the Cohen brother’s movie. Amazing crowd though and we celebrated accordingly. So far this tour has been amazing for us. We are now two weeks in and we are only just getting started. Amazing venues and huge crowds. Obviously we… (Continue)
Guitar Scale Magnets Inc. Launches New Products for Learning and Playing ScalesBy admin
February 5th, 2010
Guitar Scale Magnets is a finger positioning tool for learning and playing musical scales that is located on the top of the guitar’s neck adjacent to the fretboard – a “cheat sheet” for the fretboard. In essence, it is a “cheat sheet” learning tool for the guitar that allows the player to QUICKLY locate where musical scale shapes begin on your guitar’s fretboard. These slap on scale strips are learning tools geared towards beginner and intermediate guitarists and are meant to be used as training wheels to assist players where scale shapes begin. “My products are meant to be utilized… (Continue)
TEXTURES Singer Leaves BandBy admin
January 23rd, 2010
Singer Eric Kalsbeek has left TEXTURES to focus on his job and his family. He’s issued the following statement: “Dear Fans & Friends, I decided to quit TEXTURES. My life changed, priorities shifted. I can’t cope with the heavy touring and the time investment anymore. I need to focus on my job and family. I need to take a few steps back. I’ve had six beautiful years with the band, did loads of amazing shows, made tons of new friends and created some mind-blowing music. I’m going to miss the guys, and of course you, the fans. I know TEXTURES… (Continue)
Guthrie Govan announces clinics and performances in Massachusetts with Jon Finn GroupBy admin
January 20th, 2010
Virtuoso guitarist Guthrie Govan has recently announced a string of clinics and performances in Massachusetts with the Jon Finn Group beginning with a special clinic at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Click HERE to check out Guitar Messenger’s exclusive interview with Guthrie which took place at NAMM 2009. JAN 28 THURSDAY GUITAR CLINIC / MASTERCLASS BERKLEE PERFORMANCE CENTER, 1PM. FREE 136 MASS AVE, BOSTON (617) 747-2261 JAN 29 FRIDAY PERFORMANCE WITH JON FINN GROUP THE MIDDLE EAST DOWNSTAIRS, 8 PM. $18 ADVANCE / $20 DOOR 472 MASS AVE, CAMBRIDGE (617) 864-3278 JAN 30 SATURDAY PERFORMANCE / V.I.P. CLINIC / GUITAR DEMO… (Continue)
Periphery: New Singer & New Album TeaserBy admin
January 20th, 2010
Bethesda, Maryland based djentlemen PERIPHERY have announced some major news of new singer Spencer Sotelo joining the band and posted an album teaser for their upcoming debut release.
New George Bellas Album – The Dawn Of TimeBy admin
January 6th, 2010
Combining elements of Romanticism and Futurism with mind boggling drum performances by Marco Minnemann, and guitar, bass and keys performed by George Bellas, “The Dawn Of Time” is an album brimming with exceptional musicanship and ultra unique writing. The release date for “The Dawn Of Time” will be announced in the coming weeks.
Soundgarden to reunite in 2010By admin
January 4th, 2010
“Soundgarden will reunite for concerts in 2010, according to a Twitter message from frontman Chris Cornell which directs fans to a new Web site, Soundgardenworld.com. The Seattle rock quartet — Cornell, guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Ben Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron — has not played live since splitting up in the spring of 1997. Although no details have been announced yet, sources tell Billboard the group is weighing offers from several major U.S. and international festivals. But a tour routing is still a work in progress, due to Cameron’s prior commitments to play with Pearl Jam in the spring and… (Continue)
Avenged Sevenfold drummer dies at 28By admin
December 29th, 2009
James Owen Sullivan, the drummer with California band Avenged Sevenfold, was found dead on Monday, according to police. He was 28. Sullivan was found “unresponsive” in his Huntington Beach home, according to Orange County deputy coroner Mitchell Sigal. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine cause of death. A message posted Monday on the band’s website confirmed his death. “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy (The Rev) Sullivan,” the statement said. “Jimmy was not only one of the world’s best drummers, but more importantly he was our best… (Continue)
Killswitch Engage announce winter headline tour with The Devil Wears Prada & Dark TranquillityBy admin
December 11th, 2009
FIRST HEADLINE TOUR IN SUPPORT OF NEW ALBUM KICKS OFF IN MASSACHUSETTS IN FEBRUARY New York, NY: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, whose critically acclaimed, self-titled album Killswitch Engage debuted at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 chart earlier this summer, are headed out on the road once again. Fresh off a summer trek as one of the main stage attractions of the second annual Rock Star Energy Mayhem Fest, KsE will take the show on the road for a headline trek across the US, which is their first for this album. The tour will begin on February 4 in their home state… (Continue)
DREAM THEATER UpdatesBy admin
December 4th, 2009
Dream Theater release documentary road video for new single WITHER. The Progressive Rock Titans are now in midst of touring Australia and New Zealand. The band plans to hit south america in the winter-spring. “Of the 10 videos we’ve done through the years, I felt we have never been truly captured ‘in our element…which of course is on tour, playing to our fans, with our lighting and video show. So I thought it was time to do a video that showed us in our ‘real world’ (unlike the ‘fake worlds’ that are usually created when shooting a promo video),” says… (Continue)
More LION MUSIC artists speak out on THE MURDER OF MUSICBy admin
December 3rd, 2009
In support of Borislav Mitic’s statement on the murder of music more Lion Music artists are adding their own weight and support to our awareness campaign. GEORGE BELLAS “The Current State of Music Piracy” Dear Music Lovers and Fans, I want you all to know how much I love to create music and how much of a thrill it is to share this with you all. I have happily and very willingly invested a lifetime in developing and honing my skills both as a player and composer, all the while sacrificing many other things in life to be able to… (Continue)
Exclusive clip of Yngwie Malmsteen’s cover of BEAT ITBy admin
December 2nd, 2009
Yngwie Malmsteen will release a new album called “High Impact” on December 8 (one day earlier internationally). The set is described as “a mind-boggling, high-paced instrumental compilation record” featuring a “surprise” bonus track Yngwie’s never-before-released interpretation of the MICHAEL JACKSON mega-hit classic “Beat It”, which contains Malmsteen’s own magical touch and Tim Ripper Owens on Vocals… BeatItClip Get Your pre-order today: BEST BUY BARNES & NOBLE AMAZON FYE
Opeth Announce 20th Anniversary ShowsBy admin
December 1st, 2009
“Evolution XX: An Opeth Anthology” Band to perform six exclusive shows to celebrate twentieth anniversary this spring. New York, NY: Sweden’s OPETH, easily one of the most revered and respected bands in the metal scene and beyond for the past two decades, will commemorate their twentieth anniversary in the of Spring 2010 with six exclusive shows that will take place across the globe in various international locales such as Stockholm, Sweden; Essen, Germany; Paris, France; London, UK; New York City, NY; and Los Angeles, CA. Frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt had the following to say on behalf of the band: “I can’t… (Continue)
BORISLAV MITIC Discusses the Murder of MusicBy admin
November 24th, 2009
Borislav Mitic returns with a majestic new album The Absolute. The virtuoso Shredmaster delivers his strongest musical statement as of yet for Lion Music. The album is available on the 4th of December 2009 – more information at http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/absolute.htm. The following is a special message from Borislav regarding the new release: My internet friends, I would like to send a message for all those who intend to dowload my album for free : Here are a few words on a very important subject to me – illegal Internet file sharing download!!! This is also known as – MURDER OF MUSIC!… (Continue)
Symphony X: “Working hard on the new CD”By admin
November 17th, 2009
Michael Romeo, guitarist & songwriter for North America’s progressive metal gods SYMPHONY X, comments on the band’s recent signing with Nuclear Blast Records and the arrival of the follow-up album to 2007’s Paradise Lost: “We are really excited to be a part of the Nuclear Blast Family, a great label with a cool roster of bands, which we are proud to be a part of. As of now, we are working hard on the new CD and are looking to finish it up late Winter 2009 / Spring 2010. We can’t wait to hit the road and play some of… (Continue)
Yngwie Malmsteen new album details revealedBy admin
November 6th, 2009
Yngwie Malmsteen’s new album is called HIGH IMPACT and it’s set to release on December 7 (Europe) and December 8 Worldwide. “Can’t wait! The rumor is…It is mind boggling, high paced compilation record with a surprise bonus track that is a unique song choice for the guitar god!!” In other news, Yngwie has recently parted ways with DiMarzio. Here’s an excerpt from Blabbermouth.net: “Legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen is no longer a DiMarzio endorser. DiMarzio, the Staten Island, New York-based company that produces magnetic pickups for electric guitars, will continue to manufacture the pickups and guitar straps that Yngwie endorsed minus the YJM designation and,… (Continue)
OPETH members involved in auto crashBy admin
October 16th, 2009
Guitarist/vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt of Swedish progressive metallers OPETH has issued the following update: “Myself, Axe [OPETH drummer Martin Axenrot], Fredrik [Åkesson; OPETH guitarist] and our soundman, Pontus Norgren, decided to fly home to our families for a few days as the option would have been three days off in Brussels. “Now I hear that our bus apparently crashed into this other car making a unexpected U-turn in the middle of the highway. [OPETH bassist Martin] Mendez and [OPETH keyboardist] Per [Wiberg] were on the bus together with the rest of our crew but nobody got hurt. They are, however, shocked… (Continue)
SCAR SYMMETRY – Video Introduction of New Singers Posted!By admin
October 7th, 2009
Swedish-progressive-melodic-death metallers SCAR SYMMETRY have just posted the first of two video trailers to introduce their new singer duo, Lars Palmqvist & Roberth “Robban” Karlsson, whom replaced former lead singer Christian Älvestam. The first trailer features Lars Palmqvist who is now responsible for the groups clean vocals. Watch out for part II featuring Roberth Karlsson coming soon! Lars & Robban can be heard on the bands brand new album Dark Matter Dimensions which was released on October 2, 2009 in Europe via Nuclear Blast Records! The record is schedule for release in North America on October 20th. Also, check out… (Continue)
Coldplay’s Joe Satriani lawsuit dismissed from courtBy admin
September 16th, 2009
Guitarist Joe Satriani’s lawsuit against Coldplay, based on his accusation that Chris Marin and co plagiarised his 2004 song ‘If I Could Fly’ for their 2008 single ‘Viva La Vida’, has been dismissed from court. Satriani sued the band last December, seeking a jury trial to award him monetary compensation. Now, according to News.justia.com, the case was dismissed yesterday (September 14) … Read the full article at: http://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/47325
Norway’s DIMMU BORGIR part ways with 2 membersBy admin
August 31st, 2009
Norwegian symphonic black metal band DIMMU BORGIR have issued the following statement: “We regret to inform you that we have parted ways with both I.C.S. Vortex [bassist, clean vocalist] and Mustis [keyboards]. However, we do want to make it perfectly clear that the creative force in the band is highly intact, perhaps even more so than ever. With that being said, we’re currently working on our next album and are excited to start a new chapter in the legacy that is DIMMU BORGIR.” Visit DIMMU BORGIR online at www.DIMMU-BORGIR.com and www.myspace.com/DIMMUBORGIR
OASIS Split After Backstage BrawlBy admin
August 29th, 2009
The break-up is already being called “Wonderbrawl”. A smashed guitar, shouted words and angry exchanges on the internet signalled an end to the rock band Oasis yesterday. Years of sibling rivalry between Noel and Liam Gallagher, who formed the band in their native Manchester in the early 1990s, blew up into a fight minutes before a concert in Paris on Friday night. It ended with Liam smashing his brother’s guitar and Noel, the band’s chief songwriter, announcing two hours later on the Oasis website that he was quitting. Noel has briefly walked out on the group before, as has Liam,… (Continue)
BEHEMOTH’s “Evangelion” debuts in the Billboard Charts!By admin
August 21st, 2009
Los Angeles, CA – August 19, 2009 – Metal Blade Records is proud to announce that leaders of blackened death metal, BEHEMOTH, have landed on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart at #56 with just under 8,500 copies of Evangelion being sold in its first week. Evangelion, BEHEMOTH’s ninth full-length studio album, also took the #5 position on the Billboard Hard Music Albums Chart and #6 on the Billboard Independent Albums Chart. BEHEMOTH also landed on the Canadian charts with the release of Evangelion coming in at #61 on the Top 200 Current Albums Chart, #6 on the Independent Chart, and #10… (Continue)
Rotosound launch British Steel stringsBy admin
August 20th, 2009
Rotosound’s world class reputation for making the best guitar strings goes before them. They have drawn on this history, experience and knowledge in designing the next generation of strings. Rotosound now announce the launch of British Steels, based on the Original classic Rotosound Stainless Steel Electric Guitar Strings from the 1960’s, and now manufactured using improved processes and even better materials. Their original stainless steel strings already have a pedigree second to none and were used by Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townsend, Brian May and many others. Rotosounds stainless steel strings offered a clear, bright punchy sound, positive grip, plenty of… (Continue)
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE announce 2 special one off showsBy admin
August 19th, 2009
New York, NY: Fresh off their stint as one of the main stage attractions at this summer’s RockStar Energy Mayhem Fest, Massachusetts’ favorite sons KILLSWITCH ENGAGE have just announced two special shows that will occur at the end of August. The two shows close out an incredibly successful summer that saw Killswitch Engage, their fourth effort for Roadrunner, debut at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. The band will be headlining the Bay Stage at the Jones Beach Amphitheatre in Long Island, NY, along with All That Remains, Vision of Disorder and Unearth on Saturday, August 29. This appearance… (Continue)
