February 2013
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In 2003 everyone around the globe was introduced to a French based animated television series created by Thomas Romain and Tania Palumbo called Code Lyoko. This series focused on four boarding school students, Jeremie a computer tech savvy nerd, Ulrich the cool guy, Yumi the goth misunderstood but strong minded girl, and Odd the goofball of the bunch. With this batch of middle school aged teens they travel to a whole another world from the human one a virtual world of Lyoko, to fight off the evil of a computer program called XANA and its monster of servants  A humanoid character whose home was the virtual world of Lyoko until later on called Aelita was brought into the batch sometime later.

Anyway the series lasted up to four seasons then sometime later a fifth season called "Evolution" was announced and developed into a German based live action version of the hit series. Up to nine different episodes in the new season were released online and the voice acting done in that version is done in a decent format so then it was the U.S.'s turn with their dub of it. Turns out the previewed episode that was shown online brought in fans from all over the globe to experience the new and improved series that they once loved so much. Thus the results were split as any other series would end up going the dubbed voice actors chosen were of course not the original cast the fans were use too the dub work synced well in some parts of the episode while the effects of combining real people with the 2D animation and 3D CGI effects worked well together. Keeping a lot of the original designs and artwork and even virtual aspect when it came to the gang entering the Lyoko world itself. A lot of other characters including William another Code Lyoko warrior as they are called joins in as well as some other well known backgrounders.

This new version in the well known series is one that will take sometime to adjust too. But it is a series that has a great start, going for them but does need improvements and surly bringing back the original actors would do the series much better.
6:23 PM
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One of many anticipated albums this year has to be Bring Me The Horizon's "Sempiternal" its a set of 11-tracks that straight out don't cut it. Their debut release and even follow-up in 2008 were better off than this.

Bring Me The Horizon has taken a sharp left turn since 2010's long titled release "There Is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let's Keep It a Secret." Now their fourth album is upon them and it just continues the 2010 trait never really returning to any periods before then. The screams are presented but not quite there, the guitar structure is done well enough that it's taken a Pink Floyd meets another type of rock ballad type of work.

While everything else from even the singles offered "Shadow Moses" and "Anti-vist", just doesn't make this release very worthy of a listen. The material sounds matured and content for what it is but it isn't who Bring The Horizon is or what they use to be. Band's do mature and develop their style over the course of their careers and tons of bands have shown this but in this case, Bring Me The Horizon should have stuck to their previous guns of heavier riffs, louder screams, the older made everything better.
2:51 PM
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Tainted Soul's "Mercury Mind" combines the essences of Spanish rockers Maná meets modern age rockers Pearl Jam. With this combination of styles the results are flawless. Guitars are edgy with raw vocal chords that really has that rock n' roll vibe in full on effect. Songs such as "This Moment", "Until the End", "Get Up!", and "Borderline", keeps the rock vibe going on and on and on. This is a release that will build upon this material and develop an even further and better rock n' roll experience. These Tainted Soul's have got some material that surly any rock fan will fall head over heels for no doubt about it!
12:52 PM
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The concept of The Beards is simple - A folk rock band that exclusively perform songs about just one subject: Beards. With a three-album back catalog of crowd favorites like If Your Dad Doesn't Have a Beard,You've Got Two Mums, You Should Consider Sex with a Bearded Man and No Beard, No Good, The Beards continue in their ceaseless journey to make the world a more beard-friendly place. Frontman vocalist Johann Beardraven talks about the band's creativeness.



1. What type of band are you?

Johann: We're called The Beards, and we are the world's premier beard-related rock band. We all have really good beards and we only perform songs about how good it is to have a beard. We like beards.

2. Tell us the brief history of your band.

Johann: When we started out, we didn't know how to write songs or play instruments - we were just 4 guys with beards sitting around talking about how good beards are. However, as our beards grew we found that we had suddenly become quite good at music, and we decided to apply our knowledge of beards to song. Our first song was called "Beard". It was about beards.

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

Musically, we're quite fond of ZZ Top, Cat Stevens, Seasick Steve - basically anyone with a decent beard (Craig David doesn't count). We are also big fans of Chuck Norris and Gandalf the Grey, who has a marginally better beard than Gandalf the White.

4. What are your dreams and goals?

Johann: Our goal from day one has been to convince every living person to grow and keep a beard, including women and children. It's a thankless task but slowly we are working our way toward a completely bearded world. Did you see how many guys had beards at The Oscars recently? That was because of us.

5. Who writes the songs, what are they about?

Johann: Our songs are about beards. Let me say at this point that we don't really care about songs or music - only beards. Music is merely the vehicle with which we spread our bearded propaganda. We all have quite good beards and during a typical songwriting session, we generally just let the beards guide us.

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

Johann: We have released 3 albums so far - our self-titled debut, our follow-up release Beards Beards Beards, and our latest album that is probably the best album that we (or anybody else) have ever made, Having a Beard is the New Not Having a Beard. All our albums have been hailed by the bearded sections of the community as "ground-breaking" and "life-changing", and dismissed by the beardless as "novelty".  We don't care what the beardless say about us though. Seriously guys, grow a damn beard. Then we'll talk.

7. What inspires you to do what you do?

Johann: The biggest inspiration we get is when we meet someone at a show who promises to never shave again, and then the next time we travel to that town, we see that same person and they have grown a healthy beard. There's nothing better than that. Also when I see someone give some money to a bearded homeless guy, that makes me feel quite inspired.

8. What advice would you give to fellow bands?

Johann: Grow beards. That's the most important thing in music. Also, you should all write more songs about how great it is to have a beard. We seem to be the only ones doing that for some reason.

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

Johann: Music in general makes me very upset. There's too many beardless popstars and clean-shaven hip-hop guys knocking about these days. It makes me sick. Also there's too many people singing about stuff like love and their own political agendas. We all need to focus on what's really important: Beards.

10. What are the biggest obstacles for bands?

Johann: I'm not sure about other bands, but our biggest hurdle has definitely been resistance from the non-bearded factions. There's so many beardless role models out there (sports stars, politicians etc) so our job is to change attitudes, as well as faces.

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

Johann: We're planning to grow our beards a bit longer and thicker. Also, since we've successfully convinced every person in our home country of Australia to grow a beard, we'll be spreading our bearded message overseas this year, with tours of the US and Europe. It's always good to find new people to sing about beards to.

12. Anything else you'd like to say or add?

Johann: Please grow a beard. That's it.
11:08 AM
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Boston, Massachusetts based Vanna will be remembered by me from their 2009 release "A New Hope" released through Epitaph Records. Now  some years have passed and so have the band they are now on their fourth album "The Few and the Far Between" released through Artery Recordings who signed them not to long ago. As such Vanna has always been that hardcore act never really sounding like Hatebreed or Terror but somewhat close if those two acts were to have a kid perhaps. Vanna's fourth release is fast paced with songs that clearly speed right on through the entire album that you'll likely hear the opening song within minutes. "Year of the Rat", "Casket Rhythm", "Please Stay", and "A Thin Place", are the summary of this album pretty much. Fast instrumentals left and right guitar chugs, solos, riffs, bass structure, vocal chords that are strung along as fast as they can be sung. All in all Vanna's latest isn't really the finest material around but is worth a listen or too.
10:56 AM
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For a time during the mid-1990s industrial had become one of the most popular types of heavy metal, with such acts as Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails and even Ministry, paving the way for the likes of other new comers like Stabbing Westward and Gravity Kills. There was no telling where this genre was headed next.... well until now at least.

Davey Suicide arrived to Los Angeles, California in 2007 since then he's held a dream of starting a band and now that the dream has come true for him there is no turning back. For him music was an outlet source of the issues and problems that tracked him down, now it's coped his heart and bodily soul to unleash a EP "Put Our Trust In Suicide" and a debut full-length he'd like to simply self-title.

With that said, this release includes the one hit wonder of a single "Generation Fuck Star", as well as other enjoyable hits "Sick Suicide", "Unholywood Killafornia", "My Chest is a Grave", "Grab a Gun and Hide Your Morals", and "I'll Take a Bullet for You". Each of which fills the guitar driven riff skills, and vocal chords that are structured somewhat like what's heard on "Generation Fuck Star" but doesn't come close enough. "Sick Suicide", "Unholywood Killafornia", and "My Chest is a Grave", align the material to slide towards a mix-up of Vampires Everywhere meets Orgy with a cross of Marilyn Manson. While "Grab a Gun and Hide Your Morals", the second single that was released and included on the EP, gives a refreshed listen having its lyrical context being metaphoric-texted, it's still a rock n' roll song with that heavy metal edge that keeps the fists pumping.

Overall this release by Davey Suicide features material we have all heard before whether it'd be Fear Factory, Marilyn Manson, Rammstein and even Rob Zombie, variety is offered no doubt about it.

10:53 AM
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The Girl Squad sound is a mixture of Hip-Hop and Pop, with shades of R&B. Members Lexis Watkins, Maddie Simpson and Millie Thrasher each bring a fresh sound and style to each of Girl Squad's performances. Their singles, "Oh Well" & "Girls Night" are both available now with new music always being recorded and on the way!


1. Can you tell me what it was like to perform on the New Years Eve showcase with Jamie Kennedy?

Lexis: It was very exciting, performing on our first live television show, I had fun up there doing what I love.

Maddie: Words can't describe how much fun we had! It was our first tv performance and our first performance with a live band and dancers. It was such an amazing experience ringing in the new year doing what we love.

Millie: The New Years Eve show was amazing! I was so excited about our first television performance Jamie Kennedy was so fun to work with and so supportive of Girl Squad!

2. What is your favorite song to perform live?

Lexis: That's a hard one I love all our songs, but if i had to choose, it would have to be "Girl's Night" because the song is about just having fun with your friends.

Maddie:  My favorite song to perform so far is definitely our new single "Girls Night". It's a really fun song that everybody can dance to. I also really like performing it because we get to interact with the crowd a lot on this particular song!

Millie: It's hard to pick a favorite song I love performing all of our songs but I have to say "Girls Night".

3. What’s the best and worst shows you've ever played?

Lexis: The best show was The CW because it was our first live television show and the worst, I don't have one because every show is a great and fun experience for me.

Maddie: My favorite place we have performed so far is the US open at Arthur Ashe Kids Day. Carly Rae Jepsen, The Wanted, Rachel Crow, and Mindless Behavior also performed. If was so amazing. I honestly don't have a worst show. I think every show makes us stronger, and and no matter what it's always an experience.

Millie:  The best show has to be our New Years Eve show on the CW.  It was our first live performance on television and we were able to work with choreographers and dancers.  The crowd and the cameras was incredible and we loved performing with a live band.  I don't have a worst show. I am very appreciative of every performance opportunity we have.

4. How do you rate your live performance ability?

Lexis: Great! I believe I give it my all and best each show.

Maddie:  Hmmm... I can't really "Rate" my performance ability. I think every artist always has room to grow. I'm 15, so I'm still figuring out what I need to work on the most.

Millie: I think that my performance ability is Great and can only get better.  I am only 13 so I can only imagine it will continue to grow.

5. Where are you guys from originally?

Lexis: Girl Squad is based in Los Angeles and i'm originally from Anchorage, Alaska.

Maddie: I'm from San Diego, California. Lexis is from Anchorage, Alaska, and Millie is from Birmingham, Alabama.

Millie: I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama.  Lexis is from Anchorage, Alaska and Maddie is originally from California.

6. How did you come together?

Lexis: Our manager, Reg Reg Askew, held auditions to find group members and Girl Squad was formed.

Maddie: Our manager brought us together through auditions!

Millie: Our manager, Reg Reg Askew, brought us together.

7. Tell me why you wanted to go and call the group Girl Squad what does that name symbolize for the band?

Lexis: Girl Squad represents girl power and is always sending out a positive message.

Maddie: We all wanted something that was girly yet edgy. "Girl" stands for girl power and "Squad" stands for girls coming together, having each others backs, etc. So therefore you get "Girl Squad".

Millie: It symbolizes "girl power" and how important girls supporting each other and being strong, confident.

8. Do you feel any pressure being a 3-piece group?

Lexis: No, we are very supportive of each other.

Maddie: Not at all. We are always there for each other no matter what. We always say "Three is a magic number."

Millie: Being a part of a girl group is incredible we compliment and support one another.  We have become like a family.

9. You've released two singles and videos can you tell me about these?

Lexis: "Oh well" was our first single released and it was just about moving on and saying oh well you're not the only one out there and "Girls Night" was about having fun with all your girlfriends.

Maddie: The first single we released "Oh Well" was a song to show what Girl Squad is all about! The video was filmed at a school! It was so much fun riding around on segways, and dancing in the halls. The second song which is our single that is now being played on the radio, is called "Girls Night". The video is all about a sleepover and having fun with your girls! Jamie Kennedy plays our father. To this day I still laugh every time I see him dance in the video. My favorite scene in Girls Night is when we are in the kitchen with all of the candies! It was so colorful, fun, and not to mention delicious!

Millie: We have released "Oh Well" and "Girls Night" and have videos for both on  iTunes.  We had so much fun recording these songs and shooting the videos!  The songs are each unique and tell very different stories.
Both videos were shot by director Bobby Yan.  Of the two,"Girl Night" has to be my favorite.  The set was fun and colorful and it was truly like a fun slumber party hanging out with your friends having a good time.

10. What are your plans for new music?

Lexis:  Right now we are in the studio recording and our goal is just to spread a message that anyone can relate to and enjoy.

Maddie: We have a lot of new music coming out in 2013! Look out for a new song coming out probably near end of spring, beginning of summer!

Millie: We are constantly recording new music.

11. Your musical styles combines hip hop, pop, and r & b why go with these genre choices how do these define who Girl Squad is as a band?

Lexis:  We all have something different to bring to the group, that relate to these different genres.

Maddie: Hip Hop, Pop, and R&B are definitely the vibe of our songs. We rap on some songs, which is where the hip hop element comes in. And our songs are very dance-y which is why our genre is pop and r&b.

Millie: We really love hip hop, pop, and r&b bringing all the genres we love.

12. You guys have a unique sound, which bands would you say influence you the most?

Lexis: Destiny's Child's, TLC, and The Spice Girls.

Maddie: Some our influences are Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Lana Del Ray, John Mayer, Jay-Z, and so many more!

Millie:  Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Beyonce.

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

Lexis: They cover everything from love, to dance, to bullying. There is a different message in each song.

Maddie: Our songs are about things that everyone can relate to. From a crush, to friendship, to a breakup, you name it! We want people to feel like they can relate to our music 100%!

Millie: Our songs cover many things, boyfriends problems, friendship, bullying, young love, and abuse.

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

Lexis: We're working with a very talented music producer and songwriter.

Maddie: We love writing, and have co-written and written some of our songs. It's so much fun thinking of a concept and making it a song. Sometimes it takes a while but when it's done you feel sooo accomplished.

Millie: Our songwriter and producer involves us and helps us so one day we can grow to do more.

15. How do you describe your music to people?

Lexis: Amazing music for all ages, everyone can relate and dance to.

Maddie: Definitely something they can put on replay all day long and dance to, but also our music is something people can relate to!

Millie:  Our music is something anyone can relate to and dance to.

16. What image do you think your music conveys?

Lexis: A positive, fun image.

Maddie: If I had to sum it up in two words it would definitely be "Girl power".

Millie:  Strength, positivity and a lot of fun

17. How can the fans gain access to your music and network with you online?

Lexis: Website: www.girlsquadworld.com, Twitter: @girlsquadworld, Instagram:@girlsquadworld, Facebook: Girl Squad, YouTube Channel: GirlSquadWorld, My Individual is: @girlsquadlexis.

Maddie: Our single "Girls Night" is out on iTunes! We also have a group Twitter, Instagram, YouTube  and Facebook all under: GirlSquadWorld. My Twitter and Instagram is: GirlSquadMaddie and my YouTube is: Singitloud123. I don't have a Facebook fanpage!

Millie: We are on YouTube  iTunes, Facebook, and Twitter @GirlsquadMillie.  Our website is www.girlsquadworld.com.

18. What does Girl Squad have lined up for 2013?

Lexis: Girl Squad has tour coming up, TV show, and hopefully an album soon.

Maddie: We have a lot going on in 2013!!! We are developing a TV show with Ben Silverman (Teen Wolf, The Office, etc.) and Jamie Kennedy Entertainment. Most of what we are working on right now can't talk about yet, but we are beyond excited and so blessed! 2013 is Girl Squad's year.

Millie: 2013 is going to be a big year for Girl Squad!  We have new music coming out, we expect to be touring, and we have a TV show in the works.

19. Anything else you want to say to your fans or add?

Lexis: I just want to say to follow your dreams no matter what, and don't stop believing. Stay tuned and watch out for Girl Squad.

Maddie: To our fans (The Squad), thank you so much for all of your continuous love and support you give us everyday. Without you guys, we wouldn't be where we are today. We are so appreciative for everything you do for us, and none of it goes unnoticed. We love you all so much. <3 p="">
Millie: We are so very grateful for the love and support of our fans.We thank the fans for the likes, tweets and views.

20. Is that your final answer?

Lexis: Yes.

Maddie: Yes, this was fun! Thank you so much!

Millie: Until next time see ya! :)
10:44 AM
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Bay Area thrash metal icon, Exodus, has announced several headlining shows to commence following the band's March/April run on "Metal Alliance Tour." A full list of confirmed "Metal Alliance Tour" and Exodus headlining off-dates can be seen below.

TOUR DATES:

3/22 - Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
3/23 - Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
3/24 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
3/25 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
3/27 - West Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues
3/28 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom
3/29 - Portland, OR @ The Crystal Ballroom
3/30 - Vancouver, B.C. - CANADA @ Commodore Ballroom
3/31 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
4/01 - Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue **Exodus headline
4/02 - Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
4/04 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
4/05 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
4/06 - Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
4/07 - Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's
4/08 - Fayetteville, AR @ The Rogue **Exodus headline
4/09 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
4/10 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues
4/12 - Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues
4/13 - Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall
4/14 - Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
4/15 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Rex Theatre **Exodus headline + Holy Grail
4/16 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
4/18 - Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of the Living Arts
4/19 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium ***Exodus + Municipal Waste (New England Metalfest)
4/20 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
4/21 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
4/22 - Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance **Exodus headline
4/23 - Rochester, NY @ Montage Music Hall **Exodus headline
4/25 - Ashwaubenon, WI @ Green Bay Distillery **Exodus headline
4/26 - Fargo, ND @ House of Rock **Exodus headline
4/27 - Billings, MT @ The Railyard **Exodus headline
4:26 PM
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WITHIN THE RUINS have released an all new music video for their single, "Feeding Frenzy." Click the HERE to view! The video was directed by Kevin J Custer, who offers a quote:  "The shoot went exceptionally well.  The guys definitely know what they're doing and work hard.  And it makes it even better when the music is badass.  This track - and the album are amazing."
4:24 PM
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"The devil is in the detail," as the old saying goes. Translated to SODOM vocalist/bassist Tom Angelripper's sharp-tongued and highly critical powers of observation, you might also say: the worst perversions often hide behind seemingly harmless terms. What are we referring to? For example to "Katjuscha", one of twelve hard-as-nails songs which SODOM present on their latest studio album, Epitome Of Torture. After all, SODOM's 'Katjuscha' has little to do with the same-named folk song by Mikhail Isakovsky, but is about the Russian rocket launcher which has been responsible for death and destruction thousandfold. "The Katjuscha has been produced since World War II and is still used today," the SODOM frontman explains. "It's been responsible for the death of more people than Stalin's organ. To name such a deadly weapon after a girl is as grotesque as giving the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima the code name 'Little Boy'." It's obvious that the SODOM 2013 haven't changed their scornful view of the world, presenting an album in Epitome Of Torture that is as uncompromising as ever in musical as well as lyrical terms. "Unfortunately there's still plenty of inspiration for angry lyrics around," says Angelripper.

The bitter thrash metal attack "Waterboarding", which deals with torture methods, fits perfectly into this context. "It always surprises me how inventive - in the most negative sense of the word - people can be when it comes to torturing others," states the vocalist, who recorded Epitome Of Torture together with guitarist Bernemann and new drummer Markus "Makka" Freiwald. "At the same time, Epitome Of Torture features not only typical SODOM numbers, like the title track, our new hit 'S.O.D.O.M.' and 'Stigmatized', the toughest SODOM number in ages, but also two or three recordings which are slightly more moderate and melodic than what people have come to expect from us," Tom Angelripper points out. He is referring to songs such as "Cannibal"and "Tracing The Victim", which allow guitarist Bernemann to present his impressive musical skills, as well as "Into The Skies Of War", on which Angelripper allowed himself to be inspired by icons such as Motörhead and Tank: "Luckily, it's impossible to hide my influences."

Epitome Of Torture was produced by Waldemar Sorychta, whose expertise as a sound engineer and audio magician thoroughly benefitted SODOM's 2010 release In War And Pieces. Tom Angelripper: "Waldemar is an exceptional producer, who always succeeds in evening out an artist´s weak spot and promoting his strengths. He doesn't let you get away with anything; he knows all our weak spots. Which occasionally makes working at the studio a little demanding, but at the end of the day it's all worthwhile, as the result shows." The SODOM frontman describes the sound on Epitome Of Torture as "hard-as-nails and contemporary, without ignoring our tried-and-tested old-school attitude."

The new album will be available worldwide through Steamhammer/SPV in four different formats: as a limited-edition DigiPak including two bonus tracks and a poster, in a regular jewel case, as a double gatefold colored vinyl with three bonus tracks and for download. The cover artwork featuring SODOM's popular "Knarrenheinz" logo was developed by graphic designer Meran Karanitant, who has caused a stir with his work for Six Feet Under, Hatebreed and Dimmu Borgir, among others.

Release Dates are: Germany April 26th, Europe April 29th and US/Canada May 7th!

Tracklisting:

Limited Edition Digipak:
1. My Final Bullet 04:40
2. S.O.D.O.M. 03:46
3. Epitome Of Torture 03:31
4. Stigmatized 02:56
5. Cannibal 04:19
6. Shoot Today - Kill Tomorrow 04:01
7. Invocating The Demons 04:25
8. Katjuscha 03:43
9. Into The Skies Of War 03:51
10. Tracing The Victim 04:46
11. Waterboarding 05:06 (bonus track)
12. Splitting The Atom 04:28 (bonus track)

Jewel Case:
1. My Final Bullet 04:40
2. S.O.D.O.M. 03:46
3. Epitome Of Torture 03:31
4. Stigmatized 02:56
5. Cannibal 04:19
6. Shoot Today - Kill Tomorrow 04:01
7. Invocating The Demons 04:25
8. Katjuscha 03:43
9. Into The Skies Of War 03:51
10. Tracing The Victim 04:46

2LP (coloured vinyl):

LP 1

Side 1
1. My Final Bullet 04:40
2. S.O.D.O.M. 03:46
3. Epitome Of Torture 03:31

Side 2
1. Stigmatized 02:56
2. Cannibal 04:19
3. Shoot Today - Kill Tomorrow 04:01

LP 2

Side 1
1. Invocating The Demons 04:25
2. Katjuscha 03:43
3. Into The Skies Of War 03:51

Side 2
1. Tracing The Victim 04:46
2. Waterboarding 05:06 (bonus track)
3. Splitting The Atom 04:28 (bonus track)
4. Ace Of Spades 02:36 (bonus track)
1:09 PM
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The band will be embarking on the Metalfest Invasion Tour with fellow up-and-comers Dark Sermon. The tour begins April 12th and wraps on April 27th. ABIOTIC will be performing at NEMHF on April 18th, and Dark Sermon will perform on April 21st. The rest of the shows with both bands are listed below.

TOUR DATES:

April 12 Avondale Estates, GA @ Awaken the Ancient Stage
April 13 Columbia SC @ New Brookland Tavern
April 14 Richmond, VA @ Kingdom
April 15 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's
April 17 Trenton, NJ @ Backstage at Champs
April 18 Worcester, MA @ Palladium NEMHF (Abiotic)
April 19 Mississauga, ON @ Rehearsal Factory
April 20 Montreal, QC @ Underworld
April 21 Worcester, MA @ Palladium NEMHF (Dark Sermon)
April 22 Albany, NY @ Bogie's
April 25 Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero
April 26 Douglasville, GA @ Seven Venue
April 27 Columbus, GA @ Gallery 13
1:07 PM
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CANCER BATS will be returning to the US in April and May with Kvelertak and Black Tusk! The combination of these high energy live acts makes this tour one not to be missed! The shows begin April 21st in Chicago, IL and wrap up on May 20th in Allston, MA.

TOUR DATES:

04/21 Chicago, IL Bottom Lounge
04/22 Detroit, MI Shelter
04/23 Millvale, PA Mr. Smalls Theatre
04/24 Cleveland, OH Grog Shop
04/25 Columbus, OH Ace of Cups
04/27 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry
04/28 Lawrence, KS Granada Theatre
04/30 Denver, CO Larimer Lounge
05/01 Salt Lake City, UT In The Venue
05/03 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre
05/04 Seattle, WA El Corazon
05/07 San Francisco, CA Slim's
05/08 Los Angeles, CA The Roxy
05/11 Houston, TX Fitzgerald's
05/12 Dallas, TX Club Dada
05/13 Austin, TX Red 7
05/15 Nashville, TN Exit/In
05/18 Philadelphia, PA Underground Arts
05/19 Washington, DC Rock and Roll Hotel
05/20 Allston, MA Great Scott
1:04 PM
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ABDOMEN CANVAS was formed in 2008 and has since become one of central Florida’s premiere purveyors of brutality. A non-stop barrage of technical death metal, menacing melodies and punishing breakdowns, AC has something for every kind of metal head. Now that they have released a few pieces of material here and there they are hard at work writing all new material for their upcoming full-length release. Guitarist Cory Lane discusses the band's work in progress.


1. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography and it's new members?

Cory: Abdomen Canvas was formed in 2008 in Orlando, FL. Our lineup originally included Nathan Shortt, David Lamb, Tanner Lane, Cory Lane, and Adrian Latscu. We played throughout Florida under this lineup for 5 years and recorded 3 EP’s together, building our rep and fan base as we went. After 5 years David and Adrian quit the band to pursue different interests, David currently playing in American Party Machine (a band you should all check out) and Adrian attending school and working in Gainesville, FL.

When David and Adrian quit the band the hunt for a new guitar/bass player started. We ended up picking up Jeff Frank on guitar and Rich Poccia on bass. We were back on our feet for about a year before our guitar player Jeff moved to Denver, CO. Once again we needed to fill the guitar position. Rich is originally a guitar player so he was moved to the guitar position and a friend of his, Paul Bila, a drummer moved in with him from, relocating to Orlando from Ft. Myers during this time. Having always had bad luck with finding reliable bass players in the Orlando area our drummer Tanner decided to step up and take the position, allowing Paul to come in on drums. Now having a solid and reliable lineup, we have been writing and are finally going to be recording a full length album.  

2. How did you guys come up with your band name?

Cory: Funny story actually, we had been trying to come up with a band name for a good month or two without any luck. We knew we wanted the name to have a subtle goriness to it to match the attitude and subject matter of our music. One night we all went out to a party to go drinking and while sitting on the patio of a friend’s house together our singer, Nathan, just blurted out “what about Abdomen Canvas.” After a minute or two we all decided that that sounded like a good name and was a name that stuck out among other metal band’s names.

3. What type of band are you?

Cory: We are a melodic death metal band.

4. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?

Cory: Our singer’s lyrics typically involve subject matter relating to things we find interesting/intriguing such as demon possession, serial killers, monsters, exorcism, occult subject matter etc. There is no message per se behind our music, our singer just writes what he feels and our lyrics can most likely be summed up to classic death metal lyrical styling.

5. What bands have influenced your band and its sound?

Cory: We have always tried to maintain a certain original sound to our music. While loving to show influences from various bands, we try to have our own sound which people can recognize out of the crowd. Some bands that have influenced us are: The Black Dahlia Murder, Wretched, Within The Ruins, Beneath The Massacre, Messhugah, Pathology, Job for a Cowboy, Unearth, The Acacia Strain, Killswitch Engage, August Burns Red, Born Of Osiris, Veil Of Maya, Whitechapel, and many many others.

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

Cory: Yes, 100%. Our writing process usually involves a program called tabit. Having such busy schedules this program is essential to our writing. Usually each member of the band will write a song and or some riffs, and input it into the program and email it to other members to work on, add too, change and edit. When the song is done each member will learn their part and we will work on the song at practice until we get the song down tight and it is show ready. Essentially everyone in the band has “homework” to learn the songs we write. We still jam on song ideas at practice but they are put on the program after.

7. What made you guys decide to form a band?

Cory: We all had the talent and it is a passion for all of us to play music. Its pretty much all we do with our lives. Also it’s a good hobby to have in general and we all love to write and play music for ourselves and our fans.

8. Where are you in the process of the new album?

Cory: We have about 5 songs done and we want to have 10 songs total, so we have a ways to go but it’s a good chunk for only having a new lineup for around 4 months.

9. How does this album differ and compare to your EP release?

Cory: The album differs from the EP release in the fact that it is faster, more technical, has heavier breakdowns, more intricate solos, and more epic jam parts integrated as well. This can be attributed to the addition of Paul and Rich’s writing combined with Tanner and I’s style. Despite the changes we still try to maintain the identifying factor in our sound people recognize when they listen to an abdomen canvas song.

10. Have you picked a title for the album and is it going to be a concept release?

Cory: The album isn't titled yet. We typically do have concepts behind our EP’s but this time we decided not to go with a concept for the album.

11. Can you go into one or two tracks on the new album? If so, can you give us the track title and brief description of how the track sounds and how it came about?

Cory: Yes, the first song we wrote for the album is called “A Morbid Set of Morals.” The song is the fastest song we have written. It starts with a series of fast riffs and breaks down into a breakdown followed by a catchy/groove oriented chorus and finishes with the same chorus after a dual guitar solo section. The lyrical content involves Nathan’s outlook on the faults of mankind and how people’s moral compasses have gone down the tubes.

Cory: Another song called “Another Jim Jones Sermon” starts with a guitar riff played by itself and kicks in with a bouncy/groove breakdown before building up to a fast riff section and ending with a punishing “beat down” part. The lyrical subject matter is related to the religious based mass suicides under Jim Jones and his “church.”

12. When can we expect the new album to be released?

Cory: I would say hopefully no longer than another year. We still have tons of work to do on it but I believe we can get it done in less than a year depending on how busy the recording engineers are with other projects while working ours in.

13. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?

Cory: A new full length album with brand new songs, tons of shows in Florida, a brand new live show with new members and hopefully a regional tour.
11:03 AM
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Vampire Pop Strategy are an electronic/poprock duo formed in 2006 in Bologna, Italy. The two members are brothers Francesco and Marco Leoci, they started this project after some experience in an alternative rock band, having had used some visual arts and sound design to get to where they are today. They both took sometime to discuss with me the band's background and future plans since the release of their latest album.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Francesco: Vampire Pop Strategy are the two brothers Francesco and Marco Leoci.

In 2006 we started working on this project, giving a cut to our past experiences... we just wanted
to write our ideal music.

2. Why did you want this to be a duo type of band?

Francesco: We want to pursue our idea of song, play with other people would lead to make
compromises with other ideas and attitudes, but we want to maintain consistency in things
and are not willing to adapt to something else.

Marco: Using synthesizers and various electronic devices helps us to do all by ourselves.

3. How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?

Francesco: We could describe our music as synthetic pills of art pop.

Marco: We listen to a lot of old music, sometimes there are things that surprise us as  they were more adventurous than many current productions. In particular we love David Bowie,  Jacno, Suicide, Fun Boy Three, Kraftwerk, Brian Eno, Gerald Donald, Serge Gainsbourg, Velvet Underground, The Stranglers, Happy Mondays, The Fall... We are also influenced by various writers and visual artists such as J.G. Ballard, W.S.Burroughs, Daido Moriyama, Andy Warhol.

4. How did you guys come up with your band name?

Francesco: When we started we wanted to create something that had an Andy Warhol-esque feeling,
a pop culture vampire...

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

Francesco: Our songs are about various things, all resulting from the contemporary environment.

Usually I don't write stories, I don't follow a narrative structure, a song for me It's not a novel.

I prefer to describe situations, journeys, feelings, social phenomena through an informal structure
as happens for example in dreams ... techniques such as cut-up and surrealist poetry influenced my
writing process.

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

Francesco: Usually I write chords and lyrics closed alone in a small room, then start working with
Marco on the form to give to the song and recording the parts of the various instruments.

7. Was your songwriting and recording process any different than usual for this CD?

Marco: The process is the same as described before, the difference with previous releases is that in
"Windows Of Suburbia" there is a greater use of synthesizers in the arrangements.

8. What inspired the album title? Is it a concept album?

Francesco: Probably it may be thought it's a concept album, but it is not.

The title refers to a period in the past when we lived together in a house located in a suburban area...
In the air you breathed a sort of urban isolation, but that was at the same time fascinating, an aseptic
social place, without cultural history.

9. What are your expectations for the CD?

Francesco: We don't expect a popular feedback, we just hope to get in touch with people close to our ideas.

10. What are your upcoming tour plans?

Marco: We finished working in the studio only recently and if we had immediately started playing gigs we
would have to show something too similar to the past... we are instead trying to improve some aspects and
resume to play live this summer.

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

Marco: We are planning the second video for the new album.

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

Francesco: On Bandcamp you can find our complete discography.

13. What made you guys decide to form a band?

Francesco: We are brothers playing together since kids, so it is not a decision, it is a natural process.
3:36 PM
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Falling In Reverse has announced they will be headling on a new US Tour with support from Hollywood Undead. Check out the dates below.

TOUR DATES:

4/17 - Pharr, TX - Pharr Event Center
4/19 - San Antonio, TX - Backstage Live
4/21 - Lubbock, TX - Lonestar Ampitheatre
4/23 - Austin, TX - Emo’s East
4/24 - El Paso, TX - Tricky Falls
4/25 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theatre
5/1 - Panama City Beach, FL - Club La Vela
5/3 - Chattanooga, TN - Track 29
5/4 - Nashville, TN - Marathon Music Works
5/9 - Madison, WI - Orpheum Theatre
5/10 - Sioux Falls, SD - Sioux Falls Expo Center
5/14 - La Crosse, WI - South Hall @ La Crosse Center
5/15 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Orbit Room
5/18 - Ft. Wayne, IN - Pierre’s
5/19 - Lancaster, PA - Chameleon Club
5/21 - Clifton Park, NY - Upstate Concert Hall
5/22 - Stroudsburg, PA - Sherman Theatre
5/24 - Rochester, NY - Main Street Armory
5/25 - Louisville, KY - Expo 5
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Chunk! No, Captain Chunk will be heading on a new US tour with support from For All Those Sleeping, Upon This Dawning  and City Lights. Check out the dates below!

04/07- Dekalb, IL @ The House Cafe'
04/08- Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground
04/09- Columbia, MO @ Mojo's
04/10- Fayetteville, AR @ NWA Showcase
04/11- Oklahoma City, OK @ The Conservatory
04/12- San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
04/13- Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock
04/16- Penscola, FL @ Handlebar
04/17- Orlando, FL @ The Social
04/18- Jacksonville, FL @ Roc Bar
04/19- West Balm Beach, FL @ Speakeasy
04/20- Gainesville, FL @ High Five
04/21- Tampa, FL @ The Local
04/23- Richmond, VA @ Kingdom
04/24- Springfield, VA @ Empire
04/25- Columbus, OH @ A&R Music Bar
04/26- Madison, WI @ The Loft
04/27- Joliet, IL @ Mojoes
04/28- Burnsville, MN @ The Garage
04/30- Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep
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WARBRINGER announces special shows to commemorate 5th year anniversary of debut album, ‘War Without End’

Thrash stalwarts WARBRINGER have announced four shows over Memorial Day weekend to commemorate the 5th year anniversary of their debut album, War Without End—and as a special bonus for Los Angeles and San Francisco fans, the band will also perform the album in its entirety at these show! In regards to these upcoming dates, frontman John Kevill comments:

“We have been busy writing songs for our new album, so it's been awhile since we've played any shows, but we're going to take a break and do something a little different. Since it's been 5 years since the first album, ‘War Without End,’ was released -- we are gonna play 4 shows celebrating it over Memorial Day Weekend and play the whole album at two of those shows, which includes a lot of songs we haven't played in 4 or so years. We're gonna absolutely rip through these tunes as fast and as hard as possible. See you guys out there! More Warbringer news coming soon, keep your eyes peeled.

WARBRINGER “War Without End 5th Year Anniversary” tour dates feat. VEKTOR
May 24—Stockton, CA—Plea For Peace (w/ HATCHET)
May 25—San Francisco, CA—Thee Parkside (w/ HATCHET)**
May 26—West Hollywood, CA—Whisky A Go Go (w/ WITCHAVEN)**
May 27—Long Beach, CA—Alex’s Bar (w/ EXMORTUS)
**=shows feature War Without End in its entirety
10:58 AM
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Machine Head announced over the weekend that bassist Adam Duce has left the band.

“Machine Head would like to wish Adam the best with his current and future endeavors,” say the band via a statement. “The band will continue on for the time being as a three-piece and has begun the writing process for the follow-up to 2011′s Unto The Locust.”

Adam was a founding member of the band, leaving frontman Robb Flynn as the sole original member. Machine Head’s new album will drop later this year via Roadrunner.
10:55 AM
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"Signals Of Infection", the first video from San Francisco Bay Area thrashers HATCHET, can be seen below. The song comes off the band'ssophomore album, "Dawn Of The End", which will be released on March 5 via The End Records. According to a press release, the CD "showcases a much more aggressive and professionally oriented band" than was the case on 2008's "Awaiting Evil".

Commented HATCHET guitarist Julz Ramos: "We wanted to do a simple and effective video for this song. Being that it is our first one, we didn't want to go overboard and try and do something we weren't experienced to do yet and have it not come out awesome looking. So we went with a basic performance piece taking influence from some of our favorite thrash videos of the late '80s early '90s — VIO-LENCE, DEATH ANGEL, OVERKILL and DEMOLITION HAMMER, to name a few. Hopefully it gives an insight into what its like being up close and personal with us when we're performing Plus it's an awesome 'film noir'-type style. Props to our director and editor Wayne Marsala of Greyhaven Productions."

10:53 AM
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Metal rock n' rollers Snow White's Poison Bite is currently in the recording studio finishing up their follow-up release to their debut album "The Story of Kristy Killings". Their brand new album and debut release on Victory Records will be called "Featuring: Dr.Gruesome And The Gruesome Gory Horror Show" and be available on April 16th! You can purchase the "The Story of Kristy Killings" HERE.

But that's not all Snow White's Poison's Bite has got some merch at the Victory Record's store HERE as well as an exclusive t-shirt over at Hot Topic's webstore HERE.


Plus these guys will be making their first U.S. debut this summer on an all new tour featuring Farewell My Love, Chomp Chomp Attack, and Kissing Candace.

Find out how it all began when we first spoke to the band before any of this happened back in 2011 HERE.
11:44 PM
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California metalheads Torment ID has decided to call it quits and break up! They have left the following message on their Facebook page;

"It comes with an extremely sad heart to have to give this news but, effective today, Torment Id will no longer be a band. It was several circumstances that cause this to occur. The band had been pounding away at the metal scene since 2007. It has seen several line up changes, but alas, it's time to move onto other things. We've made some great friends, and met some awesome fans, but the flag will have to be picked up by someone else, and carried to the field of victory!

Much work had been done to try to give the very best performances, and to give the listener something else to entice their palette.

But, it is Torment Id's time to go. Hopefully, something anew will rise from the ashes, much like the Phoenix.

Fair thee well. Until we meet again on stage, some day."

Check out the interview we conducted with them back in 2010 HERE.
8:39 PM
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Atmospheric doom metal act Angellore took sometime to discuss with me the band's process with writing their material and how their latest release compares to their unique style of work.


1. What type of band are you?

Walran: Well, we're actually quite easy to define: we're a trio and we play atmospheric doom metal inspired by bands like Saturnus, Draconian, Swallow The Sun and so on. I think I could just stop here, but maybe the readers would like to know a little bit more :) Angellore is actually composed of Ronnie, the drummer, Rosarius, handling duties of the guitars, bass, half of the vocals and keyboards, and taking care of the biggest part of the composing process and me, in charge of the other half of the keyboards and vocals (mainly extreme), and a smaller part of the composing and arranging process as well.

Ronnie: Walran, you forgot about Empyrium, also a major influence for us!

2. Tell us the brief history of your band.

Walran: Rosarius and me actually met via Internet in 2007. We started to write e-mails to each other, then had very long phone conversations, and finally we thought of starting an atmospheric doom metal project together. We both really wanted to express ourselves following the rules of this very specific style of music. In August 2007, we recorded our first demo and from this moment on, we kept on releasing demo EPs and publish them on the Internet. Considering the good reactions we managed to get (despite the very poor sound quality of our early works), we decided to take Angellore to the next level and hired Ronnie, an old friend from highschool and an impressive drummer. Then, from December 2009 to February 2011, we worked on "Errances", our first studio album, composed of early songs re-worked and re-arranged and one totally new composition, brought by Rosarius: "...Where Roses Never Die...". After a few months of research, we signed a contract with DreamCell11, an Italian label, and now we're ready to release our first album. We couldn't be happier and more excited than we are right now!

3. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

Rosarius: Widow’s weed, one of the most beautiful gothic metal album ever recorded, is very important to us? Tristania’s music has definitely influenced our conception of our music. On this album, there is a song titled “Angellore”. Beside the fact that we love Tristania’s music and this song, we have always thought that this name was beautiful, full of grace and poetry. A perfect name for the music that we wanted to play. Angellore has been the name of our band even before we start to write our first songs!

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

Walran: We mainly sing about melancholy, sorrow, despair, ethereal visions, deep meaningful emotions, ghostly yet beautiful fairies, broken hearts, tragic love stories… Nothing very new for a doom metal band! But to be honest, those themes may be classic, but they really are inspiring. English language offers us some great semantic fields to express in our own personal way the visions or ideas we want to share with the listeners. But I have to confess that in Angellore’s world, music is much more important than words. Words are just here to set up the mood and help the listener to enter our musical eerie domain.


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

Walran: Yes. Once, we covered a song from another artist in the rehearsal room, but the material we record is (and has always been) 100% ours. Most of the time, Rosarius comes to my place and starts to play his ideas. Then, we try to find the best way to make them grow and reach their highest potential. Rosarius comes with most of the melodies, and I do my best to arrange them and create a good structure for the songs. Sometimes, we have some specific ideas and we set up some rules to follow: for example, when we started to work on “Shades of Sorrow”, it was clear that we wanted to create a catchy and heavy gothic/doom metal song with acoustic guitars and a special folk touch. Most of the time, I finish the arrangement/production process of the demo myself (most of these early demo works have been remastered and reunited in the compilation “Premières Liturgies – Soupirs d’Aurore”, released in 2012), then we bring the songs to the rehearsal room and work on them with Ronnie, who brings his rhythmic ideas. The three of us play the songs and try to make them as good as possible. Sometimes, it means adding a new idea to offer an epic ending (“Weeping Ghost”, “Shades of Sorrow”), sometimes changing the tempo and shorten some parts (“Tears of Snow”). When we are in the studio, Rosarius and I often have some last-minutes ideas about arrangements, and we don’t hesitate to include them on the record, to give it more of ourselves, in a spontaneous way. In this way, we offer to our music a real honest soul. That’s what happened with the guitar solos and keyboard lines of “Tears of Snow” or “Shades of Sorrow” for example: they have evolved until the very last moment. I think we’ll keep on working things this way in the future… At least for the next album!

6. Who are your musical influences?

Walran: Even if we’re quite open-minded and listen to some different kind of music and bands, there are two bands that have been really important for us since the beginning of Angellore: Saturnus and Draconian. The guitar work on “Veronika Decides To Die” from Saturnus never ceased to amaze us, and we feel the same about Draconian’s perfect balance between strings arrangements and guitars, without mentioning this really interesting duality in the vocal lines, that has also inspired us. Even if Angellore has already a quite strong musical identity (in my humble opinion), we really share the musical vision of these bands. Other influences mainly include some other doom/dark metal projects like Shape of Despair, While Heaven Wept, Empyrium, Tristania, Theatre of Tragedy and many others, but also dark atmospheric projects like Dark Sanctuary, for example.

Ronnie: Of course we have keys influences but we don't want our music to sound like this or that band. The composition is only about feelings.

7. What was the inspiration for the album name Errances?

Rosarius: “Errances” is a french word which means “Wanderings”. This first album is like a wandering through different landscapes, and even if we looked for a name for our album for a long time, “Errances” came to be the most appropriate for the global atmosphere of our songs.

Ronnie: It's important to add that this name was not our first idea, and when we were looking for a cover picture, we saw this one and in a few seconds it was this name which came on the table: the main concept was in! And looking at these stairs we told ourselves "yes, it has to be called "Errances" to make an echo to the musical interlude which holds the emotional concept of the album." In some way, it’s a “love at the first sight” story!

8. Why did you pick I Am The Agony as your single? Can you tell me about the song?

Rosarius: One night at Walran’s place, we were talking about Draconian’s music and atmospheres : we felt like to create our own romantic doom/goth song with emotional and catchy chorus. I took my guitar and this melody came to me by itself. The other parts of the song followed.

Walran: The choice was really easy to make: we wanted to pick up a song that would not be too long, with a strong chorus and a catchy melody, but which would also be representative of the rest of the album. What I like the most about this song is that it contains the rawest part of the album with the really doomy/death metal verse, then a majestic chorus, and then a really melodic break, with a gothic/pop touch! It really shows that Angellore’s music is all about contrasts and oppositions. We really enjoy mixing different parts and elements into our music, so it can convey different emotions and appear as a beautiful musical journey, divided in several steps. If it was only growl and extreme metal or, on the other hand, only atmospheric keyboards all along, it would be boring… Or, at least, less interesting in our opinion.

Ronnie: Long story short, I was not really okay with that decision. Yes this is the catchiest song, everything sounds like a single, that's sure, but this is not the main representation of what we are, in a way "I Am Am the Agony" is different from the rest, you see what I mean? Actually a lot of people really like it, so that's fine. I have to admit I was a bit scarred of people telling "it sounds like a Pop/Doom/Goth song, so the whole album is like this, I’ll go my way". It's not about people loving our music or not, it's just that I don't want to be misunderstood.

9. How do you describe your music to people?

Walran: As majestic sorrowful metal. Some of my friends or accointances not necessarily know so much about metal, so I try to explain to them that Angellore is not the typical extreme death metal band they would expect to listen when I use the word: “metal”, which is always scary for “regular” people. I tell them about the contrasts of the music, the emotions that get portrayed, and most of the time, people manage to appreciate our work.

10. What image do you think your music conveys?

Walran: A lot of people told us that our songs had a very “visual” impact, and could be used as soundtracks to some epic movies. That’s a really nice compliment! Apart from that, I think everybody understands our music in a personal way: a lot of people feel like travelling in oniric, imaginary worlds. That is perfectly fine for me, as I want my music to be ethereal and magic and help people to escape and let their mind drift away while listening.

11. What are your dreams and goals?

Walran: Just be able to keep on music for Angellore for as long as I live. My friendship with Rosarius and Ronnie is very important for me, and deeply linked and connected to Angellore’s music. It’s a blessing to be able to work with those guys. I want us to keep on playing together, maybe play some live shows and make some tours every once in a while, but most important, always bring some new emotional doom metal songs.

12. What inspires you to do what you do?

Walran: An unexplainable sparkle of sadness and nostalgia that I bear with me since my birth. Also my will to escape the modern world to find a haven made of my own imagination. And the fact that atmospheric doom metal seems like the best medium to express melancholy. Is sadness can be that beautiful, how incredible would be pure bliss and happiness?

13. What advice would you give to fellow bands, who wish to do what you're doing?

Walran: Give all your heart and soul in your work, money shall never be an issue (there are always some ways to make enough cash to do something), believe in what you do (you have to be madly in love with your music to build something out of it, that’s true) and never give up. I should say “work on your instrument from 9 to 5 every day” too, but I’m too lazy!


14. The plans for you guys in 2013 is what and why?

Walran: Give a good promotion to our beloved “Errances”, then starting to rehearse with some session members to try to prepare ourselves for hypothetical live shows, and record our second full length, which is already composed.

15. Anything else you want to say to your fans?

Walran: Thanks a lot for the support! For a young band coming from nowhere like us, it’s amazing to know that some people listen to our work and actually enjoy what we do. Thanks a lot for the interview, Natalie, and thanks a lot to all the readers! All the best, and please give a try to our music!

Rosarius: All the same!

Ronnie: All the same too. It's always a pleasure to explain what is in our music. And never forget "Buy it, steal it, trade it but spread the word."
11:07 AM
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Black metal act Eclipse Eternal have been hard at work writing and recording for their next full-length album. Frontman Voldamares gives me the rundown of the band's past, present, and future plans for this darkened path these guys have chosen.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Voldamares: Founded in the Fall of 1999 by Voldamares for the express purpose of turning thought and philosophy to sound, Canada’s Eclipse Eternal made their entrance into the underground Black Metal scene via a live-off-the-floor rendition of their song“The King”, which was released on a compilation by Bloodbucket Productions in 2002. Inspired by the violent atmospheres created bands such as Mayhem, Satyricon, and Immortal, the band’s early music was filled with chaos and raw aggression. Within a year, the band began work on their first full-length CD, Reign of the Unholy Blackened Empire. The album would take two years to create and be over an hour of Epic Symphonic Black Metal. It was recorded/mixed at Eclipse Studios by Glen Drover (King Diamond, Megadeth) and mastered by Andy Laroque (King Diamond). Released by Galy Records in 2004, the album received positive reviews around the globe.

While the band’s reputation gained momentum through multiple live performances (including their debut performance at the Northern Lights Festival, and opening for multiple international bands such as Dimmu Borgir and Behemoth), Eclipse Eternal focused their creative energies upon writing their most highly regarded album to date, Übermensch: Evolution Beyond The Species. Mixed at Studio Fredman by Fredrik Nordström (Dimmu Borgir, Zyclon, Old Man’s Child) the album displayed a marked escalation in overall complexity, atmosphere and viciousness. Upon release, the album received rave reviews by both the press and their ever-growing fanbase. To promote this release, Eclipse Eternal would then spend four years performing their live rituals alongside such well-respected bands as Mayhem, Satyricon, Immortal, Watain, Chthonic, Dark Funeral, Averse Sefira, Absu, Enslaved, and many more.

For its first non-live official video, the band teamed up with Dark Frames Pictures to create a rich, HD video for the nightmarish, seven-minute epic, “The Dragon Has Come to Blot Out the Stars.” Shot both on location and in studio, and featuring prosthetic make-up, numerous extras, buckets of blood, three band members being burned at the stake, it was an enormous undertaking garnering thousands of views online. During this four-year period following Übermensch, a thought gestated. It grew and evolved. The thought became sound and a new album was born.

In late 2011, Eclipse Eternal signed with Archaic North Records, who released the band’s third full-length album in January 2012: The Essence of Hopelessness. Recorded once again at Glen Drover’s Eclipse Studios, Eclipse Eternal has mixed the vicious, harsh nature of their previous album with an emotional intensity that is rarely seen in current Black Metal. They have delved into their innermost suffering and wrenched forth an album that is both poignant and memorable. From cold atmospheres to absolute chaos, from acoustic and spoken word interludes to ripping shredding, this album is as brutal as it is stirring. With lyrics swinging from Odes to ancient Pagan times to suicide to murder most foul, Eclipse Eternal holds back nothing on this third full-length album.

Following the release and promotion of The Essence of Hopelessness, Eclipse Eternal began writing again for their next record. And, with Ax Media Studios, filmed a new video for the disturbed “Murder…Suicide.”Additionally, the band contributed a cover of “Crossing the 45thParallel” (Woods of Yypres) for the David Gold/Woods of Yypres tribute album, Heart of Gold, as well as performing the song at the memorial concert.

Joining Romania’s Negură Bunget for their first North American tour in spring of 2012, Eclipse Eternal played twenty-eight shows throughout much of Canada and the USA, expanding their fanbase as well as broadening themselves as live performers. With the experience of the Transylvanian Legacy Tour 2012 in mind, Eclipse Eternal are focusing on assembling a 2013 European tour, and are continuing to write for their fourth album.

2. How did you guys come up with your band name?

Voldamares: Eclipses are times of great change. This world is in need of great change. Permanent change. This simple concept gave birth to the name.

3. How would you define your style and sound of metal, and why should a metal fan listen to your work?

Voldamares: We are a black metal band. Beyond that we do not try to define or limit our sound. It is constantly evolving. New elements are constantly being added and old ones removed. If a metal fan chooses to listen to us it is because of this ebb and flow of ideas and influences that makes us unique in black metal.

4. Your signed by the label "Archaic North Entertainment" how has the relationship with this label been going for you guys?

Voldamares: Archaic North is an excellent label. They set up our recent North American tour with Negura Bunget. They are small but dedicated.

5. Where are you in the process of the new album?

Voldamares: We have 5 songs currently in the works right now. We're considering doing an E.P. this time so we may end up recording sooner than previously expected. We're intent on spending more time in the studio this time than ever before and really trying to expand the depth of each song.

6. When did you start writing for this album?

Voldamares: We started writing in the Fall of 2012.  We always take our time when writing.

7. When can we expect the new album to be released?

Voldamares: We will see. We have no deadline. When the album is exactly what we want it to be then it will be released. We will post updates on our Facebook page as we get closer.

8. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?

Voldamares: I write of death. The death of oneself and of others. I write of war and destruction, of murder and suicide. I write the truths I see as i lift the veil from life's bloated corpse.

9. How do you guys feel about the classifications in metal? like deathcore, metalcore and other subgenres and how some get a negative rep.

Voldamares: These kinds of classifications are for marketing people and people who need structure.  If I like something then it matters not what style of metal it is or who else likes or dislikes it.

10. What is your opinion on the current state of metal?

Voldamares: Metal is a very small general here in North America and I don't see it growing at all. Elsewhere it seems to be doing quite well. Could always be better though.

11. What made you guys decide to form a band?

Voldamares: I decided to start the band because I found the chaos in my head was best expressed through this form and style of music.

12. How many band t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, hats, are in your personal collection?

Voldamares: Beyond count. Honestly I have a hundred plus. I am a collector.

13. What is your favorite style of headbanging to use whether it'd be performing live or in the comfort of your own home listening to music.

Voldamares: Styles of headbanging? I didn't know there were different styles. The music plays and I just let it move me.

14. What's the metal scene like in Canada, do you have any band recommendations worth checking out?

Voldamares: Our scene is small and scattered but dedicated  For bands I would suggest: Wolven Ancestry, Empyrean Plague, Pagan Ritual, Woods Of Ypres, Monarque, Forteresse, Sombre Foret, Gris, Vanquished, Cryptik Howling, Erimha, Black Empire and Dark Forest.

15. How is 2013 looking for Eclipse Eternal, what do you have lined up for this year?

Voldamares: We are looking forward to writing our new opus and performing it to as many people as we can.

16. Where can we go if we wanted to listen to or purchase your work?

Voldamares: To listen to our music you can go to our MySpace page, our Facebook page or you can look for us on YouTube.

17. Why should a metalhead buy your demos/albums?

Voldamares: If a metalhead wants to hear more music from us they need to buy our albums/merch so we can afford to record more music. Nothing is free, not recording, mixing or mastering. All money we make goes back into our music. We are 100% self financed.


18. Anything else you'd like to say or add?

Voldamares: Hail to those of you who walk this darkened path with us. You honor us with your presence.
3:59 PM

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