Razor

Matt Walst writing with My Darkest Days

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

In early 2013 My Darkest Days were set to start writing their 3rd album, then lead singer Matt Walst got a call from his brother Brad Walst the bassist for Three Days Grace. We don't know what was said in that conversation but we do know that it went something like "Adam (Adam Gonteir ex-Three Days Grace) has left the band and we have all these shows booked including a stop in Green Bay with Shinedown can you cover for us?" Ok maybe Brad didn't say anyting about Green Bay but either way that put the writing process of My Darkest Days on hold.

Now although Three Days Grace still have some shows booked this year Matt posted this on his Facebook page:

“Writing with the guys for the new MDD CD!! MDD, the 3rd, coming soon!!,”

Disturbed will return

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

David Draiman really wants Disturbed fans to know that the band will get back together after their hiatus.

Draiman took to the band's Facebook page on Thursday once again to confirm that they will reunite. He writes,

"This hiatus has nothing to do with the projects each member of Disturbed is currently involved with. It has to do with stopping the assembly-line type of machine the Disturbed leviathan had become, giving ourselves and the fans time away from it so that we can eventually reunite, with new inspiration for both the band side and the fan side... Bitterness at our individual projects is really quite misplaced. So please support Device, Fight or Flight and Adrenaline Mob, as they are fruit born of this hiatus. We're counting on all of you."

Ex-White Zombie drummer passes

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

It’s being reported that former White Zombie/Last Crack drummer Phil Buerstatte was found dead this past weekend in Madison, Wisconsin. No further details have surfaced as of yet. Buerstatte was 44 years old.

Buerstatte played in White Zombie between 1992 and 1994, which included the La Sexorcisto tour. Though having never recorded an album with the band, the drummer did play on “Feed The Gods” from the Airheads soundtrack, their cover of “Children of the Grave” and “I AM HELL” from the Beavis and Butthead soundtrack.

Buerstatte’s former Last Crack bandmate Paul Schluter issued the following statement regarding the drummer’s passing:

“We are sorry to have to announce that Last Crack drummer and our musical brother Phil Buerstatte has passed away today. He will be greatly missed by his many friends, family and fellow band members. Pull out your Last Crack albums, crank them up loud and remember what a great drummer he was! It is the end of an era for us and sad to say the original lineup will never be able to play together again. Our last show with Phil from 2009 is posted on YouTube in its entirety. The remaining members of the band are discussing doing a tribute show in Phil’s honor in the coming months. We’ll post details soon.”

SYSTEM OF A DOWN: Shavo Slams Serj? (update)

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

A bit of tension in System of a Down might have become public on Monday.

If a series of posts on System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian official Facebook page are to be believed and not the work of a hacker, then things are not well with the band. In the posts Odadjian claims that System vocalist Serj Tankian is holding the band back.

Shavo's first post says,

"I'll come clean. It's not us (meaning Daron Malakian, John Dolmayan or Shavo), it's Serj who doesn’t want to do a new album! So please stop harassing us about it! We are just waiting for Serj! Now he might hate me for exposing the truth but I had to." He adds, "I'm ready to release one with someone who wants to be the singer of System, not someone we have to beg to be a part of System."

A later post says,

"No diss to Serj. If he wants to be in the band then he's welcome but if he's not? What do you expect us three to do? We really want another System record! Wish Serj was down but if he's not, then I'm going ahead and making a System record without him!!! I'm furious that he let us down like this, but we gotta do something to keep this great band alive!"

System of a Down last released a studio album in 2005.

(update 5/21)

The rest of System of a Down have released a statement regarding Shavo's comments:

“Earlier today, Shavo posted a few statements on his personal Facebook page that do not reflect the sentiments of System Of A Down as a collective band. These were misleading statements that were made during a temporary state of bad judgment on his part alone. To be clear, the full band lineup of Serj, Daron, Shavo and John will be performing all scheduled tour dates. With respect to new SOAD music, although we have not agreed on a timetable for a new album, we all believe that having the four of us do it together is the way to be true to the band and our fans.”

NINE INCH NAILS: Avery out, Finck in

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

Former Jane's Addiction bassist Eric Avery was all set to go on tour with Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails, but as the tour dates kept rolling in Eric was a little over whelmed with it all.

"It's with very mixed emotions I tell you all that I'm pulling out of Nine Inch Nails," Avery says. "It's been a tough call – and I don't know if it's the right one. But I really want to focus on my musical life here in Los Angeles, on film work in particular. As the tour dates kept growing I just got overwhelmed."

With that being said, welcome in old Nine Inch Nails guitarist Robin Finck. Multi-instrumentalist Finck previously played guitar with Trent Reznor's outfit, but fellow member Josh Eustis can also play a number of instrument

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS: New singer is...

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

At Saturday night's Weeinie Roast in California, put on by LA rock station K-ROCK Stone Temple Pilots suprised everyone by getting on stage and doing a set of STP classics plus a brand new song called "Out of Time," all with new lead singer Chester Bennington of Linkin Park.

We are not sure just how full time this is but if the new song and the In The Studio teaser (seen below) are any indication then this could be permenent.

Here's what guitarist Dean DeLeo said about it:

“Chester has a one-of-a-kind voice that we’ve admired for a long time. We know Linkin Park will always be his priority, but we thought it would be cool to try something together. We managed to find the time to record a song and we’re all really happy with the result.”

Listen to the full track:

Readers' Poll: The Ten Worst Bands of the Nineties

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

A new Rolling Stone online poll asked people to name The 10 Worst Bands of the 1990s.

The number-one pick was Creed -- which is not shocking considering the amount of insults they've gotten over the years. And the mag's editors say "it wasn't even close."

Number-two is a band that's gotten much more flack now than they did in the late '90s -- Nickelback. Number-three is another frequent punching bag, Limp Bizkit.

Number-five surprised the editors -- Nirvana. They write, "Nirvana were a great band. Their three albums are nearly perfect, and they are guaranteed to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year. We’re sorry, but everyone who voted for them in this poll is wrong."

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH: Albums Go to Heaven and Hell

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

Full Press release:

Las Vegas, NV — Five Finger Death Punch has announced the band will release the lead single from their forthcoming 2 new studio albums this Tuesday, May 14 via all digital retailers. The track, “Lift Me Up” (featuring Rob Halford of Judas Priest), which debuted with a performance of the band joined by iconic guest artist Halford live at Revolver Magazine’s Golden Gods Awards Show, will hit the air on radio stations across the globe today. Singer Ivan Moody shares, “First and foremost, just to work alongside an icon like Rob Halford, THE Metal God, was absolutely surreal. The song itself was originally written about overcoming everyday obstacles and less than perfect situations. Most of us weren’t born with a silver spoon in our mouth but if life dealt you all the wrong cards, you still have to play. The song’s intent is to inspire; if you play that hand right you might just come out on top anyway”
“Lift Me Up” (featuring Rob Halford of Judas Priest) will be available online starting May 14

Five Finger Death Punch will release The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell Volume 1 on July 23, while Volume 2 is scheduled for later this fall. Eleven Seven will release the albums outside of North America. Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Zoltan Bathory recently shared, “We came off the road after a couple of great years of touring and were really amped up to write the 4th record. Everybody was in the right headspace and the band tighter than ever so it was a perfect storm. We jumped in head first and found ourselves 12-13 songs deep fairly quick but were still coming up with better and better material so we looked at each other and said…. ok why stop there? Let’s keep going. Once we passed the 24th song we knew we’re going to have to do two albums. We had this massive amount of music that’s very dear to us, possibly the best material this band has ever created. At that point there was no way to decide which songs to leave off one album. So we made the decision to release them all.”

In June, Five Finger Death Punch will return to Europe for a tour of major festivals including Sweden Rock (6/06), Germany’s Rock Am Ring and Rock Im Park (6/08 and 6/09) and the U.K.’s Download Festival at Donington Park (6/16) (full schedule below) concluding the run with a performance at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Ceremony in London.

Upon the band’s return to the U.S., the band will co-headline the 2013 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival alongside Rob Zombie kicking off in San Bernadino, CA on June 29. The travelling festival will stage appearances in 26 markets, and the full itinerary can be viewed here: www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com/tour/

Five Finger Death Punch has released three consecutive RIAA gold certified albums through Prospect Park for sales exceeding 500,000 copies. The success of The Way of The Fist (2007), War Is The Answer (2009) and American Capitalist (2011), which debuted at number 3 on the Billboard charts in October 2011, exhibits the band as one of the few in the rock genre to consistently see significant sales both digitally and physically. The band’s ten consecutive Top 10 radio hits – including 2012′s #1 hit ”Coming Down - have spawned cumulative single sales of over 4.2 million. Going back to 2008’s “The Bleeding”, Five Finger Death Punch has consistently been one of the most heavily played bands at rock radio.

SICK PUPPIES: Looking to Connect This Summer

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

Sick Puppies have titled their new album Connect.

The album is due out on July 16th, with the first single, "There's No Going Back," out on May 20th. The trio shot a video for the song on April 24th, and it will debut by the end of this month.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD: A Little of What's to Come

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

Avenged Sevenfold have given their fans a little teaser of what's to come from their new album.

At AvengedSevenfold.com/radio, you'll see a picture of an old-fashioned TV and radio hybrid, and if you fiddle with the dials correctly, you'll get to hear a 50-second clip of a song followed by frontman M. Shadows briefly talking about their recording process. The new album is expected out in the late summer or early fall.

ADELITAS WAY: Guiatrist Leaves

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

Adelitas Way guitarist Keith Wallen has left the band.

Wallen posted a note on his Facebook page that says,

"I’ve been truly blessed to have had the opportunity to tour the country multiple times, playing music with some of my dearest friends. I would like to thank [the band] for allowing me to create music with them for a little while, and I wish them all the best in their music careers and in life. It has been an honor every single day that I’ve had the privilege of performing with them."

Adelitas Way are continuing work on their third album in Las Vegas.

Velvet Revolver looking for new singer...again

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

Velvet Revolver and Scott Weiland reunited for a one-off performance for a benefit concert in January 2012, and shortly after the gig, Weiland claimed that he was once again a full-time member of VR. Weiland promised a new album and 2012 tour with the band, but Slash quickly swatted down Weiland’s claims. In September 2012, Velvet Revolver bassist Duff McKagan stated that the band’s singer search was “nowhere,” before drummer Matt Sorum further discussed the uncertainty whirling around VR. Scott Weiland has continued to make public statements on a desired reunion, but Slash once again batted down the idea, claiming, “We’re not buying it,” during an early 2013 interview.

Slash recently made an appearance on Flint, Mich., radio station Banana 101.5 to speak about Velvet Revolver’s signature search.

“With Velvet, there’s no singer in place, and there hasn’t been, but we’ve been, actually, very quietly been looking for somebody who’s right for that band,” says Slash.

Slayer's Jeff Hanneman's cause of death revealed

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

The official cause of death of Slayer guitarist Jeff Henneman was alcohol related cirrhosis.

The band made the revelation on their website, adding that

"Jeff and those close to him were not aware of the true extent of his liver condition until the last days of his life. Contrary to some reports, Jeff was not on a transplant list at the time of his passing, or at any time prior to that. In fact, by all accounts, it appeared that he had been improving -- he was excited and looking forward to working on a new record."

Henneman died May 2nd at the age of 49.

Slayer also announced that a celebration of Hanneman's life will be held "sometime later this month, [and] along with Jeff's family and friends, the public will be invited to attend."

Produce the next All That Remains video

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

All That Remains are asking you to make the video for their new single, "Asking Too Much."

The fan who creates the best video will win $2000 and having their clip promoted on the band's site and YouTube. Head to Talenthouse.com for more info. The deadline to enter is June 24th.

James Hetfield talks new music...kind of

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

After a month of conflicting reports, Metallica frontman James Hetfield has set the record straight about plans for their next album.

Hetfield tells the Abu Dhabi-based That’s Entertainment that the band hasn't even started on the basic thing an album needs -- songs. He says,

"We haven't even started writing it. We're going through riffs. We have, like, 800-and-something riffs we're going through -- lots of ideas. We're really excited about it, but doing concerts here and there, trying to get back in the studio and get some stuff done, it's all really exciting. It gets done on Metallica time, which is not really scheduled. When it's done, it's done and when it's good, then it will be done."

As I lay Dying singer arrested (updated)

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

The singer for Christian metal band As I Lay Dying singer was arrested Tuesday -- for allegedly trying to have his estranged wife killed.

Police picked up Tim Lambesis at a store in Oceanside, California, near the band's hometown San Diego, after he tried to hire a hit man who turned out to be an undercover cop. They've charged him with solicitation of another to commit murder.

An investigation began last Thursday when police learned that Lambesis had solicited someone to kill his wife, Meggan. According to court records, Meggan filed for divorce last September.

(update)

As I Lay Dying singer Tim Lambesis pleaded not guilty to solicitation of murder Thursday in a San Diego courtroom.

Prosecutors say Lambesis gave an envelope containing $1000 in cash to an undercover agent and provided instructions on how to kill his estranged wife -- including her photograph, address, security gate code and dates he would be with their children to give him an alibi. The judge set bail at $3 million and said if Lambesis is released, he must wear a GPS monitoring device and face strict travel restrictions. If convicted, he faces up to nine years in prison.

Lambesis's lawyer Anthony Salerno told reporters that the singer did not intend to harm anybody and was apparently set up by a man he'd met at the gym, where the initial plot was allegedly formed. Saleno added, "Law enforcement was being fed something by someone that I strongly believe was a snitch, was out to save his own skin and was trumping things up, exaggerating things."

Korn announce new record with Head

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

When Korn announced a series of shows with the orginal guitarist Brian "Head" Welch the world of Korn fans got a little excited to say the least. Most were hoping to not just see the reunited lineup but to hear the reunited lineup. Korn fans just got their wish. Via a video on Rolling Stone's website they have announced that the classic Korn linup of Jonathan Davis, James 'Munky' Shaffer, REginald 'Fieldy' Arvizu, and Brian 'Head' Welch along with drummer Ray Luzier will record thier first album in 10 years together.

“We knew we would have a blast playing together, because we love each other so much, but we really wanted to make sure the music felt right before we committed to making a whole album together,” Welch tells Rolling Stone. “But since we got in the studio, everything just started pouring out, now I can’t wait until our fans hear this stuff!”

Korn are planning on a late summer 2013 release date for their newest album, which will be their first with Welch since ‘Take a Look in the Mirror’ dropped in 2003. The band, with Head along for the ride, is touring together this year as well, with dates including Rock on the Range in Columbus, OH.

Check out Korn’s new album teaser below!

Metallica rock the national anthem

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

Metallica performs the national anthem at AT&T Park in San Fran before the Giants game

And Lars threw out the first pitch

HIM cancel tour

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

Good and Sad news in the world of the finish rock band HIM, good news they won the award for most dedicated fans at the Revolver Golden God awards last Thursday, bad news they have been forced to cancel all touring plans for spring and early summer as lead singer Ville Valo has been diagnosed with severe asthma and presumptive pneumonia. HIM will be back for Rock Allegiance tour late summer with Volbeat.

SOCIAL DISTORTION: The Story of My Life (Really)

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Social Distortion frontman Mike Ness has signed a deal to write his autobiography.

Story of My Life -- named after one of their biggest hits, off their 1990 self-titled album -- is due out in February 2014. The book is expected to cover Ness's descent into heroin addiction in the mid-'80s, how it almost broke up the band and how he's stayed clean and sober since 1985.

Social Distortion will kick off a month-long summer tour on June 1st

Hellyeah added to the Gigantour

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Hellyeah! as it turns out, will indeed be onstage with Dave Mustaine as part of the Gigantour.

Hellyeah revealed this past weekend that they will be playing the 2013 version of the tour. Besides Megadeth, they join previously confirmed acts David Draiman’s Device and Death Division (featuring ex- Hellyeah/Nothingface bassist Jerry Montano and Morbid Angel/ex-Divine Heresy drummer Tim Yeung). Meanwhile, the rumor mill also suggests that Black Label Society will be playing Gigantour as well.

As for Hellyeah, they certainly fit the criteria that Mustaine stated about this year’s lineup, that “Each one of the other bands on there, they’re new bands comprised of a person who was a major celebrity from a really large band that went on to do something new.” After all, the band does include Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul, as well as Chad Gray and Greg Tribbett of Mudvayne. It actually might be a tad awkward for the band, since Death Division’s Jerry Montano left Hellyeah under sudden circumstances. Either way, Hellyeah’s involvement pretty much confirms one supergroup who WILL NOT be playing Gigantour.

DISTURBED: Really, We're Not Done

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Apparently some Disturbed fans think the band's hiatus will last forever.

Even though singer David Draiman has said in multiple interviews for his side project Device that Disturbed will return, many fans aren't convinced. So guitarist Dan Donegan felt compelled to chime in after his side project Fight or Flight was revealed and say that Disturbed will continue.

Donegan posted a note on the Disturbed Facebook page that said,

"We love [that] the fans that have given us this life and the outlet to express ourselves for many years now. This has just become another extension of us. I get it, I understand why some of you may be mad that we are all doing other things right now, but let me assure you that all of us are looking forward to the day we return as Disturbed to show you how much you mean to us."

Fight or Flight's debut album, A Life by Design?, is due out July 23rd.

And here is what the rest of Disturbed is up to

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

With singer David Draiman leading Device and bassist John Moyer rocking out in Adrenaline Mob, we’ve known what half of Disturbed have been doing during the band’s hiatus. But now, it’s guitarist Dan Donegan and drummer Mike Wengren’s turn to step into the spotlight with a new band called Fight or Flight featuring Evans Blue frontman Dan Chandler.

Fight or Flight, which also features Ra’s Sean Corcoran on bass and Jeremy Jayson as a second guitarist and backing vocalist, have inked a deal with Warner Bros. Records and are gearing up to release their debut disc, ‘Life by Design?,’ on July 23.

The band recently launched their official website, which includes a Soundcloud file previewing a snippet of their single ‘First of the Last’ from the upcoming disc. It can be heard below. On May 7, fans will be able to pre-order the disc and receive an instant download of the full ‘First of the Last’ single.

Donegan says via the band’s Facebook page,

“After a few months home, I was going through withdrawals from the road. I actually met Dan Chandler online in 2011. I requested him on Facebook because I’m a fan of Evans Blue. I watched them at Rock on the Range that same year, and he sounded incredible. We had spoken about collaborating in passing that day, but I didn’t think much of it until Disturbed decided to go on a hiatus. We didn’t have a plan for it, we just wanted to write together, there was no discussion of the direction, we just let it happen naturally … Although there’s some trademark things in the way Mike and I play, when you add another writer and new voice with Chandler, it’s going to be different. It’s got edgy moments, but there’s more melody across the board. We had the chance to experiment as well. There are acoustic guitars and some electronics even.”

On top of the stomping upcoming single, fans can also look forward to the heartfelt acoustic ballad ‘Leaving’ and the slow burn of the new track ‘A Void’ on the forthcoming disc. Stay tuned for more from Fight or Flight.

Rob Zombie and John 5 go Black Metal

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Have you heard of Leviathan the Fleeing Serpent? Maybe that’s because they don’t exist. The black metal band, whose video “Crushing the Ritual” can be seen below, is actually Rob Zombie and John 5, who wrote the song for Lords of Salem. The song is on the soundtrack, and the band, which consists of “Butcher Olaf,” “Count Gorgann” and “Halvard the Guardian,” actually do a solid job of hitting all the black metal staples. The song’s definitely lo-fi enough to pass for black metal, and their logo’s sure illegible enough, the only hint that it might not be a long-unearthed black metal band is that the video’s produced a little too well.

Metallica's 3D movie get's release date

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

If you've been following along, you know that we're pretty damn excited about the upcoming release of our 3D film, Metallica Through the Never. Today we have big news as the movie goes extreme next level with IMAX! Starting September 27, 2013 our movie will be shown exclusively on EVERY single screen in EVERY single IMAX theatre in North America for a full week. That's over 300 theatres that we'll be unleashing Through The Never to... an IMAX first! There really is no better way than this to experience film and promises to amount to an unprecedented and very unique visit to the movies.

Don't have an IMAX theatre nearby? No problem! The movie will roll into additional theatres in full 3D one week later on October 4. In the meantime we're editing and putting the finishing touches on the film, so keep watching here for many more details, photos, and video clips from our live extravaganza filmed last summer in Vancouver. With so many of you playing a very important role on those nights, we are anxious to begin to share it all with you very soon and we'll see you in the theatres this Fall!

Click here to read the AP News story and interview with Lars.

Full Press Release Below

PICTUREHOUSE'S METALLICA THROUGH THE NEVER
ROCKS IMAX® 3D THEATRES FOR EXCLUSIVE RUN
IN NORTH AMERICA BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 27

IMAX Corporation and Picturehouse today announced that Metallica Through the Never, filmmaker Nimród Antal's captivating 3D movie featuring one of music's most enduring and iconic bands, will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® 3D format and released wide in North America exclusively into IMAX® theatres for a one-week engagement starting Friday, Sept. 27. The film will expand into additional theatres on Oct. 4.

Starring Metallica, a cast of thousands of their fans and breakout star Dane DeHaan (Chronicle, The Amazing Spider-Man 2), Metallica Through the Never is written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Nimród Antal (Predators, Kontroll) and produced by former IMAX film producer Charlotte Huggins (Journey to the Center of the Earth). The film marries groundbreaking footage and editing techniques with a compelling narrative, in which a band crew member (played by DeHaan) is sent out on a mission during Metallica's roaring live set in front of a sold-out arena. While on this mission, he unexpectedly has his life turned completely upside down.

"IMAX! It doesn't get bigger or cooler than that!" said Lars Ulrich who formed Metallica in 1981 together with James Hetfield. "For four guys in a rock band of average height, to get a chance to unleash their 3D film on IMAX screens the size of buildings across the country is a mind-blowing thought. 'Hey look, Mom, I'm 50 feet tall (finally!)' There is no better way to experience film and when you throw in the spectacle of music and sound this should amount to an unprecedented, unique and truly next level experience."

"The totally immersive experience of IMAX 3D is the perfect complement to Metallica's in-your-face, big and loud performance style," said Bob Berney, CEO of Picturehouse. "The combination of the band's music and a strong storyline create a unique cinematic experience for die-hard fans and general moviegoers alike."

"Nimród Antal and Metallica have done a tremendous job capturing the essence of the band's commanding live performances and have created a visual and aural cinematic spectacle," said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Entertainment. "We believe the power of The IMAX Experience® will deliver for Metallica fans and ensure they feel every part of this journey."

The IMAX 3D release of Metallica Through the Never will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

Joey Jordison working on new music

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison has a new project in the works with more details to follow. Thus far he has released the following teaser image for it which appears to suggest that Jed Simon of Strapping Young Lad fame is among the musicians involved. Of the undertaking Joridson merely offered:

“Hey guys, I’ve been working on a new music project. More details coming soon. -Joey“

Pop Evil can't wait to play new songs live

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Pop Evil are itching to play a bunch of songs from their upcoming album Onyx.

Drummer Chachi Riot says they've been playing the same bunch of songs for three years, so having new tunes to insert into their set will be great. They're playing the single "Trenches" at shows now, but are holding off until after Onyx comes out May 14th so fans have a chance to hear the new material. Riot adds:

"We've been playing pretty much the same group of songs for a lot of shows. The new record means new songs, which means new songs live. But you don't want to debut too many before the album actually drops, otherwise it's kind of pointless. There's no way for those people to hear those songs anyway. You wanna hold back the majority but we try to do what we can to sneak in one or two."

3 Doors Down bassit charged with vehicular homicide (updated)

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

3 Doors Down have canceled their North American tour dates for this spring after their bassplayer Todd Harrell was arrested late last week on vehicular homicide and drug charges after he was involved in a fatal crash in Nashville, Tn.

As we reported on Monday, Harrell's Cadillac clipped a Ford pickup truck at a high rate of speed and the driver of the truck, 47-year-old Paul Howard Shoulders, was ejected from the truck and was pronounced dead after arriving at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

The band issued the following statement on Monday about the canceled dates:

"Out of respect to Paul Howard Shoulders, Jr., and his family, 3 Doors Down has cancelled the band's four scheduled U.S. April / May appearances. They will resume touring May 31 in Moscow, and return to the U.S. for scheduled dates in July."

Harrell reportedly admitted to drinking hard cider and taking prescription Lortab and Xanax. When he was being booked into jail Davidson County Sheriff's deputies discovered a plastic bag in his sock which reportedly contained Xanax, Oxycodone and Oxymorphone pills.

Updated 4/24:

Todd Harrell was released on $100,000 bail on Tuesday. He is due in court tomorror (4/25) to face charges.

Uproar tour announced

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Rockstar Energy Drink Main Stage:

Alice in Chains
Janes Addiction
Coheed and Cambria
Circa Survive

Ernie Ball Stage

Walking Papers
Danko Jones
Middle Class Rut
New Politics
Chuck Shaffer Picture Show

Closest Date is: 08/22 Tinley Park, IL – First Midwest Bank Pavilion

Ben Burnley retains Breaking Benjamin

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Breaking Benjamin‘s lengthy layoff may be coming to an end, as court proceedings between frontman Benjamin Burnley and two of the band’s former members concerning the rights to use their moniker have concluded with the vocalist emerging victorious.

The band took an indefinite hiatus in 2010 while Burnley was dealing with an illness. Not long after, the band’s label released a greatest hits album featuring a newly remixed version of ‘Blow Me Away’ with special guest vocalist Valora. The album and single became a point of contention between Burnley and bassist Mark Klepaski and guitarist Aaron Fink, as the singer later revealed that the two members had unilaterally signed off on the album and song remix without his consent.

Both Klepaski and Fink were fired by Burnley and a legal battle ensued over the rights to the name. Meanwhile drummer Chad Szeliga, who had used the hiatus to join Black Label Society as a touring musician, remained on good terms with Burnley.

In a posting at the band’s website, the group’s current status was updated. It reads as follows:

The dispute between Benjamin Burnley, who is the sole founder, primary musician, singer and songwriter for the band Breaking Benjamin, and two of the band’s ex-members has been resolved. Benjamin Burnley retains his right to use his band name and Breaking Benjamin will continue.

Burnley added his own comments, stating:

I am pleased to finally put this matter behind me and focus on the future for Breaking a Benjamin. I wish to express my never ending love and gratitude to the best fans in the world for their undying love and support. Words cannot express my love to you all! Thank you!!

- Benjamin Burnley

In a recent interview with Hardrock Haven, Szeliga hinted that there might be movement with Breaking Benjamin soon and he expected to be part of it.

“I am just looking to get back in the studio with Breaking Benjamin,” stated the drummer. “Yes, I’m answering the question that everybody asks me every day … Breaking Benjamin is still together. We will definitely and hopefully be doing another record in the future!”

Avenged Sevenfold/Deftones tour?

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Rumor is that there is an Avenged Sevenfold tour being booked for this fall that will also feature The Deftones, and to sweeten the pie a bit the band Ghost BC would be direct support. Who doesn't want to see a band that features a satanic pope before The Deftones and A7X?

Right now it is just a rumor but if it becomes reality we'll be first in line.

Don't forget Razor 94.7 welcomes Avenged Sevenfold to Rock USA on Wednesday July 17. More Rock USA info here.

Phillip Anselmo Solo Album on the Way

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Pantera and Down frontman Philip Anselmo has set a July 16th release date for his very first solo album, "Walk Through Exits Only," and he plans to hit the road with his band the Illegals. Anselmo co-produced the album with Michael Thompson at his New Orleans studio, Nodferatu's Lair. He was backed by his band The Illegals which features Marzi Montazeri on guitar and drummer Jose Manuel "Blue" Gonzales.

Anselmo had this to say about the album,

"It wasn't about doing a paint-by-numbers thrash or heavy metal record. It's an angry album that only I could do. I don't see anybody else out there screaming about the same sh*t I'm screaming about. On this album, there isn't any wordplay, there isn't any hidden message, it's all right there in front of you."

Housecore Records, Anselmo's own record label, will be releasing "Walk Through Exits Only" on CD, vinyl and as a digital download.

He also plans to support the effort with his band the Illegals by taking part in what his camp calls a major North American tour this summer. Dates and details have yet to be released.

Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard releasing solo album

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard will release his sophomore solo album, "Moonlander," on June 25 and its filled with special guests.
The project features appearances from Gossard's fellow musicians including Matt Cameron (Pearl Jam, Soundgarden), Matt Chamberlain, Regan Hagar (Brad, Malfunkshun, Satchel), Pete Droge, Brandon Harper, Gregg Keplinger, Keith Lowe, Barbara Ireland (The Fags) and Hans Teuber.

"Songs from the album were recorded between 2003-2011," Stone explains. "Over the last year, I went through all of my old demos and recordings that weren't used as Pearl Jam or Brad songs and picked my favorites."

Metallica's new album is a slow process

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Kirk Hammett says Metallica are hoping to release a new album next year but he's not sure it will happen. The band are focusing all their energies on upcoming 3D movie Metallica Through The Never, and don't intend to turn away from it.

Hammett tells GulfNews.com that work on the follow-up to 2008′s Death Magnetic has been pencilled in for completion next year:

"That's what we're hoping would happen. Whether that's a reality, we'll see. We're recording stuff here and there but it's a pretty slow process. Metallica Through The Never is taking precedence over anything else at the moment, We want to make sure the movie gets our full attention and it turns out the way we want it to turn out."

Delays to recording sessions might be no bad thing for Hammett, who admits:

"I really enjoy playing live shows. It's enormously satisfying writing songs. It's not so fun for me in the studio because I am a bit ADD."

Bush live DVD and blu-ray

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Supporting their most recent and fifth studio album The Sea of Memories, Bush kicked of their fall 2011 tour with a sold out show at Stubb’s in Austin, TX. There was no lack of moshing and crowd surfing while the band played a variety of songs from their catalog, including fan favorites “Machinehead,” “Glycerine” and “Comedown” – along with new hits “All My Life,” “The Sound of Winter” and “The Afterlife.” On one of several forays into the crowd that evening, Bush’s frontman Gavin Rossdale closed out the sweltering show shaking hands to the delight of his fans.

Professionally shot with partner Blastro Networks, the video of the performance is now available to order in North America on Blu-ray ($30) and DVD ($25) via TourGigs. Three different digital formats (480p, 1080p HD, 1080p Ultra Quality) are also be available for download now – starting at $15. In addition, fans have the option to purchase individual tracks for $1.99.

Deftones bassist Chi Cheng passes away

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Despite recent signs of improvement in his condition, Deftones bassist Chi Cheng passed away unexpectedly early Saturday morning.

The 42-year old musician had been in a coma-like semi conscious state since a 2008 car accident left him badly injured. Not wearing his sat belt, Cheng was ejected from the vehicle during a high-speed head-on collision. Cheng’s story was told in a 2011 documentary created by POD members and The Whosoevers in an effort to raise money and awareness.

According to a statement posted to oneloveforchi.com, Cheng’s mother (Mom J) said his heart had stopped.

Mom J shared the family’s sentiments. “This is the hardest thing to write to you, she began. “Your love and heart and devotion to Chi was unconditional and amazing. I know that you will always remember him as a giant of a man on stage with a heart for every one of you. Cheng was taken to the emergency room and at 3:00 a.m. Sunday, April 14 after his heart suddenly stopped. He left this world with me singing songs he liked in his ear.”

For those that wish to share their thoughts of Chi, his family is encouraging fans to direct messages directly to the onelove website.

Memebers of the rock and metal community have been commenting via Twitter:

Brandon Boyd (Incubus): Rest In Peace Brother Chi Cheng
B-Real (Cypress Hill): R.i.p Chi Cheng.. Condolences to his family and the deftones family.. He was a good man.
Duff McKagan (Velvet Revolver, Guns n' Roses): RIP Chi. Awful news. Condolences to the Cheng family and @deftones.... from the McKagan's.
Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, Nightwatchman): R.I.P Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng. Very sweet and talented guy. Head injury from car accident. Everyone please wear seatbelt and live.

Alice in Chains performances from Jimmy Kimmel

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Steel Panther make's the Chad and Avril wedding intersting

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

If you haven't heard for some reason, Canadian pop princess Avril Lavine and Candadian mega rockstar Chad Kroeger (Nickelback) are getting hitched. Now we know it's enough to make you puke and it's not something we'd normally report on or even be remotly excited about, but it turns out that the Nickelback frontman has hired the comediac metal band Steel Panther to play the wedding.

Megadeth release snippet of new song, but you have to play a game

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Megadeth is slated to release its new album, Super Collider, on June 4 And now we not only have our first taste of new material, but also a glimpse at the album’s cover.

Dave Mustaine and crew revealed the cover artwork seen above via an online game. The website also includes an audio snippet of a new song called “Don’t Turn Your Back.”

Head over to megadethgame.com now to hear the sample of “Don’t Turn Your Back,” and if you want to play the game even though you’ve already seen the cover. Super Collider is already available for pre-order via Amazon.

Metallica Pinball

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

The Stern Pinball company has teamed up with the band for the game, which will feature such songs as "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "Fuel," "Master of Puppets," "Sad but True," "Enter Sandman" and more as players hit the flippers. The machine is expected out later this year.

Stream Drowning Pool's new album

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

‘Resilience’ is Drowning Pool’s fifth studio album, and the first with new vocalist Jasen Moreno. In a recent interview with Loudwire, bassist Stevie Benton talked about Moreno’s addition.

“Personality wise, he fits in great and that was a big part choosing this singer this time. He’s a guy that we’ve known for a lot of years, we go way back so we knew he was a cool guy and not just a cool guy for now to get the gig – he’s not going to change overnight, he’s not going to be a different guy six months from now, we’ve known him for over 10 years.”

Rob Zombie is headlining Sturgis!

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Sturgis just got heavier with the addition of Rob Zombie as a headliner of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip during hard rock night on August 7th.
Zombie will be headlining that night of the music festival taking place during the Sturgis motorcycle rally. Mastodon and Machine Head were previously announced for that night's concert.

"Rob Zombie is a living icon with so many highly acclaimed accomplishments behind him we have no doubt he'll make an impact fans will remember for years to come, " says Rod Woodruff, owner of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. "Fans are absolutely thrilled to have Rob Zombie join the Chip's festival lineup this year."

The 32nd annual Sturgis Buffalo Chip motorcycle and music festival takes place August 2-11, 2013 during the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally.

In addition to the hard rock night lineup, the festival also feature performances from Kid Rock, Toby Keith, ZZ Top, Halestorm, Brantley Gilbert, Queensrÿche and Sublime with Rome.

Newsted complete debut full length

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Jason Newsted (ex-Flotsam and Jetsam, Voivoid and, oh yeah, Metallica bassist) has completed recording his first full-length album with his new band, the sensibly titled Newsted.

The album will enter the mixing phase later this week, and release is targeted for some time later this year. The Newsted line-up includes drummer Jesus Mendez Jr, guitarist Jessie Farnsworth, and Staind guitarist Mike Mushok.

"It was obvious from the word go that Mike is one of us," Newsted says of Mushok'. "Professional, focused, happy and grateful to be able to make our beautiful noise together!" Mushok said he loved Newsted's Metal EP, and jumped at the chance to be involved in the band while Staind were on break. "It was perfect timing," Mushok said. "All I could say was 'Hell yeah! I'm totally down for this!'"

The Metal EP sold over 6,000 copies in the USA in its first week of release in January, landing at #62 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Pop Evil's Onyx details are here

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Pop Evil’s new album, ‘Onyx,’ arrives May 8 and the band just unveiled the full track listing and the disc’s cover art. The artwork for ‘Onyx,’ shows a statuesque angelic figure looking down through the clouds as the rays of the sun shine upward. The 12-track disc is currently available for pre-order on indiemerch dot com and is expected to ship on or around May 8. The album arrives in stores May 14. Those who pre-order their ‘Onyx’ albums early will receive signed CD booklets from the band on a first-come, first-served basis

Track Listing:
1. Goodbye My Friend
2. Deal with the Devil
3. Trenches
4. Torn to Pieces
5. Divide
6. Beautiful
7. Silence & Scars a
8. Sick Sense
9. Fly Away
10. Behind Closed Doors a
11. Welcome to Reality a
12. Flawed

Black Veil Brides concert film on the way

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Black Veil Brides are ready to share another piece of their ‘Wretched and Divine‘ story as the ‘Legion of the Black‘ film they shot as a companion piece to the album will be offered for purchase to fans in June.

The film will be packaged with the ‘Wretched and Divine: Ultimate Edition’ release, which also includes the ‘Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones’ album. The set will be repackaged in a large black box with new artwork, three additional songs and the film, as well as a book of unreleased photos and other assorted extras.

Here the full Device right here

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Korn's reunion with Head continues

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Korn continue to add onto their European and U.S. festival plans with guitarist Brian “Head” Welch back onstage. That’s why it’s not too surprising that the trek is turning into a proper U.S. tour.

In addition to various festivals, Korn will be playing headlining shows in smaller markets scattered in the U.S. This marks the band’s first headlining (mini-)tour with Welch since 2004. It also further indicates that Korn are making efforts to make Welch’s return permanent (something that both the band and Welch seem hopeful of). It also likely means that you’ll hear a lot less dubstep if you go to any of the shows.

Check out a rundown of Korn’s U.S. plans (as of now) below.

5/15 – Belle Vernon, PA @ Rostraver Ice Garden
5/17 – Columbus, Ohio @ Rock on the Range
5/18 – Big Flats, NY @ The Summer Stage at Tag’s
5/21 – Silver Springs, MD @ The Fillmore
5/22 – Montclair, N.J. @ The Wellmont Theatre
5/23 – Bethlehem, PA @ Sands Bethlehem Event Center
5/24-26 – Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma (exact date TBA)
5/25 – St. Louis, MO @ Peabody
7/19 – Cadott, WI @ Rock Fest

Alice in Chains, funny or die

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

This isn't a documentary, it's a mockumentary and some of the charcters sure look an awful lot like members of Alice in Chains. Plus there are some clips of some new songs. Check it out AIC 23

Alice in Chains Twenty-Three from Alice in Chains

Stone Sour streaming House of Gold and Bones Part 2

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Stone Sour fans will not wait until next week to hear the band's forthcoming album in full as the group is now streaming the entire effort online on their official website.

The new album, House Of Gold & Bones Part 2, is set to be released next Tuesday (April 9th) but yesterday the band posted an entire album stream

The album is conclusion of the Stone Sour's House of Gold & Bones two part concept album, following the story written by frontman Corey Taylor.

"Part 2 is the exciting conclusion. You will hear darkness. You will hear reflections of Part 1. You will see what's next. Most importantly, you will join the characters as they finally decide," says Taylor.

Skillet new album on the way

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

The wait is almost over for Skillet fans. The band will be releasing a new song next week and have set a released date for their new studio album.

The band have set a June 25th release date for the new album, which they have entitled "Rise." The first single from the album, "Sick Of It," is set to be released digitally at iTunes and premiere at rock radio next Tuesday, April 9th.

The new album is the follow-up to the band's 2009 platinum release, "Awake." The band sent over word that the new album tells the story of a typical American teen coming into adulthood and trying to figure out who he is in a world riddled with problems both within and outside his control.

"The narrative idea happened after we had 10 or 11 of the songs chosen," says lead singer/bassist John Cooper. "As we recorded them, we started to realize that there was something going on—that the album was really telling a story. Realizing that, I knew we needed to make it as powerful as we could."

Lollapalooza Lineup

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

The line-up for this year’s Lollapalooza music festival has officially been announced, featuring headliners Nine Inch Nails, Mumford & Son, the Killers and the Cure, making their first-ever appearance at the fest.

“The first time I ran into Robert Smith of The Cure was 1997 in New York City,” said Perry Farrell, lead singer of Jane’s Addiction and the festival’s founder, in a press release. “We were both going into the same club; and it was Halloween. I was dressed as myself and so was he. I am so happy the Cure have finally arrived at Lolla in Chicago.”

The announcement was made more than a week ahead of the original release date of April 9 after the line-up was leaked when a poster revealing the acts hit the internet late last week.

While three-day passes (August 2-4) to this year’s festival are almost sold out, single day tickets are set to be released today (April 2) at 10 a.m. central time. Given the caliber of the line-up, they’re expected to sell out quickly.

This year’s line-up is packed with heavy-hitters and fan favorites, including Queens of the Stone Age, Kendrick Lamar, Phoenix, the Postal Service and Vampire Weekend.

Last year’s Lollapalooza festival, which featured Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jack White, Florence and the Machine and The Black Keys, was marked by a severe storm during the day of August 4 that forced organizers to clear Grant Park, although the show was able to resume a few hours later.

Check out the complete Lollapalooza 2013 line-up below.

Aug. 2:

The Killers, Nine Inch Nails, New Order, Queens of the Stone Age, Steve Aoki, Thievery Corporation, Lana Del Rey, Flux Pavilion, Band of Horses, Hot Chip, Crystal Castles, Imagine Dragons, Frightened Rabbit, Dillon Francis, Smith Westerns, Disclosure.

Father John Misty, Ghost B.C., Modestep, Emeli Sande, Jessie Ware, Atlas Genius, Timeflies, Theophilus London, Monsta, IO Echo, Icona Pop, Chance the Rapper, Lance Herbstrong, Robert DeLong, Deep Vally, Twenty One Pilots, San Cisco, Hey Marseilles, Keys N Krates, the Neighbourhood, Pacific Air, American Authors, Houndmouth, Brick + Mortar, D-Pryde, Brite Lite Brite.

Aug. 3:

Mumford & Sons, the Postal Service, the National, the Lumineers, Kendrick Lamar, Eric Church, Steve Angello, Ellie Goulding, Azealia Banks, Local Natives, Dada Life, Matt & Kim, Foals, Death Grips, Court Yard Hounds, Adventure Club, Ben Howard, GriZ.

Charles Bradley, Heartless Bastards, Baauer, Haim, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, St. Lucia, Shovels & Rope, Little Green Cars, Family of the Year, 360, the Bright Light Social Hot, Reignwolf, Pujol, Planet Hemp, Cole Plante, Lukas Nelson & P.O.T.R., Blondfire, Frontier Ruckus, Wheeler Brothers, the Dunwells, Supreme Cuts, Cherub, Wild Cub, Brooke Waggoner, Beast Patrol.

Aug. 4:

The Cure, Phoenix, Vampire Weekend, Knife Party, Grizzly Bear, Major Lazer, Dog Blood, Two Door Cinema Club, Tegan and Sara, Beach House, Cat Power, 2 Chainz, Alt-J, the Vaccines, DIIV, Alex Clare, Baroness, Lianne La Havas, Wild Nothing.

Angel Haze, Wavves, Alvin Risk, Jake Bugg, Wild Belle, Art Department, MS MR, Guards, Kill the Noise, Skaters, the Orwells, Palma Violets, Astro, Machines are People Too, Yawn, Half Moon Run, the Mowgli’s, Wake Owl, Bear Mountain, O’Brother, Makeshift Prodigy.

Dave Grohl is a ghoul

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

It turns out that the hardest working man in rock has played drums in yet another band. The band is Ghost B.C. and Dave is one of the unnamed ghouls in the band. Here's what he had to say:

“I’ve already played the devil (in 2006′s Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny), so it was a no-brainer to join forces with an evil pope. The last time I had a hunch about joining up with a band that signed to a major label for their second album, it worked out pretty well. And with the Foos done touring for the time being, and the whole Sound City thing over, I can concentrate on being a nameless ghoul, and no one will be any the wiser.”

In addition to his forthcoming Ghost BC duties, Grohl also played drums on the forthcoming Queens of the Stone Age album, and will likely work on a new Them Crooked Vultures album following Ghost’s tour dates, which can be seen after the jump.

You can see Dave as a nameless ghoul on tour with Ghost B.C. May 15th at Turner Hall in Milwaukee

Celebrating Alice in Chains

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

There's nobody like Alice in Chains.

You can search the entire canon of recorded music, and you'll never find a band that can do what these Seattle Legends can. Dirt defied all categorization. It wasn't "grunge" per se. It wasn't alternative either. It wasn't even metal. Instead, it was a gut-wrenching, guttural, and grim head trip worth taking over and over again. You could fill up books discussing the album's nuances. Facelift kicked everything off, certainly, but Dirt was where Alice In Chains became perfect and utterly essential for any real music fan. In addition to the psychedelic metallic prog, Layne Staley, Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, and Sean Kinney could jot down an unforgettable hook—in blood. Look no further than Jar of Flies or even the first acoustic EP, Sap. Their highly underrated self-titled swan song with Staley also brims with the same kind of infectious energy. Staley remains an icon, and there's no doubt he'd be proud of the band's comeback with 2009's Black Gives Way to Blue featuring vocalist William DuVall and this year's The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here, out May 28.

Friday April 5 marks eleven years since Staley's untimely death. However, ARTISTdirect.com editor in chief Rick Florino spoke to some of the biggest names in rock rock including Korn, Slipknot, Zakk Wylde, Five Finger Death Punch, HIM, Papa Roach, Portugal. The Man, Device, and more about Alice In Chains and Staley's impact.

How did Alice In Chains impact you? Can you share some seminal memories? What are some favorite songs are records?

Corey Taylor of Slipknot & Stone Sour

Corey Taylor: I've just been a huge, diehard Alice In Chains for as long as I can remember. I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it. I feel like they're responsible for the way that I write. "Would?" is one of my all-time favorite songs in history. When I heard "Would?" for the first time, it showed me that anything was possible within music. You could really do anything, and there were no rules. Growing up, I was so into punk. In the alternative world, there was a sentiment that you had to write a certain way. "Would?" came out, and it hit me right in the face. My first reaction was, "This could very well be one of the greatest songs ever written!" Dirt is an album with so many ghosts, and they're very real and alive. They'll always be one of my favorite bands. I can't wait to hear the new record. I still love Black Gives Way to Blue too.

Brian "Head" Welch of Korn & Love and Death

Brian "Head" Welch: I'm a huge Alice In Chains fan. When I first heard "Man in the Box", I wanted to be the writer of that riff so badly. That was a couple years before Korn, but it felt like a long time to me. I wasn't even really playing music. I was just a roadie for Munky and his little bands. When I heard "Man in the Box", I was like, "I wish I could write music like that!" Luckily, a couple of years later, we started coming up with our own music. Facelift was so great. They're still going strong. They had a total rebirth, and it's awesome. Playing with them at Rock on the Range, I feel like I'm Wayne's World—"I'm not worthy" [Laughs].

Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society and Ozzy Osbourne

Zakk Wylde: The first time I heard Jerry Cantrell and the boys was "Man in the Box". Then, there was "Sea of Sorrow". I was like, "Dude, this stuff's awesome!" They played Long Beach Arena in 1989 on some metal thing with Lynch Mob. I saw them there on Facelift, and it was way cool. All of their records are cool. They're like Led Zeppelin records because they're all different. I remember the first time Jerry played me Dirt in the back of the tour bus. They were out with us on an Ozzy Osbourne tour. I was like, "Dude, this is fucking ridiculous!" To me, that's their Led Zeppelin IV, Back in Black, or The Black Album. For every band, the stars align on that record, and they're primed and geared for that next jump. From beginning to the end, everything about that record is incredible.

Barrett Martin of Mad Season & Screaming Trees

Barrett Martin: I actually did not see Alice In Chains in the very early Seattle years. They played a different circuit of clubs than the grunge bands did. Early Alice In Chains was a little more glam, and it leaned more towards what you might call "Hollywood". They were a bit more metal, and their image was different from the grunge bands. The clubs they played were also different. I played in some punk bands and some early grunge bands, and we played downtown Seattle and the clubs in the middle of the city. Alice In Chains were playing out in the suburbs a little bit. I heard Facelift, and I thought there were some good tracks. I felt like those guys were on to something. Then, I got an advance copy of Dirt. I thought, "Wow, this is the record that's going to break them". That was their big record. The first time I saw them was the night Screaming Trees played in Hamburg with them. That was the first show of the world tour we did with them. It started in Germany. Here's what I do remember about Layne. I stood on the stage every night and watch the show. His voice was so powerful back then. On the side of the stage, most of what you hear is the guitars and drums, but Layne's voice was so loud. You could hear him singing out of his body more than anything else. His acoustic voice commanded the stage as much as any of the other instruments. He really had a set of pipes and could push it out

Ivan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch

Ivan Moody: Alice In Chains truly shaped me. They're one of my biggest influences, and they will be forever. I come back to Dirt all the time. Jar of Flies is one of my all-time favorite CDs. The lyrics on both of those records are just so haunting and so powerful. Layne was one of a kind.

Ville Valo of HIM

Ville Valo: I missed their gig because I was under age [Laughs]. They played Helsinki right when Dirt came out back in 1992. Screaming Trees were the support. It was just when Screaming Trees had released Sweet Oblivion, which is one of my favorite grunge-y albums. Mark Lanegan is one of my favorite singers as well. I missed the show because I was 16- or 17-years-old at the time. I got to meet the guys later on, now that they've regrouped. We played some gigs, and William DuVall has come to see us a couple of times when we played in the States. Dirt was huge for me. It's fucked up if you think of the whole record. It's filled with really odd stuff like "Angry Chair". People remember them from "Them Bones" and the more rock-y numbers, but they had a lot of weirdness too. They had long mood-y pieces that were definitely against the grain, similar to Jane's Addiction. I love "Would?", but "Down in a Hole" is one of my favorite slow super melancholy doom-y numbers of all time.

David Draiman of Disturbed & Device

David Draiman: I remember "Man in the Box" used to be the test song for tryouts when I was auditioning for bands prior to Disturbed [Laughs]. It was around the time that Facelift came out, and that song was big. Everybody was so blown away by Layne's vocals. It was like, "Okay, if you can hit that chorus, then you're somebody!" I remember singing it at a hundred different auditions. It's unbelievable. I'll always love them.

Read more at http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/alice-in-chains-stories-from-korn-slipknot-zakk-wylde-device-five-finger-death-punch-mad-season-and-more/10446664#IF02HKhWDL1kjWYs.99

QOSTA New song (video)

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

During Saturday night's Queens of the Stone Age performance at Lollapollaza Brazil they debuted the song "My God is the Sun." The song is taken from their forthcoming album '...Like Clockwork.'

Not bad...Now watch their full performance.

Alter Bridge officially start new album

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Alter Bridge‘s members have set aside all of their other projects and are currently in the midst of writing for their next record. The group has yet to reveal when their fourth studio album will arrive in stores, but given the discussion of a fall tour, it’s likely that a late summer / early fall street date will eventually be revealed.

Guitarist Mark Tremonti recently stated that he expected the band’s next effort to be packed with “high energy” songs, and now bassist Brian Marshall is giving fans a little more insight as to what’s going down in the studio.

Marshall took to Alter Bridge’s twitter account to provide the following recording update:

"So AB is about 8 songs deep in writing! There's some pretty heavy, cerebral stuff going on and it sounds awesome."

What is Dave Mustaine doing?

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

First he says how great Kenny G is and now he's hoping to have country music legend Willie Nelson on the latest Megadeth album 'Supercollider.' He tweeted the pic above and this statement on last night while having dinner in Austin, TX:

“Willie Nelson is in the restaurant I am eating at. I just met him! How cool is this?? I’m talking to Willie about a guest appearance on ‘The Blackest Crow.’ #WillieNelson #SuperCollider.”

Look for the new Megadeth album with or without Willie Nelson later this year.

Metallica add a museum to Orion

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Metallica continue to reveal more details for the 2013 edition of their Orion Music + More festival, set for June 8 and 9 at Belle Isle in Detroit, MI.

A posting from the band:

"We're bringing back the Metallica Museum in 2013, so stay tuned for more details and information about all of the awesome memorabilia we'll have on hand in Detroit! Classic Metallica guitars (including the last bass that Cliff Burton ever played), amps, lyrics, merchandise, stage props and more...except this time it will be BIGGER and BADDER!”

"Last year, festival-goers basked in the glory of 30 years worth of band history and memorabilia in one single spot at the Metallica Museum,” added the group. “They strolled down Metallica memory lane and snapped shots of the band’s rare guitars, like the originals James and Kirk used to record 'Kill 'Em All', 'Ride The Lightning', and 'Master Of Puppets', 'Justice' stage props, and vintage tour posters and t-shirts. For the Pushead fans in the crowd, the museum will display pieces of his original Metallica artwork."

Machine Head search for temp bassist

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

It was revealed via an emotional blog posting last month that Machine Head had parted ways with bassist Adam Duce. Yet with the band tapped to play the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Fest this Summer, the mourning period has to end, and the band need a new bassist. It seems like references from friends aren’t panning out, though, as the band have launched a search for a temporary bassist to play with them this Summer, and are accepting submissions via YouTube.

Here’s what their web site had to say:

Machine Head will begin the process of searching for a temporary bassist replacement for this summer’s Mayhem Festival in the U.S. Interested in trying out? For a limited time the band will accept and review YouTube submissions that include the following:

1) Video: A standalone performance of the songs listed below, just yourself, singing and playing bass along to the the tracks off the albums. **Camera phone is fine as long as it’s stable**

2) A brief 1- to 2-minute statement about your musical experience; playing, touring experience, etc.

Please upload your videos to YouTube and e-mail a link (or links) to MHBassAuditions@gmail.com that includes the following songs:

1) This Is The End

2) Halo

3) Beautiful Mourning

Once the band has narrowed down potential candidates, they will hold tryouts in person at a to-be-determined location.

Seems like a great opportunity for the right bassist. And even if they already have someone in mind to play with the band following the tour and this is a glorified publicity stunt, it might be a chance for a bassist to tour the North America this Summer and play in front of hundreds of thousands of people. Considering there’s only about three months until the tour starts (on June 29 in San Bernardino), you might want to act quick on this.

Want to hear a new Limp Bizkit song? Well here it is anyway

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

We weren't exactly sure what to expect after we found out that Limp Bizkit had signed to the rap label Cash Money. What we did know is that they would eventually put out a new album that would have guest appereances from the Cash Money roster.

This is our first taste, a brand new Limp Bizkit song featuring non other than Lil. Wayne.

Some real info on Queens of the Stone Age

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

After months of cryptic letters Queens of the Stone Age of given us their new album title and release date. Their first album in 6 years will be titled '...Like Clockwork' and you can expect it out in June.

There will be a number of guest appearences on the album including Dave Grohl, Trent Reznor, Mark Lanegan and more. Tour schedule will be coming soon.

Nine Inch Nails fan film is out on YouTube

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

A group of Nine Inch Nails fans that calls itself a tiny little dot has put together a concert film from fan-shot footage from the last show of the band's Wave Goodbye Tour at L.A.'s Wiltern on September 10th, 2009. The film, After All Is Said and Done, is drawn from 75 hours of footage taken from "27 unique fan-shot HD footage sources." The film is available to stream via YouTube and will be available soon on Blu-ray/CD.

My Chemical Romance are no more

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

After 4 albums and a couple live records the band My Chemical Romance have decided to call it a day. Lead singer Gerad Way released this statement:

Being in this band for the past 12 years has been a true blessing. We've gotten to go places we never knew we would. We've been able to see and experience things we never imagined possible. We've shared the stage with people we admire, people we look up to, and best of all, our friends. And now, like all great things, it has come time for it to end. Thanks for all of your support, and for being part of the adventure.

My Chemical Romance

What's weird is as late as just a few months ago it had been reported that the band were in the studio working on their 5th album. Oh well another one bites the dust.

Local H frontman attacked in Russia

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Scott Lucas the frontman for the band Local H was mugged after a show in Moscow where his wallet, passport and everything he was carrying basically was taken, and then left unconscious.

Here's what he had to say via Facebook:

First Morrissey, then Animal Collective, and now this……After weighing all of our options, it looks like we’re going to have to cancel the first 3 dates of the Local H tour – that’s March 21, 22, and 23. We don’t take this decision lightly and we’re deeply sorry for it.

Here’s what happened : A month ago, after a date in Moscow, I was assaulted and robbed. The attacker came up from behind and put me in a chokehold until I passed out. When I came to, I was in a stairwell with all of my pockets empty. No phone, no wallet, no cash, and (worst of all) no passport. Nothing. Even my hat and glasses were gone. It wasn’t until I found someone to ask for help that I realized something else was gone – my voice. When I opened my mouth to ask that person to call me a taxi, nothing but a scratchy croak would come out. I touched my throat and could feel that more damage had been done than I initially thought. A purple bruise began to form. I was having trouble swallowing. Russia………..

When I got back to the states, I just figured that resting my voice and taking it easy would allow everything to return to normal. I’d lost my voice before and I knew the drill : shut the fuck up (basically). But it soon became apparent that this time my voice wasn’t going to just heal itself and I had to see someone. The folks at MusiCares hooked me up with a voice doctor who found that one of my vocal cords had been damaged. How badly damaged, we’re not sure yet – we need a second opinion. But the doctor said if they had to go in and POP(!) the cord back into place, then we have a limited window for that until the damage becomes permanent.

Which means there’s really no way I could make the show in Grand Rapids without worrying about the long term effects – never mind the fact that my voice would totally suck. We feel horrible about this. As some of you out there may already know – we don’t believe in canceling shows (and in reference to the above : if you somehow happen to be a fan of Morrissey, Animal Collective, AND us – then we’re truly sorry to be piling on). So, yes – this fucking blows. But please believe that we’re doing everything we can to correct this situation and to make sure we don’t miss any more dates than absolutely necessary. Please stay tuned and we’ll keep you up to date.

Again – we’re so sorry.

Scott from Local H

Alice in Chains reveal artwork and song titles

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

It's simple but it works, hey it's Alice in Chains what wrong can they do.

Wait: Apparently, though, Alice In Chains get a little more risqué with the lyrics. In a cover story with Revolver Magazine, the group supposedly revealed that the title track includes the lyric “The devil put dinosaurs here/Jesus don’t like a queer… No problem with faith, just fear.” In regards to the song/lyric, singer/guitarist William DuVall reportedly told Revolver that

“We had to think a bit and discuss what the potential fallout might be. There’s a fine line between provoking and gratuitous offending. And there’s also a fine line between provoking and preaching.”

The album will be out May 14th and the day after you can see them live at The Rave in Milwaukee.

Song titles:
"Voices”
“Stone”
“Low Ceiling”
“The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here”
“Hollow”
“Lab Monkey”
“Hung On A Hook”
“Pretty Done”
“Breath On A Window”
“Choke”
“Phantom Limb”

Dropkick Murphy's dropkick a skinhead (video)

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

ATTENTION NAZIS: stay the hell away from Dropkick Murphys concerts ... or they will kick your ass on stage.

This story is crazy ... the Murphs were playing a show at Terminal 5 in NYC last week when they invited the crowd on stage for a couple songs ... including AC/DC's "TNT" ... and some skinhead dumbass started doing the Nazi salute in time to the music.

5 Tool fans are about to get very lucky...we think

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

(Metal Insider) As many Tool fans are already aware, Tool will be celebrating the 21st anniversary of their debut EP Opiate by re-releasing a deluxe edition of the EP this coming Tuesday. It’s limited to 5,000 copies, making it a highly collectible item that will likely sell out in seconds. However, five of those that pick it up will get something even more special. Five copies of the reissue will come with a certificate called the “Seal of Xatanitos,” What does the seal do? Your guess is as good as ours, as the prize will only be revealed to the winners.

Why do a golden ticket-like promotion for a limited edition release that’s highly collectible in the first place? Why not? They’re Tool, they can do whatever the hell they want. Like take over seven years to come out with a follow-up album, for example. Guitarist Adam Jones spoke to Spin earlier today about the reissue, and how Tool have changed in the years since their first release:

We’re older guys now. The band has changed drastically. We’re very distant people now and have our own lives. It’s always been like that. It’s been a collective perspective even from the start, but now it’s much more diverse. And I’m not saying that’s bad. It’s just different. So writing is a different perspective now. It’s taken a little longer. And besides that, we’ve had a couple major setbacks that we’re recovering from. I’m calling March “March Madness” because I’ve been really trying to kick ass and focus on this thing and get it to a point where we’re all happy. I really love those guys. And people grow and they change; it’s just like a relationship. You just have to compromise and respect each other. It’s just like life. It’s like anything else. That’s where it’s at.

At least he admits that they’re finally focusing on finishing the record. There’s no word as to what the “major setbacks” were that have slowed Tool down, but at least, according to Jones, on the way to finally putting new music out.

Staind guitarist has joined up with Jason Newsted

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Wonder what the members of Staind are up to? Well we know that guitarist Mike Mushok is now a member of Jason Newsted's (Metallica, Voivod, Ozzy) new band Newst3d. The band released thier 'Metal' E.P. earlier this year and have plans to put out a full length later in 2013.

Details on Filter's new CD

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

After getting word earlier this year that Filter had signed to a new label and was working on a new album tentatively titled ‘Gurney and the Burning Books,’ the official title and release date have been announced. Now called ‘The Sun Comes Out Tonight,’ the album will be released June 4 via Wind-up Records.

For a limited time, the band is offering a free download of the song ‘We Hate It When You Get What You Want’ on their official website. The disc’s first single will be ‘What Do You Say,’ and will be heard on Razor in May.

The band’s sixth album was written by frontman Richard Patrick and guitarist Jonny Radtke and recorded at Blue Room Studios with producer Bob Marlette (Seether, Saliva).

Filter – ‘The Sun Comes Out Tonight’ Track Listing

1. ‘We Hate It When You Get What You Want’
2. ‘What Do You Say’
3. ‘Surprise’
4. ‘Watch The Sun Come Out Tonight’
5. ‘It’s Got To Be Right Now’
6. ‘This Finger’s For You’
7. ‘Self Inflicted’
8. ‘First You Break It’
9. ‘Burn It’
10. ‘Take That Knife Out Of My Back’
11. ‘It’s My Time’
12. ‘It’s Just You’

Josh Todd opens up about the 7 Deadly Sins

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Buckcherry singer was recently interviewed by the blog site Metal Shrine. Their latest album 'Confessions' is all about the 7 Deadly Sins, he explains:

"Because it's timeless, and I've struggled with moderation my whole life, along with other things. I think everybody has things, and I think everybody struggles with addiction at some point in their lives and they have to moderate. It's difficult, because if something feels good, you just wanna keep doing it."

On doing things in moderation and being around this type of behavior in this business:

"Yeah, but when you're on the other side of it… I've been sober for 18 years and when you see people doing stuff, it's not attractive, you know. You see things from a different perspective and it's not very attractive, so it's not that hard."

Razor 94.7 will be welcoming Buckcherry to Rock USA on Wednesday July 17th along with Saliva and Avenged Sevenfold.

Have a custom vehicle to show off to Metallica?

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Metallica's second annual Orion Music + More festival are now accepting entries for the car show portion of the event which will be taking place at Belle Isle in Detroit on June 8-9.
As part of the event, 100 of the best Customs, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars and Custom Motorcycles will be on display again this year at the Orion Custom Car + Motorcycle Show inside the festival grounds throughout the entire weekend.

For those wishing to participate, the 2013 Orion Music + More Custom Car + Motorcycle show application is now live.

Awards will be given for Best in Show in each category: Customs, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, and Custom Motorcycles. Plus, festival-goers were also able to cast their votes for the Fan Favorite

Green Day returns to the stage and talks 'Broadway Idiot'

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Friday (March 15) was a big day for Green Day at South by Southwest, as the band had two films screening and they made a welcome return to the concert stage at the Moody Theater. While ‘Cuatro,’ the documentary about the creation of their album trilogy, has appeared at other festivals, South by Southwest was the premiere of ‘Broadway Idiot,’ their film about the creation of their ‘American Idiot’ stage production.

Speaking to the crowd before the showing, Mike Dirnt joked, “Welcome to our nightmare,” before giving way to the festival’s director. Entertainment Weekly reports that the film shows some of the band’s trepidation toward the translation of their ‘American Idiot’ album to the stage. At one point, frontman Billie Joe Armstrong states in the movie, “This album is my baby. I want to make sure no one f—- it up.” The rocker also expressed his fear that the production would turn into “singin’ and dancin’ and life is swell, like the Rockettes and stuff.”

Fortunately that was not the case and Armstrong came around to the point of even joining the Broadway production. However, the decision to take part in the play didn’t come without a few worries. The frontman said in the movie, “I can’t act, I can’t dance. Compared to a lot of these people, I can’t even sing.”

Speaking about ‘Broadway Idiot,’ director Doug Hamilton told Billboard,

“The thing that surprised everyone is that bit by bit, Billie Joe got really interested in the show and was finding a personal connection with it. He talks about how he idealizes the early period of Green Day where there was a real community of musicians and, as Green Day got bigger, they lost a lot of those friends. He wanted a community, and what he says in the film is that it blindsided him that he found it in theater. He fell in love with the cast as they did with him.”

Catch the ‘Broadway Idiot’ trailer below.

Watch: Dave Grohl's SxSW Keynote speach

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Why the Foo Fighters never cover Nirvana songs

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

When Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl began to put together Foo Fighters in 1994, it would have been incredibly easy to draw fans in by covering the Nirvana monster tracks which made the drummer a grunge icon. However, Grohl never took that path, choosing to focus on original music while taking the Foos down a different path than the one Nirvana had helped carve.

In a new interview, Grohl addresses why has chosen to leave Nirvana’s tracks alone and why he has continued to do so for nearly 20 years.

Shortly after Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain‘s death in 1994, drummer Dave Grohl began to focus on his new project, Foo Fighters, who have gone on to become a multiplatinum band themselves. Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic went on to form the band Sweet 75 and later Eyes Adrift, and although Novoselic hasn’t experienced the same commercial success as Grohl, both musicians share the same ideals on how to keep a safe distance from Nirvana’s catalogue.

“There’s a reason why you don’t see Nirvana’s songs in chewing-gum commercials,” Grohl tells TChadQuarterly.com. “Krist and I do our best to try to keep that sort of thing from happening. The band stood for something; we took pride in our integrity and in our band. We understood the world that we were living in, having gone from the van to becoming what people understand as Nirvana now. But we really tried our best to keep our cool. So Kirst and I still do.”

Grohl continues,

“There’s a reason why the Foo Fighters don’t blast out Nirvana songs every night: because we have a lot of respect for them. You know, that’s hallowed ground. We have to be careful. We have to tread lightly. We have talked about it before, but the opportunity hasn’t really come up, or it just hasn’t felt right.”

Dave Grohl has been keeping busy with his ‘Sound City: Real to Reel’ documentary and creating the film’s soundtrack which features musicians such as Paul McCartney, Josh Homme, Corey Taylor, Krist Novoselic + many more. Now that the film project has been completed, Grohl is back at work on new Foo Fighters music, which means the band’s hiatus didn’t last very long.

Slash Re-recorded Angry Birds theme

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Slash recently got the honor of having his own avatar in the newly released version of Angry Birds Space. The rocker follows in the footsteps of Green Day and Freddie Mercury, who have been included in previous versions of the game series. The reason for the "Slashbird" is because the former GN'R guitarist has re-recorded the theme music for Angry Birds Space.

Slash in a video interview:

Five Finger Death Punch officially recording

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH recently entered Las Vegas' The Hideout Recording Studio to begin recording its fourth album for a summer release. Helming the sessions once again is The Hideout's owner, Kevin Churko, the Canadian musician, sound engineer, songwriter and record producer, who has also previously worked with OZZY OSBOURNE and IN THIS MOMENT, among other acts.

A new one-minute video clip of drummer Jeremy Spencer and vocalist Ivan Moody in the studio can be seen below.

Speaking to Media Mikes, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Jason Hook stated about the progress of the recording sessions for the band's new CD:

"We are about 65% done. We are shooting for a deadline that is at the end of April, early May. We are working hard every day on this thing. I am at the phase now where I am laying down solos here at my home studio. Generally, the first portion of the recording process I am writing and working on rhythm stuff. It's not 'till the last quarter that I switch over to doing the other stuff."

Scott Weiland picks fight with fan

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Scott Weiland challenged an audience member to fight him during his solo concert at Irving Plaza in New York City on Saturday.
On tour with his band, The Wildabouts, the singer confronted a heckling fan, telling the man in the crowd: "So you're f**king pulling that f**king, like, gun sh*t off on me? Then come up and meet me one on one, man.

"You play a tough guy from an audience behind a barricade. I'd love to. Yeah, that guy, trust me. I just don't get it. Guys like you f**king waste your money." Then he added to the security staff: "Actually, let him stay here and just get all f**king riled up. He won't be able to sleep tonight."

Lost Prophet's singer releases statement from prison

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

(This story comes directly from Loudwire)

Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins was arrested in December of last year for multiple child sex charges, one of which includes conspiracy to rape a 1-year-old girl. These heinous allegations have landed Watkins in jail, where the vocalist has spent the last three months. Watkins appeared in a UK court today (March 11) via video link, and the singer’s camp has finally released an official statement regarding the charges brought against him.

Ian Watkins’ arrest was one of last year’s most shocking news stories. Watkins was taken in by police for a number of child sex offenses, including conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13, possession and distribution of indecent images of children, two incidents of “sexual touching” involving young children. Additionally, Watkins is alleged to have possessed “extreme” animal pornography.

An official statement released through his representative Sarah Williams-Martin insists that Watkins will fight the charges in an attempt to clear his name:

"Mr. Watkins furiously denies all of the charges and allegations made. He intends to fight to the bitter end to clear his name. He wishes to thank the fans, family and friends for the constant love and support they have given and continue to give throughout this testing time."

According to The Guardian, Watkins appeared in a Cardiff court today via videolink. Though all charges were expected to be formally put to him today, the hearing was adjourned until May due to technical difficulties. The actual trial date is set for the week beginning June 15. Watkins will remain imprisoned in the meantime.

Shortly after the initial news of Watkins’ arrest was made public, Lostprophets offered a written statement expressing their “state of shock”:

"Following charges made today against Ian Watkins, we find ourselves in a state of shock. We are learning about the details of the investigation along with you. It is a difficult time for us and our families, and we want to thank our fans for their support as we seek answers."

Jamie, Lee, Luke, Mike and Stu

Stay tuned for further developments in the case.

Linkin Park's Record Store Releases

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Linkin Park will be celebrating Record Story Day with a special limited edition version of their debut album packed with bonus materials.

The band will be releasing 3,000 copies of their debut album "Hybrid Theory" as a single disc vinyl LP that will also include a two song 10" EP, a exclusive poster and sticker.

The bonus 10" EP contains the tracks "One Step Closer" and "My December". This pressing will also contain long out of print poster and original street team sticker re-productions.

Record Store Day will take place at participating independent record stores across the U.S. on April 20th.

Green Day Turned Blind Eye To Armstrong's Problems

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt admits the band were working too hard to look out for each other – and so they turned a blind eye to frontman Billie Joe Armstrong's personal issues.

That resulted in his onstage meltdown last year, which sent him to rehab and derailed the band's three-album release plans.

Armstrong told last week how he'd lost control of his personal circumstances and only vaguely remembered the moment during Green Day's set at the iHeartRadio Festival in LA.

Now Dirnt tells Rolling Stone of the experience:

"It was very tense. They locked us in a room for about six hours. I won't say 'locked' – but I didn't want to hang out in the hallway with everybody's entourage. I felt like a rat in a cage. When Billie showed up, it was, 'You're not right; what's going on?' I kept an eye on things and it just went progressively downhill. Me and Billie don't play like 12-year-olds any more, but at one point I was like, 'Let's goof around.' We ended up wrestling backstage – I thought, 'If I can just get some of this out of him.' But with the mood depressants and alcohol it doesn't end up a jovial party."

Volbeat gets help from a King

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

While Volbeat sounds more like Social Distortion covering Misfits songs, they’ve announced that King Diamond will be making a guest appearance on their forthcoming album, Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies. The King will appear on “Room 24,” a song that was, according to the bio, inspired by a terrifying experience in a hotel room somewhere in the heart of America.

“I’m a huge fan of Mercyful Fate and King Diamond,” guitarist Michael Poulsen says. “Having King on the record is a huge privilege. Normally, it’s not something he does. He wrote his own lines, and it is half my lyrics and half his. It’s a weird, scary story, and he’s the perfect person for it.”

This will mark the first time King Diamond’s voice has been heard on new material since his 2007 album Give Me Your Soul… Please. And while this is King’s first appearance on an album, the Mercyful Fate/King Diamond connection with the band is nothing new. Michael Denner appeared on Beyond Hell/Above Heaven, and Mercyful Fate’s Hank Shermann filled in on guitars on their 2012 tour. Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies will be the band’s first album with former Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano in the band. He co-produced the album, along with Jacob Hansen.

The album comes out in America on April 9th on Vertigo/Republic Records/Universal Music.

James Hetfield offers update on new music

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Though Metallica are working toward a new album, the band is taking time out to play some of the world’s top festivals, including their current run as part of Australia’s traveling Soundwave Festival.

Frontman James Hetfield tells Australia’s Triple M,

“We’re trying to write, but gigs keep popping up that are too exciting to stay home for. However, the festivals are just minor detours on the way to a new record. We have lots of material [we've been] working on from the day ‘Death Magnetic’ ended all the way up until now. There’s tons of material. Some [riffs] stick with me because the themes keep coming back. Out of 700 riffs, there’s at least three I’ve played 20 times.”

The frontman added that it’s too early to talk about direction, as there are a lot of different sounds and styles that have emerged, but he stated that the band is “not afraid of jumping into past ‘feels.’ He explains, “After ‘Death Magnetic,’ we’ve stopped running hard and started embracing some of our past. ‘Master of Puppets’ was kind of a core reference for ‘Death Magnetic.’”

At the same time, Hetfield says that Metallica is not about rehashing the past, just because fans are calling for a return to their early sound.

“We have been artists since day one. We’re not going to roll over for anyone and, you know, we’re Metallica for a reason and we’re going to keep doing that.”

Meanwhile, the singer-guitarist also addressed the band’s upcoming 3D film, which incorporates elements of their performance with an overall story arc. Hetfield says,

“The footage is unbelievable but we wanted a storyline along with it … It’s about one of the runners in the show who goes on this crazy adventure trying to find this ‘bag’ that we need for the end of the show. There is a plot, but we’re still trying to figure it out!”

Funny or Die has hard rockers trying out for The Postal Service

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

We didn't know just how popular this indie band was until we saw this. Can you believe Page Hamilton from Helmet, Tom from Blink 182, Duff McKagen from Guns n' Roses, Nate Mendall from Foo Fighters and others would try out for this band?

The Postal Service Auditions from Ben Gibbard

Avenged Sevenfold releases for Record Store Day

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Warner Bros. Records has announced two special limited edition Avenged Sevenfold releases for this year's Record Store Day on April 20th.

Avenged Sevenfold: "Carry On" - One disc vinyl 12" Picture Disc - Limited to 5000 copies: The A-side is the studio track Carry On, which is featured in Activision's video game Call of Duty: Black Ops II. This song was written specifically for the game and released on Sept. 25, 2012.

The B-side features the instrumental version which has been previously unreleased. This picture disc is limited and features the Call of Duty: Black Ops II artwork and Avenged Sevenfold's Deathbat.

Avenged Sevenfold "Live in the LBC & Diamonds in the Rough" 12" vinyl LP and DVD Deluxe Edition - Limited to 3500 copies: For Record Store Day 2013, on the 5 year anniversary of the Live in the LBC performance, we have produced a limited vinyl/DVD configuration, pressed on vinyl for the first time in a deluxe gatefold jacket and mastered by Bernie Grundman.

This release contains both the first live concert film from Avenged Sevenfold "Live in the LBC" filmed live on April 10, 2008 as well as "Diamonds in the Rough", an offering of previously unreleased B-sides and more. The CD/DVD configuration was released September 16, 2008 and has since been certified Platinum.

Sound City: Real to Reel in full

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Hopefully by this point you've seen the movie Sound City. The documentary directed by Dave Grohl about the famed recording studio. The soundtrack entitled 'Sound City: Real to Reel' will be out next Tuesday March 12th. Now you can hear it before you run out and buy it. Listen below.

Call Me a Hole

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

A DJ by the name of Popdeter has made a mash up of Nine Inch Nails "Head Like a Hole" and the horrible pop song Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepson. Yup....this

New super group with members of Pearl Jam, Guns n' Roses and Screaming Trees

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, Duff McKagan ex of Guns N' Roses and Barrett Martin ex of the Screaming Trees have formed a supergroup and are currently working on their debut album.

The band hasn't been named yet, and won't feature a permanent singer, relying instead on a series of guest appearances.

Drummer Martin is currently with McKagan in Walking Papers, and asked former Mad Season bandmate McCready to appear on their album. That led to a conversation regarding material from Mad Season's never-finished second album.

He tells Billboard:

"Mike and I were putting together this Mad Season collection. Duff and I were starting the Walking Papers album which we'd asked Mike to play on."

Device release trailer for self titled debut

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

The super group of sorts, Device who feature David Draiman from Disturbed and Geno Lenardo from Filter have released a teaser trailer for the upcoming debut album album due out April 9th.

TMZ caught up with Scott Weiland (denial)

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Stone Temple Pilots LIED about firing singer Scott Weiland as a publicity stunt ... in order to hype an upcoming concert tour ... so says Weiland, who insists the band is still 100% together.

Weiland said, "STP is not broken up. It's a whole thing to try to boost ticket sales."

But the way Weiland explains it sounds like he and the rest of STP don't really communicate ... and they used the Weiland "firing" to boost ticket sales for a tour they were organizing WITHOUT him.

Which begs the question ... why is Scott so sure he's not out of the band? He says it's because there's a clause in the band's contract that forbids the members from using the name STP on another group. In other words, if Scott's out ... STP ceases to exist.

Ultimately, Weiland says he has no idea what the other guys were thinking -- but when asked if he's still leading the band, he replied smugly, "I started it."

Rex Brown previews Pantera book

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Those looking to get more insight into one of metal’s most popular bands — Pantera — should have plenty of opportunities over the next couple of years. Frontman Phil Anselmo is currently working on his memoir, but first fans will be able to look behind the curtain with bassist Rex Brown‘s autobiography, ‘Official Truth, 101 Proof: The Inside Story of Pantera,’ which arrives next month.

The bassist penned the 320-page book primarily about his time with Pantera from his own honest perspective as he viewed it. The page-turner arrives in stores March 12 through Da Capo Press, and a book trailer has surfaced online.

In it, Brown states,

“Barely a day passes that I don’t think about Pantera. I dream about Pantera, I have nightmares about Pantera and it’s always there and I imagine it always will be. It’s inevitable.”

He goes on to add that he frequently thinks of the band’s common bond and how it came to an end all too soon. He states,

“As one we lived and breathed every second of the wild ride that changed our lives in so many ways and came to a sickening, pre-mature end one night in Columbus in 2004,”

Lost tapes of Metallica and Marianne Faithful

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Metallica reportedly recorded with Marianne Faithfull. That tape along with recordings including an early version of AC/DC's Thunderstruck, the Spice Girl demo tapes and collaborations between the Chieftains, Mark Knopfler and Paul Brady and between Christy Moore, Bono and the Edge remain unclaimed at a recording studio.

There are more than 1,000 tapes at the Windmill Lane studios in Dublin suburb Ringsend, waiting to be reclaimed, according to The Irish Times.

The paper reports that the tapes date back to the days of analog recording before digital recording became the mainstream and have deteriorated over the years.

Tony Perrey, a producer at the studio told them.

"They are probably not of any practical value. You would only ever get one chance to play them again and that would be under archival conditions."

Alter Bridge are ready to for ABIV

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Mark Tremonti is currently winding down the latest North American tour leg, including a gig in Las Vegas that we sent a lucky listener to, for his self-titled band, and Alter Bridge are about to become his primary focus. The guitarist tells Billboard that after meeting briefly earlier this year, the band is ready to resume work on a new disc and has the beginnings of the effort in place.

“[We have] about five songs outlined [for the new album] … All of them are kind of real high-energy, just real fun rock/metal. We want to not be predictable. We want to make it a little surprising and we’re having fun with it.”

At present, Alter Bridge are planning to regroup in late April and hope to begin recording their new album in earnest this summer, with a tour tentatively slated for September.

As for the Tremonti band and their plans, the guitarist admits that he might line up some shows during breaks in Alter Bridge’s schedule, just as frontman Myles Kennedy is planning to do with Slash.

“It’s always good when you’re recording a record to go take a break and come back. That way you can make sure it’s still exciting and fresh to you.”

The rocker says he’s also thinking about a second album from Tremonti, but admits that it will take a back seat to his other bands for the immediate future.

“We’re going to just keep pushing the limits of what we can do. We’ll try to be as heavy and progressive as we can without losing the vocal melodies and the reasons why most people listen to music. I don’t want to be just self-indulgent, but we want to have a lot of fun with it, too.”

And as for his other band, Creed, Tremonti simply states,

“It’s Alter Bridge’s year.”

Stone Temple Pilots fire Scott Weiland - (Weiland responds)

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:00:00 CST

Stone Temple Pilots have parted ways with frontman — and founding member — Scott Weiland, making the announcement Wednesday (February 27) via a statement that may have set new industry standards for brevity.

"Stone Temple Pilots have announced they have officially terminated Scott Weiland,"

was the entire sum of an email sent by their publicist, though, when reached for comment by MTV News, their rep said that more information about the split would be coming "soon."

News of drama within the band began to spread late last year, after Slash — who played with Weiland in Velvet Revolver — told a Minneapolis radio station that Weiland had been "fired from STP." That was in response to Weiland's claims that he was "completely open" to reuniting with Velvet Revolver, who burned brightly before imploding in 2008.

Until Wednesday, there had been no word from Weiland or Stone Temple Pilots about a split. Of course, the band had never been strangers to drama; after establishing themselves as one of the biggest bands of the 1990s with hits like "Plush," "Interstate Love Song" and "Trippin on a Hole in a Paper Heart," they parted ways after several reports of in-fighting between Weiland and the DeLeo brothers, Dean and Robert.

In 2008, the band ended a five year hiatus with a triumphant tour, and two years later, would release their first new album in nine years, a self-titled effort that sent them back on the road. There had been little developments about a follow-up album in the time since, and Weiland had just announced plans for a solo tour, where he promised to play songs from STP's first two albums, Core and Purple.

Updated: Weiland has responded....

I learned of my supposed “termination” from Stone Temple Pilots this morning by reading about it in the press. Not sure how I can be “terminated” from a band that I founded, fronted and co-wrote many of its biggest hits, but that’s something for the lawyers to figure out. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to seeing all of my fans on my solo tour which starts this Friday. – Scott Weiland

Brian "Head" Welch opens up about Korn reunion

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:00:00 CST

KORN will reunite with founding guitarist Brian "Head" Welch for several festival shows this summer, including two dates in Germany, one concert in the United Kingdom and at the upcoming Rock On The Range festival in Columbus, Ohio.

Welch, who has just released an album with his new band LOVE & DEATH, doesn't rule out the possibility of a full U.S. tour with KORN or a collaboration on the band's next studio album.

Tool have "something" new coming this year

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:00:00 CST

Tool fans have been patiently waiting for nearly seven years for a follow-up to 2006′s 10,000 Days. While details about the next album are sparse and somewhat sporadic depending on who you ask, fans can look forward to something new from the band in 2013. And by “something new,” we mean “something that came out 21 years ago.” Yes, the band’s 1992 EP, Opiate, is going to be re-released on March 26, but it’s definitely something the band’s fans will want.

The new edition of the album will be limited to 5,000 copies, with art direction by Adam Jones, drawings from artist Adi Granov and design packaging by Mackie Osborne, who has worked with Tool for their last several releases. The 5,000 copies will be five runs of 1,000, with each having a variation of the exterior graphics. If you have a copy of 10,000 Days, you’re in luck, as one of the announced bonuses will be a new stereoscopic image that you’ll be able to view with the glasses that were included with that album. More bonuses will be announced as the EP gets closer.

You’ll only be able to pick up Opiate via the band’s site, and there are no pre-orders. So basically, if you’re a die hard, you’re are already logged in and waiting for March 26 to furiously order. And if you’re a casual fan of the band, you’ll be able to pick up a copy for a lot of money via eBay.

Puddle of Mudd singer in trouble

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:00:00 CST

Puddle of Mudd frontman Wes Scantlin may have a little more legal trouble on the horizon. The musician’s ex-wife claims that Scantlin stole her car this past week.

According to TMZ, Jessica Scantlin claims she woke up Monday morning (Feb. 18) to discover that her Honda Pilot had been taken from her home. Jessica stated that she texted Scantlin’s manager and demanded the return of the car. The manager texted back the location of the vehicle several hours later, but also stated, “Wes didn’t take your car.”

After the vehicle was returned, police impounded the car to test for prints. Even though the results have yet to be revealed, Jessica stated she was “100 percent sure it’s Wes” because the windows weren’t broken and it’s likely he had a spare key. Jessica retained the vehicle as part of their divorce settlement. It was allegedly returned with bumper damage and missing a side view mirror.

In addition, she claimed to have received threatening texts from Scantlin, which her lawyer used to file a request to have the vocalist held in contempt of court. The couple officially divorced last summer, with the frontman signing the divorce papers with two smiley faces.

Illegally downloading music? You're on notice (video)

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:00:00 CST

Rob Zombie is streaming new song

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:00:00 CST

Rob Zombie's new album 'Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor' will be released April 23rd, just after his new movie "Lords of Salem" opens in theaters.

Track Listing:
01. Teenage Nosferatu Pussy
02. Dead City Radio And The New Gods Of Supertown
03. Revelation Revolution
04. Theme For The Rat Vendor
05. Gong Gang Gong De Do Gong De Laga Raga
06. Rock And Roll (In A Black Hole)
07. Behold! The Pretty Filthy Creatures
08. White Trash Freaks
09. We're An American Band (Grand Funk Railroad cover)
10. Lucifer Rising
11. The Girl Who Loved The Monsters
12. Trade In Your Guns For A Coffin

The first single is the song "Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown" and is now streaming on Hennemusic. (Right Here)

Rob is also Lou Brutus' feature guest all this week on Harddrive XL heard every weekenight 7-midnight on Razor 94.7.

Nine Inch Nails are coming back

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:00:00 CST

Since announcing that Nine Inch Nails wouldn't be a touring band anymore and only a studio band Trent Reznor has won himself an oscar, a grammy (film related,) and even started a new band. Not so fast as Trent just put out this statement:

"I was working with Adrian Belew on some musical ideas, which led to some discussion on performing, which led to some beard-scratching, which (many steps later) led to the decision to re-think the idea of what Nine Inch Nails could be, and the idea of playing a show. Calls were made to some friends, lots of new ideas were discussed, and a show was booked – which led to another, which somehow led to a lot of shows.

The band is reinventing itself from scratch and will be comprised of Eric Avery, Adrian Belew, Alessandro Cortini, Josh Eustis, Ilan Rubin, and me. The first shows will begin this summer, followed by a full-on arena tour of the US this fall, and lots of other dates worldwide to follow through 2014.

Lots of details and dates to come. See you soon."

Metallica's Orion Music & More festival details

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:00:00 CST

Metallica's Orion Music + More festival is set to take place June 8th and 9th at Belle Isle in Detroit. Now we know the line-up.

Red Hot Chili Peppers
Rise Against
Deftones
Bassnectar
Dropkick Murphys
Gogol Bordello
FLAG
Silversun Pickups
Foals
Tomahawk
Destroid
The Joy Formidable
Datsik
Borgore
Japandroids
Dillon Francis
Adventure Club
12th Planet
Death Grips
The Dillinger Escape Plan
DirtyPhonics
The Dirtbombs
DEATH
Fu Manchu
The Bronx
FIDLAR
The Orwells
BATTLECROSS
All Shall Perish
Cauldron

Plus:
James Hetfield's Custom Car and Motorcylce show
Lars Ulrich's Hit the Lights Film Festival
Kirk's Crypt
Robert Truillo's Motorbreath Mini Ramp
2013 Ktulu's Rock N' Roll Emporium
2013 My World Village
2013 Metallica Museum

Adam Duce out of Machine Head

razor@wcinet.com (Razor) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:00:00 CST

It looks Machine Head have begun work on a new album with out their founding bassist Adam Duce. Adam who cofounded the band with lead singer Robert Flyn in 1991 is out and no reason has been given. The band's official statement:

"The split is amicable, and Machine Head would like to wish Adam the best with his current and future endeavors. The band will continue on for the time being as a three-piece and have begun the writing process for their follow-up to 2011's 'Unto The Locust'. A late 2013 release is projected."

Now this report has come out via Dutch magazine FaceCulture. Last year Adam told the publication this:

"I had some issues with [the writing] process [for 'Unto The Locust']. I kind of took myself out of it until it was time to write my bass lines. I wrote a bunch of music, or riffs, that Robb [Flynn, guitar/vocals] didn't have any idea what to do with vocally, and so he didn't wanna use any of that. But more importantly, I wrote lyrics that meant a lot to me and I gave it to him. I've given him page after page after page of lyrics. And it usually comes back that way, [where] he'll use a verse or a part of it or whatever — 'I'm gonna take this part and put it down here.' . . . whatever works for the cadence. But I got kind of burned on putting my soul out on a piece of paper and giving it to him and when I see it next time, there's no remnants of what the original idea was. And I was just like, 'You know what, dude?! I'm not giving you any more f**king lyrics, because I'm f**king sick of looking at this, the way that it f**king turns out.' I said, 'I'll work on it with you at the same time, but I'm not giving you any more lyrics. I'm not giving you pages of lyrics.' He was f**king angry at me for a while, but you know… that's f**king what happens."