Joey Jordison Leaves Slipknot: Is Slipknot No More?

December 13th, 2013 by Luke

It’s been confirmed. Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison has left the band.

The band have taken down their websites front page and left a brief message to their fans about the drummers departure.

Slipknot’s Official Statement

The statement reads: “To our Maggots and fans around the world. It is with great pain but quiet respect, that for personal reasons Joey Jordison and Slipknot are parting ways. We all wish Joey the best in whatever his future holds. We understand that many of you will want to know how and why this has come to be, and we will do our best to respond to these questions in the near future. It is our love for all of you, as well as for the music we create, that spurs us to continue on and move forward with our plans for releasing new material in the next year. We hope that all of you will come to understand this, and we appreciate your continued support while we plan the next phase of the future of Slipknot. Thank you, The ‘Knot.”

The End Of Slipknot

Several other sites have posted the news about Joey Jordison leaving his long time position in Slipknot already. So we’ll try to add more to the conversation than just the statement. But at this stage of the game all we have is speculation and not very many answers. So what do you think guys? What do you believe the reasons for Joey leaving Slipknot are? Was he just fed up of making music? Did he get bored of Slipknot. Do you think there was a personal conflict between him and the rest of the band?

Now that this paradime shift has occurred, what do you think is left for Slipknot? With Grey’s Death and Joey’s Departure is there much of a future left for them? Do you think this might be the end of Slipknot? Or do you think they will carry on despite such iconic members of their band no longer being part of the fold? If you’re a Slipknot fan how do you feel about what has happened? If they do carry on who do you think they’ll choose to replace him? As I said a lot of questions and not many answers, maybe you can help fill in the blanks.

In honour of Slipknot and this yet again sad day in metal music we’ve added my first experience of slipknot from early 2000. Wait and bleed. Enjoy!

A Day To Remember Release New Album Common Courtesy (Official Stream)

October 9th, 2013 by Luke

A Day To Remember have released an official stream on YouTube of their new album Common Courtesy. On the back of their big court case with the record company Victory Records, A Day To Remember have released Common Courtesy off their own back as a self released album. Don’t let the fool you though, this album pulls no punch, the band have done it their own way exactly how they wanted to and the result is a fine piece of work. Although I haven’t listen to it enough to give it full disclosure yet, it is still on first listen, a great record from the Florida state boys.

Because Common Courtesy is being Self Released by A Day To Remember, it will only be available for purchase through digital platforms through the bands website ADTR.com from Tuesday 8th of October.

About the court case

Victory Records Lawyer Statement

While Victory is disappointed with the ruling, and disagrees with the court’s conclusions, it comes as no surprise. Courts rarely grant negative injunctions of this nature, but the circumstances of this case presented a unique opportunity for such a ruling. Having said that, in denying Victory’s motion, the court’s reasoning actually contained silver linings that significantly favored Victory.

First, the court held that it supports Victory’s argument about the construction of the recording contract – that ADTR is still obligated to deliver two more albums to Victory — “at last equally, if not more so, than that offered by ADTR.” That is the core issue in this case and the only one that really matters in the end, so Victory is heartened that the court agreed with Victory’s position on that core issue.

Also, the sole basis for the court’s denial of the injunction was that Victory would not suffer “irreparable harm” that could not be compensated by money damages if the album were to be self released, in that it has ample evidence to prove its damages against the band (in the form of lost profits if ADTR does proceed to self release Common Courtesy).

That is, even if the band self releases it, Victory is likely to be awarded any profits the band makes on that album, plus additional lost profits suffered by Victory based on the fact that Victory would undeniably do a far better job at marketing the album had Victory released it, which is what Victory is known for and is the reason why ADTR signed with Victory in the first place.

In sum, it is a “successful” defeat in a way, and one which Victory welcomed because of the manner in which the Court rendered its opinion.

This case will proceed to trial, and Victory is looking forward to the opportunity to vindicate the baseless claims filed by ADTR.

– Robert S. Meloni

 

As I Lay Dying: Frontman Tim Lambesis Arrested For Plot To Kill Wife

May 8th, 2013 by Luke

Tim Lambesis solicits a hitman to execute his wife

As I lay Dying singer and frontman Tim Lambesis has been arrested for soliciting a hitman to murder his estranged wife who is currently filing for divorce from the vocalist of the Christian heavy metal band.

WTF is going on?

I don’t know if it’s just me but the world truly seems to be turning to shit of late. I’ve lost count of how many public icons have died or been arrested on crazy charges like Murder or Child Abuse in the last few years. The number only seems to be multiplying on a daily basis. We had Lamb Of God’s Randy Blythe arrested for Manslaughter a few months ago. Thankfully Acquitted. Lostprophets singer arrested for conspiracy to rape a baby. Jeff Hanneman died only a few days ago. Even the iconic entertainer Rolf Harris has been arrested for child abuse allegations. WTF is going on?

The investigation into the As I lay Dying singer Tim Lambesis began after Lambesis contacted an undercover detective posing as a hitman on the 2nd of May to execute his wife.

According to the report from San Diego Sheriff’s Department, FOX 5 news claim the 32 year old, Tim Lambesis, was arrested and taken into custody without incident on Tuesday (The 7th of May) around 2 p.m. at an Oceanside business in San Diego.

Lambesis was booked into the Vista Detention Facility. He is expected be arraigned sometime later this week.

Although Jan Caldwell, the spokesperson for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said she was unable to provide details of the case at hand, she did offer the following:

“The information came to us late last week, we acted quickly on it. I believe that we averted a great tragedy.”

Lambesis’ wife, Meggan, filed for divorce on the 20th of September, last year (2012).

As I Lay Dying interview with Tim Lambesis

During an interview with Loudwire in a January of 2013 Lambesis was asked if his humanitarianism provides him with a source of lyrical inspiration. “Yes, it’s definitely a part of my life for me,” he said. “My kids are adopted and I’ve visited their country; they’re from Ethiopia, and that was eye-opening to what the world is really like, at least a third of the world. I think that just influences my entire worldview. Even if I’m not necessarily writing a song about humanitarian work, I’m writing a song about what truly makes us happy in life, and those types of things that have been influenced by my experiences.”

Tim Lambesis Official Police Report

Image below: The official police report from San Diego Sheriff’s Department and press release regarding Lambesis’ arrest, the original copy can be found at sdsheriff.net/press/

What do you think about Lambesis and the increasing number of public icons like him being arrested for such heinous crime of late? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Led Zeppelin Reject Bill Clinton’s Reunion Proposal

May 7th, 2013 by Luke

Former president Bill Clinton has had his request for a Led Zeppelin reunion turned down by the band. it’s been revealed that Led Zeppelin turned down according to news from The Pulse Of Radio. Clinton’s request for the band to reunite was in aid of last year’s 12-12-12 Hurricane Sandy benefit concert at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The concert raised over $50 million for victims of the storm. Led Zeppelin’s turning down the offer was reported on a recent episode of CBS’ “60 Minutes“, The show reported on the Robin Hood Foundation which organised the all-star fundraising event.

“Harvey Weinstein had this great idea that we could enlist Bill Clinton who could convince Led Zeppelin to reunite to perform at the 12-12-12 concert,” Stated David Saltzman, the Robin Hood Foundation’s executive director claiming that Bill Clinton had personally asked the band in Washington, D.C. while they were being presented with the Kennedy Center honor. “Bill Clinton himself asked Led Zeppelin to reunite and they wouldn’t do it.”

If someone like Bill Clinton can’t convince you to reunite for a charity event, I doubt anyone could.

During a press conference to help the promotion of Led Zeppelin’s “Celebration Day” live collection in October, Jimmy Page tried to dispel rumors of a possible Led Zeppelin reunion anytime in the imminent and foreseeable future. Stating “Well, look; at this time four years ago, we’d have been rehearsing to get to the O2,” he said. “In December it’ll be five years since the O2. So, that’s a number of years that pass in between, so that seems unlikely, if there wasn’t a whisper, or a hint that we would get together to do something or other. I’d say even two years ago, or whatever. Seems pretty unlikely, that’s what I think.”

What do you think about Bill Clinton asking Led Zeppelin for a reunion? Do you think it’s a good idea, were they wrong to turn it down. Do you think it would have made any difference who asked them?

Machine Head Guitarist Phil Demmel on Jackson Clinic Tour (Video)

April 26th, 2013 by Luke

Machine Head Guitarist Phil Demmel has just completed a European, Jackson-sponsored guitar clinic tour. A video of his appearance at the event at GAK (Guitar Amp & Keyboards) in Brighton, U.K. can be seen below. GAK is a shop which Machine Head celebrated Demmel’s tenth anniversary as an official member of the band earlier this month.

Phil Demmel joined Machine Head a decade after his previous band, Vio-Lence disbanded. Vio-Lence was originally formed by Robb Flynn, Machine Head’s vocalist and guitarist, and Phil Demmel when they were just teenagers. In 1992 Flynn went on to form Machine Head, then Demmel joined them in 2003.

In February Machine Head fired their bassist Adam Duce. The band’s front-man Robb Flynn explained in a post he made online: “We may have fired Adam on [February 11], but Adam quit Machine Head well over a decade ago. He just never bothered to tell anyone… but we all knew it.” Machine Head recently held auditions for a replacement bassist, but they have not yet made any official announcement as to who.

Aliases Showcase New Vocalist With “Exasperated” Video and Free Download on Bandcamp

April 25th, 2013 by Luke

Aliases (Formed by ex members of SikTh) are giving away a free download of their newly released single, “Exasperated” via Bandcamp. They have also released an awesome new video, with some very creepy twists which can be seen below. Exasperated features the band’s new vocalist Joe Rosser who I must say has an amazing set of lungs, which create some beautiful harmonies on this new 5 minute riffage fest. Speaking about Rosser as the new vocalist and addition to the bands line up guitarist Pin said:

“After things didn’t work out with our last vocalist Leigh [Dale], we put an extremely thorough process in place for selecting a new vocalist for Aliases. We had a massive number of applicants with some awesome talent come through. Joe Rosser stood out from the start returning amazing versions of tracks from our last EP, Safer Than Reality.”

Pin continued “When we met him we were all on the same wavelength as people, he seemed like he had been in the band for a long time. Next was to see how he wrote and so we gave him the track which has become Exasperated, he absolutely ripped it up. The guy is extremely versatile, has amazing pitching and rhythm and is going to bring so much to the band. This is the start of the next exciting phase of Aliases and it’s going to be hectic.”

The new video from Aliases has definitely put the band on the map for me the vocals really kill on every level.

Joe Rosser also commented about his joining the ranks of Aliases:

“It’s been great to bond with a group of musicians with the same sort of outlook on music as me. I think the moment we shared ideas we gelled together really well. Not only that but the fact that they are such great people to be around, we have become good friends. Working on the single has been so much fun.”

Rosser when on to say “From laying down ideas to progressing it to a full length song, it more or less took its course and the rest of the bend felt what I added gave it a better twist than they anticipated. Recording the video was insane. Lack of sleep, lots of energy drinks and a huge office block with a DIY bedroom set… It couldn’t have been more surreal!”

Rosser showed great admiration for the video director Ben Herbert by saying “Ben Herbert who directed it was so sound to work with and brought out the best in the ideas we had for the visual aspect of it all. I’ve admired the band for some time and never thought I could match the standard, but it seems this time I proved myself wrong and I am looking forward to a progressive future with Aliases. It’s gonna be a blast!”

Dillinger Escape Plan: When I Lost My Bet (New Music Video)

April 24th, 2013 by Luke

The Dillinger Escape Plan the insane mathcore outfit we all know and love/hate have just released their new video for “When I Lost My Bet“, which can be seen below. “When I Lost My Bet” is from Dillinger’s fifth full-length album, entitled “One Of Us Is The Killer“, due to be released on the 14th of May 2013 through Dillinger‘s own Party Smasher Inc., in partnership with the North American leg of Sumerian Records.

The album “One Of Us Is The Killer” was recorded in Southern California with longtime producer Steve Evetts (Glassjaw, Suicide Silence), with additional production being done at guitarist/co-founder Ben Weinman‘s studio. The albums Mastering will is to be taken care of by Tom Baker (Deftones, Nine Inch Nails).

The Dillinger Escape Plan frontman and vocalist Greg Puciato spoke to AOL’s Noisecreep about the bands time in the studio and the recording process for new album: “Dillinger [Escape Plan] is a different beast in tracking than most normal bands. Even Steve has told me that there’s no other band that he has recorded that requires this amount of attention to detail. We take a longer amount of time to do one thing than most bands take to do ten. At this point, talking to Ben about it, we only do this once every three years on average so ten years from now I don’t want to look back and think, ‘Fuck man, we should have finished that one three weeks earlier!’ Who cares? You want it to be right and you want it to be the thing that was the closest to what your vision actually was.”

Greg Puciato continued regarding the direction of the new Dillinger Escape Plan material: “I can hear [the influence of old punk and hardcore records] a lot. I can definitely hear that in some of the riffs, which are really aggressive. It’s not a blatant hardcore record or anything like that. I actually think this is the most all over the place and weirdest record we’ve ever written. It’s the first one since I joined the band where Ben has sent me songs and I’ve been like, ‘What the fuck is happening? This sounds like a beehive!'”

The new record from Dillinger Escape plan is bound to be insane no matter which way you look at it, good or bad. Whether you appreciate the complex musical structures and in your face carnage, or it just sounds like a wall of noise. “One Of Us Is The Killer” is bound to get some kind of reaction from the general music loving public at large. What are your thoughts on the new Dillinger Escape Plan album, are you excited, do you not even care? What do you think of their new video? Let us know in the comments section down below.

Fear Factory’s Frontman Burton C. Bell Sings Metallica’s Enter Sandman

April 20th, 2013 by Luke

Fear Factory frontman Burton C. Bell has been caught on video singing Metallica‘s classic hit “Enter Sandman“. Filmed at the “Rock-A-Holic” live rock and metal karaoke night on the 11th of April, at Skinny’s Lounge in North Hollywood, California. The video can be seen below.

Burton C. Bell has recorded a cover version “Enter Sandman” back in 2001 for “Metallic Assault – A Tribute To Metallica” a Metallica Tribute album released by the record label Big Eye Music. On stage with Bell were John Christ (Guitar), Robert Trujillo (Bass) and Tommy Aldridge (Drums).

As I’m sure all of you are fully aware “Enter Sandman” was the lead single from Metallica’s celebrated 1991 record; fan dubbed The Black Album.

Fear Factory are set to perform their 1995 sophomore album, “Demanufacture”, in its entirety aboard 70,000 Tons Of Metal 2014. The world’s biggest heavy metal cruise, due to set sail between the 27th and 31st of January.

What Things Are You Certain To See At A Music Festival?

April 15th, 2013 by Luke

For music lovers, there is nothing better during the summer months than heading to a daylong or weekend festival to see some of the biggest acts in the world.  While each festival is different, there are a number of similarities that they all share, things that you are guaranteed to see at each one that will give you memories for years to come, be they good or bad.

What are they?

Mud

Mud is perhaps more synonymous with festivals than even the music itself. Even if it is baking hot and the sun shines for two or three days, there is still the chance that you will end up covered in mud.

This element of festivals puts many people off going to them. It is also why those who attend such events get labelled as ‘hippies’ and other terms that are seen as derogatory, especially when you add in the urban legends about not washing for days at a time and wearing the same clothes from start to finish.

Fireworks Displays

If you attend a music festival this summer and don’t see a fireworks display, then you should be making sure you ask for your money back.

After all, you have stood on your feet for probably more than 12 hours, haven’t had a drink, and perhaps been thrown from pillar to post in the middle of the crowd, so even if you have seen a band you have been waiting to see for years, a fireworks display should be the least you expect.

Thankfully, most festival organisers want to end their events ‘with a bang,’ and you will often find that a spectacular fireworks demonstration follows the conclusion of a headline set.

Things Being Thrown

We hope that we do not have to expand on what the ‘things’ are, as if you have ever been to a festival you will probably already know what we’re alluding to.

The trouble with this is that you don’t see it coming most of the time, or that the people doing it cannot be ejected as there aren’t security guards standing at every interval in a crowd of tens of thousands.

Unfortunately, if it does happen, you just need to grin and bear it.

Horrible Facilities

Along with the mud, dirty toilet facilities are enough to put most people off, even if their favourite bands are playing at a particular festival.

Whether it is the shared facilities element or the fact that they just aren’t welcoming or well maintained at all, many people simply want to avoid them.

Music to Remember

It’d be unfair to talk about a festival and mention the mud, fireworks, and other elements without actually talking about the music.

Whether it is the band you always wanted to see live or a group you never heard of, you are certain to listen to and see performances that you will remember for a long time to come.

Deciding to Go

If the facilities are putting you off, just book a hotel near to the site, and you’ll have access to everything you need. Don’t let a little mud stop you from discovering the festival experience, as it is one almost unrivalled anywhere else in the world.

About The Author:

Stuart is an online content writer with a huge passion for music and festivals, so much so that after returning from various events he often seeks out fireworks for sale from an online retailer and tries to recreate his favourite festivals in his own garden.

Guitar Lessons In Miami Resource: The Best Places To Hear Live Guitar!

April 15th, 2013 by Luke

The following is a guest post by Colin Lenox of Encore Music Lessons:

There are reasons why so many people are pursuing guitar lessons in Miami today. Guitar can be used in virtually all styles of music from classical to rock to folk, and has played an essential role in the development of modern music. Something about the guitar speaks not only to American culture but also Spanish and Latino cultures as well, and can be commonly heard in almost all Latin music. With a great guitar teacher, you’ll be able to explore a number of different musical varieties in guitar lessons and find out which ones you like best.

Flamenco

Miami, like all big cities, is a great city to hear rock and pop guitar music, but you also have the unique opportunity to hear lots of flamenco guitar and Latin music. For those not familiar with flamenco playing, it’s a very percussive form of fingerstyle guitar played on nylon strings.  Although nylon strings are associated with classical guitar lessons and can sound soft and sweet, flamenco is usually very lively and up tempo. Ask your guitar teacher what nylon strings are if you don’t know.

Flamenco players use all of the fingers on their picking hand, except the pinky, with techniques like flicking their nails on the strings to produce a hard attack, and hitting their palms on the body of the guitar to make thumping bass sounds. Despite never using a pick, flamenco players can shred the guitar when soloing by alternating their first and second finger on their right hand.

For those taking flamenco guitar lessons in Miami, you can go to the Casa Panza Restaurant to see world renowned performer and flamenco guitar teacher Paco Fonta. Paco appears yearly at the Florida Folk Festival, collaborates with dance and theater companies all over the Miami area, and has recently recorded with Latino superstar Gloria Estefan.

Meson Ria De Vigo on Coral Way is a spanish tapa restaurant and is another great spot to see some excellent flamenco guitar music. You can also attend the Flamenco Festival Miami at the Ziff Ballet Opera House which brings in world class flamenco dancers and musicians each year.

These are just a few notable places to see flamenco guitar in action but keep your ears open because in a lively city like Miami great music is always just around the corner.

Rock, Pop, Metal

For those taking rock or pop guitar lessons in Miami don’t worry, there’s plenty of chances to rock out and see some great shows.

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino brings in huge name rock and pop stars like Eric Clapton, Joan Jett, and Sheryl Crow. Then there is the Fillmore Miami Beach – this is the place to go for high level touring bands like Coheed and Cambria and Wilco, or Miami’s very own Iron & Wine and Cat Power.

Are you a singer songwriter taking guitar lessons in Miami? Looking to perform your own music and hang out with other like-minded musicians? Check out an open mic at AV Studio or Speakeasy Lounge and start getting your music out there.

For metal and grunge players, get your fix at local favorite Churchill’s Pub or at the The Culture Room in nearby Ft. Lauderdale.

About The Author:

Colin Lenox is a blog writer and student coordinator for Encore Music Lessons.  Colin is also a musician and music teacher with a degree in Jazz Studies on guitar from The University Of Vermont.