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METAL CHURCH: New Single ‘Killing Your Time’ Released; Lyric Video Launched

Posted by aliblackdiamond on February 11, 2016
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

Heavy metal titans METAL CHURCH have released a new single called ‘Killing Your Time’, from their upcoming new album “XI”, slated for release on March 25th via Nuclear Blast Records. Watch the brand-new lyric video for the track here:

“XI” was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and co-produced by Chris “The Wizard” Collier. The band’s 11th studio release also marks the return of legendary vocalist and frontman Mike Howe. The new album is available for pre-order in various exclusive bundles here.

Metal Church XI

From the first guitar riff of album opener ‘Reset’ through the driving outro of album closer ‘Suffer Fools,’ it is clear METAL CHURCH are back and better than ever. ‘Needle and Suture’ and ‘Soul Eating Machine’ showcase the songwriting that made the early Mike Howe albums “The Human Factor,” “Blessing In Disguise” and “Hanging In The Balance” such fan favourites. The epic ‘Signal Path’ and ‘Sky Falls In’ clock in at over 7-minutes each and showcase the amazing musicianship that METAL CHURCH are known for on full display in 2016.

The track listing for “XI” is:

01. Reset
02. Killing Your Time
03. No Tomorrow
04. Signal Path
05. Sky Falls In
06. Needle & Suture
07. Shadow
08. Blow Your Mind
09. Soul Eating Machine
10. It Waits
11. Suffer Fools
12. Fan The Fire (Exclusive Bonus Track)

More on “XI”:
‘No Tomorrow’ Official Video: https://youtu.be/ary17dRnC3o
‘No Tomorrow’ The Making-of: https://youtu.be/Rr0bHRjfhmU
The Return Of Mike Howe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLBQKXQlKSc
Album Update & Audio Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ofl_R51pSg

‘Badlands’ [2015] with Mike Howe:

METAL CHURCH live 2016:

19.02.  USA     Aberdeen, WA – The D&R Theatre
20.02.  USA     Fife, WA – Louie G’s
22. – 26.02.     USA     Miami, FL – Monsters Of Rock Cruise
14. – 16.07.     D         Balingen – Bang Your Head!!! Festival
16.07.  NL        Eindhoven – Dynamo Metal Fest
06.08.  D         Wacken – Wacken Open Air
13.08.  B          Kortrijk – Alcatraz Metal Fest

More info:
www.metalchurchofficial.com
www.facebook.com/officialmetalchurch
www.nuclearblast.de/metalchurch

Metal Church Album Cover

THE HAUNTED: North American Tour Starts; European Dates; Working On New Album

Posted by aliblackdiamond on February 10, 2016
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

Swedish Thrash Metallers THE HAUNTED are finally returning to North American ground in order to support their current 8th full-length album, “Exit Wounds”, released via Century Media Records. Next to this run of dates started yesterday, 9th February, supporting At The Gates together with Decapitated and Harms Way, THE HAUNTED have also announced a string of European club-shows and festivals for 2016. Here is a complete list of dates confirmed so far:

THE HAUNTED – Live 2016:
09.02.2016 Fort Lauderdale, FL – Revolution + At The Gates, Decapitated & Harms Way
11.02.2016 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade + At The Gates, Decapitated & Harms Way
13.02.2016 Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey, + At The Gates, Decapitated & Harms Way
14.02.2016 Austin, TX – Mohawk + At The Gates, Decapitated & Harms Way
16.02.2016 Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theatre + At The Gates, Decapitated & Harms Way
17.02.2016 Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre + At The Gates, Decapitated & Harms Way
18.02.2016 Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues + At The Gates, Decapitated & Harms Way
19.02.2016 San Diego, CA – House of Blues + At The Gates, Decapitated & Harms Way
20.02.2016 Pomona, CA – Glass House + At The Gates, Decapitated & Harms Way
21.02.2016 San Francisco, CA – Regency + At The Gates, Decapitated & Harms Way
14.04.2016 Haarlem (The Netherlands) – Patronaat
15.04.2016 Kortrijk (Belgium) – De Kreun
16.04.2016 Oberhausen (Germany) – Turbinenhalle 2 + Overkill
27.04.2016 Stockholm (Sweden) – En Arena + Hatebreed & Dr. Living Dead!
05.05.2016 Gävle (Sweden) – Harry’s
06.05.2016 Borlänge (Sweden) – Liljan + Dark Funeral
07.05.2016 Karlstad (Sweden) – Heaven & Hell Club
27.05.2016 Baltimore, MD – Maryland Death Fest
03.-04.06.2016 Örebro (Sweden) – Pappersbruket / Metallsvenskan 2016
08.07.2016 Oulu (Finland) – Jalometalli Festival
04.-06.08.2016 Wacken (Germany) – Wacken Open Air
More dates will be announced soon…

Additionally, THE HAUNTED continue the songwriting work for their upcoming studio album release, which is expected to be recorded later this year. The band checked in with the following comment: “Next to playing a US tour and a bunch of dates in Europe, THE HAUNTED are hard at work for the follow up album to “Exit Wounds“. The material we are currently looking at is both super-heavy and dynamic, so we are excited to be recording the new tracks later in the year. Stay tuned!“

THE HAUNTED’s current album “Exit Wounds” was highly praised as a return to form and managed to enter international sales charts as follows: Germany # 64, Finland # 15, Switzerland # 100 , Sweden # 32, USA # 151 Top Current Albums, USA # 5 Heatseekers.

Video clips for “Exit Wounds”:
“Cutting Teeth” video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN7HMG4tVI0
“Eye Of the Storm” video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNAwrj1EUo8
“Time (Will Not Heal)” (Guitar playthrough video): https://youtu.be/qW5Gr2XDoB0
“Kill The Lights” (Guitar playthrough video): https://youtu.be/Vyi6ZxIewVc

Check here for all available physical formats of the release: http://smarturl.it/thehauntedCMD or in order to purchase it digitally via iTunes, check here: http://smarturl.it/exitwoundsiTunes

THE HAUNTED line-up 2016:
Marco Aro – Vocals
Jensen – Guitars
Ola Englund – Guitars
Jonas Björler – Bass
Adrian Erlandsson – Drums

More details about THE HAUNTED’s upcoming studio album will be revealed soon…

THE HAUNTED online:
http://www.the-haunted.com
http://www.facebook.com/hauntedofficial

The Haunted American Tour 2016

AMORPHIS: Announce TEXTURES As Tour Support; Video Teaser Launched

Posted by aliblackdiamond on February 8, 2016
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

Textures BandFinnish masters of melancholic metal, AMORPHIS, have announced dutch polyrhythmic metal maniacs TEXTURES as support for their upcoming European tour in March/April 2016. See all dates below.

On this tour, AMORPHIS will be showcasing tracks their current, highly-acclaimed album “Under The Red Cloud” (released: September 4th, 2015 via Nuclear Blast), which can be ordered here.

A new live video for the track ‘The Four Wise Ones’ will be released soon, watch a brand-new teaser here:


More on “Under The Red Cloud”:
‘Death Of A King’ official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc-gEds3eTM
‘Sacrifice’ official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiOX2axSWvg
‘Death Of A King’ official track & lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ql4Xe6MxQ4
‘Under The Red Cloud’ official track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juj4d5NlMCI

Amorphis Band

“Under The Red Cloud” – Europe 2016

German dates presented by:
Metal Hammer, Sonic Seducer, Musix, Metalnews.de, Nuclear Blast Mag

04.03. D Hannover – Capitol
05.03. DK Copenhagen – Amager Bio
06.03. S Stockholm – Debaster Strand
08.03. S Gothenburg – Sticky Fingers
09.03. N Oslo – Vulkan Arena
10.03. N Drammen – Union Scene
11.03. N Bergen – USF
12.03. N Haugesund – Byscenen
14.03. DK Aarhus – Voxhall
15.03. D Hamburg – Gruenspan
17.03. NL Tilburg – O13

w/ TEXTURES
18.03. UK Bristol – Fleece
19.03. UK Manchester – Sound Control
20.03. IRL Dublin – Button Factory
22.03. UK Wolverhampton – Slade Rooms
23.03. UK London – o2 Academy Islington*
24.03. UK Glasgow – Cathouse
25.03. UK Nottingham – Rescue Rooms
26.03. F Paris – Le Petit Bain*
27.03. LUX Esch Sur Alzette – Kulturfabrik
29.03. I Florence – Viper Club
30.03. I Rome – Orion
31.03. SLO Nova Gorice – Mostnova
01.04. SRB Novi Sad – The Quartier
02.04. BG Sofia – Mixtape 5 Club
03.04. RO Bucharest – Arenele Romane
05.04. H Budapest – Barba Negra Club
06.04. PL Wroclaw – Alibi
07.04. A Vienna – Szene
08.04. D Munich – Backstage
09.04. D Geiselwind – Music Hall
10.04. I Milan – Fabrique
12.04. D Frankfurt – Batschkapp
13.04. D Berlin – PBHF Club
14.04. D Ludwigsburg – Rockfabrik
15.04. CH Pratteln – Z7*
16.04. B Antwerp – Trix
17.04. D Bochum – Matrix
*no TEXTURES

More AMORPHIS live dates:

13.02. FIN Joensuu – Lunta Ilosaaressa
05.06. CZ Pilsen – Metalfest Open Air
10.06. FIN Tampere – South Park-Festival
24.06. FIN Nummijarvi – Nummirock
07.07. FIN Helsinki – Kaisaniemi
14. – 16.07. D Neukirchen-Vluyn – Dong Open Air
15./16.07. S Gävle – Gefle Metal Festival
22.07. FIN Laukaa – John Smith Festival
More info:
http://www.amorphis.net
http://www.facebook.com/amorphis
http://www.nuclearblast.de/amorphis

Amorphis Tour 2016

Exclusive Interview With New RAINBOW Vocalist Ronnie Romero: “Ritchie is different from what people think”

Posted by aliblackdiamond on February 8, 2016
Posted in: Interviews. Tagged: , , , , . 2 Comments

Interview By Alison Booth

Ronnie Romero Header

The last few months have been quite a whirlwind for vocalist Ronnie Romero, following the announcement that he will be fronting the all new Ritchie Blackmore’s RAINBOW, which has catapulted him rather sharply into the limelight.

Originally from Chile and now settled in Madrid, Spain, Ronnie formed his band LORDS OF BLACK with guitarist Tony Hernando following their meeting at a DIO Tribute show in 2013. Completing the line-up are Andy C. on drums and Javi Garcia on bass. The band released their debut album “Lords Of Black” in 2014 and are set to unleash their new album “II” worldwide on 18th March, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Ronnie Romero 3

RAINBOW and DEEP PURPLE fans were delighted last year to hear that guitar legend Ritchie Blackmore was returning to rock after a long absence, during that time preferring to concentrate on his folk band BLACKMORE’S NIGHT. The first two of the exclusive shows to be played in Germany in 2016 by a brand new Ritchie Blackmore’s RAINBOW, were announced in October 2015, closely followed by the UK show announced early in November and the line up was revealed soon afterwards.

Now in Ronnie Romero‘s first ever published spoken interview conducted in English since being announced as RAINBOW‘s vocalist, we are delighted to present this exclusive for the fans who are interested to know more about Ronnie. He apologised for not knowing enough English, but as you will hear, Ronnie did a fine job!

We discussed how Ronnie felt about being given this prestigious role along with his thoughts on Ritchie Blackmore, the forthcoming shows, LORDS OF BLACK and more. A few excerpts from the chat can be read below and the full interview can be heard on the audio player:

On being given the role as RAINBOW vocalist, Ronnie stated:

“It’s fantastic and I’m very excited for this new adventure! It’s really a gift for me because I’m a really really big fan of Ritchie Blackmore, all his work. I’m really excited, it’s like a dream for me.”

Discussing working with Ritchie, Ronnie revealed:

“We had some jamming sessions and some new ideas for the songs. Ritchie is different from what the people think – it’s very easy because Ritchie is a very very nice guy and he’s a legend, he knew everything about rock and roll. So all you can do is learn about it, his history and the way he sees the scene. He always teaches me, he’s like a mentor for me.”

Ronnie told me his thoughts on the forthcoming shows:

“I have the support of my band mates in Lords Of Black and from all the team and crew of Rainbow. Not only Ritchie is a legend, but Jens Johansson is very experienced in the rock and heavy metal world. It’s like my ultimate dream, I’m very excited but it’s a huge responsibility too, ’cause all the people compare me to the other singers. I try to make justice to the songs, that’s it.”

Regarding his very early days, Ronnie told me:

“It was my father who was a big fan of Deep Purple. My first birthday gift wasn’t a toy, it was a Deep Purple album. It was a double tape called ‘Made In Japan’, so it was really my father who showed me the way to like rock and roll and heavy metal.”

As there has been so much comment that this new Ritchie Blackmore’s RAINBOW can’t be like previous versions, I asked Ronnie for his opinion on this:

“I agree! [laughs] Each Rainbow album is different with different musicians, so this time it’s no different. We have the gift that we can play with Ritchie Blackmore and as I said before, we try to make justice from their legacy.

I really deeply love the singers of Rainbow, not only Dio – Graham Bonnet and Joe Lynn Turner I love and I really love Doogie White. These guys are legends of rock ‘n’ roll and I love all of them. I don’t know, Ritchie chose me and I only try to do my best.”

Regarding more to come from RAINBOW in the future, Ronnie said:

“Well I hope so. I really hope we’re not only seeing three shows, I hope to make some kind of history with Rainbow. But it’s up to Ritchie, I don’t know what to say, only Ritchie has the power to make these decisions.”

Check out the new LORDS OF BLACK song and video ‘Everything You’re Not’:

To find out more about Ronnie, visit his official Facebook page here. The official LORDS OF BLACK page can be found here and the official website at this location.

The official Ritchie Blackmore Facebook page can be found here and website here.

Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow Band

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL: Announce ‘The Lemmy Stage’ For 2016

Posted by aliblackdiamond on February 7, 2016
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

The organisers of Download Festival have announced that the main stage on the Saturday this year has been renamed ‘The Lemmy Stage’ in tribute to Lemmy Kilmister, who passed away in December 2015. The statement can be read below:

“Whilst we’re saddened to say Motörhead will no longer be performing at this year’s Download Festival, we will honour a true rock ‘n’ roll icon who inspired so many others on the bill, Lemmy Kilmister. For one year only, Download Festival’s Main Stage will be named ‘The Lemmy Stage’ in tribute to a much loved and missed legend. We are working with Motörhead’s management on a tribute to the great man during the slot he would have performed on, more information to follow.”
Motorhead2013
Download 2016 Lemmy Stage

Review NAMM 2016: ‘Believe In Music’

Posted by aliblackdiamond on February 6, 2016
Posted in: Reviews. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

Review By Bobby HQ Storm, Sandy Storm

NAMM 2016 Venue ExteriorIt was that time of year again, Winter Wonderland hit Southern California as the city of Anaheim hosted the annual National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) event, January 21 – 24th.

“Believe in Music” was this year’s theme as exhibitors from around the world gathered into the convention center, eager to showcase their new products and there is no doubt, the NAMM show is the platform for such a task. Innovation, creativity and sheer genius in capability was on full display as stated by NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond, “As we look at the record number of exhibiting brands, influx of new entrepreneurial spirit and attendance from 125 countries, the industry seems poised for vital growth and breakthroughs. The NAMM Show is a reflection of our industry, not only where it is now, but even more importantly where it is heading next.”
The 31st annual NAMM TEC awards was held on January 23rd, which honored individuals, companies and technical innovations that represent the music community as a whole. The events most prestigious award, the “Les Paul Award” recipient was artist and executive Don Was. Founding member of Was; the band had a unique blend of soul, funk and R&B. Don has also made a staple in the music industry as a producer, with such artists as Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Ziggy Marley and currently the President of Blue Note Records since 2011.
As we explored the endless isles of musical splendor, we were able to speak with several representatives of such products as Samson, showcasing their new light weight yet heavy hitter bass amplifier as well as their wireless video/audio system. ESP guitars are excited about their dedication to Bass guitarists and prove it by redesigning their Bass line. ESP also takes us through some of their artist signature series guitars. Sonor Drums are proud to have back in their fold; Nicko Mcbrain of Iron Maiden, and who better than Nicko himself to tell us about it. Nicko talks about the Sonor reunion and a couple of other gems as well, you can view our interview at this location. Check out the above mentioned product interviews, also including a chat with musician Mike Campese, below:

NAMM 2016 Nicko McBrain
NAMM 2016 GuitarsNow, what would NAMM be without the abundance of celebrations that carry on each night during the event? It seems that every club known throughout Southern California hosted a NAMM party. Zakk Wylde paid tribute to Black Sabbath with his show Zakk Sabbath. Graham Bonnet of Rainbow, MSG and Alcatrazz fame rolled into town to Rock a NAMM evening along with Kill Ritual. Hometown rockers L.A. Guns also hit the town to offer up their services. Other Star studded events included several remembrance concerts as well, such as the BONZO BASH honoring John Bohnam. Participants gracing the stage included Brad Whiteford (Aerosmith), Dave Lombardo(Slayer), Chad Smith(Red Hot Chili peppers), Simon Wright(Dio, AC/DC, Operation Mindcrime) to name a few. Another event was the Randy Rhoads Remembered; featuring such artists as Doug Aldrich(Whitesnake), Michael Angelo Batio, Roy Z(Tribe of Gypsies, Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford), Chris Broderick(Megadeth) and Ronnie Montrose Remembered seen the likes of Steve Stevens(Billy Idol), David Ellefson(Megadeth), Legendary drummer Carmine Appice, and Brad Gillis(Night Ranger).

 

NAMM 2016 Peter BaltesThere was a second and very important theme that I witnessed throughout the event; a very prominent educational presence that seemed to have covered every aspect of the Music Industry. Workshops were set up throughout the day; both business and talent were center stage. Teachers and students alike showcased not only their musicianship, but the importance of music. I, for one, truly appreciated the two themes as they intertwined to create a natural surge of positive energy, especially in such a somber time in musical history; as the legends of music leave us on an almost weekly basis. One can’t help but wonder what the future holds. The urgency…, the necessity of rising stars to carry on the torch has never been greater.

Thanks to events such as The NAMM Show, music is resounding….and may it reach into every fabric of society and every fiber of being…..“Believe in Music”.

NAMM 2016 Guitar Workshop

NAMM 2016 Marshall