In the interview clip below, KISS legend Gene Simmons discusses the threat-turned-reality of illegal downloading and its long term effects on the music industry:
Renown menswear designer John Varvatos has launched a new campaign featuring glam rock icons KISS. Port Magazine recently caught up with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Varvatos to discuss the project; an excerpt is available below:
John Varvatos: “I was invited to a KISS gig here in Milan last year. I brought about 12 people from my staff. A lot of them had not seen KISS before and they had their minds blown. One girl in her early 30s actually said it was one of the best days of her life, not just listening to KISS but hanging out with the band.”
Paul Stanley: “We’re just kindred spirits! I don’t see John as part of the fashion community, he’s part of the rock’n’roll community. The clothes are comfortable, they fit you like a good guitar. I love John’s clothes because they are timeless. Fashion is useless next year whereas style is timeless. John’s clothes always echo back to many of my heroes in the ’60s and ’70s without looking retro. That’s the beauty with style, to be able to be influenced by something without copying it. It’s like great cooking where you mix great ingredients in the right proportions.”
Gene Simmons: “Yeah, anything worth doing is worth doing well. The little Italian shoemaker on the corner – it’s a thing of the past unfortunately – but he used to take pride in every nail he put into the shoes so that he knew that, when someone wore them, they stood the test. And when KISS puts on the shows of shows, it’s every show. People feel it when they leave. Pride. It’s a word that’s not used enough. You want to stand behind, in front of and in your work – whether it’s art or digging a ditch.”
The band can be seen performing the classics ‘C’mon On And Love Me’ and ‘Rock And Roll All Nite’ while wearing the John Varvatos Spring/Summer 2014 line of clothing. The three-minute clip also includes Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley reminiscing about their career.
Source: Bravewords.com
Former SKID ROW singer SEBASTIAN BACH has issued the following update:
“I am still shaking! Heart rate slowly returning to normal. What a feeling of pure electricity I am feeling at this very moment!! I just listened to the new album, Mastered to complete perfection by the master of mastering Mr. Tom Baker, I was just able to say “OK’ to my AWESOME record company Frontiers Records YES WE ARE DONE!! The CD Tom have me today is EXACTLY what I want you all to hear when you press ‘Play’ on the new record. Tom has taken Bob Marlette’s incredible mixes and retained all of the warmth and added sonic sparkle and excellence that I just cannot believe it when I listen to it. I want to thank Tom Baker and Bob Marlette and all of my band members for all of their talent and expertise which is completely evident when you listen to this music. I truly feel like the luckiest man on earth right now. I truly love the CD and I just cannot wait for you all to crank the Hell right out of it!!!!! It has been delivered to the presses and they are making one especially for YOU right at this very second!!!!” Sebastian Bach will release Give ‘Em Hell this spring via Frontiers Records. The follow-up to 2011’s Kicking & Screaming was produced by BobMarlette (BLACK SABBATH, ROB ZOMBIE) and features some very special friends and guest stars, including none other than: Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N’ ROSES), and not one but two top class guitar players: John 5 (ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON) and Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL). Rounding up the lineup on the album are Devin Bronson on guitars and Bobby Jarzombek (HALFORD, FATESWARNING) on drums. Duff and Sebastian have previously collaborated on Duff’s solo album Believe In Me.
The cover for Give ‘Em Hell is being handled by Richard Villa.Bach stated recently: “Richard is an incredible artist and we have brainstormed some kick ass ideas that I cannot wait to execute. And exciting for the collectors out there, it looks like I will be incorporating another one of my father’s paintings into this album design. My father painted the covers for Slave To The Grind inside artwork for Subhuman Race, Angel Down, and ‘Bring ‘Em Bach Alive! as well. There is one specific image that is haunting to me that lends itself to the album title perfectly. We are also doing a crazy ass photo session that will be quite theatrical and fun to do. This album is going to knock you all out. I guarantee it.”
After playing at the O2 Academy in Newcastle, England on January 14, John Campbell of LAMB OF GOD showed up at The Head Of Steam, just round the corner from the O2 Academy, to see a LAMB OF GOD tribute band, ELEVENTH HOUR, playing for fans at an after-show party. Accompanied by road crew, John stuck around for the rest of the set, conversing with fans, posing for photos and signing autographs. Fans of the band were beside themselves after seeing John‘s arrival. Rob Grant, singer of ELEVENTH HOUR, said afterwards that he was still very much starstruck.
Photos of John outside The Head Of Steam in Newcastle talking to Rob of ELEVENTH HOUR and hanging out with fans can be seen below.
FINNTROLL have announced a string of tour dates for Australia, scheduled for June. Their routing can be viewed below:
June
18 – Brisbane – The Zoo
19 – Adelaide – The Gov
20 – Melbourne – The Evelyn
21 – Sydney – Manning Bar
22 – Perth – Amplifier
Finntroll recently released a video for the track ‘Häxbrygd’, featured on the band’s new album, Blodsvept, out now via Century Media Records:
Blodsvept was recorded at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki while mastering duties were handled by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios. Henri ‘Trollhorn’ Sorvali and the band produced the album themselves, the album artwork was handled by the band’s own guitar player, Samuli ‘Skyrmer’Ponsimaa.
Source: Bravewords.com METALLICA recently announced that they would hold one of the most unique performances of their career when they share the stage with renowned concert pianist LANG LANG during the 56th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, January 26th. Guitarist Kirk Hammett recently spoke with Rolling Stone about the upcoming performance of the classic Metallica track, ‘One’:
Hammett: “It’s gonna be completely insane. Lang Lang has interjected himself into the song in a way I don’t think anyone else has ever done in the course of our career. He’s going to be playing major parts of the song. He’s going to be playing through the melody.”
“He’s going to be weaving in and out of my guitar solos, which is amazing for me, because I’ve never played with another instrument that’s been able to do that so effortlessly. We’re keeping all the heavy parts. It’s going to be really cool and it’s really dynamic.”
Metallica recently issued the following statement regarding their upcoming Grammy Awards appearance:
“We’re honored to be asked back to the Grammys to perform… it’s been 22 years since the last time we hit the stage at the annual awards show! This performance will be truly special with Lang Lang, who has appeared on stages all over the world including the opening ceremonies at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, a White House state dinner, World Cup ceremonies, and the Nobel Prize concert in Stockholm among many other acclaimed appearances.
We are also very proud that the Through The Never soundtrack has been nominated for a Grammy for Best Recording Package and we’re hoping for another win for our friends from Turner Duckworth, who also designed the Death Magnetic art and took home the mini gramophone in 2009.
Check your local listings for the awards show on CBS or for more information visit Grammy.com.”
Through The Never, directed by award-winning filmmaker Nimród Antal, will be released on DVD, Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, digitally, and V.O.D. (Video On Demand) on January 28th through Blackened Recordings.
Formats will include a standard 2-disc package on DVD, Blu-ray, or 3D Blu-ray, as well as special expanded versions. The DVDs and Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray will include extensive behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the film, including an 80+ minute Making Of Metallica Through The Never documentary, various interviews with the cast and crew and never before seen Metallica content. Metallica fans will also be able to purchase a limited-edition deluxe package containing a piece of the actual stage used in the film, a lithograph print autographed by all four band members and more. Full details of the package are below. The digital format will include the feature film, as well as the Making Of Metallica Through The Never documentary. The film will also be available for rental and download via V.O.D. on January 28th in The US, and at a later date (tbd) in Canada. Visit Metallica.com for information regarding specific countries and release dates.
I. Standard DVD (2 Discs)
Disc 1
– Metallica Through The Never Movie
– Theatrical Trailer
– ‘Master Of Puppets’ Music Video
– EPK – Cast & Crew Interviews
– Interviews With The Sound & Music Team
Disc 2
– Making Of Metallica Through The Never Documentary
– Mill Valley Film Festival Q&A With Metallica, Director Nimród Antal & Dane DeHaan
– Orion Festival 2013 Film Tent Highlights with Lars Ulrich
*Also included in package: Digital Download of the film
II. Blu-ray (2 Discs)
Disc 1
– Metallica Through The Never Movie
Disc 2
– Making Of Metallica Through The Never Documentary
– Theatrical Trailer
– ‘Master Of Puppets’ Music Video
– EPK – Cast & Crew Interviews
– Interviews With The Sound & Music Team
– Mill Valley Film Festival Q&A With Metallica, Director Nimród Antal & Dane Dehaan
– Orion Festival 2013 Film Tent Highlights with Lars Ulrich
*Also included in package: Digital Download of the film
III. 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray (2 Discs)
*Note: The 3D DVD cover will include 3D lenticular artwork that is actually a reusable STICKER, giving fans a 3D souvenir
On 3D Blu-ray Disc:
– Metallica Through The Never Movie in 3D
On 2D Blu-ray Disc:
– Making Of Metallica Through The Never Documentary
– Theatrical Trailer
– ‘Master Of Puppets’ Music Video
– EPK – Cast & Crew Interviews
– Interviews With The Sound & Music Team
– Mill Valley Film Festival Q&A With Metallica, Director Nimród Antal & Dane DeHaan
– Orion Festival 2013 Film Tent Highlights with Lars Ulrich
*Also included in package: Digital Download of the film
IV: LIMITED Deluxe Blu-ray Set (3 Discs) – QTY TBD – 1 Run will be produced
*Note: The 3D DVD cover will include 3D lenticular artwork that is actually a reusable STICKER, giving fans a 3D souvenir
Disc 1 – On 3D Blu-ray Disc:
– Metallica Through The Never Movie in 3D
Disc 2 – On 2D Blu-ray Disc
– Metallica Through The Never Movie
Disc 3 – On 2D Blu-ray Disc
– Making Of Metallica Through The Never Documentary
– Theatrical Trailer
– ‘Master Of Puppets’ Music Video
– EPK – Cast & Crew Interviews
– Interviews With The Sound & Music Team
– Mill Valley Film Festival Q&A With Metallica, Director Nimród Antal & Dane DeHaan
– Orion Festival 2013 Film Tent Highlights with Lars Ulrich
– Limited Edition Metallica Through The Never Bandana
– Limited Edition Metallica Through The Never litho movie poster
*Also included in package: Digital Download of the film
V: LIMITED EDITION METCLUB-ONLY RELEASE: Blu-ray Set (3 Discs) – only 1,000 will be produced
*Note: The 3D DVD cover will include 3D lenticular artwork that is actually a reusable STICKER, giving fans a 3D souvenir
Disc 1 – On 3D Blu-ray Disc:
– Metallica Through The Never Movie in 3D
Disc 2 – On 2D Blu-ray Disc
– Metallica Through The Never Movie
Disc 3 – On 2D Blu-ray Disc
– Making Of Metallica Through The Never Documentary
– Theatrical Trailer
– ‘Master Of Puppets’ Music Video
– EPK – Cast & Crew Interviews
– Interviews With The Sound & Music Team
– Mill Valley Film Festival Q&A With Metallica, Director Nimród Antal & Dane DeHaan
– Orion Festival 2013 Film Tent Highlights with Lars Ulrich
*Also included in package: Digital Download of the film
Plus
– Limited Edition Metallica Through The Never Bandana
– Limited Edition Metallica Through The Never litho movie poster autographed by all four members of Metallica
– A piece of the Stage used in the making of Metallica Through The Never. Fans will receive an actual piece of “Doris” (The Statue of Lady Justice) from the stage with a letter of authenticity. This will not be sold anywhere else now or ever again.
Metal Hammer Magazine‘s Editor-In-Chief, Alexander Milas has tweeted about his upcoming cycling trip to Cambodia to raise money for children. The tweet was as follows:
“In a week I’ll be on my way to Cambodia raising money for kids. Please help, and help spread the word. It’s metal.”
The story behind Alexander’s cycling trip is on his JustGiving page:
“A few years ago Rod Smallwood asked whether I had the guts to take on a ride through the desert for a good cause or three. It was the Truants Morocco ride to benefit Teenage Cancer Trust, Nordoff Robbins, and Childline. It gave me a cycling bug I just haven’t been able to shake, and this January we’ll be back at it to benefit kids facing cancer, kids who need a lifeline, and kids who can benefit from music therapy, and believe me the results are breathtaking.
This time we’re hoping to bring the grand total of money earned over the years to over a million pounds, and we’re asking for your help. The costs of my trip are covered with the generous support of my company TeamRock, so your donation will go straight to the charities who need it most. No amount is too small (or too large!) but if you’ve money to spare, I guarantee it’ll be very gratefully received. Thanks very much!”
Nordoff Robins UK uses music to transform the lives of vulnerable people across the UK with a range of challenges such as autism, dementia, mental health problems, brain injury, depression or a life-threatening / terminal illness. The money raised will go to Nordoff Robins, who account and share out the funds between the three charities.
The trip starts on the 24th January and the team will be cycling over 100 miles during 3 days.
We wish Alexander and the rest of the team the best of luck!
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metallica recently issued the following statement regarding their upcoming Grammy Awards appearance:
Metal Hammer Magazine‘s Editor-In-Chief, Alexander Milas has 
