Natalie's World

Stone Temple Pilots, Debut New Song “Out Of Time” with Chester Bennington

2013-05-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

If seeing is believing, the audience at Weenie Roast 2013 definitely left as believers in the power of music. The unbelievable magic of the night was doubly-amplified after all the amazing sets earlier when sonic swamis of alt-stadium rock, Stone Temple Pilots, brought Chester Bennington from Linkin Park out as a featured vocalist. Constant controversy has surrounded Stone Temple Pilots’ ex-frontman Scott Weiland–complete with conflicting reports on his status with the band. That’s why when Stone Temple Pilots appeared onstage, the audience’s hands gripped curiously onto their seats and eyes watched the stage with disbelief as Bennington joined the band tonight. Find out more about the new STP and song HERE.

Falling In Reverse's Ronnie Radke Walks Out Of The Band?

2013-05-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Falling In Reverse's Ronnie Radke has walked out on the members of Falling In Reverse. The following info has been posted;

"Ronnie got pissed that the shows on Falling In Reverse’s upcoming tour didn't sell out and walked out on the band. It was never about Crissy and him having a kid. Ronnie will continue to do Warped Tour this year but with a whole new band.

For what it’s worth, all the money from the new album will go to Ronnie and only Ronnie. He also took all the merch sales from past tours too and kept the profits.

The former members are also concerned that Jacky Vincent may be deported because he is in the United States on a work visa, and with being fired from FIR, he’s out of a job."

Electricjezus Gets Musical

2013-05-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

Russian, Moscow's Dmitrov act Electricjezus is a 2-band group that sets their instruments to classical, guitar, bass, and drums, The band's style is very multifaceted so you can find post rock, sludge metal, doom metal, power meal, black metal, hardcore, stoner, just everything you'd want is here. With all of this and more they wrote and recorded various material and have a whole lot more to come.

1. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?

The current group grew out of an unsuccessful project from 2007-2009. The group then consisted of 3 people who played Seattle based music like Alice In Chains mixed with Mudhoney. But then it began to appear that newer trends were being experimented with sound, rate, and rhythm. After a while we reduced the group to only 2 members, the bass player played the bass and drums, while the guitar player decided to extend it's range by setting up the bass pickups in the electric guitar. As a result we came to the music style we play today. We then recorded a demo, released a split, and have recorded our debut album.

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

Once upon a time on the internet, we saw an album with the old, strange and creepy photographs of playgrounds of the Soviet Union and adjustment. On one of the photos was pictured a blue robot with arms outstretched to the sides, which were pretty rusted. This is a photo we loved, and immediately there was an association with image of Jesus, and since it was a robot we named him electric jesus.

After 15 minutes of deliberation, we decided to call our group Electric Jesus. Once we recorded our demo we got to the territory of stoner and sludge music, and there was all the dominance of groups using the name Jesus', the words like moon, electrical, acid in title of band and we decided to change the name by combining two words into one, and replacing letter "S" to letter "Z" to make fun this cliché.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

We live, record, and rehearse in our hometown Dimitrov, which is located a half hour drive away from Moscow. But the fact is we can be considered a Moscow group just because we're there so often haha. The genre community is skeptical of our group and our creativity so we are put into a diverse group or groups. We have had the chance to play with friendly bands such as;

Pincher - all female punk-metal band;

Diet Pill - grunge rock with female vocal;

The Fall of Mammoth - viscous doom metal from the grave

And of course listen to The Grayscales

All of them can be found on Facebook\bandcamp go listen to them, you will not regret it.

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

The central theme of the lyrics are nihilism, the daily life of an average person in reality, a lot of fatalism and hateful thoughts, wicked humor it's a mixture of realism and sarcasm so everyone has to decide for themselves.

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

A lot of bands have influenced us and our creativity such as the Melvins, Jucifer, Acid Bath, Today Is The Day, Dystopia, of course, the founders of the American thrash metal and their followers - Pantera, drone doom bands - Earth, Monarch, Sunn O, oldschool hardcore 80 -x, grindcore, powerviolence and many others.

6. Is there any story or concept behind the Mud of Generations title?

The main track of the album was our favorite, we wanted this album to sound dirty, rusty, like mud. It transmits all that we wanted to invest in an album. It all falls upon you lowering you more and more like the scum that you are, there is nothing that could change that.

7. Who produced Mud of Generations and what was it like working with them?

We produced the album ourselves. Before we recorded it we imagined how it would sound, and we had wanted it to sound as close as it would sound at a concert, that way it would show people who have never seen or heard our performances would know what to expect from us. We then knew that we had wanted it to be published on vinyl it's a solid two sided release with full potential.

8. Who did the cover art for Mud of Generations and how much input did you have on it?

The artwork's design was done by this artist from Russia called Timur Khabirov. We had stumbled accidently upon his work, even before the album was ready. So we needed a design and immediately contacted him. What we wanted to portray on the album cover was to understand one another with this design. So in addition we were all fans of horror movies about zombies (it's obvious when listening to the album), so we wanted with the full colored print instead of the dark colored one, this was more of a reminiscent of the old zombie movie posters.

9. Do you guys have any new music in the works as far as a follow-up release?

We want to release a limited edition version of our album on vinyl. After it's released we are planning to record another album, but it's going to happen next year. In addition to that we're thinking of releasing a 7-inch record but not yet. We're unsure on if it will be a split or just a single. These are just the ideas we have, right now all of our thoughts are about releasing the vinyl.

10. Will you be shooting a video for any of the songs off Mud of Generations?

No videos. We had previously thought to do something like a horror-musical but it's not going to happen. To us it' probably easier and faster to record another album haha.

11. What are your upcoming touring/show plans?

We don't have any concert plans but first want to do a tour in Russia then it would be great to play Europe once we get our vinyl out there. (Hi to all the managers, sponsors, etc. Who may be reading this).

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

You can find us on bandcamp http://electricjezus.bandcamp.com/
You can also listen to our album, demo, split and download it for free or pay what you want. We also have page on Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Electricjezus/575252375818127

13. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

The outro from the album and how it makes you feel like you need to get out of that bunker during the nuclear war to walk the earth again.

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

To begin let fans of such music be able to find us and love us. What do they expect from us in the future? Well we have a huge number of songs in different musical genres we'd like to try out.

15. Any final words of wisdom?

Do not believe everything people say in an interview.

Edge of Attack Announce 'Northern Destruction n Tour

2013-05-17T11:53:00.001-07:00

Grande Prairie, AB power-thrash five-piece Edge of Attack are proud to announce they will be trekking across Alberta for the month of June along with a tour date in Winnipeg, MB for their Northern Destruction Tour in promotion of their debut self titled album released on Spread The Metal Records earlier this year.

"Introducing the Northern Destruction Tour!! We can't wait to embark on our Canadian tour and bring great shows to our Canadian fans. But this is only the beginning. This September we will journey to Toronto and partake in the Spread the Metal Festival as a kick-off to part two of the Northern Destruction! See you on the road!!" comments vocalist Roxanne Gordey.

TOUR DATES:

Friday, May 31, Edmonton, AB - Rendezvous Pub, 8:00pm, 18+, $10
Saturday, June 1, Lethbridge, AB - Moose Hall, 6:00pm, All Ages
Sunday, June 2, Calgary, AB - New Black Centre, 6:00pm, All Ages, $10 adv/$15 door
Tuesday, June 4, Winnipeg, MB - Royal Albert Arms, 7:30pm, 18+, $8
Wednesday, June 5 TBA
Thursday, June 6, TBA
Friday, June 7, Devon, AB - P3, 8:00pm, All Ages, $10
Saturday, June 8, Drayton Valley, AB - Scout Guide Hall, 7:30pm, All Ages, $10
Saturday, June 22, Grande Prairie, AB - Better Than Freds, 9:00pm, 18+, $10

She's Alive's Alex Rogers Has Lots to Live For

2013-05-17T11:32:00.004-07:00

Representing Chicago's DIY music scene, She's Alive give a powerpop punch to the windy city" says Neck Deep Media's Andrew Wynykoski of the band's debut EP, 'Left To Live For'. All veterans of the midwest
scene, the five-piece assembled in 2012 and have wasted no time, quickly hammering out a tight collection of songs and securing studio time at Rob Freeman's renowned Pilot Studio in New Jersey.

Since the release of the EP in the summer of 2012 She's Alive have supported touring artists including Paradise Fears, Forever the Sickest Kids, Rocky Loves Emily and more followed by a string of solo tour-dates in the midwest and east coast.

"We play music that is real to us and I think people respond to that sincerity." says lead vocalist Alex Rogers. "Our songs come from the heart and we want our fans to feel like they are a part of our world when they listen to us. That connection is what keeps us going.

1. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?

Alex: In short, She's Alive formed from other bands ending but us still being the ones who wanted this to be our life so, fate kinda put us together timing wise.

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

Alex: The name idea originally came from members seeing a clip from Bride of Frankenstein "She's Alive! She's Alive!" but when brought up, it had a catchiness to it, and we found meaning behind it that rings true in what we see in the band and what we feel we stand for.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Alex: We are based out of Chicago IL and the scene has been slowly but surely coming back to life recently, which is very exciting. some bands we'd personally recommend would have to be Plastic Smiles, Hometown Heroes (IL), and Real Friends. just off the top of our heads, there are many great bands emerging out of our scene lately.

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

Alex: Lyrically the themes honestly vary from song to song, but overall the message we'd like to send is that we all feel out of place, we've all felt unwanted and broken hearted, but no matter how bad things get, you need to carry on whether it be with the help of your friends, or music, or yourself, because being different should be celebrated, and if you're going through hell, keep going, because things will get better. But overall it's just relating very human experiences that we all go through sometimes on a day to day basis. both happy and sad.

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

Alex: Our influences are from all over the spectrum. to best describe our sound using influences we'd have to go with New Found Glory, Taking Back Sunday, The Starting Line, All Time Low, Valencia, Hidden in Plain View, etc.

6. Is there any story or concept behind the Left To Live For title?

Alex: The concept came really from the title track of the same name, "Left To Live For" really touches on how sometimes life can get hopeless to the point where it feels like nothing is left, but music and the people who have been there for you can always be something to hold on, and even if that's all you have left to live for, that's enough because you are worth making it through the tough times, just to hold on.

7. Who produced Left To Live For and what was it like working with them?

Alex: We were lucky enough to work with Rob Freeman at the Pilot Studio out in New Jersey. The experience was fantastic, as a young band in terms of being together, we learned alot from him in terms of our own potential because he pushed us everyday to be better at our instrument, and to not settle for the part we had written. he really helped us come together musically.

8. Who did the cover art for Left To Live For and how much input did you have on it?

Alex: We had an outside source do the album artwork and really just let him listen to the songs we had back at that point and let him creatively take control, honestly it was cool to see in art form how our songs translated via an outside view.

9. Select two songs from Left To Live For and what inspired the lyrics.

Alex: "Another Try", the 2nd track, was inspired from Alex's past experiences in having to make a difficult choice in life to have to leave something he loved and put years into, or to have to start over again but go through alot of pain, but it really goes out to anyone who had to make a hard choice that they knew would be better for them, but caused heartache.

"Blacklight Eyes", track 5, is inspired by the feeling of being judged and put down by those around you or even those close to you based off of your past or mistakes you've made but have tried to make up for, and just in general its about how we all feel like the whole world is against us sometimes.

10. Do you guys have any new music in the works as far as a follow-up release?

Alex: We recently released a new track entitled "The Things You'll Never Tell" and plan on releasing another single in the next couple months. We will have plenty of content to release of the next few months while we get back into serious writing mode for another CD in the future.

11. What are your upcoming touring/show plans?

Alex: Our next show is going to be local, we are direct support on the Real Friends CD release show June 1st in Tinley Park IL. Then we plan on getting back on the road end of June for a short trip out to Romeo MI and making our way back over a weekend.

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

Alex: You can find all of our music on iTunes, and Spotify, as well as some cool stuff on YouTube. We have a Big Cartel with all of our merchandise available.

13. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Alex: What we want every listener to take away from our music is a feeling of hope, even on the less upbeat songs there's a sense that yes bad things happen, but you can get through it and be stronger for it. But moreso we'd like our listeners to be able to feel a sense of escape from the real world even for a few minuets, and just be able to take a few deep breaths.

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

Alex: Fans can expect new music, new videos, some really cool shows with some amazing artists, much more time out on the road, and of course nonstop love from us for all the support and love we get from them.

15. Any final words of wisdom?

Alex: Together we can change the world, just live your life and carry on.

Adam Lovesick Wants to Spread the Love of Music

2013-05-17T11:12:00.002-07:00

Adam Lovesick is a digital post hardcore, dance, horror artist who puts his love into his music, trying to bring out his own emotions not just musically but lyrically and vocally as well. You won't be hearing any music that "conforms" to get popular to sell out he just wants to showcase what he can do to whoever is willing to listen. Adam himself talks about his musical career and aspirations.

1. Can I get a backstory on this project?

I've been trying to make my way into the music scene since my senior year of high school back in 2006 but I just never quite found the musicians and companionship's that were on the same page as I was when it came to the sound and writing. Because of that I've been doing this project as a solo venture since 2008.

2. How did you come up with your name?

Well my real name is actually Adam Love. Ironically, my life had hardly been "loving" in nature. I personally was sick of the connotation that came with the last name. Like I was expected to always be understanding, self-sacrificial, caring, etc. Lovesick isn't the longing for love. It's being completely fed up with the pain, lies, and betrayal that love breeds.

3. Where is the project based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local acts you could recommend?

I live in and operate out of Northeastern Iowa. The scene around here is vast and varied. If I had to narrow it down... There are A LOT of hardcore, post-hardcore, and pop punk acts in the area. Bands I'd recommend? Undisclosed, Final Alibi, The Opportunist, Display Case, Andrew Johnathan, Cross My Heart, and A Better Reality are some bands/artists that I personally am fond of and they cover a wide spectrum of our scene these days.

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

You could call it eloquent aggression. I've always been told that I have a way with words but I also have a lot of emotions that I've repressed over the years. Combining those two seems to make for some intense storytelling.

I don't have a specific message that I'm trying to send. Like I said, I'm telling my stories. My life in words, essentially. I'm certain I've had experiences in my lifetime that A LOT of others can relate to and I'm hoping that that's what clicks.

5. What bands have influenced you and its sound?

It is really a ragtag group of bands, composers, and sounds that have influenced my work. But I'll give you the list. Motionless In White, The Bunny The Bear, Breathe Carolina, William Control, The Cure, Dredg, In Fear and Faith, and last but not least, Akira Yamaoka. He was the man behind the music for the majority of the Silent Hill video games as well as the films.

6. What are your dreams and goals?

I want to tour the world doing what I love and that is singing, screaming, and yelling my lungs out for the world to hear. My one goal at this point in time is to get this project out of my "studio" and onto the stage. Music is the one passion of mine that hasn't flickered or faded in any way and I'm not giving up on this.

7. What inspires you to do what you do?

My daughter. She is what drives me on. I want her to have everything I never did. To see what I never saw. To have a father that she can be proud of. Something I grew up without...

8. What advice would you give to fellow acts?

Dare to dream. Seriously, be who and what YOU want to be and pursue it mercilessly. Let the words of discouragement be fuel to your inner fire.

9. You released a song called "Princess Die" tell me about it.

This is the first song I've completed off of my 8 song demo I'm working on and it really captures the essence of my work and the sound I've been working towards. The instrumental sound, the vocal delivery, the lyrical content... It's all perfectly demonstrated. I think the lyrics of the song speak plenty. Many of us wish the worst on those that hurt us. If it were to happen though, what would it really accomplish for ourselves? Blindly seeking revenge doesn't change the wrongs against you, plain and simple.

10. Do you have any other songs in the works?

As I mentioned, I'm working on a demo consisting of eight tracks. "Princess Die" makes the first of three that I will be releasing on their own before making the entire thing available. A few of the songs are earlier works of mine that have been revamped as well as some new songs. I'm very excited about the progress.

11. What are your upcoming touring/show plans?

I don't want to divulge TOO much but I'm in the process of purchasing certain equipment and getting things in order to hopefully play my first show right around Halloween. ;)

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

There are a two places you can go to listen to the music. You can either hit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AdamLovesickOfficial or head to the YouTube channel where I post full songs, lyric videos, teasers, and updates at www.youtube.com/AdamLoveOfficial. I'm not currently selling my music but I will gladly email anyone an mp3 if they ask me! I'd like to add that I'm in the process of getting my music on iTunes for free downloads as well as looking into some merch!

13. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

I hope that they hear the amount of emotion that goes into the songs. I hope it sticks and resonates and that it is something they can appreciate, maybe even relate to. I'm literally putting all of my emotions and feelings out there.

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

There is new music on the way, merch designs being drawn up, and Fall touring plans being laid out!!

15. Any final words of wisdom?

I just want to take this moment to say thank you from the top, bottom, and everywhere in between of my heart to EVERYONE that has watched a video, listened to a song, clicked a "Like " button, shared a post, commented whether positive or negative. Really, if you've given me a chance... I can't thank you enough. And thank you for this interview, Natalie. I'm really, really grateful and humbled.

You Only Live Once's Stephanie, Jaffy and Ariel Chase their Dreams

2013-05-17T11:01:00.001-07:00

You Only Live Once is a post hardcore female fronted band from Los Angeles, CA who started in September of 2010. Fronted by screamer STEPHANIE ISIS and singer ARIEL SANSON who were also seen on the TV shows THE X FACTOR and AMERICAS GOT TALENT. Guitars are done by VALENTINE and JAFFY VALKYRIE. Drums are done by JARED SALAZAR and bass is played by LOUIS! They're a new up and coming band who are looking to be heard and make an impact in the music scene!

1. What type of band are you?

We are a female fronted post-hardcore band.

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

It started with Stephanie and Ariel, and we me our guitar player Valentine. Ariel and Valentine started dating and we had our previous drummer and bass player Ricki and Vicki but it didn't work out with them. We picked up our second guitar player Jaffy, and later we met our current drummer and bass player Jared and Louis, and it's been the same lineup for a while now. :)

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

We just wanted something that alot of people said.

4. Who are your musical influences?

We have a variety of musical influences like Attack Attack, Avenged Sevenfold, Guns n roses, Beyonce, Bring Me The Horizon, Katty Perry, and alot more but it would be a long list. lol

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

Most of them are inspirational songs to give people hope, or to have a good time and enjoy your life.

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

Yes we write our own songs. :)

7. Your currently an unsigned act, do you prefer the self-released/unsigned route or hope to someday get signed to a label? What's your outlook on the record industry today?

We do enjoy the freedom of being an unsigned band but we do want to be signed eventually, because we do want a team to helps us reach the goals that we want to reach as a band.

8. You guys are in writing/recording mode for your upcoming release, what will the "release" be an EP debut or a full-length debut?

It will be an EP somewhere between a 5 to 6 song EP.

9. Who is producing this release? How has the producer aided the recording process?

Our current producer is Joel Piper from the band Confide. Joel helps us out when were stuck and definitely helps us when something can be better and does his best to make everything sound great and we love him for it.

10. Where are you recording this release?

We usually just go out to wherever Joel is located.

11. How would you describe the overall sound of this release?

It's a pop sound but with a post hardcore feel to it.

12. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?

To develop our sound and bring something different that people haven't heard before.

13. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?

We're using alot of synth and electronic aspects that we never used before on our previous EP.

14. When did you start writing for this release? How was the songwriting process different/similar to previous You Only Live Once material?

We started writing when we knew we were going to start working with Joel Our old EP was more about us wanting to sound heavy and metal but this time around we realized we wanted to have alot of catchy choruses and alot more a fun sound.

15. How do you think the vibe in the studio will go?

It's been really fun so far we always have alot of fun just interacting with our joel and cracking jokes so its always a really fun vibe.

16. When can we expect this new release to be out and about?

We'd say late 2013 we'll have the whole EP out :).

17. So what can you tell me about the single and video for the song "Do Or Die"?

It's about living in the moment with the ones you love.

18. You also have another single "Chasing Dreams" and have a video in the works, can you tell me about that video's concept?

The videos concept is about the struggle of musicians chasing their dreams in Los Angeles but achieving it.

19. What are your upcoming touring and show plans?

We are currently trying to get on warped tour and we plan on playing the all stars tour at least out here in LA or the OC, but we've laid of the shows because we're recording.

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

To finish our EP and our Chasing Dreams Video, look for management and build a bigger following and eventually get signed to a label.

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

On Facebook, YouTube, and iTunes. You can buy our stuff on iTunes :)

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

We would just like to thank all the people that support us and continue to support us while we grow as a band, we just want to tell you guys that we love you. <3 p="">

Lucki Gurlz are Truly Lucky!

2013-05-17T10:35:00.001-07:00

Lucki Gurlz are a Pop & R&B singing, and dancing female group of five individually talented, and diverse gurlz. They consider themselves “LUCKI” because individually, they have been successful in the entertainment industry. Their credits include, Toys R Us commercials, national modeling campaigns, movies, singing for the Ambassador of Indonesia, and working with Beyonce for First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign just to name a few. These talented young gurlz take pride in celebrating their individuality, and the characteristics, which make them unique. They love their sisterhood, and the bond that they share together as a group. Collectively, the Lucki Gurlz can appeal to every gurl, because they represent a vast array of young gurlz nationwide.

Their motto, is “Every Gurl deserves to be Lucki....Lucki, because you embrace and accept your differences, and never give up on your dreams.” Lucki Starr, Lucki Zan, Lucki K, Lucki Sam & Lucki Bree are each individually talented entertainers, who share the same musical passion, and love for entertaining.

Lucki Gurlz hope to inspire their young audience with their music, encourage young female empowerment, and be the voice for young girls who don’t feel pretty, Lucki, are bullied, or simply feel that their voice is not heard. As a group, they have been working for about a year with Grammy nominated music producer, Allstar, to develop their sound of music. With a few viral videos of cover songs, dance videos and ustreams, they have collectively amassed over 150,000 twitter followers, 24,000 Instagram followers, and over 271,000 video views. Their supportive fans refer to themselves as their “Lucki Charmz”, and are anxious to follow their Lucki Gurlz journey. The gurlz got together to discuss their musical lives.

1. What type of band are you?

We are a teen Pop and R&B gurl group with an edge.

2. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?

Our Producer, Allstar, saw that there was a void in the industry of gurl bands, since the success of The Spice Girls and Destiny's Child, and decided go create the Lucki Gurlz. A group of five individually, unique girls who share the same drive & passion for performing! Some of us auditioned to be in the group, while others knew each other from the dance world.

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

Our producer, Allstar had the whole vision about his new girl group, the concept, and he even came up with the name, and brought the entire "Lucki Gurlz" vision to life! He is developing us and producing our music as well.

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

The Lucki Gurlz came together because we all have the same passion for singing, dancing, and performing.

5. What have you released so far?

So far, we have released a few covers with music videos, as well as a makeup tutorial! We are so grateful that our LuckiCharmz have been so supportive, and have shared, "Liked", and Subscribed to our @LuckiGurlzVideos youtube page! We have so much fun doing covers, but we are also currently working in the studio on our Lucki Gurlz album.

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

Our lyrical theme has a lot to do with Gurl empowerment, and encouraging everyone to be confident in who they are, because everyone is unique, and "LUCKI" in their own way! We are a performance/dance driven group, so of course we have to add fun, catchy, and edgy dance breaks too!

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

Groups like the Spice Girls, TLC and especially Destiny's Child with their strive for young girl empowerment, at such a young age, have definitely inspired and influenced us. We have a wide range of inspirations that we love, such as Demi Lovato, Rihanna, Gwen Stefani, Beyonce, Pink, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake just to name a few.

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

We are just beginning to get involved in the writing and creative process. Fortunately, we are honored to work with some amazing song writers who work for our producer.

9. Can you tell me about the song and video concept for "Diamonds Where Have You Been"?

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

Music has the ability to take you to another place, create a great mood, and can almost freeze time! We incorporate a lot of dance and choreography in what we do, because we feel dancing and singing bring music to life. Music transcends gender lines, race, cultures, and has the ability to bridge the gap, and bring people from all over together, and make you feel just happy!

11. What inspires you to do what you do?

Our Lucki Charmz truly inspire us, and the fact that we get to do something together, that we are so passionate about, and share it with the world means everything to us!

12. What advice would you give to fellow bands?

To Dream BIG, and never give up on your dreams, because nothing worth having comes easyÉwith hard work, passion & determination you can achieve your music goals!

13. What are your dreams and goals?

To become a successful international Pop Music sensation, travel and tour the world meeting,inspiring & performing for our LuckiCharmz, and have longevity in the music industry.

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

Speaking our "LUCKI" dreams into existence, we would have to say, we see world Tours, Videos, Movies, Books, Dolls, Hit Records & a Clothing Line in our futureÉ.yes, we sure do Dream BIG!

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

Currently, you can hear our music on our Reverbnation page @LuckiGurlz, and please Subscribe to our YouTube page, @LuckiGurlzVideos, and follow our Lucki Gurlz journey! Thanks so much for this interview opportunity, and we love all our LuckiCharmz! Thank you for all the support & love that you show us, please Subscribe to our YouTube page, "LIKE" us on FaceBook, follow us on Instagram, and be sure to follow us on twitter too!

Winx Club Magical Adventure DVD Pre-Orders and Trailer Online Now

2013-05-17T00:42:00.001-07:00

Winx Club's second film "Magical Adventure" is being aired on Monday May 20th on Nick at 8PM. The trailer for the film can be seen HERE and pre-orders for the DVD of the film coming out August 13th can be bought HERE. The artwork for the DVD can be seen below and indicates that the DVD will include 7 bonus episodes perhaps of the fifth season as did the first film DVD release "The Secret Of The Lost Kingdom" which had a bonus disc with the first set of episodes of the fourth season.

DVD Cover

Modern Day Escape Releases New Album

2013-05-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

Modern Day Escape have apparently been writing and recording for their follow-up release "Under The Gun" the new album is called "New Life" and is coming June 11th on Standby Records and will feature a brand new line-up with James Vegas and Marti Rubels being the only original members. The tracklisting and album artwork have been revealed as well as pre-orders which can be picked up HERE.

Tracklisting:

20 Years
Bound By Blood
Control
DRUGS
Gets Me Higher
Leaving Home
Mi Demonia Amor
Saying Goodbye
Scared As Hell
Suicidal
This Ain’t Love

Cerebrum's Mike and Jim Go Cosmic

2013-05-16T12:12:00.001-07:00

Progressive technical death metallers Cerebrum have released their newest album called "Cosmic Enigma" so Mike and Jim discusses this all new release.

1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Cerebrum, and how long the band has been together.

MIKE: I m Mike and I m the guitar player of Cerebrum.

JIM: My name is Jim and i am the guitarist - vocalist of the band.

2. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there?Are there any local bands you could recommend?

JIM: We are based in Athens/ Greece, and yes we have a big scene and a good one i think…Well the problem is that the bands are so many and I can’t mention them all ..hehe,so I will say only my favorite which is Sickening Horror! They play also progressive death metal and they are more of our taste.

MIKE: As Jim said the scene is getting bigger and better every day.So many bands that I cant choose any of them without forgetting others...So just search and you wont be disappointed.

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

JIM: The lyrics are abstract. Of course we have a concept which is about human , dreams , nature , the development of our selves, and the general meaning is that you must observe everything, develop, and have your own mind, don’t let them get into you.. DO NOT listen to everything.

MIKE: By abstract we mean that it doesn't have a specific subject except from some exceptions...I think that they can be translated in many different ways.It will not be necessarily what I had in mind , but this freedom to interpret according to your imagination I think is better.

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

MIKE: There are many bands we listen to from death metal to to jazz-rock and 70s prog rock some of them are Death, Watchtower, Gentle Giant, Atheist, Nocturnus , Morbid Angel , King Crimson, Toxik...Guitar players like Allan Holdsworth,Frank Gambale,Shawn Lane...and many more.

5. Is there any story or concept behind the Cosmic Enigma title?

JIM: It relates to the albums artwork .It's a design Mike made and it appears in the CDs tray card..Its an "enigma " ,a cryptex it's a combination of signs and numbers which has the answer inside of it haha.

6. Select two songs from Cosmic Enigma and what inspired the lyrics.

MIKE: Self regenerate is the story of the human who can reach his zero level and reborn from his ashes like the phoenix. The point is that we must have the mental strength to develop and reborn when we are down. I believe that some times is necessary to fall in order to rise again Phobos manipulation is exactly what the title says. The use of fear in peoples mind in order to be able to have them all controlled and unable to do something different from what is ''expected''. These 2 songs are the exceptions we talked about before.

7. Who produced Cosmic Enigma and what was it like working with them?

JIM: We did as we are both sound engineers and we have our own home studio. The good thing about it ,is that we knew exactly what we wanted and how to do it.. I hope you like the final result.

MIKE: Knowing what we want doesn't mean of course that we didn't spent many hours trying different things in order to achieve the best result.

8. Who did the cover art for Cosmic Enigma and how much input did you have on it?

JIM: We worked again with Michal Loranc know as "Xaay" . It's a plesure to work with him again .He is one of the best in what he does and the fact that he has worked with bands like Behemoth, Nile, Kamelot and Necrophagist, is not accidental.

MIKE: We worked close with Michal and gave our ideas in every step of the creation...We told him what we wanted and started from there.. So if you also add what Jim said about the design in the tray,i think that we had an important input on the artwork.

9. How does Spectral Extravagance compare and differ to Cosmic Enigma? How has the sound evolved between them?

MIKE: I think its a natural development and it is a more mature album.Both musically and production wise it is an improvement. Its also much more technical although in first listen or if you don't pay much attention it may not seem so.

10. What are your expectations for the CD?

JIM: I would like to sell 1 million copies the first month of its release haha. I am kidding of course .The only think I want is that the fans like the music.

MIKE: And by that,maybe some more people will listen to our music and hopefully find something they like.

11. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

MIKE: The music...that's what its all about. And that he enjoyed what he listened to.

JIM: Remember to listen to it again..The "problem" with technical music is that you have to listen it many times to get into it. I hope they do and travel with it ...

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

JIM: At the moment we rehearse for some shows here in Greece, and we hope to make a European tour before the years end.

MIKE: And maybe do something in Japan as our label is Japanese and in the US where we seem to have many good friends that support us...

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

You can listen and check the news at :

https://www.facebook.com/pages/CEREBRUM-OFFICIAL/213184332066830
www.reverbnation.com/cerebrumofficial
www.myspace.com/cerebrum

and you can find all our merch here:

http://cerebrum.bigcartel.com/

14. Any final words of wisdom?

MIKE: Thank you for the interview and support!Hope you enjoy the album!

JIM: Just be your selves have your own mind listen to a lot of good a lot of music and read more!

Wecreate's "Our Own Reality" Video Released

2013-05-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

Wecreate have released their new video for the song "Our Own Reality" check it out HERE.

Victory Height's Karl and Sam Talk New Music, the Band, and More

2013-05-16T11:46:00.002-07:00

Victory Heights has made their name as one of the most anticipated, up and coming unsigned American post-hardcore acts of 2012. The band has set out to steal hearts all around the world. Their charisma and personality, combined with their catchy yet honest and hard hitting music has made their goal a reality. They make a point of representing themselves as a positive and fun group of people. The quintet is characterized by a critically acclaimed an energetically unmatched live show. They have found their musical niche on the fine line between hard hitting metal core and bouncy, fun pop music. It is no mystery that the music industry is one of the toughest to succeed in. However, one thing is clear to anyone who has seen the band perform or listened to their music: Victory Heights is here to stay. Victory Heights is more than a band; it is more than five dudes on stage playing music; it is more than CD's and shows; Victory Heights is a movement. Expect big things from these boys.

1. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?

It is a pretty long story. Me (Karl) and my little brother Sam had bounced around between several horrible high school bands when we met a couple kids who we liked. We basically pulled a Drake and literally started from the bottom. We played little hole in the wall venues in front of less than 10 people, and recorded in our friend’s basement. Things started to pick up as we kind of figured out who we were. We cycled through band members until we found the line up we have now, which we are finally confident in. It took years and years of hard work, but it is finally coming together. Victory Heights has a very bright future!

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

The band name came from the name of a peninsula that Sam and I’s family had a cabin on when we were younger. We spent a lot of our younger lives there.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

We are based out of Denver, Colorado. It is an interesting scene here. We haven’t really fit in with a lot of local bands from the area in the past. It might be because we started pretty slow and escalated to the top of the scene pretty quickly. It might be because we had different goals and approaches than the rest of the bands in the scene. As far as bands go in the area, check out Forty Fathoms and Eyes Like The Tide.

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

The theme of our lyrics is real life. I am very particular about lyrics in the music I listen to, so naturally, I am very particular about the lyrics in the music we write. We try to write lyrics in a relatable way, so they can be understood and felt by more than just us. The lyrics to the new record encompass a whole spectrum of feelings and situations, including relationships, regret, pride, and all sorts of other things!

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

Too many to name! We all listen to pretty different music. I literally don’t even know where to start.

6. You guys released your new single and song "For The Birds" tell me about it.

For The Birds was the first song we wrote for the new record, and it was written well over a year ago. The song is very angry, and for very good reason. It is a song that represents a very dramatic and rough long term relationship that several of us have had.

7. Where are you in the recording process of the new album?

Essentially done. There are some vocals that need to be added, and some synth and orchestral work that needs to be completed.

8. Who is producing the album? How has the producer aided the recording process?

Seth Munson of Depar Studios. Seth is a genius and a prodigy when it comes to production. He brings many good ideas to the table. The process has been long and stressful due to both our touring schedule and his, but it is finally coming to a close!

9. How would you describe the overall sound of the new album?

Unbelievably diverse and pleasantly dynamic! There are songs on the record that are soft and emotional, there are songs that are fun and poppy, there are songs that are pissed off and heavy, and everything in between. The subject matter is the same way. There is a whole spectrum encompassed in this record.

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

Unfortunately we are still in the process of naming some of the songs on the record. There is a song that is as of now, un-named that we are particularly excited for. It is definitely the most fun song on the record. The big surprise about this song is that there is a rap in it, as well as a guest vocal feature from a fairly notable artist. The song kind of touches on the partying side of our life style. It isn't quite as superficial as most “party songs” though. It actually does have some depth to it, which is cool.

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

We aren't sure yet, but hopefully this summer. We are waiting to get the right label offer, and hopefully release it that way as opposed to a self-release.

12. You plan to hit the road for a short while, will you be road testing any of the new material?

We have been touring fairly consistently over the past year. We will be out again in June for a bit, and then again for a long time in August. We will be playing several of the new songs on the tours, mostly because they are the most accurate representation of who we are as a band now.

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

Facebook and YouTube are good places to listen to it. If you want to buy our music, iTunes is great!

14. What is it you'd like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

I guess the way it made you feel. I remember being in high school and hearing that song that just got me. We want to write the music that people can listen to when they are happy, sad, angry etc. And find something in. We want to write music that people can find shelter in, celebrate with and get their aggression out through.

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

You will be seeing a lot of us in the future. Expect big, big things. We will be releasing a few music videos and singles over the next few months, as well as announcing tours and what not! Stay tuned! Expect us.

16. Any final words of wisdom?

Be you. As corny as it sounds, the message we want to send as a band has nothing to do with religion, politics or anything like that. We believe in individualism and the importance of enjoying your life. I can personally say that I am currently doing the things that I said I would be doing when I was 5 years old, despite adversity. All I have been told my whole life is that I can’t do this, and I can’t do that. Cut the people who tell you those things out of your life, and do what you want. Supportive people will come out of the woodwork when you treat life like it is yours, and not the worlds. No one tells us who to be.

Modern Day Paradise's Akira Adkins says New Music Due Out Soon

2013-05-16T11:27:00.002-07:00

Modern Day Paradise is a metalcore act who is in the writing, recording, and working process for their all new release due out later this year. Bassist Akira Adkins discusses.

1. What type of band are you?

Akira: Metalcore.

2. Tell us the brief history of your band.

Akira: This band started in Westchester In the year 2012 After the summertime. The Ex-guitarist "Tony" and the lead vocalist "George" met and began looking for members, Their search eventually led them to a bass player by the name "Akira" Who originally was going to play guitar in the band they then came across a wonderful guitarist named "Matt" Who's incomprehinsable technicality on the guitar was a must have, as well as his wonderful personality. The band saw lots of doubt and a huge loss of morale when they could not find a drummer. Jaymez Hadley from the Ambient Metalcore band "Stand As Giants" Offered to play MDP's first show with them they gleefully accepted. The first show was on march 9 2012 and they haven't looked back.

3. Where did the band get its name?

Akira: The name? We haven't really decided why we have it or why we have it.

4. So you mentioned that your band has faced the misfortune of changing members, who has replaced the old with the new or have you not found them yet?

Akira: Unfortunately We have not found a replacement so we are on "Veil Of Maya Status" for now... (1 guitar, 1 Bass).

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

Akira: We are our own influence As well as the other bands we grew up listening to or play alongside now.

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

Akira: George Gomes (Vocals) writes the lyrics, They mostly involve, love, lust, betrayal, strength, and sometimes just plain partying!

7. So what can you tell me about this new EP?

Akira: The new EP is going to have a bit of something for everyone. Something to tear people up in the mosh pit to something to sing to your significant other or do acoustic covers of and something to make you feel like you're on top of the world.

8. What title did you decide to go with it and is there a meaning behind it?

Akira: Personally, we try to make the most of our time on this planet. We create our own oasis...our own place of peace, war, chaos, and order...this is our heaven, our Modern Day Paradise.

9. Is this EP going to be a concept release?

Akira: Concept release? Nah its more literal.

10. Where are you in the recording process of the new EP?

Akira: We are in the mid stages, polishing our single and recording the EP.

11. Who is producing the album? How has the producer aided the recording process?

Akira: We don't have a producer.

12. Where are you recording the EP?

Akira: At a place called "Uproar Publishing"

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

Akira: One track is called "Salt To A Wound" and its a rather angry song about a woman who cheats on her significant other multiple times. (Angsty) lol The song came about when our drummer had a really nice pattern that sounded like it needed some interesting guitar work... so we wrote the speediest thing we could...slowed it down and fine-tuned it to be one of our best songs. "Lets Make A Mess" is one of the party style songs that we have, its about, sex wild, crazy, sex. It originally started a year back as a song called "Stand Strong" but we didn't like it...so we kept the riff, made it a bit groovier, and changed the lyrics.

14. How was/is the vibe in the studio?

Akira: A bit stressful, first time recording so.... kinda rigid and time consuming but overall a good experience.

15. When can we expect the new EP to be released?

Akira: Around the holidays!

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

Akira: Our best work.....Our sweat and blood... Our gratitude.

17. Is that your final answer?

Akira: Yes.

We Rise The Tides's Riley Rose Talks New Music

2013-05-16T11:11:00.001-07:00

We Rise The Tides is a metalcore band hailing from Portland, OR. Through hard work, dedication and raw passion, We Rise The Tides has created a name for themselves and have achieved a lot in the year and a half that they have been a band. The intimate relationship that they have with their fans has made them a well respected band to music lovers and their hard hitting live performances have earned the respect of fellow bands all along the west coast and beyond. With a solid "cult” following that is constantly growing, We Rise The Tides is ready to make the next step in their musical career and to spread their powerful message to the masses. Guitarist and clean vocalist Riley Rose spoke about the band's latest and upcoming release.

1. What type of band are you guys?

Riley: We're a metal band. Our music covers a broad range of sub-genres of metal, but I would say that the most prominent of the sub-genres would be metalcore.

2. Where is the band from?

Riley: Our home town as far as shows go is Portland, OR, but we are all scattered throughout Washington and Oregon.

3. Do you write your own songs, what are your songs about?

Riley: We do write 100% of our music! As far as what the songs are about, it really depends on the song. There isn't a universal subject that we use for each song. The new EP has a pretty common theme though as of now. I can't really talk about it in detail yet as we are still putting the final touches on the songs lyrically, but the whole EP follows a theme and I definitely really like the direction! It's different than what a lot of bands in the scene are doing nowadays and I'm very proud of that.

4. Who are some of your musical influences?

Riley: For me personally, The Black Dahlia Murder, AFI, Anorexia Nervosa, Thy Art Is Murder, Make Them Suffer, etc. I listen to EVERYTHING, but when I'm working writing some metal I draw influence from a lot of deathcore and symphonic black metal bands as well as just anything that is punishingly heavy. I also am influenced a lot by guitarists such as Randy Rhoads, Dimebag Darrell Abbott, Zakk Wylde, Michael Angelo Batio, etc.

5. So what can you tell me about this new EP?

Riley: It's a huge step up from our last EP. It's faster, more techy, way heavier and much better vocally. It's all around just more mature and more bad ass.

6. What title did you deicde to go with it and is there a meaning behind it?

Riley: We're still working on deciding a final title for the EP, but we have a title that we are pretty sure will end up being it. Unfortunately, I don't want to jump the gun so I can't really say for now.

7. Is this EP going to be a concept release?

Riley: Yes and no. As I mentioned earlier, this EP does follow a common theme, but it isn't a long story or anything. Hopefully we will be able to do a full concept album in the future though!

8. Where are you in the recording process of the new EP?

Riley: Currently, I am working on the pre-production versions of the songs for the EP. This basically means that I demo out all of the songs and send them to the rest of the guys, they critique it, and I change stuff that people don't like until each song is perfect!

9. Who is producing the EP? How has the producer aided the recording process?

Riley: Steven Riverman at Stand Alone Recordings is co-producing, recording, mixing, and mastering the album for us. Brady Johns (The Hatch recording studio) will also be working with us co-producing the album. As far as writing goes, we write it all and our producers will help us add some additional spice to the music. For us, by the time we hit the studio we have already done about four revisions per song so the music is solid.

10. Where are you recording the EP?

Riley: Stand Alone Recordings in Portland, OR.

11. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this EP.

Riley: The process hasn't started yet, but we're basically just going for the biggest sounding album possible. We want everything to be tight and punchy and for everything to be performed as solid as humanly possible instrumentally and vocally. We know that with our abilities, Steven will be able to push us and we will get EXACTLY what we want.

12. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?

Riley: Not for this EP, no. It's pretty standard with drums, guitars, bass & vocals, but we also use pianos & strings in our music as well. I really love the sound that you get with instruments like pianos & strings over heavy ass music, but I try not to go too crazy with it. We aren't trying to capitalize on the whole breakdowns with dubstep samples over it fad.

13. When did you start writing for this album? How was the songwriting process different/similar to previous We Rise The Tides releases?

Riley: I began writing songs for this album around August 2012, but at the time, we had our old lineup and one member wouldn't allow for anyone to write except for them so it was initially being written for just myself. Then, we had a lineup change and the songs "Five Months" & "Worthless" were used from my material. Our other guitarist Lowen Murray also wrote a bad ass song called "Creator" that I think people are really going to dig! Needless to say, I think things worked out for the best.

14. Did you feel any pressure to do this release?

Riley: Yes and no. In today's music scene, there is always a little bit of pressure. If your music is sub-par, you will get buried by the thousands of other bands trying to make it. Ultimately though, we just write what we love to play and keep it fun. Being in a band is hard work, but it's what we all love and live for, so we don't get caught up too much in all of that.

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

Riley: One song that I am personally really stoked about is called "Worthless". It's a song that I wanted to write about that time in a person's life where they lose themselves completely. Be it through drugs, alcohol, fame, fortune, or whatever. It's about not even knowing who you are anymore because you're so far gone and about pushing everyone and everything that you care about away because of it. It is a song that hits home for me pretty hard, and I think it's something that most everyone can connect with on some level.

16. How do you think the vibe in the studio will go?

Riley: It's going to go great! We all have known Steven for some time and he's an awesome dude, so we have no worries there. And Brady is Kendall's brother and we did our 2013 demo with him, so we know that it will go great with him too. It will be the perfect environment for us to be in to make some great music.

17. When can we expect the new EP to be released?

Riley: As of right now, we don't have a release date for it, so you will have to stay tuned!

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

Riley: More touring, more awesome tunes, more shred, more raging live and more party! The future looks very bright for us, and we hope that everyone is as stoked as we are when this thing drops!

19. Is that your final answer?

Riley: For sure! Thanks for taking the time to interview us!

The Greatness Design - Pillars of Creation

2013-05-16T10:58:00.001-07:00

The Greatest Design's "Pillars Of Creation" is the band's first shot at releasing a full-length release but what were the ending results? Well it features 15 tracks, 12 being brand new, while 3 bonus tracks were added as bonuses of course! As such, The Greatness Design's debut efforts is without doubt flawless high in-your-face energy that keeps a constant stream of music from start to finish. While when listening to them Whitechapel, The Black Dahlia Murder, Trivium, and even A Day To Remember, come into account with it's packed solos, bursting drum beats, and brutal vocal chords really keep the music together. These guys have got the ball rolling right along, and this couldn't have been a better start on that roll to the top.

JEFF HANNEMAN MEMORIAL CELEBRATION ANNOUNCED

2013-05-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

The Jeff Hanneman Memorial Celebration will take place on Thursday, May 23 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles from 3:30 - 7:30PM. Hanneman passed away on May 2 at the age of 49.

The Memorial Celebration will be free and open to the public on a first-come, first-in basis (subject to venue capacity). All ages are welcome, and paid parking will be available around the venue.

Jeff Hanneman helped shape Slayer's uncompromising thrash-metal sound as well as an entire genre of music. His riffs of fury and punk-rock attitude were heard in the songs he wrote, including Slayer classics "Angel of Death," "Raining Blood," "South of Heaven" and "War Ensemble." Hanneman co-founded Slayer with fellow-guitarist Kerry King, bassist Tom Araya and drummer Dave Lombardo in Huntington Park, CA in 1981. For more than 30 years, Hanneman was the band member who stayed out of the spotlight, rarely did interviews, amassed an impressive collection of World War II memorabilia, was with his wife Kathy for nearly three decades, shut off his phone and went incommunicado when he was home from tour, did not want to be on the road too late into any December as Christmas was his favorite holiday, and, from the time he was about 12 years old, woke up every, single day with one thing on his mind: playing the guitar.

It was once suggested to Slayer that if they would write "just one mainstream song that could get on the radio," they would likely sell millions of records and change the commercial course of their career, similar to what had happened to Metallica with 1993's "Enter Sandman." Jeff was the first to draw a line of integrity in the sand, replying, "We're going to make a Slayer record. If you can get it on the radio, fine, if not, then fuck it."

IMPENDING DOOM ENTER STUDIO Tour Dates Announced New Album Due This Summer

2013-05-16T10:53:00.003-07:00

Southern California juggernauts IMPENDING DOOM have entered The Machine Shop (SUICIDE SILENCE, LAMB OF GOD) in Belleville, NJ this week to start working on their next LP with producer Will Putney. Bass player David Sittig weighs in on where the band stands in the process:

The material is our best and heaviest work without a doubt. The chemistry between the five of us this time has been different and very unique. Our original guitarist Manny Contreras re-joined the band and we all could not be happier with what he has brought to the table. This is the Impending Doom album you have been waiting for!"

IMPENDING DOOM will also be hitting the road this summer find out where and when HERE.

Evasion's Patch Talks of the Old and New Music

2013-05-16T10:45:00.003-07:00

Experimental groove tech metal act, Evasion has got their latest release "From Reality" out and about and have new music in the works! Frontman vocalist Patch talks of the new music and latest works and the band themselves.

1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Evasion, and how long the band has been together.

Patch: Hey Natalie, my name is Patch. I'm the vocalist/frontman. Evasion has been around for awhile, though the line up has only been solid for about a year.

2. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Patch: We're based out of Tucson, Arizona. Our music scene here is fairly decent, based on what genre you play. Bands I feel deserve a shout out? Damn... Here's a couple: Lethal Dosage, Kvasura, Anakim, Angelic to Ashes, We Killed The Union, Wrathgate, Thorncaster, Godhunter, and At War With The Inferior. There are so many more too.

3. Tell me about your new EP.

Patch: "From Reality" is a culmination of a lot of hard work, time, effort, and money. It was worth everything we put into it. Every second of every day. A complete labor of love.

4. Is there any story or concept behind the From Reality title?

Patch: The title is just that, music is our escape from reality. Our music is what drives us. It keeps us sane. Especially when you look at the world today. I think we could all use an escape from that.

5. Select two songs from From Reality and what inspired the lyrics.

Patch: I love this question. Playing The Role Of The Failure: This song is about a failed relationship that ended because one party ended their commitment to another. A completely one sided decision. This song has a lot of raw emotion in it. Just One Night: This song is more of an overview. It's totally about a one night stand. Have you ever looked at someone that you were attracted to and thought to yourself, "if we had just one night together, the things we would do"? That's this track. 100% lust over love.

6. Who produced From Reality and what was it like working with them?

Patch: The album itself was self funded, locally recorded, and locally reproduced. Mitch Burbidge, a personal good friend of mine, recorded the album at Omniversal Studios. His work is A+. Oliver Saul at Pitball Records did the duplication for us.

7. Who did the cover art for From Reality and how much input did you have on it?

Patch: Our bassist, Arrow Escoto, had an old friend named Adam draw up the album cover. Adam is an amazing artist. We have him the album title and let him have free range. The end result was simply perfect.

8. You mentioned of a full-length planned for the fall can you tell me about the process for this follow-up release?

Patch: We've been working very hard on writing new material and getting a full length together. Originally we planned on going back into the studio by the end of the year, but our priorities have shifted to forming a self funded tour across Arizona and New Mexico.

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

Patch: We've already discussed PTROTF and JON, so let's discuss the other four.Cool Breeze: this track is about a significant other that comes into your life and just as quickly falls out. There's pain and anguish in the lyrics. To Hate The One You Love: this track is about someone you love immensely, but in return they give you every reason to loathe and despise their existence. Politics And Policies: this is actually about the politics between people in their everyday life. How people treat each other on a daily basis, our actions and reactions. Let The World Fall: this is our ode to this failing world. It's about how no one cares about anything anymore.

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

Patch: Another good question! Yes, I wrote my own lyrics for "From Reality". I'm very personal about what I write. It's a lot of negative emotions, because when I'm down I feel inspired. I write a lot about vices, anger, and love.

11. Who are your musical influences?

Patch: We're all over the place. I love pop metal, emo sing songie shit if you will. Arrow likes stoner music. Slow and low. Austin Rogers (guitarist) loves technical death metal. Marclar Vaughn (guitarist) likes a lot of different genres. I think he brings a lot of creativity to the table. Ricky Williams (drummer) loves fast metal. Black Dahlia, Dying Fetus, and Wretched. That kinda stuff.

12. How have the gigs you guys been doing this year been?

Patch: Good! It's all about picking and choosing your battles. We're looking to move out of the Tucson scene and start gigging out and about Arizona.

13. How do you promote your band and shows?

Patch: Facebook and YouTube do the most for us. We also utilize word of mouth and we are very social.

14. What are your upcoming touring plans and plans for this year?

Patch: Come November we will absolutely be on tour. Most likely trying to hit 5-7 venues in about 7-9 days. Wish us luck!

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

Patch: Never give up. Ever. Everybody has potential, so show that shit! I swear if I had just been as open and understanding of music when I was younger, who knows where I'd be today! If you give up on your dream I will personally, with Arrow, come to your house and punch you in the dick. So get yourself a drink, smoke yourself a blunt, and go create. Now!!!!

BACKSTREET BOYS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM, NEW SONG, AND NEW TOUR

2013-05-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

For 20 years, Backstreet Boys have delivered the finest pop music has to offer - tightly crafted songs, floor-shaking rhythms, and unmistakable harmonies. On July 30th, all five original members - Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, AJ McLean and Kevin Richardson - will release their new album In A World Like This.

From the first note to the last, In A World Like This impressively showcases the group's preeminent pop mastery with a collection of indelible tracks that surely rank among their biggest and best hits.

Fans were treated to a performance of new song "Permanent Stain" today on Good Morning America where the boys announced their new album and world-tour. Watch here:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/backstreet-boys-live-boy-band-sings-song-permanent-19183702

Continuing with their 20th Anniversary celebrations - which included a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame - the group will set out on a world-tour that will include a North American headlining Amphitheatre tour beginning August 2nd in Chicago, IL.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 17th at LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com. Fan club members can purchase tickets today - Wednesday, May 15th - at www.backstreetboys.com.

To show their appreciation, Backstreet Boys will be giving away a free download of
"Permanent Stain" with the purchase of tickets to their upcoming US tour.

Rolling Stone caught up with the guys about the new album and tour. Read here:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/q-a-backstreet-boys-talk-new-album-and-tour-20130515

In A World Like This is an album that sees the guys revisiting the groundbreaking dance-pop sound that first made them international superstars. Songs like the Max Martin penned first single, "In A World Like This," are classic BSB, bursting with big hooks, unforgettable melodies, and high-energy rhythms that both highlights the group's classic sound and vision while also placing it squarely in the here and now.

First single "In A World Like This" will be available everywhere starting on June 25th.
Stay tuned for more news and activities surrounding the single release!

"We always want to top our previous albums. That's always our objective," says Carter. "All five of us were determined to create an album where every song could be a single."

Backstreet Boys did just that. In A World Like This captures unified voices making the most vital music imaginable, and five talented artists creating influential, unforgettable pop.

"Our goal is always to push ourselves as much as possible," adds McLean. "We want Backstreet Boys to keep setting the template and raising the bar."

In A World Like This was recorded in London and Los Angeles with producers / fans Martin Terefe, Max Martin, Morgan Reid & Prophet, Dan Muckula and Justin Trugman.

One of the most successful groups in music history, with countless #1s, record-setting tours, and worldwide sales in excess of 130 million, Backstreet Boys are also among pop's most influential.

Watch the "In A World Like This Tour" teaser video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSfncukcFqE&feature=youtu.be

Watch BSB perform fan-favorite "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" on GMA:
http://gma.yahoo.com/video/backstreets-back-singing-everybody-142533181.html?vp=1

TOUR DATES:

August 2               Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island                      Chicago, IL
August 3               Verizon Wireless Amphitheater                                       St. Louis, MO
August 4               Toledo Zoo Amphitheater                                                  Toledo, OH
August 6               Bell Centre                                                                                Montreal, QB
August 7               Molson Canadian Amphitheatre                                     Toronto, ON
August 8               DTE Energy Music Theatre                                                  Detroit, MI
August 9               PNC Pavilion                                                                            Cincinnati, OH
August 10            Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica                                                   Cleveland, OH
August 12            Bank of America Pavilion                                                     Boston, MA
August 13            Nikon at Jones Beach Theater                                           Wantagh, NY
August 15            PNC Bank Arts Center                                                           Holmdel, NJ
August 16            Susquehanna Bank Center                                                  Camden, NJ
August 17            Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach                                  Virginia Beach, VA
August 20            Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek Raleigh, NC
August 21            Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre                                        Charlotte, NC
August 22            Chastain Park Amphitheatre                                              Atlanta, GA
August 23            Live Nation Amphitheatre                                                   Tampa, FL
August 25            Cruzan Amphitheatre                                                           West Palm Beach, FL
August 28            AT&T Center                                                                             San Antonio, TX
August 30            Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie                                       Dallas, TX
August 31            Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion                                      Houston, TX
September 5       Comerica Theatre                                                                   Phoenix, AZ
September 6       Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre                                        Irvine, CA
September 7       Mandalay Bay Events Center                                             Las Vegas, NV
September 8       Sleep Train Amphitheatre                                                   San Francisco, CA

CHIMAIRA DEBUT BRAND NEW SINGLE

2013-05-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

CHIMAIRA have debuted a brand new single called "All That's Left is Blood" from their upcoming new LP "Crown Of Phantoms." Vocalist Mark Hunter weighs in on the single;

"'All That’s Left is Blood' is an exercise in musical evisceration. One almost feels guilty for screaming along to such audio violence. Here, Werstler’s soloing lays a daring fluidity over the riot-inciting main riff. It’s immediately recognizable as being another classic Chimaira track, trademarked territory yet radical with growth."

Check out the single HERE.

Endemise's Dale Sauve Talks Far from the Light!

2013-05-15T13:23:00.002-07:00

Forming in 2005 in Ottawa, Ontario, Endemise is the sonic culmination of over a half decade of relentless effort and fierce determination. After various line-up changes and musical designations, Endemise has trimmed the fat and focused in on the road to success with laser precision. The auditory assault created between founding members Dale and David Sauvé commands the attention of any listener within earshot, and create the iron foundation of the Endemise sound. Guitarist and vocalist Dale Sauve talks of the band's all new album "Far From The Light" due out later this year!

1. What type of band are you?

Dale: We are a death metal band with some melodic and black elements.

2. Tell us the brief history of your band and where is the band from?

Dale: Our band is from Canada. My brother (The drummer) and I (guitarist) started the band in 2005
and we have been working on and perfecting our sound ever since.

3. How did the band get it's name?

Dale: We were looking for a unique name that no other band had, something that sounded catchy. After a number of different ideas I came up with Endemise and it was something that sounded dark and interesting. Everyone agreed it was what we were going for and it stuck ever since.

4. Who are your musical influences?

Dale: We have a TON of musical influences of all genres and styles. I guess our biggest influences over the past ouple years would be bands like Behemoth, Septic Flesh, Dissection and newer bands like Abigail Williams and our friends in Aurora Black.

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

Dale: Our songs have a huge range of content. Everything from fictional stories we decided to tell, our versions of stories re-told, old legends, to even personal visions or dreams we may have experienced. Most of our lyrics have a dark / erie vibe to them.

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

Dale: Yes we write all of our own songs. First thing I do is write an orchestral arrangement on my computer, followed by guitar and bass rhythm parts to go along with the orchestrations. After that I hand the song over to my brother and he writes all of the drums and sends the file back to me. After the drums are finished the other musicians and myself fine tune, tweak and add leads to create the final polished mix. Almost all of our songs are written this way and we play them for the first time in full as a band when the song is 100% done. Every band has a different method and this is one that works best for us.

7. So what can you tell me about this new album?

Dale: We have been writing this record for 3 years now and already spent over a year in the studio recording and producing it. The material is some of our heaviest, intense, complex material we have ever written and we are really excited for the rest of the world to finally hear it.

8. What title did you deicde to go with it and is there a meaning behind it?

Dale: The title for our new record is "Far From The Light" we decided to go with it for many reasons but it is named after one of the opening tracks on the record and that song means a lot to all of us so it only made sense to name the entire album after that song.

9. Is this album going to be a concept release?

Dale: The album will not be a concept and we have a number of different stories to tell in the songs we have put together for this record.

10. Where are you in the recording process of the new album?

Dale: After nearly a year of recording we have the album fully tracked. We are currently working on recording vocals, choir arrangements and polishing up some of the orchestral parts. We have set a date for the release of the album and we will be announcing details very soon.

11. Who is producing the album? How has the producer aided the recording process?

Dale: Our record is being produced by Ottawas own Mike Bond. He has worked with us on our last 2 released and we have known him since 2008. Mike is a huge part of our records and he always knowns exactly what we want and what sound we are going for. We would not want to work
with anyone else. He has been a part of the band from the start.

12. Where are you recording the album?

Dale: A studio in our home town called Pebble studios. Almost all of the bands in our area record at this studio and it is a very popular studio particularly for metal bands.

13. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?

Dale: Like always we wanted to out do ourselves from our previous releases and we have more than out done ourselves but made something that truly defines us as a band.

14. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?

Dale: Yes we are working with real live choir, different orchestral instruments and just a whole new approach for recording.

15. When did you start writing for this album? How was the songwriting process different/similar to previous Endemise releases?

Dale: I started writing this album in summer of 2010 after coming back from a summer tour promoting our 4 track EP. I wasted no time in writing songs for our next release. We are always writing and pushing ourselves to the limit musically.

16. Did you feel any pressure to follow it up?

Dale: I felt A LOT of pressure because later in the winter of 2010 2 of the 4 members of Endemise quit due to busy schedules and I did not know how I was going to continue the band. It didn't take long for me to fill their shoes and we were back at it.

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

Dale: My personal favorite tracks on the album are the title track "Far From the Light" and "Amidst The Ancient Suns". Far From the light took me 2 years to finish and I think it has the most diversity and aggression in it. Amidst The Ancient suns was writing 4 years ago and was planned to be on the 2010 EP but we did not have enough time to fit it in. The song itself is very melodic and one of my favorite songs to play live. I am sure every member of the band will have something different to say but those are my personal 2 favorite.

18. How is the vibe in the studio currently going?

Dale: When we go into the studio we are 100% in business mode. We get stuff done fast and efficiently but at the same time it is some of the most fun I have had being with a band. We are just 5 friends hanging out and making music and it is a very positive and relaxer environment.

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

Dale: We have an album release date set and I can't tell you the details yet but it will be sometime this fall but we will be releasing a track off the album on July 1st on our Facebook page.

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

Dale: We are already working on new material and constantly trying to push ourselves further and further each time. We have a ton of shows in the near future all over Canada. We have a bunch of new merch designs that will be available through our online store.

21. Is that your final answer?
Dale: We just want to thank everyone for the support they have given us. We write our music for the fans and continue to do so. Check us out on Facebook for all our current updates and info. www.facebook.com/endemise

Abnormality's Josh Staples Speaks his Mind

2013-05-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Extreme metal act, Abnormality hails from Massachusetts, U.S.A. Abnormality came together in 2005, and now features seasoned members Mallika, Jay, Josh, Ben, and Jeremy, all hailing from various underground acts such as Goratory, Ascendancy, Sexcrement, Revengeance, and Iranach.
Purveying a female fronted violent hybrid of the heaviest subgenres in metal, Abnormality mixes technicality and speed with devastating grooves. Taking from a wide range of influences, Abnormality captures the speed and unrelenting viciousness of Hate Eternal and Origin and infuses it with grooves and hooks more reminiscent of Suffocation and Deeds of Flesh. Abnormality strives to bury the weak female fronted gimmick, and deliver a brutal sonic experience that death metal fans cannot deny. Bassist Josh Staples talks of the band's latest album and new music!

1. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?

Josh: No. That will be included in the tell all book. Briefly though, ABNORMALITY started in early 2006 after Teratism broke up. Mallika was trying to find a band at the time and Jay and Mike responded to an ad she put up.

2. How did you guys come up with your band name?
Josh: I think it was picked out of hat. Cianide Tsunami and Obliteration were other names considered as well. No one else had Abnormality though, so there it was.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Josh:We're based out of Marlborough, MA. The scene here sucks other than local thrasher Crypter. Worcester, Boston and Providence are where it's at. Too many good bands to mention from those areas.

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

Josh: Lately it's alot of question your leaders, greed is bad, don't trust the government stuff. The message is that we're here to rock and smash down the walls of that bullshit, you know what I mean?

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

Josh: A lot to mention here. I guess Suffocation, Morbid Angel, Cryptopsy, Napalm Death and Eternal Suffering are the obvious ones.

6. Is there any story or concept behind Contaminating The Hive Mind title?

Josh: Not really a concept more of an agenda of questioning authority/authoritarian rule etc.

7. Who produced Contaminating The Hive Mind and what was it like working with them?

Josh: We produced the album, it was awesome working with everyone. Pete Rutcho engineered the album. He is the man. We recorded with him for EP "The Collective Calm in Mortal Oblivion". He's the man. Total executioner. Knows how to make the players feel at ease but always gets the best out of you.

8. Who did the cover art for Contaminating The Hive Mind and how much input did you have on it?

Josh: Mallika our singer did it. I didn't give any input because I trust most artists. I think we picked like the color of the logo and placement of the title and text but nothing major or wicked critical.

9. Select two songs from Contaminating The Hive Mind and what inspired the lyrics.

Josh: Taste of Despair is about cannibalism in some famous event somewhere. Monarch Omega is about MK-Ultra.

10. Do you guys have any new music in the works as far as a follow-up release?

Josh: We're writing right now for the next album. Hopefully we'll have it all put together for 2014.

11. What are your upcoming touring/show plans?

Josh: Banging around New Hampshire and New York for appearances with Gorod and Krisiun. July we're playing Something Bloody Fest in Providence with Dawnbringer, Cauldron, Attacker, Cauchemar, Gravewurm, Dehumanized and Malignancy. We'll be in Europe for 2 weeks in October too.

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

Josh: At shows, online at bandcamp, YouTube. Buy merch from our big cartel page too!

13. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Josh: Remember to buy our album from our big cartel store because we could always use the support!

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

Josh: Like I said before, a new album hopefully in 2014 along with some awesome gigs in support. New merch designs, more killer music, maybe another video or two. We'll see what happens, the future is great time.

15. Any final words of wisdom?

Josh: Remember to listen to Metalucifer, Pentacle and Aura Noir. Buy organic. Unplug electrical appliances will help you save BIG on your electric bill. Don't get a patched vest until you are 5 years noble supporting shows at least once a month. Buy print zines. And never blow out the eastern candle.

GALADRIEL Gets Out of the Darkness

2013-05-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

Dark metal act GALADRIEL's frontman and bassist Dodo Datel talks about this darken project and the band it's come to be.

1. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?

Dodo: Yes, I will try to be short, haha... GALADRIEL is dark metal band from Slovakia, Central Europe, founded in July 1995 by me (vocals, bass), guitarist Voloda Zadrapa and drummer Victor Gieci. The first musical direction of the band was doom metal with heavy and melodic influences. In 1996 female vocalist Sona Witch Kozakova entered the band and this line-up later supplemented by guitarist Chulo Malachovsky recorded our first album "Empire Of Emptiness". We have started the cooperation with British record label Unknown Terriotry Records and they have also released our second album "The Mirror Of Ages" (1999) and third album "Oblivion" (2000). The most important point in the early history of the band was entering guitarist Tomax Gabris in late 1997. Tomax and I became a strong creative duo, we were 17 and 20 years old back then and reaching for new horizons.

Our cooperation expanded more on our fourth album "From Ashes & Dust" (released in 2002 by Slovak label Metal Age Productions). In 2003 the band overcame the hardest changes in their line-up when Sona Witch Kozakova, keyboardist J.S.K. and drummer Victor Gieci left the band as a result of disability of communication between all of us. With guitarist/keyboardist Matus Hanus we have created album "World Under World" (released by Metal Age Productions in 2004) supported by couple of guest musicians. In 2005 Tomax Gabris decided to left the band and focused on different musical activities. We have rebuild the band with Matus Hanus and brought female vocalist Sona Witch Kozakova back home. With another guitarist Skkipi Skuppin in line-up we recorded succesful album "Renascence Of Ancient Spirit" (released by Metal Age Productions in 2007) which was marked as an Album of the year in Czech and Slovak chart of Slovak magazine Rock Planet. As the existence of the band is like fire and ice, so there were some line-up problems again. In the late 2009 guitarist Tomax Gabris returned to the band and replaced Skkipi Skuppin. The writing process of new songs was little bit difficult because the line-up was unstable but the we have definitelly entered the recoding studio in spring of 2012 to record our new album "The 7th Queen Enthroned" (finaly released by Gothoom Productions in November 2012).

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

Dodo: We were big fans of fantasy literature back then in 1995 and we decided to use some name from the work of Mr. Tolkien because we thought (and still think) he is the most important writer in this category. So there were many possibilities and we were for example thinking also about Amon Amarth, haha. I am glad we have definitelly decided for GALADRIEL because I think it is a nice female name and nice word.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Dodo: We are comming from Bratislava, Slovakia - small country in the Central Europe. Until the end of 1992 we were in one country with Czechs - Czechoslovakia. So, our music scence is still more or less connected as one. There are many good bands in our contries... for example folk metallers SILENT STREAM OF GODLESS ELEGY with their local medieval influences, old school doometallers DOOMAS, blackdeath metal horde EMPYRION, great grinders ATTACK OF RAGE, noise R N R exgrinders CAD or progressive new and fresh bands like SYMBIOSIS or SIC. The problems of our local bands are they are often too lazy to work on their promotion and are only waiting if somebody come and offer the record deal or some tour slots etc.

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

Dodo: Well, there is not only one theme we are talking about. But I think the most important theme in our lyrics is about enviromental problems. We know mankind is not very kind to our planet and there are some things turned into really big problems. It is too foolish to think these problems are not touching us. So our message could be "Stop thinking in dollars, look around the world is dying. Let s save what left alive!". But yes, there are also some other themes in our lyrics. Erotic passions, death sadness, stupid wars, hate of religions, terror... whatever, you know... When you turn on the News there are thousands themes make you pissed off and you need to sream or cry it out.

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

Dodo: In the begining we were under the influence of Amorphis, that is truth. Their album "Tales From The Thousand Lakes" changed my life for sure and we tried to follow their way. But as we were older we have customized our sound and style. Maybe yes, there were also some influences of Paradise Lost but you know this band was maybe most important band in gothic or doom metal subgenre.

6. Is there any story or concept behind the The 7th Queen Enthroned title?

Dodo: We feel there are many bad things and situations in the world and everyday we re waiting for some another bomb or terroristic attack. Greed and recklessness of people in combination with aggressivity and arrogance move our world more and more to extensive conflicts. Also the drop of mineral resources and environmental blindness and fails and mistakes of mankind fill us up with very bad feelings. Our 7th Queen is some status of mankind after collapse of life on Earth. However she (the Queen) tries to do something to save the life, but everything she touch is turned to death and dust. She s a mirror of mankind. Hopeless she fight for the change (like few parts of people) but all her endeavors are smashed by aggressive and destructive thoughts and feelings. So she was enthroned by mankind. People have chose this way of extinction.

7. Who produced The 7th Queen Enthroned and what was it like working with them?

Dodo: We were producing this album on our own. we were cooperating with engineers Michal Kolejak in 999th Studio and Miro Kamoto in Kamoto Studio in Slovakia.

8. Who did the cover art for The 7th Queen Enthroned and how much input did you have on it?

Dodo: So, we had maximum of input because the whole graphic design was created by myself. I was also managing the photo shooting of model Lizzy Meow who is the face of our album. We tried to put our thoughts from lyrics and songs also to the cover. So we wanted to show some desolated hopeless woman in pain in a dead world. We decided to ask Lizzy for the cooperation as we knew she is opened for some kind of destructive or cyberpunk ideas. She is a professional from Vienna, Austria where all the photoshooting was taken by photographer Marius Sachtikus. We were selecting from more than 200 really good ready-to-use pictures. So the postproduction process was not so hard because we had many high-quality sources and we are satisfied with the result, haha.

9. Select two songs from The 7th Queen Enthroned and what inspired the lyrics.

Dodo: OK, first song on the album is "Evilution". This song is inspired by today s life of many young people, I mean people around 26 - 36 years old, and their reckless hunting for money, great career, power and success and they are not look around if their way of living is not make the pain or death to somebody else. They are like blind. And the worse thing is they think this way of life is the best way to do and this thinking is supported by the media and society. I think this way of life brings so much pain to many and it is the evolution of evil.

And another song is "Eosphorus". It s the last song on the album. This song was inspired by the death of our friend s daughter in very young age of 16. She died out of nowhere because of heart failure. This song is about the feelings of the mother after this terrible situation and about hard trying to find the meaning of life. The name of this girl was Zorka. It s the morning star in Slovak language and we take the name from the Greek mythology where Eorphorus was the morning star.

10. How does it feel to have released your 7th album to date, thoughts, comments, opinions? What are your expectations for this release?

Dodo: This is the first album we released under Gothoom Production (Slovak metal label) so we are really looking forward to this new cooperation. Yes, this is our 7th album and we are not so young band. So the expectations are sober. We know we are not in first league of labels like Nuclear Blast etc. so we know the promotion of our album and band is/will be not massive. But music is what makes our lives better and that s why we are still here, haha.

11. Do you guys have any new music in the works as far as a follow-up release?

Dodo: We are starting to collecting new ideas for new music. We would like to release EP with songs influenced by the novels of Mr. Robert Holdstock (Mythago Wood and Lavondyss). We wrote 2 songs in the past with this theme ("Lavondyss" on Oblivion album and "Strong One Against The Storm" on From Ashes & Dust album). Now we would like to write new songs with these themes and put it together with those old tracks as one EP. It would be nice to release it on vinyl.

12. What is it you d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Dodo: Hmmm, nice question. I think we are band strong in melodies so probably it could be some melody. We are also trying to make music with little things different from some classic way of writing while we are trying to keep the straight direction of the song. So we would like listeners found these differences and keep us in mind like the band which offers hidden details in straightforward songs.

13. What are your upcoming touring plans?

Dodo: We have played several shows in Slovakia, Czech Republic and Germany this year. In the autumn we are planning small tour in Turkey and Romania... then we will see. As I mentioned we would like to work on the EP and maybe we will be in the studio at the end of this year.

14. Has GALADRIEL ever played in the States or plan to do so in the future?

Dodo: No, we've never been in the States before. Of course we would like to come to US to play few shows out there but it s not easy for us because we are still unknown band there. That also means we should do anything on our own and it s not cheap to travel from Slovakia to US in 5 band members with their musical instruments etc.

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

Dodo: It is not good to talk about things we could offer in the future because life is so strange and could cut your plans or dreams. In this moment we know we want to make the EP I was talking about and for sure next regular album. We would like to play shows in countries we have never been in and share our music to fans.

16. Any final words of wisdom?

Dodo: Ah yeah. Live your life as best as you can. And don't be indifferent to things and people around you. And check out our music, pages and profiles.

ÖGENIX's G.D. Gives the Lowdown on his Electro Metal Buzz

2013-05-14T10:48:00.001-07:00

It is a musical hybrid that blends the assassin guitar riffs of guitarists Set Landerich and Dave Hazel, the abrasive synths and raw vocals of vocalists/programmer, Gabriel Duceppe and the rhythmic warfare of drummer Salin Gas and bass player Jérémie Martin. These guys are what makes ÖGENIX the sole flag bearer of the sound of the 21st century; with their unique musical vision, their extremely intense live performance and by being, as far as we know, the only Electro-Metal band, ÖGENIX is the balance between electronic music and heavy metal! The future starts now! Vocalist Gabriel Duceppe or G.D. tells us about this electro metal sensation! Don't forget to check them out at their Bandcamp page too!

1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in ÖGENIX, and how long the band has been together.

G. D.: Hello! I'm Gabriel Duceppe. I'm the band's founder, Set Landerich joined in about 2 months after my old band became ÖGENIX. I'm the lead vocalist, main music composer and electronic programmer. However in the last few years, Set have been getting more involved in all that relates to guitar and bass arrangements and now we're working on some of his own compositions for the next album :)

ÖGENIX have had two phases lets say. First one was from 2001 to 2003, then we kinda stopped for a while for many reasons and then we've got back in 2008. From 2008 to now, we've had a huge amount of movements among the musicians but our current lineup is stable since early 2011 (except that Salin our drummer recently quit, but her replacement have been swift and really smooth). That explains why it took so long to release anything too haha!

2. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

G. D.: We are located in Montréal, Québec. The music scene is very vibrant here however I believe that there's an over abundance of concerts which makes people lazy and bored… Sometimes you need to balance the offer and the demand ;) Recommendations? Many! In the industrial scene I'd say Pröjekt F and False Flag Heroes… In the metal you have Bookakee, Anonymus, Mythosis (with Crytopsy's guitarist) just to name a few.

3. How did the band get its name ÖGENIX?

G. D.: It derives from eugenism/eugenics, which is "to improve" a population's genetic traits… As said, probably the idea was to cure deceases to make the human specie in a way "better"… However it got quickly borrowed by different fascist and or cultural groups to instead, achieve a "racial" purity, which, in my opinion is horrible. WWII happened and this somewhat common practice in all the western world have suddenly became the deeds of "evil doers" and despicable individuals. Today, with all the progress in biotechnology and genetic engineering, all I can predict is that a new episode of eugenism will happen, but instead, it will be based on social casts. A small dominating cast will be able to improve themselves to become stronger, smarter and better than normal humans, therefore the rest, the normal folks will have to live as underlings whose sole purpose is to make the upper cast happy… An upgraded situation of slavery but where the chains are within the DNA itself!
So then there's also a stylistic concern in the band's name… Replace the "eu" by "ö" and "ics" by "x"… It looks better, it's damn scary biotech leaning word and it fits with our hybrid music style. :)

4. Is there any story or concept behind the Eponyme title?

G. D.: Eponyme in french means eponymous… So it's just the band's name hahaha!

5. Select two songs from Eponyme and tell me what inspired the lyrics.

G. D.: Decay and The End: It's basically about how human tend to forget that they have one life and one planet and if they don't care, it will be too late and gone. Organized religions are breedings their followers to dismiss other's beliefs (or non-beliefs) and fight to prove their "god's superiority while the whole world is falling apart, not only human societies, I'm talking about environment, air water, wild life, etc! The end brings that topic to a fictions armed atheist/revolutionary group that wants to take back its rightful place and to fight for a global and total freedom of toughs, which is impossible as long as authorities will give fundamentals rights to religions despise the fact that religions are nothing more than an idea just like capitalism or socialism is.

6. Who produced Eponyme and what was it like working with them?

G. D.: The drum was recorded at "Badass Studio" by JF Fortin guitarist of the bands Anonymus and Mass Murder Messiah. I did the rest of the recording and the mixing. JF is a pro and it was a pleaser working with him. He is very meticulous and really care that the end result is up there. The mastering have been done by Éloi Painchaud at Studio Éléphantone. Éloi is a very experienced and respected recording and mastering engineer and also, musician, that is more associated with blues, folks, pop and "wolrd" music… Not Electro-Metal! Lets just say that his totally new ears to this aesthetic and open mind was what we needed for the mastering because we have a pretty unusual sound. The sessions, in the mountains up north, at his studio filled with rare vintage gear interlaced with top notch digital technology were pure magic where I have witnessed our music growing to an unexpected level.

7. Who did the cover art for Eponyme and how much input did you have on it?

G. D.: All the graphic design is done by ÖGENIX's guitarist Set Landerich. He's also the one who designed the band's logo. I've had some input on it but it's mostly his creation there… I know he's good at it so there's no worries, it will be nice for sure. He also takes care of most of our concerts's posters and flyers.

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

G. D.: It's mostly "anti-religious" but lets make things clear, we respect anyone's freedom of toughs. However when one's freedom trespass someone else's, that's where we disagree. And unfortunately, organized religions are all infiltrating politics, imposing their retrograde, misogynist and homophobic views on society and nobody does anything to protect their freedom. Also, one of the saddest social trend in this political rectitude syndrome where people are now afraid of criticizing any religions by fear of being called a racist… Religions are ideas, not any type of ethnicities… Religious don't miss one occasion to brag on how their followers comes in all shapes and colours but then, when faced with some type of opposition, they start whining about discrimination and starts to call out racist whoever gets in their way… This is what we are against, not spirituality itself, which is a fundamental element of any being who is aware of itself, it's existence, it's life, it's death, others.

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

G. D.: Yes. I can't speak for Set but in my case, sometimes it starts with some idea of electronics, some other times, a clear melody or a beat, or just a vague gesture. There's no specific order or process actually. However usually when I lay down some basic riffs, melodies and progressions with then some electronics, then I send it to Set, he starts molding and elaborating the guitars and bass riffs, modifying stuff, twisting things around. Then I get to lay down some more finished electronic tracks, he then works it out again and so on. Of course when we get to start playing them at our rehearsal space, things changes again… What sounded right recorded doesn't necessarily cuts it live… So more modifications happens. We're trying to get the other guys more involved in the creation process and I believe that on a long term it will just improve the band's creativity itself. And lyrics, well I write them and it usually comes after the music.

10. Who are your musical influences?

G. D.: Nothing and everything. I have a degree in Electroacoustic music composition/sound design which is a pretty intense and academic field… But I mean I like music as a whole so it's all about the artist, not the genre or category that the music industry labeled the artist with. So I'm not shy to say that I like Slayer but not a big fan of Metallica just as much as I like Madonna but couldn't care less of Carly Rae Jepsen… After all, music is just sounds organized in a certain way in order to follow the intentions of the composer.

11. Do you guys have plans for new music or a follow-up release?

G. D.: Yes, we are working on new material and tweaking some stuff that didn't make it on the album. Next one will probably be around 10 or 12 songs… and it will be sooner than people may think.

12. What are your upcoming touring plans and plans for this year?

G. D.: We will play on few dates of the Kingdoom tour this june. The rest of the summer, it will be quiet on that side, we will focus on working on the new material. More north american touring will happen this fall and hopefully we'll hit Europe in summer 2014. However the goal now is to spread our music as much as possible online to get great attendance when we drop to play in their hood.

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

G. D.: Keep doing what you feel is right, no matter how much rejection you get or how many times you get told that you don't fit, on a long run, it will pay off.

14. Any final words of wisdom?

G. D.: Eat your veggies and other healthy stuff.