Mike Tramp Guests on This Weeks Focus on Metal as We Wrap Up Our "Dio Strange Highways" Project

Episode 206 - Strange Highways Exit 8 - Mike Tramp

This is the eighth and final installment of our Dio Strange Highways series. This time we turn our attention once again to the band that supported Dio on the European leg of the Strange Highways tour, Freak of Nature. We talked to Jerry Best on the sixth installment but we were lucky enough to get the vocalist of FoH Mike Tramp as a last minute addition to the project. In this one Mike talks about touring with Dio, the demise of White Lion, and what he's doing now.

For the latest info on Mike Tramp head to: http://miketramp.dk/home

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

Grab it now from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

GWAR Slaughters Another 80's Anthem for The A.V. Club

For the third year in a row, your Lords and Masters GWAR return to The A.V. Club to take part in the A.V. Undercover Series. The A.V. Undercover Series features artists covering other artists' music. GWAR's first offering tackled the Kansas classic, "Carry on Wayward Son" - which was voted favorite performance of the year, to no surprise of GWAR. After a year of celebrating the victory, the group returned to defend the crown with its unique spin on Billy Ocean's "Get Out of My Dreams, Get Into My Car." The result? Back-to-back favorite performance titles.

GWAR has now returned for a third time to The A.V. Club. With new Scumdog warriors Blóthar and Vulvatron by its side, GWAR takes on the Pet Shop Boys classic "West End Girls" in what is no doubt the most head-scratching followed by headbanging cover yet! Kneel before your overlords and watch them go New Wave HERE. Then remember to vote early and often for GWAR because the Scumdogs command you to do so!

A.V. Club VP/Editor in Chief Josh Modell had the following to say about GWAR's return visit:

"GWAR once again descended on The A.V. Club office unannounced, demanding to play a song. They threatened to eat our children and drink all our booze--and then made good on that threat."

GWAR is off on a journey to find their departed brother Oderus Urungus using every resource available - including new Scumdogs Blóthar and Vulvatron. GWAR will enlist the help of even the lowliest Bohab as its enemies plot to take advantage of the hole in GWAR's ranks. That being said, Bohabs, look at the dates below and see when it is your time to come worship the mighty GWAR!!!

GWAR w/ Decapitated and American Sharks:

10/28: Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom - Tickets

10/29: Sauget, IL @ Pop's Nightclub - Tickets

10/30: Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theater - Tickets

10/31: Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall** - Tickets

11/01: Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater - Tickets

11/02: Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee - Tickets

11/03: Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory - Tickets

11/04: Reno, NV @ Knitting Factory Concert House - Tickets

11/05: San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom - Tickets

11/06: Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues - Tickets

11/07: Las Vegas, NV @ Hard Rock Live - Tickets

11/08: Magna, UT @ The Great Salt Air - Tickets

11/10: Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Concert House - Tickets

11/11: Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater - Tickets

11/12: Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO - Tickets

GWAR w/ TBA and American Sharks:

11/14: Vancouver, BC and Commodore Ballroom - Tickets

GWAR w/ Corrosion of Conformity and American Sharks:

11/15: Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory Concert House - Tickets

11/16: Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall Ballroom - Tickets

11/17: Edmonton, AB @ Union Hall - Tickets

11/19: Fargo, ND @ The Venue - Tickets

11/20: Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theater - Tickets

11/21: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave - Tickets

11/22: Detroit, MI @ Harpo's - Tickets

11/23: Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection*** - Tickets

11/25: Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue - Tickets

11/26: Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues - Tickets

11/28: Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall - Tickets

11/29: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory - Tickets

11/30: New York, NY @ Irving Plaza - Tickets

12/02: Nashville, TN @ Exit/In - Tickets

12/03: Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel - Tickets

12/04: Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall - Tickets

12/05: Orlando, FL @ Firestone Live - Tickets

12/06: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade - Tickets

12/07: Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall - Tickets

12/08: Millvale, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theater - Tickets

12/09: Toronto, ON @ Opera House - Tickets

12/10: Montreal, QC @ Virgin Mobile Corona Theater - Tickets

12/11: Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall - Tickets

12/12: New Haven, CT @ Toad's Place - Tickets

12/13: Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Sound Stage - Tickets

*No American Sharks

**Havok plays on this show

*** The Meatmen play on this show

For More Info Visit:

http://www.gwar.net

http://www.gwarbq.com

http://www.youtube.com/gwar

https://twitter.com/GWARofficial

http://www.facebook.com/gwar

http://www.gwarjapan.net 

CONVENT GUILT to Release 'Guns for Hire' on Shadow Kingdom Records January 13

On January 13, 2015 Australian Heavy Metal Warriors CONVENT GUILT will release Guns for Hire on CD and digital formats through Shadow Kingdom Records. Pure, righteous, and incredibly catchy, this is Heavy Metal!

Shadow Kingdom Records' Tim McGrogan had this to say about Guns for Hire:

"We cannot wait for everyone to check out CONVENT GUILT Australia's Traditional Heavy Metal scene is truly impressive to the Shadow Kingdom Records family. We just don't see good Heavy Metal coming out from there; we see outstanding Heavy Metal that exceeds our expectations, just like like fellow countrymen, JOHNNY TOUCH. CONVENT GUILT has an 80's Punk flair that sometimes dominates their sound. They have a strong mix of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal bands like IRON MAIDEN and SAXON, while MOTORHEAD is heard feathered throughout, along with a heavy dose of 80's JUDAS PRIEST and 70's AC/DC. The songs are extremely catchy and well crafted. On top of all of that, this band sounds like they've been recording together forever with their amazing sound and production. Guns for Hire is one of the most accessible releases of 2014. We're thrilled and proud to have this band on the roster. The album cover is nothing short of amazing. Check out the bundle package to get a CD and T-SHIRT at the Shadow Kingdom Records online store."

Stream "Angels in Black Leather" and "Don't Close Your Eyes" at:

http://shadowkingdomrecords.bandcamp.com/album/guns-for-hire 

The vinyl version of Guns for Hire was released on vinyl format through Cruz Del Sur Music

1. Angels in Black Leather 

2. Don't Close Your Eyes 

3. Perverse Altar 

4. They Took Her Away 

5. Guns for Hire 

6. Desert Brat 

7. Convict at Arms 

8. Stockade

"After a few listens to the album I have an inexplicable urge to put on an old Motorhead shirt, drink Strongbow, and head bang to some Angel Witch" - Ave Noctum

www.facebook.com/ConventGuilt 

www.shadowkingdomrecords.com

REVOCATION Launch New Website, Give Update on European Tour

REVOCATION's brand new album, "Deathless," was released last week via Metal Blade Records. "Deathless" is ten tracks of ambitious, catchy, and undeniably heavy material. The album truly is a fitting debut for the label, and a definitive statement of intent from the band. With the release of the album, REVOCATION have completely revamped and re-launched their official website. Check it out at http://revocationband.com. The website was created by Laurent Robin.

"Deathless" debuted last week on the Billboard charts, beating their previous album by more than 30 spots to land at #124 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. "Deathless" also debuted at #10 on the Billboard Hard Music Albums Chart (Current), #114 on the Billboard Top Current Albums Chart and #1 on the Billboard New Artist Chart. This is the band's second straight debut on the top 200 chart.

REVOCATION are currently on a European tour with label mates Cannibal Corpse and Aeon. Following the European dates REVOCATION will head to China for a run of dates, followed by a trip down under to Australia for a string of shows.

Front man Dave Davidson checked in from the European tour:

"What's up headbangers! We're currently on tour with Cannibal Corpse and Aeon in Europe and so far the shows have been absolutely crushing! There's still over 30 shows left on this run so if you live in Europe chances are we'll be rolling through a city near you. Don't miss this killer line up!"

Fans in Europe can order "Deathless" at EMP.de, fans in the UK can order at omerch, fans in Australia can order at nervegas.com, and fans in North America can order at indiemerch, as well as the band's official store at merchnow. Fans worldwide can also download the album via iTunes!

REVOCATION

w/ Cannibal Corpse, Aeon

10/28 Paris, FR Trabendo

10/29 Strasbourg, FR La Laiterie

10/30 Antwerp, BE Trix

10/31 London, GB Forum

11/02 Lille, FR Splendid

11/04 Frankfurt, DE Batschkapp

11/05 Ludwigsburg, DE Rockfabrik

11/06 Osnabrück, DE Rosenhof

11/07 Hamburg, DE Klubsen

11/08 Aalborg, DK Metal Festival

11/09 Copenhagen, DK Amager Bio

11/11 Berlin, DE C-Club

11/12 Prague, CZ Club Roxy

11/13 München, DE Backstage

11/14 Glauchau, DE AlteSpinnerei

11/15 Brno, CZ Fleda

11/16 Cracow, PL Fabryka

11/17 Warsaw, PL Progresja

11/19 Graz, AT Explosiv

11/20 Budapest, HU Club 202

11/21 Zilina, SK KlubSmer

11/22 Wien, AT Szene

11/23 Nova Gorica, SI Mostovna Club

11/25 Treviso, IT New Age

11/26 Milan, IT Alcatrazz

11/27 Lausanne, CH Les Docks

11/28 Pratteln, CH Z7

11/29 Bochum, DE Matrix

11/30 Uden, NL De Pul

REVOCATION in China

12/04 Beijing, CH Yu Going Yi Shan

12/06 Hong Kong, CH Hidden Agenda

12/07 Bangkok, CH Immortal Bar

12/08 Singapore, CH The Substation

REVOCATION

w/ Thy Art is Murder

12/12 Adelaide, AU Fowlers Live

12/13 Melbourne, AU The HiFi

12/14 Melbourne, AU Ringwood OLP

12/17 Perth, AU YMCA HQ

12/18 Perth, AU Capitol

12/19 Sydney, AU Manning Bar

12/20 Birsbane, AU Crowbar

12/21 Brisbane, AU Crowbar

For More Info Visit:

http://www.facebook.com/revocation

http://www.twitter.com/revocation

http://www.youtube.com/officialrevocation

http://www.metalblade.com/revocation

http://www.metalblade.com 

METAL GREATS, THE RODS, RETURN WITH AN EXPANDED REISSUE AND SOLO ALBUMS

Over the past few years, a whole new generation of headbangers has discovered the mighty metal of the Rods. And their history lesson will noww continue, as a pair of vintage Rods-related releases were recently reissued digitally. Originally unleashed in 1986, 'Heavier Than Thou' and 'Hollywood' (the former featuring singer Shmoulik Avigal - formerly of Picture, Horizon and Hammerhead - and the latter credited to "Canedy, Feinstein, Bordonaro & Caudle"), has been remastered for iTunes and will each contain a bonus track - the Rods' latest single (and new composition) "Great Big Fake Ones."

And if that isn't enough Rods rock for you, then you can also feast your ears on solo albums by singer/guitarist David "Rock" Feinstein ('Clash of Armor') and drummer Carl Canedy ('Headbanger'). Feinstein's disc has already been issued, while Canedy's will be released on October 23^rd, and will feature guest spots by the likes of Mark Tornillo, Chris Caffery, Joe Comeau, and John Hahn, among other artists.

'Headbanger' can be purchased via iTunes here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/headbanger/id932500934

'Heavier Than Thou' can be purchased via iTunes here: 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/heavier-than-thou/id919552252

And 'Clash of Armor' can be purchased via iTunes here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/clash-of-armor/id720829464

"'Hollywood' and 'Heavier Than Thou' are two albums we’ve always been proud of, but have never been available to fans," says Canedy. "Now, having been re-mastered for Itunes, these recordings are finally available to our fans."

The Rods are responsible for offering up some of the '80s hardest-hitting metal, as evidenced by such classic recordings as 1981's 'The Rods' and 1982's 'Wild Dogs,' while the group also played shows with Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, and Metallica over the years. And now, fans will have the opportunity to rediscover two underrated titles of the Rods discography, as well as two new individual efforts by Feinstein and Canedy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

therods.com

facebook.com/RodsFanPage

NUBIAN ROSE 'Mental Revolution', Artwork, Track Listing Unveiled

Swedish hard rockers NUBIAN ROSE will release its new album, titled "Mental Revolution", on November 24th via Cargo Records. The cover artwork for the CD was created by Mattias Savage Wil, all photos by Tallee Savage for Savage Beauty and can be seen below.

The album was produced by Christer Åkerlund, engineerd by Jakob Herrmann, mixed by Tobias Lindell (HEAT, Europe, Hardcore Superstar, Avatar, Mustasch), recorded at Top Floor Studios & Bohus Sound and mastered by Mats "Limpa" Lindfors (Crashdïet, Scorpions, Dan Reed, Treat) at Cutting Room.

Track Listing:

01. War

02. Time Again

03. Illuminated Within

04. The Eye

05. Tough Guys Don't Dance

06. Break Out

07. Higher

08. You Will Never Walk Alone

09. (Taking This) Further

10. All Of Your Love

NUBIAN ROSE is now back with their sophomore album. It’s called 'Mental Revolution' and is clearly a step forward. The production is more edgy and bigger in every way; drums and guitars are dominating together with great melodies. Christer and Sofia’s cooperation as a songwriting duo has deepend and matured. It’s obvious that the roots of the NUBIAN ROSE music is coming from the same place as before, but with 'Mental Revolution' they have clearly been taking a big step forward.

NUBIAN ROSE are:

Sofia Lilja - Vocals
Christer Åkerlund - Lead Guitars
Henric Uhrbom - Bass
Tomas Weijnesjö - Drums
Torbjörn Weijnesjö - Rythm Guitar

Additional musicians:

Joakim Ahlund - Keyboards
Mats Levén - Backing Vocals
Katarina kammarkör - Choir

NUBIAN ROSE evolves around the magnetic charisma and majestic voice of Sofia Lilja, combined with the unique talent of guitarist Christer Åkerlund. In combination with powerful guitar riffs and great melodies, they put a new spirit in the classic melodic hard rock.

www.nubianrose.com
www.facebook.com/NubianRoseTheBand

SAVAGE MESSIAH KICK OFF UK TOUR THIS SATURDAY WITH THE MORE I SEE

London metallers SAVAGE MESSIAH are due to kick off the first show of their UK tour tomorrow - Saturday, 25th October.

The tour starts off at The Cellars in Oxford, before continuing with more shows around the UK in November.  SAVAGE MESSIAH will be supported by label mates THE MORE I SEE on select UK dates, before taking a break for the holidays and then heading out on a European trek in the new year with Swedish melodic death metallers AMON AMARTH.

Don't miss SAVAGE MESSIAH and THE MORE I SEE on tour at the following shows:

SAVAGE MESSIAH
Oct. 25 - Oxford, UK - The Cellars (w/ THE MORE I SEE)
Nov. 06 - Norwich, UK - Brickmakers (w/ THE MORE I SEE)
Nov. 11 - London, UK - The Garage (w/ THE MORE I SEE)
Nov. 15 - Sheerness, UK - The Ivy
Nov. 18 - Southampton, UK - The Joiners (w/ THE MORE I SEE)
Nov. 19 - Bristol, UK - Exchange (w/ THE MORE I SEE)
Nov. 20 - Winchester, UK - The Railway
Nov. 21 - Cambridge, UK - Portland Arms
Nov. 22 - Birmingham, UK - Institute (w/ THE MORE I SEE)

Get SAVAGE MESSIAH's new album, THE FATEFUL DARK, on CD and vinyl in Europe at http://webstore.earache.com/savage-messiah or on iTunes at http://bit.ly/fatefuldarkitunes

Watch SAVAGE MESSIAH's music video for the track "Hellblazer", featuring famed London contortionist PIXIE LE KNOT (Game of Thrones Season 3, The Devil Inside), at http://youtu.be/qMLgbl7yU98

Get THE MORE I SEE's latest album, THE DISAPPEARING HUMANS, on CD and vinyl in Europe at http://webstore.earache.com/The-More-I-See or on iTunes at http://bit.ly/152BqxD

Watch THE MORE I SEE's music video for "The Eye That Offends", which was filmed on the actual set of Star Wars in the Tunisian desert, at http://youtu.be/5KkkiHYp6nY

Get more SAVAGE MESSIAH news and info:

Official website - http://www.savagemessiahofficial.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/SavageMessiahMetal
Twitter - http://twitter.com/savagemessiah

Get more THE MORE I SEE news and info:

Official website - http://www.themoreisee.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/themoreiseeband
Twitter - http://twitter.com/themoreisee

EMPIRES OF EDEN offering fans a chance to become part of their upcoming new cd

Australian all star metal project EMPIRES OF EDEN led by producer / guitarist Stu "The Hammer" Marshall (DEATH DEALER / DUNGEON) is offering die hard fans the opportunity to record a narrative for a special customized fully mixed unreleased song of their very own.

How? - Here's how it works

Record a pre-written narrative on your smartphone to be included on a song which will feature stellar metal vocalist Mike Dimeo (Riot), guitar legend Ross the Boss (Death Dealer / Ex-Manowar) and guitarist Stu Marshall (Death Dealer / Dungeon) laying down blistering one of a kind customized guitars solos for each individual song.

You will be given your very own fully mixed one of a kind unreleased track for your collection.

In addition, all participating recording fans will be automatically entered into a competition as 1 lucky winner will be immortalized as part of an official song to be included on the new upcoming cd "Architect of Hope", your name featured as part of the cd booklet plus other exclusive pre-order pack goodies.

This opportunity is strictly limited and only available for a very short time as a special thank you to all metal fans who supported Death Dealer's debut cd "War Master".

For more information click here:

ENSIFERUM announces "One Man Army" European tour for March 2015!

ENSIFERUM have just announced a full European tour in support of their upcoming new album due in early 2015.

Comments Sami Hinkka: "Hi folks! The new album is almost recorded and it sounds amazing! Soon we will start mixing it if everything goes well you all can get this masterpiece to your hands in early 2015. After that you have some time to learn all the songs and lyrics and then it's time to put your warpaint on and get ready to shout your lunges out because… We are really happy to announce our album release European tour! We can't wait to play the new songs live! For technical reasons we can't reveal the rest of the bands yet but we can tell you that the tour's package will be extremely strong and interesting. This will be a show no metalhead wants to miss! More info coming soon… Folk on!"

ENSIFERUM

+ special guests

11/03/15 DE - Bochum - Zeche

12/03/15 DE - Ludwigsburg - Rockfabrik

13/03/15 DE - München - Backstage

14/03/15 CZ - Zlin - Masters of Rock Café

15/03/15 HU - Budapest - Club 202

16/03/15 AT - Wien - Szene

18/03/15 IT - Milan - Live Club

19/03/15 CH - Lausanne - Les Docks

20/03/15 FR - Strasbourg - La Laiterie

21/03/15 CH - Pratteln - Z7

22/03/15 FR - Lyon - Ninkasi Kao

23/03/15 FR - Paris - Le Bataclan

24/03/15 UK - London - O2 Academy Islington

25/03/15 NL - Haarlem - Patronaat

26/03/15 NL - Zwolle - Hedon

27/03/15 BE - Vosselaar - Biebob

28/03/15 DE - Bremen - Tivoli

29/03/15 DE - Hamburg - Grünspan

30/03/15 DK - Copenhagen - Vega

31/03/15 SE - Stockholm - Göta Källare

01/04/15 SE - Gothenburg - Sticky Fingers

02/04/15 NO - Oslo - Inferno Metal Festival

ENSIFERUM shows for 2015 and recently confirmed festivals:

26/11/14 JP - Tokyo - Club Duo Exchange

27/11/14 JP - Osaka - Mamba Rocket

29/11/14 CN - Shanghai - Mao Livehouse

30/11/14 CN - Bejing - Yu Gong Yi Shan

13/12/14 NL - Eindhoven - Metal Meeting

22/01-26/01/15 US - Miami - 70,000 Tons Of Metal

30/07/15 - 01/08/15 DE - Wacken - Wacken Open Air

13/08/15 RO - Rasnov - Rockstadt Extremefest

13/08 -15/08/15 DE - Dinkelsbühl - Summer Breeze Festival

ENSIFERUM are still being locked away in Astia Studio (astiastudio.fi) in Lappeenranta in Finland with producer Anssi Kippo recording their new longplayer.

ENSIFERUM is:

Petri Lindroos - Vocals/Guitar

Markus Toivonen - Guitar/Vocals

Sami Hinkka - Bass/Vocals

Janne Parviainen - Drums

Emmi Silvennoinen - Keyboards/Backing vocals

http://www.ensiferum.com

http://twitter.com/EnsiferumMetal

http://www.facebook.com/Ensiferum 

Big Dad Ritch and Michael Hannon are the Guests on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 205 - Metal Enlargement

Freshly back from worshipping at the altar of the Priest we stop praising the Redeemer tour long enough to take a look at a few bands that should be bigger but aren't. There's lots of bands out there like this but we thought that American Dog and Texas Hippie Coalition were two great examples of hardworking road dogs that just aren't getting their due. Our guests this week are Michael Hannon from American Dog and Big Dad Ritch from Texas Hippie Coalition.

Grab your copy of "Ride On" and get all your THC info at: http://thcofficial.com/

Snag a copy of "Neanderthal" and keep up with American Dog at: http://americandog.us/

Our track of the week is from our friends in Versa Mynor from their "Bloodlines" EP. Get your copy at https://versamynor.bandcamp.com/

Help bring Thrash Metal history to the world at" https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/thrash-metal-the-global-metal-movement

Help bring LA Metal history to the world at: http://metalrockfilms.com/

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

Grab it now from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Job for a Cowboy debut "Eating the Visions of God" via Metal Sucks

Today, Job for a Cowboy unveil a new track from their forthcoming album, "Sun Eater." The song is the opening track from the record, and it does so in commanding fashion, exemplifying the band's technical prowess and propensity for death metal grooves. Listen to "Eating the Visions of God" now on MetalSucks.net HERE.

Producer Jason Suecof, vocalist Jonny Davy, guitarists Al Glassman and Tony Sannicandro, bassist Nick Schendzielos, and session drummer Danny Walker have crafted a cerebral and accomplished piece of technical death metal. Job for a Cowboy wrapped up touring in 2013 as part of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival that summer. Following that performance, the band collectively decided to sharpen their focus and set an intent on cooking up a record that encompassed their full dynamic range of talent. The group had all agreed on the main course being a desire for futuristic tones, a wider spectrum of textures and tempos, and an emphasis on slightly more ancestral song construction. The result, "Sun Eater," does not just sound like a new record, it sounds like an entirely new band.

Listen to "Sun of Nihility" and pre-order the album now at metalblade.com/jobforacowboy.

Audiohammer producer Jason Suecof, whose first bout with the band was 2009's "Ruination," has now worked with the band for over six years. Few are more familiar with how Job for a Cowboy operates in the studio than Suecof, and he was also feeling the "vibe" on "Sun Eater": "This band is composed entirely of top notch musicians all the way around and they are clearly at the top of their game. This new album is a stellar combination of everyone's efforts and what we have now is something that conveys everyone's musicianship without being techy for the sake of being tech. This album has got feeling and it is fucking brutal!"

Sun Eater will be available via Metal Blade Records on November 11th in North America and November 7th/10th in Europe/UK

Follow Job for a Cowboy online:

http://www.facebook.com/jobforacowboy

https://twitter.com/jfacmetal 

Vesania debuts new song "Dismay" via Revolver Magazine

Vesania debuts new song "Dismay" via Revolver Magazine! Poland's Vesania have released a new song from their forthcoming album, "Deus Ex Machina." The track, "Dismay," is streaming now on RevolverMag.com HERE. The Polish symphonic black metal act that features current and former members of Behemoth, Dimmu Borgir, Vader, and Decapitated, have been releasing albums and touring in Europe for over a decade. The band's fourth full-length album, and first since 2007, is scheduled for release on October 28, 2014 via Metal Blade Records. Orion comments on "Dismay": "I often hear the opinion, and I agree with it - this album has no "single," each track is different, has its own atmosphere and is equally important for the overall impression. "Dismay" is the song we started the recordings with, and this is the one that best defines the 'rock' sound of "Deus Ex Machina." "Dismay" is relatively slower, sounds progressive, rather than black metal, and it adds a breath of air between the more intense songs. This is also the particular track, where the "god from the machine" from the album title is mentioned and comes down to earth." Fans can stream "Innocence" and pre-order copies of the album now at metalblade.com/vesania. Vesania is: Orion - guitars and voices Daray - drums Siegmar - synths and samples Heinrich - bass Valeo - guitars Vesania's roots are firmly planted in Poland, but their reach has been expanding throughout the years across the globe. The collective experience of the members of the band speaks volumes of their knowledge and ability to craft world class albums. There's no singular unifying lyrical concept on "Deus Ex Machina", but there's a main theme, a coherent and deliberate thread running from the title through the music. The title of the album is a term from ancient Greek tragedy and translates to "god from the machine". The idea for the concept was that a machine, typically a rudimentary crane, would lower a thespian playing god onto the stage to solve the seemingly unsolvable conflict in the plot. In modern entertainment, the term has evolved to primarily refer to a cheap solution in a poorly written script or novel. Alternatively, Vesania's "Deus Ex Machina" is a call for any kind of help or intervention because all of the lyrics on the album are hopeless and show characters in situations that leaves them powerless. One of the tracks tells the story of the lowering of an actor, supposedly the god, onto a stage before a corrupted man searching for answers. Instead, that actor is lowered by a noose around their neck, having already died. The lyrics paint a drab picture, particularly when paired with equally bleak music. Recording was completed at Sound Division Studio, with mastering by Scott Hull at Visceralsound Studios. Follow Vesania online: https://www.facebook.com/VesaniaOfficial https://www.youtube.com/tanzteufel http://vesania.pl

SANITY'S RAGE releases lyric video for "Thumbs Up For The End Of The World"

Belgium Thrash Metal veterans SANITY'S RAGE celebrate their 10 year anniversary appropriately commemorating a "Decade Of Calamity" with the release of their lyric video "Thumbs Up For The End Of The World". 

SANITY’S RAGE are no strangers to the Metal World. Having delivered their brand of Anger-fueled, technical thrash over the last 10 years to the Metal masses with their high energy live performances alongside many of their peers such as Laaz Rockit, Destructor, Huntress, Gamma Bomb, Saxon, Testament, Savage Messiah, Agent Steel, Onslaught and many… many more.  The band has been hard at work preparing for an all-out pure thrash attack to be released in 2015 via Dead Inside Records as a follow-up to 2012's "You Are What You Swallow".

YouTube link: Sanity's Rage: Thumbs Up For The End Of The World (lyrics)

Sanity's Rage Artist Page

Facebook

Reverbnation

Twitter

YouTube

Battlecross confirm "Winter Warriors" headline tour honoring America's Veterans

Detroit, Michigan's Battlecross are heading back out on the road this November and December. The band had previously been scheduled to perform on the recently cancelled Machine Head tour, and will now headline the US instead! Joining Battlecross on their winter romp are Wretched and War of Ages. The tour begins on November 26 in Grand Rapids, MI, and draws to a conclusion in Worcester, MA at the Palladium.

In honor of the US Armed Forces this Veterans Day, Battlecross will make a limited number of tickets to VET TIX so that local members of the military may attend a show in their city at no cost. The band will also be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of a limited edition tour shirt to a local veteran's charity, and chose a Veteran in each market for a VIP experience. On Veteran's Day (November 11th) fans can nominate a friend or family member who has served our country and share their story and photo, with a member of the military being chosen to win a Guitar and more at the end of the tour. On the same day, the band will also bring back merchandise from their first Metal Blade album 'Pursuit of Honor' in their official merch store, with a portion of proceeds to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project, a veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, service and events for wounded veterans of the military actions following the events of September 11, 2001.

To learn more about honoring a Veteran through the tour or to help underwrite tickets for Veterans, click here. Members of the military can inquire about free admission to the tour at www.vettix.org.

Guitarist Hiran Deraniyagala adds: "We won't let a cancelled tour stop Battlecross from performing for our fans and the Winter Warriors Tour with Wretched and War of Ages is the perfect way to remind our fans that you keep moving forward when challenges come up in life. Who knows perseverance more than those who bravely serve our country and we are honored to dedicate this tour to them. We are a band that stands for ideals such as loyalty, honor, sacrifice and perseverance through our lyrics and how we conduct ourselves, and hope the tour will be a fitting tribute to every service member who attends. We look forward to raging with our fans who serve or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and thank them again for their service."

BATTLECROSS

Tour w/ Wretched, War of Ages

11/26 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Stache at The Intersection

11/28 Erie, PA @ BT Theater

11/29 Dayton, OH @ Rockstar Pro Arena

11/30 St. Louis, MO @ The Firebird

12/02 Tulsa, OK @ The Vanguard

12/03 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Studio

12/04 Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar N Grill

12/05 Austin, TX @ Dirty Dog Bar

12/06 Lubbock, TX @ Backstage

12/07 Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad

12/08 Mesa, AZ @ Club Red

12/09 West Hollywood, CA @ Whisky A Go-Go

12/10 San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge

12/11 Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction

12/12 Las Vegas, NV @ Adrenaline Sports Lounge

12/13 Sparks, NV @ The Alley

12/15 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater

12/16 Merriam, KS @ Aftershock

12/17 Minneapolis, MN @ The Nether Bar

12/18 Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews

12/19 Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen

12/20 Westland, MI @ The Token Lounge

12/26 Toronto, ON @ Opera House

12/27 Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz

12/28 Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts

12/29 Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus

12/30 Worcester, MA @ Upstairs at The Palladium

Battlecross' latest album, "War of Will," debuted at #134 on the Billboard Top 200 chart upon its release in July of 2013. This was the band's first ever Billboard chart debut! "War of Will" also peaked at #3 on the US iTunes metal chart on the day of release. Watch the music video for "Never Coming Back" now at metalblade.com/battlecross.

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8th Annual NAMM Metal Jam 2015 Benefit Concert Announced For January

Von Badsville & Neil Turbin (ex-Anthrax, Onslaught, DeathRiders) Presents NAMM Metal Jam 2015, which will benefit charities: Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund and Dick Wagner’s Rockers for St. Jude.  This is the 8th annual event, started back in 2008 as "Neil and Michael’s Metal Jam." NAMM Metal Jam 2015 will be held at Starting Gate Saloon, 5052 Katella Ave. Los Alamitos, CA which is just 7 miles, right down the street, from Anaheim Convention Center. Sponsors and Very Special Guest Artists to be announced closer to the event, taking place on Wednesday, January 21, 2015.  NAMM Metal Jam 2015 will feature an outstanding roster of 40+ NAMM Metal All Stars performing classic by Monsters Of Metal.  Michael Angelo Batio, DeathRiders, Ghost Of War are confirmed, and others TBA.

Behemoth "The Polish Satanist Tour" concludes

New video documentary clip online!

Behemoth has just finished touring their home country of Poland. Eight of the nine shows went flawlessly and were massively attended (mostly sold out!). One show in Poznan was cancelled due to political and religious agitations. The band promises to come back as soon as they can.

Nergal, outspoken Behemoth frontman comments, "We are seriously worn out. Why? We gave our very fuckin' best to deliver the highest quality performance during these 8 shows. I dare to say that this band has never been in a better shape. On every possible level we reached our top… now let us enjoy the view for a moment. All shows went absolutely brilliantly and for many reasons "The Satanist tour" has already earned its place as a massive historical achievement for Behemoth! We are taking few weeks off now before flying to South America and South Africa in November/December. In the meantime, we are planning seriously thrilling surprises for you… just wait and see!"

A brief video including live clips from the Gdanks show is available HERE.

Behemoth's "The Satanist" debuted at #1 during its week of release in Poland. The album also debuted at #34 on the Billboard Top 200 charts in the US, 21 spots higher than the band's previous album, "Evangelion."

"The Satanist" is also available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify.

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