SevenKingdoms

Saturday, January 30, 2016

An Inside look at Little Mountain Studios.

Coming up next week on Focus on Metal we will bring you the seventh segment of our Little Mountain Sound Project. We'll be speaking with Ron Vermeulen and Ron was cool enough to provide us with some very cool pics from his time at LMS. We figured these would get you primed to hear our talk with Ron.



Here's a shot of Studio A.



This is what Studio B looked like during the heyday of LMS



Here's Pat Glover in "Tape Hell". I sure don't miss cutting tape and I don't think Pat does either.



And of course the legendary loading bay. The secret sauce behind the drum sounds most closely associated with LMS and of course Bob Rock.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Just posted: Sean McNabb on this weeks edition of Focus on Metal


Episode 267 - Resurrection Kings

On tap this week is an exclusive interview with bassist Sean McNabb. Besides his gig in Lynch Mob Sean is also part of the new band Resurrection Kings which just put out their S/T debut on Frontiers Records. Looking for more info, hit up Resurrection Kings on Facebook and keep up with Sean on Twitter.



Track of the week is from Rulebreaker, the latest release from metal legends Primal Fear.


Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal SiteThe Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes.

You can hear us On Demand everyday on Platinum Rock Radio by going to this link

You can hear us every Wednesday on these great stations:
Pure Rock Radio & Metal World Radio

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

Focus on Metal is damn proud to be part of The Blast Syndicate. You can get this show as well as many other kick ass metal podcasts by clicking the link below.


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

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Chastain, "We Bleed Metal" vinyl release date announced.




The release date of the CHASTAIN album „We Bleed Metal“ on limited vinyl is March 25th, 2016. 

The pre-order phase will start on March 11th, 2016 in our webshop.

By mentioning the name CHASTAIN, Metal maniacs and lovers of female-fronted Metal bands fall into endless rapture. Active since 1985, the band featuring legendary vocalist Leather Leone and guitarist David T. Chastain has earned an almost godlike status with albums such as "Ruler Of The Wasteland“ (1986) and "The Voice Of The Cult“ (1988).

Now, Pure Steel Records has the honour to welcome this band. With the release of the new, now tenth album, "We Bleed Metal,“ the classic act still delivers the old spirit and celebrates traditional Heavy/Power Metal at its best. The unique heavy vocals of Leather Leone and the dark, shredding riffs of the eponym are still full of contemporary impact. Not pandering to any trends, this is pure steel from the U.S.A.!

After the CD release in November 2015 follows the album in a limited edition of 300 black copies on vinyl with insert.

To sum it up: With "We Bleed Metal“ CHASTAIN releases their best effort in at least 25 years!

TRACKLISTING
Side A
1. We Bleed Metal
2. All Hail The King
3. Against All The Gods
4. Search Time For You
5. Evolution of Terror
Side B
5. Don't Trust Tomorrow
6. I Am A Warrior
8. The Last Ones Alive
9. Secrets
Total Playing Time: 44:51 min


LINE-UP
Leather Leone – vocals
Mike Skimmerhorn – bass
Stian Kristoffersen – drums
David T. Chastain – guitars

Accuser reveals details about new album, 'The Forlorn Divide'


On March 11th, Geman thrashers Accuser will release their new album, The Forlorn Divide, via Metal Blade Records worldwide! To hear "Tribulation" - the first single from their 11th full-length (and Metal Blade debut!) - head over to http://www.metalblade.com/accuser, where the record can also be pre-ordered in various formats. 

Accuser celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2013 by starting work on a new album and inviting guitarist Dennis Rybakowski to join their ranks; however, the reinvigorated group took their time to craft their 11th full-length. Slowly but steadily, that new effort, The Forlorn Divide, took shape once again at Gernhart Studio, featuring the band's trademark blend of powerful thrash metal, virtuoso guitar-work, intricate drum patterns - and of course, gripping, harsh vocals, highlighting the dark recesses of human psyche that are described in the lyrics. After 30 years in the scene, the members of Accuser have perfected their signature style with The Forlorn Divide - a veteran lesson in thrash from Siegen's stalwarts! 

The Forlorn Divide track-listing:
1. Predawn
2. Lust For Vengeance
3. Unreal Perception
4. Arbitrary Law
5. Impending Doom
6. Tribulation
7. Perish By Oblivion
8. Fifth Column
9. Sulfur Rain
10. Flow Of Dying 

Accuser line-up:
Frank Thoms - vocals/guitars
Dennis Rybakowski - guitars
Frank Kimpel - bass
Olli Fechner - drums 

Accuser online:

Saturday, January 23, 2016

MADAME MAYHEM RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'LEFT FOR DEAD,' ANNOUNCES DATES WITH DORO



MADAME MAYHEM RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'LEFT FOR DEAD,' ANNOUNCES DATES WITH DORO

Past Focus on Metal guest Madame Mayhem is one of the most striking rock performers to come along in some time - as seen in the new official video for the song "Left For Dead." 


Created by Industrialism Films, the clip can be viewed via this link: 

"Left For Dead" comes from the album, 'Now You Know,' and was written by Corey Lowery and Madame Mayhem. According to the singer, "'Left For Dead' expresses the struggle of both a tumultuous relationship, and internal conflict with yourself to not be held down and to move forward."

Also upcoming is a string of dates in February and March opening up for the one and only Doro, including stops in Tampa, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Poughkeepsie, among other locations. "Really excited to be heading out on the road with Doro," says Madame Mayhem. "Can't wait to give the audiences shows to remember." 

'Now You Know' features a powerhouse team of rock talent including Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, Winery Dogs), who produced and played on the album, Ray Luzier (KoRn, KXM), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Guns N’ Roses), Russ Parrish (“Satchel” from Steel Panther), and Corey Lowery (Saint Asonia, Stuck Mojo).

Billy Sheehan on Madame Mayhem's new record : 

The album has also received rave reviews from the likes of Rock Revolt ("With the types of songs this fantastic group created and the vocal approach Madame painted over each track I have to say we have a winner") and Hard Rock Haven ("Hopefully this album is the start of something big! Madame Mayhem’s Now You Know is highly recommended for fans of hard rock and melodic metal!"), among other outlets. 

Madame Mayhem dates opening for Doro

February 27th, 2016 Tampa, FL The Orpheum
February 28th, 2016 Winter Park, FL The Haven
March 1st, 2016 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse
March 2nd, 2016 Charlotte, NC Amos Southend
March 4th, 2016 Amityville, NY Revolution
March 5th, 2016 Poughkeepsie, NY The Chance
March 6th, 2016 Elmhurst, NY Blackthorn 51

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:




MASSIVE announce new album 'Destination Somewhere'; new track available


Aussie hard rockers MASSIVE have revealed their upcoming new studio album, 'Destination Somewhere', which is due to be released on April 22nd.

'Destination Somewhere' is the eagerly-anticipated follow-up to MASSIVE's debut album 'Full Throttle', which was originally released independently in 2013 in the band's homeland of Australia, before being released in the rest of the world in 2014 on Earache Records.

Following thousands of miles on the road, including the band's first ever European tour which saw them playing alongside THE TREATMENT and BLACKBERRY SMOKE, MASSIVE return in 2016 with ten brand new, balls-to-the-wall hard rock anthems.

Listen to the first single from 'Destination Somewhere' - "One for the Road" - now at https://youtu.be/QvAqWbJWkIA

MASSIVE frontman Brad Marr comments:
"When it was time to write our second album we were touring non-stop.  Destination Somewhere was written everywhere from hotel rooms in Europe to the tour van in outback Australia, so going back to LightHill Studios with Ricki Rae was a way to bring all our experiences home to a familiar place.  We couldn't be more pumped about the end result.  It's an album we're proud to put our name to, and we're sure you're gonna fucking love it.  This album is a snapshot of who we are at this point in time.  It's high-energy rock n roll best served loud with an ice cold beer."

'Destination Somewhere' is available to pre-order now on CD and limited edition coloured vinyl.  Order your copy now at http://massive.earache.com

The album is also available to pre-order on iTunes including an exclusive bonus track plus an instant download of "One for the Road" at http://bit.ly/destination-itunes

Full track list:
1. One for the Road
2. Blood Money Blues
3. Sinking Ship
4. The Fall
5. Made of Stone
6. Destination Somewhere
7. Up in Smoke
8. Circus
9. The Way It's Always Been
10. Beaten Dog

Get more MASSIVE news and info:

Texas Metal Underground Records releases free 2016 digital music sampler.


Texas Metal Underground (TMU) Records have released their first ever free digital music sampler featuring one full mp3 song from their entire re-issued curated catalog releases.

TMU Records has provided the following mission statement:
Since 2008, TMU Records has been unearthing lost and unheard musical gems from the fertile underground Texas metal scene of the mid 1980’s through the early 1990’s.
To preserve and share this heavy musical legacy, the label focuses primarily on bands who burned bright, briefly, but disappeared without a trace before anyone could take much notice. Bands who managed to get a demo recorded but for reasons unknown never shared it beyond a close circle of friends and fans.

Whether on vinyl, CD, or cassette, all TMU Records releases are given lavish treatment with custom packaging, unseen photos, show flyers, interviews, informative booklets, rare bonus tracks and extras for the denim and leather die-hards.

For 2016, look for upcoming deluxe vinyl releases from Karion, Las Cruces, Bad Heaven, SSR, and more!

TMU Records digital music sampler tracklist:
1. Broken Teeth - Flame Thrower
2. Baron Steele - Night of the Wolves
3. Sentinel - Panzer Attack
4. Wicked Angel - People of the Black Circle
5. Meddallion - Stormbringer
6. Final Vengeance - Darkside
7. Wicked Step - Rock N Roller Masses

Download the free songs, compilation artwork and track listing at the following location:



Wednesday, January 20, 2016

TKO / THE RODS members record MOTORHEAD cover of Ace of Spades as a tribute to Lemmy..



Members of legendary American metal bands TKO and THE RODS recently teamed up to record a high octane version of the MOTORHEAD classic "Ace of Spades" as a tribute to Lemmy.



TKO vocalist Brad Sinsel has checked in with the following comment:
Immediately following the death of Rock Legend Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister, the surviving members of Motorhead reached out to & simply requested that fans " Play Lemmy's music loud. Have a drink or few. Share stories. Celebrate the LIFE of this lovely, wonderful man celebrated so vibrantly himself."

Former members of TKO gathered together to follow those instructions on a dreary Saturday while tuning into the live broadcast of Lemmy's "Celebration of Life." Brad Sinsel, frontman for TKO / Warbabies / Angels of Dresden, took things a step deeper in his search for closure in the matter. Speaking with guitarist Rick Pierce, bassist Evan Sheeley, Guitarist Brynn Arens, Sinsel asked with a grin, "How 'bout we go in and record some Motorhead? Who's game?

Immediate reaction from everyone was "Hell Yeah!". My next call was to Carl Canady, drummer for the Rods" and I couldn't think of anyone more fitting to do this with, he added.
Dubbed ,"The Lemmy Sessions," TKO entered the studio in celebration of what they viewed as a rock n roll life well lived. Although the plan was never to release the recordings to the public, the final decision was made to release Ace of Spades as a loving tribute to Lemmy. All proceeds will go to the Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up and Shout" Cancer fund.


Carl Canedy has checked in to share his favorite memory of Motorhead's Lemmy:
When The Rods opened for Motorhead at the Calderone Concert Hall in Hampstead, Long Island, New York, we were in the middle of recording our "Live" album for Combat Records.
It was a crazy time for us and I remember having been called to the back of the venue during Motorhead's set. They were so loud that even outside, we had to yell to each other to be heard. Motorhead was so loud, I couldn't believe it. As we'd been called the "American Motorhead" in the first Sounds review by Geoff Barton, I was eager to see them live. They didn't disappoint. It was truly one of the loudest shows I've ever seen.
After the show Lemmy hung out with us at the back of the venue. I remember him being a really good guy. He had his arm around me chatting and offering me his seemingly "never ending" beer. He was patient and kind to the fans. The nicest and most unpretentious guy I'd met in the music business. A true metal icon!

For the latest band news and show dates, visit their official websites



Just Posted: Alex Beyrodt on this weeks Focus on Metal


Episode 266 - Voodoo Circle


Returning once again to Focus on Metal is guitarist Alex Beyrodt. Alex is well known as one of the guitarists in German metal powerhouse Primal Fear but he also keeps busy doing other projects including his long standing band Voodoo Circle. Voodoo Circle just released their fourth studio album "Whiskey Fingers" via AFM Records and this week we get the lowdown on it. You can immerse yourself in the work of Voodoo Circle at http://www.voodoocircle.de 






Also this week we engage in a bit of discussion and pay our respects to the legendary Lemmy Kilmister.
For those interested there's an official condolence page where you can share your Lemmy stories and artwork or read some great stories from others at facebook.com/lemmykilmisterforlife









Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal SiteThe Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes.

You can hear us On Demand everyday on Platinum Rock Radio by going to this link

You can hear us every Wednesday on these great stations:
Pure Rock Radio & Metal World Radio

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

Focus on Metal is damn proud to be part of The Blast Syndicate. You can get this show as well as many other kick ass metal podcasts by clicking the link below.


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

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Just posted, Focus on Metal Episode 265


Episode 265 - OMP Music Special

I thought we would start 2016 with another music discovery episode and what better way to do that than to feature some great bands from the compilation disc "Metal of Oz" we did late last year with Online Metal Promotions and Maric Media. So this week we have fifteen great tracks off that compilation for you to check out as well as an extra bonus track that's not on there but I just felt like spinning it. Big thanks to Ben over at OMP and Chris Maric from Maric Media for bringing this all together. If you want to download your own free copy of the disc head to http://focusonmetal.net/ and click the big banner ad or go to http://focusonmetal.blogspot.com/ and click the ad in the right hand pane.


Check out what Maric Media has to offer at http://www.maricmedia.com.au/ and you can find OMP at http://www.onlinemetalpromo.com/


Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal SiteThe Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes.

You can hear us on demand everyday on Platinum Rock Radio by going to this link

You can hear us every Wednesday on these great stations:
Pure Rock Radio & Metal World Radio

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

Focus on Metal is damn proud to be part of The Blast Syndicate. You can get this show as well as many other kick ass metal podcasts by clicking the link below.


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

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

DANGEROUS TOYS / BROKEN TEETH vocalist Jason McMaster: Hanging and learning Lemmy things.


DANGEROUS TOYS / BROKEN TEETH vocalist Jason McMaster has shared his favorite memories of Motorhead's Lemmy.

I heard Motorhead for the very firs time in spring of 1981. I was about 17 years old and the Ace of Spades record was brand new. They were touring with Ozzy's Blizzard of Ozz through Texas and my friends had seen them live. I missed my chance at that time.

Fast forward to 1988.

My band Dangerous Toys was recording with Ozzy's producer Max Norman (Blizzard of Ozz, Diary of a Madman, Megadeth; Y&T; Fates Warning; Armored Saint; Loudness) at Sound City studios in Van Nuys, California. We all went to the Rainbow Bar & Grill for the very first time, starry eyed with hopes to run into someone famous. That someone was Lemmy. Max busted my balls telling him I did a Lemmy impersonation. Max made me do it for him. It was ridiculous. Lemmy was unphased and super down to earth. We all wound up sitting at his table for hours.

In summer 1991, our 2nd major label release "Hellacious Acres" put Dangerous Toys 2nd on the bill of the legendary Operation Rock N Roll U.S. tour with Judas Priest, Alice Cooper Motorhead and Metal Church.

I saw Lemmy everyday for about two months and got to hang and learn Lemmy things. I have a video of Lemmy wearing "Daisy Dukes" playing guitar and former Motorhead guitarist Wurzel (R.I.P.) just drinking in our dressing room and jamming along on the song "Leaving Here". I cherish it, even though it is not that great.

Lemmy gave me his number and we kept in touch.(I still have his business card with hand written address and phone number on the back).

In early 1992, we were writing new music and Lemmy offered his lyrical skill to the cause. I still have the hand written lyrics give to me by Lemmy in yellow legal pad paper signed and dated by L. Kilmister. It was crazy to get that in my mailbox.

We dropped by with a cassette of the song at a Motorhead rehearsal, where they were rehearsing with who at the time was their new drummer Mikkey Dee. We hung out, listened to the song and Lemmy says "I wrote it as a 12 barre", kinda like a WTF moment. We were thinking he didn't like it that much, that we had opted out of writing something that sounded like a Motorhead song.

The song never made any final cut but the mere fact that he would offer some kid in a band he may not have liked much, a hand in helping with some lyrics still blows my mind.

Me and my friends had a blast hanging with him, touring with him and writing with him. We were not close, but he made us feel that we were all connected.

Fast forward to 2015.

Little did we know. My band Broken Teeth were recording our recently released "Bulldozer" record, we planned for the Motorhead song "The Hammer" to be on it; as it was always a favorite off of the Ace of Spades album. 

Like most bands, we wanted to have a couple of kick ass cover songs to make it even more fun.
In hindsight, it is very sad to have lost two founding members of the original Motorhead line-up (drummer Philthy "Animal" Taylor and Lemmy) just months after the album's release.

"Born to Lose, Live to Win"...Infamous words, even while they were walking and breathing in his song or on his tattoo. I say farewell now, to the General of Rock N Roll, Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister. We were not close, but you brought me in and fed me. I will never leave you. Thank you sir.

I believe in Motorhead. Greatest words I've ever said, Motorhead, never dead".
Jason McMaster
Motorhead Fan

For the latest band news and show dates, visit their official websites

Behemoth announces North American tour with Myrkur and plans to play 'The Satanist' in its entirety; "The Congregation" exhibition to appear at all dates



Polish death/black metal outfit Behemoth has announced their return to North America this spring with a special tour, featuring Myrkur as support. With plans to play their latest album, The Satanist, in its entirety, this is one Behemoth show not to be missed! A limited number of premium ticketing packages that include a commemorative laminate, meet and greet with the band, 18" x 24" poster set (3 posters), 42" x 42" wall flag, and general admission ticket are available now at www.showstubs.com/behemoth. Only 50 fans per show can purchase the package, so reserve yours now! See below for all dates. 

In addition to the concert, fans will also have the chance to view "The Congregation" exhibition at each venue. Dubbed "a symbiosis of Behemoth and Toxic Vision", the display showcases the collaboration between the two parties. Over the years, the artist behind Toxic Vision (Sharon Toxic) has worked closely with the band to create their stage outfits, music videos, stage/photo props and more. "The Congregation" is a new experience and built solely for this tour. 

Behemoth front-man Nergal comments: "We've always pushed ourselves very hard trying to reach the highest peaks of artistic creativity. This time around we are not only coming back to perform 'The Satanist' in its entirety, but are also bringing along a collaboration that's unheard of! Toxic Vision's renowned and absolutely brilliant artist and designer from Canada, whom we have worked with on several projects in the past (Behemoth stage gear, video clip costumes...) will be accompanying us on this trek with a unique exhibition called 'The Congregation'! We are beyond excited to see how these synergies co-exist! Sharon, it's an honour to welcome you on board!" 

Adds Toxic Vision CEO Sharon Toxic: "It is a real honour to work alongside Behemoth and have this opportunity to bring a vision to life! We aim to dazzle and inspire, I am inviting everyone to step into the dark world of 'The Congregation' - an exclusive showcase of my work with Behemoth. Nothing like this has been done before, and of course, nothing is really as it seems with Toxic Vision. This is a culmination of craft and magic...once you step inside, you might never find your way out." 

Behemoth tour dates
w/ Myrkur
Apr. 21 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of the Living Arts
Apr. 22 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
Apr. 23 - Boston, MA - Royale
Apr. 25 - Montreal, QC - Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre
Apr. 26 - Toronto, ON - The Phoenix Concert Theater
Apr. 27 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall
Apr. 29 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall
Apr. 30 - Minneapolis, MN - Mill City Nights
May 1 - Lawrence, KS - The Granada Theater
May 3 - Denver, CO - The Gothic Theatre
May 4 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex
May 6 - San Francisco, CA - The Regency Ballroom
May 7 - Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory 

Declared "simply the best Behemoth record ever" (Decibel Magazine), The Satanist was released earlier last year to critical acclaim, debuting at #34 on the Billboard Top 200 charts. To preview the album, fans can watch the band's latest video for the title track here: https://youtu.be/OGGwv3Zjq88 

Behemoth online:

Act of Defiance announces North American headlining tour, plus select dates with Hatebreed


After recently completing a North American tour with label-mates Allegaeon, plus some shows with Killswitch Engage right before the new year, Act of Defiance is ready to get back on the road again, for another headlining trek! Shawn Drover (drums) comments: "After just getting home from a great co-headlining tour with our good friends in Allegaeon, we are super stoked to get right back on the road for round 2, with our 2016 North American tour!!!! There were lots of cities that we were unable to play on our first go around, so this time we wanted to hit as many places as we can to keep promoting 'Birth And The Burial' shortly after the holiday season. We really want to tour as much as possible for this record and bring 100% true HEAVY METAL to as many people as possible. See you on the road!!!!" 

Following this tour, Act of Defiance will join Hatebreed in June for 7 special shows. See below for all upcoming dates! 

Act of Defiance tour dates
Jan. 28 - Fullerton, CA - Slidebar
Jan. 29 - Bakersfield, CA - The Gate
Jan. 30 - Fresno, CA - Audie's Olympic Tavern
Jan. 31 - San Francisco, CA - Milk Bar
Feb. 2 - Sacramento, CA - Starlite Lounge
Feb. 3 - Eugene, OR - Old Nick's
Feb. 4 - Portland, OR - Dante's
Feb. 5 - Seattle, WA - The Funhouse @ El Corazon
Feb. 6 - Vancouver, BC - Biltmore Cabaret 
Feb. 8 - Saskatoon, SK - Amigos
Feb. 9 - Regina, SK - The Exchange
Feb. 12 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry
Feb. 13 - Lombard, IL - Brauer House
Feb. 14 - Indianapolis, IN - The Headquarters
Feb. 16 - Newport, KY - Southgate House
Feb. 20 - Miami, FL - Axes & Anchors Cruise
Feb. 26 - Gainesville, FL - High Dive
Feb. 28 - Baton Rouge, LA - Lava Cantina 

Act of Defiance tour dates
w/ Hatebreed
Jun. 5 - Montreal, QC - Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre
Jun. 6 - Toronto, ON - The Opera House
Jun. 7 - Millvale, PA - Mr. Smalls Theatre
Jun. 8 - Albany, NY - Upstate Concert Hall
Jun. 9 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
Jun. 10 - Providence, RI - Lupo's Hearbreak Hotel
Jun. 11 - New Haven, CT - Toad's Place 

Act of Defiance - featuring Chris Broderick (ex-Megadeth), Shawn Drover (ex-Megadeth), Matt Bachand (Shadows Fall/Times Of Grace) and Henry Derek (Scar The Martyr) - will be touring in support of their recently released album, Birth And The Burial. In a time of endless sub-genre classifications, Act of Defiance's debut delivers "perfectly produced, super slick slice of savage, technical modern thrash" (Terrorizer), that promises to "destroy your eardrums, as they are uncompromising and unrelenting metal at its very best" (Powerplay). To preview and purchase Birth And The Burial, please visit: http://www.metalblade.com/actofdefiance 

Act of Defiance line-up:
Chris Broderick - guitar
Henry Derek - vocals
Shawn Drover - drums
Matt Bachand - bass 

Act of Defiance online: