Dean Roberts From Leatherwolf on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 441 - Leatherwolf

This week we welcome Dean “Drum Machine” Roberts from Huntington Beaches own Leatherwolf to the show. The band has a new vocalist and new music in the works plus it’s the 30th anniversary of their classic 1989 release “Street Ready”. So plenty to talk to Dean about this week.

Here's a clip of the first single of "Street Ready"



Just a quick heads up you only have a few more days to take part in A Sound of Thunders latest Kickstarter campaign for the 10th anniversary album "Parallel Eternity" Head over to https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/asoundofthunder/parallel-eternity-the-10th-anniversary-album

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or subscribe on iTunes.

You can hear us every Tuesday night on Pure Rock Radio
and each Wednesday afternoon on 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.

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

Camden Cruz of Seven Kingdoms on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 428 - Seven Kingdoms

This week lots of discussion since we’re just coming off a break but also this week we talk with guitarist Camden Cruz of Florida power metallers Seven Kingdoms. I’ve been waiting to talk with this band for a while and since hey have just kicked off their latest Kickstarter campaign for the upcoming EP “Empty Eyes” it gave me the perfect opportunity.

Support the bands Kickstarter campaign at: kickstarter.com

Get all your Seven Kingdoms merch and past releases at: sevenkingdoms.bigcartel.com/

Hey did we mention that we got named to Feedspot.com's 

Top 20 Metal Music Audio Podcasts & Radio You Must Subscribe and Listen to in 2019

Check out the entire esteemed list of shows on that list as well as all the rest that Feedspot has to offer at: blog.feedspot.com/metal_music_podcasts/

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or subscribe on iTunes.

You can hear us every Tuesday night on Pure Rock Radio
and each Wednesday afternoon on 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.

And as always

Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Review - A Sound of Thunder "It Was Metal" (Mad Neptune Records)

A Sound of Thunder's seventh studio release "It Was Metal" is due to drop on June 15th. These guys will probably never have a release qualified with the statement "long awaited". The way these guys write their next one is written and probably the one after that too. Detractors would say that being that prolific leads to less than stellar output but in the case of A Sound of Thunder they would be very very f#%king wrong.

According to guitarist Josh Schwartz, "the mission statement was to write fast, heavy, catchy songs that are fun to play and fun to listen to. I Think we've accomplished that goal and then some. This is an album meant to be blasted in your car while you speed down the highway at 100mph singing at the top of your lungs." Interestingly, that pretty much matches up with one of my litmus tests for a good metal album. And it's exactly what I was doing while listening to it. So does that mean "It Was Metal" aces the test? In a word, yes but not without at least one speed bump.

So the last few releases have shown a good chunk of the prog metal side of this band (not counting the covers album) with a healthy dose of humor from vocalist Nina Osegueda but on this one they go for those fast punchy songs that leave the hook in your brain. I gotta say I've been waiting to hear this side of ASOT again and I wasn't disappointed. This, for the most part, is their version of classic hard rock and metal and they're wearing their influences on their sleeves. I've been cranking this one for about ten days now so I think I've had a good chance to absorb the whole deal.


So let's dig in...

11 tracks with a running time of 59 minutes. So a bit longer than a classic LP but still in the ballpark. Most of the songs come in around 5 minutes so again I'm a happy camper on that score.
A cool note on this is that the mix is awesome. Rather than go with the current trends of massive low end this sounds like both the album and the digital media may actually be mixed very similar. It's quite possible that this vinyl like mix brings the old school vibe of the album on on a subconscious level.


"It Was Metal" kicks off with Phantom Flight. Great 80's style intro that hooks you right in. This is the perfect opening track. Super hooky chorus that gets stuck in your skull. And if that wasn't enough it also feature Accept singer Mark Tornillo trading vocals with Nina. So right out of the gate you're in classic metal heaven.

From there we head to Lifebringer. Again impeccable sequencing. This is a one-two opening salvo. Opening hook just screams Maiden and the segues to a sweet galloping rhythm. About halfway through we get treated to some Theremin and some classic ASOT atmosphere. Not sure how they're gonna pull this one of live, there's a lot of stuff going on in this break. Not even mentioning all the Nina vocal tracks here. I used to be amazed at how Brad Delp of Boston could track against himself but I think Nina takes it to a new level. We also get some tight soloing from Josh at the tail end of the tune too.

Track three is Atlacatl. The rhythm section of Jesse Keen on bass and Chris Haren on drums are the all stars of this song. Let's just say tribal rhythms with a sheen of crunchy guitar. So far this puppy is hitting on all cylinders.

Track four is The Crossroads Deal. It's a quick swampy bluesy intro to the title track. With a final harmonica whimper and a scream from Nina the title track It Was Metal blazes from your speakers. This is a tune that coulda been on any of the classic Dio albums. It's got the Vinnie Appice drum swagger from Chris and right before the break Jesse steps in for a little solo bass grooving. Speaking of that solo, dunno why but it's one of my favorites from Josh. This is another tune that will stick in your head for days. I think it's an unqualified metal anthem. It's even got a brief appearance from the Thunder Choir.

So five tracks in and it's all going really freaking well and then there's that speed bump. Track six Obsidian & Gold just ain't doin' it for me. At over 9 minutes long it's already got a big strike against it. This album should be all about the get in get out, next song please. Don't get me wrong the playing is top notch. There's some great Hammond going on that just says Deep Purple. There's also some great bass that really benefits from the great mix since it sits perfectly in there. Besides Nina's always impeccable vocals we've also got former Rainbow player Tony Carey dropping by to lend some keyboard prowess too. And the guitar is solid too but i'm just just not connecting to it. I think between the length and the overall slower tempo it would be a great song on The Lesser Key of Solomon but it just doesn't sit well on this one.

I like to think of it as a palette cleanser to prepare for what I like to think of as side two. Second Lives kicks off slow and moody and builds to a nice tempo. More great Hammond in here and another one with a Rainbow/Purple vibe. Not a bad thing in my book. But this one is just a runway to get to track 8 Els Segadors (The Reapers). Yes this one's slower but it's got a killer anthemic feel. Probably cuz it's a defacto legit national anthem for Catalonia (if your keeping score at home). If any band can pull off a metal version of a national anthem its A Sound of Thunder. This track has been an international success for them and deservedly so.

Back to the more uptempo with Tomyris. Been really trying to think what it is about this track that connects with me and I thinks its because it reminds me so much of their sound on Out of The Darkness blended with an extra flavor shot of classic metal. So now we're on the backside of this puppy with two more tracks to go.

I instantly liked Charles II. It's a four and half minute run through a bit of history. I could totally see Maiden covering this one. This one is a great example of the versatility of Nina's voice as she voices multiple characters and tonalities. Great soloing from Josh backed by some solid rhythmic backing. on this too.

Sadly this bring us to track 11 Fortress of The Future Race. I'm surprised that Mark Tornillo isn't on this one as it sounds like modern Accept meets ASOT with some fine contributions from the Thunder Choir.

So what's the score on this one? 10 tracks that I can give a solid 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 out of five and one that although it's a 🤘🤘 I'm still not totally seeing it fit on this release. Most of the tracks meet Josh's stated mission. They are catchy and you'll find yourself singing them once they are trapped in your skull. We get Mark Tornillo guesting. The mix is top notch and really adds to the depth of the album and goddamn this really has some sweet classic metal vibes going on. I should also mention the stellar artwork from Dusan Markovic too.

The only real downside besides track 6 is that there's no Nina evil freak out song on here. I've always looked forward to the next "Kill That Bitch" or "Hello Nurse".

So my final takeaway? Buy this thing!!! If you're already an ASOT fan it'll be an instant classic for you. Otherwise it's the perfect gateway to discovering this killer band. Nina has stated that she can't wait to play this stuff live. Well Nina, bring it on cuz I for one can't wait to hear it live.

"It Was Metal" is currently available for preorder at all the usual spots plus you can get special formats including vinyl and  the "It Was Metal" comic at asoundofthunderband.com




Tracklist:
1. Phantom Flight (featuring Mark Tornillo)
2. Lifebringer
3. Atlacatl
4. The Crossroads Deal
5. It Was Metal
6. Obsidian & Gold (Desdinova Returns) (featuring Tony Carey)
7. Second Lives
8. Els Segadors (The Reapers)
9. Tomyris
10. Charles II
11. Fortress of the Future Race

Total running time: 59 minutes

       Vocals: Nina Osegueda
       Guitars & Keyboards: Josh Schwartz
       Bass & Keyboards: Jesse Keen
       Drums & Percussion: Chris Haren

  Produced by Kevin '131' Gutierrez
  Recorded at Assembly Line Studios

Website: www.asoundofthunderband.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/asoundofthunder
Twitter: @asotband
Instagram: @asotband

A Sound of Thunder reveals new album details, launches crowd-funding campaign

Heavy metallers A SOUND OF THUNDER will release their new album, "Who Do You Think We Are?" on Friday, December 16.  

The covers album will include 11 versions of metal classics originally by artists Alice Cooper, Rainbow, Mercyful Fate, Manowar, Tool, Black Sabbath, Wrathchild USA, Dio, Dan Fogelberg, and Deep Purple.

A crowd-funding campaign for the new album and an animated video was launched on the Kickstarter platform on September 2.  The initial $12,000 funding goal was reached in under 4 hours, and the campaign went on to raise over $17,000 in the first 24 hours. The band is offering fans an opportunity to have their likenesses animated into the new video, as well as a host of other exclusive offerings.  The campaign runs through October 10.  "Who Do You Think We Are?" is currently only available through the campaign.

Per the campaign description:

"We put every bit of effort into this full-blown studio album as we do into our original albums, and churned out some Thunderized versions of classics by Alice Cooper, Rainbow, Mercyful Fate, Manowar, Tool, Kansas, Black Sabbath, Wrathchild USA, Dio, Dan Fogelberg, and Deep Purple!"  

"Production was once again handled by the platinum awarded Kevin '131' Gutierrez (Shinedown, Raven, While Heaven Wept) at Assembly Line Studios, so you can expect the same punchy modern production as our previous albums but beefed up with even heavier guitars and some of the best performances we've ever captured."

"Recording is complete and was partially funded by "The Lesser Key of Solomon" Kickstarter campaign from 2013.  Funds from this new campaign will be used for manufacturing CDs & vinyl, paying the legally required licensing fees for the cover songs, and for new cover art from ASoT painter extraordinaire Dusan Markovic!  We expect a late-November or early-December release for this album!"

"Excess funds will be used on several projects that are currently in the works.  The most frequent demand we get from fans is to bring Udoroth back!  Well, we've started to do just that!  Animation is an expensive process, but we feel we have a video script that will be quite simply one of the most metal videos of all time, and that will hopefully allow us to turn Udoroth and the Queen of Hell into an ongoing series."

"The "Udoroth" music video is by far the most popular project we've ever done, with over 300,000 views and gaining about 1,000 views daily even 2 years after its release.  We have a killer expanded story revolving around Udoroth and the Queen of Hell that we are dying to share, and are ready to start bringing it to you.   But on top of just putting out something cool, the animation helps grow our fanbase which will make it possible for us to tour more and come play for all of you! The current financial reality is that we lose money if we travel any significant distance to play a show.  Therefore we can't afford to come to many of the places that you have asked us to play.  The expanded Udoroth and Queen of Hell story and universe can be the vehicle to get us out on the road to play for you, and if it happens, we'll promise you'll have some of the most badass, most metal animation every created!"

A SOUND OF THUNDER released their previous album "Tales from the Deadside" on September 25, 2015.  The concept album based on Valiant Entertainment's SHADOWMAN comic book series reached #16 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums Chart, #8 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart, and #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers - South Atlantic Chart.

Crowd-funding campaign link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/asoundofthunder/covers-album-and-udoroths-return

Web: http://www.asoundofthunderband.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/asoundofthunder

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/asotband

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asotband/

LORDS OF THE TRIDENT launch Patreon crowd soucing campaign / Announce Re:Quests EP

After a successful opening slot as special guests of Steel Panther in their hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, metal conquistadors LORDS OF THE TRIDENT are celebrating by launching their brand new Patreon pledge campaign!

Lords of the Trident vocalist Fang VonWrathenstein has checked in with the following metal news flash:

As many of you know, the music industry has changed drastically over the past 15 years. Gone are the days of gold-plated-shark-tank-bars and artists actually making a living after signing a record deal. A Patreon campaign seeks to change that situation by cutting out the middle man – the record company – entirely.

Fans of the band pledge a monthly donation, and in return, get awesome Patreon-only rewards! What kind of rewards, you may ask? All SORTS of cool stuff, including Patreon-exclusive shirts, behind-the-scenes content, and a invite to a yearly Patreon-backer-only private concert!

And if you pledge the $5 level or more before 12/25, you’ll get a FREE MP3 copy of our latest EP: re:Quests, the Kickstarter Covers EP!

This EP will be released on Christmas Day, but if you want to hear it before the release date, pledge to our Patreon and you’ll receive it right away!

We want to stress that this is optional – pledge or not, we’re still going to continue to make the most metal music you’ve ever heard. But if you want to help us take Lords to the next level – more music, more videos, more everything – please consider donating to our campaign.

Thank you!! Whether or not you choose to pledge, we want to thank all of you for supporting us over the past seven years. It’s amazing fans like you that keep the Lords going – THANK YOU!

Lords of the Trident Patreon pledge campaign link

Lords of the Trident Patreon video link

Upcoming Lords of the Trident battles:

12/12/15 - Wisconsin Brewing Company - Madison, Wisconsin
1/2/16 - Mead & Metal Fest (High Noon Saloon) - Madison, Wisconsin
1/22/16 - TBA - Indianapolis, Indiana
1/23/16 - Powerfest V (Madison Theatre) - Covington, Kentucky
2/19/16 - The Elbo Room - Chicago, Illinois
3/18/16 - The Frequency - Madison, Wisconsin
3/19/16 - Izzy's - Berlin, Wisconsin

Official Lords of the Trident website

Official Lords of the Trident Facebook page

A Sound of Thunder returns to Focus on Metal This Week

Episode 246 - Tales From The Deadside

I do believe that A Sound Of Thunder may have the most appearances on this show and this week they solidify that by dropping by once again. Yep our favorite band from Virginia is once again deep into another Kickstarter campaign in order to continue to bring the music to heavy metal music. Their latest project is Shadowman: Tales From The Deadside. It's their first true concept album and it is shaping up to be one hell of a release. So join me this week as I talk with Josh, Jesse and Chris from ASOT. Did I mention we have some exclusive content from the new album? Yes. Yes we do.

Get all your ASOT info and merch at http://www.asoundofthunderband.com/

You have until August 17th to get in on the Shadowman campaign at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/asoundofthunder/shadowman-tales-from-the-deadside

Here's some classic ASOT from their Out of The Darkness release

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

You can hear us Tuesdays on Platinum Rock Radio and be sure to check their schedule because we usually get repeat run during the week.

You can hear us every Wednesday on these great stations:
Pure Rock Radio, Metal World Radio,  and now on The Indie Authority

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

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

Shawn James & The Shapeshifters Launch Kickstarter Campaign for Upcoming Album

Fayetteville, AR's SHAWN JAMES & THE SHAPESHIFTERS have launched a Kickstarter campaign in support of upcoming album The Gospel According to Shawn James & The Shapeshifters. Please pledge your support by visiting https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shawnjamesmusic/the-gospel-according-to-shawn-james-and-the-shapes

SHAWN JAMES & THE SHAPESHIFTERS  have been wowing fans with their swamp-born, high energy rock 'n roll since releasing The Wolf in early 2013. The debut was the first in a trilogy and was followed by The Bear (June 2013) and The Hawk (January 2014). A righteously rockin' album of cover songs recorded live, aptly titled The Covers, was released in May 2014. Quickly establishing themselves with an impressive body of work and a reputation as a formidable live act with 260 dates in the U.S. and Europe already under their collective belt, SHAWN JAMES & THE SHAPESHIFTERS are poised to take the world by storm with The Gospel According to Shawn James. The band has just entered Insomiac Studios with engineer Adam Putman to record what promises to be its hardest hitting material yet. Tentatively set for an April release and featuring cover art by Polish artist Karol Bak, The Gospel According to Shawn James & The Shapeshifters is just what the doctor ordered. Show your support and help the guys kick the rock world right in the ass!

SHAWN JAMES & THE SHAPESHIFTERS are a 5-piece rock band from Fayetteville, Arkansas. At first glimpse, you might confuse them with a bluegrass or metal band. Influenced by every type of music, and growing up in several heavy and folky bands, the sound is not what you would expect. With a different vibe for every EP released so far, they truly embody the phrase "shapeshifters." For lack of any term whatsoever, upcoming album The Gospel According to Shawn James and the Shapeshifters could be described simply as "rock and roar." At times, it evokes both Son House and SunO)))), with haunting fiddle and plucking banjo amidst swampy, fuzz driven slide guitars. Other parts are like a fog rising from a cave, while others come crashing like a thunderstorm. Come 'n get it!

http://www.shawnjamesmusic.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ShawnJamesSoul https://twitter.com/ShawnJamesMusic

RAVEN Reveals "ExtermiNation" Album Cover

NWOBHM thrash godfathers RAVEN have unveiled the cover to their upcoming studio album "ExtermiNation".  The cover was designed by Jay Sharpe and can be seen above.

Raven is currently running a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign to help fund the recording of "ExtermiNation".  The band is offering Kickstarter backers a full-length cover album entitled "Party Killers".  "Party Killers" is available exclusively through the Kickstarter campaign, and will not be available after the campaign ends on November 28th.  "Party Killers" is available on CD and 12" vinyl.  Other Kickstarter-exclusive items including t-shirts, CDs, a 7" vinyl single, patches, stickers, and more.

"Party Killers" track-listing:

  

- "Too Bad Too Sad" (Nazareth)

- "Bad Reputation" (Thin Lizzy)

- "Cockroach" (Sweet)

- "Fireball" (Deep Purple)

- "Hang on to Yourself" (David Bowie)

- "He's a Whore" (Cheap Trick)

- "In For the Kill" (Budgie)

- "Is There a Better Way" (Status Quo)

- "Ogre Battle" (Queen)

- "Queen of My Dreams" (Edgar Winter)

- "Tak Me Bak Ome" (Slade)

Vocalist and bassist John Gallagher comments on the album: "We were writing for the new album at a cool studio in Richmond, VA, and in the middle of jamming asked the engineer there if we could record a few cover tunes just for the hell of it.  The sounds were so good we decided to do something we'd been threatening for many years: "Party Killers" - a collection of cover tunes guaranteed to deafen yer neighbors!! It's basically a peek into the little red 45rpm singles box we used to have at home...songs and bands that were very influential to us as kids, but given the Raven overhaul! I think it gives a nice insight to our roots and will be an excellent companion to the new album!"

RAVEN is currently wrapping up an extensive US tour with support act NIGHT DEMON.

RAVEN “North American Extermination Tour 2014?:

Nov 24th - Richmond, VA - Strange Matter

Nov 25th - Raleigh, NC - The Maywood

Check Raven's official websitefor further details.

MAXXXWELL CARLISLE unleashes Kickstarter campaign for new "Thunder Dragon 2155" cd

Solo artist and Hellion lead guitarist Maxxxwell Carlisle has just announced the launch of a Kickstarter campaign for "Thunder Dragon 2155", what he describes as, "an ambitious new power metal concept album...an epic tale of sci-fi triumph and tragedy woven across 10 tracks of pure metal!"

The album is set to feature his established live band lineup consisting of Melody Schoenfeld (Vocals), Dave Chedrick (Drums) and Gene Migaki (Bass).

His Kickstarter rewards include everything from the standard CDs and t-shirts, to more "Maxxxwell style" motivational speaking, Mohawk lessons, guitar lessons, custom diet plans, personal phone calls, private concerts (including fog and lasers) and more! The predictably over-the-top Kickstarter video provides full details.

Thunder Dragon 2155 Kickstarter link

Thunder Dragon 2155 Kickstarter You Tube Video

For the latest Maxxxwell Carlisle news, visit his official Facebook page:

Official Maxxxwell Carlisle Facebook page

Just posted - John Gallagher from RAVEN guests on this weeks Focus on Metal.

Episode 208 - Raven Nation

We celebrate week two of metal month by having a chat with the one and only John Gallagher of Newcastle metal pioneers Raven. The band is currently on tour in the states while concurrently running a Kickstarter campaign for their new album "ExtermiNation". We were lucky enough to snag a rare on the road interview with John as they were heading from Vancouver to their gig in Seattle. Enjoy the words of metal wisdom from John and be sure to head to up to Kickstarter and support these metal legends.

Check out the ExtermiNation campaign at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1085707767/extermination?ref=nav_search

Check out all the tour dates and Raven news at: http://ravenlunatics.com/

Track of the week is "Queen of The Galaxy" which is the title track from the latest release from Dire Peril. Get more info at: https://www.facebook.com/direperil

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.

Raven Launch Kickstarter, Set to Release Cover Album

NWOBHM thrash godfathers RAVEN have launched a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign to fund the recording of their next studio album "ExtermiNation".  The band has recorded a full-length cover album entitled "Party Killers" that is being offered as an exclusive Kickstarter reward for backers.  "Party Killers" is available on CD and 12" vinyl.  The band is also offering exclusive t-shirts, patches, and a 7" vinyl single via the campaign, which runs through November 28th.

The trio has been in heavy pre-production for the upcoming original studio album "ExtermiNation" due in early 2015.  Somehow amid the writing and rehearsal process, the band also found time and energy to record the cover album.  Further details will be released in the coming days, but it has been revealed that the track-listing will include covers of "Ogre Battle"(Queen) and "In For the Kill"(Budgie). 

Vocalist and bassist John Gallagher comments on the album: "We were writing for the new album at a cool studio in Richmond, VA, and in the middle of jamming asked the engineer there if we could record a few cover tunes just for the hell of it.  The sounds were so good we decided to do something we'd been threatening for many years: "Party Killers" - a collection of cover tunes guaranteed to deafen yer neighbors!! It's basically a peek into the little red 45rpm singles box we used to have at home...songs and bands that were very influential to us as kids, but given the Raven overhaul! I think it gives a nice insight to our roots and will be an excellent companion to the new album!"

RAVEN is currently on tour in the United States with support act NIGHT DEMON.

RAVEN “North American ExtermiNation Tour 2014?

10/10:  Little Rock, AR @ Vino’s

10/11: Austin, TX @ Red 7

10/15: Mesa, AZ @ Club Red

10/17: Ramona, CA @ Ramona Main Stage

10/19: Las Vegas, NV @ Cheyenne Saloon

10/20: Los Angeles, CA @Whiskey a Go Go

10/22: Ventura, CA @ Bombay

10/26:  Sacramento, CA @ Blue Lamp

10/27: San Francisco, CA @ The Elbo Room

10/29: Ashland, OR @ Club 66

10/30: Portland, OR @ Tonic Lounge

11/1: Vancouver, BC @ Media Club

11/2: Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven

11/3: Boise, ID @ The Shredder

11/4: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Lo-Fi Cafe

11/6:  Denver, CO @ TBA

11/7:  St Louis, MO  @ Fubar

11/9: Columbus, OH @ Shrunken Head

11/11: Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room

11/13: Indianapolis, IN @ Headquarters

11/14: Akron, OH @ Empire Rock Club

11/15: Toronto, ON @ Hard Luck

11/16: Chicago IL @ Reggie’s

11/18: Detroit, MI @ Token Lounge

11/19: Syracuse, NY @ Macs Bad Art Bar

11/20: Pittsburgh, PA @ Dead Horse

11/21: Brooklyn, NY @ St.Vitus

11/22: Philadelphia, PA @ Dobbs

11/23: Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery

11/24: Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter

11/25: Raleigh, NC @ The Maywood

Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1085707767/extermination

Check Raven's official website http://www.RavenLunatics.com for further details.

LORDS OF THE TRIDENT launch new album Kickstarter campaign / Sign with KILLER METAL RECORDS

American heavy metal band Lords of the Trident have launched their Kickstarter campaign for their new full-length 5th album entitled "Frostburn".

The new album was engineered and produced by Doug Olson (Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick, Niirvana), who also produced their last 2013 release "Plan of Attack".

Lead barbarian singer Fang VonWrathenstein says, "This album is the best album we've ever recorded, and we think our fans will agree. We expect the number of album-related headbanging-induced deaths to skyrocket once this album is released!"

Lords of the Trident - "Frostburn" Kickstarter video:

Lords of the Trident - "Frostburn" Kickstarter pledge site

Lords of the Trident are also proud to announce that they have signed with German record label "Killer Metal Records" for the release of their new upcoming album "Frostburn" throughout Europe.

The band will release the album via "Junko Johnson Records" throughout the rest of the world.

KIller Metal Records

For the latest band news and show dates, visit their official Facebook page:

Official Lords of the Trident Facebook page:

Former members of Devin Townsend Band & Into Eternity Release Debut Single from THIRD ION, Kickstarter Campaign for "13/8Bit" Album

THIRD ION, the new Canadian prog metal group featuring former members of THE DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND and INTO ETERNITY, have released its debut single "Capitol Spill." The track is now streaming at this location.

The band has also launched Kickstarter campaign to assist in completion of its debut album, 13/8Bit. To support THIRD ION visit: 

www.kickstarter.com/projects/1748461047/third-ion

THIRD ION is the product of a mutual love of prog, video games, and science. The debut album is currently over half written, and will contain eight to ten songs, including the title track which is written entirely in 13/8 time signature. 8-Bit musical renditions of every song will be released as well, to pay homage to their 1980s classic gaming inspirations.

THIRD ION is: Justin Bender - Guitar Aaron Edgar - Drums Mike Young - Bass Tyler Gilbert - Vocals Bio: A project talked about, envisioned, and anticipated by Justin and Aaron since the day they met, by chance, in mid-2010. A few of the songs have been in the works since shortly after they met, but meeting Mike and getting him on board was the jump start needed to truly get this band off the ground. Now with the addition of Tyler on vocals, and the first few songs demoed, everyone is extremely excited about the future of this project and where it could go. Planning is underway for an amazing live show, with an emphasis on minimalism and mood. Every single member of this band comes from a large base of touring and recording experience, and plan to use their resources to get this new project on the road and heard by as many people as possible. Plans are already under way to tour Canada, and seek label or grant funding to support the tours. www.thirdion.com   www.facebook.com/thirdion www.youtube.com/3rdion

FAST RISING ROCKERS SILVERTUNG LAUNCH KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

One of the most promising hard rocking acts on the scene, Silvertung, has recently unleashed their latest release, 'Devil's in the Details,' which is garnering glowing reviews - such as All Access Magazine raving "Silvertung promises to be one of the hottest new rock bands to arrive on the rock music scene. Highly recommended." And now the band - which is comprised of Speed (lead vocals,) Skoot (bass), Danno (drums) & ZZ (lead guitar) - is calling on fans to lend a hand with costs for touring, promotion, and a new video, via the Kickstarter site. The campaign kicked off Monday, June 9th  and you can learn more here and to make a pledge https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/677294844/breaking-a-band-creating-a-new-nation-let-s-rock-t And the band does not take the fact that they are going the Kickstarter route lightly. "Using a Kickstarter campaign wasn't an easy decision," says bass player Skoot. "We've always been honest with our fans," adds lead vocalist, Speed. "We were hoping NOT to run a campaign like Kickstarter, but we realize we needed help. We reinvest all the money earned from performing shows, selling merch and doing side jobs because we're determined to break out!" Skoot joins in by saying, "The loyalty, dedication and support of our growing fan base is humbling, and appreciated more than we can put into words. We promise to use this money wisely, and do our very best to make you proud." 'Devil's in the Details' was produced by Steven Wright (who has worked with everyone from Slipknot to Avril Lavigne), which has spawned the single "Coming Alive" (which has garnered over 100 radio spins a week), as well as such standout tracks as "Justify" and "Déjà Vu." Additionally, the quartet has shared the stage with countless national acts, including Godsmack, Disturbed, Shinedown, Slipknot, Staind, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Filter, Drowning Pool, and P.O.D., among countless others. Speed adds, "All money that comes through this campaign will be used to kick-start (No pun intended) this ever growing machine. We'd like to shoot a video for our next single, tour more in support of our new release and get more radio air play to reach the masses!" Silvertung drummer, Danno reflects, "Music is something that never leaves me, it never lies and has always been there for me. Our Kickstarter program will allow our fans to be apart of it and share in our accomplishments." Lead guitarist ZZ sums it all up by saying, "Our fans make all of this possible. We wouldn't be where we are without them."   FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:  www.silvertung.com www.facebook.com/Silvertungband

LAWNMOWER DETH LAUNCH 'OOH CRIKEY' CD/LP REISSUE KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

British madcap thrashers LAWNMOWER DETH have launched a Kickstarter campaign to re-press their 1990 debut album, "OOH CRIKEY IT'S... LAWNMOWER DETH", after recently being confirmed to play at this year's Download Festival on Saturday, June 14th.

Having been unavailable for nearly twenty years, repeated demands from hardcore fans has led LAWNMOWER DETH and Earache to launch a campaign to get the album remastered and reissued, with a range of suitably-mad items concocted for fans to pledge for and all profits going to the Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

LAWNMOWER DETH frontman PETE "QUALCAST MUTILATOR" LEE comments:

"You know that giddy feeling you get.  The one when you're 9 and 3/4 old, that one where it makes you kick your legs, the one that makes you run down hills going 'urgh-urgh-urgh-urgh-urgh'.  You mean you've forgotten?  Fear not.  Here's how to get it back.  Them lovely people at Earache and now honorary buffoons have decided, after your years of pestering, to reissue the now legendary opus that is 'Dark Side of the Moon'.  Ok, they couldn't get that, but they have got 'Ooh Crikey It's...'.  Horns.  Heard ya!  And not only that, all profits will go to our most favourite and deserving charity, The Sophie Lancaster Foundation.  We need your pledges, now!  Show us the money.  Show SOPHIE the money.  You can always chuck the vinyl away afterwards."

If the campaign is successful, "OOH CRIKEY IT'S..." will be reissued on CD and vinyl in a limited print run, remastered from the original tapes in Full Dynamic Range (FDR) audio, which allows the music's nuances to shine through, giving the album a more ferocious, immersive and dynamic sound than ever before.

Fans can pledge now for signed band photos, "OOH CRIKEY IT'S..." CDs, FDR vinyl in a range of colours, never before released demo tracks, your name in the credits of the entire CD and vinyl print run and, in true LAWNMOWER DETH style, signed original Weebles (rare vintage toys), a "Satan's Trampoline", adopt-a-sheep, and even a Qualcast lawnmower signed by the band.

Also available is one pair of VIP day passes to this year's Download Festival on the day that LAWNMOWER DETH are performing, including a meet & greet with the band themselves.

Pledge now and get your hands on a limited edition "OOH CRIKEY IT'S..." re-press and other one-of-a-kind collectibles at http://bit.ly/oohcrikey2014

Please note there is no risk when pledging, as money will only be taken if the campaign reaches its target, at which point production will begin.

Get other LAWNMOWER DETH music and merch from the Earache Webstore in Europe at http://webstore.earache.com/lawnmower-deth or in North America at http://uswebstore.earache.com/lawnmower-deth

Get more LAWNMOWER DETH news and info at http://www.lawnmowerdeth.co.uk

BLOODSOAKED Launch Kickstarter Campaign Upcoming Comatose Music; Tour Dates Announced

U.S Death Metal Unit BLOODSOAKED have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for its fourth full-length album, Religious Apocalypse, to be released later this year on Comatose Music. You can donate to the cause at this location. BLOODSOAKED main man Peter Hasselbrack explains the decision to launch the campaign: "We took less money from our record label this time around so we could secure the digital rights to Bloodsoaked's music and give back to the fans. With our new deal with Comatose Music we now have the rights to give away all Bloodsoaked's music absolutely FREE via the Bloodsoaked web site. What does this mean to you...?  Well, six months after the new Bloodsoaked album is released we will be releasing every Bloodsoaked album FREE to everyone and anyone. We are doing this to give back to all the fans that have supported and continue to support Bloodsoaked."    BLOODSOAKED's last recorded output came in the form of The Death of Hope, released in 2011 via Comatose Music. That album, along with 2009's Sadistic Greed...Grotesque Memories are streaming in full at www.bloodsoaked.stereokiller.com.  Both titles and more from BLOODSOAKED are available at www.comatosemusic.com. www.bloodsoaked.net www.facebook.com/bloodsoaked666 bloodsoaked.bandcamp.com www.youtube.com/phasselbrack www.comatosemusic.com Catch BLOODSOAKED on its upcoming European tour in April withSHORT FUSE, INSATANITY, AITTALA, and AGE OF ARES. Tour dates are as follows: 3-April Berlin, Ger (Blackland) 4-April Weissenfels, Ger (Schlosskeller) 5-April Greifswald, Ger (Klex) 6-April Katowice, Pol (Pub Korba) 7-April Poznan, Pol (Klub u Bazyla) 8-April Leipzig, Ger (4Rooms) 9-April Amsterdam, NL (The Cave) 10-April Paris, FR (Le Klub) 11-April Renchen, Ger (Come-Inn) 12-April Winschoten, NL (Boelies Pub) BLOODSOAKED have also announced that they'll be playing the Obscene Extreme Festival in the Czech Republic, which will be held July 16-20, 2014. More information on the fest can be found at www.obsceneextreme.cz.

CORSAIR Launches Kickstarter Campaign for European Tour

US-based prog rock/metal outfit CORSAIR has launched a campaign with Kickstarter.com to help fund the band's upcoming European tour. In exchange for your support, the band is offering a wide selection of music, merch, personalized messages & photos, music lessons, personal performances and more. The purposed tour itinerary would have the band trekking across the European countryside from February 20 - March 16. Details and a complete rundown of expenses and perks can be found at the link below. 

CORSAIR SHREDS: European Tour Campaign:

www.kickstarter.com/projects/2059984511/corsair-shreds-european-tour-support

After five years together, two EPs (Alpha Centauri 2010, Ghosts of Proxima Centauri 2011) and a full length (Corsair 2012) CORSAIR was picked up by Shadow Kingdom Records in 2012. By mid-2013, SKR had re-released all of the band's material and the Berlin-based High Roller Records was slated to press their entire catalogue on vinyl. This garnered the band much attention from reviewers and magazines all over the world, bringing high praise and features in publications such as Decibel Magazine (U.S), Rock Hard Magazine (Germany) and Terrorizer Magazine (U.K.). CORSAIR is currently hard at work prepping for their upcoming European tour and have plans to tour the U.S. and record a new album upon return. For more on CORSAIR, visit the links below. 

www.skykrakken.com

www.corsair.bandcamp.com

www.facebook.com/pages/corsair/179747970753

www.reverbnation.com/skykrakken   

Praise for CORSAIR

"This co-ed Virginia quartet's first full-length is as confident and realized a debut as has come down the metal pike in many a moon. Two instrumentals ignite midway between '70s fusion and '80s Metallica; seven songs with words alternately set mythic D&D play-by-play to relaxed NWOBHM or the toastiness, tunefulness, rhythm and calm of classic Thin Lizzy. Criss-crossing guitars of Paul Sebring and Marie Landragin warm prog intricacy with blues á la the great lost Chicago band Winterhawk. Landragin finally takes vocal reins in "The Desert," and closes the set traversing Yes-like topography."- Chuck Eddy, Rhapsody

"The Ghosts of Proxima Centauri are plenty haunting, and one gets the sense that Corsair have the means to make the most of their growth in the time to come. Hope to catch them at Beta Centauri or coming to a star system near you." TheObelisk.net

"At the intersection of Clutch, Thin Lizzy and Hawkwind lies Corsair, with their beautifully vintage guitar tones, emphasis on often-harmonized leads and solos, drifting and yet energetic prog-jam tendencies, and hints of hazy psychedelia." - Last Rites

"Ghosts of Proxima Centauri is unique work I can't recommend highly enough - I mean, Slough Feg, Falcon AND ELO?? Get outta here! Great, unique sound, 'Adventure Rock' supreme!!" - Hellride Music

"Yes: beautiful, is not Ynwie-Malmsteen-dudelig. We are talking about very tasteful, fresh, intelligent composed riffs that you want to hear again and again. So was the 1983 Iron Maiden also: They wanted to replace the same record over and over again. And so what happens truly not often nowadays!" [9/10] 

 - Fenriz, Rock Hard

A SOUND OF THUNDER Fans to Choose Cover Songs

American heavy metal band A SOUND OF THUNDER is offering fans a chance to choose the songs for an upcoming covers album.

The band recently announced details of its new album "The Lesser Key of Solomon" via a crowd-funding campaign, launching the project on Friday, October 25 with a $10,000 fund-raising goal.  The goal was passed in less than five days, and pledges have now exceeded $18,000.  The campaign ends on Monday, November 25th.  The band has decreed that if the campaign reaches $20,000 in pledges, they will record a covers album and give fans the opportunity to vote on which songs the band will cover.

"This is really just a way to thank the fans for the incredible and unexpected surge of support we've received," says guitarist Josh Schwartz.  "We've got a list of great songs for the fans to choose from, ranging from Deep Purple and Kansas to Devin Townsend and Tool!  There will definitely be some surprises on the list."  In addition to the fan-chosen songs, the album will also include the band's previously announced cover of "Pleasure Slave" by MANOWAR, and several songs yet to be announced.

A SOUND OF THUNDER's most recent album "Time's Arrow" was released on June 4, 2013 via Mad Neptune Records and features a guest appearance by Blaze Bayley (IRON MAIDEN, WOLFSBANE).  Their previous album "Out of the Darkness" was released on March 27, 2012 via Nightmare Records, and features a guest appearance by John Gallagher (RAVEN).  Both albums were recorded at Assembly Line Studios and produced by Kevin '131' Gutierrez (While Heaven Wept, Deceased, Shinedown).

For more information, visit:

Website: http://www.asoundofthunderband.com

Facbook: http://www.facebook.com/asoundofthunder

Twitter: @asotband

Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/asoundofthunder/a-sound-of-thunder-the-lesser-key-of-solomon

A Sound of Thunder Announces New Album, Smashes Crowd-Funding Goal in Four Days

Fans of American metal act A SOUND OF THUNDER have exceeded the crowd-funding goal for the band's new album in less than five days.  The band announced details of its new album "The Lesser Key of Solomon" via the 30-day campaign on Friday, October 25, launching the project at 12:03pm EST with a $10,000 fund-raising goal.  The goal was passed less than five days later at 9:26pm EST on Tuesday, October 29. 

A SOUND OF THUNDER began recording its fourth album "The Lesser Key of Solomon" in July at Assembly Line Studios.  Kevin '131' Gutierrez (Raven, While Heaven Wept, Deceased) is once again handling production duties for the band.  With the success of the crowd-funding campaign, the 10 track album is scheduled to be completed in late 2013 for a summer 2014 release. 

In addition to recording costs, the crowd-funding campaign will also fund the production of extensive album artwork and a large-format book to accompany the album.  The book will be 12" x 12" and will feature original paintings by artist Dušan Marković for each of the 10 songs, lyrics, photos, comments from the band members, and more.  The book will be available in both paperback and deluxe hardcover slipcase editions.  Both versions of the book, as well as the album and an array of additional items can be pre-ordered via the crowd-funding campaign.  The campaign runs until November 25th on the popular crowd-funding site Kickstarter and can be found here.

A SOUND OF THUNDER is embarking on an east coast US tour in November to promote its latest album "Time's Arrow".   

"Time's Arrow" was released on June 4, 2013 via the band's own labelMad Neptune Records.  The album was recorded at Assembly Line Studios and produced by Kevin '131' Gutierrez.

For more information, visit:
Website: http://www.asoundofthunderband.com
Facbook: http://www.facebook.com/asoundofthunder
Twitter: @asotband
Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/asoundofthunder/a-sound-of-thunder-the-lesser-key-of-solomon