Carl Alvarez From Inside Metal on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 377 - The Rise of LA Thrash Metal

At long last Bob Nalbandian and the crew at Metal Rock Films ( MetalRockFilms.com ) have finished the LA metal documentary trilogy they started way back in 2014. The final part was the much anticipated volumes on thrash, “The Rise of La Thrash Metal” volumes 1 & 2. Narrated by David Ellefson they wrap up the project in style. This week we are happy to have filmmaker Carl Alvarez on to talk about the making of the Inside Metal documentary series and his own first hand personal experiences in the LA thrash and metal scene.

Track of the weeks comes from the just released second solo album from Leather Leone "Leather II"

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, EarPeeler.com 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.

Ty Tabor Makes Another Appearance on Focus on Metal This Week

Episode 363 - Alien Beans

Another returning guest this week as we once again sit down with guitarist Ty Tabor. Ty just released a double disc solo extravaganza entitled “Alien Beans”. Disc 1 contains new tracks while disc 2 has rerecordings of older solo material. Also this week we discuss the impending demise of Slayer.

Pick up a great bundle package for Ty’s new release at: Rat Pak Records

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, EarPeeler.com 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.

DEATH DEALER ADDED TO MOTORHEAD'S MOTORBOAT CRUISE LINE-UPm

One of the best boat cruises for metal fans is undoubtedly Motörhead's Motörboat. And for this year's edition, Death Dealer has been added to an absolutely stellar line-up, which includes of course, the legendary Motörhead, as well as such renowned/heavy acts as Slayer, Anthrax, Exodus, Suicidal Tendencies, Hatebreed, and Corrosion of Conformity, among others. Running from September 28-October 2, 2015, and setting sail from Miami to the private island of Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas, the Motörboat ups the ante on standard Caribbean cruise vacations with a 24-hour, face melting party for days on end, headquartered on white sandy beaches and the sun-drenched deck of the Norwegian Sky. This jaunt along the Atlantic Ocean will also coincide with the release of Death Dealer's highly anticipated second full-length, 'Hallowed Ground,' which drops on October 2nd, via Sweden Music Group (SMG), with a hard-hitting video, for "Break the Silence”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyZmHD3hqAM Featuring members that have previously played with the likes of Manowar, the Dictators, Rob Halford, Lizzy Borden, Denner/Shermann and Cage, Death Dealer are a true heavy metal force to be reckoned with, and 'Hallowed Ground' certainly proves this. The follow-up to their over-the-top debut, 'Warmaster,' features vocalist Sean Peck, guitarists Ross the Boss and Stu Marshall, bassist Mike Davis, and drummer Steve Bolognese, and as always, Death Dealer is setting out to convert the metal masses to their brand of manly metal. And what better way to announce the arrival of 'Hallowed Ground' then with a killer all-metal cruise? Ross the Boss: "Death Dealer is absolutely so excited and pumped to be a part of this fantastic line-up! Plus, Lemmy is God and we all love him!” FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: motorheadcruise.com deathdealer.co facebook.com/Death Dealerband swedenmusicgroup.com facebook.com/swedenmusicgroup

The ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL Announces Official 2015 Artist Line-Up

SLAYER, King Diamond, HELLYEAH, The Devil Wears Prada, Whitechapel, Thy Art Is Murder, Jungle Rot, Sister Sin, Sworn In, Shattered Sun, Feed Her To The Sharks, Code Orange, Kissing Candice

Tickets Went On Sale Friday April 17, 2015 at 10:00am Local Time

Check Out the Exclusive Lineup Announcement via Rolling Stone

The world's biggest heavy music touring festival, the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL enters its eighth year with another fantastic heavy metal and hard rock line-up, featuring 13 bands performing on the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAIN STAGE and the VICTORY RECORDS STAGE.

The ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAIN STAGE will feature some of the most ground-breaking heavy bands of all time, spanning the originating years of heavy metal to today! The main stage will feature five-time-nominated, two-time Grammy winning legends Slayer as headliner, as well as additional performances from King Diamond, HELLYEAH, and The Devil Wears Prada. The VICTORY RECORDS STAGE will feature headliner Whitechapel as well as Thy Art Is Murder, Jungle Rot, Sister Sin, Sworn In, Shattered Sun, Feed Her To The Sharks, Code Orange and Kissing Candice.

Kerry King, guitarist of ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAIN STAGE headliners Slayer states, "I don't know if third time will be a charm, but it will definitely be hellish! Slayer and King Diamond on stage for the first time together in the States- NEVER has Mayhem been more evil. DON'T FUCKIN' MISS IT."

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAIN STAGE performer and heavy metal hellion King Diamond states, "This is going to be one hot and hellish summer! Slayer and King Diamond on the same stage - it does not get more devilish than this! We will be putting on a one hour set with the full King Diamond stage production. As for a set list, I'm not gonna reveal that here, but it will be built around "Dreams of Horror". The Puppet Master will be there with Grandma, and we will even go as far back in time as to 1777 (hint). You're all in for one hell of a show if you come to this Sabbath!"

"It has been eight years and it feels like it started just yesterday. We are so excited about this year's lineup and having the mighty Slayer back in support of a new album. In addition, the first time for King Diamond and HELLYEAH will be awesome, as well as The Devil Wears Prada's first time on the Main Stage. The Victory Stage has amazing bands and will play throughout the day. Heavy music is thriving in America and we are excited to be a part of it," state John Reese and Kevin Lyman, ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL producers.

Read the RollingStone.com Exclusive Line-Up Announcement with a Special Video from Headliners Slayer HERE

Watch the Official 2015 ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL Sizzle Reel HERE

Tickets for the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL go on sale beginning April 17th at 10:00am local time. Please note - Houston, TX tickets go on sale on April 24th at 10:00am local time. General Admission Festival and Lawn Tickets are only $19.99 including all fees for the first 72 hours of onsale (while supplies last).

The festival will kick off on June 26th at Sleep Train Amphitheater in San Diego, CA and ends at Gexa Energy Amphitheater in Dallas, TX on August 2nd. See below for all confirmed tour dates.

2015 ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL:

6/26 - San Diego, CA @ Sleep Train Amphitheater

6/27 - San Bernardino, CA @ San Manuel Amphitheater

6/28 - Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheater

6/30 - Auburn, WA (Seattle) @ White River Amphitheater

7/1 - Boise, ID @ Idaho Center Amphitheater

7/3 - Phoenix, AZ @ Ak-Chin Amphitheater

7/4 - Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater

7/5 - Denver, CO @ Red Rocks

7/7 - Council Bluffs, IA @ Harrah's Council Bluffs

7/8 - Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom

7/10 - Noblesville, IN (Indianapolis) @ Kilpsch Amphitheater

7/11 - Clarkston, MI (Detroit) @ DTE Energy Amphitheater

7/12 - Tinley Park, IL (Chicago) @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheater

7/15 - Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

7/17 - Camden, NJ (Philadelphia) @ Susquehanna Bank Arts Center

7/18 - Burgettstown, PA (Pittsburgh) @ First Niagara Pavilion

7/19 - Hartford, CT @ Xfinity Theatre

7/21 - Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center

7/22 - Gilford, NH @ Meadowbrook (Bank of NH Pavilion)

7/24 - Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live

7/25 - Boston, MA @ Xfinity Center

7/26 - Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach

7/29 - Atlanta, GA @ Aaron's Amphitheater at Lakewood

7/31 - San Antonio, TX @ Whitewater Amphitheatre

8/1 - Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

8/2 - Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Amphitheater

* Lineups in each city may vary. Go to www.rockstarmayhemfest.com for full lineup details.

Meet This Year's ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL Bands!

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAIN STAGE:

Slayer

The Chicago Tribune's Greg Kot wrote that the five-time-nominated, two-time Grammy winning Slayer is "one of the great American rock bands of the last 30 years, forget about genre." Their membership in "The Big Four" - Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax - the four bands that defined the thrash/metal genre - secures their place in music history. Indeed, few bands come close to matching the intensity that Slayer brings to its live shows, having been named "Best Live Band" by numerous media outlets including Revolver, SPIN, and Metal Hammer. With songs that mirror the turmoil and aberrations of our society - God's terrifying global genocide, the chaos of our broken political system, chemical warfare, the hideous minds of serial killers, and the way-too-close proximity of world horrors that technology has brought us, Slayer remains crushing and brutal, steadfastly refusing to cater to the Mainstream. Slayer's founding member, guitarist Jeff Hanneman passed in 2013, and Exodus guitarist Gary Holt has been filling in since. Paul Bostaph, who was Slayer's drummer from '94 - '01, has rejoined bassist/vocalist Tom Araya and guitarist Kerry King, and is back behind the kit. Slayer is currently in the studio recording a new album set for a 2015 release.

King Diamond

King Diamond's Dreams of Horror double album was released in November of 2014 and is the only best-of compiled and approved by the band. The tracks were remastered and enhanced by Andy LaRocque and King Diamond himself. Give Me Your Soul…Please, King Diamond's 2007 full-length, was nominated for a "best metal performance" Grammy Award!

HELLYEAH

HELLYEAH is comprised of Chad Gray (Mudvayne), Vinnie Paul (Pantera, Damageplan), Tom Maxwell (Nothingface), Kyle Sanders (Bloodsimple) and Christian Brady (Magna-Fi). Their current album, BLOOD FOR BLOOD, is a welcome return to form. It leaves a mark, thanks to songs like the angular, vengeful "DMF," a song birthed by the sort of anger that can't be faked; it will leave you wondering who pissed these guys off. "Gift" is dirty, rowdy rock with equal parts groove and swagger, but also possessed of the sort of punk rock energy that would make Motorhead fans turns their heads. Then there is moodier, more contemplative fare like " Moth" and "Hush" which connect on an emotional, cellular level, proving that you can be incredibly heavy in ways other than loud and fast. "Hush" is taking Rock radio by storm - among the most-added records in each of its first 3 weeks at theformat. The video for the track debuts upon this tour announce - see it at www.hellyeahband.com

The Devil Wears Prada

The Devil Wears Prada recently announced their return to Rise Records and their next release, a conceptual EP entitled Space, coming in summer 2015. The Space EP marks the band's first concept release since Zombie and the first on Rise Records since their sophomore release, Plagues, in 2007. Zombie debuted at #11 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts in the summer of 2010. The band is currently headlining the "Zombie 5 Tour" to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the acclaimed EP.

VICTORY RECORDS STAGE:

Whitechapel

Whitechapel's Our Endless War was released in April of 2014 and it debuted at a staggering #10 on the Billboard Top 200 charts, as well as #1 on both the iTunes rock and metal charts. Watch Whitechapel's latest video, the intense and bloody Mitch Massie-directed "Let Me Burn", now HERE.

Thy Art Is Murder

Australia's incendiary extreme musical export Thy Art is Murder, return with one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Produced and mixed by Will Putney (Suicide Silence, Exhumed, The Acacia Strain), Holy War is the band's second release for Nuclear Blast Entertainment and third full-length album overall. Holy War will be available in various formats (digital; limited digi-pak + bonus track; assorted color vinyl; exclusive mail-order picture disc) and unleashed in North America on June 30th, in Europe & Australia on June 26th, and in the U.K. on June 29th.

Jungle Rot

American death-metal band, Jungle Rot, has been providing the masses with headbang-worthy anthems since their formation in 1994, with recent notable touring including runs with Suffocation, Kataklysm, and a killer performance on the 70,000 Tons Of Metal Festival Cruise 2015. Fans can expect a new Jungle Rot album this June, just in time for the Mayhem to begin.

Sister Sin

Lead by one of Revolver Magazine's Hottest Chicks of 2015, Liv Jagrell, Swedish heavy-metal band Sister Sin have been riding high since the release of their October 2014 album, Black Lotus. Currently wrapping up a hugely successful, high-voltage tour with UDO in Europe, the no-nonsense four-piece is ready to take over the States once more, delivering a real dose of rock 'n roll to the masses.

Sworn In

Chicago's Sworn In just released their second album, the conceptual The Lovers/The Devil, this past Tuesday April 7th while on the road for their first-ever headline tour.

Shattered Sun

Poised to dominate the metal scene comes Texas melodic metal six-piece, Shattered Sun, with their Victory Records debut album, Hope Within Hatred (out April 21st). Currently crushing venues across the US as direct support to Testament and Exodus, Shattered Sun has come along "with all the riffs, all the hooks and several fucktons of heavy metal fury" assures Metal Hammer.

Feed Her To The Sharks

Australian quintet, Feed Her To The Sharks, are out for blood and proved such with their 2015 Victory Records debut album, Fortitude, which was applauded by BLUNT Mag for "taking metalcore back to its riffy, growly roots". Having conquered their own metal scene, performing on the 2013 Van's Warped Tour Australia and constant touring since, this band is ready to unleash their dynamic, merciless live show onto the masses this summer in the States.

Code Orange

Code Orange's I Am King was released in September of 2014 and debuted on the Billboard 200 at #29. The album quickly peaked at #10 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart and has gained rave reviews from music critics and fans alike. Watch Code Orange's latest video, "Dreams in Inertia", HERE.

Kissing Candice

Theatrics are promised with each performance and every listen of New York's gore-metal purveyors, Kissing Candice, who will be unleashing their Victory Records debut album this summer in time for the Mayhem festivities. Can't wait? Catch the blood-soaked, masked madmen of Kissing Candice performing alongside Twiztid and Davey Suicide, beginning May 1st.

Remember - get your tickets beginning Friday, April 17th at 10:00am local time! We'll see you in the pit!

About Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival:

The Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival is the world's premier heavy music touring festival. The festival is entering its eighth year in 2015 and has performed more than 190 shows throughout North America to over 2 million fans. The festival was founded by John Reese and Kevin Lyman and is booked by Darryl Eaton at Creative Artists Agency. Rockstar Energy Drink is the title sponsor and has maintained that role since the festival's inception.

About Rockstar Energy Drink:

Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles - from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 20 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music. For more information visit: www.RockstarEnergy.com

Find us at:

www.Facebook.com/Rockstar

www.Twitter.com/RockstarEnergy

www.Instagram.com/RockstarEnergy

www.YouTube.com/Rockstar 

International Day of SLAYER Becomes Yearly Holiday

In the wake of Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman's death, the directors of the  International Day of Slayer -- the Slayer-centric holiday that sprang to life  on 6/6/06 -- announce a change in the status the celebration of this year's  version of "the world's first heavy metal holiday." "With the passing of Jeff Hanneman, it would be reasonable to assume  that the 2013 celebration of the International Day of Slayer would be a  somber one," said Hessian spokesperson and International Day of Slayer  CEO Jim Tate, "but nothing could be further from the truth. This year  more than any other demands full engagement and celebration from Slayer  fans and hessians across the globe." Tate explained that the term "Hessian,"  derived from the long-haired maniacal mercenaries of the revolutionary war,  is a term of cultural self-reference for metal fans. He explained that the significance of the International Day of Slayer goes far  beyond Slayer. "The outside world was once again forced to reckon with us  as a cultural movement when they acknowledged the loss of one of metal's  most important figures, so it would be a mistake to simply hang our heads  and close up shop. Jeff made music that was loud and defiant, and we must  continue to uphold this standard in how we commemorate him and represent  the hessian community," said Tate. Many commentators view Slayer as the "archetypal metal band" because of  their uncompromising approach, their weaving of a mythology combining  technology and occultism, and their unapologetic pursuit of a lifestyle apart  from what modern society considers normal. In fact, some consider Slayer  the saviors of heavy metal, which was veering toward the populist path  which would lead to its assimilation by rock music, and absorption into a  "metal-flavored" version of rock for sale as a mainstream product. International Day of Slayer CTO Dag Hansen spoke up on this point. "Pizza wasn't invented in Italy, Chinese restaurant food was invented in  New York, Sri Racha sauce was created in California, Dutch ovens aren't  Dutch and French fries have no relation to France," Hansen. said. "We don't  want metal to become another culture absorbed by the money machine and  turned into a pale imitation of itself." "We at IDoS ask you to again stand up in the name of Slayer, in the name of  metal, and in the  name of Jeff Hanneman, and remind the rest of the planet that we are here, and we will not be going away anytime soon," said Tate.  "Good music is heroic and ultimately immortal, and now more than ever, the music of Slayer is exactly that. They created the battle hymns that so  many of us have used to navigate our lives, ones we will continue to rely  upon to as the days ahead grow ever darker. We cannot let these works fade with time. It is sometimes hard to remember that Slayer is comprised of  mortal men like ourselves, but with the proper dedication and stewardship,  their works can last a thousand years and join the ranks of masters like Beethoven and Wagner. This is what we must strive for by insisting on  bands like Slayer for us and future generations." Reminding listeners that as every year, this year the International Day of  Slayer will be on the same date, with the same agenda. "Join us. It is never  too late to make your voice heard. Metal is the mission, Slayer is our  weapon.  On June 6th, stand with us to celebrate as visibly as we can," said Tate.  "Don't go to work, listen to Slayer!" The International Day of Slayer website exhorts users to: * Listen to Slayer at full blast in your car. * Listen to Slayer at full blast in your home. * Listen to Slayer at full blast at your place of employment. * Listen to Slayer at full blast in any public place you prefer. DO NOT use headphones! The objective of this day is for everyone within  earshot to understand that it is the National Day of Slayer. National holidays  in America aren't just about celebrating; they're about forcing it upon  non-participants. www.nationaldayofslayer.org ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SLAYER Started in 2006 as both a parody of the "National Day of Prayer" and a  tribute to the band that single-handedly brought the intensity back to heavy  metal, the International Day of Slayer is a holiday for all who appreciate  metal music and specifically, the works of Slayer. To celebrate, go to www.nationaldayofslayer.org and read the instructions there.