Career Break

   You hear Gene Simmons harp on in every interview that Kiss are behind the Beatles in the number of gold records sold. That's great and all that and the band have had a stellar career and love it or hate it are not going away any time soon. Lick It Up, Animalize, Asylum, Crazy Nights, Hot In The Shade, Revenge and Carnival Of Souls. How many of them were gold records? I would say at least 4.

   So here's my point. Why do Kiss ignore their non-make up period so much. If they are so embarrassed about it then don't count these gold records in the total. They play practically nothing from these live except maybe Lick It Up. Don't give me the original members bullshit either. If they played something from Revenge that's more members of the band on stage who played on that album then any other number in the set.

   Want to find non-make up merch? Don't try the Kiss website for starters. Nothing, zero, zilch. That period was all a dream and a bad one at that. I'm a bigger fan of the non-make up era so I'm fucked if I want to buy a t-shirt. It's the E-Bay and empty the wallet option.

   So Bruce Kulick flies the flag for those records and it's sad he has to do that alone. Some of those records are solid top to bottom. The band should be proud of that era and it should be represented on the merch page on the website.

Richie.

CRAVEN IDOL: London-Born Blackened Thrashers To Release Debut On Dark Descent Records

The black/thrash bastards in CRAVEN IDOL, who signed with Dark  Descent Records earlier this year, are set to release their full-length  debut, Towards Eschaton, on digital, CD and vinyl formats this fall.  For the debut, CRAVEN IDOL have completed eight new offerings  of ripping black metal, channeled with a vitriol akin to Nifelheim and  Absu, with further allegiances to the dark arts of Inquisition and Samael.  Musically the release is an assault on those who neglect the potent  legacy of the 1980s, while thematically it attacks all proponents of  unfounded spiritual dogma. Album track "To Summon Mayrion" is currently streaming at this location.  To Summon Mayrion Sworn Upon the Styx Golgotha Wounds Craven Atonement Codex of Seven Dooms Aura of Undeath Left to Die Orgies Spawned in the pits of London, Craven Idol creates ritual offerings in  the earliest traditions of black and thrash metal. In 2006 a self-released  demo tape materialized, and its original fifty incarnations were quickly  devoured. Starlight Temple Society then fanned this early flame with  a tape re-release. 2010 saw the release of the 'Ethereal Altars' EP on  MCD and vinyl via Vengeful Attakk / Hammer of Hate. In early 2013  Craven Idol signed with Dark Descent Records for the release of their  debut album, on CD and vinyl. The oath endures... Vrath - Vocals, Guitars, Scourger - Guitar, Suspiral - Bass, Volgard - Drums www.facebook.com/pages/Craven-Idol/158945044134965  www.darkdescentrecords.com    www.facebook.com/DarkDescentRecords

PURE STEEL SHOP - PURE STEEL SUMMER SUPER SALES - 10 % Discount - July 05, 2013 – August 04, 2013

It's on, the big PURE STEEL SUMMER PRICE CAMPAIGN has started! You will get 10% discount on all articles (without tickets and books), also on last copies in stock. So be quick. We got a lot of new articles, rarities, special editions and more....Order now! Like every year you can rely on:  Summer without Pure Steel is no metal summer! It will run from July 05 to August 04, 2013 and is only valid for the PURE STEEL SHOP.

Balance

   So how do you balance the show? People want interviews and others want discussion. Personally I love both especially if we can tie our banter in with the interview in some way or another. Discussion episodes are great IF the topic is relevant, you can talk a LOT about it and STAY on the topic. Believe me it is easy to get sidetracked but I suppose that can make it good too. If you have too many discussion episodes back to back you are in danger of repeating yourselves and then what do you do.

   We are in a lucky position at the moment because we have a lot of interviews done that we have yet to use and believe you and me that's a great thing. Yet we don't want to run an episode with only interviews either. We can get interview times ranging from 20 or so minutes to over an hour depending on the artist. The length and quality of the interview dictates the show. If it's long and great then what do you leave out? Then you add the track of the week on top of that.

   I've been lucky in getting some interviews done lately and our base for getting these has widened considerably. So hopefully many great ones to come. We will always chat too so that's never going away. It's just a feast or a famine one way or the other.

FREEDOMS REIGN Announce Live Dates

Connecticut metallers FREEDOMS REIGN have announced a string of live dates around the Northeastern corner of the U.S. in support of their recently released self-titled debut. 

Dates are as follows:

7/10 @ Gramercy Theater - New York City

7/26 @ Cook's Corner - Naugatuck, CT 

7/27 @ The Gin Mill - Allentown, PA

7/28 @ Mojo 13 - Wilmington, DE

8/21 @ TBA - Providence, RI

8/22 @ Ralph's Diner - Worcester, MA

8/23 @ TBA - New York City

8/24 @ Cook's Corner - Naugatuck, CT

Featuring the return of FATES WARNING's original guitarist and founding member Victor Arduini, FREEDOMS REIGN were introduced the world earlier this year when Italian metal label Cruz Del Sur announced their signing. Since then, the band has been steadily gaining momentum through critical praise of the debut and their energetic live show. The release of Freedoms Reign was timed to coincide with, and celebrate, the 29th anniversary of the release of FATES WARNING's debut album, Night on Bröcken. 

Last month, the band debuted a video for the track "Up From Down." Watch the video at this location. 

Freedoms Reign is available at www.cruzdelsurmusic.com. 

  

"If you are a fan of old Fates Warning or looking to hear something from a veteran musician that can also rock it out even by today's standards grab this CD, crank this shit up and get on a bike or climb in your car and rock the fuck out." - WickedChannel.com  

"Fans that appreciate meat and potatoes traditional metal served without garnish and designed to satisfy will certainly want to check out FREEDOMS REIGN." 

- Metal-Rules.com

www.freedomsreign.com  www.facebook.com/pages/Freedoms-Reign/203708453004244 FREEDOM'S REIGN Facebook Group    www.cruzdelsurmusic.com  www.facebook.com/cruzdelsurmusic

SINISTER REALM Returns With 'World of Evil'

After two amazing classically-styled heavy metal albums that were each  greeted with widespread critical acclaim, Allentown, PA trad-metallers  are back with World of Evil. The band's third full-length album shows no  sign of weakness where songwriting and energy are concerned. This is  fist pumping heavy metal with big catchy choruses, doomy at times, and  all around quality and memorable heavy metal album. Fans of Dio,  Heaven and Hell, Candlemass, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and  Iron Maiden will absolutely love this album. A video for the title track is now playing at this location.    World of Evil will be available worldwide August 6th through  Shadow Kingdom Records.  Pre-orders are available at www.store.shadowkingdomrecords.com. 1. Dark Angel of Fate 2. Bell Strikes Fear 3. World of Evil 4. The Ghosts of Nevermore 5. Prophets of War 6. The Forest of Souls 7. Cyber Villain 8. Four Black Witches Channeling the spirit of early 80's metal icons like Dio and Black Sabbath,  Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, with an added epic doom metal influence from  Candlemass, Allentown, Pennsylvania-based Sinister Realm was formed in  2008 by John Gaffney (former Pale Divine) and Darin McCloskey  (Pale Divine, Falcon). They quickly found vocalist Alex Kristof and recorded  a four song demo that drew the attention of various independent labels.  After signing with Shadow Kingdom Records a live band was assembled  and a full-length album was released in August of 2009. Press from around  the world hailed the debut album a success and Sinister Realm began actively  playing live to support the album. Not long after the album's release  Chris Metzger and John Risko joined the band and work began on the  sophomore album titled The Crystal Eye. In the summer of 2013,  Sinister Realm will release World of Evil through Shadow Kingdom Records.  All hail Sinsiter Realm! The true defenders of American Steel. www.facebook.com/SinisterRealm www.shadowkingdomrecords.com  shadowkingdomrecords.bandcamp.com  www.facebook.com/ShadowKingdomRecords

COFFINS "Colossal Hole" 10-Inch Record (Limited Deluxe Edition) To Be Released On HORROR PAIN GORE DEATH PRODUCTIONS

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions is set to release the Deluxe Edition of the COFFINS Colossal Hole EP on 10-Inch Vinyl format on August 20th. This Deluxe Edition is limited to 500 hand-numbered copies on Black Night vinyl and comes with a set of two barf bags and a pair of numbered event style tickets. 

COFFINS make their triumphant return to Horror Pain Gore Death Productions for a special, one time only pressing of Colossal Hole on limited, deluxe edition 10" vinyl! This sickening release features raw pre-production demo tracks from their Relapse Records debut The Fleshland, and was previously only available as a limited cassette direct from the band. Colossal Hole is COFFINS in their finest form... even heavier and more punishing than ever heard before!

This exclusive edition features cover artwork by Uchino himself and is hand numbered to 500 copies pressed on 45 RPM Black Night vinyl, packaged with a set of two horror movie style barf bags complimented by a pair of numbered collectable event style tickets. Pure bone-crushing, terrifying Doom-infested Death Metal for fans of Abscess, Asphyx, Autopsy, Carnage, Celtic Frost, Cianide, Divine Eve, Grave, Hellhammer, Hooded Menace, Venom and Winter.

WARNING: Horror Pain Gore Death Productions and Coffins assume no responsibility for health problems that may arise while entering the Colossal Hole... No savior can rescue you from the Hellbringer!!!!!!!!

Deluxe Package Photo

You can pre-order your copy for only $15 with free shipping at:

http://www.horrorpaingoredeath.com/store/hpgd070.html.

HPGD Official Website: www.horrorpaingoredeath.com

HPGD on Facebook: www.facebook.com/horrorpaingoredeath

HPGD on Twitter: twitter.com/#!/hpgd666

HPGD on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/horrorpaingoredeath?feature=watch

WITCHES MARK Release Video For 'Witching Metal Ritual' Featuring Ross "The Boss" Friedman; Debut Now Available For Pre-order

Austin, TX-based metal outfit WITCHES MARK have released the video for  the title track off their forthcoming debut full-length, Witching Metal Ritual.  The song and video both feature a guest appearance from  MANOWAR/THE DICTATORS axe-master Ross "The Boss" Friedman.  Check out the video at this location.   WITCHES MARK - 'Witching Metal Ritual' - Featuring Ross "The Boss" Friedman The self-professed 'Bringers Of Heavy Metal Death,' WITCHES MARK  will release Witching Metal Ritual on July 15th through Heaven and Hell  Records. The album is now available for pre-order from the label's distro at www.SoundsOfPurgatory.com.    Witching Metal Ritual features eight tracks of uncompromising metal glory  blending elements of thrash, speed, doom, black, and death while anchoring  their overall sound firmly within the framework of traditional heavy metal.  Co-Produced by the band and Stuart "Batlord" Laurence (Agony Column/Ignitor),  with mixing and mastering by Brendon Bigelow (Ignitor/Death Of Millions)  Witching Metal Ritual features a stunning post-apocalyptic inspired album  cover courtesy of Yannick Bouchard of Illusory Dreams. Metal fans can also  expect a number of exciting guest appearances on Witching Metal Ritual;  including Ross "The Boss" Friedman (Manowar/Death Dealer/The Dictators)  Jack Starr (Virgin Steele/Burning Starr) Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys/Watchtower/Ignitor/Broken Teeth) and Martin Debourge  (Damien Thorne/Head Transfer Process). Witching Metal Ritual will be  released in Enhanced-CD format and will also include bonus video  content including the 'Witching Metal Ritual' video.  Prepare yourselves to FEEL THE MARK OF THE WITCH!          Bringers of Heavy Metal Death Salem's Fire Swarm (Music: Bockman Lyrics: Bockman Slaves To Their Own Sin We Die Cauldron Born Witching Metal Ritual Where None Can Follow "Stand strong to swallow Witches Mark's eight new songs, full Metal loaded  and with a lot of diversity."  - MetaltoInfinity.be www.facebook.com/witchesmarkband www.heavenandhellrecords.com www.facebook.com/heavenandhellrecords

RIVAL SONS ANNOUNCE U.S. TOUR INCLUDING SHOWS WITH SAMMY HAGAR

RIVAL SONS have confirmed dates for a US tour, including a number of shows with rock legend SAMMY HAGAR (MONTROSE, VAN HALEN, CHICKENFOOT).

RIVAL SONS will be kicking off their tour on August 20th with a number of headlining dates, and have also been invited to perform a select number of shows with one of their heroes, SAMMY HAGAR, on his "Four Decades of Rock" summer tour.

RIVAL SONS guitarist SCOTT HOLIDAY comments:

"Well, we're finally hitting our homeland for a handful of tour dates.  Ask and ye shall receive!  And what a cool thing to get to go out and support a legend and super cool fella like Mr. Sammy Hagar.  I think this one's gonna be a blast!"

SAMMY HAGAR, himself a long-time fan of RIVAL SONS, comments:

"These guys are the real thing.  Their first CD was great, showing off a lot of styles from the '60s, '70s and '80s.  These boys have done their homework... now road-tested.  The Sons have made a CD (HEAD DOWN) that truly lives up to the band's name.  This is a giant step from a great previous CD... not easy.  But for those that like classic rock but are tired of the same old songs, I highly recommend this CD... and even better, go see 'em live - they deliver."

See RIVAL SONS on tour at the following shows:

Jun. 28 - Helsinki, Finland - Rock the Beach
Jun. 29 - St. Gallen, Switzerland - Open Air St. Gallen
Jun. 30 - Heidelberg, Germany - Karlstorbahnhof
Jul. 02 - Hengelo, Netherlands - Metropol
Jul. 03 - Haarlem, Netherlands - Patronaat
Jul. 04 - Esch Alzette, Luxembourg - Rockhal
Jul. 05 - Arras, France - Main Square Festival
Jul. 07 - Gierle, Belgium - Sjock Festival
Jul. 13 - Telluride, CO, USA - Telluride Festival
Aug. 16 - Alesund, Norway - Jugendfest
Aug. 17 - Bodo, Norway - Parkenfestival

Aug. 20 - Loveland, CO - Budweiser Events Center *
Aug. 22 - Columbia, MO - Mojo's
Aug. 23 - Chicago, IL - Charter One *
Aug. 24 - St. Paul, MN - Minnesota State Fair *
Aug. 25 - Milwaukee, WI - Rave Bar
Aug. 26 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theater *
Aug. 27 - Indianapolis, IN - Deluxe
Aug. 29 - Whitesburg, KY - Summit City
Aug. 30 - Nashville, TN - 3rd & Lindsley
Aug. 31 - St. Louis, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater *
Sep. 04 - Paso Robles, CA - Vina Robles Amphitheatre *
Sep. 05 - Lincoln, CA - Thunder Valley Casino Resort *
Sep. 06 - Lake Tahoe, CA - Cabo Wabo
Sep. 07 - San Francisco, CA - America's Cup *

* w/ SAMMY HAGAR

RIVAL SONS' latest album, HEAD DOWN, is out now on CD and limited edition vinyl.  Get the album from the Earache Webstore in North America at http://bit.ly/mtaFfm or in Europe at http://bit.ly/jucwYJ

HEAD DOWN is available on iTunes at http://bit.ly/KMbFhR

HEAD DOWN is also available now in the USA via Century Media/Earache Records at http://bit.ly/12t0cby

Watch the official music video for "Until the Sun Comes" at http://youtu.be/_-oCues_BW4

Get more RIVAL SONS news and info at:

Official site - http://www.rivalsons.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/rivalsons
Twitter - http://twitter.com/rivalsons

2 Gigs Back To Back

   Hit the Hampton Beach Casino in New Hampshire last weekend for 2 gigs. One I purchased a ticket for ages ago and the other was a last minute very nice surprise to meet and interview one of the musicians for something large in the works. Both gigs not strictly metal but here goes:

Foreigner 6/29

   Lets not avoid the elephant in the room here and say Mick Jones wasn't on stage so that equals no original members. Can you imagine the die-hard Kiss fans if faced with this, there's enough shit for them to throw when two of the originals are absent. The impression I got was either most people didn't know or didn't care as long as the show was good.

   It was a fantastic show. Hit after hit after hit after hit after hit and on and on carried off with a band on top of its game. Opening with Double Vision the band played a rocking 11 song set in front of a sell out crowd. Highlights for me were Dirty White Boy and an extended version of Juke Box Hero where the musicians really showed their chops. It's the third time I have seen the band with Kelly Hansen on vocals and he really has made the material his own, he looks as comfortable fronting the band in clubs as he does arenas. They also do a great unplugged version of Say You Will with everyone adding harmonies. Being a big fan of the band I would have loved them to play some stuff off Inside Information like The Beat Of My Heart or Heart Turns To Stone or maybe Tooth And Nail from Agent Provocateur but what do you leave out. Leave your pre-conceptions at the door and go take a peek.

http://www.foreigneronline.com/


Tesla 6/30

   Visits by the band to Hampton Beach are now are now on a annual basis. I caught them play a great show here two years ago and missed them last year so I was looking forward to this one. To be honest it wasn't as good as the Foreigner show, it was good but I was expecting more. The setlist didn't rock as much as I would have liked. Opening with I Want To Live from Forever More was a great choice but there really was nothing else in the set that had that upbeat tempo. Instead it was mid-paced fare like Hang Tough, Heaven's Trail, Lazy Days Crazy Nights and Mama's Fool that dominated. All solid stuff but a little samey for me. Heavy on the slower stuff too, Love Song, What You Give and The Way It Is got aired. They pulled out Into The Now and Cumin' Atcha Live for the unplugged set that would have been far better with electricity. New song Taste The Pain sounded promising but don't tell the dickhead in front of me who jeered when they announced they were playing it and only wanted Mechanical Resonance. I love it when bands play new stuff and it was only one song early in the set for christ sakes.

   As for vocalist Jeff Keith, well there's more meat on a butcher's pencil. He is painfully thin. That wouldn't matter if he could sing like he used to but he can't. You could really see him struggle on the unplugged Paradise. He is also not the most dynamic frontman out there often letting the excellent Frank Hannon take over the mic to talk to the crowd. The majority of the beer and sweat soaked crowd did leave happy and the set finished strong with Modern Day Cowboy and an encore of Gettin' Better and Little Suzi. Just slip in Edison's Medicine, Rock Me To The Top or please please please Don't De Rock Me to liven it up a little next time.

http://teslatheband.com/


Richie.