News Update Week Ending 1-25
TFK To Perform At 2009 X Games
Tooth & Nail Records' Thousand Foot Krutch is set to perform on Thursday, January 22 at the Winter X Games 13 in Aspen/Snowmass, CO. as part of the "Best of the Beat" for Taco Bell®'s Feed the Beat program, which the band was voted as one of three winners in 2008. The band will perform at the X Games village at 5:30 PM Mountain time. Thousand Foot Krutch is no stranger to the sports arena as it was "Rawkfist" that became the first great sports anthem of the 21st century, being heard everywhere from sports stadiums to commercials (NHL, NFL and major league baseball, ESPN). The Winter X Games are a premier winter action sporting event showcasing more than 200 of the world's best athletes. The games are held January 22-25, 2009 and aired live on ESPN and ABC and affiliates. Admission to the games is free to the public.
For more information on Thousand Foot Krutch, their tour dates and other current news, visit:
myspace.com/thousandfootkrutch
Zao News
Zao has just announced some information concerning their new album via their myspace: "Hey Guys! You've been asking us for an update and here it is! Right now at Lambesis Studios in San Marco CA, Daniel Castleman is mixing the brand new ZAO album which was recorded in Latrobe PA (near Greensburg), Pittsburgh PA, Encitas CA and San Marcos CA. The album was produced by Scott with Daniel and Tim Lambesis. It features 11 tracks. 10 of them are brand new while "Romance of the Southern Spirit" has finally been given the sonic quality it deserves with a brand new recording that smashes the basement b-side version you've heard. The new album is going to be called AWAKE? Yes... The title is AWAKE? with a question mark. Here are some new song titles to chew on until we can get you some music:
• 1,000,000 Outstretched Arms Of Nothing
• The Eyes Behind The Throne
• Human Cattle Masses Marching Forward
• Quiet Passenger Pt. 2
We can't wait for you guys to hear this album! We are very proud of it and in our humble opinions it is very reminiscent of what you have come to know and love about Zao over the years. Every band likes to say "this new album is our best yet" so we won't say that to you. We know that albums like "Blood & Fire" and "Liberate" will always be fan favorites and they are special to us as well. But with that being said believe us when we say that we strongly feel "Awake?" is a more than worthy addition to our catalog. The album will be released by Ferret Music most likely in the spring. Thank you for the continued support of Zao. We would not do this without you."
The Becoming Are #1 On Christian Rock Charts
The Becoming are Number 1 at R&R (Radio And Records) Christian Rock Chart this week! The chart measures national airplay and has The Becoming beating out such artists as Family Force 5, Relient K and Underoath. The band is about to start a busy 2009 touring with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Tickle Me Pink including a few off dates with Madina Lake. The band has also just released a video for “I Cry” on their myspace page in support of their album Volume 1. The all black clad members of this dark rock group possess an imposing figure on stage and off. Sonically it’s much the same with the band’s sound of dark rock cut with icy synth tones, switchblade sharp guitar lines and leather torn but heartfelt vocals. Influenced by British new wave, early Goth and early 90’s indie rock, they channel Depeche Mode and Sisters Of Mercy through a modern punk filter. Something Punk.com said of their new album, “they manage to write songs that are worthwhile and achieve something that even Depeche Mode couldn’t achieve this early on in their career, new wave greatness”.
Tour Dates:
1/23 Toledo, OH
1/24 Cleveland, OH
1/25 Millvale, PA
1/30 Jacksonville, NC
1/31 Fayetteville, NC
2/3 Jacksonville, FL
2/4 Baton Rouge, LA
2/6 Houston, TX
2/7 Dallas, TX
Stars Go Dim Partners With Invisible Children
Stars Go Dim is proud to announce their new partnership with Invisible Children for the upcoming tour! Invisible Children is a non-profit charity making a big difference to the lives of many in Northern Uganda through awareness and relief. "I saw the film 'Invisible Children: Rough Cut' years ago in a tour bus out in California. Once you watch it you will never forget. The things that go on in the world are unbelievable. After watching the film you can't help but want to get involved. If anything I hope our partnership with Invisible Children will help create more awareness among our fans which will ultimately lead to action", states Stars Go Dim's Michael Wittig.
For information about the tour or the band, visit:
starsgodim
August Burns Red Set To Release Lost Messengers EP
Despite a hugely successful 2008 – a year in which AUGUST BURNS RED spent the majority of it’s time on the road, supporting acts such as AS I LAY DYING and EVERY TIME I DIE, as well as headlining their own tours of both the US and Europe – the band shows no signs of taking a breather as it prepares to drop Lost Messengers: The Outtakes on a rabid fanbase February 24. The EP, a collection of b-sides and outtakes from the band’s breakout Messengers album (which debuted at number 81 on the Billboard Top 200), comes as a thank you of sorts to the diehard fans who made ABR one of metal’s standout names in the last two years. “Several of the songs on the EP were heavily considered for the record, but were cut last minute,” explains guitarist JB Brubaker, “and I think that fans will really appreciate these songs. It seems silly to me to record a bunch of quality songs and then never get them out there for people to hear, especially the diehard fans. That is why we decided to put this EP out.” Despite being a collection of outtakes, at least one track on Lost Messengers will be familiar to AUGUST BURNS RED’s fanbase – the band’s cover of “Carol Of The Bells,” which was utilized heavily in television and online spots for Frank Miller’s (300, Sin City) film The Spirit. ”We were in Europe when we received word that ‘Carol of the Bells’ had been chosen for the trailer of The Spirit,” Brubaker states. “We had never had anything like this happen before, and to hear one of our songs on a TV commercial while chilling at home watching a football game was completely surreal.” In keeping with (pardon the pun) the spirit of wanting to give back to the fans, the Lost Messengers EP contains handwritten notes from the band about each song, further personalizing the connection between band and fan. Explains Brubaker: “I think the booklet for this EP is really awesome. We each handwrote explanations about each track. Some talk about why the songs didn't make the album, others explain the lyrics, etc. I think the handwritten notes give the EP more of a personal touch that the listener will be able to appreciate. It's something a little different for us, and I like that a lot.” In addition to the Lost Messengers EP, ABR explores new ground in ’09 via Fearless Records’ upcoming Punk Goes Pop 2 compilation, the latest in the label’s successful Punk Goes…. series, on which AUGUST BURNS RED tackles one of the last decade’s biggest pop-stars, covering BRITNEY SPEARS’ “Hit Me Baby One More Time.” While other bands might take a breather after such a grueling year, utilizing outtake EPs and high-profile compilation appearances to justify a slight hibernation, AUGUST BURNS RED is already preparing the follow-up to Messengers and will be hitting the studio in February – on or around the Feb. 24 release date of Lost Messengers – to begin recording. If 2008 was a breakout year for AUGUST BURNS RED, then 2009 is the year where the band proves why that breakout was justified.
Slacker Announces Availability of Mobile Radio Application for BlackBerry Smartphones
In relation to the gadget review of the slacker G2 in our latest issue comes this news update in regards to the slacker.com service: Slacker, Inc. today announced the availability of the free Slacker Mobile application for BlackBerry smartphones from Research In Motion. BlackBerry smartphone users can now hear their favorite Slacker radio stations wherever they go, whether they are connected to a wireless network or not; a Slacker Mobile feature exclusive to BlackBerry smartphones. The application, which is compatible with BlackBerry Device Software version 4.3 and higher is available as a free download by visiting Slacker.com from your BlackBerry smartphone. The Slacker Mobile application provides BlackBerry smartphone users in the US. with a personalized music discovery and listening experience pulling from over 100 expert- programmed Slacker stations, over 10,000 artist stations or a nearly unlimited number of the listener's own custom-created stations. Slacker station caching, an exclusive feature for BlackBerry smartphones, enables mobile listeners to store favorite stations on a memory card, allowing Slacker music service to play without a network connection while boosting battery life up to 5 times that of streaming playback and enhancing application performance. In addition, BlackBerry smartphone enthusiasts can enjoy Slacker Personal Radio while doing other tasks such as emailing, instant messaging or web browsing. The groundbreaking Slacker music service enables listeners to enjoy Personal Radio stations and hear their favorite music without ever having to manage playlists or research new artists. Included in the Slacker application for BlackBerry smartphones are detailed artist bios and album reviews for each song that is played, providing the ultimate resource for music discovery. The Slacker Mobile application works with the free Slacker Basic Radio service, along with Slacker Radio Plus and Slacker Premium Radio subscription offerings. "Slacker Mobile makes your BlackBerry smartphone the ultimate personal radio player," said Dennis Mudd, CEO of Slacker. "And because of our caching technology, BlackBerry owners can play their personal radio stations everywhere, even on subways and planes, with much better battery life and faster song skipping than is possible with streaming stations." "Our new BlackBerry smartphones provide truly impressive audio and video performance that allows the smartphones to serve as powerful and conveniently accessible personal entertainment devices for consumers and business users alike," said Jeff McDowell, Vice President, Global Alliances at Research In Motion. "With access to millions of songs and easily customized programming, it's no surprise that people are excited by this new application." Slacker Personal Radio, available online at Slacker.com , enables listeners to personalize over 100 professionally programmed stations or create, edit and share their own Personal Radio stations. Slacker listeners also have easy access to artist profiles, album reviews and cover art on the web, with the Slacker G2 portable and now on BlackBerry smartphones.
Strike First Records Signs A Hope For Home
Strike First has signed A Hope For Home. The Strike First debut from A Hope For Home titled The Everlasting Man is out and available now. This is an incredible album from start to finish and its packed with creative songwriting that is a breath of fresh air in today's somewhat stale climate of generic heavy music. Check them out on tour.
Check out their sound here:
myspace.com/ahopeforhome
Tour Dates:
1/24 Portland, Oregon
1/30 Fresno, California
2/3 Fullerton, California
2/4 Palmdale, California
2/5 Canoga Park, California
2/6 Chino, California
2/7 Mesa, Arizona
2/8 Odessa, Texas
2/9 San Antonio, Texas
2/10 Houston, Texas
2/12 Fort Smith, Arkansas
2/13 Texarkana, Texas
2/14 Henryetta, Oklahoma
2/15 Wichita, Kansas
2/16 Springfield, Missouri
2/17 Herrin, Illinois
2/20 Greeley, Colorado
2/21 Amarillo, Texas
2/22 Albuquerque, New Mexico
2/25 Rexburg, Idaho
2/26 Blackfoot, Idaho
2/27 Richland, Washington
2/28 Longview, Washington
3/1 Camas, Washington
3/2 Tacoma, Washington
4/3 Pomona, California
4/4 Pomona, California
The Appleseed Cast Releases New Album In February
By now seasoned veterans of the independent music world, The Appleseed Cast is proud to announce the release of Sagarmatha, their sixth studio album and second release with The Militia Group. The album will be available on February 17, 2009. The Appleseed Cast recorded at Mixtape Soundlab and Toy Shop, with their own Christopher Crisci engineering, and later re-grouped with Ed Rose at Black Lodge Recording in Lawrence, KS for instrumental overdubs and mixing. The record leads The Appleseed Cast to the peak of their musical ability, into experimental post-rock, and often purely instrumental territory. Shortly before release, The Appleseed Cast will embark on a US tour, kicking off the festivities at Opolis in Norman, OK on February 4th. The Appleseed Cast began their musical career in 1997 in Southern California before signing to Deep Elm Records and relocating to Lawrence, KS the following year. With the release of The End of The Ring Wars on Deep Elm Records, The Appleseed Cast began their ascent to their current rank as well-respected musicians and trendsetters among their genre. They’ve since released Mare Vitalis (Deep Elm, 2000); Low Level Owls Vols. 1 & 2 (Deep Elm, 2001); Lost Songs (Deep Elm, 2002); Two Conversations (Tiger Style, 2003); and Peregrine (The Militia Group, 2006). "Sagarmatha” is Nepalese for Mount Everest.
Sagarmatha track listing:
1) So The Little Things Go
2) A Bright Light
3) The Road West
4) The Summer Before
5) One Reminder, An Empty Room
6) Raise The Sails
7) Like a Locust (Shake Hands With The Dead)
8) South Facing Col
9) An Army of Fireflies
More information about their tour can be found at:
theappleseedcast.com
Klank Is Still Alive
Check out the Official KLANK Facebook page. The music player has been activated & loaded with 29 KLANK tunes. Included is the cover songs
KLANK did of "I'LL WAIT" for "Running With The Devil"- A tribute to Van Halen + the early Extreme Metal version of "THE WAY" for "Sweet Family Music"- a tribute to STRYPER.... We also included the song we recorded exclusively for Fingers Metal Shop's annual "KISSMASS SPECIAL". A parodied version of "SHE" by KISS titled "He (Santa). A jolly holiday jingle about .... Santa, Chimneys, Moonlight, Toys, Enchanted Sleigh Rides, Ho's.... Ho's...... and more Ho's ....... and the threat of a "HOLIDAY BEATDOWN" of a certain Fat Guy if he dont "Keep It Real" & "Represent"
this year.... Looks like No fake Rolexes & Knock-Off clothing are gonna fly this year!!!
Check out Klank's facebook page here.
Prog power metallers Adiastasia will be releasing their sophomore release on Bombworks Records in 2009. Hailing from Brazil, Adiastasia plays in your
face power metal with a heavy dose of prog. They released their debut on Bombworks Records in 2006 titled "Life War" to critical acclaim worldwide. The band has continued to refine their sound, working on more intricate and complex song structure while still incorporating their trademark melodies, hooks, blazing guitar leads, and Jeff's soaring multi-octave vocals. Obvious influences include Helloween, Angra, Dream Theater, and Rhapsody, though there is also some Metallica and Megadeath sprinkled in for good measure, creating a heavy melodic sound. Adiastasia will soon be heading into the studio to record, and the new album, titled "War of the Worlds", will be released worldwide in the second half of 2009.
You can check out Adiastasia and several tracks from their Bombworks Records' debut at:
myspace.com/adiastasiametal
Stryper Co-Founder's Wife Suffering from Cancer
As the wife of the co-founder of the Christian metal band Stryper battles stage four ovarian cancer, Michael Sweet is asking that Christians worldwide pray for her. In a letter on his web site, Michael Sweet wrote, "We covet and cherish every prayer from everyone of you, and I thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts as I sit here by my love ... Pray for Kyle's body and immune system to gain enough strength to fight, so her body can get back to some sort of normal state, specifically her digestive system. She hasn't eaten for days due to nausea and it won't pass. She's very weak, and I just want to take her home." Michael wrote as he has watched his wife face cancer, he has gained a new understanding of how he feels about her. He wrote, "I've realized that not only is she the love of my life; she is an angel and the most inspirational person I've ever known. I've stood faithful and hopeful in prayer through this battle, yet to see my love suffer and endure the pain and discomfort that she has over the past two years breaks my heart into a million pieces." Michael called Kyle, "The backbone of our family, a pillar of strength, and as unselfish as one can be." He added, "I constantly wrestle with the reality of this monster that invades her body ... I have felt so helpless and at times completely hopeless, but I know I must be strong for my family and be that pillar of strength too, as she's been throughout our marriage of almost 23 years." Michael said Kyle gave up her career to take care of her family. He wrote, "She ... spent 100 percent of her time raising Michael and Ellena as I toured the world. She sacrificed everything for us, and again this was a testament of who Kyle is - a loving, caring, unselfish wife and mother. She wouldn't have it any other way. She has given me so much joy, and I guess I just wanted to give all of you a glimpse of who Kyle is and the character that she bestows." Michael added, "Kyle sends her love too. She lit up when I told her that I would post and ask all of you to pray. It means so much. More than you know."
For additional information, go to:
MichaelSweet.com
Ultimatum News
New Mexico based ULTIMATUM have announced that they will head into the studio immediately to begin recording an album of covers titled, “Lex Metali” which translates to “Metal is Law”. The band will be recording the album in Albuquerque’s Site 16 Studios. ULTIMATUM is scheduled to record METALLICA’s “Creeping Death”, MOTORHEAD’s “Iron Fist”, VENGEANCE RISING’s “Can’t Get Out”, MOSHKETEER’s “Locked in Chains”, JUDAS PRIEST’s “Steeler”, MORTIFICATION's "Gut Wrench" along with 6 other songs. LEX METALI is scheduled for release in 2009 via RETROACTIVE RECORDS.
©2009 HM Magazine - All Rights Reserved
More news from last week:
still fresh (as far as you know)
Return to Internet Exclusives
