News Update Week Ending 4-19

Zao Debuts New Song
ZAO have debuted a new song Entropica on their myspace from their forthcoming full-length Awake?. In addition to the song, the band has given the myspace page a facelift reflecting the new effort. ZAO also recently debuted the first single from the album titled What Will You Find? Produced by the band’s own Scott Mellinger and mixed at Lambesis Studios (with As I Lay Dying vocalist Tim Lambesis and Daniel Castleman), Awake? is slated for release May 5th on Ferret Music and will be a digital release with a limited and numbered physical pressing.

The Showdown Announces Line-Up Changes
The Showdown has just announced that they have made some line-up changes From their myspace page: Got a couple updates for you guys. First things first, if you've been out to these last few shows you might have noticed some new faces onstage. Eric and AJ decided that they wanted to spend more time with their families and other responsibilities at home, so they will not be touring with us anymore. They are great musicians and even better dudes and we'll miss them, but we feel like this band still has some things to say so we're gonna keep on keeping on! So here's the new lineup:
David Bunton-vocals
Joshua Childers-guitar
Yogi Watts-drums
Jeremiah Scott-Bass
These dudes are in it for the long haul and we could not be any more excited to be playing music with them. Yogi has been on the road for a long time but most of you probably recognize him as the drummer for Demon Hunter. Jeremiah is in a metal band from Nashville called Destroy Destroy Destroy, he also engineered A Chorus of Obliteration and co-produced Backbreaker. We'll be on the road all year with these dudes, bringing heavy metal to a town near you, so come hang out with us! We're playing a lot of festivals this summer and in the process of booking several tours so keep an eye on our tour dates. With that said, we are gonna play one last show with the Backbreaker lineup at Ichthus Festival in Wilmore, KY. Come thrash with those dudes one last time and show them some love! And last, we're already in the process of writing a record with these dudes and its looking like its gonna be heavier than ever! Hoping to get in the studio sometime this fall so once again, keep your eyes peeled and we'll update you as soon as we can. Thank you guys for sticking with us, things are about to get mega-heavy, we'll see you on the road!

A Skylit Drive News
Fearless Records has announced the release date for A Skylit Drive’s new full-length Adelphia as June 9th. This is the follow up to Wires And The Concept Of Breathing (2008) which sold 30,000 copies in the U.S. It’s also the band’s debut on Fearless Records and was recorded with Producer Casey Bates (Chiodos, Pierce The Veil). Continuing their progressive and melodic sound, Adelphia is also a concept album. According to vocalist Jag “The concept is multiple stories compiled together that all have to do within the city Adelphia. It's all different ways of explaining how wrong the city and its ways are, and how these two people are doing everything in their power to escape. So, in a nut-shell I guess it can be labeled as a love story/heroic get away.” Wires… debuted at #171 on the Billboard Top 200 and helped to secure the band a full page feature in Alternative Press’s 100 Bands You Need To Know issue. In addition, the band has been in MySpace’s Top 100 for over a year with over 55,000 plays averaging a day and over 18 million plays total. On the tour front, the band is currently on the Artery Foundation Tour with Dance Gavin Dance, Attack Attack!, In Fear And Faith and I See Stars. The tour has sold out every night so far Following that, the band will be a co-headliner of the Smart Punk Stage on this summer’s Warped Tour.
Tracklisting:
1. Prelude To A Dream
2. Those Cannons Could Sink A Ship
3. Heaven
4. Running With The Light
5. Eva The Cariet
6. Worlds End In Whispers, Not Bangs
7. The Boy Without A Demon
8. Thank God It’s Cloudy Because I’m Allergic To The Sunlight
9. Air The Enlightenment
10. The Children Of Adelphia
11. I Swear This Place Is Haunted
12. It’s Not Ironic, It’s Obvious
13. See You Around

Malus Clothing Launches 2009 Collection
After their Fall 2008 collection launched in all Hot Topic stores nationwide with an excellent response, the California based clothing company has unveiled the next wave of offerings. The Spring Collection 2009 from Malus Clothing is available now (only online at this time) at buymalus.com/shop. Malus Clothing works tightly with bands, sponsoring acts like As I Lay Dying, A Static Lullaby, Before Their Eyes, Destroy The Runner, Destruction Of A Rose, Escape The Fate and more.

Retroactive Records Signs Jacob's Dream
Retroactive Records has announced that they have signed Jacob's Dream There will be a new album coming soon and a re-release of their indie album Dominion & Darkness as a digipak with bonus tracks! You can check out Jacob's Dream here.
For more information on Retroactive Records, go here:
retroactiverecords.net

Mae Presents (m)orning
Mae Presents: (m)orning is a live multi-sensory experience featuring select songs in stereoscopic 3D! Joining Mae on the tour will be their friends in Person L, Barcelona, and Tokyo. They will be playing brand new songs and selling limited edition copies of the (m)orning EP. Check out a list of tour dates below and pick up tickets to the show near you. Check out the tour video here!
Tour Dates:
4/19 - Charlotte, NC
4/20 - Atlanta, GA
4/21 - Tampa, FL
4/22 - Orlando, FL
4/23 - Birmingham, AL
4/25 - Dallas, TX
4/26 - Houston, TX
4/28 - Austin, TX
4/30 - Albuquerque, NM
5/1 - Tucson, AZ
5/2 - Tempe, AZ
5/5 - La Jolla, CA
5/6 - Anaheim, CA
5/7 - West Hollywood, CA
5/8 - Stockton, CA
5/9 - San Francisco, CA
5/10 - Orangevale, CA
5/12 - Portland, OR
5/13 - Seattle, WA
5/16 - Salt Lake City, UT
5/17 - Denver, CO
5/18 - Omaha, NE
5/19 - St. Louis, MO
5/20 - Minneapolis, MN
5/21 - Chicago, IL
5/22 - Detroit, MI
5/23 - Cleveland, OH
5/24 - Buffalo, NY
5/26 - Baltimore, MD
5/27 - Philadelphia, PA
5/28 - Pittsburgh, PA
5/29 - New York, NY
5/30 - Norfolk, VA

Charlie Peacock Joins Film "To Save A Life" as Music Supervisor
Charlie Peacock, Grammy-award winner and six-time Grammy nominated producer, has taken the music helm for the feature film, To Save a Life. “I saw a screening of an early cut of the film and was deeply moved,” Peacock explains. “This indie film looks great and has a very strong cast and script. But, most importantly, it communicates in real-life language and emotion to the high school audience it seeks to reach. It also has the unique ability to entertain and make viewers think. That’s why I’m involved and giving my time to this project.” Peacock is known for his artistic integrity and is a sought out mentor to many musicians, producers and storytellers. He is often noted as a unique musical and lyrical voice, intelligent, innovative and difficult to categorize. “Charlie will bring great sensitivity and intuition to the film,” says Jim Britts, screenwriter/producer. “We are so thrilled to have him on board and I’m excited to see the creativity he will bring to the film.” To Save a Life is an indie film about the real life challenges of teens and their choices. The film stars Randy Wayne (The Dukes of Hazard, Foreign Exchange, The Last Hurrah), Deja Kreutzberg (CSI Miami, Law and Order, Hope and Faith), and Kim Hidalgo (Ball Don’t Lie, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Scrubs). Directed by Brian Baugh (The Ultimate Gift, Jack and the Beanstalk, The Lost Medallion.) As music supervisor, Peacock has a definite vision for a project of this nature. He states, “Music is such a pivotal part of teen life and culture – and it’s an important part of this film. I’m committed to having the music for the film reflect the independent nature of the film makers and of the viewers who will be attracted to the story.” To Save a Life was shot in Oceanside, California and is produced by New Song Pictures. Set for a fall release, the film is currently securing distribution.
The trailer can be viewed here:
tosavealifemovie.com

Facedown Fest 2009 Reviews
Check out two different perspectives of the recent Facedown Fest. One at hmmag.com and another at Noisecreep.

sixstepsrecords’ Kristian Stanfill Releases Attention April 21
sixstepsrecords’ first new artist signing since its 2000 inception, Kristian Stanfill will release his debut album, Attention, April 21. Music from Stanfill’s anticipated project has already impacted audiences on the spring Student Life Tour and is currently finding a home at Christian radio as well. To produce an album that captured Kristian’s unique approach to worship, sixstepsrecords enlisted noted producer Matt Goldman (Underoath, Copeland). Marked by the same multi-layered, no-boundaries song crafting that make Kristian’s live performances unforgettable, Attention offers a stunning, eleven-song collection of fist pumping rock worship anthems, shimmering pop ballads, and reverential hymns. Their collaboration resulted in songs such as the thumping, militant call to worship, “Kingdom,” and the pop-flavored, energetic song, “Faithful.” Nontraditional worship aria “Wake Up” combines Kristian’s compelling storytelling ability with his signature pop sensibilities. Cuts like “Go” and “Lead Us On” are joyous, encouraging exhortations, while the hymns “Glowing” and “Beautiful Jesus” are presented with awe and reverence. Leisa Byars, EMI CMG VP, Marketing & Artist Development comments, “Kristian Stanfill makes music for a new generation of worshippers. With contemplative lyrics, a unique sound and a heart for God, Kristian connects at every level. We are excited to partner with sixstepsrecords on Kristian's debut release. With songs which will challenge, encourage and connect, Kristian has delivered an amazing record, and he is a great addition to the roster.” “I have had the privilege of working along side Kristian Stanfill for the last five years in settings where his unique voice and passionate heart for God’s fame have emerged in beautiful ways,” says sixstepsrecords founder and director Louie Giglio. “Kristian is a clear and distinctive voice in this generation and a great fit within our small sixsteps family. We are excited to have the opportunity to serve him by making the songs God is entrusting to him available to people around the globe.” Attention met early approval from teens who attended the Student Life tour, on which Stanfill debuted his new music in 10 major cities including Dallas/Ft. Worth, Atlanta, Houston, and Oklahoma City through late March. The album’s first single, “Beautiful Jesus,” was serviced to Christian AC radio last week. An Atlanta native, Stanfill began playing music at 13, leading worship for his home church throughout high school. After graduating college in 2002, he started leading worship at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Ga. It was there he met Louie Giglio, who, in the fall of 2004, asked Stanfill to lead worship for 7:22, a popular weekly young adult gathering Giglio established in 1995. In 2005, he became actively involved with the Passion movement, first leading a community group at Passion ‘05, a conference for university students, then as a lead worshipper at Passion ‘06. In 2008 he led at both Passion Regionals USA and on the Passion World Tour. He has also been featured on multiple Passion recorded projects including the Passion: Everything Glorious CD and DVD (2006), The Best of Passion (So Far) (2007), and Passion: God of This City (2008).
For more information about Kristian Stanfill, visit:
kristianstanfill.com

Impending Doom Cracks Billboard's Top 200
Impending Doom have cracked the Billboard Chart with the debut of their new album The Serpent Servant (Facedown Records). Scanning over 4,200 copies in the last week the band have poised high on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. The band triumphantly headlined the sold out Facedown Fest in Pomona CA that took place on April 3rd and 4th. They also recently finished up a national tour with Bleeding Through, The Acacia Strain and As Blood Runs Black. They will be invading Mexico with seven dates through the country.

All Or Nothing On Tour Now
Hardcore metal outfit All Or Nothing are currently on the road with In The Midst of Lions in effort to promote full-length album slated to be released later this year. The tour is in support of Veil Arms Clothing. The five-piece band are from Hollister, CA and have been compared to artists like August Burns Red, Unearth, The Devil Wears Prada, and have gained a solid fanbase after their last cross-country tour. With brutal breakdowns to melodic riffs these guys know how to put on a show.
For more info & tour dates, visit:
myspace.com/aonmetal

Facedown Records Presents Sleep From Sleepers
Facedown Records' rock imprint label Dreamt Music has just signed Whittier, California band Sleep For Sleepers. The sound of Sleep for Sleepers is best described as a hybrid of the grace and poise of Copeland with the energy and charisma of Number One Gun. This three piece from California is a refreshing new face in the industry, and with their debut release, The Clearing. Sleep For Sleepers is poised to make a big impression in 2009. The band has been described as "poetic and challenging" a fitting description of their ability to both grab listeners and keep them listening. The Clearing is set to be released on May 12 on Dreamt Music.
For info on Sleep For Sleepers, visit:
myspace.com/sleepforsleepers

Killswitch Engage Announces New Album Title
Massachusetts' finest hard rock purveyors, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, have announced the title for their eagerly anticipated fourth album for Roadrunner Records. The title is Killswitch Engage. The album, produced by Brendan O'Brien (AC/DC, Rage Against the Machine) and co-produced by guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, will hit stores on June 30. Some of the working track titles for the album include "Reckoning," "The Forgotten," "Light in a Darkened World" and "Starting Over." Vocalist Howard Jones offered a little insight into Killswitch Engage, saying, “It was time for us to step outside of our comfort zone and try something a little different with this record. It definitely still sounds like us, but we needed to be refreshed and take things a little further." The singer also comments on the album being the band's second self-titled effort of its career, saying, "When we all couldn’t agree on an album title, someone suggested we just keep it self-titled and we all pretty much agreed…gives it the feeling of a fresh new beginning." Killswitch Engage have been playing the tentatively titled "Light in a Darkened World" during their set on the Music As A Weapon Tour, where they are serving as main support to Disturbed. The band also performed the song as the opening act of the first annual Revolver Golden Gods Awards, which were held on Tuesday, April 7 in Los Angeles. The song, sandwiched between "My Curse" and the band's uniquely Killswitch'ed cover of Dio's classic anthem "Holy Diver," generated plenty of excitement among the crowd and set the tone for the show. The awards and KsE's performance will be broadcast on MTV2 on May 2. The band will spend the summer touring as a main stage attraction on the second annual Rockstar Energy Mayhem Fest. Jones also commented on the upcoming tour, saying, "We are excited and thrilled to share the stage this summer with Bullet For My Valentine, Slayer and Marilyn Manson. We hope to entertain and enjoy our time interacting with both old friends and new friends daily. Prepare yourself for laughs, riffs and the unexpected. We will do all we can to make you move, yell and ponder who made the mistake of letting us onstage. You have been warned. Oh, and watch new episodes of The Office." Killswitch Engage album cover art is now viewable exclusively here.

©2009 HM Magazine All Rights Reserved

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