Friday, April 29, 2011

Armed... Cold weapons in hand

VOIVOD To Release Live Album In The U.S. Via Sonic Unyon Metal

Sonic Unyon Metal is extremely proud to announce the confirmed upcoming release of a live album from the almighty VOIVOD!

Late in 2009, VOIVOD released their live Tatsumaki DVD, filmed the previous fall when they toured Japan for the first time ever. To celebrate its release of the DVD, VOIVOD performed in front of a sold-out crowd on December 12th, 2009 at Club Soda in their adopted hometown of Montreal, Quebec. It was their first headlining show in the city of Montreal in more than ten years and it was celebrated in grand style. It was a fitting end to a busy year that saw them named Metal Band Of The Year at the 2010 Indie Awards in Canada. The show was recorded for posterity and is now being released as the fifteen-track Warriors Of Ice, the first official VOIVOD live album to feature original band members Denis ‘Snake’ Belanger on vocals and bassist Jean-Yves ‘Blacky’ Theriault, as well as new guitarist Dan “Chewy” Mongrain.

Set for release on June 21, 2011, Warriors Of Ice highlights the classic period of the original VOIVOD lineup as well as a few new songs, all raging with the band’s notorious live energy. Containing songs from their classic albums, spanning from 1984’s War And Pain right up through 1991’s Angel Rat, as well as two songs from their 2009 Infini LP, the album is built of VOIVOD’s signature songs, from “Voivod” and “Nuclear War” to “Tribal Convictions” and “Astronomy Domine.” The cover art for Warriors Of Ice was designed by drummer Michel Langevin, a.k.a. Away, as always.

Warriors Of Ice Track Listing:

01. Voivod
02. The Unknown Knows
03. The Prow
04. Ripping Headaches
05. Ravenous Medicine
06. Tribal Convictions
07. Overreaction
08. Panorama
09. Global Warning
10. Treasure Chase
11. Tornado
12. Nothingface
13. Brain Scan
14. Nuclear War
15. Astronomy Domine (Pink Floyd cover)

The 15-track set captured on Warriors Of Ice is undeniably packed with VOIVOD fan favorites, making it an absolute must-have release for diehard fans and a great starting point for the uninitiated as well. This is the main set VOIVOD ravaged their audiences with on their 2010 US tour alongside Kreator, and at their headlining slot at the 2010 Scion Rock Fest.

VOIVOD are currently touring Europe, and will begin to assault the North American masses again this May when they are scheduled as one of the top headliners of the 2011 Maryland Deathfest. Stay tuned for more North American tour dates to be announced in the coming weeks.

Review copies of Warriors Of Ice as well as interviews with the members of VOIVOD will be available to U.S. writers and outlets in the coming weeks.

In Canada contact Indica Records for more info and promos.

VOIVOD is:

Denis “Snake” Belanger – vocals
Jean-Yves “Blacky” Theriault – bass
Dan “Chewy” Mongrain – guitar
Michel “Away” Langevin – drums

http://www.voivod.com
http://voivod.net
http://www.facebook.com/Voivod
http://www.sonicunyon.com/metal

(03:EsC)

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Ze Champ

From American Aftermath, an exclusive interview with my buddy, Morgan:

It’s the dawning of a new era here at American Aftermath. Two words, video interviews. I recently got a chance to have a chat with Champ Morgan, vocalist of Kill The Client at their show with P.L.F and Massgrave on 4/24/11.



I would like to thank Champ for being such a gracious dude and allowing us to have some time with him.

Make sure to ‘Like’ Kill The Client on Facebook. If you haven’t bought Set For Extinction, go out and cop that shit. It was easily one of the top ten albums of 2010.

Follow Josh on Twitter – @keepitwolfson

– Josh Huddleston

(03:JH)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Abitus sed non oblitus

"I try not to be negative or cynical, even though we're in a crazy situation, when things go far right, they will have to swing left. We have to become more caring and sharing."

~ Marianne Joan (Poly Styrene) Elliott-Said (07.03.57 – 11.25.11)

Gone but not forgotten
(((03)))

SoHH042911

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

E.T.A.


My buddy, Brooks, has a band, Elvis Took Acid. Click the link, buy their shit, see their shows. MUSIC OR DIE!

(((03)))

Monday, April 18, 2011

TORCHE/BIG BUSINESS Summer Tour with HELMS ALEE and THRONES:


TORCHE/BIG BUSINESS Summer Tour with HELMS ALEE and THRONES:

7/07 Houston, TX @ Walter’s on Washington w/Helms Alee (Venue Link)
7/08 Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon w/Helms Alee (Venue Link)
7/09 Birmingham, AL @ Bottletree Cafe w/Helms Alee (Buy Tickets)
7/11 Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum w/Helms Alee (Buy Tickets)
7/12 Miami, FL @ Chuchill’s w/Helms Alee (Venue Link)
7/13 Orlando, FL @ The Social w/Helms Alee (Venue Link)
7/14 Atlanta, GA @ EARL w/Helms Alee (Buy Tickets)
7/15 Greensboro, NC @ Greene Street Club w/Helms Alee (Venue Link)
7/16 Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel w/Helms Alee (Buy Tickets)
7/17 Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar w/ Big Business, Helms Alee (Venue Link)
7/19 Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church w/Helms Alee (Buy Tickets)
7/20 Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg w/Helms Alee (Venue Link)
7/21 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs w/Helms Alee (Buy Tickets)
7/22 Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place w/Helms Alee (Venue Link)
7/23 Cleveland Heights, OH @ Grog Shop w/Helms Alee (Buy Tickets)
7/24 Newport, KY @ The Historic Southgate House w/Helms Alee (Buy Tickets)
7/26 Detriot, MI @ Magic Stick w/Helms Alee (Buy Tickets)
7/27 Indianapolis, IN @ The Hoosier Dome w/Helms Alee (Buy Tickets)
7/28 Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge w/Helms Alee (Buy Tickets)
7/29 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club w/Helms Alee (Buy Tickets)
7/30 Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room w/Helms Alee (Venue Link)
7/31 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater w/Helms Alee (Buy Tickets)
8/02 Salt Lake City, UT @ Club Vegas w/ Helms Alee (Venue Link)
8/03 Boise, ID @ Neurolux w/ Helms Alee (Venue Link)
8/04 Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s w/ Helms Alee (Buy Tickets)
8/05 Portland, OR @ Hawthrone Theatre w/Thrones (Venue Link)
8/06 San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s w/Thrones (Venue Link)
8/07 West Hollywood, CA @ The Troubadour w/Thrones (Buy Tickets)
8/08 San Diego, CA @ The Casbah w/Thrones (Venue Link)
8/09 Scottsdale, AZ @ Martini Ranch w/Thrones (Venue Link)
8/10 Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad w/Thrones (Venue Link)
8/12 Dallas, TX @ Club Dada w/Thrones (Buy Tickets)
8/13 San Antonio, TX @ Korova w/Thrones (Buy Tickets)
8/14 Austin, TX @ Red 7 w/Thrones (Venue Link)

(03:HHl)

Monday, April 11, 2011

Mangrum

I was able, finally, to witness the Lord Mangrum last eve. To say that it was brilliant would be to undermine him and his 45-year career. The man's still got it and last night, he gave it all! Hails to James Mangrum and the inexorable Black Oak Arkansas!

(((03)))

Magic(k)

Texas-based mythological occult metal trio ABSU are currently hard at work on Abzu, the follow up to the band’s 2009 self-titled album. The album is being tracked at Nomad Recording Studio in Carrollton, Texas and mixed by none other than J.T. Longoria. (King Diamond, Solitude Aeternus).

Drummer/vocalist/lyricist Proscriptor confirms, “The entire rhythm section has been successfully tracked and all that remains are mellotron passages and vocal lines. Before attempting the final mix, we plan to transfer the rhythm section onto two-inch tape to thaw out its digital timbre. With this record, we are appending dirtier elements of psychedelia and fusion. Lyrically, it will descend deeper into Enki’s lower world as well the Enochian Magic(k) System.” Continuing he notes, “I can tell you this album will definitely not be a ‘natural progression’ from previous releases, but a feat of metaphysical conquest and murkiness.”

Abzu is the second of a three-part series that features ABSU’s signature sound in maniacal fashion. Recently completing a string of American dates with Immortal, the band, featuring guitarist Vis Crom and bassist/vocalist Ezezu, performed a cross section of their extensive catalog to enthusiastic audiences. ABSU sold out of merchandise well before the six date journey concluded in San Antonio late February.

ABSU came to international prominence with the release of their 1993 debut, Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L. Originally released via Gothic Records, the label later licensed the record to France’s Osmose Productions. (Immortal, Enslaved, Impaled Nazarene, Melechesh) ABSU would then establish a solid relationship with the label and thus release all later recordings via the renowned independent label, including the highly regarded Tara in 2001. In 2007, the band would announce a new partnership with London-based Candlelight Records. The band spent much of 2008 writing/recording Absu, which featured contributions from members of King Diamond, Aura Noir, Melechesh, Firstborn and Enthroned.

Planned for release later this year, Abzu will tap the expertise of Polish artist Zbigniew Bielak (Watain, Destroyer 666) and Costin Chioreanu (Ava Inferi, Grave, Demonical) to assemble the album’s packaging. “In the past, we have utilized the talents of Belgium artist Kris Verwimp,” says Proscriptor, “but now we’re aesthetically detouring into more mystifying, Thelemic realms: musically and lyrically.”

Projected track listing of Abzu (in this particular order) is:

I.) Ontologically, It Became Time & Space

II.) Circles of the Oath

III.) Abraxas Connexus

IV.) Skrying in the Spirit Vision

V.) Earth Ripper

VI.) A Song for Ea including:
a. E-A
b. A Myriad of Portals
c. 3rd Tablet
d. Warren of Imhullu
e. The Waters – The Denizens
f. E-A (Reprise)

Upcoming ABSU Festival Performances:

7/15/2011 Hammer Open Air - Lieto, Finland
8/12/2011 Party San Open Air – Schlotheim, Germany
8/13/2011 Brutal Assault Open Air – Jaromer, Czech Republic
9/10/2011 *TBA – Athens, Greece

“Absu is an energizing sprint through black metal, bedrock thrash, symphonic flourishes and arcane mythological references. All told, it’s so intense that, by cool down, you might still be contemplating the first verse of that warm-up.” – Pitchfork

“…ever-shifting rhythms, clean in contour and even cleaner in recording. Let this album be another piece of evidence in the trial against ‘necro’ production choices in black metal.” – MetalSucks


“…progressive, atmospheric, unrelenting…” – Stereogum


“…this 18-year pillar of metal still reigns supreme in the land of the dark.” – The Austin Chronicle


http://www.myspace.com/absu
http:/www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

(03:EsC)

Friday, April 08, 2011

FLOOR touring for first time in over eight years


Floridian heavy trio FLOOR are about to embark on their first proper tour in over eight years. Since disbanding, FLOOR's overdue notoriety has slowly grown, due in part from laying the foundation for guitar player/vocalist Steve Brooks' non-stop activity in TORCHE.

Reuniting to celebrate the release of their massive Below & Beyond discography/box set, FLOOR returned for a few key shows over the past year to an overwhelmingly positive response. As a result, the band is now hitting the road for the first time since 2003. In regards to the tour, Brooks had the following to say:

"It's a celebration. Celebrating our 19 years together, apart, back together, apart and back together again! Dropping bombs like it's Floorld War III!"

The (updated) scheduled dates are as follows:

4/9 - Gainesville, FL @ Common Grounds - w/ Hawks
4/10 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl - w/ Hawks
4/11 - Charlotte, NC @ The Milestone - w/ Hawks
4/12 - Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter - w/ Hawks, Amarok
4/13 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall Of Williamsburg - w/ Hawks
4/14 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church - w/ Hawks
4/15 - Providence, RI @ Club Hell - w/ Doomriders
4/16 - Buffalo, NY @ Soundlab - w/ Doomriders
4/17 - Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop - w/ Doomriders
4/18 - Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen - w/ Doomriders
4/20 - Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
4/22 - Missoula, MT @ Secret Show
4/23 - Seattle, WA @ Funhouse - w/ Totimoshi
4/24 - Portland, OR @ Branx - w/ Totimoshi
4/26 - Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Theater - w/ Totimoshi
4/29 - Dallas, TX @ Sons Of Hermann Hall - w/ Mammoth Grinder
4/30 - Austin, TX @ The Mohawk - w/ Mammoth Grinder
5/1 - Houston, TX @ Walter's - w/ Mammoth Grinder
5/2 - New Orleans, LA @ Siberia
5/3 - Tallahassee, FL @ The Engine Room

http://www.myspace.com/Floor

(03:RE)

KTC


(((03)))

Thursday, April 07, 2011

SOMA + MOORE + ATP

Stephen O'Malley is happy to announce this 3rd collaboration with the mighty ALAN MOORE!

GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR,
ALAN MOORE & STEPHEN O'MALLEY, CINEMA PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED
for "I'LL BE YOUR MIRROR" Curated by PORTISHEAD & ATP
23rd & 24th July - Alexandra Palace, London

Portishead’s only scheduled UK shows for 2011

On 23rd & 24th July 2011 at the stunning Alexandra Palace, London, All Tomorrow's Parties will present the first UK I'll Be Your Mirror event, which will be curated by the mercurial Portishead (who headline both nights) and ATP. Acting as sister events to the world famous ATP Festivals which usually take place in holiday resorts, I'll Be Your Mirror is a new series of artist curated music, film and art events taking place in cities worldwide.

Today ATP are very pleased to announce the addition of two stunning new performances to the Sunday 24th line-up: the legendary Godspeed You! Black Emperor who only recently reformed for a string of rapturously received sold out shows, and also a special collaboration between graphic novelist Alan Moore (Watchmen, From Hell) and musician Stephen O'Malley (Sunn O))), KTL) who will respectively provide text and guitar for an expanded soundtracking of Harry Smith's 1962 animated alchemical film "Heaven & Earth Magic".

We are also pleased to confirm the first of the films that will be screened in the cinema at the event. Heading the list we are excited to present the acclaimed Submarine which will be introduced by writer/director Richard Ayoade (Saturday 23rd) and we are also thrilled to invite Mark Cousins who will introduce his documentary feature The First Movie. Other films confirmed include The Treasures of Long Gone John and three films by John Minton - Field, Jock Scott and September, with a full schedule and more films to be confirmed shortly.

Portishead will headline both nights, with a different stunning supporting line-up joining them each day. Tickets will cost £59 per day with weekend tickets priced at £100. These are the only scheduled UK shows Portishead will play in 2011.

Here is the current schedule for each day with more to be confirmed for both the Saturday and Sunday line-ups....

Saturday 23rd July

PORTISHEAD
PJ HARVEY
DOOM
COMPANY FLOW (original line-up - first UK show in 10 years)
THE BOOKS
FACTORY FLOOR
BEAK>
DD/MM/YYYY
FOOT VILLAGE
& MORE TBC

Sunday 24th July

PORTISHEAD
GRINDERMAN
GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR
SWANS
BEACH HOUSE
CARIBOU
ALAN MOORE + STEPHEN O'MALLEY
LIARS
THE TELESCOPES
THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC
ANIKA
S.C.U.M.
& MORE TBC

With more artists, DJs and other activities to be confirmed for both days in the coming months! Across the weekend we will be bringing to the venue a cinema, amazing food vendors, adding extra bars (including some cash bars) and toilets and also putting on shuttle buses from Wood Green underground to the venue and back to ensure the best experience possible for everyone that attends. Early Bird tickets are sold out with full price Weekend and Day tickets available now.

Tickets on sale now - www.atpfestival.com

(03:I.o)

Sunday, April 03, 2011

...per chance to dream

Following the successful Marijuanaut’s Return tour of September 2010, West Coast stoner metal legends SLEEP recently announced three North American dates for 2011. The mini run of dates will include New York City on June 22, Los Angeles on June 26 and an appearance at the Sled Island Music & Arts Festival in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on June 24.

SLEEP 2011 Live Dates:

6/22/2011 Terminal 5 – New York, NY
6/24/2011 Sled Island Festival – Calgary, AB
6/26/2011 The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA

Said Noisecreep of the band’s last live excursion: “…if the band put any more stacks on the stage, it just might have collapsed.” Added Popdose: “SLEEP was fucking killer and who knows what the future holds… if you get a chance, they are well worth your time and money…be prepared for one of the loudest fucking things you’ve ever heard.” Rolling Stone Brazil gave the band’s performance a perfect 5 out of 5 rating while Redefine Magazine noted: “SLEEP, despite being broken up for over ten years, seemed like they hadn’t missed a beat — and Holy Mountain never sounded so good in the process. This was the definitive show of the weekend, if not the definitive show of my year.”

SLEEP split in 1997 after two hugely influential albums. Members went on to form OM and High On Fire. Original members Al Cisneros and Matt Pike were joined by drummer Jason Roeder of Neurosis last Fall for a short stint of reunion dates that floored their earliest fans and converted new ones.

The band debuted with 1991’s Volume One album, recorded for San Francisco label Tupelo. Earache Records received the band’s next recordings in the mail as a demo. The label — impressed by SLEEP’s single-mindedness and unique vision — immediately signed the band and released the tape exactly as it was received. Record stores worldwide have stocked SLEEP’s Holy Mountain from November 1992 to this day.The band then signed to London Records. Their debut album for the major took the form of one mammoth 63-minute leviathan of a track entitled “Jerusalem.” They resisted the label’s attempts at radio edits and bringing in their own engineer to remix the album in view of “marketability.” London balked at the prospect of promoting what probably still is the most extreme music ever recorded for a major label, consequentially shelving the record and dropping the band.

In addition, SLEEP’s music has been featured in films by Harmony Korine and Jim Jarmusch.

http://www.weedian.com

(03:EsC)