Metal Monarchy

BAFFLING RESULTS FROM LATEST DRUM! MAGAZINE READER'S POLL

2008-07-03T23:15:00Z

Drum! magazine readers must know their drummers... right? You can make your own call when you see the results of this recent reader's poll, asking readers to vote for drummers in several pertinent categories. The results are... unusual. See for yourself.

]]>

Drummer of the Year:
1. Neil Peart (Rush)
2. Stanton Moore
3. Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater)
4. Jimmy Sullivan (Avenged Sevenfold)

Best Progressive Drummer:
1. Mike Portnoy
2. Neil Peart
3. Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree)
4. Danny Carey (Tool)

Best Metal Drummer:
1. Chris Adler (Lamb of God)
2. Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall)
3. Joey Jordison (Slipknot)
4. Brann Dailor (Mastodon)

Best Live Drumming Performer:
1. Neil Peart
2. Stanton Moore
3. Jimmy Sullivan
4. Mike Portnoy

Best Drumming Album:
1. Hellyeah (Hellyeah)
2. Obzen (Meshuggah)
3. Avenged Sevenfold (Avenged Sevenfold)
4. Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (Foo Fighters)

Here's what I don't get:
1. If Neal Peart is ranked higher than Mike Portnoy in the Drummer of the Year category, why is he lower in the Best Progressive Drummer category?
2. Why are the Best Metal Drummer and Best Drumming Album categories so fucked up?
3. Who the F is Stanton Moore???

METALLICA TO GIVE BACK TO FANS WITH LOADED DEATH MAGNETIC BOX SET

2008-07-03T21:25:00Z

Cash burning a hole in your pocket? Metallica has come to save you! Get a load of this: Metallica have decided that, rather than bore you with a regular old CD for some reasonable fee, they are going to allow you the pleasure of shelling out some massive sum for a Death Magnetic box set! Because, you know, living on the edge of being broke is just more fun! All kidding aside, it actually does look like a pretty decent set. Read on to see what the box set will include.

]]> Metallica has come to save you! Get a load of this: Metallica have decided that, rather than bore you with a regular old CD for some reasonable fee, they are going to allow you the pleasure of shelling out some massive sum for a Death Magnetic box set! Because, you know, living on the edge of being broke is just more fun! All kidding aside, it actually does look like a pretty decent set. Read on to see what the box set will include.

Here is the full list of contents for the box set according to Platekompaniet:
Death Magnetic CD (exclusive digipack version)
Death Magnetic demo CD (10 tracks)
"Making of Death Magnetic" DVD featuring never-before-seen material
Death Magnetic T-shirt
Death Magnetic flag
Death Magnetic guitar picks
Metallica poster
USB memory stick with Metallica logo (enables digital download of Death Magnetic)

One can pretty safely assume that it will arrive the same day as the album - September 16.

'IT'S DINNER TIME!' - CRYPTOPSY STRIKES BACK

2008-07-03T18:55:00Z

Cryptopsy have been under major fire ever since the recent release of their new album, The Unspoken King. The album has generally been received as a major sell-out moment for the band, with many pointing out that the band's new aural quality strongly resembles that of other popular (dare I say "trendy") acts. Not being ones to take criticism idly, Cryptopsy have struck back with a new "track" that pokes fun at the lame nerds that would besmirch their new sound. I won't spoil the surprise for you, you'll just have to listen to it: "It's Dinner Time."

]]> Cryptopsy have been under major fire ever since the recent release of their new album, The Unspoken King. The album has generally been received as a major sell-out moment for the band, with many pointing out that the band's new aural quality strongly resembles that of other popular (dare I say "trendy") acts. Not being ones to take criticism idly, Cryptopsy have struck back with a new "track" that pokes fun at the lame nerds that would besmirch their new sound. I won't spoil the surprise for you, you'll just have to listen to it: "It's Dinner Time."

HEAVY METAL FUNERALS - A NEW TREND!

2008-07-03T17:50:00Z

Sick of boring old funerals filled with people crying and some old lady crooning "Amazing Grace"? Well, you're in luck, because times they are a-changing! Telegraph.co.uk is reporting that AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" has become one of the most popularly requested funeral songs in Australia. Many Australians - those who are headed the other direction, I suppose - are also selecting Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" as their tune of choice. How bad ass is that? Those Aussies have it right. Neither of those would be my choice, however. Here is my funeral song, tell me yours:

"Hell Awaaaaaits":

]]> Telegraph.co.uk is reporting that AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" has become one of the most popularly requested funeral songs in Australia. Many Australians - those who are headed the other direction, I suppose - are also selecting Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" as their tune of choice. How bad ass is that? Those Aussies have it right. Neither of those would be my choice, however. Here is my funeral song, tell me yours:

"Hell Awaaaaaits":

HISTORY OF METAL: 1979 - MOTÖRHEAD, IRON MAIDEN, SAXON KICK OFF A NEW WAVE

2008-07-03T00:10:00Z

Motörhead had released their first full-length in 1977, but didn't start to receive serious attention until the release of Overkill and Bomber in 1979. The albums, considered by most to be two of their best, saw the speed-metallers doing what they've always done - play "fast and loud."

]]> Motörhead had released their first full-length in 1977, but didn't start to receive serious attention until the release of Overkill and Bomber in 1979. The albums, considered by most to be two of their best, saw the speed-metallers doing what they've always done - play "fast and loud."

The punk explosion had mostly died down in the U.K. by that point, and the focus was back on bands who could play their instruments. Motörhead took the raw energy and aggression of punk, and combined it with their sheer musical ability to marry the two styles in what would be an extremely influential move for metal.

Motorhead playing "Overkill" live, 2004:

Which brings us to Iron Maiden. To this point, I have only been including full-lengths in this History of Metal saga, but Iron Maiden is such an important band that this demo (The Soundhouse Tapes) - which features early versions of songs that would show up on later releases - must be noted. It was Maiden's first official release, despite having been a band since 1975.

Despite the demo's somewhat unpolished sound quality, it could already be seen that Iron Maiden were the unquestioned leaders of the new movement. Already present were Steve Harris on bass and Dave Murray on guitar, joined by Paul Di'Anno on vocals and Doug Sampson on drums. Murray and Harris were already standout musicians, with Dave putting out a tour de force performance as the only guitarist of Maiden at the time (Maiden is famous for having twin guitars).

Iron Maiden playing "Iron Maiden" live, 1980:

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Saxon's first full-length as well. It doesn't hold a candle to their later releases, and is - to be quite honest - pretty unmemorable. That said, there are quite a few solid tracks, and they would become one of the biggest parts of the new movement, so must be included.

Saxon playing "Frozen Rainbow" live:

Another influence that punk had had on metal by this point was on the business side of things. Metal bands adopted the D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself) ethic that was prevalent in punk. Bands started shooting up all over the place, putting out records on labels of their own creation. The NWOBHM spread like wildfire and would EXPLODE in 1980, one of the greatest years in the history of metal (and all of rock for that matter).

KERRY KING, DAVE MUSTAINE, MANY MORE SHARE THEIR WILDEST TOUR STORIES

2008-07-02T22:10:00Z

The rock star lifestyle is a crazy one right? Just how crazy is it? Find out by watching these endlessly entertaining Guitar World videos of a plethora of famous guitarists discussing their wildest experiences on tour. From Kerry King to Dave Mustaine, hear some weird, wild, stuff right here.

]]> Kerry King to Dave Mustaine, hear some weird, wild, stuff right here.

AMON AMARTH JUMP ON 'UNHOLY ALLIANCE' TOUR

2008-07-02T19:40:00Z

The "Unholy Alliance: Chapter 3" tour just got a whole lot more... unholier? Swedish viking death-metallers Amon Amarth are adding their pagan brand of metal to a tour that already includes the almighty Slayer (fuck yea!), Trivium (eh), and Mastodon (boo). Some new dates have been announced as well.

]]> Unholy Alliance: Chapter 3" tour just got a whole lot more... unholier? Swedish viking death-metallers Amon Amarth are adding their pagan brand of metal to a tour that already includes the almighty Slayer (fuck yea!), Trivium (eh), and Mastodon (boo). Some new dates have been announced as well.

Here is a full list of dates (newly announced in bold):
10.27: Manchester, England @ Manchester Arena
10.28: Birmingham, England @ NEC
10.30: London, England @ Hammersmith Apollo
10.31: London, England @ Hammersmith Apollo
11.2: Cardiff, Wales @ CIA 7000
11.3: Glasgow, Scotland @ SECC Hall 3
11.5: Offenbach, Germany @ Stadthalle
11.6: Cologne, Germany @ Palladium
11.9: Stuttgart, Germany @ Schleyerhalle
11.10: Winterthur, Switzerland @ Eishallel Deutweg
11.11: Paris, France @ Zenith
11.16: Vienna, Austria @ Gasometer
11.18: Munich, Germany @ Zenith
11.19: Berlin, Germany @ Columbia Hale
11.21: Copenhagen, Denmark @ Valby Hallen
11.23: Stockholm, Sweden @ Hovet
11.24: Oslo, Norway @ Spektrum
11.26: Tampere, Finland @ Old Ice Hall
11.27: Helsinki, Finland @ Old Ice Hall

AVENGED SEVENFOLD TAKE OFFENSE TO BEING HECKLED BY FANS AT 'GODS OF METAL' FESTIVAL

2008-07-02T18:30:00Z

Poor old Avenged Sevenfold. That crowd at the "Gods of Metal" festival in Italy just didn't give them a chance! Surely, it's not because of their overactive egos, pretty boy makeup and poserish lingo. Those Italians chanted for Iron Maiden during A7X's entire set! Even during that rousing half-assed rendition of Pantera's "Walk." I mean, come on, covering that song hasn't been played out or anything... has it? "Yo yo yo" check out M. Shadows throwing a hissy fit:

]]> Avenged Sevenfold. That crowd at the "Gods of Metal" festival in Italy just didn't give them a chance! Surely, it's not because of their overactive egos, pretty boy makeup and poserish lingo. Those Italians chanted for Iron Maiden during A7X's entire set! Even during that rousing half-assed rendition of Pantera's "Walk." I mean, come on, covering that song hasn't been played out or anything... has it? "Yo yo yo" check out M. Shadows throwing a hissy fit:

WATCH THE 'GODS OF METAL' IN ACTION IN ITALY

2008-07-02T00:40:00Z

A killer metal festival seems to be the norm in Europe every weekend during the summer months. Two weekends ago it was "Hellfest" in France. This past weekend it was "Gods of Metal" in Bologna, Italy. Musica Metal got a ton of great footage of some of the biggest bands performing the epic festival. Watch it!

Iron Maiden performing "Fear of the Dark":

]]> Hellfest" in France. This past weekend it was "Gods of Metal" in Bologna, Italy. Musica Metal got a ton of great footage of some of the biggest bands performing the epic festival. Watch it!

Iron Maiden performing "Fear of the Dark":

At The Gates performing "Blinded By Fear":

Iced Earth performing "The Coming Curse":

Carcass performing "No Love Lost":

Testament performing "Practice What You Preach" and "The New Order":

THE FAST FIVE: DRUMMERS THAT KNOW THE MEANING OF SPEED

2008-07-01T21:30:00Z

Guitar has always been my instrument. I picked it up at a young age and have never played anything else. Why? A matter of convenience more than anything else. I had one. It's a very practical instrument. I love guitar, don't get me wrong, but the instrument that I have always had a true fascination with are the drums.

Metal as a genre features some of the greatest drummers in the world. The characteristic that sets most of them apart from drummers in other genres - and that makes me enjoy their work so much - is their emphasis on blistering speed. These are the drummers whose manic energy gives the music that spectacular quality that I crave: Sheer, unadulterated aggression!

George Kollias of Nile playing "The Essential Salts":

]]>
Metal as a genre features some of the greatest drummers in the world. The characteristic that sets most of them apart from drummers in other genres - and that makes me enjoy their work so much - is their emphasis on blistering speed. These are the drummers whose manic energy gives the music that spectacular quality that I crave: Sheer, unadulterated aggression!

George Kollias of Nile playing "The Essential Salts":

Derek Roddy of Hate Eternal playing "Behold Judas":

Pete Sandoval of Morbid Angel playing "Dominate":

Flo Mournier of Cryptopsy playing "Phobophile":

Dave Lombardo of Slayer playing "War Ensemble":

SLIPKNOT UNVEIL NEW MASKS

2008-07-01T17:50:00Z

Iowa's most wanted, Slipknot, have finally come to terms with their inner children and donned a new series of masks. For those who might say that the new masks look quite a bit like the old ones - one source went as far as to claim that it "just looks like they had the old ones laundered" - you are mistaken. These masks more fully represent the individual personalities of each member of the band. It's a statement of artistic genius! Marketing tool? HA! Here they are:

]]> Slipknot, have finally come to terms with their inner children and donned a new series of masks. For those who might say that the new masks look quite a bit like the old ones - one source went as far as to claim that it "just looks like they had the old ones laundered" - you are mistaken. These masks more fully represent the individual personalities of each member of the band. It's a statement of artistic genius! Marketing tool? HA! Here they are:

The new masks are, of course, in preparation for the release of the band's fourth full-length album, All Hope Is Gone, on August 26 via Roadrunner Records. You can see the new masks in motion (!) in this video documenting the filming of the music video for Slipknot's latest single, "Psychosocial."

METAL BLADE FOUNDER BRIAN SLAGEL TALKS 'KILL EM ALL' WITH METALLICA

2008-06-30T23:15:00Z

Brian Slagel, founder of the massively influential Metal Blade Records, sat down with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich of Metallica for a surreal meeting of the metal minds recently. The trio discussed the impact of Metallica's iconic self-titled album, Kill 'Em All, 25 years after its initial release. Behold the revealing discussion - it's one that you won't want to miss:

]]> James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich of Metallica for a surreal meeting of the metal minds recently. The trio discussed the impact of Metallica's iconic self-titled album, Kill 'Em All, 25 years after its initial release. Behold the revealing discussion - it's one that you won't want to miss:

JOB FOR A COWBOY PERFORM BRILLIANT ACOUSTIC SET IN FINLAND DUE TO SINGER'S ILLNESS

2008-06-30T22:20:00Z

Job for a Cowboy ran into a fine spot of trouble over the weekend in Europe. Vocalist Jonny Davy came down with a crippling throat infection that forced him to miss a gig at the prestigious Tuska Festival in Helsinki, Finland. Rather than pack up and head for home with their tails tucked between their legs, the mighty metal warriors sucked it up and performed their first-ever instrumental set. HEAR! The heavy licks of Job for a Cowboy. SEE! An unmanned mic stand. FEEL! The raw emotion of the crowd. Ladies and gentleman, Job for a Cowboy (almost) unplugged.

]]> Job for a Cowboy ran into a fine spot of trouble over the weekend in Europe. Vocalist Jonny Davy came down with a crippling throat infection that forced him to miss a gig at the prestigious Tuska Festival in Helsinki, Finland. Rather than pack up and head for home with their tails tucked between their legs, the mighty metal warriors sucked it up and performed their first-ever instrumental set. HEAR! The heavy licks of Job for a Cowboy. SEE! An unmanned mic stand. FEEL! The raw emotion of the crowd. Ladies and gentleman, Job for a Cowboy (almost) unplugged.

The band have cancelled upcoming gigs in Russia and Estonia, and may decide to call off the remainder of their European tour in order to give Davy ample time to heal his throat.

KINGDOM OF SORROW ANNOUNCE SUMMER TOUR DATES

2008-06-30T19:00:00Z

Jamey Jasta - metal's version of the Energizer bunny - just won't quit. The Hatebreed frontman's sludgy side-project with Crowbar's Kirk Windstein, Kingdown of Sorrow, have scheduled some brand-new dates in support of their debut album, which was released in February. They will first hop on the Rockstar Mayhem tour in the northeast, before headlining two shows with Scum of the Earth in the midwest. After adding their name to Ozzfest in Dallas, they will close the mini-tour with a headlining appearance in Windstein's home base of New Orleans featuring Soilent Green in support. Check out venue info...

]]> Jamey Jasta - metal's version of the Energizer bunny - just won't quit. The Hatebreed frontman's sludgy side-project with Crowbar's Kirk Windstein, Kingdown of Sorrow, have scheduled some brand-new dates in support of their debut album, which was released in February. They will first hop on the Rockstar Mayhem tour in the northeast, before headlining two shows with Scum of the Earth in the midwest. After adding their name to Ozzfest in Dallas, they will close the mini-tour with a headlining appearance in Windstein's home base of New Orleans featuring Soilent Green in support. Check out venue info...

Here is the full list of tour dates:
8.5: Boston, MA @ Tweeter Center (Rockstar Mayhem Tour)
8.6: Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Coliseum (Rockstar Mayhem Tour)
8.7: Louisville, KY @ Headliners (w/ Scum of the Earth)
8.8: Sauget, IL @ Pops(w/ Scum of the Earth)
8.9: Dallas, TX @ Pizza Hut Park (Ozzfest)
8.14: New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues (w/ Soilent Green, Scum of the Earth)

THE GAUNTLET'S TOP 10 WORST LIVE SINGERS

2008-06-28T00:10:00Z

The Gauntlet are taking no prisoners, and taking no shit. They just posted a scathing look at their "Top 10 Worst Live Singers." Some of the names on there might surprise you, but they do back it up with solid visual evidence. For all you Buzznet regulars who might be stumbling upon this, there is one person in particular you might want to see. He's Way popular on Buzznet. Check out the entertaining list and let The Gauntlet know what you think right here.

]]> The Gauntlet are taking no prisoners, and taking no shit. They just posted a scathing look at their "Top 10 Worst Live Singers." Some of the names on there might surprise you, but they do back it up with solid visual evidence. For all you Buzznet regulars who might be stumbling upon this, there is one person in particular you might want to see. He's Way popular on Buzznet. Check out the entertaining list and let The Gauntlet know what you think right here.