Archive for February 4th, 2013

Volbeat Welcome Former Anthrax Guitarist Rob Caggiano Into Band, Reveal Details For New Album

Universal Danish rockers Volbeat have a ton of captivating news to offer fans. Along with unveiling the title, release date an cover artwork of their upcoming fifth studio album, ‘Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies,’ Volbeat have also announced that former Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano has joined the group as a full-time member. Only one month after Rob Caggiano announced his departure from Anthrax to focus on production work, the guitarist is back to play music with Volbeat. Having recently stated that his “ heart simply wasn’t in it anymore ” when it came to Anthrax, it seems that Caggiano has found his passion once again. In a new statement about joining Volbeat, Caggiano says the following: Wow! I have to say I’m completely blown away by the turn of events over the last few weeks here in Denmark and at this point an update is definitely in order. To start with, I came to Denmark about a month ago to produce the new Volbeat record which in and of itself has been an incredibly exciting adventure from a producer’s perspective thus far. However, I’m extremely happy to say my relationship with these guys will not end there as it turns out……it’s just beginning! Michael had asked me on the phone before I got out here if I would play some guest solos on the new album in addition to my other duties and of course I was thrilled about that and agreed to do so. When I actually got to Denmark and started going through the material, this turned out to be so much more than that. After weeks of collaboration between Michael and I it became quite clear that we had an amazing creative chemistry together and a huge mutual respect for one another. It’s so refreshing and inspiring to be creative again on a songwriting level that words can’t even describe it and the vibe between Anders, Jon, Michael and I is just awesome. I’d say an artistic relationship like this one is very rare and it’s also something I don’t take for granted. When the guys asked me if I was interested in joining Volbeat the other day, my jaw just about hit the floor! It actually didn’t even register in my brain properly until the next morning but I gotta say, it also didn’t take me long to decide. It really isn’t the way I envisioned the rest of my year to play out but at the same time, THIS feels more “right” to me than anything I could have possibly imagined and I’m going for it! To all my fans, family, friends and overall supporters that have reached out to me over this last month wondering if I’m ever gonna play guitar again or what I’m up to in general etc……..See you all soon my friends and get ready for a wild ride!!! Produced by Rob Caggiano, Volbeat’s fifth studio album, ‘Outlaw Gentleman & Shady Ladies,’ has been stamped with an April 9 release date. “Half of the album tracks will take you into the world of outlaw gunslinger stories sometime in the 1800s,” begins frontman Michael Poulsen. “Some of the characters are true legends, while others are fiction. The listener will hear inspiration from old classic spaghetti western movies which gives you a clue to the album title and cover artwork.” Poulsen continues, “We are still ‘rocking out’ in the studio, and working on the last details. We are very excited about this album.  We feel that we’ve achieved the goals we set out. The heavy stuff on the album is perhaps more old school heavy riffs than earlier, and the rock songs rock out with tons of melodies and take us into uncharted territory. All that without losing the Volbeat sound that is the cornerstone of our band.” Volbeat are set to invade North America for a full-speed-ahead tour with Danko Jones beginning March 6. New Volbeat Band Photo With Rob Caggiano (Far Right) Universal ? [button href=”http://loudwire.com/guitarist-rob-caggiano-anthrax-exit-my-heart-simply-wasnt-in-it-anymore/” title=”Rob Caggiano Talks About Departure From Anthrax” align=”center”]

Pantera Win 2013 Loudwire Rock Bowl!

2013 Loudwire Rock Bowl Champions Congrats are in order for Pantera , winner of the inaugural Loudwire Rock Bowl. The band’s song ‘F—ing Hostile’ emerged victorious with just shy of 64 percent of the final vote, besting Metallica’s ‘Seek and Destroy’ in the finals. ‘F—ing Hostile’ may have a difficult time being played in family friendly NFL stadiums due to its expletive-filled lyrical content, but there’s no question that it can definitely psych up players and fans for a big game. After defeating Metallica in the 2013 Loudwire Rock Bowl finals, Pantera completed their journey to the top. In the opening round, they received 53 percent of the vote over Drowning Pool’s ‘Bodies.’ They advanced in the second round against Korn’s ‘Freak on a Leash’ with 72 percent of the final tally, and their victory of Slipknot’s ‘Wait and Bleed’ with 64 percent of the vote sent them on their way to the finals. Thanks to you, the fans, Pantera’s ‘F—ing Hostile’ has been deemed the ultimate football anthem and the 2013 Loudwire Rock Bowl champion. Loudwire congratulates Pantera and their loyal fanbase on the victory. Hear Pantera’s 2013 Loudwire Rock Bowl Winning ‘F—ing Hostile’ See the Full 2013 Loudwire Rock Bowl Bracket ? [button href=”http://loudwire.com/best-pantera-songs” title=”10 Best Pantera Songs” align=”center”]

Lamb of God Vocalist Randy Blythe’s Manslaughter Trial Begins in Czech Republic

Instagram: drandallblythe Randy Blythe has traveled back to the Czech Republic, where his trial on manslaughter charges began today (Feb. 4). Before entering the courtroom, the Lamb of God vocalist posted a photo of himself in a suit and tie (seen to the left), with a message to his fans: “And so it begins,” wrote Blythe on Instagram . “I am calm & prepared. Everyone, thanks for your good thoughts and prayers. Have a nice day, y’all!” As widely reported, Blythe was arrested this past summer on charges of manslaughter stemming from the 2010 death of a 19-year-old man named Daniel, who passed away a few weeks after allegedly being tossed from the stage at a Lamb of God show. Daniel’s family is seeking $530,000 U.S. dollars for the loss of their son, while Blythe also faces 5 to 10 years in prison if convicted. According to The Gauntlet , at the Prague City Court today, Blythe stated, “I’ve kept my word. I said that I would come back to court today and I did. I do not shy away from responsibility. I’m not a person who runs away from problems. But I do not want to be punished for something I did not do. The fan’s death breaks my heart. I never saw Daniel and I never came in contact with him.” The trial, which is expected to run from today through Friday, Feb. 8, began with both sides presenting their cases. In a rough translation from the Czech news site Cesky Rozhlas , the prosecution claimed that Blythe pushed Daniel with great force to the point that he fell off the stage over a metal barrier and hit his head on the ground. The prosecutor went on to explain that the young man hit the back and lower part of his brain, suffering internal bleeding. Blythe testified that the security at the club was insufficient and that several fans tried to rush the stage. As mentioned above, the Gauntlet reports that Blythe insisted he never saw Daniel or came into contact with him. According to WTVR , Lamb of God’s drummer Chris Adler and manager Larry Mazer testified on Blythe’s behalf, praising his character and calling him a quiet person despite his onstage persona. Tomorrow’s proceedings are expected to include testimony from 12 witnesses who attended the 2010 concert. We will update this story as news breaks. Check back with Loudwire for the latest on Randy Blythe’s ongoing trial in the Czech Republic. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/tags/randy-blythe/” title=”See More of the Latest News on Randy Blythe” align=”center”]