Fearless Records After five straight wins, Motionless In White and their track ‘Devil’s Night’ have made it into Loudwire’s Cage Match Hall of Fame. The song, which is off of the band’s latest disc ‘Infamous,’ took down some serious challengers along the way. Motionless In White defeated their fifth and final opponent The Ghost Inside over the weekend after beating out bands Attack Attack! and Woe, Is Me , as well as Miss May I and Hollywood Undead . Congrats to Motionless In White and their fans on this major triumph. Their song ‘Devil’s Night’ now joins tunes from such bands as Avenged Sevenfold, Down, Fozzy, Anthrax, Korn, Trivium and more in Loudwire’s Cage Match Hall of Fame. Motionless In White are hitting the states in December an Europe in 2013. For a full list of dates, go here . Listen to Motionless In White, ‘Devil’s Night’
It’s been a great year for rock music, and the 10 nominees in the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards category for Rock Song of the Year reflect certainly reflect that. We’ve got several perennial chart rulers, a veteran rocker making his self-proclaimed comeback and pair of female-led rock bands who enjoyed major success this past year. Who will take the title? That’s up to you! Check out the nominated songs and be sure to vote in the poll below: Baroness, ‘March to the Sea’ Baroness had one of the year’s standout albums in ‘Yellow and Green,’ and the single ‘March to the Sea,’ the band’s ode to a friend lost to drugs, is a powerful statement set against an equally chugging and forceful beat. Dead Sara, ‘Weatherman’ Dead Sara frontwoman Emily Armstrong’s powerful vocals caught the attention of many in 2012, and the song ‘Weatherman,’ with a monster riff from guitarist Souixsie Medley, is about as an infectious piece of ear candy as you could find in rock in 2012. Deftones, ‘Leathers’ Deftones carried over the success from the ‘Diamond Eyes’ album in a big way, and ‘Leathers’ is the ‘Koi No Yokan’ track that shows the group was truly clicking on all cylinders, with equal parts moody atmospherics and intense chugging rock. Halestorm, ‘Love Bites (So Do I)’ It is punk! It is rock! It is thrash! Whatever you want to call it, Halestorm ‘s ‘Love Bites (So Do I)’ is an aggressive, fist-pumping anthem that grabbed everyone’s attention in 2012! Marilyn Manson, ‘No Reflection’ From the opening notes of ‘No Reflection,’ it is clear that the Marilyn Manson we’d all come to know from his ’90s heyday is back with full force. The track stands right alongside some of Manson’s best. Papa Roach, ‘Still Swingin” Does anyone know their way around a rock anthem like Papa Roach ? The band kicked off support of their latest album ‘The Connection’ with the standout rocker ‘Still Swingin” and have kept fans rocking throughout most of 2012. Serj Tankian, ‘Harakiri’ While Serj Tankian has been exploring his musical boundaries over the last few years, the title track to his latest album ‘Harakiri’ brought him full circle to the rock spotlight with one of the year’s most melodically beautiful choruses and a powerful statement about today’s growing environmental concerns. Shinedown, ‘Bully’ Shinedown was on message with their first single of 2012, ‘Bully,’ offering up an anti-bullying sentiment with a rocking twist that motivated the listener to stand up for themselves. It’s inspirational and it rocks. Stone Sour, ‘Gone Sovereign’ Stone Sour unleashed the fury on 2012′s ‘Gone Sovereign’ with some blistering guitars, thunderous drumming and a driving track where Corey Taylor sings about being at an emotional low point and trying to stay alive. Three Days Grace, ‘Chalk Outline’ Three Days Grace found themselves with another major hit, deservedly so, with the jarring single ‘Chalk Outline.’ With its gritty guitar and one of Adam Gontier’s best choruses yet, it deserves the accolades it’s received. Voting for the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards closes on Jan. 15 at 11:59 PM EST. Fans can vote once per hour, so keep coming back to make sure your favorite band wins! Sorry, you need to have javascript running to see this poll. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/metal-song-of-the-year-2012-loudwire-music-awards/” title=”Next Category: Metal Song of the Year” align=”center”] Get Notified When Winners Are Announced Enter your email address below to receive the daily Loudwire newsletter, which will include notification of our full list of winners in the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards, as well as the top stories in rock and metal. Email
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Rock fans from all different lands traveled far and wide to set sail on the MSC Poesia for the most hard-rocking adventure at sea that is ShipRocked 2012. The boat and about 2,000 rock enthusiasts sailed from Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., on Tuesday Nov. 27, and luckily Loudwire was on-hand to witness the adventure. As rockers waited in line to board the ship bands such as Pop Evil rolled though as did Five Finger Death Punch , who gave high fives to fans along the way. Sevendust also joined the party as they walked through security with fans. The coolest cruise of the year kicked off with an acoustic set by none other than Godsmack. The gig sounded impeccable and was even more enjoyable with some minor guitar tuning mistakes occurred. Not only was it Godsmack’s first time playing Shiprocked, frontman Sully Erna’s admitted that this was also his first cruise ever. A special appearance was made by Samantha ShipRocked (a two foot Barbie doll with blonde hair and a red frilly skirt even too short for a doll) who sat on the side of the stage during Godsmack’s performance. Samantha is said to be a ShipRocked veteran since she made her presence known last year, as well. Overall, the very raw and intimate setting was truly captivating – Godsmack, outside, at night, performing acoustically, on a ship, how could things get any better? 10 Years gave an explosive performance on the Deck Stage as well as they had fans singing their new track ‘Backlash,’ ‘Russian Roulette,’ ‘Shoot It Out’ and many others. Singer Jesse Hasek sounded flawless as they band’s vigor made anyone who didn’t know who 10 Years were fully aware of their presence. Not to mention, he cut his leg while climbing on top of a stack of speakers – battle wounds already on the first day. Carlo Felice Theater is an elegant venue, on the ship, that holds a little over 1,000 people with a lovely purple décor and comfortable seats – Five Finger Death Punch ripped it to shreds. Their rabid fans had the ship rocking, literally, as they bounced through FFDP anthems which could be heard throughout the 15 decks of the boat. Concerts went into the wee hours of the morning as Sevendust rocked fans at midnight. Frontman Lajon Witherspoon got all up in fans faces as did bassist Vinnie Hornsby who provided the much needed comic relief onstage due to some technical difficulties. It was a tough night for guitarist John Connolly who was having some major trouble with his guitar cable. Clearly and understandably frustrated he continued to play but he and his brothers onstage showed why this band has been a force for well over 15 years – with or without the broke-ass guitar cable, Sevendust sounded damn good. Other performances for day one of Shiprocked included In This Moment , Pop Evil and The Letter Black. All of the acts perform twice over the course of the four days so fans are lucky enough to catch them later in the trip if they missed it (or twice if they didn’t). One only knows it’s far too easy to miss a set while they were drinking it up at one of the many bars and lounges, losing or winning money in the casino, hitting the gym, getting a massage at the spa, in the pool or getting lost on one of the 15 floors on this grand spectacle called the MSC Poesia. Check Out Photos of the First Day of Shiprocked 2012: Godsmack (Acoustic Performance): Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire 10 Years: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Five Finger Death Punch: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Sevendust: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire
Larry Busacca, Getty Images As the ’70s turned into the ’80s, Ozzy Osbourne was trying to figure out his next move after his ousting from Black Sabbath . What he did was embark on a very successful solo career that was lasted more than 30 years. In addition to releasing a number of memorable tunes over the past three decades, Ozzy has selected some virtuoso musicians to record with him, including the incomparable Randy Rhoads and the very talented Zakk Wylde. While Osbourne has reunited with Sabbath on several occasions and is recording a new album with the heavy metal legends, we’re taking a look at some of the best music that Osbourne’s solo career has produced. So, stick with us as we take our “shot in the dark” at counting down the 10 Best Ozzy Osbourne Solo Songs: 10 ‘Over the Mountain’ From: ‘Diary of a Madman’ (1981) If you need some drums to kick your ass, Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Over the Mountain’ might just do the trick. Lee Kerslake’s furious flurry of beats not only kicks off the song but also offers the opening notes of the ‘Diary of a Madman’ album. The fantastical Osbourne track takes listeners through a dreamland with an invitation to join him on his journey. Listen to ‘Over the Mountain’ 9 ‘Suicide Solution’ From: ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ (1980) ‘Suicide Solution’ may be the most controversial songs Ozzy Osbourne has ever released. Osbourne stated that the song was a tribute to the late Bon Scott, who died of alcohol poisoning, while bassist Bob Daisley who wrote the track says that Osbourne himself, who was struggling with alcoholism, was the inspiration. There was also the matter of the title, which sparked a lawsuit when a depressed teen shot himself. But controversy or not, the song rocks with Randy Rhoads’ chugging guitar and Osbourne’s wail leading the way. Listen to ‘Suicide Solution’ 8 ‘Gets Me Through’ From: ‘Down to Earth’ (2001) What is Ozzy really all about? The singer attempted to clear it up in the 2001 song ‘Gets Me Through,’ which he wrote as a thank you and explanation to his fans. In the song, Osbourne states, “ I’m not the Anti-Christ or the Iron Man ,” thus separating the man from the image. The song itself starts with keyboard before guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Robert Trujillo and drummer Mike Bordin grunge up this trudging rocker. Listen to ‘Gets Me Through’ 7 ‘Mr. Crowley’ From: ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ (1980) ‘Mr. Crowley’ is a solid choice for the 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs as it smoothed the singer’s transition from Black Sabbath frontman to solo artist. Osbourne’s dark side fully intact, the singer created a song about black magic practitioner Aleister Crowley and his sinister ways. The track launches with the distinctive organ solo from Don Airey before the rhythmic rocker kicks in. Listen to ‘Mr. Crowley’ 6 ‘Shot in the Dark’ From: ‘The Ultimate Sin’ (1986) ‘Shot in the Dark’ makes the 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs as one of the more instantly recognizable tracks of the singer’s career. The catchy mid-’80s rocker was penned by bassist Phil Soussan and altered to Osbourne’s specifications. Easily one of the more radio-friendly songs of the singer’s career, the track does still rock with wailing guitar work from Jake E. Lee and a driving beat laid down by Randy Castillo. Listen to ‘Shot in the Dark’ 5 ‘Flying High Again’ From: ‘Diary of a Madman’ (1981) Osbourne’s affinity for drugs did occasionally find its way into song and ‘Flying High Again’ is a perfect example. In the lyrics, Osbourne shares his concern, stating, “ Mama’s gonna worry / I been a bad, bad boy / No use sayin’ sorry / It’s something I enjoy .” Then rationalizing his behavior, he adds, “ If you could be inside of me / you’d see, you’d see what light I see / flyin’ high again, alright! “ Listen to ‘Flying High Again’ 4 ‘Mama I’m Coming Home’ From: ‘No More Tears’ (1991) Here’s the rare non-rocker on our list of 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs. But this song was a major hit in the era of the power ballad and its success was all the sweeter for Osbourne as it was a love song to his wife Sharon. The track, co-written with Zakk Wylde and Lemmy Kilmister , was penned about his proposed retirement from music and his return home to his lady love after his support of the album was complete. Listen to ‘Mama I’m Coming Home’ 3 ‘Bark at the Moon’ From: ‘Bark at the Moon’ (1983) ‘Bark at the Moon’ finds Osbourne once again digging into mythical territory for inspiration, as the track follows a beast that terrorizes a town, was killed and then was resurrected to wreak even more havoc. Musically, the guitar work from Jake E. Lee is top notch with a driving riff that is easily one of the most recognizable licks from Osbourne’s catalog. Listen to ‘Bark at the Moon’ 2 ‘No More Tears’ From: ‘No More Tears’ (1991) Ozzy Osbourne stated in his ‘Prince of Darkness’ liner notes that the song ‘No More Tears’ was “a gift from God,” and we’re not ones to disagree. The Bob Daisley bass line that opens the track pulls the listener in, while chugging Zakk Wylde guitar licks propel the song’s verses. The track also features an extensive bridge infused with keyboards, piano and what sounds like a string backing before finishing out with a fury. Listen to ‘No More Tears’ 1 ‘Crazy Train’ From: ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ (1980) No surprise here — ‘Crazy Train’ is the best Ozzy Osbourne song of all time. It’s the song that signified that Osbourne’s move to a solo career was a wise one. Guitarist Randy Rhoads “doubled” his parts for the song’s very difficult solo, in the process delivering one of the most admired licks in rock history. As for the lyrical content, Osbourne addressed the crazy state of the world during the Cold War and offered the uplifting message, “ Maybe it’s not too late / To learn how to love and forget how to hate .” Simply put, ‘Crazy Train’ is not only one of Ozzy’s best, but one of the best rock songs ever. Listen to ‘Crazy Train’ What Is Your Favorite Ozzy Osbourne Song? We’ve show you our list and now it’s your turn to tell us if we got it right. What is your favorite Ozzy Osbourne song and did it make the list where you think it should have? Is there something we completely missed that you can’t believe didn’t make the cut? If so, what song would you knock off to replace it? Let us know your thoughts on the 10 Best Ozzy Osbourne Solo Songs list in the comments section below.
Instagram UK metalcore band Asking Alexandria were involved in a tour bus accident earlier today (Dec. 2) in the midst of their headlining run on the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour. No serious injuries have been reported, although the bus itself suffered some significant damage on the way from Cleveland, Ohio, to Chicago. The news was reported by a series of Tweets by various band members, who all seem to be okay, although lead guitarist Ben Bruce is nursing a sprained ankle. The Monster Outbreak tour also features As I Lay Dying, Memphis May Fire, I See Stars and Attila. In one of their tweets, Asking Alexandria promised fans that tonight’s Chicago show would still go on as planned. The North American tour is scheduled through Dec. 16 in Tampa, Fla. Below are separate tweets from Bruce, drummer James Cassells and guitarist Cameron Liddell, as well as the entire band, regarding the bus crash: So our bus had abit of a crash this morning! Thankfully everyone involved is ok! Chicago we are still coming to rock you, don’t worry — Asking Alexandria (@AfuckingA) December 2, 2012 Sprained ankle and a fucked up bus…..love crashing :/ instagr.am/p/Svf7qAjn7t/ — Ben Bruce (@BenAfuckingA) December 2, 2012 So we got in an accident this morning, thankfully everyone is ok! instagr.am/p/SvfuTqw7r9/ — James Cassells (@JamesAfuckingA) December 2, 2012 So one of our buses crashed last night. Fortunately everyone is ok. Fucking scary times :/ — Cameron Liddell (@camAfuckingA) December 2, 2012 [button href=”http://loudwire.com/asking-alexandria-record-80s-inspired-covers-digital-ep/” title=”Next: Asking Alexandria Record ’80s-Inspired Covers EP” align=”center”]
Within Temptation – Official Site Dutch metal outfit Within Temptation have been having some fun en route to celebrating their 15th anniversary. Over the last few months the band has been recording and posting a number of covers of popular songs and putting their stamp on the tracks. The band told Metal Hammer , “We figured this would be a great occasion to do something special for [the fans]. It will be a musical adventure as we are covering songs that are very close to us, but also songs that are not close to us at all.” So far, the group have run the gamut from classic rock ( The Who ‘s ‘Behind Blue Eyes’) to alternative ( Coldplay ‘s ‘Paradise,’ Gotye ‘s ‘Somebody That I Used to Know,’ Mumford & Sons ‘ ‘Little Lion Man,’ Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’) to pop ( Bruno Mars ‘ ‘Grenade,’ Enrique Iglesias ‘ ‘Dirty Dancer,’ Lana Del Rey ‘s ‘Summertime Sadness,’ OneRepublic ‘s ‘Apologize,’ Swedish House Mafia ‘s ‘Don’t You Worry Child,’ David Guetta ‘s ‘Titanium,’ Adele ‘s ‘Skyfall’). The covers were meant to get fans excited for the band’s 15th anniversary concert , which took place in Antwerp, Belgium last month. Not all of the track stay true to the original and we offer a few examples below. Check out the symphonic rockers adding some aggression to Bruno Mars’ ‘Grenade,’ making Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’ a haunting tune, stepping up the pace on Gotye’s ‘Somebody That I Used to Know,’ and offering a more atmospheric take on Mumford & Sons’ ‘Little Lion Man.’ Watch Within Temptation Perform Bruno Mars’ ‘Grenade’ Listen to Within Temptation Covering Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’ Listen to Within Temptation Covering Gotye’s ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ Listen to Within Temptation Covering Mumford & Sons’ ‘Little Lion Man’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/within-temptation-singer-weve-already-written-six-songs-for-next-album/” title=”Next: Within Temptation Writing for Next Album” align=”center”]
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images Asking Alexandria recently stated that their next album might be more radio-friendly , but before that arrives there’s a free compilation en route that definitely features music familiar to radio listeners. The group has recorded a digital EP titled ‘Under the Influence’ that will be available for free to Revolver Magazine subscribers. The set includes four cover songs, including the band’s take on such classics as Journey ‘s ‘Separate Ways,’ Motley Crue ‘s ‘Kickstart My Heart,’ Whitesnake ‘s ‘Here I Go Again,’ and Def Leppard ‘s ‘Hysteria.’ In addition, the band will tack on their latest single, ‘Run Free,’ for fans to enjoy as well. To get the free EP, simply subscribe to Revolver online here if you’re not already a subscriber. In between wrapping up their summer Mayhem Tour stint and headlining the late 2012 Monster Energy Outbreak Tour , Asking Alexandria found time to work out some new material for their next disc. Guitarist Ben Bruce said of their new music, “[The new album is] a lot more mature. [We may have] a lot of radio singles — what we’re calling radio singles, songs we’re going to push towards radio and try to accelerate our career and get to the next level and hopefully bring our old fans across with us.” But for fans who raised a few eyebrows over those comments, the guitarist assures, “[The rest of it will be] our usual balls-to-the-wall kind of stuff. We spent a long time honing in on our song structures and writing techniques and things like that, but there are still heavy songs on the record. We’re not just going to throw that away and kick our original fan base in the teeth by getting rid of all that. There will still be a lot of riffing and screaming. But we feel like we did find a happy medium between being heavy and then being light enough to be on radio, but still keeping the balls in the songs.” [button href=”http://loudwire.com/asking-alexandria-danny-worsnop-thanks-fans-support-during-sober-summer-touring/” title=”Next: Asking Alexandria’s Danny Worsnop Thanks Fans For Sober Summer” align=”center”]