Rock and metal stars got into the Halloween spirit this year, dressing up in all sorts of wacky costumes, and in some cases, as each other. From frightening, to confusing, bizarre and hilarious, members of Metallica , Machine Head , Motley Crue , Iwrestledabearonce + more acts showcased their Halloween spirit with some awesome costumes. Check them out below! Nikki Sixx’s Crazy Clown Makeup Machine Head’s Robb Flynn as a Viking Machine Head’s Adam Duce as a Caveman Iwrestledabearonce as Korn! Lacuna Coil’s ‘Creepy’ Cristina Scabbia Lacuna Coil Full Band Costumes Sammy Hagar in Paradise + Metallica’s James Hetfield as Sammy Hagar Bring Me the Horizon Goes Transgender Every Time I Die Werewolf Betraying the Martyrs Go Black Metal Oceano’s Assorted Mix [button href=”http://loudwire.com/black-sabbath-horror-movies-that-inspired-band-names” title=”See the Horror Movies that Inspired Band Names” align=”center”]
Relapse Heavier-than-hell doom band Hooded Menace recently released their third album, ‘Effigies of Evil.’ The album is an absolute beast, but one of the most captivating parts of the record is the stunningly terrifying album art. David D’Andrea created the art for ‘Effigies of Evil,’ and we’ve got the exclusive back-story about D’Andrea’s piece, along with sketches detailing the process of creating the visual aspect for ‘Effigies of Evil.’ “The Effigies of Evil artwork is based on the “Blind Dead” film series,” says David D’Andrea , “which began in 1971 with Amando de Ossorio’s original entitled “La Noche del Terror Ciego” (The Night of the Blind Terror). This film was proceeded by three more which loosely followed the story line.” He continues, “Blind Templar zombies swarm their human victims at an obscenely slow and creepy pace. The eyes are hollow pits due to the fact that they were gouged out by seagulls while their Templar corpses hung from the gallows. Seagulls also play an important part in the fourth film, ‘La Noche de las Gaviotas.’” “Hooded Menace recommended I use the film series and the title “Effigies of Evil” as inspiration,” D’Andrea details. “I could not have asked for a more fruitful starting point! The piece evolved quite naturally and eventually became the wrap-around scene as featured on the album. The original piece is India Ink on illustration board, roughly 11 x 17 inches.” Now that you’ve gotten the inside info behind the masterful artwork, check out an exclusive look into the creation of the ‘Effigies of Evil’ piece. To buy Hooded Menace’s ‘Effigies of Evil,’ click here .
Photo by Ty Watkins In 1982, Brian Slagel started a record label that would turn into one of the premiere labels in the world of hard rock and metal. Celebrating 30 years in the industry with Metal Blade Records, Slagel decided to throw a party for the fans in New York City. Michigan heavy metalers Battlecross opened the night at Santos Party House, and As I Lay Dying closed things out. Being with Metal Blade for nearly a decade, it was no doubt an unbelievable honor for As I Lay Dying to help Slagel celebrate 30 years. Before the gig, Loudwire had the chance to catch up with Nick Hipa and Phil Sgrosso, both guitarists from the band, to chat about their new album, what it was like touring on the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival and more. Leading up to the release of your latest album, ‘Awakened,’ you gave your fans a taste of what to expect with the tune ‘Cauterize.’ Do you think that is a good representation of the album as a whole? Nick Hipa: We’re all pretty confident that the fans are going to be into the album as a whole based on the response we got from ‘Cauterize.’ That’s just the tip of the iceberg as far as the whole album goes. If people can get into that, they’ll be stoked for what the rest of the album is. You recorded ‘Awakened’ in Fort Collins, Colo. I get the feeling this is a bit isolating as far as the metal community goes. NH: You know, the experience was awesome. It allowed us to be more productive than we’ve ever been. That mostly was a result of Phil and I being able to record all day, everyday for the majority of the day in our own rooms while the rest of the guys were recording in San Diego. That made it a lot more enjoyable. We weren’t as stressed out with timing and scheduling. The icing on the cake is that Fort Collins is just a really cool place. Phil Sgrosso: It definitely helped that we didn’t have any distractions, not worrying about family plans or something that would cause us to leave early. It was great to just focus on the record and get it done. Just a little over a month ago, you guys wrapped up the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. What was it like touring with bands like Slayer, Anthrax and Slipknot? PS: It was great. The mainstage was all the older bands and the classic metal bands. Slipknot , they’ve been around for 15 years or so, but they’re such a presence on the tour. It was nice playing with those bands and sharing the stage with them. There was a lot of energy with the festival. Everyone was pretty stoked about it. Any crazy stories from that tour? NH: Not so much crazy, but one of the things that sticks out to me is that a lot of the nights on tour there would be a tour-sponsored mixer where a band would be in charge of throwing a party. Usually there was a theme associated with it. Anthrax had a Halloween theme and everyone dressed up. Lemmy and the rest of the dudes from Motorhead showed up in costume, they were dressed up as the Blues Brothers. To me that was incredible because Lemmy is definitely an older guy and he’s been around for a really long time. It was great to see that someone like that hasn’t been jaded by the biz. He’s got a really good sense of himself and is really down to earth. He still has a good time. That was really awesome to me. It was like, “Oh, Lemmy’s here, and he’s in a costume!” What’s it mean to be a part of the Metal Blade family, playing their 30th anniversary show tonight? NH: We’re all proud to be on a label like Metal Blade. Metal Blade has been very reputable the whole time, it’s cool to be a part of it and be amongst the roster of bands that have excelled in their genres or done cool things in the world of heavy music. It’s been a pleasure working with them and being on the label for this long. PS: It’s kind of crazy to think that we’re playing our label’s 30th anniversary show. The owner, Brian Slagel, has seen it all happen. We’re definitely honored to be with them. You mentioned the world of heavy music. As I Lay Dying have been around for over a decade, and I would say you have ventured past the term ‘up-and-comers.’ That being said, in the last couple of years, there have definitely been some new bands that have really made a splash in the music scene. Have there been any acts that have caught your ear? NH: Even though we’re in a [Loudwire] Death Match with Gojira right now, they’re one of the heavier bands that are out there right now that are blowing us all away. They write such creative and crushingly heavy music, and we got to play with them a few months ago. They’re incredible live. They’re one of my favorite heavy bands right now. [Editor’s note: As I Lay Dying’s ‘A Greater Foundation’ was in battle with Gojira’s ‘The Axe’ at the time of the interview.] What’s next for As I Lay Dying? PS: We’ll be heading over to Europe for a month with Trivium. Then after that we’ll be on the Monster Outbreak Tour, a few Canadian dates and the rest will be in the states. So, basically two months of touring for the rest of the year. ? Live Photos From the Metal Blade 30th Anniversary Party As I Lay Dying: Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire Battlecross: Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire The Finnish folk metalers of Korpiklaani graced New York’s Gramercy Theater on Saturday (Sept. 22) with a stellar performance along with Moonsorrow, Tyr and Metsatoll. The New York crowd moshed, danced and crowd surfed during the entire Korpiklaani set. The band had charming stage presence as they played fan favorites such as ‘Levan Polka,’ ‘Kunnia,’ ‘Wooden Pints,’ ‘Journey Man’ and numerous others. They also played some tavern tunes that the crowd appreciated such as ‘Beer Beer,’ ‘Vodka,’ ‘Tequila,’ ‘Happy Little Boozer,’ just to name a few. The Helsinki pagan metalers of Moonsorrow rocked fans with their heavy sound as they donned fake blood all over their faces and body. Sweaty and smelly doom metal never sounded so killer. While the gentleman of Tyr, from the Faroe Islands, had an outstanding set as they won over some New York City fans. The band had the ability to incite mosh pits with one song and cause couples to slow dance with another. Estonian group Metsatoll kicked off the incredible night of European metal, which was a true treat for the NYC crowd. Korpiklaani’s North American Tour in support of their album ‘Manala’ has ended, but you can check out our photos of the New York gig below. The band is currently on tour in Europe. For a full list of dates and countries, go here . Korpiklaani Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Moonsorrow: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Tyr: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Whoever said that good things come in threes was obviously referring to the pack of trios that provide the core lineup of the ‘Triple Threat’ Tour. Headlined by the trio Seether with support by fellow three-piece acts Sick Puppies and Kyng , there’s a lot to love about the number three. Of course, opening quintet Young Guns broke the ‘three’ chain, but more of that later. Seether have quietly churned out five albums over the past decade on Wind-Up Records with their grunge infused brand of rock. Their massive collection of hits seem to sneak up on you and It’s not until you experience their live set that you realize how deep their catalog runs and the range of success they’ve had. Throughout their rock ‘n’ roll tenure they’ve impacted the genre with singles ranging from ‘Gasoline’ from 2002’s ‘Disclaimer’ all the way through to ‘Country Song’ from the trio’s latest release, 2011’s ‘Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray’ – both of which made it into the set list. Seether fans generally know what’s in store when the band hits the stage but with the ‘Triple Threat’ tour kicking off last night the band debuted their new stage set up for the headlining run. Seether have always sported imaginative sets and their latest is no different, but we encourage fans to check it out for themselves! We can tell you this, bassist Dale Stewart hit the stage sporting a silver facemask and drummer John Humphrey’s drum kit was flanked by swanky chandeliers while the more elusive Shaun Morgan settled in behind his microphone with guitar in hand, but the rest, well, tune in to check it out. Their meaty set flew by quickly so don’t blink or it will be over before you know it. Sick Puppies have stepped away from the live stage for a bit to concentrate on their upcoming disc but they dusted off the road rust for one of the best sets of the evening providing a high-energy, interactive romp that showed what the Aussie rockers are all about. With bassist Emma Anzai’s thumping basslines to Mark Goodwin’s rhythmic lead on drums and lead vocalist, guitarist, and all around Sick Puppies ring-leader Shimon Moore instructing the audience to bounce, clap, and get to know the people around them a little better because after all “this is a sweaty rock show,” their set clocked in at 45 minutes of intense rock. Highlights of the Sick Puppies set included a first listen to a new song, at least a short instrumental piece of it. (Fans who pre-ordered the new disc were entered to win a chance to hear the whole new album with the band backstage post show!), a moving cover of the Tears For Fears tune ‘Mad World,’ and their single ‘Maybe’ from their last disc ‘Tri-Polar.’ Throughout the set Moore’s vocals were complemented beautifully by Anzai’s female touch, just another element of the band that sets them apart from the rest. Kyng provided a short but powerful set with their “new age vintage” mix of classic rock meets classic metal with influences of the 90s era of grunge thrown in for good measure – paying homage to the best of the past and molding it into their own unique sound. Their no-nonsense approach to their set allowed for the maximum allotted time for head-banging and getting caught in a groove. Their disc ‘Trampled Sun’ came out in September of last year and the trio has been riding high since. Music fans who got to the House of Blues early met Wind-Up Record’s latest signing, the UK rockers in Young Guns. The youthful group showed a lot of promise and gratitude making the most of their opportunity to play in front of the large Boston crowd. Their set was highlighted by the title track off of their disc, ‘Bones.’ Four bands over the course of one night provided a ton of rock n’ roll goodness and all with their own spin on things making for an eclectic evening of music. The ‘Triple Threat’ tour rages on through the end of October so hit it up when it rolls into your town. Check out our exclusive photos from the show below. Seether: Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Sick Puppies: Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Kyng: Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Young Guns: Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Slash and his gang are on a nonstop trek in promotion of their latest album ‘Apocalyptic Love’ and New York fans definitely showed them some love Tuesday night, Sept. 18, at Hammerstein Ballroom. Slash featuring Myles Kennedy (of Alter Bridge) & The Conspirators rocked the crowd with tunes that spread the span of Slash’s shredding career. Their set kicked off with ‘Halo’ off of the new record and they went on to play other fresh tracks such as ‘Bad Rain,’ ‘No More Heroes,’ ‘Not For Me’ as well as singles ‘Standing in the Sun’ and ‘You’re a Lie.’ They also performed a few songs from Slash’s first solo disc, including ‘Back From Cali,’ ‘Starlight,’ ‘We’re All Gonna Die’ and ‘Ghost.’ During the course of the night, Myles Kennedy belted out Guns N’ Roses classics ‘Night Train,’ ‘Rocket Queen,’ ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine,’ ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ and the set closer ‘Paradise City.’ The Velvet Revolver tune ‘Slither’ made its way on the set list as well as the song ‘Been There Lately’ from Slash’s Snakepit. Slash to a guitar is the same as Myles Kennedy to a microphone — both are impeccable at what they do and to see them together onstage is an absolute treat. Speaking of a treat, Foxy Shazam took the stage to warm up the crowd and just seeing this band onstage causes excessive perspiration. Frontman Eric Nally sported a new blonde look as he sang, flipped, somersaulted, danced and bounced all over the stage. After a couple of concert goers shouted ‘You Suck’ and called Nally a derogatory name, the frontman gave them a few choice words Foxy Shazam style and proceeded to do his signature deed of smoking multiple cigarettes onstage — provided by the crowd members, of course. Every member of the band is constantly moving to the point where if you blink you may feel that you have missed a vital part of their set…chances are you probably did. To make sure you don’t miss Slash when he comes to town, check out a full list of remaining cities and dates here . Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Foxy Shazam: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire