Posts Tagged ‘swedish’

Meshuggah Vocalist Jens Kidman Misses U.S. Shows Due to Illness, Replaced by Cardboard Cutout

Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Meshuggah vocalist Jens Kidman has been fighting a serious flu during his band’s current North American tour with Animals as Leaders + Intronaut . Since Feb. 12, Kidman has been unable to perform because of his affliction, forcing the rest of the Swedish extreme metal band to get creative with filling Kidman’s vacant spot. Tonight (Feb. 15), Meshuggah are hitting New York City for a crushing performance, but since Jens Kidman hasn’t been healthy enough to perform in Atlanta, Ga., Charlotte, N.C. and Philadelphia, respectfully, the vocalist is still questionable for the show, along with Meshuggah’s remaining North American dates . The band took to Facebook on Feb. 12, breaking the bad news of Kidman’s illness to their Atlanta fans: Jens is down with the flu. And this flu means business. He has been forbidden to even speak. He’s mute for now. WE WILL PLAY ANYWAY. So memorize the lyrics and bring your very best growl Atlanta. You will all be Jens tonight!! Lets make this happen! We hope he’s back tomorrow, or it’ll be vocal-duties Charlotte! To help replicate Meshuggah’s heavier-than-hell live show, the group brought a cardboard cutout of Kidman onto the stage to fill his empty space, while a live vocal track from a past Meshuggah performance blasted through the speakers. Intronaut guitarist / vocalist Sacha Dunable has also been giving Meshuggah a helping hand (or voice) by claiming guest vocal duties for ‘New Millennium Cyanide Christ.’ Kidman himself posted an apology via Meshuggah’s Facebook page right before the act’s Feb. 13 Charlotte gig: I just need to say a few words here guys. I’m truly unable to perform tonight. Again. Me not being able to do what I’m supposed to do is really really frustrating and I feel that I’m letting you all down. Not just you, the fans, but the band as well. But we try to make the absolute best we can out of this situation. So its either cancel OR play for you guys anyway. We opt for playing. Its what we’re here to do. So that’s what we’ll do. With your help it’ll be awesome. I will see the doctor again tomorrow and will hopefully get a green light to perform in Philly. Fingers crossed. So a big humble thanks goes out to all of you for your support and understanding!! Let the mayhem commence Charlotte!!! /Jens Stay tuned for more news on Meshuggah and the health status of Jens Kidman. Meshuggah Perform ‘Bleed’ with Cardboard Jens Kidman (Live in Atlanta) Meshuggah Perform ‘New Millenium Cyanide Christ’ with Sacha Dunable (Live in Atlanta) [button href=”http://loudwire.com/meshuggah-bleed-top-21st-century-metal-songs/” title=”Meshuggah – Top 21st Century Metal Songs” align=”center”]

Swedish Rockers Avatar Unleash ‘Freak Show’ in New York City

Chuck Armstrong, Loudwire On Jan. 30, 2013, history was made for the Swedish hard rock band, Avatar . Filling the basement of New York City’s Webster Hall, known as The Studio, Avatar played their first show on US soil since their inception in 2001. Playing a 10-song set, the guys from Sweden set the bar high for their upcoming tour with Sevendust and Lacuna Coil , which kicks off on Feb. 1 in Greenville, S.C. Being their first show in the States, most in attendance weren’t quite sure what to expect. As lead singer Johannes Eckerström came out onstage in a full-leather outfit, including a leather hood, Avatar tore into ‘Let Us Die’ from their latest album, ‘Black Waltz.’ The bar was set for the rest of the night. Blistering rock pummeled The Studio at Webster Hall as Avatar ripped through song after song, leaving no time for anyone to catch their breath. The highlight of the night came with the final song in the set, ‘Smells Like a Freak Show.’ With the video debuting recently on Loudwire , it was easy to see the band was excited to unveil the tune on U.S. soil. The energy onstage bled through to the crowd as fans were singing along and banging their heads to the infectious rhythm. If Avatar’s debut in America is any sign of what’s to come, don’t miss your chance to see the Swedish rockers opening for Sevendust and Lacuna Coil. You won’t be disappointed. Avatar’s latest album, ‘Black Waltz,’ is currently available at iTunes . Avatar Jan. 30, 2012 New York, N.Y. Set List: ‘Let Us Die’ ‘Dying to See You Die’ ‘Torn Apart’ ‘Let It Burn’ ‘Black Waltz’ ‘Napalm’ ‘Paint Me Red’ ‘Ready For the Ride’ ‘Smells Like a Freak Show’ Photos of Avatar at The Studio at Webster Hall Chuck Armstrong, Loudwire Chuck Armstrong, Loudwire Chuck Armstrong, Loudwire Chuck Armstrong, Loudwire Chuck Armstrong, Loudwire Chuck Armstrong, Loudwire Chuck Armstrong, Loudwire

Opeth to Tour North America in Spring 2013?

Roadrunner Swedish progressive metal masters Opeth have posted a mystery teaser via Roadrunner Records. We can only speculate as to what it means, but the video depicts a spinning Planet Earth with the signature Opeth logo appearing as the globe stops over North America. Accompanying the band’s logo, ‘Spring 2013′ materializes before the short teaser fades away. Immediately after the mystery video was posted, various theories began to float around the internet, and although no official announcement has been revealed along with the 30-second clip, a recent quote from frontman Mikael Akerfeldt  suggests an upcoming North American tour. “We still have a few details to work out,” Akerfeldt told Roadrunner in a November 2012 interview, “but we were supposed to be in the U.S. in the fall [of 2012] and we didn’t do it, so we’re gonna be in the U.S. in the spring, I think. But it’s not completely settled yet, so I’m not sure. I can’t say 100 percent that we’re gonna be there. But 90 percent sure, we’re going on a North American tour, which will be the last lengthy tour that we do for this record.” Opeth blazed through North America in 2012 for an incredible tour with Mastodon and Ghost , and although it’s been less than a year since we interviewed Akerfeldt ourselves and checked out Opeth’s live show, WE WANT THEM BACK! Here’s hoping for a 2013 North American tour from our Swedish friends in Opeth. Watch Opeth’s Mystery ‘Spring 2013′ Video [button href=”http://loudwire.com/opeth-blackwater-park-top-21st-century-metal-songs/” title=”Opeth – Top 21st Century Metal Songs” align=”center”]

Eye Empire vs. Sister Sin – Cage Match

Photos: Facebook: Eye Empire, David Jackson / Facebook: Sister Sin With Motionless In White winning five consecutive matches to enter Loudwire’s Cage Match Hall of Fame, it’s time for two new bands and their latest tracks to duke it out. First up are  Eye Empire and their track ‘I Pray’ off of their debut album ‘Moment of Impact’ and also featured on their two disc follow-up ‘Impact.’ Eye Empire consists of Dark New Day members bassist Corey Lowery and B.C. Kochmit, as well as Submersed vocalist Donald Carpenter and drummer Ryan Bennett. Challenging Eye Empire are Swedish metallers Sister Sin , who heat things up with their lead single ‘ End of the Line’ off their new disc ‘Now and Forever.’ The band is also set to hit the road for a massive tour of the States in 2013 with Doro. For a full list of dates and cities, go here . So will Eye Empire’s prayers be answered for a win or will this be the start of a string of victories for Sister Sin with ‘End of the Line’? Get in on the action and vote for your favorite track below! (This Cage Match will run until Friday, Dec. 7 at 8AM ET. Fans can vote once per hour! So come back and vote often to make sure your favorite song wins!) Listen to Eye Empire, ‘I Pray’ Listen to Sister Sin, ‘End of the Line’ Sorry, you need to have javascript running to see this poll. Email Me When Cage Match Winners Are Announced Enter your email address below to receive the Loudwire newsletter, which will include notification of the daily winner of the Cage Match, as well as our top stories of the day. Email Rules of Cage Match: Fans can vote once per hour for their favorite song. If a song remains the reigning champ for five straight cage matches, it is retired to the Loudwire Cage Match Hall of Fame. With so many great songs out there, we have to give other bands a chance!

Meshuggah Announce 2013 North American Tour

Nuclear Blast Records After dazzling North American audiences on a tour earlier this year, Swedish titans  Meshuggah will be making a triumphant return to the continent in early 2013. The tour will kick off Feb. 11, 2013 in Orlando, Fla. Animals as Leaders and Intronaut will be opening for Meshuggah. Guitarist Marten Hagstrom talks about the upcoming trek as follows: “Finally, we’re getting our asses back over the pond to deliver a second helping of the Ophidian trek across North America. We are excited. We WILL see you there!” The band is touring in support of ‘ Koloss ,’ which was released to rave reviews in March. It has sold more than 42,000 copies in the United States. The single ‘Break Those Bones Whose Sinews Gave It Motion’ from that album entered Loudwire’s Death Match Hall of Fame in April. Advanced presale tickets & V.I.P bundles for Meshuggah’s North American tour are available  here . The login is “meshuggah” and the password is “tickets.” The regular onsale date is Friday, Nov. 30. Meshuggah are  currently on tour in Europe. After next year’s North American run, the road warriors will return to Scandinavia for another leg of the Ophidian tour in April, 2013. Meshuggah Tour Dates 02/11/13 – Beacham Theatre – Orlando, Fla. 02/12/13 – Center Stage – Atlanta, Ga. 02/13/13 – The Fillmore Charlotte – Charlotte, N.C. 02/14/13 – Theater of Living Arts – Philadelphia, Pa. 02/15/13 – Roseland Ballroom – New York, N.Y. 02/16/13 – The Fillmore Silver Spring – Silver Spring, Md. 02/17/13 – House of Blues – Boston, Mass. 02/19/13 – Sound Academy – Toronto, ON – CANADA 02/20/13 – House of Blues – Cleveland, Ohio 02/21/13 – Bogart’s – Cincinnati, Ohio 02/22/13 – House of Blues – Chicago, Ill. 02/23/13 – Pop’s – Sauget, Ill. 02/24/13 – Mill City Nights – Minneapolis, Minn. 02/26/13 – Union Hall – Edmonton, AB – CANADA 02/27/13 – MacEwan Hall Ballroom – Calgary, AB – CANADA 03/01/13 – Ace of Spades – Sacramento, Calif. 03/02/13 – Wiltern Theater – Los Angeles, Calif. 03/03/13 – House of Blues @ Mandalay Bay – Las Vegas, Nev.

10 Best Lamb of God Songs

Epic Records The best Lamb of God songs are powered by their potent deep grooves. Not since Pantera, their fellow Southerners, has a band focused so much on power grooves. Those are what give a song depth and catchiness, not to mention muscle. Power grooves and supreme guitar prowess are certainly the hallmarks of this Virginia band's sound, as are the gritty, venomous vocals of frontman Randy Blythe. For all the fury present in LOG's sound, there's also an intelligence and attention to detail when it comes to the art of songcraft. Plus, you walk away remembering the melodies. The band formerly known as Burn the Priest has released six studio albums under the LOG moniker and they are as consistent as they are brutal. We have sifted through the band's entire cataLOG and have selected our picks for the 10 Best Lamb of God Songs. ? 10 'Ghost Walking' From: 'Resolution' (2012) ? ? 'Ghost Walking' is a textbook example of what's entirely familiar about Lamb of God at this point: rolling riffs, Meshuggah-meets-Pantera grooves and throaty, growled vocals. It's a chunky track with cajones that hang to the floor. From the first power riff, you know it's Lamb of God, from the tone and style. That's how you know they are one of the most important bands in metal – when they are identifiable by a few notes, chords or riffs. Listen to 'Ghost Walking' ? ? 9 'Set to Fail' From: 'Wrath' (2009) ? ? The fast and chunky 'Wrath' track 'Set to Fail' has a bit of hardcore energy coursing through its veins. Drummer Chris Adler's hand and footwork is particularly intense and impressive, as he smashes away at his instrument, infusing his percussion with passion in a way that would make Animal from The Muppets proud. It's a faster than what we'd normally expect from Lamb of God, but they certainly pull it off with poise. Even though the band feels the need for speed here, they never pull up the emergency brake on the groove. That's why it's one of the 10 Best Lamb of God songs. Listen to 'Set to Fail' ? ? 8 'As the Palaces Burn' From: 'As the Palaces Burn' (2003) ? ? Much like 'Ruin' from the same album, the title track from their 2003 release 'As the Palaces Burn' demonstrates a command of their instruments and of their grooves. Power grooves were perfected by Pantera, but Lamb of God came along and injected them with a bit of Swedish tech metal influence. Who knew that a pack of rednecks from below the Maison-Dixon line could cull so much inspiration from Scandinavia? They did, and the result is their own unique sound, as evidenced by 'As the Palaces Burn.' Listen to 'As the Palaces Burn' ? ? 7 'Walk With Me in Hell' From: 'Sacrament' (2006) ? ? Everything about the song 'Walk With Me in Hell' is devastating. It's a true LOG signature that inspires headbanging in even the stiffest wallflower. The song's layers upon layers of tension leap out of the speakers and will cause the kind of headbanging that leaves you with broken blood vessels in your neck and a massive migraine. Blythe also sounds like he scaled the bowels of Hades to spit lyrical venom … right into your ear. Listen to 'Walk With Me in Hell' ? ? 6 '11th Hour' From: 'As the Palaces Burn' (2003) ? ? Another quality, well-constructed song from 'As the Palaces Burn,' the track '11th Hour' is also a fan favorite. It's speeding-bullet fast and crunchy, with plenty of the requisite groove. It's nastier than a street fight, and that's why '11th Hour' is one of the 10 Best Lamb of God songs. When you get to the 56-second mark, you can imagine fingers running up and down a fretboard, as the song exemplifies the vivid playing of axemen Mark Morton and Willie Adler. Listen to '11th Hour' ? ? 5 'Laid to Rest' From: 'Ashes of the Wake' (2004) ? ? Despite being a steel-toe-to-the-teeth brutal song, 'Laid to Rest' is one of the 10 Best Lamb of God songs because, like many key songs in their catalog and on this list, it manages to thread a potent, unforgettable melody through all the maelstrom. The bluster is tempered by memorable melodic parts and singalongs. When Blythe dutifully barks, “Destroy yourself / See who gives a f—,” and guitarists Morton and Adler roll in like soldiers on tanks firing away with machine gun riffage, it knocks the wind out of you. Listen to 'Laid to Rest' ? ? 4 'Ruin' From: 'As the Palaces' Burn' (2003) ? ? Lamb of God were all fists and fury on their 2000 debut. They maintained the pace and they aggression on the followup, but there was a certain level of polish and maturity to songs like 'Ruin,' which meshed this Meshuggah-like technical prowess with that deep-fried, Southern groove, which picked is why they are largely considered to have picked up where the mighty. Pantera left off. The pupils transitioned to teacher on this song, which is one of Lamb of God's best. Listen to 'Ruin' ? ? 3 'Redneck' From: 'Sacrament' (2006) ? ? Being that Lamb of God are from Virginia, they wear their “American by birth, Southern by the grace of God” pride like a badge of honor. 'Redneck' is a bit of a salute to their heritage, in addition to being a blistering, groove-centered jam. It also earned them a much-deserved Grammy nomination. When Blythe snarls, “This is a motherf—ing invitation,” most fans take it as encouragement to mosh. The band, also known for asking fans to erect the “Wall of Death” in their moshpits, where the crowd splits and then runs at one another, 'Braveheart'-style on the count of three, perfected its formula here. Listen to 'Redneck' ? ? 2 'Black Label' From: 'New American Gospel' (2000) ? ? The accelerating opening riff, which repeats throughout the song, and the tin can drumming are easily the most recognizable elements of 'Black Label.' And that riff? Well, it's one of the most definitive in the entire Lamb of God song collection and one of the most memorable in metal as a whole. It's easily one of the 10 Best Lamb of God songs because it's as distinct as DNA. Devastatingly heavy sums it up. Listen to 'Black Label' ? ? 1 'Now You've Got Something To Die For' From: 'Ashes of the Wake' (2004) ? ? 'Now You've Got Something To Die For' has risen to be one of the most recognized and loved songs in the entire cataLOG. It features everything that fans love: power grooves, Blythe's “I gargled with whisky and razor blades” vocal viciousness and ticking time bomb percussion. It has a deeper message, lyrically speaking, and it's delivered in a way that demands your attention. It's also hooky as hell. It truly defines what Lamb of God are, where they've been and where they are going. Listen to 'Now You've Got Something to Die For' ? ? What is Your Favorite Lamb of God Song? Now that you've seen our choices for the 10 Best Lamb of God songs, we're inviting you to tell us your favorites. Did we miss your top track? Or do we have the same exact taste when it comes to LOG songs? Now is your chance to share your thoughts and opinions on the best songs by these metal titans. ?

Iron Maiden Chosen as First Rock Band to Play Stockholm’s Friends Arena

Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com The boys of Iron Maiden are breaking new ground for rock and metal, as the group will be the first rock band ever to play Stockholm’s Friends Arena. The 50,000-capacity venue is brand new, so Iron Maiden will christen the arena with their pummeling metal tracks on July 13, 2013.  “It is a great honor to be the first rock band to be announced to play the new national stadium, especially as we have always had a very close connection with your country and have massively enjoyed every visit,” singer Bruce Dickinson said in an official statement . “We were completely overwhelmed by the reaction from our North American fans to the ‘Maiden England’ tour, which was our most extensive tour there for many years. We had a lot of fun playing the older songs and the fans seemed to love the set list and Eddie’s various incarnations! The band can’t wait to bring this show to our Swedish fans.” “’The Final Frontier’ show in Ullevi last year was magic, along with the very warm reception we received from our friends in Sweden,” bass player Steve Harris added. “It’s terrific to return next year, especially playing in the new national stadium for the first time. This time around we will be playing the older songs and think our fans will enjoy this just as much!” Tickets for the Stockholm show will go on sale on Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 9 a.m. (local time), and those who are members of Iron Maiden’s fan club can get in on a special, pre-sale running from 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30 (local times). [button href=”http://loudwire.com/iron-maiden-the-talisman-top-21st-century-metal-songs/” title=”Next: Iron Maiden: Top 21st Century Metal Songs” align=”center”]