Photos: Lava Records, Universal Republic / Lindsey Byrnes, Coheed and Cambria Facebook Black Veil Brides and their army continue to march strong with ‘In The End’ as they narrowly beat out HIM in the last round, but will they be able to take down their new challengers? Coheed and Cambria enter the Cage Match with their new single ‘Dark Side of Me’ off of ‘The Aftermath: Descension.’ the upcoming second part of their double album. ‘The Aftermath: Descension’ hits stores Feb. 5, and follows the October 2012 release of ‘The Aftermath: Ascension. ‘The band also has tour dates lined up with Between the Buried and Me for February and March. For a full list of dates and cities, go here . So will Black Veil Brides stay on the path to victory with ‘In the End’ of will Coheed and Cambria come out on the winning side with ‘Dark Side of Me’? Listen to both singles and vote for your favorite in the poll below! (This Cage Match will run until Monday, Jan. 21, at 8AM ET. Fans can vote once per hour! So come back and vote often to make sure your favorite song wins!) Black Veil Brides, ‘In the End’ Coheed and Cambria, ‘Dark Side of Me’ 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!
Megaforce Anthrax have just unleashed the first track from their upcoming EP, ‘Anthems.’ The thrash legends have compiled six cover songs along with two versions of the band’s ‘Worship Music’ track ‘Crawl,’ but this cover of Rush ‘s ‘Anthem’ is perfectly fitting as the first to be released by the group, as it is the EP’s namesake. Along with Anthrax’s new version of ‘Anthem,’ the soon-to-be-released EP will include covers of Thin Lizzy’s ‘Jailbreak,’ AC/DC’s ‘TNT,’ Cheap Trick’s ‘Big Eyes,’ Boston’s ‘Smokin” and Journey’s ‘Keep on Runnin’.’ The upcoming 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees of Rush are one of Anthrax’s biggest influences, as drummer Charlie Benante tells Rolling Stone . “When I was first learning to play drums, I would strap on my headphones, play along with [Rush’s live album All the World’s a Stage] and be transformed,” Benante describes. “I remember talking with Cliff [Burton] and Kirk [Hammett of Metallica] back when we first met, and we all agreed how much of an influence Rush was on all of us. I don’t [know] if you would hear anything that sounds like Rush in Anthrax’s music, but the passion, the drive, the musicianship and the appreciation is all there.” Both Anthrax and Rush fans have something unique to hear with this ‘Anthem’ cover, as Anthrax throw their trademark thrash spin on the prog classic. To hear Anthrax’s version of ‘Anthem,’ check out the track via the link to Rolling Stone below. [button href=”http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/anthrax-pay-tribute-to-rush-with-anthem-song-premiere-20130118″ title=”Listen to Anthrax’s Cover of ‘Anthem’ at RollingStone.com” align=”center”]
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com There’s been a shakeup this week at the top of the Loudwire Top 20 Countdown, with a new No. 1 overall. Avenged Sevenfold ‘s ‘Carry On’ has staked its claim on the top spot this week, ousting Shinedown ‘s ‘Enemies’ from the No. 1 position. Elsewhere in the top five, Volbeat ‘s ‘Heaven Nor Hell’ makes a big leap up two spots from No. 4 to No. 2. All That Remains ‘ ‘Stand Up’ holds firm at No. 3, and Chevelle ‘s ‘Same Old Trip’ climbs a notch from No. 5 to No. 4 this week. Volbeat’s ‘Heaven Nor Hell’ ties Alice in Chains ‘ ‘Hollow for the rapid riser this week. Both tracks jumped two notches, with ‘Hollow’ moving from No. 16 to No. 14. Rounding out the Top 5 is the aforementioned Shinedown track ‘Enemies,’ which dropped four notches from the top spot. This week also features the debut of two new tracks. Halestorm ‘s ‘Freak Like Me’ slips in at No. 19 and Otherwise ‘s ‘I Don’t Apologize’ arrives at No. 20. Check out the Top 20 songs below and be sure to tune in to Loudwire Radio this weekend to rock out to your favorite songs. Loudwire Radio Top 20 Songs of the Week: 20. Otherwise, ‘I Don’t Apologize’ 19. Halestorm, ‘Freak Like Me’ 18. Nonpoint, ‘Left for You’ 17. Hinder, ‘Save Me’ 16. Stone Sour, ‘Absolute Zero’ 15. Slash, ‘Standing in the Sun’ 14. Alice in Chains, ‘Hollow’ 13. Papa Roach, ‘Where Did the Angels Go’ 12. P.O.D., ‘Higher’ 11. Five Finger Death Punch, ‘The Pride’ 10. Soundgarden, ‘Been Away Too Long’ 9. Young Guns, ‘Bones’ 8. Adelitas Way, ‘Alive’ 7. 3 Doors Down, ‘One Light’ 6. Deftones, ‘Tempest’ 5. Shinedown, ‘Enemies’ 4. Chevelle, ‘Same Old Trip’ 3. All That Remains, ‘Stand Up’ 2. Volbeat, ‘Heaven Nor Hell’ 1. Avenged Sevenfold, ‘Carry On’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/loudwire-radio-station-list/” title=”See Which Stations Air Loudwire Radio” align=”center”]
Nuclear Blast California is the American Mecca for thrash metal. With top thrash innovators such as Metallica , Testament , Autopsy, Exodus , Death Angel and more having risen to fame together in the early ’80s, a very tight-knit brotherhood has been created between these musicians. Despite this bond, Metallica and Testament have never toured together, and during our recent chat with Testament singer Chuck Billy , he told us it’s his “dream” for the two acts to share a bill. Between Metallica and Testament, there are 62 years of thrash history shared among the two acts, with Metallica forming on 1981 and Testament coming together in 1983. Both bands are constantly performing with the world’s biggest thrash acts, such as Metallica headlining numerous ‘Big 4′ shows with Slayer , Megadeth and Anthrax , while Testament toured extensively in 2012 with Anthrax and Death Angel. Testament are even scheduled to headline another iconic tour in 2013 when they hit the road with Overkill . With these simple facts presented, it’s almost unfathomable to believe that Metallica has “never toured or played” with Testament, but according to Billy, it’s 100 percent true. “The band that we’ve always looked up to is Metallica,” reveals Billy. “From day one the songwriting, the aggression of the music, the vibe and what they stood for has always been an iconic goal for us to try and reach. Unfortunately, we’ve never gotten to perform with Metallica. So hopefully one day they look down and say, ‘They’ve come to our shows in the Bay Area, but we’ve never toured with them or played with them before.’ Maybe one day we will get our dream met and we’ll be able to play some shows and share a stage with them. They’ve always been one of those bands we’ve looked up to. I’ve always looked up to James [Hetfield] as a songwriter and a performer.” We can declare with a deep sense of certainty that there is no thrash fanatic out there who would miss a Metallica / Testament tour, so we issue this challenge to Metallica; once you’re finished writing and recording the new album, we call upon you to draft Testament for your next world tour! Who agrees with us? Let your voices be heard in the comments section below. Stay tuned for our full interview with Testament’s Chuck Billy. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/testament-overkill-more-to-embark-on-2013-dark-roots-of-thrash-tour/” title=”Testament + Overkill 2013 Tour Dates” align=”center”]
Dimitrios Kambouris / Larry Busacca, Getty Images Tom Morello may not be rocking with Rage Against the Machine at the moment, but the guitarist has found another tour that will keep him occupied. Morello has agreed to play in Bruce Springsteen ‘s band for their upcoming Australian tour while regular guitarist Steven Van Zandt (above, right) takes a break to shoot episodes of his television series ‘Lilyhammer.’ The admiration between Tom Morello and Bruce Springsteen has been there for years, and the guitar great has frequently joined Springsteen for performances of ‘The Ghost of Tom Joad,’ a song that both ‘The Boss’ and Rage have recorded as part of their catalogs. In addition, Morello turned up on multiple recordings on Springsteen’s most recent album, ‘Wrecking Ball.’ The RATM axeman has also signed on to perform at the 2013 MusiCares benefit tribute saluting Springsteen next month in Los Angeles. For those wondering, Morello will perform on shows between March 14-31, with multi-night stops in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Macedon along the way. Little Steven is expected to resume his guitar duties with Springsteen’s band beginning Apr. 29 in Oslo, Norway. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/tom-morello-unsure-if-rage-against-the-machine-will-ever-perform-again/” title=”Next: Tom Morello Unsure of Rage Against the Machine’s Future” align=”center”]
Jeff Gross, Getty Images – Ozzy Osbourne suffered injuries in a freak fire at his home. Details here: [ Loudwire ] – Founding Lacuna Coil member and Cayne guitarist Claudio Leo has died. [ Loudwire ] – Guitarist Brian ‘Head’ Welch is streaming Love and Death ‘s new album ahead of its release + more Euro dates featuring Head reuniting with his former band Korn have been announced. [ Loudwire ] – David Draiman discusses Disturbed ‘s lengthy hiatus and his latest production project is revealed. [ Loudwire ] – Watch the hard-hitting new video ‘Soldierhead’ from Newsted right here. [ Loudwire ] – The Black Keys and the Dave Matthews Band will be among the top acts playing the 2013 New Orleans Jazz Festival. [ Diffuser.fm ] – Radiohead ‘s Thom Yorke has warned British Prime Minister David Cameron not to use any of his songs for future election campaigns. [ Diffuser.fm ] – Two Detroit icons — Kid Rock and Bob Seger — will team up for a pair of upcoming dates. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] – Need more cowbell? Check out Ultimate Classic Rock’s Top 10 Cowbell Songs list. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ]
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Guitarist Brian ‘Head’ Welch is keeping busy with both his current and former bands. His current group Love and Death return next week with the new album, ‘Between Here & Lost,’ but fans can check the disc out early via a preview stream. Plus, it appears Welch is expanding his temporary reunion with Korn to include their full run of European dates. As for Love and Death, fans can currently take a listen to the new album at Billboard’s website ahead of its release. The disc has already spawned the singles ‘ The Abandoning ‘ and ‘ I W8 4 U ,’ but the full effort can be heard by clicking the link here . Welch says of the new effort, “It’s night and day in every way — the clarity, the low end, the guitar tones, the drums. My first record, it took massive, massive time in the mixing process to get it to sound as good as it does. But this one sounded like a record on the rough mixes.” As for Korn, it was confirmed in November that Welch would join the group for their gigs at Rock Am Ring and Rock Im Park in Germany. Now, singer Jonathan Davis also reveals that Welch will stick around for the UK’s Download fest and other European dates. Davis writes: Download has always held a special spot in Korn’s heart. I’ll never forget the year the fans almost tore the tent down on top of the second stage! This year we have Brian “Head” Welch back with us for our European dates – could it get any better? We are looking forward to it! – JD Welch had previously stated that he feels now is the right time to reunite with Korn, and that he’s looking forward to spending time and playing again with his former bandmates. For the full Korn itinerary, see the tour dates below. Korn’s 2013 European Tour 6/4 — Warsaw, Poland — Impact Festival 6/7 — Nurburgring / Eifel, Germany — Rock am Ring 6/8 — Amneville, France — Sonipshere at Snowhall Park 6/9 — Nuremberg, Germany — Rock im Park 6/14 — Donington Park, U.K. — Download Festival 6/16 — Vienna, Austria — Nova Rock Festival 6/17 — Ostrava, Czech Republic — Cez Arena 6/21 — Clisson, France — Hellfest 6/28 — Dessel, Belgium — Graspop 7/6 — Gothenburg, Sweden — Metaltown at Goteborg Galopp [button href=”http://loudwire.com/korn-munky-optimistic-permanent-reunion-brian-head-welch/” title=”Next: Korn’s Munky Optimistic About Permanent ‘Head’ Reunion” align=”center”]