Liz Ramanand, Loudwire No doubt Machine Head have had massive amounts of success with their 2011 album ‘Locust,’ but now they are starting to plot out their next disc. On Machine Head’s official site , frontman Robb Flynn connects with his fans through his entries called ‘The General Journals: Diary of a Frontman…and other Ramblings” and in his latest journal entry, titled ‘Where Do We Go Now…?,’ Flynn mentions plans for the band to write new material “this week or next.” Even though the frontman doesn’t give any specifics, he does hint that the new songs may not be the long anthems we heard on ‘Locust.’ “No one has really sat down and discussed where we’d like to go in depth, but we have talked about shorter songs (LOL). The last Ten Ton Hammer show we did in London really got us thinking about cool, short songs.” He goes on to talk about some material he has received from guitarists Phill Demmel and drummer Dave McClain. “Phil has told me he has some riffs, McClain e-mailed some cool riffs, I have some pretty awesome riffs tuned down to F that I’m stoked on… so, who knows where it’s all going yet, but it’s definitely starting to bubble. Can’t really tell where it’s all gonna end up, you can’t really plan that out, but that’s some of what we’ve been bouncing around.” Flynn went on to talk about Machine Head becoming free agents as they wrapped up their recording contract with their long time label Roadrunner Records . “It’s an exciting time for us right now, the world is our oyster and we can dictate a lot of fair terms in exchange for our art. There’s been a lot of talk as to what we should and/or shouldn’t do; the music business has changed dramatically since the last deal we signed for ‘Through the Ashes’ back in 2003 (let alone our first deal in 1993), and what we’re looking for in a deal here in 2013 is different.” To read the full post from Robb Flynn’s ‘The General Journals: Diray of a Frontman…and other Ramblings’ go here . [button href=”http://loudwire.com/machine-head-metal-video-of-the-year-2012-loudwire-music-awards/” title=”Next: Machine Head Win Metal Video of the Year in Loudwire 2012 Music Awards” align=”center”]
YouTube Tremonti left fans contemplating what was to come with a teaser for the ‘Wish You Well’ video earlier this week and now that the clip has arrived, it is every bit as spooky as you would expect. The video alternates between Tremonti and his band jamming their latest single and a young boy rocking out on his guitar from a rooftop. How the boy got there is what makes the clip interesting, as the video starts with a camera monitoring the boy playing guitar in a near abandoned room. After a few moments a hulking trench-coated man knocks on the door and leads the stunned youth up the stairs to the rooftop. After whispering something to the boy, then gesturing that he play to his surroundings, the man steps away and lets the boy jam. The rest of the clip finds interspersed, quick-cutting images of the man traveling from house to house and his journey to finding the young boy. The end of the video starts almost as it began with the man arriving at the boy’s door and knocking, though this time we see the apartment number 12. Could this be a clue to something bigger? Tremonti did tease a code in his trailer for the new video, but how does the number figure into the coordinates? It remains to be seen, but a press release on the video stated that the lead up to the clip was just a small part of a future design that the guitarist and his band have in store for their fan base. Stay tuned for more from Tremonti, but in the interim catch the ‘Wish You Well’ video below. Watch Tremonti’s ‘Wish You Well’ Video [button href=”http://loudwire.com/mark-tremonti-adds-u-s-dates-to-2013-tour/” title=”Next: Tremonti Reveals 2013 U.S. Tour Dates” align=”center”]
AOL Buckcherry have been singing about excess with their new single, ‘Gluttony,’ and now they’re sharing a visual representation of the sin with their latest music video. The band recently shot the clip at a church in North Hollywood, Calif., with actor-turned-director Billy Jayne overseeing the shoot. The video finds Josh Todd and the band leading the congregation toward temptation. Guitarist Keith Nelson says of Jayne’s contribution, “It was really refreshing to see his take on what we’re doing because he totally gets the music, he’s connecting with it, and he’s taking it to a different place than a guy who does videos for a living. We got a guy who actually makes movies and TV shows to put his spin on it and it’s been really positive.” Todd recently told Loudwire about the track, “It’s just about trying to control your behavior. They always say that you have to do everything in moderation and that’s never been my experience. One is okay, two is better, three is fantastic and four is the best. I want to consume everything. I want to go big or go home. I’m either on 11 or I’m asleep.” The vocalist also tells Noisecreep , who premiered the clip, “Because the record is called ‘ Confessions ,’ we filmed the video in a church. We got Jesus down here — which is killer — and we got a lot of our fans in it, which is amazing. They came out on their own time and have really put a lot of sweat equity, so thank you to them.” In the video itself, the full congregation seem to be giving in to excess, while one member remains to fight temptation, only to have both Todd and Jesus bending his ear throughout the clip. The ‘Confessions’ album is due in stores Feb. 19, but fans may pre-order the disc right here . Buckcherry have tour dates booked with Kid Rock that were scheduled through early March, but a second leg has just been added, with the trek now extended into April. Check out the full itinerary below the video. Watch Buckcherry’s ‘Gluttony’ Video [via Noisecreep] ? ? Kid Rock / Buckcherry / Hellbound Glory 2013 Tour: 2/2 — Kansas City, Mo. — Sprint Center 2/5 — Springfield, Mo. — JQH Arena 2/7 — Beaumont, Texas — Ford Park Event Center 2/9 — Tulsa, Okla. — BOK Center 2/10 — Wichita, Kan. — INTRUST Bank Arena 2/13 — Bossier City, La. — CenturyLink Center 2/15 — Nashville, Tenn. — Bridgestone Arena 2/16 — Greenville, S.C. — Bi-Lo Center 2/18 — Fort Myers, Fla. — Germain Arena 2/20 — Pensacola, Fla. — Pensacola Civic Center 2/21 — New Orleans, La. — New Orleans Arena 2/23 — Birmingham, Ala. — BJCC Arena 2/24 — Huntsville, Ala. — Von Braun Center 2/26 — Greensboro, N.C. — Greensboro Coliseum Complex 2/27 — Knoxville, Tenn. — Knoxville Civic Auditorium 3/1 — Memphis, Tenn. — FedEx Forum 3/2 — Louisville, Ky. — KFC Yum! Center 3/18 — Sioux Falls, S.D. — Sioux Falls Arena 3/20 — Madison, Wis. — Memorial Coliseum At Alliant Energy Center 3/22 — Toledo, Ohio — The Huntington Center 3/23 — Columbus, Ohio — Nationwide Arena 3/25 — Youngstown, Ohio — Covelli Center 3/26 — Ft. Wayne, Ind. — Allen County War Memorial Coliseum 3/28 — Bloomington, Ill. — U.S. Cellular Coliseum 3/29 — Omaha, Neb. — CenturyLink Center 4/1 — Evansville, Ind. — Ford Center 4/3 — Grand Rapids, Mich. — Van Andel Arena 4/5 — Saginaw, Mich. — Dow Event Center 4/6 — Saginaw, Mich. — Dow Event Center [button href=”http://loudwire.com/buckcherry-new-album-confessions-early-2013/” title=”Next: Buckcherry Discuss ‘Confessions’ Album Completion” align=”center”]
Century Media Records Canadian heavy metal veterans Voivod are celebrating their 30th anniversary with a new album set for release on Jan. 22. What’s that? You can’t wait until the 22nd to hear the new record! Settle down, because we’ve got some great news for you; Voivod’s thirteenth studio album, ‘Target Earth,’ is available for streaming in full exclusively here on Loudwire. Voivod were founded in late January 1983, so it’s only right that the Canadian outfit celebrate late January 2013 with a new release. Along with the band’s 30th anniversary, ‘Target Earth’ celebrates Voivod’s debut release on Century Media Records. The label is teaming up with Voivod’s own company, Iron Gang Factory, to distribute the disc. ‘Target Earth’ marks the return of the band’s original bassist, Jean Yves Thériault (Blacky), making the album his first with the band since 1991′s Angel Rat . If you remember, ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newsted was a member of Voivod from 2002 to 2008. In addition, ‘Target Earth’ marks the first album to feature guitarist Dan Mongrain (Chewy), who took over the slot vacated by the late, great Denis D’Amour (Piggy). The lineup is rounded out by original members Denis Belanger (Snake) on vocals and Michel Langevin (Away) on drums. But enough with all these words, check out ‘Target Earth’ in full in the player below. If you dig what you hear, pre-order ‘Target Earth’ in one of its various packages at the Century Media store or at iTunes . Listen to Voivod’s ‘Target Earth’ Album in Full
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com You wouldn’t know it by looking at him today, but there was a period not too long ago that Shinedown singer Brent Smith was struggling with both drug and alcohol addiction, as well as weight issues. Part of the reason Smith is built as well as he is these days is due to his newfound commitment to his health, and he discussed his transformation with the Los Angeles Times . Smith says, “The weight came on about four years ago. I’ve toured for over 12 years and for the first two records I was doing tons of shows all the time. And for those two records I was addicted to cocaine, OxyContin and alcohol. The coke and Oxy kept my weight down, but for the third album I quit opiates and started to crave sugar. I was still drinking a lot of alcohol and started to pack on the pounds.” The singer says one of the big wake-up calls was when he made an appearance on the ‘Today’ show in 2009 and Kathie Lee Gifford stated that she mistook him for Meat Loaf . The vocalist says, “It really stung. I’m a fan of Meat Loaf, but she wasn’t talking about a musical comparison. It was national television and my heart kind of fell on the ground. I’m not trying to be disrespectful to Meat Loaf at all because I’m a fan, but here I am barely 30 years old and that’s the one thing that she says. It was like the performance didn’t even matter.” In the time since, Smith has found a trainer and made a commitment to live healthier for his family. He explained, “I have a four-year-old boy, and he was a huge motivation, and so were the fans. I had an epiphany working out with my trainer … and I haven’t had a drink since.” Since he began his workout regimen, the singer has dropped almost 70 pounds. To read more about Smith’s weight loss journey, check out his Los Angeles Times interview here . [button href=”http://loudwire.com/best-shinedown-album-readers-poll/” title=”Next: Vote for Shinedown’s Best Album” align=”center”]
RCA There is some essential listening about to hit fans on February 2013, and here is a guide of the rock and metal albums you need to check out next month. Welsh metalcore giants Bullet for My Valentine are set to release their fourth studio album, ‘Temper Temper,’ on Feb. 12 … of course right in time for Valentine’s Day. The band ventured all the way to Thailand in order to track the record, purposely taking themselves out of their comfort zone for the writing and recording process. Brutal death metal legends Suffocation will bash your skull in with ‘Pinnacle of Bedlam’ in February with an album that successfully captures the heaviness of their live performance better than any of their past efforts. Maynard James Keenan ‘s Puscifer will also unveil new material in February with the collective’s next eclectic opus ‘Donkey Punch the Night.’ Other releases for Feb. 2013 include The Bronx’s ‘IV,’ Buckcherry ‘s ‘Confessions,’ Shai Hulud’s ‘Reach Beyond the Sun,’ RED ‘s ‘Release the Panic’ and many more. February 2013 Music Releases: Feb. 5: Blind Guardian, ‘A Travelers Guide to Space and Time’ (Box Set) The Bronx, ‘IV’ Deep Purple, ‘Slaves and Masters: The Deluxe Edition’ Misfits, ‘Dead Alive!’ (Live Album) Placebo, ‘Once More With Feeing: Singles 1996-2004′ RED, ‘Release the Panic’ Feb. 12: Bullet For My Valentine, ‘Temper Temper’ Pissed Jeans, ‘Honeys’ Feb. 19: Buckcherry, ‘Confessions’ Misery Index, ‘Live in Munich’ Motorhead, ‘Catch Scratch Fewer’ (Live Recordings) Portal, ‘Vexovoid’ Puscifer, ‘Donkey Punch the Night’ Shai Hulud, ‘Reach Beyond the Sun’ Suffocation, ‘Pinnacle of Bedlam’ Wednesday 13, ‘The Dixie Dead’ Feb. 26: Darkthrone, ‘The Underground Resistance’ Krokus, ‘Dirty Dynamite’ Saxon, ‘Sacrifice’ Stratovarius, ‘Nemesis’
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire After a massive tour with Lamb of God and In Flames, Hatebreed will kick off this year with a headlining tour in support of their sixth studio album, ‘The Divinity of Purpose,’ due out on Jan. 29 Hatebreed’s headlining tour will feature support from Shadows Fall, Dying Fetus and the Contortionist. When we caught up with frontman Jamey Jasta, he spoke all about the upcoming tour, past tours and how their fans influence their future touring schedule. Jasta also spoke about the new label they’re on, his view on the Randy Blythe trial and much more. Check out our interview with Jamey Jasta below. Congratulations on your new label home, Razor & Tie. How would you describe the process of working with this label in order to put out this new album compared with past labels in general. I think any time you put out a record, you just want to have the best team of people, and we’ve been very lucky that every label we’ve worked with always had a great team of people. Unfortunately, a lot of those people lost their jobs throughout the years because of the way that the industry has gone and because a lot of people just expect to get the records free – they can just go online on blogs and get the records for free, they don’t have to buy it. With the way that the industry has changed, some of the people from previous labels have moved to Nuclear Blast in Europe and to Razor & Tie in America and they’re a company that’s actually growing as opposed to shrinking. It feels good that we have a good team of people behind us and we’re looking forward to getting this record out and touring in support of it – that’s all you want, you want people that like the band, people that care about the band. We’ve been lucky with pretty much every label has had those people and now we’re continuing with that. Stoked to hear about your tour with Shadows Fall along with Dying Fetus and The Contortionist – how would you describe your relationship with these bands? Well I’m happy for Shadows Fall right now. I feel like their last record is one of their best records and we’re labelmates – when I see people from New England, people from Connecticut, Massachusetts doing well, I’m really happy. They went on the Killswitch [Engage] tour. It’s just cool to see, we all kind of came up together at the same time and we haven’t toured with Shadows Fall since ‘The Rise of Brutality’ tour in 2004, so it’s going to be nice to do this again. With Dying Fetus, we actually had them out with us in 2009 and I got to say they’ve just been one of the best bands that we’ve had out with us. Not only do they bring a great crowd and a lot of people that are more into that really brutal East Coast death metal sound, so our fans and their fans work well together, but also they are pleasure to have on the road with us. The Contortionist are a newer band and they’re on eOne Records, a label that Hatebreed has worked with and that I worked with on my Jasta album so it’s cool to help them out – that’s a good band with a different sound that compliments the tour. Any plans you can talk about after the this tour with Shadows Fall? Yeah, ‘The Divinity of Purpose’ tour, the pre-sales are really good, so we’re thinking about adding another leg, like a short two week leg to get to the cities that we’ve missed – especially cities that we missed on the Lamb of God tour and the ’10 Years of Perserverance’ tour. The first show we’re doing is in Flint, Mich., and it’s almost sold out, so when that show sells out we’ll be able to add say a show in Toledo which is like 90 minutes away from Flint – so now we’ll be able to add other cities for a second leg I think. It’s not definite yet, it’s not 100 percent, but I don’t feel like withholding the info helps me either. I do think if fans know how much buying a ticket in advance helps, especially in our case it can be the difference of adding the second leg or not. I think everybody who saw us on the Lamb of God / In Flames tour, they’re all tweeting us, saying, “Why don’t you do a headlining set?” Well this is your chance. I would love to add a New York City show, a Philly show, a Toledo show, a Cleveland show – there’s a lot of places that we missed on the Lamb of God tour and on this first leg that we could hit. I saw you guys on that Lamb of God tour when you came to New York City and it was just mindblowing. That was one of the best shows of the tour and because of that show we were like, “Okay let’s do Long Island on the first leg of ‘The Divinity of Purpose’ tour but now I could see, maybe we could do Brooklyn or maybe we could do Starland Ballroom. That’s the thing, there’s a lot of options for us but it really relies on the promoters and the demand from the fans – if Long Island sells out, we can add Brooklyn, if Allentown, Pa., sells out we can add the Starland show or maybe even an Irving Plaza show. So it’s important for fans to know to push your promoters and get on social media – that’s really how the Flint show got booked. Our Detroit show was the same night as Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson and even though it was the same night as that we still over 1,000 people at our show. That just goes to show how die-hard our fans are and a lot of people were from Flint and a lot of people were like, “You got to come back to Flint,” and we booked the show because they told the promoter they wanted to see us. That show is going to be sold out in advance so we’ll be able to add Toledo like I said. It’s a good thing when fans are super proactive. Also wanted to get your view and thoughts on the whole situation with Randy Blythe and if it ever came up in conversation with Randy during the tour, especially since his trial date was announced. I just want Randy to be cleared, I want his name to be cleared so the band can go on and tour the world. I just hope that he gets a fair trial. I think soon, we will go back into fundraising mode, we did really good beforehand. We did a couple Hatewear shirts for him if people want to support they can go to Hatewearinc.com – we will go into fund-raising mode again to help with any costs of the trial. We’re trying to arrange a benefit show, as well. It’s just been crazy because we did the tour and a lot of bands came together and donated guitars and things for his legal funds. We’re just hoping for the best outcome but really if you want to help as a whole – when you go to a show respect everbody at the show, respect security, respect people. People know that I’ve been saying this even before Lamb of God was around, I’ve been saying, “If somebody falls pick them up, if somebody dives, catch them” and we all have to be more responsible for that. We want shows to be an experience of value and positive experience at that. 2012 marked the tenth anniverary of ‘Perseverance.’ Why do you think Hatebreed has persevered throughout the years and been a powerful force in a crazy industry such as this one. I just think it’s because we haven’t changed the recipe too much. I think we’re reliable as a go to band if you’re looking for something heavy. I think we have a good catalog of good, solid, heavy songs and that’s all we wanted to be – we wanted to be like the Ramones of crossover or the AC/DC of metallic hardcore. We just wanted to keep it simple, keep the formula to the point. We’re just out here emulating the bands that we grew up listening to, giving our own take on it, our own approach. We’re lucky that it’s been meaningful to people and that’s what we want to do – we want to make sure that even though the songs are simple and short that they have meaning and that the lyrics hit home. Even if some of the fans don’t want to listen to the lyrics but just want to rock out to the songs, that’s there too and we want to be that institution that you can go to. Maybe it’s not something you listen to everyday but when you want to hear something hard and heavy I hope that Hatebreed is the band that people want to go to. Hatebreed’s ‘The Divinity of Purpose is available for pre-order on iTunes. VIP packages to the band’s upcoming tour can be purchased here . [button href=”http://loudwire.com/lamb-of-god-in-flames-hatebreed-sylosis-rock-new-york-city-with-vigorous-show/” title=”Check Out Photos of Hatebreed Performing in NYC” align=”center”] Watch Hatebreed’s ‘Put It to the Torch’ Video