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 .
Metal Blade Experimental metallers Between the Buried and Me are approaching the release of their sixth studio album, ‘The Parallax II: Future Sequence.’ The band has already treated fans to the 10-minute epic ‘Telos’ along with the album’s kickstart track ‘Astral Body,’ but now Loudwire is proud to exclusively host never-before-seen, close-up footage of BTBAM guitarists Paul Waggoner and Dustie Waring demonstrating the dual guitar mastery from ‘Telos.’ In our recent interview with Paul Waggoner, the guitarist described ‘Telos’ as “the meat” of the band’s upcoming 72-minute album, and once the record comes out, fans will surely gain an understanding of what Waggoner means. ‘The Parallax II’ is the full-length follow-up to their 2011 EP, ‘The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues,’ which begins the storyline continued within ‘Future Sequence.’ “The two main characters of the story take on a journey through space and time with the unenviable task of having to cure the flaws of humanity by any means necessary,” begins Waggoner. “While the EP served mostly as an introduction to the characters, ‘Future Sequence’ contains the action of the story. The lyrics are written in the stream of consciousness style, which really helps to capture the perspective and emotion of the characters. We really enjoyed the challenge of writing this record, and I think we were all pleasantly surprised with how well the music and lyrics jived with one another.” Between the Buried and Me’s latest masterwork, ‘The Parallax II: Future Sequence,’ will blast fans into the infinity of space on Oct. 9. To hold you over until the album’s release, check out this exclusive footage of Paul Waggoner and Dustie Waring jamming on ‘Telos.’ Paul Waggoner ‘Telos’ Guitar Demonstration Dustie Waring ‘Telos’ Guitar Demonstration
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Bassist Frank Bello has had a busy year. On top of touring with Anthrax throughout the year and playing Richard Hell in the film ‘Greetings From Tim Buckley’, he has also been a vital part of the all-star Metal Masters clinics. Loudwire spoke to Bello about the clinic’s latest installment, Metal Masters 4 , which took place in his hometown of New York City, his bond with Pantera / Down singer Phil Anselmo and his enthusiasm for a possible Metal Masters 5. You guys killed at Metal Masters 4 in New York City. What did that experience of being in your hometown mean to you? Well, No. 1, it was easy – I can get a taxi home, I was feeling the Jager the night before. [Laughs] It was really rough and I like being in my bed when I feel like that – it’s just way easier I can just get there. The funny thing about it was I wasn’t at home for that long because rehearsal was that night and everybody had drinks that night, we got pie-eyed a little bit and I had to be at soundcheck and there’s so much pressure for the [fourth edition]. This thing took a life of its own now, I had to be down there at [noon], so I was literally home for six, seven hours. But It was so nice, they give you that home vibe, it’s New York, let’s face it that was a great crowd. It was an insane crowd and I thought it was one of the better ones because it had its edge to it that night. We all came off stage that night and we knew it was amazing because the vibe from the crowd was amazing. The crowd was also hopped up on free tubes of Jager. [Laughs] It never hurts though. That whole last Mayhem tour that Anthrax dig, we had a shot called a 9:28 shot. At 9:28 right after Slayer played we would all congregate in Slayer’s dressing room and the Jager party pretty much started from that time on pretty much through the wee hours – I’m telling you every night. So after that last Mayhem tour, I was drained I needed to come home and just chill for while. How would you describe your friendship with Phil Anselmo? Very close, brothers in arms. It’s great communication, we know each other so well. I think I’m one of the people he actually trusts — and the other guys on the stage, you can tell Phil trusts us. It’s a really nice tight bond, he wouldn’t just jam with anybody, let’s put it that way. [Laughs] Is it safe to say that Phil Anselmo might have a little bit of a crush on you? [Laughs] You know, we have so much fun together. The whole “crazy legs” thing – that’s the first thing he’s ever said to me – with all the crazy, stupid things I do onstage with Anthrax ‘cause I’m always moving, that’s why he brought up the name “crazy legs.” His girlfriend says the same thing and they emailed me right after, “Can’t wait to do it again,” and that’s so cool to hear Any plans for a Metal Masters 5? As soon as that was done we all said to Mark Menghi, the guy who runs all the stuff: “Whenever, let us know, it was a lot of fun.” [Laughs] We’ll take it all up again and see what happens. It probably won’t be in New York but you know what’s crazy, there are a lot of people asking for this thing now, which is great. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/anthrax-bassist-frank-bello-reflects-on-one-year-anniversary-of-worship-music/” title=”Frank Bello Talks One Year Anniversary of ‘Worship Music'” align=”center”]
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Charm City Devils have been flying high on the success of the first single from their latest studio album, ‘Sins.’ Their cover of ‘Man of Constant Sorrow’ has received a lot of radio airplay and has turned into a fan favorite at the band’s live shows. Opening for Mark Tremonti ‘s solo-project in New York City, we were able to grab a few minutes with lead singer John Allen. Allen filled us in on everything from their new record label, the band’s latest single ‘Unstoppable’ and some new music that he’s been excited about. During tonight’s set, you mentioned this was your first show in New York City. Well, I guess we played a little showcase for a distribution company at a club years ago, but we really haven’t been back since. Ever since Crue Fest 2, we never got back, the closest we came was in Sayreville [New Jersey] at the Starland Ballroom, just an awesome place. But to be back in New York City, the crowd was so awesome, so warm. It was really nice. You’ve got a few shows with Mark Tremonti’s solo project, you’ve got the new album that’s been out for a few months now. How is everything going? Everything is great, it’s just tremendous. We released the record on a very small independent label and then [our new label] eOne Music picked it up and released it for real, like nationwide in late July. Things have gone great. We pick back up with Theory of a Deadman on Oct. 20 and that’ll carry on for a little while. We just did the Rock Allegiance Festival at Hershey Park with some legendary bands like Stone Temple Pilots , Fuel , Three Days Grace and Buckcherry . It was an honor for us to be on that show. It was incredible. The first single from ‘Sins’ is also the song you closed tonight’s set with, ‘Man of Constant Sorrow.’ I know you’ve talked about that song a lot in past interviews, choosing to cover it because you’re a blues fan and you loved the movie ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ When you were deciding which song to cover, what other songs were brought up in the conversation? I don’t want to give anybody ideas! What if we go back and want to pick it up? A lot of the songs were blues-based, but of course this song is more bluegrass and we completely mangled it and changed it. It’s tricky, we were trying to think outside of the box. But you know what? You can always whip out a Foghat song, man! On the next album and in future live sets, will you bust out any more covers? I’ve got no problem playing a cover song here or there. Early when we started we’d play ‘Highway to Hell’ in our set. We used to play a Black Keys song every now and again. When we play our stuff, I feel more of a responsibility to really honor the record and play it as close as possible to the original version. If you play a cover, it feels a lot more freeing and relaxed for me. We can have a lot of fun up there with it. ‘Man of Constant Sorrow’ isn’t the case, though, because it took on a life of its own. We did change it, though, I mean, I did write a chorus for it that wasn’t there. Certainly there is still a responsibility there for that song. You could tell you were having a lot of fun when you guys busted into Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Child’ during tonight’s performance of ‘I Got Mine.’ There is so much pressure to be perfect, but then with a song like that you can just let your guard down and have a good time. Your second single is out now, ‘Unstoppable.’ You told the audience tonight that the theme of the song follows along the lines of, “Things will get better.” Certainly the title of it was something that I wind up talking about a lot. Never say die, you know, that kind of attitude. I’ve never given up, I’ve been doing this a long time. We’re lifers, man. I stopped playing music for a very brief time and I got pulled right back in. Earlier you mentioned eOne Music, your new label. They’ve got quite the roster including Saving Abel , Hatebreed , Smile Empty Soul and Black Label Society . How does it feel to be a part of that family? It’s crazy, they have such a wide array of bands, man. We’re very fortunate to be a part of that label. Hanging out with those guys, they’re good people. It’s really refreshing in our industry to be around those types of guys. It feels great. It is wonderful to be there. 2012 has brought with it a lot of new releases, some from familiar bands and others from brand new up-and-comers. Has there been anything out there that’s caught your ear? Outside of the genre, I’ve been listening to Alex Clare. Her song, ‘Too Close,’ is incredible. I know it’s not what the rockers want to hear, but it’s incredible. I still love AWOLNATION. Monster Truck, I dig them. I love the new Three Days Grace track. The Shinedown record is awesome and so is the Halestorm album. There’s just so much good stuff out there. It’s a great time to be out and playing. Since he covered ‘Man of Constant Sorrow,’ I have to ask if you’ve heard the new Bob Dylan album. I love Bob Dylan. I’ve got his first album and it’s just incredible. He’s just a great lyricist and poet. I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for him. I didn’t know he did a cover of the song when we decided to pick up that challenge. Had I known that Dylan did a cover of it, I don’t think we would’ve gone into it. But, I will say, a lot of people covered that song, and none of them are like ours. We wrote our own chorus, we got rid of all the music, we just kept the basic melody of the song. We’ve had tons of positive responses to it. We did have one lady, though, who was so emotionally connected to the original song that her response was just awesome. She Tweeted at us and called our version of the song an abortion and said we should all die in a fire! I figured we must have done something right, man! So what’s on the horizon for Charm City Devils? Now that I’ve been home for a couple of weeks, I have definitely started coming up with a ton of new ideas, but an album is a little ways away. I’ll get busy here in the next few weeks, but I think we’ll be working this latest album for awhile now. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/mark-tremonti-crushes-new-york-city-with-assist-from-wolfgang-van-halen/” title=”Read Our Review of Tremonti + Charm City Devils’ Show In NYC” align=”center”]
Photo by Zac Fisher The Devil Wears Prada ‘s new single ’Mammoth’ is one of the most powerful songs off the band’s critically acclaimed 2011 album ‘Dead Throne,’ and now Loudwire is proud to bring you the exclusive premiere of the tune’s equally powerful music video (watch below). The video offers a visual contrast, as the clip opens with a joyful infant inside an open wooden coffin. As the camera opens to wider shots we see the coffin moving in mid-air in a contradicting world. Below there are fields of green, beautiful nature scenes and a ground lit by a sunny day. Above, ominous clouds hover over the child. As the video continues, that joyful infant grows into a young boy and eventually a elderly man, but the expression on his face has grown solemn, mirroring the intensity of the track and the skies above. The Devil Wears Prada themselves are also featured in the video, as Mike Hranica and Jeremy DePoyster deliver their vocals in silhouette against the backdrop of the burned out sky while the other band members pound away on their instruments. Not only is ‘Mammoth’ featured on the album ‘ Dead Throne ,’ it also has become a favorite at live shows and appears on the band’s ‘ Dead & Alive ‘ concert disc. At present, the Devil Wears Prada are catching a break in the schedule after a successful summer on the Mayhem Festival . The group will pick up their instruments again Oct. 18 when they launch a European trek that will keep them on the road through late November. Watch The Devil Wears Prada’s ‘Mammoth’ Video [Exclusive Premiere] [button href=”http://loudwire.com/the-devil-wears-prada-mike-hranica-talks-dead-throne-touring-with-slipknot-dance-parties/” title=”Next: The Devil Wears Prada Talk ‘Dead Throne’ + Dance Parties” align=”center”]
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire On a lovely New York City evening, we hiked up to the roof of the legendary Irving Plaza to have a discussion with the eclectic and somewhat undefinable musician known as Devin Townsend . We sat down with the always entertaining frontman to talk about a mass of topics shortly before his set on the ‘Epic Kings & Idols’ tour, featuring Katatonia and Paradise Lost . We spoke with Townsend about the continuously evolving and seemingly out-of-nowhere progression of his career, the writing process behind his latest album, ‘Epicloud,’ working with members of Between the Buried and Me , Gojira and the Dillinger Escape Plan , among others for ‘Deconstruction,’ and, of course, what provoked Townsend to chop of his legendary “skullet” hairstyle. Check out our exclusive video interview with Devin Townsend. Devin Townsend Talks to Loudwire
Tooth & Nail Records The Wedding are gearing up to drop their new disc ‘No Direction’ on Sept. 25, and Loudwire has the exclusive premiere of the album track ‘In the End.’ After undergoing a few lineup changes since their formation in 2008, the band has begun to hit their stride with the addition of former Letter Kills singer Matt Shelton. The frontman’s raw and powerful vocals on ‘In the End’ are exactly what the song needs and the extra urgings of his bandmates midway through the song show just how much fun he’s having behind the mic. Shelton’s vocals provide the perfect marriage for what the rest of the band is laying down on the track. Drummer Matt Jameson’s rapid-fire beats push the song along, while bassist Cody Driggers and guitarists Trevor Sarver and Adam Thron keep the riffs flying at a highly accelerated level. Simply put, ‘In the End’ is a straight-up anthemic rocker. Driggers tells Loudwire, “If you’re not gonna listen to this song loud, don’t listen to it at all. I hit 120mph on my Harley in the desert and thought, ‘I’m gonna write a song that makes me feel like that.’ We like loud, we like fast. Turn it up and put the pedal to the floor.” The Wedding are currently touring in support of the ‘No Direction’ disc, with dates lined up through the end of the month. The album was produced by noted rock producer Jasen Rauch and features a guest appearance by Story of the Year’s Dan Marsala on the track ‘The Lesser Worth.’ Pre-orders for the album are being taken here ahead of the Sept. 25 release date. Listen to the Wedding’s ‘In the End’ [Exclusive Premiere]