The End Records The latest album from the Finnish masked maniacs Lordi will be released March 19. ‘To Beast or Not To Beast’ was recorded at WireWorld Studio in Nashville, Tenn. with producer Michael Wagener ( Metallica , Ozzy Osbourne , Megadeth ). It’s the band’s first album since the death of drummer Tonmi “Otus” Lillman , who passed away earlier this year. “The road to this album has truly been paved by hardships,” says frontman Mr. Lordi. “However, the new line-up of the band has given us new and fresh touch and an energetic edge to the recording process, and to the album itself.” Lordi’s new members are Mana and Hella. Mana is the new drummer, and Hella replaces the band’s long-time keyboardist Awa who left the band last summer. Mr. Lordi explains the album artwork. “The album cover painting is actually a part of a larger picture. The original artwork had this vintage- styled lady holding a horned skull, which, however, was not the main point of the art piece. ?There was something not quite right with the setting, so I made experiments with various versions and framings. Album title was Upgradead at that point in time, and the painting was done with that title in mind.” “But now, with a changed concept of the artwork, the title did not seem to fit anymore,” he continues. “We did not consider it an A-class name either. Our guitarist Amen came up with the final title, which we felt suitable and perfect both for the cover artwork and the album.” Lordi – ‘To Beast or Not To Beast’ Track Listing: ‘We’re Not Bad For The Kids (We’re Worse)’ ‘I Luv Ugly’ ‘The Riff’ ‘Something Wicked This Way Come’ ‘I’m The Best’ ‘Horrifiction’ ‘Happy New Fear’ ‘Schizo Doll’ ‘Candy For The Cannibal’ ‘Sincerely With Love’ ‘SCG6: Otus’ Butcher Clinic’
The worst rock tattoos come in all shapes and sizes, with not even the most respected musicians spared. For those who have eternally committed awful ink onto their bodies, we ‘salute’ you and offer our readers the 25 Worst Rock Tattoos of All Time. From disastrous back pieces to monstrous murals to pitiful portraits and other remorseful regrets, these works of art are among the worst rock tattoos the Internet can offer. If we could provide these poor souls with the highest caliber of laser treatment, the Loudwire Tattoo Removal Clinic would certainly be christened for all ink victims. Unfortunately, we haven’t broken ground on any such medical center, so all we can do is offer preventative action by exposing the public to these irreversible abominations. For the sake of your dermatological welfare and overall entertainment, we present you with 25 pieces of ink worthy of the distinction ‘Worst Rock Tattoos of All Time.’ Enjoy and godspeed. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/offensive-ozzy-osbourne-worst-rock-tattoos” title=”See the 25 Worst Rock Tattoos of All Time” align=”center”]
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire One month ago, Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe was handed the reality of a court date in the Czech Republic. Facing manslaughter charges in an incredibly controversial case stemming from a 2010 concert incident, Blythe’s legal proceedings are set to begin on Feb. 4 . With the proverbial hourglass drawing closer to an empty top, Blythe recently posted a poetic and introspective piece of writing on his Instagram account detailing his thoughts. Although Randy Blythe could conceivably remain in the United States to avoid his trial, the vocalist has chosen to face the Prague 8 District Court and fight the charges brought against him. Blythe, who spent five weeks in a Czech prison over the summer while awaiting his bail to be approves, had given his situation a great deal of thought over the past few months. Upon discovering an old suitcase while out and about in his hometown of Richmond, Va., Blythe was inspired to write about his upcoming trial in the Czech Republic: The last 2 or 3 days I have been getting ready mentally to leave my home & return to Prague to do this whole trial thing in early February. It’s not something I particularly WANT to do; but inside, my gut & heart tells me it is the RIGHT thing to do. I cannot turn my back [on] the right thing. As I’ve been thinking, I’ve [been] shooting [pictures] a lot around my hometown. I love this place. A couple of days ago I went to my mechanic to get my truck worked on- the garage is over near the CSX train yard here in Richmond. I dropped off my truck & went creeping under the over pass that runs above the tracks. As usual, there was a lot of sleeping gear, trash, old mattresses & stuff that homeless people keep there. In my younger days, I used to ride freight trains across our country. I have spent many nights under bridges just like this one in freight yards across the USA. I have always loved to travel, & have been across the USA three times without a dime in my pocket most of the time, learning the survival skills of the hobos & street people of our country. You can get by with almost nothing if you know what you are doing. This old suit case sitting up on this ledge really captured my attention. I wonder what it once held? Safe travels to whoever owns it… As mentioned, Randy Blythe’s trial is scheduled to commence on Feb. 4. In addition to the aforementioned suitcase, the Lamb of God frontman has posted a number of his photos on his Instagram account recently, including recent images of his Virginia hometown and his travels in New York City, as well as vintage pictures of him posing with the late Dimebag Darrell. Check them out here . [button href=”http://loudwire.com/2013-grammy-awards-best-hard-rock-metal-performance-nominees-anthrax-halestorm-iron-maiden-lamb-of-god-marilyn-manson-megadeth/” title=”Lamb of God Nominated for 2013 Grammy Award” align=”center”]
Facebook: Hellyeah Look out Harrisons, Hellyeah drummer Vinnie Paul is ready to do some dealing! The musician revealed via a Facebook posting that he’ll attempt to barter with the Harrison clan and their co-workers on an upcoming episode of ‘ Pawn Stars .’ Paul offered the picture posted above as proof of his participation. Corey Harrison, otherwise known as Big Hoss, will look over the drummer’s RV and they’ll try to come to terms on a fair price on an upcoming episode. The History Channel series is currently airing new episodes on Monday nights at 10PM ET/9PM CT. An official airdate for the episode featuring Vinnie Paul has not yet been released. Things have quieted down for Hellyeah at the moment. After spending a good portion of 2012 promoting the ‘Band of Brothers’ album, there currently aren’t any tour dates on their itinerary. However, the band’s fans have been active over the past month showing their support of Vinnie Paul in the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards. The skinbeater is currently holding off the competition in the Drummer of the Year category. Voting concludes Jan. 15 at 11:59PM ET, so go vote for your favorite drummer here . [button href=”http://loudwire.com/hellyeah-drink-drank-drunk-video-exclusive-premiere/” title=”Next: Watch Hellyeah’s ‘Drink Drank Drunk’ Video” align=”center”]
Fortodayband.com For Today guitarist Mike Reynolds stirred up quite a bit of controversy responding on Twitter about the decision of President Barack Obama choosing Rev. Louie Giglio to deliver the benediction at his inauguration. Giglio’s past anti-gay messages resulted in pressure from the LGBT community, and the Reverend has since bowed out of the opportunity. Reynolds’ commentary turned into his own views on homosexuality and religion and sparked quite a bit of outrage. After reading a Dallas Voice article on the situation, Reynolds offered a series of tweets that read, “Don’t be deceived, homosexuality is a sin. This sin with all other sins is what Jesus died for. He conquered so that we would be free. No such thing as a gay Christian, the same as there is no such thing as a Christian who loves his sin. Don’t be fooled by the formation of a state church as though the government is being converted, they only use the name Jesus for their progressive liberal agenda. If you are a Christian then separate yourself from this civil religion that advocates sin. Be true to God.” The comments sparked some outrage online, including a commentary from Enter Shikari vocalist Rou Reynolds (no relation). “The thought that we actually toured and shared the same stage as this musician in 2011 now makes me feel a bit nauseous,” said the outraged singer. “There is obviously no place in our modern metal, punk, hardcore, rock (whatever you want to call it) scene for homophobia. In fact, there should be no place for these views anywhere full stop, especially not in music.” The vocalist would add, “Music is a beautiful tool to educate ourselves with … so to anyone spouting these divisive and disgusting views, I say simply but vehemently, please educate yourself or put down your instrument.” To read Reynolds full commentary, click here . After quite a bit of backlash that resulted in a band statement and singer Mattie Montgomery’s own video apology to their fans (which can be viewed below), the For Today guitarist stepped down from the group. A statement from the band read: Mike Reynolds is no longer a part of For Today. He has decided that now is the time for he and his wife to put their plans in motion to enroll in Bible college, and to begin working toward full-time missions work in the Middle East. Mike will be replaced by longtime friend of the band, and former In the Midst of Lions guitar player, Sam Penner, who will be appearing with the band as they headline their upcoming Fight The Silence tour. Watch For Today Singer Mattie Montgomery’s Apology
Machinehead1.com Machine Head have built their fan base over a steadily strong career, but singer Robb Flynn still gets surprised by who some of his fans are. The rocker reveals in his latest journal that former baseball manager Tony LaRussa and his family have shown their fandom for his work in recent years, which is something that still blows him away. Flynn says, “Life has a funny way of playing out, how seemingly innocuous encounters can take you to place you never thought you’d go. Flash back to about a year and a half ago … I’m walking through Whole Foods in Walnut Creek, talking on the phone to my friend Tom when a lady and her daughter approach me wide-eyed. ‘Are you f—ing Robb Flynn?!’ … ‘I could be …’ They scream and make a big ‘ol to-do, ‘Oh my God, we’re huge fans, I love ‘The Blackening,’ I’m Tony LaRussa’s wife!’” Then, just last year when the band returned to play the Warfield in San Francisco, the LaRussa family came to the show. Flynn recalls, “My baseball fanatic dad FREAKS OUT, and Tony L blows my mind when he tells me that I ‘have so much charisma, he wishes he could bottle it and make his players drink it.’ Wow!!?? I’m not worthy!” After speaking some more, Flynn says they bonded over the fact that he got his dog from the Animal Rescue Foundation that LaRussa founded. The vocalist says he and LaRussa exchanged information and the manager reached out to him about attending his annual benefit. LaRussa also asked if he would perform as an anniversary gift for his metal-loving wife. The singer admits he was nervous, but says LaRussa’s intro was great. He recalls, “Tony LaRussa’s intro blew me up!! Dude rules. After that intro I could have farted for 10 minutes and people would have at least politely clapped. Did ‘Die Young’ first, went down good. I sang the end a lot better than at the Mitch [Lucker] benefit, and then came time for the debut of the acoustic version of ‘Darkness [Within],’ just me and an acoustic, no sing-alongs, no band to kick in the heavy — a new version I had never played live. It worked, it totally worked. I nailed most of it, was a little flat in some parts at the very end, but overall it felt good and I was proud of myself for taking up the challenge.” Flynn returned for the finale, joining all the evening’s performers and headliner Tony Orlando in taking on ‘Hey Jude’ with a little bit of ‘Whole Lotta Love’ thrown in to rock out. The evening also gave the singer a chance to meet some of his comedy heroes like Robin Williams and Dana Carvey. For more about Flynn’s night, check out his latest journal entry here . Watch Robb Flynn Perform ‘Darkness Within’ Acoustically Robb Flynn With Dana Carvey Machinehead1.com Robb Flynn With Robin Williams Machinehead1.com Robb Flynn With Tony Orlando Machinehead1.com [button href=”http://loudwire.com/machine-head-robb-flynn-moving-performance-mitch-lucker-memorial-concert/” title=”Next: Robb Flynn Performs at Mitch Lucker Memorial” align=”center”]
Megaforce Anthrax ‘s potential EP of cover songs has been discussed about for a while, but now there’s finally confirmation that the thrash legends will indeed release the effort, titled ‘Anthems,’ on March 19. It will include covers of songs by AC/DC , Rush , Cheap Trick and more. During an interview we conducted with Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante in June 2012, we got the exclusive scoop of the EP, which Benante claimed would serve as a celebration for the one-year anniversary of ‘Worship Music,’ which came and went in September 2012. Shortly after Benante broke the news, guitarist Scott Ian denied the drummer’s claims, while singer Joey Belladonna stated that it was “ a possibility ” and that he hoped the EP would come to fruition. Six months after Benante’s original statement, the covers EP will finally be getting a release date of March 19. The 2013 Grammy nominees have also released some of the EP’s track listing, which includes renditions of Rush’s ‘Anthem,’ Thin Lizzy’s ‘Jailbreak,’ AC/DC’s ‘TNT,’ Cheap Trick’s ‘Big Eyes,’ Boston’s ‘Smokin” and Journey’s ‘Keep on Runnin’,’ among others yet to be confirmed. According to our original interview with Benante, the drummer referred to the effort as a tribute to some of their favorite songs from some of their favorite bands. Anthrax, who just tapped Shadows Fall guitarist Jon Donais to replace outgoing axeman Rob Caggiano, are set to headline the 2013 New England Metal and Hardcore Festival , along with this year’s Metal Alliance tour, where they’ll share the stage with Exodus , High on Fire , Municipal Waste and Holy Grail. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/anthrax-tap-shadows-fall-guitarist-jon-donais-to-fill-vacant-band-slot-on-upcoming-tour/” title=”Next: Anthrax Name Fill-In Guitarist for 2013 Tour” align=”center”]