Bazillion Points Although there is no inherent discrimination within the metal community, it’s plain to see at any concert that most metalheads happen to be white males. While music genres can become polarizing, the central focus should always be the music itself, as author and black female Laina Dawes set out to argue in her new book, ‘What Are You Doing Here?: A Black Woman’s Life and Liberation in Heavy Metal.’ Dawes found herself connected to metal music, especially that of Judas Priest , at a very young age, but due to her gender and race, the youthful Canadian metalhead found it difficult to integrate herself into the scene. “Being 11 or 12 years old, I really resonated with the sound of anger and my internal struggles or what I was going through,” Dawes explains to NPR . “I found that listening to the music in my bedroom, being able to feel like you could scream and yell and really express your anger, that really helped me out when I was a kid.” Despite Dawes finding personal salvation within metal as an individual, she faced some unnerving backlash within social circles. “There was a boy who went to another high school,” begins Dawes. “He was really into metal, and we would talk on the phone, and I remember that he said that he wanted to meet me at a shopping mall on the weekend. And he said, ‘Well, what do you look like?’ And I said, ‘Well, I’m black and this and this…’ and he hung up the phone. I never heard from him again. [I also remember] my black female friends in high school and their parents wondering why I was wearing a Def Leppard T-shirt or whatever, and really kind of questioning me on my cultural legitimacy as a black person. All of those together made me really understand at a pretty young age that, as a black woman, I’m not supposed to be doing this, and there’s something wrong with me because I enjoy this music.” Despite the barriers Dawes faced, metal has remained the soundtrack of her life. The foreward to Dawes’ book was penned by renowned black female rocker Skin of the British rock group Skunk Anansie. ‘What Are You Doing Here?’ is available for purchase at Bazillion Points Books and various online outlets.
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire / Housecore Records The music world was shocked over the holidays when Rigor Mortis and Ministry guitarist Mike Scaccia died after collapsing onstage during a performance in Texas. The musician was performing with Rigor Mortis, which is fronted by singer Bruce Corbitt (picured right, above). The vocalist, who is returning to rock with Warbeast on tour this month, says both his band and the trek’s headliners Down intend on dedicating the entire run to Scaccia’s memory. Corbitt stated after Scaccia’s passing, “Mike Scaccia left this Earth doing what he loved to do. Tragically, the music world has lost an extremely talented, gifted and unique guitar virtuoso. His music and his legend will live on forever.” Meanwhile, Down singer Phil Anselmo came up with the idea for Warbeast to write some lyrics about Scaccia, with the end result being two new songs. One of the tracks is about Corbitt’s late brother Jeff, while the other track was penned specifically about Scaccia. The two songs will eventually be released with a picture of Scaccia on one side and a picture of Jeff Corbitt on the other. Meanwhile, Anselmo also offered his remembrances in a posting relayed by Corbitt. It reads: I have traveled the world playing music, and I’ve been fortunate to play, with extremely talented guitarists, and to have seen living legends right in front of my eyes. But when it came down to extremities, I’ve known since 1987 who the fastest, most precise player on this planet was, and that was the one and only Mike Scaccia. The playing field is now even. I can’t put into words what it meant for me to be accepted into the Rigor Mortis horde back when I was the new guy in town, and playing in a rival band back in the late ’80′s. But we were kindred spirits, and Mike Scaccia’s kindness helped that bonding process which I still cherish today. Underneath Mike’s soft-spoken, quiet demeanor, there lived a monster of mythical size, unbridled passion, and a practitioner of inhuman feats that will never be replicated. We called his picking hand, “The Hummingbird” because of its blinding speed and accuracy. But now, ‘The Hummingbird’ has flown. Let his body of work speak for itself, as a legacy of success not many can achieve. When Mike played, you knew it was him, and with that, he left a mark in music that can’t be touched. The DFW area has lost our era’s two greatest guitarists in Mike Scaccia and Dimebag Darrell Abbott, and that is a terrible blow. But their accomplishments will be considered sacred ground for aeons. When I think of my fallen comrade Dime, I think of him as a star in the cosmos. I will think of Mike in the same way, in honor of his legacy and friendship. Celebrate this great man’s life. With all my love, sincerely. – Philip H. Anselmo In addition, Scaccia’s daughter Sarah is putting together a book to honor her father and she’s currently welcoming personal stories about her father from fans and peers. She can be contacted at sjska21@gmail.com and will use the remembrances to put the book together. Those wishing to donate to the Mike Scaccia Family Fundraiser can click here and follow the link. Down / Warbeast 2013 Tour: 1/5 — Fort Worth, Texas — The Rail Club (Warbeast only) 1/11 — Houston, Texas — Warehouse Live Ballroom 1/12 — San Antonio, Texas — Backstage Live 1/14 — Tempe, Ariz. — The Marquee 1/15 — Las Vegas, Nev. — Fremont Country Club 1/16 — West Hollywood, Calif. — Key Club 1/18 — Anaheim, Calif. — City National Grove of Anaheim 1/19 — Sacramento, Calif. — Ace of Spades 1/20 — San Francisco, Calif. — Regency Ballroom 1/22 — Seattle, Wash. — Showbox at the Market 1/23 — Portland, Ore. — Roseland Theater 1/24 — Boise, Idaho — Knitting Factory Concert House 1/26 — Denver, Colo. — The Summit Music Hall 1/28 — Minneapolis, Minn. — First Avenue 1/29 — Milwaukee, Wis. — The Rave 1/30 — Cincinnati, Ohio — Bogart’s 2/1 — Chattanooga, Tenn. — Track 29 [button href=”http://loudwire.com/ministry-rigor-mortis-guitarist-mike-scaccia-cause-of-death-revealed-memorial-show-planned/” title=”Next: Mike Scaccia Memorial Show Planned” align=”center”]
YouTube Queens of the Stone Age are in the process of finishing up their next album, but took time out of their schedule to give fans a little insight (or perhaps none at all) on exactly how the disc is coming along in a new mockumentary short inspired, in part, by ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’ The band, taking a jab at how many “behind the scenes” features there are concerning acts and the music making process, filmed the humorous 9-minute clip with hosts Matt Berry and Steve Agee. Berry and Agee venture to the band’s studio to film their ‘Secrets of the Sound’ segment, but find the group a little less than cooperative. Bassist Mike Shuman can’t be bothered to remove his headphones to answer a question. Troy Van Leeuwen seems more concerned with preening in front of a bathroom mirror before giving a straight answer. And multi-instrumentalist Dean Fertita simply sprays Agee with lilac-scented spray before storming off after one question. The bulk of the info comes from frontman Josh Homme , who admits that he’s not sure about all of the instruments in their studio, reveals that a fan sent in a human ear at their request so they could test out the way things sound, and he also reveals that he’s the Encino Chapter head of the Patrick Swayze fan club. So there you have it — everything you never thought you wanted to know about Queens of the Stone Age and their forthcoming album. Meanwhile, we can tell you that the band has Dave Grohl playing drums on the new disc, with contributions from Nine Inch Nails mastermind Trent Reznor , former QOTSA member Nick Oliveri and Scissor Sisters singer Jake Shears . Watch Queens of the Stone Age’s ‘Secrets of the Sound’ Mockumentary [button href=”http://loudwire.com/queens-of-the-stone-age-new-album-manic-and-unpredictable/” title=”Next: Josh Homme Discusses ‘Manic + Unpredictable’ Album” align=”center”]
YouTube Papa Roach are ending 2012 with a little video extravaganza. Earlier this month, fans got the ‘ Where Did the Angels Go ‘ clip and now, getting in just under the 2012 deadline, there’s a new video for ‘Before I Die.’ The promo itself finds a grieving Jacoby Shaddix haunted by visions of lost love, often to his own detriment. Playing it close to the lyrical concept of the song, the video shows Shaddix expressing his heartbreak by chasing his visions into dangerous situations in an attempt to hold onto the past. Earlier this year, Shaddix told Loudwire about ‘Before I Die,’ “I was going through a separation with my wife during the process of making the record. Fast forward to the present and we’re working it out now, but in the process of making this record we were separated. I was at the end of my rope; I was in a lot of pain. This music is where I found my sanctuary, where I could express myself and just take myself out it for a second and not feel the pain and just be creative. During the process of making this song, ‘Before I Die’ I felt like everything was taken from me and I was just left out there raw and broken, it made everything clear to me, what really mattered to me.” ‘Before I Die’ is a key song for Shaddix as the vocalist says it spurred a change in his life. He explains, “At the end of the day it’s the people that I love in my life that are the most important to me and sometimes when you treat the people that you love the most the worst, that’s the wrong path. I had to take a long hard look at myself and realize how I was living my life and make those changes. Just being out there on my own and having those realizations, that’s where the song came from.” ‘Before I Die’ appears on ‘ The Connection ‘ album and likely will be part of the band’s performances when they begin their 2013 North American touring with Stone Sour . Watch Papa Roach’s ‘Before I Die’ Video [button href=”http://loudwire.com/papa-roach-still-swingin-guitar-center-sessions-exclusive-preview/” title=”Next: Watch Papa Roach’s ‘Still Swingin’ from ‘Guitar Sessions'” align=”center”]
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com The end of the year offers the perfect time to reflect on where you’re at in life, and you’d have to think that Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has a brighter outlook on things now than he did earlier in 2012. The guitarist confirms as much in a newly posted year-end update. Things appeared to be on the upswing for Iommi in 2011 as Black Sabbath had reunited and the band was preparing to work on their first new album in years, but then Iommi learned early this year that he had lymphoma that needed to be treated in order for his survival. Suddenly his focus for 2012 had changed, but thankfully his initial plans for the year still appear to be in reach as his post-chemotherapy recovery has gone well. In his year-end posting , Iommi states: What a year! Certainly not the one I was expecting. Thanks to you all for your massive help and support, it was very encouraging. I’m still working on the album and managed to play three shows, not bad given the news a year ago. I’m looking forward to next year, seeing what you think of the record and touring as much as we’re able. My best wishes to you all, I hope you have a great Christmas and New Year, most of all, stay positive. The guitarist did come through his treatment, worked closely with his bandmates on completing a new record which is now due in April and managed to make a handful of high profile shows in England and the U.S. despite the setback. As for what lies ahead in 2013, Iommi will get in his first extended touring since the reunion was announced. After his lymphoma battle, the guitarist also decided to go back and update his autobiography. The newly reissued paperback version of ‘Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven & Hell With Black Sabbath,’ includes a chapter on his treatment and recovery. In addition, he’s also recorded an audio book with one of his former bandmates providing the voice. He explained , “I had a go myself but wasn’t comfortable when I listened back. Normally you just get an actor to voice it but I didn’t want someone who didn’t know me or the music business so I asked my old mate Bev Bevan (former Black Sabbath / MOVE / ELO drummer) as he already has a radio show and lived some of the chapters with me! I’m really pleased how it’s turned out.” [button href=”http://loudwire.com/black-sabbath-tony-iommi-writing-chemotherapy/” title=”Next: Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi Discusses Writing During Chemotherapy” align=”center”]
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has been busy at work on his official autobiography. The founding Megadeth musician is approaching the band’s 30th anniversary along with frontman Dave Mustaine , the only other original member still with the legendary thrash act. The memoir, ‘My Life With Deth,’ will tackle subjects such as the band’s road to iconic status, addiction and much more. This won’t be Ellefson’s first endeavor penning a book, as the bassist released ‘Making Music your Business: A Guide for Young Musicians’ in 1997. Fifteen years later, Ellefson returns to writing with some help from author Joel McIver, who has written biographies on bands such as Black Sabbath , Slayer , Metallica , Tool and many others. According to Blabbermouth , Ellefson’s autobiography will also feature contributions from Slayer’s Kerry King , Anthrax’s Scott Ian , current Megadeth bandmate Shawn Drover and former bandmates Chris Poland and Marty Friedman. “My autobiography is not the usual tale of rock ‘n’ roll woe, but rather something I hope will truly inspire people,” says Ellefson. “I have dedicated my life to my craft, and I wanted to share the story of how a kid with a bass guitar and the dream of rock stardom literally risked it all to move from the farm in Minnesota to Los Angeles, and with a lot of hard work, sacrifice and a little luck along the way, made the dream come true.” The bassist continues, “I think the readers will enjoy the stories, as well as the hardships, of this way of life as a musician and artist. I’ve been very open about my life’s obstacles and the means by which I overcame them. Now, my hope is that this story will inspire others to follow their dreams and really live out the purpose for their lives, too.” The official release date for David Ellefson’s ‘My Life With Deth’ will be announced in early 2013. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/best-megadeth-songs/” title=”10 Best Megadeth Songs” align=”center”]
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Killswitch Engage have had an incredible year to say the least, on top of reuniting with original vocalist Jesse Leach , touring nonstop and recording a new record, the band celebrated the 10 year anniversary of their album ‘Alive or Just Breathing’ with a headlining tour. We had the recent pleasure of catching Killswitch Engage along with Shadows Fall and Acaro in Brooklyn, N.Y., at a sold-out show. Acaro kicked off the night with an incredible set, frontman Chris Harrell had complete command of the stage and when he wasn’t getting the mosh pit he wanted, the vocalist jumped into the crowd and started one himself. Guitarist Felipe Roa shredded it up in front of his family, who flew in all the way from Chile just to attend the show. Shadows Fall took the stage next and put on an explosive set – there’s nothing like seeing, and for many fans in front, feeling singer Brian Fair’s lengthy dreads whipping back and forth. Fans moshed around to tracks such as ‘The Light That Blinds,’ ‘Destroyer of Senses’ and ‘Still I Rise.’ The band also performed new tracks ‘Weight of the World’ and ‘Divide and Conquer’ off of their new record ‘Fire From the Sky.’ Killswitch Engage got a warm welcome from their New York fans. They not only performed ‘Alive or Just Breathing’ in full but they kicked off their stellar set with ‘A Bid Farewell’ and ‘Rose for Sharyn.’ Jesse Leach’s vocal abilities are out of this world and his lyric delivery is intense and extremely powerful. The entire band gave their full attention to fans as they worked the stage left and right. Of course, guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz showed off his toned legs by donning his infamous short shorts. He also teased fans and made hilarious faces, not to mention he entertained fans by doing some jumping jacks and push-ups while his guitar was being tuned. Killswitch ended their set with an invigorating performance of ‘My Curse’ and ‘End of Heartache’ which had fans crowd surfing and belting out lyrics word for word. This show was one of the best the Music Hall of Williamsburg has ever been graced with, as these bands rocked Brooklyn so hard, their sound resonated throughout all five boroughs. Photos of Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall + Acaro Performing in Brooklyn: Killswitch Engage: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Shadows Fall: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Acaro: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire