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”]
Theo Wargo, Getty Images While the lucky few are flocking to Park City, Utah this coming week for the Sundance Film Festival premiere of Dave Grohl ‘s ‘Sound City’ documentary, there are a lot of other music fans chomping at the bit to check out the star-studded flick. Those cries for more screenings have been answered with a one-night theatrical release set to take place in a number of major cities later this month. A majority of the screenings will take place Jan. 31. In total, 44 cities in the U.S. and Canada will show the film on the 31st, with an additional eight screenings of the movie the following day (Feb. 1). Fans in Phoenix, Portland and Columbus will also have more chances to check out the film during select dates in February. For a full rundown of when and where the movie is playing, visit the ‘Sound City’ website here . Grohl shot the documentary about the legendary Sound City studio in Hollywood and the very rare Neve console that recorded some of the top albums in history. The film features members of Rage Against the Machine , Nine Inch Nails , Nirvana , Foo Fighters , Queens of the Stone Age , Slipknot , Ratt , Metallica and many more. For those unable to get to one of the screenings, the film will also be released digitally on Feb. 1. You can currently pre-order a DRM-free download of the movie here . The ‘Sound City’ soundtrack is expected to arrive March 12 and can be pre-ordered via iTunes . Watch the ‘Sound City’ Trailer [button href=”http://loudwire.com/dave-grohl-full-sound-city-players-lineup-sundance-film-festival-gig/” title=”Next: Dave Grohl Reveals Sundance Film Festival Concert Guests” 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
Jason Kempin, Getty Images / Instagram: Mike Dirnt We all come from somewhere in life and Green Day ‘s Mike Dirnt is offering a tribute to Carol Alba Rowland, his birth mother, after her recent death. The musician spoke about the loss of Rowland and offered a few photos in an Instagram posting. Dirnt reveals that while he was adopted as a youth, he feels lucky to have gotten to know Rowland right before she passed away. The bassist has obviously enjoyed a very successful career, playing in one of rock’s most famous bands, but one of the biggest thrills in this past year was getting to meet Rowland. The musician states in his posting: Today we mourn the loss of “Carol Alba Rowland” my birth mother! As many of you know I was adopted. Over the last 10 years I have sought her out with the help of a good friend, only to meet her one month before her passing! I was blessed to have this moment as surreal as it was. The irony of this life never cease to amaze me, being that we were neighbors my entire life! We were able to share a cup of coffee, a cigarette and some smiles. She was a beautiful woman with a huge smile, a hot temper and a kind heart. I will miss her as I did before, only now with some memories and a picture to go with the place in my heart! Love you mom!!! One of Rowland’s photos can be seen above, but the collage that Dirnt posted on Instagram may be viewed by clicking this link . After spending the latter portion of 2012 on a break due to Billie Joe Armstrong ‘s rehab stint , Green Day will return to the road this spring. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/green-day-x-kid-video-2013-european-tour-dates/” title=”Next: Green Day Reveal ‘X-Kid’ Video + Euro Dates” align=”center”]
Giveforward.com/mictoddsfight Former Coheed and Cambria bassist Michael Todd is facing the most important battle of his life after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. The musician had surgery last year to remove the cancerous area, hoping that it had been isolated, but unfortunately the cancer had spread. Since then, Todd’s medical costs skyrocketed, but he was able to take care of things financially up until recently. In order to help as he continues his fight, friends and supporters of Todd have launched a Give Forward campaign to help offset the costs of his cancer battle. According to the fund’s website, the cancer appeared to have receded for a period last year and Todd was back in good spirits, working on music again with the hopes of forming a new band. But the cancer has since returned and after selling off most of his possessions, Todd is now living with a friend. “We are hoping to raise money to not only help Michael get the treatment and medications he needs to fight the cancer, but to help him regain his independence,” says a message from the support team on the campaign’s site. “Michael doesn’t deserve this. He is not perfect and he has made mistakes, but he is an amazing human being with such a wonderful spirit.” At present the goal is to raise $3,500. At press time, fans had already provided $2,700 of the amount. To contribute to Michael Todd’s campaign, click here . Todd’s tenure with Coheed and Cambria ended with his 2011 arrest in which he robbed a Walgreens store for painkillers. The musician entered a guilty plea last June and was sentenced to a year of home confinement with a monitoring system and required to enter a drug treatment program. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/coheed-and-cambria-introduce-zach-cooper-as-new-bassist/” title=”Next: Coheed and Cambria Name Zack Cooper New Bassist” 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”]
Ethan Miller, Getty Images There’s been a lot of anticipation for Device , the new project from Disturbed ‘s David Draiman , over the past year. But now the biggest update yet comes with Draiman confirming an all-star lineup of guest musicians for the album, as well as details on the disc’s first single and a tentative release date. Draiman says, “Crazy! Finally able to talk more about this amazing band. The first single off our debut record debuts at radio on Feb. 19 and we have a tentative release date for the record of April 9.” Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler , Deep Purple singer-bassist Glenn Hughes , Avenged Sevenfold frontman M. Shadows , System of a Down singer Serj Tankian , Rage Against the Machine guitar great Tom Morello and Halestorm frontwoman Lzzy Hale will all make appearances on the disc. In addition, Draiman confirmed that his live band will employ Evanescence / Dark New Day drummer Will Hunt and Dope / Eve to Adam guitarist Virus. Aside from Draiman, the band’s only other permanent member is onetime Filter guitarist Geno Lenardo. Draiman also mentioned that the video for ‘Vilify,’ which will serve as the aforementioned lead single, is filming today (Jan. 11). He concludes, “Album artwork coming soon! Can’t wait for all of you to hear this.” As previously reported, Draiman has described Device as an industrial band in the vein of Ministry and early Nine Inch Nails. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/disturbed-david-draiman-five-song-titles-debut-device-album/” title=”Next: David Draiman Reveals Five Device Song Titles” align=”center”]