Jo Hale, Getty Images Black Label Society recently wrapped up a Canadian tour, and Rock Cellar caught up with frontman Zakk Wylde for a wide-ranging conversation about those shows and numerous other subjects. Wylde talked about the influence the late guitarist Randy Rhoads had on him. “One of the biggest things I learned from him is construction, and where you can go with a solo by playing Randy’s music. He was a brilliant soloist who had such a melodic sense — there’d be a beginning, middle and end, as he could tell a whole story in a song.” When Wylde joined Ozzy Osbourne’s band in 1987, he said his aim was to remain faithful to Rhoads’ guitar playing as much as possible. “Even those very first shows, everyone was rooting for me because they knew I was on the team, and loved Randy Rhoads as much as they did. They could see I played Randy’s stuff exactly his way, and had the highest respect for what he did. There’s no way you can fill his shoes, so you just have to give respect to his music and play it accurately. You have to, because this is the house that Rhoads built. And without Randy Rhoads, there never would have been a Zakk Wylde.” A huge fan of Black Sabbath, Wylde and his wife recently had a son and named him Sabbath . He gave his take on the new album Sabbath is in the midst of recording. “Put it this way – if anybody’s going to be working on the new Sabbath record, it couldn’t be in better hands than [producer] Rick Rubin,” Wylde said. “Father Rubin is a massive Sabbath fan as well, and if anything Rick is going to make sure it turns out to be an awesome Sabbath record.” The interview also features Wylde recalling a funny encounter that happened when Ozzy Osbourne visited him at his studio. “He looks up at this poster I have on the wall of Aleister Crowley, and he goes, ‘Zakk [assuming Ozzy’s voice ], who’s the fucking bald-headed c–t on the wall?’ And I’m just f—ing cracking up. So Ozzy says, “What the f—’s so funny?” And I said, ‘Dude, you don’t know who that is?’ Ozzy goes, ‘Why the f— should I know who he is? Who the f— is it?’ So I said, ‘Ozzy, you’ve only been singing about him for the last 30 f—ing years! It’s Aleister Crowley, bro!’ There’s a pause, then Ozzy says, ‘Oh, is that what he looks like?’ I kid you not.” In addition to being a guitar wizard, Wylde is a man of many other talents as well. He has a line of signature hot sauces, hosts a sports talk radio show and wrote the book ‘ Bringing Metal to the Children ‘ that was released earlier this year. Black Label Society head south for a tour that begins Nov. 11 in Mexico, which will also take them to Argentina and Brazil. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/zakk-wylde-to-host-sports-talk-radio-show/” title=”Next: Zakk Wylde to Host Sports Radio Show” align=”center”]
Ethan Miller, Getty Images For fans of Korn , we’ve got some big news. And for fans of Baby Korn, we’ve got even bigger news! It’s time to light up a cigar for Korn guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer and his wife Evis, who just added a new member to their family. Son D’Angelo DraXon Shaffer was welcomed into the world Wednesday, Nov. 7. Shaffer’s wife Evis delivered the news in a Facebook posting. She explained, “My husband James and I are thrilled to announce the birth of our son D’Angelo DraXon Shaffer, born simply perfect this beautiful day of Nov. 7, 2012 8:44AM at 8 pounds, 3 ounces. We are so excited to share this joyful news of our little angel’s arrival.” The guitarist also has a daughter from a previous relationship. The new arrival should give Shaffer a brief respite from the music, but perhaps only temporarily as he’s been promoting his Fear and the Nervous System project and taking care of his Korn duties. Korn recently issued the concert disc ‘The Path of Totality Tour — Live at the Hollywood Palladium,’ and the guitarist recently revealed that creative sessions for their next album were currently under way. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/korn-members-stage-name-origins/” title=”Next: Korn Member Stage Name Origins” align=”center”]
Sean Gardner, Getty Images The news just keeps getting better for fans of Trent Reznor . While he has received many accolades for his soundtrack work over the last couple of years, fans have been longing for the return of Nine Inch Nails . Now comes word from Reznor himself that Nine Inch Nails are definitely back in action and working on new material. Reznor recently revealed that his How to Destroy Angels project would be arriving with new music, which led to questions about if and when the frontman would revive the band where he made his musical name. The Nine Inch Nails mastermind tells Rolling Stone in a new interview, “All signs point to yes. Yeah, there will be new music. There are some things in the works.” Not only could fans potentially see a new album or singles, but Reznor, who retired Nine Inch Nails from touring in 2009, revealed that there may be some shows, as well. When asked about the idea of performing, he explained, “Yeah, if it feels right. It’s a possibility. I never said that that wasn’t going to happen, just that it couldn’t go on as it was. Having a few years doing other things, I’ve enjoyed [them] and I’m enjoying doing How to Destroy Angels, and there will be a place for stuff that falls in the Nine Inch Nails column of things. It’s a different kind of work. Stay tuned. We’ll see what happens.” In other news, but Reznor has been working with the Beats by Dre company on “a number of very interesting projects.” He also provided the soundtrack to the new video game, ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops.’ As for How to Destroy Angels, we know that will come first as they’ve already revealed a Nov. 13 release for the ‘ An Omen ‘ EP. The group, which also features Reznor’s wife Mariqueen Maandig and his music composing partner Atticus Ross, are also working on a full-length album that will follow early next year. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/best-nine-inch-nails-songs/” title=”Next: 10 Best Nine Inch Nails Songs” align=”center”]
Relapse For those unfamiliar with the metal band Death , you’re missing a crucial piece of music history. Widely known as the first death metal band, Death accumulated one of music’s greatest discographies before the passing of frontman Chuck Schuldiner, with the record ‘Spiritual Healing’ being one of his crown jewels. The upcoming reissue of the classic album includes a new live disc, and we’re proud to exclusively premiere a never-before-released live performance of the track ‘Leprosy.’ The official reissue of ‘Spiritual Healing’ will see a release date of Nov. 20 through Relapse Records. The three-disc deluxe edition contains a completely new remaster of the ‘Spiritual Healing’ album, a CD of 16 previously unreleased rehearsal outtakes and studio instrumentals, along with an extra disc that showcases a full live performance from 1990 in New Rochelle, N.Y., along with “unearthed” versions of various tracks and pre-’Human’ rehearsals of ‘Suicide Machine,’ ‘Together as One’ and ‘See Through Dreams.’ This exclusive premiere of ‘Leprosy’ was recorded on March 17, 1990, at Streets in New Rochelle. ‘Leprosy’ was the final track played that night, with Death delivering an absolutely punishing performance showcasing the masterful musicianship of each member of the band, but like other Death works, Chuck Schuldiner shines through with blistering guitar work and cement-churning vocals. To pre-order the reissue of ‘Spiritual Healing,’ check out the album’s official Relapse page or purchase the album through iTunes . Also, be sure to check out Death’s official Facebook page for more info. And finally, listen to the exclusive premiere of ‘Leprosy’ live in the player below. Listen to Death, ‘Leprosy’ (Live @ Streets – March 17, 1990) ? [button href=”http://loudwire.com/death-silver-medal-extreme-metal-olympics/” title=”Next: Death Win Silver Medal in Extreme Metal Olympics” align=”center”]
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com There’s no doubt that Shinedown ‘s Brent Smith is a prolific writer, but it appears as though he and his hard-working band have gotten ahead of the game for their next album. Despite releasing ‘Amaryllis’ earlier this year, Smith reveals to NME that the band has already recorded a new album. The singer told the Brit-mag in a video interview , “I’ve thought about new material. It’s funny because … and you’re actually the very first person I’ll tell this too … We’ve actually, we have another record of material. It’s actually recorded.” Speaking about the new music, Smith explained, “It’s still very massive. It has a very epic feel to it, but the tempos are a little slower and the subject matter is a little different. I would say it’s actually a bit darker — a little bit more mischievous.” While the next album is ready, there’s still plenty of life in ‘ Amaryllis ,’ as the group is taking the opportunity to promote it in other parts of the world. The singer revealed, “This was the first true international record we received, and I say received because it really is an honor and it’s a gift and a privilege to get an opportunity from your record label to be released internationally, because not every band or every artist gets that opportunity.” The ‘Amaryllis’ album has already spawned the hit singles ‘ Bully ,’ ‘ Unity ‘ and ‘ Enemies .’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/shinedown-groove-on-new-unity-remixes/” title=”Next: Shinedown Groove on ‘Unity’ Remixes” align=”center”]
Kevin Winter, Getty Images / Facebook: Jon Dette It’s been somewhat of a roller-coaster year for Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante . The band has made a huge comeback with the critically acclaimed 2011 album ‘Worship Music,’ but the stickman has dealt with some tough issues along the way. The group has revealed that Benante is at home taking care of some “personal stuff” while they’re on their current European run. Anthrax have tapped Animetal USA and former Testament and Slayer drummer Jon Dette to fill in while they travel through Europe. Guitarist Scott Ian delivered the news to fans when it became noticeable that Benante was not behind the kit. In a tweet , he stated: Many of you asking who is playing drums… Our friend Jon Dette is kicking ass while @ skisum is home taking care of personal stuff. — Scott Ian (@Scott_Ian) November 6, 2012 In February, Benante mourned the death of his mother , missing some shows on Anthrax’s winter tour. At that time, Testament’s Gene Hoglan filled in for Benante. Then, a hand injury and the recovery time forced him out of the group’s Mayhem Festival dates. During that period, Shadows Fall drummer Jason Bittner stepped in to help out. While off the road, Benante was involved in an altercation with his wife at a baseball game in which both he and his wife were arrested for the bust-up that occurred in front of their daughter. According to a statement released at the time , Benante was treated at a local hospital for a gash to the back of the head that required staples when his wife allegedly assaulted him as he was walking away with her cell phone. Footage of Jon Dette behind the kit with Anthrax overseas can be seen below. Watch Drummer Jon Dette Performing With Anthrax [button href=”http://loudwire.com/anthrax-bassist-frank-bello-talks-reissue-of-worship-music-covering-journey-more/” title=”Frank Bello Talks Anthrax ‘Worship Music’ Reissue + Cover Songs” align=”center”]
Epic Lamb of God are currently on tour supporting their latest album ‘Resolution.’ Returning to where their DVD ‘Killadelphia’ was shot, the Nov. 24 show at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia will be broadcast live on AXS TV . It will air from 10PM until 11:15PM Eastern time. AXS TV interviewed the band, minus vocalist Randy Blythe, about the upcoming live broadcast (watch below) and other topics. In regard to the biggest misconception about Lamb of God, drummer Chris Adler answered, “That we’re nice,” and the whole band laughed. “I guess there is some stigma in what we do,” Adler continued. “But the guys in the band and in most metal bands I know are really a bunch of teddy bears. We get all that stuff out in the music. If we didn’t play we might be bigger jerks than we are. It’s surprising to find out how nice and meek most of these guys are.” One glaring omission from the nearly five minute interview with host Danielle Demski was any question about Blythe’s legal issues following his imprisonment in the Czech Republic for alleged charges of manslaughter. In fact, the interview looks more like something out of ‘Entertainment Tonight’ or ‘Access Hollywood,’ which makes for some awkward moments. As part of the promotion for the broadcast, Lamb of God has given AXS TV a signed Willie Adler ESP guitar for a Facebook giveaway . Lamb of God’s ‘Resolution’ tour runs through December 16. In Flames and Sylosis are playing all dates. Hatebreed is on the bill until Nov. 19 when Hellyeah will take over for the remainder of the run. Watch Lamb of God Announcement and Interview