Alright, this post was suppose to go up at least a month ago, but due to my stoner ass, it's being posted today.
A couple of month ago I emailed Eyal some questions recapping 2009, which he was more then awesome to answer, taking the time out of working on a instrumental (due to be released in April) with fellow DÅÅTH guitarist Emil Werstler and Sean Reinert (Cynic).
Eyal talks about his favorite releases of 09, the decade, the global recession, swine flu, working on a new DÅÅTH record (get f'in psyched!) and more.
Here's how it went:
TMR:What are you favorite albums for 09?
Eyal:The only three records from 2009 that I found myself playing more than once, let alone finishing were the Mastodon, the DAATH, and the Alice In Chains Records
TMR:Now that the decade is coming to an end, what are some of your favorite releases in the 2000’s?
Eyal:
Muse - Absolution, Black Holes And Revelations
Queens of the Stone Age - Songs for the Deaf, Lullabies to Paralyze
Opeth - Blackwater Park, Ghost Reveries
Satyricon - Volcano
Dimmu Borgir - Death Cult Armageddon
Necrphagist - Epitaph
Silverchair - Diorama
Department Of Eagles - In Ear Park
Slipknot - Iowa
TMR:What’s the craziest encounter you had this year?
Eyal:Full blown Swine Flu had to be the craziest thing that's ever happened to me. 2 emergency room visits while on a tour. Leaving the tour without the band because I couldn't continue.
9 days in the hospital in a near death state complete with constant 103-104 temperatures, thick gallons of blood coughed up, doctors trying anything to save me even if they were clueless as to what I even had, and more amazing things to go through. Six weeks at home in bed recovering. H1N1 baby! The hype is real!
TMR:How did the global recession affect your state of metal?
Eyal:less people at shows, less sales overall, less records in stores because shelf space is more limited, less money in label budgets
The music industry was already in its death throes before the recession hit. Imagine how much worse it is now that the whole world is hurting.
TMR:If you have a new year’s resolutions, what would it be?
Eyal:I don't believe in New Years Resolutions. Those are usually just an over-reaction to guilt caused by someone letting themselves go over the holidays.
Its easier to justify acting like a drunk pig if you are about to join the gym. The closest thing that I would have to one of those is that I'd like to continue on the path I'm on. I think its the right path.
TMR:If you had the chance to change anything you’d want to change about 2009, or the 2000’s in general what would it be?
Eyal:Don't look back. I wouldn't change a thing. Changing one thing can alter everything. I just focus on moving on.
TMR:How many tweets have you tweeted so far?
Eyal:50 or so? I need to get on the ball with that. If your personal facebook page could link to twitter somehow that would make things easier.
TMR:Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question, would you like to add anything?
Eyal:Happy new year! Thanks for taking the time to ask me the questions. Look for my instrumental project, Levi / Werstler, which features drums by Cynic's Sean Reinert to be out this April on Magna Carta Records.
Also new DÅÅTH is being written now. So look for a new album from us in the Fall of 2010.
Make sure to check out DÅÅTH on Myspace, for all the latest updates concerning the band's next album, as well asEyalandEmil's instrumental record.
I've been asked a few times to do a year-end list of the bestest metalest albums of 2009. I didnt get the chance to put one together before the end of the year, so I thought I'll make a weekly video focusing on some of the most popular and successful bands of 09.
Now I wont be generalizing much on these compilations, because there is simply a shit load of albums varying in sound that came out last year, and putting them all together in one list, will undoubtedly be unfair to a handful of great releases.
So without further to do, here's the first part of "2009 In Metal."
Mutiny Within recently finished wrapping up work on their RoadRunner Records self titled debut, out February 23rd. The band will be going on tour with Swedish melodic death metal titans Arch Enemy on their "Tyrants of Evil - North American Tour 2010" alongside thrash legends Exodus, and technical melodeathband Arsis.
Being the awesome band that they are, Mutiny Within's A.J. (Bass), Chris Clancy (Vocals) and Drew (Keyboards) answered some questions, recapping 2009 for the band. I asked them about the band's debut album, their favorite releases of 09 as well as the decade, the global recession and more.
Here's how it went:
TMR: You guys worked on recording your RoadRunner debut album through out 2009, are you happy with the end result?
AJ: Yes, definitely. It took a long time but was well worth it. We wrote 50 songs to prepare, spent 4 months recording at 3 different studios with 2 different producers, and spent the 2nd half of 2009 in mixing and mastering. We've got our best 11 songs on this disc and we're all very proud.
Chris: We're totally happy with the result. The recording process had many ups and downs, but we now realise that without all of the problems we had, the end result would not have been the same. It all finally came together so well and we couldn't be happier with it.
Drew: Having these songs around for so long I didn't know where they would end up. I was surprised but most of all I was floored after listening to the album straight through. Even after listening to it about 100 times! I am most excited knowing that the world people will be listening and singing along to our album.
TMR: 2009 was also a great year for metal and hardcore music; what are some of your favorite albums of the year?
AJ: Our friends in Cattle Decapitation put out "The Harvast Floor" this year, those guys rule. God Forbid had "Earthsblood" which sounded really good as well. Lamb Of God's "Wrath" had some sick songs, as did the new Killswitch Engage record. Also, Scar Symmetry's "Dark Matter Dimensions" and Dream Theater's "Dark Clouds and Silver Linings" must be mentioned.
Drew: My favorite album of this year had to be Devil Wears Prada, Killswitch Engage And definitely Lamb Of God.
TMR: Now that we are passed a decade, what are some of your favorite releases in the 2000s?
MW:
Soilwork - The Chainheart Machine
Killswitch Engage - Alive or Just Breathing
Dream Theater - Train Of Thought
Alter Bridge - One Day Remains
Killswitch Engage - The End Of Heartache
Lamb Of God - Ashes Of The Wake
Necrophagist - Epitaph
System Of A Down - Toxicity
Trivium - Ascendancy
Slipknot - Iowa
Chris: And I'll add...
Devildriver - The Last Kind Words Lamb Of God - Sacrament Machine Head - Through The Ashes Of Empires
TMR: What’s the craziest encounter you had this year?
AJ: Met Ron Jeremy at the Rainbow Room in Hollywood, can't beat that.
Chris: Playing with Machine Head in Long Island. We hadn't even started playing the first song and the crowd were going crazy. To have that sort of reception when people barely know who we are right now is incredible. The best show of my life so far.
Drew: Probably that girl in the Las Vegas mall who was breathlessly reeling out information about her rather "unorthodox occupation" to me and a couple of the guys.
TMR: What are 3 things you’d like to change about the past decade if you had the chance?
AJ:
1.Didn't like seeing The Rev, Michael Jackson, and the OxyClean guy pass away. 2.Save the economy, people's homes, etc. 3.Would've made a better Soprano's ending.
Chris:
1. Probably a lot to do with the way the world is run right now. Not invading other countries for a start.
2. Collapse the Federal Reserve and make people aware of how much damage is being done due to the corruption and orchestration they bring to this world.
3. Stop Simon Cowell making terrible TV shows.
Drew:
1. I would like to have change almost all of the elections, from local to federal.
2. I would have stopped Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers
3. I would have stopped myself from seeing the movie "The Hangover"
TMR: The global recession has been a very effective step back for a lot of events, and festivals. Did the recession effect your state of metal?
Chris: I think the entertainment industry is one of the least affected areas. People are down and a lot of people turn to metal to get their frustrations out. It's always what metal's been about: anger, frustration, aggression.
TMR: How many tweets have you tweeted in 09?
Drew: Well I finally got a laptop, so a little less than 10. But who knows what 2010 holds for me and twitter!
Mutiny Within tweeted 146 times in 2009.
TMR: What do you have planned for 2010?
AJ: North American tour with Arch Enemy - Jan/Feb Album release - February 23rd, 2010 North American tour with Sonata Arctica - Jan/Feb The rest is yet to be announced!
Chris: A LOT of touring it seems. We have our album out Feb 23rd and we can't wait until it hits the shelves. It's going to be a great year.
TMR: Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer my questions; would you like to add anything?
Thanks to the Metal Reporter for thinking of us to do this interview, we appreciate it. Your site rocks. Also, thanks to our fans for reading this. See you on the road!
Make sure to check out the band's pages online for all the latest updates concerning their debut album, out February 23rd!
Dirge Within is the brainchild of Ex-SOiL guitarist Shaun Glass, who decided to start the band as a much more aggressive outlet to his creativity (as in he wanted to play some heavy as fuck metal, instead of rushing into the mainstream)
Dirge Within where recently part of Trivium's "Into The Mouth of Hell We Tour" supporting their debut album"Force Fed Lies" categorized best as a really heavy modern metal release.
Shaun was nice enough to answer a few questions recapping 2009, answering questions about the band's debut album, his favorite releases of the year, the global recession and more.
Here's how it went:
TMR:2009 saw the release of Dirge Within’s debut album “Force Fed Lies”. Which has been receiving positive reviews everywhere, looking back, are you satisfied with the end result?
Shaun:100% i think we made an album that is true to our sound.all the songs each showcase something special in our sound.too many bands these days try and sound like 200 other bands,dirge within is a tad more unique than alot of the re hashed stuff fed to the masses
TMR:2009 was also a great year for metal; what are some of your favorite albums of the year?
Shaun:i love the latest dream theatre,they really captured some amazing sounds and songs on it.also the last devildriver is sick.
TMR:Now that the decade is coming to an end, what are some of your favorite releases in the 2000s?
Shaun:that is so hard i would have to sit here for 5 hours to do it justice haha the new megadeth-ENDGAME is truly slamming
TMR:The global recession has been a very effect step back for a lot of events, and festivals. Did the recession effect your state of metal?
Shaun:of course people have less $ to buy cd's etc.one thing that is important is your live show.we feel proud that when we hit the stage it is Game on.kill or be killed is my moto.fuckin metal!
British Hardcore punk band Gallows have been touring all over the world in support of their latest release "Grey Britain." The band's breed of hardcore punk, landed them a 4 album £1 million deal with Warner Music (UK).
"Grey Britain" (the follow up to 2006's highly successful album "Orchestra of Wolves") has been receiving some great reviews and if you haven't checked it out yet, I highly recommend you do (don't be living in the yesteryears, join the cool crowd ya bastards!)
While the band is still currently on tour, which is becoming Gallows' usual routine. Drummer Lee Barratt took a few moments to answer some questions recapping 2009.
Lee answers questions about the band's latest album, his favorite releases for 09 and the decade, the global recession, twitter and a lot more!
Here's how it went:
TMR:2009 saw the release of Gallows’ latest studio album “Grey Britain.” Listening to the release lately, are you happy with the end result?
Lee:Yes, I was actually listening to a few of the tracks again a couple of weeks ago because there's some songs on there we hadn't played since May and I needed to refresh my memory of them for the current UK tour we're on!
We were incredibly lucky to be able to do everything we wanted when we recorded the album. We wanted real strings on there so we got a 32 piece orchestra to record them in a huge studio, we wanted all the samples to be real too so we had our friends go out in London at 4am to record the Thames and things like Big Ben (which you can hear at the start of The Vulture Act II)
The album sounds 10 times better than Orchestra Of Wolves and working with GGGarth Richardson really brought out the best in us as musicians. He knew what we were aiming to achieve with the record and sonically, I think it's everything we could have hoped for.
TMR:2009 was also a great year for metal and hardcore music; what are some of your favorite albums of the year?
Lee:There's been a bunch of great albums released this year, some of my favorites have been the Stray From The Path, Iron Age, Leathermouth, Kylesa, Converge & Between The Buried And Me. I couldn't pick a certain one out of those that stands out but they all shred hard.
TMR:Now that the decade is coming to an end, what are some of your favorite releases in the 2000s?
Lee:Wow, that's an incredibly hard question!! The list would be fucking huge if I was to name all my favorites but there's definitely always bands I come back to more regularly than others... I'm a huge fan of bands who keep pushing themselves musically and I think in this decade you can see the progress made for heavy music in artists such as Poison The Well, Converge & Mastodon. They've all released albums that have inspired myself and Gallows in some way. There is a Scandi band called JR Ewing who released two amazing albums this decade which had a massive influence on Gallows when we first started so they are a band well worth checking out.
TMR:What’s the craziest encounter you had this year?
Lee:I'd have to say the craziest encounter I've had was with my now fiancee! I met her on Warped tour in the line for lunch when I shouted at her for not coming to see Gallows play yet and I guess as they say, the rest is history.
TMR:The global recession has been a very effective step back for a lot of events, and festivals. Did the recession effect you on some level?
Lee:Very much so. I think it's probably affected 90% of all touring bands and unless you're in a band like Green Day or Metallica which is basically a cash cow, a lot of bands have had to think about the way they're touring and the best way to economize since the recession hit. We've been at a comfortable level where we could tour in a bus but right now we're back to touring in a van as it's more economical for the band. It's also a lot more fun and keeps the band communication at an all time high haha!
I think the biggest part the recession has had is in ticket and record sales. Lots of festivals this year were hit with poor sales but on the other hand, some punters decide they want to spend all their gig money on a ticket to a festival with many bands so they don't pay for a ticket to see a band when they tour through their home town. It's a weird time to be touring which is part of the reason we decided to go back to basics more on this current tour and play smaller, intimate venues where we know the atmosphere will be better and we can get in the crowd's faces.
TMR:What are 3 things you’d like to change about the past decade if you had the chance?
Lee:We've made some silly decisions but I would probably say that I wouldn't change anything because those decisions have helped us grow as a band and we know not to make the same mistakes again. The music industry is something you're constantly learning about and sometimes it is amazing, other times it isn't. I try not to dwell too hard on things I'd like to change but would rather look forward to the future!
TMR:How many tweets have you tweeted so far in 09?
Lee:I just checked and I've made 1,555. I don't know if that means I'm a Twitter-holic?!
TMR:What do you have planned for 2010?
Lee:We're going to take the first 6 weeks off and then have some re-scheduled UK shows to fulfil before heading over to Australia (for Soundwave) and Japan (for Punkspring). I think after that we'll be just hitting some of the European festivals and then spending a lot of time writing for the next record. 2010 will definitely be a quieter year for the band touring wise.
TMR:Thanks a lot Lee for taking the time to answer my questions; would you like to add anything?
Lee:If you haven't checked out Grey Britain yet then please do and thanks to the Metal Reporter for showing an interest in us this year!
Dubai's premier death metal titans NERVECELL have been touring all over the world this past year in support of their Lifeforce Records debut album "Preaching Venom."
The band performed at Wacken Open Air, Rock Am Ring, Rock Im Park, and Metal GDL to name a few. The death metal veterans will also be supporting American technical death metal pioneers Suffocation on their upcoming "Legacy of Blood European Tour 2010," which will probably rip your face apart! also appearing on the bill Annotations of An Autopsy (UK), Fleshgod Apocalypse (Italy) and Burning The Masses (US).
NERVECELL will also be performing for the first time in Sri Lanka on December 19th, along with metalcore powerhouse As I Lay Dying at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
Being the mighty guitarist that he is, Barney Ribeiro answered my questions recapping 2009 about his favorite releases for the year as well as the decade, favorite performances, signing to Lifeforce Records, the band's next album and a lot more.
Here's how it went:
TMR:2009 has been a very active year in NERVECELL’s camp, performing for the first time in Wacken Open Air, and Rock Am Ring, as well as a line-up of other dates around Europe, you also recently announced a European tour, supporting Technical Death Metal heavyweights Suffocation. How has the experience of performing in front of all these new crowds been?
Barney: Really really good man, like you said playing in some real killer festivals this year and then heading out to do our own tour within Europe was definitely worth it. This has always been something we have longed to do as a band and we are finally getting there. The European crowds have been treating us very very well, they have welcomed us there all the times and we honestly feel like we are playing to a crowd that has seen us for years together sometimes. Its a really awesome feeling seeing a new audience being so appreciateive of your work.
TMR:If you where to pick your top 3 performances of the year, which would they be?
Barney: Wacken for sure number 1, second would be Rock AM Ring and 3rd would be the festival we headlined in Austria called New Jam Festival.
TMR:You guys also inked a deal with German label Lifeforce Records (who are home to some of metal’s most well known extreme bands [Nightrage, The Faceless, Deadlock] ) to release your debut full length album “Preaching Venom” in Europe, how has the European fans receive the album?
Barney: Well we've been informed that the album is doing well so yeah we can only hope for the best. Every now and then we get some fans writing us emails from France, The Netherlands, Turkey etc. telling us that they came across our CD in their local store and they absolutely love the music also expressing their regret that they missed us when we were playing in their countries..haha!
Oh well, I'm definitely looking forward to go back on the road and promote the album even more since we have a great label like LIFEFORCE Records behind us!
TMR:A while ago, it was mentioned that you guys where writing material for your follow-up to “Preaching Venom” would there be a chance of it hitting stores anytime in 2010?
Barney:Wow well we are writing down some ideas but nothing caste in stone yet...we still are very determined to get back on the road and play live a lot more to the European audiences and elsewhere. We still feel we haven't done justice to the music we left behind on "Preaching Venom" and touring is eally whats on our minds now!
Of course on the off days we are writing down some music but there is still a lot to be done, I guess you could say yeah in 2010 we should have enough songs ready for the next record though.
TMR: 2009 has been a great year for metal; do you have any favorites for the year?
Barney:The Faceless - Planetury Duality, Nile - Those whom The Gods Detest and Suffocation - Blood Oath
TMR:Now that the decade is coming to an end, what are some of your favorite releases in the 2000s?
Barney:Man there are quite a lot actually...apart from the 3 I mentioned above I would say definitely Bloodbath - the fathomless mastery, Nile - Annihilliation of the wicked, Opeth - Watershed, Lamb of God - Ashes of the wake, Testament - The Formation of Damnation, Job For A Cowboy - Genesis, Behemoth - Demigod...to name a few
TMR:The global recession has been a very effect step back for a lot of events, and festivals. Dubai is one of the cities facing it dramatically, did the recession effect your state of metal?
Barney:Apart from us having to cancell a festival appearance in Hungary due to the recession there was nothing else that effected the band as such. The festival just basically informed all the bands that they did not have any sponsors etc and therefore had to cancel the event.
I would say apart from that nothing else had effected us, in fact we had the best year of our carreer actually, we got signed, we played the biggest festivals in Europe and we even went on to tour more after that, all in one year!
TMR:What’s the craziest encounter you had this year?
Barney:Being asked to interview Phil Anselmo at With Full Force Festival in Germany for the festival DVD!!! followed by being interviewd by Andreas Killer (Sepultura)...seriously dude! its all on fim...haha.
TMR:If you have a new year’s resolution, what would it be?
Barney:To try and be a better person, both at home with family and with our peers in the music business. I've learnt this year especially that there are a lot of things in life that people take for grantid and its always easy to point the finger and bitch about something. The boldest and most respectful thing a man can ever do is accept his own fault and to pick up from there on and carry on doing good in this world! Im not saying that Im a bad person or I've done wrong in the past, its just that I've meet a lot of people in my life and all I can see in most of them is pain and regret simply because they dont see eye to eye with their friends or due to a simple misunderstanding... I for one hate drama and I'd like to help anyone in this world if I possibly could, it all boils down to treating everyone else they same way you would like to be treated and this world could be a better place!
TMR:What are 3 things you’d like to change about the past decade if you had the chance?
Barney: September 11th and all the lies and sterotypes that came with it. The Global Economic recession. The Tsunami's that destroyed Thailnd, Sri Lanka etc...
TMR:How many tweets have you tweeted so far in 09?
Barney:None and Im very proud of that...haha
Now days everyone wants to become a celebrity with their fucking twitter and facebook accounts, everyone wants to be famous and let the world know their where abouts, what they are wearing, what their weekend plans are, what car they drive, what phone they use, who they hang out with...bla bla bla - I really couldnt give a shit... Im not on twitter neither facebook and I intend to keep it that way. I am in touch with the people that matter the most to me and thats all I care about.
TMR:Thank you so much Barney for taking the time to answer my questions, and for always being a pleasure to contact, would you like to add anything?
Barney:Your very welcome. Thanks for your interest and tremendous support towards NERVECELL. I truly appreciate it. Hope to catch you around at one of our next shows brother!
Make sure to check NERVECELL's official myspace for all the latest news and tour dates...the band might just devour your town next!
It's already been a whole year, since the last time I bugged Antony with a year-end list of questions recapping all his trails of awesome. The difference is, this is not only the end of the year, it's also the end of a decade!
Nightrage had a eventful year, releasing their fourth studio album "Wearing A Martyr's Crown" to great reception (Kerrang! 4/5, Rock Hard 8.5/10 and Metal Hammer's 5/7 among many other rave reviews).
The band is currently writing material for their 5th studio album! which by default will make 2010 another great year for the melodic death metal heavy weights and for the metal scene.
I ask Antony about sharing the stage with one of melodic death metal's forefathers Tomas "Tompa" Lindberg, his favorite albums of the year as well as the decade, and a lot more.
Here's how it went:
TMR:2009 Saw the release of Nightrage’s latest studio album “Wearing A Martyr’s Crown” which was your first recording with the band, how has the experience of being the band’s front man been so far?
Antony: Its still great as it was 3 years ago. Nothing has changed. Everyone has given me (and the band) so many positive reviews. Its a really amazing thing to be a part of still.
TMR:Tomas Lindbergshared the stage with you to perform one of Nightrage’s classics “The Tremor” would there be a chance of hearing the both of you on future Nightragematerial?
Antony: Yea that was an amazing experience for me. He is one of my personal heros kind of. And we got a nice chance to talk before the show while in the rehearsal. We have some nice things in common besides being in the same band. So it's always nice to just be real people and forget about this "larger than life" image to have on people sometimes. It was a great honor and if you would have told me 3 years ago I would share the stage with him I would have thought you were crazy (laughs). To get to the other part of your question yes of course I have thought about having him in on a song for the next album. I'll find out more soon. I'll have Marios ask him about it, they are still tight so I'm sure it would be easy to do.
TMR:2009 has been a great year for metal; what are some of your albums of the year?
Antony: Dark Funeral, Hypocrisy, Struck By Lightning, Slayer, Napalm Death, Converge, Enslaved, Amorphis
TMR:Now that the decade is coming to an end, what are some of your favorite releases in the 2000s?
Antony: I'll just do a top 5 for this one.
1. Nightrage - Sweet Vengeance 2. Dark Tranquillity - Damage Done 3. Hypocrisy - Virus 4. Napalm Death - Smear Campaign 5. Immortal - Sons Of Northern Darkness
TMR:The global recession has been a very effective step back for a lot of events, and festivals. Did the recession effect your state of metal?
Antony: Not for me really. I only go to shows in the area I live a friend is in town. When I'm home I don't really go out for much. Just hang with friends and drink. So for me this didn't hurt metal. Nothing will ever hurt this music.
TMR:What’s the craziest encounter you had this year?
Antony: I got to speak with Andreas from Sepultura when we were doing a festival in Portugal. That was very cool. He is a very nice guy and down to earth. It was a shock to speak with him since I have been a big fan since I was 11 years old. That's the best encounter I can think of.
TMR:What are 3 things you’d like to change about the past decade if you had the chance?
Antony: Nothing. You learn from everything you do. If not then you are not paying attention to life.
TMR:How many tweets have you tweeted so far in 09?
Antony: I think like 5. I don't really use the thing. I got it for the band really. It's not really something I keep up with. This facebook and email thing is enough headache for me (laughs).
TMR:Thank you so much Antony for taking the time to answer my questions, and for always being so kick ass! would you like to add anything?
Antony: Thank to you as well. I always love doing these awesome questions you have! Well only thing to add is that we are already writing the next album while on this break before some touring. We are currently at 7 songs done! The songs are shaping up more brutal and straight forward than WAMC. So I hope you all enjoy it! Thanks again!
[TMR sidenote]: I'm already getting extremely pumped up!! about the next Nightrage album... excuse me while I go punch random pedestrians in the face!
Make sure to vote for Nightrage over at Metaltown.se
Saudi Arabia's guitar veteran Ayman Ali, is currently working on the upcoming Wasted Land release.
Ayman along with his band Wasted Land, have created a loyal following in the metal scene in KSA. Wasted Land has been interviewed by CNN and BBC (to name a few) for the bizarre idea of having a melodeath band hailing from Arabia. The band has been getting great feedback ever since the beginning and their upcoming material is anticipated by alot within the scene.
Ayman recently took a moment to recap 2008 for The Metal Reporter.
Here's how it went:
TMR: Whats the craziest encounter you had this year ?
Ayman: My craziest encounter was when i met Iced Earth this year. It wasnt expected and I've never thought to see Jon Shcaffer and Mat Barlow in person.
TMR: Any favorite albums for 08 ?
Ayman: Well there are several of albums l liked this year :
Eluveitie - Salania, Metallica- Death Megnatic and ACDC- Black Ice
TMR: Whats your new years resolution ?
Ayman: Trying to be better person and lose more weight lol.
TMR: Is there anything you would like to change about 2008 ?
Ayman: I guess i would like if i can change the global economic crisis.
TMR: What are you planning for 09 ?
Ayman: My plans are to finish recording with my band our new album.
I'd like to thank Ayman for taking the time to answer my questions. looking forward to your upcoming releases !
The Autumn Offering are currently working on their latest studio effort "Requiem" which should be out next year around springtime, and the band plans to release a song from the new album, around March of next year.
Matt Mcchesney the band's frontman, who is always awesome to have "a word" with recaps 2008.
Here's how it went:
TMR: Whats the craziest encounter you had this year ?
Matt: Nothing really stands out. We toured a lot and that usually brings out the standard list of crazies. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Of course, given the amount of alcohol consumed something could have slipped my mind.
TMR: Any favorite albums for 08 ?
Matt: Obzen by Meshuggah. It reminds me more of thier older material like Destroy, Erase, Improve. Also my buddy Ian directed their "Bleed" video which came out fantastic.
TMR: Any plans for the holidays ?
Matt: Just the standard stuff. hanging out with family and friends. trying not to get to fat from all the good food!!
TMR: Whats your new years resolution ?
Matt: Hmmmm. To cut back on smoking. I've been meaning to do that for sometime. Anyone who know me knows that I'm a little high strung. Without cigarettes I would killed a few people..hahahahaha.
TMR: Hahaha ! I know what you mean dude (coughs) I'm actually thinking about doing the same :D
TMR: Is there anything you would like to change about 2008 ?
Matt: Hmmmm. No. No regrets. Whatever i did was what I wanted to do in that moment. That sounds like rain man wrote that sentence. Too much egg nog.
TMR: What are you planning for 09 ?
Matt: To release our new album, "Reqiuem". It's our best work to date. I'm not gonna hype it up I'll let the music do the talking.
TMR: Would you like to add anything ?
Matt: Thanks for the interview. God bless you and your family and everyone around the world. Christmas puts me in a rare good mood. Cheers!
I'd like to thank Matt for his awesome answers, its always a pleasure to have "a word" with you man, hope you have a great time on the holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !
Make sure to check out The Autumn Offering's Myspace, for the latest updates concerning the band's upcoming album "Requiem" and also check out the band's music player, dig the music ? add the player to your own profile !
The video for "From Atrophy To Obsession" from the band's 2007 release "Fear Will Cast No Shaddow"
Mutiny Within, are currently busy recording their debut album for RoadRunner Records, which seems like its going to be one of 09's "blow you away" releases !
You can stay updated with everything going on with the band and producer Jason Suecof in the studio, through the band's series "MUTINY withIN THE STUDIO" over on RoadRunner.
Chris Clancy the band's frontman, recaps 2008 for The Metal Reporter, Chris talks about his favorite albums for 08, plans for the holidays and more.
Here's how it went: TMR: Whats the craziest thing that happened this year ? Chris: Getting signed by Roadrunner Records was definitely the craziest thing that happened this year. After spending almost half my life working towards getting here it really felt like I'd achieved something.
TMR: Any favorite albums for 08 ? Chris:
Scar Symmetry - "Holographic Universe" In Flames - "A Sense Of Purpose" Trivium - "Shogun" All That Remains - "Overcome" Slipknot - "All Hope Is Gone" Children Of Bodom - "Blooddrunk" All Shall Perish - "Awaken The Dreamers" Opeth - "Watershed" Textures - "Silhouettes" Cradle Of Filth - "Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder" Arsis - "We Are The Nightmare" Sonic Syndicate - "Love and Other Disasters" In This Moment - "The Dream" Kalmah - "For The Revolution" After The Burial - "Rareform" Norther - "N" Protest The Hero - "Fortress"
TMR: Any plans for the holidays ?
Chris: We're currently sat in Jason Suecof's studio (Audiohammer Studios) in Florida recording our debut album so we're hoping to catch a movie on Christmas Day and then it's back to work on guitars lol. Hardly festive, but there's nowhere I'd rather be right now.
TMR: What are you guys planning for 09 ? Chris: '09 is going to be a big year for us. Our album comes out in the Summer and we'll be doing a fair amount of touring so we're pretty excited to see how everything is going to pan out. We haven't really planned past recording our album yet so when we get this done we'll start working out touring possibilities and get on the road.
TMR: Would you like to add anything ? Chris: We'd just like to thank all the people that have helped us make this year the most important year of our lives. To the people who listen to our music and the support from our friends and family's. Without these people non of this would have been possible.
I'd like to thank Chris for taking the time to answer my questions, make sure to check out the band's series "MUTINY withIN THE STUDIO" over on RoadRunner Records, here's the link to their latest episode (005) and also head over to their official Myspace to get a taste of what is Mutiny Within.
Sonic Syndicate had a very eventful year. They released their follow up to 2007's "Only Inhuman".
Singles like "Jack Of Diamonds' and "My Escape" have made their latest release "Love And Other Disasters" a hit all over the metal scene !
The always beautiful Karin Axelsson who strings up the bass for the band, recaps her experience for 08 and talks about her craziest encounter, plans for the holidays, favorite albums of the year and more.
Here's how it went:
TMR: Whats the craziest encounter you had this year ?
Karin: For me the craziest thing this year was to go on tour with both Nightwish and In Flames the same year. It's two bands I really like and two bands we had a lot of fun with. So it seemed unreal when I first heard we're touring with them.
TMR: Any favorite albums for 08 ? Karin: I listen to so much music so it's really hard for me to decide a few. But the latest albums that I've been listening to are Pink - Funhouse Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli and Gojira - the way of all flesh
TMR: Any plans for the holidays ?
Karin: Well, today being xmas eve I do have some plans. I'm gonna spend time with my family and eat good food. And then at 12 pm. we are leaving for Darkness over xmas tour in Germany. So it's not really a day off for any of us. But it's totally worth it. This tour will be awesome!
TMR: Whats your new years resolution ?
Karin:I dont have one. I don't belive in that stuff. Sometimes I had something like quit smoking or something else you cant do unless you really want to. So nope. nothing for me!
TMR: What are you guys planning for 09 ? Karin: Well my start of 09 begins with a skiing vacation with my boyfriend and 4 other friends. After that it's touring touring and touring. The way I like it
TMR:Would you like to add anything ? Karin: Merry x-mas and I hope to see you all who reads this out there!
I'd like to thank Karin for taking the time to answer my questions, hope you have a good time on the holidays !
Make sure to check out the band's Myspace for all the latest updates.
Well 2008 is coming to an end (Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year) , and this year we had a ton of releases and stories going on in the metal scene and the music scene in general, for example after 17 years, Axl Rose finally decided to release the eagerly anticipated "Chinese Democracy", Gorgoroth are still arguing over who gets the band name in the separation (which is starting to sound like a couple fighting over custody for their child) Divine Heresy has a new vocalist, you get the picture.
Nightrage frontman Antony Hämäläinen (who is always beyond awesome) recaps 2008. Antony tells his craziest encounter this year, favorite albums, and talks about the band's upcoming release "Wearing A Martyr's Crown".
Here's how it went:
TMR: Whats the craziest encounter you had this year ?
Antony: Meeting Glenn Danzig on his tour bus. A friend was working merch for him and she asked for me to come along after the show.
He was a very very cool guy. I have been a huge fan of his from a very young age. It was a strange feeling for me to be that close to him. This was the only time in my life I have been so star struck.
But then out of nowhere a dominatrix and a stripper walk out from his back lounge. I looked at Silenoz (Dimmu Borgir) and asked him in Norwegion "what the hell is going on here?" and he replied "It's been like this all the time on this tour".
This I think is kind of strange for Scandinavian bands like ours. We are not into this "Hollywood" life style. It's all about the music then the drinks. Not having strippers on your bus (laughs).
TMR: Any favorite albums for 08 ?
Antony:
Disfear - Live the Storm Firewind - The Premonition Landmine Marathon - Rusted Eyes Awake Krisiun - Southern Storm Amon Amarth - Twilight Of The Thunder Gods Stam1na - Raja Septicflesh - Communion
TMR: Any plans for the holidays ?
Antony: Time with family. It is a hard time for my family in the cold dark.
TMR: Whats your new years resolution ?
Antony: I do not believe in these. You are who you are and you will never change anything most likely.
TMR: What are you guys planning for 09 ?
Antony: Touring non stop.
TMR: When do you guys plan on releasing a taste of "Wearing A Martyr's Crown" ?
Antony: It maybe around April of 09. The recording will be finished in March so we should have a single out by then.
TMR: Would you like to add anything ?
Antony: Thanks to everyone again for your support and dedication. hail The Metal Reporter!
I'd like to thank the always awesome Antony Hämäläinen, for taking the time to answer my questions, make sure to check out the band's Myspace for the latest updates on "Wearing A Martyr's Crown".
Here's the latest Webisode (5) for Nightrage in the Studio:
Alright, this post was suppose to go up at least a month ago, but due to my stoner ass, it's being posted today.
would it be?
