Noisecreep

Linkin Park Brings 'A Thousand Suns' Home for US Tour Dates

Linda Laban — 2011-01-19T23:00:00+00:00

Filed under: News, Tours

Jack Guez, AFP / Getty Images

Linkin Park are finally bringing their 'A Thousand Suns' tour home, following jaunts through Europe and Australia. The US leg begins Jan. 20 in Sunrise, Fla. and takes in 24 dates before ending Feb. 28 in Phoenix, Ariz. During a press conference last week, co-vocalist Mike Shinoda surprisingly revealed that even at this stage, the band is not playing on auto pilot and each show will be fresh.

"Our art team developed technology that's specific to [these shows], and it had a lot to do with the fact that we don't play the exact same thing every night. We play different set lists. And then within those set lists we improvise, so we wanted a way for the look of the show to kind of ebb and flow with whatever we do with the music," Shinoda told a bevy of journalists. "So from night to night, the music will be different and the visuals will be different as well. No two shows will be the same."

As I Lay Dying's Tim Lambesis: Our New Record Is a Grower

Linda Laban — 2010-05-18T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

In some ways, As I Lay Dying's fifth album 'The Powerless Rise' goes out on a limb. In others, the thrash-fueled metal band from San Diego's latest disc, which was released May 11 on Metal Blade Records, hugs a comfort zone. The album's artwork once again came from Converge's Jacob Bannon, and production was taken care of by Adam Dutkiewicz of Killswitch Engage, who also worked on the As I Lay Dying's 2007 Grammy-nominated 'An Ocean Between Us.'

But singer Tim Lambesis tells Noisecreep that 'The Powerless Rise' isn't necessarily proving to be a familiar ride for the band's fans. This one, with its intricate mathy metal layers, he says, takes a few listens. It is, we conclude, that most rewarding of records, technically known as a grower.

Judas Priest, 'British Steel: Legacy Edition' 30th Anniversary -- New Album

Linda Laban — 2010-04-26T17:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

Judas Priest's now-classic album 'British Steel' was released in 1980, ushering in heavy metal's '80s heyday and defining the look and sound of the band itself. Last year, the quintet took 'British Steel' on the road, performing the album track by track in its entirety.

The 30th anniversary of the record is marked by a special 'British Steel: Legacy Edition,' released on Columbia Records May 11, which includes the remastered CD and a bonus DVD capturing the British metal giants in concert in August 2009 at the Seminole Hard Rock Arena in Hollywood, Fla. and a documentary, 'Making of British Steel,' complete with band interviews. Guitarist K.K. Downing, who founded Judas Priest with former bassist Ian Hill in Birmingham in 1970, spoke to Noisecreep from his home in Shropshire, England.

The Sword Go Sci-Fi, Broaden Sound for Third Album

Linda Laban — 2010-03-08T22:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

Grandiose heavy metal quartet the Sword are halfway through recording their third album, and, reveals frontman J.D. Cronise, fans can expect a few changes. Speaking to Noisecreep from the band's home base of Austin, Texas, Cronise says that the as-yet-untitled record will have a broader hard rock sound, recalling bands like Guns N' Roses and Thin Lizzy, while keeping some thrashy elements, too.

The aim isn't to broaden the band's appeal outside of the heavy metal market, though. "If more people listen that's great, but we're not doing it for that reason," says Cronise. "We are just more interested in expanding our sound for ourselves. If we wanted to expand our audience we should just remake the second album over again, rather than challenge people with something new."

Maynard James Keenan Keeping It Real Amid Tool Recording Rumors

Linda Laban — 2010-03-05T18:30:00+00:00

Following Tool's tour last summer, rumors of a new album have been rife. Fans shouldn't get their hopes up, though, since frontman Maynard James Keenan tells Noisecreep that he's too busy right now -- what with Puscifer hitting the road and his Arizona winery, Merkin Vineyards, at all systems go.

Still, there's some good news: Keenan doesn't totally discount more activity from the iconic mathy metal band. "It's hard to say," Keenan tells Noisecreep. "I don't know if I can right now. I am on the operating table and I'm breaching, I'm having a baby. The idea of making another baby right now is not appealing," he says metaphorically, if not a little dramatically, of recording a new album.

Icarus Witch on a Career Suicide Mission

Linda Laban — 2010-03-04T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Metal Minutia

Pennsylvania's Icarus Witch are one of a tide of American metal acts recalling the classic '80s NWOBHM sound, but bassist Jason Myers tells Noisecreep they aren't bandwagon jumpers. Quite the opposite, in fact. Since forming in 2004, Icarus Witch have pioneered the classic metal resurgence.

"When we first did it, it wasn't trendy or popular -- especially in America," Myers recalls to Noisecreep. "We were just playing the kind of music we wanted to hear. Oddly enough, the trend has come 'round to us. In 2010, you see a lot of younger people and the industry paying attention to this new wave of traditional metal that we've been thrust into the forefront of, just because we've done it for a while."

Puscifer Hitting the Road in March

Linda Laban — 2010-03-01T14:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Tours

In March, Maynard James Keenan is back on the road with his vaudevillian performance art troupe, Puscifer. The tour kicks off March 2 at the CW Center Stage in Atlanta, and continues through April 3, with Puscifer pulling double duty, featuring two-night stands in most cities.

The tour is the second jaunt since this expansive band of musicians and comedians debuted in Las Vegas on Valentine's Day 2009. In between musical dates, Keenan has been busy launching his Arizona winery, Merkin Vineyards. It's not a case of juggling his two roles, though. Keenan says making music and making wine work well together.

Manegarm Have Nothing to Say to Non-Metalheads

Linda Laban — 2010-02-24T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Metal Minutia

Is it a silly question to ask whether Swedish death metallers Månegarm are into paganism and Viking lore? Yeah, apparently, it really is. "Of course we're pagans," Månegarm's vocalist/drummer Erik Grawsiö tells Noisecreep. "And with our music, we try to light up that pagan flame in others, too. Our lyrics handle the Norse mythology and the Viking era, but they're also about exploring the spiritual side of things such as nature and its beings, for example. There are so many things in our folklore to explore, and we want [music fans] to do that with us."

Grawsiö admits that he's not a fully paid-up, practicing pagan. "[Bassist Pierre Wilhelmsson] is the one of us that is into it the most, as he practices our ancient customs," he says. "For me, it stays with a big interest. I think it's a really interesting and fascinating subject. I guess I got into it in some way when I started playing in Månegarm."

Fieldy Says Some Won't Like His New Solo Album

Linda Laban — 2010-02-23T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

Korn bassist Fieldy describes his playing style as minimalist. "I really like that bass is like less is more. I like that -- when you hear a bass player that lays a really solid foundation," he tells Noisecreep. Yet on his upcoming solo album, aptly titled 'Bassically,' he went for the mother lode of bass playing, multi-tracking lead and rhythm parts using a 15-string bass, stand-up bass, fretless bass ... you name it, he used it.

"It's insane, man. I did so many lead tracks and rhythm tracks. Sometimes, it's chaotic. It kinda takes you on a ride through the CD, so you can have a mellow funk track next to a chaotic bunch of basses going crazy. Right now, I have 11 songs finished. I might do two more, but it's pretty much done," he says.

Manegarm Want Winter's Force to Be With You, Wimps

Linda Laban — 2010-02-22T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Metal Minutia

Earlier this year, during one of the coldest winters both Europe and America have known in quite some time, Månegarm unleashed the video for their dramatically chilling song, 'Vetrarmegin.' The song is taken from the Swedish Viking death metal band's dark, brooding album, 'Nattväsen' ('Night Creatures'), which was released in November via Regain Records.

"'Vetrarmegin' means winter force," Manegarm's vocalist/drummer Erik Grawsiö tells Noisecreep. "All elements have [their] own 'megin,' and the winter has its own raw and untamed force. In the video, the winter is 'shaped' as this evil female character who tries to mesmerize and destroy the king of the village."

Korn Bassist Fieldy Reinvents Himself in Stillwell, Jonathan Davis Approves

Linda Laban — 2010-02-19T19:00:00+00:00

Korn bassist Fieldy is reinventing the metal wheel with his side project, Stillwell, which he describes as sounding like a mix of Guns N' Roses, Rage Against the Machine and Led Zeppelin. "It's heavy, but not heavy like Korn. We came up with a title for the music; it's called street metal. It's our version of metal. I don't know, it's just not straightforward metal," Fieldy tells Noisecreep.

More surprisingly, though, Fieldy has reinvented himself in Stillwell and added the role of guitarist to his résumé. "I play more guitar than bass these days," he adds. "I wasn't even quite sure what I wanted to do when we started out. In the beginning, we were going to get a bunch of crazy guitar players together."

Maynard James Keenan's 'Blood Into Wine' Documentary Premieres

Linda Laban — 2010-02-18T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Movies

On the surface, Maynard James Keenan's movie 'Blood Into Wine,' which premieres Feb. 19 at the W Hotel in Phoenix, Ariz., is an insightful and entertaining documentary about the creation of the Tool/A Perfect Circle/Puscifer frontman's Merkin Vineyards. But Keenan, whose latest musical project is the multi-media Puscifer offering, says the grassroots reason for making the film is far more ubiquitous.

"We needed to do it really. There's a lot of misconception about what is going to survive this economic climate," Keenan tells Noisecreep. "I think [people] need to dig into where they are and find out what's special about where they live and attune yourself to it and express it in some way. The documentary isn't just about the chronicling of an artist's path. It's also showing what it takes to reconnect to an area."

Icarus Witch Pulling Double Duty with Paul DiAnno

Linda Laban — 2010-02-17T23:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Tours

It was a long time coming, but Icarus Witch finally set out on what can only be described as a dream tour. The Pennsylvania classic metal band has the opening slot on former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di'Anno's first U.S. tour in almost two decades. But better still, Icarus Witch are pulling double duty as DiAnno's backing band, too.

"It's an honor every night. He's one of the creators of the genre that inspired us to do what we do 30 years later. We don't take that lightly," bassist Jason Myers tells Noisecreep. "Every night we give 100 percent as Icarus Witch, then we have the unique opportunity to be back on half an hour later and play as Paul's backing band. It's a pretty crazy tour."

Icarus Witch: Iron Maiden Bassist 'Is God'

Linda Laban — 2010-02-16T23:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Metal Minutia

Their parents might have thought otherwise at the time, but the years that the members of Icarus Witch spent playing air guitar to their heroes Iron Maiden were ones well spent. This winter saw the Pennsylvania classic meta-influenced band release their third album, 'Draw Down the Moon,' and celebrate it with what can only be called a career high.

"It's definitely a pinnacle, because in a few hours we're going to be onstage in Austin, Texas opening for [former Iron Maiden vocalist] Paul Di'Anno," bassist Jason Myers told Noisecreep the day after 'Draw Down the Moon' hit store shelves. "Our guitar player was mentioning earlier that when we were young we'd be in our bedrooms playing air guitar to Iron Maiden and now we get the chance to go out every night and play those roles live."

Janus Considering Recording a Depeche Mode Cover

Linda Laban — 2010-02-16T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Metal Minutia

Chicago hard rockers Janus may have only just released their debut album 'Red Right Return' last fall, but the quartet has already introduced a new song to their live show. It's not an original, however, but a cover of Depeche Mode's 'Walking in My Shoes.' "It kind worked its way into the set," singer David Scotney tells Noisecreep in a confessional tone. "We started playing it out at the very end of last year, and we actually recorded a live video for it. We might go in the studio and record it."

Scotney has a bit of a soft spot for '80s bands and lists goth rock originals the Cure as an early inspiration. "We wanted to put our own twist on doing a cover," he continues. "Depeche Mode in general has a very certain sound. [Janus guitarist Mike Tyranski] had this vision to not just rock it up -- which I think a lot of bands do when they take a song from a different genre -- but to develop a totally new arrangement to translate it into a heavier format. That struck a chord with the rest of the band." No pun intended, we think. "It really feels like a Janus song now."

Janus Eager to Record on the Road

Linda Laban — 2010-02-11T22:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

Chicago hard rockers Janus must be workaholics. Vocalist David Scotney spent the final 36 hours before the band headed out on their winter tour rigging out the band's van. But it wasn't to make the vehicle Xbox- or party-friendly. He turned it into a miniature recording studio instead.

"I've been running around like crazy," Scotney tells Noisecreep. "I'm getting the van set up with a new power system, so we can run our laptops and do some recording in the van. We're going to start noodling around for the next record while we're touring for the rest of the winter and spring."

Shadows Fall's Brian Fair on Mayhem Festival: 'It's Better to Go on Earlier'

Linda Laban — 2010-02-11T21:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Festival

Shadows Fall's 2010 touring schedule will include the Massachusetts metal band's debut on the annual Mayhem Festival, July 10-Aug. 14. The quintet, which is currently on the road for last fall's 'Retribution,' will play the Jägermeister stage in an early evening slot. That's just fine with frontman Brian Fair. He doesn't particularly envy the headlining spots held by Korn and Rob Zombie.

"No one wants to play last anymore. That used to be the goal. Now it's the slot nobody wants," the singer tells Noisecreep. "It's better to go on earlier, because the audience isn't so tired. You can play and then go drink. Or you can meet fans and hang out with the kids," says the Ozzfest veteran, who adds that he won't be too bored during the festival. "Mayhem has lots of great bands on it, so that definitely makes the all-day shows that much easier."

Janus: Hosting 'Head Bangers Ball' Was a 'High Point in Our Careers'

Linda Laban — 2010-02-09T19:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Metal Minutia

Janus might be only five months into promoting their debut album, 'Red Right Return,' but the Chicago heavy rockers have already hit a career milestone. The quartet hosted MTV's 'Headbanger's Ball' this January. "It was part of a long and crazy day in New York," vocalist David Scotney tells Noisecreep. "It was definitely a high point in our careers to be hosting and getting to share our insight and memories."

The show with Janus first aired Jan. 25 and is currently streaming online. Scotney confesses to having just watched a rerun that morning. "It was interesting, because I do a lot of the TV and interviews for the band. So it was interesting for me to watch the guys with a bunch of cameras in their faces. 'Headbanger's Ball' is one of those things we had all grown up with."

A Storm of Light Vocalist: 'I'm Getting Better With Every Record'

Linda Laban — 2010-02-09T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Tours

One of the first shows A Storm of Light played after forming a couple of years back was in Brooklyn, N.Y., opening for San Franciscan post-metal giants Neurosis and a then less-well-known Georgia band called Mastodon. "That was kind of intimidating," singer and guitarist Josh Graham told Noisecreep. It wasn't so much that he was playing on the same bill as two lauded peers -- one of which, Neurosis, employs him to do live visuals. He just wasn't confident in his singing abilities. "It was the first show I had done in any band where I was singing since I was like 20."

Graham admitted he doesn't think he's a natural singer, saying "No, I'm not, but I'm getting better with every record, and all the touring we're doing is helping me be a better singer. I'm actually thinking of taking some lessons pretty soon."

Caspian Keep It Simple With 'Tertia,' Plan to Play SXSW

Linda Laban — 2010-02-05T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Tours, New Music

When it came time to name their third record, New England post-rockers Caspian went for succinct with 'Tertia,' a play on the Latin word for 'third.' "We wanted to call it 'Caspian Three,'" guitarist Philip Jamieson tells Noisecreep. He's joking, of course. Besides, the 2009 record is only the Massachusetts quintet's second full-length. But the band never discounts their amazing debut EP, 'You Are The Conductor,' a groundbreaking mini-suite with songs bleeding into one another, forming an instrumental concept record.

"The last thing we wanted to do was give it a cliché post-rock title," Jameson continues. "Like 'Floating on the Wing of a Dove Towards the Sea and Sky of Heaven's Embrace'." He's mocking the beautiful but inexplicably-long titles adopted by post-rock bands like Mono, of course.