Noisecreep

Barren Earth - Live Videos For 'Flicker' and 'Jewel'

Amy Sciarretto — 2010-03-19T23:00:00+00:00

Never seen Finnish prog metal upstarts Barren Earth live and in the flesh? Well, neither have we -- and that's not quite a shock, since they're so new and on the eve of releasing their first full-length album. We can remedy your desire for a live taste of the band by having you watch these videos of the songs 'Flicker' and 'Jewel' right here. You'll feel like you were there.

Bassist Oppu Laine told Noisecreep that the videos "currently" capture the band's live intensity, deeming them 'current' simply because they were taken from the second gig that Barren Earth ever played! "I'd say that we can and will certainly keep improving. It was a great gig, though. It was sort of weird to try to convince a hall full [crowd] of Finntroll fans. But we freakin' did it," Laine said.

Exodus Guitarst Says Good Records Are 'All About Stress'

Jon Wiederhorn — 2010-03-19T22:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

There's nothing like a three-week tour of South America with German thrash kings Kreator to psych a band up to create and destroy. Just ask Gary Holt, guitarist and songwriter for San Francisco thrash veterans Exodus.

"Playing down there Kreator was amazing. Those kids are totally insane," Holt told Noisecreep. "They were some of the most violent crowds we've ever seen. It was definitely a good way to finish up before starting a new album."

The Ruins of Beverast, 'Foulest Semen of a Sheltered Elite' -- New Album

Jon Wiederhorn — 2010-03-19T21:00:00+00:00

Filed under: New Music

One of the nastiest new album titles we've heard recently goes to Germany's black metal outfit the Ruins of Beverast, which will release their third full-length album, 'Foulest Semen of a Sheltered Elite,' this spring. The disc was originally issued in Europe on Ván Records in September 2009 and was recently picked up by AFM Records for distribution in North America.

The album, which is over an hour and 20 minutes long, features five songs over eight minutes, including the 15-minute 'Arcane Pharmakon Messiah.' Other tracks include 'I Raised This Stone as a Ghastly Memorial,' 'God's Ensanguinated Bestiaries,' 'Transcending Saturnine Iericho Skies' and 'Blood Vaults (II -- Our Despots Cleanse the Levant').

Chiodos Exclusive Video Interview: Looking Forward to the Future

Amy Sciarretto — 2010-03-19T20:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Exclusive Video

In the fourth and final installment of our exclusive video interview series with Chiodos, where they debut new vocalist Brandon Bolmer, the band offered some teaser info about the future, such as the new album possibly being released this June, about how they deal with gossip on messages boards after they kicked out their former singer and their touring plans, which include Bamboozle Left at the end of this month.

Watch and listen to Bolmer, keyboardist Bradley Bell, drummer Tanner Wayne and bassist Matt Goddard wax on all things that pertain to Chiodos' future. Oh, and they said they liked our questions, even though they haven't done a lot of interviews recently and aren't worn out from answering the same set of questions yet. We got 'em first, and we wish Chiodos best of luck with Bolmer -- and we can't wait to hear him sing for he band.

Crashdiet Have New Singer, New Attitude, Same Raw Energy

Allyson B. Crawford — 2010-03-19T19:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview

"There's something about the band that's really interesting and sort of an energy and atmosphere surrounding the band which just makes people want it to go on," singer Simon Cruz told Noisecreep when discussing his new gig with Crashdïet. "If we can find the same energy as Crashdïet originally had, I think it will be a big hit. I feel we've sort of found the attitude Crashdïet had from the start. That's what inspired me as well. I'm happy to be part of that."

Crashdïet might be the best band you've never heard. The Swedish rockers are a little bit 'Appetite for Desutrction'-era Guns N' Roses and a whole lot of unique. In fact, Crashdïet became the first glam band signed to a major label (Universal) in about a decade.

Wrench in the Works, 'Decrease/Increase' -- Album Art of the Week

Jay DiNitto — 2010-03-19T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Design

Facedown Records' Wrench in the Works see their second release in 'Decrease/Increase.' The Hartford, Conn. band, as with most bands on the label, had resident artist Dave Quiggle man Photoshop for this release.

Quiggle also did their previous release, 'The Lost Art of Heaping Coals,' which is far busier, visually. 'Decrease/Increase' shows an open casket which reveals a broken skeleton. Are its off to the side or are they raised up?

Four Year Strong Explain Being Pop and Hardcore

Matt Debenedictis — 2010-03-19T17:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

On a quick listen, Four Year Strong seems like a band not to be covered on Noisecreep. The Worcester, Mass band plays catchy, hooky, and oh so poppy songs -- but they also flood those melodic moments with thick constructed hardcore. Many find this mix confounding, but the band feels the total opposite. "What we've always liked about being in this band has been the ability to float between two worlds," admits guitarist/vocalist Dan O'Connor. "We've done super hard heavy tours, and we've done super poppy tours."

O'Connor explained that he's seen the band's crisscrossing sound as an advantage over the years -- they always make their mark on those tours. "It's a weird line to walk, because people definitely don't understand why you can't just pick which direction to go in," he pointed out. "But that's the thing; we don't want to pick a direction. We all like lots of different kinds of music and have lots of influences and we like to put them all in the band."

Continuance is Not a Christian Band

Jay DiNitto — 2010-03-19T16:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Metal Minutia

Though the members of Rise Records' Continuance have roots in the Christian hardcore and metal scene, drummer John Saad is quick to point out that the melodic hardcore band lacks a religious bent in any direction. "Continuance isn't a Christian band," Saad said bluntly to Noisecreep. "Although myself, [vocalist] Dylan, and [guitarist] Stephen all claim to be Christians."

Saad's issue with adopting the descriptor is subtle but practical. "When you have that label, you're going to get automatically get put into this box," Saad explained. "And even as a Christian, I don't even think I want to be a part of a Christian band, because the idea is to not be around Christians. It's to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Full Metal Texas Takes Over SXSW

Amy Sciarretto — 2010-03-19T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Festival, Event, Shows

At day two of South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, the Full Metal Texas extravaganza held at Emo's was an all-day, all-metal affair, featuring a 'surprise' second appearance -- the worst kept secret of the day -- by New Jersey's maniacal Dillinger Escape Plan.

The venue is split, with an inside and outside stage. The sludge-caked doom of Iron Age was followed by the female-fronted, chicken-suited chaos of Iwrestledabearonce. Darkest Hour smashed and bashed, while Israel's Orphaned Land brought their brand of exotic metal, which really reminds me of a more underground version of System of a Down, if you can imagine that.

The Thrashers, 'Nine' -- New Album

Jon Wiederhorn — 2010-03-19T14:00:00+00:00

Even if the Thrashers aren't the best-performing metal band on the planet, they're most likely the youngest. All of the members are 9-year-olds, and if they keep at it, they just might be the greatest group to ever rock the planet before they exit their teens.

The San Francisco band will play its first Los Angeles gig on March 20 at the Whisky a Go Go at a record release party for its debut disc 'Nine.' The Thrashers will be opening for Bang Tango and BulletBoys.

KMFDM Are 'Neck Deep' in New Material, Will Feature Guest Musicians

Amy Sciarretto — 2010-03-19T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

German industrial music icons KMFDM are in the studio, working on the follow-up to 'Blitz,' all the while promoting the remix companion album, 'Krieg.' The new album will feature guest appearances, too.

Frontman Sascha Konietzko told Noisecreep, "We are neck deep in new material, and I am finalizing the last couple of dates for a European tour in mid June. The label is thinking about putting out a 'best of' compilation between here and the summer, too."

Demon Hunter Embrace Their Christian Band Status

Amy Sciarretto — 2010-03-19T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Metal Minutia

Many bands that have sprung from the bosom of the Christian metal and hardcore scene often backtrack and downplay their categorization as a Christian band and their association with the scene in order to not alienate a secular audience. But not Demon Hunter. "We have been from the get-go and we continue to talk about it," vocalist Ryan Clark told Noisecreep about the band's Christianity.

"It's not about hiding that fact," he added. "We've, for the most part, received more respect for standing our ground and not walking the fence with it. All the songs and all of the viewpoints that we get across is through the lens of the Christian worldview. That is a large part of our demographic. We don't like to shy away or pretend we are something we're not. That's exactly what we are."

Killswitch Engage Reunites With Jesse Leach During New York Gig -- Video

Chris Harris — 2010-03-19T11:45:00+00:00

Filed under: News, Video

On Thursday night, months of rumors were finally confirmed as original Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach rejoined his former bandmates during a gig at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza on March 18, according to Blabbermouth. Leach, who left the band in 2002, was replaced by Howard Jones, who left the band's tour with The Devil Wears Prada and Dark Tranquility; Phil Labonte of All That Remains has been touring with the band in Jones' place.

Leach joined his fellow compadres to perform five tracks: 'My Last Serenade,' 'Numbered Days,' 'Self Revolution,' 'Vide Infra' and 'Temple From The Within.' Before the show was over, Leach returned during the night's encore with the band's original lineup, with Adam Dutkiewicz on drums, Joel Stroetzel on guitar, and Mike D'Antonio on bass for three cuts, 'Prelude,' 'Life To Lifeless,' and 'Fixation On The Darkness.'

Laethora 'A.S.K.E.,' 'Humanae' -- New Songs

Jon Wiederhorn — 2010-03-19T11:30:00+00:00

Filed under: New Music

The super Swedes of Laethora -- which features Dark Tranquillity guitarist Niklas Sundin and the Provenance members Joakim Rosén (guitar), Jonnie Tell (bass) and Joel Lindell (drums), along with vocalist Jonatan Nordenstam -- will release their second album, 'The Light in Which We All Burn,' on May 11 from The End Records.

The album, their follow-up to 2007's 'March of the Parasite,' is a 13-song amalgam of death metal, tech metal and grind that also incorporates enticing melodic elements into its sonic maelstrom. The disc was recorded in Sweden and mastered by Peter In de Betou (Meshuggah, Hypocrisy, Dark Funeral).

Garry Sharpe-Young Dies at 45

Jon Wiederhorn — 2010-03-19T11:15:00+00:00

Filed under: News

Internationally renowned English-born metal and rock journalist Garry Sharpe-Young died on Friday May 12 at his home in Taranaki, New Zealand after suffering an aneurysm. He was 45.

Sharpe-Young wrote over 20 books, including the 2007 reference manual 'Metal: The Definitive Guide' which featured a forward by Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford, the 2007 thrash encyclopedia 'Thrash Metal' and the unauthorized biographies 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath: The Battle For Black Sabbath,' and 'Ozzy Osbourne: The Story of the Ozzy Ozbourne Band.'

Of Mice & Men, 'Second & Sebring' -- Video

Matt Debenedictis — 2010-03-19T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Exclusive, Video

Everything for Of Mice & Men has moved fast. First a demo song gets recorded, and in five days the Southern California screamo band is signed to a deal, setting a time for a full-length and planning a non-stop touring schedule. 'Second & Sebring' is the band's debut video from their self-titled album released earlier this month.

The video adds visuals of childhood recollections to match the song's longing lyrics, something we here at Noisecreep already pondered by way of the line "This is not what it is, only baby scars/I need your love like a boy needs his mother's side."

Kittie Tour Dates With Insane Clown Posse, Coolio, Necro, Kottonmouth Kings

Amy Sciarretto — 2010-03-19T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Tours

No, we're not kidding. Yes, you read right! Kittie will be embarking on a tour with Insane Clown Posse and Coolio -- yes, that Coolio! Necro and Kottonmouth Kings will also appear, but Kittie will indeed be the heaviest band on a hip-hop-leaning tour. On paper, it looks like a train wreck. In reality? We'll just have to wait and see. Are Kittie the 'insane' ones here? Insane Kittie Posse? If you stop and think about it, Kittie are executing a well-designed career chess move here.

"What is going on? It's so ridiculous," Kittie frontwoman Morgan Lander laughed to Noisecreep. "Quite honestly, for a while, we had no idea who the main support bands would be. ICP requested us to be on the tour, and one of the last things my dad set up, before he passed, was for us to appear on their festival. It was one of the things he was setting up for us."

Negura Bunget Add a Little Transylvanian Black Metal to Your Life

Amy Sciarretto — 2010-03-19T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview

Is black metal extra evil when it comes from Transylvania, like the long-running Negura Bunget? Turns out the answer is no! While black metal is known for its connection with Satan, fog, mist, snow-covered branches and corpse paint, it's about a feeling -- not an image.

"In the end, it counts less where you came from," drummer/percussionist Negru told Noisecreep. "What counts the most is the spirit you carry with you. That spirit is of course influenced by the place you came from and by your relation with it. Black metal is for us a spiritual travel."

Walter Schreifels Readies Acoustic Solo Project, Covers Agnostic Front

Amy Sciarretto — 2010-03-19T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

Walter Schreifels is best known for his work in Gorilla Biscuits and Quicksand, but he is gearing up for his first solo record, 'An Open Letter to the Scene,' on May 4.

It's a decidedly personal affair, a stripped-down and mostly acoustic sound, a seemingly far cry from his definitive past in the then-burgeoning, 1980s New York Hardcore scene! It's not shocking for an artist with an xHxCx legacy, such as Schreifels, to shift to a more mature sound at this point in his career. It's a byproduct of experience and a life well-lived. But Schreifels displays his roots with his cover of Agnostic Front's 'Society Suckers.'

Royal Family Has Full Service T-Shirt Line, Sponsoring Tour

Amy Sciarretto — 2010-03-18T23:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, Metal Minutia

While Royal Family has come to attention because of their limited edition T-shirt line where they've designed shirts for A Day to Remember and Whitechapel that are strictly limited to 300 pieces, the company also peddles a full line of non-limited edition shirts.

"We create three seasonal lines a year, usually based on a theme we choose," Royal Family's Cliff told Noisecreep about the process. "Once we lock down our theme, we start brainstorming different ideas based around the central idea we've come up with. We only do the limited edition shirts when we feel really strongly about a band. So sometimes they happen a few at a time or we can go months without doing any."