Rockstar Mayhem Festival 2011. Full of Bands We Love to Hate

So now let's talk about an actual festival. An actual tour if you will. This information wasn't supposed to be available until tomorrow but I guess since the Big Four news turned out to an anti-climatic screw over I guess the promoters said fuck it here you go.
So far the confirmed lineup is as follows:
Main Stage:

DISTURBED
GODSMACK
MEGADETH
[Rotating Opening Slot On Main Stage:]

MACHINE HEAD
IN FLAMES
TRIVIUM

Second Stage:
SUICIDE SILENCE
UNEARTH
STRAIGHT LINE STITCH
ALL SHALL PERISH
KINGDOM OF SORROW

Holy shit that is alot of do not want from my perspective. But I'm just one man. Confirmed tour dates after the jump.

Jul. 09 - San Bernardino, CA @ San Manuel Amphitheatre
Jul. 10 - San Francisco, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
Jul. 12 - Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheater
Jul. 13 - Boise, ID @ Idaho Center Amphitheatre
Jul. 15 - Phoenix, AZ @ Cricket Wireless Pavilion
Jul. 16 - Albuquerque, NM @ Hard Rock Casino Presents: The Pavilion
Jul. 17 - Denver, CO @ Comfort Dental Amphitheatre
Jul. 19 - St. Louis, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Jul. 20 - Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
Jul. 22 - Boston, MA @ Comcast Center
Jul. 23 - Montreal, QUE @ Parc Jean Drapeau
Jul. 24 - Hartford, CT @ The Comcast Theatre
Jul. 27 - Holmdel, NJ @ P.N.C. Bank Arts Center
Jul. 29 - Pittsburgh, PA @ First Niagara Pavilion
Jul. 30 - Washington, DC @ Jiffy Lube Live
Jul. 31 - Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center
Aug. 02 - Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless V. Beach Amphitheater
Aug. 03 - Raleigh, NC @ Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
Aug. 05 - Chicago, IL @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Aug. 06 - Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
Aug. 07 - Indianapolis, IN @ Verizon Wireless Music Center
Aug. 09 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Zoo Amphitheatre
Aug. 10 - Dallas, TX @ Superpages.com Center
Aug. 12 - Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
Aug. 13 - Tampa, FL @ 1-800-Ask-Gary-Amphitheatre
Aug. 14 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheater

Here is the trailer that highlights a bit of the nonsense that has and could go on at one of these things.

But at least its not a one off show in the middle of a fucking desert, amirite?

Sinatra Tribute Album to Possibly Be the Worst Ever

The Tag line reads

From the team that brought you "We Wish You A Metal Xmas" comes "SIN-atra", heavy metal's tribute to the genius of Frank Sinatra.

And just like movies that use similar taglines this has potential to include a high level of suck. Partly because I hate Fran Sinatra's brand of music with a passion and then to have it butchered by mostly has-beens in the metal community just heralds torture to the ear drums. Not to mention the douchey name of Sin-atra. The only intriguing thing about this would be Devin Townsend's rendition of New York, New York but I bet it's going to be done in the style of Strapping Young Lad which means it's going to be a chaotic mess(no I'm not a Devin Townsend fanboy). But hey I guess I'm just not classy enough to appreciate this, just like when Pat Boone did the reverse years ago. Track listing after the jump.

01. New York, New York (Devin Townsend)
02. I've Got You Under My Skin (Glenn Hughes)
03. Summerwind (Geoff Tate)
04. It Was A Very Good Year (Dee Snider)
05. Witchcraft (Tim "Ripper" Owens)
06. Fly Me To The Moon (Robin Zander)
07. Lady Is A Tramp (Eric Martin)
08. I've Got The World On A String (Doug Pinnick)
09. Love And Marriage (Elias Soriano)
10. Strangers In The Night (Joey Belladonna)
11. High Hopes (Franky Perez)
12. That's Life (Jani Lane)

April 5th is the release date. Report back with how fantabulous this cd is if any of you are adventourous enough to get it.

Metallica Gets Ominous About Big Four in the U.S.

That's the image on Metallica's website with the ominous coming soon next to it. Don't bother actually going to that Facebook page yet though. There is nothing there but a picture of a baby elephant. Somebody probably put it there as a placemarker for when the news actually goes live. Regardless, I should probably save up to go see this thing. Most of these guys have done some pretty ridiculous things over the years but I think my thrash metal life would not be complete if I did not go. Stay Tuned as more developments are sure to come the closer we get to summer.

*Update* I was early on the story but late on updating. Go to the Facebook page now as it is active to get scoop tomorrow.

Warbringer Drummer Realizes Touring is Hard. Leaves.

Being in a metal band is not for everybody these days. To keep your name out there you are required to spend almost the whole year touring with the only break coming is to sit down long enough to record the next album and then it all starts over again.
My guess is Nic Ritter of Warbringer came to this realization after the last tour cycle and has decided to move on. Here is his statement.

"I felt like it was time for a change both musically and personally.

"All is good between the guys and myself as this was a mutual decision.

"I wish them the best in the future and with the next album."

Warbringer's response:

"Nic Ritter is an incredible drummer and we wish him the best of luck! I know he made a lot of friends around the world and I just want everyone to understand that our decision to part ways was mutual and necessary

"Nic has worked very hard with us over the last two years and we are grateful for his contributions musically and his commitment personally on the road."

A band needs to move quickly to find replacements and apparently Warbringer has and will debut the new as of yet unknown new guy on March 5th in Mexico for the Eyescream Festival.They're also writing new material right now for the next album so that the cycle will begin again to burn someone else out.

Atreyu is Going on Hiatus! (Breaking up). Let the Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth Begin.

Caught this on Metalsucks this morning. So it appears one of the forerunners to shitty metalcore is breaking up. My bad, going on haitus. Here is the tweet (can Twitter go with them?)

“Hey all. u have asked, so here goes. atreyu is taking a long long break after 11 yrs of rocking. we arnt breaking up but…We arnt writing recording or touring for a while. Simply taking a break to recharge and focus on different parts of our lives. Much love. Thanks to everyone who has supported us and given us a reason to exist over the past 11yrs. We hope to see you again 1 day. Until next time. All of us have other projects we are excited about and urge you to check them out if you miss us too much.”

So when you guys get back(if you get back) the metalcore scene will have died and some other annoying trend will take its place(and no one will give a fuck that Atreyu reformed).This is awesome news. And by the way, when you do a press release of news like this, use proper spelling. And don't fucking tweet it. What are you 13? Do it through your official site. Oh but wait that would require professionalism. Silly me. You're a metalcore band named after a childrens fantasy movie. Derp.

Now this, was sad.

This Just In From the Files of Please Don't.

Saw this on Blabbermouth. Apparently Tristar wants to do a casting call for tribute bands to be a part of a American Idol form of show. Twelve 80's tribute bands vying for what? A record contract? Is it just me or are these reality competition shows just milking every last ounce of ideas from these things? How about do a casting call for legit bands that play hard rock and metal? Why does it have to be a bunch of people that couldn't make it doing their own shit and live off the success of others? Why am I asking so many questions and expecting an answer?

Anyways, the only way I'd see this if it had the Iron Maidens, Mini Kiss, and the Atomic Punks. But overall this just smells of a bad idea that no one will watch. So just not do it. Mmmmkay?

Drowning Pool Makes a Statement About 'Bodies' Being Connected to the Arizona Shootings

Another shooting and another excuse to blame heavy music. This time Drowning Pool's song 'Bodies' is being accused as one of many for fueling Jared Loughner's rampage that left 6 dead( One being a nine year old girl)and 14 others injured including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords who is in critical condition.

I usually don't get very topical on this blog site but I think something needs to be brought up on this issue in regards to the song. Here is the quote from the band.

"'Bodies' was written about the brotherhood of the mosh pit and the respect people have for each other in the pit. If you push others down, you have to pick them back up. It was never about violence. It's about a certain amount of respect and a code.

"We've performed for the troops overseas several times in places like Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. Through our song 'Soldiers', we were able to create a petition that helped pass the Lane Evans Mental Health Care Reform Bill, which we presented to then-Senator Barack Obama.

"We've been lucky enough to have some of the biggest success of our career with our new album and we want to continue to spread positivity for the future, not dwell on negativity. For someone to put out a video misinterpreting a song about a mosh pit as fuel for a violent act shows just how sick they really are. We support those who do what they can to keep America safe.

"Our hearts go out to the victims and their families of this terrible tragedy."

My reaction after the jump.

That song has been out for almost 10 years now and I have never attributed it to a mosh pit. If that's the intent then yes I can see Drowning Pool rushing to it's defensive but honestly when you listen to the song it's very ambigious on it's meaning and almost does suggest insanity in a first person perspective. Here are the lyrics.

Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floooooor
Beaten why for (why for)
Can't take much more
Here we go!
Here we go!
Here we go!
One - Nothing wrong with me
Two - Nothing wrong with me
Three - Nothing wrong with me
Four - Nothing wrong with me

One - Something's got to give
Two - Something's got to give
Three - Something's got to give
Now
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the flooooor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the flooooor
Now!
Push me again
This is the end
Here we go!
Here we go!
Here we go!
One - Nothing wrong with me
Two - Nothing wrong with me
Three - Nothing wrong with me
Four - Nothing wrong with me
One - Something's got to give
Two - Something's got to give
Three - Something's got to give
Now
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the flooooor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Skin against skin blood and bone
You're all by yourself but you're not alone
You wanted in now you're here
Driven by hate
consumed by fear
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floooooooor
One - Nothing wrong with me
Two - Nothing wrong with me
Three - Nothing wrong with me
Four - Nothing wrong with me
One - Something's got to give
Two - Something's got to give
Three - Something's got to give
Now
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the flooooor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor

For someone reading that and having no knowledge of the true intented meaning of that song would you correlate moshing with this? We used to use that song as a soundtrack when raiding a boss in World of Warcraft.And it was usually because our characters were certainly going to be doomed.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that one side should stop using heavy music as a scapegoat for tragedy's of this nature because insane people are going to do what they're going to do despite the soundtrack in their life.Musicians or their art cannot be held responsible for the actions of someone who should have been flagged as insane and a danger to society. But bands also should not be shocked and dismayed when their work is being accused of being an influence either especially when it can be interpreted in various ways sometimes by the same crazy individuals.

There will be no graphics or videos on this post to highlight what I'm saying.You can look up on Youtube the song and decide for yourself if my point is valid. Instead take the time with me to honor the victims and families in this tragedy as you see fitting.

Sometimes Jokes Backfire

Head over to the TNOTB and check out my guest write up on the Backstreet Boys to find out what I mean about that. I'm now cleansing myself furiously with manly music.

Suffolk Votes for Dani Filth As An Icon, Then Sobers Up

I'm seeing this thing all over the interwebs the past two days and you can tell it's a slow news day when I post this after a Seahawks post. So Suffolk County in jolly old England decides they want to attract more tourists and hold a poll for icons of the region to put on posters and commercials stating "Come to Suffolk". Guess who wins in a landslide.Now look at that picture. Would you want that to be representative of your county for tourist to go visit? Come to Suffolk, where Cradle of Filth resides and records horrible gothy black metal. So after an uproar of wait a minute we don't want this shit, there has been a redo and all the votes for poor Dani were thrown out. Quotes Mr. Filth:

I've been in The Sun for worse. It didn't include Jesus or the government this time so I was slightly relieved but it's all been very weird. The whole thing was weird from the off, in concept, anyway. I feel quite knocked by the whole thing. They've tried to do one thing to prove a point that Suffolk is diverse or whatever and when it's not the painting of Suffolk they expected, they withdrew it.

Dani, the only people that are going to come to your county based on this thing are old people that can barely toddle on and off a bus and want to see the quaint cottages and listen to Benny Goodman. That would be like my county trying to drum up tourist business and have Papa Roach be the selling point. We'd be better off selling that C.C. Sabathia,Jeff Gordon,Jermaine Dye, and Mr. Miyagi are from here. Get what I'm saying?

Like the Seahawks Season, Halftime could be a Trainwreck

In a season where the Seattle Seahawks become the first team with a losing record to not only make the playoffs but also win their division, it looks like the halftime show is going to be just as much of a patchwork affair as the Seahawks offense.
Michael Wilton of Queensryche and Chris Degarmo formerly of Queensryche(who's departure spelled the demise of the band),Mike Inez of Alice in Chains,and some dude from Heart will be out there as representatives of the Seattle scene performing who knows that fucking songs from I guess everyones respective catalog. Maybe a montage of Rooster,Silent Lucidity,and Alone? I guess Duff Mckagan will be there too but no word if Welcome to the Jungle will be performed with Axl's permission.
How depressing is this? Well then again it is Seattle, the suicide and heroin capital of the U.S. I'm just hoping for an early exit by the Seahawks from the playoffs, much like I'm waiting for an early exit from most of these guys from the music scene(Inez is an exception).

Muscians Beware. Myspace Is Rapidly Dying

According to the L.A. Times Myspace is gearing up to layoff half of their staff in an effort to stay afloat and possibly prepare for a sale.What this could mean is that the primary purpose for Myspace to exist which is to be a showcase for bands and labels to showcase their product may drastically change during this downscale and even after a sale.
So people better start coming up with a plan B or even a plan A for a replacement site to showcase their product. Last.Fm is still a fantastic place that is underutilized in my opinion by promoters. Facebook needs to figure out a deal with Itunes to partner up as well. Personally Myspace could kiss my ass anyway for blocking out Blogger sites but I did still use it to get a gauge on bands I'd never heard of along with Youtube. This is going to get interesting folks, stay tuned.

70000 Tons of Metal Looks to be a Go. Could be the Greatest Cruise Ever.

I've held off talking about this thing until now because the people promoting it at one point weren't sure if they were going to get 40 bands or not. But it looks like they did and I really hate my life right now. Not only do I not have a passport but I don't have the 3000 bucks it would roughly cost to go on this cruise.

What is this cruise you say? It's 4 Days on board a cruise ship from Miami to Cozumel Mexico with 40 bands performing throughout. Here is who they have on tap for this thing.

AGENT STEEL
AMON AMARTH
BLACKGUARD
BLIND GUARDIAN
CRIPPER
DARK TRANQUILLITY
DEATH ANGEL
DESTRUCTION
DUSKMACHINE
ENSIFERUM
EPICA
EXODUS
FEAR FACTORY
FINNTROLL
FORBIDDEN
GAMMA RAY
ICED EARTH
KORPIKLAANI
MALEVOLENT CREATION
MARDUK
MOONSPELL
NEVERMORE
OBITUARY
RAGE
RAVEN
SABATON
SANCTUARY
SAXON
SODOM
SONATA ARCTICA
SWASHBUCKLE
TESTAMENT
TROUBLE
TÝR
ULI JON ROTH
UNLEASHED
VOIVOD
WITCHBURNER

More on this after the jump.

By my math that isn't 40 bands but its damn close. And Testament will be performing their first two albums in their entirety. Saxon will be doing Wheels of Steel and Strong Arm of the Law in their entirety. I can honestly say that half of those bands would be the price of admission.

There is still time and spots available if anybody wants to do a last minute impulse purchase of boarding passes though. Go here and reserve a spot. I actually can't wait to see the reports of how this thing turned out.That's alot of genres packed on one boat with some crazy motherfuckers on hand.