Deftones Release Video For 'Romantic Dreams'

Deftones have just released the video for 'Romantic Dreams.' Check it out below.

More Track-By-Track Videos From Korn's Paradigm Shift

Korn has released four more videos in its track-by-track series of its upcoming album, Paradigm Shift.  Scroll down the page for an earlier blog entry containing he first two videos as well as the video for the "Never Never" and "Love and Meth." In this series, the band discusses the concept behind the album, snippets and the background for the tracks "Prey For Me,"Spike in My Veins," and "Victimized."

 

Watch Metallica Live in Rock in Rio

Metallica will be performing live in Rock in Rio 2013 in a couple of minutes. You can catch the live show below.

  

Pearl Jam Posts Video For Sirens

After some earlier confusion on the release / leak of Sirens - the second song off Pearl Jam's upcoming album, Lightning Bolt - the band has released a full video of the track on their official YouTube page.

Check out the awesome song below.

New Song From Pearl Jam's Lightning Bolt Goes Missing

A month after the debut of Pearl Jam's first single of their upcoming album, Lightning Bolt, it appeared as though another single, "Sirens," was set to be released...and then pulled back.

Several websites have tried streaming the song but it appears as though none of them currently work. One even mentioned that it had to remove a link to the song following a request from Federation of the Phonographic Industry.

Officially, Pearl Jam have indicated on their Twitter page that the song will be out soon (with a link to the band's official YouTube channel in the Tweet) but there's nothing so far. Perhaps, it was meant to come out later but someone dropped it a little early.

Until then, you can check out the first single from Lightning Bolt, "Mind Your Manners," here or below.

Lightning Bolt comes out Oct 14. 

More From Korn's Paradigm Shift

Here's another snippet from Korn's upcoming album, Paradigm Shift.

Korn Release Video For "Never Never," Track by Track Video Series

Korn have released a video for "Never Never" - their first single of their upcoming album, Paradigm Shift. In addition, the band have also released a video series of the tracks of Paradigm Shift on their official YouTube channel, Korn Channel.

So far, only two of the tracks from the series have been released and they are "Never Never" and "Love and Meth." Both tracks contain snippets of the songs as well as a brief explanation from the band on the respective tracks.

While "Love and Meth" has not been officially released by Korn, the song has been leaked online and a YouTube version can be heard below.

Paradigm Shift is the first album to feature former guitarist, Brian "Head" Welch, since Take a Look In the Mirror. The album is out Oct 8.



 

Shadows Responds to Flynn

Avenged Sevenfold's (A7X) M. Shadows has brushed aside Rob Flynn's criticism of the former's latest album, Hail To the King, as a joke.

Two days ago, Machine Head's Flynn labelled Hail To the King as a "covers album" in a tongue-in-cheek posting on the band's official Facebook page.

"Congratulations to Avenged Sevenfold on their latest 'covers album' coming in at #1, who knew re-recording Metallica, Guns N Roses and Megadeth songs could be such a worldwide hit!!?? Ba-dap Psssss!" he wrote. You can read more of Flynn's comments on the album here

As reported by Blabbermouth.net, Shadows told Canadian radio station, 106.9 The Bear he was notified of Flynn's comments from wrestler, Chris Jericho.

"But I read it, and I read as a joke. I've met Robb on numerous occasions and he's always been cool to me. And I just read it as a joke.

"I really don't know what to say about it other than I agree with him on the 'Sad But True' thing - that was obviously an inspiration for that song."

In Flynn's comments, he compared the similarities between Metallica's Sad But True and A7X's This Means War on Hail to the King.

Nonetheless, Shadows agreed that Hail to the King was also inspired by the likes of AC/DC, Guns N Roses, Megadeth as well as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and the Rolling Stones.

"And so, for me, I think all those bands have always been an influence - you can hear that on City of Evil. And Metallica has, obviously, influenced every single great band that picked up a guitar and plays metal," he said.

You can read the rest of the story here

on numerous occasions and he's always been cool to me. And I just read it as a joke. "I really don't know what to say about it other than I agree with him on the [METALLICA] 'Sad But True' thing — that was obviously an inspiration for that song. Everything else, I kind of think he… If it is a joke, it was kind of overboard, 'cause it doesn't make sense in my mind. But at the same time, he was saying it was a joke, so…
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/avenged-sevenfold-singer-responds-to-machine-head-frontmans-covers-album-critique/#BGbFIYqtxZYhAEuK.99

on numerous occasions and he's always been cool to me. And I just read it as a joke. "I really don't know what to say about it other than I agree with him on the [METALLICA] 'Sad But True' thing — that was obviously an inspiration for that song. Everything else, I kind of think he… If it is a joke, it was kind of overboard, 'cause it doesn't make sense in my mind. But at the same time, he was saying it was a joke, so…
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/avenged-sevenfold-singer-responds-to-machine-head-frontmans-covers-album-critique/#BGbFIYqtxZYhAEuK.99

on numerous occasions and he's always been cool to me. And I just read it as a joke. "I really don't know what to say about it other than I agree with him on the [METALLICA] 'Sad But True' thing — that was obviously an inspiration for that song. Everything else, I kind of think he… If it is a joke, it was kind of overboard, 'cause it doesn't make sense in my mind. But at the same time, he was saying it was a joke, so…
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/avenged-sevenfold-singer-responds-to-machine-head-frontmans-covers-album-critique/#BGbFIYqtxZYhAEuK.99

on numerous occasions and he's always been cool to me. And I just read it as a joke. "I really don't know what to say about it other than I agree with him on the [METALLICA] 'Sad But True' thing — that was obviously an inspiration for that song. Everything else, I kind of think he… If it is a joke, it was kind of overboard, 'cause it doesn't make sense in my mind. But at the same time, he was saying it was a joke, so…
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/avenged-sevenfold-singer-responds-to-machine-head-frontmans-covers-album-critique/#BGbFIYqtxZYhAEuK.99

on numerous occasions and he's always been cool to me. And I just read it as a joke. "I really don't know what to say about it other than I agree with him on the [METALLICA] 'Sad But True' thing — that was obviously an inspiration for that song. Everything else, I kind of think he… If it is a joke, it was kind of overboard, 'cause it doesn't make sense in my mind. But at the same time, he was saying it was a joke, so…
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/avenged-sevenfold-singer-responds-to-machine-head-frontmans-covers-album-critique/#BGbFIYqtxZYhAEuK.99

 

Relive Metallica's Gig In Kuala Lumpur; Watch Behind The Scenes of Through The Never

If you missed the show or just can't wait to relive it, then here's some good news. Metallica's Aug 21 show in Kuala Lumpur is available for download at http://www.livemetallica.com.

The entire show is available for download (for a fee) in either MP3, FLAK or Apple Lossless format (the preferable format if you use iTunes).

On other Metallica-related news, check out a behind-the-scenes video of the band's upcoming 3D film, Through the Never.

As far as I know, the film is about a Metallica show with a spectacular stage set while a plot involving a roadie battling some post-apocalyptic villains run simultaneously. At least that's what I think is.

Ultimately, its a movie made for 3D and has a great Metallica concert. What more could you want?

Zakk Wylde's Own Coffee Blend

Some rockers have their own alcohol. Others have their own coffee.

Introducing Valhalla Java Odinforce Blend (there's a geographical paradox somewhere here) crafted  by Death Wish Coffee Company for Black Label Society's Zakk Wylde.

"With maximum flavor and caffeine content, this coffee will bring you back from the nights you thought you’d never wake up from. Do you bleed black?," says the description of the coffee blend on Black Label Society's official website.

Here's a video promoting Valhalla Java Odinforce Blend featuring Wylde.

Metallica Releases "Sad But True" Performance in Kuala Lumpur

If you missed Metallica's first ever show in Kuala Lumpur, here's a chance to check out a part of it. Metallica has posted video footage of the band rehearsing Ride the Lightning, among others, before the show and a live performance of "Sad But True" at Stadium Merdeka in front of 35,000 fans.

Check it out below!

Machine Head's Rob Flynn Pokes Fun at A7X

I suppose it was only a matter of time before the jokes came in.

In my earlier post on Avenged Sevenfold's Hail To The King, I remarked on how the album sounded a bit like a tribute album to the band's influences. Well, Machine Head frontman, Rob Flynn, went a little further and labeled it a "covers album" on the band's official Facebook page.

"Congratulations to Avenged Sevenfold on their latest 'covers album' coming in at #1, who knew re-recording Metallica, Guns N Roses and Megadeth songs could be such a worldwide hit!!?? Ba-dap Psssss!" he wrote.

After making a disclaimer that he was "happy for them" and that A7X are a "good band" Flynn went on to make a list of jokes about Hail to the King. I wonder if A7X find it as funny as Flynn did (some were quite good, I'll admit).

Here they are, as posted by Flynn:

10) Avenged Sevenfold - "Now with even MORE Metallica"

9) Avenged Sevenfold to change name to "Sad But Two"

Number of "spurting penises" drawn on Avenged logos suddenly skyrockets

7) Eyeliner sales skyrocket as thousands of heartbroken goth girls realize "Hail To The King" is actually "that ugly AC/DC bands song 'Thunderstruck'"

6) After hearing "Heretic", Dave Mustaine flips out, blames Obama, Metallica and UFO's for the A7X stealing "Symphony Of Destruction".

5) After seeing how much success the band Bush had stealing other band names for song titles, A7X decided to steal "In Flames" for latest chorus. Future chorus lyrics include "Tr-vi-um" and "Kill-switch En-gage"

4) Upon hearing latest album, Lars Ulrich goes all gangsta, breaks bottle of Dom Perignon on M. Shadows head, while his 11ft girlfriend put Shadows in headlock, as he screams in Shadows face, "You're gonna rip off St. Anger next right, HUH? You're gonna rip off St Anger NEXT RIGHT? HUH, HUH, HUH!!"

3) "Black album" sales skyrocket as fans realise where new songs came from.

2) After hearing Avenged's Guns N Roses cover "Doing Time", Axl actually calls Slash, says, "Dude, What The Fuck?!"

1) And the #1 joke about the new Avenged Sevenfold album: Avenged Sevenfold release statement that they're NOT ripping off Metallica, announce side project with Lou Reed.

BOOM!

Still think Flynn's a big fan of A7X?

In A7X' defense, Machine Head's has also been criticized for sounding a bit too Metallica in The Blackening by a reviewer in Rolling Stone. And if A7X decide to be just as funny they could bring up Machine Head's rap-metal past..

Still, I have to give Flynn some credit for all of his efforts in coming up with that list. Some of it is pretty funny (number 6 is my personal favourite), and I didn't know Bush' "Machine Head" was about the band Machine Head! 

Hail To the King Is Number 1 in Six Countries

It's been a while since metal dominated album sales. But Avenged Sevenfold's (A7X) sixth album, Hail to the King, has done just that. The band's latest release has topped the charts in not one, but six countries.

According to the band's official Facebook page, among those countries include the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Ireland.

"We are honored that our fans have once again put Heavy Metal at its rightful spot of #1. Celebrate today because this victory belongs to you," the band said on its Facebook page.

Hail to the King marks a departure from the band's earlier metalcore sound and follows the hard rock / metal style of its previous album, Nightmare.

At times, Hail to the King, seems like a tribute to the band's roots - AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N Roses, Megadeth and Iron Maiden are among those that come to mind.

That being said, the band's signature sound - whether its M. Shadows gruff vocals or the twin-guitar assault - is prevalent throughout the album, making this very much an A7X record.

Lamb of God Banned In Malaysia

No surprises here, really. The fact that the band was slated to perform in Kuala Lumpur (KL) on Sept 28 was the real surprise.

For the uninitiated, rock and metal bands don't generally perform here due to the fact that there are government agencies and bodies headed by people who generally view free speech, freedom of expression, choice, rationality, creativity and public discourse as threats to society.

Another big taboo is intelligence.

Most times, religion and "values" are used as tools to quell such threats. Remember how the Taliban banned music in Afghanistan? These guys would do it if they could.

Truth be told, it has been somewhat of a surprise that several rock and metal acts have made it into the country over the last five years. Among those who weren't denied entry include Metallica, Linkin Park, Smashing Pumpkins, Avenged Sevenfold, Slash, Deftones, Korn and Incubus.

Someone must have been sleeping on the job. Well, they made up for it by banning Lamb of God.

Here's a statement from Lamb of God's guitarist, Mark Morton via the band's official Facebook page:

As widely reported, Lamb of God’s concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia scheduled for September 28th has been cancelled by the government who refused to issue a permit for the show even though the concert had been on sale and had sold over 1500 tickets.

It is very evident (and a bit frustrating) that the groups, parties and powers that have taken the most offense to our music and lyrics, have themselves only made a passing glance at the content and meanings of those songs. We would invite anyone offended by our music to engage in a discussion regarding the true motivations behind our work, especially before publicly slandering us based on assumptions and shallow misinterpretation.

We sincerely apologize to our amazing fans in Malaysia for the cancellation. Many thanks to all who have spoken out in support of us through this.

We will still be playing the shows scheduled in New Zealand, Australia, and Thailand. - Mark

But in all honesty, its not just the government bodies who are guilty of shunning away good music from our shores. 

Opposition party, PAS - which is just as conservative as the government - has worked just as hard in achieving this and was among those supporting a ban on Lamb of God's scheduled concert here.  

PAS - who are pro-free speech when it suits them - has had a long history of opposing rock music. It most recently threatened to stage protests outside of Metallica's concert in KL last month although I don't recall seeing them there. Then again, with an estimated 35,000 fans in attendance and a sea of black t-shirts as far as the eye could see, it would have been pretty easy to miss a handful of those yahoos.


Nonetheless, PAS' anti-rock music rhetoric seems to have caught someone's attention in the government and to prove its own conservative credentials, it agreed with the former's lame generalisations about Lamb of God's lyrics and implemented the ban.

Goons: 1 Malaysia: 0


One last thing. Did I mention that Lamb of God has previously performed in Dubai? 

NIN's Hesitation Marks Is Out!

Nine Inch Nails' (NIN) long awaited comeback album, Hesitation Marks, is out and available on iTunes. I've got a copy and it really is a brilliant album. While there are theories that Hesitation Marks is a companion to NIN's The Downward Spiral, don't expect to hear anything similar on the new record.

Musically, there isn't anything that ties the two albums together, which shouldn't come as a surprise to NIN fans (no two albums sound the same). If there are any similarities, it is perhaps in the lyrics and the narration of the album although Reznor's outlook on Hesitation Marks is a lot less bleak than it was on The Downward Spiral. It is almost as though Hesitation Marks is the story that follows The Downward Spiral.

If you haven't heard it yet, you can still stream the entire album here

Photo Credit: NIN Official Facebook Page

Soundgarden Premier's Video for Halfway There

Soundgarden has released the video for Halfway There, the band's third single from the critically-acclaimed, King Animal.