Newsted - METAL

So if you haven't heard by now, Jason Newsted (former longtime bassist of Metallica) has decided to get back into the groove of making music and using social media to get his name back out there!  A lot of support has been pouring in from fans of the former Metallica/Voivod/Echo Brain bassist with comments and 'likes' on some of his recent posts and studio updates such as this one:



"It's time for me to reconnect with all my fans and friends out there around the world with the launch of my OFFICIAL online presence.

I want YOU to be the first to know about what's happening with me and all of my projects: past, present, and FUTURE!. So send me your email by signing up here on the website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube."

Well sure enough there was going to be a leak of some of his new material that he has been teasing us with.  The latest leaks was a track taken from his upcoming EP simply titled "Metal".  Somehow I like it.  It's simple, straight to the point and not about the most intricate lyrics, solos, BPMs...just metal!

1. Soldierhead
2. Godsnake
3. King of the Underdogs
4. Skyscraper

According to Billboard, "Metal" has sold around 6,200 copies in its first week of release and debuted at number 62 on the U.S. Billboard 200.  So without further delay, here is the music video for "Soldierhead":



All I can say is you can easily hear the 'old school' metal sound with influences coming out from Megadeth, Metallica (of course), Motorhead and others which you can feel free to comment on.  More on the way as it comes!  Orders for the EP are happening over at Jason's official website.

March 21, 2013 UPDATE:

Newsted has now been made a four piece thanks to the addition of guitarist Mike Mushok, who you all know as the lead guitarist in STAIND.  At first glance, it seems like an odd person to be playing with.  But then again, the latest release of Staind is anything but mellow.

Hey, what's up? Mike here and I just wanted to make you guys aware that i'm going to be playing in Jason Newsted's new band, Newsted. Staind isn't breaking up just taking a break. Since we have some time off, this opportunity came up for me and i'm going to take advantage of it. Staind will be back with a new record at some point, just not exactly sure when. Feel free to come out and check out a show if you'd like, be great to see you! -Mushok

Mushok has created some timeless riffs in the past and (I find) will be a great addition to the group.  Check out one of the jam sessions below:

Opener “Soldierhead” is a rigid crusher; Newsted speed-slaps his bass before letting us hear his metal voice for the first time. He snarls like Rob Zombie, and his inflection mimics that of Voivod’s Denis Bélanger. The lyrics are cheesy but forgivable: “Demon-scene hellscape / Try to not get dead.” Stylistically, there’s not much variation between the four tracks. “Godsnake” and “Skyscraper” share stop-start rhythms and lyrics about war and destruction (it is Metal, after all). Six-minute centerpiece “King of the Underdogs” sounds like it was written as a middle finger to Hetfield and Ulrich, the musical equivalent of saying, “Fuck you guys, look what I can do.”

And that’s really the whole conceit of Metal. It’s quick, heavy, and repetitive. There’s little melody — just pure thrash. In four songs, Jason Newsted evokes the raw abandon and simplicity this genre mandates. Metallica? Pssh. Who needs ‘em. -Consequence of Sound