Black Friday - The Thin Line Between Entertainment and War

The concept of Black Friday has really got me scratching my heads on what Canadians will do to save a couple bucks.  Are you buying to save money on Christmas presents?  Getting the latest gadget/electronic because last year's model isn't quite cutting it?  Did you spill coffee all over your tablet when you heard about Black Friday sales and now need a new one?  North American culture has turned simple retail holiday sales into a basic animal instinct frenzy of angry, furious and physical shoppers.  Has this become our cultural norm?  "The land of the greedy and home of the depraved", as one online user commented and I couldn't agree more!

"In Romeoville, just outside of Chicago, an alleged shoplifting incident resulted in a man being shot by police after dragging an officer with his car." -Globe & Mail

Why is all of this relevant to AFGM?  Well my friends, I simply hate the commercialism that has formed behind the months of November and December as we part ways with our wallets in exchange for the next upcoming distraction for our lives.  It makes no difference what side of the 49th parallel you are on at this point, the companies you buy mass quantities from only care what their profit margin will increase to.  And since most current governments want to continue this tradition to "stimulate the economy", this doesn't look like it's going to end anytime soon.  That being said, I couldn't think of a better flashback for Friday than my original Black Friday band, Rage Against The Machine!

They fix the need, develop the taste

Buy their products or get laid to waste

Coca-Cola is back in the veins of Saigon 

And Rambo too, he got a dope pair of Nikes on

And Godzilla pure muthafuckin filler

To keep ya eyes off the real killer.

The band released this song ("No Shelter") in February of 1998, and resonates sentiment even more now as our credit cards continue to compound with interest, declare bankruptcy, foreclosures on houses, and pay rates being cut lower and lower to point of where living just above the poverty line is the country's standard of living.  It only makes sense that the once superpower of the world would attempt to push as much product as they could so that the it would eventually trickle back to the gov't.  I think the other funny fact is that now police officers have take away from their normal duties and patrol routes to intervene with a few delinquents fighting tooth and nail for $1.28 towels.  F**king towels people!  I highly doubt that the slave labour kids making these product(s) would get any benefit out of something as Black Friday.  Can you imagine an ad like this:

"For one day only on Black Friday, slave workers will now only be paid $0.08/hr instead of the usual $0.10 and are now passing the savings onto YOU!"



More pieces to the puzzle granted, but I'm sure you can relate to and enjoy the sarcastic commentary I am providing here.  So back to the music side of things.  Rage Against the Machine has a long standing feud with commercialism, elitism, lack of transparency, and overall lack of freedoms that humans, not just Americans, should have as a right...not a privilege.

The world is my expense

The cost of my desire

Jesus blessed me with its future

And I protect it with fire

So raise your fists and march around

Dont dare take what you need

I'll jail and bury those committed

And smother the rest in greed

I know it seems like I am going on a tangent here with my sentiments towards Black Friday and [in big picture] what it stands for.  I just cannot stand the fact that we have people spending an average of $292/person on a single day and almost 1/2 the country (as well as US) will be taking part in these "savings".

"In Las Vegas, a man returning from a Black Friday sale was shot at and robbed of his new TV." -Globe & Mail

Sounds like fun right?  Do you find that this kind of mentality for shopping and simple distraction will be a decline in society or a increase in our economy?  Do YOU feel Black Friday will help us as a whole or hinder us?  Does it create more or less of a middle class society?  Not to mention the current mentality of our big box stores (Walmart, Target, etc.) that most customers flock to for savings.  That extra couple bucks you just saved could have paid the employee you ran past a salary that is above bare minimum wage or even some health benefits for the eventual concussion they are going to receive when opening their doors in early hours of the morning.  Don't believe me?  Feel free to look up past Black Friday incidents that have occurred and where the majority of them have taken place.

"When you live in a capitalistic society, the currency of the dissemination of information goes through capitalistic channels. Would Noam Chomsky object to his works being sold at Barnes & Noble? No, because that's where people buy their books. We're not interested in preaching to just the converted. It's great to play abandoned squats run by anarchists, but it's also great to be able to reach people with a revolutionary message, people from Granada Hills to Stuttgart." -Tom Morello



So the next time you are hitting up your favourite store, ask yourself at what cost and benefit is it for you to save that $50-100 for an iPad that [chance are] will break within a few years either by your own hand or the manufacturers.  Just in time to get back in line with hundreds of others and go gladiator style on each other.  Tis the season to be shopping.  Cha-ching!  I'll be sitting at home, sippin on a coffee and cranking my Rage Against the Machine.

Music News and New Music For November 27th, 2013

So of course, when running your own blog solo it can be tough to keep up with the s**tload of stuff that comes across our ears over a weekend!  Some good, some bad, some not even worth mentioning.  I guess that's how I use AFGM in general.  These articles that I go through everyday from various sites (Blabbermouth,. CBC, National Post, AV Club, Exclaim, Music News, Rolling Stone, etc.) and sort of "filter" some of the nonsense news such as the latest fashion design, who's got beef with who and who ISN'T doing music...still.

These articles brought forth are for a few different reasons:

1. It is relevant music information that pertains to you as a reader, no matter the level of intent or the genre.

2. They are relevant to the music I would be currently listening to or a genre I have put some attention and focus on.

3. I am somewhat patriotic about my Canadian music, so that always comes as a first for me.  I enjoy music from all parts of the world respectively, but I still have to promote local if I can.  Canadian music rocks!

4. Because it's humourous and we can ALWAYS use a good laugh.  Rarely will it be at someone's expense...but then again I am just the guy talking about it.  They're the ones causing the comments.

So in closing, I trust you all will not read EVERY single article posted here.  But I hope you find something of use here and keep the conversation going by forwarding it onto someone else.  Click on each article heading for redirection to the full article.  Cheers!

Beatles, Eminem, U2 Set for Philippines Benefit Album:

1. The Beatles, "Across the Universe"
2. Bob Dylan, "Shelter From the Storm"
3. Michael Bublé, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You"
4. U2, "In a Little While"
5. Bruno Mars, "Count on Me"
6. Beyoncé, "I Was Here"
7. Eminem, "Stan" (Live From BBC Radio 1)
8. Cher, "Sirens"
9. Adele, "Make You Feel My Love"
10. Katy Perry, "Unconditionally (Johnson Somerset Remix)"
11. One Direction, "Best Song Ever"
12. Fun., "Carry On"
13. Lady Gaga, "Born This Way (The Country Road Version)"
14. Justin Timberlake, "Mirrors"
15. Justin Bieber, "I Would"
16. Alicia Keys, "New Day"
17. Imagine Dragons, "30 Lives"
18. Madonna, "Like a Prayer"
19. Pink, "Sober"
20. Kylie Minogue, "I Believe in You"
21. Enrique Iglesias, "Hero"
22. Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Factory of Faith"
23. Linkin Park, "Roads Untraveled"
24. Kings of Leon, "Use Somebody"
25. Muse, "Explorers"
26. Lorde, "The Love Club"
27. Josh Groban, "Brave"
28. Kelly Clarkson, "Stronger"
29. Paolo Nutini, "Simple Things"
30. Ellie Goulding, "I Know You Care"
31. James Blunt, "Carry You Home"
32. Pitbull featuring Christina Aguilera, "Feel This Moment"
33. Earth, Wind & Fire, "Sign On"
34. Apl.De.App featuring Damian Leroy, "Going Out"
35. Sara Bareilles, "Brave"
36. Jessica Sanchez, "Lead Me Home"
37. Lily Allen, "Smile"
38. The Fray, "Love Don't Die"
39. The Beatles, "Let It Be"

The album, Songs for the Philippines, contains 39 tracks and is available now on iTunes.


She & Him Announce 'The Capitol Studios Sessions':

"On December 2, She & Him will release The Capitol Studios Session, a special digital-only release of new versions of four songs from their latest album, Volume 3.

1. I Could've Been Your Girl
2. Shadow of Love
3. Snow Queen
4. Turn to White

The She & Him band convened in Los Angeles in June of 2013 to capture a more intimate version of their vibrant new songs. The novelty of having the whole band together in a legendary recording studio inspired the looser arrangements characteristic of the band’s live performances." -Merge Records


'Lullaby Versions Of Marilyn Manson' Coming This Week:

"Lullaby Versions Of Marilyn Manson" track listing:

1. Heart-Shaped Glasses (When The Heart Guides The Hand)
2. The Dope Show
3. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
4. Coma White
5. This Is The New Shit
6. I Don't Like The Drugs (But The Drugs Like Me)
7. If I Was Your Vampire
8. The Fight Song
9. Tainted Love
10. The Beautiful People
11. This Is Halloween
12. Personal Jesus

You can check out samples of the audio here.


Kings of Leon Release "Beautiful War" Video:




APOCALYPTICA To Release 'Ass-Kicking' New Studio Album In 2014:

Q: The last studio album came out in 2010 and was followed by massive touring. What are the upcoming projects for APOCALYPTICA in 2014?

Eicca: We are aiming to get into the studio in late spring. We can hopefully get the stuff together, mix the album in April/May, and then release it at the best possible time. But, yeah, there will be a new, ass-kicking studio album by APOCALYPTICA in 2014. It's no. 8 already.


Foo Fighters Writing Next Album 'In a Way No One's Done Before':

RS: And now you’re turning your attention back to Foos — the next record is underway?

DG: It’s badass. We’re doing something that nobody knows about, it’s fucking rad. We begin recording soon, but we’re doing it in a way that no one’s done before and we’re writing the album in a way that I don’t think has been done before.


SOUNDGARDEN To Play Festival Near Site Of Auschwitz Concentration Camp:

"Darek Maciborek intends to 'break the spell' of his home town that is commonly associated solely with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum. The main concept of the Festival is to build peaceful relations beyond cultural and state borders where there is no place for anti-Semitism, racism, and other forms of xenophobia." -Life Festival (press statement)

The Life Festival is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, June 25 to Saturday, June 28, with Soundgarden appearing on Friday, June 27.


CROSSES 'Bitches Brew' Video:




Bruce Springsteen Teams Up with Tom Morello for 'High Hopes' Album:

"Tom and his guitar became my muse, pushing the rest of this project to another level. Thanks for the inspiration Tom.  This is music I always felt needed to be released." -Springsteen

1. High Hopes (ft. Tom Morello)
2. Harry's Place (ft. Tom Morello)
3. American Skin (41 Shots) (ft. Tom Morello)
4. Just Like Fire Would (ft. Tom Morello)
5. Down in the Hole
6. Heaven's Wall (ft. Tom Morello)
7. Frankie Fell in Love
8. This Is Your Sword
9. Hunter of Invisible Game (ft. Tom Morello)
10. The Ghost of Tom Joad (ft. Tom Morello)
11. The Wall
12. Dream Baby Dream (ft. Tom Morello)

High Hopes will be available on January 14th, 2014 through Columbia.


RUSH's 'Clockwork Angels Tour' To Receive Television Premiere On VH1 CLASSIC:

RUSH's "Clockwork Angels Tour" concert film will receive a television premiere on VH1 Classic on Sunday, December 1 from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Set One:

01. Subdivisions
02. The Big Money
03. Force Ten
04. Grand Designs
05. The Body Electric
06. Territories
07. The Analog Kid
08. Bravado
09. Where's My Thing?/ Here It Is! (drum solo)
10. Far Cry

Set Two:

11. Caravan *
12. Clockwork Angels *
13. The Anarchist *
14. Carnies *
15. The Wreckers *
16. Headlong Flight */ Drumbastica (drum solo)
17. Peke's Repose (guitar solo)/ Halo Effect *
18. Seven Cities of Gold *
19. Wish Them Well *
20. The Garden *
21. Dreamline *
22. The Percussor (I) Binary Love Theme (II) Steambanger's Ball (drum solo)
23. Red Sector A *
24. YYZ *
25. The Spirit Of Radio

Encore:

26. Tom Sawyer
27. 2112

Bonus:

28. Limelight (soundcheck recording)
29. Middletown Dreams
30. The Pass
31. Manhattan Project *

* With the Clockwork Angels String Ensemble


BLACK SABBATH - 'Paranoid' Performance Clip From 'Live…Gathered in Their Masses' DVD:

HINDER Parts Ways With Lead Vocalist AUSTIN WINKLER:

"I'm really proud of what we accomplished over the years.  We hold no animosity towards Austin, and wish him the best. Although it was a difficult decision, it was the best thing for everyone involved and time for us to move on.

This summer/fall tour was a tough one.  We want to thank the fans for all their overwhelming support. We couldn't have made it through everything without you.  We are very excited about the future of HINDER and can't wait to share the next chapter with all of you!" -Hanson


Cypress Hill Bring Back DJ Muggs for New Album:

"The sound is anti-everything that's popular and is in a world of its own.  The lyrics [are] delivered with the vocal tenacity of a stoned gypsy roaming across the country through the mist." -DJ Muggs

"It's great to have DJ Muggs back at the helm of the production.  When Muggs, Sen and I work together there's a chemistry between us that brings forth powerful music. It's going to be ill, man. He's got fire and a lot of people have been waiting for us to reunite like that, so we're all looking forward to it." -B-Real


Ben Draiman covers Disturbed's "Stricken":




ZAKK WYLDE To Take Part In 'Experience Hendrix Tour':

In terms of format, the tour offers multiple opportunities for performers and audiences to witness unique collaborations among the participating artists such as Dweezil Zappa with Billy Cox, Buddy Guy with Jonny Lang, Zakk Wylde with Chris Layton and will highlight these artists and the others performing their favorite Hendrix signature songs, including "Little Wing", "Fire", "Purple Haze" and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)". As has been the case with previous Experience Hendrix outings, special guests are expected to sit in at many of the dates, making the concerts all that much more memorable for both new and veteran Hendrix fans. Past special guests have included Paul Rodgers, Joe Satriani, Hubert Sumlin, Steve Vai, Susan Tedeschi, Robert Randolph, Carlos Santana, Robby Krieger, and others.


JOURNEY Donates $350,000 To Help The Philippines In Aftermath Of Super Typhoon Haiyan:

"We're honored to have JOURNEY's support and Arnel Pineda's leadership on this incredible donation for WFP's emergency relief in the Philippines.  Their support is going to make a real difference for so many Filipino children and families in need." -Hunter Biden (Board Chair of World Food Program USA)


Bonobo Reinvents Donovan in 'Get Thy Bearings':




David Gilmour Prepping New Solo Album with Graham Nash and David Crosby:

“What the hell would it cost you to have David Crosby and Graham Nash getting on a bloody train to Brighton to sing with you?  We’re musicians. We love good songs. We’ll sing them until we are dead.” -Nash


Sam Roberts Band Reveal 'Lo-Fantasy' Album Details:

1. Human Heat

2. Shapeshifters

3. We're All In This Together

4. Kid Icarus

5. Never Enough

 6. Too Far

7. Angola

8. Chasing the Light

9. The Hands of Love

10. Metal Skin

11. Durban Days (vinyl only)

12. Golden Hour

"Lo-Fantasy" will be released on February 11th, 2014 via (newly inked) Paper Bag Records.

MOTÖRHEAD's LEMMY Says His Long-Awaited Solo Album Is Coming Out Next:

"But the next thing I've got coming out is my solo album, which is almost done. I still want to do a track with [SKUNK ANANSIE vocalist] Skin before I put it out. There are two tracks with the REVEREND HORTON HEAT, two with THE DAMNED, a track with Dave Grohl [FOO FIGHTERS, NIRVANA], and a track with Joan Jett. Right now we're thinking of calling it 'False Teeth For The Deaf'. It's all just great rock and roll, that's the only way to describe it. Some of it is bluesy and some isn't. It's not MOTÖRHEAD, but obviously there are elements in common."


Kurai (Mudvayne, Ex-Head) Release “Breaking The Broken” Lyric Video:

HELIX - New Album Title Revealed:

"The CD will follow in the vein of 'Vagabond Bones' and 'Skin In The Game'; in fact, I'm thinking of putting that song on this new disc, seeing as 'Skin In The Game' was really only a five-song EP.  Anyway, I'm getting very excited about putting out new material. That's why I do this thing called the music biz." -Vollmer

"Bastard Of The Blues" will be tentatively due in March, 2014.


AMARANTHE: 'Invincible' Video:




AFI Add North American Tour Dates:

12/06 Oakland, CA - Oracle Arena
12/07 Los Angeles, CA - KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas
01/10 Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre
01/11 Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theatre
01/14 Dallas, TX - House of Blues
01/15 San Antonio, TX - White Rabbit
01/17 New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
01/18 Atlanta, GA - Center Stage
01/21 Orlando, FL - The Beacham Theatre
01/24 Charleston, SC - The Music Farm
01/25 Nashville, TN - Marathon Music Works
01/28 Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Sound Stage
01/29 Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance
01/31 Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theatre

Animals As Leaders In The Studio:

"Listen to your mama when she tell you to eat your spinach and practice to metronome." -AAL


New For Today Album Coming In February, Tour With Like Moths To Flames, Stray From The Path, Etc. Revealed:

“Fight The Silence” will be released on February 4th, 2014 via Razor & Tie Records.

01/30 Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
01/31 Pomona, CA – The Glass House
02/03 Mesa, AZ – Nile Theatre
02/05 Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
02/06 Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s
02/08 St. Louis, MO – Fubar
02/09 Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
02/10 Pontiac, MI – Crofoot Ballroom
02/11 Toronto, ON – Opera House
02/12 Montreal, QC – La Tulipe
02/13 Clifton Park, NY – Upstate Concert Hall
02/14 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
02/15 Allentown, PA – Crocodile Rock
02/16 New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre
02/18 Springfield, VA – Empire
02/19 Greensboro, NC – Greene Street
02/20 Douglasville, GA – The 7 Venue
02/21 Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
02/22 West Palm Beach, FL – The Box
02/23 Jacksonville, FL – Roc Bar
02/25 Birmingham, AL – Zydeco
02/26 Louisville, KY – Expo Five
02/27 Indianapolis, IN – Deluxe at Old National Centre
02/28 Joliet, IL – Mojoes
02/01 Iowa City, IA – Blue Moose
02/02 Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theatre, Studio B


FIT FOR A KING - 'Keep Me Alive' Video:




METALLICA 'Through The Never' To Be Released On DVD, Blu-Ray, 3D Blu-Ray, Digitally, And Via Video On Demand:

METALLICA's groundbreaking 3D feature film, "Metallica Through The Never", directed by award-winning filmmaker Nimród Antal, will be released on DVD, Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, digitally, and V.O.D. (Video On Demand) on January 28, 2014 through Blackened Recordings.


REX BROWN On New KILL DEVIL HILL Album: 'It's One Of My Favorite Records I've Done In Recent Years':

"As far as this band is concerned, we basically put out a record last year and did about a hundred shows up 'till the ALICE COOPER run in December. At that point, Mark [Zavon, guitar] had some riffs and we had both been writing a bit on the road. We decided to go into the studio in January. Vinny [Appice, drums] is friends with Jeff Pilson who played in DOKKEN and FOREIGNER for a long time. He has a really nice studio with a great drum sound there, and as it turned out it worked perfectly for us. Jeff's really good at producing vocals. The band pretty much produced itself, but as far as doing the vocals, Jeff did that and Dewey [Jason Bragg] sang his ass off on this one. This record is just bigger, better and bolder. It's more of who we are now, and it just kind of ties into what we started with the first record. It's starting to take off and people are starting to listen to us, you know."


TesseracT’s New BBC Radio 1 In-Studio Session:

Taken from ‘BBC Radio 1 Rock Show With Daniel P Carter‘ last night (November 25th, 2013)




Second Annual 'Metallica Night' To Be Held At AT&T Park In San Francisco:

"We had such an amazing time last year supporting our local team the San Francisco Giants, the second annual Metallica Night will take place on Friday, May 16, 2014! We'll be there to kick it off with the National Anthem and first pitch, joining the orange and black faithful for the rest of the evening for all kinds of METALLI -fun and games.

Special event tickets for this game go on sale November 29 at 8:00 a.m. PST. The special event METALLICA ticket package includes a ticket to the game and a limited edition METALLICA / Giants goodie that we'll tell you about at a later date. A portion of the proceeds from every Metallica Night special event ticket will benefit the Little Kids Rock Bay Area Chapter!" -Metallica


THE SAFETY FIRE - 'Mouth Of Swords' Video:




MASTODON Taps Producer NICK RASKULINECZ For New Album:

"It's gonna be massive and insane, lots of epic greatness.  There will be lots of huge riffs and new directions. It's real weird, real math-y, real straightforward. It's up, down and all around. It's a culmination of everything for the band. The snowball keeps rolling and collecting snow." -Dailor


IN THIS MOMENT Singer: 'To Me, There's Nothing More Vulnerable Than Being Nude':

"The reason why I did that is because, to me, there's nothing more vulnerable than being nude. You know what I mean? It's a scary thought, and everybody has their own insecurities, and to place myself in kind of that being punished place with the dunce cap on the stool and a degrading word written down me, I wanted to kind of place myself in that vulnerable thing to really kind of have a visual, strong message to go with the song. I wanted something that people were going to pay attention to because I think it's a really important message and I think it's an important song to inspire people to learn about self-love and to learn about strength within ourselves, and to learn about not letting other people, whether or not it's young teenagers being bullied or whether or not, no matter who you are or what you are, I just wanted to have a strong message attached to it and a strong visual attached to it."


I See Stars Release “Murder Mitten” Music Video:




Original FLAW Lineup Reunites:

"After several years apart to work out personal issues, we have reunited. The time apart has given us clear heads and a new appreciation for the music we are capable of creating together.  We are currently writing new material, which is a modern throwback to our original FLAW material." -Daunt

"We are stoked about our renewed musical relationship and can't wait to share it with the world.  I am extremely excited and recharged to have the original lineup back in FLAW.  I've conquered many demons and am ready to share my strength and hard fought battles with the world. We're back!!" -Volz


MEGADETH's DAVE MUSTAINE Signs Publishing Agreement With WARNER/CHAPPELL MUSIC:

"I am very excited about this new partnership with Warner/Chappell. I am glad to be reuniting with a hero of mine, Jon Platt, and industry legend Greg Sowders. I have never been happier." -Mustaine


I Killed The Prom Queen Share Teaser Of New Material:




Otep Completes Contract With Victory Records, To Embark On “New Chapter”:

“I want to thank Capitol Records and Victory Records for 7 amazing albums. Now, I’m on my own & new chapter for me & my art begins. xo OTEP"


2014 ‘Vans Warped Tour’ Routing Announced:

06/14 Salt Lake City, UT
06/15 Denver, CO
06/17 Albuquerque, NM
06/18 Mesa, AZ
06/20 Pomona, CA
06/21 San Francisco, CA
06/22 Ventura, CA
06/25 San Diego, CA
06/26 Las Vegas, NV
06/28 Seattle, WA
06/29 Portland, OR
07/02 St. Louis, MO
07/03 Indianapolis, IN
07/04 Toronto, ON
07/05 Montreal, QC
07/06 Holmdel, NJ
07/08 Darien Center, NY
07/09 Scranton, PA
07/10 Boston, MA
07/11 Camden, NJ
07/12 New York, NY
07/13 Hartford, CT
07/15 Pittsburgh, PA
07/16 Cincinnati, OH
07/17 Cuyahoga Falls, OH
07/18 Detroit, MI
07/19 Chicago, IL
07/20 Minneapolis, MN
07/22 Columbia, MD
07/23 Virginia Beach, VA
07/24 Atlanta, GA
07/25 St. Petersburg, FL
07/26 West Palm Beach, FL
07/27 Orlando, FL
07/28 Charlotte, NC
07/30 Milwaukee, WI
07/31 Kansas City, KS
08/01 Dallas, TX
08/02 San Antonio, TX
08/03 Houston, TX


Periphery Frontman Spencer Sotelo Eyeing New Solo Album:

“As if I didn’t already have my hands plenty full with Periphery and The Mothership…. Probably going to be writing a solo (Endur) record. Going to be taking it in a darker and more experimental direction than the previous single release though.” -Sotelo




GWAR - 'Madness At The Core Of Time' Video:

Age Progression of Past Musicians

Ever wonder what Bob Marley would look like as an old man?  How about Elvis?  Cobain?  Joplin?  Well, it seems that the folks from Phojoe have done just that.  Taking renderings and old photos from these artists in their prime, they were able to manipulate and change the dynamics of their face/body and reconstruct it into what they would look like in the present.

Kind of freaky isn't it?  You don't ever expect to see these people anything other than what they were.  I got to hand it to the folks down at Phojoe, these renderings are eerie.  You can check out even more artists over at the Daily Mail article.

"Through this series of images, we hope to honor them and evoke some of the magic they brought to millions of their fans. Even as we ponder what wonderful new contributions they still could have made." -Ron Sachs (Sachs Media)

Any artists here you think they sound try out next?  Tupac?  Randy Rhodes?  Cliff Burton?

Metal Blade Records Release Unearth's "Alive From The Apocalypse" via YouTube

I have had this DVD since day 1 when it hit shelves back in March of 2008.  So it made me quite happy to see that enough time has passed that Metal Blade Records threw both the concert and documentary on YouTube for FREE!  Obviously they encourage you to purchase a copy of the DVD as you get all the cool artwork that goes along with it.  Besides, a physical copy is always better to have anyways. ;-)

"Alive From The Apocalypse" was released on March 18th, 2008 via Metal Blade Records and proved to be a very successful release for the band as it went gold in Canada alone after one week!

"Heavy metal, travelling the world, all the beer and whiskey we can drink, and now a gold DVD. Fuck, man, does it get any cooler than this? Thanks to all our fans in Canada for being the first country to make any of our releases gold. You all have supported us ever since our first trip north of the border in 1999 and shit just keeps getting better. You all fucking rule. See you on the road soon and thanks!!!" -Trevor Phipps



"This DVD retrospective spans the group's humble beginnings through their ascension to leaders of the metal genre. Shot at the Glasshouse in Pomona, California on October 9, 2007 by Doug Spangenberg and mixed by Unearth's Ken Susi, this 2 DVD set puts you on stage and behind the scenes with one of the most exciting and crucial bands in metal."

1. Intro (00:00)
2. Giles (00:44)
3. This Lying World (04:42)
4. This Glorious Nightmare (09:08)
5. Zombie Autopilot (13:48)
6. Endless (17:58)
7. March of the Mutes (21:26)
8. Only the People (24:55)
9. Sanctity of Brothers (28:57)
10. The Great Dividers (32:25)
11. Black Heart Hearts Now Reign (36:46)
12. One Step Away (42:06)
13. Credits (46:03)

For the second DVD in the package, it "features the 90+ minute documentary covering Unearth's formative underground roots in Eastern Massachusetts, early DIY tours, plus the highs and lows experienced while carving out global success as harbingers of Heavy Metal."



"Also featured are the band's music videos, two additional live songs, photo slide show, band member interviews, commentary from some of the biggest names in Metal, including Killswitch Engage, Slipknot, Vinnie Paul, Lamb of God, All that Remains, As I Lay Dying, and much more."

Live Shows:
1. Zombie Autopilot - Live from With Full Force (01:13:07)
2. Sanctity of Brothers - Live from Loud Park (01:17:35)

Music Videos:
1. This Glorious Nightmare (01:21:44)
2. Sanctity of Brothers (01:26:07)
3. Giles (01:29:50)
4. Zombie Autopilot (01:33:49)
5.Endless (01:37:55)
6.The Great Dividers (01:41:18)
7.Black Hearts Now Reign (01:45:05)
8.One Step Away (01:48:41)

The photo slideshow kicks off around the 01:51:57 mark.  Hopefully that is enough material to get a grasp on the band (if you are new to them) and a chance to experience one of their high energy live performances.  Many good times I can remember from unearth shows, both opening and headlining.

Descend - Wither

Almost landed right on my ass this morning!  And no it wasn't from the fresh snowfall we got here in lovely Toronto, it came after taking a listen to Descend's latest single "Diabolic".  While I haven't spoken to my friend Justin in some time, I knew that new material was on the way for the band and I was expecting something special.  This is what I got:



As humble as my friend might be, this was top quality music in my books.  Tight rhythms, good sound on the bass and the kick drum, good gains on the guitar and well structured for an 8 minute song.  The album artwork is nothing to shy away from either as I am trying to see the correlation of the artwork with the music.  Very dark...very Descend.  That's all I got to say.  Artwork was done by Emil Maxén.  Trying to keep my bias aside, I am truly hopeful that their upcoming release "Wither" will take these guys to a new level and with crossing fingers, we might finally get to see them do a North American stint.

So for all you fans already won over, "Wither" will be released January 24th, 2013 via Inverse Records.  This marks the first release for Descend through Inverse Records as their previous release, "Through The Eyes of the Burdened", was released visa Supernova Records.

1. Confined By Evil 
2. The Rancorous Paradigm 
3. In Hours Of Despair
4. Severance
5. Wither 
6. Diabolic
7. From Grace To Grave
8. Sundown

"Combining melodic harmonies, acoustic passages and death metal riffs, the band manages to effortlessly swing back and forth from tranquil, atmospheric playing to a barage of apocalyptic death metal.

From the opening drum fill in Confined By Evil all the way up to the final ringing notes in Sundown, Wither takes the listener through a dark, thought provoking, malevolent journey, certain to leave the listener asking for more.

Wither is one the must have records of 2014 and will land Descend their rightful place in the top section of bands in the progressive death metal genre." -Inverse Records (press release)

More info as we come closer to the release date folks!

That Bluegrass Boy

So as you may or may not have noticed I was not my perky self on Monday and giving you all the good news of the music world.  Alas, I was a smart cookie this weekend and decided to old up camp in the frozen tip of Ontario (well, at least this weekend I thought it was considered the frozen tip) in the Bruce Peninsula National Park.  So while myself and two buddies were fighting the high winds and cold chill of Georgian Bay, I brought along (you guessed it) some tunes to help pass the time since everything was pitch black come 5pm.  The very first tune that came on the playlist was one that seemed to fit the situation the best... "Dust Bowl Children" by Alison Krauss and Union Station.



The most fitting song for the time, or at least in my head.  Sitting around a campfire, having a beer and trying to keep warm, the tune brought flashes of the film "Cold Mountain" to my head.  Being in the woods sometimes brings the country boy out in me.  Not that I am running to the local record shop to pick up a copy of Kenny Chesney's newest album before I head out into the woods, but my standard albums for a camping trip tend to fall more towards a laid back; something that co-insides perfectly with the crackle of that birch and pine wood.

(Photo courtesy of Andrew Gallagher Photography)

So back to my thoughts.  As I was sitting around the campfire and the tunes came on, the reason my logic went instantly to Cold Mountain had to be the setting we were in.  A snowy park, no sign of life other than some birds and a few critters, a campfire, and a pot of water boiling for food and coffee.  It reminded me of Jack White, Ethan Suplee, and Brendan Gleeson all sitting around their campfire up in the woods signing songs and playing their instruments to pass the time.  I honestly wish I had enough room to sling a guitar on my back to pluck away while battling the elements.



So with keeping the good vibes, the next tune coming on was another great bluegrass tune... "Wagon Wheel" from Old Crow Medicine show.  Thanks to my camping buddy Marc, we came prepared with a huge selection of OCMS and a few others such as Hey Rosetta, Bear's Den, and Mumford & Sons.  Between that and my selection of Alison Krauss, The Sheepdogs, and The Wildfeathers, we were set to go!

Mind you this isn't the first time I got the bluegrass bug while out camping.  The general vibe of a camping trip with friends surrounds this laid back twang.  While I feel heavy metal and rock are my core sounds, I doubt that blasting "Disciple" by Slayer is the right time and place out in the woods.  I'm not looking to burn the place down, just take in the scenery.  To me, that is my vision of bluegrass and the woods.



So the next time you find yourself out in the woods and looking for something to pass the time while staring at the constantly changing coals of the campfire, try throwing on a couple songs with some slide guitar and some banjo.  They make you embrace the worst of weather conditions seem jovial and upbeat.  Does anyone else care to drop a few good bands here that fall into this genre?

Music Releases For November 26th, 2013

So you get a few weeks with a substantial amount of music coming out that you can't decide what to listen to first.  Then you have those weeks where we got a select few decent albums coming out and now trying to find what to do with your time once you've sifted through those said albums (coughAFGMreleasescough).  Six notable albums this week so try and space out your time with them.  Hell, give some of them a second spin.  Much like watching a movie for the second time, you may find something there you didn't beforehand.

Anyways, not much to go on here for this week's albums.  I am personally looking forward to sitting down and hearing what the new A Perfect Circle live album has to offer.  I might save my groovy rockin Clutch album till the weekend.  Seems like a good time to press that album.  Metallica seems like a Friday post-work album to celebrate the weekend arrival.  Others will find their time throughout the week.

So as the old saying goes (or at least should be old by now), buy an album and save a band.  Pick up some physical copies of these albums over at your local record store or online retailer.  If physical isn't your thing, then there are always other legal streaming sources to access your tunes.  Enjoy and check back next week for another batch of albums!

(Metallica - Through The Never)

For those trying to relive Through the Never, this soundtrack hits the spot, following the precise chronological usage of the songs in the film. For everyone else, it’s pretty pointless, as these versions fall short of the excellent ones included on 1993′s Live Shit: Binge & Purge, and sound especially redundant considering Metallica dropped live album Quebec Magnetic last year. It’s very much “your mileage may vary,” though the band can’t be faulted for releasing it, because honestly, who wouldn’t? It’s free money, and Through the Never will likely be remembered as the biggest (and certainly most expensive) heavy-metal film of all-time. -Consequence of Sound

(A Day To Remember - Common Courtesy)

*Please note that "Common Courtesy" was released digitally earlier in the year but today marks the availability of their physical CD release.

The balance of Common Courtesy—and arguably the least compelling tracks of this new batch—showcase the band’s current arena-rock status, with driving modern-rock numbers like “Best Of Me,” the ’90s alt-rockish acoustic cut “I’m Already Gone,” power ballad “I Surrender” and the mid-tempo radio rocker “End Of Me.” Here the band have never sounded more mature or refined in their individual performances, but unfortunately the songs themselves aren’t quite as convincing, and tend to drag. A few more pop-punk scorchers like the aforementioned or the dark-tinged cruncher “Life @ 11” would’ve been far more welcome in their place.

Is Common Courtesy ADTR’s best album? This reviewer would have to say no, but it’s a solid, honest effort nonetheless, and that’s worth something, too. After all the waiting and drama, there’s no question Common Courtesy will at least partially satisfy eager fans, because if nothing else, it’s a textbook A Day To Remember record. Whether or not that’s good or bad is entirely up to you. -Alt Press

(Clutch - Earth Rocker LIVE)

Earth Rocker is an apt title; this album rocks in a way that doesn’t require much dissection. This is a record meant to be played at maximum volume, an album that makes everyday tasks like standing still and obeying posted speed limits near impossible. It might not reach the heights of Blast Tyrant, but not much in the genre does. It’s certainly Clutch's most enjoyable album in a good number of years, and any fan of the group’s post-Pure Rock Fury era would do well to give Earth Rocker a spin. -Punk News

(A Perfect Circle - Stone and Echo: Live At Red Rocks)

The texture that A Perfect Circle demonstrate in Stone and Echo is something shocking for a live album. While it’s not necessarily better than the band’s original studio albums, Stone and Echo captures the signature tone and solitude the band has grown since its inception in the late 90’s in a refined and intelligent way. They’ve continuously distanced themselves from the heavier nature of Tool and moved toward a much calmer aesthetic. The storm has become quiet since Mer de Noms, but Stone and Echo’s best feature is its demonstration of the band’s epitomization of their ephemeral nature. The twenty tracks on Stone and Echo offer enough diversity from their studio counterparts to be interesting, while still being perfectly in tune with what A Perfect Circle has achieved in their short activity. If you’ve kept paces with A Perfect Circle for a long time, Stone and Echo is well worth including in your collection and if you’re new to Keenan and Howerdel’s brainchild, it’s a good way to understand what set them apart from their past projects. It’s startling how well Stone and Echo can stand on its own as a great recording and it’s easily a highlight in the band’s brief, but impressive discography. -Sputnik Music

R.I.P. Winamp

My first player, my first music app, my favourite media streamer.  It was some good times Winamp, you will be missed greatly. :-(

(The Dulles-based Winamp team, as of 2012.)

Winamp.com and associated Web services will no longer be available past December 20, 2013. Additionally, Winamp Media players will no longer be available for download. Please download the latest version before that date. See release notes for latest improvements to this last release. Thanks for supporting the Winamp community for over 15 years. -Winamp.com

The Wild Feathers - The Company You Want In The Backwoods

Just a quick post this morning as my sibling and I were discussing the Gary Clark Jr concert in Toronto this past Monday (@ The Danforth Music Hall).  When Gary announced he will be on tour with The Wild Feathers, I honestly thought it was his back up band.  Goes to show you how much I pay attention I guess (haha).  Nonetheless, the five piece group from Nashville, TN hopped on stage and pretty much got the crowd's attention from the first song.

So if you are new to these guys, same as I am, here is some info from their debut self-titled release.  It dropped in North America on August 13th, 2013 via Warner Bros. Records.

1. Backwoods Company
2. American
3. I Can Have You
4. Tall Boots
5. The Ceiling
6. Left My Woman
7. I'm Alive
8. Hard Wind
9. If You Don't Love Me
10. Hard Times
11. Got it Wrong
12. How

The album was produced by Jay Joyce, who has also worked with artists such as Eric Church, The Wallflowers, Little Big Town, Cage the Elephant, and more!



"They're like if Led Zeppelin & The Band had a baby in Joshua Tree that grew up listening to Ryan Adams covering the Stones 70's country influenced songs."

So how about a sample?  Better yet, how about the whole album?!  Below you can stream The Wild Feathers' entire debut album.  Cheers and TGIFF!

Kill Devil Hill - Revolution Rise

I am not sure if I just received a few extra blows to the head, that my sense of clarity had increased, or maybe that Kill Devil Hill pulled up their socks and made one hell of a record.  Whatever the reason may be, KDH's sophomore album "Revolution Rise" has been a necessity these past few weeks.

Considered somewhat of a power group, Kill Devil Hill takes pieces of Pantera, Sabbath, Dio, Pissing Razors and jumbled them all to come up with an impressive continuation of their self titled debut record.

"In 2009 Vinny had found the perfect guitarist in Zavon, who was also looking to start a new band. Zavon played a demo he had recorded with vocalist Dewey Bragg, and Vinny was floored. “Dewey has a fantastic sound, and has the perfect voice and image for this new band.” Dewey is also a master of melody, with the gift of enhancing even the most jagged arrangements with his haunting vocals." -Kill Devil Hill (press release)

Kill Devil Hill is:

Mark Zavon – Guitar | Vinny Appice – Drums | Dewey Bragg – Vocals | Rex Brown – Bass

“Vinny is a brilliant drummer, and of course, I was immediately interested when he asked me whether I wanted to play bass on a demo tape he was working on.” -Brown

Now like I stated before, I was not a huge fan of the debut.  I honestly felt (at the time) that the album was being pushed and promoted more for the names behind the band rather than the music itself.  It was one of those times where I felt the music should speak for itself rather than it's member notoriety.

What I liked about this quote from Bragg was not only regarding his initial reaction to the music, which in fact has progresses quite impressively, but also the fact that he grew up listening to his band member was almost like a Rockstar movie moment.  Think about it for a second, how would YOU feel if you got a chance to audition for a band that has members you looked up to for inspiration?  Pretty f**kin cool if you ask me.

“When Rex first auditioned for the band he put bass on ‘War Machine’, and I was on the 405 freeway and I had to pull over the car in the breakdown. I was like ‘Holy Christ.’ I was floored by that sound. I grew up listening to Pantera and having that bass tone on my right hand side every night is just amazing.” -Bragg

Revolution Rise was released in north America (as well as the rest of the world) on October 29th, 2013 via Century Media Records.

1. No Way Out
2. Crown Of Thorns
3. Leave It All Behind
4. Why
5. Wake Up The Dead
6. Long Way From Home
7. Where Angels Dare To Roam
8. Stained Glass Sadness
9. Endless Static
10. Stealing Days
11. Life Goes On

The album was produced by KDH and Jeff Pilson (previous work done with Dokken, Foreigner, Dio) and was mixed by Jay Ruston (previous work done with Stone Sour, Anthrax, Steel Panther). The album artwork was done by Sam Shearon (who has also worked with Rob Zombie, Iron Maiden, and Fear Factory).  Check out the first single (and the song that won me over) "Crown of Thorns":



The day I got the link for their first single "Crown of Thorns" off their new album, I was brought right back into the fold.  Call it what you will but I feel that the band did a much better job of executing a few of their singles and the flow of the album as a whole.  Some good classic riffs and chugs in the songs will make any metal fan nod in approval while also adding a pinch of grunge to KDH (at least in my opinion).  Some tracks for moi SCREAM old school Alice In Chains and original Drowning Pool.  I know some loyal metal heads will retort with "Alice In Chains?  Drowning Pool?  Are you kidding me?!"  Sadly, I am not...

“This new KILL DEVIL HILL record is definitely one of my favorite moments of my career – it’s got balls, great melodies, awesome guitar riffing and a low end that’ll set your ass on fire! The album far exceeds our wildest expectations and we can’t wait to take this music out on the road and share it with all of our friends and fans. Buckle your seat belts, we’re all in for one hell of a ride!” -Brown

And one hell of a ride we got out of the deal.  It's always a warm feeling when you feel you got what you paid for when it comes to an album.  A good trade off for fans and band.  You make a good album and fans buy the album.  Win win!



Some of that confusion seemed to have found it's way onto Kill Devil Hill's debut album, but with "Revolution Rise" we have a band who appears to have fallen into a strong groove, a band who after recording their first album together and ran through one tour on the road are more comfortable creatively with each other and are creating some even stronger music. Songs such as "Crown of Thorns" and "Why?" are prime examples of the members of Kill Devil Hill truly in their element, allowing one another to stand out without having any one section taking away your attention from the rest of the composition. Some more apparent grunge overtones are evident on "Why?", but add more to the song than one would initially expect. "No Way Out" is the opening track off of the album, and wouldn't dare waste any time with slow introductions: not when you have Zakk Wylde waiting patiently on the sidelines to deliver an electrifying solo halfway through the cut. -Ultimate Guitar

Couldn't agree more.  AFGM recommended tracks for "Revolution Rise" are:

Crown of Thorns | Leave It All Behind

Long Way From Home | Where Angel Dare To Roam

"Kill Devil Hill’s strength is clear, they are an outstanding band who have written a brilliant album featuring powerful songs, and will be a musical force to be reckoned with for years to come." -Kill Devil Hill (press release)

Music Releases For November 19th, 2013

Blogs will be blogs.  Running a solo gig does have it's disadvantages.  The one downside I seem to notice more often than none is the lack of posts that dedicated readers are looking for come the starting of their work week.  Music releases have always been a standard for me in the this blog as well because prior to starting AFGM, I was constantly asked what band has a new album coming out and what the newest single was on the radio.  So being that I wanted to condense all my music findings into one article every Tuesday, I feel bummed out when I [sometimes] cannot provide that information in a scheduled timely manner.

Everyone that does artistic and/or journalistic knows that sometimes life can get in the way and frankly it would be silly not to assume that.  Not that I am making excuses or justification but like every other average Joe in the workforce of the world, we have vacation days, deadlines and other variables that sometimes have us veer away from our passions.  But as you can see today, we always seem to get back to what we love to do.

So this week is going to be a great week of a mixture of genres.  I am going to have a fun time picking apart the critiques and finding the right time and day to play a couple of these albums (unless you are a fan of going from someone like Sinatra, followed by some Five Finger Death Punch).  So if you haven't done so already, be sure to head to your local record store, online retailer, or other legal source to purchase and show some love to the artists.  Cheers!

(Frank Sinatra - Duets 20th Anniversary) [Super Deluxe Edition]

Super Deluxe Box Set featuring Duets and Duets II 180-gram heavyweight vinyl records in a gatefold LP jacket, three CDs including Duets and Duets II with bonus and unreleased tracks, a bonus CD of Classic Duets - the rare deleted album of duet performances from Sinatra's ABC TV shows from 1957 to 1960 - along with a DVD featuring interviews, the official EPK and a promo video of "I've Got You Under My Skin" duet with Bono, plus a 20-page LP sized booklet with rare photos and new liner notes, an embossed lithograph, all housed in an elegant 12"x12" box complete with a gold foil-stamped title.

2-CD Deluxe Edition with bonus and unreleased tracks and a 32-page booklet with rare photos and new liner notes.

2-LP Vinyl version of the original Duets and Duets II releases on 180-gram heavyweight vinyl, gatefold jacket.

The Super Deluxe Box Set and 2-CD Deluxe Edition releases will include two never-before-released recordings, "One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)" featuring Tom Scott and "Embraceable You" with Tanya Tucker, plus the rare bonus tracks "Fly Me to the Moon" with George Strait, and two versions of "My Way," one recorded with Luciano Pavarotti and the other with Willie Nelson.

In addition to these three anniversary editions, Capitol/Universal Music will also release Best Of Duets, a 14-song, single-disc collection featuring key tracks from both Duets and Duets II and the bonus track "My Way" featuring Luciano Pavarotti. -Contact Music

(Billie Joe + Norah Jones - Foreverly)

Now, in 2013, the US is again mired in anger and anxiety. The decision of Green Day leader Billie Joe Armstrong and angel-voiced Norah Jones to faithfully re-enact this time-stamped document can be seen in this context. While the likes of Bruce Springsteen have returned to America’s vernacular music, this is, I think, the first time a full album has been remade.

Armstrong’s American punk ethos has thrived on noisier protest, but his singing here is a simple joy. Jones has been accused of blandness in the past, but here her voice is a thing of whispered beauty. The surprise is that together their voices blend so well; they read the songs with understated craft, often creating beguiling, timeless duets. The duo are supported by backing that is subdued but expressive.

Foreverly may be a worthy tribute to the Everly brothers, but in reality it is much more. -Irish Times


(Nickelback - The Best Of) [Volume 1]

It is a lengthy musical work, featuring well over one hour of Nickelback's finest hits. There are no previously unreleased songs on this project, however the ones that made the cut are more than noteworthy. All of the lyrics were written by front-man Chad Kroeger and he co-wrote the melodies with his bandmates Ryan Peake, Mike Kroeger and Daniel Adair.

Overall, Nickelback's new CD is a must for any fan of rock music. The audio version of the album on Amazon's official website consists of 19 tracks, so it is definitely worth the bargain for an extremely reasonable price. There are no filler songs on here. This group has come a long way and they have matured vocally, as well as songwriters and as musicians. -Digital Journal


(Eric Clapton's "Crossroads" Guitar Festival 2013)

There wasn’t any downtime in the show lasting nearly five hours. During set changes, a small second stage provided the opportunity for such disparate players as Earl Klugh, slide guitarist Sonny Landrath and Gary Clark Jr. to perform brief solo performances. Artist introductions were delivered by an effusive Dan Aykroyd, who also took the opportunity to don his Blues Brothers sunglasses and, accompanied by Keb Mo on guitar, sing Muddy Waters’ “I Got My Mojo Working.”

Despite the arena’s vast setting, the evening had an intimate air thanks in part to the giant video screens that more often provided video close-ups of the performers’ flying fingers than their faces. “Isn’t this great?” Aykroyd enthused. “It feels like we’re all sitting in a juke joint in Mississippi!” -Hollywood Reporter


(Daughtry - Baptized)

Daughtry’s fourth album Baptized allows the band to stretch out their wings creatively while still sticking to the rock principles that have made singer Chris Daughtry the third best-selling American Idol.

Having several producers on hand for this album may have also added to the unique sound with Claude Kelly (Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears), Martin Johnson (Boys Like Girls), Rock Mafia (Miley Cyrus), Sam Hollander (Train, One Direction) and Idol alum Kara DioGuardi.

With three solid rock albums behind them, you can’t blame Daughtry for branching out their sound on Baptized. Every musician has the right to think outside the box and hopefully fans will take this journey with them. -The Celebrity Cafe


(A Perfect Circle - Three Sixty)

I wasn’t quite sure what Three Sixty was at first, but having been a fan of A Perfect Circle (featuring Maynard James Keenan of Tool and Puscifer, as well as Billy Howerdell of Ashes Divide) ever since their debut album, Mer De Noms (and I can even admit to you that the album didn’t make sense to me the first time I played it), I was immediately thrilled at the chance to review a new release. But Three Sixty is not a new release, per se. It’s a collection of the band’s greatest hits, which I know more than a thing or two about since I know most of these songs by heart. This release also contains “By And Down,” the group’s first brand new song in over a decade.

While I’m sure that most of you are wondering why a certain favored track or two was not featured on the disc, realize that this collection affects what the band felt were their strongest and most memorable numbers. It’s a “greatest hits” release, after all. If you already have all of the band’s albums, then you really don’t need this one, but I certainly won’t say that it wasn’t a great idea to get this material out to people who haven’t been able to hear it yet, or even knew that it existed. With so much effort put into releasing a greatest hits album as well as a live collection of material from A Perfect Circle, I can only assume that Tool might be next on Maynard’s list. -New Noise Magazine


(Apocalyptica & The MDR Symphony Orchestra - Live In Leipzig from Wagner Reloaded)

"We've been asked many times to do this type of project, but this is the first one we got excited about.  The mission was to celebrate Wagner, [so] we took elements of his life and used his original music and rearranged it.  It was like writing a score for a movie, I had a list of themes and I had to think about the length of scenes and write the music while envisioning APOCALYPTICA performing on a massive stage with the symphony, choir and one-hundred dancers." -Eicca Toppinen


(Five Finger Death Punch - The Wrong Side of Heaven and The Righteous Side of Hell Pt. II)

Pretty much every song Five Finger Death Punch write has the potential to be a single. Their songs are heavy and melodic, tailor-made for rock radio. In addition to ‘Battle Born,’ songs like the in your face“Here To Die,’ the power ballad ‘Cold’ and the emotional ‘My Heart Lied’ all would make great singles.

The deluxe edition of ‘Volume 2‘ includes a second disc. It’s a 15 song live show that features songs from throughout their career, such as ‘Under and Over It,’ ‘Far From Home’ and ‘The Bleeding.’

The bottom line is that if you liked ‘The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, Volume 1,’ you’ll like ‘The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, Volume 2.’ They are like two peas in a pod, or more accurately in Five Finger Death Punch’s case, a left hook and a right cross. -Loudwire


(Korn - The Paradigm Shift) [Super Deluxe Edition]

Super Deluxe Edition of Korn's new album 'The Paradigm Shift' includes:

- Deluxe CD (11 Tracks + 2 Bonus Tracks)
- Reconciliation Documentary DVD
- 2LP Vinyl
- Exclusive 48 Page Photobook Featuring Live and Studio Photos During the Making of the Album
- Custom Skull Usb Stick with Audio and Video
- Exclusive Signed Lithos
- All Housed in Custom Gatefold Box

EPs:


(Ghost/Ghost BC - If You Have Ghost)

Ghost B.C. are among 2013′s biggest buzz bands and with the well-received ‘Infestissumam’ already under their robes, they continue to give fans more with the Dave Grohl produced ‘If You Have Ghost’ EP, which includes four ecectic cover songs and a live version of the new hit ‘Secular Haze.’ The song selection might be unfamiliar to a lot of Ghost’s fans, but offers key insight to how the band developed their trademark sound.

Overall, ‘If You Have Ghost’ is an entertaining listen, especially after you’ve familiarized yourself with the original songs. Cover songs are always a mixed bag of hit or miss, with no middle ground. The same goes for Ghost’s renditions of four songs here, but they’ve done a pretty solid job of making these songs their own while paying tribute to their influences. -Loudwire

CD/DVD/Blu-Ray:

(Rush - Clockwork Angels Tour)

Rather than take a victory tour following the Hall of Fame induction leaning on radio hits like “Closer to the Heart,” Rush resumed the task of supporting fresh work. The group thrilled adventurous fans with seventy minutes of “Clockwork Angels” material, alongside deeper cuts like “The Body Electric.”

With visually compelling steampunk trappings, the new music anchoring the film is among the most powerful Rush has produced. Riffs from “Carnies” and “Headlong Flight” find Lifeson leading the muscular fray, recapturing the primal rock of “Working Man.” “When you strip it down, it becomes heavier,” says Lifeson.

Documenting a first for the prodigious trio, the film includes outside musicians. Rush enlisted eight string players for sparkle and emotional punch during new material and catalog pieces like “YYZ.” “There’s a fine line between strings sounding corny or twee, and sounding integral to some pretty aggressive rock songs,” says Lifeson, who praises the players’ excellence. “They worked so hard every night. I think it came across as something really special.” -Sun Times

(Epica - Retrospect 10th Anniversary)

The DVD shows singer Simone Simons at her best, alongside band mates Mark Jansen, Coen Janssen, Ariën van Weesenbeek, Isaac Delahaye and Rob van der Loo. Together they perform in front of 5000 fans from around the globe, who were treated to a 26 song set that kicked off the night with Introspect, followed by Monopoly On Truth and Sensorium, with Coen Janssen playing the iconic piano tunes.

The DVD has flawless image and audio quality as well as fantastic camera angles, as the show was recorded with 10 HD cameras. It also includes exclusive interviews with all band members and behind-the-scenes footage from the show. -Spotlight Report

(Black Sabbath - Live...Gathered In Their Masses)

The DVD was shot in Melbourne, Australia on April 29 and May 1 of this year, and documents the first time songs off their spectacular comeback album, ’13,’ were ever played live. ’13′ debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart (and No. 1 in a dozen other countries), shifting 155,000 copies in the first week alone in the United States.

Black Sabbath have persevered against all odds to make this comeback and ‘Live…Gathered in Their Masses’ will surely serve as a testament to their iron will. Following the departure of Bill Ward over contract disputes, as well as Tony Iommi‘s lymphoma diagnosis, the band has given the fans what they’ve been desiring for so long.

The DVD is available in a multitude of formats, including a DVD standalone, Blu-ray standalone, Blu-ray/CD combo pack with a CD featuring live audio from the show, all packaged in a Blu Ray case, DVD/CD combo pack with a CD featuring live audio from the show, all packaged in an Amaray box, or a Deluxe Box with a Blu-ray disc of live show with exclusive bonus visual extras/two DVD discs/a CD featuring live audio from the show/poster/signed set list/photo booklet/guitar picks/official show “ticket.” -Loudwire