TRIPLE SHOT OF NEW TUNES FROM MASTODON, MICHAEL SWEET, & LACUNA COIL!
“High Road”, a brand new song from Atlanta progressive metallers MASTODON, can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget below. The track is taken from the band’s sixth album, “Once More Round The Sun”, which will be released in June. The CD was recorded at a Franklin, Tennessee studio with producer Nick Raskulinecz, who has previously worked with FOO FIGHTERS, RUSH and ALICE IN CHAINS, among others. The cover artwork is being created by Oakland-based artist Skinner, who specializes in “psychedelic nightmare paintings.” MASTODON singer and bassist Troy Sanders told Paste Magazine: “It’s going to be a work of art for sure. It’s going to be very eye-opening, very striking. It’s from another dimension, and a lot of our music is geared toward that idea — taking you to another planet on songs. It’s out there, and I think it’s incredible.”
Regarding the new MASTODON album title, Sanders told Paste Magazine: “The idea was generated before we recorded the title track on the record, but the title was thought up many months ago.
“After we finished the two-year touring cycle on our last record, ‘The Hunter’, we were kind of gearing up to go back to our rehearsal space in Atlanta. And we were starting the effort, the time, the blood, the energy, the months of driving, the recording and the long process between recording and the release day.
“In a nutshell: we’re fortunate enough to do this again, but there’s this feeling of this yearly cycle. It’s not a bad thing. We get to go tour a bunch, we get to record a bunch of songs we love. It’s embracing the positive — the wonderful side, to be able to have the same four dudes who love doing what we do so much. And like anything in the MASTODON world, it’s open to interpretation.”
According to Sanders, MASTODON recorded more than an album’s worth of material this time around, with the possibility an additional EP coming out sometime after the album release.
“We didn’t want a 90-minute album,” he told Paste Magazine. “We like to record around the 60-minute mark. That’s what our favorite records are. We’re in love with all 15 of [the songs], so they might all see the light of day in some platform or another.”
Other songtitles set to appear on “Once More Round The Sun” include “Ember City” and “Diamonds In The Witch House
“, the latter of which features yet another guest spot from longtime collaborator Scott Kelly of NEUROSIS.
“I think subconsciously that we’re trying to involve him with every album enough to have a full set of songs eventually,” Sanders joked. “I think his performance is great, his part still gives me chills. That’s a great sign.”
Asked what it’s been like working with Raskulinecz on the new album, MASTODON guitarist Bill Kelliher told Metal Hammer magazine: “It’s something that we totally need — a cheerleader to get our asses in gear. There he is saying, ‘Come on, you’re MASTODON… you’re one of the biggest bands in metal… Smash that hammer down and write some heavy shit. It’s time to do or die!’ He’s that kind of a guy.”
MASTODON drummer Brann Dailor recently told RollingStone.com about the band’s forthcoming CD: “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.”
Michael Sweet, singer, songwriter and guitarist for Christian rockers STRYPER, has released a new single, “I’m Not Your Suicide”, from his upcoming solo album of the same. Sweet has partnered up with Childhelp for the release of the track. Michael Sweet and Big3 Records are donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of “I’m Not Your Suicide” to Childhelp. The single is available via iTunes. The video for “I’m Not Your Suicide” can be seen below.
Michael Sweet felt compelled to partner with Childhelp after learning that almost half of all children who have been abused consider suicide. His intention was for the heartfelt lyrics to connect with these kids and hopefully offer some peace to those in need. Bringing added attention to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, which offers an immediate 24/7 professional crisis counselor on call, and championing the Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe in schools, Michael Sweet is sharing a message of crisis intervention and prevention education. “I’m Not Your Suicide” is a song with a message of hope, and through the partnership with Childhelp, illustrates to children a positive alternative through the track’s lyrics.
Sweet‘s “I’m Not Your Suicide” album, and his first autobiography, “Honestly: My Life And Stryper Revealed”, will be released on May 6 via BIG3 Records.
“I’m Not Your Suicide” is available for pre-sale at MichaelSweet.com. Fans who pre-order the full album will be able to instantly download the song “Taking On The World Tonight” (featuring TNT singer Tony Harnell) and be registered to win a guitar used in the recording of the album.
The future remains bright for Sweet, who has endured heartbreaking tribulations throughout his life and career, including the 2009 passing of his wife of more than 22 years, Kyle. In 2010, Sweet remarried to Lisa Champagne-Sweet, a woman he describes as “a Godsend and the one who fits perfectly by my side.”
Sweet continues to record and tour with STRYPER, as well as touring and recording as a solo artist, all the while making frequent trips to Nashville where he is writing with some of the biggest music writers in the business.
“After 30 years in this business, I feel honored and blessed to be able to continue doing what it is I love, making music,” said Sweet.
“I’m extremely thankful to have the greatest fans in the world.
“God has blessed me with this talent and I plan to continue on this path as long as I can draw breath.”
Sweet‘s autobiography, “Honestly: My Life And Stryper Revealed”, chronicles an amazing 30-year career and includes endorsements from Eddie Trunk, Dave Mustaine, Larry The Cable Guy, Jeordie White and Chris Jericho. Among the topics covered are:
* How Michael Sweet formed the first Christian rock band to hit #1 on MTV, paving the way for an entire genre of music.
* First-hand stories of the Sunset Strip, with never-before-told stories that include friends and musical peers such as POISON, MÖTLEY CRÜE, RATT, WHITESNAKE, METALLICA and more.
* How Jimmy Swaggart and Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker played a role in Michael‘s life.
* The temptations and ultimate low-points of a notable Christian rock star.
* Never-before-revealed stories of life behind the scenes in STRYPER.
* Why so many people have declared Michael Sweet a significant influence on their lives; from Larry The Cable Guy to professional wrestler Chris Jericho to Haitian musician and politician Wyclef Jean and more.
* Losing his wife to cancer and re-marrying shortly thereafter.
* An honest look at Sweet‘s often tumultuous family relationships.
* The unlikely relationship between Sweet and national radio personality Don Imus.
* What led to the decline and fall of STRYPER in 1992, and subsequent reunion and rebirth in 2001.
With the upcoming and long-overdue solo album, Sweet is finally delivering the project fans have been patiently waiting for. Produced by Sweet himself, “I’m Not Your Suicide” includes special appearances by Tony Harnell (TNT), Kevin Max (DCTALK, AUDIO ADRENALINE), Chris Jericho (FOZZY), Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE), Electra Mustaine (daughter of MEGADETH frontman Dave Mustaine) and STRYPER bandmates Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines. Legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff (CHICKENFOOT) played on the record as well.
“I’m Not Your Suicide” track listing:
01. Taking On The World Tonight (featuring Tony Harnell)
02. All That’s Left (For Me To Prove)
03. The Cause
04. This Time (featuring Kevin Max)
05. I’m Not Your Suicide (co-written with Blair Daly)
06. Coming Home
07. Miles Away
08. Strong
09. How To Live (featuring Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines of Stryper)
10. Heart Of Gold
11. Anybody Else (featuring Chris Jericho and Doug Aldrich)
12. Unsuspecting
13. Heart Of Gold (featuring Electra Mustaine) (bonus Track)
“Broken Crown Halo”, the new studio album from Italian heavy rockers LACUNA COIL, has registered the following first-week chart positions:
Italy: #13
USA: #27
Switzerland: #37
Germany: #40
UK: #45
Austria: #55
France: #56
Belgium (Wallonia): #61
Greece: #63
Canada: #65
Belgium (Flanders): #176 (first week), #66 (second week)
Netherlands: #75
“Broken Crown Halo” sold around 13,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD arrived in stores on April 1 via Century Media.
LACUNA COIL‘s last effort, “Dark Adrenaline”, opened with around 20,000 units in 2012 to debut at No. 15.
The band’s 2009 album, “Shallow Life”, premiered with 21,000 copies to enter the chart at No. 16.
LACUNA COIL‘s “Karmacode” album registered a first-week tally of 34,000 copies back in April 2006 to land at No. 28. It has since sold more than 200,000 units in the U.S.
The band’s 2002 album, “Comalies”, has shifted more than 300,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
“Broken Crown Halo” was recorded Italy by producer Jay Baumgardner (P.O.D., SEVENDUST, EVANESCENCE, PAPA ROACH) and engineer Kyle Hoffmann (P.O.D., BUSH, ZEBRAHEAD). The effort was mastered by Howie Weinberg, whose credits include RAMMSTEIN, SOUNDGARDEN, NIRVANA, DEFTONES and SHERYL CROW.
“Broken Crown Halo” is LACUNA COIL‘s seventh studio effort and the follow-up to “Dark Adrenaline”, which was released in January 2012 and saw the band tour with acts including MEGADETH, MOTÖRHEAD, VOLBEAT and SEVENDUST.
“Broken Crown Halo” track listing:
01. Nothing Stands In Our Way
02. Zombies
03. Hostage To The Light
04. Victims
05. Die & Rise
06. I Forgive (But I Won’t Forget Your Name)
07. Cybersleep
08. Infection
09. I Burn In You
10. In The End I Feel Alive
11. One Cold Day
LACUNA COIL in February hit the road as a quintet as part of “The Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock Tour” following the departures of guitarist Cris “Pizza” Migliore and drummer Cristiano “Criz” Mozzati. Marco “Maus” Biazzi handled all guitar duties on the trek while drummer Ryan Blake Folden once again sat behind the kit.
The Revolver-magazine-presented “The Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock Tour kicked off February 20 and featured LACUNA COIL sharing a stage with SICK PUPPIES, Century Media Records labelmates EYES SET TO KILL and CILVER. The tour launched in Wilmington, North Carolina, and ran through March 20 in Anaheim, California.
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