Posted by Zach Shaw on Thu, Apr 26, 2012 at 5:19 pm

Reunions

It has been revealed today that Chiodos have reunited with original singer Craig Owens. While exact details regarding the post-hardcore band’s plans are still hazy, a teaser video posted on their website confirms the news. The AltPress have also confirmed Owens’ return to the group. The announcement comes almost a month after Brandon Bolmer (Owens’ replacement) and drummer Tanner Wayne announced their departures from Chiodos.

It’s safe to assume that the return of Owens, who was “let go” by the group in 2009, is good news. To many, Owens was an integral part of Chiodos. It’s a belief further proven by the first week sales of Chiodos’ last album (with Bolmer) Illuminaudio compared to the first week sales Owens’ other project Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows. But as we mentioned before, it’s not exactly clear what Chiodos and Owens are planning together (i.e. whether this is a one-off reunion or if he’s back for good). It also remains clear if a replacement for Wayne has been chosen yet.

We’ll keep you posted when more is revealed. For now, you can watch Chiodos teaser/announcement video over at their website

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Posted by Zach Shaw on Thu, Apr 26, 2012 at 4:48 pm

Touring, Video

Details regarding the lineup and dates for Metal Hammer and Five Finger Death Punch’s inaugural Trespass America Festival leaked pretty fast on Tuesday morning (April 24). However, an official press conference was still held later that day at the Key Club in West Hollywood, CA. Along with the members of Five Finger Death Punch, the press conference included appearances from a few bands on the bill, including Killswitch Engage’s Jesse Leach, Trivium’s Matt Heafy, Emmure’s Frankie Palmeri and Jesse Ketive, and Battlecross’ Kyle Gunther [note, members from God Forbid or Pop Evil were not present, but are confirmed for the tour].

However, what was actually more interesting than the press conference itself was the way it kicked off. Escorted by U.S. military men and women, each band member were brought into the Key Club hooded and handcuffed. Get it? Cause they’re trespassing America. Whether it’s slightly awkward that they posed the musicians as military prisoners is up for debate. Either way, it’s definitely an attention grabber.

You can watch the press conference announcing the Trespass America Festival above.

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Posted by Zach Shaw on Thu, Apr 26, 2012 at 3:01 pm

New Music, Video

System Of A Down may be touring this Summer, but that isn’t stopping Serj Tankian from releasing a new solo album this Summer. The singer will be releasing his third studio album, Harakiri, on July 10 via Reprise Records/Serjical Strike. And while the first single “Figure It Out” will be released digitally on May 1, Tankian has just released a video teaser for the song.

In the under two minute clip, Tankian is shown committing the act of terrorism and torture…on a mailbox. But of course, Tankian is a reasonable man, and gives fans the option of seeing said mailbox live or die. In addition to the video being pretty funny, the snippet of “Figure It Out” sounds awesome. Those that weren’t fond of Imperfect Harmonies’ mix of rock, electronic and classical elements will be pleased with the new song, which finds the SOAD singer returning to his aggressive rock roots.

Watch the teaser video for “Figure It Out” for yourself above. Tankian will release the first single from his third solo album Harakiri on May 1 via all digital outlets.

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Posted by Zach Shaw on Thu, Apr 26, 2012 at 2:21 pm

Releases

25 years ago, Death Angel put themselves on the metal map with their debut album The Ultra-Violence. For the past few years, though, the only way fans could get their hands on this classic thrash album was through the 2005 Archives and Artifacts box set or by purchasing expensive and rare original prints online. But that is all about to change, since the San Fran thrash group has announced plans to reissue their debut album.

Guitarist Rob Cavestany revealed the news via the following statement:

“I am proud to announce that we will finally make our debut album, The Ultra-Violence available after more than 10 years out of print! Digitally re-mastered but, not altered – it sounds leagues better than the original pressing yet retains every ounce of vibe, character and feel that we put into our first record.

To coincide with this release we will be performing the full album in its entirety this Summer on tour in Europe. Perhaps even select dates in other parts of the world…we shall see where this takes us. Hope you enjoy this blast from the past as we go “old school” and bring Bay Area Thrash in its most primal form from 1987 to 2012. Join us a we celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Ultra-Violence!”

An exact release date for the reissue has yet to be confirmed, although a Summer 2012 release is expected. Not only is this exciting news for old-school fans looking for a new copy, but also great for the new fans who’ve recently discovered Death Angel but haven’t been able to hear The Ultra-Violence until now. In case you just so happen to be in Europe this Summer, you can check out Death Angel’s European dates (where they promise to perform The Ultra-Violence in its entirety) after the jump. (more…)

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Posted by Bram Teitelman on Thu, Apr 26, 2012 at 1:34 pm

Label Moves

While it has yet to be confirmed by anyone at the label, there’s been a lot of chatter today that Roadrunner Records has closed their European offices. UK magazine Trebuchet reported “industry sources” saying that they’ll be closing their Europe office. That’s unfortunate considering that the label was originally formed in the Netherlands. Again, while this has been reported, there’s no official confirmation or word from anyone officially at the label.

However, word is already spreading among the label’s acts. Trivium’s Matt Heafy has been on a Twitter rampage for the past hour, weighing in on the cuts. It’s a tough read, as you can completely understand his frustration and passion for the people at his label that helped his band that are sadly out of jobs now.

“I wish I knew ho or what to blame specifically, and chew off it’s heads – but Roadrunner records just fired some of their best employees,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s corporate greed or it’s due to the fact that no one puts value in physical art and that piracy created a domino effect, but our friends who are being tossed away so quickly by the label are now out of jobs. These people helped bands get where they are today. Wanna defend piracy? Do what you do for me and 10,000 others for free. Whatever your trade is – give me that for free or you’re a jerk. The real issue aside from whatever caused it is that in an industry NEEDING loyal people – higher-ups in their cushy desks wrote them off. Regardless of your stance, we all work for a living. I do what I do to pay RENT. If I wanted millions, I’d be in pop music. And the real fact of the matter is that I am pissed off at my GREEDY record label for canning my friends who helped build our band. My heard goes out to my friendwho have been deliver this awful news today. You helped us get where we are. You’re in our thoughts.”

While there were bound to be some cuts eventually after Warner Music purchased Roadrunner, it’s still disappointing to hear about. Roadrunner has one of the most successful bands of the last ten years (Nickelback), and is a clear leader in metal, with a string of gold and platinum records by Slipknot, Stone Sour, Killswitch Engage and even Fear Factory and Type O Negative going back a bit. That’s given them the leverage and opportunity to sign bands like Gojira and nurture Machine Head. One can hope that Warner spares the majority of the American offices and allows them to operate as a standalone label for its heavier acts. We’re saddened to hear about dedicated, passionate metal fans losing their jobs, and our thoughts are with them.

[UPDATE] Billboard.biz reports that Roadrunner founder/CEO Cees Wessels is stepping down from the label. In addition, the article clarifies that the only office that will be entirely shuttered will be the Netherlands office, so there will still be at least some Roadrunner staff in their London and Canada offices. 36 staffers were apparently laid off today, 16 of those in the United States. Most of the jobs lost were back-office jobs. Frontline functions like A&R, marketing, promotion and publicity, will continue to be done by Roadrunner, with Warner Music Group absorbing the work form the positions eliminated. President Jonas Naschin, who has had the position since 1999, will remain on staff.

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