Rolling Metal Thread 2010

Not that either are all that expensive, just so not in the cards for me right now.

Jon, if you're getting promos, can't you get on the guestlist? Just say you'll toss off a review on a blog.

Has anyone else noticed Soulfly's increasing similarities to Dethklok?

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Metallica-Fans-Riot-At-Gig-In-Bogota-Colombia-Leaving-Eight-Injured-And-Around-160-Arrested/Article/201003215572180?lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_4&lid=ARTICLE_15572180_Metallica_Fans_Riot_At_Gig_In_Bogota%2C_Colombia_Leaving_Eight_Injured_And_Around_160_Arrested

The police, who were expecting crowd trouble, had deployed 1,500 officers, four tanks and several police trucks to manage the event.

Man, South American metal fans are intense.

Unexpected metal score today!!! \m/

Was downtown for a (failed) networking event and saw that F.Y.E. (which I honestly didn't even know still existed in Chicago) was having a sale of $9.99 for all CDs. Figured it would be crap, but had some time to kill and ended up walking out with Through Silver in Blood for $10. I decided awhile back to not download this even though I've been aching to hear it since about, oh, 2004. Wanted to hold out for hearing my own copy. Finally get to indulge now!

Man, that Colombian Metallica riot was one of the wimpiest riots I've ever seen.

Thanks for the Ludicra plug Phil! Glad you finally got into them. They really are the best USBM. :)

I'm glad to see they are doing two shows in SF this spring, especially since I can't make the Pentagram one. :)

Ludicra's evolution is really starting to parallel that of Enslaved, you can hear a lot of similarities between The Tenant and Vetebrae. Cobbett really seals the deal in my opinion, he throws in some flamboyant Slough Feg/Hammers-style gallops and solos that he never really did on a Ludicra record before.

LUDICRA - DECANCELATION TOUR 2010

Wed 03/24 - San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge w/Pentagram, Slough Feg, Orchid

Thu 04/01 - Portland, OR @ Berbati's Pan w/Jonny X and the Groadies, Transient, Dj Nate C
Fri 04/02 - Olympia, WA @ Capitol Theater w/Pierced Arrows
Sat 04/03 - Seattle, WA @ The Morgue w/Anhedonist, Elksblood, Forest of Grey
Sun 04/04 - Boise, ID @ Redroom
Mon 04/05 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Burt's Tiki Lounge w/SubRosa, Ninth Zealot
Tue 04/06 - Denver, CO @ Blast-o-mat w/Velnias, Death of Self, Dripfed
Wed 04/07 - Lincoln, NE @ Duffy's w/Ezra
Thu 04/08 - St Paul, MN @ Turf Club
Fri 04/09 - Milwaukee, WI @ Jackpot Gallery
Sat 04/10 - Chicago @ The Cave w/Clad in Darkness
Sun 04/11 - Indianapolis, IN @ Melody Inn
Mon 04/12 - Lansing, MI @ Mac's Bar w/Wastelander, Sauron
Tue 04/13 - Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar w/Krallice, Crucifist
Wed 04/14 - Toronto, ON @ Rancho Relaxo w/Krallice
Thu 04/15 - Montreal, QC @ Il Motore w/Krallice
Fri 04/16 - Portland, ME @ Geno's w/Ocean, Krallice, Aok Suicide Forest
Sat 04/17 - Boston, MA @ O'Briens (2pm day show) w/Tombs, Krallice
Sun 04/18 - Brooklyn, NY @ Europa w/Krallice, Castevet, Attake
Mon 04/19 - Philadelphia @ M Room w/Lair of the Minotaur, Tombs, Krallice
Tue 04/20 - Baltimore, MD @ Hexagon w/Tombs, Krallice
Wed 04/21 - Richmond, VA @ The Triple w/Krallice
Thu 04/22 - Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn w/Music Hates You
Fri 04/23 - Knoxville, TN @ Pilot Light
Sat 04/24 - Little Rock, AR @ Downtown Music
Sun 04/25 - Austin, TX @ Emo's w/Mammoth Grinder
Mon 04/26 - Ft Worth, TX @ Lola's w/The Great Tyrant
Tue 04/27 - Las Cruces, NM @ The Trainyard
Wed 04/28 - Mesa, AZ @ Nile Basement w/Black Hell, Landmine Marathon, Nightgaunt
Thu 04/29 - San Diego, CA @ Radio Room
Fri 04/30 - Los Angeles, CA @ Sabor Lounge w/Winterthrall
Sat 05/01 - Santa Cruz, CA @ Coaster's w/Dusted Angel

Sat 05/08 - San Francisco, CA @ Cafe Du Nord w/Kowloon Walled City - cd release show for The Tenant

If any of you folks can help with publicity in any of these markets, hit me at nanotear AT hotmail and I'll get you in touch with the publicist at Profound Lore.

Agreed about Enslaved/Ludicra analogy. Europe's finest and USA's finest. They would go well together IMO.

will def be at the berbati's show

Hmm. The new Invisible Oranges layout is going to take some getting used to.

Non-snarky question from someone who likes metal and wants to get into it more: is Invisible Oranges a site worth following?

It usually makes for an interesting read, even if I don't always agree with the opinions. I've found it most useful for pointing me in the direction of unsigned bands worth checking out.

Sweet, thanks! I'm going to read through some of the pieces there.

Just recently bought the latest Decibel too, which so far has been a good read.

Yeah, Decibel is great. Honestly, the best thing to do to really get into metal? Just start buying shit. Really. I was in your position back in 2004, trying to get back into metal after more than a decade of not really keeping up with it. I just started sampling from all over, grabbing albums by bands I'd never heard before or even heard of. Heard a lot of horrible shit and a lot of great shit. But it really helped me focus on on the subgenres that did the most for me. Since then I feel like I've developed a definite "taste" in the metal I love. You just need to dive in and surround yourself with the music. Take chances. As great as Decibel is, don't let it dominate your selections. Browse Terrorizer, browse BW&BK, browse whatever mags you see at the newsstand. You'll be better off and find yourself exposed to quite a wide variety.

Anyway, hope that helps somewhat.

BW&BK is dead, unfortunately. As a print mag, anyway. They're dropping like flies these days.

so sad.

i voted for a BW&BK knuckletracks cd for my village voice pazz & jop ballot one year.

ksh: there are a bunch of really, really good mixes here: http://ghostradio-archive.blogspot.com/

I don't know who the guy is that does 'em but he knows his shit, like, immensely. The one I am rocking right now is #XXI, the newest one...fucking incredible. they're all beautifully put together & grouped well & will give you lots to dig into. I

what kind of publicity are you looking for nate? i would be happy to poster up my geetar store and disseminate to a couple other metal friendly shops, but all my remaining radio contacts are indie fuxors so ;_;

Well I'm generally looking for writers here who can pitch something to their local weekly. But I would never turn down a true blue grassroots offer to put up posters in shops. Hit me offline and I'll get some posters sent your way. Cheers! :)

Fenriz schools the WWW on the metal-punk intersection: http://www.viceland.com/music/2010/03/a-fist-in-the-face-of-god-fenriz-presents%E2%80%A6-trapped-under-vice-vol-iii/

gonna DL it later I reckon

45:44 Dr. Know (USA) “War Theatre” (1988) From grossly underestimated album.

yay fenriz likes my hometown heroes

that album is fucking great (they went from being one of the best pre-crossover bands to being a great metal band), but it has one of the worst possible covers for a metal album:

http://i43.tinypic.com/244s3v9.jpg

Was downtown for a (failed) networking event and saw that F.Y.E. (which I honestly didn't even know still existed in Chicago) was having a sale of $9.99 for all CDs.

That sale started nearly a year ago. I thought it meant they were closing soon, but they are still refreshing inventory with new releases. Pickings are scattered, but I have had good luck with hard rock and metal, such as High On Fire, Baroness, Minsk and Kylesa. Double CDs and special editions, however, are more than full priced.

BTW, Metal Haven in Chicago is still open, not sure for how long. Still selling inventory at 15% off as far as I know, and new releases full price. I might head there today after having lunch at Kuma's.

srsly weak varg interview at haunting the chapel. why bother if all yr gonna get/run is varg self-mythologizing and backhandedly denying/dodging his general horribleness?

Because he's an ilx lurker! Best Band Varg Vikernes Is Currently Listening to?

Burzum-inspired poll on my MSN blog.

Why WASP canceled their NYC gig last night:

*****

An unfortunate incident arose this evening at The Gramercy Theater in NYC that we need to let you know about. It prevented W.A.S.P. from performing this show, and caused us to disappoint many of our NY fans and friends. About 50 VIP tickets were sold to about 50 different fans for $50.00 apiece, twice the normal ticket price for this show. It turned out that part of that VIP ticket price included a meet and greet with W.A.S.P. These tickets were sold to these 50 or so fans without W.A.S.P. having any knowledge of this, let alone agreeing to this. Upon learning of this late in the afternoon of the show day, W.A.S.P. insisted that the promoter of this venue, who sold these VIP tickets to these fans, return the V.I.P. portion of those tickets back to the fans. This meant that the promoter would have had to give each of those VIP ticket holders a refund of $25.00 of each ticket. W.A.S.P. demanded that this $25.00 be returned to each of these ticket holders in cash prior to the meet and greet, which W.A.S.P was still going to do. The promoter refused. W.A.S.P. then informed the promoter unless these monies were refunded to these fans, in cash, that the band would not perform the show. Again, the promoter refused and W.A.S.P. canceled the show.

We are saddened that it had to result in the cancellation of our performance for this evening, but we believe this unfortunate situation amounts to nothing more than our fans being ripped off. We have never changed a fan for an autograph and WILL NEVER charge any fans for an autograph.

To all the fans that came to the show and were turned away, please accept our sincerest apologies. W.A.S.P. CANNOT and WILL NOT ever stand by and watch or be involved in their fans being ripped off... EVER.
Thank you.

Blackie Lawless

*****

It took me about 15 seconds to come up with a better solution - do the meet & greet, have a roadie take everyone's name and address or email address, and have the promoter send them all a check or a Paypal payment or something.

I just can't believe anyone would pay $25 to see W.A.S.P.

yeah, that's a case where shit clearly must've devolved into people yelling.
there's no reasonable way to refund these people in cash. also, how did the band not know about a meet and greet until afternoon of the show? shouldn't the tour manager be on top of checking the venue websites?

That sale started nearly a year ago. I thought it meant they were closing soon, but they are still refreshing inventory with new releases. Pickings are scattered, but I have had good luck with hard rock and metal, such as High On Fire, Baroness, Minsk and Kylesa. Double CDs and special editions, however, are more than full priced.

Shows how often I'm in that area. Like I said, didn't even know there was that store left. Yeah, the 2-disc sets are ridiculously priced. They had a couple of The Fall reissue special editions, but they were like $27.99 and $31.99 respectively.

the "which W.A.S.P. was still going to do part" is a little suspect. I know that being volunteered to do a meet-n-greet & learning about it late is the sort of thing that, to a person on tour, would arrive as a "don't fuck with my routine, I go crazy when people fuck with my routine" thing - you'd need to be pretty zenned out to go "wait, I'm meeting a bunch of people & signing shit & saying 'hi' between soundcheck & the show instead of chilling @ dinner? oh, ok, cool" -- most performers I know aren't able to adapt to last-minute change-of-plans like that, and you can't let people force you into changing plans on the fly or people will just sign you up for shit all the damn time knowing that you'll buckle

shouldn't the tour manager be on top of checking the venue websites?

however: no. there oughtn't be any reason to. everything that's expected of a band is right there in the contract. the TM calls the venue a day or two before rolling into town to say "it's so-and-so from W.A.S.P., just checking on the tech rider" etc but keeping up on what the venues are saying on their sites isn't really on the menu

guys I don't post here much but the lady responsible for the following work is releasing again this year - just a heads-up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxu0Xx0DVwk

the song 'dirty glow' is just as good, also not on youtube aside from a live version

however: no. there oughtn't be any reason to.
as a guy who's long been working on the venue side, that's right in principle but not always in practice; i had artists who had committed to doing stuff on contract who knew nothing about the meet/greet or whatever and cases where artists threw massive fits about not having their cristal on ice when that was never on the rider. if a tour manager takes the time to just see what the venue is offering on their website, it puts the artist in the same position as the public so they're less likely to run into these kind of roadblocks.
i don't know gramercy or wasp well enough to know who dropped the ball here but the fact that the band couldn't come to some sort of arrangement with the venue on the afternoon of a scheduled show strikes me as a strike against them... John, have you ever walked away from a show night-of because of treatment from a venue? I understand that you don't want to get railroaded but for something as relatively small as this...

John, have you ever walked away from a show night-of because of treatment from a venue?

No, I haven't. Have really wanted to once or twice, but I feel a pretty intense sense of obligation to people who show up to see me do my thing. But in re: checking the website - this lies with the venue/promoter imo. Whatever he's putting up should be sent, prior to advertising, to the manager/TM/label for OK. That makes a lot more sense than "artists should be sure to look up the website of the club they're playing to make sure they're not being misrepresented," doesn't it?

that said, I don't do meet & greet & am v. sympathetic to WASP here, I need near-total isolation for several hours before I do my thing & anybody who can't understand that is my damn enemy

john, i'm totally in agreement with you that the artist/rep/manager shouldn't HAVE to do advance screening of the way the show is represented by the venue, but considering how minor a task it is and the number of problems it avoids I don't see why you wouldn't. The realpolitik of it is just sensible.

and incidentally, considering how long you've been doing your thing, i really respect the fact that you've never walked on a show. short of somebody flat out not paying you, it hardly ever seems professional to screw your fans. there's always a way to compromise and then you can take the matter to court/avoid the venue/badmouth them on the internet/whatever, but at 8.30 when there's people lining up to see you, why you wanna walk?

why just walk when you can incite a riot imo

xpost thanks man I take a lot of pride in working hard for the people who like what I do & the places that're kind enuf to have me!

nobody checks websites though, the contract is binding - it'd be like calling into your day job every morning to make sure the dress code hadn't changed! sure, a crazy boss might do that, but you enter into a contract assuming that chaos & unpredictability isn't on the menu

"you enter into a contract assuming chaos and unpredictability isn't on the menu"
you must play at different places than i'm familiar with

yeah but honestly it's really pretty easy to not say "what if the band did a meet n greet? I know, we'll advertise one and when they get here we'll tell 'em, they won't mind, right?'

whole subject is making me irritable because the people who work with me have better items on their agenda than "check the website of every venue on this month-long tour at least once a day because you never do know whether people will decide there's going to also be a puppet show & a lecture after the show & advertise accordingly"

yeah, i hear you. ounce of prevention is all i'm saying.
in any case, with the WASP show it sounds like everybody behaved badly or somebody was misinformed.