Syfy have announced a special “Metal Crush Monday” series. Starting August 3, the channel will be airing sci-fi, fantasy, and horror films, while also sharing interviews that Whitney Moore conducted with members of Slipknot, Korn, Anthrax, GWAR, and more, who share a love for the aforementioned genres. Fans will also be able to find more in-depth interviews with the artists via Syfy Wire’s YouTube page and as part of a new limited series podcast.
SVP of Syfy Wire Sandy Deane commented:
“We know there’s a natural connection between fans of metal and genre. Syfy is bringing both together in a way that may seem surprising to some, but makes perfect sense to us.”
Here’s the programming schedule:
* “Lake Placid” (Monday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Guests: GWAR’s Pustulus Maximus and Blothar The Berserker and Black Veil Brides’ Andy Biersack
* “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” (Monday, August 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Guests: Butcher Babies’ Heidi Shepherd, New Years Day’s Ash Costello, and Sevendust’s Lajon Witherspoon
* “Underworld: Blood Wars” (Monday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Guests: Anthrax’s Scott Ian and “Battlestar Galactica” actor Aaron Douglas
* “Halloween” (2007) (Monday, August 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT)
Guests: Slipknot’s Corey Taylor, Korn’s Jonathan Davis, In This Moment’s Maria Brink, and Ronnie James Dio’s widow Wendy Dio
New Years Day’s Ash Costello has returned to the studio to work on new music. The singer commented:
“🎙 recording in 2020 🎤 DAY 1- I have so much to say and I’ve found my voice now more than ever. Back in @exiesscott studio (masks and shields of course) the man that helped create #Unbreakable along with @mitcheymitch …. I am so ready to create more magic. 🎼 I’m not the person you think that I am 🎼 leave some 🖤🖤🖤🤍🤍🤍 if you’re ready for new music 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻”
600 artists have signed an open letter to Congress in an effort to help save independent music venues across the U.S. Among those who signed are Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Grohl, Alice Cooper, Trent Reznor, Jack Black, Robert Plant, Josh Homme, Beartooth, Cannibal Corpse, Alter Bridge, GWAR, Halestorm, New Years Day, Power Trip, Sevendust, Whitechapel, Zakk Wylde, and tons more.
The letter said the following:
“Dear Congress:
We, the undersigned artists, respectfully submit this letter in support of NIVA’s request for federal assistance for independent music venues and promoters across the United States.
We will know America is “back” when our music venues are filled with fans enjoying concerts safely. The live music experience is inextricably tied to our nation’s cultural and economic fabric. In fact, 53% of Americans – that’s 172 million of us – attended a concert last year.
We urge you to remember we are the nation that gave the world jazz, country, rock & roll, bluegrass, hip hop, metal, blues, and R&B. Entertainment is America’s largest economic export, with songs written and produced by American artists sung in every place on the globe. All of these genres of music, and the artists behind them, were able to thrive because they had neighborhood independent venues to play in and hone their craft, build an audience, and grow into the entertainers that bring joy to millions.
Independent venues give artists their start, often as the first stage most of us have played on. These venues were the first to close and will be the last to reopen. With zero revenue and the overwhelming overhead of rent, mortgage, utilities, taxes and insurance, 9 0% of independent venues report that if the shutdown lasts six months and there’s no federal assistance, they will never reopen again.
We are asking you to support NIVA’s request for assistance so these beloved venues can reopen when it’s safe and welcome us and our fans back in. The collapse of this crucial element in the music industry’s ecosystem would be devastating.
Independent venues are asking for an investment to secure their future, not a handout. One Chicago report found that every dollar small venues generate in ticket sales results in $12 of economic activity. If these independent venues close forever, cities and towns across America will not only lose their cultural and entertainment hearts, but they will lose the engine that would otherwise be a driver of economic renewal for all the businesses that surround them.
With respect and solidarity, we, as artists and as community members ourselves, urge you to pass federal legislation that will help #SaveOurStages.”
As the U.S. continues to be rocked by the death of George Floyd, the unarmed black man who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, MN, a number of musicians have taken to social media to speak up about the tragedy and the ongoing riots related to it. You can find some posts from various artists below:
Ice-T (Body Count):
When a MF has his knee on your neck…. And his HANDS IN HIS POCKETS… He’s sending a message.
Yesterday some dude asked if I was Triggered.. I said NO. But then I thought about it… What part of watching another brother getting Murdered in broad daylight by the Police SHOULDN'T Trigger me??! Yes I’M Triggered AF.
The “President” of the “United” States just announced that the National Guard will execute US citizens on site if they are suspected of property theft.
“Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts.” -Donald Trump
Theres a lot of beauty in the world…SO much to be thankful for. I try hard to stay grateful & centered. At the same time, Im heart broken & angry. Appalled & disgusted at whats happening in my country that I LOVE so much. I wish I knew what I could do to be part of a solution.
Perhaps true….however, when an entire segment of society is being systematically attacked with no effective means of recourse or justice, “taking care” of that community will eventually involve people protecting & defending themselves…by any means necessary. https://t.co/Sly2f84R6a
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” – Desmond Tutu We stand for justice and equality for all. Enough is enough. pic.twitter.com/13VcPDWToX
A tinder box could’ve been avoided by arresting the mf-er who crushed the neck of a handcuffed man face down, begging for life. No one wants this; those in charge brought it on. Listening to @RATMhttps://t.co/NFJnbN23JY “burn burn, yes you’re gonna burn” #JusticeForGeorgeFloydhttps://t.co/z2wKtwdfZl
I try to keep my tweets light hearted, positive, but sitting here on my 45th birthday watching the country burn, realizing how little real change has come in my lifetime it’s impossible not to acknowledge the darkness and realize fire might be the only way to bring back the light
This country's institutionalized racism not only runs throughs its legislation, municipal systems and perception management narratives but and also deep it the egoic blueprints of its foundation and the psychic scars of its blood soaked history.
#BlackLivesMatter don’t let the Right make this about anything else. This is about systemic racism in this country. This is the karma we have built as a nation built on the blood of black, brown, yellow and red people. If this makes you uncomfortable to confront. Good.
Several roads have brought us to this point. Only one road is going to lead us out of here. We HAVE to take the road together. Fight injustice. Fight racism. Fight oppression.
New Years Day have premiered a new video for their song “Skeletons.” This track is from the band’s latest album “Unbreakable.”
Ash Costello commented:
“It’s clear to me that ‘Skeletons‘ is a favorite along the NYD fan community since day 1. Something about this song resonates. The right mix between heavy, soft, strong and soft vocals really made it stand out on our record from the rest. The song is about opening up and letting you who hide inside come out, so for that reason, I performed the song alone on the music video.
It’s tough because it makes you vulnerable as a rock front woman to be without you band but it changed the performance into something pretty unique from out other music videos. I hope everyone enjoys it.”
New Years Day have announced a spring U.S. tour. You can find the dates for that run below.
Tour Dates:
04/17 Tampa, FL – 98 Rockfest
04/18 Orlando, FL – WJRR’s Earthday Birthday
04/19 Myrtle Beach, SC – House Of Blues (supporting Halestorm)
04/21 Richmond, VA – The National (supporting Halestorm)
04/22 Huntington, NY – The Paramount (supporting Halestorm)
04/24 Newark, NJ – WDHA’s Rock The Rock Fest
04/25 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
04/26 Hartford, CT – The Webster Underground
04/28 Portland, ME – Port City Music Hall
04/29 Lancaster, PA – Chameleon Club
04/30 Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery
05/03 Hobart, IN – The Art Theatre
05/04 Joliet, IL – The Forge
05/06 Johnson City, TN – Capone’s
05/07 Huntsville, AL – Side Tracks Music Hall
05/08 Atlanta, GA – Vinyl
07/11 Mansfield, OH – Inkcarceration Festival
Congratulations to New Years Day’s Ash Costello, who recently got engaged. The singer’s boyfriend Jered Boeving proposed to her while they were at Disneyland on New Year’s Eve. Costello revealed the news via Instagram:
I have put together a list of my top 15 albums of 2019. You can check that out below. This is just for fun and I know I probably left out some of your favorites, but these are all the albums that I enjoyed the most this year:
15. Abigail Williams – “Walk Beyond The Dark”:
Abigail Williams’ latest album is a solid display of atmospheric black metal. The band were able to capture the various elements from their past work and fuse them together to create a record that showcases their most dynamic music to date. Some highlights from this one include “Black Waves,” “The Final Failure,” and “I Will Depart.”
14. Fever 333 – “Strength In Numb333rs”:
Fever 333’s debut album seeks to highlight the injustices within modern society through a powerful mix of rock, metal, and hip-hop. The band are on a mission to make a difference in the world and this record serves as their call to action. Some highlights from this one include “Burn It,” “Animal,” and “One Of Us.”
13. Bring Me The Horizon – “Amo”:
Bring Me The Horizon’s latest album is a pop leaning record that left many fans divided. That being said, if you listen to it with an open mind you will find a record full of great tracks from a band that aren’t afraid to push the boundaries of what is seen as acceptable in the rock/metal world. Some highlights from this one include: “Wonderful Life” (feat. Cradle Of Filth’s Dani Filth), “Sugar Honey Ice & Tea,” and “Heavy Metal” (feat. Rahzel).
12. Awake At Last – “The Change”:
Awake At Last’s latest album takes hard rock and mixes it with catchy pop-like elements. It also contains positive lyrics that inspire feelings of hope and encouragement. Some higlights from this one include the title track, which features Spencer Charnas (Ice Nine Kills), “Dead Generation,” and “Fallen Stars.”
11. Venom Prison – “Samsara”
Venom Prison’s latest album only further proves the fact that the band are a force to be reckoned with in the metal world. It is uncompromising, relentless death metal that deals with heavy subjects such as social injustice, depression, and corruption. Some highlights from this one include “Uterine Industrialisation,” “Self Inflicted Violence,” and “Asura’s Realm.”
10. The Agonist – “Orphans”
The Agonist pulled no punches with their latest album. The effort combines heavy and melodic music with powerful vocals to create the band’s finest material to date. Some highlights from this one include “In Vertigo,” “Blood As My Guide,” and “The Gift Of Silence.”
09. Killswitch Engage – “Atonement”:
Killswitch Engage’s latest album contains some of the band’s strongest material since Jesse Leach returned in 2012. The effort is brutal, melodic, and filled with a sense of passion from a band that is firing on all cylinders. Some highlights from this one include “The Signal Fire” (feat. Howard Jones), “I Am Broken Too,” and “The Crownless King” (feat. Testament’s Chuck Billy).
08. Papa Roach -“Who Do You Trust?”:
Papa Roach have been killing it with their last few releases and “Who Do You Trust?” is no exception. The eclectic album combines elements of rock, pop, and alternative to create catchy songs that you can’t help but listening to over and over again. Some highlights from this one include “Not The Only One,” “Elevate,” and the title track.
07. Korn – “The Nothing”:
Korn’s latest album is one of the band’s best. It is a heavy record brimming with raw emotion that takes fans through the grieving process as Jonathan Davis mourns the death of his wife. The effort lives in darkness and pain, but this openness provides the listener with an authentic experience. Some highlights from this one include “Cold,” “Idiosyncrasy,” and “H@rd3r.”
06. Motionless In White – “Disguise”
Motionless In White’s latest album is another banger that you can’t help but blast through your speakers. The effort combines elements of goth, industrial, metalcore, and electronic music to create anthemic tracks that will probably stay in the band’s live set for years to come. Some highlights from this one include “Brand New Numb,” “Thoughts & Prayers” and “Broadcasting From Beyond the Grave: Death Inc.”
05. Jinjer – “Macro”:
Jinjer followed up their excellent “Micro” EP with a full-length record that continued to showcase the band’s brilliance. “Macro” is a diverse, djenty record full of hard-hitting tracks with incredible vocals and lyrics. Some highlights from this one include “Judgement (& Punishment),” “Pit Of Consciousness,” and “The Prophecy.”
04. New Years Day – “Unbreakable”:
New Years Day’s latest release is one of the band’s best. It is an infectious, pop infused, hard rock album that seeks to empower fans through deeply personal lyrics. Some highlights from this one include “Come For Me,” “Done With You,” and “I Survived.”
03. Volbeat – “Rewind, Replay, Rebound”:
Volbeat have a knack for creating extremely catchy rock tracks and this record is no exception. It is a fun album full of hooky riffing that just makes you want to boogie. Some highlights from this one include “Pelvis On Fire,” “Die To Live” (feat. Clutch’s Neil Fallon), and “Cheapside Sloggers” (feat. Exodus’ Gary Holt).
02. Tool – “Fear Inoculum”:
It took 13 years to get a new album from Tool, but it was worth the wait if you are willing to spend time with it. Those that listen to it from beginning to end with no interruptions are taken on what can only be described as a transcendental journey through a passage of mesmerizing music. Some highlights from this one include “7empest,” “Pneuma,” and “Descending.”
01. Slipknot – “We Are Not Your Kind”:
Slipknot’s latest album only further cements the fact that they are one of the strongest acts within the metal genre. The effort has everything, aggression, melody, and experimentation all through a deeply emotional lens that offers a sense of catharsis. Some highlights from this one include “Unsainted,” “Solway Firth,” and “Orphan.”
The lineup has been revealed for the 2020 Inkcarceration Music And Tattoo Festival. The event will take place at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, OH on July 10-12 and it will feature the following: Limp Bizkit, Weezer, Blink-182, Papa Roach, Halestorm, Mastodon, Underoath, Hollywood Undead, Steel Panther, Falling In Reverse, Candlebox, Badflower, Atreyu, Static-X, Puddle Of Mudd, New Politics, All That Remains, We Came As Romans, The Devil Wears Prada, Emmure, Attila, Stick To Your Guns, New Years Day, Escape The Fate, Cold, Carnifex, The Aquadolls, Band-Maid, Stitched Up Heart, September Mourning, Damn Nation, Paralandra, Along Came A Spider, A Killer’s Confession, Missyou, Sink The Ship, Dread Engine, Mollo Rilla, and Saving Escape.
The lineup has been revealed for the 2020 Welcome To Rockville festival. The event will take place at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL on May 8-10 and the daily lineups can be found below:
May 8: Metallica, Deftones, Social Distortion, Dropkick Murphys, Rancid, Royal Blood, Ghostemane, Motionless In White, Knocked Loose, Bones UK, City Morgue, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Brutus, Killstation, Brass Against, Ego Kill Talent, and Zero 9:36.
May 9: Disturbed, The Offspring, Staind, Lamb Of God, Alter Bridge, The Pretty Reckless, Hollywood Undead, HELLYEAH, Bad Wolves, The Darkness, Power Trip, Jinjer, New Years Day, 3TEETH, BRKN LOVE, Toothgrinder, and Joyous Wolf.
May 10: Metallica, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Godsmack, Mastodon, Gojira, Anthrax, Code Orange, Dance Gavin Dance, Sleeping With Sirens, Of Mice & Men, Sick Of It All, Agnostic Front, Fire From The Gods, Counterfeit, Airbourne, Goodbye June, Stitched Up Heart, and Hero The Band.
