DONT F CK WITH CHUGGER!

CHUGGER is a groove metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden, successfully fusing the signature Gothenburg metal sound with the groove of American southern metal. Since the start in 2012, CHUGGER has been crushing Europe with their brutal sound and intense stage performance, comparable to high intensive acts like Slipknot, Lamb of God and Arch Enemy. The death machine is revving up again, and with brand new material in the tank, you will experience the headbang dealer that is CHUGGER!

• Performed international headline tours in 2014-2017
• Shared the stage with major bands such as Pretty Maids, The Unguided, Sister Sin and Lillasyster
• Performed at several festivals, such as Wacken Open Air and Gefle Metal Festival
• The album 'Human Plague' has received consistent high scores with an average of 8.3 out of 10
• The song 'Art of Science' was selected for a pressed compilation with Iced Earth and Funeral For A Friend
• 'Virus' and 'Art of Science' has been aired on national and international television
• Four audio releases and five video releases
         
CHUGGER released their debut album 'Scars' in the winter of 2013, featuring songs 'Art of Science' and a rerecording of the first demo 'Bleed', among others. Following the release, the band voyaged across Europe to promote the album with their 'Scars Over Europe Tour' in 2014. The tour was widely successful and CHUGGER received excellent reviews on their live performances, especially for the energy they displayed on stage.

After an intensive period in the studio, CHUGGER returned with their new album 'Human Plague' (Rambo Music/GAIN Music Entertainment/Sony Music) in 2015. Sweden Rock Magazine wrote "This is an album full of power and energy" and "brilliant guitar play". Close-Up Magazine felt the album "sets the emotional bar to 'right in the face'!'" and compared the band to the American equivalent Lamb of God. CHUGGER followed the album release with a European tour called 'Spreading The Disease Tour', which took them across most of Europe, including Spain, Italy and England.

In early 2017, CHUGGER released 'Grinder' and the response has been nothing short of spectacular. The song was produced by Robert Kukla of Studio Haga, mixed and mastered by Christian Svedin. 'Grinder' was simultaneously released as a video brought to life by René U. Valdes and Greenworks Television, together with a great crew of talented makeup and gore artists. The video paid homage to classic horror movies like Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Hills Have Eyes.

Fast forward to 2018, the death machine hit the stages again following the release of their new single 'Through Suffering Reborn', once again produced by Robert Kukla and mixed/mastered by Fredrik Nordström in legendary Studio Fredman. Some of the concert highlights over the year include Gefle Metal Festival and Wacken Open Air, where CHUGGER unleashed their groove death metal in front of roughly eight thousand screaming metalheads.

Come Armageddon;

In 2019, the unholy trinity worked together once more to produce CHUGGER's sophomore full length album. The dystopian themed 'Of Man And Machine' is served on a thick bed of guitars, and builds upon a rhythm foundation that takes absolutely no prisoners. The album is scheduled for a spring 2020 release under WormHoleDeath.



-- Press --

“Sets the emotional bar to ‘right in the face’!” – Close-Up Magazine
“Powerful drums and brilliant guitar play! ” – Sweden Rock Magazine
“Pays tribute to the visionaries of the genres while still sounding fresh!” – Crank It Up
“Adds many interesting elements from American Southern Rock and Metal” – The Headbanging Moose
“They bring a fresh permutation to the table!” – Echoes And Dust


-- Discography --

2020 - Of Man And Machine
2018 - Through Suffering Reborn (single)
2017 - Grinder (single)
2015 - Human Plague
2013 - Scars (EP)


-- Members --

David Dahl - Vocals
Robert Bjärmyr - Lead guitars
Robin Lagerborg - Rhythm guitars
Eric Skjuttorp - Drums
Lars Skjuttorp - Bass and backup vocals


-- Links --

Spotify: http://spoti.fi/1nG8AUC
YouTube: https://youtu.be/b0g9PDz5pG0
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuggerband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuggerband

VOKILLS INTERVIEW : Chris Poor aka Poorboy Haggardz Hellraizerz

1.Please introduce yourself and tell us who you sing for

   Chris Poor aka Poorboy and I'm the frontman for Haggardz Hellraizerz

2.What / Who made you want to sing?

   Former vocalist had to take care of some personal things.

3.Who was the first singer you saw live that gave you chills?

John Kosco from Dropbox

4.Many people say heavy music is just screaming, How would you combat that statement?

Some is some isn't.

5.If you growl or do harsh vocals how do you keep your voice after such violent performances?

I have a raspy tone i just smoke weed and drink beer.

6. Do you have a warm up routine? Tell u bout it ?

I just chill and hum.

7. Do you think power or performance is more important?

Both you have to learn when and how to use both.

8. Who do you think gets unfair vocal praise, someone the world thinks is great but is not? / And who is great but does not get the credit?

Not real sure on either side

9.Name your top 5 vocalist
 
In no order Sully Erna John Kosco

    Zakk Wyld Pepper Keenan Jesse James Dupree

10.Micheal Buble or Jim Gallette? Just testing your skills here

   Give me the Nitro.

11.Who do you love to listen to that would surprise people?.

    Late 80s / 90s hip hop and rap .

12.If you could remove the autotune from any singer who would it be?

    Good question.
www.facebook.com/haggardzhellraizerz

...........

COMING SOON

CRYOSPHERE RELEASES NEW SINGLE “I AM BECOME DEATH” AND ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF NEW EP IN 2020

 

SHEDDING LIGHT ON A DARK  TALE OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND  THE LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY,  DANISH METAL BAND  CRYOSPHERE RELEASES NEW  SINGLE “I AM BECOME DEATH”   AND ANNOUNCES THE   RELEASE OF NEW EP IN 2020


Listen to "I Am Become Death"​ // ​Releases February 14th

 A very personal story After releasing the first single ​“Nevermore” ​ in January, which tells a harsh tale about the difficulties in a parental relationship, CRYOSPHERE now continues with another difficult topic and now focus on the story about struggling with mental illness.    Their female leadsinger, Sirene, draws from personal experiences for both these singles while she embodies the small sliver hope amidst a despairing world. 

The new EP Following a turbulent personal time, CRYOSPHERE has managed to channel all of their feelings into raw new material, for which they have taken off time during the winter and early spring to finish up. With the release of the second single ​“I Am Become Death” ​ on February 14th, they now announce their ​imminent EP release in late spring 2020.   “I Am Become Death” ​ is the first single where Sirene’s screams can be heard(other than backing vocals) as well as her clean singing, which is something that has previously been reserved for the male leadsinger, Anders.  The two vocals blend together perfectly and adds a new dimension to the brutality in their music.
For interviews, booking & inquiries  cryosphereofficialmail@gmail.com

Short biography The music evokes an inner picture of a windswept winter landscape, barren, bitter and with a single red rose in bloom, defiant in the face of its own annihilation and the narratives act as mirrors that are held up for the listener and you are forced to see everything about yourself, both the good and bad.

CRYOSPHERE is an alternative metal band with both female and male vocals and they have previously been compared to bands like ​“Amaranthe” ​ and ​“Lacuna Coil” ​ . They have released both singles and an compilation EP “Rebirth” in September 2019 where they embarked on their first tour. While playing several live shows in 2019, they supported Daze of June(DK), Odd Palace(DK) and Crazy Town(US).




Debut EP “Rebirth”  - Nominated for ​ Best female fronted EP of 2019 ​ by FFRMR  - Received a ​ 10/10 review ​ by Wild Spiritz Magazine. 



The second EP “{TBA}” Winter 2019 and early spring 2020 has been dedicated to recording and finishing up their second EP, which will be out late spring 2020.



Contact For further info, interviews and bookings please contact: 

cryosphereofficialmail@gmail.com or metalcoffeepr@gmail.com

Angel Vengeance - "Open Your Eyes"

Angel Vengeance - "Open Your Eyes" fallds046-Digital Single out Friday 31/1-2020 

"Following in the footsteps of bands like; Helloween, Stratovarius & Iron Savior creating Power-Metal with great melodies and powerful vocals! 

-Recorded in Chaichana Sound Studio & Music Factor, Thailand Mixed and Mastered by Piet Sielck at Powerhouse Studio, Hamburg, Germany +Re-mastered by C-nil Studio, Gothenburg, Sweden " 

Line-Up: - Stout (Bass, Lead Vocals ) - Tuzz (Guitars, Backing Vocals) - Chen (Guitars, Backing Vocals) - Nomkhon (Drums) 

All music written by Stout, Tuzz, Nomkhon, Chen All keyboards by Tuzz, Stout

LINK lyric video;

https://youtu.be/wEJ_rEhnHJw

WELCOME HOME Awake The Demons

Awake The Demons, also abbreviated ATD, is a metal band from Constanţa, Romania. Formed in 2016, the band originally consisted of vocalist Claudiu Ciorbaru alone - 16 years old at that time - who is also the lyricist and songwriter. After working solo for one year, driven by his dream and passion, he asked his best friends to lend a hand and help him create "something big". Soon after, Dragoş Mărgărint (20 years old, guitarist - joined in 2017) and Levent Musa (21 years old, keyboard player - joined in 2018) became a part of the project. Dragoş had to leave the band in 2018 due to personal reasons and studies leaving Claudiu and Levent the only remaining members at that time.

Awake The Demons debuted in April 2018 with "Downfall", an instrumental track made entirely using computer programs. Inspired by Five Finger Death Punch’s “Canto 34”, it describes a journey filled with obstacles in which the only way of surviving is to keep going and adapt to the given situation. The next song, “Uprising”, also an instrumental - was released in May 2018.  Both songs had limited success.  Almost demoralized, the boys nearly abandoned the whole project.  After some deep soul searching, Claudiu was too determined to leave it like that and made the leap of faith to keep pushing forward.  "Brother... this band is my only reason to live right now, my biggest dream!  Metal music is my savior and you know it well so I won't let a small set back get to me, we must keep going!”

With help from Erick Draven, a fellow musician and now friend he met while promoting "Uprising" on social media, and Ritual Burning, a metal band from Chicago, Awake The Demons released their demo, Cycle Of The Damned, which now is part of Claudiu’s side project instead of being an ATD song.  It met with success and positive feedback.  It was the band’s first "complete" song, a track which Claudiu describes:  "This track talks about my life, it presents my life and the title says it all.  The moments I suffered alone, the moments I thought I was done for good, each obstacle in my journey... each moment of sorrow seems endless, a hellish cycle of the damned".  It was the success the band craved for.  The single very quickly played on five radio shows in the US.  The band was highlighted in a YouTube podcast - “Licking County Metal Heads Weekly - Season 3 Ep.1” - and was being spread all across social media by fans.  This exposure and support led to the band getting more attention from metal lovers worldwide.   "Congratulations, Claudiu and Levent! You made something impossible become true", said Dragoş. 

Claudiu follows and is influenced by great metal bands such as Five Finger Death Punch, Arch Enemy, Bullet For My Valentine, Iron Maiden, Parkway Drive, Breaking Benjamin, Woods Of Ypres a.s.o. and is inspired to create his own music:  “I was introduced to metal when I was 12 or so.  From that point on music is my life and my life is music.  I always listen to what I feel and I feel what I listen. This applies for writing lyrics as well.  I consider myself quite a lucky person because I’ve got the chance to talk with Ivan Moody (Five Finger Death Punch) and he kept me motivated and going.”

The band will be back to resume their work and try to reach the world's biggest stages, now having permanent members and are a consistent number of gigs: "I will keep working! We will keep working!  We will do it together! We are a family now and we know we can make the dream come true! All we have to do right now is to promote our songs to the growing number of listeners, work hard and stay motivated. We will continue to create more songs and evolve."

Awake The Demons is:

Claudiu Ciorbaru – vocalist
Eugen Botnaru – Vocalist
Luca Vucmanovici – Guitarist
Sabin Pavel – Guitarist
Vlad Constantin – Bassist
Tomi Drăgan - Drummer

Below are links to our official YouTube channel, ReverbNation, Facebook and Instagram pages including ATD’s email address. Check them out!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR8yAPIxw0vMr0-VywezksA - YouTube

https://www.reverbnation.com/awakethedemons - ReverbNation

https://www.facebook.com/awakethedemons/ - Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/awake_the_demons_official/?hl=ro  - Instagram

atdofficial2019@gmail.com - gmail

NEW ALBUM INTERVIEW WITH DECENT

1.Thanks for taking the time to talk to The Grinder! You have a new album out, Tell us about it!

We just released out sophomore album "Monolith" on Machine Man Records. This bad boy blasts our previous album out of the water in terms of production and composition. it gives the illusion that we know what we're doing.

2.Where was it recorded? Is all the material new?

"Monolith" was recorded at Eddie's house in Bozrah, CT. I'd say 90% of it is brand spanking new material. some tracks borrow riffs from songs that Eddie and Laken wrote in their previous band Hopscotch and the Tickled Fancy's

3.What is the biggest difference between your last release and the new one?

Our debut "Filth" was recorded almost entirely using hardware sequencers and synths with only the Vocals being recorded on software, making the whole album a mess to to work with. "Monolith" was still recorded with alot of hardware but we arranged everything in a DAW so we could easily go back and edit things on the fly if we had to. Also, the new album was mixed and Mastered by Michael Haggerty from Krebs.

4.Are you signed to a label? , If so which one and how did they help or support the process?

We're signed to Machine Man Records out of New Jersey. The owner Chris mostly supports us by putting up with our stupid questions but he also genuinely cares about the art that he represents.

5.What has been going on with the band between albums? Did you tour?

We've mostly been churning out material for about 2 years straight. Right now we're taking things slow in terms or writing and stressing ourselves out. We didnt really tour but we did play alot of local venues in CT, RI and MA

6.Do you have any new members?

Our newest member is our keyboard stand Bruce. He's a leg and ass mannequin and he's thicK

7.Who produced the new album and how did they effect the album?

We produced the album. we all have different music tastes and it really pulls our silly putty form in interesting directions.

8.Some like to record naked or in the dark with candles , Did you have any strange studio practices?

Not really, when we get writers block we usually just create something dumb to get the creative juices flowing.

9.Of course tell us where to pick up your album and how to learn more about you.

Every major streaming Service carries Monolith, here's a link to our bandcamp.

https://decentnews.bandcamp.com/album/monolith

10.What is your plans now that the new album is out?

Our plan is to upgrade some gear and do some shows before we hunker down and argue until a new album comes out. thank you for having us!

Corners of Sanctuary Announce UK Tour in March

Corners of Sanctuary Announce UK Tour in March

Killer Metal Records (Germany) artists Corners of Sanctuary (COS) have announced show dates for the band's first-ever tour of the United Kingdom this March.

"It goes without saying that we are really looking forward to this tour," said COS guitarist Mick Michaels. "Everything just lined up for us...so it was an opportunity we couldn't pass on...it's going to be great," he added.

The COSnROLL UK 2020 Tour is being presented by Keep it Metal Promotions and Cosmick Productions and is sponsored by the Vagabond Entertainment Group along with Samsun Cymbals USA, the MidWest Takeover Radio Show (Rock 98.9) and Coffin Case.

UK Dates:
March 14th The Napier Blackburn, UKMarch 15th King Billy Rock Bar Northhamption, UK w/Syteria
March 16th Trillians Newcastle on Tyne, UKMarch 17th-18th London, UKMarch 19th The Gryphon Bristol, UKMarch 20th McCann's Rock Bar Newport, UKMarch 21st The Patriot Crumlin, UK

Following the 2019 Holiday Season, COS released their latest EP, "What We Leave Behind." The EP is currently available as a free MP3 download, exclusively through Metalheads Forever Magazine but only for a limited time. Fans can download the EP here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7dk3nbxo1lpg5m8/AABJ2PAu_jJQBBbsyuDBAA__a?dl=0

 

"Having the EP available for free just makes it easy to share what we are doing with the fans," said COS drummer Mad T. "It's about accessibility...and what’s more accessible than free."

The COSNROLL UK Tour kicks off March 14^th in Blackburn, UK.  But before heading across the pond, the band has a couple of US dates scheduled as well. See full list of dates below.

"Like Mick said, this is a going to be a great run of shows," said Corners bassist James Pera. "Some warm up shows to get things fired up and then it’s go time…In our experience, we have gotten used to expecting the unexpected.  So we count on surprises and so should the fans," he added with a smile.

Check out Corners of Sanctuary at:Official: www.cornersofsanctuary.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/CornersofSanctuary Twitter: www.twitter.com/COSnROLL Instagram: www.instagram.com/cosnationmetal

Show schedule:
February 1st Vultures Feast Fest II Reverb Reading, PAFebruary 28th Dingbatz Clifton, NJ February 29th New Penny Scranton, PAMarch 14th The Napier Blackburn, UKMarch 15th King Billy Rock Bar Northhamption, UK w/Syteria
March 16th Trillians Newcastle on Tyne, UKMarch 17th-18th London, UKMarch 19th The Gryphon Bristol, UKMarch 20th McCann's Rock Bar Newport, UKMarch 21st The Patriot Crumlin, UK

KOBURG JOINS METAL COFFEE!!

KOBURG is a Symphonic Rock Singer/Songwriter/Multi-instrumentalist

& Model based in London, UK.



Her debut album 'The Enchantress' was released in 2019 followed by

'Position Of Power' in January 2020 which has
 

so far received rave reviews and extensive radio play including Kerrang! Radio.



For live performances, KOBURG is joined by Dean Baker (synths & keytar) ,

Bryony Brewin (backing vocals), Mark Spencer (bass) & Clint

Henderson (drums).



So far she has headlined at Whitby and provided headline support for renowned
 

Electro pioneers Naked Lunch in Electrowerkz, London with a tour planned

for the summer of 2020.



A new EP is also currently in the works...

NEW BREW!! METAL COFFEE SIGNS FORTY CALIBRE KISS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forty Caliber Kiss is a hard rock hybrid band based out of South Texas. The band is known for their energetic, melodic sounds, and unforgettable live performances. The group began in 2016 as a project between Ramsey Ramirez and Frank X. Salinas. Upon the departure of the other members of the band the project was place on hiatus.

Ramsey released the bands debut EP "Long Shot" in May 2018 for fear that the music he had so proudly help create would never be heard. The debut has garnered the band national attention amassing over 10,000 monthly listeners and 40,000 streams combined over multiple platforms.

In late 2018, the group was resurrected with new members Mike Saldana, JJ Gomez, and Samuel Longoria. The 3 new musicians brought a new vibe to the music and a solid chemistry to the lineup creating a new atmosphere for Forty Caliber Kiss.

 

The group has gone on to perform alongside various touring acts including Puddle of Mudd, Orgy, Tantric, Brand of Julez, Motograter, Sons of Texas, and Immortal Guardian. Fueled by the passion of their sound Forty Caliber Kiss has begun to invade venues across Texas with aspirations of moving rapidly.

 

 

DECENT VIDEO RELEASE

Founded in 2016 by Eddie LaFlash (Guitar, Synth, Vocals), Collin Maynard (Drums, Synths), and Laken Stokes (Bass Guitar, Vocals, Synth), the project's first self-titled demo was released on October 13th, 2017.

Though raw and gritty, these songs would serve as the foundation for the project and would eventually come back to life on future releases. However, it only took Decent News two months to start seeing their true potential as they fired off their next single “Skin Puddle / Deafland” on December 8th, 2017. This release saw the emergence of Caleb Moore taking over vocal duties and also served as a teaser for their upcoming debut album “Filth”. From an amateur understanding of recording and producing, the clean cut sound found on “Skin Puddle / Deafland” was eons away from anything on their demo. Taking cues from such band as KMFDM and Front Line Assembly, the project produced two pummeling tracks of pure mayhem.

January of 2018 found Decent News hyping up their upcoming album “Filth” with a brand new single titled 'Halogen'. With the help of their newfound record label Machine Man Records, the band was able to reach a wider audience and infect them with their destructive synthesized metal and industrial hybrid. With a demo, two singles, and a new record label signing under their belt, it was finally time for Decent News to unleash their ultimate beast.

In March of 2018, Decent News released their twelve track album “Filth” via Machine Man Records. Once again tapping into their roots as a savage blend of industrial mayhem, metal noise, and pounding percussion, “Filth” serves as the perfect introductory point for anyone trying to understand what Decent News is all about. The simplistic cover art of the album (Designed by Conner Michael) showcasing what is basically a crack house addicted and devoted to the television, “Filth” came to be a stark socio-political commentary in the modern age. “Filth” was released in both limited edition CD and digital formats, with a Decent News logo decal also available for ordering.

Decent News was not content with just releasing “Filth” and leaving it alone. Instead, the project decided to bring along a massive amount of talent from the likes of industrial rockers Chmcl Str8jckt to the post-apocalyptic pop of Ferus Melek for a brand new remix album. “Filth: Remixed” released via Machine Man Records on August 3rd and contains another helping of industrial chaos produced from bands in the international scene.

Just before Filth released, Laken took a break from the band as he became a new dad. This had Collin moving over to bass for a few shows before to left the band to focus on school. In August of 2018 Eddie and Caleb started churning out demos for their next release on top of playing live shows all over Southern New England, sharing the stage with many acts such as Tovarish, Acidhenge and Wavepeak. In early January of 2019, The two boys sat down for breakfast with Laken and his newborn daughter at one of their favorite diners to catch up on things. By the end of their breakfast Laken was a member of the band again and ready to dive head first into recording.

In June of 2019 The boys released their latest single "Black Box / Krokodil". These two tracks were light-years away from their debut in production and quality all thanks to Michael Haggerty from Krebs who would be mixing and Mastering their sophomore album "Monolith".

"Monolith" is set to release on Machine Man Records on August 30th 2019

 

BATTERY DRUMMER INTERVIEW : Eric Skjuttorp / CHUGGER

1.What is your name and what band do you play for?

My name is Eric Skjuttorp and I’m the drummer in Chugger and I do some freelance in various bands and projects.

2.Who made you want to play drums and why?

It was actually my mom, she noticed I was a musical kid and wanted to support it. She signed me up for various music lessons when I was about 7 years old and I quickly fell for the art of drumming and I’ve been doing it ever since!

3.When did you get your first kit? Tell us about it…
 

I think I was about 7 or 8 years old when my mom bought an Maxwell (by pearl) kit with some old Paiste 101 and 404 cymbals as a christmas present. I still remember getting home with that kit and starting to assemble it, I was like a kid on christmas day! ;)

4.Where your parents supportive of you and your loud / expensive new habit?

My dad was never in the picture but my mom has been a huge inspiration to me and she has always supported my musical endeavors, even when it didn’t sound so nice! With a limited budget I had to make due with what was at hand, but I didn’t really care if the cymbals was broken or the tom heads needed to be replaced. My step-father actually built a new room in the basement so I had a place to practice!

5.What drum performance on an album is perfection to you?

Oh that’s a tough question! I think it’s a tie between ”Periphery II” by Periphery and ”Language” by The Contortionist, both albums are perfect through and through.

6.Tell us about your current kit and set up in DETAIL.

My current kit is a Pearl Vision with 10”, 12” rack toms and two 16” floor toms on either side of the kit, and 22” kick.
It’s not the most expensive kit but I do love birch because of it’s attack and musical tone.

My snare drum is a Pearl Freefloating brass 14” x 3.5”

As for the cymbals (all Sabian), from left to right:
18” Paragon China
14” Stage Hats
10” Paragon Splash
18” AAX Metal Crash
8” Paragon Splash
18” AAX ISO Crash
20” AAX Metal Ride
20” AAX Explosion ride (for crashing)
19” AA Holy China stacked with a 18” HHX O-zone Crash
21” AA Holy China
 

7.If you could have a dream kit tell us about it in DETAIL

Another hard question, why do you do this?!

Allright, it varies all the time but for the moment I would love to be the proud owner of a Pearl Masterwork Heritage kit with 10” and 12” rack toms, 16” and 18” floor toms (again, one on each side) and a 22” base drum.

I’m very fond of my current snare but I wouldn’t say no to a Mapex Black Panther Sledgehammer 14” x 6.5” Bronze brushed!

I have aquired the cymbals I want already though I would love to switch the Metal Crash to a 18” AAX Explosion Fast Crash and the Metal Ride to a 21” HHX Raw Bell Ride!
All the cymbals would still be from Sabian!

8.Name your top 5 drummers excluding Neil Peart and Mike Portnoy

Lucky for me neither Neil Peart or Mike Portnoy would make my list haha!

In mixed order:
1. Joey Baca - The Contortionist
2. Chad Smith - Red Hot Chili Peppers
3. Matt Halpern - Periphery
4. Nic Pettersen - Northlane
5. Jay Postones - TesseracT

9. Do you prefer Live or Studio?

 

It’s always fun being in the studio but nothing beats the thrill of playing live! In the studio you can practice and do over until everything is perfect but live you only get one shot of nailing everything.

10.Do drummers really get all the chicks and if so how do we convince the guitarist?

Well if my guitarists try to say otherwise they get a stick up they’re butt so I intimidation is the perfect tool!

Actually all guitarist I work with has girlfriends (and they’re faithful!) so I don’t have to fight them for it!

THE AXEMEN GUITAR INTERVIEW : Robin / CHUGGER

1.Tell us your name and the band you play for

My name is Robin, and I play guitar in the groove metal band Chugger. I'm the guy with the mask!

2.Who made you want to pick up the guitar

It was actually My dad, he literally MADE me play guitar. I wanted to play the drums, my uncle played drums when I was younger and I thought it was so cool watching him play. But my dad was like "A drumkit takes to much space, and they are to f*#$ loud. I'll buy you a guitar, an amp and a couple of headphones if you want" and that's how it all started. But I do still love drums and amazing drummers!

3.Are you self taught or did you take lessons?

I'm totally self taught, can't you tell? Haha, well I started playing my guitar to some Kiss and AC/DC cassettes. That I actually borrowed from my dad and uncle. And later on when you could use the internet at home easier and computers got affordable, I watched alot of music videos. Just trying to see how they were playing, what frets and so on. So I play alot by ear and have manage to get a good sharp ear for picking out songs that way.

4. Can you read music, Can you read tab?

Well, I can read tabs if it's pretty basic. But I usually learn by listening by ear, and trying to figure out how the songs go. And just play my way through it, and then go back to the tabs and see if I'm on the right track or not.

5.Do you feel like you have your own sound / tone ?
 
I like to think so anyway, haha. I have a real heavy chugging picking hand, and like to play with different rythms alternating hammer on and pull offs and stuff like that. I've been inspired alot by different guitar players, and drummers actually. I get way more inspired by listening to awesome drummers than guitar players.

6.Tell us about your guitar ( brand ,model . year , color )

I have a lot of guitars 16 I think. But as I joined Chugger, I also got the opportunity do get sponsored and get an artist deal with a small swedish company called "Inferno guitars". So I designed my own custom Inferno Vortex guitar. It's a 27,5" scale V-shape guitar, with a spalted maple top and grayish/black bust. It's just a thing of beauty, I absolutely love it and it sounds amazing. I just love being able to do my own custom guitars. I've been called a "guitar snob" a lot, haha! Before I got the V one, I had a friend handbuild me customized baritone guitar that I just love aswell. But now it's Inferno all the way! (Follow my instagram chugger_robba and you see what I'm talking about)


7.What about pickups? Passive or active ? Tell us about them
  

I have always been using active pickups like the EMG 81/85/60 etc. But for the Inferno guitar I really wanted to try something new and different. So with help from our awesome sponsor, Tim and the guy's over at Bareknuckle pickups. I decided to go with a set of Ragnarok pickups. Also with my own customized touch to it. And man...They sound absolutely brutal and beautiful! 

8.Lets get into amplification, Same drill brand , model , speakers etc

I use my Mesa Triple Rectifier, with a little slap on the nuts from a Tubescreamer just to tighten up the sound a bit. I play that through a Mesa 4x12" oversized cab.

9.Do you have a pedal board? Tell us about that badboy

Well… I finally have two rigs now, one for doing the gigs were you have to travel as light as possible. And still sound as good as possible. Then I use my Mooer Preamp Live pedal, I can just plug it into the PA or existing amps on stage. So that's my pedal board I guess.
 

And for the Mesa Rectifier, I have a mooer mini-tuner, a tubescreamer and the Mesa footswitch.

I'm oldschool like that, haha!

10..Now tell us your Dream Rig in detail…..

Well...I think I pretty much have my dream rig already. But I wouldn't mind another Mesa cab, like a 2x12" and a back up Rectifier, haha. But if someone over at Mesa reads this. I want more Mesas, I just love the sound and tone of their amplifiers...But right now I have great rig. So I'd much rather have my own roadie and guitar tech ;)

11.What guitarist can you not stand?

...All of them, goddamn guitarist! No but seriously. If I have to pick one, it might have to be Yngwie. He's just way to much for me, haha.

12. Is tone more important or is technique?

Hmm, I think you need both to be successful. So it's very hard to choose between them… it's all depending on what genre you play. But with great technique you often get a nice tone. So I'd have to say...Both just to be on the safe side.

13. Name your top 5 guitarist

Dimebag Darrell
Brent Hinds
Gina Gleason
Gary Moore
Ace Frehley


14.Who is the most overrated guitarist

Haha...Yngwie, sorry!

15.Who would you like a one hour private sit down lessons with anyone dead or alive?
 

No doubt it would be Dimebag, everything you've heard about that guy. Nothing but kind words and crazy stories. So an hour with Dime would be awesome. R.I.P Dime!

Frigoris

Frigoris is a post black metal band rooted in the heart of the ruhr-area, Germany. The combination between Black Metal riffing and craftsmanship as well as a postmodern approach towards atmosphere and lyrics form a synthesis that results in long, atmospheric but melodious songs. The isolation and depression in modern society, the beauty of nature and a last pure shimmer of hope left are all tropes you can feel and read in the tracks. The trampled and narrow paths of Black Metal are left to find a new identity at the end of Parnassus.

Founded as a Pagan/Black Metal band, Frigoris steadily developed further since its foundation around head Dominik Winter in 2007 and stands for atmospheric, melodic post-black Metal at the highest level today. The band began by recording a couple of demos in 2008 and 2009 and followed that up with their debut album, "Nach dem Krieg" released independently in 2010. Following that, Frigoris went through several lineup changes and shortly afterwards began working on their second album.   The second album, which was entitled "Wind" was the start of a new era for Frigoris. It is at this point that they evolved past their initial Pagan Black Metal sound and began writing music closer to what is representative of the band today. "Wind" was worked on throughout 2012, and then co-released by Hypnotic Dirge Records, and the Korean label Misanthropic Art Productions. The over fifty minute piece was filled with a surpassing emotional intensity that created a bond between pure aggression and deep melancholy.    

"Wind" brought the band a lot of positive attention and recognition from listeners and critics alike and the band played many shows in Germany and neighboring countries during this time.    Soon after the release, Frigoris began preparing for their next album, entitled "Nur ein Moment...", the first in a two-part concept series dealing with suicide from the protaganist's point of view. A combination of the typical Frigoris sound, established in the highly praised predecessor “Wind”, with extensive elements of Post Rock and  

Doom form six epic and atmospheric pieces that are supported by the lyrical concept leading us on the tracks of a protagonist who faces the consequences of suicide in an interior journey. "Nur ein Moment..." was released by Hypnotic Dirge Records in digipack format on August 25, 2016.   The second part of this concept series will be entitled "…in Stille“ and the lyrical concept is based on trying to convince the protagonist of a different outcome. Work on the music and lyrics to that album have already started.

Grey Skies Fallen return with their first album in five years, Cold Dead Lands

NOTE TO THE BAND, I AM A FAN AND THAT IS WHY I COVER YOU.

Grey Skies Fallen return with their first album in five years, Cold Dead Lands, via their own label, Xanthros Music. The 5th album in the band’s 23-year career is a dire warning for humanity to reign in its greed or face the recursions. Those repercussions include a wilted, grey-hued earth starving of life. Cities lie in ruins. Humanity no longer basks in the sun but languishes in the shadows under the guise of gas masks. The sound of crows is deafening as they pick apart remnants of our bloated bodies. Cover artist, Travis Smith (Nevermore, Opeth) conveyed the album’s overwhelming sense of desolation through hazy brown hues and cold stones.




The group animates their bleak visions through an eclectic mix of melodic death metal, doom, prog and hints of black metal. Cold Dead Lands marks the first album without keyboards, resulting in a more streamlined, doom-addled product. Now a three-piece consisting of Rick Habeeb (guitars, vocals), Tom Anderer (bass), and Sal Gregory (drums), the group express various emotions through lush guitar melodies harmonized with soulful clean vocals, and abysmal dirges coupled with scowling growls and savage shrieks. 




Legendary Swedish producer and musician, Dan Swanö left an indelible mark on the mix. The crystal clarity of the album is apparent upon the first note on the opener, “Visions From the Last Sunset,” which provides a chasm depth to their seismic reverberations. This track’s colossal blending of strings and skins instills a flowing impetus heard throughout the album.  




The album contains only six songs but has a total playtime over 53 minutes. “Visions From the Last Sunset” and “Picking Up the Pieces,” weigh in at over 11 minutes, while “After The Summer Comes the Fall” is over ten-minutes long. Cold Dead Lands is not a doom album that languishes in slow tempos. Each track features a number of changes, resulting in an engaging flow while maintaining down-tempo and medium paces characterized by the doom metal sub-genre.




Written in 2015 while the band were still a five-piece,  “Procession to the Tombs” exemplifies the band’s progressive scope. Medium paced trudges and downtempo dirges outline forlorn, ringing guitar harmonies accentuated by soaring solos. Although Rick Habeeb presents haunting clean vocals, the band maintain an aggressive stance through agonized harsh vocals through the majority of the song. A holdover from the band’s previous period, the ending was lengthened for a grander, doomy unfurling. “Picking up the Pieces” highlights the dynamic nature of the album with an epic heavy metal beginning and mournful, hopeless ending.




Grey Skies Fallen improved their powerful compositions with the help of friends. Will Smith (Buckshot Facelift, Artificial Brain, Afterbirth) adds a guttural dimension to “Picking Up the Pieces.” Dan Gargiulo of Revocation and Artificial Brain plays a guitar solo to conclude the album. He steps further up the stairway to heaven laid down by Habeeb’s billowy, Pink Floydish notes.




Album credits

-Produced by Grey Skies Fallen

-Mixed and Mastered by Dan Swanö

-Recorded and engineered by Keith Moore at Audio Playground

-Cover Art by Travis Smith



Cold Dead Lands Tracklisting

    Visions from the Last Sunset
    Cold Dead Lands
    Procession to the Tombs
    Picking Up the Pieces
    Ways of the World
    After the Summer Comes the Fall


Grey Skies Fallen Lineup:

Rick Habeeb (vocals, guitars)

Tom Anderer (bass)

Sal Gregory (drums)





Discography

The Fate of Angels (1999)

Tomorrow’s in Doubt (2002)

Two Way Mirror (2006)

Along Came Life (EP) (2010)

Introspective (EP) (2012)

The Many Sides of Truth (2014)

Cold Dead Lands (2020)

Links

https://greyskiesfallen.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GreySkiesFallen/
https://twitter.com/GreySkiesFallen
https://www.youtube.com/user/CraigGSF
https://www.instagram.com/greyskiesfallen/

NEW NOISE / NEW ALBUM INTERVIEW : AFTER THE FALL

1.Thanks for taking the time to talk to The Grinder! You have a new album out, Tell us about it!

We do, it's called My Confession.  It's a 12 song LP that we've released through RFL Recorrds, and it's an album that we're extremely proud of!  We think that it has a little something for everyone, as it emcompasses a wide range between the songs that are on it..  It also deals with many different themes, lyrically, and touches upon many different subjects.  We feel that it represents some of our best work, and we're very excited for everyone to hear it!

2.Where was it recorded? Is all the material new?

It was recorded in Ohio, near Columbus, at Universal Studio.  The majority of the album is new material, save for a few songs that we're from our last CD, 2014 EP.

3.What is the biggest difference between your last release and the new one?
  

There's really not too much of a difference between the two.  If I had to point out any difference, I would say that this album is a lot more diverse, and has more complexity to it, both in the music and the lyrics.

4.Are you signed to a label? , If so which one and how did they help or support the process?

Yes, we are signed to RFL Records, based in Pittsburgh, PA.  They were the definitely helpful, mostly by just allowing us to record it the way we wanted to and standing behind our work.

5.What has been going on with the band between albums? Did you tour?

We have not toured between the records.  We did play a lot of shows, some out of state, but not an "official" tour.  We stayed busy by continuing to write for this new record, though.  We're always working on new material and especially after our last record, we knew that we wanted to do a full length this time around, and we knew that we needed to be constantly writing new material in order to have enough good songs for this album.

6.Do you have any new members?

We do, we replaced our last guitar player, Brandon, shortly after this record was complete.  Our new guitar player's name is Zac Shepard.

7.Who produced the new album and how did they effect the album?
  

The gentleman's name who produced this record is Sean Lee.  He was instrumental in helping this record become what it is, by constantly pushing us to do/be better, and by having us try things that we normally might not have tried.  He helped us to flesh out parts of songs, to change arrangements, and always had some sort of advice for each of us, whether we wanted to hear it or not!

8.Some like to record naked or in the dark with candles , Did you have any strange studio practices?

Nothing too crazy.  I (Doug, the vocalist) did prefer to dim the lights when I would record my vocals, but that's about the strangest thing that I think we did.

9.Of course tell us where to pick up your album and how to learn more about you.

You can find us on Facebook, Twittter, etc.  We always just tell people to Google "After the Fall band Pittsburgh" and you'll be able to find all of our sites, social media, etc.  You can download the album at all major online music retailers, such as Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, etc.  Just go to your preferred online music retailer and search for "After the Fall My Confession".

10.What is your plans now that the new album is out?

We're going to be working on new music for a new release that should be out sometime later this year, and of course, playing as many shows as we can!