Sony Warehouse Fire/Looting Planned By Professional Robbers?

We were devastated when we first heard that the UK warehouse for independent label distributor PIAS and Sony was burned to the ground and looted during the London riots. While we were happy to hear that two people were arrested, the case has taken a turn for the weird.

According to The Telegraph, new evidence is showing that the looting and arson was actually carefully planned by professionals, using the riots as a cover. Apparently, sources close to the security industry have disclosed that the intruders used specialist cutting equipment and spent up to two hours dismantling a high security fence before breaking in. Security also claimed to have seen vans inside the premises used to load the stolen goods. To further cover their tracks, the professionals supposedly attracted other gangs to join in on the looting after they left. Both the Metropolitan Police and Sony reportedly declined to comment on these new details.

It was sad enough to hear that the three-story building was completely gutted of CDs and vinyl (from independent labels, nonetheless) and burned to the ground. But it’s extra depressing to hear that a group of people purposefully used an already unfortunate situation just to steal from labels. Sad anyway you look at it.

And Now An Update From Max Cavalera and Greg Puciato

It’s been a few months since we’ve heard anything new about Max Cavalera and Greg Puciato’s collaboration. The Soulfly/ex-Sepultura frontman already explained that the project was going to resemble Nailbomb, and The Dillinger Escape Plan singer revealed back in March that songs have taken shape. This week, though, both Puciato and Cavalera gave some updates about their new endeavor together.

First up is Puciato, who posted the following on Sunday via Facebook:

“Day two out here on this writing session with Max. Hotter than fuck in the middle of the Phoenix desert. Snakes and scorpions abound….drawn to the deafening noise coming from the room. Demoing heavy music the best way possible…at blistering volumes, no headphones, guitars and mics everywhere, all plugged in at all times, sweating and uncomfortable like we’re fifteen in a garage again. Maybe haven’t heard Max sound this pissed since Chaos A.D. Okay, time to get to work. Just checkin’ in.”

In case that wasn’t enough, Puciato also posted a picture of a disc containing demos of four songs (as seen up top) and the following message via his website the following day:

“Cruising back from MC’s place trying to make my flight home. This is currently DIMED in the stereo, and makes me wish we had a machine gun mounted on the roof of the truck”

Shortly after Puciato’s updates, Roadrunner Record’s website asked Cavalera for more insight into the collaboration. He replied with the following:

“Everybody ask me, ‘Hey Max, are you gonna do another Nailbomb?’ and the answer is always No, because we killed Nailbomb on purpose. So when Greg approached me with an idea of a project, I said I’ll do it, but it has to be like Nailbomb. I’m gonna share the vocals with Greg. We’re gonna have a bunch of killer guest musicians, and it’ll be the closest thing to a Nailbomb experience. I promise you it is going to be heavy as fuck, angry as fuck, and aggressive as fuck. Me and Greg are pissed off and we’re coming your way!!!!”

So just to recap: the Cavalera/Puciato project will still be in the same vein as Nailbomb and apparently is as aggressive as Sepultura’s Chaos A.D. Sounds pretty awesome to us. Can’t wait to actually hear the material they record together, and to find out who they’ll be bringing in as special guests. However, seeing that the Cavalera Conspiracy (Max’s band with brother and former Sepultura member Igor) is going to be hitting the road soon, and that The Dillinger Escape Plan is working on new material as well, it could be awhile till Nailbomb  this project sees the light of day.

Unsigned And Streamed: Stream Orwell’s Entire Album, AVOHFASIH

Those of you that were around for Metal Insider’s Orwell as one of the finalists. Ultimately, Iron Thrones won the contest, but many realized that Orwell were a band to keep their eye on. In fact, Iron Thrones guitarist Steve Henningsgard was one of those people. He produced Orwell’s album, A View of Heaven From a Seat In Hell, which will be available from the band this coming Tuesday, September 6. Some might think that the apple wouldn’t fall far from the tree, and while both bands have a mix of Opeth/Isis-like post-hardcore sludge, Orwell’s two-guitar attack differentiates it from Iron Thrones, and while both bands are progressive as fuck, Orwell is definitely a little on the thrashier side at times. While the best way to get it is from the band, as you can see from their all hands on deck approach of packaging the disc, you can get a taste of the full album right here on Metal Insider.

Rush Signs New Label Deal With Roadrunner Records

According to Billboard, Rush have just signed a new label deal with Roadrunner Records. The Canadian prog rock legends’ first release via Roadrunner will be a live album, followed by their new studio album Clockwork Angels in 2012.

The band’s manager Ray Daniels had the following to say about their new label home:

“After years of Roadrunner pursuing the band, Tom Lipsky [President, Lipsky Music LLC] presented a deal that worked and the timing was right. We wanted to be at a label focused on the rock genre — and that’s Roadrunner.”

Roadrunner Records Chairman Cees Wessels added the following:

“In another life I worked with Rush and their great management team more than 30 years ago and to have Rush finally on the Roadrunner label is a dream come true.”

While this may make some metal fans a little uneasy seeing Roadrunner further pursuing more rock groups, there is no denying the heavy influence Rush have played in both rock and metal. Plus, their fan base is enormous and extremely loyal, making this an awesome grab for Roadrunner. And keep in mind, die hard prog fans, that this now puts Rush on the same label as Dream Theater and Opeth! Imagine the possibilities of this.

Insane Clown Posse To Collaborate With Jack White…No Seriously

Need proof that Detroit musicians stick together? Well here you go! It’s been announced that everyone’s favorite clown face-painted hip hop group, Insane Clown Posse, has collaborated with none other than Third Man Record impresario Jack White (The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather). Take a moment to grasp this…

The rock guitarist has produced an I.C.P. called “Leck Mich Im Arsch” (which translates as “Lick me in the arse”…of course), which will be released as a 7” and digitally on September 7 via White’s Third Man Records. The musical backing will be provided by rock band JEFF the Brotherhood (also on Third Man Records). As if this couldn’t get any more bizarre, though, the song uses a melody by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart dating back to 1782. Yup, I.C.P., Jack White, AND Mozart are collaborating with each other.

Still don’t believe us that this is actually happening, even with the picture up top? Well then check out the video posted on Third Man Record’s website below. And we thought I.C.P. and Charlie Sheen made an odd combo. Then again, what are hipsters, but cultured juggalos?  They both like their music and look down on anything that they don’t consider “true.” Plus, they dress and act the same as their fellow fans. Maybe it isn’t such a weird combo after all….

Cannibal Corpse Confirmed For 70,000 Tons Of Metal Cruise

Normally we don’t write up a full piece on every band confirmed for the 70,000 Tons Of Metal Cruise’s second edition. However, we thought it was a pretty big deal that the metal cruise just snagged none other than Cannibal Corpse.

That’s right, the death metal legends are the latest band to be confirmed for the 2012 70,000 Tons Of Metal Cruise, leaving 21 bands left to be announced. We also can’t help but notice that the cruise sets sail just before Cannibal Corpse’s European tour with Behemoth, Legion Of The Damned, Misery Index, and Suicidal Angels. Of course, we cannot confirm that any of these bands will be on the cruise’s lineup, but it wouldn’t surprise us either (that, or we just really love the idea of seeing Behemoth performing on a cruise ship).

Check out a full rundown of the bands that have been confirmed for the cruise SO FAR (we still have almost five months still the cruise actually drops anchor, mind you) after the jump. The 70,000 Tons Of Metal Cruise heading from Miami to George Town, Cayman Islands, from January 23 to January 27. Read more »

Video: An 11 Year Old Girl Singing “Home Sweet Home” On ‘America’s Got Talent’

Ok, so Motley Crue’s “Home Sweet Home” has been covered by a lot of people. In fact, this wouldn’t be the first time the song has been performed on a reality TV competition show. So what makes Ms. Anna Graceman’s cover on NBC’s America’s Got Talent stand out? Well, we hate to say it’s because the singer is 11 years old, but… she’s 11 years old! And holy crap, can she sing. To give you some perspective, she was born the year the Crue’s New Tattoo came out!

Graceman performed the Motley Crue ballad during the show’s second night of semi-finals this past Monday (August 29), with both piano and pyro intact. I mean, honestly, it’s about one roller coaster drum kit away from being better than an actual Motley Crue show. You can watch video of the young contestant’s performance above.

Ryan Adams Performs Acoustic Rendition Of Iron Maiden’s “Wasted Years”

The alt country singer/songwriter has been noted as a secret metalhead, having apparently written songs inspired by Dio’s funeral and covered Alice In Chains’ “Nutshell.” However, Ryan Adams may have officially won us over with his cover of Iron Maiden’s “Wasted Years.”

While on BBC Radio 2 yesterday (August 30), Adams performed an acoustic rendition of “Wasted Years.” This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, though, since it was one of the metal songs he recommended to Blender Magazine. Nonetheless, we never thought we’d write “Ryan Adams Performs An Acoustic Cover Of Iron Maiden” in our life.

And our verdict: we like it a lot! You almost don’t recognize it as a Maiden song, but the lyrics are actually perfect for the stripped down rendition. But don’t just take our word for it, you can listen to Adam’s rendition in the video above. And we should add that this isn’t the first acoustic cover of “Wasted Years.” A underrated all-female band, Damone, did a stellar version of the song to close out their 1996 album Out Here All Night.

And in case you’ve never heard of the original 1986 Somewhere In Time single (blasphemy, just saying), then you can watch the song’s video after the jump. Read more »

Win Tickets To Anthrax’s “Secret Show” In NYC!!

Ok, so it’s not really that much of a secret anymore, but Anthrax (or “Satan’s Lounge Band” if you still want to play along) will be performing a free show on September 12 at the Best Buy Theater in New York City. And though tickets may be free for this intimate album release show, they’re still very limited. That’s why we’re give two lucky fans the chance to win a pair of tickets to Anthrax’s “secret” NYC show.

How do I enter to win, you ask? Well it’s so easy you’ll think we belong in a madhouse. All you have to do is leave a comment down below. That’s it! That damn simple!

Before you get yourself into a state of euphoria over this awesome opportunity, we have to remind you that we only have TWO pairs of tickets to give out. Thus, if you are really dying to get into the show, your best chance is to pre-order the new album Worship Music at Best Buy. Then go over to FreeSecretShow.com to enter in your Best Buy 12 digit order number and get your free ticket. This way, you aren’t relying on us to get you inside the venue.

You have until September 7 (the same day Anthrax will be on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon) to enter. Note: this contest only includes the pair of tickets to the free show. So if you have no way of getting to New York City, do not enter.

Dee Snider and Oderus Urungus Join Cast Of Horror Comedy TV Show

What would a TV show starring Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider and GWAR’s Oderus Urungus be like? Well we’re about to find out. According to Deadline, the two singers have joined the cast of horror-themed cable channel FearNet’s first original series Holliston.

For those of you who have no clue what this show is about (like us originally), here’s a quick synopsis of the six episode comedy series starring filmmakers Adam Green (Hatchet 1 & 2) and Joe Lynch (Knights of Badassdom) from Deadline:

“Set in the town of Holliston, Mass., Holliston is described as ‘Wayne’s World meets Saw’ and stars Green and Lynch as lesser versions of themselves. They will play Adam and Joe, two friends chasing the dream of becoming successful horror movie filmmakers while struggling to make ends meet and dealing with life and the opposite sex in their post-college jobs at a cable access station where they also host a late-night movie program called The Movie Crypt.”

In the show, Snider will be playing Adam and Joe’s boss at the cable access station they work. While still taking his job seriously, Snider’s character also fronts a Van Halen tribute band. Win! Now who in the world could the almighty Oderus be playing on TV? Well…himself, naturally. The GWAR frontman is also Adam’s imaginary friend who lives in his closet and gives misguided and offensive advice.

This is sounding like the perfect sitcom…FROM HELL. Holliston will premiere on FearNet in the Spring of 2012.