Archive | September, 2011
Headbangers’ Brawl is a weekly column where Metal Insider’s Bram and Zach take a moment to debate and analyze two opposing sides of a topical issue occurring in the world of metal and/or the music industry.
Like the swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano or the Mets collapsing, it’s an annual tradition as old as time itself: The annual Revolver Magazine ‘Hottest Chicks in Metal’ issue and the ensuing shitstorm it causes. But since neither Zach nor Bram has the female perspective, we thought we’d invite two females in the metal community to discuss the issue this year. Since our friend Stabitha did such a bang-up job writing about the Golden Gods awards last year, we thought we’d invite her to participate. We also asked Zeena Koda, who wears many hats, among them the AM host on SiriusXM’s Liquid Metal channel and sex and relationship advice columnist, to weigh in. Since both play or have played in bands, they have a unique viewpoint of the issue.
Stabitha: It was, of course, curious to see that the next Hottest Chicks issue after the article I wrote became “Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock.” I guess you can only put Maria Brink or Lizzy Hale on the cover so many times before you have to widen the pool, which is at once awesome and sad: there aren’t enough ladies in metal to perpetuate this worn out stereotype. Is it because toeing that stereotypical line is exhausting? (I mean, have you ever worn a corset onstage? That shit is unforgiving!)
I feel like the response to my article was pretty hope-inspiring, though the annual Hottest Chicks to-do continues. 95% of people totally got it. The message is ‘We will pay attention to your band, but only if you show us your tits,’ and that’s a standard that doesn’t even begin to apply to any other Y-chromosomed metal band. It’s also not something that Revolver is solely responsible for, though they’ve put a lot of time and effort into the branding we’re discussing. This isn’t about what’s tr00 or kvlt or even that women in metal/hard rock should be handed recognition they don’t deserve just because they’re women and they’re a minority. I don’t understand why it’s a controversial position to say that editorial coverage should be given to women in metal based on musical merit rather than god-given assets.
Zeena: I think many people will be surprised by my reaction to it mostly because I truly don’t see anything wrong with participants involving themselves in a press-driven feature that they knowingly understand the criteria for. This year, I actually even urged people to vote for me, not necessarily because I 100% believe in the premise of being objectified solely for my appearance, but flat out I believe that I can hold a candle to many of those women included. Not only because of the work I do on the media side, but through my actual vocal talent with my band and dedication to the progression of rock music. Did I win? Hell no, but then again I never thought I stood a chance. There is no moneybags pushing my image out, no label wheel cranking my musical career and although I too released new music this year lets be real here – this feature is one to garner attention, not to gauge your worth as a musician because frankly I’d take on half of them any day, I kill live and have no doubt in my heart that my passion is real. It’s much like the Grammy’s in my eyes, if you aren’t nominated or win does it degrade you? Not at all. Legends are not judged on “hotness” but by greatness and the ability to move a mass of listeners artistically. Consequently, that’s what makes some of artists attractive, not aesthetics and ornamentation, but their awesome ability to give two fucks and pour into their craft. Read more »
If you have been keeping up to date on Steven Adler’s GN’R tribute band Adler’s Appetite, then you know that bassist Chip Z’Nuff (also of Enuff Z’nuff) has been playing in the former Guns N’ Roses drummer’s group for some time now. Well that’s no longer the case, as Z’Nuff announced his depature from Adler’s Appetite yesterday (September 29). Adler took to his Twitter account to confirm the news, but also to reveal that he’s focusing on a new project with a young hotshot singer.
Adler posted the following “5 facts” in separate tweets yesterday:
“Fact #1. I luv @Chip_Znuff like a brother and wish him the best in all his future endeavors.
Fact #2. Chips departure was my decision due to the fact that I am working on an original band with @MichaelThomas19 and Lonnie Johnson.
Fact #3. I have a record deal and we were just in the studio this past Sunday recording our first single that will drop in the next 2 months.
Fact #4. Our first single has one of the hottest new singers in the game right now on vocals. Hint his bands initials are just like mine. AA
Fact #5. Adler’s Appetite will continue to perform together on select dates, but my new project will have a new name tba in the next month.”
Many have already speculated at the singer Adler is referring to is Danny Worsnop from Asking Alexandia. And seeing how the two appear to be making Halloween plans together via Twitter, we’d say it’s most likely Worsnop. It also wouldn’t be all that surprising of a combo. Wornsop has shared the stage with another 80’s hair metal star multiple times before. Plus, he’s already experienced his 80’s drugged up rock star meltdown onstage.
However, nothing has been confirmed at this moment. If the two are collaborating, then maybe Adler could give Worsnop some advice about staying sober. After all, he’s been on detoxing on TV multiple times now.
UPDATE: When this piece was originally written, Lockerz.com (the source Adler uploaded the picture featured in the Halloween tweet) was temporarily shut down. Since then, the site is back online and the picture reveals that Adler will be covering songs off of Appetite For Destruction with Asking Alexandria during their Halloween show in L.A. A poster for the show can be seen after the jump. Read more »
Loudwire have listed the “Top 10 Hard Rock Smackdowns,” including Lamb Of God’s Randy Blythe and Mark Morton’s now infamous brawl.
Earlier this week marked the 25th anniversary of the sad and untimely death of Metallica’s Cliff Burton. While many took time to remember the loss of the talented bassist, none was more poignant than this one. Ray Burton, Cliff’s 86 year-old father, took to the Internet to pay tribute to his son. He seems moved by the outpouring of support, but we particularly like around the 3:20 mark where he imitates his son. Ray Burton, you’re OK by us.
For anyone that watched the 13th incarnation of CBS reality show Big Brother this past Summer, Adam Poch was a revelation. The 39 year-old music industry executive was a huge metalhead whose signature growl was heard quite a bit in the early phases of the game. It was played up by the reality show that his three loves were metal, bacon and Beverly Hills 90210. Over the course of 75 days, Poch outlasted the majority of the competition, making it to the final three. Now back at his job at Sony, where he’s a supply chain planner, Metal Insider caught up with Poch to talk about how he kept it metal on the show, what bands inspired him, and the celebrity death he predicted while on the show.
Tell me how you brought your “metal attitude” to the show.
Well , the first day when I walked in the door, first thing I did was give my metal growl to set the stage, if I was to live in this house, if I’m gonna be here, its me, I’m bringing me. So I got people startled right away, and they didn’t really quite know what to expect from me. They got used to it pretty quickly, and I just tried to keep it metal while I was in the house, because that is definitely - besides my girlfriend, the one thing I really missed the most was listening to metal. Metal calms me down, metal relaxes me, so I just missed that so much. I would always give the horns in every picture. I would flash up the metal horns. I knew I was missing a lot of great concerts this summer. I was missing Machine Head, I was missing Volbeat, , and as it got longer, I realized I was going to miss the Big 4, which I was devastated by that. I missed Clutch on a boat, so I was definitely missing the metal.
I bought your tickets by the way, thank you.
You’re welcome, thank you for going! I heard it was a great show.
So there was no music allowed at the house, right?
They wake you up to music, but its not always music you want to hear.
What kind of stuff was it?
It varied, they played a little something for everyone in the house, but they did rock out a couple metal songs. I cannot say what they did or did not play, but they did take care of me a couple of mornings. But there were a lot of mornings where I woke up to dance music, and it was the only music I heard so I started dancing.
You mentioned this to me before, and I don’t know whether you’re able to talk about it here, but you really weren’t allowed to sing because of copyright concerns?
No, you can’t sing because if I’m singing someone else’s lyrics they had to pay royalties, so we would get into trouble for singing and they would shut down the feeds and yell at us to stop. The famous voice in the sky. Sometimes you just cant help it. Read more »
Dez Fafara is one hell of a busy guy. He constantly tours and records with Devildriver, he’s reuniting with his old band Coal Chamber for select dates, he may be making an appearance on the new Austrian Death Machine album, AND he’s been working on music with Lamb Of God’s Mark Morton (although, it looks like that project may not see the light of day any time soon). Does Fafara have any time to sleep? Apparently not, as Fafara has also just recently recorded guest vocals for a new Soulfly song.
Fafara posted the following message (along with a picture of him, frontman Max Cavalera, and producer Zeuss) via Twitter:
“I just Co-Wrote and Sang with Max Cavalera on the heaviest track I’ve heard from SOULFLY ever RESPECT”
He then confirmed via a separate tweet that the song will indeed be featured on Soulfly’s new album. This confirmation comes shortly after Fafara posted a video of him walking around a studio (at the time, it was unclear as to what Fafara was in the studio for). It should be mentioned that Cavalera has been keeping himself busy with exciting collaborations as well. In addition to recording a new Soulfly album, and getting ready to embark on a Cavalera Conspiracy tour, the former Sepultura frontman has been working on a Nailbomb type project with The Dillinger Escape Plan’s Greg Puciato. That project also promises even more special guest appearances.
You can watch Fafara’s studio tour video after the jump. Read more »
Last week, it was revealed that singer Jizzy Pearl (ex-Love/Hate and Ratt) had parted ways with the Tracii Guns-led version of L.A. Guns. And just last night, it was confirmed that singer/songwriter Dilana Robichaux, best known as the runner up contestant on the reality competition Rock Star: Supernova, was the band’s new frontwoman.
Tracii himself gave the following statement via the band’s website about the new singer in his version of the 80’s hair metal group:
“Dilana is the new singer for L.A. Guns after an incredible amount of scrutiny and mixed opinions the final straw was her audition where she completely took control of the environment by injecting a type of soul into these old new songs that I have never heard before. The first tune we jammed on was the Otis Redding classic “These Arms Of Mine” and even a very skeptical Jeremy looked up at me and mouthed Holy Shit to me and I had the same feeling. Then we ran through “One More Reason,” “Never Enough,” and of course “The Ballad Of Jayne” and it was an awakening of just how professional and soulful of a singer Dilana is. After getting responses from Label Steve Vai [Favored Nations], my agent and manager who are all really into a drastic positive change for L.A. Guns and myself , we all feel this is a ballsy and risky change that we all collectively feel good about. I expect there will be some changes in the live setlist and I hope we can get straight into writing mode ASAP and record some fresh Rock n Roll also ASAP . We hit the road starting in San Antonio Texas September 21st.”
What makes the addition of Robichaux interesting, besides the fact that she’s the first female member of any L.A. Guns incarnation, is that she’s actually the second Rock Star contestant to be in Tracii’s version. As you may recall from our brief history lesson last week, Guns had tapped singer Marty Casey from Rock Star: INXS fame to join the group in 2008. Though they reportedly recorded music and even filmed a reality TV pilot, Casey left within a year (and was replaced by Jizzy Pearl). While Casey competed in the first season for the chance to front INXS, Robichaux was in the second season competing for the chance to sing in Tommy Lee, Jason Newsted, and Gilby Clarke’s supergroup.
Those who actually watched the reality music competition…like me…(ok, the show was cheesy, but was a fun guilty pleasure) know that Dilana is a gifted singer and performer. It’ll be interesting to see what she brings to L.A. Guns (or Tracii’s L.A. Guns. We’re still unsure which is the “official” version). Go to the band’s official website for a rundown of upcoming shows, and check out Dilana performing Nirvana’s “Lithium” on Rock Star: Supernova after the jump. Read more »
Are you such a music and wine snob that KISS’ Zin Fire Wine isn’t good enough for you? Well normally we’d tell you you’re shit out of luck, but it turns out, you, the consumer, have some more rock-themed wine options.
First up, Sweden’s Bevarages Per Minute and Grapes Svenska AB have teamed up with none other than Lemmy Kilmister to produce a Motörhead themed Shiraz wine. Simply called the Motörhead Shiraz 2010, it’s being described as “a wine with a fruity aroma, flavors of vanilla, blackberries, plums, eucalyptus and liquorice, but with soft rounded tannins.” “My advice is — approach it with caution. I mean, wine is deceptive, anything can happen,” Lemmy himself warns. And we thought Jack Daniels was still Lemmy’s drink of choice. The Motörhead Shiraz 2010 actually already made its debut in Sweden in 2010, and has been a big hit in Scandinavia. Currently it doesn’t seem that the wine is being sold in North American stores, but can be purchased through UK wine distributor Great Wine Online. Check out the Motörhead Shiraz’s website to learn more about the wine that will surely turn you into a damage case by the end of the night.
Next up, Artist Wines is releasing lines of wines from two 80’s hair metal bands. Apparently, Warrant’s Cherry Pie Red 2007 Napa Valley wine was so popular and acclaimed that they sold out. Thus, a new one (this time simply called Warrant Red 2008 Napa Valley) had to be created and will be released in December of this year. In addition, Artist Wines will be releasing not one, but two Ratt themed wines, including a 2010 Ratt N Roll Chardonnay “Body Talk” and a 2009 Ratt N Roll Cabernet “Slip of The Lip!” Ratt drummer Bobby Blotzer gave the following explanation regarding his passion for wine:
“Grapes are one of nature’s richest and tastiest gifts. The colors, the flavors, and the beauty in which they grow. Vines reaching all across the land growing in mother earth’s finest of soils. Reaching from one end of the earth to the other, like music does.
I have had a love affair with wine for over 30 years now. I have been blessed to make my living doing one of life’s other greatest gifts; the gift of music. There is such harmony in music and in wine, for these last 30 years I have travelled all around the world with my band RATT and it’s been one heck of a ride, I’ll tell you that. This ride has allowed for the opportunity to experience so many different tastes and terroirs.”
You can check out Artist Wines’ official website to learn more about Warrant and Ratt’s line of wines, and images of the wines can be seen after the jump. Read more »
You’ve heard stories and critiques about Insane Clown Posse’s fan base. You’ve even seen unflattering parodies of them on national TV. But have you ever wanted to get a real, non-judgmental look into what actually defines a Juggalo…but are still too scared to actually go to the Gathering Of The Juggalos (we can’t all be as brave as Charlie Sheen)?
Well thanks to documentarian Sean Dunne, we can get such an inside view into the lifestyle of the Insane Clown Posse’s most devoted fans from the safety comfort of our homes. Dunne went down to the Gathering Of The Juggalos and conducted a series of interviews with concert goers to gain a better understanding about the Juggalo culture. What resulted is the over 23 minute documentary American Juggalo. You may not have a newfound respect for them, but the movie gives a fair, non-judgmental view into the lives of Juggalos.
So even if you’re not down with the Clown, watch the short documentary in the video player up top.
[via Metal Sucks and Metal Injection]
Fans of Whitechapel received a pleasant surprise last night: a new song. The Tennessee deathcore group posted a new song titled “Section 8” on their Facebook page. In addition, singer Phil Bozeman posted the lyrics to the song on his own fan page.
The new song has added more fuel to rumors that the band will be releasing a digital EP this coming November via Metal Blade Records. Another rumor is that said EP will feature a remix from The Dillinger Escape Plan’s Ben Weinman. No confirmation about either rumor has been provided at this time. At least we can enjoy one new song for the time being.
Fans can either go to Whitechapel’s Facebook page to give “Section 8” a listen, or can hear the new track in the video above.
[via Metal Injection and The PRP]
Headbangers’ Brawl is a weekly column where Metal Insider’s Bram and Zach take a moment to debate and analyze two opposing sides of a topical issue occurring in the world of metal and/or the music industry.
Posted by Metal Insider on Fri, Sep 30, 2011 at 3:29 pm
Headbangers Brawl