Lamb Of God Premieres “Making Of ‘Redneck'” Video; Releases Randy Blythe Action Figure

Courtesy: Epic Records

Lamb of God is taking audiences behind the scenes of the video for its single, ‘Redneck.’

The single is featured in the band’s 2006 album, Sacrament, which is scheduled for re-issue digitally Friday through Epic Records. The album’s re-issue is meant to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the album’s release. The behind the scenes video for the ‘Redneck’ video is streaming here.

The re-issue will feature three previously unreleased live tracks along with the original album’s presentation. The songs were recorded at the band’s 2020 performance at the House of Vans Chicago, which was the band’s only live show from 2020. The re-issue’s full track listing is noted below.

Sacrament (15^th Anniversary) track listing:

1.      Walk with Me in Hell

2.      Again We Rise

3.      Redneck

4.      Pathetic

5.      Foot to the Throat

6.      Descending

7.      Blacken the Cursed Sun

8.      Forgotten (Lost Angels)

9.      Requiem

10.  More Time to Kill

11.  Beating on Death’s Door

12.  Walk with Me in Hell (Live from House of Vans Chicago)*

13.  Redneck (Live from House of Vans Chicago)*

14.  Descending (Live from House of Vans Chicago)*

*Previously unavailable on DSPs

In related news, Lamb of God will premiere its documentary, Walk With Me in Hell alongside the album’s re-issue. The presentation is a documentary that follows the band as it made Sacrament. A trailer for the documentary is streaming here.

Courtesy: Death By Toys

In other news, Lamb of God has partnered with Death By Toys to release an action figure of front man Randy Blythe. The figure presents Blythe as he appeared in the ‘Redneck’ video complete with shaved head and accompanying party favors. The action figure is a nod to the Sacrament cover art. Loudwire is holding a contest that will award one lucky fan their own free Randy Blythe action figure.

Death By Toys Owner Dan Polydoris was upbeat as he talked about making the action figure.

“This was a really fun project for me, and working with the band was such a privilege,” he said. “The black/purple design of the album cover is so iconic and has such a distinct feel that I definitely wanted to use it for the cardback. The birthday party from the music video is so ridiculous and over-the-top, and I wanted to capture a little of that in this toy (without getting in the way of the Randy figure). So I included a bunch of birthday party stuff as tiny accessories for him. Plus, the Happy Birthday sign is actually made from a screenshot of the music video.”

In even more news,

Lamb of God is scheduled to tour with Megadeth, Hatebreed, and Trivium. The bands’ tour schedule is noted below.

Megadeth and Lamb of God 2021 North American Tour Dates:

Fri Aug 20 Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater

Sat Aug 21 Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Sun Aug 22 Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman

Tue Aug 24 El Paso, TX – Don Haskins Center

Wed Aug 25 Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

Fri Aug 27 Denver, CO – Ball Arena

Sun Aug 29 Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theatre

Tue Aug 31 Reno, NV – Reno Events Center

Wed Sep 01 Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre

Thu Sep 02  Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion***

Sat Sep 04   Portland, OR – Moda Center

Sun Sep 05  Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre***

Thu Sep 09  Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago***

Sat Sep 11 Danville, VA – Blue Ridge Festival*

Sun Sep 12  Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Mon Sep 13 Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion

Wed Sep 15 Camden, NJ – B&T Pavilion***

Thu Sep 16  Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center***

Sat Sep 18   Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center***

Sun Sep 19  Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre***

Mon Sep 20  Cincinnati, ON – PNC Pavilion

Wed Sep 22   Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP***

Fri Sep 24 Mount Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino Amphitheatre

Sat Sep 25 Indianola, IA – Knotfest Iowa**

Sun Sep 26  St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis***

Tue Sep 28 Minneapolis, MN – Armory

Thu Sep 30  Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

Fri Oct 01 Laval, QC – Place Bell

Sat Oct 02 Quebec City, QC – Centre Videotron

*Festival Date featuring all 4 bands.

**Festival Date, Knotfest Iowa does not include Hatebreed

More information on Lamb of God’s Sacrament re-issue, upcoming live dates, and news and more is available online now at:

Website: https://www.lamb-of-god.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lambofgod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lambofgod

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Clutch Debuts Re-Worked Take Of Its Classic Song ‘Passive Restraints’

Courtesy: New Ocean Media

Clutch has teamed with Lamb of God front man Randy Blythe for one of its classic songs.

The band debuted a re-worked version of its song ‘Passive Restraints‘ and its video Thursday. Clutch originally featured the song in its 1992 EP. The new re-worked version of the song is featured in the band’s forthcoming album Weathermaker Vault Series Volume 1, which is scheduled for release Nov. 27.

The re-worked song’s musical arrangement is everything that audiences have come to expect from Clutch. The addition of Blythe’s trademark growls and his more unique low vocal delivery adds a special touch to the song, enhancing it even more.

The video for the band’s new song was directed by David Brodsky (The Black Dahlia Murder, Papa Roach). It puts Blythe alongside Clutch’s band members in a studio setting as they perform the song.

Front man Neil Fallon talked about the song’s re-issue in a recent interview.

“Passive Restraints’ was one of the first Clutch songs I wrote lyrics to,” said Fallon. “It was a staple of Clutch sets for years but fell by the wayside as we wrote more and more songs over the years. When we toured with Lamb of God a few years back, Randy would often ask us to bring it back into rotation. We dragged our feet, and finally, we caved. And we were glad we did. The last time Clutch played Copenhell, Randy joined us on stage to perform the song. We decided to re-record it for the WM Vault Series and thought it was only fitting to have Randy join us.”

Blythe expanded on Fallon’s comments.

“When Clutch asked if I wanted to sing an older song with them during our 2016 tour together, I knew immediately which one I wanted to do- ‘Passive Restraints‘ said Blythe. “We performed it in Milwaukee, then again a few years later at Copenhell Fest in Denmark, and I had a blast both times. I think they were a bit surprised I chose a song released in 1992, but I’ve been a fan for a long time. I’ve followed their development as a band since the early days and have enjoyed every album, but as a musician, I know sometimes it’s fun to dust off something you haven’t played in many years and see how it sounds. The song holds up to this day, and I was honored to sing on its re-release.” 

More information on Clutch’s new LP box set and more is available online along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.pro-rock.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/clutchband

Twitter: http://twitter.com/clutchofficial

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Lamb Of God’s Self-Titled LP Lives Up To Expectations And Then Some

Courtesy: Epic Records

Lamb of God is one of the leading names in the metal and hard rock communities today.  The band did not earn that title overnight, either.  It took more than 25 years, nine albums and lots of touring around the world.  With the forthcoming release of its 10^th overall album – and eighth under the Lamb of God moniker (the band was previously known as Burn the Priest, and has released two records under that name) – the band cements its reputation even more so.  The 10-song record is some of the band’s best work to date.  That is proven in part through the record’s musical content, which will be discussed shortly.  The album’s lyrical content does its own part to show what makes this record so strong.  It will be discussed a little later.  The record’s production and mixing put the final touch to its presentation.  Together with the noted content, all three elements make the album’s overall presentation such that it easily makes a place for itself among this year’s top new hard rock and metal albums.

Lamb of God’s forthcoming self-titled album is one of the most anticipated hard rock and metal albums of this year.  The album lives up to expectations, too, as is evidenced in part through the record’s musical arrangements.  From beginning to end, this album’s musical content throws back to the sounds of the band’s 2003 breakout album As The Palaces Burn.  There is even some growth exhibited in the album in ‘Bloodshot Eyes.’  That song actually presents more of a melodic metal sound than the full-throttle, chainsaw-sharp sounds for which the band has come to be known throughout its albums.  Front man Randy Blythe even goes so far as to provide some actual clean vocals in the song alongside his trademark screams.  Meanwhile, the team of guitarists Willie Adler, Mark Morton and bassist John Campbell create the noted melodic hard rock sound that is a welcome change of pace here.  New drummer Art Cruz (Prong, Winds of Plague) adds his own distinct touch to the song, showing that he can play slow and controlled just as easily as he can while keeping time in the album’s more up-tempo works.  The whole makes this song one of the album’s most engaging songs, but definitely not its only notable addition to Lamb of God.  Campbell’s subtle bass intro in ‘Reality Bath’ does well to help set the searing tone that is revealed in the rest of the song.  It does that because of how contradictory it is to the sound in the rest of the song’s arrangement.  It serves as a sort of precursor or calm before the storm that is unleashed throughout the rest of the song.  That storm is intense, too.  Blythe’s vocal delivery gives audiences something rare as it feels and sounds so more focused than ever.  Speaking of focus, the band’s ability to switch so seamlessly between its trademark thrash/groove sound to the more hardcore sound of Hatebreed when that band’s front man Jamey Jasta joins in on ‘Poison Dream’ serves as another example of how focused the band is on this album. What has led the band to gel so well throughout this record is anyone’s guess.  Maybe it is the fact that Morton has recently been allowed to spread his own creative wings through his own solo recordings – Anasthetic and Ether.  Maybe that allowed him to come into the recording sessions with a clearer and more open mind.  Maybe it is that front man randy Blythe recently got sober, as is discussed in an interview that he recently conducted with Revolver magazine.  Audiences can read that whole interview here.  Maybe it is something else or even a combination of those elements and something else.  Whatever the case may be, the fact remains that the musical content featured throughout Lamb of God’s 45-minute run time builds a solid foundation for the record’s presentation.  It is just one of the elements that makes this record so appealing.  The record’s lyrical themes play into the album’s appeal, too.

The lyrical themes featured throughout Lamb of God largely address issues going on with society the world over.  Blythe addressed this, too in his noted interview with Revolver magazine.  He was cited late in the interview as saying that getting sober played directly into his approach to songwriting this time out.  Audiences will be left to read his comments for themselves, but the short and simple of his statement is that in getting sober, he had a clearer mind and realized the importance in the impact of the band’s music, so he took a more active approach to writing each song.  The result of his focus is clear from beginning to end.  ‘Gears’ is just one example of the positive payoff of Blythe’s sobriety.  He writes in this song’s lead verse and chorus, “You suffer from a manufactured sickness and envy by design/Pre-calculated status and patterns of desire/ Accumulation and adoration/Built to feed your ostentation/Perpetually unsatisfied, but you never question why/So hang it on the wall of your golden cage/Tell yourself that it means something/Empty actions to fill the time/Commercial gods keep you in line/Industry and empire thrive/While you’re dying for always more.”  He continues in the song’s second verse, “Your endless hunger automated/Industry defined/A systematic impulse, parametric lines/Subjugation and degradation the blueprint to your annihilation/You’re assets personified, a product of the times,” before eventually adding in the song’s third and final verse, “So you can’t take it with you but you don’t use it now/A shallow life to crush you, drive you into the ground/So scared to lose the nothings you acquire/Everything must fall, bones on a pyre.”  This takes on the issues of consumerism and social media, and how people allow themselves to be turned into essentially puppets for corporations while also fulfilling their own greedy natures.  Sure, it’s hardly the first time that any act has taken on such matters, but Lamb of God has given the topic a new twist in this case that is certain to resonate and stick with audiences.

‘New Colossal Hate’ is another example of the importance of this record’s lyrical themes.  The song addresses the mistreatment of people from ethnic minorities.  This matter has become a hot-button topic ever since Donald Trump rose to power.  His divisive comments about ethnic minority populations have fueled so much division and even criminal activity by white nationalist groups.  Now Blythe has taken on the matter, writing in the song’s lead verse, “The mother of exiles stands there weeping/As her children tear themselves apart/Knives are out, her thoughts are bleeding Blood runs down her welcoming arms/Her feral brood has turned neglectful/The chains she broke are rusting closed/Imprisoned lightning burns forgetful/Spoiled blind to the light that she holds/Lash the tired and kill the poor/The huddled masses ram the door.”  He continues in the song’s second verse, “Like brazen giants with conquering limbs/The herd manifesting all that she despised/Childish amnesia born of privilege/Selfish mob commits matricide/Her mild gaze gone stern, fire in her eyes/Watching her dreams turn into dust The beacon dropped, her hand raised up to strike/Cast them homeless into the tempest/Lash the tired and kill the poor/The coddled masses slam the golden door.”  The song’s third verse is the most telling in the noted statement as Blythe writes, closing out the song, “The melting pot is melting down/A pool of slag on poisoned ground/Choking from the venom’s sting/Pull the fangs, let freedom ring.”  That ironic statement at the end, “Let freedom ring” is a powerful final comment.  It heightens the sense of anger expressed throughout the rest of the song as it addresses the vile, hateful behavior of so many who want to keep ethnic minorities from coming to America.  It is yet another way in which the record’s lyrical themes prove the importance of the record’s lyrical content.  ‘On The Hook,’ the record’s finale, is yet another way in which the album’s lyrical themes prove so important to the album’s presentation.

‘On the Hook’ is a direct statement about America’s opioid epidemic.  It is a damning indictment of the legal drug industry, pointing out its role in people becoming addicted to drugs.  Blythe also addresses this in his interview with Revolver magazine, noting the song’s inspiration was something personal.  The revelation that he makes here is an eye-opener to say the very least.  He opens the song by writing, “A dead silver spoon with needles in his skin/Rode a pale horse down from Afghanistan/Tears in the suburbs/Mothers praying for their damned/Death has crept into their zone of the promised land/But just before each plague, the clearest prophecies/Pandora’s box in backwoods pharmacies/A contract to die.”  He continues in the song’s second verse, “Narcotic economics for the miner’s sons/The seams went bust so long ago/With nowhere else to turn/Strip mine the veins, drill the abscess dry/Incentives for the architects of their genocide/We’ve seen this all before in a different shade/The Dark Alliance shifts to the modern age/A contract to die.”  The song’s most damning statement comes again here in its third verse, in which Blythe writes, Hippocratic hypocrites/Breaking oaths and cashing checks/Wrote an oceans worth of ink/Scripting a nation’s disease/A systematic business plan/To broker death increase demand/So flood the ghetto and starve the hills/Kill them all with crack and pills/Kill them all/Vietnam/Iran Contra/Park Avenue/Oxycontin.”  This is a powerful overall statement that audiences will not soon forget.  Along with Psycle’s song ‘Last Chance for the Saints,’ Lamb of God’s work becomes hopefully just the latest in what is hopefully a growing trend of acts addressing the negative impact of the legalized drug industry.  Regardless, it can be said that it is one more hard-hitting example of what makes this record’s lyrical themes so important.  Taking it into consideration along with the other lyrical themes noted here and those in the rest of the album’s songs, the whole of the album’s lyrical content proves itself just as important as the LP’s musical content.  While the record’s musical and lyrical content collectively and completely ensure listeners’ engagement and entertainment, they are only a portion of what makes the record a strong new offering from Lamb of God.  The album’s mixing and production put the final touch to its presentation.

The production and mixing that went into Lamb of God’s presentation is noteworthy in that so much is going on in each song.  Between Blythe’s screams, Cruz’s powerhouse drumming, Morton and Adler’s double attack and Campbell’s low-end, each band member has something to bring in each song.  Whether in the more radio-ready aggro-rock styling of ‘Bloodshot Eyes,’ the intense ‘Reality Bath,’ which does an admirable job of expressing America’s frustration over all of the recent mass shootings at schools nationwide, the equally intense ‘Poison Dream’ or the arrangements in any of the album’s other songs, the fact remains that each song is expertly produced and mixed.  The fire burns bright in each arrangement, while also allowing each part to show why each said work has such powerful impact.  Producer Josh Wilbur and others involved in this process are to be commended in their own right for this result.  Keeping in mind the positive result of the record’s production and mixing, that element is what makes the record’s arrangements hit as hard as they do.  It is what leads the lyrics and music to come together and translate as well as they do.  To that end, it puts the finishing touch to this record and makes it a must hear for Lamb of God’s fans and metal/hard rock fans alike.  It all comes together to make Lamb of God one of this year’s top new hard rock and metal albums.

Lamb of God’s forthcoming self-titled album is an impressive new offering from the band.  It is a work whose musical arrangements take audiences back in time and whose lyrical themes do their own part to keep audiences engaged and entertained.  The record’s production and mixing put the final touch to its presentation by balancing everything out and in turn making the album that much more appealing.  Each noted item is important in its own way.  All things considered, they make Lamb of God, without argument, one of this year’s top new hard rock and metal albums.  It is scheduled for release Friday through Epic Records.  Pre-orders are open now for Lamb of God.

More information on Lamb of God’s new album, its new album, single, news and more is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.lamb-of-god.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lambofgod

Twitter: http://twitter.com/lambofgod

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Lamb of God Debuts New LP’s Third Single, Single’s Lyric Video

Courtesy: Epic Records

Lamb of God has debuted the latest single from its forthcoming self-titled album.

The band debuted the new single ‘New Colossal Hate‘ Wednesday alongside its lyric video.  The song’s musical arrangement is everything that fans have come to expect from the band, with its powerhouse shredding and equally precise timekeeping.  Its lyrical content is just as powerful as its musical content, according to information provided about the new song.  The information states that the song’s lyrical content is meant to address the mistreatment of people from ethnic minorities.

Guitarist Willie Adler spoke in a recent interview about the creation of the song’s arrangement.

“‘New Colossal Hate’ came out of our very first writing session in Maine,” he said.  “[Guitarist] Mark [Morton], our producer Josh Wilbur and I were at a super cool studio in South Windham called Halo.  An absolutely beautiful spot run by some of the best people I’ve ever met.  I’m pretty sure ‘New Colossal Hate’ grew from a few different demos I had.  You know, like pats of a car. However, as it started to take shape, it quickly became my favorite song on the record.  Please enjoy this banger of a tune.  It holds a very special place in my heart.”

Audiences who are prone to epileptic seizures are cautioned against taking in the song’s lyric video due to the excessive flashing images.

‘New Colossal Hate’ is just one of Lamb of God‘s lyrically heavy songs.  According to the noted information, the album also takes on issues, such as the nation’s opioid crisis (‘On The Hook’), school shootings (‘Reality Bath’) and social injustice (‘Routes’) throughout the course of its body.

‘New Colossal Hate’ is the third single so far from Lamb of God.  It follows the release of the album’s second single, ‘Memento Mori‘ and the album’s lead single, ‘Checkmate.’

According to front man Randy Blythe, ‘Memento Mori’ presents its own social commentary.

“Months before the COVID-19 outbreak occurred, I wrote ‘Memento Mori’ as a reminder to myself to be not be consumed by the ominpresent electronic harbingers of doom that surround us – cell phones, computers and television screens,” he said.  “While these devices can be useful tools, and it is important to stay informed, it is equally important to remain engaged with the real, physical world we live in, not just digitally filtered representations of reality.”

Blythe went on to talk about the song’s video in his statement.

“I wrote the narrative video treatment a few months ago to illustrate how warped and myopic our mental states can become when we fail to remain engaged with that reality – if all you pay attention to is catastrophe, then soon you will begin to see monsters everywhere,” he said.  “The actual monsters we used in the video are Sinisteria, a local Richmond, Virginia haunted house/dark performance troupe I met on the street at our annual Krampus Nacht parade.  Richmond has a strong tradition of loud music and weird costumed monsters working hand-in-hand to make salient points (we are the birthplace of Gwar, after all), and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”

“Music has always been there for me, raising my spirits during hard times, and it is my hope that this song’s positive message will do the same for fans of our music right now and beyond,” he added.  “The release date for the tune was set a good while ago, but the timing seems eerily prescient to me now.  So enjoy the song and video, and remember to step away from the screens for a bit — real life is waiting for you.  We only get one shot, so don’t waste this day.  Everyone be well, keep a cool head, take care of yourselves and take care of EACH OTHER.”

Guitarist Mark Morton expanded on Blythe’s comments about the song’s creation.

“I had been sitting with the music for the intro and the post chorus for quite a while,” he said.  “I was trying to develop those two parts as separate songs altogether and was a little stumped particularly with the intro piece.  Me, Willie, and Josh Wilbur (producer) were doing demos in the studio, and the idea came up to try to mash those parts into the same tune, and everything just took off.  It was one of those times where once I knew what we were trying to do, the riffs just kind of fell out of me like they were writing themselves like they were writing themselves.  It’s always a crazy feeling when that happens.  Vocally, Randy heard the intro and said he instantly got a throwback Sisters of Mercy type vibe from it and he took off from there.”

In talking about ‘Checkmate,’ Morton had the following to say:

“‘Checkmate’ brings together all the components of the Lamb of God sound that we’ve been developing over the last two decades, but with the ambition and ferocity that comes with the start of a new chapter for our band,” he said.  “Re-energized and reignited, this is Lamb of God 2020.  We’ve never been more excited.”

Blythe expanded on his comments.

“Putting only our names on it is a statement,” Blythe said.  “This is Lamb of God. Here and now.”

Lamb of God was produced by Josh Wilbur (Soulfly, Hatebreed, Megadeth, Gojira), and features guest appearances from the likes of Hatebreed front man Jamey Jasta and Testament front man Chuck Billy.  The album’s track listing is noted below.

 

Lamb Of God tracklisting:

1. Memento Mori

2. Checkmate

3. Gears

4. Reality Bath

5. New Colossal Hate

6. Resurrection Man

7. Poison Dream (feat. Jamey Jasta)

8. Routes (feat. Chuck Billy)

9. Bloodshot Eyes

10. On The Hook

Pre-orders are open now for Lamb of God. The announcement was made recently that the album’s release date has been pushed back to June 19 as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 impact.

More information on Lamb of God’s upcoming live dates, its new album, single, news and more is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.lamb-of-god.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lambofgod

Twitter: http://twitter.com/lambofgod

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

Soulfly Debuts ‘Under Rapture’ Lyric Video; Announces New Live Dates

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Only days after the band debuted the latest “trailer” for its new album Ritual, Soulfly has unveiled the lyric video for its new single.

The band debuted the lyric video for its new single ‘Under Rapture’ on Friday.  The single features guest vocals from Immolation front man Ross Dolan, with whom Soulfly front man Max Cavalera discussed working in that noted recent “trailer.”

Dolan said in a recent interview that he enjoyed taking part in the creation of ‘Under Rapture.’

“It was really exciting for me to be part of the new Soulfly album,” Dolan said.  “‘Under Rapture’ is a crushing song, and I was on board the second I heard it.  It was truly an honor for me to have been part of this.  I think it’s a sick song, both musically and lyrically, and I am really happy with the end result!”

He added, “This collaboration started last February when we were invited out as support on the ‘Return to Roots’ tour, which eventually led to Max singing on the ‘Morbid Visions’ cover we did for the Death Is Just The Beginning compilation.  As fans, having Max part of this really made it special, and truly meant the world to us.”

Soulfly debuted Ritual‘s seventh “trailer” on Wednesday.  [Max] Cavalera discussed working with Dolan and Lamb of God front man Randy Blythe in that video.  Prior to its release, the band also released trailers featuring Cavalera discussing: the choice of music for projects, working with the Navajo tribe, the return of tribal elements on Ritual, Ritual‘s title, working with producer Josh Wilbur on Ritual, and Ritual‘s artwork.

The band has also previously released a “visualizer” for its single ‘Dead Behind The Eyes,’ which features Randy Blythe on guest vocals, a 360-degree video for Ritual‘s title track and stream of the album’s lead single ‘Evil Empowered.’

The full track listing for Ritual is noted below.

Ritual track listing:
1.  Ritual
2.  Dead Behind The Eyes (feat. Randy Blythe)
3.  The Summoning
4.  Evil Empowered
5.  Under Rapture (feat. Ross Dolan)
6.  Demonized
7.  Blood On The Street
8.  Bite The Bullet
9.  Feedback!
10.  Soulfly XI

 

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Soulfly will launch a month-long tour in support of Ritual in January that is scheduled to launch Jan. 25 in Albuquerque, NM and run through Feb. 26 in Los Angeles, CA.  That schedule is noted below. Tickets can be purchased here.

SOULFLY, INCITE
1/25/2019 Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
1/26/2019 Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey
1/27/2019 Austin, TX – Come & Take It Live
1/28/2019 New Orleans, LA – Santos
1/31/2019 – 2/4/2019 – 70000 TONS OF METAL CRUISE (SOULFLY only)

SOULFLY, KATAKLYSM, INCITE, CHAOSEUM (Feb 5-11), ALUKAH (Feb 12 – 18), SKINFLINT (Feb 19-26)
2/05/2019 Orlando, FL – Soundbar
2/06/2019 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
2/07/2019 Frederick, MD – Cafe 611
2/08/2019 Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz
2/09/2019 Reading, PA – Reverb / Tsunami Fest
2/10/2019 Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
2/11/2019 New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre
2/12/2019 Toronto, ON – Mod Club
2/13/2019 Flint, MI – Buick City Events Center
2/14/2019 Joliet, IL – The Forge
2/15/2019 Ft Wayne, IN – Piere’s
2/16/2019 Dayton, OH – Oddbodys
2/17/2019 Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall
2/18/2019 Kansas City, MO – Riot Room
2/19/2019 Colorado Springs, CO – Sunshine Studios Live
2/20/2019 Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater
2/22/2019 Spokane, WA – The Pin
2/23/2019 Seattle, WA – Club Sur Rocks
2/24/2019 Portland, OR – BossaNova
2/25/2019 Petaluma, CA – Phoenix Theatre
2/26/2019 Los Angeles, CA – 1720 Club

More information on Soulfly’s tour schedule is available online, along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://www.soulfly.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/soulflyofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheSoulflyTribe

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

 

 

 

Soulfly Debuts Third Single From ‘Ritual’

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Soulfly has debuted another single from its forthcoming album, and has already coupled with with a companion video.

The band debuted the “visualization” video for its new single ‘Dead Behind The Eyes‘ on Friday. The song is lifted from the band’s forthcoming album Ritual and features a guest appearance by Lamb of God front man Randy Blythe.  The “visualization” takes audiences through a maze of rusty chains and occasional burning embers, a shot of the band and Ritual‘s cover art as the thrash style arrangement plays.

Soulfly front man and founder Max Cavalera explained in an interview with Sweden’s Rock Sverige that the song’s lyrical content was influenced in part by the Cenobites, the creatures from Clive Barker’s Hellraiser movies, but offered little other background on the lyrics’ meaning.

“It was really cool,” Cavalera said. “[Randy is] really tight with [producer] Josh Wilbur, and Josh has done all the Lamb of God stuff, and he was working on the Burn The Priest record, so I just told Josh to give him the tracks and “show them to him, and if there’s anything he likes, if he wants to sing on it, it’s all cool.” I didn’t have a song for him, so he showed him everything, and what Josh told me was that they were listening to it and the minute that song came on — it was nicknamed ‘Bruiser Brother’ — and the minute he heard it, it was like, “That’s it! This is the one ! I don’t wanna hear anything else.”  I had already written the lyrics, so I sent him all my lyrics, and it was just good to have the Randy voice on it.  He’s got a real distinctive voice, really unique, and that’s what I like about guys like him.  It’s very original and you know it’s him.”

Cavalera went on to explain that the song’s musical arrangement was rooted in some familiar influences.

“That song, the vocal pattern is really based on [Sepultura’s 1987 album] Schizophrenia and ‘From The Past Comes The Storm,” Cavalera said.  “It’s totally influenced by that.  When I worked on that song, I worked with my son Zyon and he was listening to Beneath The Remains and asking me about songs like ‘Stronger Than Hate,’ and all those parts, and mesmerized by it, and I was like, “You know what? Let’s challenge this! Let’s make a song like that!”  So I started working with him and added all those parts, and it has one of my favorite guitar solos of Marc Rizzo.  I gave him a whole section.  It was crafted like Ride The Lightning era.  You’ve got this solid rhythm behind the leads, which not many people do.  It can be kind of a headache to put it together, and it might take a little time, but I think the final result is f****** awesome.”

Cavalera stressed if he can convince Blythe to take part, he would like to make a full video for ‘Dead Behind The Eyes.’  The song’s current video is just the latest presentation to come from the album. Also released are a full 360-degree video for Ritual‘s title track and a stream for the album’s lead single, ‘Evil Empowered.’

Four videos featuring Cavalera talking about topics, such as Ritual‘s artwork, working with Josh Wilbur, Ritual‘s title and tribal elements are also streaming now.

Pre-orders are open now for Ritual.  The album’s track listing is noted below.

Ritual track listing:
1.  Ritual
2.  Dead Behind The Eyes (feat. Randy Blythe)
3.  The Summoning
4.  Evil Empowered
5.  Under Rapture (feat. Ross Dolan)
6.  Demonized
7.  Blood On The Street
8.  Bite The Bullet
9.  Feedback!
10.  Soulfly XI

More information on Ritual is available online now along with all of Soulfly’s latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://www.soulfly.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/soulflyofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheSoulflyTribe

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Lamb of God Debuts Video For Upcoming Album’s New Single

Courtesy: Epic Records

Lamb of God has officially premiered the video for its latest single ‘Overlord.’

The second single from the band’s upcoming album Sturm Und Drang (roughly translated means storm and penetrate),’Overlord’ is considered one of the biggest departures for the band on its upcoming album. It can be viewed online now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNRsvFsY9qk. Front man Randy Blythe explains of the song, “I wrote the song about the dangers of self-obsession in our distressingly myopic and increasingly entitled “me-now/now-me” culture; just like the couple in the video, many people can’t seem to look past their own relatively small problems to see the bigger picture: the world is in serious trouble. Having a bad day at work, or a fight with your significant other, or getting a crappy haircut or table service does not in any way shape or form constitute an emergency. Sometimes things just don’t work out the way we want them to- deal with it. People who only see their own problems eventually wind up alone because no one wants to hear their crap anymore- we all know someone like that, always whining and complaining about some inconsequential setback as if it were the apocalypse. This song is for those people.” The new video is the second for the band helmed by director Jorge Torres-Torres. His last time working with the band behind the lens was on the video for the song ‘512.’

In anticipation of Sturm Und Drang’s release on July 24^th, Lamb of God has announced a series of live dates with Slipknot, Bullet For My Valentine, and Motionless in White. The tour kicks off in West Palm Beach, Florida on the same day as the album’s release and currently runs through Saturday, September 5^th in Dallas, Texas. The current schedule for LOG’s upcoming tour is listed below.

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR:

LAMB OF GOD W/ Slipknot, Bullet For My Valentine & Motionless In White

7/24 – West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheatre

7/25 – Tampa, FL @ MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre

7/26 – Atlanta, GA @ Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood

7/28 – Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy MusicTheatre

7/29 – Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

7/31 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center

8/1 – Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

8/2 – Hartford, CT @ XFINITY Theatre

8/4 – Boston, MA @ XFINITY Center

8/5 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center

8/6 – Pittsburgh, PA @ First Niagara Pavilion

8/8 – Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

8/9 – Montreal, QC @ Parc Jean-Drapeau – Heavy Montreal

8/11 – Washington, DC @ Jiffy Lube Live

8/12 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach

8/14 – Indianapolis, IN @ Klipsch Music Center

8/15 – Chicago, IL @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

8/16 – St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

8/19 – Denver, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre

8/21 – Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheatre

8/22 – Garden City, ID @ Revolution Center – NO SLIPKNOT *New Show*

8/23 – Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheater

8/24 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena

8/26 – Concord, CA @ Concord Pavilion

8/28 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Resort Festival Grounds

8/29 – Phoenix, AZ @ AK-Chin Pavilion

8/30 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater

9/2 – Austin, TX @ Austin360 Amphitheater

9/4 – Houston, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

9/5 – Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion

Sturm Und Drang can be pre-ordered online now via iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/vii-sturm-und-drang-deluxe/id1000708954 and via Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/VII-Sturm-Drang-LAMB-GOD/dp/B00YH4Y7U4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433367861&sr=8-1&keywords=lamb+of+god&tag=smarturl-20. Fans can also pre-order the album now direct from Lamb of God’s online store in a variety of bundle packs at http://lambofgod.shop.musictoday.com/page/preorder.

More information on Lamb of God’s tour is available online along with all of the latest updates on its new album and all of the latest news from the band at:

Website: http://www.lamb-of-god.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lambofgod

Twitter: http://twitter.com/lambofgod

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Gojira Albums To Be Reissued On Vinyl

Courtesy: Prosthetic Records

Officials with Prosthetic Records have announced that the label is set to reissue the two albums that helped to establish the French tech-death metal band in the metal community worldwide.  The label will reissue From Mars to Sirius and The Way of All Flesh in gatefold double vinyl sets in very limited quantities beginning August 27^th. 

Courtesy: Prosthetic Records

Both albums will be reissued to the total number of one thousand copies each.  From Mars to Sirius will be released in three 180-gram variants:  “Eco-green” (600 copies), “Mars Red” (200 copies), and Sea Blue (200 copies).  The Way of All Flesh will be reissued on only two variants: 180-gram Clear (500 copies) and standard-weight blue-white split vinyl (500 copies).  The reissue of The Way of All Flesh marks the first time in three years that the album will be available on vinyl.  The album features a guest spot by Lamb of God front man Randy Blythe and was produced by Logan Mader (Five Finger Death Punch, Devildriver, Fear Factory).  The band toured alongside In Flames and All That Remains in support of this release.  There was even an arena tour with Metallica in support of the album.

Courtesy: Prosthetic Records

Both The Way of All Flesh and From Mars to Siruis can be pre-ordered now online at http://www.indiemerch.com/prostheticrecords/pre-orders.

To keep up with the latest news from Gojira, fans can follow the band online at http://www.facebook.com/GojiraMusic and http://www.gojira-music.com. 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Lamb Of God Debut LP Gets Re-Issue Treatment

Courtesy: Prosthetic Records

Prosthetic Records has announced that in celebration of this year’s annual Record Store Day, it will re-issue Lamb of God’s Prosthetic Records debut album, New American Gospel.  The album will be released in a very limited quantity.  Only five hundred copies of this vinyl release will be available nationwide.  And they will be available only on Record Store Day, April 20^th.  All proceeds from sales of the vinyl re-issue will go to benefit the “Justice Now” Legal Fund for the band’s vocalist, Randy Blythe.  Blythe was recently acquitted of manslaughter charges linked to a concert goers death at a performance by the band in Prague on May 24, 2010.  Despite being exonerated, Blythe still faces massive legal defense bills.  Sales of this record will go to pay those costs.

Courtesy: Prosthetic Records

The upcoming re-issue will feature remastered “2006 versions” of the album’s original track listing.  Donations to Blythe’s Legal fund can also be made online at http://bit.ly/FreeRandy. 

To get a full listing of stores participating in Record Store Day, go online to http://www.recordstoreday.com.  And to keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.