River City Revival

The End Of An Era

2008-09-04T17:36:00.007-05:00

I know I really haven't been keeping this blog up for the most part, but this was too important in my book not to post this.

Damn, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Alabama Thunderpussy, one of my favorite local acts and namesake to this blog, have decided to end the band. I have copy and pasted the official statement from founding member and guitarist, Erik Larson that was posted earlier today on their message board:

It’s been a very quiet 2008 from us here in ATP thus far. I know there has been speculation and uncertainty about exactly what the status of the band is, and our apologies go out to y’all for being MIA. Finally, I’m able to give you an update. The beginning of 2008 brought yet more upheaval in the saga that is this band, when Kyle Thomas left the group to focus on his family and the impending Exhorder reunion. The remaining four of us had a band meeting and after serious discussion, decided to take a much deserved/needed few months hiatus to regroup and focus on home life and other individual projects. The “few months” seemed to flow into a bit longer as the summer progressed and we all dug deeper into our lives as individuals outside of ATP. Well, we finally regrouped and after much deliberation and thoughtful discussion, we have decided to end the band. There are no hard feelings between us and no bullshit politics. It’s pretty much just the end of an era. To quote George Harrison, all things must pass. And so after 12+ yrs of solid ATP mayhem, we call it a day. We can’t thank all of you enough for the tireless and seemingly endless support and friendship we received from you over the years, it was really fucking amazing and appreciated more than you know. Each one of us are still very active and involved in creating music and art and we hope you will bless us with your continued support of our individual endeavors. So if you would, raise your drink of choice in our honor and toast to the future.

Erik/ATP 2008

I was just wondering the other day how the recent news of the reforming of Exhorder was going to affect Kyle's status in the band. From a longtime fan and friend of the band ATP will be missed as a group but I will definitely look forward to what may rise from the ashes of this. Good luck to all you guys in all future endeavors. As Erik requested, a toast to the future.

For more information about this announcement or to contribute to their message board you check it out here:

The End Of An Era

Down Comes To Richmond!

2008-01-09T15:29:00.000-05:00

New tour dates were added to Down's tour page and one of the dates added was Friday, Feb. 15th at Toad's Place. It shall be "An evening with Down". There will be an introduction video and then Down and Down alone shall play for nearly two hours. After Down's latest Over The Under has been getting rave reviews since it's release last year, be sure not to miss this show. I know I won't.

Municiple Waste's Headbanger Face Rip Video Posted Online

2007-08-31T21:05:00.000-05:00

Local Richmond thrashers Municipal Waste have posted the video for Headbanger Face Rip online for your viewing pleasure. It was filmed by the 80s cult splatter film company Troma Entertainment and features such Troma characters as the Toxic Avenger and Kabukiman. The song is from their latest release The Art of Partying.

Floodgate: 'Penalty' Reissue To Include Bonus Tracks

2007-08-17T17:06:00.000-05:00

As posted on Blabbermouth:

Metal Mind Productions will issue a remastered edition of Floodgate's "Penalty" and album in Europe on September 10 (October 30 in the U.S. via MVD). The CD will be available in a new digipack edition on golden disc, digitally remastered using 24-bit technology, limited to a hand-numbered 2,000 copies and featuring three bonus cuts: two demo recordings and one previously unreleased track.

Fronted by former Exhorder and current Alabama Thunderpussy singer Kyle Thomas, this stoner rock band emerged in the mid-'90s, when the music scene was preparing itself for the upcoming wave of nu-metal. The New Orleans-based quartet, however, offered a completely different musical approach. "Penalty", the band's first and only LP, delivers an hour of prime doom-sludge stoner rock, comparable to the best releases by Trouble, Down or Monster Magnet. It features 11 brilliantly arranged tracks, inspired by the Deep South traditions of stoner rock.

"Penalty" (remastered) track listing:

01. Shivering
02. Through My Days Into My Nights
03. Before The Line Divides
04. Those Days
05. Till My Soil
06. Whole
07. Second Guesser
08. Running With Sodden Legs
09. Imitation Salvation
10. Feel You Burn
11. Black With Sin

Bonus tracks:

12. The Sublime and The Hollow (previously unreleased)
13. Those Days (demo)
14. Imitation Salvation (demo)

Damn, this is a killer CD. A must for any fans of Kyle Thomas, Alabama Thunderpussy or Exhorder. Since the original CD has been out of print for awhile you can pick up the remaster for a nice price.

Dear Oderus Urungus......

2007-07-31T16:03:00.000-05:00

From Anarchy Music:

Oderus Urungus of Gwar is a saint. He has spent much of his time on Earth helping those in need, when not butchering politicians and useless celebrities onstage in front thousands of screaming fans, that is. He cares so much about the starving people in Africa that he introduced AIDS into the populace to help lessen the number of people needing food. Now, he goes a step beyond that, as the great and mighty warrior has signed on with Anarchy Music to give lonely and lost souls some much needed advice. Love, career, family, friends... no situation is outside the realm of subjects that Oderus has contemplated upon and can help you through. Of course, if you have an issue in your life that could use the intelligent and caring advice from a god among men, just send an email to anarchy@anarchymusic.net with "Dear Oderus" in the subject line.

Read the first installment of "Dear Oderus" at this location.

That's right folks! You read correctly, G.W.A.R. frontman Oderus Urungus has his own advice column. Now following the advice, that's a different story all together.

If Your Life Was A Movie, What Would The Soundtrack Be?

2007-07-30T11:38:00.000-05:00

So, here's how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend your cool...

Opening Credits:
Fool To Cry - The Rolling Stones

Waking Up:
The Mill Wheel - Sixty Watt Shaman

First Day At School:
Too Tough To Die - The Ramones

Falling in Love:
Drug Me - The Dead Kennedys

Fight Song:
Electric Rodeo - Shooter Jennings

Breaking Up:
Funky Ceili - Black 47

Prom:
Healing Tongue - Spirit Caravan

Life:
Stabbing The Drama - Soilwork

Mental Breakdown:
You Know I Cry - Twisted Sister

Driving:
Gullah - Clutch

Flashback:
Consequences - Iced Earth

Wedding:
Bangover - Municipal Waste

Final Battle:
Bastard - Motörhead

Death Scene:
No Damn Fool - Throttlerod

Funeral Song:
Indian Giver - The Ramones

End Credit:
Halloween II - The Misfits

Wow, my iPod has some interesting choices for my questions.

Baroness Unveils Preview Track

2007-07-17T12:59:00.000-05:00

As posted on Blabbermouth:

Baroness has posted the first preview track, "The Birthing", from its first proper full-length album and Relapse debut, "Red Album". The song can be heard now exclusively via the band's MySpace page.

BARONESS recorded "Red Album" at the Jam Room in Columbia, SC with Phillip Cope (of KYLESA). The record was mastered by Scott Hull at Visceral Sound and is set for a September 4 North American release (September 10 internationally). The CD is available for pre-order now at Relapse.com. The 12" vinyl version of "Red Album" will be available at roughly the same time courtesy of Hyperrealist Records.

BARONESS tour dates:

Aug. 17 - Richmond, VA - Alley Katz
Sep. 19 - Savannah, GA - The Jinx
Sep. 20 - Athens, GA - Repent (with Zoroaster, The Dumps)
Sep. 21 - Asheville, NC - Static Age
Sep. 22 - Louisville, KY - Keswick Democratic Club
Sep. 27 - Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Roboto Project
Sep. 28 - Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place
Oct. 03 - Baltimore, MD - Otto Bar
Oct. 07 - Richmond, VA - Incubate
Oct. 08 - Raleigh, NC - Volume 11 Tavern
Oct. 09 - Charleston, SC - Cumberlands

Nice, They're hitting Richmond twice on this tour!

My Kinda Station!

2007-07-16T16:01:00.000-05:00

While reading some one of my friend's livejournal post on customizable radio stations, I came across a great one mentioned by one of his visitors, Pandora. You can create your own stations by either a favorite band or song. It will then play other songs that are similar in genre or sound. If something comes on that you don't like, jut rate it with a thumbs down and it will never be played again. It's a great way to find new music or if you just are tired of the same songs loaded on your iPod or other digital playlist. The other great feature is if you really like a song they played that you don't have, you can click on a link and buy it from iTunes or Amazon.

G.W.A.R. "Kills" Lordi

2007-07-16T10:23:00.000-05:00

It looks like G.W.A.R. continues to show their dislike of Finland's shock rock group Lordi by including Lordi's dismembered head on a stick in their stage shows on the current Sounds of The Underground Tour. The rival started when accusations of Lordi stealing G.W.A.R.'s stage show idea of wearing similar foam latex monster outfits and playing heavy metal. During most of the shows Lordi's head appears after GWAR's opening song, Oderus asks the crowd, "Oh, were you expecting LORDI?" and proceeds to take a replica of Mr. Lordi's head out on a stick. As expected, the crowd then gets covered in blood. A video of G.W.A.R.'s performace of this at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ is now floating around YouTube thanks to The Syndicate Blog. You can watch it down below!

Stuck Mojo Debuts New Video, Web Site and Podcast

2007-07-05T15:11:00.000-05:00

From the official press release from Stuck Mojo founder Rich Ward:

Stuck Mojo Debuts Video for "I'm American," New Web Site and Podcast

ATLANTA, GA - Following up on the success of their controversial, anti-jihadist music video for the song "Open Season," Stuck Mojo released today the video for "I'm American" from their new album "Southern Born Killers." In addition, they also unveiled a redesigned web site and the new "Mojo Mindset" podcast series at www.StuckMojo.us.

Stuck Mojo was thrust into the national spotlight earlier this year when the "Open Season" video caught the attention of the blogosphere. Not only was it unusual to see a hard rock band take a pro-American stance, the message of the track was very clear - "we will not simply surrender to those who wish to do us harm." While some would try to claim that the song was anti-Islamic, the lyrics proved this untrue. It is clearly anti-jihadist. Some were so incensed that they accused the band of racism. This is especially ironic considering that jihadists are not a race and the fact that Stuck Mojo is a multi-cultural, multi-racial band themselves!

The controversy was fostered by YouTube denying the video its rightful placement on their most-viewed lists. Google video simply banned the track due to a few of the still images of the jihadists in action. Surprisingly, Stuck Mojo found a new audience in the hundreds of thousands who also were tired of the politically-correct, left-leaning music industry. Guitarist and songwriter Rich Ward appeared on several, national talk shows as well as Fox News" "The Big Story with John Gibson" to clarify the band"s message.

While not as controversial, "I'm American" does find the band once again making it clear, in no uncertain terms, that they are proud of the qualities that has made their country great and the people who have fought and died for its foundation and defense. In today's climate of self-hatred in the music business, where bands openly flaunt their shame at being Americans, Stuck Mojo once again refuses to go with the flow. As with "Open Season" the message of "I'm American" is clear - "we may have our problems and differences, but all are welcome to come and stand with us in freedom."

Stuck Mojo is an Atlanta-based band that is recognized as pioneers in the blending of hard rock and hip-hop. Over their 15-year career they have released several, full-length albums and have toured the world continuously. Their new album, "Southern Born Killers," is available for download, in its entirety, via the band's web site at www.StuckMojo.us. A CD version including bonus DVD is also available for purchase.

Related links:
Official Stuck Mojo web site
"I'm American" music video
"Open Season" music video
"Southern Born Killers" album
and lyrics

Orange Goblin's Healing Through Fire To Be Released On Gatefold Vinyl

2007-07-05T15:02:00.000-05:00

As posted on Blabbermouth:

Orange Goblin's latest CD, "Healing through Fire", will be released on gatefold vinyl on September 24 through Sanctuary Records. This will initially be a limited edition of 1,000, all signed personally by the band. The gatefold sleeve will also include exclusive photos, artwork and more.

"Healing through Fire" was released in May through Sanctuary Records. The album was initially released as a CD with a bonus DVD featuring live footage from the band's headline show at London's Mean Fiddler in December 2006.

Alabama Thunderpussy New Tour Dates With Obituary

2007-07-05T14:40:00.000-05:00

Nice! Their tour with W.A.S.P. may have fallen through, but it looks like Alabama Thunderpussy are going to head out on tour with Obituary this fall! The dates below are from Obituary's tour dates page and have been confirmed by ATP's guitarist Erik Larson.

September

11 - Springfield, VA - JAXX
12 - New York, NY - B.B. Kings
14 - Saryville, NJ
15 - Southbridge, MA - ADC Performance Center
16 - Williamsville, NY - New York Fright Fest 4 at Club Infinity
19 - Mt. Clemans, MI - Emerald Theatre
20 - Cleveland, OH - Peobodys
21 - Maplewood, MN - The Rock
22 - Indianapolis, IN - KOC Grand Ballroom Metal Festival
24 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theatre
26 - Anaheim, CA - House Of Blues
28 - Las Vegas, NV - TBA
29 - San Diego, CA - Jumping Turtle
30 - Los Angeles, CA - The Knitting Factory

October

02 - Phoenix Arizona - TBA
04 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theatre
05 - Houston, TX - Meridian
06 - New Orleans, LA - The Hanger

Birds Of Prey Working On New Album

2007-06-29T21:44:00.000-05:00

From the latest Relapse newsletter:

Birds Of Prey recently entered Sniper Studio in Moyock, NC to record their second full-length album, Sulfur and Semen.

Birds Of Prey teamed up with producer Vince Burke to track a number of new songs and one IRON AND WINE cover. Advance song titles include: “Satisfy the 45”, “Lice Halo”, “Where Black Lungs Don’t Breathe”, and “Turning Big Rocks Into Little Rocks”.

Sulfur and Semen follows up the band’s debut album, Weight of the Wound, and is expected to see a late 2007 / early 2008 release date via Relapse Records.

Happy Birthday Jenn

2007-06-27T14:47:00.000-05:00

Even though this isn't music related, I had to post this!

I hope you have a wonderful birthday hon! I love you!

Alabama Thunderpussy Tour With W.A.S.P. Cancelled!

2007-06-15T15:38:00.000-05:00

It appears that Blackie Lawless has cancelled on Alabama Thunderpussy for the second and last time. I was really hopeful that this time the tour would work, but it appears according to a news item on Alabama Thunderpussy's page that Blackie cancelled the tour. I've heard rumors that he can be difficult to work with. I'm guessing that why he's they sole original member left in W.A.S.P. Good news is that the guys in ATP are working on fill-in dates. And don't worry for those fans in the Richmond area, the show on 9/02/07 is still on since it's a local show with Lamb Of God as the headliners.

Alabama Thunderpussy On Tour With W.A.S.P.

2007-06-12T23:04:00.000-05:00

I didn't want to post this news until I heard the official dates from the band. It's official! Alabama Thunderpussy is on an opening slot with 80's metal act W.A.S.P.

The following tour dates are with W.A.S.P.

07/17/07 Austin, TX Red Eyed Fly
07/18/07 Houston, TX Scout Bar
07/19/07 Dallas, TX Palladium Ballroom
07/24/07 Winnipeg, MB Pyramid Cabaret
07/26/07 Maplewood, MN the Rock
07/27/07 Detroit, MI Harpos
07/28/07 Mokena, IL the Pearl Room
08/01/07 Wantagh, NY Mulcahy's
08/03/07 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre
08/04/07 Springfield, VA Jaxx
08/05/07 Southbridge, MA ADC Performance Center
08/06/07 New York, NY BB King's
08/07/07 Toronto, Ontario the Big Bop Concert Hall
08/08/07 Quebec, Quebec Imperial de Quebec
08/10/07 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock Café
08/11/07 Poughkeepsie, NY the Chance

They're may be a stop in Richmond as well but in case there isn't, there is a local show in September:

09/02/07 Richmond, VA Toad's Place (with Lamb Of God, Hatebreed, and 3 Inches of Blood)

Lemmy Kilmister: Now Available in Plastic!

2007-05-22T10:56:00.000-05:00

Yet another metal legend is getting the action figure treatment. Motörhead's Lemmy Kilmister will be available in shops this November. So be on the look out for him at most collectible and specialty shops this fall!

How To Trash A Hotel Room With Ace Frehley

2007-05-16T09:58:00.000-05:00

In 1994, right after Johnny Depp was arrested for trashing his hotel room in New York, a news crew thought it would be funny to get a personal lesson on how to trash a hotel room with a pro, Ex-Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley. In case you are wondering, yes they did get the hotel's permission. Watch the video below to see Ace use a Champagne bottle and chainsaw as tools to redecorate. Funny stuff.

Still Of The Night

2007-05-02T17:08:00.000-05:00

Whitepussy (photo by Bryan Cox)

Nice! There is a bonus track on Alabama Thunderpussy's Japanese Edition of Open Fire, it's a cover of Whitesnake's Still Of The Night and you can listen to it on the band's myspace page. I wish I could take credit for the very funny Whitepussy photo above, but the brains behind that was Bryan Cox.

Type O Negative's Video "Profit Of Doom" Posted On YouTube

2007-05-01T08:24:00.000-05:00

Gone On Vacation!

2007-04-20T07:13:00.000-05:00

Sorry folks, don't expect to find any new updates on River City Revival until after next weekend. As of this evening, my wife and I are off to Florida to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Back in about a week!

Congratulations Dime, Shine on!

2007-04-20T07:05:00.000-05:00

Cool, Dimebag Darrell to be posthumously Inducted Into Hollywood's Rockwalk. I just hoping it not because he was killed in a tragic way but because he was one hell of a guitar player and so damn nice to all his fans.

Video Premiere Party!

2007-04-14T11:20:00.000-05:00

Alabama Thunderpussy is holding a video premiere party.
The down and dirty details:

Monday April 16th 10pm
Cous Cous Mediterranean & Moroccan resturant
900 West Franklin Street
Richmond, Va

2007 Sounds Of The Underground Dates Announced

2007-04-13T11:51:00.000-05:00

It looks like the official line-up and tour dates have been announced for this years Sounds Of The Underground. Click on the link to learn more about the bands or to find a show near you! Hmmmm, it looks like my wife and I will be trekking down to Winston-Salem, NC unless a closer venue is announced soon. Too bad there are no Virginia stops, especially since Richmond's own G.W.A.R. is headlining the damn thing.

Release Date and Title For New Municipal Waste Album Revealed

2007-04-12T22:15:00.000-05:00

Local Richmond thrashers Municipal Waste have completed work on their second album entitled The Art of Partying, due out June 11 via Earache Records. You can read about it more here. Hopefully this means a state-side tour when they return from their European stint in April, including a hometown show!

Pitts Vs. Preps Begin Recording Their Second Album

2007-04-12T21:46:00.000-05:00

Pitts Vs Preps, the side project of former Exhorder/Floodgate and current Alabama Thunderpussy frontman Kyle Thomas has entered the studio to begin recording their new album. The band has been joined by none other than ATP drummer Bryan Cox. More information about the announcement can be read here or here.

New Orange Goblin Song Posted Online

2007-04-12T21:38:00.000-05:00

Check out Orange Goblin's new song, Hound's Ditch, here from their upcoming new release Healing Through Fire. Damn good stuff.

GWAR Has Been Announced as The Sounds Of The Underground 2007 Headliners

2007-04-09T18:47:00.000-05:00

According to the announcement from G.W.A.R. themselves they are the headliners finally for the third run of The Sounds Of The Underground this summer. So far the other bands that have been announced for this line-up are Shadows Fall, Chimaira and Every Time I Die. Cool, so far so good. I've been wanting to see Chimaira and Shadows Fall live for a while and hell, from what I've heard from Every Time I Die, they aren't that bad.

Photos From The RPG Show 4/7/07

2007-04-09T17:43:00.000-05:00

I finally was able to upload the pictures I took from RPG's Saturday night's show at Gallery 5. You can enjoy them here. RPG as always put on a solid performance. Plus, one of their opening acts ended up gaining new fans from my myself and my wife. Detroit trio The Hard Lessons put on a great performance. We we're hesitant at first by the samples we heard from the band's myspace page but their sound live and their stage presence is what won us over in the end. The Hard Lessons are a band to watch on the indie rock scene.

Baroness Signed To Relapse Records

2007-04-05T22:10:00.000-05:00

Nice! It looks like Savannah GA's Baroness has been signed to Relapse Records. They're a damn good company to be with too. They've handled bands such as Alabama Thunderpussy and Grammy nominated Mastodon, so they're in good hands. To read more on the deal click here.

GWAR's New Video For 'Eight Lock' Posted Online

2007-04-03T09:30:00.000-05:00

Enjoy! Not only this but it is rumored that GWAR is playing the Sounds Of The Underground tour again this year for the third year in a row. Once the official band lineup has been announced, I'll have it posted here.

A Conversation With Peter Steele

2007-04-02T23:05:00.000-05:00

Another great interview with Type O Negative front man Peter Steele. Obviously Peter loves fucking with these interviewers especially when they slide off topic from discussing the new album or when they bring up topics he's sick of talking about. Sorry, but don't be surprised if the person you're interviewing gives you smart assed remarks when he should be promoting his band's new album and you keep asking him questions about a photo shoot he kinda regrets doing almost 15 years ago. Read it here or listen to it here. Funny stuff.

Alabama Thunderpussy In The Latest Issue Of Rolling Stone

2007-03-26T15:58:00.000-05:00

Wow. It looks like Kyle was dead on the money with his news he told Jenn and myself Saturday. A really good review of Alabama Thunderpussy's new album Open Fire is in the latest issue of Rolling Stone. Yes you read correctly, Rolling Stone. You can read the whole review here. Not bad at all. Grabbing 3 out of 5 stars on the first album Rolling Stone reviews. Like I've said before, things are really getting serious for ATP. It looks like they're getting ready to finally receive the recognition they deserve.

The Missing Link

2007-03-26T11:38:00.000-05:00

Both my wife and I agree, Kyle Thomas was the missing piece of the puzzle for Alabama Thunderpussy. They have been one of the best damn live shows we have seen in a very long time. They did a nice mixed set of classic and new material for the packed house this past Saturday night. The set list included:

Greed
Wage Slave
Void Of Harmony
Words Of a Dying Man
None Shall Return
Brave The Rain
Dry Spell
Dreamers Fortune
Motor Ready
The Beggar
Falling Behind
Valor
The Cleansing
Saints In Hell (from the new Judas Priest Tribute Album On Your Knees Available now!!!!!)
Open Fire

Not to mention the guys as always were really grateful for the many local fans of the surrounding area, who like us, drove an hour or more to see them play. It was great catching up with the band as well. We got to the show so early, Jenn and I just shot the shit with Bryan, Erik and Kyle for a little while. The first thing Bryan did when he saw us was come up and asked us how we we're doing and said how good it was to see us. Talk about your fan appreciation. For those who missed the show or those who want to reminisce about the blast they had, here are some photos I took during the show:

Alabama Thunderpussy & RPG @ The Outback Lodge 3/24/07

Things are really getting serious for ATP. The title track from new album has been getting quite a bit of airplay on the sirius radio channel 27 - hard attack, they have the video for Words Of A Dying Man out, and Kyle was telling Jenn and I Saturday night that a review of Open Fire was going to be in an upcoming issue of Rolling Stone!

Municipal Waste Off To The Studio

2007-03-23T11:58:00.000-05:00

Local Richmond thrashers Municipal Waste have headed up to Massachusetts to Planet Z studios to begin work on their as-yet-untitled new album, tentatively due in stores on June 11. You can read more about it on their website as well as here. Hopefully they'll have more info in the upcoming weeks!

Orange Goblin Completes Work on Healing Through Fire

2007-03-23T11:51:00.000-05:00

The official release date for Orange Goblin's upcoming album, Healing Through Fire, has been revealed. It will officially hit the streets May 21. The other news is that the album will come with a bonus DVD featuring live footage and interviews with the band regarding the making of the album. Nice. Hopefully this mean a new US tour to support the new album.

Alabama Thunderpussy & RPG Live at The Outback Lodge 3/24/07

2007-03-23T11:40:00.000-05:00

Nice, not only are Alabama Thunderpussy playing with RPG tomorrow night, but tickets are only 6 bucks!!!! Damn, so not only is it a good show but dirt cheap. So if you're in or near the Richmond/Charlottesville area tomorrow night and are looking for a good rip roaring metal show, come on down to the Outback Lodge. It won't break your bank. Plus you'll still have enough scratch to pick up some swag and have plenty of cash leftover for beers or whiskey! Need directions? No problem, click here.

Iced Earth Announces New Album Details

2007-03-16T17:23:00.000-05:00

Jon Schaffer of Iced Earth just sent an update on some of the new releases heading out of Iced Earth's camp.

First is the single Overture of the Wicked, released in late May or early June. It will include these four songs:

01. Ten Thousand Strong
02. Prophecy
03. Birth of the Wicked
04. The Coming Curse

Next is their next studio album, Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Part 1) and should be due out late August or September. The tracklisting as of this moment will be:

01. Overture
02. Something Wicked (Part 1)
03. Invasion
04. Man's Motivation
05. The Setian Massacre
06. A Charge to Keep
07. Reflections
08. Ten Thousand Strong
09. Execution
10. Order of the Rose
11. The Clouding
12. Infiltrate and Assimilate
13. Retribution Through the Ages
14. Something Wicked (Part 2)
15. The Domino Decree
16. Framing Armageddon
17. When Stars Collide (Born is He)
18. The Awakening

During their busy schedule, they also want to try and get the mixing finished on the follow-up album, which is tentatively titled Revelation Abomination Something Wicked (Part 2). If they are able to keep on schedule, they hope to release part 2 in February or March of 2008. The tracklisting is:

01. The Sacred Flames
02. Behold the Wicked Child
03. Minions of the Watch
04. A Gift or a Curse
05. I Walk Among You
06. Harbinger of Fate
07. Ancient Rage of the High Priest
08. A Gathering Threat / Time Marches On
09. Sacrificial Kingdoms
10. Something Wicked (Part 3)
11. Divide Devour
12. Conspiracy / Pilgrimage In Guile
13. Come What May

Apparently Mr. Donohue Forgot The Definition Of Free Speech Again

2007-03-13T18:08:00.000-05:00

The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights is up in arms over an off Broadway show featuring Twisted Sister drummer A.J. Pero entitled "Stairway to Hell". The synopsis is a band called WARTHOG "is tragically killed during their botched attempt to break the world record for onstage pyrotechnics. Somehow on the journey to the afterlife, they accidentally end up in heaven. Faced with the horror of an eternity in Heaven, our band of hard rockers petition the Devil for one last concert here on earth to prove to him they belong in Hell. This final concert is STAIRWAY TO HELL.". You can take a peak of a promotional video for the show here. Wow, it looks like some of G.W.A.R.'s early stuff to me, nothing that hasn't been done before.

What gets me is good old Catholic League president Bill Donohue's comments about the show, especially THIS SENTENCE:"It is sickening to note that some young Americans think freedom means the right to insult, degrade and abuse the sensibilities of Christians."

OK, I think ol' Bill has every right to say what he thinks about the show. That's his right of free speech protected under the First Amendment. What Bill has forgotten is that the same Amendment that allows him to protest this show also allows the people behind this show to perform it for the public. The public also has the right to not to go and see it if they are offended. The best way to hurt a performer is in the pocket. If you don't like it don't go. The more they complain and protest, that's more free publicity for the show. Plus if they keep ranting about it, you're gonna have people going just to see what the fuss is about.

Dead Again Out in Stores Today

2007-03-13T12:44:00.000-05:00

Today is the official release date of Type O Negative's new album Dead Again. If you decide to pick it up at Best Buy, you get and exclusive second live disc including the tracks:

Everything Dies/My Girlfriend's Girlfriend
Are You Afraid?/Gravitational Constant
Christian Women
Love You to Death
Black No. 1

Van Halen's Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame Induction

2007-03-13T12:34:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Eddie, Alex, Dave, Michael and Sammy for finally getting inducted to the Rock N' Roll Hall of fame. Click here to see their induction by Velvet Revolver, the acceptance speech by Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar, Velvet Revolver's cover of Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love/Best of Both Worlds' and Michael & Sammy's jam with the house band performing Why Can't This Be Love. Congrats again boys. Now let's hope now they can end this fighting and get back to touring.

Healing Through Fire

2007-03-09T18:00:00.000-05:00

In stores this May through Sanctuary Records, Healing Through Fire. The sixth studio album from UK stoner rockers Orange Goblin.

Confirmed song titles for the new album so far are:

- The Ballad Of Solomon Eagle
- Vagrant Stomp
- They Come Back (Harvest Of Skulls)
- Cities Of Frost
- Hounds Ditch
- Mortlake (Dead Water)
- The Ale-House Braves
- Hot Knives & Open Sores
- Beginners Guide To Suicide

Now I hope this leads to another US tour for the band, especially back through Richmond.

Open Fire came out this week, Dead Again hits stores Tuesday, now Healing Through Fire in two months! These are just some of my favorite releases through May. 2007 has gotten off to a great start for metal so far.

RPG @ Gallery 5 in Richmond, Va 04/07/07

2007-03-09T17:47:00.000-05:00

For those of you in the Richmond area who can't make it to the Charlottesville show on March 24th, or want to see more of RPG, they'll be playing at Gallery 5 Saturday April 7th. So, if you enjoy a good southern/hard rock/metal/stoner style band and have nothing going on that Saturday night, come on down and have a good time.

Eddie Van Halen Enters Rehab

2007-03-08T18:25:00.000-05:00

Well, it looks like the real reason why the new Van Halen reunion tour was put on hiatus has been revealed. Eddie Van Halen has admitted that he believes that he needs to change some of the issues surrounding the 2007 Van Halen tour. He has decided to check into rehab to help with his ongoing alcohol problem. You can read the full statement from his publicist here. I hope he gets well soon. Who knows, this might lead into a full scale Van Halen reunion afterwards with Michael Anthony.

The Words Of A Dying Man - THE VIDEO!!!!

2007-03-07T18:16:00.000-05:00

Alabama Thunderpussy has debuted the first video, for the track "Words of the Dying Man", from its newest record, "Open Fire" online. Originally it was exclusively at www.singingfool.com, which only worked on specific PC only browsers. Thanks to the fine folks at Relapse Records, a copy of the video has now been loaded to Youtube.com where people who couldn't get the video to play properly on singingfool.com, like myself, can now watch it in all it's glory. You can watch it below! Also, look for cameos of some of the members of other local Richmond bands G.W.A.R., Municipal Waste & RPG.

Down On Tour 3/7/06

2007-03-07T10:53:00.000-05:00

Down, the side project of Pantera's Phil Anselmo & Rex Brown, Corrosion Of Conformity's Pepper Keenan, Crowbar's Kirk Windstein, and EyeHateGod's Jimmy Bower are kicking off their latest tour starting tomorrow. A majority of the dates they'll be opening for Heaven & Hell, the project consisting of the touring members of Black Sabbath during the Ronnie James Dio era album of the same name, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice. Unfortunately those shows will be in Canada. The tour dates include:

DOWN HEADLINE SHOWS
3/08/2007 SEATTLE, WA EL CORAZON

WITH HEAVEN AND HELL:
3/11/2007 VANCOUVER, BC PACIFIC COLISEUM
3/13/2007 EDMONTON, AB REXALL PLACE
3/14/2007 CALGARY, AB SADDLEDOME
3/16/2007 REGINA, SK BRANDT CENTRE
3/18/2007 WINNIPEG, MB MTS CENTRE
3/20/2007 SAULT ST. MARIE, ON STEELBACK CENTRE
3/22/2007 TORONTO, ON AIR CANADA CENTRE
3/24/2007 LONDON, ON JOHN LABATT CENTRE
3/26/2007 MONTREAL, PQ BELL CENTRE
3/27/2007 QUEBEC CITY, PQ COLISEE PEPSI ARENA
3/28/2007 OTTAWA, ON CIVIC CENTRE

DOWN HEADLINE SHOWS
3/30/2007 WORCESTER, MA PALLADIUM
3/31/2007 NY, NY ROSELAND
4/01/2007 PHILADELPHIA, PA ELECTRIC FACTORY
4/02/2007 WASHINGTON, DC 9:30 CLUB

Damn, These Guys Are Workhorses

2007-03-07T10:42:00.000-05:00

Recent Grammy Nominees Mastodon will be heading out on tour soon after just finishing another headlining tour not too long ago. The first dates announced are:

May 01 - Los Angeles, CA - Wiltern LG
May 02 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield
May 04 - Portland, OR - Roseland Ballroom
May 05 - Seattle, WA - The Fenix
May 06 - Boise, ID - Big Easy
May 08 - Denver, CO - Fillmore Auditorium
May 11 - Minneapolis, MN - The Myth
May 12 - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre
May 13 - Detroit, MI - State Theatre
May 14 - Cleveland, OH - House Of Blues
May 15 - Toronto, ON - Kool Haus
May 17 - New York, NY - Roseland Ballroom
May 18 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
May 19 - Boston, MA - Avalon
May 21 - Columbus, OH - Lifestyles Pavilion
May 22 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogart's
May 23 - Baltimore, MD - Sonar
May 25 - Orlando, FL - House Of Blues
May 26 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle

More dates will be added soon.

Man, I hope they come closer to Richmond than Baltimore. Like I said before, this year is shaping up real well for some great tours.

Dead Again In Amsterdam

2007-03-07T10:22:00.000-05:00

Here is a great 3 part interview with Peter Steele and Johnny Kelly talking about the new album Dead Again on a recent promotional tour in Amsterdam. Peter wasn't shy about discussing his alcohol and drug problem and how his priorities have changed to where he has become a lot more relaxed over the past few years. They also talk about the future of Type O Negative and the direction they think the band is taking. Really good stuff.

Dead Again

2007-03-05T23:23:00.000-05:00

Just one more week till the release of Type O Negative's newest album Dead Again. It's been almost 4 years since the release of their last studio album, Life Is Killing Me. This was mainly due to Peter Steele's incarceration in Riker's Island and "the psych ward at King's County Hospital", both stints apparently caused by his heavy use of cocaine and alcohol. But after Steele's much deserved rest and a fresh start on the band's new label, SPV Records, Type O are ready to deliver us a new album. Gracing the cover is none other than the legendary Mad Russian Monk, Grigori Rasputin. The track listing is as follows:

1. Dead Again
2. Tripping a Blind Man
3. The Profits of Doom (confirmed as the new Single)
4. September Sun
5. Halloween in Heaven (with Lycia's Tara VanFlower)
6. These Three Things(now playing on type o negative.net)
7. She Burned Me Down
8. Some Stupid Tomorrow
9. An Ode to Locksmiths
10. Hail and Farewell to Britain

30 second previews of each song can be heard here on Barnes & Noble's website. You can also stream the full song These Three Things on the entrance of the band's official website.(Clicking on the my link to their site will take you directly there) They are also getting ready to go on tour with Celtic Frost (shows after April 9th) and Brand New Sin on March 28th. Unfortunately there are no venues near us that we can afford to take. Man, I would love to see Type O Negative live again. This is looking like it is shaping up to be a great album.

Open Fire Hits The Streets

2007-03-05T22:53:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is March 6th, the official release date of Alabama Thunderpussy's newest album Open Fire. So for those of you who liked the samples of Words Of A Dying Man and None Shall Return, you can pick the album up at your favorite music outlet. Also, for those who want a chance to see Alabama Thunderpussy live, the official tour supporting the album kicks off this Thursday, March 8th in Raleigh, NC. Here are the current listed dates:

3/08 - Raleigh, NC - Volume 11 Tavern
3/09 - Fayetteville, NC - The Rock Shop
3/10 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
3/12 - Little Rock, AR - Downtown Music
3/13 - Shreveport, LA - 516 Soundstage
3/14 - San Antonio, TX - Rockbottom
3/15 - Austin, TX - Room 710 Relapse Records SXSW showcase
3/16 - Dallas, TX - The Galaxy Club
3/17 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues (Parish)
3/18 - Birmingham, AL - The Nick
3/19 - Gainesville, FL - 1982 Bar
3/20 - Jacksonville, FL - JackRabbits
3/21 - Savannah, GA - The Jinx
3/22 - Spartanburg, SC - Ground Zero
3/23 - Johnson City, TN - The Hideaway
3/24 - Charlottesville, VA - Outback Lodge

Anybody in or near the Richmond/Charlottesville area who thinks they might check out the show at the Outback Lounge on the 24th, supporting them on this one stop will be another local Richmond underground favorite RPG. This will be one hell of a good show. If you go you might just run into myself and my wife there too, 'cause we're not missing this show at all.

Win One of Zakk Wylde's Guitars!!!

2007-03-02T12:02:00.000-05:00

Nice! Apparently there is a contest through Zakk's Official Site to win one of his own guitar's. Talk about a great piece of music memorabilia. Click here for the direct link to the contest. I've already registered myself and I'm sure it won't take much to twist my wife's arm to get her to enter the contest as well.

Open Fire

2007-03-01T17:15:00.000-05:00

The wait is over! My pre-order copy of the latest studio album Open Fire from local Richmond rockers Alabama Thunderpussy arrived today. This is their first studio album featuring Kyle Thomas, Ex-Floodgate Ex-Exhorder, on lead vocals. After listening to the album, twice I might add, Kyle has taken them in the direction they need to go. His range is almost that of Rob Halford or Ronnie James Dio proportions. The whole album is amazing, phenomenal rifts and grooves throughout every track. I can't help but listen to every song, it's hard to skip any of them. I'm having trouble picking a favorite. I listen to one song I want to listen to the whole album. Unfortunately for those of you who haven't pre-ordered it yet, you'll have to wait till next week to pick it up. Until then, enjoy a preview of the tracks Words Of A Dying Man and None Shall Return here. If you liked what you heard, then be sure to pick up Open Fire in stores this Tuesday, March 6th.

Just When I Thought That I Was Out They Pull Me Back In

2007-03-01T16:50:00.000-05:00

OK, I know. Many of you may remember that after my last blog Mixed Nuts was deleted I said that I wasn't planning on starting up a new one. So, call me a liar. One of my favorite things I enjoyed blogging about on my old site was music. The bands I listened to, the shows I saw and the pictures I took. 2007 is shaping up to be a great year for many of my favorite bands, so I figured that I would start this site up: River City Revival. A place for me to spew my thoughts and randomness about the music scene from my walk of life.