Axl Stage Fall- Benji Madden Knocks Out Riki Rachtman- Shinedown Unplugged- Aerosmith Stadium Gigs?- China Bars Dylan- Paramore Eminem- Stapp Solo and more

Random Reader Question of the Week. Billy B asks "Who is better, The Beatles or the Rolling Stones?" We won't even attempt to step on that landmine. All we will say is the world would be a lesser place without the music of either group and probably 99% of the music you love would have never happened if either group didn't exist. -

Earliest Led Zeppelin Live Recording Unearthed

TMD unearths the earliest live audio recording of Led Zeppelin known to exist. Rock historians credit this very period in time as the birth of 'heavy metal'.

This was only Zeppelin's fifth show performed in America. They were the opening band for psychedelic rockers Vanilla Fudge at Gonzaga University's gymnasium in Spokane, Washington on Dec. 30, 1968.

The song that helped to start it all… "Dazed and Confused". Just exactly how unknown was the opening band for Vanilla Fudge on this night? Well, the ads in both local news papers promoting the event read: "The Vanilla Fudge with Len Zefflin." - Read more and listen here

Slipknot Member Joins Will Haven

Slipknot may be taking some time off but it doesn't appear that the members of the band are staying away from making music. The latest member to becoming involved with outside project is Chris Fehn who has been tapped by Will Haven to take on bass duties. Here is what Will Haven had to say about this turn of events:

Mike Martin has had to step away from the band to take care of his family which some of you have known he has not been able to tour with us the past few tours, so we have been just moving on without a bass player in the past few months working on this new record.

Well, I am happy to say we have found our new bass player and we are more than excited about it, Our long-time brother and close friend Chris Fehn (Slipknot) has joined the family. He is here with us tonight recording for the new demo and already has had tons of imput making this record even more amazing, So we are more than stoked to have him with us. - more on this story

Buzzcocks Hitting The Road

Buzzcocks announce a massive tour of North America! The tour sees the godfathers of punk pop hit 22 cities in the US and Canada with more dates TBA. (dates below).

There are hardly any bands performing today that genuinely deserve the adjective 'legendary'. Buzzcocks are one of those very few. Their achievements are staggering: one of the original holy trinity of British punk (with the Sex Pistols and the Clash), innovators of the independent record scene and genuine punk rock superstars who have been cited as inspirational by bands as diverse as REM, Nirvana and Green Day.

Eight studio albums, over twenty singles and EPs, a constellation of compilations, covers by other bands and songs on film soundtracks and advertisements have put Buzzcocks among the top echelons of British recording artists. A Mojo Inspiration Award in 2006 is just one of the many accolades they have received for their work. - more on this story

Rose Funeral Cancel Shows After Drummer Coughs Up Blood

Rose Funeral's current tour has been sidelined by illness. Late last week the band announced that several dates on the outing have been canceled. Here is what they had to say: Hey guys we are sorry to announce we have to cancel some of our tour dates with Wretched + And Hell Followed With.

On our few days off in Texas our Drummer came down with an extremely bad respiratory infection. Coughing up blood, and an inability to breathe doesn't mix well with playing live.

We are not canceling this entire tour we are taking the time off for him to rest and get better. We are looking to jump back on tour either the 18th or the 19th. We will keep you updated and again we are sorry! - See which dates are still on

Municipal Waste's Ryan Waste Going Classic Metal With Volture

Starting in early '09 in between a rigorous Municipal Waste touring schedule, Ryan Waste began working on a new project entitled Volture. As a long time fan of bands like Mercyful Fate, Heavy Load, and Judas Priest he thought it would only be suiting to do a proper band in that vein. With only a few rehearsals it quickly became a reality and the electricity of Volture is currently spreading fast!

Ryan had this to say about the project: "Ever since I was a young headbanger, I dreamed of doing a real heavy metal band. Growing up on Judas Priest and eventually delving into more obscure Nwobhm bands, I yearned to have one of my own. It wasn't until 8 years ago when I met our vocalist, Brent Hubbard, that I thought this would actually be possible. His natural singing ability floored me upon the first note and I knew we needed to start a band. It's been a long time coming, but I am proud to say we have arrived in full force to shock the world with VOLTURE!

"In this heavy metal ensemble, I returned to my musical roots as a bass player along side the phenomenal shredder Nick Poulos on guitar. Joined by veteran Barry Cover behind the kit, we are now stronger than ever."

Volture is in the process of recording a six song Mini Lp entitled, "Shocking Its Prey". Listen to some tracks - here

Beastie Boys, Phoenix, Sonic Youth, Drive-By Truckers Announce Record Store Day Special Releases

The Beastie Boys, Phoenix, Sonic Youth, Drive-By Truckers and Fela Kuti are included among the wealth of exclusive pieces that will be available on Record Store Day at select participating independent record stores.

In support of indie record stores and the annual occasion, many labels have created special cds, records, box sets, and more for some of their most celebrated artists that will only be available on April 17, 2010 until they sell out.

Exclusive pieces will be available from the following artists: Beastie Boys – Super surprise content white label 12" vinyl (1,000 available) * Drive-By Truckers – "Your Woman is a Living Thing"/"Just Maybe" 7" vinyl single (both tracks RSD exclusives) * Fela Kuti – 4 songs recorded in LA in 1969 10" EP with replica cover artwork of first Nigerian Fela Kuti record (1,000 available) * Sonic Youth – Hits Are For Squares, 15 tracks selected by other artists with exclusive new Sonic Youth track "Slow Revolution" on individually numbered Double LP [Confusion is Sex and EVOL reissues on 12" white and pink vinyl respectively available early for RSD as well] * Phoenix – "Fences" album track plus remix 12" single on pink vinyl (first vinyl from Phoenix; 3,500 available) - more on this story

Dew-Scented Release Party

Dew-Scented have just announced a very special "Invocation" album release show in Bremen in Northern Germany at the Tower Club, where the band had the release show for their previous album "Incinerate" back in 2007.

The concert will take place on Friday, June 4th and next to an especially long Dew-Scented set, the show will also feature legendary death-thrash metallers and label mates God Dethroned from The Netherlands as well as local Northern German death metal friends Despondency. The club's traditional metal club night will run after the show.

the show is the celebrate the release of their new album "Invocation", to be released May 25th by Prosthetic Records in North America, and on the previous day in Europe by Metal Blade. - more on this story

We Are The Fallen Track Listing and New Video

We Are The Fallen will release their debut 'Tear The World Down' May 11 via Universal Republic. They are now revealing the track list for the new album!

'Tear the World Down' track list: 1. 'Bury Me Alive' 2. ' Burn' 3. 'Paradigm' 4. 'Don't Leave Me Behind' 5. 'Sleep Well, My Angel' 6. 'Through Hell' 7. 'I Will Stay' 8. 'Without You' 9. 'St. John'
10. 'I Am Only One' 11. 'Tear The World Down'

We Are The Fallen also recently debuted the video for their first single from the new album, "Bury Me Alive" Check it out - here

Dethklok, Zappa Band Contributor Mike Keneally Announces Select Shows

Mike Keneally is set to launch his first full-band tour in nearly five years, bringing his ever-evolving, remarkably inventive musical vision to the Northeast US in early May for five shows in support of his latest Exowax Recordings release, Scambot 1.

From Keneally's well-documented recorded work as a guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist in Frank Zappa's last touring band, to his recordings and performances with Robert Fripp, Dethklok, Wayne Kramer, Steve Vai, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Andy Partridge and many others, he's earned a reputation as someone who can bring an intense, original musical voice to any situation. His extensive and wildly diverse original catalog of 19 albums and counting defies traditional classification, and concertgoers are regularly left awestruck by his band's high-wire-act execution of the eclectic material.

In a unique twist, this tour's Mike Keneally Band members also comprise the opening act, the band of Keneally's longtime bassist Bryan Beller (Steve Vai, Dethklok), whose intricate jazz/rock compositions and tasteful playing earned his sophomore album Thanks In Advance widespread acclaim. The sneakily-titled "They're Both The Same Band" Northeast Tour 2010 features Keneally, Beller, drummer Joe Travers (Zappa Plays Zappa), and guitarists Rick Musallam (Ben Taylor, Byrd York) and Griff Peters (Billie Myers, Anika Paris). - more on this story

Sea Wolf and Album Leaf Reteam For Another Tour Leg

Following their highly successful winter tour together, Sea Wolf will rejoin the Album Leaf for an extensive second leg of touring this spring. The two bands will continue their trek through the U.S. and Canada, starting April 20 with stops in New York, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta and Philadelphia, among other major cities.

Sea Wolf's new single "O Maria!," from White Water, White Bloom, is steadily growing at radio and just this month, Alex Brown Church stopped by MTV2 to host an episode of "Subterranean." Meanwhile, Sea Wolf's contribution to the now platinum-selling The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack has not gone unnoticed and the band is included in the DVD release of the mega-sensation, which released March 20 and features Sea Wolf videos as well as exclusive interviews.

In association with the annual, eagerly anticipated Record Store Day on Saturday, April 17, Sea Wolf's 2007 debut EP, Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low, will become available for the first time on 12" vinyl. - dates

Wanna Win A Trip To See Dropkick Murphys In Dublin?

The Claddagh Fund--the charity established in 2009 by Dropkick Murphys founder Ken Casey--has teamed with netRaffle.org to host a raffle for an all expense paid trip to Dublin, Ireland to see Dropkick Murphys play at the Olympia Theatre on April 22, 2010. Raffle tickets are only $2 each and are available until Monday, April 12, 2010 here.

The winner will receive: Two tickets to the Thursday, April 22, 2010 Dropkick Murphys concert at the Olympia Theater in Dublin, Ireland

A meet and greet with the Dropkick Murphys and an autographed Live On Lansdowne, Boston MA DVD/CD

- more

Y&T Announce First New Studio Album in 13 Years

Y&T, featuring original members Dave Meniketti (vocals and lead guitars) and Phil Kennemore (bass), along with longtime members John Nymann (guitar) and Mike Vanderhule (drums) have recorded their first studio album in 13 years, aptly titled "Facemelter" to be released in Europe on May 21st on Frontiers Records.

With a discography of 18 albums and three greatest hits collections, Y&T has sold over four million albums since their 1974 inception. The band has toured with numerous Rock icons including Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Mötley Crüe, receiving constant and extensive airplay with hits such as Forever, Rescue Me, Mean Streak, and Summertime Girls. Y&T songs have been featured in a multitude of movies and television shows, including Real Genius, Out of Bounds, Baywatch, and Hunter. After five US top 100 albums, songs that tipped into the 40s, two Bammie Awards, and many international television appearances, Y&T's hits are still played nowadays on classic rock radio stations everywhere. Y&T's high-energy music still captivates legions of fans around the globe, proving Y&T's music timeless.

As the title indicates, Facemelter-the anticipated new recording-is a hard rockin', song-oriented album that lives up to its name: it captures the band's raw energy and tightness that they've become known for. Featuring heavy grooves, powerful guitars, and strong melodies, the band shows their versatility, delivering a range of high-energy rockers, mid-tempo head-bangers, modern rock grooves, majestic ballads, and signature Y&T rock anthems. To mark the return, the band engaged John Taylor Dismukes-the same artist who designed covers for Y&T's classic albums "Mean Streak," "Black Tiger" and "In Rock We Trust"-to create the amazing art of the new Facemelter. - more on this story

Century Media Records Celebrate 20 Years With Double Disc Compilations

Century Media Records is extremely proud to celebrate 20 years of metal excellence this year and have put together a special series of compilations that will highlight their 1st 20 years in North America.

Four double discs will be released over the coming months, each representing a five year span to provide more focus and in-depth flashback coverage. The tracks for each reissue were meticulously chosen by previous Century Media President, Marco Barbieri, and are housed on 2 CDs in a beautifully crafted and designed digipack. Former Century Media A&R, Tom Bejgrowicz handled all the art direction and coordination, from designing the cover art, to choosing 100% recycled materials for the packaging. Each release will contain liner notes from Century Media employees, past and present.

Volume one of this series hits shelves on May 18th and its official track listing is below. The remaining discs will be released throughout the year culminating with a massive box set at the end of the year.
- more on this story

Orphaned Land Behind The Scenes Video

Israel's Orphaned Land pioneered Middle Eastern metal music and the band just completed a highly successful North American stint with Suidakra that included two high profile SXSW performances.

The eye-popping new video for the track "Sapari" has garnered major praise, and it was definitely an ambitious shoot. A detailed look into the making of the video can be viewed here

Kobi (vocals) further describes the meaning behind this ambitious clip: "With the video clip, we are trying to reflect this inner search of a man and his spirit. The actor, Matti Atlas, was filmed in a room, sitting in a box, writing scared stuff. This is the exact way they used to sit and write in the old days in Yemen. He is writing… searching. At one point, he starts to freak out; to write on the walls, on his body, getting even possessed in a way. He is alone, confused, searching for answers and meaning, just as we all are. - more on this story

Attila To Deliver Rage in May

Attila is slated to release their Artery Recordings /Razor & Tie debut, Rage, on May 11th. The band, made up of Fronz (vocals), Nate (guitar), Chris (guitar), Sean (drums) and Paul (bass) is the fourth addition to the Artery/Razor & Tie joint venture. A self-proclaimed "party death metal" band, Attila and Rage are sure to spark interest and energy amongst the metal scene.

Coming from Atlanta, the members of Attila were influenced by a wide and eclectic range of artists from dirty south rappers to assorted metal bands. Their new album showcases the impression the Atlanta music scene left with the band. When speaking on the meaning behind Rage, lead singer Fronz stated, "The title can be perceived in many ways, one obviously being a state of extreme anger, and the other being is its more obvious slang meaning – to party! I have always been a fan of play-on-words and double meanings, and that's what drew me to this title more than anything."

The party metal band hails from Atlanta, but have spent the past two years touring full time. After wrapping up a four week tour in Europe, Attila is jumping right into a summer long US tour with Drop Dead, Gorgeous starting April 8th. Despite the toll of constantly being on the road, Fronz said, "We are all enjoying the touring lifestyle, and we are looking forward to constantly progressing and participating in bigger tours." - more on this story

No Rest for Devin Townsend

One of metal's most intriguing, ominous and immensely talented figures, the mighty Devin Townsend, just completed an extremely successful Australian headlining trek. This was his first trip down under in a number of years and the first in support of his new offering, Addicted.

Townsend checks in with the following report in regards to the success of the tour and his plans for the remainder of the year. He states: "Hey guys, so we just back from Australia and New Zealand. Great run! Thanks so much to all the folks who came out and supported the DT project in this early stage. We played two hours of music each night and as such, have learnt about 1/10th of the catalog (eek!) Getting those tunes in front of an audience was a dream come true and we had a great time playing and talking to you all.

"We are busy getting ready for Europe now, the festivals as well as select club dates. Currently working on the whole Ziltoid album for our headlining slot at the Tuska Festival in Finland where we are going to do the entire Ziltoid album for the first time ever, complete with a really awesome performance! Currently plotting, scheming and organizing, as well as traumatizing those who work with me. These shows will be filmed and recorded and it teaches us yet another chunk of the process. The goal is to know the whole catalog and be able to pick and choose material for certain atmospheres. That will coincide with a real 'experience' that will eventually include visuals, choirs, orchestras etc. - more on this story

The Kottonmouth Kings Give Fans Visual Mushrooms

The Kottonmouth Kings have released their new video for the song "Mushrooms" off the album Long Live The Kings, coming out on April 20th.

Prepare yourself for a psychedelic journey into the mind of the newest King, The Dirtball. Take a trip on mushrooms and enjoy! You will see why The Dirtball is the most highly regarded and potent MCs in the game. Watch the video here

The Kottonmouth Kings also announced recently that they will be touring with the Insane Clown Posse throughout the month of May and into June (dates below). Also on the tour will be Coolio, Kittie, & Necro. - more on this story

Good News From Philadelphia Grand Jury

The fifth installment in the third year of limited 7" releases on the Too Pure Singles Club (borne from the ashes of the celebrated London indie label) sees the release of "The Good News" from Philadelphia Grand Jury.

This will be the Australian trio's first release in the UK and to celebrate the band will embark on "The Good News Tour" which will take them on a whirlwind tour across 2 continents. Departing from their home in Australia touching down in the US for 3 special nights then headed to the UK where they will unleash a fury of summer shows in the UK.

"The Good News", was one of the most played on Australian independent radio and similarly their debut album went to Number 1 in the Aussie Independent charts. The B-side is the infectious "Ready To Roll". Never ones to shy away from mixing an array of musical styles, this 7" combines indie pop with a kicking of garage rock and a dose of soul thrown in for good measure. - watch the video here

Mars Attacks Dallas Cowboys Rocker Cory Proctor

Episode 4 of Mars Attacks Podcast consists of two interviews host Victor M. Ruiz conducted last month. The first interview is with members of the Finnish band Kings of Modesty, while the second half of the episode consists of an interview conducted with Cory Proctor of Free Reign, and the Dallas Cowboys.

Kings of Modesty discuss working with Emppu Vuorinen from Nightwish, what it was like to tour with Tarja Turunen and Michael Schenker, as well as their desire to bring Kings of Modesty to North America and Japan among other things.

Cory discusses the differences with playing on stage as opposed to on the field, the writing of the band's first full length album, what it was like to rub elbows with some of metal's elite at Golden Gods ceremony a few weeks back, and how difficult it is at times to balance life, football, and music.

For more information regarding the interview see the Talking Metal Wire which can be found - here

Epica Heading South, Plan DVD Shoot

(Band Statement) In a few days the guys and girl from Epica will travel to Brazil to start their South American Tour 2010. This part of the Design Your Universe world tour will take Epica to Brasil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Uruguay.

The show in Lima, Peru has already been sold out! The show in Buenos Aires, Argentina is almost sold out, only 100 tickets left! The other shows are also going pretty fast, so if you don't have your tickets yet.... be sure to get them in time.

Simone, Isaac and Coen will be in Sao Paulo a day early to perform in two TV-shows and on Radio Kiss FM. They will play some special acoustic songs, so keep your eyes and ears open. The show in Sao Paulo will be extra special one since we will shoot DVD-footage for an upcoming DVD . So if you haven't got a ticket yet get it now and be extra loud on the 10th of April. See you soon! - dates

Singled Out: Barren Earth (Moonsorrow, Kreator, Swallow the Sun, and Amorphis)

Welcome to Singled Out! where we ask artists to tell us the inside story of their latest single. Today Kasper Mårtenson from the new progressive metal supergroup Barren Earth tells us about "Forlorn Waves" from their brand new album "Curse of the Red River," which hits stores tomorrow!. We now turn it over to Kasper for the story:

Forlorn Waves stems from two melodies, which were originally used in a theatre play I wrote (and performed) the music for. It was an outdoors production, performed throughout the summer of 2007. Strangely enough, I played the music with an accordion! The main theme came about, while I was mucking about with the accordion. I started playing this certain melody. It had a folky feel from the start, obviously further enhanced by the accordion sound.

Later that same year, when Barren Earth was taking shape, I thought of that particular theme again, and whether I could employ it for the band. I knew it was a strong melody anyway, just wasn't sure if it would work in a metal context. So I rearranged the melody, combined it with another theme from the same play, then wrote a new verse and a middle section. It started to feel quite promising. Once we finally got to the stage where we as a band started playing it, it was like 'man, this is pretty powerful!'

So it went from 'this might work' via 'this actually works' to 'this works big-time!' In fact, right now I think I'll visit my personal archives of theatre music, and see if there's anything else worth using!

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album - right here!