HYDE – Anti


One of the best things about reviewing music, in my opinion, is having a music-savvy senior editor that encourages me to review music that is not in my wheelhouse. I have realized that if I was left to my own devices, I would likely stay in my little Heavy Metal utopia, reviewing only what I picked. I received the promo email from my editor about doing a review of Japanese act HYDE. Full disclosure, the only musical act I was familiar with from Japan was Babymetal. So, when I got the promo of HYDE’s new album, Anti, (UMG), I felt a tiny twinge of trepidation. After all, what do I know about Japanese music? Absolutely nada. How was I going to do a fair an accurate review of this music was my query. As soon as the first track off of Anti, started playing, all my fears of doing an inadequate review dissipated. The music that came pouring into my earbuds was the kind of music that bridges all humanity. HYDE’s music possesses a universal sound that almost any person can enjoy or relate to. On a personal note, I broke out in goosebumps from about 5 seconds into listening to the album, an involuntary reaction my body reserves for only the best soul touching music.Continue reading


Watch Hyde Perform Their Cover of Duran Duran’s “Ordinary World” In New York


Japanese sensation HYDE (L’Arc-en-Ciel, Vamps) played in New York City last night at Playstation Theater as part of Japan Night alongside WagakkiBand. As the closing of his phenomenal show HYDE performed his cover of Duran Duran’s hit ‘Ordinary World’ as an encore, which appears on his new album ANTI, out now from Spinefarm Records. Watch it below!Continue reading


Danzig Releases New Video For The Last Ride


Danzig, ready to do an extensive tour to support his new album Black Laden Crown (AFM/Nuclear Blast), has released a new video for the song ‘Last Ride’. The video was directed by Glenn Danzig himself, and you can watch it below. Continue reading


Blackest Of The Black Festival – Silverado, California


As the earth shook and the ground parted, so did the gates to another world open, spewing forth demons of the Blackest of the Black. Bands, fans, vendors and the occasional celebrity descended upon Oak Canyon Park—a quaint little camping spot nestled in the hills of Silverado, California—for the Blackest of the Black Festival. This gathering of the depraved and debauched was the brainchild of none other than Jersey native and trailblazer of horror punk and doom-goth-metal, Glenn Danzig. Opening day of the festival coincided with the release of Danzig’s new album, Black Laden Crown (Nuclear Blast Records), his follow-up to 2015’s SkeletonsContinue reading


Danzig’s Blackest of the Black Festival To Feature Suicidal Tendencies, Ministry, Fear Factory And More


2017 is going to be a busy year for Danzig. The legendary front man has already confirmed that his new album, ‘Black Laden Crown’, will be coming in May (details), plus he announced the return of his “Blackest of the Black Festival” as well. Last night Danzig appeared on Full Metal Jackie’s KLOS radio program to talk about the upcoming festival, and he revealed a ton of bands who are already booked for the huge event. Continue reading


Bloodsuckers Arise – Hyde and K-A-Z of VAMPS


vamps

Japanese pop culture has made its presence felt over time and now the musical side is slowly attracting fans across the globe. For the rock outfit known as VAMPS, they have quickly built a loyal following within their home country while also attracting curious fans internationally as well.

They released their third album (and their first release via Spinefarm Records) in 2014 titled Bloodsuckers, and supported SIXX: AM on a US tour, which included an appearance at Rock On The Range in Columbus, OH. They had previously headlined US tours in 2009 and 2010, and invited SIXX: AM to perform on their Vamp Park Fest in Tokyo in February 2015. The band will be doing their first ever live dates in South America, as well as shows in Los Angeles, CA at the Roxy (October 5th) and in San Francisco, CA at Slims (October 7th), and supporting Apocalyptica’s UK tour in November.

vamps mexico 2015

vamps los angeles 2015vamps san francisco 2015

Vocalist and guitarist Hyde talked about sharing a stage with an iconic figure such as Nikki Sixx and how much of an inspiration he was on him as a musician.

It was really hard to believe that we are on the same stage as Nikki Sixx. The reason why is because that was the first opportunity for me to pick up the guitar because of Motley Crue and that was the biggest surprise. I was so excited.

vamps with sixx am live

So how different is it to support a band like SIXX:AM versus previous headlining runs? “The biggest difference is it’s not our own show. This is SIXX AM’s shows and of course SIXX AM is the main act and we get pressure for that too. At the same time, we get a great chance to expose ourselves to different fans,” Hyde said.

vamps bloodsuckers

Unlike past releases, Bloodsuckers was released simultaneously across the globe, and followed by live dates supporting the album. Hyde explained that the way they had promoted their past records in Japan was taken into consideration when they were making this one.

What the biggest difference is this time we released the album and did the live show at the same time internationally. In Japan, we have been doing the record release and the follow up tour is a normal thing, but this is the first try for international releases and the tour together.

vamps live 2015 2

The band worked with producer Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Hatebreed) on Bloodsuckers, and while they had previously recorded their previous albums in English, lead guitarist K-A-Z said it helped push the band’s overall performance.

Every time we do a recording, we always try to bring us up to a higher level. This time is no different. This time we tried to achieve some quality of the sound and the music. We always try to step up to the next level.

The challenge of recording songs in English despite it not being their native language is often a challenge, but Hyde admitted that the recording process was not as strenuous as in the past.

Yes it is all the time. But time wise, we would be spending the time to record one song sometimes the whole day in the past. It got shorter and shorter,” he said.

vamps come on south american bloodsuckers

Hyde explained the back story around Bloodsuckers and how the title pays homage to their diehard fanbase who have supported the band over the years. He explained how the name came together.

Actually when we call the fans in Japan, we call them by the area or the city, like ‘Hello Osaka’ or ‘Hello Nagoya,’ but sometimes I made a mistake about the location and also it’s not that cool. Then I was thinking what is a nicer way to call the fans. I’ve been looking in the dictionary what the meaning of vampires and I found a really cool nickname ‘Bloodsuckers.’ So that’s where it comes from.

vamps live 2015

The album opens with a melodic yet anthemic tune titled “Zero,” which took them into creating a sound somewhat different than their previous material. Both Hyde and K-A-Z both explained how this song came together and what it means overall to VAMPS.

Lyric wise, zero means start and also means the end. Also lyric wise, this is yourself. I like to express and also describe a little sexier music wise,” said Hyde.

Music wise I tried what we’ve never tried as VAMPS before. Also this is the song that’s catchy and even hearing it for the first time you can really understand it easily. That’s kind of a new thing,” added K-A-Z.

apocalyptica vamps uk tour 2015vamps japan live 2015-2016

Lastly, VAMPS is often mentioned as part of the J-Rock movement, a subgenre tagged onto artists from Japan and fans have often been attracted to. K-A-Z was unsure how to explain this phenomenon they were lumped into, but still shared his thoughts on the matter.

We don’t even know what J-Rock is! It’s very hard to describe what J-Rock is because even when it’s called J-Rock, there are so many different elements of the music and again the styles of the band. Some bands are very heavy and some bands are poppy and some bands are very visual oriented. Even if we’re here, whatever you call it, we still don’t know and it’s hard to express or explain what J-Rock is. It’s probably what the international people put that on J-Rock. It’s easier for them to describe.

By Rei Nishimoto


Rock On The Range Release Performance Schedule


rock on the range 2015 7huu_ROTR2015logo_3

The performance schedule for Rock On The Range 2015 has been announced, and the event is May 15, 16 and 17, 2015 at MAPFRE Stadium (formerly Crew Stadium) in Columbus, OH. The event is now sold out and those without tickets can watch the event on AXS TV throughout the weekend.

Performance times are as follows (subject to change):

Friday, May 15
(Doors open at 11:00 AM.)

Monster Energy Main Stage
1:05 PM: We Are Harlot
2:15 PM: Apocalyptica
3:30 PM: Live
4:50 PM: Breaking Benjamin
6:15 PM: Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators
5:40 PM: Yelawolf
8:00 PM: Marilyn Manson
9:30 PM: Slipknot

Ernie Ball Stage
11:45 AM: Shaman’s Harvest
12:30 PM: Islander
1:40 PM: VAMPS
2:55 PM: Young Guns
4:15 PM: The Dillinger Escape Plan
7:15 PM: Falling In Reverse

Jägermeister Stage
11:45 AM: XFactor1
12:30 PM: Highly Suspect
1:40 PM: Dorothy
2:55 PM: Dangerkids
4:15 PM: Beartooth
5:40 PM: Hatebreed

Rolling Rock Comedy Tent
6:15 PM: Joe Howard
6:30 PM: Brent Terhune
6:45 PM: Mark Poolos
7:00 PM: Jim Florentine
7:20 PM: Brian Posehn

Saturday, May 16
(Doors open at 11:00 AM.)

Monster Energy Main Stage
1:10 PM: Special Guest
2:20 PM: Of Mice And Men
3:35 PM: Scott Weiland and The Wildabouts
4:55 PM: In This Moment
6:15 PM: Papa Roach
8:00 PM: Godsmack
9:40 PM: Judas Priest

Ernie Ball Stage
11:50 AM: Screaming For Silence
12:35 PM: Like A Storm
1:45 PM: Sabaton
3:00 PM: Tremonti
4:20 PM: BABYMETAL
5:40 PM: In Flames
7:15 PM: Ministry

Jägermeister Stage
11:50 AM: Novallo
12:35 PM: Red Sun Rising
1:45 PM: From Ashes To New
3:00 PM: Saxon
4:20 PM: Nonpoint
5:40 PM: The Devil Wears Prada

Rolling Rock Comedy Tent
6:15 PM: Bill Arrundale
6:30 PM: Jay Snyder
6:45 PM: Bill Squire
7:00 PM: Don Jamieson
7:20 PM: Jim Norton

Sunday, May 17
(Doors open at 11:00 AM.)

Monster Energy Main Stage
1:05 PM: Hollywood Undead
2:20 PM: The Pretty Reckless
3:35 PM: Anthrax
4:55 PM: Halestorm
6:20 PM: Volbeat
8:00 PM: Rise Against
9:20 PM: Linkin Park

Ernie Ball Stage
11:45 AM: Unlocking The Truth
12:30 PM: Art of Dying
1:45 PM: Starset
3:00 PM: Otherwise
4:20 PM: Rival Sons
5:45 PM: Motionless In White
7:15 PM: Tech N9ne

Jägermeister Stage
11:45 AM: Santa Cruz
12:30 PM: September Mourning
1:45 PM: Marmozets
3:00 PM: Crobot
4:20 PM: Upon A Burning Body
5:45 PM: Periphery

Rolling Rock Comedy Tent
6:25 PM: Chad Zumrock
6:40 PM: Craig Peters
6:55 PM: Jake Innarino
7:10 PM: Rod Paulette
7:30 PM: Rob Schneider

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Rock On The Range Announces Daily Lineups


rock on the range 2015 7huu_ROTR2015logo_3

Rock On The Range has announced their daily band lineups, various fan activities and an interactive art installation with graffiti artist Risk. The event will be held on May 15, 16 and 17, 2015 at MAPFRE Stadium (formerly Crew Stadium) in Columbus, OH, and recently was announced the event is sold out.

Rock On The Range SOLD OUT

Friday, May 15: Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, Breaking Benjamin, Live, Falling In Reverse, Yelawolf, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Apocalyptica, Hatebreed, We Are Harlot, Young Guns, Beartooth, VAMPS, Dangerkids, Islander, Dorothy, Highly Suspect, Shaman’s Harvest, XFactor1

Saturday, May 16: Judas Priest, Godsmack, Papa Roach, Ministry, In This Moment, Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts, Of Mice & Men, In Flames, BABYMETAL, Tremonti, The Devil Wears Prada, Nonpoint, Saxon, Sabaton, Like A Storm, From Ashes To New, Red Sun Rising

Sunday, May 17: Linkin Park, Rise Against, Volbeat, Halestorm, Tech N9ne, Anthrax, The Pretty Reckless, Hollywood Undead, Motionless In White, Rival Sons, Periphery, You Me At Six, Starset, Upon A Burning Body, Crobot, New Medicine, Unlocking The Truth, Marmozets, September Mourning, Santa Cruz

Multi talented fine artist, illustrator and graffiti artist known as RISK, will be curating an interactive art exhibit to be displayed on site, showcasing multiple live demonstrations and allowing fellow event participants such as Slipknot’s M. Shawn Crahan (Clown) and fans to interact and add to the exhibit.

The Rolling Rock Comedy Tent will feature sets from some of the biggest rock n’ roll influenced comedians, including: Rob Schneider, Brian Posehn, Jim Norton, Don Jamieson, Jim Florentine, Rod Paulette, Jeremy Essig, Brent Terhune, Joe Howard, Bill Squire, Jay Snyder, Bill Arrundale, Jake Iannarino, Kenny Smith, and Craig Peters.

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Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville Announce Set Times


welcome to rockville 2015

Set times for Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville on April 25 and 26, 2015 at Metropolitan Park in Jacksonville, FL has been released.

Saturday, April 25

Monster Energy Fire Museum Stage
12:30 PM: Stars In Stereo
2:00 PM: Hollywood Undead
3:30 PM: Of Mice & Men
5:15 PM: Halestorm
7:10 PM: Slayer
9:35 PM: Korn

Jack Daniel’s Metropolitan Park Stage
11:45 AM: Like A Storm
1:15 PM: Nonpoint
2:45 PM: Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts
4:15 PM: Queensrÿche
6:15 PM: Ministry
8:20 PM: Marilyn Manson

ReverbNation Stage powered by Hundred Handed
11:55 AM: Red Sun Rising
1:05 PM: Sons Of Texas
2:15 PM: Fozzy
3:25 PM: Exodus
4:55 PM: Testament
6:45 PM: Suicidal Tendencies

Jägermeister Stage
11:20 AM: World Gone
12:30 PM: Sangre
1:40 PM: Upon A Burning Body
2:50 PM: Beartooth
4:10 PM: Periphery
5:50 PM: The Devil Wears Prada

Sunday, April 26

Monster Energy Fire Museum Stage
12:20 PM: We Are Harlot
1:40 PM: Surprise Guest
3:00 PM: In This Moment
4:50 PM: The Pretty Reckless
6:35 PM: Papa Roach
8:40 PM: Slipknot

Jack Daniel’s Metropolitan Park Stage
11:40 AM: ‘68
1:00 PM: Young Guns
2:20 PM: Motionless In White
3:50 PM: Breaking Benjamin
5:40 PM: Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators
7:30 PM: Godsmack

ReverbNation Stage powered by Hundred Handed
11:10 AM: Shattered Sun
12:15 PM: ReverbNation Winner
1:25 PM: Starset
2:35 PM: Butcher Babies
4:05 PM: Hatebreed
6:15 PM: All That Remains

Jägermeister Stage
11:40 AM: From Ashes To New
12:50 PM: Islander
2:00 PM: VAMPS
3:20 PM: Tremonti
5:10 PM: In Flames

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