Motörhead To Release Another Compilation

Legendary British heavy metal band Motorhead are set to release yet another compilation called "Aces Up My Sleeve" on October 18^th. The record, being released through Spectrum Audio / Universal Music, contains some of the bands greatest hits including the classics such as "Bomber," "Overkill" and "Ace Of Spades." The band has released several compilations before including “No Remorse”, “The Best of Motorhead” etc. The tracklist for “Aces Up My Sleeve” is :-

"Ace Of Spades"
"Bomber"
"Iron Fist"
"Leaving Here"
"Killed By Death"
"Louie Louie"
"Stay Clean"
"Overkill"
"Please Don't Touch"
"Dead Men Tell No Tales"
"The Chase Is Better Than The Catch"
"Eat The Rich"
"I Got Mine"
"Nothing Up My Sleeve"
"Heart Of Stone"
"Motorhead" (Live)
"Damage Case"
"(We Are) The Roadcrew"
"Shine"
"Iron Horse / Born To Lose"

Max Hopes For Sepultura Re-Union

Current Soulfly and ex-Sepultura front man Max Cavalera hopes to reunite with his previous band members – brother Igor , bassist Paulo Jr. and guitarist Andreas Kisser - to form the classic Sepultura line-up once again which had taken the world by storm.

In a recent interview with the blog Up on the Sun , he admitted that he felt “optimistic (about the reunion)” and added that “..people would like to see that reunion” . He also stated in the interview that there were “a lot of cool offers around the world “ but also admitted that it would be difficult convincing the other band members. “I convinced him (Igor) to do it for me...... but the other two guys, it’s kind of hard. They’re still trapped in an old mindset, so it’s just something that’s going to have to wait.”

The actual reason for the split is unknown but it was rumoured that it was due the infighting between band members.

At the Edge of Time (2010)

Here we go, it's 2010 and symphonic metal and power metal have all diversified into infinite sub genres, yet only some bands can pull of a solid album which highlights the uniqueness of the genre. Blind Guardian's new album is all that every fan of the band expected and more. If you were disappointed with their last offering, I can assure you the band have more than made up for it. The first thing about the album which stands out is it is more progressive than previous stuff yet it has elements which make it comparable to Nightfall In Middle Earth coupled with some neat orchestral arrangements. But the stand out from this album have to be Hansi's powerful vocals by far.

Here's how the songs progress.

Sacred Worlds: The opening song starts of with a prog-symphonic orchestral arrangement leading in to some captivating and exhilarating rhythm section work but after the initial buzz, feels somewhat stagnant and repetitive. A decent start to the proceedings though.

Tanelorn(Into the Void): This song is probably the most commercial song form the album. Again what hampers the song in the end is its repetitive nature. Regardless it's a very fast tempo song with a catchy and addictive chorus which will make you cry for tanelorn.

Road Of No Release: A keyboard solo and vocals aren't always a great way to start off a song straight on the tracks of a fast one, but this one builds up to become an epic (of sorts) filled with melodies which reminded of me of Guardian's yesteryear.

Ride Into Obsession: This one has definite shades of thrash mixed with old school german power metal beats. Upon further research I found out that this song and the final track are inspired by Wheel Of Time by Robert Jordan. Some strong vocal performances create a truly scintillating listening experience on this one with some nice thumping bass work.

Curse My Name: Starts of in the same vein as their most popular and well know songs The Bard's Song. Some amusing and tongue-in cheek lyrics with folk metal is all that this album needs as an antidote to lighten the mood. The drums though feel a little out of place on this one.

Valkyries: With this song, in come the Norse Mythology references. The drums are much more pronounced here and feel apt for the varied vocal styles being put on display by Hansi. Lyrically I found this song to be the most straight forward. A couple of good guitar solos seal this as a definite live hit. Off the 6 songs till now, Valkyrie is the standout track which I'm sure every listener will be humming due to its infectious choruses.

Control The Divine: Is probably the most monotonous song on the album and might make you push the skip button more than once. On the up-side vocals again are top notch and the chorus is the only thing saving this song from going under.

War Of The Thrones: The second ballad of the album (different from the version on the B-side single) , it is miles ahead of Curse My Name in terms of its lyrics. Some good piano work helps build this song from just an ordinary one to a good "sing along".

A Voice in the Dark: released as the first single from the album, this is "THE" true masterpiece of the album expected to be embraced instantly by all fans of the band as a classic. I like the way how the bass is up front and on some occasions even over shadows the lead guitars. The guitar solos although short and scattered, have a Celtic feel about them which wrap in nicely with the overall feel of the song.

Wheel Of Time: The story arc continued from Ride Into Obsession has unexpected time changes galore. Starting off with an Arabic feel, the song builds into a war cry-esque epic with excellent choruses and neat solos all around.

In closing. the whole album might be too hard to get into in one go especially with is progressive leanings, but a couple of spins on your stereo will make it one to be revisited more often rather often than not.

Genre : Progressive/Power Metal

Track Listing :

1. "Sacred Worlds" – 9:17

2. "Tanelorn (Into the Void)" – 5:58

3. "Road of No Release" – 6.30

4. "Ride Into Obsession" – 4.46

5. "Curse My Name" – 5:52

6. "Valkyries" – 6:38

7. "Control the Divine" – 5:26

8. "War of the Thrones" (piano version) – 4:55

9. "A Voice in the Dark" – 5:41

10. "Wheel of Time" – 8:55

Total Album Time: 63:58

Personnel :

Hansi Kürsch – Lead vocals

Marcus Siepen – Rhythm guitar

André Olbrich – Lead guitar

Frederik Ehmke – Drums and Flute

Release Date : July 30, 2010

Back To Blind Guardian's Page

Drummer Mike Portnoy Quits Dream Theater

Drummer and founding member of Dream Theater Mike Portnoy has decided to quit the legendary prog metal band.


He released this statement :

"I am about to write something I never imagined I'd ever write. 

"After 25 years, I have decided to leave DREAM THEATER... the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century.

"To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision...it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so....

"After having had such amazing experiences playing with HAIL!,TRANSATLANTIC and AVENGED SEVENFOLD this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now inDREAM THEATER.

"Please don't misinterpret me, I love the DREAM THEATER guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them... it's just that I think we are in serious need of a little break.

"DREAM THEATER was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985... 24/7, 365... never taking time off from DREAM THEATER's never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was 'off' between cycles)... working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band.

"But I've come to the conclusion that the DREAM THEATER machine was starting to burn me out...and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DREAM THEATER spirit hungry and inspired. 

"We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here and there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a 'hiatus' to recharge our batteries and 'save me from ourselves'...

"Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather... I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be...

"While it truly hurts for me to even think of a DREAM THEATER withoutMike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way...so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes.

"Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of DREAM THEATER and I talked about 'always following your heart and being true to yourself'... Sadly, I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with DREAM THEATER...and I would simply be 'going through the motions,' and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed.

"I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come... I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played....

"I'm sorry to all the disappointed DREAM THEATER fans around the world... I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work... I honestly just wanted a break (not a split)... but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within.

"You DREAM THEATER fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my ass for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me.... (and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future Mike Portnoy projects!)" 


He also had this to say on his facebook profile : I BEG of the fans to please NOT hold A7X responsible for MY decision...they are just as shocked as you guys..I had been contemplating this and desiring a "break" (not split) as long ago as last year...everything else is fully explained in the press release...thank you all for your support and understanding...this is the hardest thing I've ever done... : ( 


Dream Theater released the following statement : 


"To all of our loyal fans and friends: It is with profound sadness -- regret -- we announce that Mike Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has decided to leave Dream Theater. Mike's stature in the band has meant the world to all of us professionally, musically, and personally over the years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major force within this band.

While it is true that Mike is choosing to pursue other ventures and challenges, we can assure you that Dream Theater will continue to move forward with the same intensity -- and in the same musical tradition -- that you have all helped make so successful, and which is truly gratifying to us.

Fans and friends: File this episode under "Black Clouds and Silver Linings." As planned, we begin recording our newest album in January 2011, and we'll follow that with a full-on world tour. "The Spirit Carries On."

All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike the best on his musical journey. We have had a long and meaningful career together. It is our true hope that he finds all he is looking for, and that he achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be missed."