Mark “Barney” Greenway is the vocalist for the legendary grind-core band Napalm Death. The band formed in 1981 and is set to release their 15^th studio album in February. We had a chance to talk with Barney about the bands upcoming release and their plans for 2012.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about the bands upcoming release “Utilitarian”?
Mark “Barney” Greenway: For this album we sort of spread out the recording process as we had so much material. It was quite a process to get everything together. The end result is really a continuation of where our last album left off. I have difficulty analyzing the material and comparing it to the rest of the albums. Our process of writing is very spontaneous and whatever comes out comes out. The real difference with the new album is I did some things differently with the vocals. There are some influences on there I have used before but not in this context. The influences are kind of alternative and not what you normally associate with grind core. I used a real ambient ballad type style and we worked that into the faster stuff. To be honest I wasn’t sure if this would really work. However it seemed to work quite well.

AL: What was it like working with producer Russ Russell?
MG: Russ is great! He is like a member of the band. His general approach to things is that as long as it songs good that’s all he cares about. He doesn’t mind if the recording techniques are unconventional or whatever. He is exactly the same as us in the band. It was nice having already known Russ as we didn’t have to go through that process of getting to know how each other works.

AL: Is there a particular song off the record you really want the fans to hear?
MG: The song “Everyday Pox”.  That track is also a personal favorite of mine as it’s really nasty! The track is pretty nuts and it just sounds really horrible and heavy. We of course are nice gentle people though. (Laughs)

AL: What do you think keeps the band fresh and current after being together for 30 years?
MG: We have always tried to go to places where bands have never been before. We have always kind of trail blazed in that way. We were the first band to play independently in the Soviet Union. That was pretty historic at that point. The band also has this chemistry where we never feel like we are just going through the motions. The band has gone through some pretty rough times and, we have weathered storms where other bands just fell to the way side. We have always had the drive to keep moving forward which is something that seems to come natural to us. There might come a time where things change and we might not feel as creative but that’s only natural. We take things month by month and year by year. We don’t want to do anything 50%.

AL: What other upcoming plans do you have scheduled for 2012?
MB: Well the album comes out in February and we have some shows scheduled overseas. The only thing we have scheduled here in the U.S. so far is the Bury Your Dead Festival. We are going to be doing more here in the states but we want to make sure that we get a good package of bands together. The days of going out with one support band I think are pretty much gone. We also want to make sure that the ticket prices are fair as well. It will take a bit of planning but we will get there.

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“94.1 The Zone’s Presents: Rover’s Holiday Hangover”
Everlast, New Found Glory, Four Year Strong, Young Bloods, Velvet Elvis, Falling Forward
Date: Saturday, January 21^st 2012
Venue: Main St. Armory, Rochester, NY

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

January 21^st saw the arrival of Rover’s Holiday Hangover featuring Everlast and New Found Glory. The concert was put on by 94.1 The Zone which is one of Rochester NY’s most listened to stations. Like most radio sponsored events the musical line up was somewhat diverse and at times questionable in my opinion however each band put on solid performances for the near capacity crowd.

The Webster, NY based band Falling Forward kicked off the show playing their own blend of melodic infused metal which received a favorable welcome from those who showed up early for the show. Velvet Elvis followed and performed a drawn out set of what I would describe as sludge rock. The band had a couple moments where I questioned if they were at the level to play on such a bill. Clearly stopping their drummer to restart songs is not a plus in my book. The crowd responded to the band with a somewhat lack luster applaud as the band left the stage almost 40 minutes later. Home town favorites Young Bloods took to the stage next and worked the packed hall back into a frenzy that was complete with dozens of flying glowing sticks which were given out by the band prior to the start of their set.

Next to take the stage was thought to be Four Year Strong however due to an illness in the band only two members were able to perform. Prior to the start of their set it was announced that this would be the first time ever that people were going to hear some of their songs performed acoustically. The crowd seemed very thankful that even though the entire band was not present they still cared enough to come out and put on a stellar performance that sounded amazing.

Pop Punk heavy weights New Found Glory followed after a brief intermission and preceded to ignite the crowd into one mosh pit fueled, crowd surfing hodgepodge that had security working overtime. The band played hit after hit along with treating the crowd to a couple classic covers songs by Green Day and The Ramones. Everlast would close out the show playing his own blend of blues infused hip-hop. A quick survey of the crowd made me question the playing order of the night as I noticed quite a few people myself included heading for the doors after only three songs.

Overall Rover’s Holiday Hangover was a decent show. It would have been nice to have a more cohesive line up as I felt it may have held listeners attention better and not made them want to leave early. For a presale price of $10.00 and a door price of $20.00 you really could not complain especially in this day and age. 94.1 The Zone did a great job giving back to their listeners and I am looking forward to attending more of their shows.

New Found Glory Set List:
1.)    All Downhill From Here
2.)    Something I Call Personality
3.)    Radiosurgery
4.)    Understatement
5.)    Don’t Let Her Pull You Down
6.)    Hot or Miss
7.)    Blitzkrieg Bop (Ramones Cover)
8.)    Memories and Battle Scars
9.)    Failure’s Not Flattering
10.)  Kiss Me (Sixpence Non the Richer Cover)
11.)  Dressed to Kill
12.)  Anthem for the Unwanted
13.)  Truth of my Youth
14.)  Head on Collision
15.)  Basket Case (Green Day Cover)
16.)  It’s Not Your fault
17.)  Intro
18.)  My Friends Over You

Etta James, whose version of the 1941 standard “At Last” is one of the most popular recordings of all time, died today from complications due to leukemia. She was 73. She passed away just three days after bandleader Johnny Otis, who discovered her, passed away.

Born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles, she was raised by an almost absentee mother who told the young girl that her father was the famous pool player Minnesota Fats. Years later she met him but he never admitted or denied being her father. Due to her mother’s many problems James was mostly raised by Lula and Jesse Rogers, family friends who owned a rooming house her mother used to live in.

She was performing in a female group known as the Peaches when Otis spotted her, advising her to rearrange her first name and become Etta James. The two co-wrote the hit “Roll With Me, Henry,” which was a reply to the popular Hank Ballard and the Midnighters’ hit, “Work With Me, Annie.” Her first “big” song was the ballad “I’d Rather Go Blind,” which was later covered by such singers as Rod Stewart, B.B. King and Beyonce’, who sang it while portraying James in the film “Cadillac Records.”

In 1960 she signed with Chess Records and released her debut album, “At Last!,” at the end of the year. In 1961 the title track was released as a single, reaching #2 on the Rhythm and Blues chart and #47 on the Billboard Hot 100. “At Last” would become her signature song. She stayed with Chess Records until 1978. In 1993 she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, becoming one of only thirteen women inducted as a solo performer.

Bob Pantella is the drummer for Cycle of Pain, Monster Magnet, Riot God and Atomic Bitchwax. His band Riot God is set to release their second album at the end of January titled “Invisible Empire”. Media Mikes had a chance to catch up with Bob recently to discuss the new album and how he manages to juggle playing in four different bands.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about Riot God’s upcoming album titled “Invisible Empire”?
Bob Pantella: The album actually came out in Europe at the end of November and will be available here in the states starting January 31^st. This is the bands second record and I am really excited for it to be released. The album is a little bit heavier than the first album and I think it came out really good. We are very happy with it. At this point I am actually really looking forward to doing another one. (Laughs)

AL: How do you think it compares to the first album?
BP: The heavier approach was definitely on purpose. During the recording of the first record we were sort of scatter brained and didn’t know how it was going to come out. We have been around for a few years now and have worked on our sound. Things this time came together relatively easy.

AL: Did you try to incorporate any new beats or styles into you’re playing on the album?
BP:  We all have our own styles which is something you don’t realize until you listen back to things. We decide is something cool or if it sucks and then put the pieces together. There is thought behind what we do but it is more related to editing ourselves. We spent a lot more time on this album and we were a lot more focused.

AL: Are there any tracks that stand out as favorites?
BP: Picking a track for me is pretty difficult as I am so close to the work. I wish I could hear the songs with fresh ears but that’s impossible. Each time I listen to the album I like something else. At this point I like the song “Tomorrows Today”. At first I liked “Firebrand” but then I kind of got sick of that one. I have listened to all of these songs around 500 times.

AL: Do you have any projects in the works with your other bands?
BP: Cycle of Pain has a few songs in the works. Between JD and me playing all the time we are away a lot so that album is going to take a little bit of time. Monster Magnet has plans to do a new record in the spring.

AL: Do you find it hard splitting your time between 4 bands?
BP: If I didn’t like it I would quit. Playing takes up about 95% of my time. I haven’t been out of the studio in 4 days as we are recording some Riot God material for a special tour release. Monster Magnet is recording a track for an upcoming tribute album and Atomic Bitchwax is recording and writing for an upcoming spring release.

AL: Do you have any other plans for 2012?
BP: Things are pretty well booked up but there are still things being filled in. I am going to be in Germany with Riot God playing the Wacken Festival and then I will be in Europe again with Monster Magnet sometime in June. Things are just nonstop.

Papa Joe Aviance is a dance music performer best known for performance with Lulu on the track “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life”. His current song is working its way up Billboard Dance charts. Media Mikes had a chance recently to speak with Papa Joe about his music and future plans.

Adam Lawton: What made you first want to get into music?
Papa Joe Aviance: I have been passionate about music all of my life. I grew up playing the violin and I was also in the marching band. Music is something I have been around all of my life. When I first experienced club music it was like church for me. Feeling the grooves and beats was very magical and I fell in love with it. Music in general is something that I just really love!

AL: How was it getting to work with Lulu on “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life”?
PJA: Amazing! I had danced to her tracks many times in the clubs and to have the opportunity to work with her was a blessing in disguise. My demo had been sent to Kult records and that day was the same day the originally rapper on the track was fired. They liked my voice and if would mind doing the rap on the track. Next thing I know its number 6 on the Billboard dance charts.

AL: When you were working on the track did you think it was going to be as big as it turned out?
PJA: Not at all. When it did get as big as it did I saw myself on the video and I knew I had to change my appearance. I knew I just couldn’t look like I did. I remember going to a local sports bar and hearing that song on the juke box. I just couldn’t believe it. From there I really got the motivation to lose a bunch of weight and was the next big thing to happen to me after that song was released.

AL: Can you tell us about your new track titled “Live For Life”?
PJA: I had Willy Sanjuan at a music conference about a year and a half ago. I was there promoting “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life”. He and I had been communicating through email and through the process of my weight loss I started writing this track. We recorded and submitted it and now it’s being promoted everywhere. I am really happy and proud of the track. This really is my very first solo track.

AL: How was it going into the studio by yourself for the first time?
PJA: It was fun and exciting. I love being in the studio and getting to brainstorm material. This new track is kind of about being passionate and doing what you love.

AL: Can you tell us about Papa Joe Network Productions?
PJA: That sort of came into play about 2 years ago. I had helped with some things on the “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life” video. During my weight loss journey I decided to document it. From there I started working on other projects besides my own. I like trying to help people get their message out.

AL: Do you have any other upcoming projects?
PJA: I am currently working with a few charities right now filming their events. Besides filming for those groups I am also involved heavily as a member. Next year I am planning to do a Walk Across America tour. I am planning to visit 10-15 cities to promote not only my new song but a healthy and active lifestyle. I plan to document the whole thing and submit it to festivals when it’s all done.

For more info on Papa Joe Aviance you can go to his website @ www.joejoenow.com and you can view some of his production work at www.youtube.com/papajoeaviance

2011 brought a plethora of good and bad music releases to the masses and we here at Media Mikes had quite a pile of releases to choose from for our top 10 of 2011. However after great thought and debate our writers have come up with the lists below.

Adam Lawton:
1.) Wasting Light- Foo Fighters
2.) Heavy Worship- The Great Commission
3.) Worship Music- Anthrax
4.) The Truth Is…- Theory of a Deadman
5.) Set the World on Fire- Black Veil Brides
6.) Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes- Social Distortion
7.) Human Conditional- Fallon Bowman
8.) Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be- We Came as Romans
9.) Balls Out- Steel Panther
10.) A World Destroyer- Degradead

Mike Gencarelli:
1.) Anar – Marketa Irglova
2.) Chief – Eric Church
3.) Evanescence – Evanescence
4.)  Jeff Bridges – Jeff Bridges
5.) Original Sountrack – Janie Jones
6.) Original Sountrack – Midnight in Paris
7.) Original Sountrack – The Muppets
8.) Own The Night – Lady Antebellum
9.) Race Wars – mc chris
10.) Wasting Light- Foo Fighters

Graham Colton is a singer/songwriter who has had his material featured on “American Idol” and who has toured with acts such as John Mayer, Counting Crows and The Dave Mathews Band. Media Mikes had a chance recently to talk with Graham about his latest release “Pacific Coast Eyes Vol. 2”.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about your latest release.
Graham Colton: The album is titled “Pacific Coast Eyes Vol. 2”. It is sort of a bonus EP release that was really a lot of fun to make. Now that I am an independent artist again I can pretty much do what I what on my own schedule. This release is just that. The EP contains 3 songs from “Pacific Coast Eyes” and 3 new songs. Lately I have been a fan of putting out things that I think my fans will like right away rather than using the old model of things and make them wait a year or two.

AL: I assume you are a fan of that type of freedom as an artist?
GC: I definitely like the fact that there are no rules. I think with the way the business is going these days the original set of rules people went by are now being redefined. I think this is  cool because with the touch of one button you have so many different options to get your work out there. I am really embracing this new way of doing things. When I first started I think I caught the tail end of how things used to be done where you sign a big record deal and release a huge album. I had a great time working that way but there are just so many new ways of doing things now. Moving forward is something that is really good.

AL: How do you feel the new tracks on this release compare to your previous work?
GC: You always hope that with each release you move forward another step. I have stopped putting the pressure on myself to figure out what material is better. I think I have grown as songwriter both in ways I think are good and in ways I think that my hurt me. A lot of times I am thinking some of the best songs I have ever written were the ones I wrote in my bedroom when I was 17. During that time it was just me, four chords and an out of tune guitar. All I wanted to do was impress girls. On the flip side there is always a cool balance of keeping things as simple and as honest as I can while at the same time adding in all the experience I have gained and learned along the way.

AL: What are your tour plans for this release?
GC: I just wrapped up a tour called the “Go National Tour”. The tour was a partnership between me and cngnow.com where I traveled in a natural gas vehicle and documented the entire tour. I plan to do a spring tour and more partnerships with cngnow.com. My partnership with cngnow.com has been great as this is the first time I have really stood up for a cause that I believe in. I felt so strongly about this that I actually approached them with this idea. It was a pretty organic process. I started looking out what type of eco footprint we as musicians who earn our living out on the road leave behind after we have toured all over. I am very proud of what we have accomplished thus far and you can actually go to the site to see just what we have done.

AL: Do you have any other upcoming projects in the works for 2012?
GC: I am working on a few things right now that I would describe as being a little bit left of center for me. There are some collaboration’s that have started however it is still a little bit too early to talk about those. I have been very excited as of late. This is something that tends to happen when I am about ready to make new music. I seem to have the ability to visual the record before I even write anything. I don’t know the exact picture yet but I do know I want to make a left turn and see what all shakes out. This is both exciting and really scary.

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Doug Brown is the vocalist/rhythm guitarist for the pop/rock band SafetySuit. The band recently released their second album titled “These Times” via Universal Republic Records. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Doug recently about the bands history and the new album.

Adam Lawton: Can you give us a little background on the band?
Doug Brown: The band formed a century ago in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 2004 we moved to Nashville, Tenn. where we started playing out quite a bit. In 2007 we got signed to Universal Records and in 2008 we released our first album titled “Life Left to Go”. We toured on that album for about 3 years which brings us to now where we are now just releasing our new album “These Times”.

AL: What can you tell us about the new album?
DB: This album is the next step in the SafetySuit journey. With the last record I don’t think people could really tell what type of band we are. Some people thought we were a pop band while others thought we were a rock band. I think we have a little bit of both and are a pop/rock band as opposed to a rock/pop band. The pop is trying to squeeze its way towards the front of our sound but we give it emotion and intensity which is what is missing from some pop style songs.

AL: How does “These Times” compare to your previous release?
DB: I think this record is an evolution. This album is us figuring out what people were reacting to after 2/3 years of touring. We wanted to make the things that people were reacting to the predominant thing on the new record. We were really aware this time of what we were putting in each recording as we wanted the songs to be very accessible. With the last record we added a lot of stuff to the tracks to make them bigger but this time we went with a less is more approach.

AL: What do you think was the hardest part of the recording process?
DB: The recording process it’s self was a really long process. We started at the beginning of 2010 and didn’t finish until the end of 2011. It’s hard to come into the studio and record a fresh sounding album after being on the road for so long. We recorded half of the record and then brought the label down to hear it. This was the first time that we as a band stopped and listened to what we were doing. We realized it was not very good so we scrapped the entire thing. The second time around we made sure that we had good people working with us with fresh ideas. We were constantly checking the tracks to make sure they were what we wanted.

AL: Is there a track off the album that sticks out as a favorite?
DB: Probably the title track “These Times”. I think that song musically captures what we are trying to do as a band. The song has a good guitar hook and lyrics that are focused on a real subject. I think this song has the heart of the band behind it.

AL: Will the band be touring to support the album?
DB: I don’t have any specifics on the tour just yet. We are working very hard right now on locking down a few things. We are planning a small club tour in February and then we have some opportunities for some larger tours in March, April and May. I can’t really tell anyone much more than that until things are finalized.

AL: Is there anything else going on with band in 2012?
DB: We just released our video on Vevo.com for “These Times” which was pretty exciting. It was also pretty amazing to be the number 1 album on iTunes for a couple days. During the months until spring we plan to do a lot of press and promoting to get the album going. We hope to do a Vh1 premier of “These Times” in the next month in a half or so.

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Tyler Connolly is the lead singer for the rock band Theory of a Deadman. The band released their 4^th studio album this year titled “The Truth Is…” and have been touring since its release. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Tyler recently about the album and the bands plans for 2012.

Adam Lawton: When the band was first starting out did you find it harder to break into mainstream here in the states being you were from another country?
Tyler Connolly: It was a little harder but I don’t think it had anything to do with the music we were playing. In Canada they have to play a certain percentage of Canadian music on the radio. We had a good record that the stations liked playing and we were able to build a following. I think the hardest part was getting on the tour bus and never being home.

AL: 2011 has been a busy year for the band. Can you tell what’s all been going on?
TC: We have been touring a lot. We have focused on hitting markets that we don’t often go to. We have done 3 U.S. tours on the “The Truth Is…” album which was released in the spring of this year.

AL: You guys have been playing the new songs out now for awhile do you have any favorites off the latest album?
TC: “Gentlemen” is a really fun song to play. We are going to be adding a song to the set titled “Hurricane”. That song is going to be our next single to be released. We enjoy playing live and seeing the different reactions certain songs get. Personally I like playing any of the new material as its fresh.

AL: Can you tell us the story behind having a homeless guy play on the track “What Was I Thinking”?
TC: The guy was just this old sort of dirty dude playing banjo on the street corner. I was walking by and gave the guy some money then went into the studio. When I got inside I told everyone about him and said we should bring him in to play banjo on something. We asked him to come and he asked us how much would he get paid. We ended up paying him I think $800 because of certain union laws. It was really just a random thing.

AL: With the end of the year approaching do you have any favorite albums that have come out this year?
TC: I just picked up the new Mumford and Sons album. I just love all the harmonies on that album. I also have been listening to a lot of The Parlor Mob who made a really great record. The album is called “Dogs” and we have been listening to that quite a bit.

AL: Can you tell us about the bands plans for 2012?
TC: We have 4 shows in the states and then we are doing an 11 show tour across Canada. We don’t get to Canada very often at the most we play there maybe once a year. From there we go back overseas for 3 weeks. After that I think we are doing a headlining tour in the states. That will probably start around March or April.

AL: Are you guys hitting any new places overseas this time?
TC: Yes. We are hitting Norway, Finland and Austria. We have played in Austria before but the other places this will be our first time playing there.

AL: Are there any places the band hasn’t played yet that you would really like to play?
TC: Australia. Everyone I have talked to has said that Australia is a great rock market. It seems like a really great place to go. We also would love to get to Japan.

AL: Can you tell us about the special ticket packages for the upcoming tour?
TC: Artist Arena is putting together some special packages for fans to purchase. The packages offer a little more than just a seat to the show. It seems to be something that is really popular and we have met a lot of people which has been great! I have to look in to if these packages are going to be available at our shows outside of the U.S.

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Yoshiki is the drummer/pianist for the super successful Japanese rock group X Japan. Recently Yoshiki was asked to compose the theme song for the 2012 Golden Globe Awards ceremony. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Yoshiki about his work on the piece as well as what it was like being made into a superhero by none other than Stan Lee.

Adam Lawton: How did you get involved with writing the theme for the 2012 Golden Globes?
Yoshiki: I had been invited to attend the Golden Globes last year. I got to know some of the people in the HFPA and we all became friends. After a few meetings during the summer time, the President of the HFPA asked me if I would be interested in writing the theme song for the Golden Globes. I was very delighted to be asked.

AL: When you a write a piece like this what do feel is the hardest part of the process?
Yoshiki: I think the hardest part is overcoming the pressure of each project. I have written for large Japanese events however this is my first time writing for something that is based outside of Asia. I had gotten some information from the people at the HFPA that they wanted the piece to be prestigious with touches of Hollywood. I tried to listen to everyone’s ideas and digest them all while writing the piece.

AL: What can you tell us about your comic book character “Blood Red Dragon”?
Yoshiki: I have been working with Stan Lee and Todd McFarlane on that project. Stan Lee is pretty much the brain behind the project. They will often show me ideas and I give them some input as to whether I think it’s a good idea or not. Stan made me a superhero, which is something he is very good at!

AL: How did the idea for the character come about?
Yoshiki: I had met Stan at a charity event. I introduced myself by telling him I was a rock star and he told me he creates superheroes. That’s really how everything started. Stan is just so big and he has created so many great characters.

AL: With X Japan starting to venture outside of Asia what do you think is the hardest part about breaking into a new market such as here in the United States?
Yoshiki: The hardest part is that no Asian act/rock band has been to other markets. People tend to have a stereotype because of this. They often think we can’t make it. We have to convince them that nothing is impossible. We have to work and keep on rocking to convince people. There really is no easy way to become popular or known when going to a new area. X Japan is pretty lucky because we have had quite a bit of Japanese press. There are also a lot of people around the world who are interested in Japanese culture and they have found are music. We get immediate response from our fans around the world however, in order to take things to the next level you have to keep touring and rocking!

AL: You perform both classical and rock music. Is there one genre you prefer over the other?
Yoshiki: Going back and forth between rock and classical music I think keeps me sane. I think if you listen to too much rock you will go insane and vice versa. (Laughs) I enjoy going back and forth between the two.

AL: Do you have any other projects coming up this year?
Yoshiki: X Japan should have a new album out this year. It is about 90% done however I had to stop work on it in order to focus on the Golden Globes. Once I am done with everything for the Golden Globes we will start recording the album. I also have my solo project Violet UK and I would like to finish an album for that as well. When both of those are completed I plan to start touring again. We would like to be able tour North America extensively in the coming year.

For more information on Yoshiki and all of his projects you can go to his official site at www.yoshiki.net

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SafetySuit
“These Times”
Universal Republic
Produced by: Howard Benson, Ryan Tedder, Espionage and SafteySuit
Tracks: 11
ITunes Digital Download 12 tracks

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“These Times” is the latest release from the pop/rock band SafetySuit. The album is being released via Universal Republic and is the follow up release to the bands 2008 album titled “Life Left to Go”.
“These Times” debuted January 3, 2012 on ITunes where it spent two days as the number one most downloaded album.

Right of the bat I found the 11 songs contained on “These Times” to all have the potential of becoming hits. Despite the number of various producers on this album all the tracks had a very good flow and each track seemed to complement the next. The album featured a variety of tones and textures providing something new each time you listen to it. The band also does a great job blending a multitude of music genres which only seems to add to the appeal of this album. Tracks such as “Never Stop” and the upbeat song “Crash” were strong personal favorites of mine. After listening to “These Times” several times over it was really no surprise as to why the album spent two days at the top of the ITunes chart. Fans of music in general will want to check out this album.

Track Listing:
1.) Believe
2.) Get Around This
3.) Let Go
4.) Staring At It
5.) These Times
6.) Never Stop
7.) One Time
8.) Crash
9.) Stranger
10.) Things To Say
11.) Life In the Pain
12.) You Don’t See Me (ITunes Bonus Track)

Danny Smash is the bassist for the rock band The Last Vegas. The band is set to release their second full-length album this coming year. Media Mikes had a chance to ask Danny a few questions about the upcoming release as well as what it was like working with Sybil Danning.

Adam Lawton: What can you tell us about the band?
Danny Smash: It’s always hard to accurately describe things when your on the inside looking out.  From my perspective I think were just five Midwest guys who are trying to be 1970s Aerosmith in 2011.  We come from the five piece mold cast from bands like The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, The New York Dolls, Guns n Roses, Alice Cooper, and of course the Jackson 5.  For some reason we get perceived as a hair metal band, but were actually much more 70s rock influenced.   I think its because most peoples last reference point for real rock n roll is the eighties so they place you in that category even if its not accurate. You’ll never find a bottle of aqua net in our van man!

AL: Tell us about the upcoming album?
DS: The new album was recorded right in here in Chicago with producer Johnny K(Staind, Disturbed, Megadeth). He has an awesome studio located literally five minutes from where we practice, so it was really convenient. We recorded 14 songs but we’ll probably send a couple of them down to the minors. Musically the album is a little less polished and a little more eclectic than our previous album “Whatever Gets You Off.”   There were a lot of different elements thrown in the rock caldron on this one. We have four songwriters so there’s a lot of perspectives and a lot of arguing. Were talking about a spring release.

AL: have you picked a favorite track from the album?
DS: My personal favorite is a track called Evil Eyes. The song has a really cool rhythm and vibe to it.  The song reminds me of “Nobody’s Fault” off Aerosmith’s  “Rocks” album. The song takes an introspective look into the mind of a stalker. Its heavy but you can shake your ass to it. Ass shaking + Stalker = #1 hit single???

AL: What was it like working with Sybil Danning?
DS: It was a really great experience to work with a legend.  She is such a professional.  When she turned on the acting button it was a very surreal moment.  I knew right then and there I needed to step it up.  She’s also a very kind, patient, and down to earth lady.  The whole experience exceeded all expectations.

AL: What are the bands upcoming plans for 2012?
DS: For 2012, The Last Vegas train wreck is focusing on international touring and our album release. We’ve been touring around America for the last three years, so its time to poison the minds of the rest of world.  Were getting the party started with a three-week tour of Spain in February.

New York hardcore veterans Biohazard are teaming up with Revolver Magazine and Repudo to blaze yet another trail and give away their new record “Reborn In Defiance” in its entirety for FREE to all fans in the United States starting January 20th 2012.

The first such promotion ever launched, the record will be available for free download off of Revolver Magazine’s website revolvermag.com as well as
through the technology offered by Repudo.com. Fans can check into Biohazard “Containment Zones” (record stores, venues, and more) across the United States using the Repudo app on their smart phones and download the new record directly to their phones or send it to their email inbox. A full map of the Containment Zones will be available soon. For fans who still want a physical copy of REBORN IN DEFIANCE, CDs will be made available for
sale in conjunction with Record Store Day in April and will include exclusive additional content.

“When we started, we followed our hearts and innovated a new direction for heavy music, and today we’re doing the same.” says Biohazard vocalist/guitarist Billy Graziadei. “Technology has allowed us to find a new way to not only reach out to fans but also to thank them for their support all these years. Grab our album for free and we’ll see you on tour!”

REBORN IN DEFIANCE is the highly anticipated new record that was recorded
by the band’s original lineup, its first such recording in almost 18 years, with producer Toby Wright (Alice in Chains, Metallica).

Below are all upcoming northeast tour dates for the first part of their world tour in support of REBORN IN DEFIANCE. Scott Roberts will be joining the band as bass player for all dates.

US Tour Dates:
1/15 – Albany, NY @ Bogies
1/16 – Reading, PA @ Reverb
1/17 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theater *Record Release Party

With Madball:
2/8 – Syracuse, NY @ Station 58
2/9 – Portland, ME @ Asylum
2/10 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
2/11 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
2/12 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Wally’s Pub
2/14 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Diesel
2/15 – Richmond, VA @ Kingdom
2/16 – Towson, MD @ Recher Theatre
2/17 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
2/18 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom

BIOHAZARD has sold millions of albums worldwide since they achieved international success with their albums Urban Discipline on Roadrunner Records in 1992 and 1994’s State of the World Address on
www.youtube.com/biohazardDFLvideo

Warner Brothers. Over the years, Biohazard has collaborated with Onyx, Cypress Hill, Agnostic Front, Hatebreed, Pantera, and Type O Negative, among others. The band has continued to tour nationally and internationally, sharing stages with House of Pain, Ozzy Osbourne, Slayer, Danzig, Fear Factory, Sepultura and Agnostic Front.

www.biohazard.com
www.facebook.com/biohazardDFL
www.twitter.com/biohazardDFL

Jingle Punks is a music licensing company whose work is featured on TV, commercials, film and more. They have a side project called The Hipster Orchestra that has a new video called “4 Strings and an 808” and it features music from Beyonce, Jay Z, Mary J, Eminem, and more. It has more than 11 Thousand hits in just 2 days. Check out the video below:

Devin Townsend is best known as the founding guitarist/vocalist for the heavy metal group Strapping Young Lab and The Devin Townsend Band.  Media Mikes had a chance recently to talk with Devin about his latest solo releases and his future plans.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about your latest releases?
Devin Townsend: These two releases are the last releases of a four record project I started about 4 years ago. The four records together in my opinion are a representation of the process artistically that I think my life has gone through. I had quit my last band as well as stopped drinking and smoking. My wife and I also had a baby during this time. I felt the need to exercise certain things in my past that I may have had creative hang ups about. At the same time I felt it was important for me to make four very different styles of music to represent that versatility. “Deconstruction” and “Ghost” are the last two albums in the series. “Deconstruction” is a very stream of conscience, avant garde heavy metal record. I was lucky enough to be able to use the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, The Amsterdam Choir and a few other guests from the heavy metal world to do some of the vocal work. The album has a sort of left of center theme to it. “Ghost” the final album in the series is more of an ambient, new age record. There are a lot of flutes, mandolins and acoustic guitars on this album. Both albums came out on the same date and hopefully they will represent a level of versatility to what I do.

AL: Was there a certain instance that drew you to the idea of a four album series?
DT: Not necessarily. I think it comes more so from dissatisfaction in the past of having to write in a certain aesthetic. I remember during Strapping Young Lad being frustrated while writing because it had to be a certain thing. It had to be ferocious and fast. While writing the Devin Townsend Band records there was a part of me that found it frustrating to not be able to allow certain things. These four records are more of liberation for me to do what I want. Hopefully the next project I do will be free from any of those restrictions.

AL: Is there one of the four albums that sticks out as a personal favorite?
DT: Overall I think my favorite would be “Ghost”. That album is the least offensive to me. I think “Ki” has definitely has some interesting places where I could take that style. Over all it is the quiet and darker moments that I like. I like the crunchier stuff also but I think when left to my own devices I like quiet and dark music. The bonus track on “Ghost” titled “Watch You” I think does a good job of pulling those off. This is an area that I have really started to investigate.

AL: How did you get involved with the show “Metalocalypse”?
DT: Towards the end of my ten year with smoking weed Brendan Small the creator of the show put out a picture of the characters. One of the characters had been styled after me with the skullet hair style. It really tripped me out and I didn’t know what to think of it. I was paranoid about it as I didn’t want people to associate that image with things. Through a lawyer I asked him to stop. I was very adamant about getting away from it at that point. Luckily Brendan has a great sense of humor and just gave the character a comb over. Later on I got a call from Brendan asking if I would do some character voices for the show. I had the opportunity to explain about my previous paranoia and he was cool about everything. I ended up doing a few characters for him even though I have never seen the show. I think Brendan is a very talented guy.

AL: Can you tell us the idea behind “Ziltoid the Omniscient”?
DT: That was around the same time when I was quitting drugs. I think the image that I put across to the public was sort of a mad scientist type look. I had a kid at this time and everything in my life was changing. I realized a lot of the anger I demonstrated which was perceived as craziness was often just a choice I made and I wasn’t really crazy at all. Crazy is a very good place to hide because who is going to argue with you? I really looked at everything and figured out I had developed a very elaborate defense mechanism. “Ziltoid” became this personification that. When I cut my hair I glued it onto this puppet. The idea of being led by your addictions, your public persona or being a puppet to it was something I had on my mind. I thought creatively it would be a lot of fun to put some of the things I was no longer able to justify seeing in real life while still participating with them on a creative level. “Ziltoid” became that personification.

AL: Do you still have plans for expanding the character?
DT: Yes. After I finished “Deconstruction” which is an album very devoid of standard song structure I started thinking as a reaction to that album I wanted one that I could just sit and listen to. I don’t want to be besieged by some sort of metaphor or existential crisis. I just want to write a bunch of really cool songs. The next record I am working on is titled “Epicloud” which will feature 12 hard rock songs with a very theorial vocal vibe. After that I am doing a record called “Zed Squared”. This is something I have been working towards for many years. Essentially it will be the new “Ziltoid” record. It also is going to be a very theatrical production.

AL: Will there ever be a Strapping Young Lad reunion?
DT: Highly doubtful. The misconception people have about that band is that I have some sort of resentment to it. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Strapping Young lad was an immense part of my life and my development as a musician/person. What people have to realize is because Strapping Young Lad was in most cases me in its entirety. That it hasn’t gone anywhere. In order for me to move forward I need time. I don’t move quickly when it comes to making decisions. In the future what made Strapping Young Lad awesome will of course be 100 percent a part of what I am doing. I won’t go back to something I was when I was 25/26 to rekindle something that’s basic reason to exist was to move me forward to where I am now. I think a lot of times people who have a romantic attachment to a certain period of life it’s hard to convince them that there is something better out there. In time what I do in the future will not only include the element of Strapping Young Lad but it will surpass it.

AL: What are your plans for 2012?
DT: I am continuing to write for “Epicloud”. I have about 20 songs written but I would like around 30 to be able to choose the best 12 from. I then will make demos probably through January and February. We are scheduled to play the Sound Wave festival in Australia around that time and after that we come back and record “Epicloud”. I also have a bunch of cool things to announce for America and then we are hitting the summer festivals. Once the new album comes out we are going to be on tour hopefully with the budget and personnel to take the live show to a level nowhere near where we are able to do at this time.