News Collection Week Of 4-4

As I Lay Dying Updated News Recap
Grammy®-nominated metal group AS I LAY DYING–whose last four albums have sold more than 1.3 million copies–will release their fifth full-length album THE POWERLESS RISE May 11 via Metal Blade Records. The band is currently putting the final touches on THE POWERLESS RISE in their hometown of San Diego. Tim Lambesis, frontman of As I Lay Dying, explains “We wanted to make sure our songwriting progressed and I feel we’ve achieved our goal in creating an album with greater intensity than any we’ve crafted before it, We added layers and complexity to the melodies and yet we were able to do so without softening our sound like so many of our peers. Lyrically, The Powerless Rise includes some of the most straight-forward songs I’ve ever written. I can honestly say that I am more excited about The Powerless Rise than any release before it–I can’t wait to unleash it on our fans.” THE POWERLESS RISE marks the follow-up to their critically acclaimed fourth album An Ocean Between Us (Metal Blade) which debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 and #1 on the Rock Chart and earned the group a Grammy® nomination for “Best Metal Performance” alongside metal heavyweights Slayer and King Diamond. For the new album, the group re-teamed with producer Adam Dutkiewicz of Killswitch Engage and mixer Colin Richardson who they’d previously worked with on An Ocean Between Us. The majority of THE POWERLESS RISE was recorded and mixed at Lambesis Studios–studio of AILD lead singer TIM LAMBESIS–in San Diego.
Track Listing:
1. Beyond Our Suffering
2. Anodyne Sea
3. Without Conclusion
4. Parallels
5. The Plague
6. Anger and Apathy
7. Condemned
8. Upside Down Kingdom
9. Vacancy
10. The Only Constant Is Change
11. The Blinding Of False Light
For tour dates or more information on this upcoming release, visit:
asilaydying.com

Strike First Records Signs As Hell Retreats
Strike First’s newest family member comes to us from Hendersonville, TN. As Hell Retreats have been propelling themselves forward since forming in 2005 by setting motivational goals, and step by step they are realizing the benefits of their hard work. They have self released five-song demos each year for the past 4 years, and 2010 will be the year they see the release of their first full length album. The new project promises to be a polished culmination of their past work, showcasing their death metal roots laced with thrash and hardcore. Look for their debut full length Revival to be released from Strike First Records on May 25, 2010.

Metal Missionaries Book On Extreme Christian Metal
Heavy Metal has long been associated with dark, evil and nefarious themes. Throughout its history, Metal has also been linked with rebellion and the questioning of authority. While the stigma has by and large been accurate in the past, an underground movement has been gaining popularity over the last decade. Extreme Christian Musicians, they look and sound the same, but they are bringing a message of hope, faith, love and redemption to fans of the genre. There have long been fringe Christian Metal Bands with product available exclusively in Christian outlets and gift shops. For the first time Extreme Christian music has moved from the dusty back bins of the Christian Book Stores to the front racks at super retailers like Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Target and Hot Topic. Everyday these bands are on the road traversing the country and taking their message and their brand of music to the masses hoping to make a difference. Metal Missionaries contains in depth interviews with over twenty groundbreaking Extreme Christian Artists from around the globe, including, Becoming The Archetype, Corpus Christi, Grave Robber, Fearscape and many more. Beginning April 1st 2010 Metal Missionaries will be available for digital download exclusively through undark.net. Log on to order and download your own personal copy.
For more information on bands & speakers, visit:
purpledoor.com

Deas Vail Video Up For Voting On MTVU
Mono vs Stereo band Deas Vail’s new video “Excuses” on mtvU this week, vote for the band at here. Birds & Cages has people talking and taking notice, Alternative Press says “Get yourself some DV love” and Absolute Punk wants you to “take this as an opportunity to discover the talent that hides within a cage”. With a nonstop touring schedule Deas Vail is poised to let their voice be heard. The band is now on tour with Copeland and looking forward to a summer trek on the Vans Warped Tour ’10. Deas Vail is: Wes Blaylock – Vocals, Keys, Laura Blaylock – Keys, Synth, Kelsey Harelson – Drums, Andy Moore – Guitar and Justin Froning – Bass.
Tour Dates:
4/1 – Austin, TX
4/2 – Dallas, TX
4/3 – Tulsa, OK
4/5 – Nashville, TN
4/6 – Knoxville, TN
4/7 – Atlanta, GA
4/8 – St Petersburg, FL
4/9 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
4/10 – Orlando, FL
4/11 – Orlando, FL

Woe Of Tyrants News
Full Metal Jackie, North America’s largest syndicated metal radio show, is premiering a new track from Woe Of Tyrants’ new album, Threnody. Jackie will spin the song the weekend March 26th, so make sure to tune in to the rock radio station nearest you to listen! You can find the station nearest you that carries the show as well as broadcast time here. Singing Surrender is the 9th track of the album and has one of the most memorable riffs on the entire record. Vocalist Chris Catanzaro explains further: “Singing Surrender was the first song we completed for our new album “Threnody” and is a personal favorite of ours to play live. Before I named the song we dubbed it ESPN due to the similarities between the opening riff and the theme music for Sportscenter. We still refer to it as ESPN, and probably always will (unless we get sued by Chris Berman or something). Thanks for listening!” Threnody hits streets April 13th and is available for pre-order now here. Woe Of Tyrants is about to join Overkill on their 25th Anniversary Killfest tour, so make sure to get your tickets now so you don’t miss the show! After the Overkill tour, the guys will tag along for a short east coast run with Entombed and Merauder.

New Faith Film Focuses On Race
Producers are putting finishing touches on THE GRACE CARD, an independent film focusing on racial reconciliation. The film stars Academy Award winner Louis Gossett, Jr., and was written by veteran screenwriter Howard A. Klausner, best known for the Warner Brothers hit, SPACE COWBOYS. Gossett, who plays a civil rights pioneer and long-time minister in the movie, says the project perfectly reflects the mission of his Eracism Foundation, which he formed in 2006 to combat bigotry and intolerance. Klausner also acts as producer for the film and says his vision is to “grow” the faith film genre by employing industry professionals to work alongside dedicated volunteers. First-time director David Evans lives in Memphis, and chose to shoot the film in his hometown. He and Klausner utilized the help of locals who formerly worked on Craig Brewer and John Grisham films. Where talent or crew couldn’t be found in Memphis, the production team filled vacancies with Hollywood-based veterans.
“It’s a unique combination of volunteer and professional crew,” Memphis Deputy Film Commissioner Sharon Fox O’Guin told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I’ve rarely seen such passion and dedication to a project.” Music City also plays a role in this Tennessee-based film. Top studio guitar player Brent Rowan is scoring the film and Nashville veteran Dan Pitts, manager of Grammy Award winning artist TobyMac, is supervising the music. Agency representative Propeller Consulting will screen the movie for distributors later this month with planned release in late 2010 or early 2011. Propeller is a faith and family branding agency based near Nashville, having worked on projects such as CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, FIREPROOF and FACING THE GIANTS.

Sinbreed Debuts New Video
The German power metal band SINBREED have released their video for the track “Dust to Dust” online. he track comes off their debut album, “When Worlds Collide” which will be released in Japan March 24th, Europe March 26th and in North America April 6th. You can view the video here. You can find out more information about Sinbreed here.

Luke Dowler Album Debuts
Beyond fronting a number of original bands, touring extensively and developing a loyal following, Luke Dowler is now emerging as a strong solo artist with the debut of Compared To You. Released in partnership with The Music Coope, the album can be purchased online through iTunes, Amazon.com, www.lukedowler.com and www.musiccoope.com, as well as at live performances. A collection of original worship songs penned by Dowler, Compared To You was also produced by the multi-faceted musician and engineered by legendary Vineyard worship leader and Music Coope founder, Kevin Prosch. The project was mixed and mastered by industry veteran, Aaron Sternke (Amy Grant, Third Day, MercyMe). “While we were in the studio with Luke and band, these songs just began to jump out at me from behind the console,” explains Prosch. “I knew at that moment we were listening to something unique and certainly not the same old top 40 worship junk. It’s a good listen!” Sternke adds, “Every album I hear from Luke, his songwriting gets better and better. Compared To You is his most well-developed, deepest and most vulnerable work yet. Not afraid of bearing his soul, Luke has crafted a well-balanced and passionate album that really does hit all the right notes. Listening to it makes me root for him and want to sing along!” No stranger to the world of an artist, Dowler has served as frontman for several groups, including ska band The Royal Rangers and rock foursome Three Minutes From Home, who later changed their name to Veteran Greene. He has toured the world, from Melborne to Montreal and traveled extensively across the U.S., sharing the stage with the likes of the Newsboys, Skillet, Audio Adrenaline, Petra and John Reuben, as well as performing large events such as Festival Con Dios, Creation Northwest, FreedomFest, HideoutFest and the Impact World Tour. Recently stepping out as a solo artist, Dowler continues to perform Veteran Greene material, but is shifting his focus to worshipful themes of faith, hope and grace, the human condition and a loving God. “I wanted to write an album I could use to remind myself of God’s faithfulness,” says Dowler. “We can so easily forget that, and we start to build our own little insulated kingdoms because it’s within our control to do so. But no matter the state of the economy, or the political climate, no matter health or the circumstance, God is faithful. If we make room for Him in our lives, He shows us how far beyond His love and faithfulness will go. Hopefully people hear this record and want to make more room in their lives for God to show who He really is. I am a firm believer – compared to Him there is nothing better.”

Narnia Film To Premiere At Biola Media Conference
The next film in the Chronicles of Narnia series, The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader, will make its West Coast debut when the president of Walden Media, Micheal Flaherty, unveils clips from the upcoming film at the Biola Media Conference on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at CBS Studios in Studio City, CA. The film is scheduled for release on December 10, 2010 in partnership with 20th Century Fox. “We are beyond thrilled to have Micheal Flaherty give us an advance look at Voyage of the Dawn Treader, noted Jack Hafer, producer of the award-winning film To End All Wars and Chair of Biola University’s nationally acclaimed Cinema and Media Arts program. “As the co-founder and president of Walden Media, he has a unique and visionary perspective on the latest installment of this extraordinary franchise. And for anyone who’s a Narnia fan, this is a not-to-be-missed event.” In addition to the Narnia series, Walden has financed and produced such films as Charlotte’s Web, Bridge to Terabithia, Holes, Because of Winn-Dixie, Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D, I Am David, Amazing Grace and their latest film release, Tooth Fairy starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. This years’ “WORLDS COLLIDE” theme will explore how technology and the current economic crisis have set the stage for the collision of traditional models and new digital possibilities today. Noting that in periods of dramatic change, often the worst economic times become catalysts for our greatest innovations. “With studios narrowing their releases to “tent pole” films and distribution outlets tightening – we have, on the other hand, the collision of smartphones and new devices like netbooks and iPad on the scene, making film production more streamlined, economical and portable than ever,” noted Phil Cooke who will moderate the event. “BMC workshops such as, “Producing Projects in the 21st Century; Using Tools and Technologies Available Within the Last 12 Months,” will deliver a career enhancing tech-tutorial by showing the latest innovations in portable production that could change your ability to affect both the quality and the bottom line of your production.” The Biola Media Conference, sponsored by Biola University and part of the FrontGate Media group, attracts over 600 attendees – making it the largest event in the country for people of faith working in the entertainment industry. It is known for its intimate and practical conversations with leading Hollywood professionals, with industry training and instruction from some of the most influential individuals in Film, TV, PR, Media Marketing, Management and Digital Media. Conference topics cover every aspect of media related careers, technologies, and ministries from the creative, to the financial, to the production process. “This not-to-be-missed event compacts into one day an opportunity like no other,” notes Hafer. “It’s a chance to discover concrete direction for your career and put you in touch with the people and resources anyone serious about a career in entertainment or media needs to know.” The Biola Media Conference has extended the early DISCOUNTED rate. Take advantage of the Early Admission price of $135 until March 26; $150 General Admission from March 27 – April 27; and $180 at the door. Lunch and coffee bar provided.
For more information or to register online, visit:
biolamedia.com

The Moshketeers Vault Unearthed
Roxx Records in conjunction with Divine Metal Distro are ready to unleash their latest offering of Pure Metal from one of New Mexico’s finest Thrash Metal bands ever…The MOSHKETEERS. Originally formed in the mid 80’s as a straight ahead heavy metal band and going by the name Rapture, the band released several demos, including ‘Vacation from Hell’ and ‘Die by the Sword’. The band toured with Barren Cross and shared the stage with many bands including Deliverance and Sacred Warrior. The band would eventually change their name in 1989 to the Moshketeers which would coincide with the bands full transition in to the growing thrash metal scene! The Moshketeers independently releasing 2 cassette tapes including a 4 song demo and a full length release entitled ‘The Downward Spiral’. The band would begin touring and performing shows with many of metal’s finest bands including Testament, Deliverance, The Crucified and Vengeance Rising. The band continued off and on into the 1990s, releasing another cassette demo in 1997 with four new songs that were suppose to be from an upcoming full length album, that was never finished. The band continued to be open shows for many popular bands including P.O.D. and Ultimatum. Rumors began flying in 1990 that the Moshketeers were signing with a major label. Rumors and speculations as to what happened have been around for years, but suffice it to say that it just never happened and the tapes would never see the light of day and the masters would be locked away for many, many years…until now! The Moshketeers ‘The Downward Spiral’ will now see a full CD release, for the first time ever! Set to be completely restored and remastered and include several previously unreleased bonus tracks, including the rare 1997 demo.
For full details and to be one of the first ones to get in on the pre-order, visit:
roxxproductions.com

EMI CMG Release Two Bands At Once
EMI CMG, which earlier this year entered into an agreement with Centricity Music in January, is now soliciting and processing all sales for Centricity Music’s roster, which includes artists such as Downhere, Andrew Peterson, Jason Gray, Lanae’ Hale, Jaime Jamgochian and Matt Papa. A respected label in the Christian music, Centricity Music celebrated the landmark of five successful years in 2010. This innovative label opened for business in 2005 with just one artist. Now, with a roster of 10 artists and plans to debut at least three artists in 2010, Centricity looks to EMI CMG Distribution to help them navigate and facilitate their future growth. Centricity Music has been fortunate to succeed in a season of economic uncertainty and we know that the road ahead will continue to be a challenge. In spite of, or maybe because of that, we are more committed than ever to our mission of enabling artists to create life-changing experiences for the world. We know that EMI CMG shares our mission and vision and we are pleased to have become part of EMI CMG’s thriving family of distributed labels,” said Steve Ford, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Centricity. Greg Bays, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for EMI CMG Distribution said: “Centricity Music is committed to both the integrity of its message and the excellence of its artistry. EMI CMG Distribution is grateful for this opportunity to help Centricity Music progress into the next phase of their development, and our whole team is excited to be working on their behalf.” The first of the debut releases through EMI CMG Distribution will be the label’s newest signing Me in Motion, a three-piece rock band whose name was inspired by a quote from Russian Writer Leo Tolstoy about wanting to change the world by changing yourself. Their self-titled CD releases on March 23 and its first single, “Loser,” is already a Christian radio hit. The band will support the debut record on tour this year with Red, Pillar and Sanctus Real. With an established following in the Northwest, Portland-based modern rock band Sixteen Cities releases their debut self-titled CD April 20. Before their major label debut, the band has already become road veterans, having toured with acts like Kutless, Building 429, Fireflight and Sanctus Real. Sixteen Cities’ ministry focuses on the un-churched so it is appropriate that their song “Sing Along,” can now be heard nationally in retail stores including Gucci, Nike, Prada, Hollister and American Eagle. In addition to these new titles, EMI CMG Distribution will continue to support Centricity’s other current titles: Downhere’s Wide-Eyed and Mystified; Ending is Beginning and How Many Kings; Jason Gray’s All the Lovely Losers and Everything Sad is Coming Untrue; Lanae’ Hale’s Back & Forth; Andrew Peterson’s The Resurrection Letters, Vol. 2; and Matt Papa’s Your Kingdom Come.

A Hope For Home News
Facedown Records is very excited to announce the release of the new album from A Hope For Home, Realis. Realis has already been getting 9 and 10 star reviews, and now it’s being featured on the front page of iTunes Rock and Metal. The new issue of Hopecore Magazine features a cover story on A Hope For Home. Check out A Hope For Home on tour and pick up their new album here.
Tour Dates:
3/31 – Tampa, FL
4/1 – Kissimmee, FL
4/2 – Fayetteville, GA
4/3 – Madison, AL
4/5 – Little Rock, AR
4/6 – Tulsa, OK
4/7 – Wichita, KS
4/8 – Dallas, TX
4/9 – Waco, TX
4/10 – Corpus Chrsiti TX
4/11 – Wichita Falls, TX
4/13 – Albuquerque, NM
4/14 – Tempe, AZ
4/15 – Yucca Valley, CA
4/16 – Canoga Park, CA
4/17 – Rancho Cucamonga, CA
4/18 – Palmdale, CA
4/19 – Sebastopol, CA
4/20 – Klamath Falls, OR
4/22 – Twin Falls, ID