Zombie Making Immediate Impact
Making the highest chart debut of their career, The Devil Wears Prada sees their “Zombie EP” (Ferret) enter the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart at #10, with nearly 25,000 copies sold (w/e 9/11/10). The EP also debuted in the Number One position on the Billboard Hard Music chart, and at #2 on Billboard’s Independent Chart. In addition to the spectacular chart figures, “Zombie EP” is now the largest pre-sale item at MerchNow, the band’s online fulfillment center. “This is just awesome,” said TDWP’s Mike Hranica, “and so much more than we could have expected. We’re not an arena band, we’re not a radio band, we’re an indie metal band who made a conceptional EP – and one about Zombies – so to have received this kind of recognition on the Billboard charts, well, it’s just pretty awesome.”
But the success for TDWP’s “Zombie EP” doesn’t stop there, as “Zombie EP” has received rave reviews: “…’Zombie EP’ is a must-have…” “…some of The Devil Wears Prada’s best material…” “…faster and heavier than ever before…” “…a bold testament at how creativity drives an artist…” “Do yourself a favor and get this EP, you will not be disappointed” – among them. The Devil Wears Prada completes its 48-date, completely sold-out U.S. “Back to the Roots” tour this weekend with a special appearance at the Revelation Generation @ Revelation Farms festival and then heads off to Australia and New Zealand for a two-week tour that begins September 17.
August Burns Red Releases First Song Off Live DVD/CD
With less than four weeks remaining until the release of their anticipated DVD/CD, Home, genre giants AUGUST BURNS RED are revving up their engines with a flurry of new content and pre-order options. Starting today, fans can stream the first single from the live DVD/CD, “White Washed,” on the band’s newly redesigned MySpace site. A fan favorite, “White Washed” is among the stand-out tracks from Constellations, the band’s most recent studio album, which stormed into the Billboard Top 200 at #24 and rocketed the band to the forefront of the metal scene. In conjunction with the redesigned MySpace page, ABR has redesigned and relaunched all of its social sites, including its Facebook BandPage, Twitter and YouTube pages. The band has also announced a series of pre-order options for Home, which is set for release via longtime label Solid State Records on September 28. Fans can order any number of exclusive packages which include bonus items like t-shirts, posters, signed booklets and even an ABR pillowcase. Home – ABR’s first live recording – captures the band playing a wildly energetic and ferocious show to a sold-out crowd of 1250+ in the band’s hometown of Manheim, PA. The powerful, pummeling performance featured many fan favorites from the band’s three full-length albums, Constellations, 2007’s Messengers and 2005’s Thrillseeker, meaning that Home will appeal to both new and longtime ABR fans. Shot and edited by Space Monkey Studios (COHEED AND CAMBRIA, LAMB OF GOD, EVERY TIME I DIE), the DVD also includes a documentary on the band detailing life on the road and at home and featuring fans discussing the ways in which AUGUST BURNS RED have impacted their lives in a positive, meaningful way. The recording of Home was yet another highlight for a band that had spent the previous year touring everywhere but “Home,” including 5 continents, from Dubai to Australia, Japan to South America, in addition to crisscrossing Europe and North America with everyone from LAMB OF GOD to A DAY TO REMEMBER. The critical success of Constellations, the band’s 3rd album, has helped AUGUST BURNS RED not only become one of the forerunners in the current metal scene, but also break out and reach newer fanbases. The band recently exceeded more than a quarter million in combined album sales. Constellations has sold in excess of 80,000 copies and has been lauded by taste-making publications such as Revolver, AP, Outburn and more, further solidifying ABR’s stature. Never ones to leave fans waiting, AUGUST BURNS RED return to the road this fall as the co-headliner of AP Fall Tour, alongside BRING ME THE HORIZON. The tour stretches from October 13-November 28.
P.O.D. Playing Benefit Show
P.O.D., Alien Ant Farm, and Butterscotch are among the artists joining forces for the September 18 Never Again benefit concert in Southern California remembering 17 year-old murder victim Norma Lopez. The concert — which also features performances by Adam Lasher Band, Paloma, Cruz, The Ringleader D.J. Ace and a yet-to-be-announced special guest – runs from noon until 5pm on Saturday, September 18 at Moreno Valley College, with doors opening at 11am. Tickets will be available for a $10 donation starting on September 3, with proceeds going to the Norma Lopez Benefit Concert Fund both to assist her family with funeral expenses and to contribute to the reward to help law enforcement find and catch her killer or killers. Norma Lopez went missing on July 15, 2010 after attending summer classes at Valley View High School and walking home via a popular neighborhood shortcut. Her body was discovered in a nearby field on July 20. Norma’s disappearance and murder hit close to home for Alien Ant Farm, who hail from nearby Riverside. “My heart goes out to Norma, her family and friends. I have a daughter and can’t even imagine how Norma’s parents feel,” says Alien Ant Farm drummer Mike Cosgrove. “We have a lot of friends that went to Valley View High School through the years and have used that same shortcut. It’s tragic and frightening.” Headliners P.O.D. echo that sentiment: “Our hearts go out to the Norma Lopez family. We are deeply saddened and outraged by what’s happened. When we heard about the benefit, we wanted to do our part and help.” Gary Avila, VP of Artist Development at Tao Music Group, helped put together Never Again along with Tao Creative colleagues Nick Martinez, Dean Blagg, and Richard “Rimo” Moreno. Avila explains, “When I heard that Norma Lopez was missing and then her body was found a week later, it struck a chord in me. Being a parent, I knew that I had to do something to help prevent this from happening again. I mentioned doing a concert to my colleagues at Tao Music Group, they agreed right away, and we met with the mayor of Moreno Valley to get the ball rolling. The response from everyone, from bands to companies, has been amazing and I am so blessed to be a part of this special event.” Norma’s sister Elizabeth Lopez says, “This concert that is being held to raise awareness and also in the remembrance of my little sister Norma Lopez brings such happiness and honor. Knowing that all the people involved in this project took the time to put all this together on such short notice and yet have never met my sister shows me how much love there really is out in this world. My family and I want to thank you all.”
Additional details about the Never Again concert at Moreno Valley College and the search for Norma Lopez’s killer(s) can be found here:
moval.org
My Epic Kicks Off Tour
My Epic are touring in support of their newest and most highly praised album “Yet”. Some dates include To Speak Of Wolves & Ascend The Hill.
Tour Dates:
9/3 – Lynchburg, VA
9/4 – East Ridge, TN
9/6 – Memphis, TN
9/7 – McDonough, GA
9/8 – Peachtree City, GA
9/9 – Burlington, NC
9/10 – Columbia, SC
9/11 – Tampa, FL
9/12 – Tampa, FL
Underoath Announce New Album Title
Underoath are proud to announce they’ll return this fall with their fifth studio album–titled Ø (Disambiguation)–November 9 (not October 26th as it was falsely reported) via Seattle indie Solid State/Tooth & Nail.
“Bro-Down Showdown Tour” Kicks Off
Texas In July kicked off their full U.S. headlining tour, The Bro-down Showdown Tour 2010, in Mount Airy, MD. Joining Texas In July on the road will be This Or The Apocalypse. Also performing on select dates will be: With Life In Mind, Destruction Of A Rose, and Where The Ocean Meets The Sky. Texas In July is currently touring in support of their latest release, I Am. The band has just wrapped up another U.S. tour, as well as a recent European headlining tour. Tour dates are still being added to the schedule. All additional dates will be announced on the band’s MySpace.
Tour Dates:
9/10 Franklin, IN
9/11 Elgin, IL
9/12 Chicago Ridge, IL
9/13 Milwaukee, WI
9/14 St. Paul, MN
9/16 La Crosse, WI
9/17 Des Moines, IA
9/18 Sioux City, IA
9/19 Omaha, NE
9/20 Wichita, KS
9/21 Leavenworth, KS
9/22 North Little Rock, AR
9/23 Springdale, AR
9/24 Dallas, TX
9/25 Wichita Falls, TX
9/26 Austin, TX
9/27 San Antonio, TX
9/28 McAllen, TX
9/29 Houston, TX
10/01 Lafayette, LA
10/02 Crestview, FL
10/04 Tampa, FL
10/07 Kissimmee, FL
10/09 Macon, GA
10/10 Loganville, GA
10/11 Douglasville, GA
10/12 Cookeville, TN
10/13 Nashville, TN
10/14 Lynchburg, VA
10/15 Wilmington, DE
10/16 New London, CT
10/17 Trenton, NJ
10/18 West Babylon, NY
For Today Hits #53 On Billboard Charts
We would like to congratulate For Today on the amazing accomplishment of their new album Breaker debuting at #53 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. Breaker is also #8 on the Billboard Indie Chart, #8 on the Hard Music Chart, and #3 on the Christian Chart. Thanks to everyone who bought the album last week for pushing For Today up the charts! You can purchase the album here.
Ascend The Hill Releasing New Record September 14th
Come&Live! just announced the September 14th scheduled release of Ascend The Hill’s newest free full length. Hymns: Take The World, But Give Me Jesus, features a collection of favorite hymns – ranging from “I Surrender All” to “How Great Thou Art” – recreated to engage listeners and lead them into a time of praise and worship. The band had a productive time using fun, innovative instrumentation such as sleigh bells, cellos, and many guest appearances. C&L! videographer Andy Reale spent four days filming a behind-the-scenes DVD of the band while they recorded. “We spent an afternoon in a 135-year-old chapel. It was built for freed slaves after the civil war,” says Joel. “We filmed one on one interviews there and got a bunch of legit B-roll. The footage we’ve seen from the time with Andy in the studio is unbelievable.” The DVD will also include a recording of two hymns being tracked. Fundamentally, the classic Ascend The Hill sound remains. Their signature slow build ups, huge guitar sounds and stripped down, intimate segments are all on this record. Joel shares that there is, “a little more progressive, technical guitar work, moving drums and bass stuff that we’re really in love with. We hope you will be too!” The band hopes that the powerful lyrics will compel listeners to draw closer to Christ. “If we can get people into His presence, there is no denying His power to save, to deliver, to heal and breathe life! Our goal is to point as many people as possible to Jesus.” About to release their second full-length worship album on Come&Live!, Ascend The Hill is quickly gaining ground. Since their debut dropped in 2009, the Tampa, FL band has played places like Cornerstone Festival, Revelation Generation, Pierced Festival, Soulfest, numerous youth camps and shows across the country. They are currently on The Kingdom Come Tour with The Ember Days, and will be on the Come&Live! Tour in New Zealand in January 2011.
The Almost News
The Almost Premiere their new music video for “NO, I Don’t”. Watch It Now, Exclusively on Ransom.tv. Tooth & Nail Records and The Almost present the world premiere of the band’s new music video for “No, I Don’t” exclusively at Ransom.tv! “In life you want to be clean and pure and perfect. It’s impossible, but you really try. And everyone around you thinks you’re no different than you were a year ago, and that statement and it really guts you, but you’re really trying. That’s what the song’s about,” says vocalist Aaron Gillespie of the song and video, filmed in Charlotte, NC by RANSOM director Kevin Adamson (Dustin Kensrue, Skillet). “No, I Don’t” is featured on The Almost’s latest album MONSTER MONSTER which is available in stores and online now, and can be downloaded on both iTunes and Amazon MP3. The Almost have turned a solo-project into a full-fledged band. Their latest album MONSTER MONSTER is completely collaborative effort, melding their talents into a whole that was more than the sum of its individual parts. Together they’ve created music that combines radio-ready rock, 80’s new wave, classic garage punk and more. The album is their sophomore full-length, following 2007’s SOUTHERN WEATHER. The Almost is Aaron Gillespie (Vocals), Dusty Redmon (Guitar), Jay Vilardi (Guitar), Alex Aponte (Bass) and Joe Musten (Drums). Ransom.tv is an online ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) for young people ages 15-25, featuring original music videos, engaging interviews and culturally relevant articles designed to encourage a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Ransom.tv includes “Ransom Notes,” or video testimonies from musicians, athletes and other celebrities. BGEA proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, NC, BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries.
In The Midst Of Lions Release A Video For “The Machine”
In the Midst of Lions have just released a video for “The Machine,” a song from their recent Facedown release The Heart of Man. You can watch it now on Facedown’s YouTube channel. The video shoot was definitely difficult. There was even a situation with an alligator near Matt’s shots! It was way too hot and humid that day, but it was great working with Drew. The song The Machine is about money and greed and how these things can take our focus away from God and consume us. Drew came up with the concept of the mud being a symbol of that greed and sin. We’re very happy with the result and we’re very thankful that Drew worked with us. A mixture of fast-paced tech metal and grinding melodic worship, their sound can be compared to such contemporaries as Meshuggah, The Faceless, Whitechapel, and Darkest Hour. The new album The Heart of Man was recorded with Jamie King (Between the Buried and Me, For Today) and is a sonically crushing metal album that definitely exceeds the band’s previous efforts on their debut.
Aunt Betty’s Ford Is Returning To The Stage
Aunt Betty’s Ford is returning to the stage after a thirteen year hiatus! Michael Knott, Brian Doidge, Chuck Cummings, and company will be performing a FREE show at The Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa, CA on Tuesday night, September 14th. It’s been quite a while since ABF rocked the house and this show promises to be a good one. We have heard that the rehearsals have been no less than amazing and ABF is very excited to share their music with all who can make it out to the performance!
Tuesday, September 14
Detroit Bar
843 West 19th Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Club Info – (949) 642-0600
detroitbar.com
Yellow Ribbon Program Joins Forces With To Save A Life
The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program is partnering with the film To Save A Life to help kick off the 15th Annual Yellow Ribbon Suicide Awareness and Prevention week, September 5-11, 2010. In chapters all across the country, the Yellow Ribbon Campaign will be showing the film, and kicking off the conversation on how to reach out to the hurting youth in our communities. The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Awareness and Prevention Week coincides with National To Save A Life week, which runs September 6-12. “Yellow Ribbon Week and To Save A Life Week are both September events to help youth/ teens begin their school year feeling empowered and knowing that trusted adults are there for them should they ever need to ‘Ask4Help!’,” explains Dale and Dar Emme, Executive Directors of Yellow Ribbon. “No teen should ever have to feel alone! We are there for them!” The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program was founded in 1994 after Dale and Dar lost their son Mike to suicide. Yellow Ribbon is a founding member of the National Council for Suicide Prevention. This non-profit community based program empowers and educates professionals, adults and youth in issues surrounding teen suicide and depression. With over 300 Chapters/Program Sites nationwide, Yellow Ribbon also provides Gatekeeper training, support for survivors, community action plans for suicide prevention and postvention, and hosts seminars, workshops and events. Yellow Ribbon’s Restore Hope Campaign is a traveling campaign using Mike’s original ’68 Mustang to take on the road as the ‘vehicle’ to collect Messages of Hope from youth in communities along with local awareness, training and events, in partnership with local agencies and clubs. To Save A Life deals honestly and directly with the issues facing teens today, and gives a face to hurting teens. The strong message of youth reaching out and being a friend and advocate for their peers has resonated with teens worldwide. Thousands have written in to the To Save A Life movie site, telling their often heartbreaking stories. Since the film’s release in theaters in January, a community has started on Facebook with over 184,000 fans who are helping each other navigate the hardships of life, and making sure that no one has to go through life’s challenges alone. Now that the DVD is available in stores and through rental channels, the hope is even more teens can see the film and be inspired that their life truly has a purpose.
©2010 HM Magazine All Rights Reserved
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