MTV.com recently sat down with front-man RANDY BLYTHE to discuss the recent happenings in the world of LAMB OF GOD and more.

Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe recently checked in with Metal File about the Virginia metallers' next studio effort, which he said they'll embark on this year. "We're going to be writing a new record," he confirmed of the yet-untitled LP, adding that he's going to jet to Japan in February to "kick it with the wife" before putting his nose to the grindstone. "[I'm going to] try and take a deep breath for a few months before we start writing a new record," he said. "I figure we'll start heading into the … practice space in late March or something." Blythe also pulled back the curtain on a side project, revealing that he's been ganging up with Steve Zing, a founding member of Glenn Danzig's Samhain act. "I saw him and Danzig recently, and I'm going to do something kinda creepy with [Zing]," Blythe said. Adding to what looks to be a busy '08, he added, "I'm working on a lot of different writing projects with different magazines. I'm working on a comic book now as well." Lamb of God recently launched a contest with Sirius Satellite Radio and GarageBand for a contest that asks fans to remix a song from the band's 2006 album, Sacrament. Winners of the contest, which ends February 21, will win a trip to NYC to meet the band at the premiere of its forthcoming, yet-untitled spring DVD. Go here for more info. …

I don't know about you fans, but I am stoked to hear the Steve Zing and Randy Blythe collaboration. Not to mention how the boys in LOG have progressed since their last effort. I am, however, slightly afraid of what sort of tracks the fans have "created" in this the "Sacrament" contest. Its a great idea, if you consider the following remixes as great.

Walk With Me In Hell Remix 1
Walk With me In Hell Remix 2

Metallers ABIGAIL WILLAMS have posted a new Myspace Blog regarding their recent happenings:

We're currently working through the pre-production stage of our yet-to-be-titled full-length album due out through CANDLELIGHT RECORDS later this year. JAMES MURPHY (DAATH, RESURRECTION, RISE) will be producing the effort set to be tracked this Feb/March in Florida. We're excited to announce that the drumming on this album will be handled by the legendary TRYM (EMPEROR, ZYKLON). Our previous drummer, Zach Gibson, has recently parted ways with the band and we wish him the best of luck in the future. The current lineup also features the return of original keyboard player, Ellyllon. A new pre-production demo titled "Floods" has been posted on our page, which features Zach Gibson on drums, but will be re-recorded by Trym on the actual full-length release. Let us know what you think!

To hear the brand new song entitled "Floods" on their official Myspace Page click here.

Just a reminder for everyone reading these, the reviews I am posting are for the best in general, not in any particular order. In my humble opinion, these are the top releases of 2007. So far, DESPISED ICON and THE END have made it on the list. Now, you will read about the new pitt bulls on the block:

Lets face it, "Subhuman Empire" is the best grind release of 2007. The band consists of members of another the extremely long name BODIES IN THE GEARS OF THE APPARATUS as well as former (and in some cases current) members of bands such as DEHUMANIZED, LEPROSY, and DIABOLIC. Immediately, people are turned off because of the mouth full of a name, but the band doesn't mind being called SWWAATS. Its fitting honestly, the band has a lot to say in a short period of time. Basically death metal and grind in over drive is the bands recipe.

Clocking in at a short 12:58, SWWAATS blasts out political messages in the most chaotic manor in tracks such as "A Path (Death Traveled)", "The Agenda", "Partition Circus", and my favorite track "Cattle". Its odd to find a chaotic grind song in which you can find a catchy verse; however vocalist, John Collett, bellows out "OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!!" with a passion you can't help but want to decapitate something within' your reach.

There are two tracks entitled "For Eve Are (The Proud American Act I )" and "Human Animals (The Proud American Act II )" are not instrumental tracks but rather voice tracks with an eerie voice talking over effects. I don't know where or who the person is doing these tracks, but its creepy. It sounds like a whacked out politician with some sort of religious paranoia. Nevertheless, its a mind fuck.

The band as a whole write as seasoned musicians. Guitarists Aaron Haines and Ian Sturgill were both in BITGOTA together and its apparent, the two have amazing musical chemistry. Drummer Mike Petrak beats the fuck out like he's murdering someone with his fists and feet. The band lost a member since they formed in 2006, former bassist Chris Woodall. However Jesse Jolly has taken his place with his 7-string bass, from what I hear, its pretty amazing to watch him play live.

"Subhuman Empire" is technically an EP, however its an EP with monumental efforts. SWWAATS leaves you wanting more. It will happen since the band was recently signed to NUCLEAR BLAST. A full length will be out sometime in 2008. I am personally excited to hear how the band has evolved in the last year as well as how they will be influence. After all, it is election year. In the mean time, you "Cattle", pick up this release or its, "OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!!".

Listen To SWWAATS on Myspace.

Purchase "Subhuman Empire" herefor a low $7.99

If you are a "deathcore" fan and you haven't heard of DESPISED ICON you have been living under a fucking rock. If there was a badge and a title to whom is the kings of that genre and innovators, DESPISED ICON would be that band. "The Ills of Modern Man" is the epitome of how a "deathcore" band should be writing. Produced by the bands guitarist Yannick St-Amand as well as the bands third full length, however their first for CENTURY MEDIA, "The Ills of Modern Man" may possibly be the bands best release to date.

The opening track "In The Arms of Perdition", listeners are immediately tossed into a grinding blast beat masterpiece. Drummer Alex Pelletier isn't recognized as he should be as an established drummer. Through out the song breaks and grooves are placed perfectly while vocalists Alex Erian and Steve Marois belt out every ounce of their heart and emotion. Then around the 3:40 mark, DESPISED ICON give a :42 bass dropping ass kicking breakdown in which wants you to punch yourself in the dick because it rules so hard. And that folks, is just the first track.

Stand out tracks such as "Furtive Monologue", "Quarantine", "Sheltered Reminiscence", and "Oval Shaped Incisions" will grind your face off and will still give you time to round house ninja kick your little brother and/or sister in the face if thats your thing. But there are still other tracks such as "A Fractured Hand" in which dive into your evil souls to raise your metal claws. This release is for every metal fan. There are still hints of their past releases "Consumed By Your Poison", "The Healing Process", and their Split with BODIES IN THE GEARS OF THE APPARATUS. But "The Ills of Modern Man" is an evolution in which makes me crave more from the kings.

"The Ills of Modern Man" is a masterpiece as well an inspiration for song writing for an over saturated genre of followers who can't set their own tone. If you are a band in the "deathcore" genre, I highly recommend purchasing this album and listening to it religiously. DESPISED ICON shows why they are the epitome of the metal and core hybrid with "The Ills of Modern Man".

Listen to Despised Icon on Myspace and download their free tracks.

Purchase their album on iTunes or here.

A week late and a show short, but I come forth with a list of 2007's best albums. That is, in my humble opinion. I wish to have put them in an audio format; however things prevented it and without a voice there is no Dead Zone. So, I have to do it differently this year. So, lets have it. In no particular order because thats how I roll. Here is the beginning of THE DEAD ZONE's top releases of 2007:

Its hard to find most accurate the words when you are so intimidated with a bands work of art. For me, its especially intimidating because "Elementary" has to be one of the most musically diverse, lyrically in-depth emotional rollercoaster rides released in 2007. Not to mention the fact, "Elementary" was released on RELAPSE RECORDS; a label known for its especially brutal music. THE END has perfected organized chaos with an arsenal of melody. There is not one track on this album that has been skipped. As a matter of fact, it was one of the most listened to albums I have. Tracks such as "Dangerous", "Awake?", "Animal", and "In Distress" have an edger sound. These tracks were made for you tuff guys, but don't be mislead there are no breakdowns on this release; something which has become a saturated trend throughout all of metal.

Another trend THE END broke in "Elementary" is the redundant sound most bands are regurgitating. Unlike a wall of white noise, even though their last releases "Within Dividia" and "Transfer Trachea Reverberations From Point: False Omniscient" were noise and chaotic; they still differed from the rest, THE END adopted melody and crisp vocals. Songs such as "The Never Aftermath", "Throwing Stones", and "My Abyss" are almost as beautiful as they are angry. Vocalist Aaron Wolff brings forth the most impressive vocals this year. His symbolic and visual lyrics are matched perfectly with the melody of the emotional instruments he is singing along to. There are ranges of complete bliss to gut wrenching screams. A perfected art only THE END could create and it leaves you wanting to hear more songs like it.

If the chaos and melody wasn't enough, THE END dove head first into atmospheric instrumentals and acoustic masterpieces with songs such as "The Moth And I", "A Fell Wind", and "And Always…" the band dives deep into your heart and emotions. These tracks are the ones I listened to the most. In many reviews, I saw comparisons to TOOL and THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and even ISIS. Where as some people would find those respectable comparisons, I find it slightly insulting because they wrote as their own, THE END. There is no band in which has the same sound or the same ability. THE END stands on their own like no other. I highly recommend those of you with an open mind to dive into this release. THE END has created a masterpiece and I can't wait to hear more from them in this form, hopefully its not the end.

The End on Myspace

Pick up their CD on iTunes or here.

I will be posting more through out this weekend and week. So stay tuned.

I recently spoke with vocalist John Strachan, who is in one of the hottest and unique bands in the underground today, THE FUNERAL PYRE. This band will inspire you as well as awe you. Beware, awesomeness applies. While you are at it, make sure you check out the music on their Myspace Page.

deadspout: Alright, so the typical generic question, what influenced the name THE FUNERAL PYRE. Are you all Jim Morrison or DOORS fans?

John Strachan: It's really funny you ask this. As we just had a discussion about Jim Morrison last night and no. I personally, am nothing near a fan of THE DOORS. But, I can't say that for the other guys in the band.

deadspout: THE FUNERAL PYRE recently signed a distribution deal with Prosthetic Records. Congratulations! How has this transition been for you personally and the band in a whole. Also, will you be releasing new material with this deal?

John Strachan: The transition is good. It will at least help get our latest record into stores. I mean, touring without good distribution is really hard this day in age. We'll keep talking with Prosthetic about future releases and hopefully we can work something out!

deadspout: I recently read the band will be re-issuing your previous release "The Nature of Betrayal". However I didn't see if there would be a re-mastering or extras included with the Prosthetic release.

John Strachan: Not on this release there won't be. They'll basically just take the original version and make it available in stores. (more…)

I recently conducted an interview with Erick Shute, vocalist of New York death metal masters PYREXIA. You'll learn many things, such as how to use the word fuck no less than 5 times in a sentence. You'll also read about the bitter reality of what its like to be in a small band that does not have a commercially accessible sound. You'll learn I need to do more research. Check it out…

deadspout: Evening Eric, thanks for taking the time out to do this interview. Also thank you for being so patient with my busy life.

Erick: Been waiting a long time. About a year to be semi exact.

deadspout: Today [January 23, 2007] is the day your brand new album, "Age of The Wicked" was released through Unique Leader Records. How does that feel after such a long hiatus and so many changes since "System of the Animal"?

Erick: Well, I would like to say exciting, but really, its just a weight off the shoulders. It took a while to find a label that had half a fucking brain to realize, "oh, lets put out a band with some fucking talent for once". I fucking hate labels.
deadspout: In the time period between the last two albums, Pyrexia changed their name to Catastrophic. Were you in the band at that point?

Erick: (laughs) I would have been like like 16 or 17 at that point. I joined, I think, 4 years ago or so, when [CHRIS BASILE] left to put together Pyrexia.

deadspout: Who did you work with as far as Recording and Engineering? Did you record in New York?

Erick: Sabella Studios. Eric at Unique Leader helped out with getting it mastered. They did a phenomenal job. BUY IT!

deadspout: New York Death Metal has a HUGE history. Obviously when someone says NYDM the first band that sticks out in a fans mind is Suffocation, many other bands have had a hard time keeping it together. What drives Pyrexia to keep it rolling?

Erick: Well, we actually have a goal, dreams, work ethic, and a desire to succeed. Unlike alot of other bands I know, who get lucky and get signed and don't do a single fucking thing and don't fucking promote their own fucking band and sound like a bunch of fucking morons whens you put em in front of a fucking microphone and try to have a interesting conver-fucking-sation (Editors Note: Fuck, that's a lot of fucks!). The only thing that keeps Pyrexia going is… Pyrexia. We don't give a fuck about other bands anymore. We tried. The whole brotherly thing was more like a figment of the imagination, and then one day, we woke up and realized: Fuck these other assholes, fuck the labels, fuck the world. Not a single mother fucker will ever reach down to help you out and put you on a good tour, or anything. So many fucking assholes wanna rip you off, take your money, or just not pay you. It's a head ache, a fucking migraine. I constantly wanna go out and murder somebody when your offered something and then some other mother fucker takes it from you or says "oh we made a mistake". We have been dicked around so many times, we honestly don't know why or how we continue to do this. We haven't made a fucking cent. It's not even about the money. It's not even about the fans. The fans are a major bonus. It's about proving a fucking point. Whether its today, tomorrow, or next year. This band will become a headliner. I personally think Pyrexia is the most under-rated metal band in the world and I recognize the song writing is the best I've ever heard in so many spectrums, that's one thing that helps keep me going. Besides that, I wanna kill people 99.99% of the time. Especially when I go to a bigger concert where I wanna see the headliner, and I gotta sit through two sessions of fucking straight up garbage and know in my mind, if Pyrexia was playing, there would be people being taken out in stretchers because of the lethal slams that comes with the Pyrexia style.

(more…)

>Philadelphia’s self-proclaimed criminal thrash band RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER have restructured their lineup following the departure of vocalist Eli Shaika and announced their first show back.

The vocalist slot will be shared by current RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER guitarist Matt Moore and bassist Shawn Riley. Rounding out the quartet are guitarist Ryan Moll (also of DIVINE RAPTURE and AZURE EMOTE) and drummer Pat Battaglia.
The bands first show back in action will be March 10 in Fleetwood, PA at Alexander’s German Deli with more shows expected to be announced soon. RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER are currently writing material for the follow-up to their 2005 debut album, "Buried In The Front Yard".

>COLDWORKER, featuring NASUM drummer Anders Jakobson, will see the long-awaited North American release of their debut album "The Contaminated Void" today Tuesday, January 23. "The Contaminated Void" saw a worldwide (outside North America) release on November 6. An e-card previewing the release can be viewed here and the record is available digitally in North America via ITunes. Additionally, on the heels of their recent Scandinavian tour supporting ARCH ENEMY, COLDWORKER have been invited to play the Finnish Metal Expo along with DRAGONFORCE, AMON AMARTH and more on February 17 in Helsinki. A listing of COLDWORKER live performances can be found here with more dates to be announced soon.

>ZOMBI has announced a North American spring tour with TRANS AM in support of their latest release, "Surface To Air". The sci-fi instrumental rock duo will team-up with TRANS AM starting April 10 in Washington, DC for nearly a month’s worth of dates across the country. A listing of confirmed tour dates, including a one-off ZOMBI / TRANS AM date in Pittsburgh in late February, can be found here with more to be announced soon. ZOMBI drummer A.E. Paterra comments on the tour, "I am very excited at the opportunity to tour with TRANS AM - I never thought I would share the stage with a band that has influenced me so heavily as a musician. One show would be enough, but doing 20+ should be a really amazing time." ZOMBI bass / synth player Steve Moore adds: “I'm stoked to be on tour with TRANS AM as well as PSYCHIC PARAMOUNT, who are absolutely incredible - one of my favorite bands right now for sure.” PSYCHC PARAMOUNT will open select dates on the tour.
Additionally, ZOMBI has recently seen the release of their first horror score when "Murder Set Pieces" saw its DVD release via Lions Gate Films on January 9th. "Murder Set Pieces", written and directed by Nick Palumbo in 2004, is a gruesome story about a serial killer, known only as “The Photographer” (Sven Garrett), who spends his nights cruising the Vegas Strip in search of beautiful young girls to sate his maniacal appetite for sex and murder. “I'm very happy for Nick,” says ZOMBI’s Moore, “He worked hard on this movie, and had a long struggle over the rights to release the film. It is a very challenging film, and hopefully he didn't have to compromise his vision to receive an "R" rating - though admittedly the original unrated cut was really extreme!”

Between touring and scoring movies, ZOMBI has begun writing for their follow-up album to Surface To Air. The band hopes to enter the studio later this year for a 2008 release.

>Florida-based blackened death metal band INFERNAEON has inked a deal with Los Angeles-based Prosthetic Records. Boasting former members of Monstrosity, INFERNAEON's debut record, "A Symphony of Suffering", will see a March release and features guest vocal appearances from Ben Falgoust (SOILENT GREEN, GOATWHORE) and Keith DeVito (OBITUARY, SUFFOCATION, CATASTROPHIC). Mastering duties were handled by Erik Rutan (HATE ETERNAL, ex-MORBID ANGEL). Tracks were initially laid down for "A Symphony of Suffering" in late 2006 at Home Land Studios in Highland Beach, Fla. with producer Zach Brown.

Having already shared the stage with MALEVOLENT CREATION, DEEDS OF FLESH and VILE among others, INFERNAEON has already been making a name for themselves in Florida and throughout the States with a brash, memorable stage show mixing theatrical murder and make up effects provided by Universal Studios. Three tracks from INFERNAEON's forthcoming record are available on the band's MySpace page, including "Oracle of Armageddon," the first song in an album-ending trilogy focusing on an oracle who amasses prophetic powers from the dying.

>FINNTROLL will be releasing their new album on March 28th and will be titled "Ur Jordens Djup". Sometimes I wish I was fluent in other languages so I could understand what the fuck that means as well as just being able to pronounce the words. Anyways, here is how the track listing will appear on the album:

01. Gryning
02. Sång
03. Korpens Saga
04. Nedgång
05. Ur Djupet
06. Slagbröder
07. En Mäktig Här
08. Ormhäxan
09. Maktens Spira
10. Under Två Runor
11. Kvällning

>Vocalist Trevor Strnad recently spoke with MTV.com about THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER's upcoming third release which is due by this fall. Here is what he had to say about it:

I think this third one's going to be a beast.

Writing and looking for a drummer simultaneously has been a pain in the ass. We're trying to keep things on schedule. We have the album written, largely. We just need to get the drummer in and work everything out with him.

To read more about the focus of the album and how they may be working with THE FACELESS drummer Nick Pierce, head to MTV.com. If you want to see some sick videos of Nick Pierce, check out his YouTube collection here.

>VINNIE PAUL (drums), CHAD GRAY (vocals), GREG TRIBBETT (guitars), TOM MAXWELL (guitars), and JERRY MONTANO (bass) = a perfect metal supergroup? HELLYEAH?!
I dunno, its awesome that VINNIE is back in the game and all but from what I have heard from these two songs, they named their band with the wrong curse word and adverb. Figure out that combination of wording after you listen to their demos here.

>Noisegrindymathymetalcore masterminds ION DISSONANCE will be head to PLANET Z STUDIOS on February 1st to begin laying down tracks for their upcoming summer release through ABACUS RECORDS. It will be the bands first release without former vocalist GAB. He left the band in the summer of 2006 for other endeavours. KEVIN McCAUGHEY (ex-SHAOLIN) stepped up and replaced the vacant vocalist position. For those of you who didn't know, Kevin actually filled in for STEVE MARIOS (vocals) of DESPISED ICON last year when Steve fell ill. I for one am interested in hearing the next level Kevin will take ION D to.

>IMMOLATION have finished up their three song EP "Hope and Horror" here is the track listing:

01. Den of Thieves
02. The Condemned
03. The Struggle of Hope and Horror (instrumental)

The EP will include a DVD of the bands performance last year at B.B. King Club & Grill in New York City. But wait there is more!

IMMOLATION will also be releasing a full length through CENTURY MEDIA in April entitled "Shadows In Light". Here is how the tracks will appear on that one as well:

01. Hate's Plague
02. Passion Kill
03. World Agony
04. Tarnished
05. The Weight of Devotion
06. Breathing the Dark
07. Deliverer of Evil
08. Shadows in the Light
09. Lying with Demons
10. Whispering Death

>VITAL REMAINS have completed their work on their upcoming release which was recorded in ERIK RUTAN's (HATE ETERNAL, ex-MORBID ANGEL) MANA STUDIOS. Guitarist TONY LAZARO has this to say about the completion on the bands officail Myspace blog:

We've just returned home from Mana Recording in Florida where we spent the whole month of December/January working on the new album. Yes, it's done and what can we say other than holy shit! We cannot wait for the fans to hear this new album!! I really think all of our fans are going to shit themselves when they hear this.

To those few who thought we couldn't top 'Dechristianize', you're in for a real surprise because we did! We thought 'Dechristianize' was a tough album to do. Oh, man! This album, hands down, sets the bar. We spent 12-13 hours a day straight with no days off. The drums took some 10 days alone to track all nine songs. Glen's vocals sound sick and his performance and attack was awesome! Dave's leads and harmonies are some of his best work to date. Total shredding as well as a great drum performance done by Dave. He really worked hard to get his best drum tracks down.

The overall sound of the new album is just HUGE! We are very proud of the results of all this hard work and we think our fans will soon agree as well. A BIG THANKS to Erik Rutan who really worked us to near death, ha! Much respect to you and Shaun Otani for really working hard and pushing us to the point of insanity to bring out our best performances, to which we think you did without a doubt! This is without question our 'Reign in Blood' album. Soon the underground worldwide will get to hear this unholy brutality! Hammer down the nails!!

w00t! I'm fucking stoked about this one ladies and gents! I have personally seen Mr. Rutan working with my very own eyes. He is a master at his art and knows Death Metal like no other. I am prepared for a total ass ripping from the new VITAL REMAINS.

See even Mr. Benton is excited.

I recently had the pleasure to speak with one of my all-time favorite frontmen, Jesse Leach. You can currently hear Jesse on the latest SEEMLESS record, What Have We Become. Jesse is no stranger to the scene, previously being a part of such bands as Killswitch Engage, Corrin and Nothing Stays Gold. Here is our interview:

deadspout: Hello, Jesse, how goes it? Seemless seems to be doing very well! You worked with Jason Suecof of Audiohammer Studios on "What We Have Become." How was that? Did you work with Mark too?

Jesse Leach: Yeah Jason is crazy and a brilliant mind at the same time. He helped tie in some vocal melodies and had me experiment with different stuff, some of it was great & others a bit too over the top. That guy should be producing prog-rock or something. He has crazy harmony ideas. It was an experience, to say the least. Mark is great he helped behind the sound board with technical stuff on the whole album actually.

deadspout: "What Have We Become" is similar instrumentally to the previous release "Seemless"; however, the vocals are different in structure as well as your range. Who inspired you for your lyrics as well as vocally on "What Have We Become"?

Jesse: I just wanted to push myself for this album and I plan on continuing to do so. I have even reworked old stuff with new melodies and bit parts to make it interesting live. I don't look to anyone to inspire my style. Although I am a fan of blues and (old) R&B singers in general. My goal is to bring passion and dynamics into Seemless.

deadspout: What are the plans with Seemless in the near future? On your next release I would love to hear you get either Dave Grohl or Chris Cornell as a guest, can you do that?

Jesse: Not real interested in guests, I really dig standing on our own as far as recording Seemless stuff. I got to tell you though, I get the whole "you sound like Chris Cornell" all the time. First of all, I don't hear it. Second, that guy has a better range than I do. I think we are completely different singers. Dave Grohl is my hero though, I really dig everything he has done!

deadspout: This time around, has being on the road been a little more comfortable and the right time for you? I saw pictures of you on your Myspace enjoying the desert cactus.

Jesse: I love touring with Seemless and I LOVE the west coast. My only set back is missing my wife, other than that it is great!

deadspout: You're sporting a pretty damn respectable beard there, Mister Leach.

Jesse: Yes, have some…

deadspout: Being a religious man, do you incorporate a lot of your beliefs into your lyrics? You are one of the many few in the metal and rock world that has positive lyrics about believing in yourself.

Jesse: All of my lyrics are written from my perspective and I am a Christian. However, Seemless is not a Christian band.

deadspout: I am personally a fan boy of your work, I have followed you from Corrin, Nothing Stays Gold, Killswitch Engage, and now Seemless. You have grown so much as a vocalist since your earlier work. Your melodic singing impresses the hell out of me, however hearing your gut wrenching screams still gives me the chills. Will we ever hear you dedicating yourself to a band with such a demand?

Jesse: Thanks for the love. However, no, I don't think so. I am quite comfortable with where I am. I feel like I am moving forward as a singer, I feel if anything I will continue to expand my voice and style. I love to scream but I would have a hard time doing a band where that is all I do. To me for the most part screamed vocals get boring after a while.

deadspout: Did you get a chance to hear my one hour dedication to your work in our METAL Injection Radio Archive, the Dead Zone (you can hear that here)?

Jesse: Yes, again thanks for the love, bro.
deadspout: In my opinion, your song "Blood and Flames" on Roadrunner United is the best track on the whole release. Do you think you'd collaborate with them as a band, for a whole album?

Jesse: Not unless I get an offer and it helps pay some bills [laughs]. I am quite sure that was a one time thing though.

deadspout: "Endless" is my favorite track you have done with Seemless. Can you elaborate as to the emotion and symbolism of the lyrics to me?

Jesse: I wrote that song for my wife. It has a deep meaning though and really it is all about what you as the listener gets out of it.

deadspout: Simon, from Hesperia, CA wanted to know if you have ever considered going into the management or the talent seeking part of the business, helping talented bands get noticed.

Jesse: I would Love to be an A&R or get into the whole "helping out bands etc." Music is such a HUGE part of my life I know I would be good at helping bands and recognizing talent, the directions music moves, and flows. I don't think I could handle managing a band though, too much stuff to deal with.

deadspout: I read somewhere that you did some hip/hop and reggae. Where can I hear that?

Jesse: It is more like trip hop ambient reggae dub stuff. Real mellow stuff. I have been doing this kind of music on the side for 7 years. I am actually recording tracks with my new project while I am off tour with my good friend Nick who is the other half of the project. We should have a track up on myspace in the next few weeks. I will link it to the Seemless page.

deadspout: What metal bands do you listen to now, for instance, are you a fan of Abigail Williams, Gojira, He Is Legend, etc.

Jesse: Uh, well, Metal is not the first kind of music I would listen to these days but if I were to pop in a metal CD, it would be Entombed, At the Gates, Iron Maiden, God Forbid, Carcass etc. I am a bit old school with my metal.

deadspout: Jesse, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview. It means a lot to me personally. Is there anything you would like to add that I haven't brought up in this?

Jesse: Sounds good thanks bro. Everyone out there open your mind, look out side of the box. Step out of you music routine, step out of the trends. Be a leader not a follower. Do what you love in life no matter what anyone says! and dig Seemless' new album we are bring music back to the roots: Soul & Blues with heavy metal rock n roll all mixed in. Peace & Blessings.

Make sure you check out Seemless "What Have We Become" out through Equal Vision Records now! To hear songs off that release go to the bands official Myspace Page.

Alright zombies, I wanted to inform you about the final ten in the top twenty of 2006 has been posted online here. As I say in the show, these picks are exclusively my top twenty. Not everyone will agree with them, but at least give the releases a chance. The following are featured in the second part of my twenty countdown of 2006:

10. Misery Index - Discordia

9. Deicide - The Stench of Redemption

8. Neaera - Let The Tempest Come

7. Into Eternity - The Scattering of Ashes

6. Glass Casket - A Desperate Mans Diaries

5. Melechesh - Emissionaries

4. Anata - The Conductors Departure

3. Between The Buried And Me - The Anatomy of…


2. Mastodon - Blood Mountain

1. Abigail Williams - Legend EP

Lets look for another sick br00tal epic grim kvlt fucking year.

Two years ago you were taken from us tragically in a disaster that killed 229,000 other people. You are a hero of mine and what I read of your fight for survival and sacrifice to keep your girlfriend safe, you are truely a hero. Rest In Peace Mieszko. 

I know this is a little late for bringing up as a topic, but I just now was able to sift through some old emails and saw that DEICIDE will be releasing a new DVD entitled, "Doomsday In LA". The live footage is taken from their Chicago performance on their "Stench of Redemption" Tour. It will be out through EARACHE RECORDS on January 22, 2007. Here is the tracklisting:

1. Intro
2. Dead By Dawn
3. Once Upon The Cross
4. Scars Of The Crucifix
5. The Stench Of Redemption
6. Death To Jesus
7. When Satan Rules His World
8. Serpents Of The Light
9. Dead But Dreaming
10. They Are The Children Of The Underworld
11. Bastards Of Christ
12. Desecration
13. Behind The Light Thou Shall Rise
14. When Heaven Burns
15. Walk With The Devil In Dreams You Behold
16. Homage For Satan
17. Lunatic Of Gods Creation
18. Kill The Christians
19. Sacrificial Suicide

Check out this Trailer:

It is that time again folks. The year 2006 is coming to an end, as is a year of awesome metal releases. There were sooooooo many different releases, big releases, which came out this year. It's really hard to break down hundreds of releases that are amazing down to "THE BEST". However, I have come up with twenty of my own personal best of this year. The top twenty isn't anyone on METAL Injection's, but mine, but I am sure that the other crew members would agree with a few.

So, to cut this short, I have posted "Dead Zone - Top 20 of 2006" in the "Radio" section of this site. The numbers 20-11 are as follows:

20.

19.

18.

17.

16.

15.

14.

13.

12.

11.

You can hear a track from each of the following albums by heading over to listen to the DEAD ZONE here. Next week will be the conclusion of the top twenty with the final ten.

Two years ago the metal world lost a hero, an inspiration, a brother. Dimebag Darrell Abbott was like no other and lives on in his music just as his heroes have, legendary. I remember the morning I woke up and saw the reports on Blabbermouth, it was surreal and honestly didn't believe it. I was obvioulsy proven the fact he was no longer with us.

I personally did not know him, I never saw Pantera perform live, and I passed up the opportunity to see DamagePlan in DC [Washington] two days before he was killed…the tickets were free because my brother was willing to pay…he went and I didn't. I regret it wholeheartedly.

In a respect of Dimebag today, ANTHRAX posted this on their official website:

I wanted to share something with everyone at this time. It has been two years since DIME was taken away from us and wanted to remind the world that he was, is and always will be the GREATEST. I recently found some outtakes of his solos from the W.C.F.Y.A. record (totally forgot about these). The first is from "Cadillac Rock Box" and I only have the one outtake. There are some embellishments that he included but didn't make the final mix. The next is from "Strap On My Old School ". There are four different versions of the solo and here is one for you to crank and enjoy. We'll post all them in our fan club too someday. He was really happy with the one that was chosen but I think the others kicked ass as well. I just wanted to bring a bit of joy on such a dark day.

Enjoy,

Charlie
Drinks for all the cowboys!

You can hear those tracks here.

Rest in Peace Dimebag, you are missed brother.