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DREAM-THEATER

Prog Rockers Bigelf Return With Ex-Dream Theater Drummer Mike Portnoy

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on April 04, 2013 @ 11:45am
Category: Music / News

Prog rock band Bigelf has returned after several years of silence! The group has signed with Inside Out Music and will be releasing a new album later this year. The album will feature Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater) on drums and Duffy Snowhill on bass guitar.

Frontman Damon Fox has written a lengthy explanation detailing the past few years of the band, which you can read below. We also had the pleasure of chatting with Fox back in 2010. You can read the interview here. READ MORE

R.I.P. Robert Zildjian, Founder Of Sabian Cymbals, Passes Away At 89

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on March 28, 2013 @ 5:38pm
Category: Music / News

Sad news has come out of the music equipment world as Robert Zildjian, founder of Sabian Cymbals, has passed away at age 89. Many artists have expressed their grief, including Tesseract‘s Jay Postones, who states, “I’ll always use and love Sabian cymbals. RIP Robert Zildjian,” while ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy comments, “I am truly saddened to write that SABIAN founder and our fearless leader Robert Zildjian, has passed on today at age 89. RIP Uncle Bob.”

Sabian commented via their Facebook page, “It is with deep, deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert “RZ” Zildjian, our beloved founder and leader. A tireless and dynamic force, he inspired each one of us in the Sabian family to work harder, to reach farther, to make a difference – and he led us by example. We mourn his passing, and we will miss him for a long time to come. But we are better people for having known RZ, and we are richer for having worked alongside him. We draw comfort from the knowledge that his spirit will live on in the music made by artists the world over.

Rest in peace, RZ.”

Our deepest condolences to the Zildjian friends and family, the Sabian crew, and all the musicians who use Sabian as a part of their arsenal. READ MORE

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Suicidal Tendencies Announce Details For First New Album In 13 Years: Tour Dates Confirmed

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on March 13, 2013 @ 3:30pm
Category: Music / Videos

Legendary punk/thrash band Suicidal Tendencies has announced that they will be releasing their first new album in 13 years and it is fittingly entitled 13. This is going to cause a little bit of confusion as Black Sabbath‘s new album is also called 13. Ah well, such is life.

The new album will be released March 26th via Suicidal Records and was produced by Mike Muir and Paul Northfield (Rush, Dream Theater, Ozzy Osbourne, Marilyn Manson, Hole). This album marks the 30th anniversary of the band.

Lead vocalist Mike Muir states, “First, thank you for all the people that have patiently waited for this record. Now I will shut up and let the music do the talking.”

Head on below to view a video for their new track “Cyco Style” as well as see the track list and upcoming tour dates. READ MORE

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Dream Theater Release Trailer For ‘Live At Luna Park’ Live DVD/Blu-Ray

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on February 01, 2013 @ 4:00pm
Category: Music / Trailers

Progressive rock band Dream Theater have unveiled a trailer for their upcoming live DVD/Blu-Ray Live At Luna Park. Filmed over two nights in Buenos Aires using 16 cameras, the concert provides fans with a full, rich experience as well as tons of behind-the-scenes extras that show the band in wardrobe, hanging out, etc… This is also the first live DVD/Blu-Ray with drummer Mike Mangini.

Guitarist John Petrucci states, “This is without a doubt the closest a viewer at home will come to experiencing a live Dream Theater concert. Between the hi-def and 3D video, the huge audio mix and the documentary style behind the scenes footage, you are truly transported to the arena and completely immersed in the entire live experience.

He continues, saying, “We have the greatest fans on the planet and the people of Argentina are no exception! The energy and vibe at Luna Park was truly electric and contagious. The perfect synergy between band and audience. We are immensely proud of this DVD and incredibly excited to share it with everyone!”

The DVD/Blu-Ray is expected to be released in May. Head below for the trailer. READ MORE

Adrenaline Mob To Release Cover EP ‘Coverta’: Announce Tour

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on January 31, 2013 @ 11:16am
Category: Music / Images

Adrenaline Mob, the supergroup formed by ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, Symphony X singer Russ Allen, and Sonic Stomp‘s Mike Orlando, will be touring the US in support of their debut album Omerta (review). The tour will consist of two legs this spring although only the first leg has been revealed.

The band will also be releasing an EP of covers. Featuring eight tracks, the EP includes songs by Black Sabbath, Dio, Heart, and more. Check out all the information below. READ MORE

Dream Theater Commences Recording New Album

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on January 06, 2013 @ 2:00pm
Category: Music / Images

Prog rock/metal band Dream Theater have commenced recording their 12th studio album, which will be released through Roadrunner Records. The band has posted a few photos of gear and equipment that they’ll be using in the studio, which you can see below. The album, which will be the follow up to 2011′s A Dramatic Turn Of Events, does not yet have a release date or name.

Dream Theater recently resigned to Roadrunner Records. In a statement from the band, they say, “Roadrunner’s dedication and commitment to Dream Theater has been evident to all of us from the very beginning, and is consistent in all departments and on all levels, right on through to the top. Roadrunner is a record label that is not only great at what they do but who truly understand what Dream Theater is all about as well as the amazing people who support us all around the world whom we proudly call our fans. They are a record company we relate to as an organization firmly rooted in its ideals and mission, while always pushing the envelope in an effort to keep things moving ever forward. We’ve reached many career defining milestones while at Roadrunner and are all incredibly pumped in anticipation of our continued future together!” READ MORE

Avenged Sevenfold Frontman M. Shadows Talks About New Album

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on November 16, 2012 @ 9:00am
Category: Music / News

In an interview with The Pulse Of Radio, Avenged Sevenfold frontman M. Shadows discussed the status of a new A7X album, stating, “I try not to say too much about the album because you know how the Internet world is, so I’ll just say this: we have a direction, we’re sticking to that direction, and we feel really very happy writing in these terms that we’ve laid out for ourselves.”

Continuing on with a little tidbit for the fans, “The album is coming along very nicely, we’re excited to get in the studio, we have about six songs that I’m really happy with right now, and we’re continuing to write every single day.”

This album will be the sixth studio album from the band and the first to have drums not written by James “The Rev” Sullivan (Nightmare‘s drums were written by The Rev while being performed/recorded by ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy).

Meanwhile, fans can hear the new song “Carry On” after the credits in Call of Duty: Black Ops II. You can check out of that below. READ MORE

Dammit Internet…Dream Theater Vs. Psy “Gangnam Wither”

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on October 30, 2012 @ 3:00pm
Category: Music / Videos

I know that I said I wouldn’t be doing any more “Gangnam Style” articles but this one is a bit different. Instead of someone doing their own original rendition of the track (like “David Lo Pan Style“), this is a mashup of the music of Dream Theater‘s “Wither” with Psy‘s “Gangnam Style” vocals. And it works shockingly well. As in, I had to listen to the whole thing to see if I had any issues with it (there are none). Listen to it below and lend your thoughts.

I’m guessing that the Dream Theater fellas, if they knew about this, would nod their heads approvingly before ascending into the stars, creating beautiful, intricate music with naught but their imaginations. And Psy would reach his hand into the air, his other hand placed over his heart, while a singer tear rolled down his cheek. And as Dream Theater burst into a glorious light, their song reaching the coda, Psy would whisper, “Thank you.” READ MORE

Arjen Lucassen Begins Work On New Ayreon Album

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on October 17, 2012 @ 12:45pm
Category: Music / Videos

Excuse me for on moment. Ahem…ahem ahem…FREAKIN’ AWESOME!!! I’m a HUGE Ayreon fan. The Human Equation is one of the greatest concept albums ever released and 01011001, while I personally don’t think is as good, is still an incredible album.

So, getting to the news, even though Arjen Lucassen released Lost In The New Real, a solo album, earlier this year, he is already hard at work on the next Ayreon record! No release date has been schedule but it is tentatively scheduled for 2013 (hurry up already!). Below is a lighthearted video of Arjen recording electric and acoustic guitars as well as keys for the release. Check it out below!

Personally, one of the things I always get excited for with a Lucassen release is the game where we have to figure out who the guest singers are going to be. Considering the stellar talent that he gets for each release, from Dream Theater‘s James LaBrie to Opeth‘s Mikael Akerfeldt to ex-The Gathering‘s Anneke van Giersbergen, my expectations are at near fever-pitch. READ MORE

Rock Your Child To Sleep With Dream Theater Lullabies

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on September 25, 2012 @ 5:45pm
Category: Music / News

I’m not the biggest fan of children, especially the ones that are so young you can’t even have a somewhat intelligible conversation with them. To me, they’re just poop factories that cry and leech away your time and life. But it turns out that they’re kinda necessary if we want to continue the human race, so I guess we have to suffer, right?

Well, here’s a way to ease your suffering just a bit: how about laying down those little parasites and helping them fall asleep to some Dream Theater? Now, you obviously can’t play the real deal (I would, but I’m a heartless bastard sometimes) but what about lullaby versions? Turns out that’s exactly what the good folks over at Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star have done!

Now on iTunes, you can download a full album of Dream Theater hits that have been rerecorded as lullabies and are surprisingly calming and peaceful. Some of these hits include “These Walls”, “Pull Me Under”, “As I Am”, and more. Just listening to them is making me feel all relaxed and…..zzzzZZZZZzzzz zzzzZZZZzzzz….

Now, parents, do me a favor and tell me, what music do you play to put your kids to sleep? Let me know in the comments! READ MORE

Top 25 Guitar Riffs That Make You NEED To Headbang: 10-6

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on August 16, 2012 @ 11:00am
Category: Music / Editorials

Oh snap! We’re officially in the top ten and only one day away from finding out which riff crushes them all! Have you been keeping up with the awesome riffages that I’ve been posting? If not, check out 25-21, 20-16, and 15-11 before you head on down. That way, you’ll give your neck a nice warm up, getting it ready for some more Guitar Riffs That Make You NEED To Headbang! READ MORE

Tune Into The Roadrunner Records Station While Playing ‘Sleeping Dogs’

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on August 14, 2012 @ 7:30pm
Category: Music / News

Following the trend of Grand Theft Auto and Saints Row, the newly released Sleeping Dogs, a sandbox “take down the Triads” game, will feature a radio station that provides you with nothing but metal. However, Sleeping Dogs took it one step further and aligned themselves with Roadrunner Records. That’s right, the whole station is RR heavy rock and metal artists. If you tune in, you’ll be able to hear bands such as Opeth, Trivium, Killswitch Engage, DevilDriver, Black Stone Cherry, and more. Check below for the full list. READ MORE

[Album Review] Judgement Day ‘Polar Shift’

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on July 21, 2012 @ 5:30pm
Category: Music / Reviews

Described as “string metal”, Judgement Day are a three-piece outfit that is comprised of a cello, a violin, and drums based out of San Francisco, CA. Brothers Anton and Lewis Patzner began playing string metal on the streets of Berkley, CA. As their popularity grew, so to did their ranks. They welcomed in Jon Bush began to play drums and the band was able to perform amplified shows at various clubs and venues in the area.

With several albums and compilations under their belt, Judgement Day is back with their latest offering, Polar Shift (iTunes pre-order). With 14 tracks and nearly 40 minutes of music, does this string metal offering work or end up sounding dangerously out of tune? Read on for the answer. READ MORE

[Album Review] Ninth Moon Black ‘Chronophage’

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on July 21, 2012 @ 11:30am
Category: Music / Reviews

Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Ninth Moon Black is an instrumental metal band with traces of psychedelic and ambient qualities. Their first full-length release, which came out in 2007, was self-titled and an EP followed in 2010. Now, the five piece band is back with another full length entitled Chronophage (translated: Time Eater). Only six tracks but clocking in at almost 45 minutes, does this epic take the listener on a journey or leave them by the wayside. Find out below. READ MORE

Orange Amps And Prog Magazine Announce First Annual Progressive Music Awards

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on July 04, 2012 @ 2:00pm
Category: Music / News

As a huge progressive music fan, the following news fills me with untold amounts of joy. Prog Magazine, a publication based in the UK, has teamed up with Orange Amps to bring the first annual Progressive Music Awards. This festival will honor visionaries, new talent, and talented musicians within the progressive rock genre. Now, I’m aware that genre-specific award shows don’t have much of a reach outside the listeners who enjoy said genre, but it’s still nice to see recognition given to a genre that is almost always shunned.

This year Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree, Blackfield, Storm Corrosion) leads with five nominations. He is followed by both Steve Hackett (Genesis) and Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), who each have four nominations, while Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth) and It Bites each have three.

A full list of the nominees can be seen here.

Periphery Releases Trailer For New Album ‘Periphery II’

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on May 30, 2012 @ 12:00pm
Category: Music / Videos

Prog/djent metal band Periphery have released a video teaser for their upcoming album Periphery II: This Time It’s Personal. Due for release on July 3rd via Sumerian Records, the album will see Periphery expanding their combination of brutal tech metal with beautiful progressive elements. The album also features guest solos from Guthrie Govan (The Aristocrats), John Petrucci (Dream Theater), and Wes Hauch (The Faceless). Pre-orders are available here.

Misha Mansoor (guitars) states: “We are very happy to announce the full track listing [see below] and show you guys the artwork for our sophomore release. We put so much hard work and time into this album and we thank all of you for your continued support and patience. The album clocks in at sixty-nine minutes exactly and has tons of brand new material, so I assure you it is well worth the wait. Make sure to keep on the lookout for the first track which we will be releasing in the coming weeks.”

The band will be performing on the Summer Slaughter tour this July/August. Tour dates can be found on Periphery’s Facebook. READ MORE

[Review] O.S.I. ‘Fire Make Thunder’

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on March 22, 2012 @ 9:34pm
Category: Music / News

For those of you who don’t know O.S.I. (shame on you!), they could easily be considered a supergroup of prog metal masters. Featuring Kevin Moore (ex-Dream Theater) and Jim Matheos (Fates Warning) as the two staple members, their albums have seen appearances from Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater, Adrenaline Mob), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth, Bloodbath), Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree), and several more. With credentials like that, this is a band that practically demands notice.

I’ve personally been a fan of this band for several years. That’s why I was so excited when I heard that a new album, Fire Make Thunder, was set for release. Now that I have it, does it live up to my expectations?

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on March 13, 2012 @ 9:55pm
Category: Music / News

Comprised of some of the most talented musicians in the rock/metal scene, Adrenaline Mob has a lot going for it. After all, it’s Mike Portnoy (ex-drummer of Dream Theater), Russell Allen (singer of Symphony X), John Moyer (bassist of Disturbed), and guitarist Mike Orlando. With that kind of line-up, you gotta wonder what the final product is going to sound like. Dream Theater and Symphony X? Hell yeah! It’s gonna be some intense prog metal! But wait, Disturbed? So, it’s gonna have some commercial heavy rock appeal? And Mike Orlando, who played with Zakk Wylde and Bumblefoot, which means we’ll likely hear some shredding.

Is this the final product? Is this the sound that the band delivers? And, ultimately, is it all worth it? Find out below.

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on March 13, 2012 @ 9:55pm
Category: Music / News

Is this the final product? Is this the sound that the band delivers? And, ultimately, is it all worth it? Find out below.

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on January 24, 2012 @ 3:16am
Category: Music / News

[OMFG] OSI Announce New Album: Audio Samples Available

HOLY CRAP! Talk about the best news I’ve heard so far this year! One of my favorite bands, OSI, is going to be releasing a new album entitled Fire Make Thunder on March 27th. They’ve already released the album artwork (above) as well as the tracklist and audio samples from the album, which you can check out below. Preorders have started here.

Formed in 2002 by Jim Matheos (Fates Warning) and Kevin Moore (Dream Theater), OSI has used guest musicians to create amazing electronic influenced prog-metal. This new album will again see Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) on drums. Gavin recorded drums for the band’s 2009′s Blood, which I highly recommend you pick up if you haven’t heard it.

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on January 19, 2012 @ 10:21pm
Category: Music / News

Adrenaline Mob Announce Omerta: Release Video For Undaunted

Adrenaline Mob, the supergroup made up of Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater), Russ Allen (Symphony X), and Mike Orlando, has announced a release date of Mar. 13th, 2012 for their debut full length album Omerta. The album will feature 11 tracks, including a cover of Duran Duran‘s Come Undone, which features guest vocals from Lizzy Hale of Halestorm. The band has also released a performance video of their current single, Undaunted, which you can check below.

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on September 19, 2011 @ 5:19pm
Category: Music / News

Dream Theater have released an official video for On The Backs Of Angels, which comes off their newly released album A Dramatic Turn Of Events. This is the first music video that features new drummer Mike Mangini and boy oh boy is his drumkit large! I don’t think he went the double-throne route that Portnoy went. Rather, he built his kit upwards. It’s very reminiscent of Terry Bozzio’s set up. Aside from that, the video is a mixture of the band projected onto skyscrapers, cogs turning, and live shots. Check it out after the jump!

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on September 13, 2011 @ 9:45pm
Category: Music / News

At the Best Buy Theater in New York City last night, the second annual Metal Masters Clinic took place. Featuring members of Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer and even ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, the free event was a blast for fans. However, the big surprise came towards the end of the evening when Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Down) took the stage and everyone rocked out a couple of classic Pantera tunes. After the jump, you can see everyone busting out A New Level and Fucking Hostile. To put it simply, these videos kick insane amounts of ass. READ MORE

Dream Theater Personally Invites Periphery To Open Up At Two Shows

Music
Posted by JonathanBarkan on September 06, 2011 @ 8:35pm
Category: Music / News

Prog-metal giants Dream Theater have personally invited prog/djent metal band Periphery to open up for them on two dates: Oct. 15th in Albany, NY and Oct. 16th in Philadelphia, PA. Dream Theater will be touring in support of their upcoming album, A Dramatic Turn Of Events.

Periphery guitarist Misha Mansoor states: “To say that the chance for PERIPHERY to open for Dream Theater is a dream come true would be a gross understatement. Dream Theater has been one of my favorite bands for about as long as I can remember. I started taking guitar seriously and bought my first 7 string because of John Petrucci. If it weren’t for Dream Theater, PERIPHERY simply would not exist. I can’t express in words just how excited we are for the opportunity to share the stage with them.”