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Annihilator - DVD early spring 2005
Jeff Waters has announced on the official Annihilator site that they are planning on releasing a DVD called Ten Years In Hell. It will feature appearances of many former members like Mike Mangini, Coburn Phar, Neil Goldberg and many others. It will probably also feature some live footage of The Dynamo Open Air Festival in Holland.
If your interested check the official site for more info: http://www.annihilatormetal.com
If your interested check the official site for more info: http://www.annihilatormetal.com
| Band profile: | Annihilator |
Impellitteri - "Pedal To Metal" In US & Europe
"Impellitteri's latest album, "Pedal to the Metal", will receive a long-overdue U.S. and European release in early 2005 via SPV Records. The CD order on the American version will be slightly different than the verson that is currently available in Japan, according to a posting on Impellitteri's web site. The U.S. edition starts with the track "The Iceman Cometh" and continues with more of the group's heavy tunes.
"I hope everyone gets a chance to check out the new cd. It has a lot of new and original Impellitteri songs plus some tunes that actually mimic some really cool modern bands, but with Impellitteri solos," guitarist Chris Impellitteri writes. "The CD is very enjoyable for us to play live and the fans on the first leg of the tour have seen the power these tunes have."
The follow-up to 2002's "System X" marks the recording debut with the group of new vocalist Curtis Skelton (ex-SPEAK NO EVIL), who joined the band in 2003".
"I hope everyone gets a chance to check out the new cd. It has a lot of new and original Impellitteri songs plus some tunes that actually mimic some really cool modern bands, but with Impellitteri solos," guitarist Chris Impellitteri writes. "The CD is very enjoyable for us to play live and the fans on the first leg of the tour have seen the power these tunes have."
The follow-up to 2002's "System X" marks the recording debut with the group of new vocalist Curtis Skelton (ex-SPEAK NO EVIL), who joined the band in 2003".
| Source: | roadrun.com |
| Band profile: | Impellitteri |
Vanishing Point - New album title change and more
Greetings Earthlings!!!
This is just a small update to let you know that we have officially changed the title of our new album to "Embrace The Silence." We are currently speaking to labels about the release of the new album and we are hopeful that if all goes correctly then it will be out early in 2005. We sincerely appologize for the delay, but the matters for the delay have been out of our hands.
Silvio has been ill once again and he has been in and out of hospital over three times in the last week and a half, we have seen Silvio and he is slowly doing ok, we dont know what to say at this point in time and when Silv is better we will let you all know. We thank everyone for their kind wishes to Silv.
Our web site is going to be re-vamped in hopefully not too long, our supreme webmaster David Griffiths has been hard at work on it and we are happy with the results. A question many people from all around the world have been asking is "will you guys ever get your arses into gear and get your merchandise online?" Well the good news there is that we will have our existing merchandise (shirts and CDs) available soon!
Anyways thats it for now, we once again appologise for the delay and sincerely thank you for your patience,
Kindest regards,
Vanishing Point.
Taken form: http://www.vanishing-point.com.au/
This is just a small update to let you know that we have officially changed the title of our new album to "Embrace The Silence." We are currently speaking to labels about the release of the new album and we are hopeful that if all goes correctly then it will be out early in 2005. We sincerely appologize for the delay, but the matters for the delay have been out of our hands.
Silvio has been ill once again and he has been in and out of hospital over three times in the last week and a half, we have seen Silvio and he is slowly doing ok, we dont know what to say at this point in time and when Silv is better we will let you all know. We thank everyone for their kind wishes to Silv.
Our web site is going to be re-vamped in hopefully not too long, our supreme webmaster David Griffiths has been hard at work on it and we are happy with the results. A question many people from all around the world have been asking is "will you guys ever get your arses into gear and get your merchandise online?" Well the good news there is that we will have our existing merchandise (shirts and CDs) available soon!
Anyways thats it for now, we once again appologise for the delay and sincerely thank you for your patience,
Kindest regards,
Vanishing Point.
Taken form: http://www.vanishing-point.com.au/
| Band profile: | Vanishing Point |
The Haunted - greetings video online
THE HAUNTED guitarist Anders Björler and vocalist Peter Dolving recently spent a few days at the Century Media office in Dortmund, Germany and found some time to prepare a special visual greeting to all their followers out there. Check it out at this location: http://www.centurymedia.de/the_haunted/the_haunted__greetings.wmv (Windows Media). Also check out this message (especially for all the German people):http://www.centurymedia.de/the_haunted/the_haunted__german_greetings.wmv
THE HAUNTED's fourth album, "rEVOLVEr" is scheduled for release in North America on October 19 through Century Media Records (one day earlier internationally). The follow-up to 2003's "One Kill Wonder" was recorded at Gothenburg's famed Studio Fredman (IN FLAMES, DIMMU BORGIR, ARCH ENEMY) with co-producers Patrik J. Sten and Fredrik Nordström and mixed at Denmark's Antfarm Studio by Tue Madsen. The album will be released as jewel-case CD and limited edition digipak (each with a different cover), featuring two special bonus tracks, Fire Alive" and "Smut King". Check out streaming Real Media versions of the tracks "No Compromise", "99", "All Against All", "Sweet Relief" and "My Shadow" at this location: http://www.hammer-mag.de/audio_video/audio/2004/10/12/824280.shtml
As previously reported, THE HAUNTED have been added to the upcoming U.S. tour featuring DAMAGEPLAN and SHADOWS FALL. The trek will kick off in late October.
THE HAUNTED's fourth album, "rEVOLVEr" is scheduled for release in North America on October 19 through Century Media Records (one day earlier internationally). The follow-up to 2003's "One Kill Wonder" was recorded at Gothenburg's famed Studio Fredman (IN FLAMES, DIMMU BORGIR, ARCH ENEMY) with co-producers Patrik J. Sten and Fredrik Nordström and mixed at Denmark's Antfarm Studio by Tue Madsen. The album will be released as jewel-case CD and limited edition digipak (each with a different cover), featuring two special bonus tracks, Fire Alive" and "Smut King". Check out streaming Real Media versions of the tracks "No Compromise", "99", "All Against All", "Sweet Relief" and "My Shadow" at this location: http://www.hammer-mag.de/audio_video/audio/2004/10/12/824280.shtml
As previously reported, THE HAUNTED have been added to the upcoming U.S. tour featuring DAMAGEPLAN and SHADOWS FALL. The trek will kick off in late October.
| Source: | blabbermouth.net |
| Band profile: | The Haunted |
AC/DC - soon in studio
According to the Australia's Beat Magazine, AC/DC will not be performing at the Big Day Out festival because they "will be in the studio in January." The Big Day Out festival is Australia's premiere rock music festival, drawing tens of thousands of people annually. This year it takes place across the country on January 21, 23 and 26. More information is available at www.bigdayout.com.
(Thanks: ElectricBasement.com)
(Thanks: ElectricBasement.com)
| Band profile: | AC/DC |
Entombed - DVD scheduled
ENTOMBED guitarist Alex Hellid recently spoke to the U.K.'s Live 4 Metal webzine about the delayed U.S. release of the group's "Inferno" album and the band's Threeman Recordings label, among other topics. Several excerpts from the interview follow:
Live 4 Metal: For those unfamiliar the ENTOMBED label Threeman Recordings, here's your chance for a little promotion.
Alex Hellid: "We started Threeman Recordings in 1996 when we signed to Eastwest Records (for the shortest time) and have since licensed ENTOMBED under imprint. About two years ago we decided to make it more than a name and more into a real label. We want to get all the ENTOMBED releases and related projects under one roof instead of having everything spread out all over the place. But we also do a few 'outside' bands as well ? THE MIGHTY NIMBUS (U.S.), GOD AMONG INSECTS (Sweden), VICIOUS ART (Sweden) all release debut albums on Threeman very soon. We will put out the new ENTOMBED album next year and people always ask us about the old NIHILIST demos and so that's on the way too. We have MURDER SQUAD (half ENTOMBED, half DISMEMBER with Chris Reifert), THE PROJECT HATE (Epic Metal), DAMNATION (Black Metal), ALPHA SAFARI (alternative/punk rock) and more ENTOMBED stuff coming?the list goes on?"
Live 4 Metal: Bass player Jörgen Sandström left the band early this year. Your website says it was due to too much touring. How much is too much?
Alex Hellid: "For him, four months straight. I think he was a little tired of the whole thing and then it's not fun to be on the road. But he's still active in Threeman and is now part of VICIOUS ART (we just mastered the album and it's so fucking good it's unbelievable; great metal!). And THE PROJECT HATE."
Live 4 Metal: Any plans for a comprehensive ENTOMBED DVD in the foreseeable future? I know you've got the "Monkey Puss" DVD out there.
Alex Hellid: "'Monkey Puss' sucks! We have plans for two DVDs. One documenting 'Unreal Estate', which is us playing with the Swedish Royal Ballet (yes, it's as crazy as it sounds) and the other is planned to be a history of the band with everything we can dig out."
Live 4 Metal: How important is it to get that classic down-tuned guitar sound on an ENTOMBED album? It's a trademark sound. What's the secret?
Alex Hellid: "Very important, I'd say. We get lynched otherwise. No secret, just old shit turned up loud. Marshall amps and Boss Heavy Metal distortion. On the first three albums we used small peavey amps and Emg 85 guitar pick-ups. The trick is to not use too many pedals and sound-weakening effects between the amp and the guitar, I think."
Read more ››
Live 4 Metal: For those unfamiliar the ENTOMBED label Threeman Recordings, here's your chance for a little promotion.
Alex Hellid: "We started Threeman Recordings in 1996 when we signed to Eastwest Records (for the shortest time) and have since licensed ENTOMBED under imprint. About two years ago we decided to make it more than a name and more into a real label. We want to get all the ENTOMBED releases and related projects under one roof instead of having everything spread out all over the place. But we also do a few 'outside' bands as well ? THE MIGHTY NIMBUS (U.S.), GOD AMONG INSECTS (Sweden), VICIOUS ART (Sweden) all release debut albums on Threeman very soon. We will put out the new ENTOMBED album next year and people always ask us about the old NIHILIST demos and so that's on the way too. We have MURDER SQUAD (half ENTOMBED, half DISMEMBER with Chris Reifert), THE PROJECT HATE (Epic Metal), DAMNATION (Black Metal), ALPHA SAFARI (alternative/punk rock) and more ENTOMBED stuff coming?the list goes on?"
Live 4 Metal: Bass player Jörgen Sandström left the band early this year. Your website says it was due to too much touring. How much is too much?
Alex Hellid: "For him, four months straight. I think he was a little tired of the whole thing and then it's not fun to be on the road. But he's still active in Threeman and is now part of VICIOUS ART (we just mastered the album and it's so fucking good it's unbelievable; great metal!). And THE PROJECT HATE."
Live 4 Metal: Any plans for a comprehensive ENTOMBED DVD in the foreseeable future? I know you've got the "Monkey Puss" DVD out there.
Alex Hellid: "'Monkey Puss' sucks! We have plans for two DVDs. One documenting 'Unreal Estate', which is us playing with the Swedish Royal Ballet (yes, it's as crazy as it sounds) and the other is planned to be a history of the band with everything we can dig out."
Live 4 Metal: How important is it to get that classic down-tuned guitar sound on an ENTOMBED album? It's a trademark sound. What's the secret?
Alex Hellid: "Very important, I'd say. We get lynched otherwise. No secret, just old shit turned up loud. Marshall amps and Boss Heavy Metal distortion. On the first three albums we used small peavey amps and Emg 85 guitar pick-ups. The trick is to not use too many pedals and sound-weakening effects between the amp and the guitar, I think."
Read more ››
| Source: | blabbermouth.net |
| Band profile: | Entombed |
Katatonia - new compilation & DVD
"Peaceville will be issuing a limited edition compilation entitled 'The Black Sessions' featuring selected material from the "new era" (defined 1998-2004) as opposed to the "old era" material covered in 'Brave Yester Days' at the end of January. The packaging will be a box set of two discs featuring all the single's b-sides, cover songs and selective songs off 'Discouraged Ones' up and til 'Viva Emptiness' (including one unreleased track from this recording session). There'll also be a third disc in the form of a live DVD with a Katatonia live show from April 2003 that was shot in Kracow, Poland. The layout of a 12 page booklet + poster will be handled by Travis Smith.
The official DVD release that has been in the works since over a year and a half has been postponed to a yet undecided future date, likely during the later part of 2005. Reason is we didn't feel entirely happy with the way it was shaping up and it wouldn't meet our own demands of what should be Katatonia's first offical DVD release. A new main show for this DVD will be planned and shot with more careful directing behind it during next year (tba). We're also pretty far on our way of gathering cool backstage and bootleg shots with our own handycam, that will in the end make up some great bonus footage for a well worthwhile killer release".
On the other hand, Anders posted a statement concerning the reissue of "Dance of December Souls", declaring the band doesn't support it.
"It has been known to us, that Black Lodge records are going to re-issue the old classic 'Dance of December Souls' album. Although the CD could just as well have been re-pressed with the original cover and old logo, it now ridicules both the past and present by showing up with a new pathetic cover trying to depict elements from our last album and the abuse of the "new era" logo on something that was released more than 10 year ago. Don't be fooled into confusing this is for a new Katatonia release. Consequently, we do not support this re-issue and take complete distance from its existance".
souce & more info: www.katatonia.com
The official DVD release that has been in the works since over a year and a half has been postponed to a yet undecided future date, likely during the later part of 2005. Reason is we didn't feel entirely happy with the way it was shaping up and it wouldn't meet our own demands of what should be Katatonia's first offical DVD release. A new main show for this DVD will be planned and shot with more careful directing behind it during next year (tba). We're also pretty far on our way of gathering cool backstage and bootleg shots with our own handycam, that will in the end make up some great bonus footage for a well worthwhile killer release".
On the other hand, Anders posted a statement concerning the reissue of "Dance of December Souls", declaring the band doesn't support it.
"It has been known to us, that Black Lodge records are going to re-issue the old classic 'Dance of December Souls' album. Although the CD could just as well have been re-pressed with the original cover and old logo, it now ridicules both the past and present by showing up with a new pathetic cover trying to depict elements from our last album and the abuse of the "new era" logo on something that was released more than 10 year ago. Don't be fooled into confusing this is for a new Katatonia release. Consequently, we do not support this re-issue and take complete distance from its existance".
souce & more info: www.katatonia.com
| Band profile: | Katatonia |
Rata Blanca - Delay in new album
The band Rata Blanca extended some months the recording of its next record work. Now one calculates that the same one will leave just the next year on sale, to give time to finish it them as it corresponds. Nevertheless they speculate whereupon by the end of year they can present live some subjects of the future plate. The name of the disc continues without defining.
www.rataweb.com.ar
www.rataweb.com.ar
| Band profile: | Rata Blanca |
October 31 - Mp3s from new album posted online
Check out the Mp3 page(http://truemetal.org/october31/mp3.html) for 2 mp3s from the new album "No Survivors". These are unmastered songs right from the final mix. There are also mp3s there from past OCTOBER 31 releases.
View the front cover here(http://truemetal.org/october31/no_survivors_cover.jpg).
Also the band in previous report:
Recordings for the new album "No Survivors" will begin in late September. In OCTOBER 31 tradition, it will again be recorded at Oblivion Studios, Maryland with Mike Bossier at the board.
Tracklist
01. Powerhouse
02. Rivet Rat
03. Commit To Sin
04. No Survivors
05. What Waits Beyond
06. Back Alley Murders
07. Wrecking Crew (OVERKILL cover)
08. Misfortune
http://truemetal.org/october31/
View the front cover here(http://truemetal.org/october31/no_survivors_cover.jpg).
Also the band in previous report:
Recordings for the new album "No Survivors" will begin in late September. In OCTOBER 31 tradition, it will again be recorded at Oblivion Studios, Maryland with Mike Bossier at the board.
Tracklist
01. Powerhouse
02. Rivet Rat
03. Commit To Sin
04. No Survivors
05. What Waits Beyond
06. Back Alley Murders
07. Wrecking Crew (OVERKILL cover)
08. Misfortune
http://truemetal.org/october31/
Richard Barbieri - Solo album on the way
Richard recently completed the recording of his solo album at Bryn Derwen studios in Wales. Guesting on fretless bass is Percy Jones (Eno, Brand X ), and on acoustic / electronic drums Andy Gangadeen (Massive Attack, The Bays). It's expected that the album will be available online before Christmas, and in stores early next year. More details soon.
In the meantime "Cosmic Prophets" is an audio sample CD recorded by Richard Barbieri and Japan based musician Jan Linton. It was originally released for the Japanese market a few years ago, but the PT Store has acquired a limited quantity. Please note this is not a conventional album, but a sample CD of sounds, textures, loops and FX that can be sampled and used in a musical (or non musical) context. It features vintage synthesisers such as the Prophet 5 and Roland System 700.
Finally, Richard will be guesting with The Bays for a late night improvised session at The Jazz Cafe in London on October 22nd.
www.porcupinetree.com
In the meantime "Cosmic Prophets" is an audio sample CD recorded by Richard Barbieri and Japan based musician Jan Linton. It was originally released for the Japanese market a few years ago, but the PT Store has acquired a limited quantity. Please note this is not a conventional album, but a sample CD of sounds, textures, loops and FX that can be sampled and used in a musical (or non musical) context. It features vintage synthesisers such as the Prophet 5 and Roland System 700.
Finally, Richard will be guesting with The Bays for a late night improvised session at The Jazz Cafe in London on October 22nd.
www.porcupinetree.com
| Band profile: | Porcupine Tree |
Europe - 23 Shows, 23 Singles
"EUROPE - 23 Shows, 23 Singles"
Sanctuary Records raffles off one limited cd single for each show Europe play during their European tour. Every fan who posts his/her own live review at
http://www.noiserecords.com/europe/start/yourreviews.asp
will participate in the contest.
The tour kicks off in Helsinki, Finland on 14.10.! First winners will be named on Monday, 18.10. at NoiseRecords.com."
Sanctuary Records raffles off one limited cd single for each show Europe play during their European tour. Every fan who posts his/her own live review at
http://www.noiserecords.com/europe/start/yourreviews.asp
will participate in the contest.
The tour kicks off in Helsinki, Finland on 14.10.! First winners will be named on Monday, 18.10. at NoiseRecords.com."
| Band profile: | Europe |
Testament - live bootleg in DVD
San Francisco Bay Area thrashers TESTAMENT are currently offering another live "bootleg" in DVD format for sale in the "Merch" section of the group's official web site. "Testament - Live at the Omni 1988" was filmed at the Omni in Oakland, CA on December 30, 1988.
"Testament - Live at the Omni 1988" (view cover here) track listing:
01. Into the Pit
02. The Preacher
03. Alone In the Dark
04. The New Order
05. First Strike Is Deadly
06. Disciples of the Watch
07. C.O.T.L.O.D.
08. Burnt Offerings
09. Do or Die
10. Day of Reckoning
11. Eerie Inhabitants
12. Trial by Fire
The video is available for $18.00 in the U.S. or $23 overseas (+ $5.00 shipping & handling). For more information, go here: http://www.testamentlegions.com/merch2.htm
"Testament - Live at the Omni 1988" (view cover here) track listing:
01. Into the Pit
02. The Preacher
03. Alone In the Dark
04. The New Order
05. First Strike Is Deadly
06. Disciples of the Watch
07. C.O.T.L.O.D.
08. Burnt Offerings
09. Do or Die
10. Day of Reckoning
11. Eerie Inhabitants
12. Trial by Fire
The video is available for $18.00 in the U.S. or $23 overseas (+ $5.00 shipping & handling). For more information, go here: http://www.testamentlegions.com/merch2.htm
| Source: | blabbermouth.net |
| Band profile: | Testament |
Nightwish - good news for US fans - DVD & EP
"On November 30th Century Media will make available for the first time in the U.S. two previously unavailable Nightwish releases the End Of Innocence DVD and the Over The Hills And Far Away EP. Fans will revel in the detailed film footage and interview history as well as videos, live footage, and photo gallery found on the DVD. The EP's title track is one of the band's most coveted singles, and the additional three studio tracks and six live tracks round out this magnificent experience. Additionally, Century Media will be releasing Nightwish's From Wishes To Eternity DVD on January 25th, 2005. Content details for all the Nightwish releases can be viewed at the band's website, and they will be available from the Century Media website".
www.nightwish.com
www.centurymedia.com
www.nightwish.com
www.centurymedia.com
| Band profile: | Nightwish |
Dark Tranquillity - new album details
Sweden's DARK TRANQUILLITY have set "Character" as the title of their new full-length album, due on January 24 in Europe and January 25 in North America. An EP, entitled "Lost To Apathy", will precede the album on November 15. Both releases will surface through Century Media Records, who recently signed the band to a brand-new three-album deal.
Commented Leif Jensen of Century Media's European A&R department: "DARK TRANQUILLITY are the originators and innovators of the melodic death metal style and a total favourite band for Century Media's staff, so we are all extremely proud about the professional and very successful co-operation we managed to have with the band so far! And this is only the beginning because the band has signed a new worldwide contract with Century Media and we are looking forward to break new ground for them with their outstanding next album 'Character'. This one won't leave you unimpressed...watch out!"
The band added: "We are exceptionally satisfied to announce that we've chosen to continue our cooperation with Century Media for another three albums. After lengthy negotiations with several prolific labels, the dotted line was finally signed and we have full confidence that we've made the right choice and that there are some excellent years ahead ? both for us and for Century Media. As some of you know, the new CD is already recorded and mixed, and the response for the live previews of the song 'One Thought' has been truly great throughout the summer festivals, so we're eagerly anticipating the release of the album."
DARK TRANQUILLITY will be supporting thrash metal icons KREATOR all over Europe on the lengthy "Enemy Of God" tour beginning on February 2. Two additional support acts will be announced soon. Prior to the KREATOR tour, DARK TRANQUILLITY will play a special Metal Hammer-sponsored U.K. one-off gig with labelmates ARCH ENEMY and THE HAUNTED on December 17 at the Forum in London.
Commented Leif Jensen of Century Media's European A&R department: "DARK TRANQUILLITY are the originators and innovators of the melodic death metal style and a total favourite band for Century Media's staff, so we are all extremely proud about the professional and very successful co-operation we managed to have with the band so far! And this is only the beginning because the band has signed a new worldwide contract with Century Media and we are looking forward to break new ground for them with their outstanding next album 'Character'. This one won't leave you unimpressed...watch out!"
The band added: "We are exceptionally satisfied to announce that we've chosen to continue our cooperation with Century Media for another three albums. After lengthy negotiations with several prolific labels, the dotted line was finally signed and we have full confidence that we've made the right choice and that there are some excellent years ahead ? both for us and for Century Media. As some of you know, the new CD is already recorded and mixed, and the response for the live previews of the song 'One Thought' has been truly great throughout the summer festivals, so we're eagerly anticipating the release of the album."
DARK TRANQUILLITY will be supporting thrash metal icons KREATOR all over Europe on the lengthy "Enemy Of God" tour beginning on February 2. Two additional support acts will be announced soon. Prior to the KREATOR tour, DARK TRANQUILLITY will play a special Metal Hammer-sponsored U.K. one-off gig with labelmates ARCH ENEMY and THE HAUNTED on December 17 at the Forum in London.
| Source: | blabbermouth.net |
| Band profile: | Dark Tranquillity |
Ayreon - "Actual Fantasy: Revisited"
A studio report came online earlier today on the official website www.ayreon.com
Arjen is currently putting the finishing touches on the Actual Fantasy 2004 edition named Actual Fantasy: Revisited. It features, among other things, a CD of the 2004 recording and a bonus DVD with a 5.1 surround sound remix of the 2004 recording. At the end of September Ed Warby recorded drums for this edition, and recently Peter Vink recorded bass guitars. Time to catch up with Arjen on how the process of revitalizing the 1996 recording has been so far.
After mixing "Star Child" in dolby pro-logic and "Day Eleven: Love" in 5.1, Arjen couldn't wait to mix an entire album 5.1. The first real opportunity came up when InsideOut began planning their release of the old Ayreon albums. He figured it would be great to give the least selling and seriously overlooked 2nd Ayreon album Actual Fantasy some new attention.
For years Arjen had wondered what Actual Fantasy would sound like with real drums, instead of the drum computer. And when Arjen began working with drummer extra-ordinaire Ed Warby on Ayreon and Star One recordings, the idea grew: wouldn't it be great to record the album with real drums? It was a daunting task that kept Arjen from considering it seriously. However, in order to make a 5.1 mix work for the album he had to re-record a number of elements that were lost, and remaking the album by recording real drums became a serious option.
"After I was finished with 'The Human Equation', I took some time to think it over. I knew it would be a lot of work and would cost a lot of time, effort and money. How could I know it would be worth it? But then I talked it over with Ed, I knew I just had to do this. Of course at the time back in 1996 it was my intention to make the album completely electronic to match the themes of the songs, but what a waste when you have someone like Ed who can really make the album come alive with his drums. In fact Ed himself recently told me that when he heard Actual Fantasy for the first time (we hadn's met yet back then) he told people he should have drummed it instead of a computer!"
"The recording process is completely different from recording a new album. Even though I could replay the guitar and the bass parts, all vocals and most of the keyboards were set in stone. Ed Warby had less room to move and the margin of error was very small, but on the other hand he could now interact with the vocals and solos that were already recorded. As we all know by now Ed is such a skilled drummer and as expected he did a great job. He found enough room to be creative and innovative. I can't begin to describe how great it was to hear the album coming together in a new style in the recording studio."
Read more ››
Arjen is currently putting the finishing touches on the Actual Fantasy 2004 edition named Actual Fantasy: Revisited. It features, among other things, a CD of the 2004 recording and a bonus DVD with a 5.1 surround sound remix of the 2004 recording. At the end of September Ed Warby recorded drums for this edition, and recently Peter Vink recorded bass guitars. Time to catch up with Arjen on how the process of revitalizing the 1996 recording has been so far.
After mixing "Star Child" in dolby pro-logic and "Day Eleven: Love" in 5.1, Arjen couldn't wait to mix an entire album 5.1. The first real opportunity came up when InsideOut began planning their release of the old Ayreon albums. He figured it would be great to give the least selling and seriously overlooked 2nd Ayreon album Actual Fantasy some new attention.
For years Arjen had wondered what Actual Fantasy would sound like with real drums, instead of the drum computer. And when Arjen began working with drummer extra-ordinaire Ed Warby on Ayreon and Star One recordings, the idea grew: wouldn't it be great to record the album with real drums? It was a daunting task that kept Arjen from considering it seriously. However, in order to make a 5.1 mix work for the album he had to re-record a number of elements that were lost, and remaking the album by recording real drums became a serious option.
"After I was finished with 'The Human Equation', I took some time to think it over. I knew it would be a lot of work and would cost a lot of time, effort and money. How could I know it would be worth it? But then I talked it over with Ed, I knew I just had to do this. Of course at the time back in 1996 it was my intention to make the album completely electronic to match the themes of the songs, but what a waste when you have someone like Ed who can really make the album come alive with his drums. In fact Ed himself recently told me that when he heard Actual Fantasy for the first time (we hadn's met yet back then) he told people he should have drummed it instead of a computer!"
"The recording process is completely different from recording a new album. Even though I could replay the guitar and the bass parts, all vocals and most of the keyboards were set in stone. Ed Warby had less room to move and the margin of error was very small, but on the other hand he could now interact with the vocals and solos that were already recorded. As we all know by now Ed is such a skilled drummer and as expected he did a great job. He found enough room to be creative and innovative. I can't begin to describe how great it was to hear the album coming together in a new style in the recording studio."
Read more ››
| Band profile: | Ayreon |