In a 2011 interview with MTV News, Evanescence singer Amy Lee stated about Lost In Paradise, “That’s the one that made us cry … like, literally, just in here, working on it, there have been tears. I love that song. When I was writing it, it wasn’t anything; it was just pure, it was just for me. I was literally just writing it for me, to soothe my own feelings by expressing them. And I just thought, ‘Piano, vocals, I can record it by myself at my house, and that’ll be the track. … It’ll be a B-side somewhere or something.’

“[But] then … as we were working on other songs — focusing more on rock songs — I kept listening to it for fun, because it was mine, and I sent it to [producer] Nick [Raskulinecz] and I was like, ‘I want you to listen to this. … The more I listen to it, the more I think it means something,’ ” she continued. “And he, instantly, was like, ‘We have to do that song.’ And it was his idea to bring the band into it, and at first, I was totally like, ‘I don’t get that.’ But once we did, it just blew the thing wide open, in a way I had never thought about before. It’s perfect; it’s meant to be the way it is.”

One of the reasons Evanescence took so long to come out is that Lee began work on a version of it in 2010 that she ended up scrapping. The Pulse Of Radio asked Lee why that first attempt at recording didn’t work out. “I think it really was a case of us going in the studio too soon,” she said. “I think people a lot of times get pressure for moving fast, especially in this day and age — you know, the public has a short attention span, you know, it’s all about striking while the iron’s hot. I don’t believe that. I believe in great music. If this is gonna be our big Evanescence comeback record, it wasn’t there yet. So we kept working. We ended up making a record that I’m just, it’s my favorite so far. We’re all really proud of it.”

Upcoming Shows:

5/20: Rabat, Morocco – Mawazine Festival
5/24: Santa Cruz de Tererife, Spain – Rock Coast Festival
5/25: Lisbon, Portugal – Parque Da Belavista
5/26: Madrid, Spain – Sonisphere
6/1: Nurburgring, Germany – Rock am Ring
6/3: Nuremberg, Germany – Rock im Ring
6/5: Tilburg, The Netherlands – 013
6/7: Antwerp, Belgium – Lotto Arena
6/10: Nickelsdorf, Austria – Novarock
6/11: Zurich, Germany – Maag Hall
6/12: Hamburg, Germany – Stadtpark
6/14: Dortmund, Germany – Westfallenhalle
6/15: Berlin, Germany – Zitadelle Spandau
6/17: Prague, Czech Republic – Incheba
6/18: Budapest, Hungary – Petoti Hall
6/22: Dubai, UAE – Dubai World Trade Center
6/23: Beirut, Lebanon – Biel- Main Hall
6/27: Moscow, Russia – Izvestia Hall
6/29: Kiev, Ukraine – Best City Festival
7/1: Bucharest, Romania – Tuborg Greenfest
7/4: Istanbul, Turkey – Istanbul Open Air Fest
7/6: Milan, Italy – Heinekin Jammin’ Festival
7/8: France – Sonisphere

For tickets and more visit their website.

Related articles:
‘Evanescence’: Pro-Shot Footage Of Entire ‘Rock In Rio’ Performance [+Behind The Scenes Video] [Oct. 2011]
‘Evanescence’s’ ‘Amy Lee’ On Her Obsessions, Taking Time Off and Touring Again [+ US & EU Tour Dates] [Oct. 2011]
‘Evanescence’s’ New Album Tops ‘U.S. Chart’ [Oct. 2011]
‘Ben Moody’ Talks About The New ‘Evanescence’ Album [Video] [Oct. 2011]
Evanescence – Evanescence [Album review]
New ‘Evanescence’ Video Released For ‘My Heart Is Broken’ [Jan. 2012]
‘Evanescence’s’ ‘Tim McCord’ ‘Heartbroken’ Over Rare Bass Stolen From His Home [Feb. 2012]
‘Amy Lee’ Interviewed In Hong Kong [Video] + New Tour Dates [March 2012]
‘Amy Lee’ Interviewed On 93.7 KCLB ROCKS! [Audio] [March 2012]
‘Evanescence’ Confirmed For ‘Mawazine Festival’ In ‘Morocco’ + More European Dates [March 2012]

The current line-up is Dani Nolden (vocals & keyboards), Raphael Mattos (guitar), Ricardo Piccoli (bass) and Fabio Buitvidas (drums). ‘Inner Monster Out’ was mixed and mastered at Studio Fredman [Dimmu Borgir, At The Gates, In Flames], with the artwork by Felipe Machado Franco [Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire, Iced Earth]. The style is power metal with some thrash influences and could be compared to Sevendust and Halestorm.

There is no preamble, they charge straight into ‘Gag Order’ with Dani’s tough-guy vocals and rampaging shredding. Next up is one of my favourites ‘Angel With Horns’ with its crunchy riffs and soaring vocals. “I am the innocence you wish / you could have kept, you had within / I am the evil that you hide / that lives inside you everyday / When you ask me the reason why / I screw with your mind, make you cry / You’ll find the answer deep inside / Just close your eyes”.

It is especially worth mentioning the molten intensity of the guitar solos by Raphael Mattos that you find scattered throughout the album. Also there is a good balance with the vocals that allows space for both elements to dominate at different times without competing with each other. This balance is maintained in the title track, which features guest vocals by Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity), Björn “Speed” Strid (Soilwork) and Niklas Isfeldt (Dream Evil).

‘Inner Monster Out’ takes some of its inspiration from Dexter and Hannibal Lecter. And ‘My Disrupted Reality’ takes us on a journey where reality is flexible. What is real to one person may not be real to another, and this is explored through seeing a ghost.

As they are all fans of Motörhead, they decided to do their own cover version of ‘Ace Of Spades’ where Dani chews up the words and spits them out with extra venom. All hail the Angel with horns.

Rating: 9/10

Reviewed by Peter John Willoughby

Tracks:
01. Gag Order
02. Angel with Horns
03. Habitchual
04. In the Name of Love
05. Inner Monster Out
06. I’m Your Mind
07. My Disrupted Reality
08. A Smile Upon Death
09. Whatever Our Fortune
10. A.D.D.
11. Waste of Life
12. Ace of Spades (bonus track)

Shadowside line-up:
Dani Nolden – Vocals
Raphael Mattos – Guitars
Rocardo Piccoli – Bass
Fabio Buitvidas – Drums

Shadowside discography:
2001: Shadowside EP [Independent]
2005: Theatre of Shadows [Seven Music]
2009: Dare to Dream [Chavis Records]
2012: Inner Monster Out [Inner Wound Recordings]

Weblinks: Website / Facebook 

Tooth & Nail

After playing nearly 150 shows per year for the past several years, Children 18:3 is showing no signs of slowing down whatsoever. They’ve continued to hit the road in support of 2010’s Rain’s A Comin, playing not only in the United States but across Europe as well. In the midst of this busyness and travelling, they’ve managed to write their third full-length record On The Run. Aptly named, On The Run is the perfect display of Children‘s determination and joy that they show in their career. The two brothers and sister have managed to create a fresh sound with this record, complete with punk hooks and soaring melodies.

Children 18:3 will, not surprisingly, be hitting the road this summer and fall in support of On The Run, which will be released just in time for the major summer festivals. Children 18:3 puts on an amazing live performance, and the songs from “On The Run” will only add to their energy on stage. Look out for the band on The Lost Weekend Tour happening June 23-July 11 with Write This Down, Red Morning Voyage and Harp & Lyre.

In December 2011 Children 18:3 played at the annual German Christmas Rock Night [concert review]. The band uploaded a video of their trip to Germany and their performances at CRN. The video can be seen here.

The Lost Weekend Tour:
June 9 – Garner, IA – Bash On The Farm
July 6 – Marietta, IL – Cornerstone Festival
July 11 – Oshkosh, WI – Lifest/Sunnyview Fairgrounds
Aug 3 – Gilford, NH – Soulfest
Aug 8 – Williamsville, NY – Darien Lake Theme Park Resort
Sept 1 – Plymouth, CA – Joshua Fest

Band Members:David Hostetter (Jr)… Vocals, Guitar
Lee Marie Hostetter… Vocals, Bass
Seth Hostetter… Drums

Weblinks: Website/ Facebook / Myspace 

Track Listing:
1.Moment To Moment
2.Bandits
3.We’ll Never Say Goodbye
4.What About Justice?
5.Jenny
6. Always On The Run
7.I Tried To Do The Right Thing
8.Holding On
9.Why Are You Afraid Of The Dark?
10.Nowhere To Run
11.All In Your Head
12.Drifter

PRE ORDER HERE

Teodor Tuff is a band in constant change. Upon the departure of three members in 2010, the band was joined by Christer, Rayner and Terje Harøy, lead guitarist, bass player and vocalist, respectively. Christer and Rayner are brothers, and also happen to play in Divided Multitude. Terje is their cousin.

The band’s sound has now changed dramatically, and Teodor Tuff comes across as a pure metal band with its own distinct style; guitarist Knut Lysklætt‘s inspiration from classical music, rock opera, musicals and even Middle East folk songs, is mixed with the Harøy clan’s thoroughbred metal. As a result, Teodor Tuff’s second album – Soliloquy – is a truly exiting release!

The following very impressive guest performers have contributed to the album: Jeff Waters (Annihilator), Mattias IA Eklundh (Freak Kitchen), Martin Buus (Mercenary), Eskild Kløften (Divided Multitude) Jacob Hansen and Tonje Harøy. The four guitar solos in rapid succession on the epic track “Heavenly Manna”, where Harøy, Buus, Waters and Eklundh do their best to outdo each other, must be certainly be up there among the greatest guitar solos of all time.

Soliloquy was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Mercenary, Pestilence). The cover photographs were shot by Frode Pederson and the cover art and cover design were created by Mattias Norén.

Teodor Tuff surfaced with their self-titled debut album in 2009. The album was well received and entered the Norwegian charts. The album had clear references to the 70′s, both in the music and in the lyrics. The band subsequently did support shows for both Whitesnake and Deep Purple.

Track Listing:

1) Godagar
2) The Last Supper
3) Addiction
4) Mountain Rose
5) Hymn (For An Embattled Mind)
6) Delusions of Grandeur
7) Heavenly Mana
Deng’s Dictum
9) Lullaby
10) Mind over Matter
11) Tower of Power

Soliloquy is available for pre-order on Amazon

Weblinks: Website / Facebook / Myspace

Not having much information on this album, I anxiously copied the songs to my iPod and started listening. What I found, much to my surprise, was 11 tracks of beautiful and inspiring instrumental music, which I believe is mostly done on keyboards and synthesizers. So let’s step through the album 1 song at a time.

The first song, “Sounds from the Otherside”, starts out with a piano and timpani, and then some strings kick in. After listening for about 30 seconds, I find myself relaxed, and swept away to another place and another time. The song is 3:12 in length, and at the end of the song, I am wondering where the time went. Pretty much most of the song is piano, strings, keyboards, and timpani. However, the song is well composed and as I stated, took me on a journey that, when over, I immediately wanted more.

The second song on the album is titled “Hymn for the Night” and clocks in at 4:03. It starts off in similar fashion, with piano, keys, what sounds like timpani. This song has an ethereal feeling to it, with synthesized chorus style vocals in the background. Again, I’m taken on a journey as the music builds and flows, adding layers of synthesized sounds as the song continues. The song structure is beautifully scored and composed, and it’s execution is flawless. Being a fan of many types of music other than metal, I can definitely appreciate the songwriter’s approach to writing and composition as well as his performance.

Song number 3 is titled “Cry for Love” and once again starts out with minimal instrumentation with just a piano and keys (sounding possibly like a harp of some type) in the background. As with the first 2 songs on the album, this song takes me to another place and is relaxing. This time around though I feel as if I am wandering through a strange land, with sword in hand, and my bow with arrows on my back, as I journey on some type of epic quest, the purpose of which has yet to be revealed.

The 4th song, “Dark Clouds”, is an epic song that belongs on a soundtrack to a movie. The song clocks in at 3:41, and starts out with piano, keys, and timpani as most of the songs do on this album. However, the use of timpani on this track makes the song epic, with a sense of danger ahead.

Song # 5, “Tears”, clocks in at 3:31, again at the end, as with all tracks, I am wondering where the time went and I want to hear more. This song is another great “escape” from wherever I am to another place and time. This one is a bit more brooding; however, in fact, it makes me feel sad while listening. Premnath is able to create music that instills my emotions. The song does not make me cry as the name would imply, however, it does make me feel somewhat sad for what reason I cannot explain. The music itself is mostly piano with keys/synths such as strings and few other sounds.

Song #6, “Lights from Heaven”, immediately starts off with piano (this time bass clef) and synthesizer and has a different feel from the others songs so far in this journey. It starts out mysterious, and then jumps into a somewhat majestic theme. From there, it continues to build, keeping that mysterious feeling while also having that majestic theme throughout. Again, this song evokes emotion, this time as if I am seeing something for the first time, or coming up to something that is strange yet beautiful. This song is 3:18 in length, and leaves me wanting more yet once again!

Song 7, titled “Espiritu Celestial”, clocks in at 3:32. This song starts off slow, with some piano chords, then quickly jumps into a piano melody with synths in the background. Some very good triplets are played within the first minute of the song. Another instrument is added, I cannot make this out, my guess is it’s created on the synthesizer, but sounds like it’s being plucked, such as a harp or other similar instrument. It plays a medley, then falls in to support the piano medly, then switches back to playing its only medley, very nice transitions. This song doesn’t invoke emotions as some of the others do, however, it does have that feeling of being on a journey somewhere else.

The 8th song “Passion” begins with the piano at a very high treble clef with synthesizer/keyboard strings supporting the melody of the piano. I close my eyes and once again taken on a journey. I believe that is the main theme with all of the songs on this album, which I will elaborate on during my closing thoughts. “Passion” also adds in another type of instrument throughout the song, again a different sound that the harp and the instrument in “Espritu Celestial”, but again sounds as if it is being plucked. I really love the piano melody on this track. It clocks in at 2:22.

“Love Song” is the next track #9. It starts out with a harp or similar instrument being plucked, as well as synths in the background that sound like a string section from a symphony. Beautiful song! The song has a great melody, and adds another similar instrument at a much higher octave to play along and complement the original harp (NOTE: it sounds like a harp to me, but it could be something different such as a Sitar, which I haven’t heard much personally). This song is worth a listen and clocks in at 2:15.

Track #10 is titled “Angels Dance” and starts out with a flute sounding instrument. The piano then kicks in, with a great melody, along with some percussion. This is the first song with percussion other than a timpani, it sounds like a type of bongo drum, possibly a Tabala. This song is also definitely worth a listen if you like instrumental music. The song is 2:23 in length.

The last song, track #11, is titled “Songs from the Otherside” and is an acoustic version of the song with a guest performer named Andre Gonesh. This song sounds like it is performed on guitar type instruments, and contains percussion similar to “Angels Dance”. I think I like this version of the song better. There are still keys/synths in the form of strings on the song, but the piano is gone. All of the piano melodies are played this time by the guitars or Sitar. I can’t make out which as, again, I’m not familiar with the latter. Highly recommended to listen to. The song clocks in at 3:08, about 4 seconds shorter than the original version. This track is my favorite on the album.

Overall, the album has a sense of journey on it, as the name implies, the music does just that, it takes you on a journey. This album could easily be the soundtrack to a great D&D type action role-playing game, or possibly even a movie that would be about some type of journey or quest to possibly find yourself. I enjoyed listening to this entire album, and have actually listened to it quite a bit since receiving it, and has been added to my favorites playlist on my iPod. If you enjoy instrumental music, I highly recommend this album and suggest a purchase of either the CD (if you can find it) or a digital download. Once you have it, sit back and enjoy your journey!

Rating: 9.5 / 10

Written by Thrasher777 (Brian)

Tracklist: 
01. Sounds From The Otherside
02. Hymn For The night
03. Cry For love
04. Dark Clouds
05. Tears
06. Lights From Heaven
07. Espiritu Celestial
08. Passion
09. Love Song
10. The Angels Dance
11. Sounds From The Otherside (Accoustic Version Feat Andre Gonesh)

Record Label: Self-released, Feb. 2012

Weblinks: Facebook / Myspace

Purchase: First Paradox / Nordic Mission
(Digital Download Amazon )

You Waste Your Time is taken from Tremonti‘s debut solo album, All I Was, which is due for release on July 10 via Fret 12 Records, a company Mark started with his brother, Daniel Tremonti, and Tom Stanley.

With two bands and a solo career, The Pulse Of Radio asked Tremontihow he knows which project the songs he writes are best suited for. “I’ve just gotten this filter, this intuition that tells me what songs go to which band, and with my solo stuff, the rhythm section is so different from the other bands, I think it really stands apart,” he said. “I think it’s a little more aggressive than both the other bands, but you just have to hear it, I guess.”

Tremonti has a performance video in the works for You Waste Your Time.

His solo band, also billed Tremonti, features Alter Bridge and Creed bassist Brian Marshall in the lineup along with guitarist Eric Friedman and drummer Garrett Whitlock.

Track listing:

01. Leave It Alone
02. So You’e Afraid
03. Wish You Well
04. Brains
05. The Things I’ve Seen
06. You Waste Your Time
07. New Way Out
08. Giving Up
09. Proof
10. All I Was
11. Doesn’t Matter
12. Decay

Related articles:
‘Alter Bridge’ Not Likely To Return Until 2013 [Dec. 2011]
‘Creed’ / ‘Alter Bridge’ Guitarist Says His Solo Album Will Be Heavier Than Both Bands [Jan. 2012]
‘Mark Tremonti’ More Solo Album Details Revealed [New Video Interview] [Jan. 2012]
‘Mark Tremonti’ Unveils Solo Album Cover Artwork [March 2012]
‘Mark Tremonti’ On Solo Album: ‘It’s Not Shred For The Sake Of Shred’ [March 2012]
‘Mark Tremonti’ Talks About ‘Alter Bridge’s’ New DVD, His Hobbies And More [March 2012]

Mary Colurso

On enduring a severe case of spinal stenosis (with herniated discs and bone spurs):

Mustaine: “Last summer during the [Rockstar Energy Drink] Mayhem[Festival] tour, everything just went south. Something had broken in the back of my neck; I had a bone fragment in my spinal column the size of an eraser. The pain when I was moving my neck had me on my knees, sobbing. My son had never seen me this way. My hand went numb. My ring and pinky finger were not communicating with my brain. … But the surgery was a complete success. I had a disc fused in my neck, and the feeling has returned completely to my left hand. It shows you how God’s with me in everything you do.”

On how his surgery has affected his stage presence:

Mustaine: “The act of headbanging, when it started, was to play guitar, stand in a wide posture and move your head up and down. Now I move my torso a little bit more, and get the desired effect. I make the necessary adjustments I need to keep myself healthy. Really, it’s been a blessing in disguise.”

On gun control:

Mustaine: “When people in Washington say they’re going to take away my guns, they better bring theirs if they’re going to take mine.”

On how heavy metal’s popularity is affected by economic hardship:

Mustaine: “People oscillate at different rates of speed. When times get tough, when people are stressing a little more, heavy metal becomes more popular. It has the right speed, tempo, vibration and color. When people listen to songs like that, they connect.”

On whether he cares about awards and ceremonies:

Mustaine: “It’s relative to where the award comes from. I skipped the first seven Grammy Awards. I thought it was kind of hilarious. I went to the eighth. I’d like to win a Grammy, because it’s been elusive to me so far. But I don’t liken myself to the Susan Lucci of the Grammys. When we win awards and competitions awarded by our peers, that’s totally different.”

On Megadeth‘s many lineup changes:

Mustaine: “That’s the problem when you start a band. You have to pick the right guys. But things happen. … We have our lineup and everything’s working, and one guy says, ‘I want more money.’ Or ‘I want to write more songs.’ The truth of the matter is that it’s hard to write songs. You have your whole life to write your first album. After that, it’s hard.”

Read the entire interview from The Birmingham News.

USA

May 11, 2012 Megadeth/Rob Zombie @ PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
May 12, 2012 Megadeth/Rob Zombie @ Toyota Pavilion, Scranton, PA
May 13, 2012 Megadeth/Rob Zombie @ Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
May 15, 2012 Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, Indianapolis, IN
May 16, 2012 Megadeth/Rob Zombie @ Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA
May 18, 2012 Megadeth/Rob Zombie @ The Deltaplex, Grand Rapids, MI
May 19, 2012 Pointfest 30 @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO
May 20, 2012 Rock On The Range @ Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus, OH
May 22, 2012 Megadeth/Rob Zombie @ La Crosse Center, La Crosse, WI
May 24, 2012 Megadeth/Rob Zombie @ Tyson Center, Sioux City, IA
May 25, 2012 Megadeth/Rob Zombie @ Hartman Arena, Wichita, KS
May 26, 2012 Rocklahoma @ Fever Music Festival Grounds, Pryor, OK

EUROPE

May 31, 2012 Metalfest @ Airfield, Dessau, Germany
Jun 01, 2012 Metalfest @ Zalew Sosina, Jaworzno, Poland
Jun 02, 2012 Metalfest @ Castle Mamling, Mining, Austria
Jun 03, 2012 Kino Siska, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Jun 05, 2012 Metalfest @ Zadar Beach, Zadar, Croatia
Jun 06, 2012 Metalfest @ Brianteo Stadium, Monza, Italy
Jun 07, 2012 Metalfest @ Loreley, St. Goarshausen, Germany
Jun 08, 2012 Metalfest @ Amphitheater Lochotin, Plzen, Czech Republic
Jun 10, 2012 Download Festival @ Donington Park, Castle Donington, Leicestershire, England
Jun 13, 2012 Den Atelier, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Jun 14, 2012 Parkstad Limburg Theater, Heerlen, Netherlands
Jun 15, 2012 Hellfest, Clisson, France
Jun 17, 2012 Ost Fest @ Romexpo, Bucharest, Romania
Jun 19, 2012 Hi-Voltage Festival @ Kucukciftlik Park, Istanbul, Turkey
Jun 20, 2012 Iera Odos, Athens, Greece
Jun 22, 2012 Les Docks, Lausanne, Switzerland SOLD OUT
Jun 23, 2012 Graspop Metal Meeting @ Festivalpark Dessel, Dessel, Belgium
Jun 25, 2012 Stadium Live, Moscow, Russia
Jun 27, 2012 Teatro Arena, Vilnius, Lithuania
Jun 28, 2012 Rock Cafe, Tallinn, Estonia
Jun 29, 2012 Tuska Festival @ Suvilahti, Helsinki, Finland
Sep 07, 2012 Teatro Caupolican, Santiago, Chile

For an updated Megadeth’s 2012 tour schedule click here.

Related articles:
‘Megadeth’s’ ‘David Ellefson’ Is Studying to Become a Pastor [Jan. 2012]
‘David Ellefson’ ‘Dave Mustaine’ And I Study Scripture Together [Feb. 2012]
Megadeth – Th1rt3en [CD review]
 ‘Megadeth’ & ‘Rob Zombie’ Announce Co-Headlining Tour [Feb. 2012]
‘David Ellefson’ ‘There Are A Lot Of Artists Who Are Very Open About Their Faith’ [March 2012]
‘Megadeth’ Bassist’s ‘Unsung’ Book Now Available [March 2012]
‘David Ellefson’ Discusses ‘Unsung’ Book In New Interview [March 2012]
New Video Interview With ‘David Ellefson’ [March 2012]
‘Chris Broderick’ Talks To WatchMojo About Gigantour, Big 4 Shows [March 2012]
‘David Ellefson’ Launches ‘Ellefson Concert Series’ Rock And Roll Accessories Line [April 2012]
‘Dave Mustaine’ Interviewed At ‘Beale St. Music Festival’ [Video] [May 2012]
New Video Interview With ‘Chris Broderick’ [May 2012]

Sacred Warrior

Last month lead vocalist Rey Parra announced he has left the band due to time constraints and distance issues. He lives in Florida, while the rest of the band is from the Chicago, Illinois. The band has found a new vocalist in Eli Prinsen [picture], read their official announcement below.

After much prayer, Sacred Warrior has chosen Eli Prinsen as the new lead vocalist. Thank you to all of the many qualified singers that applied for the position.

Eli has been singing and serving The Lord Jesus Christ through Christian metal since the late 1980’s; most notably with U.S. Christian power metal bands, The Sacrificed and Sealed Fate.

A longtime fan of Sacred Warrior and the band’s original vocalist, Rey Parra, Eli is as humbled as he is honored to be blessed with the opportunity of carrying on the good fight as the band’s new vocalist.

A classically trained vocalist and founder of The Hybrid Vocal Technique, Eli is an avid vocal enthusiast who enjoys teaching as well as performing.

Eli’s loves spending time with his family, writing, recording and listening to good music, grilling out, watching NFL football (The New Orleans Saints), and laughing at life’s random and dry humor.

Please join with us to welcome him.

***

The band was formed out of a general market metal band known as Nomad, which formed in 1985. Subsequent to the conversion of guitarist Bruce Swift to Christianity, he lead fellow band members Tony Velasquez and Rey Parra. He also led Rick Macias, who had been a bouncer at a nightclub. Steve Watkins joined the band as bassist in 1988 and Sacred Warrior was formed. Rick Macias left the band in 1989 and was replaced by John Johnson for the 1989 – 1990 tour. John left the band in 1990.  Joe Petit joined the band in 1991 and continues as keyboardist today. Sacred Warrior broke up in 1994 and then reformed in 2000 to do a Cornerstone Reunion Show. Rey moved to Florida and the rest of the guys stayed in Chicago making it difficult to continue writing music.  Sacred Warrior re-formed in 2008 and is now touring again.

The band commented: We are finally putting together what will be one of the heaviest CD’s yet. It is hard yet still has the Warrior feel to it and don’t be thinking that Sacred Warrior is going to wimp out on the lyrics. We think that today more that ever we need to bring the Gospel of Jesus to the forefront. We are currently recording the music at Gathering Storm Media in Aurora, IL.

Band members:
Eli Prinsen – Lead Vocals
Bruce Swift – Guitars/Vocals
Tony Velasquez – Drums
Steve Watkins – Bass/Vocals
Jow Petit – Keyboards/Vocals

Discography:
1988: Rebellion
1989: Master’s Command
1990: Wicked Generation
1991: Obsessions
1993: Classics
2001: Live at Cornerstone 2001

Weblinks: Website / Facebook / Myspace

Everything Flyleaf does is out of love and passion, and this night stands emblematic of that.

Caldwell was in a fatal car accident near his home in College Station, Texas. As soon as the band heard the news, they wanted to do something to both honor his memory and raise money in order to support his family.

Caldwell is survived by his wife Katy and two-year-old son Kirby. All proceeds from the show will go directly to Katy and Kirby, aiding them in the aftermath of this tragedy.

For Flyleaf, their friend and brother’s light still shines brilliantly. Beyond his talents behind the board, he was a crucial part of the band’s family. They did everything together, and his spirit and memory will forever be a part of Flyleaf.

About Caldwell, Flyleaf singer Lacey Sturm comments with a heavy heart, “Rich was our brother. His life and love have forever changed the world for the better. From the first showcase we played, every heart we touched with Flyleaf’s music was as much Rich‘s victory as it was any bandmember’s. There is not one person behind the scenes, or on stage, who deserves to be honored more than Rich Caldwell. I’m only sorry that the honor we are giving is so overdue.”

Guitarist Sameer Bhattacharya echoes that sentiment, “It’s hard to believe that this is real. Rich was like the sixth member of Flyleaf. He was our brother and dear friend. We’re here for Katy and Kirby, our family. We want to help in any way we can.”

With Caldwell on their minds and in their hearts, Flyleaf is currently in the midst of recording their follow-up to 2009′s “Memento Mori”, due in stores this summer via A&M/Octone Records.

To donate to Rich‘s family, please visit FlyleafMusic.com.

Band members:
Lacey – vocals
Sameer Bhattacharya – guitar
Jared Hartmann – guitar
Pat Seals – bass
James Culpepper – drums

Weblinks: Website / Facebook / Twitter 

Related articles:
‘Lacey Sturm’ Of ‘Flyleaf’ Featured On ‘Underworld Awakening’ Soundtrack [Jan. 2012]
‘Flyleaf’ Recording New Album [Feb. 2012]

Evanescence released its self-titled third major label album last October, five years after the group issued its last effort, 2006′s The Open Door. But one of the reasons the new record took so long to come out is that Lee began work on a version of it in 2010 that she ended up scrapping. The Pulse Of Radio asked Lee why that first attempt at recording didn’t work out. “I think it really was a case of us going in the studio too soon,” she said. “I think people a lot of times get pressure for moving fast, especially in this day and age — you know, the public has a short attention span, you know, it’s all about striking while the iron’s hot. I don’t believe that. I believe in great music. If this is gonna be our big Evanescence comeback record, it wasn’t there yet. So we kept working. We ended up making a record that I’m just, it’s my favorite so far. We’re all really proud of it.” Check out our album review.

Evanescence third album sold 127,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 1 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The Open Door has shifted 2.1 million copies in the United States so far, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Evanescence‘s debut album, Fallen, has sold 7.6 million copies since its March 2003 release.

Lee, who got married in 2007, says she and her husband are ready to deal with the reality of her being away on tour for months. She told Noisecreep, “It’s always going to be hard on a relationship, being in a band, but my husband and I have really had a chance to build our life together and so now we’re ready for everything that happens when I’m on the road.”

Upcoming Shows:

5/20: Rabat, Morocco – Mawazine Festival
5/24: Santa Cruz de Tererife, Spain – Rock Coast Festival
5/25: Lisbon, Portugal – Parque Da Belavista
5/26: Madrid, Spain – Sonisphere
6/1: Nurburgring, Germany – Rock am Ring
6/3: Nuremberg, Germany – Rock im Ring
6/5: Tilburg, The Netherlands – 013
6/7: Antwerp, Belgium – Lotto Arena
6/10: Nickelsdorf, Austria – Novarock
6/11: Zurich, Germany – Maag Hall
6/12: Hamburg, Germany – Stadtpark
6/14: Dortmund, Germany – Westfallenhalle
6/15: Berlin, Germany – Zitadelle Spandau
6/17: Prague, Czech Republic – Incheba
6/18: Budapest, Hungary – Petoti Hall
6/22: Dubai, UAE – Dubai World Trade Center
6/23: Beirut, Lebanon – Biel- Main Hall
6/27: Moscow, Russia – Izvestia Hall
6/29: Kiev, Ukraine – Best City Festival
7/1: Bucharest, Romania – Tuborg Greenfest
7/4: Istanbul, Turkey – Istanbul Open Air Fest
7/6: Milan, Italy – Heinekin Jammin’ Festival
7/8: France – Sonisphere

For tickets and more visit their website.

Related articles:
‘Evanescence’: Pro-Shot Footage Of Entire ‘Rock In Rio’ Performance [+Behind The Scenes Video] [Oct. 2011]
‘Evanescence’s’ ‘Amy Lee’ On Her Obsessions, Taking Time Off and Touring Again [+ US & EU Tour Dates] [Oct. 2011]
‘Evanescence’s’ New Album Tops ‘U.S. Chart’ [Oct. 2011]
‘Ben Moody’ Talks About The New ‘Evanescence’ Album [Video] [Oct. 2011]
Evanescence – Evanescence [Album review]
New ‘Evanescence’ Video Released For ‘My Heart Is Broken’ [Jan. 2012]
‘Evanescence’s’ ‘Tim McCord’ ‘Heartbroken’ Over Rare Bass Stolen From His Home [Feb. 2012]
‘Amy Lee’ Interviewed In Hong Kong [Video] + New Tour Dates [March 2012]
‘Amy Lee’ Interviewed On 93.7 KCLB ROCKS! [Audio] [March 2012]
‘Evanescence’ Confirmed For ‘Mawazine Festival’ In ‘Morocco’ + More European Dates [March 2012]