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CYNIC/Ex-DEATH Members PAUL MASVIDAL, SEAN REINERT Publicly Discuss Their Sexuality For First Time

Manos Spanos
Former DEATH and current CYNIC members Paul Masvidal (guitar, vocals) and Sean Reinert (drums), who are both gay, have spoken out for the first time about their sexuality in the context of their music. Masvidal, 43, who had come out to friends and family in 1991, and later began exploring drag bars and gay nightclubs while on tour, told the Los Angeles Times, "It's one thing to make out with your bandmates and just 'play gay' because it's edgy. It's another thing to actually live it." Reinert, 42, who took a bit longer to come out, said: "I knew that, secretly, I wanted to go to those clubs too. But back then, my stereotype of how to be gay was wearing dresses and tank tops. I didn't have any masculine, metal role models who were gay." He added: "I went on a date with this one awful guy who blogged about it on his web site. So for years, if you typed my name into Google, the second thing that came up, after 'Sean Reinert Drummer,' was 'Sean Reinert Gay.'" Masvidal and Reinert admitted to the Los Angeles Times that they were nervous about coming out publicly. "There's definitely going to be a reaction, but it's important that we be truthful," Masvidal said. "Gay people are everywhere, doing every job, playing every kind of music and we always have been," Reinert added. "It's taken me years to finally be brave enough to say, 'If you have a problem with that, then throw out our records. That's your problem, not mine.'" JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford, who revealed he was homosexual during a 1998 appearance on MTV, stated at the time about his decision to publicly discuss his sexuality: "I think that most people know that I've been a gay man all of my life, and that it's only been in recent times that it's an issue that I feel comfortable to address, and an issue that has been with me ever since recognizing my own sexuality. It's something that I've been comfortable with forever, something that I feel has a moment, and this is the moment to discuss it and to go into the reasons, and the whys and the wherefores as to the statement, the so-called coming out phase." He continued: "A lot of homophobia still exists in the music world, in all kinds of music. I wouldn't say it's any more phobic in metal or rap or whatever this music is that I'm doing now, but that's just something that I think we all have to address in our own lives. If we have a problem with it, I think we should seek help and find out why we do have a problem with it." In openly discussing his sexuality, Halford said that he hoped he would be helping others to do the same. "I think it's difficult for everybody, you know, in making the decision to come forward and be who you are, based on peer pressure, especially if you're a teenager," Halford said. "That's where a lot of the anxiety begins, and so maybe people like myself and others that do step in front of a camera and let the world know, maybe it's of some help, where there's an individual that's been successful, that's been able to achieve dreams and visions and goals in life and not let the issue of sexuality be something to hold them back, so I think it's an important thing." CYNIC — consisting of Masvidal, Reinert and bassist Sean Malone — released its new album, "Kindly Bent To Free Us", on February 14 via Season Of Mist. Masvidal and Reinert are continuing to tour with DEATH TO ALL , which features former members of DEATH celebrating the life and music of Chuck Schuldiner. The band's current touring lineup includes the three surviving members of DEATH's "Human" lineup (Masvidal, Reinert and bassist Steve DiGiorgio), along with with special guest vocalist/guitarist Max Phelps of CYNIC/EXIST, performing material from DEATH's first four albums. Photo credit: ThoriumPhoto.com
04 min read

2014 and 2015 Will Be ‘Great’ Years For Reunited DARK ANGEL

Manos Spanos
A new video message from reunited thrash metal pioneers DARK ANGEL about their upcoming tour can be seen below. Legendary artist Ed Repka has redesigned the classic DARK ANGEL logo with amazing results. Check it out below. DARK ANGEL guitarist Jim Durkin comments on the band's new logo and 2014 return: "I can't tell you how happy I am about the return of DARK ANGEL in 2014. These are a great bunch of guys and I wouldn't have it any other way. "We went back to our roots and got Ed Repka involved in the redesign of the classic logo. "DARK fuckin ANGEL have been working very hard on the music, I cannot wait to bring this monster back to the fans." As previously reported, DARK ANGEL will reform for a limited number of appearances in 2014 in the U.S. and select festivals in Europe. The confirmed lineup for these rare and unique, select 2014 shows will be: * Gene Hoglan (drums) * Eric Meyer (guitar) * Jim Durkin (guitar) * Ron Rinehart (vocals) * Michael Gonzalez (bass) Comments Hoglan: "DARK fuckin ANGEL has been working real hard behind the scenes, and I can't tell you enough how happy we are to bring this beast back to the fans. "I'll admit before the rehearsals I really didn't know what to expect, but let me tell you, you to will be as stoked as I am. "We have returned!" During an appearance on the September 8, 2013 edition of the "Heavy Metal Mayhem" radio show, Hoglan spoke about the DARK ANGEL reunion, saying: "The most important thing for, I think, any of us, and especially me, and I know a couple of the other guys that are involved that the legacy of the band is very important. And if the band has attained some of kind of underground legendary status over the years, then if we do wanna return, a lot of people have great expecations of us, we'd better exceed those expectations. "Like Ron Rinehart said, the definition of 'good' is 'not bad.' [laughs] We don't wanna come out and even be great; we wanna be No. 1. And that's a very heartening attitude. "If some of the people that might wanna get involved with this… You've gotta do it for the right reasons. This is for the fans. And we're gonna come out and disappoint the fans, don't do it. If we're gonna come out and make the fans go, 'Yes, I expected something great and I got godly.' Then there's a reason for doing it." DARK ANGEL released two albums with Don Doty on vocals — 1984's "We Have Arrived" and 1986's "Darkness Descends" — before he exited the group and was replaced by Ron Rinehart (after a brief stint with Jim Drabos in 1987). The band issued two more studio LPs — 1989's "Leave Scars" and 1991's "Time Does Not Heal" — before calling it quits in 1992. Rinehart, Hoglan and Meyer reassembled DARK ANGEL more than a decade ago but were forced to abandon their reunion plans after health issues reportedly put an end to Rinehart's singing career. Photo credit: Alex Solca Video message:
03 min read

Reunited DARK ANGEL: New Rehearsal Footage Posted Online

Manos Spanos
Video footage of reunited thrash metal pioneers DARK ANGEL rehearsing the song "Death Is Certain (Life Is Not)" earlier this month at a Southern California studio can be seen below. As previously reported, DARK ANGEL will reform for a limited number of appearances in 2014 in the U.S. and select festivals in Europe. The confirmed lineup for these rare and unique, select 2014 shows will be: * Gene Hoglan (drums) * Eric Meyer (guitar) * Jim Durkin (guitar) * Ron Rinehart (vocals) * Michael Gonzalez (bass) Comments Hoglan: "DARK fuckin ANGEL has been working real hard behind the scenes, and I can't tell you enough how happy we are to bring this beast back to the fans. "I'll admit before the rehearsals I really didn't know what to expect, but let me tell you, you to will be as stoked as I am. "We have returned!" During an appearance on this on the September 8, 2013 edition of the "Heavy Metal Mayhem" radio show, Hoglan spoke about the DARK ANGEL reunion, saying: "The most important thing for, I think, any of us, and especially me, and I know a couple of the other guys that are involved that the legacy of the band is very important. And if the band has attained some of kind of underground legendary status over the years, then if we do wanna return, a lot of people have great expecations of us, we'd better exceed those expectations. "Like Ron Rinehart said, the definition of 'good' is 'not bad.' [laughs] We don't wanna come out and even be great; we wanna be No. 1. And that's a very heartening attitude. "If some of the people that might wanna get involved with this… You've gotta do it for the right reasons. This is for the fans. And we're gonna come out and disappoint the fans, don't do it. If we're gonna come out and make the fans go, 'Yes, I expected something great and I got godly.' Then there's a reason for doing it." DARK ANGEL released two albums with Don Doty on vocals — 1984's "We Have Arrived" and 1986's "Darkness Descends" — before he exited the group and was replaced by Ron Rinehart (after a brief stint with Jim Drabos in 1987). The band issued two more studio LPs — 1989's "Leave Scars" and 1991's "Time Does Not Heal" — before calling it quits in 1992. Rinehart, Hoglan and Meyer reassembled DARK ANGEL more than a decade ago but were forced to abandon their reunion plans after health issues reportedly put an end to Rinehart's singing career.
02 min read

SUICIDAL ANGELS’ ‘Divide And Conquer’ Lands On German Chart

Manos Spanos
"Divide And Conquer", the new album from Greek thrashers SUICIDAL ANGELS, has entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 82. The effort was made available on January 14 (one day earlier internationally) via NoiseArt Records as a limited digipak, vinyl LP in different colors and as a digital download. Commented SUICIDAL ANGELS guitarist/vocalist Nick Melissourgos: "We recorded again in the Prophecy & Music Factory Studios and the mix and master this time was done by Fredrik Nordström (HAMMERFALL, IN FLAMES, ARCH ENEMY) at Fredman Studios. We didn't know what to expect for the final result, but what we got is killer. He managed to combine the old-school feeling of our music with an up-to-date production of 2013. [It sounds] absolutely massive!" The cover artwork for "Divide And Conquer" was created by another well-known name in the metal biz — legendary cover artist Ed Repka, who has previously worked with MEGADETH, DEATH and MUNICIPAL WASTE. Added Melissourgos: "If you notice, in the pit, it's not people fighting, it's zombies. Also the crowd isn't human, they are zombies. They are the souls of people who have no human feelings anymore. They represent the ugliness and the inhumanity of the humans. Thus turned into something else, they are easier to be conquered and manipulated." The "Divide And Conquer" artwork is said to be the "perfect mirror" for the album's lyrics, because once again, SUICIDAL ANGELS isn't really interested in booze, boobs and slimy aliens, but instead likes to reflect on the everyday horror of our lives. "The main subject is the contemporary situation that we all are living in," explained Melissourgos. "There is so much power in the hands of few who have the ability to do everything, but their only fear is everyday and common people. So the only, most direct and easiest solution is to mentally disease the population, in order to fight each other, in order to misjudge reality and not being able to tell what is important and what not. So, like this, without unity, it is easier to become a slave." "Divide And Conquer" track listing: 01. Marching Over Blood 02. Seed Of Evil 03. Divide And Conquer 04. Control The Twisted Mind 05. In The Grave 06. Terror Is My Scream 07. Pit Of Snakes 08. Kneel To The Gun 09. Lost Dignity 10. White Wizard The official video for the song "In The Grave" can be seen below. SUICIDAL ANGELS will embark on a European headlining tour in January and February. Support on the trek will come from FUELED BY FIRE, LOST SOCIETY and EXARSIS.
03 min read

SUICIDAL ANGELS: ‘In The Grave’ Video Released

Manos Spanos
Greek thrashers SUICIDAL ANGELS will release their new album, "Divide And Conquer", on January 14, 2014 (one day earlier internationally) via NoiseArt Records. The effort will be made available as a limited digipak, vinyl LP in different colors and as a digital download. Comments SUICIDAL ANGELS guitarist/vocalist Nick Melissourgos: "We recorded again in the Prophecy & Music Factory Studios and the mix and master this time was done by Fredrik Nordström (HAMMERFALL, IN FLAMES, ARCH ENEMY) at Fredman Studios. We didn't know what to expect for the final result, but what we got is killer. He managed to combine the old-school feeling of our music with an up-to-date production of 2013. [It sounds] absolutely massive!" The cover artwork for "Divide And Conquer" was created by another well-known name in the metal biz — legendary cover artist Ed Repka, who has previously worked with MEGADETH, DEATH and MUNICIPAL WASTE. Adds Melissourgos: "If you notice, in the pit, it's not people fighting, it's zombies. Also the crowd isn't human, they are zombies. They are the souls of people who have no human feelings anymore. They represent the ugliness and the inhumanity of the humans. Thus turned into something else, they are easier to be conquered and manipulated." The "Divide And Conquer" artwork is said to be the "perfect mirror" for the album's lyrics, because once again, SUICIDAL ANGELS isn't really interested in booze, boobs and slimy aliens, but instead likes to reflect on the everyday horror of our lives. "The main subject is the contemporary situation that we all are living in," explains Melissourgos. "There is so much power in the hands of few who have the ability to do everything, but their only fear is everyday and common people. So the only, most direct and easiest solution is to mentally disease the population, in order to fight each other, in order to misjudge reality and not being able to tell what is important and what not. So, like this, without unity, it is easier to become a slave." SUICIDAL ANGELS will embark on a European headlining tour in January and February 2014. Support on the trek will come from FUELED BY FIRE, LOST SOCIETY and EXARSIS. "Divide And Conquer" track listing: 01. Marching Over Blood 02. Seed Of Evil 03. Divide And Conquer 04. Control The Twisted Mind 05. In The Grave 06. Terror Is My Scream 07. Pit Of Snakes 08. Kneel To The Gun 09. Lost Dignity 10. White Wizard The official video for the song "In The Grave" can be seen below.
03 min read

Underground: Death Courier – Perimortem

Manos Spanos
Let's go deep into the old school Greek extreme metal underground: remember a band called Death Courier? One of the oldest bands of the Greek Death metal scene (starting back in 1987) releasing the well known demo "Necrorgasm" (1991) and the first full length album one year after that called "Demise" (1992). They disbanded after that but they came back with new members and the oldest man Bill on bass/vocals with a new album including material from previous releases and stuff not completed during the early days of the band. The album starts thundering with "Feeding The Abyss" showing strong influences of Morbid Angel and the necessary Thrashy elements to break the blasting inferno putting a smile on the listeners face. Then comes "Worman" blasting again interrupting for a bit of midtempo Thrashing between verses showing some disarmonic parts towards the end. The massacre continues with "Deprive The Deceased" one of the best tracks of the album Thrashing through the listeners ears after a blasting intro, a kick ass chorus followed by a solo reminiscent of Death or Pestilence and indicating some keyboards wisely put to intensify the darkening feel of the song. "Mindwarp" comes up next ripping with some of the best lyrics of the album dealing with the issue of limited knowledge of young people and brainwash tactics used in institutions and schools. Musicwise is a Death/Thrash tornado done the old school way with a groovy part just before the end. "Devour The Moment" features more blasting and groovy parts and a small lead before the final blastbeat part.
03 min read

MORBID ANGEL’s DAVID VINCENT Is ‘Glad’ To See Former Drummer PETE SANDOVAL Touring Again

Manos Spanos
Todd Owens of Capital Chaos TV conducted an interview with bassist/vocalist David Vincent of Florida death metallers MORBID ANGEL on November 27 at Slim's in San Francisco, California. You can now watch the chat below. Also available is footage of the San Francisco concert. Asked about the status of MORBID ANGEL's longtime drummer Pete Sandoval — who in 2010 underwent surgery after a prolapsed disc — Vincent said: "Pete is no longer in MORBID ANGEL. Pete's concentrating on TERRORIZER. And Timothy Yeung is the drummer for MORBID ANGEL and he's a doing a great job. And we're pressing forward." Vincent also spoke about his guest appearance on the latest TERRORIZER album, "Hordes Of Zombies", and his continued working relationship with Sandoval. "It was a lot of fun [laying down the bass tracks on the CD]. He asked me if I'd be willing to play on the record, and of course I said yes. It's a good record. It's obviously a different style to MORBID ANGEL, and that's OK. We like all kinds of music. So I'm glad that he's actually out touring again and making his way. This is what he does — he plays drums and he's damn good at it. So I'm glad that he has found his place and that he's feeling good about it. And he's getting a lot of support, obviously, from the fans, so everyone wins." Sandoval recently celebrated the 24th anniversary of TERRORIZER's classic album "World Downfall" by performing the LP in its entirety at several shows. He was joined at the gigs by Lee Harrison (MONSTROSITY) and Sam Molina. MORBID ANGEL celebrated the 20th anniversary of its best-selling album, "Covenant", by embarking on the "Covenant: 1993-2013" tour. In 1992, MORBID ANGEL was the first death metal band to be signed to a major record company (Giant Records/Warner Brothers) and "Covenant" was the group's first release for that label in the USA. The LP was issued on June 22, 1993 and went on to garner great critical and commercial success. On the "Covenant: 1993-2013" tour, MORBID ANGEL played the "Covenant" album in its entirety and, after a short intermission, some additional surprise classic cuts.
02 min read