For the second time in six years, German rapper Bushido (real name: Anis Mohamed Youssef Ferchichi) is accused of having "stolen" music from the black metal band DIMMU BORGIR, this time for his new song "Leben Und Tod Des Kenneth Glöckler" (English-language translation: "Life And Death Of Kenneth Glöckler").
Bushido's track — which will appear on his upcoming album "Sonny Black" (due in February 2014) — allegedly borrows the musical theme from the DIMMU BORGIR cut "Dimmu Borgir", which is featured on the Norwegian group's 2010 CD "Abrahadabra".
You can hear both songs below.
DIMMU BORGIR in 2007 threatened to sue Bushido for allegedly using melodies from the band's songs on his albums without permission.
DIMMU BORGIR manager Yvette Uhlmann stated at the time: "The band was contacted via the Internet and was told that Bushido had stolen the melody of their song 'Mourning Palace' and that he used it in his song 'Mittelfingah'. Since we were not contacted by Bushido through proper channels and told about his desire to do this, it is clear that Bushido has seriously infringed our intellectual property rights."
DIMMU BORGIR guitarist Silenoz was quoted as saying: "If the German rapper in question does not agree to compensate us adequately, we will sue him! Whoever crosses us will face serious consequences."
Bushido was also accused of having stolen music from the American gothic group NOX ARCANA. Bushido allegedly copied music from three of the band's songs: "Beyond Midnight" (used by Bushido on "Weißt Du?" ), "No Rest for the Wicked" (used by Bushido on "Kurt Cobain") and "Cthulhu Rising" (used by Bushido on "Blaus Licht"). Bushido allegedly took NOX ARCANA's recordings, including the complete melodies, arrangement and instrumentation, then simply rapped over the music. He also registered the songs as his own.
CHROME DIVISION — the Norwegian five-piece featuring DIMMU BORGIR frontman Shagrath(a.k.a. Stian Thoresen) on guitar — will release its fourth album, "Infernal Rock Eternal", on January 17, 2014 via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to 2011's "3rd Round Knockout" was recorded at Dub Studio in Oslo with Endre Kirkesola.
Says Shagrath: "The doomsday rock legion are proud to announce that 2014 marks 10-year anniversary for CHROME DIVISION, celebrated with our brand new fourth album, 'Infernal Rock Eternal'.
"It's been one year of intense team effort, combined with band parties and studio sessions, resulting in our most varied and best album to date.
"I am very proud of this album, and we can't wait to share it with you."
Added CHROME DIVISION vocalist Shady Blue (a.k.a. Athera): "And we're back, finally!
"After nailing down the new, permanent lineup some two years ago, we have worked intensely with the new songs and sound of CHROME DIVISION continuously.
'The last year [was spent] in and out of studio tracking song after song of the new stuff.
"I have to say the band is complete now, and the new overall feel of the music that comes out of this gang of rockers these days is just awesome!
"I am stoked to be a part of this new album and extremely satisfied with the diversity in songs and the power of each and every track!
"Working with Endre Kirkesola in Dub Studio has been a great experience, and just what the band needed.
"Damage Karlsen and Ogee's contributions to the new stuff is just beyond!
"We are super excited to hear what you guys think of the new album. And we're looking forward to finally getting out on the road more and play the shit live for you as well."
"Infernal Rock Eternal" track listing:
01. Good Morning Riot
02. Endless Nights
03. (She's) Hot Tonight
04. The Absinthe Voyage
05. Lady Of Perpetual Sorrow
06. The Moonshine Years
07. No Bet For Free
08. On The Run Again
09. Mistress In Madness
10. Reaper On The Hunt
11. You’re Dead Now
12. Ol
13. Dirty Dog (bonus track)
CHROME DIVISION last year parted ways with bassist Björn "Burn" Luna and guitarist Ricky Black. Luna, who was a member of CHROME DIVISION since its inception in 2004, "will work with us from behind the curtains of doom, and contribute on the lyrical side of things in the future," according to the band.
CHROME DIVISION current lineup:
Shagrath - Guitar
Ogee - Bass
Shady Blue (a.k.a. Athera) - Vocals
Damage Karlsen - Guitar
Tony White - Drums
CHROME DIVISION's third album, "3rd Round Knockout", was released in Europe on May 6, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Marius Strand Studio in Oslo.
CHROME DIVISION in August 2009 parted ways with longtime vocalist Eddie Guz "due to lack of dedication and commitment to the band." His replacement, Athera, originally filled in for Guzat the Winterfire Festival at Hessenhallen in Giessen, Germany on February 21, 2009 afterEddie Guz was unable to make the gig.
German rock 'n' roll hopefuls CROSSPLANE have recruited three high-profile guest singers to appear on the band's upcoming full-length debut, "Class Of Hellhound High". Shagrath, vocalist of Norwegian black metal heroes DIMMU BORGIR and guitarist for biker rock gang CHROME DIVISION shows his rock 'n' roll skills in the song "I Will Be King"; Marc Grewe of German death metal legends MORGOTH does a nice duet with CROSSPLANE frontman Celli in"Bring The Fire"; and Sebi from MASSENDEFEKT contributes to "Dirty Woman".
MASSENDEFEKT is well known in its home country of Germany for its high-octane punk 'n' roll sung in the band's native language. They have shared stages with TURBONEGRO, BROILERS and THE BOSS HOSS.