In the new issue of Revolver, grunge kings Soundgarden go in-deep about their history, their reunion and their first new album in 15 years, King Animal. In this excerpt, the band detail the events leading to their breakup in 1997. For the full interview — as well as features on Deftones, Coheed and Cambira, Dethklok and more — pick up the issue on newsstands now, or in our online store right now.
By Dan Epstein, Photo by Justin Borucki
It was during the tour for Down on the Upside, the group’s most musically diverse album yet, that the Soundgarden saga suddenly ground to a burned-out halt. On February 9, 1997, over an hour into a show at Honolulu’s Blaisdell Arena that had been conspicuously marked by bad vibes and technical glitches, Shepherd slammed down his bass and stormed off the stage, followed closely by Thayil, Cameron, and Cornell. As Cornell and Cameron returned to the stage to play a brief encore, and Shepherd and Thayil argued in the dressing room, the end was drawing near.
Shepherd still fumes today when the subject of that fateful evening arises, though his ire has nothing to do with his bandmates. “I’d had it up to here with my equipment dying,” he explains, “so I wasn’t going to stand onstage and fake what I was playing. But people assumed that because I left the stage, I was the reason why we broke up, blah blah blah, and that pissed me off. Even when we were in the van driving home to the hotel from the show, some radio station that the driver was listening to was already lying about it: ‘Yeah, Ben Shepherd quit the band—his brother died and he’s really mad!’”
“I’ve read all kinds of things in the past few years that ‘substance abuse’ was the problem,” chuckles Thayil. “And it’s like, no, that was a particular aspect of Nirvana, that was a particular aspect of Alice in Chains. That wasn’t our thing.
“You could see that people were getting a little bit stressed,” he continues. “I don’t think it was with each other, as much as it was just burnout and fatigue from collectively having to attend to something that is emotionally draining, that requires your personal attention and investment. That’s what it was, more than anything else. There was absolutely no substance abuse problem there—other than maybe drinking more than a six-pack and smashing things.” He laughs.
Cornell agrees. “I think that what caused us to split apart, rather than just take a hiatus, was just that Soundgarden had become a business,” he says, “and that business had somehow, in a sense, started to be able to dictate to us what, where, and how we were going to do things, whether we were into it or comfortable with it or not.”
For the full story, pick up the November/December issue of Revolver here.
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In the new Rock! Shock! and Horror! issue of Revolver, shock-rock king Marilyn Manson talks about his upcoming tour with Rob Zombie, his favorite horror films and much more. In this excerpt, Manson name checks a few of the movies he feels are truly frightening! For the full interview — as well as features on Rob Zombie, Kirk Hammett, Corey Taylor and more — pick up the issue on newsstands now, or in our online store right now.
Since this interview is for our Horror issue, we want to ask you about some of your favorite horror films.
Oh, great — I like whore films!
“Horror” is a very troublesome word, especially if you’re not an American. When I was in Japan, it was Halloween time, and I found out that the Japanese have a great fascination with witchcraft. In the Halloween store, the costumes were all like “Golden Witch,” “Fairy Witch,” “Angry Witch”… It was like walking into The Craft, but mixed with Contempo Casuals. And these Japanese girls that were showing me around said, “Are you going to heroin party?” And I said, “I don’t do heroin, but that sounds really great—where’s that at?” It turned out that they meant “Halloween.” I’m not making fun of their accent, but I thought that they said “heroin party.” So, whore films, horror films…What are some films that you’ve found genuinely frightening?
What scares me? As a kid—and still now to a certain degree, but for different reasons—supernatural horror scared the shit out of me, because I was in Christian school, so I was always afraid of things related to the Devil, to the extent that I was always checking my scalp to see if I had “666” tattooed on my scalp. I didn’t know if that tattoo in The Omen actually appeared, or if they took that kid to a tattoo parlor. I was also afraid of that movie t’s Alive when I was a kid. I don’t know why, but I was always checking under my bed for a stray baby with fangs. Why would that be under my bed?
What kind of horror films do you like these days?
I like horror films where you identify strongly with the person who is in peril. Not in the slasher way, like Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween. Maybe when I was younger, I liked those, and I still can enjoy them, but I like psychological horror films that are more in a Roman Polanski/Ingmar Bergman sense. When I watch slasher films, nine times out of 10, I’m rooting for the killer. I’m thinking, Yes, get that fucker! Get him! I do! That’s what horror films have transformed into. It’s really difficult, if you think about it, to make a horror film in an era when people have made so many horror films. How do you make a monster that’s scary?
I love zombie films, but not for the reasons people might assume. What I like about them is what happens in the room. For example, if the world starts ending outside and we’re locked in here, it’s not the shit outside that’s scary—it’s what people do in that situation, when their morals and their behavior, their ideals, and everything that you thought they stood for changes. Survival instinct would kick in for some people, but you know at the end of the day that you’re going to make judgment calls. And that’s really what I like about The Walking Dead. I think it’s sophisticated. A lot of people complain, “Aw, there’s not enough zombies.” That’s what’s great about it. You never give away too much of what is precious—and that goes with music, and that goes with everything. That’s the key to what keeps people attached to things. It’s like, “Just the tip, not the shaft.”
For the full story, pick up the Rock! Shock! and Horror! issue of Revolver here.
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In the new Rock! Shock! and Horror! issue of Revolver, our old pal Rob Zombie opens up about his lifelong love of horror movies. In this excerpt, Rob discusses his highly anticipated new film The Lords of Salem. For the full interview — as well as features on Marilyn Manson, Kirk Hammett, Corey Taylor and more — pick up the issue on newsstands on October 3, or in our online store right now.
REVOLVER You’ve described The Lords of Salem as a “slow mindfuck,” not a “scary movie.” What do you mean by that?
ROB ZOMBIE I don’t even like the term “scary.” A lot of these words get perverted by studios because “scary” means there’s this loud noise and the audience jumps. A lot of times, I’ll watch a movie and go, C’mon, enough with the fuckin’ loud cues every second! I’m not scared, I’m annoyed. You might as well lean over and yell in someone’s ear. Yeah, they’re gonna jump, but they’re not actually scared. They’re startled.
How is The Lords of Salem different?
There’s a weird tone to Lords of Salem that has a cumulative effect on the viewer as the film progresses. I’ve approached people after they’ve seen it and they’ve given me this blank expression. They don’t even know what to say. I assumed they hated it. Then they called me the next day and went, “Sorry I didn’t say anything, man. I was in a state of shock after watching it. I had to digest it. I was up all night thinking about it. I had nightmares about it.” That’s the exact response I want.
Can you compare it to any other movies by any other directors?
It’s kind of like if Ken Russell [futureusgallerythe director of the Who’s Tommy and Altered States] directed Rosemary’s Baby.
Does the movie have anything in common with some of the classic witch films like Mark of the Devil, Witchfinder General, or the original The Wicker Man?
I like those films, but none of them inspired Lords of Salem. I literally bought a book on the Salem Witch Trials one day at a hotel I was staying at. I started reading it and it refreshed my mind on the subject. But the idea lay around for years and years. At one point, I thought I’d just make it into a comic book. But then the opportunity came up and I thought, Why not?
For the full story, pick up the Rock! Shock! and Horror! issue of Revolver here.
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By Natalie Perez
After steamrolling through the world of industrial metal for 15 years, Static-X took some much-needed time off from 2009 to 2011. The timing was perfect; after touring nonstop and surviving a few lineup changes, a hiatus seemed the right thing to do.
During that time, frontman Wayne Static flew solo, releasing Pighammer in October 2011. “It was something I wanted to do for a long time,” he said. “It’s been rewarding to do it by myself, not having to comprise or anything. I just worked with an engineer in the studio and spent a lot of time making it.
But this year, Static has put the emphasis squarely back on Static-X, who have reformed with three new members: Ashes, Brent Ashley and Sean Davidson.
“I just want to get back into doing Static-X again,” Static says. “We just want to go back on tour and have a good time.”
Check out my interview with Static below; we discuss the band’s return, touring plans and how good it feels for the band to be back in business.
REVOLVER: Can you give us a quick intro to and history of Static-X?
I’m not sure; I think everyone has at least heard of me at this point. But if you never listen to heavy music at all, in which case you probably wouldn’t be interested … In any case, we started off in the ’90s and came out with our first record in ’99. We sold millions of records, toured the world, all of that stuff. So if you like heavy music at all, I’m sure you’ve heard of Static-X.
How did the band get its name?
It’s kind of funny; I’m a Star Trek geek, so I thought Static Warp Field was cool. I shortened it to Static, then added the X to have it sound experimental. It’s what we were doing in the ’90s when creating a new sound we call “evil disco.”
Static-X are back, of course, but how was the solo-artist experience?
My solo record turned out awesome. Everyone loved it. It was something I wanted to do for a long time. It’s been rewarding for me to do it all by myself, not having to comprise or anything. I just worked with an engineer in the studio and spent a lot of time making it. The fans loved it. Now I’m focusing on Static-X again on the current tour.
The band took some time off starting in 2009. Why did you decide now’s the time to reform Static-X?
It seemed like the right thing to do. I wanted to get out before the summer was over and tour. We got some big show offers and it seemed like the right time to get everyone back together, and building a tour around it made sense.
You’re going on tour toward the end of this summer alongside Prong, who you’ve called a huge influence. How does it feel to tour alongside an act that has inspired you to do what you do?
It’s really cool. they’re going to be joining us in another week due to not being able to be with us at the start of it. But it’s rad. Tommy is a great guitar player, and it’ll be cool to have him out with us.
What else inspires you do to what you do?
I just can’t help but do it. I’ve always been that way, and if you ask that question to anyone else you’d get the same answer. The music just inspires you, and everything else as well — all day — being able to write songs just gives me ideas to make music, and I love doing it.
Will we be hearing new music from your solo career or Static-X?
I’m always writing so I’ve had a few months off from the last tour so I always have ideas for new music. I’m guessing maybe next year something will surface just unsure on whether it will be Static-X or my solo project. But expect to hear some new stuff soon.
What advice would you give to bands who want to do what you do?
Don’t quit your day job. But it’s a real different world now than when I started in the ’90s with the industry — heavy bands getting signed to major labels, making money. But now it’s getting harder and harder, and music is underground again. So if you’re going to do it, make sure you do it for the right reasons and have a good time because the chances to make it are getting less and less because of the Internet having changed how everything works.
What can we expect from your set list on this tour?
I always try to cover everything. With this tour, we’re playing stuff off the first two records, Wisconsin Death Trip and Machine. Six songs off each. But I always try to include a little bit of everything.
What else can we expect from Static-X this year?
We’re working on more U.S. dates. This current leg ends September 2, so we’ll be heading back out in every other town, staying out until October after a little break. Then we’ll take another break for the end of the year and pick up again in the new year. So right now it’s all about touring.
How long does it take for you to get your hair to look like that?
It takes zero time. It’s only a weekly thing, and it ends up staying like that.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
No, that’s about it. Just come on out to a show and have a good time!
Keep up with Static-X at their Facebook page.
Southern Californian Natalie Perez has a fiery passion for music, writing and photography. Dying to know more? Connect with her via her own reality she calls Natalie’s World.
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I recently spoke to drummer Daniel Williams from The Devil Wears Prada about his band, this year’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival and Dead & Alive, the band’s new live CD/DVD, which was released last month.
REVOLVER: You’ve been around for seven years with your original lineup intact. How does that make you feel?
The only change is our keyboard player [futureusgalleryJames Baney, who left the band this year] — parting ways with him. But I’m blessed to be able to play with my best friends and able to play some awesome shows as well.
How does it feel to have recorded and shot for your first ever live CD/DVD, Dead & Alive? Are you happy with the results?
I am definitely happy with the results. We had a few hiccups along the way; Jeremy [futureusgalleryDePoyster, rhythm guitar] does all of the behind-the-scenes stuff and editing for it. But it was kind of an issue. We had gone overseas and had all of this stuff made for the DVD, and our deadline was coming up. As soon as we got back, our manager hit us up for the content and Jeremy had gone to export all of that content and his hard drive crashed. So we lost everything we had, so he had to — last minute — make a new video, throw all of the information off his backup hard drive to get it all set up. It was a huge hassle but it came out really well. But the actual DVD looks amazing. The editing was done well, the sound is great, I’m happy with how we played, can’t say I played everything right, but we’ll see what people say in the review of the DVD. I’m really happy and stoked about it, just as everyone else, is because it was a fun experience for us.
Where was the DVD filmed and why?
It was filmed in Massachusetts at The Palladium. We’ve played there numerous times before, so we knew what to expect — the venue size, how many people would show up, the stage. Every time we’d play, the crowds are awesome so we thought it’d be the perfect place to be. We’ve had the same production throughout the whole tour. We wanted to show everyone exactly what we did on tour and get everybody excited for the next tour.
Why did keyboardist James Baney leave the band, and are you looking for a replacement?
We split ways because it’s hard to work with certain people in general. It’s sometimes hard to work creatively, and he’s married and such, so there were some reasons we decided to split. No, we’re not looking for another keyboard player. Both of our guitarists are going to be writing the keys for future releases. We have someone playing the keyboard parts, but we are not going to be looking for a sixth member for The Devil Wears Prada.
How does it feel to be on this year’s Mayhem Festival? What do you have planned afterwards?
Very excited. It feels great. I can’t even believe our name is next to the bands we’re playing with. The acts are massive, and I never imagined playing with bands like Slipknot or Slayer. Getting up there to play with them or meet them is awesome. After Mayhem I think we’re going to be doing some overseas touring with August Burns Red and Whitechapel. We’ve already did our headliner then did and overseas tour already this year, so being able to do Mayhem and another tour with Whitchapel is awesome. I love those guys.
Does time stand still or fly by when you’re performing?
The first 20 minutes or so flies by. If I was playing a 30-minute set, the set flies by. But if there’s an issue or my kick drum pedal breaks, that set feels like forever. I don’t know why, but it breaks that rush of adrenaline. It’s so hard to get back in and longer sets are tougher and make it feel like a longer time.
What is one special effect you’d want to use or see during your shows?
Hmmm … special effects … pyro. I want to blow stuff up on stage, but at the moment I don’t think that’s possible for our band. I think we might blow ourselves up first. But I think it would be awesome to do it one day or have enough money to be able to blow stuff up and not catch the venue on fire.
What about stage props what items would you want to use?
We had on our Death Throne Tour, which can also be seen on the DVD, a logo made of LED lights that was our first kind of prop — along with the stage lights and stuff like that. But I don’t know. I think something Gwar-style like a T-Rex eating someone out of the audience would be cool. But as far as my imagination goes on props, that’s all I can think of right now.
What has been the biggest banner you’ve used during your tours?
We had one overseas and played the Download festival, and I think it was 30-by-40 feet. It was massive. We brought it over there for a two-week tour before but only used it once.
Have you ever thought about playing a prank or joke on the audience? For example, since you’re a metal band, you come on stage with acoustic guitars — and then break them?
We’ve never pranked the audience but we have pranked other bands, throwing ping-pong balls at them. We took a smoke machine one time and let the fog machine going on as this band was playing. When they were done it was so foggy, you couldn’t see your own hand.
Do you think talking about spirituality in music is becoming more popular and accepted in music?
To me it’s weird because some people get bent out of shape and feel music has always been an outlet of a feeling or emotion or an idea out there. Every band out there, like a punk band talking about politics or a pop singer, talks about love or a boyfriend or girlfriend — or a metal band talking about our beliefs. Why does it matter? Music is always getting a point across, even if it’s just to play the music, and people should understand that. It’s an outlet for the artists and what the fans can enjoy. I think it should be accepted.
Does the band ever get criticized for not being Christian enough? How do you respond to those people?
Yes, actually. Sometimes people would be like, “You said damn” or “You’re drinking a beer.” I think nowadays people are more traditional than before and the Christians don’t care about the old ways. We’ve definitely gotten a lot of flack for not doing things the way someone else does them. But my response to that is, we stay true to ourselves. There are hundreds of ideas people say, but we do our own thing. I hope our fans can be more understanding of us. Not everyone is the same. Believe in different things and just the general idea of Christianity. That’s the important part.
Anything else you’d like to say or add?
I would like to add a shout out to my friends in a band called Danger Kids. They just started and sound like Linkin Park. They’re super-rad dudes. Go check them out if you can. Also go pick up our new CD/DVD!
Keep up with The Devil Wears Prada at their Facebook page.
Dead & Alive is available at iTunes and Amazon.com.
Southern Californian Natalie Perez has a fiery passion for music, writing and photography. Dying to know more? Connect with her via her own reality she calls Natalie’s World.
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With one too many stories about face eating — and isn’t one story about face eating one too many? — making the news lately, the words on everyone’s lips these days are zombie apocalypse. And don’t just take our word for it.
“You know it does seem like a zombie apocalypse is coming,” says Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett, “like we’re at the very beginning of a zombie invasion. I would imagine this is how it starts and just never stops.”
It seems only fitting then that this year’s inaugural Orion Music + More festival will feature a special tent called Kirk’s Crypt, where the guitarist will be putting on display his vast array of horror movie memorabilia.
“I have such a huge collection, I just thought now what the right time to share it with everyone,” says Hammett, referring both to Kirk’s Crypt and a new book the guitarist just finished, which showcases his immense collection of vintage horror movie posters, tour posters, monster toys, artwork and more.
With Metallica’s first ever festival — not to mention a potential zombie outbreak — looming, we couldn’t think of any better time to pick Kirk’s brain about his favorite zombie flicks of all time.
So what’s Kirk’s gameplan if the zombies invade? “Very high walls,” he says, “Very high walls.”
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With the release of our new Slipknot special collector’s issue, we’re celebrating Slipknot month on RevolverMag.com, unleashing new interviews, photos, favorite Slipknot song picks from a host of celeb columnists, and much more. So check back right here often. Below, Malefice vocalist Dale Butler talks about his favorite Slipknot song:
“Asking me what’s my favorite Slipknot song is like asking what my favourite Pantera song is. All of them! But for the purpose of this, I’ll pick ‘(SIC).’ Slipknot have always been one of my favourite bands. Corey is the reason I picked up a mic as a teenager! ‘(SIC’ has gotta be one of the angriest fucking songs ever, and that’s what instantly made me fall in love with the band. The combination of down-tuned, messy riffs, massive percussion, a DJ spinning drum ‘n’ bass loops, and a blood-curdling scream changed my perspective on music forever. I was 13, young and impressionable, when it first came out. There’s a lot of music I listened to back then that I wouldn’t go near these days. But Slipknot is still a band I listen to now and I’m 25–the mark of a fucking incredible band!
“I first heard the song the day the album dropped. We were sitting in my friend’s parent’s garage smoking weed listening to Machine Head, which is what we did most days, and his brother came in and was like, ‘Check out this shit,’ and I never looked back! Seeing it live for the first time, though, was special. I think I’ve seen Slipknot every time they’ve been in the UK since the beginning–probably the best live band around for me.
“Creatively, Slipknot taught me to always push the boundaries of my music and never be afraid to try anything. Try explaining what they’re about to someone that’s never heard them before–its fucking impossible!”
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Slipknot–the subject of our new Slipknot special collector’s issue–have released a video of drummer Joey Jordison talking about Iowa, ahead of the upcoming 10th anniversary package commemorating the record. The special two-CD, one-DVD digipack set will be released on November 1.
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