Music
Static-X main man Wayne Static will be releasing his debut solo album, Pighammer (Dirthouse), on October 4, and hitting the road in support, starting on September 27. But right here, right now, he's exclusively unleashing a new song from the record, "Thunder Invader"! So crank up the volume, hit play, and be one of the first to bang your head to the track. Then read below what Static has to say about the song, and let us know what you think in the comments.
REVOLVER Why did you want to record a solo album?
WAYNE STATIC I've wanted to do a solo album since 2000 when I was writing songs for the Machine record. Even in those early years of Static-X, there was a pattern emerging where I would spend all my free time writing songs for Static-X and the other guys in the band spent their free time working on their other projects. I was a bit jealous that they had time to do more than one thing, but, being the band's main songwriter, I knew that if I were to do a solo album, I would have to put Static-X on hold, and it wasn't until recently that I've been willing to do that. After the 2009 Cult of Static touring cycle ended, I felt that, as a band, Static-X had accomplished everything we set out to accomplish, and now I could finally take the time to do my own thing and make a record that is completely my vision without compromising for anyone or anything.
What did you want to do differently with your solo project than what you've done with Static-X?
Mainly, I didn't want to compromise. Don't get me wrong: I love the great times I had with Static-X, but sometimes the writing/recording process was frustrating for me. I would spend months by myself writing and recording demos, then hand them over to the band, then we would rehearse for weeks during which time everyone changed parts and added their own ideas. By the end of the process, I always felt some of my original vision and passion was lost. This time I wrote and recorded everything on my own, playing all the instruments myself, and did not compromise with anyone.
When did you write this song in particular?
There are generally two types of songs that I write. One type comes together really fast, like in a couple days. The other takes weeks or months to be completed. "Thunder Invader" was one of those songs that was a work in progress for many months. This song was born early in the Pighammer writing process. It was one of the first songs I started writing in 2009, and one of the last to be finished in 2011.
What's the song about?
I spent over a year writing and recording Pighammer at the Giant Rock studio in Joshua Tree, California, which is adjacent to the 29 Palms Marine Base. My wife, Tera Wray, and I sold our house in Los Angeles, moved to the high desert, and lived at the studio the entire time. Usually Joshua Tree is most peaceful place in the universe, but sometimes out of nowhere the Marine Base will start up bombing practice, which can last for days. You can see the bombing range from the studio. You can see multiple bright flares hanging in the sky all night. And the explosions are like thunderous earthquakes. The first time it happened, I thought we were being attacked by aliens! I jumped in my Bronco and started driving toward the flares but had to stop when I reached the edge of the military base. "Thunder Invader" was an attempt to capture that entire experience.
Which part of it did you come up with first? What was the inspiration?
The chorus came first, and then many incarnations of the verses, and finally the ending. As I worked on the song it started to move to a dance-floor direction. So the inspiration was to keep the metal onslaught alive, but meld it with dance beats.
Was this an easy song to write or record?
The entire Pighammer album was very challenging to write and record. I did not use Pro Tools. I recorded on 24 tracks with no editing. This was my choice. This is how we recorded [Static-X's] Wisconsin Death Trip, and I feel when you start editing on the computer, the recording starts to lose it's organic feel. This was also the first time I wrote and recorded an album at the same time in the studio. I recorded vocal parts as I wrote them. In the past, I would write and record demos, then try to recapture the original excitement months later in another studio, which is nearly impossible. "Thunder Invader," in particular, was a challenge because of the very nature of the song. I probably spent a week just building the intro sequence. The song is tricky because I was blending huge drum-machine loops with live drums, guitars, and tons of synths and samples. And I had to figure out how to transition from the bulk of the song, which is very "Metallic," into the dance-party ending.
What sort of feedback have you gotten on the song so far?
Right now while I'm doing this interview, no one outside of my camp has even heard it! I love the song and feel it completely represents my latest version of "Evil Disco." I'm confident all Evil Disco followers will love this song as well.
Acting legend and recipient of the Honorary Headbanger Award at this year's Revolver Golden Gods has finally released his version of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man." The Star Trek captain holed up with Black Label Society and former Ozzy Osbourne axman Zakk Wylde and Alice in Chains bassist Mike Inez earlier this year to record the track, which can be found on his new double-album, Seeking Major Tom (Cleopatra), which comes out on October 11. Presales for the album start today right here!
Of working with Wylde, Shatner commented, "He's fantastic! I'm energized." Wylde was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Shatner and added, "He's super cool, we had an awesome time working together."
Let us know what you think in the comments.
Photo by Eric Hendrikx
Megadeth released the cover art and track listing for their new album Th1rt3en (Roadrunner) yesterday, and today the record's first single, "Public Enemy No. 1" has leaked to YouTube (which you can hear below) and is streaming on Megadeth's website. Let us know what you think of the song in the comments.
Acting legend and recipient of the Honorary Headbanger Award at this year's Revolver Golden Gods has finally released his version of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man." The Star Trek captain holed up with Black Label Society and former Ozzy Osbourne axman Zakk Wylde and Alice in Chains bassist Mike Inez earlier this year to record the track, which can be found on his new double-album, Seeking Major Tom (Cleopatra), which comes out on October 11.
Of working with Wylde, Shatner commented, "He's fantastic! I'm energized." Wylde was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Shatner and added, "He's super cool, we had an awesome time working together."
Let us know what you think in the comments.
The original file for the song has been removed. Check back with Revolvermag.com for a proper premiere soon!
Photo by Eric Hendrikx
Chris Cornell has released a new song, "The Keeper," taken from the soundtrack to the upcoming film Machine Gun Preacher. The full soundtrack for the movie—which tells the story of Sam Childers, a former criminal who discovers faith and goes on to aid children in East Africa—is set for release on September 20. But you can hear the lead track, written and performed by the Soundgarden frontman, right here, right now.
After giving it a listen here you can head over to Cornell's website for the first 24 hours and "Donate to Download" to Childers' Angels of East Africa charity. And don't forget to let us know what you think of the song in the comments section below.
Massachusetts hardcore outfit Powerwolves will release their second full-length, You Won't Find Peace (Panic), tomorrow. But you can hear the record in full right here. We also got the full low down on the LP from Powerwolves frontman Dave Witkum. Let us know what you think of You Won't Find Peace in the comments section.
REVOLVER How have you evolved as a band from your 2010 demo?
DAVE WITKUM I think our sound has definitely evolved since the demo, in that we were able to explore a few different ideas while writing a full-length because we had more time for the actual writing. Our demo was just sort of something we wanted to get out as soon as possible so we could start playing shows. We didn't really care about how cohesive or balanced it was since it was only a demo.
What were you trying to accomplish on You Won't Find Peace that you hadn't in the past?
You Won't Find Peace is sort of the album that we always wanted to make. We write music that reflects all the different types of music we like, rather than trying to stick to one particular type of "sound," which can get boring real fast. Our tastes are very diverse, and I think that is reflected in the album pretty well. I mean we obviously like the fast, pissed off aspect of hardcore and metal, but we also like to incorporate a little melody here or there, or slow things down to diversify ours, and the listeners experience. Of course there are exceptions, though, when it comes to writing a record that is just pure, fast aggression the whole way through and it works perfectly, like a Reign in Blood.
What are you proudest of on You Won't Find Peace?
I like to play all the songs live from the record, but two in particular that I really look forward to playing live at every show are the title track "You Won't Find Peace," and the song "Heavy Lies the Crown." Those two in my opinion define, in a nutshell, the Powerwolves sound, and I lose my mind slightly more than usual when playing them live.
What was your most challenging experience in the studio?
We recorded You Won't Find Peace with our good friend Ryan Stack at Format Audio and I seriously can't think of one thing that was challenging during the recording process. We have known him for a while now and he also recorded our demo, and it has been nothing but a blast working with him. The only thing I can think of that was a challenge was when we all learned about The Human Centipede together while in the studio, and it was right after we all had eaten pretty sloppy burritos on a fucking sweltering hot day when we recorded the demo. Some of us had to lie down and try not to puke, while others just paced around the room shaking their heads in silence.
What about the most rewarding?
The most rewarding is definitely sitting back and listening to the final mixes of the record, and hearing the songs we wrote together in our drummer's basement played back to us for the first time as a whole record.
What songs have been going over best live and why?
So far we have only played three new songs live on a regular basis. Those are "You Won't Find Peace," "Heavy Lies the Crown," and "Yesterdays." The first two are more heavy songs that definitely get people moving, but "Yesterdays" is more of just a fast melodic punk/metal song to headbang to. All three are really fun to play though, and we are looking forward to unleashing more new songs soon.
Lastly, you have a bonus track titled "Night of the Long Fangs." Is this meant more as a play on the historical event "Night of the Long Knives" or the AC/DC song?
It is definitely a play on the title of the AC/DC song, not what happened in Nazi Germany in1934. I just thought it sounded rad, and the song is about coming to terms with madness and embracing it, while looking through the lens of a guy turning into a beast. Maybe there is some relevance buried in there somewhere, but it wasn't intentional.
Norwegian solo artist the Commander-in-Chief has released a version of Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" that would take many more blog posts than this (maybe even in alternate dimensions) to describe. Give this a listen and let us know what you think off it. Is it awesome or insane?
Frontman for Ohio alternative metallers Mushroomhead, Jeffrey Nothing is releasing his first solo album, The New Psychodalia (Suburban Noize), on October 11. We're giving you an exclusive early look at what the record holds in store with a stream of one of the tracks from the album, "Deathbed Masquerade." We also checked in with Nothing to get the low down on the song. Tell us what you think of it in the comments.
REVOLVER What's this song about?
JEFFREY NOTHING I'm kind of talking about the unfortunate true costs of war and just the struggle to survive. I mean when does one cross the line and how many lives are enough? In positions of ultimate power is it possible to o to the well too many times? Do you ever give away enough meaningless pawns? I have lost a lot of people over time, but nothing could prepare me for the grief my daughter has felt from losing her Uncle at a very young age. And yet so many take their own lives. I'll never get used to that.
Which part of it did you come up with first?
I had the first verse first and the rest came over time in pieces... during campaign promises these people who rule seem like your new best friend, with promises of the world or at least world peace. We believe wholeheartedly and cast our vows of undying support. Reality, unfortunately, brands us the fools and schools us with its heavy hand; that these are just men lying as we all can and do, wearing whatever collar we choose. That truth can be downright evil and our heroes can crash and burn like all of the rest of us.
Was this an easy song to write or record?
Not really. It was the second song we worked on and the last one to be finished. Some songs write themselves and some back you into a corner. This one rests somewhere in between. Some parts came with time but I kept going back to the feel of that first verse. Recording it was easy once I got the tone and delivery right. After that it was a pleasure because Ryan [Farrell, guitar] can match my voice so well and always finds new approaches for me to try.
Why have you decided to record a solo album at this point?
The chance discovery of guitarist Ryan Farrell and just the chance really. [Drummer] Skinny and I always knew we wanted to, but we just never found the perfect situation before now. This has felt like it was meant to be. Ever since I first heard "Burial," this is the most fun I've had recording in a long time, and hopefully it will continue when we start touring behind the album.
How is working on your own music different from doing music with Mushroomhead?
Each band has a different formula. I think it's good to mix up who you're creative with, as different people bring different creative ideas to the table.
What sort of feedback have you gotten on this song so far?
Same as the whole project really. Everyone is very receptive to what we're trying to do here. I feel it's a sort of Sepultura meets Alice in Chains almost. That feels new and very different. The response so far of the fans I've played it for is fantastic and I hope the rest, that are waiting, feel the same. I hope the fans all love this noise, as much as we did making it for you.
Dutch tech-metallers Textures will be dropping their fourth album, Dualism (Nuclear Blast), on September 23, but you can get a preview right now by listening to the track "Reaching Home." Drummer Stef Broks also provides his insight into the song below. Don't forget to tell us what you think in the comments section.
REVOLVER What's this song about?
STEF BROKS The song is about finding a way back to innocence. The person speaking in the lyrics is struggling his way through life, passing by melancholic moments of looking back, clear moments of present time, and hopeful moments of looking forward. Home is where this person's longing for; but does home lie in living, in only his thoughts, or in surrendering to passing away?
Which part of it did you come up with first? And what was the inspiration?
Most of the stuff was written by our guitar player Bart Hennephof. Inspired by vast Scandinavian landscapes, he borrowed the Edge's delay pedal to create this hyper catchy riff and melody line. We put the whole frame in a modern metal context et voilà, "Reaching Home" was born!
Was this an easy song to write or record? Why or why not?
While the song is the most catchy one of the whole album, the instrumental background is still kinda tough to play. It's packed with details and accents that avoid the one
—the most dominant factor in pop rhythms. In this way, it's a freaky song without too many people noticing that. [Smiles]
What sort of feedback have you gotten on this song so far?
That this song reminds people of Tool, Depeche Mode, Devin Townsend, U2, and eeeeh…Textures. Although "Reaching Home" sounds like a direct assault to the rock charts, it's still a very Textures song. An eclectic example of what a metal band can offer in 2011.