The biggest names in hard-rock and heavy-metal gathered at Club Nokia in Los Angeles May 2, 2013, for the fifth annual Revolver Golden Gods Award Show. During the event, Revolver paid tribute to some of the fallen heroes of the heavy-music community. Now you can watch the video below. Rest in peace.
Download the track “Always” from the Killswitch Engage’s album Disarm the Descent here.
]]>
Over the past 16 years, the Cleveland-born bellower Derrick Green has created an indelible image of himself in the minds of headbangers as the frontman of the long-running Brazilian metal squad Sepultura. To fans of the band, he’s a wide-eyed, gravel-throated totem, who looks entranced as he barks out classics like “Arise” and “Choke.” But now, to complement his demon-possessed persona in Sepultura, he’s showing off another side of himself.
“I wanted to do something that people would never recognize me as me,” he tells Revolver from his home in São Paulo, Brazil, where he’s working on a new Sepultura album. Then, with a laugh, he says, “I think I’ve succeeded.”
This new side of Green is that of the sunglasses-wearing, checker-suited sex-jam crooner of the electro R&B group Maximum Hedrum, which he cofounded with N.A.S.A. producer-DJ Sam Spiegel. On their just-released self-titled debut, the pair has crafted 13 freaky, funky sci-fi-influenced songs about sex, robots, and having sex with robots. The album features guest appearances by funk legend George Clinton, Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner, Beastie Boys producer Money Mark, and Beverly Hills Cop score composer Harold Faltermeyer. It’s about as far from Sepultura as Green could possibly get—”Ph.D” is a song about a woman with a Ph.D “in sexuality”—but as the music proves, and as he reveals with the excited way he talks about Maximum Hedrum, he’s had fun finding this new side of himself.
REVOLVER Maximum Hedrum started with Sam Spiegel asked you to sing on some demos. What attracted you to the project?
DERRICK GREEN The fact that I wouldn’t be screaming. If I’m going to do a project, I want it to be something completely different from what I do with Sepultura. It just makes it more interesting.
Were you worried about how Sepultura fans might accept your new group?
It wouldn’t have mattered because I was stoked on it. Now that it’s out, I’m impressed. I think there are a lot of people in the metal scene that have an open mind and a wide variety of music that they love. I’ve always loved other styles and forms of music, so I just wanted to show that side.
What does Sam think off Sepultura?
He doesn’t really know too much about the metal scene or even that world, but he thinks it’s interesting. Because there will be metal kids or Sepultura fans who are saying, “This is cool that you’re doing something totally different.”
So, diving in to Maximum Hedrum, what’s with all the robots?
Sam had an idea to write songs about the future and technology, people’s connection with technology, how they interact with music technology now. Are people more connected now than ever? Or are they really distant because they’re all using these things and they’re not physically really together? So we wanted to do something about the future and how people have been using technology for sex and other emotions.
How did you come up with your black-and-white checkered look?
Black and white just reminds me of yin and yang, and I think the band has this dynamic that’s like R&B slow jams and party songs. You just really can’t tell where it’s going. The suits reflect that. It’s contrast.
What about the outfits that look like venetian blinds?
That came from a dream that Sam had. I had never heard of anything like that. So we found somebody who could make that outfit. It’s really out there, but it worked out. It just looks so insane. I never imagined it would be so cool in the end. I thought might be really, really cheesy. But I’m really loving it now.
You’re a pretty tall guy.
Yeah, it’s a lot of venetian blinds.
George Clinton sings on “Keep in Touch.” Did you ever think you’d be duetting with him?
I never imagined that would happen in my entire life. I was just a huge fan. I discovered him as a producer of one of the first Red Hot Chili Peppers albums. I was really into punk and hardcore and I was like holy shit, George Clinton is P-Funk? And I just fell in love with him.
How did songs like “Robosexual” and “Ph.D” come together?
“Robosexual” is about a robot wanting to make love with a human, but she’s not gonna get with him because he’s a robot. And with “Ph.D,” we wanted to have a song about a girl who really knows what she wants and she’s sexy. So she just plays guys all the time but they still want to be with her. It’s like, she’s just really well taught in sex. It was like, My God. I would really want to be with her, because she knows everything. I can’t even remember who came up with that one.
All these oversexed songs. I’ve never written songs about girls or anything like that. it’s kind of funny saying that, but this is the first time writing with a different emotion, instead of anger or aggressiveness. It was cool to collaborate with Sam on the lyrics because it was my first time writing like this.
It sounds like a fun record to make. What was the best time you had in the studio?
We recorded in Prague with the Philharmonic Orchestra there. They’ve done all these incredible movies and soundtracks. Harold set it up. Hearing someone say, “‘Robosexual,’ take one,” and then seeing the whole orchestra playing was just so crazy. Everything had to be translated from Harold from German to Czech. It was one of the best experiences of being an artist, being able to record with this orchestra.
Plus, I’m sure you were able to hear lots of funny European pronunciations of “Rhobosessuál.”
Yeah. More like, “‘Robosex,’ take one, jah!”
So when can we expect one of Iggor Cavalera’s MixHell remixes of Maxmum Hedrum?
I’m going to meet up with Iggor when I’m here in Brazil, because MixHell are working on a new album. I definitely want to get with him. A remix would be great.
Finally, what’s up with Sepultura right now?
We’re writing the new album. We have a lot of riffs from last year, stuff we’ve been writing on the road. Now we’ve been able to slip into the studio and start working on the new album. It’s going pretty well. We’re writing for the first time with our new drummer, Eloy Casagrande. He’s 25 and he’s got a lot of energy. It’s great to be able to write with him. It’s exciting.
Joey “Fingers” Lombard
The bassist of death-metal band Incantation from 2001 to 2006, Lombard committed suicide in January at the age of 42. Incantation drummer Kyle Severn said, “Joey was one of the nicest people you could ever meet.”
Nicole Bogner
The ex-vocalist of power-metal group Visions of Atlantis died of an undisclosed disease at the age of 27. The band released a statement saying, “Without Nicole, Visions of Atlantis would have never been born and her unique voice and personality were a big part of VoA.”
Robbie France
A former drummer for New Wave of British Heavy Metal pioneers Diamond Head and UFO, France died of unknown causes at the age of 53.
Mark Reale
One of the founding members of New York City heavy-metal band Riot, the guitarist died at the age of 57 due to complications with Crohn’s disease.
Jim “Lord of Loud” Marshall
The founder of Marshall Amplifications died at the age of 88. His amps are a weapon of choice of bands including Slayer, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Mastodon, Black Label Society, In Flames, Trivium, and more.
Ronnie Montrose
The guitarist not only played in hard-rock band Montrose–which also featured future solo artist and Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar–but also did session work for acts like Van Morrison. Montrose died at the age of 64 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Richie Teeter
The drummer for Twisted Sister and The Dictators died of esophageal cancer at the age of 61.
Adam “MCA” Yauch
Co-founder of the Beastie Boys–who helped spearhead the crossover between rap and metal with songs like ”(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!)” and “No Sleep till Brooklyn,” the latter featuring Slayer’s Kerry King on lead guitar–MCA died after years battling cancer. He was 47.
Trondr Nefas
The frontman for black-metal band Urgehal passed away at the age of 34. His bandmates said, “He died a peaceful and natural death at one of his favorite places, surrounded by woods and crystal lakes.”
Steeve Hurdle
The guitarist, who played in tech-death outfit Gorguts, notably on their seminal Obscura album, died of post-surgical complications at the age of 41.
Mark “Bam Bam” McConnell
The drummer for Sebastian Bach died on May 24.
Jon Lord
The pianist and organ player, who played with Deep Purple and Whitesnake, died at age 71 of cancer. Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello wrote on Twitter: “R.I.P. the great Jon Lord, Deep Purple’s cornerstone/keyboardist. So many great great songs and that incredible SOUND of his! Thank you.”
Tony Sly
The frontman of the punk band No Use for a Name died at the age of 41. Fat Mike of NOFX said, “One of my dearest friends and favorite songwriters has gone way too soon. Tony, you will be greatly missed.”
Mitch Lucker
The Suicide Silence vocalist died at the age of 28 due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. The band said, “This is completely devastating to all of us and we offer our deepest condolences to his family. He will be forever in our hearts.” You can contribute to the Mitch Lucker Memorial Fund to help pay for the education of Lucker’s daughter, Kenadee, right here.
Mike Scaccia
Guitarist for industrial-metal stalwarts Ministry and Texan thrashers Rigor Mortis, Mike Scaccia died at age 47 after collapsing onstage while performing with the latter band. Scaccia joined Ministry in 1989 and played on their landmark Psalm 69 album, as well as Filth Pig, Animositisomina, and 2012′s Relapse. You can contribute to the Mike Scaccia Family Fund right here.
The Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch, better known to millions as MCA, died earlier today. He was 47.
Yauch, who was born August 5, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York, was a founding member — along with Mike “Mike D” Diamond and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horowitz — of the Beastie Boys, a hardcore-turned-rap group that proved immensely influential in the hip-hop and rock communities.
The band’s debut album, 1986′s Licensed to Ill, essentially created what we now know today as rap-rock or rap-metal, with Slayer guitarist Kerry King lending his talents to one of the album’s biggest cuts, “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.”
“Words can’t express the sadness and loss,” said Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello. “Your humor, talent and gentle soul are just irreplacable. Be at peace brother.”
Green Day’s BillieJoe Armstrong Tweeted, “Lollapalooza ’94: talked to Yauch almost everyday. He was full of wisdom and encouragement for a freaked out kid like I was. Thank you MCA.”
Yauch was diagnosed with a cancerous parotid gland and a lymph node in 2009. After undergoing treatment it was rumored that MCA had beaten his cancer, but Yauch posted a cautionary message to fans in 2011, saying, “While I’m grateful for all the positive energy people are sending my way, reports of my being totally cancer free are exaggerated. I’m continuing treatment, staying optimistic and hoping to be cancer free in the near future.”
The Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last month, with Yauch being inducted in absentia. Their most recent album, Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, was released in April 2011.
]]>
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced today the artists wit will be inducting into its institution next year. Among those who will be honored at the April 14 ceremony in Cleveland are hard rockers Guns N’ Roses, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the Beastie Boys. For fans of GN’R, this leads to massive speculation about who will show up to the award show, given the bad blood between frontman Axl Rose and the founding members of the group. Guitarist Slash, for one, who quit the band in 1996, is excited about the inclusion. “Thanks for all the R&R HOF mentions,” he said on Twitter. “It’s quite an honor to be inducted.” But, for now, everyone’s involvement is up in the air. For more on the speculation, read Guitar World‘s news item on the inductions here.
]]>
Brandon Geist
Editor in Chief
Sebastian Bach, Angel Down
“Getting to hang out with Baz at the Revolver Golden Gods was probably my personal highlight of the whole trip out to L.A. Dude is beyond cool and killed it as both our Black Carpet host and as a guest performer with Asking Alexandria. When we were having drinks at a local wine bar after soundchecks the night before the big show, his song ‘American Metalhead’ from this album randomly came on the stereo, and I was blown away by it, so I dug up the record, and, shit, it’s rocking my head off. Dude, I know Revolver hasn’t been giving you your due for the last, oh, 10 years, but I only took over as Editor in Chief a year and half ago, and as you can tell as of late, that shit is changing! Love ya, man. Can’t wait to hear the new tunes.”
Coalesce, OX
“I’m a huge fan of these guys’ 1999 album, 0:12 Revolution in Just Listening, with all its blues-infused mathcore riffs and Sean Ingram’s distinctively burly roar, but I think this comeback record might even be better. Techy and angular while still irresistibly groovy and resolutely human. Put something new out soon, dudes!”
Static-X, Wisconsin Death Trip
“When I was a teenager, I was almost as into industrial music as I was into metal, so when this album came out, fusing the two styles in a uniquely simple and sublime way, I was all about it. I returned to the record recently, inspired by seeing frontman Wayne Static at the Golden Gods, and it still gets my head bobbing. Too bad the band never could match it.”
Kory Grow
Senior Editor
Diamond Head, Singles
“After seeing the Big Four last week, I got on an N.W.O.B.H.M. kick listening to Paul Di’Anno–era Maiden and of course the kids who wrote ‘Am I Evil?’—Diamond Head. This has some pretty great songs on it that didn’t make their über-essential Lightning to the Nations, including ‘Dead Reckoning’ (compare the breakdown riff with Metallica’s ‘Frantic’) and the catchy ‘Streets of Gold.’”
Soundgarden, Louder Than Love
“Some Soundgarden Greatest Hits comp was playing before Slayer took the stage at the Big Four. The songs on Louder Than Love are the best, especially ‘Hands All Over,’ ‘Get on the Snake,’ and ‘Big Dumb Sex.’ I usually skip over ‘Full On Kevin’s Mom.’ I suggest you do the same.”
Swans, Children of God
“This record is utterly crushing. If you want to feel like you’ve been put through a meat grinder, listen to ‘New Mind’ and ‘Real Love’ over and over and over again until you’re in a padded room wearing a straightjacket.”
Josh Hart
Web Producer
TV Ghost, Cold Fish
“A great post-punk revival record, it also kind of sounds in places like a garage-rock version of Mr. Bungle. The whole album is 10 songs clocking in at under 25 minutes, so this might be a good album if you’re coming off of a Dream Theater bender.”
Anthrax, The Greater of Two Evils
“I could write a long commentary on the state of a certain band’s lead vocal situation, but I’d rather this pick just speak for itself.”
Beastie Boys, Hot Sauce Committee, Part 2
“OK, so this album isn’t exactly metal, but given these guys more or less invented rap metal and had Kerry King on their first album, I’m including it anyway. Fanfare about their cameo-filled video for ‘Make Some Noise’ aside, the album is pretty solid all around, despite a lack of any mega-hits ala ‘Intergalactic’ or ‘Sabotage.’ It’s an album that sounds like the guys who made it enjoyed making it, and more so, knew they had nothing to prove to anyone. Also, ‘Lee Majors Come Again’ is probably the best hardcore track I’ve heard this side of Fugazi.”
Jimmy Hubbard
Photography Director
Psychic Limb, Queens
“Great new local band here in Brooklyn. Great classic sounding grindcore, but very well executed. Short, fast and creatively structured grind. I would def. recommend grind fans check these guys out.”
Hate Eternal, Phoenix Amongst the Ashes
“Blistering and brutal new record from Erik Rutan & Co. Rutan is easily one of my favorite death-metal guitar players, and in my opinion one of the most creative. His riffage is technical and savage, creating dense and textural dissonant sound. I am also a fan of Rutan’s production, seems like he gets better with each record he does. Excited to hear what he did with the new Morbid Angel record as well!”
The Black Dahlia Murder, Nocturnal
“Listened to this record quite a bit this week while working on our Black Dahlia photo shoot for the July/Aug issue of Revolver. Forgot how good it was, easily my favorite Dahlia record. Looking forward to hearing their new record!”
Emily O’Neill
Marketing Coordinator
Skid Row, Skid Row
“After hearing the amazing Sebastian Bach sing ‘Youth Gone Wild’ last week at the Golden Gods Awards, I’m more obsessed with him than ever. He truly sings like no one is listening, dances like no one is watching, and lives like heaven is on earth. Love him.”
Metallica, Metallica
“This is one of my favorite albums of all time, and I’m sure it’s on everyone’s top 5 list. ‘Sad But True’ is my No. 1 track!!!”
Volbeat, The Strength/The Sound/The Songs
“Their Golden Gods performance of ‘I Only Wanna Be With You’ with Scott Ian was absolutely awesome. Scott Ian rules, too.”
Cody Thomas
Editorial Intern
Isis, In the Absence of Truth
“I know Kory and I disagree on the best era of Isis. Personally, I think Isis was at their best between 2000 and 2009. Yep, that’s right: pretty much their entire careers. But this was my first Isis album (give me a break, I’m not old enough to rent a car yet), and it’s special to me. It’s like if the Grateful Dead played metal, kind of.”
Swallow the Sun, New Moon
“When I heard the title track of this album a few years ago, right before it came out, I was pissed. I thought it sucked in comparison to their older stuff like ‘Doomed to Walk the Earth,’ which is unbelievable funeral doom that you absolutely need to look up on YouTube if you haven’t already heard it. I bought this anyway, just because I’m such a huge fan of the band, and it’s amazing. Lesson learned, don’t judge an entire album on one song.”
Cobalt, Gin
“I know I’m way behind on this one, but I simply hadn’t heard Cobalt until a week ago. Brandon gave it to me as a suggestion, and I’m forever indebted. It’s quickly becoming one of my all-time favorites. It’s like if Isis played black metal.”
If anyone in this crazy, post-Bizkit world has a handle on the right ratio between rap and rock, it might just be Texas-based rapper Hyro Da Hero. Hyro has sampled everyone from Circa Survive to Refused, and his new album, Birth School Work Death (produced by no less than Ross Robinson), merited a four-star review from Revolver Editor in Chief, Brandon Geist. Tasked with creating a list of the best rap songs for metalheads, the emcee didn’t even sweat.
“Bring The Noise,” Public Enemy and Anthrax
“This song is a statement of how hip-hop and rock can blend so perfectly together, with the music and lyrics. The rage and aggression is the same for rock and rap kids. Public Enemy were able to pull off the rock and rap perfectly and set the standard for the future.”
“Just Another Victim,” House of Pain and Helmet (from Judgment Night)
“This song completes the full concept of the hip-hop and hardcore rock culture. The drums and heavy guitars are undeniably hardcore and the House of Pain verse that goes into half time gives it that hip-hop swagger”
“Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg
“Metalheads can’t rock out every minute of the day. They gotta chill sometime, and this was the perfect song to get drunk, get high, or just kick it to. This gave an open window into the laid back gangsta lifestyle that people see glorified in movies. Everybody wants to be g’d up.”
“99 Problems,” Jay-Z
“I think that metalheads probably liked this because Rick Rubin brought in some guitar over a cool rap. What Jay-Z says in the song is something everyone can relate to, and Rick Rubin just made sure that the metalheads heard it with a familiar sound. It is real cool to hear Jay-Z’s laid back voice accompanied by distorted guitar.”
“Fuck Tha Police,” N.W.A
“Most people do not like the police. Everyone hates authority. You can fight the police back with words. Obviously these guys in N.W.A knew how to piss the cops off the right way, by using a pen and paper.”
“Kim,” Eminem
“This song brings out emotion. Similar to how Trent Reznor brings out the emotion in ‘Hurt.’ Very simple backing tracks blended with words and attitude that everyone can relate to.”
“How I Could Just Kill A Man,” Cypress Hill
“This is another prime example of showing how two genres are so similar. We all share the same struggle. Most rock kids and most rap kids are just pissed-off youth. Same soup, different bowl.”
“(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party),” Beastie Boys
“Doing the music I do lands me in rock bars on tour and this song is played everywhere. And once this song is on, everyone sings along.”
“Colors,” Ice-T
“This was one of the first songs that brought street culture to the mainstream. This was before my time, but it shows the impact this song has had on generations. Everyone as a whole including rock kids who saw the movie.”
“Walk This Way,” Run DMC and Aerosmith
“RUN DMC and AEROSMITH. Enough said! There wouldn’t be me without them.”