Leading up to the end of the year, Revolver has asked some of our favorite artists to pick their Top Albums of 2012 and tell us why each record rules. Here, Ryan Neff (pictured left), bassist of the metalcore band Miss May I, selects his faves.
5. Veil of Maya, Eclipse
“I was never much of a Veil of Maya fan until this record, but I have to say this one hooked me. Complex rhythms, powerful vocal patterns, and just all around heavy as fuck!”
4. The Amity Affliction, Chasing Ghosts
“One of my all time favorite bands to tour with, close friends, and this record hit home for me. From melody to lyrics, this record had me won over the second it was released.”
3. Glass Cloud, The Royal Thousand
“As a fan of Sky Eats Airplane and Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, this band had me stoked from the beginning. After a tour with these guys and understanding how talented they are, I can’t quit listening.”
2. Lamb of God, Resolution
“The exact same can be said about Lamb of God. First record in quite a while and it’s a banger.”
1. As I Lay Dying, Awakened
“Favorite band, needless to say. Awesome record with new and old As I Lay Dying flavor to please everyone.”
The much-anticipated sixth annual California Metalfest will take place at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California, Saturday, November 24, with Grammy-nominated, Massachusetts metal band Killswitch Engage headlining.
It’s a special gig for the group, long considered one of the forbearers of the metal resurgence of the ’00s, as they will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their landmark release, 2002′s genre-defining Alive or Just Breathing. To commemorate the album, KSE will play the album in its entirety, from start to finish, as well as other more recent hits.
Ash Avildsen, founder of California Metalfest, had this to say: “Alive or Just Breathing is one of the most important and timeless albums for this era of heavy music. KsE’s special headlining set combined with the rest of the line-up is going to make for an incredible day of metal and memories. Having all these bands in the same place on one day is really exciting as a fan and as a festival producer.”
WWE Superstar “Mankind” Mick Foley will be hosting the festival along with several other stars (TBA) who will be doing signings and appearances. There also will be many carnival-style prize games where fans can win special, limited-edition band merch and memorabilia instead of stuffed animals. California Metalfest VI promises to be much more of an experience than just a day filled with great music.
Special ticketing packages and general admission tickets are available exclusively through Sound Check Hollywood.
The lineup also features Asking Alexandria, As I Lay Dying, Black Veil Brides, Pierce The Veil, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Chiodos w/Craig Owens, For Today, Suicide Silence, Memphis May Fire, Blessthefall, Unearth, Bleeding Through, The Faceless, Born Of Osiris, Winds Of Plague, Shadows Fall, Veil of Maya, Acacia Strain, Attila, Sleeping Giant, Upon A Burning Body among a slew of others.
The complete lineup and information can be located at CAMetalfest.com.
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Massachusetts-based The Acacia Strain have announced a co-headlining fall tour with Chicago’s Veil of Maya running 11/24-12/16. Offering support on the tour is Upon A Burning Body, Volumes and Twitching Tongues.
Frontman Vincent Bennett says, “We are very excited to head out on this tour. We try and keep every tour we do as diverse as possible, this is not an exception. Make sure you come out early and check out Twitching Tongues. They will definitely be turning some heads! “
VIP tickets will be available starting at 3 p.m. EST this Thursday, September 20, at http://soundrink.com. The general on-sale date is this Friday, September 21, at 3 p.m. EST.
The Acacia Strain’s Rise Records debut LP, Death is the Only Mortal will be out October 9. On the subject of the album’s title, Bennett recently explained to Hails & Horns Magazine, “The record is about humanity’s personalization and obsession with death. Life never really ends because it cycles over and over. It is infinite and immortal. Energy is transferred and life grows out of death. Death itself is an illusion. Humanity gave death a face and a name. When the last of humanity dies, so does the idea of death. Some of us are so concerned with death that we forget to live. “
11/24 - San Bernardino, CA @ California Metalfest VI
11/25 - Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
11/26 - Lancaster, CA @ Cedar Center
11/27 – Tucson, AZ @ The Rock
11/29 – El Paso, TX @ Tricky Falls
11/30 – Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s
12/01 – Dallas, TX @ Unsilent Night Festival
12/02 - McAllen, TX @ Cine El Rey Theater
12/04 – Metairie, LA @ The Cypress
12/05 – Jacksonville, FL @ Roc Bar
12/06 – Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
12/07 – Douglasville, GA @ The 7 Venue
12/08 – Greensboro, NC @ Greene Street
12/09 – Springfield, VA @ Empire
12/11 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Ironworks
12/12 - Toledo, OH @ The Omni
12/14 - Chicago, IL @ Mojoes
12/16 - St. Paul, MN @ Station 4