Artist Interview
Cleveland, Ohio-based metal act Affiance will release their new crowd-funded EP, 'Gaia,' on March 11. As the band embarks on a tour in support of the EP and considers its future, vocalist Dennis Tvrdik spoke to Revolver about what it was like to go out on their own, about their fans, and what's next.
REVOLVER What was the biggest thing you learned about your crowdfunding experience? And did it deepen your connection with fans?
DENNIS TVRDIK We have an extremely supportive fanbase, who regardless of hype, tours, or fame, they just simply love our music and want to ensure we keep delivering it to them.
Looking back, are you glad you went indie? Was it terrifying or rewarding? Or both?
There are many pros and cons to going indie, but after three releases with a label, we really wanted to give an independent release a go. I feel it's a little safer self-releasing an EP, as opposed to a full-length album. I'm really excited to completely own this release and see the fruits of our labor for years to come. It gives the fans a piece of the creative process as well, because, without them, there isn't even a release.
Place this EP in the context of your career so far. Is this a transitional release or does it herald a new era for the band?
Absolutely it is a new era. Our sound is a bit heavier and edgier, but still very melodic and riffy. I scream more, I yell more, I'm genuinely a lot more pissed off. A lot of people know us as the "rock band video" band... We aren't jokers musically. We aren't pop punk. Yeah, we know how to have a good time and be goofballs, but our music has substance. I don't want to hold back any more as a vocalist and lyricist. These are weird times economically, environmentally, spiritually, politically.... Good people need to speak up and take a stand against the status quo. For god's sake, Donald Trump is a legitimate candidate! What the hell is going on?! People are marginalized and live in constant fear of everything... but I digress. For those who don't care to worry themselves with that kind of dialogue, our new music will be great to work out to in the gym or to get out of bed when one feels lazy.
Pick one song on the EP and give us the scoop on what it means.
I like these questions. I guess I'll go with "PRSVR" since it was the first song we premiered. We chose this song because it is about persevering through all and any adversity. Six years ago, we wrote a song about this but from a more naive and less experienced point of view, which was "Call to the Warrior." Three albums later, we have gained a better understanding of ourselves and our place as a band.
Why do we want to persevere? I would hope this song speaks to all people struggling to accomplish their goals and dreams… to not give up. But why? The answer is because, as dramatic as this may sound, my passion outweighs the willingness to concede, meaning I'd rather die than fail. Then one must ask, what is failure? If I'm making music and positively influencing others, growing as a person and musician, traveling and making connections with people, then I consider that success. I've come so far, I need this, I can't stop now.
What are your U.S. tour plans? When can we expect to see Affiance on the road?
We are doing a headliner to support the EP release in March into April. Hitting mostly the East Coast, Midwest, and Texas. We hope to get out west in the summer.
What is next for Affiance? Will you return to labeldom? Is a full length on deck?
I think we are very open-minded at this point. We would love to sign a deal that is mutually beneficial, but I have no interest in signing a contract that will not boost our careers. This isn't a hobby for us and we are hungry for the big leagues. We have every intention to grow from this experience and almost rebrand ourselves to an extent.
To get 'Gaia,' visit MerchNow. For more on Affiance, follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
Ohio-based blackened metal quintet Skeletonwitch will release their new EP—and first with new vocalist Adam Clemans (Wolvhammer)—this summer via Prosthetic Records. In anticipation, the band has teamed up with Revolver to premiere their new song and music video (which features footage of the band recording at Developing Nation in Baltimore with Kevin Bernsten), "Well of Despair." Check it out below and let us know what you think in the comments!
To get "Well of Despair," visit Bandcamp. For more on Skeletonwitch, follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
Amon Amarth frontman Johan Hegg recently dropped by Revolver HQ to chat about the Swedish death metal group's new album, 'Jomsviking,' the "Keyboard Warrior" clip featuring UFC's Josh Barnett, the current drummer situation, how Doro Pesch guested on the album, and much more!
To get 'Jomsviking,' visit Metal Blade's webstore. For more on Amon Amarth, follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
Otep will release their new album, 'Generation Doom,' on April 15 via Napalm Records. In anticipation, the band has teamed up with Revolver to premiere their new song, "Zero." Check it out below and let us know what you think in the comments.
To get 'Generation Doom,' visit Napalm's webstore or iTunes. For more on Otep, follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
OTEP GENERATION DOOM TOUR:
4/8: Las Vegas, NV @ Hard Rock**
4/10: Petaluma, CA @ Phoenix Theater**
4/11: San Francisco, CA @ Slim's
4/12: Orangevale, CA @ Boardwalk**
4/14: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater**
4/15: Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
4/16: Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theater
4/17: Spokane, WA @ The Pin
4/18: Walla Walla, WA @ Main Street Studios**
4/19: Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
4/20: Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater**
4/21: Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground
4/22: Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze
4/23: Ringle, WI @ Q&Z Expo Center
4/24: Arlington Heights, IL @ HOME Bar**
4/26: Crest Hill, IL @ Bada Brew**
4/27: Rock Falls, IL @ Longshots**
4/28: Indianapolis, IN @ 5th Quarter**
4/29: Detroit, MI @ Harpos
4/30: Battle Creek, MI @ The Music Factory
5/1: Cleveland, OH @ Agora Ballroom
5/3: Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar**
5/4: Rochester, NY @ Water Street Music Hall
5/5: Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall
5/6: Reading, PA @ Reverb
5/7: Worcester, MA @ Palladium
5/9: New York, NY @ Webster Hall
5/10: Hartford, CT @ Webster Underground
5/11: Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage
5/12: Knoxville, TN @ The International
5/13: Fayetteville, NC @ Rock Shop
5/14: St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theater
5/15: Jacksonville, FL @ Harmonious Monks
5/17: Clarksville, TN @ Warehouse
5/18: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
5/19: New Orleans, LA @ Southport Music Hall
5/20: Austin, TX @ Dirty Dog
5/21: Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey
5/23: Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
5/24: Antonio, TX @ Rock Box
5/27: Phoenix, AZ @ Joe's Grotto
5/28: Los Angeles, CA @ Whisky A Go Go
Lacey Sturm on select dates only**
Revolver's own Derek Soto was on hand to catch all the action for Asking Alexandria, Bullet for My Valentine and While She Sleeps' show on February 23 at Best Buy Theater in New York City. Check out the photos of Bullet for My Valentine he captured for us below–you can also follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Revolver's own Stephanie Cabral was on hand to catch all the action for the landing of Iron Maiden's Ed Force One in the U.S. and their show in Fort Lauderdale, Florida–you can also follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
Review by Ivette Ruiz-Paz
Sunny Florida is known for its fantastic weather and a great place to start a tour–especially in the middle of winter. Iron Maiden chose a South Florida city to kick off their sold out U.S. tour for their latest release, 'Book of Souls.' The band hasn't performed here since 2011 and local fans were more than ready for the return.
The frenzy for the show began days earlier with the arrival of Ed Force One at Fort Lauderdale Airport. Fans were waiting eagerly to get a glimpse of the plane, some arriving several hours early to make sure they could secure a space at the airport viewing area. The new 747 is the latest edition to the band's touring arsenal, complete with the 'Book of Souls' artwork and tour dates stenciled on the side. Information on the plane's arrival time was published in local papers, prompting the devoted and dedicated Maiden fans to come and see the new plane up close. Singer Bruce Dickinson is a licensed commercial pilot and was on board while the plane made its landing (he's currently in training for an additional license to pilot the larger jet).
No other band does metal like Iron Maiden, their signature, seminal sound a benchmark of the genre for decades. Just ask the sold out crowd of 20,000 plus at the BB & T Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The band kicked off the U.S. leg of the 'Book of Souls' tour Wednesday night, delighting fans with a mix of both new material and classics from their large catalog.
Opening up the show was the up and coming band, Raven Age, which featured guitar player George Harris (Steve Harris' son). The band played a modern mix of heavy music with powerful melodic vocals and did an impressive job getting the arena crowd ready to watch their idols perform.
The band started off the evening with "If Eternity Should Fail," from their latest release. Dickinson greeted the crowd and the group broke into "Speed of Light" with roars of approval from the audience. Their next song, "Children of the Damned" was met with excited responses from fans who had been waiting years to hear the timeless track in a live setting.
Iron Maiden hit the stage with a vengeance, their trademark intensity and vigor showing no signs of slowing down. It was apparent the band was happy to be on stage again, playing to their fans. Despite his recent health challenges, one would be hard pressed to notice anything amiss as the frontman displayed the trademark energy and vocal prowess that he has exhibited for decades.
The band stage setup as impressive as they've ever had with a jungle vibe complete with hanging ropes from the ceiling and fiery tiki torches lit in the background. And let's not forgot the band's mascot, Eddie, who made several appearances throughout the night. From a walking zombie towering over band members during the set, to being featured on a host of backdrops and huge blow up figures–the quintessential symbol was omnipresent for the entire show.
Although in the past, the band has been known for favoring new material during their shows, the song list for this night included enough of the new to familiarize fans with the 'Book of Souls'' best tunes and a mix of eclectic classics from their decades long collection of metal gems.
Hardcore, long-time fans reveled in timeless tracks like "The Trooper" and "Powerslave," which were interwoven seamlessly as a mid-point in the show between tracks like "The Red and the Black" and "Death or Glory." All in attendance went wild when Maiden broke into a several song set of enduring masterpieces: "Hallowed Be Thy Name," "Fear of the Dark," "The Number of the Beast," "Blood Brothers," and "Wasted Years."
Few bands have the metal god status of Iron Maiden, arguably the quintessential band of the metal genre, with millions of fans worldwide to attest to their greatness. This was another successful night for the band and another memorable performance from the musical giants. Classic heavy metal. Classic Maiden. Up the Irons!
Zakk Wylde has debuted an all new single titled "Sleeping Dogs," from his forthcoming solo LP. Artwork, created by Wylde and longtime collaborator John Irwin, is being revealed today along with 14-song tracklisting. "Sleeping Dogs" will also be available as an iTunes instant gratification track, meaning fans who pre order the album on iTunes will get the single immediately.
An additional pre-order bundle is also available offering a 'Book of Shadows II' CD signed by Zakk plus a 17"x11" poster. Limited to 1,000 bundles.
Zakk Wylde will release 'Book of Shadows II' on April 8, 2016 via Entertainment One Music (eOne Music), his first solo release in 20 years. This release is the follow up to 1996's Book of Shadows LP, a classic album Wylde released between his work with Ozzy Osbourne that has since become a fan favorite.
A press release states, "The fearlessly introspective melancholy and melody of Book of Shadows helped to make its follow-up one of Rolling Stone's Most Anticipated Albums of 2016. As fierce and diverse as his work in Black Label Society and as large as his accomplishments as lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne have been, 'Book of Shadows II' offers an even richer look into the spirit and psyche of one of the most beloved pillars of the hard rock community. Brand new tracks like 'Sleeping Dogs,' 'Tears of December,' 'Darkest Hour,' 'Harbors of Pity,' and 'The King' are bold proclamations of intense feeling and powerful catharsis."
Having just wrapped up a successful stint on the 2016 Axes and Anchors Cruise, Wylde will next take part in the 2016 Generation Axe Tour featuring Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Nuno Bettencourt and Tosin Abasi. Click here for more info. Zakk is currently on tour with The Hendrix Experience Tour featuring some of the biggest names in rock and roll celebrating the legacy of Jimi Hendrix.
The full 'Book of Shadows II' track listing is:
01. Autumn Changes
02. Tears Of December
03. Lay Me Down
04. Lost Prayer
05. Darkest Hour
06. The Levee
07. Eyes Of Burden
08. Forgotten Memory
09. Yesterday's Tears
10. Harbors Of Pity
11. Sorrowed Regret
12. Useless Apologies
13. Sleeping Dogs
14. The King
Listen to "Sleeping Dogs" below and let us know what you think in the comments!
Cleveland, Ohio-based metal act Affiance will release their new EP, 'Gaia,' on March 11. In anticipation, the band has teamed up with Revolver to premiere their new song and music video, "Gaia." Check it out below and let us know what you think in the comments!
To get 'Gaia,' visit MerchNow. For more on Affiance, follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
Affiance on tour:
3/11 Cleveland, OH @ Agora
3/12 Columbus, OH @ The Summit
3/13 Warren, MI @ The Ritz
3/14 Connellsville, PA @ The Cinema
3/15 Rochester, NY @ Waterstreet Music Hall
3/16 Providence, RI @ Firehouse 13
3/17 Amityville, NY @ Amityville Music Hall **Affiance only // make up show**
3/18 Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Loft
3/19 Trenton, NJ @ Championship Bar & Grill
3/21 Greensboro, NC @ Arizona Pete's (hold)
3/22 Pensacola, FL @ The Handlebar
3/23 Houston, TX @ Scouts Bar
3/24 Austin, TX @ Dirty Dog
3/25 Ft Worth, TX @ The Rail Club
3/26 San Antonio, TX @ Korova
3/28 Merriam KS @ Aftershock Live Music Venue
3/30 Burnsville, MN @ The Garage
Finnish grindcore act Rotten Sound will release their new album, 'Abuse to Suffer,' on March 25 via Season of Mist. In anticipation, the band has teamed up with Revolver to premiere their new track, "Inhumane Treatment." Check it out below and let us know what you think in the comments!
To get 'Abuse to Suffer,' visit Season of Mist's webstore. For more on Rotten Sound, follow them on Twitter and Facebook.