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Dissecting Marilyn Manson

Sergio Pereira — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:42:18 +0000

Marilyn Manson, the shock rocker born Brian Hugh Warner, is putting the final touches on his eighth studio album, Born Villain, which will be released sometime in 2012. Despite losing many crucial band members over the years (they all seem to end up in Rob Zombie’s band), Marilyn Manson hasn’t thrown in the lipstick-smeared towel yet.

Looking back at MM’s career, we’ve chosen to dissect the band and find out what sort of influences are running amok. Obviously different folks pick up different influences, but there are the 5 bands that we found have the most in common with Marilyn Manson.

Nine Inch Nails (25%)

Even though Trent Reznor and Marilyn might not be spending Christmas holidays in Disneyland anymore, there was a time where they were inseparable. Trent signed Manson to his label and was involved in the production of Portrait of an American Family, Smells like Children and Antichrist Superstar. In fact, much of Manson’s material smells like NIN.

David Bowie (30%)

One glimpse at the cover of Mechanical Animals (1998) tells you everything about this comparison. The androgynous images that intend to provoke and make you uncomfortable, plus the fact that Manson himself has stated that David Bowie is his biggest influence in numerous interviews, all confirm that Mr. Manson loves some Ziggy Stardust in his life.

Kiss (10%)

The makeup. The outrageous over-the-top stage shows. The costumes. There’s no doubt that Kiss helped shape Manson’s stage persona in some form.

Alice Cooper (15%)

Who was the original shock rocker pissing off parents and getting banned? Alice was, of course. Manson is undoubtedly more controversial than Cooper ever was, but he must’ve learnt a thing or two from the ‘Poison’ singer.

Iggy Pop and The Stooges (20%)

Firstly, Marilyn Manson reek of punk influences. Secondly, the showmanship of Iggy Pop is something that Manson has studied and imitated to the tee. Rolling around on shards of glass, self-mutilation, destroying equipment, simulated sex with the audience? Hell, this sounds like the 70s to me.

- Sergio Pereira

Black Sabbath Reunion In Jeopardy

Sergio Pereira — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:32:54 +0000

Black Sabbath’s upcoming reunion has been put in jeopardy with news that drummer Bill Ward might drop out due to an “unsignable contract”.

Ward posted a detailed statement on his official website. One of the excerpts reads as follows:

“At this time, I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the Black Sabbath album and tour. However, I am unable to continue unless a “signable” contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band. Last year, I worked diligently in good faith with Tony, Ozzy and Geezer. And on 11/11/11, again in good faith, I participated in the L.A. press conference. Several days ago, after nearly a year of trying to negotiate, another “unsignable” contract was handed to me.”

Jack White’s Debut Album Out April 24

Sergio Pereira — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:08:59 +0000

‘Love Interruption’, the first taste of Jack White’s forthcoming debut album, Blunderbuss, is available exclusively to Third Man Records’ Vault members to hear now, and will become available to the public as a free stream at www.jackwhiteIII.com in 30 minutes. The digital version of the track will be available to purchase tonight at 9 pm PST/12 AM EST.

Blunderbuss will be released April 24 on Third Man Records/ Columbia.

A vinyl version of the ‘Love Interruption’ single featuring exclusive non-LP B-side ‘Machine Gun Silhouette’ will be released February 7 on Third Man Records.

Produced by White and recorded at his own Third Man Studio in Nashville, Blunderbuss has been described by White as “an album I couldn’t have released until now. I’ve put off making records under my own name for a long time but these songs feel like they could only be presented under my name. These songs were written from scratch, had nothing to do with anyone or anything else but my own expression, my own colors on my own canvas.”

The New Justin Bieber: Conor Maynard

Sergio Pereira — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:45:45 +0000

Not content with just one Biebster, the evil scientists in the music dungeon have created yet another teenage pop star. His name is Conor Maynard – yes, with just one “n”, yo!

The 19-year-old Brighton singer/songwriter has just won MTV’s Brand New 2012 competition with 45% of the public votes and has found exposure by posting songs on YouTube. Conor has been signed to EMI music, and has already been dubbed “the UK’s answer to Justin Bieber”, as well as drawing comparisons to Justin Timberlake.

Apparently, he put himself on the map with “bedroom style” cover versions of other artists’ hits, and it quickly resulted in record deal offers, as well as surprise, unlikely midnight Skype call with superstar Ne-Yo.

Noel Gallagher Announces New Single

Sergio Pereira — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:53:05 +0000

Noel Gallagher (Oasis) has revealed that his next single will be ‘Dream On’. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will release new single ‘Dream On’ on March 12. The B-side of the single will be ‘Shoot a Hole into the Sun’.

Listen to ‘Dream On’ below.

Shinedown To Release New Album

Sergio Pereira — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:50:22 +0000

Shinedown’s much-anticipated new album, Amaryllis, will arrive in stores and at all digital retailers on March 27. The album is highlighted by the explosive new single, ‘Bully,’ which can be heard below. Amaryllis sees Shinedown joining forces once more with multiple Grammy Award-winning producer Rob Cavallo (Kid Rock, Green Day), who previously collaborated with the band on their last album, The Sound of Madness. Check out the album cover below.

Pop Punkers I Call Fives To Release “Someone That’s Not You” 7″

Sergio Pereira — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:05:31 +0000

Washington Township, NJ’s pop punks I Call Fives will be releasing a teaser 7″ titled Someone That’s Not You, on March 20^th, via Pure Noise Records. The 7″ will include two new songs, an acoustic song, and a cover of Third Eye Blind’s ‘How’s It Going To Be’. The 7″ will serve as a teaser to the band’s upcoming full-length album due out in June. The art and track listing can be seen below.

Track Listing:

1. Someone That’s Not You
2. Backup Plan
3. Lakeview
4. How’s It Going To Be

Apollo 440 Return With 5th Studio Album

Sergio Pereira — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:55:17 +0000

After an eight year hiatus premier post-modern dance act, Apollo 440, have resurfaced with a new full-length player. Receiving its worldwide release on January 30^th, via their own Stealth Sonic Recordings label, the band’s 5^th artist album titled The Future’s What It Used To Be is an interstellar dub-ladled package signalling a band still brimming with musical confidence as it cracks and slithers its way between a melting pot of sounds and beats.

Their first album since 2003, founding members Noko, Howard Gray and Trevor Gray joined forces with long-time collaborator Ewan MacFarlane. ‘Stay Frosty’ nails the tempo of 2012 cosmology, whilst title track, ‘The Future’s What It Used To Be’, is an anthem flying rock charge of dystopia ‘n’ bass that will have future shows flaring at the nostrils with rebellious excitement. The primordial rave riff of ‘Smoke & Mirrors’, with its spitting vocoder trigger finger, leans back to the band’s early rave-days, while their ‘A Deeper Dub’ take on C+C Music Factory’s house classic is a gutsy red, green & gold rinse makeover. From the funky breakbeat storm of ‘Motorbootee’ to the shuddering love song of ‘Love Is Evil’ (sampling famed Slovenian whirlwind philosopher and cultural critic Slavoj Zizek, regarded by the media as “The Elvis of Cultural Theory”), and from ‘Fuzzy Logic’ (which samples American illuminatus Robert Anton Wilson) to the Pendulumesque sonics of ‘Odessa Dubstep’, the album delivers a spinal charge.

Band of the Week: Twin Atlantic

Sergio Pereira — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:41:58 +0000

MusicReview’s “Band of the Week” is Twin Atlantic.

Galloping out of Glasgow, Scotland, and creating more excitement than a Rangers vs. Celtic game, Twin Atlantic are quickly becoming your new favourite band – according to Kerrang! – and latching on to huge tours (with big name acts such as Blink-182, You Me At Six and The Swellers) quicker than Kim Kardashian on to an NBA All-Star.

The band’s critically acclaimed full-length debut, Free, was recorded with legendary producer Gil Norton (Foo Fighters, Pixies, Jimmy Eat World). Leaving it all on the line and keeping the energy levels at 11, the Twin Atlantic make sure that the melody rings and the songs remain in your heart for a helluva long time.

Showcasing enormous sweeping riffs, moods that flit from light to shade, and impassioned vocals dripping with gorgeous Scottish vowels, Twin Atlantic are breaking the shackles and crossing the seas. This is one band that you’ll want to keep your eyes and ears on.

Twin Atlantic are:

Sam McTrusty – Lead Vocals & Guitar
Ross McNae – Bass, Piano & Vocals
Barry McKenna – Guitar, Cello & Vocals
Craig Kneale – Drums & Vocals

Watch a live version of ‘Free’ here.

Free is out now via Red Bull Records. Purchase it below from Amazon.

Top 10 Album Covers of 2011

Sergio Pereira — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:18:22 +0000

Lest we forget the visually enticing, here are our picks of the best album covers of 2011.

10. Lagwagon – Hoss (Reissue)

Okay, we’re cheating a bit, since Hoss was released in 1995 – but it was reissued in 2011, so, technically, it can be considered. There is a whole joke about Hoss being the greatest guy who ever lived, according to Lagwagon at least.

9. Misfits – The Devil’s Rain

The actual music might’ve been complete garbage, but the artwork of the black-robed Skeletor-lookalike, designed by Arthur Suydam, for the Misfits’ The Devil’s Rain is still a ghoulish marvel to behold, much like every other Misfits album before.

8. Newtown Knife Gang – Newtown Knife Gang

A giant, knife-wielding post-box walking the streets? No, we’re not talking about Rosie ‘O Donnell down Sunset Boulevard – it’s a real giant, knife-wielding post-box on the cover of Newtown Knife Gang’s self-titled debut album!

7. In Flames – Sounds of a Playground Fading

We don’t think that In Flames have ever released a mediocre album cover – and Sounds of a Playground Fading ensures that they keep up the standard of always releasing outstanding visual accompaniments to the music.

6. Staind – Staind

Unsettling, dark and grungy, the album cover for Staind’s seventh album beautifully sets the tone for a crushing 42 minutes of hard rock.

5. Wednesday 13 – Calling All Corpses

Calling all, calling all corpses! Looking like a spin-off of The Walking Dead, the artwork of Wednesday 13’s Calling All Corpses keeps up with the horror punker’s tradition of always releasing devilishly cool covers.

4. Nightwish – Imaginaerum

Created by Janne “Toxic Angel” Pitkänen, who had previously done the cover for Nightwish’s 2007 album, Dark Passion Play, Imaginaerum‘s piece features the entrance to a deserted amusement park lit up by a full moon on a cold winter’s night. Tuomas Holopainen says this picture conveys “sublime but desolate, ‘all this is waiting for you, and only you’-feeling”.

3. The Devil Wears Prada – Dead Throne

Created by Dan Seagrave, who is renowned for creating artwork for the death metal scene, Dead Throne’s cover is the kind of image that will grab your attention, force you to pick up the album and inspire you to have a listen.

2. Spiky – Carnival Symposium

With what could’ve been a lost screenshot from Shane Acker’s 9, the cover of Spiky’s Carnival Symposium is majestic, narrative and jaw-dropping, to say the very least. It sets the precedence for this steampunk masterpiece.

1. We Came as Romans – Understanding What We’ve Grown to Be

Painted by Paul Romano, who was also behind We Came as Romans’ To Plant a Seed, the haunting cover of Understanding What We’ve Grown to Be grasps you with its striking imagery and subtle symbolism.