Roadrunner Records Latest News

Opening the Crypts: King Diamond

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Every Friday right here, we're showcasing some classics from our back catalog for your listening (and whenever possible viewing) pleasure.

This week, we look back at Danish master of the falsetto King Diamond's famed "GRAAAAAANDMAAAAAAAAA" cry with the video for "Welcome Home" from the ex-Mercyful Fate frontman's revered album Them. Enjoy!

Dommin/ HIM Tour Hits US Shores. Are You Ready?

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:00:00 GMT

A tour forged in the dark kingdom of lost romance, Finland's goth-rock heroes HIM and LA's goth-rock newcomers Dommin are teaming up for a lengthy North American run.

Already conquering crowds together in Europe right now, the two bands make their way onto US shores starting March 26th, for a 32-city trek that takes them through Canada and sees 3 consecutives nights at the Fillmore East here in NYC in May.

Though you can read all about Dommin's experience while out with HIM right here, the band checks in from Europe to share their excitement in returning to their home country in a week:

"[We have] been supporting HIM in Europe and the shows have been amazing. We are very excited about this tour making its way to the U.S. There is a special magic about this tour. It's one no one should miss."

Take their advice and get your tickets NOW as these shows are selling out fast!

Dommin's debut album Love is Gone is in stores now. Get your copy RIGHT HERE and watch the video for lead single "My Heart, Your Hands" below.

Ten Greatest Album Covers in Roadrunner History: #7

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:30:00 GMT

#7 Sepultura – Chaos A.D.

This 1993 release from Brazilian metallers Sepultura sonically sees the band transcend from their thrashing death metal aesthetic into a more eclectic output, showcasing groove-oriented paces, incorporating moody riffs, industrial soundscapes and even introducing hardcore punk elements throughout the record. With protest songs like “Refuse/ Resist” and the Jello Biafra-penned “Biotech is Godzilla” spouting conspiracy theories, the politically-charged lyrics aided in Chaos A.D. becoming a breakthrough album for the band worldwide.

And as for the visual representation? We’ll let Sepultura founder and former frontman Max Cavalera describe it’s conception: “Chaos AD was commissioned through Michael Whelan that we already used on two albums before: Beneath the Remains and Arise, but Beneath the Remains and Arise were already existing paintings, and Chaos AD was a brand new painting that was commissioned by us to Michael Whelan to create based on the name of the album. We gave it to him, and he came up with the body bag with the money upside down and all the electronic stuff going through the body bag and I think it was really cool.”

Continues Cavalera, “There’s a lot of detail in Michael Whelan’s artwork. There’s a lot of little things for people to look at -- on the machinery you can see little hands and people’s faces and stuff like that. I was really proud because I really like Michael Whelan, I think he’s one of the best artists. And I’m really proud that I got to work with him on Chaos and gave him ideas. He delivered, you know, he did a great album cover that a lot of people love. “

As for it being our #7 album cover, Senior VP of A&R Monte Conner explains the power of the cover in the video below.

Watch the explosive video for the Sepultura classic "Refuse/Resist" and go HERE to get the album.

Video: Beer Tasting in Germany With Airbourne Part 2

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:41:00 GMT

On the quest to find their favorite beer, we watched as Airbourne brothers Joel & Ryan O'Keeffe got to tasting some German brews yesterday, and today we watch as they finish off the batch and name their favored ferment!

Watch to see what tastes like a "burnt turd" and what's their beer of choice in part two, and if you missed part 1, watch it HERE!

Collective Soul Photos, Commentary on 'Tonight Show' Appearance

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:45:00 GMT

Georgia rockers Collective Soul appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno this past Tuesday, performing "You" off of their latest album, 2009's fan-dubbed "Rabbit" album.

Showing off some photos from their amazing experience below, the band says, “We had a blast on The Tonight Show. Jay was great as always, and we loved hanging out with Hugh Jackman and Betty White!”

Missed the performance? Watch it on Hulu HERE or on NBC.com HERE! Check out the band's photos below, give a listen to the song "You" below, and get your copy of Collective Soul ("Rabbit") right HERE!

Stone Sour Live From The Studio: Video 1

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:32:00 GMT

Having just entered Blackbird Studios in Nashville, Tenn. with producer Nick Raskulinecz to record the follow up to their 2006 smash Come What(ever) May, Stone Sour will be regularly checking in via video to keep their fans updated on their new album's progress.

Watch the band's introduction below, and check back for more live updates as they continue to record their as-yet untitled summer 2010 release!

Opeth Frontman Prepares For Upcoming Anniversary Shows

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:50:00 GMT

Sweden's Opeth formed in 1990 and from Orchid to Watershed have released some of progressive metal's most revered albums. To commemorate their two decades together, the band will be playing 6 exclusive shows around the world, featuring their breakthrough epic Blackwater Park in it's entirety in the first set, followed by a second set chock full of catalog rarities and favorites.

As we near the first of these shows, frontman Mikael Akerfeldt contends, "20th anniversay shows are round the corner. We're rehearsing and it's quite fun (for a change), been revisiting some old material and it sounds just 'right!' Looks like all six shows will sell out, which is nice… Four have sold out already. Appreciate that you wanna come and see us. What was going to be a quiet celebration in a pub escalated to six of the biggest shows we've ever done on our own. I mean, it's the fucking Royal Albert Hall, among others. Stupid!!”

Dates and venues are as follows:
March 30 – Cirkus – Stockholm, Sweden
April 1 – Lichtburg – Essen, Germany
April 3 – Bataclan – Paris, France
April 5 – Royal Albert Hall – London, UK
April 7 – Terminal 5 – New York, NY
April 9 – The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA

Watch Madam Adam in the Studio: Days 5 & 6

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:19:00 GMT

If you're keeping up, you've seen these Southern rockers enter the studio, play a live show, lay down some guitar and bass tracks, search for the perfect tone and much more (if not, go here and get caught up!)

But as Madam Adam continue on in the studio with producer Skidd Mills, the band is now recording vocals and playing practical jokes on their sound engineer.

Watch the next two installments in their studio series below!

Ten Greatest Album Covers in Roadrunner History: #8

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:27:00 GMT

#8 Type O Negative – Slow, Deep And Hard

For Brooklyn-born goth-metal contingent Type O Negative, their 1991 debut album showcased the sound of “jackhammerrape” – but that’s not the only controversial part about it. Recorded in 1989, featuring seven dark-humored and sexually-charged angst-ridden songs of relationship betrayal, the band’s sarcastic message was largely taken out of context by the public – and the cover did not help. Featuring an extreme close-up of actual sexual penetration, an image ripped right out of a porno mag, the band’s entrance into the music world started with a, uh, bang --and was met with a lot of resistance. But despite it’s sordid reception, Type O Negative laid the groundwork for their gloomy doom with raw, ubridled aggression, and later went on to channel it into worldwide success.

In the liner notes of the 2009 reissue of this album, keyboardist Josh Silver looks back on using this ‘found art’ saying, “It’s not an original photograph... But I’m kind of ashamed of taking it now – it’s kind of like downloading. But we didn’t know better at the time. And it probably would’ve been easy to get the rights to use it, actually.”

But despite the way it was obtained, there’s no denying the now-legendary image as our #8 album cover.

To give more insight into our selection, here’s Senior VP of A&R Monte Conner’s account:

Listen to the bonus track on the reissue, "Hey Pete" below.

Video: Beer Tasting in Germany With Airbourne

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:22:00 GMT

Airbourne's hard-rockin' and hard-drinkin' brothers Joel & Ryan O'Keeffe love beer, so naturally the guys went on the quest for their favorite brew while in Germany.

Watch the hilarity ensue as they give their scathing commentary on the bad, their loving praise on the good, and get all around silly with some German specialty brews.

Check back tomorrow for part 2 of their quest in Deutschland and stay tuned next week for their run at US beers!

The band's sophomore album No Guts. No Glory. is out on April 20th. Pre-order it right here and get some bonus extras!

Ratt's Guitarist Carlos Cavazo on Landing The Gig

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:47:00 GMT

In a recent interview with SleazeRoxx.com, former Quiet Riot/ current Ratt guitarist Carlos Cavazo talks about auditioning for the band, coming up alongside them in the 80s, and writing the new record Infestation.

Says Cavazo, "I did go through an audition process. I think the guys just wanted to check me out... I hadn't seen them in about ten years and I could have been 500 pounds for all they knew."

As for how he got called to audition in the first place, Cavazo explains, "Warren [DeMartini] was actually the guy that called me about the vacancy. He got my number from Vinnie Appice at some club in L.A. that they hung out at."

Discussing the resulting album from his union with Ratt, Cavazo says, "When we were writing for the album we talked, and the goal was to come up with stuff that was true to the classic Ratt sound and come up with great new songs that weren't '80s sounding but could also fit in with what is current today, and I think we did a pretty good job in that regard... It kind of fell into place because we are from the same era, everything just fell into place. Warren and I love the same guitarists, we like the same stuff, there's chemistry there and I think you can hear it on the album as well as live."

Read more insights from Cavazo right here, pre-order your copy of Ratt's Infestation NOW and check out two songs from the upcoming crusher below.

Max Cavalera on The Noisecreep 'Creep Show'

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:12:00 GMT

A regular podcast from AOL's metal contingent Noisecreep, The 'Creep Show showcases an esteemed panel of metal industry insiders discussing news, new releases and conducting exclusive interviews with their special guests -- and this week that guest is Soulfly/ Cavalera Conspiracy mainman Max Cavalera!

Watch here as they discuss Soulfly's upcoming release, May 25th's Omen, the band's current tour with Prong, Incite and Rotting Corpse, and dive into the news of Faith No More's east coast tour dates, Behemoth frontman Nergal's brush with the Catholic Church, Dragonforce singer ZP Theart's departure from the band, and much more!

Collective Soul Frontman Honored With 2010 River Rock Star Award

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:53:00 GMT

The Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper's River Rock Star Award honors a company, group, or individual that has used their creative gifts or innovative methods to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Chattahoochee River -- a drinking water source for 3.5 million Georgians.

This year, the organization is honoring Collective Soul frontman Ed Roland for his generous contribution of time and talent to raise visibility and funds for the cause.

Writes the organization, "In addition to turning our River Revival two years ago into a sell-out event and bringing new members to the cause, [Ed Roland]'s benefit concert at Eddie’s Attic at the end of 2009 was a tremendous help in bringing in much needed funds during a very lean year for all nonprofits."

The award will be presented at the 14th annual River Revival, held May 13 at Park Tavern at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

Join us in congratulating Ed by listening to Collective Soul's "You" off their 2009 self-titled album below.

Watch Airbourne on the Kerrang! Podcast

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:16:00 GMT

Watch brothers Joel and Ryan O'Keeffe, frontman and drummer of Aussie rock band Airbourne respectively, get down in the UK with Kerrang!

Shot at the Hard Rock Cafe, the O'Keeffes discuss their upcoming new album No Guts. No Glory.

Watch the podcast right here, pre-order the album with some bonus extras here, and catch their official video for "No Way But the Hard Way" below.

Madam Adam: Footage From the Studio

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:08:00 GMT

Madam Adam are finishing up their forthcoming debut album in the studio with producer Skidd Mills. To catch up on their work so far, watch the 3rd and 4th videos from the studio below.

Missed the first two? Catch them right here. Check back tomorrow for the next two, and stay tuned for more details on these Southern rockers' 2010 release!

Ten Greatest Album Covers in Roadrunner History: #9

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:35:00 GMT

Voted on by our worldwide staff, showcasing the iconic vs. the blasphemous, the painted vs. the photographed, as well as the found art vs. the commissioned art, we give you the Ten Greatest Album Covers in Roadrunner History – one at a time. Feast your eyes on #9 below, go here for #10, and check back every day as we countdown to number one. Did your favorite RR release make the cut?

#9 Machine Head – The Blackening

Holding the title of Metal Hammer’s Album of the Decade, this 2007 crusher from Bay Area heavyweights Machine Head received a bevy of critical acclaim for balancing memorable, thrashing riffage with angry, thought-provoking lyrics. Surpassing the bar set by their former body of work, the long-running band’s 6th full-length to date is a powerful statement for the timeless band -- which is why frontman Robb Flynn went for a powerful, timeless image to represent it.

Says Flynn of the find, “I stumbled upon an old punk rock flyer I had from the late eighties that had a wood carving of this creepy looking dude with a huge knife in his hand, standing over the bed of some sleeping children. It was powerful, and disturbing. The fact that it was so crude looking gave it that much more impact. It got me interested about finding some wood carvings. I dug around on the internet, found what-would-become the album, showed it to the dudes, and everyone dug it.

Continues Flynn, “The fact that it was 500 years old, yet still so powerful, was impressive. The main elements: the skeleton king, his foot on the earth, the almost-empty sand in hour glass, and most importantly the mirror with the words etched on it "The Mirror Which Flatters Not"-- it all seemed to tie into the lyrics on the record. The Blackening was a harsh look at ourselves, our society, or choices we as a people were making. And there was a lot of bad going on in the world, and a lot of ugly truths being un-earthed. Those words summed it up so powerfully.

As for the reaction the band received to their dark imagery, Flynn explains, “The fans loved it. It was different, especially back then. It won album cover of the year in a few mags. Now a million metal bands have copied the idea, which is flattering. But honestly, we were just trying to get away from the cheesy photoshop thing that was going on back then."

And for what he loves about it the most, Flynn contends, "Just that something so simple and crude could be so powerful. It's like the old Gene Simmons motto, "keep it simple, stupid."

As for why we love it, we'll let Senior VP of A&R Monte Conner fill you in:

Watch the video for The Blackening's venomous reaction song "Aesthetics of Hate":

Go Behind the Scenes For Trivium's "Shattering the Skies Above" Video

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:37:00 GMT

In the wake of the release of their official video for the God of War: Blood & Metal song "Shattering the Skies Above," Trivium address their fans, writing: "Your feedback for the blistering new Trivium track has been so great that we want to share a three part video series documenting the making of the track!"

The first part of this series premieres on Friday, March 26th at trivium.org and will show the band in the studio with new drummer Nick Augusto laying down his first-ever Trivium drum tracks!

These videos are reserved for Trivium World members ONLY so get yourself situated and don't miss out!

For the time being, here's a sneak peak of what's in store for this series:

Watch the official video for "Shattering the Skies Above" right here:

Mutiny Within's Story So Far: Episode 6

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:24:00 GMT

Melodic metal newcomers Mutiny Within have been showcasing documentary-style videos of their 'Story So Far' every Wednesday, and this week we watch the band perform "Year of Affliction" at the Orange Peel and follow drummer Bill Fore as he introduces himself and does some interviews.

Watch it below, and check back every Wednesday for the next installment in this 12-part series. Missed the first 5? No problem! Go right here to get caught up.

Mutiny Within's self-titled debut has been receiving high praise from critics (as well as labelmates and influencers Dream Theater!) Get your copy of the crushing album RIGHT HERE for only $5!

Rob Zombie Discusses Music and 'Hellbilly 2' in Radio Interview

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:48:00 GMT

Renaissance man Rob Zombie has an eternally full plate in balancing directing movies, TV shows and being a musician. Closing out one busy year last year with the release of his take on Halloween 2, the release of his comic-book-come-to-life animated DVD The Haunted World of El Superbeasto and switching labels to Roadrunner Records, Zombie was perfectly set up for another busy year in 2010.

Having hit the ground running as planned, so far this year Zombie has released his long-awaited album Hellbilly Deluxe 2, directed an episode of CSI: Miami, announced plans to headline this summer's Mayhem Fest as well as a North American run with Alice Cooper (fittingly dubbed the Gruesome Twosome tour), and announced his next film as Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Catching up with the busy man to discuss all of the above and then some is Boise radio station 100.3 the X. Listen in on the interview right here.

Hellbilly Deluxe 2 is in stores now. Check out the Rob Zombie-directed video for lead single "Sick Bubblegum" below and get your copy of the album RIGHT HERE!

Video Footage From Madam Adam's Time In The Studio

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:02:00 GMT

Southern rockers Madam Adam are underway with the recording of their upcoming Roadrunner Records debut in Nashville, Tenn. Working with producer Skidd Mills, the band -- vocalist/guitarist Scott Gould, bassist Kenny Varner, guitarist Drew Reindollar and drummer Matthew Reindollar -- are posting some cool videos from their time in and out of the studio.

Watch as the band settle in and get down to business in the first video below, then watch a day in their lives on the road as they perform in Alabama in the second.

Check back for more videos from these newcomers as they lay the finishing touches on their summer 2010 release!