In an unexpected turn of events, ex-Periphery vocalist Chris Barretto (Ever Forthright / Monuments) took the stage with his old band in NYC. He joined them for a rendition of the fan favorite "Icarus Lives!" from the band's debut album / demos from days of old.
Fan shot footage is available for your viewing pleasure below. We've also included recent songs from Periphery and Ever Forthright respectively.
What does one make of cover songs? It seems like a common response to most covers is, "this is terrible, the original is so much better". Well obviously! 99 percent of the time a cover is not going to be as great as the original, but it seems to me that many people are not looking at it from the right perspective. Instead of shitting on a cover song for not being as good as the original, people should really consider how cool it is that a classic song is being covered in the first place. Heavy metal has its fair share of classics, and they're classics for a reason; they were influential. Cover songs are interesting to listen to because it gives the listener an opportunity to discover some of the influences of their favorite bands. Below are a collection of cover songs that I found to be particularly interesting.
1. Upon a Burning Body - 5 Minutes Alone (Pantera Cover)
Pantera is easily one of the most influential metal bands from the 1990's. 5 Minutes Alone is easily one of their crunchiest tunes. It's only natural that the Texas based deathcore act Upon a Burning Body would cover this song. This is a cover that definitely did the original justice. And the fact that they gave the late Dimebag Darrell a shout out in the middle of the the song is nothing short of heartwarming. Check it out!
2. The Dillinger Escape Plan - Paranoid (Black Sabbath Cover)
Boy has this cover gotten shit over the years. It's understandable; how can The Dillinger Escape Plan cover a Black Sabbath song? Part of the beauty of this cover comes from the fact that they didn't try to stay true to the original. Dillinger has their own unique sound and it seems as though they stick to that even while doing covers. Yeah, it's gonna piss off some old school metal fans but this is a cover definitely worth checking out.
3. Periphery - New Millenium Cyanide Christ (Meshuggah Cover)
Djent dj djent dj djent dj djent djent djent bowww... Well, you know where I'm going with this. Periphery covering a classic Meshuggah song, how appropriate! Meshuggah is one of those bands that only comes around once in a life time. They are responsible for the creation of the sound that is commonly referred to as djent, and Periphery is partially responsible for bringing that sound into the mainstream. Two great bands, one awesome tone, and one excellent cover!
4. As I Lay Dying - Electric Eye (Judas Priest Cover)
"A Judas Priest cover? The nerve! These little metalcore kids can't possible cover a song written by the metal gods". - elitist douche.
Yes, Judas Priest is awesome, but so is this cover. In the contemporary metal scene, As I Lay Dying is one helluva band. If anyone were to cover a Priest song I'm glad it was them. As I Lay Dying demonstrates impressive technical skill, and as a whole, they are capable of covering some of the best heavy metal tunes.
5. Children of Bodom - Aces High (Iron Maiden Cover)
If you spit in the air the chances are it's going to land on somebody that's an Iron Maiden fan. Seriously though, who wasn't influenced by this band? Just about every power metal and melodic death metal band was, therefore it wouldn't be surprising to hear band that embodies elements from both of those sub-genres cover a classic Maiden tune. Children of Bodom not only did the original justice with this cover, they made it their own. The keyboard especially added a nice touch.
It takes guts to even decide to record a cover of Dio. The man's voice is legendary. Well in 2007 Killswitch Engage pulled it off, successfully. Obviously no mortal man can top Dio, but Howard Jones did a damn good job as far as cover standards are concerned (and I don't mean that in a condescending way, Howard is an excellent vocalist). The cover was very well received by critics and fans, and six years later Killswitch is still playing it live. I can't speak for the masses, but I hope it helped to turn the younger generation of metal heads onto the classic metal act that is Dio.
Good news from the Periphery camp. The band's singer Spencer Sotelo recently made the following statements via Twitter.
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“So burned out on recording. Good thing these tracks are almost done! Stoked for all you guys to hear what we have been brewing up lately.”
“You guys aren’t gonna have to wait until juggernaut to get new Periphery jams”
“The material is 100% new and unheard.”
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Could it be a single? an EP? Possibly even contributions to Misha's upcoming solo album? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for more.
And in the mean time, here are the latest updates for the upcoming concept album, "Juggernaut".
It's been over a year since the release of "Periphery II: This Time It's Personal" but the band shows no sign of stopping their sophomore roll. With their first headlining tour since the release of album II around the corner, "This Tour Is Personal" (read more on that here), the band decided to pull some more strings in support of the album.
As an appropriate prelude to the tour, they just released a live music video for arguably the heaviest track on the record, "Ragnarok". Give it a go just below along with more recent tunes from the band. Love that shit!
Better late than never, right? Not too long ago we featured Periphery as our Artist of the Week. This time... it's personal. For those who don't know, Periphery is a cutting edge Progressive Metal band known as a major influence to many. They are largely responsible for popularizing the "djent" movement around the world. This traveling troupe of troubadours triumphantly trumps... okay I'm done.
To celebrate this occasion we have an awesome contest going on in association with Periphery and Sumerian Records. There will be a total of three winners. We're giving away two shirts and the band's full CD catalog (Periphery, Icarus EP, and Periphery II). Look down below for instructions on how to enter.
We also had the chance to interview the band's incredible singer Spencer Sotelo. His voice goes up like an angel and down like a wounded ox. Read up on the interview to learn some more.
BONUS
1. Like the post for a second vote
2. Comment on the post for a third vote
This contest ends Monday 9/23 at 9 PM EST!
*We will contact the winner.
*By participating, you acknowledge that you completely release Facebook
of all responsibility. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed,
administered by, or associated with Facebook.
MT - What did you have for breakfast this morning?
SS - A Panera breakfast sandwich and a protein shake.
MT - Is there any future for Peripheroth?
SS - I think once the band starts dying off, we can use that as a sweet gimmick to revitalize interest in our band.... Expect face paint and black metal voice on stage every night when we are fat, old and washed up.
MT - You came out with your sophomore album "Periphery II: This Time It's Personal" last year. Can you tell us what went into making that record?
SS - That album was written and recorded on the opposite end of the spectrum in comparison to our self titled. We wrote it as a collective band instead of one person writing the majority of the music and then took it to an actual studio. It sounds completely different sonically and artistically.... I think for the better!
MT - How did it get the title “This Time It’s Personal”?
SS - We wanted it to have a shitty action sequel-esque title for laughs. I think it worked out pretty well!
MT - Any favorite songs from that album?
SS - Personally, I like Ragnarok, Facepalm Mute, The Gods Must Be Crazy, Erised and Froggin' Bullfish the most.
MT - You've had your upcoming concept album "Juggernaut" in the works for quite some time. Can you tell us about it?
SS - You already know all I can tell you about it.... We just started putting together ideas for it and nothing is set in stone yet.
MT - Fair enough. If you could punch anyone in the face, who would it be?
SS - My grandma! Jk.... Probably the person who invented the word twerk. I fucking hate that word!
MT - Me too... Fuck that guy! If you could collab with any artists in the world, who would you work with?
SS - That's easy! Mike Patton and Corey Taylor in the same song.
MT - You have "This Tour Is Personal" coming up with one helluva line-up. How stoked are you for that?
SS - I'm mainly excited about getting to watch Twelve Foot Ninja crush it every night.... Oh and doing whip-its with BOO lol.
MT - What's the craziest thing that has ever happened to you on tour?
SS - I smacked my face on a security guard's head while head-banging on stage and received a nasty concussion. That was pretty fun... I had to wear sun glasses to night clubs for a straight week after it so I didn't scare people. I didn't think I'd ever have an eye swollen shut in my lifetime, but oh boy was I wrong.
MT - If you could tour with any bands in the world, what would the line-up be?
SS - Metallica and Megadeth. I'd just like to see how awkward things would get behind the scenes between Mustaine and Metallica hahaha. You need entertainment when you're on the road! Either them or like John Mayer.... I love his music and you can't beat the spread of women at his shows
MT - Any upcoming artists you would recommend?
SS - Definitely Twelve Foot Ninja. Check them out if you haven't already done so.
MT - What's your favorite alcoholic beverage?
SS - A good ol' glass of Bourbon on the rocks or neat.
MT - Here's the fun round... How about them juggies?
SS - I'm all about those juggies if in fact you are referring to the ones I think you are.
MT - Indeed I am. Anything you want to say to the fans out there?
SS - Yup.... They need to bring our Periphery ketchup and mustard shirts to the shows this fall and we'll be holding the first ever condiment wall of death every night. Oh and also, thanks for the support you guys!
This has been a fresh escape from the boredom of a hot Italian day fighting against a mosquito invasion in my bedroom. Here's something AMAZING you need to check out. Have you ever imagined how would your favourite songs from your favorite progressive bands would sound if they were played by an orchestra? I honestly once did.
Here is an epic example for you. A guy called Aziz Alwadhi uploaded his impressive orchestral-style covers to Youtube. The most recent / first one I found is “Follow The Sings” by Born Of Osiris. It was uploaded around a month ago and it's sounding incredible. Easy to see why it has well over 10,000 views already.
My favorite one is “It's Not Safe To Swim Today” by Veil Of Maya. It really gives you the chance to enjoy some details that most people can hardly hear in the original song, and most importantly it makes you realize what kind of fucking genius Mark Okubo is. It's complexity must have been difficult for Aziz to translate. Incredible effort on all fronts.
Last but not least, Aziz did 3 orchestral covers of Periphery. Listen to “Racecar”, “Muramasa” and especially “Ragnarok” which really sounds huge in the later half. Gotta love it. Searching for similar stuff I also found a really well done orchestral arrangement of Periphery's “Jetpacks Was Yes!”. Listen here.
Check em all out and peek at Aziz's Soundcloud and YouTube channel as well!
The title says it all folks as it is true that Periphery is preparing to hit the road across North American on a 23 stop tour blasting out tunes off of last year's hit album "Periphery II: This Time It's Personal" along the way. Heading up the stage with the prog metal moguls will be Born of Osiris, Dead Letter Circus, and Twelve Foot Ninja on what is being called "This Tour is Personal."
Check the teaser and flyer down below for more info! We'll see you there.
Ahoy there! Are you a prog head? Yes? Well imagine your festival of dreams... on a boat... at sea. Ohhh yeeeah! Progressive Nation At Sea will be hitting the open water in February of next year! Coined as the "Prog Event of the Millennium", this is one you don't want to miss. Unless if you're poor like me... but even then, you don't want to miss it!
Captain Transatlantic will take charge with First Mate PSMS (Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan, Tony Macalpine, and Derek Shernian) and Second Mate Jon Anderson (ex-Yes). They have the finest crew possible with names such as Devin Townsend, Adrian Belew's Power Trio, Periphery, Animals As Leaders, King's X, Spock's Beard, The Safety Fire, etc.
If this is sounding like a worthy aquatic venture to you, extract further info and ye seafaring grab tickets from the Official Website!
Here's a follow up to the recent Guitar World EP news.
Jaw-drop in 3...2...1...Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders) and Misha Monsor (Periphery) just released not just one, but 2 songs together! This probably wins news of the month! The songs are called “Optimist” and “Pessimist” and will be featured on a forthcoming compilation for Guitar World Magazine.
These two brilliant guitarists have already been working together considering they're now both signed to Sumerian Records. Misha also produced the Animals As Leaders debut album and is producing their next one. You just can't miss these new tracks. Stand by and see if there's something more to come from this incredible combo.
One of the tracks, “Optimist”, has also surfaced on YouTube. Check it out below. In any case you can listen to both songs on Tumblr here and here.
MASSIVE collaborations here! Guitar World has brought together the masterminds behind Soundgarden, Periphery, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Animals As Leaders for the sake of making some awesome music. Dweezil Zappa even makes an appearance!
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“Optimist” – Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders) & Misha Mansoor (Periphery)
“Pessimist” – Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders) & Misha Mansoor (Periphery)
“Nanna Banana” – Ben Weinman (The Dillinger Escape Plan & Kim Thayil (Soundgarden)
“Vices” – Ben Weinman (The Dillinger Escape Plan & Dweezil Zappa
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You can get the tracks as a part of an exclusive subscription offer which can be viewed right here.
Asking Alexandria's previously unreleased EP "Under The Influence: A Tribute To The Legends of Hard Rock" is also a part of the package.
Periphery's genius guitarist Misha Mansoor just announced that he is planning to record his first ever solo album! Bulb is officially returning! This statement was followed by two big questions for fans. The second one has already been answered but you can read on below and answer wisely here.
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So thanks to your positive feedback, I have decided that I am going to record my first solo album, most likely a little later this year and it will feature a lot of the demos that you guys want to hear as well as a couple brand new jammies.
With that said I have two questions:
1. Which songs would you like to hear? (or hear completed) given that they will be instrumental (unless I get my brother to sing Heliovice hehe)
2. I am leaning to doing a "pay what you want" kinda thing, but some people are saying I should just sell it for 10 bucks. What would you prefer?"
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Shortly after he made a follow up.
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The
solo album will be "pay what you want"! Hopefully that will work well,
now I just gotta make a website and find someone who is sick with album
artwork!
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You can listen to the copious amounts of Bulb greatness on his official Soundclick or Soundcloud. A good bit of the music is absolutely free. Check out my personal selection below.
The line up for Summer Slaughter was recently announced and GOD DAMN this year is going to be huge! This grouping of bands is probably not what people were expecting. There's much more of a focus on variety rather than Death Metal which has its ups and downs. But Summer Slaughter is an extreme metal tour, not purely Death Metal.
The headliner this year will be The Dillinger Escape Plan! The supporting acts include Animals As Leaders, Periphery, Norma Jean, Cattle Decapitation, The Ocean, Revocation, and Aeon.
If that doesn't sound great enough, you also get to vote for the opening act! There's a poll of 18 bands that you can find on the official Summer Slaughter Facebook page. So far it's looking heavy with Rings of Saturn and Australia's Thy Art Is Murder in the lead (UPDATE - Both Rings of Saturn and Thy Art Is Murder will be on the tour).
Check out the flyer along with some music down below! We'll see you in the pit.
We had the pleasure of seeing the legendary Deftones and Periphery at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA a couple nights back. Both bands delivered solid performances as to be expected and everyone had a good time. Sadly the crowd was somewhat lacking in energy, especially for Periphery. But we made the best of it regardless. You can check out the footage grabbed from both bands along with some music videos down below!
This
week we're taking the time to focus on two instrumental categories that
honestly don't receive the attention they deserve. I find the
instrumentals of a song to be far more intriguing than the vocal ability
of the vocalist (or their attractiveness level) and there are some very
talented players in the categories this year.
Best Drummer
Abe Cunningham- Deftones
Arejay Hale - Halestorm
Gene Hoglan - Dethklok / Testament
Mario Duplantier - Gojira
Neil Peart - Rush
Roy Mayorga - Stone Sour
Fe's Predictions
I've seen Halestorm twice and it's true that Arejay
Hale doesn't disappoint. His drumming skills are fascinating to watch
and listen to. Plus, he brings young fans onstage to play with him which
showcases his character as a person. However, this category contains
veterans that are more likely to take home the Golden God.
While Abe Cunningham and Neil Peart are legends all by themselves,
this category is a tough call. Young vs old, radio manufactured vs
actual hard hitting metal. There is more than one battle in the nominee
pool for Best Drummer.
I predict that Mario Duplantier from French metal band Gojira will
take the award. I find myself focused mostly on his musicianship while
listening to Gojira. Not to mention, these French metallers rose out of
obscurity and are now globally known in the genre.
Mike Thall's Predictions
This category is incredibly tight. Most of these drummers are extreme talents. As Fe mentioned, there's a mix of old and new here. I'd really like to see Abe Cunningham, Mario Duplantier, Gene Hoglan (aka Pickles), or even Neil Peart win this category. And I'm betting Neil Peart will end up taking home the award because... well... he's fucking Neil Peart.
Best Guitarist
Alex Lifeson - Rush
Brendon Small - Dethklok / Solo
John 5 - Rob Zombie / Solo
Kim Thayil - Soundgarden
Misha Mansoor - Periphery
Stephen Carpenter - Deftones
Fe's Predictions
I'm
pleasantly pleased at the nominees in this category. All of these
guitarists are respectable and can shred like their life depends on it.
It's great that Rush, Deftones, and Dethklok are receiving multiple
nominations in different categories. It truly shows that musical talent
is still considered.
Again, I respect all of the nominees especially Alex Lifeson of
Rush. Age has not deteriorated his ability to rock out and keep up with
the ever changing music scene.
It would be great if Misha
Mansoor of progressive metal band Periphery took home this award. His
dedication to the band and musical talent are noteworthy to the
youngsters trying to make it in the music scene.
However, it's a huge possibility that Stephen Carpenter of Deftones
will win this one. His experience is crazy and his fan base is
dedicated.
This is one category where I would be happy with whatever outcome.
Mike Thall's Predictions
Yet another close category. Everyone here (besides John 5) is insanely good at what they do. I have major respect for all these nominees (except for John 5) and could see any of them walking away with the award. I'm personally gunning for either Misha Mansoor, Stephen Carpenter, or Brendon Small (aka Skwisgaar Skwigelf ) to win this one.
In an unexpected turn of events, ex-Periphery vocalist Chris Barretto (Ever Forthright / Monuments) took the stage with his old band in NYC. He joined them for a rendition of the fan favorite "Icarus Lives!" from the band's debut album / demos from days of old.
1. Upon a Burning Body - 5 Minutes Alone (Pantera Cover)
3. Periphery - New Millenium Cyanide Christ (Meshuggah Cover)
4. As I Lay Dying - Electric Eye (Judas Priest Cover)
5. Children of Bodom - Aces High (Iron Maiden Cover)
6. Killswitch Engage - Holy Diver (Dio Cover)
It's been over a year since the release of "Periphery II: This Time It's Personal" but the band shows no sign of stopping their sophomore roll. With their first headlining tour since the release of album II around the corner, "This Tour Is Personal" (read more on that here), the band decided to pull some more strings in support of the album.
These are all songs picked by the followers, for the followers... MOSH!
This has been a fresh escape from the boredom of a hot Italian day fighting against a mosquito invasion in my bedroom. Here's something AMAZING you need to check out. Have you ever imagined how would your favourite songs from your favorite progressive bands would sound if they were played by an orchestra? I honestly once did.
The title says it all folks as it is true that Periphery is preparing to hit the road across North American on a 23 stop tour blasting out tunes off of last year's hit album "Periphery II: This Time It's Personal" along the way. Heading up the stage with the prog metal moguls will be Born of Osiris, Dead Letter Circus, and Twelve Foot Ninja on what is being called "This Tour is Personal."
Ahoy there! Are you a prog head? Yes? Well imagine your festival of dreams... on a boat... at sea. Ohhh yeeeah! Progressive Nation At Sea will be hitting the open water in February of next year! Coined as the "Prog Event of the Millennium", this is one you don't want to miss. Unless if you're poor like me... but even then, you don't want to miss it!
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