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TOOL Announce Tour In Support of ‘Fear Inoculum’

TOOL have finally announced their opening tour dates in support of their newly released ‘Fear Inoculum.’ I was honestly kind of worried there for a sec. But TOOL have an eleventh hour sort of way about announcing big events. And luckily they came through. It looks like they may be in it for the long haul too.

Tool – ‘Fear Inoculum’ Review

Well the time has finally come. After 13 long years, TOOL have finally dropped their long awaited follow up to 2006’s ‘10,000 Days.’ ‘Fear Inoculum,’ an 87 minute opus of everything TOOL has to offer. It’s certainly their most extensive record, their most prog influenced and their most amniotic. Which means the listener needs to have patience with the album. Something that doesn’t really exist anymore in our increasingly less patient society. However, other than it’s expansiveness and focus on amniotic moments, it’s a classic TOOL album. In fact, I’d call it ‘Lateralus’ part II. But with longer songs and more guitar jams.

Hard Rock Anniversary – 8/27/91 – Pearl Jam’s ‘Ten’

It’s one of the most iconic albums of the last 30 years. Pearl Jam’s ‘Ten’ is a loaded classic. Of course, there are many mega-albums from this era: Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind,’ Alice in Chains’ ‘Dirt,’ Soundgarden’s ‘Superunknown,’ and Mudhoney’s ‘Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge.’ And sandwiched between those records was a debut album from a band that had risen out of the remains of tragedy. Losing their frontman from a heroin overdose. They recruited a moody, growling vocalist and rebranded themselves Pearl Jam. And instantly got to work on an album. And when it dropped, it dropped.

Hard Rock Anniversary – 8/25/87 – Aerosmith’s ‘Permanent Vacation’

Often recognized as the mighty Aerosmith’s comeback, ‘Permanent Vacation’ is an iconic album. Not only was it Aerosmith’s big comeback, but the success of the album and the following success of the band made fans wonder if Aerosmith had signed any deals with Lucifer. Particularly when you consider that members of the band were found in dumpsters just three and a half years prior. The album is loaded with quality, big, hard rock from top to bottom. Plus, the production of the album is still mind blowing.

Metal Anniversary – 8/21/90 – Ratt’s ‘Detonator’

Last week the hard rock and metal community celebrated many iconic releases: Alice in Chains’ ‘Facelift,’ Anthrax’s ‘Persistence of Time’ and Motorhead’s self titled debut. But an album that was also released on the 21st of August that’s been overlooked is Ratt’s fifth and final classic line-up album, ‘Detonator.’

Slipknot Join Three In A Row Club

With their new release, ‘We Are Not Your Kind,’ Slipknot have joined the three in a row club. Meaning they’ve had three number one albums in a row. It’s also their fifth album in a row to crack the top three. Which is very impressive for a metal band of their nature. It’s not exactly melodic heavy metal. They tread on the heaviness of the 90’s greats: Pantera, Sepultura and Prong. The band’s self titled debut was released in 1999 after all. But I feel like Slipknot gets wrongfully put into the Nu Metal genre.

Whitesnake – ‘Slip of the Tongue’ 30th Anniversary Box Set Due Oct 4th

In keeping with their tradition of releasing epic anniversary box sets of their albums, Whitesnake are due to release their biggest box set yet. The 30th anniversary of their 1989 killer album ‘Slip of the Tongue.’ It’s the latest in their gigantic anniversary collection. And this time around David Coverdale isn’t beating around the bush on material. Not that he did before. But the deluxe box set of the 30th anniversary of ‘Slip of the Tongue’ seems to be a true Whitesnake fan’s collectors item. Complete with a remastered version of the album, unreleased studio recordings, the 1990 Donnington show, music videos and a new interview with the man himself, David Coverdale.

In Defense of…Kingdom Come…Copycat Band or Misunderstood Originals?

A lot of us here in the United States remember their chart topping, double platinum debut in 1988. German/American hybrid band Kingdom Come. Their self title debut garnered a lot of attention, even if it wasn’t for the best reasons. The band quickly began enduring name calling: Continue reading In Defense of…Kingdom Come…Copycat Band or Misunderstood Originals?

Jack Black and Jack White Collaborate On New Track

‘Black and White,’ ‘Jack and Jack,’ ‘J&B.’ Those are some possible names for the new Jack Black and Jack White collaboration. According to a new ‘Loudwire’ story, comedian Jack Black and Raconteurs front man Jack White have finally come together on a new song. The Tennessean confirmed the story since the collaboration was recorded in Nashville, calling the project ‘Jack Grey.’ Which I feel is the most appropriate name.

BREAK! Kicking It In L.A.

Being in a band that’s gaining momentum, but is still playing the obscure bar and local joint shows can be an interesting challenge. It’s a struggle, however it’s full of rewards and benefits. Such as free booze, fellowship and pizza. And also the growth of gaining a fan base. Plus, you never know who you’re going to end up meeting. Good friends are acquired in the most unlikely of places. Which makes the adventure worth while.