Everything Ends: Paul Gray’s cause of death is revealed

Sensing an awful case of déjà vu.

Toxicology reports from the inquest into the cause of death of Slipknot’s #2 have been published.

The reports have found that the Grammy Award winner’s founder, brother and bassist Paul Gray died of a fatal overdose of morphine.

The body of the 38-year-old was found in a hotel room in his home state of Iowa. Police have stated that there was no evidence of prescriptions for the drugs.
This news comes just two weeks after belated results from toxicology reports investigating the death of Avenged Sevenfold’s drummer, Jimmy Sullivan, which came to a similar conclusion.

The eight members of Slipknot were crushed by the news of the death of their brother - who was expecting his first child - and held a 10 minute press conference in the days after. During the conference, where the band appeared for the first time in public without their famed masks, front man Corey Taylor described Paul as 'love.'

Tribute was paid at this month’s Download festival and millions of fans across the globe have expressed their grief.

Slipknot’s future is looking bleak if not non-existent. Again, only time will tell what’s in store for metal’s most exciting and influential freaks.

See the full conference here.

Parkway Drive - Deep Blue

Quite possibly the most perfectly executed forty-five minutes of noise... ever.

Some joker had posted a link on Australian-born Parkway Drive’s video for ‘Sleepwalker,’ the first single from the five piece’s latest work Deep Blue. The link was to a video of prepubescent pansy Justin Bieber’s teenage whinge ‘One Time.’ The comment with the link read something like “If you like this song, check this out...”

I did. Needless to say my first experience of the aforementioned will be my last and listening to that abortion of a song brought discomfort that I would associate with being punched repeatedly in the face. Deep Blue, on the contrary, is like watching Bieber being punched repeatedly in the face. It’s that good. And it is very, very punchy.It’s three years on since Parkway’s sophomore Horizons, now viewed within the metalcore scene as an outstanding example of the fusion genre.

The new release is a self-professed concept album about ‘a man who travels to the bottom of the sea to sort out his mind.’ As expected, it’s loud and fast and this time deals with lies, isolation and an ocean monster themed metaphor.

At a combined length of less than two and a half minutes, opening tracks ‘Samsara’ and ‘Unrest’ are far from fillers and collide perfectly to lead into the album’s single-worthy highlight. Boasting aggression through repetitive screams of “Just bodies through the teeth of the combine,” a riff that drills itself into the conscience and a video like the apocalyptic love child of Constantine and Cloverfield, ‘Sleepwalker’ is the album’s centrepiece.

It doesn’t stop there. What follows is a barrage of riff laden pace in every track. To anyone new to this style of music it would sound dense and repetitive but fans of this industry would note the quality in this bunch. They are tight and refined and do what they do well.

‘Deadweight’ shows off numerous tempo changes, ‘Alone’ is the first – albeit brief – moment of soft melody amidst more changes in pace and ‘Pressures’ solo scream of “Their voices search for me through the darkness, yet I feel desire's cold grip upon my heart no more” is another angst driven slice of unpredictability. The scope of Front man Winston McCall’s vocal talent is accentuated in ‘Leviathan I.’ Leviathan is a biblical sea monster, relating perfectly to the concept idea, and the track itself is probably one of the most exciting moments on the album. The album ends as it begins with a minute and a half of brute in ‘Set to Destroy’ and the realisation that the last three quarters of an hour have been relentlessly heavy.

The most exciting thing about this band is the originality. The lack of apparent structure, any form of clean vocals and an eclectic mix of ideas and tempos gives it an entirely fresh feel. It’s not what you’d expect from a bunch of East coast Aussies. It’s far from sunny pop. It is essentially just noise to the average person. But it’s so perfectly executed it sounds like nothing else and is definitely an unlikely soundtrack to summer 2010.

Deep Blue is out June 28^th. Check out the incredible ‘Sleepwalker’ here.

foREVer: nightmare tracklisting

Californian Metalites Avenged Sevenfold have finally published the cover art and full track listing for their upcoming album 'Nightmare.'

Every day for the last 18 days team A7X have enigmatically unveiled the cover art for their fifth album through the use of slide.com and a jigsaw, found at avengedsevenfold.com.

Now, alongside the completed picture, the website boasts a list of 11 tracks to be expected on thir latest effort.

For our listening pleasure:

1. Nightmare
2. Welcome To The Family
3. Danger Line
4. Buried Alive
5. Natural Born Killer
6. So Far Away
7. God Hates Us
8. Victim
9. Tonight The World Dies
10. Fiction
11. Save Me

Although secrecy surrounding the album is paramount the band has stated that the song 'Fiction' - Jimmy 'the Rev' Sullivan's self-given nickname - was the last track written by their late drummer before he died last year.

Unfortunately it doesn't look like there will be any accidental leaks for us itching diehard fans to cheekily latch on to. So, we wait.

Your Nightmare comes to life, July 27th 2010.

Too many doses: The Rev’s cause of death is revealed

The world of modern metal was rocked at the end of last year when Avenged Sevenfold drummer Jimmy Sullivan, aka ‘The Rev’, was found dead at his home in Huntington Beach, California. It was my birthday when I heard and I, for one, was heartbroken.

It has been reported that on Wednesday June 9^th 2010 – 199 days since his death was announced – the band’s manager Larry Jacobson spoke to US magazine Rolling Stone following the publishing of the Orange County Coroner’s Office report.

The cause of his death on December 28th 2009 was labelled as ‘by natural causes,’ which remained a conclusion that many fans wouldn’t accept due to his painfully young age.

However according to toxicology tests released this week, the 28-year-old actually died of an accidental drug overdose, outlined as "acute polydrug intoxication due to combined effects of Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Diazepam / Nordiazepam and ethanol." Oxycodone and Oxymorphone are both morphine-like drugs used to relieve severe pain and Diazepam – also known as Valium – is a tranquiliser used for anxiety and as a muscle relaxant. Ethanol is, as we all know from GCSE Science and fresher’s week, alcohol.

"To all of us who loved Jimmy, the only thing relevant about December 28 is that is the night we lost, too soon, a son, brother, friend and one of the most talented artists in the world," Jacobson told the magazine. "Every day, his parents and sisters, and his brothers in Avenged Sevenfold smile at the many memories they have of Jimmy and his fans around the world revel in the musical legacy he left them."

Jimmy had been playing drums since he was just five, and was known across his home state for being a ‘machine’ behind the kit. The five-piece had been best friends since early days of school. In a heart-wrenching finale to his tribute on the band’s website, Shadows said: “I love you Jimmy and I feel like the luckiest man in the world to have known you and spent 18

years of my life with you. Rest in Peace my friend.”

The organisers of this weekend's Download festival will be paying tribute to seven rock icons who have fallen in recent months. The Rev will be featured among them alongside Slipknot bassist Paul Gray who died suddenly last month and universal metal legend Ronnie James Dio who lost his battle with cancer, also last month.

Personally I believe Satan is worried Dimebag was getting bored. That’s some super group he formed down there now.

Avenged Sevenfold are set to play the US Uproar Tour this summer with Dream Theatre’s Mike Portnoy. The band has openly said it’ll be the hardest thing they’ll ever do and are making no decisions as to what comes next. For the fans, ‘Nightmare’ is next. July 27^th.

The Devil's Show: Avenged Sevenfold's 'Nightmare.'

Avenged Sevenfold return after two years and the recent death of their Drummer, Jimmy 'the Rev' Sullivan, with something very special indeed.

I was a spritely 15-year-old on my merry way home from school the first time I heard the Orange County five-piece. My portable CD player, somehow wedged into my trouser pocket, proudly displayed my copy of Kerrang!’s 2005 Awards album I got free with an issue that week. Among the tracks featured included Green Day’s ‘She’s a Rebel,’ Trivium’s ‘Pull Harder...’ and old school Lordi - before they were Eurovision champions, of course.

'Trashed and Scattered' was track 14, so it was almost an entire journey home before I heard it. Admittedly, seeing as this golden snippet featured on their third album City of Evil, I became a fan late. Having got hold of their sublime sophomore Waking the Fallen weeks later it soon became more of a dark infatuation than your average fanhood. A love for unpredictable double bass drums, raw growly vocals and sinister Bible-inspired lyrics that led me to the likes of Atreyu and Still Remains. I sat through countless free periods with my friends mimicking Shadows’ slur with unrelenting teen angst. I have done the same on an EasyJet flight to France and an open top boat on Lake Titicaca in South America. In the wake of the ‘indefinite hiatus’ of Blink 182 in 2005, these two albums saved my tears and changed my life. Well, diverted me from my inevitable plunge into pre-Blink depression and a devotion to +44 and, God forbid, Angels and Airwaves.

Waking the Fallen still remains my favourite album of all time. But on first hearing Avenged Sevenfold’s latest effort, ‘Nightmare’, it could be robbed of its title of my favourite Sevenfold moment. Can an album be judged on the strength of its first track? It’s been four weeks since I first heard ‘Nightmare’ and it’s likely I’ve given it a listen at least once a day since. Naturally, you would expect to tire but with each listen it seems to – somehow – grow on me even more.

The news of sticksman Jimmy Sullivan’s death at the end of 2009 had left me believing that was it for them as a band. It was my birthday and I was devastated. Childhood friends that they are, they’ve always raved about Avenged Sevenfold being more of a brotherhood than a band and were undoubtedly shaken by his sudden death. But, with the help of Dream Theatre’s Mike Portnoy, the boys found the willpower to lay down the drums and finish the album Jimmy had written in the months before. The album art says it all. It is Jimmy’s skull and the finished work will no doubt become his legacy. Whether they will continue as a band after a summer touring with Portnoy is uncertain.

So, the new song. It begins with what sounds like a music box. It could be a serenade, a sleep aid before the ‘Nightmare’ begins and develops smoothly with an orchestral backing. After a classic Gates into and rolling drums – perfected by The Rev’s hero, the Dream Theatre legend himself – Shadows screams “Nightmare! Now your nightmare comes to life...” which leads an unexpected groove laden verse. The frontman opens it with a sneer of “Dragged ya down below, down to the devil’s show to be his guest forever...” and I count three different vocal tones within the first minute, with fine examples of question and answer and mind blowing speed into the chorus. Seriously, they do what they do very, very well.

It takes a few listens to hone into the smooth piano through the chorus which houses another example of a crafted melody which fits Shadows voice perfectly. The midsection is a song itself. At just over six minutes it has everything Sevenfold have made their own – the classic riffs, the aggressive imaginative lyrics and the unpredictability. It ends with “Your tragic fate is looking so clear. It’s your fuckin’ nightmare” and the hint of it leading into something explosive.

Whatever the thought process behind it, the suggestions made through the single, the album art and the album’s content show A7X have clearly dabbled with the idea of a concept album on their fifth outing. They say it’s the darkest record yet, both lyrically and musically, and deals with the pain of losing their best friend.

The bottom line is it’s one of those songs you wish you’d written. It may be under the hardest circumstances but if the rest of the album follows in suit this could be their greatest achievement yet, their sound still developing and improving at every turn. I, for one, cannot wait.

Avenged Sevenfold’s ‘Nightmare’ is out on July 27th 2010. The single of the same name is out now. If you are at all intrigued I suggest checking it out.

'Nightmare' (Single)
'Trashed and Scattered' (from City of Evil)
'Second Heartbeat' (from Waking the Fallen)

Bournemouth Ink - 29th and 30th July, 2010.

The buzz of the needle at every corner takes a bit of getting used to. At first it’s like a prominent tinnitus. Then after a while it becomes an accepted background noise. But then as you turn corners, weaving through the crowds of people, and catch the tiniest glimpse of a tattooist and their subject hard at work, or the folders of drawings and past proud efforts, the drone becomes an excitable prospect and more of a symbol of where the once taboo hobby sits in the world today.

I went to Bournemouth Ink last weekend with my Journo friend Joanna Stass. With every intention of getting inked myself, mind you. I didn’t. But I did meet some utterly fascinating people with their own unique experiences and relationships with the art. Tattooists who have dedicated 10 or 20 years to it. Ordinary people who have covered themselves in ink to stand out from the crowd or to embrace the idea that you can change your image, your confidence and catch the eye of a passersby.

When you see so many tattoos in one place and the pride strewn across the faces of their owners it really becomes apparent that tattooing has developed into something more than the ‘cutthroat industry’ that some tattooists speak of - an image that is certainly conjured in the minds of those who are ignorant and cynical of the two thousand year old tradition. Tattoos are traditionally associated with convicts, bikers and gang culture. But today individuals from all walks of life are delving into the world of tattoo for their own personal reasons. And it is humbling to meet so many of them who strike you as interesting, friendly and down to earth human beings who are simply making the most of what life has to offer. One man tells me the symbols on his arm represent his wife and children. To anyone who doesn’t know, it’s simply an intriguing pattern on his forearm. An apprentice tattooist tells us that the portrait of Steve Carell sits proudly on his thigh because he’s ‘a huge fan – it was an obvious choice.’ It makes everyone who walks by stop and gasp in awe. Whatever your reason for having a tattoo, nothing makes you more unique than sporting a drawing or script that you believe makes you different to everyone else and ultimately changes your life.

Tattooing is an art. Art is made to be flaunted and on display to the world and no one here is shy of the camera. I get grins and poses at every turn from both tattooists and tattooees and propositions to return later to see the finished piece. An elaborate puffin painting, a Spiderman still, a hyper realistic picture of glamour model Vikki Blows. Speaking to those receiving tattoos only accentuates the excitement that surrounds such a long term commitment and you can almost smell the pump of adrenaline.

The end of both nights brings a catwalk for ink. Cheers echo around the auditorium, a video camera projects the art on a screen as onlookers ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ and for a split second each individual - that adrenaline still pumping from the day’s inking – becomes the focus of every eye in the room. Pride. I have never before appreciated contemporary art so much and have never had such an adoration for the work an artist of this kind does. Local tattoo hero Steve A said to us: “I could pick any medium to do my art on but having human beings is the most beautiful thing. Everyone is different and everyone has a unique concept to work on.” The evidence stands on the stage before hundreds of applauding enthusiasts.













The art of tattoo is evolving with the birth of hyper-realism and graffiti culture. It brings the pictures artists draw to life and adds a pride that cannot be found in a piece of art that hangs in a gallery. For the tattooed it allows a flaunting of individualism and, during a weekend like this, allows those involved in the tradition to become a family.

I will never look at a tattoo in the same way again.

Watch the video for an insight into our experience at Bournemouth Ink 2010. We caught up with Legendary tattooists Dan Gold, Steve A and Phil Kyle and upcoming artist Rich Simmons, who works for urban designers Graffiti Kings.

Check out what happened when Jo met up with London Ink legend Dan Gold.

BINK in Pictures- The highlights of the weekend

Slam Dunk- 02 Academy, Bournemouth, Friday May 28th. Set Your Goals, Out of Sight, Hit the Lights, Four Year Strong, New Found Glory.

Independent music label Slam Dunk sports an annual in-door festival of the same name to showcase their clients and play host to larger bands from all over. The festival has seen Fall Out Boy, Reel Big Fish and Paramore on its stages during its 4 years and this year was as big as ever. Its sister show – with bands from the festival’s main stage - stopped by Bournemouth’s 02 Academy this weekend to give fans of the scene a taste of what’s to come. And it started on a very good note.

Unlikely openers Set Your Goals have somewhere else to be so get the night underway, much to everyone’s confusion and the disappointment of those who are running late.
These guys are not a band to be judged on appearances as what you see, at times, resembles a hyper group of mathletes fronted by an uncool, white Keenan and Kel.Following a command to form a circle pit from Kel, Keenan quickly steps in with a terrified look and a cutthroat signal - a sign that circle pits are not allowed. You could almost imagine his counterpart declaring “aaaaah, here it goes...” That was not very METAL. Then, pop punk isn’t particularly metal. If you’re paying more attention to the music then you’d notice the pair works well with contrasting vocals and as a unit they are tight and seem flawless, full of an infectious energy and somewhat daring confidence which makes them a difficult act to follow.

Unfortunately those with the task of following are fresh faced four piece Out Of Sight. There’s nothing too wrong with what they’ve written but it’s certainly not original, no one knows who they are and no one is here to find out. Seeing as they were opening main stage at the festival this weekend you feel some pity that they have to beg the crowd to sing back lyrics that just aren’t as inventive or anthem worthy as they think.

“Who’s drunk yet?” bassist Sean slurs. Clearly him. Given that it is only 6.30pm and a great deal of the crowd are still in secondary school, only a handful of punters respond – which is awkward. It’s a shame they’re not as good as they think they are and no amount of sex faces or pleading for crowd participation is going to change that. A highlight comes mid-set when they attempt a cover of Black Eyed Peas ‘I Gotta Feeling’ which, admittedly, stirs some excitement. And, yes, it is going to be a good night. But when Journey gets a better sing along during the following sound check it’s apparent that it really is Out of Sight... out of mind. Chortle.

The 400 capacity venue is still filling up when Hit the Lights hit the stage. With copius amounts of energy and a guitarist who could pass off as a possessed Moss from the IT Crowd, they sound more like New Found Glory than New Found Glory. Well, almost. This is no accident as NFG spawned this scene and, although theirs is not an entirely original sound, those watching and listening start bouncing and singing and take to them well. The response from the crowd gives the Journey record a run for its money and its volume during the frequent breakdowns invites goosebumps every time.
It is obvious from the continuing roar of the crowd that Four Year Strong are as popular as the headliners and, if one didn’t know better, one would think everyone was here to see them. As far as their sound goes they’re not what the night has dictated so far and boast an aggression that has left a whole in what has come before. If you can look past the fact that front man Dan O'Connor looks like an angry saliva beleaguered Brian Blessed, who’s Gruff vocals are a welcome break from the whine of the pop punk, then what stands before you is a vat of sounds combining classic Rise Against with the hardcore hooks of Story of the Year. With no shortage of material and songs with intriguing titles such as ‘What the Hell is a Gigawatt?’ and ‘Prepare To Be Digitally Manipulated,’ Four year strong are definitely one to watch.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of their self titled release and, as they bound onto the stage to the sounds of Miley Cyrus’ ‘Party in the Usa,’ New Found Glory bring a sense of completion to the bill tonight. “We are going to play a shit load of songs for you!” front man Jordan Pundik beams. And they do so with the flare and precision that they’re known for, the crowd following every word and every song being met with a colossal scream. Classics ‘Hit or Miss,’ ‘Catalyst,’ ‘Dressed to Kill’ and ‘My Friends over you,’ as well as an excellent cover of ‘Kiss Me,’ are highlights and it hits home just how much NYG have brought to the scene when guitarist Chad Gilbert thanks the fans for their support and promises that “no matter how uncool we may be, New Found Glory will always be there for you.” Judging by the energy in here tonight, they are definitely still cool and - even after 10 years - show no signs of slowing down.

Oh and, let’s face it, everyone knows Hayley meant to send that picture to Chad. Lol.