A slight case of sleeplessness brings you this early edition of the Scrap Metal Report today. Just a few things to run down in the news.

God Forbid are streaming their entire new record, Earthsblood on their Myspace. Earthsblood sees it’s release on century Media on February 24th.

Hatebreed guitarist Sean Martin has decided to resign from his duties in the Connecticut hardcore band. No details on the circumstances of is decision but there doesn’t seem to be any bad blood. Original guitarist Wayne Lozinak will step back in to the band to fill Sean’s vacant spot.

Tool Guitarist Adam Jones and Bass player Justin Chancellor have started to write new material for the follow up to 2006’s 10,000 Days. No word yet on any estimated time frame for that release.

Iron Maiden’s last show of their Somewhere Back In Time World Tour 2008/’09 will be at Ft. Lauderdale Florida. This will close out this epic tour and will be the first time Maiden has played in Florida in 13 years.

Lastly, I have 2 pairs of tickets for Scion Rock Fest for February 28th in Atlanta, Georgia and only one request so far. I have to close this out at the end of the day, so if you want to go visit here and put your name in the hat.

Check back throughout the day for more updates.

Post from: Metal Martyr

Metal Martyr Best Live Shows Of 2008

1. Carcass Reunion: This was like a dream come true. I didn’t think I would ever get to see Carcass play live after becoming a fan in 1993. Hopefully we will see more of this in the future in the U.S.
2. Hatebreed: One of the most energetic shows from a crowd I have seen down here. Beside being dry-humped by some over enthusiastic, sweaty dude behind me, I had a great time and it was a very memorable show.
3. Opeth: Sold out show, amazing show. I wish they had played some more acoustic stuff…or I wish I had stuck around for the second hour of their set to catch any acoustic stuff they may have played.
4. Firewind: Powerful live show. Guitars and vocals that just make the show. I wasn’t really a fan of this band before they went on stage but I was eager to see them live for some reason. When they took the stage I immediately though it was kind of cheesy…for about 20 seconds. After that it was total amazement.
5. The Sword: I think they sound just as good, if not better live. Guitar driven metal that is simplistic and catchy enough to keep everything interesting.
6. Early Man: A great, thrashy show.
7. Suffocation: Caught them on the Carcass reunion. The death metal and deathcore bands of today could learn a thing or two from these guys…like writing your song so you can play them live.
8. Machinehead: This is the second time I’ve seen Machinhead, but the first time in over 10 years. They still know how to rock the stage and were really cool during signings.
9. Slipknot: I’ve waited 8 years to see these guys live. A lot of people say they don’t put out the energy like they used to but I think they put on a better show than what they used to from the videos I’ve seen. Jumping around onstage is cool and everything…but I want to hear quality music too.
10. All That Remains: Twice this year I’ve seen ATR and neither time have I been disappointed. Phil knows how to work the stage and Oli’s nimble fingers make for some beautiful solos.

There is my top ten. Here are a few other mentions

Loudest Live Show

• Torche (opened for The Sword)

Strangest Live Act

• The Monotonix – Starts out kind of fun and wacky and then just goes overboard and stupid really quickly.

Pissed That I Missed Shows (Shows that came around and I wanted to see but missed for one reason or another)

• Kataklysm
• In Flames, Gojira

Image ©MetalMartyr.com 2008

Post from: Metal Martyr