At the time of its initial launch, Tom Bejgrowicz stated:

While the three of us are bonded by music, that’s just the tip of the iceberg for who we are as people. Just as Alex and Randy have inspired so many, they’re equally inspired and motivated by a unique variety of people, places and things. It’s those very inspirations that make them who they are, their music sounds like it does and their words ring true for so many. *Unbuilt gives the three of us a platform to share those influences with whomever will listen.

The Unbuilt team — now accented by the socially conscious mind of Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz — is pleased to announce the upcoming release of Unbuilt Issue 02. Pre-orders can be made here, with worldwide shipping beginning Halloween, October 31st. Unbuilt is available exclusively online, direct from the artists themselves.

Bejgrowicz adds:

Having Alissa White-Gluz join our team offers a unique, socially conscious point of view with a very different backstory than that of Randy, Alex, and I. She’s not only a fantastic singer, her passion for animal rights, environmentalism, health, and responsible citizenship deliver a lot to the pages of Unbuilt.

Limited to 1,250 copies worldwide, Issue 02 features interviews with celebrity Chef Chris Santos (Chopped, Beauty & Essex), activist artist Molly Crabapple (Jay-Z, MoMA), author Bradford Morrow (The Forgers, Trinity Fields), employees with the Detroit non-profit visionaries The Empowerment Plan, and roadie-extraordinaire Josh Mihlek (Killswitch Engage, Avenged Sevenfold).

Issue 02 also contains a conversation between drummers Thom Green (Alt-J) and Abe Cunningham (Deftones) that occurred backstage at Wembley Arena in London before the Deftones’ sold out show there.

Further, Randy Blythe delivers “Show Me a Sign,” a series of exclusive images shot along old Rt. 66 when Randy and rock photographer Rob Fenn drove across the country along the old Rt. 66 in connection to Rob’s You, Me And A ’63 movie project that Randy and Rob are writing with Academy Award Winner Billy Bob Thornton. The photographs are accompanied by an essay discussing Randy’s response to the age-old question posed to artists, “Where do your ideas come from?”

Additionally, Unbuilt‘s “Exhibition Space” centerfold spread spotlights a different artist in each issue with the aforementioned Molly Crabapple gracing this issue.

Bejgrowicz commented further:

Having covered such an esteemed group of individuals in Issue 01, the editorial task was to neither repeat ourselves nor overanalyze where we were at and what we wanted to do. The beauty of focusing on ‘culture and lifestyle’ is that the sky’s the limit for topics to discuss. With Issue 02, we once again followed our gut instinct while avoiding redundancy to keep both ourselves and our readers on our toes.

Alex Skolnick added:

In this issue, there are profiles of fascinating folks, mostly ones that more people need to be aware of but also some genuine celebs engaging in fun, revealing, and in-depth conversation that goes where most existing media coverage does not. While it would be easy to have compromised the quality and integrity of Bejgrowicz — or worse yet, have given up altogether — we’ve hung in there. I’m very glad we did and beyond proud of our sophomore issue.

From every issue, $1 of sales from Unbuilt will go to help those in need around the world. Humane Society International and the International Committee of the Red Cross will each receive 50¢ from every issue sold.

The issue includes 32 pages, is 9″ x 11.5″, self-published, and ad-free.

Rock Hard \m/

But does it work with Arch Enemy on their latest album, War Eternal, with the introduction of Alissa White-Gluz?

Order Arch Enemy, War Eternal on CD or MP3.

Honestly, I was offput at first, insisting that this is in no way the Arch Enemy that I’d come to know and love. And that there’s no way Alissa could ever fill the goliath vocal duties left behind by former vocal giant, Angela Gossow. That’s still partially true after several listens to War Eternal, but the work does grow on you.

Now, understand that Alissa is a great vocalist in her own right and was fantastic with her former Montreal-based band, The Agonist. Despite actually having vocal coaching from Angela, Alissa has a style all her own, a style that she’s transposed to Arch Enemy. One thing I notice is the impression that her throat is tighter, enabling her to hit a higher note. Another element is her vocal melody, which is vastly different from Angela’s. So, songs in which Alissa’s style and personality come through, such as on “Never Forgive, Never Forget,” “No More Regrets,” “Stolen Life,” and “Time Is Black” there’s a move away from the Arch Enemy of the past.

Another aspect of Alissa’s personality that’s shown is her flare for the dramatic or theatrical. That’s not to say that Arch Enemy is a stranger to symphonic elements or studio tricks, and perhaps these things are under the microscope because of Alissa’s introduction, but these things seem to have gained prominence on War Eternal. Have a listen to “Tempore Nihil Sanat (Prelude in F minor),” which could serve as theme music to American Horror Story; “You Will Know My Name”; “Time Is Black”; and “Avalanche” to get a taste.

Understanding that Arch Enemy announced War Eternal’s release date and title just days prior to Angela Gossow’s statement that she was leaving the band, the album was most likely near completion. Certainly the majority of the songs had been finalized. So it stands to reason that Alissa didn’t contribute to the majority of songs, having already been written with Angela in mind. As such, we get a handful of classic-sounding Arch Enemy tracks: “War Eternal,” “As the Pages Burn,” “You Will Know My Name,” “On and On,” and “Down to Nothing.”

Alissa isn’t the only new Arch Enemy member to make a debut on this album; Nick Cordle joined the band on tour in 2012. On War Eternal he blends in flawlessly, trading guitar licks with Michael Amott like it was old hat. And some of the guitar solos on the album are top-notch, producing the “oh shit” effect in anyone who gets off on great tone and fret action. Check out “Never Forgive, Never Forget,” “War Eternal,” “No More Regrets,” and “Down to Nothing” for some prime examples. In the same breath, there’s nothing out-of-the-way extraordinary from the guitars here. Just clean and crisp work.

True to form, Daniel Erlandsson is beast behind the kit, giving everything just the right amount of whatever is required. Unfortunately, Sharlee D’Angelo, didn’t get a time to shine as he did on Khaos Legions.

Now, I can appreciate that AE might be trying something a little different, and right now, with a new singer, it might be the best time for a little bit of experimentation. Conversely, it might be the worst, because with a new vocalist there will be a microscope on the band, and any band in this situation should come out swinging.

Judging from the two previous tracks, I think AE came to fight, but “You Will Know My Name” feels like scrap riffs and solos cobbled together to make something resembling an AE song. I know that I’m sounding like a judgmental dick, so let’s take a look at what founding member and guitarist Michael Amott has had to say about the shift:

Changes in the band lineup are hardly ever looked upon favorably by the fans, which I completely understand. Nonetheless, it does happen and the changes that have been made in the Arch Enemy camp were necessary in order for the band to survive and keep going. I love the energy of working with new people and Alissa and Nick have certainly brought a lot of talent and enthusiasm to the band!

OK, and for a final pot shot today… I don’t know if Alissa has been paid yet, but you’d think that she could afford to ditch the tattered clothes from her previous band’s, The Agonist, theme for its latest album release, Prisoners (2012).

In all fairness, I love Arch Enemy, and will do my damnedest is to give the new album a fair shake.

What do you think of “You Will Know My Name”? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Rock Hard!

Some of those questions got answered when the band unleashed their first new single “War Eternal,” which is definitely a good taste of what’s to come with Alissa. However, from what I gathered, it just wasn’t enough for my liking until I heard “As the Pages Burn.” The latest single featuring the lyrics by Alissa that is truly stellar, if you’re a fan of old-school Arch Enemy. The song definitely sounds like music Arch Enemy released back in the late ’90s with a “Slayer-vibe in the intro/verse and a huge melodic chorus.”

According to Alissa, the song is her “favorite” from the 10th studio album:

‘As The Pages Burn’ is also one of my favorite songs. I think it’s going to be a very fun song to perform live. I really like fast-paced, energetic songs. A lot of the lyrics on the album are coming straight from my brain during sleepless nights. I often wake up in the middle of the night from horrible nightmares and just start writing songs. For whatever reason, I like the lyrics that I get that way, they feel real and uncensored. This song is one that I wrote at 4 a.m. in the dark, half asleep. In the morning I woke up and thought, ‘This is cool, I’m going to use this, and I know just the music to put it to’. The musical dynamics in the song are very satisfying to sing to as well. I hope you like it!

I really dig it and so will you. So check it out! War Eternal drops in stores on June 10th, via Century Media.

War Eternal track-listing (standard edition)

1. Tempore Nihil Sanat (Prelude in F minor)
2. Never Forgive, Never Forget
3. War Eternal
4. As The Pages Burn
5. No More Regrets
6. You Will Know My Name
7. Graveyard Of Dreams
8. Stolen Life
9. Time Is Black
10. On And On
11. Avalanche
12. Down To Nothing
13. Not Long For This World

In a statement released today, long-time frontwoman of Arch Enemy, Angela Gossow, has stepped down from her position behind the microphone and handed it to The Agonist’s Alissa White-Gluz. Gossow has been with the band since 2001’s Wages of Sin.

Arch Enemy will release their ninth album, War Eternal, this June, taking the opportunity to introduce White as their new vocalist. While it is heartbreaking that Gossow won’t be fronting the band any more, there’s certainly no sour grapes as she will be managing the band’s business affairs (plus she’s married to Michael Amott, guitarist).

White is obviously thrilled about the opportunity. As revealed to us in an interview with White a couple years ago, she and Gossow are friends, so we know it’s not a random selection. In fact, Gossow helped White develop vocally, so you can assume that there’s been some coaching done already.

Arch Enemy has stated that a new song will be released this week.

How do you feel about the change in the lineup? Post your comments below.

Here is Angela Gossow’s official statement:
[sic]

Dear Arch Enemy fans, this is not easy to tell you…I have decided to step down from being Arch Enemy’s voice of anger. After 13 years of pure fucking metal, 6 studio albums and countless tours through five continents, I feel the need to enter a different phase in my life, be with my family and pursue other interests. I will however remain business manager for Arch Enemy, and I will continue to develop my artist management roster.

I am staying true to my heavy metal roots, just leaving the spotlight so to speak. I am passing the torch to the super talented Alissa White-Gluz, whom I’ve known as a dear friend and a superb vocalist for many years. I always thought she deserved a chance to shine – and now she’s getting it. Just like I got that chance back in 2001.

I want to thank all Arch Enemy fans, our labels Century Media (worldwide) and Trooper Entertainment (Japan), our dedicated road crew, and in particular Michael, Daniel and Sharlee for their love and support throughout all these years. It’s been one hell of a ride! We conquered every situation, made it through thick & thin together in the most exciting and rewarding time of my life. Thank you all for being there with me on stage, in front of the stage, and backstage. You have touched my heart, and I hope I was able to give something back to you. I am grateful for the wonderful memories – I will cherish them forever!

I am looking forward to the next decade of Arch Enemy madness! Right now I am listening through rough mixes of the new studio album and I am blown away! 2014 will see a renewed Arch Enemy at the top of their game. I am proud to be part of this Arch Enemy chapter, albeit in a different way – revving up the engines behind the scenes. I hope to see you in front of the stage, I will join you there this time. Let the killing begin, once again!

And here is Alissa White-Gluz’ statement:
[sic]

I am very honored and happy to announce a new chapter in my life and musical career beginning now; I have joined forces with one of my all-time favorite and globally respected bands, ARCH ENEMY. ‘Wages of Sin’ was the first metal album I ever bought, and it was love at first listen. It is not often that you get a phone call from your favorite band asking you to join! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such amazingly talented musicians whom I also consider great friends. I look forward to being able to write and perform at a whole new level now with ARCH ENEMY! Music is forever, metal is limitless and this is only the beginning!

Rock Hard \m/

The sound was horrible. Too much feedback. Too much gain. Too much volume. I would place this blame on the sound engineer and the venue, which is small, but sound usually isn’t a problem there. It’s a shame, too, becuase The Agonist is a good band and we’ve seen them at this venue before without incident. We’ve also seen them perform outdoors, which was amazing for their sound.

At any rate, despite the sound issue, which I’m sure the band noticed, they soldiered on and put on the best show they could given the circumstance. Which leads me into the reasons to like The Agonist.

5. The Agonist has class

From Alissa White-Gluz handling the business side of the band to their onstage professionalism, The Agonist does everything it can to give the fans what they deserve and love. We saw the proof of that onstage toughness at the show I discussed above. Not once did the band members bitch about the sound or publicly berate the engineer, though they had every right to. That’s class. Also, this band is there to perform, not to get drunk or stoned or whatever. Maybe they do that after their set, but I’ve never seen them stumbling through their performance or stumbling around on the stage.

4. The Agonist is consistent

The Agonist formed in 2004, which means that they’re still a relatively young band. However, they quickly found success with their brand of metal and have stuck with it. Perhaps they will evolve their sound, as bands tend to do, but so far they’re consistent and fans know exactly what to expect. Go to any breakfast house in the country and bacon and eggs is bacon and eggs.

3. The Agonist is conscientious

It’s one thing to sing about animal rights, social issues, and world problems; it’s quite another to do something about them. Alissa might be the only vegetarian in the band, actually she converted to veganism in her teens, but her bandmates support and understand her convictions. She’s also done fundraisers for PETA, WWF, and SHAC since high school, and continues to do partnerships whenever she can. She’s also an animal rescuer, opening her home to animals and finding “foster” homes for others.

2. The Agonist is tight

The Agonist’s music is fast, frantic, intense, brutal, and it will move you. And just about every song is nearly equal in its flawlessness. The Agonist isn’t “small” as a band, they have a pretty big international following, but in the grand scheme of things, they’re still a struggling band, however, the technical level of their musicianship should carry them far. They’ve established and nearly perfected their sound, now, I think, they need to open up their doors to new influences.

1. The Agonist is female fronted

That’s not exactly what I mean. I’m not being sexist here. I have a great respect for female-fronted bands; some of my favorite bands are female fronted. OK, that kind of sounds like, “I have black friends; I’m not racist.” Let me explain though: Heavy Metal is a typically male-dominated industry, from those making the music to those running the labels to those sweating sausage-fest circle pits. To be a female in this industry is tough, and too often women are used as a tool to sell records. Labels have the idea of putting hot, moderately talented to talentless women at the front of a band to sell records. And yes, Alissa is attractive, but the success of The Agonist doesn’t rest in her cleavage. I believe she’s conscious of this and respect the fact that she doesn’t hide from her looks, but she doesn’t use them to sell records either.

Hopefully I justified my stance on my last point.

Rock Hard \m/

Credit: Steve Ladanyi/Yell! Magazine

Just as we did for Black History Month in February with our article 11 Blacks Who Kill It in Heavy Metal & Hard Rock, we’re honoring women during Women’s History Month with our tribute to 11 Women in Heavy Metal & Hard Rock Who Matter.

One thing was certain when we set out to make this list: we didn’t want any label-produced, cotton-candy, pink-bunny-rabbit women in heavy metal. Yes, we’re talking to you, Black Veil Brides (oh, wait, you’re dudes). We wanted real modern women who take their craft seriously, who are influencing other young women, and who are making an impact on the metal scene.

It’s truly amazing to see how far women in heavy metal – hell, in music in general – have come since the days of Janis Joplin, Grace Slick, Joan Jett, Vixen or Lita Ford. All of them are talented, but most assuredly exceptions to the conventions of their time. Truth be told, labels wanted hot chicks so that albums would sell. Just look what became of Heart when their label told Ann Wilson to lose weight. Perhaps due to the advent of the Internet and the digital era, women in heavy metal have more options to get heard than ever before.

Here is Yell! Magazine’s 11 Women in Heavy Metal & Hard Rock Who Matter:

No.11 Krysta Cameron

Iwrestledabearonce

Kicking the list off is Krysta Cameron of Iwrestledabearonce. The band is spastic, fast, heavy, creative, interesting, diverse, technical, chaotic, regulated, and led by Krysta Cameron on vocals. Her vocals masterfully range from death growls to metalcore screams to straight, Lisa Loeb-ish tones, but shush on that last point, since Krysta is actually influenced by Bjork, which you can hear as well.

If you’re one to judge looks, Iwrestledabearonce might at first appear to be some hipsters trying to be “ironic”; however, they’re just a bunch of nerds with too much talent having some fun, the kind of fun in which they interrupt a song to play the Inspector Gadget theme song.

Formed in 2007, Iwrestledabearonce has a self-titled EP (2007), and two albums on Century Media: It’s All Happening (2009) and Ruining it for Everyone (2011). Initially from Louisiana, the band now calls Alabama their home and has a big world to conquer. Let’s all give ‘em a big bear hug and wish ‘em well.

Stick around. We’ve barely begun this list of women in heavy metal and hard rock who matter…