A Great Soul Was Extinguished From The New York City Heavy Music Scene: Rock In Peace Not-So-Evil Steve Ventura!

Yesterday, the New York City Heavy Music scene lost a man that literally bled for the underground music scene! Steve Ventura (A.K.A. Evil Steve), was not only a devoted fan and supporter of all things related to the local music scene (he introduced us to a handful of bands), but he thankfully also captured the essence of this ever-growing scene through the lens of his camera!

One thing that is very inspiring about Steve is how after working all types of jobs for so many years so he could help raise his children, he decided to go back to school and follow his passion of becoming a professional photographer. Unfortunately but rightfully, his plans changed after his father passed away and he took it upon himself to take care of his elderly mother who became very fragile after the death of Mr. Ventura.

We will never forget how Steve jumped on board the Horns Up Rocks crazy train without expecting anything in return! He did it because he believed in us and we believed in his immense talent. We had many conversations with Steve and reassured him that we'd wait for him to be ready to jump back on board, because we respected his priorities as the wonderful son he was.

While Steve might have made some mistakes in his past, just like most of us have. He won't be remembered because of the errors he committed... he will always be remembered for his huge heart and perseverance. If there is one thing that everyone can learn from him, is that life is too short to waste it away! Follow your passion and don't let anyone slow you down. And if they do, just give them the middle finger!

Steve: we love you and thank you for everything you did for us and the entire Heavy Music scene! Rock in PEACE, and rest assured that we will not let your flame be extinguished! \m/



More information about his funeral arrangements to follow!

Services for "Evil" Steve Ventura will be held tomorrow 2/3/12 at:

English Brothers Funeral Home
2203 Avenue Z
(718)743-8459
Viewing Hours:
2-5pm
7-9pm

Go to the comments section and let us know what Steve Ventura meant to you!

‎"A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety. You will always be a rock star photographer Steve... no matter what!" - Porphyra Philia

Steve filmed this Horns Up Rocks interview at one of the first national concerts ever covered by us:



"I remember talking to Steve when he first started his photography degree. Watching his photography evolve made me so proud to see. He achieved success and his photos will make him live on forever. I am so sad to read that we lost him." - Stephanie Volpe

"VERY sad news! Steve Ventura (AKA EvilSteveBklynNY): one of the members of the NYC Metal familia has passed away! Throughout the last year he was "missing in action" since he was taking care of his mother after his father passed away. Last time I saw him he offered me some chips out of a semi empty bag even though he was hungry... Steve would literally give you his shirt if you were cold, his drink if you were thirsty & helped me so much when I started Horns Up Rocks! YOU WILL BE SORELY MISSED by the entire NYC Metal familia! I LOVE YOU brother & ROCK IN PEACE my friend, you deserve it!" - Jo Schüftan

Click to see more pictures taken by Steve Ventura

Jesse Leach Discusses TESF's NEW EP, Future Plans & The Possibility Of Re-joining Killswitch Engage!

The Empire Shall Fall recently unleashed their sophomore EP entitled 'Volume 1: Solar Plexus' and the response has been massive. This is the first installment of a 3 part project they have been working on constantly in order to keep feeding their hungry fans some NEW music as often as possible. The band recently debuted their NEW EP via a hometown show in Brooklyn, New York. While the band has always possessed immense talent, at this show the band made it evident that their sonic approach has matured and they are not afraid of trying NEW things.

If one had to point fingers at who is responsible for TESF's musical direction, all fingers would be pointed at vocalist/lyricist Jesse Leach. Regardless of which band he is with, Leach always brings with him a bag full of tricks that are ever-changing. His energy on stage is addicting, and his vocal projection is always on point. He really makes you wonder how the hell does he do it?

Before The Empire Shall Fall took center stage at Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn, we had the chance to chat with Leach about TESF's NEW EP entitled "Volume 1: Solar Plexus". During the interview he also discussed his musical agenda for 2012, and the possibility of rejoining Killswitch Engage. Without further due, here is our EXCLUSIVE interview with Jesse Leach!



You can listen to "Volume 1: Solar Plexus" it now at the link below, your ears will thank you forever!



Additional tour dates:

- January 13th at the Fete, in Providence RI
- January 14th at the Great Scott, in Boston, MA

Related links:
Click here to listen to the NEW EP from The Empire Shall Fall 'Volume 1: Solar Plexus'
Click here to purchase the NEW EP from The Empire Shall Fall 'Volume 1: Solar Plexus'
Official site of The Empire Shall Fall
The Empire Shall Fall on Facebook
The Empire Shall Fall on Twitter

A Pale Horse Named Death To Stream Brooklyn, New York Show LIVE!

A Pale Horse Named Death are kicking of 2012 with a special hometown show in Brooklyn, NY at The Knitting Factory. The show which will take place tomorrow (Friday, January 6th), will also be streaming in full courtesy of APHND, The Knitting Factory and LiveStream.com. The Live Stream of the concert can be accessed at the link below.

In other APHND news, the band has parted ways with guitarist Bobby Hambel, and has announced a replacement. Frontman Sal Abruscato commented about the lineup change.

"Due to conflicting schedules with Biohazard, Bobby Hambel is unable to tour any further with A Pale Horse Named Death. We wish Bobby and Biohazard all the great success they deserve on their upcoming release in January 2012. Eddie Heedles has been chosen as the new replacement for Bobby. Eddie is a shredding guitarist who has worked with the likes of Corey Glover (Living Colour), T.M. Stevens, Vernon Reid (Living Colour), Sekond Skyn and The White Chocolate Experience."



APHND is the brainchild of Brooklyn, NY native Sal Abruscato, and sounds like Alice in Chains mysteriously sneaking up behind Type O Negative with a butcher knife while being filmed for a future episode of "Law & Order".

"And Hell Will Follow Me" is available in three different formats: Digipak CD, 2 LP Set and digital download. The 2 LP Set comes on 180 gram vinyl and also includes a copy of the CD. In addition the 2 LP set features an LP exclusive bonus track: "Pickup Truck". Order the album HERE.

One-off Show:

- January 6, 2012 in Brooklyn, NY at The Knitting Factory.

"Hell Across Europe" 2012 Headlining Tour:

- 11 Jan Vienna, AUSTRIA, Szene Wein
- 12 Jan Munich, GERMANY, Backstage
- 13 Jan Zurich, SWITZERLAND, Werk 21
- 14 Jan Novara, ITALY, Rock N Roll Arena
- 15 Jan Stuttgart, GERMANY, Die Röhre
- 17 Jan Wiesbaden, GERMANY, Schlachthof
- 18 Jan Cologne, GERMANY, Underground
- 20 Jan Dublin, IRELAND, The Pint
- 21 Jan Belfast, N. IRELAND, Spring & Airbrake
- 22 Jan Manchester, ENGLAND, Moho Live
- 24 Jan Wrexham, WALES, Central Station
- 25 Jan Wolverhampton, ENGLAND, Slade Rooms
- 27 Jan London, ENGLAND, The Borderline
- 29 Jan Antwerp, BELGIUM, Trix
- 31 Jan Copenhagen, DENMARK, The Rock
- 01 Feb Hamburg, GERMANY, Logo
- 02 Feb Kerkrade, NETHERLANDS, Rock Temple
- 03 Feb Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS, Melkweg
- 04 Feb Bielefeld, GERMANY, The Forum
- 05 Feb Saarbrucken, GERMANY, Garage Club
- 07 Feb Berlin, GERMANY, White Trash
- 10 Feb Warsaw, POLAND, Progresja
- 11 Feb Wroclaw, POLAND, Firlej
- 12 Feb Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC, Exit-US

LIVE - Line Up:

- Sal Abruscato (Life Of Agony), Guitar & Vocals
- Johnny Kelly (Type O Negative, Seventh Void), Drums
- Matt Brown (Supermassiv, Seventh Void), Guitar
- Eddie Heedles, Guitar
- Eric Morgan, Bass

Video credit: Steve Lars from Creative Ventures International & Steve Lars on Facebook

Related links:
Click here to access APHND's Live Stream of their hometown show in Brooklyn, NY
Click here to purchase tickets for APHND's Brooklyn, NY show
Click here to order A Pale Horse Named Death's "And Hell Follow Me"
Click here to get A Pale Horse Named Death's iPhone app
A Pale Horse Named Death
SPV

Alekhnine's Gun Set to Dominate Saint Vitus Bar This Friday - 'Meditations In Wrath' EP Online Now!

Ever since we first had Alekhine's Gun pointed to our heads, we have kept a close watch on this furious New York City band. Hailing from Brooklyn, the band is composed by Jessica Pimentel (voice of steel), Jeff Martinez (shredder), Angel Cotte (skin basher), and Daniel Martinez (groove meister). If music can be used as a weapon, this band is armed to the teeth and extremely dangerous.

The band is set's debut EP entitled 'Meditations In Wrath' is available now at the links below, just beware that your ears will become instantly addicted to their ferocious sounds.

This Friday, January 6th, Alekhine's will be performing at Saint Vitus Bar alongside Jesse Leach's The Empire Shall Fall, East Of The Wall, Bangladeafy, and Fashion Week. Additionally, the event will be hosted and DJed by Jo Schüftan from Horns Up Rocks. Here are all the details you need:

- Date/time: Friday, January 6th at 7 PM.
- Cost: $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
- Location: Saint Vitus Bar, 1120 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint, New York
- Click to RSVP!
- Click here to purchase tickets at a discounted rate!

Related links:
Click here to purchase 'Meditation In Wrath' on Bandcamp
Click here to purchase 'Meditations In Wrath' on iTunes
Alekhine's Gun on Facebook
Alekhine's Gun on Twitter

The Empire Shall Fall Set To Debut NEW EP In Brooklyn, NY!

The Empire Shall Fall recently unleashed their sophomore EP entitled 'Volume 1: Solar Plexus' and the response has been massive. This is the first installment of a 3 part project they have been working on in order to keep feeding their hungry fans some NEW music as often as possible. You can listen to it now at the link below, your ears will thank you forever!

Former Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach and company, will be taking center stage at St. Vitus Bar in Brooklyn, NY on Friday, January 6, 2012. This will be the first time that the band will be performing their NEW songs in front of a live audience and it is all thanks to Jefferson Avenue Productions. Joining them will be:

- East of the Wall
- Alekhine's Gun
- Bangladeafy
- Fashion Week

+ Hosted & DJed by Jo Schüftan from Horns Up Rocks!

Details:

- Date/time: Friday, January 6th at 7 PM.
- Cost: $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
- Location: Saint Vitus Bar, 1120 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint, New York
- Click here to RSVP
- Click here to purchase tickets now!

The Empire Shall fall first came into being in the summer of 2008, after longtime friends Nick Sollecito and Jesse Leach got together and decided it was high time for them to form a band. Though Leach had split with Killswitch Engage several years previously and Sollecito’s roots lay mainly in the jazz and hip hop scenes, they were dead-set on bringing a balls-out modern metal band to life. After finding a temporary drummer and recruiting Jake Davenport on guitar, and practicing endlessly to truly nail down the TESF sound, the quartet began playing gigs around New England. The addition of Marc de Lisle on second guitar and Jeff Pitts on drums solidified the band’s lineup, and led to the recording of the band’s debut full-length, Awaken. Financing the entire recording as well as all merchandise, pressing, and touring costs themselves and set to release the album on Sollecito’s own Angle Side Side Records in November 2009, The Empire Shall Fall are the perfect example of a determined, ambitious, totally DIY band on a mission.



Additional tour dates:

- January 7th at the Irish American Association, in Kearny, NJ
- January 13th at the Fete, in Providence RI
- January 14th at the Great Scott, in Boston, MA

Related links:
Click here to listen to the NEW EP from The Empire Shall Fall 'Volume 1: Solar Plexus'
Click here to purchase the NEW EP from The Empire Shall Fall 'Volume 1: Solar Plexus'
Official site of The Empire Shall Fall
The Empire Shall Fall on Facebook
The Empire Shall Fall on Twitter

A Pale Horse Named Death To Stream Brooklyn, New York Show!

A Pale Horse Named Death are kicking of 2012 with a special hometown show in Brooklyn, NY at The Knitting Factory. The show which will take place January 6th, will also be streaming in full courtesy of APHND, The Knitting Factory and LiveStream.com. Tickets can be purchased at the link below. The Live Stream of the concert will can be accessed at http://www.livestream.com/theknitbrooklyn on the day of the show.

In other APHND news, the band has parted ways with guitarist Bobby Hambel, and has announced a replacement. Frontman Sal Abruscato commented about the lineup change.

"Due to conflicting schedules with Biohazard, Bobby Hambel is unable to tour any further with A Pale Horse Named Death. We wish Bobby and Biohazard all the great success they deserve on their upcoming release in January 2012. Eddie Heedles has been chosen as the new replacement for Bobby. Eddie is a shredding guitarist who has worked with the likes of Corey Glover (Living Colour), T.M. Stevens, Vernon Reid (Living Colour), Sekond Skyn and The White Chocolate Experience."



APHND's debut album "And Hell Will Follow Me" was named #6 on Revolver Magazine's Top 20 Albums of 2011. Not stopping there "And Hell Will Follow Me" also grabbed the number 6 spot on Germany's Laut.de. (Laut.de is one of the biggest German alternative/rock/mainstream music websites in Germany).

A Pale Horse Named Death is the brainchild of Brooklyn, NY native Sal Abruscato, and sounds like Alice in Chains mysteriously sneaking up behind Type O Negative with a butcher knife while being filmed for a future episode of "Law & Order".

"And Hell Will Follow Me" is available in three different formats: Digipak CD, 2 LP Set and digital download. The 2 LP Set comes on 180 gram vinyl and also includes a copy of the CD. In addition the 2 LP set features an LP exclusive bonus track: "Pickup Truck".

Order "And Hell Follow Me" below.

One-off Show:

- January 6, 2012 in Brooklyn, NY at The Knitting Factory.

"Hell Across Europe" 2012 Headlining Tour:

- 11 Jan Vienna, AUSTRIA, Szene Wein
- 12 Jan Munich, GERMANY, Backstage
- 13 Jan Zurich, SWITZERLAND, Werk 21
- 14 Jan Novara, ITALY, Rock N Roll Arena
- 15 Jan Stuttgart, GERMANY, Die Röhre
- 17 Jan Wiesbaden, GERMANY, Schlachthof
- 18 Jan Cologne, GERMANY, Underground
- 20 Jan Dublin, IRELAND, The Pint
- 21 Jan Belfast, N. IRELAND, Spring & Airbrake
- 22 Jan Manchester, ENGLAND, Moho Live
- 24 Jan Wrexham, WALES, Central Station
- 25 Jan Wolverhampton, ENGLAND, Slade Rooms
- 27 Jan London, ENGLAND, The Borderline
- 29 Jan Antwerp, BELGIUM, Trix
- 31 Jan Copenhagen, DENMARK, The Rock
- 01 Feb Hamburg, GERMANY, Logo
- 02 Feb Kerkrade, NETHERLANDS, Rock Temple
- 03 Feb Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS, Melkweg
- 04 Feb Bielefeld, GERMANY, The Forum
- 05 Feb Saarbrucken, GERMANY, Garage Club
- 07 Feb Berlin, GERMANY, White Trash
- 10 Feb Warsaw, POLAND, Progresja
- 11 Feb Wroclaw, POLAND, Firlej
- 12 Feb Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC, Exit-US

LIVE - Line Up:

- Sal Abruscato (Life Of Agony), Guitar & Vocals
- Johnny Kelly (Type O Negative, Seventh Void), Drums
- Matt Brown (Supermassiv, Seventh Void), Guitar
- Eddie Heedles, Guitar
- Eric Morgan, Bass

Video credit: Steve Lars from Creative Ventures International & Steve Lars on Facebook

Related links:
Click here to purchase tickets for APHND's Brooklyn, NY show
Click here to order A Pale Horse Named Death's "And Hell Follow Me"
Click here to get A Pale Horse Named Death's iPhone app
A Pale Horse Named Death
SPV

The 2011 News Story Of The Year: Black Sabbath Reunites - Tattoo Tribute Available!

On 11/11/11 at 11:11 A.M, the Heavy Music community gathered at the Whiskey A Go GO in Los Angeles, California. The occasion? The pioneers of Heavy Metal, the legendary band Black Sabbath, announced during a press conference that they will be recording a NEW album in 2012 with the master of the boards Rick Rubin! The band also announced that they are planning a World Tour (initial tourdates listed below)! Black Sabbath has also been confirmed to headline next years Download Festival on June 10th, 2012!

According to Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath have already written a handful of songs for their first NEW studio album in 33 years, and are planning to enter the studio in early 2012.

In order to pay tribute to the legacy of Black Sabbath, and to their decision to reunite once again. On 12/2/11, Horns Up Rocks founder Jo Schüftan headed over to Powerful Magic Tattoo in Brooklyn, NY and got a tattoo of the Black Sabbath emblem in tribute to the godfathers of Heavy Metal. Here is a video recap which features snippets of Black Sabbath's press conference, as well as the tattoo session. Sit back relax, and don't try this at home! \m/



Black Sabbath European tour-dates:

- May 18: Moscow, Russia - Olimpiski
- May 20: St. Petersburg, Russia - New Arena
- May 23: Helsinki, Finland - Hartwall Arena
- May 25: Stockholm, Sweden - Stadium
- May 29: Bergen, Norway - Bergen Calling Festival
- May 31: Oslo, Norway - Spektrum
- Jun. 02: Malmö, Sweden - Malmö Stadium
- Jun. 04: Dortmund, Germany - Westfalenhalle
- Jun. 10: Donnington, UK - Download Festival
- Jun. 12: Rotterdam, Holland - Ahoy
- Jun. 15: Bilbao, Spain - Azkena Rock Festival
- Jun. 17: Nantes, France - Hellfest
- Jun. 19: Paris, France - Bercy
- Jun. 22: Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
- Jun. 24: Milan, Italy - Gods of Metal

Related links:
Black Sabbath

Black Cobra's First-ever Headlining Tour Begins Tonight In Brooklyn, New York!

Having just wrapped up their near three-week tour supporting Kyuss Lives! and The Sword, Black Cobra's first headlining tour in support of their new album, Invernal, kicks off in Brooklyn tonight. The duo will hammer their way around the country on a fifteen-date headlining tour on their way back to San Francisco, the first nine dates bearing support from Zoroaster and The Body. Three new West Coast dates have been added since previous tour announcements, with shows now confirmed for Portland, Seattle and San Francisco at the end of the routing.

Black Cobra Headlining Tour:

- 12/11/2011: Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn, NY w/ Zoroaster, The Body
- 12/12/2011: Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia, PA w/ Zoroaster, The Body
- 12/13/2011: Great Scott in Allston, MA w/ Zoroaster, The Body
- 12/14/2011: AS220 in Providence, RI w/ Zoroaster, The Body
- 12/15/2011: Black Cat in Washington, DC w/ Zoroaster, The Body
- 12/16/2011: Drunken Unicorn in Atlanta, GA w/ Zoroaster, The Body
- 12/17/2011: Siberia in New Orleans, LA w/ Zoroaster, The Body
- 12/19/2011: Emo’s in Austin, TX w/ Zoroaster, The Body
- 12/20/2011: The Conservatory in Oklahoma City, OK w/ Zoroaster, The Body
- 12/21/2011: Launchpad in Albuquerque, NM
- 12/22/2011: Rogue in Scottsdale, AZ
- 12/23/2011: The Z in San Luis Obispo, CA
- 12/27/2011: Star Theater in Portland, OR
- 12/28/2011: Highline in Seattle, WA
- 12/31/2011: Elbo Room in San Francisco, CA

Related links:
Black Cobra's Official Site
Black Cobra on Facebook
Black Cobra on Twitter
Southern Lord
Southern Lord Blog
Southern Lord on Twitter