ARCH/MATHEOS: 'Sympathetic Resonance' First-Week Sales Revealed

"Sympathetic Resonance", the debut album from ARCH/MATHEOS — the new progressive rock band featuring FATES WARNING/OSI guitarist Jim Matheos and former FATES WARNING singer John Arch — sold around 1,800 copies in the United States in its first week of
release. The CD landed at No. 13 on the Top New Artist Albums
(Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and
developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top
100 of The Billboard 200.

"Sympathetic Resonance" entered the official chart in Germany at No. 27, in Austria at No. 67, and in Switzerland at No. 78.

Cover art for "Sympathetic Resonance" was fashioned using an image created by light painting photographer Dennis Calvert, who has described light painting as "The ability to see in four
dimensions, time traveling, and creating fantasy using only what we base all reality on, light."

Released on September 13 via Metal Blade Records, "Sympathetic Resonance" features the following track listing:

01. Neurotically Wired
02. Midnight Serenade
03. Stained Glass Sky
04. On the Fence
05. Any Given Day (Strangers Like Me)
06. Incense and Myrrh

ARCH/MATHEOS features an all-star lineup, including the talents of Joey Vera (ARMORED SAINT, ANTHRAX, FATES WARNING, SEVEN WITCHES) on bass, Bobby Jarzombek (HALFORD, FATES WARNING, SEBASTIAN BACH, RIOT) on drums, and Frank Aresti (FATES WARNING) on additional lead guitar.

Comments Matheos: "I think John and I work really well together. There's a lot of mutual respect and
trust in what we do. But we're also both very critical of ourselves, and each other. This can make for a long and sometimes tedious process. But ultimately it's one I enjoy because I think it brings out the best in
both of us."

Adds Arch: "When I first heard some of the arrangements Jim had written and recorded, it took quite some time before I could wrap
my mind around the odd time signatures and guitar work going on here.
There are some long compositions, so putting anxiety and apprehension on the back burner it was time to dissect these numbers into digestible
bits. After the lengthy process of lyrics and melodies, listening to the songs now, I can't imagine them any other way."

In terms of the lyrical content on "Sympathetic Resonance", John Arch notes that "the lyrics this time around are more in line with [Arch's 2003 solo EP] 'A Twist Of Fate' and not of the mystical nature of some past albums."

ARCH/MATHEOS recording lineup:

* John Arch (FATES WARNING) - Vocals
* Jim Matheos (FATES WARNING, OSI) - Guitar
* Joey Vera (ARMORED SAINT, ANTHRAX, FATES WARNING, SEVEN WITCHES) - Bass
* Bobby Jarzombek (HALFORD, FATES WARNING, SEBASTIAN BACH, RIOT) - Drums
* Frank Aresti (FATES WARNING) - Additional Lead Guitar

DREAM THEATER's 'A Dramatic Turn Of Events' Lands In U.S. Top 10

"A Dramatic Turn Of Events", the new studio album from progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER, sold 36,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to enter The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 8. The band's previous
CD, 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings", opened with 40,000 units to land at No. 6. This was roughly in line with the first-week tally registered by its predecessor, "Systematic Chaos", which shifted 36,000 copies in 2007 to enter the chart at No. 19. 2005's "Octavarium" premiered with 27,000 copies to debut at No. 36.

The "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" deluxe collector's edition exclusive box set includes the following:

* "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" album
* Instrumentals of the entire album
* DVD of "The Spirit Carries On" – a 60-minute movie documenting DREAM THEATER's drummer auditions
* Double-LP set of "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" (180-gram vinyl in gatefold jacket)
* DREAM THEATER branded custom turntable slipmat
* Litho Print of album cover
* 50 lucky winners will find a DREAM THEATER "Ticket For Life" (randomly inserted)
* All content housed in a custom box
* Receive a digital download of the album the day before release

CD1

01. On The Backs Of Angels
02. Build Me Up, Break Me Down
03. Lost Not Forgotten
04. This Is The Life
05. Bridges In The Sky
06. Outcry
07. Far From Heaven
08. Breaking All Illusions
09. Beneath The Surface

CD 2

01. On The Backs Of Angels (instrumental)
02. Build Me Up, Break Me Down (instrumental)
03. Lost Not Forgotten (instrumental)
04. This Is The Life (instrumental)
05. Bridges In The Sky (instrumental)
06. Outcry (instrumental)
07. Far From Heaven (instrumental)
08. Breaking All Illusions (instrumental)
09. Beneath The Surface (instrumental)

"We have poured our hearts and minds into the creation of this album," keyboardist Jordan Rudess said. "All the life-changing events that surrounded us before, as well
as during the whole process, fueled our desire to dig deep within
ourselves and create the best music we possibly could."

Vocalist James LaBrie added, "In the grand scheme of DREAM THEATER's career, the last several months have been such an incredibly positive,
fulfilling and rewarding experience. The new songs and sound has never
been so spirited or rejuvenating. I cannot wait for every one of our
fans to sink their audio senses into this batch of tunes."

OPETH's 'Heritage' Projected To Sell 15K-18K First Week

"Heritage", the new album from Swedish progressive metallers OPETH, is likely to sell between 15,000 and 18,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to industry web site Hits Daily Double. The estimate was based on one-day sales reports compiled after the record arrived in stores on September 20 via Roadrunner Records.

OPETH's previous studio CD, 2008's "Watershed", opened with more than 19,000 units to land at No. 23 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Watershed" was the follow-up to the band's acclaimed "Ghost Reveries" CD, which debuted at No. 64 on the Billboard chart back in September 2005 with first-week sales of just under 15,000. OPETH's 2003 album, "Damnation", opened with a little over 5,000 copies.

"Heritage" was produced by OPETH vocalist/guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt and was recorded earlier this year at Atlantis studios (formerly Metronome studios) in Stockholm. Mixing duties were handled by Steven Wilson (PORCUPINE TREE) and Åkerfeldt. Longtime collaborator Travis Smith also worked with Åkerfeldt to create, design and execute the album's artwork, which can be seen below.

"Heritage" was released in several configurations that will certainly incite the interest of OPETH's legion of fans, known for their passion for collecting and
collectibles. The album was made available as a standard version; as a
special edition loaded with extras; as a box set exclusive to the Roadrunner and the band's own official Omerch webstore; and as a double LP.

Standard CD

01. Heritage
02. The Devil's Orchard
03. I Feel The Dark
04. Slither
05. Nepenthe
06. Häxprocess
07. Famine
08. The Lines In My Hand
09. Folklore
10. Marrow Of The Earth

Special-Edition Digipack CD/DVD

As above plus additional DVD including:

* Bonus audio tracks: "Pyre" and "Face In The Snow"
* 5.1 mix of the whole album
* "Making of the album" documentary
* Card to download the bonus tracks
* Limited-edition OPETH coin (until stocks last)

The Deluxe Box Set:

* Double-LP set of "Heritage" with exclusive lenticular artwork (180-gram vinyl
in gatefold jacket)
* Custom gatefold jacket that houses the "Heritage" special edition CD/DVD set
(includes 2 bonus tracks, 5.1 audio mix of album and "Making Of Heritage" documentary)
* Exclusive 7" of 2 bonus tracks
* Litho print of album cover
* Oversized 16-page booklet with exclusive photos and artwork
* All content housed in custom slipcase
* Receive a digital download of the album the day before release

In a recent interview with Radio Metal, Åkerfeldt stated about "Heritage", "I never heard music like that, so I can't compare it to other bands.
If you want to compare it to another band, it has to be us. But still,
it's different. For me, it kind of makes sense, because I've been doing
this for such a long time. So it's not a massive departure for me and
for the guys in the band. But for fans, if they are, for example, into 'My Arms, Your Hearse' [OPETH's third album, released in 1998], it might be a bit different. But I'm
hoping that a lot of people are ready for this type of album from us.
The music is all over the place. It's hard to define the album and say
it sound like this or like that. There are no songs that represent more
the album than any other songs. It's an album as whole. You can't listen to only one song and you'll know what the album is going to be like.
Because, like I said, it's all over the place."

OPETH made its live debut with keyboardist Joakim Svalberg (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, GLENN HUGHES) at the 10th annual Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival on June 10, 2011 on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee, 60 miles south of Nashville.

Keyboardist Per Wiberg, who joined OPETH in 2005, was relieved of his duties in April as part of a mutual decision with the remaining members of the band.

VH1 Classic To Celebrate 24 Hours of 'RUSH Hashanah'

VH1 Classic is once again ringing in the Jewish New Year with a 24-hour marathon of Canada's greatest music export, RUSH. "Rush Hashanah" begins Wednesday, September 28 at 7 p.m. and features the world premiere of "Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland". "Time Machine" delivers the first live performance of the entire "Moving Pictures" album and other fan favorites from their many celebrated albums. The RUSH extravaganza will include unforgettable concerts, performances and a behind-the-scenes look into the phenomenal 40-year career.

Beginning Wednesday, September 28 at 7 p.m. and ending on Thursday, September 29 at 7 p.m., the RUSH takeover on VH1 Classic will give viewers the opportunity to immerse themselves in all things RUSH. With a glimpse into the renowned band's life with the award-winning VH1 rock doc "Beyond The Lighted Stage" and "Classic Albums '2112' And 'Moving Pictures'", there is no portion of RUSH's legacy that will go unseen. Relive throwback hits with memorable concerts including the world premiere of "Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland" and other hit concerts, including "Rush In Rio" and "R30".

Additional information for "Rush Hashanah" below:

* Classic Albums: Rush '2112' And 'Moving Pictures'" premieres Wednesday, September 28 at 7 p.m. ET/PT. The story of the making of two of RUSH's greatest albums.

* "Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland" premieres Wednesday, September 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Filmed in Cleveland in April 2011, the "Time Machine" tour was an evening with RUSH, where the band performed new songs, classic hits and, for the first time ever, performed the "Moving Pictures" album in its entirety.

* "Beyond The Lighted Stage" premieres Wednesday, September 28 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. Regarded as the world's biggest cult band, "Beyond The Lighted Stage" explores the phenomenon behind the forty-year career of the legendary rock group RUSH. Features never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with the band.

* "R30" premieres Thursday, September 29 at 1 a.m. ET/PT. RUSH performs live on September 24, 2004 in Frankfurt, Germany.

* "Rush In Rio" premieres Thursday, September 29 at 12 p.m. ET/PT. Taped in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on the final night of RUSH's 2002 "Vapor Trails" tour.

SOURCE: RNR

MASTODON To Perform On 'Late Show With David Letterman'

Atlanta progressive metallers MASTODON will guest on the Wednesday, October 5 edition of CBS-TV's "Late Show With David Letterman" at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT. Check local listings for details.

MASTODON's new album, "The Hunter", will be released on September 27. The set will be made available in several configurations that feature an exciting interactive 3D experience known as Augmented Reality. The technology, created by Los Angeles-based company Total Immersion, combines virtual and real worlds to create a 3D one-of-a-kind interactive experience that users
can control. Just by using a camera on a computer, their own face and the cover art on "The Hunter", the user can turn themselves into "The Hunter" sculpture that is pictured on the cover.

The follow-up to 2009's "Crack The Skye" will be MASTODON's third studio CD to be made available on Reprise Records in the U.S. and Canada and the band's first to be issued through Roadrunner Records outside of North America.

"The Hunter" was recorded at Doppler Studios in Atlanta with producer Mike Elizondo. Drum tracks were previously completed in Los Angeles at the legendary Sound City Studios where NIRVANA's masterwork "Nevermind" was recorded.

MASTODON To Perform On 'Late Show With David Letterman'

Atlanta progressive metallers MASTODON will guest on the Wednesday, October 5 edition of CBS-TV's "Late Show With David Letterman" at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT. Check local listings for details.

MASTODON's new album, "The Hunter", will be released on September 27. The set will be made available in
several configurations that feature an exciting interactive 3D
experience known as Augmented Reality. The technology, created by Los
Angeles-based company Total Immersion, combines virtual and real
worlds to create a 3D one-of-a-kind interactive experience that users
can control. Just by using a camera on a computer, their own face and
the cover art on "The Hunter", the user can turn themselves into "The Hunter" sculpture that is pictured on the cover.

The follow-up to 2009's "Crack The Skye" will be MASTODON's third studio CD to be made available on Reprise Records in the U.S. and Canada and the band's first to be issued through Roadrunner Records outside of North America.

"The Hunter" was recorded at Doppler Studios in Atlanta with producer Mike Elizondo. Drum tracks were previously completed in Los Angeles at the legendary Sound City Studios where NIRVANA's masterwork "Nevermind" was recorded.

There Is No Pending Lawsuit Between MIKE PORTNOY And DREAM THEATER

Ronald S. Beinstock, an attorney for progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER, has contacted BLABBERMOUTH.NET to make it clear that there is currently "no pending litigation" between the current members of DREAM THEATER and the band's former drummer, Mike Portnoy.

Courthouse News Service reported on April 28 that Portnoy filed a document listing his former bandmates as defendants in which he claimed that they "wrongfully excluded" him from the group and were
"wrongfully using the name of the band in connection with [their]
recording of an album without the participation or consent of [Portnoy]." In addition, the document alleged that the defendants — John Petrucci (guitar), John Myung (bass), Jordan Rudess (keyboards), James LaBrie (vocals), along with associated companies Ytse Jam, Inc. and Infinity Tours, Inc. — were "wrongfully using the name of the band in connection with the
promotion of live performances by the individual defendants, without the participation or consent of [Portnoy]."

In a letter to BLABBERMOUTH.NET dated earlier today (Tuesday, September 20) Bienstock wrote, "On or around April 27, 2011, Mr. Portnoy filed a 'Notice With Summons.' This document is not a formal complaint. Further, the document was never served on any of the named defendants,
rendering it moot. There is no pending litigation between DREAM THEATER and Mr. Portnoy."

Writing on his official forum earlier today, Portnoy commented, "I did NOT sue them [referring to the current members of DREAM THEATER. — Ed.] ....and second of all, I DESPERATELY tried to discuss matters
with them personally to avoid ANYTHING LIKE THIS and yet THEY insisted
on only using lawyers...so my lawyers filed those papers (BACK IN APRIL, mind you) as that was the position they chose to take...if the band
would've talked to me, it would've NEVER come to that!!!

"All that aside, this was 6 months ago....so yes indeed, we have all moved on since then...

"I'm
still really not allowed to discuss any of this publicly, but I feel
everybody's hasty and half-truth filled witchhunt yesterday deserves to
be addressed to help at least try to clear my name and reputation that
was so wrongly tainted by yesterday's false conclusions...

"The
fact is, when you have a band (or a corporation or marriage) for 25
years, there are business and financial things that need to be sorted
out behind the scenes...however, it was incredibly LAME of Blabbermouth to exploit these private issues and divulge personal information that
is clearly nobody's business other than our own. They are creating hate
and negative propaganda and poisoning the minds and spirits of music
fans around the world...shame on them."

In an August 2011 interview with the Greek edition of Rock Hard magazine, Portnoy stated about his departure from DREAM THEATER, "I didn't make the decision to leave DREAM THEATER before [hooking up with] AVENGED SEVENFOLD [as their touring drummer], but I knew that something had to change in the DREAM THEATER camp. It's unfortunate that it was me that had to change, because I
never wanted to leave the band — it was never my intention; I never
wanted the split. I just merely thought that the band really could use a break, because I think the romance was really dying — backstage and
between [the members] personally. 25 years without a break is a very,
very, very long time and sometimes these relationships need a break from each other to rekindle the flame. So that's all I suggested. And even
before I [went on the road] with AVENGED SEVENFOLD, I remember touring with [the progressive rock project] TRANSATLANTIC at the beginning of 2010 and already knowing that something was wrong in the DREAM THEATER world and that I really needed a break from the guys and the whole DREAM THEATER machine. I knew something was brewing and I knew that I was unhappy,
and as has been well documented elsewhere, I merely just wanted a break. But unfortunately, those guys [the rest of DREAM THEATER] didn't see it that way and didn't respect my request for time off. It's unfortunate [that it turned out that way]."

Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER more than 20 years ago, announced his departure from the band in September 2010 while on tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD. He has since been replaced by Mike Mangini (ANNIHILATOR, EXTREME, JAMES LABRIE, STEVE VAI).

Portnoy played on AVENGED SEVENFOLD's latest album, "Nightmare", following the death of that band's drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, and toured with them for the entire second half of 2010.

DREAM THEATER's new album, "A Dramatic Turn Of Events", was released on September 13 via Roadrunner Records.

SOURCE: RNR

VOIVOD's 1984 Demo To Be Released On CD, Vinyl

Canadian metal innovators VOIVOD will release their original demo tape from 1984.

Entitled "To the Death 84", the set will include material that was recorded in the band's Quebec
jam space in January 1984. The lineup for this record includes Snake (Denis Bélanger) on vocals, Piggy (Denis D'Amour) on guitar, Blacky (Jean-Yves Thériault) on bass and Away (Michel Langevin) on drums.

In addition to material that would later appear on the band's "War And Pain" debut, this collection includes several other early VOIVOD offerings, as well as covers of MERCYFUL FATE and VENOM.

"To The Death 1984" will be released on November 22 as a CD or double LP via Alternative Tentacles.

The track listing is as follows:

01. Voivod
02. Condemned To The Gallows
03. Hell Driver
04. Live For Violence
05. War And Pain
06. Incantation
07. Buried Alive / Suck Your Bone
08. Blower
09. Slaughter In A Grave
10. Nuclear War
11. Black City
12. Iron Gang
13. Evil
14. Bursting Out
15. Warriors Of Ice

RUSH: More 'Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland' DVD And Blu-Ray Details Revealed

Legendary rock band RUSH has announced details for the first offerings through their recently announced partnership with Roadrunner Records. On November 7, Anthem/Roadrunner will simultaneously release a two-disc live album entitled "Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland" as well as "Moving Pictures: Live 2011" on vinyl and digital formats.

Captured in April at Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena during the renowned trio's extensive "Time Machine" world tour, "Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland" marks the band's first live album recorded at a U.S show, a deliberate
nod of gratitude to the first city to support Rush on its radio
airwaves. The wildly popular tour featured a set filled with classic
hits, fan favorites, and a glimpse into RUSH's forthcoming 20th studio album, "Clockwork Angels". As a centerpiece for the concerts, the band performed their landmark album "Moving Pictures" in its entirety — a first in the band's long and illustrious career. Rave reviews of the tour included The Hollywood Reporter's declaration that "the current 'Time Machine' jaunt is nothing less than a must see… for nearly three hours, with intermission, RUSH proved why it remains among rock's elite live acts."

"Moving Pictures: Live 2011" marks the first live recording of the band's most successful album to
date. Originally released in 1981, this year marks the 30th anniversary of "Moving Pictures", which features some of RUSH's most well-known songs like "Tom Sawyer", "Limelight" and "YYZ".

In related news, RUSH is also releasing "Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland" on Blu-ray and DVD formats on November 8 via Rounder Records in the U.S. and Eagle Rock Entertainment abroad. VH1 will be airing a two-hour concert culled from the footage as part of their annual "Rushashana" program on September 29.

This fall, RUSH will be returning to the studio to resume work on their highly anticipated 20th studio album, "Clockwork Angels", due out in 2012.

Track listing:

Set One

* The 'Real' History of Rush Episode No. 2 "Don't Be Rash"
* The Spirit of Radio
* Time Stand Still
* Presto
* Stick It Out
* Workin' Them Angels
* Leave That Thing Alone
* Faithless
* BU2B
* Free Will
* Marathon
* Subdivisions

Set Two

The 'Real'' History of Rush Episode No. 17 "...and Rock and Roll is my name."

* Tom Sawyer
* Red Barchetta
* YYZ
* Limelight
* The Camera Eye
* Witch Hunt
* Vital Signs
* Caravan
* Moto Perpetuo (featuring Love For Sale)
* O'Malley's Break
* Closer To The Heart
* 2112 Overture/The Temples of Syrinx
* Far Cry

Encore

* La Villa Strangiato
* Working Man

Bonus Material

* Outtakes from "History of Rush, Episode 2 & 17"
* "Tom Sawyer" featuring the cast of "History of Rush, Episode 17"
* "Need Some Love" Live from Laura Secord Secondary School
* "Anthem" Live from Passaic New Jersey

ADRENALINE MOB Recording Three New Songs

ADRENALINE MOB — the new band featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD), SYMPHONY X frontman Russell Allen, guitar virtuoso Mike Orlando (SONIC STOMP), bassist Paul DiLeo and STUCK MOJO/FOZZY axeman Rich Ward — has entered the studio to record three new songs for inclusion on the group's forthcoming debut album, tentatively due in early 2012. Portnoy stated in an online posting, "All three [tracks] are AMAZING!!"

The self-titled debut EP from ADRENALINE MOB sold 1,800 copies in its first week of release. The CD landed at
position No. 13 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which
lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as
those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Adrenaline Mob" is available via iTunes and is being sold in physical form at the group's shows and online
store. Self-produced by the band, the effort features four original
tracks as well as a blistering cover of the Ronnie James Dio-era BLACK SABBATH classic "The Mob Rules". From the opening riff of "Psychosane" through the over-six-minute epic-sounding "Hit The Wall", it is clear that ADRENALINE MOB are in class all their own as musicians.

"Releasing the EP gives fans around the world a chance to get a taste of the MOB NOW without having to wait until the full-length album comes out at the beginning of next year," stated Portnoy.

"Adrenaline Mob" track listing:

01. Psychosane
02. Believe Me
03. Hit The Wall
04. Down To The Floor
05. The Mob Rules

The EP is now available for streaming in its entirety using the player below.

ADRENALINE MOB's first-ever headline tour made stops in various markets, including Chicago, Denver and San Francisco. ADRENALINE MOB also opened for GODSMACK on select dates of the Massachusetts act's headlining tour.

ADRENALINE MOB formed in early 2011 when Orlando approached Allen with some material the guitarist had written. Allen and Orlando refined those ideas, at which time Allen reached out to longtime friend Portnoy to see if he had any interest in playing with them. Portnoy jumped on board and soon thereafter DiLeo and Ward were recruited to join the family. From the very first note, the chemistry was apparent and the beast that is known as ADRENALINE MOB was born.