Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 355

Shock Narcotic is a new project featuring members and former members of the top acts in metal including Jeff Tuttle, Zach Gibson, Shawn Knight, and Don Slater. They’ve just released their first album, “I Have Seen the Future and It Doesn’t Work.”

Cort has expanded its GB74 line of basses with the BG74 Gig Bass, which the company says offers “ultimate sonic versatility.” That’s due to its unique pickup configuration, which covers the three main types of bass pickups.

Killswitch Engage has released “Atonement,” which is being hailed as a return to form by the metalcore outfit. Fiery riffs and melodic vocals dominate the record and call back to their heyday of “Alive or Just Breathing” and “End of Heartache.”

Ernie Ball Music Man has unveiled the latest in their Ball Family Reserve series with two guitars and a bass. The limited-edition bass is a five-string Bongo in a Wild Cherry Burst finish.

Bryan Beller is gearing up to release an incredible new solo album called “Scenes from the Flood,” which drops on August 23rd. To prep listeners, he’s launched his second single from the record, “Volunteer State.”

London’s The Bass Centre has announced a new set of ELITES signature bass strings dedicated to British bassist Peter Hook. The new strings are stainless steel roundwounds with a special gauge set.

Slipknot has returned with their sixth album, entitled “We Are Not Your Kind.” The album is a return to some of their heavier sounds, and the second studio album to feature bassist Alessandro Venturella.

TWA has announced the Side Step, which is a variable-state, tap-tempo low-frequency oscillator. It’s designed to be used to control “practically any device with an expression input and/or +5V control voltage source.”

Elvis Presley’s big comeback in 1969 began with a run of 57 sold-out shows in Las Vegas. It was the dawn of a new era, thanks in part to a new band, including session bassist Jerry Scheff. The new “Elvis: Live 1969” release features 11 complete sets.

Quilter Labs has announced a new modular amp system called the BassDock system. The series includes two compact cabinets – the BassDock 10 and the BassDock 12 – that are both rated at 400 watts.

Bass legend Mike Watt has announced a new project with guitarist/singer Todd Congelliere called Jumpstarted Plowhards. The band will be releasing their first album, “Round One,” on October 4th with four more albums planned.

This week we’re checking out a cool six-string bass, but it’s not what you think. Dallas Seger of Seger Guitars posted a six-string version of his DC Bass that doubles up on the low strings.