Mr. Big Planning Final Album Before Disbanding
After reforming the original lineup nearly a decade ago, Mr. Big is looking to call it quits after one more album. The band, anchored by bass master Billy Sheehan, has become incomplete since drummer Pat Torpey’s death due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. Vocalist Eric Martin told Rock Radio N1 that it would be “uncomfortable” to continue without Torpey. “I’m...
In Memoriam: Josh Fauver
Former Deerhunter bassist Josh Fauver has passed away at the age of 39. A cause of death was not reported, but a band representative confirmed the sad news. Fauver first joined the Atlanta-based indie rock band in 2004 after founding bassist Justin Bosworth died. He recorded on their debut self-titled album that same year and ultimately played on six releases...
Static-X Reunites For New Album and Tour
Four years after the death of frontman Wayne Static, the original members of Static-X have announced they’re reuniting for a new album and world tour. The original lineup of Tony Campos, Koichi Fukuda, and Ken Jay will be commemorating the 20th anniversary of their platinum-selling debut album, Wisconsin Death Trip. Campos says the project will include the final vocal performances...
Bass of the Week: Nordic Guitars Rotator
The Rotator from Nordic Guitars is unlike anything you’ve seen. At first glance, the double-necked instrument seems upside down, but that’s where its name comes in. The Rotator’s fretted and fretless necks point in opposite directions and can be rotated to quickly change styles. “[The necks are] fixed together in each end with 1 piece of milled out brass, which...
Hugo Doyon-Karout Featured on New Beyond Creation Album
Beyond Creation have released their third studio album, Algorythm, with bassist Hugo Doyon-Karout. The band calls their new ten-song collection their own “representation of modern, cohesive progressive death metal with an extra touch of dynamic arrangements, vigorous rhythmic patterns integrated with tamed, refreshing atmospheres.” Though Doyon-Karout has been in the band for several years, it’s the first album to feature...
Fuzzrocious Pedals Announced Baby Furnace Gated Fuzz Pedal
Fuzzrocious Pedals has unveiled the Baby Furnace, a miniature version of their Blast Furnace pedal. The new pedal features the gated fuzz section of its big brother with two footswitches: one that toggles the effect on and off, and one to switch between two separate volume controls. “When Volume 1 is active, the fuzz signal is wide open with a...
Colin Edwin and Lorenzo Feliciati Collaborate for “Twinscapes Vol. 2: A Modern Approach To The Dancefloor”
Bassists Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree, Metallic Taste of Blood) and Lorenzo Feliciati (Naked Truth, Berserk!) have teamed up once again for Twinscapes Vol. 2: A Modern Approach To The Dancefloor. Each player is known for their progressive rock and jazz styles, but they also share roots in ’80s pop. The new album layers that era into their already unique sound....
GR Bass ONE800 Bass Amp Now Available
Italy’s GR Bass Amps are now available in the U.S., and they’re now shipping the GR Bass ONE800. The 800-watt bass amp offers lots of tonal tweaking with a four-band EQ section that includes three-way frequency switches for the Lo-Mid and Hi-Mid ranges. Deep and bright switches offer more general EQing while a Pure switch allows you to bypass all...
Daniele Roccato Honors Stefano Scodanibbio On New Album
The late Stefano Scodanibbio was a pioneer of modern double bass technique. His extended techniques and innovative approach to writing music on the bass changed what people thought the bass could do. Double bassist Daniele Roccato honors that excellence on a new album called Alisei. Along with his Ludus Gravis Ensemble, Roccato performs Scodanibbio’s compositions for solo bass, bass duo,...
Aguilar Amplification Introduces the Tone Hammer 700 Bass Amp
Aguilar’s Tone Hammer range of amps has gotten a little bigger – and a little louder. They’ve just introduced the Tone Hammer 700, which builds upon the 350 and 500 models with a power rating of 700 watts. It also continues the super light aspect of the series by weighing in at just 4.9 pounds. The amp has the same...
Video Premiere: Linus Klausenitzer’s Bass Playthrough of Obscura’s “Diluvium”
We’re proud to premiere a new playthrough video from Obscura bassist Linus Klausenitzer for the title track from their latest album. Diluvium, which is defined as a great oceanic flood, is the fourth and final part of their conceptual cycle. It is also their most evocative, diverse and vibrant release to date. Klausenitzer’s 6/7-string fretless bass sound is an important...
Mythos Pedals Introduces Ghostbusters-Inspired Positron Collider Fuzz Pedal
Mythos Pedals unveiled the limited edition Positron Collider Fuzz, a pedal inspired by props from the Ghostbusters movie. Mythos says the project began as a take on the Ram’s Head circuit, but quickly expanded its scope. “The Positron Collider features a highly modified circuit that allows for a huge variety of sounds perfect for any guitarist or bass player,” they...