Divinity Roxx and Steve Lawson: Masterclass Improv Jam
Here’s one to get you jamming. Divinity Roxx and Steve Lawson teamed up to teach a masterclass at Kidderminster College in the UK, resulting in some funky jams. The clip starts with Divinity beatboxing with a foundational bass groove and Lawson adding his signature thoughtful accompaniment and soloing. The duo connects on a deep level, allowing Roxx to freestyle rap...
I Worship Chaos: An Interview with Henkka Blacksmith
This year has been one of change for Finnish death metal outfit Children of Bodom. The band announced the departure of longtime guitarist Roope Latvala in May, leaving the group as a four-piece configuration. Their new album (due October 2nd) will be their first record created as a quartet, but their sound is just as huge thanks in part to...
JHS Pedals Introduces the Muffuletta Fuzz Pedal
JHS Pedals has announced the Muffuletta, a fuzz pedal that replicates five classic Big Muff circuits plus an original version without any digital signal processing or emulation. The pedal has four controls: Volume, Sustain, Tone, and Mode. The “JHS” mode is the company’s original take on the circuit and is described as more powerul, less compressed, and the best suited...
Video Premiere: Abnormal Thought Patterns, featuring Michael Manring and John Onder: Synesthesia
Abnormal Thought Patterns recently released Altered States of Consciousness, a 7-track collection of instrumental prog-metal that will blow your hair back. The group, anchored by bassist Troy Tipton, also employed a host of guest artists to bolster the release. Today we’re premiering the video for “Synesthesia,” featuring bass wizards Michael Manring and John Onder. Tipton, Manring, and Onder team up...
Kala Announces Bubinga U-Bass
Kala is celebrating the fifth anniversary of their U-Bass introduction by expanding the range with a bubinga model. Featuring a 21-inch scale, the Bubinga U-Bass is built using the distinctive wood for its top, back and sides while being rounded out with a mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard. Other features include a rosewood bridge, exclusive Hipshot licensed black anodized tuners,...
Steve Di Giorgio: Bass Playthrough of Christos Nikolaou’s “Calling”
Steve DiGiorgio may be known for playing fretless in death metal bands, but he’s a very diverse musician. Check out this clip of the bassist tracking the song “Calling” by Mythodea in the studio. DiGiorgio lays down punchy, melodic bass lines with on a Rickenbacker to give the song some extra drive. The track is available for download from the...
Bass of the Week: Ray Ross Bass No. 20
This week we’re featuring the work of Aaron “Ray” Ross, a Missouri-based builder who began making basses to supplement his own collection. “I make basses by hand in a VERY modest shop,” Ross explains. “This started when I wanted a fretless bass but could not afford one.” Ross builds each bass by hand with an assortment of materials. His five-string...
Black Sabbath Announces “The End” Farewell Tour
One of the greatest metal bands of all time will finally come to an end next year. Black Sabbath have announced “The End Tour”, a worldwide farewell tour that they say will be their final performances ever. The band, which reformed with its original members in 2011, is also rumored to release their 20th and final album next year. Black...
Korg Introduces Custom Shop Tuner Series
Korg has introduced a Custom Shop series of tuners, starting with GA Custom and the Pitchblack Custom. The lineup is described as having the highest levels of technology with careful attention to appearance and feel. Common features to each model include a 3D visual meter, multiple display modes, and ±0.1 cent tuning precision. The GA Custom has 1/4-inch inputs and...
Teye Guitars Unveils Super Coyote Bass Prototypes
After relaunching the brand earlier this year, Teye Guitars has unveiled the prototypes for a new bass model called the Super Coyote Bass. The instrument, which feature the company’s signature acid-etched aluminum artwork, was designed with AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams. “When Cliff Williams received his first Teye-bass, a superb Master series ‘La Mora’, his immediate reaction was to order two...
Rage Against The Machine: Bulls On Parade, Live
Rage Against the Machine came together in 2010 to perform a special free concert at London’s Finsbury Park, and it was a night to remember. Luckily, the band is releasing the entire performance in an upcoming DVD, aptly named Live at Finsbury Park. Here’s a killer version of “Bulls on Parade” taken from the event. Rage is in rare form...
ZÜE Engineering Releases The 9V Backpack Power Adapter
When ZÜE Engineering used a 9-volt center negative plug to battery adapter to demonstrate their On TIMER pedal, they didn’t realize they had already created their next product. The 9V Backpack external power adapter plugs into your pedal’s power supply input and connects to a 9-volt battery. The device comes in two styles: The Right Angle 9V Backpack and the...