While You Were Away: Metallica’s Pressing Plant, Louder Than Life 2023, Empire State Bastard Teaser, And More

In this week’s edition of While You Were Away, we’re talking about Louder Than Life’s 2023 Lineup, press Metallica’s pressing plant, the new Empire State Bastard teaser, and more.

Empire State Bastard (Dave Lombardo and Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil) tease first single

Empire State Bastard, the new band featuring metal drummer Dave Lombardo and Biffy Clyro‘s Simon Neil have signed a new deal with Roadrunner Records. Their debut single “Harvest” will be released on March 24th. In anticipation of their first single, the band have shared a teaser of the new track.

The duo self-describes the band as a “grindcore extreme metal band” and that’s exactly what you get from the brief teaser. Lots of harsh noise, grinding riffs, blast beat drumming, and Neil’s unmistakable howl.

Hear the teaser below.

I Prevail share new video ‘Deep End’

I Prevail have shared their new video for “Deep End” directed by Jensen Noen.

Taken from their latest album True Power, a press release describes the song as showcasing the band’s “deftness with dynamics, vacillating between tempos and emotions before the final fadeout. The song’s message is as powerful as its melody, and that’s precisely why the song takes hold from start to finish.”

“‘Deep End’ felt special from the day we wrote it,” the band says. “Being one of the most introspective tracks on the record, it became a reflection on an attempt to stop battling certain things about yourself and instead learning to accept them as a part of who you are. There’s a peace to be found in that. Overall, this track allowed us to evolve the softer side of our band and we’re incredibly proud of it.”

Watch the video below.

Metallica now have their own pressing plant

After pressing over 900,000 pieces of vinyl in 2022, Metallica have purchased their own pressing plant. The band recently acquired the majority interest in Furnace Record Pressing in Alexandria, Virginia. This is where they pressed most of their vinyl as well.

Since 2014, Furnace has pressed over 5 million pieces of vinyl for Metallica, including their massive “Black Album” 30th-anniversary box set.

“We couldn’t be more happy to take our partnership with Furnace … to the next level,” said Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich in a statement. “Their indie spirit, the passion they have for their craft… culturally we’re kindred souls.”

Added frontman James Hetfield: “[Furnace has been] great to Metallica and more importantly to our fans … [who] will have continued access to high quality records in the future.”

Billboard reports operations at Furnance will remain mostly unchanged, while other projects are still lined up alongside Metallica pressings. The plant has been pressing the band’s upcoming album 72 Seasons, since January.

Fellow vinyl enthusiast Jack White congratulated Metallica saying “Huge congratulations to the boys in Metallica for purchasing their own vinyl record pressing plant!!! Metallica announced it bought the Furnace record pressing plant in Virginia today! Welcome to the cause gents!”

Louder Than Life 2023 Lineup: Green Day, Foo Fighters, Pantera, and More

Louder Than Life has revealed its lineup for 2023. This year’s headliners include Foo Fighters, Tool, Avenged Sevenfold, and Green Day. Other top acts on the bill include TURNSTILE, Megadeth, Corey Taylor, Royal Blood, L7, Code Orange, Pantera, BABYMETAL, and more.

“The fans spoke and we listened,” said Danny Wimmer of festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents. “The Foo Fighters, Green Day, Tool and Avenged Sevenfold were our most fan-requested bands for 2023, so being able to deliver this massive lineup to them is so special.”

Louder Than Life 2023 takes place across four days from September 21st – 24th at the Highland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Explosion Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Tickets on sale now.

Tours on sale this week

Love and Rockets will embark on their first tour in 14 years in May. The trio of Daniel Ash, David J, and Kevin Haskins kicks off with their appearance at Cruel World Festival on May 20th and wraps up May 28th in Seattle, Washington. Tickets are available now.

TLC and Shaggy team up for the “Hot Summer Nights” co-headlining tour with special guests En Vogue and Sean Kingston. The trek starts June 1st in Pelham, Alabama and wraps up July 14th in Calgary, Alberta. Get the details here.

Drake recently announced his first North American tour in five years. The “It’s All a Blur Tour” kicks off June 16th in New Orleans, Louisiana and runs through September 5th in Glendale, Arizona. 21 Savage joins as a special guest. Get all the details here.

International breakout stars Måneskin have announced a new run of headlining shows as part of their 2023 world tour. The North American leg starts September 21st in New York and concludes October 20th in Mexico City, Mexico. Tickets are available here.

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