70000 TONS OF METAL FESTIVAL

 THE HEAVY METAL CRUISE FESTIVAL

January 30th-February 3rd

2025

The 70000 Tons of Metal festival is the world's biggest heavy metal cruise for metal fans to enjoy five days and four nights as never imagined. Departing from Miami, Florida on January 30th, to Ocho Rios, Jamaica in the Caribbean Sea.

This epic event features more than 40 heavy metal bands performing over hundred live shows. Additionally, there will be artist clinics, album premiere listening and autograph sessions among many other activities to enjoy in a fan-friendly environment.

As of today, I've seen 40 bands listed alphabetically (confirmed) on the event's website. Among all of them I found a very interesting lineup: Sepultura, Stratovarius, Sonata Artica, Kalmah, The Zenith Passage, Beyond Creation and a lot more for metal fans to headbang!

For more information on The 70000 Tons of Metal festival such as booking, prices per person, age requirements, payments, complete artists lineup, the ship, and whatever you need to know about the event, please visit the festival website at:

https://70000tons.com/home/

ROCKING THE METAL SCENE:

 INSIDE METAL FACTORY

...For the next generation of Metal Legends...

Photographs credits to Metal Factory

Nestled in the heart of Eindhoven, Netherlands, Metal Factory stands as a beacon for aspiring metal musicians. This amazing music school offers specialized training to develop your gutural vocals as well as learning to play drums, bass guitar, lead and rhythm guitars, and keyboard, all under the guidance of real industry leaders. With a curriculum that balances artistic development and business acumen, Metal Factory is more than just a music school, it's a launchpad for the next generation of metal legends.

At Metal Factory, students are mentored by a stellar lineup of teachers who are active in the music industry. These instructors bring the experience from their own careers, having toured the world and worked with renowned bands and artists. From seasoned guitarists and drummers to vocalists and sound engineers, the faculty at Metal Factory ensures that students receive top-notch training with a hands-on approach, combined with real-world insights. All this together prepares students to navigate the challenges of being into the music industry navigating their own paths to success.

Here is the teachers'lineup:

Joost van der Graaf: Bass / Product development (The Curse Made Flesh, Choreomanic, Ex-Creepmime, Ex-Ichaos, Ex-Dew Scented, Ex-Pestilence)

Jacques de Haard: Live sound engineering (Anneke van Giersbergen, Hermano, Biohazard, Bloodsimple, Kamelot)

Merel Bechtold: Guitar (DEAR MOTHER, Ex-MaYaN, Ex-Delain

Max Blok: Guitar (Alkaloid, Dead Eyed Creek

Michel Nienhuis: Guitar (Autarkh, Ex-Dodecahedron)

Jasper Barendregt: Drums (Our Oceans, Dialogia, Ex-Dodecahedron)

Marcela Bovio: Vocals (Stream of Passion, MaYaN, Dark Horse White Horse)

Dave Meester: Guitar (God Dethroned, After Taste)

Yuma van Eekelen: Drums (Crown Compass, Quadvium, Exivious, Ex-Pestilence)

Kevin Quilligan: Vocals (Ghost of Mirach, After Taste)

Bart Hennephof: Guitar (Textures, Amend)

Maarten Jung: Guitar (Aeverium, junXion)

Robin Zielhorst: Bass (Our Oceans, Crown Compass, Amend, Ex-Cynic)

Stef Broks: Drums (Textures)

For more information on Metal Factory, feel free to visit their website at: 

https://www.metalfactory.education/about-metal-factory/ 

HONORING SYD BARRETT

 ON HIS 79th BIRTHDAY

(January 6th, 1946 - July 7th, 2006)

Syd Barrett was a founding member of Pink Floyd and a huge influence on psychedelic-experimental music worldwide. His distinctive guitar playing and experimental approach shaped the band's sound. 

Syd was known for his innovative use of guitar effects. He often employed echo and reverb to create a cavernous sound. Barrett's slide guitar techniques, using a Zippo lighter or a steel slide to produce eerie, gliding notes were brilliantly performed in studio sessions as well as in live gigs. Syd was at some point the master of feedback sound, creating amazing textures of different flavors. His approach was centered on pushing the boundaries of conventional guitar playing.

Barrett's vocal contributions imbued Pink Floyd's early compositions with a distinctive childlike character making it a unique gifted singing style embellished with a bit of darkness and surreal lyrics.  

After leaving Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett embarked on a solo career, releasing "The Madcap Laughs" in January of 1970, and "Barrett" in November of 1970. The two were recorded in London at Abbey Road Studios. 

Barrett's songwriting is highlighted as previously said by surreal lyrics and unconventional structures. Tracks such as "Octopus", "Dominoes", Effervescing Elephant" exhibit his playful wordplay and ability to create vivid imagery for the listener to enjoy the stories in them. 

Although these albums initially received mixed reviews, are now regarded as cult classics, and truly must listen to appreciate Barrett's genius beyond Pink Floyd.

GUESS JEANS CAMPAIGN

 "Gene Gallagher Leads 

the Newest GUESS Jeans Campaign" 

Model & Musician at the Forefront 

Photography by Rafael Pavarotti

The latest GUESS Jeans campaign features the multi-talented Gene Gallagher, who shines as both a model and musician. Known for his striking resemblance to his father, Liam Gallagher, Gene brings a unique blend of charisma and style to the campaign. His work with GUESS Jeans highlights his talent between the worlds of fashion and music.

Photographed by Rafael Pavarotti, the campaign brilliantly captures the essence of creative new voices featuring singer Beabadoobee, model-musician Gene Gallagher and model-poet Kai-Isaiah Jamal.

The classic GUESS Jeans styles, are made with the innovative GUESS AIRWASH™ technology since 2024, an eco-friendly and groundbreaking commitment in denim manufacturing, also described as "The Future Of Denim", assuring that both look and feel of GUESS Jeans are successfully achieved with significantly reduced water and energy consumption.