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Worrying research from Melbourne University has today suggested that fans of heavy metal music could be at higher risk of suicide. According to RND, the study shows that 13-18 year olds who listen to one track or album on continuous repeat are in danger of developing mental illness. Dr. Katrina McFadden, who carried out the study offered the following explanation for the findings:

"The MP3 revolution means that young people are accessing music more than ever before, and it’s not uncommon for some to listen to music for seven or eight hours a day. Most listen to a range of music in positive ways: to block out crowds, to lift their mood or to give them energy when exercising.

"But young people at risk of depression are more likely to be listening to music, particularly heavy metal music, in a negative way. Examples of this are when someone listens to the same song or album of heavy metal music over and over again, and doesn’t listen to anything else. They do this to isolate themselves or escape from reality. If this behaviour continues over a period of time it might indicate that this young person is suffering from depression or anxiety, and at worst, might suggest suicidal tendencies."

Dr. McFadden has encouraged parents to take an interest in their children’s’ listening habits to combat this issue:

"They should ask their children questions like, ‘How does that music make you feel?’ If children say the music reflects or mirrors the way they feel, then ask more about what the music is saying. If listening doesn’t make them feel good about themselves, this should ring alarm bells. Alternatively, if parents notice a downturn in their child’s mood after listening to music, this is also a cause for showing interest and getting involved."

This study is not the first time that heavy metal music has been associated with suicide. The records of both Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest were cited in the 1980s as being responsible for teen suicides. Both of these accusations were ultimately dismissed in court. 

- Ultimate-Guitar 

Once again, Lady Gaga has declared her love for heavy metal.

Speaking to SiriusXM, Gaga talked at length about bands includingBlack Sabbath and Iron Maiden, which you can see in the player below:

"I just saw Iron Maiden on their 'Frontier' tour and it totally changed my life. It was my first Maiden experience and I just realized in that moment in the show that that was the kind of artist I wanted to be.

"I didn't want people… 30 years from now coming to see my show to see if I've still got it. But rather I wanted them to be fully unified, fists in the air, wanna hear every song. Iron Maiden's a lifestyle and those fans… live and die by Maiden."

We last reported on Gaga attending an Iron Maiden gig, where we shared a photo of the pop star posing with drummer Nicko McBrain, but now a new backstage image of Gaga with Bruce Dickinson has surfaced which you can see below.

The feeling between metal and pop seems to be mutual here. Ozzy Osbourne was quoted as saying "She's very clever, very interesting. She's wacky and I like the zaniness of that woman."

 

- Ultimate-Guitar

Ozzy Osbourne claims guitarist Zakk Wylde’s drinking was the main reason behind his decision to recruit new axeman Gus G.

Wylde found out he had been dropped from Ozzy’s band in an interview the Brummie rock legend gave to Classic Rock magazine.

The Black Label Society frontman seemed to take the news well, telling his Twitter followers: "This is news to me. I haven't heard anything about this. Until I talk to the Boss, I don't know. I love Ozzy".

But later in a live radio interview with Oregon’s KLFY Radio, Wylde tore intoOsbourne, saying: "Call me, man. It’s like, dude, you don’t wanna play with me anymore? Fine. Play with whoever the hell you wanna play with."

Speaking about latest album Scream, Ozzytells Guitar World Magazine: "Zakk came in at the beginning of the new one, but he was still drinking. When you're drunk and somebody else is drinking, it's okay, but when you're sober and somebody's blabbering away in your ear, it ain't.

"I mean, Zakk's a great player and I love him. I love his playing. But in the end, it came to the point that I had to get another guitarist. Not because I fell out with Zakk, but it was hard for me to be around someone who is actively drinking. I heard he's not drinking anymore. I don't know if that's true or not.

Ozzy adds: "We're good friends, and we're like family. I feel that the whole thing was partly my fault, because Zakk was doing his own band, his own tours and helping me out when he got back.

"On the last tour he was with his band opening the show and my band closing the show, and that's really hard. So I'd been thinking of getting a replacement for a while.

The Brit legend had feared that his band was turning into Wylde’s Black Label Society in terms of sound, so approached Gus G of Firewind to be his new guitarist.

Ozzy explains: "Zakk is Black Label. I love his playing; he's one of the greats. But it was the drink getting the better of him. I couldn't watch him die. In one sick respect, it was good for me to see, because that's what I was like, and worse.

"Believe me, if I started drinking now you'd think ‘F’ck, this is bollocks! I've got to get out of here.’ That's how I felt around Zakk toward the end."

Wylde has since been told by doctors he cannot drink alcohol because of high pancreatic enzyme levels, and is currently taking medication.

Thanks for the report to RockRadio. 

(week starting 14th June) 

Rock & Pop 

• Oasis - Time Flies 1994-2009 
• Sarah McLachlan - Laws of Illusion 
• Various Artists - Everyone (Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games Single) 
• Delta Spirit - History From Before 
• Ozzy Osbourne - Scream 
• Crowded House - Intriguer 
• Robyn - Body Talk PT1 
• Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Mojo 
• Various Artists - Duets (Worlds Greatest Love Ballads) 
• OTV - Glee: The Music Journey to The Regionals 
  
  Classical & Jazz 
• Kennedy (Vln) - Shhh 
• Monica Mancini - I've Loved These Days 
• Mantovanni - World of Mantovanni 
• Various Artists - Playing For Change 
  
  Classical & Jazz 
• Chemical Brothers - Further 
  
  Asian Pop 
• Y2J 神木與瞳 - Guardian <守护者> 
• Super Junior - Bonamana 

Slash has roped in many of his accomplished and famous mates to create an album that is often inspired but at times weak.

Recorded over two years, it's quite an achievement to get so many big names - covering a wide range of musical styles - on one record, from pop starlet Fergie to grumbling rock icon Lemmy of Motorhead.

However, the diverse line-up of singers makes for an uneven album that moves from the country rock of I Hold On (with Kid Rock), to overwrought acoustic beauty Saint Is A Sinner Too (with Rocco Deluca).

The galvanising feature is Slash's unique mix of laid-back yet gutsy guitar shredding and solos, especially on the album's surprise highlight,By the Sword, with Wolfmother's Andrew Stockdale adding a sprawling and psychedelic element, and Dave Grohl's instrumental stomp Watch This Dave.

The tracks with true legends - Iggy Pop, Lemmy and Ozzy Osbourne - are solid, if predictable. Iggy prowls and postures all over We're All Gonna Die, Ozzy is at his solo best rather than Black Sabbath best onCrucify the Dead, and while you've heard Lemmy's tale of drug-addled chaos on Doctor Alibi many times before, it's a welcome respite from wimpy Gotten (with Maroon 5's Adam Levine).

It's the Slash/Stockdale-type pairing the album needs more of, because as the two songs with Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy are testament to, much of it falls into the "good but not that memorable" classic rock category.
 
- NZ Herald 

Zakk Wylde live in Singapore, performing at Changi Prison and subsequently at Swee Lee Katong Concept Store.

Compared to the previous clinic that was held at Swee Lee (Andy Timmons), this was a totally crap show. To begin with, the staff's attitude was bad, with one of them in particular venting his frustration on certain members of the audience, using harsh vulgarities and threats.