[Photo: E. Straver/T. Martijn]
UPDATE: TUESDAY - MAY 26th, 2010
FORBIDDEN STUDIO UPDATES WITH STEVE SMYTH
Forbidden studio report 9, with Steve Smyth.
FORBIDDEN ANNOUNCES AMERICAN HEADLING TOUR
FORBIDDEN FESTIVAL DATES:
EMGtv: "While waiting for the volcanic ash cloud to subside, Steve Smyth stopped in EMG HQ to say hi. We pulled him right into the studio and had him rip a song for EMGtv. He made it back to London in a couple of days and left us wanting more."
Forbidden studio report 8, with Steve Smyth.
Forbidden studio report 7, with Steve Smyth.
Forbidden studio report 6, with Steve Smyth.
FORBIDDEN have announced headlining shows just prior and after their tour with OVERKILL this November. Support will come from fellow thrashers EVILE, GAMMA BOMB, and BONDED BY BLOOD. (See dates on the tour section.)
Bang Your Head Festival - July 16th 2010
Zwarte Cross Festival - July 17th 2010
70,000 Tons of Metal Festival - Jan 24-27 2011
STEVE SMYTH PERFORMS LIVE AT EMGTV.
UPDATE: MONDAY - MARCH 8th, 2010
FORBIDDEN HAS SIGNED WITH NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS!
Reactivated San Francisco Bay Area metallers FORBIDDEN have inked a deal with Nuclear Blast Records. The band entered the studio on March 1 to begin recording its new album for a late 2010 release.
Commented the group in a statement: "We are very proud to announce that FORBIDDEN has signed to Nuclear Blast Records! Ultimately, we all knew that there is NO better label in the world to handle metal and bring it to the masses with authority.
"For the last year, we have been intensely working on our craft while re-examining our past with a perspective we'd never had before. Our vision is clear and we know exactly who and what we are today.
"FORBIDDEN is in an amazing creative space and we can't wait for everyone to hear it!
"We must thank Jaap Wagemaker and everyone else at Nuclear Blast for making their enthusiasm known to us since we've committed to writing this record. Also, there are so many other amazing friends that helped us along the way and we appreciate everything you've done for us to get FORBIDDEN back into a position of strength.
"If you feel in your bones that you are one of them, then you definitely are!
"Thank you all so much."
Added Nuclear Blast A&R Manager Jaap Wagemaker: "We are totally stoked to announce that FORBIDDEN has inked a deal with Nuclear Blast!!
"It is no secret that the staff of Nuclear Blast has a soft spot for thrash metal! We all grew up here with classics such as 'Forbidden Evil' and 'Twisted into Form'!
"I am sure you can imagine that we were totally thrilled when we heard the news that FORBIDDEN were coming back and after seeing them live several times since then and seeing them doing a smoking rendition of 'Twisted into Form', it was totally clear to us! FORBIDDEN needs a new home and that home is called Nuclear Blast! This feeling became even bigger after [guitarist] Craig [Locicero] had sent us the two new songs last year! Needless to say that a dream is coming true!
"The future belongs to FORBIDDEN and together with Nuclear Blast, we will bring the band back on the metal map!
"What the future will bring? I cannot tell you! 'Cause it is... forbidden!"
UPDATE: TUESDAY - JULY 28th, 2009
NEW FORBIDDEN LIVE DATES
UPDATE: SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 8th, 2009
STEVE INTERVIEWED, AND GIVES A LESSON ON TECHNIQUES USED ON 3 SONGS FROM THE ESSENESS PROJECT DEBUT ALBUM!
Check it out here:
http://emgpickups.com/pages/emgtv
UPDATE: TUESDAY - JANUARY 14th, 2009
GUITARIST STEVE SMYTH ANNOUNCES NAMM APPEARANCES
Guitarist Steve Smyth Forbidden/The EssenEss Project (ex-Nevermore/Testament/Dragonlord/Vicious Rumors) has been confirmed to perform and appear at the following booths at this year’s Winter NAMM show.
Randall Amps: Friday, January 16th at 2pm (performing/meet and greet, Booth 5244B)
BC Rich Guitars: Friday, January 16th at 3pm (meet and greet, Booth 4884)
Randall Amps: Saturday, January 17th at 2pm (performing/meet and greet, Booth 5244B)
BC Rich Guitars: Saturday, January 17th at 3pm (meet and greet, Booth 4884)
Smyth will be performing a brief compilation of his solos from the 2005 Nevermore disc he was part of, This Godless Endeavor. Then, alongside bandmate Steve Hoffman, the two will be performing songs from their debut instrumental album, The EssenEss Project, with Smyth demonstrating Randall’s MTS Series head and cabinets.
Says Smyth, “I am pleased to be making a return trip to this year’s Winter NAMM 2009! Steve Hoffman, the other “Ess”, and I will be performing material from The EssenEss Project debut at this year’s NAMM. We’ll be performing at the NAMM Randall Amplifier booth on Friday, and one more time on Saturday with. I am very pleased to announce in my search for great tone, I have arrived at the door of Randall amps, and could not be happier with the MTS series head. A very versatile amp, and great heavy tones, this amp has it all, and does it all! I’ll also be over at the BC Rich booth, checking out the new BC’s coming out this year, and discussing a very killer surprise coming to you in 2009. Looking forward to the show!”
UPDATE: WEDNESDAY - JANUARY 13th, 2009
OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING FORBIDDEN
Throughout the years Forbidden has had many great players contributing to the music. In 2008 we came together for the first time in 12 years for a short re-union tour that included Russ Anderson on vocals, Craig Locicero and Glen Alvalais on guitar, Matt Camacho on bass, Mark Hernandez and the Great Gene Hoglan on drums. Even Paul Bostaph sat in for three shows. Of course we will never forget all of the amazing work that Tim Calvert and Steve Jacobs brought to the table even though they could not be a part of this re-union. Everyone was equally invaluable through out the History of Forbidden, though the core of the band on every record has always been Russ, Matt and Craig.
After the shows were completed in 2008, four of us were motivated and inspired enough to start working together closely and create music once again. A conscious decision was made to continue moving forward and write a new Forbidden album, our first in 13 years! After many conversations and soul searching we decided on the following line up to accomplish this...
We would like to proudly announce that the line up for this album and all of our up coming shows are, Russ Anderson, Craig Locicero, Steve Smyth, Matt Camacho, and Mark Hernandez. That being said, the re-union is now over and the future of Forbidden has begun. Mark and Steve are officially members of Forbidden!
We are extremely excited about Steve Smyth joining us for our newest chapter! Steve has been jamming and writing with us already and is a perfect compliment to the new material. The chemistry between the five of us has been a real inspiration, Steve is just the fresh blood we needed to carry out such an endeavor. Yes, the new material will be what you would want and expect with more then a few surprises. It will absolutely be Forbidden.... Evil and Twisted!!!
Not far down the road, new music will do our talking.
Steve Smyth: "I am very happy to have been invited to join Forbidden! Having been a long time fan of the band, it's great to have been presented the opportunity to perform with them, like at the Thrash of the Titans show in 2001. I look forward to touring in the near future with Craig, Matt, Russ and Mark, and also to have a hand in the creation of a new album with such a talented and creative bunch of individuals. Let's tear it up!"
UPDATE: SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 07th, 2008
Check out Steve's second appearance on Metalocalypse. He did two voices on the Snakes and Barrels II episode, which recently debuted in the last week of August.
UPDATE: FRIDAY - SEPTEMBER 05th, 2008
September tour dates added for The Esseness Project.
UPDATE: MONDAY - JUNE 30th, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 30TH, 2008
CALIFORNIA GUITAR EXTRAVAGANZA:
SHREDSTOCK Tour and Viral Video Contest Announced
This July, guitar masters Steve Smyth (Nevermore, Testament), Doug Doppler (Guitar Hero), and L.A. fretmaster Adrian Galysh are bringing Shredstock to venues across California. Six guitar filled nights featuring a 45 minute set from each artist are guaranteed to satisfy the guitar fanatic in you. And if you've got the goods, you could open up the show if you're a winner in the the Shredstock Viral Video Contest!
About Shredstock: Shredstock's roots lie in guitar legend Uli Jon Roth's Sky Academy Concert series, where Steve, Doug, and Adrian were invited to join the founding father of both the Scorpions and Neo-Classical Rock on stage. From there they joined forces and created Shredstock. According to Doppler, "The impact of Guitar Hero has been nothing short of amazing in terms of inspiring multiple generations of guitar players. There are so many players at home chomping at the bit to jump up on a real stage with a live audience. Steve, Adrian and I decided it was a great time to hit the road to promote our discs and to give guitar fans a different kind of guitar tour – one that they could actually be a part of."
About the Shredstock Viral Video Contest: Three winners for each city on the tour will have a chance to open the show with a solo or song of their choice. Contestants simply need to visit http://www.YouTube.com/Shredstock, upload a of video of themselves playing, send a link to friends and family, and he or she with the most plays wins!
Shredstock Tour Dates:
MON 7.21.08: The Axe Shop, Los Angeles, CA (clinic show)
TUE 7.22.08: The Baked Potato, Los Angeles, CA
WED 7.23.08: Fishlips, Bakersfield, CA
THU 7.24.08: The Last Day Saloon, Santa Rosa, CA
FRI 7.25.08: Ireland's 32, San Francisco, CA
SAT 7.26.08: Hertlein Guitars, Dublin CA (clinic/show)
UPDATE: FRIDAY - JANUARY 11th, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 11TH, 2008
STEVE SMYTH ANNOUNCES NAMM APPEARANCES
Guitarist Steve Smyth (The EssenEss Project/ex-Nevermore/Testament/Dragonlord/Vicious Rumors) has been confirmed to perform and appear at the following booths at this year’s Winter NAMM show.
BC Rich Guitars: Friday, January 18th at 12pm (meet & greet, Booth 4884)
Krank Amps: Friday, January 18th at 2pm (performing/meet & greet, Booth1684 Hall E downstairs)
SIT Strings: Friday, January 18th at 3pm (performing/meet & greet, Booth 5976, Hall B)
Digitech Effects: Friday, January 18th at 4pm (performing, Booth 205A, upstairs)
BC Rich Guitars: Saturday, January 19th at 2pm (meet & greet, Booth 4884)
Digitech Effects: Saturday, January 19th at 4pm (performing/meet & greet, Booth 205A, upstairs)
Smyth, alongside bandmate Steve Hoffman, will be performing songs from their debut instrumental album, The EssenEss Project, with Smyth demonstrating Digitech’s GSP 1101 Preamp Processor, as well as Krank’s Krankenstein Head and cabs.
Says Smyth, “I am pleased to be making a return trip to this year’s Winter NAMM 2008. Steve Hoffman, the other “Ess”, and I will be performing material from The EssenEss Project debut at this year’s NAMM. We’ll be performing at the SIT Strings, Digitech, and Krank booths on Friday, and one more time on Saturday with Digitech. Digitech has asked me to demonstrate the GSP 1101 preamp processor. It’s an awesome and very versatile piece of gear, and I look forward to demonstrating what the GSP 1101 can do. The Krankenstein is still the best, sickest sounding amp I have ever played, and I look forward to shredding it up over at their booth this year as well. I’ll also be over at the BC Rich booth, checking out the new BC’s coming out this year. Looking forward to it!”
UPDATE: WEDNESDAY - NOVEMBER 13th, 2007
Added "The EssenEss Project" to Steve's discography section of the site.
UPDATE: WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 31st, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 31ST, 2007
THE ESSENESS PROJECT TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM NOVEMBER 5TH, 2007.
The man behind this exciting new album project,guitarist Steve Smyth (Nevermore, Dragonlord, Testament, Vicious Rumors) is no newcomer in the metal music or shred guitar world, first being tipped for the top in Shrapnel Records president Mike Varney’s “Hometown Heroes” column in the October 1993 issue of Guitar World magazine.
A four year tenure as lead/rhythm guitarist with Bay Area power metallers Vicious Rumors started in 1995. During this time, Smyth contributed to two well received albums; 1996’s Something Burning, and 1998’s Cyberchrist (both released by Massacre Records), and toured extensively in the USA and Europe in support of both albums.
Then in 1999, Smyth began a four and a half year touring stint with Bay Area thrash metal legends Testament, touring the world in support of The Gathering album and then the First Strike Still Deadly album, playing to nearly 500,000 satisfied fans.
During this time Steve also helped form the lineup of Testament guitarist/founder Eric Peterson’s black metal side project, Dragonlord. Two succussful albums followed over the next four years: Rapture (Spitfire Records, 2001) and Black Wings of Destiny (Escapi Music, 2005).
Smyth spent late 2003 touring the world with Nevermore, the well respected underground progressive metal band, in support of their album Enemies of Reality. In 2004, Smyth was invited to become part of the band’s permanent line-up, leading to the critically acclaimed album, This Godless Endeavor (Century Media, 2005), the band’s sixth full length, which featured several songs penned by Steve. A world tour followed, which saw the band play the first Gigantour, the brainchild of Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine, and a headlining tour of Europe, as well as countless support tours.
Fate intervened when in 2006 Smyth was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. He completed Nevermore’s 2006 US tour with Arch Enemy and Chimaira, but as kidney failure neared, Smyth found himself unable to play the U.S. support tour with In Flames, as he began treatment for his illness. During this time of treatment and subsequent recovery, as Smyth states, he found “the time, inspiration, and fire, to finish this album to the absolute best of my ability, and finally enter the realm of instrumental music, something I had wanted to do for a long time.”
“This is certainly a different path I find myself going down, more in the area of progressive rock territory,” Smyth continued. The twelve songs( all produced and engineered by Smyth) are a collaboration between Smyth and his old friend and former bandmate, Steve Hoffman, a well respected classical and jazz musician, bass teacher and instructional author in Northern California. Smyth: “For this debut, Steve [Hoffman] and I went for more of a “soundscape” type atmosphere, rather than focus purely on the shred factor. We wanted to focus on the song, not merely use this as a vehicle for shredding over.” They also knew they wanted the best when it came to a percussionist.
Enter drummer extraordinaire Atma Anur. Best known in the “shred guitar” circles as the man who drummed on countless legendary Shrapnel Records releases, Atma appears as special guest drummer on The EssenEss Project debut. Cacophony (Speed Metal Symphony), Jason Becker (Perpetual Burn), Greg Howe (debut), Ritchie Kotzen and Tony MacAlpine are just a few of the many influential and cutting edge guitarists and musicians Atma has worked with in the past.
“We were absolutely excited when we confirmed Atma to drum on this album,” says Smyth, adding, “Steve Hoffman and I both grew up listening to Atma, and his absolutely insane progressive and innovative style. We had always hoped we might get the opportunity to work with him one day, and now it’s happened.”
Recording largely on their own, Steve Smyth and Steve Hoffman, or “Ess en Ess”, take you on a 70+ minute journey through sonic landscapes that range from wildly progressive metal riffing, to experimental rock breaks, through to jazz fusion, with a whole host of other musical influences not normally associated with rock/metal, being stirred into the musical melting pot. “We’re both into a lot of different types of music, and wanted to get as much variety into each song, in as tasteful a manner as possible,” says Smyth. One listen to this incredibly ambitious debut, will tell you they’ve hit their mark...
While Steve Smyth assumed the role of engineer, and makes his producing debut with this album, this album has also benefited from the invaluable input of two illustrious individuals on the production side of the music world.
The album was mixed by Kent Matcke (Metallica, Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar) at his Pro Music Studios, and mastered by the one and only John Cuniberti (Joe Satriani, George Lynch, Michael Manring producer) at the world famous Plant Studios, all complemented by the excellent artwork from artist Asgeir Mickelson. These selections were no accident. “We knew we wanted the best for this album, and I think we got some of the best, most experienced ears and eyes in the business in Kent, John and Asgeir!” says Smyth.
Due for release November 5th, 2007 through Steve Smyth’s own Two Louder Music label, The EssenEss Project will take you on a journey through many highly varied, mood driven, and action packed songs. Through their brand of instrumental progressive rock, they aim to bring melody, musical diversity, groove, and shred, back to instrumental music.
World-wide CD release: November 5th, 2007, available exclusively through Two Louder Music
World-wide download release: November 5th, 2007, via iTunes and all major digital retailers.
For now, you can preorder through CD Baby!
UPDATE: SATURDAY - OCTOBER 06th, 2007
Added 2nd "Maximum Threshold" interview link.
UPDATE: WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 03rd, 2007
Steve will guest on the "Maximum Threshold" show this Saturday, October 6 at 8:00PM EST.
"Maximum Threshold" is an Internet radio show dedicated to presenting up-and-coming hard rock bands and successful bands as well as interviews, news and music reviews.
To hear the program, go to this location and click on the "Listen Live" button.
Updated Steve's 'Links' page.
UPDATE: WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 28th, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TUESDAY, AUGUST 28th, 2007
GUITARIST STEVE SMYTH PARTS WAYS WITH NEVERMORE
Guitarist Steve Smyth has officially parted ways with Nevermore, citing personal and business differences.
“All things find their end eventually, and at this time, I wish to make it clear that this was mutually agreed between the band and myself.
I will continue on with other aspects of my music career, including the upcoming release of The EssenEss Project, an all instrumental album, in the vein of progressive rock, that is now finished and being prepared for release.
After a year and 4 months of being out of the touring scene due to ill health and then a kidney transplant, I have finally been given a full health clearance by my doctors to go back on the road, and I am now ready to return to the stage.
I am proud and extremely honored to have been a guest of Uli Jon Roth at his Sky Academy concert series this past weekend, August 24th and 25th , in LA. What an awesome experience! To jam with one of the greatest, as well as several other incredible guitarists and musicians who have been big influences on my playing over the years, and to make new friends as well, the whole thing was just incredible. Many thanks to Uli for inviting me, it was truly an honor!
UPDATE: SUNDAY - AUGUST 19th, 2007
Steve is tentatively set to perform on August 24th and 25th for the "Uli Jon Roth and Friends" concert to take place at the Musician's Institute in Los Angeles.
UPDATE: WEDNESDAY - JUNE 12th, 2007
Steve has a new blog:
UPDATE: WEDNESDAY - MAY 16th, 2007
Updated Steve's 'Discography'.
UPDATE: SATURDAY - MAY 12th, 2007
Updated Steve's 'Photos' and 'Links' pages.
UPDATE: WEDNESDAY - MAY 2ND, 2007
Steve will be making a live appearance with Sweet Leaf (S.F. Bay Area Ozzy/Sabbath Tribute) for their "Farewell" show set for June 10th at the Last Day Saloon in Santa Rosa. Come out and celebrate with the guys! It's an all day, all ages show that starts at 2:00pm. Also on the bill, Skitzo (Lance Ozanix's band), First Come First Shred, and Wayward Son.
UPDATE: MONDAY - APRIL 23RD, 2007
Updated Steve's 'Bio' - added recording gear and updated influences (bands and musicians).
Updated the 'Links' page. Interview with Steve added.
UPDATE: SUNDAY - APRIL 06TH, 2007
Optimized site to be viewed properly using Firefox browser.
Updated Steve's 'Links' page.
UPDATE: SUNDAY - MARCH 25TH, 2007
Updated Steve's 'Bio', 'Gear', and 'Discography' pages.
UPDATE: TUESDAY - MARCH 16TH, 2007
Steve's 'Bio' has been added; and updated the 'Discgraphy.'
UPDATE: TUESDAY - MARCH 13TH, 2007
Added DVD appearances to the 'Discgraphy.'
UPDATE: SUNDAY - MARCH 11TH, 2007
Added Kidney Info sites to the 'Links' page.
UPDATE: THURSDAY - MARCH 08TH, 2007
Steve's 'Gear' page is completed; added a photo to the 'News' section.
UPDATE: THURSDAY - MARCH 06TH, 2007
'Version 4' of the site is up - more content to be added.
UPDATE: MONDAY - FEBRUARY 26TH, 2007
Testament 'Bone Bash III' promo clip added to the sounds/visuals page.
UPDATE: FRIDAY - JANUARY 26TH, 2007
Steve is now accepting students for Internet Guitar Lessons! Click on the banner below for more information:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WEDNESDAY - JANUARY 10TH, 2007
Following successful kidney transplant surgery in December, guitarist Steve Smyth (Nevermore, Dragonlord, ex-Testament, Vicious Rumors) issues the following statement:
The time has finally come to share a very important piece of news, directly related to my health.
On December 12th, 2006, I had a successful kidney transplant! After 6 straight months on dialysis, changes to my lifestyle and diet, and a very thorough search for a suitable donor, by early August 2006, we had a preliminary match. Several rounds of blood and tissue typing tests had to be subsequently performed to ensure we were a perfect match for transplant; the main reason for my hesitance in saying anything publicly during those months.
The donor shall remain nameless, but my gratitude to him for his selfless act of kindness and friendship will endure forever! Thank you so much, you have no idea how much this means to me!
I am now on the road to recovery, as they say. This is mainly requiring a lot of adjustment to medications I will be on for the rest of my life, a small price to pay to be free from dialysis, and the restrictions it places on a person, both mentally and physically. I had no idea how much freedom I took for granted before all of this hit. 2006 was a big revelation of the frailty of human life for me, something I will not take for granted again.
Where does all this lead to next? I’ve been advised by my doctors that I will not be able to travel in any capacity for the next 6 months, as I have to adjust to immunosuppressant drugs to fight any possible form of rejection of the kidney, and my body needs time to recover from this operation, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes. All things that only make one stronger!
Obviously, my health must come first, but of huge importance to me is my loyalty to the rest of Nevermore, and as soon as I am deemed fit and ready to hit the road again, I will. I’ve already written 4-5 songs in various stages for the next Nevermore record, when the time comes to do one.
My immediate plans are to finish The EssenEss Project, my instrumental debut album collaboration with bass player/composer Steve Hoffman, and special guest drummer, Atma Anur, and find a suitable label to release the album, and get this album heard, finally! It’s been a long road, most recently delayed by my health issues. I am glad to finally be getting this on to the mix stage within the next month. For more updates on The EssenEss Project, please check in at www.theessenessproject.com and our related forum. We have lots of news upcoming, as we confirm the next phases of the record, including mixing duties, mastering duties, and artwork, and finally, what label will release it. Interested parties in this last area, please contact me at: steve@stevesmyth.com
I am also set to launch my internet guitar lesson business within the coming weeks. This will be a “live via webcam” lesson, all things that would happen in a regular live lesson with me will remain intact; written and audio/video examples, and direct focus on your goals as a musician are my aim. If you are interested in pursuing lessons with me, please contact me at: steve@stevesmyth.com with INTERNET GUITAR LESSONS in the title. I will include you on a mailing list due to go out this week, with full details on the lessons, how they will be run, cost, scheduling, etc. I look forward to teaching you!
Please stay tuned to www.stevesmyth.com (here) or www.myspace.com/stevesmyth for further updates, or my forum on Ultimate Metal, as all further updates will come from any of these locations.
I told everyone I would fight this, and be back! Bring on 2007, I’m ready!
~ Steve Smyth
