Mike Herrera, Tom Wisniewski, and Yuri Ruley who together make up legendary US punk rock trio, MxPx, have signed to El Shaddai Records for the Australian & New Zealand release of their next two projects. Label President Phil Kennedy commented “Having been fans of the band since the mid 90s we are super thrilled to be working with them.”

El Shaddai Records will release a music documentary entitled Both Ends Burning, featuring footage from the band’s 2008 world tour all the way to the band’s sold-out Seattle show in March 2011. In this brutally honest depiction of the band, MxPx finds themselves at a crossroads in their career, struggling to find the balance between full time jobs, and the life of a touring musician. Directed by Bryan Buchelt of Snaproll Studios, the DVD will be available digitally in January 2012 and physically shortly after.

The DVD also includes interviews with friends and peers of the band such as Ethan Luck (Relient K), Stephen Egerton (Descendants), Jeremy McKinnon (A Day To Remember), Chris Demakes (Less Than Jake), along with many more, who add their individual anecdotes to the story, collectively agreeing on how influential the band has been and the true legacy the band has built over the last two decades.

Since the release of their third album Life In General in 1996, which launched them to success with hits “Chick Magnet,” “Move To Bremerton,” and “Doing Time,” MxPx has been on the road constantly, touring first across the country and then around the world. Touring since the age of 15, they’ve weathered the trials of friendship and the pressure of performing every night. However, the love/hate relationship of their friendship has endured in tight quarters, and the unexpected experience touring the world brings has reaffirmed of the legacy MxPx has built within the last 19 years since forming (and still being based) in Bremerton Washington.

A documentary about both life and music, Both Ends Burning is both a realization of how far the band has come, and how much further they want to go. Nearing two decades of playing together, it was late 2010 when drummer Yuri Ruley questioned being in the band and performed what he thought would be his last performance as a full-time member of MxPx at Wasted Space in The Hard Rock Cafe, Las Vegas. At the same time, guitarist Tom Wisniewski turned in his part-time status as well, taking on a full-time job in Bremerton.

But playing that show in Las Vegas provided more than a chance to reminisce about the past through their first full Life In General live set, the sold-out show helped rekindling the spark of creativity, reaffirming that Ruley and Wisniewski would continue with the band but would drastically scale back on touring. Both have since remained members of the band and are currently in the studio with vocalist and bassist, Mike Herrera finishing up their 9th full-length album, to be released in March 24, 2012.

After writing over 20 songs for the offering, MxPx whittled down the selection to 14 (one being exclusively for Australian & New Zealand editions of the album). Herrera is self-producing the album and said, “I’ve put an immense amount of thought into the bass lines this time around. I’ve expanded the fills and changed them up here and there, which has been fun.” Adhering to their own schedule, each and every detail is being perfected for the best MxPx album yet.

The album is the formal follow-up to 2007′s Secret Weapon and it’s something of a triumphant return to form for the band. Self-produced by Herrera at his Monkey Trench Studios in their hometown Bremerton, the new material channels the fire and fervor of their classic album Life In General as well as Secret Weapon’s scope and sense of refinement for a combustible new combination. With Yuri Ruley having returned to the fold, the band have wrapped up guitars, bass, vocals and now are putting the final touches in the record in time for its March 24 release date.

MxPx are roaring back to life. Stay tuned for what’s to come…

Our much loved Forgiven Rival decided to call it quits after a long illustrious career where they had achieved many great things as band. Their last show took place at a hometown venue, Wheelers Hill Pub, where they played their last electrifying set. We will be greatly miss the boys but their music lives on with their digital version of their album, This Is A War, now getting the deluxe treatment with few bonus songs.

On the other hand though the legendary Antiskeptic have decided to come out of retirement with an all new lineup as a 4 piece (which includes Ryan from House vs Hurricane)! The band already have a string of shows already lined up for 2012 and we promise that you do not want to miss out on the all new and improved Antiskeptic and the new material they have to show their passionate die hard fans.

We signed a band we have been into for a long time, Blessed By a Broken Heart, and have many exciting things planned for them (and you their loyal fans). This starts with the digital only single “Forever” from their brand spanking new album “Feel the Power” due for release January 24 2012 (by us of course and not just in Australia but over in New Zealand too). The single has already made a huge impact securing a #5 position on the Australian iTunes Metal Songs Charts. If this is any indication of how good the album is then get ready for 2012 as you’ll be hearing the name Blessed by a Broken Heart more often then the word ‘Ghost Chips’.

All in all it’s been a good few months as we brew what will be a ripper of a 2012.

Playing in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney these shows are almost certain to sell out so grab your tickets soon! before you miss out on one of the must see tours of 2012!

theAUreview.com & KILLYOURSTEREO.com PRESENT

Antiskeptic: Back in the Game tour

With Special Guests

Move to Strike & Emperor

Saturday 11th February – Northcote Social Club

301 High Street Northcote, VIC

Tickets through northcotesocialclub.com

Saturday 18th February – Enigma Bar

173 Hindley Street, Adelaide, SA

Tickets through: moshtix.com.au

Saturday 25th February – Metro Theatre (The Lair)

624 George Street, Sydney, NSW

Tickets through: metrotheatre.com.au

So if you love amazing guitar solo’s mixed with some amazing synths and vocals that this is a must have on your itunes library! Trust us when we say that this track is a must have for 2011!

Get it now before its too late!

To add to the excitement, joining them will be hard rock ringleaders Horsell Common. Horsell Common & Antiskeptic both disbanded in 2008 and will join forces for one night only to light up the stage. It should be a night to remember as both bands are renowned for their killer live shows and tight performances. This reunion promises to be nothing short of electric and a night you don’t want to miss out!

Ticket numbers are limited and sure to sell fast so see below for full details (and book now while you still can)!

Sunday April 10th
THE ARTHOUSE
616 Elizabeth Street Melbourne
with special guests: Mere Theory (SA)
Presale tickets $22 + BF
available from www.oztix.com.au and all oztix outlets
$25 on the door if available

1. Who plays bass for He is Legend?
2. What year was Antiskeptic formed?
3. What was the 2nd Forgiven Rival single which El Shaddai released?

Email your answers to contests@elshaddairecords.net, along with your comments and suggestions for our new site, and you’ll be in the draw to win!

First Prize: A copy of Forgiven Rival’s “This is a War” CD, a special advance copy of House vs. Hurricane’s “Forfeiture” (originally released for promotional purposes only!), and a House vs Hurricane sticker.
Runners Up: A copy of Forgiven Rival’s “This is a War” CD and a House vs Hurricane sticker.

Entries close 21/7. Only one entry will be accepted per person. Don’t forget to tell your friends!!