A New Lease on Life

After 15 years, ten of those married, LILT is a single woman. You probably noticed (heh) a complete lack of activity here, and when I have posted it's been spotty. Shit happens. So does divorce.

I'm driving a new car, residing in my new apartment, and living differently. Also, my lovely friend in the Rammstein camp is no longer in the Rammstein camp. The changes have been drastic and fairly comprehensive.

One thing has not changed. I still listen to Rammstein, Gevolt, Combichrist, and Appocalyptica, turned up high.

I'm not sure what LILT will be from now on. I may never go back to being a decent news source for the band, because while I love the music I have run out of steam adapting the lyrics to English and I just don't feel the same joy in keeping up now my buddy isn't on tour with the boys.

I will be more active than I have been recently, but I'm not sure if you'll get what you had come to expect from this site. Stick with me if you appreciate me for my insight, but perhaps re-evaluate if you're only paying attention for the news.

LILT is here for the long haul, but what that means you'll have to wait to see. I certainly don't know! Probably the only thing you can count on is some adaptations of Gevolt's lyrics. Their arrangements and stunning vocalist lift the hairs on the back of my neck, and as they don't do the English thing I feel an urge to broaden their audience where I can.

If you've not heard Gevolt yet check out Gevolt.com.

Stil there?

Not Strong Enough Video

It seems fitting that I post this today, given my most recent post! Apocalyptica have released their latest video here.

Rammstein Have Their Say

Following the Apocalyptica statement to the same effect Rammstein have issued their own:

Contrary to various statements by ill-informed, quick-to-print publications, the band Rammstein never sued the band Apocalyptica.

As Apocalyptica correctly represents on their website, action was brought against the record label Sony Music. As the successor in title for the label Gun Records, Sony Music agreed to a settlement for the wrongful use of the trademark "Rammstein" following the closure of Gun Records.

During the album release of "Worlds Collide," Apocalyptica and Rammstein came to an understanding about the substance and process of working together.

However, the manner in which the record label Gun Records promoted the album did not conform with the wishes of either band.

Rammste's action against Gun Records was filed with Apocalyptica’s knowledge and agreement.

Apocalyptica left the firm Gun Records shortly after the lawsuit's filing.

Further information here

'Ill-informed, quick-to-print publications' would include me. Sorry, Rammstein!

Oops! Sorry!

Read Blabbermouth today? It turns out that the Apocalyptica/Rammstein thing was incorrectly reported. Apologies to Apocalyptica for propagating the inaccuracies. Here's their statement as per Blabbermouth:

The Anwalt24.de article's headline [which suggested that Apocalyptica was forced to pay damages to Rammstein] is substantially wrong: neither the band Apocalyptica nor their management are or were involved in the described lawsuit. However, the parties involved are the band Rammstein and Sony Music Entertainment GmbH, as the successor of the by now-defunct affiliated label GUN Records.

Apocalyptica and Halbe Miete Management regret the events, but neither had any influence on a violation of trademark and naming rights, nor any part in whatsoever resulting agreements.

It is correct that GUN Records published advertisements with the stated endorsement disregarding existing agreements, and the band Rammstein subsequently filed a lawsuit against Sony Music Entertainment GmbH as the parent company. It is furthermore correct that Sony Music Entertainment GmbH and Rammstein have agreed on a settlement, the details of which, however, are unknown to Apocalyptica and Halbe Miete Management. We ask that further articles on the topic correctly reproduce the facts.

Update: Actually, I checked Apocalyptica's site. That would be the source.

Court Awards Rammstein Apocalyptica's Money

That headline sounds so much worse than it is. The Gauntlet linked to this article on anwalt24.de, reporting that Apocalyptica has been ordered to pay Rammstein €45,000 for trademark use. What it boils down to is that Apocalyptica's marketing team advertised the World's Collide album, which included a German version of Bowie's Heroes ('Helden') featuring Till Lindemann singing and Richard Kruspe on guitar, as 'Featuring Rammstein'. This use of the Rammstein trademark was unauthorised (and obviously unpaid for), so it is now being paid for:

Die Parteien einigten sich auf die Zahlung von 45.000 Euro als angemessene Lizenzgebühr.

The parties agreed to the payment of €45,000 as a reasonable royalty.

I've seen this excellent album touted as 'featuring Rammstein' myself, but it doesn't annoy me half as much as seeing the Puhdys track Wut will nicht sterben (also featuring the vocal talents of Till Lindemann) described as a Rammstein song. Rammstein don't describe it as such, but a lot of very silly Rammstein fans do. Stop it!

Update 20110111: Please see this post for the correction to this story.

Apocalyptica Tour Postponement

It seems that all is not well with my favourite finns:

We wanted to let you know that sadly we are having to reschedule the current run of US dates to the beginning of March 2011. This is due to issues with Perttu's health; we have taken the advice of several doctors before making this decision. We are working on all details and more information for you right now, and of course we will keep you fully informed!

If you're planning to attend note these changes and watch the band's various community channels for updates, so you can adjust your plans accordingly. Get well soon, Perttu.

Broken Pieces

The new Apocalyptica video production has exactly the same palette and devices as End of Me, so I have to assume the same mind is behind both videos. Gorgeous, emo, richly textured, ever so pretty, and entirely grey-scale, both videos make extensive use of scarily structured vamp models, architecturally classic interiors, gorgeous vocalists, and of course the wonderfully photogenic Finns. A success, I'd say.

Apocalyptica's second 7th Video

The video for Broken Pieces from the 7th Symphony album was due to be released 11 AM German time:

@apocalypticafi Heute, 11:00 Uhr deutscher Zeit, Deutschland Premiere des neuen Videos von Apocalyptica's zweiter Single "Broken... http://fb.me/KpmtQgAK

I'm thinking that was around 15 minutes ago. Okay, so I was late, but at least the news is still fresh. This is the second video from the latest album, and the song, like opener End of Me, is incredibly catchy. End of me featured Gavin Rossdale, who was absolutely stellar. Broken Pieces is lit up by Lacey, and I have to say I find her just as compelling, though Broken pieces is the extent of my experience of her.

Update: here it is:

Free Apocalyptica Track

Apocalyptica have a giveaway for those who sign up for their newsletter. Once you've subscribed you will get an acknowledgment email, including a link to download At The Gates Of Manala.

Paavo Interview

Paavo Lötjönen, the least hairy of Apocalyptica's sublime trio of cellists, is someone I have seen very little of outside of their performances and videos, but there is a lovely Musik Universe interview with him (conducted in Quebec) on YouTube that Apocalyptica fans will enjoy:

Apocalyptica Wish You Were There

Apocalyptica have been in North America (filming a video I think) and have gone down to Mexico to play some shows. While there they let ShockHound into their dressing room so they could record a message for their fans:



Those Mexican fans are obviously exhausting.

More Quebec Photos

Thanks to Stephan for the link. I wish I had been there. I love Apocalyptica, and they accompanied Rammstein for Haifisch and Ich Will, closing out the show.

Musik Universe Review & Photos from Canada

Musik Universe has posted a run-down on Apocalyptica and Rammstein (GLT - original French here) at the Quebec festival, and a gallery of photos. All well worth a looksie. Set lists are included.

A major treat is that RZK has ditched the helmet haircut in favour of a very flattering and much more age-appropriate look. The emo-kid style just did nothing for him.

Apocalyptica Post End of Me Video to YouTube

The complete End of Me video is now up on YouTube, so I can embed it here. YAY!:

End of Me Video Out

Apocalyptica have released the video for End of Me, featuring Gavin Rossdale, from Bush:



The full version is on their site.

Lateral Slide into Apocalyptica's 7th

It's about time I evangelised Apocalyptica again, as their new album, 7th Symphony, is imminent (August). Before that (Friday) their new video is due out. The song is End of Me, with Gavin Rossdale (Bush) providing the pipes (and doing so very well). I'm really looking forward to this.

There's a making of video below, featuring Eicca Toppinen, as well as Rossdale and Perttu Kivilaakso, showing a very emo, but beautiful series of shots being made, and excerpts from the finished video:



Enjoy!

Americans Should Attend

I know this isn't Rammstein, but it's still awesome. I have a feeling 7th Symphony will make it onto my iPod. Apocalyptica give me the happies. They just keep getting better and better, and you lucky North Americans get them live this month.

Helden by Apocalyptica

Anyone who is a fan of Rammstein should check this song out. It's a cover of Heroes (David Bowie) by Finnish string band Apocalyptica, featuring Till's vocals, and it's gorgeous. It is also a first for me, as I bought it from the iTunes store, which I've never used before. Nice start!

[Music][discuss]