When singer Chad Gray and guitarist Greg Tribbett made it clear that Mudvayne were on hiatus, it also confirmed 2012 was going to be a big year for Hellyeah. So it came no surprise that Vinnie Paul and gang announced plans to release a new album in early June. It did, however, come as a surprise to hear about Hellyeah’s label move.
As it turns out, the band’s third album titled Band Of Bothers will also be their first via new label home Eleven Seven Music. The supergroup’s first two albums, 2007’s self-titled debut and 2010’s Stampede, were released via Epic Records. While Stampede sold considerably less than the self-titled debut in its first week, Hellyeah were still one of Epic’s more successful hard rock acts. Thus, it’s a little surprising the hear that Hellyeah have parted ways with them.
As to what lead to the label move, though, is still unclear. However, the band has promised that new songs like “Band of Brothers,” “War In Me” and “Rage Burn,” find them heading in a heavier direction. Former Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul said the following about the new material:
“On our first two records, we were a new band. We really wanted to branch out and expand and experiment with all different styles. We all come from traditional metal bands and backgrounds, so it was a great breath of fresh air to play in a band that was rock ‘n’ roll, blues and Southern rock. We got that out of our system and got really focused on going back to our metal roots. It’s heavy, focused, groove-oriented and I’m excited about it.”
Guess we’ll have to wait till June to hear if Hellyeah truly have gone back to their “metal roots.” So far, the band only has dates in Australia and Japan lined up in the coming months, though more will surely follow after that.
