GOD FORBID Guitarist Comments On New Album's 'Amazing' Chart Debut

"Earthsblood", the new album from New Jersey metal titans GOD FORBID, sold around 5,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan, to land at position No. 110 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD debuted at No. 2 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

GOD FORBID's previous album, "IV: Constitution of Treason", entered The Billboard 200 chart at No. 119 in September 2005 after shifting 8,300 units.

Commented guitarist Doc Coyle: "I'm proud to announce that our new album 'Earthsblood' charted even higher than our previous album, which is amazing in this day and age of downloads. Thanks to everyone who went out and picked it up. It means a lot to the guys in the band.

"Right now, we're in the midst of a European tour with our bros in ILL NINO. The tour is actually going very well. The clubs are packed, and we're having a great time with ILL NINO. They are great friends, and it feels wonderful to be around familar faces in a foreign land. Europe seems to get a little better each time we come back. A few more fans show up each time with more enthusiasm, and we are certainly determined to make it over here. I can't wait to come back for festival season in June.

"When we get back to the States, we only have a few days off before we have to do a few warm-up shows that lead into the No Fear Energy tour with LAMB OF GOD, AS I LAY DYING, CHILDREN OF BODOM and MUNICIPAL WASTE.

"Congrats to our friends in LAMB OF GOD for debuting at #2 on the Billboard chart, showcasing that metal is alive and strong in a big way. I expect these sentiments to continue on the tour.

"This tour is going to be fucking EPIC! I have a feeling people will be talking about these shows for years! This tour is going to be a huge launching pad for this new album. We will be signing CDs at merch on this tour, so be sure to come by and say hello.

"We haven't locked down the set list 100%, but we only have 25 minutes, so that's around five songs. Expect a couple new songs, a few fan favorites, and maybe a wild card in the mix.

"Can't wait to get back home, and rock for you people. It's gonna be a rager!"

"Earthsblood" was released on February 24 in the U.S. and February 16 in Europe via Century Media Records. The CD was produced by Eric Rachel (ATREYU) with Christian Olde Wolbers (FEAR FACTORY, THREAT SIGNAL) handling all vocal tracking. The mixing was handled by Jens Bogren (OPETH, SOILWORK, AMON AMARTH).

Regarding the album's title, guitarist Doc Coyle previously stated, "The title 'Earthsblood' came to me after watching the film 'There Will Be Blood'. What is the price of ambition? Is the blood of our bodies and the blood of the earth one and the same? With the current energy crisis, and its relation to many of the military conflicts worldwide, there has been a global, collective consciousness that has emerged in regards to the interdependence between humankind and the planet in which we inhabit. Coincidentally, the lyrics that Byron Davis and Dallas Coyle had written meshed with these revelations perfectly. This isn't a preachy, trendy, 'hip-to-be-green' album, nor is it a concept album. It's just an abstract observation."