SHADOWS FALL Drummer Checks In

SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner has issued the following update:

"Well, I guess this is more like a rambling paragraph of everything going on with me and the various bands I'm busy working with right now...

"Let's talk about my main 'family' (as dysfunctional as we are). SHADOWS FALL are still painstakingly working on our new album. So far we have about five songs completed, and I have to say this is some of the best stuff we've ever done. Yeah, I know everybody always says that, but I really feel this record is going to smoke!!! So far it's leaning towards the angrier/heavier side of things, but don't worry, we haven't lost sight of melody... it's still there.

We will play the 'make-up' shows with AVENGED SEVENFOLD in December... New Jersey, Connecticut and then up to Canada December 12-17, so make sure to not miss that!!

"Today we are actually on our way to New Jersey to see our manager put the ball and chain on his leg... yes, yes, he's getting married, and I don't mean that in a bad way, we just like busting on him as much as possible... and yes, for the first time ever SHADOWS FALL will play a wedding... sort of... jeez, we didn't even play at mine!!

"Best of luck, Dave and Cara!!

"OK, well, speaking of melody, you will find none of that with BURNING HUMAN [Jason's side project!!! Just straight up in-your-face brutality. THE [BURNING HUMAN] RECORD IS FINALLY DONE!!! The master sits on my dining room table as we speak! We are signing our deal this weekend, and hope to have 'Resurrection Through Fire' out by early 2009!

"We played a show last weekend in Binghamton, NY which was a lot of fun. Next week we head down to The Chance in Poughkeepsie, New York to play with OVERCAST... and for any of you who don't know, OVERCAST is my singer Brian's [Fair; SHADOWS FALL] other band, so SHAD fans — come support us in our struggling bands!!

"And then we will headline Northern Lights in Albany, New York on November 28, The Black Friday Beatdown. Also appearing on this bill will be a 'very special guest' closing act. I can't name any names, but most of its members are playing that same night in other bands (myself included).

"DARK DAY SUNDAY... What??? Another band? Yep, another band. I sometimes wonder why I'm tired and sore all the time, but as I write this I can figure out why. DARK DAY SUNDAY is the brainchild of my good friend Frank Aresti from the legendary FATES WARNING!!!

"Now, those who know me know how much of a FATES fan I am, so any chance to jam with anyone from that band is a godsend to me.

"We started the longtime coming drum tracks this past week in Massachusetts, and I tied my 'War Within' record — seven songs in one session, with multiple takes. This album is going to crush as well, so much heaviness mixed with melody, and a lot of musicianship. 'Halfway To Godz' is my fave song... well, from a drum perspective it is... it's a 200 bpm'r that is killer — single-stroke rolls with the hands and feet for most of the tune; it's a workout!! Keep an eye out in 2009.

"DVD and clinic tour: [Jason's instructional] DVD — 'What Drives The Beat' out November 17... pre-order now and save $5 from www.shadowsfall.com and be sure to catch me and Paul [Romanko; SHADOWS FALL bassist] out on tour for it along the East Coast starting November 17."

Jason Bittner / Paul Romanko of SHADOWS FALL - clinic tour dates:

Nov. 17 - Guitar Center - Boston, MA
Nov. 18 - Sam Ash - New Haven, CT
Nov. 19 - Alto Music - Middletown, NY
Nov. 20 - Guitar Center - New York City, NY
Nov. 21 - Dave Phillips Music - Allentown, PA
Nov. 22 - Sam Ash - Springfield, NJ
Nov. 23 - Sam Ash - King of Prussia, PA

An in-depth look into the awe-inspiring drumming of a modern drum hero, "What Drives The Beat" shows just why Jason Bittner is one of the most popular drummers on the planet. The new, three-hour DVD from Hudson Music is the two-time Grammy nominee and multiple readers poll winner's first full-length solo video project and features a wealth of performance and instructional content aimed at aspiring young metal players but applicable to many styles, ages and ability levels.

One of the highlights of the DVD is Jason's presentation of his "Double-Bass Crash Course." The step-by-step method for developing foot control, power, endurance and speed is explained and demonstrated in detail while foot cameras and split-screen shots augment the instructional material. 16th, Triplet, 32nd, Combo, Shuffle, Ruff and Blast Beat patterns are covered with all the examples and exercises included in an exclusive PDF eBook that can be printed and used for lessons and practice.

Jason discusses his background, his influences and his approach to drumming and then employs specially selected performance tracks to illustrate specific drumming concepts, such as:

* The Basic Beats and Fills of Metal Drumming
* Applying Rudiments
* Hand and Foot Technique
* Developing Both Feet Evenly
* Two-Handed Ride Patterns
* How To "Metalfy" Jazz, Funk, Shuffles, Slow Blues and World Beats
* Soloing

Bonus content includes additional solo footage, Jason's complete warm-up/stretching routine, a live rehearsal video of Jason's band, a photo gallery and more. A free sample lesson along with other online support is available as part of Hudson's Complete integrated multi-media music education system at www.hudsonmusic.com.

Watch a trailer for the DVD below.