Nonpoint's Robb Rivera Names His Favorite Albums of All Time

In anticipation for Nonpoint's upcoming album, drummer Robb Rivera of Nonpoint has given us his favorite albums of all time. Take a look and comment and let Robb know what you think and leave some of your favorite albums too! 

"My favorite albums...well, some of them!!!" 

-Robb

*Be sure to stay up to date on what's going on in the studio with Nonpoint by checking Robb's blog daily!

Rush... All The Worlds A Stage
Deftones...Around The Fur
Black Sabbath... Debut
Judas Priest... Stained Class
Metallica... Master Of Puppets
Anthrax...Among The Living
Forbidden...Twisted Into Form
Pantera... Vulfar Display Of Power
Ozzy Osbourne... Blizzard Of Ozz
The Cro mags... Age Of Quarell
Machine Head... Burn My Eyes
Starkweather...Crossbearer
Journey... Escape
Testament...The Legacy
Snot... Get Some
Hed Pe... Broke
Vio-Lence Eternal Nightmare
RATM... Debut
Exodus...Fabulous Disaster
Dio...Holy Diver
Iron Maiden... Piece Of Mind
Tool...Aenima
Down... Nola
Death Angel... Act 3
Mercyful Fate... Melissa
Van Halen... Van Halen 2
Pressure 4-5 Burning The Process
Sick Of it All... Scratch The Surface
Biohazard... Debut
Only Living Witness... Prone Mortal Form

Nonpoint Drummer Robb Rivera Offers Bands One-on-One Consulting

This is probably one of the coolest things I've heard of a proven, professional musician doing to help other bands. I talked with drummer Robb Rivera of the mighty Nonpoint the other day about a service that he is doing in order to simply help as many young bands as he can. He is willing to consult with any rock or metal band and help them with any questions they may have about the industry, what comes next or any other questions they may have. We all have questions and how cool would it be to be able to ask a successful musician who's been in the business for over a decade now about anything? AWESOME! We've always day dreamed about being best friends with a successful musician in a successful band that you could bug for advice whenever you'd like; and here is your chance. I talked with Robb about the details, and trust me, it's something you're going to want to at least try.


Aaron Manogue: Why are you doing the consulting?
Robb Rivera: I look at it as pay it forward. I have learned a lot over the years. The god and the bad so I always have young bands come up to me asking me what do they need to do and i look at the position they are in then i take it from there.

Manogue: What type of bands should contact you
Rivera: Well i am more interested in the rock bands to be honest, it's mainly the expertise in this field that why i prefer it more than other types of bands.

Manogue: What can bands learn from you?
Rivera: Being able to cut some corners, be smarter with their money, traveling cost effective, learning what they need to do to be able to stay a band

Manogue: Why are you so willing to help other bands?
Rivera: I just love to help others and promote, so many people have always said use your knowledge to your advantage.

Manogue: Was there another band or musician who kind of took you under their wing when you first started and gave you advice?
Rivera: Oh yea! We learned from ,any bands. BC the original drummer from Hed Pe, the Mudvayne guys, Disturbed, Machine Head, Sevendust, etc.

Manogue: How much is the consulting and for how long?
Rivera: 30 dollars for a half an hour and 50 for the hour.

So if you are serious about your music and have questions that could really only be answered by a true professional, it is ABSOLUTELY worth the time. Not only is Robb an amazing drummer, but he is a true professional, a great business man and one hell of a guy. Learn things that you could only learn from someone who has been there and done that. And to top it off, Robb understands most up and coming bands don't have a huge budget, so he's made it affordable for everyone. If you're SERIOUSLY interested in this service, contact us at contact@hard-rock-reviews.com and we'll get you in touch with Robb personally. And please, if you try this out, come back and give us feedback. We'd love to know how this is helping you!

Nonpoint Officially Enters Studio to Record New Album

There's been a TON of anticipation surrounding Nonpoint's next album, when it would be recorded and when it will be released. Well, one of those very important questions has been officially answered as the rockers have announced they are officially in studio recording their next album, to be released through their new label Razor & Tie. They have gone into the studio with their guns drawn, bringing Grammy-nominated Producer Johnny-K to produce their seventh album. Johnny-K has worked with some of the best in the rock biz including Staind, Distrubed and Megadeath.

Nonpoint is coming off a split with long time bassist Ken MacMillan and guitarist Zach Broderick and there has been a lot of questions surrounding their replacements. According to Blabbermouth.com, Lead vocalist Elias Soriano commented on the new members:

"We're proud to officially announce the new members of NONPOINT. Dave Lizzio, Rasheed Thomas and Adam Woloszyn have been chased by bands in the Chicago area for years and somehow by a stroke of luck and timing, we now have three of the freshest, most talented players on our team. These guys are great players and even better people."

"From day one, the new writing process has been full of great ideas and open minds, and now adding Johnny K into the formula has Robb and I very excited. After listening to the demos, Johnny K said, 'It's easy to find someone to play guitar for a band. It's hard to accomplish what you have by finding Dave, Rasheed and Adam, and that's finding people who can write amazing riffs.' From that point on I knew: This new lineup and record will be epic in the chronicle of NONPOINT."

It is a testament to drummer Robb Rivera and Soriano's perseverance and character to be in the studio for the seventh album after all of the lineup changes and ups and downs the band has experienced in their time together. Soriano and Rivera are the only remaining original members and are the absolute heart and soul of the Nonpoint nation.

With the addition of Dave, Rasheed and Adam, it's an extremely exciting time for Nonpoint and their fans as the possibilities are endless. The amount of musicianship now in Nonpoint on top of the high level that Robb and Elias already have is astronomical and any hard rock or metal lover should be salivating at the possibilities for their new album. The album is due out in late Spring so be sure to keep your ears and eyes peeled. Be prepared to be blown away, Nonpoint style. Oh yes indeed, ladies and gentlement, Nonpoint is STILL ALIVE AND KICKING!

Be sure to follow Nonpoint's progress in the studio by following Robb's blog at www.RobbRivera.com!

Nonpoint's Rob Rivera Forms Imprint Label

Our close friend and drummer of the almighty Nonpoint, Robb Rivera has yet again expanded his impressive portfolio by forming an imprint label titled Stand Strong for Music through THC: Music/Rocket Science. This according to the official press release that was sent out earlier today. We want to congratulate our friend Robb and wish him the best of luck in yet another inspiring musical endeavor that he has taken on. He's one of the most driven and dedicated musicians in the business today and we have no doubt that this will be yet another successful project of his. Here is some information from the official press release:

“Nonpoint drummer Robb Rivera has teamed up with THC : MUSIC to form his own label imprint SSFM (Stand Strong For Music), which will sign and release records through THC : MUSIC/ROCKET SCIENCE. Rivera, a founding member of Hard Rock mainstays Nonpoint, who released their latest and sixth studio album, 2010’s Miraclethrough Rocket Science, debuting at #59 on the Billboard Chart. 

But the connection doesn’t stop there, as THC founder/Rocket Science A&R Thom Hazaert, also served as an early manager to the Florida Rockers, and helped to garner them some of their first label interest in the late 90’s while working as an A&R scout for Jive. 

“Obviously the ties to Robb and the Nonpoint camp were strong, we’ve always been friends and crossed paths many times over the years. Robb has an amazing eye for business, and an incredible ear for talent, so when we started talking about this, it just made perfect sense.” says Hazaert. “Many of the most successful up and coming bands of the last decade cut their teeth touring with Nonpoint, and both myself and Robb saw that as a great opportunity to form a pipeline to develop some amazing talent together.” 

Rivera adds, “Thom and I go way back from Nonpoint’s demo/local days. I saw what he was doing with THC and Rocket Science, and I decided to reach out, and that’s when the idea for the imprint came up. Most people that know me know that I have always helped bands by either putting them on shows, posting about their band and this is something I have done since my teens.” 

“I love promoting and helping bands; I have always said that if I like your band, people will know, and this is just an extension of that. I am excited about this new chapter in my life and I will be looking forward to finding the best new bands out there, not only bands with great music, but with the work ethic to match.” 

Releases will be distributed in North America though Sony/RED. 

THC was founded in 2011 by Thom Hazaert, former President of Corporate Punishment Records, a 15 year industry veteran, who as an Artist Manager/A&R Rep helped launch the careers of Chimaira, Switched, Depswa, Bleed the Sky, Adema, and more. Also a seasoned industry marketing vet, and co-founder of Total Assault Marketing, being involved with a myriad of hugely successful 2000’s major label releases from artists including Limp Bizkit, Korn, Snot, (Hed)pe, Nine Inch Nails, Static-X, Cold, Guns N’ Roses, Pitchshifter, Staind, and more. 

Rocket Science is a full service Artist services company and Record Label offering marketing, promotion and distribution services to prominent former major label artists looking for a modern, Artist-friendly outlet. Formed by former MCA/Universal exec Kevin Day, Rocket Science has brought successful releases to the marketplace from artists as diverse as Nonpoint, Filter, Smashing Pumpkins, Liz Phair, George Lynch, John 5, Manraze (featuring Def Leppard’s Phil Collen and Sex Pistols’ Paul Cook), Ace Frehley, Angels and Airwaves, Lo-Pro, and Yanni.”

Nonpoint Announces New Record in the Works

Photo: Angela Villand

Razor & Tie is pleased to announce the addition of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida rockersNonpoint to its label and publishing rosters. The band has been on a major roll recently, having wrapped up a two year tour in support of their album Miracle with a triumphant show in front of 6,000 fans at Wisconsin's at Taste of Madison. The Miracle tour also saw other exciting benchmarks for the band, including performances at the Metal Hammer Awards, U.K's Download Festival and Australia's Soundwave Festival where they were the recipients of an MTV Soundie Award (courtesy of MTV Classic Australia). Nonpoint also re-established themselves at Active Rock radio with their hit "Miracle" breaking into the Top 15.

Nonpoint is already deep into writing their forthcoming new album having demo'd over two dozen songs. The new album is currently slated for a spring of 2012 release. 

"We couldn't be happier or more excited about our up-coming new partnership with Razor & Tie. Their aggressive staff and fresh plan of attack has us excited to get this record on the shelves and on the airwaves because I know they will reach for greatness and are as proud of being a part of this project as we are. We're very much looking forward to the next album cycle," comments Elias Soriano of Nonpoint. 

Interview with Nonpoint Singer Elias Soriano

photo - Angela Villand

Every time Nonpoint crosses the state lines to play a show in my state, I see the madness, the excitement and anticipation of a show people KNOW is gonna kick so much ass, they have to take the next day off work. I hear the stories of "my first show was insane," and "the last time I saw them, they were just as good as ten years ago when they played here." It's almost "viral," in the sense that I can go to a show, any show, and see someone in a Nonpoint shirt or hoodie and smile, and they hold the horns up. They know. We all know. If you don't know what I'm talking about, I'll be a bit more specific. One of the greatest LIVE shows you will ever see is Nonpoint. If you have not yet seen them play either an indoor or an outdoor concert, you have not seen a rock show. It's a bit metal, it's hard core, it's heavy, it's heart-pounding bass lines, followed by either melodic or angry vocals that are so intense it gives me chills just remembering my first Nonpoint show. I'm so emphatic about it because I've had the honor of seeing them so many times in concert. I have not once hit a show and thought to myself that it was the same or not as good as I'd expected. Every article, every show review, every follow up says "Nonpoint do not disappoint their fans." Robb Rivera, Nonpoint's drummer, says it's because that's what they intend. They don't want anyone, no matter their age or creed, to leave feeling hungry for more. They have every intention of leaving you feeling satisfied. That's exactly what happens, without fail.Nonpoint's singer, Elias Soriano, feeds off the energy that is prevalent in the pit and beyond, reaches out to give back that aggression, the passion, the excitement that is what Nonpoint is all about. Hard-Rock-Reviews spent some time talking with Elias about the music, the live show, and  more...

Nonpoint Drummer Robb Rivera talks Social Media, Connecting with Fans & more!

Robb Rivera
Photo by Angela Villand

With the success of the 2010 release, Miracle, it seems people have shed their nervousness because Nonpoint remains consistently faithful to the signature “sound” that their fans feel "belong"s to the band. There’s this big sigh of relief in the “Nonpoint fan community” that’s rather collective. There was a period of time when guitarist Andy Goldman left and Zach Broderick was on board when fans were not sure what was going to happen til they saw a live Nonpoint show and left knowing “It’s all good!” Having a new guitarist can make, break, improve, change….it can do so many things for a band. They’ve been very fortunate in many ways over the years, especially since the addition of Zach to the family has ultimately been a good and positive transition for your band and for the fans! Looking back, three-plus years later, after the adoption of a new guitarist and essential songwriter, I asked Nonpoint's drummer ROBB RIVERA about Zach's "adoption" to the Nonpoint family, we talked about how they're still touring on the album Miracle, and we even discussed his retired Muppet "Animal."

Nonpoint "Miracle" Review

It seems like every time someone talks about any rock n’ roll artist or band these days, there is an underlying and ridiculous urge to place them in some generalized category. Whether it’s soft rock, alternative rock, heavy metal, death metal, or any amalgamation of rock n’ roll genres that some self-proclaimed music junky decides to make up for a certain band, people feel the need to stereotype a band’s sound. For the boys of Nonpoint it’s never been about fitting into some cliché music genre or writing records to make the charts, it’s simply been about one thing and one thing only; writing genuine, pure Nonpoint music.