intervals Drops New Track + Official Visualizer "nootropic" From Upcoming Album 'memory palace' Out May 17

Innovative instrumental metal powerhouse intervals have dropped their new track "nootropic" and the official visualizer today. Fans attending recent intervals shows got a special sneak peek of the song, which can be found on the band's upcoming new album 'memory palace' set for release on Friday, May 17. When asked about the inspiration behind today's release, intervals mastermind Aaron Marshall shared:

“'nootropic' is the first tune that came out of the brain/hands when I started writing for the new record, and I’m super stoked to roll this one out! We’ve been playing it on tour over the past month and it’s been getting a really strong pop live, so I can’t wait for everyone to hear the recorded version. With this being the third single out from 'memory palace', this should give everyone an idea of the range of sounds happening on the record!”

Prior to today, intervals released "mnemonic" and most recently, "neurogenesis" featuring the acclaimed genre-blending electronic duo KOAN Sound, as well as guitar playthroughs for both (linked here and here, respectively). Pre-save 'memory palace' at the link here, stream "nootropic" here, and watch the visualizer below.

North American fans see intervals' incredible live performance on the remaining days of their co-headlining run alongside Hail The Sun with Body Thief and Makari as support. The band will then be hitting the road with Mammoth WVH beginning Saturday, May 4. For ticket information please click here, and be sure to keep 'em peeled for more intervals news coming soon.

intervals Tour Dates with Hail The Sun, Body Thief + Makari:

April 11 - Cleveland, OH @ The Roxy

April 12 - Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews

April 13 - Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues

Upcoming Tour Dates With Mammoth WVH:

May 4 - Bethlehem, PA @ Wind Creek Event Center

May 5 - Portland, ME @ Aura

May 7 - Wilmington, DE @ The Queen

May 8 - Norfolk, VA @ The Norva

May 10 - Cherokee, NC @ Harrah's Cherokee Resort Event Center

May 12 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution Live

May 14 - Chattanooga, TN @ The Signal

May 16 - Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

May 17 - Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom

intervals exist as the unbound and unapologetic creative expression of Aaron Marshall. The progressive guitar rock faithful revere Marshall for his virtuoso chops and melodic prowess in equal measure. His distinctive character and musical personality shine throughout the heady, catchy, and transcendent instrumental compositions found across the ever-growing catalog of intervals albums. 

The music is a window into the Toronto, Ontario, guitarist’s mind, body, and soul. Songs like “Libra”, “5-HTP”, “Belvedere”, “I’m Awake”, and “mnemonic” rank among the most popular in the genre. Metal Injection describes intervals as “catchy-as-hell shred.” Sonic Perspectives declared the band’s fourth album, 2020’s 'Circadian', “strikes the perfect balance between shred, songwriting, and melody.”

A trio of gifted touring and recording musicians surround Marshall as they collectively share intervals’ songs with the world: drummer Nathan Bulla, bassist Jacob Mansky, and guitarist Travis LeVrier. They consistently stun audiences, including on celebrated treks with Spiritbox, TesseracT, Animals As Leaders, Polyphia, Periphery, Protest The Hero, and Between The Buried And Me. 

The earliest intervals offerings, including two EPs and 2014’s full-length debut, A Voice Within (the sole album with lead vocals), were decidedly heavy and aggressive. Heralded by MetalSucks as “fantastic” and “lacking virtually nothing,” 2015’s The Shape of Colour ventured in a new direction. intervals' fourth album was appropriately titled The Way Forward. “Employing many of the same techniques as technical progressive metal but in a major-key, upbeat framework has been intervals’ calling card,” wrote Metal Hammer. “[The Way Forward] is a purer distillation of [Marshall’s] aim.”  

Circadian marked intervals’ first collaboration with Sam Guiana (Silverstein, Neck Deep, Holding Absence). memory palace brilliantly celebrates the best of intervals’ past, present, and future. The album is diverse, uplifting, and crushingly heavy. Also produced by Guaiana, memory palace includes collaborations with KOAN Sound (“neurogenesis”), J3PO (“galaxy brain”), and OBLVYN (“lacuna”). 

Fiercely independent and precision-focused but never lacking in uplifting vibe and fun, intervals continues to grow from Marshall’s strong roots in authenticity, instinct, and trusting one’s gut. - Ryan Downey

PAIN Share New Single "Push The Pusher"

NEW ALBUM I AM OUT MAY 17 VIA NUCLEAR BLAST

Today, PAIN release their new single "Push The Pusher." Stream the song here.

Demonstrating their ability to blend electro grooves with fist-pumping rock, this track is presented with a stunning clip made by a dedicated video team, Midjourney and AI tools. All images in the video are generated by AI and animated by two artists: Dmitry Alekseev and Sergey Kozlov, who created this special video in 2.5 months. The creators worked with a unique method, and developed this masterpiece for "Push The Pusher."

PAIN are back and prove to be more innovative, entertaining, and daring than ever before.

The new album I Am, will be released on May 17 via Nuclear Blast Records. Pre-order it here.

Peter Tägtgren comments, "'Push The Pusher' was the first song I started working on after 'PIMH.' I was hungry for distortion and stomp, to create an industrial feeling again. Lyrics-wise, it's really about me, as I've heard more then half of my life..to grow up."

The video premiere is set for April 12 at 1 pm ET. Click below to watch it.

ABOUT PAIN:
 It's 2021 and a pandemic is strangling the world — and no one seems to be having fun.

Seemingly tireless music freak Peter Tägtgren couldn't care less as he hits the jackpot with — pardon the harsh language — a fucking catchy... well, party anthem. We are of course talking about the song "Party in My Head" by Tägtgren's synth-infused metal project PAIN.

"I don't really know what it is about 'Party in My Head' that made - still makes - people go crazy for it... But what I do know for sure is that the song has already been enjoyed millions and millions of times. The numbers are pretty crazy! Of course, PAIN is no stranger to writing danceable and catchy, albeit metallic shit... it's always been in the DNA of this project. But let's face it: If the world really needs 'party anthems' from a cynical geezer like me, something's seriously wrong," Peter laughs.

Our beloved planet may be screwed, but there still doesn't seem to be much wrong in PAIN's world as 2024 ticks fast on the calendar. There simply can't be, because PAIN's eagerly awaited new studio album I Am is soon here — yes, after eight years of devoted waiting.

"The previous record Coming Home came out in 2016 and of course there was a tour after that. In 2019, I released an album called F & M with Rammstein singer Till Lindemann, a project I left in 2020. In 2021, it was time for my death metal band Hypocrisy to get active with a new album Worship and of course we toured again. If that wasn't enough, let's add that there was a studio album with Joe Lynn Turner in 2022... In other words: the last eight years have passed in the blink of an eye," Peter sighs.

"After all this, it was the perfect time for PAIN to go full force again. I felt excited to say the least. Needless to say, the success of 'Party in My Head' gave the album process an explosive start!"

Let's get one thing straight: the powerful-sounding I Am is truly a versatile — if not the most versatile — musical missile in PAIN's rich discography. The new songs go everywhere with heavy industrial riffs, haunting melancholic vibes, and groove-filled rhythms, without forgetting surprises, of course.

"There's no boundaries with PAIN. I just get an interesting idea for a song and along the way it can turn into anything. Sometimes, I also like to deliberately surprise people by following an exciting musical path where unexpected things happen," Peter describes.

"If I had one big goal this time, it was to add more intensity and edge to the songs. 'Coming Home' turned out great, but looking back now, I was maybe a little too deep into my 'David Bowie worship' with the orchestral stuff and the acoustic guitars. This time around, I definitely wanted more tempo, aggressiveness, and an industrial atmosphere. Going back towards the old times of PAIN? Maybe a bit..."

He continues, "'I Am' is also more of a family affair than ever before. My son Sebastian, also a PAIN drummer,  wrote the music of 'Revolution' and 'Don't Wake the Dead.' These absorbing songs add width to an already versatile album. All in all, completing I Am required a lot of composing, writing, thinking, experimenting, doing, and re-doing. It was a long and sometimes challenging process, but never painful!"

Speaking of surprises... What song will give fans the biggest wow effect this time?

"It must be 'Go With the Flow.' I dare to insist that when it starts rolling, even the deep connoisseurs of PAIN music are wondering what the heck is going on here. I would say it's my 'Depeche Mode in the 80s' song," Peter laughs. "Lyrically, 'Go With the Flow' represents a slightly brighter moment in the darkness. I always tend to think that everything is going to hell, but with this song I tell myself, 'Come on dude, let things be for once and go with the flow.'"

There may be these rare rays of light from the beacon, but darkness still prevails.

"The album's title track starts with the line 'There's no hope in the valley of death.' And if I look at the lyrics, I could dig up a lot other examples of similar sinister moods. But hey, a sarcastic guy like me and such gloomy times we live in... Are you expecting some sunny faces here? Well, sunny or not, PAIN is going to be busy for the foreseeable future. There will be a lot of touring to support the record — summer festivals, extensive tours here and there, and more," Peter says.

He finishes, "And what about the future anyway? Ask me again in eight years and there have been a few studio albums from different bands, a lot of gigs and something else. Yes, I am what I Am..."

Black Tusk Premiere New Single

Black Tusk are debuting their new single "Breath of Life" with Decibel Magazine. The video was produced by Alexandra Petrovich. "Breath of Life" comes ahead of the band's new album, The Way Forward, which is out April 26 on Season of Mist. 

"'Breath of Life' was a fun one to work on", says Chris "Scary" Adams. In addition to playing guitar and contributing vocals, Scary also produced and mixed The Way Forward at his studio Hidden Audio. "There were a few iterations as we were riffing alone, but once we all got together it really took shape. That's my favorite part about writing collaboratively. It really does come to life when everyone contributes".   

"'Breath of Life' is a bludgeoning track that showcases the new versatility of having a second guitarist", says bassist and vocalist Derek Lynch, who makes his debut as a member of Black Tusk on The Way Forward. "We decided to bookend the chaos with some experimental synth parts that I feel set the tone for what's to come".    

Watch the video for "Breath of Life" below.

Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/black-tusk-the-way-forward

Pre-save: https://orcd.co/thewayforwardpresave

Don’t miss the chance to see the band’s new four-piece lineup on April 26, when they ring in album number seven at their free hometown record release show!  Joining the party are special guests Bronco and fellow Savannahians The Maxines.

"A raucous style of punky, hard rocking sludge, with minimum fuss and ample bursts of energy and ballsy aggression" - Angry Metal Guy

"Chaotic and raw, but also extremely catchy and memorable" - Metal Injection

"A no frills band that goes full throttle. Black Tusk are here to stay" - Heavy Music HQ

"An engine-wrecking riff-fest from the Savannah badlands" - Metal Hammer

"Black Tusk are pretty much the only Georgia metal act who still sound like they hail from the home state of Sandra Dee and Uga" - Invisible Oranges

"Alive, raw, furious, loud...they almost make your face vibrate" - Heavy Blog is Heavy

"Black Tusk's combination of sludge, rock, hardcore and death metal remains fluid, fertile and most importantly, full of life" - Pitchfork

Black Tusk will then hit the road for more shows with their fans down south.

The Way Forward Record Release Show
April 26 - Savannah, Georgia @ Congress St. Social Club [Free Show]

Black Tusk 2024 May Tour Dates 
May 23 - Atlanta, GA @ Boggs Social & Supply [TICKETS]

May 24 - Orlando, FL @ Will’s Pub [TICKETS]

May 25 - Stuart, FL @ East Ocean Pub [TICKETS]

May 26 - Jacksonville, FL @ Rain Dogs [TICKETS]

“The big theme of this record is putting your life back together.” That’s Black Tusk guitarist/vocalist Andrew Fidler talking about the band’s new album, The Way Forward. “When everything seems like it’s against you, put your head down and push through. Take those bad things that are happening and use them to help create.” 

The Way Forward might be the Savannah swamp metal crew’s seventh album, but it marks many firsts for Black Tusk. It’s their first with their new lineup, which sees guitarist Chris “Scary” Adams and bassist Derek Lynch joining Fidler and drummer James May. Which also makes it Black Tusk’s first record with a two-guitar lineup. “We were able to add leads and harmonies and all kinds of stuff on the new record that we haven’t done in the past,” Fidler says. “As far as our records go, this one has the most guitar work.”  

You can hear it in the squealing solo of “Dance on Your Grave,” the killer harmonies on ripper “Harness (The Alchemist),” and the glorious dual guitar interplay of the powerful title track.  

“‘The Way Forward’ is my favorite song on the record,” Fidler says. “It’s based on a personal experience that everyone can probably relate to. I got divorced in 2020, and I kinda felt like my entire world was collapsing when that happened. But I pulled myself out of it. I realized that this one thing ending in my life isn’t the end of everything. I’m gonna find a way forward. I’m gonna figure out how to live my life and create and be happy and make new relationships. Which is what I’ve done.”  

In true Black Tusk fashion, the new lineup has expanded their triple-vocal approach to quadruple. “Everyone is doing vocals,” Fidler says. “That’s always been a thing in Black Tusk. Derek said he’d never done heavy vocals before, so I was like, ‘Well, here’s the mic. Here’s some words. Yell at it and see if you like it.’ I was blown away the first time he did it. It sounded good as fuck.”   

That’s Lynch on lead single “Brushfire,” a song for which he wrote the main riffs and lyrical concept. “That was my first real contribution to the band,” the bassist says. “Thematically, I wanted the aggressiveness of the lyrics to keep with the idea of pushing forward even when the world is trying to drag you down. The mood of the lyrics needed to match the pulverizing tempo of the song.”  

The lyrics for second single “Dance on Your Grave” were written by May, who moved from Savannah to Athens, GA, in the time since Black Tusk’s last album. “It’s about his struggles through Covid and what this lifestyle can do to people,” Fidler says. “It’s about getting past the party lifestyle and continuing to do things that are creative.”  

Meanwhile, “Breath of Life” distills Black Tusk’s lyrical philosophy into a righteous five-minute pummeling. “Scary came up with the main riff of this song, and it’s one of my favorite riffs on the record,” Fidler says. “I wrote the lyrics, and it’s just about darkness crushing everything. The world is a fucked-up place that we have to navigate through. That’s what a lot of Black Tusk songs are about.”  

Black Tusk recorded The Way Forward at Adams’ own Hidden Audio studio just outside of Savannah. Adams engineered the album and the whole band produced. “I actually helped him build the studio in the detached garage next to his house,” Fidler explains. “Me and my carpentry company went out there to do it, and Scary helped.”  

“We had about 90% of the riffs and song structures going into the studio, while still experimenting with ideas and inspirations,” Adams explains. “Sometimes we completely reworked parts, which made all the difference. For example, early versions of ‘Breath of Life’ and ‘The Way Forward’ are quite different than the record, and I love where they ended up. Though we did use a few effects and synths here and there for texture and space, to me this record still feels raw and powerful. It captures the feeling of being at a Black Tusk show.”  

The cover art for The Way Forward was done by Brian Mercer, who also created the sleeve for Black Tusk’s 2018 album, T.C.B.T.“T.C.B.T. had a dark cover because it was a dark time for the band,” Fidler says, referring to the period immediately after the passing of their longtime friend and bassist Jonathan Athon. “This time, it’s full blown, full-color Black Tusk. Brian Mercer and James collaborated on the concept, and Brian really knocked it out of the park.”  

“The title is kind of a double play,” Fidler says. “It’s the first record with the new lineup, and this is the direction we’re taking the band in. We’ve been doing Black Tusk for 19 years now, and we still love it. That’s why we called it The Way Forward.”  

Line-up:

Andrew Fidler: guitar, vocals
James May: drums, vocals
Derek Lynch: bass, vocals
Chris "Scary" Adams: guitar, vocals

Recording Studio
Hidden Audio

Producer/sound engineer
Chris "Scary" Adams

Mixing studio and engineer
Chris "Scary" Adams

Mastering studio and engineer
Brad Boatright at Audiosiege

Cover artwork
Brian Mercer

Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/black-tusk-the-way-forward
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/thewayforwardpresave
 

Follow Black Tusk:
https://blacktusk.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tcbt/
https://www.facebook.com/BlackTusk
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7iontmL8hXqoJcSA5oTZqa
https://twitter.com/BlackTusk
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/black-tusk/292231967

American alternative crooner Fred Abong (Throwing Muses, Belly) presents 'Heaven', previewing new 'Blindness' LP

“Purity and honesty in his approach that gets more and more intense with each track... like you’re riding a wave of energy” ~ Higher Plain Music

“Beautifully raw, uncluttered and quite cinematic... Melodically infectious and lyrically mysterious" ~ Newport Naked

“Abong’s vocal delivery is a testament to his storytelling prowess. His voice carries the weight of experience, each phrase brimming with authenticity and emotion... connecting on a profound level with the emotions that make us human”  ~ Skylight Webzine

“So unique that there is no possible way this music could be mistaken as being performed by anyone else" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

“An almost painful intimacy to his words despite the oblique phrasing and imagery he conjures” ~ Isolation Records


New Orleans-based alternative folk-rock artist Fred Abong presents 'Heaven', the first taste of his new 'Blindness' album, to be released on May 9 via Moochin' About Records. While most famously associated with the bass guitar, Abong wrote this material for this album on the piano, effectively opening up a new compositional and emotional space for him.

His eighth long-player to date, Abong is no stranger to the US alternative music realm, having got his musical start in the 1980’s on the Rhode Island hardcore punk scene. In the early 1990s, he played bass for Throwing Muses and then Belly. Putting music on hold for academic pursuits, he then earned a PhD in Humanities and taught at various universities for eight years before returning to music. Now back as a solo artist, Abong also plays bass in the Kristin Hersh Electric Trio.

“Heaven is probably the most straightforward song on 'Blindness'. It's kind of an anthemic rock ballad, delivered in my own understated version of theatricality and drama. There's maybe even a touch of Broadway in there, much to my embarrassment … but there you have it. Lyrically, it's pretty downbeat, but what else is new? I am, always have been, and always will be a seeker after something truer and more ideal than what I find in the social and cultural sphere," says Fred Abong.

"Heaven is just one of many musical snapshots of an ongoing struggle to find or create an earthly paradise for myself and my loved ones and the disappointment and growing exhaustion of coming up empty again (and again). To be clear, Heaven is not an ode to the afterlife … it's more prophetic and atemporal, about finding eternity here and now rather than in an imagined future.”

This first single introduces one of the album's primary themes - salvation. In some sense, it's the album's only theme. Where and how is heaven found? Through some kind of spiritual awakening or realization of the ephemerality and impermanence of material life? In mystical union with the beloved? By living in the moment? By freeing oneself from the strictures of 'straight life' and going off the grid? By being blind to present reality and living in the glory days of the past? Or maybe there's only ever momentary salvation, such as experienced when being kissed? What about suicide? All of these questions and more are explored here… but hopefully temporarily resolved when set to music, which “hath charms to soothe the savage beast' in all of us.

A Filipino-American singer-songwriter, Abong's music has a raw and unpolished production aesthetic with an overall direct, though deceptively imaginative and oblique, presentation. Abong has also been a practicing Vedic astrologer for the past 20 plus years.

Between the bookends of the new 'Blindness' album and 'Homeless', the first set of songs as a solo artist, originally self-released in 2018, Abong has released several critically acclaimed records, including his self-recorded 2023 'Fear Pageant' and earlier albums 'Yellowthroat', 'Pulsing' and 'Our Mother of Perpetual Help'.

As of April 9, 'Heaven' is available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. On May 9, the full 'Blindness' album will be released on CD, along with his 'Homeless' album, both of which can be pre-ordered via the label's Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Music and lyrics by Fred Abong
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Fred Abong
All instruments performed by Fred Abong
Videos by Fred Abong
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
Album released by Moochin' About Records

'Blindness' album pre-order
https://moochinaboutltd.bandcamp.com/album/blindness
Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qHuRR8HuuAkPb1VTPSExd
LinkTree  https://linktr.ee/fredabong

Keep up with Fred Abong
Website | LinkTree | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Fred Abong Astrology | Press contact

Keep up with Moochin' About Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter |  Soundcloud | Instagram | Link edIn | Email

Dark Folk Artist Kati Rán Shares Music Video for Emotional New Song, "KÓLGA | 16"

Dutch artist and Nordic folk pioneer Kati Rán is now unveiling her emotional new single, "KÓLGA | 16," along with an epic music video, which was created by Costin Chioreanu. The track is taken from Kati Rán's upcoming full-length, 'SÁLA,' which is due on May 24, 2024 via Svart Records. The clip can be found below.

Kati Rán comments, "'KÓLGA | 16' is one of the coldest waves of the nine billowmaidens of Rán, one that can take your breathe away in a overpowering chokehold of ice water. What we deem the most 'destructive of powerful forces of nature' are aswell a necessary and powerful catalyst for change, or gain newfound clarity.

"The song as well touches upon many female figures that in one way or the other made significant sacrifices in their lives,  have been sacrificed, betrayed, persecuted or deliberately put in another light in history, in mythology and various folktales across time and culture."

Svart Records is delighted to expand its international artist roster with the signing of established dark Nordic folk artist Kati Rán and to release her second full-length album 'SÁLA.' Special vinyl editions in gold, transparent smoke, and black as well as digipack CDs are available for pre-order HERE.

'SÁLA' features an impressive lineup of diverse musicians who lent their talents to the record, including Gaahl, Napalm Death's Mitch Harris, members of Heilung, Sígur Rós, and many others!

Kati Rán is known for her collaborative audio work for Netflix’s tv series 'VIKINGS: VALHALLA,' films and work for videogames, her stage appearances with Wardruna, Myrkur and Gaahls Wyrd to name a few, and her previous releases of the successful album; and Nordic dark folk tracks “Blodbylgje” and Icelandic track “Unnr | Mindbeach”; that run millions of streams and gathered a tightly knit Nordic Folk music loving audience around her.

If the most profound treasures are often the most deeply buried, the journey to uncover them is vital process of discovery. Five years after the 15-minute single “Blodbylgje” signaled the birth of a new, more primordial, and immersive vision after the dissolution of her band L.E.A.F., Nordic dark folk artist Kati Rán has expanded on its oceanic theme for her long-awaited full-length album, 'SÁLA.' Embarking on a far-reaching musical and personal travelogue, it’s a reawakening of both the feminine narratives submerged and fragmented within Norse mythology, and the enduring, healing powers held within.

Named after the Old Norse word for ‘soul’ and ‘sea’, 'SÁLA' is an act of "soul retrieval," the shamanic art of trauma recovery, be it illness, death, heartbreak or loss, and the reintegration of a splintered self. Across its 13, wide-ranging, elegantly unfolding tracks, the album is an embodiment of different feminine voices and perspectives – from the Norse nine daughters of the sea, or ‘billow maidens’, through various historical and fictional figures to the late-night voices we hear in our most liminal states – all with tales to tell, riddles to solve, challenges to be accepted and guidance to offer. It’s a multiplicity that, like the ocean itself, belongs to a vast, restless dynamic: a matrix of mysteries, unfathomable depths and ever-shifting currents, accumulating into an elemental, regenerative source of power.

Recorded in a barn in Húsafell, Iceland – home to glacier ice caves and a rare lava stone marimba rediscovered for the track “Stone Pillars” – as well as Finland, Norway and at home in Kati’s native Netherlands, 'SÁLA' is as much chronicle of Kati’s own perspective-shifting recording process as it as a pilgrimage through different viewpoints and internal states. That itinerate urge is also reflected in the use of different languages, ranging across Norwegian, Old Norse, Icelandic, and, for the first time, English, her combination of ancient texts, historical reimagining’s and unguarded personal reflection backed up by deep research into the most resonant recesses of Nordic lore.

Spun throughout every thread of 'SÁLA' is a sense of communion - with the power of stories to offer moral guidance and the thrill of the unknown; with the element of water, recreated across the album both in field recordings and the agelessly organic nature of the music itself; with the archetypes whose qualities we are called upon to embody at our most critical moments; and with the internal hidden realms forever whispering at us from the far edges of our consciousness.

Appropriately, it’s a collaborative venture too. As well as working closely together with Finnish producer Jaani Peuhu, there are contributions from across the musical spectrum, including extreme metal vocalist extraordinaire Gaahl, the Icelandic female choir Umbra Ensemble, renowned Norwegian jazz musician Karl Seglem, Björk and Brian Eno contrabassist Borgar Magnason, members of pagan folk acts Völuspá, Gealdýr, Heilung and Theodor Bastard and even Napalm Death’s Mitch Harris on vocals.

For all the many sources 'SÁLA' draws from, the result is a singular, intimately transformative rite of passage, and a retuning of the heart to the reverent continuity of the sacred. It will take you from the opening title track’s chest-pounding rhythmic pulse emerging from a traditional Norwegian bukkehorn (recorded by Karl Seglem), a galloping horse-rider and Kati’s glacial, velveteen chant, through “Kólga’s” recounting of female persecution through the ages borne on the most gossamer-light yet unbreakable of timbres and “Stone Pillar’s” gently percolating, deep wells of abandonment and incantations to recovery. 'SÁLA' closes with the track “Sátta” - Old Norse for ‘peace’ and ‘reconciliation’ – ending the album as it began with the bukkehorn, as it weaves rich drones and experience-stamped poems and prayers, Kati’s vocals the most sensitively tuned of emotional barometers. An album made in dedication, and in thrall to, its own sense of destiny, 'SÁLA'” is, as all quests must ultimately be, a homecoming.

Lineup:

Kati Rán

Special Guests:

Gaahl (Gaahl, Wyrd, Wardruna)

Mitch Harris (Napalm Death)

Jaani Peuhu (Swallow the Sun, IANAI, Lord of the Lost, Hallatar)

Karl Seglem (Norwegian jazz and folk legend)

Borgar Magnason (Björk, Sígur Rós, Brian Eno)

Gealdýr

Emilie Lorentzen (Heilung)

Nicholas Schipper (Heilung)

Yana Veva (Theodor Basterd)

Umbra (Icelandic female choir)

Sól Geirsdóttir, Varg Saastad (Völuspá band)

Marianne Heikkinen, Salla Marja (Saruru)

Páll Guðmunsson (Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, Steindór Anderssen, Sígur Rós) Florian Ravn (Skáld)

Production: Jaani Peuhu, Kati Rán, Christopher Juul

Mastering: Jaime Gomez Arrelano

Cover Art: Photographer Arne Beck, Illustrator Halfdan Skrifa, Graphic design Jari

Laurén, Charlotte Boer, Deluxe Box Edition with cover painting by Marzena Ablewska-Lech

Bio: Jonathan Selzer

Links:

Official Website

Bandcamp

E-Shop

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

Twitter/X

YouTube

Pre-Save // Stream

Swedish postpunk trio THEN COMES SILENCE serves up seventh album 'Trickery' & announces North American tour dates

"Then Comes Silence are everything a band should be - good tunes, good playing and singing, and good looking. Their songs are ear-worms, once heard difficult to forget, as catchy as gonorrhea but far better for your health" ~ Wayne Hussey

”I can see them being huge” ~ Dani Filth (Cradle of Filth)
 
"Capturing the alluring intersection of 1980s Post-Punk, New Wave and College Rock in one fell swoop, this music feels organic and fresh, with ample drive, clever songwriting and a killer melody, along with crisp production" ~ The Spill Magazine 

"Truly love it" ~ She Past Away
 
"Hellacopters of Gothic Rock" ~ Jyrki 69 (The 69 Eyes)

"The only band that have been voted in as album of the month three times!" ( 'Blood' in 2017 / 'Machine' in 2020 / 'Hunger' in 2022) ~ Sonic Seducer Magazine


Sweden's Then Comes Silence presents a new serving of their infectious post-punk with their seventh album ‘Trickery’. Released via Metropolis Records, the album was previewed by the singles 'Like a Hammer' and ‘Ride or Die’.

The trio will also be bringing their potent sound on the road for a North American tour, which will see them play out in 21 cities across the US and Canada. They will be joined by Vision Video, Aurelio Voltaire and Tears For The Dying.

Formed in Stockholm in 2012, Then Comes Silence is made up of frontman Alex Svenson, drummer Jonas Fransson and guitarist Hugo Zombie (Los Carniceros del Norte) with Svenson originally inspired by frequent touring with A Place To Bury Strangers and an attraction to horror and the occult.

Recorded by Jörgen Wall (Jay-Jay Johanson, The Hellacopters) over three days at Stockholm's Kapsylen Studio and mixed by Tom van Heesch (Rammstein, Apocalyptica, Backyard Babies), this album was mastered by Svante Forsbäck / Chartmakers (Rammstein, Amaranthe, Ville Valo, The Rasmus, Apocalyptica).

TOUR DATES
April 20 – Parsippany, NJ @ Dark Force Fest
April 21 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Cattivo  *
April 23 – Rochester, NY @ Photo City Music Hall  *
April 24 – Brattleboro, VT @ Stone Church *
April 25 – Boston, MA @ Sonia  *
April 26 – Lewiston, ME @ L/A Arts  *
April 27 – Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz PDB  **
April 28 – Toronto , ON @ Velvet Underground  **
April 30 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom  *
May I – Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme  *
May 2 – Chicago IL @ Subterranean  **
May 3 – St. Louis. MO @ The Crack Fox  **
May 4 – Dubuque, LA @ Fox Den Motel  *
May 5- Milwaukee, WI @ The Vivarium  *
May 6 – Minneapolis, MN @ Green Room  *
May 7 – Kansas City, MO @ Recordbar  *
May 8 – Louisville, KY @ Art Sanctuary  *
May 9 – Detroit, MI @ Smalls  ***
May 10 – Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery  ***
May 11 – Hamden, CT @ Space Ballroom  ***
May 12 – TBA  ***

*   with Vision Video
**  with Vision Video + Aurelio Voltaire
*** with Vision Video + Aurelio Voltaire + Tears For The Dying

This album celebrates friendship, unity and the feeling of belonging to a group, a tribe. Being a part of what most people would call the goth and post-punk community is, according to the band, a great privilege.

Of course, there are dark sides to everything, but after being on the road and meeting people from the music scene for so many years, the band have experienced a caring and welcoming community. Old and young. Some with a similar background and some just for the love of the music and the culture that comes with the lifestyle.  

"No one is free from apprehension and fear. Everyone feels some kind of alienation in certain degrees. You might often think you need to camouflage yourself to be part of a context. Make a change to fit in the group. The need for friendship is strong so you adapt. Maybe not always the way you hoped. But then...  there are moments when we unite and harmonize with other people and feel an incredible community together. That feeling is priceless and a blessing. Friendship is love. It is important and worth fighting for," says Alex Svenson.

Following up their 2022 album 'Hunger', released via Nexilis Records / Schubert Music (Europe) and Metropolis Records (North America), these sessions capture the heart and essence of alternative rock. With electronic elements essential to the new recordings, 'Trickery' is also a salute to punk music, to which Then Comes Silence traces their roots.

After debuting with their eponymous album in 2012, Then Comes Silence put out two more albums before releasing 'Blood' via Nuclear Blast in 2016. Their subsequent 'Machine' album was jointly released via Oblivion/SPV and Metropolis Records in 2020.

Then Comes Silence has toured and played live with The Fields of the Nephilim, The Chameleons, A Place To Bury Strangers, The Bellwether Syndicate and Vision Video, as well as performing at Wave Gotik Treffen, M'era Luna, Amphi Festival, Castle Party and W-Festival.

As of April 5, the 'Trickery' album will be available on vinyl and CD. It will also be released digitally everywhere, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. As for their upcoming North American live dates, tour tickets can be ordered now.

CREDITS
Music & Lyrics by Alex Svenson 
Published by HaHa Musikförlag
Alex Svenson - vocals, bass, synthesizer
Jonas Fransson - drums
Hugo Zombie - guitar
'Like a Hammer' video directed by Johnny Nattsjö & D.K. Griftegaard
'Ride or Die' video directed by Gözde Duzer & Then Comes Silence
From 'Trickery' album, released via Metropolis Records
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

'Trickery' album pre-order https://ingrv.es/trickery-fqf-x 
Bandcamp  https://thencomessilence.bandcamp.com/album/trickery
Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/artist/7hM4i3NzOOZZ0IBAGY2hJy
Apple Music  https://music.apple.com/us/album/trickery/1729498261

Keep up with Then Comes Silence
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Apple Music | Spotify | BandsInTown | Press contact

Keep up with Metropolis Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

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JEFF KOLLMAN GETS READY TO DROP NEW ALBUM AND FIRST SINGLE FEATURING CHAD SMITH

FIRST SINGLE “TONGS & THONGS” FEATURING CHAD SMITH (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS) IS OUT APRIL 12

Jeff Kollman is best known for his heavy, melodic electric guitar playing, fusing elements of Jazz harmony and creating his own brand of Rock with his long running prog fusion trio, Cosmosquad, and as a member of Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats. You can also catch him live with famed producer Alan Parsons (Pink Floyd, Beatles) with The Alan Parsons Live Project and in the studio or on stage with the likes of Japanese legend Eikichi Yazawa, Asia F.J.P., Steel Pulse, Chris Isaak, Jason Mraz, Lou Gramm (Foreigner), and producing rock legends Phil Mogg (UFO), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), and Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow).

Now Jeff is set to release his latest album 2023 A.D. on May 17th which features a guest appearance by Red Hot Chili Peppers and fellow Bombastic Meatbats drummer Chad Smith on the first single “Tongs & Thongs”. As Kollman explains, “Well I wrote this song originally for our group Bombastic Meatbats. I decided to record it and feature the band including Chad Smith on drums for this recording. Chad has some great solo highlights on this tune. I told Chad to fill the holes.” Smith continues, “Tongs & Thongs is a ripper. I am honored to be part of the amazing Jeff “the bee” Kollman’s record. Crank it!”

Pre-save “Tongs & Thongs” here: https/push.fm/ps/tongs

The album also features Shane Gaalaas (MSG, Yngwie Malmsteen) Jimmy Johnson (Allan Holdsworth, James Taylor), Guy Allison (Doobie Brothers), Kevin Chown (Steelheart, Sebastian Bach) and Ed Roth (Robbie Krieger). Bassist Ric Fierabracci (Chick Corea) makes a special appearance on the bonus Vinyl track 1979.  Kollman continues, “I think that this album is some of my finest work in the sense that the songs flow together and there’s a contrast and depth in the compositions. It’s certainly my best sounding solo release. Having songs without vocals forces the writer to come up with music that doesn’t need lyrics to invoke depth of human emotion. I love that challenge as a writer. Many guitar instrumental records fall short on composition. There’s so much focus on lead guitar shredding and showing off. I like to paint a picture with many shades and colors to provide a feast for the sonic senses.”

The album boasts 12 tracks in all with 3 bonus tracks on the vinyl edition which is due out on June 21st.  It includes stand out songs like “Tribal Scream”, “Layers”, and “Battle Of The Bulge” which Kollman says about the latter, “This song has one of my favorite guitar solos. I worked this song up with Shane and Guy Erez (bassist for Alan Parsons). Good old rock riff song.”

2023 A.D. will be available on CD and limited-edition vinyl. Get your copy now and get a limited-edition bundle while supplies last: https://bit.ly/JEFF-KOLLMAN

Bundle Includes:
One (1) Jeff Kollman "2023 A.D." CD or LP
One (1) Jeff Kollman "2023 A.D." T-Shirt

For more information, visit
https://jeffkollman.com/
www.dekoentertainment.com

Deko Entertainment–Art Has Value

Dayseeker Share Video for Acoustic Version of "Neon Grave"

Southern California's DAYSEEKER — Rory Rodriguez [vocals], Gino Sgambelluri [guitar], Ramone Valerio [bass], and Zac Mayfield [drums] — recently announced their forthcoming acoustic album Replica, which arrives digitally on April 19 and physically on June 14 via Spinefarm. Pre-order it here.

The stripped down, intimate renditions of familiar fan favorites highlight the band's songcraft and allow the listener to experience Dayseeker in an entirely new way. The collection also includes appearances from Holding Absence's Lucas Woodland and indie artist Amber DeLaRosa.

The band just dropped the video for their stripped down and emotionally immediate version of fan fave "Neon Grave." Watch it below.

"'Neon Grave' is about my father's battle and passing from cancer," states Rodriguez. "Getting to reimagine this one in a slower setting has a completely different emotion to it now."

Replica is the somewhat unexpected (yet welcomed) result of a specific gig in 2022, when the band's gear overheated at Blue Ridge Rock Festival. Thinking on his feet, Rodriguez grabbed an acoustic guitar from the van, plugged in, and performed "Without Me." Soon, he had pulled together a five-song set on the fly as thousands of fans flocked to the stage.
 
"I felt like we let people down, but I had so many friends say, 'Everyone will remember the day your equipment stopped working and you still played the set as a really special moment’,'" he recalls. "It felt natural for our songs. We usually will do extra tracks for a Deluxe version or re-release, but we decided to commit to an entire acoustic album this time."

Dayseeker will also embark on a headline tour this spring. The tour kicks off April 19 in Tampa and runs through May 25 in San Diego. All dates are below, including spring festival appearances, such as Rockfest, Earthday Birthday, and more. Polaris, Rain City Drive, Avoid, and Ayron Jones are set to appear at select dates. Get tickets here. 

DAYSEEKER ON TOUR:
WITH POLARIS, RAIN CITY DRIVE, AVOID, + AYRON JONES:
4/19 — Tampa, FL — Amalie Arena (98 ROCKFEST) %
4/20 — Orlando, FL — Central Florida Fairgrounds (Earthday Birthday) %
4/22 — Columbia, SC — The Senate &@
4/23 — Norfolk, VA — The NorVa &@
4/25 — Newark, NJ — Prudential Center (WDHA’s Rock The Rock Fest) %
4/26 — Baltimore, MD — CFG Bank Arena (98 Rock Spring Thing) %
4/27 — Las Vegas, NV — Sick New World %
4/29 — Buffalo, NY — Buffalo Riverworks *+@
4/30 — Ft. Wayne, IN — Piere’s Entertainment Center *+@
5/1 — Grand Rapids, MI — The Intersection *+@
5/3 — Milwaukee, WI — Fiserv Forum (Hog Fest) %
5/4 — Saint Paul, MN — Xcel Energy Center (93X Twin City Takeover) %
5/5 — Des Moines, IA — Val Air Ballroom *+@
5/7 — Sauget, IL — Pop’s *+@
5/8 — Chattanooga, TN — The Signal *+@
5/10 — New Orleans, LA — House of Blues @
5/11 — Birmingham, AL — Iron City *+@
5/12 — Little Rock, AR — Little Rock Music Hall *+@
5/14 — Kansas City, MO — Uptown Theater *+@
5/15 — Oklahoma City, OK — Town Theatre *+@
5/16 — Omaha, NE — The Admiral *@
5/18 — Louisville, KY — Mercury Ballroom +@
5/19 — Bloomington, IL — Castle Theater *+@
5/22 — Albuquerque, NM — Sunshine Theater *+@
5/23 — Tucson, AZ — Rialto Theatre *+@
5/24 — Las Vegas, NV — Brooklyn Bowl *+@
5/25 — San Diego, CA — Soma *+@
%Dayseeker only
*Polaris
+Rain City Drive
&Ayron Jones
@Avoid 

ABOUT DAYSEEKER:
Dayseeker are a quiet killer. The band has steadily built a buzz over the past several years — and they have reached a tipping point. Dayseeker have become a scene standout with 2019's Sleeptalk, which was hailed by Alternative Press as  "a warm and welcome release to higher ground" and as "much needed fresh air into the post-hardcore scene.

The album has gone on to accumulate over 125 million streams, and it positioned the band as a formidable force — and one that is primed to take its next big leap. In 2021, the band dropped a deluxe version of Sleeptalk, featuring four reimagined versions of album tracks, which offered fans a fresh and unique take on songs they already love. It also demonstrated the depth and breadth of the band's creative vision, scope, and possibilities. However, Dark Sun catapulted the band beyond the scene's stratosphere. The album is out now via Spinefarm and is at 80 millions streams.

ABOUT SPINEFARM:
Spinefarm represents some of the biggest and most important rock acts in the world. Founded in Finland in 1990, the label established itself as an independent powerhouse for successful European metal acts from Nightwish to Children Of Bodom. Acquired by UMG in 2002, Spinefarm Music Group is now home to a host of artists that reach millions of fans across the globe and showcases the very best in rock, punk and metal. From massive metal names such as Bullet For My Valentine (with over 3 billion streams to their name) to alt-rock legends Killing Joke and genre-benders Sleep Token, Spinefarm's artists are — and always have been —true leaders in their chosen field. The roster also includes renowned names like Atreyu, Airbourne, Saint Asonia, and While She Sleeps, as well as fast-rising young artists like Dayseeker, Dead Poet Society, Kid Kapichi, BRKN LOVE, and Creeper. Spinefarm, now flanked by associated SMG labels Candlelight (Emperor, Ihsahn, Urne) and Snakefarm (Marty Stuart, Austin Meade, The White Buffalo), has grown from its independent origins into a true global rock powerhouse.

Echos Announce Outlast Records Signing + Releases New Single + Music Video "CAROUSEL"

Echos fans, rejoice! Today, the industrial-tinged, ethereal chanteuse has announced signing with her new label home, Outlast Records. In celebration of the news, Echos released a brand new single "CAROUSEL". Accompanying the release is the official music video that serves as the visual counterpart to the evocative auditory journey of the single. Speaking about the track, Echos creatrix Alexandra Norton shared:

"'CAROUSEL' is about feeling trapped in a never-ending cycle with someone. I initially wrote this as a stream-of-consciousness poem and the line “peel my eyes out I’m on your carousel” is supposed to feel like a scoff at the situation “Here we go again…but for some reason I can’t figure out how to get off of this rollercoaster.”

Los Angeles fans will also have their chance to see Echos' captivating live performance at School Night on Monday, April 15(ticket info here). Stream "CAROUSEL" at the link here, watch the official music video below, and be sure to stay tuned for more Echos news coming very soon.

Alexandra Norton, the voice and songstress behind Echos, weaves her music from the threads of her own tumultuous journey. "It's a sanctuary," she confides, her voice a blend of haunting vulnerability and quiet strength, “a place to make sense of my pain and give it a final resting place.”

Within the labyrinth of her words, she delves into the darkest recesses of human existence—abuse, self-inflicted wounds, and the relentless dance with thoughts of oblivion. Yet, amidst the shadows, she also touches on themes of resilience, introspection, and empathy. "It's about embracing the full spectrum of emotions," she reflects, “creating a space to feel, release, and heal."

With three albums already to her name, her latest endeavor promises to be her most cherished work yet—a testament to her evolution as an artist and her journey—a journey that resonates with listeners seeking solace and connection amid their struggles. Her voice, like a spectral echo, invites listeners to explore the depths of their emotions, rather than bury them in silence.

Benighted Crawl Into Your Head on New Single

From the depths of France's extreme metal scene, Benighted are resurfacing with their most psychologically thrilling album yet. Today, the band are releasing the third single off Ekbom. With its malignant chorus, "Metastasis" is bound to break necks.

Watch the performance video for "Metastasis" below.

Ekbomis out April 12 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order:https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/BenightedEkbom
Pre-save:https://orcd.co/benightedekbompresave

"Metastasis" lives up to its name. Germinating from the dark, intricate production that fans have come to expect from Benighted, the band's new single injects pure aural terror, cultivating brutal, blackened death metal into pure mental anguish. 

"This song has probably the heaviest chorus on the entire album!" vocalist Julien Truchan says. "Time to break your neck! 🤘"

The beautifully gory video forMetastasiswas produced & directed byKick Your Eyesproductions, who previously worked with Benighted in 2020 on their single "Nails".

Dive into the darkest realms of the human psyche as BENIGHTED, the French purveyors of brutal death metal & grindcore, unleash their tenth full-length album Ekbom in April 2024. The madness that has defined their discography continues with this radical soundtrack to the twisted times we inhabit.

Born from French Death and Black metal bands DISHUMANIZED, DARKNESS FIRE, and OSGILIATH, BENIGHTED emerged in 1998 with a mission to explore a more brutal, heavy, and modern form of musical expression. The impact of their first self-produced and self-titled full-length album in 2000 transformed BENIGHTED from a side-project into a main act, quickly amassing a devoted fan base. Subsequent albums like Psychose (2002), Insane Cephalic Production(2004), Identisick (2006), and Icon (2007) further cemented their visceral, skull-breaking sound into extreme death metal history.

After a detour into the realms of Necrobreed in 2017, BENIGHTED celebrated their 20th anniversary by capturing the live madness with Dogs Always Bite Harder Than Their Master in 2018.

With Obscene Repressed, they once again took sadistic pleasure in pushing the boundaries of brutality, delving into the disturbed mind of little Michael. His relentless battle against demons, fueled by unresolved oedipal issues with his mother, provided a grotesque tableau for BENIGHTED's sonic butchery. Not content with merely slaughtering everything in their auditory path, BENIGHTED crafted thematically explorative pieces, each turn in their music revealing new layers of horror and despair.

As the relentless journey continues, BENIGHTED is set to unleash Ekbom in April 2024, an album that draws inspiration from the nightmarish 'Ekbom syndrome.' This rare neurological disorder, also known as Delusional Parasitosis, forms the thematic core of the upcoming release. A feeling of having a vile concoction of parasites, worms, and insects crawling under your skin is an apt description of what BENIGHTED have to offer on this newest release. The auditory assault mirrors the repulsive sensations of the syndrome, a visceral and unsettling journey into the abyss of the human mind.

Madness reigns yet again, this time intertwining with the haunting echoes of Ekbom syndrome. Brace yourselves for another mind-shattering chapter in the BENIGHTED saga as they continue to carve their niche in the putrid annals of extreme metal, leaving a trail of sonic disgust in their wake.

Photo by © Anthony Dubois

Line-up
Julien Truchan - Vocals
Emmanuel Dalle - Guitars
Pierre Arnoux - Bass
Kevin Paradis - Drums

Recording studio
Kohlekeller Studios, Germany (Powerwolf, Aborted, Crematory)

Producer, Sound, Mixing & Mastering engineer
Kristian Kohlmannslehner

Guest musicians
Oliver Peters (Archspire) on "Nothing Left to Fear"
Xavier Chevalier (Blockheads) on "Fame of the Grotesque"

Biography: Sébastien Gamez

Cover art: Grindesign (Rob Borbas)

Pre-save: https://orcd.co/benightedekbompresave

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/BenightedEkbom

Links:
Official Website: https://www.benighted.fr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brutalbenighted
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benighted_band/
Bandcamp: https://benighted.bandcamp.com/music
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/brutalbenighted
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benighted_band
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@_BENIGHTED
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dUwIwaPc6UukkCZTaaf7J
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/benighted/267088245
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3919180 
Booking Contact:
France: Rage Tour - philippe@ragetour.com
Worldwide: Redback Promotion - ronny@redback-promotion.com

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Crystal Clear
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Transparent Yellow & Black Marbled
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Golden
12" Liquid Vinyl Gatefold - Blood Red Liquid-Filled

Wheel Share New Single "Porcelain"

Anglo-Finnish progressive metallers Wheel previously announced their third studio album Charismatic Leaders, which arrives on May 3.

Today, they launch the second single — the dynamic and expansive "Porcelain." Listen here. Watch the visualizer below.

Vocalist and guitarist James Lascelles comments, "'Porcelain' ended up being about social norms and how the values of the past seem abhorrent by modern standards. In turn, our current values will likely be seen as primitive, careless or even cruel in the future. I think we would all like to imagine that if we had been born long ago, we would have the same world view that we do now but this would likely not be the case. We are all shaped by our surroundings and social conformity, probably more than we would like to admit. It was a humbling topic to dig in to and the more I thought about it, the more empathy I was able to find for our ancestors."

The album's first single "Empire" was released last month, and the video currently has over 220k views. Watch it here.

Charismatic Leaders was meticulously crafted to meet Wheel's ever-heightening benchmarks and recording with engineers/co-producers Daniel Bergstrand and Fredrik Thordendal (Meshuggah) stretched from August to December 2023. The end result, mixed by Forrester Savell, has consolidated all the gains of what came before: singer/guitarist Lascelles, lead guitarist Jussi Turunen and drummer Santeri Saksala's third album represents their heaviest and most conscious music to date.

Charismatic Leaders clocks in at just under 50 minutes, and will be available as a Limited CD Digipak (also featuring the Rumination EP tracks as bonus), and a Gatefold 180g LP, both featuring artwork from Lucas Mayer (Long Distance Calling, Blackout Problems). Pre-orders are live here.

Wheel will be celebrating the release of their new album with their first ever shows in Australia, supporting labelmates Caligula's Horse, as well as their first ever North American headline shows:

WHEEL U.S. TOUR DATES:
5/2 — Orlando, FL — Conduit 
5/5 — Philadelphia, PA — The Foundry
5/6 — Vienna, VA — Jammin Lava
5/7 — New York, NY — Mercury Lounge
5/8 — Boston, MA — Brighton Music Hall
5/9 — Montreal, QC — Petit Campus
5/10 — Toronto, ON — Adelaide Hall
5/12 — Chicago, IL — Beat Kitchen
5/13 — Minneapolis, MN — 7th St. Entry
5/16 — Denver, CO — Moe's
5/19 — Phoenix, AZ — Underground
5/20 — San Diego, CA — Brick by Brick
5/21 — Los Angeles, CA — 1720
5/22 — Berkeley, CA — Cornerstone
5/23 — Sacramento, CA — Goldfield Trading Post
5/25 — Seattle, WA — Barboza

ZETRA - Announce Highly Anticipated Self-Titled Debut Album + Release Video For New Single 'Starfall' Feat. Svalbard's Serena Cherry

Otherworldly alt. duo ZETRA have emerged from the shadows once more with whisper of their highly anticipated, self-titled debut album, that will be released on 13th September via Nuclear Blast Records. The wanderers have also bestowed upon us the gift of a video for their new single 'Starfall', which features Serena Cherry of the mighty Svalbard.

The wanderers whispers echo:

"The sky illuminates as the meteors begin their cataclysmic descent through the firmament.
Starfall.
The second chapter of our realization emerges. The unveiling of our Opus 1, 'Zetra' continues.
Starfall.
We are united on this journey with the supernatural force that is Serena Cherry of Svalbard.
Begin to know."

Watch the transcendent video for 'Starfall' below.

Pre-order and pre-save Zetra now at: 
https://zetra.bfan.link/zetra.ema

Photo credit: Rebecca Need-Menear

THE PULL OF AUTUMN announces fifth album, releases lead track 'I Was Just Dreaming', paying tribute to Scotland's The Orchids

"A gem... A genuine and welcome earworm" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Beautiful... Pure and simple. Lyrically emotional and thought-provoking. It has perfect instrumentation and musicality" ~ Spill Magazine

"Better to travel well than to arrive... this band is not about merely travelling, this is exploration down the unbeaten paths of the glorious unknown" ~ The Swindonian


US-based art-pop group The Pull of Autumn is back with a new album, having accumulated a wealth of new material since their 2022 album 'Beautiful Broken World' LP, which involved such music luminaries as The Pop Group's Mark Stewart, Living Colour's Doug Wimbish and producer Adrian Sherwood,

The lead track 'I Was Just Dreaming' is a wistful taster of the collective's fifth album 'Memory Tree', featuring Boston-based artist Bruce MacLeod on vocals. Described as "a melancholy remembrance of moments in time and life", the album will be released via Boston-based RBM Records on CD and digitally.

The Pull of Autumn is a ‘super group’ of sorts, orbiting around Rhode Island artist Daniel Darrow of 80s post-punk group Johanna’s House of Glamour and core members Bruce MacLeod, Matthew Darrow and Luke Skyscraper James (I.R.S. recording artist Fashion). Each release involves a revolving door of notable and emerging artists, both from the local music scene and further abroad. The band's debut 2018 eponymous album was followed by 'Afterglow' in 2019, 'Small Colors' in 2020 and 'Beautiful Broken World' in 2022.

'I Was Just Dreaming'  https://thepullofautumn.bandcamp.com/track/i-was-just-dreaming
Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ZHn08pIrnDqlDUSqHikHV
Album order  https://thepullofautumn.bandcamp.com/album/memory-tree

"I love how 'I Was Just Dreaming' perfectly captures the moment of a dying crush, where you’re still all in enough to have your hopes, but are planning an exit - maybe one with a bit of a flourish. This song is brilliant. I just did the best I could with it, stripped what I had down to a couple of tracks, and sent it to Dan. He knows just what to do - here I like his choppy piano bits and the somewhere out there synth swells, perfect.  The song ends with a couple of the demo tracks spliced back in … a sort of accident, but definite nod to the title of the song," says Bruce MacLeod.

Daniel Darrow adds: "This is a cover of legendary Scotland band The Orchids. Bruce and I are both fans of Sarah Records and our cover of this song is our tribute to a great time in music. We’ve added a modern twist here that retains the core beauty of the song."  

The new 'Memory Tree' album features contributions by such artists as Philip Parfitt (The Perfect Disaster), Ricky Humphrey (This Twisted Wreckage), San Francisco-based artists Leigh Gregory and Julius Manning, Berkeley singer-songwriter Sophia Campbell, and two local music legends - Rhode Island Rock’n Roll Hall of Fame inductee Paul Everett and producer, songwriter and artist Kraig Jordan. 

"For our new 'Memory Tree' album, the usual genre-bending music has been replaced by a well-defined continuous take on electro acoustic ambient music and jazz. I call this “night music”. It’s been created with a singular vision lyrically and musically, speaking to the past memories and touching upon what the future may hold. The album features many veteran Rhode Island artists, whose music has moved me for many years, as well as artists from around the world, including Britain and France," says Daniel Darrow.

'I Was Just Dreaming' is now available exclusively via Bandcamp, where the 'Memory Tree' album (out on May 31) can already be pre-ordered. As of May 31, this record can be obtained from fine digital music platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify.

CREDITS
Produced & Mixed by Daniel Darrow                          
Mastered by Bruce Macleod                            
Cover painting by Paul Everett
         
       
Keep Up With The Pull of Autumn / RBM Records
Bandcamp | Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | RBM Records | Press contact
 
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Return to Dust Announce Debut Album & Release Soul-Stirring New Single & Video for "Strangers"

The boundary-pushing grunge quartet, Return to Dust, have announced their long-awaited debut self-titled album, available on May 3rd via Jim Kaufman Productions. Accompanying the announcement, the band have also released their latest single, "Strangers" to give fans a glimpse at the upcoming record. Fans can listen to the track HERE, and watch the brand new video animated and directed by Callum Scott-Dyson below.

With more new music on the way, Return to Dust are thrilled to announce the addition of their newest member, drummer London Hudson. This pivotal milestone not only marks a significant evolution in the band's lineup, but also solidifies their core and amplifies their musical identity. As the band embark on their next chapter, they look forward to sharing the stage with him at all shows moving forward, including this year's Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple.

Speaking on today's album announcement, the band shares:

"The timeline for our self-titled album goes farther back than people realize. This record is our warmest welcome, because it comes from the most genuine of places, where we didn’t fully understand ourselves, and the world around us was rapidly changing. It’s a cataclysmic mess of emotions, growing pains, youth and maturity, and we’re proud to call it our first. Aptly named, this album is Return to Dust."

Sharing insight on today's single release, the band continues:

"Strangers was written amidst dark times. We were all recovering from family death and losing friends. We felt very alone in a crowded city. We worked grocery store jobs and often times sat in our car late night after a shift wondering when things would get better, and wondering if we were alone in this feeling. The Strangers music video depicts a very normal guy who found himself somewhere he didn’t want to be. His dreams haunt him and he feels he doesn’t belong. He quickly finds himself consumed by his thoughts and spit out as a version of himself completely different than he was."

Expanding on the "Strangers" video, director and animator Callum Scott-Dyson adds:

"For the 'Strangers' video, we really wanted to capture the feeling of loneliness, isolation, alienation and the humdrum of daily life, living on the clock with no escape. Then we liked the idea of using his dreams to explore the negative stuff going on in his mind, and then having the dreams invade his daily life. In terms of the animation style, I really wanted to push the DIY stop motion vibe I've been honing lately, most the sets are made with card and clay and I made everything myself from scratch. The main note from the band once we were rolling was to keep the tone and visual style a little darker and subdued to most other animation so I enjoyed that challenge, working with a lot of washed out blues and greens. I'm really happy with how it's come out and I hope people dig it when it drops!"

Earning a phenomenal 2 million TikTok views over the course of a weekend, see HERE, Return to Dust have soared to new heights. The TIkTok featuring the band's single, "Belly Up" swiftly impacted the band's trajectory - landing them over 3.1 million streams across DSPs, 57K Spotify Monthly Listeners, and 5.4 million total TikTok views. As the release of their debut record approaches, Return to Dust have truly cemented their position as a rising force in the industry.

Return to Dust, who are heavily inspired by the legendary Alice In Chains, continue to gain traction and acclaim, solidifying themselves as mavericks in the current rock resurgence. Collaborating alongside renowned producer Jim Kaufman (Everclear, Danny Worsnop, Night Riots, Helmet) and earning accolades from rock impresario, Allison Hagendorf, the band's momentum remains unwavering. With their dynamic presence on TikTok, a rapidly growing streaming audience, and a loyal fan base, the band is gearing up for an exciting and promising future.

Stay tuned for what Return to Dust has in store, as they continue to make waves in the music scene and connect with their ever-expanding audience.

Pre-orders for Return to Dust's self titled debut album are available for purchase HERE. The bundle, pictured to the right, features a 12" Vinyl for the audiophiles, a special LP inspired T-Shirt, an 11x17 poster of the album artwork, and an exclusive Snake Pendant Necklace for fans who seek a piece of the band's story to wear close to their hearts.

Photo Credit - Matt Akana

Return to Dust will also be sharing the stage with other rock and metal heavyweights in May of 2024 for Danny Wimmer's legendary Welcome To Rockville in Daytona Beach, FL and Sonic Temple in Columbus, OH. Fans can purchase single day tickets and weekend passes HERE.

Don't miss your chance to see the band live!

ABOUT RETURN TO DUST

Los Angeles based alternative/grunge rock trio Return to Dust (Matty Bielawski, Graham Stanush, Sebastian Gonzalez) has already scripted a karmic saga that traverses decades, pays homage to the past, and plants its roots firmly in the future. Listening within their sonic universe is like time-traveling to the halcyon days of the '90s grunge era. Their sound, influenced by heavyweights of the time, reverberates with the echoes of Deftones, Alice In Chains, and the soul of Nirvana — but, their brilliance doesn't stop there. The band draws inspiration from a diverse palette, blending in bits from bands like The Cure, Metallica, and Cage The Elephant, molding them into their own unique musical tapestry. 

Return to Dust breathes life into a sound that feels both genuine and tailor-made to encapsulate the essence of a bygone era, leaving fans awash in nostalgia. Yet, it's not merely a mimicry of the past; instead, it's a fusion of the old and the new — an alchemy that conjures a sound distinctly their own. At the core are alluring bass lines (Stanush), gritty guitar riffs (Gonzalez, Bielawski) and dual lead vocals (Bielawski, Stanush) that harmonize and intertwine, weaving an ethereal soundscape that resonates with raw emotion and unyielding energy. It's a moody concoction that pays homage to an iconic era while fearlessly exploring uncharted territories. Return to Dust beckons audiences into their world, where the past and present converge, igniting a fervor that keeps the flames of grunge alive. 

Return to Dust found its meteoric rise propelled by a chance encounter with none other than the illustrious producer Jim Kaufman (Helmet, Everclear, Night Riots). Under Kaufman's mentorship, the band's raw talent began to soar. During the darkest days of the pandemic, when the world stood still, Return to Dust seized the opportunity to channel their collective energy into crafting something profound. The result was their debut EP, a mesmerizing creation titled ‘The Black Road.’ It was a labor of love and dedication that not only transcended the barriers of personal growth, but also etched the band's name into the future of rock.

Return to Dust

Matty Bielawski - Vocals & Guitar

Graham Stanush - Vocals & Bass

Sebastian Gonzalez - Guitar

London Hudson - Drums

DVRK Announce Debut EP with Heavy, Glitching New Single

Fresh off of signing with Season of Mist, DVRK are announcing their debut EP with its new glitchy, hard-hitting lead single. 

Watch the official music video for "F.A.M."  below.

Infinite Reminiscence comes out June 7 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & pre-save: https://orcd.co/infinitereminiscence

Since germinating as a solo project back in 2019, DVRK have morphed into a collective force. With gifted vocalist Peter Morgan joined by Bastien Deleule and Gérald Audiard on guitars, Fabien Letren on bass, and drummer Vincent Vidal, the band fuse elements of Deathcore, Nu Metal and Bass. 

Their first single, "F.A.M.", sums up the band's raw energy, their electric feel and ear for heavy melodies. It also speaks to their source of inspiration, drawing from intense personal experiences like depression and addiction, and instilling them into modern metal.  

The video for "F.A.M." was directed and produced by Grupa13 (@Grupa13Official). 

Introducing DVRK, a powerhouse fusion of Deathcore, Nu Metal, and Bass music elements.

Formed in 2019 as a solo project, DVRK has evolved into a dynamic ensemble featuring Peter Morgan on vocals, Bastien Deleule and Gérald Audiard on guitars, Fabien Letren on bass, and Vincent Vidal on drums.

Notable achievements include collaborations with artists like Conquer Divide, Cove Reber, Chunk No Captain Chunk, and Hyro The Hero.

In 2023, DVRK proudly signed their first EP with Season Of Mist, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey.

Lineup
Peter Morgan - Vocals
Bastien Deleule - Guitar
Gerald Audiard - Guitar
Fabien Letren - Bass
Vincent Vidal – Drums

Recording Studio
Nalcon Studio

Production Credits
Bastien Deleule & Fabien Letren - Producers
Matt Thomas (Ashtone Studio) - Mixing & Mastering Engineer

Cover Art:
DVRK

Order & Stream: https://orcd.co/infinitereminiscence

Booking Contact:
Bastien Deleule - bastien@swdjapan.com (Asia Territory Only)

Available Formats:
Digital Download
MCD in Digipak
12" Vinyl Jacket - Black
12" Coloured Vinyl Jacket - Crystal Clear w/ White & Black Splatters

Follow DVRK:
Bandcamp: https://dvrk.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearedvrk
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/weareDVRK
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearedvrk
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wearedvrk
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2veLy5cp8tE2IUS47EwzlB

Photo by © Krzysztof Wiktor

Watch the new Take Offense video for 'Assassination'

Cali thrashers Take Offense have released their new single “Assassination” today - the second preview of what’s to come on their upcoming album T.O.tality. 

The track kicks off with a complex riff that would sit perfectly on a Marty Friedman-era Megadeth record before settling into a swinging hardcore groove with unexpected twists. It’s the perfect sample of Take Offense’s fresh take on crossover as the band forge ahead towards new frontiers on T.O.tality .

Frontman Anthony Herrera tells, “‘Assassination’ embodies our mission to be truthful and give everything that you have.” It’s accompanying video, directed by Nicholas Hipa is a metaphor,” adds Herrera. “The assassin in the video represents anyone and anything trying to stop us – it ain’t happening.”

After nearly two decades of grinding and the accompanying blood/sweat, Take Offense have mastered their craft, reaching the pinnacle of their expansive sound. T.O.tality , their fourth overall album and label debut for MNRK Heavy , is marked with a sense of modernity– incorporating the hard-driving ethos of thrash, the finesse of speed metal, the sneering tenacity of hardcore all while nodding to their home of Southern California.

Take Offense look toward the tone and attitude of their California counterparts– bands like EXCEL and Suicidal Tendencies who also leaned heavily into skate aesthetics but worshipped Sunset Strip-and-adjacent guitar dieties like Warren Di Martini and Eddie Van Halen . T.O.tality is a love letter to that scene and those times, delivered in the form of an armada of fourteen nitro-equipped tracks that explode through barricades of genre convention and emptying the clip with fresh ideas. It’s a tribute to local heroes with familiar approaches that are wholly and undoubtedly Take Offense.

CHAYCE BECKHAM SCORES FIRST #1 AT COUNTRY RADIO WITH SOLO-WRITTEN, PLATINUM HIT SINGLE “23”

Highly Anticipated Debut Album - Bad For Me -

Arrives This Friday, April 5

Pre-Order/Pre-Save/Pre-Add HERE

“Next Big Thing”
– MusicRow

“a full-fledged country star”

- CMT

“Chayce Beckham’s debut single is thought-provoking and personal. 

Frankly, it’s the kind of songwriting country music needs more of.” 

- Taste of Country 

“One of the most buzzed-about newcomers in country music today”

- Parade

“This is a real bonafide musical artist and I see you all over Grammys, everywhere, wherever you want to go” - Katy Perry, ABC’s American Idol

 “Beckham translates television, viral success to the stage…a former American Idol winner and a polished entertainer and vocalist further bolstered his career surge thanks to his viral hit ’23.’” 

- Billboard

“That ‘way’ he sings could be described in a multitude of ways, from gritty to powerful to achingly relatable. And when words don't do his talent justice, the music does.” 

- People

“He’s well on his way to finding a permanent spot in the ranks of Nashville’s best and brightest.” 

- American Songwriter

“Beckham is a powerful, soulful singer, and his gritty style gives his songs a real authenticity.” 

- Songwriter Universe

“…Chayce Beckham is a full-blown country music phenom that you need to have on your radar.”

- All Country News

Currently on his own headlining “Bad For Me” Tour, Beckham will join Luke Bryan on his “Mind Of A Country Boy” Tour this summer. For tickets and all touring updates, visit www.ChayceBeckham.com. 

Upcoming Tour Dates:

4/4 - Catoosa, OK - Track 5 

4/5 - Pocola, OK - Choctaw Casino 

4/6 - Manhattan, KS - The Hat

4/11 - Ft Worth, TX -Tannahill's Tavern and Music Hall

4/12 - Grant, OK - Choctaw Casino

4/13 - Stillwater, OK - Tumbleweed Dance Hall

4/17 - Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Saddledome*

4/18 - Edmonton, AB - Rogers Place*

4/19 - Vancouver, BC - Coastal City Country Fest

4/24 - Saskatoon, SK - SaskTel Centre*

4/25 - Winnipeg, MB - Canada Life Centre*

5/2 - Columbus, OH - The Bluestone

5/3 - Warrendale, PA - Jergels

5/4 - Winchester, VA - Shenandoah Valley Apple Blossom Festival (Discovery Museum)

5/9 - Schenectady, NY - Frog Alley

5/10 - Binghamton, NY - Touch of Texas

5/11 - Jordan,NY - Kegs Canalside

5/16 - Asheville, NC - Salvage Station

5/17 - Barco, NC - Morris Farm

5/18 - Charlotte, NC - Coyote Joe's

5/23 - Bishop, CA - Mule Days

5/24 - Apple Valley, CA - HillTop Tavern and Inn

6/6 - Fargo, ND - Happy Harry's Ribfest @ Fargo Dome

6/9 - Greenwood Village, CO - Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre/KYGO

6/14 - Orange Beach, AL - The Wharf Amphitheater*

6/15 - Orange Beach, Al - The Wharf Amphitheater*

6/18 - Alexandria, VA - The Birchmere

6/21 - Buffalo, NY - Taste of Country (Sahlen Field)

6/27 - Cadott, WI - Country Fest 2024

6/29 - Brainerd, MN - Lakes Jam

7/12 - Rhinelander, WI - Hodag Country Festival

7/18 - Ankeny, IA - The District at Prairie Trail

7/19 - New Berlin, IL - Danenberger Family Vineyards

8/9 - Oro Station, Ontario - Boots and Hearts

8/15 - Kansas City, MO - T-Mobile Center*

8/16 - Montréal, Québec - Parc Jean-Drapeau/ Lasso Fest

8/17 - Atlanta, GA - Truist Park*

8/22 - Oklahoma City, OK - Paycom Center*

8/24 - Des Moines, IA - Wells Fargo Arena*

8/25 - Chicago, IL - Wrigley Field*

10/20 - Sacramento, CA - Discovery Park

*with Luke Bryan

Nominated at this year’s CMT Music Awards for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year, Chayce Beckham scores career-first #1 on both Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase Country charts with his solo-written, PLATINUM single “23.” Streaming over 5.8 MILLION per week with over 391 MILLION total global on-demand streams and more than 10 MILLION YouTube views, the iTunes All Genre #1 song is featured on Beckham’s highly anticipated debut album, Bad For Me, arriving this Friday, April 5 via 19 Recordings/Wheelhouse Records/BMG. Pre-order/pre-save/pre-add the album HERE.

“I still can’t believe or process ’23’ is #1 at country radio,” says Beckham. “I wrote this song when I had nothing to my name. Fast forwarding to now, to living out my dream, I just feel so blessed. I want to shake every single person’s hand that made this possible - thank you.”

As reported by Billboard: “23” is the first Country Airplay #1 written by a single person since Luke Combs’ cover of Tracy Chapman’s self-authored “Fast Car” last July. However, prior to “23,” the last Country Airplay #1 solely written by the soloist who also recorded it was Taylor Swift’s “Ours” in 2012.

Additionally, the Amazon Music “Breakthrough Artist to Watch” and CMT Listen Up artist has solidified himself alongside superstars Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, as the fourth winner of American Idol to hit the Billboard Country Airplay Top 10. Earning critical acclaim since his history-making Idol win, “Beckham is no doubt a force to be reckoned with, while proving he will leave a scorching mark on the country music genre for years to come” (PopCulture). 

Photo Credit: Matthew Simmons

About Chayce Beckham: 

Three years after becoming the only artist to win American Idol singing his own songs, 19 Recordings/Wheelhouse Records/BMG country artist Chayce Beckham is living proof of his belief that “You can’t tell someone how to write a song.” Currently nominated at this year’s CMT Music Awards for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year for his #1, PLATINUM hit single “23,” the fiery singer-songwriter laid out a course only he could follow, and today remains even more dedicated to his unique creative compass. A California native schooled on tough times and a mix of country, rock, hip hop and beyond, Beckham started a habit of heart-on-his-sleeve songwriting after some hard times when he felt he had nothing left – and when combined with his warm vocal rasp on “23,” that drive helped him charm the nation on Idol's 19th season in 2021. With more than 391 million streams and counting, the bluesy and brutally honest anthem debuted at #1 on both iTunes’ Country and All Genre singles charts, and now leads Beckham’s first album, Bad for Me, as the emerging star finds his stride. Co-writing nine of 13 songs (three solo), the project shows Beckham opening his soul like most would never dare and embracing a timeless country-rock sound defined by fiddles, steel guitar, and plenty of against-the-grain attitude. With dusky shades of heroes like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, the set aims to reinforce next-big-thing predictions from CMT, Amazon Music, MusicRow and more, while Beckham hits the road this summer on Luke Bryan’s "Mind Of A Country Boy" Tour and his own headlining 2024 “Bad for Me” Tour.

Scotty McCreery Releases Spiritual New Track "Red Letter Blueprint"

Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery has never been one to shy away from sharing his faith, even expressing the duality of his spirituality on his No. 1 hit song “In Between” where he sang “I ain’t all Holy water and I ain’t all Jim Beam…I’m somewhere in between.” Just in time for Easter, McCreery is getting personal again with today’s release of his latest track, “Red Letter Blueprint,” from his upcoming album Rise and Fall, out May 10th. Listen to “Red Letter Blueprint” below.
 
“My faith is everything to me,” said McCreery. “It’s held me up during my lows, and it’s been with me when I celebrate my highs. This new album was influenced by the rises and falls in my life through the years, so I wanted to sing about what sustains me. I’ve featured songs about my wife and my son, but I also wanted to share a song about my faith. I hope it is comforting to anyone who may need to hear these words.”   
 
Written by McCreery with Derek George, Brent Anderson, Jeremy Bussey and Monty Criswell, “Red Letter Blueprint” is about taking solace in the belief that no matter how far away true peace seems, the path to get there is clearly marked. Building from a tender piano melody and McCreery’s convicted yet empathetic vocals, this insightful ballad about inner strength and encouragement finds him leaning on the comforting clarity of eternal faith:

       Where can you go when you ain't getting nowhere 
       Every turn is a dead-end road 
       The rain starts to fall and you're so lost out there 
       Really only one place I know 
       When your whole world falls to pieces 
       And you don't know how to build it back 
       There's a red letter blueprint in King James black
 
McCreery is set to return to Talk Shop Live this Tuesday, April 2 at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT in support of Rise and Fall. During his live appearance, which will be hosted by Storme Warren, the country crooner will perform new songs from the album and answer viewer questions while fans will be able to pre-order autographed CDs and vinyl. Tune in here: https://talkshop.live/watch/aIQsXCYbR26a 

McCreery will also make his first-ever appearance at Nashville’s famed Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival on Wednesday, April 3 at 9:00 PM CT. He will join a guitar pull at The Listening Room along with Ingrid Andress and Benjy Davis, as well as Chase McGill who co-wrote “Stuck Behind a Tractor” with McCreery and Rhett Akins that is featured on McCreery’s upcoming Rise and Fall album. For more information on the sold-out show and Tin Pan South, visit tinpansouth.com.
 
Rise and Fall will feature 13 tracks that find him exploring themes of heartbreak, rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood and enduring love, resulting in a project full of insightful storytelling that includes his current Top 10 and rising single “Cab in a Solo.” The album, coming out May 10, was produced by McCreery’s longtime production team of Frank Rogers, Derek Wells and Aaron Eshuis.
 
McCreery co-wrote 12 of the 13 songs on the album, which will be released digitally as well as on CD and vinyl. In addition, Amazon will release a limited edition, forest green vinyl version of the album.

• Pre-order/pre-save Rise and Fall HERE

• Pre-order autographed vinyl and CDs of Rise and Fall HERE

“I know every artist says it, but this is truly my favorite album I’ve made so far,” shares McCreery. “I wanted to create an album that reflected the music I grew up on and wasn’t chasing trends. So, I brought several of my songwriting buddies to the mountains of North Carolina to sit down and write a full-on country album that told a story, start to finish, and spoke to my soul. We’ve been performing most of the album live on the road and the response from the audiences has been overwhelming. I can’t wait for everyone to hear Rise and Fall when it comes out May 10th.”
 
The North Carolina native knows all too well there’s a rhythm to life and a cycle of ups and downs. And right now, he’s on the upswing.
 
Now 30 years old and a seasoned country music veteran selling out concerts across the globe with five consecutive No. 1 hits under his belt, McCreery is also a dedicated husband and father, welcoming a son named Avery in 2022, whose impact on the singer is highlighted in several songs on the album. Recently, he even celebrated the milestone of all milestones for a guy who grew up on Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Ronnie Milsap; he was invited by his musical hero Garth Brooks to become the newest member of the iconic Grand Ole Opry. McCreery’s induction will take place on April 20 with another of his heroes, Josh Turner, officially welcoming him into the Opry family.
 
But folks like McCreery know it means more when you’ve seen the other side. For him, each highlight has come in contrast to a challenge – things like the loss of his first record deal and the year of naysaying uncertainty that followed before he built himself up again, brick by brick. As a result, Rise and Fall comes from an artist who knows to appreciate the ride – no matter where it leads.
 
“I feel like we’re on the rise now, but I’ve fallen pretty low as well,” McCreery admits. “I learned from every little part of that, and it helped me to know who I was as a person – let alone an artist. The rises and the falls helped craft these songs. They made this album what it is.”
 
“Red Letter Blueprint” is the fifth song released from the album, following lead single “Cab in a Solo” (currently Top 10 and rising) and tracks “Slow Dance,” “Can’t Pass the Bar” and “Love Like This.” A full listing of the album’s songs follows.

Tickets for upcoming tour dates are on sale now at ScottyMcCreery.com.
   
About Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery has been a household name for nearly half his life, ever since making history in 2011 as both the first country artist and the youngest male artist of any genre to debut his first studio album, the Platinum-certified Clear as Day, at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. With his forthcoming album Rise and Fall set for release May 10, featuring current single “Cab in a Solo” along with 12 additional tracks, McCreery explores classic themes of heartbreak, rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood, and enduring love, and through it all, felt comfortable being himself, resulting in a project full of electrified twang, rich baritone vocals and insightful storytelling. The 30-year-old has sold more than 4 million albums and achieved 5 consecutive No.1 hits: the RIAA Platinum-certified “Damn Strait,” the RIAA Gold certified “You Time,” the RIAA Gold certified “In Between,” the RIAA Platinum certified “This is It,” and the RIAA Triple Platinum certified ‘Five More Minutes.” The North Carolina native has earned one Triple Platinum, five Platinum and four Gold singles; one Platinum and two Gold albums; won the 10th season of “American Idol” in 2011 at age 17; was named the ACM New Artist of the Year in 2011; won the CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year (“The Trouble with Girls”) in 2012; and BMI Awards for writing One of the Top 50 Country Songs of the Year five times (in 2015 for “See You Tonight,” in 2018 for “Five More Minutes,” in 2019 for “This is It,” in 2021 for “In Between,” and in 2022 for “You Time”). He was awarded Pandora Billionaire status in 2021 in recognition of his music achieving more than one billion streams on Pandora. His song “Five More Minutes” inspired two popular holiday movies which aired on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network: “Five More Minutes” in 2021 and “Five More Minutes: Moments Like These” in 2022. He released his first book Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream in 2016. His most recent album is Same Truck: The Deluxe Album. This fall McCreery was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and was most recently invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks. The singer/songwriter married his high school sweetheart Gabi in 2018, and the couple had their first son Avery in October 2022. For more information, visit ScottyMcCreery.com.

Emo Rock Outfit NORTHBOUND Announce Upcoming Album + Release Double Single Via Smartpunk Records

NORTHBOUND ANNOUNCES UPCOMING ALBUM JUNIPER 

ALBUM OUT ON JULY 12 VIA SMARTPUNK RECORDS

Pre-order the album here

Ahead of the album release, the band is also debuting two singles: "Big Tune (Fuck Off Forever)" and "Science" — listen below.

That's right — this isn't an April Fool's Joke! Northbound is releasing a new album this summer and is unveiling two new singles from his upcoming fourth full-length release. After touring worldwide with acts including Simple Plan,State Champs, and more, Jonathon Fraser (the man behind the moniker) is poised to share his most realized iteration of the project on Juniper, which is set to release on July 12.

Speaking about the new single "Big Tune (Fuck Off Forever)," Northbound says, "I picked 'Big Tune' as the first single for the record because I feel it perfectly encapsulates the vibe of the Juniper. It's fast and doesn't take itself too seriously. A lot of my previous work had a brooding tone, and it was important to me that this record launches from a place of empowerment and not self-pity. It's a track mostly about dealing with the feelings that come from monetizing art, social media's role in the music scene, and just wanting to play music. Loudly."

When asked about "Science," he adds, "'Science' is the perfect B-Side for 'Big Tune.' It's not quite an antithesis to 'Big Tune' but it shows a much more vulnerable side to where this record goes. A lot of Juniper is about looking around and trying to find my place in the world, as an artist and human. I'm a real adult now. Who's in my corner? What do I want for myself? Most importantly, what the fuck is going on? 'Science' is a good introduction to those questions."

Speaking on the album, Northbound says "Juniper is my fourth album under the moniker of Northbound. After a few years of laying low and flying under the radar, this album is a bold statement of return. My most focused record to date, Juniper takes heavy influence from the early 2000s era of pop punk with a clear intention: to feel nostalgia for the moment you're currently in. It's fun to listen to, yet simultaneously invites the listener to feel things. It's a record about change, pain, and joy. Juniper doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but it does spin it in a way that hasn't happened for a while."

ABOUT NORTHBOUND:
"Some flowers never get to bloom," a sentiment that has become all too familiar to Jonathon Fraser. For better or worse, this has fueled Northbound, the emo-tinged rock outfit born out of Boca Raton, Florida. Since 2012, Northbound has established a committed following through several releases and an extensive touring history in the U.S. and overseas. Their resume includes hitting the road with the likes of Simple Plan, State Champs, and many more of the scene's most respected bands. Whether it's at a house show or the 02 Forum in London, Northbound has proven capable of encapsulating nostalgia from the turn of the millennium with none of the cliches typically involved.

Throughout Northbound’s tenure, Fraser has maintained a presence in his songs that feels like an open door to his lived experiences — all bark, all bite. In early 2023, Fraser dug up his lifelong Florida roots and transplanted them to Los Angeles — with something new to prove. 

Juniper sees the project rising to new heights — with the strongest material in Northbound's discography. The themes of the album are on full display — the mental weight that self-awareness can bring, the search for yourself in a world that often doesn't care, and waiting for love that still hasn't arrived. Fraser has no interest in feigning authenticity and refuses to hold back on Juniper. 

Northbound may be the alternative scene's best-kept secret, but those who are paying attention never stop listening. Juniper and a fresh start in Los Angeles mark the beginning of a monumental shift for the trajectory of Northbound. 

ABOUT SMARTPUNK RECORDS:
Smartpunk has been a recognizable name in the scene for a long time (Remember that sponsored Warped Tour stage?!). After exchanging several hands and countless ideas of what it could and should be, they decided to start a record label in 2016 with the main idea of focusing solely on reissuing records that have been out of print or never on vinyl. After all, they're a label of vinyl dorks themselves! After releasing Set Your Goals' Mutiny and Gameface's Good, they started to venture into signing newer bands. They actively balance in between many worlds — putting out amazing music from friends and bands that rock, reissuing older titles, and partnering with other incredible labels in our scene and doing exclusive color variants of their releases.

"Since forming the record label, Smartpunk Records has released timeless albums such as Less Than Jake's Anthem, Nominee's Lowlife, RIVALS' Sad Looks Pretty on Me, Virginity's POPMORTEM, and melodic skate punkers The Swellers' My Everest.

Lightworker Share "Evergreen" Visualizer

San Francisco's Lightworker — Joe Calderon [vocals], Grayson Hurd[guitar], and Ryan Johnson [drums] — will drop their new album How the Beautiful Decay on April 19 via Solid State Records. Pre-order it here.

Today, the band has shared the visualizer for "Evergreen." It's packed with montage footage of the band performing live at different locations — and will leave you incredibly eager to see the band in the flesh. 
 
Watch + listen below.

"On our debut album, we had two songs that could be classified as our version of 'ballads' or 'love songs,'" the band says. "'Evergreen' is that song for thisalbum, and it continues the story from '10/18' off our first album. Lyrically, it's equally melancholy and sweet — the perfect blend for our heaviest 'ballad' to date."
 
Lightworker first emerged with the Resilience EP in 2017. Their signature sound cemented on 2020's full-length debut, Fury by Failure. It tallied over a million streams powered up by "Empyre," "The Willing Martyr," and "Words Dissolve" [feat. Ryan Kirby of Fit For A King]. Meanwhile, a 2021 cover of the Hoobastank hit "Crawling in the Dark" maintained their momentum. During 2022, they recorded How The Beautiful Decay with Beau Burchell of Saosin in the producer's chair. The musicians made a conscious decision to let their heavier impulses lead the way in the studio. As a result, How the Beautiful Decay is a master class in beautiful brutality.

Lightworker will return to the road in May with Dreamwake and Red Keep. All dates are below.

LIGHTWORKER ON TOUR:
WITH DREAMWAKE + RED KEEP:
5/3 — San Diego, CA — The Bancroft 
5/4 — Tempe, AZ — Yucca Tap Room
5/5 — El Paso, TX — The Rockhouse 
5/7 — Austin, TX — Coral Snake 
5/8 — Houston, TX — The End
5/9 — Corpus Christi, TX — Boozerz 
5/10 — Lubbock, TX — Jake’s Backroom 
5/11 — Dallas, TX — Haltom Theater Side Stage 
6/30 — Thompson, CT — Capulet Fest*
*Festival Date