Texas' 9-VOLT VELVET share 'Hurricane Brain', a sonic whirlwind showcasing their debut 'Nude Beaches' album

June 1, 2024

"A glam-bam-thankyou-ma’am wall of roiling guitar, bass, keyboards and drums. It’s a 70’s stack heeled tour de force dressed in space-age fabrics and driving a rocket propelled Ford Transit into space... this is a jet pack so strap it on and brace yourself for launch" ~ Joyzine

"Weaving influences and wielding layers of guitar, this is sonic temptation and a wall of sound in an alluring envelope. With a sonic tapestry of post-punk urgency, shoegaze dreamscapes and subtly haunting vocals, this is a song that demands your attention"~ The Spill Magazine

"A Narnia-like doorway... the repetitious groove and cavernous guitars of the shoegaze world plus the fist-in-the-air, sing-along anthemics of the foot-on-the-monitor glam world.... gorgeous" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"An impressive, almost quirky edge... giving several punk bands a run for their money" ~ Real Gone

"Explosive arrangements that hold listeners’ attention... blends raw energy and catchy hooks. With powerful percussion and a gritty punk riff" ~ Skylight Webzine

Dallas-based indie dreamgaze outfit 9-Volt Velvet presents 'Hurricane Brain', the latest audio-visual offering in support of their debut album 'Nude Beaches'. Unleashing their pure raw talent, the band explodes with a lively and a captivating blend of fuzz, feedback and the driving energy of post-punk, alt rock and shoegaze rolled together. Here we have sonic temptation, pulsating rhythms and whispery yet hypnotizing vocals.

Now available on CD via Brighton, UK label Shore Dive Records, this 13-track collection blends washed-out fuzzy and feedback-laden guitars, driving bass and pounding drum beats. The band has also self-released a limited edition of twenty 7" lathe-cut vinyl, featuring 'Riptide' as the A-side and 'Hey Candy' on the B-side.

Nestled in the fine territory between post-punk and shoegaze with a surf vibe, 9-Volt Velvet is made up of Mark Cross (lead vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion), Donnie Robertson (drums, percussion, keyboards) and Kevin Robinson (guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals).

Hailing from Muscle Shoals, AL and Dallas respectively, Mark and Donnie met through an ad in a local newspaper, hit it off instantly and formed a band, eventually being joined by Kevin soon after they began performing. Involving past members of of Viva Voce and The Northern Lights, they bring together several decades of experience playing shows with the likes of Starflyer 59, Spoon, The Dandy Warhols, Jimmy Eat World, Sunny Day Real Estate, Kill Hannah, Luxury, Lugsole, The Features, Bleach, Fold Zandura, 764-HERO and Morella’s Forest.

'Nude Beaches' is the culmination of 9-Volt Velvet's musical journey, showcasing their evolution as artists and the unique sounds they have curated together. Inspired by their natural chemistry and a like-minded approach to music-making, in June 2023, they embarked on an intense 3-week studio session in Dallas, crafting an album that explores the themes of freedom and self-expression.

From the introspective lyrics to the intricate musical arrangements, every aspect of 'Nude Beaches' reflects the band's commitment to pushing boundaries and taking risks. This is a sonic journey that invites listeners to embrace their own individuality and revel in the joy of truly being themselves.

Influenced by The Cure, Sonic Youth, Swervedriver, The Jesus & Mary Chain, DIIV and The Velvet Underground, 9-Volt Velvet emerged as a recording artist in January 22 with their debut 'Cathedrals' EP, followed by the 'Mirrors' EP in July of that year.

The 'Nude Beaches' album is available via Shore Dive Records on CD and digitally, as well as Apple Music, Spotify. The 'Riptide / Hey, Candy' 7" vinyl edition is available exclusively from 9-Volt Velvet's Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written and performed by 9-Volt Velvet
Mark Cross - lead vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion
Donnie Robertson - drums, percussion, keyboards
Kevin Robinson - guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals
Recorded at Starlight Studios (Dallas) by Donnie Robertson & Jeff Ross
Produced, mixed & mastered by Donnie Robertson
CD released via Shore Dive Records
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Country Artist Chris Housman Releases Debut Album 'Blueneck'

May 31, 2024

Just in time for Pride Month, Chris Housman has released his highly anticipated debut album, Blueneck. As an openly gay country artist and songwriter, Housman has brought together both a queer and country sensibility with this project that, to many, might seem at odds with one another. Yet backed by a rich six string sound, he delivers a classic twang infused with his Kansas baritone to gently, yet unapologetically, speak his truth at every turn. Listen to Blueneck HERE.

An NPR All Songs Considered Best Album pick noting, “…he is making beautifully crafted music that any classic country fan would love,” Housman co-wrote all 13 tracks on the album, offering a musical bridge for a divided time. Called “irresistible” by Rolling Stone, with “Good Morning America” praising him for “making waves,” and Billboard hailing him as a beacon for “outcasts in the genre,” Housman’s message is a simple one: “Country music is for everyone.” Given the 4.5 million streams and 250,000 online followers for an independent artist, it's clearly a message that the world wants to hear.

The native mid-westerner’s country credentials go beyond his music though. He was born and raised in Hanston, Kansas, the epitome of small-town America with a population of just 200. His childhood was rooted in the rural and the conservative, growing up on a farm and living for Country music. “At 7 years old, I loved going to Country jam sessions with my family. I would get mesmerized by this guy Tom, who played fiddle,” recounts Housman, “At Christmas, I got a fiddle from Santa, and I picked it up and ran from there.”

His talent was quickly apparent, and by the age of 8, he was performing with the family band, playing in venues across the state. Over time he would add other strings to his bow, learning to sing, play guitar, upright bass, piano, saxophone, spoons, banjo, and even whistle at a competitive level.

“I played a ton of shows as a kid,” he recalls, “but my relationship with Country changed when I turned 18 and I came out as gay.” He moved to Nashville to attend Belmont on an academic scholarship and stopped playing for some time. “I thought, ‘I can continue to be comfortable and out and gay, or I can do country music, but I definitely can’t do both.’" For a while, that was that.

However, the world of country music never quite let Housman go. After years working behind the scenes doing copyright and licensing for other artists, Housman couldn’t ignore the call of the stage anymore. It was a freak accident that brought him back into the fold. In 2014, Housman broke his neck, a shock to the system that made him realize he hadn’t moved to Nashville to just work on other peoples' music. After a brief stint in a duo, he began writing and performing at colleges across the country solo.

In fact, a number of tracks on his debut album have already been resonating with fans. Title track “Blueneck,” a welcoming homespun manifesto that proudly declares “Y’all means all,” went viral on TikTok taking the burgeoning singer from 72 followers to hundreds of thousands overnight and hit No. 1 on the iTunes country chart, No. 4 on iTunes all-music chart, and peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Digital Country chart.

Other previously released tracks like “Bible Belt,” an examination of religious trauma, and the fable-like “Drag Queen,” which celebrates a teacher of the year who goes from Michael to Michelle after hours, continued the dialogue between his genre and his lived experience. The clever wordplay and radio-friendly pop-country sounds made these songs instant hits with his rapidly expanding fanbase and expedited the release of his debut album.

“It feels like my life’s work. The thing I’ve been making since I picked up the fiddle at 7,” Housman effuses “It’s pretty upbeat and positive but it’s also my soul, my truth.”

The album’s most recent release “Guilty as Sin” saw its music video premiere last month in Times Square through CMT with Queerty calling it "defiantly gay" and generating 350,000 views in just three weeks. A special moment to be sure for an independent artist. However, for Housman, the greatest gift has been the response from fans.

“I see a lot of people out there who grew up loving country music, but gravitated away from it because they didn’t feel welcome there anymore,” shares the tattooed troubadour. “When those people tell me I helped them finally feel seen in the genre…that’s already living the dream as far as I’m concerned.”

Fans in Music City can catch Housman next week as part of the line-up for GLAAD and Ty Herndon’s annual Concert for Love & Acceptance on Wednesday, June 5, at 7 pm at Margaritaville (322 Broadway). He will also return to CMA Fest for the second year on Friday, June 7 at 10:15 am performing on the Good Molecules Reverb Stage (Bridgestone Plaza at Corner of 5th Ave and Broadway).

Housman is one of six participants in this year’s Equal Access Development Program, an intensive artist and management training initiative created by CMT and management company mtheory to support underrepresented voices in country music.

For more information, visit ChrisHousman.com and follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @ChrisHousmanMusic and on X @ChrisHousman.

About Chris Housman:
If Harlan Howard was right when he said “country music is three chords and the truth,” then Chris Housman is one of the best qualified artists working in Country today. Beyond the classic twang, rich six string backed sound, and disarming Kansas baritone, his offerings in the genre gently, yet unapologetically, speak his truth at every turn. As an openly gay country artist and songwriter, he meticulously brings together two worlds that, to many, are at odds with one another. Whether it’s the metaphoric “Drag Queen” which celebrates a small-town teacher who goes from Michael to Michelle after hours, or the viral sensation “Blueneck,” a welcoming homespun manifesto that proudly declares “y’all means all,” Housman’s music offers a musical bridge in a divided time. Called “irresistible” by Rolling Stone, with “Good Morning America” praising him for “making waves,” and Billboard staunchly affirming him as a saving grace for “outcasts in the genre,” Housman’s message is a simple one: “Country is for everyone.” Given his 4.5 million streams and 250,000 online followers, it's clearly a message that the world wants to hear.

E.S.P. (Engineered Society Project) New Album 'Deception' Out Now via Mindsnap Music/Combat Records

May 30, 2024

E.S.P. (Engineered Society Project) unveiled their highly anticipated album, Deception, on May 17th, courtesy of Mindsnap Music/Combat Records. Alongside the album release, the band also debuted a lyric video for the title track, "Deception".

Every track on the album was meticulously crafted and expertly mixed at Total Access Recording in Redondo Beach, California. Additionally, the two tracks "Undertaker" and "Kamikaze of Love" were recorded at Magic Studios in Houston, Texas. Get ready to immerse yourself in a sonic journey unlike any other.

One of the highlights of Deception is the track "Fade Away," which features the legendary Glen Hughes from Deep Purple. This collaboration adds a unique and dynamic element to the album, making it a must-listen for fans of both E.S.P. and Glen Hughes.

STREAM/DOWNLOAD DECEPTION

https://orcd.co/esp_deception

WATCH the lyric video for "Deception" Below

WATCH Tim Ripper Owens talk about the new E.S.P. Record:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPmxYc2dV5I

E.S.P. signed a worldwide deal with the quickly moving indie label Mindsnap Music/Combat Records. Mindsnap Music is owned and operated by Christian F. Lawrence (better known as “Opus”) and is distributed exclusively by Von Artists, Ltd. / The Orchard. Mindsnap Music has put out the likes of Joey Concepcion (solo), Dead By Wednesday, Bomber Alley (members of Dee Snider’s solo band), Howland Hyatt (Metal Church drummer Stet Howland), Joetown, S.O.S. & more!

E.S.P. takes the old school approach, but spins it with a modern twist without sacrificing integrity or respect for the style. E.S.P. consists of seasoned professionals that have extensive touring and industry experience. The band has lead singer Kris Keyes, formerly with GARGANTUA SOUL, appeared at Woodstock 99. Kris's former band was managed by the RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE team. Jo Jo Brown, the lead guitarist, brings a unique style of Neo Classical Metal coupled with an unmistakable touch of soul that connects with his audience. Timothy Moss, the bass guitarist, is well known in industry circles. Sean Salinas drives the beat on drums and was with the Cirque Soleil KA and Zumanity resident shows in Las Vegas. Together with their original music, this act brings an electric night of music that captures the attention of their audience and provides great entertainment value.

For More Information Please Visit:

Billy Morrison Releases Solo Album 'The Morrison Project' on Vinyl and CD Unveils Video for "It's Come To This"

May 27, 2024

Billy Morrison's highly anticipated solo album, The Morrison Project, is slated for release on Vinyl and CD in stores and online today, May 24, 2024, via TLG|ZOID / Virgin Music Group.

Receive a free digital album download with purchase from Amazon Music - https://ffm.link/tmpamazon

The album is available digitally HERE

There is also a limited edition 12" collectible through Revolver Magazine - https://shop.revolvermag.com/collections/billy-morrison

Morrison's recent release, "Crack Cocaine," a riveting collaboration with legendary icons Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Stevens has skyrocketed into the nation’s top 10 Rock Mediabase chart at #8 this week and at #9 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart."Crack Cocaine" features the masterful guitar work of Steve Stevens and was co-written by Billy Morrison, Ozzy Osbourne, and Steve Stevens.

Accompanying the release of The Morrison Project is a visually stunning music video, featuring not only Billy Morrison, but acclaimed actor Joe Manganiello and Spino the Iguana. The video was directed by Ivo Raza, (who also directed "Crack Cocaine") and filmed in the desert outside of Lancaster/Palmdale.

“It’s Come To This” was written by Billy Morrison and Erik Eldenius and marks the third single/video from the album.

THE MORRISON PROJECT was produced by Billy Morrison, mixed by Barry Pointer, and mastered by Dave Donnelly. The songs on the album were recorded in Los Angeles at various studios and were written by Billy Morrison in collaboration with his guests.

The Label Group (TLG) has embarked on a significant partnership with TLG | ZOID, which is distributed by Virgin Music Group, to promote Billy Morrison's solo album, The Morrison Project. This collaboration marks the establishment of TLG | ZOID as the new Rock arm within The Label Group's family of labels. The Morrison Project features a diverse range of guest artists, including Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, DMC, Al Jourgensen, Steve Vai, Steve Stevens, Linda Perry, Tommy Clufetos, JOHN5, and more. The album aims to showcase Morrison's songwriting prowess and creative vision, offering a multi-genre musical experience.

In addition to this musical endeavor, TLG has formed a strategic alliance with dCommunity to pioneer a fan-centric and artist-focused community within the metaverse, leveraging blockchain technology. This innovative approach aims to enhance fan engagement and interaction in the Web 3 community, positioning "The Morrison Project" as a showcase for these new technologies.

The British guitarist, singer, and songwriter is primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens, has expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with TLG, highlighting the importance of a record deal that respects the artist's creative freedom and ensures widespread distribution across all platforms. This collaboration not only signifies a forward-thinking move in the music industry but also aligns with the evolving landscape of entertainment, where the integration of digital and virtual spaces is becoming increasingly prevalent.

For More Information Please Visit:

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https://www.tlgent.com/

dCommunity.io

SHAWN PERRY Releases Debut Album 'All American Heartbreak' Along with Single "Hookin' Up" via Neon Belly Records

May 27, 2024

Shawn Perry released his debut album All American Heartbreak along with single "Hookin' Up" via Neon Belly Records distributed by The Label Group / Virgin Music Group.
The album will be available on all streaming platforms and will be for sale on all digital storefronts. Physical copies of All American Heartbreak will be available on CD and LUXURY Vinyl in select brick and mortar locations and on Amazon.com.

The album is a genre twisting blend of hard rock, country, metal, vintage hip-hop and pop. "All my favorite things," says Perry. He adds, "I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it. I hope it brings a smile to your face, and proves that real musicians, playing real instruments, releasing products you can hold in your hand, touch, feel and smell are not dead, but are in fact poised for a comeback."

The song "Hookin' Up" will be released as a single with the album. The song was inspired by the real life romance of a friend who met his wife on Tinder. Shawn Perry later officiated their wedding. The line (falling' down drunk eating chicken in a bathtub) was inspired from a line of dialogue from the short lived Kate Walsh TV show Bad Judge.

All songs' music and lyrics are by Shawn Perry, with "Amen" co-written by Shawn Perry and Keven Thiede.

The album was produced by Shawn Perry and Ben Schigel, known for his work with Walls of Jericho, Drowning Pool, Chimera, and Machine Gun Kelly. The track "Lawnchair" was produced by Christian Davis Stalnecker, who has worked with El Debarge and Backstreet Boys.

Recording took place at Spider Studios in Cleveland, Ohio, Rock-N-Roll Dojo in Vermilion, Ohio, and The Castle in Nashville, Tennessee.

Ben Schigel mixed the album, except for "Lawnchair," which was mixed by Christian Davis Stalnecker.

The album was mastered by Grammy Winner Maor Appelbaum in Los Angeles, California, with the vinyl remaster done by Welcome to 1979 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Album Roster:

Shawn Perry: Vocals, Guitar, Percussion, Keys

Corey Linden: Guitars Vocals

Steve Albenze: Guitars

David Romwebber: Guitars

Greg Henry: Drums

Jeff Koteles: Drums

Russ Richards: Keys

Ben Schigel: Keys, Percussion

Carlos Flores: Bass

Paul Lewis Bass:

Genevive Gilbert: Violin

Additional Vocals: King Pala, Tyler Choen, John Calo, Lauren Koteles, Maryssa Elayne, Christian Davis Stalnecker

Shawn Perry is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actor and entrepreneur known across the globe for his signature blend of big hooks, searing guitars, good times and raisin’ hell.

Shawn Perry was in tens of millions of households around the world during his time on the MTV series MADE, and various appearances on VH1, NBC, FOX, several independent films.

Over his career, Shawn Perry and his various musician projects have shared the stage and lineup card with numerous music legends, including: Poison, Warrant, Guns-N-Roses, The Darkness, Slash, Creed, Korn, Megadeth, Puddle of Mudd, Papa Roach, P.O.D., Chimera, Chickenfoot, Motionless in White, Jackyl, Volbeat, Queensryche, Rob Zombie, Skillet, Thousand Foot Krutch, The Hollywood Undead, Steel Panther, Thin Lizzy, Michael Stanley, Killswitch Engage, Powerman 5000, The Guess Who, and Hellyeah. Heck, he has even played a show with actor Corey Feldman of "Goonies" and "Lost Boys" fame...ah, the memories...

Since Shifting his focus to a solo career in 2015 with the release his debut EP Country Girls Shawn Perry and his band have performed at some of the largest festivals in Ohio (Rockin’ on the River, and Ohio Bike week, Country, Blues and BBQ Festival). They have also been fixtures at some of the top music venues in the Midwest including: The world- famous Cleveland Agora, The Odeon, The Thirsty Cowboy, Lyman Harbour and Jewel’s Dance Hall, sharing the stage with world class artist like Saving Abel, Aaron Carter, Sponge, Blessid Union of Souls, Finger Eleven, We Are Harlot (featuring members of Asking Alexandria), Demun Jones (formerly of Rehab), The Devil You Know (helmed by ex-Killswitch Engage vocalist Howard Jones), Charlie Farley and Country legend Colt Ford. They have also appeared on the Fox 8 Morning Show and had their music featured on I heart media’s (Clear Channel) nationally syndicated morning show Rover's Morning Glory.

In 2019 Shawn Perry and his crew released the single “Lawnchair” to critical and commercial acclaim. The song was recorded by Grammy winning producer Christian Davis at the Castle in Nashville and mastered by Grammy winner Maor Applebaum in Los Angeles. The song made it’s debut on the country charts in March 2019 and has been steadily climbing ever since. In 2020 Shawn Perry and his band hit the studio to record ten new songs for their new album Throwin’ Shade. The first single from the album “Six Feet Apart,” a U2 inspired power anthem, was released in October 2020 to critical and fan acclaim. In June of 2021 "Lawnchair" which will be included on the forthcoming album Throwin’’ Shade was re-released through TLG Entertainment/Universal once again earning rave reviews for it’s fun in sun good time vibes. Shawn Perry will be releasing several singles throughout the rest of 2021 starting with the barn burner "Hardrock Hillbilly" before dropping the rest of the album at the end of the year.

Shawn Perry and his band are endorsed artists for Ernie Ball/Music Man, Gibson, EVH Amps, Mapex Drums and Sabian Cymbals.

For More Information Please Visit:

Belgian dark synth-rock duo LOVELORN DOLLS present 'Diary of Nothing' ahead of 'Deadtime Stories' album

May 26, 2024

Belgian alt-rock duo Lovelorn Dolls release their fourth album 'Deadtime Stories', embracing a stronger identity – creepy cute ambiance, eerie Tim Burton-esque scenes, guitar-driven sounds, catchy dark melodies, childlike synths, industrial tones, and Kristell’s distinctive voice, all boldly and fully embraced.

Hailing from Brussels, Lovelorn Dolls is Kristell Lowagie (lyrics, vocals) and Bernard Daubresse (programming, guitars, synth). They are back in a big way after a 5-year hiatus that saw Kristell transform into the photographer/ visual artist Kristell In Wonderland, exhibiting throughout Europe. With a gothic rock underbelly, their sound resembles a mix of Theatre of Tragedy, Lacuna Coil and The Birthday Massacre.

Lovelorn Dolls have also unveiled their video for 'Diary Of Nothing', the final song of this sonic storybook. A newspaper with blank pages recalls the empty and empathetic heart of the protagonist, who reminds us of Wednesday Addams. The video refers to the tumultuous sibling relationship between Wednesday and her brother Pugsley, whom she loves to mistreat. Kristell, who plays the main role, also takes great pleasure in mistreating her sidekick, the outcome of working with the same person for 15 years.

"We had a lot of fun creating this video for one of our favorite songs on the album. This song alone sums up the "Lovelorn Dolls” spirit for me," says Kristell Lowagie.

'Deadtime Stories' be released on May 24 via Alfa Matrix / SPLEEN+, joining other great artists on this label, including Front 242, Ayria, Recoil, Leather Strip and Alien Vampires. Earlier, the female-fronted duo previewed singles 'A Heart Cries', 'Dream World' and 'Beautiful Chaos' and also released the 'Deadtime Stories: the Book' featuring the lyrics, accompanying illustrations and photos by Kristell In Wonderland.

The title itself is a cynical play on words, referencing children’s rhymes with a dark twist. Each song delves into themes of death, endings, suicide, broken dreams, loss, and the perilous allure of fame. The artwork also encapsulates this, depicting a lonely girl reading in a cemetery fog.

Produced, mixed and mastered by Maxx Maryan, known for his work with cult electro-goth metal duo Helalyn Flowers and IMJUDAS, the album features several guest appearances, including by Dero Goi (ex-vocalst of OOMPH!) in the duet 'Dancing at Your Funeral', which Goi co-wrote and co-produced. American Gothic rapper VVitchboy also appears on the energetic and enchanting track 'Death & Glory'.

Earlier, Lovelorn Dolls released the 'Beautiful Chaos' EP, an ode to love stories gone wrong with five bonus remixes roam from minimal EBM to industrial goth and ethereal wave via contributors The Breath of Life, Absynthe of Faith, Audiopyre, Restriction 9 and Antidote for Annie.

Out May 24, the 'Deadtime Stories' album is available from fine digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. It can also be ordered via the label or directly from the artist via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Lyrics & vocals by Kristell Lowagie
Music by Bernard Daubresse
Kristell Lowagie - vocals
Bernard Daubresse – guitars & synths
Additional arrangements, programming and synths by Maxx Maryan Recorded in Brussels and Rome
Produced, mixed and mastered by Maxx Maryan
Released via Alfa Matrix
All artwork, design & illustrations by Kristell Lowagie
Artist photos by Kristell In Wonderland

Manchester's THE SPEED OF SOUND releases ‘A Cornucopia: Minerva’ album from epic 3-album set, plus video for 'Trickledown'.

May 26, 2024

"Buzzing fuzz guitar lines emerge from a delicate acoustic introduction to intersect with the crashing chords and the ‘bulbous pulsing’ rhythm section" ~ Record Collector Magazine

"it’s clear that the sonic kaleidoscope presented on The Speed of Sound’s new album is worth the wait - a musical compass in a direction we should all explore" ~ The Spill Magazine

“Unmistakeable sound a winning formula” ~ The Big Takeover

“A triumph of industry, imagination and talent, coolly novel and damned addictive” ~ Louder Than War

‘Unique and other worldly” ~ Vive Le Rock

“A form of Art-Pop that is wry, incisive, yet a deeply listenable examination of post industrial culture” ~ Rock At Night

"A riotous maelstrom of musical mayhem” ~ The Manc Review
Manchester indie rock psychonauts The Speed Of Sound are releasing the album 'A Cornucopia: Minerva'. The first record of the three-album set 'A Cornucopia: Minerva, Victory, Bounty', this is also the band's second release issued via California-based cult label Big Stir Records,

Full of ambition, energy, and eccentric melodic brilliance, these future-retro-modernist garage-psych stalwarts offer up their new collection as Vinyl and CD 3-album sets under the umbrella title 'A Cornucopia'. Essentially 'Minerva' is being released as a deluxe edition, including two full-length bonus albums 'Victory' and 'Bounty'.

Hailing from Manchester, The Speed of Sound is made up of father and son John Armstrong (guitars and vocals) and Henry Armstrong (keyboards), Ann-Marie Crowley (vocals and guitar), Kevin Roache (bass guitar) and John Broadhurst (drums).

With 'A Cornucopia: Minerva' coinciding with the band’s 35th anniversary, The Speed Of Sound returns triumphant, defiant and redemptive, following up their 2021 critically acclaimed album 'Museum Of Tomorrow'. Named for the goddess associated with wisdom, the arts and strategic warfare, this album explores themes of resistance to mainstream cultural dominance, championing individual identity and artistic creativity whilst being a vigorous musical celebration of subcultural existence in the face of predominantly bland pop culture.

With the album's release The Speed of Sound also presents the video for 'Trickledown', having earlier shared 'The Great Acceleration' and 'West Wind'. Here, they show another side of their craft with this delicate and spaciously haunting floating air, comprised of a soft-hued tonal palette just rich enough in reverb. 'Trickledown' puts forward a subtly expressed and quietly understated critique of Economic Theory, wrapped in a smoothly cast ballad of sheer silk gossamer lightness. A harmoniously mellow and hypnotically absorbing experience like fireworks in slow motion, the lyrics contrasts with razor sharp precision.

John Armstrong notes, “This could easily have been a traditional angry punk song, but gentle smoothness fits the soothing lie behind the Theory. I find the concept of Trickledown Economics bizarre. The idea of everyone owing their economic wellbeing to the existence of the mega-rich is pure sleight of hand fantasy; that they have amassed so much stashed away itself demonstrates it isn’t reaching further down. The stanza borrowed from Shelley’s Masque Of Anarchy (1819) in the middle section shows the general situation hasn’t changed in 200 years.”

'Minerva' presents 14 fresh and variegated tracks, each one a burst of differently-hued radio friendly sonic technicolor. These new pieces range from the recklessly fast Bo Diddley rhythm successfully merged with a Wagnerian horn section of lead single 'West Wind' to the haunting and spacious ballad critiquing Economic Theory that is 'Trickledown' to the stripped back mediaeval folk-tinged starkness of 'The Harvest' to the stratospheric vastness of 'The Great Acceleration'.

The album passes seamlessly through the acoustic guitar-driven groove of 'SS-100-X', the spacious iridescence of 'Eight Fourteen Monday', the lively ascendence of 'The Party Sniper', the glowing radioactivity metaphor of 'Half Life' to the bright uplifting dementia and identity-loss focused 'Mind Palace'. While the bouncing vibe of 'Bodysnatchers' reminds us to stay awake and not slip into the drabness of normalcy, the crunching melodic punch of 'Clickbait' zings into the typewriter introduction of 'Yet Another Tuesday', onwards to the punkifed rhythm and blues of 'So Faux' and the closing acoustic riot of 'Question Time'.

With their inbuilt eclectic and genre-defying style, The Speed Of Sound expand from their base-camp foundation of 1960s, punk and new wave influences, encompassing wide dynamic and stylistic variation, crossing borders and pushing boundaries at every opportunity while retaining continuity. Their music bursts with experimentation whilst retaining hooks and melodic sensibility, plus sharp barbed wit, lyrical depth and all-pervading sense of joy.

Irrespressible and uplifting, The Speed Of Sound have continuously produced music laced with optimism and lyrical bite, tapping the DIY ethos of punk and the restless lust for experimentation of psychedelia. Formed in 1989 with a pre-history dating back to the day Andy Warhol died in 1987, their music has always been idiosyncratic, counter-intuitive and perpetually looking for something new.

As of May 24, 'Minerva' is available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. It will also be released on CD and vinyl via Big Stir Records. The 'Bounty' and 'Victory' albums will see digital editions over the next year,

CREDITS
All songs written by John Armstrong
John Armstrong - guitars and vocals
Ann-Marie Crowley - vocals and guitars
Kevin Roache - bass guitar
John Broadhurst - drums
Henry Armstrong - keyboards
Bob Dinn - trumpet and flugelhorn
Chris Guest - harmonium, vibraphone, organ, shakers, tambourine
Alex Armstrong - typewriter on 'Yet Another Tuesday'
Voices on 'Mind Palace' by Janet Stacey Dando, Henry Armstrong, Nick Frater, Jason Edge (courtesy of The Electric Stars), John Broadhurst, Mark Britton (courtesy of Amoeba Teen), Janet Armstrong, Louise Turner, Peter Watts & Ruth Rogers (courtesy of Spygenius) and Kevin Roache, plus Ivy Frater (heartbeat)
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Vibratone Sound Studio in Manchester by Chris Guest, Adam Crossley and The Speed Of Sound.
Main sleeve image: Purple Spaceman © Lina Landers 2022
Artist photographs by Shay Rowan
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with The Speed of Sound
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ROTTING CHRIST Streaming New Album

May 25, 2024

"Another absolutely outstanding record...Even after a mind-blowing thirty five years and fourteen records, Rotting Christ might actually be at their very best right now" - Metal Injection (9/10)

"With Pro Xristou, Greece's premier extreme metal band have just crafted their most accessible - and perhaps most magnificent - album yet" - Metal Hammer (4.5/5)

"Pro Xristou has all of the Rotting Christ hallmarks...this is the most arena-worthy Rotting Christ have been in some time" - No Clean Singing

"With Pro Xristou, Rotting Christ have summoned every diabolical riff and slaying beast that their career has produced and culminated it into a pummeling, brilliant, Gothic Black Metal attack on the senses" - Teeth of the Divine

"Pro Xristou demonstrated once again that Rotting Christ are dark melodic metal craftsmen and, still, amongst the best in their field" - Ghostcult (8/10)

"Their brand of blackened metal has changed a lot over years, mostly to being melodic, a little Gothic, and even having a tribal feel to some of their songs. “Pro Xristou” embraces these same components but presents them in a much more catchy way..." - Metal Temple (9/10)

"Pro Xristou" is not an album that will surprise us; on the contrary, it will seem familiar. Yet, the album is poised to be a memorable entry in Rotting Christ's distinguished career." - Metal War (9/10)

"One thing is for sure after all this: ROTTING CHRIST will never let us down!" - The Gallery (8/10)

In the pantheon of heavy music, few names resonate as profoundly as ROTTING CHRIST. Behind a legacy that has both defined and defied the realms of black metal, the Greek legends carve out a fresh set of dark, melodic scriptures on their new album. Pro Xristou is a grandiose narrative born of fire, rebellion and an unbreakable spirit.

Pro Xristou came out Friday May 24th, on Season of Mist. But you can listen to all 10 epic songs today by listening to the full album stream on our YouTube channel.

Listen to Pro Xristou below.

Pre-order

https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/RottingChristProXristou

Pre-save

https://orcd.co/proxtristoupresave

From the labyrinthine depths of Hades to the celestial might of Zeus, Pro Xristou embarks on an odyssey through the history of mythology and paganism. The album is a monument, etched with the profound lyrics of Sakis Tolis, that explores themes of defiance and enlightenment, set against the historical background of paganism's last stand against monotheism. The title track sets the tone, opening the album with a battle cry that unites the chthonic with the divine, solidifying Rotting Christ's journey from the underworld to the pantheon of metal gods.

In the dimly lit catacombs of extreme metal, one name stands as a monolith: ROTTING CHRIST. Sakis Tholis and his brother Themis started this band together back in 1987. In the three decades since, these Greek titans have left their blackened imprint all over the metal world. They’ve released 13 studio albums and played more than 1,300 concerts around the globe. Underneath all this hard work, Rotting Christ have but one vision – an urge to not only push the boundaries of extreme metal, but to keep reinventing themselves along the way.

Rotting Christ’s evolution has unfolded across several distinct chapters. After starting out closer to the barely controlled chaos of grindcore, they went on to establish the iconic sound of Hellenic black metal. Their albums often embrace refined gothic soundscapes, only to plunge back into the depths of blasphemous fervour. Each chapter marked another, further exploration, and an unwavering commitment to push boundaries.

But the real turning point came in 2007, when Rotting Christ signed a pact with Season of Mist. They unleashed a series of albums for the French label that defied any and all expectations. From the piercing Theogonia and the symphonic grandeur of Aelo to the ritualistic intensity of Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού, the cinematic experiences created by Rotting Christ became a spectacle of bombastic atmospheres, mesmerizing choirs, and neo-classical arrangements. The unexpected is their modus operandi, with the use of various languages (Latin, Arabic, Greek, English) as well as the extensive use of famous poetry woven into their music, like Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven’ on The Heretics.

In 2019, Rotting Christ’s epic journey continued with The Apocryphal Spell compilation, which offers fans an intimate glimpse into unreleased and rare material. This allowed them to gather strength, preparing for the release of their next, highly anticipated, 14th full-length studio album: Pro Xristou.

Pro Xristou (‘Before Christ’ in Greek), serves as a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge. In this thematic odyssey, intricately woven through tracks such as ‘The Apostate’ and ‘Ygdrassil’, Rotting Christ delves into the legacies of historical figures such as Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic mythological kings, embodying the might of Pagan wisdom in the face of Christian adversity. The album encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style – melodic, yet harsh at times – reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining rooted in their 35-year legacy.

Line-up
Sakis Tolis - Guitar, Vocals
Themis Tolis - Drums
Kostas "Spades" Heliotis - Bass
Kostis Fouk - Guitar

Guest Musicians
Amdroniki Skoula - Vocals (on 'La Letra Del Diavolo')
Nikos Kerkiras - Keyboard
Christina Alexiou - Choir
Maria Tsironi - Choir
Alexandros Loyziotis - Choir
Vasilis Karatzas - Choir

Andrew Liles - Narration (on 'The Apostate', 'Pretty World, Pretty Dies')
Kim Diaz Holm - Narration (on 'Ygdrassil')

Recording Studio
Deva Sounds Studios (Athens, Greece)

Producer
Sakis Tolis

Sound Engineer
Fotis Bernando
Aggelos Karatzas

Mixing
Jens Borgen at Fascination Street Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Mastering
Tony Lidgren at Fascination Street Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Artwork Artists
Thomas Cole - Artwork
Adrien Bousson - Digital Processing

Biography
Sébastien J. Gamez

Links:
Official Website: https://www.rotting-christ.com/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rottingchristofficial/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rottingchristofficial/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/athanatoieste
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RottingChristOfficia
Bandcamp: https://rottingchristofficial.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/rotting-christ/id28441629
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FhkwcO8Jd7BRWdllBpXBJ

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
CD Clamshell Box - Deluxe Digipak w/ Gold Foil + 2 Bonus
Tracks & Extras
12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Crystal Clear
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Crystal Clear, Red & Blue Mixed
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Green
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Turquoise
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Yellow
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Blue
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - silver & Black Marbled
Limited Box Set Vinyl - 12" Gold & Black Marbled w/ Gold Foil + 2 Bonus Tracks & Extras
Cassette

Poolside At The Flamingo Unleash 'Accabadora' EP & Brand Explosive New Single 'The Deceiver'

May 22, 2024

Colorado's grindcore 4-piece, Poolside At The Flamingo have officially released their new EP "Accabadora" via Blood Blast Distribution. This release marks a significant milestone in the band’s career, showcasing their evolution as musicians and their relentless commitment to redefining the limits of extreme music.

Speaking on today's EP release, Poolside At The Flamingo share

"The Accabadora EP is the first release that we're truly proud of and feel embodies the sound that we're looking to achieve. The songs on this EP were written with more care and attention than any other album/ep we've released. To us, it's the perfect blend of spastic grindcore and soul crushing breakdowns.”

Alongside the brand new EP, the band has unveiled their latest single, "The Deceiver," which exemplifies their brutal and innovative sound. The single is accompanied by a special compilation of their recent EP release shows, capturing the raw energy and intensity of their stage presence. Shedding light on "The Deceiver", the band adds:

"This song starts off with some chunk that will keep you guessing. Elements of hardcore may slightly peak their heads out as we express our rage for fake, two faced people.”

Following the success of their previous singles "Hell On Earth" and the EP's title track "Accabadora," which featured an epic music video with special appearances by the band members' kids, the excitement surrounding 'Accabadora' has been palpable. Their latest singles "Seething," and "The Deceiver" further build on this momentum, delivering the band's signature blend of brutal intensity and genre-defying soundscapes.

The 'Accabadora' EP, is a bold statement from Poolside At The Flamingo, showcasing their growth as musicians and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of extreme music by blending genres to produce the most brutal and unrelenting tracks possible with a strong focus on having fun and not taking themselves too seriously.

Stay tuned for more from Poolside At The Flamingo soon and don't miss the sheer, unbridled brutality with the release of their brand new EP 'Accabadora'.

To celebrate the release of their brand new EP, Poolside At The Flamingo will continue to dominate stages as they play a string of shows this spring.

Tickets are available from poolsideattheflamingo.com

5/16 - Oklahoma City, OK - TBA

5/17 - Corpus Christi, TX - Boozers

5/18 - Houston, TX - The Compound

5/19 - Fayetteville, AR - Arkansas Event Center

6/10 - Grand Junction, CO - Mesa Theater

6/28 - Denver, CO - The Roxy Theatre

Accabadora EP Release Shows Artwork | Download HERE

About Poolside At The Flamingo

Poolside at the Flamingo is a 4 piece deathcore/grindcore band based in Colorado, USA. Formed in 2005, Poolside At The Flamingotoured extensively in the "Myspace" days playing with the likes of Through The Eyes of the Dead, The Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza, See You Next Tuesday and MANY more.

Their debut album "This Will End Badly..." (2006) was recorded live in a residential basement. Their next official album, "The Sound Below" (2017), was produced by Dave Otero at Flatline Audio and more recently they released "Self Titled" (2023).

Poolside At The Flamingo Are:

Scotty Bohnen: Vocals

Danny Bohnen: Guitar

Rudy Garcia: Drums

David French: Bass

Return to Dust Unveil Brand New Video For "Face Down" & Join Sevendust As Support For "Seasons" Anniversary Tour This Fall!

May 21, 2024

Boundary-pushing grunge quartet, Return to Dust, have today released a brand new video for their latest single, "Face Down" taken off their long-awaited debut self-titled album via Jim Kaufman Productions. Directed by Matt Akana, the "Face Down" video delves deep into the realms of emotion and introspection, its grunge-infused aesthetic adding a raw and gritty layer to the evocative visuals. Fans can listen to the new album HERE, and watch the brand new video below.

"Face Down," a standout track on the band's debut album, serves as a poignant reminder of Return to Dust's sonic evolution. With its explosive instrumentation and poignant lyricism, the track captures the essence of smash hit "Belly Up," while ushering in a matured sound that emphasizes the band's rapid growth and their fearless embrace of musical experimentation. Shedding light on the brand new video, the band shares:

"We wanted to convey a sense of the surreal with the Face Down music video that our other videos hadn’t captured yet. So we created a red world and a dark void. Places where you’re not quite alive and not quite dead that shows the duality of beauty and chaos. Comfort and unease. Themes and feelings that permeate throughout the rest of this album."

Excitement continues to build for Return to Dust, as they gear up to join heavyweights Sevendust on their "Seasons" Anniversary Tour this fall. Pre-sale tickets are available today at 11AM ET, with the general on-sale beginning on Thursday, May 23 at 10AM local. All ticket information can be found HERE. With their first national tour on the horizon, the band adds:

"We grew up listening to songs like Terminator on our brothers’ CD collections so this tour feels like a full circle back to that time. We think it’s really cool that Sevendust is taking us out and supporting younger bands and couldn’t be more grateful / excited. It’ll be an incredible experience for both ours and Sevendust’s fans."

Returning to the roots of grunge with a modern twist, Return to Dust's self-titled debut album is a visceral exploration of angst, rebellion, and introspection. From infectious riffs to haunting dual-melodies, each track is a testament to the band's dedication to pushing musical boundaries while staying true to their distinctive sound. Their recent appearances at Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple only amplified the band's undeniable allure, solidifying their status as a must-see live act this year.

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 3.5 million streams across DSPs, 73K Spotify Monthly Listeners, and 5.4 million total TikTok views. With the release of their debut record under their belt,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.

Return to Dust's self titled debut album is 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.

Catch Return to Dust Live This Year!

Dates In Support Of Sevendust

On Their "Seasons" Anniversary Tour

Fri, 9/13 - Hampton Beach, MA - Hampton Beach Casino

Sat, 9/14 - Hampton Beach, MA - Hampton Beach Casino

Sun, 9/15 - Albany, NY - Empire

Tues, 9/17 - Rochester, NY - Water Street Music Hall

Thurs, 9/19 - New York, NY - The Palladium

Fri, 9/20 - Harrisburg, PA - HMAC

Sat, 9/21 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore

Sun, 9/22 - Raleigh, NC - The Ritz

Tues, 9/24 - Knoxville, TN - The Mill & Mine

Wed, 9/25 - Atlanta, GA - The Eastern

Thurs, 9/26 - Chattanooga, TN - The Signal

Wed, 10/2 - Dallas, TX - The Factory

Thurs, 10/3 - Wichita, KS - The Cotilion

Fri, 10/4 - Tulsa, OK - Cain's Ballroom

Sat, 10/5 - Lincoln, NE- The Bourbon Theatre

Mon, 10/7 - Denver, CO - The Summit

Tues, 10/8 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot

ABOUT RETURN TO DUST

Los Angeles based alternative/grunge rock quartet Return to Dust (Matthew Bielawski, Graham Stanush, Sebastian Gonzalez, London Hudson) 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), dynamic drumming (Hudson) 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 LP, a mesmerizing self-titled creation. 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

Matthew Bielawski - Vocals & Guitar

Graham Stanush - Vocals & Bass

Sebastian Gonzalez - Guitar

London Hudson - Drums

Filth Is Eternal to support Baroness this summer!

May 21, 2024

Seattle’s Filth Is Eternal is confirmed to support metal juggernauts Baroness this summer on their U.S. tour. FIE joins Baroness on June 12 in Lawrence, KS and wraps the tour on June 30 in Stroudsburg, PA (full dates below).

Frontperson Lis Di Angelo says, "We are so excited to be hitting the road with Baroness. We’ve been following them for a long time and have loved everything they’ve ever released. It’s going to be truly special sharing the stage with them every night, and once again getting the opportunity to see all our road family while we are out there!”

Filth Is Eternal released their new album, Find Out, last fall, and it highlights the band’s deep-rooted attention to songwriting. Exploding with fresh ideas, heavy on hooks, and clandestine melody, Find Out is a clear breakout release for FIE, not to mention a future staple for heavy music fans worldwide. Using the talents of producer Paul Fig (Slipknot, AFI, Alice In Chains) while recording at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 and Dave’s Room, Find Out adds just enough spit polish in production to conjure the masses but still retains the dirt and grime necessary to remain congruous to the sound and fury within.

Praise for Find Out:

“With 14 tracks blurring by in well under half an hour with zero fucking around, of course, you’re left wanting more. But that’s the point. Filth Is Eternal, and they’re still just getting started. 4/5.” –Kerrang!

“The album, music, art, and all, feels like an encapsulation of their live show, which is a sight to behold and an absolute event.” –Invisible Oranges

“FILTH IS ETERNAL truly found out exactly what best makes them tick as a band, embracing the relationship they have with fans and with live shows. The end result is 14 songs of crusty, filthy metallic hardcore that are simply too good to ignore. 8/10” –Distorted Sound

Filth Is Eternal Tour Dates:

June 12 - Lawrence, KS - The Bottleneck
June 14 - Memphis, TN - Growlers
June 15 - Oklahoma City, OK - Diamond Ballroom
June 17 - Little Rock, AR - The Hall
June 18 - Nashville, TN - The Basement East
June 19 - Birmingham, AL - Saturn
June 21 - Richmond, VA - The Broadberry
June 22 - Charlottesville, VA - The Jefferson Theater
June 23 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore
June 25 - Millvale, PA - Mr. Small’s Theatre
June 26 - Patchogue, NY - 89 North
June 27 - Bensalem, PA - Broken Goblet
June 30 - Stroudsburg, PA - Sherman Theatre

Get / Stream Find Out at Your Preferred DSP HERE

Connect with Filth Is Eternal:

Website
Instagram
X
Facebook

Suck Brick Kid Release New Album "The End Is What I Want" via Smartpunk Records

May 19, 2024

SUCK BRICK KID RELEASE NEW ALBUM THE END IS WHAT I WANT VIA SMARTPUNK RECORDS

Listen to the album here.

Physical copies of the album are available here .

Suck Brick Kid have mastered the art of poignant reflection amid hilarity on their latest album release.

After pulling their inspiration directly from the walls of the finest dive-bar restrooms in America, the band has reimagined these "latrine-limericks" into full-scale stories with lyrics from the perspective of the person who made the mark. These crass, comedic, and often chaotic influences are set against a backdrop of loud and fast punk music that exudes authenticity, relatability, and (sometimes) maturity. It is dedicated to those who find their home in hole-in-the-wall punk shows and the off-kilter communities of dive bar bathrooms.

Speaking about "The End Is What I Want," the band says, "After discovering this crude and desperate etching on a dive bar bathroom wall one night, the concept for this record was born as we began to dig deeper into 'what' these people were going through that led them to express themselves in this way. It really opened up the ceiling for us creatively as we were able to explore the perspectives of these 'vandals' and crafted a story for each after hand-selecting some of our favorite bathroom graffiti finds. This was also a fun challenge for us to compile these clever markings as it gave us something else to do in the bathroom besides just rip piping-hot pisses."

ABOUT SUCK BRICK KID:
With a decade of beers literally under their belt, Suck Brick Kid have defined themselves as "loud as fuck and fast as fuck." This is mainly because their vocabulary is small and rudimentary, at best. But also because they really do both of these things better than most. They don't take themselves too seriously and that's infinitely refreshing!

With a slew of conceptual albums already out, Suck Brick Kid aimed high for this new release and found inspiration in one of the lowest places imaginable...a dive bar bathroom. Bathroom graffiti is often over-looked, over-pissed-on, or even over-appreciated (I saw you draw a penis on that stick figure you dirty dog) but Suck Brick Kid wanted to tap into the mindset of some of these individuals and explore what they were (maybe) going through when they made their mark. This opened up possibilities for the songs that vocalist Grant Tchekmeian and guitarist Ian Marchionda cleverly navigated, as they crafted some of the most insane and absurd lyrical content to date. The End Is What I Want should strike a chord with any lover of punk music, dive bars, both of those things, or people who just like a cheeky poop joke — no that was not one, but you see what I did there.

This record is sure to put this band six feet under, in wooden suits, and left for the worms.

But before that happens, they've graced stages of FEST in Gainesville, Florida, and have also toured alongside Unwritten Law, Palisades, Set Your Goals, and more. However, the band is survived by the following family members (Grant Tchekmeian on vocals, Ian Marchionda on guitar, Daniel Valery on drums, and Hayden Cler on bass).

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.

PAIN Release New Album "I Am" + Share Video For "Don't Wake The Dead"

May 19, 2024

Today, PAIN release their brand new album I Am via Nuclear Blast Records.

Filled with anthems like "Don't Wake The Dead" and the hit single "Party In My Head," alongside atmospheric tracks such as "I Am" and "Fair Game," the album seamlessly blends uplifting catchiness with introspective moments, marking Peter Tägtgren's most personal and boldest work to date. To celebrate the album release, PAIN are also sharing their brand new music video for "Don't Wake The Dead," which was written by Peter's son Sebastian Tägtgren.

Peter Tägtgren comments, "The first time Seb showed me the song I was blown away, from the beginning to the end, so dark, yet so beautiful. After I heard the song, I had a panic attack: 'How do I sing on this? And what?'

Watch the video for "Don't Wake The Dead" Below.

Stream/Order I Am here.

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..."

BAT | UNDER THE CROOKED CLAW OUT NOW + RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'REVENGE OF THE WOLF'

May 18, 2024

Richmond, Virginia metal-punk trio BAT welcomes the release of their second full-length album Under The Crooked Claw via Nuclear Blast Records. The brainchild of MUNICIPAL WASTE guitarists Ryan Waste & Nick Poulos, BAT ascended from the underground a decade ago on a dark, leather-winged trajectory. The band delivers their own blood-spattered horror leaning heavily on the dirtier side of speed metal.

To celebrate the release, BAT offers fans the single, 'Revenge Of The Wolf'. The band once again returned to horror director Norman Cabrera to create the perfect visuals. The video included cinematography completed by Rob Lucas, editing handled by Mike Mendez, and Maya Kay was responsible for the production.

Ryan Waste states, "The wait is finally over as our creation takes flight, sinking its claws into the airwaves. It was a true test of our will, caging this beast for what felt like an eternity. I’d especially like to thank my bandmates, Nick and Chris for their hard work and patience through the entire process. We wrote these songs during grim times and their ferocity is certainly emulated by that. Unleashing these tales of terror gives me a sense of fulfillment that is completely unmatched.”

Chris Marshall states, “I still bear the scars from The Claw.”

Nick Poulos comments, “From note to note, speed on speed, to say I’m proud of Under The Crooked Claw is an absolute understatement. We poured our hearts, minds, and souls into this record and I’m so proud of what we accomplished. My favorite BAT offering to date!”

Watch the music video for the new single 'Revenge Of The Wolf' Below.

Order and stream Under The Crooked Claw now at: https://bat.bfan.link/utcclp

The power trio, completed by drummer Chris Marshall, decamped to Philadelphia in June 2021 where Arthur Rizk recorded the basic tracks for Under The Crooked Claw. Yavé Rusttracked lead guitars and vocals later when the band was back in Richmond, ultimately to be mixed by Rizk and mastered by Joel Grind. The artwork for the album was inked by Brandon Holt and colored by Margaret Rolicki.

Jam-packed with tight, concise songs loaded with punchy choruses and lightning-laced leads, each of the 13 tracks offers a new horror short story mixing the perfect blend of heavy metal, punk, and rock ‘n’ roll or as Waste coins it "primitive heavy speed".

This Summer, BAT will be heading across the US on a series of 4 headlining dates followed by the first half of the 'Lifeless Birth Tour 2024' with headliners NECROT. BAT will perform throughout May before joining the NECROT tour on June 5th in Berkeley until departing the package on June 27th in Boston. The second half of the tour will continue until July 13 and will include PHOBOPHILIC as well as STREET TOMBS, who will be on the complete tour.

Confirmed dates for BAT are as follows:

Headlining dates
05/30 St. Louis, MO - The Sinkhole
05/31 Omaha, NE - Reverb Lounge
06/02 Denver, CO - The Crypt
06/03 Salt Lake City, UT - Aces High Saloon

'Lifeless Birth Tour 2024'
supporting NECROT as well as STREET TOMBS
06/05 Berkeley, CA - The Cornerstone
06/06 Santa Ana, CA - Constellation Room
06/07 Los Angeles, CA - First St. Billiards
06/08 San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
06/09 Phoenix, AZ - Nile Underground
06/10 Albuquerque, NM - The Launchpad
06/12 Austin, TX - Parish
06/13 Dallas, TX - Three Links
06/14 Houston, TX - The Secret Group
06/15 San Antonio, TX - Vibes Underground
06/16 New Orleans, LA - Santos
06/18 Tampa, FL - Orpheum
06/19 Orlando, FL - Will's Pub
06/20 Atlanta, GA - Boggs Social
06/21 Columbia, SC - New Brookland Tavern
06/22 Raleigh, NC - Chapel of Bones
06/23 Pittsburgh, PA - Cattivo
06/24 Baltimore, MD - Metro Gallery
06/25 Bensalem, PA - Broken Goblet
06/26 Brooklyn, NY - The Meadows
06/27 Boston, MA - Sonia

BAT is:
Ryan Waste | Bass & Vocals
Nick Poulos | Guitar
Chris Marshall | Drums

More information:
https://bewareofthebat.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bewareofthebat/
https://www.instagram.com/bewareofbat/
https://www.youtube.com/@BATBAND

Scotty McCreery Delivers Fifth Studio Album 'Rise and Fall'

May 11, 2024

SCOTTY McCREERY RELEASES FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM
RISE AND FALL

Album Follows Sixth No. 1 with Lead Single “Cab in a Solo”

“Scotty McCreery Doubles Down on Songwriting, Storytelling on Rise and Fall”
– Billboard

“One of the stronger track lists of McCreery’s career, any of those tunes could be his next single, and all would feel at home on the Grand Ole Opry stage.” – Nashville Lifestyles

“…after more than a decade of successes, experimentation and growth in the genre’s top tier - the multi-faceted singer-songwriter has zeroed in on his truest sound with Rise and Fall.”
– Holler

“He’s not just singing about the old greats anymore. He sounds like them.”
– Saving Country Music

On the heels of his sixth No. 1 hit on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase Chart with lead single “Cab in a Solo,” Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery releases his fifth studio album Rise and Fall, today, May 10. Listen to Rise and Fall HERE.

“I’ve been living with this record for months…it is more me than any I’ve ever made, and I’m so excited for the world to finally hear it,” said McCreery.

“Across the 13-track collection, McCreery exhibits his continued growth as a vocalist and songwriter,” notes Holler, while Country Now calls it “his best record yet,” as Rise and Fall finds him exploring not only heartbreak but rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood and enduring love, resulting in a project full of insightful storytelling. The album 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 Billboard observes, “Light-hearted fare such as ‘Stuck Behind a Tractor’ and ‘And Countin’’ mesh with heartbreak brushoffs such as ‘Lonely,’ the bluegrass-inflected album-closer ‘Porch’ and the faith-filled ‘Red Letter Blueprint.’” It is available digitally as well as on CD and vinyl. In addition, Amazon is releasing a limited-edition forest green vinyl version of the album. 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’m excited for everyone to finally hear Rise and Fall.”

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 six 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 was just welcomed into the Opry family last month by two more of his heroes, Josh Turner and Randy Travis.

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.”

The album features No. 1 hit “Cab in a Solo” which was most added at Country radio upon its debut, with Billboard praising, “McCreery has been on a hot streak of well-crafted, notably performed songs,” upon the track’s release, noting he “continues to slake music listeners’ affinity for ‘90s country, thanks to a neo-traditional sound connected to vivid lyricism.”

In addition to the lead single McCreery has been rolling out a taste of the new music all year to great acclaim. Most recent release “Lonely” left Saving Country Music saying, “The mainstream country star has always charmed us with the richness of his voice…” while Taste of Country called the spiritual “Red Letter Blueprint,” “nostalgic yet fresh” and Country Nownotes “ “Pure joy emulates through McCreery’s baritone voice,” on “Love Like This” while also calling “Can’t Pass the Bar,” “the perfect soundtrack to a Friday night.” A full listing of the album’s songs follows.

The newest member of the Grand Ole Opry will return to the legendary stage tomorrow, May 11. The first 400 ticketholders who also purchase the album onsite in the Opry Shop that evening will gain access to an exclusive album release celebration and acoustic performance with Scotty directly following the show in the Opry House’s Studio A. For Opry tickets and information, visit Opry.com.

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 latest album Rise and Fall, featuring his sixth No. 1 single “Cab in a Solo” and 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 6 No.1 hits: the recent “Cab in a Solo,” 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 two CMT Music Awards, the first for Breakthrough Video of the Year (“The Trouble with Girls”) in 2012, and the second for Digital-First Performance of the Year (“It Matters to Her” from “CMT Stages”) in 2024; 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 last year was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks. McCreery was just welcomed into the Opry family on April 20 by his heroes, Josh Turner and Randy Travis. 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.

CROWNSHIFT - Release Lyric Video For 'Rule The Show' + Debut Album Out Now !

May 11, 2024

To celebrate today's release of their eagerly-awaited self-titled debut album, high-profile modern metal band CROWNSHIFT has unveiled a new lyric video for the focus track 'Rule The Show'.

The band that's currently one of Finland's hottest new music exports has already received a lot of praise for their previously released singles and their superb crossover of modern metal, melodic death metal and progressive metal has instantly excited fans and critics all over the globe.

You can purchase the album or stream it in full by clicking the link below.

BUY OR LISTEN TO CROWNSHIFT'S SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM:
https://crownshift.bfan.link/cslp

In the meantime, CROWNSHIFT are getting ready for their album release show at Tavastia, Helsinki on May 15, which is sure to become an exciting evening. If you can't make it to Helsinki, there will be a few other opportunities to catch CROWNSHIFT live this year including several big Summer festivals across Europe, including. Nummirock, Rock Fest Barcelona, Graspop, Rockstadt Extreme Fest and Motocultor. Scroll down for all confirmed dates!

WATCH THE OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO FOR 'RULE THE SHOW' below

Born as the long-time idea of four friends, CROWNSHIFT are a new high-standing crossover metal act from Finland. The members, who come from the ranks of Finland’s finest metal exports, are thrilled to start a new journey together and spread their authentic sonic print across the globe.

Seamlessly covering a diversity of styles, the quartet has a unique signature to their modern sound. Hypnotizing melodies paired with ripping riffs, from moody mid-tempo songs to fierce prog-death-metal opuses, CROWNSHIFT were born to be a master of all trades.

Their forthcoming self-titled debut album consists of eight contemporary melodic death metal anthems with a progressive edge and captivating choruses for the ages. CROWNSHIFT's members are or have been involved in some of Finland's most renowned and universally beloved metal bands, including NIGHTWISH, CHILDREN OF BODOM, WINTERSUN, and MYGRAIN, and it shows. On their first album, CROWNSHIFT have managed to combine their collective experiences and have crafted a modern metal masterpiece that sounds distinctively Finnish and offers stellar songwriting and excellent production.

Keep your eyes peeled for teasers and further announcements and make sure to follow CROWNSHIFT on their socials to stay up-to-date.

CROWNSHIFT is:
Tommy Tuovinen | Vocals
Daniel Freyberg | Guitar, Backing Vocals
Jukka Koskinen | Bass
Heikki Saar | Drums

CROWNSHIFT online:
https://linktr.ee/crownshiftofficial
https://www.facebook.com/crownshiftofficial
https://www.instagram.com/crownshiftofficial
https://www.tiktok.com/@crownshiftofficial
YouTube

CONQUEST RETURN WITH LATEST OFFERING 'PARADOX' OUT TODAY!

May 11, 2024

Veteran midwest metal outfit Conquest return with their latest album, 'Paradox,' on Friday, May 10th. Available as two vinyl records or a single CD (plus available on all streaming services), the album continues in the same direction as their previous studio offerings, as evidenced by such standout tracks as "Walking Dead" and "The Writings on the Wall" (both of which have already been issued as music videos), as well as a cover of the Rainbow classic, "Man on the Silver Mountain.”

To view the videos, click on these link.

Walking Dead - Below

The Writings on the Wall - https://youtu.be/Le9KNK4PuNA?si=LBBZ6oPhD7cYjaS1

Comprised of Derrick Brumley: Lead Vocals and Guitar, Mike Crook: Vocals and Guitar, Rob Boyer: Vocals and Bass, and Lee Skyles: Vocals and Drums, 'Paradox' was also produced and mixed by Derrick (and engineered by Adam Long), the band's latest album is getting rave reviews via metal media, including the Rock You Show site saying "I have to give this one 9.5 out of 10 "Flaming Fist". You nearly get 2 albums worth of great quality music, including a stellar cover of Rainbow's "Man on the Silver Mountain". I thank them personally for keeping the Metal torch lit in these times of darkness".

"This was a record that took 3 years to make had many different obstacles," admits Derrick. "But we made it through and it was a blast to put together. All the band members did an outstanding job from The melodies on the bass to the blazing guitar solos and the strong aggressive drumming…these guys helped me put it all together. And it turned out in my opinion over the top."

And the singer/guitarist/producer also has some favorite tracks in mind. "Lots to choose from. The obvious tracks 'Walking Dead,' 'Writing on the Wall,' there are all kinds of different heavy metal tracks on this record. 'Babylon America' and 'The Killing Time,' two different styles but very, very complimentary to each other."

Additionally, the cover of "Man on the Silver Mountain" is certainly a standout. "'Man on the Silver Mountain' for me was always one of those tracks when I was a kid that just stood out. My dad always played it and my friend's dad's always played that song, it was just one of those songs in the midwest that really had some grit to it.”

Lee Skyles added "Recording the PARADOX album in the studio was rewarding in the sense it felt to be very organic in nature with the even flow of the songs as we wrote them and recorded. As some songs were done with such feeling between us in the room together and other tracks we laid the drums later on the fly like 'Babylon America' and 'World of Hate' which gave it more of what you would want it to be like. PARADOX was truly a metal masterful piece of work in which keeps the old school metal flavor in a modern form.”

You can download, stream, purchase cds and vinyl here: https://lnk.to/conquestparadox

And having already shared concert stages with the likes of Slayer, Rob Halford, Testament, Iron Maiden, and Yngwie Malmsteen, the band can certainly deliver the goods on stage – which the band will soon be doing with shows in support of 'Paradox.’

And fans will get a chance to experience Conquest live on stage on July 12th, when the band performs with Burning Witches at Diamond Music Hall in St. Peters, MO.

For more information/to order tickets, click this link: https://conquestmetal.com/event/5539488/677353940/burning-witches-and-conquest

For further information on Conquest please visit:

Website: conquestmetal.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conquestrocks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conquestmetal/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Conquestmetal
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7bTGxUCcsmp3KBIScrFRiB

Cynic Release Audiotree Session

May 10, 2024

Putting your creative process into words is difficult, especially if you're as forward-thinking as CYNIC. But after 30+ years, weathering hurricanes, teenage angst, homophobia and the tragic loss of their legendary rhythm section has given Paul Masvidal sage-like insight into the band's celestial voyage.

Paul recently touched down at Audiotree Studios to talk about his journey. He and his interstellar bandmates also performed songs from Cynic's groundbreaking discography, including "Adam's Murmur" off the newly re-issued Traced in Air.

Watch CYNIC on Audiotree From Nothing Below.

Download and Stream: https://lnk.to/ATFN-Cynic

Order Traced in Air on black and colored vinyl: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/CynicShop

Traced in Air changed the game for Cynic, much like their landmark album Focus did years before. The band's precedent-setting fusion of progressive music and mind-bending spiritual lyrics took the listener on an entirely new journey, solidifying their place as boundary-pushing pioneers.

Traced in Air is now being reissued on vinyl by Season of Mist.

Available formats
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
12" Colored Vinyl Gatefold (Pink, purple and white marbled)

Praise for Traced in Air

“On the basis of Traced in Air, more so than its 1993 predecessor Focus, Cynic should be understood not so much alongside any metal bands but along with the radical harmonic progressives in the last 45 years of pop and jazz: composers like Milton Nascimento, the Beach Boys or Pat Metheny." - The New York Times

"Where would we be without Cynic? Where would Cynic be without Traced In Air? I don’t want to imagine that world. 2008’s LP by the crown princes of progressive metal set the high watermark for progressive metal in the new millennium, one that has arguably still not been surpassed." - Everything is Noise

"The album is sonicaly heavier than Focus, but no less overt in its prominent jazz influence, with tracks like “Evolutionary Sleeper” showing they could defy time and be the band from the past and a band from the future at the same time." - Treble Zine, who listed Traced in Air among the 10 Essential Sci-Fi Metal Albums.

“As liberally and recklessly as the term "progressive" is regularly applied to any sort of rock music that breaks with conventional genre templates, there are certain bands and albums for which it still feels not only necessary, for lack of better definitions, but actually appropriate. Cynic and their 1993 watershed, Focus, are a perfect case in point. ... In short, those expecting a mere sequel to Focus will be mildly disappointed (but should have known better), and those worried about Traced in Air's altogether brief, 35-minute length should rest assured that it is easily offset by the sheer density of strange and beautiful musical nuances layered within, and the time required to absorb them all. And ultimately, the album does Cynic's legacy justice precisely because it challenges the listener to comprehend, by opening more doors than it closes and posing more questions than obvious answers -- and what could be more "progressive" than that?” - All Music

Get excited for Traced in Air all over again with this teaser video that the band filmed back in 2008, plus a live video from the 2010 Traced in Air tour.

Order Traced in Air

Audiotree is a Chicago-based music discovery platform producing high quality studio sessions and live performance recordings from artists all around the world. Discover your next favorite band at audiotree.tv.

Cynic’s continual state of development has met its share of challenges over the years, hurdles that threatened to dismantle the entity’s forward surge. Yet through hurricanes, breakups, and assorted acrimony both personal and existential, it remains inspired to create.

Their name is synonymous with what it means to be truly progressive in music. Cynic’s top-tier performance acumen and cerebral/spiritual/yogic themes finds them inhabiting a corner of the musical spectrum all their own. Their Venn diagram shows intersections with death metal, prog rock, thrash metal, experimental, new age, jazz fusion, and a myriad of other sonic expressions.

Debut album, Focus (1993), is a certified classic. Although that era ended with transformation into the short-lived Portal, and then a further splinter toward Aeon Spoke, Cynic’s reunion-era has found them embraced in a way that proves how ahead of the times they were in the ‘90s. Through monuments such as the Traced in Air (2008) and Kindly Bent to Free Us (2014) albums, the Carbon-Based Anatomy and Re-Traced EPs, and a surprising rebirth with the “Humanoid” single of 2018, the Cynic legacy remains untarnished. Yet early in the creation cycle for their fourth full-length album, they experienced horrible events that tested the entity’s resolve.

The year 2020 will go down in history as a tremendously difficult time for the global human population. For the Cynic family, the struggle was not restricted to a pandemic. It was two utterly senseless losses that threw the band’s immediate concerns into the background: the premature deaths of drummer Sean Reinert in January, at age 48, and bassist Sean Malone in December, at age 50, were shocking and unthinkable.

Reinert and Malone heard elements of what ended up on Cynic's fourth and latest album. Slowly, methodically, and with much careful deliberation, Masvidal completed an album titled Ascension Codes, to honor the memory of his fallen band mates. And while the album honors the lives and contributions of Reinert and Malone, it also pushes Cynic forward for its own sake and through its own will to live. The album, paradoxically, acts as both swan song and rebirth. It is, throughout its 49 minutes, a vivid and highly cosmic journey into the very core of every impulse this band has ever explored.

Audiotree Lineup:
Paul Masvidal – Vocals and Guitars
Max Phelps (Exist, Death to All) – Guitars and Vocals
Brandon Giffin (The Faceless, The Zenith Passage) – Bass
Matt Lynch (Nova Collective, Intronaut) – Drums & Percussion

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/CynicPaulMasvidal
https://www.instagram.com/cynic_official
https://cyniconline.bandcamp.com/
https://twitter.com/CynicOnline
https://www.youtube.com/user/cynicdocumentary
https://cynic.travelling-merchant.com
https://www.indiemerch.com/cynic/

Shop: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/Cynic

Manchester's THE SPEED OF SOUND releases landmark ‘A Cornucopia: Minerva’ album, plus animated video for ‘The Great Acceleration’

May 9, 2024

"Buzzing fuzz guitar lines emerge from a delicate acoustic introduction to intersect with the crashing chords and the ‘bulbous pulsing’ rhythm section" ~ Record Collector Magazine

"Raw and edgy sound with guiding and invigorating sense of melody" ~ The Spill Magazine

“Unmistakeable sound a winning formula” ~ The Big Takeover

“A triumph of industry, imagination and talent, coolly novel and damned addictive” ~ Louder Than War

‘Unique and other worldly” ~ Vive Le Rock

“A form of Art-Pop that is wry, incisive, yet a deeply listenable examination of post industrial culture” ~ Rock At Night

"A riotous maelstrom of musical mayhem” ~ The Manc Review

'A Cornucopia: Minerva' CD & vinyl order https://bigstirrecords. bandcamp.com/album/a- cornucopia-minerva
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/5fgADipIGJylWUvTbAMdbg

Manchester indie rock psychonauts The Speed Of Sound has released their new album 'A Cornucopia: Minerva', marking their 35th anniversary as power-pop psychnauts. Issued via Big Stir Records, this is the first record of the three-album set 'A Cornucopia: Minerva, Victory, Bounty'

Full of ambition, energy, and eccentric melodic brilliance, they also present the video for 'The Great Acceleration', following up the album's lead track 'West Wind'.

While these albums will see digital editions over the next year, the Vinyl and CD versions are 3-disc sets carrying the umbrella title 'A Cornucopia'. Released as deluxe editions, each set includes two full-length bonus albums 'Victory' and 'Bounty'. But it all begins with 'Minerva'.

With this triple offering of sonic goodness, The Speed Of Sound returns triumphant, defiant and redemptive, following up 2021's critically acclaimed album 'Museum Of Tomorrow'. Named for the goddess associated with wisdom, the arts and strategic warfare, this album explores themes of resistance to mainstream cultural dominance, championing individual identity and artistic creativity whilst being a vigorous musical celebration of subcultural existence in the face of predominantly bland pop culture.

The Speed of Sound is made up of father and son John Armstrong (guitars and vocals) and Henry Armstrong (keyboards), Ann-Marie Crowley (vocals and guitar), Kevin Roache (bass guitar) and John Broadhurst (drums).

'Minerva' presents 14 fresh and variegated tracks, each one a burst of differently-hued radio friendly sonic technicolor. These new pieces range from the recklessly fast Bo Diddley rhythm successfully merged with a Wagnerian horn section of lead single 'West Wind' to the haunting and spacious ballad critiquing Economic Theory that is 'Trickledown' to the stripped back mediaeval folk-tinged starkness of 'The Harvest' to the stratospheric vastness of 'The Great Acceleration'.

The album passes seamlessly through the acoustic guitar-driven groove of 'SS-100-X',the spacious iridescence of 'Eight Fourteen Monday', the lively ascendence of 'The Party Sniper', the glowing radioactivity metaphor of 'Half Life' to the bright uplifting dementia and identity-loss focused 'Mind Palace'. While the bouncing vibe of 'Bodysnatchers' reminds us to stay awake and not slip into the drabness of normalcy, the crunching melodic punch of 'Clickbait' zings into the typewriter introduction of 'Yet Another Tuesday', onwards to the punkifed rhythm and blues of 'So Faux' and the closing acoustic riot of 'Question Time'.

With their inbuilt eclectic and genre-defying style, The Speed Of Sound expand from their base-camp foundation of multiple 1960s, punk and new wave influences, encompassing wide dynamic and stylistic variation, crossing borders and pushing boundaries at every opportunity while retaining continuity. The music bursts with experimentation whilst retaining hooks and melodic sensibility, plus the sharp barbed wit, lyrical depth and all-pervading sense of joy that form the irrepressible, uplifting hallmarks of this band.

Throughout their 35-year history, The Speed Of Sound have continuously produced music laced with optimism and lyrical bite, tapping the DIY ethos of punk and the restless lust for experimentation of psychedelia. Formed in 1989 with a pre-history dating back to the day Andy Warhol died in 1987, their music has always been idiosyncratic, counter-intuitive and perpetually looking for something new.

'Minerva' is out now, available in both formats from Big Stir Records via Bandcamp. Even better - dive into the jam-packed triple LP and CD editions of 'A Cornucopia'.

THRESHOLD - Release 2024 Remixes Of Wounded Land And Psychedelicatessen

May 8, 2024

Formed in leafy Surrey in the late ’80s, THRESHOLD truly blossomed in the following decade and swiftly established themselves as the U.K.’s chief progressive metal standard bearers. From 1993’s Wounded Land debut onwards, the enduring creative core of guitarist Karl Groom and keyboard maestro Richard West constructed a unique strain of heavy progressive music, combining incisive melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and intricate but thunderous arrangements. THRESHOLD have marched inexorably forward across three decades of creative fervor, arguably hitting a new peak of potency on the conceptual and musical feast of 2017’s Legends Of The Shires.

With vocalist Glynn Morgan back in the fold, the Brits’ enduring line-up of Groom, West, drummer Johanne James, and bassist Steve Anderson somehow pushed themselves to new heights receiving widespread critical acclaim. The band’s latest (and 12th) studio album, Dividing Lines, was darker, heavier, and even more adventurous than its predecessor, boasting some of the most wildly inventive and melodically potent material they have ever recorded.

Now the band has embarked on a comprehensive re-issue campaign of their earlier releases, newly remixed and remastered in 2024 including fresh new vinyl formats and CDs with bonus material.

Kicking off with the aforementioned debut Wounded Land (featuring Damian Wilson on vocals) and ‘1994’s Psychedelicatessen (where Glynn Morgan was recruited to front the band). The band will also embark on the career-spanning 'Threshold Through Time’ tour across Europe this October.

Wounded Land re-issue formats:
- 2LP, trans green, limited 1100 copies
- CD

Psychedelicatessen re-issue formats:
- 2LP, trans violet, limited 1100 copies
- CD

Order your copy of Wounded Land here: https://threshold.bfan.link/wounded-land-2024.ema

Order your copy of Psychedelicatessen here: https://threshold.bfan.link/psychedelicatessen-2024.ema

Ticket links:
https://www.eventim.de/artist/threshold/

https://www.thresh.net/