New Model Army Share Video for Orchestral Version Of "Innocence"

The orchestral version of "Innocence" is the first single from New Model Army's forthcoming new album Sinfonia. It's a stellar performance together with Sinfonia Leipzig of a long-loved song which has been originally released in 1990. This unique version sets the mood for what to expect from an album that enthralls from start to finish.

Watch the video below. Listen to the song here.

New Model Army are a band who continue to thrive outside of any singular genre. Throughout their long and storied career, they have taken the road less travelled, shunning fame and instead, with each successive album, pushing boundaries of creativity.

It is the same music-first approach that has led to this year’s Sinfonia. Recorded at Tempodrom, Berlin on July 15, 2022, with Sinfonia Leipzig and conducted by Cornelius During, it may seem like an obvious evolution. However, in true New Model Army style, they have broken the barriers between band and orchestra, redefining that relationship and defying expectation. All songs have been arranged for orchestra by long-time friend and guest violinist Shir-Ran Yinon, who, in collaboration with the band, created something unique but staying true to New Model Army.

The show opens with the fully orchestral "Overture," but from the initial notes of "Devil's Bargain" to the closing of "Wonderful Way To Go," it is a journey through vital and visceral music, elevating the songs with power and sensitivity and resulting in an album subverting the expectations of the well-trodden path between rock bands and orchestras. New Model Army's music lends itself perfectly to this fresh interpretation without losing its individuality. Experimentation without compromise is a hallmark of New Model Army, and one of the primary reasons they are respected and revered.

Sinfonia will become available as a Double-CD Hardcover Mediabook, Triple 180g-Vinyl Gatefold and Digital. All live album's first print CD and Vinyl LP Editions will include the full show on DVD.

A Strictly Limited earBOOK Edition with Double-CD, DVD, Blu-ray, 80- page book and an exclusive Bonus CD with eight songs from the band's "SO36" show in Berlin on July 17, 2022, as well as various bundles will become available via an exclusive direct to consumer web shop.

Pre-Order Sinfonia here.

FORMATS:
Ltd. 2CD+DVD Mediabook / Ltd. 3LP+DVD Gatefold / Digital

DVD
Full live show together with the Sinfonia Leipzig orchestra, filmed at Tempodrom, Berlin, Germany, on July 15, 2022

THE 3 CLUBMEN (Jen Olive, Stu Rowe and XTC's Andy Partridge) offer inspiring single 'Look At Those Stars' from debut EP

"Dazzling pop, seriously good fun, and when you get musicians as outstanding as this they can make the complex layers of voices and instruments seem as simple as a bird taking flight" ~ Joyzine UK

"A warped, meter-shifting, proudly eccentric pop extravaganza" ~ The New York Times

"Equally gorgeous and inspiring, this heavenly slice of art-pop sees Jen Olive transform depression into a feeling that propels to flight into surreal feel-good territory" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Modern pop, retro glam and many sonic explorations. Not far from XTC’s aesthetics, Andy Partridge and friends continues to stun with their vibrant harmonics" ~ London Cafe

"Pure uniqueness and in no time an addiction of individuality and enlivening adventure" ~ Ringmaster Review


The 3 Clubmen - a trio made up of XTC's Andy Partridge, Jen Olive and Stu Rowe - presents 'Look At Those Stars', the latest single from their debut eponymous EP., released via Swindon's own Lighterthief label with distribution via Britain's Burning Shed.

Heralded by the debut single 'Aviatrix', this EP recalls XTC’s later pastoral period, a touch of Jen Olive’s math-pop angularity and the eclectic sound that runs through Stu Rowe’s Lighterthief back catalog. This is an avant-pop delight offering a strange, seductive blend of experimental pop, jazz and sci-fi cinema excellence.

With balanced vocals offerings, compelling delivery, infectious energy and clever lyrics is an uplifting affair. Here, Jen Olive meets in the sonic stratosphere with Andy Partridge and a fun, catchy and layered bed of magnificence created by Stu Rowe. The fantastic accompanying video was animated by Jen Olive herself.

Jen Olive explains, “With this video, I wanted to create something more like a film… an impressionistic docu-dramedy that tells our story and is fun to watch. I was actually on the brink of a serious breakdown when this song was being made. It was such a dark time. I had moved to the middle of nowhere in the desert and was just isolating, trying to ground myself. It’s born from that. It’s a simple little song but that’s what it is for me.”

The use of AI technology to create the ‘Look at Those Stars’ video breaks open the song’s mix of somber reflection and bursting euphoria to tell a dreamy, ever-shifting story filled with playful references and psychedelic symbolism.

The 3 Clubmen is the culmination of a decade of antics from these longtime collaborators (all part of the Lighterthief label family tree) - with the writing and recording of this material starting years ago. While each artist has worked with the others in some form since 2008, This is the first time that Stu, Andy and Jen have combined forces as a trio, an inevitable partnership once described as “a three-headed Frankenstein's monster dancing at a neurodivergent singles club”.

"To me, this EP is a bizarre 70s sitcom for the ears, which lies on the borders between random and structured, weird and straight, and old and new. It’s somehow come up from the strange dream-like world that exists between all three of us," says Stu Rowe.

Andy Partridge adds, "The 3 Clubmen are doing everything wrong...and it's just right."
 
The Clubmen saga begins in 2006, when Andy and Stu first worked on 'Monstrance'. Riding on a mutual fascination with experimental music production,  a bi-weekly ritual soon emerged, starting at Stu’s Lighterthief Bunker and ending at the local pub, which resulted in sonic explorations and improvised recordings. A series of musical sketches gradually formed, setting the stage for Jen’s later involvement.

With interest reignited during the pandemic after being put on hold and largely forgotten, the trio decided to finish what they’d started all those years ago, resulting in their debut 4-track effort.

Signing to Andy’s label APE HOUSE Records in 2008 (after recording her 'Warm Robot' album), Jen contributed lyrics and vocals on 'Up On Hi' and 'My Dream Sea', penned by Rowe and Partridge for Lighterthief's 'Trick Picture' and 'Hard Listening' EPs (released on APE HOUSE).
 
In 2010, the threesome were finally able to work together in person. The chemistry was instant, the room was buzzing and the ideas flowed. Over pints at The Roaring Donkey pub, they dubbed their project “The 3 Clubmen” after the local defence volunteer groups formed during the English Civil War. Clubmen protected themselves from both armies by fighting on their own side - the name seemed to fit.

'The 3 Clubmen' EP is out now, available on CD via Burning Shed. and digitally from fine music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music.

CREDITS
All songs written and performed by The 3 Clubmen  
Music by Andy Partridge, Jen Olive and Stu Rowe
Lyrics by Andy Partridge and Jen Olive
Film and Music production by The Encyclopedia Salesmen
Recorded and produced between 2010 and 2023 in The Lighterthief Bunker, Swindon, England
Additional recordings in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Andy Partridge - vocals, guitars, programming and production
Jen Olive - vocals and guitar
Stu Rowe - bass, guitars, keys, programming and production    
Frank Abrams - flute
Mikey Rowe - keys
Curtis Tweed - slide guitar
Andreas Rebhuhn - drums
'Bangy' - percussion
Produced by Stu Rowe
Mixed by The Encyclopedia Salesmen
Mastered by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering
Artwork by Carl Glover at Aleph Studio


Keep up with The 3 Clubmen
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Keep up with Lighterthief
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Kill The Lights Share "Hear You Scream" Video

Kill The Lights, which features former members of Bullet for My Valentine, Throw the Fight, Threat Signal, and Still Remains, released their debut album The Sinner, in 2020 via Fearless Records.  

Earlier this summer, they dropped the new single "Broken Bones." Watch the video here. 

Today, they are hurling another banger at metal fans in the form of "Hear You Scream." Watch the video below.

The track is a flawless marriage of classic, shreddy, and finger-slicing metal riffs, galloping solos, modern, layered, and soaring vocal harmonies. It also factors in screams that sound as though they have ascended the bowls of hell and two utterly seismic breakdowns. The band keeps one foot in the past, honoring the genre's rich tradition, all the while marching forward to keep the genre as vital as ever. 

"'Hear You Scream' is about being trapped in a toxic relationship and not knowing how to escape," says singer James Clark. "You convince yourself over and over that things will get better, but all along, you are being used. When the mask of 'fake love' is peeled back, the web of lies and deceit are unveiled. You slowly and strategically bide your time and exact your revenge."

Germany's PARA LIA offers practical lessons on new 'C'est La Vie' single, previewing 'In Clash With The Zeitgeist' album

“J Mascis style guitar works alongside sharply defined songwriting, with elements of The Cure in their late 80s pomp” ~ Clash Magazine

"The embers of Arcade Fire and The Mission with a more pop bent... Listen on repeat to invigorate your day" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Superior in their own-right without reinventing the wheels of the past" ~ Skope Magazine

"Captivates immediately and guides you through the theatric, robust vocals"~ Imperfect Fifth


Alternative rock / post-punk duo Para Lia are on a delightfully relentless roll, bringing us one sampling of sonic goodness after another ahead of  their new album 'In Clash With The Zeitgeist' (out August 25 via the Berlin label About Us Records). They now present the single 'C'est La Vie'.

Para Lia is multi-instrumentalist René Methner and vocalist Cindy Methner, who ignore the zeitgeist of this day to create music that is far from mainstream. This album sees them blend their love for late 80’s and early 90’s indie rock with psychedelic, garage rock, 60’s influences, and early prog rock elements.

"The garage rock of the mid 60’s, which I love, was the inspiration for writing this fast-paced track. The song has the easy structure a garage song needs and a text with a simple message too. Psychalovic with an extra dose of energy!" says René Methner.

"I wanted to make a video which also references the 60’s. And so with a background of dazzling colors in a psychedelic atmosphere (base is a video shot right into the Greek summer sun) the black silhouettes of us perform throughout the video.

Cindy Methner adds, "The video also shows the kind of Metamorphosis that is happening now in the Para Lia cosm – the growth of the band's format as a duo to a sextet.  This is the first time that all 6 musicians of the band are seen together in a video."

Earlier, the duo released the single 'Yellow Rose', a melodic dream-rock composition reflecting reverence of life, and the driving lead single 'Sunchild' with its positive energy.

The duo debuted with the 'Soap Bubble Dreams' album in 2019, followed by 'Gone With The Flow', involving artists from the USA, Canada and the UK, not to mention a collaborative interactive art exhibition with painter Louis Renzoni.

Mastered by Thommy Hein (Die Ärzte, Nina Hagen, Udo Lindenberg) at Tonstudios Berlin and self-recorded and produced at their home studio in Cottbus, Germany, 'In Clash With The Zeitgeist' sees Para Lia grow on yet another level with the band expanding from two members to six with an eye towards upcoming live performances.

As of August 3, 'C'est La Vie' is available digitally across fine music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. On August 25, 'In Clash With The Zeitgeist' will be released on vinyl and digitally.

ALBUM CREDITS
René Methner - guitars, bass guitar, keys, drum programming, vocals
Cindy Methner - vocals
Fady Haddad - synth on 'Yellow Rose‘  
Christian Georgi - e-piano on 'Yellow Rose‘ and 'Sunchild (Reprise)'
Andreas Jäpel - vocals on 'Mr. Perry'
Lyrics and music by René Methner
Recorded and produced by Para Lia
Mixed by Para Lia and Thommy Hein
Mastered by Thommy Hein at The Thommy Hein Tonstudios Berlin
Cover artwork by: Georgia Moschogianni
P&C 2023 Para Lia under exclusive license to About Us Records GmbH
Videos by René Methner


Keep up with Para Lia 
Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok | Soundcloud | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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LENNE Releases New Music Video for Single "Plastic"

LENNE released the official music video for single "Plastic"! The single is from their debut EP A Sympathetic Antipathy released through Imagen Records. The video was directed by Steven Nathan of Art in the Chaos Productions.

“'Plastic' was actually our 1st official tune we did down in Atlanta. This was before we really knew what we were gonna do & even before our current band line up. We went with “Letting You Down” as our 1st single because it was just more radio friendly. But this is really our backbone. We like mashing sounds and genres up. We just spent some time recording new tracks to follow up our debut EP with our official band. Can’t wait to share it with everyone. Meanwhile, we appreciate everyone who checks our video out for 'Plastic' off our #EP #ASympatheticAntipathy.” says Leonard Cerzosie Jr.

A Sympathetic Antipathy can be streamed/downloaded at:

https://ffm.to/qb95ekb

Back in the early 2000's, Leonard Cerzosie Jr. started a band with his brother called The Infinite Staircase that did very well as an independent band. the band worked with artists like Earl Slick from David Bowie's band, Candlebox, Sevendust, and even Zakk Wylde. In 2009, they scored a slot on tour with Black Label Society, Sevendust, and Dope that sealed a lot of friendships they still have to this day.

"In 2010, the love of my life passed away suddenly. Pill overdose. It was a devastating time. She was only 27. Morgan Rose and I wrote and recorded the EP, No Amends that was a dedication to my love" says Leonard Cerzosie Jr.

He continues, "Over the years, I've had my hand in multiple projects. I formed "Le Projet" around 2013 that featured members of Candlebox, Sevendust, and The Infinite Staircase. I also joined the Baltimore band "The Mayan Factor" a few years ago and have toured with them in Mexico City and the states. During all this, my mother was diagnosed with ALS. One day- after performing a friend insisted on introducing me to someone. He was confident we needed to meet. That was the day I met Jim Taylor. We did get along immediately and have since been composing all sorts of music together."

"When my mother passed away, Morgan got very involved with what was going on with me and my dad. He invited us out to his place in Atlanta multiple times. We started recording songs with Corey Lowery that would ultimately become 'LeNNe'. We spent much time digging deep for the right lyrics and tones. There were multiple artists involved over the course of a few years, but the official line up is me and Jim led by Morgan," he adds.

A Sympathetic Antipathy is the culmination of a few years of musical collaboration. The project was produced & co-written by Morgan Rose along with Leonard Cerzosie Jr., Corey Lowery,and Jim Taylor. In its various stages of recording, engineering talents include Jose Urquiza, James "Fluff" Harley, and Mike Ferretti. The initial inspiration for the EP was the passing of Lenny's mother after years of battling ALS. Tracks like "Miracle" were written about that struggle. Rose & Cerzosie have a history of writing & recording together and included a remastered version of a song they wrote with The Infinite Staircase in 2013 called "No Amends". Other musicians featured on the EP include Chris Caffrey of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Justin Taylor of Alborn.

The current band line up consists of heavy hitting, Maryland musicians Mike Slaski, Rob Landon, and Stephen Hybdzinski; alongside Jim Taylor from PA and Cerzosie from NY.

"This was originally supposed to just be a session in Atlanta with Morgan & Corey. The plan was to do a song in honor of my mom. We ended up having such cool, sometimes borderline morbid chemistry. Funny fact? The original song that started this whole thing didn't even make the EP. We went along this darker, heavier path while still maintaining all the melodies we initially created," says Leonard Cerzosie Jr.

For More Information Please Visit:

LENNE

Facebook

Twitter

IMAGEN RECORDS

Official Website

Facebook

Blacktoothed Share "Novocaine" Video

Blacktoothed have shared the video for their newest single "Novocaine," exploring the well-known sensation of being either over-or-under-challenged, leaving one in a perpetual state of discomfort. Notably, guitarist Matti showcases her vocal prowess, adding another layer of talent before the song concludes with a powerful and unexpected climax.

Watch the video below. Stream the song here.

"We've always embraced the freedom of not confining ourselves to a single genre," says the band. "Some might label it as a reflection of the heavy music scene's zeitgeist, but we believe that blending various elements together creates a truly distinctive song. 'NOVOCAINE' embodies everything we love, from captivating melodies to powerful riffs and infectious beats. And let's not forget the explosive and remarkably heavy ending, which pushes our tuning to uncharted territories. It's even experimental for our own standards. Nonetheless, we're eager to share this musical adventure with the world!"

The band’s latest album JULI was created in collaboration with the producing team of Sawdust Recordings (Christoph Wieczorek + Julian Breucker) and shows that Blacktoothed have narrowed their sound and found their musical style. 

Stream or download JULI here.

In the past few years, Blacktoothed have gained a lot of live experience, having shared stages with well known bands like Acres, Annisokay, Bad Omens, Hands Like Houses, Polaris, Thundermother, and many more, as well as through other live highlights, including opening up the IMPERICON FESTIVAL and many other open air concerts.

BLACKTOOTHED ARE:
Hendrik | Vocals
Mathilde | Guitar
David | Drums

Fused By Defiance Release Official Music Video for ““Will Of A Warrior"!

LA Based, 5 piece band FUSED BY DEFIANCE has released the official music video for their new single, "Will Of A Warrior." With the music video directed by: Vicente Cordero of Industrialism Films, "Will Of A Warrior" was produced by the band themselves and mixed / mastered by Joshua Wickman.

"The warrior within is the only path to survival. No one is coming to save you." - FUSED BY DEFIANCE

The unadulterated ball of defiant energy known as Fused by Defiance (FxD), blends heavy riff driven rock, metal, and rap with social conscious lyrics. This dominant force continues to rise in popularity due to their memorable songs and highly energetic live performances.

Since their inception in 2012, these Los Angeles natives always leave an unforgettable impression on their audiences which allows them to open alongside national acts such as Nonpoint, Soulfly, The Offspring, Sum 41, Puddle of Mudd, Crazytown, Fear Factory, Eyes Set To Kill, Buckcherry, P.O.D., Alien Ant Farm, and Blue Oyster Cult. The band also has experience playing festival stages at Vans Warped Tour and 95.5fm KLOS Sabroso Fest.
With the intention of social progress, this fearless five-piece has a reputation for defying the status quo in such an electric way that listeners are inspired to open their minds. This especially rings true in their newest EP Manifest. FxD defines Manifest as the surreal, and often ethereal, experience of turning your dreams into reality. Only by recognizing and taking responsibility for life’s obstacles can one redirect and refocus to achieve their dream. FxD wishes to continue to inspire their listeners to adjust, grow, and push forward until their dreams come to fruition.

Taj: Vocals
Kevin Cordero: Lead Guitar
Arnold “Hedge” Quezada: Rhythm Guitar
Jon Sigala: Bass Guitar
Ted Kelliher: Drums

Horizon Theory Blast Off with "Astronomer"

MOUNT PLEASANT, MICHIGAN - HORIZON THEORY release their new single/video - "ASTRONOMER" Listen Here. Loneliness, Addiction, and Struggles come forth in the latest release from Horizon Theory, "Astronomer". Bringing a heartfelt portrayal of the loneliness that one can experience even in a crowded world. The song delves deep into the emotions that come with multiple life struggles we might experience from day to day.

The strength Horizon Theory brings through the voice of their music resonates with their audience - a sensational force comes in the dynamic work of their songwriting, and monster arena hard rock/metal delivery.

"Astronomer" is from the upcoming album Radio Silence

"Astronomer" is metaphorical, the loneliness you can feel even on earth with billions of other people and constantly looking for something more in life. Relationship issues, financial struggles, drug addiction, can lead to an extreme feeling of loneliness and depression. With this song we wanted to express these feelings that so many have." - Horizon Theory

Producer: Chris Black 

Recorded at Straight Jacket Studios 

Mixed by Chris Dawson 

Mastered by Maor Appelbaum 

Video by Akuro Productions  

PURCHASE "ASTRONOMER"

ABOUT:

Horizon Theory is a group of musicians that have joined together to create a soundscape for the future they envision. All of the which have cut their teeth in current or former bands and learned through the years what it takes to create a sound that will evoke emotion in listeners. Horizon Theory has the ability to take you on an emotional roller coaster while maintaining a hard rock sound with metal elements. Meaningful riffs, groove-oriented bass, tasteful and tribal drum beats, and soaring vocals lead the path to a fresh yet familiar sound that will be a staple of this band for years to come.

BAND MEMBERS:

Chris Black - Guitars

Luen Murr - Bass

Josh Harrington - Vocals

Jeff Hafer - Drums

CONNECT:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087913909620

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/horizontheoryofficial

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1nF8UnskBjnih2ynC0INum?si=ZOm5JryiTLS4prRWYVHDig

Spotify Single "Astronomer":

https://open.spotify.com/track/5V4Ag5x76cJIyxt78Nf85J?si=5ce7b7cdc1104465

YouTube Channel:

https://m.youtube.com/@horizontheory

YouTube Single "Astronomer":

https://youtu.be/iGf0JH8Fcos

TikTok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@horizon_theory_music

Merch: 

https://horizon-theory.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage

Purchase "Astronomer":

https://ffm.to/astronomer

BEYOND THE BLACK - Release New Single 'Call My Name' + Announce 'Dancing In The Dark' Tour 2024

After the release of their very successful self-titled album Beyond The Black, which was released in January 2023 the band now share the brand new single 'Call My Name' with their fans. Beside that BEYOND THE BLACK also announce their Dancing In The Darktour for 2024.

Jennifer Haben comments: 
"With 'Call My Name' we wanted to create a song with whom you cannot help but bang your head real hard. It's organic, honest, and in your face. Inspired by the story of Stephen Kings The Dark Tower we've formed a symbiosis of its elements and our own to tell a whole new tale about yearning, persistence, and these wounds of human life that feel as if they will never heal completely."

Stream here the new song 'Call My Name': https://beyondtheblack.bfan.link/callmyname
Watch the video for 'Call My Name' below.

Order the album Beyond the Black here: https://beyondtheblack.bfan.link/beyond-the-black

German Symphonic Metal ascending stars BEYOND THE BLACK can already look back across a stratospherically successful career, despite their youthful years. Upon release, their 2015 debut album hit like a bomb in their home country. Songs Of Love And Death besieged the German Top 15 for weeks, which led to the band being awarded the Metal Hammer Award for “Best Debut” in 2015. Its successor Lost In Forever (2016) entered the German charts at #4 and paved the way for a huge tour throughout Germany and across countries like the UK, Russia, and Japan. Since the band’s live debut in 2014, they have played some of the world’s biggest Metal festivals like Wacken Open Air (several times) and have toured as support to heavyweights such as AEROSMITH, KORN, SCORPIONS, SAXON, and WITHIN TEMPTATION. During the campaign for their third record Heart Of the Hurricane (2018), BEYOND THE BLACK landed their first-ever European headline tour, which took them across 10 countries, with most dates selling out.

Before they’d even finished the Heart Of the Hurricane touring cycle, BEYOND THE BLACK had already gone back to the studio to write and record album number four. The result was Horizons, released in June 2020, which entered the German album charts at #3 (CH #6, AT #16, BE #53) marking the band’s most successful album release to date.

Now, two years later, BEYOND THE BLACK are back to launch a new chapter. Following the release of recently highly acclaimed tracks 'Reincarnation', 'Is There Anybody Out There', 'Winter Is Coming' and 'Dancing In The Dark', the band release their new, fifth studio album – the self-titled Beyond the Black on January 13th, 2023!

Return to Dust Release "The Black Road" EP & Drop New Video For "Losing Faith"

The Los Angeles-based grunge trio, Return to Dust, have today released their debut EP, "The Black Road" via Jim Kaufman Productions. Fans can listen the new release HERE.

The band are celebrating their recent TikTok success and the EP release with a brand new video for their latest single "Losing Faith". Fans can watch the brand new video, directed by Matt Akana, below.

After racking up over 2 million TikTok views within a weekend, see HERE, the band's fan base has skyrocketed. The TIkTok featuring the band's single, "Belly Up" swiftly impacted the band's trajectory - 500K+ streams, 70K Spotify Monthly Listeners, and you can now catch over 70,000 fans across all socials waiting for their next glimpse of Return to Dust.

Speaking on today's single release, co-vocalist Matty Joseph shares:

"Losing Faith is the dance track on the record. Given the obvious doom and gloom we thought the EP needed a pick-me-up sonically. It’s mostly about our ostracism from family as we got older and moved into the mostly lonely young-adulthood life."

Regarding their debut EP release, Matty continues:

"This EP encompasses a hugely dark era for the band; Anywhere from family death, friends turning their backs, and general doom given numerous instances of calamity and doubt. We hope this translates to people as the debut invitation into our world."

Return to Dust, who are heavily inspired by the legendary Alice In Chains, have already cultivated a reputation in the local Los Angeles music scene before the release of their debut EP, "The Black Road" produced by none other than Jim Kaufman (Everclear, Danny Worsnop, Night Riots, Helmet). With their remarkable cinematic approach, the rock trio are on track for an unforgettable year of touring and new music. Be sure to stay tuned for more Return to Dust news coming soon.

WHAT THE PRESS ARE SAYING:

"The band throws a new twist on 90s-sounding riffs bringing the listener back in time. The groovy guitar with dark themes in the lyrics holds over every song on the EP."

Keynote Music Collective

“Black Road” is a killer track. Everything hits hard. The vocals are fierce yet remain melodic. The guitars ring with fire while the monstrous bass line is brazenly defiant. In addition, it was produced by the illustrious Jim Kaufman (Anti-Flag/Helmet). “Black Road” is the perfect vehicle for Return to Dust to showcase their remarkable cinematic approach. This is a band with a stupendous future."

My Amp Music

"Meet Return to Dust, a heavy rock band with songs reminiscent of the grunge era with a modern twist."

Music Scene Media

Return to Dust have taken over listeners' Spotify Release Radar's and Discover Weekly's, all ahead of the release of their debut EP. The band have also been featured on Loudwire's Weekly Wire and Spotify's All New Rock, and independent playlists such as Prelude Press' "Music That Doesn't Suck", CHARM Music Magazine's "New Music Friday", NAS 101's "New Artist Spotlight", Get Rocked's "Best New Music", and more.

Southern California fans also have the chance to see Return to Dust at their upcoming EP Release Show, taking place at the legendary Viper Room on Wednesday, August 2nd.

Support comes from Seattle alt-rock stars Alex Vile, and closing sets from grunge/goth rock quartet Urns & Argyles and Oswald - the Los Angeles based band fronted by Anwar Hadid. Return to Dust will be headlining the night, with an unforgettable set at 8:30PM sharp.

Fans can purchase tickets in advance HERE.

Don't miss your chance to celebrate with the band for their EP Release Show, and finally hear the new songs live!

ABOUT RETURN TO DUST

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

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

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

Return to Dust

Matty Joseph - Vocals & Guitar

Graham Stanush - Vocals & Bass

Sebastian Gonzalez - Guitar

INTERLOPER - RELEASE NEW SINGLE ''SANCTUM'

Progressive heavy metal vehicle, ​INTERLOPER is proud to reveal their newest offering in the form of the single, 'Sanctum'. 

The 6-minute banger is a mix of the band's more technical elements and its very melodic guitar approach. 'Sanctum' is a glimpse into a new era of INTERLOPER.

Andrew Virrueta comments, "We present to you our newest song, 'Sanctum'! We’re extremely excited about having this song finally out. It is a step in a heavier direction, as well as a more progressive direction. We hope you love it! Thanks so much for sticking around with our ever-evolving music. We are always trying to push the boundaries with what is conventional, and we feel this song really showcases the full spectrum of what we are capable of. “

Stream 'Sanctum' here: https://interloper.bfan.link/sanctum-sgl.a01

Check out the 'Sanctum' guitar playthrough below.

INTERLOPER released their debut, full-length album SEARCH PARTY on June 11, 2021 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The deep cohesiveness of INTERLOPER’s writing process for SEARCH PARTY allowed for a creative project with no real boundaries or restrictions. The album was produced by the band and Joey Virrueta. Drums were recorded at Big Bad Sound LA by Jack Ruley and Zach Fisher, with the mixing and mastering completed once more by Andrew’s brother Joey Virrueta. The album artwork was created by Caelan Stokkermans.

Order your copy of Search Party in the format of your choice here: https://interloper.bfan.link/search-party.a01

INTERLOPER is:
Miles Dimitri Baker ​| Guitar
Tadpole Jones ​| Drums 
Andrew Virrueta |​ Vocals, Guitar

SiM Drops New Single + Visualizer "DO THE DANCE" Taken From Forthcoming Album 'PLAYDEAD' Out On September 27 (via UNFD)

Genre-blending Japanese metal, punk, and reggae powerhouse SiM has today dropped their new single "DO THE DANCE" alongside the accompanying visualizer. The track is taken from their upcoming new album 'PLAYDEAD', out on September 27 (via UNFD).

Prior to today, SiM released their track "RED" which is also the theme song for the new season of the Netflix anime series 'Kengan Ashura' which has clocked up over 232,000 streams on Spotify alone and counting. Watch the visualizer for "DO THE DANCE" below, stream the track here, and pre-order 'PLAYDEAD' here.

Stateside SiM fans will soon have their chance to see the band hit the stage on the Jackpot Juicer North American Tour (with Dance Gavin Dance, Rain City Drive, and Within Destruction). The quartet will also be performing at Louder Than Life Festival and Swanfest later this fall. Tickets are going fast, so be sure to get yours now at the link here and stay tuned for more SiM news coming soon.

Jackpot Juicer North American Tour Dates

August 24 || Tempe, AZ || The Marquee Theatre (VERY LOW TICKETS)

August 25 || Las Vegas, NV || Brooklyn Bowl (LOW TICKETS)

August 26 || Los Angeles, CA || Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall (LOW TICKETS)

August 29 || Seattle, WA || Showbox SODO (LOW TICKETS)

August 30 || Portland, OR || Roseland Theater (LOW TICKETS)

September 1 || Garden City, ID || Revolution Concert House

September 2 || Salt Lake City, UT || The Union Event Center

September 3 || Denver, CO || Mission Ballroom

September 5 || Austin, TX || ACL Live At The Moody Theater (LOW TICKETS)

September 6 || Oklahoma City, OK || The Criterion

September 8 || Houston, TX || White Oak Music Hall

September 9 || Dallas, TX || The Factory in Deep Ellum

September 10 || Birmingham, AL || Iron City (LOW TICKETS)

September 12 || Fort Lauderdale, FL || Revolution Live at the Backyard (LOW TICKETS)

September 13 || Orlando, FL || Hard Rock Live (LOW TICKETS)

September 15 || Nashville, TN || Wildhorse Saloon (LOW TICKETS)

September 16 || Atlanta, GA || Coca-Cola Roxy

September 18 || Raleigh, NC || The Ritz (LOW TICKETS)

September 19 || Silver Spring, MD || The Fillmore (LOW TICKETS)

September 21 || Chicago, IL || Radius

September 23 || Milwaukee, WI || The Rave II

September 25 || Cleveland, OH || Agora Theatre

September 27 || Boston, MA || MGM Music Hall at Fenway

September 29 || New York, NY || The Rooftop at Pier 17 (LOW TICKETS)

September 30 || Asbury Park, NJ || Stone Pony Summer Stage

SWANFEST 2023

October 1 || Philadelphia, PA || Mann Center (LOW TICKETS)

FALL FESTIVAL DATES

September 22 || Louisville, KY || Louder Than Life

SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL Unleash Savage New Single & Live Music video; "Viking"

Russian deathcore warriors, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL have dropped their skull-crushing new single "Viking" today alongside a raucous live music video filmed during their recent US headlining tour. Click HERE to listen to the hard-hitting track and watch the chaos unfold below. 

Drawing inspiration from the captivating music of Wardruna and the grandeur of legendary movies, ‘Viking’ features lyrics in both Russian and English, giving the song a unique depth that transcends language barriers. SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL unleashed the track on their recent US tour and the response from fans was nothing short of awe-inspiring! On the inspiration behind the new bruiser of a track, frontman Alex Terrible Shares

“"Viking" is a powerful ode to the spirit of the ancient warriors, infused with our signature metal energy and a touch of folklore that will transport you to a realm of ancient legends and battle cries. Now, we are thrilled to bring this experience from the stage to your speakers.”

The track was premiered yesterday on SiriusXM Liquid Metal, airing every hour throughout the day and giving listeners a first taste ahead of the track’s official release. Raiding ears and claiming lives, "Viking" proves SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL remain the unstoppable conquerors of modern deathcore. Prepare for battle and be ready for more news soon...

About Slaughter To Prevail

Slaughter To Prevail released their debut EP, 'Chapters Of Misery' in 2016 and followed with their debut full-length album, 'Misery Sermon' in 2017. They released stand alone singles "Agony" and "Demolisher" in 2019 and 2020 respectively, followed by their second full-length, Kostolom, released in 2021 to huge critical acclaim with Revolver describing the album as "one bloody deathcore barrage after another" when including it on their 25 Best Albums Of 2021 list and Metal Injection stating that "Kostolom proves that Slaughter to Prevail can get hooky without getting wimpy". Kostolom spawned massive hit singles "Baba Yaga" and "Zavali Ebalo".

They released anti-war anthem '1984' in August of 2022 to oppose Russia's war on Ukraine. The video for which has racked up 2.3 million views.

The band are one of the most popular and heavily featured bands within the YouTube 'reacts' community, on account of vocalist Alex Terrible's insane vocal abilities and his own YouTube channel which has over 1.03 million subscribers.

To date, the band have clocked up an impressive 971.1 million cross-platform streams.

Expect more from Slaughter To Prevail soon.

Slaughter To Prevail Are

Alex Terrible - Vocals

Jack Simmons - Guitar

Mikhail Petrov - Bass

Dmitry Mamedov - Guitar

Evgeny Novikov - Drums

Find Slaughter To Prevail Online:

SlaughterToPrevail.com

S.O.R.M - Swedish Hard Rockers Release Second Single from Upcoming Debut Album; "Under My Skin" to be Released August 25 on Noble Demon!

August 25 will see the release of Under My Skin, the highly anticipated debut full-length record by Swedish hard rock trio S.O.R.M, which will be coming out via Noble Demon.
With the release of the track "Crazy", today, the band has released the second single from the upcoming album. Watch the new video here, which is a continuation of the story line of the previously released track "Demon Child" (https://youtu.be/nhIEnKEEUtM):

S.O.R.M comments:
"Crazy is a part 2 of our single 'Demon Child' (2019). And the whole story is how your past can impact on your life in the future and that there’s a story behind every person's behavior and also, if you just take time to listen when your friend our partner need to talk, you can help that person by just lending them your ear. 'Hear their story before you judge'."

Get the song on all digital platforms HERE

Hailing from Lidköping, Sweden, and known for their unique blend of contemporary and traditional hard rock and heavy metal, S.O.R.M already drew attention in 2020 with their outstanding EP Hellraiser, which introduced the band to the world with the hook-laden and well received lead single "Gypsy Queen". Under My Skin finally follows as the band's debut, featuring catchy melodies, memorable singalongs and the spirit of something that is more than just music. With tracks like "I Die For My Rock 'n' Roll" (feat. DEE SNIDER guitarist Nick Petrino), the brand new single "Crazy", the title track "Under My Skin" and more, the Swedish trio raises the bar again in S.O.R.M style and delivers a debut that should not be missed in 2023!

Under My Skin will be coming out on August 25 via Noble Demon and is available for pre-order at THIS LOCATION

S.O.R.M are:
Micke Holm
Johan Östman
Robin Wernebratt

S.O.R.M online:

Official Website

Facebook

Instagram

Find NOBLE DEMON online:

Official Website

Facebook

BandCamp

Twitter

YouTube

TikTok

Spotify

TILL THE DIRT Annihilates With New Single "Starring Role"

After their volcanic introduction last month, extreme metal band TILL THE DIRT return with their followup single “Starring Role.” The catastrophic track is found on the band’s Scott Burns produced, debut record, “Outside The Spiral,” due out August 25th via Nuclear Blast Records.

Influential death metal legend, ATHEIST vocalist and TILL THE DIRT mastermind Kelly Shaefer comments on the new song:

“‘Starring Role’ is the first track on the album. It’s a song that ranks among my favorites on the record, and also a favorite of producer Scott Burns. It's a straight up ripper! It encompasses all of the unique hybrid qualities of this whole album. Lyrically it is a song about the oddness of dreams and the role we sometimes do not seem to play, or understand as we awake from them. This is a perfect banger for cranking loud, and driving at high speeds!”

Stream “Starring Role”: https://tillthedirt.bfan.link/starring-role

Recently signed to Nuclear Blast, Shaefer and crew made an explosive debut last month with their lead single and title track “Outside The Spiral,” which features TESTAMENT bassist Steve Di Giorgio. Watch the lyric video below.

Pre-Order “Outside The Spiral”: https://tillthedirt.bfan.link/outside-the-spiral-A

About TILL THE DIRT:

Kelly Shaefer is doing it again. With his new band TILL THE DIRT and their debut album “Outside The Spiral,” the legendary Floridian death metal revolutionary is set to inject a much-needed dose of fresh blood into this aging, saturated and self-referential thing that the style has morphed into over the decades. 
 
Everything in the genre of death metal basically rests on two pillars: extreme musical force and insane technicality – or in short, variations of more of the same that satisfies die-hard followers of this scene, but offers a rather limited artistic range. Now, Kelly and his co-conspirators in and around TILL THE DIRT have put all the fun back into extreme music by deliberately straying from the very formula that the Floridian guitarist unleashed onto the world as one of its leading proponents. One of the privileges of being a living legend is the freedom to do whatever you like without the need to prove anything to anybody. And this is exactly what happens on “Outside The Spiral.” Never shy in denying his death metal roots, Shaefer takes the liberty to amalgamate any musical influence into his songs as long as they fit. Don’t be surprised to find grunge, black metal, jazz, rock, dark wave, a dash of classic pop, and many other stylistic colors fused into tracks that range from relaxed malice to vitriolic face-ripping. 

A fly on the wall would have witnessed Kelly frantically composing night after night, only putting his guitar down to contact friends around the globe and sending them demos looking for feedback to either affirm his gut - feeling that his new material was going into interesting places or to put a stop to this fountain of creativity. Yet, one by one his friends were at least as excited about those tracks as the composer. A new metal juggernaut had started to roll and there was no stopping. Kelly recruited enlisted young musicians full of raw energy and passion to the cause of TILL THE DIRT and most importantly one of his first listeners offered his invaluable services: Scott Burns (ATHEIST, DEATH, OBITUARY, CANNIBAL CORPSE, CYNIC, MALEVOLENT CREATION, SUFFOCATION). 

"When Kelly sent me some demos, I was at first reluctant to listen to them,” reveals Scott Burns. "I thought I had kind of heard it all by now and I did not want to want to disappoint an old friend. When I finally gave the tracks a chance, it felt like being hit by an electric shock: These tracks were fresh, exciting, and fun – just like in the old days. Those demos blew me away. I was immediately hooked to the point where I really wanted to be involved. I really thought that I had stopped producing death metal for good, but here we are now!" 
 
The pieces of this puzzle started to fall into place and while the guitarist kept chucking out killer tracks at neck-breaking speed, the producer started to add structure to the process by drawing from decades of experience. "I could not believe my luck that Scott Burns is throwing the full force of his amazing talent and status behind TILL THE DIRT, " enthuses Kelly. "He obviously did not expect to be hijacked and put back on the producer's chair, but I am glad to say that it did not take much convincing. I am extremely happy about this privilege: The mighty Scott Burns is back to bang your heads!"
 
With “Outside The Spiral,” TILL THE DIRT take you on a surprise-filled tour de force that will redefine the extreme metal genre in at least as many ways as ATHEIST did more than 30 years ago. Don't take our word for it, trust your ears!
 

Line up:

Kelly Shaefer | Vocals
Jerry Witunsky| Guitars
Ian Waye | Guitars
Yoav Ruiz Feingold| Bass
Dylan Marks| Drums

Follow TILL THE DIRT:

Facebook / Instagram / Youtube / TikTok

Polaris Share "Nightmare" Video

NEW ALBUM FATALISM OUT SEPTEMBER 1 VIA SHARPTONE RECORDS

Sydney melodic metalcore outfit Polaris return today armed with a ferocious new single and video "Nightmare."  

Watch the video below.

"Nightmare" is taken from the group's impending new album Fatalism, due out on September 1 via Resist Records in Australia and SharpTone Recordsfor the rest of the world. Pre-order it here.

Featuring an equally ominous music video capturing the track's dystopian themes, "Nightmare" also pays tribute to the recent devastating loss in the Polaris family.

As drummer and lyricist Daniel Furnari explains, "We created this video with our friend Ben Wrigley, AKA Third Eye Visuals, who found some amazing locations and imagery to help us convey the track when paired with his brilliant editing skills. This was the second of three music videos we filmed with [late guitarist] Ryan [Siew] earlier this year. It has been a challenging and very emotional task to complete these videos in light of what has happened, but after careful discussion with his family, we collectively felt that we wanted to share with the world the final things that Ryan created with us. We will proudly cherish the memories of him contained in this footage, and hope you will too."

Following the release of Fatalism's first single, "Inhumane," the origins of "Nightmare" trace back to the album's infancy, penned in 2022 during a week-long writing session in the Blue Mountains.

'Nightmare' is a reflection on the constant state of fear that the world at large seems to have lived in for much of the past couple of years — the feeling of waking up every day into a dystopia of uncertainty and anxiety where nothing really feels safe anymore," shares Furnari. "The more I thought about it, the more I arrived at the conclusion that maybe this fear was the biggest thing we all had in common during a time of such great division — that our collective dread was our greatest unifier. That concept then really helped to shape the thematic direction of the rest of the record.

He continues, "This was the second song that was written for the album and it started with that chorus melody, chords and lyrics, which I brought to the guys to build a song around. We fleshed it out on our first writing trip to the mountains and it developed into a very riff-heavy song, with the guitar being passed back and forth a lot between Rick and Ryan and all of us weighing in, so I think we all had an early attachment to it for that reason."

Fear: humanity's great divider, but also its most potent unifier. It’s this very notion that lies at the beating core of Polaris’s third album Fatalism; a record shaped by the sense of despair and dystopia that engulfed the world over the past few years, and the overwhelming accompanying sensation that we were powerless to change course.

Polaris have already firmly established their place as a fixture in the Australian heavy landscape via their first two albums, the ARIA-nominated The Death Of Me and 2017's The Mortal Coil, which debuted in the Australian Top 10. They have been awarded a laundry list of accolades, album of the year mentions in end of year lists, sold-out countless headline tours of Australia, and have toured across the globe. Not to mention performing at Download Festival, Unify Gathering in Australia, headlining Knight & Day Festival, and most recently performing the 2022 Good Things Festival headlined by Bring Me The Horizon.

Heart Of A Coward Announce New Album "This Place Only Brings Death" + Share Video For "Devour Me"

HEART OF A COWARD ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM THIS PLACE ONLY BRINGS DEATH OUT SEPTEMBER 22 VIA ARISING EMPIRE

British heavyweights Heart Of A Coward have announced their  new album This Place Only Brings Death, set for release on September 22 via Arising Empire.

"This Place Only Brings Death is a self-reflective, heavy, and aggressive album that explores the harsh realities of modern society," says vocalist Kaan Tasan.

Pre-orders for This Place Only Brings Death will be available as CD, limited colored vinyl, together with unique merch options at the Arising Empire Store, band's shop, and many other online retailers. Pre-save/order This Place Only Brings Death here.

To herald this official start for their upcoming album, the band has shared "Devour Me." Watch the video below.

"'Devour Me' is written about tearing into open wounds to try and find answers, but only ending up exactly where you were before. The familiar feeling of being torn apart, getting nowhere and then being discarded," Tasan explains.

Heart of a Coward's newest album takes a bold, accessible turn, drawing heavily from metalcore influences as opposed to their previous leanings towards the progressive.

The album contemplates the inevitable theme of everything coming to an end, a sobering reality.
 
Heart Of A Coward released their debut album, Hope and Hindrance, in 2012, which received critical acclaim and helped establish the band's sound and style. They have since released several other albums — including Severance (2013), Deliverance (2015), and The Disconnect (2019).

HEART OF A COWARD ARE:
Kaan Tasan — Vocals
Carl Ayers — Guitar + Vocals
Dan Thornton — Guitar
Vishal "V" Khetia — Bass
Christopher "Noddy" Mansbridge — Drums

THY ART IS MURDER DECADE OF HATE (LIVE IN MELBOURNE 2023) AVAILABLE DIGITALLY NOW + LIVE VIDEO FOR 'REIGN OF DARKNESS (LIVE IN MELBOURNE)'

THY ART IS MURDER, one of Australia's top-heavy exports, released their seminal second album Hate on October 19, 2012. On January 14th, 2023, the band immortalized their sold-out 'Decade Of Hate' Melbourne performance at The Forum. Fans can now own or stream the digital version of Decade Of Hate (Live In Melbourne), which is out today. The physical versions including a CD jewel and LP, will be available to the masses on November 17th.

Check out the fiery live video for the track 'Reign of Darkness (Live in Melbourne 2023)'. The live album was engineered by Lance Prenc, and mixing and mastering was completed by Will Putney (FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY). 

THY ART IS MURDER's Andy Marsh comments, "When we set out to record our record Hate all those years ago, none of us could anticipate the ride of a lifetime we were about to embark upon. So it seemed fitting that when we announced this recent 'Decade Of Hate tour', we were again uncertain about what the shows would hold in store. They turned out to be the biggest of our career. 

“Throughout this wild journey, it was only through the undying support of our friends and fans across the world that we were able to traverse these monolithic milestones and for that, we are forever grateful. To have a dream is one thing, but to live it is something truly special and you have given that privilege to us.

“In the last ten years, we attempted to cover as much ground on tour as possible, but this last anniversary tour was rather brief as we began preparations for our new record Godlike. With the help of our incredible crew, we are proud to give you HATE in full, the way we imagined we might one day be able to one day present the songs. For all those who couldn’t make it to a show, and for anyone who just wants to relive the experience it has now been immortalized on wax for all to hear.”

Stream the single 'Reign Of Darkness (Live in Melbourne 2023)' and the full album, here: 
https://taim.bfan.link/decade-of-hate

Watch the live video for 'Reign Of Darkness (Live in Melbourne 2023)', below.

Decade Of Hate (Live In Melbourne 2023) will be available in the following physical formats on November 17th:

• CD Jewelcase

• 2 LP

  • Blue W. Black Pink Splatter (North American Exclusive; Limited to 1000)

  • Purple W. Blue Pink Splatter (European Exclusive; Limited to 900)

Hate was produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Will Putney (EVERY TIME I DIE, KNOCKED LOOSE, END). The artwork was created by Brent Elliot White (CARNIFEX, DEATH ANGEL). The album catapulted the band onto the world stage, seeing them play a mammoth 342 dates around the globe, with more US tours than any other Australian band at the time. Between laps of the world, Hate earned the band an ARIA and a Metal Hammer Golden Gods Award nomination and has been streamed over 55 million times to date.


THY ART IS MURDER is:
C.J. McMahon | Vocals
Sean Delander | Rhythm Guitar
Kevin Butler | Bass Guitar
Jesse Beahler | Drums
Andy Marsh | Lead Guitar

Pre-order/listen Decade Of Hate (Live In Melbourne 2023) here: https://taim.bfan.link/decade-of-hate

Chicago's Evidence of a Struggle presents new audio-visual trip for 'Bassakards'

"Wonderfully cinematic, forward-thinking, open-minded, genre-hopping, rule-breaking... a symphony of sonics, subtlety and suppleness, and of the subverting of expectations" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Fascinating... This melodic journey expertly fuses the innovative textures of art rock with the insurgent spirit of alternative music... a complex and immersive auditory universe" ~ Post-Punk.com

"'Combines the coolness of electric jazz, Krautrock-inspired post-rock and atmospheric art rock... a gripping and upbeat, yet refined, sound and thoughtful arrangement with sonic prowess" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

"Chaotic and lovely" ~ Punk Rock Beat


Chicago-based artist Evidence of a Struggle presents his new video for 'Bassakards' from his debut 13-track eponymous album.  A song about longing and loss, it's no wonder that this song's essence is wonderfully chaotic. Taking the listener on a great instrumental journey, this record blends numerous sub-genres spanning the art rock and alternative music realm.

Surrounding the musings of multi-instrumentalist William P C Simmons V a.k.a. Rev. Billy Simmons, Evidence of a Struggle creates lush, cinematic, beautiful and sometimes chaotic compositions.

Launched in 2020 during lockdowns, this ambitious effort sees Rev. Billy play every instrument – guitar, drums, piano, synth and violin - recorded and engineered from his home studio, The Glue Factory. Once Covid restrictions were lifted, renowned sound engineer Sanford Parker (Voivod, Russian Circles, Yob, Eyehategod, Wovenhand, Darkthrone, Youth Code, Pelican) helped produce, record and master the final versions of these songs.

The album is complemented by a multi-chapter audio-visual storybook, created by Chicago artist John Airo, who has been involved with this project since the outset - creating videos, album covers and accompanying visuals for live performances. To date, these include the cinematic single 'Do'Oa' (a wonderful fusion of Tortoise and Dif Juz), 'Alan's Song' (the sound of fear, beauty and hubris), 'Bisquee' with its engaging off-kilter post-rock, and the album's high-octane 'Sal-E'.

"Bassakards is a song about longing and loss. There are so many counterpoints within this song, both sonically, visually, and emotionally. They are all parallel, similar, contrary, and oblique. Listen, look, let the sound speak its truth to you, let the animation challenge what you think about the story the sound is telling, and let the visuals challenge your beliefs. Let it move you to move forward, not bassakards," says Rev Billy.

With a backstory involving collaborations with RCA recording artist Ké and various artists on major labels like RCA, Touch and Go, BMG and Universal, it is no surprise that Evidence of a Struggle would evolve. In 2023, Matt Walker (of1000faces, Smashing Pumpkins, Morrissey, Garbage, Filter) became involved in this project, playing drums and helping with production with Matt's brother Solomon Walker (Morrissey, Bryan Adams, Eastern Shadows, Year of the Rabbit) and Alan Berliant (Chris Connelly, Mavis Staples, Saint Asonia) on bass.
 
Apart from music, Rev. Billy also owns Rev. Billy's Chop Shop, also known as an inclusive, creative space, hosting new artists' work bimonthly and declared by Chicago Reader as the city's best gallery in 2019. Rev. Billy's Chop Shop is as strong a passion as his music.

The 'Evidence of a Struggle' album is out now and is available via Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
All music written by William P C Simmons V (aka Rev. Billy)
Performed by William P C Simmons V (aka Rev. Billy)
Produced by Sanford Parker
Loveless Publishing ASCAP
Video by John Airo

Keep up with Evidence of a Struggle
Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Press contact

ON THORNS I LAY Hit New Heights on First Advanced Single

ON THORNS I LAY are Greek titans. The band came up through the underground during the early '90s, in the wake of Nightfall, Septicflesh and Rotting Christ. But while those bands were swayed more by symphonic and black metal, these Athenians developed a taste for the gothic. Which makes sense. After all, they are named after a Shakespearean sonnet. 

Now, 30 years and ten albums later, On Thorns I Lay have signed with Season of Mist. It's fitting then that their first offering for the label is a self-titled album. The lead single epitomizes the way this band conducts death and doom metal into an atmospheric thunder storm. A pale wan of keyboard casts a brooding shadow, while riffs reign down like lighting bolts.

But "Newborn Skies" reaches even greater new heights. The melodic leads just keep on climbing, until they ascend into a heavenly choir. "This song is talking about this critical moment in life when you need to reconsider, reanimate and restart in order to keep going and follow your dreams", the band says. "No matter how dark the ride has been, no matter how difficult and obscure, you have to make the final decision. You still have your fate in your hands".  

'On Thorns I Lay' is out October 13. Pre-save the album HERE. Pre-order it HERE.

ON THORNS I LAY started as a death metal band together with other cult bands in Greece in the early 90’s such as Rotting Christ, Septicflesh, Necromantia, Nightfall and started to spread their name in the local and global underground scene.

ON THORNS I LAY have released 9 albums so far such as “Orama”, “Crystal Tears” and “Aegean Sorrow” gaining great praise. The band have shared the stage with artists such as Dream Theater, In Flames, Anathema, Amorphis, Katatonia, Rotting Christ, Tiamat, The Gathering, Satyricon, Septic Flesh and many more. The band’s last album “Threnos” (2020) followed the path of atmospheric, yet emotional Doom Death Metal – paying tribute to the roots and representing the trademark sound of the band once again. ON THORNS I LAY continue to tell dense stories of loss and despair.

After their mini tour at the Baltic states with Rotting Christ in 2022, ON THORNS I LAY finished the recordings of their 10th album and first for Season of Mist. The self-titled LP pushes death-doom to epic heights, casting a newborn Gothic glow over muscular riffs and cavernous vocals hearkening back to the halcyon days of early ‘90s Peaceville death-doom.   

Current line-up:
Peter “Invoker” Miliadis: Vocals, bass (Dimlight, ex-Slaveatgod)

Chris Dragamestianos: Guitar

Nikolas Paraskevopoulos: Guitar (Dimlight, Yoth Iria)

Kostas Mexis: Bass (Aetherian, ex-Black Path)

Antonis Ventouris: Keyboard

Stelios Darakis: Drums (Dexter Ward, ex-Sacred Outcry, The Eternal Suffering, ex-Mortal Torment, ex-Lloth)
 
Recording line-up:
Peter “Invoker” Miliadis: Vocals, bass (Dimlight, ex-Slaveatgod)

Chris Dragamestianos: Guitar

Nikolas Paraskevopoulos: Guitar (Dimlight, Yoth Iria)

Antonis Ventouris: Keyboard

Stelios Darakis: Drums (Dexter Ward, ex-Sacred Outcry, The Eternal Suffering, ex-Mortal Torment, ex-Lloth)

Guest musicians

Fanny Melfi - Fallen From Grace 

Labros Kiklis - Fallen From Grace  

Stavros Papagiannakopoulos - Thorns Of Fire, Crestfallen  

Ilias Mantikos - Thorns Of Fire 

Katerina Tzitzou - Fallen From Grace 

Irina Dimaki - Fallen From Grace 

Anna Thana - Fallen From Grace 

Aris Karatzas - Crestfallen, Newborn Skies, Raise Empires, Among The Wolves 

Recording Studio:Devasoundz Studios

Producer:Fotis Benardo

Mix/Mastering:Fotis Benardo

Cover artwork:Dimitris Tzortzis

Pre-order:https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/on-thorns-i-lay-on-thorns-i-lay
Pre-save:https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/on-thorns-i-lay-on-thorns-i-lay
 
Formats:
CD Digipak
Digital download
Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
Vinyl Gatefold (Gold)
Vinyl Gatefold (Blade Bullet) 
Follow On Thorns I Lay
http://www.onthornsilay.net/
http://onthornsilay.bandcamp.com/
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