VRSTY Announce New Album "Levitate" + Share "F**k You Forver" Video
New York City-based collective VRSTY (pronounced "Varsity") — Joey Varela [vocals], Javy Dorrejo [bass], Chris Cody [drums], and Paul Gregory [guitar] — have announced their new album Levitate. The album is out October 27 via Spinefarm. Pre-order it here.
Today, the band has shared the video for the kiss-off anthem "Fuck You Forever," which opens Levitate and is about that one thing that brings out the worst in you. VRSTY are not holding back with the song's message — or its guitar heft and stadium-sized choruses. So go ahead and play it for the most recent person to break your heart!
Watch it below.
"'Fuck You Forever' is very self-explanatory," says Varela. "It's a song about finally being done with being treated like an option and saying, 'Fuck you, I'm better than this.' It can sometimes be hard to see what you deserve when you're treated like you're not important but sometimes you just gotta say fuck it, fuck you, and move on."
VRSTY ON TOUR:
THE RIOT MUSIC TOUR: EAST COAST 2023:
WITH DROPOUT KINGS:
9/6 — Pittsburgh, PA — Crafthouse*
9/7 — Erie, PA — Basement Transmissions
9/8 — Harrisburg, PA — HMAC
9/9 — Baltimore, MD — The Crown
9/11 — Virginia Beach, VA — Scandals Live*
9/12 — Charleston, SC — Music Farm
9/14 — Columbia, SC — New Brookland Tavern
9/15 — Jacksonville, NC — Hooligans
9/16 — Jacksonville, FL — Jack Rabbits
9/17 — Fort Walton Beach, FL — Downtown Music Hall
9/18 — Orlando, FL — Conduit
9/19 — Tampa, FL — Orpheum
9/21 — Nashville, TN — The Cobra
*Headline Date
WITH MONUMENTS + FOR THE FALLEN DREAMS:
9/26 — Spokane, WA — Big Dipper (Only For The Fallen Dreams)
9/27 — Seattle, WA — Substation
9/28 — Portland, OR — Dante's
9/29 — Sacramento, CA — Old Ironworks
9/30 — Santa Ana, CA — Constellation Room
10/1 — Phoenix, AZ — Nile Underground
10/3 — Austin, TX — Come and Take It Live
10/4 — Houston, TX — Scout Bar
10/5 — Dallas, TX — Trees
10/6 — Springfield, MO — The Riff
10/7 — Chicago, IL — Reggie's
10/8 — Detroit, MI — Sanctuary
10/10 — Lakewood, OH — The Foundry
10/11 — Albany, NY — Empire Underground
10/12 — Clifton, NJ — Dingbatz
10/13 — Rochester, NY — Montage Music Hall
10/14 — Manchester, NH — Angel City Music Hall
10/15 — Brooklyn, NY — Meadows
ABOUT VRSTY:
VRSTY (pronounced "Varsity") make music as energetic and richly diverse as the city that spawned them. Assembled by band leader Joey Tyler, a Puerto Rican singer from New York City raised on R&B, pop, and Spanish music and equally inspired by metallic post-hardcore, VRSTY blends genres with fearless ambition and visceral enthusiasm. A handful of EPs preceded 2020's debut album, Welcome Home, itself followed by a three-part series of sequel EPs solidifying the band's reputation.
The band (comprised of guitarist Paul Gregory, bassist Javier Dorrejo, drummer Chris Cody, and Tyler) specializes in what Kerrang! described as "endless grooves and danceable parts, punctuated by breakdowns and completed with dark atmosphere." Meanwhile, "Massive,”"from 2020's Cloud City EP, remained the Most Played on SiriusXM's Octane for two consecutive weeks. In a 9/10 review, Outburn described Welcome Home as "effortless, fun, and above all genuine." Blabbermouth raved: "While other bands may have introduced the concept of genre-bending, VRSTY have refined it."
Genuine authenticity and uncompromising passion are crucial to everything about VRSTY. Levitate, the band's stunning sophomore set, is powered by spirited conviction and a commitment to follow their muse wherever it leads. It's an album of rich melodic hooks and headbang-inducing grooves.
Tyler co-produced Levitate with Justin Deblieck (Ice Nine Kills, Motionless In White, Lorna Shore, Fit For A King). George Lever (Sleep Token, Holding Absence, Loathe) handled mixing duties.
VRSTY commands the crowd anytime they perform, connecting with anyone who struggles with feelings of low self-worth, bad relationships, or generally feels like an outsider. It’s a feeling of shared community evident on the band's tours with the likes of 10 Years, Nonpoint, Secrets, and For The Fallen Dreams, among others. Ultimately, VRSTY aims to encourage, provoke, and inspire listeners.
HOLY WARS Take Us On A Wild Ride In Epic New Single & Video “Deus Ex Machina”
Genre-blurring provocateurs HOLY WARS have dropped their mind-bending new single and music video “Deus Ex Machina” today. Matching hard hitting metal riffs with frantic spoken word, soaring pop melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics, “Deus Ex Machina” is the next step in the evolution of HOLY WARS, perfectly showcasing the indefinable combination of vocalist, Kat Leon’s dynamic vocal techniques and guitarist/producer, Nick Perez's down-tuned guitar riffs and cinematic soundscapes. Stream “Deus Ex Machina" HERE and watch the video below.
The cinematic music video for “Deus Ex Machina” immerses us in the literal rollercoaster ride of vocalist Kat Leon’s deep and sometimes dark psyche. She unpacks the song’s themes as follows:
“Deus Ex Machina was inspired by my love of psychology and how fascinating the brain is. The God of the human machine. Deus Ex Machina meaning God from the Machine really helped shape the message of what I was wanting to say lyrically in this song, how our personal narrative is powerful. We often rewrite our stories as the hero's tale but we very possibly could be the villain in another's. Our words are powerful and our story is our legacy. In this song I wanted to display the attack side of the narrative, how any issue I have had with another has stemmed from projection, a choice and the power I allow it to have. The ghost in the machine haunting my thoughts and puppeting my actions. Deus Ex Machina is a hard hitting wild sonic ride of the mania that lives underneath us all."
The single will be the first HOLY WARS release via their brand new label home, Pale Chord, as they also announce their signing to the prominent alternative label today, joining an impressive roster of fellow groundbreaking artists such as Spiritbox, Harper and Thousand Below.
Blending thoughtful introspection with their trademark chaotic energy, “Deus Ex Machina” highlights HOLY WARS’ unrelenting creative spirit and is arguably their heaviest release to date. Today’s release and new label announcement only furthers the band’s incessantly gaining momentum garnered from their authentic, DIY approach, which has already yielded nearly 10 million global streams and 700,000 YouTube views for previous releases.
With their unpredictable sound, provocative artistry, and new label home, HOLY WARS continue to defy genres and blow minds. Embrace the weird and stay tuned for more from these sonic shapeshifters soon.
ABOUT HOLY WARS
Los Angeles based duo HOLY WARS, composed of Kat Leon (Vocals) and Nick Perez (Guitars/Production), have a unique and constantly evolving sound that fuses an infectious medley of genres, packed with attitude and lyrical finesse. Newly signed to Pale Chord via BMG, HOLY WARS are excited to usher in a new era of ambitious music starting with new single “Deus Ex Machina”.
Recorded music aside, HOLY WARS’ live shows are an electrifying breeding ground that converts any first timer to a lifelong fan. HOLY WARS take every opportunity to feed off the energy of the crowd and use it to amplify Leon’s charismatic and fearless stage presence which has since allowed them to win over a wide range of audiences. It is no surprise that the band’s high-intensity live performances have led the group to share the stage alongside legendary groups such as Coheed and Cambria, Alkaline Trio, and Papa Roach, to the next generation of up and coming rock artists including The Warning and Scene Queen.
In Spring 2023, HOLY WARS hit the festival circuit for the first time, gracing the main stages at Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple while evaporating the indoor stage at So What?! Fest. This fall, catch their continued festival debut at Furnace Fest, Louder Than Life (main stage), and Aftershock.
Find Holy Wars Online
Return to Dust Release "The Black Road" EP & Drop New Video For "Cellophone"
The Los Angeles-based grunge trio, Return to Dust, have today released their latest single, "Cellophane" taken off their debut EP, "The Black Road" via Jim Kaufman Productions. Fans can listen to the full EP HERE, and watch the brand new video below.
WHAT THE PRESS ARE SAYING:
"Return To Dust veer into entirely distinct sonic territories... one likely pivotal for long-term success.
Overall: 90/100”
Unsung Melody
"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 the perfect vehicle for Return to Dust to showcase their remarkable cinematic approach. This is a band with a stupendous future."
My Amp Music
""Combined with formidable talent and unmatched dedication, Return to Dust are ready to truly hit the ground running with their debut EP, “The Black Road,""
Interview Under Fire
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.
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 - nearly a million 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.
Still on the high of selling out the Viper Room at the EP release show, the band's previous single, "Losing Faith" even earned a stamp of approval from rock's very own, Allison Hagendorf, as it was featured on episode of her podcast's Sound Advice. The trio are continuing to catch fire, as none other than Matt Pinfield tagged in and showcased the band on KLOS' "New And Approved". With the success of their debut EP and the demand for a video of the fan-favorite track, it's no surprise that Return to Dust are returning with more cinematic content.
Speaking on today's single release, the band shares:
"Cellophane is about fabrication. Whether it’s you trying to be someone you’re not or someone portraying you falsely, there is always a truth somewhere below the plastic.
The video highlights feelings of entrapment whether it’s fighting heavy chains under water or more extreme examples like an entire bedroom being covered in cellophane."
Sharing insight as the director of the "Cellophane" video, Matt Akana continues:
"We all pushed ourselves far out of our comfort zones to create the best visual we’ve made. The track has such depth and darkness to it that we wanted to reflect that on the screen as well as channel feelings of discomfort, hopelessness and rage in the viewers. We really leaned into visually representing the lyrics on screen and created an underwater world of darkness, rooms wrapped in plastic and bloody hearts."
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.
Photo Credit - Matt Akana
Southern California fans also have the chance to see Return to Dust at Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa, CA on Saturday, September 2nd.
Return to Dust will opening for fellow rock trio, Aurora View, at their deluxe EP release show.
Fans can purchase tickets in advance HERE. Use the code "RETURNTODUST" for $5 off.
Don't miss your chance to see the band live this Saturday!
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
Tim Montana Drops "Devil You Know" Video
For as much as singer/songwriter/guitarist Tim Montana may be known as a wild man (and he certainly is), he really asserts himself as a tried-and-true storyteller with his new single "Devil You Know." He has shared the video today. Watch it below.
The song finds Montana exploring his moody, rock 'n' roll roots, as the song is propelled forward by the high-octane riffs that introduce the song's gritty and emotionally crackling and lyrically raw chorus. "Devil You Know" certainly shows off a different side of Montana's musical personality and fans of bands like Foo Fighters, Staind, Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, and Three Days Grace will easily gravitate towards the propulsive rhythms and energy.
The accompanying visual finds Montana in various performance states, knuckling down on his guitar.
Drawing on his own experience growing up without his biological father, only to find that he wasn't the man he'd hoped he would be, "Devil You Know" is a grunge ballad for everyone who's suffered through the let down. The concept that in life, there are "the devils you know" and "the devils you don't" showcases Montana at his most lyrically honest, emoting soulfully through grizzly vocals. Married with four kids of his own, "Devil You Know" is his dedication to "be the dad I never had," a relatable, familiar circumstance for so many to attach.
Tim Montana's story has twisted and turned with the unforgiving unpredictability of a Montana winter. He went from a rough youth spent off-the-grid in a trailer powered by a faulty generator to captivating a devout global fanbase, dropping successful independent albums, selling out shows, and earning the endorsement of childhood heroes such as Dave Grohl. At 21-years-old, Tim settled in Music City. He busted his ass and found a way to be heard. He caught the attention of David Letterman, who personally booked Montana on The Late Show with David Letterman. Unlocking a creative chemistry with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, their collaborations included "This Beard Came Here to Party," which served as the anthem for the 2013 World Series champion Boston Red Sox and the Nashville Predators during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Following 2021's Long Shots, Tim let his grunge flag fly, while still telling the kind of stories fans fell in love with in the first place. Now, he infuses Space Needle-shaking grunge grit with a different kind of frontier poetry, bringing together vivid lyricism, vulnerable melodies, and vicious distortion. He's formally introducing himself on a series of 2023 singles for BBR Music Group/BMG, beginning with "Devil You Know."
And what can fans expect from the upcoming Tim Montana album? A celebration of rock music that channels the spirit of the great grunge explosion of the late '90s and early '00s. A tracklist of anthems that will have you stomping your feet, banging your head, and most likely, inspire the beardless to embrace their Montana-approved stubble. Butte, Montana born and raised, Tim Montana is not your average cowboy. Completely equipped to dominate the arena nearest you, armed with voracious distortion and truly well-oiled chops, Tim Montana tours hard and rocks even harder. Life as a fearless musician means living in accordance with Montana's motto: "We're all just one disaster away from something awesome."
New Jersey art pop heroes ELK CITY present whimsical single 'Tried to Move On’
"Elk City’s cool and elegant sound draws on 1980s “dream pop” and bits of 1960s folk-rock" ~ The New York Times
"This music is sophisticated – vivacious, harmonious and memorable due to many factors, not least of all is the remarkable vocal timbre and convincing delivery of vocalist Renée LoBue, recalling Eddie Brickell at times and Jefferson Airplane’s Grace Slick at others" ~ Music-News.com
"Formidable... animated, brazen and effervescent. LoBue’s commanding vocals are the icing on the cake... highly infectious" ~ The Spill Magazine
New Jersey art-rock collective Elk City present 'Tried To Move On', the second taste of 'Undertow', the band's seventh album to date. This follows the voluminous consciousness-building lead track 'Strong (You're Not Alone)', a swirling neo-psychedelic folk song baked in cult obsessiveness.
Founded by Renée LoBue and Ray Ketchem, Elk City is brilliantly rounded out by Luna’s Sean Eden, Richard Baluyut (Versus) and Chris Robertson (Psychedelic Furs side project Feed, Punch Havana).
Ketchem, a renowned producer (Guided By Voices, Luna, Gramercy Arms)recorded, mixed and mastered the 'Undertow' album, which will be released via Montclair, NJ-based Magic Door Record Label, co-founded several years ago by Guided by Voices' Kevin March, Ketchem and artist Renée LoBue.
“'Tried to Move On' finds the band following our pop tendencies. The song is perfect for the end of summer, while the weather is still inviting outside. Close and intimate during the verses and chorus, the song opens up in the middle with a triumphant instrumental section," explains Ray Ketchem.
"In the production, I used small, close sounds to create the rhythm track. I recorded the sound of various metal objects, such as music and microphone stands, and then manipulated the audio. The songs feature one of my favorite lyrics, “the hours turn into weeks, turn into years”.
Renée LoBue adds, "A boomerang of a breezy pop song that slides into your DMs to say, "Hi, you're living in denial." Wearing pastels and beaming. Bursting with... Joy? Anger? It’s “All Gucci” as the kids say, until the chorus barrels through, morphing into a different song that's not on the guest list. You're left in a whirlpool of self-created confusion. But I do like whirlpools because they remind me of jacuzzis and any correlation between our band and jacuzzis satisfies me to pieces. People put up with hunks of BS because fooling themselves is easier than walking an unknown path. Walk your unknown path. But keep your jacuzzi."
Like their sixth album 'Above the Water', this record is inspired by the band’s love of documentaries like 'The Source Family' and 'Wild, Wild Country' - films that explore the allure of cults and extreme alternative lifestyles.
From the opening title track, 'Undertow' sucks you into a different kind of record with peculiar pop constructs built of rare materials, found only in the wilds behind Magic Door Recording Studio in Montclair, which legendary studio designer George Augspurger helped transform into a freeform studio where vintage microphones, modern studio gear, and bespoke sound tuning elevate and inspire.
This is where Elk City has meticulously built this record and this band a whole other way. Even after seven albums, Elk City are still deliberately hard to define, still seekers, unafraid to shed this life and lead the listener on a journey to new sounds and feelings... Welcome to Elk City.
As of August 30, 'Tried To Move On' will be available across fine digital outlets, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where the full 'Undertow' album (out September 22) is already available for pre-order.
CREDITS
Written and performed by Elk City
Renee LoBue - vocals
Sean Eden - guitars
Chris Robertson - guitars, backing vocals
Richard Baluyut - bass, synths, backing vocals
Ray Ketchem - drums, synths, sounds
Claudia Chopek - violin
Recorded, mixed and masted by Ray Ketchem
Produced by Ray Ketchem
Created at Magic Door Recording, Montclair, NJ
© 2023 sound is crazy music (BMI)
Single cover artwork by Renee LoBue
'Strong' video directed, filmed and edited by Ray Ketchem
featuring Renee LoBue, Chris Robertson and Richard Baluyut
'Strong' video filmed at Eagle Rock Reservation & Kip's Castle Park, Essex County NJ
'Undertow' LP pre-order https://elkcity.bandcamp.com/album/undertow
Keep up with Elk City
Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Apple Music | Tidal | Qobuz | Spotify | Press contact
Magic Door Record Label
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Dying Wish Share" Lost in the Fall" Video
Portland's own DYING WISH have announced their new album Symptoms of Survival. It arrives on November 3 via SharpTone Records. Pre-order the album, produced by Randy LeBoeuf, here.
To accompany this exciting news, the quartet has shared the video for "Lost in the Fall." Watch it below.
It's a stormy clip — quite literally. The band is performing amid a lightning storm but there is nothing quite as fierce as singer Emma Boster — both her blood-curdling screams and her piercing stare.
"'Lost in the Fall' is written about the natural untangling of a friendship or a relationship with someone over time," Boster says. "It's about letting go of control and accepting your fate and failure in love. Imagine the feeling in your throat and gut when you know things are coming to an end. Surrender to that feeling and face the direction of moving on."
"Lost in the Fall" follows "Watch My Promise Die," which Stereogum lauded as "a massive slab of heaviness."
Dying Wish also announced an extensive fall tour schedule. All dates are below.
DYING WISH ON TOUR:
WWITH BOUNDARIES, OMERTA, FOREIGN HANDS, GATES TO HELL, ROMAN CANDLE, + EXCIDE:
10/20 — Santa Cruz, CA — The Vets Hall
10/21 — Fresno, CA — Full Circle Brewery
10/22 — Las Vegas, NV — American Legion Post 8
10/24 — Mesa, AZ — Nile Underground
10/26 — San Antonio, TX — The Rock Box
10/27 — Dallas, TX — Wrecking Ball Fest*
10/28 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall
10/31 - 11/4 — Downtown Miami, FL — Headbangers Boat*
11/6 — Tampa, FL — The Orpheum
11/7 — Atlanta, GA — Masquerade Purgatory
11/8 — Greensboro, NC — Hangar 1819
11/9 — Baltimore, MD — Metro Gallery
11/10 — Philadelphia, PA — Underground Arts
11/11 — Brooklyn, NY — Meadows
11/12 — Worcester, MA — Palladium
11/14 — New Kensington, PA — Preserving Underground
11/15 — Columbus, OH — Ace of cups
11/16 — Detroit, MI — The Sanctuary
11/17 — Chicago, IL — Cobra Lounge
11/18 — Saint Paul, MN — Amsterdam
11/19 — North Kansas City, MO — The Rino
11/21 — Denver, CO — Marquis Theater
11/22 — Salt Lake City, UT — Kilby Court
11/24 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theater
11/25 — Seattle, WA — Vera Project
11/26 — Spokane, WA — Big Dipper
11/27 — Boise, ID — The Shredder
11/29 — Sacramento, CA — Goldfield Trading Posts
11/30 — San Francisco, CA — Neck of the Woods
12/1 — San Fernando, CA — Midnight Hour
12/2 — Anaheim, CA — Chain Reaction
*Dying Wish Only
Bad Omens' RIAA-Certified Gold Single "Just Pretend" Claims #1 Spot On Alternative Radio Chart
In an electrifying feat, Los Angeles-based rock sensation Bad Omens continues to dominate the airwaves with their RIAA-certified Gold single "Just Pretend" claiming the coveted #1 position on the Alternative Radio chartafter having already achieved the #1 spot at Rock Radio earlier this March. Off the band's phenomenal latest album 'THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND' (out via Sumerian Records), "Just Pretend" has nearly 100,000 spins from radio overall between all formats, and taken on a life of its own after claiming the #1 spots on Billboard's Hot Hard Rock Songs for 20 weeks and Hard Rock Digital Song Sales charts as well as climbing Spotify's Viral 50 playlists in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia amongst others. Directed by Erik Rojas (Chase Atlantic, Jessie J, Waterparks), the official music video was based on a story written by Bad Omens vocalist Noah Sebastian which has amassed over 6.4 million views on YouTube and a staggering 190 million streams across DSPs with no signs of slowing. Furthermore, the band's titular album title track "THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND" is currently climbing the Top 5 at Rock Radio. Speaking about the news, Sumerian Group Owner and CEO Ash Avildsen commented:
“Brilliant songwriting with an undeniable work ethic and creative tenacity has proven that an act this young can go #1 at both formats while being on a fully independent label. This is a huge moment for all artists part of the genre’s new era as well as all our peer indie labels who have stayed in the fight and not sold their brand to the majors.”
Listen to "Just Pretend" here and watch the music video below.
Fans can catch the band live beginning this week on their nearly sold-out headlining tour CONCRETE FOREVER (with ERRA and I See Stars as support). For ticket information please click here.
CONCRETE FOREVER North American Dates
September 1 - Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center (Sold Out)
September 2 - Austin, TX @ Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater (Sold Out)
September 4 - New Orleans, LA @ Joy Theater (Sold Out)
September 5 - St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Live (Sold Out)
September 6 - Orlando, FL @ House of Blues (Sold Out)
September 8 - Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy (Sold Out)
September 9 - Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works (Sold Out)
September 12 - New York, NY @ Terminal 5 (Sold Out)
September 13 - Philadelphia, PA @ Franklin Music Hall (Sold Out)
September 14 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE (Sold Out)
September 15 - Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore (Sold Out)
September 16 - Boston, MA @ Roadrunner (Sold Out)
September 18 - Montreal, QC @ MTELUS (Sold Out)
September 19 - Toronto, ON @ Rebel (Sold Out)
September 21 - Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed (Sold Out)
September 24 - Columbus, OH @ KEMBA Live! (Sold Out)
September 26 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Eagles Ballroom (Sold Out)
September 27 - Minneapolis, MN @ Myth Live (Sold Out)
September 29 - Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium (Sold Out)
September 30 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union (Sold Out)
October 2 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom (Sold Out)
October 3 - Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theatre (Sold Out)
October 4 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo (Sold Out)
October 8 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium (Sold Out)
October 9 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Theater at Virgin Hotels
October 10 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre (Sold Out)
October 11 - Albuquerque, NM @ Revel (Sold Out)
October 13 - Dallas, TX @ The Factory in Deep Ellum (Sold Out)
Fall Festival Dates
September 10 - Alton, VA @ Blue Ridge Rock Festival
September 22 - Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life
October 6 - Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock
Bad Omens recently announced their new comic book series "Concrete Jungle" (via Sumerian Comics). Co-written by Noah Sebastian and Kevin Roditeli ("Freak Show") and illustrated by Nicola Izzo, the four-issue monthly series will be available for purchase in stores starting next week on Wednesday, September 6. Be sure to keep an eye out for limited edition bundles later in the year and for further information, please click here.
Bad Omens slither through boundaries, only to ultimately choke convention in the process. The quartet—Noah Sebastian (vocals), Joakim “Jolly” Karlsson (guitar), Nick Ruffilo (bass), and Nick Folio (drums)—materialize with ghostly atmospherics, striking hooks, and the tingles of sensual high-register harmonies uplifted by cinematic production. Racking up over 250M worldwide streams to date and earning acclaim, the band presents an uncompromising and undeniable vision on their third full-length album, 'THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND' (Sumerian Records).
“Making the record changed us as songwriters and musicians. In many ways, I feel like it set me free as an artist because every decision made in the writing process was for myself, with no fear for anyone else’s expectations of what our third album should sound like. Be it our fans or our record label.”
They’ve always wielded this level of magic though…
The group’s 2016 self-titled debut, 'Bad Omens', yielded fan favorites such as “Glass Houses” and “The Worst In Me” which eclipsed 43 million Spotify streams. On its heels, 2019’s 'Finding God Before God Finds Me' spawned “Dethrone” (32 million Spotify streams) and “Careful What You Wish For”. Along the way, they toured with numerous marquee acts and received tastemaker praise.
After their first headline tour was canceled mid-way at the top of the global pandemic, the band found themselves at home in Los Angeles with plenty of time. Where they absorbed and imparted a different palette of unexpected inspirations. Channeling what the frontman describes at times as a “cursive sound” they embraced newfound confidence and boundlessly loose creativity. Anything went in the studio, and all “rules” were broken. Noah and Jolly wrote, produced, and engineered the music themselves while GRAMMY® Award-nominated producer and songwriter Zakk Cervini (Halsey, Grimes, Poppy, blink-182) lent his talents with the mix and master. Challenging himself, Noah decided to “make a track sampling items around the house, none of which were musical instruments”.
This ultimately became the framework for the first single “THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND”. Claps puncture the icy soundscape as his voice stretches from a breathy moan into an evocative and entrancing hook, breaking from a whisper into the seductive chant, “It wasn’t hard to realize. Love’s the death of peace of mind.” It culminates on a climactic scream uplifted by a distorted crunch.
“The whole record really details the loss of peace of mind,” he explains. “The lyrics in the title track are a little more specific in terms of the conflict at the heart of something more intimate and personal.”
By speaking it aloud, Bad Omens offer a level of comfort and empathy, with a sinister shroud. At the same time, they also give rock music a sexy new shape on 'THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND'.
“Sonically, we want to do something you can’t arrive late or early too,” he leaves off. “You can’t cheat your way to the final act. You have to get on the ride and process it until the end. The songs are meant to be heard from start to finish. We want you to take the whole trip with us.”
UADA Kicks Off North American Headlining Tour
Enigmatic black metal masters UADA will be retraversing the void starting tomorrow, August 30, in Denver, CO! The extensive North American headliner sees support from CLOAK and GHOST BATH and will make its way around the continent until the final curtain draws on October 1 in North Hollywood, CA. The full itinerary can be found below and tickets are now on sale HERE.
UADA will be touring in support of their forthcoming opus, Crepuscule Natura,' which will be released worldwide on September 8, 2023 via Eisenwald.
ICYMI: the USBM purveyors recently released a brand new single, "The Dark (Winter)," which can be streamed HERE.
'Crepuscule Natura' is now available for worldwide pre-sale HERE.
The album follows up UADA's 2020 release, 'Djinn,' which was regarded as "the most important record of the year" by Metal Insider, named one of the Best Albums of 2020 by New Noise Magazine, and regarded as "worthy of our your undivided attention at worst, and complete worship at best" for the Decibel Magazine October 2020 issue cover story.
Photo by Peter Beste
UADA North American tour (w/ support from Cloak and Ghost Bath):
8/30: Denver, CO @ Roxy Theater
8/31: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
9/1: Boise, ID @ Shredder
9/2: Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
9/3: Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw
9/5: Calgary, AB @ Dickens
9/6: Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room
9/7: Saskatoon, SK @ Coors Event Center
9/8: Winnipeg, MB @ The Good Will
9/9: Minneapolis, MN @ Studio B at Skyway Theatre
9/10: Milwaukee, WI @ X-Ray
9/11: Cleveland, OH @ No Class **NEW VENUE**
9/12: Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving Underground
9/13: Toronto, ON @ Lee's Palace
9/14: Ottawa, ON @ Brass Monkey
9/15: Quebec City, QC @ La Source De La Martiniere
9/16: Montreal, QC @ Petit Campus
9/17: Brooklyn, NY @ Meadows
9/18: Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy
9/19: Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery
9/20: Raleigh, NC @ The Pour House
9/21: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
9/22: New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa
9/23: Houston, TX @ Secret Room
9/25: Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live
9/26: El Paso, TX @ Rockhouse
9/27: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad **NEW VENUE**
9/28: Phoenix, AZ @ Pub Rock Live
9/29: Las Vegas, NV @ The Usual Place **NEW VENUE**
9/30: San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
10/1: North Hollywood, CA @ Knitting Factory
Ever since the cloaked Pacific Northwest band appeared on the music radar, UADA has always been electrified by both polar worlds. Their echelon was stark and meaningful. Within the stretch of three albums as well as dense and triumphant live shows across the globe, they have not only spiked the map of extreme metal music but their unrelenting touring schedule and unbridled will to push forward into new horizons has also earned them a reception in all the extremes imaginable, be it worship or spite.
Five sonic vessels form the nucleus of 'Crepuscule Natura,' and within it`s 41 minutes, the record easily creates a sonic and aesthetic bridge between the band`s debut, 'Devoid of Light' (2016), and their sophomore effort 'Cult of a Dying Sun' (2018), only to forge onward upon the relentless path set forth with 'Djinn' (2020). Here, a more refined and muscular, yet no less melodic stronghold awaits. On 'Crepuscule Natura,' UADA provides all their memorable hooks, tasteful leads, and riding blasts in their distinct style, balancing their epic surging melodies with powerful spurts of aggression. Just like the band's smoke-heavy shows, the momentum and emphasis of their craft always stays grandiose, mythical, and triumphant – all the while making sure to birth a couple of new fan favorites and soon-to-be staple live songs.
'Crepuscule Natura', once again graced by the artwork of legendary Kris Verwimp and photography by Peter Beste, shows UADA on fire to unleash the marrow of black heavy metal.
Album Credits:
All music by UADA
Mixed and Mastered by Jake Superchi at Obsidian Spells
Album Cover & Moon emblem by Kris Verwimp
Photography by Peter Beste
Layout by Valkenstijn
Released via Eisenwald
Follow/Stream UADA:
Digital album released on September 8, 2023
CD formats to be shipped on or around September 15, 2023
Vinyl formats to be shipped on or around November 3, 2023
Chordophone collective Lusitanian Ghosts release upbeat 'September' single ahead of new 'Lusitanian Ghosts III' album
"Magnetic appeal... creating a broader cultural and sonic arsenal, while maintaining a buoyancy that takes the listener on a fantastic ride from start to finish" ~ The Spill Magazine
"Lusitanian Ghosts impressively channel tools of the past to create a beautiful sonic vision. Innovative in their use of traditional instruments to make modern pop-rock, this music is upbeat, quirky, feels familiar and is catchy as hell" ~ Big Takeover Magazine
"Highly melodic and sonically great... a pertinent, contemporary collection of songs that is full of dignity" ~ Amplify Music Magazine
Trans-Atlantic alternative neo-folk collective Lusitanian Ghosts presents their new single 'September', heralding the release of the third long-player 'Lusitanian Ghosts III' from this Portuguese-Canadian-Swedish chordophone collective (out September 15 via European Phonographic).
Recorded and mixed at Clouds Hill Studios in Hamburg by Sebastian Muxfeldt (Elbow, Peter Doherty, Teenage Fanclub), the single (like the coming album) will be released in both stereo and mono versions. Earlier, the band previewed the singles 'The Long Train', 'Shameless' and 'Got Enough'.
Founded by Neil Leyton and Micke Ghost (a.k.a. Mikael Lundin), Lusitanian Ghosts is a Portuguese-Canadian-Swedish project reviving lost instruments and presenting ancient sounds in the 21st Century. Re-casting these heritage folk violas into rock n roll songs, the European artist collective writes from a socio-political perspective on building a better world, creating songs for the heart and mind, recording on analogue tape and releasing moving music on vinyl.
Together with João Sousa, Abel Beja (from Primitive Reason), ToZé Bexiga (from Raia) and Jan-Eric Olsson, Lusitanian Ghosts plays traditional Portuguese chordophone instruments, ancient regional guitars (Amarantina, Beiroa, Campaniça, Braguesa, Toeira, Terceirense). These instruments, once on the verge of extinction, are the real "Lusitanian Ghosts" (Lusitania being an ancient Celtic tribe in what would become the central territory of Portugal).
'Lusitanian Ghosts' digital order https://lusitanianghosts.bandcamp.com/album/lusitanian-ghosts-iii
'September' evokes the Portuguese emotion of "saudade" - a happy-sad longing or yearning, a certain condition of the heart and soul. Here, Lusitanian Ghosts bring to the fore the Portuguese folk chordophone violas Amarantina, Campaniça and Terceirense, skilfully played by Michael Lundin, ToZé Bexiga and Abel Beja respectively.
ToZé's viola Campaniça, from the Portuguese heartland of Alentejo, also gets a processed treatment on this track, belying the fact that Lusitanian Ghosts make music with absolutely no guitars - just chordophones, bass and drums. Althought a brand new rock n roll alt-folk sub-genre, these songs feel warmly familiar.
"Musically, this one started out with an old bassline that I’d been toying around with for years but never got anywhere with. When I read Neil's lyrics that riff came to mind and we used it for the song originally. As it turned out, Janne came up with a much better bassline so my old one is still lying around waiting to be used in a future song. We couldn’t really decide if this was supposed to be a fast or a slow song, the chorus worked well both fast and slow so we just slowed it down in the ending so we got both. It turned out very well. A catchy little tune with ToZé on his baddest Pearl Thompson behaviour," says Micke Ghost.
Neil Leyton adds, "To me, September was always the most intense month of each year during my formative years... spending Summers on the beach in Portugal, then flying back to Canada for school... this song is about some of those intense childhood and growing up memories, both the good ones as well as the not so good ones... growing up is hard, but then you're an adult and you totally miss it, haha. This is also the perfect song to really introduce the wide breadth of emotions that are coming up on the rest of the Lusitanian Ghosts III album... coming, you guessed it, September 15th!"
'September' is out now, available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The 'Lusitanian Ghosts III' album will be released on September 15. It can be pre-ordered digitally via Bandcamp and also on vinyl, with both mono version and stereo version available.
SINGLE CREDITS
Neil Leyton - vocals
Mikael Lundin aka Micke Ghost - vocals and Viola Amarantina
João Sousa - drums and Adufe
Abel Beja - viola Terceira and backing vocals
António “ToZé” Bexiga - Viola Campaniça
Janne Olsson - bass and Viola Beirão
Published by Lusitanian Music Publishing
Written and Produced by Neil Leyton and Mikael Lundin
Recorded at Clouds Hill Studios, Hamburg
Engineered and Mixed by Sebastian Muxfeldt
Assisted by Schulie Pieper
Mastered by Chris von Rautenkranz at SoundGarden Hamburg
Album cover painting 'Hamnen' (The Harbour) by Yngve Forsberg
Album cover art photography by Swedish photographer Stina Wigg
'September' lyric video created by LyricFind (Toronto)
Keep up with Lusitanian Ghosts
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Hollow Front Announce "The Fear Of Letting Go" + Share "We're All Left Suffering" Video
HOLLOW FRONT ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM THE FEAR OF LETTING GO
ALBUM ARRIVES OCTOBER 27 VIA UNFD
BAND SHARES VIDEO FOR "WE'RE ALL LEFT SUFFERING"
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based metalcore slingers HOLLOW FRONT have announced their new album The Fear of Letting Go. It arrives October 27 via UNFD. Pre-order it here.
Today, the band has shared the video for "We're All Left Suffering," a track that finds Hollow Front in absolute beast mode, fusing vitriolic fury, riffs, and vocals, with forward-thinking guitar shred!
"This track is an anthem for the broken spirited," says vocalist Tyler Tate. "We live in a world riddled with heartache and constant struggle. Whether mentally, physically, or financially, we are a collective of human beings doing our best to survive."
He continues, "I think with everything that's happened in the world over these last three years, things might seem hopeless. It feels like the whole world has gone mad, and we're all just here suffering along for the ride. It can be incredibly discouraging being a human in today's social and economic climate. So I think this song is for those people who are sick of dealing with the bullshit life is throwing at them, and just want to truly breathe for once."
"We're All Left Suffering" follows "Letting Go," which addressed the exit of singer/guitarist Dakota Alvarez and served as a swan song for him.
EPICA - reveal new video of 'Beyond The Matrix (Live At The AFAS Live)'
On October 6th, EPICA’s new digital EP Live At The AFAS Live will be finally available, and today the band reveals another uplifting hit with ‘Beyond The Matrix’.
Coen Janssen comments: “This is our ‘ultimate’ live track! We haven’t found an audience yet that didn’t bounce with is during the chorus. Can you imagine how awesome it looked to see the whole AFAS jump simultaneously?! A great view to end the show full of adrenaline!!”
For those who don’t want to wait another month to enjoy the live videos from the band’s biggest home country headline show to date, you can now tune in to the new heavy metal streaming platform Thunderflix, where EPICA’s latest BluRay release from 2021, Omega Alive, is exclusively available as full stream – check it out here and subscribe to see many more metal shows at: https://www.thunderflix.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?campaign=epica
Vinyl fans are also in luck as on October 13th, EPICA will finally re-issue their fifth albumRequiem For The Indifferent on transparent red double vinyl. Initially released in 2012, the record featured the evergreen and fan-favorite ‘Storm The Sorrow’ and has been out of print for over 8 years: https://bfan.link/requiem-for-the-indifferent
Emerging Grunge Band G.U.S.H. Revives 90s' Nostalgia with Debut Single, "I Hate Myself"
Emerging grunge trio G.U.S.H. is leading the charge in 90s' grunge revival, calling to a very specific nostalgia familiar to kids who grew up during the heydays of MTV and Nickelodeon. The alt-rockers are now making their debut with their first ever single, "I Hate Myself," along with a music video that calls back to the analog days. The clip can be found below.
G.U.S.H. comments on the album's heavy themes and creation, "G.U.S.H. is a modern take on 90s grunge music. Songwriter Roger LeBlanc has taken the traditional sound of grunge music and added elements of shoegaze, post-rock, and metal. This new path has given LeBlanc an opportunity to express the weight of living with a debilitating chronic mental illness through low tuned heavy riffs coupled with intimate lyrics and a dynamic vocal delivery that rides the lines between mania and violence.
"This album is a window into mental illness and addiction and deals with the grieving process, the suicide of a dear friend, and the loss of who LeBlanc once was. The creation of this album acts as a therapeutic process through which the themes of trauma and healing can be explored while offering a sense of solidarity and empowerment. LeBlanc wants to let people who are struggling know they are not alone and that there can be quality of life achievable through self compassion, patience, and acceptance, and hopes that it inspires others to embark on their own journey of healing and love."
Currently, G.U.S.H. is an independent D.I.Y. act and is gearing up to reveal their debut self-titled full-length, for which more info will soon be announced! In the meantime, you can stream the new single across all streaming platforms HERE and peep the artwork and tracklisting below!
The 90s’ was the last decade to champion alternative music; grunge topped the charts as glam metal started to falter, MTV was not only dedicated to serving household audiences with new and legacy music, but also saw the dawn of Mike Judge cartoons that paid homage to rock and metal culture, and even Nickelodeon sought artists such as Devo, Iggy Pop, Blondie, and Third Eye Blind to participate in their children’s programming, be it through musical introduction numbers for iconic TV shows or unlikely cameos. As millennials broke into the aughts and approached their teen years, the alt-mania started to fade away. MTV gradually stopped purveying music and became a hub for reality television instead. Nickelodeon lost its edge and iconic branding. And above all, the rockers who wrote some of the most legendary music of the era started to meet their demise. Now, nearly 30 years after grunge started to take the airways, a new era is being ushered in with G.U.S.H., an emerging band from Canada who is an amalgamation of 90s’ alt-nostalgia.
“90s alternative music played such a huge role for me, especially at such an impressionable age,” says G.U.S.H songwriter Roger LeBlanc. “My two cousins were Gen ‘X’ers and they introduced me to what would be the foundation that I base all music I create off of. Albums like ‘Nevermind,’ ‘Razorblade Suitcase’ and ‘Mellon Collie’ and ‘The Infinite Sadness.’ These all influenced what I love in my music – pop song structure, catchy hooks, guitar driven jams and an upfront drum production, all dripping with angst. Deftones showed me that you can mash up two totally opposing influences and make something unique and powerful.”
LeBlanc continues, “I think we were the first generation to really be left to our own to figure out life. Both parents were expected to be working in the 90’s and that created such a unique form of anxiety in every aspect of life which embodies itself in all the cultural aspects of the time. The cartoons were weird, so were the toys. Video games were really starting to explode and the internet had arrived. I kind of raised myself in that sense. MTV (Much Music in Canada) and PC Gamer magazines is where I got the only news I cared about in those days. I think the main way these play into G.U.S.H. is that it is kind of a call back to a more simple time for me, although the lyrics can be austere, this really is a project about healing and finding yourself again.”
For some, LeBlanc’s foray into alternative music might be a surprise, as he last musical venture was with the now defunct post-black metal horde Numenorean. In some ways, G.U.S.H. is a major diversion from Numenorean, but when one really reads between the lines, there’s a duality within the post-rock elements found within both projects, calling to more nuanced 90s acts like the Deftones, who always painted outside the lines with layers of texture. “I wanted to get back to the basics,” explains LeBlanc of this musical change. “I wanted to explore what made me fall in love with music to begin with. This is music I’ve always wanted to play and to be honest I really pushed to have more aspects of it in my black metal project. I just couldn’t find anyone who wanted to play or write music like this with me, so I just did it myself. Then I surrounded myself with artists who wanted to be there. At the end of the day, I wanted to fall in love with music all over again and just have fun. I feel like I lost that in my previous project and I am so excited to have it back.”
What’s striking about G.U.S.H.’s debut is the stark contrast between the bright music and dark lyrics, reminiscent of the forlorn icons of the 90s who battled their demons publicly through their deep and mournful words against the backdrop of high-energy riffs and beats. “I wanted to convey what it’s like to live with chronic mental illness and the challenges I face being Bipolar,” LeBlanc candidly explains. “I wanted to explore my practice of wearing a mask to protect the ones I love and to be able to function professionally as an artist. The lyrics are what I’m truly feeling and the conversations I have with myself. The cheerful instrumental aspect of the sound is the mask I wear when I’m out in the world. This also plays into the experience of the mood swings and crippling depression associated with being Bipolar.”
The stigma that often goes along with mental health struggles is one that had started to become erased and challenged by the forefathers of the grunge genre. Artists became more open about their battles with depression, anxiety, and addiction, paving the way for individuals to speak more candidly about their own personal demons and to seek help before it’s too late. “I think things got a little more basic in the 90’s with regards to music and being openly pissed off and depressed was okay,” LeBlanc explains. “The faces of music became more about the human condition, not really pretending to be anything else. Like, hair metal in the 80’s which was huge before Nirvana hit the scene. Those bands were very much a suspension of belief with tons of gimmicks. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, but I think different generations expect different things from their artists. 90’s grunge and alternative was just a group of folks playing in a band and writing emotionally charged music. The emphasis was on stripped down songwriting and less with the gimmicks or makeup or being ‘heavier’ than the other band. It was about writing good catchy jams and owning the pop influence. I hope that it influences people to not shy away from pop music, just because it’s pop music. There’s so much to learn from other people's creations. I hope that people hear all the influences in our music and go ‘Oh, shit, I never thought to do that, I’m totally going to steal that!’”
While the millennials will never get to experience the haunting live prowess of legends like Kurt Cobain or Layne Staley, and Gen Z starts to see the last of the 90s heroes leave this plain such as Chris Cornell and Scott Weiland, G.U.S.H. emerges as an answer to those yearning for the nostalgia that they never got to experience first hand. The band joins the ranks of some of LeBlanc’s favorite modern acts who strive to capture the cultural essence from before the turn of the century. “There’s a couple of really great modern bands that inspired me on this journey,” he remarks. “Dilly Dally, Dead Soft, Superheaven, Narrow Head, Teenage Wrist, Fleshwater and Loathe. All fucking awesome!” He cheekily adds another piece of his childhood that seems to have made its way into the 2020s. “Also, bucket hats are back…I don’t know if that’s a good thing though?”
As G.U.S.H. makes its debut as an independent artist, the band captures the irony of how musical digitalization has now empowered artists to be their own creators. Napster once caused grievous harm to musicians by eliminating music sales, but now with the rise of digital streaming services and Bandcamp, this unlikely medium has started to allow artists to become DIY entities and not tied to the limiting corporate structure of a record label. As the band begins its journey, there is no doubt that they will be among the leaders of the grunge revival movement, one that kids will rediscover in another 20 years and feel inspired to mimic. “I hope that it inspires people!” exclaims LeBlanc. “I hope that folks will get out of this album what I get out of the albums I love. I also hope it helps all my sad folks feel a little better knowing they aren’t alone. That’s what Nirvana and Deftones did for me. I hope that I can give that back in some way to someone else.”
Recording Lineup:
Roger LeBlanc (Guitar/Vocals)
David Horrocks (Drums)
Josh Schroeder (Bass)
Live Lineup:
Roger LeBlanc (Guitar/Vocals)
David Horrocks (Drums)
Jeremy Shannon (Bass)
Ben Taillefer (Guitar)
Album Cover Artist:
Matthew Springer
Produced, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Josh Schroeder
Links:
Awake The Dreamer Share New Video
Awake The Dreamer have shared the new single "Labyrinth," an anthem of self-discovery, empowerment, and liberation!
Watch the video below.
Dive deep into the narrative of someone courageously breaking free from the chains of their past, rising above previous struggles, and awakening a fierce determination that fuels a newfound agency. This song is more than just a melody; it's a declaration of the strength it takes to reclaim control and build a better future for oneself. It's a musical journey that celebrates the power of self-determination and the strength that comes from within.
"We are really excited to continue the next chapter of Awake The Dreamer and for all awesome things we have in store coming in the near future. See you out there," enthuses vocalist Max Andrén.
The history of Awake The Dreamer leads us back to 2015, when the Stockholm based Melodic Post-Hardcore/Metalcore act was formed by childhood and high school friends. Since dropping the Grow EP in 2016, the band been seen touring all across Europe and Asia alongside bands like Ice Nine Kills, Northlane, Adept, and Crystal Lake, to name a few.
In September 2019, the band dropped the debut album Damaged Souls via Arising Empire. A 10-track introduction to hard-hitting, melodic post-hardcore/metalcore, which also included features by Adept's Robert Ljung on "Vigilant" and Crystal Lake's Ryo Kinoshita on "Atmosphere."
"Being a smaller band that didn't even have an album out by the time we had toured Europe and Asia quite finally caught up to us and then the pandemic hit. Like that wasn't enough, we unfortunately had former members leaving the band, so it became natural for us to just start from scratch in order to re-develop a new sound. A sound which we are really happy and proud of. It feels great to start releasing music again and we are really excited to be back," says bassist Benjamin Turesson.
AWAKE THE DREAMER ARE:
Max Andrén — Vocals
Victor Sandberg — Guitar
Johan Norsander — Guitar
Benjamin Turesson — Bass
Mavis Share New Video
ARISING EMPIRE WELCOME MAVIS TO ITS ROSTER
BAND SHARES VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE "TORTURED LAND" — WATCH
German metalcore ensemble MAVIS, featuring vocalist Phil Donay, guitarist Manu Weller, bassist Mo Amrein, and drummer Jakob Schulz-Klein, are thrilled to reveal their new association with prominent label Arising Empire, along with the news of forthcoming music!
Following an impressive debut in the metalcore community with their initial three singles in 2020, this Southern German group is gearing up to release more tunes soon. MAVIS' brand new single, titled "Tortured Land," is out now. Watch the video below.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pia Böhl
For the recording, mixing, and mastering of their new tracks, MAVIS collaborated with Manuel Renner of Überlärm Studios, a professional gaining recognition for his collaborations with bands such as Senna, CONSVMER, Vicious Rain, and The Butcher Sisters, among others. Together, they crafted a sound that accentuates the band's melodic yet spirited aspects while retaining a robust and vibrant energy.
"Tortured Land" features a visually compelling music video, filmed in collaboration with Danny Jakov of deadapefilms, encapsulating MAVIS' intensely dynamic performance style. The narrative portrays the challenge of confronting inner demons and anxieties, illustrating how facing them alone can exacerbate the issues, causing them to expand like a delicate glass sphere until it shatters, wreaking havoc on everything in its path.
MAVIS ARE:
Phil Donay — Vocals
Manu Weller — Guitar
Mo Amrein — Guitar
Jakob Schulz-Klein — Drums
Resolve Shares New Videos — WATCH🙌
SECOND FULL-LENGTH HUMAN DROPS SEPTEMBER 15 VIA ARISING EMPIRE
Resolve continue the roll out of their new album Human (out September 15 via Arising Empire) with the release of a brand new track titled "Older Days."
The new single features special guest vocals from both ten56.and Paleface Swiss as Resolve explore areas of both Trap and Hip-Hop, showcasing a whole new side to the band.
Watch the video below.
Vocalist Anthony Diliberto shares, "I wanted to express how I find comfort in surrendering to my inner demons, to the point that getting rid of them would make me an entirely different person, which I'm scared to encounter."
Bassist Robin Mariat continues, "When it came to picking it as a single for the Human campaign, we knew it was the one track we should try and do something different with its release. So we called for two of the most accomplished vocalists we know, Aaron Matts from ten56. and Zelli from Paleface Swiss to come to our studio and spice it up a bit more with us. Not only that, but we thought it could also be fun to film all three vocalists do a vocal run-through for the track once It was all done."
Pre-order Human now at the Arising Empire Shop.
Ever since their public reveal in February 2017 with the debut single "Exposed," Resolve have been eager to show their peers that they won't settle for anything but greatness. Their strong work ethic and attention to details allowed them to open shows for Architects, Every Time I Die, While She Sleeps, to name a few — within the first few months of the band's career.
RESOLVE released their debut album Between Me and The Machine in 2021 and had support from the likes of Kerrang! Magazine, Rock Sound, Metal Hammer, and Kerrang! Radio, while their tracks were rightfully placed on Spotify editorial playlists like New Core, New Metal, and Kickass Metal, gaining millios of streams worldwide.
RESOLVE ARE:
Anthony Diliberto — Vocals
Antonin Carré — Guitar
Robin Mariat — Bass
Nathan Mariat — Drums
Taking Back Sunday Announce New Album "152" + Share New Single "S'old"
Taking Back Sunday — John Nolan (lead guitar, piano, vocals), Adam Lazzara (lead vocals), Shaun Cooper (bass), and Mark O’Connell (drums), announced their eighth studio album 152, set for release October 27 via Fantasy Records. Named for the section of road in North Carolina between Highpoint, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh where the band and their friends would meet up as teenagers ⎯ 152 is the multl-platinum selling rock band's first full-length offering since 2016's Tidal Wave. To mark the occasion, Taking Back Sunday released a brand-new track, "S'old," a fiery declaration of commitment and accountability.
Listen/watch the official video for "S'old" HERE.
Pre-order 152 HERE.
Commenting on their new album 152, Taking Back Sunday states, "'152' offers a lot more hope and light than we first realized when we were in the thick of it, putting it all together. We've been fortunate enough, through our music, to grow up with a lot of people going through the same things at the same time, and probably feeling the same way. Our hope is that you're able to find a little bit of yourself in this new collection of songs, because you're not alone, and neither are we."
Produced by Tushar Apte (whom the band met through a mutual collaboration with noted DJ Steve Aoki) and mixed by Neal Avron (Twenty One Pilots, Bleachers), the long-awaited LP features 10 intensely vulnerable and absorbing new tracks all delivered with fresh ambition and newfound purpose. Inspired by the long layoff and the cloud of uncertainty that blanketed the world (and music industry) these past few years,152 stands among the most genuinely reflective and emotionally pure efforts of Taking Back Sunday's illustrious career.
"You would think after 20 years, we knew what each other is going to do," said Lazzara. "But there were so many times making this record where I heard the initial idea and thought I knew where it would go, but then I was super surprised. It's those kinds of surprises that make it so exciting. That's why we all still want it so badly."
Added O'Connell, "When we're writing songs, the one thing we ask ourselves, 'Is it capable of making people feel something?' You try to make people feel emotion. That's the one goal we went in with, and we think we did it."
From the album's intricate riffs and anthemic vocals to its elegantly warm synths and economical string arrangements, the quartet work-shopped these new tracks like never before. That musical ambition, both musically and lyrically, is evident on the soaring album opener, "Amphetamine Smiles," a powerful tale of reconnection that is as much about the band themselves as it is the world at-large. From send-up to seriousness, Taking Back Sunday continually challenged one another, exploring musical ideas in new and exciting ways. So many of these tracks dig deep and connect on a gut level. "S'old" struggles with the obligations of adult responsibility and acceptance, (the previously released single) "The One," is a far-reaching anthem of love and brotherhood, "Keep Going," tracks the self-defeating darkness of betrayal, and "Quit Trying," drips with a 'can't run from who you are' self-awareness. All through 152, the consistent thread is one of generosity, gratitude and ultimately, hope.
Over two decades, Taking Back Sunday have cultivated a massive, dedicated fanbase built around music that reverberates with sincerity, desire, and connection. The influential, beloved rock powerhouse, originally from Long Island, NY, brought songcraft and pop sensibilities to punk's rigid conformity that expanded the genre’s contours and carried the band to new heights.
Despite the sizable gap between releases, a new generation of fans have discovered Taking Back Sunday and their enduring legacy has only grown in stature. The new album proves it was well worth the wait.
152 is Taking Back Sunday at their very best, a gripping and self-assured statement from an essential band once again at the peak of their prodigious powers.
PHOTO CREDIT: Ashly Osborn
TAKING BACK SUNDAY ON TOUR:
9/09 — Las Vegas, NV — Freemont Street Experience – (Free Show)
9/29 — Cocoa, FL — Cocoa Riverfront Park
9/30 — Jupiter, FL — Dastoberfest
12/1 — Melbourne, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
12/2 — Sydney, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
12/3 — Brisbane, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
More dates will be announced soon!
Darius Rucker to Preview New Album 'Carolyn's Boy' with Performances of "Fires Don't Start Themselves" & More This Friday on TODAY
As anticipation mounts ahead of his first solo album in six years, Carolyn’s Boy, three-time GRAMMY winner Darius Rucker is set to deliver an unforgettable show on NBC’s “TODAY” Citi Concert Series stage this Friday, Sept. 1 during the 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. hours. In addition to songs from his multi-time Diamond certified catalog of hits, fans will hear a preview of music off the forthcoming album, set for Oct. 6 release and available for preorder here.
“I wanted to name the record Carolyn’s Boy because Mom never got to see any of my success,” Rucker previously shared with “TODAY” host Craig Melvin of the project. “She died before any of this happened, so it’s just another homage to the greatest woman I’ve ever known.”
Featuring current single “Fires Don’t Start Themselves,” No. 1 hit “Beers And Sunshine,” recent release “Have A Good Time” and more, the 14-song tribute to a woman who embodied joy boasts Rucker as a songwriter on 11 tracks and includes a collaboration with rising trio Chapel Hart as well as Rucker’s powerful take on the Rihanna ballad “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
In addition to his musical offerings, the famed sports fan continues to expand his creative endeavors off the stage and onto the field. Rucker’s Fanatics apparel line recently launched its third season of NFL gear while expanding to include all 30 MLB teams and select NCAA markets. Rucker's passion for sports and music will also converge as he performs the national anthem at the USC vs UNC game this weekend to kick off the college football season, which he will play an important part of as the new voice of ESPN’s “College GameDay” theme song.
For more information on all things Darius Rucker, including his personally-curated Riverfront Revival Music Festival returning to Charleston on Oct. 7 & 8, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.
About Darius Rucker
Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Double Diamond-certified (21x Platinum) debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart, including RIAA Platinum-certified Learn to Live and True Believers, plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and in 2014 he won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. He co-hosted the 54th annual CMA Awards in 2020 and topped the charts at Country radio once again with “Beers And Sunshine” in 2021. Rucker’s new single, “Fires Don’t Start Themselves” is available everywhere now as a preview of his forthcoming album set for Oct. 6 release, Carolyn's Boy, as he performs new music for fans this summer on his Starting Fires Tour.
As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. and has raised over $3.6 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament. In addition, Rucker has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn. Rucker is also an avid sports fan, with his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics apparel line available at Fanatics.com, and he is part of the Music City Baseball investment group working to bring an MLB team to Tennessee in addition to serving as a partner at the MGC Sports & Entertainment agency.
Indie folk-pop artist Mike Gale set to release milestone 20th album 'Thanks For Always Waving'
"‘Summer, Be Gone’ actually feels like a warm zephyr floating through an open window on a balmy summer’s day... like water bouncing off silk... a most wonderful and unique chorus which goes against the pop-norm by being a ghostly shimmer of reverb and wistfulness" ~ Joyzine
"Adorned with easy grace, this is triumphal folk-pop at its finest... like something Tame Impala and The Beach Boys might have performed together under the heavy influence of Paul Simon" ~ The Spill Magazine
"Equal parts charming and entertaining. A presentation of Gale's unique mind and it's abilities as a wonderfully adept melody making machine" ~ Headstuff
"A beautifully articulated songbook throughout. Swimmingly brilliant in it's indie slacker charm" ~ Monolith Cocktail
British folk-pop artist Mike Gale presents his stunning new album 'Thanks for Always Waving' (out September 8). With 11 tracks on offer, this is a rich and thoughtful collection of world- and folk-inspired indie pop.
Gale's music is positively-vibed folk-inspired indie pop. Generating catchy melodies and harmonies, this will be his 20th album in 20 years. Initially writing and performing under the Co-Pilgrim and Black Nielson monikers, this is the twelfth album released under his own name.
Mastered by Todd Tobias (Guided By Voices, Circus Devils), this album was produced, recorded and mixed by Gale as his home studio. In the lead up to the album's release, he released the singles 'Grumble Pie' and 'Summer Be Gone', along with a calming video featuring the artist Kimvi, which was filmed in Suzhou, China by Matt Wallwork,
"'Thanks for Always Waving' is my 20th album. I wanted to go back to basics a bit with this one - simple pop songs with a stripped down gentle feel. I was very inspired by one of my favourite bands' (Tall Dwarfs) use of homemade percussion for rhythm, and the idea that you don't need a traditional drum sound to make a song groove. Lyrically, the album is mostly about trying to keep a positive outlook and being generally grateful for what you have despite the world seeming like a terrible place most of the time," says Mike Gale.
Album pre-order https://mikegale.bandcamp.com/album/thanks-for-always-waving
"The title of the album comes from my love of a YouTube channel called 'Solo Travel Japan', which is basically a guy taking overnight ferry trips to the many Japanese islands. One of the things he says as he leaves port is "Thanks for Always Waving" and it stuck."
A multi-instrumentalist, Gale has been singing for as long as he can remember. But it wasn't until he was around 20 that he formally began playing the guitar and writing his own music, citing The Lemonheads as a big influence in those early years. Born in Southampton, Mike Gale spent a good chunk of his childhood in North Devon and then Oxford, New York and Melbourne before returning home to settle on his beloved south coast of England.
With Gale taking melodic and percussive cues from influences such as Tall Dwarfs, Pavement and The Clean, 'Thanks for Always Waving' is ultimately one of his most pop-oriented albums to date, filled with mellow bongo beats and gentle washes of wavey organs.
As of September 8, 'Thanks For Always Waving' will be available from fine digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, .
CREDITS
Written and performed by Mike Gale
Produced, recorded and mixed by Mike Gale
Mastered by Todd Tobias (Guided By Voices, Circus Devils)
Single cover photo by Akira Deng
Video filmed by Matt Wallwork in Suzhou, China
Actress featuring Kimvi
Keep up with Mike Gale
Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact
Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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CARNIFEX - RELEASE VIDEO VISUALIZER FOR SECOND SINGLE 'DEATH'S FORGOTTEN CHILDREN' FEAT. TOM BARBER (CHELSEA GRIN)
Nourished by nightmares and the throbbing pulse of pragmatic terror, CARNIFEX have returned with their ninth full-length studio album, Necromanteum, out October 6th via Nuclear Blast Records. After existing as a band for over 18 years, CARNIFEX continue to experiment with fresh song arrangements, and adding a unique sense of atmosphere to their inherently deathcore foundation.
The band offers fans the next single from the album entitled, 'Death's Forgotten Children' which features Tom Barber of CHELSEA GRIN. Lyrically the song was inspired by near-death experiences that Scott and Tom have lived through.
CARNIFEX's Scott Ian Lewis comments, “I really had a great time working with Tom. Not only did we collaborate on the vocal patterns but we co-wrote the lyrics, which is something I’ve never done before. The song came out great and we both hope the fans love it as much as we do.”
Stream the new single 'Death's Forgotten Children' featuring Tom Barber (CHELSEA GRIN) here:
https://carnifex.bfan.link/deaths-forgotten-children
Watch the video visualizer for 'Death's Forgotten Children' featuring Tom Barber(CHELSEA GRIN) below;
Pre-order/pre-save Necromanteum here:
https://carnifex.bfan.link/necromanteum
The recording process took place over the course of several weeks with producer Jason Suecof in Florida, and saw the return of live drums since COVID-19 restrictions made doing so on Graveside Confessions impossible. Mastered by Mark Lewis in Nashville, TN, the album was also co-produced by vocalist Scott Ian Lewis and drummer Shawn Cameron. The cover artwork glows with an emerald and lavender fog; a ghostly energy erupting from the depths of a cemetery. Designed by renowned comic book artist E.M. Gist, this gateway represents the questions we ask about what lies on the other side of reality.
Decades ago, wealthy intellectuals began installing psychomanteum in their homes; a secret room completely filled with mirrors, or a single mirror, and in complete darkness, in order to speak to the dead in other dimensions, and gain their knowledge. It was often used as a healing tool to help dissolve grief or considered a form of prophecy. Necromanteumpresents the concept: what if you could use that kind of room to speak with death, itself? What secrets of the world could you uncover from a direct conversation with the grim reaper? Not a monster, but a fellow intellect.
Necromanteum will be available digitally and in the following formats:
CD Jewel
vinyl
Neon Green w/ Purple Splatter
This fall,CARNIFEXwill head across the U.S. on their 'Necromanteum Tour'. The 24-date trek will kick off on October 10th in Arizona and will make stops in Dallas, Columbus, and Denver before concluding on November 11th in Los Angeles. Joining the band each night are SIGNS OF THE SWARM, TO THE GRAVE, and THE LAST TEN SECONDS OF LIFE.
Tickets for the tour can be purchased at http://carnifexmetal.com/.
Confirmed dates forCARNIFEX's 'Necromanteum Tour'with SIGNS OF THE SWARM, TO THE GRAVE, and THE LAST TEN SECONDS OF LIFE are:
10.11.2023 U.S. Tucson, AZ – The Rock
10.13.2023 U.S. San Antonio, TX – The Rock Box
10.14.2023 U.S. Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live
10.15.2023 U.S. Dallas, TX – Gilley's (Monster Mosh Fest)
10.17.2023 U.S. New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
10.19.2023 U.S. Murfreesboro, TN – Hop Springs Beer Park
10.21.2023 U.S. Atlanta, GA – Masquerade – Heaven
10.22.2023 U.S. Orlando, FL – Level 13
10.24.2023 U.S. Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819
10.25.2023 U.S. Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27
10.26.2023 U.S. Asbury Park, NJ – House of Independents
10.27.2023 U.S. Patchogue, NY – Stereo Garden
10.28.2023 U.S. Reading, PA – Reverb
10.29.2023 U.S. Hartford, CT – Webster Theater
10.31.2023 U.S. Syracuse, NY – The Song & Dance
11.01.2023 U.S. Columbus, OH – King of Clubs
11.02.2023 U.S. Louisville, KY – Headliners Music Hall
11.03.2023 U.S. Joliet, IL – The Forge
11.04.2023 U.S. Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
11.06.2023 U.S. Omaha, NE – Slowdown
11.07.2023 U.S. Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
11.09.2023 U.S. Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
11.10.2023 U.S. Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater
11.11.2023 U.S. Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
Visit CARNIFEX at:
https://www.facebook.com/CarnifexMetal
https://www.instagram.com/carnifex
https://twitter.com/carnifex
https://www.youtube.com/carnifex
http://carnifexmetal.com