Chicago rocker LEON FREAR 'Wild Rice' album now out on vinyl. Watch the videos for 'A Murder of Crows' and 'She Fed Me Water'

"Frear has a way of telling stories that draw you in, bringing to the surface a multitude of common points, memories and feelings that resonate with the listener... Leon Frear lives to tell a resounding tale through gifted songwriting and clever story-telling" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Track of the Day. The way he tells the story makes it seem like he and the listener are commiserating together... great story" ~ Chasing Destino

"With a unmistakeable voice deserving of becoming a regular fixture in the mind-memory of music lovers everywhere... catchy and contemplative, showcasing clever lyrics channeled through his smooth and deep timbre... an invested labor of love" ~ Rock n Roll Biz
​
"Frear has a voice which somewhat recalls Marty Willson-Piper of The Church fame and his side project Nocturum... This is something for fans of Nick Cave and related" ~ Side-Line Magazine

"The combination of evocative lyrics and a dynamic musical backdrop creates an immersive experience, inviting listeners to delve into the complexities of love, longing, and self-discovery" ~ Skylight Webzine

Dubbing his brand of post-alternative music “vocabulary rock”, Frear aims to shift the emphasis away from the man and towards the music and lyrics, while inviting the listener to commiserate together through this exploration of grief, depression and sadness.

"I try to put less emphasis on sticking to one type of music and more emphasis on crafting songs with strong lyrics. So I’m really just trying to write in a way that the music compliments the lyrical meaning. And I think that can make pinning down my musical style a little more difficult. Broadly speaking, I cut my teeth on the post-punk guitar records of the late 90’s and early aughts and I think those influences still come through in the way I write music," says Leon Frear.

"Musically, I grew up listening to a lot of punk and indie bands. And the biggest influences for me are people I can admire for the way they behave and the way they treat people. Vanessa from Pylon, punk icons like Roger Miller and Patti Smith. Or bands who have had honorable careers like Fugazi or REM. These are the artists who I strive the most to be like."

The 'Wild Rice' album is out now, available digitally from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Also pressed on double vinyl for maximum fidelity, this first run pressing is limited to 100 copies.

CREDITS
Music and lyrics written by Leon Frear
Recorded by Leon Frear in his Chicago home studio
Mastering by Adam Boose at Cauliflower Studios
Vocals and instruments performed by Leon, except
Faye Whitt - backup vocals on 'Murder of Crows'
Front cover collage by Faye Whitt
Ronald Grandpey - Director / animator for  'Secret Second Moon' video
Artist photos by Jeremy Glickstein

Keep up with Leon Frear
Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

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

THE ARSON CHOIR PARTNER WITH OUTBURN TO RELEASE THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR THEIR EIGHTEEN VISIONS COVER OF 'TOWER OF SNAKES'

Southern Californian mathcore quintet THE ARSON CHOIR blends nostalgic and modern riffs to create their raw and organic sound. An intense live show filled with dissonant chords and creative melodies showcases a new style of fast and loud. Today, the band pays homage to EIGHTEEN VISIONS' who heavily influenced their sound. Head to Outburn.com to watch the performance video directed by Gene Ramirez for their cover of 'Tower Of Snakes'.

Check out the music video below.

Stream the 'Tower Of Snakes' cover on all platforms now at: https://lnk.to/towerofsnakes

The 'Tower Of Snakes' cover was recorded by Michael Eichstedts at Summit Studios while mixing and mastering were handled by Jeff Dunne (MAKE THEM SUFFER, ICE NINE KILLS, and KNOCKED LOOSE). The cover is a variation of the artwork created by Rai Ciego.

Catch THE ARSON CHOIR live on the following dates:
03/24/2024 Phoenix, AZ - Yucca Tap Room
09/13-15/2024 Portland, OR - Bridge City Fest

The Gentlemen of THE ARSON CHOIR are:
Phillip Penegar | Vocals
Marc Motley | Rhythm Guitar
Eric Carrizales | Lead Guitar
Eric Whitt | Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals

Order Invisible Monsters in the format your choice here:  
https://www.waragainstrecords.com/store

Photo By: Kitty Catalino

KORPIKLAANI - Release New Single/Video 'Oraakkelit'

Finnish folk metal superstars KORPIKLAANI are happy to unveil their newest single and music video  'Oraakkelit'. It's the third single from their upcoming new studio album, Rankarumpu, which is due to be released on April 5th, 2024. 

KORPIKLAANI's twelfth studio album is once again full of tasty folk metal and its different flavors, but it also offers new spices. One of the most wonderful features of Rankarumpu is related to the folk instruments. Although KORPIKLAANI has done one or maybe even a couple of unforgettable things in the realm of folk metal, this time new permanent member Olli Vänskä's violin and Sami Perttula's accordion may surprise even die-hard fans.

'Oraakkelit' shows a darker, more serious side of KORPIKLAANI and is a nice contrast to the happier, more upbeat previous singles, 'Saunaan' and 'Aita'. The mood of the song has been perfectly captured by a mystical and visually stunning video directed by Vesa Ranta.

Singer Jonne commented:
"I had never actually written a shuffle based song before and I wanted to try to write such a riff and see how it would work in metal music. Normally it is used a lot in old blues and rock’n’roll music. I was suprised how cool it went and then I thought: what if all the gods all over the world would have a big rock’n'roll dancing party together underground. The idea made me laugh, so I decided to use it!"

Drummer Samuli added:
”When I heard the first demo I was really excited. This is something very different! I felt there could be a cool shuffle feeling to the rhythm and I started to explored it. There is a great atmosphere in the song. First it lurks enigmatically but then it starts to rock! Drumwise you can use lots of dynamics. It will be a fun live song!”

LISTEN TO 'ORAAKKELIT':
https://korpiklaani.bfan.link/oraakkelit

PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE THE NEW ALBUM RANKARUMPU:
https://korpiklaani.bfan.link/rankarumpu

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'ORAAKKELIT' Below.

KORPIKLAANI have massive touring plans for 2024, following an extensive UK tour with Alestorm and Heidevolk in February and March,  a North Amercan tour with Visions Of Atlantis & Illumishade (feat. members of Eluveitie) will happen in April and May, and after that several big European Summer festivals await, as well as a European tour towards the end of the year. Scroll down for all confirmed dates.

RANKARUMPU NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2024
w/ Visions Of Atlantis & Illumishade

08.04.    US    Reading  -   Reverb
09.04.    US    New York City  -  Gramercy Theatre
10.04.    US    Boston  -  Brighton Music Hall
11.04.    CA    Montreal  -  La Tulipe
12.04.    CA    Ottawa  -  Brass Monkey
13.04.    CA    Toronto  -  Phoenix Concert Theatre 
14.04.    US    Pontiac  -  The Crofoot
15.04.    US    Milwaukee   - Turner Hall
17.04.    US    Minneapolis  -  Vivarium
18.04.    CA    Winnipeg  -  Park Theatre
19.04.    CA    Regina  -  The Exchange
20.04.    CA    Edmonton  -  Starlite Room
21.04.    CA    Calgary  -  Dickens 
23.04.    CA    Vancouver  -  Rickshaw Theatre
24.04.    US    Seattle  -  El Corazon
25.04.    US    Portland  -  BossaNova Ballroom
26.04.    US    San Francisco  -  DNA Lounge
27.04.    US    Los Angeles  -  1720
28.04.    US    San Diego  -  Brick By Brick
29.04.    US    Phoenix   - The Nile
01.05.    US    Denver  -  Gothic Theatre
02.05.    US    Lincoln  -  The Bourbon Theater
03.05.    US    Joliet  -  The Forge
04.05.    US    Pittsburgh  -  Mr Smalls Theatre
05.05.    US    Baltimore  -  Baltimore Soundstage

TICKETS: https://linktr.ee/rankarumpu_america_2024


CONFIRMED FESTIVALS 2024

29.03.             BE    Mons - Trolls & Legends Festival
08.05              FR Festival Echos et Merveilles - Bruguières
16.06              DE Merseburger Schlossfestspiele - Merseburg
21.06.             CH   Grenchen - Summerside Festival
27.-30.06.       FR    Clisson  -  Hellfest
05.07.             FI     Tampere - Tuhdimmat Tahdit
12.07.             FR    Laundresse  -  La Guerre Du Son
06.09              FR Mennecy Metal Fest – Mennecy
09.-11.08.       FR    Cercoux  -  Festival 666
09.-11.08.       UK    Walton on Trent   -  Bloodstock Open Air
09.-11.08.       BE    Kortrijk  -  Alcatraz Festival
14.-17.08.       DE    Dinkelsbühl  -  Summer Breeze
15.-17.08.       CZ    Zámek Moravský Krumlov  -  Rock Castle
24.08.             PT    Pindelo dos Milagres  -  Milagre Metaleiro Open Air

KORPIKLAANI ONLINE:
https://linktr.ee/korpiklaani

Fixation Arc (Members of KsE, Drowningman, Cancer Conspiracy, etc.) Share "The Void Stares Back"

In the labyrinth of underground metal, where genres intertwine and creativity knows no bounds, emerges Fixation Arc.

The four-piece is an enigmatic progressive thrash metal supergroup.

Formed as a pandemic project between guitarist Daryl Rabidoux (The Cancer Conspiracy, Drowningman) and drummer Justin Foley (Killswitch Engage, Lybica), the two quickly discovered fertile ground in complex riffs and patterns that grew into their first two songs.

Adding Philip Jamieson (Caspian) on bass and Jonathon Newby (Brazil/JC Autobody) on vocals, Fixation Arc bring together four talents from disparate corners of the musical universe to transcend mere headbanging and breakdowns, and create a cerebral and cathartic experience.

Meticulously crafted and expertly executed, their debut single "The Void Stares Back" delivers four minutes of relentless speed and intricate time signatures that are as intellectually engaging and adventurous as emotionally resonant.

Watch and listen

"'The Void Stares Back' is a headlong dive into darkness, chaos, and an entropic universe," the band says. "It's about seeing things for what they are, and the meaningless rituals we use to forget what's crawling up from the abyss."

ERRA Share "Crawl Backwards Out of Heaven" Video

Prolific metalcore progressives ERRA recently announced their new album CURE, which arrives on April 5 via UNFD. Pre-order it here.  

Today, the band has shared the visualizer for "Crawl Backwards Out of Heaven." Watch it below.

The visualizer captors the raw, explosive, and forward-thinking intensity of the song, which doesn't let up from the first note. 


CURE is the band's sixth album and it highlights and expands on the forward-thinking sound and guitar-driven style that the band has built its reputation on. Following 2021's self-titled release, CURE is a stunning execution of both raw talent and surgical technicality. It's as emotional powerful as it is musically proficient, which is not an easy feat to achieve. Yet ERRA make it look and sound easy. CURE is a sonic thrill ride — one that you hope will never end.

Additionally, the band has announced its upcoming Spring 2024 headline North American tour, with Make Them Suffer, Void of Vision, and Novelists as support. The tour kicks off on April 23 in Philly and runs through June 2 in NYC. All dates are below, with several major markets already sold out. Get tickets here.

ERRA ON TOUR:
WITH MAKE THEM SUFFER, VOID OF VISION, + NOVELISTS:
4/23 — Philadelphia, PA — TLA
4/24 — Baltimore, MD — Soundstage (SOLD OUT)
4/26 — Nashville, TN — Brooklyn Bowl
4/27 — Atlanta, GA — Masquerade (Heaven)
4/28 — Birmingham, AL — Iron City
4/30 — Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Revolution
5/01 — Tampa, FL — Jannus Live
5/03 — Houston, TX — Rise Rooftop
5/04 — Dallas, TX — South Side Music Hall
5/05 — San Antonio, TX — Vibes Event Center
5/07 — Albuquerque, NM — Sunshine Theater
5/08 — Las Vegas, NV — House of Blues
5/10 — Mesa, AZ — Nile Theater
5/11 — Santa Ana, CA — Observatory
5/12 — Los Angeles, CA — Echoplex
5/13 — Santa Cruz, CA — Catalyst
5/15 — Sacramento, CA — Ace of Spades
5/17 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon
5/18 — Portland, OR — Roseland Theater
5/20 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Complex
5/21 — Denver, CO — Summit Music Hall
5/23 — Lawrence, KS — Granada Theater
5/24 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater
5/25 — St. Louis, MO — Red Flag
5/26 — Chicago, IL — House of Blues
5/28 — Detroit, MI — Saint Andrews Hall
5/29 — Toronto, ON — Danforth Music Hall
5/31 — Montreal, QC —  Beanfield Theatre (SOLD OUT)
6/01 — Boston, MA — Paradise (SOLD OUT)
6/02 — New York, NY — Irving Plaza (SOLD OUT)

ERRA ARE:
J.T. Cavey — Vocals
Jesse Cash — Vocals + Guitars
Conor Hesse — Bass
Alex Ballew — Drums
Clint Tustin — Guitar

Ian Munsick Releases Heartbreaking Cowboy Ballad, “Yippie-I-A”

White Buffalo: Introduce You To God Due April 5
Via Warner Music Nashville; Pre-Save HERE

Ian Munsick’s sophomore album White Buffalo captured the Wyoming-native’s witty sense of humor across its 18 tracks, encompassing such tongue-in-cheek songs as “Barn Burner” and “Cowshit In The Morning.” Now, as he prepares to release five new tracks with White Buffalo: Introduce You To God, a deluxe version of the celebrated collection due April 5, Munsick casts aside the comical word play and revels in heartbreak with the release of “Yippie-I-A,” out now. 
 
“Cowboy ballads have always had a way of transporting me back to the sagebrush prairies of home. It’s high time I made one for myself,” declares Munsick. “In every one of them, you can hear the distant cry of the lone wanderer. But why does he cry? That’s exactly what inspired ‘Yippie-I-A’. I hope it breaks your heart like only the magic of music can.”
 
Written by Munsick alongside Phil O’Donnell and Carlton Anderson, and produced by Munsick and Jeremy Spillman, “Yippie-I-A” details a cowboy’s anguish and inability to cope with losing his spouse.
 
Munsick’s release of White Buffalo last year earned accolades from Billboard, American Songwriter, People and MusicRow with Grammy.com remarking, “Munsick's ability to turn his Western upbringing into relatable sentiments is the epitome of what makes him special… his passion for his homeland — from the culture to the people — rings through in both the lyrics and the musicality.”
 
Munsick kept the momentum going in 2024 with the release of White Buffalo: Voices of the West. The feature-length documentary is now available on Apple iTunes, Apple, Google Play, Kanopy (Libraries), Microsoft, Vudu, YouTube Rentals and Amazon TVOD. The Tennessean praised Voices of the West, which features conversations with members of the Blackfoot and Crow tribes as well as the Blackfeet Nation, as “essential to maintain and humanize the tie to Western culture.”  
 
Munsick is overseas this week, performing at CMC Rocks in Willowbank, Australia. He returns stateside with his Boots, Buckles & Bolos Tour on March 23 with a show in Du Quoin, IL. His headlining run continues through the spring, including a sold-out date at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre on June 5. This summer Munsick joins CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson as direct support on her Country’s Cool Again Tour. 
 
For his full tour schedule and to follow along with updates, visit IanMunsick.com or follow @IanMunsick across social media.

ABOUT IAN MUNSICK
A native son of Wyoming, Ian Munsick painted a stampeding, spirited portrait of the American West with his sophomore album White Buffalo, out now. Spanning unfiltered tales of romance and ranch life, hard-working anthems with honkytonk hooks and mountain-time odes to family and forever-young fun, it builds upon the spacious roots-pop beauty he introduced on his major label debut, Coyote Cry. Now, Munsick is preparing to release a deluxe version of the album, including five new tracks, titled White Buffalo: Introduce You To God on April 5, 2024. Over the past four years, Munsick has accumulated nearly half a BILLION global streams and a host of accolades. He has been named an “Artist to Watch” by Spotify, CMT, Fender, MusicRow and most recently was named a Martin Showcase Artist. A seasoned entertainer, having grown up tending cattle by day and playing music in a family band each night, Munsick toured recently alongside country music superstars Morgan Wallen and Cody Johnson, and will serve as direct support for select dates of Lainey Wilson’s Country’s Cool Again tour this year, while simultaneously headlining his own Boots, Buckles & Bolos Tour. The Warner Music Nashville recording artist and multi-instrumentalist is representing his home, and its special cast of people, like never before. The first release from White Buffalo, standout duet “Long Live Cowgirls” (with Cody Johnson), hit No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway Hot 30 Countdown, was named one of Amazon Music’s Best Country Songs of 2022 and recently received RIAA Gold-certification alongside “Long Haul” off his debut album Coyote Cry; while Munsick’s solo version of “Long Live Cowgirls” is available at country radio now. Fans of Ian Munsick will always find an open heart, natural awe and plainspoken honesty as he rides on… bringing the West to the rest. 

BAT ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM UNDER THE CROOKED CLAW + RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE, 'RITE FOR EXORCISM'

Richmond, Virginia metal-punk trio BAT has been delivering their own blood-spattered horror since ascending from the underground a decade ago on a dark, leather-winged trajectory. The brainchild of MUNICIPAL WASTE guitarists Ryan Waste & Nick Poulos, BAT leans heavily on the dirtier side of speed metal. On May 17th, the band welcomes the release of their second full-length album Under The Crooked Claw via Nuclear Blast Records.

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

The band offers the first single entitled, 'Rite For Exorcism' along with a video clip directed by Norman Cabrera, produced by Maya Kay, and cinematography by Rob Lucas at Wolfpack Studios.
 
BAT's Ryan Waste states, “This record came together during dark times and its aggression is surely a reflection of that. Nick, Chris, and I hammered out song after song in a grimy, mold-ridden warehouse, turning our anger at the state of the world into what became 'Under the Crooked Claw'. To set the tone for the album, I called upon legendary Italian horror maestro Fabio Frizzi to compose an intro, just before BAT’s raw force assaults your ears. While simultaneously working on a heavy metal horror script with Norman Cabrera, I shared some of the new BAT songs with him. With our shared taste in film and vision, we devised two video concepts for the upcoming record based on my lyrics. The first offering is our twist on a tale of an exorcism gone awry, that Norman completely nailed to the cross.”

Stream the new single 'Rite For Exorcism' on all platforms now at:  
https://bat.bfan.link/rfesg

Pre-order/pre-save Under The Crooked Claw:  
https://bat.bfan.link/utcclp

Watch the music video for 'Rite For Exorcism' below

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

This Spring, BAT is joining forces with their friends in the legendary EXCITER to play for all the Heavy Metal Maniacs in Latin America for the first time!

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

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

ABORTED - Open The Vault Of Horrors + Release Music Video For 'Condemned To Rot (feat. Francesco Paoli)'

One day before the kickoff of their European tour, ABORTED open the Vault of Horrors as the new album of death metal's finest finally sees the light of the day.
Ten ferocious, gut-wrenching extreme metal slashers await you in this cabinet of horror movie classics. ABORTED invited the crème de la crème of the heavy music scene to the party, and on each track of the album you will find a different guest vocalist – diving down into the dark abyss of horror movie culture. 
So sit back, grab a snack, and crawl down into the Vault of Horrors. Order your copy now:
https://aborted.bfan.link/vault-of-horrors

But that's not the end of the show for today. Fresh from the grave, the living dead are about to return (again). Feast your eyes on the music video for 'Condemned To Rot' here, featuring FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE's Francesco Paoli:

Yam Haus Dive Deep In Brand New Single "First To Try"

The Minneapolis-based indie alt-rock trio, Yam Haus, are thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, "First To Try." This heartfelt track marks the band's first release of 2024 and serves as a candid reflection on exploring anxiety and the search for self-acceptance. Fans can listen to the brand new track HERE, and watch the new lyric video below.

With its raw honesty and poignant lyrics, "First to Try" offers a glimpse into the inner turmoil that many individuals grapple with silently. Through their music, Yam Haus seek to shed light on these universal struggles, by providing a safe space for listeners who may be facing similar challenges.

Speaking on today's news, the band shares:

"First to Try is about anxiety and self loathing and believing lies about yourself. A lot of these lies are formed when you’re young and you carry them with you into adulthood and they affect the people closest to you. It’s about feeling stuck in cyclical behaviors that cause more pain than necessary. It’s about feeling trapped by your own humanity, unworthy of love, and feeling powerless to do anything to fix it. I believe this is something we all feel to varying degrees throughout our lives."

As Yam Haus continue to carve their path in the music industry, the trio remain steadfast in their commitment to finding strength in raw emotion and breaking down stigmas across various difficult topics. Venturing into the remainder of 2024 and beyond, their message remains clear: vulnerability is not weakness, but rather a source of strength and connection.

Having shared the stage alongside renowned acts such as The Killers, Flaming Lips, Death Cab for Cutie, Blue October, and Bishop Briggs, Yam Haus have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the indie alt-rock realm. Their relentless dedication to the stage and genuine connection with audiences shine through their impressive history of over 100 shows to date, half of which had taken place just last year.

With over 20 million streams across their total catalog, Yam Haus continue to captivate audiences worldwide with their honest lyricism and authentic narratives. Their latest EP, "Stupid and Famous", fueled with infectious energy and genuine resonance, cemented their reputation as a band unafraid to bare their souls through their music.

Be sure to stay tuned for more new music from Yam Haus coming soon.

ABOUT YAM HAUS

A lot of musical acts try to build on the success of their early music. But for indie-rock band Yam Haus, each time they release new music is a new step in their musical evolution — particularly this time around. It’s been a half-decade, three EPs, more than a dozen singles, a lost band member, an appearance on American Song Contest and a global pandemic since the Minneapolis-based trio last put forth a major release. But now they’re back with Stupid and Famous, a seven-track EP that effectively serves as the emergence of their new rock-focused musical identity. 

Helmed by award-winning mixer/producer Tony Hoffer (Beck, Phoenix, M83), Stupid and Famous is a catchy blend of indie-rock that still serves up the unforgettable hooks Yam Haus became known for, while also bringing a new level of songwriting maturity and musical complexity to their profile. With four of the seven tracks (“Rafters,” “Sandcastle,” “Stupid and Famous,” and “Shakin’ Yer Hips”) released as singles ahead of the EP, Yam Haus is quickly shedding its pop image and establishing itself as a genuine guitar-driven act. The band is growing up alongside the Gen Z audience that dove into their old music, while also allowing their personality, emotions, authenticity and humor to shine a bit more and earn an expanded audience with the new output. 

But despite the sustained success on both sides of the pandemic — both digitally (15 million streams, 20 million YouTube views, 2 million TikTok likes, 25k+ followers on TikTok, Instagram and Spotify) and physically (100+ shows including 50+ headlining and supporting artists like Blue October and Bishop Briggs) — Yam Haus feels like they’re just getting started. At the very least, Pruitt’s committed to the journey in ways not easily changed. “I got the band tattooed on my ass, so I’m here for the long game.”

SPOKEN New Album 'Reflection' Out Now Via XOVR Records. New Track "In The Dark" Also Released

Today, Spoken celebrates an impressive milestone with the release of their 10th studio album and their first in 7 years, 'Reflection', via XOVR Records, the recently launched label co-founded by Korn’s Brian 'Head' Welch. Alongside the album, the band has unveiled focus track, "In The Dark", a further testament to Spoken's enduring sound and creative vision, which comes accompanied by an official music video. Listen to the full album HERE and watch the video below.

Frontman Matt Baird expresses his excitement: "It’s finally here! Our new record 'Reflection' is out. We’re so excited for you to hear this collection of songs, and have the opportunity to play them on the road. Thank you for listening."

Brian 'Head' Welch speaks to the band's enduring legacy: "Spoken is a band with a great story, passionate tenacity and an impeccable track record. It’s been seven long years since their last release, and I’m confident 'Reflection' will completely satisfy the die-hard Spoken fans while gaining many more."

The album is available now on all streaming platforms, and the music video for "In The Dark" can be viewed on the band's official YouTube channel.

'Reflection' marks a significant milestone for Spoken, coming seven years after their last album. With an intriguing blend of melody, aggression, thought-provoking lyrics, dynamic guitar riffs, and meticulously crafted drums, the album emerges not just as a culmination of Spoken's artistry, honed over two decades. It's a sonic mirror that reflects the band’s growth and the connection they share with their fans. It's an exploration of the journey of life, a testament to resilience and the power of moving forward with hope. 

Fans can gain intimate insight into the band's journey as Baird joins Welch in conversation for XOVR Record's 'Artist Spotlight' series, now streaming on the XOVR Records YouTube and can be watched below.

Spoken are

Matt Baird

J.R. Bareis

Dylan Levernoch 

Jared Wisner

The Rocky Valentines Share "Stick It Out"

The Rocky Valentines recently announced the release of their debut album Erase via Tooth & Nail Records on March 29. Pre-order it here. 
 
The album was mixed by Bob Hoag (The Ataris, Fine China) and mastered by Jason Livermore (Descendents, All, NOFX), and features artwork by Jake Quintanar.

The band is "all in the family," as singer Charles Martin is the son of Jason Martin of longtime T&N band Starflyer 59. In fact, they released a split, four-song EP on the label last year. 

Today, The Rocky Valentines dropped the new single "Stick It Out." Listen below.

"This song was about being sick on my high school graduation day, and seeing everything change before my eyes," Martin explains. "The lyrics talk about sticking things out in life, whether it's the stress of school or relationships or whatever."

 Martin sings that he feels like "a one-man band." He's not specifically singing about the lack of bandmates on "Scream and Shout," but the album credits aren't exactly littered with other names either. With an assist on bass throughout from Steve Dail (Project 86, Crash Rickshaw), and a recording credit for his father, Jason Martin (Starflyer 59), the younger Martin does the bulk of the work himself across the LP's eight tracks.

Building on 2022's four-song, self-titled EP, Erase exhibits a host of influences — most of which stopped being relevant before the 20-year-old Charles was born — bundled up in arrangements that never feel cluttered.
 
Erase is a record that harkens back to some of rock's best moments, though its most important influence might be Charles himself. Mixing Grant Hart's earworm melodies with heavier-than-hell guitar riffs in the style of Tony Iommi, Martin combines it all with a measured restraint, allowing his vocals to shine without a lot of studio trickery.
 
Lyrically, Erase evokes a young man in the throes of his salad days but is self-aware enough to be bookended by tracks about growing older — album-opener "Sing the Song" — before closing with the title track’s funeral setting.

All of it melds together to reveal a young artist mastering his craft while maturing into adulthood.

Capstan Share Lyric Video for New Song "Empire"

Florida post-hardcore five-piece CAPSTAN — Anthony DeMario [vocals], Joseph Mabry [guitar, vocals], Harrison Bormann [guitar], Andrew "Boz" Bozymowski [bass, vocals], and Scott Fisher [drums] — recently announced their new album The Mosaic, out May 24 via Fearless Records. Pre-order it here. 

The band has just shared the new single "Empire." Listen here. Watch the lyric video below. 

Capstan go big with "Empire." The larger-than-life song cycles through a grip of moods in the space of four minutes. Layered vocals, gnarly guitar works, breakdowns, and atmospheric keyboards and electronic flourishes are sprinkled throughout the track. It's a sonic adventure that shows off the band's willingness to experiment and try new things at once!

"'Empire' is an introspective piece," says Mabry. "The lyrics confess guilt regarding privilege, its cost, and mass complicity in atrocities committed in the name of western imperialism. Recognizing the global scope of violence, poverty, and inequality, and acknowledging that the system is decidedly and irreparably broken is imperative to the possibility of progress."

To make a mosaic, tiny pieces interlock as a larger picture. In similar fashion, distinct elements coalesce as one in Capstan. The band mixes metallic precision with pit-splitting hardcore grooves and the kind of hooks you can't shake. Since 2015, Capstan have progressed with each subsequent move. Following Seasonal Depression [2015] and In The Wake of Our Discord [2018], they made waves with their full-length debut, Restless Heart, Keep Running, in 2019. They toured with the likes of Trash Boat, Doll Skin, Silverstein, and many more. After amassing tens of millions of streams and earning acclaim from the likes of KERRANG! and New Noise, the group paint a definitive body of work on their aptly titled third full-length offering, The Mosaic.

DE'WAYNE Signs to Fearless + Shares "synthesizer" Video

FEARLESS RECORDS is pleased to announce the addition of rock artist DE'WAYNE to the global roster.

DE'WAYNE is an artist who has taken risks his whole life and is now putting that exact energy into the music he creates.

DE'WAYNE is an alternative rock singer from Houston, Texas, who is redefining how it's done by showcasing a raw and tasteful blend of genres. The music combines elements of rock, pop, and soul, with a mission to show people we shouldn't live in boxes — and neither should our music. Throughout his nascent career, he has constantly reinvented himself, leaving fans both guessing and thrilled, all the while picking up new ones along the way. The NME called out his ability to be "equally at home belting out throaty howl or indulging in his velvety soulfulness" and praised, "the sense of fun and experimentation that’s crucial to good mainstream-minded rock music is very much alive" that defines DE'WAYNE's music.

Today, DE'WAYNE has shared the video for "synthesizer."

Watch it Below.

"synthesizer' is a love letter to my best friend," DE'WAYNE says. "Sometimes, it's easier to say these things in a song rather than in person. I was inspired by The Commodores, who wrote 'Brick House' about the perfect woman — in their eyes. I wanted to take the word synthesizer and make it SEXY and give it a new meaning. To anyone who listens to this, I hope they find the synthesizer in their life."

The song has already been added to Spotify's flagship rock playlist MARROW, which is a mirror and vehicle, and a reflection of what is truly driving today's rock youth culture, evolution, and limitless trajectory. 

Delve into the Dark Abyss with Friends Of Hell's Infernal Return! - New Album out 4/5 on Rise Above Records

New Album 'God Damned You to Hell'

due Out April 5th via Rise Above Records

Pre-Order HERE

Today, FRIENDS OF HELL share "Gran Inquisidor", the first single from their upcoming new album 'God Damned You To Hell' due out April 5th on Rise Above Records.

Listen HERE

The long-awaited follow-up to FRIENDS OF HELL’s demonically thrilling debut, 'God Damned You To Hell' is a scorched earth campaign against all that is holy. Even more defiantly old school and obnoxious than its predecessor, its primitive barrage of horrified heaviness owes a ghoulish debt to the greats of heavy metal and doom while summoning some abominable demons of its own. Songs like "Bringer Of Evil" and "Let The Devil Take You" harbor ruthless hooks that draw from all manner of leather-clad and spiked sources, while the blasphemous rituals of closer "All The Colours Of The Dark" cement FRIENDS OF HELL’s burgeoning reputation as harbingers of tangible, tumultuous darkness.

“This second album is way superior to the first one,” avows Danazoglou. “The songs are better, and the music is heavier and more evil! That was the plan from the beginning. The only surprise was that the line-up changed. Hellbutcher’s vocals are just devastating and Beelzeebubth and Sprits are just amazing guitarists! Most of the recording took place here in Cyprus with Sprits at the helm of production. This time things were easier [to complete] than the first album. We were more focused and willing to deliver a devastating blow to weak and fake metal music!”

Listen to "Gran Inquisidor" Below.

Heavy metal has a long history and profound connection with devilry, deviance, and the dark side. The ignominious return of FRIENDS OF HELL can only strengthen that bond.

Steeped in purest old-school metal and the dirtiest doom, the new album 'God Damned You To Hell' is a rusty spike in the eye of unbelievers.

As they begin their infernal mission in earnest, FRIENDS OF HELL has grown from a spontaneous idea into a fearsome force for guitar-driven infamy. 'God Damned You To Hell' takes a pick-axe to modernity and builds a new monument to Satan in its place. As Danazoglou explains, there really is no other way. Hails!

“Our song themes are and always will remain the same,” Taz Danazoglou states. “Satanism, witchcraft, horror, and death! If the public loved the first album, the second one will blow their minds. It’s on another level. Another level downwards into the pits of hellfire! The one thing that has really changed is that with this line-up, we will play live and bring mankind to its knees. We want to play and destroy stages. Other than that, we will then focus on the third album which will be the final nail in the coffin lid for mankind!”

Are you ready to feel the flames?

Pre-Order 'God Damned You To Hell' HERE

Formed by underground stalwart Tas Danazoglou (Satan’s Wrath/ex-Electric Wizard) in 2021, FRIENDS OF HELL emerged as avowed defenders of dirty, evil metal. Initially fronted by doom maverick Albert Witchfinder (Opium Warlords/ex-Reverend Bizarre), they appeared from nowhere, scabby-knuckled and militant, armed with a self-titled debut album that reeked of gruesome authenticity. Released in March of 2022, FRIENDS OF HELL adhered to a strict ethos of scything doom riffs and punk-as-fuck belligerence while conjuring a disorientating storm of occult grimness that dripped with horror. Not surprisingly, fans of the real thing recognize diehard purity when they hear it, and FRIENDS OF HELL were widely acclaimed as the latest and hottest entity to be belched from Lucifer’s maw.

“After the first album was released we were really amazed by the response!” says Danazoglou. “It was included in the best-of-year lists of countless places. The plan was then to play live in a few selected festivals but unfortunately, that was impossible with the old line-up. Albert quit, followed by our guitarist Jondix quitting too, so then myself and original bassist Taneli Jarva (ex Impaled Nazarene/Sentenced) were joined by Hellbutcher on vocals, Beelzeebubth on guitar and Sprits joined us as second guitarist. So we could argue that there were some major developments which in the end worked for the best.”

MARKO HIETALA & TARJA TURUNEN Release Video For Duet Single ´Left On Mars´

Experience the celestial harmonies of two iconic voices as Marko Hietala and Tarja Turunen unite in a mesmerizing duet like never before!

Embark on a journey through space and time with ´Left On Mars´,  a captivating single and accompanying video that transcends boundaries of genre and imagination. Inspired by a tale of love and longing, this ethereal ballad combines Marko's emotive lyrics and powerful riffs with Tarja's hauntingly beautiful vocals, creating a symphony that resonates deep within the soul.

Marko Hietala about the song: “A love song to my wife which ends up uniting two old friends. Even if the song itself sucked, I would be pleased about the result!”

Check out the video for ´Left On Mars´ Below.
Listen to the song on all platforms: https://markohietala.bfan.link/left-on-mars

Marko´s guitarist and album producer Tuomas Wäinölä remembers hearing the song for the first time at Marko's place in Kuopio:

” It was a strong one immediately. I think Marko had the idea of it being a duet too, straight from the beginning. After that, it was just a matter of grinding and demoing it well.
The fun part was taking the song to Switzerland on a USB drive, like proper agents! We had this secret meeting when we had a Pratteln Outdoor gig with Tarja, both playing our own sets.
And yeah, it was great to see them together on stage and finally singing the same tune again!”
 

From the initial spark of inspiration to the final note, every moment of ´Left On Mars´ exudes passion and creativity. Marko's evocative storytelling sets the stage for Tarja's enchanting performance, forming a cosmic connection that transports listeners to a world beyond imagination.

Photo credit: Eva Cuenca

Black Tusk Defy Death on New Single

Praise for Black Tusk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Black Tusk have done more than their fair share of hard living. In their 19 years as a band, they've switched labels and lost members while navigating the bumps in the road that come with being touring musicians. But their new album bulldozes past any and all obstacles. The latest single off The Way Forward leaves the taste for sin behind, though that doesn't mean this sludge metal crew have cleaned up their act. "Dance on Your Grave" sounds nastier than ever. 

"Everything that happens in our lives is something we can learn from", says Black Tusk guitarist and vocalist Andrew Fidler. "It will sink you or make you wiser. This song is about that". 

Watch the video for "Dance on Your Grave" below.

The Way Forward comes out April 26, 2024.

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

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

James May has stomped around the swamps of Savannah, Georgia, since he was a young punk. But the Black Tusk drummer moved away to Athens during the course of the pandemic. It was a struggle, but the change in scenery helped him work through his struggles.

Everyday is amazement that I made it, May shouts alongside his longtime bandmate Fidler, backed by the steadfast thump of his double kick drum.        

"Sometimes the worst things you've ever seen or done end up being the best thing that's ever happened to you", says May, who wrote the lyrics to "Dance on Your Grave". "It's sort of a self-exorcism. You gotta be on the edge to know where the cliff is".  

The Way Forward marks Black Tusk's first album as a four piece. But "Dance on Your Grave" shows that these guys are already old friends. Fidler and May used to run in the same touring circles as new bassist Derek Lynch. Lynch makes himself right at home, too, cracking open a cold beer before kicking off this jam session with a filthy bass groove.

"'Dance on Your Grave' was the absolute first song from the new record that I played with the whole band", Lynch says. "We worked on it at a spot in Athens. It kind of gave me a frame of reference for what they were trying to accomplish with a new batch of songs, pushing the tempo while still maintaining a super heavy low end".

The video was shot at Hidden Audio, which serves as Black Tusk's home base. The studio is run by frequent collaborator and now official member Chris "Scary" Adams. Not only did Scary create the video for "Dance on Your Grave". He produced The Way Forward and makes this the band's first album to feature two guitars. Right away, the chemistry between him and Fidler jumps through the roof. After all, Fidler did help build this studio with his own two hands. On "Dance on Your Grave", Fidler lays down firm riffs so that Scary can rip into a solo that never stops climbing.

Photo by Adriana Iris Boatwright

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Line-up:

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

Recording Studio
Hidden Audio

Producer/sound engineer
Chris "Scary" Adams

Mixing studio and engineer
Chris "Scary" Adams

Mastering studio and engineer
Brad Boatright at Audiosiege

Cover artwork
Brian Mercer

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

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

Poolside At The Flamingo Drop New Track "Hell On Earth"; Announce Run of Headline Shows This Spring

Colorado's obnoxiously heavy grindcore 4-piece, Poolside At The Flamingo have dropped the second single from their upcoming EP, 'Accabadora' out via Blood Blast Distribution on May 22nd. The new track, titled "Hell On Earth", can be streamed HERE and the visualizer can be found Below.

Speaking on their new release, Poolside At The Flamingo share "This may be our favorite song on the EP. There's a hint of melody as dueling guitars blend tremolo riffs. The series of breakdowns at the end will make you want to hurt something.”

"Hell On Earth" is the second single from the band's upcoming EP, 'Accabadora', a bold statement from Poolside At The Flamingo, showcasing their growth as musicians and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of extreme music. The first single, the EP's title track, was released last month along with an epic music video. Speaking on the upcoming EP release, the band share

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

Poolside At The Flamingo have also announced a sting of headline shows this spring. Full list of shows and tickets are available from poolsideattheflamingo.com

Stay tuned for more from Poolside At The Flamingo soon and get ready for sheer, unbridled brutality on May 22nd when they release the 'Accabadora' EP.

About Poolside At The Flamingo

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

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

Poolside At The Flamingo Are:

Scotty Bohnen: Vocals

Danny Bohnen: Guitar

Rudy Garcia: Drums

David French: Bass

Dead Icarus, Feat. ex-Atreyu Singer Alex Varkatzas, Drops "Ad Infernum" EP + Video for Title Track

Dead Icarus, the new project of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, have shared a fourth single in the form of "Ad Infernum."

Watch the video, directed by Monte Legaspi, Below.

"Everyone loves the romanticized cliche of 'dying for what they believe in," says Varkatzas. "But death is the end of all things. Sometimes living with the consequences of one's actions can be more severe than death itself. Sometimes, simply persevering, in the face of constant adversity, is the victory. 'Ad Infernum' asks, 'Are you ready to live through what you believe in?'"

Dead Icarus are also digitally releasing the Ad Infernum EP. Get it here. It includes the four previously issues tracks and a killer Pantera cover.

ABOUT DEAD ICARUS:
DEAD ICARUS is Alex Varkatzas, founding vocalist of metalcore giants Atreyu, who have sold over 1 million records across two decades of his tenure. An uncompromising, brutal, impassioned, confessional assault, Alex's new musical vehicle Dead Icarus introduces itself to the world with the Ad Infernum EP via MNRK Heavy. Produced and co-written by Gabe Manfold of Enterprise Earth, Ad Infernum sounds both fresh and familiar for the legions of metalheads who revere the unapologetic aggression of Pantera or the dynamic metalcore of Killswitch Engage. The previously released singles have gotten love from Revolver, Loudwire, Blabbermouth, Metal Injection, Knotfest, and more so far.

ABOUT MNRK MUSIC GROUP:
MNRK Music Group is one of the largest independent music companies in the world, with recording, music publishing, and management divisions operating in every major music market. MNRK is committed to discovering and guiding top music creators and artists and works with some of the greatest musical talent including The Lumineers and Pitbull, the music publishing catalog of Chuck Berry, plus premier music companies Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang. The company’s music department services Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning producers. Its catalog across divisions consists of 54,000 music tracks, including multiple GRAMMY winners and platinum-selling hits. 

The Shadow Majlis releases 'Mazdur' video, formidable world-postpunk from debut album 'The Departure'

"A powerful achievement... I believe that there are certain tracks and moments that act as portals into another dimension - I'm not being fanciful here!" ~ David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets)

"With Ali Jafri at the helm on vocals, guitars, bass, electric sitar, synths, programming, this debut offering from The Shadow Majlis is diverse and stunning, involving a dream-team – not only in terms of production, but also collaborators, ranging from true music legends of our generation and top-notch artists from around the world" ~ The Spill Magazine


Toronto's The Shadow Majlis presents his debut album 'The Departure' and the video for 'Mazdur', showcasing genre-fluid excellence and raw emotional experience, while fusing elements of Eastern modes with post-punk. An alternative neo-global style that transcends borders, this is a departure from the norm - a journey into something other, where there are no limits. 

Revolving around Ali Jafri, a formidable multi-instrumentalist known for his involvement in various projects - as a member of David J's live band, playing rock-sitar for Pigface (or through his projects ARIEL, The Gotham City Drugstore, Saintfield or his solo work). On this album, Ali Jafri offers a multi-cultural artistic and musical vision, together with David J (Bauhaus, Love & Rockets) on bass and drummer-percussionist Rakesh Tewari (Jaffa Road, The Special Interest Group).

Produced and mixed by three-time Grammy Award winning producer David Bottrill (Peter Gabriel, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Tool, David Sylvian, Mastodon, Smashing Pumpkins, Muse, Real World Studios), with Darren McGillengineering the album. Mastered by Noah Mintz, the cover art was created by Stephen Seto (Splintercage).

The most poignant and powerful artistic output stems from tragedy, and The Shadow Majlis is no exception. Amid a deluge of personal upheaval, this album has been Jafri's means to address his grief over losing his seven-year-old son Oisín, who passed away in September 2022 after a nine-month battle with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (a highly aggressive form of brain cancer), the dissolution of his conjugal relationship, and a year-long state of temporary homelessness. Recovering from such devastation is no simple task, but The Shadow Majlis has offered Jafri medicine for his soul, while presenting us an alternative sonic reality in which we can all find solace and relief.

"Mazdur means “labourer”, which came to me as İ watched how hard it was for Oisín to fight his losing battle to cancer. All the changes and adjustments. İ chose to have the song “mutate” through the different styles it weaves through. From the classical guitar to the dub reggae and ending on industrial with MRİ sounds mixed in. MRİs were hard on Oisín. Existing became hard labour for him but he wasnt ever far from having a laugh. He had a gracefulness about him which became apparent when it was observed by us as one of the constants through all the change. İ dream of him sometimes, he’s ever graceful then," explains Ali Jafri.

"Going “dub” on this was David J’s idea - hard to refuse. When İ realized he wanted to play dubby stuff, my reaction was ummm hello?? Yes please! My demo was originally more like the first half of the song, which Bottrill and İ had worked on. We saw Skinny Puppy during our sessions, which inspired the industrial ending. We recorded it the next day as a good way to conclude the “mutation” furthest away from its original form. The ending was also a good place for some of the angst I was feeling and that Oisín was feeling. The machine voices say “We Come To Leave”, a recurring line on the album - making it a concept, I guess."

The album features numerous guest performers, including vocalist Olena Tsybulska (DakhaBrakha), guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite (The Mission, Peter Murphy, MGT, Tricky, Gary Numan), cellist Anne Bourne (Loreena McKennitt, Jane Siberry), Tuvan throat singer Soriah, Ravi Naimpally (Niyaz, Constantinople) on tabla, Pankaj Mishra on sarangi, Selmanpak Ayduz on ney, Kerem Koktas on kemanche, and Sasha Singer-Wilson on backing vocals.

Blending alternative music with the rich, diverse instrumentation and rhythms of world music, The Shadow Majlis leaves a distinct imprint on the ever-evolving soundscape. Recorded in Toronto, LA, Portland, Istanbul, Kyiv and Iceland, this is truly an international affair, with languages such as Urdu, Farsi, Arabic, Icelandic and Ukrainian woven with English throughout this album.

Calling the album a powerful achievement, David J says, "I believe that there are certain tracks and moments that act as portals into another dimension - I'm not being fanciful here!"

'The Departure' album is out now, available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. This album's creation was made possible through funding received from FACTOR.

ALBUM CREDITS
Ali Jafri - vocals, guitars, bass VI, electric sitar, percussion, programming, synthesizers, electronics, solfeggio pipes
David Bottrill - backing vocals, electronics, synthesizers
David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets) - bass
Rakesh Tewari (Jaffa Road, The Special Interest Group) - drums, percussion
Olena Tsybulska (DakhaBrakha) - vocals
Mark Gemini Thwaite (Peter Murphy, Tricky, The Mission) - guitars
Anne Bourne (Loreena McKennit, Jane Siberry) - cello
Sasha Singer-Wilson - backing vocals
Soriah - Tuvan Throat Singing, Flute
Ravi Naimpally (Niyaz, Constantinople) - tabla
Pankaj Mishra - sarangi
Selmanpak Ayduz - ney
Kerem Koktas - kemancheh
Oisin Adams-Jafri - vocals, percussion, solfeggio pipes
Zayn Jafri - piano
Oscar Adams-Jafri - solfeggio pipes

All songs written by Ali Jafri and David Bottrill, except 'Elliðakot' (written by Ali Jafri) and 'The Departure (Kolyskova)' (written by Ali Jafri, David Bottrill and Olena Tsybulska)
Produced & Mixed by David Bottrill
Engineering by Darren McGill at Union Sound Company & David Bottrill at at Mainstatiion Music and Imagine Sound
Mastered by Noah Mintz at Lacquer Channel
Graphic Design & Illustration by Stephen Seto
Photography by Justin Minister @secondhand_daylight
For Oisín...

Keep up with The Shadow Majlis
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UK avant-pop artist NICK HUDSON gears up for new album 'Kanda Teenage Honey', previewing two new tracks + video for 'Khevsureti'

“Beautifully written, recorded, produced and arranged... all complimented by vocal that lives up to the same standard. No cheating, no fronting, just honest crafted musicality”  ~ Billy Gould (Faith No More)

"Kanda Teenage Honey is shockingly emotional, thoughtfully orchestrated and wonderfully curious lyrically. It is a record for true music lovers" ~ Jamie Stewart (Xiu Xiu)

"There isn’t really anyone making music like Nick Hudson“ ~ The Quietus

“Nick Hudson is a unique talent. His song writing and performances are breathtaking.  He is long overdue being heard by a wider audience. This solo album is a peak in an already stellar career” ~ Stuart Braithwaite (Mogwai)

"Scott Walker channeling Coil” ~ MOJO Magazine

"Genius” - BBC Radio (BBC Introducing)


Brighton alternative pop artist Nick Hudson presents his new album 'Kanda Teenage Honey', an expansive collection of 16 tracks, recorded largely in a huge former Soviet movie studio in Georgia under the shadow of the Ukraine war. Previewed this week by the tracks 'Ortolan'and 'This Heat', Hudson recently released the singles 'For My Silence' and 'Khevsureti', which recently garnered him coverage in Billboard.

Mixed by and featuring Toby Driver of Kayo Dot, this album is graced with numerous talented guests, including Mogwai's Stuart Braithwaite, Stuart Dahlquist (Asva, Burning Witch, Sunn O))), Lizzy Carey (Bat For Lashes), Robert Wyatt collaborator Alfreda Benge, Christopher Nell (legendary German performer and collaborator of US theatre visionary Robert Wilson), and 14-year-old soprano prodigy Poppy Efemey.  

Recorded with Ilya Lukashev at Leno Studio and Sano Studio in Tbilisi, this album was mastered to analogue tape by Paul Pascoe (Barry Adamson, Beat Hotel, Sleaford Mods) at Church Road Studios in Hove, Hudson collaborates with some incredible Georgian musicians and his friend Seva, a Russian dissident who fled the FSB, having worked for Navalny. Hudson explains, "He contributes a poem narrating his thoughts on exile, through which I've layered field recordings of the recent Tbilisi and Paris protests, where many of us got tear-gassed."

"Russia attempted to invade Georgia most recently in 2008 and we've seen a vast influx of Russians fleeing the conflict and resettling in Tbilisi (which endures and suffers a pro-Russian government ideologically in conflict with most of its citizens). This geopolitical tension has inevitably made its way into the lyrical and musical texture of the record via the songs 'Hollow Man' and 'Sky Burial While Alive'. It also contains oligarch-hexing magic realism and a tribute to that vastly-neglected demographic – the old-school homosexual. Musically it encompasses art rock, black metal, ambient music, agitprop folk, charred goth rock, symphonic vastness and piano ballads -all infused with the energies and landscape of Georgia," says Nick Hudson.

In 2021, Hudson released his 'Font Of Human Fractures' album and the 'K69996ROMA:EP'. His band The Academy of Sun released their opus album 'The Quiet Earth' the year before. He's collaborated with such legends as Wayne Hussey (The Mission), Matthew Seligman (David Bowie, Tori Amos, Morrissey), Massive Attack's Shara Nelson, plus David Tibet (Current 93) and queercore icon GB Jones. His vast output also encompasses painting, film and a novel.

"As an album, 'Kanda Teenage Honey' explores ideas of preserving the sacred from the corrosively kleptocratic institutions of church and state: spiritual and material kleptocracy.  The title itself refers to a very real preservation of innocence derived from a story I heard of a local villager whose teenage son was shot and killed: the father had his son's body preserved in honey. As such, there are secular hymns for peace and lucid stillness, tales of saints de-martyring themselves and falling in love free of judgement from anachronistic scrutiny - a thinly veiled parable of queer love.  Two very close friends died within six months of each other during my first year in Georgia – there are requiems in the songs 'Archipelago' and 'Bardo', plus an acappella tribute to the Siberian husky that helped me grieve them during a retreat to the sublime mountainous region of 'Khevsureti' by the Chechen border, where despite being an ostensibly Orthodox country, pagan traditions are still passionately observed.  I dreamed eighty-percent of 'Bardo' in the energised serenity of this beautiful region while mourning my friend Jesse. Patrick, honoured in 'Archipelago', was one of my earliest mentors and a dynamically brilliant pianist.  They are much missed," explains Nick Hudson.

"'Ortolan' references the summer of 2021, when I fled to the same Isle Of Wight monastery at which Scott Walker had sought refuge in the sixties, as my mental and physical health hit a nadir and I was forced to leave the city I'd called home for twenty years. 'This Heat' refers to a return journey from a plague necropolis at the Chechen border, where giddily drunken park rangers piloting a 4X4 hurtled us passengers down a treacherous mountain pass and I briefly thought it might be the last song I'd ever write.  Since then, I've come to learn that Georgians are some of the virtuosic drivers in the world, even drunk, and I need not have feared."

Hudson also just released his book 'The Land Exists So The Seas Don't Argue', showcasing a decade of lyrical output in five albums plus ephemera  – satellite poems that inhabit the same world as each of the primary cosmologies. With a foreword by renowned Scottish author Chris Kelso, this collection embodies a searing intensity and unity of vision - paganism, queer love, grief, death, ecstasy, radical politics, social satire, hymns to nature, her rhythms and forces.

As of March 15, 'Kanda Teenage Honey' is available via Bandcamp, as well as other fine music platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music. On March 16, Hudson celebrates with an album launch concert in Tbilisi, Georgia, which will be livestreamed for those who cannot be there in person.

CREDITS
Composed, arranged and produced by Nick Hudson
Engineered by Ilya Lukashev & Nick Hudson at Leno and Sano Studios, Tbilisi
Steinway recorded by Ilya Lukashev & George Gvarjaladze at Leno Studios, Tbilisi
Mixed by Toby Driver
Mastered to analogue tape by Paul Pascoe, Church Road Studios, Hove
Nick Hudson - piano. acoustic guitar on 2, Faemi 1M, programming, vocals, foley, protest field recordings
Beqa Minadze - electric guitars
Gigi Koberidze - drums
Greg Massi - guitar on 4
Lizzy Carey - all strings
Toby Driver - hammered dulcimer on 10
Poppy Efemey - soprano on 10
Stuart Dahlquist - bass on 13
Samuel Gottlebe - classical guitar on 10, 12 and 15
Kianna Blue - Issa G Thang on 13
Alfreda Benge - cosmological rhetoric on 3
Oliver Hill - guitar on 8
Christopher Nell - duet vocal on 12
Stuart Braithwaite - black metal Ivor Cutler on 8
Vsevolod Osupov - poem and recitation on 11
Oli Spleen, Kianna Blue and Jon Griffin - choir on 9
Ana-STASI-a - thelemic seduction on 14
Wolfgang Dubieniec - mood on 3
Videos directed, filmed and edited by Nick Hudson
'For My Silence' artwork by Kenneth Anger
'Khevsureti' cover painting by Berdia Arabuli
Album artwork by Nick Hudson and Gary Mallard
Artist photography by @_Carl_Solomon_
Rings featured in photos by @Fauda.Silver

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