Bodysnatcher release new track & video "Infested"

Heavy Floridian quartet Bodysnatcher have released their latest track and music video "Infested." The punishing track is featured on the band's EP, Vile Conduct, releasing digitally on September 3 via MNRK Heavy.  

Bodysnatcher's Kyle Carter says, "'Infested' is about falling back into depression over and over again. It’s about being on the cusp of giving up and telling yourself that you’re going to do whatever you can to heal and come out okay on the other end. Depression is a lifelong fight, and we’re always going to feel like it’s important to talk about.”

In addition to previously announced EU dates, today, the band announces their extensive U.S. fall tour in support of Fit For An Autopsy.  These dates kick off on October 18, 2024, at the Palladium in Worcester, MA, and wrap on November 17 at Toad's Place in New Haven.  Full dates are below.

Watch the sinister visual for "Infested" directed by Errick Easterday below:

The band previously released the tracks "Human Disdain," "Severed" and MURDER8 ft. Jamey Jasta from the EP.  The Vile Conduct  EP sheds light on the human race being disgusting and realizing that it is also part of all of us, whether we want it to or not. Produced by the legendary Will Putney (Fit for an Autopsy, END, Knocked Loose), Vile Conduct touches on personal tales of loss at the hands of addiction and substance, all through a unique lens of bitter remorse and ruthless aggression that only Bodysnatcher could provide.

Since their 2014 inception in Melbourne, Florida, Bodysnatcher have been bringing nothing but the finest in furious, extreme music. Combining crushing breakdowns with eerie ambience, scathing riffs and grisly grooves, the band have become synonymous with “heavy,” invoking violence in every city they happen to visit, spawning mosh pits that leave nothing but craters in their wake. 

US & EU DATES:
08/02 - Romania, Rasnov - Rockstadt Extreme Fest
08/03 - Slovakia, Bratislava - Bordel Na Dunaji Vol. 2 
08/04 - Germany, Lobnitz - Full Rewind Festival
08/05 - Austria, Salzburg - Rockhouse
08/06 - Poland, Krakow - Kwadrat
08/07 - Poland, Warsaw - Proxima
08/08 - Czech Republic, Jaromer - Brutal Assault
08/09 - Germany, Oberhausen - Kulttempel
08/10 - Belgium, Kortnrijk - Alcatraz Open Air 
08/12 - Germany, Wolfsburg - Jugendhaus Ost
08/13 - Germany, Berlin - SO36
08/14 - Netherlands, Leeuwarden - Neuswhoorn
08/15 - Germany, Sulingen - Reload Festival
08/16 - Switzerland, Vallamand - Rock The Lakes 
08/17 - Germany, Dinkelsbuehl - Summer Breeze
08/18 - Netherlands, Eindhoven - Dynamo Metalfestival
10/18 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium*
10/19 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza*
10/20 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts*
10/22 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage*
10/23 - Charlotte, NC - The Underground*
10/24 - Atlanta, GA The Masquerade (Heaven)*
10/25 - St. Petersburg, FL - Jannus Live*
10/26 - West Palm Beach, FL - Banyan Live*
10/28 - Houston, TX - House of Blues*
10/29 - San Antonio, TX - Vibes Event Center*
10/30 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theater*
11/01 - Mesa, AZ - Nile Theater*
11/03 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades
11/05 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater*
11/06 - Seattle, WA - El Corazón*
11/08 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex*
11/09 - Denver, CO - Summit*
11/10 - Wichita, KS - Templelive*
11/12 - Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theater*
11/13 - Chicago, IL - Metro*
11/14 - Detroit, MI - Saint Andrew’s Hall*
11/15 - Cleveland, Oh-  House of Blues*
11/16 - McKees Rocks, PA - Roxian Theatre*
11/17 - New Haven, CT - Toad’s*
02/14 – Fremantle, AUS – Metropolis Fremantle
02/16 – Adelaide, AUS – Hindley St Music Hall
02/18 – Melbourne, AUS – Forum Melbourne
02/20 – Newtown, AUS – Enmore Theatre
02/22 – Brisbane, AUS – Fortitude Music Hall

* with Fit For An Autopsy

Stream / Get "Infested"
Watch "Infested" video
Preorder/Presave Vile Conduct

Connect with Bodysnatcher:
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STARSET Share New Visual Transmission "DEGENERATE"

SECOND LEG OF "IMMERSION: THE FINAL CHAPTER" TOUR KICKS OFF ON AUGUST 31 IN COLUMBUS AND RUN THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25 IN INDIANAPOLIS

Visionary, sci-fi-inspired rock collective STARSET have shared the video for their latest transmission "DEGENERATE."

Watch it below. 

STARSET previously announced the second leg of their "IMMERSION: THE FINAL CHAPTER" tour, set for late summer and early fall 2024. The tour is an "Evening With Starset" and kicks off August 31 in the band's native Columbus, Ohio and runs through September 25 in Indianapolis. It also includes an appearance at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville. This trek follows the Spring 2024 leg. The tour was almost 100% sold out across 20 dates. Tickets and VIP are available here.

Known for their groundbreaking and immersive live shows the tour is framed by a dystopian futuristic narrative. These, shows, known as "DEMONSTRATIONS," promise a most-anticipated conclusion to narrative threads that have been woven into their multimedia experiences, through music, videos and live performances.

Earlier this spring, STARSET also shared the official music video for the brand new single "BRAVE NEW WORLD." Watch it here.

The high demand that defined the Spring 2024 leg, coupled with the ability to experience these brand new songs and forthcoming, additional new material, is certainly reason enough for rock fans across the country to be excited for these upcoming demonstrations.

Lauded by Forbes as having "one of the most firmly established brands of any modern rock band," Columbus, Ohio's STARSET are creating a true multimedia empire with music at its core. Their hits include RIAA Platinum-selling hit "My Demons" (2012) and RIAA Gold-selling single "It Has Begun" (2014), with others soon to follow. With a staggering 5 billion streams and a rapidly growing rabid global fanbase, 2024 sees STARSET poised to rise as one of rock's next superstar acts.

STARSET 2024 TOUR DATES:
8/31 —  Columbus, OH — KEMBA LIVE!
9/6 — Detroit, MI — The Fillmore
9/8 — Montreal, QC — MTELUS
9/9 —  Toronto, ON — HISTORY
9/10 —  Philadelphia, PA — The Fillmore
9/12 —  Richmond, VA — The National
9/13 —  Silver Spring, MD  — The Fillmore
9/14 —  Albany, NY — Albany Capital Center
9/15 —  Huntington, NY — The Paramount
9/17 —  Raleigh, NC — The Ritz
9/20 — St. Paul, MN — Myth Live
9/21 —  Omaha, NE — The Astro
9/23 —  Madison, WI — The Sylvee
9/24 —  St. Louis, MO — The Pageant
9/25 —  Indianapolis, IN — Egyptian Room
9/26 —  Louisville, KY —  Louder Than Life

Black Lava Reign Supreme on New Guitar Playthrough

"Perhaps the best thing to come out of Australia since the Bloomin' Onion" - Metal Injection

"Familiar yet undeniably creative, heavy and a clear statement in the darkness of music" - Metal Roos

"A fantastic album...wrapped up in a package that is so tight, you couldn't squeeze in between the layers if you were as thin as paper." - Metal Temple

"Black Lava scrachtes a particular itch when you need music that is heavy, groovy and gritty" - Metal Epidemic

"Riff after riff, chug after chug, these songs bleed with strength and perseverance" - Monuments in Ruin

On their new album, Black Lava summon another perfect storm. The Savage Winds to Wisdom swirls together eerie blackened countermelodies and hexing prog with a heavy load of old-school headbanging. The riffs on "Dark Legacy" loom large, casting a fiery shadow over the kingdom of metal that warns of the band's growing legend.

“We sharpened our tools with this album”, Black Lava says. “We went a little more brutal and that sets the tone for where we’ll head in the future".

Watch the guitar playthrough for "Dark Legacy" below.

The Savage Winds to Wisdom is out now on Season of Mist.

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

Black Lava erupted out of Australia's metal scene during the first trying year of the pandemic. But the band came together with all the ease of a natural stream. All four members have crossed paths around the various corners of the Melbourne underground. Guitarist Ben Boyle also shreds alongside bassist Nick Rackham in Hadal Maw and A Million Dead Birds Laughing.

Their potent alchemy is the skeleton key that unlocks "Dark Legacy". With the tap of his fingers, Boyle casts a menacing spell from gloomy minor chord dissonance and technical wizardry. Though it's Rackham's monstrous bass groove that hits like a spear straight through the heart.   

“We took greater care with compositions on The Savage Winds to Wisdom”, Boyle says. “There’s more depth and layering to the riffs and melodies. By calling on a broader list of inspirations and tones, the album has a real sense of balance, a certain quality that will lend itself to repeat listens and attention to detail, while still staying true to what we set out to do with Black Lava; create heavy, energetic and catchy tunes that emanate a sense of atmosphere and power for the listener.”

The guitar playthrough of "Dark Legacy" was shot at Bushido Studios. It was filmed, edited and coloured by Black Lava's drummer Dan Presland.

Like any good sorcerer, Black Lava cast a wicked array of spells. Dan Presland, Ben Boyle and Rob Watkins treated Outburn magazine to a list of the band's potent influences and most punishing songs. 

Read Black Lava's Influences & Essentials

https://outburn.com/all-features/black-lava/

On The Savage Winds to Wisdom, Black Lava conduct a perfect storm.       

Recording line-up 
Dan Presland (drums) 
Ben Boyle (guitar) 
Ben Boyle (bass) 
Rob Watkins (vocals) 

Guest musician
Benjamin Baret (Ne Obliviscaris, Vipassi) plays the guitar solo on "The Savage Winds to Wisdom". 

Live line-up 
Dan Preslans (drums 
Ben Boyle (guitar) 
Nick Rackham (bass) 
Rob Watkins (vocals)

Recording studio 
Bushido Studios in Melbourne, Australia

Producer and sound engineer
Troy Mccosker

Mastering, mixing and engineering 
Studio Fredman and Fredrick Nordstrom

Cover art
Paolo Girardi

Pre-order & Stream: https://orcd.co/blacklavathesavagewindstowisdom
 

Follow Black Lava 
https://www.facebook.com/BLACKLAVA00
https://www.instagram.com/blacklava.aus/
https://blacklava-aus.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1KnUaYbFhPHqEgEvySQYxw?si=IboyCWpOTa2e4fqiUfG2XQ

Available Formats
Digital Download
CD Digipack
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
12" Colored Vinyl Gatefold (Gold with Silver Splatters)

NYC artist Joe Geni releases cinematic single 'City Where The Sky Subsides', previewing new album

"Captivating lyrics, woven into a tapestry of cinematic orchestration, mirror the dynamic interplay of life's experiences, urban evolution, and societal shifts. Built with operatic grandeur, the song's richly orchestrated foundation provides a soaring platform for stunning vocals that capture the essence of our times" ~ Amplify Music Magazine


New York-based artist Joe Geni presents his new single 'City Where The Sky Subsides', an upbeat and high-energy track with captivating lyrics interwoven with cinematic orchestration. Cleverly architected with operatic majesty, stunning vocals soar through the song's richly orchestrated foundation.

This single previews Geni's third album 'Cities Built Upon Cities', which traces the transformation of Long Island City, the part of Queens that Geni calls home, situated across the East River from Manhattan with its stunning skyline views. Now booming with skyscrapers, this place is now haunted by its industrial past and friends who have moved on, revealed in these recordings, which explore themes of change, impermanence, and feeling lost amidst the city's constant evolution.

This album, was produced, mixed and mastered in Brooklyn by Charlie Nieland, a well-respected sound engineer and producer, known for his work with Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Blondie, Dead Leaf Echo, Oh Halo and Scissors Sisters, in addition to scores, including the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' starring Glenn Close. Awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production of Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound', Nieland also achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

"'City Where The Sky Subsides' is a move away from the more electronic sound of many of my other tunes in favor of a straight floor-it-on-the-highway anthemic rock song (amusing since I was quarantined during the recording and the guitar was recorded on a 1/10w amp that fits on a bookshelf)," says Joe Geni.

"This single’s premise is simple: a man disappointed that a promising date got rained out, leaving him “gazing out a double pane stained by exploding rain until the sky subsides.” If you’ve ever ended up stuck inside waiting for the weather to change, this one’s for you."

Originally hailing from Evanston, Illinois, Geni has lived in NYC for most of his adult life (mostly in Long Island City), working various jobs around the United Nations. Making music that soundtracks the Anthropocene, Geni tries to capture what it’s like to search for home in a world that is constantly changing. Exploring the complex relationship between humanity and our environment, he channels these ideas and emotions into sound.

With a distinct, instantly recognizable voice (a blisteringly high tenor with a 3.5 octave range), he has a knack for communicating complex ideas through his lyrics, ruminating on themes related to international affairs, climate change, demography, transportation and urban infrastructure, but also the grand sweep of the human experience, including love, regret, modern art and even dinosaurs.

Since emerging on the music scene with his 2019 debut album 'After Wandering Empire', Geni released his 'Doggerland' album in 2021, both of which were also produced by Charlie Nieland.

Earlier this year, Joe Geni released 'City of Energy', which will also appear on the new album. This pop-meets-dancehall-inspired track is an ode to New Yorkers, who exert enormous efforts to pursue their dreams with no guarantee of reaching them. He explains, "This song is about searching for love in a city that feeds on energy, both from its humans and its electrical grid. The city is hungry. The infrastructure is changing. The people are too. Does it all lead to a happy place? This is the question."

As of July 23, 'City Where The Sky Subsides' will be available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The 'Cities Built Upon Cities' album, out October 4, is now available for pre-order via Bandcamp.

SINGLE CREDITS
Music written by Joe Geni
Lyrics and vocals by Joe Geni
All instruments by Joe Geni, except drums by Mikhail Sapozhnikov
Produced, mixed and mastered by Charlie Nieland 
UPC: 198500349573
Cover artwork by Joe Geni
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Joe Geni
Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music| Press contact

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Chicago's Evidence of a Struggle presents 'Keep It' - in defiance of harm, discomfort and damage

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

"'Keep It' is a relentless prowl of low rumbling concrete scattered with the glass shards of guitar and keyboards. The controlled chaos of the instrumentation is in slow motion... an epic feel, as well as the queasy sense of being drunk and disorientated in an dystopian landscape" ~ Joyzine

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

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

"Chaotic and lovely" ~ Punk Rock Beat


Chicago-based artist Evidence of a Struggle presents the frustration-laden single 'Keep It', featuring vocals in a truly powerful spoken-word meets post-rock clash. The accompanying animated video was created by fellow Chicago visual artist John Airo.

Centred around the musings of multi-instrumentalist Rev. Billy Simmons, Evidence of a Struggle creates lush, cinematic, beautiful and sometimes chaotic compositions, having released his 13-track debut album 'Evidence of a Struggle' in 2023.

"I decided to sing or rather read and yell on 'Keep It' because life has recently brought many subtle and not-so-subtle signs to my attention. It was showing me that it isn’t this perfect, beautiful dream and that many of us have stopped listening and seeing. We’re taking and not giving, and like I, many have stopped talking, and it’s become murderous," says Rev. Billy.

"I’ve been acutely aware for a long time that we’re not really listening, not seeing... Most of us don’t see or hear each other, nature or our bodies. We employ so many outside elements to help us ignore all those things right in front of us that are harmful, uncomfortable, and damaging."

Launched in 2020 with Rev. Billy playing every instrument and recording from The Glue Factory studio, he joined forces with renowned sound engineer Sanford Parker (Voivod, Russian Circles, Yob, Eyehategod, Wovenhand, Darkthrone) for additional production, recording and mastering. The resulting album is a worthwhile journey, blending numerous sub-genres of the alternative music realm.

"This music was inspired by what was going through my mind during the pandemic. It's all a declaration of solidarity. Some heavy stuff happened right at the beginning of lockdown - with the world, with family, friends, and personally - that affected my outlook on life and how finite and fleeting it is. I realized how fortunate I was to do every little thing that I could do and that it wouldn’t last forever. I was creating music to show people that, even though everyone was going through a tough time, we could still create, share and communicate musically with people and work things out," says Rev. Billy.

"At that time, everyone was telling everyone else what was right and what was wrong, trying to tell people what to do, and not just for their safety, but because they didn’t conform to their way of thinking. There was so much chatter. It was like a bad dream and I didn’t want to become a part of that. I wanted to let the music paint a mental picture as an act of support for whoever listened - in whatever voice spoke to them personally. But then I felt like I also needed to start to use my voice to say the things that I think needed to be said (and let my music with my voice speak to the people it needs to speak to)."

Transforming into a musical chameleon at night, Rev. Billy's day to day entails running Rev. Billy's Chop Shop, a salon with a creative space that regularly showcases artists' work (declared by Chicago Reader as the city's best gallery). Earlier in his journey, Rev. Billy collaborated with RCA artist Ké and artists (like Urge Overkill) on Touch and Go, and other majors like BMG and Universal.

Evidence of a Struggle's next album involves numerous notable artists, including drummer Matt Walker (Smashing Pumpkins, Morrissey, of1000faces, Garbage, Filter) and bassist Alan Berliant (Chris Connelly, Mavis Staples, Saint Asonia), in addition to Solomon Walker (Liz Phair, Bryan Adams, Morrissey, Eastern Shadows, Year of the Rabbit).
 
'Keep It' is out now as a standalone single via Bandcamp. The 'Evidence of a Struggle' album is also available via Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

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


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

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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SPECTRAL WOUND Unleashes Furious New Single, "The Horn Marauding"

Québec black metal horde SPECTRAL WOUND is now unleashing the ferocious new single, "The Horn Marauding," which is taken from the band's upcoming fourth studio album, 'Songs Of Blood and Mire,' which will be released on August 23, 2024 via Profound Lore Records. The song can be heard below.

Spectral Wound play black metal. Furious and visceral, untrammeled by esoteric posture or grasping idealism. It is music for the poisoned, the futile, the debauched and profane. The blooming of a flower of corruption, torn by cold winds. 

Pre-orders are now live HERE.

In addition, SPECTRAL WOUND will be performing a special run of dates in Canada and the EU/UK! The full run of upcoming performances can be found below.

SPECTRAL WOUND Live Dates 2024:

08/30 – 09/01: Edmonton, AB @ Infest Festival

09/07: Montreal, QC @ Petit Campus (w/Yerglas, Vesperal, Skumstrike)

10/24: London (UK) @ The Dome (w/Pagan Altar, Ante Inferno)

10/25: Copenhagen (DK) @ Pumpehuest (w/Imha Tarikat, Abyssinia)

10/26: Leipzig (DE) @ Institut fur Zukunft

10/27: Maastricht (NL) @ Samhain Festival

SPECTRAL WOUND Live Dates 2025:

04/17-20: Oslo (NO) @ Inferno Festival

Photo by Ben Zodiazepin

Spectral Wound play black metal. Furious and visceral, untrammelled by esoteric posture or grasping idealism. It is music for the poisoned, the futile, the debauched and profane. The blooming of a flower of corruption, torn by cold winds. 

Following the raw early offering of Terra Nullius (Arcane Angels/Out of Season 2015) Spectral Wound continued their path of creeping, opulent decay and searing melody, weaving strands of Métal noir Québécois with the weft of the Scandinavian canon. Refining its sound over Infernal Decadence (Vendetta, 2018) and the towering, exultant melancholy of A Diabolic Thirst (Profound Lore, 2021), with Songs Of Blood and Mire (Profound Lore 2024) the band delivers an elegy of the void, seething with the venom and clamour of an ever-emptying world.

The album was recorded and mixed by Patrick McDowall (Guitarist in Spectral Wound) at his studio Black Gate and mastered by James Plotkin. 

Lineup:

Jonah - vocals

Illusory - drums

Patrick - guitars

Sam - bass

A.A. - guitars

Recorded and mixed by Patrick McDowall

Mastered by James Plotkin

Links:

Facebook

Instagram

Bandcamp

Pre-order // Stream

Philadelphia's ROCKERS GALORE presents ‘Blood In The Sand’ feat. Joe Jordan, previewing their debut album

"'Blood In The Sand' stuns with its meticulous craftsmanship. Crowned with a smooth and captivating rhythm, this music boasts an extremely unique feel, seamlessly blending a one-of-a-kind melody with a groove that’ll lock you in" ~ Amplify Music Magazine


Philadelphia-based reggae rock-hip hop collective Rockers Galore are here to liven up our lives with their positively sun-soaked summer single. 'Blood In The Sand' previews the band's debut album 'Vamos a la Playa', which will be released on September 13. Featuring Philadelphia guitarist Joe Jordan (Oxymorrons, Pure Hell, JJX), this song also includes a passionate spoken word performance by Sydelle Prosopio.

With a fantastic and infectious fusion of old-school funk and brand-new spunk, Rockers Galore's music is a clever blend of roots, hip hop, reggae, rock, Haitian kompa music and Latin rhythms. The current single is a stunning and meticulously crafted case in point. Since debuting with their 'Port Au Prince' EP in 2011, they have released a steady stream of singles and EPs. 

Founded in 2008 by seasoned multi-instrumentalist Blayer Pointdujour, Rockers Galore began as a solo project, gradually involving other artists who were passionate about vision and based on a fruitful songwriting partnership with guitarist Adam Benites.

Bandcamp  https://rockersgalore.bandcamp.com/track/blood-in-the-sand-ft-joe-jordan
Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/track/1Pz3NZWiY3Ju45FQFt7vCu
Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/artist/2IjacDBYrNdWiHStondu1A
Apple Music  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rockers-galore/1125088210

About 'Blood In The Sand', Adam Benites recalls, “One of my best friends, Leo Mintek, took me to see a killer band named Locobeach in Brooklyn and, when I got back to Philly, I began writing this. Then everyone else did their magic. I did bass first, then I started layering guitars. Cleaned some stuff up and sent the idea to Blayer. He re-recorded the bass, did what he does and it really started to come to life. We wanted to write a jammed out ending, so we went to our rehearsal studio and started jamming. We all came up with the outro. We had been trying to get one of our best friends, Joe Jordan, to jump on something for a while now and I'm glad he's on this one. He crushed it.”

Blayer Pontdujoir adds, “For this song, I struggled to come up with lyrics for a while. Inspired by the Latin-style guitar playing, I decided to write about the Taino Rebellion. The lyrics detail the last fight of a Taino couple against the Spaniards in the early 16th century. Adam wrote the guitar part. I added drums and bass. Our horn players added their parts. After composing the skeleton of this track, we started playing it live. Michael created the final drum arrangement. We went to Creep Records to record vocals, mix, and master. I asked my friend Sydelle to recite a poem I had written about the last battle on the beach, and Joe Jordan ripped the guitar solo on the outro!”

Truly a labor of love, the debut album 'Vamos a la Playa' is the product of four years of songwriting, rehearsals, pre-production and arrangements across distances. From initial sketches through to full realization, the tracks found on this album eventually crystallized in a professional studio, where the final recordings were completed and ultimately mixed and mastered.

While 'Blood In The Sand' was mixed & mastered by Arik Creep at Creep Records Studio, all other album tracks were recorded, mixed & mastered at Milkboy the Studioby Tommy Joyner (of Digable Planets), who has overseen recordings by James Taylor, Dave Matthews and Miley Cyrus, among many other notable artists.

"For this album, we took our time and waited until we felt inspired to write. This is a mix of rhythms we enjoy playing. We aim to honor our diverse backgrounds in music and create a new sound that people have not heard before. We believe this is our best work to date," says Blayer Pontdujour, adding, “I grew up with a lot of first-generation Americans. We all came from different backgrounds but we learned to respect each others’ cultures. I try to mix the genres in an effort to bring everyone together.”

Since Rockers Galore released their debut EP 'Port Au Prince' in 2011, they've released the singles 'Philando', 'Cultivation', 'Bloody Crown' and 'Big Haiti’s Dream', as well as three EP's - 'Sak Pase' in 2019, 'Troddin Out of Babylon' in 2021, and 'Promised Land' in 2022.

As of July 22, 'Blood In The Sand' is available from fine digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full 'Vamos a la Playa' album will be released everywhere on September 13.

CREDITS
Music written by Blayer Pointdujour & Adam Benites
Blayer Pointdujour - Lyrics, Vocals, Keyboards and Bass
Adam Benites - Guitar
Joe Jordan - Guitar
Sydelle Prosopio - Spoken word (poem reading)
Tyler Hayduk - Keyboards
Michael Pipitone - Drum Programming
Chris Tolomeo - Trumpet
Josiah Krawiec - Saxophone
Produced by Blayer Pointdujour and Adam Benites
'Blood In The Sand' mixed & mastered at Creep Records by Arik Creep
‘Sweet Sensei’ recorded, mixed & mastered by Tommy Joyner at Milkboy the Studio
Cover artwork by Michael Pipitone
Artist photos by Adam Wallacavage
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

VIDEO CREDITS 
Directed by Andrew Geller and Kevin Gallagher
Filmed at Small Mall, Philadelphia
Featuring Blayer Pointdujour - vocal and bass
Julius Rivera - conga
Charles Duquesne - shaker
Adam Benites - guitar
Josiah Krawiec - saxophone
Sydelle Prosopio - poem
Ignacia - dancer

Keep up with Rockers Galore
Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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Fame On Fire Share "Suicide (The Lovers)" Video

Fame on Fire — singer Bryan Kuznitz, Blake Saul (guitarist), Paul Spirou(bass), and Alex Roman (drums) — last week announced their new album The Death Card. It arrives September 6 on Hopeless Records. Pre-order it here. 

Today, the band drops the official video for the new single "Suicide (The Lovers)." Watch the contemplative, story-driven clip, which will take on you a journey through multiple emotions and is bathed in blue tones, here.

The song is essentially about the idea of going all in for love, and it employs all the drama of a classic tragedy. Cinematic keys and hooks live alongside an ominous spoken-word on the bridge: "Dear beloved we are here today in the final resting place to seal their fate."

"It's a Romeo & Juliet-style story," Kuznitz reveals. "The sentiment is 'If I'm going to love you, I'm going to die for it, and I'm okay with that.' With 'The Lovers Card,' you're sacrificing your life to make a relationship work."

Tarot cards might give perspective, soothe the uncertainty of mental health, or simply enable you to make better sense of your life. Fame on Fire use music in much the same way. The Florida quartet process frustrations, fears, and feelings with a malleable musicality, matching emotions to moments of precise hard rock, piano-laden melody, manic electronics, and relatable pop catharsis. After generating over 100 million streams, packing shows, and earning acclaim, the band ponder fate and the future on their third full-length offering, The Death Card [Hopeless Records].

The band initially materialized out of South Florida with a distinct and dynamic vision. Following a series of inventive and innovative viral covers, they served up the original Transitions EP in 2017. They maintained their momentum with 2020's LEVELS. "Her Eyes" gathered over 15.5 million Spotify streams followed by "HEADSPACE" [feat. POORSTACY] with 13.1 million Spotify streams. Welcome to the Chaos saw them ascend yet again fueled by the likes of "Plastic Heart" and "Welcome to the Chaos" [feat. Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills]. The latter vaulted into the Top 15 at Rock Radio. The band also toured alongside Falling In Reverse, Ice Nine Kills, and ONE OK ROCK. In between selling out headline gigs, the guys decamped to Los Angeles in order to record Death Card with producer Erik Ron [Godsmack, Motionless In White, Panic! At The Disco]. "This was our first time working with a producer," recalls Bryan. "Erik kept us on track, and he pushed me as a lyricist and songwriter to make everything cohesive." Threading this body of work together even tighter, each song corresponds to its own tarot card.

Fame on Fire will return to the road this fall, supporting Wage War. All dates are below.

FAME ON FIRE ON TOUR:
WITH WAGE WAR, ERRA, + THROWN:
9/26 — St. Paul, MN — XCEL Center - KXXR Radio Show 
9/27 — Belvidere, IL — The Apollo Theatre
9/28 — Detroit, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre - WRIF RIFF FEST 
9/29 — Chicago, IL — Radius
10/1 — Nashville, TN — Marathon Music Works
10/2 — Cincinnati, OH — Andrew J Brady Theater
10/4 — Wallingford, CT — The Dome at Oakdale
10/5 — Montclair, NJ — The Wellmont Theater
10/6 — Boston, MA — Roadrunner
10/8 — Philadelphia, PA — The Fillmore Philadelphia
10/9 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore Silver Spring
10/11 — Sauget, IL — Pop's Nightclub
10/12 — Little Rock, AR — Little Rock Hall
10/13 — Mobile, AL — Soul Kitchen
10/15 — Dallas, TX — The Factory
10/17 — Denver, CO — The Fillmore Auditorium
10/18 — Salt Lake City, UT — Rockwell at The Complex
10/19 — Boise, ID — Revolution
10/22 — Tacoma, WA — Temple Theatre
10/23 — Portland, OR — Roseland Theater
10/25 — Pomona, CA — Fox Theater
10/26 — San Diego, CA — The Sound
10/27 — Tempe, AZ — The Marquee
10/29 — San Antonio, TX — Boeing Center at Tech Port Arena
10/30 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall
11/1 — Orlando, FL — Addition Financial Arena - WJRR Halloweenie Roast
11/2 — Myrtle Beach, SC — House of Blues
11/3 — Atlanta, GA — The Eastern

SIMONE SIMONS - Releases Video For 'R.E.D.' From Her Debut Solo Album

SIMONE SIMONS has released the video for 'R.E.D.', from her debut solo album, Vermillion, that's set for release on 23rd August via Nuclear Blast Records.

SIMONE SIMONS & ARJEN LUCASSEN comment:

"R.E.D. deals with the rise of artificial intelligence, imagining a future where the creation begins to outpace the creator. It reflects on the AI's growing self-awareness and its unfulfilled desire to experience emotions, something that its synthetic nature makes impossible to ever realize. The song also looks at the double-edged nature of technological advancements and the profound existential questions that are becoming ever more important to address."

Watch the video for 'R.E.D.' below.

Pre-order and pre-save Vermillion now at: https://simonesimons.bfan.link/vermillion

About SIMONE SIMONS:

For more than 20 years, ever since she was a teenager, SIMONE SIMONS has been carving her own path as a woman within the world of metal. As a lead singer, icon, and role model for a whole generation of female metalheads, the Epica lead singer remains one of the most prominent key figures in all things metal. After eight albums and countless global tours with her band, SIMONE SIMONS finally found the time to release her first solo album – a moment 15 years in the making! Her breathtaking debut Vermillion is a stunning feat chronicling her storied past as well as her rise to fame, and showcasing her many different influences ranging from prog rock to film scores to metal to electronic elements.

Of the timing for her eagerly awaited foray into the realms of a solo career, the Dutch singer says with a disarming grin: Epica has my priority and I always have the liberty to do other musical projects besides my career in Epica. Yet, I never had the time to dive into a project to this extent.
Some endeavors require patience and time, and rightly so. Simone chose not to rush her solo project, opting instead to thoughtfully consider how she wanted to present herself. Enter stage right Arjen Lucassen (AYREON). Her musical partner and longtime collaborator is no stranger to her soaring operatic voice. Together they have crafted a sonic universe that befits the influential figure she is. And while many would use their solo effort as a radical, even provocative departure from everything they stood for, SIMONE remains true to her love for epic melodies, huge choruses, and monumental, intelligent music.

Heartland troubadour JC Miller reveals a true American tale in 'Dead Horse Ranch' single

"It isn’t just Americana; his songs feel like small vignettes in the everyday lives of ordinary people scraping a hard-fought living... This isn’t just about a place, but it is also a point in history which his music directs us, and as the modern world fades out" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Miller takes us on a heartfelt journey. This veteran American storyteller's work is rooted in the rich soil of country music, the songs grapple with the heart of this nation. Infectious melodies and down-home grit weave an unforgettable tapestry, showcasing a true master of the craft" ~ Complete Country

"With talent and authenticity,.there's a realness to JC Miller's songwriting, focused on everyday struggles and the invisible and indivisible connection between past and present" ~ Rock-n-Roll.Biz

"Candid and catchy, this riveting and memorable music takes us to another time and place. With its frank lyrics, infectious melody, and pure Southern rock grit, this is a must-listen, packing an emotional punch and showcasing impressive musical talent... the elements that allowed such artists as Wilco and Ryan Adams to transcend legendary status" ~ Amplify Music Magazine


Seasoned country-rock artist JC Miller presents his new single 'Dead Horse Ranch', released with American indie imprint Tilt Records. A captivating tale, Miller takes us to an actual little-known point on the American map in Arizona - a place impressive enough to inspire this powerful new song.

This worthwhile journey follows those pursued on his latest singles'Wayward Son' and 'Before Nightfall'.As ever, his music is intricately related to the American landscape, both geographically and socially, as reflected in his lyrics "Fall in Walnut Canyon / A forever formation / Something bigger than you / The force of nature breaks through / We’re all a small part of this place".

A Southern California-basedDetroit-born guitarist and songwriter, JC Miller weaves stories through the prism of sonic archaeology, unearthing the spirit of Americana and giving it voice through resonant melodies and via geographic landmarks discovered on his own personal journeys.

A prolific artist, JC Miller's output is a product of his partnership and friendship with iconic musician-producer Marty Rifkin, known for his work with Tom Petty, Glen Campbell and Jewel, and also as a member of Bruce Springsteen's The Sessions Band on pedal steel guitar.

Offering a breath of fresh air amidst the overproduced world of country music, Miller crafts relatable songs brimming with infectious melodies and down-to-earth charm. His songs are rooted in the fabric of America, showcasing a true master, whose work is infused in deep affection for its Southern realms.

"I like to write about mountains and trees and places, and people you meet on the road… the musings of a nomadic life of a traveling musician -- a recording of things that becomes a kind of Atlas Obscura – the small stories, the real people, the defunct places ... Dead Horse Ranch is a place in Arizona that really sets the tone, an unlikely name for a sublime spot on earth … I am a Sun Belt lifer … Arizona, New Mexico, California, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida," says JC Miller. 

"It is a search for authenticity and at the same time a journey of self-discovery. My father’s family is from all of these places, but mainly situated in the Bogalusa, Baton Rouge area in LA … I also love the desert and am especially inspired by the high desert."

Evoking a grounded sense of place through his music, Miller's sound has a Southern-fried edge and a transportive authenticity. He makes songs that feel at home in neon-lit diners, long highway drives, desert expanses, and sun-soaked small towns.

Creating music for wanderers, Miller pays homage to his guitar and songwriting heroes, inspired by timeless artists like Neil Young, Leon Russell and The Band as much as the unfussy yet potent prose of writers like Larry McMurtry, Ernest Hemingway and Cormac McCarthy.

“I’m not trying to hide my sources. I’m trying to add footnotes, carry on the southern and western, southwestern frame of mind. I feel like I am representing another generation of storytellers. I’m trying to paint a picture through music, where the lens is focused on the deeply personal, but it can also be universal," says JC Miller.

Music is a labor of love for JC Miller, having spent years as a sideman and composing for corporate titans like Coca-Cola and Nike. Now he's ditched the boardroom for the pleasure of creating his own music.

Imbued with an intentional sense of timelessness, JC Miller crafts anthems that resonate with the soul of America, inspired by the gradual rediscovery of history - of his own family’ and America at large. Tastefully blending classic Americana and rock echoes from history, woven through his masterful guitar work, each song is like a map, charting the path to self-discovery.

As of July 19, 'Dead Horse Ranch' is available everywhere online, including Spotify, Apple Music and elsewhere, where his latest series of stunning singles may also be found.

CREDITS
Written by JC Miller
Recorded by Marty Rifkin at Marty Rifkin Studios (Santa Monica, CA)
Mixed, mastered & produced by Marty Rifkin
JC Miller - Guitar, Bass, Piano, Organ, Vocals
Marty Rifkin - Pedal Steel
Edo "Tank" Tancredi - Drums
Cover artwork by JC Miller
Executive Producer: Gabrielle Doré
Released by Tilt Records
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

VIDEO CREDITS
Filmed & edited by Ryan Coney
JC Miller - Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals
Marty Rifkin - Pedal Steel, Bass
Edo "Tank" Tancredi - Drums
Julian Rifkin - Guitar, Vocals


Keep up with JC Miller
Website | LinkTree | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

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

RIHKTER + PARALLX PRESALE SIGN UP

New York, we know you have been waiting for both of these debuts to happen for a while now, and we are making it happen on October 4th. Rikhter and Parallax will debut in NYC at h0l0 between the pillars. This one will be one for the books! Make sure to sign up for presale tickets—we expect them to go quickly. Presale starts on Monday, as well as general admission 😈

📍 H0L0 1090 WYCKOFF AVE

🚪 DOORS  10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
🎫 TICKETS AVAILABLE  ON MONDAY 

Sign Up is Live Now, Tickets Out on Monday!

SIGN UP FOR PRESALE TICKETS HERE

Zeal & Ardor Announce Fall 2024 Tour + Share "Hide In Shade" Visualizer

ZEAL & ARDOR isn't just a band; it's a living and breathing entity. Like any sentient being, it consumes, evolves, and transforms from one season to the next. It has only sharpened its claws, lengthened its teeth, and steeled its nerves over the years, growing more undeniable and unpredictable in the process.

The band will drop its fourth album, the self-produced GREIF, on August 23. Pre-order it here.

Zeal & Ardor are beyond pleased to announce their return to North American soil with a headline tour that kicks off November 23 in Philadelphia and runs through December 18 in Dallas. Gaerea and Zetra will support. Tickets are on sale now. Get tickets here.  All dates are posted below.

"We can finally share our U.S. dates later this year," says Z&A. "We're excited to play the new world again, moreover we have an incredible group of artists along with us. We can't wait to see you there."

Zeal & Ardor have also shared their newest single "Hide In Shade." Watch the visualizer and listen below.

With its layered vocal harmonies, handclaps, metallic, roar, and an overall fire in its belly, "Hide In Shade" represent everything fans love about the band.

"We would be remiss if we didn't share something closer to what we are known for," the band states. "This is that. Where the sun shows all we hide in shade. Stay strange."

ZEAL & ARDOR ON TOUR:
WITH GAEREA + ZETRA:
11/23 — Philadelphia, PA — Union Transfer
11/24 — New York, NY — Le Poisson Rouge
11/25 — Allston, MA — Brighton Music Hall
11/27 — Montreal, QC — Le Studio TD
11/28 — Toronto, ON — Opera House
11/29 — Detroit, MI — The Majestic
11/30 — Millvale, PA — Mr. Smalls Theatre
12/2nd — Indianapolis, IN — The Vogue
12/3 — Chicago, IL — Thalia Hall
12/4 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater
12/6 — Englewood, CO — Gothic Theatre
12/7 — Salt Lake City, UT — Urban Lounge
12/9 — Seattle, WA — The Showbox
12/10 — Vancouver, BC — Rickshaw Theatre
12/11 — Portland, OR — Wonder Ballroom
12/13 — Berkeley, CA — UC Theatre
12/14 — Santa Ana, CA — The Observatory
12/15 — Phoeniz, AZ — Crescent Ballroom
12/17 — Austin, TX — Mohawk
12/18 — Dallas, TX — Studio at The Factory

Rather than stagnating, basking in global acclaim garnered from three previous albums — Devil Is Fine [2017], Stranger Fruit [2018] and Zeal & Ardor [2022] — Manuel opted to shake things up for GREIF.

Instead of creatively flying solo again, this time he welcomed his bandmates into the studio, featuring three voices for the first time and emboldening the sound from every angle. As such, the musicians — Tiziano Volante [guitar], Marc Obrist [vocals], Denis Wagner [vocals], Lukas Kurmann [bass], and Marco Von Allmen [drums] — spread their wings alongside him. Decamping to Obrist's studio Hutch Sounds in Switzerland, the record came to life in just five months.

"We've really evolved into a tight-knit unit," explains Obrist. "Before Zeal & Ardor, we were basically strangers, but we're like a little family now. Each member brings his own unique flavor to the mix, and we all try to make Manuel's songs better in our own way. The most interesting part for me was the new approach of how we work together in the studio."

"I wanted to expand upon what we had and introduce new colors," Manuel continues. "There are angry and accusatory moments, but there’s also some solace and happiness. I’m widening the palette of colors we have to paint with. These are avenues we haven’t tried."

"We invite listeners to hear the full spectrum of the different sides and sounds that make Zeal & Ardor," Tiziano leaves off. "There are some gorgeous moments, but it packs in a lot of intensity and charm. In Manuel's songwriting and the process with every member, there's a certain intentionality as well as an element of randomness and accident. I can't wait to see people’s reactions."

In January 2024, ZEAL & ARDOR released Play With The Devil, a documentary film by Olivier Joliat and Matthias Willi. The documentary intimately chronicles Manuel Gagneux's journey from the inception of ZEAL & ARDOR through initial tours and a soul-searching period of crisis. The bold mix of Black Metal with old work songs and field hollers by the enslaved — his answer to a racist provocation on the internet — is politically explosive. As a person of color in metal, Gagneux and his music have shone a light on religion, racism, segregation, and cultural appropriation.  However, the sudden surge in acclaim and the weight of being hailed a visionary leader by fans threatened to overwhelm the softly-spoken, introverted artist. Play With The Devil is available now for streaming on major platforms. For more information and to watch, visit here.

Dorothy Returns! Singer Shares New Single "MUD"

The raven-haired rock star from Los Angeles, DOROTHY, has returned. 

Riding in on a black horse, equipped with leather and signature red lip, the rock world will once again be schooled in the undeniable chemistry that is alive and well amongst metal and rock loyalists and country badasses. A musical outlaw through and through, Dorothy's new single is a display of raw, full-bodied vocal power complimented by heavy-hitting instrumentation and riffs galore.

The first taste of the new music from this Billboard-charting powerhouse is the explosive and unforgettable new single "MUD." The track was produced by Scott Stevens (Halestorm, Shinedown, Nothing More).

Listen here.

Pre-save it here.

Watch the visualizer below.

With "MUD," Dorothy isn't afraid to, well, get dirty. The song boasts a hearty mix of the blues-infused rock her previous albums have been known for, but adds a countrified twist, as can be offered up by only an artist of Dorothy's caliber.

"Our first single off this record is an amalgamation of hard rock, metal, and country tied together with a trap beat and spicy, heavily layered vocals. It was also my first time attempting a scream — proud of that," says Dorothy, whose music has been described as "hot-blooded rock 'n' roll" (Kerrang!); "a triumphant battle cry" (Riff); "firing on all cylinders" (Revolver); and "bold" (Loudwire).

On Thursday, Dorothy launched a new webstore with exclusive merch available for pre-order and shared the single audio, giving fans who signed up an exclusive first listen to the song the day before release. The new webstore is here.

The details of Dororthy's forthcoming fourth studio album will be announced in due course. Dorothy's discography thus far includes Gifts From the Holy Ghost(2022), which was inspired by a spiritual awakening, as well as ROCKISDEAD(2016), which inspired Roc Nation to sign the artist to the label, and 28 Days in the Valley (2018). The Budapest, Hungary-born stunner has enjoyed over 1 billion global streams combined across her career and has participated in high-profile collaborations with everyone from Staind to Slash of Guns N' Roses to Scott Stapp of Creed to Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss, earning and ultimately cementing her place among the hard rock elite. 

Pistols at Dawn Drop Video for New Single "Not Sorry"

Atlanta foursome PISTOLS AT DAWN — Adam Jaffe [drums], Will James [lead guitar], Gabriel Cuevas [bass], and Jon Sookdew Sing [lead vocals]— are entering their unapologetic era with their new single "Not Sorry."

Be forewarned, though! It's a banger with a hard rock and industrial-tinged edge, and dreamy vocals. It's an unexpected mix and it slays.

Watch the video below.

"Obsessed much?," the band states about the song's subject matter, with tongue planted firmly in cheek. "We all have crazy, toxic people in our past that try to manipulate and intimidate us. And the only way to deal with them is to unapologetically tell them that they are most definitely the problem." #TRUTH

As for the video, the band continues, "It encapsulates every relationship or moment in your life that have been abusive and corrosive to the soul. Dark themes are counterbalanced by the driving energy to overcome adversity. Poisonous elements and dark spaces represent the internal struggle and the focused intensity to become your own champion. It's an in-your-face lack of apology for moving forward and making your life your own."

Pistols At Dawn craft the kind of rock music that doesn't just reach the rafters; it breaks through the ceiling. Sky-high hooks stretch into the heavens, a powerful low-end rumbles without apology, and riffs roar at all the right moments. Thus far, the Atlanta band have emerged as a phenomenon. They've amassed nearly 10 million global streams and views, infiltrated the Billboard and Mediabase Top 40 Active Rock charts, earned acclaim from American Songwriter, Brave Words, and the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and embarked upon global tours alongside heavy-hitters such as Alter Bridge, Mammoth WVH, and Fozzy, to name a few. The quartet canvased the world throughout 2022 and 2023. Upon returning stateside, they opted to decamp to Los Angeles in order to assemble new material. Stayed tuned for more, because Pistols at Dawn are leveling up.

PISTOLS AT DAWN LIVE:
7/19 —Spartanburg, SC —The 720 Room (Tickets)
9/14 — Atlanta, GA — Smith's Olde Bar (Tickets)

alt. Share "Conversations That Hurt" Video

Adelaide five-piece alt. return today, armed with their first new music since 2023, unveiling the soaring new track "Conversations That Hurt," out now via Resist Records in Australia and SharpTone Records for the rest of the world.

A lush and driving anthem, "Conversations That Hurt" flourishes with alt.'s trademark melodic dexterity, augmenting the foundations of their 2020 debut EP dysfunctional while also diverting the heavier terrain of their 2023 debut full length ABEYANCE into a poignant and polished dimension.

Written by alt. alongside Trophy Eyes vocalist John Floreani, with production, mixing and mastering courtesy of longtime collaborator Callan Orr at Avalanche Studios, "Conversations That Hurt" is also accompanied today by a brand new music video featuring a raw yet rigorous performance befitting of the track's bittersweet lyricism.

"'Conversations That Hurt' is about the freshness of a breakup," shares vocalist Daniel Cullen-Richards. "It's hard to move on and all you can think about is wanting them back when you know it's not meant to be."

Watch the video for "Conversations That Hurt" below.

Stream the song here.

Emerging in late 2019, alt.'s impassioned fusion of punk, pop, electronic, and alternative rock saw the Adelaide group instantly resonate with a vast audience, premiering their debut single insubordinate on the Dreambound YouTube channel and going on to generate over 2 million streams via their debut 2020 EP dysfunctional. An independent venture, written alongside Trenton Woodley (Hands Like Houses), Jimmy Alexander and Luke McKenzie (Awaken I Am), Zachary Britt (Young Lions, Dream on Dreamer) and Chris Lalic (Windwaker), dysfunctional would ultimately set the stage for tours with the likes of Don Broco, Saosin, Karnivool, Cog, Caskets and Windwaker, with the band consistently turning heads with their innovative yet cohesive sounds.

Signing with Resist Records and StarpTone Records, alt. showcased a darker ferocity in 2023 that channeled the turbulent years surrounding their inception, stepping into heavier waters via the release of their debut album ABEYANCE last year. Hurling breakdowns, caustic vocals and imposing riffs into a tight and tempestuous package, ABEYANCE featured a guest vocal from Void Of Vision's Jack Bergin on the single APEP, with alt. teaming up with Marcus Bridge (Northlane), Landon Tewers (The Plot In You), and returning collaborators Woodley and Britt. ABEYANECE didn't merely re-write the alt. rule book; instead, it declared a powerful inability to pigeonhole alt. into any one genre while also flexing the group's masterful take on a broad and immersive palette of sounds.

In 2024, alt. ticked off their first Australian headline tour, with an nearly entirely sold out run supported by Belle Haven, Patient Sixty Seven and A Swift Farewell, and most recently performed alongside King Parrot and I Built The Sky.

FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE DELIVERS BAROQUE METAL MASTERPIECE 'I CAN NEVER DIE'

Italian Symphonic Death Metal maestros FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE have released the latest single, ‘I Can Never Die’, from the band’s long-awaited 6th studio album, Opera, that’s due out August 23rdfrom Nuclear Blast Records. Accompanied by the stunning music video by visionary director Martina L. McLean, ‘I Can Never Die’ is a crushing sonic tribute to artists and their enduring works.

Commenting on the song, frontman Francesco Paoli states:

"Memory is the strongest force in the universe, as it’s the one and only that can give us immortality. It can’t be deceived or shaped to our liking as, in the end, we are what we do and what we leave to posterity faithfully reflects what kind of men and women we’ve been. Some people don’t give the right value to their actions, focusing on immediate profit, and forgetting that our choices have a decisive impact on our and other people’s existence. Especially when you are an artist. It's essential to remember that everything we create outlives us, it has a life of its own and, once it’s brought into existence, it belongs to everyone and we have no more control over it. 

Death can occur abruptly any time and there’s no chance to change what it's done, once we’re gone. As far as I’m concerned, one of my first thoughts when I realized that I could have died was “who have I been” and “what am I leaving behind”. I recollected my whole life and figured out how much determination, sacrifice and honesty I’ve put into art and that made me so proud that I would have died in peace.

That’s why we wrote this song, which is nothing but a glorious anthem for all those who commit their existence to art in the purest possible way."

Director Martina L. McLean adds about the music video:

“‘I Can Never Die’ is the third video created by me and my team, Sanda Movies, in collaboration with Fleshgod Apocalypse, for the Opera cycle. For a song with such a profound and universal meaning—a true anthem to the value of art and the artist—I wanted to contribute to the visual aspect by creating an experimental video, entirely guided by inspiration, lots of different approaches, techniques, and obviously too many of hours of editing. Drawing from the infernal and chaotic masterpieces of Hieronymus Bosch, but ranging through styles and times, the band brings to life infinite, hypothetical paintings. As always, my applause goes to the band, who always give their best, both in the most extreme sets and in those where everything is left to the imagination.”

Stream ‘I Can Never Die’: https://fga.bfan.link/i-can-never-die

‘I CAN NEVER DIE’ MUSIC VIDEO BELOW

FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE recently announced their return to North America in support of the impending release for a co-headline tour with SHADOW OF INTENT, and support acts INGESTED, THE ZENITH PASSAGE and DISEMBODIED TYRANT, which kicks off September 14th in Cleveland, OH and wraps on October 15th in Denver, CO.

Purchase tickets at https://theblackopera.soundrink.com/

FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE Tour Dates:

9/14 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues

9/15 - Chicago, IL - Metro

9/16 - Bloomington, IL - The Castle Theatre

9/18 - Detroit, MI - Saint Andrew’s Hall

9/19 - Toronto, ON - The Opera House

9/20 - Montreal, QC - L'Olympia

9/21 - Ottawa, ON - Brass Monkey

9/22 - Worcester, MA - New England Metal & Hardcore Festival

9/23 - Brooklyn, NY - Warsaw

9/25 - Reading, PA - Reverb

9/26 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage

9/27 - Charlotte, NC - The Underground

9/28 - North Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues

9/29 - Tampa, FL - The Orpheum

10/01 - Austin, TX - Come And Take It Live

10/02 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger

10/03 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theater

10/04 - Oklahoma City, OK - Diamond Ballroom

10/05 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater

10/06 - Mesa, AZ - The Nile Theater

10/08 - San Francisco, CA - DNA Lounge

10/09 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades

10/10 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues

10/11 - Riverside, CA - Riverside Municipal Auditorium

10/12 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues

10/13 - Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Music Hall

10/15 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre

FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE are finally back with their brand new, 6th album titled Opera, a gut-wrenching musical journey inspired by the tragic mountain climbing accident occurred to their frontman and mastermind Francesco Paoli, in 2021.

Due out August 23rd via Nuclear Blast Records, Opera is structured like a 10-act theatrical piece, as the title itself, Opera, draws a clear thread with the everlasting tradition of Italian classical music theater combining it with the epic brutality of death and symphonic metal, which has become their trademark sound. Mixed and mastered by Grammy-nominated producer Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Epica, Arch Enemy), Opera definitely marks another step forward for the band, incorporating new suggestions into that unique blend that FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE are renowned for: sheer violence, majestic orchestrations and soaring melodies. Such an ambitious musical endeavor called for an equally impressive artwork, a team effort between two arising Italian talents (artist extraordinaire Felicita Fiorini and visionary photographer Francesco Esposito), following the path traced by baroque painters like Caravaggio and Artemisia Gentileschi. The cover art portrays Veronica as Music, a superior entity that defeats the social and artistic decay of modern age.

With this new record, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE are setting the bar even higher than before, pioneering what looks like a completely new sub-genre that might be called “Opera Metal”: an unprecedented mix of extreme music and theatrical elements.

Follow FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE:

https://shop.fleshgodapocalypse.com/

https://www.facebook.com/fleshgodapocalypse

https://www.instagram.com/fleshgodofficial/

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

https://twitter.com/FApocalypse

https://www.youtube.com/@FleshgodApocalypse

Koe Wetzel's '9 Lives' Arrives

For nearly a decade, the name Koe Wetzel has carried with it an “if you know, you know” reputation. To a devoted cult audience, the Texas singer-songwriter has been a genre disrupter, mixing country with rock, hip-hop, and grunge; a live performer as powerful and unpredictable as a tornado; and a notorious party animal who never met a bottle of tequila he couldn’t finish. Wetzel remains all of those things, but on his new album 9 Lives, available now via Columbia Records, he proves that there’s more to his story — and that a mass audience awaits. Listen HERE.
 
Produced predominantly by Gabe Simon (Noah Kahan’s Stick Season) alongside a string of trusted collaborators like Josh Serrato, Amy Allen, Carrie K and Sam Harris (X Ambassadors), 9 Lives finds the Pittsburg, Texas, native showing off his versatility as a writer and his prowess as an interpreter of songs.
 
“The way Gabe Simon goes into making music, he cares so much about it,” Wetzel explains of his producer. “He comes at it wanting to get everything out of the songs. Gabe came in and extracted everything from me; he got me talking about stuff, everything going on in my life. Usually, I go in with all the melodies, and then write the lyrics. Not this time.”
 
Simon went for the jugular. Laughing, Wetzel says, “Every song we wrote or found, we kept. There was a freedom: we sat down and talked about the shit going on in my life. By pulling all of that out of me, going in the vocal booth, that’s how free I was – and the most open I’ve ever been. You can hear it in the songs.”
 
You can also hear the urgency. Recorded at legendary Sonic Ranch in the border town of Tornillo, Texas, as well as Melody Mountain in Stephensville, Texas, they had that Lone Star fire. Add sessions at Nashville’s Blackbird and historic RCA Studio A, it alchemized a rush to 9 Lives that’s palpable. Recorded largely live, the tracks went down almost as lightning fast as the writing, with eight of the songs written in a pair of three-day bursts; one in El Paso, the other in Nashville.
 
A bleary-eyed, scene-setting lament “Continued” turns into a full-on rocking country proposition. A kick drum pumps and a chicken-wire electric guitar drops a few notes as the swaggering “9 Lives (Black Cat)” leans into an unrepentant catalog of misadventures survived. Bar fights, rodeo clowns, preachers, dealers, the twins next door, cheap tequila, bathroom snow and “a 12-pack, two dime bags, flat-lined twice, just to come right back” make a vivid world that only the fearless survive. And so it goes…
 
“Every record’s almost turning a new leaf, always a left turn because of how honest I am. I want fans to know that there's a different side of me, not just the sex, drugs, and rock & roll Koe that they may have heard about online,” Wetzel says. “I've grown up a little bit. I’m no longer the 20-year-old kid that's partying down and getting thrown in jail all the time. 9 Lives reveals a vulnerable side that people may not be used to hearing.”
 
Grown does not mean completely settled down, though. For everyone who caught the lightning bolt that was the state-of-scrapping musician Noise Complaint, there’s rowdy singalong “Bar Song,” all the raw swerve’n’blister in the high-flying autobiographic “Twister,” the atmospheric truth-telling that defines his “Damn Near Normal” and barn-storming take on how he keeps running while missing that certain one in “Runnin’ Low.”
 
“I like to drink,” he says, owning the obvious. On a record that conversationally drops Ambien, Xanax, El Paso dust, blow, THC… he knows his way around the contraband in his songs. “It’s a family tradition. My dad’s side is all Southern Baptist: no drinking, no cursing – though he loved Creedence, ZZ Top’s ‘LaGrange,’ BTO, Petty. My mom’s Methodist: let’s party, go hard. 

Wetzel’s diverse musical background is evident on one of the album’s most surprising tracks, a cover of the late XXXTentacion’s “Depression & Obsession.”
 
“I always loved that era of music – that Lil Peep era, XXXTentacion – he was one of my favorite artists out of that group,” Wetzel reflects. “I feel like there’s a lot of music that we didn’t get from him, so it’s kind of just a nod to him and I hope we did it justice.” 
 
A Lone Star native through and through, he was also heavily impacted by Charlie Robison’s Good Times, the album arriving in Wetzel’s life as a Christmas gift in seventh grade. A Texas Music sensation who had signed to a major Nashville label then bailed, the songs, attitude and harder sound from Robison captured Wetzel’s imagination. He also gravitated to some of the deeper, soul-baring songs.
 
To homage that spark, Wetzel offers a minor-keyed strum that’s as much low-impact Nirvana as it is High Plains Drifter on “Reconsider.” That slow-moving lament comes from Robison’s Better Days, with Wetzel realizing along the way that it – like many Texas music classics – was originally by Keith Gattis.
 
“I thought Charlie had written a lot of them, but then I find out about Keith Gattis. I never got to meet him; he and Charlie died six months apart. I have so many emotions right now about all that, you can hear them.”
 
For a guy who is fully a man’s man, he also has that romantic tenderness that undermines his machismo. Whether Gabe Simon and Mick Coogan’s flowing tangle of how hard love is on “Hatchet” or his own smoky, haunted “Sweet Dreams,” the notion of love that might still be salvaged comes with a throb that pulls listeners in.
 
Just as potent is Wetzel’s ability to let go of the rope. Sometimes hilarious – the sweet pop/folk “Leigh” recounts his losing record with women, particularly those whose names all have that suffix in common: Haleigh, Baleigh, Kaleigh and more – and other times flat indifferent – the soaring “High Road” (with a version featuring rising star and labelmate Jessie Murph currently delivering as his Country radio debut) – he’s not afraid to get out of something that ain’t working. 
 
That sense of self permeates 9 Lives, especially the closer, “Last Outlaw Alive,” with a ragged gravitas to the loping celebration of a dying way of life. Laconic doesn’t have to mean sleepy. Like the many vibes and rhythms on Wetzel’s album, he – and the players – deliver a spark.
 
“The thing about this album is writing can be grueling. But this time, after writing a song, there was always that adrenaline rush. What do you do with that? Put it into the songs, no matter how fast or slow.”
 
Having defined a rogue rock/cowboy ethos over his album, Wetzel found a new intensity. “Being on the road for so long, you start to think you’ve hit a plateau. You wonder, ‘Is this what I’ll be known for? Will these songs be what it’s all about?’
 
“I get a lot of joy playing the older songs. But you want to grow. I love playing those records I grew up on, so I understand. But I’ve been honing and growing a certain sound, and we’re hitting it. This is where the rest of it begins…”
 
For more information on all things Koe Wetzel and to purchase tickets to upcoming shows – including a hometown stadium show as he joins Morgan Wallen’s One Night At A Time World Tour in Arlington, Texas on July 26 and his headlining Damn Near Normal World Tour kicking off July 27 – visit KoeWetzelMusic.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook @KoeWetzelMusic, TikTok @Koe_Wetzel and Twitter/X @KoeWetzel.

About Koe Wetzel
Koe Wetzel never met a genre wall he couldn’t tear down: The Texas singer-songwriter has earned a rabid audience for his songs that mix country, rock, hip-hop, and even Nineties grunge. His 2016 album Noise Complaint endeared him to fans with its no- holds-barred lyrics about drunken nights, broken hearts and stints in jail, and included the Gold-certified hits “Love” (feat. Parker McCollum), “Something to Talk About” and the infamous “February 28, 2016.” Wetzel’s 2020 major label debut, Sellout, only furthered his legend with the Platinum-certified “Drunk Driving” plus the Gold-certified “Good Die Young” and “Kuntry & Wistern.” The 2022 follow-up, Hell Paso, hit No. 3 on Billboard’s Country Albums and spawned hits on both the country and rock charts, including the Gold-certified “Creeps” and “Cabo.” To date, Wetzel has 2.8 billion total streams and has created a genuine experience with his live concerts, which he describes as “total chaos.” In 2023 alone, he sold more than 275,000 tickets, and appeared for a third time on POLLSTAR’s Top Worldwide Tours. Wetzel will play prominent festival sets this summer and open for Morgan Wallen on the superstar’s One Night at a Time Stadium Tour in Texas, while also headlining his own Damn Near Normal World Tour. His new album, 9 Lives (Columbia), is available everywhere now as lead single “High Road” feat. Jessie Murph arrives as his debut Country radio single.

Our Hollow, Our Home Announce New Album "Hope & Hell" + Share "Funeral Verse" Video

Our Hollow, Our Home, the metalcore band hailing from Southampton, UK, recently faced internal challenges leading to a split.

Despite these difficulties, the band remains committed to its fans, ensuring that their album cycle continues.

The latest single, "Burial Season," has just been released, showcasing a mix of heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and emotionally charged lyrics. 

Watch the video below.

Alongside the single, the band has launched pre-orders for its final album, Hope & Hell, set for release on September 27, available as CD and limited colored vinyl. "Burial Season" is now available on all major streaming platforms, offering a glimpse of the band's enduring dedication to their music.

Pre-order Hope & Hell as CD and limited colored vinyl together with unique merch options at the Arising Empire Online Shop.

That level of relatability, coupled with their relentless touring with the likes of Asking Alexandria and Blessthefall, and high-profile slots at festivals like Graspop, Nova Rock, Summerblast, and Jera On Air, has seen the band command an ever-growing collection of highly-dedicated followers; they have over 79,000 on Spotify; have been viewed over 10 million times on YouTube; and have over 29,000 Instagram followers and 107,000 on Facebook and 2017’s debut album Hartsick reached the top spot of the Itunes chart for rock and metal in the UK, as well as placing in the top ten in the USA, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Italy and Germany.
 
They were also boosted by their hugely popular cover of Ed Sheeran’s "Shape of You" in 2017, which was picked up by BBC Radio One's Greg James and subsequently topped the iTunes UK rock and metal chart, and racked up over 300,000 plays on YouTube on its first week of release.

The release of Our Hollow, Our Home's album Burn in the Flood marked a significant milestone. It crystalized the band's evolution with its refined sound that blended melodic elements with their signature hard-hitting metalcore. It included standout tracks like the emotionally charged single "In Retrospect" and the anthemic title track, showcasing the band's dynamic range and lyrical depth. The album was well-received, adding significantly to their streaming numbers and earning praise for its production quality and thematic boldness. This release further solidified Our Hollow, Our Home's position in the metal scene, offering fans both old and new a rich auditory experience that resonated with the challenges and resilience of the human spirit. 

OUR HOLLOW, OUR HOME ARE:
Gaz — Vocals
Tobias — Guitar/Vocals
James — Guitar
Matt — Bass
Kieran — Drums

Chicago's REPENTANCE Support Swedish Metal Act ORBIT CULTURE on 8-19 in Detroit, MI and 8-20 in Chicago, IL

Chicago, Illinois-based metallers REPENTANCE have announced they will provide direct support for the Swedish metal act ORBIT CULTURE on 8-19 in Detroit, Michigan and 8-20 in Chicago, Illinois.

Check out the band's latest visualizer for "BURIED BY FEAR" taken from the sophomore release THE PROCESS OF HUMAN DEMISE Out Now!

Founded in 2018 by former SOIL and DIRGE WITHIN guitarist Shaun Glass and with a critically acclaimed debut album under their belts (God For A Day, 2020), REPENTANCEsoon became known for their distinctive heavy yet dynamic sound, packed with details, groove and intensity. Playing numerous shows with high profile acts such as TRIVIUM, DEVILDRIVER, JINJER, SKULL FIST, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, SACRED REICH and others, REPENTANCE have taken the heavy scene by storm and represent a sound, which is sure to obliterate fans of extreme music everywhere.

Repentance are:
Adam Gilley – Vocals
Shaun Glass – Guitar
Eric Burns – Guitar
Eric Karol – Bass
Brandon White – Drums

Find Repentance Online:

Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Find NOBLE DEMON online:

https://linktr.ee/nobledemon

MNRK Heavy welcomes Slomosa

Norwegian riff-rock regalers, Slomosa , have signed with independent music group MNRK Heavy (High on Fire, Escuela Grind, Crowbar). The Bergen-based band will release its new LP, 'Tundra Rock,' on September 13. Boasting a brazen backbone of groove-bitten punch and silken melodic hooks heavily inspired by the Palm Desert music scene, Slomosa showcases a hibernating sound that has been reawakened for a new generation.

In celebration of its new label home, Slomosa today releases a video for the new track "Battling Guns."

"Slomosa is an absolute riff powerhouse with an amazing live show," comments MNRK Heavy SVP, Rock & Metal, Scott Givens. "They are an incredible band and all of us at MNRK are thrilled they have picked us to be their label partners."

Expansive mountains constitute nearly two-thirds of Norway. This breathtaking grandeur gives the country a sense of natural splendor and mystique as if its topography has held secrets for millennia. 'Tundra Rock’ is, quite simply, ‘Desert Rock’ on Slomosa 's terms.

 “A desert doesn’t have to be warm", observes vocalist/guitarist Ben Berdous. "If you think about it, the biggest desert in the world is Antarctica. In this respect, the tundra is our desert. We thought it would be cool to coin a genre, and it’s stuck. You could certainly say the grandiosity of nature is evident in the songs of Slomosa.” 

'Tundra Rock' is also advanced by the superbly heavy track, 'Rice,' a cavernous cut soaked in sunbaked groove, and 'Cabin Fever.'

FREE PATCH WITH EVERY PRE-ORDER

(WHILE SUPPLIES LAST)

Slomosa - Tundra Rock Metallic Gold Vinyl

PRE-ORDER

Slomosa - Tundra Rock CD

PRE-ORDER

Slomosa - Logo Shirt

PRE-ORDER

Expansive mountains constitute nearly two-thirds of Norway. This breathtaking grandeur gives the country a sense of natural splendor and mystique as if its topography has held secrets for millennia. 'Tundra Rock’ is, quite simply, ‘Desert Rock’ on Slomosa 's terms.

 “A desert doesn’t have to be warm", observes vocalist/guitarist Ben Berdous. "If you think about it, the biggest desert in the world is Antarctica. In this respect, the tundra is our desert. We thought it would be cool to coin a genre, and it’s stuck. You could certainly say the grandiosity of nature is evident in the songs of Slomosa.” 

'Tundra Rock' is also advanced by the superbly heavy track, 'Rice,' a cavernous cut soaked in sunbaked groove, and 'Cabin Fever.'

Slomosa will tour the U.S. in support of 'Tundra Rock', with some TBA headlining shows, and as special guests of Alkaline Trio, this September.

FOR TOUR DATES AND INFO CLICK HERE