NYC alt-rockers THE GIRAFFES release 8th ‘Cigarette’ album & high-octane 'Pipes' video
"Undeniably captivating. There’s a certain charm to their music with instrumentation and vocals that are absolutely assured and insanely fucking groovy. Offering a very cool melody, time-shifting and dramatism that builds in intensity, 'The Shot' is a superb and infectious single" ~ Amplify Music Magazine
"A band that effortlessly blends raw energy with complex musicianship. A thrilling return to form... A full-throttle angst-filled yet logical assault on the senses... Fans of the Jesus Lizard, Queens of the Stone Age and Fu Manchu will find their sonic sweet spot in their wild, edgy sound" ~ The Spill Magazine
Brooklyn alternative rock outfit The Giraffes has released their eighth album 'Cigarette'- a hypnotic, psychedelic ethnic-tinged rock score for our current age of decay and disappointment, fear and fury, idiocy and hope. This long-awaited and loaded 7-track offering is full of surprises, taking new risks with subject matter and composition while maintaining the intensity and dexterity fans know and love.
Recorded & engineered by Andrew Totolos at Apesauce Studio, this was mixed by Grammy nominated producer Francisco Botero (Matisyahu, Odesza) at the iconic Studio G Brooklyn and by James Dellatacoma (Bill Laswell, Herbie Hancock, TS Monk, John Zorn, Angelique Kidjo) at Bill Laswell's famed Orange Music Sound Studio.
The band recently released the single 'Pipes', a furious, psychedelic protest anthem born from the fear of widespread environmental neglect, and the hypnotic lead track 'The Shot', a rock-meets-psychedelic-surf earworm that shimmers between shadowy depths and sunlit crescendos.
Since forming in 1996, they've been crafting a hedonistic soundtrack that is loud, agile, dangerous, funny, sick, complex and satisfying. Known for their trademark menu of metal-tinged scuzz-rock, The Giraffes offer a tasteful mixture of heavy rock, punk, post-punk, surf and whatever else they find interesting.
With lead singer Aaron Lazar and guitar maestro Damien Paris as its core, drummer Andrew Totolos provides the locomotive rhythm section with Hannah Moorhead anchoring the bass. This year marks the beginning of a new era for the band, with Moorhead now also contributing backing vocals and songwriting. With the line-up no longer in flux, the focus is now largely on songwriting.
"Cigarette is a name that just popped into my mind out of the blue. We tried several titles but this word “cigarette” just seemed to suit the record best. Those now rare and expensive and terrible treats that both kill and sustain you. Anachronistic and awkward, beautiful and trashy, plant, paper, fire and whatever else that happened to linger in the philip morris production line," says Aaron Lazar.
"This collection of songs comes from a cinematic place. We started off attempting to make a record that was spiritually similar to our spaghetti western soundtrack “A Gentleman Never Tells” and with a few detours i think we have arrived there. A score for our current age of decay and disappointment, fear and fury, idiocy and hope."
Four years since forming and two years since debuting with their 1998 album 'Franksquilt', The Giraffes finally found their true form in 2000 when joined by vocalist Aaron Lazar. Upon releasing 'Helping You Help Yourself', their first album with Lazar in 2002, the band would stake its claim as the most unbridled and fun-loving Brooklyn live act. Indeed, with fierce musicality and peak audience participation, The Giraffes earned themselves a dedicated fan base.
From 2002, the band toured nationally and released four studio albums in succession, signing with various labels along the way. Their spaghetti western EP 'A Gentleman Never Tells' (2003) was followed by 'The Giraffes' album (2005), the 'Pretty In Puke' EP and the 'Prime Motivator' album (2008). Their epic 2010 concept album 'Ruled' proved to be Lazar's swan song before leaving the band in 2011. While his departure seemed to mark the end of an era, the embers of their explosive sound would later reignite, proving that this was not the band's final act.
2014 brought sold-out reunion concerts with Lazar back at the helm, reuniting fans from far and wide. Bolstered by their support, the Giraffes began developing new material, resulting in their sixth album 'Usury', released to critical acclaim in 2015. Finally, 2019 brought a new lineup with the addition of bassist Hannah Moorhead (Netherlands, Twenty Two’s) and new impetus with the release of the 'Flower of the Cosmos' album and remixes by Swervedriver's Adam Franklin and notable hip-hop record producer Blockhead.
Over the years, The Giraffes have toured with Eagles of Death Metal, Local-H, The Vacation and Skeleton Key, and shared the stage with Interpol, Fishbone, Yeah Yeah Yeah's and The Strokes. They've played SXSW, Bonnaroo, Amsterjam, Voodofest, Monolith, Northside and CMJ Festivals, and landed sync licensing placements in the 'Guitar Hero' video game, Sundance Festival winning film 'I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore', and the forthcoming 'Toxic Avenger' remake.
As of September 27, the 'Cigarette' album will be available everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.
ALBUM CREDITS
Music written by The Giraffes
Lyrics & vocals by Aaron Lazar
Damien Paris - guitar
Hannah Moorhead - bass
Andrew Totolos - drums & percussion
Aaron Lazar - vocals
Recorded & engineered by Andrew Totolos at Apesauce
Mixed by Francisco Botero at Studio G
Tracks 4 & 5 mixed by James Dellatacoma
Tracks 1, 2, 3, 6 & 7 mixed by Francisco Botero
Mastered by Matt Labozza
Cover artwork by Aaron Lazar
Artist photos by Ebru Yildiz
Video filmed & edited by Aaron Lazar
Additional footage by Ted Maniatakos
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
PALEFACE SWISS Announce Third Full-Length Album 'Cursed'; Drop New Single "Hatred"
Switzerland's titans of brutality, Paleface Swiss, are back with a vengeance! Today, the band unveils their brutal new single, "HATRED", alongside the official announcement of their highly anticipated third full-length album, ‘Cursed’, set to drop January 3rd, 2025. Fans can experience the full, savage force of the new single and its accompanying music video by streaming the track HERE and watching the music video below. Pre-order your copy of 'Cursed' HERE.
"HATRED", the album's ferocious lead single, delivers everything fans have come to love from Paleface Swiss: relentlessly visceral intensity, Zelli’s instantly recognizable, rapid fire rap-style vocals, Yannick Lehmann's insane thrash-inspired solos and ten-ton heavy nu-metal-esque riffs and the pummeling rhythmic backbone of Tommy Lee's basslines and Cassiano "Cassi'" Toma's drumming, providing lightening fast blast beats and brutal beatdowns. Speaking on the track, Marc "Zelli" Zellweger shares
“When you’re a kid growing up, you're happy and you think everything is cool, but nowadays, every time you open your phone, it’s just a flood of negativity. We’re bombarded with so much bad news every day that finding anything positive feels nearly impossible. ‘Hatred’ is us venting our frustration about the things we can’t change. It may not be as deep as the other tracks on the album, but it’s for everyone who’s fed up with the constant negativity in the world. For the music video, we wanted to keep it simple and raw—a no-nonsense, old-school performance video with us going as hard as we can in a room. There are, however, a few easter eggs hidden in there that will make more sense as we release more videos from this album.”
"Hatred" also begins with album intro track, "Un Pobre Niño Murió", a reimagining of a song the band heard for the first time when they decamped to Tenerife, where their close friend and tour manager, Ron Steven Deris, lives, to write their new record. Elaborating on the story, "Zelli" continues
“We went to Ron’s place in Tenerife, and every morning and every evening we had breakfast and dinner together. We always listened to vinyl while eating, and one evening he pulled out a Canary Islands folklore vinyl with very old songs—like all of the artists on these songs had been dead for many years—and this song came on with just one woman singing by herself. It’s supposed to be a children’s lullaby, but it was actually scary. The lyrics are the complete opposite of a lullaby.”
‘Cursed’ is a masterclass in modern brutality and encapsulates two years of creative exploration and raw personal experiences for the Paleface Swiss members. The band retreated to the seclusion of the Canary Islands to craft this sonic juggernaut. Collaborating with Ron Steven Deris at Misueno Studios and with long-time collaborator Florent Salfati (Landmvrks) helping to add the finishing touches, their work culminated in an album that marries the band’s signature heaviness with intricate conceptual storytelling. Zelli goes on to share:
"This time we wanted to keep it simple and follow the lead of the big guys, taking the necessary time for it. However, it was still an exhausting process. I’m overjoyed with the result and can’t wait to unleash our first concept album upon the world."
The album features nine tracks, each paired with a specific flower on the album artwork that represents a different struggle, forming a bouquet of beauty and darkness that mirrors the band's tumultuous experiences. Zelli elaborates:
“This record is for sure our most personal one so far. We've always written about topics like mental health, but we’ve usually written about people who are really close to us. On this record there wasn’t really much space for stories from other people. Between the time when we released "Fear & Dagger "and writing this record, there were periods when this is how we all felt. I’d say 80% of these two years were filled with so much happiness and joy, which I’m really thankful for, but the few dark days that we had ARE this record.”
To celebrate the release of ‘Cursed’ at the top of 2025, Paleface Swiss is gearing up to take their monstrous sound across North America with their biggest US Headline Tour to date. The tour kicks off on March 20th, 2025, in Detroit, MI, and will cover 30 cities, including Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto. Fans can expect blistering performances packed with the band's signature groove-laden riffs, unrelenting energy, and Zelli's insane vocal acrobatics. Full tour dates and tickets are available HERE. Speaking on the upcoming tour, Zelli enthuses
"We can’t wait to return for a bigger US headlining tour... I would love to be sitting on the tour bus tomorrow. But like the cheese Switzerland is famous for, this also has to mature well first"
PALEFACE SWISS
NORTH AMERICA 2025 HEADLINE TOUR
3/20 Detroit, MI, St. Andrews Hall
3/21 Toronto, ON, Lees Palace
3/22 Montreal, QC, Club Soda
3/23 Worcester, MA Palladium (Upstairs)
3/26 Albany, NY, Empire Live
3/27 Baltimore, MD, Soundstage
3/28 Pittsburgh, PA , Roxian Theatre
3/29 Greensboro, NC, Hangar 1819
3/30 Tampa, FL, Orpheum
04/01 Orlando, FL, The Abbey
04/02 Atlanta, GA, Masquerade (Hell)
04/03 Nashville, TN, Eastside Bowl
04/04 Louisville, KY, Mercury Ballroom
04/05 St. Louis, MO, Red Flag
04/06 Wichita, KS, Wave (Indoors)
04/08 San Antonio, TX, Vibes Underground
04/09 Dallas, TX, Southside Music Hall
4/10 Albuquerque, NM, Sunshine Theater
4/11 Mesa, AZ, Nile
4/12 Los Angeles, CA, The Regent
4/13 Roseville, CA, Goldfields
4/15 Portland, OR, Dante's
4/16 Vancouver, BC, Rickshaw Theatre
4/17 Seattle, WA, El Corazon
4/18 Spokane, WA, The Knitting Factory
4/19 Salt Lake City, UT, Metro Music Hall
4/20 Denver, CO, Summit
4/22 Omaha, NE, The Waiting Room
4/23 Iowa City, IA, Wildwood
4/24 Minneapolis, MN, Varsity Theater
4/25 Milwaukee, WI, The Rave II
4/26 Chicago, IL, Thalia Hall
Armed with a brand new album, an ever-growing army of devoted fans, critical acclaim, sold-out headline shows and stellar festival performances garnering new fans wherever they go, Paleface Swiss have their sights firmly set total, global domination. Stay tuned, buckle up and kick back for the ride.
ABOUT PALEFACE SWISS
Since the release of their first album, 'Chapter 3: The Last Selection', independent outfit, PALEFACE SWISS have gained international recognition throughout the Deathcore and Beatdown Community. Known for their huge, aggressive riffs, brutally bombastic rhythm section, frontman, Zelli's outstanding vocals and a pinch of humor. This is Switzerland’s finest heavy music. Across their catalog, the band have gained 110 million streams, 21 million YouTube views on their own channel, and recently peaked at 1 million Spotify monthly listeners.
‘Chapter 3: The Last Selection’ was released on October 30th 2020, spawning four huge tracks “Curse Us”, “The Rats”, "Lights Out" and “Skalpell” which quickly ranked high in the beatdown/hardcore charts and saw the band become cover stars on Spotify’s Heavy Beatdown playlist.
In 2022 the band released their second full-length album 'Fear & Dagger'. The album was widely considered a huge step up for the band as plaudits began to roll in for frontman Zelli's vocal ability and the band's unflinching commitment to never shy away from brutally heavy riffs, face-melting technically insane guitar solos, punishing beatdowns or from facing difficult, emotional topics head on. Metal Injectionaccurately summed it up in their review by saying, "It's fun to get caught up in Paleface's unrelenting instrumentals, but Zelli's really the star of Paleface. This is largely because he treats his screams like rap bars." New Transcendence stating "Paleface have created one of the most emotionally relevant and intriguing beatdown releases to date" and Wall of Sound calling it "an unashamedly brutal and angry album".
The album shot the band into the upper echelons of the "New Wave Of Deathcore" and spawned singles "The Orphan", "Deathtouch", "Dead Man's Diary" feat. LANDMVRKS frontman Florent Salfati and fan favourite and stylistic curveball, "My Grave / Lay with Me". The album focused on more mature and critical topics related to the fears and struggles young people have to contend with in the 21st century, most importantly, the topic of mental health.
The ensuing 2 years saw the band's popularity sky-rocket. Honing their craft in the live arena, the band rapidly jumped from strength to strength, creating what is now one of the most thrilling and impactful live shows in modern metal. Their ability to win over any crowd, wether it be their own headline shows, touring the US with the likes of Body Snatcher or The Ghost Inside, touring the UK with the likes of Counterparts and Kublai Khan or at globally renowned festivals such as Sick New World, Hellfest Open Air, Summer Breeze, Cabaret Vert, Dynamo Metal Festival and more, one thing is for sure, Paleface Swiss will turn an audience into fans by the time they're done at every show they play.
To support their largely sold-out touring efforts, the band released a series of stand alone singles, "Best: Before Death" - now a staple and firm fan favourite in their live set list, "Please End Me" and "The Gallow".
Now, with the impending release of their third full-length album, 'Cursed', Paleface Swiss are set to write the next chapter or their incredible, epic journey as they reveal their most thematically and sonically ambitious album to date. Never pulling punches when it comes to heaviness, technicality or emotional vulnerability, Paleface Swiss are rewriting the rulebook on what it means to be an extreme metal band.
PALEFACE SWISS Are:
Vox: Marc “Zelli” Zellweger
Guitar: Yannick Lehmann
Bass: Tommy-Lee Abt
Drums: Cassiano 'Cassi' Toma
Find Paleface Online
GAEREA Reach Dynamic New Heights on "Suspended"
"As someone who's already heard Coma in full, you're getting a glimpse at one of the best metal records of 2024" - Metal Injection
"One of extreme music's most commanding, compelling forces" - Knotfest
"...separates itself from the pack thanks to hearty doses of dark melody, top notch production and skilled songwriting" - Decibel
"...builds upon itself until the sound and fury can’t be contained any longer, spilling over itself with raging vocals and pounding blast beats".- Metal Sucks
"Terrifying at times, but beautiful, almost like life" - New Noise
"Gaerea really aren’t like the other black metal bands...If you have any care for music as heartrending as it is heavy, this is a must-listen" - Angry Metal Guy
"...increasingly wizard-like and meteorically rising" - No Clean Singing
Gaerea thrive on the purging of raw emotions, but on their upcoming fourth album, the Portuguese masked sensations prove that they're no longer just a black metal band. With Coma, they're surfacing to the top of extreme metal.
While produced by their trusted confidant Miguel Tereso, Coma expands Gaerea's signature sound by pulling it in two seemingly opposing directions. "Suspended" is haunted by moments of intense beauty. The band's new single is accompanied by a video that's both stunning and soul-stirring. But the pensive moments only heighten its crushing blows.
Watch the stunning, slow motion video for "Suspended" below.
Coma comes out October 25, 2024 on Season of Mist.
Pre-order & Pre-save: https://orcd.co/gaereacoma
With its sharp and slithering riffs, Gaerea's previous single spiked the anticipation for Coma to an almost unbearable degree. "Suspended" holds their captive audience in even greater suspense. Like a spider weaving its web, the somber, opening guitar melody unfolds with great care before the booming blast beats swallow you into the band's inescapable vortex.
"I stand at a fateful divide / where choices collide", their tortured vocalist screams as if dangling from the grip of a soul-wrenching vice. "Hell breaks loose".
The never-ending maze that Gaerea dared us to enter during the album's first official single is obscured by an even thicker haze on "Suspended". But the band stay clear of any stylistic dead ends. The blindingly fast tremolo picking suddenly relents, opening up a post-rock passage that twinkles like a dying star. "No words can explain why I chose as I did", their vocalist sings in one great, long mournful sigh.
"Suspended" stands as the first song in Gaerea's mantle-worthy discography to feature clean singing, but the soft shift only sets up the song's final knockout. All at once, the riffs, blasts and screams come roaring back into the fray behind an elevated gothic choir, bringing the band's level of despair to crushing new heights.
The video for "Suspended" was created by Guilherme Henriques.
To usher in this new era, Gaerea are touring behind Coma later this year. The masked sensations will return to North America in November with Zeal & Ardor and ZETRA.
Gaerea North American Tour 2024 with Zeal & Ardor and ZETRA
November 23 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer [TICKETS]
November 24 - New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge [TICKETS]
November 25 - Allston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall [TICKETS]
November 27 - Montreal, QC @ Le Studio TD [TICKETS]
November 28 - Toronto, ON @ Opera House [TICKETS]
November 29 - Detroit, MI @ The Majestic [TICKETS]
November 30 - Millvale, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre [TICKETS]
December 2 - Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue [TICKETS]
December 3 - Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall [TICKETS]
December 4 - Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theatre [TICKETS]
December 6 - Engelwood, CO @ Gothic Theatre [TICKETS]
December 7 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge [TICKETS]
December 9 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox [TICKETS]
December 10 - Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre [TICKETS]
December 11 - Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom [TICKETS]
December 13 - Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre [TICKETS]
December 14 - Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory [TICKETS]
December 15 - Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom [TICKETS]
December 17 - Austin, TX @ Mohawk [TICKETS]
December 18 - Dallas, TX @ Studio at The Factory [TICKETS]
The beauty of Gaerea lies in the directness and simplicity found within their florid tapestry of extremity and aggression. Whether it is in the less-polished aural dynamite of Mirage, or in the lustrous textures of Coma, Gaerea is building a mighty edifice of metal. With talons dipped in the inky blood of black metal and scraped across the flesh of human suffering, Gaerea is leading a charge into the future of darkness, and all those who find beauty and power in the dark side of existence would do well to take heed.
Recording Studio
Demigod Studios at Redbox Studios
Production Credits
Produced by Gaerea
Recorded by Miguel Tereso at Redbox Studios
Mixed and Mastered by Miguel Tereso at Demigod Studios
Artwork
Nathan Lorenzana
Photography
Chantik Photography
Biography
Gaerea
Stream & Order: https://orcd.co/gaereacoma
Follow Gaerea:
Official Website: https://www.gaerea.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaerea
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gaerea_
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@gaereaofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1wXoI3Ajpv4WwQ3LmcrSBw
Discord: https://discord.gg/CSyqFQZ6
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQOfL4E3Z_SpHLL52tOIpQ
Bandcamp: https://gaerea.bandcamp.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/gaerea_official
Booking & Management Contact:
US Booking - nickstorch@artistgrp.com
World booking: https://www.teamwass.com / Contact info: tom.taaffe@teamwass.com
Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digisleeve
2X12" Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
Bike Routes Share "World Apart" Video — WATCH
Blue Grape Music recently announced the signing of Bike Routes. The artist will release his Rush of Energy EP on October 25. The EP is available on vinyl in several colorways. Pre-order it here.
Today, Bike Routes has shared the video for "World Apart," an upbeat, alt pop rock jam with both an '80s and post-hardcore vibe.
Watch it below.
"'World Apart' captivates the listener with pinpoint aggression towards the mundane motions of everyday life," says Bike Routes about the song's existential lean. "It tackles existential dread and the desire to start anew. No one ever tells you how hard it's gonna be to follow your dreams, and if what we do here even really matters. But, if nothing matters, then I think that it's alright, because it's impossible we're all here at the same time."
Bike Routes is David Lawrence Osterhout.
Deeply intimate, earnest, and heartfelt expressions of anxiety, heartbreak, and acceptance lie within deceptively sugary melodies and hooks. David’s acoustic guitar is the anchor, inviting listeners into a notebook full of emotion and authenticity.
The Garden State gave the world Bruce Springsteen, The Misfits, Lifetime, and The Gaslight Anthem. There's perhaps a bit of the essence of each of those trailblazers within the Bike Routes sound. While the South Jersey singer/songwriter conjures the spirit of the iconic troubadours of indie rock, classic emo, and postmodern pop-punk, he distinctively carves a singularly unique identity all his own.
Osterhout teamed up with producer Zach Tuch (Touché Amoré, Silverstein, Movements), looking to expand the Bike Routes sound. The resulting collection is the Rush of Energy EP — the first Bike Routes release via Blue Grape Music.
Bike Routes excels in the live environment, as evidenced on a Spring 2024 tour with Hawthorne Heights. More touring is expected for later this year.
ABOUT BLUE GRAPE MUSIC:
In 2022, industry veterans David Rath and Cees Wessels formed Blue Grape Music. The name will be familiar to rock music fans, as it was the merchandise company also launched by Wessels, who founded the venerable and esteemed record label Roadrunner Records in the ‘80s. Roadrunner earned a reputation as an iconic label that turned hard rock and metal acts into household names for several decades under Wessels’ tutelage. Rath spent 21 years in the A&R department at Roadrunner, working on albums by a variety of RIAA-certified and culturally important acts, including but not limited to Slipknot, Korn, Turnstile, Gojira, Coheed and Cambria, White Reaper, Slash, Trivium, Dream Theater, and more. When the label changed management and ownership, Rath guided the company and oversaw the signings of bands like Young the Giant and Vance Joy. Ultimately, the Blue Grape executive team is powered by experience and a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-your-hands-dirty, by-any-means-necessary work ethic. Blue Grape's inaugural signing was the two-time Grammy nominee Code Orange and since then, the label has gone on to sign San Francisco punks Spiritual Cramp, hardcore heavyweights GEL, and Baltimore sludge slingers GASKET, with several new signing announcements expected to be announced this year. Blue Grape is distributed globally by The Orchard.
MOUTH FOR WAR UNLEASHES "THE EARTH'S COLD EMBRACE" VIDEO/SINGLE
Colorado’s favorite metalcore practitioners MOUTH FOR WAR today drop their punishing new standalone single, “The Earth's Cold Embrace” with an accompanying video. At once ominous and pit-propelling from its first note, the track stands among the band’s heaviest work to date.
Comments MOUTH FOR WAR vocalist Trae Roberts, "‘The Earth's Cold Embrace’ is the next step in musical evolution for MOUTH FOR WAR. We're bringing in lots of new elements while still maintaining the influences that brought this band together. We were very stoked to bring in [producer] Josh Schroeder to really bring this new track to life.
“The track is based on a dream I had on tour that really messed with my head for a few days. It was essentially a storyline where I killed someone in a private setting, then proceeded to be stalked by a crowd of people that knew what I had done until ultimately being forced to shoot myself. I tried to embody the mood of the dream in the instrumental of this track before even implementing lyrical content. We were lucky enough that our friend Dave hooked us up with this underground nuclear missile complex to shoot the video, which was incredibly fitting to the eerie vibe of the song. Hopefully you all love the new track as much as we do.”
Following their recent September run of headlining shows as well as a performance at this year’s edition the New England Metal And Hardcore Fest, MOUTH FOR WAR will join Norma Jean for a portion of their tour with Teeth this November.
Skillet Share Video For New Single "All That Matters" + Partners With Vet Tix Offering Free Concert Tickets To Veterens
22x platinum, GRAMMY-nominated rockers SKILLET are partnering with VET TIX to provide free concert tickets to veterans. Their latest digital track, "All That Matters," off their upcoming album REVOLUTION (11/1/24), has resonated loudly with military families, and in support of them for every preorder of REVOLUTION placed between Sept 25th and Oct 10th, 2024, Skillet will donate one concert ticket. Additionally, the band will grant a Hero's Wish, where a specific event wish is granted to Active Duty Military Personnel (up to six months after their deployments), severely wounded Veterans (Purple Heart Required) or the families of men and women killed in action (KIA).
Click here to pre-order/donate, learn more about Vet Tix here, and about Hero's Wish here.
"Vet Tix is grateful for Skillet’s support of the Vet Tix mission," remarked Vet Tix Founder, CEO, and U.S. Navy veteran, Michael A. Focareto III. "Their passion for creating music and performing live for their legions of fans, coupled with their generous donations to Vet Tix through this partnership exemplifies Skillet’s support for our veterans, military members, and their families."
"In 'All That Matters' I sing, 'my faith, my family, my freedom, that’s what’s backin’ me and gives me a reason for living, I gotta fight for what I believe in,'" says SKILLET lead singer John Cooper. "I think we're getting such strong feedback from military families because these words are what they live day in and day out - their entire lives are about fighting for what they believe in - fighting for our country, for their families and the rest of us as Americans. We have loved playing shows at military bases, meeting these families and the brave men and women of the armed forces - I am thrilled we can partner with Vet Tix and do something to support them."
REVOLUTION's first single, "Unpopular," premiered on SIRIUS XM's OCTANE channel, is climbing the Active Rock radio chart and has received over 5M streams, and 1.5M views of its music video.
REVOLUTION is expected to only extend Skillet’s formidable legacy. As of 2024, the band have received two GRAMMY® Award nominations, picked up a Billboard Music Award, and landed three albums in the Top 5 of the Billboard 200. Selling over 22 million units worldwide with over 24 billion global streams to date, SKILLET have notched multi-platinum, platinum, or gold RIAA certifications for a total of 12 singles and four full-length albums. Their latest RIAA Gold certifications just hit this summer with the tracks "Legendary" and "Stars." Not to mention, they have regularly attracted 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, boasting “one of the most-streamed rock songs of all-time” with the 5x-platinum "Monster."
Last week SKILLET kicked of a co-headline tour with another one of the best-selling rock bands of the 21st century, SEETHER. Well known as two of the rock scene's biggest acts of the past two decades, the tour will hit 18 cities through October 20th. Tickets are available via Skillet.com. Remaining routing below.
After years of selling out shows across Western Europe, Australia, Japan and more SKILLET will embark on their first-ever tour of the Middle East in November. The band will be playing in Turkey, Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates, and more. All dates are below at at Skillet.com.
SEETHER + SKILLET ON TOUR:
9/25 — Chicago, IL — Radius
9/26 — Cleveland, OH — Agora Theater (Skillet only)
9/27 — Huntington, WV — Marshall Health Network Arena
10/2 — Kansas City, MO — The Midland Theatre
10/3 — St. Louis, MO — Saint Louis Music Park
10/5 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall Lawn
10/6 — Dallas, TX — Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie
10/8 — Lubbock, TX — Lonestar Events Center
10/9 — Albuquerque, NM — Revel ABQ
10/11 — Mesa, AZ — Mesa Amphitheatre
10/15 — Denver, CO — The Mission Ballroom
10/18 — Omaha, NE — The Astro Amphitheater
10/19 — Des Moines, IA — Vibrant Music Hall
ABOUT SKILLET:
After nearly three decades, eleven albums, and thousands of shows worldwide, Skillet play louder, fight harder, and sound more rebellious than ever. As of 2024, the band have received two-time GRAMMY® Award nominations, picked up a Billboard Music Award, and landed three albums in the Top 5 of the Billboard 200. Selling over 22 million units worldwide, they have notched multiplatinum, platinum, or gold RIAA certifications for a total of 12 singles and four full-length albums. Not to mention, they have regularly attracted 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify, boasting “one of the most-streamed rock songs of all-time” with the 5x-platinum “Monster.” Their presence has impressively surged throughout popular culture with syncs by WWE, Marvel, ESPN, and NFL in addition to coverage from USA Today, The New York Times, and more. As a live force of nature, they have touched down on four continents and in 26 countries, packing arenas everywhere from the Middle East to Russia. Not to mention, Skillet expanded their world with the graphic novel series EDEN. The first installment stood out as Z2 Comics’ best-selling book of all-time. Now, the global hard rock quartet—John Cooper [lead vocals, bass], Korey Cooper [guitar, keys], Jen Ledger [drums, vocals], and Seth Morrison [lead guitar]—deliver an insurgent, infectious, and inimitable body of work with their twelfth full-length offering and first-ever independent album, REVOLUTION, led by the single “Unpopular.”
Gvllow Featuring Mothica Release Cover Of Billy Idol's Smash-Hit "Eyes Without A Face" In Partnership With American Psycho Comic Series From Sumerian Comics
Genre-blending artist Gvllow is the latest standout to join the formidable lineup contributing to the official soundtrack for Sumerian Comics' 'American Psycho' comic book series with a fresh reimagination of Billy Idol's smash-hit "Eyes Without A Face", featuring the inimitable Mothica. Stream the track HERE and watch the official video below.
Speaking about the track, Gvllow shared:
"I recorded this song over a year ago because I simply love this song and wanted to do my own cover of it. It's fun to do covers once in a while especially when it's a song you really love. I was blessed to have my buddy Scott Holiday feature guitar on it to bring the solo and all the fun guitar effects to life on the song, and then of course Mothica putting the cherry on top with the female vocals to compliment the choruses and even some of the verses. I'm just stoked that this is finally being released to the public after sitting on this for a long long time now."
Mothica also added:
“I loved getting to work with my new friend Gvllow covering such an iconic song. We had such a great time working on the track and creating the visuals together. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as we had making it."
President of Sumerian Comics, Nathan Yocum, also commented:
"We’re excited to bring a fresh take on Billy Idol’s iconic "Eyes Without A Face" with Gvllow and Mothica, blending the haunting essence of the original with a darker, modern twist. Partnering with our American Psycho comic series this release continues to merge music and art in a way that pushes boundaries and taps into the darker side of both worlds. It’s a fusion of nostalgia and innovation that’s bound to captivate both fans of the original and new listeners alike."
The 'American Psycho' comic book series by Sumerian Comics is a bold reimagining of Patrick Bateman’s notorious saga. The five-issue series delves into a dual storyline format; one tracing the chilling exploits of Bateman, and the other introducing a contemporary narrative featuring Charlene Carruthers—a social media-savvy millennial whose descent into violence mirrors the chilling escalation of her predecessor. This innovative take reinterprets the iconic tale with a story written by Michael Calero (Quested), vivid artwork by Piotr Kowalski (The Witcher, Bloodborne, Sex) and striking colors by Brad Simpson (Kong of Skull Island, Stray Dogs, Blade Runner Origins).
Today's release joins previously released tracks from the likes of Charlotte Sands who dropped a massive cover of AFI's smash-hit "Miss Murder", Royal & The Serpent who tackled Leadbelly classic "Where Did You Sleep Last Night", Carpenter Brut feat. Krystoffer Rygg who released a cover of Billy Idol's "Eyes Without A Face", Ice Nine Kills feat. Reel Big Fish, who gave the Katrina and The Waves smash hit, "Walking On Sunshine" the ska punk treatment, Puscifer, who recorded a brand new, original single, "The Algorithm" for the comic book series, Unlike Pluto who covered Eurythmics "Sweet Dreams", Perturbator, who covered "Dangerous" by Depeche Mode and Ramsey, who covered Leadbelly's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night". Between them, the previously released tracks have racked up over 6.1 million streams with current sales for the comic book series topping 80,000 units.
Fans of the 'American Psycho' franchise can look forward to more from the accompanying soundtrack for the comic book series that perfectly complements the visual frenzy and deepens the narrative's impact, making each issue a multifaceted experience of sight and sound. Head to the Sumerian Comics website for more information and to order your copies of 'American Psycho'.
About Sumerian Comics
Sumerian is an American comic book and graphic novel publisher headed up by Behemoth Comics co-founders Nathan Yocum and Ryan Swanson, alongside Sumerian Records founder and film director Ash Avildsen. Sumerian’s titles are distributed worldwide by Diamond Comic Distributors to the comic market and Simon & Schuster to the book market. Sumerian averages over half a million physical comic books sold yearly.
About Gvllow
GVLLOW's sound is an eclectic tapestry woven from the rich influences of '80s new wave, SoCal punk rock, and the iconic beach sounds of legends like Dick Dale and The Beach Boys. Born and raised in the vibrant punk scene of Riverside, California, he began his musical journey playing drums and immersing himself in the local live music scene, absorbing the energy and ethos of acts like Dr. Know and TSOL.
After a stint as a DJ in the underground rap scene for artists like Ghostemane and Lil Peep, and touring with City Morgue, GVLLOW emerged with two solo albums that spotlight his diverse talents. His previous releases, "Waste Away"(2018) and "Gvllow" (2020) which features collaborations with Travis Barker, Brennan Savage, and Jack Grisham (TSOL), spawning successful singles and earning him a significant following.
His sound shifted significantly in 2021 when he released the 'Spiritwalker' EP, the release saw his stylistic expansion into post-punk and dark wave. Heavily influenced by by the likes of Drab Majesty, Sisters Of Mercy and Bauhaus, the transition began with highly acclaimed single "Last Dance" and has continued throughout the 'Spiritwalker' EP and his 2022 releases - "Die By Your Hand", "Falling Down", "Not Sorry" and the 'Suffer' EP.
THE HALO EFFECT ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM 'MARCH OF THE UNHEARD'
Gothenburg's rising stars, THE HALO EFFECT, are back with a powerful new announcement - their highly anticipated second album, March of the Unheard, will be unleashed on January 10th, 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records.
Following the massive success of their critically acclaimed debut Days of the Lost, March of the Unheard delivers a triumphant continuation of the band’s signature sound. Packed with soaring melodies and electrifying energy, the new album promises to exceed fan expectations.
The first single from the album, 'Detonate,' is an upbeat anthem that blends melodic hooks with relentless energy. Accompanied by a thrilling music video, 'Detonate' sets the stage for what promises to be yet another landmark release, delivering a strong message for the unheard: "Break the chains of this deadlock, before we detonate!"
Guitar wizard and main songwriter Niclas Engelin comments: "Damn, time flies fast when you have so much fun touring, playing festivals, and creating new magic. Are we hitting album no. 2 already? Still running high from the energy from Days Of The Lost, and it's been a blast!”
He continues: "We just can't wait for you all to hear our new magic and I think you might like what you are about to hear! 'Detonate' , our first single from our new album March Of The Unheard , is an upbeat straight in the face song with all the melodies that you just can't be without! Obey The Riff!”
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR 'DETONATE' BELOW:
LISTEN TO 'DETONATE' ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://thehaloeffect.bfan.link/dsg
PRE-ORDER MARCH OF THE UNHEARD: https://thehaloeffect.bfan.link/motulp
Shortly after the album´s release, the band will embark on their first ever headline tour in Europe. Industrial outfit and label mates PAIN will be special guest on this tour and to round up this great package, melo-death shooting stars from Finland, BLOODRED HOURGLASS, will join as a support.
THE HALO EFFECT is:
Niclas Engelin | guitar
Jesper Strömblad | guitar
Mikael Stanne | vocals
Peter Iwers | bass
Daniel Svensson | drums
SÓLSTAFIR Premieres Daring Music Video for New Song, "Blakkrakki”
Icelandic cowboys SÓLSTAFIR are now premiering the daring music video for their new single, "Blakkrakki," which captures the band's wild side. Meaning "The Black Dog," the title is a metaphor that has its origin in myth and folklore. Watch the video, which was created by Bowen Staines below.
The song is taken from the band's upcoming full-length, 'Hin Helga Kvöl,' which will be released on November 8 via Century Media Records, making it their debut to the label! Meaning "crepuscular rays" in Icelandic, the name "SÓLSTAFIR" refers to those piercing rays of sunlight that break through dark clouds at dusk. This imagery captures the essence of their upcoming album, a beacon of light and hope shining through the heaviest of times. As the band confronts their inner demons, shrugging off the trappings of rock and roll decadence, their music resonates with the universal struggle and triumph over hardship. 'Hin helga kvöl' is the holy war that we all face within. Pre-orders are now live HERE.
Bowen Staines, director for Don’t Panic Films, is shedding some light on the production of the video: “Regarding the production of the new music video for ‘Blakkrakki,’ this is actually the fifth video that I’ve been lucky enough to do with SÓLSTAFIR.
"This particular idea for a future video (which would ultimately become 'Blakkrakki') came to Addi and I maybe four or five years ago, when we discussed the possibility of putting everybody on a flatbed trailer, and then just drifting the thing around the runways at the Reykjavík Airport and shooting the whole thing in a single take. And so we put that idea onto the shelf for a few years until I heard a very early demo for ‘Blakkrakki’ almost four years ago at SÓLSTAFIR’s rehearsal space in Seltjarnarnes, the same day I asked them to learn ‘Dionysus’ at three-times the normal speed for the video we’d shoot for that song the next day. And I remember looking at Addi, and being like 'I want to do THIS one!' Four years later (but also, only a few weeks ago), the guys were playing the song while standing on a flatbed trailer doing sixty miles per hour on a stretch of highway surrounded on all sides by one of the oldest lava flows in Iceland.
"From a filmmaking standpoint, I opted to include shots that revealed the cameras, crew and our driver, Lexi, because I felt that it was really important to share that part of the process, as well as the teamwork that made this video happen in a single day. By comparison, both ‘Fjara’ and ‘Bláfjall’ had 60+ pages of shotlists, took nearly four months to shoot, and then another five or six months to edit… while ‘Blakkrakki’ was shot in a single day, and then edited over the following twenty-one — making this the fastest I have ever shot and edited a music video in my entire career. All of the camera movements and transitions were done 100% in-camera: there are no key-frames, digital fades or any motion paths, and as such, almost zero post-production.
"The most fun part of shooting the video was that everything was done totally guerrilla-style: active roads and highways, with the only items consistently strapped down being the cabs, amp heads, and the priceless Ludwig drumkit from 1963 that we BORROWED from a personal friend of the band… ‘Careful’ just doesn’t quite say it. Thankfully, the only thing that eventually/inevitably fell off was one of the Orange amp heads and one of Hallgrímur’s drumsticks, for which he had to run all the way back to find amongst the infinite expanses of highway, moss and lava far behind us.
"That being said, there was a point after we had done a dozen or so takes and had gotten comfortable with everyone being on the flatbed, where we found our way onto this huge stretch of road called Keilir and began hitting speeds upwards of fifty to sixty miles per hour — and every time a large truck passed us, you can actually see some of the cymbals flexing in a few of the shots that made it into the final video — as well as a couple really quick clips of some of us almost falling off the side while going up a steep switchback incline near Þingvellir.
"The final step was to transfer the whole video onto Super16mm film, so that it has a very organic, weighty feel to it. So yeah, this whole video was transferred directly onto reel-to-reel 16mm film, proving once again that the format is NOT dead! All in all, ‘Blakkrakki’ was a blast to make, and we hope you have fun watching it, too.”
Legendary Icelanders SÓLSTAFIR recently announced signing to Century Media Records. They are no strangers to the music world with their 20+ years of performing across the Globe as they consistently amaze audiences with their hearts on their sleeves from the first note. With a full catalog of truly exceptional timeless hits to perform, as well as some much-anticipated new music, the atmospheric Icelandic rock n’ roll sound that is uniquely SÓLSTAFIR always delivers to those who bear witness to their epic sets that take you on a journey through the ice and snow, fire and lava and breathtaking soundscapes of their homeland.
Lineup:
Adalbjorn Tryggvason – Vocals, Guitar
Saethor "Gringo" Saethorsson - Guitars
Svavar Traustason - Bass
Hallgrimur "Grimsi" Hallgrimsson - Drums
Recording: Abbey Road Studios, London
Production, Recording: Aðalbjörn Tryggvason, Jóhann Rúnar Þorgeirsson
Co-Production, Mixing: Fredrik Reinedahl
Mastering: Sigurdór Guðmundsson
Links:
JSqrd & the Mixed-Up Zombies celebrates the original shock-effect on 'Do The Wilhelm Scream' single
"A Halloween treat that's as fun as it is hokey. This quirky, upbeat tune is sure to get your feet tapping and your spirits high - good-natured fun to ring in the autumn hoedowns and haunts" ~ Rock n Roll Biz
Inspired by an iconic sound that has echoed through theaters for generations, San Francisco collective JSqrd & the Mixed-Up Zombies presents their debut single 'Do The Wilhelm Scream'. Taking inspiration from a Hollywood tradition dating back to 1951, JJ (JSqrd) Holoubek brings this effect from the silver screen to the music scene in a fun and upbeat country-rock song that will have you tapping your feet to sounds once synonymous with thrill and suspense.
Based in San Francisco, JJ Holoubek has spent decades playing guitar and bass in bands - both original and cover bands - spanning California's central coast and the SF Bay Area. However, he is best known as a founding member of the Trees of Mystery, a much-beloved band of semi-alcoholic musical misfits and troublemakers from San Luis Obispo, CA, who grabbed for the brass ring only to come up empty-handed.
"I wanted to keep the "original" version of this song simple, fun and easily recognizable, while offering a similarly goofy hip-hop(ish) version. The kernel for the tunes was planted long ago upon learning the history of "The Wilhelm Scream", an often-used sound effect used in many Hollywood films, and popularized by directors George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. It was my intention to sprinkle the tunes with everyday people's interpretations of the iconic shreik to induce nothing more or less than than a goofy chuckle, the ultimate purpose of the novelty song," says JJ Holoubek (JSqrd).
"In an effort to join the pantheon of humorous American novelty songs, and a purely Halloween-related one at that, I recruited/strong-armed my family and friends to give me their best versions of the iconic movie sound effect, the Wilhelm scream, with the fervent hope of providing a dose of much needed silliness for all to enjoy."
Guitars, guitarists, and their bands have been of a lifelong interest to JSqrd. From the likes of Duane Allman, the Steve's of Howe & Hackett and Tom Verlaine, he's taken chunks and/or tidbits from them all, added a dash of Capt. Beefheart and punk what-have-you to form, however misshapen, an approach and tone uniquely his own. Serving up a novelty song seemed like the only right and proper thing to do; a quite natural outcome when mixing blues, prog, new wave and noise.
An avid Burning Man attendee, JSqrd has been bringing half- and nearly full-assed art to the event for better than a quarter century. His "art" has lived, crashed, burned and risen by the event's unofficial moto: One thousand great ideas, poorly executed. Also a seasoned voice-over artist and actor, JJ Holoubek has never been shy to put a smile on an horribly written infomercial or butcher any accent from any continent.
And now, the most shocking and terrifying ode to a Hollywood sound effect ever put to music! JSqrd & the Mixed-Up Zombies invites you to... Do the Wilhelm Scream!! As of September 25, the single will be available everywhere online, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.
CREDITS
Music and lyrics written by JJ Holoubek
Performed by JJ Holoubek, except drums by Phil Gonsalves
Produced by JJ Holoubek
Engineered & mixed by Wesley Price at Sauce Pot Studios (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Song recorded, mixed and mastered by Wesley Price
Video created by Wesley Price and Xander Bissell
Artist photos & single cover image by Xander Bissell
Keep up with JSqrd & the Mixed-Up Zombies
Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | VoiceOver site
Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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Bryce Leatherwood’s Country Radio Debut “Hung Up On You” Arrives As Most-Added Single
Republic Records / Mercury Nashville recording artist Bryce Leatherwood’s “Hung Up on You” arrived at country radio today as the most-added single, with 45 first week adds. Listen Below.
On the song’s Sept. 6 release, Leatherwood shared, “Growing up, Country radio is what we listened to at home, so taking this one to the airwaves is a full circle moment for me. All I’ve ever wanted to do is make my family and everyone back home proud, and having them hear my voice on the radio is a dream come true.”
Written by Brandon Lay, Jeff Middleton and Neil Medley, “Hung Up On You” metaphorically compares the intoxicating effects of love with those of alcohol, as Leatherwood delivers an upbeat anthem where the only cure for his swirling thoughts about what comes next is the continued presence of the girl he loves:
Leatherwood made his Grand Ole Opry debut to a standing ovation on Sept. 14, performing “Hung Up On You” and his unreleased “Shenandoah, as he continues to tease new music to come.
Leatherwood was recently featured in Boot Barn’s 2024 spring campaign Taking Flight, a highlight on up-and-coming country musicians, and was also named a 2024 Artist to Watch by Music Mayhem and Country Now earlier this year.
To follow along with updates and for more information, visit bryceleatherwood.com or follow along on Instagram HERE, Facebook HERE, X HERE or Tik Tok HERE.
About Bryce Leatherwood:
Bryce Leatherwood is a 24-year-old singer/songwriter who aims to carry the torch of country music and continue the legacy of legends prior. Bryce was born and raised in Woodstock, GA, and his passion for music began at an early age. Working on his grandfather’s farm every summer, Bryce was exposed to the classic country hits of George Jones, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty. Soon thereafter, Bryce began picking up guitars and playing the traditional country music that still inspires him today. Bryce’s music career began to blossom in Statesboro, GA, where he attended Georgia Southern University. During his time in Statesboro, Bryce played college venues and continued to hone his stage presence and his country music repertoire. In late 2021 while still enrolled in college, Bryce formed his band and began playing all around the Southeast. Bryce’s goal was to take the stage and play the best of country music to all ages and audiences. After graduating college, Bryce set his mind on a new task. In 2022, he competed on the NBC hit television show The Voice and was crowned the Season 22 winner in December of 2022. Following his success on The Voice, Bryce signed with Republic Records / Universal Music Group Nashville and is currently hard at work on new music.
PROGRESSIVE FUNK ROCK TRIO, MOSEY BEAT, SET TO RELEASE THEIR BRAND-NEW EP BREAKFAST FOR CHAMPIONS ON DEKO ENTERTAINMENT
Mosey Beat is a progressive funk rock band bringing high energy dance grooves, mellow waves, and rock and roll to create a new fusion of sound. The power trio was formed in 2012. Their original music has gained momentum in the NEPA area with their unique live show and improvised jams. Consisting of Taylor O'Connor (guitar, vocals), Blair O'Connor (drums, vocals), and Tommy McGourty (bass), the band has a passion for creating original music and composing jams in real time. Drawing inspiration from a wide variety of genres, Mosey Beat shows prowess and is not afraid to break the mold when it comes to their songs. Their ability to captivate an audience and read the energy in the room allows for a new live show every single night.
Now they are set to release their latest EP Breakfast for Champions, and you may ask what is that all about? The band explains, “The title Breakfast for Champions is meant to be a joke on how many of us musicians burn the candle at both ends going from a gig to working the day job with little to no sleep and all while keeping the show a party! The music is a reflection of our experiences and philosophies in life, so it was fitting that our album cover contained elements of our experience including using “The Funhouse” in Bethlehem PA as the backdrop for the photo where Mosey Beat has performed 100+ times since our start in 2012.”
Based out of the former steel town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Mosey Beat has opened for bands like Spafford, Dogs in a Pile and Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root. Playing at venues like The Funhouse (Bethlehem PA), John & Peters (New Hope PA), The Sherman Theatre (Stroudsburg PA) as well as many local and regional festivals including Musikfest, Karnival of the Arts, Pine Ridge Festival and Funky Fest. Their relentless gig schedule has kept them at a fast pace doing over 400 shows in just over a decade.
Check out Mosey Beat here: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/inthesquare/mosey-beat
For more information, visit
https://www.moseybeat.com
www.dekoentertainment.com
Deko Entertainment–Art Has Value
AMARANTHE - RELEASE NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'INTERFERENCE'
Today Sweden’s masters of thunderous, melodic futurism, AMARANTHE, release their brand new music video for 'Interference'.
The band comments: “We have been loving to perform “The Catalyst” songs for you all over the world in the last six months since the release, and it has truly been an incredible journey! This music video of “Interference” shot at the legendary O13 Poppodium in Tilburg, Netherlands, perfectly captures the atmosphere you guys created together with us, and we are now very excited indeed to share it with all of you! We cannot wait to reconnect with you, our wonderful fans, and conjure up more of this magic together!”
Watch the video below.
Stream The Catalyst here:
https://amaranthe.bfan.link/the-catalyst
Formed in 2008, AMARANTHE walked their own unique path from the start. With a sound that combined the sharpest, cutting edges of melodic metal, electronic rock, and razor-sharp pop, their impact was immediate and undeniable. Kicking off with their self-titled debut in 2011, the Swedes blazed a trail through the European metal scene and beyond, swiftly establishing themselves as a dazzling one-off, not least due to the unprecedented triple vocal attack that paired clean tones with exquisite melodic sensibilities and feral growls. Over the next few years, the sextet steadily grew in stature, releasing a series of praised studio records that jabbed persistently at the boundaries of modern metal.
AMARANTHE is:
Elize Ryd | vocals
Nils Molin | vocals
Mikael Sehlin | growls
Olof Mörck | guitars, keyboards
Johan Andreassen | bass
Morten Løwe Sørensen | drums
THE HYPOTHESIS release video for second single from upcoming album "Evolve"; Set to drop October 18 on Noble Demon!
Finnish progressive metal outfit THE HYPOTHESIS is gearing up to release their new album "Evolve" on October 18th via Noble Demon. The band has just unleashed the second single "Here I Stand", along with an official music video that can be viewed below.
"'Here I Stand' narrates the story of a ruler who, despite warnings, builds an empire only to see it crumble under the weight of his own greed and selfishness," the band reveals. "As his kingdom collapses, he is left to face the consequences of his actions, surrounded by destruction and plagued by an unending torment. In the end, he stands alone, confronting the inevitability of his demise and the perpetual suffering it brings."
Hailing from the darkened realm of Kouvola, Finland, THE HYPOTHESIS was founded in 2009 as a melodic metal entity driven by the desire to break free from genre constraints and evolve with each musical endeavor. With former members now playing in renowned bands such as Opeth and Stratovarius, THE HYPOTHESIS is a powerhouse quartet with a relentless drive for musical excellence.
Emerging on the scene with their debut album "Origin" in 2016, followed by successful single releases in 2018, THE HYPOTHESIS signed with Noble Demon in 2024, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey. With the album "Evolve" just around the corner, fans of bands like Gojira, Textures, and Tesseract can anticipate a captivating sonic experience that pushes the boundaries of progressive metal.
"Evolve" will be coming out on October 18 via Noble Demon and is available for pre-save at THIS LOCATION
THE HYPOTHESIS are:
Juuso Turkki - Vocals, Guitar
Asko Sartanen - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Markku Ruuskanen - Bass, Backing vocals
Otso Tiilama - Drums
For More Information Please Visit:
THE HYPOTHESIS Online:
Noble Demon Online:
THE BLUE MCSAWS FEATURING HIT SONGWRITERS CHARLIE MIDNIGHT AND MARC SWERSKY RELEASE THEIR NEW ALBUM BIG NIGHT IN BYZANTIUM
Charlie Midnight is a Multi-Grammy® award winning, Golden Globe® and Emmy® nominated Record Producer/Songwriter who has been involved in the writing and production of albums that have sold in excess of 50 million copies. Artists he has worked with include James Brown, Joni Mitchell, Katie Perry, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Cher, Idina Menzel, Barbra Streisand, Hilary Duff, Seal, Joe Cocker, Billy Joel, and The Doobie Brothers to name a few. His co-writing of James Brown’s ‘Living in America’ has earned him a place in music history.
For over 35 years, Marc Swersky is a Multi-Grammy® writer and producer and has collaborated with some of the top artists, writers, & musicians in the music business. As a Songwriter/Producer his albums have also sold in excess of 50 million copies. Including the Bodyguard Soundtrack for the song "Trust in Me," sung by Joe Cocker and for the Marlo Thomas and Friends: Thanks & Giving All Year Long for the song "I’ll Give Anything But Up," sung by Hilary Duff.
Big Night in Byzantium, the album, was written, produced and performed by Charlie Midnight and Marc Swersky, under the artist name, Blue McSaws, a name created by combining the names Solomon Blue and Kerry McSaws, two itinerant musicians created and written by Charlie Midnight in a series of vignettes that will accompany the album. As Midnight explains, “Big Night in Byzantium takes you on a raw journey through an emotional landscape of magical realism and relentless hope. It is an odyssey embarked upon by the narrator with God and an Apostle to the mystical town of Byzantium, where a strong wind is blowing the tumbleweed through town and a big night to end all big nights awaits."
The music of Blue McSaws was recorded with a lot of help from friends, lovers and the kindness of strangers with no agenda except to let everyone’s creativity propel the sessions and with no expectations except to…have no expectations. “Big Night in Byzantium“ is the first of the eleven songs from the forthcoming album Big Night in Byzantium due out in 2025.
For more information, visit
www.dekoentertainment.com/blue-mcsaws
www.dekoentertainment.com
Deko Entertainment–Art Has Value
Alt Pop Duo Loyals Share "She Hates Me" — LISTEN // Announce EP
Alt pop duo LOYALS — Dane Allen and Andrew Gomez — have announced their new EP, titled Love Me Bad. It arrives on October 18 via Tooth & Nail Records. Pre-order it here.
Today, the pair has shared the visualizer for new single "She Hates Me." Watch it below.
"I remember having the idea for 'She Hates Me' while I was doing dishes a few years ago," says Allen." It was one of those ideas that just popped into my head out of nowhere. I was in a particularly dry season of song ideas, and it was the first idea I had in a long time. When I presented it to Gomey and Cameron, everyone's creativity just popped off in the studio and it flowed effortlessly. It's very different than anything we've done so far in Loyals. Everything from the chord progression to the vocal just feels different for us. It's a unique vibe."
LOYALS released their self-titled debut in 2018, followed by two singles in 2019, and then COVID-19 shut the world down. Indeed, "Up All Night" serves as a comeback single, introducing an evolution in the band's sound, while also leaning into the deep-rooted foundations of who LOYALS are. The track is structurally built around a singular guitar riff, before exploding into a kinetic chorus filled with the pop-centric melodies and hooks the pair is known for.
"Look, we just write pop songs that make us feel things," says Allen, explaining the motive behind his alternative/pop group. "We aren't congealed with this big message. Obviously, we can change our minds down the road, but that's not who we are now."
The band's lack of pretense is as refreshing as it is uncommon, its self-assuredness a most likely side effect of the years they've spent playing together. "We met when we were teenagers," explains Allen of fellow bandmate Gomez. "We've stuck with each other ever since."
Their nearly two-decade-long friendship not only earned LOYALS their moniker, but through practice and experimentation, aided in the cultivation of a pop group that contributes mightily to the genre.
CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX Release Haunting Cover of "Self Control"
" A voice for the voiceless with their distinct and unique sound" - Echoes and Dust
"Pity the fool who tries to tell Crippled Black Phoenix that the album is dead" - Drowned in Sound
"One of the best post-rock bands I've discovered upon my travels" - Toilet Ov Hell
Profoundly heavy and truly mesmerizing" - Metal Hammer
Since banding together in 2004, Crippled Black Phoenix have stood as a voice for big city dreamers and creatures of the forest. This year, Justin Greaves (ex Iron Monkey and Electric Wizard), long-time vocalist Belinda Kordic and their many collaborators are celebrating 20 years of shedding light on our troubled existence by releasing a new, two-part compilation.
The Wolf Changes Its Fut But Not Its Nature collects reworked versions of the UK band's early signature songs, including the darker, gloomier "Goodnight, Europe (Pt2)". Horrific Honorifics Number Two (2)continues their tradition of haunting homages with covers that range from Fugazi to NoMeansNo, Deep Purple and Built to Spill.
Today, CBP are releasing their haunting cover of Laura Branigan's "Self Control", which peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 back in 1984.
Hear Crippled Black Phoenix cover "Self Control" below.
The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature and Horrific Honorifics Number Two (2) come out November 29 on Season of Mist.
Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/cbpwolf
https://orcd.co/cbphonorifics
With their version of "Self Control", Crippled Black Phoenix extract the same eerie sense of longing that Laura Branigan hit on with her 1984 recording. Belinda Kordic's ever-captivating croon gives voice to a shared darkness, breathing new life into a song that still resonates with the tortured souls of our modern age.
In true CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX fashion, the Lucy Marshall-created Banefyre cover leaves plenty to the imagination, depicting four animals seated at a table — interacting and dressed like human beings. “It’s sort of like Planet of the Apes showing what animals could do to humans,” says Greaves. “The cover was specially commissioned and is unique to the album. It’s incorporating all the classic CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX elements with the love for animals and twisting the narrative around.”
CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX’s reputation was built on the back of their studio albums and live shows. The pandemic prevented the band from supporting Ellengæst, but it did provide them additional time to bring in new members to their live configuration.
“We’ve done one show since 2019,” says Greaves. “We are going to do something in Europe this year. Hopefully, we can get back on track. We’re also going to do something in the States — that’s not just talk, we’re actually going to do it. It’s well overdue. The live band is fucking amazing. We have the five of us and now we have Jordi [Farré] on drums, Paco [Fleischfresser] on synth and a really good friend of mine, Matt Crawford on bass.
“We did the Leipzig show and even though the rehearsals were better than the show itself, that lineup, our live band, is so good. Because we haven’t been under pressure to put a live band together since 2019 and spent so long talking to people, we’ve got a better band from those results. Out of disaster, we’ve got quite a good, positive thing.”
The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature & Horrific Honorifics Number Two(2) are a double album celebrating the 20 year existence of CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX.
Original Credits:
All tracks on Horrific Honorifics Number Two(2) are covers of various artists.
Vengeance
Originally recorded by New Model Army, Written by: Sullivan/Morrow
Self Control
Originally recorded by Laura Branigan, Written by: Giancarlo Bigazzi, Raffaele Riefoli, Steve Piccolo
Blueprint
Originally recorded by Fugazi, Written by: Canty, Lilly, MacKaye, Picciotto
And That’s Sad
Originally recorded by NoMeansNo, Written by: NoMeansNo
Hammer Song
Originally recorded by Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Written by Alex Harvey
When A Blind Man Cries
Originally recorded by Deep Purple, Written by: Gillan, Glover, Blackmore, Lord, Paice
My Pal
Originally recorded by God, Written by: God, Joel Silbersher)
Goin’ Against Your Mind
Originally recorded by Built To Spill, Written by: Doug Martsch, Jim Roth, Brett Nelson, Scott Plouf
Lineup:
Vengeance
Ryan Patterson - Vocals
Justin Greaves - Drums, Guitars, Backing Vocals
Belinda Kordic - Backing Vocals
Wesley J. Wasly - Bass
Self Control
Belinda Kordic - Vocals
Justin Greaves - Drums, Guitars
Andy Taylor - Baritone Guitar
Helen Stanley - Synth
Wesley J. Wasley - Bass
Blueprint
Ryan Patterson - Vocals
Justin Greaves - Drums, Guitars
Helen Stanley - Piano
Wesley J. Wasley - Bass
And That's Sad
Justin Greaves - Drums, Guitars, Vocals
Wesley Wasley - Bass, Vocals
Hammer Song
Belinda Kordic - Vocals
Justin Greaves - Drums, Guitars
Andy Taylor - Guitar, Acoustic guitar
Helen Stanley - Synth, Hammond
Wesley J. Wasley - Bass
When A Blind Man Cries
Belinda Kordic - Vocals
Justin Greaves, Drums, Guitars
Andy Taylor - Guitars
Helen Stanley - Piano
Kostas Panagiotou - Hammond
Wesley J. Wasley - Bass
My Pal
Belinda Kordic - Vocals
Justin Greaves - Drums, Guitars, Backing Vocals
Wesley J. Wasley - Bass
Goin' Against Your Mind
Justin Storms - Vocals
Justin Greaves - Drums, Guitars
Andy Taylor - Guitar
Wesley J. Wasley - Bass
Recorded in 2023 at:
Chapel Studios, Lincolnshire
Engineered by Pieter Rietkerk
Additional Vocal Sessions at:
Kapsylen Studio, Stockholm
Engineered by Jörgen Jugglo Wall.
House Of Foto, Louisville, KY
Engineered by Ryan Patterson
Additional Production Credits:
Mixed by Pieter Rietkerk
Mastered by Magnus Lindberg
Produced by Justin Greaves
Cover Art:
Erebus Art (Thanasis Stratidakis)
Pre-save & Pre-order 'The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature': https://orcd.co/cbpwolf
Pre-save & Pre-order 'Horrific Honorifics Number Two(2)': https://orcd.co/cbphonorifics
Follow Crippled Black Phoenix:
Official Website: https://www.crippledblackphoenix.net/
Bandcamp: https://crippledblackphoenixsom.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CBP444/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbp_444/
Twitter (X): https://x.com/cbp_official/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WEyPcf9ezhNLm1xOBjbwH
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/crippled-black-phoenix/251718934
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/391823
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3607159
True-grit American songwriter JC Miller presents classic-on-arrival single 'Blackberry Canes'
"It isn’t just Americana; his songs feel like small vignettes in the everyday lives of ordinary people scraping a hard-fought living" ~ 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... frank lyrics, infectious melody, and pure Southern rock grit... impressive musical talent... the elements that allowed such artists as Wilco and Ryan Adams to transcend legendary status" ~ Amplify Music Magazine
American singer-songwriter JC Miller presents his new single 'Blackberry Canes', released via Tilt Records. Once again, this true-grit storyteller engages us in a captivating journey that blends time and nature within the American landscape.
From the opening dobro lick leading into a catchy baritone guitar entrance and the soulful Telecaster twang that follows, you know you are in JC Miller country. Classic on arrival you will be singing along with this infectious tune. In true JC fashion, this song's outro is a celebratory groove with all the twirling southern fried rock guitar mojo we have come to expect from JC Miller.
"The song 'Blackberry Canes' came about from thinking about the rambling, ramshackle path of growth sometimes. It’s not always a pretty pattern but it gets the job done, always reaching and somehow surviving… Blackberry trunks go sideways and every which way and travel a roundabout trail, never a straight line. It is a small passing thought really but it serves to remind us that you have to keep moving forward no matter what into the unknown just to grab the next beam of light," says JC Miller.
"Like the lyric says, I feel ”Suspended in our time, Somewhere in between, Untold tomorrows and Countless yesterdays…” We are stuck between the past and the future, and that giant size idea can be expressed with the smallest details found in wild nature, or right in your front yard. I also think, like it says in the song, “It’s a punishment and crime how we’re slaves to the machine…” I am a throwback to the 20th Century analog era and old school all the way. I’m a throwback luddite type of guy".
JC Miller's music takes form through the music alchemy enjoyed with celebrated musician-producer Marty Rifkin, who is known for his work with Tom Petty, Glen Campbell and Jewel, in addition to playing pedal steel guitar in Bruce Springsteen's The Sessions Band.
With country balladry, this latest offering follows a hearty string of singles that include 'Tombstone Junction', 'Dead Horse Ranch', 'Sundown Slim','Wayward Son' and 'Before Nightfall'.
A Los Angeles-based artist hailing from Detroit, JC Miller has spent years creating music for major clients, which include the likes of Levi's, Coca-Cola and Nike. Now he is also pursuing his own authentic path as a singer-songwriter and guitarist with a distinctive sound invoking elements of Americana, Country and Southern Rock. Inspired by his personal journeys, Miller crafts relatable songs that are rooted in the fabric of America, his work infused in deep affection for its Southern realms.
With clever hooks, natural charm, and a talent for songsmithing, Miller's songs resonate with audiences at a deeper level. With passion and conviction, his lyrics are both relatable and thought-provoking, painting vivid pictures of life's joys and challenges - stories of America, both past and present.
JC Miller's 'Blackberry Canes' is out everywhere, including Spotify and Apple Music. The previous single 'Tombstone Junction' is also available everywhere, along with his recent run of stunning singles.
CREDITS
Written by JC Miller
Recorded by Marty Rifkin at Marty Rifkin Studios (Santa Monica, CA)
Mixed, mastered & produced by Marty Rifkin
JC Miller - Vocals, guitars, barritone guitar, drum programming
Marty Rifkin - Dobro, pedal Steel, bass, drum programming
Cover artwork by JC Miller
Executive Producer: Gabrielle Doré
Released by Tilt Records
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
Video production & artist photography by Gabrielle Doré
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
Rock Legend Brian Wheat (Tesla) Teams Up with Rising Star AleX Form New Band, Violet Breed; Release Debut Single "AWAKE" and Music Video
Brian Wheat, the founder and bassist of the multi-platinum selling band Tesla, has announced an exciting new musical venture with AleX, an emerging singer/songwriter from the U.K. The duo has joined forces to create a new band called Violet Breed, with their debut single, "AWAKE," out now on all major platforms.
Violet Breed represents a powerful collaboration between Wheat, a seasoned rock icon, and AleX, a fresh and dynamic voice in the music industry. The pair have spent the last five years meticulously crafting an album that draws from their own life experiences, creating music that resonates with listeners of all ages. With honest and emotive lyrics, Violet Breed’s sound blends rich rock and pop influences, promising a unique and compelling listening experience.
The debut album, which features Tesla’s own guitarist Dave Rude on guitars, will showcase the musical prowess of the duo. Fans of both Tesla and AleX will be eager to hear the new material, as Violet Breed looks to make a significant impact on the global music scene.
"AWAKE," the lead single, will give audiences a taste of what’s to come from Violet Breed, delivering a track that’s both musically engaging and lyrically profound.
WATCH Violet Breed "AWAKE" BELOW.
Brian and AleX are able to tap into experiences from these diverse generations, which add to the depth of the music they produce. Their passion and inspiration for music is born from a shared love for records by The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Queen, and My Chemical Romance. Influences from these bands is subtly interwoven into their music.
Over his successful forty years in the music industry, Brian has crafted an enviable music career. Performing live, author to autobiography - 'Son Of A Milkman' and managing the multi-platinum selling rock band Tesla, alongside side projects such as SouL MotoR and now Violet Breed. Brian has maintained an impressive consistency in the music industry over multiple decades resulting in an abundance of sell-out tours across the US and world.
Over the last ten years, Brian has acted as a close mentor and peer to AleX. Notably being a huge influence in the studio, producing and co-writing songs. His oversight has helped refine the music AleX creates and brought priceless industry for AleX to further improve his craft. With his own individual success on active rock radio, numerous successful tours and festival appearances, and constantly performing to a demanding live schedule, Brian notices the potential of AleX's talents and commitment, and recognizes snippets of his younger self in the artist. Having displayed a unique range of vocal performances, heavily inspired by Freddie Mercury, plus a natural talent for song writing, the opportunity to form a new band seemed inevitable.