Dive deep into reflective dreampop in 'Fades To Gray' by South Carolina's THE YETS

February 20, 2023

"An exquisite sonic document that manages to make life's various events, including disappointments and tragedy, sound heavenly, gently gliding through this series of compositions" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

"An almost perfect union between prime Cocteau Twins and prime mid-seventies (or any period) L.A. version of Fleetwood Mac, with Wilson’s vocals and Snook’s guitars at the forefront" ~ Rock At Night Magazine

"Steeped in the tropes of quintessential vintage alternative pop... With a broad pallet of tuneful wistfulness and textured, layered instrumentation, coupled with some smart and sensitive production, The Yets have landed with a seriously accomplished debut" ~ Aural Aggravation

Alternative pop duo The Yets present 'Fades To Gray', their latest slice of rich texture and dark delight from their recently-released self-titled EP, released via South Carolina indie imprint Royal Terns Records.

Highlighted by the gorgeous Cocteau Twins-inspired 'Letter To A Boy' and earlier singles 'Remember' and 'Lesser Evil', this six-track debut offering indie pop sensation and sonic temptation with a fresh, but seemingly familiar, adult alternative vibe.

The Yets is the creative union of Robin Wilson on vocals and guitarist-producer Craig Anderson Snook, who met when Robin returned to her home state after some years in Georgia.

“Our debut EP is basically a snapshot of life … ups, downs, ins, outs, happy, sad and everything in between. 'Fades to Gray' is simply about the beauty and frailty of life, metaphorically colored and fading. It’s lyrically full of references; in color and motion. Take for example the phrase "A picture painted thin", which points to the delicate balance of life which erodes with time as paint from a canvas and ultimately fades to gray," says Robin Wilson.

Craig Anderson Snook adds, “We hope the video adds depth and perspective to the message of the song. Life is precious, fragile, and short ... the soul is universal, strong and eternal. We’re already working on the next album … can’t wait to see you there!”

Based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, their music combines elements of ethereal pop and popular rock classics with a sound embracing Fleetwood Mac and Cocteau Twins in equal measure. Breeding and bearing a distinct Americana lining, this EP is an emotively cast and atmospherically delightful proposition.

Haunting, dynamic and smooth, The Yets transform the classic to contemporary, counting Roxy Music, David Bowie, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cult, Cocteau Twins, Pink Floyd and even Soundgarden among their musical influences.

Craig Anderson Snook has performed semi-professionally since he was 13. His musical passion led him beyond cover bands into composition, arrangement, audio engineering, production and ultimately to running his own Royal Terns Recordslabel and studio, where he recorded, mixed and produced the new EP.

After being immersed in the music scene while in high school, Robin found her way to the University of South Carolina in Columbia, where she fronted the goth-rock band Bachelors of Art (B.O.A.). Upon relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, she fronted the female alt-rock group Skirt, touring the USA extensively and supporting numerous high profile acts.

'The Yets' EP is out now, streamable via Spotify and available to order, digitally or on CD, directly from the band via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
All songs written and performed by The Yets
Robin Wilson - vocals, keyboards & lyrics
Craig Anderson Snook - guitars & everything else
Recorded, mixed and produced by Craig Anderson Snook
at Royal Terns Records
Mastered by Craig (Royal Terns Records) and Jay Matheson (The Jam Room)
© 2022 Craig Anderson Snook/Robin Wilson Snook (BMI)
Video by Robin Wilson

THE LONELY ONES Release New Single "Gucci Bags" with B-Side "Time Bomb" to all major platforms!

February 19, 2023

Check out The Lonely One's New Single "Gucci Bags"

https://linktr.ee/thelonelyones

WATCH the official lyric video for "Gucci Bags"

Below

Hard rock band The Lonely Ones released their new single "Gucci Bags" along with a B-Side "Time Bomb" to all major platforms today. The band will be touring in support of the single and playing multiple festivals (see dates below).

“When you get your heart broke, you can either swan dive into an ocean of alcohol and drugs, or you can write a damn Rock N Roll song with the boys. I've tried my hand at both and Gucci Bags is what we made out of it," says Marty McCoy.

The Lonely Ones Tour Dates:

2/16 Tampa, FL @ Brass Mug
2/17 Satellite Beach, FL @ Winfield’s
2/18 Longwood, FL @ Shovel Head
2/19 Port Charlotte, FL @ Bert’s Black Widow
2/25 Saginaw, MI @ The Vault
3/17 St. Paul, MN @ North Star Bar
3/18 Sioux Falls, SD @ Bigs Bar
3/21 Topeka, KS @Boobie Trap Bar
3/22 St. Joseph, MO @Cafe Acoustic Concert Hall
3/23 LaCrosse, WI @ Cavalier Theater
3/24 Janesville, WI @ The Back Bar
5/25 West Chicago, IL @ The WC Social Club
5/26 Elkhorn, WI @ Alpine Valley Resort
5/28 Madison, WI @ Bratfest
6/8 Unity, WI @ Monster Hall Music Fest
6/10 Palatine, IL @ Nellie's
7/12 Cadott, WI @ Rock Fest
7/14 Rockford, IL @ Whiskeys Roadhouse
7/22 Springville, IN @ Lawrence County Rec. Park with Blacktop Mojo
8/12 Elkhart, IN @ Bardo's Lakeside Lounge

VIP Upgrades are available for select shows:

Head over to https://www.national-acts.com/thelonelyones to pick yours up today!

Formed in the summer of 2019, The Lonely Ones are a four piece, vocal-oriented hard rock band with an ear for melody and a taste for success. The group features Marty McCoy on guitar / vocals, Tommy Johnson on drums, Jymmy Tolland on guitar / vocals and Tru Roberts on bass / vocals. Being no strangers to the hardships of the music industry, The Lonely Ones consist of former members of Bobaflex. Together, they knew what they wanted and knew how to get it; by combining their knowledge and experiences to achieve a common goal. With determined perseverance and an energized drive to triumph, they were ready to release their first two singles independently in March of 2020; with the titles “Eternal Sadness" and "The Lonely One."

A few months after their initial introduction to the world of rock, the band decided to take a major leap of faith and release their re-imagined version of Queen's classic song "Flash." There’s always the risk of scrutiny and criticism when it comes to covering classic songs, especially ones that are still regarded with high praise from the still thriving fan base, but the band was confident their rendition would not only honor the original but also garner renewed attention for the hit theme. Any doubts were squashed when the song and video were met with rave reviews, including those of Brian May from Queen and Sam J. Jones, Flash Gordon himself.

Brian May was quoted as saying, “What a fantastic cover! I didn’t realize they were going to go into The Hero and the whole reprise ... magnificent!"

Sam J Jones adds, "This is one of the best covers I have ever heard and seen. What a gifted group - The Lonely Ones are for every one of us, from the 1980’s to right now!"

Humbled by the response from fans, listeners and legends in the entertainment industry, the band was spurred on in their pursuit to create groundbreaking original music. In September of 2020, The Lonely Ones released another brand new single titled "Real Big Trouble." What started out as a fun and creative session quickly turned out to be one of their most rewarding. This is one of the heaviest songs the band has ever written, but it also gives a look into what sounds inspire them, such as Thin Lizzy and Beartooth.

By February of 2021, the band had signed on with Imagen Records and released another single called “Change the Station.” This release had 9 active rock stations add the single in the first week and they were a feature artist on Spotify's Rock Hard editorial playlist as well as over 100 other playlists in the first week as well.

The next release through Imagen was "Dyin' All Night Long" in June of 2021. A song about an abusive relationship and how often times excuses are made over and over for that person. The lyrics come from the perspective of a victim having had enough of it.

The band released two more singles titled "Gettin' High" (2021) and “The Way Out”(2022) via Imagen Records before ultimately going independent.
The band spent the summer of 2022 getting back to the grind and writing new songs. The Lonely Ones’ latest release "Bedroom Door" in October of 2022, is one of many to be debuted in the year 2023.

The Lonely Ones have played shows with Sevendust, Nonpoint, Fozzy, Royal Bliss, Seven Year Witch, Black Top Mojo, September Mourning and many more.

In addition, the band is endorsed by: Orange Amps, Westone Audio, Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Evan's Heads, Vater Sticks, Ibanez, Frog Amplification, Tech 21 Amplification, Michael Kelly Guitars, SIT Strings, Rare Buzz Effects and Strüng, which is guitar string jewelry that raises money for music education.

WATCH Music Videos from The Lonely Ones!

The Lonely Ones - Eternal Sadness: https://youtu.be/lVQPIIH3kJ8
The Lonely Ones - The Lonely One: https://youtu.be/TIsrlNEZ3_Y
The Lonely Ones - Flash/ The Hero: https://youtu.be/Bct_S9Dp3dE
The Lonely Ones - Real Big Trouble (Acoustic): https://youtu.be/H-cIVJgQOA4
The Lonely Ones- Change The Station: https://youtu.be/6uKpDyVzx9k
The Lonely Ones - Gettin High: https://youtu.be/yDH6CBeyElE

The Lonely Ones are:
Marty McCoy - guitar / vocals
Tommy Johnson - drums
Jymmy Tolland - guitar / vocals
Tru Roberts- bass / vocals

For More Information Please Visit:

The Lonely Ones

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Metalcore Band Preacher Release New Single "Dystopia" via Daeth Records/TLG/INgrooves

February 19, 2023

Stream "Dystopia"

https://ffm.to/preachernv-dystopia

Metalcore band Preacher released their new single "Dystopia" to all major platforms via Daeth Records/TLG/INgrooves. The single is from their forthcoming EP, Blur.

Preacher drops a second brand new single titled “Dystopia” that is both radio-worthy AND all screaming??! Yes, you heard that correctly. The boys are back at it again bringing you your very own soundtrack to the apocalypse. With blazing guitar leads, scream-driven vocals, and a beat that really brings the party, this one is sure to release the wild side within.

Preacher is a metalcore band from Reno, Nevada. In a short 5 years, 3 EPs and 5 singles later, they have managed to tour from coast to coast all on their own. The largest show of these tours included their festival debut at Blue Ridge Rock Fest 2022, one of the largest rock festivals in the United States. Preacher has never been afraid to dive into new genres and explore every avenue of what they can achieve. Their entire discography thus far including their 2022 EP Dream State was entirely self-produced, which showcases exactly why they are a force to be reckoned with in the metalcore genre.

Preacher has shared the stage with:

• A Skylit Drive • Attack Attack! • As I Lay Dying • Attila • Bleeding Through • Chelsea Grin • Comeback Kid • Counterparts • Darkest Hour • He Is Legend • Kingdom Of Giants • Kublai Khan TX • Norma Jean • Slaughter to Prevail • Suicide Silence • Texas In July • The Acacia Strain • The Black Dahlia Murder • Stick To Your Guns • And More…

Preacher Tour Dates:

2/24 Crockett, CA @ Toot's Tavern

2/25 Tahoe, CA @ Whiskey Dicks

3/11 Nevada City, CA @ Ribald Brewing

3/31 Corona, CA @ Rockfellas

4/1 Scottsdale, AZ @ Pub Rock Live

4/7 San Diego, CA @ The Pourhouse

4/8 Lodi, CA @ Wildwood Skatepark

4/9 Reno, NV @ Alturas Bar

Preacher are:

Nathaniel Garrison - Vocals

Stan Neill - Guitar/Vocals/Bass

Christopher Yancey - Guitar

Alan Terry - Drums

For More Information Please Visit:

Frozen Soul Announce New Album "Glacial Domination" + Share Gloriously Gory "Morbid Effigy" Video — WATCH🧊🩸

February 19, 2023

FROZEN SOUL ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM GLACIAL DOMINATION

ALBUM OUT MAY 19 VIA CENTURY MEDIA

BAND SHARES GLORIOUSLY GORY VIDEO FOR "MORBID EFFIGY"

SONG PREMIERED VIA SIRIUSXM'S LIQUID METAL

BRRR! There's a chill in the air and it's courtesy of ice cold death metal crew Frozen Soul!

The band — vocalist Chad Green; guitarists Michael Munday and Chris Bonner; bassist Samantha Mobley; and drummer Matt Dennard —is back with frigid force and will unleash its new album Glacial Domination on May 19 via Century Media. The album was produced by Trivium vocalist/guitarist Matthew Heafy and co-produced by Daniel Schmuck. Pre-order it here.

Today, the band has shared the NSFW video for first single "Morbid Effigy," featuring Dying Fetus' John Gallagher. Watch it below.

But be forewarned — it's not for the faint of heart, since it's not every day that you can string together a snowman constructed from innards.

The track officially premiered via SiriusXM's Liquid Metal earlier this week.

"'Morbid Effigy' is straight to the point death metal that’s exactly what it should be — fun," the band exclaims. "This song is everything Frozen Soul is, and we are so excited for everyone to hear it! The video is truly a work of art, literally. Have you ever wondered what a snowman would look like made out of guts?"

Introducing Blue Grape Music, New Label Powered by Former Roadrunner Records Executives

February 19, 2023

INTRODUCING BLUE GRAPE MUSIC, A NEW INTERNATIONAL LABEL POWERED BY FORMER ROADRUNNER EXECUTIVES DAVE RATH + CEES WESSELS

TWO-TIME GRAMMY NOMINEE CODE ORANGE ARE THE LABEL'S FIRST SIGNING WITH NEW MUSIC OUT TODAY SERVING AS INAUGURAL RELEASE

LABEL TO BE DISTRIBUTED BY THE ORCHARD

READ EXCLUSIVE NEWS AT BILLBOARD HERE

In 2022, industry veterans David Rath, former head of A&R at the esteemed Roadrunner Records, and Cees Wessels, founder of Roadrunner Records, formed Blue Grape Music. The name will be familiar to rock music fans, as it was the merchandise company also launched by Wessels.

Last in Line (Def Leppard, ex-Black Sabbath, ex-Ozzy) Share "Do The Work" Video — WATCH

February 19, 2023

NEW ALBUM JERICHO OUT MARCH 31 VIA EARMUSIC

LAST IN LINE — frontman Andrew Freeman (ex-Lynch Mob), bassist Phil Soussan (ex-Ozzy Osbourne), and former Dio comrades-in-arms Vivian Campbell (Def Leppard), and Vinny Appice (ex-Black Sabbath) — have dropped the video for the new single "Do The Work" from the forthcoming studio album Jericho.

"Modern slaves are not in chains / Do you get wet / Or do you feel the rain?" – even though people may not be physically restrained, they can still feel like they are chained to their circumstances. "Do The Work" is a dynamic and thought-provoking track that encourages listeners to strive for success and self-realization despite any obstacles they may face. The catchy and uplifting chorus invites you to shout along with the band: Do the work!

The video, produced by Last in Line, captures the raw energy and unbridled joy of playing heavy music. But be warned: You may find yourself nostalgically reminiscing about a time when great music was the only thing that mattered, and when rock and metal videos were unscripted and genuine.

Jericho will be released on March 31 via earMUSIC. The album features 12 new tracks that are sure to please all fans of the genre. Pre-order the album here.

Gideon Share "Take Off" — WATCH + LISTEN // Band On Tour Now!

February 19, 2023

ALBUM ARRIVES MARCH 17 VIA EQUAL VISION

BAND CURRENTLY ON HEADLINE TOUR

Alabama metalcore warriors GIDEON — drummer Jake Smelley, vocalist Daniel McWhorter, guitarist/vocalist Tyler Riley, and bassist Caleb DeRusha — previously announced their new album MORE POWER. MORE PAIN. The album arrives on March 17 via Equal Vision. Pre-order it here.

Today, the band has shared the visualizer for the new single "Take Off," which boasts a crunchy, early '00s-inspired groove and layered vocal cadence. Watch and listen below.

"Buckle up —it's pedal to the metal from starting line to finish line on this heavy nü metal/hip-hop-infused track. File under 'Songs to quit your job to.' Soon to be blasted at a drag strip near you. Hold on tight, we're 'bout to 'Take Off.'"

ABOUT GIDEON:
Since forming in 2008 in Tuscaloosa, AL, Gideon had been making a name for themselves by defying convention, creating their own distinct sound and never settling for anything that was just run of the mill or ordinary. Rather, the band kept stretching the boundaries of their sound to great acclaim and to increasing commercial success. 2011's debut album, Costs, established them as powerhouse of the metalcore scene, but that's something the band simultaneously pushed away from it, incorporating elements of melodic hardcore and hardcore punk into the fold of their songs, but always with an underlying sense of positivity and defiance. Impressively prolific, the band released their next two full-lengths, Milestone and Calloused, on Facedown Records in 2012 and 2014 respectively, before signing to Equal Vision Records.

Their first album for EVR was 2017's Cold, followed by Out Of Control in 2019, a record that deservedly saw the band's profile rising steadily. And then, of course, the pandemic hit. And all that hard work and dedication, and the progress they'd made vanished in an instant. In fact, Gideon were mid-tour on that album cycle when touring came grinding to a halt and forced the band to return home to Alabama, frustrated and disillusioned with a situation that—like most touring bands—thought might mean the end of what they do. Thankfully, it didn't, which brings us to Gideon's sixth full-length studio album.

Recorded/mixed/mastered by Randy Lebouef at Graphic Nature Audio, MORE POWER. MORE PAIN. is a brutally intense burst of violent noise that both nods to the band's past, musically and thematically, but also establishes itself in its own context.

"We had to walk through fire and break down walls to get to this chapter," says Smelley. "We're done explaining why we are the way we are. This album is for the misunderstood, the dreamers, the broken, the damned, the ones that refuse to fall in line. When everything and everyone tells you to give up, your mind can take you to dark places. We came to realize that there was strength in that. Instead of letting it consume us, we fought like hell."

Gideon are currently on a headline tour, with support from For the Fallen Dreams, Orthodox, and Guerrilla Warfare will also appear. Get tickets here.

GIDEON ON TOUR:
WITH FOR THE FALLEN DREAMS, ORTHODOX, + GUERILLA WARFARE:
2/17 — Frenchtown, NJ — Artie's
2/18 — Long Island, NY— Amityville Music Hall
2/19 — Hartford, CT— Webster Underground
2/21 — Pittsburgh, PA — Crafthouse
2/22 — Pontiac, MI — Pike Room @ Crofoot
2/23 — Indianapolis, IN — Emerson Theater
2/24 — Chicago, IL — WC Social Club
2/25 — Iowa City, IA — Wildwood
2/26 — Lincoln, NE — 1867 Bar
2/28 — Denver, CO — Marquis Theater
3/1 — Salt Lake City, UT — Urban Lounge
3/3 — Tacoma, WA — Real Art
3/4 — Portland, OR — Bossanova Ballroom
3/5 — Sacramento, CA — Goldfield Trading Post Downtown
3/7 — Berkeley, CA — Cornerstone Berkeley
3/9 — Anaheim, CA — Chain Reaction
3/10 — Los Angeles, CA — The Echo
3/11 — Phoenix, AZ — Nile Underground
3/12 — Albuqurque, NM — Launchpad
3/14 — San Antonio, TX — Vibes Underground
3/15 — Fort Worth, TX — Ridglea Room
3/17 — Nashville, TN — Exit/In
3/18 — Birmingham, AL — Zydeco

BLACKBRAID Shares New Live Video for "Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil"

February 19, 2023

STREAM 'BLACKBRAID I' HERE

BUY TICKETS HERE

Native American Black Metal project Blackbraid is now sharing a brand new live video for the song "Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil!" The clip was filmed during Blackbraid's sold out performance at Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn, NY in conjunction with "A Sortilege of Hell" festival, which took place on October 7th, 2022! The clip can be found below.

The song is taken from Blackbraid's debut full-length, Blackbraid I, which was released in the summer of 2022. The album can be ordered, downloaded, or streamed HERE.

If you missed this incredible performance, worry not! Blackbraid will be conquering New York City again on February 25 at Le Poisson Rouge in support of Hulder. Tickets can be found HERE.

In addition, Blackbraid will be embarking on its first ever North American tour in conjunction with the return of the Decibel Magazine Tour, which also features DARK FUNERAL, CATTLE DECAPITATION, and 200 STAB WOUNDS! The trek kicks off on May 11 in Santa Ana, CA and will circle around the continent before concluding in Los Angeles, CA on June 10. Tickets can be found at THIS LOCATION.

Blackbraid I can be ordered via Bandcamp, The Official Blackbraid MerchStore (USA), Neuropa Records Store (UK), and Plastichead Megastore (EU).

Blackbraid is a solo indigenous black metal project from from the depths of the Adirondack wilderness creating music as raw and powerful as the mountains from whence it came…

BLACKBRAID Live Dates:

(Supporting Hulder):

02/25: New York City, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge [TICKETS]

(The Decibel Magazine Tour 2023):

GET TICKETS HERE

05/11: Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory

05/12: Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater

05/13: Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey

05/15: Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater

05/16: Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room

05/17: Houston, TX @ The Warehouse

05/19: Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum

05/20: Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

05/21: Charlotte, NC @ The Underground

05/23: Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage

05/26: Montreal, QC @ Club Soda

05/27: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre

05/28: Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom

05/30: Chicago, IL @ The Metro

05/31: Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue

06/02: Denver, CO @ The Summit

06/03: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex

06/05: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

06/06: Vancouver, BC @ The Vogue Theater

06/07: Portland, OR @ The Roseland Ballroom

06/09: San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom

06/10: Los Angeles, CA @ Regent Theater

Creator of BLACKBRAID:

Sgah’gahsowáh

Follow // Listen:

Shop/Pre-order:

Official Merch Store (USA)

Neuropa Records Store (UK)

Plastichead Megastore (EU)

Album Art: Adrian Baxter

Photographer: Wolf Mountain Productions

Blackbraid is an independent artist and is not contracted to or owned by any music label.

Australia's Void Of Vision Release "Chronicles" Complete Album

February 19, 2023

BAND ANNOUNCE NEW VINYL COLLABORATION WITH CRAIG REYNOLDS' THE DOWNBEAT

The trilogy is complete — and now at last fans can witness Void Of Vision's overarching vision for their CHRONICLES saga.

Following the previous release of three EPs — CHRONICLES I: LUST, CHRONICLES II: HEAVEN and CHRONICLES III: UNDERWORLD— the Melbourne metalcore mavericks are today unveiling the release of CHRONICLES in full on streaming services, along with announcing an exciting vinyl collaboration with Craig Reynolds' The Downbeat.

Listen to CHRONICLES here.

"I was lucky enough to have the spare time on our UK run to stop by Craig's and talk some absolute nonsense on the podcast," shares frontman Jack Bergin of the brand new Void Of Vision vinyl collab. "We're so happy to finally unveil this insane vinyl variant and reveal the unreal beast that is CHRONIC(les) to the world, the perfect way to see out our CHRONICLES era. We're stoked you can all finally experience the full release on streaming services in its intended order and hear it live in full at out intimate upcoming show in Melbourne on February 25.

Watch the video for the podcast here.

From the heaving four tracks pulsing on LUST, to the towering soundscapes of HEAVEN and the futuristic, industrial flavours of UNDERWORLD, CHRONICLES as a whole entity traverses the past, present, and scintillating future of the relentlessly inventive Void Of Vision sonic DNA.

With 2023 marking an extremely busy year for the band, including a run of UK shows alongside Holding Absence already under their belts, Void Of Vision are also locked and loaded for an intimate live show in their hometown on February 25, playing CHRONICLES in full, before embarking on a national run in March supporting Polaris for their 10-year anniversary tour, and appearances at the first-ever Knotfest Australia also in March alongside Slipknot, Parkway Drive, Megadeth and more.

Striking, inventive, and insatiably balancing beauty alongside sonic carnage, it's entirely fitting that Void Of Vision are completing their CHRONICLES chapter in such memorable fashion before embarking into a new and exciting creative chapter as the year unfolds — strap in and experience the CHRONICLES journey in its intended and long-awaited full form.

VOID OF VISION ARE:
Jack Bergin — Vocals
    James McKendrick — Vocals, Guitar
Mitch Fairlie — Guitar
George Pfaendner — Drums

Solence Release New Album '_hope is a cult_' + Drop New Music Video For "Best For You" via Hopeless Records

February 18, 2023

Solence fans, rejoice! Release day is upon us and the band has today unleashed their new album '_hope is a cult_' (via Hopeless Records). '_hope is a cult_' is Solence's follow-up to their 2021 smash-hit LP 'Deafening'. In celebration of the drop, Solence has shared the music video for their track "Best For You". Speaking on today's news, the band commented:

“This album is full of deeply personal and emotional songs to us as a band and individuals. Our intention is to share the HOPE that inspires us each and every day with the listeners whom we consider family. We are so excited about these tracks and the community we’re building together. So put on your headphones, raise the volume, and join the CULT!”

Leading up to today, Solence has released music videos and visualizers for tracks "Rain Down", "Demons", "Blood Sweat Tears", "nuBlood" featuring Bryan Kuznitz from Fame On Fire, and most recently, "Antidote". Altogether, the visuals have clocked up over half a million views on YouTube with no signs of stopping. Stream '_hope is a cult_' here and watch the music video for "Best For You" below.

No matter where we come from, music draws us together and bonds us. For as much as SOLENCE sonically conjoin elements of metal, electronic, alternative, and pop, the Swedish group also appeal to an expansive swath of personalities with a universal message. Equally suitable for the mosh pit or Coachella, the band—Markus Videsäter [vocals], David “Viking” Vikingsson [drums], David Strääf [guitar], and Johan Swärd [keys]—rally around a familial energy meant to be shared as loudly as possible. After quietly generating north of 200 million streams and counting, they welcome everyone closer on their third full-length offering and Hopeless Records debut, _hope is a cult_, and more to come.

“We want to build up this family around positivity, hope, and the belief you can change things,” notes Markus. “We want you to forget everything that bothers you when you listen to this album. If we’re doing our job, audiences feel like they’re a part of it. When you go to a SOLENCE show, you have a good time, so hope is a cult for us.”

Welcome to LINDEVILLE LIVE: Ashley McBryde & Company Perform Critically Acclaimed Album to Sold-Out Ryman Auditorium with Back-to-Back Nights

February 18, 2023

ASHLEY McBRYDE BRINGS LINDEVILLE LIVE TO
RYMAN AUDITORIUM WITH TWO SOLD-OUT NIGHTS

Lindeville’s Cast of Characters Played by Collaborators and Special Guests Including Aaron Raitiere, Benjy Davis, Caylee Hammack, Connie Harrington, Bandleader John Osborne,
Lainey Wilson, Pillbox Patti, Shelly Fairchild and TJ Osborne

“The GRAMMY-winning Grand Ole Opry member unifies a
stellar ensemble cast for album-as-concert” – The Tennessean

Following her first GRAMMY Award earlier this month, The New York Times-lauded “skilled curator, as well as a performer” Ashley McBryde, with her collaborators and special guests, brought two things to Music City the past two nights: her critically-acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated project Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville to the Mother Church and sold-out crowds to their feet throughout the theatrical experience.

“I can’t even believe that Lindeville at the Ryman is something we were able to dream of and then DO,” McBryde shared after the show. “To have two sold out nights with the people that developed this project with me was unbelievable. It took a lot to bring Lindeville and all of its characters and charisma to life, and we’re all thankful that so many people wanted to be part of our little town.”

“As a musician, it’s rare when you play a show that really stands out as something genuinely special,” added bandleader John Osborne. “Something that reminds you why you picked up an instrument in the first place. Tonight, for me, was that night.”

As the lights dimmed, the girl in the red dress as seen on the album cover sat alone on stage, turning the pages of a book, following along with a narration from McBryde:

“Three little misfits had an idea one muggy as hell afternoon. The idea, it was weird, but they weren’t ‘a-feared,’ for they knew another weirdo or two. They figured they knew just exactly the few they would call to chorale and explore. The phone calls were made and if you ask them, they'll say, ‘The stars lined up too good to ignore.’ Soon there were six at a small kitchen table in a cabin, mysterious and quirky. They toiled away all hours of the day, helping themselves to tequila and jerky. It wasn’t long before song after song came falling right out of the ether – onto sketch pads and laptops and guitars and keyboards about pawn shops and strippers and preachers. What they had on their hands, through some kind of plan, was so magic, it grew legs and wings. So Ash called a friend who said he was in, he built the band and asked her who should sing. There was just one more dream these weirdos could dream, and it’s all yours tonight. You’ve got good timing. Ladies and gents, we proudly present: Lindeville Live.”

Introducing the audience to the wild and wonderful town, McBryde, Pillbox Patti, Caylee Hammack on night one and Lainey Wilson on night two, kicked off the set with album opener “Brenda Put Your Bra On” backed by the Lindeville Band, immersing the crowd into the NPR-dubbed “glorious detour into downhome character studies” that “sits at the intersection of storytelling country concept albums and musical theater,” as a flood of brassieres were hurled on stage.

The set was interrupted by a cheetah-print-clad Jenny from the floor of the Ryman, giving Aaron Raitiere an ear full as he strolled on stage, filling the air with laughter ahead of performing “Jesus Jenny,” with POLLSTAR noting “the regret, tenderness and embarrassment he feels for the woman was delivered as a complicated cocktail of compassion that’s easy to miss if working in caricatures.”

Led by Charlie Worsham, the Bluegrass band backed each jingle throughout the evening, with McBryde donning an apron for “Dandelion Diner,” followed by Pillbox Patti’s “The Girl In The Picture,” a heartfelt power ballad for a missing woman named Caroline that landed on Los Angeles Times’ “Best Songs of 2022.”

Dubbed by Stereogum as “a soft-glowing honky tonk lullaby,” Shelly Fairchild expressed the irony in “If These Dogs Could Talk” with ease as McBryde provided background vocals from a park bench, accompanied by Pete and his dog (a stuffed Husky later adopted by an audience member via the Lindeville Humane Society), from Brothers Osborne’s sentimental ballad, with TJ Osborne’s Esquire-dubbed “classic, sonorous voice” resonating through the auditorium reminding us to “go to church, love your momma and ‘Play Ball.’”

Queued up by What Fuzz Radio DJ Storme Warren, Raitiere, armed with a tank top, cargo shorts, socks, slides and a bag of avocados, along with Fairchild in her sparkly top, green leggings and case of Bud Light, transported the audience to Food City with “paired pidgin-level method acting with songwriting that made the entire proceeding feel – appropriately – like suburban community theater,” as noted by The Tennessean, in “The Missed Connection Section of the Lindeville Gazette.”

Hailed by Billboard “as one of the project’s most gripping, soul-searching pulses,” Benjy Davis began “Gospel Night at the Strip Club” to cheers from the audience, the lights coming up just in time for the chorus led by five local drag queens, Vivica Steele, Justine Van de Blair, Britney Banks, Vidalia Anne Gentry and Shelby Lá Banks, as the at-capacity crowd came to their feet to join. “That line, ‘Jesus loves the drunkards and the whores and the queers’ is crucial,” asserts PASTE, “because it makes explicit the project’s unifying theme: Everyone is flawed, and everyone is worthy of love and respect despite those flaws. Perhaps we should spend less time hiding our sins and weaknesses, and more time forgiving the same in others.”

With just two notes, the crowd remained standing and whooped for the all-female driven cover of The Everly Brothers’ “When Will I Be Loved,” as vocals soared from McBryde, Fairchild, Patti and Wilson before McBryde rejoined the Bluegrass band for the album’s final jingle “Forkem Family Funeral Home” with urn in hand for those “two-for-one cremations.”

Rejoined by Fairchild, Patti and Wilson, McBryde launched into “Bonfire At Tina’s,” celebrated as PAPERMagazine’s “No. 1 Country Song of 2022” noting, “the women of country continue to create fruitful collaborations and build each other up in spite of a system that has encouraged them to tear each other down. Light it up, indeed.”

The Bluegrass band, referred to as Levi and the Wranglers and Good Time and the Bad Decisions among other aliases throughout the evening, prompted the audience to join them for a classic Grand Ole Opry singalong with “I Saw The Light,” complete with rhythmic clapping and stomping.

McBryde then perched solo on a stool, a backdrop of shining stars behind her, for album closer “Lindeville” from the perspective of the town’s clock tower, laying bare “a lovely benediction for this place and its unresolved conflicts, a gentle reminder that we’re all a little messy and deserve a little grace as well,” observes Rolling Stone.

Written by the album’s namesake Dennis Linde, the entire cast returned to the stage for a cover of The Chicks’ “Goodbye Earl” as an homage to the songwriter whose methods inspired the “six weirdos” who sat around a kitchen table in a cabin outside of Nashville, giving their beloved characters a place to live.

Following the company’s final bows, McBryde returned to the stage solo to perform her GRAMMY-nominated hit “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” As fans flocked to the stage, the Arkansas native paused throughout the performance to take in the crowd’s reaction to her line “I hear the crowd,” before concluding the evening with a heartfelt thank you to the sold-out audience for coming along on this journey, and especially, this joyous occasion.

Lindeville Band:
Bandleader - John Osborne
Acoustic Guitar - Chris Harris
Electric Guitar - Matt Helmkamp
Banjo/Keys - Joe Andrews
Bass - Caleb Hooper
Drums - Quinn Hill
Pedal Steel - Preston Wait

Singers:
Ashley McBryde
Caylee Hammack (Night One)
Lainey Wilson (Night Two)
Shelly Fairchild
Pillbox Patti
TJ Osborne
Connie Harrington
Aaron Raitiere
Benjy Davis

The Bluegrass Band:
Guitar - Charlie Worsham
Upright Bass - TJ Osborne
Banjo - Tim Sergent
Fiddle - Dan Hochhalter
Mandolin - Ben Helson
Drums - Jerry Pentecost

Drag Queens:
Vivica Steele
Justine Van de Blair
Britney Banks
Vidalia Anne Gentry
Shelby Lá Banks

Character Actors:
Storme Warren as What the Fuzz Radio DJ
Chris Serino as Pete
Kelsey Kopecky as Jenny
Audrey Byrd as seen on Lindeville’s album cover / girl with an accordion

Directed by John Peets, Produced by Q Prime South

About Ashley McBryde
GRAMMY, CMA and ACM award winner Ashley McBryde cut her teeth playing country songs in rural biker bars – and it shows. The Grand Ole Opry member’s 2018 major label debut Girl Going Nowhere (Warner Music Nashville) charmed The New York Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, Paste, The Washington Post and more, all en route to landing a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album. McBryde closed out 2019 with ACM New Female Artist, CMT Breakout Artist, a New Artist of the Year win at the 53rd Annual CMA Awards and two nominations for the 2020 GRAMMYs for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” Her follow-up Never Will was tagged by Rolling Stone as one of the most anticipated of the year alongside NPR, who also ranked her Top 10 RIAA Platinum-Certified single “One Night Standards” as one of the best songs of 2019. The album earned McBryde a 2021 GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album, making Never Will the only album nominated for Country Album of the Year by the ACMs, CMAs and the Recording Academy in the same award season. Her GRAMMY-winning duet with Carly Pearce, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” went all the way to No. 1 and earned McBryde and Pearce the ACM and CMA award for Musical Event of the Year. McBryde was also honored with the 2022 CMA International Artist Achievement Award for the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States. The Arkansas-native invites listeners to Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, a collaborative project featuring Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark, Pillbox Patti, Caylee Hammack, Aaron Raitiere and more, earning McBryde her third consecutive GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album, making her a six-time GRAMMY nominee. Upon its release on September 30, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville garnered applause from The New York Times, NPR, Variety, Vulture, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Billboard and Stereogum, among many more. McBryde recently wrapped The Judds: The Final Tour with Wynonna two sold-out nights at the Ryman Auditorium with Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville Live. McBryde is slated to play headlining shows, festivals and three dates with Eric Church on The Outsiders Revival Tour this spring and summer. For more information, visit AshleyMcBryde.com or follow her on Facebook, Instagramand Twitter @AshleyMcBryde and TikTok @AshleyMcBrydeMusic.

TWILIGHT FORCE - Release New Single 'Skyknights Of Aldaria (Orchestral Version)'

February 18, 2023

Four weeks after the release of their latest opus At the Heart of Wintervale, and the successful completion of a European tour just a few days ago, Swedish symphonic power metallers TWILIGHT FORCE now release their new single 'Skyknights of Aldaria (Orchestral Version)'. The song, which appears as the first bonus track on the new album, is an instrumental version of an album track. It also features adjusted balancing and arranging, with a new mix tailored specifically for the orchestral version, giving the song a completely new and unique flair. An epic extension, which slots perfectly into the anthems of the Twilight Kingdoms!

Listen to the new single 'Skyknights of Aldaria (Orchestral Version)' here:
https://twilightforce.bfan.link/skyknights-aldaria.a01

TWILIGHT FORCE comments:
"Greetings traveler! TWILIGHT FORCE has now returned to our abodes after a successful and magically glorious tour! Over the course of more than three weeks, we journeyed far and wide, and experienced triumphant battles in a plethora of kingdoms around the mortal plane! But new adventures already await! We are very happy to announce that we are now releasing the orchestral version of ‘Skyknights of Aldaria’ upon the digital realm, which will give you a great opportunity to enjoy more details and intricacies in the orchestral arrangements. There are numerous instrumental elements lurking in the periphery of the symphonic soundscapes, and we hope that you will find new and exciting surprises therein.
So come, and join the mythic eagle riders on their quest to defeat a nefarious sorcerer. Let us soar through the skies and end the night of a thousand days together!"

Purchase At the Heart of Wintervale on various formats and stream the album here:
https://twilightforce.bfan.link/at-the-heart-of-wintervale.a01

About:
TWILIGHT FORCE is a Swedish symphonic power metal band known for their highly fantastical lyrics and LARP-style outfits which the band performs onstage in. The band's main lyrical themes are based on the lore of a fictional world known as The Twilight Kingdoms, created by keyboardist Blackwald. The band has released three albums to date. Their latest, Dawn of the Dragonstar was released in 2019. During the past few years, Twilight Force have been busy forging their newest opus, At the Heart of Wintervalewhich will be released by Nuclear Blast Records on January 20th, 2023.

Order At the Heart of Wintervale here:
https://twilightforce.bfan.link/at-the-heart-of-wintervale.a01

OCEANHOARSE Release New Album and Share Lyric Video for "Fall Like Dominoes"! "Heads Will Roll" out now on Noble Demon!

February 18, 2023

Today, Finnish heavy metallers Oceanhoarse release their highly anticipated sophomore studio album Heads Will Roll via Noble Demon. With eleven brand new tracks, the album seamlessly picks up where its predecessor Dead Reckoning (2021) left off and even goes one step further! Heads Will Roll is an album packed with tense arrangements, vocal harmonies and crushing riffs and a must have release for all fans of heavier but dynamic sounds!

Ben Varon on Heads Will Roll:

"'Heads Will Roll' is literally Oceanhoarse 2.0. We kept all the elements we liked the most from our first album, and kept building on that. I think Heads Will Roll is richer in dynamics, hooks, attitude and dirt. This time around we really wanted to capture the live vibe in the studio, so we rehearsed the songs properly and locked ourselves in a nice big studio for a week, where we banged out all the basic tracks together and chose the best takes at the end of the day. Most of what you hear on the album is from those live takes, even down to many of the guitar solos! I think you can really hear the difference, and feel the band as a living, breathing organism executing these songs, warts and all."

To celebrate Heads Will Roll finally being available worldwide, Oceanhoarse have released a brand new lyric video for the album’s opening track "Fall Like Dominoes".

WATCH the video here:

"Fall Like Dominoes was the obvious choice for the opening track of the album, with its big, epic build-up. I love this song, to me it sounds like a mix between Metallica and Children Of Bodom, with a serious Hoarse-y twist!" Ben Varon comments.

Heads Will Roll is out now on Noble Demon and available for purchase at t THIS LOCATION

Oceanhoarse are:
Ben Varon - Guitar
Jyri Helko - Bass
Oskari Niemi - Drums
Joonas Kosonen - Vocals

For Oceanhoarse online:

Find NOBLE DEMON online:

Avatar's New Album "DANCE DEVIL DANCE" Out Today + Band Touring The U.S. This Spring

February 18, 2023

AVATAR RELEASE NEW ALBUM DANCE DEVIL DANCE TODAY, FEBRUARY 17, VIA BLACK WALTZ RECORDS, DISTRIBUTED BY THIRTY TIGERS

BAND TO EMBARK ON HEADLINE U.S. TOUR THIS SPRING

The heavy metal 'n' roll, dark, madcap visionaries collectively known as AVATAR — vocalist Johannes Eckerström, guitarists Jonas Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström, bassist Henrik Sandelin, and drummer John Alfredsson — released their magnum opus and ninth album Dance Devil Dance, today, February 17, via Black Waltz Records, distributed by Thirty Tigers. Get it here.

"Dance Devil Dance is the culmination of the most intense artistic journey of our lives," the band says. "We haven't been this excited about putting out new music since our first demo, way back when. We have made a point out of treating every album like our last, never taking what we get to do for granted. This holds true for this one as well. That being said, in more ways than one, this feels like our first. We have fallen in love with the noise, the chaos, and the creation all over again. It's hard to find words for it. It's just so very special to us. It's good that the day has finally come."

The almighty Avatar will also return to the road this spring on a headline tour that kicks off April 28 in Omaha and runs through May 28 in Pittsburgh. Veil of Maya and Orbit Culture will support. All dates are below, including key spring festival appearances. Get tickets here.

AVATAR ON TOUR:
WITH VEIL OF MAYA + ORBIT CULTURE:
4/28 — Omaha, NE — The Admiral
4/29 — Denver, CO — Ogden
4/30 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Depot
5/1 — Boise, ID — Revolution
5/3 — San Diego. CA — Observatory
5/4 — Los Angeles, CA — Belasco
5/5 — San Francisco, CA — The Fillmore
5/6 — Las Vegas, NV — House of Blues
5/7 — Phoenix, AZ — Van Buren
5/9 — Austin, TX — Emo's
5/10 — Dallas, TX — The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
5/12 — Minneapolis, MN — Skyway Theater
5/13 — Green Bay, WI — Epic Events Center
5/14 — Moline, IL — The Rust Belt
5/15 — Chicago, IL — House of Blues
5/16 — Detroit, MI — Royal Oak Theatre
5/18 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome to Rockville+
5/19 — St. Petersburg, FL — Jannus Live
5/20 — Atlanta, GA — Buckhead Theater
5/21 — Lexington, KY — Manchester Music Hall
5/23 — New York, NY — Webster Hall
5/24 — Boston, MA — Paradise
5/25 — Silver Springs, MD — The Fillmore
5/26 — Philadelphia, PA — TLA
5/27 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple+
5/28 — Pittsburgh, PA — Roxian Theater
+Festival date

AVATAR ARE:
Johannes Eckerström — Vocals
John Alfredsson — Drums
Jonas Jarlsby — Guitar
Henrik Sandelin — Bass
Tim Öhrström — Guitar

CASKETS have released the video for brand new single "By The Sound."

February 18, 2023

STREAM "BY THE SOUND"

CASKETS have released the video for brand new single "By The Sound."

Watch it below.

The band also recently announced their first-ever headline tour across the UK, which will take place this March.

Frontman Matt Flood comments, "'By The Sound is a story of wanting to have that perfect life, the perfect moments with the perfect person. Life doesn't quite pan out that way."

He continues, "We get engulfed in all the glitz and glamour that life has to offer when we're young and impressionable, but the world is an unpredictable and unforgiving place. I always believed it would be easy: school, college, university, and stepping into the real world. I wasn't ready for when reality smacked me in the face. I wasn't ready to realize it's hard as hell. I really wasn't ready for how hard relationships with people can be — swallowing your pride just to make peace. Fighting hour after hour and all you want to do is feel love for the person who you're clashing with. There are times where it feels like the entire world and everyone in it is actively working against your happiness. This song is about the desire to put suffering, hatred, and greed all to one side and feel like you can breathe without choking. I'm still actively learning how to become a better person than the one I was yesterday and that's what 'By The Sound' is about."

The band previously shared the video for "Guiding Light." Watch it here.

CASKETS ARE:
Matthew Flood — Vocals
Benji Wilson — Guitar
Craig Robinson — Guitar
Chris McIntosh — Bass
James Lazenby — Drums

South Africa-German outfit Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys release 'Heaving', title track of coming fourth album

February 18, 2023

"A rarity within music... one of Europe's most underrated talents" ~ The Revue

"Grandly superb... sonic depth and resonant dimension, infusing the music with weighty vibrancy" ~ Guitar Girl Magazine

“Scarily, startlingly good. Mesmerising. I was overwhelmed. I thought they’d be goodbut was kicked in the teeth by their power and theirsingular sensibility.. they were blindingly consummate andattuned to her vision. Really spectacularly good” ~ Jay Savage (Ex Director Sony ATV, ZA)

"With style and enigmatic poise... Kruger’s dreamy vocals spins visceral and poetic tales" ~ Texx and the City

Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys present 'Heaving', the title track and third single from their forthcoming 'Heaving' album, following the recently-released lead tracks 'Burning Building' and 'Stereoscope'. The full-length album will be released in spring 2023 via Unique Records, a division of Schubert Music Europe.

Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys are an art pop ambient noise band whose music is full of atmosphere and intensity. Based in Berlin, the group is fronted by South African-born Lucy Kruger. To encounter her music is to witness a singular journey of constant reflection that produces an ever-widening arc of creativity. This burning psychedelic folk is both intimate and energetic.

The song, which opens with a self-possessed pulse and a vocal sample that sits somewhere between a release and a reaching, pulls the listener into a distinct and surreal space - one that is both existential and immediate. There is a physicality to the sound that grounds the more elusive threads, in both sound and subject matter.

The accompanying film was created by Belgian director and motion designer Lena Nerinckx (the co-founder of Contour Collective) , and features Lucy Kruger and Lenny-Dee Doucha. Lena (who studied at both LUCA School Of Arts and Thomas More) uses film as a medium to translate thoughts and feelings into curving realms and surrealistic worlds through a focus on body language. A returning subject in her visual work is how emotions influence reality.

This piece is an intimate and intense duet between Lucy and an unknown but deeply present subject, seen and felt through a pair of hands. There is both effort and inevitability in the act of heaving and in this work. The body - both primal and performative - moves and is moved through a tender and quietly chaotic choreography. It opens its mouth and oozes. The distinction or boundary between the inside and the outside is blurred. It is both humanising and unsettling. The figure in motion, close up and dripping, becomes more landscape than limb. The video, filmed on Super 8 Reversal Film using a Canon Auto Zoom 814 camera, is beautifully stark - a visceral and compellingly uncomfortable exploration of intimacy.

In April 2022, the band released their third album in the 'Tapes Trilogy', signifying a relinquishing of control throughout the course of the three records in terms of both the sonic landscape and the stories brought to life through the lyrics. This song cycle began in 2019 with the band's debut album ‘Sleeping Tapes for Some Girls', followed by ‘Transit Tapes (for women who move furniture around)' in 2021 and the final 'Teen Tapes (for performing your own stunts)' in 2022.

As of February 16, the 'Heaving' single is available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full 'Heaving' LP, which is out on April 7, is now available for pre-order.

The band, who have earned a reputation for their engaging and intense live performances, will be touring the album in Europe from April this year. They will play their album release show at Berlin's Lido on May 5. Concert tickets can be obtained at https://lklb.tourlink.to/tickets

CREDITS
Written by Lucy Kruger -- ISRC: DEUV42200130
Published by Schubert Music Publishing GmbH
2023 P & C Unique Records / Schubert Music Europe GmbH
Lucy Kruger: vocals, electronic production
Liú Mottes: piano, guitar, bass, bass synthesiser
Jean-Louise Parker: vocals, viola
Martin Perret: drums
Mixed by Simon Ratcliffe at Sound & Motion Studios (Cape Town)
Mastered by Uwe Teichert at Elektropolis (Brussels)
Drums recorded by Dirk Feistel at Studio X (Berlin)
Guitars recorded by André Leo (Berlin)
Viola recorded by Jean-Louise Parker (Berlin)

BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE Shares Guitar Play-Through for "Deny the Sun"

February 18, 2023

Progressive rock trio BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE will be releasing a brand new full-length, 'Tempus Veritas,' on April 14, 2023! The band is now sharing an official guitar play-through for the freshly released single, "Deny the Sun!" The clip is available below.

Meanwhile, the previously released song can be found along with an official music video, which was created by Alina Gordienco, at THIS LOCATION.

Guitarist Paul Visser comments on the video: "We’re so stoked about the love everyone’s been showing for 'Deny The Sun!' We hope the guitarists out there are enjoying the riff - it was the first thing I wrote on the red Solar you see in this play-through. Big thanks to both Solar and Nueral DSP for being awesome!"

Pre-orders are now available HERE. The album can be pre-saved on various digital platforms HERE.

BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE create huge, memorable rock music that combines heavy-hitting savagery with intense melodic beauty. Their technical, fearlessly complex grooves and gigantic sing-along choruses have already earned them a widespread fanbase.

A ferociously tight live band, BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE have toured Europe and the UK extensively, supporting Skunk Anansie, HED p.e, INME and Black Map as well as festival slots at Download, Standon Calling and Planet Rockstock. Black Orchid Empire have sealed the bands reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

Having released their debut album ‘Archetype’ (2016) to universal acclaim, BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE signed with German label Long Branch Records to release the follow up albums ‘Yugen’ (2018) and ‘Semaphore’ (2020). Both albums received stellar reviews and over 3,000,000+ combined streams.

“Tempus Veritas” is a collection of stories that seeks to find compelling imaginary narratives hidden away in what we all think of as history. Behind every milestone or major event in humanity’s long, complex past lies a treasure trove of possibilities for invention - how did Pope Urban VIII feel when confronted by his friend Galileo about the true nature of the sun? What really happened during an almost triumphant but ultimately doomed Everest attempt? What was it like to be a Norse settler amongst the Saxons; did the omens of the ancient gods begin to disappear?

In approaching “Tempus Veritas”, BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE sought collectively to push themselves both musically and thematically. Their pursuit of heaviness, melody, emotional power and rhythmic complexity has pushed them to create something they‘re immensely proud of. “Semaphore” was an album of Sci-Fi, this is an album of Hi-Fi. Tempus Veritas.

Recording studio:
The Recording Studio London

Producer / sound engineer:
Produced by Black Orchid Empire
Paul Visser (engineer)
Dobromir Vasilev (assistant engineer)

Mixing studio and engineer:
The Recording Studio London
Paul Visser (mix engineer)

Mastering studio and engineer:
Systematic Productions
Ermin Hamidovic (mastering engineer)

Line-up:
Paul Visser: Vocals | Guitar
Dave Ferguson: Bass | Vocals
Billy Freedom: Drums

Cover artwork: Black Orchid Empire & Ines Hernandez

Band picture credit: Omar Ahmed

Links:
www.blackorchidempire.com
www.fb.com/blackorchidempire
www.instagram.com/blackorchidempire
www.tiktok.com/@blackorchidempire
www.youtube.com/blackorchidempire
https://spoti.fi/3HqEfEh
https://blackorchidempiresom.bandcamp.com

Pre-sales: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/BOETV

Formats:
Digital
Digipak
Vinyl in various colours

THE ABBEY Streams Debut Album 'Word of Sin' in Full

February 17, 2023

Progressive doom rock new-comers THE ABBEY, ft. Natalie Koskinen (SHAPE OF DESPAIR), Jesse Heikkinen (HENGET, ITERUM NATA, etc), Vesa Ranta (SENTENCED, THE MAN-EATING TREE), and Janne Markus (THE MAN-EATING TREE), are now streaming their debut full-length, 'Word of Sin,' ahead of its release! The record can be heard in its entirety below.

The CD and digital formats for 'Word of Sin' will be released together tomorrow, February 17, 2023! The vinyl counterpart will be released on July 7 and pre-sales will be revealed at a later date.

Pre-order 'Word of Sin' on CD + digital HERE.
Pre-save 'Word of Sin' on streaming services HERE.

Aleister Crowley’s Abbey of Thelema was located in Sicily, Italy, and functioned as ground zero for many of the occultist’s most complex and groundbreaking hedonistic pursuits. Here, Crowley codified his ritual practices and took his concept of “Magick” to new, unforeseen levels. He rebranded the temple as “Collegium ad Spiritum Sanctum,” translating to “A college towards the Holy Spirit.” But the Abbey of Thelema was not without its controversy: A young disciple died in 1922 after contracting typhoid fever from the drinking water. And a year later, Crowley was evicted by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini’s regime, yet the mystery and intrigue behind the Abbey of Thelema remain.

It was only appropriate, then, that Jesse Heikkinen, a veteran of the Finnish music scene and a solo artist under the Iterum Nata banner, branded his newest musical pursuit as The Abbey. Drawing lyrical inspiration from esoteric organizations, their beliefs and his own practices, Heikkinen and co-lead vocalist Natalie Koskinen (Shape of Despair) weaved ritualistic tales from the darkest corners of themselves to pair with music that is a provocative, alluring kaleidoscope of dark, heavy rock. The result is the mystical Word of Sin, The Abbey’s nine-song debut long-player.

The Abbey tale began when Heikkinen generated the sudden urge to try his hand at singing in a doom metal band after laying down guest vocals for fellow countrymen Fuzzifer. His idea was to form a doom metal band with “big vocals” — a project for fun’s sake that would thrive off writing from the heart and improvisation. Those plans involved former Sentenced and The Man-Eating Tree drummer Vesa Ranta — the first name that came to Heikkinen’s mind for the project.

Ranta, now a professional photographer and filmmaker, provided the steady backbone behind Sentenced’s groundbreaking career that was brought to its conclusion in 2005. According to Heikkinen, Ranta plays “like a battalion of marching giants,” a not-so-subtle nod to the drummer’s mastery of the quarter-note. Ranta quickly took to Heikkinen’s early demos and suggested they add a female singer. Enter Koskinen. Koskinen knew Ranta from a video shoot where she was serving as a makeup artist. Reluctant to try a new band considering her Shape of Despair and career obligations, Koskinen listened to Heikkinen’s first demo and decided to give the project a go. Janne Markus (guitar, also of The Man-Eating Tree) and Henri Arvola (bass) were soon tapped to complete the band’s lineup.

Word of Sin was recorded between April and November 2021 in several locations across Finland. Drums, bass and Markus’s guitars were tracked at Kratio Studio in Oulu by Kyösti Rautio. Rautio also served as co-producer and mixed the album, becoming the unofficial sixth member of The Abbey. Heikkinen, who recorded most of his vocals and guitars in his stepdaughter’s room, surrounded by My Little Ponies, Disney figurines and a pile of esoteric literature, is careful to point out that The Abbey fails to drop into any neat, little subgenre.

“The album was made purely for self-expressive reasons,” he says. “My music is the channel where I can be as true and authentic as possible. It is also a somewhat safe way to explore and express the dark side of myself and the collective consciousness. Word of Sin may seem like a tremendously dark piece as a rock album, but it’s pretty lightweight for a doom metal album! The material proved so strong that it was obvious that it wasn’t going to be another side project. I think using the means of improvisation made the music sound more like its creator instead of it being forced to be this or that — and that seemed to work really well for us!”

Regardless of where Word of Sin falls between the vast channels of doom and heavy rock, the vocal interplay between Heikkinen and Koskinen is undeniable. Each has songs where they take the lead, but their harmonies and trade-offs carry songs like “Rat King” and “Desert Temple” to the fore, creating a restless, captivating atmosphere resembling vintage rock from the 1970s. And, for his first go at singing lead in a band, Heikkinen proves to be quite the capable vocalist, carrying a smooth, almost airy delivery on “Crystallion” and “Widow’s Will.”

“I didn’t think of it that much — my vocals all came naturally,” he says. “I still think I’m more of a guitarist than a vocalist, really. During the writing and recording, I listened to King Crimson’s Red quite a lot, so I’m sure I got some influences from John Wetton’s singing on that album. The vocal harmonies were heavily inspired by bands like E.L.O, Queen and Yes.”

Heikkinen and Koskinen didn’t know each other before the formation of The Abbey. Heikkinen met Koskinen for the first time when she tracked vocals at his home studio, but their partnership generated immediate results. “Nowadays, I usually record my vocals at home, but in this case, as I had yet to meet Jesse in person, I wanted to record my parts at his place,” says Koskinen. “It’s very important to see what kind of energy is between the musicians I’m going to work with in the long run. It turns out that we are a perfect match musically. Later on, I traveled to Oulu to meet the rest of the guys [Janne and Henri] and I must say that we had a very strong bond from the beginning. Sometimes things just happen even when you don’t plan them.”

“The right lines for each were found really easily,” adds Heikkinen. “There already were dozens of vocal tracks in some of my demos, but every time Natalie found her place in the song, she added something new into it.”

The creative process behind Word of Sin proved so fruitful that the members of The Abbey are already thinking about a follow-up. It’s a testament to the material’s inherent strength and the immediate bond between all five musicians.

“The Abbey will most definitely be an active and serious project for me - I do hope it will turn out fun as well,” wraps Heikkinen. And closes Koskinen: “I do have a feeling this band will make a long trip together.”

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/abbeyceremonial
https://www.instagram.com/theabbeyceremonial/
https://theabbey.bandcamp.com

Lineup:
Jesse Heikkinen – Guitar, keyboard, percussions, vocals
Natalie Koskinen – Vocals
Janne Markus – Guitar
Vesa Ranta – Drums
Henri Arvola – Bass

Cover Art: Alexander Reisfar

Bio: David E. Gehlke

Booking contact & management:
erin@aflyingfox.com (Erin Lynch)
https://aflyingfox.com

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/TheAbbeyWOS
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/theabbeysin

CODEFENDANTS Announce Debut Album, 'This is Crime Wave'; Drop New Single 'Def Cons'; Announce US Headline Tour

February 17, 2023

Fat Mike, Sam King and Ceschi Ramos aka the Codefendants, have announced the release of their highly-anticipated debut album, "This Is Crime Wave" today. The genre blending album will be released on March 24th via Fat Wreck imprint Bottles To The Ground. All that Fat Mike has to say about the new Codefendants album is,

"If you’re a teenager, this is the best record released in your lifetime.”

Pre-orders for 'This is Crime Wave' are available now HERE. Stream 'Def Cons' HERE and watch the official music video below. Catch up on the previous episodes HERE.

Highlighting today's announcement is the release of single "Def Cons" and accompanying music video, the fourth installment of the short film written by Fat Mike and serialized across five music video releases.

“I suggest listening to the song first - then watch the video. The song is better than the video, and the video is pretty fucking good.” - Fat Mike

Commenting on the very real issues addressed in the video for "Def Cons", Ceschi Ramos says

“As someone who’s been pepper sprayed while arrested, beaten with nightsticks & had more police guns to my head than I’d like to remember, filming this video was an exercise in confronting PTSD. Enjoy.”

Codefendants also announced their first ever US headline tour dates today. The 'This Is Crime Wave Tour' will kick-off in San Francisco on April 14th and hit 10 further cities before culminating in Atlanta, GA on April 27th and will feature special guests, Zeta as support. Codefendants will also play two shows with NOFX in Austin, TX on April 22nd and Tacoma, WA on July 23rd and will appear at Lost Festival in St Petersburg, FL on April 29th. Tickets go on sale today at 10am PT/1pm ET fromcodefendantslegalfund.com Full routing below.

On the subject of the newly announced US tour dates, Sam King adds

"With everything going on in the world right now, I just hope we don’t go to jail"

Codefendants

This Is Crime Wave Tour

14-Apr - San Francisco, CA - Bottom Of The Hill

16-Apr - Los Angeles, CA - Knitting Factory

17-Apr - Anaheim, CA - Chain Reaction

18-Apr - Mesa, AZ - The Underground

19-Apr - Flagstaff, AZ -Yucca North

20-Apr - El Paso, TX - Rockhouse Bar & Grill

22-Apr - Austin, TX - Carson Creek Ranch (w/ NOFX)

23-Apr - Houston, TX - The Secret Group

24-Apr - Dallas, TX - Sundown at Granada

25-Apr - Baton Rouge, LA - Chelsea's Live

26-Apr - Murfreesboro, TN - Hop Springs

27-Apr - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade

29-Apr - St Petersburg, FL - The Lost Festival

23-Jul - Tacoma, WA - LeMay - America's Car Museum (w NOFX)

ABOUT CODEFENDANTS

Sam King from Get Dead’s graffiti crew were giving tattoos and making flash art to raise money to help rapper Ceschi Ramos when he was incarcerated. Months later, they met at the Gilman Street Project in Berkeley, California. They bonded, talking about their love of hip-hop and punk rock over a bottle of Jameson. They didn’t know it yet, but they had just started Codefendants.

They began recording songs two years later in Los Angeles with Fat Mike from NOFX as producer. Soon after Fatty joined the band, they decided to make an album that sounded like nothing else - a completely genre-fluid album - a cross between hip hop, new-wave, flamenco, and the Beatles. And thus a whole new genre - Crime Wave - was born. That album entitled This Is Crime Wave will be released via Fat Wreck imprint, Bottles To The Ground.

Follow Codefendants Online

codefendantslegalfund.com

Half Me Share "I Am But A Guest In Exile" Video — WATCH

February 17, 2023

NEW ALBUM SOMA OUT TOMORROW, FEBRUARY 17

"Half Me have unveiled a monstrous statement of intent" — Metal Hammer

HALF ME are one of the newest additions to the Arising Empire roster. Hailing from Hamburg, Germany, this five-piece was founded in October 2018 after the demise of each other's prior bands. Musically, the band blends modern metal and hardcore with '90s, nu-metal vibe.

Today, Half Me have shared the video for "I Am But A Guest In Exile." Watch it below.

"'I Am But A Guest In Exile' is leading into the final act of the album," the band says. "The fear of being replaced is getting out of hand and delusion is spiraling out of control. The entity that has accompanied them for so long is beginning to force itself onto the protagonist. Has it already taken over? There's no way to determine from the outside... so is it even possible to notice from within? While suffering from sleep withdrawal and schizophrenic episodes, the protagonist is repeating their mantra to stay in control: Don't black out."

The track appears on SOMA, out tomorrow, February 17, via Arising Empire. Get it here.

The band's previous single 'Exitwound' (featuring Jack Bergin of Void Of Vision) earned the band a slot on KNOTFEST's "Countdown to Oblivion."

HALF ME ARE:
Christopher Zühlke — Vocals
Christopher Hesse — Guitar
Julius Jansen — Guitar
Tobias Max Sajons — Bass
Maximilian Eisersdorff — Drums