HOLY WARS Take Us On A Wild Ride In Epic New Single & Video “Deus Ex Machina”

Genre-blurring provocateurs HOLY WARS have dropped their mind-bending new single and music video “Deus Ex Machina” today. Matching hard hitting metal riffs with frantic spoken word, soaring pop melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics, “Deus Ex Machina” is the next step in the evolution of HOLY WARS, perfectly showcasing the indefinable combination of vocalist, Kat Leon’s dynamic vocal techniques and guitarist/producer, Nick Perez's down-tuned guitar riffs and cinematic soundscapes. Stream “Deus Ex Machina" HERE and watch the video below. 

The cinematic music video for “Deus Ex Machina” immerses us in the literal rollercoaster ride of vocalist Kat Leon’s deep and sometimes dark psyche. She unpacks the song’s themes as follows:

“Deus Ex Machina was inspired by my love of psychology and how fascinating the brain is. The God of the human machine. Deus Ex Machina meaning God from the Machine really helped shape the message of what I was wanting to say lyrically in this song, how our personal narrative is powerful. We often rewrite our stories as the hero's tale but we very possibly could be the villain in another's. Our words are powerful and our story is our legacy. In this song I wanted to display the attack side of the narrative, how any issue I have had with another has stemmed from projection, a choice and the power I allow it to have. The ghost in the machine haunting my thoughts and puppeting my actions. Deus Ex Machina is a hard hitting wild sonic ride of the mania that lives underneath us all."

The single will be the first HOLY WARS release via their brand new label home, Pale Chord, as they also announce their signing to the prominent alternative label today, joining an impressive roster of fellow groundbreaking artists such as Spiritbox, Harper and Thousand Below.

Blending thoughtful introspection with their trademark chaotic energy, “Deus Ex Machina” highlights HOLY WARS’ unrelenting creative spirit and is arguably their heaviest release to date. Today’s release and new label announcement only furthers the band’s incessantly gaining momentum garnered from their authentic, DIY approach, which has already yielded nearly 10 million global streams and 700,000 YouTube views for previous releases.

With their unpredictable sound, provocative artistry, and new label home, HOLY WARS continue to defy genres and blow minds. Embrace the weird and stay tuned for more from these sonic shapeshifters soon.

ABOUT HOLY WARS

Los Angeles based duo HOLY WARS, composed of Kat Leon (Vocals) and Nick Perez (Guitars/Production), have a unique and constantly evolving sound that fuses an infectious medley of genres, packed with attitude and lyrical finesse. Newly signed to Pale Chord via BMG, HOLY WARS are excited to usher in a new era of ambitious music starting with new single “Deus Ex Machina”. 

Recorded music aside, HOLY WARS’ live shows are an electrifying breeding ground that converts any first timer to a lifelong fan. HOLY WARS take every opportunity to feed off the energy of the crowd and use it to amplify Leon’s charismatic and fearless stage presence which has since allowed them to win over a wide range of audiences. It is no surprise that the band’s high-intensity live performances have led the group to share the stage alongside legendary groups such as Coheed and Cambria, Alkaline Trio, and Papa Roach, to the next generation of up and coming rock artists including The Warning and Scene Queen.

In Spring 2023, HOLY WARS hit the festival circuit for the first time, gracing the main stages at Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple while evaporating the indoor stage at So What?! Fest. This fall, catch their continued festival debut at Furnace Fest, Louder Than Life (main stage), and Aftershock.

Find Holy Wars Online

www.holywarsmusic.com

Return to Dust Release "The Black Road" EP & Drop New Video For "Cellophone"

The Los Angeles-based grunge trio, Return to Dust, have today released their latest single, "Cellophane" taken off their debut EP, "The Black Road" via Jim Kaufman Productions. Fans can listen to the full EP HERE, and watch the brand new video below.

WHAT THE PRESS ARE SAYING:

"Return To Dust veer into entirely distinct sonic territories... one likely pivotal for long-term success.

Overall: 90/100”

Unsung Melody

"The band throws a new twist on 90s-sounding riffs bringing the listener back in time. The groovy guitar with dark themes in the lyrics holds over every song on the EP."

Keynote Music Collective

""“Black Road” is the perfect vehicle for Return to Dust to showcase their remarkable cinematic approach. This is a band with a stupendous future."

My Amp Music

""Combined with formidable talent and unmatched dedication, Return to Dust are ready to truly hit the ground running with their debut EP, “The Black Road,""

Interview Under Fire

Return to Dust have taken over listeners' Spotify Release Radar's and Discover Weekly's, all ahead of the release of their debut EP. The band have also been featured on Loudwire's Weekly Wire and Spotify's All New Rock, and independent playlists such as Prelude Press' "Music That Doesn't Suck", CHARM Music Magazine's "New Music Friday", NAS 101's "New Artist Spotlight", Get Rocked's "Best New Music", and more.

After racking up over 2 million TikTok views within a weekend, see HERE, the band's fan base has skyrocketed. The TIkTok featuring the band's single, "Belly Up" swiftly impacted the band's trajectory - nearly a million streams, 70K Spotify Monthly Listeners, and you can now catch over 70,000 fans across all socials waiting for their next glimpse of Return to Dust.

Still on the high of selling out the Viper Room at the EP release show, the band's previous single, "Losing Faith" even earned a stamp of approval from rock's very own, Allison Hagendorf, as it was featured on episode of her podcast's Sound Advice. The trio are continuing to catch fire, as none other than Matt Pinfield tagged in and showcased the band on KLOS' "New And Approved". With the success of their debut EP and the demand for a video of the fan-favorite track, it's no surprise that Return to Dust are returning with more cinematic content.

Speaking on today's single release, the band shares:

"Cellophane is about fabrication. Whether it’s you trying to be someone you’re not or someone portraying you falsely, there is always a truth somewhere below the plastic. 

The video highlights feelings of entrapment whether it’s fighting heavy chains under water or more extreme examples like an entire bedroom being covered in cellophane."

Sharing insight as the director of the "Cellophane" video, Matt Akana continues:

"We all pushed ourselves far out of our comfort zones to create the best visual we’ve made. The track has such depth and darkness to it that we wanted to reflect that on the screen as well as channel feelings of discomfort, hopelessness and rage in the viewers. We really leaned into visually representing the lyrics on screen and created an underwater world of darkness, rooms wrapped in plastic and bloody hearts."

Return to Dust, who are heavily inspired by the legendary Alice In Chains, have already cultivated a reputation in the local Los Angeles music scene before the release of their debut EP, "The Black Road" produced by none other than Jim Kaufman (Everclear, Danny Worsnop, Night Riots, Helmet). With their remarkable cinematic approach, the rock trio are on track for an unforgettable year of touring and new music. Be sure to stay tuned for more Return to Dust news coming soon.

Photo Credit - Matt Akana

Southern California fans also have the chance to see Return to Dust at Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa, CA on Saturday, September 2nd.

Return to Dust will opening for fellow rock trio, Aurora View, at their deluxe EP release show.

Fans can purchase tickets in advance HERE. Use the code "RETURNTODUST" for $5 off.

Don't miss your chance to see the band live this Saturday!

ABOUT RETURN TO DUST

Los Angeles based alternative/grunge rock trio Return to Dust (Matty Joseph, Graham Stanush, Sebastian Gonzalez) has already scripted a karmic saga that traverses decades, pays homage to the past, and plants its roots firmly in the future. Listening within their sonic universe is like time-traveling to the halcyon days of the '90s grunge era. Their sound, influenced by heavyweights of the time, reverberates with the echoes of Deftones, Alice In Chains, and the soul of Nirvana — but, their brilliance doesn't stop there. The band draws inspiration from a diverse palette, blending in bits from bands like The Cure, Metallica, and Cage The Elephant, molding them into their own unique musical tapestry. 

Return to Dust breathes life into a sound that feels both genuine and tailor-made to encapsulate the essence of a bygone era, leaving fans awash in nostalgia. Yet, it's not merely a mimicry of the past; instead, it's a fusion of the old and the new — an alchemy that conjures a sound distinctly their own. At the core are alluring bass lines (Stanush), gritty guitar riffs (Gonzalez, Joseph) and dual lead vocals (Joseph, Stanush) that harmonize and intertwine, weaving an ethereal soundscape that resonates with raw emotion and unyielding energy. It's a moody concoction that pays homage to an iconic era while fearlessly exploring uncharted territories. Return to Dust beckons audiences into their world, where the past and present converge, igniting a fervor that keeps the flames of grunge alive. 

Return to Dust found its meteoric rise propelled by a chance encounter with none other than the illustrious producer Jim Kaufman (Helmet, Everclear, Night Riots). Under Kaufman's mentorship, the band's raw talent began to soar. During the darkest days of the pandemic, when the world stood still, Return to Dust seized the opportunity to channel their collective energy into crafting something profound. The result was their debut EP, a mesmerizing creation titled ‘The Black Road.’ It was a labor of love and dedication that not only transcended the barriers of personal growth, but also etched the band's name into the future of rock.

Return to Dust

Matty Joseph - Vocals & Guitar

Graham Stanush - Vocals & Bass

Sebastian Gonzalez - Guitar

Tim Montana Drops "Devil You Know" Video

For as much as singer/songwriter/guitarist Tim Montana may be known as a wild man (and he certainly is), he really asserts himself as a tried-and-true storyteller with his new single "Devil You Know." He has shared the video today. Watch it below.

The song finds Montana exploring his moody, rock 'n' roll roots, as the song is propelled forward by the high-octane riffs that introduce the song's gritty and emotionally crackling and lyrically raw chorus. "Devil You Know" certainly shows off a different side of Montana's musical personality and fans of bands like  Foo Fighters, Staind, Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, and Three Days Grace will easily gravitate towards the propulsive rhythms and energy.

The accompanying visual finds Montana in various performance states, knuckling down on his guitar.

Drawing on his own experience growing up without his biological father, only to find that he wasn't the man he'd hoped he would be, "Devil You Know" is a grunge ballad for everyone who's suffered through the let down. The concept that in life, there are "the devils you know" and "the devils you don't" showcases Montana at his most lyrically honest, emoting soulfully through grizzly vocals. Married with four kids of his own, "Devil You Know" is his dedication to "be the dad I never had," a relatable, familiar circumstance for so many to attach.

Tim Montana's story has twisted and turned with the unforgiving unpredictability of a Montana winter. He went from a rough youth spent off-the-grid in a trailer powered by a faulty generator to captivating a devout global fanbase, dropping successful independent albums, selling out shows, and earning the endorsement of childhood heroes such as Dave Grohl. At 21-years-old, Tim settled in Music City. He busted his ass and found a way to be heard. He caught the attention of David Letterman, who personally booked Montana on The Late Show with David Letterman. Unlocking a creative chemistry with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, their collaborations included "This Beard Came Here to Party," which served as the anthem for the 2013 World Series champion Boston Red Sox and the Nashville Predators during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Following 2021's Long Shots, Tim let his grunge flag fly, while still telling the kind of stories fans fell in love with in the first place. Now, he infuses Space Needle-shaking grunge grit with a different kind of frontier poetry, bringing together vivid lyricism, vulnerable melodies, and vicious distortion. He's formally introducing himself on a series of 2023 singles for BBR Music Group/BMG, beginning with "Devil You Know."

And what can fans expect from the upcoming Tim Montana album? A celebration of rock music that channels the spirit of the great grunge explosion of the late '90s and early '00s. A tracklist of anthems that will have you stomping your feet, banging your head, and most likely, inspire the beardless to embrace their Montana-approved stubble. Butte, Montana born and raised, Tim Montana is not your average cowboy. Completely equipped to dominate the arena nearest you, armed with voracious distortion and truly well-oiled chops, Tim Montana tours hard and rocks even harder. Life as a fearless musician means living in accordance with Montana's motto: "We're all just one disaster away from something awesome."

Coyote Eyes Releases Captivating Anthem “Fires Burning in the Sky”

Coyote Eyes, the musical project led by singer-songwriter, Jo Eubanks, has released her latest single, "Fires Burning in the Sky," today. This powerful track encapsulates themes of resilience, triumph over adversity, and the indomitable spirit of pursuing one's dreams. "Fires Burning in the Sky" is an anthem of strength, echoing the sentiment of rising from the ashes and defying the odds. It's a testament to the power of determination and the unshakable will to overcome the impossible. The song celebrates that pivotal moment when every

challenge transforms into fuel for success, and doubters are proven wrong. Coyote Eyes explains, "This is a triumph song for everyone who's been told their dreams were unrealistic, that they weren't good enough, or that they'd never make it. It's a reminder that we can emerge victorious against all odds."

The single marks a significant collaboration for Coyote Eyes, as she joined forces with Grammy-winning producer and co-writer Danny Johnson [John Legend]. Coyote Eyes shares, "Working with Danny Johnson was an incredible experience. We knew we wanted to create something dynamic, a driving force that felt like a victory cry. When Danny presented his concept for the track, I was instantly hooked. We aimed to evoke a sense of renewal and vindication while maintaining a grounded narrative. This song is profoundly relatable, and that's what makes it special."

The accompanying visuals for "Fires Burning in the Sky" are a captivating visual journey, shot and directed by the talented Dayne Malan, known for his remarkable artistry. “The visuals are quite dark” Coyote Eyes states. She elaborates “For the entire series of my previous and upcoming releases, we wanted to tell reimagined stories of tragic women: Ophelia (“Gasoline”), Lady Godiva (“Lightning Strikes”), and for this one the story is kind of this ambiguous bride of Patrick Bateman tale. In the visual narrative, we see a woman draped in a wedding gown, trapped beneath plastic—a metaphorical shroud. The imagery evolves as the story unfolds, with smoke seeping beneath the plastic, symbolizing a desperate struggle for survival. It's a powerful depiction of the fight to escape an abusive relationship." "Fires Burning in the Sky" is a masterful blend of powerful lyrics, evocative melodies, and a compelling visual narrative, making it a must-listen and a must-see. Coyote Eyes continues to solidify her place as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, leaving an indelible mark with her empowering message and artistic prowess.

Credits:
Written by Danny Johnson and JoAnn Davis Eubanks Produced by Danny Johnson
Video shot and directed by Dayne Malan

MORE INFO:
Coyote Eyes is the dark pop alter ego of New York bred Jo Eubanks, a multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. With a hauntingly captivating musical style characterized by lush soundscapes, ethereal vocals, and eerie piano melodies, Coyote Eyes weaves a spellbinding tapestry that is equally tragic and seductive. Coyote Eyes began training to be a classical singer in early childhood, and by 16 she was already capturing label attention for her distinctive, emotionally charged voice

which held “the pain of a 30 year old woman inside a child’s body.” However, she felt compelled to break free from the constraints of societal expectations, pushing the boundaries of her creative authenticity in a world that demanded conformity. In 2018, she emerged as Coyote Eyes, a powerful and enigmatic persona unafraid to delve into the depths of the human experience. In traditional lore, the coyote is the one creature which cannot be categorized; it is an enigma, a dichotomy, a living riddle. As such, Coyote Eyes emerged from her fascination with duality in all its forms, which she explores both sonically and thematically. She performs regularly in both New York City and LA at Rockwood Music Hall, Mercury Lounge, The McKittrick Hotel, Viper Room, and with Breaking Sound and Hunnypot Live.

New Jersey art pop heroes ELK CITY present whimsical single 'Tried to Move On’

"Elk City’s cool and elegant sound draws on 1980s “dream pop” and bits of 1960s folk-rock" ~ The New York Times

"This music is sophisticated – vivacious, harmonious and memorable due to many factors, not least of all is the remarkable vocal timbre and convincing delivery of vocalist Renée LoBue, recalling Eddie Brickell at times and Jefferson Airplane’s Grace Slick at others" ~ Music-News.com

"Formidable... animated, brazen and effervescent. LoBue’s commanding vocals are the icing on the cake... highly infectious" ~ The Spill Magazine


New Jersey art-rock collective Elk City present 'Tried To Move On', the second taste of 'Undertow', the band's seventh album to date. This follows the voluminous consciousness-building lead track 'Strong (You're Not Alone)', a swirling neo-psychedelic folk song baked in cult obsessiveness.

Founded by Renée LoBue and Ray Ketchem, Elk City is brilliantly rounded out by Luna’s Sean Eden, Richard Baluyut (Versus) and Chris Robertson (Psychedelic Furs side project Feed, Punch Havana).

Ketchem, a renowned producer (Guided By Voices, Luna, Gramercy Arms)recorded, mixed and mastered the 'Undertow' album, which will be released via Montclair, NJ-based Magic Door Record Label, co-founded several years ago by Guided by Voices' Kevin March, Ketchem and artist Renée LoBue.

“'Tried to Move On' finds the band following our pop tendencies. The song is perfect for the end of summer, while the weather is still inviting outside. Close and intimate during the verses and chorus, the song opens up in the middle with a triumphant instrumental section," explains Ray Ketchem.  

"In the production, I used small, close sounds to create the rhythm track. I recorded the sound of various metal objects, such as music and microphone stands, and then manipulated the audio. The songs feature one of my favorite lyrics, “the hours turn into weeks, turn into years”.

Renée LoBue adds, "A boomerang of a breezy pop song that slides into your DMs to say, "Hi, you're living in denial." Wearing pastels and beaming. Bursting with... Joy? Anger? It’s “All Gucci” as the kids say, until the chorus barrels through, morphing into a different song that's not on the guest list. You're left in a whirlpool of self-created confusion. But I do like whirlpools because they remind me of jacuzzis and any correlation between our band and jacuzzis satisfies me to pieces. People put up with hunks of BS because fooling themselves is easier than walking an unknown path. Walk your unknown path. But keep your jacuzzi."

Like their sixth album 'Above the Water', this record is inspired by the band’s love of documentaries like 'The Source Family' and 'Wild, Wild Country' - films that explore the allure of cults and extreme alternative lifestyles.

From the opening title track, 'Undertow' sucks you into a different kind of record with peculiar pop constructs built of rare materials, found only in the wilds behind Magic Door Recording Studio in Montclair, which legendary studio designer George Augspurger helped transform into a freeform studio where vintage microphones, modern studio gear, and bespoke sound tuning elevate and inspire.

This is where Elk City has meticulously built this record and this band a whole other way. Even after seven albums, Elk City are still deliberately hard to define, still seekers, unafraid to shed this life and lead the listener on a journey to new sounds and feelings... Welcome to Elk City.
 
As of August 30, 'Tried To Move On' will be available across fine digital outlets, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where the full 'Undertow' album (out September 22) is already available for pre-order.

CREDITS
Written and performed by Elk City
Renee LoBue - vocals
Sean Eden - guitars
Chris Robertson - guitars, backing vocals
Richard Baluyut - bass, synths, backing vocals
Ray Ketchem - drums, synths, sounds
Claudia Chopek - violin
Recorded, mixed and masted by Ray Ketchem
Produced by Ray Ketchem
Created at Magic Door Recording, Montclair, NJ
© 2023 sound is crazy music (BMI)
Single cover artwork by Renee LoBue
'Strong' video directed, filmed and edited by Ray Ketchem
featuring Renee LoBue, Chris Robertson and Richard Baluyut
'Strong' video filmed at Eagle Rock Reservation & Kip's Castle Park, Essex County NJ

'Undertow' LP pre-order  https://elkcity.bandcamp.com/album/undertow

Keep up with Elk City
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Dying Wish Share" Lost in the Fall" Video

Portland's own DYING WISH have announced their new album Symptoms of Survival. It arrives on November 3 via SharpTone Records. Pre-order the album, produced by Randy LeBoeuf, here. 

To accompany this exciting news, the quartet has shared the video for "Lost in the Fall." Watch it below. 

It's a stormy clip — quite literally. The band is performing amid a lightning storm but there is nothing quite as fierce as singer Emma Boster — both her blood-curdling screams and her piercing stare. 
 

"'Lost in the Fall' is written about the natural untangling of a friendship or a relationship with someone over time," Boster says. "It's about letting go of control and accepting your fate and failure in love. Imagine the feeling in your throat and gut when you know things are coming to an end. Surrender to that feeling and face the direction of moving on."

"Lost in the Fall" follows "Watch My Promise Die," which Stereogum lauded as "a massive slab of heaviness."

Dying Wish also announced an extensive fall tour schedule. All dates are below.

DYING WISH ON TOUR:
WWITH BOUNDARIES, OMERTA, FOREIGN HANDS, GATES TO HELL, ROMAN CANDLE, + EXCIDE:
10/20 — Santa Cruz, CA —  The Vets Hall
10/21 — Fresno, CA — Full Circle Brewery
10/22 — Las Vegas, NV — American Legion Post 8
10/24 — Mesa, AZ — Nile Underground
10/26 — San Antonio, TX — The Rock Box
10/27 — Dallas, TX — Wrecking Ball Fest*
10/28 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall
10/31 - 11/4 — Downtown Miami, FL — Headbangers Boat*
11/6 — Tampa, FL — The Orpheum 
11/7 — Atlanta, GA — Masquerade Purgatory
11/8 — Greensboro, NC — Hangar 1819
11/9 — Baltimore, MD — Metro Gallery
11/10 — Philadelphia, PA — Underground Arts
11/11 — Brooklyn, NY — Meadows
11/12 — Worcester, MA — Palladium
11/14 — New Kensington, PA — Preserving Underground
11/15 — Columbus, OH — Ace of cups
11/16 — Detroit, MI — The Sanctuary
11/17 — Chicago, IL — Cobra Lounge
11/18 — Saint Paul, MN — Amsterdam
11/19 — North Kansas City, MO — The Rino 
11/21 — Denver, CO — Marquis Theater 
11/22 — Salt Lake City, UT — Kilby Court
11/24 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theater
11/25 — Seattle, WA — Vera Project 
11/26 — Spokane, WA — Big Dipper
11/27 — Boise, ID — The Shredder 
11/29 — Sacramento, CA — Goldfield Trading Posts
11/30 — San Francisco, CA — Neck of the Woods
12/1 — San Fernando, CA — Midnight Hour
12/2 — Anaheim, CA — Chain Reaction
*Dying Wish Only

Bad Omens' RIAA-Certified Gold Single "Just Pretend" Claims #1 Spot On Alternative Radio Chart

In an electrifying feat, Los Angeles-based rock sensation Bad Omens continues to dominate the airwaves with their RIAA-certified Gold single "Just Pretend" claiming the coveted #1 position on the Alternative Radio chartafter having already achieved the #1 spot at Rock Radio earlier this March. Off the band's phenomenal latest album 'THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND' (out via Sumerian Records), "Just Pretend" has nearly 100,000 spins from radio overall between all formats, and taken on a life of its own after claiming the #1 spots on Billboard's Hot Hard Rock Songs for 20 weeks and Hard Rock Digital Song Sales charts as well as climbing Spotify's Viral 50 playlists in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia amongst others. Directed by Erik Rojas (Chase Atlantic, Jessie J, Waterparks), the official music video was based on a story written by Bad Omens vocalist Noah Sebastian which has amassed over 6.4 million views on YouTube and a staggering 190 million streams across DSPs with no signs of slowing. Furthermore, the band's titular album title track "THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND" is currently climbing the Top 5 at Rock Radio. Speaking about the news, Sumerian Group Owner and CEO Ash Avildsen commented:

“Brilliant songwriting with an undeniable work ethic and creative tenacity has proven that an act this young can go #1 at both formats while being on a fully independent label. This is a huge moment for all artists part of the genre’s new era as well as all our peer indie labels who have stayed in the fight and not sold their brand to the majors.”

Listen to "Just Pretend" here and watch the music video below.

Fans can catch the band live beginning this week on their nearly sold-out headlining tour CONCRETE FOREVER (with ERRA and I See Stars as support). For ticket information please click here.

CONCRETE FOREVER North American Dates

September 1 - Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center (Sold Out)

September 2 - Austin, TX @ Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater (Sold Out)

September 4 - New Orleans, LA @ Joy Theater (Sold Out)

September 5 - St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Live (Sold Out)

September 6 - Orlando, FL @ House of Blues (Sold Out)

September 8 - Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy (Sold Out)

September 9 - Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works (Sold Out)

September 12 - New York, NY @ Terminal 5 (Sold Out)

September 13 - Philadelphia, PA @ Franklin Music Hall (Sold Out)

September 14 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE (Sold Out)

September 15 - Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore (Sold Out)

September 16 - Boston, MA @ Roadrunner (Sold Out)

September 18 - Montreal, QC @ MTELUS (Sold Out)

September 19 - Toronto, ON @ Rebel (Sold Out)

September 21 - Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed (Sold Out)

September 24 - Columbus, OH @ KEMBA Live! (Sold Out)

September 26 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Eagles Ballroom (Sold Out)

September 27 - Minneapolis, MN @ Myth Live (Sold Out)

September 29 - Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium (Sold Out)

September 30 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union (Sold Out)

October 2 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom (Sold Out)

October 3 - Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theatre (Sold Out)

October 4 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo (Sold Out)

October 8 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium (Sold Out)

October 9 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Theater at Virgin Hotels

October 10 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre (Sold Out)

October 11 - Albuquerque, NM @ Revel (Sold Out)

October 13 - Dallas, TX @ The Factory in Deep Ellum (Sold Out)

Fall Festival Dates

September 10 - Alton, VA @ Blue Ridge Rock Festival

September 22 - Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life

October 6 - Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock

Bad Omens recently announced their new comic book series "Concrete Jungle" (via Sumerian Comics). Co-written by Noah Sebastian and Kevin Roditeli ("Freak Show") and illustrated by Nicola Izzo, the four-issue monthly series will be available for purchase in stores starting next week on Wednesday, September 6. Be sure to keep an eye out for limited edition bundles later in the year and for further information, please click here.

Bad Omens slither through boundaries, only to ultimately choke convention in the process. The quartet—Noah Sebastian (vocals), Joakim “Jolly” Karlsson (guitar), Nick Ruffilo (bass), and Nick Folio (drums)—materialize with ghostly atmospherics, striking hooks, and the tingles of sensual high-register harmonies uplifted by cinematic production. Racking up over 250M worldwide streams to date and earning acclaim, the band presents an uncompromising and undeniable vision on their third full-length album, 'THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND' (Sumerian Records).

“Making the record changed us as songwriters and musicians. In many ways, I feel like it set me free as an artist because every decision made in the writing process was for myself, with no fear for anyone else’s expectations of what our third album should sound like. Be it our fans or our record label.”

They’ve always wielded this level of magic though…

The group’s 2016 self-titled debut, 'Bad Omens', yielded fan favorites such as “Glass Houses” and “The Worst In Me” which eclipsed 43 million Spotify streams. On its heels, 2019’s 'Finding God Before God Finds Me' spawned “Dethrone” (32 million Spotify streams) and “Careful What You Wish For”. Along the way, they toured with numerous marquee acts and received tastemaker praise. 

After their first headline tour was canceled mid-way at the top of the global pandemic, the band found themselves at home in Los Angeles with plenty of time. Where they absorbed and imparted a different palette of unexpected inspirations. Channeling what the frontman describes at times as a “cursive sound” they embraced newfound confidence and boundlessly loose creativity. Anything went in the studio, and all “rules” were broken. Noah and Jolly wrote, produced, and engineered the music themselves while GRAMMY® Award-nominated producer and songwriter Zakk Cervini (Halsey, Grimes, Poppy, blink-182) lent his talents with the mix and master. Challenging himself, Noah decided to “make a track sampling items around the house, none of which were musical instruments”. 

This ultimately became the framework for the first single “THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND”. Claps puncture the icy soundscape as his voice stretches from a breathy moan into an evocative and entrancing hook, breaking from a whisper into the seductive chant, “It wasn’t hard to realize. Love’s the death of peace of mind.” It culminates on a climactic scream uplifted by a distorted crunch.

“The whole record really details the loss of peace of mind,” he explains. “The lyrics in the title track are a little more specific in terms of the conflict at the heart of something more intimate and personal.”

By speaking it aloud, Bad Omens offer a level of comfort and empathy, with a sinister shroud. At the same time, they also give rock music a sexy new shape on 'THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND'.

“Sonically, we want to do something you can’t arrive late or early too,” he leaves off. “You can’t cheat your way to the final act. You have to get on the ride and process it until the end. The songs are meant to be heard from start to finish. We want you to take the whole trip with us.”

UADA Kicks Off North American Headlining Tour

Enigmatic black metal masters UADA will be retraversing the void starting tomorrow, August 30, in Denver, CO! The extensive North American headliner sees support from CLOAK and GHOST BATH and will make its way around the continent until the final curtain draws on October 1 in North Hollywood, CA. The full itinerary can be found below and tickets are now on sale HERE.

UADA will be touring in support of their forthcoming opus, Crepuscule Natura,' which will be released worldwide on September 8, 2023 via Eisenwald.

ICYMI: the USBM purveyors recently released a brand new single, "The Dark (Winter)," which can be streamed HERE.

'Crepuscule Natura' is now available for worldwide pre-sale HERE.

The album follows up UADA's 2020 release, 'Djinn,' which was regarded as "the most important record of the year" by Metal Insider, named one of the Best Albums of 2020 by New Noise Magazine, and regarded as "worthy of our your undivided attention at worst, and complete worship at best" for the Decibel Magazine October 2020 issue cover story.

Photo by Peter Beste

UADA North American tour (w/ support from Cloak and Ghost Bath):

8/30: Denver, CO @ Roxy Theater

8/31: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge

9/1: Boise, ID @ Shredder

9/2: Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom

9/3: Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw

9/5: Calgary, AB @ Dickens

9/6: Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room

9/7: Saskatoon, SK @ Coors Event Center

9/8: Winnipeg, MB @ The Good Will

9/9: Minneapolis, MN @ Studio B at Skyway Theatre

9/10: Milwaukee, WI @ X-Ray

9/11: Cleveland, OH @ No Class **NEW VENUE**

9/12: Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving Underground

9/13: Toronto, ON @ Lee's Palace

9/14: Ottawa, ON @ Brass Monkey

9/15: Quebec City, QC @ La Source De La Martiniere

9/16: Montreal, QC @ Petit Campus

9/17: Brooklyn, NY @ Meadows

9/18: Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy

9/19: Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery

9/20: Raleigh, NC @ The Pour House

9/21: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade

9/22: New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa

9/23: Houston, TX @ Secret Room

9/25: Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live

9/26: El Paso, TX @ Rockhouse

9/27: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad **NEW VENUE**

9/28: Phoenix, AZ @ Pub Rock Live

9/29: Las Vegas, NV @ The Usual Place **NEW VENUE**

9/30: San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick

10/1: North Hollywood, CA @ Knitting Factory

Ever since the cloaked Pacific Northwest band appeared on the music radar, UADA has always been electrified by both polar worlds. Their echelon was stark and meaningful. Within the stretch of three albums as well as dense and triumphant live shows across the globe, they have not only spiked the map of extreme metal music but their unrelenting touring schedule and unbridled will to push forward into new horizons has also earned them a reception in all the extremes imaginable, be it worship or spite.

Five sonic vessels form the nucleus of 'Crepuscule Natura,' and within it`s 41 minutes, the record easily creates a sonic and aesthetic bridge between the band`s debut, 'Devoid of Light' (2016), and their sophomore effort 'Cult of a Dying Sun' (2018), only to forge onward upon the relentless path set forth with 'Djinn' (2020). Here, a more refined and muscular, yet no less melodic stronghold awaits. On 'Crepuscule Natura,' UADA provides all their memorable hooks, tasteful leads, and riding blasts in their distinct style, balancing their epic surging melodies with powerful spurts of aggression. Just like the band's smoke-heavy shows, the momentum and emphasis of their craft always stays grandiose, mythical, and triumphant – all the while making sure to birth a couple of new fan favorites and soon-to-be staple live songs.

'Crepuscule Natura', once again graced by the artwork of legendary Kris Verwimp and photography by Peter Beste, shows UADA on fire to unleash the marrow of black heavy metal.

Album Credits:

All music by UADA

Mixed and Mastered by Jake Superchi at Obsidian Spells

Album Cover & Moon emblem by Kris Verwimp

Photography by Peter Beste

Layout by Valkenstijn

Released via Eisenwald

Follow/Stream UADA:

BANDCAMP

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

SPOTIFY

APPLE MUSIC

YOUTUBE

WEBSTORE

Digital album released on September 8, 2023

CD formats to be shipped on or around September 15, 2023

Vinyl formats to be shipped on or around November 3, 2023

Chordophone collective Lusitanian Ghosts release upbeat 'September' single ahead of new 'Lusitanian Ghosts III' album

"Magnetic appeal... creating a broader cultural and sonic arsenal, while maintaining a buoyancy that takes the listener on a fantastic ride from start to finish" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Lusitanian Ghosts impressively channel tools of the past to create a beautiful sonic vision. Innovative in their use of traditional instruments to make modern pop-rock, this music is upbeat, quirky, feels familiar and is catchy as hell" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Highly melodic and sonically great...  a pertinent, contemporary collection of songs that is full of dignity" ~ Amplify Music Magazine


Trans-Atlantic alternative neo-folk collective Lusitanian Ghosts presents their new single 'September', heralding the release of the third long-player 'Lusitanian Ghosts III' from this Portuguese-Canadian-Swedish chordophone collective (out September 15 via European Phonographic).

Recorded and mixed at Clouds Hill Studios in Hamburg by Sebastian Muxfeldt (Elbow, Peter Doherty, Teenage Fanclub), the single (like the coming album) will be released in both stereo and mono versions. Earlier, the band previewed the singles 'The Long Train', 'Shameless' and 'Got Enough'.

Founded by Neil Leyton and Micke Ghost (a.k.a. Mikael Lundin), Lusitanian Ghosts is a Portuguese-Canadian-Swedish project reviving lost instruments and presenting ancient sounds in the 21st Century. Re-casting these heritage folk violas into rock n roll songs, the European artist collective writes from a socio-political perspective on building a better world, creating songs for the heart and mind, recording on analogue tape and releasing moving music on vinyl.

Together with João Sousa, Abel Beja (from Primitive Reason), ToZé Bexiga (from Raia) and Jan-Eric Olsson, Lusitanian Ghosts plays traditional Portuguese chordophone instruments, ancient regional guitars (Amarantina, Beiroa, Campaniça, Braguesa, Toeira, Terceirense). These instruments, once on the verge of extinction, are the real "Lusitanian Ghosts" (Lusitania being an ancient Celtic tribe in what would become the central territory of Portugal).

'Lusitanian Ghosts' digital order  https://lusitanianghosts.bandcamp.com/album/lusitanian-ghosts-iii

'September' evokes the Portuguese emotion of "saudade" - a happy-sad longing or yearning, a certain condition of the heart and soul. Here, Lusitanian Ghosts bring to the fore the Portuguese folk chordophone violas Amarantina, Campaniça and Terceirense, skilfully played by Michael Lundin, ToZé Bexiga and Abel Beja respectively.

ToZé's viola Campaniça, from the Portuguese heartland of Alentejo, also gets a processed treatment on this track, belying the fact that Lusitanian Ghosts make music with absolutely no guitars - just chordophones, bass and drums. Althought a brand new rock n roll alt-folk sub-genre, these songs feel warmly familiar.

"Musically, this one started out with an old bassline that I’d been toying around with for years but never got anywhere with. When I read Neil's lyrics that riff came to mind and we used it for the song originally. As it turned out, Janne came up with a much better bassline so my old one is still lying around waiting to be used in a future song. We couldn’t really decide if this was supposed to be a fast or a slow song, the chorus worked well both fast and slow so we just slowed it down in the ending so we got both. It turned out very well. A catchy little tune with ToZé on his baddest Pearl Thompson behaviour," says Micke Ghost.

Neil Leyton adds, "To me, September was always the most intense month of each year during my formative years... spending Summers on the beach in Portugal, then flying back to Canada for school... this song is about some of those intense childhood and growing up memories, both the good ones as well as the not so good ones... growing up is hard, but then you're an adult and you totally miss it, haha. This is also the perfect song to really introduce the wide breadth of emotions that are coming up on the rest of the Lusitanian Ghosts III album... coming, you guessed it, September 15th!"

'September' is out now, available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.  The 'Lusitanian Ghosts III' album will be released on September 15. It can be pre-ordered digitally via Bandcamp and also on vinyl, with both mono version and stereo version available.

SINGLE CREDITS
Neil Leyton - vocals
Mikael Lundin aka Micke Ghost - vocals and Viola Amarantina
João Sousa - drums and Adufe
Abel Beja - viola Terceira and backing vocals
António “ToZé” Bexiga - Viola Campaniça
Janne Olsson - bass and Viola Beirão
Published by Lusitanian Music Publishing
Written and Produced by Neil Leyton and Mikael Lundin
Recorded at Clouds Hill Studios, Hamburg
Engineered and Mixed by Sebastian Muxfeldt
Assisted by Schulie Pieper
Mastered by Chris von Rautenkranz at SoundGarden Hamburg
Album cover painting 'Hamnen' (The Harbour) by Yngve Forsberg
Album cover art photography by Swedish photographer Stina Wigg
'September' lyric video created by LyricFind (Toronto)

Keep up with Lusitanian Ghosts
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Booking contact | Press contact

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SEVENDUST ANNOUNCE RELEASE OF MASSIVE BOXSET 'SEVEN OF SEVENDUST'

Since their formation in 1994, SEVENDUST have attained success with three consecutive RIAA gold-certified albums, a Grammy nomination, have sold millions of records worldwide, and toured with some of rock’s most renowned names (Ozzy Osbourne, Tool, and Megadeth, among others). Several of their classic albums will be issued via BMG as part of a nine-LP boxset releasing October 13, 2023, while the seven-CD boxset will be released on October 27, 2023. Both LP and CD boxsets are titled, Seven of Sevendust. 

The link to purchase is https://sevendust.lnk.to/7of7
 
The group has released a total of thirteen studio albums, and this compilation features seven incredible records from their catalog – 2005’s Next,2007’s Alpha (two-LP), 2008’s Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow (two-LP), 2010’s Cold Day Memory, 2013’s Black Out the Sun, 2014’s Time Travelers & Bonfires, and 2015’s Kill the Flaw. 
 
Seven of Sevendust will be available as both a deluxe nine-LP boxset (list price: $199.98) and a seven-CD clamshell (list price: $69.98).
 
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Sevendust consists of members Lajon Witherspoon (lead vocals), Clint Lowrey (lead guitarist), Vince Hornsby (bassist), Morgan Rose (drummer), and John Connolly (rhythm guitar). Their latest album is the just-released Truth Killer – their fourteenth studio release overall. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
www.sevendust.com 
https://sevendust.lnk.to/7of7

UK indiepop duo KARAMELIEN releases single 'Living With The Moon' - one step for stronger mental health - heralding debut album

'A true work of beauty and professionalism, taking you to your very own ascension heights" ~ Amplify Music Magazine
 
"Upbeat, a joyous folk-rock affair... bedecked in kaleidoscopic sixties sparkle, a slight splash of psychedelia and a whole tsunami of charm and grace" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"A hug of soulful indie pop with groove as infectious as its melodic breath and lyrical smile is poetic... seductive captivation" ~ Ringmaster Review


UK indiepop duo Karamelien presents their new single 'Living With The Moon',the title track from their forthcoming album by the same name. An energetic, upbeat, guitar-driven track that celebrates the rewarding path of learning to live with mental health challenges, accepting them, and feeling the freedom of just ‘going with the flow.

A poignant but cheeky track, it is wistful while also being full of a f*ck-you attitude. It’s about finding triumph through adversity. But most of all, it’s a great singalong indie pop anthem with a hook that may invade your brain and stay there for days.

Based in East Grinstead, Karamelien is singer-songwriter Léanie Kaleido and guitarist Mark Foster - two long-time friends, whose music has forged an even stronger bond between them.

'Living With The Moon' single https://ditto.fm/living_with_the_moon_karamelien

"I wrote this song after a year of counselling for depression and anxiety, linked to menopause and not helped by Covid-enforced inactivity and unease. On our final session, my amazing counsellor Jude, who I have kept in touch with, described the acceptance of good and bad days as ‘like living with the moon’.  I told her that would make a great song title and promised her I’d write it – and I did!" says Léanie Kaleido.
 
“So, the lyrics are a thank you to myself for getting the help I needed at the time, a finger to the armchair critics and the toxic people who didn’t help, and a willing surrender to the lunar power over us all. It’s about the feeling of freedom you get when you stop worrying so much about what everyone else thinks and learn to accept your weaknesses and discover your hidden strengths.”

Earlier, the duo released the single 'Wait For Me' featuring piano, mixing and production by Chris Mars (A Flock of Seagulls, Damian Wilson) and two tracks produced by RIDE's Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound Studio - 'Lionhearts' and the epic 'Ascension Heights', which features a guitar sample from Léanie's late father Top Topham (original founding guitarist of The Yardbirds). This particular song also features bassist Mo Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson) and involved Paul Statham (Dido, Simple Minds, Kylie Minogue).

As of September 1, the 'Living With The Moon' single will be available on Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full album will be released on October 27 and can already be pre-ordered on Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written by Léanie Kaleido
Léanie Kaleido – vocals, piano, keys, tenor electric guitar
Mark Foster – guitars
Lee Pomeroy – bass
Produced by Ian Caple Recording
Mastered by Jon Astley  

Keep up with Karamelian
Bandcamp | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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Hollow Front Announce "The Fear Of Letting Go" + Share "We're All Left Suffering" Video

HOLLOW FRONT ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM THE FEAR OF LETTING GO

ALBUM ARRIVES OCTOBER 27 VIA UNFD

BAND SHARES VIDEO FOR "WE'RE ALL LEFT SUFFERING"
 

Grand Rapids, Michigan-based metalcore slingers HOLLOW FRONT have announced their new album The Fear of Letting Go. It arrives October 27 via UNFD. Pre-order it here.

Today, the band has shared the video for "We're All Left Suffering," a track that finds Hollow Front in absolute beast mode, fusing vitriolic fury, riffs, and vocals, with forward-thinking guitar shred!

"This track is an anthem for the broken spirited," says vocalist Tyler Tate. "We live in a world riddled with heartache and constant struggle. Whether mentally, physically, or financially, we are a collective of human beings doing our best to survive."

He continues, "I think with everything that's happened in the world over these last three years, things might seem hopeless. It feels like the whole world has gone mad, and we're all just here suffering along for the ride. It can be incredibly discouraging being a human in today's social and economic climate. So I think this song is for those people who are sick of dealing with the bullshit life is throwing at them, and just want to truly breathe for once."
 
"We're All Left Suffering" follows "Letting Go," which addressed the exit of singer/guitarist Dakota Alvarez and served as a swan song for him.

EPICA - reveal new video of 'Beyond The Matrix (Live At The AFAS Live)'

On October 6th, EPICA’s new digital EP Live At The AFAS Live will be finally available, and today the band reveals another uplifting hit with ‘Beyond The Matrix’.
 
Coen Janssen comments: “This is our ‘ultimate’ live track! We haven’t found an audience yet that didn’t bounce with is during the chorus. Can you imagine how awesome it looked to see the whole AFAS jump simultaneously?! A great view to end the show full of adrenaline!!”

For those who don’t want to wait another month to enjoy the live videos from the band’s biggest home country headline show to date, you can now tune in to the new heavy metal streaming platform Thunderflix, where EPICA’s latest BluRay release from 2021, Omega Alive, is exclusively available as full stream – check it out here and subscribe to see many more metal shows at: https://www.thunderflix.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?campaign=epica
 
Vinyl fans are also in luck as on October 13th, EPICA will finally re-issue their fifth albumRequiem For The Indifferent on transparent red double vinyl. Initially released in 2012, the record featured the evergreen and fan-favorite ‘Storm The Sorrow’ and has been out of print for over 8 years: https://bfan.link/requiem-for-the-indifferent

Emerging Grunge Band G.U.S.H. Revives 90s' Nostalgia with Debut Single, "I Hate Myself"

Emerging grunge trio G.U.S.H. is leading the charge in 90s' grunge revival, calling to a very specific nostalgia familiar to kids who grew up during the heydays of MTV and Nickelodeon. The alt-rockers are now making their debut with their first ever single, "I Hate Myself," along with a music video that calls back to the analog days. The clip can be found below.

G.U.S.H. comments on the album's heavy themes and creation, "G.U.S.H. is a modern take on 90s grunge music. Songwriter Roger LeBlanc has taken the traditional sound of grunge music and added elements of shoegaze, post-rock, and metal. This new path has given LeBlanc an opportunity to express the weight of living with a debilitating chronic mental illness through low tuned heavy riffs coupled with intimate lyrics and a dynamic vocal delivery that rides the lines between mania and violence.

"This album is a window into mental illness and addiction and deals with the grieving process, the suicide of a dear friend, and the loss of who LeBlanc once was. The creation of this album acts as a therapeutic process through which the themes of trauma and healing can be explored while offering a sense of solidarity and empowerment. LeBlanc wants to let people who are struggling know they are not alone and that there can be quality of life achievable through self compassion, patience, and acceptance, and hopes that it inspires others to embark on their own journey of healing and love."

Currently, G.U.S.H. is an independent D.I.Y. act and is gearing up to reveal their debut self-titled full-length, for which more info will soon be announced! In the meantime, you can stream the new single across all streaming platforms HERE and peep the artwork and tracklisting below!

The 90s’ was the last decade to champion alternative music; grunge topped the charts as glam metal started to falter, MTV was not only dedicated to serving household audiences with new and legacy music, but also saw the dawn of Mike Judge cartoons that paid homage to rock and metal culture, and even Nickelodeon sought artists such as Devo, Iggy Pop, Blondie, and Third Eye Blind to participate in their children’s programming, be it through musical introduction numbers for iconic TV shows or unlikely cameos. As millennials broke into the aughts and approached their teen years, the alt-mania started to fade away. MTV gradually stopped purveying music and became a hub for reality television instead. Nickelodeon lost its edge and iconic branding. And above all, the rockers who wrote some of the most legendary music of the era started to meet their demise. Now, nearly 30 years after grunge started to take the airways, a new era is being ushered in with G.U.S.H., an emerging band from Canada who is an amalgamation of 90s’ alt-nostalgia.

“90s alternative music played such a huge role for me, especially at such an impressionable age,” says G.U.S.H songwriter Roger LeBlanc. “My two cousins were Gen ‘X’ers and they introduced me to what would be the foundation that I base all music I create off of. Albums like ‘Nevermind,’ ‘Razorblade Suitcase’ and ‘Mellon Collie’ and ‘The Infinite Sadness.’ These all influenced what I love in my music – pop song structure, catchy hooks, guitar driven jams and an upfront drum production, all dripping with angst. Deftones showed me that you can mash up two totally opposing influences and make something unique and powerful.”

LeBlanc continues, “I think we were the first generation to really be left to our own to figure out life. Both parents were expected to be working in the 90’s and that created such a unique form of anxiety in every aspect of life which embodies itself in all the cultural aspects of the time. The cartoons were weird, so were the toys. Video games were really starting to explode and the internet had arrived. I kind of raised myself in that sense. MTV (Much Music in Canada) and PC Gamer magazines is where I got the only news I cared about in those days. I think the main way these play into G.U.S.H. is that it is kind of a call back to a more simple time for me, although the lyrics can be austere, this really is a project about healing and finding yourself again.”

For some, LeBlanc’s foray into alternative music might be a surprise, as he last musical venture was with the now defunct post-black metal horde Numenorean. In some ways, G.U.S.H. is a major diversion from Numenorean, but when one really reads between the lines, there’s a duality within the post-rock elements found within both projects, calling to more nuanced 90s acts like the Deftones, who always painted outside the lines with layers of texture. “I wanted to get back to the basics,” explains LeBlanc of this musical change. “I wanted to explore what made me fall in love with music to begin with. This is music I’ve always wanted to play and to be honest I really pushed to have more aspects of it in my black metal project. I just couldn’t find anyone who wanted to play or write music like this with me, so I just did it myself. Then I surrounded myself with artists who wanted to be there. At the end of the day, I wanted to fall in love with music all over again and just have fun. I feel like I lost that in my previous project and I am so excited to have it back.”

What’s striking about G.U.S.H.’s debut is the stark contrast between the bright music and dark lyrics, reminiscent of the forlorn icons of the 90s who battled their demons publicly through their deep and mournful words against the backdrop of high-energy riffs and beats. “I wanted to convey what it’s like to live with chronic mental illness and the challenges I face being Bipolar,” LeBlanc candidly explains. “I wanted to explore my practice of wearing a mask to protect the ones I love and to be able to function professionally as an artist. The lyrics are what I’m truly feeling and the conversations I have with myself. The cheerful instrumental aspect of the sound is the mask I wear when I’m out in the world. This also plays into the experience of the mood swings and crippling depression associated with being Bipolar.”

The stigma that often goes along with mental health struggles is one that had started to become erased and challenged by the forefathers of the grunge genre. Artists became more open about their battles with depression, anxiety, and addiction, paving the way for individuals to speak more candidly about their own personal demons and to seek help before it’s too late. “I think things got a little more basic in the 90’s with regards to music and being openly pissed off and depressed was okay,” LeBlanc explains. “The faces of music became more about the human condition, not really pretending to be anything else. Like, hair metal in the 80’s which was huge before Nirvana hit the scene. Those bands were very much a suspension of belief with tons of gimmicks. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, but I think different generations expect different things from their artists. 90’s grunge and alternative was just a group of folks playing in a band and writing emotionally charged music. The emphasis was on stripped down songwriting and less with the gimmicks or makeup or being ‘heavier’ than the other band. It was about writing good catchy jams and owning the pop influence. I hope that it influences people to not shy away from pop music, just because it’s pop music. There’s so much to learn from other people's creations. I hope that people hear all the influences in our music and go ‘Oh, shit, I never thought to do that, I’m totally going to steal that!’”

While the millennials will never get to experience the haunting live prowess of legends like Kurt Cobain or Layne Staley, and Gen Z starts to see the last of the 90s heroes leave this plain such as Chris Cornell and Scott Weiland, G.U.S.H. emerges as an answer to those yearning for the nostalgia that they never got to experience first hand. The band joins the ranks of some of LeBlanc’s favorite modern acts who strive to capture the cultural essence from before the turn of the century. “There’s a couple of really great modern bands that inspired me on this journey,” he remarks. “Dilly Dally, Dead Soft, Superheaven, Narrow Head, Teenage Wrist, Fleshwater and Loathe. All fucking awesome!” He cheekily adds another piece of his childhood that seems to have made its way into the 2020s. “Also, bucket hats are back…I don’t know if that’s a good thing though?”

As G.U.S.H. makes its debut as an independent artist, the band captures the irony of how musical digitalization has now empowered artists to be their own creators. Napster once caused grievous harm to musicians by eliminating music sales, but now with the rise of digital streaming services and Bandcamp, this unlikely medium has started to allow artists to become DIY entities and not tied to the limiting corporate structure of a record label. As the band begins its journey, there is no doubt that they will be among the leaders of the grunge revival movement, one that kids will rediscover in another 20 years and feel inspired to mimic. “I hope that it inspires people!” exclaims LeBlanc. “I hope that folks will get out of this album what I get out of the albums I love. I also hope it helps all my sad folks feel a little better knowing they aren’t alone. That’s what Nirvana and Deftones did for me. I hope that I can give that back in some way to someone else.”

Recording Lineup:

Roger LeBlanc (Guitar/Vocals) 

David Horrocks (Drums) 

Josh Schroeder (Bass) 

Live Lineup:

Roger LeBlanc (Guitar/Vocals) 

David Horrocks (Drums) 

Jeremy Shannon (Bass) 

Ben Taillefer (Guitar) 

Album Cover Artist: 

Matthew Springer 

Produced, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Josh Schroeder

Links:

Instagram

Awake The Dreamer Share New Video

Awake The Dreamer have shared the new single "Labyrinth,"  an anthem of self-discovery, empowerment, and liberation!

Watch the video below.

Dive deep into the narrative of someone courageously breaking free from the chains of their past, rising above previous struggles, and awakening a fierce determination that fuels a newfound agency. This song is more than just a melody; it's a declaration of the strength it takes to reclaim control and build a better future for oneself. It's a musical journey that celebrates the power of self-determination and the strength that comes from within.

"We are really excited to continue the next chapter of Awake The Dreamer and for all awesome things we have in store coming in the near future. See you out there," enthuses vocalist Max Andrén.

The history of Awake The Dreamer leads us back to 2015, when the Stockholm based Melodic Post-Hardcore/Metalcore act was formed by childhood and high school friends. Since dropping the Grow EP in 2016, the band been seen touring all across Europe and Asia alongside bands like Ice Nine Kills, Northlane, Adept, and Crystal Lake, to name a few.
 
In September 2019, the band dropped the debut album Damaged Souls via Arising Empire. A 10-track introduction to hard-hitting, melodic post-hardcore/metalcore, which also included features by Adept's Robert Ljung on "Vigilant" and Crystal Lake's Ryo Kinoshita on "Atmosphere."
 
"Being a smaller band that didn't even have an album out by the time we had toured Europe and Asia quite finally caught up to us and then the pandemic hit. Like that wasn't enough, we unfortunately had former members leaving the band, so it became natural for us to just start from scratch in order to re-develop a new sound. A sound which we are really happy and proud of. It feels great to start releasing music again and we are really excited to be back," says bassist Benjamin Turesson.

AWAKE THE DREAMER ARE:
Max Andrén — Vocals
Victor Sandberg — Guitar
Johan Norsander — Guitar
Benjamin Turesson — Bass

Mavis Share New Video

ARISING EMPIRE WELCOME MAVIS TO ITS ROSTER

BAND SHARES VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE "TORTURED LAND" — WATCH

German metalcore ensemble MAVIS, featuring vocalist Phil Donay, guitarist Manu Weller, bassist Mo Amrein, and drummer Jakob Schulz-Klein, are thrilled to reveal their new association with prominent label Arising Empire, along with the news of forthcoming music!

Following an impressive debut in the metalcore community with their initial three singles in 2020, this Southern German group is gearing up to release more tunes soon. MAVIS' brand new single, titled "Tortured Land," is out now. Watch the video below.

PHOTO CREDIT: Pia Böhl

For the recording, mixing, and mastering of their new tracks, MAVIS collaborated with Manuel Renner of Überlärm Studios, a professional gaining recognition for his collaborations with bands such as Senna, CONSVMER, Vicious Rain, and The Butcher Sisters, among others. Together, they crafted a sound that accentuates the band's melodic yet spirited aspects while retaining a robust and vibrant energy.

 "Tortured Land" features a visually compelling music video, filmed in collaboration with Danny Jakov of deadapefilms, encapsulating MAVIS' intensely dynamic performance style. The narrative portrays the challenge of confronting inner demons and anxieties, illustrating how facing them alone can exacerbate the issues, causing them to expand like a delicate glass sphere until it shatters, wreaking havoc on everything in its path.

MAVIS ARE:
Phil Donay — Vocals
Manu Weller — Guitar
Mo Amrein — Guitar
Jakob Schulz-Klein — Drums

Resolve Shares New Videos — WATCH🙌

SECOND FULL-LENGTH HUMAN DROPS SEPTEMBER 15 VIA ARISING EMPIRE

Resolve continue the roll out of their new album Human (out September 15 via Arising Empire) with the release of a brand new track titled "Older Days." 

The new single features special guest vocals from both ten56.and Paleface Swiss as Resolve explore areas of both Trap and Hip-Hop, showcasing a whole new side to the band.

Watch the video below.

Vocalist Anthony Diliberto shares, "I wanted to express how I find comfort in surrendering to my inner demons, to the point that getting rid of them would make me an entirely different person, which I'm scared to encounter."

Bassist Robin Mariat continues, "When it came to picking it as a single for the Human campaign, we knew it was the one track we should try and do something different with its release. So we called for two of the most accomplished vocalists we know, Aaron Matts from ten56. and Zelli from Paleface Swiss to come to our studio and spice it up a bit more with us. Not only that, but we thought it could also be fun to film all three vocalists do a vocal run-through for the track once It was all done."

Pre-order Human now at the Arising Empire Shop.

Ever since their public reveal in February 2017 with the debut single "Exposed," Resolve have been eager to show their peers that they won't settle for anything but greatness. Their strong work ethic and attention to details allowed them to open shows for Architects, Every Time I Die, While She Sleeps, to name a few — within the first few months of the band's career.

RESOLVE released their debut album Between Me and The Machine in 2021 and had support from the likes of Kerrang! Magazine, Rock Sound, Metal Hammer, and Kerrang! Radio, while their tracks were rightfully placed on Spotify editorial playlists like New Core, New Metal, and Kickass Metal, gaining millios of streams worldwide.

RESOLVE ARE:
Anthony Diliberto — Vocals
Antonin Carré — Guitar
Robin Mariat — Bass
Nathan Mariat — Drums

LUCIFER - Announce North American Co-Headline Tour With COVEN

Having just wrapped up the recording of their fifth studio album, Stockholm based heavy rock megalith LUCIFER announce that they will be touring North America with occult rock legends COVEN and L.A. doom rockers EARLY MOODS in November 2023. Tickets for the SATANIC PANIC co-headline tour of LUCIFER & COVEN go on sale on Friday, September 1st, at 10 AM local time.

Please scroll down for a complete list of dates.

Singer Johanna Platow Andersson commented:
"As I write this, we are literally still in the studio recording the last few hearse screeching guitar solos, funeral whispers and organs of our new album 'LUCIFER V'. I am excited to report that most of the songs have already been sent off to mixing at Robert Pehrsson's Studio Humbucker (Death Breath, Tribulation, Dead Lord etc.) and I cannot wait to let this record loose.

In addition we are extremely thrilled to announce that we are finally coming back to North America and we are in phenomenal company! Together with COVEN and our special guests EARLY MOODS we are kicking off a month of SATANIC PANIC in early November and are hoping to see many of our Fallen Angels while we make our way across the USA and Canada."

THE SATANIC PANIC TOUR 2023
Lucifer & Coven
Special Guests: Early Moods

Nov 8, Los Angeles, Teragram Ballroom
Nov 9, San Diego, Brick By Brick
Nov 10, Santa Cruz, The Atrium
Nov 11,  Berkeley, The Cornerstone
Nov 13, Portland, Star Theater
Nov 14, Vancouver, Hollywood Theatre
Nov 15, Seattle, Substation
Nov 18, Denver, The Oriental Theater
Nov 19, Omaha, The Waiting Room
Nov 21, Minneapolis, Fine Line
Nov 22, Chicago, Bottom Lounge
Nov 24, Toronto, Lee’s Palace
Nov 25, Montreal, Le Studio TD
Nov 26, Cambridge, The Sinclair
Nov 28, Philadelphia, Underground Arts
Nov 29, New York, Le Poisson Rouge
Nov 30, Baltimore, Soundstage †
 
† Only Lucifer & Early Moods

Worship LUCIFER:
www.lucifer.church

syk Sign with Season of Mist

Season of Mist is proud to welcome syk to our label!

It's fitting that syk have become one of the most twisted bands in extreme metal. After all, these Italians have successfully navigated a decade of twists and turns. Stefano Ferrian started the band in 2013, and while their lineup and labels have changed, the music has remained pleasantly unexpected. 

"We just haven’t heard anything even remotely like this before", said New Noiseabout syk's second album 'I-Optikon'. Not to be outdone, last year's follow-up 'Pyramiden' earned them a nomination from the Progspace Awards.       

Signing with Season of Mist isn't the only thing that's new about syk. Not only does the band have a new lineup that pushes Ferrian front and center, they're working on a new album that's scheduled to come out sometime next year.

"We still can't believe that we're signing to Season of Mist!" says syk. "SOM has always been one of the leading metal labels out there. They've released a huge number of our favorite acts in the current metal scene. Being part of their roster is just incredible. We're so grateful and excited to be cherished by such a metal colossus! It's definitely an opportunity that we didn't want to miss. A new syk era is about to begin!"
 
Stay tuned for updates on syk's forthcoming fourth album 'eartHFlesh'.

Photo by Filippo De Dionigi

syk found the light back in 2013. Stefano Ferrian and Federico De Bernardi had already played together as members of Psychofagist, but once that band broke up, they decided to start a new one.

Ferrian and De Bernardi recruited Dalila Kayros after being impressed by her vocals while on tour. On May 1, 2014, their first album as syk was released through L'Inphantile Collective.

Later that same year, syk were contacted by Philip H. Anselmo at Housecore Records. Anselmo liked 'Atoma' so much that he offered to produce their next album. Metal Trenches called their follow-up 'I-Optikon' "unlike anything else I have heard".

With second guitarist Marcello Cravini now in tow, Syk toured Europe for most of 2017 and 2018. They supported Godflesh and tore through Roadburn Festival, before De Bernardi stepped away from the band for personal reasons in 2019.  

Despite looking long and hard, syk didn't find a new drummer until late 2020, when Mauro Maraldo joined the band. Immediately, the band went into the studio to record 'Pyramiden', which earn a nomination from the ProgSpace Awards in a category that included Cult of Luna and Allegaeon.

Unfortunately, after releasing their last album, Maraldo and Kayros also left the band for personal reasons. But since syk is all about evolution, Ferrian and Cravini decided to continue on with a new lineup. Alan La Roca joined on bass, while Federico Leone took his place behind the drums.

Even though syk has always been guided by his vision, the biggest difference about the band's new lineup is that Ferrian has stepped up to the mic. As a result, 'eartHFlesh', their upcoming album for Season of Mist, sounds even angrier, while still staying plenty progressive.

For management contact Alessandro Castelli with K2 Music Management: a.castelli@k2music.org

For booking, contact sykopost@gmail.com

Follow syk
https://www.instagram.com/syk_officialband
https://www.facebook.com/syk.official
https://syk-official.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwGCWRkavCbr7DanM6W7wvw

Follow Season Of Mist:
Online: http://www.season-of-mist.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/seasonofmistofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seasonofmistofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeasonofMist

Avatar Land First No. 1 With "The Dirt I'm Buried In" + Fossil Named After Band

AVATAR LAND FIRST #1 SINGLE OF CAREER WITH "THE DIRT I'M BURIED IN"

 IT'S THE LONGEST TREK TO #1 IN 20 YEARS ON BILLBOARD'S MAINSTREAM ROCK CHART! 

NEW ALBUM DANCE DEVIL DANCE OUT NOW VIA BLACK WALTZ RECORDS, DISTRIBUTED BY THIRTY TIGERS

HEADLINE TOUR KICKS OFF IN SEPTEMBER WITH KEY FESTIVAL APPEARANCES

SUPPORTING IN THIS MOMENT + ICE NINE KILLS IN FALL 2023 IN U.S.

SWEDISH FOSSIL NAMED AFTER BAND

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— are having a banner year in 2023, with lots of firsts! 

They've achieved their first #1 single "The Dirt I'm Buried In" from their magnum opus and ninth album, Dance Devil Dance, produced and mixed by Jay Ruston which was released in February. The track has surged itself to #1 on Mediabase's Active Rock Chart. On Billboard's Mainstream Rock Chart, the single rises to #1 on its 31st week, making it the longest trek to #1 in 20 years! Read more about it over at Billboard.

"If you told the 16 year old me that we would hit the top of the U.S. radio charts, I'd ask you what you're smoking. If you then would proceed to tell me that a fossil would be named after us, I'd ask you what you're smoking, and if you could share. Hitting the charts was never a priority, but now that we're here, I'm grateful. It shows the reach of what we're doing and it is baffling. The fossil shows something else. That to me is a sign of people truly making our music a part of their lives. It's a true honor. A beautiful gift. All we can say is thank you. We fully intend to keep earning your participation, over and over again," says Eckerström.

Another first — Avatar have been immortalized as a fossil from Southern Sweden; discovered by Dr. Ben Thuy, a​​ paleontologist at the Luxembourg Natural History Museum. This fossil is now known as Ophiocoma avatar. Read below to learn a little more about the Avatar fossil.

Some 80 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed our planet, southern Sweden was located at the shores of a subtropical sea. One particular location, the old quarries at Ivö Klack, exposes an exceptional palaeo-environment that is only rarely preserved in the fossil record: a rocky shore with oyster-encrusted boulders. The mud that accumulated between these boulders millions of years ago contains the fossil remains of the animals that lived in and around the rocky shore. One of these animals is the brittle star named after Avatar: Ophiocoma avatar. 

Brittle star skeletons tend to fall apart very quickly after death. As a result, most brittle-star fossils consist of tiny skeletal fragments that are collected with the sieve. The original fossil of Ophiocoma avatar is a fragment from the arm skeleton that carried the long arm spines.

The Avatar brittle star belongs to a genus that nowadays lives along tropical and subtropical shores. They are known to hide under rocks and in crevasses at daytime and emerge at night to collect food particles with their spiny arms. A remarkable feature of living Ophiocoma species is that many of them are capable of sight, without even having eyes or a brain! They can literally see with their entire body surface, and some even change color between day and night as part of a sunglass effect. Whether the Avatar brittle star exhibited the same features is impossible to determine based on fossils alone. What we can say, however, is that Ophiocoma avatar is by far the oldest known representative of this exciting group of brittle stars.

The name Ophiocoma avatar, is valid for eternity. Avatar is now a part of the Earth's history, of the palaeontological heritage of Sweden, and has gained a small piece of immortality.

The band will return to the road this fall for their headline "Chimp Mosh Pit Tour" and will be supporting Ice Nine Kills and In This Moment for their "Kiss of Death" Tour. All dates are below, including key festival appearances. Get tickets HERE.

FALL 2023 CHIMP MOSH PIT TOUR DATES:
9/10 — Alton, VA — Blue Ridge Rock Fest +
9/12 — Quebec City, QC — Imperial Bell 
9/13 — Montreal, QC — Olympia 
9/14 — Toronto, ON — Phoenix 
9/15 — Grand Rapids, MI — The Intersection
9/16 — Des Moines, IA — Wooly's 
9/17 — Bloomington, IL — The Castle 
9/19 — Houston, TX — Rise *
9/20 — Oklahoma City, OK — Diamond Ballroom 
9/22 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life +
9/23 — St. Louis, MO — Delmar Hall
9/24 — Nashville, TN — Brooklyn Bowl
9/25 — Fayetteville, AR — JJ's Live 
9/26 — Wichita, KS — Cotillion 
9/28 — Fargo, ND — Fargo Brewing Company 
9/29 — Winnipeg, MB — Burton Cummings Theater 
9/30 — Saskatoon, SK — Coors 
10/1 — Calgary, AB — Palace Theater 
10/2 — Edmonton, AB — Midway Music Hall
10/4 — Vancouver, BC — Commodore Ballroom
10/5 — Spokane, WA — Knitting Factory 
10/6 — Eugene, OR — McDonald Theater
10/7 — Sacramento, CA — Aftershock +
10/8 — San Louis Obispo, CA — Fremont Theater
11/26 — Albany, NY – Empire Live ^
+ Festivals
^ No Orbit Culture or Native Howl

ICE NINE KILLS + IN THIS MOMENT "KISS OF DEATH" TOUR
11/3 — Gary, IN — Hard Rock Live
11/4 — Maplewood, MN — Myth Live *
11/5 — Kansas City, MO — Uptown Theater *
11/7 — Indianapolis, IN — Blue Ribbon Pavilion 
11/8 — Cincinnati, OH — The Andrew J Brady Music Center
11/9 — Milwaukee, WI — Eagles Ballroom
11/11 — Green Bay, WI — Epic Events Center *
11/12 — Louisville, KY — The Louisville Palace Theatre *
11/14 — Greenville, SC — Bon Secours Arena
11/16 — Estero, FL — Hertz Arena
11/17 — Jacksonville, FL — Daily's Place
11/18 — Orlando, FL — Orlando Amphitheater
11/20 — Atlanta, GA — Coca Cola Roxy
11/21 — Greensboro, NC — Greensboro Coliseum Complex
11/22 — Reading, PA — Santander Arena
11/24 — Wallingford, CT — Oakdale Theatre
11/25 — Bangor, ME — Cross Insurance Center
11/27 — New York, NY — Hammerstein Ballroom
11/28 — Washington, DC — The Anthem
11/30 — Norfolk, VA — Chartway Arena
Dec 01 — Johnstown, PA — 1st Summit Arena
Dec 02 — Wheeling, WV — Webanco Arena
*ITM ONLY

LISTEN TO OR WATCH:
"Dance Devil Dance"    
"Valley Of Disease"
"Violence No Matter What" (Feat. Lzzy Hale)