ELVIE SHANE SET TO DELIVER TRANSFORMATIVE STUDIO ALBUM DAMASCUS, AVAILABLE APRIL 19TH

January 7, 2024

Full of unflinching honesty rooted in compassionate clarity, BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records singer/songwriter Elvie Shane delivers his most daring work yet with his forthcoming sophomore album DAMASCUS releasing April 19th, available for pre-order/pre-save/pre-add HERE. With each track stepping into the shoes of another, Shane takes pieces of each character he’s met on his path, melding them into one beautifully woven work. The road to Damascus isn't a journey one takes lightly, yet the album tells the stories of those often untold, giving each testimony a chance to shine through. Shane co-wrote all songs on the project produced by his frequent collaborator, Oscar Charles.

"I feel like I’ve grown a lot since Backslider. I’ve attained just about everything I ever dreamed of…seen the world and made a living with music. I’ve been on top and back down in the mud,” said Shane. "In that travel and experience, I’ve paid close attention to people more than anything. I’ve seen a lot of struggle, but in that struggle I found common ground and inspiration. Damascus is a record that aims to pick a fight with what holds people down. Normal every day Blue Collar America…my people. These are not all my stories, but they are all stories I believe to be true. But 'What do I Know.’"

He’s given listeners a taste of the project with releases of “Baptized,” “Jonesin’” and “Forgotten Man,” with the latter dubbed “an ode to blue-collar workers that exposes the heart-aching realities of the working class” (Billboard), and with his latest track “Pill,” critics praised its gripping honesty as it “further cements Shane as a new voice of the damaged, addicted, and lost in country music” (Rolling Stone).

Building his reputation as an artist “that would do Merle Haggard proud” (Rolling Stone), Elvie Shane reminds us that we’re more alike than different with “What Do I Know,” written by Shane, Oscar Charles, Dan Couch and Jonathan Sherwood. Full of lived-in honesty and fundamental truths, Shane puts his gritty, powerful vocals on display with a mid-tempo version of his classic country-rock sound. Along with the track, Shane shared a moving video for “What Do I Know,” featuring a cameo by John Carter Cash, available to watch below.

Fueled by a passion for his fans, Shane is set to hit the road on The Damascus Acoustic Stories Tour, a 10-stop intimate tour starting on 2/1 in Louisville, KY. Tickets are available HERE.

The Damascus Acoustic Stories Tour Dates:
2/1 - Louisville, KY - Mercury Ballroom
2/2 - Lexington, KY - The Bur
2/3 - Indianapolis, IN - The Hi-Fi Indy
2/8 - Chicago, IL - Carol's Pub
2/9 - Cincinnati, OH - The Ludlow Garage
2/10 - Columbus, OH - A&R Music Ba
2/13 - Knoxville, TN - Open Chord Stage
2/14 - Decatur, GA - Eddie's Attic
2/15 - Greenville, SC - Radio Room
2/17 - Somerset, KY - The Virginia

About Elvie Shane:
As a native of small-town Kentucky whose influences range from Dwight Yoakam and Steve Earle to classic rock, Gospel, R&B and hip hop, Wheelhouse Records’ Elvie Shane has emerged as a country star with his heart on his sleeve – and as a champion of those with their name on a patch. Breaking out with the Platinum certified Number One single, “My Boy,” the singer/songwriter first took a stand for family values that go far beyond bloodlines, setting himself apart with a deeply felt 2020 tribute to step-parents and their unconditional love. Hailed by critics from Billboard and Rolling Stone to the Nashville Scene and beyond, the track helped launch Shane’s album BACKSLIDER onto multiple Best Of lists, winning over fans with its gritty yet gracious fusion of heartland rock, modern country and stand-for-something purpose. With over 372 million career streams and counting, that fusion often presents itself onstage as a mix of rebellious energy, indelible imagery and working-class pride, and it has made Shane a favorite all across the globe. Pairing his headlining MY KINDA TROUBLE TOUR in 2021 with high-profile opening slots for Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, Brothers Osborne, Brooks & Dunn and Lady A, among others, plus country’s biggest festivals and a 2023 tour across the heart of Europe, he capped it all with a nomination for Best New Country Artist at the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards, and is now laying the groundwork for a new chapter. Following inclusion on the star studded Stoned Cold Country tribute to The Rolling Stones 60th anniversary (submitting a special version of “Sympathy for the Devil”), Shane's new tracks include “Pill,” “Jonesin’,” “Baptized” and “Forgotten Man” out now. Rolling Stone praises “Forgotten Man” as it “expertly sums up what it means to be blue-collar in the 21st century in this defiant, angry country single that would do Merle Haggard proud." An anthem for those chasing the American dream with calloused hands and a weary, but still-believing heart, it’s another example of Shane’s deep-feeling take on country, as a new blue-collar generation arrives. Serving as a table of contents like sneak peek into his forthcoming album Damascus, fans can expect a transformative new sound and exploration of rural culture on his sophomore album. For more information visit e lvieshane.com.

COLIN STOUGH KEEPS THE FAITH WITH “I STILL TALK TO JESUS (ACOUSTIC)”

January 7, 2024

19 Recordings/BMG artist Colin Stough starts the new year off with a powerful message of resilience, as he offers up a fresh rendition of one of his biggest hits with “I Still Talk To Jesus (Acoustic).” Available across all streaming platforms and digital retailers, listen here.

A Country-Rock ballad of unshakable hope, “I Still Talk To Jesus” was originally part of Stough’s standout time on ABC’s American Idol in 2022. Eventually finishing third on Season 21, Stough released the aching anthem alongside his fellow Top 5 finalists, showing fans a moving example of inner toughness – and one heart’s weary-yet-determined refusal to give up on love.

Produced by Sean Rogers, Stough’s new acoustic take of the track further highlights that message. Using only guitar to back his dynamic Mississippi vocal, the rising star dials down his million-watt intensity for a captivating blend of wounded soul and falsetto grit, cutting straight to heart of one of his most popular songs. Meanwhile, a raw performance of the all-natural track – penned by Stough, Sean Thomas Rogers, and Francisco Martin – was captured and edited by Mike Rodway.

“I wanted to share this track to start the new year off right!” Stough says. “This was one of my biggest songs last year and a fan-favorite, so I hope everyone enjoys this acoustic take. It’s just one of them records where the words cut deep, and I think this version really lets ‘em shine.”

“I Still Talk To Jesus (Acoustic)” follows the recent release of “Sleep Tonight (Acoustic)” – another reimagined favorite revealing Stough’s heartfelt lyricism – and a gravelly rendition of the Elvis Presley holiday classic, “Blue Christmas.”

In October 2023, the emerging artist released his six-track debut EP, Promiseland, and has since captured the attention of both critics and fans alike. Country Now praises, “Promiseland showcases a deep level of honesty and authenticity,” as they further named him among their Country Next: Artists To Watch In 2024 list. Likewise, Stough made Holler’s New and Upcoming Country and Americana Artists You Need to Know roundup, hailing that he’s a “singer who was born to do this,” with a voice that’s “equally at home singing grungy Southern rock as it is twangy old school country.”

Spending last year headlining while also supporting artists like Kidd G and Drake White, he’s next on deck with Chase Matthew starting in February. Find upcoming show dates here.

About Colin Stough:

A 19-year-old Country Rock phenom and native of Gattman, Mississippi, Colin Stough has come a long way in a few short years – and with his debut EP Promiseland, the 19 Recordings/BMG artist is still just getting started. After learning to play guitar at 8 years old, Stough first pursued artistic dreams at 10, boldly trading childhood possessions for his first guitar at a local pawn shop – an instrument he still plays to this day. After graduating high school, the naturally gifted singer and self-taught songwriter began working full-time as an HVAC technician, before his mother convinced him to audition for American Idol. Impressing judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, Stough stunned viewers and soon built a thriving fan base, finishing third on Season 21 of the show in 2022. He spent the ensuing months writing and recording original music, while also touring nationwide to put his blowtorch vocal and guitar-slinging edge on full display. After signing with 19 Recordings/BMG, his distinctive mix of Southern Rock distortion and pure-Country style have helped tracks like “I Still Talk To Jesus” and “Bad Day” rack up more than 9.4 MILLION global on-demand streams, and in September 2023, Stough released the single “Promiseland,” along with an official music video. The hard-hitting anthem is the title track to Stough’s debut EP, which is out now and puts the emerging artist on track to reach even more dreams in the future. Stough has headlined across the country and opened for established artists like Kidd G and Drake White. Next supporting Chase Matthew, stay tuned for much more to come.

KEEP UP WITH COLIN STOUGH

Drake Milligan to Kick Off 2024 With New Music and More Milestones

January 6, 2024

Stoney Creek recording artist DRAKE MILLIGAN is keeping his boot on the gas as the new year begins, following a chart-topping breakout with plans for a brand new EP.

Set for release on February 16, the pure-country hitmaker’s Jukebox Songs EP marks another bold chapter of high-energy twang. Produced by fellow Texan and traditionally-minded star, Trent Willmon, the EP will once again highlight Milligan’s smooth, booming baritone vocal, towering over four fresh tracks full of instant-classic intensity and diverse country soul...including an unforgettable heartbreak anthem. Pre-order/pre-add/pre-save HERE.

“Jukebox Songs is exactly what it sounds like," says Milligan. "My goal for this EP was to write and find songs that feel classic and memorable - the kinda tunes would fit right in on some old Rock-Ola in the corner of a smoke-filled bar on the outskirts of nowhere Texas. It’s a continuation of the old-meets-new Country sound I’ve always gone for, and this time with my friend Trent Willmon at the reins as producer, I’m very excited to keep this honky tonk train rollin.’”

Penned by Bobby Pinson, Matt Rogers & Ben Stennis, “Don’t Leave Me Loving You” is a timeless, classic-country style ballad, aching and built on a still-tender emotional wound. The track places Milligan’s standout Texas baritone before a delicate, rootsy arrangement. Listen now below.

Meanwhile, Milligan will also soon return to his primetime-TV roots. He’s set to compete on NBC’s upcoming America’s Got Talent spin-off show, Fantasy League, and will also hit the road alongside Cody Johnson to open 10 dates on his 2024 U.S. arena tour.

Both build on a streak of early success, stemming from Milligan’s America’s Got Talent emergence and his breakout album debut, DALLAS/FORT WORTH.

Named “One of the Best Country Albums of 2022” by Billboard, Saving Country Music and Whiskey Riff, the project dominated iTunes upon its release, hitting #1 on both the iTunes All-Genre and Country Albums Charts, while simultaneously holding positions #1, #2, #3 and #5 on iTunes Country Video Chart and spawning back-to-back #1s on the iTunes Country Songs Chart.

Milligan went on to be named an “Artist to Watch” by CMT, Pandora and Music Mayhem, while DALLAS/FORT WORTH also landed in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Country Albums Sales Chart, leading to his new chapter.

Earlier this year, the singer-songwriter returned to America’s Got Talent to debut his current single, “I Got A Problem,” and appeared on both The Kelly Clarkson Show and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards – where he opened the show with performance of his duet with The Reklaws "Honky Tonkin' About" (a 2023 #1 on Canadian Country Radio).

Other 2023 highlights include Milligan’s nomination for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards, his main stage debut at Stagecoach and a standout performance at Nashville’s CMA Music Festival.

Milligan likewise made his Grand Ole Opry debut in late 2022 and has already become an Opry regular, while earning critical acclaim from USA Today, Billboard, People, Taste of Country, Parade, American Songwriter,Country Now, Saving Country Music, Country Swag and Hollywood Life, to name a few.

Milligan recently made his debut headlining date at Billy Bob’s Texas, thrilling a hometown crowd of nearly 4,000 fans (twice) and adding his hands to the famous “Wall of Fame.” He was then asked to return to headline the venue’s massive 2023 New Year’s Eve concert, capping another big year.

View a complete list of Drake Milligan’s tour dates here.

About Drake Milligan:

Drake Milligan burst onto the national music stage entering the Billboard Emerging Artists Chart at #5 after dominating iTunes with his debut album, Dallas/Fort Worth, charting back-to-back #1 hits on the iTunes Country Songs Chart, #1 on iTunes All-Genre Chart and reclaimed the #1 spot on iTunes Country Albums Chart, all while simultaneously holding positions #1, #2, #3 and #5 on iTunes Country Video Chart. In the UK, Milligan’s debut album spent 11 consecutive weeks in the Top 20 of the Official Country Artists Albums Chart. A student of classic Country music with the swagger of early Rock ‘n’ Roll, the Fort Worth, Texas native is an electrifying entertainer who cites George Strait and Elvis Presley – the King of Country and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – as musical heroes, and his unique twist of traditional Country has been embraced by fans, peers and the media alike. Milligan has performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Grand Ole Opry, Stagecoach and CMA Music Festival, and earned high praise from People, BBC, USA Today, Parade, American Songwriter, CMT.com, Billboard, ET, Access Hollywood, Cosmopolitan, Cowgirl Magazine and Taste of Country. Following his Dallas/Fort Worth debut – named “One of the Best Country Albums of 2022” by Billboard and others – Milligan uncorked a Canadian Country Radio #1 in 2023 (“Honky Tonkin’ About” with The Reklaws), garnered 5 million views in just a few months with “Cowgirl For Christmas,” and headlined the massive New Year’s Eve celebration at the famed “World’s Largest Honky Tonk,” Billy Bob’s Texas, where he had also delivered two sold-out homecoming shows in the previous year. Looking ahead, the Stoney Creek Records phenom has dropped “Don’t Leave Me Loving You” – a timeless heartbreak ballad with a modern edge – and is set to release his new EP, Jukebox Songs, on February 16. The acclaimed “Artist to Watch” (CMT, Pandora, etc.) will also return to his primetime TV roots for the America’s Got Talent spin-off show, Fantasy League, and hits the road alongside Cody Johnson on his 2024 U.S. arena tour.

Phoenix's SNAILMATE offer antidote to a pressurized year: treat yourself to a 'Stress Sandwich'

January 6, 2024

"Ferocious and evocative... an intense sonic fusion of thrash rock, hip hop and punk complete with an infectious layered screamo chorus and daring synths. Fuzzy basslines glide over intense drumming full of emotion for an enthralling must listen"~ Earmilk

“This homage to being chronically, unwaveringly lazy is another standout hybrid gem from the pair, and proves as eccentric as it is downright catchy” ~ Phoenix New Times

“A genre-bending rollercoaster ride that defies convention and categorization. This album seamlessly weaves together elements of synth music, punk and metal while drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of artists ranging from Daft Punk and Public Enemy to Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park... unique and electrifying” ~ Skylight Webzine

"How this isn’t pouring from every MF-ers lips in time of need is a mystery" ~ Global Texan Chronicles

Phoenix-based Snailmate crowned 2023 by releasing their album 'Stress Sandwich' and relentlessly touring. Rleased via Toronto's Indiestructable Records, they offer a twisted humorous take on existential anxiety, delivering funky, poppy, screamy fun through alternative raps. The duo's also presents the video for 'Trash, Baby', created by Chase A Warren.

Alternatively described as synthpunk grindcore pop nerd rap, this has practically become a way of life for the duo, reinforced by their earlier albums 'Live In Japan' (2019) and 'Love in the Microwave' (2017), plus a myriad of EPs and singles. Known for their frenetic and impressive shows (numbering over a thousand now), 2023 saw the ban

Snailmate is lyricist-vocalist and synth wizard Kalen Lander and drummer-backup vocalist Bentley Monet, whose music fuses synthpunk, grindcore, pop and nerd rap for an unpredictable and explosive sound. Together they craft music that is cathartic and relatable yet unique and genre-defying, using humor and wit to tackle topics from isolation and queer identity to bangers about hot sauce and nostalgia.

Produced by Ari Leopold at Lava Lake Studio in Phoenix, 'Stress Sandwich' is about growth, exploring themes such as vulnerability, disappointment, and art-making as a beautiful yet imperfect process. They go head to head with depression, anxiety, imposter syndrome, anger, hunger, laziness... but also fun things! These 10 tracks - laced with sarcasm, breathless lyricism and unpredictable genre-bending energy - will leave you satisfied and wanting more.

"This album has been in the works for so long. It took years to process all these feelings and experiences and distill them into just ten short songs, but I’m really glad we didn’t try and finish this thing any sooner. It would have tasted so much different. The flavors needed time to develop. I couldn’t have written 'Toll Road' until that bastard stole our money. 'The Snailmate Show' wasn’t a thing before we were forced to quarantine and couldn’t play live. And until we had to go through some intense physical changes, 'My Weird Gross Body' just wouldn’t have been the same," says Kalen Lander.

"I beat myself up a lot during this whole process. I felt like I was taking too long to write the lyrics, and that meant that I was bad at writing. I had lost my touch. But then I really started to understand how, when I FINALLY finished the words for a song, it was perfect. It couldn’t have been perfect if I’d forced it out any sooner. And I think 'The Laziest Man in the World' encapsulates that sentiment better than anything."

As part of the LGBTQ community and with Bentley being a transgender artist, Snailmate inspires their listeners to be unapologetic and unashamed of who they are, cultivating a fervent fanbase based on inclusivity and shows as a safe space for all genders and people of all sexualities.

'Stress Sandwich' is out now, available digitally from fine music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. It can also be ordered on vinyl and CD vinyl from the band's own store, where ample merch is also available, including their very own award-winning hot sauce!

CREDITS
Performed by Kalen Lander & Bentley Monet
Written by Kalen Lander & Bentley Monet
Produced by Kalen Lander & Ari Leopold
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by Ari Leopold @ Lava Lake Studio in Phoenix, AZ
Music video by Chase A Warren

LIVE DATES
Jan. 12 Tempe, AZ @ The Beast
Jan. 14 Phoenix, AZ @ Last Exit Live
Mar. 23 Phoenix, AZ @ Gracie's Tax Bar
Apr 19 Los Angeles, CA @ The Offbeat

Stress Sandwich' album https://snailmate.bandcamp.com/album/stress-sandwich
CD, vinyl & merch https://snailmateband.storenvy.com
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/4Hw9gzWkUvZ2tLNCKjTU7S

Art-Punk Kraut-Rock duo CIRCOLO VIZIOSO presents 'Choppy' single, previewing debut album

January 6, 2024

"From Sonic Youth, The Black Angels to Fugazi and Nirvana, this is a band who wears their inspirations on their sleeves, blending these in a fascinating way. Raw and visceral, Circolo Vizioso makes for a highly recommended listen, presenting groundbreaking music with a signature sound" ~ The Spill Magazine

Kraut-inspired punk rock duo Circolo Vizioso presents 'Choppy', a high-octane song spawned from of a bout of depression brought on by a failed love story. This is the first taste of their debut album 'Verrueckt' (out March 1), following their 5-track 'Isolation' EP (2020). Here they offer a potent taste of their unique brand of high-intensity, lyric-driven punk, created mainly with electric violin, guitar and drums.

Hailing from Berlin, Circolo Vizioso is made up of Tony Scafidi (guitar, bass, drum, hi-hat, vocals) and Paul Geigerzaehler (violin, snare drum, vocals). The band plays abrasive, groovy punk music that is influenced, on the one hand, by the sound of 1990s New York, Chicago and Washington embodied in such bands as Fugazi, Blonde Redhead and Sonic Youth, and by the sound of early 80's and 90's Eastern German and Eastern European punk bands like Dezerter, Sandow and Schleimkeim on the other.

"I'd had a severe break up and the song went out as a sort of persistent beat, prolonging an apex point that hardly makes it out of the main riff, opening up only at the very yet repeating it self only faster," says Tony Scafidi.

"Metaphorically, it's kind of like when a couple try to sort things out and get back together, but then fail due to continued use of old commuication tools for a completely new situation they can no longer manage. At the time, I was also listening to The Black Angels a lot and having sleeping problems. There's a weird cocktail here."

Formed in March 2020 on a balcony in Friedrichshain, Berlin during the first Covid-19 lock-down, Circolo Vizioso was born as an attempt to keep art and music alive and to provide support to their neighbours during a time when no concerts were happening and no cinemas, museums or galleries were open.

In spirit, Circolo Vizioso is a last ditch effort to resist the isolation and the lack of social and human contact, as well as the hunger for music and art during this unusual time.

About the upcoming 'Verrueckt" album, Paul Geigerzaehler explains, "We wanted an album that could express anger, frustration and disaffection against an unfair world and all the discomfort entwined with that and we wanted to do it with direct and bare lyrics, abrasive violin lines, fat distorted guitar solos, and big fuzzy riffs. Yet we wanted people to dance to all this batshit crazy world in a sort of self-exorcising dance, where one can head to bed with the feeling that they have at least sweat their daily demons out for the night."

As of January 5, 'Choppy' will be available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The full 'Verrueckt' album, which will be released on March 1, is already available for pre-order directly from the artist via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Music and Lyrics by Paul Geigerzaehler and Tony Scafidi
Tony Scafidi - guitar, bass, drum, hi-hat, vocals
Paul Geigerzaehler - violin, snare drum, vocals
Audrey Quillons - backing vocals on 'Walls' and 'Verruecht'
Produced by Paul Geigerzaehler and Tony Scafidi
Sound Engineer - Smail Shock Production at B Studio in Berlin
Mixed and Mastered by Sacha Tilotta in Catania, Italy

Bandcamp https://ilcircolovizioso.bandcamp.com/track/choppy-2
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/ilcircolovizioso/02-circolo-vizioso-choppy
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/4cyHfW7iVPabkk5hIj6pxa
Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/album/choppy-single/1721429546
'Verrueckt" album order https://ilcircolovizioso.bandcamp.com/album/verrueckt

Annie Bosko Releases Self-Titled EP Ahead of Late Night Debut on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" 1/8

January 5, 2024

With a voice that beams like a ray of California sunshine, Annie Bosko’s country music journey has seen her travel the world, evolving and exploring with the respect of fans and heroes alike. But after years of hard knocks and creative shapeshifting, Bosko is now coming home. Home to the record deal of her dreams. Home to simple country songs told from the heart, equal parts healing and hope. She’s come home to a sound and approach anchored deep in the organic twang of the ‘90s golden era, and with her five-track EP Annie Bosko via Stone Country Records, she’s inviting you inside.

“I don’t think I’ve been able to capture it all this well before,” Bosko admits. “There’s a beauty of getting to a place where you stop trying to please people or chase what you think is cool, and just do what’s in your heart. It’s about creating what you feel the world needs right now, and for me, I miss those songs that made me move to Nashville.”

With a “fearless” pure-country sound and edge-of-your-seat songwriting, Bosko captures the full range of this American art form at its best – working with co-writers like Jeffrey Steele, Bridgette Tatum, Danny Myrick and more to uplift, inspire or just sing along with women everywhere.

“The thing that excites me about this new music is I feel rejuvenated,” she beams. “I’m done being afraid to show my country roots. And I’m doing it with a modern twist.”

Returning to California to make her late-night debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Monday, January 8 with lead single “Neon Baby,” the track captures a sensual side of mature femininity, as Bosko flexes her “neo-traditional” soul for a passionate, steel-laced slow burner.

Hope can be found in “Sometimes I Forget,” as the tried-and-true artist delivers a “much needed” message of gratitude. With spirit-lifting lyrics and a sonic swell of warm country rock, it’s an acknowledgment of the little things we take for granted – those small blessings that make us “us.” For Bosko, finally being able to see those little things has let her become the country artist she was always meant to be.

“Boots On” reignites the line-dancing energy and all-out fun of the ‘90s, offering a wild ride of guitar riffs, soaring melodies and let-your-hair-down lyrics, dedicated to women who truly do it all (with their boots on) while fiddle rockers like “Honky Tonk Highway” tribute the women bold enough to chase their dreams – wherever they lead – and the tongue-in-cheek “He Gone,” written by Lainey Wilson, Terri Jo Box and Trent Tomlinson, continues country’s long history of fun (but undeniably intelligent) wordplay.

Following her performance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” Bosko will celebrate the release of the project at Los Angeles’ famed Troubadour on Wednesday, Jan. 10, with tickets available for purchase HERE. Earlier this week, Bosko joined the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California for a special performance on New Year’s Day on The Cowboy Channel’s float “Cowgirl’s Rule.

About Annie Bosko
With a voice that beams like a ray of California sunshine, Stone Country Records/Brown Sellers Brown singer-songwriter Annie Bosko pairs a sound anchored deep in the organic twang of ‘90s country with simple songs told from the heart, preaching equal parts healing and honky-tonk hope. A student of legendary crooners like Patsy Cline with added inspiration from Shania Twain, George Strait, Dwight Yoakam, The Beatles and more, the Golden State native broke out in 2014 with the SiriusXM/CMT hit “Crooked Halo,” bucking the bro-country trend for a traditionally flavored anthem that has now amassed more than 3 million streams. She went on to write songs recorded by Willie Nelson and Jessica Simpson, tour alongside Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley and Blake Shelton, sell out the famed Troubadour and perform on the Grand Ole Opry and at Ryman Auditorium – the fabled Mother Church of Country Music – while also becoming an in-demand studio vocalist and earning the title Artist to Watch from Rolling Stone Country. After a series of standout collaborations with country icons Vince Gill, Dwight Yoakam and Raul Malo, she is now embracing her true nature for a creative rejuvenation. Working with producers Derek George and Mickey Jack Cones, a new batch of music pairs unapologetic twang, clever wordplay, and deep compassion with her long standing downhome-diva vocal, capturing the full range of a timeless American art in its purest form. In 2023, Bosko released the powerful-yet-tender ballad “Dandelions” in memory of the victims of Nashville’s Covenant School shooting – a track written alongside Danny Myrick which has now become a beacon of community remembrance and faith. Lost in grief and capturing the reverberating shock of that day’s unfathomable loss, the track has been embraced by the Covenant School families themselves, with all proceeds from being donated for their benefit through ACM Lifting Lives. Looking ahead, Bosko will release her five-song EP Annie Bosko on January 5, 2024, featuring
sharp-yet-simple, pure-country songs written or co-written with hit makers like Jeffrey Steele, Bridgette Tatum and more, all aimed at uplifting, inspiring or just singing along with women and country-music lovers everywhere.

PEYTON PARRISH #1 Album in the World!

January 5, 2024

SOUL is Available at:

Apple Music

Explore music from Peyton Parrish on Spotify

Imagine a hard rock artist having the #1 album in the world, beating out Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift, and Niki Minaj. Well, it happened this week!

Peyton Parrish has built an army of fans worldwide through his YouTube and TikTok, amassing an average of 20 million plays per single he releases. Currently, he has over 1.6 million monthly listeners and is growing!

The new single "Poetry Glass" was released over the holidays and has flown over 1 million spins. The video has over 1.6 million views.

WATCH "Poetry Glass" below.

The 10-track album is a blend of rock, electronic and pop with Peyton’s signature raspy vocals. SOUL includes “Poetry Glass,” an edgy pop-rock anthem with a catchy hook and melody. The album also features “Stuck in the Dark,” a moving ballad showcasing Peyton’s vocal range, as well as “Fallen Angel,” an uplifting song with a powerful message of inner strength. “This album is really personal for me,”said Peyton. “The songs explore relationships, challenging life experiences and finding the strength within yourself to get through them all. I put my whole heart and SOUL into this record, and I can't wait for my fans to experience the journey with me.”

Peyton’s previous album Rise of Vikingr dropping number #1 on the iTunes charts with viral hits "Dane", "Dragur", and "My Mother Told Me" metal version.

Renowned for his unique blend of throaty Viking-inspired metal and post-grunge rock, Peyton Parrish has made a mark through original compositions and gained widespread recognition for his inventive cover renditions. In 2023 his rock-inspired Disney cover album The Most Magical Album on Earth gave Peyton Parrish his first Billboard #1 album. Other accolades include Billboard #1 with his cover of Hercules "Go the Distance" following his first Billboard #1 with his cover of Mulan's "I'll Make a Man Out of You".

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

LUCIFER - Release Video For New Single 'Maculate Heart'

January 5, 2024

Heavy rock megalith LUCIFER are kicking off the new year in style with a brand new single called 'Maculate Heart', which is yet another preview to be released before their magnificent new album, Lucifer V, drops on January 26th, 2024.

Consisting of nine unholy hymns, LUCIFER's fifth offering can easily be regarded as their magnum opus and sees the band channeling all their strengths known from previous records into one monumental mass of electrifying heavy rock and roll.

Infectious and hook-heavy stunner 'Maculate Heart' might be the most accessible song LUCIFER have ever recorded and it's being released today as a slightly trimmed radio edit for your listening pleasure. Bring it on!

In case you missed the announcement of LUCIFER's upcoming Satanic Panic European tour with Angel Witch, Attic, The Night Eternal and Crank, please scroll down to the bottom for all dates and more infos.

PRE-ORDER / PRE-SAVE LUCIFER V:
https://lucifer.bfan.link/lucifer-v

LISTEN TO 'MACULATE HEART - RADIO EDIT'':
https://lucifer.bfan.link/maculate-heart

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR 'MACULATE HEART - RADIO EDIT' below.

THINGS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED RELATED TO LUCIFER V:

'Slow Dance in A Crypt' Official Music Video:
https://youtu.be/9tR8nGUfvC0

'At The Mortuary (Halloween Edit)' Official Music Video:
https://youtu.be/jkvQILyvro0

'A Coffin Has No Silver Lining (The Sistine Version)' Promo Music Video:
https://youtu.be/-EZkgyp9D18

ABOUT LUCIFER

Since its inception in 2014 In Berlin, the highly prolific band led by charismatic singer Johanna Platow Andersson has released four electrifying albums on Rise Above (LUCIFER I) and Century Media Records (LUCIFER II-IV), as well as and numerous stand-alone singles infused with 1970s hard rock, proto heavy metal, doom and occult rock, with a nod to their main influences such as Black Sabbath, Pentagram & Blue Öyster Cult. They have played over 200 shows in the Europe, Japan, North & South America, including festivals such as KISS Kruise, Psycho Las Vegas, Hellfest, Wacken and many more, most recently supporting the band GHOST on their European tour in spring 2023. Two of their shows have been recorded and broadcasted by prestigious German national TV program Rockpalast.

LUCIFER, now located in Stockholm, have been nominated twice for a Swedish Grammy in the category 'Best Hardrock/Metal Album' as well as the Swedish Radio Award P3 and several GAFFA nominations. Amongst others, they have graced the cover of the leading US metal magazine, Decibel, before their first album was released.

The group has concluded recording their fifth studio album, LUCIFER V, the first one to be released by their new label, Nuclear Blast Records, due out on January 26th 2024. Although LUCIFER is known to notoriously deliver critically acclaimed albums, supreme songwriting and quality recordings, LUCIFER V is rumored to be their best album yet. Combining elements of all their previous albums into one monumental mass of electrifying heavy rock and roll. Eerie landscapes shaped by soaring guitar riffs, the thunderous pounding of bass and drums from some sort of groovy inferno, haunted melodies to weep into your drink to, the screeching tires of a 1971 Cadillac hearse, the humorous morbidity and tragic wit of Johanna’s lyrics. If death had a best friend, it would be LUCIFER and they would hang out together at the local cemetery, shooting the shit. In November 2023, LUCIFER embarked on a full North American co-Headline tour with occult rock legends, Coven. Catch LUCIFER live in February 2024 when LUCIFER brings The Satanic Panic Tour to Europe together with Angel Witch and guests Attic and The Night Eternal.

LUCIFER is:

Johanna Platow Andersson (vocals)
Nicke Andersson Platow (drums)
Linus Björklund (guitar)
Martin Nordin (guitar)
Harald Göthblad (bass)

Worship LUCIFER:
www.lucifer.church

Letdown. Releases New Double Single "Anxiety/Making Miseries" via Big Loud Rock

January 5, 2024

Breakout alt-rock sensation Letdown. is kicking off the New Year with a band, releasing new double single "Anxiety" and "Making Miseries" today via Big Loud Rock. "Anxiety" will be featured on MTV's wildly popular reality series The Challenge, airing this upcoming Wednesday, January 10. When asked about the inspiration behind today's dual release, Letdown. mastermind Blake Coddington shared:

"‘Anxiety’ is an introspective song that delves deep into my personal inner fears. It echoes a sense of unease, and the tumultuous journey through the labyrinth of my own anxieties. Painting a picture of vulnerability, the song encapsulates the essence of my inner turmoil - a cathartic exploration of the struggles I face inside myself, inviting listeners to confront their own fears.”

"‘Making Miseries’” is about the negative effect a bad relationship with someone and even yourself can have on your mental state. The song dives right in with the feeling of your whole world being upside down every way you think about it. The song is a wild ride outlining the details and truth of what we're doing to each other and ourselves and what it looks like."

Having wrapped up a momentous 2023 with his track "Crying In The Shower" peaking inside the Top 20 at U.S. Alternative Radio and performing at renowned festivals including Aftershock and Louder Than Life, 2024 promises even more exciting Letdown. news to come. Stream "Anxiety" and "Making Miseries" here, watch the visualizer below, and stay tuned for more Letdown. news coming very soon.

Letdown. (period included) may have started as a pandemic project for Blake Coddington, but the Chicago/Nashville-based rocker is in a very different place in 2023. Having spent the last three years cultivating a fervent fanbase through a number of single releases and emerging as a striking live act — finally bringing his music into the physical lives of his online fans across several sold-out, headlining shows this past year — Coddington is rapidly growing his presence away from the internet for the first time in Letdown.’s short history.

The powerful vocals and emotional lyrics over catchy, upbeat drums and guitars originally served as a cathartic way for the songwriter to express himself while working a dead-end job that he hated. But 2022 saw Letdown. being signed to Big Loud Rock and move beyond his beginnings as a viral, at-home musician. This year, however, represents a whole new start for the passionate vocalist, or as Coddington himself puts it: “It’s Season II of Letdown., and it’s definitely the biggest chapter yet.”

With his debut EP, 'Crying In The Shower', releasing February 24, 2023 and the ability to continue his touring success with an upcoming month-long run in Europe, as well as North American dates supporting Giovannie & The Hired Guns this spring, “Season II” is looking a lot more action-packed than Letdown.’s first couple of years. It was just three years ago that he began throwing videos on YouTube expecting to get a few hundred views, yet now he’s become a known and respected musical commodity both in-person and online with over 643K followers and 5.1M likes on TikTok, 25+ million views on his YouTube channel, over 80M on demand streams and editorial playlisting from the likes of Spotify’s All New Rock, New Noise, Rock Out and Rock Hard. “I always feel weird when people ask me how long I’ve been around, because I got so used to telling people that Letdown. was this new thing,” Coddington laughs. “But now we’re touring and we’ve got a record coming out with a label involved and all of this stuff. I know I’m not ‘seasoned’ yet, but it feels new, exciting and different.”

As for the new EP itself, pushing forth a collection of seven songs is still a bit of a new experience for Coddington, who’s gotten this far by steadily releasing a single at a time. The title track and opener is a perfect example of the wild, emotional ride that Letdown. enjoys taking his fans on. The song builds into a pumped-up anthem that you can’t help but sing along to, and behind the reactive hook and catchy rhythm, Letdown. takes listeners through the experience and inner turmoil of trying to get over someone you can’t forget by wailing, “crying in the shower, but I can’t wash you away.”

“You ever listen to happy songs when you're upset or sad or depressed and they make you feel even worse?” Coddington asks with a smirk. “That’s what ‘Crying in the Shower’ is for me. It's like, ‘Here's a list of terrible things, set to an incredibly upbeat, happy beat’ — which is almost a metaphor for me. I’m a happy-looking guy who is quite the opposite on the inside.” Elsewhere, the EP continues to document Coddington’s internal struggle as he searches for answers in times of darkness, uncertainty and self-doubt on stadium-sized singles “Go To Hell”, “Empty”, “Shipwreck” and “Ugly”, a soaring, pop-rock belter featuring Kelsy Karter & the Heroines that encompasses the types of thoughts related to self image and how we perceive ourselves. “That song is a literal depiction of how I feel about myself,” Coddington adds. “It may be a dichotomy between the actual person that I am and the person that I see in the mirror as my flaws are sometimes all I see. As I try to disassociate from the me that I hate, I also struggle with the reality that we are one and the same.”

In regards to the release of his first full body of music, Coddington remains thrilled for his future, the development of Letdown., and continuing to connect with those who have found solace in his powerful online community. “Getting to put out something like an EP seems so classic to me, which makes me really excited about it.” he says. “I’m honestly just excited that people won’t have to select another song after each one and can just ride the wave. I think we've really curated it in a way that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster — in the best way possible.”

The Requiem Share "Kill The Lights"

January 5, 2024

DEBUT ALBUM A CURE TO POISON THE WORLD ARRIVES FEBRUARY 16 VIA FEARLESS RECORDS

South Florida alt rock band THE REQUIEM — Damien [vocals], Felipe [lead guitar], and Salem [bass] — will release their debut album A Cure to Poison the World on February 16 via Fearless Records. Pre-order it here.

Today, the band has shared the lyric video for "Kill The Lights."

Watch it below.

Here, they show off their alt-rock chops and capture the essence of post-hardcore tension and release. Push and pull riffing and emotive vocals carry the track forward. It's a deceptively simple song that packs a lot of palpable emotion into just a few minutes.

"'Kill The Lights' is about the feeling of resentment and disgust some of us get at a young age towards our environment, people, and difficult situations we've been inadvertently brought up on," the band says.

Regarding the album as a whole, the band sees it as a catalyst with which to directly connect with fans. "I want people to actually be able to relate to the music and identify," Damien says. "It's the same way I felt my favorite artists spoke for me." Felipe shares the sentiment, saying, "Our goal is to be our most pure form These songs thematically reference growing up, the struggles of becoming an adult, and lessons we've learned."

ABOUT THE REQUIEM:
No matter how sunny it may be in Broward County, a different energy exists beneath the surface. Each generation it seeps out, either in the area's shock rock luminaries during the nineties or a bevy of post-Soundcloud rap stars in the twenty-tens. That brings us to The Requiem. The Broward County, FL trio—Damien [vocals], Felipe [lead guitar], and Salem [bass]—piece together elements of alternative, rock, emo, and even eighties into an uncompromising and undeniable vision of what music can be without boundaries. After piling up over 1 million streams independently and stirring up buzz, the group captivate on a series of 2023 singles and more to come.

"We want to represent our generation in the best way possible," exclaims Damien. "Rock music has lost the sloppiness and the vulgarity it used to have. When you're young, you need to embrace that attitude and danger. We want to bring all of that back to alternative music."

The band embarked on this mission back in 2020. Damien teamed up with Salem and Felipe. Together, they nodded to influences as diverse as The Used, AFI, Pierce The Veil, and Finch as well as Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe, and Genesis. They gained traction with the independent single "Corpse Party," reeling in 371K Spotify streams and counting.

LEON FREAR releases 'A Town Called Chapel', a mixed emotion ode to his hometown, ahead of debut album

January 4, 2024

"Frear has a voice which somewhat recalls Marty Willson-Piper of The Church fame and his side project Nocturum... This is something for fans of Nick Cave and related"~ Side-Line Magazine

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

"With a unmistakeable voice deserving of becoming a regular fixture in the mind-memory of music lovers everywhere... catchy and contemplative, showcasing clever lyrics channeled through his smooth and deep timbre. fabulous from start to end and is obviously confessional while also being an invested labor of love" ~ Rock n Roll Biz

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

Indie musician and songwriter Leon Frear presents 'A Town Called Chapel', the second offering from his debut album 'Wild Rice', which introduces the listener to a man still affected years later by the frisson and fallout of a clandestine love affair.

A seasoned musician, this album represents a new start for him under this moniker. Now based in Chicago, Frear describes this single as “a poison pen love letter to an historically musical time and place, to big blown-up plans and irreplaceable, lost relationships. No matter what else I say, It's a letter I sign with love.”

“The song ‘A Town Called Chapel,’ is the opening track on my album because it paints the landscape and provides background on the insular, dissolute college town / former-small-town music mecca that this whole experience sprang from," says Leon Frear.

"It's a song about knowing that you need to leave a situation that is grimy, bad for you and a little hedonistic. But you're so used to it - the feeling is so warm and comfy that you just can't bear to leave. I might sound hypercritical of the place and maybe that makes me a hypocrite. But I’m also from there and a fair target for these less flattering descriptions myself. Love, lust, and naïveté. All that stuff. It's part of me. It's my home."

This follows the artist's debut single 'Secret Second Moon' with its fantastic animated video, created by French artist Ronald Grandpey. It's a powerful introduction to a collection of songs that reflects a dramatic period in which Frear experienced a life-altering love affair, its implosion and aftermath, followed by a decade of reflection and changes.

Informed by his own personal experience, Frear's music speaks of love, lust, broken promises, broken phones, and multiple incinerated bridges. This 10-track collection was produced by Frear in his home studio in Chicago, playing every instrument and capturing every breath to tape during a recording process that took years in isolation to complete.

About the forthcoming album, Leon Frear says, "'Wild Rice' is the story of those times, but told in reflection. The songs came from a place of true grief, regret and a little bit of anger. But through all of those things, I gained wisdom and became a better person. And while the details may be different, I think every human on this planet shares in the experience of feelings of grief. Ultimately, I think it is an album about empathy."

"Sonically, I was inspired to make Wild Rice while listening to old Leonard Cohen albums, Harvest by Neil Young, Stories from the City by PJ Harvey and lots of old ballads by Nick Cave. Those albums and artists sound weary and world worn and I did my best to capture a similar feeling."

Laced with hints of sadness and regret, anger and remorse, somehow the lyrics are tempered with a sardonic wit that leaves the listener wondering if Frear doesn’t secretly savor feeling bad, just for laughs. If there’s an opportunity to mock an uncaring universe, this is an opportunity Frear doesn’t let go to waste.

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

As of January 4, 'A Town Called Chapel' is available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The 'Wild Rice' album will be released (on vinyl and digitally) on March 1.

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

VITRIOL Reveals Play-Through Video for Furious New Song, "Shame and Its Afterbirth"

January 4, 2024

PRE-ORDER

Death metal battalion VITRIOL is now unleashing its third new single, "Shame and Its Afterbirth," along with a dual guitar and bass play-through clip! The track is taken from the band's upcoming sophomore full-length, 'Suffer & Become,' which is due on January 26, 2024 via Century Media Records! The furious new song and video can be found below.

VITRIOL guitarist and vocalist Kyle Rasmussen comments, "'Shame' begins the story of 'Suffer & Become' with a celebration of our nature. It speaks to how modernity estranges one from the voiceless voice within them, and on the consequences of ignoring the call of their instincts. It also happens to be my favorite song (musically) that I've ever written. I set out to carve deep valleys and build tall mountains when writing this album, and I believe this song to be the best example of that achievement."

Pre-orders are now live for 'Suffer & Become' HERE. The album will be available digitally as well as in Standard CD Jewelcase, Ltd. Deep Blood Red LP (All ex-US Retail), Orange Crush LP (All US Retail), and Red / Yellow / Black Transp. Splatter LP (Band Exclusive).

For Portland, Oregon's VITRIOL, nothing comes easy. Nothing. The title of their second Century Media album, 'Suffer & Become,' says it all. "The title really sums it up," says guitarist and vocalist Kyle Rasmussen. "I pushed things to a point while making this album where it almost became untenable. Things that were supposed to be done in weeks took months. It wasn't easy, but I think it was suffering well spent."

At the core of 'Suffer & Become' lies a profound sense of extremity and unease. This very essence defines Vitriol as the vanguard in death metal's evolutionary path—a sonic landscape characterized by its profound darkness, density, and the infusion of nanotechnological precision interwoven with intense, seething emotions. Not easy listening in the slightest. Since forming in 2013, Rasmussen and longtime co-conspirator, bassist, and co-vocalist Adam Roethlisberger have worked with a single-minded vision: to push the genre to its breaking point and invent a new uncompromising paradigm in the process. VITRIOL is a masterclass in pain – and that's just their jumping-off point.

Recounting VITRIOL's initial journey into the outer fringes of extremity, Rasmussen is characteristically thoughtful. "I was starving for something that didn't pull any punches," says Kyle of VITRIOL's caustic mission statement, which detonated into the realm of extreme metal with 2013's 'Antichrist' demo. "Death metal was important to me because it speaks to an aggression, a frustration that I had when I was younger. It wasn't just a sonic connection but an emotional connection, which made music almost a means to an end. What I saw happening in extreme metal at the time was almost a removal of emotion in favor of musicality, that fire, that piss and vinegar spirit. Basically, I wanted something that wanted me dead."

With 2017's 'Pain Will Define Their Death' EP, VITRIOL took its spot as one of the underground's most uncompromising exponents, leading them to join forces with Century Media. The resultant album, 2019's "To Bathe from the Throat of Cowardice," was nothing short of a crucial next step for the band and the genre itself. Decibel Magazine said, "Vitriol leave no doubt they are one of the best the genre has to offer, with shades of Nile, Hate Eternal, and Anaal Nathrakh frequently peeking through." Hitting the road that year, at first in Europe with Nile and then in the US with Cattle Decapitation and Atheist, and then Vader before the onset of Covid, VITRIOL was quick to establish themselves as much of an uncompromising force onstage as they are on record.

"Doing 'Black Seeds of Vengeance' alongside Karl Sanders [of Nile] onstage in Europe on our very first tour was nothing short of a 'pinch me' moment," Kyle recounts from VITRIOL's early touring days. "More recently, we were touring with Morbid Angel, and Steve Tucker, who is my favorite Morbid Angel vocalist, came out of his dressing room in a VITRIOL t-shirt and exclaimed that we were one of his favorite new bands! That blew my mind as a fan, first and foremost – a total 'Holy Fuck!' moment."

'Suffer & Become' is nothing short of a benchmark for VITRIOL (rounded out by guitarist Daniel Martinez and Matt Kilner). It's as dense and blackened as anything to erupt from Rasmussen's vision of sonic disorder. From the onset of the opening track, "Shame and Its Afterbirth," there's a new sense of openness, grandeur, and occasional beauty in VITRIOL's aural arsenal. "I wanted to have an album that had a stark duality to it," says Kyle. "Very high highs and very low lows. We're very familiar with the lows but not so much with the triumphant highs. I wanted the album to have more of a sense of optimism to it, both lyrically and musically. I wanted the album to convey a sense of optimism that probably gets lost in the black maelstrom that is the first album."

Produced by Rasmussen and mixed by Dave Otero (Archspire, Cattle Decapitation), 'Suffer &

Become' isn't merely the sound of VITRIOL upping the ante in death metal's musical arms race; it is also the sound of salvation for its driving force. "Living in the world of that first album was very difficult for me," says Rasmussen. "It's not a nice place. It was very intentionally imbalanced in the same way a horror film is imbalanced. I wanted a healthier world for me to live in, and I believe I achieved that."

Not that the writing and recording of 'Suffer & Become' was anything short of soul-rending. Rasmussen labored over the creation of the album in the studio, on tour in hotel rooms, to the point of painstaking obsessiveness. Kyle is straightforward about the grueling record-making process and its personal impact. "The record feels a bit like a Jungian Dante's Inferno," he states. "Plumbing the circles of my personal, psychological, and spiritual hell and then purposely refocusing it so it's not the unhinged, dark catharsis of the first album. This record is a lot more vulnerable."

Songs like "Weaponized Loss" or "The Flowers of Sadism" are what Kyle describes as a "dark baptism" in comparison to the absolute darkness of "To Bathe…". The sound of VITRIOL remains as joyless and dark as ever, but with a glimmer of hope. VITRIOL has taken its trauma-put-to-sound approach to the next level and discovered a new sense of beauty in the blackness. 'Suffer & Become' is death metal with a bloody, beating heart.

Line-Up:

Kyle Rasmussen - Guitars and Vocals

Adam Roethlisberger - Bass and Vocals

Matt Kilner - Drums

Daniel Martinez - Guitars

Producer // Mixing // Mastering:

Dave Otero

Album artwork:

Dylan Humphries

Photo Credit:

Peter Beste

Bio:

Mike Gitter

Physical Formats:

Standard CD Jewelcase

Ltd. Deep Blood Red LP (All ex-US Retail)

Orange Crush LP (All US Retail)

Red / Yellow / Black Transp. Splatter LP (Band Exclusive)

'Bunker Heights' Teaser Promises Crime, Comedy, and Creatures with All Star Indie Cast

January 4, 2024

Bunker Heights is a genre-bending farce that delves into the complexities of a troubled city facing a catastrophic crisis. Blending elements of crime, horror, and dark comedy, the film offers a gripping narrative that follows the lives of its citizens as they navigate the looming threat that jeopardizes their very existence.

Written and directed by Drew Fortier under the production of Hannah Fierman (V/H/S, Dark Circles, Siren), the film boasts mesmerizing special effects crafted by Deryk Wehrley (Late Checkout, Crust), alongside captivating cinematography courtesy of Gordon Cameron (Her Name Was Christa). Principal photography for the film took place in secret with a budget of $30k and is currently in post production with no set release date.

As Bunker Heights enters its post-production phase, the suspense continues to build with anticipation, promising audiences an unforgettable cinematic experience. While the official release date remains undisclosed, the film's blend of gripping storytelling and ensemble cast guarantees a viewing experience that will captivate audiences.

Watch the teaser trailer below.

Exclusive Bunker Heights t-shirts and signed posters are available at bunkerheights.com

"It's the most fun I've had on a film set," said Hannah Fierman, producer and actor in the film. "It was really a dream team as far as the cast and crew. The script is reminiscent of classics as well as having its own very distinct voice."

Writer/director/actor Drew Fortier said, "I only ever find a purpose to do anything creative when things are organic and align properly; with that said, I have never been a part of something that has aligned more properly than Bunker Heights. The cast and crew of this thing are incredible and I am very proud of the fact that we created this film together from the ground up entirely in secret."

Fortier continues, "The film itself is very ambitious in scope and filled with so many memorable characters and incredible performances that will no doubt stick with people for a long time; it's pure unconditional entertainment. We have such a great ensemble cast in the film that truly shines; everybody is a star."

Bunker Heights Stars:

Drew Fortier (Dwellers, Side Effects May Vary)

Hannah Fierman (V/H/S, Siren, Dark Circles)

Chaney Morrow (Wrong Turn, Haunt)

Paul T. Taylor (Hellraiser: Judgement, Sin City)

Floyd Ewing Jr. (The Dead Next Door, Robot Ninja)

Douglas Esper (Dwellers, Trivial)

James L. Edwards (Her Name Was Christa, Side Effects May Vary)

Daniel John Kearney (Crust, Watchdog)

L.C. Holt (You're Next, V/H/S 2)

Xander Goldman (Macabre Mountain, Massacre Academy)

Christopher Robin Koch

The cast also includes various talent from the music world such as:

David Ellefson (ex Megadeth, The Lucid)

Violent J (Insane Clown Posse)

Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge, The Lucid)

Lance Eric (ex Bang Tango, Color of Chaos)

James Leg (Black Diamond Heavies)

Bass Amp (First Jason)

Drew Fortier wrote the screenplay from a story co-written with Joe Placzkowski.

Autodidactic Studios, David Ellefson, Frank Ritter, and Xander Goldmanexecutive produced the film.

For More Information Please Visit:

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KILL THE THRILL Release Harrowing Video for New Single

January 4, 2024

KILL THE THRILL are blessed with an elusive vision. Over the past 30 years, the French duo have been dreaming up an abrasive-but-hypnotic blend of industrial rock, post-punk and dark wave. The videos for the first two singles off their upcoming fifth album, Autophagie, immersed audiences in a cinematic fever dream that would give David Lynch nightmares.

Today, Kill The Thrill are releasing another hypnotic video for their roaring, electro-charged new single.

Watch the video for "A la dérive" below.

The video was masterfully crafted by Guillaume Mariotti at Mystère Public.

We open on a train, suspended against a mottled sky. As the song rumbles to life, a series of seemingly disconnected footage fills the screen, overlapping like the inkblotter of a Rorschach test: a flaming wheelbarrow, storms at sea, refugees wandering through the desert, a mirage that slowly fades into ash.

In English, "A la dérive" loosely translates to a vague sense of wandering, of not knowing where to go after being severed from one's roots.

"They come back from afar / With nothing", sings Chris Dick. His voice is raw with bitterness, straining each note to a breaking point. "Floating body and soul".

But "A la dérive" is carried by a wave of crushing momentum. The drums pound out a relentlessly off-kilter beat, tumbling end over end like a tireless machine. Beneath a soar of strings, the sawing riffs give off more shock than an entire electric grid. Even the interlude of lap-steel guitar leaves behind the same shimmer as a fallen star.

Here's what Dick and bassist Marylin Tognolli have to say about their new single:

"With A La Dérive, Kill The Thrill plunges into the inhumanity of survival and uprooting. The narrative force of the track sticks to our retinas with a sense of urgency."

Autophagiecomes out January 26, 2024 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order:https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/kill-the-thrill-autophagie
Pre-save:https://orcd.co/kttautophagiepresave

KILL THE THRILL was formed in 1989 and is composed of Nicolas Dick on vocals, guitar and lap-steel, Marylin Tognolli on bass for its founding members. Stemming from the French noisy wave of the early 90's, their music is often described as dark, abrasive and hypnotic, full of epic moments, with a dense and rich sound mixing elements of industrial rock, post-punk, dark new wave and experimental metal.

Forging an atmosphere as dreamy as chaotic, with multiple layers and atmospheres, sometimes ambient, sometimes more hostile. Kill the Thrill interlaces orchestrated soundscapes, enriched with innumerable layers and arrangements, playing amongst the rifts to create a unique and personal work, so far from everything and so close to everyone.

The group released its first album in 1993 entitled DIG, followed by an EP: PIT (on the labels Noise Product CH and Semetary), and at that time had three musicians, already working with samples and playing with blocks of sound.

In 1996, the trio became a duo with a second album entitled LOW (Noise Product CH), recorded, mixed and produced by Nicolas Dick. The artist ErikM intervened on the interludes with sound tracks which frame each title of the group. The album is hailed by the press as a perfect balance between melody and distortion.

Over the years, tracks have appeared on a large number of compilations: La Famille (Noise Product Belgium), Serial Killer Vol 1 (Roadrunner), Brutale Generation (Semetary / WMD), Ah Quelle Belle journée (Amanita records), A Wild State Of Noise And Disorder (Pandemonium), 5 Years Of Fury (Noise Product CH), Tribute To Godflesh (Nihilistic H. Rec.), Fear Drop 14 : "Coal Fire" The Cure masterpiece Pornography, Dark 80's (Atropine Records) etc.

Frederic De Benedetti joined the band on guitar and it's again as a trio that the album 203 BARRIERS was released by Season Of Mist in 2001, the album again entirely recorded and produced by Nicolas Dick. With this new opus Kill the Thrill’s music has evolved towards a daring, disturbing and more extreme sound. With international promotion and distribution, signing with the label Season Of Mist allowed an opportunity of further development for the band.

Kill the Thrill has shared stages all over Europe with other artists such as Godflesh, Killing Joke, Zeni Geva, Isis, Young Gods, Treponem Pal, Einstürzende Neubauten, La Muerte, Neurosis, Jesu, Jim Rose Circus, Grötus, Dillinger, Escape Plan, Dälek, etc.

The album TELLURIQUE released in 2005 (Season Of Mist, recorded and produced by Nicolas) combines a cold and clinical industrial/metal sound with a new wave sensibility, bathed in a heavily melancholic atmosphere, but leaning more in the direction of noisy, distorted shoegazing mists than the fires of metal. The album is described by the press as an organic journey in which you must immerse yourself to feel its harshness and beauty.

This exacerbated trio asserts itself as a true entity in symbiosis, with an unfiltered and no holds barred take on music and sound.

Anger has no origin, and when the events from which it arises, physical bodies and soundwaves, can no longer contain patience and intelligibility, the sounds become the violence.

But with Kill the Thrill, violence is always suggested more than frontally expressed, it remains hemmed in and contained.

In 2015 the band reissued its first under the title 1989 (Atypeek Records), a digital-only album intended as a nod to KILL THE THRILL’s origins.
During a few years of silence put to good use on the personal and musical projects of the members of the group, Kill the Thrill took the time to polish their new album, AUTOPHAGIE.

With ‘Autophagie,’ KILL THE THRILL once again immerses the listener into a realm of abrasive hypnotic artistry. A cacophony of turbulent, noisy soundscapes meander throughout the album, with Nicolas's mesmerizing vocal lines hauntingly delivered at a frenzied pace. This turbulent journey is anchored by subtle yet resolute rhythmic percussion that serve as a guiding force, allowing the listener to traverse this tumultuous auditory landscape with a sense of purpose, even as the surrounding elements cascade over the senses.

The band has released a limited number of albums in its career so far, but is resistant to all erosion, the secret of its longevity residing in the timelessness of the music.

An atypical band whose music is enough to itself ; a discrete band for imposing music ; a group which reveals next to nothing but pursues its sonic quest, outside of common standards. A living ambiguity: cold and hot, the calm and the storm.

"A long flow of orgasmic lava, a wave of shimmering noises that carries away everything in its path. One immerses oneself entirely in its bewitching atmospheres. We leave for a long descent on a carpet of guitars, their richness is inside, under this heap of notes and noises, under this black and disturbing mass. It's up to you to understand what you can during a journey that is sublime".

To Kill the Shiver reaches for the ineffable.

Line-up
Nicolas Dick - Lead vocals, guitar, lap steel, sample
Marylin Tognolli - Bass Guitar
François Rossi - Drums

Recording Studio
Le Puits Sonore

Sound, Mixing & Mastering Engineer
Nicolas Dick

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

Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/kill-the-thrill-autophagie

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
2x12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black
2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Clear Transparent
2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Green
2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Clear Transparent w/ Black & White Splatter

Links:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kill-the-thrill/73438869
Bandcamp: https://killthethrill.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/killthethrill/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killthethrill_band/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KillThe_Thrill
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillTheThrill-band

TWO-TIME GRAMMY® NOMINEE JELLY ROLL RINGS IN NEW YEAR WITH NEXT RADIO SINGLE

January 4, 2024

2X GRAMMY® nominee and current reigning CMA New Artist of the Year Jelly Roll continues his momentum in 2024 with the launch of his next single at Country Radio, “Halfway To Hell.” Impacting January 22, the song follows Jelly’s three consecutive #1 singles at Country radio in 2023 - his multi-week hit “Son of a Sinner,” the international multi-week #1 “Need A Favor,” and the multi-week, GRAMMY® nominated single, “Save Me” ft. Lainey Wilson. With “Save Me,” Jelly Roll became the second artist in chart history to have their first three releases all reach #1 within a single calendar year on the radio airplay charts, alongside Wynonna, who earned three #1 releases in 1992 ("She Is His Only Need," "I Saw The Light" and "No One Else On Earth"). The milestoneis one of several he discussed with the New York Times and that will be featured on Sunday’s upcoming CBS Sunday Morning episode (1/7), where the emerging star and GRAMMY® nominee is profiled.

Having kicked off 2024 live from Times Square with the biggest NYE television celebration in the US, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, Jelly took a moment to reflect on his GRAMMY® nominations with host Ryan Seacrest, watch here. His kick-off to the new year echoes the star’s unyielding momentum in 2023, which featured numerous breakthrough moments. In December 2022, Jelly Roll celebrated his first #1 on Country radio and sold-out his hometown venue, Bridgestone Arena. In April 2023, Jelly became CMT’s most awarded artist of the night at the CMT Awards, winning 3 awards (Male Video of the Year, Breakthrough Male Video of the Year, CMT Digital-First performance of the Year) as a first-time nominee. In May, at the Academy of Country Music Awards, Jelly made the TV performance debut of his genre-defying hit “Save Me” alongside surprise guest Lainey Wilson and released his highly anticipated Hulu documentary, “Jelly Roll: Save Me,” which showcased much of Jelly’s story and early struggles with addiction and incarceration. In June, the 2023 Billboard Country Power Player Cover star also earned Billboard’s 2023 Breakthrough Artist Award after a record-breaking run on the Billboard Emerging Artist chart. He also released his debut Country project, Whitsitt Chapel, which debuted #2 on the Billboard Country albums chart and #3 on the Billboard 200 chart with the largest Country debut project in Billboard Consumption Chart history and made his Nissan Stadium CMA Fest debut for more than 70,000 fans - across the street from the Nashville Juvenile Detention Center he used to reside in starting at age 15. In September, Jelly became the most awarded artist of the night at the People’s Choice Country Awards, accepting his award live from his record-breaking sold-out 55+ date headlining Backroad Baptism Arena tour. In November, Jelly won CMA New Artist of the Year after earning 5 CMA nominations as the most nominated male artist of the night with nominations including Single of the Year (“Need A Favor”), Male Vocalist of the Year, Musical Event of the Year (“Save Me”), Music Video of the Year (“Need A Favor”) and New Artist of the Year. As a first time CMA nominee in 2023, Jelly Roll joined the ranks of past artists including Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, who each debuted with five nods in a first appearance on the CMA final ballot. The CMA win was followed up two days later with his GRAMMY nominations for Best New Artist and Country Duo/Group Performance” for “Save Me.” The moment was captured here on social media, where visibly moved to tears, Jelly addressed his fans and the music community on his nominations. In December, on Jelly’s 39th birthday, “Save Me” broke the aircheck record for the most amount of spins per week in chart history and earned this Stoney Creek Records artist his third consecutive #1 on Country radio. His record-breaking tour dates in 2023 and future announced dates at Festivals including Stagecoach in April 2024 also earned Jelly a Pollstar award nomination for “New Headliner of The Year.” Additionally, in a full circle moment from December 2022 - when Jelly donated the Bridgestone Arena proceeds towards building a recording studio in the Juvenile Detention Center he once resided in as well as towards additional supportive outreach for at-risk youth in the Nashville community - Jelly continued to activate his local community in December 2023, pledging to help facilitate the largest holiday toy drive in Nashville history, which resulted in the donation of thousands of toys.

About Jelly Roll:
Nashville native singer/songwriter Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) recently debuted Top 3 on the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart and #2 on the Top Country Album charts with his debut Country Album, Whitsitt Chapel (released June 2nd, 2023) - earning the biggest Country debut album in Billboard Consumption Chart history. Following his sweep at the 2023 CMT Music Awards where he earned 3 awards to become the most awarded artist of the night, the Billboard Country Power List Cover star and “country’s ‘most authentic’ new artist” (The New Yorker) recently received Billboard’s 2023 Breakthrough Award. “One of Nashville’s fastest rising stars” (The New York Times), Jelly was an 8X nominee and 4X winner at the People’s Choice Country Awards and was the most nominated male at the 2023 CMA Awards, with five total nominations capturing his first CMA Award for "New Artist of the Year." His current hit single “Save Me” — a confessional, vulnerable expression of self-doubt— set the stage for his new season of life and took him to new heights, has more than 155 million views on YouTube and Platinum certification from the RIAA. Jelly debuted the song along with Lainey Wilson at the 2023 ACM Awards on the heels of his 28-week reign at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart. “Save Me” became his third consecutive #1 single in 2023 following his multi-week #1 hits on Country and Rock radio, “Need A Favor” and “Son of A Sinner.”

Having just wrapped his sold-out 55-city 2023 Backroad Baptism Arena Tour and celebrated multi-format success with "Need a Favor" inside the Top 10 on Hot AC and Top 25 on Top 40, Jelly Roll continues to resonate with fans on a global scale and earn numerous industry milestones - from playing his sold-out hometown show for 18,000 fans at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to sold-out dates at the Ryman Auditorium and the release of his critically acclaimed Hulu documentary produced by ABC News, “Save Me.” Featured by Nightline, GMA, GMA3, The New York Times, The Tennessean, Billboard, Variety, American Songwriter, CMT and more, his self-built, unconventional industry rise and unique fan connection has garnered praise from numerous outlets, with Variety noting, “for everyone who’s facing the same struggles, Jelly Roll is their Springsteen,” and American Songwriter echoing, “with a string of accolades and an extremely dedicated following, Jelly Roll has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.”

Meteor Shower Welcomes Darkspace Reissues

January 3, 2024

> Quadrantids ACTIVE.
> Meteor shower visible from Earth.
> Triumvirate reach out to the inhabitants of Earth.
     > Wroth
     > Yhs
     > Zharaal

Tonight, some lucky earthlings will be able to see the Quadrantid meteor shower. Against a blackened sky, this shower can produce more than 100 meteors, if only for a brief moment.

To commemorate this cosmic occurrence, Darkspace have reissued their entire catalogue through Season of Mist. Hear how the mysterious Swiss band have pioneered cosmic, ambient, black metal over the course of their six releases.

Now available on CD and vinyl with new artwork
Dark Space -I
Dark Space I
Dark Space II
Dark Space III
Dark Space III I

Order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/darkspace

The next Darkspace transmission, Dark Space -II, comes out February 16th, 2024.

Hear a sneak peek of "Dark -2.-2":

DARKSPACE was founded by Wroth, Zorgh and Zhaaral in 1999 in Berne (Switzerland).

In two decades, four albums and an EP were released: Dark Space -I to Dark Space III I. The band rarely appeared live.

In 2019 Zorgh quit while the band was awarded the Music Prize of the Canton of Berne for the creation of their soundscapes and their atmospheric performances.

In 2022 Yhs joined Wroth and Zhaaral to complete the three again.

Line-up
Wroth - Guitars, Vocals
Yhs - Guitars, Vocals
Zhaaral - Bass, Vocals

Pre-order Dark Space -II: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/DarkSpace-II
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/dark-2-2

Links:
Official Website: https://www.darkcyberspace.com/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/darkspace/329478213
Bandcamp: https://darkspace.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dark.space87/?fref=ts
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sww0FgGlUX3NCrrJleszz

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digisleeve
12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black

SECOND SHOOTER UNVEIL DEBUT FULL LENGTH FURY MADE FLESH AND ANNOUNCE JANUARY TOUR

January 3, 2024

Extreme metallists Second Shooter are readying the release of their latest effort – a brutal full-length debut entitled Fury Made Flesh, which arrives on January 19, 2024 via Into Records. The culmination of five years of work for the band – vocalist Melanie Johnson, guitarists Travis Hildreth and Wynn McElwee, bassist Jeff Clark, and drummer Jim Wilinski – was inspired by the craziness going on around the world and in their own lives during recent times.

The album can be ordered via this link:
https://lnk.to/s7fRjU

With all the band members contributing to the writing of the music and lyrics for the album (which arrives in the wake of two earlier EP's, Second Shooter and What Was Left Behind), the tracks were recorded by the band in their studio – with Jim acting as engineer during tracking, and Jeff then mixing and mastering the album.

The album title Fury Made Flesh is taken from the lyrics of the song "Bringer of Death" about the Hindu goddess Kali, who was also the inspiration for the cover art (created by illustrator David Paul Seymour). Tracks like "Diana the Huntress", "Protect and Serve", "Caged", "Gold Plated Pervert", and "For All the Parasites" are topical songs, while "Bleeding Ear", "Set Adrift", and "Suffocate Eternal" delve into personal trauma. "Palm Reader" and the aforementioned "Bringer of Death" veer into the supernatural to round out the album.

The end result is an album that the band is excited about and that shows who they are today as a band and as musicians. "Much of the previous material we released was partly written by past members of the band," explains the band. "But Fury Made Flesh is the five of us working together to challenge ourselves as artists as we connect with an ever-growing audience. We pull together influences from groove metal, hardcore, death metal, thrash, progressive metal, and even a pinch of doom to make something that is uniquely us."

"As dedicated metal fans ourselves, our goal has always been to perform music that makes people want to move. Second Shooter gives live performances our all, feeding our audiences our energy while feeding off theirs in return. Our overarching ethos is 'No gimmicks, no bullshit, just metal.'"

And on the same date as the album's release, the band will be hitting the road in support of Fury Made Flesh, as they will be touring with Go Ahead and Die on the Unhealthy Mechanisms Tour alongside Body Box – beginning on the 19th in Tucson, and wrapping up on the 28th in Houston.

Photo by Jeremy Saffer

L-R : Jeff Clark, Travis Hildreth, Melanie Johnson, Wynn McElwee, James Wilinski

TOUR DATES:

1/19/24 Tucson, AZ @ The Rock
1/20/24 El Paso, TX @ RockHouse Bar & Grill
1/21/24 Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
1/23/24 Lubbock, TX @ Jake's
1/24/24 Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th Street
1/25/24 Dallas, TX. @Trees
1/26/24 Austin, TX @ Come And Take It Live!
1/27/24 Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock
1/28/24 Houston, TX @ Scout Bar

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
http://linktr.ee/secondshooterband

Metal Band WAR ANGEL Releases New Single "Armageddon" feat. Rob Dukes + Official Music Video

January 3, 2024

The Iranian metal band initially known as Demonic Ritual came into existence in 2013 when vocalist Mani Kewmars founded the group. After navigating numerous lineup changes and releasing two demo tapes, Nima Kewmars, the vocalist's younger brother, joined as the lead guitarist and primary songwriter.

The entry of the Mottaghi brothers—Farhad on rhythm guitar and Faramarz on drums—prompted a renaming of the band to WAR ANGEL.

In 2017, they marked their presence with the debut album Symphony of War.

Their second album, Tales of the Damned, released in 2020, showcased a shift in musical style and lyrical content compared to their debut work.

The album's lead single, "Tomb of the Pharaoh," caught the attention of notable artists like Gary Holt, leading to his support of the band by sharing the song's music video on social media. This was a monumental moment as the band had long idolized Exodus and Generation Kill since childhood. Subsequently, the band established contact with Rob Youells and Rob Dukes.

“Getting to know Mani and War Angel has reminded me what this music can mean to people. Having so much creative fire in their gut, its amazing what they have accomplished with such limited resources. It’s like those organisms that not only survive, but thrive in boiling temperatures near volcanic vents in the ocean. They formed their band in a most inhospitable environment, but in spite of that, these songs and this video have come into existence. It’s all very impressive and inspiring. The bridge between worlds having Dukes in the mix is crazy cool," says Rob Youells, drummer for Generation Kill.

In a heartwarming display of solidarity, War Angel collaborated with Rob Dukes on "Armageddon," both a song and a music video that embodies a powerful message: "We're Standing Side by Side, Brotherhood of Man!"

"'Armageddon' was a dream come true for me. As a child I grew up with heavy metal music because my father was a metalhead. We were always cast away and ridiculed for that in this country, but no matter what we endured. Bands like Iron maiden, Exodus, Slayer, Metallica and mercyful fate shaped who I am and, later on, Generation Kill in my teenage years had a great influence on me because I really liked Mr Dukes' albums with exodus in both lyrical and musical themes the most.
So, when I first talked with Rob Youells it was like a dream. leading to a conversation about Rob Dukes' alleged dislike for the Middle East. Youells dispelled the misconception, highlighting the Dukes' compassionate nature while expressing his aversion to politics and war crimes. In a beautiful gesture of peace, Mr Dukes agreed to do guest vocals on a War Angel song, and we immediately began writing the song and lyrics. The song is about the importance of mankind being united against the common problems like pollution, social media addiction, war, poverty and being controlled by the governments through the media. The song was recorded, and Mr Dukes delivered the vocals, which were on fire! Then we recorded the music video and Mr Dukes provided us with footages of himself singing. An indescribable feeling! Now the song is out, and we just want people to hear it, because we worked really hard for it, and it's our only dream and goal right now.
We made this song in the most harsh environment and in the most horrible time, with so many obstacles and difficulties that will bring everyone down, we endured and pushed through to make it happen. It's everything we are now. Everything we ever had. Everything we wanted to be," Says the band's vocalist Mani Kewmars.

Rob Dukes adds, “It was an honor to work with War Angel from Iran on the song 'Armageddon'. They are a great band playing metal in one of the most oppressive environments on Earth, yet they keep moving forward, regardless of the continual prospect of prison, or worse. They come from a dire situation and it’s inspiring. I only hope one day, somehow, I can join them onstage somewhere and play it live with them. They are what metal music stands for - giving the finger to the establishment of oppressors!”

War Angel's musical style encompasses various subgenres of metal, blending high-pitched epic vocals of heavy metal with the relentless riffs of thrash metal and the impactful breakdowns of metalcore.

Facing challenging circumstances in a country where metal is prohibited, and where authorities persecute metalheads, the band exhibited resilience. Despite the risks—including potential danger to their lives—stemming from a government with strict religious beliefs, the band persists in their passion for metal music, driven by their sole desire to be heard.

Operating with minimal to no budget, the band self-recorded and produced all their songs and music videos, showcasing their dedication amidst adversity.

For More Information Please Visit:

JOEL ELLIS Releases 'The Real Heavy Bones Volume 1' Captured Live in Los Angeles in 1991, Digitally Reproduced in 2023

January 3, 2024

The Real Heavy Bones Volume 1

Captured Live in Los Angeles 1991/ Digitally Reproduced in 2023

https://www.joelellismusic.com/real-heavy-bones

The store is officially open for real time CD buys and downloads , Merch / Tshirts and Pre-Orders for the Limited Edition Autographed Vinyl package

We’re kicking off 2024 with the ass kicking new release of The Real Heavy Bones Vol One on Friday January 12th!

PRE-ORDER the CD with lyric booklet and GET a FREE TSHIRT and FREE song download while supplies last, this pre-order special offer will end on 1/11/2024

Joel Ellis grew up in the Rock & Roll capital of the world, Cleveland, Ohio during the greatest era in Rock history. Rising up from the mean streets and smokey bar scene of the 1970s classic Rock era in the rust belt and within months after landing in Hollywood, he quickly became a major label artist thanks to Atlantic Recordsfounder, Ahmet Ertigun's impeccable eye for talent. At the time, Joel was fronting his hometown band Merri Hoaxx. However, he would also lend his vox to Warner Brother's Rough Cutt who even opened for the legendary Ronnie James Dio!

He then formed Cats In Boots in Hollywood, CA, in 1987 when Guitarist Takashi "Jam" Ohashi and bassist Yasuhiro "Butch" Hatae, came from Tokyo to LA and met lead vocalist Joel Ellis and drummer Randy Meers. After seeing Joel and Randy perform live, Takashi and Yasuhiro convinced the pair to jam. The boys quickly found their groove and laid down studio tracks for the self-produced Demonstration East Meets West. Immediately after the final LP was pressed the self-managed band embarked on a 60 date high-energy rock tour in Japan as their shows oversold and the record went to #1 on the inde charts with an impressive 50,000 units monthly through Japanese fan magazines in the Japan Rock underground. After getting the dizzying phone call from Joel in Tokyo, Frank Zappa responded “Joel, we should all have such problems, enjoy all that’;s coming to you, don’t sign anything, and I’ll have you a deal before your plane touches a US runway”, and that is exactly the story for the band as they were signed to EMI and the classic Kicked and Klawedalbum was released. After receiving great reviews, charting singles, radio and MTV airplay, the band enjoyed gold status and returned to Japan with yet another #1 spot and a Billboard Top 3 record of the year behind 1) Prince’s Batman Soundtrack and 2) The Rolling Stones Steel Wheels and one spot above their label mate Richard Marx.

In 1990 lead vocalist Joel Ellis of Cats in Boots, formed Heavy Bones, which is a more musically versatile and dynamic band with songwriting reminiscent of classic 70’s bands. In his quest to fulfill a new deal offer from Warner Bros with a new band, Joel found guitarist Gary Hoey living a block away in Hollywood, and rang up his good friend Franki Banali (Quiet Riot) and later bassist Rex Tennyson would charm the guys in audition to complete the lineup. Released on the specialized Warner Bros. label Reprise Records in 1991, Heavy Bones is a vibe, it gets down into your bones. To the group, Bones is a Rock musical metaphor of the soul, and the album does much more than get into your soul, it affixes itself to in your mind. The songs have a special dreaminess about them, in the midst of heavy grinding hard hitting grooves and there's always a sweeping melodic change, a catchy chorus, or an amazing riff right around the corner that will grab your attention and keep you wanting more, and after all these years more Heavy Bones is finally here in this 3 part series and limited re-issue beginning with Volume One of The Real Heavy Bones.

After Heavy Bones, Joel evolved from a creative cleansing, enlightening, and energizing experience with Bobby Womack and The Stones to write, produce, and record his innovative sessions for Ellis Island solo effort together with Cats guitarist Takashi “Jam” Ohashi and a talented LA blues guitarist named Jimmy Zollo and noting the major influence of Bobby Womack and Keith Richards while he swapped session nights with Bobby during his “Resurrection” studio Lp sessions.

The Ellis Island sessions were recorded in the early day’s Hollywood apartment basement studio of Jimi Hendrix’s and later the studio host for Frank Zappa’s Hot Rats Lp, and also included several new players: Phil Chen on bass (Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart), Larry Abberman on drums (Stevie Ray & Vaughn Bros), Spider Middowman on baritone sax (Goddamn Liars, Tom Waits), George Shelby on tenor and piccolo sax (Anita Baker, Sting), Hassim Jeffries on 6 string fretless bass, Michael Lord piano, engineered by Barry Saunders (Moody Blues). From this 24hr -7-day experience 7 songs were created. This was picked up by Shelly Yakus and A&M Records and mixed at A&M Studios in Hollywood. This project destined for success on A&M Records was upended by a series of black swans beginning with his father’s cancer, the ’94 LA earthquake, fatherhood, and the industry flood of Rap music only now to be yet another of the resurrected Joel Ellis Master’s Series in production in 2024. Teaming up with world renowned Russian artist Uldus Bahktiozina for their “Collaboration For Peace through the power of Art”, ( joelEllisMusic.com/collaboration-for-peace) Ellis Island will not only be available in 2025 on a very limited remixed vinyl release of its own, but will also be featured in the collaboration as a museum exhibit music video and select global theater sound and vision production.

In 2013, Joel teamed up with his son, Joey Angel (age 16 on guitars), to produce the Ellis&Angel sessions, in what began as a professional studio recording learning experience for Joey but becoming an Ep worthy of SONY Music Nashville interest and immediate fan favorite on KJ97 San Antonio’s Sunday night listener show after catching the attention of the Clearwater VP of programming and Nashville producer George Tutko (Rod Stewart, Merri Hoaxx).

Joel states “E&A was a magical production where everything came out right, fell into the groove, and you didn’t want to go back to change a thing.” Ellis and Angel is impressively backed by engineer Dave Jenkins (Roy Thomas Baker, Alan Parsons), John “JT” Thomas piano-B3 (Bruce Hornsby, Tracy Chapman), Don Peak guitar ((Ray Charles, Motown, Phil Specter), Chris Mostert sax (The Eagles, Joe Walsh), Dave Chamberlin bass (Albert Lee), Lisa Haley fiddle (Grammy -Blue Fiddle), Richie Onori drums (DIO, Slash, The Sweet), and members of Bonnie Raitt’s band. Ellis and Angel have a unique blend of Rock n Roll, bluesy countrified Classic Rock feel and a true gutsy melodic sound with Joel’s smooth but trademark edgy vocals and Joey’s old-soul glassy to grinding mature guitar work, their music transcends genres and generations.

Joel has returned to the city of his Rock and Roll roots, Cleveland Ohio, now as the solo artist Joel Ellis and producing partner of .5bd Music Productions to embark on the next chapter of his musical and artistic journey. Joel Ellis Music or JEM, will encompass unheard treasures from the past as well as new material and unique collaborations. Fans can expect the new multi-volume Real Heavy Bones and the WMG Heavy Bones ’92 debut remastered and specially packaged reissue in 2024 in addition to the full catalog of unreleased and past releases of Cats In Boots, Merri Hoaxx, and solo efforts of the Joel Ellis Masters Series, subscribe and follow one of Rock’s most talented artists at JoelEllisMusic.com.

The Real Heavy Bones Volume One is available January 12, 2024

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Facebook

Instagram

Spotify

Cats in Boots Instagram

Peace Through the Power of Art

VIPASSI Release Visualizer for New Single

January 3, 2024

VIPASSI have been carefully unlocking a mystery. The Australian quartet's new album, Lightless, explores all sorts of twisted phenomena, from the hooded ritual of "Phainesthai" to the distorted maze of "Labyrinthine Hex".

Today, these instrumental seekers are turning their all-seeing eye toward the future on new single, "Morningstar".

Watch the chilling visualizer below.

Lightless comes out January 26.

Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/vipassi-lightless

"Morningstar" gazes into an uncertain vision of the future. The song is blown open from the inside-out by a fretless low end that's warped and bottomless as a wormhole.

"A terrifying glimpse of the world beyond, visions of the future and its potential". That's how drummer Dan Presland describes his band's new single.

The breakdown is heavy, with blast beats that whirl by like asteroids. But on "Morningstar", Vipassi reach somewhere beyond the celestial. The way the dissonant riff floats through an eerie synthetic glint will have you seeing more than just stars.

"'Morningstar' is the true beginning of the spark that propels us through the album's journey toward its haunting finale", the band says.

As a purely instrumental band, Vipassi are blessed with a telepathic chemistry. No wonder they spin epic stories without uttering a single word.

In Buddhist tradition, VIPASSI is the twenty-second of the twenty-eight Buddhas. Etymologically, the name has its roots in clear vision – a being of extreme contemplation. The band of the same name is a world-spnning instrumental extreme metal band from the lands of Australia, France and the UK.

With members of acts such as Ne Obliviscaris, Black Lava, Hadal Maw & Virvum, their work on the 2017 debut album ‘Sunyata’, which has a loose signification of Emptiness or Void, set the grounds for a technically impressive and fully instrumental exploration of sonic textures in what can best be described as – a divine experience reaching the depths of the human soul.

Originally made as a project between Daniel Presland (Drums) and Ben Boyle (Guitars) as far back as 2007 to explore new concepts and sounds not currently engaged by their projects at the time, the band has since then grown and expanded to an international connection of like-minded musicians and virtuosos with Arran McSporran (Fretless Bass) and Benjamin Baret (Guitars).

Further exploring their labyrinthine textures and layers of sounds, the band Vipassi is back with their sophomore album ‘Lightless’. The album shifts from the realm of the void towards a clash of light and dark – and sees the band expanding into even more technical and experimental realms, pushing the limits of their own ideas and abilities to heights unimagined when the band began all those years ago.

Lineup
Daniel Presland - Drums
Ben Boyle - Guitars & Synths
Arran McSporran - Fretless Bass
Benjamin Baret - Guitar Solos

Recording
Bushido Studios, Melbourne, Australia with additional recording in Gandia, Spain & Bordeaux, France.

Production
Sound Engineer - Troy Mccosker
Mixing & Mastering Engineer - Mark Lewis

Cover Art
Xenoyr - https://www.xenoyr.com/

Bio
Sébastien Gamez

Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/vipassi-lightless

Available formats:
CD Digipak
Digital Download
12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Black & White Splatters

Links
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/vipassi/1082297817
Bandcamp: https://vipassi.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vipassiband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vipassiband/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7GWniL0LcVnR9Ptiaa5J1