Northlane Share "Afterimage" Video

March 5, 2024

Northlane have revealed their stunning new single "Afterimage" featuring Ian Kenny of Karnivool. "Afterimage" is the third piece of new music from the band’s forthcoming EP, Mirror's Edge, out April 12 (Independent).

Watch the visualizer below.

Northlane recently debuted "Afterimage" in the live realm during their huge Australian tour, which set the internet alight and left fans hanging to hear the studio version. A nod to their Node-era, Northlane have always pointed to Karnivool as one of their biggest influences; Ian Kenny’s vocals sit so naturally in "Afterimage" that the song feels written just for him. It makes sense given, according to guitarist Jon Deiley, touring with Karnivool in 2013 had such a profound impact on his songwriting.

"Touring with Karnivool changed my perspective on songwriting by showing me a solid groove is more interesting than some flashy technical bit. Writing a good groove means you can exploit it in different ways while still keeping it interesting over time," says Deiley. "Karnivool influenced Northlane by showing us that songwriting and nailing every transition live is more important than jumping around. We hopped on the 'Asymmetry' tour years ago and were still riding the success of 'Singularity' when we discovered pretty quickly some fans just want to stand and enjoy you playing the music perfectly. I think that's where our unhealthy hyper-critical evaluation of our performance came from!"

A pensive song about reflecting on the past whilst looking ahead to a better future, "Afterimage" arrives after previous singles "Miasma" and "Dante" and is the final preview before Mirror's Edge arrives on April 12.

Mirror's Edge was recorded with their old friend and revered producer Will Putney in August this year. Described by Jon Deiley (songwriter/guitarist) as "the greatest hits of Northlane sounds," the EP is a nostalgic journey through all the colors on their sonic palette, with bonus shades from special guests Winston McCall (Parkway Drive) and Ian Kenny (Karnivool/Birds of Tokyo) — two of the most influential artists in Northlane's history. Their former bass player, Brendon Padjasek, also stopped by the studio to lend his scream to one of the tracks.

Penned just over a year after the release of their #1 award-winning album, Obsidian, the road to Mirror's Edge was a bumpy one. Instead of riding high from the success of the album, the simmering tension and communication breakdown between band members threatened to engulf Northlane at any moment. Northlane tackled their issues head-on at a writing retreat in Victoria's Yarra Valley, where they worked through their problems and unlocked new channels of creativity in the process that reflects through the EP. From the expansive prog of "Afterimage" to their signature bottom-heavy groove and viscous breakdown of "Kraft" and compulsive beat and electronic focus of "Dante," Mirror's Edge is full of Northlane's most vivid colours and textures.

Thematically, the EP is about looking at yourself and reflecting on the past one final time before leaving it all behind to find hope in what lies beyond the mirror's edge. With the recurring theme of acceptance binding these songs together, frontman Marcus Bridge is hopeful that Mirror's Edge will be the coda on this part of his personal life, so much of which he has shared in the last couple of Northlane releases.

"It's like looking at your reflection, looking at the past and everything I've been thinking about, or caught up within the last little while," Bridge says. "There's not much positivity in these songs, but it is about acceptance. Hopefully, by putting these songs out, I can leave that stuff behind and I can kind of find a new direction and something to be positive about on the other side of this mirror's edge."

ABOUT NORTHLANE:
Northlane are a chart topping, award-winning metal band from Sydney, Australia. Through fearless evolution and unmatched innovation, Northlane have become vanguards of heavy music across the globe, entirely on their own terms. The band have released six acclaimed albums, including ARIA Chart #1 records Obsidian (2022) and Node (2015), alongside Singularity (2013), Mesmer (2017), and Alien (2019) which all debuted at #3. Northlane have also won three consecutive ARIA Awards for Best Hard Rock or Heavy Metal Album, as well as two AIR Awards for Best Independent Heavy Album.

WHILE SHE SLEEPS Announce New Album ‘SELF HELL’

March 5, 2024

As they approach the biggest headline show of their career to date at London’s legendaryAlexandra Palace, Sheffield quintet, WHILE SHE SLEEPS share their brand new single‘SELF HELL’, the title track to their long awaited sixth studio album, which will follow on March 15th, 2024.

Drawing upon a far wider palette of influences to create a sonic collage of each member’s musical passions, ‘SELF HELL’ feels like a second debut album from a band who have become such a vital force over the past decade. This incarnation of WHILE SHE SLEEPSis uncompromisingly unpredictable, the riffs are still granite heavy, but this album sees them drawing upon more diverse influences such as Aphex Twin, Gorillaz, Bicep, TheProdigy and Kendrick Lamar.

Those influences have seen a broader range of instruments incorporated on ‘SELF HELL’, especially with vintage synths such as the Korg MS-20 and the Behringer TD-3. Just as importantly was their attitude. WHILE SHE SLEEPS were all raised in mining villages around Sheffield and remembered how Britpop surrounded the environment during their youth, its working-class swagger informing the album’s defiant nothing-to-lose and everything-to-gain spirit.

Sean Long says,

“The name of the album is the foundation of how we view ourselves and the world. Everyone has a subjective experience like no other. Yet the constant that binds us IS the differences between us and the fact that we are all suffering in our own way. Don’t be too quick to judge and demonize, your time will come for redemption or damnification.

"We’ve been drawing inspiration from an array of misfit artists far from where you would usually pigeonhole WHILE SHE SLEEPS. Each member has brought in a different perspective of inspiration so far apart in genre that it has left us with a very odd and satisfying sonic. WHILE SHE SLEEPS will continue to keep the world guessing on what we will do next. Not only for the fans but this is a spiritual venture that we have to keep alive, moving, and constantly in flux. We do this by scaring ourselves with things we are not supposed to do. Every. Single. Day.”

The single ‘SELF HELL’ demonstrates the sonic leap-forward that WHILE SHE SLEEPS are taking with the album. It does seemingly everything all at once – huge riffs, thumping big beat grooves, a maelstrom of synth textures, melodic vocals contrasted with bloody-throated screams and swirling backing harmonies - all in a way that remains coherent while pushing their boundaries to a maximalist new level.

Watch the Music Video for "SELF HELL"

The album was produced by their long-term collaborator Carl Bown and the band’s guitarist, Sean Long. WHILE SHE SLEEPS - completed by Lawrence ‘Loz’ Taylor(vocals), Mat Welsh (guitar), Aaran Mckenzie (bass) and Adam Savage (drums) - recorded the album during sessions at Metropolis Studios in London, Treehouse Studio in Chesterfield, and their own Six Audio in Sheffield.

Pre-Order 'SELF HELL' HERE

Since debuting in 2012 with ‘This Is The Six’, WHILE SHE SLEEPS have gone from strength-to-strength, achieving a Top 10 breakthrough with "You Are We" as well as widespread critical acclaim for their most previous album, ‘Sleeps Society’.

They’ve consistently been a huge draw across European festivals, most memorably with an emotional return to the stage with 2021’s Download Pilot, a set that The Guardiandescribed “as undeniably Pilot’s finest hour – if not the finest in the entire Downloadlineage.” Fewer than 500 tickets remain available HERE for the landmark Alexandra Palace show. They will then play select gigs around Europe before hitting China, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand in December.

Whiskey Myers Announce Two-Night Return to Red Rocks: June 12 & 13, 2024

March 4, 2024

Following a 2022 Red Rocks Amphitheatre debut that sold out in a single day, prompting a two-night stand in 2023, chart-topping and genre-bending band Whiskey Myers will once again return for back-to-back nights in 2024, headlining the iconic open-air setting on June 12 with support by Black Pistol Fire and Jason Boland and the Stragglers plus June 13 with support by Anderson East and Vincent Neil Emerson.

In a special initiative to reward their most devoted fans, the band has also launched the Whiskey Myers App to serve as the ultimate hub for fans, providing early access to tickets, exclusive merchandise, interactive message boards and more. The app will also play a role in the band’s proactive efforts to combat scalpers and ensure that genuine fans have access to tickets at face value pricing.

Registered fans will enjoy a special Red Rocks presale beginning tomorrow, March 5, offering them the first opportunity to secure their seats for these in-demand shows. Tickets then go on sale to the general public this Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. local time.

“An outlier of alt-country with more thrust, Southern cousin of the Black Keys or spiritual grandchild of Waylon and Willie’s Outlaw Country, Whiskey Myers is currently taking a regional movement global,” declared POLLSTAR in the cover story celebrating the band’s initial outing at the historic venue, adding “Whiskey Myers offers sobering pieces of broken lives that go unseen.”

Today’s announcement builds upon the anticipation for the band’s Whiskey Myers 2024 Tour, kicking off this Friday, March 8 and featuring a headlining RodeoHouston appearance in front of more than 70,000 fans on March 11.

In addition to their own headlining dates, Whiskey Myers tops several festival lineups and will serve as direct support to Hank Williams, Jr. for four shows. Their own Wiggy Thump Festival also returns to their hometown of Palestine, Texas for the sixth year on April 20, with Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Brent Cobb and Joey Greer joining the event benefitting the local Anderson County Youth Livestock Association. Tickets are available HERE.

For the latest information, visit WhiskeyMyers.com, download the Whiskey Myers App and follow on social media @WhiskeyMyers.

Whiskey Myers 2024 Tour Dates:
* denotes direct support to Hank Williams, Jr.
^ denotes direct support to Zach Bryan
(visit WhiskeyMyers.com for support details specific to each headlining date)

March 8           Bossier, La.  ||  Brookshire Grocery Arena
March 9           Biloxi, Miss.  ||  Mississippi Coast Coliseum
March 11         Houston, Texas  ||  RodeoHouston
April 5             Birmingham, Ala.  ||  Legacy Arena*
April 6             Memphis, Tenn.  ||  Grind City Music Festival
April 12           Gonzales, Texas  ||  Cattle Country Fest
April 20           Palestine, Texas  ||  Wiggy Thump Festival
May 3              Little Rock, Ark.  ||  Simmons Bank Arena
May 4              Park City, Kan.  ||  Hartman Arena
May 5              Cedar Rapids, Iowa  ||  Alliant Energy Powerhouse
May 7              Sioux Falls, S.D.  ||  Denny Sanford Center
May 9              Minneapolis, Minn.  ||  The Armory
May 10            Peoria, Ill.  ||  Peoria Civic Center
May 11            Rogers, Ark.  ||  The Walmart AMP
May 24            Camdenton, Mo.  ||  Ozarks Amphitheater
May 25            Camdenton, Mo.  ||  Ozarks Amphitheater
June 12            Morrison, Colo.  ||  Red Rocks Amphitheatre
June 13            Morrison, Colo.  ||  Red Rocks Amphitheatre
June 15            Nampa, Idaho  ||  Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
June 16            Reno, Nev.  ||  Grand Theater at the Grand Sierra Resort
June 18            Santa Barbara, Calif.  ||  Santa Barbara Bowl
June 21            Concord, Calif. ||  Toyota Pavilion at Concord
June 22            Wheatland, Calif.  ||. Hard Rock Live
July 5              Chicago, Ill.  ||  Rosemont Theater
July 6              Sterling Heights, Mich.  ||  Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
July 7              Indianapolis, Ind.  ||  Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
July 9              Youngstown, Ohio  ||  The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre
July 11            Pikeville, Ky.  ||  Appalachian Wireless Arena
July 12            Huber Heights, Ohio  ||  Rose Music Center at The Heights
July 13            St. Louis, Mo.  ||  Saint Louis Music Park
Aug. 9             Atlantic City, N.J.  ||  Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Aug. 10           Virginia Beach, Va.  ||  Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater*
Aug. 13           Reading, Pa.  ||  Santander Arena
Aug. 15           Kingston, R.I.  ||  Ryan Center
Aug. 16           Bangor, Maine  ||  Maine Savings Amphitheater
Aug. 17           Gilford, N.H.  ||  BankNH Pavilion
Aug. 18           Bridgeport, Conn.  ||  Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Aug. 21           Asbury Park, N.J.  ||  Stone Pony Summer Stage
Aug. 23           Saratoga Springs, N.Y.  ||  Broadview Stage at SPAC*
Aug. 24           Syracuse, N.Y.  ||  Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater*
Aug. 31           Palmer, Alaska  ||  Alaska State Fair
Sept. 19           Louisville, Ky.  ||  Bourbon & Beyond^

About Whiskey Myers
Genre-bending band Whiskey Myers have played more than 2,500 live shows to ever-increasing crowd sizes since their emergence in 2007. In addition to headlining their own sold-out shows from coast to coast at iconic venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Ryman Auditorium, plus performing at marquee festivals Bonnaroo, Stagecoach, Download and more, the six-piece was also personally selected to open The Rolling Stones’ Chicago stadium show in 2019. Their latest self-produced album, Tornillo, available everywhere now via the band’s own Wiggy Thump Records, features the No. 17 most-played Americana song of 2022, “John Wayne,” and follows their fifth studio album, Whiskey Myers, which debuted at No. 1 on both the Country and Americana/Folk sales charts, at No. 2 on the Rock chart and No. 6 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart (No. 3 among new releases). In total, Whiskey Myers have sold more than 2 million albums and amassed over 2.8 billion streams while earning six RIAA Gold & Platinum certifications as an independent band. Known for their high-energy live show and unique sound, the band praised by Esquire as “the real damn deal” has also earned sync success with features (and an on-screen appearance) in Paramount’s hit show “Yellowstone” as well as Netflix series “What/If,” Angelina Jolie film “Those Who Wish Me Dead” and CBS series “SEAL Team,” among several others. USA Today describes their sound as “a riff-heavy blend of Southern rock and gritty country that has earned comparisons to the Allman Brothers Band and Led Zeppelin,” with Rolling Stone noting “it’s the seminal combination of twang and crunchy rock & roll guitars that hits a perfect sweet spot.”

Randy Houser and Justin Moore Join Forces for 'Country Round Here Tonight Tour'

March 4, 2024

Multi-Platinum country artists Randy Houser and Justin Moore announce their co-headlining Country Round Here Tonight Tour, playing 12 shows across the South, Northeast and Midwest later this year.

The tour kicks off in Charlotte, N.C. on Sept. 5 and includes a show at the iconic Stone Pony in Asbury Park, N.J. Houser and Moore will also perform their hit songs in Raleigh, Philadelphia, Houston and more before wrapping in Maryland Heights, Mo. on Oct. 12. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, March 8 at 10am local time.

Moore and Houser gave fans a preview of what’s to come last week with a surprise performance of Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville. Watch HERE.

Houser will perform headline and festival dates across the South, East, Midwest and Canada this year. For more information, visit RandyHouser.com.

Moore is currently on tour supporting Cody Johnson’s The Leather Tour. For more information, visit JustinMooreMusic.com.

About Randy Houser
With an inimitable voice The New York Times describes as “wholly different, thicker and more throbbing, a caldron bubbling over,” Randy Houser racked up three consecutive No. 1 hits and more than four million in singles sales to date with his Stoney Creek Records album How Country Feels. He topped the charts with the title track, “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” and “Goodnight Kiss” (also his first No. 1 as a songwriter) and earned critical acclaim for his powerful delivery of the Top 5 smash and CMA Song of the Year-nominated “Like A Cowboy.” Houser added a fourth No. 1 to his catalogue with “We Went” from his 2016 album, Fired Up. Houser’s sixth studio album Note To Self is available now via Magnolia Music Group and features 10 tracks all co-written by the Mississippi native. Lead single and title track “Note To Self” marked his “powerful return” following 2019’s critically-acclaimed album Magnolia, with MusicRow boasting the Mississippi native “ remains one of country music’s very finest vocalists.” His latest single “Cancel” is available now. For more information, visit RandyHouser.com.

HUNTERGIRL MAKES GRAND OLE OPRY DEBUT, EARNS LIVELY STANDING OVATION

March 4, 2024

First Female Country Artist in Over 30 Years to Write her Debut Radio Single By Herself, “Ain’t About You” Is Currently Climbing the Country Radio Charts

Opening for Luke Bryan on his “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour”

Starting June 22 in Bristow, Virginia

Over the weekend, Wheelhouse Records/19 Recordings' vocal powerhouse HunterGirl made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, invoking an impassioned, lively standing ovation from the packed-out Opry house - a bucket list wish she’s been dreaming of her whole life. For a glimpse into her debut, WATCH HERE. Delivering a raw, emotional and star-making performance of her debut radio single “Ain’t About You” and the heart-stirring unreleased track “Clockworks,” the American Idol runner-up is “...transcending from talented aspiring artist, to make her first steps toward the big leagues” (Billboard). Just named to CMT’s esteemed Next Women of Country, the “Artist to Watch” (Country Now, Wide Open Country) is proving she’s a “major, major new talent” (MusicRow).

“I have dreamed of playing at the Grand Ole Opry since I was a little girl,” says HunterGirl. “It was a full circle moment getting to step into the circle that night. Singing on that stage felt like becoming a part of something greater than myself.”

Additionally, Retired Army Lt. General Keith Huber along with Dr. Hilary Miller, Veterans Center Director, and Beverly Keel, Dean College of Media and Entertainment, from HunterGirl's alma mater of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), surprised her onstage with a customized blue flight jacket to celebrate her MTSU honorary professorship and everything she’s done for the university’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Center, as Charlie Daniels Jr. watched from the audience as she was honored for her vast contributions. Having first been connected to the center from her extensive work with veterans through Operation Song, Hunter continues to help veterans tell their stories through songs - a creative therapy she’s very passionate about coming from a military family.

“The rising country star has continued to work hard and put herself out there on incredibly sincere and emotionally-charged levels” (Country Now), which includes her critically acclaimed single “Ain’t About You” climbing the country radio charts.

Photo credit: (c) Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo

“one of those personal songs with universal relevance.” - Billboard

“Empowering and loaded with character and charisma. The ballad swells with positive vibes, and her vocal delivery has immense depth. This is a major, major new talent.” - MusicRow

“Vulnerable, Emotional” - CMT

“HunterGirl’s ‘Ain’t About You’ rises above toxic comparison and insecurity” – Taste of Country

“unbridled honesty” – American Songwriter

“The raw track is full of chilling conviction. The striking and painfully relatable lyrics truly fall out of the Tennessee girl in the most honest and humble of ways.” – All Country News

“The track is exactly what country music needs more of.” – Country Swag

Up next, the talented songstress will be joining Luke Bryan on his 2024 “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” this summer as well as making her debut at Tortuga Music Festival on April 5 and Faster Horses Festival on July 21.

About HunterGirl:

America’s sweetheart, vocal powerhouse, and esteemed songwriter HunterGirl has been performing since she was three years old and writing songs since she was nine. In her teens, she honed her craft by performing at venues across the United States and working with veteran non-profits such as Operation Song, Freedom Sings and A Soldier’s Child, using music therapy to help numerous vets transform their stories into songs. After high school, she moved to Nashville and immediately started playing gigs at Lower Broadway’s most famous venues including Tootsie’s, Rippy’s, Jason Aldean’s Bar, The Listening Room, and HonkyTonk Central, winning songwriting contests such as “Nash Next” and the prestigious “Nashville Songwriter Association International” in her spare time. Recently, she competed and placed second on the star-making competition series American Idol, where she delivered standout performances and won the hearts of millions across the country including Idol judge and Country superstar Luke Bryan who proclaimed her the “new age Miranda Lambert” and his “favorite female Country voice.” After topping the iTunes All Genre and Country charts with her wistful “Red Bird,” HunterGirl has been a guest on Good Morning America and Live with Kelly & Ryan as well as shared the stage with Country superstars Old Dominion, Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown, Alan Jackson, Lainey Wilson, Trace Adkins, Charlie Daniels, Sara Evans and more. Now, with the release of “Ain’t About You” that’s currently climbing the country radio charts, HunterGirl - who was just named to CMT’s esteemed Next Women of Country, made her Grand Ole Opry debut that earned her a lively standing ovation and will hit the road on Luke Bryan’s “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” this summer - becomes the first female country artist in over 30 years to write her debut radio single by herself. Praised by People for her “incredible voice” and CMT for her “soaring vocals and superstar potential,” “Ain’t About You” “rises above toxic comparison and insecurity” (Taste of Country) “with universal relevance” (Billboard). Chronicling “her current moment of transcending from talented aspiring artist to make her first steps toward the big leagues” (Billboard), HunterGirl - “a major, major new talent” (MusicRow) - is poised to become Country’s next big female artist.

Photo ID (L-R): Mike Terry (Opry), Beverly Keel (MTSU), HunterGirl, Retired Army Lt. General Keith Huber,
Dr. Hilary Miller (MTSU)
Photo credit: (c) Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo

KEEP UP WITH HUNTERGIRL

Extraordinary Berlin post-punk - CIRCOLO VIZIOSO presents violin-driven debut 'Verrückt' album

March 4, 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

"Hailstorm distortion... that great feel like it has its own time signature; speeding up and slowing down depending on their anger levels or the nervous urgency that bubbles to the surface. It sounds fresh and in the moment, in part due to it being written in a little over an hour" ~ Joyzine

"Cathartic, a taste of the actual sound of the grassroots music makers, a reminder of just how false the world we are offered through advertising, media, marketing, branding... A timely, sonic wake-up call" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

Kraut-inspired punk rock duo Circolo Vizioso presents their debut album 'Verrückt', an invigorating collection of tracks that channel a dystopian feeling of being stir crazy amidst an unjust society. Arriving four years after their 5-track 'Isolation' EP (2020), 'Verrückt' offers a powerful taste of high-intensity, lyric-driven post-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.

Earlier, the band presented the singles 'Walls', written in outrage over the Russian invasion in Ukraine, and 'Choppy', a high-octane song spawned from a bout of depression brought on by a failed love story.

"On 'Verrückt', we wanted to stretch the potential of the bass drum, the high hat, the snare and the tambourine to the utmost. As two people having to sing, play guitar and violin and drums at the same time makes it challenging to come up with refined and intricate drumming. But it does give us an interesting opportunity to exert a furious, instinctively ancestral and liberating beat on a few drums," says Tony Scafidi.

Paul Geigerzaehler adds, "We wanted to make an album that could express anger, frustration and disaffection against an unfair world and all the discomfort entwined therein. 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 let go of this batshit crazy world in a sort of self-exorcising dance, where one can go to sleep with the illusion of having sweat their demons off at least for the night."

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. Circolo Vizioso is these artists' attempt 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.
:
As of March 1, the full 'Verrückt' album is available via Bandcamp, and from other fine music platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. Circolo Vizioso's Paul Geigerzaehler has also just released his solo album 'KAPUTT' as a Bandcamp exclusive.

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 'Verrückt'
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
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Circolo Vizioso
Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

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

JULIEN-K Announces INDIEGOGO Campaign for DRK|MODE Album!

March 4, 2024

After 5 wildly successful #1 Indiegogo campaigns that have made Julien-K one of the highest earning crowdfunding bands in the world, the band has returned for their most ambitious campaign yet: DRK|MODE - A PURELY ELECTRONIC DARK INDUSTRIAL CREATION.

The campaign text alone is an undeniable example showing that the band has become masters of the art of gamification and teasing of new material and huge product drops. The band has created a long running narrative that is completely authentic yet somehow borders on fantasy that fans seem to love.

Julien-K casually drops another bomb on fans with their now classic playful yet ominous tone:

Do synthesizers feel pain?

We want to find out.

Can we create a compelling album through acoustic exclusion and electronic torture?
Possibly.

JOIN US IN DRK|MODE.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/julien-k-drk-mode#/

After their critically acclaimed and commercially successful return to their Orgy-esque roots in HARMONIC DISRUPTOR, they slowly began the "answer" to that album. That answer is called TRAUMA ECHOES.

"We started creating sludgy, guitar heavy, emotional electro-rock as a path out of the JKHD universe - but we kept finding ourselves pulled to heavy a synthetic 4 on the floor heartbeat. That heartbeat cut a new path that lead us through a new doorway."

"This unexpected dichotomy in our approach confused us at first, but over time it became clear that that we were being led down the path to two separate works of art. Two disparate projects. Twin shadows walking alone in the same darkness."

"The divergent undersurface of TRAUMA ECHOES had to be free of our well known guitar heavy approach. It had to be pure electro. It was a challenge to speak this new language only using machines. Could we create a sound that was definitively JULIEN-K without our guitars? An entire album of it?? Would the fans that have had our backs for so many years support an idea like this?"

This was the beginning of DRK|MODE.

Ryan Shuck says of the bands new campaign “We really broke the mold and set records with our last campaigns, but at this point we’re extremely cautious with our expectations. Will this campaign be so surprisingly successful? We just don't know - it’s not a “new” concept anymore. All we can do is unleash our creativity and energy and do the BEST we possibly can to create a compelling and comprehensive world for our fans to participate in. So far, if we focus on that - we have succeeded every time. We have to have faith in our fans.”

Julien-K is an independent electro-rock band formed in Long Beach CA in 2008 by long time friends and collaborators Amir Derakh and Ryan Shuck (founding members of Orgy, Dead By Sunrise). Later joined by Anthony “Fu” Valcic in 2009, the band recorded it’s now classic debut album Death To Analog. Over the last 10 years, the band has released multiple albums and toured extensively, and has become one of the most successful crowd-funded bands in the world. Despite the band's dark & stylistic videos and Blade Runner-esque imagery, the band has focused on a totally “connected” independent and authentic fan-focused career path - often avoiding a more classic commercial approach.

For More Information Please visit:

Ace Frehley's '10,000 Volts' Debuts at #1 on Current Hard Music, Rock Charts; #2 Independent

March 4, 2024

“'10,000 Volts, [is] a new solo album that’s crackling with energy and personality." -- Associated Press
"'10,000 Volts,' in its own time, in its own way, is similarly staggering – quite simply, OVERWHELMING. 10,000/10 -- Ghost Cult Magazine

RRHOF-inductee and guitar legend Ace Frehley has topped both the Hard Music and Rock Album Charts with his new album, 10,000 Volts. Additionally, the album comes in at #2 on the Independent Chart, #3 on the Internet Albums Charts, and #4 on the Vinyl, Album Sales, and Current Album Sales Charts. The album has also charted internationally, debuting at #1 on the Sweden physical album chart, #13 in Switzerland, #13 on the UK Independent Album Breakers Chart, and #21 on the German album chart, with more to come. 10,000 Volts was released on February 23, 2024 via MNRK Heavy, and has sold more in the first week of release than his last studio album, 2018's Spaceman.

10,000 Volts was produced and co-written by Ace and Steve Brown, and the uncontainable energy on the 11 tracks showcases some of Ace's best works since his '78 solo album.

There were 20 vinyl variants available for this project, in addition to the CD and digital versions. Due to overwhelming demand from Ace's fans stateside, European vinyl variants are also now available in the American market. The variants feature unique and visually stunning vinyl colors, including "Metal Gym Locker Splatter," "Dragons Den," and "Orange Tabby." This move directly responds to Ace's audience's requests, showcasing MNRK's commitment to delivering what fans truly desire.

Ace released three videos for the project: "10,000 Volts," "Walkin' on the Moon," and, most recently, "Cherry Medicine."

10,000 Volts upholds an incredible legacy for Frehley, spanning 50-plus years in the limelight. Back in 1978, he delivered his solo debut, Ace Frehley. It reached platinum status and exploded as “the highest-selling of the four Kiss solo albums in the Soundscan era.” Pitchfork even retrospectively rated it a rare “8.5” score. In 1987, he dropped Frehley’s Comet. Following Anomaly in 2009, he went on to make history once again. His 2014 Space Invader LP captured #9 on the Billboard 200 and emerged as “The only solo album by a past or current Kiss member to reach the Top 10 on the chart.” 2016’s Origins Vol. 1, bowed at #1 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums Chart and in the Top 5 of the Billboard Top Rock Albums Chart. He notably maintained his momentum with Spaceman [2018].

Stream / Get 10,000 Volts here:

Connect with Ace:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok

I Prevail + Halestorm Anounce Co-Headline Summer 2024 Tour

March 4, 2024

TICKETS GO SALE ON FRIDAY, MARCH 8 AT 10AM LOCAL TIME

Another "can't miss" tour of Summer 2024 is here!

Halestorm and I Prevail will embark on a massive co-headline tour this summer, produced by Live Nation. The tour kicks off on July 9 in Raleigh and runs through August 17 in Las Vegas.

Hollywood Undead and Fit For A King will serve as support, making this a powerhouse package that will be remembered as one of Summer 2024's best lineups.

Various pre-sales start tomorrow. The general on-sale is set for Friday, March 8 at 10am local time. Get tickets here or here.

All dates are below.

"We're thrilled to join forces with Halestorm this summer," states I Prevail's Eric Vanlerberghe. "Touring with Halestorm is long overdue, as we admire their talent, energy, and dedication to rock music, and are thrilled to finally see it happen. This is going to be one of the best tours of the summer and one of the best we've ever done."

"Freaks, we are so proud to announce that we are joining forces with I Prevail," says Halestorm's Lzzy Hale. "This isn’t your typical summer tour. This is two worlds colliding under one haven for our collective armies. And bringing you a show unlike any we've done before! We have a lot of surprises in store, so get your tickets now for an experience none of us will forget!"

Halestorm have partnered with mental health organization Sound Mind Live to engage fans to pledge support that will provide free-to-the-community mental health programming across the country for fans and the broader community.

HALESTORM + I PREVAIL ON TOUR:
WITH HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD + FIT FOR A KING:
7/9 — Raleigh, NC — Coastal Credit Union Music Park
7/11 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center
7/13 — Clarkston, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre
7/15 — Gilford, NH — BankNH Pavilion
7/16 — Boston, MA — Leader Bank Pavilion
7/18 — Toronto, ON — Budweiser Stage
7/21 — Tinley Park, IL — Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
7/23 — Bridgeport, CT — Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
7/24 — Scranton, PA — Pavilion @ Montage Mountain
7/26 — Holmdel, NJ — PNC Bank Arts Center
7/27 — York, PA — York Fair^
7/30 — Mansfield, OH — Inkcarceration*
7/31 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
8/1 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/3 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion
8/4 — Franklin, TN — FirstBank Amphitheater
8/7 — St. Louis, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
8/8 — Rogers, AR — Walmart AMP
8/10 — Woodlands, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Presented by Huntsman
8/11 — Irving, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
8/13 — Denver, CO — Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre*^
8/14 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater
8/16 — Phoenix, AZ — Arizona Financial Theater
8/17 — Las Vegas, NV — Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort
*Festival
^Non-Live Nation Date

ABOUT HALESTORM:
Having amassed over 2.5 Billion streams globally, the Grammy-Award winning band Halestorm has grown from a childhood dream of siblings Lzzy and Arejay Hale into one of the most celebrated rock bands of the last two decades. Most recently, the band released Back From The Dead, their fifth full-length studio album which has tallied over 100 Million streams worldwide. Rolling Stonecalled the title track "a biting but cathartic howler about overcoming all obstacles,” and that song as well, as "The Steeple," marked their fifth and sixth number ones at rock radio, respectively. Associated Press said the album "will definitely be in the running for best hard rock/metal album of the year." Their previous album, Vicious, earned the band their second Grammy nomination, for Best Hard Rock Performance for the song "Uncomfortable," the band's fourth #1 at rock radio, and led Loudwire to name Halestorm "Rock Artist of the Decade" in 2019. Fronted by the incomparable Lzzy Hale with drummer Arejay Hale, guitarist Joe Hottinger, and bass player Josh Smith, Halestorm's music has earned multiple Platinum and Gold Certifications from the RIAA, and the band has earned a reputation as a powerful live music force, headlining sold-out shows and topping festival bills around the world, and sharing the stage with icons including Heaven & Hell, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett, and Judas Priest. Additionally, Lzzy was named the first female brand ambassador for Gibson and served as host of AXS TV's "A Year in Music."

ABOUT I PREVAIL:
I Prevail have established themselves as the forerunners of the genre in the 21st century. Their latest release TRUE POWER, once again produced by Tyler Smyth, features the sort of stadium-sized riffs that will rattle your teeth loose from your gums and unforgettable, supremely catchy melodies that will camp out in your brain for weeks at a time. The band also alternately mixes screamed vocals that sound as though they crawled from the depths of hell with soaring, emotional vocals and heartfelt, intimate lyrics that go so deep, they hit marrow. The end result is an album that resonates with the listener in the most personal way. Rising to an arena level and receiving two Grammy nominations — Best Rock Album for Trauma and Best Metal Performance for crushing lead single "Bow Down" — I Prevail proved that they were built to last. To date, they've racked up more than 4.1 billion global streams, are approaching 716 million YouTube views, and saw both "Hurricane" and "Bad Things" singles top Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in 2020 and 2022 respectively. A number of their singles and album Lifelines have now been certified Gold and Platinum, and they have been praised by press far and wide, including Forbes, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and NPR. I Prevail have affirmed their position among the genre's elite.

ABOUT HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD:
Formed in 2005, Hollywood Undead inched towards mainstream dominance under the radar with unprecedented success for a modern band. Preceding the current playlist-hopping genre-less boom, they defied stylistic boundaries from day one integrating rap, rock, and electronic. The band will be heading back out on the road in the Fall of 2023 with hip hop legend Tech N9ne co-head lining the HOLLYWOOD & N9NE Tour in support of their 8th studio album, Hotel Kalifornia.

ABOUT FIT FOR A KING:
Fit For A King's musical style is rooted in metal and hardcore and uplifted by hypnotic hooks. Following the breakout LP Creation/Destruction [2013], they earned four consecutive Top 5 debuts on the Top Hard Rock Albums Chart with Slave to Nothing [2014], Deathgrip [2016], Dark Skies [2018], and The Path [2020]. The latter marked their first Top 10 on the Billboard Top Album Sales Chart. Plus, the band collaborated with fellow heavy-hitters such as August Burns Red and We Came As Romans. They've generated nearly 435 million streams over the course of their career, have toured with Pierce the Veil, I Prevail, The Devil Wears Prada, Motionless in White, and many more. Their latest The Hell We Create is out now via Solid State Records.

Benighted Release New Single Feat. Oli Peters from Archspire

March 4, 2024

On their upcoming new album, Benighted crawl through a house of horrors. Ekbom doesn't tread so much as it tramples the line between sanity and madness. After all, the title takes its name from a real-life syndrome that makes people believe their skin is infested with bugs.

Today, the brutal French death metal band are releasing the second single off Ekbom. "Nothing Left to Fear" features Oli Peters from their label mates Archspire. Peters adds a new dimension of vocal terror, twisting seamlessly with Benighted's terrifying speed. While inspired by truly horrifying tales of psychological suffering, at 402 BPM, this new single proves that when it comes to the realm of death metal, Benighted are fearless.

Listen to "Nothing Left to Fear":

Ekbom is out April 12 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/BenightedEkbom
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/benightedekbompresave

"'Nothing Left to Fear' features our brother and incredible vocalist Oli from Archspire", says Benighted. "This is the fastest track we've ever written. It starts off at 402 bpm! The combination of Julien and Oli's vocals makes it soooo brutal! We hope you like this new song and share it to the maximum. Enjoy!"

Benighted are hitting the road in April for the Hellfest Warm-up Tour. Along with their signature style of brutal death metal, the French band are bringing along the support of Ten56 for these 13 lucky shows. Rise of the North Star, Stinky & KAMIZOL K will also join them on select dates.

Dive into the darkest realms of the human psyche as BENIGHTED, the French purveyors of brutal death metal & grindcore, unleash their tenth full-length album Ekbom in April 2024. The madness that has defined their discography continues with this radical soundtrack to the twisted times we inhabit.

Born from French Death and Black metal bands DISHUMANIZED, DARKNESS FIRE, and OSGILIATH, Benighted emerged in 1998 with a mission to explore a more brutal, heavy, and modern form of musical expression. The impact of their first self-produced and self-titled full-length album in 2000 transformed Benighted from a side-project into a main act, quickly amassing a devoted fan base. Subsequent albums like Psychose (2002), Insane Cephalic Production (2004), Identisick(2006), and Icon (2007) further cemented their visceral, skull-breaking sound into extreme death metal history.

After a detour into the realms of Necrobreed in 2017, Benighted celebrated their 20th anniversary by capturing the live madness with Dogs Always Bite Harder Than Their Master in 2018.

With Obscene Repressed, they once again took sadistic pleasure in pushing the boundaries of brutality, delving into the disturbed mind of little Michael. His relentless battle against demons, fueled by unresolved oedipal issues with his mother, provided a grotesque tableau for Benighted's sonic butchery. Not content with merely slaughtering everything in their auditory path, Benighted crafted thematically explorative pieces, each turn in their music revealing new layers of horror and despair.

As the relentless journey continues, Benighted is set to unleash Ekbom in April 2024, an album that draws inspiration from the nightmarish 'Ekbom syndrome.' This rare neurological disorder, also known as Delusional Parasitosis, forms the thematic core of the upcoming release. A feeling of having a vile concoction of parasites, worms, and insects crawling under your skin is an apt description of what Benighted have to offer on this newest release. The auditory assault mirrors the repulsive sensations of the syndrome, a visceral and unsettling journey into the abyss of the human mind.

Madness reigns yet again, this time intertwining with the haunting echoes of Ekbom syndrome. Brace yourselves for another mind-shattering chapter in the Benighted saga as they continue to carve their niche in the putrid annals of extreme metal, leaving a trail of sonic disgust in their wake.

Line-up
Julien Truchan - Vocals
Emmanuel Dalle - Guitars
Pierre Arnoux - Bass
Kevin Paradis - Drums

Recording studio
Kohlekeller Studios, Germany (Powerwolf, Aborted, Crematory)

Producer, Sound, Mixing & Mastering engineer
Kristian Kohlmannslehner

Guest musicians
Oliver Peters (Archspire) on "Nothing Left to Fear"
Xavier Chevalier (Blockheads) on "Fame of the Grotesque"

Biography: Sébastien Gamez

Cover art: Grindesign (Rob Borbas)

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

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/BenightedEkbom

Links:
Official Website: https://www.benighted.fr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brutalbenighted
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benighted_band/
Bandcamp: https://benighted.bandcamp.com/music
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/brutalbenighted
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benighted_band
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@_BENIGHTED
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dUwIwaPc6UukkCZTaaf7J
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/benighted/267088245
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3919180

Booking Contact:
France: Rage Tour - philippe@ragetour.com
Worldwide: Redback Promotion - ronny@redback-promotion.com

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Crystal Clear
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Transparent Yellow & Black Marbled
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Golden
12" Liquid Vinyl Gatefold - Blood Red Liquid-Filled

FRAZI.ER NYC DEBUT [MUTUAL RYTM / EXHALE ]

March 4, 2024

As one of Scotland’s most prominent rising techno talents, Frazi.er is an artist who is definitively pioneering the latest generation of clubbing fanatics. His unique highly-sought-after brand of uncompromising, rave-oriented techno has been drawing the praises of all who have witnessed him in the flesh, and at his young age he has already played in over 30 countries across the globe. Releasing on EXHALE, Hydraulix, Sleaze Records and with new music forthcoming on career defining labels, his raw sound is picking up credibility and quick identity!

Frazi.er is no stranger to big projects having shared decks with the likes of Dax J, Amelie Lens, Kobosil, KlangKuenstler, Robert Hood, Speedy J, SHDW & Obscure Shape to name a few. Although some may only know him for his fast, energetic sounds, his versatility to adapt makes him stand out as an overall artist.

BUY TICKETS

📍 H0l0

🚪 Doors open at 11:00 PM - 6:00 am
🎫 Tickets available from $19 Ticket tier selling out!

Toronto-based The Shadow Majlis debuts album 'The Departure'

March 4, 2024

"A powerful achievement... I believe that there are certain tracks and moments that act as portals into another dimension - I'm not being fanciful here!" ~ David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets)

"With Ali Jafri at the helm on vocals, guitars, bass, electric sitar, synths, programming, this debut offering from The Shadow Majlis is diverse and stunning, involving a dream-team – not only in terms of production, but also collaborators, ranging from true music legends of our generation and top-notch artists from around the world" ~ The Spill Magazine

Toronto-based artist The Shadow Majlis presents their debut album 'The Departure', 10 tracks that showcase genre-fluid excellence and a wealth of raw emotional experience, fusing elements of Eastern modes with post-punk and immerses listeners in an alternative neo-global style that transcends borders. Just as the album's title suggests, this is a departure from the norm, a journey into something other, where there are no limits.

Revolving around Ali Jafri, whose reputation as a formidable and versatile multi-instrumentalist has led to involvement in various projects over the years. Whether as a member of David J's live band, playing rock-sitar for Pigface (or through his other projects ARIEL, The Gotham City Drugstore, Saintfield or his solo work), Ali Jafri has cultivated a multi-cultural artistic and musical vision. Now, he's bringing that vision further to fruition via The Shadow Majlis.

Produced and mixed by three-time Grammy Award winning producer David Bottrill (Peter Gabriel, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Tool, David Sylvian, Mastodon, Smashing Pumpkins, Muse, Real World Studios), with Darren McGill engineering the album. Mastered by Noah Mintz, the cover art was created by Stephen Seto (Splintercage).

With Ali Jafri at the helm on vocals, guitars, bass, electric sitar, synths, programming, the debut album features the legendary David J (Bauhaus, Love & Rockets) on bass and drummer-percussionist Rakesh Tewari (Jaffa Road, The Special Interest Group). Adding colour and depth are various guest performers, including vocalist Olena Tsybulska (DakhaBrakha), guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite (The Mission, Peter Murphy, MGT, Tricky, Gary Numan), cellist Anne Bourne (Loreena McKennitt, Jane Siberry), Tuvan throat singer Soriah, Ravi Naimpally (Niyaz, Constantinople) on tabla, Pankaj Mishra on sarangi, Selmanpak Ayduz on ney, Kerem Koktas on kemanche, and Sasha Singer-Wilson on backing vocals.

Blending alternative music with the rich, diverse instrumentation and rhythms of world music, The Shadow Majlis leaves a distinct imprint on the ever-evolving soundscape. Recorded in Toronto, LA, Portland, Istanbul, Kyiv and Iceland, this is truly an international affair, with languages such as Urdu, Farsi, Arabic, Icelandic and Ukrainian woven with English throughout this album.

The most poignant and powerful artistic output stems from tragedy, and The Shadow Majlis is no exception. Amid a deluge of personal upheaval, this album has been Jafri's means to address his grief over losing his seven-year-old son Oisín, who passed away in September 2022 after a nine-month battle with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (a highly aggressive form of brain cancer), the dissolution of his conjugal relationship, and a year-long state of temporary homelessness. Recovering from such devastation is no simple task, but The Shadow Majlis has offered Jafri medicine for his soul, while presenting us an alternative sonic reality in which we can all find solace and relief.

"With the inspiration of his son's passing, he told me he wanted to create something to honor Oisín as well as cathartically express his experience. It was not to be traditional but experimental, incorporating his industrial sensibility, but also with an international flavor... The emotion was all Ali, and with his raw lyrics and strong melodies over the top of dark and beautifully gut-wrenching tracks, we hope we have created something both passionate and heartfelt that can reach others either suffering loss or grief, or conversely experiencing elation or euphoria as we believe it can touch either," says David Bottrill.

Calling the album a powerful achievement, David J adds, "I believe that there are certain tracks and moments that act as portals into another dimension - I'm not being fanciful here!"

As of February 27, 'The Departure' album will be available exclusively from the artist via Bandcamp. That evening, Ali Jafri will be holding an album listening and viewing party at Ground Control in Toronto. Made possible through funding received from FACTOR, the album will be released on other platforms in early March and then in physical format this spring.

ALBUM CREDITS
Ali Jafri - vocals, guitars, bass VI, electric sitar, percussion, programming, synthesizers, electronics, solfeggio pipes
David Bottrill - backing vocals, electronics, synthesizers
David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets) - bass
Rakesh Tewari (Jaffa Road, The Special Interest Group) - drums, percussion
Olena Tsybulska (DakhaBrakha) - vocals
Mark Gemini Thwaite (Peter Murphy, Tricky, The Mission) - guitars
Anne Bourne (Loreena McKennit, Jane Siberry) - cello
Sasha Singer-Wilson - backing vocals
Soriah - Tuvan Throat Singing, Flute
Ravi Naimpally (Niyaz, Constantinople) - tabla
Pankaj Mishra - sarangi
Selmanpak Ayduz - ney
Kerem Koktas - kemancheh
Oisin Adams-Jafri - vocals, percussion, solfeggio pipes
Zayn Jafri - piano
Oscar Adams-Jafri - solfeggio pipes

All songs written by Ali Jafri and David Bottrill, except 'Elliðakot' (written by Ali Jafri) and 'The Departure (Kolyskova)' (written by Ali Jafri, David Bottrill and Olena Tsybulska)
Produced & Mixed by David Bottrill
Engineering by Darren McGill at Union Sound Company & David Bottrill at at Mainstatiion Music and Imagine Sound
Mastered by Noah Mintz at Lacquer Channel
Graphic Design & Illustration by Stephen Seto
Photography by Justin Minister @secondhand_daylight
For Oisín...

Morgan Wallen Commemorates 'One Thing At A Time’s' 1 Year w/ “Abbey Road Sessions” Release

March 4, 2024

One year ago today, on 3/3/23, Morgan Wallen released One Thing At A Time, an album that went on to top the Billboard Top 200 chart for 18-non-consecutive weeks, tying Garth Brooks’ 1991 Ropin’ the Wind record with the most weeks at No. 1 for a Country album and becoming the most-streamed album of the year, all genres, on Spotify. To commemorate its one-year anniversary, Wallen surprised-released his Abbey Road Sessions this afternoon (3/3/24). Songs were recorded in London in the iconic Studio Two at the world-renowned Abbey Road Studios on December 5, 2023. Watch/listen HERE.

“Playing the O2 in London last fall and getting to record at Abbey Road, where so much iconic music has been made, was legendary for me and my band. We will never forget it," shares Wallen of his trip overseas that included a sold-out show at the O2 for his first-time playing London. “I’m so excited to release these Abbey Road Sessions for my fans on the one-year anniversary of One Thing At A Time. They make all this possible.”

The digital series includes five live recordings from One Thing At A Time, an unreleased fan-favorite, “Lies Lies Lies,” and a never-before-recorded cover of Nothing But Thieves’ “Graveyard Whistling.”

With over 2.4 million ticket holders attending his current One Night At A Time World Tour, Wallen continues to prioritize his fans and his live show experience as the place to see and hear the Pollstar and Billboard Music Awards’ Top Country Tour winner.

Visit MorganWallen.com for more information and full tour details.

About Morgan Wallen
When 11-time 2023 Billboard Music Awards-winner and Top Male Artist Morgan Wallen released his third studio albumOne Thing At A Time in 2023, its instant success left The New York Times proclaiming Wallen as “one of the biggest stars in pop, period.” One Thing At A Time has remained atop the all-genre Billboard 200 chart for 18 non-consecutive weeks, tying Garth Brooks’ Ropin’ the Wind with the most weeks at No. 1 for a Country album, and was the most-streamed album of the year on Spotify. The album’s 6x-Platinum single “Last Night” reeled in over 1.5 billion streams globally, becoming the most-streamed song of any genre in the U.S. across Apple Music and Spotify, and the longest running No. 1 solo song in Hot 100 history (16 weeks total).

With 11 chart-toppers at Country radio, Wallen recently wrapped his 5 countries/3 continents 57-show One Night At A Time World Tour stadium tour. Playing to over 1 million fans in 2023, Wallen’s One Night At A Time World Tour was named Pollstar's Country Tour of the Year, surpassing attendance records in numerous stops; including Ohio Stadium, where Wallen became the largest weekend ever for the venue, shattering records previously held by George Strait and Taylor Swift. Resuming this April in Indianapolis, Indiana, the 2024 extension of One Night At A Time takes Wallen to 29 additional stadium-plays. Wallen donates $3 from every U.S. ticket sold to his Morgan Wallen Foundation.

Contracult Release New EP 'The Process' via Art is War Records!

March 4, 2024

Gothic sensation Contracult has just unveiled their latest EP, The Process, now available on all major platforms courtesy of the renowned Art is War Records.

In addition, the band has been added to the lineup for Maneframe Festival that is hosted by Ghostemane.
Tickets are available at https://brutalassault.cz/en/maneframe

Gothic sensation Contracult has just unveiled their latest EP, The Process, now available on all major platforms courtesy of the renowned Art is War Records.

In addition, the band has been added to the lineup for Maneframe Festival that is hosted by Ghostemane.
Tickets are available at https://brutalassault.cz/en/maneframe

This is the all-encompassing motive behind the 2-piece industrial metal band Contracult. Comprised of the scorching stylings of Travis Bacon and Nicholas Emde, the Los Angeles-based goth outfit has become a beacon for dark culture, creating a safe and reliable space for fellow outcasts.

Discussing themes of pain, mental health, kink/BDSM, queerness, and the discontent of artistry in the modern world, Contracult takes pride in offering something different, fresh, and hot to the touch. Having found themselves playing in a metal band dubbed White Widows Pact, Bacon and Emde realized their shared interest in industrial music's big hooks and fierce guitars.

Although it wasn't necessarily a popular sound, it fueled their fire. "Be the band you want to hear even if it's contrary to what's popular at the time. Be the contrary, contradict, Contracult," notes the band. Today, Contracult has amassed thousands of monthly listeners across streaming platforms while exploding stages at Welcome to Rockville 2021, Louder Than Life 2021, and Aftershock 2021.

Smashing racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia along the way, Contracult is currently cleaning its slate, releasing a series of remixes on their popularsongs for the rest of 2023. But what should we expect in the new year? A focused, darker, and evolved sound with inspiration from acts like NIN, Fear Factory, Ghostmane, Front Line Assembly, Ministry, Paradise Lost, and Type O Negative.

Contracult:
Vocals/Production: Travis Bacon
Guitar: Nick Emde

For More Information Please Visit:

Kurt Deimer Releases New Single "Dance" on March 1, 2024; Announces Headline Tour Dates, Featuring Shows Alongside Tesla!

March 4, 2024

Kurt Deimer's newest single, "Dance," released , March 1, 2024, is a testament to resilience and the ability to find inspiration in challenging circumstances. The single is a precursor to his highly anticipated debut album, And So It Begins.., slated for release later this year.

Kurt comments, "I boarded a Southwest flight in January of 2022. It was a last minute flight, and I was crammed against a window for a 4 plus hours. I convinced myself to endure this flight I was gonna to write a killer song."

He continues, “'Dance' is about life. It has its ups and downs. Life can be quiet and serene. Then it can be turbulent and stormy. It can create a war within your mind, heart and soul. We all have to teach ourselves to dance through the good and bad in life. Enjoy life. Embrace life, escape negativity before it consumes us. Writing this song helped me escape a bad situation on this flight. I did not let the circumstances consume me. I wrote 'Dance' to get me through it."

Kurt's resilience in converting a challenging situation into a creative triumph exemplifies the transformative power of music. "Dance" is a reminder to cherish life's moments and embrace positivity.

In support of the single, Kurt has announced the much-anticipated tour dates set to take center stage in 2024. The tour promises an electrifying musical experience, with Deimer's solo headline performances and special appearances alongside the legendary band, Tesla.

The tour announcement follows Deimer's recent successful single release "Doom," which captivated audiences worldwide with its innovative sound and soul-stirring lyrics. Renowned for his dynamic stage presence and ability to infuse passion into every performance, Kurt Deimer is set to raise the bar yet again with this upcoming tour.

Stay tuned for further updates and announcements regarding ticket sales, additional tour dates, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content by following Kurt Deimer'sofficial social media channels.

In a world that seems to be spiraling out of control, Kurt Deimer is a man with a very clear mission: Work Hard, Rock Hard, Play hard and Spread positivity. In fact, his mantra could be summed up: “Take the high road, do the right thing, encourage others.” It sounds like a tall order these days in a world full of warring factions. And it’s an unusual mission for a singer/songwriter vocalist whose music could be described as hard rock, even heavy metal – genres that are not always synonymous with positivity.

Deimer, for his part, describes his work as good old fashioned rock and roll. “And it’s as good a vehicle as any for spreading good vibes” he says. “I’m here to encourage others to treat people with respect, dignity and kindness,” he says. “I’ve been through a lot of things in my life and I try to share that with others and be a beacon of hope for my listeners.”

That positivity and perseverance has paid off for the native of Cincinnati, Ohio. He’s not only launched a movie franchise, Hellbilly Hollow, by filming and starring in a feature length horror film of the same name. He’s also recorded more than two dozen songs with legendary producer Chris Lord-Alge (Green Day, James Brown and the Rolling Stones), his management team includes Brian Wheat, manager of TESLA who discovered him while opening for TESLA.

Chris Lord-Alge says he was drawn to Kurt’s originality as an artist. “I saw something completely different in Kurt, and that was the lure for me. He isn’t a typical rock or country artist – I love hearing him talk and narrating a story, and I was drawn to taking those stories and helping turn them into music. He’s a personality, he’s someone you want to talk to.”

Things have not always been positive in Deimer’s world. At age 20, as a young rock vocalist, he found himself in the grips of drug addiction. He later discovered he was using substances to medicate an underlying anxiety condition. At that young age, he quit drugs, got help for his anxiety and never looked back.

He eventually started buying and selling rental properties and used that money to start the first of several successful companies he owns. Despite making his mark in the business world, Deimer didn’t feel ready to settle down and “join the country club and play golf all day” – so at an age when most people start thinking about slowing down, he started to speed up.

Inspired by the artists that helped shape him – Boston, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Marley and AC/DC, to name just a few – he started writing song lyrics.

Inspired by his love of movies and acting roles in films including the 2018 ‘Halloween’ remake – where his character was killed by Michael Myers – and John Travolta’s ‘Trading Paint,’ he started hashing out a movie concept that became his eventual Hellbilly Hollow feature film and franchise.

Deimer has supported Geoff Tate on an expansive cross-country tour that highlighted material from his debut EP, that came out on November 19, 2021, which includes a duet with Tate and a trilogy of music videos directed by Scottish filmmaker Paul Boyd [Sting, Deadmau5, The Cult] that spotlight Deimer’s cinematic vision and charismatic presence. Along with many other supporting shows including TESLA, Drowning Pool and Yngwie Malmsteen all this within the first two years of touring.

For Deimer, the inspiration is to make the world a better place one song at a time, singing about the ills of the 21st century and offering solutions instead of excuses. “When people listen to my music, I want to help them decompress and feel better after a brutal day. That’s what music always did for me, and that’s what we need more of today.”

Kurt Deimer Tour Dates:

3-01 Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, KY with Tesla
3-02 Blue Gate PAC in Shipshewana, IN with Tesla
3-04 Hard Rock Cafe in Pittsburgh, PA
3-05 America Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA with Tesla
3-06 Sound Board in Detroit, MI with Tesla
3-07 WC Social Club in Chicago, IL
3-08 Epic Event Ctr in Green Bay, WI with Tesla
3-12 Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN with Tesla
3-13 DPAC in Durham, NC with Tesla
3-15 Zen West in Baltimore, MD
3-16 MGM NORTHFIELD in Northfield, OH with Tesla
3-17 The Blue Note in Harrison, OH with Texas Hippie Coalition
3-22 Cosmic Eye Brewing in Lincoln, NE
3-23 Bigs Bar in Sioux Falls, SD
3-24 The Marquee in Sioux City, IA
5-29 Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs, CO with Tesla
5-31 HOB in Dallas, TX with Tesla
6-04 ACL Live in Austin, TX with Tesla
6-05 The Aztec Theatre in San Antonio, TX with Tesla
6-07 HOB in Houston, TX with Tesla
6-08 The Fillmore in New Orleans, LA with Tesla
6-11 Mission Ballroom in Denver, CO with Tesla

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AFTERMATH Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Their Album 'Eyes of Tomorrow'!

March 4, 2024

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Aftermath's Thrash Masterpiece,

Eyes of Tomorrow

Listen to the album here:

Spotify

Aftermath Chicago

The band will be giving away some of the original pressings of the CD that are super rare. Drop a comment on THIS POST to be eligible.

Three decades ago, in the rebellious spirit of 1988/89, Aftermath forged their underground thrash classic, Eyes of Tomorrow. Though the musical brilliance had already taken shape, the album's arrival in stores faced an unexpected delay, pushing its release to March 1994. This unique timeline, resulting from a label bankruptcy during recording sessions, only adds to the mystique of this iconic record.

The album, which spearheaded a new era in thrash metal when initially composed, unfortunately found its release during one of metal's lowest points. Yet, true to the unpredictable nature of Aftermath, their journey has never been straightforward or conventional.

Multiple reissues of the album followed its initial release over the years including: 1995 on Thermometer Sound Surface (USA), 1998 on Black Lotus Records (Greece), 2010 on Area Death Productions (China), and 2015 on Shadow Kingdom (USA).

Founding members Kyriakos “Charlie” Tsiolis (vocals) and Steve Sacco (lead guitar) reflected on the album. “We wrote the songs on Eyes of Tomorrow between 1988 and ’89 when we were a five piece, but the year before as a four piece, we released a demo called Killing the Future that was 5 songs of pure crossover speed," said Tsiolis.

He continued, “Eyes of Tomorrow had none of the crossover elements because we set out to write a progressive/technical thrash album.The genre was in its infancy. We wanted to be the Pink Floyd of Thrash. It felt natural but looking at it now all these years later, we were out of our minds.”

“We totally changed everything that made us Aftermath a year earlier and despite the challenges we had to release it we wouldn't have it any other way.”

Sacco adds, "Thirty years ago we wanted more than to be a thrash band. We wanted to bend and stretch boundaries. We weren't going to settle for anything less. Either it was the best it could be or forget it. Our drive led us to what we thought did just that.”

When reflecting on the album now, Sacco states, “I listen back now and must say it still holds up. Give it a listen and let it take you back to that fresh new sound and know that the guys behind those crazy riffs with heavy creative vocals and lyrics had a blast creating not just for themselves but for you the fans of this music. 30 years has nothing on us but appreciation to keep making music we love.”

Ray Schmidt, the band's drummer adds, "Still love this album as much as when we finished it 30 years ago. Great times.”

"The “Eyes” album is composed of dynamic movements, texture, spans the spectrum of tempos, and the gents played with intricate precision. My workload was full, as I listened intently to learn the parts. When we perform songs from the “Eyes” record in present day, I make every effort to do the songs justice and not fuck it up,"says George Lagis, the band's current bass player.

Eyes of Tomorrow has stood the test of time, garnering critical acclaim and continuously attracting new enthusiasts of technical thrash. Each passing year adds another layer to the album's legend, with its intricate compositions and groundbreaking style still resonating with fans worldwide.

Join us in commemorating the 30th anniversary of this gem that defied the odds and left an indelible mark on the thrash metal landscape!

Chicago based Aftermath, fronted by Kyriakos "Charlie" Tsiolis, formed in October 1985 when Charlie and his schoolmate Steve Sacco (Guitar) got together. This early incarnation with Adam (Bass) and Ray Schmidt (Drums) released their first demo in 1986 featuring “Sentenced to Death”, “Revenge”, “Shotgun” and “The Aftermath”.

In 1987, they unleashed their second demo entitled Killing the Future featuring the tracks “When Will You Die”, “Going No Place”, “Chaos”, “Meltdown” and “War for Freedom”. The band pursued a mind-blowing speed and technical brand of thrash that soon set them apart from the pack and in the process made them a pioneering crossover thrash band.

The tracks "War for Freedom" & "When Will You Die" were both featured on the British Metal Forces magazine_compilation LP Demolition: Scream Your Brains Out in 1988. Their appearance on the Metal Forces compilation further expanded the band's international appeal.

By 1988, the band's musical direction was changing, and Adam's raw and simple bass lines would soon be replaced with complex and technical bass parts handled at first by John Lovette. Ironically, John never played bass on any Aftermath recording and was not even a bass player. He wanted to join the band so badly, however, that he came to the audition with a friend's bass he had just started to play. The speed and complex playing he displayed were like nothing the members had ever seen before on bass. He landed the gig that day. When the band decided it was time to add a second guitarist, Lovette told his bandmates of his desire to switch to guitar and for the first time he came clean he was a guitar player pretending to be a bass player all along. His bass playing was surpassed by his guitar skills and the band found its second guitar player, but unfortunately the search for a bass player was forced to resume. Luckily, the search (for the time being, anyway) ended with Danny Vega. His warm and precise playing was the perfect complement to the guitar playing of Lovette and Sacco and worked amazingly well with Schmidt's powerful drumming. With Lovette handling most of the song writing duties, Aftermath was about to make an unbelievable musical change.

By 1989, that change brought on by Lovette's writing and the band's musical tastes and stylings had slowed and matured as evidenced by the release of the underground classic demo Words That Echo Fear. Danny Vega was replaced on bass by Chris Waldron. The band went onto to become a trailblazing progressive/technical thrash band in the years that followed.

In 1990, based on the huge international success of the Words that Echo Feardemo, the metal label RoadRacer Records (a subsidiary of Roadrunner Records)approached the band for a demo deal, which resulted in a live four track demo featuring the songs “Eyes of Tomorrow”, “Afraid Of Time”, “The Act Of Unspoken Wisdom” and “Reflecting Pictures". Negotiations eventually broke down and Aftermath signed to New York's Big Chief Records. The label's collapse halfway through the recording sessions led to a long delay in finishing the record. While the band struggled to pay the studio bill, the album the band started to record in 1990 would not see the light of day for four years. The experience left the band reeling and forced them to issue the album under their own imprint with the help of their manager through Zoid Recordings in 1994. Four long years had passed since the initial recordings for the record Eyes of Tomorrow and the scene had dramatically changed.

The album was subsequently re-released on Thermometer Sound Surface / Zoidand released yet again four years (1998) later on Black Lotus Records in a re-mastered version.

Quite famously, Aftermath, in a notable court case Tsiolis v. Interscope. Records. Inc., 946 F.Supp. 1344, 1349 (N.D.III. 1996) sued high-profile millionaire rapper DR. DRE over the ownership of the Aftermath name. The Rapper tried to buy the name for $50,000, which the band rejected. The band sued him. As part of the settlement, Interscope Records signed the band. To the label's surprise, the band delivered a record under the moniker Mother God Moviestar. Its eponymous Electro-Metal debut was released in March 1998. The case has been studied in law schools around the US related to the issue of trademark dilution.

Aftermath has continued to receive critical acclaim as one of the major influences in the genre. The band was featured on pages 9 and 10 of Gary Sharpe-Young's A - Z of Thrash Metal, available on Cherry Red Books. Aftermath is also given an entire feature section in Alexandros Anesiadis’ 2019 book Crossover the Edge: Where Hardcore, Punk, and Metal Collide.

Twenty-five years after its formation, Aftermath's music made its return in 2011 with the release of the Box Set 25 YEARS OF CHAOS on Area Death Productions and the vinyl When Will You Die on F.O.A.D. The reemergence of one of the most original thrash bands ever continued in 2014 with their decision to reunite for several concerts in 2015.

Coming off their first show in 20 years at Ragnarokkr Metal Apocalypse in their hometown of Chicago, the band ripped the stage apart at Headbanger’s Open Air in Hamburg, Germany that summer. In the Fall of 2015, the reunion continued with the reissue of Eyes of Tomorrow. With an expanded booklet and remastered by Paul Logus (Pantera, Steel Panther), Shadow Kingdom Records released the band's debut along with bonus material. Following this release was the Killing the Futurereissue on Divebomb Records. Once again Paul Logus remastered the tracks from their original source and created a wall of sound in the process. Killing the Future, along with the expanded booklet and bonus tracks from the band's 1986 first demo completed the celebration of the band's 30th anniversary.

In 2017, the band started writing the material for their new album. There is Something Wrong is an 11-song opus recorded by Chuck Macak, mastered by Ted Jensen and released through Ingrooves by Zoid Entertainment and The Label Group in 2019. A concept record in the truest sense of the word, the album features a mix of old-school crossover thrash and technical/progressive metal and is a commentary on what is wrong with the world today. A calling out of the masses to wake up and know the real enemy. The music is urgent, and the lyrics challenge the listener to seek the truth. Aftermath went back to its early days and revived its crossover thrash stylings on several songs, but those are only samples of what the listeners have in store for them once they put on their headphones and listen to There is Something Wrong in its entirety.

In 2020, Aftermath released a re-imagined version of the John Lennon classic, "Give Peace a Chance". The song was remixed and remastered for the new album and included on the record because of the message.

“John Lennon’s urgent call for peace in Give Peace a Chance is more important today than ever, and our call for peace with this cover is the perfect message to follow up our previous album. We released a dark concept album with a bleak message and felt it was important to follow that up with something positive. The visuals in the video are as important as the lyrics in a way. We live in a visual world today and this video needed to get out the message of HOPE. Having a young girl be the focus of the video was our way of getting that across. Seeing only positive acts when she puts on Lennon’s famous glasses was the perfect visual metaphor. Lennon’s message is transmitted not only through his lyrics but also through the perspective created by his unique lenses” says the band.

The video was directed by critically acclaimed video director Steven Nathan in New York City.

Aftermath unleashed their highly awaited masterpiece, No Time to Waste, through Zoid Entertainment/TLG/INgrooves on March 17, 2023. This release stands as the triumphant conclusion to a powerful trilogy, representing a notable departure from the somber tones of its predecessor.

In an exclusive statement, Kyriakos "Charlie" Tsiolis shared, "We take immense pride in this album, a culmination of a trilogy that commenced with our debut. Crafted during a challenging era in contemporary history, 'No Time to Waste' emerges as an anthem of hope. In contrast to our previous dark conceptual endeavor, we've refined this record. The ten tracks within are both weighty and charged, delivering a potent metal experience coupled with a profound message - that collectively, we can overcome, but time is of the essence."

AFTERMATH is:
Kyriakos "Charlie" Tsiolis - Vocals
Steve Sacco - Guitar
Ray Schmidt - Drums
George Lagis - Bass

For More Information Please Visit:

Self Deception Share "Hysteria"

March 4, 2024

Get ready to delve into the dark and twisted world of social media with Self Deception's new single "Hysteria."

Watch the video below.

Following the success of their hit single "Matthew McConaughey," Self Deception are back with a vengeance.

This time, they're shining a spotlight on society's insatiable appetite for instant gratification and validation through social media. "Hysteria" confronts the obsession with fame and recognition in a world where authenticity often takes a backseat.

"During a tour at a hotel breakfast, we saw a couple loading up a massive breakfast. They took tons of pictures, making it look like they were about to feast like kings. Then only nibble on half-an-egg and left. That's when the idea for the song was born," says the band's Andreas Clark.

But that's not all.

Fans can look forward to even more from Self Deception, as they announce their upcoming album Destroy the Art, set to drop later this year.

With "HYSTERIA" as a taste of what's to come, listeners can expect an album that challenges conventions and pushes boundaries.

Self Deception are also set to appear at Louder Than Life + Aftershock festivals later this year.

Stay tuned for more updates.

…Hit subscribe, comment, + like!

DORO - Digital EP "Conqueress - Extended" Out Now

March 4, 2024

DORO is celebrating her digital EP release, Conqueress - Extended, featuring the single ´Horns Up High,´ this EP brings together six exclusive tracks previously available only on physical versions of her latest album, Conqueress - Forever Strong and Proud.
Experience DORO's signature powerhouse vocals and fierce guitar riffs in this epic collection, celebrating the spirit of metal.

Listen to the EP on all platforms: https://doro.bfan.link/conqueress-extended

Follow DORO on social media:
www.doro.us
www.doromusic.com
www.instagram.com/dorometalqueen
www.facebook.com/DoroPeschOfficial
www.patreon.com/doropesch
www.tiktok.com/@doropeschofficial
www.twitter.com/DoroOfficial

Supreme Unbeing releases new single "Spaceman" Aims to be first metal band to play in outer space

March 4, 2024

SUPREME UNBEING emerges as a five-member leviathan of metal, with the enigmatic Zac Red at the helm, weaving tales that serve humanity, flanked by his menacing quartet: D.Vine, D.Sciple, Unknown & Al Mytee. Together, they're set to cast a spectral spell over Earth’s denizens, armed with riffs that twist the mind and lyrics that whisper to the soul.

With their albums "Enter Reality" & "Enduring Physicality," they've forged a global legion of listeners, eclipsing 10 million streams. Their sonic saga has been lauded by titans of the rock press such as Revolver and Metal Hammer, stamped their mark in the annals of Sweden Rock Magazine, and seized the spotlight on Spotify's editorial playlists, heralding a new era of metal mastery.

In a groundbreaking fusion of music & space exploration, the band is set to captivate the world with their latest venture - the 'Spaceman Challenge'. Inspired by their electrifying cover of the iconic single ‘Spaceman’ releasing March 1st, 2024 (originally by Babylon Zoo), the band is igniting a global movement, bridging the gap between rock music & the final frontier – space.

Pre-listen to 'Spaceman' here: https://linktr.ee/supremeunbeingpr

The 'Spaceman Challenge' is more than a musical feat; it's a call to dreamers, adventurers, and music enthusiasts worldwide. The band's cover of "Spaceman" is not just a tribute to the 90s rock era, but a powerful anthem infused with modern metal influences, promising to energize and inspire a new generation of listeners.

With the challenge, Supreme Unbeing is not only aiming for the stars musically but literally. The band has boldly reached out to space entrepreneurs Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Sir Richard Branson as well as to several national space agencies around the globe, urging them to join this revolutionary campaign. The trio, and the space agencies, are invited to make a pledge, but only if they dare, promising the band a trip aboard their space tourism crafts once the crafts are fit for space tourism travel and when the song reaches the astronomical milestone of 1 billion streams. Will any of our prominent space entrepreneurs, or national space agencies, take up the band on the dare?

"As we ignite the 'Spaceman Challenge,' it's impossible to ignore the cosmic ballet playing out above us. This new space race, orchestrated by giants like Musk, Bezos, and Branson, isn't just a leap towards the stars; it feels like a calculated escape, a secretive gambit with stakes higher than we can fathom. Are we spectators in an intergalactic narrative scripted by unseen hands, a narrative rife with undisclosed agendas and covert pacts made in the shadow of the moon? In this cosmic game of chess, it's paramount to discern the pawns from the kings, for in the vacuum of space, whispers don't echo—they resonate." Says Zac Red

But the journey doesn't end there. The 'Spaceman Challenge' extends its embrace to the public with an extraordinary pledge from the band. By participating in the challenge on www.spacemanchallenge.com, fans aren't just streaming a song; they're securing their entry into an unprecedented contest. Supreme Unbeing commits to transforming these streams into a tangible odyssey. With the royalties generated from 1 billion streams, the band vows to finance a ticket for one fortunate winner, purchasing their seat on the spacecraft out of their own pocket. This isn't just a chance to win a prize; it's an opportunity to be part of a historic moment, a life-altering journey to space financed by the harmonies of rock and the support of fans worldwide. As the song's streams ascend to stellar heights, so does the dream of space travel, now within reach of one lucky individual.

As the 'Spaceman Challenge' takes off, Supreme Unbeing invites listeners, dreamers, and media partners to join this historic campaign. By featuring 'Spaceman' on playlists, sharing the challenge, and covering this cosmic journey in the press, together, we can turn a musical masterpiece into a milestone for human achievement.

For a music experience that transcends boundaries and for a chance to be part of space history, join the 'Spaceman Challenge'. Let's stream, share, and soar into the new era of rock and space exploration.

Mixed & mastered by World-renown producer & engineer Lasse Lammert (Alestorm, Gloryhammer and countless more), the track will be available on Friday 1st March on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and all major streaming services.

Chicago rocker LEON FREAR releases debut 'Wild Rice' album, a survivor's tale of life-altering experiences and the aftermath

March 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

"Frear has a way of telling stories that draw you in, bringing to the surface a multitude of common points, memories and feelings that resonate with the listener... Leon Frear lives to tell a resounding tale through gifted songwriting and clever story-telling" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Track of the Day. The way he tells the story makes it seem like he and the listener are commiserating together... 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... 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

Chicago-based rocker/ songwriter Leon Frear presents his debut album 'Wild Rice', a powerful 10-track offering that reflects a dramatic period in which he experienced a life-altering love affair, its implosion and aftermath, followed by a decade of reflection and changes.

His first release under this moniker, exemplified by focus track 'She Fed Me Water', this represents a new start for Frear since relocating from the south. Informed by his own experience, Frear's music speaks of love, lust, broken promises, miscommunication, and incinerated bridges.

This collection sees Frear playing every instrument and capturing every breath to tape during a recording process that took years to complete. A guitar-based post-punk / indie rock album at its core, 'Wild Rice' has a gentle soul - one could even call it “post-alternative”.

Earlier, Frear released the singles 'A Morning House' (about regret and hope), 'A Town Called Chapel' (a poison pen love letter to an historically musical time and place, ruined plans and lost relationships", and his first single 'Secret Second Moon' with a fantastic animated video by French artist Ronald Grandpey.

Laced with hints of sadness and regret, anger and remorse, the lyrics are tempered with sardonic wit that leaves the listener wondering if Frear doesn’t secretly savor feeling bad. 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.

"I try to put less emphasis on sticking to one type of music and more emphasis on crafting songs with strong lyrics. So I’m really just trying to write in a way that the music compliments the lyrical meaning. And I think that can make pinning down my musical style a little more difficult. Broadly speaking, I cut my teeth on the post-punk guitar records of the late 90’s and early aughts and I think those influences still come through in the way I write music," says Leon Frear.

"Musically, I grew up listening to a lot of punk and indie bands. And the biggest influences for me are people I can admire for the way they behave and the way they treat people. Vanessa from Pylon, punk icons like Roger Miller and Patti Smith. Or bands who have had honorable careers like Fugazi or REM. These are the artists who I strive the most to be like."

On March 1, the 'Wild Rice' album was released on vinyl and will be available digitally from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

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