SACRAMENTO’S SIMON SAYS ANNOUNCE SPRING HEADLINING RUN, DIGITAL REISSUE OF ‘PERFECT EXAMPLE’

Reunited Sacramento Emocore/Nu-Metal pioneers Simon Says have announced they will hit the road this Spring for a string of dates, the band’s first in over 20 years, kicking off with a hometown Sacramento reunion show at Goldfield Roseville on 3/22. Simon Says will hit the Whisky-A-Go-Go in West Hollywood on 4/4, before a string of cross country dates in May, supported by LA rock act Oceans On Other Planets.

3/22 | Roseville, CA | Goldfield - Roseville

4/4 | West Hollywood, CA | Whisky A Go-Go

5/5 | Des Moines, IA | Lefty’s*

5/7 | Joliet, IL | The Forge*

5/8 | Pittsburgh, PA | Crafthouse*

5/10 | Lakewood, OH | The Winchester Music Tavern*

5/11 | Hanover, PA | Rock On The Hill Music Festival*

(w/ Jimmie’s Chicken Shack)

5/12 | Toledo, OH | Ottawa Tavern*

8/10 | Three Forks, MT | Rockin' The Rivers (w/ Stone Temple Pilots, Hoobastank)

(* w/ Oceans on Other Planets)

Simon Says has also announced the digital release of their breakthrough independent release Perfect Example, remastered by Richard Easterling (Taproot)which will be available on digital outlets for the first time on Friday, April 5th via THC: Music.

The band announced in September they had reunited with their original lineup - Vocalist Matt Franks, Guitarist Zac Diebels, Bassist Mike Arrieta, and drummer Mike Johnston, for the first time in over 20 years, and are working on material for a new studio album to be released in 2024 via THC: Music/Amplified Distribution.

Additionally, the band’s 2 major label releases Jump Start and Shut Your Breathhave both been made available on all digital and streaming platforms for the first time.

Simon Says formed in the buzzing Sacramento scene of the early 90s, among the ranks of contemporaries like Far, Papa Roach, Will Haven etc, and released their first demo EP in 1994, followed by two independent LPS, the cassette only Little Boy, and the follow-up Perfect Example, which would sell more than 5000 copies, and define the sound that would see the band signed to Hollywood Records a short time later. In 1999 Simon Says released their major label debut Jump Start, which yielded the hit modern rock singles “Life Jacket”, and “Slider”, which both charted in the Top 40 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts.

The band would go on to release their darker and heavier fan favorite sophomore LP Shut Your Breath in 2001, which spawned the single “Blister (Nothing)”, which again found its way onto the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, and saw the band touring Worldwide performing alongside Creed, Staind, Filter, Limp Bizkit, Foo Fighters, Blink 182, Deftones, Monster Magnet, Rollins Band, Kid Rock, Type O Negative, and many more, before disbanding in 2001.

Franks, Diebels, and Arrieta, with drummer Dave Marich, formed the short-lived Key To Arson, which released the independent LP Light ‘Em Up, before disbanding in 2004.

Despite the 20+-year hiatus, the members of Simon Says have stayed active, not veering far from their musical roots, with guitarist Zac Diebels producing music in his Sacramento studio, and dabbling in his project Automatic Static with Simon Says vocalist Franks, who also plays bass in progressive Sacramento band SAGES, with Far drummer Chris Robyn. Bassist Mike Arrieta had a brief stint in Cleanse, while drummer Mike Johnston found a niche as one of the top internet drum instructors with mikeslessons.com, spawning the celebrated Youtube drum instruction page “mikeslessons” with over 230k followers.

Says vocalist Franks, “It really happened by accident. We got back together and got in a room to even discuss this stuff, because of the huge amount of fan interest in the first two records, which, at the time, were not even available digitally. So, we got together to discuss that, and try to figure out how to reconnect with our former label, Hollywood, and find a path to release for those records, which really sparked a renewed interest and friendship for all of us, after getting in the same room after so long.”

He adds, “As so much time had passed, you realize hurt feelings from 20 years ago don’t really matter anymore, and I think we all have kind of a renewed appreciation and respect for each other, and the ability for us to even be able to play music together. We’re just thankful there are so many fans still pulling for us, and looking forward to whatever new experiences this next chapter will bring, for us, and the fans.”

Visit Simon Says on the web at simonsaysus.com, or at facebook at facebook.com/simonfnsays.

MARKO HIETALA & TARJA TURUNEN Release Video For Duet Single ´Left On Mars´

Experience the celestial harmonies of two iconic voices as Marko Hietala and Tarja Turunen unite in a mesmerizing duet like never before!

Embark on a journey through space and time with ´Left On Mars´,  a captivating single and accompanying video that transcends boundaries of genre and imagination. Inspired by a tale of love and longing, this ethereal ballad combines Marko's emotive lyrics and powerful riffs with Tarja's hauntingly beautiful vocals, creating a symphony that resonates deep within the soul.

Marko Hietala about the song: “A love song to my wife which ends up uniting two old friends. Even if the song itself sucked, I would be pleased about the result!”

Check out the video for ´Left On Mars´ Below.
Listen to the song on all platforms: https://markohietala.bfan.link/left-on-mars

Marko´s guitarist and album producer Tuomas Wäinölä remembers hearing the song for the first time at Marko's place in Kuopio:

” It was a strong one immediately. I think Marko had the idea of it being a duet too, straight from the beginning. After that, it was just a matter of grinding and demoing it well.
The fun part was taking the song to Switzerland on a USB drive, like proper agents! We had this secret meeting when we had a Pratteln Outdoor gig with Tarja, both playing our own sets.
And yeah, it was great to see them together on stage and finally singing the same tune again!”
 

From the initial spark of inspiration to the final note, every moment of ´Left On Mars´ exudes passion and creativity. Marko's evocative storytelling sets the stage for Tarja's enchanting performance, forming a cosmic connection that transports listeners to a world beyond imagination.

Photo credit: Eva Cuenca

Black Tusk Defy Death on New Single

Praise for Black Tusk

"A raucous style of punky, hard rocking sludge, with minimum fuss and ample bursts of energy and ballsy aggression" - Angry Metal Guy

"Chaotic and raw, but also extremely catchy and memorable" - Metal Injection

"A no frills band that goes full throttle. Black Tusk are here to stay" - Heavy Music HQ

"An engine-wrecking riff-fest from the Savannah badlands" - Metal Hammer

"Black Tusk are pretty much the only Georgia metal act who still sound like they hail from the home state of Sandra Dee and Uga" - Invisible Oranges

"Alive, raw, furious, loud...they almost make your face vibrate" - Heavy Blog is Heavy

"Black Tusk's combination of sludge, rock, hardcore and death metal remains fluid, fertile and most importantly, full of life" - Pitchfork

Black Tusk have done more than their fair share of hard living. In their 19 years as a band, they've switched labels and lost members while navigating the bumps in the road that come with being touring musicians. But their new album bulldozes past any and all obstacles. The latest single off The Way Forward leaves the taste for sin behind, though that doesn't mean this sludge metal crew have cleaned up their act. "Dance on Your Grave" sounds nastier than ever. 

"Everything that happens in our lives is something we can learn from", says Black Tusk guitarist and vocalist Andrew Fidler. "It will sink you or make you wiser. This song is about that". 

Watch the video for "Dance on Your Grave" below.

The Way Forward comes out April 26, 2024.

Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/black-tusk-the-way-forward

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

James May has stomped around the swamps of Savannah, Georgia, since he was a young punk. But the Black Tusk drummer moved away to Athens during the course of the pandemic. It was a struggle, but the change in scenery helped him work through his struggles.

Everyday is amazement that I made it, May shouts alongside his longtime bandmate Fidler, backed by the steadfast thump of his double kick drum.        

"Sometimes the worst things you've ever seen or done end up being the best thing that's ever happened to you", says May, who wrote the lyrics to "Dance on Your Grave". "It's sort of a self-exorcism. You gotta be on the edge to know where the cliff is".  

The Way Forward marks Black Tusk's first album as a four piece. But "Dance on Your Grave" shows that these guys are already old friends. Fidler and May used to run in the same touring circles as new bassist Derek Lynch. Lynch makes himself right at home, too, cracking open a cold beer before kicking off this jam session with a filthy bass groove.

"'Dance on Your Grave' was the absolute first song from the new record that I played with the whole band", Lynch says. "We worked on it at a spot in Athens. It kind of gave me a frame of reference for what they were trying to accomplish with a new batch of songs, pushing the tempo while still maintaining a super heavy low end".

The video was shot at Hidden Audio, which serves as Black Tusk's home base. The studio is run by frequent collaborator and now official member Chris "Scary" Adams. Not only did Scary create the video for "Dance on Your Grave". He produced The Way Forward and makes this the band's first album to feature two guitars. Right away, the chemistry between him and Fidler jumps through the roof. After all, Fidler did help build this studio with his own two hands. On "Dance on Your Grave", Fidler lays down firm riffs so that Scary can rip into a solo that never stops climbing.

Photo by Adriana Iris Boatwright

“The big theme of this record is putting your life back together.” That’s Black Tusk guitarist/vocalist Andrew Fidler talking about the band’s new album, The Way Forward. “When everything seems like it’s against you, put your head down and push through. Take those bad things that are happening and use them to help create.” 

The Way Forward might be the Savannah swamp metal crew’s seventh album, but it marks many firsts for Black Tusk. It’s their first with their new lineup, which sees guitarist Chris “Scary” Adams and bassist Derek Lynch joining Fidler and drummer James May. Which also makes it Black Tusk’s first record with a two-guitar lineup. “We were able to add leads and harmonies and all kinds of stuff on the new record that we haven’t done in the past,” Fidler says. “As far as our records go, this one has the most guitar work.”  

You can hear it in the squealing solo of “Dance on Your Grave,” the killer harmonies on ripper “Harness (The Alchemist),” and the glorious dual guitar interplay of the powerful title track.  

“‘The Way Forward’ is my favorite song on the record,” Fidler says. “It’s based on a personal experience that everyone can probably relate to. I got divorced in 2020, and I kinda felt like my entire world was collapsing when that happened. But I pulled myself out of it. I realized that this one thing ending in my life isn’t the end of everything. I’m gonna find a way forward. I’m gonna figure out how to live my life and create and be happy and make new relationships. Which is what I’ve done.”  

In true Black Tusk fashion, the new lineup has expanded their triple-vocal approach to quadruple. “Everyone is doing vocals,” Fidler says. “That’s always been a thing in Black Tusk. Derek said he’d never done heavy vocals before, so I was like, ‘Well, here’s the mic. Here’s some words. Yell at it and see if you like it.’ I was blown away the first time he did it. It sounded good as fuck.”   

That’s Lynch on lead single “Brushfire,” a song for which he wrote the main riffs and lyrical concept. “That was my first real contribution to the band,” the bassist says. “Thematically, I wanted the aggressiveness of the lyrics to keep with the idea of pushing forward even when the world is trying to drag you down. The mood of the lyrics needed to match the pulverizing tempo of the song.”  

The lyrics for second single “Dance on Your Grave” were written by May, who moved from Savannah to Athens, GA, in the time since Black Tusk’s last album. “It’s about his struggles through Covid and what this lifestyle can do to people,” Fidler says. “It’s about getting past the party lifestyle and continuing to do things that are creative.”  

Meanwhile, “Breath of Life” distills Black Tusk’s lyrical philosophy into a righteous five-minute pummeling. “Scary came up with the main riff of this song, and it’s one of my favorite riffs on the record,” Fidler says. “I wrote the lyrics, and it’s just about darkness crushing everything. The world is a fucked-up place that we have to navigate through. That’s what a lot of Black Tusk songs are about.”  

Black Tusk recorded The Way Forward at Adams’ own Hidden Audio studio just outside of Savannah. Adams engineered the album and the whole band produced. “I actually helped him build the studio in the detached garage next to his house,” Fidler explains. “Me and my carpentry company went out there to do it, and Scary helped.”  

“We had about 90% of the riffs and song structures going into the studio, while still experimenting with ideas and inspirations,” Adams explains. “Sometimes we completely reworked parts, which made all the difference. For example, early versions of ‘Breath of Life’ and ‘The Way Forward’ are quite different than the record, and I love where they ended up. Though we did use a few effects and synths here and there for texture and space, to me this record still feels raw and powerful. It captures the feeling of being at a Black Tusk show.”  

The cover art for The Way Forward was done by Brian Mercer, who also created the sleeve for Black Tusk’s 2018 album, T.C.B.T.“T.C.B.T. had a dark cover because it was a dark time for the band,” Fidler says, referring to the period immediately after the passing of their longtime friend and bassist Jonathan Athon. “This time, it’s full blown, full-color Black Tusk. Brian Mercer and James collaborated on the concept, and Brian really knocked it out of the park.”  

“The title is kind of a double play,” Fidler says. “It’s the first record with the new lineup, and this is the direction we’re taking the band in. We’ve been doing Black Tusk for 19 years now, and we still love it. That’s why we called it The Way Forward.”  

Line-up:

Andrew Fidler: guitar, vocals
James May: drums, vocals
Derek Lynch: bass, vocals
Chris "Scary" Adams: guitar, vocals

Recording Studio
Hidden Audio

Producer/sound engineer
Chris "Scary" Adams

Mixing studio and engineer
Chris "Scary" Adams

Mastering studio and engineer
Brad Boatright at Audiosiege

Cover artwork
Brian Mercer

Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/black-tusk-the-way-forward
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/thewayforwardpresave
 

Follow Black Tusk:
https://blacktusk.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tcbt/
https://www.facebook.com/BlackTusk
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7iontmL8hXqoJcSA5oTZqa
https://twitter.com/BlackTusk
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/black-tusk/292231967

Poolside At The Flamingo Drop New Track "Hell On Earth"; Announce Run of Headline Shows This Spring

Colorado's obnoxiously heavy grindcore 4-piece, Poolside At The Flamingo have dropped the second single from their upcoming EP, 'Accabadora' out via Blood Blast Distribution on May 22nd. The new track, titled "Hell On Earth", can be streamed HERE and the visualizer can be found Below.

Speaking on their new release, Poolside At The Flamingo share "This may be our favorite song on the EP. There's a hint of melody as dueling guitars blend tremolo riffs. The series of breakdowns at the end will make you want to hurt something.”

"Hell On Earth" is the second single from the band's upcoming EP, 'Accabadora', a bold statement from Poolside At The Flamingo, showcasing their growth as musicians and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of extreme music. The first single, the EP's title track, was released last month along with an epic music video. Speaking on the upcoming EP release, the band share

"The Accabadora EP is the first release that we're truly proud of and feel embodies the sound that we're looking to achieve. The songs on this EP were written with more care and attention than any other album/ep we've released. To us, it's the perfect blend of erratic grindcore and soul-crushing breakdowns."

Poolside At The Flamingo have also announced a sting of headline shows this spring. Full list of shows and tickets are available from poolsideattheflamingo.com

Stay tuned for more from Poolside At The Flamingo soon and get ready for sheer, unbridled brutality on May 22nd when they release the 'Accabadora' EP.

About Poolside At The Flamingo

Poolside at the Flamingo is a 4 piece deathcore/grindcore band based in Colorado, USA. Formed in 2005, Poolside At The Flamingo toured extensively in the "Myspace" days playing with the likes of Through The Eyes of the Dead, The Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza, See You Next Tuesday and MANY more. 

Their debut album "This Will End Badly..." (2006) was recorded live in a residential basement. Their next official album, "The Sound Below" (2017), was produced by Dave Otero at Flatline Audio and more recently they released "Self Titled" (2023).

Poolside At The Flamingo Are:

Scotty Bohnen: Vocals

Danny Bohnen: Guitar

Rudy Garcia: Drums

David French: Bass

Dead Icarus, Feat. ex-Atreyu Singer Alex Varkatzas, Drops "Ad Infernum" EP + Video for Title Track

Dead Icarus, the new project of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, have shared a fourth single in the form of "Ad Infernum."

Watch the video, directed by Monte Legaspi, Below.

"Everyone loves the romanticized cliche of 'dying for what they believe in," says Varkatzas. "But death is the end of all things. Sometimes living with the consequences of one's actions can be more severe than death itself. Sometimes, simply persevering, in the face of constant adversity, is the victory. 'Ad Infernum' asks, 'Are you ready to live through what you believe in?'"

Dead Icarus are also digitally releasing the Ad Infernum EP. Get it here. It includes the four previously issues tracks and a killer Pantera cover.

ABOUT DEAD ICARUS:
DEAD ICARUS is Alex Varkatzas, founding vocalist of metalcore giants Atreyu, who have sold over 1 million records across two decades of his tenure. An uncompromising, brutal, impassioned, confessional assault, Alex's new musical vehicle Dead Icarus introduces itself to the world with the Ad Infernum EP via MNRK Heavy. Produced and co-written by Gabe Manfold of Enterprise Earth, Ad Infernum sounds both fresh and familiar for the legions of metalheads who revere the unapologetic aggression of Pantera or the dynamic metalcore of Killswitch Engage. The previously released singles have gotten love from Revolver, Loudwire, Blabbermouth, Metal Injection, Knotfest, and more so far.

ABOUT MNRK MUSIC GROUP:
MNRK Music Group is one of the largest independent music companies in the world, with recording, music publishing, and management divisions operating in every major music market. MNRK is committed to discovering and guiding top music creators and artists and works with some of the greatest musical talent including The Lumineers and Pitbull, the music publishing catalog of Chuck Berry, plus premier music companies Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang. The company’s music department services Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning producers. Its catalog across divisions consists of 54,000 music tracks, including multiple GRAMMY winners and platinum-selling hits. 

ONErpm's William Michael Morgan Readies New EP 'Onto Something' for This Friday, 3/15

Six-Song EP Available This Friday, March 15 via ONErpm on all Platforms
Pre-Save HERE
 
Set to Perform at Ole Red Nashville Tomorrow, March 14

Country neo-traditionalist William Michael Morgan is bringing ’70s swagger back to Nashville with his brand new, six-song EP Onto Something, set for release Friday, March 15, on all platforms via ONErpm Nashville. Pre-save Onto Something HERE. Morgan will celebrate the release on the eve of its arrival with a one-hour pop-up set at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red in downtown Nashville, Thursday, March 14.
 
“I couldn’t be more excited to get this EP out,” says the hard-working Morgan, with his famous mustache grin. “Tracking with (multiple CMA, ACM and Grammy Award-winning producer) Keith Stegall was an incredible experience, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we put together.”
 
“William’s new music is a welcome addition to the increasingly popular neo-traditional movement that websites like Saving Country Music have credited him with starting,” notes Ryan Cunningham, A&R director of Country Music for ONErpm. “This EP will stand out amid the pop influences that currently define modern country.”

And there’s plenty to notice. The two pre-released tracks, the mid-tempo “In Walked You” with its breezy barroom vibe—In walked you on a Saturday night/Neon blue lightin’ up your eyes—countered by the wistfulness of the bittersweet “Not Letting Go”—We’ve gone too far to get back to where we were before—sets the tone for a free-flowing, six-song set with fiddle and steel guitar licks evocative of the lyrical stylings of decades past.
 
“Country music is alive and well,” states one of Nashville’s most celebrated men behind the scenes and multi-award-winning producer Keith Stegall. “It lives and breathes when William Michael Morgan picks up a guitar and tells us stories of love lost and honky-tonks found. Country music at its finest.”
 
Morgan’s current single, “Pour A Little Whiskey On It,” is like a salve for the EP’s more vulnerable moments. When he croons, If it’s gonna be a lonely night/Might as well put her memory on ice, you know what’s coming—a straight-up drinking song that seeks to right the wrongs with every cowboy (and cowgirl)’s favorite libation:
 
      If she’s really adios,
      I guess it’s easy come, easy go;
      I might as well honky tonk it,
      Maybe all night long it;
      Take this heartache to town,
      And pour a little whiskey on it

The EP’s release will be capped off by the premiere of Morgan’s music video for the track “Pour A Little Whiskey On It” coming later this month.

Morgan and Stegall round the album out with the title track, a gentle nod to the promise of a new relationship; the regret-tinged “She Don’t Like Old Country”; and a goodbye/destination song that, despite the lyrics, isn’t quite as sad as it could be—and maybe that’s the point.

Photo Credit: Sean McGee

About William Michael Morgan
30-year-old Mississippi native William Michael Morgan has built an enthusiastic fan base by touring the country and releasing music that remains true to his Vicksburg roots in a voice that “resonates with the flawless timbre of someone who has been singing country music for decades beyond his years,” according to Pandora. Morgan, who has already accumulated over 100 million on-demand streams, has been dubbed a modern-day traditionalist. He earned his first No. 1 single with “I Met a Girl,” described by Rolling Stone as a “laid-back ode to the joy of romantic discovery” that was named one of NPR Music’s Top 100 Songs in 2016 and paved the way for a Top 5 debut of Morgan’s first album, Vinyl, on the Billboard Country Albums chart.
 
About ONErpm 
ONErpm is a leading next-generation music company and record label operating globally in 43 locations powered by a staff of 600. At its core ONErpm offers label services to artists seeking to elevate their careers and operates one of the world’s largest music distribution platforms and YouTube Multi-Channel Networks. Offering a full suite of services that includes marketing support, supply chain tools, SAAS, business intelligence, publishing, accounting and global payment solutions, ONErpm provides the infrastructure needed to help creators and content owners succeed. As a trusted partner, ONErpm emphasizes transparency in everything it does, from executing a marketing campaign to making payments.

THE FRONTMEN TO DROP SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM ON MARCH 22 VIA BBR MUSIC GROUP/BMG NASHVILLE

THE FRONTMEN, three of ‘90s country’s most recognizable voices — Richie McDonald, formerly of Lonestar; Tim Rushlow, formerly of Little Texas; and Larry Stewart of Restless Heart — drop their self-titled debut album on March 22 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. The Frontmen is available for pre-order, pre-save and pre-add HERE.

The Frontmen, produced by two-time GRAMMY-nominated Mickey Jack Cones, features nine original songs, as well as three Lonestar, Little Texas and Restless Heart No. 1 hits, rerecorded Frontmen-style.The trio tag team lead vocals throughout.

"It's super cool to release brand new music as a full album with The Frontmen this month," says Stewart."I'm so excited about this music, these songs and how this project represents the three of us so perfectly.Mickey Jack Cones did a magical job capturing Richie, Tim and myself from top to bottom. I can’t wait for the world to hear it and I couldn’t be more proud!"

Original tunes on the project ("Beatles and Eagles," "The Radio Played," "Layin' Low in Mexico," "It Was Always You," "Rattlesnake," "I Need You," "Goodbye Beautiful Goodbye," "Should've Run Out of Angels" and "Left Their Mark") were hand-picked by the trio and Cones. Classic tunes on the album are songs most will instantly recognize: Lonestar's “Amazed (The Frontmen Edition),” Little Texas' “God Blessed Texas (The Frontmen Edition)” and Restless Heart's “I’ll Still Be Loving You (The Frontmen Edition).”

"I feel like a kid on Christmas morning, waiting to unwrap the presents," notes McDonald. "We’ve been anxiously waiting to unwrap this new Frontmen music and share with the world for awhile now. Thanks to everyone involved for help making this dream a reality."

“It feels quite surreal to finally let the world in on what we have been cooking in the kitchen with The Frontmen," adds Rushlow. "For 14 years playing select shows at home and overseas for our men and women in uniform, it's time to see what the world thinks of us! I am more proud of this record with Larry and Richie than any music I have ever been involved in making. Mickey Jack Cones is a true believer who totally knew where to navigate this new sound and yet still be reminiscent of our past successes. We are so grateful to Jon Loba and his team at BMG Nashville for this opportunity. Let's GO!"

About The Frontmen:
The Frontmen features three singers who were THE voices of three of the top country bands of the '90s: Richie McDonald, formerly of Lonestar, Tim Rushlow, formerly of Little Texas, and Larry Stewart of Restless Heart. From their rave review performances around the globe for our troops, to casinos, fairs and corporate events, to their globally televised performance on the steps of the hallowed Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, The Frontmen are making their mark on the country music scene. Stewart, Rushlow and McDonald have collectively sold over 30 million records and had over 30 major hits between them. They have a chemistry and brotherhood seldom matched, and they have logged the travel miles to prove it, wowing audiences around the globe with their brand of highly successful intimate unplugged shows. Powerhouse hits performed by The Frontmen include Restless Heart classics, “The Bluest Eyes in Texas,” “That Rock Won’t Roll,” “I’ll Still Be Loving You” and “Why Does It Have to Be (Wrong or Right)." Lonestar smashes such as “Amazed,” “Front Porch Looking In,” and “I’m Already There,” plus Little Texas hits including “God Blessed Texas,” “Amy’s Back in Austin,” and “What Might Have Been.” These songs and many others included in their shows are the soundtrack of a generation. With their combined vocal and instrumental talents, The Frontmen deliver a high-energy show packed with fan-favorites from their three award-winning and critically acclaimed bands. For more information, visit thefrontmenlive.com.

"Eric Church: To Beat The Devil" 19-Show Chief's Residency Announced; Grand Opening Set: 4/5/24

Eric Church, together with Ben Weprin, founder and CEO of Adventurous Journey’s (“AJ”) Capital Partners, intentionally designed his six-story downtown Nashville establishment Chief’s, located at 200 Broadway, to accommodate a two-story live music venue when renovating the 19,350 SF building. Named “The Neon Steeple,” this venue is aimed in part to house intimate pop-up shows from the singer/songwriter/entertainer. On the heels of giving the building to his fans last week, Church shared the details of Chief’s grand opening directly with the Church Choir this morning (March 12), noting that he’ll kick the celebrations off with a 19-show Eric Church: To Beat The Devil residency run at The Neon Steeple in Chief’s beginning April 5, 2024.
 
“These shows at Chief’s will be one of a kind, only for Chief’s and with some songs that will only ever be performed during these shows,” says Church. “It's the most unique show I'll probably ever do, and I'm excited to enjoy this chapter of what Chief’s will be.”
 
Having historically taken extra precautions to protect fans from scalpers, Church is approaching this on-sale differently as well. Tickets will be offered initially to premium Church Choir members via a sign-up system beginning today, March 12. Become a premium Church Choir member here.*
 
Tickets are non-transferable and will be available for pickup at the venue box office the evening of the show immediately prior to entering the venue. Name changes on orders will not be permitted.  
 
All seats are reserved seating with pricing ranging from $99 to $499 (with no additional ticketing fees) and a portion of proceeds from every ticket benefits Church’s non-profit, Chief Cares. 

Key Dates To Know:

• Tuesday, March 12 – Presale sign-up opens for premium Church Choir members.

• Sunday, March 17 at 11:59 p.m. CT – Sign-up closes.

• Wednesday, March 20 at 10:00 a.m. CT – Church Choir presale begins. 

• Friday, March 22 at 10:00 a.m. CT – Public onsale if tickets remain.

 
Eric Church: To Beat The Devil Dates:
        Friday, April 5 (Grand Opening)
        Wednesday, April 17
        Thursday, April 18
        Monday, April 29
        Tuesday, April 30
        Wednesday, May 1
        Tuesday, May 7
        Wednesday, May 8
        Friday, May 10
        Saturday, May 11
        Tuesday, May 14
        Wednesday, May 15
        Friday, May 17
        Tuesday, May 21
        Wednesday, May 22
        Thursday, June 6
        Friday, June 7
        Saturday, June 8
        Sunday, June 9
 
*PLEASE NOTE:  Signing up for the presale does not guarantee that every premium Church Choir member will get access to the sale. Additionally, getting selected from the sign-ups and getting access to the sale doesn’t guarantee tickets. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
Tixr is the official ticketing company of Chief’s on Broadway. For more information, visit ChiefsOnBroadway.com.

Rendering of The Neon Steeple at Chief’s, set to open at 200 Broadway in Nashville, Tenn. | Rendering Courtesy of Chief's / AJ Capital

About Eric Church:
A seven-time ACM Award winner, four-time CMA Award winner (including the 2020 award for Entertainer of the Year) and 10-time GRAMMY nominee, Church has amassed a passionate fan base around the globe known as the Church Choir, plus a critically acclaimed catalog of music. Known for his tenacity on the road, his recent The Outsiders Revival Tour earned rave reviews as he brought a rotating lineup of emerging artists along for the first fully-outdoor tour of his career. His prior outing, the 55-city The Gather Again Tour, offered fans an in-the-round arena show and earned the 2022 Billboard Music Award for Top Country Tour. Church is currently working on new music as the follow up to his most recent chart-topping project, the Heart & Soul triple album, which featured the results of a marathon session during which he spent nearly a month writing and recording a song per day while sequestered in rural North Carolina. This followed his Gold-certified Desperate Man, which earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album (his third nod in the category) and prior releases including the Platinum-certified Sinners Like Me (“How ’Bout You,” “Guys Like Me”), Carolina (“Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Love Your Love the Most”) and Mr. Misunderstood (“Record Year,” “Round Here Buzz”), the Double-Platinum certified The Outsiders (“Like a Wrecking Ball,” “Talladega”) and the 3x Platinum-certified Chief (“Springsteen,” “Drink In My Hand”), as well as 30 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certified songs. Church is also a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, a co-owner of the iconic Field & Stream brand, has his own SiriusXM music channel, “Eric Church Outsiders Radio,” his own liquor offering, Whiskey JYPSI, and open Chief’s, a six-story venue on Nashville’s famed lower Broadway, on April 5, 2024. 
 
For more information, visit www.ericchurch.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter/X @ericchurch and Instagram@ericchurchmusic.
 
About Chief’s:
Chief’s is a six-story bar, restaurant, and live music venue designed to celebrate Eric Church’s ever-expanding musical legacy. Located in historic downtown Nashville, Chief’s will feature a ticketed music venue, inspirational interiors, and a thoughtful focus on unique live performances, offering fans an unparalleled entertainment experience in Music City. Chief’s will house a studio for live broadcasting, inclusive of Church’s Outsiders Radio SiriusXM channel, with the capability of hosting broadcasts by various media partners. Chief’s will also feature a restaurant partnership with James Beard Award Winning Pitmaster Rodney Scott. Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ will overlook downtown with its ‘Hell of a Q’ rooftop offering. Situated at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Broadway, Chief’s is set to open at 200 Broadway.
 
About Adventurous Journeys (“AJ”) Capital Partners:
Adventurous Journeys ("AJ") Capital Partners is a vertically integrated real estate investment manager founded by Ben Weprin in 2008. The firm specializes in creating distinctive, design-forward properties in high-demand yet underserved locations. The multi-disciplined team at AJ brings expertise in placemaking, inspired design, and hospitality to fuel a diverse portfolio, currently valued at $5.3 billion across 100+ properties in 50+ markets. The company focuses on hospitality, mixed-use, and residential sectors. Learn more at www.ajcpt.com.

The Shadow Majlis releases 'Mazdur' video, formidable world-postpunk from debut album 'The Departure'

"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's The Shadow Majlis presents his debut album 'The Departure' and the video for 'Mazdur', showcasing genre-fluid excellence and raw emotional experience, while fusing elements of Eastern modes with post-punk. An alternative neo-global style that transcends borders, this is a departure from the norm - a journey into something other, where there are no limits. 

Revolving around Ali Jafri, a formidable multi-instrumentalist known for his involvement in various projects - as a member of David J's live band, playing rock-sitar for Pigface (or through his projects ARIEL, The Gotham City Drugstore, Saintfield or his solo work). On this album, Ali Jafri offers a multi-cultural artistic and musical vision, together with David J (Bauhaus, Love & Rockets) on bass and drummer-percussionist Rakesh Tewari (Jaffa Road, The Special Interest Group).

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 McGillengineering the album. Mastered by Noah Mintz, the cover art was created by Stephen Seto (Splintercage).

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.

"Mazdur means “labourer”, which came to me as İ watched how hard it was for Oisín to fight his losing battle to cancer. All the changes and adjustments. İ chose to have the song “mutate” through the different styles it weaves through. From the classical guitar to the dub reggae and ending on industrial with MRİ sounds mixed in. MRİs were hard on Oisín. Existing became hard labour for him but he wasnt ever far from having a laugh. He had a gracefulness about him which became apparent when it was observed by us as one of the constants through all the change. İ dream of him sometimes, he’s ever graceful then," explains Ali Jafri.

"Going “dub” on this was David J’s idea - hard to refuse. When İ realized he wanted to play dubby stuff, my reaction was ummm hello?? Yes please! My demo was originally more like the first half of the song, which Bottrill and İ had worked on. We saw Skinny Puppy during our sessions, which inspired the industrial ending. We recorded it the next day as a good way to conclude the “mutation” furthest away from its original form. The ending was also a good place for some of the angst I was feeling and that Oisín was feeling. The machine voices say “We Come To Leave”, a recurring line on the album - making it a concept, I guess."

The album features numerous 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.

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

'The Departure' album is out now, available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. This album's creation was made possible through funding received from FACTOR.

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...

Keep up with The Shadow Majlis
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

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HeartSupport (August Burns Red) + Beneath the Skin (Memphis May Fire) Team Up for Even More Mental Health Initiatives

ORGANIZATIONS STARTED BY JAKE LUHRS (AUGUST BURNS RED) + BRTTANY MULLINS (WIFE OF MEMPHIS MAY FIRE'S MATTY MULLINS) TO OFFER EVEN MORE RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH VIA THE VEHICLE OF MUSIC

 Sometimes, the most powerful collaborations amongst bands in the same scene take place off the stage.

Such is the case for the HeartSupport x Beneath the Skin partnership.
 

HeartSupport, the long-running, nonprofit launched by August Burns Red vocalist Jake Luhrs, has welcomed Beneath the Skin, the organization run by Brittany Mullins, wife of Memphis May Fire's Matty Mullins, into its stable of services.

The resulting partnership elevates and strengthens the mental health support that each organization offers.

 Luhrs and Mullins have collaborated in the past, with Mullins doing interviews, participating in initial recovery programs, serving as a keynote speaker at the 2019 gala, and creating a t-shirt fundraiser for HeartSupport through Memphis May Fire, among other things. It was truly a symbiotic and organic connection that is now further established in both organizations.

 HeartSupport is a music-based non-profit that helps metal fans succeed in their mental health. HeartSupport builds resources with the music and artists they love, and connect fans to trained peers and mentors who support them on their mental health journey.

Beneath the Skin is a transformative mentoring program dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their true selves and navigate life's challenges with resilience and authenticity. Through genuine connection, Beneath the Skin helps participants cultivate self love, a sense of belonging, and self-worth. This program fosters a supportive community where individuals can explore their personal growth journey in a safe and nurturing environment. It connects a Mentor and a Mentee to have weekly mental health support conversations for a year.

The organizations' shared missions lead to this partnership.

The joint program will help music fans to grow in their mental health self-efficacy and help foster their confidence in their ability to handle their own mental health. Ultimately, the purpose of program is to get people from a place of “I can't do this" to "I've got it from here."
  Both Luhrs and Mullins are available for interviews to discuss the partnership, the tenets and pillars of the program, and how you can get involved!

Darkest Hour Announce Perpetual | Terminal Ale Available at DC Show

DARKEST HOUR — Mike Schleibaum [guitar], John Henry [vocals], Aaron Deal [bass], Travis Orbin [drums], and Nico Santora [guitar] — are pleased to announce their new beer collaboration with DC Brau. It arrives in celebration of the band's recently released 10th album Perpetual | Terminal, out now via MNRK Heavy. 

Perpetual | Terminal-Ale, an Amber Ale, is a true collaborative effort. Schleibaum even dropped the hops into the kettle with his own hands.

The beverage will be available at the band's April 6 hometown show at the Black Cat in Washington, DC. So come out and raise a glass!

DARKEST HOUR ON TOUR:
WITH MOUTH OF WAR, FILTH IS ETERNAL, I AM, + SOMNURI:
3/13 — Mesa, AZ — Nile Theater
3/14 — Los Angeles, CA — 1720
3/15 — San Diego, CA — Brick By Brick
3/16 — Sacramento, CA — Goldfield Trading Post (Roseville)
3/18 — Portland, OR — Dantes
3/19 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon
3/21 — Salt Lake City, UT — Metro Music Hall
3/22 — Denver, CO — Marquis
3/23 — Wichita, KS — Lodge Room @ TempleLive
3/25 — Minneapolis, MN — Turf Club
3/26 — Chicago, IL — Reggies
3/27 — Detroit, MI — The Sanctuary
3/28 — Cleveland, OH — Asylum Room @ Templelive
3/29 — Pittsburgh, PA — Preserving Underground
3/30 — Toronto, ON — Axis
4/01 — Ottawa, ON — Brass Monkey
4/02 — Montreal, QC — Fairmount Theatere
4/03 — Quebec City, QC — La Source de la Martiniere
4/04 — Cambridge, MA — Sonia
4/05 — Brooklyn, NY — The Meadows
4/06 — Washington, DC — Black Cat

ABOUT DARKEST HOUR:
Darkest Hour, as a whole, have weathered time, trends, and tides of change and stand stronger nearly three decades since their formation. Their unique sonic style incorporates death metal exorcisms, thrash recklessness, hardcore punk attitude, and melodic catharsis at the speed of a circle pit.
  
"The record's theme centers around the duality of survival while embracing rebirth,'" says Schleibaum. "We keep killing parts of ourselves to make new parts and survive. The story of the record is the story of the band. We're still here, and we're giving the world a body of work that's representative of our music today. We've realized relationships, tours, good times, everything that seems to give life meaning, is terminal — and will inevitably end. Nevertheless, we're 46-year-old dudes who love this music enough to put up with the trials and tribulations of being artists in a touring band."
 
Darkest Hour clawed their way out of the DMV area in 1995. Throughout the ensuing years, they tallied tens of millions of streams and quietly built a diehard fan base. Canvasing the globe, they packed thousands of shows and touched down on every continent, save Antarctica. Along the way, they notably notched five Top 3 debuts on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart. 2017's Godless Prophets & the Migrant Flora marked the group's third #1 bow on the latter in addition to crashing the Top 10 of the Top Vinyl Albums Chart. It also represented a creative and critical high watermark. Beyond praise from Revolver, EXCLAIM!, and more, MetalSucks rated it a rare perfect score of "5-out-of-5" and hailed it as "the best album Darkest Hour have ever made." New Noise cited it as "one of the best of 2017," and Metal Hammer dubbed it "a monumental return." PopMatters crowned it "a masterclass in following your beliefs no matter where they might take you."

New ZBB Music Coming Soon!

UK avant-pop artist NICK HUDSON gears up for new album 'Kanda Teenage Honey', previewing two new tracks + video for 'Khevsureti'

“Beautifully written, recorded, produced and arranged... all complimented by vocal that lives up to the same standard. No cheating, no fronting, just honest crafted musicality”  ~ Billy Gould (Faith No More)

"Kanda Teenage Honey is shockingly emotional, thoughtfully orchestrated and wonderfully curious lyrically. It is a record for true music lovers" ~ Jamie Stewart (Xiu Xiu)

"There isn’t really anyone making music like Nick Hudson“ ~ The Quietus

“Nick Hudson is a unique talent. His song writing and performances are breathtaking.  He is long overdue being heard by a wider audience. This solo album is a peak in an already stellar career” ~ Stuart Braithwaite (Mogwai)

"Scott Walker channeling Coil” ~ MOJO Magazine

"Genius” - BBC Radio (BBC Introducing)


Brighton alternative pop artist Nick Hudson presents his new album 'Kanda Teenage Honey', an expansive collection of 16 tracks, recorded largely in a huge former Soviet movie studio in Georgia under the shadow of the Ukraine war. Previewed this week by the tracks 'Ortolan'and 'This Heat', Hudson recently released the singles 'For My Silence' and 'Khevsureti', which recently garnered him coverage in Billboard.

Mixed by and featuring Toby Driver of Kayo Dot, this album is graced with numerous talented guests, including Mogwai's Stuart Braithwaite, Stuart Dahlquist (Asva, Burning Witch, Sunn O))), Lizzy Carey (Bat For Lashes), Robert Wyatt collaborator Alfreda Benge, Christopher Nell (legendary German performer and collaborator of US theatre visionary Robert Wilson), and 14-year-old soprano prodigy Poppy Efemey.  

Recorded with Ilya Lukashev at Leno Studio and Sano Studio in Tbilisi, this album was mastered to analogue tape by Paul Pascoe (Barry Adamson, Beat Hotel, Sleaford Mods) at Church Road Studios in Hove, Hudson collaborates with some incredible Georgian musicians and his friend Seva, a Russian dissident who fled the FSB, having worked for Navalny. Hudson explains, "He contributes a poem narrating his thoughts on exile, through which I've layered field recordings of the recent Tbilisi and Paris protests, where many of us got tear-gassed."

"Russia attempted to invade Georgia most recently in 2008 and we've seen a vast influx of Russians fleeing the conflict and resettling in Tbilisi (which endures and suffers a pro-Russian government ideologically in conflict with most of its citizens). This geopolitical tension has inevitably made its way into the lyrical and musical texture of the record via the songs 'Hollow Man' and 'Sky Burial While Alive'. It also contains oligarch-hexing magic realism and a tribute to that vastly-neglected demographic – the old-school homosexual. Musically it encompasses art rock, black metal, ambient music, agitprop folk, charred goth rock, symphonic vastness and piano ballads -all infused with the energies and landscape of Georgia," says Nick Hudson.

In 2021, Hudson released his 'Font Of Human Fractures' album and the 'K69996ROMA:EP'. His band The Academy of Sun released their opus album 'The Quiet Earth' the year before. He's collaborated with such legends as Wayne Hussey (The Mission), Matthew Seligman (David Bowie, Tori Amos, Morrissey), Massive Attack's Shara Nelson, plus David Tibet (Current 93) and queercore icon GB Jones. His vast output also encompasses painting, film and a novel.

"As an album, 'Kanda Teenage Honey' explores ideas of preserving the sacred from the corrosively kleptocratic institutions of church and state: spiritual and material kleptocracy.  The title itself refers to a very real preservation of innocence derived from a story I heard of a local villager whose teenage son was shot and killed: the father had his son's body preserved in honey. As such, there are secular hymns for peace and lucid stillness, tales of saints de-martyring themselves and falling in love free of judgement from anachronistic scrutiny - a thinly veiled parable of queer love.  Two very close friends died within six months of each other during my first year in Georgia – there are requiems in the songs 'Archipelago' and 'Bardo', plus an acappella tribute to the Siberian husky that helped me grieve them during a retreat to the sublime mountainous region of 'Khevsureti' by the Chechen border, where despite being an ostensibly Orthodox country, pagan traditions are still passionately observed.  I dreamed eighty-percent of 'Bardo' in the energised serenity of this beautiful region while mourning my friend Jesse. Patrick, honoured in 'Archipelago', was one of my earliest mentors and a dynamically brilliant pianist.  They are much missed," explains Nick Hudson.

"'Ortolan' references the summer of 2021, when I fled to the same Isle Of Wight monastery at which Scott Walker had sought refuge in the sixties, as my mental and physical health hit a nadir and I was forced to leave the city I'd called home for twenty years. 'This Heat' refers to a return journey from a plague necropolis at the Chechen border, where giddily drunken park rangers piloting a 4X4 hurtled us passengers down a treacherous mountain pass and I briefly thought it might be the last song I'd ever write.  Since then, I've come to learn that Georgians are some of the virtuosic drivers in the world, even drunk, and I need not have feared."

Hudson also just released his book 'The Land Exists So The Seas Don't Argue', showcasing a decade of lyrical output in five albums plus ephemera  – satellite poems that inhabit the same world as each of the primary cosmologies. With a foreword by renowned Scottish author Chris Kelso, this collection embodies a searing intensity and unity of vision - paganism, queer love, grief, death, ecstasy, radical politics, social satire, hymns to nature, her rhythms and forces.

As of March 15, 'Kanda Teenage Honey' is available via Bandcamp, as well as other fine music platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music. On March 16, Hudson celebrates with an album launch concert in Tbilisi, Georgia, which will be livestreamed for those who cannot be there in person.

CREDITS
Composed, arranged and produced by Nick Hudson
Engineered by Ilya Lukashev & Nick Hudson at Leno and Sano Studios, Tbilisi
Steinway recorded by Ilya Lukashev & George Gvarjaladze at Leno Studios, Tbilisi
Mixed by Toby Driver
Mastered to analogue tape by Paul Pascoe, Church Road Studios, Hove
Nick Hudson - piano. acoustic guitar on 2, Faemi 1M, programming, vocals, foley, protest field recordings
Beqa Minadze - electric guitars
Gigi Koberidze - drums
Greg Massi - guitar on 4
Lizzy Carey - all strings
Toby Driver - hammered dulcimer on 10
Poppy Efemey - soprano on 10
Stuart Dahlquist - bass on 13
Samuel Gottlebe - classical guitar on 10, 12 and 15
Kianna Blue - Issa G Thang on 13
Alfreda Benge - cosmological rhetoric on 3
Oliver Hill - guitar on 8
Christopher Nell - duet vocal on 12
Stuart Braithwaite - black metal Ivor Cutler on 8
Vsevolod Osupov - poem and recitation on 11
Oli Spleen, Kianna Blue and Jon Griffin - choir on 9
Ana-STASI-a - thelemic seduction on 14
Wolfgang Dubieniec - mood on 3
Videos directed, filmed and edited by Nick Hudson
'For My Silence' artwork by Kenneth Anger
'Khevsureti' cover painting by Berdia Arabuli
Album artwork by Nick Hudson and Gary Mallard
Artist photography by @_Carl_Solomon_
Rings featured in photos by @Fauda.Silver

Keep up with Nick Hudson / The Academy of Sun
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The latest album from Enterprise Earth is out now

Enterprise Earth has unleashed upon the world their hotly-anticipated new album 'Death: An Anthology'. 

In celebration of the news, the band shared their intensely brutal yet deeply poignant latest offering "Blood and Teeth" along with the accompanying music video. Speaking about "Blood and Teeth", the band shared:

"'Blood and Teeth' lays out a gut-wrenching story of poisonous attachment, a cycle of self-harm and submission to the tragic realization of how much pain one can put themselves through for the sake of another’s admiration. Musically, this is the most elaborate song on 'Death: An Anthology'.

Moving through a clean piano intro, to blazing leads over a catchy groove, to death metal riffage, to a catchy metalcore adjacent chorus, to a dare we say sexy bridge, only to unleash the filthiest breakdown of the album at the end. The video is a direct visual representation of this and we hope it evokes an emotional response similar to the ones felt in its production."

When asked about the album, guitarist, backing vocalist, and producer Gabe Mangold commented:

"I consider 'Death: An Anthology' to be our most expressive, intense, diverse, and finest work that Enterprise Earth has ever achieved so far and I hope I can say that with every body of music that we release. This album was SO much fun to create from every facet and while there are many peaks of brutality and valleys of melodic expressiveness, I hope the listener experiences the same emotions while listening that we did while creating: sheer enjoyment, empowerment, unity, catharsis, and so much more. Drown in Abyss, let it take us." 

Enterprise Earth will be touring with Inferi, Crown Magnetar, and Tracheotomy starting March 11th. Tickets available now!

4/11 Phoenix, AZ Nile Underground

4/12 San Diego, CA Brick By Brick

4/13 Anaheim, CA Chain Reaction

4/14 San Francisco, CA Neck of The Woods 4/16 Portland, OR Dante's

4/17 Seattle, WA Madame Lou's

4/18 Spokane, WA The Big Dipper

4/19 Missoula, MT ZACC

4/20 Calgary, BC Dickens

4/21 Edmonton, BC Starlite

4/23 Winnipeg, MB Park Theatre

4/24 Minneapolis, MN Amsterdam Bar

4/25 Des Moines, IA xBk

4/26 Chicago, IL WC Social Club

4/27 Cleveland, OH TempleLive (Jester's)

4/28 Detroit, MI Sanctuary

4/29 Toronto, ON Hard Luck

4/30 Montreal, QC Fairmount Theatre

5/01 Portland, ME House of Music 

5/02 Worcester, MA Palladium Upstairs 

5/03 Mechanicsburg, PA Lovedraft's

5/04 Brooklyn, NY Meadows 

5/05 Albany, NY Empire Underground

05/07 Virginia Beach, VA Scandal's Live

05/08 Greensboro, NC Hangar 1819

05/09 W. Columbia, SC New Brookland Tavern

5/10 Tampa, FL Crowbar

5/11 Orlando, FL Conduit

5/12 Fort Walton Beach, FL Downtown Music Hall

5/14 Houston, TX Scout Bar

5/15 Austin, TX Come and Take It Live

5/16 Ft. Worth, TX Haltom Theater (Side Stage)

5/17 Lubbock, TX Jake's

5/18 Albuquerque, NM Launchpad

5/19 Denver, CO HQ

GET TICKETS & VIP HERE

Enterprise Earth - Death: An Anthology Ghostly 2LP

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Enterprise Earth - Death: An Anthology Copper Nugget 2LP

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Enterprise Earth - Casket of Rust Longsleeve Shirt

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SHOP ALL ENTERPRISE EARTH MUSIC AND MERCH

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 WATCH ENTERPRISE EARTH VIDEOS HERE

NIGHTWISH - Re-Sign With NUCLEAR BLAST

Once, I Had A Dream - And This Is It...

It's safe to say that this collaboration is one of the most magical and enchanting in modern metal history: 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the partnership between Finland's symphonic metal legends and NUCLEAR BLAST. Today, the international metal label is proud to announce that NIGHTWISH said "I Do" again and renewed their contract with a worldwide multi-album deal.

Tuomas Holopainen states:
“20 years ago our journey together with Nuclear Blast started, and the time has now come to renew our vows. Superbly excited to see what kind of magic we can cook up together this time!”

Marcus Hammer states:
“It’s an honor to renew this partnership to continue writing music history. We´re more than proud to carry on the collaboration with this exceptionally gifted group of musicians and their management team. Thanks for your friendship and trust, Floor, Tuomas, Emppu, Troy, Kai, and Jukkis. Looking forward to celebrate your upcoming album and everything beyond! Kiitos!”

Picture By Tim Tronckoe

About NIGHTWISH
Working with NUCLEAR BLAST since the release of their highly lauded 2004 album Once, NIGHTWISH have gained international fame and success selling more than ten million records and receiving more than 60 gold and platinum awards, having released six No #1 albums and thirteen No #1 singles. In October 2018, NIGHTWISH was inducted into the Tähtikatu – Walk of Fame Finland, becoming the honorary gallery's eleventh member. 2020 saw the release of the band's last studio record, Human. :II: Nature. that crowned the band's discography with another No. #1 success in Finland and Germany as well several other impressive chart entries worldwide. 
The band recently announced the completion of recordings for their new studio album planned for autumn 2024.

About NUCLEAR BLAST
For 35 years and counting, Nuclear Blast Records has been synonymous with the worldwide advancement of heavy music. Founded in Donzdorf, Germany in 1987, Nuclear Blast is part of Believe, one of the world's leading digital music companies. Nuclear Blast boasts a roster of over 150 bands. Their offices in Los Angeles, London, Hamburg, and Paris have helped build the label’s trusted global reputation with numerous album chart entries, high-profile tours, and continual signings of new and heritage acts. The label has additional representatives in Australia, Brazil, and Sweden, amongst others.
 

Line-Up:
Floor Jansen | Vocals
Tuomas Holopainen | Keys
Emppu Vuorinen | Guitars
Jukka Koskinen | Basses
Troy Donockley | Uilleann Pipes, Low Whistles, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Bouzouki, Bodhrán, Aerophone, Vocals
Kai Hahto | Drums & Percussion

More info:

www.nightwish.com  
www.facebook.com/nightwish
www.nuclearblast.de/nightwish  
www.instagram.com/nightwish/ 
www.twitter.com/NightwishBand

Chase Rice Unveils New Cleveland Cocktail & Bourbon Lounge "I Hate Cowboys"

Multi-Platinum entertainer Chase Rice is set to expand his hospitality ventures with the introduction of I Hate Cowboys, a cocktail and bourbon lounge with a Western feel located adjacent to his popular Welcome to the Farm venue in the Flats East Bank entertainment district of Cleveland, Ohio. Set to open March 16, the 2,400 sq. ft. new venture is again in collaboration with Forward Hospitality Group, Rice’s partner for both the Cleveland location of Welcome to the Farm as well as a second iteration in St. Pete, Fla.

I Hate Cowboys takes its name from Rice’s popular song featured on his recent critically acclaimed album, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell, with the venue seamlessly blending the rugged allure of a classic Western bar found in any-town-America with the intimacy and refinement of a modern cocktail lounge. Celebrating the beauty of contrasts, I Hate Cowboys embodies the spirit of late 20th century Americana, paying homage to renegades and risk-takers while striking a perfect balance between high-end sophistication and down-to-earth authenticity.

Guests at I Hate Cowboys can expect an exclusive selection of rare and allocated Bourbons and Tequilas, alongside delicately crafted cocktails and uncomplicated canned beers. The food menu features select items including a bison tartare, bone marrow, kale Caesar, a smash burger and the venue’s signature fried chicken.

“The I Hate Cowboys album honored the rebellious spirit of the American West that I fell in love with during my travels over the past few years, and this lounge concept felt like the perfect way to bring a celebration of that way of life to even more people,” says Chase Rice, who again played an integral part of the design process for the venue. “We’ve had so much fun bringing my Tennessee Farm to y’all at Welcome to the Farm, and can’t wait to introduce this new space next door that represents another side of me.”

I Hate Cowboys joins the original Welcome to the Farm venue in bringing Rice’s distinct perspective to the Cleveland area. Since opening in 2021, Welcome to the Farm has played host to frequent live music and special events including an annual Derby Day party, a Folds of Honor benefit and the "Nashville's Next" concert series highlighting rising artists, with the brand expanding in 2022 to the second location in St. Pete’s Central Arts District near the coast of Tampa Bay. 

For more information on I Hate Cowboys and upcoming events, please visit IHateCowboysCLE.com and follow on Instagram @IHateCowboysCLE. For all things Chase Rice, visit ChaseRice.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter/X and TikTok @ChaseRiceMusic and on Instagram @ChaseRice.

About Chase Rice
With more than 2.6 million albums sold and over 2.7 billion total streams, plus a legion of passionate fans at his high-energy concerts across the globe, Chase Rice has established himself as a powerful force in Nashville and beyond. With the critically acclaimed album I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell crafted in his rural Tennessee home-turned-studio available everywhere now, Rice’s sound continues to evolve to reflect the realities of his life; from emotional reckoning to an admiration of the Western way of life. The new music, including his latest single “Bad Day To Be A Cold Beer” plus standout tracks “Oklahoma” and “Bench Seat,” serves as a follow up to his three-part project, The Album, which featured his latest Platinum-certified No. 1 hit, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” and the Platinum-certified Top 10 hit “Lonely If You Are.” This is the same gravelly-voiced Chase Rice fans first fell in love with years ago – but better, freer; unbeholden and uninhibited. The new music builds upon the success of his sophomore album, Lambs & Lions, which featured the 3x Platinum, two-week chart topper “Eyes On You” – Rice’s first No. 1 as an artist and the most-streamed song of his career. Lambs & Lions followed Platinum-certified Ignite the Night, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and No. 3 on the all-genre chart, producing a pair of Top 5 hits; Platinum-certified “Gonna Wanna Tonight” and Double Platinum “Ready Set Roll.” In addition to guesting on sold-out stadium shows with Kenny Chesney and Garth Brooks, Rice consistently sells out venues on his own headlining tours, including the current Get Western Tour in support of his new music, and he will join Dierks Bentley’s Gravel & Gold Tour this summer.

Randall King, Kevin Fowler & Aaron Watson Unite for 'PanHandle Boys: West Texas Fire Relief Concert'

In response to the devastating wildfires that have swept through West Texas, three renowned Amarillo-native country artists, Randall King, Kevin Fowler and Aaron Watson have joined forces to present "THE PANHANDLE BOYS: West Texas Fire Relief Concert." The fundraiser is set to take place on Sunday, March 24, at the picturesque Starlight Ranch in Amarillo, TX and all of the proceeds will benefit The Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund. Tickets are on sale now at PanHandleBoys.com.
 
This intimate acoustic ‘in-the-round’ event will allow attendees to experience heartfelt performances in a stripped-down, soulful setting, creating an atmosphere of unity and support for the West Texas communities in need. The trio of artists, each deeply rooted in their love for the Texas Panhandle, showcase their Texan spirit and genuine concern through the swift organization of this benefit concert, demonstrating the power of solidarity in times of need. 
 
“As the news broke about the wildfires raging across the panhandle, the place I was born and raised, I knew we had to do something to help. Amarillo is my hometown,” shares Kevin Fowler. “These are my people. I’m so excited to join forces with my fellow panhandle boys, Aaron Watson and Randall King to do what we can to help support all the families affected by these fires and the heroes out there on the front lines.”
 
Additionally, Randall King said, “My heart goes out to my homeland. So many families, lives and ways of living have been affected by these fires and I want to do my part to help in the best way I know how. When Kevin reached out for this opportunity, I absolutely had to jump on the chance to help heal the panhandle through the power of music.”
 
“As devastating as all of this has been, it’s hard to not feel hopeless but for one night, we’re going to do our part to try and bring a smile to people’s faces,” Aaron Watson explains. “I’m honored to be joining the boys for this incredible benefit and to raise money to try and help these families get back on their feet.”
 
For those unable to attend the concert but still eager to contribute, donations can be made directly to the Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund at PanHandleBoys.com.

ABOUT PANHANDLE DISASTER RELIEF FUND:
The Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund is an initiative by the Amarillo Area Foundation dedicated to providing vital assistance to those affected by disasters in the Panhandle region. With a commitment to supporting our community during times of crisis, the Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund aims to offer immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts to individuals and families impacted by natural disasters, such as wildfires, floods, and severe storms.

EXHORDER RELEASES NEW ALBUM, 'DEFECTUM OMNIUM,'

NOLA thrash legends EXHORDER have released their long-anticipated new album, Defectum Omnium, today with Nuclear Blast Records. Sonically unrelenting, the band’s 4th record in a career spanning nearly 4 decades is classic EXHORDER. Revisiting their early influences of punk, hardcore and thrash, the band self-produced 12 merciless tracks that sound as vital as when they  first carved their groove in metal in 1985. Featuring crushing songs like ‘Year of the Goat’ and ‘Forever and Beyond Despair’ and ominous cover artwork by Travis Smith (Katatonia, Opeth), Defectum Ominum finds EXHORDER at the top of their game with one of the year’s most vicious records.

Vocalist/guitarist Kyle Thomas has said of the new record:

“It’s been quite a journey for Exhorder since the 2019 release of Mourn the Southern Skies. Lineup changes as well as the 2020-2021 pandemic and lockdown presented hurdles that weren’t easy to overcome. But we persevered, kept our heads down and went to work with intense focus and real goals. One of those goals was to bring our fourth full length album to our fan base. Defectum Omnium is a collaborative effort in songwriting, much as it was in the early days of Exhorder. We produced it ourselves, as we felt no need or desire to bring in anyone from the outside based upon our shared vision. It was also important to us not only to continue the natural progression this band has been in since the early 90’s, but to put a foot back into our roots. The influence punk and hardcore had on this band from getting our start in the New Orleans punk rock scene has a strong presence. We’ve also made sure to keep plenty of our thrash roots as well in our songwriting process. But we have also managed to keep our doom roots alive, which first surfaced on the song (Cadence of) the Dirge back in 1992. In fact, on one new song we have guest appearances by Rick Wartell and Bruce Franklin from Trouble, and they absolutely killed it! 

From the time that we began pre-production until the actual release date, we can promise you that every bit of Defectum Omnium was crafted with great care, and we are really excited about it! Our goal was to make an album that WE loved and gives the experience of a journey.”

With today’s record release, EXHORDER has unveiled a new video for their next standout track, and album opener ‘Wrath of Prophecies.’

Thomas adds on the new single:

“Our third single, Wrath of Prophecies, is the opening track on Defectum Omnium. It is the oldest song title on the album, dating back to 2009. However, it was never truly completed as a song, though it did have its own line of merchandise at the time. Lyrically, it is a nod to the prophecies of Nostradamus, which were much more prevalent topics at that time based upon what many people felt were predicted end times. Regardless, it fit right into the overall theme of despair and hopelessness that Defectum Omnium embodies. Musically, it is a fierce and unrelenting thrasher. With the vocals committing to the song as soon as the entire band kicks in, “Wrath of Prophecies” grabs you by the throat right out of the gates. It is obvious and evident that there is something the listener must pay attention to, or turn away and play ostrich. Lacing melodies in with venomous, spitting aggression, this song is a feature example on this album of our commitment to returning to our roots, and not just the punk ones.”

Purchase/Stream Defectumm Omnium: https://exhorder.bfan.link/defectum-omnium

‘WRATH OF PROPHECIES’ MUSIC VIDEO BELOW

Following the release of Defectum Omnium in April, EXHORDER will kick off a US tour with Bay Area thrash legends VIO-LENCE, Virginian extreme metalheads DECEASED and LA death metal band MORTAL WOUND. The brutality starts April 5th in Cambridge, MA and will culminate April 13th in Chicago, IL.

Tickets are on sale now at the links below.

EXHORDER US Tour Dates:

April 5 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East (Tickets)

April 6 - Brooklyn, NY - Monarch (Tickets)

April 7 - Philadelphia, PA - Underground Arts (Tickets)

April 8 - Baltimore, MD - The Ottobar (Tickets)

April 10 - Cleveland, OH - The Winchester (Tickets)

April 11 - Cincinnati, OH - Legends (Tickets)

April 12 - Detroit, MI - Sanctuary (Tickets)

April 13 - Chicago, IL - Reggies (Tickets)

About EXHORDER:

Formed in 1986, EXHORDER’s journey has proven exciting, yet tumultuous. After a twenty-seven-year absence following their final Roadrunner Records release in 1992, EXHORDER re-entered the game with an album considered by many to be a contender for the "Best Comeback Album" category. The band released Mourn the Southern Skies in October of 2019 through Nuclear Blast Records. Fraught with euphoric peaks and crippling valleys throughout its existence, lineup changes, and the 2020-2021 pandemic, EXHORDER has since clawed back through the muck to prepare yet another album to add to the discography. In the spring of 2024, EXHORDER presents yet again via Nuclear Blast their fourth full-length recording, Defectum Omnium,  the Latin phrase for "The Failure of All". Singer Kyle Thomas wryly explains that the album title is representative of the current state of affairs that the world is in. "The world is a dumpster fire, and we are all complicit.", he explains. "People have been talking about, ‘...viruses killing us off, blah-blah, blah...', when in actuality WE are the virus to the Earth. Mother Nature is simply trying to shake off the fleas, and her ‘viruses’ are the antibodies combating US. Earth will survive, and we will join the dinosaurs, wooly mammoths, and saber-toothed tigers soon enough in her history."
 
Produced by EXHORDER and mixed by Jens Bogren, Defectum Omnium puts a foot back into the roots of the band's inception. The scales have tipped favorably towards the presence of punk and thrash more so than on Mourn the Southern Skies. Tracks like ‘Wrath of Prophecies’, ‘Forever and Beyond Despair’, and ‘Sedition’ are what EXHORDER comes by most honestly when referring to their beginnings. There is also a strong presence of doom influence, as always. ‘The Tale of Unsound Minds’ and the haunting ‘Defectum Omnium/Stolen Hope’ will raise utter despair from the depths of your soul. The thick New Orleans grooves EXHORDER has been known for beating out since day one are still undeniable, and they stand out in tracks like ‘Year of the Goat’, ‘Under the Gaslight’, and ‘Three Stages of Truth/Lacing the Well’. 

One trait about Defectum Omnium that deserves to be pointed out is that it is more of a journey and experience than just a regurgitated selection of songs on autopilot. With peaks and valleys much like a roller coaster ride, one listener described the album as having "...a little something for everyone.". As EXHORDER has always been hard to classify by one genre, the album is loaded with heaviness, aggression, speed, and venom. It also has an equal presence of mystery, melody, and harmony, and vacillates between darkness and light. Themes that dart back and forth between surviving oppression, despair, revolution, and brittle hope take you through the band's madness by way of the musical path that they have forged. With touring plans underway in support of Defectum Omnium, EXHORDER finds itself poised to finally achieve the brass ring potential that has always seemed to be just out of their reach.

Follow EXHORDER:

https://www.exhorder.com/

https://www.facebook.com/exhorderofficial

https://www.instagram.com/exhorderofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/@ExhorderOfficial

https://www.tiktok.com/@exhorder_official

Portland psych-rockers SUN ATOMS honor Leonard Cohen on 'Tower of Song (in the key of JAMC)' & announce tour dates

"Sun Atoms is a tripped-out opus packed with droning electronics, shimmering guitars, dayglo melodies and a deep, whispered delivery" ~ Brooklyn Vegan

"Swirling keyboards, chiming psych tinged licks and the foreboding attitude dashed vocals craft a foreboding and bristling concoction, it has echoes of the Mission, The Sisters of Mercy or the propulsive sound of Leonard Cohen‘s 'I'm Your Man’ album" ~ God is in the TV Zine

"Ebbing and flowing like Love and Rockets under a Spiritualized raga; the spirit of Bowie’s classic Moonage Daydream echoes through the band’s astral fabric” ~ First Look

"Artistic leap into an enthralling intersection of post-punk, indie rock and new wave... a gateway for your consciousness to coast into fascinating sonic realms" ~ Spill Magazine

“Sun Atoms bend and blend through luminary influences Leonard Cohen, The Cure, Moon Duo and Nick Cave in an amalgamation that combines psychedelic, dark wave, and post-modern pop” ~ The Big Takeover

"Sun Atoms fuses styles and sounds like a long lost Basquiat painting found in deep space among comets and stars” ~ Maximum Volume

Portland alternative pop / postmodern rock outfit Sun Atoms presents a unique fuzzed-out tribute to iconic songwriter Leonard Cohen with 'Tower of Song (in the key of JAMC)', released as the flipside of their new 'Ceiling Tiles' single.

Released via Little Cloud Records digitally and on 7" vinyl and mixed by the iconic Jagz Kooner (Massive Attack, Primal Scream, Oasis, Garbage), this single is the first taste of the band's sophomore album (out ths summer). The accompanying video, produced by Bradley Tuazon, follows ghosts on a velvety caper through an endless maze through streets and a 113,000+ square foot state-of-the-art concert venue, the band members appearing like rare birds in the roles of madcap non-conformist odd fellows living outside of the lines.

Sun Atoms is made up of bassist Peter G. Holmström (The Dandy Warhols, Pete International Airport), vocalist Jsun Atoms (The Upsidedown, Daydream Machine), multi-instrumentalist June Kang, Mars de Ponte (LoveBomb Go-Go), L.A. drummer Eric Rubalcava and Boise native Derek Spencer Longoria-Gomez(Hi Hazel). 

2021 brought the band's debut album 'Let There Be Light', also produced by Holmström and mixed by the iconic Stephen Street (Blur, The Smiths, The Cranberries), involving performances by the likes of The Vandelles' Jasno Swarez, The Black Angels’ Alex Maas and Gregg Williams (Sheryl Crow, Blitzen Trapper).

"When I was a child, I saw a being made of light climb through my bedroom window, they stood at the foot of my bed and reached out to touch my foot," explains Jsun Atoms. "Mesmerizing and haunting, much like the new Sun Atoms single 'Ceiling Tiles', which reveals a story of characters living under a faux sky being manipulated to make it appear that the stars are aligning, when in fact, above this tiled Truman Show, the stars are doing just that. The characters in the song go about their day-to-day dance while the globe they are spinning on becomes an eye."

Sun Atoms kicked off 2024 by playing three sold-out shows at Portland’s historic Revolution Hall, opening for Dinosaur Jr., which presented the perfect chance to shoot their new video. With its long stairways and iconic brick facade as the ideal backdrop for this monochromatic video, here unfolds a mysterious tale of characters living between worlds and connected by Jean Cocteau’s famously mirrored portal.

Sun Atoms has also played shows with Modest Mouse, Fishbone, Besnard Lakes, The Veldt and New Candys, as well as performing at Seattle’s Freakout Fest and Portland’s Lose Yr Mind Fest with Allah Las, Broncho and Night Beats. 

The 'Ceiling Tiles' single is available on beautiful 7" vinyl and from fine digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. Sun Atoms are touring the West Coast in March-April, kicking off with Treefort Festival, where they join Ty Segall, A Place To Bury Strangers, Neko Case and Built To Spill. Tickets for this tour are now available to order.

CREDITS
'Ceiling Tiles' written by Peter G. Holmström, Jsun Atoms, June Kang, Derek Spencer Longoria-Gomez, Mars de Ponte, Eric Rubalcava
Produced and Engineered by Peter G. Holmström at Air Traffic Control
Recording (additional drums) by Gregg Williams at The Trench Studio
Recording (add. vox) by Tommy Dietrick / Joshua Tree Recording Studio
Initial tracking by Eric Crespo at Red Lantern Studios
Mixed by Jagz Kooner at Stone Circle Studios
Mastered by Keith Tenniswood at Curve Pusher
Peter G. Holmström - bass, guitar, sequencers, keys
June Kang - MPC, synths, percussion
Derek Spencer Longoria-Gomez - guitar, vocals
Mars de Ponte - guitar, keys, vocals
Eric Rubalcava - drums, percussion
Jsun Atoms - vocals, guitar
Cover artwork by James Coffman. Layout by Sean Gothman
Video directed and Edited by Brady Tuazon
'Tower of Song (in the key of JAMC)' written by Leonard Cohen
Released by Little Cloud Records 2024
'Ceiling Tiles' video directed by Brady Tuazon with support from Nigel Coutinho, Ryan Gamo, Erik Meharry and Hannah Glavor 
Artist photos by Erik Meharry 

TOUR DATES
March 23  BOISE, ID - Treefort Festival, In-store at Record Exchange
March 24  BOISE, ID - Treefort Festival, Shrine Social Club
March 25  SACRAMENTO, CA - Old Ironsides
March 27  LAS VEGAS, NV - The Usual Place
March 28  LOS ANGELES, CA - The Moroccan Lounge
March 29  PIONEERTOWN, CA - Red Dog Saloon
March 30  SAN FRANSCISCO, CA - Kilowatt
April 5  PORTLAND, Oregon - Star Theater
April 6 - SEATTLE, WA - Seagaze Festival, Tractor Tavern Seattle


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KMFDM touring USA in support of new 23rd studio album ‘LET GO’, marking illustrious 40-year career

Iconic music mavericks KMFDM have kicked off their month-long 20-date US tour, launched in support of their new 'LET GO' album, recently released via Metropolis Records. Celebrating 40 years of conceptual continuity in grand style, KMFDM is doin’ it again, rising up lean and mean.

'LET GO' marks the group’s 23rd studio album, with the core lineup of Sascha “Käpt’n K” Konietzko, Lucia Cifarelli, Andy Selway and Andee Blacksugarpresenting their signature onslaught of pulse-pounding rhythms, scorching electronics, blistering guitars, and vocals full of grit, growl, and grind addressing the social, political, and cultural ills of a world in perpetual turmoil.

The album arrives hot on the heels of the banger 'LET GO' and the latest single 'AIRHEAD' with its accompanying 210 Media-produced video taking us on a sentimental joyride down memory lane through a bygone era of American life.

Defying common definitions and shredding pre-conceived notions about who or what KMFDM is or isn’t genre-wise, this unique gem lyrically harkens back to growing up in America during the 70s and 80s. It'll have you reminiscing with a wink and a laugh as Lucia Cifarelli sings: "Born the year of the Chia pet - Blondes were in, but I’m brunette - Vietnam and Donkey Kong - I was busy getting high with Cheech & Chong.”

From the driving techno, dance and funk-infused thrust of 'LET GO' to the airily melodic and swirling vibes of 'AIRHEAD' and 'TOUCH', the grooving revolutionary oratory and percolating spaghetti western guitar and glitch-laden synth leads of 'TURN THE LIGHT ON' to the sneering and seething riot grrl fury of 'WHEN THE BELL TOLLS', the sinister hip-hop injected 'NEXT MOVE', the downright cinematic and Teutonic electro of 'ERLKÖNIG', and the virulent dub warcry of 'WW 2023' – KMFDM continues to break down barriers and immerse audiences in a bold new reality.

Always stylistically diverse, KMFDM continues to bridge the gaps between genres, coalescing into what we know and love as the Ultra Heavy Beat!  Konietzko and Cifarelli prove as vicious a team as ever, equally sharing vocal and lyrical duties, with longtime associate MC Ocelot appearing to give 'NEXT MOVE' an extra touch of raucous rap energy. All the while, Blacksugar’s prowess on six-strings continues to awe and astound, backed by Selway’s dynamic drumming, meshing with Konietzko’s masterful programming.

Mixed and mastered by Benjamin Lawrenz (VNV Nation, Deep Purple, Saga, Mono Inc., Lord of the Lost), at Chameleon Recording Studios in Hamburg, 'LET GO' signals KMFDM’s 40th anniversary loudly and proudly, with Aidan “BRUTE” Hughes’ distinctive cover artwork mirroring the album’s breakneck power. After four decades, the Ultra Heavy Beat simply refuses to rest in pity and regret, raising a sharpened middle finger at a world in chaos.

The 'LET GO' album is out now, available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. It is also being offered  on CD and as a Limited Edition Vinyl double LP. Tour tickets are available here.

ALBUM CREDITS
Sascha Konietzko - Bass, Beats, Synths & Vocals
Lucia Cifarelli - Vocals
Andy Selway - Drums
Andee Blacksugar - Guitars
MC Ocelot - Rap
Written by Blacksugar, Cifarelli, Konietzko, Selway
Produced by Sascha Konietzko
Recorded  at Kommandozentrale (Hamburg), Swamp Studios (Florida) & Casa Blacksugar (Brooklyn NY)
Mixed by Benjamin Lawrence & Sascha Konietzko
at Chameleon & Kommandozentrale (Hamburg)
Vocals on 'Airhead' mixed by Veronica Ferraro
Mastered by Benjamin Lawrence at Chameleon (Hamburg)
Art by BRUTE!
Layout by Chris Zander

Artist photos by Bobby Talamine

TOUR DATES
03/06 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
03/07 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
03/08 Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
03/09 New York, NY – Irving Plaza
03/10 Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl
03/11 Harrisburg, PA – Harrisburg Midtown Arts CEnter
03/12 Boston, MA – Royale
03/14 Cleveland, OH – Agora Theater & Ballroom
03/15 Chicago, IL – Metro Chicago
03/16 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave/Eagles Club
03/17 Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
03/18 Omaha, NE – Waiting Room
03/20 Denver, CO – The Oriental Theater
03/21 Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
03/22 Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
03/23 San Diego, CA – The Observatory
03/24 Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco Theater
03/25 San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
03/27 Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
03/28 Seattle, WA – The Crocodile


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