Jakko M Jakszyk (King Crimson), recently announced the release of his forthcoming new solo album Secrets & Lies on October 23, 2020. He has launched a video for the track “It Would All Make Sense” which features Jakko joined by Gavin Harrison on drums and John Giblin on bass. Watch the video, created by Crystal Spotlight, below.
Jakko comments: “When the truth is staring you right in the face. But you just don’t want to believe it. When the evidence makes more sense than the lies. Then there comes a point, when - it would all make sense.”
Secrets & Lies contains 11 songs that explore topics suchc as obsession, betrayal, the shifting grounds of contemporary politics, and the tangled threads of family history, Secrets & Lies balances sensitive writing, musical technique, and accessible tunes cast in an impressively cinematic sound world. With three of the tracks, “Separation”, “Under Lock & Key” and “Uncertain Times” originating in King Crimson's writing sessions, the result is a mature work brimming with yearning melodies in symphonic or widescreen settings, fluid guitar work, and Jakko’s heartfelt, emotional vocals.
The album features Jakszyk joined by his King Crimson bandmates Robert Fripp, Gavin Harrison, Tony Levin & Mel Collins, as well as appearances from John Giblin (Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Simple Minds), Mark King (Level 42), Peter Hammill (Van der Graff Generator) and noted British comedian Al Murray.
Secrets & Lies will be released as a Limited CD+DVD Digipak (featuring 5.1 mix), Gatefold LP + CD & as Digital Album. The cover art was created by Sam Chegini, with design by Phil Smee.
Tracklisting:
“Before I Met You”
“The Trouble With Angels”
“Fools Mandate”
“The Rotters Club Is Closing Down”
“Uncertain Times”
“It Would All Make Sense”
“Secrets, Likes & Stolen Memories”
“Under Lock & Key”
“The Borders We Traded”
“Trading Borders”
“Separation”
POWERMAN 5000 singer/creative mastermind Spider One has made a new video for the primally creepy "Strange People Doing Strange Things" track from the band's brand new album, "The Noble Rot". Unlike anything this multi-talented frontman has created, Spider's video is a wild rollercoaster of Don Hertzfeldtian minimalist doodles mixed with David Cronenberg-inspired body horror and sprinkled with pop culture references aplenty including sci-fi heroes, classic movie monsters, kooky aliens, droogish film icons, and one intrepid little housefly. This monumental undertaking was accomplished with nearly 3,000 separate drawings and took many months to complete.
Spider stated about the video: "I'd like to say making this video was a labor of love but it really was a test of my own sanity. What started out as some simple 'follow the bouncing ball' animation ended up being a challenge to see if I could actually finish this thing. Just shy of three thousand drawings later, it is what it is. Next time I attempt an animated video, I will choose a shorter song!"
In early June, POWERMAN 5000 released a music video for the first single from "The Noble Rot", the goth club-inspired "Black Lipstick". The song is a loving homage to dark 1980s music like DEPECHE MODE, THE CURE and SIOUXSIE SIOUX, heavy on atmosphere and bass with frontman Spider One sneering melodically of a fly-by-night romantic encounter.
In May, POWERMAN 5000 released its reimagining of the classic '80s new wave smash "We Got The Beat". "We Got The Beat" was originally released in 1981 as part of THE GO-GO'S' multi-platinum debut album "Beauty And The Beat".
POWERMAN 5000's previous album, "New Wave", was released in October 2017 via Pavement Entertainment.
Last year, POWERMAN 5000 celebrated the 20th anniversary of its most successful album, "Tonight The Stars Revolt!", by embarking on a U.S. tour.
"Tonight The Stars Revolt!", POWERMAN 5000's second album, was released on July 20, 1999 by DreamWorks Records. It has sold over one million copies and achieved platinum status on the back of such hits as "Nobody's Real" and "When Worlds Collide".
Kid Rock joined President Donald Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., at a Michigan event to promote the president's re-election campaign Monday (September 14). The "Make America Great Again" event, which was held at Bumpers Landing Boat Club in Harrison Township, also featured Kimberly Guilfoyle, Trump Jr.'s girlfriend who serves as the president's senior advisor.
According to Detroit Free Press, Kid Rock performed a four-song set for the mostly maskless crowd of several thousand, with face coverings predominantly worn by some older attendees.
"If you believe in the leadership of Donald Trump, that you live and will always live and support, stand for the greatest country in the world, make some damn noise," Kid addressed the audience at one point during his set, which included renditions of the songs "So Hott", "Cowboy", "All Summer Long" and "Born Free".
Earlier in the day, Kid Rock revealed in an Instagram post that he received two steroid shots to to help him deal with ongoing "neck issues." He wrote: "Would make sense to cancel my appearance, but NO WAY! I will be there and will give it everything I have this evening. That is how important getting POTUS re-elected is too me and I could care less about the continuous attacks from the left wing media, etc, that have been going on for over 4 years now. It's the reason I have turned down countless interviews and TV appearances as I refuse to be their click bait."
Rock had reportedly flown in from Nashville earlier Monday, accompanied by a film crew shooting an upcoming career documentary.
This past January, Kid Rock posed for a photo at Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach, Florida, with Donald Trump Jr. The musician, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, was wearing a t-shirt mocking House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who helped lead both House Democrats' impeachment inquiry and the House intelligence committee's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Back in 2016, Kid Rock showed his support for the president by selling a line of Trump-themed T-shirts. Among them was a shirt that Rock was photographed wearing, on which states that voted red were labeled "The United States of America" and states that went blue were called "Dumbfuckistan." Another shirt said "God, Guns And Trump," while a third read "_onald Trump: The 'D' is missing because it's in every hater's mouth."
Rock first announced his support for Trump in early 2016, telling Rolling Stone: "I'm digging Trump. I feel like a lot of people, whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, feel like if you get Hillary or Bernie, or you get Rubio or Cruz or whoever, there's going to be the same shit... My feeling: let the motherfucking business guy run it like a fucking business. And his campaign has been entertaining as shit."
Rock, who generally leans to the right, also supported Mitt Romney in 2012.
Kid Rock performs “All Summer Long” at a Trump rally in Harrison Township following remarks by Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle. pic.twitter.com/0l20I6fC6C
Progressive grunge rockers Gargoyl, which features guitar virtuoso Dave Davidson (Revocation) and guitarist/vocalist Luke Roberts (Ayahuasca), will be releasing their debut full-length on October 9 via Season Of Mist. The band have released an official music video for their brand new song, "Plastic Nothing". The video was created by Costin Chioreanu and can be seen below.
Guitarist/vocalist Luke Roberts comments: "Why am I so afraid that my body, my possessions, and even my mind are in a state of constant dissolution? Why am I so afraid of the idea that every atom in my body came from dirt and will soon return? Maybe the tighter I hang on to being a person, being permanent, secure, the more I suffer. Maybe the tighter I hang onto the idea of a perfect world the faster it burns. Fear is like a bully that offers you protection in exchange for obedience. Perhaps if I hang on less tightly, the sum of my short fleeting life could mean something more than just living in a constant state of fear right up until my inevitable death bed."
Gargoyl's self-titled album is available for pre-order here.
Gargoyl is many things at once, which, automatically subjects the band to the journalistic and fan guessing game/rite of passage as to what style they actually are. Their 11-song self-titled debut is progressive, atmospheric, heavy, technical and avant-garde; a blend of sounds that ultimately coalesce into a body of work that engages and challenges. That, in itself, covers a broad spectrum, but further inroads into Gargoyl’s sound continually reveal new elements of intrigue and persuasion. It is the beauty - and purpose - of the project.
Formed in early 2018 by guitarist Dave Davidson (Revocation) and guitarist/vocalist Luke Roberts (Ayahuasca), the groundwork for Gargoyl was laid when the two men met while on tour. The pair realized they shared a musical kinship and admiration for one another and made good on their word to see the project through. Gargoyl’s two-song Asomatous demo was released in March 2019, setting the stage for their eventual signing to Season of Mist and release of their debut LP this October. The album’s drums were recorded in July 2019 with Chris Johnson at GodCity Studios in Salem, Massachusetts; guitars were tracked with Greg Dawson at BWC Studios outside of Toronto. Vocals were recorded by Roberts at his home studio.
Gargoyl is completed by the virtuosic talents of bassist Brett Leier and drummer James Knoerl who collectively add further layers of intrigue and soul to the music. The collaboration between members opened up the creative floodgates and further expanded their sound. “The riffs were flowing out so fast,” remarks Davidson about the early stages of the writing process. “It was clear that these ideas were in the back of our minds waiting to come out.”
The music for their self-titled album was split evenly between Davidson and Roberts, with Roberts also penning the album’s lyrics and vocal melodies. “Working with someone in more of a 50/50 kind of collaborative style was new for me,” elaborates Davidson. “It’s nice having someone to split those writing duties with, someone who is just as invested in every little single intricacy and detail. It allowed me to function in a different sort of role, which was refreshing. I think that also led to more creativity because I’m writing in a different style, writing with all new members and taking on a different writing role in a band.”
The haunting and melancholic tonality of Roberts’ vocals is undoubtedly one of the primary facets of Gargoyl’s sound. Roberts’s layering, harmonies and inflection, at times, recall classic vocalists from the ’90s grunge era, but what really sold Davidson was his versatility and ability to contour his clean, distinctive vocals over unorthodox compositions.
As a result, Gargoyl’s debut successfully oscillates between unnerving, emotional segments, to progressive, Goth-tinged hard rock. Davidson and Roberts have crafted Gargoyl in such a manner that it refuses to be boxed-in. Davidson has already fielded quite a few assertions on Gargoyl’s sound - some have tagged it as grunge meets black metal, Queens of The Stone Age meets Voivod or even a jazzier version of Alice In Chains.
“Anytime a band has a lot of different influences…I think it’s important to have a clear vision and goal so that all those influences mesh together in a way that doesn’t sound forced,” says Davidson. “I wanted it to be a cohesive, artistic statement and I know that Luke does as well. I’ve always wanted to blend genres. In the truest sense of the word we’re ‘prog rock.’”
Lineup:
Luke Roberts - Guitar, Vocals
David Davidson - Guitar
Brett Leier - Bass
James Knoerl - Drums
ReFrame will release Reaching Revery on September 25 via Luminol Records. The album features guest appearances from Corey Glover of Living Colour, Leight July, Neil Citron of Bangtower and Black Cat 6, and Jessica Pymm, as well as a guest composition from John Clancy and Philo Cramer of Fear. Pre-order the album here.
ReFrame is a progressive rock and metal band based in Memphis (TN), who attempts to combine the power and aggression of hard rock and metal with the sophistication of progressive rock and fusion while still writing catchy melodies.
ReFrame, started as a studio concept, a place for some like-minded musicians to write and record music without the typical constraints of being in a traditional band. No concerns for genre, or other limitations. As the songs started coalescing it became apparent that the chemistry and these songs needed to see the stage. Opening for Andy Timmons, Tantric, Tony MacAlpine, Collective Soul, Doug Pinnick (King's X), Michael Angelo Batio, September Mourning, Reverend Jack, Neil Zaza, and many others.
Reaching Revery tells a compelling story of great loss and redemption and the journey to reach that dream that everyone has for himself, to be something greater than what someone started as.
Professionally filmed video of James Hetfield performing live at a tribute to Eddie Money in February can be seen below. The METALLICA frontman played an acoustic rendition of Money's "Baby Hold On" at The Canyon at The Saban in Beverly Hills, California.
Hetfield wasn't among the announced guests at "A Star-Studded Tribute To Eddie Money", proceeds from which benefited MusiCares and the USC Eddie Money Cancer Research Fund.
Hetfield and Money were friends, with the METALLICA guitarist/vocalist recalling how he first connected with the late singer.
"So I got to hang out with Eddie the last probably three years of his life," James said before playing the song. "I saw the cleaned-up version of Eddie.
He explained that he first met Money at an Oakland Raiders football game where Eddie was performing the national anthem. "I met him before he went out there, and he kinda blew me off," Hetfield recalled. "I thought, 'Who is is this pompous ass?' And if you spot it, you've got it, is what I'm saying. So it was like two big dogs going in a circle around each other, which was kind of funny. I saw through it. I saw through that ego, and he saw through mine, and we got to be friends, 'cause I think our egos matched the size or our insecurities."
AXS TV's "Eddie Money Tribute Concert" premiered in March. Hosted by Eddie's good friend, comedian and award-winning actor Louie Anderson, the two-hour "Eddie Money Tribute Concert" is a heartfelt celebration of the man whose trademark vocals fueled chart-topping favorites such as "Shakin'", "Take Me Home Tonight", "Think I'm in Love", "Two Tickets To Paradise" and "Baby Hold On", among many others, and provided the soundtrack for a generation of music lovers. The evening featured unforgettable appearances and performances by Eddie's family and fellow music legends. The concert included powerhouse performances of Eddie's classic hits such as "Shakin'" by Sammy Hagar, "Save A Little Room" by John Waite, and "Think I'm In Love" by Kevin Cronin and Dave Amato. Additionally, there were heartfelt renditions of "Baby Hold On" and "Wanna Go Back" by Eddie's children Jesse, Dez and Julian Money who made their dad proud as they commanded the stage with one of the night's most memorable moments.
The tribute also featured a collection of moving video tributes from world-class artists Huey Lewis, Joan Jett, Steve Miller, LOVERBOY, BOSTON and Dennis DeYoung, as well as funnyman Kevin James who fondly recalled Eddie's performance at his wedding and shared rare footage from the special day. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak also took the stage, regaling the crowd with anecdotes from Eddie's set at the historic US Festival in 1982.
"We are grateful to the incredible artists and industry friends who dedicated their time and talents and came together to make this celebration of his life possible," said Laurie Money, Eddie's wife of 30-plus years. "Their combined energy and efforts helped our family give Eddie a uniquely spectacular sendoff, worthy of the great husband, father, friend and artist that he truly was. Every performance of the concert is a must see and is undeniably straight from the heart. The concert is a testimony that exemplifies how deeply he was loved by the music community."
"Eddie Money Tribute Concert" setlist:
* "Baby Hold On" - Jesse, Dez and Julian Money
* "Trinidad" - Tommy Tutone
* "Walk On Water" - Mickey Thomas
* "Save A Little Room" - John Waite
* "No Control" - Greg Kihn
* "Money (That's What I Want)" - George Thorogood
* "Think I'm in Love" - Kevin Cronin and Dave Amato
* "Wanna Go Back" - Jesse and Dez Money
* "Baby Hold On" - James Hetfield
* "Shakin" - Sammy Hagar with Jesse, Dez and Julian Money
Danko Jones (DANKO JONES) has teamed up with Daniel Dekay (EXCITER) and Ted Aguilar (DEATH ANGEL) to record a quarantine cover version of the SLAYER classic "Mandatory Suicide". Check out the video below.
Credits:
Danko Jones (DANKO JONES) - Vocals
Daniel Dekay (EXCITER) - Lead Guitar
Ted Aguilar (DEATH ANGEL) - Rhythm Guitar
Cory Holfing (CRIMSON SHADOWS) - Drums
Michael Amaral (Crusty Media) - Bass
Music mixed by Michael Amaral
Mastered by Scott Middleton at School House Studios
Music video by Crusty Media
In a 2013 column for the Huffington Post, Danko said that DEATH ANGEL was one of his favorite bands of all time. He wrote: "I remember seeing people around Toronto wearing their shirts, not sure of who they were and yet intuitively knowing that was my band, kinda like when you see someone across a crowded room and sparks fly. I went and bought their only album out at the time, 1987's 'Ultra-Violence'. METALLICA was epic; SLAYER was evil; but this was the rawest most obnoxious piece of metal I had ever heard up 'til then. It remains in my top 10 metal albums of all time. Through countless listens, it has the unshakable ability to be as fresh and bone-crushing as the day I first heard it, despite them laughing at my sorry ass when I first met them at 16 years old."
Scorpions' official fan-club Crazyscorps (Facebook) recently conducted an interview with former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell. In th eclip below Herman talks about his new project, The Seeing Tree, memories of the late UFO bassist Pete Way, his 'Scorpions symphonic' project, as well as other subjects.
The Seeing Tree is an alternative rock band led by the legendary Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell who wrote many of their most popular hits, including "Rock You Like A Hurricane", "Blackout", "Arizona" and "Another Piece Of Meat".
The Seeing Tree was formed as the world hit lockdown and have been creating there debut album across borders and despite the global pandemic. Herman believes in the John Lennon adage write a song one day, record it the next, release it the day after. His vision and determination has knocked his co-writers and fellow performers in the band into shape. The Seeing Tree are Brighton-based singer and performance artist Eugenie Arrowsmith (who had a solo deal with Virgin and worked with Steve Hillage and Glen Nightingale) and producer Pepper (who has worked with Creation 23, Geffen, BBE, Warner, EMI), both of whom had a mass of songs that Herman has helped them finish and get out there.
First single / video "I Can See The Signs" was released in August 2020. Check it out below.
Nightwish founder / keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen recently checked in with the following news:
"Peculiar times spawn peculiar ideas, and that's exactly what our beloved Crew has been up to lately!
"Crewish - Unemployed Blacksmiths features their interpretations of five Nightwish songs, everything played, sung and recorded by them, and it's something guaranteed to put a big smile on your face.
"Our branch of industry has been struck hard by the recent events, and if you wish to support our Crew in a tangible way, please join us and get your copy of this once-in-a-lifetime album now. Available only from Nightwish Shop. All the profits from this album will go directly to our technicians, the band or the record label will not touch a cent. Thanks, and stay safe everybody."
The Crew has released an official video for their take on the Nightwish song "Sleeping Sun", which was released as a single in 1999 and later added to the Oceanborn album (1998) as a bonus track. Check it out below.
Check out a trailer below, and find more details here.
Tracklisting:
"Sleeping Sun"
"Wish I Had An Angel"
"Amaranth"
"Nemo"
"Elan"
The triumphant return of Deep Purple Mark 2 to global concert stages in December 1984 was a huge success. In the newly uploaded clip below, the band storms through "Lazy" in Sydney, Australia featuring the immense talents of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and keyboardist Jon Lord.
"Lazy" is taken from the band's classic 1972 album, Machine Head.
"Nothing At All" is one of 13 tracks that comprise Deep Purple's new album, Whoosh! A video for the song has just been released.
According to Darker Than Blue, Deep Purple's new album, Whoosh!, has reached the Top 10 in 12 countries worldwide - with more to come.
Germany - #1
Finland - #1
Belgium (Wallonia) - #1
Scotland - #1
Czech Republic - #2
Sweden - #3
Norway - #3
UK - #4 (highest chart entry in 46 years)
Japan (International) - #4
Italy - #6
Belgium (Flanders) - #7
Netherlands - #7
France - #8
Whoosh! is available as a Standard CD, a Digital Album, a Limited Edition CD+DVD Mediabook (including the 1 hour feature “Roger Glover And Bob Ezrin In Conversation” and, for the first time, the full live performance at Hellfest 2017 video), and a Vinyl 2LP+DVD edition (earMUSIC). Order here.
Whoosh! marks Deep Purple’s third album produced by Bob Ezrin (Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd). The first - 2013’s Now What?! - charted at #1 in five European countries, as well as Top 10 in over 15 countries worldwide. Cementing itself as one of their most successful albums, inFinite, released in 2017, broke chart records the band accumulated over their 50+year history. With chemistry this electric, it only made sense for Deep Purple and Ezrin to collaborate a third time.
Whoosh! tracklisting:
"Throw My Bones"
"Drop The Weapon"
"We're All The Same In The Dark"
"Nothing At All"
"No Need To Shout"
"Step By Step"
"What The What"
"The Long Way Around"
"The Power Of The Moon"
"Remission Possible"
"Man Alive"
"And The Address"
"Dancing In My Sleep"
Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess has posted a new song along with the following message:
"When my father-in-law, Leo Kornfeld, departed this world in April, my daughters, wife, and I happened to be living under the same roof for the first time in 10 years. The four of us spent the subsequent weeks processing his passing and celebrating his life together, and out of that period emerged 'And The Memories', a song I wrote with my daughter Ari. I can picture the smile on Leo’s face if he could’ve seen the countless hours that we spent devising and perfecting this piece, manifesting our grief into creativity. He had an unparalleled work ethic, an infectious zest for life, and above all, a boundless love for his family. I am forever indebted to him for instilling these values in his children and grandchildren. Rest in peace, Leo. Your legacy will be carried on for generations to come. The song is sung by Lana Lane. This song is available now on all major streaming platforms."
2 bands, 10 musicians, 1 song - "Schwarz Tot Gold". Dark metal unites with punk rap in a way never seen before! Lord Of The Lost and Swiss & Die Andern open up a musical crossover universe that’s been left uncharted - until now.
Supposedly coming from different musical worlds, the Hamburg scene greats have joined forces to make a clear statement on the ravages of time with intelligent and socially critical texts. The contrast between punk rap and dark metal embodies the dichotomy of current socio-political issues and addresses them with a good dose of irony.
“Schwarz Tot Gold” (engl.: Black Dead Gold), referring to the colours of the German national flag (Schwarz, Rot, Gold = Black, Red, Gold), criticizes capitalist establishment and suppression of the vulnerable.
Swiss on the collaboration: “’Schwarz Tot Gold' delivers a crossover mix from the core-oriented sound of both bands that has never been heard before in Germany. Two styles and bands meet each other, which are already pioneers of their own scenes themselves, but at first glance do not fit together. The result of this experiment is unique and groundbreaking for us so far.”
Lord Of The Lost frontman Chris Harms on the background of the new single: “This song was created detached from any album plans, neither from us nor from Swiss. This song was born out of the necessity to open your mouth. In Germany where splinter groups are spreading insanity and are actually talking about ‘Corona dictatorship’ and lack of freedom in the course of pandemic measures, we would like to draw attention to the REAL problems that have grown up over the years and that move this country - or slow it down. Especially as a band whose albums otherwise offer little fertile ground for social criticism in terms of content, it was a real relief, and an overdue time, to address these issues.”
Watch the video below.
The single will be available as 7'' vinyl and is digitally available everywhere now. Pre-order the 7‘‘ vinyl here.
On October 30, progressive rockers The Flower Kings will release their new double album, Islands, via InsideOutMusic, just a year after the group’s much celebrated Waiting For Miracles.
With "Broken", the group now presents a first track from this opus and has the following to say about the track: “Howdy people - how is life on your islands and in your isolation? Good news is - there is music - and even better - there is NEW music from The Flower Kings. Here is 'Broken' - first song from our new double album/triple LP!! 'Broken' is a song about addiction, stress and confusion - Not a typical song for the album, because the album has no 'typical' style - it is just a wild ride of styles and influences. We're super excited about you to hear ALL of it, but here is a first glimpse of the progressive smorgasbord. There is more waiting. Get your pre-orders going! Much love from Jonas - Mirkko - Zach - Hasse & Roine!”
Watch the lyric video for "Broken" below:
The 92-minutes long Islands features artwork by legend Roger Dean (Yes, Asia, Gentle Giant, Greenslade, Uriah Heep) and all trademark sounds and melodies, the band is renowned for. From vintage keys to epic guitar solos, from odd drum patterns to symphonic elements, The Flower Kings present a dynamic and complex record that is bold, bombastic and beautiful.
Islands will be available as massive Limited 3LP & 2CD box set with slipcase and 180 gram vinyl housed in two gatefolds, one single sleeve; as Limited Edition 2CD Digipak and Digital Album. Pre-order here.
Strictly limited coloured vinyl editions are available from these outlets:
Disc One
"Racing With Blinders On"
"From The Ground"
"Black Swan"
"Morning News"
"Broken"
"Goodbye Outrage"
"Journeyman"
"Tangerine"
"Solaris"
"Heart Of The Valley"
"Man In A Two Peace Suit"
Disc Two
"All I Need Is Love"
"A New Species"
"Northern Lights"
"Hidden Angles"
"Serpentine"
"Looking For Answers"
"Telescope"
"Fool’s Gold"
"Between Hope & Fear"
"Islands"
Aether Realm's acclaimed 2017 release, Tarot, truly surged these melodic death heroes onto the metal map, and today marks the official reissue release – available in an array of exceptional new formats – via Napalm Records.
In celebration of today's release, the North Carolina, US-based quartet just dropped yet another new playthrough video for a track cut from Tarot, featuring the full band performing one of their most epic offerings to date – "The Sun, The Moon, The Star". Watch the playthrough below.
The North Carolina-based quartet’s massive, now 12-track/70+ minute sophomore release (expanded with the addition of previous standalone single “The Magician” to the new physical edition) garnered notable underground appeal and cemented the band’s mind-blowingly multi-faceted sound as their own.
Frontman/bassist Vincent "Jake" Jones says: “Four years ago, we made a promise... and it’s finally time we made good. Our 2017 album Tarot is being re-released on CD and vinyl by Napalm Records. The re-release will feature new cover art by Adrian Baxter and will include the song 'The Magician' like we’d originally intended. To those of you that donated to receive vinyl in our original crowdfunding campaign, we’ll be in touch.
"The album clocks in just shy of 80 minutes in length and includes our most lengthy and ambitious singular musical effort to date - 'The Sun, The Moon, The Star'. Tarot was our first full length album with Kile Odell on mixing, mastering, and production. Additionally, we worked with Dan Müller of Wilderun for the orchestration, with Philip Reed for choir arrangement and recording, and with members of Paladin, Inferi, Alestorm, Lorelei, and many others for guest musical contributions of all kinds.
"Our eternal thanks goes to all who have played a role in providing us the resources to make the music we’ve created so far. As for what the future holds, of course there’s no way to tell... or is there?”
Watch a brand new live performance video for “Death” below
Boasting an evident auditory overhaul courtesy of producer Kile Odell and loosely based on the concept of tarot cards, Tarot begins the masterpiece to come with “The Fool” - beginning modestly, then ominously cascading into a black metal-meets-southern-fried riff inspired fury. Further setting the stage for the remainder of the opus, incendiary title track “Tarot” leans heavier into what fans have now come to love from Aether Realm - a confident, cinematic melding of spine-tingling symphonic elements, thrashy rhythms and mind-boggling guitar leads. Following folk metal anthem-turned-talent show “King Of Cups” (featuring labelmate Christopher Bowes of massive pirate metal titans Alestorm), Tarot continues to blindingly shine with tracks like the metallic ballad-echoed “Death” and sinister orchestral oeuvre “The Devil” - the latter of which should catch any competition shaking in their boots. The remainder of Tarot - capped by the nearly 20-minute heroic “The Sun, The Moon, The Star” - proves that it is indeed possible to flawlessly meld southern Americana-metal riffs with European-tinged symphonic soundscapes.
Tarot is the album that every band wishes they could attempt by their second go-round, yet Aether Realm have already achieved it and gaze triumphantly ahead.
The reissue of Tarot is available in the following formats:
- CD Digipak
- 2LP Gatefold Creamy White
- 2LP Gatefold Marble Red/Black
- CD + Shirt Bundle
Tracklisting:
"The Fool"
"Tarot"
"The Tower"
"King Of Cups" (feat. Chris Bowes)
"Death"
"The Chariot"
"The Devil"
"The Emperor"
"Strength"
"Temperance"
"The Sun, The Moon, The Star"
"The Magician" (Bonus Track)
"Death" live video:
Aether Realm is:
Vincent "Jake" Jones - bass, vocals
Heinrich Arnold - guitar, vocals
Tyler Gresham - drums
Donny Burbage - guitar
Following the incredible success of their sophomore release "Save Me From Myself", Shotgun Mistress are back with another all-out rapturous sonic assault, "Glorious Machine".
This latest slice of pure contemporary rock doubles down on the band’s indomitable style. It’s incisive and dynamic with smouldering guitars over an explosive rhythmic undertow crowned by Glenn Patrick’s aeronautic vocals. The melodies utilize a haunting narrative of infatuation and obsession to hurtle through your headspace in a truly dizzying and dazzling hard rock experience. Melbourne’s Shotgun Mistress' third single "Glorious Machine" is yet another tantalising taste of their forthcoming album due for release late in 2020.
"Glorious Machine" debuted at #1 on the Australian iTunes Rock charts today, and is out now globally via Crusader Records (part of the Golden Robot Global Entertainment Group). Stream and purchase the single here.
The band has issued an official video for "Glorious Machine", which can be viewed below.
Shotgun Mistress was formed by Matt Wilcock (The Berzerker, Akercocke, Abramelin), internationally renowned death-metal demon guitarist best known for playing at light speeds. He hooked up with “Diamond” David Lee on drums to jam out LA Strip-era rock. Ben Curnow (Earth) joined on bass, along with vocalist Glenn Patrick (Collegians).
Shotgun Mistress is the first Australian band to join Golden Robot’s new metal label Crusader Records.
Following the release of debut album Origin Of Species in early 2019, DarWin is set to release the follow up album, Darwin 2: A Frozen War, on November 6.
Once more DarWin has assembled a stunning ensemble of musicians. DarWin II: A Frozen War continues the core collaboration with Simon Phillips (drums, Toto/The Who/Jeff Beck), Matt Bissonette (Elton John, David Lee Roth, Ringo Starr) and DarWin. Joining them are powerhouse players Billy Sheehan (bass, Mr Big/ Steve Vai/Winery Dogs), Guthrie Govan (guitar, Aristocrats/Asia/Hans Zimmer/Steven Wilson), Greg Howe (guitar, Michael Jackson/Justin Timberlake), Derek Sherinian (keyboards, Dream Theater/Alice Cooper/Black Country Communion) and more.
The second album builds on the themes of Origin Of Species - first single “Nightmare Of My Dreams” features a stunning video (watch below) centred around the theme of the recent wildfires and filmed in areas of Australia directly affected. The other tracks build on DarWin’s sound - drawing the best elements of progressive rock with a depth of vocal sound scapes and songwriting. There is a generous amount of guitar shred and heavy grooves on display for the rock faithful who demand athletic performances.
Darwin 2: A Frozen War tracklisting:
"Nightmare Of My Dreams"
"Future History"
"Eternal Life"
"A Frozen War"
"Another Year"
"Nightmare Of My Dreams" video:
The album is also be available in spectacular Double Coloured Eco-Vinyl Gatefold LP with 30cm x 20cm poster. LP1 will be the standard album tracklisting, as above. LP2 features new interpretations of various songs from the first two albums, highlighting the orchestral or unplugged performances of the earlier tracks. They were all mixed and rearranged by mastermind Simon Phillips, and show a more delicate and emotional side to the DarWin recordings.
The full tracklisting for LP2 is as follows
Side A:
"Escape The Maze" (Orchestral)
"Nightmare Of My Dreams" (Orchestral)
"Slowly Melting" (Unplugged)
"Forever" (Orchestral)
DarWin says. “We completed this album under extraordinary circumstances. The writing for the album continued as we wrapped Origin of Species in 2018, and our worlds were turned upside down by wildfires and viral pandemics. We’re grateful to the amazing group of musicians, artists and professionals who participated in this project. Almost no aspect of the creative process was “typical,” with team members spread out around the world, and often under lock down. We had our instruments, our technologies, and a passion for musical creativity. We hope that the emotion and resilience of this time period will come through these recordings.”
Darwin 2: A Frozen War was produced by DarWin and Simon Phillips and recorded primarily in Iceland and the US.
DarWin’s debut Origin Of Species was the first instalment in an epic saga that addresses the challenges of mankind in our coming era. It depicts the role of a changing planet, and the potential, as well as limitations, of technology to help solve mankind’s greatest challenges. A complex project that’s eschews the hollow immediacy of much contemporary art. A story that demands attention and imagination. With music sweeping in scope, at times evoking hard rock virtuoso shredding, alongside grand orchestral compositions, warm harmonies and soaring choruses. A project that is even more relevant in the strange times we live in.
DISTURBED has released a cover version of Sting's 1993 single "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You". The official music video for the track, directed by Matt Mahurin, can be seen below.
Said the band about the new cover: "We have loved this song for a long time, and even though it was released in 1993, it seems strangely applicable to today's world. The song is about losing faith, and might initially sound pessimistic, but it's about the importance and power of personal relationships, and how they can save you and provide solace in an increasingly confusing world."
DISTURBED had great commercial success with its last cover, an orchestral treatment of SIMON AND GARFUNKEL's 1964 song "The Sound Of Silence", which appeared on 2015's "Immortalized" album. The band also previously covered TEARS FOR FEARS' "Shout" in 2000 and GENESIS's "Land Of Confusion" in 2005, the latter of which landed at position No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart.
"The Sound Of Silence" earned DISTURBED its highest Billboard Hot 100 chart position ever (No. 42 in 2016).
This past June, DISTURBED confirmed the rescheduled 2021 dates for its "The Sickness 20th Anniversary Tour", co-produced by Frank Productions and Live Nation. The amphitheater tour, with very special guest STAIND and BAD WOLVES, will begin on July 7, 2021 at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre and all previously purchased tickets will be honored for their rescheduled dates. "The Sickness 20th Anniversary Tour" celebrates the two-decade anniversary of the band’s seminal album "The Sickness". On this tour, the band will perform songs off the album, as well as tracks from their most recent studio release, "Evolution", and their extensive catalog.
Last September, DISTURBED's "No More" landed at position No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Songs airplay chart. The track, which was the third single from "Evolution", marked DISTURBED's seventh straight No. 1 on the chart.
Atlanta progressive metallers MASTODON have released the official music video for a new song called "Fallen Torches". The clip, which features a guest appearance by NEUROSIS's Scott Kelly, was directed by Hey Beautiful Jerk and Machina-Infinitum.
"Fallen Torches" is taken from MASTODON's new rarities collection titled "Medium Rarities", which is being released today (Friday, September 11). The compilation also includes a bevy of classic covers, soundtrack contributions, instrumentals, B-sides, and live recordings on one complete package for the very first time.
Among an eclectic array of covers, the MASTODON members tackle "A Commotion" by FEIST, "A Spoonful Weighs A Ton" by THE FLAMING LIPS, "Atlanta" by BUTTHOLE SURFERS, and "Orion" by METALLICA. It also features soundtrack cuts such as "White Walker" (from the "Game Of Thrones"-inspired mix tape) and the soundtrack song "Cut You Up With A Linoleum Knife" ("Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theaters"). Meanwhile, they get under the hood with instrumental versions of "Asleep In The Deep", "Toe To Toes", "Jaguar God" and "Halloween". 14 of these tracks have never been available on streaming services until now. The limited-edition double LP is pressed on pink vinyl.
Regarding "Fallen Torches", MASTODON said in a press release: "This classic MASTODON track was recorded in Atlanta in 2019, originally planned to be released in support of a European tour. The track was delayed so the band could focus on the release of 'Stairway To Nick John', a tribute to [MASTODON's] late, long time manager Nick John, with proceeds going to the Hirshberg Foundation for Pacreatic Cancer Research in his honor."
"Medium Rarities" track listing:
01. Fallen Torches
02. A Commotion (FEIST cover)
03. Asleep In The Deep (instrumental)
04. Capillarian Crest (live)
05. A Spoonful Weighs A Ton (THE FLAMING LIPS cover)
06. Toe To Toes (instrumental)
07. Circle Of Cysquatch (live)
08. Atlanta (feat. Gibby Haynes)
09. Jaguar God (instrumental)
10. Cut You Up With A Linoleum Knife
11. Blood & Thunder
12. White Walker
13. Halloween (instrumental)
14. Crystal Skull (live)
15. Orion (METALLICA cover)
16. Iron Tusk (live)
MASTODON's latest album, "Emperor Of Sand", debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. That LP was nominated for the 2018 Grammy Award for "Best Rock Album," and its opening track, "Sultan's Curse", won the Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance."
Earlier in the year, MASTODON wrote and recorded a new song called "Rufus Lives" for inclusion in the latest "Bill & Ted Face The Music" movie.
"Bill & Ted Face The Music", which reunites Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves in the title roles for the first time since 1991's "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey", was released late last month.
BLUE ÖYSTER CULT has released the official music video for the song "Box In My Head". The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "The Symbol Remains", which will be released on October 9 via Frontiers Music Srl. Coming nearly two decades after the release of the band's last studio LP, "Curse Of The Hidden Mirror", the effort showcases a band which hasn't been slowed by the time passed but is simply unfazed by it. "The Symbol Remains" is said to be one of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's most spirited, diverse and inspired releases to date.
"The Symbol Remains" track listing:
01. That Was Me
02. Box In My Head
03. Tainted Blood
04. Nightmare Epiphany
05. Edge Of The World
06. The Machine
07. Train True (Lennie's Song)
08. The Return Of St. Cecilia
09. Stand And Fight
10. Florida Man
11. The Alchemist
12. Secret Road
13. There's A Crime
14. Fight
As the saying goes, "good things come to those who wait," and the 14 new songs on display here embody that. Fans will be delighted with an extremely inspired album which ultimately sounds like a band looking back at their storied catalog and giving the fans a bit of everything they've ever loved about BÖC, while simultaneously continuing to evolve.
For over four decades, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT has been thrilling fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs. Indeed, the Long Island, New York‐based band is revered within the hard rock and heavy metal scene for its pioneering work. BLUE ÖYSTER CULT occupies a unique place in rock history because it's one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both genuine mainstream critical acclaim as well as commercial success. Now they have partnered up with Frontiers Music Srl to continue their amazing journey.
BÖC is often cited as a major influence by other acts such as METALLICA, and BÖC was listed in VH1's countdown of the greatest hard rock bands of all time.
Upon the release of BÖC's self-titled debut album in 1972, the band was praised for its catchy-yet-heavy music and lyrics that could be provocative, terrifying, funny or ambiguous, often all in the same song. BÖC's canon contains three stone‐cold classic songs that will waft through the cosmos long after the sun has burned out: the truly haunting "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" from 1976's "Agents Of Fortune", the pummeling "Godzilla" from 1977's "Spectres" and the hypnotically melodic "Burnin' for You" from 1981's "Fire Of Unknown Origin". Other notable BÖC songs include "Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll", "Then Came The Last Days Of May", "I Love The Night", "In Thee", "Veteran Of The Psychic Wars", "Dominance And Submission", "Astronomy", "Black Blade" and "Shooting Shark".
The intense creative vision of BÖC's original core duo of vocalist/lead guitarist Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Eric Bloom are complemented by Richie Castellano on guitar and keyboards, and the longtime rhythm section of bass guitarist Danny Miranda, and drummer Jules Radino.
Sweden’s Pain Of Salvation recently released their new studio album, Panther, via InsideOutMusic, and next to strong media acclaim, the release has also managed to enter various international sales charts as follows: Germany # 19, Switzerland # 18, Austria # 43, Belgium (Wallonia) # 42, France # 125 as well as # 21 in the “Current Hard Music Albums” chart in the US.
In order to further enhance the album’s release, the band are now launching a new drum playthrough clip showing drummer Léo Margarit going through the album’s opening track, “Accelerator”. Watch below:
Panther, the follow-up release to 2017’s In The Passing Light Of Day album, was recorded, mixed and produced by Daniel Gildenlöw with Daniel Bergstrand (In Flames, Meshuggah, Devin Townsend) and comes with a comprehensive artwork-theme with illustrations made by André Meister.
"Accelerator"
"Unfuture"
"Restless Boy"
"Wait"
"Keen To A Fault"
"Fur"
"Panther"
"Species"
"Icon"
“Unfuture” lyric video:
“Panther” video:
"Restless Boy" video:
“Accelerator” video:
In other Pain Of Salvation news, a special 20th anniversary edition of the band’s third album The Perfect Element, Pt. I from 2000 will be released on November 20 via InsideOutMusic.
Following on from the widely praised remix of the classic Pain Of Salvation album Remedy Lane in 2016, this completely remixed and remastered new edition is entitled The Perfect Element, Pt. I (Anniversary Mix 2020) and will be out as limited 2CD Digipak and Digital Album (with a total of 8 bonus tracks) as well as in the Gatefold 2LP format on 180g vinyl with the entire remixed album as bonus CD.
Further details and a first single will be available on September 18, with the release’s pre-order start, so stay tuned for more news soon.
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