High octane, rip-roaring hard rockers The Dead Daisies announce a monumental return to Woodstock Poland, featuring in a gripping headline performance at a special Concert For Freedom with The Gorzow Philharmonic Orchestra on August 3rd.
Founder & President of Woodstock Poland, Jurek Owsiak has the following thoughts on The Dead Daisies and their return to his festival: “Woodstock 1969 became an incredible spark which inspired all freedom thinkers of the world to face their biggest challenge yet - striving to achieve freedom, independence, truth, and try to build a true fraternity of people across the globe. For people in Poland, it became an inspiration to take a very important step on the road to regaining freedom and true independence. It was thanks to music, thanks to artists, who gave voice to our dreams which, 25 years ago, resulted in the creation of Polish solidarity and our Polish independence. We are so proud to say that it has been 23 years since we began to send the message of peace. It is especially important in such turbulent times as now.
“We are very grateful that thanks to artists like you, and amazing initiatives like The Dead Daisies and their songs about freedom, we are able to nurture and develop these everlasting ideals. The spirit of freedom permeates the globe, unstoppable like the wind, and it reminds us that despite the different skin colors or creeds we are all united by the ideals of Love, Friendship, and Music.”
In the middle of a world tour supporting the release of their new live album - Live & Louder, Doug Aldrich said the following: “We are very, very, excited to be involved in the Woodstock Festival again this year. We will be performing with a sixty-piece orchestra!! It has been a big dream to do that! The Dead Daisies set list is going to be a one off special in the name of Peace & Freedom just for this show. Can't wait!!”
Alongside the announcement, The Dead Daisies are releasing a new video today for “With You And I”, which was fittingly filmed at the band’s inaugural performance at the Woodstock Festival last summer. It features imagery in line with values that the world seems to have sadly forgotten.
Singer John Corabi: “I think the lyrics to "With You And I" are especially relevant at the moment, you can't turn the TV on and NOT see some sort of human decay anymore. We're battling each other in so many ways, it's disturbing. Be it political party differences, the struggle of black vs. white, religious differences, terrorism, famine, disease, pollution, climate change, etc. - nobody is working TOGETHER in any way to find answers to these issues, and communicate as adults!”
Remaining dates on The Dead Daisies' Live & Louder World Tour are as listed:
June
20 - Hirsch - Nürnberg, Germany
21 - Hellraiser - Leipzig, Germany
23 - Harley Days Festival - Hamburg, Germany
25 - Bluesiana - Velden, Austria
26 - Bluesiana - Velden, Austria
27 - Rockhouse - Salzburg, Austria
28 - A38 - Budapest, Hungary
29 - Lucerna Music Bar - Prague, Czech Republic
July
1 - Freigericht Rockt Festival - Freigericht, Germany
5 - Shibuya Club Quattro - Tokyo, Japan
6 - Umeda Club Quattro - Osaka, Japan
12 - Opera de Arame - Curitiba, Brazil (special guest to Richie Kotzen)
13 - Carioca Club - Sao Paulo, Brazil (special guest to Richie Kotzen)
15 - Vorterix - Buenos Aires, Argentina
16 - Vorterix Rosario - Santa Fe, Argentina
19 - Club Chocolate - Santiago, Chile
21 - El Plaza Condesa - Mexico City, Mexico
August
3 - Woodstock Poland - Kostrzyn, Poland
10 - Arcada Theatre - Chicago, IL
11 - Shelter at Saint Andrews - Detroit, MI
12 - Lee’s Palace - Toronto, ON
16 - House Of Independence - Asbury Park, NJ
17 - Highline Ballroom - New York NY
18 - Rams Head Live - Baltimore, MD
19 - Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
20 - The Basement East - Nashville, TN
23 - Gas Monkey - Dallas, TX
25 - El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
26 - House Of Blues - San Diego, CA
27 - Counts Vamp’d - Las Vegas NV
Lineup:
Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, Dio) - guitars
John Corabi (Mötley Crüe, The Scream) - vocals
David Lowy (Red Phoenix, Mink) - guitars
Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake) - bass
Brian Tichy (Ozzy Osbourne, Foreigner) - drums
"Seizure And Desist", the new video from DEAD CROSS, the Southern California outfit featuring drummer Dave Lombardo (ex-SLAYER, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, MISFITS) and singer Mike Patton (FAITH NO MORE), can be seen below. The song is taken from DEAD CROSS's self-titled debut album, which will be released on August 4 via Ipecac Recordings. The effort was helmed by producer Ross Robinson, who has previously worked with KORN, DEFTONES, SEPULTURA and LIMP BIZKIT, among others, and was mastered at Golden Mastering in Ventura, California.
DEAD CROSS, which is rounded out by Justin Pearson (THE LOCUST, RETOX, HEAD WOUND CITY) and Michael Crain (RETOX, FESTIVAL OF DEAD DEER), last year parted ways with singer Gabe Serbian.
Regarding the "Seizure And Desist" clip, Pearson said: "The artist who created our album art, Eric Livingston, came up with this video. As far as I'm concerned, It sums up the current social and political climate of today. For a lot of humanity, this world is a mean motherfucking place. The video captures the severity of the times we live in, as well as a means to communicate beyond basic language using iconic imagery, campy techniques, historical relevance, as well as a glimpse into the future."
"Dead Cross" features a glow-in-the-dark cover (CD/LP) also created by Livingston, with vinyl available in a limited edition gold and a clear/red/black swirl. Digital pre-orders include instant downloads of "Grave Slave" and "Seizure And Desist".
Joining DEAD CROSS on the bulk of their North American tour is SECRET CHIEFS 3. The San Francisco-based outfit, who describe themselves as "an ever-unfolding musical vision," features Patton's former MR. BUNGLE bandmate Trey Spruance. "I have no idea what kind of chaos it will conjure on stage or in the audience," said Lombardo of the five-week outing, continuing, "but I know it’s going to be a hell of a good time."
The late-summer tour kicks off on August 10 at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California and includes a stop at Riot Fest in Chicago.
Patton told Rolling Stone that he got involved with DEAD CROSS after reaching out to Lombardo to see if he could release the band's album on Ipecac. After getting a text from the drummer asking him to join the group, "my jaw dropped," the singer said. "I was like, 'Who, me? Hmm …' And I think it took like all of 30 seconds, but in a sarcastic way, I'm like, 'Yeah, of course. I can do this. Are you sure you want me?' So I kind of second-guessed him a little bit. And he said, 'Man, you'd be our dream vocalist.' And then it was just a matter of logistics. I decided to record it here in my basement, which is fitting. It shouldn't sound too polished."
Regarding DEAD CROSS's musical direction, Patton said: "To me, it is a traditional hardcore record. It is very pointed, direct and visceral. Like, I wasn't going to play keyboards, add samples or any kind of orchestration. It was like, 'Yo, just go for it.' In some ways, it reminded me of stuff that we had collectively all grown up with and loved when we were like teenagers — bands like the ACCÜSED, DEEP WOUND or SIEGE, stuff that was just brutal, uncompromising and right to the point. I was listening to all those bands again before this came to be, so it was already back infused in my blood. And now I got a chance to do a pencil-in-your-eye record."
Lombardo concurred, telling Rolling Stone: "The album is only 28 minutes long. And the funny thing is [SLAYER's] 'Reign In Blood' was 29 minutes. This album carries so much anger and frustration. You hear it in my drumming. It was the perfect birth of a hardcore album. It's one of the most brutal albums I've ever done."
"Mirrors", the new video from HALLATAR, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's debut album, "No Stars Upon the Bridge", which is based on the lyrics and poems of Aleah Starbridge, and is tentatively slated for release this autumn via Svart Records.
Although a brand-new name, HALLATAR features in its ranks SWALLOW THE SUN and TREES OF ETERNITY guitarist Juha Raivio, AMORPHIS vocalist Tomi Joutsen and former HIM drummer Gas Lipstick. In fact, one could see HALLATAR as an extension of TREES OF ETERNITY, whose acclaimed debut for Svart, "Hour Of The Nightingale", served as the swansong of vocalist Aleah Starbridge.
Juha Raivio explains the genesis of HALLATAR: "After the death of my beloved and my life partner Aleah Starbridge last April, I have been gathering writings, lyrics, and the poems of Aleah to keep them safe and close to my heart.
"About one month after the world came down on the blackest day of my life on April 18th, I knew I needed to pick up the guitar and try to create something or I would be truly destroyed. And something did arrive out of the darkness, and I wrote the music for the HALLATAR album in a week's time.
"I don't have much memory of this week, not a memory of a single day of writing the music. But all I remember when going into this abyss of the writing process was a promise to myself that whatever music would come out, I would not touch or change anything of it afterwards. What mattered was that the music would stay forever as an absolute truth of those moments as they came out.
"I asked my good friends — and amazing musicians — Tomi Joutsen and Gas Lipstick if they would want to record this music with me, and both of them said yes without even hearing a note of it. I am forever grateful to both of them for sharing this road with me; even the weight of the process has not been easy to carry, or will be."
Says Gas Lipstick: "I am grateful and very honored to be asked to join this band. Juha is a dear friend of mine since many years ago, and when he told me about his vision for HALLATAR and asked me to join, I said yes instantly — I just had to be part of this amazing journey. I had never heard a single note of the music before I gave my 'yes' because I didn't need to. Juha has been one of my favorite songwriters already for years, and I knew that HALLATAR will be a very deep, personal, and one-of-a-kind story which I wanted to help him to bring alive."
Adds Tomi Joutsen: "I have known Juha from the year 2007, when we worked together for the first time. A couple years ago, I had the privilege to meet Juha's life partner, Aleah Starbridge, who was such a beautiful person, inside and outside, and had an angelic voice out of this world. Aleah lent her voice on the latest AMORPHIS album, and we called her 'the whispering ghost.' When I heard about Aleah's passing last spring, it came as a total shock and heartbreaking news out of the blue. When Juha asked me if I would want to be part of this album and carry Aleah's flame with him, I didn't have to think twice. When everything has been taken, all that is left is the music. The sorrow strips us naked and leave us humble — this is how it sounds like."
Concluded Raivio: "What we recorded was a raw moment in time honoring the memory, lyrics, and poems of Aleah Starbridge with all its pain, beauty and darkness. There are no stars left upon the bridge to light the way anymore, but the music will always be a dim light, even in the darkest of the night."
Norwegian progressive metallers LEPROUS will release their fifth studio album, "Malina", on August 25 via InsideOut Music. The official video for the disc's first single, "From The Flame", can be seen below. The clip was directed by David Solbjørg of Twitchy Films. The band checked in with the following comment about "From The Flame": "'From The Flame" is definitely one of our favorite tracks from the album, with a strong hook and memorable melodies. Despite it sounding big and catchy, it also sounds pretty organic and it has a depth to it. We're super proud of the son and feel it represents LEPROUS 2017 very well!" Solbjørg added about the clip: "It's always fun and challenging to work with LEPROUS. This time around we chose to shoot with RED 8K cameras and brand new colour science (ipp2) to get as atmospheric shots as possible in a demanding low light environment."
Following a hugely successful European tour as support to labelmates DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, LEPROUS started recording the follow-up to 2015's "The Congregation". Frontman and keyboard player Einar Solberg comments: "This album is the perfect example of how you can start with a vision and end up with a result that has nothing to do with the original idea.
"The writing of the album started out with the idea to perfect the sound and working method we began with on 'The Congregation'.
"While the writing process was actually pretty similar (30 sketches, elimination process etc etc) we gradually started noticing stuff with the sound and the songwriting on the previous album that we wanted to sound different. Gradually we realized what needed to be done. This album needs to sound more alive, more organic and more dynamic."
The band entered the studio with David Castillo at Ghostward in Sweden, while mixing duties were once again taken care of by Jens Bogren.
"David immediately understood where we wanted to go," Solberg says. "We spent probably four times as many days in the studio as with any other recording we've done, for we've come to learn that if you want to sound unique that is primarily done during recordings, not the mix. We wanted it to sound like it sounded. We did not want to 'digitalize' the sound." With "Malina", LEPROUS has made every effort to try new ways of working, and push the boundaries of their sound in ways they had not originally set out to do.
"We feel with 'Malina' that we've managed to achieve a natural-sounding organic album with great songs that still sounds modern," says Solberg. "Organic doesn't necessarily equal 'retro'. While we still very much sound like LEPROUS, I believe that with this album we more accurately define as a rock band than a metal band.
"We're insanely proud of this album, and can't wait to share it with you all."
This feeling is reflected in the stunning cover artwork too, which you can see below. Einar continues: "We wanted to try something new this time, and work with a new artist. Some good musician friends of ours recommended Corey Meyers. I checked him out, and damn he's good. This is the first time we've ever received the perfect cover on the first attempt. It represents the album perfectly and looks pretty amazing!"
"Malina" track listing: 01. Bonneville02. Stuck03. From The Flame04. Captive05. Illuminate06. Leashes07. Mirage08. Malina09. Coma10. The Weight Of Disaster11. The Last Milestone "Malina" will be available as jewelcase CD and digital download, but also as limited-edition mediabook CD (with extended booklet and the bonus track "Root") and as a gatefold 2LP on 180-gram vinyl (with a poster, the bonus track "Root" and the entire album on CD).
As mentioned, LEPROUS will head out on an extensive European tour this autumn with AGENT FRESCO as special guests, including an appearance at the U.K.'s Damnation Festival. LEPROUS comments: "We're super excited to announce that we're heading out on a European tour this fall to celebrate the new album. And guess what!? We're bringing one of our generations greatest with us: the amazing AGENT FRESCO! In addition to that we're bringing ALITHIA from Australia, as well as ASTROSAUR — the band featuring our great step-in guitarist from the Devin tour. This is a dream tour for us, to be able to perform in all of these great places for our fantastic fans, listen to amazing music every night and also travel Europe with really good friends!"
Australian rock act HANDS LIKE HOUSES has inked a deal with Hopeless Records. To celebrate this signing, the band has dropped a brand new single and music video for "Drift", which fans can watch below. Additionally, the band has signed to UNFD in Australia and New Zealand. Frontman Trenton Woodley says "Drift" is about finding the connection. "'Drift' is about a momentary lapse in momentum, where everything is still long enough to question where you're going, where you've been and how they are somehow supposed to connect in the middle," he explains. The electrifying chemistry between lead singer Trenton Woodley, lead guitarist Matt "Coops" Cooper, guitarist/backing vocalist Alexander Pearson, bassist/backing vocalist Joel Tyrrell, and drummer Matt Parkitny, paired with a brilliant, unique artistic identity make HANDS LIKE HOUSES one of the most exciting bands in the hard rock genre right now, touring with the likes of PIERCE THE VEIL, SLEEPING WITH SIRENS, A DAY TO REMEMBER and BRING ME THE HORIZON as well as their upcoming third trip on Vans Warped Tour. Born and bred in Canberra, HANDS LIKE HOUSES is one of the most famous rock exports to come emerge from the nation's capital. With over one hundred thousand record sales, fourteen full U.S. and eight U.K. tours on the books, HANDS LIKE HOUSES has just experienced the most successful eighteen months of its career. Their critically acclaimed third album, "Dissonants", impressively debuted at No. 7 on the ARIA chart and Top 10 Billboard Independent Albums, Hard Music Albums, Alternative Albums and Rock Albums. The band has also spent its time thrilling epic crowds at home on UNIFY 2016, the "Equinox Tour" and the listeners of Triple J with their incredible cover of NO DOUBT's "Don't Speak" on "Like A Version". Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, HANDS LIKE HOUSES played sold-out shows on their biggest U.K. and U.S. headline runs ever, as well as played to tens of thousands of people on the Rock On The Range, Carolina Rebellion and Northern Invasion alongside legendary acts RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, DEFTONES, ALICE COOPER and DISTURBED. On joining the Hopeless Records family, Woodley states: "In terms of our career, we're incredibly excited to be working with our friends at Hopeless Records, as they become that key link between our present and our future as a band."
London based Death Valley Knights are poised to deliver a razor sharp slice of modern hard rock with new EP Valhalla Vintage which is set to be released on July 28th. Ahead of the release, the band have launched a new video for “Be The Grizzly”:
Co-produced by acclaimed producer Scott Atkins (Cradle of Filth, Amon Amarth, Sylosis), the band are confident this is their best material to date. Working tirelessly to get the best sounds and performances for each track, Scott and the band were pleased with the results.
"Working with Scott was such an experience. No matter how long, how many takes, he would not let us settle for less than our best so we can confidently say that this is our finest music to date," says Jake Thorsen. "I think people will be impressed and we've really raised the bar for ourselves."
Death Valley Knights live:
June
17 – London – Stone Free Festival
July
15 – Nottingham – The Maze
22 – Birmingham – Scruffy Murphy’s
Jim Matheos, founding guitarist of legendary US progressive metallers Fates Warning, recently announced the release of the debut album from his new ambient instrumental rock project, Tuesday The Sky. The first full-length album, Drift, is set for release on June 30th via InsideOut Music, and sees Matheos expanding the boundaries of his sound ever further. A music video for the album track “Vortex Street” can be found below.
Drift came together in the downtime between Fates Warning finishing Theories Of Flight and the beginning of the touring cycle, enabling Matheos to explore a type of atmospheric and instrumental music you might not expect of him. He comments: "With this kind of music, it's a lot about creating a mood and letting that sink in and develop over long periods of time, as opposed to the more frenetic format of most prog music."
Taking cues from artists like Brian Eno, Boards Of Canada, Sigur Ros and Explosions In The Sky, he explores expansive textures and ambient electronica, as well as some of the most colossal riffs he has ever produced.
The album also features the talents of God Is An Astronaut's drummer Lloyd Hanney, who provides a rhythmic backbone that is at once punchy, precise and restrained when necessary. Other guests include long-time OSI collaborator and former Dream Theater member Kevin Moore who plays keys on two songs as well as Anna-Lynne Williams (Trespassers William, Lotte Kestner), who provides ethereal vocals (of the non-verbal kind) on two other songs.
What the future of this project holds and whether it will be taken out on the road is yet to be seen. Matheos comments: "It would be a challenge to bring this project but it is an interesting idea and one I would at least consider if there seems to be enough interest."
What is sure though, is that Tuesday The Sky's debut is a bold, brave, creative and ultimately successful album from one of rock's most underrated of musicians. The album will be released as special edition CD, black LP + CD & digital download.
Tracklisting:
“Today The Sky”
“Kite”
“Vortex Street”
“It Comes In Waves”
“Dyatlov Pass”
“Far And Away”
“Westerlies”
“Roger, Gordo”
“The Rowing Endeth”
“Drift”
Dutch black metallers, Carach Angren, have released a video for “Charles Francis Coghlan”, a track from their new concept album, Dance And Laugh Amongst The Rotten, out today via Season Of Mist. The clip is available for streaming below.
The album artwork was created by Costin Chioreanu.
Tracklisting:
“Opening”
“Charlie”
“Blood Queen”
“Charles Francis Coghlan”
“Song For The Dead”
“In De Naam Van De Duivel”
“Pitch Black Box”
“The Possession Process”
London-based extreme death metal group, Abhorrent Decimation, have released a video for “Conspire”, a track from their upcoming sophomore album, The Pardoner, hitting digital and physical retailers worldwide on July 28th, via Prosthetic Records. The new clip is available for streaming below.
The ten track, 50 minute opus was recorded, mixed and mastered by bassist David Archer at Audio Empire. The intricate artwork for The Pardoner was created by German illustrator Karmazid, based on a visual concept by Vocalist Ashley Scott.
Conceptually, the album is an in-depth exploration into "The Pardoner", English poet Geoffrey Chaucer's most depraved and deceitful character from The Canterbury Tales. "The Pardoner" is a religious fraud and hypocrite who preaches against the love of greed, yet whose own love of wealth enabled him to profit off the sins of others. He claimed to work on behalf of the clergy, selling spiritual forgiveness for one's sins in the form of his pardons, which included forged "official letters" from high ranking church officials absolving one of their sins and bones and crystals blessed with healing powers. In Chaucer's story, "The Pardoner" tells a harrowing tale of three men whose materialism becomes the death of them.
Vocalist Ashley Scott comments on the lyrical content of the album: "Lyrically, the album opens with a scene setter. 'Pardoners' would often operate with a partner called a 'Soothsayer'. A 'Soothsayer' would visit a town prior to 'The Pardoner's' arrival. It was his job to stir locals up regarding their sins and the repercussions thereof. He would advise people that if they could find a 'Pardoner', they should do so and atone for their sins by buying a pardon or indulgence.
“Tracks 2 to 7 are the story 'The Pardoner' tells of the three men, avarice and Death. In many places throughout tracks 2 to 7, I actually use Middle English turn of phrase. In some places, I have used my own interpretation and translations of Chaucer's work and in other places; I introduced some of my own narrative and details. The idea was to create an obvious storytelling feel to this section, with word play and rhyme playing a major role in what I did, as I wanted to ring as true to the original as possible. Track 8 is my own conclusion of the inexorable nature of death and greed. Track 9 is an instrumental and then the record closes with Track 10, The Pardoner. A sort of self damning, confessionary monologue.
Tracklisting:
“Soothsayer”
“Heretic Sacrifice”
“Votive Offerings”
“Granted Indulgence”
“Black Candle Gathering”
“Conspire”
“A Glass Coffin Burial”
“The Scythe In The Dark”
“Host”
“The Pardoner”
As the legendary voice of the genre defining extreme metal purveyors MORBID ANGEL, David Vincent's unapologetic rebel approach has been a force in the music world since the mid 1980s. Inspired by his Hill Country surroundings and 'Lone Star' culture following his relocation to Austin, Texas in 2014, Vincent took a big step "out of the box" to a dirty, organic Texas country outlaw style reminiscent of the original country outlaw performers of the 1970s. His outlaw country single, "Drinkin' With The Devil", made its debut at SXSW in March 2017 and was released on limited-edition seven-inch vinyl through Chicken Ranch Records. The track was recorded, produced and engineered by Grammy-winning producer Gene "Machine" Freeman (LAMB OF GOD, KYNG, CLUTCH) at Machine Shop Studio in Dripping Springs, Texas.
For the "Drinkin' With The Devil" official music video, Vincent wanted the style to be similar to a 1960s / 1970s western movie. It was filmed on location at J. Lorraine Ghost Town in Manor, Texas, a true ghost town just a short drive from Austin which his publicist, Suzanne Penley, discovered after a month-long search.
The official music video was filmed, directed, edited and produced by Joshua Allan Vargas and co-produced by Jvstin Whitney. An independent filmmaker who has directed/filmed over forty music videos, Vargas made national headlines in 2012 for his true crime biopic "In A Madman's World", a film detailing the life of Elmer Wayne Henley, the teenage accomplice of Houston's most famous serial killer Dean Corll. While going through Henley's personal effects, Vargas uncovered not-yet-discovered evidence of another Corll victim. Vargas also filmed and directed the soon-to-be-released heavy metal horror splattermovie "Hairmetal Shotgun Zombie Massacre: The Movie" in which Vincent, Tom Araya (SLAYER) and Randy Blythe (LAMB OF GOD) have cameos in.
Vincent spoke to SkullsNBones.com last year about how his country project came about. "Just like most musicians, I listen to and am inspired by all types of music," he explained. "When I moved to Texas, I found myself immersed in this scene, kept an open mind to it all, and found new inspiration by some of the artists around here. I began writing songs, man; [it's] as simple as that. I know it's not what many people would expect from my career in metal, but it's still me, you know. I'm still as open as I've ever been, and I'm still as passionate with this material as I was with anything else I've ever done before…. It's my take on things, and it's different than what you'll hear from most of the other acts in this genre."
Vincent added that he expected a large portion of the MORBID ANGEL fans to be resistant to his new musical output. "There's a lot of people who see this 'metal' guy trying this new thing and may not give it a shot, but the ones I've shared it with have been really impressed," he said. "A lot asked why I didn't do this sooner, and it's simple; people find their way to things when they find their way to things. It doesn't mean that I'll never play metal again, by any means, but this is where my heart is at right now, so I want to put out the best material I can, and have fun with it. We have a lot of cool stuff coming up that may surprise some people, but it's all about writing the best songs, and having fun. That's where I'm at right now, and I'm pretty damn happy."
As previously reported, Vincent has joined forces with ex-MORBID ANGEL drummer Tim Yeung and guitarists Bill Hudson (CIRCLE II CIRCLE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA) and Ira Black (METAL CHURCH, LIZZY BORDEN) to perform classic MORBID ANGEL songs under the I AM MORBID banner.
The new band, which plays material from MORBID ANGEL's "Altars Of Madness" (1989), "Blessed Are The Sick" (1991), "Covenant" (1993) and "Domination" (1995) albums, has just completed a European tour.
"American Dream", the new video from RIVERDOGS, the band featuring DEF LEPPARD and LAST IN LINE guitarist Vivian Campbell, can be seen below. The track is taken from RIVERDOGS' comeback album, "California", which will be released on July 7 via Frontiers Music Srl.
Featuring original members Campbell, Rob Lamothe (vocals, guitars) and Nick Brophy (bass, vocals), along with drummer Marc Danzeisen, the band's fifth album is RIVERDOGS' first new music since the eight-song mini album, "World Gone Mad", came out in October 2011.
Mixing the soulful vocals of Lamothe with the edgy guitarwork of Campbell and solid rhythmic lines from Brophy and Danzeisen, the album marks a definitive return to the sound of their critically acclaimed 1990 self-titled debut album. On the making of the album, Campbell says: "When my friends at Frontiers suggested a RIVERDOGS album in the spirit of the original debut record, I jumped at the chance to make it. In my opinion, 'Riverdogs' was a highlight of my career with some of my best guitar playing and definitely a record that flew under the radar. Having a clear direction of exactly what kind of record to make really helped the four of us create the music and there was an intense collective focus throughout the entire process that never wavered. I really think that we hit the target in creating a record that has all the hallmarks, the integrity and the emotional strength of the original debut. The fact that we've all remained such close friends throughout all the years only added to the joyous experience that was the making of this record."
Adds Lamothe: "Going into this project, my goal was to enjoy the opportunity of making music with some of my best friends, to share this incredible experience with my family... and to create something that RIVERDOGS fans will probably think is pretty bloody awesome. Big guitars! Beautiful melodies! Words about crazy, complicated, real stuff! I feel like Nick, Viv, Marc and I all brought our 'A' games to the writing and recording sessions. That's way more important than money and awards and fame to me" Brophy sums up the writing process for the album: "In summer of 2016, I found myself in Los Angeles, reunited with three of my closest friends, about to begin a new RIVERDOGS album. Marc had arranged a rehearsal environment at a friend's house, which was to provide the creative atmosphere for writing new material. I stood there with bass in hand thinking, 'Okay, now what?' Little did I know that a few days later we would have six new RIVERDOGS songs and the album 'California' was born. The remaining six songs came, surprisingly, just as easily, a testament to the amazing talents of Vivian, Rob, Marc and the effortless way in which we work as a group. Our clear goal for this album was to remain true to the original RIVERDOGS sound and provide fans with a new set of songs which carry on the legacy of a truly remarkable band." RIVERDOGS formed in Los Angeles at the end of the '80s when flashy, glitzy hard rock ruled the day, but they were determined to avoid clichés and adopted an original sounding blues-rock style. Campbell of SWEET SAVAGE, DIO and WHITESNAKE fame at the time (soon to join and become a long-standing member of DEF LEPPARD and later, founding member of LAST IN LINE as well) was initially brought on board to produce the band's first demo, but was so impressed with the band that he actually became a member and played on the debut album. Soon after the release, Marc Danzeisen joined Rob, Nick and Vivian to complete the lineup. Though fans and critics gave the album a warm reception and high regard, the unfortunate and age old story of change of personnel at their record label came about and eventually led the band members to go their own ways, with Campbell settling into the DEF LEPPARD lineup and Nick Brophy becoming a respected engineer and producer. RIVERDOGS, with a revamped lineup, released two more records in 1993, "Bone" and "Absolutely Live", before going on an extended hiatus. They reconvened, with the original lineup, in 2003 to record new material and play a few reunion shows. Those new songs were recorded as demos, but only completed in the studio in 2011 when their last album, "World Gone Mad", was released.
Now, six years after their last studio album, RIVERDOGS have crafted "California", a record that truly recreates the magical sounds of their early days and that will surely be welcomed with open arms by fans both old and new. "California" track listing:
01. American Dream02. The Revolution Starts Tonight03. Something Inside04. Golden Glow05. You're Too Rock And Roll06. The Heart Is A Mindless Bird07. Searching For A Signal08. Welcome To The New Disaster09. Ten Thousand Reasons10. Catalina11. I Don't Know Anything
"Puro", the new video from the Latin American metal group DE LA TIERRA, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's second studio album, "II", which came out last November via Sony Music Latin.
DE LA TIERRA is comprised of some of Latin America's most talented metal musicians, including Brazilian guitarist Andreas Kisser (SEPULTURA), Argentine singer/guitarist Andres Gimenez (A.N.I.M.A.L.), Argentine bassist Sr. Flavio (LOS FABULOSOS CADILLACS) and Cuban/Mexican drummer Alex Gonzalez (MANÁ). "II" follows the band's 2014 self-titled debut which received rave reviews and support from critics and fans. Speaking with Billboard.com, Gimenez said about "Puro": "This song talks about how life can take us in different directions, good or bad. Our soul is unbreakable. It's up to us to understand if it's time to be born, to grow, or to die. The payoff is always there. Nothing is easy, but nothing is impossible as long as you keep the pure power inside your heart." DE LA TIERRA found massive success following the release of their debut album in 2014. The record allowed the band to tour and share the stage with bands like METALLICA and SLIPKNOT and perform at festivals such as Rock In Rio, Santiago Gets Louder and Vive Latino as well as gain a strong following of fans throughout North and South America. For their follow-up record, DE LA TIERRA worked with renowned producer Ross Robinson (SLIPKNOT, KORN, DEFTONES, THE CURE, SEPULTURA) who helped the band craft a furious set of songs for one of the year's most dynamic, heavy rock/metal albums. "Our first album was self-produced," says drummer Alex Gonzalez. "This second album we had the awesome opportunity, honor and privilege to work with Ross Robinson. He produced and really captured and brought out the best of all of us. It was very positive and challenging, but at the same time he made us work hard and give 100% all the time. He really helped us to find our sound and voice." "II" was recorded in Los Angeles, where DE LA TIERRA laid down the music live to analog tape machines. Each of the band's members has a unique, individual style that Robinson helped blend and balance with their influential roots for a rich music experience that transcends language barriers. "All four of us listen to so much music and different styles that all of that information brings a lot to the table once we start writing music," Gonzalez adds. "It's so awesome that a band like DE LA TIERRA, that is a heavy/metal band, can bring so many different styles and sounds of heavy metal to our music, but at the same time we include rhythms, melodies and lyrics from Latin America."
"Hymn For The Children Of The Black Flame", the new video from apocalyptic heavy music icons INTEGRITY, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's highly anticipated twelfth studio album, titled "Howling, For The Nightmare Shall Consume", which will be released on July 14 via Relapse.
INTEGRITY vocalist Dwid Hellion states: "The horrifically stunning aesthetic of director, Jimmy Hubbard, has taken us deep into the realm of forbidden nightmare and religious inversion. Hubbard has breathed a new hell into our song 'Hymn For The Children Of The Black Flame'."
A conceptual foretelling of the final days of Armageddon, "Howling..." is a manifestation of Pentecostal nightmares and religious depravities, wrought with fire and brimstone sermons and occult prophecies bathed in waves of destruction. Now with almost thirty years of creating dark and terrifying anthems under their belt, INTEGRITY has honored its past musical legacy while fearlessly moving forward into uncharted territory on what is undoubtedly its most elaborate and ambitious effort to date.
"Howling, For The Nightmare Shall Consume" was recorded and mixed at Developing Nations Studio in Baltimore with mastering handled by Brad Boatright (OBITUARY, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, FULL OF HELL). A music video for the song "I Am The Spell", directed by frontman Dwid Hellion, can be viewed below.
Physical pre-orders and exclusive bundles are currently available via Relapse.com while digital pre-orders are available via Bandcamp. The deluxe 3xLP contains three additional bonus tracks, a 12-page LP-sized booklet featuring expanded artwork and a double-sided slipmat. The digital version will include four additional bonus tracks.
"Howling, For The Nightmare Shall Consume" track listing:
01. Fallen To Destroy02. Blood Sermon03. Hymn For The Children Of The Black Flame04. I Am The Spell05. Die With Your Boots On06. Serpent of the Crossroads07. Unholy Salvation of Sabbatai Zevi08. 7 Reece Mews09. Burning Beneath the Devils Cross10. String Up My Teeth11. Howling, For The Nightmare Shall Consume 12. Viselle De Drac (Digital / Deluxe Vinyl Bonus Track)13. Entartete Kunst (Digital / Deluxe Vinyl Bonus Track)14. Deathly Fighter (Digital / Deluxe Vinyl Bonus Track)15. The Perfect Silence (Digital Bonus Track)
JOSH TODD & THE CONFLICT, the new band featuring singer Josh Todd and guitarist Stevie Dacanay (a.k.a. Stevie D.) of Californian rockers BUCKCHERRY, has unveiled the powerful new music video for the title track off its debut album, "Year Of The Tiger", due out September 15 on Century Media Records. The clip, directed by the renowned Chris Cuffaro (PEARL JAM, GEORGE MICHAEL), is the first of three videos shot as a mini-concert this past May in the band's hometown of Los Angeles. The other two videos will be released over the next few months. "Year Of The Tiger" was co-produced by Dacanay and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS drummer Eric Kretz. The aforementioned new disc is also now available for pre-order (see below) and anyone pre-ordering "Year Of The Tiger" will also automatically receive an instant-grat track of the title song.
Speaking about the first single and title track off the upcoming record, Josh states: "The album's title track, 'Year Of The Tiger', was one of the first songs we wrote for the record and also became one of my favorite songs I have ever written. Like most good songs, it came together very quickly. As soon as Stevie sent me the music, the lyrics and melodies poured out of me.
"I'm a huge fan of 'Hannibal' and the show 'Narcos', while also being into the big cats. In 'Hannibal', they had a character that would feed despicable people to his pigs and I thought that was pretty demented and interesting. Also, I am always fascinated with people that have the balls to choose a life of crime, so this track is about a guy living on the edge with a manhunt going on for his life ending in death by tigers."
Regarding the motivation to start this new project, Josh adds: "I have a lot of story telling in me and I always wanted to start another band. Something more reckless and off-the-beaten rock path.
"A lot of changes had taken place in BUCKCHERRY and I didn't want to go another year without making new music.
"BUCKCHERRY is in a great place; we have a great new lineup and we have a handful of dates to complete this year. However, my full attention is on JOSH TODD & THE CONFLICT and the record dropping on September 15th. We're gonna do a worldwide tour behind this. My goal is to give each band a break, so I can stay consistently making music without over touring and build both situations into something really cool."
He continues: "It was time for me to make a record. It has been two years since I put out new music and that's a long time for me. I am a student of the game and this was an opportunity to not just make a traditional-sounding rock record like I have been doing in the past. THE CONFLICT stuff is heavy, melodic and honest, with a lot of risk taking, and these are the records that bring out the best in me."
Australia's incendiary musical export THY ART IS MURDER will release its new album, "Dear Desolation", on August 18 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. Check out the music video for the first single, "Slaves Beyond Death", below.
"Dear Desolation" was produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Will Putney at Graphic Nature Audio in Belleville, New Jersey. Artwork was created by Eliran Kantor (HATEBREED, TESTAMENT, ICED EARTH, SODOM).
"Dear Desolation" will mark THY ART IS MURDER's first full-length release since vocalist C.J. McMahon rejoined the band this past January.
McMahon blamed his drug addiction for his departure from the group and has vowed to move forward as "a new man."
He said: "I feel the strongest I've ever felt going into a record. Coming back to the fold of our band has reinvigorated me. I missed my brothers, touring, and, of course, all our dedicated fans around the world who have always given us their all.
"This new record is going to shape our future; we gave it everything we could and then some. In the past, I was the weakest link and now that I have re-built myself, we are stronger than ever and nothing can stand in our way."
Adds guitarist Andy Marsh: "Hate, War, Desolation; the trilogy series of the path mankind has laid out before himself. We are prouder than ever of our efforts on this record. A lot of time, planning, creativity and teamwork has culminated in what we think is our most completed vision yet: 'Dear Desolation'."
THY ART IS MURDER's third album, "Holy War", entered the official Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) chart at position No. 7 — the highest-ever position for an Australian extreme metal act.
Canadian melodic-hardcore band Counterparts have announced that they will release their fifth studio album, You’re Not You Anymore, on September 22nd through New Damage Records in Canada. Additionally, the band has debuted the video for lead track, “Bouquet” (streaming below), and has launched a pre-order for the record here.
"YNYA is the perfect blend of every record we've released prior. I feel like we did a great job at capturing the best parts of Counterparts. Not to sound like a broken record, but these are definitely the coolest songs we've ever written. I really do hope you enjoy it. If not, I'm sorry and I guess we'll try harder next time." - Brendan Murphy (vocals)
Counterparts’ forthcoming record follows the band’s 2015 release, Tragedy Will Find Us. The news comes just a few days before the band kicks off their summer-long run on the Vans Warped Tour. For a complete list of dates, head here.
You're Not You Anymore tracklisting:
“Walk Away Slowly”
“Bouquet”
“Arms Like Teeth”
“No Servant Of Mine”
“Haunt Me”
“Swim Beneath My Skin”
“Thieves”
“Rope”
“A Memory Misread”
“Fragile Limbs”
“You’re Not You Anymore”
“Bouquet” video:
Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Counterparts formed in 2007 and currently features Brendan Murphy on vocals, Adrian Lee and Blake Hardman on guitars, Kyle Brownlee on drums and Tyler Williams on bass. To date, the band has released four studio albums and an EP, including their 2013-breakout album The Difference Between Hell and Home, which debuted at #49 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart.
Greek metal/rock band, Raw In Sect, have released a music video for “Therion”. The song is taken from the upcoming third album, Kitro, due in September. The video can be viewed below.
Filmed in London's Black Island studios by director Peter Lee Scott, the band says the video is mean to reflect the transformation into Therion, which is to "find inner power in a primitive way getting in touch with your instincts."
The song's unique blend of traditional Greek music with rock 'n' roll is, according to Raw In Sect, meant to "redefine what aggressive/rock music is through a totally different approach than the one that has been known in the music scene.
"Really though, it's about doing something new and artistic instead of repeating the same old patterns of established bands in hopes of securing a career in a declining music industry. Changing the language of the lyrics in Greek, recording live, and not setting on the sound of previous records that was somewhat accepted, are among the risks we took willingly in order to express something new and reach wider audiences."
Tau Cross, the multinational punk/heavy metal collective featuring Amebix bassist/frontman Rob "The Baron" Miller, Voivod drummer Michel "Away" Langevin, and members of cult crust outfits Misery and War//Plague, have shared the official music video for the second single off their impending Pillar Of Fire full-length album. Watch the Jakub Moth-directed video for "Killing The King" below.
Issues bassist/vocalist Rob "The Baron" Miller, "It is a time for dismantling the apparatus of authority and control. We live within the landscape of T.S. Elliot's Waste Land, within the age of the Hollow Men and the new Crisis of cultural disintegration in the West. It is a time for 'Killing The King’.”
Pillar Of Fire is due out July 21st on CD, 2xLP, and digital formats via Relapse Records.
Comments Tau Cross on the new album: "Pillar Of Fire is the continuation of some of the ideas that were explored on our first album. This time we have managed to share the songwriting more equally and introduce some other textures to the songs. This should help to establish Tau Cross as less of a one-off phenomenon and more of an ongoing musical collective producing our own distinctive sonic environment."
Pillar Of Fire was recorded across three different countries and co-produced by "The Baron" in the same manner as their eponymous debut. The drums were tracked in Montreal, guitars in Minneapolis, bass in Seattle and Minneapolis, and vocals on the Isle Of Skye in Scotland.
Physical pre-orders and exclusive bundles are currently available via Relapse.com at this location.. Digital preorders are available via Bandcamp here.
Pillar Of Fire further expands the group's unique musical approach ranging from dark folk witchery to industrial punk metal brutalism; a moody melting pot of Killing Joke's metallic post-punk and Motörhead's anthemic, hard rock with flourishes of traditional instrumentation and an infusion of 16th century English mysticism. Pillar Of Fire is a musical unearthing of Tau Cross' philosophical preoccupations: mythological motifs, ultra-terrestrial hypotheses, surreal, social political landscapes, and the endless search for meaning in a controlled universe.
Pillar Of Fire tracklisting:
“Raising Golem”
“Bread And Circuses”
“On The Water”
“Deep State”
“Pillar Of Fire”
“Killing The King”
“A White Horse”
“The Big House”
“RFID”
“Seven Wheels”
“What Is A Man”
“Three Down” (Vinyl + Digital Bonus Track)
“We Are The Terror” (Vinyl + Digital Bonus Track)
“In Time” (Vinyl + Digital Bonus Track)
“Deep State” video:
Tau Cross has confirmed a European headlining tour from July 29th in Finland through August 8th in Denmark. See all confirmed dates below.
July
29 - Puntala Rock Festival - Lempaala, Finalnd
30 - Street Bar 95- Turku, Finalnd
August
1 - Kraken - Stockholm, Sweden
2 - Revolver - Oslo, Norway
3 - Truckstop Alaska - Gothenburg, Sweden
4 - Hafenklang - Hamburg, Germany
5 - Baroeg - Rotterdam, Netherlands
6 - Disintegrate Your Ignorance Fest - Giavera del Montello, Italy
7 - Badehaus - Berlin, Germany
8 - Beta Dirty Days of Summer - Copenhagen, Denmark
Formed in 2013 across two continents and three countries, Tau Cross is the natural evolution of Miller's work in Amebix. The band's self-titled debut was recorded in 2014 and released via Relapse Records in May 2015. Tau Cross may have set a high standard for its first record, but if the band has proven anything so far, it's that it's incredibly skilled at meeting - and exceeding - expectations.
Tau Cross made their live debut performance in 2016 in North America, followed by a special mainstage performance at the legendary Roadburn Festival in the Netherlands. Now in 2017, Tau Cross return with their sophomore full-length, Pillar Of Fire.
Tau Cross:
Rob "The Baron" Miller - bass/vocals
Andy Lefton - guitar
Jon Misery - guitar
Michel "Away" Langevin - drums
Tom Radlo - bass
James Adams - keyboards
Ìåæäóíàðîäíûé
The Dead Daisies![=]](/img/news-bord-shr.gif){kind=small}
ÑØÀ
Ôèíëÿíäèÿ
Íîðâåãèÿ
Àâñòðàëèÿ
Âåëèêîáðèòàíèÿ
Íèäåðëàíäû
Ãåðìàíèÿ
Êàíàäà
Ãðåöèÿ
Øâåéöàðèÿ
