Tuomio is the most accessible record ever in Verikalpa's discography, and yet another intense and aggressive display of power. The new album showcases an exceptional guitar work and a pristine production, enhancing the majestic melodies for which they are known for and taking their songwriting to the next level.
Lyrically-wise, this is a mixed bag of fictional stories about drinking, partying, fighting, and of course a bunch of crazy Finnish folklore creatures setting up the stage. A very fun and easy collection of songs & tales to listen to, alongside rivers of beer and weird Northern liquors.
Artwork by Alvaro Valverde/AV Art Ilustracion (Unanimated, Night Crowned, Krilloan, Drown In Sulphur):
Billy Idol Rewind: A Twitch Livestream Event was held in July 2023, and today, Idol shares the official video for "White Wedding" from the session. Watch below:
Check out "Hot In The City", "Come On, Come On" and "Eyes Without A Face" from the livestream:
MVD Entertainment released Billy Idol - State Line: Live At The Hoover Dam, on Blu-ray and DVD back in December.
Kicking off his sell-out 2023 North American spring and summer tour, Billy Idol’s once in a lifetime performance, which illuminated the surrounding Black Canyon of the Colorado River and the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, features a career-spanning run of chart-topping hits, including “Dancing With Myself,” “Eyes Without A Face,” “Rebel Yell” and “White Wedding”.
Billy Idol – State Line: Live At The Hoover Dam highlights the history and significance of Hoover Dam and includes performances from two unique sets of Billy Idol’s iconic hits: a full band concert at sunset with special guests that electrified and illuminated the surrounding Black Canyon, and an acoustic duo set (with guitarist/collaborator of over 40 years, Steve Stevens) on the roof of the powerhouse at the foot of Hoover Dam straddling the Colorado River, directly on the Nevada/Arizona state line.
One of the most recognizable faces and voices of rock 'n' roll, with over 40 million albums sold and numerous platinum albums worldwide, the hell-raising rock star is joined on stage by his longtime band and special guest stars, including The Kills' Alison Mosshart, former Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, and No Doubt bassist Tony Kanal.
The Blu-ray and DVD are loaded with bonus features, including an exclusive Q&A: Steve Stevens, Acoustic Dam performance: “To Be A Lover,” “Eyes Without A Face,” and “Rebel Yell,” and a 6-panel concert booklet.
Dual twin harpists, Camille And Kennerly, are back with a new cover; this time taking on the Queen song, "Who Wants To Live Forever". The power ballad is featured on Queen's 1986 album, A Kind Of Magic, and was written by Brian May for the soundtrack to the film, Highlander.
Lipz, the dynamic force in glam rock, have released a video for "Changing The Melody", the new single from their upcoming sophomore album, Changing The Melody, out March 15. Pre-order Changing The Melody here, and watch the new video below:
The stage is set for Lipz to captivate audiences worldwide with their unique blend of glam rock infused with a contemporary edge. Changing The Melody is poised to be a sonic journey that showcases the band's evolution and artistic growth. With the backing of Frontiers Records, Lipz is geared up to unleash a wave of infectious melodies and spellbinding performances, setting a new benchmark in the glam rock genre.
The visionary Klintberg brothers, Alexander (vocals, guitar) and Koffe (drums), along with guitarist Conny Svärd, have steered the Lipz saga into an exhilarating new chapter. Originating in 2011, the band's journey took a transformative turn when Alexander assumed the role of frontman, paving the way for their distinctive sound.
Lipz's musical journey began with the release of their debut single, "Ghost Town," in September 2012, followed by the EP Psycho three years later. The quest for a stable bass player added a unique twist, leading to a three-year adventure to complete their debut album. Undeterred by challenges, Alexander took on bass duties, exemplifying the band's unwavering dedication to their craft.
In a ground-breaking move in 2023, Lipz joined forces with the esteemed Frontiers Records, marking a pivotal moment in their musical odyssey. This collaboration aligns the band with a label renowned for nurturing exceptional talent in the rock and metal genres.
As the world eagerly anticipates the musical revelation that Changing The Melody promises to be, Lipz stands ready to usher in a new era of glam rock on the global stage. Brace yourselves for the infectious energy and sonic brilliance that will undoubtedly define Lipz as trailblazers in the realm of glam rock.
Changing The Melody tracklisting:
"I’m Going Under"
"Changing The Melody"
"Bang Bang"
"Stop Talk About..."
"Bye Bye Beautiful"
"I’m Alive"
"Freak"
"Secret Lover"
"I Would Die For You"
"Monsterz"
"Bye Bye Beautiful" video:
Lipz are:
Alex K Klintberg (Vocals, Guitar)
Koffe K Klintberg (Drums)
Conny Svärd (Guitar)
Chris Young (Bass)
"The first time we heard it back in our studio we just stared at each other with our mouths open," says Courney Taylor-Taylor of THE DANDY WARHOLS about the wah-wah superpower added by legendary GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash to the new single and A.I.-produced video "I'd Like To Help You With Your Problem". "What he played on the track is amazing. I've never heard him play quite like that, but what is so fascinating to me is that it is clearly him playing. As recognizable as a familiar human voice."
Taken from THE DANDY WARHOLS' upcoming album "Rockmaker", which will be released on March 15, 2024 via Sunset Blvd. Records, "I'd Like To Help You With Your Problem" is an anthemic rock track that surges with Slash's trademark burning guitars. "The song has a real Vietnam-era acid rock sound," he adds. "We wanted that kind of guitar playing on it, but we don't have anyone in the band who can do it. Once we began discussing it, it became apparent that there wasn't really anyone else whose hands we could put it in, so thus the Hail Mary to try and get Slash to play on it."
The follow-up to "Danzig With Myself" which featured the inimitable Frank Black on surf guitar, "I'd Like To Help You With Problem" is the third single from the Portland, Oregon band's 12th album (the revved-up and greased banger "Summer Of Hate" was released in summer 2023). Diving deeper into minor chords that often characterize post-punk, deep metal and goth, "Rockmaker" showcases the band's alt-rock roots while exploring different reaches of the rock idiom (their last album "Tafelmuzik Means More When You're Alone" was a three-and-a-half-hour exploration of what The AU Report characterized as a "soundtrack that would typically score a mid-16th century banquet").
In addition to Frank Black and Slash, "Rockmaker" features celebrated British DJ and producer Keith Tenniswood (DAVID HOLMES, PRIMAL SCREAM, ROTTERS GOLF CLUB) of TWO LONE SWORDSMEN who mastered the record and acclaimed British producer Jagz Kooner (MASSIVE ATTACK, KASABIAN, GARBAGE) who mixed it.
Formed in Portland, Oregon, THE DANDY WARHOLS combine the best bits of shoegaze, alternative powerpop and heavy rock with a wicked satirical pen, spawning alt-rock mainstays like "Bohemian Like You", "Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth", "Have A Kick Ass Summer (Me and My Friends)" and the synth-disco jam "We Used to Be Friends".
THE DANDY WARHOLS are Courtney Taylor-Taylor (vocals, guitar),Peter Holmström (guitar, keyboards),Zia McCabe (keyboard, bass, percussion) and Brent DeBoer (drums, backing vocals).
"Rockmaker" track listing:
01. The Dooms Day Bells
02. Danzig With Myself (feat Black Francis)
03. Teutonic Wine
04. Summer Of Hate
05. I'd Like To Help You With Your Problem (feat Slash)
06. The Cross
07. Root Of All Evil
08. Must've Always Been A Thing
09. Love Thyself
10. Real People
11. I will Never Stop Loving You
TESLA guitarist Frank Hannon has released the official music video for his cover of "Love Is Alive", a classic song originally written and performed by Gary Wright on his 1976 album "Dream Weaver".
Hannon states: "This is such a great song by one of my favorite classic rock artists who recently passed away just this last September. I wanted to cover this song and honor his groundbreaking legacy by using a Moog synthesizer bass as well as adding my own modern guitar approach. When I was a kid in the '70s, I would always crank up this song on the radio."
Known primarily as a founding member of the multi-platinum rock band TESLA, Hannon is also a multi-instrumentalist, producer and recording engineer who has produced many younger up-and-coming artists as well as TESLA singles and diverse solo albums.
TESLA will return to the House Of Blues inside Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino Las Vegas in 2024 with its "Tesla: The Las Vegas Takeover". Shows will be held on April 5, 6, 10, 12 and 13, 2024, and are scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m.
In August 2022, TESLA released a standalone single, "Time To Rock!" A year earlier, the band issued another new track called "Cold Blue Steel".
In September 2023, TESLA released the official music video for its cover of AEROSMITH's "S.O.S. (Too Bad)". The song is a bonus track on TESLA's live album, "Full Throttle Live!", which arrived this past May. The LP includes the band's "Time To Rock!" single, plus other songs, all recorded in August 2022 at Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, South Dakota.
In September 2021, TESLA drummer Troy Luccketta announced that he would "take a little time from the road" to spend with family and friends. He has since been replaced at TESLA's gigs by Steve Brown, the younger brother of former DOKKEN drummer Mick Brown.
TESLA's debut album, 1986's "Mechanical Resonance", went platinum on the strength of the hits "Modern Day Cowboy" and "Little Suzi". The 1989 follow-up album, "The Great Radio Controversy", produced five hits, including "Heaven's Trail (No Way Out)" and "Love Song", which hit the pop Top Ten.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Frank Hannon (@frankhannonofficial)
LIVING COLOUR vocalist Corey Glover and ADRENALINE MOB guitarist Mike Orlando have launched a new project called SONIC UNIVERSE. The group, whose lineup is completed by bassist Booker King and drummer Taykwuan Jackson, will release its debut album, "It Is What It Is", on May 10 via earMUSIC. The 10-song effort was produced, engineered, and mixed by Orlando at his Sonic Stomp Studios.
The official music video for the LP's first single, "I Am", was directed by Tom Flynn (whose credits include videos for LAMB OF GOD and BUCKCHERRY) and shot in Toms River, New Jersey. Check it out below.
"It Is What It Is" track listing:
01. I Am
02. It Is What It Is
03. Turn A Blind Eye
04. My Desire
05. Whisper To A Scream
06. Higher
07. Life
08. Come What May
09. I Want It All
10. Beautiful Disunity
When the collaboration between Glover and Orlando was first announced in 2019, Orlando described the project's musical direction in an interview with "Talking Metal" as "just straight-up rock. It's heavy rock. Of course, it's just one hundred percent chock-full of Corey Glover and my guitar styles. [It's] bluesy [and] funky. There's a little RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE in there. There's a little bit of soul in there. All the stuff that I love kind of just melded into one melting pot. It's just a conglomeration of styles all melded into one. There's no one particular thing that it screams. It's just heavy, hard rock kick in you know what. [Laughs]"
Describing the upcoming album as "one of the best things I have ever done," Mike said that Corey "is not only the coolest cat going, but he is one of the greatest singers on this earth. It's such an amazing experience to play with Corey and to be doing an album with him."
He added: "It's everything you would imagine from Corey, and I add my element to it, which is different than I've ever done. It's not ADRENALINE MOB, it's not SONIC STOMP — this is something really cool and different for me, so it's even that much more special for me."
Orlando and Glover played their first show together in September 2019 at the Iridium in New York City.
Back in 2016, Mike was injured in an ADRENALINE MOB road accident that resulted in the death of the band's bassist, David Zablidowsky.
At the time of the accident, ADRENALINE MOB was touring in support of its third studio album, "We The People", which was released in June 2017 via Century Media.
USBM legends Profanatica are now unleashing a gory, NSFW music video for the song "Take Up the Cross," which is taken from the band's latest offering, Crux Simplex. The clip was created by garlix.
In addition, Profanatica is now embarking on an East Coast U.S. headlining tour with support from Nunslaughter + Tombs! The trek kicks off tonight, February 13, in Providence, RI and will conclude on March 3 in Brooklyn, NY.
The band will also be appearing on the 2024 edition of Milwaukee Metal Fest on Friday, May 17.
Crux Simplex was released on September 22, 2023 via Season Of Mist. Purchase, stream, or download the album here.
Tour dates:
February
14 – Bensalem, PA – Broken Goblet
15 – Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery
16 – Chesapeake, VA – Riff House
17 – Greensboro, NC – The Pour House
18 – Piedmont, SC – Tribbles
20 – Orlando, FL – Conduit
21 – Pompano Beach, FL – Pipers
22 – Cape Coral, FL – Nice Guys
24 – Atlanta, GA – Drunken Unicorn
25 – Louisville, KY – Portal
26 – Detroit, MI – Sanctuary
27 – Pittsburgh, PA – Preserving Underground
28 – Ottawa, ON – Brass Monkey
29 – Quebec City, QC – L’Anti
March
1 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar
2 – Boston, MA – Sonia
3 – Brooklyn, NY – Market Hotel
17 – Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee Metal Fest
The official music video for KITTIE's first new song in 13 years, "Eyes Wide Open", can be seen below. This significant milestone is made even more special as KITTIE has announced its signing with the world-renowned independent label Sumerian Records.
"Eyes Wide Open" is a powerful statement from a band that has not only shaped the landscape of heavy metal but also inspired a generation of musicians to break barriers and defy expectations. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, RUSH, ALICE IN CHAINS, KORN),the single serves as a testament to KITTIE's undiminished passion and creativity, offering fans a glimpse into their evolved sound while simultaneously staying true to the raw intensity that first catapulted them into the spotlight 25 years ago.
Morgan Lander, KITTIE's co-founder and frontwoman, expressed her enthusiasm for the band's return and new partnership: "Sometimes, incredible opportunities present themselves in surprising ways. Just a few years ago we could have never imagined we would be getting ready to release new music as KITTIE. We've been given what feels like a second life and are grateful to Ash and the Sumerian family for believing in us."
Sumerian Records founder and CEO Ash Avildsen adds: "KITTIE are true female pioneers in heavy music that helped bring it into pop culture. They have been both influential in the studio and on the road, as I've had the privilege of working with them on touring years ago when they brought out BRING ME THE HORIZON, IN THIS MOMENT and many other present-day heavyweights as brand new opening acts. The ladies have now returned with what I believe is their greatest album since their debut that set the world ablaze. The attitude, grit and songwriting is all there and I am honored to once again be helping them unleash their talent to the masses."
Speaking on the inspiration behind the new single, Lander goes on to share: "Our first new material in 13 years, 'Eyes Wide Open' is a vision quest for truth. It is a torch lit in the darkness of ignorance to reveal one's true motives. 'Eyes Wide Open' is a lesson in trust, betrayal, and ultimately the ability to see behind the curtain to reveal all. It was one of the first songs we wrote, coming together again after a long time away from creating, and I think you can really hear the fires reigniting in this track."
The music video for "Eyes Wide Open" is a visually stunning piece that perfectly complements the song's themes of enlightenment and revelation and takes the viewer on a journey through light and darkness, mirroring the band's own journey back to the forefront of metal music, where they belong.
Last November, it was revealed that KITTIE was working on a new studio LP with acclaimed hard rock and heavy metal producer Nick Raskulinecz at Nashville's Sienna Studios.
Raskulinecz, who moved to Nashville from Los Angeles around 16 years ago, has previously worked with such acts as RUSH, ALICE IN CHAINS, KORN, RISE AGAINST, HALESTORM, EVANESCENCE, SKID ROW and the DEFTONES.
In a recent interview with Knotfest's "She's With The Band" podcast, KITTIE drummer Mercedes Lander and Morgan spoke about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the long-awaited follow-up to the Canadian metallers' 2011 album "I've Failed You". Mercedes said about the musical direction of the new KITTIE material: "I'm gonna say that we are just really stoked to write 1,200 percent bangers. I think that's just where we're at now. We want people to feel good. We want people to feel what we're feeling. I feel like bangers, that's what we're good at."
Asked by host Tori Kravitz about the possibility of KITTIE combining some of the old-school sound from the band's early days and mixing it up with a fresh approach, Morgan said: "I think marrying some of the ideas, 'cause I don't think we're ever going to put our JNCOs [jeans] on again. But, yeah, the idea of marrying some of those ideas — like who we are now with the ideas of who maybe we used to be and kind of being able to meet somewhere in the middle, but in a way that will just create something brand new again. I'm excited for it to be unleashed upon the world."
At some of its recent shows, KITTIE has been performing a brand new song called "Vultures".
KITTIE played its first concert in five years in September 2022 at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival at the Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia.
Joining Morgan and Mercedes in KITTIE's current lineup guitarist Tara McLeod and bassist Ivana "Ivy" Vujic.
Prior to Blue Ridge, KITTIE had not performed since its reunion show at London Music Hall in the band's native London, Ontario in 2017, celebrating the group's documentary "Kittie: Origins/Evolutions".
Vujic joined KITTIE in 2008 and appeared on the band's fifth studio CD, 2009's "In The Black". She also wrote and recorded bass for KITTIE's sixth album, 2011's "I've Failed You".
In January 2022, the original lineup of KITTIE — Morgan, Mercedes, Fallon Bowman (guitar) and Tanya Candler (bass) — reunited for an online chat to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of its gold-certified 2000 debut album, "Spit".
Candler left KITTIE after the release of "Spit" in order to finish high school and was replaced by Talena Atfield.
Bowman exited KITTIE in 2001 and started her own industrial/electronic project, AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT.
After KITTIE completed the touring cycle for 2011's "I've Failed You" album, the band entered a long period of inactivity during which Morgan focused on a marketing job for a chain of fitness clubs while Mercedes worked in real estate and more recently at a software company. The group also began work on a career-spanning documentary, "Origins/Evolutions", which finally saw the light of day in 2018 via Lightyear Entertainment in North America.
"I've Failed You" sold 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 178 on The Billboard 200 chart.
The 2024 edition of the 70000 Tons Of Metal festival sailed January 29 to February 2 from Miami, Florida to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and back, on board the luxury passenger vessel Freedom Of The Seas.
Fan-filmed video of Canadian hyperblast legends Kataklysm entire pool deck set, courtesy of The Silverdude, can be viewed below.
Setlist:
"The Ambassador of Pain"
"The Resurrected"
"As I Slither"
"For All Our Sins"
"The Night They Returned"
"Serenity in Fire"
"Blood on the Swans"
"10 Seconds From the End"
"The Tragedy I Preach"
"Under the Bleeding Sun"
"Goliath"
"Narcissist"
"Bringer of Vengeance"
Former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Gilby Clarke joined SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS on stage Tuesday night (February 13) at Teatro Caupolicán in Santiago, Chile to perform the GN'R classic "Nightrain". Fan-filmed video of his appearance can be seen below.
Clarke is currently playing a string of dates in South America, some of which are supporting SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS.
Clarke kicked off the tour with his solo band — drummer Troy Patrick Farrell (WHITE LION, TANTRIC) and bassist EJ Curse (SILENT RAGE) — on February 2 at the world-famous Whisky A Go Go with Glenn Hughes.
This marks the first time in nearly 10 years that Clarke has performed in South America, where Slash joined Gilby on stage in Brazil back in March 2015.
This past November, Clarke underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, a repetitive stress condition that happens when a person does repeated movements with the hand and wrist.
The 61-year-old Clarke, who was a member of GUNS N' ROSES three decades ago, underwent the procedure under the watchful eye of Dr. Stuart Kuschner, an orthopedist in Los Angeles, California who is affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Clarke wrote on social media: "I was diagnosed with CP [in 2022] after many years of numbness in my fingers, hands & forearm. I thought it was from riding rigid motorcycles & general abuse, but no. it was Carpal Tunnel. I do have it in both hands, but my right was much worse."
Clarke replaced Izzy Stradlin in the GUNS lineup in 1991, during the "Use Your Illusion" tour, and stayed with the band for three years. After exiting GUNS N' ROSES, Clarke continued as a producer and solo artist, while also playing in SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA, HEART and other acts.
Clarke, along with fellow GUNS N' ROSES members Slash, Duff McKagan, Steven Adler and Matt Sorum, played three "Appetite For Destruction" songs with Myles Kennedy at the band's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in April 2012 in Cleveland, Ohio, although Gilby himself was not inducted as part of the group. Kennedy, who handles lead vocals in Slash's solo band and ALTER BRIDGE, sang "Mr. Brownstone", "Sweet Child O' Mine" and "Paradise City", with "Use Your Illusion"-era member Sorum sitting behind the drum kit on "Brownstone" and the man he replaced in GN'R, Adler, pounding the skins for the other two songs.
In 2021, Clarke addressed his non-participation in GUNS N' ROSES' reunion tour, which features three-fifths of the group's classic lineup — singer Axl Rose, Slash and McKagan — during an interview with "The SDR Show". He said: "They didn't ask me to join the band; they asked me to come out and do [a guest appearance] with the band. And it just happened to be the day that I was in Chicago with my daughter. Her band was playing Lollapalooza [in July 2016]. And I'm actually her roadie. I don't think anybody would know how to tune the guitar if I wasn't there. Just kidding. But, yeah, it was just bad timing. I just said, 'Look, I think it's a great idea. I'm up for it. I just can't do it today.' And they literally asked me that day. And I never heard back from them after I said that."
Gilby also confirmed that he only had a week to learn the entire GUNS catalog when he first joined the band three decades ago. "That's true," he said. "They told me on a Monday, that 'You have the gig,' and the next week we were flying to Boston for our first show. And I literally had a week. And remember, this is before YouTube. I was glued to their records with the headphones on, trying to learn the catalog. And the last song I learned was a song called 'Estranged', which was a really long ballad piece. And if you listen to it, it's kind of one-dimensional guitar-wise — it really just features Slash. So I was listening to it, and I really couldn't figure out what I should do in that song. So I went to Dizzy [Reed, GUNS keyboardist]. I go, 'Hey, man, can you sit down with me, and let's work on 'Estranged'.' I go, 'I just wanna kind of figure it out.' And he goes, 'Oh, well, here's the music book.' And he handed me the music book. And I went, 'There's a music book? I just spent a week learning every note by ear when I could have just grabbed the freakin' music book…' I mean, I read charts — it would have taken me an hour. I was a little pissed off that I didn't ask. They could have offered it to me."
Clarke's latest solo album, "The Gospel Truth", was released in April 2021 via Golden Robot Records.
Gilby released his solo debut, "Pawnshop Guitars", in 1994.
TONIGHT FEB 13 LIVE in Santiago, CHILE Teatro Caupolican w/ Slash
KEMIKALFIRE, the side project of HALESTORM drummer Arejay Hale and LIT drummer Taylor Carroll, has released the official music video for its latest single, "The Drop".
Carroll says: "We wanted to do a video that encapsulates the energy that we bring to our live show. We were both up all night prior to shooting the video working on new music, and as exhausted as we were, I think it worked to our advantage. The blood represents our pain and suffering from the inner voice telling us that we're worthless."
In an interview with the "Thunder Underground" podcast, Arejay stated about how KEMIKALFIRE came together: "[Taylor and I are] old friends. I've known him back when he was playing drums for a band called PILLAR. And we met at the Mall Of America in Minnesota when he was in his bus and we were in our R.V. And he just came over and knocked on the bus and he was, like, 'Hey, you guys are in a band?' And we were, like, 'Yeah. You guys are in a band too? Cool. Come on in. Have a beer. Let's hang out.' And we just never lost touch. We both lived in L.A. for a little bit, so we would hang out there. And then the pandemic hit and we got back in touch and we just wrote… Honestly, we were just looking for anyone that wanted to write with us. We had to stay busy, so a lot of Zoom writing sessions with other writers. And we just realized, 'Man, we have a really good chemistry writing music together,' and we both kind of pick up where each other lacks, in a sense; we have a great creative partnership. And not only that, but he's also a really talented producer as well — and multi-instrumentalist. So, as a songwriter, I just felt really glad that I could just put on my creative hat and let him do more of the mechanical work with the song ideas that I would present to him."
As for KEMIKALFIRE's musical direction, Arejay said: "It's different. It's much more aggressive than HALESTORM. I'm doing a lot more singing and a lot more crazy drumming. It kind of throws back to our punk roots; there's punk elements in there… There's moments where it's heavier; there's also moments where it's a little bit more melodic, a little more soaring. And there's moments where it has really stark punk roots start to kind of show through, which is kind of what Taylor and I were raised on. We love punk drummers, so when we're writing the stuff, a lot of that comes out just because that's just kind of really fun stuff to write for us.
"Yeah, it's different than HALESTORM, but it's also easily digestible," he clarified. "I think the average HALESTORM fan could hear it and be, like, 'Oh, okay. I get it. This works.' 'Cause obviously your personal writing style seeps into everything that you're a part of, so you'll probably hear HALESTORM elements in there as well, from my end."
Asked which instruments he and Taylor are handing in KEMIKALFIRE, Arejay said: "He's playing guitar and singing, and I'm playing drums and singing. But we're thinking maybe… We both can play both, so we're, like, 'Maybe we should trade off and do some…' He's also an insane drummer; he plays with LIT now, the band LIT, and we love LIT. But we also have a couple of songs where he was, like, 'Hey, you wanna play piano?' And I'm [like], 'Sure. Why not?' So we might switch some things up for our live show, which we're excited about. That's the dream.'"
Last April, KEMIKALFIRE released its debut single, "Dead And Gone". The official music video for the track, which was shot by Alex Bemis of Bemis Creative at KEMIKALFIRE's first-ever live performance, can be seen below.
During an appearance on "The Itch Rock Podcast", Hale stated about KEMIKALFIRE's first single: "I think that 'Dead And Gone' is one that just wrote itself. It was something that Taylor and I had been holding on to but were maybe too afraid to touch on when we got in a creative songwriting space. 'Cause we were just, like, 'Well that sounds kind of conceited.' But no, that's a real human thought. 'How am I gonna be remembered when I die, and am I gonna die satisfied?' It's the most beautiful experience when you start writing a song and the song starts writing itself and you're just chasing it. And that's what that song felt like."
"[Producer and co-writer Scott Stevens] and Arejay and myself wrote 'Dead And Gone'," added Carroll. "And the way we [write] is that one of us has a concept and Scott helps us put together the puzzle pieces. He coaches us where we need to go, like, 'Do you really mean that, what you're saying?' And we'll challenge each other on that too. It's kind of a cool process that we have."
Hale noted that this additional focus is crucial to their songwriting. He explained: "When we first started, we were like, 'We need a line that means this and rhymes with this, how about this?' 'Okay, sure.' Now … you have to peel back the layers, like, 'Is that particular word really saying what we're trying to say?' I think you can feel that, when something is just a placeholder. The songs we're writing now, we're finally at a really scrutinous level. And Scott is a huge help, because he's the same way."
"I feel sorry for Scott when we go into the studio," Carroll laughed. "Imagine that you're trying to produce and create something for this new band and this tornado just comes running up your stairs."
Hale quickly agreed. "It's like in the movie 'Twister'. Like, 'We got sisters!' Two tornadoes swirling around him all day. 'Another cow!'"
"I guarantee you that guy has to boil three pots of coffee every morning just to work with us," Carroll joked. "Another cool thing about Arejay and Scott and myself working together is … we're still high school dorks, clinging to each other at our cafeteria table creating this music together. We all understand what it's like to be the underdog. And I, from the beginning, wanted to write music for the underdog. Especially for people who think that they can't, or that they're too old or broken or stuck or stagnant or addicted … We just wanted to be those people who say, 'Hey, dude, we're the same exact way, but check this out: you can still create your own outlet.'" "And this song we just wrote this week is touching on a really personal thing in our relationships, in our love lives," Hale added.
Carroll said: "There's a song that we haven't released that we eventually will that's about relationship stuff … like when you're heading down a bad path and then somebody comes into your life and helps you see where you're at and how destructive it can be. It's called 'Grave'. It'll see the light of day eventually, after a couple songs. That's another one I'm super proud of."
When Arejay and Taylor first announced KEMIKALFIRE's formation in 2022, they wrote in a statement: "We are KEMIKALFIRE! You may know us from HALESTORM and LIT, but we're also 2 drummers, singers, songwriters, producers and long-time friends. We've finally joined our creative strengths, seizing our opportunity to create pure, honest and unbridled music for nobody but ourselves in hopes of helping anyone get through their own life obstacles. It feels good to finally share this project with you guys, and it's going to feel even better to get going. We have some great stuff coming your way, stay tuned."
UK metal powerhouse Slave Steel has issued their new single and video, "Sorry About Death", which is now available on all digital platforms.
In the space race and the race for progress, humankind often becomes ruthless, losing control over technological ambition. The tragic events on this quest for beauty are as important as beauty itself. We can risk and fail, we must learn and evolve.
Directed by the visionary Dean Addison, the "Sorry About Death" music video is a visual spectacle brought to life by Pil Nazar and Daniele Manganaro.
For further details, visit Slave Steel on Facebook.
Philadelphia’s Malphas have signed to M-Theory Audio for the release of their sophomore album, Portal.
“Malphas is honored and excited to join such a talented roster and world class team at M-Theory,” reveals singer/guitarist Paul DeSanctis. “We've worked hard on this new album for the past few years, are thankful to have found a home for it and have great confidence in what we will accomplish through our partnership.”
Portal is the follow-up to debut The 39th Spirit, released in 2018 on Poland’s Via Nocturna label. Each of the epic, melodic death metal quartet’s albums revolve around the demon Malphas, and his encounters with people in life and death.
“Portal takes place chronologically two hundred years prior to the events of The 39th Spirit,” explains Paul. “The album explores new themes like politics, economics, and historical events in fleshing out how the dystopian world in The 39th Spirit comes to be.”
To get an idea of the band’s sound and growth, Malphas has revealed the single / music video for “Red Shield Syndicate” today on all streaming / download platforms, or watch the video below.
“'Red Shield Syndicate' is an allegory for the Federal Reserve System, the central bank of the United States. The initial villain in the story facilitates the conspiracy between the elite bankers and politicians to cartelize the financial system. The song culminates with an economic depression and political revolution; as an angry mob rises up against the government and overthrows it. But this creates a power vacuum and opens the door for an even worse government under Malphas.”
Portal was recorded, mixed and mastered by Chris Kelly (Ice Nine Kills, BabyMetal, Galactic Empire). It will be available on CD and digital March 29th.
Tracklisting:
"The Wizard's Portal"
"Fiat Empire"
"Novus Ordo Seclorum"
"Red Shield Syndicate"
"Candle Hands"
"Shadow And Blood On Jekyll Isle"
"Leviathan's Moonlit Sanctum"
"Pale Eyes To Snowy Skies"
"Atonement"
"Man, Raven And The Portal"
New Years Day have the title track from their upcoming studio album, Half Black Heart, set for release on March 1 via Century Media.
Discussing the new song, vocalist Ash Costello shares: “'Half Black Heart’ is my anthem! The concept behind it is simple yet powerful - no one is purely one thing. Nobody is so flawless that they have the right to pass judgment on someone else's flaws. We all exist as a mix of good and bad, innocence and guilt, a bit angelic and a bit devilish. The message is rooted in the idea that "he who is without sin can cast the first stone," meaning that no one is in a position to judge, because everyone makes mistakes. I don't believe in the idea of a flawless human being, and this song is my way of addressing those who may expect perfection from me. Essentially, it's a declaration that neither I nor anyone else will ever be perfect."
New Years Day spent the winter of 2023 on the road in the US with In This Moment and Ice Nine Kills on the massive Kiss Of Death Tour. Ash and the band are now prepping to head out across the US with Lacuna Coil this spring and have already lined up appearances at 2024's Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple festivals. For a full list of upcoming shows, head nydrock.com.
Tracklisting:
"Vampyre"
"Half Black Heart"
"Hurts Like Hell"
"Secrets"
"Fearless"
"Bullet Proof"
"Burn It All Down"
"Enemy"
"I Still Believe"
"Unbreak My Heart"
"So Sick"
"Creature Of Habit"
Sci-Fi alt-metallers, Sick N' Beautiful, are set to make a triumphant comeback with their latest single, "My Wounds" out today via Frontiers Records. The band's new single, accompanied by an electrifying video, coincides with the start of an extensive European tour, igniting the stage alongside Cradle Of Filth and Wednesday 13.
Lead singer Herma, distinguished by her striking green dreadlocks, shares her anticipation for the upcoming tour, declaring, "The buzz surrounding this tour is beyond measure! With a multitude of cities lined up and sharing the spotlight with two legendary metal acts, it's no wonder that tickets are flying off the shelves! Snatch yours before it's too late!"
"My Wounds" serves as a prelude to Sick N' Beautiful's impending album, Horror Vacui. Drummer Evey sheds light on the album's title, explaining, "Derived from an ancient Latin expression signifying 'fear of emptiness' or 'fear of the void,' it aptly encapsulates the darker trajectory our sound and live performances have embarked upon. Audiences can anticipate a palpable transformation across both auditory and visual realms."
Remaining steadfast in its DIY guerrilla ethos, Sick N' Beautiful continues to take charge of all facets internally. Enigmatic guitarist Nemes asserts, "We're staunch advocates of keeping operations in-house. Herma oversees costume design, directs our videos, and conceptualizes all visual elements for the band - including our merchandise! Our music production is a collaborative endeavor, meticulously crafted with the live experience in mind. We answer to only our loyal fans and the voices resonating within!"
Catch Sick N' Beautiful live this winter in shows throughout Europe with Cradle Of Filth and Wednesday 13.
Blacktop Mojo has released the official music video for "Red Enough", the first single from their fifth studio album Pollen, due out April 5, 2024. The song is available to stream / download now at this location.
The cover art for Pollen can be seen below. Pre-orders can be placed here.
In live news, Clutch have announced their upcoming New World Samurai Tour 2024, with support from Blacktop Mojo and The Native Howl. The trek kicks off on April 26 in Richmond, VA, and concludes on May 19 in Columbus, OH.
Dates and a video trailer can be found below.
April
26 - Richmond, VA - The National
27 - Wilmington, DE - The Queen
29 - Bloomington, IL - The Castle Theatre
May
1 - Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep
2 - Estes Park, CO - Stanley Hotel
3 - Estes Park, CO - Stanley Hotel
4 - Aspen, CO - Belly Up Aspen
5 - Grand Junction, CO - Mesa Theater
7 - Lubbock, TX - The Garden
9 - Pelham, TN - The Caverns
10 - Columbia, SC - The Senate
11 - Daytona, FL - Welcome To Rockville
12 - Pensacola, FL - Vinyl Music Hall
14 - Columbia, MO - The Blue Note
15 - Fayetteville, AR - JJ's Live
17 - Sioux City, IA - Anthem at Hard Rock
18 - Belvidere - IL - The Apollo Theatre
19 - Columbus, OH - Sonic Temple
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