Legendary thrash drummer Tom Hunting (Exodus) releases his first solo album EP, Hunting Party, featuring covers of some of his favorite songs. The band includes guitarist C. Will Harden and drummer Gator McKlusky.
Darryl "DMC" McDaniels not only lends his vocals to the classic, "Jungle Love" (Purple Rain), but wrote his own lyrics for this classic by Morris Day And The Time.
Jack Gibson (Exodus) lends his bass to "East Bound And Down", joining his bandmate for this classic by Jerry Reed. Jack’s love for Smokey And The Bandit helped bring an authentic tone to this heavy remake.
Dan Lorenzo (Hades / Non-Fiction) plays bass on the Stevie Wonder classic "You Haven’t Done Nothin'", plus the guitar parts behind DMC on "Jungle Love", adding to that crushing original section of the track.
Jonny Rod (Return To Darkness) takes on the killer solo for "East Bound And Down", staying true to the classic. He also kills it on bass for "Jungle Love" and "Boys Are Back In Town" by The BusBoys, from the film 48 hrs.
James Arthur (Wheelhouse Junction) closes the album with his vocal tribute in "East Bound And Down".
Tom worked closely with drummer Gator McKlusky, who also produced and engineered the album, to make sure everything best represented these classics. Look for the first music video "Boys Are Back In Town" featuring Chuck Billy (Testament) and Steve “Zetro” Souza (Exodus) on backing vocals. Video created by Craig Cefola.
The tracklist is as follows:
"You Haven’t Done Nothin'"
"Boys Are Back In Town"
"Jungle Love"
"East Bound And Down"
In the interview below, Tom Hunting about the project, along with his rebound from cancer, touring this year, along with some of his favorite films and inspirations. Drummer Gator McKlusky conducted the interview from a recent Exodus tour at the Hard Rock in Orlando, Florida, where they also shot the video for "Boys are Back In Town".
Sweden's Crowne will release a special live EP, Live From Studio Gröndahl, on August 19. The release is a little treat to hold fans over while they await the release of the band's second album, which is currently in the works.
A live performance of "Kings In The North" from the EP is available now on all digital platforms. Watch a video of the performance below, and pre-order/save Live From Studio Gröndahl, a digital only release, here.
In 2021, Crowne unleashed their debut album Kings In The North, which fully delivered on the promise of the combination of the members' pedigrees. Comprised of vocalist Alexander Strandell (Art Nation), guitarist/keyboardist/producer Jona Tee (H.E.A.T.), bassist John Levén (Europe), and drummer Christian Lundqvist (The Poodles), the debut was a true tour de force of Scandinavian melodic hard rock. The debut album also featured Love Magnusson (Dynazty) providing guitar solos and as the band commences work on a follow-up, Magnusson has fully joined the fold as the band's lead guitarist.
While fans eagerly await the arrival of the band's follow-up album, the band gathered in the studio to record the special live EP, Live From Studio Gröndahl. Featuring the now five-piece band tearing through five incredible tracks from Kings In The North, this EP allows the fans to hear (and see, in the accompanying video performance) a glimpse of the band playing live together in an intimate setting.
Live From Studio Gröndahl tracklisting:
"Kings In The North"
"Sharoline"
"Perceval"
"Mad World"
"Save Me From Myself"
"Kings In The North" live video:
Lineup:
Alexander Strandell - Lead Vocals
Love Magnusson - Guitar
Jona Tee - Guitar/Keyboards/Backing Vocals
John Levén - Bass
Christian “Kicken” Lundqvist - Drums
SiX By SiX, the exciting new trio formed by Ian Crichton (Saga), Nigel Glockler (Saxon) & Robert Berry (3; Emerson, Berry, Palmer), will release their eponymous debut album on August 19 via InsideOutMusic/Sony Music.
With the release of the record only two weeks away, the band are releasing one final track prior to fans getting to hear the album in full. Watch the video for "China" below.
Robert Berry comments: “The song 'China' came about differently than most of our songs. Ian had sent me a very cool finger picking type riff, which was playing repeatedly in my head as I tried to go to sleep one night. Earlier that evening the television news ran a story about China, including the appalling oppression of the Uyghur Muslims. I couldn’t get that out of my head either. I have many Chinese friends who do not agree with what the government of China is doing. Suddenly, inspired by Ian’s finger picking, this heavy riff came to mind. Then, as I paired it with the news story, the lyric just poured out. Born from anger and disbelief but also with respect for my Chinese friends, this song came to me in one big flash. When Ian heard the basic writing demo he immediately headed into new territory with the guitar solo. It’s angry, edgy, and totally psychotic in nature - a perfect fit! And of course we all must say ‘goodnight’ and good riddance to any government that treats its people so harshly.”
SiX By SiX recently announced the publication of The Journey Internal, a graphic novel, as a companion to their forthcoming album. The Journey Internal will be published on September 30.
The Journey Internal, A Graphic Novel is based on the songs of SiX By SiX, and is the result of a collaboration between the band and renowned Chicago-based artist J.C. Baez.
Though not conceived as a concept album, the band and the artist have woven the songs into a compelling tale of one man’s adventures and struggles. The Journey Internal is a poignant and captivating story of his quest to find beauty and peace. Drawn in dramatic graphic detail, it chronicles the journey of Reign searching for sunlight in a very dark world. Following him from the highest highs to the lowest lows. The pages turn from battles of fire to demons in dungeons, from the confines of Reign’s inner mind to the realities encountered on the streets. From his solitude in battle to finding inspiration from a dream not yet realized.
Ian Crichton comments: “This graphic novel is amazing. The way that J.C Baez has blended the lyrics and captured the emotion of each song into a visually stunning graphic interpretation is simply amazing.
Nigel Glockler comments: “ One word sums up this incredible visual feast: stunning!!!
Robert Berry comments: “When J.C. approached us we were intrigued to see what he would come up with based on our songs. The results are masterful.”
J.C. Baez, a Chicago-based artist has collaborated with Jon Anderson of YES, Steve Hackett of Genesis, and Walter Koenig, of Star Trek fame, and now Six By Six.
J.C. Baez comments: “I am fortunate to be working with Ian, Nigel, and Robert, bringing their amazing musical ideas into the visual realm. The process has been very much a collaboration and I've been made to feel like part of the Six By Six family. This story is dynamic and exciting and I'm thrilled to work on this graphic novel which is in the vein of Genesis’s ‘The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and other classic albums.”
The Journey Internal will be available for purchase on October 1 through www.StNicksPicks.com for customers in North America and through Burning Shed worldwide.
The roots of SiX By SiX can be traced back several decades to when Glockler and Berry were together as part of YES guitarist Steve Howe’s continuation of the band GTR. Then there’s the Asia connection, where Crichton and Glockler contributed to sessions and recordings, while Berry was the link for his guitarist friend Pat Thrall joining that band.
Time marches on, paths cross and fate brings these three musicians together, born from a conversation with an industry insider in the UK who connected Ian Crichton in the Toronto area with Robert Berry outside San Francisco, who in turn reached Glockler at his home on the south coast of England.
Powered by Glockler’s dynamic drumming, the result is an expansive guitar-driven pallet, paired sonically with the unique flavour of the Crichton/Berry songwriting collaboration, which they are very excited to present on this debut album.
Ian Crichton comments: “Throughout my career, I’ve been very selective about what to get involved in outside Saga and when opportunities have arisen, I have said ‘no’ far more often than I have said ‘yes’. When Robert's manager contacted me in 2020 and explained what Robert was seeking to do creatively and how my guitar could be central to the musical vision, I was intrigued. Now it’s over 18 months and many Zoom calls later, but crucially Robert, Nigel and I have also spent plenty of time together at Robert’s base in northern California. We’re three experienced players from three different countries, and with our six hands, we’re here to break the rock music mould. SiX By SiX is a band that we’ve built together and nurtured into a unique style that I'm very proud of.”
Nigel Glockler continues: “When Robert and Ian first approached me about becoming part of this band, I felt very honoured to be asked and absolutely thrilled to be working with a couple of guys I’ve admired for a long time. Robert and I first met during GTR days and we’ve kept in touch ever since. My path has crossed with Ian many times on the road over the years, so once the three of us got together in California it was like a meeting of old friends. Musically it immediately clicked and working within the framework of a three piece allows us to branch out in all directions and really push ourselves. I’m best known as the Saxon drummer, but I’ve always been a massive fan of progressive rock – Genesis and PFM are amongst my favourite bands! SiX By SiX is just the beginning of an exciting journey - bring it on!!”
Robert Berry adds: “After working with the genius of Keith Emerson and losing that musical partnership in 2016 following Keith’s death, I faced a daunting question: whether to bring down the curtain creatively or seek something inspiring which would reach new musical heights. My intuition was to lean into a dramatically more guitar oriented direction. But which guitarist is as impressive as Keith was as a keyboardist? At my manager’s suggestion, an incredible meeting of minds, style and future goals was struck with Ian Crichton. Was it luck, timing or destiny? I think it was all three because 3 is my lucky number. Ian and I were determined to keep this a 3 piece band (there’s that number again) and needed a drummer with a similar mindset and who is a solid, heavy hitter. My friend Nigel Glockler was the perfect fit. And with this extraordinary combination of friendship, musicality, and humor, a Brit, a Canadian and an American have come together as the brand new band SiX By SiX.”
Available as a Limited CD Digipak, Gatefold 180g LP & as a Digital Album, now available to pre-order here.
Tracklisting:
"Yearning To Fly"
"China"
"Reason To Feel Calm Again"
"The Upside Of Down"
"Casino"
"Live Forever"
"The Last Words On Earth"
"Skyfall"
"Battle Of A Lifetime"
"Save The Night"
"Save The Night" video:
"Yearning To Fly" video:
Band interview series:
Background:
Ian Crichton is best known as one of the founding members of Saga, alongside his brother Jim. Saga went on to sell roughly 10 million albums world-wide and continue to perform around the world. As the driving force behind SiX By SiX, Ian takes a cunning turn, in assembling another potent band but one that focuses on his guitar prowess. This time with established players, each with a celebrated past, refined skills, and unlimited potential.
Nigel Glockler began his career in 1980 as the drummer for the British band Krakatoa. In 1981 he found an opportunity with singer Toyah. By the end of the year, he joined metal legends, Saxon. Except for two brief absences, Nigel has been behind his massive drum kit as an integral part of Saxon ever since. His powerhouse drumming is the engine that drives SiX By SiX’s songs forwards relentlessly.
Robert Berry first gained international attention with San Francisco-based Hush, releasing well-received recordings and then touring the USA. In the mid-1980s Berry’s first solo album garnered positive reviews in the most influential trade publications and attracted the attention of several major labels. At the suggestion of one of those labels, Robert moved to the UK to work with guitarist Steve Howe (of Yes fame) along with drummer Nigel Glockler in an effort to revitalize GTR. When GTR stalled, Robert partnered with British rock legends Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer to form ‘3’. With Emerson and Palmer, Robert achieved a top ten charting single and toured the USA. Robert’s melodic sensibilities complement Ian’s extraordinary guitar and Nigel’s signature drumming perfectly.
IRON ALLIES, the new band featuring former ACCEPT members Herman Frank and David Reece, will release its debut album, "Blood In Blood Out", on October 21 via AFM Records.
Frank comments: "This record cannot be compared to anything David or I have produced in our past. It's at the same time standing on its own, while sounding like it came from the one and the same mold. You could say: the two of us have sought and found each other."
Although these two exceptional musicians had known each other for a very long time, sparks really started to fly during Frank's visit to Piacenza, Italy, where the American-born Reece has been living after marrying an Italian woman.
"We hit it off right away because David — like me — is not only an old warhorse, but a total music lover," Herman says. "It's only with this unswerving passion for music that you can last as long as we have in this shark tank.
"I love David's voice, that unique blend of metal, rock and blues. Also, he's an awesome lyricist and as a U.S.-American he obviously has a much greater range of vocabulary than non-English-speaking singers."
The official music video for the album's first single, "Full Of Surprises", will make its online debut on Thursday, August 4. Frank states about the song: "The unusual triplet beat, the guitar work I can put my soul into, combined with David's distinctive voice that is always full of melody and never just screaming — this surprising mix serves as the perfect appetizer for our album."
The "Blood In Blood Out" title track will also released as a single, accompanied by a lyric video. A third single/video, "Destroyers Of The Night", will also be made available.
"In a way, 'Blood In Blood Out' is the motto of IRON ALLIES," Herman explains. "This band was formed as a blood brotherhood, and no one gets out of here without shedding blood.
"Blood In Blood Out" was recorded at Horus Sound Studio in Hannover, Germany with co-producer Arne Neurand. Joining Frank and Reece on the IRON ALLIES album, which was mixed and mastered by Dennis Ward, are drummer Francesco Jovino (U.D.O., PRIMAL FEAR, VOODOO CIRCLE, JORN),bassist Malte Burkert and rhythm guitarist Mike Pesin.
Frank says: "We left nothing to chance. All positions were perfectly cast."
IRON ALLIES are more than sure that this concept will also convince concert organizers, tour promoters and especially their fans. Because, as Frank puts it, "People love strong characters. They want to see real men, not little boys. IRON ALLIES is made up of old-school knights and 'Blood In Blood Out' provides the perfect soundtrack for that."
Last October, Reece discussed his collaboration with Frank in an interview with the "Heavy Metal Mayhem" radio show. He said: "The ironic thing about Herman and I, we played festivals many times and not even met each other. And here we are, part of the same band and their history. And we would miss each other by, like, two minutes. We always wanted to see each other, but something came up [and] we never really got to meet. So Herman and I started talking, and we said, 'Yeah, let's put a band together. Who do you wanna get?' We talked to [drummer] Mike Heller from FEAR FACTORY a few times, and that didn't really work out. And then I said, 'I've got Francesco Jovino, dude, on my [solo] album. This guy is a beast.' So then we got the band together."
Regarding the musical direction of IRON ALLIES, Reece said: "It's got some of those elements of old [ACCEPT circa] 'Restless And Wild'. It's got Dave's voice — [as heard on my solo albums] 'Cacophony [Of Souls]' and 'Blacklist [Utopia]'. It's ripping shit, man. I'm really excited about it."
According to Reece, part of the motivation for putting IRON ALLIES together is the negative publicity surrounding their respective departures from ACCEPT. "They badmouth him, they badmouth me, there was this back-and-forth all the time, and then [Herman] said, 'You know what? Screw it. I'm gonna call David Reece,'" David explained. "And I'd never really talked to him. He just came down to Italy about two weeks ago, and we got to actually meet face to face. We went out to a great dinner, hung out for about six hours. He was just driving around Europe, relaxing, 'cause he had just finished another VICTORY album and his solo album, so he needed a break."
David said that he was excited about the prospect of hitting the road with a seasoned veteran like Herman.
"This is a band of guys who have been around and done it all," he said. "So we're not gonna have that, 'Oh, I don't wanna go there. Do we have to get up so early?' We know what we've gotta do. We've gotta travel and we've gotta rock."
Herman joined ACCEPT in 1982 shortly before the release of the band's "Restless And Wild" album and exited the group for the first time after the arrival of 1983's "Balls To The Wall" LP.
When ACCEPT reunited for festival appearances in 2005, Herman handled second-guitar duties alongside founding axeman Wolf Hoffmann, with Stefan Schwarzmann sitting behind the kit.
Frank and Schwarzmann were involved in ACCEPT's comeback with singer Mark Tornillo and appeared on the reunited group's first three studio albums: 2010's "Blood Of The Nations", 2012's "Stalingrad" and 2014's "Blind Rage".
Two years ago, Herman told All That Shreds about his decision to exit ACCEPT in December 2014: "It was just time to leave the band. Let's put it this way: I wanted to do music the way I started to. I wanted to have my own band. I wanted my own music and just wanted to just play my own leads. Not to follow somebody's guitar. I was getting too old for it. It's fine to be a backup, but after a couple of years, it's time for a different thing."
Reece was recruited for ACCEPT's "Eat The Heat" LP in 1989 following the departure of Udo Dirkschneider. Reece's higher-pitched delivery was in sharp contrast to Dirkschneider's distinctive style, and overall, the album was a critical and commercial disappointment. Midway through the "Eat The Heat" tour, differences between the band and Reece had come to a head, leading to the altercation between the singer and bassist Peter Baltes in Chicago. By the end of 1989, ACCEPT had hung it up.
David spoke about the circumstances that led to his dispute with the bassist during an interview with Metalliluola. He explained: "Peter had told my girlfriend I was having an affair. And I asked him, 'Did you tell her?' And he said, 'Yes.' So I slapped him. That ended it. It was bad before that, the communication. Ticket sales weren't good. We were opening for W.A.S.P."
He continued: "I think they really thought that getting the American [singer] in, they were gonna break the United States. But ACCEPT aren't really huge in America, like [in Europe]. That's why they hired me — they wanted a change. And the tour was going kind of slow. We did a headline tour first in the States, [playing in the] clubs. That was good. And then we went out with W.A.S.P. and METAL CHURCH, and it was half[-filled] rooms. So they were feeling the stress of that, and the communication was bad. So it was building."
David went on to say that he is sorry for assaulting his former bandmate. "Peter and I are friends now," he said, adding that "it was a bad decision" that was made while he and the rest of the group were under "a lot of stress. Being in a band, it can be a lot of drama. He had no right to tell her, and I had no right to slap him. So, I regret it."
Diabolical black/death metal squadron, Belphegor, have unveiled a bizarre music video for the punishing title track of their recently released new album, The Devils. Check it out below:
With The Devils, Belphegor unleash their twelfth studio album upon the masses, which proves to be one of the strongest and most elaborate records in the group’s career. Mixed & mastered at renowned Fascination Street Studios by Jens Bogren (Kreator, Rotting Christ, At The Gates), The Devils sounds absolutely crushing and dynamic, sonically pushing the immense variety of the eight tracks to new heights.
Acclaimed rockers ALTER BRIDGE will release their seventh album, "Pawns & Kings", on October 14 via Napalm Records. The follow-up to 2019's "Walk The Sky" was once again recorded at Studio Barbarosa in Gotha, Florida with producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette, who has previously worked with SEVENDUST, MAMMOTH WVH and SLASH, among others.
The animated music video for the LP's second single, the metal-leaning track "Silver Tongue", can be seen below. The clip, which was created and directed by Ollie Jones of Better Feeling Films (Myles Kennedy, PRODIGY, PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS),follows two characters who fall under the spell of a painting that comes to life. The painting drags the characters into a dark world and forces them to fight for survival in a classic battle of good versus evil.
"Pawns & Kings" is comprised of 10 all-new epic tracks that are sure to garner ALTER BRIDGE new fans around the globe while satiating their fervent supporters that have been patiently waiting for new music from the band.
From the opening riffs of "This Is War" to the title track album closer "Pawns & Kings", ALTER BRIDGE returns with an album of intense tracks that were born after the cycle for their last album was cut short by the global pandemic. Songs like "Dead Among The Living", "Silver Tongue" and "Holiday" showcase the signature songwriting the band is known for. The album offers numerous epic adventures, with three songs clocking in over six minutes each. The opus "Fable Of The Silent Son" has a running time of 8:29 and is the longest recorded song in the band's catalog — a distinction held by "Blackbird" until now. Guitarist Mark Tremonti steps out of his backing vocal role to take the lead on "Stay", an introspective ballad that is sure to become a fan favorite live.
"Pawns & Kings" track listing:
01. This Is War
02. Dead Among The Living
03. Silver Tongue
04. Sin After Sin
05. Stay
06. Holiday
07. Fable Of The Silent Son
08. Season Of Promise
09. Last Man Standing
10. Pawns & Kings
ALTER BRIDGE will be touring extensively in support of "Pawns & Kings". The band has already announced a tour of Europe for November and December that will make 25 stops over the course of six weeks. The trek kicks off November 1 in Germany and will make stops in Denmark, Sweden, Spain and others before it wraps on December 12 at O2 Arena in the United Kingdom. Longtime friends HALESTORM and MAMMOTH WVH will provide support on the upcoming European tour.
In a recent interview with Ian Danter of Planet Rock's "My Planet Rocks", Tremonti stated about "Pawns & Kings": "We're very proud of it. Our producer is absolutely in love with the record. I think if you're a fan of ALTER BRIDGE, you'll dig this record. We're very happy with it."
Asked if there will be any "heavy" Tremonti riffs on "Pawns & Kings", Mark said: "There are some heavy riffs on there. And it's funny because some of the heaviest riffs on the record [ALTER BRIDGE frontman] Myles [Kennedy] brought to the table. Even my producer is, like, 'I can't tell who's bringing what to the table anymore. 'Cause back when the band started, you were the heavy guy and Myles was the moody guy — [he would bring in] the ballady things — and we'd mix them up. And now you never know.' I think when you work with somebody long enough,
ALTER BRIDGE released a seven-song EP, "Walk The Sky 2.0", in November 2020 via Napalm Records. The effort contained live versions of a few of the band's favorites from "Walk The Sky" — "Wouldn't You Rather", "Pay No Mind", "Native Son", "Godspeed", "In The Deep" and "Dying Light" — as well as one new studio track, "Last Rites", which was written, recorded and completed entirely during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Tremonti issued the fifth album from his solo band TREMONTI, titled "Marching In Time", last September via Napalm Records.
Kennedy released his sophomore solo album, "The Ides Of March", in May 2021 via Napalm Records.
Tremonti recently partnered with National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to release an album of Frank Sinatra covers titled "Tremonti Sings Sinatra". The LP of selections from Frank Sinatra's catalog was made available in May as part of a new charity initiative created by Tremonti called Take A Chance For Charity. Proceeds from the album go to support NDSS and the work they do to advocate for and support individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
The Offering has released their new track and music video for "Wasp". The song is off of the band’s forthcoming full-length album, Seeing The Elephant, which is set for release on November 4. Check out the band’s 7 minute politically-charged opening track, below.
With Seeing the Elephant, The Offering have woven together a record as rich, adventurous and heartfelt as anything you’re bound to hear anytime soon. Conceived during the chaos of the 2020 protests and the ensuing warzone of cultural upheaval, Seeing the Elephant is a challenging (and ultimately rewarding) record for extreme times.
“’Wasp’ is first and foremost a chew out,” states Alexander Richichi (vocals) about “Wasp”.
Nishad George (guitar) adds, “’Wasp’ is one of the most ambitious songs we’ve ever made. It was written only just a month before hitting the studio! We felt that with such a bold and emotionally charged album, we needed to set the mood and start as aggressive as possible. 'Wasp' is, to us, a seven minute statement to let everyone know that we are back, we have much to say, and that musically, we’re as free and unhindered as ever.”
Vocalist Alex Richichi and guitarist Nishad George construct a new framework from past work with the help of mixer Zach Weeks (Kvelertak, The Armed) at the Salem, Massachusetts’ renowned God City Studios, proving The Offering as a band that not only challenges the norm but one that will refine and redefine them.
In the past, the foursome have warmed crowds for diverse acts such as Primal Fear, Rhapsody of Fire, Prong, Genitorturers, 36 Crazyfists, and have been a fan-favorite at the main stage of the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival. Right before the release of Home they played European festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Fezen Festival and Gefle Metal Festival.
The Offering is:
Alexander Richichi (vocals)
Nishad George (guitar)
Spencer Metela (bass)
Steve Finn (drums)
(Top photo - Nick Chance; Band photo - Rossetti Photography)
Nashville metal band, Orthodox, have just released their new track and music video for “Dissolve”. Watch the clip below.
"Time kills everything,” states frontman Adam Easterling.
Orthodox will release their new full-length album, Learning To Dissolve, on August 19 via Century Media Records. Pre-orders are available here.
Learning To Dissolve tracklisting:
"Feel It Linger"
"Head On A Spike"
"Cave In"
"Become Divine"
"Digging Through Glass"
"Nothing To See"
"1 1 7 6 2"
"Dissolve"
"Fast Asleep"
"All That I Am"
"Voice In The Choir"
"Head On A Spike" video:
The sound of Orthodox is the opposite of what most associate with the laid-back energy and country-fied twang of their native Nashville, Tennessee. Orthodox’s distinct, nu-metal-tinged brand of metallic hardcore has carved its own lane with their Century Media debut, Learning to Dissolve. Learning To Dissolve is the punctuation on a journey that began with 2017’s Sounds of Loss. From the inception, Orthodox were nothing short of a standout, blending together riffs that wouldn’t be out of place on a Slipknot record coupled with Easterling’s blunt, Jonathan Davis-esque howls. But, like their sonic brethren in Knocked Loose or Vein.FM, while the influence of the 90’s/00’s is there, Orthodox doesn’t merely pay homage to their influences, it exceeds them.
Written during the global pandemic and world shutdown of 2020, Learning to Dissolve was born of frustration. That is, until Easterling and guitarist Austin Evans began to really dig in. Recording in the dead heat of Summer with producer and mixer Randy Lebooeuf (Thy Art Is Murder, Kublai Khan) at Graphic Nature Audio in Belleville, New Jersey, found the band in creative overdrive, ripping their songs apart.
While 2019’s Let It Take Its Course focused on the duality of love and anger Learning to Dissolve is born of intense self-reflection. It digs deeper than most metal or hardcore records. Not surprisingly, that ethos has echoed throughout Orthodox’s existence as a band, whose members past and present come from backgrounds rooted in straight-edge hardcore.
Orthodox is:
Adam Easterling (vocals)
Austin Evans (guitar)
Shiloh Krebs (bass)
Mike White (drums)
Acclaimed rock/metal guitarist Jim Matheos (Fates Warning, Arch / Matheos) has joined with powerhouse rock vocalist Steve Overland (FM) to create the new group, Kings Of Mercia. Accompanying the duo on the upcoming debut album are Matheos' Fates Warning bandmate Joey Vera on bass, and legendary drummer Simon Philips. The self-titled album will be released on September 23 via Metal Blade Records and is now available for pre-orde.
Today, Kings Of Mercia are pleased to share the first single, "Wrecking Ball". Watch the visualizer for the single below.
Jim Matheos had this to say about the song: "'Wrecking Ball' was the first song I wrote for what would become Kings Of Mercia, it's also the opening track on the album. I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted to do musically but this one came together very quickly and naturally without too much forethought. The combination of simple but heavy riffs along with Steve's powerful vocals sets the tone and mood for the rest of the record."
Steve Overland on the track: "'Wrecking Ball' is a great introductory track for what Kings Of Mercia are all about, and a great taster for what to expect from the rest of the album. A powerful hard hitting, anthemic rock track, with melody and great individual performances from all the band."
The album will be available on CD, LP, and digital formats. Pre-order here.
Tracklisting:
"Wrecking Ball"
"Humankind"
"Sweet Revenge"
"Set The World On Fire"
"Too Far Gone"
"Liberate Me"
"Nowhere Man"
"Everyday Angels"
"Is It Right?"
"Your Life"
"Wrecking Ball" visualizer:
Best known as the founding guitarist for Fates Warning, but with countless other projects under his belt - including Arch / Matheos and most recently Tuesday The Sky - Jim Matheos is incapable of stifling his creativity. In early 2021, he started working on the songs that would become Kings Of Mercia's self-titled debut album, bringing his distinct style yet doing something a little different. "I started writing without any real idea of what direction I wanted to go in or what I was going to do with the material. The first few songs came together quickly and were a bit more straightforward than I'm used to, and I really liked that idea, kind of going back to my early heavy/hard rock roots." Not having any pre-conceived ideas of what the record should or would end up sounding like, at least early on, certainly helped, "as did the fact that it's our first record, so there was nothing to measure it against or expectations to live up to, even if only in my own head."
Churning out songs, Matheos' next concern was to find the musicians who would help him realize the material, and his first priority was a vocalist. It was his friend Jeff Wagner who suggested FM's Steve Overland, and another friend, rock journalist Dave Ling, who put them in touch with each other. "Jim had asked Dave for my contact details, we talked about his idea for mixing the two styles, his heavier background, with my melodic/bluesier direction," says Overland. "We decided to try a collaboration on one song and see how it worked, we came up with the track "Humankind", and we both loved it." Having already settled on this hard rock direction, it was only once Matheos got the first couple of songs back from Overland that it became all the way clear of the shape the record would take, with the vocalist sending over his parts every few weeks, everything gradually coming together.
Behind the kit for the record is the legendary Simon Phillips (ex-Toto, Derek Sherinian), one of Matheos' favorite drummers. "I decided to contact him on a whim, not really expecting that he'd be available or interested in this project. But, to my surprise, he liked the music and was able to fit some recording into his schedule. It's an honor to share a credit with him and I couldn't be happier with what he added to the record." Rounding out the group is bassist Joey Vera - Matheos' Fates Warning bandmate - who brings his trademark style and professionalism to the table. "My old friend and co-worker Joey Vera was a natural choice for bass. Not only did I know he would deliver performance-wise, but it was nice to have a familiar face among the new personalities." With these players involved it was an easy, stress-free process throughout, making music for the love of it, and coming up with something that sounds familiar yet new, expanding the repertoire of all involved. This means songs like the half-acoustic ballad, half-swaggering "Too Far Gone" or the beautiful "Everyday Angels", and the soaring "Wrecking Ball", which opens the record on a high note, all brought to life in dynamic style.
Lineup:
Jim Matheos - Guitars
Steve Overland - Vocals
Joey Vera - Bass
Simon Phillips - Drums
Neurot Recordings, in conjunction with Rocket Recordings, presents Liminal, the second LP from UK-based industrial/electronic hybrid act Petbrick, formed by Wayne Adams (Big Lad, Johnny Broke) and Iggor Cavalera (Sepultura, Cavalera Conspiracy, Soulwax). Confirmed for release in late September, today the cover art, tracklisting, pre-orders, and more have been posted. A video for the lead single, “Primer”, can be found below.
With eleven futuristic, dystopian movements, Petbrick’s Liminal unloads an intense but organic biomechanical sound possibly derived from the realms of industrial, death metal, hardcore, EDM, ambient, and more while defying any direct genre confines, as heard on their prior LP, multiple EPs and singles, collaborations with labelmates Deafkids, and more. Liminal was recorded and mixed by Wayne Adams at Bearbiteshorse Studio in London, mastered by Stephen Kerrison at Tall Trees Audio Mastering, and completed with art direction/design by Chris Reeder and Petbrick and Liminal logo by Iggor Cavalera. The record contains guest contributions from Steve Von Till (Neurosis), Jacob Bannon (Converge), Paula Rebbeledo (Rakta), and rappers Lord Goat and Truck Jewelz.
The lead single and opening track to Petbrick’s Liminal, “Primer”, has been issued through a video directed by Wayne Adams, who writes, “‘Primer’ is a brutal smash to the face; a slow build lets rip with an unholy blast of thunderous drums and blasts of crushing distorted kick drums. The video for ‘Primer’ is a visual feast of lo-fi glitch and rot, tapping into the initial dread, horror, and release of a journey inwards.”
Liminal will see release on vinyl and digital formats September 23 in North America through Neurot Recordings and in Europe via Rocket Recordings. Find North American pre-orders here and international pre-orders here.
Tracklisting:
"Primer"
"Arboria"
"Pigeon Kick"
"Raijin"
"Lysergic Aura" (featuring Lord Goat and Truck Jewelz)
"Damballa"
"Ayan"
"Grind You Dull" (featuring Jake Bannon)
"Chemical Returns"
"Distorted Peace" (featuring Paula Rebellato)
"Reckoning" (featuring Steve Von Till)
"Primer" video:
Petbrick has also confirmed tour dates supporting Converge and Full Of Hell this Fall, the tour running from November 6 through the 13th.
Watch for additional live actions to be confirmed over the weeks ahead.
Dates:
November
6 - Electric Brixton - London, UK
7 - La Cigale - Paris, France
8 - Vooruit - Ghent, Belgium
9 - Doornroosje - Nijmegen, Netherlands
10 - Columbia Theater - Berlin, Germany
11 - Felsenkeller - Leipzig, Germany
12 - Kulturfabrik - Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
13 - Essigfabrik - Köln, Germany
Ruby The Hatchet have released the literally killer video clip “Thruster” as the first single from the forthcoming album Fear Is A Cruel Master. The New Jersey psychedelic heavy rockers will present their new full-length on October 21, 2022. Preorder the album here.
The stunning video for “Thruster”, which follows the exploits of a murderous gang of female bikers in the style of a 70s B-movie in glorious Technicolor can be seen below.
Ruby The Hatchet comment: The first single, 'Thruster', is an up-tempo, standout song that our drummer Owen brought to the table", singer Jillian Taylor writes. "Between the band fleshing it out, and Owen and myself doing double duty with vocal writing, 'Thruster' was a no-brainer for the first preview of our new album. Its gallop beat and menacing guitar riff immediately had me envisioning something ominous. We all love old campy horror and sci-fi, and have come to picture our music videos as fun short films that should be representative, but not taken too seriously. After re-watching a lot of Grindhouse, creating a storyboard for those visions, and assembling the perfect crew to pull it off (Hayden Hall, Ben Mazz, Don Vincent Ortega, and some of our most badass motorcycle riding friends), all of this came to life (and, as you'll see, death) in a super fun and uniquely Ruby way."
City Of Caterpillar return with their first new album in 20 years, Mystic Sisters, out September 30 on Relapse Records.
Watch the “Decider” music video (directed by Nath Milburn) below and listen to the track on all streaming services and pre-save Mystic Sisters at orcd.co/cityofcaterpillar. Mystic Sisters preorders are available now on LP/CD/CS at relapse.com.
Tracked primarily at Montrose Recording in Richmond, Mystic Sisters was self-produced by the band and then mixed and mastered by Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Bosse-de-Nage).
Additionally, City Of Caterpillar have announced the Mystic Sisters tour for this fall around their appearance at The Fest.
When guitarist/vocalist Brandon Evans, guitarist Jeff Kane, drummer Ryan Parrish and bassist/vocalist Kevin Longendyke unveiled their self-titled debut in 2002, their emotional, frenzied and often cinematic music was at the vanguard of the burgeoning screamo movement. Along with bands like Pg.99 (with whom they shared members), Majority Rule, Planes Mistaken For Stars and others, they helped develop a style of music that took hardcore into convulsive new territory.
After years spent living in other parts of the country and playing in other bands—including Darkest Hour, Malady and Ghastly City Sleep, the long awaited City Of Caterpillar reunion shows snowballed into writing sessions. The result - Mystic Sisters, an album that recaptures the magic of old while taking the band’s music into exciting new territory! The winding and atmospheric title track that embodies City Of Caterpillar's experimental side features some noise violin from Evans’ former Pg. 99 bandmate Johnny Ward, while tracks like "Decider" and "Paranormaladies" showcases the band's roots with a flurry of viceral, noisey hardcore swagger.
Ultimately, City Of Caterpillar are more concerned with creating a mood than telling a story. “The band is always focused on mood,” Evans confirms. “To me, that’s the most important thing. I don’t really want people dissecting what we’re trying to say, because it’s not really about us. It never has been. What we cared about 20 years ago was innocent, raw emotion, and that’s what we care about now.”
Tracklisting:
“Thought Drunk”
“Paranormaladies”
“Decider”
“Mystic Sisters”
“Manchester”
“Voiceless Prophets”
“In The Birth Of A Fawn”
“Ascension Theft…(Gnawing Of The Bottom-Feeders)”
“Decider” video:
Tour dates:
September
29 – Washington, DC – Black Cat
30 – Richmond, VA – Richmond Music Hall
October
1 – Philadelphia, PA – Philamoca
2 – Brooklyn, NY – Saint Vitus
27 – Asheville, NC – The Odd
28 – Atlanta, GA – The Earl
29 – Gainesville, FL- The Fest
30 – Birmingham, AL – Seasick Records
31 – Nashville, TN – DRKMTTR
Frayle’s newest single and video may be their most gripping yet. The ritual doom metal act, featuring frontwoman Gwyn Strang and guitarist Sean Bilovecky, is partnering with Knotfest.com to premiere the video today. Filmed in New York City and Salem, Massachusetts, the infamous site of the Salem Witch Trials, the provocative art piece is a powerful meditation on empowerment and shedding the mask to reveal the true self.
Says Strang, “'Bright Eyes' is about the facade we wear when we’re going through something heavy. Sometimes we’ll mask what we’re going through so that everyone around us feels comfortable or doesn’t ask us to show and share our vulnerabilities.
The imagery of a female 'goth' roller skating past the house that was once lived in by a judge that was personally responsible for the executions during the Salem Witch Trials is powerful to us.”
“Bright Eyes” is from Frayle’s forthcoming LP, Skin & Sorrow, which will now be released September 23 via Aqualamb Records.
Skin & Sorrow was fully written and recorded by Bilovecky and Strang from the third floor of their own studio, on the edge of Cleveland, surrounded by ancient lakes and woods that echo the howls of coyotes. The band is rounded out live by Jason Knotek on bass and Jon Vinson on drums.
The record follows Frayle’s groundbreaking debut 1692 in 2020 that further introduced the world to their penchant for creating “lullabies over chaos.” Tracks feature Strang’s ambient vocals laid over the voluminous instrumentals of Bilovecky (formerly of Disengage), morphing into disturbing harmonies best described as music for the night sky and are poised to dominate the doom circuit.
In addition to haunting original tracks that push heavy music into new dimensions (an inspirational mix of Sleep and Portishead, or Black Sabbath and Bjork), the duo is known for their cryptic covers including takes on Johnny Cash’s “Ring Of Fire” and Bauhaus’ “Bela Lugosi’s Dead.”
Recently, Frayle signed to The Oracle Management, now part of the roster that also includes Cradle of Filth, DevilDriver, Jinjer, Wednesday 13 and more hard rock and metal acts all represented by co-owners of The Oracle Management Dez and Anahstasia Fafara. In one of the first orders of business, Frayle joined on for Cradle of Filth’s “Existence Is Futile” Headlining Tour.
Presales for Skin & Sorrow are available now at Aqualamb Records’ webstore with iridescent, metallic blue, metallic turquoise and metallic violet vinyl variants, CD and digital options. dditional Europe only vinyl variants will be coming via Lay Bare Recordings. Each purchase comes with an accompanying 100-page book filled with lush artwork, drawings, lyrics and additional content to get inside the mind of Frayle and the creative process.
Tracklisting:
“Treacle & Revenge”
“Bright Eyes”
“Skin & Sorrow”
“Ipecac”
“Stars”
“Roses”
“Sacrifant”
“All The Things I Was”
“Song For The Dead”
“Perfect Wound”
Vented is an international supergroup featuring Sean Zatorsky (Sinsaenum, Chimaira), Austin D’Amond (DevilDriver, Bleed The Sky), Gergo Hajer (Omega Diatribe), and Simon C. Bondar (Sexual Education, White Tiger).
Their brand new song's called “The End Game” from the upcoming full-length debut record. Cruelty And Corruption takes you back in time to the finest era of groove metal with pure sonic aggressiveness, soul squeezing melodies, wall breaker riffs and insane drumming.
Vented has started to work on their debut record in 2021 originally with the mighty Joey Jordison (ex-Slipknot/Vimic/Sinsaenum) on drums and French music producer HK Krauss (Sinsaenum, Betraying The Martyrs, Dagoba) but due to the unfortunate tragedy, Austin jumped behind the drums to keep Joey's legacy.
Cruelty And Corruption will contains 13 bangers which showcase the rawness and sonic brutality of the band.
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