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Thursday, November 27, 2014

Music Releases For November 26th, 2014

There is an interesting selection found here folks.  I am really not sure where to throw my money for the first round of tunes this week.  I am very interested (and slightly due to patriotism and cultural heritage) in hearing the remastered "Native North America" series, but also interested in what David Guetta (not so sure after some of the reviews though), Thomas Giles, and Circa Survive all have to bring to the table.  

Sure shots like Eminem, Cloudkicker, and Soundgarden are already top notch in my book, but hopefully without being of blind faith to your readers.  Round out the rest of this rant with Bjork, Attila, and Coldplay will no doubt have decent sales considering the followings behind them, so I need not bore you with my intentions of listening to those albums more than once (I am respectful of their input into the music industry, regardless of personal taste in music choice).

So that being said, I hope you all enjoy these releases as much as I will this week.  Be sure to drop by a local record store not only to show love for the artist, but the fine business owners of the record shop.  If online is more your thing, then grab it from an online retailer, or a trusted digital source.  Cheers!

(Various Artists - Native North America Vol. 1: Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966–1985)

Native North America likewise shows the extent to which popular music welcomes and nourishes marginalized perspectives; the form is endlessly adaptable and fundamentally democratic—even when democracy itself is not. Most of these artists faced prejudice or hardship of varying severity, which naturally informed their music.

The comp celebrates those distinctions even if it can’t quite underscore them, which means the extensive liner notes become a crucial guide for listening. A problem that affects so many compilations becomes especially acute: You not only want to hear more songs by these artists, but also want to hear more songs in their original context. -Pitchfork

(David Guetta - Listen)

The album does offer a refreshingly intimate look at his songwriting style and state of mind, which, after a divorce from his wife of 20 years, seems contemplative.

Despite its all-but-guaranteed success, it may not bring Guetta anywhere he hasn’t already been over the past 30 years. Instead, it shines a light on what he does perhaps better than anyone in EDM: write songs that feel poignantly, unequivocally now. -Billboard


(Thomas Giles - Modern Noise)

There’s little negative that can be said here, except perhaps that the end of the album starts to trail off a little bit, and whilst each track has its powerful moments, often you can let it sink into the background and take no real notice. Oftentimes, and for many people, this is considered fine. However to do this here would perhaps be a waste, as several areas possess many layers and levels, and to let that slip by would almost discredit the work itself. It is a release that certainly deserves more focus and attention than you may initially realise. -Metal Mouth

(Eminem - Shady XV)

Aside from Marshall, Shady XV also celebrates the artistry of the rest of the team. Yelawolf and Royce Da 5’9 stand out in particular for their versatility. Fans of both artists will be pleased to hear them deviate for this album. Yela shines on “Down,” while Royce holds his own alongside Em’ on “Psychopath Killer.” In keeping with the theme of nothing but straight bars, the Slaughterhouse track “Y’all Already Know” is particularly down home. Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, Joe Budden and Royce all go in over a DJ Premier beat swollen with nostalgia. -Hip Hop DX


(Cloudkicker - Live With Intronaut)

It’s immediately evident that Sharp made the right choice in scouting Intronaut for his performances, with both parties seamlessly replicating the studio feel with pinpoint accuracy, albeit with some readjustments for a live setting. It’s cathartic to finally have Sharp’s material performed live, with the vivid, spirited vibe of fan favourites such as ‘Dysphoria’ becoming even more animated before that enthused audience who, most likely, share my sentiments. With the abundance of material revitalised by a stimulating gig environment, Sharp would be a fool to let Cloudkicker return to a lone project. The record very much feels like a tease of what’s yet to come, with Cloudkicker hopefully expanding into a full band project, with some fresh new minds to inject even more vitality into Sharp’s already-thriving creative muscle. -Metal Blast


(Circa Survive - Descensus)

Both conceptually looser and musically tighter than anything they’ve done before, ‘Descensus’ is the culmination of a decade’s worth of experimentation and the most aesthetically diverse and brilliantly realized effort of Circa Survive’s already impressive career. Kicking off with the raucous lead single, ‘Schema,’ which is potentially the heaviest song they’ve ever written, ‘Descensus’ starts with a sonic punch in the teeth in stark contrast to ‘Birth of the Economic Hitman,’ the sprawling, seven-minute opener on ‘Violent Waves.’ -Diffuser

(Attila - Guilty Pleasure)

The final verdict on Guilty Pleasure is that although it’s quite definitively bad, it might actually be…good, by deathcore standards anyway, considering it sounds a little bit different than most of the bands in that genre. Either way, it’s party music. It doesn’t need to be analyzed, just like it doesn’t need to hurt anyone’s feelings for being a “disgrace to music” or whatever. After all, everyone who’s too young to remember Limp Bizkit is going to need their own band to look back and laugh at. -Empty Lighthouse


Box Sets:

(Soundgarden - Echo of Miles: Scattered Tracks Across the Path)

Soundgarden's latest release is a 3-CD rarities collection, 'Echo Of Miles: Scattered Tracks Across The Path.' 

Among the seven unreleased tracks is a brand-new recording, 'Storm,' recorded in May with producer Jack Endino in Seattle. The new collection was curated and hand-selected by guitarist Kim Thayil. 'Echo Of Miles: Scattered Tracks Across The Path' is the first time an official Soundgarden release has included more than 26 years of rarities that have appeared as B-sides, album bonus tracks, EPs, soundtracks, compilations and live recordings, a must for any fan of the band. The package features three separate thematic discs in a clear plastic slipcase with three separate mini-jackets, each sporting its own unique art, a booklet and inserts, allowing fans to mix and match, personalizing their own album graphic layout. -Amazon


CD/DVD/Blu Ray:

(Björk - Biophilia Live)

Some fancy editing aside, Biophilia Live is a document of a remarkable performance from a remarkable artist. Björk looks fantastic. Like a crazy art student, she’s dressed in a frizzy rainbow wig and a bubble-wrap dress. Sure, at first she looks a bit silly, but the playfulness of her costume quashes any concerns that she might be taking herself too seriously. That's no bad thing when she sings a song like 'Thunderbolt': "My romantic gene is dominant and it hungers for union" and "Thunderstorm come, scrape those barnacles off me!". -NME

(Coldplay - Ghost Stories Live)

There are certainly songs on Ghost Stories Live that are worth you listening to, as highlighted above. However, the album doesn’t do too much to differentiate itself from the studio album released back in May. If you haven’t listened to Ghost Stories yet then I would recommend listening to the studio version and if you enjoy that then check out Ghost Stories Live. If you’re a huge Coldplay fan, like myself, then this is definitely worth a listen, if only so you can choose a couple of tracks to download instead of the entire thing. And if you’re really like me you’ll just go back to blasting LeftRightLeftRightLeft. Now THAT is a live album. -MWN

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

AFGM's Invitation to Ello

So one of the most common things I am asked when it comes to my social media is "what sites are you on".  After I tell them what platforms I use, I am generally met with "you should try this site out".  While I do my best to knowledge and look into their recommendation, it can honestly get a little tiring managing all the sites by yourself.  Just so you know for yourself, I currently run on Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc.  So this social site caught my eye and really seem to like it so far.  Welcome Ello!

______________________________________________________________________

Hi @afgm. Welcome to Ello, a simple, beautiful & ad-free social network.

Ello's minimal design puts emphasis on high-quality content, and makes it easy to connect with the people you really care about. Ello does not allow paid ads, and will never sell user data to third parties.

@jayzes invited you and will be your first FRIEND. You'll find @ello, a curated collection of some of our favorite posts from the Ello community, in NOISE.

As you DISCOVER new people, follow them in either FRIENDS or NOISE. Nobody but you will know where you've put them.

Click SETTINGS to add an avatar and header image, and to complete your Ello PROFILE.

Visit WTF to learn more about Ello.

______________________________________________________________________

(Photo courtesy of Ello)

So far the site seems pretty smooth and easy to understand.  There is less clutter on the home screen and filled with icons and images that you will eventually learn.  It features most other things you would see on social media platforms.  It has an avatar, a user name, a location, basic info about yourself, etc.  I will agree it does not go into great detail and depth such as Facebook for personal information, but provides just enough info in order for people to connect with you.  I think one other thing worth mentioning is the fundamentals the website functions under:

- Ello will never sell user data to advertisers or third parties
- Ello never show advertisements
- Ello will not enforce a real-name policy

The marketing sensation behind it seems to be an "invite only" way to subscribe to the website.  Someone sent me my invitation and in turn I invited someone else.  The site currently claims 1,000,000+ users and has been in operation since March, 2014.  Co-creators Paul Budnitz and Todd Berger managed to raise $435,000+ from investor(s) (practically all from FreshTracks Captial) in January , 2014 and launched shortly afterwards.

Another notable piece of information here is the focus on those website fundamentals.  Tech Crunch and WIRED magazine have reported a $5.5 million raising through capital venture funding and has officially files as a public benefit corporation, meaning NO ADS will ever be on the website.  This might appeal to quite a bit of users who are tired with social media sites using them as psychological experiments or don't necessarily like websites retaining that much data about their personal lives.


(Photo courtesy of Ello)

So how does this relate to music and AFGM?

Well, obviously not everything on AFGM surrounds music in itself.  There are other indirect articles that revolve back to music.  Ello does not have a media player, it doesn't have band pages, nor does it allow for AFGM to market itself as a blog (not yet for all points made).  But since AFGM's fundamental was to get people talking (or continue talking) about music in any form.  If this site brings one new person to my site, or even so much as asks about the music I listen to, then the campaign was a success!

Be sure to keep a lookout for this website making headlines more and more often.  I believe that Ello is trying to keep up with the overnight success and release a full website to make up for the beta version they are currently running on.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Music Video Round Up For November 21st, 2014

Going through my playlist at the end of a work week is like the toast to the weekend; especially when you have been gone away on vacation for the past week with no contact with the outside world.  YouTube playlists and subscriptions coming out my ears so sometimes it's rather hard to follow each upload unless doing a round up such as this.  I hope this will make the starting of your weekend energetic, whether you are going into work or escaping from it.

Apologies in advance for those who loathe my video articles but there are just too many great clips out there to ignore.  So if you do not have the bandwidth to watch this video, then too bad!  Hahaha just kidding.  We have a long list of artists today to focus on so take your time and click on their links for more information on album releases, singles, social media, and touring!

So for the slower connections just load the article, go for a coffee/glass of water, return, play and enjoy!  This will surely be one of my playlists for the end of the work day and hopefully doesn't keep your eyes glued to the screen for too long.  Cheers!


*NOTE: There are hyperlinks in each title in case you want to stream directly from YouTube*


Foo Fighters - Something From Nothing:



"Something From Nothing" is taken from the album "Sonic Highways" which was released on November 10th, 2014 via Roswell/RCA Records.


Seether - Same Damn Life:



"Same Damn Life" is taken from the album "Isolate and Medicate" which was released on July 1st, 2014 via Bicycle, Concord Records.


Papa Roach - Face Everything And Rise:



"Face Everything and Rise" is the self titled track taken from the album "Face Everything and Rise" which will be released on January 27th, 2015 via Eleven Seven Records.


A Day To Remember - I'm Already Gone:



"I'm Already Gone" is taken from the album "Common Courtesy" which was released on October 8th, 2013 via ADTR Records.


Myke Terry - Red Handed:



"Red Handed" is the new single from former Bury Your Dead vocalist Myke Terry.


Funeral For A Friend - 1%:



"1%" is taken from the album "Chapter and Verse" which will be released on January 19th, 2015 via No Sleep Records.


Gus G. - Long Way Down (feat. Alexia Rodriguez):



"Long Way Down" is taken from the album "I Am The Fire" which was released on March 18th, 2014 via Century Media Records.


Rated X - Fire and Ice: 



"Fire and Ice" is taken from the self titled album "Rated X" which was released on November 11th, 2014 via Capitol Records.


Sleeping With Sirens - Kick Me:



"Kick Me" is the new single taken from the upcoming SWS album which will be released in January, 2015 via Epitaph Records.


Fozzy - Do You Wanna Start A War:



"Do You Want To Start A War" is the self titled track taken from the album "Do You Want To Start A War" which was released on July 22nd, 2014 via Century Media Records.


XTRMST - Conformist:



"Conformist" is taken from the album "XTRMST" which was released on November 14th, 2014 via Dim Mak Inc Records.


Lordi - Scar Force One:



"Scare Force One" is the self titled track taken from the album "Scare Force One" which was released on October 31st, 2014 via AFM Records.


Northlane - Rot:



"Rot" is the self titled track taken from the album "Rot" which will be released sometime in mid 2015 via We Are Unified/Distort/Rise Records.


Upon A Burning Body feat. Ice-T - Turn Down For What:



"Turn Down For What" is taken from the album "Punk Goes Pop 6" which was released on November 18th, 2014 via Fearless Records.


Suicide Silence - Inherit The Crown (Live Footage):



"Inherit the Crown" is taken from the album "You Can't Stop Me" which was released on July 15th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records.


White Empress - The Ecstatic and The Sorrow (Live Footage):



"The Ecstatic and The Sorrow" is taken from the album "Rise of the Empress" which was released on September 29th, 2014 via Peaceville Records.


Arch Enemy - As The Pages Burn (Live):



"As The Pages Burn" is taken from the album "War Eternal" which was released on June 10th, 2014 via Century Media Records.


Seether - Remedy (Live Acoustic):



"Remedy" is taken from the album "Karma and Effect" which was released on May 24th, 2005 via Wind-Up Records.


The Safety Fire - Wise Hands (Acoustic):



"Wise Hands" is taken from the album "Mouth of Swords" which was released on September 2nd, 2013 via Inside Out Music/Century Media Records.


Motionless In White - Dead As F**k (Animated Video):



"Dead As F**k" is taken from the album "Reincarnate" which was released on September 16th, 2014 via Fearless Records.


Foo Fighters - What Did I Do? / God As My Witness (Audio):



"What Did I Do? / God As My Witness" is taken from the album "Sonic Highways" which was released on November 10th, 2014 via Roswell/RCA Records.

Random Music Quotes: Malmsteen

I'll put it in a nutshell.  Basically, what happened with the Internet was that the money machine was eliminated. When the money machine was eliminated, all these people who had nothing to do with the music, and who used to make millions of dollars, started to do something else. Then everyone went, 'It's fine. Bands are still signed.' But it's not!  The reasons bands were signed and new acts could get a shot was because people thought they could make money from these bands. So the fans got to hear new music while the machine was going around, investing a million and getting ten million back. Now when there is no return, no new bands are being signed or exposed and no record labels are acting like they did before.

(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Look, the thing is, if you're already established, if you're Judas Priest or Yngwie Malmsteen, you're fine. There's no difference; you do what you've been doing and it's the same. But if you're a nobody and you want to sound really good but you want to start out, you can't get a tour bus or an opening act slot because there's no machine there to invest in you.

People love heavy metal, people love rock and roll and people love guitar players, but there's no money in it… There's nothing new [coming out]! Simply because the labels, the retailers, the distributors, the manufacturers graphic designers, photographers and so on, they are not making money... so they say, 'Fuck this,' and they go do something else. The new groups that start in a garage are not going to get exposed and the fans are not going to get new music. -Malmsteen

The Ghost Inside - Dear Youth (+ Full Album Stream)

The Ghost Inside has been one of the those "go-to" bands for myself over the years.  A metalcore band that is not reinventing the wheel but making their own mark on the genre, TGI have continuously delivered great material that is sure to scare any neighbours when you turn the speakers up a couple notches.  I have found myself in the past singing along to choruses of songs such as "Engine 45" when sitting on a subway train, or showing off my air drum skills to the onlookers that think I have something wrong with the chemical balances in my head.

Either way, their albums are great from start to finish as well...so I try and save their material for some of my longer trips on the TTC or Via Rail/GO Transit.

(Photo courtesy of The Ghost Inside/Epitaph Records)

"Dear Youth" was released on November 17th, 2014 via Epitaph Records!  The album was co-produced by Jeremy McKinnon and Andrew Wade.


1. Avalanche
2. Move Me
3. Out Of Control
4. With The Wolves
5. Mercy
6. Phoenix Flame
7. Dear Youth (Day 52)
8. Wide Eyed
9. My Endnote
10. The Other Half
11. Blank Pages

Front man Jonathan Vigil explains the album concept in a letter written to his younger self.  Check out the letter below:

Dear Youth,

I'm writing to you now because it seems I’ve lost my way. I can't pinpoint exactly when it started, but I know that it’s not like it was before. I’ve realized the more time that passes, the more we lose touch. It’s starting to feel like all I ever do now is lose touch with things. But not you, I never wanted to lose you.

(Photo courtesy of The Ghost Inside/Epitaph Records)

I wish I had something to blame it all on, but I don’t. One day I was there and the next I was here. As if I was dreaming and suddenly woken up. These days I'm always wondering if what I've done is enough. It’s getting harder and harder for me to shake this feeling of stagnance. 

So old friend I’m writing to ask you what it feels like to have the whole world in your hand? Where we could set out and do anything that we imagined. Endless possibilities way before complacence set in. To be honest with you, I’ve forgotten what that all feels like. There was a wonder about us that has long since faded. That sense of excitement, I miss it.

Dear youth, will you show me again? I need to be reminded of those times, back before this began... -xx

So what a better way to get you all involved in their work and their new album then to have a full stream going right here on the article!  Check out the eleven tracks below and be sure to visit their site for tour dates, merch, and to purchase a copy of the physical album.



Hey, hey, I'm living for today.
Forgetting things I can't change unwinds me.
Hey, hey, nothing stands in my way.
Time stopped when I broke the chains that bound me.

Pre-order the album on iTunes here, or vinyl/CD here.

"Punk Goes Pop 6" Streaming In Full

So time for all you hardcore kids to get in your favourite fist pumping songs without the shame of putting on the actual pop tunes associated with it.  Let's face it, metal guys and gals need to unwind once and awhile and get their hips in motion without the possibility of a concussion from a crowd surfer.

So what a better way to combine the two genres than to get artists like We Came As Romans, Volumes, and August Burns Red to redesign these poppy tunes into "Punk Goes Pop 6".  On a side note, I am still wondering why it's still being regarded as "Punk Goes" when there is a fair amount of metal on this album.  I guess "Metal Goes Pop" doesn't have the same ring to it.  Anyways, the album drops everywhere on November 18th, 2014 via Fearless Records.  Check out the full album stream below and drop some comments of your own (if you have any).


1. Tyler Carter / Luke Holland – Ain’t It Fun (originally performed by Paramore)
2. August Burns Red – Wrecking Ball (originally performed by Miley Cyrus)
3. We Came As Romans – I Knew You Were Trouble (originally performed by Taylor Swift)
4. Upon A Burning Body & Ice T – Turn Down For What (originally performed by DJ Snake & Lil John)
5. Set It Off – Problem (originally performed by Ariana Grande ft Iggy Azalea)
6. Crown The Empire – Burn (originally performed by Ellie Goulding)
7. Oceans Ate Alaska – Drunk In Love (originally performed by Beyonce ft Jay Z)
8. Youth In Revolt – Royals (originally performed by Lorde)
9. Volumes – Hold On, We’re Going Home (originally performed by Drake ft Majid Jordan)
10. Knuckle Puck – Chocolate (originally performed by The 1975)
11. Slaves – Sweater Weather (originally performed by The Neighborhood)
12. State Champs – Stay The Night (originally performed by Zedd ft. Hayley Williams)
13. Palisades – Happy (originally performed by Pharrell Williams)

Music Releases For November 18th, 2014

Cue the critics of over-saturated Bowie compilation albums.  Cue the all Canadian wonder that is Nickelback (at least that's what the rest of the world will have us chalked up to be).  Cue the emo bands that compile their favourite pop songs to resemble something worth listening to (IMO).  Cue the controversy that is The Ghost Inside's album cover (coughthedillingerescapeplancough).  But most of all, cue the awesome amount of great music that is being released this week!

I am sort of getting the feeling of Fry of Futurama right now when it comes to my visit at the local record store.  That being said, I did want to start this post off with a bang and state that I am a Nickelback fan.  Despite the stereotype that every Canadian likes em, I actually think their overplayed music is catchy and filled with good riffs and hooks.  I saw them for the first (and only) time at Bayfest 2007 and was completely blown away by their performance (not to mention them shredding some Pantera and Metallica in the process).

But not all the focus should be on them this week.  POD's SoCal Sessions has been literally playing nonstop on my headphones this week, which will be followed closely by In This Moment, The Ghost Inside, and newcomers XTRMST (AFI lead vocalist Davey Havok and guitarist Jade Puget).  Monster Magnet's "Last Patrol" was such a great hit for the group that they redesigned the cover, remixed, and new tracks titled "Milking the Stars: A Re-Imagining of Last Patrol".  You can check out the rest of the notable reviews below as well.  So if not the local record store, then an online retailer, or a trusted digital source.  Cheers!

(David Bowie - Nothing has changed.)

Despite cramming in a walloping 39 tracks on what Wikipedia suggests is Bowie's forty-eighth compilation, nothing really has changed with regards to the 2CD standard edition, which begins with ‘Space Oddity’ and ends a couple of hours later with the expected new song, ‘Sue (Or in a Season of Crime)’. The music is extraordinary, but the format is yer basic pre-Chrimbo best of (and the same goes for the 20-track 2LP). -Drowned In Sound

(Nickelback - No Fixed Address)

No Fixed Address was written and recorded in far-flung locales like London, Berlin and Budapest, and it's easy to draw a line between Nickelback's globetrotting and the material's genre hops. Yet, the album's best song, "Get 'Em Up," finds the band sticking closer to its wheelhouse, with Kroeger detailing a robbery-gone-stupid ("It was Sunday and the goddamned bank was closed") over a low-end groove that recalls present-day ZZ Top. It's a loose-limbed and lighthearted moment from an act that tends toward heavy and humorless. It's also a more appealing modification than, say, funky Nickelback or synth-pop Nickelback -- either of which could launch a thousand crowdfunding campaigns. -Billboard

(Hans Zimmer - Interstellar)

"Pretend the music is a river and the audience is on this boat and it’s going to go down this river and the river is going to go inevitably. There’s no stopping it. Sometimes it’s going to get a little bumpy and sometimes it’s going to get a little incomprehensible, but what I want to do is I want to take you on a journey. I want to take you on a journey that you haven’t been on. And, I want to take you on an adventure. And it’s not a science class. These days we’re being fed nothing but information, but emotionally, I think we get less and less experience in anything because … everything is so cleaned up and we’re losing the edge … the mystery of things." -Zimmer

(Bruce Springsteen - The Album Collection Volume 1)

The main draw for E Street fans here is the fact only Born To Run and Darkness On The Edge Of Town have previously been re-mastered. Although this collection does include contemporary E Street ephemera in the form of a 60-page book, there’s no additional previously unreleased music to supplement these albums, but given they’re some of popular music’s all-time finest, that’s not too much of a setback. -The Line of Best Fit


(POD - SoCal Sessions)

P.O.D. starts a new chapter of their long and storied career with SoCal Sessions. Their first album on new label home T-Boy Records, SoCal Sessions is both a precursor to their next original album and a sort of greatest hits album, all at the same time. As with any acoustic/cover album, the fate of this album rests with the listener’s love for the band in general. No single song eclipses the original version, though the album is very well done and will please long-time fans.

The lack of older P.O.D. tracks (only one song from Fundamental Elements and nothing before that) is a shame, though most of the band’s best songs are represented. In the end, SoCal Sessions will please fans of the band and give them something to chew on while awaiting their next full release. -Indie Vision Music

(Various Artists - Punk Goes Pop 6)

AFGM: "Punk Goes Pop 6" Streaming In Full

Punk Goes Pop 6 is the best Punk Goes… in years. Though it’s almost impossible for an uninspired cover to hurt someone’s career, the ability for a great twist on a familiar hit to change the course of an artist’s career is unlike anything else found in music. This compilation is far from the perfect mix, but the good far outweighs the bad, and I can see this record bringing a lot of great attention to some hard working bands that can always use a little more attention from press/media/critics/etc. The amount of replays this record gets will vary greatly from listener to listener, but anyone with the slightest of interest in any of the bands included should make it a point to give the full compilation a chance to impress. There are several great covers here, and it’s not just the current headliners who are responsible for them. -Under The Gun Review

(Monster Magnet - Milking the Stars: A Re-Imagining of Last Patrol)

When the plan for Milking The Stars was first announced, I (and imaginably others as well) scratched my head and asked what the point was. But now, after a few good playthroughs with it, I can sincerely say that there is one, and it's well executed at that. I would advise anyone who's been following these guys for a while to sit down whenever they get the chance, and spin Last Patrol and this album back to back. You will quite likely see the difference, and maybe, like me, the experience will pique your interest for more reimaginings from Monster Magnet. -Metal Storm

(In This Moment - Black Widow)

AFGM: In This Moment - Black Widow

And, like Hail to the King, Black Widow is mostly successful: even the band’s most passionate haters won’t be able to argue that songs like “Sick Like Me,” “Big Bad Wolf,” “Dirty Pretty,” and the title track aren’t catchy. And the album’s two ballads, “Sexual Hallucination” (which features guest vocals by Shinedown’s Brent Smith) and the Evanescence-esque “The Fighter,” add breathing room that, frankly, even albums by the bands who so clearly influenced this record could have used. -MetalSucks

(The Ghost Inside - Dear Youth)


With this record, the band not only rose up to the bar set by their contemporaries, they raised it to a new level - which is a good thing, because if this record is the new standard for the metalcore genre, then the future is looking incredibly bright. It would be a misstep for any fan of heavy music to skip over this record without listening at least a few times. This record will make you feel something, it’ll make you want to keep going when you’d rather not - it stands at a massive encouragement to those that really need it. At one point in the past, I had a hard time fathoming The Ghost Inside making a better record than Returners or Get What You Give - however, I am always willing to be wrong. -Absolute Punk

(XTRMST - XTRMST)

"Jade and I have been talking about starting a straight edge hardcore band for years.  We started writing and recording in early 2012 and chose the name XTRMST because it expresses the messages represented on the record. The straight edge movement is not one of moderation. It's based in undeniable objective truths." -Havok

"The straight edge philosophy is something that Davey and I gravitated towards at a young age, drawn by concepts and ideals that seem almost foreign in modern society. Like much of the other subcultures we were a part of growing up, it put us at odds with 99% of the people around us, which was something we embraced. Being sXe for over 20 years and being musicians, it seemed natural that this crucial ideology would find a musical expression." -Puget

Monday, November 17, 2014

Music News and New Music For November 17th, 2014

So of course, when running your own blog it can be tough to keep up with the s**tload of stuff that comes across our ears over a weekend!  Some good, some bad, some not even worth mentioning.  I guess that's how I use AFGM in general.  These articles that I go through everyday from various sites (Blabbermouth, CBC, National Post, AV Club, Google, Wired, Exclaim, Music News, Rolling Stone, etc.) and sort of "filter" some of the nonsense news such as the latest fashion design, who's got beef with who and who ISN'T doing music...still.

These articles brought forth are for a few different reasons:

1. It is relevant music information that pertains to you as a reader, no matter the level of intent or the genre.

2. They are relevant to the music I would be currently listening to or a genre I have put some attention and focus on.

3. I am rather patriotic about my Canadian music, so that always comes as a first for me.  I enjoy music from all parts of the world respectively, but I still have to promote local if I can.  Canadian music rocks!

4. Because it's humorous and we can always use a good laugh.  Rarely will it be at someone's expense...but then again I am just the guy talking about it.  They're the ones causing the comments.

So in closing, I trust you all will not read EVERY single article posted here.  But I hope you find something of use here and keep the conversation going by forwarding it onto someone else.  Click on each article heading for redirection to the full article.  Cheers!



Jimmy Page and Chris Cornell Plotting Collaboration:

"According to a series of tweets by a fan in attendance (who was queried by Alternative Nation), an attendee at the event shouted out that they should sing a song together. Page apparently responded, "This is what I am doing in 2015," and he and Cornell hugged. Page also reportedly said that their plans were secret, and he would be touring next year."



"First and foremost, a feat of engineering for those of you who have long suffered spinning your superior vinyl on inferior machines… Introducing the Pro-Ject Limited Lightning Yellow RM 1.3 Turntable. Besides being absolutely GORGEOUS with a radical design that will be the conversation piece in any listening lounge, Pro-Ject promises that this turntable is the absolute BEST aural experience possible within this price range. We wholeheartedly agree. All specs are available on the product page. As a limited release, this turntable will not be available long, so if one has your name on it, mark our words and do not delay. Your record collection will thank you."

(Photo courtesy of Third Man Records)


Giorgio Moroder Enlists Britney Spears, Sia, Kylie Minogue for First LP in 30 Years:

"Dance music doesn't care where you live.  It doesn’t care who your friends are. It doesn't care how much money you make. It doesn't care if you're 74 or if you are 24 because...74 is the new 24!" -Giorgio Moroder


BET Ends Music Video Show '106 & Park':

"We have pride in being involved with the show that has welcomed almost every movie star, music superstar and fresh-faced talent you can name (you can even throw in a first lady).  It’s been a great 14-year run as America’s top music/variety show on cable. And now that very valuable brand is going to take its talents to the digital realm." -Stephen Hill


Tegan and Sara Detail 10th Anniversary Reissue of 'So Jealous':

"We’ve pulled together essays, original journal entries from that time period, never before seen photos, a catalogue of merchandise, tour posters, tour laminates and a million other fun items for a 110 page hard cover book looking back at the record that helped us break out in a big way.

Within the book you’ll find 3 discs:

-The original So Jealous

-The Bonus Audio CD with 5 new electronic remixes, 3 cover songs from artists we love, 5 b-sides and 9 demos from that time period – including a few that you’ve definitely never heard before!

-A DVD with a live concert and other fun tour documentaries we released in 2006 called “It’s Not Fun, Don’t Do it!” "


AC/DC Release Official Stream Of 'Rock Or Bust' Title Track:



"Turn the volume up and press play on "Rock Or Bust," the title track from AC/DC's new studio album." -AC/DC (via Facebook)


Hermit thrush and human songs share similar patterns of notes:

"I was really fascinated by the way short bits of what it's saying sounded a lot like human music.  And it really wouldn't make sense that another species would be following the music theory of one human musical culture." -Emily Doolittle


Spotify and Uber team up for in-car streaming music:

“Uber users who link their Spotify account to their Uber account can basically push a button and get a ride, and get into the car, and in the car their Spotify music, their Spotify station is playing.  For Uber, it’s the first time we’ve personalised the experience inside the car. And for music lovers, that’s nirvana. It’s a really awesome place to be.” -Travis Kalanick

“One of the big things for us is how do we get into the car. Given that people’s average commute time is 30 minutes to an hour, how do we get into that space and allow people to play their music?" -Daniel Ek


Steve Albini Defends the Post-Internet Music Industry:

"In short, the internet has made it much easier to conduct the day-to-day business of being in a band and has increased the efficiency. Everything from scheduling rehearsals using online calendars, to booking tours by email, to selling merchandise and records from online stores, down to raising the funds to make a record is a new simplicity that bands of the pre-internet era would salivate over. The old system was built by the industry to serve the players inside the industry. The new system where music is shared informally and the bands have a direct relationship to the fans was built by the bands and the fans in the manner of the old underground. It skips all the intermediary steps.

The internet has facilitated the most direct and efficient, compact relationship ever between band and audience. I do not mourn the loss of the offices of inefficiencies that died in the process. I suppose some people are out of work. But the same things happened when the automobile replaced the horse, and all the blacksmiths had to adapt, spending their time making garden gates rather than horseshoes." -Albini


Eerie Sound Detected Coming From Rosetta's Comet:



"For now, the team’s best guess is that neutral material that is shedding off of the comet is becoming ionized, or charged, by the solar wind. As of right now, the mechanism that would accomplish that task is not known."


'The Osbournes' Revived at VH1:

"The news comes after Sharon Osbourne has been public about the show's revival, noting that it will likely come back for six or eight episodes.

The news comes nearly 10 years after the Osbournes signed off at VH1 corporate sibling MTV following a four-season run. The show, which earned a 2002 Emmy for outstanding reality program, launched in March 2002, and its freshman run became the most viewed series ever on MTV up until that point."


Original Kiss Drummer Peter Criss To Be Honored At Cancer Research & Treatment Fund's Hall Of Fame:

"Through the generosity of our Hall of Fame donors, supporters and guests, the Cancer Research & Treatment Fund has been funding promising medical and laboratory research in the fight to advance cancer treatments. As a leading cancer research fund, CR&T is dedicated to reducing cancer incidence, mortality and suffering, while improving the quality of life of those affected by blood malignancies and other cancers."


YouTube Launches Music Key Streaming Service:

"The ad-free service, which will expand to the public sometime in 2015 at $10 per month, will focus on mobile devices and allow users to play music while simultaneously using other apps and cache videos for offline use."


Google Play Music subscribers will get YouTube Music Key for free:

"Google has now confirmed that it works the other way too, so if you’ve already signed up for Google Play Music (typically $9.99 a month and previously known as Google Play Music All Access) then YouTube Music Key will be rolled out to you at no extra cost. In other words, these aren’t two competing services — you get both of them for the same monthly fee."


Google Play Music now has an amazing visualizer:



What's the Right Price for Music on Demand?:

"There’s no question that on-demand services are a big part of the present and future of digital music.  According to RIAA figures, revenue from on-demand services is growing faster than any other type of recorded music revenue and is now the third-largest category, after CDs and paid downloads."


The future of music sales is here. So how CAN the artists make it pay?:

“The premium tier to me are real active record buyers, paying their $9.99 or €9.99 or £9.99 a month.  My feeling would be, to get around the situation with someone like Taylor Swift – but Spotify won’t do it – is a window between making something available on the premium service, earlier than it’s made available on the free service.” -Jonathan Dickins

“I’m not willing to contribute my life’s work to an experiment that I don’t feel fairly compensates the writers, producers, artists and creators of this music.  And I just don’t agree with perpetuating the perception that music has no value and should be free.” -Swift


Warner Music Group, Stanford Partner on Project to Find Music Industry Leaders:

"Participants in the program will be given a paid “in-house” assignment with Warner Music or one of its program partners. The idea is to get students from a variety of different backgrounds, including computer science, economics, electrical engineering, and product design, as a way to respond to changes in the business."


Marilyn Manson Announces January North American Tour:

01/21 Washington, DC – The Fillmore
01/23 Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory
01/24 Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
01/26 New York, NY – Terminal 5
01/27 Long Island, NY – Paramount
01/28 Boston, MA – House Of Blues
01/30 Pittsburg, PA – Stage AE
01/31 Bethlehem, PA – Sands Bethlehem
02/02 Toronto, ON – Sound Academy
02/03 Detroit, MI – Fillmore
02/05 Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre
02/06 Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino
02/07 Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom
02/09 St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
02/11 Denver, CO – Fillmore
02/13 Tempe, AZ – Marquee
02/14 Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues




We’re in a Golden Age for Collector’s Albums. Here Are 15 of the Best:

"Collector’s Edition is organized into four sub-sections: Boxed (the traditional box set format, which is being reinterpreted of late with new materials), Multiples (editions with multiple covers), Hand (made by hand and one-of-a-kind editions), and Extras (editions that come with extra memorabilia). These categories are only marginally helpful, due to the out there-ness of some of the designs."



"We’re extremely excited to announce the release of our new album “Fire Music” out February 6-11th 2015. Equally excited to be able to share a track, “Gonna Be A Fight Tonight”, from the album with you this early. Below is a teaser clip with footage from the 2014 Motörhead Motörboat cruise, our show at Gröna Lund in Stockholm in May this year and the recording of the new album. Enjoy!"


1. Wild Woman
2. The Twisting Knife
3. Gonna Be A Fight Tonight
4. Body Bags
5. Live forever
6. Do You Wanna Rock
7. Getting Into Drugs
8. Watch You Slide
9. I Will Break Your Heart
10. Piranha
11. She Ain't Coming Home




"We're happy to be expanding again this year again with the addition of Ottawa, Quebec City, Winnipeg and Saskatoon.  As pillars of the metal community it's our duty to provide the opportunities of Metal Battle to as many Canadian bands as possible." -JJ Tartaglia


ARCH ENEMY welcomes Jeff Loomis as their new guitarist:

”I'm very excited to be playing with Arch Enemy. Michael Amott and I have stayed in contact over the years since we toured together when I was playing in Nevermore. Not only do I admire his guitar playing and songwriting, but I also consider him a close friend. To be able to share the stage with Michael, Sharlee, Daniel and Alissa is something I'm really looking forward to. 2015 is going to be a great year... See you all on tour!” -Loomis

ARCH ENEMY - live in North America with KREATOR, HUNTRESS, STARKILL
Nov. 18, 2014 - Mill City Nights - Minneapolis, MN *
Nov. 19, 2014 - Mojoes - Joliet, IL
Nov. 20, 2014 - The Intersection - Grand Rapids, MI
Nov. 21, 2014 - Majestic Theatre - Detroit, MI
Nov. 22, 2014 - Bogarts - Cincinnati, OH
Nov. 23, 2014 - House of Blues - Cleveland, OH
*=without STARKILL

ARCH ENEMY - live in Europe with KREATOR
Nov. 26, 2014 - Le Transbordeur - Lyon, France
Nov. 27, 2014 - L'Usine - Istres, France
Nov. 28, 2014 - Razzmatazz - Barcelona, Spain
Nov. 29, 2014 - La Riviera - Madrid Spain
Dec. 1, 2014 - Le Bikini - Toulouse, France
Dec. 2, 2014 - Le Bataclan - Paris, France
Dec. 4, 2014 - 013 - Tilburg, Netherlands
Dec. 5, 2014 - MHP Arena - Ludwigsburg, Germany
Dec. 6, 2014 - Turbinenhalle - Oberhausen, Germany
Dec. 7, 2014 - Garage - Saarbrücken, Germany
Dec. 8, 2014 - Docks - Hamburg, Germany
Dec. 9, 2014 - Huxleys - Berlin, Germany
Dec. 11, 2014 - Schlachthof - Wiesbaden, Germany
Dec. 12, 2014 - Eventhall - Geiselwind, Germany
Dec. 13, 2014 - Tonhalle - München, Germany
Dec. 14, 2014 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland
Dec. 16, 2014 - Institute - Birmingham, UK
Dec. 17, 2014 - O2 Academy - Bristol, UK
Dec. 18, 2014 - The Forum - London, UK
Dec. 19, 2014 - Academy - Manchester, UK
Dec. 20, 2014 - Academy - Dublin, Ireland
Dec. 21, 2014 - QMU - Glasgow, UK
Dec. 22, 2014 - O2 Academy - Newcastle, UK

ARCH ENEMY - live 2015
Jan. 22-26, 2015 - 70,000 Tons Of Metal - Miami, FL
Jan. 29, 2015 - Teatro Estudio Cavaret - Guadalajara, Mexico
Jan. 30, 2015 - Jose Cuervo Salón - Mexico City, Mexico
Feb. 01, 2015 - Coliseo el Salitre Bogota, Colombia
Feb. 03, 2015 - Club Blondie Santiago, Chile
Feb. 04, 2015 - Rock & Soccer Antofagasta, Chile
Feb. 06, 2015 - Circo Voador Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Feb. 07, 2015 - Carioca Club - Sao Paulo, Brazil
Feb. 08, 2015 - Music Hall - Curitiba, Brazil
Feb. 10, 2015 - El Teatro Flores - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Feb. 12, 2015 - Plaza de toros Belmonte - Quito, Ecuador
May. 2, 2015 - Karmoygeddon Festival - Kopervik, Norway
Jun. 04, 2015 - Out & Loud Festival - Geiselwind, Germany

”We all wish Nick the very best in his new endeavors and we are sure that you will hear much more from him. We're also super grateful to my brother Christopher for stepping in to finish the current American tour!

The prospect of working with Jeff Loomis moving forward is truly awesome! Jeff Loomis is one of the best guitar players in the metal world in my opinion, as well as being a long time friend. I look forward to tearing it up on stages around the world together as we continue on the War Eternal' touring cycle throughout all next year and beyond!" -Amott


Ministry 2015 Touring Lineup:

"Ministry 2015. Al Jourgensen, Tony Campos, AAron Rossi, Monte Pittman, Sin Quirin
The only guy missing in this pic is John Bechdel.
We're ready..."

(Photo courtesy of Ministry's Facebook Page)


GUNS N' ROSES' 'Reckless Road' Biography To Be Turned Into Movie:

"I do have a big say-so on the script, which is still being put together now, but so far looking cool.

I am going to see that everyone in the cast is doing their job and doing justice to the band. Since I was there, I know what the dialog was between the band for many of the events that took place.

When you find out who is making the movie, you will then understand that it will be very cool.

I'm proud of all the hard work that was put into this project and it's just going to kick ass! In no way will it be a cheesy movie like 'Rock Star'" -Marc Canter


All That Remains Streaming "No Knock":



"So if ya missed it I put up a new song in a fun way last night. So give us a hand n spread it around. Show your friends. Everyone in ATR is wicked excited about this disc and can't wait for you guys to hear it. I believe you'll get another taste in a few weeks. Maybe after the first of the year. Anyway, enjoy and spread the word!" -Phil Labonte

Periphery - Juggernaut

I will update this article once I get a chance to sift through all the information but so far folks, here is the long waited announcement from Periphery and their double disc album "Juggernaut".  Get the details below and updates as they come in!

"We are excited to reveal the album artwork and track listing for Juggernaut: Alpha and Juggernaut: Omega! Both will be available January 2015!

Release dates:
January 23 - Australia via Roadrunner Records 
January 26 - Europe/UK via Century Media Records 
January 27 - US/Canada/Japan via Sumerian Records / Distort / Triple Vision"


1. A Black Minute
2. MK Ultra
3. Heavy Heart
4. The Event
5. The Scourge
6. Alpha
7. 22 Faces 
8. Rainbow Gravity
9. Four Lights
10. Psychosphere

Now time for the heavy moment.  We just got some links that Sumerian Records threw out this morning.  It happens to be the ENTIRE "Alpha" album up for some free streaming.  So all you eager fans can get a taste of the disc one before hearing the full thing in a few days.



Even though it's only once single, I am impressed with the melodies as well as Spencer's scream tracks.  Melody is something I have been missing since the debut record of Periphery.  IMO, I found that the second album focused more of the progressive aspects of the band versus the melodies.  And the "Clear" EP did a good job of combining both aspects.

"Given the nature and complexity of the 'Juggernaut' story, we've actually done something different and exciting in regards to the release.   'Juggernaut' is a story that is told through our music, and we want our audience to fully digest the whole experience.  Because 'Juggernaut' is very detailed and dense in terms of character development, peaks and valleys, climaxes and resolutions we've divided the story and music in two, in the form of two separate albums.

'Juggernaut: Alpha', the first part of the story, focuses on the back story and character development, while part two/album two, 'Juggernaut: Omega', focuses on some pretty serious and gut-wrenching events, taking you for a thrill ride along the main character's complex journey.  

Although the albums are split in two physically, the story is only complete when the albums are digested consecutively, allowing the listener to recognize and hear the lyrical and musical overlapping themes, foreshadowing, and connected ideas." -Matt Halpern



"This is new ground and it's exciting. It's a way to shake things up.  Everyone contributed to everything, even if it wasn't his instrument. It wasn’t about confrontation. Everyone was focused on creating a really cool album." -Misha Mansoor



1. Reprise
2. The Bad Thing
3. Priestess
4. Graveless
5. Hell Below
6. Omega
7. Stranger Things

Catch em on tour in early 2015 alongside Wovenwar, Nothing More, and Thank You Scientists.  Dates are listed in the video.  Pre-sales are happening as well over at their official store.

Do They Know It's Christmas 30 Years Later?

I'll be including this in my music video round up but I thought this was worthy of a post on it's own.  Band Aid 30 has come together after weeks of rumors, lineup changes, and schedule commitments.

The song sounds as uplifting as the original and I am personally VERY happy with the cause and outcome.  It's that song that everyone knows from the moment you hear the first note on the radio.  It's the one that reminds people that there is more to the holiday season than present exchanges.  So finally the video has hit the online world, and AFGM couldn't be happier.  Check it out!



The star studded lineup includes the following artists:

Bastille, Bono (from U2), Clean Bandit, Disclosure, Elbow, Paloma Faith, Fuse ODG, Nick Grimshaw, Ellie Goulding, Angelique Kidjo, Chris Martin (from Coldplay), Olly Murs, Sinead O'Connor, One Direction, Rita Ora, Emeli Sande, Seal, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Underworld, and Jessie Ware.  Tracey Emin was to contributor for the Band Aid 30 album artwork which is shown below.


"World renowned artist Tracey Emin contributed to the BandAid30 efforts by lending creative flair in the form of the official single artwork.

From the world of music, entertainment, and art, many have gathered & united to lend their support to a global issue. Whether it’s the artists on the single, the producers behind the sound or the team behind the content, we as a collective want more of you to Reach Out and support #BandAid30…" - Band Aid


So be sure to show some love during this time of the season and to think of others who need the support.  Order the song through Band Aid's website.