Going through my playlist is the toast to the week/weekend. 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.
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!
*Please click on the hyperlinks of each video to find out more about the artist and album releases.*
"Cirice" is the debut single from GHOST (GHOST BC) and their upcoming record Meliora, which will be released on August 21st, 2015 via Republic/Loma Vista Recordings.
"The Crown" is the latest single from Stick To Your Guns and their latest album Disobedient, which was released on February 10th, 2015 via Sumerian Records.
"The Powers That B" is the titled track taken from Death Grips latest album also titled The Powers That B, which was released on March 31st, 2015 via Harvest Records.
"Refused performs 'Elektra,' from the upcoming album 'Freedom,' live at Vacation Vinyl in Los Angeles." The album will be released on June 30th, 2015 via Epitaph Records.
So one of the newest sections I created was "Full Album Streams". Not only did this gave folks something to listen to when they are cruising the site (being that the original intention of this site was to acts as a hub to explore), but also a chance for people to explore new artists, new genres, and new albums before deciding to purchase them (also from links on AFGM's site).
Full album streams seem to be a new fad that a lot of internet savvy people are jumping on. It can be in the form of a Soundcloud widget, a YouTube playlist, or even a single YouTube video. This often gives record labels a chance to promote new artists and for people to subscribe to their social media pages. So hopefully this provides you access to some new music, bands, and/or artists. Cheers!
PS - Feel free to send us an email if you have any albums you think you should be on this list or a new one coming out we missed. We're always listening!
"Artusato was born in Italy and is a product of a very musical family. He started playing saxophone at the age of 14 and switched to guitar when he was 19. After graduating Suma Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music in 2006, he relocated to Los Angeles where he has been busy with recording, touring and teaching. His most notable accomplishment to date was being invited back to Boston in 2008 to perform 1st electric guitar for Vuk Kulenovic's "Electric Symphony", a 70 minute massive symphony, sharing the stage with such renowned musicians as Kenwood Dennard on drums (Miles Davis, Sting, Chick Corea) and conducted by Tibor Pusztai." -Facebook
"Our Dying Sun" was released on October 6th, 2014 via Sumerian Records. Featured guitarists on this album included Per Nilsson (Scar Symmetry), Wes Hauch (ex-The Faceless), and Ryan Knight (The Black Dahlia Murder).
"Explosive technicality combined with musical taste and an energetic sense of phrase is the main emphasis behind the Chaos and The Primordial album. This effort is composed of 10 tracks of all instrumental music that explore the rock/metal language in singular ways through the artistic and innovative mind of Berklee College of Music graduate Francesco Artusato. This debut solo effort showcases Artusato's unparallel guitar prowess and songwriting ability as he handles all of the album's arrangements and instrumentation. Throughout 10 truly diverse tracks he takes the listener on an all encompassing musical journey and the depth and diversity in which he does so is astonishing." -Facebook
(Album artwork courtesy of TFAP and Sumerian Records)
1. 210 2. Gates of Reason* 3. Our Dying Sun* 4. Divergence 5. Infinite Waves* 6. Burning Leaves 7. Sleepless Night 8. Miura 9. Blood From a Stone 10. Omega* 11. Spirito
(* = AFGM Recommendations)
“This album is definitely an evolution from the first one that was released in 2011. I really focused on the song writing aspect more than the pure technical aspect of playing guitar this time. Some songs are more fun and what you would expect from a rock/metal guitar instrumental record, others are just more intense with a darker mood and some others are a little more abstract. The more technical guitar playing is accompanied by a more soulful playing and I love that. This album is pretty much the portrait of the guitar player I am today.” -Francesco Artusato
Well if it wasn't sweet enough that I was catching Parkway Drive in Montebello in the coming weeks, the group just announced their new album "IRE"! I am beyond stoked to hear some new material both online and live at Rockfest!
The guys have always put on a top notch show in the years I've caught them through Toronto (The Reverb, The Opera House, Phoenix Concert Hall, etc), and that will only continue when fans get a chance to hear the new single "Vice Grip", which you can check out below.
What a crushing song to kick off the album right?! The video setting wasn't too shabby either. I feel this is one band that can do no wrong. Their fan base is very accepting of their style changes, but the band themselves have not veered too far from their core sound, which makes fans more eager with each album. Sure, there is more melody to some of their newer songs, but makes for a great experience with the fans. Elitist would prefer could argue the music has been watered down, but I feel the band simply is looking to translate these tunes into their live performance. There's nothing like a crowd of screaming fans, similar to the end of the video (around the three minute mark).
So for all those looking to grab themselves a copy of IRE, it will be released on September 25th, 2015 via Resist/Epitaph Records. This will mark the fifth release from Parkway Drive, and also the fifth with longtime label Epitaph.
(Album artwork is courtesy of Parkway Drive and Epitaph Records)
1. Destroyer 2. Dying To Believe 3. Vice Grip 4. Crushed 5. Fractures 6. Writings on the Wall 7. Bottom Feeder 8. The Sound of Violence 9. Vicious 10. Dedicated 11. A Deathless Song
"This is the album for us. Every single step of the way, whenever there was gamble to take, we took the biggest one we could.
If this isn’t the album that can go further than anything we thought was possible with this band and this type of music, that’s fine, but we can’t go back from this as far as we’re concerned." -Winston McCall
Be sure to check back for anymore updates, songs, and/or music videos. Hope you all get the chance to catch them live in the coming months!
Well it's been known for some time that Finger Eleven was working on some new material. To be entirely honest, I was skeptical of the music quality since "Them vs. You vs. Me" did not resonate with me. I honestly thought they were starting to go the way of other bands like STP when they released "Shangri-La Dee Da" (AKA...they are getting old, and the music is mellowing out).
However, the new single "Wolves And Doors" is giving me a glimmer of hope with their newest album titled Five Crooked Lines. The album artwork, music video, and other goodies all seemed to come at once. Kudos to whoever is doing their marketing, publications, and promotions. Check out the music video for "Wolves And Doors: below.
The dark, artsy direction of the video gave me past images of "Drag You Down", minus the hard metal-esque guitar work/screaming vocals. Like I said before, it has given me the impression that Finger Eleven is far from a total style change. While the poppy sound might still be there, it seems to flow quite well with the vocals. That and the fact that Rick Jackett/James Black can never sit still for any performance!
So some quick information here. Five Crooked Lines will be released on July 31st, 2015 via The Bicycle Music Company/Concord Music Group. This marks the first album not featuring original drummer Rich Beddoe (now in Saint Asonia). The group recently announced that drums will be handled by Chris Powell. The album will be produced by Dave Cobb, who has also worked with bands such as Europe, Beck, Rival Sons, Shooter Jennings, and many more!
"Proud to announce that our new album “Five Crooked Lines” will be available July 31st, 2015! The debut single “Wolves And Doors” from the album is now on the radio in Canada so please request it at your local station! U.S. fans, the track is coming to radio very soon so keep an ear out for it." -FingerEleven.com
(Album artwork courtesy of Finger Eleven and The Bicycle Music Company)
1. Gods Of Speed 2. Criminal 3. Save Your Breath 4. Wolves and Doors 5. Come On, Oblivion 6. Not Going To Be Afraid 7. Five Crooked Lines 8. Blackout Song 9. Absolute Truth 10. Lost For Words 11. Sensory Eraser 12. A New Forever
"Canadian rockers Finger Eleven are set to release their seventh studio album, and first in five years. The writing took place over a two and a half year period that saw the band experimenting with a variety of musical styles. Once the songs were ready the Juno-Award winning band headed south to Nashville to work with producer Dave Cobb (Rival Sons, Sturgill Simpson). Immediate, urgent and unfiltered, Five Crooked Lines expresses the exultant spirit of rock and roll." -Amazon
So there you have it folks. Hopefully I have convinced you to give the album a chance and hopefully catch them live in the near future. Pre-ordering is happening at any of the following sites:
So one of the newest sections I created was "Full Album Streams". Not only did this gave folks something to listen to when they are cruising the site (being that the original intention of this site was to acts as a hub to explore), but also a chance for people to explore new artists, new genres, and new albums before deciding to purchase them (also from links on AFGM's site).
Full album streams seem to be a new fad that a lot of internet savvy people are jumping on. It can be in the form of a Soundcloud widget, a YouTube playlist, or even a single YouTube video. This often gives record labels a chance to promote new artists and for people to subscribe to their social media pages. So hopefully this provides you access to some new music, bands, and/or artists. Cheers!
PS - Feel free to send us an email if you have any albums you think you should be on this list or a new one coming out we missed. We're always listening!
Formed in 1984, The Offspring is an American punk rock band from Huntington Beach, California. The group is considered one of the best selling punk rock bands of all time, with sales upwards of 36+ million albums. Their first release with Epitaph Records was sophomore album "Ignition", which was released on October 16th, 1992.
Since then, it has sold over 1,000,000+ copies around the world, and was even featured as a re-recording for their single "Dirty Magic" (also released on their 2012 "Days Go By"). The album was produced by Thom Wilson, who also worked with artists such as Bad Religion, The Vandals, Iggy Pop, The Bouncing Souls, Ignite, Dead Kennedys, and more.
For the "Ignition" era, the band consisted of:
Dexter Holland - Lead Vocals/Guitar | Noodles - Guitar/Vocals
Greg K. - Bass | Ron Welty - Drums
(Album artwork courtesy of The Offspring and Epitaph Records)
1. Session 2. We Are One 3. Kick Him When He's Down* 4. Take It Like a Man 5. Get It Right 6. Dirty Magic* 7. Hypodermic 8. Burn It Up* 9. No Hero 10. L.A.P.D.* 11. Nothing from Something 12. Forever and a Day
(* = AFGM Recommendations)
Ignition is The Offspring's second full length studio release and their first released on a compact disc (Debut released on vinyl then reissued in 1995). It was released in 1992, two years before the release of the massively successful and breakthrough album Smash. This is also the Offspring's first album on Epitaph. Ignition was produced by Thom Wilson, who has done work with The Vandals and the Dead Kennedys. Ignition shows The Offspring in their most punk form (along with self titled) to attract fans of punk, but still has that catchiness and pop appeal to attract fans of pop punk, and some for both. The production of this album is not as good as their later albums obviously, but is still well done. Ignition does not contain any of the Offspring's most well known or popular songs (well at least not commercially), but nevertheless is a solid album all the way through right from the opening track Session to the album finale Forever and a Day. Ignition shows what the Offspring are capable of: creating fast catchy punk rock songs. -Sputnik Music
Though this wasn't the huge CD Smash was, it certainly should've been. Maybe it just came out a year too early, or wasn't appealing enough, but I'll go on a limb and say this is The Offspring at their best. This set down things to come for The Offspring and contains some of their best songs. "Session" one of the few songs Offspring still play live sounds fresh even after 8 years. "LAPD" mocks the police force of LA and thrashes from beginning to end. "Hypodermic" showing off the slower, darker Offspring sound & lyrics. This album mixes serious topics with some middle eastern riffs and punk flare and is the combo that worked best for Offspring. Every song is a winner on this disc, no fillers, deep and dark messages in a lot of the songs. If you like The Offspring or any of the punk bands that hit it big in the mid 90's punk explosion, you'll love this album. -Punk News
“Ignition” is a great album. Although it lacks a great deal of musical complexity and variety, the formula works. The Offspring would never again reach these heights in my opinion, and would getting further and further from the dark and brooding nature of this album with each successive release. Although the band has conducted a somewhat return to form lately, “Ignition” and their 1989 debut are really the classic period of the band. -Music Is My Radar
Going through my playlist is the toast to the week/weekend. 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.
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!
*Please click on the hyperlinks of each video to find out more about the artist and album releases.*
The Hunger & The Fight is the titled track for The Mahones' latest album The Hunger & The Fight (Part One), which was released on October 7th, 2014 via Whiskey Devil Records. The song features Canadian rocker Tara Slone (Joydrop) on vocals.
"Outbreak" is taken from Stray From The Path's upcoming release Subliminal Criminals. which will be released on August 14th, 2015 via Sumerian Records.
Hot damn if this isn't a great music release week. I am absolutely stoked to hear almost every single album on the AFGM list this week. From Young Guns to Muse, Tremonti to BRMC, there is just too much for one to listen to in a few days. I am kind if glad I'll be giving myself a week to go through these. Hopefully you are all familiar with the releases.
Some of the lesser known releases such as Night Flight Orchestra and Rose To Fall should not be overshadowed by the more popular releases. Rise To Fall did an exceptional job crowd funding this latest release, and I am personally a little biased when it comes to Björn Strid and his multi-band work. This contemporary progressive rock sound is a little different than the res of his work. Either way, you should not have an issues with cranking some of the tunes.
Young Guns have established themselves in the heavy alt rock vein through their previous work, and the first track on Ones and Zeros, Rising Up, stays true to this. But the album as a whole gives off a different vibe, one that’s influenced by more pop, even dance sounds. Rather than a change in songwriting style, or even instrumentation, I think it’s mainly more of a production quality thing that has contributed to this change. There are definitely common elements among all tracks that sound great when you listen to the songs in isolation, but as a whole can get to be a bit tiresome. The songs are all really strong in themselves, but hearing reverb drenched guitar lines and vocal “woahs” track after track makes me think they are over doing it just a bit. -Renowned For Sound
(Muse - Drones)
‘Drones’, the trio’s seventh album, follows the story of a soldier trained to be a brainless killing machine, becoming disillusioned by the blind brutality of battle, rebelling and rising to power himself.
‘Drones’’ trademark Muse themes of brainwashing, warmongering superpowers, suppression of The Truth and the urgent need to fight the hand that bleeds us still resonate in 2015, but obliquely. It’s Bellamy’s job to prise open deeper socio-political dimensions as much as it is to comment on the times, and Muse’s music once more matches his adventurous intrigue. -NME
'Live in Paris' is a DVD and CD filled with twenty three tracks of Rock 'n' Roll monsters, all packed into this. The trio just let their music do the talking, but be warned if you are not going to play this on its highest level then you won't get the full effect.
Naturally, it wouldn't be a Black Rebel Motorcycle Club gig without 'Whatever Happened To My Rock 'n' Roll' which gets everyone going and leaves the Paris crowd buzzing. A brilliant album which some artists really shouldn't do, but we're glad Black Rebel Motorcycle Club did. If anything, this is a great pack for the BRMC fan and if you have not seen this band live, this will easily persuade you. -Contact Music
So one of the newest sections I created was "Full Album Streams". Not only did this gave folks something to listen to when they are cruising the site (being that the original intention of this site was to acts as a hub to explore), but also a chance for people to explore new artists, new genres, and new albums before deciding to purchase them (also from links on AFGM's site).
Full album streams seem to be a new fad that a lot of internet savvy people are jumping on. It can be in the form of a Soundcloud widget, a YouTube playlist, or even a single YouTube video. This often gives record labels a chance to promote new artists and for people to subscribe to their social media pages. So hopefully this provides you access to some new music, bands, and/or artists. Cheers!
PS - Feel free to send us an email if you have any albums you think you should be on this list or a new one coming out we missed. We're always listening!
Hailing from San Antonio, TX, Nothing More is a four piece rock group currently signed to Eleven Seven Music. After multiple independent releases (five to be exact), the group struck a multi-album deal with Eleven Seven Music over the next few years.
"Every 10 years or so, there is a band that sonically and lyrically shakes things up and cuts through the clutter. For true rock fans that moment has arrived with Nothing More. That is why we signed them to a five-albums-guaranteed contract."-Allen Kovac (Eleven Seven Music Group CEO)
Their debut self-titled album hit #11 on the US Rock charts, and #33 in the Billboard Top 200. "Nothing More" was released on June 24th, 2014. The group consists of:
Jonny Hawkins – Vocals/Percussion | Daniel Oliver – Bass/Vocals
Mark Vollelunga – Guitar/Vocals | Paul O'Brien – Drums
"While most labels in today's new music business are chasing pop culture and radio trends, Eleven Seven Music has stayed true to the rock genre and continues to double down on expanding their reach in the genre. I couldn't be more excited to have Nothing More join the Eleven Seven Music family." -Danny Wimmer (Armsdivsion Management)
(Album artwork courtesy of Nothing More and Eleven Seven Music)
1. Ocean Floor 2. Ballast* 3. Christ Copyright* 4. Mr. Mtv* 5. First Punch 6. Gyre 7. The Matthew Effect* 8. I’ll Be Ok 9. Here’s To The Heartache 10. If I Were 11. Friendly Fire 12. Sex & Lies 13. Surface Flames 14. Take A Bullet* 15. Jenny* 16. God Went North 17. Pyre
(* = AFGM Recommendations)
Nothing More continue to impress with their uncanny ability to provide the listener with songs that are rich in depth, harbour a strong meaning and also roll along at break neck speed. Some of the examples are ‘Christ Copyright’ and ‘Mr. MTV’ which both pack quite a punch, but it’s the underlying meaning of both songs that are the real kicker. On one hand you have a song that questions religion with thought provoking lines like “to think you know who goes to heaven, is just one big misconception, like god hates fags and communism” and on the other hand, a song that questions the impact corporations have on society. It doesn’t stop here either with the majority of the remaining tracks introducing more of these invested lyrical meanings, without dropping the intensity that the band has quickly become known for. -Sputnik Music
While it is exactly hard to pinpoint this band sound, I will say that if you're a fan of so called "progressive rock" bands like Rush and Dream Theater, throw in a bit of System of a Down and mix in the heavier bands like Metallica and Megadeth you will like this band! Tracks such as Ballast and Christ Copyright are smoldering with intensity that I haven't heard in quite a while. -Jam Magazine
I've been wanting to post about these guys in my "Things I Miss" section for some time now. Not that there was anything holding me back, but other articles and news always seemed to take it's place. Now that I have their 2007 album cranked at my desk, I thought it would be a good time to revisit them. If you were one of the lucky ones like myself to catch them on either the 2006 or 2007 edition of the Family Values Tour, then you managed to catch them in their short time in the spotlight. While Droid was creating music since 1997, it wasn't until their "Swallow The Cure" re-issue and self-titled album that threw them into the spotlight.
The group had a rather short set, being that they were the opening act for the festival. It makes it rather hard to gauge a band when they are not in their element (afternoon performance, full sunlight, no lights, minimal sound), but for some reason the cool breeze of Lake Ontario gave moshers a second wind (all puns intended) and the crowd was rather lively. Songs such as "The Resurrection" and "Built To Last" threw fans and onlookers into a frenzy. I mean, how could you not with an opening riff such as this:
It goes to show you how much these guys had an impact one me. 8 years after seeing them only ONE time at Family Values, and only one album, yet somehow I am still cranking the shit out them. I guess old habits die hard. Obviously a little favourtism was at play when they hopped on Family Values, and Back 2 Basics tour, due to the fact that James "Munky" Shaffer is the owner of Emotional Syphon Recordings, which released their self-titled album (and re-issued their "Swallow The Cure" album). Does it bother me they got hand picked for the tour? Hell no. That's what labels and bands do anyways. They find artists to compliment their sound and associated acts. Overall, I thought they were one of the most memorable shows that day at Family Values.
So going forward now about the self-titled album, it was released on July 10th, 2007 via (you guessed it!) Emotional Syphon Recordings. It was produced by Tim Harkins, who was also responsible for many other bands such as Puddle of Mudd, Korn, Deadsy, Nas, Lo-Pro, Adema, Meatloaf, Guns N' Roses, and many more! Not a bad commander to have behind the wheel if I must say.
Although one single band does not truly represent the, the style of DROID, the album should generally appeal to fans of CHIMAIRA (without the songwriting prowess or soloing), as well as HOSTILITY. I might add that DEFTONES' Chino Moreno contributes guest vocals to "Vengeance is Mine". The production (done by the band and Tim Harkins with James C. Shaffer as executive producer) and Tue Madsen's mixing/mastering sharpens the riffs and gives the album an overall tightness and hard-hitting attack. -Blabbermouth
The one thing that comes to mind for this album is consistency. Much like the reviews I have gone over the past few days, the album is rather consistent with it's delivery. There isn't much progression or complex to the songs; a lot of the material is straight up, in your face kind of metal. No bullshit, no gimmicks, just turn the amps to 11 and go! I guess that's another variable that drew me into their show in the first place. While we are all looking into the music world for that next dragon to chase, or the newest progressive riff that will chime through the industry, there is something simplistic and energetic about the tried, tested, and true.
The band does hang around groove metal a lot, which isn’t surprising considering how many nu-metal bands loved Pantera. You do have those spoken word moments every now and then when a song slows down in the middle, as well as those guitar portions driven by special effects, which are completely void of depth. There’s a lot of short repetitive riffs all over the place as well, but those portions seem to be a bit more profound than typical nu-metal, probably due to the fact that they’re mixed in with regular length guitar riffs. -Metal Injection
(Album artwork courtesy of Droid and Emotional Syphon Recordings)
1. The Resurrection* 2. Fueled By Hate 3. God of Anger 4. Built to Last* 5. No Gods No Masters 6. Withdrawals of Me 7. Vengeance Is Mine (Featuring Chino Moreno)* 8. For the Following 9. Behind Dead Eyes 10. Salt the Graves* 11. Together We Die 12. My Oath
(* = AFGM Recommendations)
For the 2007 self-titled release, Droid consisted of:
Jamie Teissere – Guitar | Bruce Childress - Guitar | Nick McWells – Drums
Ryan Burchfield - Bass | James Eason – Vocals
With all these Korn-konnections, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Droid's sound at times reflects their big brothers during their irate moments -- but they're more of a straight-ahead metal band (few artsy fartsy bits reside here). In fact, judging by such ditties as the album opening "The Resurrection" and "God of Anger," the quintet isn't bashful in breaking out the death metal (especially the group's growler/screamer, James "Buddy" Eason). And wouldn't you know it, another Korn-approved pal drops by for a bit -- Deftones' singer Chino Moreno -- on the bash n' rager, "Vengeance Is Mine." This is one Droid whose power supply appears to be bubbling over with anger. -All Music
So hopefully my brief experience with this band has left you intrigued. Like many other music fans, it's a shame there was not more substance to the group. Another major tour, another album, anything would have been nice to see the progression of the five piece (now four unfortunately due to the loss of Eason on vocals after 2010) group. According to the Wiki page (which I understand is not all that accurate at times) has them listed as indefinite hiatus for focus on personal lives.
Maybe someone reading this might have the ability to through them back into a studio and create some fresh new tunes for the world to enjoy. While they may have been an easy write off for metal elitists, the band resonated with me through their music and live performance. That has to attest for something in the music world.
This self titled debut is not terribly original or diverse, but it is very strongly written. The songwriting saves this album. Every riff is pummeling yet sticks to your mind like glue. The drumming is precise and fast. The lead singer James Eason has a very strong, angry delivery, yet is easy to understand. He has the straight-forward, almost Randy Blythe, vocals, but also can hit a high register as well as a deeper growl. The lyrics are not that creative, typical angry metal fare, but the delivery is what really matters here, and it is strong. -Sputnik
Oh how the releases this week have me in a grin something fierce. I admit that at first glance, I was not overly excited about a couple of these releases. Not that they do not have merit or talent, it's just bands that have been hit and miss with me (sorry Paradise Lost/Armored Saint...I still love you guys). But after going through the release sites I regularly follow, I was pretty ecstatic to see Barenaked Ladies, Art of Anarchy, The Darkness, and the Willie Nelson/Merle Haggard duo. Not a bad set of releases if you ask me (now obviously haha).
Florence + The Machine will be the guilty pleasure to dive into this week. As someone who did not initially appreciate the music, I have started to come around the to songwriting brilliance that is F+M. The Sumerian Ceremonials album [I think] helped me towards that conclusion. Maybe listening to the songs in a different light was the eye opener for moi. So this new release will have my full attention, and hopefully yours.
(Florence + The Machine - How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful)
How Big How Blue How Beautiful’s subtlety is only relative, when compared to its juggernaut of an elder sibling. Gigantic hooks aren’t on the endangered species list here. The album’s shifting dynamics offer a respite to the proceedings. But they also underscore all instances of over-the-top theatricality, which arrive with breathless regularity. “Delilah”, “Queen of Peace”, “What Kind of Man”, and “Ship to Wreck” are battering rams. Their target? The chest, by way of the eardrum. And yet, a battering ram is a tool unsuited for Florence and the Machine’s world-flattening ambitions. Every song on How Big How Blue How Beautiful instead strives to be a thermonuclear warhead. And Welch’s struggle, with heartbreak and sobriety, is their emotional payload. When encased so thick in flourish, they can, at first, seem like duds. Detonation comes over time, and with repeated listens. -Pretty Much Amazing
(Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard - Django and Jimmie)
This is country-blues made by expert hands. It is not going to change the world, or win over armies of new fans, but it will delight old ones with a sound steeped in American musical heritage. It is beautifully executed, further proof that musicians can grow old gracefully. Their ageing, impassioned and world weary voices are a constant treat to listen to. The way they work together is like a well oiled machine, constant and reliable.
Exploring the influence that Reinhardt and Rodgers had on their own careers, Nelson and Haggard pull together and intriguing mix of songs, from the opening title track through a handful of covers – including Bob Dylan’s ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright’ and reworkings of some of their own best work, like Haggard’s brilliant ‘Swinging Doors’. A happiness permeates the mood of the songs – these two old-timers are having fun and want us to share in it. The standard never dips, and listening to music of this quality proves they are not yet done adding to their impressive legacies. -For Folks Sake
(Simply Red - Big Love)
But finding himself back in the studio 30 years after the release of Simply Red’s debut album, Hucknall appears to have got some of his mojo back, with added sincerity. Big Love sees the former Lothario expressing appreciation for the merits of enduring, family love. The title track is a slow-twirl for wedding anniversaries – complete with harp – on which Hucknall finds himself “falling in love again” with “the very same girl I have known for year after year”. -Telegraph
(Barenaked Ladies - Silverball)
Silverball is anything but labored and sad. Cuts like the ebullient "Passcode" and sparkling "Piece of Cake" are uplifting and melodic, bringing to mind the '70s AM pop of bands like ELO and the Beach Boys. Similarly, the laid-back "Hold My Hand" and the harmony-laden "Say What You Want" are classic, heartfelt BNL songs that stick in your ears long after they've ended. Whether it's the loss of a bandmate, or the return of a disease, Robertson and BNL often utilize the back-and-forth imagery of pinball to illuminate their deeper lyrical messages. Additionally, on the leadoff "Get Back Up," Robertson turns to boxing in his characteristic tongue-in-cheek way to explore the notion of resilience in the face of defeat. He sings, "Not the second coming of Muhammad Ali, but can I get a 'whoop!' for the boxing imagery?" Ultimately, after a justified period of rethinking the band's approach to pop, Barenaked Ladies have once again found their musical footing with Silverball, and they deserve every "whoop!" they can get. -All Music
(The Darkness - Last of Our Kind)
For the most part, Last of Our Kind is stripped back – well, as stripped back as a band that once rode a giant, airborne pair of tits can get – and trimmed of a lot of the fat and fluff that have all too often made them an easy target for detractors. This time around, there probably won't be Brit Awards. Chances of multi-night arena runs are slimmer. Attempts at Eurovision won't happen, God willing. But this is the sound of a band fired-up and focused, and the result is a Darkness album to be proud of. Thumbs up. -Drowned In Sound
Overall the album is a mixed bag. Some of it is surprisingly good, other parts are facepalm worthy god awful. It seems like an album where if Scott Weiland had actually immersed himself in the band rather than just cashing the check, and put more into the lyrics and pulled the instrumentalists back from some of their more cheesy metal leanings, it actually could have been something really good.
The production and mix is fantastic, especially Weiland’s vocals and Bumblefoot’s guitar. The drumming though sounds really corny at times. It’s the best Weiland has sounded on an album vocally/production wise since Velvet Revolver’s Contraband over a decade ago. -Alternative Nation
(Armored Saint - Win Hands Down)
After biting this one hard for several times, I could honestly understand that I have been waiting for a golden goose and was able to snatch it. As a fan of “Symbol Of Salvation”, which I believe both the world, and myself, consider it to be the band’s top album, I found the classic ARMORED SAINT, with a small token of modern shading, within “Win Hands Down”. Certainly, it would be hard to just leave it alone after a single round as it heads down the street for a kind of the true reality that Metal have always made it its mission to preach about. The saints march again in full colors. -Metal Temple
(Helloween - My God-Given Right)
That said, and bearing in mind the awful quality of the mp3 files that were offered for promo purposes, I have to say that ‘My God-Given Right’ is, in my opinion, the most enjoyable album that Helloween have released for quite some time. The good far outweighs the not so good and when all is said and done, when Helloween get it right on this album, they get it very, very right indeed. You want melody, fun and a care-free classic metal listening experience? Then I suggest you unpack your air guitar, warm up the vocal chords and get your ears around ‘My God-Given Right’. -Man of Much Metal
(Paradise Lost - The Plague Within)
Just because Paradise Lost is “metal” again, doesn’t mean they’re Paradise Lost again. They are increasingly favoring heaviness at the expense of good songwriting, and The Plague Within continues that trend. It feels like the band is trying way too hard to be something they aren’t anymore, throwing ideas against a wall and pursuing them whether they stick or not. I suppose fans of the band’s very early days will enjoy the record, and there’s probably some new-school death/doom crossover appeal. But deep in my ice-cold heart, I know Paradise Lost is capable of better, and I anxiously await music that meets those standards. -Angry Metal Guy
I like to think that I found out about these guys through traditional methods in the music world. Just like it's supposed to work in the touring game, I found out about 10 Years when they were hitting to the road with Godsmack back in 2006.
Funny enough I was with my father at the time (somehow, he became quite the Godsmack fan in the past decade) and direct support Hinder. While Hinder was already known to me (and don't get me wrong, I was excited about seeing them for the first time as well), I was curious what the five piece group from Knoxville was capable of.
While there isn't much hype and theatrics to an opening act on tour, it was an introduction to a (currently) lifelong love for their beautiful mixtures of hard rock, and melody. The vocals of Jesse Hasek combined with the [sometimes] eerie drum/guitar mix made for an instant hook, followed by another live performance 2005, and the almost instantaneous purchase of The Autumn Effect (arguably one of 10 Years greatest releases).
So obviously some time has passed since 2005 and their third release (aka The Autumn Effect). Since that time, 10 Years has been steadily climbing the charts, jumping on bigger US based tours, threw out an acoustic album (+ tour), and have now started touring in promotion of their seventh studio alum titled "From Birth To Burial".
A big success (IMO), "From Birth To Burial" sees the guys coming back full circle to their original heavy sound that we saw on Killing All That Holds You, and even seeping through on albums like Feeding The Wolves. I know it's been some time since I have heard Jesse scream into the mic like "Triggers and Tripwires", and really left me feeling like a rendition of the Deftones just went through the speakers. Obviously, there are some significant differences between he two, but someone's comment about their style had me thinking the same thing. For From Birth To Burial, the group lineup consisted of:
Jesse Hasek – Vocals | Ryan "Tater" Johnson – Guitar/Vocals
Brian Vodinh – Guitar/Drums/Bass
Really, it's kind of... the title comes from we've been alive in this industry for a decade now, no pun intended, it's just... we're gonna sum up everything that we've done this far up to where we're at. You live and die by this music and that's what it's about. There are some bittersweet parts of it, with the growing pains of it, and the highs and the lows of it all. That's kinda what the first song on the record, the title track, "From Birth to Burial" is about. I think that people in this day and age, our society loves for our stars to be over the top stars, but even in our business and in the entertainment business it's kind of smoke in mirrors. We go home and we're normal people, most of us have families and stuff to pay for, instead of this over the top, gold teeth, party, Vegas, all the time type stuff is sold. It gives you more of a personal side of it. -Jesse Hasek
The album was released on April 21st, 2015 via Palehorse Records. The album was produced by the band themselves.
(Album artwork courtesy of 10 Years, and Palehorse Records)
1. From Birth to Burial 2. Selling Skeletons 3. Vertigo 4. Triggers and Tripwires 5. Luna 6. Crimson Kiss 7. The River 8.Ashes 9.Survivors? 10. Miscellanea 11. Moisture Residue
10 Years’ dark, satirical social commentary of From Birth to Burial sets the band on par with predecessors such as Nirvana, Pink Floyd, or the Dead Kennedys. Songs like “Vertigo“ could be taken as a literal piece along with “Triggers and Tripwires,” “Luna,” “Crimson Kiss,” “The River,” “Miscellanea,” and “Moisture Residue“ with the album as a whole having a desperate need to be heard. This could be one of the band’s heaviest album to date, in more ways than one. Inevitably, it is a cohesive piece which demands it be listened to from start to finish and not pieces apart for single serving downloading that has become so prevalent in modern society. -Cryptic Rock
While I am not in a position to review the album (being that I have only heard about 75% of is thus far), I still highly recommend for you all to check out. It's a good blend of hard rock, some nu-metal screaming, a touch of some Tool influenced groove, and some melodies that would (as said before) rival the Deftones. Be sure to check out their past releases as well if you find them to be intriguing.
From Birth To Burial doesn’t exactly break any new ground, but it takes everything that 10 Years has ever been over their sixteen years as a band and combines it all into the most honest package they’ve ever put out. The album flows perfectly from track to track, peaking and sinking in all the right places to leave a lasting impression. It’s not perfect, but it’s perfectly nuanced, and that’s all you could ever ask for. -Project Backstage
Going through my playlist is the toast to the week/weekend. 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.
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!
*Please click on the hyperlinks of each video to find out more about the artist and album releases.*
"Lost In Time" is taken from Celldweller's multi-album series titled "End of An Empire". The first installment/chapter, "Time", was released on September 16th, 2014 via FiXT Music.
"Radiate" is the latest single from collaboration Scooter and Vassy. It was released as a stand alone single on May 29th, 2015 via Sheffield Tunes/Kontor Records GmbH.
"The Life I Remember" is the self-titled single to Once Human's debut album "The Life I Remember", which will be released on September 4th, 2015 via earMUSIC.
"My Generation" is taken from Memphis May Fire's upcoming deluxe edition release of "Unconditional", which will be released on July 17th, 2015 via Rise Records.
"Not Your Slave" is taken from Battlecross' upcoming album titled "Rise To Power", which will be released on August 21st, 2015 via Metal Blade Records.
"Praise Abort" is the debut music from newly created project Lindemann. The debut album "Skills In Pills" will be released on June 23rd, 2015 via Warner Bros. Records.
