The Ongoing Relationship With Dream Theater

OK, so a wonderful series of events that led me to this concert tonight.  Not an amazing story worthy of a motion picture but in my eyes [and mind] it was a fun journey.  I'll do my best to sum it up rather than turn this into a short novel.

Never really giving too much emphasis and thought to the group Dream Theater when spending my days at the record store (where most of my music introductions happened).  Seeing customers dropping "Live At Budokan" albums on the counter and continually telling me how great of a band they were, they always seemed to fly under the radar for me.  Finally, come around the 2005 mark, my good friend Jake gave me his copy of their latest release "Octavarium" and told me I should really give it a listen.  I was very glad I was exposed to this opportunity.  This is what my first impression was:



As I was a big fan of both the clarity of the instruments and the structure of the song (intricate, but simple grooved throughout the song to make it easy for non-prog fans to follow along) made it quite an enjoyable introduction to the band.  At this point, Mike Portnoy was still an active member of the group and contributing to the writing process (as he did throughout his entire career with the band).  What made it even more enjoyable as a listener was taking the same album and putting it through a much larger sound system, such as my friends newly designed system in his truck.  For a quick history bit, my personal enjoyment was cruising around town with friends listening to great music while not trying to rattle off the mirrors of the vehicle.

Being that I was pretty hooked on the band now and their immense amount of talent, I wanted to see just how goo the guys really were in a live setting.  This brought me to my first time seeing them in 2009 (August 14th) on the Progressive Nation Tour (also joined by Zappa Plays Zappa, Bigelf, and Scale the Summit).  They (of course) did not disappoint and managed to fill a good 75% of the Molson Ampitheatre for their performance.  Unfortunately, Mike left the group shortly afterwards in 2010 and the search continued for a new drummer.

Not even correlating the two together, I was also watching an episode of my pastime entertainment "Time Warp" which special cameras were used to slow down fast action activities to mere frames.  World record drummer Mike Mangini was featured on one of these episodes:



Not even putting 2 and 2 together to realize the potential he could elevate a group to, Mike (and Dream Theater) announced that he would now continue as the full time drummer and would start right away with their upcoming album + tour, "A Dramatic Turn of Events".  With uber excitement of the announcements, I knew it was only a matter of time before they decided to grace Toronto and show off their newest member.  Once again, my good friend Jake and I were in attendance on October 6th, 2012 for their performance at the prestigious Massey Hall.  The icing on the cake had to be the odd choice of Trivium gearing up as the opening act.  Not saying that Trivium did not deserve to be there.  They did an amazing job and sounded great.  It was just (in my mind) and odd choice to clash between metalcore and progressive rock.  However you want to view it, the show went off unhinged and a great performance from both bands.

So here we are back in the same spot once more.  Two years later and a new album, Dream Theater has made their return to Toronto and once again back at the prestigious Massey Hall.  I am very glad the guys have decided to perform at such an amazing venue.  Being that three members of DT are Berklee College of Music alumni and one coming from Juilliard School of Music it makes sense that ALL these guys take both their music and performances very seriously.  I am looking forward to the massive visual and sound display they will have in store for us tonight.  I got excited about picking up my tickets from the box office this morning and snapped some shots of what the front of Massey Hall looks like.  Hope to see some of you there!

and just in case you ask how the show went...

Random Music Quotes: Bell

“Man, I can’t even imagine being a brand-new band starting off these days. I’m very fortunate in that respect. We have a resume, and we started when there was a music industry. It was right before the decline of the industry, we were there. They were still putting money in records, they were still putting money into videos, tours. We were right there before the end. And we saw that decline. We asked Roadrunner ‘what’s going on?’‘You’re not selling any records.’ ‘That’s not my fault, that’s your fault.’ ‘How is that my fault?’ ‘You didn’t put out the right record.’ ‘Did everybody not put out the right record?’ It was so easy for the label to blame the artist, when it really was the label’s fault. It was every label. I just say Roadrunner because that was what label we were on.” -Burton C. Bell

(Fear Factory Live in Reno, NV [December 19th, 2013].  Photo courtesy of Stephanie Cabral Photography)

Music Releases For March 18th, 2014

Today is not a day I would prefer all my selections to be heavy and hard riffed.  While sifting through my regular sites for new albums being released, I cam across two albums of artists I have not indulged in as of yet.  Both George Michael's "Symphonica" and Foster The People's "Supermodel" will be my new additions to the playlist.  Not venturing too much into their catalogs, their massive fans base almost prompts me to give the album a spin to see what the buzz is all about.  I've tried my hand at FTP before and wasn't too impressed.  But then again, I am always on the lookout for new music so listening once or twice won;t hurt anyone (but possibly my ear drums haha).

(George Michael - Symphonica)

There was a time when the British singer’s music was the soundtrack to your wildest memories fueled by shaking asses and supermodels hanging upside down or foaming up a hot tub. Symphonica is the album you play when you invite your parents over for dinner. It’s an inevitable move for anyone becoming an adult, and true school George Michael fans will know that he’s been on this path for years. While this project aims to more or less prove that despite a number of heath-related issues, George Michael can still belt it out, it would have been great to have one or two upbeat songs tacked on, to bring us back to his seedy night club days. C’est la vie. -Idolator

(Foster The People - Supermodel)

Let's save everyone a lot of trouble. If you're looking for "Pumped Up Kicks 2: The Sequel" on Foster the People's new album, "Supermodel" (Columbia), it's not there. There's nothing even close.

It actually becomes quite an engaging party game throughout "Supermodel" to try to filter out all the various influences that helped shape a song. The raging sprawl of "A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon" could net you everything from Boston to Silversun Pickups. -Newsday

The we move into the safe zone of music.  This is where I won;t necessarily run to listen to the album, but past history of these artists indicate that I would most likely enjoy the new tunes.  I have no qualms with Skrillex's music, just the image (but that's slightly superficial of me to say).  Taking Back Sunday has been on regular rotation since my days of working at CD Plus, and The Pretty Reckless is your standard bad girl, kick ass rock n roll music that's sure to either have you cracking a beer or banging your head.


(Skrillex - Recess)

At first listen, the standout tracks are those where Skrillex teams up with high-profile collaborators including Chance the Rapper, Diplo and Passion Pit vocalist Michael Angelakos.

The eponymous and instantly danceable “Recess” blends the talents of Angelakos, Kill The Noise and Fatman Scoop into a bouncy, high-energy piece that’s easy to leave on repeat.

But it’s probably best not to think too hard about Skrillex — if the music works for you, the appeal is visceral, and if it doesn’t, no amount of critical analysis will change that. -Toronto Star


(Taking Back Sunday - Happiness Is)

As top-heavy as the record is with adrenaline-fuelled anthems, arguably the highlights of Happiness Is come when the band take a step back and adopt a more restrained approach. “All the Way” isn't quite a ballad, but it's significantly more mellow than your average Taking Back Sunday number, and it's well-written to boot. “When We Were Younger” and “Nothing At All” are both down-tempo numbers that finish the record off on a delicate vibe, but the crest of this record's many waves is surely “Better Homes and Gardens,” a measured telling of an impending divorce with themes of regret, anger and eventually acceptance. Lyrically it's one of many accomplished offerings here. The band asks the question Happiness Is and answers it with this track as Lazzara screams wildly, “you'll never be happy.” Like the protagonist in the song, the band seems to have realised that throughout the line up changes, the scene moving on, and fans clamouring for the days of their earlier records, they'll never be able to please everybody. Even they themselves had a dislike for 2009's New Again. So Taking Back Sunday has decided the simplest course to take is to embrace the formula with which they are both comfortable and accomplished, hence Happiness Is is jam-packed with upbeat pop-rock anthems and reflective cuts of radio-friendly angst that should appease fans new and old alike. Most of 'em anyway. -411 Mania


(The Pretty Reckless - Going To Hell)

The tone of "Going to Hell" is nearly as naked as its cover. THE PRETTY RECKLESS sound hung over and not on substances. This is a shell-shocked, stripped-down form of modern rock 'n roll that sounds at times like HEART in their early years and even their most recent few albums. Taylor Momsen carries some Lita Ford edges to her vocals on a couple songs, but she assumes her own identity brewed of rock, blues and country and she is well on her way to becoming a force in hard rock.

Nevertheless, "Going to Hell" is hardly a happy pill, as would be expected from players strung out by their material losses. What they gained, it appears, is a toughened resolve that makes "Going to Hell" a fierce and entertaining record. This album sounds like THE PRETTY RECKLESS picked up a remaining handful of instruments and had at it, just to spite to Mother Nature.

In this case, Catholic school girls do rule, but not for any presumed stall humping moves. -Blabbermouth

Then of course the bread and butter of my music life.  Despite my mood swings and ever changing dynamics of my love for music, I could never stray away from my distortion and pounding double kickers.  While some new comers to the list like Years Since The Storm and Buried In Verona have great potential for impressive debuts, metal standards like Demon Hunter and Gus G (aka Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist) are sure to bring top quality tunes to your buzzing ears.

So like all other Tuesday releases, show some love and grab a physical copy of their albums from your local record store or online retailer.  If you are a digital fan, then be sure to grab it from a legal source so the band(s) can see the fruits of their labour.  Cheers!

(Years Since The Storm - Hopeless Shelter)

“There are only so many ways we can attempt to describe this album to you.  Every track has a different feel and emotion behind it. There are pissed off, crushing songs like ‘(Sin)ical’ and ‘Parasite,’ and softer, sadder, more hopeless sounding songs like ‘Frigid’ and the title track, ‘Hopeless Shelter. ‘We put everything we had into writing and recording this album, and are extremely excited to be sharing it with all of you. There is no love, only hatred, in this hopeless shelter we have created.” -Eric Snapper

(Buried In Verona - Faceless)

Unfortunately, there are two glaring problems. First is a problem that BIV have had since ‘Notorious’: they just keep coming off as a poor man’s AMITY AFFLICTION. The mix has a metric tonne more guts than AMITY, but the sing alongs, the breakdowns… they just make me want to jam ‘Youngbloods’. The bigger problem is that, despite all the lyrics and media statements about how the band are tired of all the nit-picking, nay-saying and trolling, that they don’t give a damn what anyone thinks and they’re totally gonna do this their way, they don’t. BURIED IN VERONA toed the line between their roots and commercial success on ‘Notorious’ and the same is true on ‘Faceless’. They can say what they want, but listening to RICHIE NEWMAN croon on ‘Set Me On Fire’ does cause their protests to ring hollow.

However, the reality is that this is a solid record from a band that knows what they want. It’s just that they’re much better at metal than they are at pop punk sing alongs (‘Illuminate’ is the exception that proves the rule). Every time I thought they were really getting into a rhythm, they’d wheel out NEWMAN, he’d sing and everyone would get uncomfortable. Sing alongs are supposed to complement the songs in a deep, profound way. On ‘Faceless’, they all just feel like they’ve been thrown in at the last minute to add some marketability. -SF Media

(Gus G. - I Am The Fire)

Gus G, guitarist extraordinaire for both OZZY and his own band FIREWIND has unveiled his debut solo album for Century Media Records in I Am The Fire, out March 18 and sporting a veritable who’s who of guest stars. Billy Sheehan, DEVOUR THE DAY, David Ellefson, Jeff Scott Soto, Alexia Rodriguez from labelmates EYES SET TO KILL and more. Swedish vocalist Mats Levén handles four of the album’s tracks, and for the most part they’re winners, as is pretty much the whole record, honestly. 

With rapier-like precision Gus starts us off with “My Will Be Done” the first Levén track and a strong opening statement. It shows that this is a ballsy guitar album so you’d better strap in. The solo is intense, and the riff of “Blame It On Me” manages to be as sharp as it is contagious. Plus, you all know I love my drivin’ songs and this is certainly one of them. I am also a big DEVOUR THE DAY fan, especially after seeing them live last year and this pairing on title track “I Am The Fire” is pure gold, Blake Allison infusing just the right amount of attitude and “Fuck You” into it. -KNAC

(Demon Hunter - Extremist)

One of Demon Hunter’s distinguishing features has always been their softer side. Their slower, more melodic songs tend to stand head and shoulders above the rest of their work, and that trend continues on Extremist. Tracks like “I Will Fail You” and “Gasoline” highlight frontman Ryan Clark’s versatility as a vocalist, and the closing song, “The Heart of a Graveyard,” with its subtle synthesizers and surprisingly catchy chorus, is the closest thing to a pop song that Demon Hunter are likely to write.

Demon Hunter are first and foremost a metal band, and they aren’t afraid to get heavy on Extremist. “Cross To Bear” and “Beyond Me,” for example, are unrelenting blasts of distorted guitar riffs and double bass parts that should have no trouble inciting mosh pits at shows, and “What I’m Not” features a blistering guitar solo. However, the songs on Extremist often feel too unrelenting. Many surpass the four-minute mark without offering enough variation to stay interesting, making the album a chore to get through in one sitting. -Under The Gun

Wolves At The Gate - Back To School

Scanning through today's music releases and personally in the mood to spin the new Demon Hunter had me stumble upon an EP that lit up my eyes quite fast.  With a very impressive album "Captors" by Wolves At The Gate reasserted my faith (no pun intended for a Christian label) in the quality of metalcore that Solid State Records was producing.  "Captors" was released in 2012, and here we are in 2014.  Quite a bit of time had past and to my own admittance, I lose track of bands and new material they might be working on.  A blogger can only do so much right?

So anyways, back to my story.  Wolves At The Gate dropped an EP titled "Back To School" in the fall of 2013.  Either I missed the press release or there was little to no publicity for it.  I'll give Solid State Records the benefit of the doubt and assume I missed the press release.  What made "Back To School" so interesting for me was the choice of cover songs they selected for this EP.  Bands such as Thrice, Thursday, Receiving End of Sirens, and of course Blindside all scream tribute to bands that [chances are] influenced these guys to produce the music they do today.



I was very, very happy when I saw a Blindside cover, as they were an early love of mine during their "Silence" era.  WATG & Solid State released the EP online for streaming so I thought to post a few links here and see what you all thought of the covers.  Did they do justice or was it a flop?









With a titled like "Back To School", I was hoping for a Deftones cover.  Then again, that would just be a fun play on words more than the influence itself.

Rockfest Invades Montebello For The Ninth Time!

I am still not sure why I went through all the trouble to list ALL the bands for the 2014 edition of Rockfest but it's done and uploaded already.  I feel the visual catches the eye more and makes it more appealing.  But then I argue with myself 'it's an amazing lineup, why would any need convincing to go?'

With Rockfest organizers giving only small tidbit of information and a few teaser bands (NOFX, Meshuggah, Bigwig, Despised Icon, etc) that would be attending the festival, most of us were glued to our computer and mobile phone screens to see what was in store for the two days of solid music and good times.  March 12th @ 13:00 was when it all went down... 

Not bad to start right?  Who am I kidding, that lineup right there almost warrants the $99 weekend pass needed to get into the festival.  But the fun didn't stop from there, as my eyes grew bigger and the jaw started to drop just a little more as they unveiled even MORE top quality artists like...

Even though last year's edition of this festival was met with some irate customers and stage times clashing between bands, I had much satisfaction with the overall experience of Rockfest.  Seeing bands such as Lamb of God and Alice Cooper for the first time planted a seed of contentment in my brain which I am sure was mimicked by the other 80,000+ fans in attendance.

Sure we all had to walk through mud that was once dirt and was mixed with water/urine/beer and yes we all had one or two drunk guys stumbling around us spilling their drinks and yes, we all had a few party goers playing music till 4am.  But I feel this is all part of the experience of a festival like this.  It brings you out of your comfort zone and surrounds you with fellow concert goers and great music.  You think you're the only person in the crowd that doesn't know how to handle the sensory overload?

One of my fondest memories of the event wasn't my favourite band.  It wasn't a stupid move from a concert goer and it wasn't a negative aspect from the organizers.  It was a band on a side stage named The Acacia Strain.  Try and visualize this with me.

Being my first experience with the band, I was aware of the heavy vibe they have with the metal head kids and the touring bands they accompanied lead me to believe they had a great show lineup up.  Lead vocalist Vincent Bennett walks out onto an empty stage with a mass of fans crowding the guard rails for a front row glimpse of their commander in charge (at least for the next 30 min set).  He says something very simple yet very bone chilling to the onlookers in front of him.

"I don't believe in god, and I don't believe in the devil.  There is just me, and I am here for your soul."

At that point the crowd literally exploded into a frenzy of moshing, crowd surfing and chanting.  This is when I thought to myself "this is what Rockfest is all about".  It wasn't the actual words that were being said and it wasn't the person conveying them over the microphone.  It was the instant reaction that he gave to fans who were about to pop with emotional rage/happiness that would eventually turn into one of the biggest and fastest growing moshpits I saw throughout the entire festival.

So whether you have paid $99 for one of the major headliners like Motley Crue/Blink 182, if you paid to get a sense of patriotism from the vast amount of Canadian acts, or even if you paid the weekend pass to see one of your favourite bands doing a 30 minute stint on a side stage, this festival is a fine blend that can suite most people's needs for distortion and a good time.

So join me and the 100,000 others who will start their summer off with a crisp crack of a beer can, a nostalgic poutine for breakfast, and 12 hours of solid music coming at you from 5 stages!  I can guarantee you will see more smiles a good times in one weekend than the rest of your summer.  And if you have enough time to stash your cell phone away in your pocket and not act like your the only videographer in the place, you can enjoy some memories of the 48 hours you will spend there.

"Well, I guess this is growing up."

Memphis May Fire Streaming ENTIRE "Unconditional" Album

Since the days of their EP "Between The Lies", Memphis May Fire have made a lasting impression on me as they continue to pummel listeners with epic breakdowns, decent bridge structure, quality production and vocal range.  With "Deuces La Cruces" being one of my all time favourite songs from them, I am very excited to hear what MMF have completed four years and three albums later.

An original 'Risecore' band in my books, these guys didn't necessarily forge a new path in the grand scheme of metal, but I found helped progress it that many other bands have tried to emulate of follow for influence.  So this is their latest effort called "Unconditional".  With "The Hollow" and "Challenger" making quite a splash in North America and getting them some decent touring schedules, I am very hopeful and excited for this new album.



"Unconditional" will be released everywhere on March 25th, 2014 via Rise Records.

(p.s. - "Possibilities" is running as my favourite song thus far.  Let's see if you think otherwise.)

July Talk - July Talk

Upon returning to Toronto from a final European tour with his band, Peter Dreimanis sat in a candlelit bar paying little attention to the beat-up acoustic guitar being passed from patron to patron around him; that was until it found its home in the hands of Leah Fay. He sat listening, dumfounded, realizing heʼd met his match. Clearheaded the next day, he started his search for the stranger from the bar with whom he seemingly shared a soul. He found her; they founded July Talk.



After linking up with Ian Docherty, Josh Warburton and Danny Miles, the band created a signature sound that is not easy to pigeonhole. Imagine Tom Waits and Amy Millan shouting whiskey-soaked lullabies while backed by the members of Crazy Horse and youʼd have a good start. Striking a frenzied balance between Americana and dance-floor-filling indie-rock, July Talkʻs Beauty and the Beast aesthetic burns a little going down, but is sure to warm your belly and have you coming back for more.

After a year of relentless touring with the likes of Billy Talent, Matt Mays, Arkells, Sam Roberts and Besnard Lakes to name a few, their live show has gained a reputation as one of the most high energy, magnetic shows in the country. After a national American tour in the summer of 2013, they went into the studio to polish off a release slated for October 15th. Not only will they continue their ruthless touring schedule in North America around this release, they plan to head across to Europe & Australia in the new year.



Why would I try and make a synopsis or bio about a band who have already done it quite well for themselves?  That biography you read above was taken from July Talk's website (directed to Sleepless Records).  My first and only time experiencing this Toronto group was December 3rd, 2013 at the Sound Academy where an almost full house was amping themselves up for the duo of July Talk and Frank Turner.

While Frank Turner is my go to guy for beers and sing along songs, July Talk is the one that made the lasting impression (mind you, this was also my 3rd or 4th time seeing Frank Turner) and even had me on the brink of dancing by the end.  Alcohol helped this of course.  Only 5 songs to show the Sound Academy what they were made of, but chances are a good chunk of the fans were there simply for them.  Hell, even my buddy John wanted to attend this show for them alone.

(Photo couresty of July Talk's Official Site/Sleepless Records)

So here we are, a pint in hand and a birthday celebration of my time on this earth.  Seeing a back and forth argument almost between vocalists Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay almost made me feel like I was caught between a dramatic musical and an onstage fight.  The two harshly sang towards the crowd and themselves, giving a rather entertaining performance that kept us all intrigued for the five song set they performed that night.

A wonderful show that will have me seeking tickets for their next performance (I believe @ Lee's Palace for two nights) and future dates.  The rest of the album is listed below and highly encourage you to pick up a copy if it's your thing.  Tunes such as "Paper Girl" and "Guns + Ammunition" have me humming the songs days after and hasn't left my playlist for some time now.  Toronto's music scene continues to pump out great artists like this, making it rather hard to say goodbye if ever a day where I have to.

1. The Garden

2. Guns + Ammunition

3. Paper Girl

4. Brother

5. Someone

6. Let Her Know

7. Having You Around

8. Don't Call Home

9. The Come Down Champion

10. I've Rationed Well

"We've always felt that the first record is a good introduction to the band and the conversation between [co-vocalist] Leah [Fay] and I. It was important to us to add new material because we didn't feel like that introduction was finished. We've been on the road all year, a lot has happened and there is simply more to say." -Dreimanis

Random Music Quotes: Anderson

"Writing about music is like dancing about architecture." -Laurie Anderson

(Laura Phillips "Laurie" Anderson is an American experimental performance artist, composer and musician who plays violin and keyboards and sings in a variety of experimental music and art rock styles. Initially trained as a sculptor.)

The Kindred Streaming ENTIRE "Life In Lucidity" Album

From the earlier days of The Kindred, I was introduced to these guys when they went by the name Today I Caught The Plague.  Now the one thing I was not a fan of growing up in the CK music scene was bands that changed their name once a week to reflect the kind of music they were into at the time.  PICK A BAND NAME AND STICK WITH IT!  That being said, I am not sure what prompted the change in band name for these guys.  The explanation given in a press release was as follows:

Yes, that's right. After 5 years of touring and creating music under Today I Caught the Plague, we have collectively decided it's time to move on. This is a choice we've made as a group and is definitely one we had some difficulty making, although we are happy we made it. There have been no changes to members and no plans to stray away from our style of writing and performing music. We are still the same people, with the same creative ideas and aspects that have led you to believe in our music over the last 5 years. We will now, and for the rest of time, be known as...THE KINDRED.



Generally it is hard to bounce back from a name change especially when you have established yourselves as a group for some time and not necessarily changing the style or members (as said in the press release).  Whatever the choice was for them (maybe record label advice), they had an immense turn around.  The group changed their name, finished their debut album as The Kindred, and were even signed to Sumerian Records; one of the metal industry's top growing labels.

This being said, our "debut" album under "The Kindred" is DONE. We have been back from the studio for a little over a month now and couldn't be happier with the result. The album was engineered and produced by John Paul Peters at Private Ear Recording in Winnipeg, Manitoba over the course of a month and a half and is undoubtedly our strongest effort to date. A huge thanks to JP and all the extra musicians who were able to make this the best experience we have ever been a part of and to all the people that helped us along the way. We are forever grateful.

The first single, "Decades" was released shortly afterwards and gave fans some peace of mind as to what sound the group was now going for.  So below is the rest of their debut album "Life In Lucidity", which was released on February 25th, 2014 via Sumerian Records.



The Kindred is:

Dave Journeaux – vocals | Ben Davis – guitar | Steve Rennie - guitar

Mike Ieradi - drums | Eric Stone - bass guitar | Matt Young - keyboard

Right off the bat, it’s brilliantly clear that the main strength and driving force behind this ensemble is frontman Dave Journeaux. From the first word, through numerable high notes executed perfectly and lurid byways, Dave’s voice is simply unique. He can be compared to several big names, but it’s unneeded. Dave possesses a certain quality that is intriguing; he sounds pained but excited, motivated by some hurt, to take on the world. The result is disturbing and intriguing. -Heavy Blog Is Heavy



The first word that comes to mind when listening to The Kindred’s sophomore record, ‘Life in Lucidity’, is extreme. Everything, from the guitars to the drums and vocals, has a very hyperactive flavor to it. Even the brass passages on tracks such as the opener, ‘Wolvish’, feels so upbeat and chaotic at times. That is truly what makes Life in Lucidity such an interesting record, as there are many twists and turns that can pummel you straight into the ground. That is, if you truly have the patience for it. Mathy passages, shrill vocals, ominous synth leads, the aforementioned synth, and catchy yet simplistic drums, mixed with a heavy dose of progressive rock nuances, Life in Lucidity is quite the adventure. -Rise Above The Anchor



It is simply a refreshing sound. I mean I love all types of metal (from groove to deathcore, alternative metal to some radio bands) but this kind of progressive, melodic sound without the cut-and-paste, air-brushed aspect, is hard to come by. The sound on this album is powerful. I love the way in which The Kindred have melded metallic-operatic vocal-stylings with such exact instrumentation. -Metal Riot



I had the distinct pleasure of seeing The Kindred open up for Intronaut, Deafheaven, and Between the Buried and Me a little over a week ago at Empire in Springfield, Virginia. I’ve never seen a club that small so packed. It wasn’t just a show, shows end up being a simple statement summed up in just one word: “good”. No, no, this was an experience brimming with energy and passion that is rarely seen at metal shows these days. I had never heard of The Kindred up until that moment and after seeing their live performance their latest album, Life in Lucidity, immediately rocketed to the top of my most anticipated records of the year. -Music Review



The group wastes no time in showcasing their wide array of styles they utilize as the album begins with "Wolvish", and instantly catches you with a few notes that could have easily been tossed into Sergio Leone's saga of "Man With No Name" films, and then quickly moves into a bouncing and fun, yet intricate riff as the album really kicks off. The song soon transitions into what very well should be a sung in the most depressing 1920's speakeasy of all time. This track is a decent indicator of what's to come as far as extensive mood changes, progressive tendencies, and powerful vocals. -Sputnik Music





Their scope is undeniably wide, and Lucidity’s best moments arrive via The Kindred’s willingness to go over the top. That leads to some fun and great songs, but hubris can only take a band like this so far. Serving a little spoonful of a lot of dishes can still leave your guests hungry. -Metal Sucks

Music News and New Music For March 12th, 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, 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!

Queen and Adam Lambert Announce North American Tour:



6/19 Chicago United Center
6/21 Winnipeg MTS Centre
6/23 Saskatoon Credit Union Centre
6/24 Edmonton Rexall Place
6/26 Calgary Scotiabank Saddledome
6/28 Vancouver Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
7/1 San Jose SAP Center
7/3 Los Angeles The Forum
7/5 Las Vegas The Joint
7/6 Las Vegas The Joint
7/9 Houston Toyota Center
7/10 Dallas American Airlines Center
7/12 Detroit The Palace of Auburn Hills
7/13 Toronto Air Canada Centre
7/14 Montreal Bell Centre
7/16 Philadelphia Wells Fargo Center
7/17 New York Madison Square Garden
7/19 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
7/20 Washington, DC Merriweather Post Pavilion


Stooges' James Williamson Recruits Mark Lanegan, Ariel Pink, Jello Biafra to Re-record Unreleased 'Raw Power'-era Material Without Iggy Pop:

"Some of the arrangements have been changed a bit and there's a few lyrical tweaks, but pretty much they're true to the originals." -Williamson


TAYLOR HAWKINS' THE BIRDS OF SATAN - 'Thanks For The Line' Song Available For Streaming:



The self-titled debut album will be out April 15th, 2014 via Shanabelle Records.


OZZY OSBOURNE To Be Honored At Tenth-Anniversary MusiCares MAP Fund Benefit Concert:

"Ten years ago MusiCares merged with the Musicians' Assistance Program, originally founded by Buddy Arnold, to create the MusiCares MAP Fund.  Since then our addiction recovery resources and programs have grown substantially, and this annual benefit provides a meaningful way to recognize artists and industry professionals who are on the front lines in the battle to fight this crippling disease. It's an honor to celebrate Ozzy and Jeff in our 10th anniversary year, and we know it will be an extraordinary evening filled with heartfelt words and serious rock and roll." -Neil Portnow (President/CEO of The Recording Academy and MusiCares)

"I know firsthand about the ravages of addiction and I also know that the MusiCares MAP Fund is a vital safety net for people in the music industry who need help with substance abuse.  This organization literally saves lives."  -Osbourne


Neil Young to Launch Pono Music Through Kickstarter:

"PonoMusic is a full system that includes both an online music store (PonoMusic.com) and a playback device (The PonoPlayer). The PonoPlayer offers a digital-music listening experience that transcends the limitations of a multi-function smart phone. The PonoPlayer will bring this experience to you in your home, car, or through your headphones. PonoMusic.com will offer the finest quality, highest-resolution digital music from both major labels and prominent independent labels, curated and archived for discriminating PonoMusic customers. The Pono desktop media management application allows customers to download, manage and sync their music to theirPonoPlayer and other high-resolution digital music devices."


BUCKCHERRY's 'Dreamin' Of You':



"It's always been something very peaceful for me and that's what I wanted to capture in the song. I just felt like it fit the song. So to go down there and have a nice time and sit by the campfire and sing a song, that's what 'Dreamin'' kind of feels like to me. So that's why we did it. It was something really simple and cool." -Todd


BLACK SABBATH: 'Complete Studio Albums (1970-1978)' Box Set Due In April:

- Black Sabbath (1970)
- Paranoid (1970)
- Master Of Reality (1971)
- Vol. 4 (1972)
- Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973)
- Sabotage (1975)
- Technical Ecstasy (1976)
- Never Say Die! (1978)


The Winery Dogs Kicking Off First Ever “Dog Camp”:

"The Winery Dogs excitedly kick off “Dog Camp” this summer. The immersive program for aspiring musicians of all ages and levels will take over Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, NY from July 21 – 25, and it sees the band’s iconic members Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan, and Richie Kotzen host an unforgettable program. This is the opportunity for campers to get up close and personal with three legends as they attend instrument- specific clinics, learn songwriting mechanics, and enjoy intimate performances from the group. The dogs are loose…."


Linkin Park, 30 Seconds To Mars & AFI Summer North American Tour Officially Announced:



08/08 West Palm Beach, FL – Cruzan Amphitheatre
08/09 Tampa, FL – George M. Steinbrenner Field
08/12 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
08/13 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
08/15 Camden, NJ – Susquehanna Bank Center
08/16 Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
08/18 Holmdel, NJ – PNC Banks Art Center
08/19 Wantagh, NY – Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre
08/21 Darien Lake, NY – Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
08/23 Montreal, QC – Parc Jean Drapeau
08/24 Toronto, ON – Air Canada Centre
08/26 St. Paul, MN – Minnesota State Fair
08/27 Winnipeg, MB – MTS Centre
08/29 Tinley Park, IL – First Midwest Band Amphitheatre
08/30 Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Theatre
09/05 The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
09/06 Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavilion
09/08 Englewood, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
09/10 Phoenix, AZ – US Airways Center
09/11 Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
09/13 Quincy, WA – The Gorge Amphitheatre
09/15 Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
09/16 Chula Vista, CA – Sleep Train Amphitheatre
09/18 Wheatland, CA – Sleep Train Amphitheatre
09/19 Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion


Linkin Park Release New Single “Guilty All The Same”:



“The reason we went with this single first is that we think it’s a good look into the DNA of the record that we’re putting out this summer. A few months ago I was making some demos and writing this stuff and it sounded like something that you could play on the radio. listen to a lot of indie music… and I was listening to the demos and thought, I don’t want to make any of that music. What is it that’s not out there right now that I’m all about, that I’m fired up about that is a void? It ended up being this new material.” -Mike Shidona


BLACK STONE CHERRY - 'Magic Mountain' Cover Artwork Unveiled:

"Not since before our first album have we felt the freedom and confidence that we felt while writing and recording this album.

After touring the world behind three previous albums that we are extremely proud of, we feel this album best captures the live energy, honesty and vibe that encompasses our true musicianship." -BSC


DAVE GROHL Guests On FOO FIGHTERS Drummer TAYLOR HAWKINS' THE BIRDS OF SATAN Debut:



Guest musicians on the eponymous album include Dave Grohl (guitar), Pat Smear (guitar), Drew Hester (percussion), and Rami Jaffee (keyboards), among others.


Rush Remaster Self-Titled Debut for 40th Anniversary Reissue:

"The eight-song album was remastered at Abbey Road Studios using the original analogue tapes, and then pressed on 200-gram vinyl. The reissue features the original artwork and includes a reproduction of Rush's first poster, three lithographs, a family tree poster, and a digital download of the album. By the looks of things, there aren't any bonus tracks."


Liam Gallagher Tells Oasis Fans Not to Buy 'Definitely Maybe' Reissue:

"HOW CAN YOU REMASTER SOMETHING THATS ALREADY BEING MASTERED.DONT BUY INTO IT.LET IT BE LG X" -Gallagher


Devo Raising Funds for the Family of the Late Bob Casale:

“As an original member of Devo, Bob Casale was there in the trenches with me from the beginning. 

He was my level-headed brother, a solid performer and talented audio engineer, always giving more than he got.

He was excited about the possibility of Mark Mothersbaugh allowing Devo to play shows again.

His sudden death from conditions that lead to heart failure came as a total shock to us all.” -Gerald Casale, Devo founder

"I'm heartbroken about Bob's sudden passing. I will always miss him." - Bob "Bob1" Mothersbaugh, Devo guitarist

"We are shocked and saddened by Bob Casale's passing. He not only was integral in DEVO's sound, he worked over twenty years at Mutato, collaborating with me on sixty or seventy films and television shows, not to mention countless commercials and many video games.

Bob was instrumental in creating the sound of projects as varied as Rugrats and Wes Anderson's films. He was a great friend. I will miss him greatly. " - Mark Mothersbaugh, Devo founder


Sigur Rós Offshoot Jónsi & Alex Scoring New Film 'The Wilderness of James':

"Through an infatuating girl and a charismatic stranger, James starts to open his eyes as he's forced to deal with some hard truths."




ANNIHILATOR's JEFF WATERS - 'If You Can't Take Care Of The Business Side, Then You Won't Have A Career':

"The best feelings in the world are when you write a song, and the second best feeling is when people appreciate the song. Number one is that you have got to like it first. You just have to take care of the business. If I was starting up now, it would be very difficult for a musician to start now because the record companies want more and more of a piece of you. In ANNIHILATOR's case, it is much easier because we have a track record of selling records for a couple of decades. They can rely on us putting out at least a good album, if not hopefully something better. There are lots of things. If you are drinking and doing drugs, and if you want a long career, then you have a real problem. If you are not keeping your head clean and sober, then you can't really take care of business. If you can't take care of the business side, then you won't have a career. It's that simple and it's why it's called the "music business," because you want to play music, but if you want a career in it, you must take care of the business side. You can't do that if you are fucked up, or have a big ego, because you think that you are a big rock star and you think that you deserve everything. You will just get taken by other people. That is more like advice, and things to look out for. The best part is, obviously, when you write the song and you like it — that's the best feeling in the world. Playing in front of a lot of people, or a small amount of people, that really like what you are doing and everything in between, is amazing, the travelling, the food, are amazing. You learn to find out what people in the business are good people and the other 95% of the assholes in the business you learn to stay away from them. Or how to deal with them, and yeah, there you go." -Waters


ARCH ENEMY To Release 'War Eternal' In June:

“We’ve been producing ourselves, as we did on ‘Khaos Legions’. We have a clear vision of what we want ARCH ENEMY to sound like, and we can actually achieve it without the help of outside producers. We also have the advantage of having two talented sound engineers among our ranks in Daniel Erlandsson (drums) and Nick Cordle (guitar).

We’ve been tracking at a few different studios here in Sweden, the drums at Fascination Street Studio and guitars and bass in another room. We just finished vocals in a third studio with engineer Staffan Karlsson (‘Khaos Legions’) and the mix and mastering will done by Jens Bogren at his Fascination Street mixing facility.

Musically, this album is going a few places we haven’t visited before. As our fans have come expect, our albums have all had their own vibe and ‘War Eternal’ will leave its own mark. Lyrically it's a much more personal record, and I feel the songs have more dynamics and depth than ever before. The songs are loaded with strong and vicious metal, drenched in tons of melody and emotion. All the trademarks of ARCH ENEMY are present, just more in your face and turned up to 11.

A lot of times life is a struggle, a war against what I like to call ‘mental chains’ in society that try to prevent you from living life the way you want, that try to stop you from making your dreams come true. I have always resented that and I always will. The title sums up our collective attitude a band as well; stages will be destroyed, eardrums will bleed. There will be no choice. This, ladies and gentlemen, is ’War Eternal’...” -Michael Amott




RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE - 'Know Your Enemy' Unauthorized Biography Coming Soon:

"I'm also delighted to announce the imminent appearance on bookshelves of Know Your Enemy, my biography of Rage Against The Machine (see left for links to Amazon). I've wanted to write a Rage book for some years now, but felt that the story needed to wait until the band's glory years are behind them, as they now almost certainly are. A natural peak came in 2009 and 2010 with the X-Factor-slaying 'Killing In The Name' and the Victory show in London, and I was lucky enough to have the organiser Jon Morter help out with that side of Rage's fairly insane tale.

Elsewhere in the book I enlisted the help of several learned writers and academics to illuminate the various sociopolitical issues which Rage address in their music and offstage activism, making Know Your Enemy rather different from the usual rock yarn. I even got Tom Morello's blessing to write it, although the band themselves declined to be involved. Hope you like it -- I certainly had a blast putting it together." -Jol McIver


Robotic arm gives amputee drummer 'superhuman' skills:



“The second drumstick has a mind of its own. The drummer essentially becomes a cyborg. It’s interesting to see him playing and improvising with part of his arm that he doesn’t totally control.  Jason can pull the robotic stick away from the drum when he wants to be fully in control, or he can allow it to play on its own and be surprised and inspired by his own arm responding to his drumming." -Professor Gil Weinberg (Georgia Tech Center for Music Technology)


Tool Say Work On New Album Is Still “Ongoing”:

“Last night, Adam Jones, in a private conversation with fans attending the Portland Tool concert, joked that the band’s new album was not only finished but coming out the next day. Unfortunately, his off-the-cuff joke was taken out of context. Work on the forthcoming album is ongoing and as soon as it is done, trust me, we will be the first to let everyone know.”


Heavy Montreal Announces 2014 Lineup with Metallica, Slayer, Lamb of God, the Offspring:

"A fourth stage will be added this year in order to showcase more artists, including many local bands, and to maximize the festival experience for the fans. And, after a ton of success last year, the HEAVY MANIA wrestlers will return to HEAVY MONTRÉAL this summer."

Slayer, The Offspring, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Fucked Up, Bad Religion, D.R.I., Three Days Grace, Dropkick Murphys, Pennywise, Bat Sabbath (Cancer Bats' Black Sabbath tribute), Body Count, Monster Truck, Protest the Hero, Madball, Apocalyptica, Hatebreed, Exodus, Grimskunk, Alestorm, Whitechapel, Biblical and more have all been added to the lineup.


KILLER BE KILLED Featuring CAVALERA, PUCIATO, SANDERS: Debut Album Cover Artwork Revealed:

1. Wings of Feather And Wax
2. Face Down
3. Melting Of My Marrow
4. Snakes of Jehova
5. Curb Crusher
6. Save The Robots
7. Fire To Your Flag
8. I.E.D.
9. Dust Into Darkness
10. Twelve Labors
11. Forbidden Fire
BONUS TRACK:
12. Ghosts Of Chernobyl (vinyl only)

The self-titled debut album on May 13th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records


Ghost Ship Octavius (Ex-God Forbid/Nevermore) Launch Kickstarter For New Album:



"We will be using all money raised to pay for production costs including: Hiring Grammy Award Winning Producer Neil Kernon to Produce, Engineer, Mix and Master the album, Studio Time at one of Seattle's best Studios for Drum and Vocal Production (Guitars, Bass and Keyboards will be done at Matt's Home GSO Studios), Manufacture and Shipment of all Perks including the Digital Album, the Physical CDs, Limited Edition Vinyl Records, Limited Edition GLOW IN THE DARK Graphic T-Shirts, GSO Crew Stickers and Autographed Posters. Artistic Design and layout will be handled by Adōn and Van." -GSO


Sworn Enemy Sign With Rock Ridge Music, New Album Due In May:

"It's been a while since I've been this excited about SWORN ENEMY and for good reason.  We have a brand new record coming out through Rock Ridge Music." -Sal LoCoco

"Living On Borrowed Time" will  on May 13th, 2014 via Rock Ridge Music/ADA.


Devil You Know (Ex-Killswitch Engage, Etc.) Streaming New Single “Seven Years Alone”:



The bands debut album “The Beauty of Destruction” will be out on April 29th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records.


DEATHSTARS To Release 'The Perfect Cult' In June:

"The Swedish industrial rock band DEATHSTARS returns with a blast when they release their long anticipated fourth studio album »The Perfect Cult«, on June 13th."


MEGADETH, ANTHRAX, ZAKK WYLDE Confirmed For MOTÖRHEAD's 'MotörBoat' Cruise:

"This will be everything you've come to expect from a night out with us, except even louder, with more great bands and no way of escaping!  If you thought waves could rock a boat, you've got another thing coming with this lovely little outing!" -Kilmister


SABATON - First 'Heroes' Album Trailer:



1. Night Witches
2. No Bullets Fly
3. Smoking Snakes
4. Inmate 4859
5. To Hell And Back
6. The Ballad Of Bull
7. Resist And Bite
8. Soldier Of 3 Armies
9. Far From The Fame
10. Hearts Of Iron

"Heroes" will be released on May 16th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records.


KILL DEVIL HILL Parts Ways With Drummer VINNY APPICE, Recruits JOHNNY KELLY:

"It's been a great musical adventure from the beginning, but the time has now come to go our separate ways and continue to make music that we love." -Appice

"I'm really excited about coming on board with KILL DEVIL HILL.  I've been a fan since their debut and have known the guys for a long time. It's also clear that I have some really big shoes to fill. I'm ready for that challenge as I prepare for KILL DEVIL HILL's next chapter. This is gonna be a blast!" -Kelly


††† (Crosses) Announce North American Dates:

03/17 San Antonio, TX - Backstage Live
03/18 Corpus Christi, TX - Brewsters Street
03/19 Dallas, TX - Trees
03/20 Abilene, TX - Lucky Mule Saloon
03/21 El Paso, TX - Tricky Falls
03/22 Lubbock, TX - Jake's Backroom
03/24 Albuquerque, NM - Launchpad
03/25 Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom
03/26 Salt Lake City, UT - Club Sound
03/28 Las Vegas, NV - Hard Rock Live
03/29 Reno, NV - Knitting Factory
03/31 San Francisco, CA - The Independent
04/01 Portland, OR - The Hawthorne Theater
04/02 Vancouver, BC - Venue
04/03 Seattle, WA - Neptune Theatre
04/05 Sacramento, CA - Ace Of Spades
04/11 Indio, CA - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
04/16 West Hollywood, CA - The Roxy
04/17 Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory
04/18 Indio, CA - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival


Brightwell (Ex-Attack Attack!/For The Fallen Dreams) Release “Separation” Lyric Video:

Osheaga 2014 Lineup Announced:




HIM - Early Catalog Digitally Reissued In U.S. Via THE END RECORDS:

"We feel truly blessed to have our sonic offspring being given a new lease of life in the U.S. by The End Records, the home for many of our aural idols, both old and new.  For the past months, the infamous 'Love Metal' archives have been extensively scoured by us for rare, exclusive and downright scary musical nuggets for an experience in Finnish melancholy like no other, so please consider yourself warned…" -Ville Valo


'Super Duper Alice Cooper' To Receive World Premiere At 2014 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL:


"Alice's story is told not only by the man himself, but through exclusive interviews with members of the original Alice Cooper band, Elton John, Iggy Pop, John Lydon and Dee Snider."


Chevelle Reveal “La Gárgola” Track Listing And Cover Art:

1 – “Ouija Board“
2 – “An Island“
3 – “Take Out The Gunman“
4 – “Jawbreaker“
5 – “Hunter Eats Hunter“
6 – “One Ocean“
7 – “Choking Game“
8 – “The Damned“
9 – “Under The Knife“
10 – “Twinge“

“La Gárgola” will be released on April 1st, 2014 via Epic Records.


Whitechapel Announce 'Our Endless War,' Stream New Track:



1. Rise
2. Our Endless War
3. The Saw Is the Law
4. Mono
5. Let Me Burn
6. Worship the Digital Age
7. How Times Have Changed
8. Psychopathy
9. Blacked Out
10. Diggs Road
11. A Process so Familiar (Bonus Track)
12. Fall of the Hypocrites (Bonus Track)

"Our Endless War" will drop in stores on April 29th, 2014 via Metal Blade Records.

Music Releases For March 11th, 2014

Back at it for another Tuesday.  I guess the optimist (prime) in me is happy to see some new music on this gorgeous day here in Toronto.  While scouring through the releases from my various sites I check (Rolling Stone, Amazon, PRP, All Music, etc.), I was really getting disappointed with the lack of quality material this week.

Thankfully I ran into new releases from 311 and Seeming for my mellow afternoon vibes, while checking out the new heavy material from Eisbrecher, Architects, and Our Last Enemy.  Like most tunes I recommend on this site, I urge you to head to a local record store (if CD or vinyl is your preference) and check out some of the tunes.  If you want a quick snippet of what they have to offer, then head to an online retailer or other legal source where they generally have 30 secs worth of material.  It may not be much but I fully agree that you have to listen to the album before buying it.  It's not like you can return an MP3 or anything...

(Seeming - Madness & Extinction)

Madness & Extinction by Seeming is the feel-bad album of 2014. Cleverly tuneful and even pop at times, Seeming’s postgothic music clearly sings an oppressive postmillennial isolation, a crisis of nature, and an indictment of just about everyone. A New York based duo that do post-goth /goth-pop.The electronic duo's debut Madness & Extinction is a foreboding opus, equal parts chaotic rage and melodic sweetness.

Seeming's cavernous music fuses masterful songwriting with explosive and strange passion. Seeming's members are both veterans of acclaimed darkwave act ThouShaltNot: Alex Reed (author of Assimilate: A Critical History of Industrial Music) and drummer Aaron Fuleki.  A post-gothic meditation on insanity, history, and the earth in crisis, Madness & Extinction announces the bold arrival of Seeming. -Ear Milk

(311 - Stereolithic)

The band experiments with new recording techniques, sampling and overdubbing. This really makes the songs jump off of the album. The guitars are tighter, the vocals are cleaner and the tracks flow together, even in their uniqueness. Hard rock fans will be pleased with the innovative guitar harmonies, while reggae fans will enjoy the delivery and content of the lyrics. Overall, the sound on ‘Stereolithic” is bombastic enough for radio and arenas, while still remaining chill and tasteful enough for casual listeners. -College News

(Eisbrecher - 2003-2013: Zehn Jahre Kalt)

Celebrating 10 years of the Ice Age, Zehn Jahre Kalt features reworked versions of classic tracks, remixes from the last full length Die Holle muss warten, and three tracks never before released in the United States! -Amazon

(Our Last Enemy - Pariah)

Overall, Pariah makes for an interesting listen beginning to end because you never know where it will lead you next. Somewhere dark and twisted? That hyperactive angst-laden part of your subconscious? You own inner social pariah? The truth is, the fun is the discovery. The variations between intense industrial metal influences and more traditional metal traces make this a vibrant listen and a riveting ride through the peaks and falls of instrumental fury. -Examiner

(Architects - Lost Forever // Lost Together)

Though they haven’t reinvented the metalcore genre with Lost Forever // Lost Together, Architects certainly have done their damndest to perfect it. Rather than exploring uncharted territories, admirably, the group has opted to revisit their roots, which has in turn allowed them to refine their sound with staggering efficiency. Intense, intricate, and fun for the whole family, this is Architects as they were always meant to be. I strongly suggest you pick up Lost Forever // Lost Together when it drops tomorrow (March 11) via Epitaph Records. -Under The Gun