So my girlfriend is a pretty big fan of Marilyn Manson (collecting the books, buying the albums, etc). So she showed my a YouTube clip of Manson on the Phil Donahue show back from 1995. Not only can you tell its that era because of the video quality, but because Manson looks young, eager and full of knowledge that he's got to get out there. Not that I mean to bash his legacy or whatever, but I've just been slightly disappointed the last couple times I've seen him (Air Canada Centre, Heavy TO). This however doesn't change my opinion that he is still an amazing artist, a face for a generation and a poster child for things that 'normal' society would shy away from. Remember when everything with Columbine came back on Manson and somehow it was his fault? Yeah, that kind of society.
If you check out this interview below, Manson, as well as fellow band members and fans/rockers alike discuss the [then] current issues of moshing, stage diving, crowd control and security at concerts. Quite the interesting POVs you get to hear from not only Manson but everyone involved in the discussion.
Friday, November 30, 2012
August Burns Red - Jingle Bells
So as most of you know by now that August Burns Red were hard at work the last few months putting together one hell of a Christmas album for all those who are looking to break away from the traditional songs. No offense to Burl Ives, Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin but we just got to get some new blood for these Christmas classics we all enjoying hearing. That is unless your in a store/at work and you hear it over, and over, and over again. At that point, I can agree to skip the holiday music.
So August Burns Red released their latest video for the album, "Jingle Bells":
"Sleddin Hill: A Holiday Album" was released on October 9th, 2012 via longtime label Solid State Records.
So August Burns Red released their latest video for the album, "Jingle Bells":
"Sleddin Hill: A Holiday Album" was released on October 9th, 2012 via longtime label Solid State Records.
1. Flurries
2. Frosty the Snowman
3. Sleigh Ride
4. God Rest Ye' Merry Gentlemen
5. Jingle Bells
6. Oh Holy Night
7. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
8. Sleddin' Hill
9. Little Drummer Boy
10. Winter Wonderland
11. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
12. Carol of the Bells
13. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Be sure to check out a couple of the other videos they have added the last few months from this album as well:
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Cancer Bats - Bricks and Mortar
So it's been blasted by almost every other major news site on the net, but for those who don't follow them as much as I do, check out the latest music video ("Bricks and Mortar") from Canada's own Cancer Bats below:
The song is the second track off of their latest album, Dead Set On Living. DSOL is the fourth LP from the Cancer Bats and was released on April 17th, 2012 via Distort Entertainment.
The song is the second track off of their latest album, Dead Set On Living. DSOL is the fourth LP from the Cancer Bats and was released on April 17th, 2012 via Distort Entertainment.
1. RATS (featuring Rob Urbinati)
2. Bricks And Mortar
3. Road Sick
4. Breathe Armageddon
5. Dead Set On Living (featuring Matty Matheson)
6. The Void
7. Old Blood
8. Drunken Physics
9. Bastards (featuring Dez Fafara and Kate Cooper)
10. Rally The Wicked
11. New World Alliance
*FYI, Cancer Bats have been added to Alexisonfire's Dec. 29th farewell tour date @ The Sound Academy.
Alexisonfire - Death Letter
Just going to repeat what Alexisonfire just mentioned. No point of elaborating any further, the post spoke for itself...
Alexisonfire releasing 6 song EP: "Death Letter" (Dec 4)
"Death Letter" was recorded by Dallas & Wade as an ode to 6 classic AOF songs. They put their own acoustic spin on them...you may even hear a little ode to Grinderman-esque, garage rock on one of them too. (we'll let you decide when you hear it)
1. Born and Raised
2. Midnight Regulations
3. You Burn First
4. Accept Crime
5. Burial
6. Happiness By The Kilowatt
You can get the album on iTunes and all digital retail outlets Dec 4.
***Alexisonfire and Dine Alone Records recently acquired ownership of AOF’s entire back catalogue, and plan to issue more fun and creative releases in the coming months.***
Previews can be heard at Amazon (UK).
Alexisonfire releasing 6 song EP: "Death Letter" (Dec 4)
"Death Letter" was recorded by Dallas & Wade as an ode to 6 classic AOF songs. They put their own acoustic spin on them...you may even hear a little ode to Grinderman-esque, garage rock on one of them too. (we'll let you decide when you hear it)
1. Born and Raised
2. Midnight Regulations
3. You Burn First
4. Accept Crime
5. Burial
6. Happiness By The Kilowatt
You can get the album on iTunes and all digital retail outlets Dec 4.
***Alexisonfire and Dine Alone Records recently acquired ownership of AOF’s entire back catalogue, and plan to issue more fun and creative releases in the coming months.***
Previews can be heard at Amazon (UK).
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Music Releases For November 27th, 2012
So there wasn't a whole heap of albums coming out this week, but I have been eager to hear these for some time now. A couple of these bands (specifically I Am Abomination & The Very End) struck really good chords with me on their previous albums so I have been eager to hear what both groups have been up to in the last few years.
Now let's not forget some Canadian artists as well. The legendary Tea Party have made the return to the stage in early 2011 and has been touring around the world to get their name back on the map. The guys have since released a two disc live compilation while touring Australia in 2011. We also have notable east coast musicians Hey Rosetta dropping a new EP for the eager fans waiting to hear new material after a very successful run with "Seeds."
And of course we need not forget the album that started it all. Rage Against The Machine members and fans alike welcomed in the 20th anniversary of their self titled debut album. There has been much hype surrounding the release considering the band has no plans to record and a new album (as of yet) and hasn't hit the stage in quite some time now since their return as a group.
So as usual folks, make sure to head to your local record store or an online retailer to grab a couple of these albums, or at least preview them. I know I will enjoy this week's selection and hope you do as well. Cheers!
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Now let's not forget some Canadian artists as well. The legendary Tea Party have made the return to the stage in early 2011 and has been touring around the world to get their name back on the map. The guys have since released a two disc live compilation while touring Australia in 2011. We also have notable east coast musicians Hey Rosetta dropping a new EP for the eager fans waiting to hear new material after a very successful run with "Seeds."
And of course we need not forget the album that started it all. Rage Against The Machine members and fans alike welcomed in the 20th anniversary of their self titled debut album. There has been much hype surrounding the release considering the band has no plans to record and a new album (as of yet) and hasn't hit the stage in quite some time now since their return as a group.
So as usual folks, make sure to head to your local record store or an online retailer to grab a couple of these albums, or at least preview them. I know I will enjoy this week's selection and hope you do as well. Cheers!
So with Mestis, we finally discover what Reyes is all about as he makes a name for himself as not just a guitarist, but as a composer. Basal Ganglia does sound a bit like one would expect out of Reyes given his previous body of work, which just goes to show that he has already made a real impact in Animals as Leaders’ musical direction. The high-brain sounds of jazz fusion and progressive rock meet with slight Latin flourishes throughout the EP’s sixteen minute runtime to capture a musical self-portrait of Reyes and his compositional skills. While his claim to fame insofar as prog rock/metal culture is concerned comes from technical guitar prowess, Basal Ganglia focuses more on the big musical picture and does a better job of evoking an emotional and thought-provoking atmosphere than that any of Reyes’ projects thus far. -Heavy Blog Is Heavy
With their first album, Hanzel und Gretyl laid out their plans to party through the end of civilization. Now, Germanophile duo Kaiser Von Loopy and Vas Kallas return with Born To Be Heiled. Banjo, driving guitars, and percussion deliver a machine-precise musical blitz, as the lyrics offer a compelling blend of rock swagger and an interesting take on the German language. Holy Shiza indeed! -Amazon
Moving away from the religious overtones, 'The First Snow' is a slowly building ballad as Baker uses a quiet moment from the winter as a chance for an introspective look. Less a happy Christmas carol for the kids as it is an acceptance of life, the cool musical choice compliments the thoughts well.
The seasonal session is wrapped up with a look back in 'New Year Song,' which, like the others, starts off quietly and builds to something more, this time a singalong trumpet-led 'Auld Lang Syne.'
To wrap up, this auditory gift to Hey Rosetta! fans is a holiday album not too filled with jingle bells and clichés that it will disenchant the bah-humbug types, but it’s still a set of songs fit to be brought out with the wreaths. -The Omega
While the bonus material is nice, they won’t likely reinvent people’s appreciation for the record, which is more or less foolproof as it is. But the reissue should call people’s attention back to a record that, over time, has only grown in stature as one of the most vital and enduring musical statements of its era. And with hope for fresh Rage tracks growing dimmer and dimmer with each passing year, fans would be wise to get as much mileage out of the band’s back catalog as they can. -Consequence of Sound
You can read more about the anniversary details in my previous article post:
AFGM: Rage Against The Machine - XX
AFGM: Rage Against The Machine - XX
(translated from German) CONCLUSION: hardness, melody, groove - the three pillars on which the concept of stability is THE VERY END supports are so massively strong as ever. Razor sharp riffs and machine-gun drumming worked in close proximity to subtle melodies, epochal punches with the punch of the Klitschko brothers and fragile thoughtfulness close here a covenant for eternity. Seemingly contradictory works hand in hand, and the drawer in which THE VERY END at the end of the day, but just to be stuck wearing, although the title "Thrash Metal", is the musical diversity of the band but again insufficient. What a plank! -Musik Reviews
The Tea Party is a Canadian rock band with blues, progressive rock, Indian and Middle Eastern influences, dubbed "Moroccan roll" by the media. Active throughout the 1990s up until 2005 when the band broke up, The Tea Party released eight albums on EMI Music Canada, selling 2 million records worldwide, and achieving a #1 Canadian single "Heaven Coming Down" in 1999. The Tea Party toured Canada on twenty-one occasions and Australia on twelve. In November 2002, The Tea Party toured Canada with symphony orchestras reinterpreting a decade's worth of shared songwriting. The band broke up in 2005 due to creative differences, but re-united in 2011 to play several Canadian tour dates during the summer. During the tour it was decided to continue and the band has now reformed. Live From Australia: The Reformation Tour was recorded in 2012 during The Tea Party's Australian tour and showcases the band bursting with renewed energy. -Amazon
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While most records can be either vocally driven or guitar-driven, Let The Future Tell The Truth is strangely both. Each song goes not as the guitar or vocals go, but as in tandem they both interweave. The guitar is just as technical as always and compliments, in both timing and mood, the vocals extremely well, especially for being so fast. Filling in dead space is the familiar noodling, sweeping, and tapping the band is so well known for. The vocals on the other hand, inch out the guitar as the highlight of the record. While near every fan of metal has at one point in time heard guitar play similar to this, the degree of catchiness exhibited in the vocal arrangement and melodies is top tier. -Sputnik Music
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Soundgarden on Jimmy Kimmel
So Soundgarden have been really whoring themselves out since the new album dropped. I don't blame them though. They have 'been away for too long' (eh? eh?) and need to get themselves out there again and push that new album if they want to start selling out arenas like they were when they dropped off the scene in the late 90's.
So if you saw my earlier posts, I have been all over this album (and even started learning the guitar licks for a few of the tracks). The album is solid and a great comeback for the four piece. Nothing too intricate but also cannot forget Kim Thayil's ability to pull a killer solo out of this catalog whenever he gets the chance. This album is laced with these types of solos and encourage you all to give it a spin if you haven't done so already.
So, as you can see from the video below, Soundgarden made a stop at Jimmy Kimmel's late night show on Monday night (Nov. 26th) and played a few songs for some very eager fans. Video was captured for the tracks "By Crooked Steps" and "Been Away For Too Long"...
And if you want more info on these guys and their return, be sure to check out a few of my other posts about them:
AFGM: Soundgarden... With Jools Holland
AFGM: Soundgarden - King Animal
So if you saw my earlier posts, I have been all over this album (and even started learning the guitar licks for a few of the tracks). The album is solid and a great comeback for the four piece. Nothing too intricate but also cannot forget Kim Thayil's ability to pull a killer solo out of this catalog whenever he gets the chance. This album is laced with these types of solos and encourage you all to give it a spin if you haven't done so already.
So, as you can see from the video below, Soundgarden made a stop at Jimmy Kimmel's late night show on Monday night (Nov. 26th) and played a few songs for some very eager fans. Video was captured for the tracks "By Crooked Steps" and "Been Away For Too Long"...
And if you want more info on these guys and their return, be sure to check out a few of my other posts about them:
AFGM: Soundgarden... With Jools Holland
AFGM: Soundgarden - King Animal
Meshuggah Announce North American Tour with Animals As Leaders and Intronaut
Well I am surprised I haven't written about this yet. Metal titans MESHUGGAH have announced a North American tour run for February and March of 2013.
And if that isn't already pleasing enough news, they are bringing some amazing support along for the ride. ANIMALS AS LEADERS and INRONAUT will serve as crowd warmers (not that it's really needed) before the Swedish five piece takes the stage.
Meshuggah first attracted international attention with the 1995 release Destroy Erase Improve for its fusion of fast-tempo death metal, thrash metal and progressive metal with jazz fusion elements. Since its 2002 album Nothing, Meshuggah has used downtuned eight-string guitars. Meshuggah has become known for their innovative musical style, complex, polymetered song structures and polyrhythms. Meshuggah was labeled as one of the ten most important hard rock and heavy metal bands by Rolling Stone and as the most important band in metal by Alternative Press. Meshuggah has found little mainstream success as yet, but is a significant act in extreme underground music.
Here is how the tour is going to pan out (so far):
02/11 Orlando, FL – The Beacham
02/12 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage Theatre
02/13 Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
02/14 Philadelphia, PA – Theatre Of Living Arts
02/15 New York, NY – Roseland Ballroom
02/16 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
02/17 Boston, MA – House Of Blues
Animals as Leaders is an American instrumental progressive metal band that guitarist Tosin Abasi formed in 2007. It currently features guitarist Javier Reyes and drummer Matt Garstka. Prosthetic Recordsreleased the band's self-titled debut album in April 2009. Abasi and Reyes are also members of the supergroup T.R.A.M, alongside former The Mars Volta wind instrumentalist Adrián Terrazas-González and Suicidal Tendencies drummer Eric Moore.
02/19 Toronto, ON – Sound Academy
02/20 Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues
02/21 Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
02/24 Minneapolis, MN – Mill City Nights
03/01 Sacramento, CA – Ace Of Spades
03/03 Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues
Intronaut is a progressive metal band from Los Angeles, California. Their style, while rooted in metal, is extremely forward-thinking and psychedelic, complete with complex polyrhythms, intense, haunting melodies, and vocal harmonies, combined with progressive and jazzy instrumental breaks. Their sound incorporates traits from prog rock, psychedelic/stoner rock, Indian, African, and Afro-Latin rhythms, as well as a heavy jazz influence.
Stay tuned. More info as it comes!
And if that isn't already pleasing enough news, they are bringing some amazing support along for the ride. ANIMALS AS LEADERS and INRONAUT will serve as crowd warmers (not that it's really needed) before the Swedish five piece takes the stage.
Meshuggah first attracted international attention with the 1995 release Destroy Erase Improve for its fusion of fast-tempo death metal, thrash metal and progressive metal with jazz fusion elements. Since its 2002 album Nothing, Meshuggah has used downtuned eight-string guitars. Meshuggah has become known for their innovative musical style, complex, polymetered song structures and polyrhythms. Meshuggah was labeled as one of the ten most important hard rock and heavy metal bands by Rolling Stone and as the most important band in metal by Alternative Press. Meshuggah has found little mainstream success as yet, but is a significant act in extreme underground music.
Here is how the tour is going to pan out (so far):
02/11 Orlando, FL – The Beacham
02/12 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage Theatre
02/13 Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
02/14 Philadelphia, PA – Theatre Of Living Arts
02/15 New York, NY – Roseland Ballroom
02/16 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
02/17 Boston, MA – House Of Blues
Animals as Leaders is an American instrumental progressive metal band that guitarist Tosin Abasi formed in 2007. It currently features guitarist Javier Reyes and drummer Matt Garstka. Prosthetic Recordsreleased the band's self-titled debut album in April 2009. Abasi and Reyes are also members of the supergroup T.R.A.M, alongside former The Mars Volta wind instrumentalist Adrián Terrazas-González and Suicidal Tendencies drummer Eric Moore.
02/19 Toronto, ON – Sound Academy
02/20 Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues
02/21 Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
02/24 Minneapolis, MN – Mill City Nights
03/01 Sacramento, CA – Ace Of Spades
03/03 Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues
Intronaut is a progressive metal band from Los Angeles, California. Their style, while rooted in metal, is extremely forward-thinking and psychedelic, complete with complex polyrhythms, intense, haunting melodies, and vocal harmonies, combined with progressive and jazzy instrumental breaks. Their sound incorporates traits from prog rock, psychedelic/stoner rock, Indian, African, and Afro-Latin rhythms, as well as a heavy jazz influence.
Stay tuned. More info as it comes!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Your Memorial: Redirect Music Video
One of the better bands I have heard coming out of the industry in the last little while is Your Memorial. With their album being released only a few months ago, the group has established quite a fan base and now released a live set music video for the track "Redirect":
Redirect came out on July 17th, 2012 via Facedown Records.
1. Transfiguration
2. Redirect
3. Shipwreck
4. Eternity
5. The Substance of Things Hoped For...
6. Change the World
7. Transform
8. Anthem
9. …Evidence of Things Unseen
10. Trial and Triumph
11. Cadence for a King
12. Legacy
Redirect came out on July 17th, 2012 via Facedown Records.
1. Transfiguration
2. Redirect
3. Shipwreck
4. Eternity
5. The Substance of Things Hoped For...
6. Change the World
7. Transform
8. Anthem
9. …Evidence of Things Unseen
10. Trial and Triumph
11. Cadence for a King
12. Legacy
Friday, November 23, 2012
2012 Grey Cup Fever!
So I am going to be the first to admit that I don't really like football. Just wanted to get that out of the way before we keep discussing. I have never been a fan of large males showing dominance over the other by tackling each other with the intention to maybe cause some brain damage (haha OK I'm just messing on that last part). But it seems that Canada is in for quite a treat this weekend, as we are set to host the 100th anniversary of the Grey Cup finals! Toronto's own Argonauts are set to square off at the Roger's Centre (aka Skydome for the old school fans) against a bitter rival...the Calgary Stampeders.
Now this was a great way for Toronto and the CFL to get fans and citizens to get involved in festivities, with musical performances, sporting challenges, food, drinks, games and prizes! :-) Even though I am not a football fan really, I still felt that it was more national pride to at least check out what they were offering for events. I headed down to Dundas Square yesterday to check out one of my favourite celtic rock bands The Mudmen...
So Toronto will keep the good music going this weekend, with big shows set to kick off today at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
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APRIL WINE
BURTON CUMMINGS
KATHLEEN EDWARDS
This enough Canadian music to get you all ramped up for the big game on Sunday?! I am not sure if anyone in their right mind would pay $175 for two performances (even though they are pretty decent artists). The $55 days though seem to be a great steal! Either way, there is plenty of music going on in the city this weekend to keep you occupied. Hope to see you at a few of the shows over the weekend. And being this is a GTA blog...
GO ARGOS GO!
Now this was a great way for Toronto and the CFL to get fans and citizens to get involved in festivities, with musical performances, sporting challenges, food, drinks, games and prizes! :-) Even though I am not a football fan really, I still felt that it was more national pride to at least check out what they were offering for events. I headed down to Dundas Square yesterday to check out one of my favourite celtic rock bands The Mudmen...
The guys did a great job for being a 12:30pm performance on a Thursday. Garnishing a few hundred on lookers and with the sound tech doing an A+ job on mixing, I felt they had a great success. They will also be performing at Dundas Square today (Friday, 23rd) and Saturday from 4pm-5pm if you want to head down and check them out. Note to people interested...try and get a beer in you before hand, the bagpipes sound better ;-) haha
So Toronto will keep the good music going this weekend, with big shows set to kick off today at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
FRIDAY
(Nov. 23rd, click here for tickets @ $55)
SATURDAY
(Nov. 24th, click here for tickets @ $55)
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SUNDAY
(Nov. 25th, click here for tickets @$175)
This enough Canadian music to get you all ramped up for the big game on Sunday?! I am not sure if anyone in their right mind would pay $175 for two performances (even though they are pretty decent artists). The $55 days though seem to be a great steal! Either way, there is plenty of music going on in the city this weekend to keep you occupied. Hope to see you at a few of the shows over the weekend. And being this is a GTA blog...
GO ARGOS GO!Random Music Quotes: Tangkengko
"[Music is like] the first few seconds of a riot where everyone just realizes whos on what side before the first brick is thrown.
Eventually, of course, that brick is thrown, and as it sails through the air, everyone waits...everyone watches. And when it lands, everyone explodes into a tornado of socially repressed aggression." -A. Tangkengo
Eventually, of course, that brick is thrown, and as it sails through the air, everyone waits...everyone watches. And when it lands, everyone explodes into a tornado of socially repressed aggression." -A. Tangkengo
Thursday, November 22, 2012
JAM with Google Chrome
Well, as you can see Google is always looking to be cutting edge and always looking for new innovative ways for users to not only interact with each other, but also involve each other in fine arts. Google has always been a promoter of music in general (aka YouTube Symphony Orchestra), and now has introduced the next level of music play. Please welcome "JAM with Chrome", where users invite friends anywhere in the world join them to play music online within the Chrome browser. The description and the video below should give you enough details into how it works. Notice to Chrome users, it requires a web browser update so be sure to check what version of Chrome you have.
Tapping the latest Web tech, including HTML5-based features such as the Web Audio API, Websockets, Canvas and CSS3, Jam with Chrome lets you select nineteen different instruments, including guitars, drums and keyboards. You can switch between them at will.
The app defaults to ‘Easy’ mode, and there are four different auto-play functions that puts the instruments in the hands of the machines, while pro mode lets you control any of the musical tools with your keyboard. You can invite up to three other friends to participate in your Jam. -The Next Web
Seems similar to other music introduction programs like Rock Band or Guitar Hero...
JAM with Chrome is an interactive web application that allows friends in different locations to play music together in real time through their Chrome browser, using the latest HTML5 technologies. You can choose from one of 19 instruments and up to 4 people can JAM together in a session.
Tapping the latest Web tech, including HTML5-based features such as the Web Audio API, Websockets, Canvas and CSS3, Jam with Chrome lets you select nineteen different instruments, including guitars, drums and keyboards. You can switch between them at will.
The app defaults to ‘Easy’ mode, and there are four different auto-play functions that puts the instruments in the hands of the machines, while pro mode lets you control any of the musical tools with your keyboard. You can invite up to three other friends to participate in your Jam. -The Next Web
Seems similar to other music introduction programs like Rock Band or Guitar Hero...
JAM with Chrome is an interactive web application that allows friends in different locations to play music together in real time through their Chrome browser, using the latest HTML5 technologies. You can choose from one of 19 instruments and up to 4 people can JAM together in a session.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Dark New Day: Hail Mary
So these guys almost made it to the "Things I Miss" category in my blog, but as I did some digging into what Dark New Day has been up to, I saw they have been hard at work getting a new album ready for all the fans out there! DND kind of fell off the edge of the earth, mainly due to Clint Lowery's commitments to Sevendust and his newer endeavour Call Me No One, aside from the label problems they were having with major label Warner Bros (originally slated to be released right after Twelve Year Silence, but due to DND being dropped from Warner the album never surfaced). Respectable and valid, considering Sevendust is his main focus and CMNO is Clint's solo material coming to light.
Dark New Days consists of:
Brett Hestla - Lead Vocals, Guitar (guitar solo on "Sorry") | Clint Lowery - Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals | Troy McLawhorn - Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals | Corey Lowery - Bass, Backing Vocals | Will Hunt - Drums, Backing Vocals
So for those unaware, DND dropped a great hard rock album called "Twelve Year Silence", had some mixed reviews but was great for anyone who was a fan of the nu-metal/hard rock genre in '05.
Well luckily the DND crew had the rights for their sophomore album picked up by Pavement Entertainment and announced that the album will be available for a February 19th, 2013 release via MRI / RED in North America and SPV in Europe.
"I’ve been a fan of Dark New Day ever since I bought the debut at Best Buy back in 2005 (yes I supported my friends and bought the album!!). As their A&R guy I’m thrilled to be able to work “Hail Mary”, but as a fan I’m even more excited to let everyone finally hear this amazing album." -Tim King (Director of A&R for Pavement)
“We in Dark New Day are extremely excited that our 'lost' album is finally going to get the proper release and treatment it deserves. We're excited for fans to hear what two years of writing, struggle, and growth did for us. You'll hear a band that wasn't afraid to embrace experimentation and forge new sonic territory. You'll also hear a band at times grind out some of the darkest, heaviest, lyrically intense music of its career. This record is sonically amazing and we're very proud of it. We hope that this is just a stepping stone to another record in the very near future. Enjoy!" -Will Hunt
(Photo courtesy of Dark New Day)
It also seems that Examiner already got a hold of Clint and started to ask about the future plans for DND. Here is a few of the questions that pertain to the "Hail Mary"...
Examiner: Reuniting Dark New Day took six years. What was it like listening to the songs and getting back together?
Lowrey: "They kind of felt new, going back and listening to them. I hadn’t listened to them in a long time. When we were digging through the archives, there were some we’d completely forgotten about, so it was kind of cool. We would write them and track them and stack them away back then. We didn’t dwell on them too much, so it was definitely a trip to pull them out and listen to them. They were kind of new to us in a way, and it’s cool that they’re still valid to us."
Examiner: Why this year?
Lowrey: "All of us in our different bands have people coming up … for example, with Sevendust, at the meet and greets, there was always someone every night coming up and saying, 'Man, I wish that second Dark New Day record had come out.' I was chitchatting with the guys because we’re really good friends and I asked, 'Do you get this?' They all said, 'Yeah.' That planted the seed to us talking about 'Let’s put it out.' In this day and age it’s easy to put out an iTunes release. We decided to do hard copies and digital packets. We tracked the record under Warner Brothers, and the songs you hear now, some of them were on that record, but they were the actual demo songs that we did that we turned in to them. But these are all songs that we funded ourselves. Once we realized that Warner Brothers didn’t have any kind of ownership over them, actually I leaked out a couple of them on iTunes. A friend of ours works at Goomba Music and they offered to get the songs remastered and released because this fan base still exists. All those variables kind of led up to 'Wouldn’t it be nice if we could release these songs on our own terms?' It was a frustrating time we went through with Warner Brothers because everyone there switched. The record company we signed to was completely different from the Warner Brothers we left."
Read the full interview here. More information as it comes in folks.
Dark New Days consists of:
Brett Hestla - Lead Vocals, Guitar (guitar solo on "Sorry") | Clint Lowery - Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals | Troy McLawhorn - Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals | Corey Lowery - Bass, Backing Vocals | Will Hunt - Drums, Backing Vocals
So for those unaware, DND dropped a great hard rock album called "Twelve Year Silence", had some mixed reviews but was great for anyone who was a fan of the nu-metal/hard rock genre in '05.
Well luckily the DND crew had the rights for their sophomore album picked up by Pavement Entertainment and announced that the album will be available for a February 19th, 2013 release via MRI / RED in North America and SPV in Europe.
"I’ve been a fan of Dark New Day ever since I bought the debut at Best Buy back in 2005 (yes I supported my friends and bought the album!!). As their A&R guy I’m thrilled to be able to work “Hail Mary”, but as a fan I’m even more excited to let everyone finally hear this amazing album." -Tim King (Director of A&R for Pavement)
1. Goodbye
2. Anywhere
3. Vicious Thinking
4. Simple
5. Hail Mary
6. On My Way
7. Saddest Song
8. Dear Addy
9. Someday
10. Fiend
11. Outside
12. Give Me The World
“We in Dark New Day are extremely excited that our 'lost' album is finally going to get the proper release and treatment it deserves. We're excited for fans to hear what two years of writing, struggle, and growth did for us. You'll hear a band that wasn't afraid to embrace experimentation and forge new sonic territory. You'll also hear a band at times grind out some of the darkest, heaviest, lyrically intense music of its career. This record is sonically amazing and we're very proud of it. We hope that this is just a stepping stone to another record in the very near future. Enjoy!" -Will Hunt
It also seems that Examiner already got a hold of Clint and started to ask about the future plans for DND. Here is a few of the questions that pertain to the "Hail Mary"...
Examiner: Reuniting Dark New Day took six years. What was it like listening to the songs and getting back together?
Lowrey: "They kind of felt new, going back and listening to them. I hadn’t listened to them in a long time. When we were digging through the archives, there were some we’d completely forgotten about, so it was kind of cool. We would write them and track them and stack them away back then. We didn’t dwell on them too much, so it was definitely a trip to pull them out and listen to them. They were kind of new to us in a way, and it’s cool that they’re still valid to us."
Examiner: Why this year?
Lowrey: "All of us in our different bands have people coming up … for example, with Sevendust, at the meet and greets, there was always someone every night coming up and saying, 'Man, I wish that second Dark New Day record had come out.' I was chitchatting with the guys because we’re really good friends and I asked, 'Do you get this?' They all said, 'Yeah.' That planted the seed to us talking about 'Let’s put it out.' In this day and age it’s easy to put out an iTunes release. We decided to do hard copies and digital packets. We tracked the record under Warner Brothers, and the songs you hear now, some of them were on that record, but they were the actual demo songs that we did that we turned in to them. But these are all songs that we funded ourselves. Once we realized that Warner Brothers didn’t have any kind of ownership over them, actually I leaked out a couple of them on iTunes. A friend of ours works at Goomba Music and they offered to get the songs remastered and released because this fan base still exists. All those variables kind of led up to 'Wouldn’t it be nice if we could release these songs on our own terms?' It was a frustrating time we went through with Warner Brothers because everyone there switched. The record company we signed to was completely different from the Warner Brothers we left."
Read the full interview here. More information as it comes in folks.
Music Releases For November 20th, 2012
Oops. Dropped the ball on the weekly releases for Canada/US here. My apologies to everyone. As most (part time/inspiring) musicians know, we all got day jobs that help pay the bills and my work day yesterday was no exception, hence why there wasn't much happening on AFGM.
Anyways, so we didn't have too much being released that I personally dive into for music. We have a couple from the metal genre, a couple from rock and there are a few that I know will be big sellers in the music stores (Kid Rock, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson), but I don't necessarily listen to them or not enough of them so they don't make the cut (haha). However, I'm always open to discussion if you feel I missed an album and wanted to shed some light on it. I also want to note that I try my best to deliver a decent review from another site (who actually sits down and review these albums in better depth than I could/would). The metalcore genre is VERY over saturated and as much as I love that style of music, the generic sounds seem to flow into one another and thus, giving generic reviews of the albums. If you love the bands and feel that it was a bad review or my choice wasn't correct then let's start a convo and figure out a course of action here.
So if you didn't get the chance yesterday, then head down (or up) to your local record store or online retailer to grab a few of these great albums!
2012 collection from the Post-Grunge rockers containing two new recordings. From that first explosive burst of 'Kryptonite', which ignited their storied career at the top of the last decade, to subsequent multi-platinum albums, and non-stop touring regimen that finds them still notching shows around the world at a record pace, they also earned a hard-fought pedigree as one of most exciting and authentic radio icons. Their impressive and steady ascension up the ladder has seen them score multiple #1 hits across formats, snag several Billboard and other awards, and log scores of sold-out shows over a growing global terrain that is nearing 40 countries. Greatest Hits reflects on 3 Doors Down's incredible journey thus far, while paving the way for even more success and timeless rock to come. -Amazon
(Sorry WIM fans, I scoured the net for a decent review of the album and the best I got was a 5/10.)
The initial statement made by the introduction and openings tracks 'D-Day' and 'F.Y.I' is that the band are trying pretty hard to approach the post-hardcore genre in a new light, while also featuring some pretty well travelled ground at the same time. So for example, the brutal screams over an electronic beat ,which lead into some fairly standard chugging and double kick. It’s like this for the entire record, one moment that will make you raise your eyebrows in surprise, the next that will make you lower them due to predictable boredom. -Kill Your Stereo
...there is something oddly reassuring about reaching the closing passages of the album. You know what that is? The fact that there is no slow burner/acoustic track to divide the speed and mood. That is something we’ve come to expect from most metalcore bands, and that result is strangely gratifying.
For a band so young, they’ve taken the craft of relentless chaos to the standard the industry has been calling for so desperately over the past few years. So what should the next step for this five-piece from Ohio be musically? Variety, sparseness, and the art of surprise. This album is solid and they’ve got the chops, but if they want to have a chance at being more than subtle mediocrity, they will have to take the next step. -Mind Equals Blown
Despite the live setting preventing Octane Twisted from having the same effects as the studio versions of the conceptual tracks that it hosts, the live setting also brings out another completely different and unique side of The Incident that could not be achieved on the studio LP, and stands as another great testament of the magic Porcupine Tree’s showmanship can work for audiences while performing live. -Sputnik Music
‘The Opposite of December’ and ‘Tear From the Red’ have both been out of print for years. The newly remastered albums will also be put out on double 12″ gatefold vinyl, deluxe CD and as a low-priced digital album.
Released in 1999, ‘The Opposite of December’ is regarded as one of the most important albums which shaped modern post-hardcore and metalcore. ‘Tear From the Red’ wasn’t as well received as their previous work, but is now seen as more of a bridge to the experimental style that Poison the Well would later adopt and perfect. -Loudwire
On December 10, 2007, Led Zeppelin took the stage at London’s O2 Arena to headline a tribute concert for dear friend and Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. What followed was a two-hour-plus tour de force of the band’s signature blues-infused rock ’n’ roll that instantly became part of the legend of Led Zeppelin. Founding members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones were joined by Jason Bonham, the son of their late drummer John Bonham, to perform 17 songs from their celebrated catalog including landmark tracks "Whole Lotta Love," "Rock And Roll," "Kashmir," and "Stairway To Heaven." A film of the show, "Celebration Day, is now available on DVD and Blu-ray and includes the entire concert in HD video and in 5.1, 48/24 hi-resolution audio surround sound. "Celebration Day" is an incredible document of the now legendary concert, which has been described as possibly the greatest rock and roll concert ever. The two hour feature length film is presented in beautiful high definition video, and stunning audio quality. The aspect ratio is 16x9. The film is directed by Dick Carruthers who had previously worked with Led Zeppelin on their award winning 2003 release "DVD" - a release that remains one of the highest selling music DVD's of all time. The "Celebration Day" film is already critically acclaimed and the DVD & Blu-ray releases are certain to become consistently high selling titles in the Led Zeppelin catalog. A bonus DVD in the deluxe versions features the dress rehearsal at Shepperton Studios, filmed a few days before the O2 concert. The rehearsal is filmed in SD and recorded in stereo. -Amazon
But while Into the Future, like Build a Nation before it, harkens back to the Brains’ golden age, it’s not the ROIR Sessions. The band couldn’t recreate that sort of spitfire aggression today if they tried, and it would be almost unfair to expect them to. But it’s close, and considering the ups and downs the band has endured over the years, that might be more than anyone could’ve rightfully asked for in 2012. While they’ve been beat up and torn apart numerous times over the years, Into The Future proves that in spite of their trials, time hasn’t been all bad to the Brains. -Consequence of Sound
AC/DC Live At River Plate was recorded in Buenos Aires in December 2009 when nearly 200,000 fans (over 3 sold-out nights) thunderously welcomed AC/DC back after a 13-year absence from Argentina. The two CD set captures the legendary grandeur, excitement and energy that AC/DC's live performances are renowned for. This ultimate live recording chronicles one of the largest shows from their massively successful Black Ice World Tour (where they performed to over 5 million fans in 108 cities in over 28 countries). The 19 tracks on AC/DC Live At River Plate span AC/DC's extensive repertoire, including old and new classics like 'Back In Black,' 'Thunderstruck,' 'You Shook Me All Night Long' and 'Rock N Roll Train.' -Amazon
The guitars riffs used throughout The Fallout don't do much to keep me interested. All of the riffs sound the same on every song and the breakdowns don't liven the music at all. The drumming is standard, but nothing special. The piano is an instrument used to try and make this band stand out from the others, but fails in that regard. The piano doesn't suit the music well and sticks out in the parts that it is used. Overall, there is nothing brilliant with the instrumentation or anything else for that matter.
Crown The Empire tries too hard to be unique and ultimately this is their downfall. With many influences (My Chemical Romance, Motionless In White, etc.) drawn from across multiple genres, The Fallout still sounds like your average metalcore album, just with a couple of extra additions. There is nothing here to bring me back for a second listen, but I'm sure some people will enjoy this album nonetheless. -Megusta Reviews
Monday, November 19, 2012
Brothers of Brutality Tour 2013 (Emmure, Whitechapel, Unearth, etc.)
I have a feeling my bodily organs won't make it through this tour. Holy shit everyone, Whitechapel and Emmure have announced their "Brothers of Brutality Tour", alongside Unearth, Obey The Brave and The Plot In You!
"Going over set list ideas for the next tour. What do the fans wanna hear?" -Whitechapel
"See you next year on the Brothers Of Brutality Tour with whitechapel, Emmure, Unearth Official and THE PLOT IN YOU!" -Obey The Brave
Now if those two acts wern't enough to get you up and moving to grab tickets, they will be joined by Unearth, Obey The Brave and The Plot In You!
01/08 Knoxville, TN – The Valarium
01/09 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
01/11 Houston, TX – Fitzgerald’s
01/12 San Antonio, TX – White Rabbit
01/13 Dallas, TX – The Door
01/15 Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
01/16 Phoenix, AZ – Nile
01/17 Los Angeles, CA – House of Blues
01/18 San Diego, CA – Soma
01/19 Pomona, CA – Glasshouse
01/20 Oakland, CA – Oakland Metro
01/22 Spokane, WA – The Knitting Factory
01/23 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater
01/24 Seattle, WA – Studio Seven
01/26 Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue
01/27 Denver, CO – Summit
01/29 Calgary, AB – The Den
01/30 Edmonton, AB – The Avenue Theatre
02/01 Winnipeg, MB – West End Cultural Centre
02/02 Minneapolis, MN – Brick
02/03 Chicago, IL – Mojoes
02/05 Detroit, MI – St. Andrews Hall
02/06 Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
02/07 Montreal, QC – Club Soda
02/08 Worcester, MA – Palladium
02/09 Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance Theater (“Eat Your Heart Out Fest“)
02/10 Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of the Living Arts
02/11 New York City, NY – Irving Plaza
Whitechapel & Emmure are offering joint VIP packages where you get a chance to meet both bands. Check out all the details below:
-Meet and Greet with Whitechapel & Emmure
-Photograph with Whitechapel & Emmure
-Whitechapel & Emmure VIP Poster
-Rockstar Bag
-Koozie
-VIP Laminate & Lanyard
Tickets can be purchased at the official BoB tour website.
More dates to be added along the trek, so stay tunes folks!
Rage Against The Machine - XX
OK ladies and gents, you know what's coming on November 27th, 2012. Next week will be the official release of the legendary debut album of Rage Against The Machine, remastered and with all kinds of bonus material to mark the 20th anniversary.
This has been marked in the calendars for some time, as fans were anticipation what was to come about for this epic release. Has it been 20 years already? Holy shit does time fly by, especially when discussing one of the most critical albums to be released in the 90's. Argue however way you want it, but this was a crucial album for the music industry in the early 90's. Along with the grunge move and fellow big name acts such as Soundgarden, Pearl Jam and Nirvana, RATM was forging their own path in the industry.
The flawless (and unmistakable) vocals of Zach De La Rocha, the instant classic riffs of Tom Morello, and backed by the groove of Tim C and Brad Wilks easily made these guys an instant pioneer of rap, hip hop and rock all fused into one. From "Bombtrack" to "Freedom", you hear the anthem of many fans with middle fingers, screaming "FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!". I can only imagine the energy and intensity of a live show with these guys in their prime. Hell, I'll even settle for seeing them now, as all that time of built up aggression I'm sure resonates through these guys, even 20 years afterwards.
So, as you can see the album artwork hasn't changed. The epic photo of the Buddhist monk setting himself on fire is a constant reminder of the dangers and catastrophes we suffer in times of war (aka Vietnam) and the political turmoil we seem to dig up as a country. The album (like I stated before) itself has been remastered with modern technology to give those classic tunes a lil more "umph" if you will, to hear more of them 'kickin out the jams'.
There is a lot of information here folks so, pay attention. The track listings for the various 'Rage Against the Machine - XX' editions are as follows:
Rage Against the Machine - XX (20th Anniversary Edition Deluxe Boxset)
- 2 x CDs + 2 x DVDs + 180g LP
- 12-inch lift-off box
- 40-page booklet
- two-sided poster
CD 1 - 'Rage Against The Machine' (Remastered)
'Bombtrack'
'Killing In The Name'
'Take The Power Back'
'Settle For Nothing'
'Bullet In The Head'
'Know Your Enemy'
'Wake Up'
'Fistful Of Steel'
'Township Rebellion'
'Freedom'
Bonus Tracks (B-sides)
'Bombtrack' (live, taken from 'Bombtrack' single)
'Bullet In The Head' (live, taken from 'Bullet In The Head' single)
'Take The Power Back' (live, taken from 'Freedom' single)
CD 2 – 'The Original Demos' (first official commercial release, except where noted)
'Bombtrack'
'Take The Power Back'
'Bullet In The Head'
'Darkness Of Greed' (previously released)
'Clear The Lane' (previously released)
'Township Rebellion'
'Know Your Enemy'
'Mindset's A Threat'
'Killing In The Name'
'Auto Logic'
'The Narrows'
'Freedom'
DVD 1
The Battle of Britain - previously unreleased (FINSBURY PARK, LONDON ENGLAND, JUNE 6, 2010)
'Testify'
'Bombtrack'
'People Of The Sun'
'Know Your Enemy'
'Bulls On Parade'
'Township Rebellion'
'Bullet In The Head'
'White Riot'
'Guerrilla Radio'
'Sleep Now In The Fire'
'Freedom'
'Killing In The Name'
MUSIC VIDEOS
'Killing in the Name' (1992)
'Bullet In The Head' (1993)
'Bombtrack' (1993)
'Freedom' (1993)
'Bulls On Parade' (1996)
'People Of The Sun' (1996)
'No Shelter' (1998)
'Guerrilla Radio' (1999)
'Sleep Now In The Fire' (2000) - first official commercial release
'Testify' (2000) - first official commercial release
'Renegades Of Funk' (2000) - first official commercial release
'How I Could Just Kill A Man' (2000) - previously unreleased
LIVE MATERIAL FROM 1997 VIDEO COMPILATION (first time on DVD)
'The Ghost Of Tom Joad'
'Vietnow' - Irvine, CA – 1997
'People Of The Sun'
'Bulls On Parade'
'Bullet In The Head'
'Zapata's Blood' - Rock Am Ring Festival, Germany – 1996
'Know Your Enemy'
'Bombtrack'
'Tire Me' - Reading Festival 1996
'Killing In The Name' - Pink Pop Festival – 1994
DVD 2 (all previously unreleased)
First Public Performance
CAL STATE NORTH RIDGE, CA (OCTOBER 23, 1991)
'Killing In The Name'
'Take The Power Back'
'Autologic'
'Bullet In The Head'
'Hit The Deck'
'Township Rebellion'
'Darkness Of Greed'
'Clear The Lane'
'Clampdown'
'Know Your Enemy'
'Freedom'
PINK POP 1994 - 'Freedom'
VIC THEATRE 1993 - 'Take the Power Back'
JC DOBBS 1993 - 'Fistful Of Steel'
SOUNDSTAGE PERFORMANCE 1992 - 'Bombtrack'
Halfway House 1992 - 'Wake Up'
Castaic 1992 - 'Settle For Nothing'
San Luis Obispo 1992 - 'Clear The Lane'
CWNN 1992 - 'Untitled"
Zed's Records 1992 - 'Darkness Of Greed'
NOMADS 1992 - 'Wake Up'
"We're really psyched to be putting this out for the fans. We are blessed with having perhaps the most passionate fans to ever listen to a bootlegged recording or mosh at a show, so I want to really give them a motherlode of Rage Against The Machine history, past and present." -Tom Morello
Rage Against The Machine - XX (20th Anniversary Special Edition - Oversized soft pack)
CD 1 - Rage Against The Machine (Remastered)
'Bombtrack'
'Killing In The Name'
'Take The Power Back'
'Settle For Nothing'
'Bullet In The Head'
'Know Your Enemy'
'Wake Up'
'Fistful Of Steel'
'Township Rebellion'
'Freedom'
Bonus Tracks (B-sides)
'Bombtrack' (live, taken from 'Bombtrack' single)
'Bullet In The Head' (live, taken from 'Bullet In The Head' single)
'Take The Power Back' (live, taken from 'Freedom' single)
CD 2 – 'The Original Demos' (first official commercial release, except where noted)
'Bombtrack'
'Take The Power Back'
'Bullet In The Head'
'Darkness Of Greed' (previously released)
'Clear The Lane' (previously released)
'Township Rebellion'
'Know Your Enemy'
'Mindset's A Threat'
'Killing In The Name'
'Auto Logic'
'The Narrows'
'Freedom'
Bonus DVD:
Music Videos:
'Killing In The Name'
'Bombtrack'
'Freedom'
'Take The Power Back' (Vic Theatre) - previously unreleased
'Bombtrack' (Soundstage performance) - previously unreleased
'Wake Up' (Nomads) - previously unreleased
"It doesn't feel like 20 years, but at the same time it's sobering that it is. There's no crystal ball that we could've looked into when we were writing these songs in 1991 that would have told us we'd be talking about this record over two decades later. And I will say that 20 years later we're able to take pride in the fact that in the history of rock music there has never been a more popular band with as radical politics as Rage Against The Machine, nor has there been a band with more radical politics than Rage Against The Machine that has been as popular. That is the lasting testament to the first shot fired by this album and how it continues to resonate with rebels around the world." -Tom Morello
Rage Against The Machine - XX (20th Anniversary Edition - Jewel Case)
'Rage Against The Machine' (Remastered)
'Bombtrack'
'Killing In The Name'
'Take The Power Back'
'Settle For Nothing'
'Bullet In The Head'
'Know Your Enemy'
'Wake Up'
'Fistful Of Steel'
'Township Rebellion'
'Freedom'
Bonus Tracks (B-sides)
'Bombtrack' (live, taken from 'Bombtrack' single)
'Bullet In The Head' (live, taken from 'Bullet In The Head' single)
'Take The Power Back' (live, taken from 'Freedom' single)
Merch and album pre-orders can be purchased here:
Now that I have finished my rants and info section, I want to hear about your memories of RATM. When did you hear them first? What were you feeling/thinking? What was the first song you ever heard from them? Have you seen them live? Give us some insight into one of their live performances. Cheers and have a great week! Everyone look out for November 27th!
For more information and release snippets for the XX reissue, check out some of the following links: