Miss May I Streaming ENTIRE New Album “Rise Of The Lion”

For many years I have been comparing and contrasting record labels and bands that they sign.  The reaosn for this is to look at the marketing aspect of certain genres and what bands the labels sign to compete with rival labels.  Not that there is a rival and I am certainly not trying to start one.  I think it all stemmed from the disappointment I received when listening to "The Powerless Rise" from As I Lay Dying back in 2010.

While looking for something to fill the void of the pounding double kicks along with screams that can blend with melody, I came across Miss May I, which were on neighbouring label Rise Records.  Epitaph has The Ghost Inside/Parkway Drive, Artery has Bury Tomorrow, Spinefarm has Dreamshade, and Solid State have August Burns Red.  Now don't get your undies all twisted in a bunch.  We're not comparing popularity here, were simply comparing labels and bands that run in similar circles.

So back to Miss May I.  After hearing great things from friends and family for their release "Monument", I decided to give it a spin.  Singles such as "Masses of a Dying Breed" and "Relentless Chaos" hit me hard and fast.  They were great tunes and instantly connected with the music.  The live performance was equally matched when I caught them for the first time at the 2013 edition of Rockfest in Montebello, QB.  Crowd enthusiasm was on a high note (all puns intended) and really made a splash at the festival on one of the side stages (and fierce competition from other bands performing around the same time such as Acacia Strain and Sworn Enemy).

That being said, I was very excited to hear of their new album "Rise of the Lion" was streaming in full online before the release date.  Not that I needed a chance to hear the material before hand (I already knew it was going to be a solid album), but like most fans you just want that new material as soon as you can.

1. Refuse To Believe
2. Lunatik
3. Gone
4. Echoes
5. You Want Me
6. Tangled Tongues
7. Hero With No Name
8. Darker Days
9. End Of Me
10. Saints, Sinners and Greats

"Well, it’s a very fan based record. All the lyrics are letters back from letters we’ve gotten from fans and haven’t been able to write back. There’s some topics we haven’t faced, but things that have touched while reading letters in the past. We see many tattoos and crazy stuff with the lion and how much it means to fans." -Levi Benton

So below is a playlist (via YouTube) of the entire new album like I mentioned above.  Give it a listen and drop some comments/thoughts if you have any regarding the album as a whole or certain songs that caught your fancy.  "Rise of the Lion" was released on April 29th, 2014 via Rise Records.



"Basically the lion is a symbol for us and all of our fans, we just wanted to dedicate this to them. This is our follow-through record, and we think this is going to be a big one and a big fan-base growing album for us. This is the rise of the lion." -Levi Benton

Music News and New Music For April 28th, 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!

Owen Sound's Mudtown Festival:

On August 8 and 9, Mudtown Music & Arts Festival will be returning to Owen Sound, ON.  The 2014 artists include Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra, Yamantaka // Sonic Titan, Odonis Odonis, Bry Webb, Michael Feuerstack, the Beverlys, Crosss, BA Johnston, Gregory Pepper & His Problems, Alana Gurr, Megan Hamilton, Mahogany Frog, and more.


'Wicked' composer, others fight sheet music piracy:

"You wouldn't walk into a music store and walk out with a piece of music under your arm. So why would it be acceptable to do it online.  I just went to the first of the Web sites that I'm going to be emailing, and I typed my name in to see how many individual pieces of sheet music that were available for free of mine -- over 11,000.  I didn't know I had that many pieces of music." -Schwartz


Ziggy Marley Spreads Global Love on 'Fly Rasta':

"It is a way to address the global warming issue in a way that is not in a preachy way, but an entertaining way.  A way that takes the Earth as if it's my girl. And I don't want to leave my girl for another girl. I love my girl. I want to take care of my girl and treat my girl good because she treat me good. This is a love song still.

For me, for this record, I listened to everything really.  From the Beach Boys [to] the Grateful Dead, I listened to a lot of things. I imagined the sounds I wanted to have in my music to be out there somewhere, so I listened to a wide variety." -Marley


Dance Legend Giorgio Moroder Gives Coldplay's 'Midnight' a Disco Remix:




Hillside Festival Announces 2014 Lineup: Tegan & Sara, Four Tet, Kevin Drew:

The acts include Tegan & Sara, Four Tet, Young Galaxy, Kevin Drew, PUP, Majical Cloudz, Hydra (consisting of Feist, AroarA and Snowblink), Super Friendz, Matt Andersen, Born Ruffians, Basia Bulat, Hey Rosetta!, Bry Webb, DIANA, Danny Michel, Hollerado, Culture Reject, Clinton St. John, Alvvays, Amelia Curran, Barzin, Al Tuck, the Belle Game, the Harpoonist & the Axe Murderer, Imelda May, Zerbin, the Posterz,Nat Baldwin, Ought, Sam Cash & the Romantic Dogs, Jon and Roy, Stella Ella Ola, Kim Churchill, Royal Canoe, Light Fires, Folly & the Hunter, Samantha Martin & the Delta Sugar, and more.


The Libertines Reunite for Summer Show:

"Not long ago I listened to the Libertines' songs on YouTube and had a burst of nostalgia so I said what the heck, and then they told me how much they will pay us and I cannot lie to you I couldn't say no, at least not in my state right now. I was recently called to family law court after a young girl I knew had told me I was the father of her baby. I have a year-and-a-half-old girl and I need to pay a lot of alimony, I'm in debt. It's very complicated for me to say no right now, I have financial problems." -Pete Doherty


David Bowie Unveils "Diamond Dogs" Picture Disc:

"Following hot on the stack heels of ROCK 'N' ROLL SUICIDE and 1984 (both released on April 19th for Record Store Day 2014), June 16th brings the next in the series of special DAVID BOWIE limited edition 7" picture disc releases: the 40th anniversary edition of DIAMOND DOGS.

Diamond Dogs is the tenth release in this continuing run of 40th anniversary 45s, except that this is the first in the series that isn’t a 45 as it will actually play at 33 1/3 rpm."


Would you pay $5m for an album?:



"The current model is unsustainable.  When music becomes data consumption, it devalues." -Tarik “Cilvaringz” Azzougarh


Childish Gambino Vents Label Frustrations:

"so this sweatpants video and blog was important to us… and it wasnt handled correctly… we were told a lot of things were gonna happen and they were all lies. so im done. someone buy me out of this contract… a lot of people came around after our first week sales. all those people are welcome now. def jam, atlantic, whatever… i dont like record companies. but im not having another project go through this… i said 'i know how the internet works tho' my record company laughed on the phone and said 'oh really?'… dont lie to me… i know im not loud, or outrageous, or a white girl with a big ass, but im fuckin honest… my team is honest. ur not on my team if ur not honest. dont lie to me."


Nas Teams Up with Timbaland, No I.D. and Swizz Beatz on New Album:

"I started with Tim and it felt really powerful; it felt like it was really powerful.  And I stepped back from it. Tim's like, 'What are you doing?' and I'm like, 'I just need a minute to like — I just need a minute to take it all in, just live a little and enjoy day-by-day stuff and daily stuff I'm doing.' It's just — I didn't want to go back in the studio that quick. I felt like I needed to be inspired." -Nas


Lindsey Stirling Releases "Shatter Me" Video Featuring Lzzy Hale:



Directed by: Everdream
Concept by: Joe Sill & Lindsey Stirling
Co-Producers: Eric Cook, Zac Geoffray, Jessica Zeta
Executive Producer: James Khabushani


Saskatchewan's Gateway Festival's Initial 2014 Lineup:

The July 25-27 event will include The Sheepdogs, Deep Dark Woods, Justin Townes Earle, Daniel Romano, Library Voices, Tim Hicks, Close Talker, Bend Sinister, The Bros. Landreth, Kacy & Clayton, Slim City Pickers and more.


Battles Set to Work on New Album:

"Yes, the windows are dusty, but let this serve as evidence of a new record being made."


Campaign targets how music is taught in schools (AUS):

"While the Australian Curriculum contains a commitment to teaching the arts and music, it is the view of The Music Trust that a majority of primary school students miss out on this education due to a combination of ineffective teacher training and classroom instruction. The organisation emphasises the importance of classroom music teaching, as opposed to after-school band programs or merely individual tuition."


Red Bull Tour Bus Announces 2014 Tour Schedule:

Inside Jack White's World's Fastest Record and Details of "Lazaretto":



1. Three Women
2. Lazaretto
3. Temporary Ground
4. Would You Fight For My Love?
5. High Ball Stepper
6. Just One Drink
7. Alone In My Home
8. Entitlement
9. That Black Bat Licorice
10. I Think I Found The Culprit
11. Want And Able



"Lazaretto" will be released on June 10th, 2014 via (of course) Third Man Records.




Black Sabbath, Rob Zombie, Josh Homme, Etc. Take Home 2014 ‘Revolver Golden Gods Awards’:

Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose received the ‘Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award‘ award at the ceremony and Joan Jett was honored with the 2014 ‘Golden God Award‘.

Album Of The Year:

Winner – Black Sabbath – “13“

Other nominees:
Avenged Sevenfold – “Hail To The King“
Five Finger Death Punch – “The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell, Vol 1 And 2“
Korn – “The Paradigm Shift“
Queens Of The Stone Age – “…Like Clockwork“
Volbeat – “Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies“

See the rest here.


SEBASTIAN BACH's "All My Friends Are Dead" Video:

"I could not be more proud of the new CD, 'Give 'Em Hell'. As a rock music fan myself, I listen to it every single day. As a musician, I honestly feel like I have reached a new level of album recording. As an audiophile, I could not be more blown away by the sound! The production and mastering sound so good that it's perfect to show off your high-end stereo system.



Ever since my first record, 'Skid Row', on through 'Slave To The Grind' up to 'Kicking & Screaming' and 'Angel Down', I have always been concerned, first and foremost, with making quality records for my fans. And I can honestly say that 'Give 'Em Hell' meets or even exceeds the standards set by some of the records I have put out in the past.

I can't wait for you all to hear this record! Let's 'Give 'Em Hell' in 2014, mothertruckers!" -Bach


Music therapist takes melodic approach to healing:

"One way is to use short pieces of evocative music, such as Edvard Grieg’s “Holberg Suite,” and pair it with drawing or writing. For example, I was working with a college student who was anxious. I asked her to listen to the “Air” movement, which features very churning tension, then release. She drew a flower encased in two glass boxes, and said, “This is my inner self, disconnected from the world.” Several sessions later, she drew a flower planted in the earth, receiving nutrients and sunshine." -Lisa Summer


Judas Priest Releases New Single "Redeemer of Souls":



The album, "Redeemer of Souls", will be released on July 15th, 2014 via Epic Records.


Ex-Thursday Singer Speaks Of Working With Former Lostprophets Members On Their New Band:

“I’ve been talking to the remaining members of that band, because they’re really good guys. I really want to be a part of what they do. I want to be a part of their second chance. Because, like, people don’t really think of what happens to the other members, but that. That took away their life.

They had to give up their career, they had to give up everything that they had worked for 15-17 years for. They had no idea what was going on, it hit them so hard. Like I would talk to them on days they wouldn’t want to get out of bad. And they’re all fathers.

You know, what happened, what happened is just devastating for them. I mean really, here in Wales, so many people have personal interaction with those guys and know that people like Stu and Mike and Lee—like they are such good people, ya know what I mean?

So yeah I’ve heard that rumor too, but like it’s been my honor to work with them on their new band from a label perspective. And it’s just so good man, people are not going to know what hit them when the new band comes out, it’s like everything I grew up on, like little bit of New Order; little bit of Joy Division; little bit of The Cure; like it’s just so forward-thinking. And it also like… all the roots are everything I’ve ever loved from goth music.

It’s just really cool man. I think like if ever there was a group of people that needed a second chance it’s those guys and they’re going to take full advantage of it. I’m really proud of them.” -Geoff Rickly


Otep Signs With Slipknot DJ’s Management Company, New Album In The Works:

“I’ve been a friend and fan of Sid for years and it’s a true honor to be managed by such a talented and triumphant artist.” -Otep Shamaya


Wolves At The Gate Premiere Lyric Video For New Song “Dust To Dust”:



The band's new album “VxV“ will be released in stores on June 10th, 2014 via Solid State Records.


Marilyn Manson’s New Song “Cupid Carries A Gun” To Serve As Theme On TV Show “Salem”:

“The song ‘Cupid Carries a Gun‘ was the last track we just finished for my new album. The occult and witchcraft [are] so often used in cinema with a heinous disregard for even researching its origins. However, I liked the themes of Salem. It looks at the witch trials without being cliche like most modern films.” -Manson


Chiodos Debut "Ole Fishlips Is Dead Now" Video:



"Devil" was released on April 1st, 2014 via Razor & Tie Records.


Public Image Ltd.'s Keith Levene Prepping Definitive Version of 'Commercial Zone':

"Finally producing the Commercial Zone my way will allow me to finish important unfinished business.  I know there's been a gap in time of thirty years. However, it seems like it's coming right on time for a myriad of reasons. So now with Commercial Zone 2014 you will get what the fourth album was supposed to be — and much more. It will be much better because it's current and has the benefit of 30 years of my work." -Keith Levene


HELLYEAH & Adrenaline Mob Booked For More Off-Dates From Avenged Sevenfold Tour:

04/29 Destin, FL – Club LA
05/02 Mobile, AL – Soul Kitchen
05/03 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
05/09 Providence, RI – Feta Ballroom
05/16 Toronto, ON – The Opera House
05/17 Flint, MI – Machine Shop
05/19 Kokomo, IL – Centerstage
05/20 Libertyville, IL – Austins
05/21 Joliet, IL – Mojoes
05/27 Corpus Christi, TX – Brewsters St. Ice House
05/28 Houston, TX – Scout Bar
05/31 Manhattan, KS – RC McGraws


Machine Head Launch Official Streams Of “Killers & Kings” And Their Ignite Covers:




Machine Head‘s “Killers & Kings” 10 inch vinyl was released on 2014 ‘Record Store Day‘ (April 19th, 2014).


Universal launches subscription-based music app with fitness chain David Lloyd:

“10 Playlists of music for warming up, jogging, spinning, strength training and more.  Working with Dr. Costas Karageorghis from Brunel University, one of the world’s leading sports scientists, our team of expert curators update your app with fresh music every week so there’s always something new to listen to when you get to the gym.”


Mushroomhead Debut New Song “QWERTY”:



“The Righteous & The Butterfly“ will be released on May 13th, 2014.


Sonic Syndicate’s New Album Set For July:

1 – Day Of The Dead
2 – Black Hole Halo
3 – Long Road Home
4 – My Revenge
5 – Before You Finally Break (feat. Bjorn “Speed’ Strid of Soilwork)
6 – Catching Fire
7 – Unbreakable
8 – It Takes Me
9 – See What I See
10 – So Addicted
11 – The Flame That Changed The World

Limited edition bonus tracks:

12 – Diabolical Work Of Art
13 – What We Shared
14 – Another Soldier Down

"We decided to go with this one as a “Self-Titled” release. Mainly because as an album we have put everything we’ve got into it. All of our experience as musicians, the evolution of the music, the sound from all eras of the band, and also the road we have taken as people. This is us, this is Sonic Syndicate in all its beauty and destruction. It shows our strength, our love for melody, our scars, our energy. The cover art is a definite representation of that.

In the background, a battle-torn city laid to waste, four figures emerging together with only each other to depend on in an environment so harsh, only those with a tough heart, body and soul can survive. The tone throughout this album is definitely darker, and as my Swedish family would say “With a red-line running in the middle” so we put this into the colour-scheme. We could not be more proud of this album, and we thank our fans for the support, it’s because of them that we’re here. This album is for you.”


Volumes Release Teaser For New Album “No Sleep”:



The album will be released sometime in July, 2014.


New Born Of Osiris Album In The Works:

“Hard at work on this new BOO record and am making huge progress…”


Born Of Osiris Guitarist Lee Mckinney’s Mechanize Side Project Becomes DIMIR:

"Hey everyone, sorry for the silence. As you can see.. There has been a name change. Along with the name change is quite the style change. On top of it all a NEW EP coming in May. Official release details coming soon. Thanks for all your patience!"


Circle Of Contempt Stream New Song “Filth” and "Redefine":






The Future Of Music Discovery Is In The Numbers:

"Algorithms are the most influential development in music discovery since the mixtape. Spotify, iTunes, Last.fm, Pandora, Amazon, and YouTube are a fraction of the innumerable services running numbers to build playlists and suggest music to fit moods and tastes. Active listeners can explore similar artists and delve deep into niche genres, while passive listeners can launch endless playlists with a single click. As competition spreads the streaming industry thin, robust recommendations are a desired commodity."


Motionless In White Announce New Album:

"New Album 'Reincarnate' out September 16th."

Random Music Quotes: Schenker

"I just do it the same way over and over. I love to play. I play and discover on a regular basis, so when I bump into a great piece of something that I think, 'Wow, I should capture that' — and it's usually just 5 seconds, 10 seconds long — I'll put it on the cassette recorder in its raw form and I'll just leave it there. 

When it's time to make a new record, I listen to what I have selected, and then that inspires me to write the additional parts to it. So I never really know what the song is going to be until the album's finished. On this album in particular, I was looking for more of a balance: Not too many mid tempos, but enough fast songs and many different elements in it that keep it going and keep it interesting. It's like putting a puzzle together and never really knowing what comes out at the end." -Michael Schenker

Chiodos Streaming ENTIRE "Devil" Album

While Chiodos is not a house hold name with my girlfriend and I, they have continually been circulating round the touring schedules in North America since 2001 and have toured with major names such as Fear Before the March of Flames, Atreyu, From First to Last, Every Time I Die, 36 Crazyfists, Linkin Park, Coheed and Cambria, Nine Inch Nails, and Alice in Chains.  Not a bad set of bands to be touring with I must say.

So the group has had it's fair share of ups and downs.  They lost some members and have gained (and re-gained) new ones along the way.  Most of the core member that started the group are still in Chiodos, which made their latest effort, "Devil", and very strong release for 2014.  The official release date was April 1st, 2014 via Razor & Tie Records.  The album was produced by David Bottrill who has done previous production work with Tool, Muse, Flaw, Dream Theater, Silverchair, Placebo, The Smashing Pumpkins, Between The Buried and Me, and many more!

Where the band's last album found them trying to keep their heads above water, Devil sees them continuing to move forward again, and although Hale's presence will certainly be missed, fans of the band will find that the return of Frost and Owens more than makes up for the loss. -All Music

So like most bands (and labels) who can stay in the technology game, they released the entire new album online for your streaming pleasure.  This may prompt you to pick up a copy of the album and support the group.



"Devil isn’t something I thought long and hard about. It is something that hit me, and hard. I asked myself if I was brave enough to stand behind such a strong, emotionally evoking word.. and I knew right then, that was it. This title is not to be confused with the muscled, red horned man surrounded by fire. This is about the temptations of everyday life; the things that become regrets; the moments where you are forced to make a choice that will determine how it is that you look at yourself for the rest of your life. This album is my definition of Devil." -Craig Owens

Music Video Overload For April 25th, 2014

Ahh well another wonderful Friday has arrived folks.  I trust everyone will have something entertaining to do with their spare time AND hopefully it's music related.  Any shows for anyone?  Jam sessions?

As for myself, I think tonight will consist of cracking open a beer and getting into that weekend warrior mentality with a stream of these fine music videos below.  Some great new material from artists such as Marty Friedman, Gus G, Heartist, Black Stone Cherry, and much more!  There's even a few lyric videos and playthroughs towards the bottom.  So relax, kick back after a long week and enjoy some tunes to forget about anything that happened at work.  Cheers!

Marty Friedman Releases "Inferno" Video:



"Inferno" is the self titled song from his upcoming album "Inferno", which is due out on May 27th via Prosthetic Records.


Gus G.'s “Eyes Wide Open” Video:



"Eyes Wide Open" is taken from Gus's debut album release "I Am The Fire" which was released on March 18th, 2014 via Century Media Reecords.


BLACK STONE CHERRY - 'Me And Mary Jane' Video:



"Magic Mountain" will be released on May 6th, 2014 via Roadrunner Records.


Heartist Release “Pressure Point” Video:



"This new album is for our fans, be them old fans, new ones, or ones who have never heard our name before. Regardless of how successful we are in the music industry, our same ideals and goals from the conception of this band hold true: If we can touch one persons heart in someway, it's all worth it." -Bryce (and Heartist)

Their full length album will be released later in 2014.  More information to come.


HELLYEAH's “Sangre Por Sangre (Blood For Blood) Video:



The new album named “Blood For Blood” will be due in stores on June 10th, 2014 via Eleven Seven Music.


SUICIDAL TENDENCIES - 'Slam City' Video:



"Slam City" comes off ST's latest album "13", which was released on March 26th, 2013.


AC/DC's BRIAN JOHNSON Singing 'You Shook Me' With BILLY JOEL:



Taken March 21st, 2014 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.


AVATAR - 'Hail The Apocalypse' Guitar Lesson:



"Hail The Apocalypse" comes out on May 13th, 2014 via eOne.


Whitechapel Post Lyric Video For “Our Endless War”:



The new album “Our Endless War” will be released on April 29th, 2014 via Metal Blade Records.


MISS MAY I - 'Refuse To Believe' Lyric Video:



"Rise Of The Lion" will be released on April 29th, 2014 via Rise Records.


Madball Release "DNA" Lyric Video:



"DNA" is taken from Madball's new album "HARDCORE LIVES", which will be released on June 27th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast.

36 Crazyfists - A Snow Capped Romance

While this was a very important piece in my high school and college days, the overkill of listening to it wore out it's welcome.  Then again, the compact disc may have just been worn out...whatever came first I guess.  So the last few days I was playing with some licks on the guitar and forgot how much fun I had rocking out to tunes such as "Destroy The Map" and "Kenai".  The sophomore album from 36 Crazyfists was definitely something that couldn't be ignored.



Only a few friends listened to them and understood their style.  I think that was another reason I grew so attached to them.  The exclusivity of a band or album makes it much more enjoyable.  Not that there is anything wrong with mass production, but I'm sure we have all felt that way at some point when we hear new music that mainstream has not yet caught onto.  To this day, I only have a handful of friends who thoroughly enjoyed "A Snow Capped Romace" and other 36 Crazyfists' music as much as I do.



1. At the End of August
2. The Heart and the Shape
3. Bloodwork
4. Kenai
5. Skin and Atmosphere
6. Song for the Fisherman
7. With Nothing Underneath
8. Destroy the Map
9. Installing the Catheter
10. Cure Eclipse
11. Waterhaul

Japanese/iTunes bonus tracks:
12. Workhorse (Cast Iron Hike cover)
13. Sad Lisa (Cat Stevens cover)

A Snow Capped Romance was released on March 16th, 2004 via Roadrunner Records.  It was produced by James Paul Wisner (Stretch Armstrong, Underoath, Dashboard Confessional, etc.) and was mixed/mastered by legendary Andy Sneap (Machine Head, Caliban, As I Lay Dying, Soulfly, Trivium, Nevermore, etc.).

"Opener "At The End Of August" is somewhat more in the vein of previous material, yet crackles with power, while the crisp, frantic "Heart And The Shape" sets the table for "Bloodwork", which is probably one of the most memorable emo-metal tunes to come down the pike in a while." -Blabbermouth

There are way too many memories in my life where this album has circulated.  I was playing in a band with four members which made the connection a little more admirable.  Brock's vocals were very unique as well (and still are).  While it made it challenging to try and jam tunes of theirs in my own band practices, it was still the most fun singing along to songs that I just listened to 10x that day. A fine blend of melody, dance, thrash, and breakdowns.  Numerous times I would also jump on the mic for my buddy's band VENT as they rocked out "The Heart And Shape".

It seems that a fair amount of activities I did included a soundtrack, which was usually 36 Crazyfists or other artists like them.  Even in my high school days when doing extracurricular activities such as track & field had it moments.  Fellow competitor and class mate Josh would make it a point to crank this album as loud as we could during training.  It was that extra 'umph' you needed before tossing the shot, discus, javelin, etc.



Expansion from such a singular dimension is natural, even imperative for a follow-up effort; thankfully, these kindler, gentler Fists don't forget how to clench. At first, it doesn't look good.  A Snow Capped Romance occasionally stumbles on the loose gravel of conventionalism, but it always regains its footing on the rock. -All Music

I still grab a guitar the odd time and thrash out to some tunes like "Bloodwork" and "At The End of August", as those two seem to be the only ones I can remember (and even that is a stretch).  Maybe its about time I jumped onto a few other tunes of theirs and give em a go.  So if this is your first time hearing these guys, I am humbled you came here to read about em.

The songs that AFGM recommends for best showcase of this album would have to be:

"At The End of August" | "Bloodwork"

"With Nothing Underneath" |  "Destroy The Map"

The Amity Affliction - Let The Ocean Take Me

Ahh my love for Australian metal has been rejuvenated once more.  Brisbane's The Amity Affliction have done quite well for themselves over the past few years.  Some very successful album releases, non-stop touring, and the constant interaction on social media (not to mention a big label like Roadrunner) have combined to work in their favour.  255,000+ followers on Facebook alone (plus the 43K on Twitter and 23K on Instagram) is a good momentum to have for their forth full length release.

TAA's new album "Let The Ocean Take Me" was released on June 6th (AUS), June 9th (UK) & June 10th (USA) via Roadrunner Records.

1. Pittsburgh

2. Lost & Fading

3. Don’t Lean On Me

4. The Weigh Down

5. Never Alone

6. Death’s Head

7. FML

8. My Father’s Son

9. Forest Fire

10. Give It All

So the guys seem like they are really excited about this new album.  Using past releases to predict futures, it seems they have been honing in on their craft and making sure that they stay true to a core sound that brought the fans in, while at the same time hoping to tweak songs just a bit to give them distinction and originality.  It's a fine line to play but the payoff is worth it for the artists.

“We’ve always been in this for the long haul, and we always want to keep getting better.  We toured for five years around Australia almost non-stop before anyone even really noticed us, and then with each of our records our following seemed to double. That’s really humbling, because we never set out to be ‘successful’ in this way, and our fans are really important to us, and we’re just going to keep writing the best songs we can.” -Birch

The Amity Affliction consists of:

Troy Brady – guitar | Ahren Stringer – vocals; guitar | Joel Birch – unclean vocals

Ryan Burt – drums | Dan Brown – guitar

Since discussing the new single "Pittsburgh", I thought to share it with you all as well to make your own assumptions and decisions about the new material from TAA.  Even one of my top sites to visit, Under The Gun, has been giving the new song high praise, citing "The lyricism of this band has to be some of my favorite in the music scene right now. Their verses are so well written and so raw; it’s easy for anyone to make a connection with the band. “Pittsburgh” is one of the best songs they’ve released so far, and I hope it’s only one of many."


Production Company: filmSmith.com.au | Director/DP/Editor: Simon Harvey Smith | Producer: Clint Gough

It's like there's cancer in my blood,

It's like there's water in my lungs,

And I can't take another step --

Please tell me I am not undone.

From reading comments from both Birch and Stringer, the guys still got that 'butterflies in your stomach' feeling that you get when completing a song, a painting, a photograph, etc.  Just basically when you set a goal and it follows through for you.

“We were in a better place going into making this record, and coming out of the studio with an album we’re all so proud of has only elevated that.  It’s such an overwhelming feeling sometimes when you listen to a song you worked so hard on and go holy shit, we made that from scratch. It’s a feeling you can’t get from anything else, and that applies to every song on Let The Ocean Take Me. With that under our belts we’re all just looking ahead right now, we’re excited for what’s next, and I feel like the sky’s the limit.” -Stringer

Orders are happening now so be sure to get the new album with some pretty cool merch.  As as always from AFGM, we're crossing our fingers for a string of Canadian dates soon enough.  Stay tuned for more info!

Music Releases For April 22nd, 2014

I can understand the lack of quality material coming out this Tuesday as most artists took part in Record Store Day that happened over the weekend.  A fair amount of singles and vinyls hit the shelves on Saturday with a whole bunch of goodies and bonus material for dedicated fans.  So it's understandable that the following release day would be a bit sluggish.  However, artists like Keb' Mo', Sebastian Bach, and Joe Satriani should keep the good vibes going and should convince you to hit up a local record store to show some love.  If not a record store, then order from an online retailer, or digital purchases as well.  Cheers and enjoy!

(Sebastian Bach - Give 'Em Hell)

‘Give ‘Em Hell’ iss quite an ambitious name for the album, which does not sound so ‘hellish’ except for the album cover (with Bach portrayed as the Devil) and a few songs, which were actual plausible attempts to ‘make the hell’. Otherwise it’s a melodic hard rock album with the iconic voice of the Sebastian Bach all over it. If you are not looking for something innovative from this guy and simply enjoy listening to his voice – you should be pleased with the quality. -Planet Mosh

(Army of the Pharaohs - In Death Reborn)

Lyrically the album is fire, with almost every verse on here being real dope. There isn't really much going on with the rhymes conceptually, however, as each track just seems like a collection of battle raps. I'm fine with that though, since everyone's lyrics and deliveries are spot on for the most part. There are a few weaker verses here and there (especially on the bigger posse cuts), but it never gets out of hand. Where the album falters a bit is with the instrumentals. The first half of the album has some generic instrumentals that don't quite stand out in the overall scope of the project. Luckily the second half of the album sounds much better and makes up for some of the weaker beats on the first half. I must admit that I wasn't really feelin' the album that much after my first listen, but it did end up growing on me after repeated listens and turned out pretty well overall. -The Essence of Rap and Hip-Hop

(Keb' Mo' - Blues Americana)

And give the multi-talented Mo’ credit for getting somewhat down and dirty by overdubbing himself on bass, slide and electric guitar, organ and harmonica on a perfectly credible version of Rogers’ blues standard “That’s Alright” assisted by Steve Jordan’s always in the pocket drums.

It’s clear that Mo’ put his heart into these tunes and even if they’re not as rootsy as the album’s title suggests, this is a warm, relaxed and enjoyable set that creates an effortless and natural blues/soul groove. -American Songwriter

(G. Love & Special Sauce - Sugar)

When I say that this album has no “Kiss and Tell”, it’s not to lament the fact that G. Love & Special Sauce can’t replicate past glories. It’s to say that too much of Sugar feels more like a finely-tuned jam session than a collection of songs. As welcome backs go, it will be embraced. It will remind people why they love(d) G. Love & Special Sauce so much. But if you already have a favorite G. Love album (and if you’re reading this, you certainly do), Sugar is not likely to bump it out of that number one spot. -Pop Matters


(Joe Satriani - The Complete Studio Recordings)

Joe Satriani is the guitar. Plain and simple. No one else has ever been able to play with such pizzazz, such fluidity, such timelessness.

Since the late eighties, the self-taught, multi-platinum virtuoso has been winning over fans and musicians alike with his groundbreaking style and legendary sounds. He has been around the world several times on tours of his own, as well as tours with Mick Jagger, Deep Purple, and hugely successful G3 summer tours and albums with fellow guitar legends Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd and as part of the supergroup, Chickenfoot. He has been both artist and teacher, instructing such famous pupils as Steve Vai, Metallica s Kirk Hammett, Counting Crow s David Bryson, and jazz fusionist Charlie Hunter.

Now for the first time, all of Joe's studio albums are compiled in The Complete Studio Recordings, the most comprehensive collection by the world's best selling instrumental guitarist. 15 albums including the new compilation titled Additional Creations and Bonus Tracks. Featuring brand-new digital remasters for the best sound reproduction overseen by Joe himself, each CD is packaged in a replica cardboard jacket and housed in a clamshell box. -Amazon

Music News and New Music For April 21st, 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!

This guy’s tattoo actually plays music:



The tattoo is “specifically designed to contain the maximum number of variable time slots between triggers for variable music to be made. It is possible to manually control the velocity of sensors’ movement, direction and step length. In addition, all control parameters and sensor movements can be programmed to operate autonomously.” -Morozov


AC/DC's BRIAN JOHNSON - We Are Not Retiring:

"We are definitely getting together in May in Vancouver.  We're going to pick up some guitars, have a plonk, and see if anybody has got any tunes or ideas. If anything happens, we'll record it." -Johnson


AC/DC 'Insiders' Refute Retirement Rumors:

"We've been denying anything, 'cause we weren't sure. One of our boys was pretty ill, so we didn't like to say anything, and we're very private about things like this, so we didn't wanna say anything. But I think we'll be going in the studio in May in Vancouver. Which means, we should be getting ready.  It's been 40 years of the band's existence, so I think we're gonna try to do 40 gigs, 40 shows, to thank the fans for their undying loyalty. I mean, honestly, our fans are just the best in the world, and we appreciate every one of them. So, like I said, we'll have to go out, even though we're getting a bit long in the tooth [Laughs]." -Johnson


Prince Signs with Warner Bros. for 'Purple Rain' Reissue, Promises New Album:

"A brand-new studio album is on the way and both Warner Bros Records and Eye are quite pleased with the results of the negotiations and look forward to a fruitful working relationship." -Prince


Jack White Debuts "Lazaretto" Single:



This is the title track from Jack White's new album "LAZARETTO" which will be out on June 10th, 2014 via Third Man Records.


Neil Young Releases Jack White-Assisted Covers Album:

"Most of the covers are of songs by well known artists, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, the Everly Brothers and Bert Jansch; there are two apiece by Gordon Lightfoot and Willie Nelson."

"A Letter Home":

1. A Letter Home Intro
2. Changes (Phil Ochs)
3. Girl from the North Country (Bob Dylan)
4. Needle of Death (Bert Jansch)
5. Early Morning Rain (Gordon Lightfoot)
6. Crazy (Willie Nelson)
7. Reason to Believe (Tim Hardin)
8. On the Road Again (Willie Nelson)
9. If You Could Read My Mind (Gordon Lightfoot)
10. Since I Met You Baby (Ivory Joe Hunter)
11. My Hometown (Bruce Springsteen)
12. I Wonder If I Care as Much (The Everly Brothers)


GODSMACK Completes Recording New Album:

"We are officially DONE recording! And this record is BAD ASS! Haven't been this excited in awhile! Hope u all love it! 1st single out soon!" -Erna


'Super Duper Alice Cooper' Documentary Trailer:



"This clip shows the exciting momentum the ALICE COOPER group gets swept up in when their iconic teen anthem 'I'm Eighteen' turns them into overnight sensations. The song 'Caught In A Dream' self-referentially soundtracks a swirl of images including limousines, gold records, airplanes, and lunatic teenagers." -Reginald Harkema (filmmaker)


APEX DJ Tour Hits Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal on North American Tour:

The tour features artists like Thugfucker, DJ Tennis, Maya Jane Coles, Magda, James Holden, Justin Martin, Catz 'N Dogz, Kill Frenzy, Harvard Bass, Danny Daze, Tale of Us, Joy Orbison, Blond:ish and Michael Mayer. The lineup changes each night.

04/19 Vancouver, BC - Electric Owl (Thugfucker, DJ Tennis)
04/24 Toronto, ON - Hoxton (Magda, James Holden)
04/25 Montreal, QC - Telus/Stereo (Maya Jane Coles, Magda, James Holden)
04/26 Denver, CO - Gothic Theater (Maya Jane Coles, Magda)
05/02 Brooklyn, NY - Verboten (Justin Martin, Catz n Dogz, Kill Frenzy, Harvard Bass)
05/08 Seattle, WA - Q (Justin Martin, Danny Daze)
05/09 Los Angeles, CA - Lot 613 (Tale of Us, Joy Orbison, Blond:ish, Danny Daze, special guest)
05/10 San Francisco, CA - 525 Harrison (Tale of Us, Joy Orbison, Thugfucker, Blond:ish)
05/16 Miami, FL - Treehouse (Michael Mayer, Danny Daze)


Neil Young's Pono Kickstarter Raises Over $6 Million:

"It's been pretty predictable, because I'm a musician and I know how musicians feel about sound.  The record companies made some bad choices and did not realize how big this tech [MP3s] was going to be. And when that happened, there was no alternative to the cheap sound. . . We're going to be able to play records back just like the artists made them — with absolutely no magic sauce, no DRM, no encoding, decoding, none of the things that screw with the sound and make it an intellectual property." -Young


Queens Of The Stone Age Reveal More Dates For July North American Tour:

07/05 Oshawa, ON – General Motors Centre
07/06 London, ON – Budweiser Gardens
07/08 Ottawa, ON – Ottawa Bluesfest
07/09 Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
07/10 Quebec, QC – Plains Of Abraham (feat. The Kills)
07/12 Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center
07/13 Albany, NY – Palace Theatre
07/16 Port Chester, NY – Capitol Theatre
07/20 Philadelphia, PA – Skyline Stage at The Mann Center


Struc/tures Streaming New Song “Extinction”:



“Life Through A Window” will be released on May 13th, 2013 via Sumerian Records.


VINNIE PAUL Doesn't Think PANTERA Will Ever Be Inducted Into ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME:

"It's already been proven there are tons of travesties that have gone on with that place. How in the world did it take forever to get BLACK SABBATH in there? Honestly, I don't think PANTERA will ever get in there. But if we do, I'm going to embrace it just like anything else. I've actually been there and heavy metal is barely even represented in the place, so I wouldn't expect that to happen."


Alice In Chains Announce August Canadian/US Tour:

08/08 Penticton, BC – S. Okanagan Centre
08/10 Prince George, BC – CN Centre
08/11 Dawson Creek, BC – EnCana Events Centre
08/13 Lethbridge, AB – Enmax Centre
08/18 Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
08/19 Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre
08/22 Hamilton, ON – Copps Coliseum
08/23 Rama, ON – Casino Rama


Why the music industry is trying—and failing—to crush Pandora:

"Pandora started its internet radio service in 2005. A five-year, experimental accord agreed with ASCAP that year was one of the factors that allowed it to do so. By 2011, when the company went public, it had amassed 80 million registered users, and was valued at about $2.5 billion."


Machine Head Preview New Track “Killers & Kings”:



The song will be released on a 10 inch vinyl on April 19th, 2014 for Record Store Day.


Alexisonfire Announce New Pressing Of Their Vinyl Discography Box Set:

“We are doing a 2nd Edition of the AOF box set.

It’s slightly smaller than the original press and it’s a bit cheaper. It contains all of the studio albums on beautiful 180 gram 2xLP’s. The first press will remain nice and rare and special for all the psychopaths who got up early on Christmas Day to buy it; in all sincerity, that was amazing and we love you for that.

So this is a good way to get all the AOF LP’s in one shot but lets say you hate Dog’s Blood or Crisis (pfft, we all know you love crisis. Clearly the best AOF record…) and you don’t want them…you’re in luck because all of our albums will be pressed individually and sold a la carte. They will also be available in your local independent record stores near the end of the summer, should you feel the need to be charitable to a dying part of what was once a vibrant and profitable music industry. Lots of love – George.

ALEXISONFIRE – BOX SET (2nd Edition) INFO:
- Available for pre-order begining today
- Will begin shipping in August 2014
- Will be available in select retail end of summer/begining of fall 2014
- you can buy each album & the box a la carte (incase you already own some full lengths and want to complete your collection)

ALEXISONFIRE – 2×12″Completely re-mastered and cut at 45 rpm on 180g double black vinyl for the first time ever

WATCH OUT! – 2×12″Mastered at 45 rpm on 180g double black vinyl for the first time ever.

CRISIS - 2×12″Mastered at 45rpm on 180g double black vinyl for the first time ever.

OLD CROWS / YOUNG CARDINALS – 2×12″Long out-of-print and re-pressed on 180g double black vinyl.

DOGS BLOOD – 12″Long out-of-print and re-pressed on 180g black vinyl.

TURNTABLE SLIPMAT** Exclusive “Daggers” Slipmat. (not available outside of the box set)

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD Digital Download cards will be included in each album.


Avatar Streaming New Track "Bloody Angel":


"Hail The Apocalypse" comes out on May 13th, 2014 via eOne.


Whitechapel Announce August Eastern North American Dates:

08/07 Clifton Park, NY – Upstate Concert Hall
08/08 Ottawa, ON – Ritual
08/09 Montreal, QC – Parc Jean-Drapeau (‘Heavy Montreal‘)
08/10 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
08/12 Richmond, VA – The Canal Club


AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE Taps Producer DAVE FORTMAN For New Album:

"We are more than excited to get into the studio and work with producer Dave Fortman (GODSMACK, SLIPKNOT, EVANESCENCE) on our upcoming crowd-funded record.  The music industry is such a different place these days, and we'd much rather have our fans in charge of the record as opposed to a bunch of suits whose only interest is the bottom line. Indiegogo, and crowd-funding options, have made this a possibility, and we're taking full advantage of it." -Cameron Heacock


Scars Of Tomorrow Officially Reunite:



“It’s been six years since the Scars Of Tomorrow‘s final tour. In that time, many things have happened and changed. Music is the best outlet for emotions and it’s something we all needed to feel again. This time, the game has changed and it is awesome to be able to write and play music for all of the right reasons again with no politics behind it.” -SOT


Victory Records’ Free Spring Sampler Has Arrived:

Including artists such as Emmure, Comeback Kid, Tear Out The Heart, Wretched, Ill Nino, Terror, Counterparts, and more!


RIAA Revs Up Lawsuit Against Megaupload:

"Two years after the U.S. Department of Justice raided his New Zealand mansion, indicting him for building up $25 million a year in ads and $150 million from premium fees, the Recording Industry Association of America recently announced that it would be piling on with a new lawsuit."


Sevendust Streaming New Song “Bonfire”:

Album Artwork 20 Years Later

So here's a moment to make you feel quite old.  So after seeing this in my news feed, I was feeling a bit senior when seeing these album covers passing the twenty year mark!  Some of these albums were the cornerstone of my childhood and could easily sing along to mostly all the songs.  I can't recall a time where I wasn't playing the entire album of "Dookie" while working on my air guitar skills.

(Green Day - Dookie)

With that being said, it brought a big smile to my face when seeing Phillip Marsden recreated these classic album covers into something more fitting of the 2014 era we currently live in.  Do you have any fond memories of any of these?  Is this article making you fee old?

(Beastie Boys - Ill Communication)

(Hole - Live Through This)

(Machine Head - Burn My Eyes)

(Manic Street Preachers - The Holy Bible)

You can also check out some other work that Phillip has done for Kerrang! Magazine, including his drawings for Kerrang's "Encyclopedia of Rock"

(Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral) 

(Pantera - Far Beyond Driven)

(Therapy? - Troublegum) 

(Weezer - Weezer [The Blue Album])

"Phillip Marsden is a cartoonist, illustrator and general ink wallah from the UK, currently based in Sydney, Australia.

Clients include NME, ShortList and Kerrang! magazines in the UK, Foxtel and Woolworths in Australia. Comics self-published under the imprint Compromise Comics Enterprise." -phillipmarsden.com