Frist Impressions: The Rockpile

Well, it only took me eight years of living in Toronto to finally visit a hot spot for concert goers in the west end.  The Rockpile has been a staple of the hip-hop, rock, and metal community for the past five years, and seen many great artists over that time.  Giving a little bit of a history lesson, the place was named after the legendary Masonic Temple, which was formerly named Rock Pile before that.  Former owner of The Big Bop, Dominic Tassielli, decided to keep an all ages venue going long after The Big Bop closed it's doors [at Bathurst and Queen].  So Tassielli decided to move all operations to Etobicoke, including staff, and The Rockpile was born.

"I definitely did not want to bring the name the Big Bop from Queen and Bathurst over here because I really believe the name the Big Bop stays at Queen and Bathurst." -Tassielli

So the venue looks like a prison; and rightfully so.  That's the theme this place gives when you walk in.  Dark lighting (to an extent, even though new fixtures seemed to be installed), prison bars, a mugshot station, and all around, the feeling like you're in a cell.  It was quite the cool experience for a first timer such as myself.  While the concert we attended was not at full capacity (funny enough, this was a 19+ show), the place can easily fit 350+ people in the venue, along with plenty of free parking, close to transit, and a large patio.  I think the only reason I wasn't here sooner was due to proximity of my work and home (I live and work on Yonge Street).  Other than that, I would highly recommend this place for an intimate concert.

(Photo courtesy of The Rockpile)

The place seems to be constantly improving it's lighting and sound capabilities, as outlined on their website:

"We are always moving forwards, adding new lighting recently, making audio upgrades, to keep improving your show experience, as a band, or audience member.  With that has also meant getting a ton of great bands in, and always trying to land bigger and better gigs too!"

Here is a list of the gear they are currently offering bands for shows:

Mixer:
FOH Mixer Soundcraft LX-7 32x4x2
ASHLY GQX 310231 band 1/3 Octave

Effects:
2 Yamaha Rev. 500
1 Yamaha SPX 990
1 Digitech RDS 3.6 Delay

Processor:
1 Drawmer DL 441 Quad Compressor
2 DBX 1046 Quad Compressor
1 DBX 274 Quad Gate

Monitor Gear 4 mixes from FOH
2 DBX 1231 Equalizers
2 DBX 266 XL Compressor

Amplifiers:
4 Myer MSL-3 Tops
8 Eerwin Vega JE 36 Subs
6 Elite E-15 Monitors
2 E-2204 Drum Fills
5 Yorkvile Ap 4040
2 Yorkvile Ap 5040
1 Bryston 4. B

Additional P.A.:
Set up upon request
Tri-amped side folls
2 x 18", 1 x 15", 2 x horn
Bod's are made by Myer

Lighting:
Operating at FOH by DMX Lighting computer

Front Lights:
8 par 56's
6 par 64 LED can RGBW

Rear Lights:
3 par 56's 12 par 64's
9 LED bar RGB

While I did not read most of this on my first experience, I was pretty fascinated with the layout of the venue, the positioning of the stage, the location of bars, and basically anything that had to do with the operations of the venue.  Because we were there to see a  band with numerous members (Cleveland's Mushroomhead has a roster of nine members), I was curious how they would be able to fit that many instruments and members on stage.  Needless to say the band pulled it off spectacularly.

The bar staff were friendly, the security guards were firm but also had a sense of humour, and the kitchen is actually decent.  I saw a few people walking around with some edibles, even making me a little hungry.  One of the better perks of the place is the lack of outrageous beer prices.  It was not like other concert venue that charge   Being that I had many great experiences at The Big Bop, it only made sense that I would have the same kind of feeling towards this venue.  While the area is rather abandoned around The Rockpile, I feel this venue will only increase with interest as condos and other major business developments are soon to be occupying the nearby areas.

So if you haven't had the chance to check out the venue, I suggest you do.  Check out their upcoming events page and hopefully something perks your interest.

Music Video Round Up For August 28th, 2015

So for those who are new to AFGM, you have to know first that I am a avid fan of music videos.  While I spent many years in my youth glued to MuchMusic (and Much More Music) for the chance to see what bands could do for a visual art.  A lot of the bands I listened to were not only telling a story in their music, but could also be translated to their visual aspects.

Sure you get a bunch of rockers to jam in front of your TV screen sometimes does not seem that appealing.  But I think the reflection of your music videos reveal how you act/look/perform in a live atmosphere.  We are in a day and age where we can view live footage from practically any band on the planet, but for many years before that, we relied on music videos and VHS/DVD releases.

(Artwork by AFGM.  Original photo courtesy of Golden Age of Music Video)

So this my tribute to the forgotten art of music videos.  They haven't gone away like many friends and family claim, they just changed their medium.  So be sure to cruise through AFGM every once and awhile to discover some new artists, or to remind you of ones you might have forgotten.  Apologies to those who have slow bandwidth.  I suggest you load the page, grab a coffee/tea/beer, and come back to enjoy!

*Note - Be sure to click on each hyperlink to see more album information, release dates, etc.*


The Muppets - Jungle Boogie:




Slaves - Running Through The !6! With My Soul:




Sons Of Texas - Blameshift:




Wovenwar - Archers:




August Burns Red - Identity:




Parkway Drive - Crushed:




The Devil Wears Prada - Planet A:

For Today - Broken Lens:

Metal Allegiance - Dying Song:




Feed The Rhino - Featherweight:




Battlecross - Absence:




Devilment - Sanity Hits A (Perfect) Zero:




Gary Clark Jr. - The Healing (Live):




Silversun Pickups - Kissing Families (Live):




Rival Sons - Long As I Can See the Light (Live):




All Time Low - Runaways (Live):




BABYMETAL - Ijime, Dame, Zettai (Live):




Epica - The Essence Of Silence (Live):




Deadlock - Dead City Sleepers (Drum Playthrough):




Deadlock - I'm Gone (Drum Playthrough):




Art of Dying - Everything (Lyric Video):




From Ashes to New - Through It All (Lyric Video):




Gemini Syndrome - Eternity (Lyric Video):




Bring Me The Horizon - True Friends (Lyric Video):




Gloryhammer - Universe On Fire (Lyric Video):




Heart of a Coward - Turmoil I: Wolves (Lyric Video):




Fear Factory - Regenerate (Lyric Video):




Coal Chamber - Another Nail In The Coffin (Lyric Video):




coldrain - Words Of The Youth (Audio Only):

Random Music Quotes: Lanier

Music is love in search of a word. -Sidney Lanier

(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Full Album Stream: Phinehas - Till The End

So one of the new[er] sections I created was "Full Album Streams".  Not only did this gave folks something to listen to when they are cruising the site (being that the original intention of this site was to acts as a hub to explore), but also a chance for people to explore new artists, new genres, and new albums before deciding to purchase them (also from links on AFGM's site).

Full album streams seem to be a new fad that a lot of internet savvy people are jumping on.  It can be in the form of a Soundcloud widget, a YouTube playlist, or even a single YouTube video.  This often gives record labels a chance to promote new artists and for people to subscribe to their social media pages.  So hopefully this provides you access to some new music, bands, and/or artists.  Cheers!

PS - Feel free to send us an email if you have any albums you think you should be on this list or a new one coming out we missed.  We're always listening!


(Artwork by AFGM.  Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Formed in 2001, Phinehas is a Christian (not that it makes a difference for sound anyway) metalcore four piece from La Mirada, California.  They have released three studio albums to date, and have amassed a large social media presence (55,000+ on Facebook, 6,000+ on Twitter, and 16,000+ on Instagram).  The group has gone through multiple lineup changes over the years, resulting in a long list of former members.  However, the signing to Artery Recordings has the lineup as follows:

Sean McCulloch – Vocals | Daniel Gailey – Guitar

Bryce Kelly – Bass | Lee Humerian – Drums/Vocals

I have to say without a doubt this is one of my favourite albums currently streaming at home.  The first track I listened to ("White Livered") gave me instant chills; also instantly having me turn the volume from a steady 3-4, straight to a 10.  While it was argued by a fellow musician of mine that the music seemed very compressed and digital, I counter argued that this was the very reason I was attached so quickly.  The precision may not entirely go to the band, but they've had a string of successful singles, including ones for their back catalog during their time with Red Cord Records.  With many whispers of these guys being 'the next As I Lay Dying', I can see the similarities, but also hope that they do not fall into that classification, rather than something originally on their own.

I believe the tone has kind of evolved over the years.  I would say that there’s been a couple of things that have stayed the same, as far as our mindset towards writing songs.  We’re not trying to do this proverbial topping other bands, having them top us and us trying to top other bands as far was what’s the heaviest thing you’ve ever heard in your life or anything like that.  Our main concern and main focus is just writing good songs and we want to be as creative as possible within that.  There’s been riffs in general… very guitar driven since the beginning and overall aggressive sound. -Sean McCulloch (via Metal Insider)

Their latest album, Till The End, was released on July 10th, 2015 via (newly inked partnership) Artery Recordings.  This is their third LP overall, and their first with Artery Recordings.

(Album artwork courtesy of Phinehas and Artery Recordings)

1. Dead Choir

2. White Livered* (feat. Dominic Dickinson of Affiance)

3. Truth Be Told

4. Non

5. Forever West

6. Tetelestai*

7. Coup de Grâce*

8. Omnis

9. Seven

10. Illiaster (More Than Skin)

11. Evening Grey and Morning Red

12. Moriar

13. Till the End

(* = AFGM Recommendations)

Till The End is a deft, dynamic, and definitive offering that fuses together truly blazing guitar work courtesy of Daniel and Sean's massive vocals. The melodies can soar at the right times on "Dead Choir," while rhythms and riffs jackhammer in tandem. Airy interludes like "non" heighten the exponential impact of "Forever West" and "Telestai." When you listen from top-to-bottom, hearing the inventiveness of the six-minute-plus "Seven" engages on a deeper level. Everything mounts into one final and focused fiery explosion during the title track. This is one of those game-changing albums for the scene, building a middle ground between Underøath's Define the Great Line and Killswitch Engage's The End of Heartache for a new era. -Artist Direct



Overall, the result is quite enjoyable during its run-time. “Tetelestai” is one of the better metalcore songs you’ll hear this year, and “Dead Choir” is gloriously retro. Of course, some songs blend together, and you won’t need to respin the album a million times to get what they’re doing, but Phinehas has written arguably the most competent metalcore record of 2015. They don’t elevate the game as much as they clearly have the talent to do, but it’s enjoyable nonetheless. -New Noise Magazine

Full Album Stream: The Devil Wears Prada - Space [EP]

So one of the newest sections I created was "Full Album Streams".  Not only did this gave folks something to listen to when they are cruising the site (being that the original intention of this site was to acts as a hub to explore), but also a chance for people to explore new artists, new genres, and new albums before deciding to purchase them (also from links on AFGM's site).

Full album streams seem to be a new fad that a lot of internet savvy people are jumping on.  It can be in the form of a Soundcloud widget, a YouTube playlist, or even a single YouTube video.  This often gives record labels a chance to promote new artists and for people to subscribe to their social media pages.  So hopefully this provides you access to some new music, bands, and/or artists.  Cheers!

PS - Feel free to send us an email if you have any albums you think you should be on this list or a new one coming out we missed.  We're always listening!

(Artwork by AFGM.  Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Formed in 2005, The Devil Wears Parada is a six piece metalcore group from Dayton, Ohio.  The band has maintained a consistent lineup throughout the years, with the exception of keyboardist James Baney leaving in 2012.  Since 2005, the band has achieved major success in the metal world with major albums such as With Roots Above and Branches Below, Dead Throne, and 8:18.  The group also pur forth a concept EP called Zombie, which scored them #10 on the Billboard 200, and landed them countless tours.  The current lineup consists of:

Jeremy DePoyster – Guitar | Mike Hranica – Vocals | Andy Trick – Bass

Daniel Williams – Drums | Jonathan Gering – Keyboards/Synthesizers (touring member)

Kyle Sipress – Guitar (touring member)

Their latest effort is a new six song EP titled Space, which was released on August 21st, 2015 via [newly inked deal with] Rise Records.  The EP was on the heels of a very successful tour of their previous EP Zombie.  Being that the EP was such a widely accepted album, it makes perfect sense that TDWP would embark on another concept EP with a different theme.  Comments from vocalist Mike Hranica echoes those sentiments:

"The Zombie EP was really fun to write and really a different kind of challenge, but also very rewarding. I wanted to do that again with the Space EP and kind of test my own fictional narrative lyric writing, as well as form these songs to a very specific theme towards whatever bit of space the song looks to explore." -Mike Hranica

(Album artwork courtesy of TDWP and Rise Records)

1. Planet A
2. Alien
3. Moongod
4. Interlude (Instrumental)
5. Supernova
6. Asteroid

When people hear “space,” they tend to think of astronauts, aliens and futuristic sounds with beeps, bops, and that almost atmospheric lull attached to basically every sci-fi film from the ’70s. Luckily, TDWP found a way to capture a spacey vibe without delving too deep into cliché. As The Devil Wears Prada returned for their second conceptually themed EP, they were able to perfectly capture the sound of aliens, rocket voyages, and galactic explosions in just six new tracks. -New Noise Magazine



“We wanted each song on the Space EP to have a specificity about it, to have its own identity separate from the others, to have its own sound, but still have them all united in concept.  We talked about a lot of different themes, but ‘space’ just felt right.

Making this EP was a great experience because it allowed me to open up my imagination and creativity, not to be hindered by having too much knowledge of the subject and become overly analytical, being able to write a more fictional narrative.  We really look forward to making more records like this.” -Mike Hranica

Full Album Stream: Miss May I - Deathless

So one of the newest sections I created was "Full Album Streams".  Not only did this gave folks something to listen to when they are cruising the site (being that the original intention of this site was to acts as a hub to explore), but also a chance for people to explore new artists, new genres, and new albums before deciding to purchase them (also from links on AFGM's site).

Full album streams seem to be a new fad that a lot of internet savvy people are jumping on.  It can be in the form of a Soundcloud widget, a YouTube playlist, or even a single YouTube video.  This often gives record labels a chance to promote new artists and for people to subscribe to their social media pages.  So hopefully this provides you access to some new music, bands, and/or artists.  Cheers!

PS - Feel free to send us an email if you have any albums you think you should be on this list or a new one coming out we missed.  We're always listening!

(Artwork by AFGM.  Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Hailing from Troy, Ohio, Miss May I is a five piece metalcore group signed to Rise Records.  The group formed in 2007, and have been on a steady warpath to conquer the metal world.  The group saw commercial success with the release of their sophomore album Monument, and have continued that success with subsequent releases such as At Heart, and Rise of the Lion.  The group currently consists of:

Justin Aufdemkampe – Guitar | Levi Benton – Vocals | Jerod Boyd – Drums

Ryan Neff – Bass/Vocals | B.J. Stead – Guitar

Their latest album, Deathless, was released on August 7th, 2015 via Rise Records.  The album was produced by Joey Sturgis, who has also worked with artists such as Asking Alexandria, Of Mice & Men, Emmure, We Came As Romans, The Devil Wears Prada, and many more.  Sturgis also produced the first two albums from MMI (Apologies Are for the Weak, and Monument).  The album peaked at #2 on the Billboard US Top Hard Rock Albums, and #5 on Top Rock Albums.

"This record is about how the last two years have tested us on many levels and how we have come through it all stronger and better. That's where the title comes from, because we are deathless."-Levi Benton

(Album artwork courtesy of Miss May I and Rise Records)

1. I.H.E.*
2. Trust My Heart (Never Hope to Die)
3. Psychotic Romantic
4. Deathless*
5. Bastards Left Behind
6. Arise*
7. Turn Back the Time
8. Empty Promises*
9. The Artificial
10. Born from Nothing

(* = AFGM Recommendations)

Tracks like “I.H.E.” creates a thrashy vibe broken up by an isolated guitar that slowly transitions into a solo that could carry the record alone if need be. Luckily, it isn’t the only milestone solo on the album. “Bastards Left Behind,” which serves as a nice lyrical continuation to the themes touched upon on 2012’s “Hey Mister” (At Heart), emphasizes a solid djenty riff that fades into a solo working to compliment Benton’s unclean vocals on the bridge. Layering levels like this not only exemplify the production talents of Joey Sturgis, but they add a depth to this record that was significantly absent in the more monochromatic Rise of the Lion. -New Noise Magazine



Deathless is an album that firmly fits Miss May I into many genres across the metal world. They can tour with metal elites like Trivium, Killswitch Engage and Bullet For My Valentine and still look right at home at Warped Tour. This album shows development and is the most vastly accessible body of work to date that will surely plant them even further on the popularity pedestal for modern day metal. -Back Seat Mafia

Music Video Round Up For August 20th, 2015

So for those who are new to AFGM, you have to know first that I am a avid fan of music videos.  While I spent many years in my youth glued to MuchMusic (and Much More Music) for the chance to see what bands could do for a visual art.  A lot of the bands I listened to were not only telling a story in their music, but could also be translated to their visual aspects.

Sure you get a bunch of rockers to jam in front of your TV screen sometimes does not seem that appealing.  But I think the reflection of your music videos reveal how you act/look/perform in a live atmosphere.  We are in a day and age where we can view live footage from practically any band on the planet, but for many years before that, we relied on music videos and VHS/DVD releases.

(Artwork by AFGM.  Original photo courtesy of Golden Age of Music Video)

So this my tribute to the forgotten art of music videos.  They haven't gone away like many friends and family claim, they just changed their medium.  So be sure to cruise through AFGM every once and awhile to discover some new artists, or to remind you of ones you might have forgotten.  Apologies to those who have slow bandwidth.  I suggest you load the page, grab a coffee/tea/beer, and come back to enjoy!

*Note - Be sure to click on each hyperlink to see more album information, release dates, etc.*


Tiësto & KSHMR feat. Vassy - Secrets (Don Diablo VIP mix):




Saint Asonia - Better Place:




I See Stars - Murder Mitten (Phases):




Art of Anarchy - Time Every Time:




Blessthefall - Walk On Water:




Act of Defiance - Legion of Lies:




Act of Defiance - Throwback:




Conquer Divide - Nightmares:




Miss May I - Deathless:




Terror - Mind At War:




Kataklysm - The World Is A Dying Insect:




Kataklysm - Hate Spirit:




Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up (Live):




The Offspring - Self Esteem (Live):

All Time Low - Something's Gotta Give (Live):




All Time Low - Weightless (Live):




All Time Low - Tidal Waves (Live):




Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye (Live):




U.D.O. - Independence Day (Live):




The Agonist - I Endeavor (Playthrough):




Dead Letter Circus - The Burning Number (Lyric Video):




Disturbed - Fire It Up (Lyric Video):

Huntress - Flesh (Lyric Video):




Soulfly - Sodomites [feat. Todd Jones of NAILS] (Lyric Video):




Xandria - Voyage Of The Fallen (Lyric Video):




Revocation - The Blackest Reaches (Lyric Video):




Dave Koz - Game Of Thrones Theme [Smooth Version] (Audio Only):

While She Sleeps - Brainwashed

The latest album from While She Sleeps has been such a comfort on my phone the past few months that I would be remiss not to include it here in AFGM.  While I am not overly familiar with the five piece group from Sheffield, their latest album, Brainwashed, struck a familiar chord with moi.  Since then, it has become a regular on my playlist for both the gym and for my cycling adventures throughout the city.

For those not aware of the group, be sure to look into While She Sleeps.  Formed in 2006, the quintet has maintained the same members since 2009, and has produced two full length albums (+1 EP from 2010).  Their debut album, This Is The Six, was a commercial success for the group, and debuted at #27 on the UK Album Chart.  I am sure that fans of the first album were only hoping the sophomore would live up to expectations.  From the reviews that I have read throughout the internet, it seems they exceeded them.



"Brainwashed is the product of anger and frustration directed towards a number of personal and political topics, and it is all the better for it. While She Sleeps can now press on and regain their status as one of Britain’s prestigious exports – not that they ever lost it, mind you." -MOSH

So for some details, Brainwashed was released on March 23rd, 2015 via Search and Destroy Records/Sony Music.  Production was handled by Carl Brown (Trivum), mixing was handled by Ted Jansen (Tremonti, Kid Rock, 3 Doors Down, Florence + the Machine, Breaking Benjamin, etc), and mixing was handled by Colin Richardson (Machine Head, Slipknot, Trivium, As I Lay Dying, Chimaira, DevilDriver, etc).

(Album artwork courtesy of While She Sleeps and Search and Destroy Records/Sony Music)

1. The Divide
2. New World Torture*
3. Your Evolution (Deluxe Edition CD)
4. Brainwashed*
5. We Are Alive At Night (Deluxe Edition CD)
6. Our Legacy*
7. Four Walls*
8. Torment
9. Kangaeuzu Ni
10. Life In Tension
11. Trophies of Violence*
12. No Sides, No Enemies
13. The Woods (Deluxe Edition CD)
14. Method In Madness
15. Modern Minds

(* = AFGM Recommendations)

While I do not feel these guys are reinventing the genre, or throwing something completely different at us, but they paint a great picture for what a metalcore band can sound like with proper song writing, energy, and tenacity.  Lawrence "Loz" Taylor's vocals have come up in numerous album reviews citing some excellent lyrical content and pitch for some of their hit songs that have been embedded into this article.  All in all, the music is very tight, the structure of the albums can be both anticipated and surprising, and the final product is very refined.

"‘Brainwashed’ is a rallying call, harnessing the intense power of all their past personal pressure and recapturing that thrumming, era defining vitality which sees them remain scene kingpins. We can tell that While She Sleeps have come back from the very brink, and they sound all the more unified for it. A more than welcome return." -Dead Press

Holy fucking shit are we glad for the return of While She Sleeps and enjoying the fuck out of Brainwashed. WSS have done the unthinkable and out done their tremendous debut This Is The Six. The three years that've spanned the two releases have been torment for the band with concerns over their continued existence. We chatted to the guys at House Of Vans as the they hosted an all day take over. -Metal Hammer Official

So I hope that the videos and the reviews have given you the urge to check out the rest of WSS' catalog.  For a band that has only produced two full length albums, there is a lot of hype behind this quintet.  After spending countless times repeating the album over and over, I can fully understand people's enthusiasm.  I cannot wait to see what 2016 touring schedule holds for the group!

Full Album Stream: Animals As Leaders - The Joy of Motion

Not only does "Full Album Streams" gave folks something to listen to when they are cruising the site (being that the original intention of this site was to acts as a hub to explore), but also a chance for people to explore new artists, new genres, and new albums before deciding to purchase them (also from links on AFGM's site).

Full album streaming seem to be a new, easy streaming way that a lot of internet savvy people are jumping on.  It can be in the form of a Soundcloud widget, a YouTube playlist, or even a single YouTube video.  This often gives record labels a chance to promote new artists and for people to subscribe to their social media pages.  So hopefully this provides you access to some new music, bands, and/or artists.  Cheers!

PS - Feel free to send us an email if you have any albums you think you should be on this list or a new one coming out we missed.  We're always listening!

(Artwork by AFGM.  Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Hailing from Washington, D.C., Animals As Leaders is a three piece instrumental progressive metal that started in the early days of 2007.  The group saw initial popularity through their debut [self-titled] release in 2009.  Band founder/guatrist Tosin Abasi originally gained noteriety in technical metal band Reflux, before joining Navene Koperweis and Javier Reyes as touring mates in AAL. As of 2015, the band lineup is:

Tosin Abasi – Guitar | Javier Reyes – Guitar | Matt Garstka – Drums

Their latest album, The Joy of Motion, was released on March 24th, 2014 via Sumerian Records.  It was produced by label mates Misha Mansoor (Periphery), Adam "Nolly" Getgood (Periphery), and also Diego Farias of Volumes.  The Joy of Motion also managed to push 13,000+ copies in it's first week of release.  It also landed AAL on the Billboard 200 chart at #23.


(Album artwork courtesy of Animals as Leaders, and Sumerian Records)

1. Ka$cade*
2. Lippincott*
3. Air Chrysalis
4. Another Year
5. Physical Education*
6. Tooth and Claw*
7. Crescent
8. The Future That Awaited Me
9. Para Mexer
10. The Woven Web
11. Mind-Spun
12. Nephele 

(* = AFGM Recommendations)

"Lippincott" is a solid example of what the album has to offer but sticks a little too closely to familiar territory to really represent The Joy of Motion. Songs like "Another Year" make you wonder where the hell riffs like the ones in the song have been on the past two albums with their jazzy finger style catchiness, while "Physical Education" is everything great about an eight-string jammed into one song. Taking that a step further, "Physical Education" could fit into a side-scrolling RPG game and nobody would even question it. -Metal Injection



The first thing that strikes us about this third album, The Joy Of Motion, is the musical breadth covered. Check out the ambient, heavy, delayed rhythm grooves on Air Chrysalis, the jazz fusion of Another Year, the touch of Latin influences on the nylon string-driven Para Mexer, and Tosin Abasi's distinctive, signature funky slap-bass grooves for his eight-string guitar that figure frequently throughout. -Music Radar

(Photo courtesy of Animals as Leaders, and Radikal.ru)

The Joy of Motion is a modern freerunning landscape complete with scenic vistas, complex obstacles, and luxurious rest stops that ensure you’ll frequent the course, learn more and more as you do, and never feel out of place or uncomfortable along the ride. While others try to force-feed their listeners mashed riffs or stewed solos, Abasi’s trio succeed here for their ability to let it all come together as a balanced and organic experience anyone from diehard fan to casual listener can enjoy. And by providing such a natural, accessible track that’s also challenging and rewarding, The Joy of Motion succeeds as a powerful and lasting musical venture that solidifies Animals as Leaders as not only musical trailblazers, but consistent frontrunners. -Sputnik Music

POD - The Awakening

For a band that has been on the scene for over 20+ years, I got to hand it to P.O.D. and their consistency.  The So-Cal four piece have been delivering single and single since the early days of Snuff The Punk, and Brown.  While their message in the lyrics is neither here nor there for myself, I have found Sonny's vocals to be very consistent (adding that word in here again)throughout the albums, the music has been spot on, and the style has not deviated from that original hard rock sound that saw major popularity in 2001's Satellite.



So the band has continued on that path with the upcoming release of The Awakening, which will mark their tenth studio album together.  The band worked with longtime producer Howard Benson, who was also responsible for many of their previous albums like Murdered Love, Payable on Death, and Satellite.  I guess that also ties in with the notion of consistency.  It only makes sense that a string of successful albums should be a going forward formula.  The Awakening will be released on August 21st, 2015 via Universal Records.

(Album artwork courtesy of P.O.D. and Universal Music)

1. Am I Awake
2. This Goes Out to You
3. Rise of NWO
4. Criminal Conversations (feat. Maria Brink)
5. Somebody's Trying to Kill Me
6. Get Down
7. Speed Demon
8. Want It All
9. Revolución (feat. Lou Koller)
10. The Awakening

"Some bands sound like one song the whole album through. We’ve been all over the place because we are punk, hardcore, rock ‘n’ roll, metal, reggae and I think sometimes it might be too much diversity and kids are lost. It’s too big of a buffet for them to go for and they want three chords sometimes. We’re never going to do that. We’re putting something together that tells a story. Maybe it’s just for us, maybe it’s not for your average listener but it’s something we’re having a lot of fun doing. We’re excited." -Sonny Sandoval



Being a longtime fan of P.O.D., I am pretty excited for them to add another chapter to their music history.  Earlier bands such as Rage Against The Machine paved the way for rap-rock to be considered more mainstream acceptable.  P.O.D. are simply continuing that tradition, especially in a music world where rap-rock isn't at the forefront.  The tracks that have been released so far (aka the ones in this article, plus others on PODVEVO) have been very welcoming thus far.  It's nice to see that after all these years, the guys still have a great formula, and a dedicated fan base.

"The Awakening is definitely an evolution from where we've come from. It's this amazing piece of art that we've been able to put together as four guys who are like brothers; this is really special." -Traa Daniels

So stay tuned, follow some social media pages, and always remind that "this one goes out to you, for all the things you do" as fans.

Dead Letter Circus - Aesthesis

Dammit I am super excited for the latest installment of Dead Letter Circus titled Aesthesis.  While the group saw a surge in popularity for their previous release The Catalyst Fire, I can only see that popularity increasing after hearing a few of the singles making their way online.  Speaking of which, check out the debut single I came across titled "While You Wait".



Like I mentioned previously, the five piece group from Brisbane have been on a very successful high these past few years, and you can [hopefully] hear why that is the case.  Kim Benzie's vocals sound as perfect as when I discovered them in 2010 with their album This Is the Warning.  I think the drum work put forth by Luke Williams compliments the vocals substantially.  Throw in a dash of Luke Palmer, Clint Vincent, and Stewart Hill to the mix, and what you have is ten tracks of pure enjoyment.

"Dead Letter Circus’ third album is a triumph of sensuous perception. Aesthesis is out August 14 via UNFD. The title stems from the process of perceiving, an awakening or awareness of the sensations around one’s self. There is no better way to describe the feeling, movement and revelation that is Dead Letter Circus, with two albums (both of which debuted at #2 on the ARIA albums chart) and EPs selling over 100,000 copies, and countless trips around the world. This is one of Australian’s best rock bands coming alive on their best album to date." -24Hundred

The album is scheduled for an August 14th, 2015 release via longtime label UNFD.  In fact, Dead Letter Circus is one of the most prominent artists on their roster with the previous mentioned success of The Catalyst Fire.  So it's rather obvious that this partnership between DLC and UNFD will both see greater popularity and success.  Below is the track listing, and album artwork for your visual pleasure.

(Album artwork courtesy of UNFD and Dead Letter Circus)

1. In Plain Sight
2. While You Wait
3. The Burning Number
4. Silence
5. Y A N A

6. The Lie We Live

7. Show Me
8. X
9. Change The Concept
10. Born (Part 2)

"For three albums now, the Brisbane quintet have raged against the machine of apathy and the tyranny of fearmongering and ignorance, but they've never done it with the same kind of restraint they demonstrate on Aesthesis. Not that it's a mellow album, but after a stint in the U.S. in 2013 touring predominantly with metal bands they returned to Australia determined to make an album that would never again have them mistaken for an act of that genre." -Rolling Stone

(Photo courtesy of Dead Letter Circus, and Andrew Gallagher Photography)

AFGM: Dead Letter Circus - The Catalyst Fire

AFGM: Auras, Twelve Foot Ninja, Dead Letter Circus, and Periphery @ The Opera House, November 11th, 2013

AFGM: Dead Letter Circus - This Is The Warning

So if you have not had the chance to check out these guys, I suggest you get into it now as the Australian music scene is continually booming with new groups like these were back in their 2004 formation days.  I've only been lucky enough to catch them in Canada once, but hoping that Aesthesis progresses their touring capabilities, and thus get to shoot photos for them once again.  Keep checking back for more information.  Pre-orders are happening here.

RIP Columbia House

Most people reading this blog remember the good ol days of searching through a catalog, placing the order, paying "cents", and then waiting for a stack of new music to arrive at your doorstep.  I am [of course] talking about Columbia House.  Whether you were a DVD buff, or a music guy like myself and my family, you were always happy to see the next list of albums up for grabs.  To be honest, I believe the first album I owned was purchased through Columbia House (aka my dad bought me Nirvana's From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah).  I remember a grin on my face from ear to ear for well over a month, and pretty much wearing out the CD in that time frame.

(Logo courtesy of Columbia House, and Quimba)

So glossing over Rolling Stone this morning, it seems that Columbia House has filed for bankruptcy.  Well, the parent company Filmed Entertainment Inc. has filed for bankruptcy. The group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in New York yesterday.  While it does not come a surprise that the group is bankrupt, I am more surprised that Columbia House has stayed in business this long.  I mean, the digital age of streaming has been well underway for many years now.  And even though I continually advocate for people to purchase physical albums, hey too have been on the decline for many years now.  That was one of the main reasons why CH has ceased operations, according to CH director Glenn Landberg

"This decline is directly attributable to a confluence of market factors that substantially altered the manner in which consumers purchase and listen to music, as well as the way consumers purchase and watch movies and television series at home." -Landberg

I am not sure how I feel on this matter.  It is a shame that a large part of our love for music resided with CH and other mail order companies, but I still remain convinced it was only a matter of time before the plus was pulled.  Reading some of the comments being generated online, there were parts of the business I am reminded of, such as the automatic mailing of albums and DVDs with the intent of you purchasing them.  Remember you had to send them back or else they would charge your account the full(over inflated) price?!  How shitty was that!  There's no way you're convincing me to pick up that 2003 version of Hulk simply by mailing it.  Lame!

Anyways, I just had a massive flashback of memories to my youth when this was all the rage, and wanted to share the little RIP with you.  I have to give it to CH though, since they managed to stay in business since 1955, and peaked sales at $1.4 billion annually back in it's prime, and to this day (well, yesterday at least) had 110,000+ members.  Unfortunately, like most media companies of the physical format world, they failed to get ahead of the curve with the introduction of online and streaming.  Thus ends another chapter in the ongoing history of music.

Thoughts on the Rise and Fall of Google+

As someone who never envisioned Google as a social media mogul, I am not surprised on how many people view Google+ as a potential failure.  I felt this was a great time to shed some light on the most popular social media outlet for AFGM.  I think since most readers know that Blogger is owned by Google, it only makes sense that my material [on a Google charged blog] would be shared quite extensively on Google+.  The key here is paid promotion.  Let me break it down.

Facebook wants me to pay to engage people.  It's a smart business model at the end of the day for Facebook.  But when you are someone like me, who basically runs the operations solo, it can be a little tough to continually spend money for 'likes' and engagement.  There is no real guarantee that my funds committed will in turn see a profit in either the short or long term.

That's why I am much more committed to Google+ who already advertises me for free; the numbers do show at the end of the day.  My Facebook page usually can reach a few hundred people on any given day.  Maybe a few thousand if I happen to engage people at the right time with the right article.  Google+ can show a lot more bang for your buck, as I average a minimum of a thousand people per day.  So according to an article put forth by Mashable, this is one part that caught my attention:

"Google+ launched with big aspirations but no well-defined purpose for users; now, very belatedly, Google is trying find some purpose for the social network as those aspirations shrink."

In theory, unless you are an avid Google user such as myself, it may or may not work for you in the long run; and thus the reason for being considered a "favorite punchline in the technology industry".  I like to think that Google+ could capitalize on the paid promotion aspect.  If there are users out there such as myself that are not willing to trade dollars for likes (especially in start up business), then Google should be capitalizing on this.  Find someway to incentivize users to ditch the paid promotion aspect in turn for more exposure with other Google users.

(Photo courtesy of Google)

As of October, 2013, there were 540 million registered users for Google+.  Keep in mind that Google has also used their all-in-one design to their advantage.  You have a Google account, that can take care of your phone, your blog, your calendar, YouTube, Gmail, and of course Google+.  So you basically sign on for the whole package, versus Facebook or Twitter who merely offers the website they have created (with all the apps inside mind you).  But music is where I pay attention on this.  Google+ has the ability to compete for specific interests rather than pages as a whole.  To this day, I think Facebook and Google can still work on something better for musicians alike.

What about a job section for musicians?  What about embedded players for each band page to stream music right from the moment you enter their page?  What about direct messages that tell you when this band is scheduled to play in your area next?  What about more integration with music theory and education?  These are all viable areas for Google+ to discover and promote.  While I think that engaging people in social media is a great thing regardless of medium, there are millions of music lovers and writers all looking to get their name out there beyond the 10,000 competitors.  Make them all feel important...make them all feel like they are the best of the best.

Both Facebook and Google+ offer business pages, so you'll really just have to decide for your own business what will work and what will not.  As for Mashable's article, I think the focus of the future is what was the full-circle moment.

"Google+ is shifting from a Facebook clone to more of a Pinterest lookalike to see if it can build momentum. At the same time, Google is investing resources to build more standalone social products like the Photos app, which has generated plenty of positive press."

Re-designing the wheel is what it basically looks like from an outside POV.  Maybe finding that fine balance between connections and doing business is what Google needs to generate in order for this to be considered more of a stand alone success, rather than simply being a tag along for having a Google account (for email or phone purposes).  For now, I will continue to use it to my advantage, same as I did when Google Reader was still active.  For those interested, here are a couple more articles hyperlinked for more in depth about Google+.

Music Video Round Up For August 5th, 2015

Going through my playlist is the toast to the week/weekend.  YouTube playlists and subscriptions coming out my ears so sometimes it's rather hard to follow each upload unless doing a round up such as this.  I hope this will make the starting of your weekend energetic, whether you are going into work or escaping from it.

Apologies in advance for those who loathe my video articles but there are just too many great clips out there to ignore.  So if you do not have the bandwidth to watch this video, then too bad!  Hahaha just kidding.

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

*Please click on the hyperlinks of each video to find out more about the artist and album releases.*


New Found Glory - Vicious Love (feat. Hayley Williams):



"Vicious Love" is taken from New Found Glory's latest  album Resurrection : Ascension, which will be re-issued on October 9th, 2015 via Hopeless Records.


Russkaja - El Pueblo Unido:



"El Pueblo Unido" is taken from Russkaja's latest album Peace, Love & Russian Roll, which was released on July 24th, 2015 via Napalm Records.


Operation: Mindcrime - Re-Inventing the Future:



"Re-Inventing The Future" is taken from Operation: Mindcrime's latest album The Key, which will be released on September 18th, 2015 via Frontier Records.


Gus G. - Brand New Revolution:



"Brand New Revolution" is the title track from Gus G's latest album Brand New Revolution, which was released on July 24th, 2015.


Bring Me The Horizon - Throne:



"Throne" is taken from BMTH's upcoming album That's The Spirit, which will be released on September 11th, 2015 via Sony Entertainment UK.


Slaves - Burning Our Morals Away:



"Burning Our Morals Away" is taken from Slaves' upcoming album Routine Breathing, which will be released on August 21st, 2015 via Artery Recordings.


Northlane - Impulse:



"Impulse" is taken from Northlane's latest album Node, which was released on July 24th, 2015 via UNFD Records.


Buried In Verona - Hurricane:



"Hurricane" is taken from Buried In Verona's upcoming album titled Vultures Above, Lions Below, which will be released on August 7th, 2015 via UNFD Records.

***

I also wanted to make a special section for Canadian death metal band Kataklysm.  Their new album, "Of Ghosts and Gods", will be released on July 31st, 2015.  The band made a very successful string of music videos for marketing and promotion.  So I thought to give them a mini spotlight for their five music videos.  Not too bad for fans expecting the new album.

Kataklysm - Carrying Crosses:

Kataklysm - Soul Destroyer:




Kataklysm - Thy Serpent's Tongue:




Kataklysm - Marching Through Graveyards:




Kataklysm - The Black Sheep:

***

Joss Stone - Stuck on You (Live):



Joss Stone performs "Stuck on You" live on Jimmy Kimmel's late night show.  The song is taken from her latest album Water for Your Soul, which was released on July 31st, 2015 via Stone'd Records.


Joss Stone - Molly Town (Live):



Joss Stone performs "Molly Town" live on Jimmy Kimmel's late night show.  The song is taken from her latest album Water for Your Soul, which was released on July 31st, 2015 via Stone'd Records.


Walk off the Earth - Sing It All Away (Live):



"Sing It All Away" is the title track from WOTE's latest album  Sing It All Away, which was released on June 12th, 2015 via Columbia Records.


Muse - Bliss (Live):



An exclusive clip of Muse performing "Bliss" Live at the Mayan Theater in Los Angeles.

"Bliss" is taken from Muse's album Origin of Symmetry, which was released on July 17th, 2001 via Warner Bros/Taste/Mushroom Records.


The Offspring - The Kids Aren't Alright (Live):



"An exclusive clip of The Offspring performing 'The Kids Aren't Alright' from Guitar Center Sessions presented by JBL with host Nic Harcourt."


War of Ages - Facedown Fest 2015 (Live):



War of Ages performing their set from the 2015 edition of Facedown Fest, which was held at the Glasshouse in Pomona, CA on May 16th, 2015.


Spock's Beard - Minion (Lyric Video):



"Minion" is taken from Spock's Beard's upcoming album The Oblivion Particle, which will be released on August 21st, 2015 via InsideOut Music.


Disturbed - Immortalized (Lyric Video):

AFGM: Disturbed - Immortalized

"Immortalized" is the title track from Disturbed's upcoming album Immortalized, which will be released on August 21st, 2015 via Warner Bros/Reprise Records.


Born of Osiris - Throw Me In The Jungle (Illustration Video):



"Throw Me In The Jungle" is a stand alone single from Born of Osiris in promotion for their Summer Slaughter 2015 tour.  More details surrounding their new album will be released in the coming weeks.


Betraying The Martyrs - Let it Go (Guitar Playthrough):



"Let It Go" is taken from Betraying The Martyr's latest album Phantom, which was released on July 15th, 2014 via Sumerian Records.


Dead Letter Circus - In Plain Sight (Audio Only):



"In Plain Sight" is taken from Dead Letter Circus' upcoming album Aesthesis, which will be released on August 14th, 2015 via UNFD Records.


Fear Factory - Dielectric (Audio Only):



"Dielectric" is the latest single from Fear Factory and their upcoming album Genexus, which will be released on August 7th, 2015 via Nuclear Blast Records.


Slaves - Death Never Lets Us Say Goodbye (Audio Only):



"Death Never Lets Us Say Goodbye" is taken from Slaves' upcoming album Routine Breathing, which will be released on August 21st, 2015 via Artery Recordings.