Music News & New Music for February 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!

Pussy Riot Members Attacked and Whipped by Security Officials in Sochi:



"Under the banner Sochi 2014, to the sound of 'Putin will teach us to love the homeland,' Cossacks attacked Pussy Riot, beat us with whips and sprayed a lot of pepper gas at us." -Nadezhda Tolokonnikova


Carl Sagan And Ann Druyan's Ultimate Mix Tape:

"Toward the end of the summer of '77, NASA launched two spacecraft as part of the Voyager Interstellar Mission. On board each craft was a golden record that included, among other things, the sound of a kiss, a mother's first words to her newborn child, music from all over the world, and greetings in 59 different languages."


ICE-T's BODY COUNT Confirmed For This Year's ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL:

Jul. 05 - San Bernardino, CA - San Manuel Amphitheater
Jul. 06 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheater
Jul. 08 - Auburn, WA - White River Amphitheatre
Jul. 11 - Phoenix, AZ - Ak-Chin Pavilion
Jul. 12 - Albuquerque, NM - Isleta Amphitheatre
Jul. 13 - Denver, CO – [to be announced]
Jul. 15 - Kansas City, KS - Sandstone Amphitheatre
Jul. 16 - Maryland Heights, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Jul. 17 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
Jul. 19 - Noblesville, IN - Klipsch Music Center
Jul. 20 - Tinley Park, IL - First Midwest Bank Ampitheatre
Jul. 23 - Saratoga, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Jul. 24 - Mansfield, MA - Xfinity Center
Jul. 26 - Burgettstown, PA - First Niagara Pavilion
Jul. 27 - Hartford, CT - Xfinity Theatre
Jul. 29 - Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake
Jul. 30 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon Theater at Jones Beach
Aug. 01 - Scranton, PA - The Pavilion At Montage Mountain
Aug. 02 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center
Aug. 03 - Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube Live
Aug. 05 - Atlanta, GA - Lakewood Amphitheatre
Aug. 07 - Oklahoma City, OK - Oklahoma Zoo Amphitheatre
Aug. 09 - Dallas, TX - Gexa Energy Pavilion
Aug. 10 - The Woodlands, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

BODY COUNT will release their new album, "Manslaughter", later in the year via Sumerian Records.


Billy Corgan to Play 8-Hour Ambient Set Inspired by 'Siddhartha' at His Teahouse:

"On 2//28 Billy will be doing a show at @ZuZusTeahouse; start time noon, and due to nature of performance it will last 8-9 hours. Show will be centered around an ambient/musical interpretation of Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha; built by modular synthesis, on the fly. Readings of the text to go hand in hand with whatever is created; + the first @Hexistential poster, special elixir tea, and event t-shirts too."


John Frusciante Announces 'Enclosure' Album:

“Enclosure, upon its completion, was the record which represented the achievement of all the musical goals I had been aiming at for the previous 5 years.  It was recorded simultaneously with Black Knights’ Medieval Chamber, and as different as the two albums appear to be, they represent one investigative creative thought process. What I learned from one fed directly into the other. Enclosure is presently my last word on the musical statement which began with PBX." -John


Nirvana's 'In Utero' Gets Record Store Day Tribute Album Featuring Jay Reatard, Ceremony, Thursday:

In Utero, in Tribute, in Entirety:

1. Pygmy Lush - "Serve the Servants"
2. Circa Survive - "Scentless Apprentice"
3. These Arms Are Snakes - "Heart-Shaped Box"
4. Thursday - "Rape Me"
5. Jay Reatard - "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle"
6. Young Widows - "Dumb"
7. Mean Jeans - "Very Ape"
8. Thou - "Milk It"
9. Whirr - "Pennyroyal Tea"
10. Daughters - "Radio Friendly Unit Shifter"
11. Ceremony - "Tourette's"
12. Black Math Horseman - "All Apologies"


Dave Grohl, Corey Taylor, Keith Morris, Nick Oliveri join Teenage Time Killer supergroup:

Some of the names that are going to be involved with the project are:

- Jello Biafra (DEAD KENNEDYS)
- Tony Foresta (MUNICIPAL WASTE
- Tommy Victor (PRONG, DANZIG)
- Dave Grohl (FOO FIGHTERS, NIRVANA)
- Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, SEPULTURA)
- Phil Rind (SACRED REICH)
- Randy Blythe (LAMB OF GOD)
- Pepper Keenan (CORROSION OF CONFORMITY)
- Karl Agell (CORROSION OF CONFORMITY)
- Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein (MISFITS)
- Keith Morris (BLACK FLAG, CIRCLE JERKS)


Trent Reznor Says Playing The Grammys Was An “An Utter Waste Of Time”, Finds Demos For “The Fragile” Reissue:

“…It was an utter waste of time. And I’ll speak for a second on this. When this came up as an option, ‘Hey, the Grammys would like you to play’, you know, quite frankly it was flattering.

I’m not a fan of the Grammys, as I’ve vocally expressed in the past, I don’t think I’ve ever sat through an entire broadcast. I know I’ve never attended one.

But the way my head works is, to try to approach it from, ‘Okay, if we did do it, what could be the upside?’ And Josh [Homme, Queens of The Stone Age] and I spent a long time talking about the pros and cons. You know, ‘Do we want to be on a shit show on TV? No, not really.

Do we want to be affiliated with the Grammys? No, not really. Would we like to reach a large audience and actually do something with integrity on our terms? Well, yeah.

Let’s roll the dice and go into it with the best intentions, with a performance we think is worthy and might – you know – stand out from the crowd. Or it might not!’

But what we weren’t expecting was that level of insult [laughter]. In fact we walked off stage and I thought, ‘Hey, that actually went pretty well’, and I look at my collaborator Rob Sheridan, who I run into, and he’s like, ‘Oh my god man, you won’t believe what they just did’, and… ‘What?’ ‘They cut this thing off in the middle and put a Delta commercial on’. ‘What?’ We had no idea.

You know, and it was just… I can look now and say I should have expected something like that, you know? But, more than anything it was just insulting. I invite my friend Lindsey Buckingham to come up on stage and it’s just ‘You know what, you’ve invited me into this place, f**k you. F**k you guys’, you know?

So, lesson learned. And the other thing is if we hadn’t have done it, I’d be thinking, ‘Well, what would have happened it we would have done it?’ You know.

So I don’t regret that we did it, but would I ever – in any situation – ever consider possibly patronising that event in any form? Absolutely not.” -Reznor


DAGOBA - 'Yes We Die' Video:



"For this album, I composed the songs in short time… in about 10 days. A song a day.

I was out from a very obscure and sad time of my life, and I wanted to end this… kinda depressurize composing new stuff.  For the first time in our career, we decided not to change a single note from the songs I wrote. I guess the record couldn't be more sincere.

Each record is a new adventure. And, of course, we want to improve ourselves each time. We give our best from gig to gig, record to record, and I hope our next album we'll be better again." -Shawter Oymyakon


Gallows In The Studio:

"Gallows tracks sounding huge, tracking mostly live in Room 1 this time around. Rough and ready."


WALLS OF JERICHO: Lyric Video For 'Relentless' Demo:



The track will be featured on WoJ's upcoming full length album.  No other information has been given yet.


Volumes Guitarist Speaks On His & Periphery’s Involvement With New Animals As Leaders Album:

“GO CHECK OUT AND BUY Animals As Leaders NEW RECORD AS SOON AS IT DROPS!! I am extremely proud to say I co-wrote 3 of the new songs on “The Joy of Motion” and it’s some of the coolest stuff I’ve ever heard them do… GET READY!!

Definitely shout out to Misha Mansoor (Periphery) who co-wrote most of the record and did an AMAZING job, & Adam Nolly Getgood (Periphery) who produced & mixed the record and got a disgustingly amazing mix.

I also look forward to hearing all the programming Navene-k did!! I am honored to have worked on this album alongside such amazingly talented people. What an experience!" -Diego


CROSSFAITH - 'The Evolution' Video:




Killswitch Engage & Battlecross Announce Spring Dates With Trivium, Into Another, and more:

03/29 Las Vegas, NV – Extreme Thing Festival
05/01 Huntington, NY – The Paramount (feat. Into Another, Battlecross, My Ticket Home)
05/02 Virginia Beach, VA – Farm Bureau Live (‘Lunatic Luau‘)
05/03 Concord, NC – Charlotte Motor Speedway (‘Carolina Rebellion‘)
05/04 Reading, PA – Reverb (feat. Into Another, Battlecross, My Ticket Home)
05/15 Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live (feat. Trivium, Battlecross, Nothing More)
05/16 Columbus, OH – Columbus Crew Stadium (‘Rock On The Range‘)
05/17 London, ON – London Music Hall (feat. Trivium & Battlecross)
05/18 Buffalo, NY – The Town Ballroom (feat. Battlecross & Nothing More)
05/20 Birmingham, AL – Iron City (feat. Battlecross & Nothing More)
05/22 Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall (feat. Trivium, Battlecross & Nothing More)
05/23 Pryor, OK – Catch The Fever Festival Grounds (‘Rocklahoma‘)
05/24 San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center (‘River City Rockfest‘)
05/27 Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater (feat. Battlecross & Nothing More)
05/28 Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater (feat. Battlecross & Nothing More)
05/30 Council Bluffs, IA – Westfair Ampitheater (‘Rockfest‘)


FILTER - 'Surprise' Video Premiere:



"To me, the song 'Surprise' is, like, a no-brainer. It should be a nice, successful song for us. I don't mean to get cocky, but it really is one of those songs that we wrote that, you feel like you were just watching it happen, even though you were writing the lyrics and stuff and you were playing the guitar. It's just one of those songs that just kind of…. It just kind of wrote itself." -Patrick


HELLYEAH Parts Ways With Guitarist, Bassist; Announces 'Blood For Blood' Album Details:

"It's so easy for people to assume or makeup reasons for things.

"Don't ASSUME anything!

"The reasons for this parting of ways was for the better good. When you hear the new record, you'll understand."

"Blood For Blood" track listing:

1. Sangre Por Sangre (Blood For Blood)
2. Demons In The Dirt
3. Soul Killer
4. Moth
5. Cross To Bier (Cradle Of Bones)
6. DMF
7. Gift
8. Hush
9. Say When
10. Black December


TesseracT Release "Of Matter" Studio Sessions:



TesseracT's "Of Matter" was taken live at Sphere Studios.


EMMURE To Release 'Eternal Enemies' In April:

1. Bring A Gun To School
2. Nemesis
3. N.I.A. (News In Arizona)
4. The Hang Up
5. A Gift A Curse
6. E
7. Like Lamotta
8. Free Publicity
9. Most Hated
10. Grave Markings
11. Hitomi's Shinobi
12. Rat King
13. Girls Don't Like Boys, Girls Like 40s And Blunts
14. New Age Rambler
15. We Were Just Kids

"Eternal Enemies" will be out on April 15th, 2014 via Victory Records.


Chiodos Announce Tour With Emarosa, Our Last Night, and more:

Chiodos dates:

2/27 Toronto, ON – The Opera House
2/28 Ottawa, ON – Ritual
3/01 Quebec City, QC – Chez Dagobert
3/02 Montreal, QC – La Tulipe
3/03 Syracuse, NY – Lost Horizon
3/10 Corpus Christi, TX – House of Rock
3/12 Mission, TX – Las Palmas Race Park (‘Never Say Never Music Fest‘)
3/13 Austin, TX – Hangar Lounge
3/14 Grand Prairie, TX – Quick Trip Park (‘South By So What?!‘)
3/16 Springfield, MO – Outland Ballroom
3/17 St. Louis, MO – Fubar

Ticket purchase includes copy of “Devil“:

4/01 Grand Rapids, MI – The Pyramid Scheme
4/02 Lansing, MI – The Loft
4/03 Flint, MI – Flint Local 432
4/04 Indianapolis, IN – The Irving Theater
4/05 La Crosse, WI – The Warehouse
4/06 Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s

With Emarosa, Our Last Night, ’68:

4/15 Buffalo, NY – Waiting Room
4/16 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
4/17 New York, NY – The Gramercy Theatre
4/18 Lancaster, PA – Chameleon Club
4/19 Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero
4/21 Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
4/22 Richmond, VA – The National
4/23 Greensboro, NC – Greene Street Club
4/24 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade – Heaven
4/25 St. Petersburg, FL – State Theatre
4/26 Jacksonville, FL – Metropolitan Park (‘Welcome To Rockville‘)
4/27 Vero Beach, FL – Polish American Club
4/29 Houston, TX – The Studio @ Warehouse Live
4/30 San Antonio, TX – White Rabbit
5/01 Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
5/02 Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater
5/03 San Diego, CA – Soma
5/04 Pomona, CA – The Glass House
5/05 West Hollywood, CA – House of Blues

With Emarosa, Our Last Night, ’68 and Hands Like Houses:

5/07 San Francisco, CA – Slim’s
5/08 Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
5/09 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
5/10 Vancouver, BC – The Rio Theatre
5/11 Seattle, WA – Al Corazon
5/13 Murray, UT – Murray Theater
5/14 Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre
5/16 Burnsville, MN – The Garage
5/17 Joliet, IL – Mojoes
5/18 Pontiac, MI – The Crofoot Ballroom
5/20 Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall – Indoor Stage
5/21 Cleveland, OH – House of Blues


LACUNA COIL - New Song 'Die & Rise':



1. Nothing Stands In Our Way
2. Zombies
3. Hostage To The Light
4. Victims
5. Die & Rise
6. I Forgive (But I Won't Forget Your Name)
7. Cybersleep
8. Infection
9. I Burn In You
10. In The End I Feel Alive
11. One Cold Day

"Broken Crown Halo" will be released in North America on April 1st, 2014 via Century Media Records.


The Kindred Preview New Album “Life In Lucidity”:



“Life In Lucidity” will be released on February 25th, 2014 via Sumerian Records.


MOTÖRHEAD's First-Ever Cruise 'MotörBoat' To Sail This Fall:

Animals As Leaders Debut New Song “Tooth And Claw”:



“The Joy Of Motion“ will be released on March 25th, 2014 via Sumerian Records.


Avenged Sevenfold & HELLYEAH Spring North American Tour Announced:

04/12 Dawson Creek, BC – EnCana Events Centre
04/13 Prince George, BC – CN Centre
04/16 Moose Jaw, SK – Mosaic Place
04/17 Edmonton, AB – Shaw Conference Centre
04/19 Winnipeg, MB – MTS Center
04/21 Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
04/23 Huntsville, AL – Von Braun Center
04/25 Tampa, FL – St. Pete Times Forum
04/26 Jacksonville, FL – Welcome to Rockville
04/28 Lafayette, LA – Cajundome
04/30 Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
05/02 Virginia Beach, VA – Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
05/03 Charlotte, NC – Carolina Rebellion
05/06 Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Coliseum
05/08 Hershey, PA – Giant Center
05/10 Bangor, ME – Rise Above Fest
05/12 Quebec City, QC – Colisee Pepsi Arena
05/13 Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
05/15 Syracuse, NY – Oncenter Complex
05/17 Columbus, OH – Rock on the Range


Lamb Of God’s Randy Blythe Speaks Of “As The Palaces Burn” Documentary At Premiere:


A screening of the film will take place on Sunday, March 2nd, 2014 at The Opera House courtesy of Inertia Entertainment.  More information can be found here.

Dark Tranquillity @ The Opera House (Feb 8th, 2014)

With it being one stop on my Saturday evening festivities, I was very excited and happy to grab a last minute press pass from Century Media Records (thanks Jon!) and take some snapshots of Dark Tranquillity as the performed to a 19+ crowd at The Opera House back on February 8th, 2014.

Unfortunately since I was late to the show I did not have the chance to see most of the opening acts.  Despite Omnium Gatherum not really being my thing, they engaged the crowd immensely and had a good amount of people throwing their hands up in the air.  Dark Tranquillity of course played great!  The sound was tight, the energy in the venue was running on all cylinders, and of course Mikael Stanne getting as much out of the crowd as he could with hit songs like "Zero Distance", "Terminus", and "Final Resistance".  So check out the setlist and enjoy the photos.

1. The Science of Noise 

2. White Noise/Black Silence 

3. Monochromatic Stains 

4. The Fatalist

5. The Silence in Between 

6. Zero Distance 

7. The Wonders at Your Feet 

8. Indifferent Suns 

9. What Only You Know

10. The Mundane and the Magic 

11. Iridium 

12. Terminus (Where Death Is Most Alive) 

13. State of Trust 

14. ThereIn 

15. Final Resistance 

Encore:

16. Lethe 

17. Endtime Hearts 

18. Misery's Crown 

Music Releases For February 18th, 2014

So hopefully all my friends and family in Ontario had a great extra day off while celebrating the province by province holiday known as Family Day.  Despite the cold snap that Toronto suffered over the weekend, we saw lots of families out and about with skating, sledding, and many other recreational acitivites.  While families were celebrating, I was on the lookout for any new releases this week that would catch my attention.  I am starting at a few of the these album covers this morning and debating on which one to start spinning, as well as purchase.

Some lighter album released at the top as we see Sean Paul dropping his new album "Full Frequency", as well as a personal favourite of mine which is the Putumayo series.  Being a long time fan of their world music selection (highly recommend their "Zydeco" album) I was excited to see a compilation released for Native American/Canadian music.  Chances are that will be my after work lounge tunes.

(Sean Paul - Full Frequency)

All in all Full Frequency is a energy album and will certainly keep your head bouncing. I maybe a little critical as I would have loved to have heard a 70% Dancehall Album with 30% Hip Hop or other genre of music.

Putting my grumbles aside, Sean Paul’s Full Frequency Album will certainly win him a award as this is a definitive global album that will cross internationally giving its mix of genres fused together musically. -Madpeps


(Putumayo Presents: Native America)

Native America is a collection of music by singer-songwriters and instrumentalists who draw inspiration from the traditions of their indigenous North American ancestors. A collage of styles, the songs on this album are united by the themes of connecting the old with the new and cultivating the continued evolution of music rooted in ancient traditions. With sounds ranging from atmospheric flute and drum to soulful acoustic songs by singer-songwriters, the collection provides listeners a glimpse into the diverse world of contemporary Native American music from what is now the U.S. and Canada. -Putumayo

***

Then of course we move into the rock and heavy stuff of the week.  I don't know about you all but sometimes, even first thing in the morning, a distorted chug of a guitar is just what the doctor ordered.  The doctor of course being my conscience.  Bands such as Issues, Adrenaline Mob, Royal Bliss, and I Killed The Prom Queen will be sure to keep the blood pumping whether you are slamming your keyboard at work, lifting heavy equipment, running at the gym, or any other recreational activity that can sometimes feel like a drag without proper music.

So the general consensus is that bands need money same as the rest of us.  Everyone needs a paycheck right?  So be kind to your musicians and purchase something that keeps them relevant.  Buy an album at your local music store, online retailer, or other legal source.  Cheers!


(Royal Bliss - Chasing The Sun)

*no reviews as of yet*

Royal Bliss has been making their mark across the country for years now. Constant writing, recording, and touring have helped build the success of the band. The wide variety of influences from Johnny Cash to Snoop Dog to Led Zeppelin and the Toadies with everything in between have melded a sound that cannot be denied. -Hellhound Music

(Adrenaline Mob - Men of Honor)

AFGM: Adrenaline Mob - Men of Honor

‘Men of Honor’ follows the template laid down by their 2012 debut ‘Omerta’ — thick riffs, plenty of groove and straightforward (sometimes simple) lyrics, dished up with a dose of attitude.

The lyrics on a good deal of the tunes won’t be mistaken as poetry. Even so, you’ll find yourself singing along to the songs on ‘Men of Honor’ after only a listen or two. Adrenaline Mob are not about subtlety and subtext, they are up front and in your face. You can take it or leave it. They’ll be fine either way. -Loudwire

(Issues - Issues)

This album is very catchy. The guitar-work is very nicely done, but it's not often that I get to hear it. Most of the time it's just a bunch of chugging. They have already proven that they can play good guitar parts, so I just wish that they would use more of that instead of constantly hitting the same note. Michael's screams could be better mixed. I just feel that they are underpowering compared to other screamers. Tyler has set the bar pretty high for himself this album. I hope he can top it in their next album. All in all, a very good album that I will be purchasing as soon as it comes out. -Reddit

(Bayside - Cult)

The band has always been notorious for songs about betrayal, pain, and failed relationships. Last album Killing Time, especially, tackled the particularly nasty divorce of Bayside lead singer and lyricist Anthony Raneri. Cult continues this trend with songs like “Hate Me,” “You’re No Match,” and “Pigsty.” 

More than a decade into a career that can only be described as monumental, Bayside has shown us that the best is yet to come. Cult is the band’s strongest album to date, a steadfast construction of soaring melodies, badass guitar solos, and Raneri’s signature croon. It further solidifies Bayside’s distinction as a punk rock powerhouse, and a band truly worthy of its cult following. -Property of Zack

(I Killed The Prom Queen - Beloved)

AFGM: I Killed The Prom Queen Streaming ENTIRE "Beloved" Album

Well here we, early 2014, and the album has not been released just yet but just last night the band offered to have a full stream of their newest album online for everyone to experience the new era of I Killed the Prom Queen.

There is no other way to put it. No song on this album was disappointing in the least. This may just be one of the strongest comebacks ever for a band. To release such a strong album after not being a full-time band in six years… its beyond impressive. I would love to say that this is their masterpiece but then again, I Killed the Prom Queen is back and they have the energy and determination right now to trump their own album right now. Things are going to get interesting. -Pittsburgh Music Magazine

EPs:

(Junius - Days of the Fallen Sun)

Despite having listened to the EP around thirty or so times before finally delving into the review, I still get chills every play-through.

Days of the Fallen Sun is a 25-minute journey through a planet's final days, through the fearful eyes of man. To be able to convey dread and destruction through music like this is an accomplishment alone, but to make it singable, catchy, worth so many adjectives to properly explain what I've heard… that's talent. Don't miss out on Days of the Fallen Sun. -Metal Injection

CD/DVD/Blu-Ray:


(Suicide Silence - Ending Is The Beginning: The Mitch Lucker Memorial Show)

2014 two disc (CD + DVD) live tribute to former Suicde Silence vocalist Mitch Lucker, who was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2012. Entitled Ending Is The Beginning: The Mitch Lucker Memorial Show, the video portion of the set was directed by Jeremy Schott of MentalSuplex Productions and Zafer Ulkucu of Backseat Conceptions. In addition to featuring the band's first performance with then-All Shall Perish vocalist Eddie Hermida - who, little did we know, would go on to take Lucker's spot in Suicide Silence - the show featured a ton of guest vocalists, including Lamb of God's Randy Blythe, Machine Head's Robb Flynn, Soulfly's Max Cavalera, Job for a Cowboy's Jonny Davy, and Tim Lambesis. -Amazon

Gemini Syndrome - Lux

Starting to borderline overkill, I have [simply] not been able to put down the debut album Gemini Syndrome.  A typical sound (hard rock/nu-metal) on a typical label (Warner Music Group) with a fresh spin on what seems to be...you guessed it...and endless sea of rock and metal coming from all corners of the globe.  Gemini Syndrome have taken easily glossed over tracks and added their own touch of art and spiritualism to redefine what it means to capture an audience's sense.

(Photo courtesy of Jonathan Weiner)

If the initial contrast look didn't get your attention, then the vocals and lyrical content of Aaron Nordstrom will certainly do so.  Much like groups such as Tool and Coheed & Cambria before them, Gemini Syndrome has used a large amount of visuals and cryptic symbols to entice listeners (or Synners as the group's fan base is called) and ultimately buy into their band.  Sporting nu-metal sounds in a generation that considers it passe is not an easy sell.  Thankfully, these guys have showcased themselves as more than a band simply playing some instruments on stage.  Check out a newly released video from group featuring their single "Stardust":

Look at the wake 

From the stardust pouring from your eyes

It’s no mistake

You are perfect

You are perfect in my mind

And you won’t fade away

OK, so you have a grasp on the concept now.  As far as album art and direction goes I like to think that Alex Grey had some sort of influence when designing it.  While it may not be a direct 'ripoff' of others bands such as Tool who have used Grey's work in the past, Gemini Syndrome have joined the ranks of abstract alt-bands that combine multiple elements and senses to give an all around sensual experience.

Funny enough that Gemini Syndrome was listed in the footnotes as the initial artist concepts.  This gives me the feeling that this band wants total control over how their sound and look is produced...even if they are on a major label such as Warner Music.

The Los Angeles group Gemini Syndrome released their debut album, "LUX", on September 10th, 2013 via Warner Bros. Records.  Editing & Engineering was handled by Kevin Churko (In This Moment, Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Kobra and The Lotus, etc.) where mastering was handled by Brian "Big Bass" Gardner (Linkin Park, Big Wreck, Rush, Snoop Dogg, Michael Jackson, etc.).  Both of which have quite a list of previous work.

Gemini Syndrome encapsulate both ends of the spectrum. The band conjures ethereal alternative melodies and then tempers them with gnashing, guttural distortion.  "Gemini" in Zodiac represents "The Twins" and "Syndrome" which has meaning of a person's "innate condition" form together to represent the duality within all of us. There are bonds to everything at the end of the day-from the music to the message. Now, it's up to you to uncover the meaning for yourself. -Pure Grain Audio

I was rather surprised and happy that my favourite song on the album ("Mourning Star") was also looped into the end of the album, in their short outro "Lux".  The last line of the album reads the best fitting for the group... "The enemy is everywhere".  This lyrical content and well fitting sound has definitely got me hooked from the first chord.

For Lux, the band also employs a wide range of visual and lyrical imagery from legend, myth and history: for example, each of the twelve tracks is designated by a universal symbol, together representing the universal cycles of time – the clock, the calendar, and the Zodiac – on both a personal and cosmic scale. -Fearnet

Their debut music video for "Basement" hit the online world about 6 months ago, but is still getting decent play time.  The video has reached over 100,000+ views since it's release.  Check it out below.

Stranger than a massacre

This homicidal afterbirth.

I am not a stranger 

To living with the anger.

I don't need a miracle

I just need a place to go.

Send me to the angels

And tell god I said goodbye.

Every critic who has come across Gemini Syndrome has made countless comparisons to Disturbed, Tool, A Perfect Circle, Godsmack, Korn, and many others.  However, being that music is directly influenced by others before us, I like you to make you're own conclusions.  I have even picked a few new influences myself such as Mudvayne, Staind, Shinedown, Orgy, etc.  The generic but distinct sound of Gemini Syndrome will having you make comparisons until your finger is tired from pointing out different styles.  I think All Music (below) captured what most of us felt when coming across the album.  It's something we want to yawn and toss to the side, but the addictive choruses, riffs, and vocals will have you hitting repeat before hitting stop.

...what Lux lacks in originality, it certainly makes up for in execution, and if fat, earth-shaking arena anthems with beefy riffs, pained lyrics, and fist-pumping choruses that sound like the explosion-addled midpoint of every Michael Bay trailer gets your blood pumping, then this is the album that your weaponized SUV will be playing as it launches off of the last 12 feet of a crumbling suspension bridge and into the hull of a enemy UFO. -All Music

Now the real question fall back on you the reader.  Is this a fresh take on something making it's comeback or simply reinventing the wheel and feeding the machine?  While deciding, AFGM recommended tracks are:

"Pleasure and Pain" | "Basement" 

"Mourning Star" | "Pay For This"

Music Releases For February 11th, 2014

This week has already been absolutely hectic (more to do with my personal life) but the music will keep you sane.  Or at least that's what I tell myself (haha).

I'm and thankful and kind of glad to see a few EDM style albums being released this week and I seem to be in a grooving/dancing mood.  And between The Glitch Mob, Seabound, and Abandon All Ships I think I got what I asked for.  Yes we can all argue that AAS has a grasp on the metal side more than EDM, but still find the underlying beats to their songs that make the melodies.  In all honesty, that's what makes them stand out is the beats.

(The Glitch Mob - Love Death Immortality)

The album? Initial opinion seems split across The Glitch Mob’s fan base, with the more die-hard, sound-savvy among them expressing a fair amount of disappointment. But like any other topic, those contradicting voices seem to stretch in every vector.

I’m not sure why Drink The Sea became the gold standard for measuring the success of anything The Glitch Mob produce, other than the fact that it’s their only other full-length album. Much of LDI’s criticism seems circumstantial—I could easily see the same criticism being placed on the sound, style, and progression of Drink The Sea if that had been the Mob’s second album and LDI had been their first. -Sensible Reason

(Seabound - Speak In Storms)

As usual, „Speak In Storms“ displays a diverse mixture of spheric, cooly pulsating energy and warmth not patterned on anybody else’s music, but setting its own standards. Those afraid of a weak return from the group’s period of silence are gladly mistaken: „Speak In Storms“ testifies maturity and electronic strength, which only gradually develops from hypnotic vocals and largely reduced arrangements, only to become more intense and energetic. Thus, the transatlantic agreement has by no means done harm to the band. -Dependent

(Abandon All Ships - Malocchio)

The refreshing non-auto-tuned clean vocals almost outweigh the slightly bland unclean vocals, which do not really stand out as anything necessarily extraordinary. Despite a few vocal shortcomings the album overall offers an enjoyable sonic experience. The songs flow well together and the album has a good edge to it. The album title, Malocchio, means ‘evil eye.’ Accordingly so, many of the songs involve karma getting to the people who deserve it; therefore, the Italian slang sets an intriguing stage for the record. -Substream Magazine

***

Some more mellowness added to the equation when you have Sam Roberts and Crosses releasing albums today as well.  I am sure to winning people over today when convincing them that Crosses is mellow.  I seem to look at this group the same way as I look at Nine Inch Nails.  Sometimes you get them on a mellow groove with some relaxing vibes (especially with Chino's vocals) and on the other hand you can get a bitch smack of a song, same as you would expect from NIN and something like "Wish" or "Starf**kers Inc.".  To me [personally], Sam makes consistent records and not expecting a huge turn of events for his music on this album.  It will be enjoyable nonetheless to spin in the upcoming days.

(Sam Roberts - Lo-Fantasy)

Starting out with the disco-fied grooves of "Shapeshifters," Roberts' trademark arena-ready choruses and anthemic growls are filtered through the textures of '90s-era festival rock, evoking, by turns, Primal Scream's worn-out acid house boogie ("We're All In This Together"), dub-y club odysseys (the Clash-inspired "Angola") and stadium-sized pop rock ("Kid Icarus").

And while throwaways like album closer "Golden Hour" and "Never Enough" do little to quiet detractors who have dismissed him as nothing more than a CanCon pretty boy, those willing to get past their preconceived notions may be surprised to find that Lo-Fantasy is perhaps the most dynamic recording of Roberts career. -Exclaim

(Crosses - Crosses)

Yet the rub doesn’t come from the choice to include the previously released material per se. Instead it springs from the decision to mix the track listings of all three EP’s together. If you’re already familiar with the bands past output then you’ve likely an inkling as to what song comes next. There’s an unspoken covenant between a listener and an album/EP. A static expectation established through multiple listens that can be utterly betrayed by this randomized nature.

While a touch more despondent and indicative of their influences; all five of the new songs are a welcome addition to the bands repertoire and fit well when presented side by side. Sure the presentation here may be questionable, but there’s no denying the charm and allure of the end product. -The PRP

***

Then we come to the distorted stuff.  Newcomers The Unguided and 3 Years Hollow are both dropping some decent albums this week.  This marks the debut release for 3YH (and not a bad bonus to have Clint Lowrey featured on the album) as well as the debut (on Napalm Records) for The Unguided.  Both bands have some strong characteristics that genre fans will flock to.  I can see both groups doing some heavy touring in the near future.

(The Unguided - Fragile Immortality)

The Unguided, a five piece from our metal loving comrades in the tranquil settings of Sweden, with three fifths of the band being made up of former Sonic Syndicate members. These guys already know the tricks of the trade and have put out their second full length album, named Fragile Immortality. With Sonic Syndicate out of the picture at the moment, due to their hiatus, this is definitely a great substitute for those hardcore SSfan, not taking anything from the band as what they have produced here is exciting and fresh.

Despite not setting the world on fire with this album, it is a step in the right direction for a band still finding their feet. If you are a fan of melodic death metal, this is the album for you, if you are not then give it a try anyway, this album has the ability to convert anyone! -Hit The Floor

(3 Years Hollow - The Cracks) 

The riffs are heavy but are lacking of inspiration generally.  However, on Remember, there is a solo guitar that stands out as well as this one played by Clint Lowery on For Life. Lost is another guitar driven track with killer riffs, rather complex and interesting.

Musically, if you don’t know the band, It is in the same vein of Sevendust and Nonpoint. The album might appeal in despite of a couple of weak songs even if there are too few risks to make the difference with the other hard rock bands. However, it depends what you are looking for. If you like mainstream hard rock music, this album is for you. -Evigshed

Whew!  So that being said, we do what we must to keep artists (new and old) up and running.  Head to a local record store or online retailer to grab a physical copy filled with great album art.  If digital is more your thing, then be sure to stream/download it from a legal source.  Cheers and keep rockin!

Music News and New Music For February 10th, 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!

Organizer Speaks Out over Petition to Get Voivod Nominated for Juno After Award Snub:

"The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) does not have control, nor can they influence the outcomes of the voting process. The judges are highly qualified, genre specific music industry personnel. Each category has 10 new judges every year that represent all facets of the industry, all provinces and territories of Canada, and both official languages. The judges cast a secret ballot in which they rank their top ten artists/groups in their assigned category." -Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences


Why figure skaters are drawn to Schindler's List music:

"John Williams's soundtrack of violin music (played by the Israeli violinist Itzhak Perlman) has actually been popular with skaters since the film's release in 1994. Paul Wylie performed a routine to the music that year, as did the German champion Katarina Witt (who also wore red and made headlines). It's not hard to see why dancers love the score - Williams spares no effort in attempting to match the sadness of the film with the tempo of his music, and its romantic melancholy lends itself perfectly to the dramatics of an ice dance."


Fake Figures (Atreyu, Etc.) Debut “Normal Life”:

GODSMACK - 11 Songs Written For Next Studio Album:

"We wrote a bunch of new songs in Florida while our new [headquarters] was being built in New England. Now here we are outside of Boston in a kick-ass studio surrounded by GODSMACK vibes and creating like maniacs!  "[We have written] so many cool new tunes that I can tell ya it's gonna be hard to narrow these down to the best ones!

I can't give anything away at this point, but wanted to let you real fans know that we are DEEP into this and feeling great about positive attitudes and massive progress!" -Shannon Larkin

"This band is on FIRE lately!  Finished 11 songs in two weeks so far.  2014 watch the f%#k out!!!" -Sully Erna (via Twitter)


SALIVA Returns With New Singer, Label, Single, Album And Tour:

"We're lucky to have found him.  We discovered him through one of our old crew guys. He really energized the rest of us. He's a great songwriter, and a top-shelf producer in his own right." -Swinny

The ‘Rise Up’ album is currently on schedule for an April 29th, 2014 release via Rum Bum Records.


Facebook Now Lets You Ask Friends For Music Suggestions:

When you click onto a friend's profile, scroll down the left side of the page to his/her music, books, movies or TV shows section. Underneath his/her picks, you'll see a button reading "ask" next to the line "Ask [friend] for a music recommendation."


Artists Celebrate Century of Music Royalties:

"Every time you hear a song in a restaurant or on the radio, hear music in a concert hall, on TV or in a movie, or listen to streaming audio on the Internet, a writer gets paid, thanks in large part to a performing rights organization known as ASCAP, or the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

This month, ASCAP marks 100 years of representing composers' interests."


Cold Looking To Crowdfund $45,000 For New Live Album/DVD:



"We're shooting a private live performance at a undisclosed location in Orlando Florida(Limited tickets available in the list of incentives). It will be a live double album and dvd of a Cold concert recorded a month and a half after our goal is met. The album and footage will consist of all your favorite Cold songs,some bsides and new songs performed and recorded live!"


Crosses (†††) Streaming Self-Titled Album In Full:

The album will be released on February 11th, 2014 via Sumerian Records.


Lamb Of God’s Randy Blythe Launches Blog For His Upcoming Book “Dark Days”:

"...What this blog is:

1) Process: I am a voracious reader, and have been since I was child. I love reading books about the people who write books. I love learning about their process. I love seeing pictures of their writing desks. I love hearing about the nervous break downs they had as they toiled in solitude to produce something worth reading. I love a glimpse into their great knotty craniums. That is what the first phase of this blog will attempt to do through writing, photos, video, and maybe even some original music.

I have found that through my photography and Instagram account (@drandallblythe) that fans of my band and my photo work enjoy seeing what is going on in my life, as it has taken me to some pretty neat places and lead to some pretty interesting observations. The process phase will allow you a glimpse into what it’s like for me to become an author. I will not be taking questions during this phase, as I need to be writing. If you want to observe the train wreck in progress, by all means, hop aboard.

2) Production: In the second phase of the blog, I will be detailing what happens between submitting the manuscript to my publishers and the book hitting the shelves. This will include art work updates (galley covers, etc.), perhaps some advance reviews, book tour dates (I plan on doing a very interesting book tour), and what I learn about the business of publishing as I go along. This is a new area for me, and I hope to share what I learn as I fumble through this new field- who knows, maybe it will help some young aspiring author out! No questions will be taken here either.

3) Publication: Ok, the books out- now what? I guess we shall see! I will be opening up the questions section once the book is released, and we will be entering the publication phase of the blog. If anyone asks me something interesting CONCERNING THE BOOK, I will do my best to answer it. I also will be updating appearances and writing about anything different/funny/weird/hideous/painful/embarrassing that occurs as a result of being a published author. Maybe nothing will happen- who knows? Once again, I guess we shall see. I have a feeling all the above mentioned things will occur though. I am a magnet for wing nuts and bizarre situations. The book will only step that up, I’m sure.

WHAT THIS BLOG IS NOT:

A place to write about my band or answer any questions about it. There are other channels for that. I talk about band stuff when I am doing band stuff. Right now, I’m doing book stuff. The band stuff will come later.

So that’s the concept for this blog. In my next post I will tell the story of how this book deal thing came about; relating how I had to be convinced to write this book in the first place (it was not my idea- in fact, I really didn’t want to at first), and what finally made me agree to do it (no, it wasn’t money. I already have enough money for what I need. Plus, unless your King or Grisham or one of those folks, the book business is the wrong business to try and get rich in). Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to tell your friends, y’all hear me, now?”

You can read the full statement over at his Tumblr account (hyperlinked in the heading).


INVSN (Refused) Debut “61″ Music Video:




Bertelsmann's BMG to Acquire Dutch EDM Publisher Talpa Music:

“The new company BMG Talpa Music will be a great force in our exciting and constantly evolving music publishing industry, with its internationalization of copyright exploitation and the changes of collection of its various income streams from all kind of existing sales and usages, as well as from new great online media opportunities." -Tony Berk


Against Me! Announce North American Tour Dates, Share New Lyric Video:

03/09 Omaha, NE - Slowdown
03/10 Columbia, MO - The Blue Note
03/15 Corpus Christi, TX - House of Rock
03/16 Houston, TX - Fitzgerald's (Upstairs)
03/18 San Antonio, TX - Backstage Live
03/19 Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey
03/21 Denver, CO - The Summit Music Hall
03/22 Salt Lake City, UT - Murray Theatre
03/23 Reno, NV - Knitting Factory Concert House
03/24 Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
03/25 Seattle, WA - Neptune Theatre
03/26 Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom
03/28 Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room
03/29 Calgary, AB - Republik
03/30 Regina, SK - Exchange
04/01 Winnipeg, MB - West End Culture Center
04/02 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
04/03 Madison, WI - The Majestic Theatre
04/04 Palatine, IL - Durty Nellies
04/05 Indianapolis, IL - The Vogue
04/06 Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel




Masha Alyokhina and Nadya Tolokonnikova No Longer Members of Pussy Riot:

"Since it happened that Nadia and Masha chose not to be with us, please, respect their choice. Remember, we are no longer Nadia and Masha. They are no longer Pussy Riot.

The campaign "Free Pussy Riot" is over. We, as art collective, have an ethical right to preserve our art practice, our name and our visual identity, distinct from other organizations."


Andrew W.K. Announces Canadian Tour:

"I'm truly excited and terrified of what will happen at these shows.  We selected very special and very tight venues - places we might not normally play because this tour is designed for maximum chaos and to put us in the closest proximity to the party abyss!"

03/25 Toronto, ON - The Hard Luck Bar
03/26 Montreal, QC - Foufounes Electriques
03/27 Ottawa, ON - Mavericks
03/28 Halifax, NS - The Marquee Club
03/29 St. John's, NL - CLB Armouries


Korn - "Spike In My Veins" Official Video:




'Heavy Metal Movies' Book Coming In May:

"Positively the most horrifying book ever written! Lavishly illustrated and featuring more than 666 of the most metallic movie moments of all time. The ultimate guidebook to the complete molten musical cinema experience."


Dog Fashion Disco Launch Crowdfunding Campaign For New Album:

“It’s been over 8 years since DFD made it last album Adultery. At the time we thought that there was nothing else that we wanted to accomplish musically, we had a good run and done what we had set out to do. We started Polkadot Cadaver, but there was always a sense of unfinished business with DFD.



We really started talking seriously about making a new album this summer at the most recent DFD reunion show weekend. We had so much fun, with the horns and Tim that we decided maybe the story wasn’t completely written on Dog Fashion Disco just yet.”


Lacuna Coil Premeires "Nothing Stands In Our Way" Single:



“Nothing Stands In Our Way” is taken from “Broken Crown Halo”, which is out on March 31st, 2014 in Europe/Australia and April 1st, 2014 in North America via Century Media Records


Caliban Shed Light on Their Ever-Evolving Sound with 'Ghost Empire':

"I don't really know anymore what our fan base is like over there.  We used to tour in North America a lot, actually, many years ago, but then we had problems when Abacus went bankrupt and our album didn't get released by Century Media until a year and half after it was released in Europe. So, our following over there was ruined and ever since then it's been really hard to get a tour offer that would cover our expenses.

Everybody is always asking, 'When are you guys coming over? When are you guys coming over?' and we get these messages every day.  We just hope that some promoter will notice this at some point and see that there's a lot of people who are interested in this band, and they don't make an offer for, like, $100 a day or something like that, and it doesn't even cover the cost of our flights. We don't want to make huge money off coming over there, but covering the costs would be great." -Marc Görtz


Memphis May Fire Debut “No Ordinary Love”:



“No Ordinary Love“ comes from the band's new album “Unconditional“, which is due out on March 25th, 2014 via Rise Records.


For The Fallen Dreams To Release New Album In April:

"STREET DATE: 04.08.14
ARTIST: FOR THE FALLEN DREAMS
TITLE: HEAVY HEARTS
LABEL: RISE RECORDS
CATALOG NO: RR211"


Of Mice & Men’s Austin Carlile Says “Restoring Force” Is The Bands “City Of Evil”:

“When you’re building a band, you have to think about two years down the road and how what you are making now will impact you later. This record is our City Of Evil but it’s the next one that is really going to give us the platform to get where we want. Avenged saw an opportunity and moved into it while making consistently great records. Look at where that took them. That’s what I see us doing.” -Carlile


The Overseer Premiere “Fragile Wings” Lyric Video:



"Reset And Let Go" will be out on March 4th, 2014 via Solid State Records.


EPICA - New Album Title, Release Date Revealed:

"Our 6th album is called: The Quantum Enigma 
It will be released in the beginning of May.

stay tuned for more details coming soon!"