Alice In Chains - The Devil Put A Review Here

The album that's played in the shower, on the way to work, at the desk, in the gym, and practically any other time I get the opportunity to do so.  While Alice In Chains released "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" a little over nine months ago, the album continues to stay strong on my playlist with hit like "Stone" and "Breath on a Window" in heavy rotation with other albums and bands that pass through my phone.

AFGM: Alice In Chains - Hollow/The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here

I’m not a cornerstone in a palace for you

Time will bring your very own hard truth

Not to worry, ice covered rocks still move

Cold dry stone

While most long time fans initially had a hard time with William DuVall taking over the spotlight that was previously held by Layne Staley, I found the vocal combination of DuVall and Jerry Cantrell to be a perfect fit for the continuation of Alice In Chains.  "Black Gives Way To Blue" was a great re-introduction to the band and their new front man, but I personally found "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" to be the niche they were looking for.  Each song compliments the other and offers it's own level of integrity (if that means anything to you readers).

"I don't think you'll be surprised by anything you hear. ... It's us. But it's also really unique. It's got all the elements of any record we've put out, but it's unlike any record we've put out. Basically, it's the next chapter in the Alice in Chains book, and it's going to be a big one.  In my opinion, Black Gives Way to Blue stood up to anything else we've put out in our career. Hopefully, the new album will connect with people in the same way." -Cantrell

"The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" was released on May 28th, 2013 via Capitol Records.

1. Hollow

2. Pretty Done

3. Stone

4. Voices

5. The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here

6. Lab Monkey

7. Low Ceiling

8. Breath on a Window

9. Scalpel

10. Phantom Limb

11. Hung on a Hook

12. Choke

"This has a digital sheen that was missing even from Black Gives Way to Blue, and it gives the album an expansive feel, so the patented churn doesn't seem quite so claustrophobic as before." -Stephen Erlewine (All Music)

Mastering of the album was done by Ted Jensen (Within Temptation, Behemoth, Dream Theater, Lady Antebellum, Spin Doctors, etc.) while the album artwork was done by Demon Hunter vocalist Ryan Clark.  Not a bad combination if I do say so myself.  While production was overseen by Alice In Chains themselves, Nick Raskulinecz (Deftones, Rush, Danko Jones, Foo Fighters, etc.) assisted with the production duties.

 "'The devil put dinosaurs here / Jesus don't like a queer / No problem with faith / Just fear,' which appear in the title track. What's the old joke?  There are two things you never want to get into a conversation or argument about: politics and religion. But fuck, I guess we're going to be talking about this for awhile [sic]." -Cantrell

I am wise and you don't know

A cloud is my home

Only some get in

Got a 'maginary friend

The oddness of Alice In Chains have continued beyond the hiatus they had during the passing of Layne Staley.  With odd ball music videos and cryptic album artwork (see my previous article for such explanation), it was (with respect to Layne) almost as if the band never left the scene.

I honestly have a hard time picking out individual nuances of each song and can never bring myself to giving an album a star rating (3/5, 12/10, etc) because music is different for each person.  One might think my taste is music sucks, while others praise for an introduction to new music they never heard of.  So rather me wasting my time giving an exact amount rating, I leave it to the readers to make comments and experiences with the album themselves.  Who's better to review you own taste than you?

Now if you will excuse me, I will be streaming this album from start to finish once again.  I suggest you all do so if there is any piece of a 90's kid/adult in you looking to revisit one of the grunge era's most notable band.

"We made a unique record that's completely different from anything we ever did. It encapsulates a period of time, like all records do. You see growth and that the band is moving ahead in new territory that we haven't been to before, but we haven't lost our identity." -Cantrell

Whispering of names, faces

Uniforms I've worn

And all that is gone

Always climbing

To fall down again

Holding onto everything

It's not what it seems

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

"Stone" | "Voices" | "Lab Monkey"

"Breath On A Window" | "Phantom Limb"

Music Video Overload For March 5th, 2014

So if yesterday's lyric videos and new wasn't enough for you I stashed a bunch of music videos and lyric videos to overload your computer on!  With new music videos from Asia, Bury Tomorrow, Suicide Silence and more, there was no reason to stick them all on an already lengthy article.  So here's hoping you have a decent internet connection (everyone has cable high speed right?) and a good sound system.  Playing these videos in 720p with a 2.1/5.1 sound makes it rather enjoyable

ASIA - 'Valkyrie' Video Released:




Bury Tomorrow Debut “Man On Fire”:



"Runes" will land on May 26th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast.


Asking Alexandria’s Cover Of Nine Inch Nails “Closer” Available:




Of Mice & Men - Bones Exposed:



"Bones Exposed" comes from OM&M's latest album "Restoring Force", out now!


MISS MAY I: 'Gone' Video:



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


DEVILDRIVER - Sail (Lyric Video):




DEMON HUNTER: Lyric Videos For New Songs 'The Last One Alive' and 'I Will Fail You':





"Extremist" will be released on March 18th, 2014 via Solid State Records.


SUICIDE SILENCE - 'You Only Live Once' Performance Clip Featuring RANDY BLYTHE, ROBB FLYNN:




Emmure Release "Nemesis":



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


Chevelle Release “Take Out The Gunman” Lyric Video:



The band's new album “La Gargola” is scheduled for April 1st, 2014.


The Overseer Release “Scarlet Wool” Lyric Video:



“Rest & Let Go“ was released on March 4th, 2014 via Solid State Records.


Memphis May Fire Debut New Song “Sleepless Nights”:



“Unconditional” will be released on March 25th, 2014 Rise Records.

Music News and New Music For March 4th, 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!

Oasis Announces 20th Anniversary Reissue of 'Definitely, Maybe':

Disc one: 

1. Rock 'n' Roll Star 
2. Shakemaker 
3. Live Forever 
4. Up In The Sky 
5. Columbia 
6. Supersonic 
7. Bring It on Down 
8. Cigarettes & Alcohol 
9. Digsy's Diner 
10. Slide Away 
11. Married With Children 

Disc two: 

1. Columbia (white label demo) 
2. Cigarettes & Alcohol (demo) 
3. Sad Song 
4. I Will Believe (live) 
5. Take Me Away 
6. Alive (demo) 
7. D'Yer Wanna Be A Spaceman? 
8. Supersonic 
9. Up In The Sky (acoustic) 
10. Cloudburst 
11. Fade Away 
12. Listen Up 
13. I Am The Walrus (live Glasgow Cathouse, June '94) 
14. Whatever 
15. (It's Good) To Be Free 
16. Half The World Away 

Disc three: 

1. Supersonic (live At Glasgow Tramshed) 
2. Rock 'n' Roll Star (demo) 
3. Shakemaker (live Paris in-store) 
4. Columbia (Eden Studios Mix) 
5. Cloudburst (demo) 
6. Strange Thing (demo) 
7. Live Forever (live Paris in-store) 
8. Cigarettes & Alcohol (live At Manchester Academy) 
9. D'Yer Wanna Be A Spaceman? (live At Manchester Academy) 
10. Fade Away (demo) 
11. Take Me Away (live At Manchester Academy) 
12. Sad Song (live At Manchester Academy) 
13. Half The World Away (live, Tokyo hotel room) 
14. Digsy's Diner (live, Paris in-store)
15. Married With Children (demo) 
16. Up In The Sky (live Paris in-store) 
17. Whatever (Strings) 

Original 1993 Demos cassette: 

Side one: 

1. Cloudburst 
2. Columbia 
3. D'Yer Wanna Be A Spaceman? 
4. Strange Thing 

Side two: 

1. Bring It On Down 
2. Married With Children 
3. Fade Away 
4. Rock 'n' Roll Star 

Supersonic 12-inch single: 

A. Supersonic 
B1. Take Me Away 
B2. I Will Believe (Live) 

The official release date is set at May 20th, 2014 via Big Brother Recordings


BLACK STONE CHERRY - New Song 'Me And Mary Jane' Available For Streaming:



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


Morrissey - "I Don't Know a Single Person Who Wants a Smiths Reunion!":

"I don't know a single person who wants a Smiths reunion!  But, no, there aren't any bands I like to see again because your memory of them is how they were in their prime or at their best or at their most desperate, and you look to them to be someone that they no longer are."


Animals As Leaders Stream Studio Version Of New Song “Lippincott”:



Their new album “The Joy Of Motion” will be released March 25th, 2014 via Sumerian Records.


Beck Discusses Planned 'Song Reader' Compilations and "Uptempo" Follow-Up to 'Morning Phase':

"We've been working on a compilation of other people recording the songs.  One with name people, and then one made by fans.

I hazard to say anything specific because I'm not really sure what's going to end up on the record.  I'm still finding what it is. I'm trying to make songs that work for the live show, so they're more uptempo."



DAVE MUSTAINE's 'Symphony Interrupted' Performance With SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY - Official Poster Unveiled:

"When we first started talking about that, it was kind of in passing. I was in England, actually, and someone said they would be interested in seeing my interpretation of the classics, because I'm very classically influenced. It's what I like to listen to, but it's not like I played it. It was tossed around and it went from me being someone who would do a narrative of classical stuff to someone actually playing it. I was pretty excited, but then they sent over their first two songs that they want me to play, which was some Vivaldi stuff, and as I listened to it I was, like, 'This is really difficult stuff.'

When you're playing out of a guitar, it's a different mentality, and when you play it on a violin, the strings are tuned differently, so it's like going from playing tennis to handball. The same principle still, but a totally different finesse."


Kiss Cancel Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Performance over Lineup Dispute:

"Out of respect, Ace and Peter's recent statements demand a quick response to you, our fans.

Our intention was to celebrate the entire history of KISS and give credit to all members including long time present members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, and additionally Bruce Kulick and Eric Carr all who have made this band what it is, regardless of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame's point of view.

Although KISS has moved forward far longer without them, Ace and Peter are at the very foundation of what we have built and this would all be impossible had they not been a part of it in the beginning. 

It is over 13 years since the original lineup has played together in make-up and we believe the memory of those times would not be enhanced. Contrary to claims made through the media we have never refused to play with Ace and Peter.

We have spent 40 years dedicated to building KISS without quitting or wavering as the band has moved forward with huge tours and platinum albums through different important lineups for forty years, to this day.

KISS has always been a band unlike any other. That is why we started KISS. That is why we continue KISS. Being unlike other bands also means making choices and decisions unlike other bands.

This is understandably an emotional situation where there is no way to please everyone.

To bring this to a quick end, we have decided not to play in any line-up and we will focus our attention on celebrating our induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

We are excited and are looking forward to seeing you all on the KISS 40th Anniversary worldwide tour." -KISS


DREAM THEATER's MIKE MANGINI Endorses Frozen Ape's Newly Released Tempo Advance 2.0:

"Tempo Advance is and has always been the very backbone of my gig warmups and practice sessions because it keeps my mind occupied and focused much more than using a stand-alone, single click." -Mangini


DREAM THEATER Photo Book In The Works:

"Being able to do a book project with an iconic and influential band such as DREAM THEATER is beyond a honor.  Cancer affects my life daily, so to be able to give back through my work on a project like this is a true blessing." -Rob Fenn

"We were introduced to Rob's work through Mark Abramson at Roadrunner. His photos are amazing and as soon as we found out about the cause, we were all immediately on board.

All of our lives have been affected by cancer in some way and all of us have lost loved ones to the disease. This is a great way for us to be a part of the crusade toward finding a cure, and we are looking forward to working together with Rob on the upcoming North American tour." -Jon Petrucci


Rob Zombie Unveils Cover Art For New Live DVD:



"Here is a first look at the cover of the new ZOMBIE live concert film. This will be available in May on DVD/Blue Ray." -Rob Zombie

Footage for this DVD was recorded at two stops during the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. (August 03rd The Woodlands, TX and August 04th Dallas, TX)

Soundgarden Reveal Details For Extensive “Superunknown” 20th Anniversary Edition:

“This year, the band celebrates the 20th anniversary of this groundbreaking album with a special reissue in two deluxe versions outlined below and available on June 3, 2014 via A&M Records/UME. The Deluxe Edition is a 2-CD package featuring the remastered album along with disc two consisting of demos, rehearsals, B-sides and more.

The Super Deluxe Edition is a 5-CD package featuring the remastered album, additional demos, rehearsals and B-sides and the fifth disc is the album mixed in Blu-ray ™ Audio 5.1 Surround Sound. The Super Deluxe Edition is incredibly packaged in a hardbound book with a lenticular cover, liner notes by David Fricke and newly reimagined album artwork designed by Josh Graham.

It also features never before seen band photography by Kevin Westerberg. A 2-LP gatefold of the original 16 vinyl tracks remastered on 200-gram vinyl in a gatefold jacket will also be made available. In addition, the Superunknown singles and associated b-sides with newly interpreted artwork sleeves by Josh Graham will be reissued on Record Store Day, April 19th, as a set of five limited edition 10″ vinyl records."

SUPERUNKNOWN – DELUXE EDITION 2CD TRACK LISTING:
CD ONE – REMASTERED ALBUM
1. Let Me Drown
2. My Wave
3. Fell on Black Days
4. Mailman
5. Superunknown
6. Head Down
7. Black Hole Sun
8. Spoonman
9. Limo Wreck
10. The Day I Tried to Live
11. Kickstand
12. Fresh Tendrils
13. 4th of July
14. Half
15. Like Suicide
16. She Likes Surprises

CD TWO – Demos, Rehearsals, B-Sides & More
1. Let Me Drown (Demo)^
2. Black Hole Sun (Demo)^
3. Half (Demo)^
4. Head Down (Rehearsal)^
5. Limo Wreck (Rehearsal)^
6. The Day I Tried to Live (Rehearsal)^
7. Like Suicide (Acoustic)
8. Black Days III*
9. Birth Ritual (Original Demo Version)
10. Exit Stonehenge
11. Kyle Petty, Son of Richard
12. Jerry Garcia’s Finger
13. Spoonman (Alternate Steve Fisk Remix)^
14. The Day I Tried To Live (Scott Litt Mix)^
15. 4th of July (Instrumental)^
16. Superunknown (Instrumental)^

SUPERUNKNOWN – SUPER DELUXE TRACK LISTING:
CD ONE – REMASTERED ALBUM
1. Let Me Drown
2. My Wave
3. Fell on Black Days
4. Mailman
5. Superunknown
6. Head Down
7. Black Hole Sun
8. Spoonman
9. Limo Wreck
10. The Day I Tried to Live
11. Kickstand
12. Fresh Tendrils
13. 4th of July
14. Half
15. Like Suicide
16. She Likes Surprises

CD TWO – B-SIDES & MORE
1. The Day I Tried To Live (Alternate Mix)^
2. Spoonman (Alternate Steve Fisk Remix)^
3. Beyond The Wheel (Live)
4. Fell On Black Days (Live)
5. Birth Ritual (Original Demo Version)
6. Jesus Christ Pose (Live)
7. Like Suicide (Acoustic Version)
8. Kickstand (Live)
9. My Wave (Live)
10. Spoonman (Steve Fisk Remix)
11. Exit Stonehenge
12. Kyle Petty, Son of Richard
13. Black Days III*
14. Ghostmotorfinger**
15. Jerry Garcia’s Finger
16. Fell On Black Days (Video Version)

CD THREE – THE DEMOS (unreleased)
1. Let Me Drown (Demo)
2. Fell On Black Days (Demo)
3. Superunknown (Demo)
4. Black Hole Sun (Demo)
5. Spoonman (Demo)
6. Fresh Tendrils (Demo)
7. 4th of July (Demo)
8. Half (Demo)
9. Like Suicide (Demo)

CD FOUR – THE REHEARSALS (unreleased)
1. Black Hole Sun (Rehearsal)
2. Bing Bing Goes To Church (Rehearsal)
3. Half (Rehearsal)
4. Head Down (Rehearsal)
5. Kyle Petty, Son Of Richard (Rehearsal)
6. Let Me Drown (Rehearsal)
7. Limo Wreck (Rehearsal)
8. My Wave (Rehearsal)
9. Fresh Tendrils (Rehearsal)
10. Like Suicide (Rehearsal)
11. Ruff Riff-Raff (Rehearsal)
12. Exit Stonehenge (Rehearsal)
13. Spoonman (Rehearsal)
14. The Date I Tried To Leave (Rehearsal)
15. The Day I Tried To Live (Rehearsal)

DISC FIVE – BLU-RAY AUDIO 5.1 MIX
1. Let Me Drown (5.1 Mix)
2. My Wave (5.1 Mix)
3. Fell On Black Days (5.1 Mix)
4. Mailman (5.1 Mix)
5. Superunknown (5.1 Mix)
6. Head Down (5.1 Mix)
7. Black Hole Sun (5.1 Mix)
8. Spoonman (5.1 Mix)
9. Limo Wreck (5.1 Mix)
10. The Day I Tried To Live (5.1 Mix)
11. Kickstand (5.1 Mix)
12. Fresh Tendrils (5.1 Mix)
13. 4th Of July (5.1 Mix)
14. Half (5.1 Mix)
15. Like Suicide (5.1 Mix)
16. She Likes Surprises (Int’l Vers & Us 12″) (5.1 Mix)



SUPERUNKNOWN: THE SINGLES – FIVE 10-INCH VINYL SET

1. SPOONMAN
Fresh Tendrils
Cold Bitch
Exit Stonehenge

2. THE DAY I TRIED TO LIVE
Like Suicide (Acoustic Version)
Kickstand (Live)
Limo Wreck

3. BLACK HOLE SUN
Jesus Christ Pose (Live)
Beyond The Wheel (Live)
Fell On Black Days (Live)

4. MY WAVE
Spoonman (Steve Fisk Remix)
Birth Ritual (Original Demo Version)
My Wave (Live)

5. FELL ON BLACK DAYS
Kyle Petty, Son of Richard
Ghostmotorfinger**
Fell On Black Days (Video Version)
Girl U Want
Black Days III*

* Originally titled “Fell On Black Days (Demo – Early Version)”

**Originally titled “Motorcycle Loop (Short Version)”

^ Previously Unreleased”


Gallows Finish Up Recording New Material:

“That’s a wrap on recording.
Fly home to Toronto early tomorrow morning. We wrote everything then pressed record a second later.
Felt good.” -Wade MacNeil

“Our week at TITAN Studios is over. The most creative and productive 7 days in Gallows history.” -Gallows


Devin Townsend Reaches 249% Of His Crowdfunding Goal In One Day:

"Casualties of Cool: Casualties of Cool has just reached its goal!" -Devin Townsend


Intervals Launch Stream Of New Song “The Self Surrendered”:




Sevendust Reveal Cover Art & Release Date For “Time Travelers & Bonfires”:

"'Time Travelers & Bonfires' coming your way on 4/15. To get your hands on it before then, make your pledge here: http://bit.ly/1bMhUiZ"


For The Fallen Dreams Release Lyric Video For New Song “Emerald Blue”:



Their new album “Heavy Hearts“ will be released on April 8th release date set on Rise Records.


AS I LAY DYING Singer TIM LAMBESIS Pleads Guilty In Murder For Hire:

"Tim Lambesis entered a guilty plea to one felony count of solicitation of murder in San Diego court Tuesday, admitting that he hired a hit man to kill his estranged wife.

As a result of a plea agreement, Lambesis could serve nine years according to a court clerk."


REVAMP - Official 'Nothing' Lyric Video:




SOILWORK's BJÖRN 'SPEED' STRID Offers More Information On Upcoming DVD Shoot:

"We are nothing short of super excited to announce the recording of our first live DVD ever. This very special and unique evening will go down in beautiful Helsinki, Finland, where SOILWORK have always had very loyal fans and shared some great success through the years. The show will take place at The Circus on the 21st of March.

It's been a long time coming, considering we released our first album in 1998, but here it is!

We can't wait to share this special moment with you, our fans! The show will bring you songs from each and every album of our career. We also have some very special guests invited for the show as well that we can't wait to announce. In addition to this, we will randomly draw 25 people out of the 500 first people to enter the venue that will join the band and the crew for an after-show party!

Make sure you don't miss out on this... See you on the 21st of March in Helsinki, at The Circus. It's a date!"


MISS MAY I To Release 'Rise Of The Lion' In April:

"A lot of it could be considered leftfield for us. I won't go into detail because when you do that, people expect something that they may not particularly hear, but when we finished 'At Heart', we were all stoked and thought we'd thrown everything we had into it. After a couple of years touring and growing, we've come back to writing and have been adding different influences. There's some slower, heavier stuff, thrashier parts and no two songs sound the same. We're doing something to challenge ourselves and our listeners but please both, too." -Levi Benton

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

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

Music Releases For March 4th, 2014

So this week really didn't resonate when it comes to new releases.  A few of these are the first time ever hearing the groups but like all of you, I am constantly on the lookout for new material as well.  It would be pompous of me to think that my taste in music is perfect as-is and wouldn't be open to new bands and albums, right?

So other than Intervals and The Overseer these are new bands to me just as much to you.  So feel free to drop some comments on artists YOU think I should be paying attention to.  But as always, if you like what you hear (there are plenty of places to get free listening samples) then buy and album at your local record shop or online retailer.  If digital is your thing then ensure you purchase it from a legal source.

Sales determine touring schedules so it only hurts your city if you don't buy.

(Mike Oldfield - Man On The Rocks)

Of those previous 24 efforts, he will of course always be remembered for 1973’s Tubular Bells and with good reason – who else can lay claim to an album that’s topped 17 million worldwide sales? And a totally instrumental one to boot.

It is undoubtedly the guitaring that represents this album’s main strength, often elevating average tracks into something better, but when telling guitar contributions are absent there’s little else to get excited about. The quality of that guitaring though is impressive enough to keep listeners coming back; the old master may not be as abundantly creative as he once was but there’s life in the old fart yet. -Music OMH

(Vanishing Point - Distant Is The Sun)

I find myself at a real loss to say anything more about Distant is The Sun other than it is a brilliant album. It is a finely wrought artwork, richly layered and abundant in beauteous composition that will capture your mind and knock you from your feet. Granted that this kind of metal is not everyone’s taste, but I would emphatically recommend it to anyone who is looking for some genuinely gorgeous music; for lovers of this genre Distant is The Sun is more than a treat, it is a full course meal for the ears and (as cliché as it may sound) heart. It is, without question, uplifting and stunning international level metal. -Metal Obsession

(Wolves Like Us - Black Soul Choir)

With a pedigree of previous bands as strong as you’re likely to find anywhere amidst the fjords, this Norwegian quartet’s brand of heavy rock is meaty and muscular,  whether it’s galloping through the fury of “When Will We Ever Sleep” or ripping through the fierce dynamics of tracks such as the kinetic “Dig with Your Hands.” Lyrical references to Charles Bukowski and Elizabeth Carter score egghead points, but the real smarts are in the taut and tight delivery of the 10 tracks. -Revolver Magazine

(Battleaxe - Heavy Metal Sanctuary)

Throughout the album you can hear influences from many other great bands such as SAXON, ACCEPT, RUNNING WILD and even AC/DC. “Rebel With A Cause” is a blast of Power Metal mixed with Hard Rock, while the eerie atmospheric intro to “Give It More” gives way to a hard rock AC/DC sounding stomp. Upping the tempo is the blistering “Too Hot For Hell”. Superb guitar solos, solid rhythms and a catchy sing-a-long chorus make this a stand out song on the album. “Revolution” is a mid tempo hard rock romp with a great guitar sound. -Metal Temple

(The Overseer - Rest and Let Go)

With “Rest & Let Go”, the band does not choose to run away from the influences that have been pinned to them, but rather seem to focus on them. Don’t let this scare you though, The Overseer keep things fresh enough that the new record avoids sounding like a rehashing of of “We Search, We Dig” or a tribute album to the mentioned greats.

With “Rest & Let Go” The Overseer are able to refine the sound laid forth on “We Search, We Dig”. The new music does not instantly sound different from their previous work, however, while listening to the albums as wholes back to back, the newest material feels much more concise and natural. Song structures are more varied and soundwise, the record is more diverse. If you thought The Overseer were a force to be reckoned with on their debut, you are in for a treat on the tighter, more mature sophomore effort, “Rest & Let Go”. -Indie Vision Music

EPs:

(Intervals - A Voice Within)

There really isn’t anything bad about this record at all, the musicianship, as already mentioned, is stupidly tight, and the production does a good job of making everything sound crisp and clear, it’s just a difficult record to connect to and one unlikely to live long in the memory.

It’s difficult to really see Intervals as anything more than intricately constructed and energetically performed background music. It’s enjoyable enough to listen to while doing something else, but lacks that certain spark that makes ‘A Voice Within’ an album that never quite manages to grab and hold the listeners undivided attention. -Already Heard

We Butter The Bread With Butter Live @ Hard Luck Bar (Feb 15th, 2014)

Saturday night in the cold of Toronto I am finishing a round of drinks with family members who have come to visit for the evening.  After some good times and laughs, I hopped on the street car down to Dundas West and Bathurst to a venue I have never been to and a band I have never seen before.

Being that this tour was delayed from 2013 to 2014 only gave me more time to sit down and check out their latest album Goldkinder.  As the four piece group follows in the footsteps of my all-time favourite band (Rammstein) I was grasping the concept of the album, sound and style...even with an odd and long name to explain to newcomers.

AFGM: We Butter The Bread With Butter - Goldkinder

A long list of bands had doors opening early and giving the hardcore fans a place to sit down, drop off their coats and find somewhere to put their drink as they flailed their arms about during the sets of the opening acts.  Then again, I am only assuming this was the case; call it a sense of experience from shows of my own and many in the big city.

As I have previous research of Honour Crest, I was excited to hear what "Spilled Ink" sounded like on a live scale.  The group managed to grab a hold of the fans early in to their set with their down tuned, breakdown method of delivery.

A set well done but leaving me hungry for more good music like that.  All honesty and no offense to the opening act, but Lions Lions didn't satisfy me.  While the band had a unique sound and approach to their tunes, their music didn't resonate on a level that kept me intrigued.  A valiant effort nonetheless to the fans that came out to support them.

Then we moved on to the main event.  We Butter The Bread With Butter gave the [only slightly vacant] room a show that was worthy of their flight from Germany.  Small nuances such as strobes and head light gear made their set even more of a theatrical show than previous artists warming up the crowd.  I am firm believe in giving a visual display to fan while belting out your hits to sing along to.  So check out the photos below.  I have a large amount I am still working on so more will be posted as they are finished.  Cheers and be sure to check them out next time they come through town!

More on the way so stay tuned!

Music Releases For February 25th, 2014

I have to admit that some of these bands never really appealed to me.  So why am I writing about them?  Everyone has room for opportunity to improve.  With some of my core genres starting to really be monotonous and repetitious, I tend to look for inspiration and influence from other genres.  In the past few years, this has led me to blues, jazz, classical.  And as knowledgeable as I may come across (depending on who you talk to) I even need help finding music sometimes.  I rely on readers, friends and family to hook me up with new tunes all the time.

That being said, I am looking forward to spinning these albums during the week and seeing what everyone else sees in their music (currently listening to The Kindred as I type this).  So be a good sport and pick up and album or two.  If not the record store for your fear of over stimulation, then hot up an online retailer or another legal source to buy them.  Cheers!

(Silversun Pickups -The Singles Collection)

Ambitious and anthemic, tracks like "Panic Switch" and "Lazy Eye" have proven indelible classics, a guarantee of rare danger and invention amidst the anodyne dross of much contemporary rock. What's more, the indefatigable quartet have made it their mission to bring their unique music to the people, touring the planet nearly non-stop to reach a devoted and ever-growing international fan following. Now, as they prepare to embark on their next creative voyage, Silversun Pickups pause for a last look back at the musical milestones that have marked their journey thus far. -Contact Music

(Beck - Morning Phase)

Fittingly, Morning Phase serves as the artist's wake-up call to himself. The album plays out much like a vivid Kinetoscope, offering shimmering vignettes of a bleary-eyed, sandpaper-voiced Beck as he emerges from a six-year hiatus.

Morning Phase isn't Beck's best album, nor does it eclipse the pathos he so artfully channeled on Sea Change. There's an unfinished, first-chapter quality here, a structure building toward some as-yet-unheard climax that, as Beck has hinted publicly, suggests there's a line of other projects waiting in the wings. Even if fragmented, however, Morning Phase stands tall in comparison to Beck's larger catalogue, something that could not be said of his last few albums. -Slant Magazine

(The Fray - Helios)

As much as they try to fuse styles on their latest album, there are a few tracks on here that maintain the classic The Fray sound, going for a moodier vibe. “Keep On Wanting” taps into their inspirational side against a solid pop/rock sound, one of my favorites of the bunch. There is also “Shadow And A Dancer” and “Same As You”, the two closing songs, which also happen to be the longest. “Shadow” channels an early Peter Gabriel sound, while chronicling the ups and downs of an unexpected relationship: “The summer thrill is gone/But we’ve never been so in love.” “Same” finds itself on an echo-driven, almost spacey kind of ground, far different from anything else on here. -Pop Goes The Charts

(Twin Forks - LP)

Carrabba has said that this is exactly the kind of music he wants to make right now, that as he’s gotten older he’s returning to more of his musical roots. The album’s 12 songs, including the five from the EP, hit that note in each and every song. One of the real stand-out elements of the album is the background vocals and effects. Between the backing vocals from Suzie Zeldin - who sounds like a mix of Lelia Broussard and Lily Claire (Lily and the Parlor Tricks) - and the other audio fills, each song is incredibly rich and complex and sets Twin Forks apart from other acts today. -Emo At Heart

(Drive-By Truckers - English Oceans)

All in all, should you need reminding, it’s a pleasant reminder of how effective mainstream rock music always has been: Drive-By Truckers write hooks that could stay in your head for months. However, there’s got to come a time where they realize that there’s more to music than the sound they’re making, and they have the capability and artistic freedom to do so much more than this. Basically, this is the sound of a band happy to be coasting, which can be a chore to listen to. -Music OMH

(The Kindred - Life In Lucidity)

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

Let’s address this duality directly, for it lies at the heart of Life in Lucidity. The album draws its life-blood from two main sounds: fast and heavy breakdown riffs more in tune with the rest of Sumerian Record’s track record and a bluesy, organ-tinged, melancholy. The first can be heard vividly on ‘Everbound’, containing an anchoring riff coupled with solid cymbal work to create a heavy feeling that suffuses the entire song. -Heavy Blog Is Heavy

Away With Words - An Interview With Angel Vivaldi

One of best interviews I have done and one of the best viewed articles on AFGM.  Is there any reason why I wouldn't want to get in touch with Mr. Angel Vivaldi once more to see what he has been up to?  For anyone who read my previous interview with Angel, you will see that he has been going full speed ahead with new material and a new album that will sure to make some heads spin.  Then again, this is generally the impression I get when listening to his blistering solos or precision based drum patterns.



The new album is titled "Away With Words" and will be released on March 11th, 2014 so mark your calendars folks!  Angel has been consistently producing top quality music for 10+ years and does not give any indication he is running out of material.  Quite the opposite, I find Angel's new material to be the best to date.  The concept EP will definitely make you rethink your thoughts on instrumental music and what it means to record, produce, master, and market your product.

If anyone out there is looking to get their own name out there, then I suggest taking a page from the book of Vivaldi (Angel of course).  AFGM was fortunate enough to have yet another outstanding Q&A session with Angel.  Check out his answers below!

AFGM: So was there any different mindset when stepping into the studio for “Away With Words” as opposed to “Universal Language”?

Angel: Yes- I wanted this record and all future records to be timeless. I don't want production value or tricks to date my material so I went for a mostly organic approach... Real amps, real keyboards/synths, real drums, genuine performances, crisp production but not overbearing.

I hit a horrible writing snag during "Away With Words." I got too wrapped up into writing music my fans would like and arranging the production to be on par with what my peers are doing these days. I finally realized that writing music for myself yielded so much more success than trying to please everyone, which is really an impossible task. I'm starting to feel that having so many opinions publicized is starting to intimidate artists into pleasing their fans more than themselves which in turn makes an unhappy artist. It's incredible to see how the music you write moves people, but it can easily be overwhelming if you take it too heart too much which I absolutely did esp after Universal Language. No artist wants to let down the fans who made them successful in the first place, so it's important to focus on what you did to create your personal success in the first place and maintain that. 

Define where you are. Define where you want to be. Take action. Monitor that action. 

AFGM: Machine Shop once more for these sessions.  So I take it that studio is capturing what you want for this album?

Angel: Not only are they nailing what I think each record should sound like but they're really just a great group of people. Even the most stressful situations have been remedied by their attitudes and work ethic. We all got along great! This record marks the beginning of my working relationship with Randy Leboeuf who tracked and co-produced along with Will. I don't think I've ever had that much fun tracking a record to date.

AFGM: Are you still using Logic Pro for pre-production and song writing?

Angel: Indeed I am! I’ve been using it for a good 2 years, (since the Universal Language sessions), so I’ve gotten a lot better with it. Now having gone to a Logic based studio again for "Away With Words" helped me get even better. 

Would I ever go out and produce my own record? Most likely not. Since a lot of bands these days are self-sufficient in terms of studio recording, marketing & touring, I think that other bands feel pressured to match that same level of self-sustainment and wind up half-assing something or falling short in some way. Just because you’re an amazing singer doesn’t mean that you can organize an album release or a tour. Being honest with yourself helps keep your ego in check and makes for a much better product in the end. I'm most confident in my skills as a songwriter and guitarist and mainly focus on that. It’s super important for artists to be honest with what their strengths are and aren’t. 



AFGM: Seeing that the lineup for your project has not changed since Universal Language, it's safe to say this lineup is solid and unwavering?

Angel: This is by far the strongest lineup I’ve had in my 10 years of doing this. Each player has something interesting to add to the mix so it’s always fresh. Everyone’s been in the band for over 3 years at this point (with Jake at around 7, Jason around 5), so unless someone gets another gig I think it’s safe to say that this will be static for the foreseeable future.

AFGM: So after watching your ‘behind the scenes’ piece with Jake and the bass licks of the album, I distinctly remember Jake mentioning the amount of improv versus written structure.

"I would probably say that about 75% of it is Angel's original vision and what he had in mind, with the other 25% either being 'OK Jake, do your thing here' or 'I took your part and did this with it'."

Do you find that you’re flexible with the other musicians having their input, or do you feel that the freedom tends to veer away from your original vision?

Angel: Sometimes veering away from my original vision is a good thing. I make it appoint to always take their creativity and suggestions into consideration- more so with “Away With Words” than any other record. It’s a lot like a healthy relationship in the sense that everyone brings out the best in everyone else musically. I respect the way each member hears the material and if they hear something different I’m all about trying it out. 

AFGM: Let's talk album artwork.  Who designed this lovely piece?  What does it represent in regards to your album?

Angel: Every facet of this record embodies the concept of how everything possesses their opposite within itself- in every bad person there's compassion, in every teacher there is a student, in every male there are female attributes, etc. To sonically/visually pull this off I decided to split this album into 2 very different sounding EP's, (one electric, one acoustic) and also have dual-artwork that when put together made a beautiful mural that conveyed the sort of yin-yang concept. 

The artwork, like almost every other aspect of this record, was such a nightmare to complete. I worked on mockups with 3 different artists who couldn’t artistically nail the concept. I finally stumbled upon this incredible Estonian artist named Amandine Van Ray who really hit the nail on the head in achieving what I wanted.



AFGM: What prompted this artwork?  Any sudden moment of clarity/vision that led you to it?

Angel: Mainly the concept of the record. Once the theme hit me the ideas just started to snowball immediately. It went from the album title, to Morse code song names, to a double EP, to dual artwork and fast.

Trying to convey this idea to artists was a real mind fuck. Some of them understood what I was going for but couldn't execute it in a way where both sides played into one another. I'm deeply moved by surrealistic art and knew the moment I saw Amandine's portfolio that she’d knock it out of the park.  I can honestly say I haven't been moved by an album cover as much as I have this one in a very long time. 

AFGM: Will Morse Code be used for all the track names on the album?  Does that have something to do with the album title?

Angel: Yes. I did this for numerous reasons. The first is obvious which avoids using actual words to go with the album title. More importantly however, I was captivated with how the numbers look when listed vertically in Morse Code. The last 5 tracks are almost mirrored reflections of the first 5, so it has that two sides of the same coin feel. 

AFGM: So from your "Away With Words" album preview, I noticed you are strumming an acoustic guitar (around the 6:38 mark).  Could you elaborate a little more on the acoustic side of your upcoming release?

Angel: I really wanted to go big with this concept and thought what better way than to show a completely different side of what I can do musically than to release two COMPLETELY different CD's under the same album. It’s kind of like fire and water in the sense that both need oxygen to come into being; both of these albums share ideas from the same source while sounding completely different from one another.

AFGM: I couldn't quite tell what type of acoustic you are using, care to divulge?  Any specific reason why you went with this specific brand/model?

Angel: The guitar I used in the preview is a Taylor, couldn’t tell you which model for the life of me. I’m rather partial to Ovation so chances are you’ll be hearing one on Part 2 of Away With Words. I just love the feel of their necks and how robust and clear the tone is. I’ve found that finding a good acoustic guitar that sounds as good as it plays has always been a real challenge, so once I found my home with Ovation I stopped searching. It's a real nuisance.

AFGM: Will AWW Part II feature you as a solo guitarist or have the entire band adding elements?

Angel: The acoustic portion of the record will mainly feature myself as a solo acoustic guitarist. There may be some percussive additives here and there, possibly even some strings. I think that will be dependent on who I have produce that portion of the record which is still up in the air.



AFGM: Do you find the acoustic side of the album to be more or less challenging than your heavy side?  Is acoustic something you regularly compose with?

Angel: Each side poses its own set of challenges. My heavy side gets challenging mainly due to my desire to get better and more proficient as a guitarist. It used to be that I would write material that I couldn’t play in order to push my technical abilities further since practice time is scarce. While there are moments that really tested my ability on Part 1, I wanted to focus more on evolving my songwriting capabilities.

Playing solo acoustic guitar is a very vulnerable thing for a metal electric guitarist to do. There’s nothing more unforgiving than playing an acoustic guitar without the backing of a band. I wrote most of this material a good 6 years ago shortly before moving to New York. Once there I would go around different lounges and venues to play this material out randomly, even did the whole subway thing once which was really a lot of fun. While I’m familiar with these songs I still need to practice a tremendous amount in order to pull them off. Experimenting with different tunings and techniques like finger-style picking really helped me to open up and write material that wouldn’t normally write or sound like. I’m really happy with the result and hope to do more acoustic projects in the future. 

AFGM: Can we expect another great music video in the works soon?

Angel: I'm actually working on an unbelievable treatment for the first single "One." The storyline is spectacular and is going to require a tremendous amount of work. My aim is raise the bar even further from where I left off with "A Martian Winter," which is no easy task. But I'm feeling pretty confident in this one! Until that's out I am filming a few play through videos as well. Shooting to have either a play through or a music video for each song this time around. 





AFGM: You seem to be a man of many talents.  Besides the excellent writing of your songs, you also seem to act as your own manager, booking agent, and promoter.  Do you find this to be equally fulfilling to do or do you have the intention of having someone else manage these things with you?  

In a nutshell, do you like to act as both sides or just want to focus on the writing/performing side of the music industry?

Angel: I do. At the end of the day, no one is going to be as passionate/work as hard for your music as much as you would. I genuinely enjoy the business aspect of the industry… I love analytics, crunching numbers, budgeting my marketing/promotion plans, working with graphic designers and producers, scheduling video and photo shoots, etc. 

This album cycle was a beautiful learning experience because the entire experience was such a disaster from the moment I began writing it 2 years ago right up until the end. I hit a horrible period of writer’s block during which at the time was pretty devastating. Then after I finished the writing portion, scheduling of the recording studio was another hurdle. The studio got hit with flood damage which pushed tracking back 2 months. Once there we bounced from lead guitar to drums, back to leads, finished drums, did bass, then rhythm guitar, then finally finished off lead guitars. The studio was so backed up from the damage we were at the mercy of their schedule which was fine but certainly difficult. 

Once we were done tracking I went right to editing all the video footage to compile a 4 episode documentary series. I had over 10 terabytes of footage from 2 cameras so I had to essentially relive the entire experience another two times to capture all the magic moments. That entire process was more cumbersome than tracking the damn thing. Moving onto the artwork was another disaster. The first 2 artists I started to work with dropped the ball during production, then the last artist I stuck with had periodic computer issues which lead her to having to redo the artwork completely from scratch. We’ll see what other adventures life has in store for this record, (laughs). 

AFGM: I know we touched base on this in the last interview but since my site(s) are completely 100% social media advertised, I had to know if the social media pages like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube have helped/hindered you and getting your music out there.  Did you see an increase in activity after releasing Universal Language?

Angel: The beautiful and intimate thing about social media is that it is fan driven. For a video to go viral it needs the support of people and that's why it boggles my mind to see how many people support what I do, especially after Universal Language. I've never seen love like this before and it's astounding and positively overwhelming. For someone to say they picked up a guitar after hearing my music, or used my music to get them through a difficult hardship or even just a simple "hey, whats up" has been an incredible privilege that I respect and don't take for granted. 

If it weren't for these platforms or more importantly if it weren't for those who enjoyed my music enough to share it  I wouldn't be doing this interview right now. 

AFGM: I know touring can be quite difficult when doing everything on your own and understandable if some places you wish to perform are out of your reach/control.  Is Canada been a place on your list you wish to visit?  Do you find you get good exposure here north of the 49th parallel?

Angel: I'm looking to get anywhere that isn't New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania. I have been branching out some the past few months with shows out in Indianapolis, so it's a slow process but one that's progressing well. I'm focusing on trying to slowly cover the US as much as possible at which point maybe Canada, hopefully!

AFGM: So I see some new activity with Frederic and his I, Legion project.  What is Angel contributing to the album?  Writing songs?  Adding solos?  Production?

Angel: Indeed! Frederic's been writing up a storm and has a really strong line-up of collaborators for this second release. I contributed a few riffs and ideas to the project this time around and will also do guest solos on 2 songs. The guy is really talented and a good friend, so working with him on this level has been nothing but enjoyable.

AFGM: Is this your first time doing Skype lessons?  Do you do them on a regular basis?  If so, where can people find out about more online lessons such as this with Angel?

Angel: I’ve been teaching for a good 4 years now & love every second of it. To me there’s nothing more awesome than to share musical concept with another passionate musician. They’re done pretty regularly for the most part, however during busy periods or album cycles I’m forced to teach much less. More info is available on the Facebook page under the "Lessons with AV" app.

AFGM: Angel, thank you once again for your time and attention to this interview.  I can’t wait to hear the rest of “Away With Words” and hope to see you perform someday.

Angel: Pleasure's all mine as always!

11.3.2014