Todd La Torre has a new lyric video out for hard charging hard rock/metal hybrid track “Critical Cynic.” Check it out below. La Torre is an awesome dude with so much talent and has contributed wonderful things to the Queensrÿche legacy!
“Rejoice In The Suffering was truly a labor of love. It’s a pure metal record that certainly showcases a wide range of my vocal abilities. I feel there is something for any true fan of metal on this album. This album is full of groove, dynamics, power, and substance and I can’t wait for people to hear it,” explains Todd La Torre.
Experimental musical gymnasts GENGHIS TRON have of course returned in a new configuration. I was hesitant at first because I loved the old records but have been low key digging and absorbing the new stuff as I can check it out.
The band’s first new studio outing in over a decade, Hamilton Jordan and Michael Sochynsky are now joined by two new collaborators: vocalist Tony Wolski and Sumac/Baptists drummer Nick Yacyshyn. It helps a lot that Nick is one of the best drummers on the fucking planet and I like that Tony is not just copying their older approach.
Check out “Pyrocene” below which gives me Russian Circles/Autolux vibes in places. Order Dream Weapon HERE (with cover art that gives me Scale The Summit meets Sabbath’s Technical Ecstasy feels).
Errahave a new harsh/melodic varying track out today called “Shadow Autonomous”, a vibrant and lively complex track from their new arsenal of material. Getting BTBAM/Saosin vibes from this one a little bit. Pre Order their new release HERE.
On Thursday, March 25th at 12PM PST//3PM EST//8PM CET, The Ocean will host a special livestream show, featuring a performance of 2018’s Phanerozoic I: Palaeozoic in its entirety!
The Ocean comments: “We will be performing ‘Phanerozoic I’ in its entirety on Thursday, March 25, 8PM CET – streamed live from Pier2, a shipyard in the port of Bremen, Germany. Please join to make this evening special – it will be a show without any audience in the live room. We’ll be playing for you guys at your homes, wherever they are. After more than a year of absence from playing music, we’re stoked to be getting back together to rehearse and perform – even more so, because we have a new space which we are currently transforming into our own recording studio. This is the beginning of a new era for us. We’ve battled against the inertia of 2020 with writing a whole bunch of new material, and the result is that we’ve got 2 new albums ready to record once the construction work is done. For now, there are no plans to make this available online after the event, nor to do this again, so don’t miss out on this. If this goes well, we‘ll promise to do something for ‘Phanerozoic II’ a bit later in the year. ;)”
Hungarian avant garde collective THY CATAFALQUEare now unveiling a brand new music video for the track “Napút,” which is taken from their latest album ‘Naiv.’ The video can be seen at THIS LOCATION.
Mastermind Tamás Kátai comments on the stream: “This is a video we shot in my home town, Makó. Many of these locations are the places I grew up in and although nothing fancy is going on, it was nice to get back to where the songs came from. With this one, we close the lid on ‘Naiv’ and focus on the next album.”
Nov. 13, LONDON – Periphery, who released Periphery: Live in London today, have made the 10-song album available as a hyper-limited cloudy blue vinyl variant, limited to 250 copies (https://store.periphery.net/). Vinyl purchasers will receive an exclusive bonus CD of the album.
“For years Periphery has wanted to do a live record. We’d always talk about it, what show would we capture? When would we do it? What would we want it to sound like? On November 15, 2019 we figured out the answers to those questions by capturing our entire show in London and we couldn’t be more excited to show it to everyone,” explains guitar player Jake Bowen. “London has consistently been one of our favorite places to play and this show was certainly one we’ll never forget, so we present to you our first live album…Periphery: Live in London!”
Intronaut has released a new digital single, “Run Through the Jungle” – a cover version of the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic! Guitarist/vocalist Sacha Dunable comments: “Sometime during the writing process for ‘Fluid Existental Inversions’, I had the idea to cover this song, from one of my favorite bands and songwriters of all time. The relatively simple harmonic structure of the original recording made for a great blank canvas for us to ‘Intronaut’ the song up quite a bit. We tracked most of the song during the ‘FEI’ session but didn’t have time to finish until this spring.”
Intronaut released their sixth full-length, Fluid Existential Inversions, this past February via Metal Blade Records. Featuring some of the most dramatic and epic sounds of their career, Fluid Existential Inversions is a unique album that stands apart from their catalogue. “We pushed ourselves to be bigger and better, musically speaking, and to me that’s the essence of progressive music,” states guitarist/vocalist Sacha Dunable. “On this album, there are drums played in ways I’ve never heard before. There are synths used in contexts I’ve never heard before. Intronaut has the most unique bass player in all of heavy metal as far as I’m concerned, and I even practiced guitar to get myself out of my comfort zone. So I think we progressed and made the best album ever.”
German-based progressive metal aliens Intercepting Pattern are proud to announce their upcoming debut album, The Encounter, which will be released on Friday, September 4th via Rising Nemesis Records. Cover artwork for The Encounter was handle by ex-Dark Tranquility guitarist Niklas Sundin known for his work with Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquility, In Flames, Green Carnation, and many others. The Encounter was produced, mixed, & mastered by Fountainhead (ex-Obscura, Pitts/Minnemann Project) at Fountainhead HQ in Germany.
Formed in 2016, the band is compromised of seasoned musicians known for their time in projects such as Defeated Sanity, Infecting the Swarm, and Cerebric Turmoil. Created and designed as one free-flowing 30-minute long genre-bending composition, The Encounter ebbs and flows between heavy syncopated grooves, jazz fusion flourishes, ethereal synth layered passages, and cybernetic death metal with seamless ease. Harkening back to the futuristic stylings of Frederik Thordendal’s Special Defects and Meshuggah, The Encounter draws from a deep well of progressive metal influences while forging a path all their own beyond mere imitation. For release purposes, The Encounter is split into 10 “song” sections although it is strongly suggested to listen to it in one session as it was intended when being created.
Intercepting Pattern – The Encounter will strongly appeal to fans of groups such as Meshuggah, Fredrik Thordendal’s Special Defects, Cynic, Exivious, Lye By Mistake, Vildhjarta, Coprofago, and Panzerballett.
Today is a huge day for prog/metal/screamo fans as Protest The Hero release what may one day prove to be their crown jewel, Palimpsest. Moved up a day to honor Juneteenth, the record is simply awesome (but there is little “simple” about it). First off, the Derya Nagle production on this record is the best the band has ever sounded. No shade on their other excellent albums but this is the best balance of a mix I have ever heard for this complicated act (“Gardenias” is a barreling rollercoaster that a less deft hand could have quickly derailed with a less sophisticated ear). The songwriting is also next level, even for a band known for mind boggling and death defying arrangements.
This album features the showmanship paired with connective tissue heartfelt and relatable lyrics meets extreme concepts the band is known for, but much of this album is firmly rooted in current problems in society more than ever before. Themes of real populism versus the fool’s gold peddled by Trump to his wrestling mark cult are peppered throughout this record. Art like this more prominent in the public discourse would actually make us great again. Rody Walker singing ,“I’m dreaming of a life I can’t afford” on the all-killer “All Hands” is relatable to almost anyone.
Elsewhere “The Fireside” lampoons people who take for granted their privilege over an exhausting (in a good way) series of musical gymnastics and school essay length lyrics that would make “Masters of War” seem like cliff notes. “I’ve got a job for every able-bodied man/Munition factories for women and children/And all we needed was a reason/And you gave us one, gave us one,” calls to mind Eugene Jarecki’s Why We Fight military industrial complex skewering documentary from the early 00’s and makes me wonder why we STILL haven’t invested more in sustainable energy jobs for common folks instead of still jacking off weapons manufacturers and supplying them with endless worker ants. “Mountainside” and “Hillside” break things up as beautiful interludes that sort of stir a patriotic longing for a non-nationalistic blindfold, eyes open to see this country for warts and all rather than false idol worship.
“The Canary” is a triumph of a single and within the scheme of the album itself. The flow and style recalls their earliest Kezia days manic and earnest, poetic decrees paired with their maturity and widened world lens.
“I was named after my grandmothers in the tradition of my family/I was born after my stillborn sister Romantic idealistic lies euphemize as fantasy /But the water always bursts first from the blister.”
Breathtaking. It is more important than ever to actually sing about meaningful shit and not just murdering women or other stupid things in metal. Our world is crying out.
The Contortionist frontman Michael Lessard has released a new single and music video today titled “Use The Rest,” his first solo debut. The music video, directed by Lessard himself, is an emotional ride through a dynamic dreamscape that doesn’t exactly end where it begins. “I’m beyond excited to announce the release of my debut song to the world!” says Lessard. “I’ve worked very hard to make a song and video that I thought would be the best representation of what is to come.”
When asked about the possibility of new music, Michael states, “‘Use The Rest’ is the first of many singles/videos to be released. I’ve been lucky enough to team up with Good Fight Music, who have allowed me to build on the idea of creating standalone pieces of music and video for now. I look forward to sharing more music very soon!”
“Use The Rest” by Michael Lessard is available now on all streaming platforms via Good Fight Music. He also reassured fans online that new TC music is on the way in the future as well. This is all great news!
Months back Lessard also directed the clip for his band’s cover of the Pumpkins unabashed smash (see what I did there?) “1979”!
To keep supporting musicians during the Covid-19 pandemic, we are waiving our revenue share on all sales this Friday, May 1, from midnight to midnight PDT. Let’s come together as a community to put money directly into artists' pockets: https://t.co/hPhgm7WBR4pic.twitter.com/DG6KYI2IN5
Today, May 1st, Bandcamp are waiving their share of revenue sales for 24 hours. Groceries For Seniorsis a good start, if charity is in your heart more than genre. Here are ALSO (of course) a few great weirdo rock and metal releases we recommend you buy or check out if you are looking for something or someone cool to support or listen to.
First up, Sacred Bones has a new Sabbath covers comp out. The Uniform gnarly take on “Symptom Of The Universe” (sans melodic “Yeahhhhs”) is pretty rad. Thou doing “Supernaut” is probably my favorite track, all things said. Just beastly. They also include Hilary Woods doing “N.I.B.” plus Marissa Nadler’s “Solitude” cover and Zola Jesus doing “Changes”, among others.
Barishi- Old Smoke : A beastly stomper that recalls and nearly rivals earliest, angriest Mastodon, staggering like a wounded warrior through prog-coated mazes of confusion pursued by a mean ass Minotaur. “The Silent Circle” has one of the most no holds barred album opening riff onslaughts of the year once it gets rolling out of the fog. A welcome return from the Vermont masterminds and sure to create a big wave. Support!
Adzes – No One Wants To Speak About It: The always top notch Tridroid Records folks are going to be releasing the Adzes melodic sludge debut a lot of us have been waiting for. This is likely to be one of the top releases in the genre as far as musical quality goes this year. This Seattle project is A+ passionate and worker centric, perfect for a May day plug. Forest Bohrer channels some major Godflesh vibes on “Divide” and the artwork accentuates the themes of wealth inequality destroying humanity.
Spylacopa – It’s All Over Now : Some digitally enhanced shoegaze influenced moody art pop material from the always eclectic Spylacopa project. John LaMacchia (Candiria) and Rising Pulse are always worth checking up on. “Lost we are without/The guiding beacons burning out” feels like a good summary of how hard it is to keep faith during this sketchy moment for humanity.
During the writing of SUNN O)))’s opus Life Metal, Greg and Stephen created three rehearsal demos of riffs and production ideas in Anderson’s Downtown LA rehearsal studio. SUNN O))) is pleased to offer them via Bandcamp Day, TODAY ONLY. Proceeds will go to Global Food Banking Network.
With each average ten minute track on the new Elder opus OMENS (Armageddon Shop, 4/24) the increasingly more progressive rock by leaps and bounds band of trailblazers head further into more exciting horizons. The standout cut “Embers” soars from almost flirting with Sunny Day Real Estate/Fairweather melodic but moody charm to sophisticated progressive alternative post metal. I know, that is a mouthful…but it’s pure ear heaven. They were always good, but the level of freedom in the current material is extremely exciting, melodic and strong chakra opening good shit. This record defies shuffle mode and rather than pouts simply works on capturing your complete attention with brilliant performances. Press play on the title track and just let it all go. Along with bands like Huntsmen, Bask and King Buffalo, they are helping lead the way for a new pack of innovators still coloring within yet expanding historical sub-genres.
Posted by longhairedpoet on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 3:27 PM (PST)
Pennsylvania metallers Black Crown Initiate have released their latest single “Invitation.”
“Invitation” comes off the band’s upcoming album Portraits of the Doomed Escape due out August 7 via Century Media Records. The album was recorded at Think Loud Studios by Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland, who have also recorded bands like Rivers Of Nihil, August Burns Red, Lorna Shore, and many more.
“We tore our hearts apart making this record, and we can’t wait for you all to hear it. It’s the best thing any of us has ever made. More to come,” states the band.
Stream “Invitation” here or wherever you stream music.
Today we turn our Sauronic-eye to the fabled confines of Ralph’s Rock Diner in lovely Worcester, MA. The underground venue recently hosted sub genre straddling talented force Dzö-nga for their Thunder In The Mountainsalbum release show along with blackened space puppies Advent Varic and the foreboding Shūnyatā. Looks like it was a gnarly escapade into songcraft and debauchery. Duende en la Penumbra was also part of the event but we don’t have shots. But for real please check out the Thunder In The Mountains album. It’s soaring yet bleak, passionate yet soul scoured. “Heart Of Coal” is jamming hard from my speakers as I edit this post. Very cool stuff.
In just a few days post metal brain bards Cult Of Luna will begin their early 2020 North American Tour. The much ballyhooed trek also includes the brilliant Emma Ruth Rundle and sound sculptors Intronaut. Cult Of Luna are supporting the flabbergasting achievement of A Dawn To Fear, one of their most impressive records to date.
MOVE are a high energy Boston hardcore act who are defying racism while crafting timely and Earth shaking punk anthems for change! Hit up Triple-B Records for the Freedom Dreams 7" HERE or head to Bandcamp and support this electrifying band on our favorite digital platform.
"...We march on to achieve salvation/Say their names we won’t be intimidated/ I fight and I fight and I fight I refuse to rest until I see progress/All to one day see these fucking freedom dreams/ We'll never stop until we find liberation, Black Excellence unstained by degradation/ Where freedom reigns over incarceration/ Where Black joy is only met with celebration."
RIYL Cold World, American Nightmare, Jesus Piece.
