Florida-based stoner/retro rock unit THE ELECTRIC MUD returned to the studio earlier this year to record their brand new EP, Black Wool, now completed and confirmed for release on September 25th.
Captured at Farmadelica Sound in Bokeelia, Florida with tracking, mixing, and mastering done by Howard Wulkan, the EP represents a heavier and proggier turn for the band with a pair of new, original tracks as well as a homage to the seedy, sordid Sunshine State bar circuit where they cut their teeth with covers of Corrosion Of Conformity and The Allman Brothers Band.
In advance of the release of Black Wool, today the band is streaming EP opener, “Ordinary Men,” noting of the track, “Opening the EP is ‘Ordinary Men,’ a rollicking slab of riffs and grooves that takes us through some of our heaviest and most intricate paces to date, alongside lyrics that implore the listener to make the most of the time they’re given.”
THE ELECTRIC MUD’s Black Wool will be released independently on CD and digitally. Find preorders at THIS LOCATION and additional merch options HERE.
Black Wool EP Track Listing:
1. Ordinary Men
2. Black Wool
3. Albatross (Corrosion Of Conformity cover)
4. Whipping Post (The Allman Brothers Band cover)
In conjunction with the release of Black Wool, THE ELECTRIC MUD will kick off a near-two week run of live dates beginning September 25th in Cape Coral, Florida. See all confirmed dates below.
Originally forming in 2016, BLACKSITES combine old school metal elements and draw inspiration from a wide spectrum of artists such as VOIVOD, THIN LIZZY, and BLACK SABBATH to name a few. The new release follows their previous albums In Monochrome (2017), and Exile (2019) which made Angry Metal Guy’s #3 album of the year. Untrue delivers intricate guitar leads, powerful percussion and soaring vocals.
The album explores the variations of BLACK SITES’ sound from the dramatic opening “Sword of Orion”, gradually building the anticipation to an intense climax, to the progressive nature of “Echo of a Lie”, and the emotional performance of “White Ashes”. Exploring sophisticated melodies enhanced through delicious guitar tones and powerful vocals, Untrue is an enticing record.
Effortlessly entwining elements of traditional metal with progressive experimentation and their own distinctive style, BLACK SITES have produced a release with huge impact. From beginning to end Untrue reveals their creativity on a sojourn not to be missed.
Line-Up: Mark Sugar – Vocals, Guitar Ryan Bruchert – Guitar, Vocals Garry Naples – Drums
TODAY IS THE DAY’s entire influential catalog of thirteen albums can now be purchased and streamed on all digital platforms and providers, released today under one roof through founding frontman Steve Austin’s own SuperNova Records.
Initially the label name Austin used to release the groundbreaking How To Win Friends And Influence People demo in 1992, SuperNova Records was most prevalent in the late 1990s and early 2000s, releasing a wide array of independent underground rock and metal artists. The label has been ramped up over recent months and now emerges in full-time capacity, uniting TODAY IS THE DAY’s vast catalog under the artist’s control.
SuperNova now presents TODAY IS THE DAY’s LPs initially released through Amphetamine Reptile Records, Relapse Records, Blackmarket Activities, Southern Lord Recordings, The End Records, and BMG across all digital providers through the label’s deal with The Orchard/Sony, including the How To Win Friends And Influence People, Supernova, Willpower, Today Is The Day, Temple Of The Morning Star, In The Eyes of God, Live Till You Die, Sadness Will Prevail, Kiss The Pig, Axis Of Eden, Pain Is A Warning, Animal Mother, and No Good To Anyone LPs.
Austin has painstakingly organized and optimized all the original TODAY IS THE DAY music and art masters 100% true to their original release; a dedication in sound and art to bring the original experiences that were had throughout the years to both long time listeners and new fans. With only overall volume levels being adjusted through mastering to current modern times standards, the craftsmanship that made these groundbreaking releases what they were is being preserved, so that the listener can experience the vast catalog without any alteration or deviance from the original powerful music and message.
Obtain TODAY IS THE DAY’s entire thirteen-album catalog at a discounted bundled deal at the SuperNova Records Bandcamp RIGHT HERE and see more at the label website HERE.
The catalog is also now on all digital services including iTunes HERE, Spotify HERE, and Apple Music HERE.
The catalog will also be reissued in all physical incarnations including compact disc, cassette, deluxe vinyl editions, and more in a steady rollout beginning in the weeks ahead.
TODAY IS THE DAY will release a new album through SuperNova in 2022 as well, with many other new projects already in the works, including records from new label signings GRIDFAILURE and WOORMS, among others.
Chicago-based thrash metal trio MISFIRE has joined EntertainmentOne for the release of their upcoming new full-length!
In 2004, at the age of 13 and 14 respectively, drummer James Nicademus and guitarist/vocalist Jay Johnson formed what ended up becoming the thrash metal band Diamond Plate. In 2007, Johnson left that band and has since released multiple solo projects. Diamond Plate went on to release two albums through Earache Records and played multiple tours and shows sharing stages with the likes of such thrash metal icons as Overkill, Death Angel, Testament, Megadeth, D.R.I., and others.
Fast forward to 2018. Nicademus joined forces with Tommy Denniger of End Of Sanity and Sean Coogan of Vitrial to launch MISFIRE. Shortly thereafter, Denniger decided to follow a different path. Nicademus called the only man for the job: his old friend, Jay Johnson. The decision would ultimately solidify MISFIRE‘s lineup. MISFIRE has been active ever since opening shows for Iron Reagan, Sacred Reich, and more. Writes Metal Crypt, “For a young band, these guys are tight as hell and damn fine performers, from Jay Johnson’s crunchy, skull-piercing riffs to Jim Nicademus’ pounding, bestial drum work to the angsty, Robb Flynn-esque rasps and merciless bass lines of vocalist/bassist Sean Coogan… these fellows are ready for the big leagues…”
Comments MISFIRE on their union with eOne, “We are beyond excited to join forces with eOne! We are so grateful to have the opportunity to share our music with so many people. Thanks to everyone who has supported and believed in us. We will see you soon!” Stand by for further news on MISFIRE to be announced in the coming weeks!
MISFIRE:
Jay Johnson – vocals, guitar Sean Coogan – vocals, bass, James Nicademus – drums
MISFIRE is managed by Jeromy Jerome and Frank Mastalerz of FM Music Management and booked by Andrew Goodfriend and Mike Monterulo at TKO.
Canadian symphonic metal band URIEL are pleased to announce that they will be re-releasing their album Multiverse on CD on October 1st 2021. The album will be available via their Bandcamp.
Frontwoman Gaia Guarda commented “I am so happy that we will be releasing Multiverse to a new audience! We put a lot of time and effort into these songs and I’m stoked for more people to hear them.”
1. Long Way Home 2. Multiverse 3. Mysterious Dancer 4. A Thousand Burdens 5. Follow You 6. Blood Forest 7. Insight 8. War Hammer 9. Lies 10. A Heart Underneath
Platinum selling legendary LA rockers ANGELES return with a blazing new single ‘Witch Hunter’, coming out 9/10/2021, on Dark Star Records/ Sony/ Universal, streaming on all major platforms!
The band’s founder, Dale George Lytle stated: “This new song is a little darker and heavier than our previous releases. Furthermore, our new full-length album is in the works, for now we can reveal that our former singer Clare Diane and Cory Kyle will be joining on it, so stay tuned!“
Music written by Dale George Lytle Lyrics written by Allen Curtis Vocals by Cory Kyle Guitars by Dale Lytle Bass by Cal Shelton Drums by Danny Basulto
In addition, ANGELES announce next shows for 2021/2022:
September 5th – Rainbow Bash with Staven Adler at Whisky a Go Go November 17th with Last in line at Whisky a Go Go March 20th with Loudness at Whisky a Go Go
LIVINGWRECKAGE – a new metal powerhouse comprised of vocalist JeffGard (Death Ray Vision), guitarists JonDonais (Anthrax, Shadows Fall), MattLeBreton (Downpour), bassist MattBachand (Shadows Fall, Act of Defiance) and drummer JonMorency (Let Us Prey) – have signed with M-Theory Audio. The group’s debut single “Breaking Point” – described by Revolver as “a throwback rager that sees Donais and LeBreton shredding their hearts out while Gard showcases his John Bush-esque pipes” – was revealed earlier this year through a music video that can be viewed HERE. The soon-to-be-renowned collective’s blasts of melodic, over-driven power will be further unleashed at upcoming live performances throughout New England for five weekends, beginning with a headlining performance this past Saturday, July 31 in Agawam, Mass.
The as-yet-untitled debut album from LIVINGWRECKAGE – produced and engineered by Shane Frisby (Unearth, Bury Your Dead), and mixed by Pete Rutcho (Revocation, Falling in Reverse) – will be released later this year. In the meantime, the band and M-Theory Audio have teamed up to make a three-song EP titled “One Foot in the Grave” available to metal enthusiasts who are fortunate enough to attend the group’s upcoming live shows. Copies of the EP sold at these dates will be autographed and hand-numbered by band members. Fans who don’t live in New England will have an opportunity to get their hands on “One Foot in the Grave” later this year, as the EP is now available for pre-order (to be fulfilled in September) HERE.
Says Bachand, “LIVING WRECKAGE is thrilled to announce our partnership with M-Theory Audio and finally get this train rolling. Jon Donais and I have been working with Marco for over 20 years with Shadows Fall, including the recent vinyl reissues. It only makes sense for us to add LIVING WRECKAGE as a part of the M-Theory family. They have a clear understanding that this is not simply a ‘side project’ for us and hope to take it as far as we can. There are some big plans on the horizon, and we are looking forward to finally getting some music into all of your hands very soon!”
The track listing for “One Foot in the Grave” is as follows:
One Foot In The Grave
Mark The Days
Breaking Point
More information on the debut album from LIVING WRECKAGE will be unveiled in the weeks to come by M-Theory Audio and at www.facebook.com/livingwreckage.
LIVING WRECKAGE Tour Dates:
Saturday, July 31st @ The Tank in Agawam, MA
Saturday, August 7th @ Drafters Sports Cafe in North Grosvenordale, CT
Saturday, August 14th @ The Hungry Tiger in Manchester, CT
Saturday, August 21st @ Se7ens Sports Bar in Easthampton, MA
Saturday, August 28th @ The Big Kahuna Festival 2021 in Ashby, MA
‘Catch Me If You Can’ is the explosive new single from Sweden’s finest export of street metal, HARDCORE SUPERSTAR, and is scheduled to be released on all digital platforms on August 20th.
‘Catch Me If You Can’ picks up the pace and builds on the momentum created by the band’s highly successful 2018 release ‘You Can’t Kill My Rock N’ Roll’. This saw the band travel across the globe from America to Australia, playing to some of the largest audiences of their career and including an unforgettable night; where they broke an attendance record for a headline act on the opening night of the world famous Sweden Rock Festival.
Loud, aggressive and totally unrelenting, ‘Catch Me If You Can’ bursts out the speakers with an onslaught of attitude, combined with a pounding backbeat and a chorus that hits like a freight train. This single sets the tone perfectly for the band’s upcoming album Abrakadabra, which is scheduled for release in March 2022.
Recorded at both Osterlycken and Bombastik in Musikhens Hus in Gothenburg, the band returned to their roots to work with acclaimed producer Johan Reiven, who they previously collaborated with on their 2005 Black Album. The result is an intense and hard-hitting collection of songs that drummer Adde Moon describes as a “natural follow up to the Black album” and definitely “an album for the fans that is best shared with good friends, cold beer and very loud speakers.”
Raised during the 80’s debauchery on the Sunset Strip and still going strong in 2021 – JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE presents his 2nd single for Golden Robot Records, ‘Wanna Be Somebody’. This latest track is the cracking follow up to recent single ‘Soul Mama’, and will be released digitally on the 24th of August.
‘Wanna Be Somebody’ is the story of a girl that seeks fame and fortune in the bright lights of Hollywood, and ends up dancing on the dark side. It’s sunset strip-style rock from Hollywood’s own Jizzy Pearl and Jizzy Pearl’s Love/Hate! The spirit of Sunset Strip is still well and truly alive and rockin’ and so is JIZZY PEARL’SLOVE/HATE. New record HELL, CA. will be available in February 2022 through Golden Robot records!
LOVE/HATE has been a fixture on the Hollywood Sunset Strip since they released their debut album on Columbia Records BLACKOUT IN THE RED ROOM in 1990. It received much critical acclaim and was awarded “Best Record of the Year” from both Kerrang!and Metal Hammer magazines. The original LOVE/HATE released five records in the 1990’s and toured with bands such as Skid Row, Dio, Ozzy Osbourne & AC/DC.
Since that time, singer Jizzy Pearl has kept the band alive with his own version – JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE! At the same time, Jizzy played, recorded and toured with platinum artists such as RATT, L.A. Guns, Steven Adler and currently Quiet Riot. Jizzy Pearl has released five solo records, including 2018’s Frontiers record ALL YOU NEED IS SOUL. 2020 was the 30th anniversary of BLACKOUT IN THE RED ROOM, and to celebrate, JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE played the entire album in full!
Greek heavy rockers, CELLAR STONE, have announced the signing of a multi-album deal with ROAR! Rock of Angels Records!
Earlier the band revealed that the band’s upcoming, yet-untitled, second album was mixed by Mr. Jordan Westfall (Black Stone Cherry) at Monocle Studios in Kentucky, USA. The album also features Chris Robertson (singer-guitarist Black Stone Cherry). The final result is something fresh, heavy and intensely melodic. Fourteen songs of pure heavy rock with great songwriting and an over the top production. If you love strong melodies, big choruses and guitar riffing, Cellar Stone won’t disappoint. Just dive in, the album is essential listening. More information TBA.
Influenced by the rock & metal giants of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, UFO, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Alice In Chains, as well as the bands of today like Black Stone Cherry, Shinedown, Mastodon and Alter Bridge, CELLAR STONE are making their own statement in a characteristic way. Choruses that stick, a pandemonium of guitar harmonies and riffs and a rhythm section that grabs at you, the band is setting the scene and they won’t go unnoticed. Cellar Stone members have toured next to several famous acts such as UFO, Uriah Heep, Black Star Riders, Candlemass and Avatarium.
In May 2020, the band released their debut album “One Fine Day” independently, receiving enthusiastic reviews by many highly esteemed magazines and websites (Powerplay UK 9/10 – Metal Temple US 9/10 – Hellfire Magazine DE 8,5/10 – Bleeding4Metal DE 8/10) while it was voted as 32nd best Hard Rock album of the year by Denim & Leather US.
Finnish Punk ‘n Rollers GRAVEYARD SHIFTERS have released new EP Head Turns First, Eyes Follow… The EP is streaming on Bandcamp, Spotify, and all other major digital platforms.
The official video for “Fake It Till You Make It” is available at this location.
Track Listing: 1. Fake It Till You Make It 2. Head Turns First, Eyes Follow 3. Whirlpool 4. Calm Down Before The Storm
EP Credits: All songs by Graveyard Shifters. Produced by Graveyard Shifters. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Harri Petjakko.
EP Line-Up: J. Sumkin – Bass, H. Kansonen – Guitars, A. Salmenoja – Drums, J. Matilainen – Lead Vocals, J. Eskelinen – Guitars, S. Tiittanen – Session Piano
New music to be released later this year, live performance on August 26th in Long Beach, CA
Reunited thrashers MANTICRITUAL have signed with M-Theory Audio. New music from the group – featuring original members Dan Wetmore (vocals/guitars), Jeff Potts (guitars), and Ben Mottsman (bass) alongside new drummer Carlos Cruz (Warbringer, Exmortus, Hexen) – will be released later this year, but the first taste of the new riffs to come will be unveiled with a live performance on Thursday, August 26th at Supply & Demand in Long Beach, CA.
“This is Dan Wetmore with the first Mantic Ritual news in over ten years! We have reunited and working on a new EP for later this year via our recent signing with M-Theory Audio. With over twelve original songs already written, this will set the path for an imminent full-length album next year. Reviving Mantic Ritual isn’t something we’re taking lightly, we intend to best our debut album, “Executioner” in every way. The new material is true to our roots in Heavy Metal, Thrash/Speed and Punk. This is in our blood and it’s time to share with everyone. Mantic Ritual is ecstatic to work with M-Theory Audio and thankful for the opportunity furnished by Founder/President, Marco Barbieri. Cheers!”
The early beginnings of MANTICRITUAL were birthed in the band’s hometown of Pittsburgh in 2005. Performing initially under the name Meltdown, the group began building a buzz with Northeast heavy metal fans over the next two years with their combination of boundless thrash enthusiasm and superb songsmanship. The band moved across the country to Los Angeles in 2007, where performances alongside leaders of the budding Southern California thrash revival such as Warbringer, Fueled By Fire, and Merciless Death earned them attention from discerning metal audiences and a record deal with Nuclear Blast Records.
The group soon changed their name to MANTICRITUAL, and released their first – and so far only – full-length record “Executioner” produced by Andy Classen (Asphyx, Tankard, Krisiun) in March 2009. The album received critical acclaim at the time of its release, with MetalSucks praising the band’s “ability to display solid songcraft while maintaining a high-level of heaviness,” Blabbermouth taking note of their “passion, chemistry and intensity,” and the Washington Post noting that “MANTIC RITUAL’s old-school sensibilities act like a group hug that brings punks and headbangers together.”
MANTICRITUAL followed up the release of “Executioner” with live touring alongside heavy metal titans such as Rotting Christ and Destruction, before dissolving in 2010. Potts and Mottsman later went on to join Warbringer for their 2013 release, “IV: Empires Collapse,” with Potts himself also performing on Gygax’s 2018 release, “2nd Edition.” Potts, Mottsman, and Wetmore began writing and recording new music together – with Cruz (still a member of Warbringer) now joining them on drums – in the beginning of 2021.
The group’s upcoming live performance on Thursday, August 26th at Supply & Demand in Long Beach, CA – their first since a one-off reunion at Thrasho De Mayo 2013 in Los Angeles – is only the beginning of this exciting new chapter in the story of MANTICRITUAL. More information on new music from MANTICRITUAL will be unveiled in the weeks to come by M-Theory Audio and at www.facebook.com/manticritual.
17-Year-Old Drum Prodigy/Alternative Rock Artist Calls Out Fake Friendships
Nashville, TN – Singer-songwriter and accomplished drummer, Mia Morris, has just released her compelling new single, “We Were Never Friends.” The hard-hitting, grungy track exudes a nostalgic 90’s rock sound with elements of pop-punk. At just 17-years-old, Morris has had unforgettable life experiences that she uses to fuel the story in tracks like this one. “We Were Never Friends” is now available to stream and download on digital music platforms worldwide.
With honest lyrics and earnest vocals, Mia Morris describes this track as, “the straightforward story of ending a relationship and realizing there wasn’t any real genuine friendship at the base of it.” It’s the perfect retaliation anthem for anyone who has experienced a situation like this. The heavy melodies and captivating drums make this track instantly addictive and will have listeners adding it to their playlists. “We Were Never Friends” showcases all Morris has to offer as a young artist. She recorded, produced, and mixed the song. It was co-written with fellow Nashville songwriters Jessica Cayne and Mike Florentino.
Wearing multiple hats as a rock singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Mia Morris’s musical resume puts her amongst some of the music industry’s most seasoned veterans. She’s co-written over 100 songs with many notable songwriters, such as Marti Dodson, members of 3 Doors Down, and The All American Rejects. She’s accumulated a large following on several social media platforms with 33K TikTok followers, 24.6K Instagram followers, and 50.8K YouTubesubscribers with over 9 million views on her videos. Her Spotify also has over 2.6 million streams. American Songwriter lauded, “Considering that she’s only 16, Morris’ path is as promising as it is infinite.”
Though she began playing instruments at six years old, she found her true passion, drumming, at age nine when she convinced her neighbor to give her his old drum kit. Eventually, she began posting drum covers on her YouTube channel, which caught the attention of many noteworthy drummers that she got the opportunity to study. By age 12, Morris had a series of viral drum videos on her YouTube channel and amassed over five million views between them. After moving with her family to Nashville, her career began to pick up even more, and she was able to play for over 120 artists in 2019 alone. Since then, she started writing and recording her own music, releasing over 40 songs, almost all mixed and produced by herself.
First-ever vinyl and cassette releases due Sept. 17 alongside expanded 2CD feat. bonus disc of live material
M-Theory Audio will reissue “State of Insurgency,” the acclaimed 2008 debut album from California neo-thrashers HEXEN, on Sept. 17. The band’s combination of old-school ferocity, new-school technicality and socially conscious lyrics helped them stand out in the fiercely competitive Southern California thrash revival that birthed acts such as Warbringer, Exmortus, Merciless Death and Fueled By Fire. Pre-orders for the upcoming reissue – available as a red vinyl double LP, limited cassette and a 2CD with a bonus disc of previously unreleased live tracks – are available now HERE.
Says drummer Carlos Cruz (Warbinger, Machine Head, Power Trip, Ohm), “Thirteen years later, out from the remains of the blast radius, no longer out-of-print, prepare yourselves for a brand-new double-CD with loads of never-before-heard extras and for the first time ever, the album on vinyl and cassette! My goal was to celebrate my first-ever full-length studio album by pressing and releasing it DIY on vinyl, but thanks to Marco Barbieri, his team at M-Theory Audio and the extensive archive of founding member Andre Hartoonian, we were able to go above and beyond our expectations on this re-release for thrash fans everywhere! Amass the insurrection!”
“State of Insurgency” – originally released by OSM Records – was powered by the shredding double-guitar assault of Ronny Dorian and James Lopez, the precise drumming of Cruz and the dextrous bass and searing vocals of Hartoonian. The album – produced by Dave Swanson (Carnifex, Riot V), and featuring cover art from iconic metal artist Ed Repka (Megadeth, Death) – was hailed by Blabbermouth for being “well-written, molten thrash metal… heartfelt and proudly old-school… jam-packed with great riffs.” HEXEN supported the album’s release via touring alongside fellow new-school thrashers such as Rattlehead and Mantic Ritual. Check out the band’s self-produced 2008 music video for the title track HERE.
M-Theory Audio’s reissue of “State of Insurgency” includes new liner notes and never-before-seen photos from the archive of Hartoonian. He adds, “The most important part of this entire project for me was how the vinyl would sound. I am SO glad to say that we lucked out. I’ve not been able to stop listening to the LP test pressings because our album has never sounded so good. EVERYTHING has been improved in the new vinyl remaster. Better instrument separation. Better vocal presence, allowing the riffs to be better heard now without anything being buried. You can actually clearly hear the bass guitar now! The kick drums have a bassy boom to them now, and parts where you couldn’t exactly hear the riffs underneath the vocals, you can hear them all clearly now the entire time. Everything has improved. Vinyl-heads are gonna eat this shit up!”
More information on HEXEN and “State of Insurgency” will be unveiled in the weeks to come by M-Theory Audio.
That’s my LitaFord VIP 2020 lanyard! Unfortunately, I didn’t meet and greet this super legendary lady of Heavy Metal; nor did I attend her show. For that matter, I don’t believe Lita Ford performed too many concerts back in 2020, due to the Covid pandemic.
I purchased this nifty lanyard from the Lita Ford official website for ten greenbacks. Shipping was really cheap too. Yup. I really like to collect diverse band merch and this lanyard is no exception. Thanks for checking it out – Stone.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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