Five years ago today, (June 17), the iconic power metal pioneers HELLOWEEN released their self-titled studio album! I can never get enough of this band. Pumpkins United! 🎃🤘🏻
Photo credit: Trend PR
Today, Tuolumne, California’s NorthFork have released their new single: “Tell Me.” This song flat-out rocks! It’s a breakup song that’s relevant and is sure to please arena rock enthusiasts. NorthFork are worth checking out if you’re into rock country and/or rock music that’s blue-collar and not pretentious.
On June 17, 1977, the super legendary KISS released their sixth studio album, Love Gun, via Casablanca Records. This multi-platinum album includes the classics: I Stole Your Love, Love Gun, Plaster Caster and Shock Me (the first KISS song sung by Ace Frehley on album).
Shown: Camille of The Soap Girls – photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Last Friday night on June 12th, my friends and I went to see the amazingly talented alternative rock band The Soap Girls! They performed at Cosmo Joe’s Atomic Lounge in downtown Dayton, Ohio. This was my third time seeing this electric rockin’ duo!
Sisters Noemie (bass) and Camille Debray (guitar) are from South Africa and were born to rock the stage, create chaos and take names! They’re both kind souls and I look forward to seeing them again!
Nashville-based modern rock artist J NOIRE has officially signed to Vaux Records, one of the first acts to join the newly formed label created by former Rise Records founder and owner Craig Ericson.
Commenting on joining the label, J NOIRE says:
“When the owner of Vaux Records moved onto my mom’s street, I had no idea it would lead to where we are today. It’s a total dream come true, feels like a scene from a movie.“
The signing marks a major milestone for both J NOIRE and Vaux Records, sparking early excitement fueled by Ericson’s enduring impact on the rock and alternative scene and his reputation for cultivating artists into international successes.
J NOIRE introduces his sound with the debut single “Radiate,” a preview of what’s to come from his forthcoming EP, Prometheus, due out later this year.
Blending elements of modern rock, pop, metal, and industrial influences, J NOIRE crafts a sound that is both emotionally resonant and sonically commanding. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle, and Bad Omens, the project also appeals to fans of Bring Me The Horizon and Breaking Benjamin, while maintaining a distinct identity rooted in authenticity and intensity.
Giving context to the track, J NOIRE adds:
“It’s a song about hope, and these days I feel like we need songs to remind people that there’s ALWAYS hope, love, and purpose in life. We all deserve that spark, something that radiates.“
J NOIRE’s journey has shaped the project’s creative direction. Raised on rock music and beginning guitar at the age of five, he spent years developing his craft before relocating to Nashville, where he performed professionally as a guitarist on Broadway. While that experience sharpened his musicianship, he ultimately sought a more personal artistic outlet.
A pivotal connection with Ericson helped bring the vision to life, resulting in the launch of Vaux Records and the development of the project’s debut material. Working alongside producer Ryan Furlott, he created a collection of songs that balance vulnerability with striking production.
Now joined by bassist Stevens Stokes and drummer Danny Laverde, J NOIRE’s vision has come to fruition, ready to introduce his dynamic sound to a wider audience.
With “Radiate,” J NOIRE delivers a powerful first statement, an introduction that signals both artistic intent and a bold new chapter ahead.
Bad Stuff, the Dallas-based quintet featuring members of True Widow (Dan Phillips and Nicole Estill) with art rock locals Jackie Dunn Smith, Gabriel Spatz, and Laura Hartman Pearl, announce their self-titled debut album, due June 5 via Relapse Records.
Bad Stuff move with mood and momentum: meditative, repetitive, and slow-burning, with dreamlike melodies drifting through something denser and more dangerous, all delivered with a cool, detached intensity.
On “Summer Girls” (https://youtu.be/Aemwnj0zOK4) a hypnotic, circular drum pattern anchors the track as it unfolds at a deliberate pace, building tension before Phillips’ unmistakable guitar cuts through, with a low, droning undercurrent humming beneath it all.
Bad Stuff began as two bands: Latent Print, an instrumental project featuring Phillips and Estill, which would showcase his rockabilly chops and Estill behind the drum kit, and Concord Kill, Dunn Smith’s synth and drum machine driven project.
“So these songs from our two bands are sitting there, one set that I wrote for Latent Print and another set that Jackie wrote on a four track recorder, and one day we decided that maybe we’d try to put it all together and see if it worked,” recalls Phillips. “And it did. When we were doing the sequence for the record, that “switching the dial“ thing became apparent– there’s not just one sound or one style. It really makes the pacing of the record work and sort of showcases each of the songs.”
Bad Stuff is Dan Phillips (Vocals, Guitar), Jackie Dunn Smith (Vocals, Synth), Nicole Estill (Vocals, Drums), Gabriel Spatz (Vocals, Maracas) and Laura Hartman Pearl (Bass). The seeds for Bad Stuff were planted when a friend asked Phillips to start a residency at a Dallas-based lounge, thereby creating an instrumental band with a true crime bent called Latent Print.
Those songs, built for a two-piece, would showcase his considerable rockabilly chops with Nicole Estill (also of True Widow) sliding into the drum throne for the first time. Latent Print created several bespoke compositions for the residency as the band was slated to play on a weekly basis, but the COVID lockdown permanently ended those gigs.
Fast forward a bit to the lockdown days and Phillips’s partner Dunn Smith revealed her work as Concord Kill– synth and drum machine driven tracks built on a four track. Once Phillips added guitar and the two began reshaping material from both projects, Bad Stuff was born.
March 3, 2026 – Held., the trio featuring Douglas Robinson and Sal Mignano of The Sleeping, alongside Coheed And Cambria’s Josh Eppard, have released “CONSTANT TENSION” (https://held.ffm.to/constanttension), the second preview from their forthcoming debut album, GREY (May 15, MNRK Heavy).
The five-minute track arrives on the heels of the band’s debut single, “NEW YOU ANTHEM FT. FRANK IERO,” which Revolver praised for its “lightning-strike guitar… and thunderous drums,” Alternative Press dubbed as “rousing,” and idobi called a “dazzling post-hardcore tune.”
Where Held.’s introduction leaned into catharsis through connection, “CONSTANT TENSION” presents a more unsettled dynamic. Directed by Adam Thomson, the accompanying video builds on the story arc introduced with “NEW YOU ANTHEM,” providing a sci-fi-esque visual companion to the themes behind GREY.
“CONSTANT TENSION’ stems from an everlasting battle within myself to embrace who I am via internal reflection,” Robinson explains. “It’s all of my strengths fighting against all of my weaknesses. There is a ‘constant tension,’ a violent push and pull within my mind every single day. I let myself down so much, to the point where I often feel like I have to somewhat abandon myself and step outside to try and see the bigger picture, but the hurt inside of me pulls me back into my own thoughts. I go completely blank to try and focus, which oddly enough resorts to more tension, and more clouded thoughts. It feels like an endless cycle. The lyrics to ‘CONSTANT TENSION’ mirror all of this.”
The band has also announced an intimate GREY listening party this Thursday, March 5, at Selva in Brooklyn. Held. will be on hand from 7 to 10 p.m. and no RSVP is required.
On GREY, Held. channel decades of collective experience into a debut that reflects both creative evolution and personal reckoning. “The album as a whole truly feels like it’s everything I have ever wanted to write in my time growing as a musician,” Robinson says. “This record has, in many ways, healed me…. or, it’s at least trying to.”
Produced and mixed by Jon Markson (Drug Church, Drain, The Story So Far), GREY was recorded at the Animal Farm in Flemington, N.J.
Album pre-orders, including multiple limited-edition vinyl variants, are available now: https://held.ffm.to/grey.
Held. is Douglas Robinson (vocals/guitar), Sal Mignano (bass) and Josh Eppard (drums)
Tokyo Alt-Rock Artist To Follow Up Single With Fierce Music Video and New EP Announcement
Tokyo, Japan – Sarina, an upcoming alt-rock artist from Tokyo, dropped her new single “If you need me to be the villain (Then maybe I am),” a song that outlines the remorseful, contrite feelings an abundance of women undergo, particularly in relationships. Between passionately compelling lyrics and prominent outlooks, Sarina displays wicked, encapsulating themes of surrendering as well as rallying cries. “If you need me to be the villain (Then maybe I am)” is now available for streaming, and a music video for the song will be released on August 20th.
Sarina is also announcing her long-awaited EP, The Fool, out on September 12th. “If you need me to be the villain (Then maybe I am)” marks the first single from the upcoming EP.
Produced by Kevin Thrasher(Panic! At The Disco, Blink-182, Avril Lavigne), the tune promotes confidence and tenacity, setting the scene for a ferocious and unapologetic vindication. Sarina explores relationship conflicts alongside internal dilemmas and adversities, highlighting emotional health. “‘If you need me to be the villain (Then maybe I am)’ is about an experience so many women have, especially in relationships, where we are made to feel like everything is ours to take responsibility for,” she explains. “No matter the issue, we feel like we have to apologize regardless of who was in the wrong. We reassure and apologize despite being the ones hurt.”
At the heart of the track is Sarina’s acceptance of the villain role being cast upon her. This is exhibited throughout the bridge and chorus, coming to the revelation that it’s alright to claim your authority and own your strength. “The song is a surrender just as much as it is a battle cry. In the same breath, I embrace my role as villain in your story, I question whether or not I’m the villain in my own story,” Sarina confesses.
Photo Credit: Andrea Hunter
The eloquent and high-powered energy fills up every melody, leaving audiences wanting more. With thunderous instrumentation and roaring vocals, Sarina creates the ultimate feminist anthem, grabbing the attention of those who have been equally cast as the bad guy in their own lives. The single was mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Maor Appelbaum, known for his work with metal icons like Faith No More, Dream Theater, Sepultura, Rob Halford, and more.
Growing up in Tokyo with artistically gifted parents, Sarina developed an interest in music from a very young age, leading her to chase a career in the industry. The bilingual artist, who was born in Hawaii with a Japanese father and Lebanese mother, became immersed in different cultures, which guided the orchestration of her music. Diving into personal challenges and mental health, her music leads listeners into profound reflection and relatability.
Under the Sony RED label, Sarina released multiple singles, music videos, and an EP titled Foreward. After working with Sony, she teamed up with her mother, a flourishing music business entrepreneur in Japan, to launch a new label, SyrenSong, and earlier this year, she signed a distribution deal with Warner/ADA. With infectious, tuneful melodies and provocative lyrics, she has gained coveted playlist spots on Spotify’s “New Music Friday,” Ones To Watch’s “Now Watching,” Apple Music’s “New In Rock” and “New in Alternative” and features in New Noise Magazine, Music Connection Magazine, Tokyo Noise, antiMusic, V13, Lock Magazine, and more. Sarina has also been involved in a video game company, Square Enix’s JRPG Triangle Strategy, in collaboration with eminent composer Senju Akira.
Blending feral alt-rock with a dash of pop-punk, the track serves as a call to arms and tells listeners to embrace being the villain to feel powerful, even when they’re not the one in the wrong. “If you need me to be the villain (Then maybe I am)” is now available to stream and download. Subscribe to her YouTube channel and stay tuned for the accompanying music video on August 20th and the release of The Fool EP on September 12th. Follow along with Sarina’s career on: Instagram @SarinasMusic and TikTok @sarinamusicofficial.
The SoapGirls – My buddy Troy and I went to see The SoapGirls at Melody Inn, back on July 3rd, in Indianapolis, Indiana. This was the second time we’ve seen this fabulous sister duo at Melody Inn. The first time we saw The SoapGirls was back on November 3rd, 2023.
Mie plays guitar and does vocals/backing vocals and Mille plays bass and does vocals/backing vocals. Both are so fun to watch perform!! Plus, they are both amazing towards their fans and the kindest of human beings you ever want to meet!
The SoapGirls are from South Africa and to see them twice at the same venue is truly a blessing! I thank The SoapGirls for coming to the USA and believing in their fans here!
The SoapGirls are difficult to pigeonhole musically. They mix punk, alternative and hard rock together seamlessly; while Mille adds both clean and guttural vocals to the mix. Mille also loves to play her bass behind her back! Their songs are all bangers and to not move your body to their grooves is impossible! Trust me, both times I’ve seen the SoapGirls, the crowd at Melody Inn was electric!!
Their entire road crew are the best; they all are such friendly and kind human beings. The owner and staff at Melody Inn are just as friendly and kind. To say that Melody Inn is a jewel of the Midwest is an understatement! The great vibes you feel just entering Melody Inn is unforgettable!
I hope to see The SoapGirls again and will forever sing their praise; as well as endorse Melody Inn! Just click on any photo below to view The SoapGirls! Thank you for visiting! – Stone
Left: Mie, Right: MilleMilleMieMieMilleThe decor at Melody InnOliver Hardy of the classic comedy duo of Laurel and Hardy. Atop shelf at bar in Melody Inn. Creepy clown lit up at Melody Inn.
Some pics from seeing The SoapGirls back on November 3rd, 2023:
“This is a journey, an adventure, and a mission.” – Hawthorne Heights
April 7, 2023, Dayton – Hawthorne Heights, who brought the inaugural year of “Is For Lovers Festival” to three cities (Wichita, Denver and Cincinnati) in 2022, have expanded the Summer extravaganza to eight locations for 2023: Hawaii (April 29), Lake Tahoe (June 24), Denver (July 22), Manteo, N.C. (July 29), Council Bluffs (Aug. 19 & 20), Cincinnati (Sept. 9), Pelham, Tenn. (Sept. 10), and Mansfield, Mass. (Sept. 17).
“In year one, we got to go to a few of our favorite cities, with bands that are our friends, and some bands that we simply love,” explains JT Woodruff, Hawthorne Heights’ vocalist and co-curator of the “Is For Lovers Festival.” “We want to give fans an inclusionary place to go that features a wide variety of bands from all walks of life, and we want to do it with a smile on our face, because we have chosen to work with people who we love and respect. The most important part for us is to make sure that the fan experience is equal to the band experience. We just want everyone to have fun, and have an easy day together.”
Artists, which vary from location to location, include Jimmy Eat World, Thrice, Alkaline Trio, The Story So Far, 3OH!3, Bayside, Underoath, State Champs, Mayday Parade, Thursday, and more. See below for line-ups by location.
“Is For Lovers Festival” also makes a point of incorporating local businesses, both via the food options on site but also featuring an adjacent marketplace and activities area showcasing local makers and creators. There will be onsite activations designed to give the fans a fun and unique way to enjoy their time in between seeing their favorite artists. Back for the second year will be a coffee booth, which is partnered with a local coffee shop, and helped run by the band. JT adds: “I had a lot of fun masquerading as a barista last year and serving Hawthorne Heights themed drinks like ‘Oat-Hio is for Lovers, which was a crowd pleaser… so why not run it back?”
Tickets for all dates are on-sale with VIP options available simultaneously. Visit Isforloversfestival.com for additional info and ticketing links.
“Is For Lovers Festival” dates:
April 29 – Hawaii Is For Lovers – Wet n’ Wild Water Park June 24 – Lake Tahoe Is For Lovers – Outdoor Arena at Harveys July 22 – Colorado Is For Lovers – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre July 29 – OBX Is For Lovers – Roanoke Island Festival Park August 19 & 20 – Iowa Is For Lovers – Harrah’s Council Bluffs September 9 – Ohio Is For Lovers – PNC at Riverbend Amphitheatre September 10 – Tennessee Is For Lovers – The Caverns September 17 – Massachusetts Is For Lovers – Xfinity Center
“Hawaii Is For Lovers”: Bayside, Mayday Parade, State Champs, Hawthorne Heights, Emery
“OBX Is For Lovers”: Thrice, Bayside, Hawthorne Heights, 3OH!3, Four Year Strong, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Emery, and Frontside.
“Iowa Is For Lovers”: The Story So Far, Thrice, Bayside, Mayday Parade, Silverstein, Anberlin, Hawthorne Heights, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Emery, Spitalfield, The Forecast, and Proper.
“Ohio Is For Lovers”: Jimmy Eat World, Alkaline Trio, Underoath, State Champs, Saosin, Hawthorne Heights, The Starting Line, Relient K, KennyHoopla, Four Year Strong, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Emery, Spitalfield, Motherfolk, The Missed, Sign Language, Slutbomb, Skye Wallace, Proper., Nox Novacula, Knavery, Life In Idle, Xanny Stars, and Lost Henry.
“Tennessee Is For Lovers”: Underoath, Bayside, Mayday Parade, Thursday, State Champs, Hawthorne Heights, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Emery, Spitalfield, Winona Fighter, Proper., Khamsin, Skye Wallace, and a special acoustic performance by Hawthorne Heights in The Cave.
Line-ups for “Colorado Is For Lovers,” “Lake Tahoe Is For Lovers,” and “Massachusetts Is For Lovers” will be revealed soon.
Photo credit: Courtney Kiara
Hawthorne Heights formed in Dayton, Ohio in 2001. The band has released seven albums over the past 22 years: The Silence in Black and White (2004), If Only You Were Lonely (2006), Fragile Future (2008), Skeletons (2010), Zero (2013), Bad Frequencies (2018) and The Rain Just Follows Me (2021). Alternative Press dubbed them “the kings of writing knockout choruses,” Rolling Stone hailed them as the “grassroots chart kings,” in a nod to the band’s many impressive Billboard debuts including four of their seven albums in the Top 100, and New Noisedescribed their music as “effortless joy.” Hawthorne Heights is JTWoodruff (vocals/guitar), Matt Ridenour (bass), Mark McMillon (guitar), and Chris Popadak (drums).
Alt-Rock Artist Encourages Listeners to Let Go of the Worries in Life
Nashville, TN – Alternative rocker, MiaMorris, has just released her fiery new single, “Fucket Bucket.” With retro guitars, loops, and powerful vocals, this single is an ode to letting go of the worries in life and chucking them in the “Fucket Bucket.” “Fucket Bucket” is available now on all streaming platforms worldwide.
Mia Morris’s “Fucket Bucket” is the edgy punk anthem that can resonate with everyone. Handling everyday stress while trying to live life to the fullest can put a strain on people, so Mia Morris made a carefree anthem to help let go of the stressors. “I want life to be fun, so I wrote a song about where to put everything else,” states Morris. The song begins with her declaring, “life’s too short to have regrets,” as a single guitar advances into an ensemble of classic rock sounds. She uses her ability to mold together aspects of alternative, rock, and punk sounds to create a track that reminds listeners that some things simply need to be thrown into the “Fucket Bucket.” The song was written entirely by Mia Morris, which showcases her writing dynamic perfectly. From emphatic chord progressions to her energetic vocals, “Fucket Bucket” pulls from her varied musical tastes and eclectic influences.
17-year-old Mia Morris is a rock singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. She first made a name for herself online at the age of 12 when videos of her drumming reached over five million views on YouTube. Since moving to Nashville to pursue a music career, Morris has backed up over 150 artists on various instruments across the country. Morris has released over 40 songs as she continues to grow her career, with most being written, recorded, produced, and mixed by herself. Taking influences from artists such as No Doubt, Avril Lavigne, and Fountains of Wayne, her ever-growing style is uniquely hers, making her stand out in the rock genre.
Deemed a “drum protege” by other professional musicians, her musical resume puts her amongst some of the music industry’s most seasoned veterans. Learning from some of the best, she was able to study with rock legend Kenny Aronoff, drummer for many notable artists such as Alanis Morissette, among other famous and accomplished drummers. Her many talents and accomplishments have gained her a large following on social media; with over 34K TikTok followers, nearly 24.8K Instagram followers, and 51.8K YouTube subscribers alongside 9+ million views on her videos, Mia Morris is a name to remember.
Mia Morris reminds listeners that life is too short to have regrets, so take some time, put some things away in the bucket, and don’t worry about it. Stream “Fucket Bucket” on all streaming platforms and follow along with more of Mia’s journey on her Instagram @MiaMorrisMusic.
On September 24th, New York City’s self-described “pop cock rock” unit MOTHER FEATHER will join Here Come The Mummies for a special show at the Gramercy Theatre in Manhattan. This will be the band’s first performance since their extensive US trek on the annual Vans Warped Tour, with more dates to be announced soon. For event and ticket information, please visit THIS LOCATION.
MOTHER FEATHER recently released their self-titled full-length, which includes ten tracks that marry the scratchy yet catchy, swaggering, and dangerous sounds of The Stooges, Blondie, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs with the playfulness, pop sensibility, and exuberance of the finest ’90s alt-rock. Mother Feather is the combination of the band’s two independently released recordings – 2011’s Mother Feather EP and 2013’s Living Breathing EP – plus two new songs, “Natural Disaster” and “The Power.”
For their efforts, the group has garnered massive buzz for their unique sound, vibrant Bowie-esque costumes and makeup, and enthralling live show. Having been featured on IFC.com, TeamCoco.com, and HuffingtonPost.com (who declared them “a great New York City band in the tradition of Great New York City Bands”), MOTHER FEATHER was also named “new band of the week” by Metal Hammer and has received much play on Daniel P. Carter’s Rock Show on BBC Radio 1.
To preview and purchase Mother Feather, visit: metalblade.com/motherfeather where the record is available in various formats and the video for “Living, Breathing” (filmed by director Marc McAndrews at NYC’s Bowery Electric) can be viewed.
MOTHER FEATHER – Lineup: Ann Courtney – vocals Elizabeth Carena – vocals, keyboards Matt Basile – bass Chris Foley – guitar Gunnar Olsen – drums
LA Band Spoofs the Show “Cheaters” in New Music Video
Los Angeles, CA – Grunge-pop band Ramonda Hammer dropped the music video to their anthemic debut single, Goddamn Idiot. The video follows a bereaved woman on a reality TV show looking to catch her boyfriend, whom she believes to be unfaithful. Having acquired their name from the reality TV show Cheaters, Ramonda Hammer cleverly plays off this inspiration.
To make the video for “Goddamn Idiot”, the band teamed up with director Ariel Gardner of Dan Harmon’s comedy site, Channel 101. Front-woman, Devin Davis portrays the scorned lover seeking revenge on her unfaithful boyfriend, played by lead guitarist, Justin Geter, and his mistress, performed by bass player, Andy Hengl. Turning to a reality show to expose her cheating boyfriend, the suspecting girlfriend seeks the help of a trashy TV show hosted by drummer, Danny Louangxay. Catching her boyfriend in the act of cheating, Davis’ performance is larger than life as she satirizes the melodrama of reality TV. The show concludes with an unexpected twist of modern romance that is both hilarious and heartwarming.
“Goddamn Idiot” is an angst-ridden rock ballad that Davis explains is “about those moments when people are too afraid to do the right thing, stand up for others, take risks, or just think for themselves. Everyone’s a “goddamn idiot” sometimes, myself included.” Packed with guitar hooks drenched in reverb supporting Davis’ raw vocals, “Goddamn Idiot” is reminiscent of the best nineties alternative rock. The song is the first single off their upcoming album, Whatever That Means, due out later this year. The music video is now streaming on YouTube (or below) and the track is available for download on iTunes.
Davis formed Ramonda Hammer in the summer of 2014, but had come up with the band name as a joke years prior, after binge-watching Cheaters. When she finally decided to start the project, she met Andy Hangl who became the band’s bass player, and soon after, recruited Danny Louangxay on drums and Justin Geter on lead guitar. As a quartet, Ramonda Hammer realized their true potential, creating a sound that is familiar yet unique.
Finding inspiration in acts such as Nirvana, The Pixies, and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Ramonda Hammer is an eclectic group that combines the raw lyrics and guitar riffs of grunge with the captivating melodies of pop. Though the band’s music is rooted in nineties style, their interpretation of alternative rock is truly fresh and contemporary. Ramonda Hammer has played at legendary venues such as The Echo, The Satellite, The Viper Room, and The Smell, and they toured the west coast in the spring of 2015. For future updates on shows and new releases, you can follow the band at RamondaHammer.com.
Chicago-based Band Just Dropped Their Second Track From Upcoming Concept Album: “Odyssey”
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Chicago, IL – Rock outfit, New Mayans, just released their single, Jezebel, a bat out of hell anthem with grizzly guitar licks and a head-banging beat. With a rich and diverse palette, New Mayans takes us further down the rabbit hole that provides more insight of the mad world they’ve constructed in their upcoming concept album, Odyssey, due out later next year. “Jezebel” is now available to download on Bandcamp.
Following the success of their well-received debut single, “Universe,” New Mayans shift gears away from the softer seventies synth tones into a darker arrangement of heavy distorted guitar work and hooks echoing influences of seventies and nineties alternative rock. Lead singer, Swiggy, has described his musical style as “Mad Max meets Ziggy Stardust,” which makes sense with the release of their latest single, “Jezebel.” As “Universe” painted the first stroke a cosmic world that stylistically pays homage to the art rock of David Bowie and Morrissey, “Jezebel” hones in on the hard edge of distorted electric guitars that conjure imagery of a post-apocalyptic landscape. “Jezebel” is from the perspective of an unreliable narrator. “The concept of reality is all in the mind of the observer,” Swiggy comments. “The only person who knows the truth to these questions is an exotic dancer named Jezebel.”
victoriasandersphotography.com
To capture the varying inspirations that New Mayans weave together, they recruited producer Mario J. McNulty (David Bowie, Prince, Lou Reed, Nine Inch Nails.) The menacing guitar work in “Jezebel” fits comfortably next to the chops of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, though the entire sonic landscape New Mayans creates defies comparison. “Jezebel” was recorded at The Magic Shop, known for flagship albums such as David Bowie’s secret album The Next Day, Coldplay’s Viva La Vida, and Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs.
Hailing from St. Louis, Swiggy exhibited an insatiable thirst to play music as he began learning how to play a violin at the early age of eight years old and would continue to sift through studying saxophone, guitar and piano throughout his youth. Fusing inspiration from an avant-garde pool of bands like Radiohead, David Bowie and Pink Floyd with directors like David Lynch, Stanley Kubrick and David Cronenberg, the result is the surreal aural experience that is New Mayans.
The band’s full lineup was solidified in 2014 when Swiggy began collaborating with Nathan Gilberg on bass, Earl Slick assisting in studio guitar work (David Bowie, John Lennon, Keith Richards), and Sterling Campbell on drums (David Bowie, The B-52s, Duran Duran). Swiggy has played at House of Blues-Chicago, The Pageant, Off Broadway, and The Social while sharing the stage with acts such as The Ataris, The Von Bondies, InnerPartySystem, and Nico Vega.
Playing with symbolism both religious and otherworldly, New Mayans establish a world that is truly imaginative and boundless in their music. “Jezebel” indicates they are as capable of rocking out ruthlessly as they are of crafting a sound of reflective contemplation in “Universe.” With both ends of the spectrum in mind, the possibilities fans can expect from the band’s upcoming album, Odyssey, are endless. “Jezebel” is now available on Bandcamp. To learn more about the epic narrative New Mayans assemble in their eclectic indie rock, check out NewMayans.com!
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Stone Says:
This song Jezebel by New Mayans has mesmerized me, man! I’m digging it! I’m digging it! I cannot shake it from my brain! The Jezebel vibe is freaking unreal! Yeah!!
May 27, 2015, SAN FRANCISCO – Faith No More’s Sol Invictus, the Bay Area band’s first new album in eighteen years, has landed atop international charts with the ten-track release at #2 in Australia, #4 in Germany, #6 in the UK and #6 in the United States (#14 on Billboard’s Top 200).
“What this tells me,” said Faith No More founder and bass player Bill Gould, “is that there is a need out there; people want to hear things that exist outside the mold. It makes me feel grateful and it gives me hope.”
“We are honored to be a part of the FNM team and very proud of the success of Sol Invictus,” added Greg Werckman, co-owner of Ipecac Recordings. “Of course, none of this would have happened without the band delivering such a fantastic record and them having faith in us to handle it properly.” The album was released as a joint partnership between the Faith No More’s own Reclamation Recordings and Ipecac.
In the United States the album also debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Hard Music and Independent Album charts as well as #2 on both the Rock and Alternative Album charts.
Faith No More returns to North America this summer, the band launches their European tour on Friday.
Faith No More – Tour Dates:
May 29 Gelsenkirchen, Germany Rock Im Revier
May 31 Munich, Germany Rockavaria Festival
June 2 Milan, Italy Sonisphere
June 4 Vienna, Austria Vienna Rocks Festival
June 5 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic Rock For People Festival
June 6 Berlin, Germany Zitadelle Spandau
June 8 Krakow, Poland Tauron Arena
June 10 Bratislava, Slovakia Aegon Arena
June 12 Landgraaf, Netherlands Pinkpop Festival
June 13 Donington, UK Download Festival
June 14 Glasgow, UK O2 Academy
June 17 London, UK The Roundhouse
June 18 London, UK The Roundhouse
June 20 Clisson, France Hellfest
June 21 Dessel, Belgium Graspop Festival
June 23 Hamburg, Germany Sporthalle Hamburg
June 26 Norrkoping, Sweden Bravalla Festival
June 27 Seinajoki, Finland Provinssi
June 28 Odense, Denmark Tinderbox
July 26 Austin, TX Austin Music Hall
July 27 Dallas, TX South Side Ballroom
July 28 Houston, TX Bayou Music Center
July 30 Atlanta, GA Masquerade Music Park +
July 31 Raleigh, NC Red Hat Amphitheater +
August 1 Philadelphia, PA Mann Center for the Performing Arts +
August 2 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion +
August 4 Boston, MA Blue Hills Bank Pavilion +
August 5 New York, NY Madison Square Garden +
August 7 Toronto, ON Ricoh Coliseum +
August 8 Montreal, QC Heavy Montreal
September 6 Seattle, WA Bumbershoot
September 18 Bogota, Columbia Royal Center
September 20 Buenos Aires, Argentina Luna Park
September 24 Sao Paulo, Brazil Anhembi Arena
September 25 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Rock in Rio
September 28 Santiago, Chile Get Louder
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14, 2015 – Failure, who are currently in the studio working on the follow-up to their critically acclaimed album Fantastic Planet, are giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at their progress with a new video released today in tandem with the kick off of the band’s PledgeMusic campaign (pledgemusic.com/failure).
PledgeMusic supporters will receive early access to audio clips as well as ongoing video updates from the band. A variety of packages are available, offering mementos from the recording sessions, ranging from hand-scrawled lyrics to effects pedals and vocal mics. All pre-order bundles include the as-of-yet untitled album, which will be available in a variety of formats: digital (mp3/flac), cd, vinyl and USB drives.
Explained Ken Andrews: “Obviously we are not the first band to do this sort of thing, but I do think our fans are uniquely qualified to make this a very satisfying experience for all who participate.”
Failure returned from a 17-year hiatus in early 2014 with a riotous hometown show at the El Rey Theatre and performances at Fun Fun Fun Fest, Riot Fest, the Sunset Strip Music Festival, Cinquanta, an outing with old friends Tool, and the band’s own Tree of Stars tour.
About Failure
Failure formed in Los Angeles in the early ‘90s, releasing Comfort, their debut album, in 1992 via Slash Records. Magnified followed in the spring of 1994 with the band’s final offering, Fantastic Planet, released in 1996. Fantastic Planet earned a perfect 5-star score from Alternative Press with the magazine saying the album was able “to breathe life into the corpse of contemporary, guitar-driven rock,” adding that the band was “willing to stretch the definition of both their instruments and their songs.” The 17-track album is considered one of the era’s most influential and enduring rock records. Failure is Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards and Kellii Scott.
About PledgeMusic
PledgeMusic is the world’s leading online, direct-to-fan music community, offering artists a unique way to engage their fans in the music making experience while interacting with PledgeMusic’s global community of music fans.
I recently asked the very talented Jonny Hetherington (vocalist, lyricist, songwriter) of Canada’s (amazing) Hard Rock band Art Of Dying: what is the one album you cannot live without? Excluding his own music (as a requirement), this is what Jonny Hetherington had to say:
“Cool man. Pearl Jam Ten is the album I could not live without, It changed my life and influenced my musical path! The flow, the rawness, the trip that Eddie and the boys take you on never gets old for me.”
Stone Says:Vices And Virtues is an incredible album of songs! Songs that inspire the soul and touch on the human spirit. These songs speak in ways that have gotten me through some difficult moments. I cannot be more honest than that. Metal be thy name.
CONDITIONS OF MY PAROLE REMIXERS INCLUDE SIR MIX –A-LOT AND THIS MORTAL COIL’S JOHN FRYER
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June 3, 2013, Jerome, Ariz. – Puscifer have set an Aug. 27th release date for AllRe-Mixed Up, a track-for-track remix album of the band’s sophomore release Conditionsof My Parole.
“All Re-Mixed Up is the continuation of the Puscifer tradition to release alternate versions, reworks, and remixes of what we consider initial thoughts,” explained Maynard JamesKeenan. “For instance, Carina Round was nervous about how to approach her version of ‘Telling Ghosts.’ Mat Mitchell put her at ease by asking her to think of it as a song half written, advising her to ‘now write the other half.’ It’s extremely liberating in the digital age to approach composing and creating in this manner. Infinite paths to explore, reinterpret, and re-present.”
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All Re-Mixed Up Track Listing and Remixers:
1. Monsters (Deconstruct) remixed by Mat Mitchell
2. The Green Valley (Verde River Maestro 507 mix) remixed by Rani Sharone (Stolen Babies)
3. Monsoons (JLE Motorik mix) remixed by Josh Eustis
4. Telling Ghosts (Giorgia O’Queef mix) remixed by Carina Round
5. Horizons (Dream of a Lie remix) by John Fryer (This Mortal Coil)
6. Man Overboard (11AD remix) by Alain Johannes
7. Toma (Burn Out remix) by Five Knives
8. The Rapture (JLE Needs Service mix) by Josh Eustis
9. Conditions of My Parole (F.U.B.A.R. remix) by Sir Mix-A-Lot
10. The Weaver (Virtual Vacuum remix) by Aaron Harris (PALMS)
11. Oceans (Green Mussel Mix) by Zac Rae
12. Tumbleweed (Delusions of Grandeur mix) by The Beta Machine
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All Re-Mixed Up comes on the heels of an incredibly busy period for the electro-rock outfit. The band recently released the seven-song EP Donkey Punch The Night, which features covers of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” (see the video here: http://youtu.be/LjCu0UwDMNM) and Accept’s “Balls To The Wall” as well as new songs “Breathe” and “Dear Brother.”
Puscifer, who are known for their all-encompassing live performances that integrate a variety of on-stage props and pre-recorded video pieces, performed at Coachella 2013, and made their first international outings at Australia’s Soundwave Festival and enthralled South American crowds at Lollapalooza Brazil and Chile.
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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)
* For more info on PUSCIFER, click on the links below!
The fast rise to the top is currently on high for Arizona’s FAREWELL MY LOVE and there is BIG news in their Theatrical Rock camp! Check it all out below! Whoa!
THE PRETTY GOODBYES – The 3 song debut demo EP, Now We Run, from the Loughborough based 4-piece band The Pretty Goodbyes was released back on August 6th, 2012. When very, very cool Alternative/Indie Rock crosses my Rockin’ path, I’m gonna bellow about it; right here on Metal Odyssey. This unsigned UK band would be signed by me in a micro second, if I had the (prestigious) ability to do so for a (knowledgeable) record label.
This Now We Run EP has unveiled 3 songs to my senses and ALL 3 are remarkably memorable, well written and downright (gulp) fun! I always appreciate the way a talented band like The Pretty Goodbyes can coalesce the beauty of 80’s New Wave, late 80’s College Radio and Early 90’s Alternative while still maintaining a balance of Post-Punk and Modern Indie Rock/Alternative sound and vibes; all the while keeping the flames of Indie Pop to a tolerable minimum (if any). Phew! I got that off my chest!
I’m digging this band and the vocals of George Evans are nothing short of terrific. Any serious fan of Alternative and Indie Rock will embrace the music from The Pretty Goodbyes. The Pretty Goodbyes have obviously learned at a very early stage, quality songs are their ticket to success; and I see nothing less happening for this band in the future. Check out The Pretty Goodbyes right now, right here: theprettygoodbyes.bandcamp.com
THE SMASHING PUMPKINS – I didn’t include Oceania from The Smashing Pumpkins on my 2012 Best Of Lists for Metal or Hard Rock for good reason. This 9th studio album from The Smashing Pumpkins accentuates the genius musical mind of Billy Corgan and it isn’t Metal; nor is it Hard Rock. Rock and Alternative Rock is The Smashing Pumpkins and I just didn’t compile a list of Top 10 Rock Albums for 2012… yet. I might still. Who knows?
While being in the heat of relocating my life from one state to another, writing original posts (album reviews, random blab and lists) is not entirely easy. I just had to get my thoughts out to the universe that I thoroughly enjoy Oceania; so much so, that I can easily sum up this important album by The Smashing Pumpkins in one simple word: beautiful.
If I did or was to compile a Top 10 list for Rock Albums released in 2012, Oceania would be #1.
Oceania is an album that must be heard and appreciated all the more, with the earphones on. Oceania is an album that must be heard to understand why I tag it as beautiful. The unique richness of sound and vibrant instrumentation is absolutely breathtaking. Lyrically thought-provoking is Oceania, regardless if that sounds cliché or not. Yes, Oceania does Rock like there’s no tomorrow; only this album Rocks in such a majestic way that it feels too damn special for me to overlook in writing about or acknowledging.
Sample, borrow and/or buy Oceania. Stone would never steer you wrong. Metal be thy name.
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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