Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce nthe upcoming release of the latest album from Enuff Z’nuff, “Finer Than Sin”. Now fronted by bass player and vocalist Chip Z’nuff for their last three studio albums, including The Beatles’ covers album “Enuff Z’Nuff’s Hardrock Nite”, the band are still delivering the band’s patented power pop melded with hard rock tunes.
Founding member Chip Z’nuff is once again joined by long-running members Tory Stoffregen (guitars), Tony Fennell (guitars), and Daniel Benjamin Hill (drums). “Finer Than Sin” showcases the musical stylings that have kept the banda loyal fanbase since the ‘80s, staying true to their rock ‘n roll roots. “Finer Than Sin” is the band’s 17th studio album overall.
“Finer Than Sin” – Tracklisting:
Sound Check Catastrophe Steal The Light Lost And Out Of Control Intoxicated Hurricane Trampoline Temporarily Disconnected God Save The Queen Reprise
Finnish psychedelic rock act Astral Bazaar has released a new single entitled “Beyond the Realization”.
Helsinki based Astral Bazaar’s new song dives deep deep into one’s mind with its smoothly floating melodies, mellow groove, and rich harmonies. The song’s introspective lyrics pull the listener into a mystically self-aware mindset. In this respect the song continues both the theme and story of the band’s previous album “A Sudden Realization”, released in 2021.
Band comments on the making of their new single: “Our original intention was to include this song on the album A Sudden Realization that was released last year. In fact some of the song’s musical elements were there already before we started making any other material for the album. However, in the end we decided that the song would perhaps work better on its own, and the listeners could then reflect the lyrics of the song on the story of the album.”
Beyond The Realization Composer: Lauri Loikkanen Lyrics: Lauri Loikkanen Producer: Lauri Loikkanen
Matt Sorum, the Grammy-winning drummer of Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver, has signed with AFM Records for his first-ever album with his all-star musical collective, Kings of Chaos.
“Kings of Chaos, to me, is the reason I started playing music in the first place — for the sheer fun of it.” says Sorum. “I’m so pleased to be partnering with the team at AFM. Working with them on the creative vision for the album has been a great experience.”
“Matt Sorum is such an acclaimed rock icon. His clear vision and passion for Kings of Chaos really impressed us,” adds Nils Wasko, Label Manager, AFM Records. “Kings of Chaos will now come to life with an illustrious list of rock royalty joining Matt, and we can’t wait to be part of the journey.”
A video for the first single, titled “Judgement Day” (Pre-Save HERE!), has just been premiered with Guitar World. The song is a scorching rocker performed & co-written by Sorum, Slash, Dave Kushner & Duff McKagan features the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer on drums, as well as lead vocals.
“Drawing inspiration from the 1971 film Vanishing Point morphed with imagery inspired by Natural Born Killers, Director Brian Cox (Bring Me The Horizon, Cypress Hill, The Misfits) and I conceptualized a man running from his demons on a wild ride to find redemption guided by The Reverend Willy G (portrayed by Billy F Gibbons), an Angel (portrayed by Matt’s fashion designer, choreographer wife Ace Harper) on a motorcycle and his inner child. A Wayward Wanderer searching for the light” says Matt Sorum of the video.
Watch the video for “Judgement Day” now streaming HERE:
The debut album from Kings of Chaos is set for release in Autumn/Winter 2023. Expect original music and guest collaborations with some of rock’s biggest names — including some of today’s most talented and iconic female artists.
From the Sunset Strip to South Africa, Argentina and Brazil, Kings of Chaos have enthralled fans around the world with their ever-changing lineup of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and multi-platinum artists. If you’ve been lucky enough to score a ticket to a KoC show, you might have caught Billy Idol, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith or Ann Wilson from Heart fronting the band — or even Corey Taylor from Slipknot, or the late Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. And yes, that was Slash on lead guitar — or Brian May from Queen, or Billy F Gibbons from ZZ Top. It’s a party on stage, and everyone’s invited.
“It’s a celebration with your bucket list artists you’ve always wanted to play with,” Sorum says.
About Matt Sorum: Matt Sorum is a multi-platinum, Grammy-winning musician who gained fame as the drummer for The Cult, GunsN’ Roses and Velvet Revolver. In 2012, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Guns N’ Roses. Sorum is also the founder of six startup companies, and sits on the Global Blockchain Business Council at UCLA. In 2022, he released his autobiography, Double Talkin’ Jive: True Rock ‘n’ Roll Stories from the Drummer of Guns N’ Roses, The Cult and Velvet Revolver.
Finnish Hard Rock band Hootenanny Freaks had their 25th anniversary in January 2022 and now they are releasing two new songs to celebrate their quarter of a century journey.
This release also presents the new singer Arttu Kettunen who have brought loads of new fresh energy to the band – that can be heard on both songs. The song Lose it All is about things going to hell and nothing seems to work out. A music video was also made for the song and it can be viewed on the band’s YouTube channel.
Falling Waters is an empowering song that tells about how it feels when the imagination takes over and you believe you have superpowers. The song is one of the heaviest tracks the band has ever recorded.
Currently the band is working on their next full length album.
Composers/Lyricists: Arttu Kettunen, Esko Kemell, Aapo Häyrinen, Marko Kuurne, Marko Leino
“Remember To Breathe” is the latest magical offering from LINDSAY SCHOOLCRAFT. Featuring a duet with SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA and Mustis on piano, the new release delivers an epic and heavy sound, setting the stage for SCHOOLCRAFT to take her solo work to the next level in 2023.
LINDSAY comments: “This one is rather special because it’s the result of community. Community of musicians and community of fans.
The track was originally something I orchestrated that didn’t make a cut a few years back. But I love how on Patreon I can just throw up my lost demos and the community there decides what path I go down next.
I definitely have not been on the heavy train much the past few years, but it was time to change that. The minute I came across this demo I knew it had to be another duet with the one and only Sarah Jezebel Deva and along the way the lovely and talented Mustis lended his piano talents (I’m still over the moon about that). I also couldn’t have done it without the super talented team that came on board.”
Additional Credits: Guitars and Drums: Fabian Daniel Bass: Håkon Didriksen Additional Orchestration: Chris Caouette Mixing and Mastering: Tyler Williams Artwork: Effy Gold
Helsinki’s longest serving gothic rock vampires THE 69 EYES are unstoppable at the moment and have returned with yet another new song “Gotta Rock” – the first to come off their upcoming, as-yet-untitled new full-length slated to drop in early 2023.
“Gotta Rock” lives up to its name. THE 69EYES version of the track initially premiered on Vain Elämää, the biggest Finnish TV primetime show, in which you could watch singer Jyrki 69 staying in a castle with seven other artists who performed each other’s songs during their time together. “Gotta Rock” is a cover from the famous Finnish hard rock band Boycott that released the rock anthem in the late ‘80s.
For this remake, THE 69 EYES received some famous help, as Jyrki 69 explains, “The Finnish classic rock band Boycott was one of our favorites in the ‘80s when we [started] THE 69 EYES. Due to the Finnish music TV program that I was recently featured in, we finally had a reason to make our own, more gothic rock sounding cover of Boycott’s ultimate classic smash hit ‘Gotta Rock.’ Die Krupps’ Jürgen Engler helped us to arrange it into this darkened mode!”
Stream or download THE 69 EYES’ rendition ofBoycott’s “Gotta Rock”atTHIS LOCATION.
Photo by Marek Sabogal
Further info on the new album from THE 69EYES will follow very soon. In the meantime, you can still get the limited edition Drive EP, cut in the shape of a steering wheel exclusively handcrafted by Night Of The Vinyl Dead, HERE.
THE 69 EYES: Jyrki 69 – vocals Bazie – guitars Timo Timo – guitars Archzie – bass Jussi 69 – drums
Ace Von Johnson is an accomplished rhythm guitarist and lends backing vocals for the acclaimed L.A. Guns. Ace is also a former member of Faster Pussycat. Recently, Ace was kind enough to take time from his schedule to do a video interview with our very own Tanis Enos. Kick back and enjoy the interview below!
Celebrating their 40th anniversary, icons of heavy metal, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, have announced a US headlining tour this Fall! The excursion kicks off on November 10th in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and runs through November 27th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Support will be provided by Spirit Adrift and The Native Howl. See all confirmed dates below and purchase tickets HERE.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY w/ Spirit Adrift, The Native Howl: 11/10/2022 Chelsea’s Live – Baton Rouge, LA 11/11/2022 Vinyl Music Hall – Pensacola, FL 11/12/2022 Snowblind Festival – Atlanta, GA 11/13/2022 Growlers – Memphis, TN 11/15/2022 Ace Of Cups – Columbus, OH 11/17/2022 Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC 11/18/2022 The Queen – Wilmington, DE 11/19/2022 Granite State Music Hall – Laconia, NH 11/20/2022 Reverb – Reading, PA 11/22/2022 The Machine Shop – Flint, MI 11/23/2022 The Forge – Joliet, IL 11/25/2022 Headliners Music Hall – Louisville, KY 11/26/2022 Mr. Small’s Theatre – Millvale, PA 11/27/2022 The Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI
Since forming in 1982, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY has woven their distinct riffs deep into the fabric of heavy metal for over four decades. Across ten landmark, critically acclaimed albums, the band has continued evolving. From the early days of thrash to their more recent, blues-infused metal, the band has managed to progress with each release keeping fans and critics alike guessing.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY’s most recent full-length, No Cross No Crown, was released in 2018 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. Recorded with longtime producer John Custer, the record marks the first studio recording with vocalist/guitarist Pepper Keenan in over a decade and, earning the #67 spot on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, #12 on the Billboard Top Current Albums Chart, and #3 on the Top Hard Music Albums Chart upon its first week of release, is the highest charting album of the band’s career.
Conflictiong Opinions on Mold and bacteria is the new EP from Canadian synth rockers, King Bull and is out now on digital platforms via Riot Records.
Hell bent on making a record that would upset folks in the FM radio industry, King Bull haphazardly put together what is undoubtedly the best EP of 2022 which is titled Conflicting Opinions on Mold and Bacteria. Fancy recording studios and high budgets were scrapped in favour of a dank mildew filled basement with a tendency to flood when a hose happy French Canadian over waters spruce trees for no reason. If you’re sick of the highly polished overproduced rubbish that everyone’s putting out nowadays, you should give this a shot.
Listen to focus track ‘Scary’ (Feat. Ryan Kuly) HERE
King Bull began to really build a name for themselves globally with the release of their 2020 EP What Happened Here which was described as ‘’Sonically cohesive throughout, featuring snarling guitars, growling bass, thunderous drums and vocals that sound similar to a jet engine that isn’t working properly.’’ You get the drift. King Bull continue to develop their already sophisticated yet eclectic sound in 2022.
Listen to previous single ‘Never Seen You Smile’ HERE
Stream/buy Conflicting Opinions on Mold and BacteriaHERE
ABOUT KING BULL:
Hailing from Red Deer, Alberta which is not the most artistic of all Canadian communities, King Bull has been plying the trade for the last decade and a half.
They encompass 70’s rock and punk with an angsty vibe and some earthy streetwise riffs, powered by a punk-tinged, rock-ignited fuel. Fired up by intricate licks, buzz-cutter guitar tones and uniquely edgy vocals, they cover what is great about rock music.
This is a band for fans of The Who, Iggy Pop, Against Me, AC/DC, Queens of the Stone Age, David Bowie, The Drones, Neil Young etc, (anything with electric guitar that snarls a bit, really).
After recently releasing 3 remastered Led Zeppelin classics ‘Rock and Roll,’ ‘Immigrant Song’ and ‘Ramble On’ in the lead up, Vanilla Fudge will release the remastered album Vanilla Zeppelin digitally on 30th September via Golden Robot Records.
This is Led Zeppelin done ‘’Fudge’’ style and fully remastered. Vanilla Fudge roll these classics out in their own way, with some amazing and soaring organ interludes and adding their soul and funked up influence giving these songs a new life and identity of their own.
1. Rock and Roll 2. Immigrant Song 3. Ramble On 4. Dancing Days 5. Black Mountain Way 6. Your Time is Gonna Come 7. Dazed and Confused 8. Trampled Under Foot 9. Moby Dick 10. All of My Love 11. Babe I’m Gonna Leave You 12. Fool in the Rain
Vanilla Fudge was one of the first American groups to infuse psychedelia into a heavy rock sound to create “psychedelic symphonic rock” an eclectic genre which would, among its many off shoots, eventually morph into heavy metal.
Although, at first, the band did not record original material, they were best known for their dramatic heavy, slowed-down arrangements of contemporary pop songs which they developed into works of epic proportion.
Originally, Vanilla Fudge was a blue-eyed soul cover band called The Pigeons, formed in New Jersey in 1965 with organist, Mark Stein, bassist, Tim Bogert, drummer, Joey Brennan, and guitarist, vocalist and US Navy veteran, Vince Martell.
In the summer of 2006, the original Vanilla Fudge reunited to tour with The Doors of the 21st Century; it culminated in a VH-1 special, “Decades of Rock.”
Vanilla Fudge celebrated their 50th year Anniversary in 2017 and are still rocking the world in the current day with one of their greatest hits ‘You Keep Me Hanging On‘ featured in the Quentin Tarantinomovie ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.’
Autograph‘s new forthcoming release “Beyond”, was the last album to feature founding member and bassist Randy Rand. The album is due out on November 18, 2022 on Frontiers Music Srl, which the band has dedicated to Randy and in his memory.
“We tragically lost our brother, Randy Rand on April 26th 2022. His passing was untimely, as he had so much rockin’ left to do. We dedicate our upcoming album “Beyond” to our band mate and founding member of Autograph. His signature bass playing is a major part of the new record and his spirit is felt throughout.”
“The new album also serves as a catalyst for bringing Autograph into a new era of rock with it’s heavy-hitting and powerful sound. In the spirit of Randy’s love for the music, his excitement on the new release and eternal brotherhood, this one’s for you. Thank you Randy for keeping us connected, bringing people together from all walks of life and fueling the social bonds that music invites. Rest easy brother, we love you.”
Steve Unger from Metal Church has taken over the bass duties for the band as the legacy of Autograph continues on with a new album dedicated to Randy Rand and a busy schedule of touring.
Current Band Line Up: Simon Daniels – Lead vocals/guitar Jimi Bell – Lead guitar/vocals Marc Wieland – Drums Steve Unger – Bass/vocals
Since there is a green light for concerts all over the world again, SHAKRA also floods the social media with photos of huge open-air stages all over Europe, in front of thousands of people. And yet it seems that the five have skipped something compared to other bands – where is the new album? Since the big opening, the market has been literally overrun with new works created during the concert-empty period, only the Swiss seem to be once again taking different paths and immediately throwing themselves straight into the live arena. But who is familiar with the band, knows that with them actually nothing ever happens by pure accident.
After SHAKRA released their new album “Mad World” shortly before the pandemic hit the earth and wanted to go on tour with it, this had to be cancelled again immediately or partly postponed. Conscious of their duty, as the Swiss are, this was the first thing that was tackled when in spring 2022 it was finally said that the ring was open – they began to play the concerts, long awaited by the fans, more powerful and intense than ever.
Without anyone suspecting anything, now suddenly a new song appears! “The Way It Is” is the name of the track and the guys have also announced a clip for it, a week later. “The Way It Is” is available now: https://bfan.link/the-way-it-is?
On it will also be heard for the first time the successor of Dominik Pfister, Cyril Montavon, who is still affectionately called “the new guy” by the band, after two years of membership, on bass.
“I had this song idea that had been floating around in my head forever and it just had to come out,” says Thomas Muster, rhythm guitarist. “We thought the song was so awesome that we just had to record it!” adds Mark Fox, vocalist of SHAKRA.
When asked if there is even a whole album in the works, the band keeps a low profile. It is what it is – “The Way It Is”.
Los Angeles’ enigmatic songwriter and multi-instrumentalist DRAAGYN, known for her critically lauded, genre-bending blackened metal and cryptic persona, has revealed her first new music in 2 years in the form of a new EP titled “Bent Rib.” Out now, the 3 song record runs the gamut of musical design, incorporating experimental elements of black, doom and progressive metal among others that could be described as a turbulent orchestra of beauty and decay.
Commenting on the EP, Draagyn states:
“We all just want to belong. So we fool ourselves. We let others’ view of who we are become our purpose. We are convinced this hall of mirrors is the true path of souls. This cuts us off from life. The cosmos. The greater powers to which we are all connected. But there is a cord. We can find it and pull ourselves back or choose to watch it slowly strangle us. I wrote ‘Bent Rib’ as an incantation. To release myself from a world I do not belong. To weave the yarns of fate and call it my own. Man has no power over me. He does not determine me. Draagyn is the light, and is the dark. Draagyn is the good, and is the evil. Draagyn is world creator and its destroyer. It matters not whether you understand. What is important is that there is a purpose.”
DRAAGYN’s debut EP, “Bent Rib,” is an aural three-headed serpent of cacophony, “Appetite of Man,” “Beating Heart Cadaver” and “Bent Rib,” each with their own mystifying identity and slithering scales of sonic perplexity that lure you in with enchanting whispers then set you ablaze in an inferno of furious rage.
About DRAAGYN: From her previous releases, Draagyn has been coined a “genre-bending blackened tour de force” by Decibel and Brooklyn Vegan. As songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Draagyn’s sound straddles the spectrum of light and dark, bridging delicate emotions with the raw force of metal and rock in a truly singular style. Her songwriting guides other musical outliers into masochistic darkness, and yet, in stark contrast, just as quietly whispers to the wretched and heartbroken, offering refuge in her tender melodies. And while the foundations of Draagyn’s music remain rooted in rock, she does as she pleases. She may choke it with blast beats, crush it with proggy groove, or drown it in folky, pensive vocals. But the recipe works. The deep musicality of her approach is undeniable, and for those both patient and brave, her songs lure listeners to another world, free of expectations and genre constraint. Draagyn threatens us with her tumultuous vision of death and musical rebirth.
Heavy, cinematic gothic artist, THE EFFIGY has released a lyric video for their new single “One With My Enemy”. The single is also out today on all streaming platforms. Portraying a dark and profound narrative of emotional abuse, THEEFFIGY creates dynamic musical arrangements to convey the spiraling torment experienced by the track’s protagonist.
Influenced by the likes of GARBAGE, JOY DIVISION, EVANESCENCE, and KEANE, and thematically inspired by gothic and folk imagery, along with mythology, THEEFFIGY‘s music is a cinematic array of eclectic styles. Following their previous single “Cindersun”, which draws from Ancient Greek mythology, telling the tale of Icarus and the Sun who are framed as two lovers forever at odds, “One With My Enemy” exhibits another side to their music. Fusing delicate piano melodies, with heavy guitars and synths evoking a nod to the early noughties, a gothic through-line underpins the track. THEEFFIGY‘s vocals deliver both a soft intimate tone and powerful soaring lyrics that aptly reflect the intensifying mood of the song.
“One With My Enemy” once again showcases THEEFFIGY’s flair for catchy hooks and impressive compositions. The single conducts a compelling journey that gradually builds as the narrative progresses. Become enamored with THEEFFIGY’s striking sound.
Credits: EffyGold – Lyrics, Vocals, Composition
Other: Andrew Noe – Guitars, Production, Mixing Francesco Petrel – Mastering
On August 20, 1976 – KISS performed at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. An estimated 42,000 fans were in attendance. Ted Nugent, Montrose and Bob SegerAndTheSilverBulletBand opened. Source: Kissonline.com
KISS were touring in support of their fourth studio album Destroyer.
Los Angeles-born guitar-driven heavy metal icons ALCATRAZZ have unleashed a video for the track “House Of Lies,” taken from the band’s V full-length released last October via SilverLiningMusic. The video comes in anticipation of the band’s upcoming European/UK tour dates.
From the irresistible bluesy-chug of Joe Stump’s guitar to DoogieWhite’s infectious vocals, “House Of Lies” is a classic slice of foot-stomping heavy metal goodness and ALCATRAZZ take no prisoners in their mission to deliver the dynamite that is V.
Founding member Jimmy Waldo comments, “We are excited to present the new lineup and new music to our fans in Europe. The band is sounding better than ever and we will be performing songs from across the entire ALCATRAZZ catalog. As a taster, check out our new video ‘House Of Lies’ which features on-the-road concert footage, plus Doogie showing us around his home of Edinburgh, Scotland!”
View ALCATRAZZ’s “House Of Lies” video at THIS LOCATION and below:
After a successful UK co-headlining tour, ALCATRAZZ and Girlschool will hit Europe for yet another run together with both bands, providing an in-your-face evening of full volume heavy metal! Kicking off at the Golden Ages Festival in Belgium, it’s no rest for the wicked with the two bands set to bring their electrifying show to the UK in February 2023.
With neo-classical “shred lord” Joe Stump on guitar, founding members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea, plus the addition of DoogieWhite, ALCATRAZZ are offering a high energy metal show covering the ALCATRAZZ classics plus White’s own work as a member of the Michael Schenker Fest and Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow. Newly joined by drummer Larry Paterson, formerly of the Blaze Bayley band, ALCATRAZZ are a metal supergroup in the true sense of the word.
ALCATRAZZ: Jimmy Waldo – keyboards Gary Shea – bass Doogie White – lead vocals Joe Stump – guitar Larry Paterson – drums
ALCATRAZZ w/ Girlschool Co-Headlining EU/UK Tour: 8/21/2022 Golden Age Festival – Liège, BE 8/24/2022 Musigburg – Aarburg, CH 8/25/2022 Charity Biker Rally – Bergamo, IT 8/26/2022 Cresheim Festival – Halbergmoos, DE 8/27/2022 Lido – Berlin, DE 8/28/2022 Bambi Galore – Hamburg, DE 8/29/2022 Matrix – Bochum, DE 8/30/2022 Musicon – The Hague, NL 9/01/2022 Le Forum Vaureal – Paris, FR 9/02/2022 Secret Place – Montpellier, FR 9/03/2022 La Textil – Barcelona, ES 9/04/2022 Sala Lopez – Zaragoza, ES 9/05/2022 Acapulco – Gijon, ES 9/06/2022 RCA Club – Lisbon, PT 9/07/2022 Shoko – Madrid, ES 9/09/2022 Atelier de Moles – Montbéliard, FR 9/10/2022 Altes Kino – Landeck, AT 2/03/2023 Tivoli Venue – Buckley, UK 2/04/2023 Waterloo – Blackpool, UK 2/05/2023 Bannermans – Edinburgh, UK 2/07/2023 Nightrain – Bradford, UK 2/08/2023 Trillians – Newcastle, UK 2/09/2023 Eleven – Stoke, UK 2/10/2023 The Robin 2 – Wolverhampton, UK 2/11/2023 Camden Underworld – London, UK* *Rescheduled 2022 show; original tickets still valid
The newly released LOCRIAN album New Catastrophism is now streaming on the Profound Lore Youtube channel. The album was released on August 12, 2022 on vinyl, CD and digital formats. Alongside New Catastrophism, LOCRIAN will also be releasing the Ghost Frontiers EP that will come as a bonus disc with the CD edition, a bonus digital download with the LP, and released through all digital channels on August 12th. The Ghost Frontiers EP features the two tracks “Witness The Collapse Of Geologic Time” and “The Chasm Of The Future”.
The band comments: “NEW CATASTROPHISM is the expression of years of observing disasters all around us and an opening to a new vision of a world changed beyond repair. We’re pleased to share this album with the world after such a long break and hope it serves as a soundtrack to the changes to come.”
New Catastrophism sees the iconic experimental music trio return back to their roots through four immersive tracks that signal towards the band’s signature expressions through dark ambient, experimental music, drone and post rock. Massive dystopian soundscapes through the intricate, layered, and spacious sound palette LOCRIAN unveil.
LOCRIAN is a prophetic voice of decline. From the band’s inception, it has comfortably straddled both the experimental and metal underground, weaving themes of apocalypse, urban decay, environmental destruction and birth/death/rebirth throughout its multifaceted and genre-defying releases. The trio formed in 2005 in Chicago and features Terence Hannum (synthesizers, vocals, tape loops), André Foisy (guitars, electronics), and Steven Hess (drums, electronics). Over their sixteen-year history, Locrian have released six studio albums, three collaborative albums, and numerous limited-edition releases.
New Catastrophism and Ghost Frontiers was recorded and mixed by J. Robbins, mastered by Brad Boatright, and features artwork by Trevor Paglen with design by ChimereNoire.
New Catastrophism Tracklist:
1. Mortichnia 2. The Glare Is Everywhere And Nowhere Our Shadow 3. Incomplete Map Of Voids 4. Cenotaph To The Final Glacier
While on the SonicSlamTour, LAGuns and Faster Pussycat broke away from the Keifer Band to perform a sold out show of their own. Fans of all ages lined up outside Amos’ Southend in Charlotte North Carolina to witness their own piece of 80’s metal history. Members of Faster Pussycat graciously greeted fans as they walked to the connected restaurant for some preshow refreshments.
Doors opened at 7:00pm and fans filed in filling in both levels to max capacity. First to take the stage was Carolina natives LAMaybe. This 5-piece rock n roll band was the perfect way to open the show. These young musicians perfectly captured the old school style of rock that both LA Guns and Faster Pussycat bring to the table. Right out of the gate they had the whole venue pumped and ready to go, playing all original music. Midway through the show, guitarist Driz let fans know that he had rocked so hard he chipped a tooth. As their set came to an end lead singer, Goliath Furr, began to talk about how the band was trying to gain a spot on the upcoming KISS Kruise. Furr turned his attention to drummer, Ryan Fosnow, who was holding up a sign that said “Show me your boobies.” Once he turned the sign over it instructed fans to vote for them on Lamaybe.com/vote. They ended their show encouraging fans to sing along to their original song “Oh Sugar”. After the show the band mingled with fans to watch the rest of the performers.
Faster Pussycat took the stage next and were welcomed by thunderous applause and cheers. Opening the show with “Jack the Bastard” it was immediately clear that lead singer, Taime Downe, still had the vocal strength that made Faster Pussycat just as fierce in the 80’s. Downe stands center stage with such pride and confidence and has an amazing band to back him up. The talents of bass player Danny Nordahl, best known as Slim Tender, and drummer Chad Stewart combine to create an exceptional rhythm section and truly shine in songs like “Bathroom Wall”. The guitar duo of Ronnie Simmons and Sam Bam Koltun really bring the sleaze. Before he even plays a note, you can already tell that Simmons is a true rockstar. His style, both in the way he plays and how he dresses can easily be seen as having inspiration from the Ramones to AC/DC. The punk flair that Simmons provides adds a little extra something to the Pussycat set. The true star of the show, however, was in fact Sam Bam Koltun. He truly is a guitar virtuoso at such a young age. He makes every strum and pluck look so easy and it is safe to say that being on stage and performing truly comes natural to him. Even though there is only one original member left, each musician plays like they were there the day the song was written.
Fans were given a special treat when former Faster Pussycat and current LA Guns guitarist, Ace Von Johnson joined the band to perform “Bathroom Wall”. The fun did not end there, though. Downe took to side stage as Slim Tender had his turn on vocals. The band welcomed LA Guns bass player, Johnny Martin to the stage and Tender sang “Pretty Fucked Up”. This certainly got the crowd even more pumped. Faster Pussycat ended their show with “Babylon” and left fans scratching for more.
LA Guns wrapped the night with a miraculous 16 song set that included songs from a very diverse set of albums. They opened with an explosion performing the first track off “CheckeredPast”, “Cannonball”. Lead vocalist, Phil Lewis, immediately had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. It does not take long to pick up on the fact that Lewis loves what he does. He is a front man that the younger generation will always be able to enjoy as his vocals have remained immaculate even after over 44 years of singing. While having Lewis on vocals is extremely important for their sound, you can’t have LA Guns without founding member and band namesake, TraciiGuns. Guns continues to amaze fans with his iconic technique and sound. Right before playing “Over the Edge”, Guns began to play his guitar with a violin bow. Long time fans of Tracii know that he is a very big Led Zeppelin fan and this is evident to be a tribute to Jimmy Page with a Tracii Guns twist. This was the first tour to feature Shawn Duncan on drums. Duncan, who also played in BulletBoys, melded so well with the rest of the band, you would have thought he had been with the band from the beginning. A ball of energy was personified in the form of Johnny Martin that night. Martin was in everyone’s face playing his absolute heart out on bass. It was quite the sight to see as he and Ace would bump into each other or play back to back throughout most of the set.
The fun did not stop there, as both Lewis and Guns stepped aside and welcomed Koltun back to the stage as guitarist Ace Von Johnson took over on vocals to sing a cover of “New Rose” by The Damned. Ace started the song with a small speech stating “Do something fucking nice man, this world is fucking numb as it is. There’s too much fucking negative shit man, do something cool”. As a well known animal advocate this type of thing is not out of character for Ace, and the speech was met with a very intense positive reaction. Though Ace is better known for his guitar work, his love for punk rock showed through in his vocals and wowed everyone. As the show came to an end the band took their final bow and, to lighten the mood, began to dance around the stage to a cover of “So Long, Farewell” By The Vandals. Fans cheered and screamed for more as the band excited the stage.
After the show 4 out of 5 members of Faster Pussycat made their way over to their merch table to take pictures with EVERYONE. Ace also made his way into the large crowd of fans to take pictures. Faster Pussycat and LA Guns are perfectly matched to tour together. The crowd’s energy was constant during both bands. Even though the Sonic Slam Tour has come to an end, it is safe to say that this is not going to be the last time we see Faster Pussycat and LAGuns together.
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