Dear gentlefolk! We, The Darkness, have returned to bedazzle and amaze once more as we serve up our eighth studio album Dreams On Toast which will be released on Friday 28th March 2025.
The Dreams On Toast UK headline tour will see us intrepidly traversing the UK, playing 17 shows which finish with a glorious finale at London’s OVO Wembley Arena on March 29th .
In short, fine friends… this tour promises to blow your f***ing minds and melt off your faces. Prepare yourselves!
Artist pre-sale starts at 10am on Wednesday 25th September. Fans who pre-order Dreams On Toast from the band’s official store will receive access to the artist pre-sale for the March UK tour! Pre-order here: https://the-darkness.tmstor.es/
Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday 27th September.
You can now pre-order the all-new studio release from Todd Michael Hall (Riot V), “Off the Rails” featuring Kurdt Vanderhoof! Check out all the details and get in on some exclusive LTD print bundles at this link: https://ratpakrecordsamerica.com/toddmichaelhall
Twin brother rock band, Kamenar, announces a big national tour featuring shows with Ace Frehley, 10 Years, Plush and more.
Kamenar, an independent hard rock band from Tampa, FL, featuring twin brothers Sean and John Kamenar, are set to embark on “The Road Dogz Tour” this fall.
The upcoming tour will take Kamenar through 10 states and 24 cities, consisting of headline shows, as well as shows joining Ace Frehley of KISS, Night Ranger, Mike Tramp’s White Lion, 10 Years, and Plush.
THE ROAD DOGZ TOUR
8/21 – Cape Coral, FL – BackStreets 8/23 – Wesley Chapel, FL – Rock & Brews 8/24 – Montgomery, AL – Performing Arts Centre w/ Night Ranger 8/25 – Bonaire, GA – PUB 96 8/27 – Long Beach, MS – Trax Bar 8/28 – Panama City, FL – T’s On Thomas 8/31 – Franklin, OH – J.D. Legends w/ Ace Frehley 9/2 – Youngstown, OH – Los Gallos w/ Mike Tramp’s White Lion 9/3 – Cincinnati, OH – Top Cats w/ 10 Years 9/4 – Toledo, OH – Frankies Toledo w/ 10 Years 9/5 – Pittsburgh, PA – Crafthouse w/ 10 Years 9/6 – Altoona, PA – Levity Brewing 9/7 – Hanover, PA – Iron Lion 9/8 – Syracuse, NY – The Song & Dance w/ 10 Years 9/11 – Erie, PA – The Rathskeller 9/13 – Knoxville, TN – BucketHead 9/14 – Lawrenceville, GA – Sportsline 9/15 – Clearwater, FL – OCC Road House w/ Plush 10/4 – Jacksonville, FL – Local Bar 10/12 – Spartanburg, SC – GroundZero w/ In The End 10/22 – Lubbock, TX – Jake’s w/ 10 Years 10/24 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar w/ 10 Years 10/25 – Corpus Christi, TX – Icehouse w/ 10 Years 10/26 – San Antonio, TX – The Rock Box w/ 10 Years
The twin brothers have been at it for nine years now, as they first formed the band in 2015 after discovering Aerosmith through the Rock n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios in Orlando.
The brothers have been out touring nationally for the last few years, having performed shows with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Alice Cooper, Slash ft. Myles Kennedy, Faster Pussycat, Hinder, Puddle Of Mudd, Warrant, Saliva, Bret Michaels, LA Guns, Nita Strauss, Dokken, Lynch Mob, King’s X, Jackyl, Stryper, Geoff Tate, Enuff Z’Nuff, Stephen Pearcy, Trixter, BulletBoys, Dangerous Toys, and Slaughter, among others.
With a sound heavily influenced by 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s rock, Kamenar mixes a variety of genres, creating a fresh new modern rock sound.
Defying odds, Kamenar performs as a two piece, uniquely creating a four piece sound. With Sean Kamenar on lead vocals, as well as playing guitar and bass simultaneously, and John Kamenar pounding on the drums, this brother duo is known for creating a massive wall of sound.
Currently working on a full length album, Kamenar’s latest two singles “Now That We Both Know” and “The Man” are out now and available on all major streaming platforms.
Make sure to catch Kamenar on The Road Dogz tour in a city near you!
TOUR ‘24 PART TWO: AUG 16- Northwoods Rock Rally- Glen Flora, WI + AUG 17- The District- Rockford, IL AUG 18- The Annex- Madison, WI AUG 21- Eclectic Room- Angola, IN AUG 22- Brown County Theater- Nashville, IN ^ AUG 23- Reggie’s- Chicago, IL AUG 24- King of Clubs- Columbus, OH AUG 25- Mountain Music Festival- Gatlinburg, TN + AUG 27- Lefty’s- Des Moines, IA AUG 28- Voodoo Lounge- Kansas City, MO AUG 29- Rocklahoma- Pryor, OK + AUG 30- Waiting Room- Omaha, NE AUG 31- Double Z- Cedar Rapids, IA €
Heavy outfit BONE DAGGER delivers a prescription for riffs with a dose of self-examination in the new single “The Narcissist”. Taking a deep dive into the shadows, BONE DAGGER takes an unidealistic approach exploring the realities of trauma, emotion and the human experience.
BONE DAGGER’s project leader John Lund comments on the focus of the single:
“I took the first person approach because EVERYONE has Narcissistic tendencies and traits. I like holding up the mirror to others and hopefully some introspection results from listening. Additionally, if I point the finger at myself – who can accuse me of projection?”
About BONE DAGGER: BONE DAGGER was founded in 2020 by John Lund during the pandemic following a 7-year hiatus from any sort of musical output. BONE DAGGER was devised with the intention of keeping as much in-house as possible with the exception of post-production. Around a year later Braden Richey joined the fold as the lead guitarist and contributed to the EP, The Veil, before taking a perpetual leave of absence in late 2022. John is pushing on as a solo act until the right members are found. Musically the band draws influence from a wide array of rock and metal acts including GOJIRA, MUSE, SLIPKNOT, and ALICE IN CHAINS.
FEATURING GUEST PERFORMANCES FROM DUFF MCKAGAN, ROBERT TRUJILLO, MIKE BORDIN AND MORE
July 26, 2024, LOS ANGELES – Jerry Cantrell, one of rock music’s most distinctive musicians, returns with I Want Blood, an album brimming with Cantrell’s signature vocals and guitar-driven melodies, on Oct. 18 via Double J Music.
“This record is a serious piece of work. It’s a motherfucker,” Cantrell says of the infectious collection. “It’s hard, no doubt, and completely unlike Brighten. And that’s what you want, to end up in a different place. There’s a confidence to this album. I think it’s some of my best songwriting and playing, and certainly some of my best singing.”
A preview of I Want Blood comes with today’s release of “Vilified” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tGyIln0-pw). The album opener showcases an energy that rivals any of Cantrell’s previous work – powerful, nuanced, and electric – setting the tone for the 45-minute album.
“Vilified travels a lot of places in just four and a half minutes,” Cantrell continues. “It’s got a ferocity and really aggressive vibe to it.”
I Want Blood, co-produced by Cantrell and Joe Barresi (Tool, Queens of the Stone Age, Melvins), was recorded at Barresi’s JHOC Studio in Pasadena, Calif. The album also features contributions from bass heavyweights Duff McKagan (Guns N’Roses) and Robert Trujillo (Metallica), drummers Gil Sharone (Team Sleep, Stolen Babies) and Mike Bordin (Faith No More), and backing vocals from Lola Colette and Greg Puciato (Better Lovers, ex-Dillinger Escape Plan).
Album pre-orders, which include CD, digital and multiple 2LP variants are available here: https://bio.to/JerryCantrell. Exclusive to the 2LP vinyl versions of I Want Blood are atmospheric, spoken word versions of each song on the album.
Jerry Cantrell kicks off a North American tour this evening, joining Bush for a seven-week trek across the continent. For complete tour dates and info click here: Jerrycantrell.com
Jerry Cantrell is an iconic American troubadour, celebrated for his distinctive guitar playing, soulful vocals and profound songwriting. Known for his work in both Alice in Chains and as a solo artist, the GRAMMY-nominated musician has sold in excess of 30 million albums, has been named one of the greatest guitar players of all time by both Guitar World and Rolling Stone, and has been instrumental in shaping the sound of modern rock music. Over his career, he has released six studio albums with Alice in Chains, three solo full-lengths, has had his music featured in films from Cameron Crowe, Judd Apatow and Ben Stiller and made cameos in “Deadwood” and “Jerry Maguire.”
Budderside released their newest album, WhiteFlame, on July 10th 2024. The minute the album dropped fans immediately shared their love on social media, calling it “top notch” and stating it left them speechless.
White Flame as an album has a wonderful variety of intensities throughout the songs. “Ghostlighting” and “Good For Nothing” are perfect examples of their fast paced, in your face, kick down a door energy, while songs like “Joker” and the title track slow it down, still holding onto the power that Budderside keep consistent throughout the whole album.
Lyrically, Budderside goes hard. It’s poetry and it’s relatable. There is no getting past how deep down they go to write these songs. They don’t just write what comes to mind, they draw from experiences and their own feelings. “The Truth” and “Too Far” are prime examples of them working in emotions that might otherwise be overlooked. Lyrics like “Can’t trust myself to be alone, no telling what I’ll do” from “The Truth” and “You feel disconnected, I tell you I’ve been there” from “Too Far” hit on such a relatable topic that’s it’s almost relieving to know that you’re not alone in feeling this way. They might have written from a place of darkness but it will soothe people just like music is supposed to.
Lead singer Patrick Stone has such a unique voice. It not only amplifies the meaning and emotional strength of the lyrics, but his wide vocal range pairs perfectly with any speed or forcefulness of the 2 guitar geniuses behind Budderside, Sam Koltun and Logan Nikolic. Koltun stated in an interview with Guitar World that writing songs like “Good for Nothing” “capture my intensity.” The two power house guitarists work together to finish off the full weight of the song.
Overall, Budderside hit it out of the park (and then some) with this new album. Even as this is written fans continue to praise their work. It’s not gonna be long before fans start begging for a tour to hear these masterpieces live. – Tanis Enos
Track List: Good for Nothing Voices A Thousand Teardrops Never Worth It The Truth Evol Joker Ghostlighting Black River Too Far Ain’t Alright Black Flame
Legendary, long-running metal band STRYPER are setting the stage for a great year with a new single entitled “End of Days.” Accompanied by a new lyric video, the track also helps announce the band’s 40th Anniversary Tour dates which begin this fall. After an appearance at the Alive Music Festival in July, tour dates kick off September 11th in Greenville, TN, and conclude November 16th in North Myrtle Beach, SC. A full list of dates is below.
About the new track, the band shared this:
“’End of Days‘ is a heavy track musically and lyrically. It has a classic sound with a few modern twists and turns along the way. Lyrically, it’s probably the most fitting message according to the times we are living in. It really does feel like the ‘End of Days‘ in many ways. We’re not only a divided nation, we’re a divided world. It’s time to make things right.”
Looking ahead, STRYPER has completed recording a new studio album set for release in fall 2024, which they hope will continue their trend of improving with each release. The band is also working on a Kickstarter-funded documentary film directed by Chris Atkins. With career album sales exceeding 10 million worldwide and a history of Billboard Top 40 hits, STRYPER continues to record, tour, and perform for devoted fans globally.
The current lineup includes original members Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, and Oz Fox, along with bassist Perry Richardson, as they create what they consider their finest and most powerful music yet.
Embrace the enigmatic allure of 70’s rock with OCCULT WITCHES‘ new single, “Faustian Bargain,” released today under the esteemed Black Throne Productions. This marks the second single from their upcoming album, Sorrows Pyre, due out July 26th via Black Throne Productions.
“Faustian Bargain” explores the dangers of an all too familiar type of deal. “This song is about almost making a deal with Satan and he ain’t fucking patient. Won’t be thanking him for this one,” reveals the band.
OCCULT WITCHES has quickly risen through the ranks, defining a unique space within the rock genre with their captivating blend of music and storytelling. Their songs, rich in narrative and emotion, draw on elements of darkness, witchcraft, and existential struggle, resonating with a wide range of listeners.
The band’s journey from Rimouski, QC, to Hamilton, ON, on their first tour last summer has only solidified their presence in the music scene. With plans for mini-tours this summer, OCCULT WITCHES is poised to reach new heights and captivate more audiences with their powerful performances and profound lyrical themes.
OCCULT WITCHES invites listeners to embark on this dark yet enlightening journey through their music. Stay tuned for more from OCCULT WITCHES as they continue to explore the depths of the human condition and the eternal dance between light and darkness.
Hall Aflame, the rock band which features Metal Church founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, will release their long-awaited sophomore album “Amplifire” on May 3, 2024 via Rat Pak Records. Originally formed in 1989, the band garnered commercial success with their debut album “Guaranteed Forever”, which was well received by fans and industry peers alike and quickly found themselves opening for ZZ Top on their 1991 “Recycler” tour for a number of dates. As with many bands from that era, facing a decline in interest for AOR rock due to the onslaught of the “grunge” scene, the band went on a lengthy hiatus and reunited again in late 2023 to begin working on a handful of songs.
Amplifier offers 12 new studio tracks and reunites Kurdt with original bassist Brian Smith, along with drummer Bill Raymond and front-man Scott Nutter. Regarding the album, Kurdt Vanderhoof comments, “This album came about as a project to document all the songs that we had written for the second album that never came to be. We revisited the songs and realized they had to be recorded properly. Then it blossomed into something much better than we had even hoped! So that led us into reforming the band instead of just having it be a project.”
Bassist Brian Smith adds, “I think anyone that is a fan of “Guaranteed Forever” will see this record as a new and improved “Part II” of Hall Aflame. Great songs, great production and we had a ton of fun putting this together!” Scott Nutter adds, “A good hard rock album should lift you, make you want to sing along and rock out! That’s what this album does for me!”
From the driving album opener “Helltown” to the powerhouse outro track “Keeping Them All Away”, Hall Aflame shines with their signature brand of rock-n-roll. Tracks like “Ripcord”, “In The Same Gutter”, “It Ain’t Enough” and “Gunnin’” are filled with memorable hooks and melodies, while songs like “Pullin Me Apart” and “1974” showcase their unique, classic rock songwriting abilities. With influences that range from Bad Company to Thin Lizzy, “Amplifire” is best described as the perfect blend of classic rock with a modern-day edge!
Track listing: 01 Helltown 02 Ripcord 03 1974 04 This Ain’t Love 05 The Same Gutter 06 It Ain’t Enough 07 Gunnin’ 08 Pullin’ Me Apart 09 Long Way Down 10 Keeping Them All Away 11 Cowboy (bonus track) [CD & Digital] 12 Paradise on Ice (bonus track) [CD & Digital]
Staff contributor and photographer Tanis Enos has presented this exemplary concert photo gallery of Geoff Tate and his band; taken from the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia, on March 28, 2024.
See also below, the concert photo gallery of opening band Fire & Water. Click on any photo in this gallery to enlarge and enjoy!
Single cover artwork • “Crack Cocaine“ (Written by Billy Morrison/ Ozzy Osbourne/Steve Stevens)
“The Morrison Project”OfficialAlbumrelease: April 19, 2024
Billy Morrison, the British guitarist, singer, and songwriter primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens, and for his previous role as bassist in The Cult, has assembled an electrifying 12 songs including guest performances by Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, DMC, Corey Taylor, Al Jourgensen, Steve Vai, Steve Stevens, Linda Perry, Tommy Clufetos, John5, and more!
I guess the way that your love makes me feel/Must mean I’m really addicted,” sings OZZY OSBOURNE on “Crack Cocaine”, the newly released track out on March 21st from BILLY MORRISON’s new solo album THE MORRISON PROJECT. This album is releasing on April 19th, via The Label Group’s partnership with TLG ZOID through Virgin Music Group.
Crack Cocaine” (04:01 min) Music video Premiere: March 21, 2024 YouTube Video by IVO RAZA
Official release on March 21, 2024 Label: TLG ZOID • Virgin Music
“Crack Cocaine” is the second single/video from THE MORRISON PROJECT and follows the single/video “Drowning”. Stream it HERE
This seismic collaboration also features STEVE STEVENS on guitar and was co-written by MORRISON, OSBOURNE, and STEVENS who all appear in the video with PARIS JACKSON playing the glamorous/romantic interest, with cameos from visual artist RISK and actor JEFF HILLIARD.
“Crack Cocaine” marks the first new song with OZZY on vocals since the 2022 release of his worldwide smash album Patient Number 9 which earned him two Grammy Awards (“Best Rock Album,” “Best Metal Performance”). “I was in the same room as Billy and Steve,” says OZZY about co-writing the song. “The lyrics just came out of the blue. It was written in about 20 minutes.”
BILLY MORRISON • 2024 📸 JaneStuartPhotos
BILLY, the British guitarist, singer and songwriter primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens, sheds more light on the song’s origins: “The music was a direct result of sitting in a room with Steve, both with de-tuned guitars, and writing what we felt was an ultimate Ozzy riff. From there, we brought Ozzy over and we all sat around working on the lyrics, but 90% of those came from Ozzy himself. He’s the one that suddenly stood up and sang “Like Crack Cocaine”! We looked at each other and knew we had the title!”
BILLY: “The song is 100% about how certain relationships can FEEL like an addiction. It’s nothing whatsoever to do with the drug! It’s a comparison. Ozzy is talking about being in that dysfunctional situation with a partner that feels so wrong, but you keep going back again and again. ‘Loving you is driving me insane. I put you down and pick you up again’ – it’s exactly like a drug addiction.”
Importantly, reveals STEVE, “First and foremost, Billy and I discussed what an Ozzy fan would really love to hear. We really zeroed in on the ‘90s-era Ozzy, the truly heavy stuff. We cast aside any rules both musically and lyrically. It was really a great team and Billy is just such a great motivator. Obviously as a guitarist, to contribute to an Ozzy song is like a kid in a candy store. He’s played with such an amazing array of guitarists that I tried my best to honor that tradition.”
Adds STEVE: “I think the fact that Billy and I have spent the better part of 16 years working together in Billy Idol means we are almost telepathic in how we arrange guitars, etc. Billy and Ozzy have such an amazing friendship that it was easy to feel inspired and want to help them achieve any idea I could assist with. As we worked in my home studio, I tried to make the actual recording process almost invisible. Forget any technical aspects and really have some fun. To Ozzy’s credit, he was totally focused; and man the first time I heard him sing in what was essentially my living room, fucking chills ran down my spine.”
Line-Up: Ozzy Osbourne • Vocals Billy Morrison • Rhythm guitar Steve Stevens • Lead guitar Tommy Clufetos • Drums
“Crack Cocaine” is the second single/video from THE MORRISON PROJECT and follows the single/video “Drowning”. Stream it HERE
💿 DISCOGRAPHY: 2008 • Stimulator • Full-length 2015 • The God Shaped Hole • Full-length 2024 • The Morrison Project • Full-length
March 6, 2024 – Baroness and Red Fang have announced five special co-headlining performances this May, bringing back-to-back sets from two of heavy music’s most beloved bands, for the first time ever.
“It will be great to get out and play some shows with our old friends in Red Fang,” Baroness collectively shared. “Surprisingly, we’ve never properly toured together, so we’re all excited to bring these shows to you this spring. Furthermore, it will be great to have another opportunity to support and perform songs from our latest record, STONE, with you!”
Red Fang’s Bryan Giles adds: “We’re stoked to be paying shows with Baroness this Spring! I’m pretty sure these shows are gonna go off!”
Baroness/Red Fang tour dates:
May 13 Winston Salem, NC The Ramkat May 14 Norfolk, VA Elevation 27 May 15 Baltimore, MD Ram’s Head Live May 16 Asbury Park, NJ The Stone Pony May 18 Harrisburg, PA HMAC
Tickets for the newly announced, non-festival dates are on-sale this Friday at 10 am local time. Ticketing links can be found on: YourBaroness.com.
Baroness – photo credit: Ebru Yildiz
About Baroness:
Founded in 2003, Baroness is John Baizley (vocals/guitar), Gina Gleason (guitar), Nick Jost (bass) and Sebastian Thomson (drums). The Philadelphia-meets-Brooklyn foursome have released six full-length albums to date: STONE(2023), Gold & Grey (2019), Purple (2015), Yellow & Green(2012), Blue Record (2009), and the Red Album (2007).
Red Fang – photo credit: James Rexroad
About Red Fang:
Red Fang is Aaron Beam (bass/vocals/guitar/keyboards), Bryan Giles (guitar/vocals), John Sherman (drums) and David Sullivan (guitars). The Portland, Oregon-based band have released five studio albums: Arrows (2021), Only Ghosts(2016), Whales and Leeches(2013), Murder the Mountains(2011), and Red Fang (2009)
First Single “Silent Winter” Out Now + Music Video — Watch HERE
2024 launches with a bang thanks to the announcement of ‘The Quantum Phase’, the highly anticipated new record from supergroup THE END MACHINE. The announcement signals a notable change in personnel as well. Singer Robert Mason has officially parted ways with the group, paving the way for GirishPradhan, the rising superstar vocalist known for his work under the moniker Girish And The Chronicles and, more recently, with Joel Hoekstra’s 13.
The addition of Girish Pradhan to the band is a testament to the keen discernment of SerafinoPerugino, president, and founder of Frontiers Records. Perugino, who serves as the executive producer for THE END MACHINE, recognized the incredible talent and potential in Pradhan and brought him to the attention of the band.
To herald this fantastic change and new album, THE END MACHINE shares their first single off of ‘The Quantum Phase,’ entitled “Silent Winter.” The track is accompanied by a new music video.
Jeff Pilson comments on the new track: “‘Silent Winter’ is a song about the bleak prospects for humanity if we keep on our current trajectory. ‘Quantum Phase’ – the album – deals with what we must do to change course.”
Check Out the Music Video for “Silent Winter” HERE.
Established in 2018, THE END MACHINE released their eponymous debut album, ‘The End Machine,’ in 2019 bringing early acclaim for not only contemporary production and a modern attitude, but also their perfectly crafted songs, paying homage to their roots and the music that they love. This attitude and talent was equally on display with their 2021 sophomore album, ‘Phase2’.
In delivering 2024’s ‘The Quantum Phase,’ THE END MACHINE has not only surpassed expectations but has penned the record of their lives! With each note and lyric, they have exceeded their own artistic aspirations, collectively crafting the album they always wished they had written. This monumental work stands as a testament to THE END MACHINE’s evolution, showcasing not only their musical prowess but also their unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of their creative expression.
Band Members: George Lynch Girish Pradhan Steve Brown Jeff Pilson
Track-list:
1) Black Hole Extinction 2) Silent Winter 3) Killer of the Night 4) Hell or High Water 5) Stand Up 6) Burning Man 7) Shattered Glass Heart 8) Time 9) Hunted 10) Stranger in the Mirror 11) Into the Blazing Sun
Produced By: Jeff Pilson for Pilsound Music Inc Studio: Pilsound Studios, Santa Clarita CA Recorded By: Jeff Pilson and Girish Pradhan, additional engineering: Olivia Pilson Mixed By: Alessandro Del Vecchio Mastered By: Alessandro Del Vecchio
MINISTRY’S ROY MAYORGA AND WE ARE THE ASTEROID’S GARY CHESTER CONTRIBUTE TO THE RECORD
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An album so magical, I helped create it without knowing it was happening. It’s definitely the weirdest album I’ve ever been a part of.” – Steven McDonald
Feb. 6, 2024, LOS ANGELES – The Melvins latest opus, Tarantula Heart (April 19, Ipecac Recordings), is quite possibly the band’s most unconventional, catchiest and imaginative work yet, continuing a legacy celebrated for its eccentric and extraordinary output.
A preview of the five-song, 39-minute collection arrives with the release of “Working The Ditch” (https://themelvins.lnk.to/wtd), and the accompanying Jesse Nieminen-created video. Nieminen previously directed the band’s short film, “A Walk With Love and Death.”
“The way we approached Tarantula Heart was different than any other Melvins’ album,” explains Buzz Osborne. “I had Dale and Roy Mayorga come in and play along with Steven and I to some riffs, then I took those sessions and figured out what parts would work and wrote new music to fit. This isn’t a studio approach we’ve ever taken. Usually we have the songs written BEFORE we start recording!”
“The majority of Tarantula Heart has dual drum parts,” adds long-time Melvins drummer Dale Crover. “Roy is an amazing drummer. We would discuss what we would do pattern wise, then we’d just go for it. Improvising riffs and trading off on drum fills.”
Tarantula Heart cover, artwork by Mackie Osborne
Tarantula Heart track list:
Pain Equals Funny
Working the Ditch
She’s Got Weird Arms
Allergic to Food
Smiler
In actuality nothing appeared out of thin air. Buzz spent hours and hours with the drum tracks by himself writing songs to what he was hearing drum wise. “When the rest of the band heard these songs I’d created from the sessions, they were blown away,” Buzz shares. “These were fully developed new songs that they’d never heard before that had seemingly appeared out of thin air. Presto!”
Recorded, mixed and co-produced by longtime Melvins’ collaborator Toshi Kasai, the album also features We Are The Asteroid guitar player Gary Chester. Gary and the Melvins’ history goes back to their days on Boner Records, with the guitar player formerly having been a part of the legendary band, Ed Hall.
Tarantula Heart pre-orders (https://themelvins.lnk.to/tarantula) are available now, with the album available on a trio of vinyl variants (black, indie exclusive Silver Streak and Ipecac Recordings’ 25th Anniversary Puke Green), featuring a 12-page booklet, as well as on CD and digitally.
Next month sees the Melvins head overseas, playing in Japan for the first time since 2019 following a stint where they join current labelmates, Mr. Bungle, for a trek across Australia and New Zealand. Buzz and Bungle bass player Trevor Dunn team up later this year for the “King Dunn Tour,” a 45-date excursion that sees the pair play songs from the King Buzzo releases: This Machine Kills Artists and Gift of Sacrifice. The full list of dates can be found via Ipecac.com/tours.
Melvins tour dates:
March 3 Auckland, NZ Auckland Town Hall March 6 Melbourne, AUS Festival Hall March 7 Adelaide, AUS Hindley Street Music Hall March 9 Sydney, AUS Hordern Pavilion March 10 Brisbane, AUS Fortitude Music Hall March 12 Perth, AUS Metro City March 17 Osaka, JP Music Club Janus March 19 Tokyo, JP Shibuya WWW X March 20 Tokyo, JP Shibuya WWW X
Indomitable Australian rockers The Neptune Power Federation have released the official video for “Lock & Key,” the second single from their forthcoming sixth album, Goodnight My Children.
This new album is a collection of feverish nighttime stories set to uproarious pure rock with a pop twist! Cruz Del Sur Music will release the album in the United States and Canada on April 5 (European release date is March 8).
Pure Australian rock glory meets the Sunset Strip on Goodnight My Children!
Love songs were on the mind of Australian psychedelic rock and roll brigade The Neptune Power Federation for their 2021 full-length, Le Demon De L’Amour. The album was the raucous re-imagination of a bygone era filtered through the lens of a band unafraid to blur genres. Fast-forward three years and children’s stories are on the brain for The Neptune Power Federation; with a decidedly early 1980s American sound on Goodnight My Children.
This new album finds The Neptune Power Federation leaning into the poppier side of their sound (think the Sunset Strip merging with late 1970s radio rock). The album’s eight cuts bang and mash with pure rock fervor, complete with roaring guitar solos and the always-memorable, convincing, enticing and mesmerizing “The Imperial Priestess,” otherwise known as Screamin’ Loz Sutch, on lead vocals.
Indeed, Goodnight My Children may be Sutch’s finest vocal performance to date. The recording process (which took place at bass player JayTanic Ritual’s The Pet Food Factory in Marrickville, Sydney, with mixing duties handled by Mo Mayhem), involved Sutch doing huge banks of layered backing vocals that followed her peculiar and idiosyncratic sensibilities. The sessions were organic and intuitive, allowing Sutch to expand upon the classic pop structures of the eight songs.
Sutch’s spellbinding vocal performance lent perfectly to the theme of Goodnight My Children, which symbolizes a collection of nighttime stories that, no matter how horrifying, leave the listener in the caring embrace of Sutch, the Imperial Priestess. And, as an added bonus, fans will be treated to an illustrated book of fairy tales that will accompany the release.
2024 will find The Neptune Power Federation making its long-awaited return to European shores for a round of tour dates. With the band approaching 15 years as a unit, milestones like a sixth studio album and international acclaim are not taken lightly by the band. While its origins as a casual studio project were simple, the emergence of Sutch and the notoriety for their sweaty, bombastic live shows has turned The Neptune Power Federation into a rock and roll cult that is impossible to ignore.
LISTEN TO NEW SONG: “THE POST-ATOMIC HORROR” – U.S./CANADIAN TOUR ANNOUNCED
Jan. 23, 2024 – Zombi, the electro-prog duo featuring Steve Moore and AE Paterra that Pitchfork described as evoking “the murky synth ambience of the 1970s while also infusing their music with a decidedly modern aura,” and Decibel dubbed “exceptional,” return with their eagerly-awaited new album, Direct Inject (March 22, Relapse Records).
A preview of the nine-song collection is available now, with the track “The Post-Atomic Horror” (https://orcd.co/zombi-directinject) streaming now. “’The Post-Atomic Horror’ is a very fun song for us to play,” says Paterra. “No trappings from our machines, just bass and drums, as stripped down as we can be. Definitely one for us to lean into on stage – a few minutes of riffs and wide open drums.”
Direct Inject, which was self-produced by Moore and Paterra, also features guest percussionist Jeff Gretz (Zao/From Autumn To Ashes), and guitar player Phil Manley (Trans Am).
Photo credit: Shawn Brackbill
“In 2022, after our tour with The Sword, we posted up in our friend’s studio in Clearfield, PA for a week of diner breakfasts and gas station BBQ,” shares Moore. “We would record every day and improvise until we found ideas we liked. We then took these ideas back home to Albany and Chicago to give them structure. A few months later, after our tour with Om, AEP went back to Clearfield to record final drum tracks. Everything else was recorded at my home studio. The only exceptions are ‘Sessuale I’ and “Sessuale II,” which were both written in the early ‘00s but never officially released.”
Zombi has simultaneously announced their first tour dates in support of Direct Inject, with a U.S./Canadian trek coming this April. Tickets are on-sale this Friday at 10 am local time. Overcalc opens on all dates.
Zombi – tour dates:
April 4 Louisville, KY Whirling Tiger April 5 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern April 6 Detroit, MI Sanctuary Detroit April 7 Toronto, ON The Velvet Underground April 8 Montreal, QC La Sotterenea April 9 Boston, MA The Middle East Upstairs April 10 Brooklyn, NY Saint Vitus April 11 Philadelphia, PA Underground Arts April 12 Baltimore, MD Metro Gallery April 13 Pittsburgh, PA Certain Death II
Zombi is Steve Moore (synth/bass/guitar) and AE Paterra (drums/percussion/electronics). Formed in 2001, the Pittsburgh-founded, instrumental duo have released seven full-length albums.
NEWLY ANNOUNCED DATES INCLUDE MULTIPLE CITIES THE BAND HASN’T PLAYED SINCE 2000
Jan. 23, 2024, Eureka, Calif. – Mr. Bungle continue to extend their 2024 world tour, adding headlining dates to cities the band has not visited since the turn of the millennium, with newly announced performances now also slated for the Southeastern and Midwestern U.S.:
May 6 Dallas, TX House of Blues May 7 Austin, TX Emo’s May 8 Houston, TX House of Blues May 11 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle May 12 Raleigh, NC The Ritz May 14 Nashville, TN Brooklyn Bowl May 15 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room May 19 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
Tickets are on-sale this Friday, Jan. 26 at 10 am local time. Ipecac alum, Otto Von Schirach opens on all headlining dates. Ticketing links are available at Ipecac.com/tours.
Full List of Mr. Bungle Tour Dates:
February 28 Tokyo, JP Toyosu Pit February 29 Osaka, JP Namba Hatch March 3 Auckland, NZ Auckland Town Hall + March 6 Melbourne, AUS Festival Hall + March 7 Adelaide, AUS Hindley Street Music Hall + March 9 Sydney, AUS Hordern Pavilion + March 10 Brisbane, AUS Fortitude Music Hall + March 12 Perth, AUS Metro City +
May 6 Dallas, TX House of Blues # May 7 Austin, TX Emo’s # May 8 Houston, TX House of Blues # May 10 Daytona Beach, FL Welcome to Rockville May 11 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle # May 12 Raleigh, NC The Ritz # May 14 Nashville, TN Brooklyn Bowl # May 15 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room # May 17 Columbus, OH Sonic Temple May 18 Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Metal Fest May 19 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue #
June 16 Zurich, CH X-Tra % June 17 Milan, IT Magnolia % June 19 Berlin, DE Huxley’s % June 20 Copenhagen, DK Copenhell June 23 Luxembourg Atelier % June 24 Tilburg, NL 013 Poppodium % June 27 Oslo, NO Tons of Rock June 29 Clisson, FR Hellfest
+ with Melvins
% with Oxbow & Spotlights
# with Otto Von Schirach
Photo credit: Buzz Osborne
About Mr. Bungle
Mr. Bungle was formed in an impoverished lumber and fishing town by a trio of curious, volatile teenagers. Trey Spruance, Mike Patton and Trevor Dunn beget the amorphous “band” in 1985 up in Humboldt County, Calif., sifting through a variety of members until 1988 when drummer Danny Heifetz and saxophonist Bär McKinnon joined the group. In 1989, Mr. Bungle signed to Warner Bros. Records. No one really knows how this happened and it remains a complete mystery that even the algorithms of the internet can’t decode.
Up until 2000 they released three albums (Mr. Bungle in 1991, Disco Volante in 1995 and California in 1999), toured a good portion of the Western hemisphere and avoided any sort of critical acclaim. Some argue that the band subsequently broke up but there is also no proof of this. What is true is that they took 20 years off from performing under said moniker while they pursued various other musics that, in contrast, paid the rent.
In 2020, a different iteration of Mr. Bungle emerged, pairing the original trio of Dunn, Patton and Spruance with Anthrax’s Scott Ian and former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo for a proper release of the Eureka-bred band’s unreleased demo, The Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny and the new live album, The Night They Came Home.
PALOOKA is big thick two-guitar rock the way God intended it. Hailing from Seattle, USA, singer Chuck Campbell belts out melody lines full of emotion and purpose with tenacity. Chris Quinn and Glen Logan trade flurries of devastating and searing guitar punches reminiscent of a barroom brawl. All of which sits on the rock-solid pounding foundation built on the talents of Howard Binner on bass and the percussive mauler Jason Reavis on drums.
This powerhouse of rock has been making waves since their debut album “What’s Wrong With Wanting Everything” in 2011. They have come a long way since then and their forthcoming 2024 EP “Save Yourself” promises to deliver the heavy dose of rock that you need. The first look at this EP is with the title track, which the band comments on:
“Save Yourself speaks to those moments in life where one comes to the realization that the way through a particular event or situation is purely up to us as individuals. The metaphoric cavalry isn’t coming, we are on our own and the only way forward is through.”
PALOOKA goes on to explain that as fans of a wide assortment of genres, they channeled their influences into an energy and intensity that is all their own. They made a point to push their boundaries and across the EP listeners can expect to hear elements of metal, blues, 70’s rock, grunge, alternative, and more.
Mostly written throughout the pandemic, the songs on “Save Yourself” were born from the unique environment of physical isolation, which not only left its mark on the personal themes of the songs but also played a pivotal role in the collaborative process. Interestingly, PALOOKA didn’t consciously decide on the track lineup. Instead, the songs, along with the circumstances that led to their creation, organically determined which songs found their place on “Save Yourself”. Loud, classic, and accessible PALOOKA is recommended for fans of Cheap Trick, Alice in Chains, and AC/DC.
Watch the music video for “Save Yourself” via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.
Finnish melodic metal titans SONATA ARCTICA deliver the perfect soundtrack for the cold season with their stormy new opus Clear Cold Beyond, set for release on March 8th, 2024 through Atomic Fire. In advance of the release, the quintet is pleased to unveil epic new single, “A Monster Only You Can’t See;” a song about friendship and never leaving anyone behind.
Frontman Tony Kakko elaborates, “We all may have, in our group of friends, that one person who seems to be a magnet for all kinds of problems, many of which they may not even see themselves. Maybe you’re that one? You might be an asshole, but you’re our asshole and we can see through all that, see the real you, and help. And when children arrive to the scene, they all fit under that same umbrella. Don’t worry. We’ll kick your butt up that hill.”
Watch SONATA ARCTICA’s lyric video for “A Monster Only You Can’t See” HERE. Stream/purchase the track HERE.
Stream previously released single “First In Line” at THIS LOCATION.
Clear Cold Beyond will be available on digipak CD, jewel case CD (US), 2XLP on multiple color variants, and digitally.
Preorder the album in the physical format of your choice, presave it on your favorite DSP, or preorder it digitally to receive “A Monster Only You Can’t See” and “First In Line” instantly at sonataarctica.afr.link/clearcoldbeyondPR.
Subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube HERE and listen to “A Monster Only You Can’t See” as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
SONATA ARCTICA: Tony Kakko – vocals Elias Viljanen – guitars Pasi Kauppinen – bass Henrik “Henkka” Klingenberg – keyboards Tommy Portimo – drums
Following their trip through various acoustic landscapes during the pandemic, Clear Cold Beyond contains ten tracks reviving SONATA ARCTICA’s penchant for power metal-esque songwriting. From high-speed anthems such as “First In Line” and “California” to emotion-laden tracks like “The Best Things” and the closing title track, the record offers something for each and every SONATA ARCTICA fan. The album’s artwork, reminiscent of the art adorning early releases, was created by Niko Anttila. Additionally, the band returned to mixing engineer Mikko Karmila (1999’s Ecliptica, 2012’s Stones Grow Her Name). Final mastering was handled by Svante Forsbäck (Rammstein, Korpiklaani, Delain, The 69 Eyes, Deathstars) who has also been part of other SONATA ARCTICA productions.
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