Home Blog Page 130

STARSET Announce Fourth Studio Album “Horizons”

STARSET return with their fourth studio album, HORIZONS. The album arrives October 22 via Fearless Records.

A continued voyage through a captivating narrative, HORIZONS delivers a cinematic soundscape that accompanies the listener through pain, love, descent, and triumph. The world has been consumed by synthetic methods of escaping reality. It is with this technology that we are able to explore life through other users experiences — finally, the ability to be someone else. STARSET’s epic hard rock styling does not disappoint, as we travel a newfound digital frontier along with them.

Watch the video for the first transmission “THE BREACH” here

HORIZONS TRACK LISTING:
“UNVEILING THE ARCHITECTURE”
“THE BREACH”
“OTHERWORLDLY”
“ICARUS”
“EARTHRISE”
“LEAVING THIS WORLD BEHIND”
“DEVOLUTION”
“ANNIHILATED LOVE”
“ALCHEMY”
“DISAPPEAR”
“ENDLESS ENDEAVOR”
“SYMBIOTIC”
“DREAMCATCHER”
“TUNNELVISION”
“INFECTED”
“SOMETHING WICKED”

STARSET have announced their Fall 2021 U.S. demonstrations. All dates and locations are below. Tickets and VIP upgrades are available here

The band will also embark on a massive global tour in February 2022 that includes Europe and Russia and runs through April. Dates for those demonstrations are here.

STARSET DEMONSTRATIONS:
11/3 — Asheville, NC — The Orange Peel
11/4 — Knoxville, TN — The Mill & Mine
11/5 — Atlanta, GA — Buckhead Theatre
11/7 — Ft. Smith, AR — Temple Live
11/8 — Dallas, TX — House of Blues
11/9 — Houston, TX — House of Blues
11/10 — San Antonio, TX — House of Blues
11/13 — Daytona, FL — Welcome to Rockville*
11/14 — N. Myrtle Beach, SC — House of Blues
11/15 — Harrisburg, PA — HMAC
11/17 — Philadelphia, PA — Theatre of Living Arts
11/19 — Stroudsburg, PA — Sherman Theater
11/20 — Horseheads, NY — The L
11/21 — Portland, ME — Aura
11/23 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium
11/24 — New Haven, CT — Toad’s Place
11/26 — Columbus, OH — Express Live 
11/27 — Newport, KY — Ovation
11/28 — Grand Rapids, MI — Intersection
11/30 — Bloomington, IL — The Castle Theater
12/1 — McKees Rock, PA — Roxian
12/3 — Buffalo, NY — Rapids Theater
12/4 — New York, NY — Irving Plaza
12/5 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore Silver Spring
12/7 — Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore Charlotte
12/8 — Nashville, TN — Brooklyn Bowl
12/10 — St Louis, MO — Delmar Hall
12/11 — Madison, WI — The Sylvee
12/12 — Minneapolis, MN — The Fillmore Minneapolis
12/14 — Des Moines, IA — Wooly’s
12/15 — Chicago, IL — House of Blues
12/17 — Detroit, MI — Majestic Theatre
12/18 — Cleveland, OH — House of Blues
*Festival Date

Follow STARSET:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify

ANDREW W.K. Unveils New Single “Stay True To Your Heart”

The wait is nearly over! Napalm Records and ANDREW W.K. will release the Party God’s fifth full-length studio rock album, God Is Partying, this Friday, September 10, 2021! The long-awaited nine track opus of maximalist grandeur drops nearly 20 years after the release of his chart-topping full-length debut, I Get Wet.

Gifting fans with one last taste of the new album before it drops this Friday, ANDREW W.K. has revealed a follow up to recent new singles “Babalon”, “I’m In Heaven” and “Everybody Sins”, entitled “Stay True To Your Heart”. The track’s mechanical heartbeat builds towards a butterfly drum fill, bursting into an utterly soaring chorus, as the Party God conveys one of God Is Partying’s most addictive hooks. “Stay True To Your Heart” is a standout offering, evoking the uniquely delirious euphoria that ANDREW W.K. delivers so well.

ANDREW W.K. says about “Stay True To Your Heart”
“What is the most brutal form of positivity? I want to get in there. Being and staying. Being true to yourself isn’t the same as staying true to your heart. They told me all about this when I started forming. Approving the disapproval of others. Happiness. Seriousness. Zones of care – yourself, your family of supervisors, your city of strangers, your bathroom, your basement, your street. What does it mean for me to be not-human? What does it mean for a not-human to posses my party mindset? It’s not appropriate for me to analyze this song in that way. The song is meant to analyze me. And the listener is meant to party.”

Listen to “Stay True To Your Heart” HERE or below.

Hovering in the fluorescent spotlight of his legendary party power, God Is Partying sees ANDREW W.K. ransack the corners of the human psyche, reaching a triumphant apex in his catalog. Emotive yet steadfast, ominous yet invigorating, God Is Partying embraces both the break-ups and break-downs of life, and ANDREW W.K. once again provides his audience with the perfect soundtrack to celebrate life in all its perplexing and euphoric intensity. Showcasing his indisputable musicality, God Is Partying features ANDREW W.K. performing all of the album’s instruments, in addition to co-producing the album with his long-time recording partner, Grammy Award-winning engineer, Ted Young.

Pre-Order God Is Partying HERE

Channeling the manic euphoria that has compelled ANDREW W.K.’s auditory insignia for decades, God Is Partying is soaked with a flood of epic energy – often traversing seemingly impenetrable lyrical themes while remaining refreshingly relatable, inspiring, and vital for survival. From sinister metallic bastions like the buzzing single “Babalon”, to the timeless story telling of “Remember Your Oath”, the album will have fans embracing their own party power and reveling in the depths of musical euphoria. God Is Partying opens triumphantly with ANDREW W.K.’s hyper-melodic keyboard stylings introducing the menacing and magical music of “Everybody Sins”, perfectly setting the scene for the dramatic immensity to follow. Tracks like the poetic, “No One To Know”, and the soaring tension of “Stay True To Your Heart”, transport the listener to the precipice of a paradoxically infinite sonic horizon – rising into synthesizer-infused epics of mega-jumbo rock music, each track showcasing another example of ANDREW W.K.’s expanding abilities as a vocalist and songwriter. Only halfway through the album is the listener driven directly into fiery depths with the massive track, “I’m In Heaven”, before ascending back up and into the sonic stratosphere with the tracks “My Tower” and the album’s gargantuan closer, “And Then We Blew Apart”God Is Partying is a true ode to the quiddity of ANDREW W.K..​

God Is Partying track listing:*
1) Everybody Sins
2) Babalon
3) No One To Know
4) Stay True To Your Heart
5) Goddess Partying
6) I’m In Heaven
7) Remember Your Oath
8) My Tower
9) And Then We Blew Apart

*Various formats will include additional bonus tracks “I Made It” and “Not Anymore”.

ANDREW W.K. recently announced the postponement of his 2021 headline dates to 2022, but will still perform at select festival dates this fall, and on the Coheed and Cambria S.S. Neverender Cruise. See below for all confirmed dates and visit https://andrewwk.com/tour for more information.         

ANDREW W.K. 2021 US Tour Dates:
** = festival date
9/18 – Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest **
9/26 – Birmingham, AL – Furnace Fest **
10/25-10/29 – Coheed and Cambria S.S. Neverender Cruise

ANDREW W.K. 2022 US Tour Dates:
9/8 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom
9/9 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom – SOLD OUT
9/10 – San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365
9/12 – Seattle, WA – Neumos
9/13 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
9/16 – Minneapolis, MN @ Amsterdam Bar and Hall
9/18 – Pittsburgh, PA – Spirit Hall – SOLD OUT
9/20 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
9/21 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
9/22 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom – SOLD OUT
9/23 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre Of Living Arts

Follow ANDREW W.K.:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Bad Wolves Move On With Class | The Podcast That Rocked

The Podcast That Rocked for 9/7/21. Talk on Bad Wolves response/lawsuit toward Tommy Vext and move forward with their upcoming album, Twitch turning off Heavy Music Awards, Download Fest 2020 adding more bands, and more. 

Bad Wolves Move On With Class
The Podcast That Rocked on Spotify

Discussion Topics: 
-Bad Wolves issue a proper statement on everything revolving around the Tommy Vext circus. 
-Heavy Music Awards in the UK lost connection due to nipples. 
-Download Fest 2022 added more bands to an already massive lineup. 
-21 years since RATM protested against Limp Bizkit on MTV. 
-Blue Ridge Rock Fest will be a great test for future festivals, post-pandemic. 

Click here for a video on
Trashcore: When Metalcore Gets Desperate

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTd0qSirFg9/

Rocked, Rock Podcast, Metal Podcast, Bad Wolves Tommy Vext, Bad Wolves Lawsuit, Tommy Vext lawsuit, Twitch Heavy Music Awards, Heavy Music Awards, Wargasm, Download Fest, Download Fest 2022 

We Came As Romans Share “Black Hole” Video

We Came As Romans — Joshua Moore [guitar], Dave Stephens [vocals], Lou Cotton [guitar], Andy Glass [bass], and David Puckett [drums] — have shared the video for their brand new single “Black Hole,” featuring Beartooth’s Caleb Shomo. 

Watch it here:

“‘Black Hole’ was the very last song that we wrote for the record,” the band says. “We had this idea of what we wanted it to sound like, and we wrote a bunch of music for it throughout our time in L.A. But we were never really satisfied with what we created. With only a week left in the studio, we had finally created something that we were all stoked about — and it was time to put a message to the song.”

Stephens continues, “The lyrics to ‘Black Hole’ are about dealing with the anxiety that you feel going through life. For me, at the time, [it was] the anxiety I was feeling in dealing with loss and the grieving process. But we wanted to leave the song open-ended enough for our fans to relate to, with anything they were going through. That anxiety is sometimes so crushing and so heavy, and you have to deal with the weight of it, the gravity of the situations you’re in. And sometimes, it just feels like an endless cycle.”

He finishes, “When the song was complete, we sent it over to a long time friend of ours — Caleb Shomo. We’ve been playing shows together for well over 10 years now, and we’re so happy we’ve finally had a chance to collaborate on a song together. Caleb is an amazing vocalist and the song wouldn’t be the same without his contribution!”

We Came As Romans recently shared the video “Darkbloom.” 

In other WCAR news, the band rebooted its anniversary tour celebrating the landmark, 2009-released album To Plant A Seed. The tour was originally scheduled for Spring 2020, but it was tabled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To Plant A Seed was a definitive sonic statement for We Came As Romans and remains a fan favorite through this day. It’s only fitting that the band commemorate the release with a tour.

The tour kicks off on September 29 in Philadelphia and runs through November 7 in the band’s native Michigan. Support will come from The Devil Wears Prada, Dayseeker, and Hollow Front. All dates are below. Get tickets here.

WE CAME AS ROMANS ON TOUR:
WITH THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, DAYSEEKER, + HOLLOW FRONT:

9/29 — Philadelphia, PA — Theatre of Living Arts
9/30 — Baltimore, MD — Rams Head Live
10/1 — Brooklyn, NY — Warsaw
10/2 — New York, NY — The Gramercy Theatre
10/3 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium
10/5 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom
10/6 — Norfolk, VA — The NorVa
10/7 — Greensboro, NC — The Blind Tiger
10/8 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade
10/9 — Orlando, FL — House of Blues
10/10 — Tampa, FL — The Orpheum
10/12 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall
10/13 — Dallas, TX — Canton Hall
10/15 — Phoenix, AZ — The Pressroom
10/16 — Las Vegas, NV — 24 Oxford
10/17 — San Diego, CA — House of Blues
10/19 — Pomona, CA — The Glasshouse
10/20 — Los Angeles, CA — The Regent Theater
10/22 — Sacramento, CA — Ace of Spades
10/23 — Berkeley, CA — UC Theatre
10/24 — Reno, NV — Cargo
10/26 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Complex
10/27 — Denver, CO — The Oriental Theater
10/29 — Lawrence, KS — Granada Theater
10/30 — Minneapolis, MN — Skyway Theatre
10/31 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave
11/2 — Nashville, TN — Brooklyn Bowl
11/3 — Columbus, OH — The Athenaeum
11/5 — Pittsburgh, PA — Mr. Smalls Theatre
11/6 — Detroit, MI — St. Andrew’s Hall
11/7 — Detroit, MI — The Crofoot

Follow We Came As Romans:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify

Myles Kennedy Releases Music Video For “A Thousand Words”

With his solo band starting their first tour in over 30 months this September, Myles Kennedy is releasing another music video from his chart-topping sophomore release The Ides Of March. The video for “A Thousand Words” finds Myles reconnecting with director Stefano Bertelli (Alter Bridge’s “Native Son”/Myles Kennedy’s “In Stride” video) for another animated masterpiece. The video shows Myles reflecting on life at an open grave as he sings the thought-provoking lyrics “Cause in times like these, we must live and learn.” The video for “A Thousand Words” can be seen here:

It was recently announced that Myles Kennedy will head out on The Ides Of March Tour. The 15-date tour will kick off on September 7thin St. Petersburg, FL and make stops in Atlanta, GA; Des Moines, IA; Nashville, TN; and New York, NY among others before it wraps up in Baltimore, MD on October 2nd. They will also be part of the Foothills Festival in Jasper, AL on September 11th and the Adelphia Music Hall Summer Concert Series in Marietta, OH on October 1st. These shows will include the full trio that recorded the sophomore album The Ides Of March – drummer Zia Uddin and bassist/manager Tim Tournier – on the road as well. All shows are on sale now and more information on tickets/VIP packages for all dates can be found at www.myleskennedy.com

Myles Kennedy released his latest album The Ides Of March via Napalm Records in May. The album received critical acclaim and created another career benchmark for the musician. The Ides Of March achieved numerous chart recognitions, including #1 spots in 3 different countries – including #1 Billboard Top Current Hard Music (United States), #1 Official Rock & Metal Albums (UK), #1 Official Independent Album Chart (UK) and #1 Hard Music Albums (Canada). The Ides Of March saw 4 different tracks released to the public, including  the debut single “In Stride,”  album-opener “Get Along,” the title track and longest song on the album “The Ides Of March” and the pensive ballad “Love Rain Down.” The Ides Of March was produced by longtime collaborator Michael “Elvis” Baskette and can be ordered here.

Follow Myles Kennedy:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Click here for an Album Review of Deafheaven’s “Infinite Granite”

Trashcore: When Metalcore Gets Desperate

Trashcore has been a plague within metalcore and deathcore for years. This video looks at what Trashcore is and some of the worst bands involved. 

Trashcore: When Metalcore Gets Desperate

Click here for a video on
The Sophomore Slump!

Falling in Reverse is an American rock band based in Las VegasNevada that formed in 2008 by lead vocalist Ronnie Radke while he was incarcerated. The band’s original name was ‘From Behind These Walls,’ but was quickly renamed to Falling in Reverse shortly after formation. They are currently signed to Epitaph Records

Attila is an American metalcore band from AtlantaGeorgia, formed in 2005. They have released eight full-length albums, led by Chris “Fronz” Fronzak. 

Emmure (/ɛˈmjuːr/) is an American metalcore band formed in 2003. Originally based in New Fairfield, Connecticut, before moving to Queens, New York, the group has released eight albums. The band’s vocalist, Frankie Palmeri (born 1986), is the only remaining original member and has been subject to some controversy over the years. 

King 810 (pronounced King eight one oh; formerly known as, and often shortened to, simply King) is an American heavy metal band from Flint, Michigan, formed in 2007. The band currently consists of duo: David Gunn and Eugene Gill. 

10 Albums Critics Hated (At First)

Trashcore, What Is Trashcore, Trashcore When Metalcore Gets Desperate, Metalcore, Deathcore, Trashcore Metalcore, Trashcore Music, Falling In Reverse, Falling In Reverse Popular Monster, Falling In Reverse Ronnie Radke, Ronnie Radke Controversy, Attila, Attila Accusations, Chris Fronzak, Attila Controversy, Emmure, Emmure Hindsight, Frankie Palmeri, Frankie Palmeri Controversy, King 810, King 810 David Gunn, David Gunn Capitol Riot, King 810 Capitol Riot, Bad Music, Awful Music, Rocked 

Don Broco Release Brand New Single “Uber”

Don Broco have released their new single “Uber”, taken from the forthcoming new album Amazing Things, which will be released on September 17th via Sharptone Records

“Uber” is a huge neon-fueled anthem brimming with biting guitars, dream-like synths and irresistible stirring vocals. The track is lyrically informed by their time in America, the result of and a reaction to a number of shocking situations that the band found themselves in. 

“This was the first song we started writing for the album a few years ago touring the States,” say the band. “Within the space of a week three separate ‘Uber’ drivers were openly racist in front of us, I guess assuming as white guys we’d share their views. ‘Uber’ is about being angry about that, being angry that racists seem to be growing in confidence to speak their hate in public and it’s a reminder to me to call out that discrimination whenever I see it.”

Fans can stream “Uber” today at https://shrptn.co/uber.

The new single follows the release of the captivating and immersive single “One True Prince”, a luscious musical journey accompanied by a beautifully expansive video that promotes the uplifting and reaffirming message that hard times don’t last forever. They also recently released the ferocious album opener “Gumshield”, which explores the pitfalls of social media, specifically the damned-if-you-do-damned-if-you-don’t nature of taking a position on issues online. The video is another spectacular, with Damiani stepping into the boxing ring against UK British Heavyweight champion Dave ‘White Rhino’ Allen. 

The album’s first single “Manchester Super Reds No.1 Fan” also came with an out of this world video, featuring the band in a Star Trek spoof like no other. Whilst nominally appearing to be about a particular football team, the song isn’t actually about love for the club, but the darker side of fandom. 
Always unique, and forever pushing boundaries, Don Broco are never ones to follow the trend and the new album Amazing Things is very aptly named. It’s yet another genre-bending masterpiece with electro, rock, pop, metal and more all wrapped up in their own unique blend, bringing to mind the likes of Deftones, Beastie Boys and Linkin Park amongst others… but simultaneously sounding like nobody else on earth. 

Amazing Things is the band’s fourth album, and follows the release of 2018’s Technology, which was a Top 5 album in the UK charts and has had over 100 million streams to date, and also 2015’s Automatic, which provided the band with their first Top 10 album in the UK.
Garnering nothing but praise for their relentless high-octane performances, Don Broco have previously sold-out arena shows across the UK, headlining Wembley Arena after selling out Alexandra Palace as well as festival performances around the world including Vans Warped Tour, Download, Reading & Leeds, Slam Dunk & more. They have also toured with the likes of Mike Shinoda, State Champs, Dance Gavin Dance and Our Last Night in the US as well as selling out their very own Debut US headline tour.
After their upcoming performances at Slam Dunk Festival and their very special preceding warm-up shows, the band will be heading out on their full UK headline tour which includes multiple nights in UK cities, culminating with two shows at London’s Brixton Academy. 

Tickets for all of the upcoming shows are available here.

Follow Don Broco:
Website Instagram Facebook YoutubeTwitter

Dirty Honey Drops New Music Video “The Wire”

Directed and edited by the award-winning Scott Fleishman/APLUSFILMZ, Dirty Honey’s brand new music video “The Wire” was shot at various locations on the band’s current U.S. tour with The Black Crowes, and provides the viewer a laminated, All Access pass to life on the road with what one journalist called “a band at the top of the new breed of rock and rollers.”

On the tour bus…arriving at the next gig…a little sightseeing on a day off…dinner and a cigar at La Scarola…soundcheck…signing copies of their debut album for that night’s merchandise booth…an after-show celebratory night-cap at a local saloon…from the dressing room to the stage…this is Dirty Honey’s, “The Wire.

THE BLACK CROWES’ 
“SHAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER 2021 TOUR”
with Special Guest DIRTY HONEY:

September 
 4  Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood, Atlanta, GA 
 5  Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, Birmingham, AL 
 7  Coral Sky Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach, FL 
 8  MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre., Tampa, FL 
10 PNC Music Pavilion, Charlotte, NC 
11 Coastal Credit Union Music Park @ Walnut Creek, Raleigh, NC 
14 Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY 
15 Xfinity Center, Boston, MA 
17 Jones Beach Theatre, Wantagh, NY 
18 PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ 
22 Jiffy Lube Live, Washington, DC 
23 BB&T Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA 

DIRTY HONEY DATES:
September
25 WMMR MMR*B*Q, BB&T Pavilion, Camden, NJ
28  The Senate, Columbia, SC  (w/ Mammoth WVH)
29  The Loft, Atlanta, GA  (HL)
30  District Live, Savannah, GA  (HL)
October 
 2 98Rockfest, Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL 
 7  Tulsa State Fair, Tulsa, OK
 8  WPLA Radio Show, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St.Augustine, FL
 9  WJRR Earthday Birthday, Tinker Field, Orlando, FL
17 KATT Fest, Oklahoma City, OK

Follow Dirty Honey:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube

Click here for 10 Sophomore Slump Albums

THE HU Share Details on Upcoming NA Headlining Tour

Globally acclaimed Mongolian rock sensation THE HU are excited to return to audiences across North America this fall on their upcoming headlining tour, “The Hun Tour,” with special guests The Haunt from September 7 to October 31. With five sold-out shows to date (NYC, Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver and Flint), tickets are going fast and can be purchased while available at https://www.thehuofficial.com/tour-1.

Before the headline shows begin, THE HU will make their way stateside on September 1 for shows supporting Halestorm, whose frontwoman Lzzy Hale was featured on the empowering track “Song of Women,” included on the deluxe edition of THE HU’s #1 debut album THE GEREG. During the run, THE HU will also perform at several of the U.S.’s most high-profile music festivals including Austin City Limits, Outside Lands, Rocklahoma, Inkcarceration, Louder Than Life and more as well as appear alongside Danish rockers Volbeat for a few select dates.

Read an exclusive Q&A with THE HU below as they talk about returning to the stage for the first time since the start of the pandemic and their experience dealing with its repercussions from a global standpoint. The band also discusses their excitement on reuniting with Lzzy Hale; being included as part of Metallica’s 30th anniversary reissue project; and the creation of new music.

Founded in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, MongoliaTHE HU, comprised of producer Dashka along with members Gala, Jaya, Temka, and Enkush, are a modern rock group rooted in the tradition of their homeland. The band’s name translates to the Mongolian root word for human being, and their unique approach blends instruments like the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), Tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), Tumur Khuur (jaw harp) and throat singing with contemporary sounds, creating a unique sonic profile that they call “Hunnu Rock.”

Their debut album, 2019‘s THE GEREG, was released via BETTER NOISE MUSIC and debuted at #1 on the World Album and Top New Artist charts. With it, the band have accumulated over 250 million combined streams and video views to date and have received critical acclaim from the likes of Billboard, NPR, GQ, The Guardian, The Independent, Revolver, and even Sir Elton John himself.

Proving their global appeal, THE HU have sold out venues across the world in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, with scheduled festival appearances at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Download Festival, and more, creating a community of fans from all walks of life. They’ve quickly grabbed the attention of the industry, leading to collaborations with Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach and Lzzy Hale of Halestorm. Most recently, the band received praise from fans and critics for their Mongolian rendition of Metallica’s “Sad But True” (as part of Better Noise’s “15 Years of Rock” series), which Metallica themselves acknowledged on their social media accounts and enlisted them to be part of their upcoming Special 30th Anniversary ‘Black Album’ Reissue Covers Project, with a cover of the iconic song “Through The Never.” The band has also explored eclectic ways to reach audiences with their sound, most notably writing and recording music for EA Games’ Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

Readying their next chapter as a global force, THE HU are finishing their highly anticipated sophomore album, which was recorded in their homeland during quarantine. The project is expected to be released in early 2022 via BETTER NOISE MUSIC.

10 QUESTIONS w/THE HU

–What do you think will be going through your minds when the band step onstage September 1 in Lewiston, New York since it will be your first time in front of an audience in a long time due to Covid?
 
A: We are so excited and we’ll be delighted to be on the stage again. The stage is the place where we live, love and express our messages and feelings. Not being able to perform due to COV-19 reminded us how important this is in our lives.
 
–What has THE HU missed most about touring?

A: Connecting with our fans through our music is something we missed the most. Of course, there are other parts we missed including having a great time with our entire crew and seeing new places.
 
–In the months ahead, the band has its North American headlining tour, festival appearances plus shows with Halestorm. THE HU’s collaboration with Lzzy Hale of Halestorm on a new version of “Song of Women” on the deluxe edition of ‘The Gereg’ in 2020 was bold and moving. Can you talk about Lzzy’s contributions vocally and lyrically?
 
A: Lzzy is an incredibly talented singer, musician and songwriter. She brought a whole other level of dynamics to “Song of Women.” The lyrics that she wrote for this English version are absolutely beautiful and they complement the message of the original version. The first time we heard her vocal recording, it gave us goose bumps. Her sincerity in singing is off the hook.
 
–On the upcoming tour, THE HU will preview songs from the upcoming album. What can you tell us for now about these new songs and the album?
 
A: Yes, we will perform several new songs from the upcoming album. We’re highly anticipating sharing these songs because we have worked very hard to make them amazing for our fans. The recording part of the second album is done and now it’s in process of mixing and mastering.
 
— Does the band have any rituals before hitting the stage?
 
A: Yes, we do. A few minutes before going on the stage we circle around and chant together just like our ancestors.
 
–Can you talk about the challenge of performing at festivals where audiences are a mix of your fans plus folks who may not have heard of the band?
 
A: We don’t see it as a challenge but rather an opportunity. We believe in our music and message therein. We welcome new folks to come and listen to our music and hope they leave as new fans of the band. 
 
–How does THE HU stay positive in such a volatile world given the pandemic, wars, polarizing political views, dramatic weather events and more?
 
A: As human beings, we’re stronger when we’re united together as we face any adversity. We believe that everyone has a warrior in them. Through our music we want to wake up those inner warriors in each of us so that you can face your fears and overcome them. Also believing in a bright future and accepting others regardless of their race, age, and political views make us stay positive.
 
–As Mongolians, do you feel you may view the world differently than, say, Americans and if so, how?
 
A: At the end of the day, we all are human being whether you’re from America or Mongolia. We have more things in common than one might think. For example, we grew up in Mongolia listening to American rock bands just like American kids. We love touring here and meeting with our idols, some of whom we have been fortunate enough to collaborate with.  
 
–THE HU ended its last tour in Australia and were in fact stuck there as the country locked down at the start of the pandemic in early 2020. What was that experience like and how did you make the best of it?
 
A: Because of the COV-19 restrictions, we needed to stay in Sydney, Australia for about two months in early 2020. Of course, we wanted to return to Mongolia and our families, but it was impossible due to border lockdowns. During that time, we worked on our second album recording and making some episodes of “HU’s in the Kitchen?” We love Australia and would love to go back there to perform again.
 
–Music fans have really embraced THE HU’s cover of Metallica’s “Sad But True” on Better Noise’s “15 Years of Rock” series. And now you’re offering THE HU’s interpretation of Metallica’s “Through The Never” on the upcoming Metallica Special 30th Anniversary ‘Black Album’ Reissue Covers Project. Can you talk about the influence of Metallica on THE HU?
 
A: Like millions of people around the world, Metallica has been a huge influence and inspiration for us as music fans and musicians. We admire their 40 years of relentless touring and the timeless, unique music they have created. It is a great honor to show them our respect and gratitude by recording our versions of their incredible songs. We are honored and grateful to be included in the Blacklist.

Follow The HU:
Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

Avatar Share Two New Songs

The heavy metal ‘n’ roll dark madcap visionaries collectively known as AVATAR are ambitious, Swedish rock sorcerers of the highest order. They smash the boundaries between band, theater troupe, and cinematic masterminds with a series of celebrated albums and videos, and the immersive world of Avatar Country, a fantastical land where metal rules supreme. 

In keeping with their customary larger-than-life-ness, the band is back with not one but TWO brand new songs.

Avatar have shared the official music video for “Going Hunting,” directed once again by Johan Carlén, and fan track “Barren Cloth Mother.”  

The black and white, animated visual for “Going Hunting” features a giant insect as its protagonist, faceless men in suits, the band performing, and much more in its storyline. It’s a glorious and cinematic visual, which is expected from the band. 

The band has also announced its signing with a new label. They are now part of the Thirty Tigers roster and have launched their own Black Waltz Records imprint. 

“Since the early ’60s, Swedish children have grown up reading Lee Falk’s The Phantom,” the band says. “According to legend, The Phantom has the strength of 10 tigers. Thus, Avatar now has the strength of three Phantoms and are therefore finally unstoppable. Thirty Tigers are innovators and we are very excited to have signed with them. It’s good to work with such forward thinking people who truly understand what it means to be an artist in this millennium.” 

Avatar continue, “This calls for a celebration, so to commemorate this occasion, and the tour we’re just about to embark on, we’ve chosen to tear up some eardrums with ‘Going Hunting’ and ‘Barren Cloth Mother.’ Both songs tell about inner and outer darkness in their own ways. We keep sailing over dark oceans, staring down into the abyss. These songs, as great as they are, are just a taste of what’s yet to come.”

Avatar will return to the road in the U.S. this September, as one of the first European metal bands to return to the United States tour circuit after the COVID-19 lockdown, with Magic Sword and Tallah in tow. The trek kicks off today, September 1, in Albany and runs through October 18 in Seattle. The Going Hunting tour continues in Europe in January 2022 in the UK and wraps in Sweden in March. The band will make a few main stage festival appearances this year and next — Hellfest, Aftershock, Louder Than Life and Blue Ridge Rockfest to name a few. 

All dates are below. Tickets are available here.

AVATAR GOING HUNTING TOUR:
WITH MAGIC SWORD + TALLAH:

9/1 — Albany, NY — Empire Live
9/2 — Baltimore, MD — Baltimore Sound Stage
9/3 — New York, NY — Irving Plaza
9/4 — Boston, MA — Big Night Live
9/5 — Philadelphia, PA — Theatre of Living Arts
9/7 — Fort Wayne, IN — Pierre’s
9/8 — Pittsburgh, PA — Roxian Theatre
9/9 — Cleveland, OH — House of Blues
9/11 — Danville, VA — Blue Ridge Rockfest
9/12 — Asheville, NC — The Orange Peel
9/13 — Atlanta, GA — Buckhead Theatre
9/15 — Chicago, IL — House of Blues
9/17 — Madison, WI — The Sylvee
9/18 — Detroit, MI — DTE Energy Music Theatre
9/20 — Kansas City, MO — Truman Theater
9/21 — Lincoln, NE — Bourbon
9/22 — Minneapolis, MN — The Fillmore Minneapolis
9/24 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life
9/25 — St Louis, MO — Delmar Hall
9/26 — Oklahoma City, OK — Diamond Ballroom
9/27 — Dallas, TX — House of Blues
9/28 — Houston, TX — House of Blues
9/29 — San Antonio, TX — The Aztec Theater
10/1 — Albuquerque, NM — Sunshine Theater
10/2 — Denver, CO — Summit
10/3 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Depot
10/5 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren
10/6 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern
10/7 — Las Vegas, NV — House of Blues
10/8 — Sacramento, CA — Aftershock
10/10 — Grand Junction, CO — Mesa Theater
10/12 — Billings, MT — Pub Station
10/14 — Spokane, WA — Knitting Factory
10/15 — Portland, OR — Roseland Theater
10/16 — Garden City, ID — Revolution Concert House and Event Center
10/18 — Seattle, WA — Neptune

2022 EUROPEAN TOUR DATES:
1/8 — Nottingham, UK — Rock City
1/9 — Manchester, UK — Academy
1/10 — Glasgow, UK — SWG3
1/12 — Wolverhampton, UK — KK’s Steelmill
1/13 — Bristol, UK — SWX
1/14 — Southampton, UK — 1865
1/15 — London, UK — 02 Forum Kentish Town
2/12 — Paris, FR — L’Olympia
2/14 — Brussels, BE — Ancienne Belgique (A.B.)
2/15 — Karlsruhe, DE — Substage
2/16 — Lyon, FR — Le Transbordeur
2/17 — Barcelona, ES — Razzmatazz 1 & 2
2/18 — Madrid, ES — Kapital
2/19 — Lisbon, PT — LAV
2/21 — Bordeaux, FR — Le Rocher Palmer
2/22 — Geneva, CH — Alhambra
2/23 — Zurich, CH — Komplex
2/24 — Vienna, AT — Simm City
2/25 — Brno, CZ — Sono Centrum
2/26 — Munich, DE — Freiheitshalle
2/27 — Leipzig, DE — Hellraiser
2/28 — Warsaw, PL — Proxima
3/1 — Berlin, DE — Columbia Theater
3/2 — Hamburg, DE — Gruenspan
3/3 — Cologne, DE — Essigfabrik
3/4 — Tilburg, NL — 013
3/10 — Göteborg, SE — Trädgår’n
3/11 — Stockholm, SE — Fållan
3/12 — Malmö, SE — Slagthuset
6/24 — Cartagena, ES — Rock Imperium Festival
6/26 — Clisson, FR — Hellfest 2022

Follow AVATAR:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube

Click here for 10 Sophomore Slump Albums