A video album review on Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum, the eighth studio album from Seether. Produced by front man Shaun Morgan, this album is described as having some of the band’s most angsty and politically charged songs to date.
Album Review: Seether – Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum
Seether are a South African rock band founded in 1999 in Pretoria, Gauteng. The band originally performed under the name Saron Gas until 2002, when they moved to the United States and changed it to Seether to avoid confusion with the deadly chemical known as sarin gas. Lead vocalist and guitarist Shaun Morgan is the band’s longest serving member, bassist Dale Stewart joined shortly after formation while drummer John Humphrey joined them for the band’s second album. Since 2018, the band has been employing second guitarist Corey Lowery. Several notable guitarists like Corey’s brother Clint and Troy McLawhorn has toured or recorded with band, however Shaun has recorded most guitar parts for the band’s records.
Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum is the upcoming eighth studio album by South African rock band Seether. It will be released on 28 August 2020 through Fantasy Records and was produced by lead vocalist Shaun Morgan. This is the follow up to 2017’s Poison The Parish. #Seether #SiVisPacemParaBellum
The Podcast That Rocked for 8/25/20 ft. Geaux Gretchen. Discussion on new Deftones song and album “Ohms”, The Batman trailer using Nirvana, 22 years of Rob Zombie’s Hellbilly Deluxe, and more.
Are Deftones Fans All Hipsters? | The Podcast That Rocked
The Podcast That Rocked on Spotify
Discussion Topics: -Deftones discussion about “Ohms” and how Deftones fans are hipsters -The Batman trailer has Nirvana and missing when movie soundtracks featured tons of bands -22 years of Rob Zombie’s Hellbilly Deluxe -Atreyu confusion on whether Alex V is still in the band or not -Billboard Mainstream Rock Top 3 -Thoughts on Seether’s new album Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum -Some monster tried to destroy the Chris Cornell statue in Washington
Breaking down the major releases from Nine Inch Nails and compromising where to put each album in a tier list from gold to trash. Joined by Pushing Up Roses, this video is all about Nine Inch Nails and how we love NIN and discussing each album.
Nine Inch Nails, commonly abbreviated as NIN (stylized as NIИ), is an American industrial rock band formed in 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio. Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Trent Reznor was the only permanent member of the band until the official addition of English musician Atticus Ross in 2016.
Reznor recorded the band’s debut album, Pretty Hate Machine (1989), while working overnight as a janitor at a Cleveland recording studio. After feuding with the label TVT Records about promotion, Reznor signed with Interscope Records and released the EP Broken (1992). The following albums, The Downward Spiral (1994) and The Fragile (1999), were released to critical acclaim and commercial success.
Following a hiatus, Nine Inch Nails resumed touring in 2005 and released their fourth album, With Teeth (2005). Following the release of Year Zero (2007), Reznor left Interscope after a feud. Nine Inch Nails continued touring and independently released Ghosts I–IV (2008) and The Slip (2008) before a second hiatus. Their eighth album, Hesitation Marks (2013), was followed by a trilogy consisting of the EPs Not the Actual Events (2016) and Add Violence (2017) and their ninth album Bad Witch (2018). In 2020, Nine Inch Nails released two further installments in the Ghosts series, Ghosts V: Together and Ghosts VI: Locusts.
Today, Finland’s multi-Platinum cello-rockers Apocalyptica release their brand-new track and music video, “Talk To Me” featuring Lzzy Hale of Halestorm(Silver Lining Music). You can check out the music video HERE; the track, which will be available exclusively in digital form can be accessed HERE.
The epic, storming power-metallic grooves of “Talk To Me” are the result of much mutual admiration and desire between both parties to create together. With both bands sharing an established history of camaraderie and similarities with regards to musical taste, a collaboration was always going to happen and at a time when everyone could do with some fresh, new, huge, epic, anthemic music, both bands agreed it was the appropriate moment to merge talents and release the track.
“After years of friendship we are more than happy to release a song together with the amazing Lzzy of Halestorm!”comments Apocalyptica’s Eicca Toppinen, “This song has been in our minds for quite some time and we have been waiting for the right moment to finish it, and getting Lzzy to join us and perform in her outstanding way was a dream come true! We want to thank Lzzy and the whole Halestorm team for their great work and friendship.”
Produced by Howard Benson at West Valley Recording Studios in Woodland Hills, California (with Benson also playing keyboards), and mixed by Benson alongside Joe Rickard, Hale’s lustrous vocals give Apocalyptica’s orchestral arrangement a rich dimension, and Lzzy was delighted the two old friends could finally merge talents.
“Apocalyptica and I have for years talked about doing something together, and the last time I saw Eicca Toppinen, in Helsinki, Finland during the 2019 Tuska Festival, he brought up the idea that we finally make that talk a reality. I’m so excited for the world to hear this song! Thank you so much to the entire Apocalyptica camp for being a part of our family all these years and for including me in this project!”
Fans will be able to hear this digital-only release via their favourite streaming or store outlets from August 21stat this location.
The Podcast That Rocked episode for 8/18/2020 featuring Geaux Gretchen. Discussion on Nickelback releasing their cover of “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”, Shinedown reaching #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart and breaking the record for most #1 mainstream rock songs ever, Metallica S&M 2 coming soon, and more.
Click below to listen on YouTube and Spotify, for discussion topics, and for more.
Nickelback Went Down To Georgia…Sorry, Georgia The Podcast That Rocked on YouTube
The Podcast That Rocked on Spotify
Discussion Topics: -Nickelback released their cover of “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” and Chadded it up to make it edgy. -Shinedown reach #1 on Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart and set the record for the most #1 songs ever. -Metallica S&M 2 is coming soon and they might make St. Anger songs sound good. -Linkin Park have surprises coming for Hybrid Theory’s 20th Anniversary. -Goodbye to Kayla Riley of SiriusXM. -SiriusXM is doing fine while FM is dying a painful death. -One Hit Wonders don’t exist anymore because FM relies only on what’s already been successful in the past. -Thanks again to everyone who came into the chat during the live stream. Join us next time every Tuesday night at 8PM EST!
SEETHER is celebrating the release of their highly anticipated eighth studio album, Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum —their first in three years — with an epic global livestream event to be held Sunday, August 30th, 2020 at 3 PM ET in an exclusive partnership with Veeps and Elite Multimedia.
“Locked & Live” marks the band’s first-ever full production, multi-camera online livestream concert event and gives fans around the world the chance to see a notoriously energetic SEETHER live show from home while tours remain paused. The set list promises to include classic favorites as well as brand-new tracks from their upcoming album Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum (“If You Want Peace, Prepare For War”) due August 28th, 2020 via Fantasy Records.
“We are extremely proud and excited for the release of our 8th studio album Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum!” says SEETHER. “Let’s all get together to celebrate despite the current state of our world. Everyone is hurting from the pause of live music, so we’re here to bring you guys an EXCLUSIVE livestream concert experience. This is our first-ever full production, multi-camera livestream concertevent during lockdown. We will be playing songs off the new album as well as a selection of some of your favorite tracks. This show will bring the full live experience into your living room. Make sure you join us on August 30th!”
Advance Ticket Packages: Tier # 1: Livestream Ticket $20 Tier # 2: Livestream Ticket + T-Shirt $55 *shipping included Tier # 3: Livestream Ticket + T-Shirt + For The Crew Fund $60 *shipping included
Day of Show Ticket Packages: Tier # 4: Livestream Ticket $25 Tier # 5: Livestream Ticket + T-Shirt $60 *shipping included Tier # 6: Livestream Ticket + T-Shirt + For The Crew Fund $65 *shipping included
In addition to several ticket packages providing donations to a fund set up for SEETHER’s crew, the band will also offer a donation button during the broadcast for SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices Of Education). Those interested in donating to SAVE before or after the event can do so HERE.
Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellumis SEETHER’s eighth studio album and was produced by Morgan and engineered and mixed by Matt Hyde (Deftones, AFI) in Nashville from December 2019 through January 2020. The album’s 13 new tracks draw on the dark and raw honesty of grunge’s epic guitar attack and the South African underground punk and metal that Morgan (and bandmate Dale Stewart) grew up on.
The band is joined on the album by newest member, Corey Lowery (ex-guitarist/vocalist for Saint Asonia and Stuck Mojo), Morgan’s friend of 16 years, who also assistant-engineered the album. “Corey has a lot of experience and is an inspiring guitarist as well; he’s the older brother I’ve always wanted,” Morgan says. SEETHER’s rock-solid rhythm section is bassist and founding member Dale Stewart, and drummer John Humphrey (who joined in 2003).
On Friday August 14th, SEETHER released the brand-new song and video for “Beg,” the third preview track from the new album. Previously the band released “Bruised And Bloodied” and the first official single, “Dangerous”which has made an immediate impact at rock radio and is currently #7 on Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs chart.
For the week of August 1st, frontman Shaun Morgan also toppedBillboard’s Hard Rock Songwriter’s Chartand claimed the #2 spot on the Hard Rock Producers Chart for the first time.
Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellumwill be available in CD, vinyl and digital formats. For special offers and exclusive merchandise, visit SEETHER’s online store HERE.
Multi-platinum band Shinedown has broken the record for the most #1s ever in the 39-year history of the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs Chart, scoring their 16th #1 hit this week with “Atlas Falls.”This also marks the band’s 17th #1 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart and their sixth consecutive #1, following “How Did You Love,” “DEVIL,” “GET UP,” “MONSTERS” and “ATTENTION ATTENTION.”
PRESS HERE to listen to “Atlas Falls”, which offers a powerful message of optimism and faith in humanity amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and watch the lyric video HERE.
Front man Brent Smith shares, “Myself, Barry, Zach, and Eric are beyond humbled. ‘Atlas Falls’ represents so many emotions, especially now. The success of this song would have never been achieved if it wasn’t for the audience, the fans, ‘FAMILY,’ the people. A song that was written and recorded eight years ago found its voice in 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic as a symbol of optimism, courage, and the human spirit. I want to personally thank not only our management In De Goot Entertainment, our label Atlantic Records, our incredible partners at radio, and Direct Relief for giving us the inspiration to release the song. We share this #1 with the whole world, and we say thank you so very much. ‘Don’t give up now…There’s already so much at stake.'”
Originally written in 2013, “Atlas Falls” was first made available from Shinedown‘s vault in March as part of an exclusive song and T-shirt bundle for the band’s COVID-19 fundraising effort. All proceeds – more than $300,000 including a$20,000 donation from Shinedown that kicked it off – went to humanitarian aid organization Direct Relief, one of the largest humanitarian aid organizations in the world that is working to provide personal protective equipment to frontline health care workers and essential medications and supplies for patients. Following an overwhelming response to the song, it’s reassuring message spread even further upon its global release in May. Drawing inspiration from the Greek myth of Titan Atlas who carries a celestial sphere on his shoulders, “Atlas Falls” offers a reminder that if Atlas falls, we will hold each other up in times of strife and stand tall together. The “Atlas Falls” t-shirt is still available with 100% of proceeds continuing to go to Direct Relief. PRESS HERE to purchase.
Shinedown also recently released their Live in London full concert video on YouTube, giving fans an up-close-and-personal look at the band’s world-class showmanship, backed by their biggest, most eye-popping production yet and amplified by the undeniable power of front man Brent Smith‘s voice – PRESS HERE to watch.
This Friday August 21st, Smith & Myers – the musical duo comprised of Brent Smith and Zach Myers – will release dual singles, an original song “Not Mad Enough” and a re-imagining of “Rockin’ In The Free World,” followed by an album in October on Atlantic Records.
Immerse yourself in the Abyss. That’s the tagline I am tying to the fifth studio album from Canada’s Unleash The Archers. This is an album that is both described and designed as a full LP to be listened from beginning to end, not just selecting singles. In 2020’s current music scene (regardless of genre) that is difficult to do. Unleash The Archers prove it’s possible.
Following 2017’s Apex, the group began work on a story containing characters and conflict written for years but did not see light until a writing and recording session in Europe earlier in 2020 (in the glorious months before the pandemic shut down everything). Good Vs Evil – Person Vs Inner Self – all strong conflicts, but the story of Abyss revolves around the Matriarch and the Immortal. It’s in the writing of this conflict and the unexpected events that makes Abyss a testament on how Unleash The Archers will not be satisfied by simple writing about fighting a dragon and drinking a beer to celebrate later (as many power metal albums have gloried in).
There are many highlights on the music side of Abyss. The opening track “Waking Dream” sets a pace with a drum section carring the music progression while Brittney Slayes gives a brooding war chant that resonates well. The title track then picks up the speed and the guitarwork from Grant and Andrew kicks down the door while Brittney sets her voice loose. These two opening tracks set a strong atmosphere of impending conflict in a tumultuous time.
Unleash The Archers – “Abyss”
As the album and story unfold, you become entranced with some of the wild solos and synth work in “Return To Me” and “Faster Than Light”. The music is intense and furious but never chaotic. That fine line of going all out with stylized metal is balanced perfectly before crossing the line and blasting every instrument with individual solos on top of each other. It’s in the mammoth eight minute “The Wind That Shapes The Land” where the final pieces are set in place story wise and motivations are clear. The track shows off the different vocal performances that Slayes can deliver and I truly feel that she is an unsung hero in the current metal scene.
The final two songs make the full album listening experience worth the time investment in regards to the story. “Carry The Flame” featuring Andrew Kingsley is surprisingly upbeat and invigorating with the higher guitar notes and Andrew and Brittney sing together wonderfully. The closer “Afterlife” holds smooth speed changes and extremely catchy guitar melodies throughout that make for a perfect resolution. The final song and act in Abyss encapsulates the ability from the band in the best ways.
Unleash The Archers – “Soulbound”
Over the years I have found myself appreciating Unleash The Archers’ ability to improve from their past works. It is clear they are not intent on matching the previous notes or design of past albums and want to make something unique while also improving on what they deliver. Abyss continues that productivity and progression in Unleash The Archers’ discography. My only complaint with the album is that through several songs I wish the percussion and vocal tracks would have been a touch louder in the mix. That is extremely nitpicky and this was more than likely designed to have the guitar work stand out, but you can hear some great performances in the singing and drumming and I wish they would have had a few more moments to shine.
The ambition of Abyss stands out and the new album serves as a counterpart to Apex. It goes back to my thoughts on Unleash The Archers wanting to improve after every album. While 2020 has put live music at a standstill, I can’t help but imagine how great some of these songs will sound live as you definitely get a sense of urgency and adrenaline while listening to the more energetic tracks.
Overall, Abyss is a character driven album bolstered by exceptional guitar work and a vocalist who can several different styles. This is an album with high points that is made more impressive when taking the entire album as a whole. From the blistering guitarwork to a striking rhythm base, Unleash The Archers have made something memorable and worth diving into. Immerse yourself in the Abyss.
Live albums have always had an important place in rock history. This video looks at 10 amazing live albums in rock and metal. Click below for to watch the video and scroll below for links to hear music from each live album discussed.
Mr. Bungle, who a year ago today announced their first live outings in two decades, have announced the release of The Raging Wrath Of The Easter Bunny Demo on Oct. 30 via Ipecac Recordings.
As was the case with the live performances, original Mr. Bungle members Trevor Dunn, Mike Patton, and Trey Spruance are joined by Scott Ian (Anthrax, S.O.D.) and Dave Lombardo (Dead Cross, Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies).
The 11-song release features tracks written by the Eureka, Calif.-born band for their 1986 cassette only demo as well as a reimagined cover of the S.O.D. classic “Hypocrites / Habla Español O Muere” (a.k.a. “Speak English or Die”) and Corrosion of Conformity’s “Loss For Words.” A video for “Raping Your Mind” is available now (https://youtu.be/3U5ZKKxqUzY). The album was produced by Mr. Bungle, recorded by Husky Höskulds at Studio 606, and mixed by Jay Ruston. Rhea Perlman narrates “Anarchy Up Your Anus.”
“Recording THIS music with THESE guys was an enormous head-rush of virtuosity and surprises every day in the studio,” explains Patton. “Trey’s video game-esque solos, Scott’s bionic right hand and cyborg-like precision, Dave’s caveman-meets-Bobby Brady-like drum fills, Trevor’s solid foundation and laser-focus to detail. There is nothing sweeter than getting your ass kicked by true comrades…where everyone has a singular drive and mission.”
Trevor Dunn adds: “Recording this record felt like we were finally utilizing our Ph.Ds in Thrash Metal. All we had to do was go back to our original professors for some additional guidance and talk them into joining us. Turns out we were A+ students. We even went for extra credit by revisiting some tunes that we’d given up on back in the day. It was less like a trip of nostalgia and more like the refining of an original, worthy document. We were haunted for 35 years by the fact that this music wasn’t given it’s due respect. Now we can die.”
The Raging Wrath Of The Easter Bunny Demo pre-orders are available now (https://lnk.to/MBWrath), with the release available as a standard digipak CD and digitally as well as a collection of limited edition offerings:
CD Yearbook – 5000 Cassette Webstore Exclusive – 500 2LP Translucent Ruby Red Vinyl – 6500 2LP Webstore Exclusive Clear with Black Splatter Vinyl – 1000 2LP US Webstore Exclusive Silver with Red/Black Splatter Vinyl – 1000 2LP US Retail Exclusive Clear with Blood Red Splatter Vinyl – 2000 2LP International Retail Exclusive Transparent Red Smoke Vinyl – 3500
The Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny Demo track list: Grizzly Adams Anarchy Up Your Anus Raping Your Mind Hypocrites / Habla Español O Muere Bungle Grind Methematics Eracist Spreading The Thighs of Death Loss For Words Glutton For Punishment Sudden Death
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 around 1989 when they settled on a lineup that managed to get 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.
