Album Review: Avatar – Avatar Country
A review on Avatar Country, the new album from Avatar cherishing the king.
Earthless Stream New Song “Gifted By The Wind” From Upcoming Album Black Heaven
Earthless, the San Diego-based trio whose most recent release, the 2013 album From The Ages, was included on multiple best of year-end lists including Rolling Stone and Magnet magazines, return with the full-length album Black Heaven on March 16 (via Nuclear Blast).
The band is giving fans an early preview of the six-track, forty-minute album, with a stream of the first track on the album, “Gifted by the Wind:”
“We are proud to drop the first single ‘Gifted by the Wind’ today,” says drummer Mario Rubalcaba. “Something that moves, grooves and wants to shake your brains! We hope you enjoy and of course blast the ‘F’ out of it.” The song, which kicks off the album, marks a shift for the band, with four of the six songs featuring vocals whereas earlier albums only occasionally had vocals. “It wasn’t a premeditated thing to do a record with vocals,” continues Rubalcaba. “On the older records, Mike [Eginton] was responsible for a lot of the riffs that would start these jams, but on this one, Isaiah [Mitchell] really brought his own pizazz and flavor to it. I’d say that’s one of the major differences on this album: It has more of Isaiah’s input. He took a risk bringing these ideas to us, not knowing if we’d like them. But as with everything we’ve done in the past, it felt very organic and natural.”
Black Heaven was recorded at Rancho de la Luna in Joshua Tree, Calif. with Dave Catching (Eagles of Death Metal) handling production.
Black Heaven tracklist:
- Gifted by the Wind
- End to End
- Electric Frame
- Volt Rush
- Black Heaven
- Sudden End
Earthless recently announced both North American and European tour dates:
February 28 San Rafael, CA Terrapin Crossroads
March 1 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
March 2 San Diego, CA Casbah
March 3 San Diego, CA Casbah
March 4 Los Angeles, CA Teragram Ballroom
March 5 Santa Cruz, The Atrium
March 7 Las Vegas Beauty Bar
March 8 Pioneertown, CA Pappy & Harriet’s
March 13 Cleveland, OH Grog Shop
March 14 Toronto, ON Lee’s Palace
March 15 Montreal, QC L’Astral
March 16 Brooklyn, NY Market Hotel
March 17 Boston, MA The Sinclair
March 18 Philadelphia, PA Underground Arts
March 20 Washington, DC Rock’n’Roll Hotel
March 21 Richmond, VA The Broadberry
March 22 Nashville, TN Mercy Lounge
March 23 St. Louis, MO Blueberry Hill
March 24 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle
March 25 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle
All North American dates with Kikagaku Moyo and JJUUJJUU except San Rafael which is Earthless and JJUUJJUU only
April 3 Korkrijk, Belgium De Kreun
April 4 Bristol, UK The Fleece
April 5 Manchester, UK The Deaf Institute
April 6 London, UK Islington Assembly Hall
April 7 Paris, France Petit Bain
April 8 Frankfurt, Germany Zoom
April 10 Munich, Germany Feierwerk
April 11 Berlin, Germany Bi Nuu
April 12 Copenhagen, Denmark Pumpehuset
April 13 Oslo, Norway BLA
April 14 Gothenberg, Sweden Truckstop Alaska
April 16 Hamburg, Germany Molotow
April 19-21 Tilburg, Netherlands Roadburn 2018
All European, non-Roadburn dates with Comet Control
Inner Circle Avenue Release Official Music Video for “Goin’ Nowhere Fast”
Toledo, OH based alternative rock band Inner Circle Avenue has released the Official Music Video for their single, “Goin’ Nowhere Fast,” off of their 2016 released, debut EP, Greetings from the Inner Circle. Says the foursome about the track:
The song, “Goin’ Nowhere Fast”, illustrates young souls looking for a sense of belonging in a confusing and tumultuous world. The fruits of your labor combined with life’s passions far too often fall short of expectations. Clouded by a sense of pure determination, one could become misguided. However, youthful ambitions triumph over a repressed society. Through the song, “Goin’ Nowhere Fast”, we have acknowledged our inner struggles and overcome them through an overwhelming sense of family and friendship.
Inner Circle Avenue is a 4-piece, high-energy rock band comprised of three siblings (two brothers and one sister), hailing from the small town of Blissfield, Michigan. With an additional friend brought in to complete the band, the overall sense of family, camaraderie and passion for rock and roll is truly unleashed through Inner Circle Avenue. From rock ballads to fast, heavy-hitting anthems and everything in-between, the band aims to bring music that listeners can truly connect with. Both through their music and electric, onstage presence, the band always brings a crowd together for a one-of-a-kind experience during every live performance. Inner Circle Avenue has released one 6-song EP and is currently finishing demos for a full-length album.
Inner Circle Avenue has always pursued opportunities to give back to the community through charity shows. These shows have raised money for benefits such as: CS Mott Children’s Hospital, battling childhood cancer, Assistant Dogs for Achieving Independence, Andover Apartment Fire Benefit and The Beach House, which provides monetary funding and housing for battered women and children.
Inner Circle Avenue has been featured multiple times in two separate local papers called The Blissfield Advance and the Adrian Telegram. These articles discussed the overall development of the band. The band is also working with a local television network through Buckeye Cable in Toledo, Ohio to film a two-episode documentary on the band for a featured show titled Rise Up. The documentary will reflect the creative/recording process of the band’s new album. Owens Community College Radio has also interviewed Inner Circle Avenue to discuss the band’s musical influences and formation. This radio station features the band’s music on the regular rotation. Inner Circle Avenue has also been interviewed and featured on other local radio stations in the Toledo area as well as WTOL Channel 11 News.
Pop Evil Post Behind The Scenes Nashville Studio Footage
POP EVIL has released a behind the scenes studio video surrounding their time spent at Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville this past summer. The video, the first in a series of videos to come, documents the band living together as they embarked on the writing process for their fifth studio LP.
The band will embark on the Music Over Words Tour, which will serve as the official kickoff for their recently announced all-new, self-titled LP. Additionally, POP EVIL is confirmed for festival dates Carolina Rebellion on Friday, May 5th, and Fort Rock on Sunday, April 29th.
The massive US tour kicks off on February 14th in Sault Ste. Marie, MI at the Kewadin Casino. The band will hit both sides of the U.S. coast before wrapping things up at The Fillmore in Detroit on April 6th. Band VIP goes on sale Tuesday at www.popevilvip.com.PALAYE ROYALE and label-mates BLACK MAP will serve as support for all dates.
POP EVIL recently announced a brand new single and music video for a track called“Waking Lions”, exclusively through VEVO. As previously heard on SiriusXM’S Octane channel, “Waking Lions” is the first bit of music we’re hearing from the band’s 5th studio album. “This is a Dawn of a New Day for Pop Evil,” says Kakaty. “The new lineup feels like a whole new chapter for us. We could not be more proud to lead off this new album cycle with Waking Lions, sending a positive message to our fans.”
Pop Evil teamed up with Columbia Tatone on the video and couldn’t be happier with the outcome.“Columbia brought a unique and distinctive approach with her visuals for our new music video. We really feel she delivered the energy that the song carries.”
Pop Evil will release Pop Evil, their fifth studio LP on February 16, 2018, via Entertainment One.
The band brought on veteran producer Kato Khandwala and have been hard at work since early June. The band spent most of the summer in Nashville, TN at Studio A inSound Emporium Studios and finished up the album at Sphere Studios in Los Angeles, CA earlier this month.
The new self-titled LP will be the highly anticipated follow up to UP, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard U.S, Independent Albums Chart, #3 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums Chart and #25 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart in the week of its release. UPproduced four top 5 singles with “Footsteps,” “If Only For Now,” “Ways to Get High” and“Take It All.” “Footsteps” not only reached #1 but went on to be the longest #1 single of the band’s career.
Lars Ulrich Discusses Metallica’s Early Influences in New Clip from Inside Metal’s “The Rise of L.A. Thrash Metal” Documentary
Lars Ulrich Discusses Metallica’s Early Influences in New Clip from Inside Metal’s “The Rise of L.A. Thrash Metal” Documentary
Watch Now via Billboard
“The Rise of L.A. Thrash Metal” DVD (Part One) to Hit Stores on January 19, 2018
Featuring interviews with members of Metallica, Megadeth, Dark Angel, Testament, Suicidal Tendencies, Armored Saint, Agent Steel and many more!
On January 19, 2018, MetalRock Films will release part one of a new two part Inside Metal documentary DVD series entitled The Rise of L.A. Thrash Metal. Directed by Bob Nalbandian with narration by David Ellefson of thrash legends Megadeth, the documentary focuses on the Los Angeles thrash metal uprising of the early/mid ’80s and acts as a follow-up to the first two Inside Metal titles, The Pioneers of LA Hard Rock & Metal and LA Metal Scene Explodes. Throughout history, the San Francisco Bay Area has long been deemed as the epicenter for thrash metal, but this DVD explores the idea that Los Angeles is the rightful birthplace of three of the “Big 4” thrash bands and is the breeding grounds for unconventional thrash/punk-metal bands.
Today, fans can watch an exclusive new clip cut from the DVD of Metallica‘s Lars Ulrich discussing punk music and Metallica‘s early influences. Watch the clip here:
Director Bob Nalbandian tells Billboard:“Prior to thrash metal, punk and metal fans were outright adversaries in Los Angeles, but the early thrash metal shows brought the two forces together to rebel against the popular glam-rock movement that was so prevalent in Los Angeles in the ’80s.”
As followers of the Inside Metal series know, each documentary includes exclusive, in-depth content and interviews with heavy metal icons and those who helped build the scene. In addition to Lars Ulrich, those featured on the DVD include (alphabetically): Ann Boleyn (Hellion/New Renaissance Records), Bill Metoyer (Producer), Brian O’Brian (A La Carte), Brian Slagel (Metal Blade Records), Brian Tatler (Diamond Head), Chris Poland (Megadeth/OHM), Craig Locicero (Forbidden), Dave Lombardo (Slayer/Suicidal Tendencies), David Ellefson (Megadeth), Diego Negrete (MX Machine), Eric Peterson (Testament), Ernie C (Body Count), Felice Lococo & Kurt Markham (Overkill LA), Frank Bello (Anthrax), Gene Hoglan (Dark Angel/Testament), Greg Durschlag (The Weasels), Jay Reynolds (Malice), Joey Vera (Armored Saint), John Bush (Armored Saint/Anthrax), John Gallagher (Raven), Juan Garcia (Agent Steel/Abattoir/Body Count), Katon DePena (Hirax), Kevin Estrada (Photographer), Lloyd Grant (Defcon), Malcolm Dome (Journalist), Marty Friedman (Hawaii/Cacophony/Megadeth), Mike Inez (Alice In Chains), Monte Pittman (Prong/Madonna), Peter Baltes & Wolf Hoffmann (Accept), Phil Sandoval (Armored Saint), Phyllis Pollack (Journalist), Rocky George (Suicidal Tendencies), Scott Peterson (Cryptic Slaughter), Steven Craig (former manager of Slayer & Dark Angel), Stryper (Robert Sweet, Michael Sweet, Oz Fox, Tim Gaines), Tracey “Spacey T” Singleton (Sound Barrier/Gangland), Tracy Barnes (Radio PD), Vincent Price (Steel Prophet/Body Count), and William Howell (KNAC Radio Host a.k.a. DJ Will, former A&R Capitol Records and Metal Blade Records).
Each special guest on the DVD provides unique, first-hand insight into the birth and rise of one of heavy metal’s originating genres. This is a must-see DVD for anyone with a passion for heavy music, and makes a great gift. Pre-orders are available now via Amazon.
Watch an official DVD trailer here:
Watch a clip of Gene Hoglan discussing the first time he met James Hetfield in 1981 here:
Part two of The Rise of LA Thrash Metal will be released later in 2018. The Rise of L.A. Thrash Metalwas produced by Bob Nalbandian, Carl Alvarez and Joe Floyd, executive-produced by Warren Croyle and edited by Curtis Don Vito.
Stay tuned for more buzz and exclusive clips coming soon leading up to the release of The Rise of LA Thrash Metal part one! Learn more about MetalRock Films and Inside Metal’s The Rise of LA Thrash Metal online via www.metalrockfilms.com.
Black Label Society Release New Track “Trampled Down Below” via Revolver
Black Label Society has debuted a brand new track titled “Trampled Down Below” from their brand new LP, Grimmest Hits, due out this month.
The single is the third song the band has made available to the public. Just last month the band released a “Room Of Nightmares” and “All That’s Once Shined” music videos, both seen below.
“Trampled Down Below,” “All That Once Shined,” and “Room of Nightmares” are available as iTunes instant gratification tracks, meaning fans who pre-order the album on iTunes now will receive both songs as an instant download. The cover art and track listing can be seen below.
Black Label Society has launched into a hefty batch of North American tour dates spanning coast to coast in support of the all-new LP. Support will come from legendsCORROSION OF CONFORMITY on all dates. Select tour dates will see support fromEYEHATEGOD and RED FANG. A full list of tour dates can be seen below.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN AT REVOLVER!
Black Label Society will release their tenth full length titled Grimmest Hits on January 19, 2018, via Entertainment One. The new effort will be the highly anticipated follow up to Billboard Top 5 charting titles Catacombs of the Black Vatican (2014) and Order of the Black (2010). In-between then and now, Zakk Wylde released Book of Shadows II, the long awaited follow up from his 1996 solo debut of the same name, which debuted at #18 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart.
Wylde, now reunited with Ozzy Osbourne after an eight year break, has played a handful of dates with whom he refers to as “the boss,” with no signs of slowing down. The reunion kicked off over the summer with a highlighted performance at CHICAGO OPEN AIR with high profile festivals like LOUDER THAN LIFE and OZZFEST MEETS KNOTFEST on deck to close out the year.
One part invading horde and all parts traveling carnival party, Black Label Society traverses the world powered by caffeine and cacophony. BLS engages and inspires audiences everywhere they go, on every radio dial they burn, inviting all comers to join in and participate in their brotherhood and sisterhood of hard rock and vigor.
Now ten studio albums deep, with solo records, Ozzy shows, and Zakk Sabbath tours all kicking ass simultaneously, Black Label Society rides ever forward, fist held high.
Billboard Gets Rocked | December 2017
A look at the top 10 songs on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart.
This video covering the week ending December 30, 2017.
The Plot In You Announce US Tour Dates with We Came As Romans
Ohio’s THE PLOT IN YOU have been announced as direct support to We Came As Romans on the upcoming 2018 Cold Like War Tour. The 33-date tour in support of their fourth studio album DISPOSEwill kick off on February 28 in Pittsburgh’s Rex Theater and end April 28 in Grand Rapids’ The Intersection. Oceans At Alaska, Currents, and Tempting Fate will also be on the tour through its run in the US. Tickets go on sale January 8 at 10am PST and can be purchased here:
In addition to the tour announcement, the band will be releasing their fourth studio album DISPOSE on February 16 through Fearless Records. The album features 10 tracks chronicling the experiences of lead singer-songwriter Landon Tewers detaching himself from a toxic relationship and explores the stages of said relationship through his songwriting. Los Angeles-based producer Drew Fulk co-produced the effort alongside Tewers, being the first producer to ever be involved in TPIY’s studio process. The album is available for pre-order on ThePlotInYou.com.
“This album is our proudest release so far, it’s almost a complete restart on the band,” explains Tewers. “The music has continued to naturally evolve in the way that we have wanted it to for a long time and we have a completely new team helping to roll it out which has been refreshing.“
THE PLOT IN YOU is Landon Tewers (Vocals), Josh Childress (Guitar), Ethan Yoder (Bass) and Mathis Arnell (Drums).
THE PLOT IN YOU – When the Ohio quartet—Landon Tewers [vocals], Josh Childress [guitar], Ethan Yoder [bass], and Mathis Arnell [drums]—began recording what would become their fourth full-length album and first for Fearless Records, DISPOSE, the process spurned the genesis of this next chapter for the band. For the first time, The Plot In You enlisted the talents of producer Drew Fulk. Another first, the band worked together to fine tune the music sonically; whereas, on previous records, songwriting and recording fell solely to Landon. As a result, these ten tracks comprise their most cohesive body of work to date. Lyrically, the songs depict a toxic personal relationship where, in the past, Landon had focused on formative years and fictional scenarios. In DISPOSE, the topics hit on a more intimate level about an experience as it unfolded in the moment, while representing a marked evolution. That kind of emotion has connected The Plot In You to listeners since day one. Over the course of three full-length albums, the group has spent years crafting their unique take on modern rock, transcending genres from metalcore to alternative, delivered fan favorite anthems such as “My Old Ways” and “Take Me Away,” and landed on the Billboard Top 200 with their third album Happiness In Self Destruction. Now, DISPOSE positions The Plot In You to make their deepest impact yet.
COLD LIKE WAR TOUR DATES
2.28 Pittsburgh, PA – Rex Theater
3.1 Toledo, OH – Civic Music Hall
3.2 Joilet, IL – The Forge
3.3 Milwaukee, WI – Miramar Theatre
3.4 Minneapolis, MN – Cabooze
3.6 Denver, CO – Marquis Theater
3.7 Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue
3.8 Noise, ID – Knitting Factory
3.9 Seattle, WA – Studio Seven
3.10 Portland, Or – Bossanova Ballroom
3.11 Sacramento, CA – Holy Diver
3.13 Berkeley, CA – Cornerstone
3.14 Fresno, CA – Strummers
3.15 Las Vegas, NV – Vinyl At The Hard Rock
3.16 Pomona, CA – Glasshouse
3.17 Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre
3.18 Phoenix, AZ – Joe’s Grotto
3.21 Lubbock, TX- Jake’s
3.22 Oklahoma City, OK – 89th Street
3.23 Houston, TX – Scout Bar
3.24 Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live
3.25 Dallas, TX – Trees
3.27 Tampa, FL – Crowbar
3.28 Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room
3.29 Spartanburg, SC – Ground Zero
3.30 Greensboro, NC – Blind Tiger
3.31 Virginia Beach, VA – Shakas
4.3 Philadelphia, PA – Foundry
4.4 New York, NY – Gramercy Theater
4.5 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
4.6 Syracuse, NY – Lost Horizon
4.7 Pontiac, MI – The Crofoot
4.8 Grand Rapids, MO – The Intersection
Tonight Alive Releases New Music Video “Disappear” feat. Lynn Gunn of Pvris
Tonight Alive is celebrating the release of the music video for their latest single “Disappear” today. The super-charged track features Lynn Gunn (PVRIS) and is the third single from their upcoming album Underworld. On the track and collaboration, singer Jenna McDougall shares “Disappear is a song about the escapist inside all of us. As you can expect from Tonight Alive, the lyrics discuss freedom, but this time with a flavour of anonymity and detachment. Disappear was written with the intention of sounding neither like Pvris or Tonight Alive, and aimed to capture the sonic imagery of a long straight highway out of your comfort zone.”
Musically, the upcoming album gives fans unique melodies and heavy hitting rock sounds. Lyrically, it is the most personal work they have ever put forth. It is full of moments that pushed the band to explore every aspect of themselves both creatively and emotionally. Due out January 12th, 2018 via Hopeless Records, Underworld is available for pre-order at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qGm_UWNIHu3nMiRP-L7rqTKR4gU2JdYWTCQNdUEYXlLzLkn4qWZXTyY1TjF2-zBR0Cqw32tXVxVIOWLZkbZlVtBm3Lfwfg173ETGj6GdsCZOIQoClCu_pXFPCnjXW0TMh_GzR8-h2ihmanXypPwcV-eaTpAQQQQP02sbCG1Cu3BCjRFSe4bmGQ==&c=3URQRDO6R_BnCDsxnOmQHBzHTp7K0onOwRSmY2GXUacR4zqLGEPQ0A==&ch=HOko4TZqhEYKP-t4pZPQIIwU095rsIgLyBIS8sPYC6PDAI3yeiVGFA==.
Tonight Alive will be returning to the United States for a Co-Headlining Tour with Silverstein later this month to perform these tracks live for the first time. With support from Broadside and Picturesque, The Get Free Tour will kick off in Cleveland, OH on January 19th and travel to cities all around the United States before wrapping up on March 1st in Pittsburgh, PA. Tickets are on sale now at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qGm_UWNIHu3nMiRP-L7rqTKR4gU2JdYWTCQNdUEYXlLzLkn4qWZXT2-HHbeipsPo_5Sx8akpIvbrjAx3lUXb4Q19_cNn6YxTY7DRJOtlclOxYPyRkXKlZcfQwuRQLeFBwO7JrFZqP7Q4i3WmpzWoQnFaq1bTVIubOI4aPCRstRE=&c=3URQRDO6R_BnCDsxnOmQHBzHTp7K0onOwRSmY2GXUacR4zqLGEPQ0A==&ch=HOko4TZqhEYKP-t4pZPQIIwU095rsIgLyBIS8sPYC6PDAI3yeiVGFA==.
Upcoming Tonight Alive Tour Dates:
1/13 – South Gippsland – Unify 2018
1/19 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues *
1/20 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s *
1/21- Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe *
1/23 – St. Louis, MO @ Ready Room *
1/24 – Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theatre *
1/26 – Denver, CO @ Summit *
1/27 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot *
1/28 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory *
1/30 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades *
1/31 – San Francisco, CA @ Slims *
2/1 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues *
2/2 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent *
2/3 – Las Vegas, NV @ Vinyl *
2/5 – Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee *
2/6 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre *
2/8 – San Antonio, TX @ Alamo City Music Hall *
2/9 – Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey *
2/10 – Houston, TX @ White Oak *
2/12 – Orlando, FL @ The Beacham *
2/13 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room *
2/15 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade *
2/16 – Charlotte, NC @ The Underground *
2/17 – Richmond, VA @ Canal Club *
2/18 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer *
2/19 – Asbury Park, NJ @ House of Independents *
2/20 – Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage *
2/23 – Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot *
2/24 – Chicago, IL @ Concord *
2/26 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom *
2/27 – Boston, MA @ Paradise *
2/28 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza *
3/1 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls *
3/6 – Manchester, UK @ The Ritz ++
3/8 – London, UK @ Koko ++
3/10 – Glasgow, UK @ QMU Glasgow ++
3/11 – Nottingham, UK @ Rock City ++
3/12 – Leeds, UK @ Stylus @ Leeds University ++
3/13 – Bristol, UK @ Motion ++
3/15 – Cologne, Germany @ Luxor ++
3/16 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Melkweg ++
3/17 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Pumpehuset Club ++
3/18 – Berlin, Germany @ Cassiopela ++
* – Co-Headlining Tour with Silverstein
++ – UK Headline Tour with Support from ROAM and The Gospel Youth
Patreon Q&A #8
The eight informal Q&A for my patrons on Patreon!
You can join in on the questions for only $2 a month! Click here = https://www.patreon.com/Rocked
