Interview with Christopher Bowes of ALESTORM at Warped Tour 2017
An interview with Christopher Bowes of Alestorm in Orlando at Warped Tour discussing good merchandise, touring, and tips on becoming a pirate!
Album Review: Stone Sour – Hydrograd
A review on Hydrograd, the sixth full album by Stone Sour.
Fairy Bones Find an indie-meets-ska Groove on New Single
Fairy Bones Find an indie-meets-ska Groove on New Single
Arizona-based alternative quartet Fairy Bones has released a fast-paced music video for their latest single “No One Can Suffer Like I Can.” Underneath the nihilist title, lies a sarcastic track pointing out that everyone is fighting different battles of different magnitudes. Vocalist Chelsey Louise addresses her own struggles with depression with a self-effacing sense of humor in the song. The video originally premiered with Impose Magazine.
“I’ll tell myself, ‘Suck it up b—h, there’s so much worse happening in the world.’,” says Louise. “But I realized, if I don’t help myself first, I’m cornering myself into being useless to others. I need to save myself before I can save anyone else. I use humor to mask the fact that I’m ‘suffering.’ So do others. Misery loves company and all that. It’s kind of nice when someone else understands that. Just ’cause I post something nihilistic doesn’t mean you need to be worried. I’m still working this all out myself so I don’t want to come off like I have all the answers, or any answers for that matter, but that’s where I’m at in my head right now“
The song drives along at full steam before the unexpected payoff of a chorus drops in, leaving you to bob your head along with the pop-friendly hook. Produced by Bob Hoag (The Format, The Ataris), the single has already received local praise from AZCentral, Phoenix New Times, and Fox Ten Phoenix. “I didn’t want to explain away the song with a convoluted storyline,” Louise says of the video (directed by Jeremy Tremp). “The song means one thing to me, but I wanted anyone to be able to apply it to their situation and the video doesn’t rob you of ‘your’ meaning. It also shows off our hometown, where I believe you always end up in shitty times. Also, I’ll take any chance to drive a cool car.“
“No One Can Suffer Like I Can” is available on all digital retailers here.
Photos: THRICE at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, FL 6/24/2017
Photos of Thrice at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida. All photos taken by Luke Spencer on June 24th, 2017.
It’s been roughly one year since Thrice released To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere, an album filled with social and political ideologies. In the past year a lot has changed in the United States. I spoke with some of the band earlier in the day and they said new music is being written. It will be interesting to see what Thrice is able to create now that so many things are volatile in our country.
Thrice is currently on tour supporting the co-headlining tour with Rise Against and Deftones. Click on any photo below to open the gallery and scroll below the photos to watch the music video for “Hurricane”.
Metal Maya Details Announced For Metal Allegiance Tribute Shows, Custom-Painted Lemmy Kilmister & Cliff Burton Jackson Guitar Giveaways & More
Metal Maya
Details Announced For Metal Allegiance Tribute Shows,
Custom-Painted Lemmy Kilmister & Cliff Burton
Jackson Guitar Giveaways & More
All-Inclusive Heavy Metal Dest-Fest Vacation
Celebrates Dia de los Muertos October 29-November 2
At Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun Resort In Mexico
Metal Maya has announced two special tribute sets by heavy metal all star band Metal Allegiance, as well as additional details about the previously announced Metal Maya / Metal Allegiance promotional giveaway. Metal Maya–a 4-day all-inclusive heavy metal destination festival vacation from October 29-November 2 at the luxurious Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun, just south of Cancun on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula–features over a dozen bands, led by Anthrax, Hatebreed, Overkill, and Superjoint (with Philip Anselmo).
In addition to the surprise guests and performances that Metal Allegiance are known for, their Metal Maya performances will include a pair of tribute sets celebrating two fallen legends: One set will pay homage to the life and story of Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, and another will honor the one and only Cliff Burton of Metallica.
Metal Allegiance founder Mark Menghi says, “We couldn’t come to Mexico during Dia de los Muertos and not honor such a sacred event ourselves. Lemmy and Cliff were the first two to come to mind. They were both major influences in not only our lives and careers, but millions of others’ as well. We played our first Metal Allegiance show on Motörhead’s Motörboat, and will be forever grateful to the man. These two were and will forever be legends. Metal Maya is in for some really killer moments!”
Metal Allegiance guest performer Kyle Sanders of Hellyeah adds, “Pretty damn honored and excited about joining my boys in Metal Allegiance down in Mexico for Metal Maya! Couldn’t think of a better place for tacos and metal! Cheers!!”
To commemorate these two special celebrations, Metal Allegiance and Nuclear Blast have partnered with Jackson Guitars and famed artist Ron Williams to provide some lucky Metal Maya guests with truly special guitars and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
From now until rooms sell out, those who book a Metal Maya reservation at www.MetalMaya.com using promo code “METAL ALLEGIANCE” will be entered to win one of the following prize packages:
Package #1 – 2 Winners
One of two autographed Jackson guitars. Each will have custom, hand painted artwork by famed artist Ron Williams to commemorate the special tributes to Lemmy Kilmister and Cliff Burton. Each winner and their guest will have the chance to attend the Metal Allegiance private rehearsal, hear a few songs and get their guitars signed in person.
Package #2 – 2 Winners
One of two private dinners with the band. Each winner and one guest will join Metal Allegiance for a private dinner and drinks during Metal Maya. No table manners required!
Package #3
ATV excursion with members of Metal Allegiance. One lucky winner and their guest will join Metal Allegiance as they take over this excursion through the Mayan jungle trails of Emotions Native Park. This excursion is also available to all Metal Maya guests for an additional cost. Space is limited.
Metal Maya packages start at only $1399 per person and are on sale now at www.MetalMaya.com.
The Metal Allegiance lineup for Metal Maya includes: Mike Portnoy (Metal Allegiance/The Winery Dogs), Alex Skolnick (Testament), David Ellefson (Megadeth), Mark Menghi, Phil Demmel (Machine Head), Kyle Sanders (Hellyeah), Gary Holt (Slayer/Exodus), Mark Osegueda (Death Angel), Steve “Zetro” Souza (Exodus) and Ryan Waste (Municipal Waste), plus special surprise guests.
The overall Metal Maya music lineup is as follows: Anthrax, Hatebreed, Overkill, Superjoint (with Philip Anselmo), heavy metal all-star band Metal Allegiance, Death Angel, Whitechapel, Crowbar, Prong, KYNG, Otep, Tim “Ripper” Owens, and ONI. Metal Maya will be hosted by SiriusXM’s Jose Mangin, and Lamb Of God’s Chris Adler will be on hand as a special event host.
Metal Maya guests will enjoy luxury accommodations, and tickets include gourmet meals, and all beverages (including alcohol). The all-inclusive heavy metal dest-fest vacation will feature bands performing on multiple stages in an intimate environment with only 1,000 guests, artist-hosted events, onsite activities, artist-hosted excursions and tours (available for additional fees), theme nights and more.
Guests will enjoy festive celebrations on both Halloween (October 31) and the traditional Mexican Dia de los Muertos (November 1), when guests are encouraged to dress up in calaca (skull) masks and sugar skull makeup.
Ground transportation from Cancun airport is included with all Metal Maya vacation packages. In addition, for those who want to extend their stay at Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun, discounted rooms will be available to Metal Maya guests just before and after the event. Please note that single day passes will not be available, as this is a full vacation package.
Website: www.MetalMaya.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/metalmaya
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MetalMayaFest
Instagram: www.instagram.com/MetalMaya_Fest
Hashtag: #MetalMaya
Photos: DEFTONES at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, FL 6/24/2017
Photos of Deftones at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida. All photos taken by Luke Spencer on June 24th, 2017.
I’ve been listening to Deftones since I was 14 and bought White Pony the day it was released in the year 2000. This past Saturday was the third time I’ve been able to shoot Deftones live and each time it becomes more impressive. Hearing “Digital Bath” live is some how invigorating and makes me remember just how much I love this band.
Deftones are currently on a co-headlining tour with Rise Against throughout the US. Click on any photo below to open the gallery and scroll below to photos to hear “Digital Bath”. Because it’s always a good time to hear that song.
Photos: RISE AGAINST at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, FL 6/24/2017
Photos of Rise Against at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida. All photos taken by Luke Spencer on June 24th, 2017.
Less than a month since the release of Rise Against’s new album Wolves, the band is currently on a co-headlining tour with Deftones featuring Thrice and Frank Iero & The Patience. I’m not kidding when I say that people were lining up outside of the venue four hours before doors opened at 5:30PM. In 95 degree weather Rise Against performed in front of thousands in sweaty Florida that featured an acoustic performance and closing the night with a crowd screaming along to the song “Savior”.
Click on any photo below to open the gallery and scroll below the photos to see my review of Rise Against’s latest album Wolves.
Patreon Q&A #6
The sixth informal Q&A for my patrons on Patreon!
You can join in on the questions for only $2 a month! Click here = Support Rocked on Patreon
Nickelback – The State | Album Review | Rocked
A look back at Nickelback’s 1998 album (later reissued in 2000) The State.
