Highly Suspect Announce New Album/Single

By

Luke Spencer

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September 7, 2016

2x Grammy nominated act, Highly Suspect debut new single:

“My Name is Human” on Entertainment Weekly

+ announce sophomore album; The Boy Who Died Wolf

due November 18, 2016 via 300 Entertainment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljvZ928YGrQ

2x Grammy nominated act, Highly Suspect are pleased to announce their sophomore LP, The Boy Who Died Wolf, due November 18, via 300 Entertainment. The first single from the album, “My Name is Human,” is available now for streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and other digital services. Album pre-orders for The Boy Who Died Wolf are also available on iTunes in North America beginning today.

In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly; band frontman, Johnny Stevens says “I was the boy, and was a wolf,” he explains referencing a hard upbringing in Cape Cod and the last eight years as a band desperate for a break in Brooklyn. “Everything was a fight and a struggle. I killed that part of me, and now the man is left.” The album was recorded in Bogota, Colombia and Brooklyn, New York with Joel Hamilton (The Black Keys, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello), who also worked with the band on their 2015 debut breakthrough record, Mister Asylum which was nominated for 2x Grammys- one for Best Rock Album, and a nomination for Best Rock Song, for their single, “Lydia.”

The 300 Entertainment recording act is one of the music industry’s most exciting artist development stories. Mister Asylum was released in July 2015 to critical praise from FADER, Consequence Of Sound, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Blackbook and many more. The album’s first single “Lydia” continues to be a staple at Rock and Alternative Radio, and has also garnered millions of streams for the groundbreaking video which premiered on MTV. Highly Suspect also made their network television debut on Late Night With Seth Meyers last September, as well as a performance on CONAN this past January.

Since the release of Mister Asylum, the band has been on the road tirelessly as a headliner and also opening for acts like Catfish And The Bottlemen and The Struts while playing various festivals around the globe including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, the RIDE Festival (w/ Pearl Jam) as well as Reading/Leeds in the UK. They are about to embark on a headlining tour this week which also includes festival stops at Riot Fest and Life Is Beautiful, alongside sold-out shows in major markets like Los Angeles.

Crowbar Debut “Falling While Rising” From Upcoming Album Out 10/23

By

Luke Spencer

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September 2, 2016

CROWBAR DEBUT “FALLING WHILE RISING” SINGLE
THE SERPENT ONLY LIES DUE OUT 10/28
NEW TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

TRACKLIST AVAILABLE
PRE ORDERS NOW LIVE!

September 1, 2016 – Riff lords Crowbar have debuted the first track off their new LP today titled “Falling While Rising,” the first bit of new music we’ve heard from the NOLA trio since 2014. “Falling While Rising is the epitome of Crowbar,” says frontman Kirk Windstein. “The song is heavy, powerful, emotional and full of massive riffs! Hope everyone enjoys it and is ready for the full record!”

“Falling While Rising” is available for streaming and as an iTunes Instant Gratification download. Meaning, fans who preorder the record will receive the song instantly.

Crowbar will release The Serpent Only Lies, on October 28, 2016 via Entertainment One (eOne) in North America and via SPV overseas. “We are so excited about our 11th studio record! The Serpent Only Lies is a powerful follow up,” adds Windstein. “Eliran Kantor did a brilliant job with the artwork! Our first release, “Falling While Rising”, is Crowbar at its finest… HEAVIER THAN EVER!!!”

The Serpent Only Lies will be the follow up to the highly buzzed about Symmetry in Black that sold over 4,000 copies in its first week of release in 2014, the highest of any LPs in the band’s 27 year career, beating out its predecessor, 2011’s Sever the Wicked Hand.

Album Review: A Day To Remember – Bad Vibrations

By

Luke Spencer

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September 1, 2016

A Day To Remember get focused on the new album Bad Vibrations.

https://vimeo.com/181066353

Text review:

Among an ongoing record label lawsuit, constant touring and a broken heart due to a British pro-wrestler, A Day To Remember still find ways to push on and do what they love in just about any way they want. Ocala’s metalcore, hardcore, punk rock, hard rock or whatever sub-genre you may personally categorize the band under is a great example of keeping your eyes forward with the foot on the gas.

Bad Vibrations is the sixth full album from A Day To Remember where the band spent a secluded vacation in the mountains for time together just to write the new music. The band is delivering their latest album in a way wildly unfamiliar to them as they normally write casually and just for fun, but this time they are writing about feelings of stress and anxiety while giving Bad Vibrations everything they have. As the writing for 2016’s album was more focused, ADTR front man Jeremy McKinnon explained in an interview: “We completely changed the way we wrote, recorded and mixed this album. It was one of the most unique recording experiences we’ve ever had.”

It’s easy to understand the direction and overall theme of an album when hearing the terms stress and anxiety paired with an album title Bad Vibrations. Hearing it screamed at you with bass drums and low end guitar riffs may be a bit of a new experience for some as most therapists prefer talking about a subject like this gently as opposed to blowing out windows when relating to problems with anxiety.

The first single Paranoia, released back in March of this year, delves into that focused writing style with a bit more emotion and catharsis. Although the song has been out for several months now it still feels as somewhat of a refreshing pace from the band and not exactly the overly loud and upfront presentation through your subwoofers that many ADTR songs have been in the past.

Paranoia is the right blend of a sing along chorus paired with verses that are rough and loud. The breaks between vocal lines for the guitars make the song feel well paced and make the listening experience worth your time. From the opening guitar and McKinnon’s shouting to the catchy tag line of a time-bomb ticking in your head, Paranoia feels strong and makes you want to play it several times in one sitting.

After a few listens to a song like Paranoia you can tell that this song took time to construct. And when you listen through the album Bad Vibrations you get that impression many times. Just like in the song Paranoia where it feels like different elements are used, there are many different styles and speeds throughout this album that point out the new writing style that the band implemented. While songs like Naivety and We Got This have more of a punk vibe, tracks like Exposed and the title track are where you feel the heaviness that the band has been known for in the past. There is definitely a lean toward the punk side in the album, especially as the track list goes on toward the end, but it all still feels very unique from the band and doesn’t sway away too far from A Day To Rememeber’s past works.

Blink-182 was a big influence on the band and songs like Naivety and the other more punk focused tracks on this album truly show that. There is still a lot of heavy moments in Bad Vibrations, but this album definitely sways more toward the punk rock and borderline hardcore sound in this metalcore band. At just over three minutes, Naivety feels like a upbeat fun song while still focusing on topics that may make some feel distressed when relating to getting older and feeling the stress of life. There are some quotes online of the band saying this is the heaviest they’ve ever been. In fairness, I don’t know if I completely agree. There are many more slow and melodic moments than people may expect, but that is to the albums advantage as they are done well. Bad Vibrations feels deep and layered with many different emotions.

With statements about Bad Vibrations being “the heaviest album the band has done” and “something that has changed the way the band from here on”, it’s safe to say everyone involved it deeply invested and hopeful for what’s to come. And while I may argue how heavy the album is overall, I still can’t deny that the band has created many good songs on an album full of expression and memorable hooks. Overall, A Day To Remember made something worth remembering. The band’s efforts in more focused music writing are apparent and it feels that the band is going in a direction worth following. While not perfect, you definitely can have a good time with Bad Vibrations.

Top 10 WORST #1 Rock Songs

By

Luke Spencer

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August 29, 2016

Remembering who #1 was shouldn’t feel so embarrassing.

https://vimeo.com/180529406

DISCLAIMER – Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purpose such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

Album Review: Delain – Moonbathers

By

Luke Spencer

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August 25, 2016

Dutch symphonic metal band Delain attempt to go in many directions with the new album “Moonbathers”.

https://vimeo.com/180209199

Text Review:

There are some musical juxtapositions that should never work but end up becoming something great. Adding a symphony to metal on paper sounds about as well planned as peanut butter and mayonnaise. But once you hear how well it works, you find yourself wondering how you went without it for so long and want to hear more. Symphonic metal is that combination that many music fans don’t realize they are missing. Delain is another band from across the pond that has been going strong for over 10 years now and has been a strong staple of the symphonic metal sub-genre. Founded by former Within Temptation keyboardist Westerholt’s, Delain’s music includes everything from wild guitar solos and screaming followed by gorgeous string sections and harmonious singing all in a manner of minutes.

Moonbathers comes as the fifth full album from the band and might stand as the highlight of Delain’s 2016 which also included an EP and a headlining tour. Amidst all the time on the road however, they still found enough time to work together and write for the new album and also give it enough attention to make it feel special. In an interview online, Westerhold said: “It’s an album of extremes: the heavy songs are heavier, the ballads more sensitive, and then there’s songs with a real rock vibe, and that’s due to the way we recorded it, in different times, in different places and in different moods.”

Listening to what this Dutch band can bring opens a lot of avenues and imagination. Any band that names themselves after a Stephen King term already shows a form of style in imagination and in a style like symphonic metal there is much to get swept up in. Whether it’s volume, melody, or a blast from the past in an 80’s song cover, according to Westerholt Moonbathers is Delain’s attempt to push themselves in several different ways.

Suckerpunch gives the vibe of 80’s fantasy with the opening synth keyboards and catchy drum beat. The chorus is what highlights the song in an upbeat soundtrack style. The vocal delivery from singer Charlotte Wessels sounds somewhat blasé where nothing sounds bad but it does feel like much of the high points and emotion aren’t being fully delivered. It feels as the vocals, and to be fair, much of the entire four-minute track is just going through the motions. I don’t think Suckerpunch is bad by any means but while listening from the beginning you expect something big and climatic, or at the very least something satisfying to listen to. The song just doesn’t deliver any (no pun intended) punch. There is a very natural flow that moves the song along until the track is over. Nothing is painful to listen to, but it’s easily forgotten as soon as it’s over.

That description of Suckerpunch is something that can be said for a large majority of Moonbathers. While listening through, there is definitely nothing harsh and you can hear the talent involved while still getting a high moment here and there, but you also feel like you aren’t getting what you were hoping for. You yearn for something bigger and better from a group who sounds like they are capable, but just aren’t satisfied.

When hearing a symphonic metal band, you want to hear the elements of both worlds. In a song like Fire With Fire though you end up getting mainly the riff and percussion heavy style along with Charlotte’s singing. You get very little of the symphonic vibe and like Suckerpunch, there feels like a build-up and strong rhythm that doesn’t evolve too much. You are left wanting more and forget what you just heard as soon as it’s over. I repeat that there is nothing bad in Moonbathers. There in fact are some excellent moments in a few songs that really stand out like the wordless singing in Danse Macabre or the guttural growling in the truly symphonic metal opener Hands Of Gold. When taking the entire album in however, these moments aren’t as many as you may hope.

When you hear a talented band is going strong all year and then releases a new album it’s easy to get excited. But in the case of Delain if feels like it was a good attempt at something that could have been great. You can tell there is talent and creativity in what they have created, but the new music may not have you craving to replay it. Overall, Moonbathers is a decent album that proves the talent of a band but may only satisfy the longtime fans of Delain. While there are several moments that may pique one’s interest, there is an encompassing feeling of wanting something more that is never satisfied.

6/10

Album Review: Alice In Chains – Jar Of Flies

By

Luke Spencer

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August 19, 2016

A look back at Alice In Chain’s 1994 EP Jar Of Flies.

https://vimeo.com/179494552

Album Review: Gemini Syndrome – Memento Mori

By

Luke Spencer

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August 18, 2016

Gemini Syndrome return to continue their journey from Lux to Memento Mori.

https://vimeo.com/179359320

Text Review:

It was back in 2013 that Gemini Syndrome made their debut into radio play and becoming a staple of the rock festival scene with their debut album Lux, spearheaded by the single Stardust. Since then the band has earned an extremely dedicated fanbase in a short time due to the group’s fantastic live performances and deeply written music. Now after some new members have joined the band we are presented with their 2^nd of a trilogy of albums. Their debut album Lux, meaning “Birth”, will be followed by Memento Mori, meanings “Remember We Die”. These themes are consistent throughout Gemini Syndrome’s music along with the deep rhythm and unique vocals of Aaron Nordstrom. While not exactly Cradles of Filth levels of depressing and dark, Gemini Syndrome is capable of bringing the mood down and making you think through relatable lyrics while still keeping the speed and volume up. This is due in part to the fantastic rhythm section of Brian Steele and Alessandro Paveri. It’s the low and deep beat that these two create that carry much of Gemini Syndrome’s sound and reflects so well with Nordstrom’s vocals.

Coming into Memento Mori, there is a certain standard that the band has already set from their 2013 debut. With an already unique style, fans and other listeners who have heard Gemini Syndrome have an instantly recognizable sound to compare to whatever the band will bring next. The thematic level that the band is capable of bringing will be expected by many “synners” as they are called. The opening track Anonymous with its accompanying 360 music video puts aside the questions on if the band will continue the same deep thematic elements of self-reflection and thought. It’s instantly recognizable and what synners expected from the band. The album opener sets the tone with Nordstrom’s singing completely reverberating through your listening experience and it carries this entire track. The piano notes add an ominous feel as connecting verses and the drum work from Brian Steele is prominent and adds the volume until Nordstrom cuts loose and growls in his screaming in the bridge and final chorus.

The first song on Memento Mori leads in to the translated title track, which also leads into the following track Zealot. Throughout most of this album there is a carrying feeling that the mood flows seamlessly over. Tracks do not feel out of place and you aren’t taken out of the experience. The deep, low, hard hitting drum and bass are visceral and it feels like your ear drums are being hit while listening. These loud and vibrant tracks are frequent and the standard on Memento Mori. Even in the quieter interludes that allow for a more melodic peaceful moment to take place, they still do not break away from the overall mood and flow of the album. There is a dark atmosphere that despite its tone and topics, still feels very energetic and forceful.

The drive from verse to chorus in songs like Zealot, Sorry Not Sorry and Awaken have this gradual build that makes the high points feel like this big moment. It doesn’t have the standard rock feeling as much as it has a true build up and climax in each song, whether that’s a few lyrics, a full chorus, an electronic effect, or a vocalist screaming his throat out. The only drawback of the album is that when listening from beginning to end you will feel a zone out effect. The deep rhythm and overall mood when played for too long will cause you to forget which song you are listening to after a while, especially in the second half of the album. Even when that happens though it still doesn’t take away from the overall feeling of the album and doesn’t lessen any element in the music.

It’s difficult for a band to gain a dedicated fan base that sticks with them after their debut album and especially with a big gap until their next release. It shows a lot of grit and talent when musicians are able to keep going and still deliver on expectations. Gemini Syndrome have proven that they are capable of being consistent. Overall, Memento Mori successfully continues both the trilogy of albums AND the career of Gemini Syndrome in positive ways. It will not disappoint anyone who enjoyed the 2013 release and the future looks bright for the band and all of its synners.

8/10

Photos: IN THIS MOMENT at RETURN OF THE DREADS TOUR in St. Louis, MO 8/9/2016

By

Luke Spencer

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August 14, 2016

Photos of In This Moment on the Return Of The Dreads Tour in St. Louis, MO. All photos taken by Luke Spencer on 8/9/2016.

In This Moment is on tour as special guests of Rob Zombie as Korn and are promoting their most recent release Black Widow. During the show, Maria Brink has an issue with her cape being tied to her neck an needed one of her assistants to help get it back on. After a few tries, Maria gave a simple nod and decided the tie wasn’t worth it and the assistant vanished from stage. Like a true commander, Maria never lost a beat and kept everything going. Then after the song was over, she lovingly proclaimed “F****** MY S*** UP, MISSOURI!” to the laughter of 20,000+.

Click on any photo below to open the gallery and scroll below the photos to see their most recent music video for “The Fighter”

Photos: KORN at RETURN OF THE DREADS TOUR in St. Louis, MO 8/9/2016

By

Luke Spencer

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August 13, 2016

Photos of Korn on the Return Of The Dreads Tour in St. Louis, MO. All photos taken by Luke Spencer on 8/9/2016.

Korn are (in the words of Jonathan Davis) so *******excited for their new album The Serenity of Suffering due this October. You can hear the first single “Rotting In Vain” from the upcoming album on the video below the photos.

Click any photo to open the gallery.

Photos: ROB ZOMBIE at RETURN OF THE DREADS TOUR in St. Louis, MO 8/9/2016

By

Luke Spencer

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August 13, 2016

Photos of Rob Zombie on the Return Of The Dreads Tour in St. Louis, MO. All photos taken by Luke Spencer on 8/9/2016.

Rob Zombie performed several songs from his latest album The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser along with a few of his classics on a newly revamped stage design that included carnival monster heads and giant dancing mascots. I know that last sentence sounds like a collage of random words, but it’s all accurate. One of the highlights came before Rob Zombie played a new single “Get High” and told the ASL signer to the side of the crowd to not skimp on the signing while he screamed “LET’S GET HIGH!”

Click on any photo below to open the gallery. You can also see my review of Rob Zombie’s latest album below the photos.