Switzerland’s Dreamshade give their energetic take on relationships in Vibrant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm-xODsdOD8
https://vimeo.com/194038817
Text Review:
Everyone has had some type of relationship in their life that they will never forget. Whether it’s with a family member, friend or lover, whether good or bad, everyone will always at the very least have one that will shape their identity for years to come. There have been countless artists and musicians that have expressed themselves about this and now Switzerland’s Dreamshade are giving their take on it. The band’s third full album Vibrant is an album intending to reflect on relationships of all kinds with a deep edge. For those who may be unfamiliar with the band, Dreamshade has been an active group since their formation in 2006 and although they have had several lineup changes, the band has been known for extremely well-produced, polished and pristine music from guitar solos and deep rhythms to vocal delivery and writing. There are some conflicting opinions about what people like. An album that sounds raw and uncut, or an album that saw a lot of time in studio and production working on every detail. Listening to Dreamshade however will make a strong point for the latter in just how well constructed and clear their music comes across in their recording.
Going back to the theme of relationships, there needs to be not only direction but time and consideration dedicated to the lyrics. Otherwise you’ll have a grown man complaining about his parents and classmates from twenty years ago. It’s in this sense that time spent writing and in production can really show the proof of work when hearing a song about a broken relationship and just how much it can connect with the listener. Vibrant has been a long time in the works, with the album’s lead single “Dreamers Don’t Sleep” being released over a year and half ago. Although it’s over a year old, this song leaves enough proof to give a great introduction to new listeners and an example of what the album will contain. With the repeated line of “Dreaming makes me feel alive”, Dreamshade create something memorable in this song.
“Dreamers Don’t Sleep” has a fierce delivery that is highlighted by fantastic riffs from the guitars. Lyrically there are many memorable lines that make you think about your own life in a sense of urgency. The vocals go from smooth the ferocious almost instantly while not feeling disjointed. Every element in the song feels like it belongs and stands out perfectly. The guitar work in this song and many others on Vibrant are what carry a majority of the album. There is a feeling of consistency from both guitarists Fernando and Rocco. In tracks like “Autumn Leaves” and “Oceantides” you can hear how the guitars and writing make several speed changes to add a good dynamic to the songs and they sound natural. While the guitars add many levels of varying speeds, the vocals from Kevin Cali is what help to give this album a louder edge. His ability to growl and sing at a split second makes many songs feel energetic and loud. Tracks like “Where My Heart Belongs” and “Losing Touch” would not feel as intense if not for his delivery in them.
“Where My Heart Belongs” is where you can hear Dreamshade excel in different areas. The first thirty seconds features a loud opening that transitions into something smooth and melodic. The speed and intensity both aren’t sacrificed in the transition and this the type of song that goes by very fast because you don’t realize just how much you can get sucked into three minutes and seventeen seconds. The music overall is well crafted and enjoyable. You do get lost in the mix when listening through the entire track list as you may forget what song you are on when compared to the others, or in other words some of the songs blend together and become a bit too similar when hearing them all together. That arguably might not be a bad thing though as many of these tracks are bound to hit different listeners in different ways.
Dreamshade is a band that proves if you put time into the creation and production of your music, the final product will be that much stronger. The many elements come in more clearly and you can hear more of the passion that went into making it. As for an album about relationships, the relationship this has band with making music is a deep one. Overall, Vibrant is a an album filled with energy containing songs as fierce as they are gorgeous. The production is tight and the guitar work will put you in a trance. While some of the tracks do come off as a bit similar, there is still a lot worth waking up for in Dreamshade’s new album.
HEADLINE AMERICA’S LARGEST AND MOST ACCLAIMED ROCK FESTIVAL
MAY 19, 20 & 21 AT MAPFRE STADIUM IN
COLUMBUS, OHIO
PRESALE AND LAYAWAY TICKETS
AS WELL AS VIP, HOTEL, AND CAMPING PACKAGES
AVAILABLE NOW
An unprecedented lineup has been announced for the 11th annual Rock On The Range, May 19, 20 and 21 at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, OH.
Rock legends Metallica, Soundgarden and Korn will each headline one night of America’s largest and most-acclaimed rock festival. Overall, Rock On The Range 2017–fueled by Monster Energy–will feature over 50 bands performing on three stages, plus rock’s favorite comedians in the ROTR Rolling Rock Comedy Tent, The Music Experience, art installations, and unique onsite activities during the three-day weekend.
Rock On The Range 2017 presale and layaway tickets, as well as limited numbers of new Weekend Field VIP tickets and Premier (hotel and camping) Packages, are on sale now at www.RockOnTheRange.com.
The Rock On The Range music lineup includes: Metallica, Soundgarden, Korn, The Offspring, Volbeat, Primus, Bush, Chevelle, Papa Roach, Seether, Coheed & Cambria, Alter Bridge, The Pretty Reckless, Taking Back Sunday, Thrice, Amon Amarth, Pierce The Veil, Sum 41, Skillet, Dillinger Escape Plan, In Flames, Gojira, Biffy Clyro, Motionless In White, Nothing More, Beartooth, Starset, Every Time I Die, The Story So Far, Deafheaven, Zakk Sabbath, Rival Sons, The Amity Affliction, Attila, Norma Jean, Suicide Silence, Whitechapel, I Prevail, Turnstile, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Red Fang, Dorothy, Kyng, Radkey, As Lions, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Sylar, Fire From The Gods, Badflower, Wage War, Goodbye June, Cover Your Tracks, DED, Bleeker, Royal Republic, Mother Feather, Aeges and One Less Reason.
The ROTR Rolling Rock Comedy Tent will feature sets from nationally known comedians plus Columbus’s top comedy talent. The full comedy lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
Jonathan Davis of Korn comments, “Rock On The Range is the pinnacle rock festival in America. I always feel that in the crowd and can’t wait for our headline set in May. We’re gonna come at you with everything we’ve got — expect a few surprises!”
Dexter Holland of The Offspring says, “Great lineup at Rock On The Range this year. The Offspring can’t wait to finally be part of it all.”
“After our record breaking Ten Year Anniversary it was high time to raise the bar and have the world’s best rock bands jump over it. We couldn’t be more honored to have Metallica and Soundgarden at Rock On The Range! But why stop there? To have bands such as Korn, Volbeat, Primus, Papa Roach, The Offspring and so many more truly makes this year’s ROTR our best one yet. May 19-21 can’t come soon enough,” says Gary Spivack, ROTR co-executive producer for Danny Wimmer Presents.
In 2016, tickets for Rock On The Range sold out over two months in advance, marking the fourth consecutive advance sell-out for Rock On The Range — so fans are encouraged to buy early and save. Each ticket price level has a limited amount of tickets available, so fans can save more by buying earlier. Ticket prices will automatically move to the next price level once an allotment sells out, beginning at the presale.
Weekend Field, new Weekend Field VIP, Weekend Stadium, and a limited number of Weekend Stadium 4-Packs are available for purchase now. The ROTR layaway option also allows purchasers to split the ticket cost into four monthly payments. A ROTR presale password to purchase the following tickets can be found on the festival’s website, Facebook and Twitter pages:
Weekend Field VIP: starting at $349.50* + fees
Weekend Field GA: starting at $199.50* + fees
Weekend Stadium GA: starting at $99.50* + fees
Weekend Stadium GA Ticket 4-Pack: $380.00 + fees
* Phase One prices listed
*** Ticket prices automatically move to the next price level once the allotment sells out ***
Those looking for an expanded festival experience are invited to purchase Premier Hotel Packages (which include festival tickets and t-shirts) or Camping Packages.
For an even more exclusive Rock On The Range opportunity, fans can purchase the new Uber Ranger Glamping Package for four people, which includes amenities such as a Luxury RV on a double campsite at the Ohio Expo North Campground (May 18, 19, 20, 21), a dedicated concierge with golf cart shuttle, 4 Weekend VIP Field Admission Tickets, a backstage tour, access to the stadium club (with catered lunch and dinner), access to the Side Stage Viewing Platform, access to the VIP Lounge, and more. Full details can be found here: http://rockontherange.com/tickets_camping.html.
The general onsale is Friday, December 2 at 10:00 AM EST. Beginning at that time, tickets will be available at www.RockOnTheRange.com, at Ticketmaster locations and the MAPFRE Stadium Box Office.
Rock On The Range celebrated its 10th year in 2016 – and after a decade of setting the standard for American rock festivals, the crown jewel of the World’s Loudest Month showed no signs of slowing down with 120,000 “Rangers” from around the globe descending on MAPFRE Stadium. In 2016, the festival received awards of recognition from both Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and the City Council, as well as a resolution from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners acknowledging the over $140 million in economic impact the festival has contributed to the city over its 10-year existence.
Rock On The Range is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, AEG Live, and MAPFRE Stadium.
Rock On The Range is supported by our rockin’ sponsors: Monster Energy, Bud Light, and Zippo. These partners, along with many others, will feature interactive experiences, artist meet & greets, and other unique fan engagement opportunities throughout the festival.
About AEG Live: AEG Live is one of the largest live music companies in the world. The company is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music events and world-renowned festivals. AEG Live operates in North America, Europe and Asia through 16 regional offices that support its tours, which include such artists as Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney; produces or supports over 25 music festivals, including the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival; and owns, manages or books more than 60 clubs and theaters. AEG Live presents more than 8,000 shows annually worldwide and conducts business under such globally renowned brands as AEG Live, Goldenvoice, Concerts West, Messina Touring Group, Marshall Arts LTD, and Madison House Presents. www.aeglive.com
About Danny Wimmer Presents: Since 1993, music industry veteran Danny Wimmer has been producing concerts and festivals, both large and small. In 2011, he formed Danny Wimmer Presents, which now produces several of the largest rock and alternative festivals in the U.S. By combining A-list talent with local cuisine and culture, DWP has become recognized within the industry for delivering the highest-quality entertainment experiences to fans, artists, sponsors, partners and host cities. DWP creates memorable and all-encompassing festival experiences, leaving both consumers and partners with lasting and meaningful impressions. DWP will continue to add new music festivals to its already stellar portfolio, which includes Rock On The Range, Monster Energy Aftershock Festival, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion, Louder Than Life, Monster Energy Rock Allegiance, and Chicago Open Air, among others. www.DannyWimmerPresents.com
About Precourt Sports Ventures, LLC & MAPFRE Stadium: Precourt Sports Ventures, LLC (PSV) is a privately held investment and management firm focused on the sports-entertainment business, with a particular interest in the growing sport of soccer. As the Managing Partner, Anthony Precourt formed PSV in 2012. PSV currently owns and operates Columbus Crew SC of Major League Soccer and its iconic home: MAPFRE Stadium (pronounced “MAH-fray” Stadium). MAPFRE Stadium is the first ever soccer-specific stadium in Major League Soccer. It opened its doors on May 15, 1999 to a sellout crowd for a match and in 2016 Columbus Crew SC set single-season MAPFRE Stadium records for sellouts and total attendance. The venue continues to host numerous national and international soccer events while also serving as the proud home of the annual three-day festival Rock On The Range, which returns for the 11th installment in 2017. The venue was named the world’s most influential stadium of the decade by Stadia Magazine in 2010, and has won a Sports Turf Managers Association Field of the Year Award in 2010, 2013 and 2015. In 2008, the venue added a permanent stage in the North End, allowing for up to 35,000 fans to take in concerts and other marquee events. MAPFRE Stadium received its current name in a historic partnership announced in 2015. www.MAPFREStadium.com
About Monster Energy: Most companies spend their money on ad agencies, TV commercials, radio spots and billboards to tell you how good their products are. At Monster Energy, we chose none of the above. Instead we support the scene, our bands, our athletes and our fans. We back athletes so they can make a career out of their passion. We promote concert tours, so our favorite bands can visit your hometown. We celebrate with our fans and riders by throwing parties and making the coolest events we can think of a reality. www.monsterenergy.com | www.facebook.com/monsterenergy
After the longest gap between albums, Metallica return with Hardwired…To Self-Destruct.
https://vimeo.com/192152979
Text Review:
Arguably the most well-known metal band in history has finally returned and are bringing their first new album since 2008. I’ve gone on in the past about the different types of Metallica fans, mainly the split between Type A fans who will defend EVERYTHING that Metallica has done as a masterpiece, and Type B fans who long for the glory days of the thrash filled 80s, but one thing both types can agree on is that we’ve been wanting to hear something new for a while. After several years of writing, recording, playing live versions, losing song and riff ideas, and making videos for every song, Metallica have the new double album Hardwired…To Self-Destruct. Some of the key factors of the new album include Kirk Hammett not contributing to writing of any of the songs on the album and the inclusion of Greg Fidelman as the producer.
According to Metallica, this new album is more of a continuation of their previous Death Magnetic but also refers back to their earlier thrash years. After playing Kill ‘em All at Orionfest a few years back, Lars spoke about how it rekindled his love for that style. To many longtime Metallica fans that is a great thing to hear from Lars in hope of hearing a return to form from thrash’s glory days. And for those wondering if this new album will match up to the glorious mid 80’s where thrash had its surge, the technical information about Hardwired…To Self-Destruct is a good indicator. This is a double album with a total running time of over 77 minutes and an average track time of over six minutes. Pair this with the several songs that have already been released like the title track and “Moth Into Flame”, and we finally have reason to hope for good Metallica again. The title track may have been the first listen given from the new album but it was “Moth Into Flame” that got me excited to hear what Metallica had in store. It’s fair to say that there are many people who were cautious on what to expect from the first new Metallica album in eight years, but “Moth Into Flame” I feel is the song that proved that Metallica still had something good to give after so much time away.
“Moth Into Flame” feels like the thrash sound that Metallica was known for, or at least it is the most reminiscent of it compared to many other songs over the past decade. Hetfield may not be as angry and vicious in the delivery as he was 30 years ago, but the song still has a great delivery with fantastic riffs that hook you into playing air-guitar almost instinctively. Even if it’s not at a blistering pace, it still sounds like a fun, well-played thrash track. Along with the tracks that have already been released, “Halo On Fire” and “Now That We’re Dead” are very strong and round out a great first half of the double album. The first half is going to be what many if not most people who buy this album will be playing with possibly the exception of “Am I Savage?” which does sound a bit boring compared to what it’s surrounded by in disc one. That’s not to say that disc two doesn’t have anything worth listening to, but there are several tracks that feel like they are unnecessary to include on an already long album. “Here Comes Revenge” sounds like a bonus track from Load or Reload and “Dream No More” is forgettable even when you are trying to actively listen. Oddly enough though, the best song on the album in my opinion is the closing track “Spit Out The Bone”.
After hearing several songs that don’t really live up to the potential of the band that many might have hoped for, “Spit Out The Bone” slaps you in the face and makes you remember why you love Metallica. The guitar work AND drumming are great and memorable. This is the type of song that Metallica and most metal fans were hoping for when hearing Metallica had new music coming. It’s after hearing that final track and remembering how many good tracks there are on the first half of this double album that you realize while Hardwired may not belong along the ranks of the band’s work in the 80’s and there are some songs on here that are forgettable, Hardwired…To Self-Destruct still has a lot going for it and might possibly be the best thing the band has done since the black album.
There is a lot to take in with this new double album, including a tribute to Lemmy from Motorhead, the fact that Kirk Hammett didn’t have a hand in writing any of these tracks, and that Lars learned how to tighten his snare drum. Even if not every song on this album is really a winner, there still is a lot of good material on this album and it feels good to say that Metallica can still deliver in 2016. Overall, Hardwired…To Self-Destruct may not be the blast back to the days of Kill ‘em All, but it still has songs worth playing several times and is arguably the best album Metallica have created in over 20 years. For those of you who have been waiting, there are many more positives than negatives here and it’s worth giving Metallica another shot at their new material.
MONSTER ENERGY CAROLINA REBELLION, NORTHERN INVASION,
AND ROCK ON THE RANGE LAYAWAY TICKETS,
AND ROTR VIP & HOTEL PACKAGES ON SALE NOVEMBER 21
ROCKFEST CELEBRATES 25TH YEAR
ARTIST LINEUPS FOR ALL FESTIVALS COMING SOON
2017 event dates and ticket on-sale information for the World’s Loudest Month festival series have been announced. The World’s Loudest Month–created by AEG Live and Danny Wimmer Presents–continues to break records with its U.S. festival series featuring the biggest names in rock music performing in eight distinct U.S. concert atmospheres during six consecutive weekends in April, May and June of 2017.
In 2016, overall attendance surpassed 470,000 for the WLM festivals held during five consecutive weekends.
The 2017 World’s Loudest Month festival dates, locations and details are as follows:
Monster Energy Fort Rock: April 29 & 30 in Fort Myers, FL
Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville: April 29 & 30 in Jacksonville, FL
Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion: May 5, 6 & 7 in Concord, NC
Northern Invasion: May 13 & 14 in Somerset, WI
Rock On The Range: May 19, 20 & 21 in Columbus, OH
Rocklahoma: May 26, 27 & 28 in Pryor, OK
The Bud Light River City Rockfest: May 27 in San Antonio, TX
Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville is Florida’s biggest rock experience, with over 50,000 in attendance at last year’s SOLD OUT event at Jacksonville’s scenic Metropolitan Park along the St. Johns River. The 2017 Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville festival will take place on April 29–30 and will feature performances from today’s top artists, and a variety of unique activations and secondary entertainment options including Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Row, The Music Experience, and artist signings, along with art installations, incredible food offerings, wine tastings, and other onsite experiences. The full Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville festival experience will be announced Monday, December 5 at Noon EST. Specially priced tickets as well hotel and VIP packages will be available on Tuesday, December 6. Fans are encouraged to buy early and save.
Monster Energy Fort Rock returns for two days in 2017 at JetBlue Park for its fifth year anniversary after selling out last year’s event. South Florida’s biggest rock n’ roll getaway will take place on April 29–30. Monster Energy Fort Rock‘s lineup will be announced Monday, December 5 at Noon EST. Specially priced tickets as well as VIP packages will be available on Tuesday, December 6. Hotels will be available via the Curadora link found on the Monster Energy Fort Rock website. Fans are encouraged to buy early and save.
Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion had another record breaking year in 2016 after growing to three full days. Over 90,000 fans attended Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion, checking out the best of today’s rock–along with legendary classic artists–playing on four stages, a world-class BBQ village, and top notch camping facilities.
Layaway tickets will be available on Monday, November 21 at 10:00 AM EST, and the lineup for Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion will be announced this December.
Northern Invasion continues to rock Somerset, WI after expanding to two full days last year, and hosting over 45,000 fans. The festival plays host to the biggest rock bands for over twelve hours each day on three stages, and offers a top tier campground experience.
Layaway tickets will be available on Monday, November 21 at 10:00 AM CST and the lineup for Northern Invasion will be announced this December.
Rock On The Range–the largest and most-acclaimed rock festival in the United States–continues to break records. Die-hard fans (known as “Rangers”) annually travel from all 50 states and around the globe to Columbus, OH for Rock On The Range, resulting in consecutive sellouts for the last four years. With three days of music on three stages, a comedy tent, new art installations, and many onsite activities, Rock On The Range sets the standard for American rock festivals. Rock On The Range truly is “Where Rock Lives.”
Rock On The Range Layaway tickets, VIP and Hotel Packages go on sale Monday, November 21 at 10:00 AM EST at www.RockOnTheRange.com. Lineup coming soon!
Rocklahoma, presented by Bud Light, had its biggest year ever with over 70,000 fans attending the 10th Anniversary last May. America’s Biggest Memorial Day Weekend Party features the best current rock artists and classic bands at “Catch the Fever” Festival Grounds, just outside Tulsa, OK. The three-day camping festival features music on three stages, as well as a campground stage to keep the music going all night long! With onsite camping amenities and unparalleled VIP packages, Rocklahoma lives up to its motto of “Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Rock.”
Ticket renewals for Rocklahoma 2017 are available starting tomorrow, November 15 at 9:00 AM CST. All 2016 ticket purchasers will receive an email with renewal details. Lineup coming in early 2017!
The growth of San Antonio’s Bud Light River City Rockfest located at the AT&T Center continues to prove that the city is a rock destination for artists and fans alike. River City Rockfest sold out for its fourth consecutive year with new record numbers of over 27,500 in attendance. Lineup, ticket and on sale information for The Bud Light River City Rockfest will be announced soon!
Rockfest–a Kansas City tradition–had 50,000 in attendance in 2016 for America’s largest one-day music festival. 2017 marks the 25th year of Rockfest, known as THE rock & roll event of the Midwest, with three stages and 12 hours of hard-hitting music.
The World’s Loudest Month is proudly sponsored by Monster Energy.
About AEG Live: AEG Live is one of the largest live music companies in the world. The company is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music events and world-renowned festivals. AEG Live operates in North America, Europe and Asia through 16 regional offices that support its tours which include such artists as Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney; produces or supports over 25 music festivals, including the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival; and owns, manages or books more than 60 clubs and theaters. AEG Live presents more than 8,000 shows annually worldwide and conducts business under such globally renowned brands as AEG Live, Goldenvoice, Concerts West, Messina Touring Group, Marshall Arts LTD, and Madison House Presents. www.aeglive.com
About Danny Wimmer Presents: Since 1993, music industry veteran Danny Wimmer has been producing concerts and festivals, both large and small. In 2011, he formed Danny Wimmer Presents, which now produces several of the largest rock and alternative festivals in the U.S. By combining A-list talent with local cuisine and culture, DWP has become recognized within the industry for delivering the highest-quality entertainment experiences to fans, artists, sponsors, partners and host cities. DWP creates memorable and all-encompassing festival experiences, leaving both consumers and partners with lasting and meaningful impressions. DWP will continue to add new music festivals to its already stellar portfolio, which includes Rock On The Range, Monster Energy Aftershock Festival, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion, Louder Than Life, and Monster Energy Rock Allegiance, and Chicago Open Air, among others. www.DannyWimmerPresents.com
For more information about the World’s Loudest Month, please contact:
Photos of Sick Puppies live at the St. Augustine Amphitheater. All photos taken by Luke Spencer in St. Augustine, FL on November 10, 2016.
Sick Puppies came to Florida to play a few select days with Evanescence. The band highlighted their latest album Fury and even played a cover of “Guerrilla Radio” by Rage Against The Machine. Midway through the set Emma Anzai took to the microphone to address the situation to the teenagers who have lost their lives over the past week and she spoke about relating as she stood out and was mocked in high school quite a bit. After their performance the band went outside the audience area to meet with fans (which is becoming rare for bands to do).
The band is on the road throughout the eastern US for the remainder of the year. Fury is in stores and online now. Click on any photo below to open the gallery. You can watch the music video for “Stick To Your Guns” below the photo gallery.
