Germany’s cult of werewolves are back on the power metal prowl and it’s more than welcome. This is an album filled with songs to sing along with as anthems like “1589”. The picked up speed in songs like “Sinners Of The Seven Seas” and “Thunderpriest” give Powerwolf a better pulse. That energy is refreshing. Faulk’s vocals are booming. The guitars and keys are fun, it’s exactly what Powerwolf is known for. There are no surprises at this point from the religious lycanthropes but the music is so bombastic and infectious that it’s hard to be upset. This is on par with past Powerwolf albums in the best of ways. Over half this album is destined to be shredded and shouted live as this album has a big stage feel. Power metal should be energetic, loud, and fun. Wake Up The Wicked exemplifies that idea. These wolves are once again good boys. 8/10.
Best Tracks: “Sinners Of The Seven Seas” “Thunderpriest”
Powerwolf Wake Up The Wicked Album Review
Powerwolf “Sinners Of The Seven Seas”
“Powerwolf, the renowned German power metal band, continues to solidify their status as a leading force in the heavy metal scene with their latest album, “Wake Up the Wicked.” Released on July 26, 2024, this album is a highly anticipated follow-up to their successful 2021 release, “Call of the Wild.” Produced by Joost van den Broek at Sandlane Recording Facilities, “Wake Up the Wicked” showcases Powerwolf’s signature blend of hard-hitting, varied, and surprising tracks while introducing new facets of their musical and technical prowess. The album features standout tracks like “1589,” based on a true 16th-century story, and promises to add many future live hits to their discography. This release coincides with Powerwolf’s first full North American tour and their largest European headline tour to date, making it a significant milestone in their 20-year career.” (Perplexity)
“Lars Ulrich, the co-founder and drummer of Metallica, has been a polarizing figure in the world of heavy metal music. Known for his distinctive drumming style and contributions to Metallica’s songwriting, Ulrich’s abilities behind the kit have been both praised and criticized throughout his career. While he played a crucial role in shaping Metallica’s iconic sound, particularly during their thrash metal era in the 1980s, his technical skills have often been questioned by critics and fans alike. Some argue that Ulrich’s drumming lacks the precision and complexity of his peers in the thrash metal genre, citing issues with timing and repetitive fills. However, supporters emphasize his unique approach to composition and arrangement, which has been instrumental in crafting Metallica’s hit songs. Despite the controversies surrounding his drumming, Ulrich’s impact on metal music is undeniable, and his style remains an integral part of Metallica’s sound, even as it has evolved over the decades.” (Perplexity)
“In the vibrant world of metal music, “hot takes” are a common phenomenon, sparking passionate debates among fans. These hot takes often involve bold, unfiltered opinions about bands, albums, and the genre’s evolution. Whether it’s declaring that Slipknot’s early records will gain greater reverence over time or critiquing specific songs like “The Toxic Waltz” by Exodus, metal enthusiasts are never shy about voicing their controversial views. Platforms like Reddit, Rate Your Music, and social media channels are rife with these discussions, showcasing the diverse and often polarizing perspectives within the metal community. This culture of hot takes not only fuels lively conversations but also highlights the deep personal connections fans have with the music, making the metal scene uniquely dynamic and ever-evolving.” (Perplexity)
Los Angeles’s COATL was formed in the early 2000s by singer/guitarists Alma Perez and Israel Vega. COATL’s signature approach, a fusion of alternative metal with seasonings of indigenous melodies and lore, was initially encapsulated on their 2006 debut album, El Despertar De La Serpiente. Three years later, the band’s sophomore album, El Llamado Del Jaguar, not only amplified those influences, but expanded their fanbase nationally as well as in Mexico. By 2018, the band’s reinvigorated drive led to a series of impactful singles culminating in the release of 2021’s Samskara. Late last year, they would reach another creative milestone with their fourth and latest album, Shakti. The album explores a larger emphasis on Indian instrumentation, while competently pairing themes of ancient mysticism with those of a cynical modern world. Currently, the band is working on their follow up and will resume touring in mid-August, starting with two shows in Mexico on the 16th and 17th.
On Monday, Alma Perez came on to Rocked to discuss her penchant for Mexican history, the band’s growth throughout their discography, the logistics of their live shows, and how resilience has kept her grounded both in and outside of music.
Visionary, sci-fi-inspired rock collective STARSET have shared the video for their latest transmission “DEGENERATE.”
STARSET previously announced the second leg of their “IMMERSION: THE FINAL CHAPTER” tour, set for late summer and early fall 2024. The tour is an “Evening With Starset” and kicks off August 31 in the band’s native Columbus, Ohio and runs through September 25 in Indianapolis. It also includes an appearance at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville. This trek follows the Spring 2024 leg. The tour was almost 100% sold out across 20 dates. Tickets and VIP are available here.
Known for their groundbreaking and immersive live shows the tour is framed by a dystopian futuristic narrative. These, shows, known as “DEMONSTRATIONS,” promise a most-anticipated conclusion to narrative threads that have been woven into their multimedia experiences, through music, videos and live performances.
Earlier this spring, STARSET also shared the official music video for the brand new single “BRAVE NEW WORLD.” Watch it here.
The high demand that defined the Spring 2024 leg, coupled with the ability to experience these brand new songs and forthcoming, additional new material, is certainly reason enough for rock fans across the country to be excited for these upcoming demonstrations.
Lauded by Forbes as having “one of the most firmly established brands of any modern rock band,” Columbus, Ohio’s STARSET are creating a true multimedia empire with music at its core. Their hits include RIAA Platinum-selling hit “My Demons” (2012) and RIAA Gold-selling single “It Has Begun” (2014), with others soon to follow. With a staggering 5 billion streams and a rapidly growing rabid global fanbase, 2024 sees STARSET poised to rise as one of rock’s next superstar acts.
STARSET 2024 TOUR DATES: 8/31 — Columbus, OH — KEMBA LIVE! 9/6 — Detroit, MI — The Fillmore 9/8 — Montreal, QC — MTELUS 9/9 — Toronto, ON — HISTORY 9/10 — Philadelphia, PA — The Fillmore 9/12 — Richmond, VA — The National 9/13 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore 9/14 — Albany, NY — Albany Capital Center 9/15 — Huntington, NY — The Paramount 9/17 — Raleigh, NC — The Ritz 9/20 — St. Paul, MN — Myth Live 9/21 — Omaha, NE — The Astro 9/23 — Madison, WI — The Sylvee 9/24 — St. Louis, MO — The Pageant 9/25 — Indianapolis, IN — Egyptian Room 9/26 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life
ZEAL & ARDOR ANNOUNCE FALL 2024 NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE TOUR TOUR KICKS OFF NOVEMBER 23 IN PHILADELPHIA. + RUNS THROUGH DECEMBER 18 IN DALLAS NEW ALBUM GREIF SET FOR RELEASE ON AUGUST 23 BAND SHARES VISUALIZER FOR LATEST SINGLE “HIDE IN SHADE” — WATCH
ZEAL & ARDOR isn’t just a band; it’s a living and breathing entity. Like any sentient being, it consumes, evolves, and transforms from one season to the next. It has only sharpened its claws, lengthened its teeth, and steeled its nerves over the years, growing more undeniable and unpredictable in the process.
The band will drop its fourth album, the self-produced GREIF, on August 23. Pre-order it here.
Zeal & Ardor are beyond pleased to announce their return to North American soil with a headline tour that kicks off November 23 in Philadelphia and runs through December 18 in Dallas. Gaerea and Zetra will support. Tickets are on sale now. Get tickets here. All dates are posted below.
“We can finally share our U.S. dates later this year,” says Z&A. “We’re excited to play the new world again, moreover we have an incredible group of artists along with us. We can’t wait to see you there.”
Zeal & Ardor have also shared their newest single “Hide In Shade.” Watch the visualizer and listen here.
Zeal & Ardor “Hide In Shade”
With its layered vocal harmonies, handclaps, metallic, roar, and an overall fire in its belly, “Hide In Shade” represent everything fans love about the band.
“We would be remiss if we didn’t share something closer to what we are known for,” the band states. “This is that. Where the sun shows all we hide in shade. Stay strange.”
ZEAL & ARDOR ON TOUR: WITH GAEREA + ZETRA: 11/23 — Philadelphia, PA — Union Transfer 11/24 — New York, NY — Le Poisson Rouge 11/25 — Allston, MA — Brighton Music Hall 11/27 — Montreal, QC — Le Studio TD 11/28 — Toronto, ON — Opera House 11/29 — Detroit, MI — The Majestic 11/30 — Millvale, PA — Mr. Smalls Theatre 12/2nd — Indianapolis, IN — The Vogue 12/3 — Chicago, IL — Thalia Hall 12/4 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater 12/6 — Englewood, CO — Gothic Theatre 12/7 — Salt Lake City, UT — Urban Lounge 12/9 — Seattle, WA — The Showbox 12/10 — Vancouver, BC — Rickshaw Theatre 12/11 — Portland, OR — Wonder Ballroom 12/13 — Berkeley, CA — UC Theatre 12/14 — Santa Ana, CA — The Observatory 12/15 — Phoeniz, AZ — Crescent Ballroom 12/17 — Austin, TX — Mohawk 12/18 — Dallas, TX — Studio at The Factory
GREIF TRACK LISTING: “the Bird, the Lion, and the Wildkin” “Fend You Off“ “Kilonova” “are you the only one now?” “Go home my friend” “Clawing out“ “Disease” “369” “Thrill” “une ville vide” “Sugarcoat” “Solace” “Hide in Shade” “to my ilk“
As we approach seven years after his passing, this video is going to look at one of the voices of Linkin Park and list 10 Reasons Why CHESTER BENNINGTON Is Awesome.
The story behind Chester Bennington’s trademark scream
“Chester Bennington, the iconic lead singer of Linkin Park, left an indelible mark on the music industry and touched millions of fans worldwide. His powerful vocals and emotionally charged lyrics propelled Linkin Park to massive success, with their debut album “Hybrid Theory” selling over 30 million copies globally. Bennington’s unique ability to seamlessly blend screaming and melodic singing became a hallmark of the band’s sound, inspiring countless artists in the rock and nu-metal genres. Fans celebrated Bennington’s raw talent and authenticity, connecting deeply with his honest portrayals of personal struggles and triumphs. Even after his tragic passing in 2017, Bennington’s legacy continues to resonate, with fans and fellow musicians alike paying tribute to his influential career and the lasting impact he made on rock music. His journey from a troubled youth to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in alternative rock serves as an inspiration to many, cementing his status as a true icon in the music world.” (Perplexity)
Following the release of the powerful new song and music video for “NEW WEST ORDER”released in June, Grammy nominated rock band, FEVER 333, are following it up with “HIGHER POWER” – a rally cry to the contributions of Black, Brown, and Asian people to the nation and call for reparations – its chorus reinforces the message of empowerment and unity, encouraging listeners to embrace and share this inherent strength. Its music video invites you to a FEVER Function, hosted in a church in South Central, Los Angeles, led by Jason Aalon Butler.
“There are no diamonds to be produced without pressure,” says Butler on the new song. “No lessons to learn without trials. “HIGHER POWER” revolves around these ideas and reveres the beauty in the adversity induced magic performed by marginalized communities. To exist in a world that challenges your very existence every day to some degree is one of the most magical acts I have ever witnessed. Here is my 2:43 soundtrack offering to that act.”
Watch the music video for “HIGHER POWER” here and stream the song here
FEVER 333 recently announced headline dates across the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom. Taking place in the fall and kicking off October 17 in Los Angeles, the tour will hit all major cities across the country, wrapping up on November 8 in Brooklyn, NY.
November 14 will kick off their run of shows taking place in the UK and Europe, hitting cities in Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland and more. Tickets are on sale now.
FEVER 333 – Upcoming Tour Dates
October 17 – Los Angeles, CA – 1720
October 18 – Garden Grove, CA – Garden Grove Amp
October 19 – Mesa, AZ – Nile
October 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – Soundwell
October 22 – Denver, CO – Bluebird
October 24 – Austin, TX – Mohawk
October 25 – Dallas, TX – Trees
October 27 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
October 29 – Milwaukee, WI – Vivarium
October 30 – Chicago, IL – Outset
October 31 – Detroit, MI – Shelter
November 1 – Cleveland, OH – The Roxy
November 2 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI
November 4 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair
November 6 – Philadelphia, PA – The Church
November 7 – Washington, DC – Union Stage
November 8 – Brooklyn, NY – The Monarch
UK & European Dates
November 14 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg Max
November 15 – Munster, Germany – Skaters Palace
November 16 – Hamburg, Germany – Fabrik
November 17 – Berlin, Germany – Astra
November 19 – Leipzig, Germany – Felsenkeller
November 20 – Prague, Czech Republic – Roxy
November 21 – Munich, Germany – Backstage Werk
November 23 – Vienna, Austria – Simm City
November 24 – Zurich, Switzerland -Komplex 457
November 26 – Cologne, Germany – Carlswerk Victoria
November 27 – Paris, France – Bataclan
November 29 – Antwerp, Belgium – Trix
November 30 – Manchester, United Kingdom – New Century Hall
December 1 – Glasgow, United Kingdom – Garage
December 3 – Birmingham, United Kingdom – XOYO Birmingham
December 5 – Bristol, United Kingdom – Marble Factory
December 6 – London, United Kingdom – Electric Brixton
Grammy-nominated, genre-bending rock outfit FEVER 333 have proven consistently that they are one of the most captivating acts in modern music today. Now, in 2023, FEVER 333 are set to embark on their most exciting chapter yet with a plethora of new music on the way, the band includes drummer Thomas Pridgen (The Mars Volta, Thundercat, Trash Talk), bassist April Kae, and guitarist Brandon Davis joining frontman Jason Aalon Butler to accentuate the band’s visceral live performances.
FEVER 333 is now breaking new ground with their latest single, “NEW WEST ORDER,” the first single since February’s “Ready Rock.” “NEW WEST ORDER” aims to bring West Coast hip-hop to the hard rock scene.
The release of “NEW WEST ORDER,” and “HIGHER POWER” comes out via 333 Wreckords Crew and Century Media Records.
Oklahoma City noise rock quartet Chat Pile have returned with their follow up to 2022’s breakout album God’s Country with Cool World, the new 10-song LP set for release on October 11th via The Flenser [pre-order].
Besides being the name of a largely forgotten (and panned) 90s film, Cool World makes for an apt title of Chat Pile’s sophomore full-length record. In the context of a Chat Pile record, the words are steeped in a grim double entendre that not only evokes imagery of a dying planet but a progression from the band’s previous work, moving the scope of its depiction of modern malaise from just “God’s Country” to the entirety of humankind. “’Cool World‘ covers similar themes to our last album, except now exploded from a micro to macro scale, with thoughts specifically about disasters abroad, at home, and how they affect one another,” says vocalist Raygun Busch. “If I had to describe the album in one sentence,” Busch continues, “It’s hard not to borrow from Voltaire, so I won’t resist – ‘Cool World‘ is about the price at which we eat sugar in America.”
Today, album opener “I Am Dog Now” arrives with a music video directed by Will Mecca. Stin (bass, Chat Pile) says, “Will’s vision captures the essence of ‘I Am Dog Now’ by channeling his specific style of low-fi, exploitation cinema aesthetic into a dusty, religious bad-trip exclusive to the southern plains of America. Eagle eyed viewers may actually notice shots of the literal chat piles from which we take our name.”
Like the towering mounds of toxic waste, the music of Chat Pile is a suffocating, grotesque embodiment of the existential anguish that has defined the 21st Century. It figures that a band with this abrasive, unrelenting, and outlandish of a sound has stuck as strong of a chord as it has. Dread has replaced the American dream, and Chat Pile’s music is a poignant reminder of that shift – a portrait of an American rock band molded by a society defined by its cold and cruel power systems.
Though very much on-brand with Chat Pile’s signature flavor of cacophonous, sludgy noise rock, the band’s shift to a global thematic focus on Cool World not only compliments the broader experimentations it employs with their songwriting but also how they dissect the album’s core theme of violence.
Melded into the band’s twisted foundational sound are traces of other eclectic genre stylings, with examples of gazy, goth-tinged dirges to abrasive yet anthemic alt/indie-esque hooks and off-kilter metal grooves only scratching the surface of what can be heard in the album’s ten tracks. “While we wanted our follow-up to ‘God’s Country’ to still capture the immediate, uncompromising essence of Chat Pile, we also knew that with ‘Cool World,’ we’d want to stretch the definition of our ‘sound’ to reflect our tastes beyond just noise rock territory,” reflects bassist Stin. “Now that we had some form of creative comfort zones in place after hitting that milestone of putting out a full-length record, album #2 felt like the perfect opportunity to challenge those limits.” Besides stylistically stretching the boundaries of the Chat Pile sound, Cool World is also the band’s first record to have someone else handle mixing duties, with Ben Greenberg of Uniform (Algiers, Drab Majesty, Metz) capturing and further amplifying the quartet’s unmistakably outsider and folk-art edge.
The proverbial thread tying all of the experimentation on Cool World together is the depth to which Chat Pile dissects the album’s theme of violence, and the record itself is apocalyptically bleak. Sure, Chat Pile’s debut album was plenty disturbing with its B-movie-inspired interpretation of a “real American horror story”; what Chat Pile depicts on Cool World is unsettling not just from its visceral noise rock onslaught, but from depicting how all sorts of atrocities are pretty much standard parts of modern existence.
Cool World will be released via The Flenser on October 11, 2024. See Chat Pile on the road this November with label mates Agriculture and Mamaleek in select markets – tickets will be available at chatpile.net/shows and general on-sale is Friday, July 19th at 10am local time. More news soon.
Chat Pile, on tour:
November 1 Oklahoma City, OK – 89th Street % November 2 Columbia, MO – The Blue Note % November 3 Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room % November 5 Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall % November 6 Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line % November 8 Lakewood, OH – Mahall’s % November 9 Detroit, MI – The Majestic Theatre % November 11 Toronto, ON – The Concert Hall % November 12 Montreal, QC – Théâtre Fairmount % November 14 Burlington, VT – Showcase Lounge @ Higher Ground ^ November 15 Philadelphia, PA – First Unitarian Church ^ November 16 New York, NY – (Le) Poisson Rouge ^ November 17 Boston, MA – The Sinclair ^ November 19 Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery * November 20 Richmond, VA – The Broadberry * November 21 Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819 * November 22 Nashville, TN – The End *
% with Agriculture, Porcelain ^ with Mamaleek, Traindodge * with Mamaleek, thirdface
Reapers of venomous brutality VENDED are having one hell of a year! Having already released two colossal singles, “The Far Side” and “Nihillism,” and upcoming festival appearances and dates with SLIPKNOT and KNOCKED LOOSE already announced, the Des Moines five-piece has announced additional headline fall tour dates with support from WRISTMEETRAZOR and LIE.
Commenting on the tour, the band states:
“Our intention as VENDED is to take everything to the highest level. We want the fans to understand exactly where we stand on this next tour, and embrace the culture that we’re creating by bring our people together.
The fans are hungry and we’re hungry too. After 3 years of support tours we’re ready to take bring our unique relentless energy all over the US for our first headlining tour. Welcome to Vended.“
Ticket Info: Public On Sale: Friday, July 19th at 10am local
VENDED Tour Dates: Sep 1 – Pryor, OK – Rocklahoma (FESTIVAL) Sep 6 – Vancouver, BC – The Pearl Sep 7 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre (w/SLIPKNOT & KNOCKED LOOSE) Sep 8 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater (w/SLIPKNOT& KNOCKED LOOSE) Sep 11 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater (w/SLIPKNOT& KNOCKED LOOSE) Sep 13 – Inglewood, CA – Intuit Dome (w/SLIPKNOT& KNOCKED LOOSE) Sep 14 – Inglewood, CA – Intuit Dome (w/SLIPKNOT& KNOCKED LOOSE) Sep 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort (w/SLIPKNOT& KNOCKED LOOSE) Sep 17 – Austin, TX – Moody Center (w/SLIPKNOT& KNOCKED LOOSE) Sep 18 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion (w/SLIPKNOT& KNOCKED LOOSE) Sep 21 – Des Moines, IA – Knotfest (FESTIVAL) Sep 22 – Chicago, IL – Beat Kitchen (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE) Sep 23 – Detroit, MI – El Club (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE) Sep 24 – Pittsburgh, PA – Crafthouse (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE) Sep 26 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE) Sep 27 – Richmond, VA – Canal Club (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE) Sep 28 – Greenville, SC – Radio Room (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE) Sep 29 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Altar) (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE) Sep 30 – Nashville, TN – The End (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE) Oct 2 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE) Oct 5 – Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium (w/KORN) Oct 6 – Anaheim, CA – Chain Reaction (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE) Oct 7 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE) Oct 9 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Atrium (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE) Oct 10 – Reno, NV – Cypress (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE) Oct 11 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock (FESTIVAL) Oct 14 – Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE) Oct 16 – Denver, CO – Marquis (w/WRISTMEETRAZOR & LIE)
VENDED‘s fresh and furious sound heralds a new era of heavy music and the arrival of the next generation of brutality. Formed in February 2018 by Cole Espeland (lead guitar), Griffin Taylor (vocals), Simon Crahan (drums), Jeremiah Pugh (bass) and Connor Grodzicki (rhythm guitar), VENDED showcase a barbarous sound built on foundations laid by the power and precision of the rhythm section, layered with vicious guitars, soul crushing solos and guttural-yet-melodic vocals portraying the hardships and harsh realities of life.
Last year, singer-songwriter, composer and producer Max Enix achieved critical acclaim with Far from Home, a multi-genre concept album further accentuated by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra, which centers around the bleakness of modern society and subsequently, hope for future generations. Currently, Enix is working on not just one, but two follow-up albums: Beauty in Darkness and Ocean of Light. The two albums work in unison, each starkly contrasting in style and theme, and are slated for release in 2026.
Enix was excited to share exclusive details to Rocked about his new material, including its multimedia interactivity and thought-provoking messages, as well as express his bond with his collaborators, singer Niklas Kvarforth and rapper Michael Onetwenty.
