GRAMMY® Award-nominated metal legends SEVENDUST are back with the announcement of their 14th studio album, Truth Killer, slated for worldwide release via the band’s new label, Napalm Records. Truth Killer is the follow-up to the band’s 2020 critically acclaimed release, Blood & Stone, that saw the band gain newfound notoriety with their cover of Soundgarden’s “The Day I Tried To Live.”Truth Killer showcases that the original and current lineup – comprised of Lajon Witherspoon, Clint Lowery, John Connolly, Vince Hornsby and Morgan Rose – sound as relevant today as they did on their 1997 self-titled debut. Producer, friend and collaborator Michael “Elvis” Baskette returns to produce Truth Killer,which is available for pre-order in multiple configurations HERE.
From the introspective opening of “I Might Let The Devil Win” to the classic SEVENDUST sound of “Fence,” the twelve songs on Truth Killer demonstrate the diverse style that has won the band a legion of loyal fans. “Truth Killer,” “Everything” and “Holy Water” combine elements of the classic SEVENDUST sound with modern updates, pointing their lyrical lens at the world today. The first song released is the album closer “Fence,” out now and accompanied by a claymation music video directed and animated by Ollie Jones. The video tells the story of a chemical leak during a SEVENDUST show that causes the band to turn in to zombies – but SEVENDUST will live forever!
Truth Killer tracklisting: 1. I Might Let the Devil Win 2. Truth Killer 3. Won’t Stop the Bleeding 4. Everything 5. No Revolution 6. Sick Mouth 7. Holy Water 8. Leave Hell Behind 9. Superficial Drug 10. Messenger 11. Love and Hate 12. Fence
SEVENDUST Truth Killer will be available in the following formats: -1CD 6p. Digisleeve -1LP Gatefold Vinyl BLACK -1LP Gatefold Vinyl MINT – North American retail Only -1LP Gatefold Vinyl *Die Hard* MARBLED BLUE/WHITE/BLACK (Slipmat, Record Butler) – Napalm Mail Order Only, limited to 300 -1LP Gatefold Vinyl GLOW IN THE DARK – Band Mail Order Only, limited to 500 -1LP Gatefold Vinyl CURACAO TRANSPARENT – Band Mail Order Only, limited to 500 -1LP Gatefold Vinyl GOLD – Band Mail Order Only, limited to 500 -1LP Gatefold Vinyl ORANGE TRANSPARENT – Band Mail Order Only, limited to 500 -Music Cassette NEON YELLOW TRANSPARENT – Napalm Mail Order Only -1CD 6p. Digisleeve + Shirt “Truth Killer” Bundle – Napalm Mail Order Only -Digital Album
With a reputation as being one of the best live bands and recently making headlines as the band you “don’t ever, ever, ever want to go on after,”SEVENDUST will be heading out on tour next month opening for longtime friends Alter Bridge. The band has also been confirmed for the WJRR Earthday Birthday 2023 (April 22), WDHA’s Rock The Rock Fest (April 28) and Sick New World 2023 (May 13). As a band who loves to bring the music to their fans live, more dates will be announced in the future and 2023 /2024 will be busy years for SEVENDUST. More information on all upcoming tour dates and ticket and VIP info can be found here: https://sevendust.com/pages/tour.
SEVENDUST 2023 Tour Dates April 22 – Orlando, FL – WJRR Earthday Birthday 2023 April 28 – Newark, NJ – WDHA’s Rock The Rock Fest May 6 – Greensboro, NC – Piedmont Hall * May 7 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues Myrtle Beach * May 9 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte * May 11 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace * May 13 – Las Vegas, NV – Sick New World 2023 May 14 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal * May 16 – Pensacola, FL – Pensacola Saenger Theatre * May 17 – New Orleans, LA – Fillmore New Orleans * May 19 – Dothan, AL – The Plant * May 20 – West Greenville, SC – The Foundry at Judson Mill #
Veil Of Maya Release New Single + Music Video “Mother Pt. 4“ Watch Here | Listen Here
Taken From Upcoming New Album [m]other Out May 12th Via Sumerian Records Pre-Orders Available Now HERE
Upcoming US Tour With Avatar Kicks Off On April 28th Tickets Available Now HERE
Veil Of Maya – “Mother Pt. 4”
Genre-bending metal powerhouse VEIL OF MAYA continue to stoke the fires of fan excitement today with the release of the third single from their long-awaited new album, ‘[m]other‘ today. The track, titled “Mother Pt. 4” is accompanied by an official music video that continues the narrative from previous singles “Godhead” and “Red Fur“. Stream the new track HERE and watch the new video HERE or by clicking the image below.
Veil of Maya announced their highly anticipated new studio album, their first in nearly 6 years, last month. The new album, ‘[m]other‘, will be released on the band’s long-time label, Sumerian Records on May 12th. Pre-orders, with a variety of merch and vinyl bundle options, are available now from veilofmayaband.com
Speaking on the release of the new track, founder and guitarist, Marc Okubo shares
“We are very pleased to share this new experience with you! This is the 3rd video in our [m]other series made by the incredible Blvckbox Studios. We will be joining Avatar on their US tour in a few weeks and our album ‘[m]other’ will be available everywhere May 12th! We’re so stoked for you to hear it. See you soon!”
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ABOUT VEIL OF MAYA
By channeling energy in one direction, force grows exponentially. Veil of Maya harness the individual experiences and talents of four distinct musicians—Marc Okubo [guitar], Sam Applebaum [drums], Danny Hauser [bass], and Lukas Magyar [vocals]—into airtight groove-laden metal accented by fits of instrumental virtuosity and vocal catharsis. This approach has endeared them to a devout fan base with critical acclaim and over 135 million total streams and counting (unprecedented for an outfit this crushingly heavy). The Chicago band draw on the strength of their union on their seventh full-length offering, [m]other [Sumerian Records].
Veil of Maya have consistently pushed the boundaries of heavy music by pushing themselves collectively. 2015’s Matriarchmade major waves, crashing theBillboard US Hard Rock Albums Chart at #2 powered by “Aeris,” “LeeLoo,” and “Mikasa.” The latter has gathered over 25.4 million Spotify streams and counting. In 2017, ‘False Idol‘ saw the band return to the Top 3 of the Hard Rock Albums Chart as “Overthrow” and “Doublespeak” each eclipsed 8 million-plus Spotify streams apiece. The record also incited the applause of LoudWire, Substream Magazine, Metal Hammer, and Invisible Oranges who raved, “False Idol is undeniably Veil of Maya: greatly contrasting the band’s past, it serves as a companion and booster for their older work.” Simultaneously, they toured alongside Animals As Leaders, Upon A Burning Body, Chelsea Grin, Oceans Ate Alaska, and more. In the midst of the Pandemic, they dropped “Outsider,” “Viscera,” and “Outrun.”
The Chicago band now draw on the strength of their union on their seventh full-length offering, [m]other [Sumerian Records]. In short, this is Veil of Maya at their collective best. Speaking on his hopes for his band’s upcoming opus, guitarist, Marc Okubo shares
“I hope you’re inspired to listen to this again and again. Maybe you’ll hone in on the little details as you go further, and it will musically become a cinematic experience.”
The long-awaited return of Adult Swim’s favorite heavy metal adventure “Metalocalypse” arrives with a nationwide tour of the series’ on-screen band DETHKLOK. A full-length original film, written and directed by Brendon Small, “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar”, a companion soundtrack and “Dethalbum IV” will also arrive this year.
DETHKLOK will kick off their twenty-nine date national tour on August 30 with Japanese kawaii metal pioneers BABYMETAL as co-headliners and virtuoso guitarist Jason Richardson as support.
“It’s very surreal having so much new ‘Metalocalypse’ & DETHKLOK this year with the trifecta of the tour, movie and album,” said Small. “I’m so excited to get on the road with the powerful BABYMETAL, and to celebrate all the hard work that team ‘Metalocalypse’ & DETHKLOK put in over the last two years and beyond!”
The “BABYKLOK” tour will also include appearances at Blue Ridge Rock Festival in Alton, VA (Sep 10), Louder Than Life in Louisville, KY (Sep 23) and Aftershock in Sacramento, CA (Oct 7).
Also coming later in 2023 is “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar,” an original full-length movie written and directed by Brendon Small (“Metalocalypse“) and produced by Titmouse, Adult Swim and Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment. The film stars Small, Tommy Blacha, Victor Brandt (“Metalocalypse”), Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner (Grammy® Award Winning Musician), King Diamond (KING DIAMOND; MERCYFUL FATE), Mark Hamill (“Batman: The Animated Series”; “The Machine”), Kirk Hammett (METALLICA), Jon Hamm (“Confess. Fletch”; “Top Gun: Maverick”), Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Amy Lee (EVANESCENCE), Malcolm McDowell (“A Clockwork Orange”), Juliet Mills (“Passions”), Laraine Newman (“Saturday Night Live”), Raya Yarbrough (“Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem – a Klok Opera”), and Livia Zita (2022 Winner – Society of Voice Arts and Sciences Award).
The all-new animated movie begins after the heroic rescue of Toki Wartooth; DETHKLOK frontman Nathan Explosion finds himself traumatized in a BRUTAL professional and romantic flat-spin, all while he is tasked with fulfilling the prophecy and confronting the ultimate songwriting challenge to save the planet. Can Nathan Explosion look beyond his brutally damaged ego to save his band, stop the Metalocalypse, and finally face the ultimate evil: Salacia?
As a special highlight, fans can also anticipate the release of two full-length albums this year. WaterTower Music will release both the film soundtrack, “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” as well as “Dethalbum IV” around the launch of the film. Meanwhile, fans can summon DETHKLOK by streaming the Metalocalypse: Dethklok Complete Collection playlists.
“Metalocalypse” originally premiered in 2006 on Adult Swim and was created by Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha.
About DETHKLOK & “Metalocalypse”: DETHKLOK, an extreme metal band, is the most successful entertainment act on the planet and the seventh largest economy in the animated world of Adult Swim’s “Metalocalypse.” Live, they are a multi-media powerhouse that showcases animation, comedy, and brutality, excellently recreating the popular albums and animated visuals in a live atmosphere. Band members include musician & show co-creator Brendon Small and legendary drummer Gene Hoglan and more!
Groove metal kings DEVILDRIVER recently made their triumphant return with part two of their Dealing With Demons saga, their 10th full-length, Dealing With Demons Vol. II, out May 12, 2023 via Napalm Records. Once again produced and engineered by Steve Evetts with additional engineering from guitarist Mike Spreitzer, Dealing With Demons Vol. II is inarguably heavier and relentlessly harsher than its predecessor – as proven last month with bludgeoning debut single, “Through the Depths”.
Today, DEVILDRIVER have dropped another unrelenting track, entitled “If Blood is Life”, plus an action-packed performance music video featuring exclusive footage from their recent US co-headline tour with labelmates Cradle of Filth. The dynamic anthem grips with an unforgettable hook and lead guitar lines, swaying with an undeniable headbang-worthy groove as it shifts between rhythmic passages.
DEVILDRIVER frontman Dez Fafara says about “If Blood is Life”: “Shadows of the future, ghosts of your past walking the floor – why do these things haunt us as humans, when we should be focused on the fact that, like the chorus says, ‘Time, it waits for no one, Time, it’s worth the taking.’ Learn to focus on the now, the here, the present.”
As DEVILDRIVER enter their third decade with nine full-length albums, countless international tours and worldwide renown, they prove more resilient than ever. As the world was upended in 2020, iconic groove metal leaders DEVILDRIVER didn’t pause, releasing the highly-acclaimed first installment of their two-part Dealing With Demons saga, Dealing With Demons I. Now, as society emerges more hardened and determined than before, so does Dealing With Demons Vol. II. The new album represents celebrated frontman Dez Fafara’s psyche and the final purging of his demons that have long haunted the band’s music.
International media mainstays like Revolver, Metal Hammer, Kerrang and Consequence lauded Dealing With Demons I, which debuted at #4 on the US Current Hard Music Albums Chart. Blabbermouth stated, “If the second half of this mammoth endeavor matches the first, this will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the DEVILDRIVER story.” Dealing With Demons Vol. II doubles down on the brutality – and then some!
If there is any question as to whether DEVILDRIVER is slowing down any time soon, Dealing With Demons Vol. II proves that 20 years into their career, even with their demons in tow – they move forward at the forefront of metal.
Track one, “I Have no Pity”, instantly keeps fans guessing with its contrasting, marching rhythmic groove and Dez Fafara’s icy, earworm warnings. The album’s standout production immediately shines, with the track’s thick riffs, haunting leads, room-filling drums and Fafara’s vocal prowess leading the way. Eerie, insistent “Mantra” drops a wave of melodic aggression on the listener, instantly inducing headbanging with its breakneck pace and occult lyricism. Dynamic tracks like “Nothing Lasts Forever” and “Summoning” cascade with alternating passages of sinister riffage and memorable chants. “Bloodbath” is as brutal as its name suggests, ominously bending and pummeling with immediate aggression, as “It’s a Hard Truth” continues the onslaught, cautioning against delusion amid balanced melodic leads. Closer anthems “If Blood is Life” and “This Relationship, Broken” are the blood-soaked cherries atop Dealing With Demons Vol. II, bringing together all of the elements that make DEVILDRIVER the best at their craft.
Dealing With Demons Vol. IItrack listing: 1. I Have no Pity 2. Mantra 3. Nothing Lasts Forever 4. Summoning 5. Through the Depths 6. Bloodbath 7. It’s a Hard Truth 8. If Blood is Life 9. This Relationship, Broken
Split EPs are something of a hidden treasure for music fans. Sometimes they mix genres, and other times they bring together some of the best in a specific genre to craft a longform listen that opens fans up to new bands in one of the most natural ways possible; it’s almost comparable to discovering a new band lower on the bill of a band you originally came to see. Record label Nuclear Blast is hoping to do just this with three bands on their roster: Fit For an Autopsy, Thy Art is Murder, and Malevolence. The Aggression Sessions is a six-song compilation with each band showing off both a new song and a cover song, of At The Gates, Cannibal Corpse, and Anastacia. Is this EP worth checking out?
On The Aggression Sessions, you can expect to hear the order of Fit For an Autopsy, then Thy Art is Murder, then Malevolence, twice in succession. The former two have been on Nuclear Blast for several years, whereas Malevolence self-releases under their licensing. There’s a bit of a popularity gap between the first two and Malevolence, but there’s no shortage of talent within the English metal group. FFAA kicks things off with “Hellions”, a signature heater of a track on-par with the rest of the band’s discography. Thrashy riffs and blast beats aside, I felt an urge to growl along to the hook “Caged fucking animals, begging to die a perfect death” as vocalist Joe Bad commands what’s probably the best track on The Aggression Sessions.
Thy Art is Murder’s original song on The Aggression Sessions is “Until There Is No Longer” and it’s practically a required listen after “Hellions”. Anyone that knows both Fit For an Autopsy and Thy Art is Murder knows that these two share a common brand of deathcore that’s equal parts punishing, fast-paced, and grand in scale; it’s worth following along the lyrics that paint the picture of a war-torn battlefield and the sins of man. Malevolence brings a change of pace with “Waste of Myself” as this band showcases more of a beatdown hardcore style in contrast of FFAA/TAIM. That isn’t to say it’s out-of-place on The Aggression Sessions – it’s almost like a breather before the cover songs as Malevolence’s clean vocals and slower BPM are just as headbang-worthy as the prior two tracks.
On to the covers in The Aggression Sessions, as Fit For an Autopsy covers At The Gates’ “Under a Serpent Sun”. Joe Bad flexes his range as he sticks to the higher range of unclean vocals to match ATG’s Tomas Lindberg’s run off the 1995 progenitor to many metal bands’ sounds to this day. Just as Bad hits highs in the ATG cover, CJ McMahon bellows his lows in the iconic “Hammer Smashed Face” by Cannibal Corpse. Hearing this 1994 track with 2023 production from the more-than-capable Thy Art is Murder is like hearing it for the first time; some may prefer the original but I can think of few other bands that could do a legendary song like this proper justice. Meanwhile, Malevolence closes out The Aggression Sessions with a dark-horse cover of Anastacia’s “Left Outside Alone”. The biggest departure on this EP, I laughed heartily hearing this pop-rock track under a nu-metal/-core guise, and came around after a few listens to ultimately enjoy the peculiarity on display.
Save for the Malevolence cover, Fit For an Autopsy and Thy Art is Murder play it pretty safe on their renditions of classic metal tracks on The Aggression Sessions. I was hoping for these talented groups to inject some of their flair into these classics as opposed to beat-for-beat covers, but at the same time, they’re fun to hear with modern bells and whistles. I also wish there were some crossover vocal features, especially since CJ McMahon has a deep track record of showing up all over metal. Still, The Aggression Sessions is a serviceable EP and most listeners will come away craving 1 or 2 songs after all is said and done.
Power metal is supposed to be fun and Powerwolf gets that on this part new/part rarities album along with an orchestral soundtrack 2nd album. This is the cult of werewolves stepping things up a bit. The guitar and key work along with amazing hooks and bombastic singing make this such a fun listen. It’s more sing-alongs with Attila Dorn and they all pull you in and get you to shout along. Tracks like “No Prayer At Midnight” and “My Will Be Done”. Interludium is not veering away from what Powerwolf has done before. It’s definitely a continuation of other albums in tone and style, but it’s done so well here that it’s hard to not enjoy. If you are unfamiliar with Powerwolf, you’ll enjoy this. If you already are one of the wolves, you’ll LOVE this. 8/10.
Powerwolf Interludium Album Review
Powerwolf, often stylized as POWERWOLF, is a German power metal band founded in 2003 in Saarbrücken by members of Red Aim. The band consists of vocalist Karsten Brill as “Attila Dorn”, lead guitarist Benjamin Buss as “Matthew Greywolf”, bassist/rhythm guitarist David Vogt as “Charles Greywolf”, keyboardist Christian Jost as “Falk Maria Schlegel” and drummer Roel van Helden. The group uses religious themes and images, contrary to traditional power metal music, as well as corpse paint, gothic-tinged compositions and songs about werewolf and vampire legends.
Powerwolf’s sound has primarily been described as power metal and traditional heavy metal. The band’s musical style is different from other power metal bands. In addition to the classic metal instruments, organ sounds are used. For the studio albums a church choir was recorded. The band states that their main influences are Black Sabbath, Mercyful Fate, Forbidden and Iron Maiden.
Powerwolf has been praised by critics for their energetic live performances and their unique sound. The band has been described as “the most metal band in the world” and “the future of heavy metal.”
Powerwolf is a popular band with a large and devoted following. The band’s fans are known as “Wolves of the Church.” The band’s official fan club is called “The Church of Powerwolf.”
2x GRAMMY® Award-nominated band Rival Sons have unveiled the official music video for their anthemic hit single, “Bird In The Hand,” premiering today at YouTube HERE. “Bird In The Hand” heralds Rival Sons’ hugely anticipated new album, DARKFIGHTER, arriving everywhere via Low Country Sound/Atlantic Records on Friday, June 2. Pre-orders/pre-saves are available now HERE.
“Bird In The Hand,” directed by Kurt Kubicek, continues the narrative featured in the previously released companion videos for the explosive singles, “Nobody Wants To Die” (dir. Eli Sokhn) and “Rapture” (dir. Kurt Kubicek), both streaming now at the official Rival Sons YouTube channel HERE.
“The saga continues with another prequel in our new video,” says Scott Holiday. “Jay and I teamed up to write and produce this one again, as well as working with our pal, Kurt Kubicek (director/Rapture video). All shot in our backyard in the Hollywood Hills… right off the sunset strip! Right up the street from the world-famous Whiskey a Go Go actually! We found this incredible time capsule mid-century home that sets the scene for most of the video. It’s been incredible making these little vignettes. Really fun. All created on pretty tiny budgets. But the limitations force us to get ultra creative and focused. We’ve been extremely blessed to have such talented friends/crew/and collaborators working with us that see these videos as passion projects… which is the only way they come together. I think when you watch the series of videos you can feel the love that’s gone into them.”
Jay Buchanan adds, “’Rapture’ was a prequel to ‘Nobody Wants To Die’ and ‘Bird In The Hand’ is a prequel to ‘Rapture.’ Same cast of characters, different part of the story. It’s been a great time writing and producing these videos along with great directors and crew. With video production we’re really at that sweet spot where we don’t know the rules so we’re not afraid of breaking them. We’ll see where it goes from here.”
“Nobody Wants To Die” was hailed by Rolling Stone as “hard-charging,” adding “The video has Kill Bill grindhouse vibes for days and is a literal blast.” “It would be cliché to say it’s been worth the wait,” wrote Guitar World, “but the phrase applies: ‘Nobody Wants to Die’ has enough high-gain riffage and classic rock fretboard throwdowns to more than make up for Rival Sons’ absence.”
Rival Sons will mark the arrival of DARKFIGHTER with a truly epic live schedule, including a special guest run on Smashing Pumpkins’ “The World Is a Vampire” Summer 2023 North American Tour, also featuring Stone Temple Pilots and Interpol, getting underway August 1 at Salt Lake City, UT’s USANA Amphitheatre and then continuing through early September. Tickets for all announced dates are on sale now. For compete details and ticket information, please visit www.rivalsons.com.
In the meantime, Rival Sons will embark on their own extensive North American headline run, “The DARKFIGHTER Tour,” beginning May 11 at Oklahoma City, OK’s Diamond Ballroom and then traveling through mid-June. Special guests throughout include The Black Angels and The Record Company, with Starcrawler also appearing on select dates. What’s more, Rival Sons – who only just wrapped a series of arena dates supporting Greta Van Fleet – have slated a number of top-billed festival performances, including Daytona Beach, FL’s Welcome To Rockville (May 20) and Columbus, OH’s Sonic Temple (May 27).
“Expect this tour to comprise of the forthcoming DARKFIGHTER album in its entirety, along with familiar songs and a few deeper cuts,” says Rival Sons guitarist Scott Holiday. “We’re working on plans to make it extra special. With a big added bonus of the incredible acts we’re taking with us: The Black Angels, The Record Company, and Starcrawler. It’s going to make for a REALLY fantastic night of music!”
DARKFIGHTER will be accompanied by a stunning companion volume, LIGHTBRINGER, arriving later this year. Both produced by longtime collaborator and 8x GRAMMY® Award-winner Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell), the two new LPs marks the first new music from Rival Sons in more than four years, following 2019’s critically acclaimed, GRAMMY® Award-nominated sixth studio album, FERAL ROOTS.
“In comparison to our previous records, we certainly took our time both writing and recording this collection,” says Rival Sons vocalist Jay Buchanan. “When we set out, the intention was mostly to dig as deep as possible. Even in the beginning before the body had formed, we agreed to throw the map away and chop our way through the woods to make a new path. Then lockdown hit and it felt like the whole damn country decided to throw the map away too. For myself, 2022 was like an eight-stage rocket of life changing events, so every time I thought I was finished writing, a new bull would come tearing through the clothesline and I’d have to illustrate it in some way. By the end, there were really two different sides to the same story being told. On one side, you’re fighting the darkness and, on the other, you’re bringing your own light to where there is none. One side in a corner, on the ropes, and the other advancing, cleaning the ring. Without an intermission, a refractory period, the collection would be too big a bite, so splitting it in two was the only way to do it.”
MAY
11 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom * #
12 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall * #
13 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s * #
16 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal * #
17 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle * #
18 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works * #
20 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville †
21 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater * #
23 – Richmond, VA – The National * #
24 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa * #
26 – Morgantown, WV – Ruby Amphitheater *
27 – Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple †
28 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom *
30 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore * #
31 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium * #
JUNE
1 – New York, NY – Palladium Times Square * #
3 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall * #
4 – Albany, NY – Empire Live * #
6 – London, ON – London Music Hall * #
8 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore ^ #
9 – Chicago, IL – Radius ^ #
10 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore ^ #
12 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave ^ #
13 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Club 5 ^ #
14 – St. Louis, MO – Pageant ^ #
16 – Omaha, NE – The Admiral ^ #
17 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater ^ #
18 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre ^ #
JULY
21 – Buktafestivalen – Trømso, NO †
22 – Malakoff Rockfestival – Nordfjordeid, NO †
AUGUST
1 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre **
3 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre **
5 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre **
6 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater **
7 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre **
9 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre **
10 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre **
13 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater ^^
15 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion ^^
16 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP ^^
17 – Huntsville, AL – The Orion Amphitheater ^^
19 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre ^^
20 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre ^^
22 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion ^^
24 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center ^^
25 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion ^^
30 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater ^^
31 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live ^^
SEPTEMBER
2 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage ^^
3 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre ^^
8 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater ^^
9 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center ^^
* w/ Special Guests The Record Company
^ w/ Special Guests The Black Angels
# w/ Special Guests Starcrawler
† Festival Performance
** The Smashing Pumpkins “The World Is a Vampire” North American Tour
w/Special Guests Stone Temple Pilots
^^ The Smashing Pumpkins “The World Is a Vampire” North American Tour
Globally renowned independent record label, Sumerian Records have today announced the triumphant return of musical enigma, Poppy, to her original label home. To celebrate the newly inked deal, Poppy has also released brand new single “Church Outfit” which can be streamedHERE and it’s accompanying music video which can be watched HERE.
Speaking on his partnership with Poppy and her return to his label, Sumerian Records founder, Ash Avildsen shares
“The only thing more exciting than signing an iconic artist for the first time is signing them again, when they choose to return home. Poppy is a pioneer and lover of music, film, pro-wrestling, the unorthodox and the avant-garde. That is why I believe Sumerian is still the best label in the world for her. We are thrilled to have her back.”
During her initial time as a Sumerian Records artist, Poppy released two albums and an EP – 2020’s break out, ‘I DISAGREE’, 2021’sEAT (NXT SOUNDTRACK) andFLUX. She also became the first ever solo female artist to be nominated for “Best Metal Performance” at the Grammys for her single “BLOODMONEY”. Now, following a brief stint with Lava Records and the release of her EPSTAGGER last year, she returns home to Sumerian Records to continue her global domination.
Poppy’s music has been described as “a mix of pop, metal, and electronic music”. She has cited a variety of artists as influences, including Björk, Marilyn Manson, and Nine Inch Nails. Poppy’s music videos are often characterized by their surrealism and dark humor.
DYING WISH SHARE VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE “TORN FROM YOUR SILHOUETTE” — WATCH
Portland’s DYING WISH have just dropped the video for their brutal new single “Torn From Your Silhouette.” Watch it here.
“‘Torn From Your Silhouette’ is written about taking the risk of being vulnerable with another person, only to find they have dishonest intentions and take advantage of your willingness to love,” says singer Emma Boster. “While writing this song, I was tender from a recent heartache. I felt as if society’s standard for romance had become increasingly casual. While that felt comfortable for me for a while, I had grown into a place in my life where I was seeking more from my connections with other people. I was ready to tear down the walls I had put up to protect myself. This song is about accepting what would result in what I had feared the most: rejection and pain.”
She continues, “The line ‘I’d rather feel everything than nothing at all‘ is particularly important to me. I took pride in the feeling that I had at least given myself the opportunity to fail rather than continue contributing to a repeating cycle of being numb to surface-level attachments. Thanks for listening.”
“Torn From Your Silhouette” follows last winter’s video for “Now You’ll Rot.” Watch it here.
Dying Wish is an American metalcore band from Portland, Oregon, formed in 2018. The band consists of Emma Boster (vocals), Sam Reynolds (guitar), Pedro Carrillo (guitar), Andrew Le (bass), and Jeff Yambra (drums). Dying Wish is known for their politically charged lyrics and their aggressive sound. The band has released one full-length album, Fragments of a Bitter Memory, which was released in 2020.
Dying Wish formed in 2018 when Boster, Reynolds, Carrillo, and Le met while playing in other bands in the Portland hardcore scene. The band quickly released a demo and a split EP before signing to SharpTone Records in 2019. Dying Wish’s debut album, Fragments of a Bitter Memory, was released in 2020 and was met with critical acclaim. The album was praised for its powerful lyrics and its intense sound.
All photos taken by Luke Spencer. Please contact inquiries@getrocked.net for more information.
From Perplexity: “Luke Spencer of Rocked is a renowned photographer known for capturing the electrifying essence of live music through his concert and festival photography. His work encapsulates the raw passion and energy of performances, providing a unique perspective that allows viewers to immerse themselves in the live music experience. From the explosive BABYKLOK Tour to the intense performances at Riot Fest, Luke Spencer’s photography beautifully encapsulates the essence of each event, making him a sought-after photographer in the music industry. His ability to freeze moments of musical euphoria in time has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a top-tier concert and festival photographer.”
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Here are some tips for taking great concert and festival photos:
Focus on Composition: Be mindful of your framing and composition instead of shooting endlessly. Center your subject in some images and practice capturing the atmosphere and energy of the live music event.
Use Manual Camera Mode: Start with the lowest aperture number, go for a fast shutter speed, use a high ISO setting, and do spot metering. Avoid flash photography and adjust your shutter speeds based on the setting and the stage performers.
Stability is Key: Hold the camera steady, preferably against a rail or something. Avoid taking pictures while the camera is moving, and use enhanced stabilization settings if available. For video, use enhanced stabilization settings and turn the exposure setting down.
Understand the Environment: Concert photography requires you to move around the stage and venue a lot as you try to capture the bands and the crowd. Respond to performers as they sing, dance, and move around the stage. Adjust your settings based on the lighting and the level of activity on stage.
By following these tips, you can improve your concert and festival photography skills and capture the essence and excitement of live music events.
