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Rival Sons Unveil Official Video For “Bird In The Hand”

Rival Sons
Photo Credit: Pamela Littky

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

w/ Special Guests Interpol

Follow Rival Sons
OFFICIAL SITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

Poppy Returns With New Single ‘Church Outfit’

Poppy
Photo Credit Jesse Draxler

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’s EAT (NXT SOUNDTRACK) and FLUXShe 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 EP STAGGER last year, she returns home to Sumerian Records to continue her global domination. 

Look out for more from Poppy coming soon.

Follow Poppy:
Website | Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | Youtube

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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 Music Video For “Torn From Your Silhouette”

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.

Click here for a video on the
Top 10 BEST Debut Metal Albums!

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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.

Portfolio – Luke Spencer

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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Click here for photos and video from
Riot Fest 2023!

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Portfolio – Luke Spencer

Top 10 BEST Debut Metal Albums

It’s one thing to make it big in metal, but another to start big. This video looks at the Top 10 BEST Debut Metal Albums.

Top 10 BEST Debut Metal Albums

Black Sabbath is the debut studio album by English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released on 13 February 1970 by Vertigo Records in the United Kingdom and Warner Bros. Records in the United States on 1 June 1970.

Kill ‘Em All is the debut studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica, released on July 25, 1983, through the independent label Megaforce Records.

Iron Maiden is the debut studio album by English heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released on 14 April 1980 by EMI Records in the UK and Harvest and Capitol Records in the US. 

Slipknot is the debut studio album by American heavy metal band Slipknot. It was released on June 29, 1999, by Roadrunner Records, following a demo containing a few of the songs which had previously been released in 1998.

Undertow is the debut studio album by American rock band Tool, released on April 6, 1993, by Zoo Entertainment

Holy Diver is the debut studio album by the American heavy metal band Dio, released in 1983.

Blizzard of Ozz is the debut studio album by English heavy metal vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, released on 12 September 1980 in the UK and on 27 March 1981 in the US. 

Opus Eponymous is the debut studio album by the Swedish rock band Ghost.

Remission is the debut album by American heavy metal band Mastodon

Calculating Infinity is the debut studio album by American metalcore band The Dillinger Escape Plan.

Combichrist Headlined Dark Force Fest at the Sheraton Castle in Parsippany, New Jersey

VampireFreaks hosted its first Dark Force Fest at the Sheraton Castle in Parsippany, New Jersey and had one hell of a lineup for the three day festival between March 31st and April 2nd. There were performances by Psyclon Nine, Danny Blu, Curse Makey, Empathy Test, and dozens more. Saturday night’s headliner was none other than the industrial/aggrotech powerhouse, Combichrist. 

Throughout the hotel’s corridors and lobbies were a mass collection of creative vendors, musicians, and the best dressed of the goth and industrial community. Anywhere you looked there were endless works of art, jewelry, clothes, and trinkets to purchase. Honestly, the hardest thing to do was to keep firm to my budget while waiting for Combichrist to take the stage. 

The band had organized an old school set with an all-electronica hit list of crowd favorites. Fueled by a never-ending cascading stream of bass and rhythmic beats, Combichrist’s performance was on fire. Frontman Andy LaPlegua accompanied by Elliott Berlin on keys and back-up vocals blazed through the stage and ignited the high energy set that engulfed the entire venue. Guitarists Jamie Cronander and Eric 13 joined intermittently throughout the show and further propelled the already crazy fun setlist. With smiles beaming from the audience and band alike, whenever these guys are in town there is a guaranteed music party of industrial proportions.  

Combichrist has also announced an upcoming tour in September and October with Megaherz throughout Europe.

Photo Credit: Franz Schepers

Make sure to check out the links below:
Dark Force Fest
Combichrist Instagram
Megaherz Instagram

Nothing More Kick Off Spirits 2023 North American Tour

The Spirits 2023 North American Tour kicked off at The National in Richmond, VA. This sold-out performance was the first time I had seen Nothing More on the first stop of a headline tour. After following the band since 2014, it’s amazing to see how much the band has taken into their role as headliners. RIAA certifications, Grammy nominations, Billboard charting, and Song Of The Decade from SiriusXM Octane are amazing accolades, but the ability to headline a tour and sell out venues is proof to the people how important Nothing More has become.

Nothing more ft. Lacey Sturm – “Best Times”

The opening of Mr. Sandman and a fun little singalong from the crowd morphing into a speech from Alan Watts (a staple in through Nothing More albums) led to the title track of the band’s latest album Spirits. This is the album that has spawned several singles, some of which are now being reimagined into features including “Best Times” with Lacey Sturm of Flyleaf. Nothing More always does more than just play a set. Along with the many messages played through Nothing More’s music, Jonny Hawkins also took a few quick moments to talk about topics like hope. The band tries to give a spectacle. Meddelies, covers, Scorpion Tail, this is a show that has more facets than most rock bands.

Many people have already sung the praises of Nothing More live. My words cannot do more justice than so many others said before me, so here are some reviews of Nothing More’s live performances:

“Nothing More is one of the most exciting live bands I’ve ever seen. They put on a show that is both visually and musically stimulating.” – Loudwire

“Nothing More is a must-see live band. They have the energy and the talent to put on a show that will stay with you long after the concert is over.” – Alternative Press

“Nothing More is a band that is constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of rock music. Their live shows are a reflection of that, and they are always a great time.” – Revolver

Nothing More | Spirits 2023 North American Tour

I’ve been a fan for almost ten years now and shows like last night remind me why I will continue to support the group. Nothing More will continue on the Spirits 2023 North American Tour with Crown The Empire and Thousand Below through the end of May, ending in Ohio with a performance at Sonic Temple Festival. You can find more information on their website at https://nothingmore.net/.

Nothing More – “Tired Of Winning/Ships In The Night”

Click here for a video on the
Top 10 BEST Debut Rock Albums!

FOLLOW NOTHING MORE
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok
Apple | Spotify | Deezer | Amazon | Pandora | YouTube

The Mars Volta “Palm Full of Crux (Acoustic)” Out Now

Photo by Clemente Ruiz

“Palm Full Of Crux (Acoustic)”, a new single taken from The Mars Volta’s upcoming album ‘Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon’, is out today and available to stream on all platforms at this link: https://themarsvolta.lnk.to/PalmFullOfCrux. The official music video for the song can be seen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdlatLCF4mY

The song follows Blank Condolences (Acoustic)”, which was released earlier this month with the announcement of the upcoming album.

Much more than a simple “un- plugged” version of ‘The Mars Volta’ – the bands self-titled seventh album and return as a band – this acoustic rendition furthers the mission of the source music, which drew into sharper focus the traditional Latin influences that have always inspired Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala. This is, says Rodríguez- López, The Mars Volta’s version of a “folk record”, tracing the melodies and rhythms of the parent album back to their traditional Caribbean roots and chal- lenging listeners to hear the group in an entirely new light.

It will be released on April 21, 2023 via Clouds Hill.

The upcoming new album isn’t simply more content, but a bold, radical, political album, and one that recontextualizes the music of the group’s powerful last album within the lineage of the Latin and Caribbean sounds that Rodríguez- López has been mining his entire career, only many ears couldn’t hear past the distorted guitars to know what was going on. The songs are re-orchestrated and set to the traditional Caribbean rhythms that Rodríguez-López grew up on. Here, “Black Condolences” becomes an object lesson in this music, segueing be- tween three different traditional rhythms across its three-and-a-half minutes.

Pre-order for ‘Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon’ is now available at this link: https://gtly.to/ghq-H4_iz

‘Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon’ track listing

  1. Blacklight Shine (Acoustic)
  2. Graveyard Love (Acoustic)
  3. Shore Story (Acoustic)
  4. Vigil (Acoustic)
  5. Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon (Acoustic)
  6. Cerulea (Acoustic)
  7. Flash Burns From Flashbacks (Acoustic)
  8. Palm Full Of Crux (Acoustic)
  9. No Case Gain (Acoustic)
  10. Tourmaline (Acoustic)
  11. Equus 3 (Acoustic)
  12. Collapsible Shoulders (Acoustic)
  13. The Requisition (Acoustic)

For Rodríguez-López, ‘Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon’ is a long-held dream, finally coming true. “I realized I could finally make a record like this now, I just had to make it happen,” he says. “That was the experiment. And it was super-fun. I feel like The Mars Volta is finally beginning – that’s why the last album was self- titled, because we’ve finally stripped everything away and arrived at what the whole concept was at the beginning. And this acoustic version comes from a profound place, with its own meaning and philosophy, and its own reason for be- ing.”

Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon’ is out April 21, 2023 via Clouds Hill Pre-order it here: https://gtly.to/ghq-H4_iz

Fans will be able to hear the new album a week early via an exclusive pre-listening event will take place April 15 at 4pm ET through The Mars Volta web experience at www.voltacube.com.

Their previous release – the critically acclaimed – ‘The Mars Volta’ is out now and available to stream wherever you consume music. It was the first new music in almost a decade from the band and signified their return. Listen here: https://themarsvolta.lnk.to/TheMarsVoltaPR

The Mars Volta recently announced a string of upcoming headline tour dates that will take place this May and include performances at Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta, Welcome To Rockville Festival in Daytona, FL and a show supporting Red Hot Chili Peppers in San Diego, CA. Tickets on sale now at www.themarsvoltaofficial.com

The Mars Volta – Upcoming headline tour dates

May 5 – The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA (Shaky Knees pre-show)

May 6 – Shaky Knees Festival – Atlanta, GA

May 9 – The Criterion – Oklahoma City, OK

May 10 – Revel – Albuquerque, NM

May 12 – Snapdragon Stadium – San Diego, CA w/ Red Hot Chili Peppers, Thundercat

May 13 – Marquee Theatre – Tempe, AZ

May 14 – Abraham Chavez Theatre – El Paso, TX

May 16 – Tech Port Center & Arena – San Antonio, TX

May 18 – Orpheum Theatre – New Orleans, LA

May 19 – 713 Music Hall – Houston, TX

May 21 – Welcome To Rockville Festival – Daytona Beach, FL

Follow The Mars Volta:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

THE HU Announce ‘Rumble Of Thunder’: Deluxe Album”

Photo Credit: Khishigsuren Baasan

Following the success of their acclaimed 2022 sophomore effort RUMBLE OF THUNDER, groundbreaking Mongolian rock group THE HU—who use traditional Mongolian instrumentation, throat singing and perform entirely in their native language—have announced a deluxe version of the album will be released June 30 via Better Noise MusicRUMBLE OF THUNDER: DELUXE ALBUM will further highlight the band’s “stadium-sized metal riffs and thunderous vocal melodies” (Revolver Magazine) with seven new tracks: four acoustic renditions and three newly recorded singles featuring guest appearances and English-translated vocals from some of rock’s top musicians including William DuVall of Alice In ChainsSerj Tankian (System of A Down), DL of Bad Wolves and international solo artist LP (Laura Pergolizzi). Pre-orders for the album across all digital platforms as well as physically on CD and vinyl are available now at https://thehu.ffm.to/rumblethunderdeluxe.

THE HU have today (March 31) unveiled the deluxe album’s second single, the volcanic anthem “Black Thunder (feat. Serj Tankian and DL of Bad Wolves).” Following the release of the eco-conscious single “This Is Mongol (feat. William Duvall of Alice In Chains),” in February, “Black Thunder (feat. Serj Tankian and DL of Bad Wolves)” includes a refreshed look at the culturally shaped track with a new perspective and English-translated vocals. Its original “visually stunning” (Louder Sound) music video was filmed in THE HU’s home country of Mongolia, logging 3 million views to date. The video of the Serj Tankian and DL featured track directed by Michael Lombardi (The Retailiators, Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach)–is also out today. View it streaming below or directly HERE.

“‘Black Thunder’—the latest single from our sophomore album, ‘Rumble of Thunder’—is the composition we worked on the longest, and because of that, we recorded many different variations of the song,” shares THE HU band leader GALA. “The lyrics and the video have several different meanings on the surface as well as on a deeper level. Therefore, every version of ‘Black Thunder’ carries a certain unique idea. Our producer and our band members were amazed by the additions that were made by DL and Serj and their unique singing styles, which added to our beloved song. DL’s powerful vocals, topped by the Serj’s signature voice and one-of-a-kind Armenian-American style, is shedding different light to The HU’s music. We hope our fans enjoy this featured version and feel the soul of the song through their ears.”

TANKIAN shares his experience working with THE HU, stating: “I had discovered the Hu’s music from a YouTube video that a friend sent me and was instantly struck by their powerful and delightful merging of Mongolian folk and metal. A few years back I had scored a film called Furious where we also used the legendary Tuva singing and heavy guitars. So, when they reached out to collaborate, I was intrigued. I appreciate the pride with which they represent their culture through music. It led me down a historical rabbit hole of Mongolians and Armenia. Genghis Khan conquered Armenia along with the rest of Europe, but the Mongols also later teamed up with Armenia to fight the Turkish hordes. Happy I had the chance to collaborate with the Hu and learn all of this in the process.”

Says DL: “Working on this version of The HU’s ‘Black Thunder’ was so much fun and so different from what I normally get to do. Their vision, their voices…they’re special. This is more than music, it’s a movement, it’s culture, and I’m honored that I was presented with the opportunity to be part of it.” 

A force to be reckoned with, THE HU’s music has received over 329 million combined streams across digital platforms, 290 million video views, two Top 5 Mainstream Rock charting radio singles, sold-out worldwide headlining tours and appearances at the biggest music festivals across the globe (Download, Coachella, Lollapalooza). The band were the first-ever rock/metal band to be awarded UNESCO’s “Artist For Peace” designation in 2022 and also were the first group and 12th overall recipients of the highest state award in Mongolia, the Order of Genghis Khan, which was granted to the band by the President of Mongolia, Kh. Battulga in 2020. They have further added to these accreditations by becoming the first-ever Mongolian band to perform in the metaverse following their virtual concert, “Rumble of Thunder V1.1,” which took place last night (March 30).

THE HU will continue to bring forth their stimulating live show to fans across the world throughout 2023 with their summer “Rumble of Thunder 2023” European tour which includes appearances at Glastonbury Festival (UK), Hellfest (FR) and a return to Download Festival (UK) plus more. The group will also return to the U.S for festival appearances in the fall at Louder Than Life (9/21-24) in Louisville, KY and Aftershock Festival (10/5-8) in Sacramento, CA. Full dates and ticket information can be found at https://www.thehuofficial.com/tour-1.

THE HU TOUR DATES

6/7     Nickelsdorf, AT – Nova Rock

6/8     Interlaken, CH -Greenfield Festival

6/10   Southampton, UK – Southampton Guildhall

6/11   Donington, UK – Download Festival

6/13   Liverpool, UK – O2 Academy Liverpool

6/14   Bristol, UK – O2 Academy Bristol

6/16   Landgraaf, NL – Pinkpop 2023

6/17   Clisson, FR – Hellfest

6/20   Lille, FR – L’Aeronef

6/21   Norwich, UK – University of East Anglia

6/22   Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy Glasgow

6/23   Newcastle, UK – NX Newcastle

6/24   Somerset, UK – Glastonbury Festival

6/27   Frankfurt, DE – Batschkapp

6/28   Strasbourg, FR – La Laiterie Artefact

6/30   Werchter, BE – Rock Werchter 2023

7/2     Heslinki, FI – Festival Helsinki

7/4     Hamburg, DE – Grosse Freiheit 26

7/5     Luxembourg, LU – Rockhal

7/6     Aix-les-bains, FR – Musilack 2023

7/8     Madrid, ES – Mad Cool Festival 2023

7/10   Marseille, FR – Espace Julien

7/12   Munich, DE – Backstage Werk

7/13   Dresden, DE – Alter Schlachtohf

7/15   Wroclaw, PL – Center Concert A2

7/16   Vizovice, CZ – Masters of Rock

7/17   Budapest, HU – Budapest Park

7/20   Bontida, RO – Electric Castle Festival

7/22   Nordfjordeid, NO – Malakoff Festival

9/23   Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life Festival

10/6   Sacramento, CA – Aftershock Festival 

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Best New Music Of March 2023 | Fan-Voted Playlist

Streamed on New Music Night and voted on by Rocked viewers, this is a playlist of songs all given the highest percentage of positive votes through March of 2023. Each song was played to a live audience and voted on with a thumbs up or thumbs down by each viewer on Twitch.

You can listen to new music live and join the discussion every Sunday at 7PM EST on Twitch. Click here to follow and for go-live notifications. http://twitch.tv/rockednet

Best New Music March 2023 | Spotify Playlist

Best New Music March 2023 | Video Playlist

Featuring (in order of when added to list):
Powerwolf – “No Prayer At Midnight”
Demi Lovato – “Still Alive”
Enforced – “Hanged By My Hand”
Fencer – “Bad Bet”
Dropkick Murphys – “I Know How It Feels”
Ad Infinitum – “From The Ashes”
Lordi – “Thing In The Cage”
Mike Shinoda and Kailee Morgue – “In My Head”
Spanish Love Songs – “Smile Like You Mean It”
Killing Joke – “Full Spectrum Dominance”
The Menzingers – “Bad Actors”
Epica and Apocalyptica – “Rivers (Live)”
boygenius – “Not Strong Enough”
Kingdom Of Giants – “Wasted Space”
Nothing But Thieves – “Welcome To The DCC”
Rival Sons – “Bird In The Hand”
The Dark Side Of The Moon – “The Gates Of Time”
Locket – “Tear Me To Pieces”
Hollywood Vampires – “I Got A Line On You”
T-Pain – “War Pigs”
Linkin Park – “Fighting Myself”
Babymetal – “Mirror Mirror”
Pete Townshend – “Can’t Outrun The Truth”
Nita Strauss ft. Alice Cooper – “Winner Takes All”
Nothing More ft. Lacey Sturm – “Best Times”
Mammoth WVH – “Another Celebration At The End Of The World”
Daikaiju – “Awakening The Gateway”
In This Moment – “I Would Die For You”
Demi Lovato – “Heart Attack”

Click here for a video on
10 Music Videos Banned By MTV!

Thanks to everyone that tuned in live on Twitch every Sunday for New Music Night. Click here to follow the Twitch channel and get go-live notifications for New Music Night every Sunday at 7 PM EST: HTTP://twitch.tv/rockednet

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Here are some of the best new rock and metal music that was released this past month:

  • “Another Celebration at the End of the World” by Mammoth WVH: This song is a heavy, driving rocker that is sure to get your head banging. The lyrics are about the end of the world, but the song is actually quite hopeful, as it suggests that we will all find a way to survive.
  • “Winner Takes All” by Nita Strauss and Alice Cooper: This song is a collaboration between two of the most talented guitarists in rock and metal. It is a fast-paced, catchy tune that is sure to get stuck in your head.
  • “Fighting Myself” by Linkin Park: This song is a powerful ballad that deals with the struggles of addiction. The lyrics are honest and heartfelt, and the music is both beautiful and haunting.
  • “The Abyss” by August Burns Red: This song is a technical masterpiece that showcases the band’s incredible musicianship. The lyrics are about the fear of death, but the song is ultimately about hope and perseverance.
  • “Poison Pill” by Silverstein: This song is a catchy, melodic punk rock tune that deals with the topic of suicide. The lyrics are honest and heartbreaking, but the song is ultimately hopeful, as it suggests that there is always hope for those who are struggling.
  • “Hold Me Like a Grudge” by Fall Out Boy: This song is a catchy, pop-punk tune that deals with the topic of heartbreak. The lyrics are honest and relatable, and the music is both fun and catchy.
  • “Slow Down” by As Everything Unfolds: This song is a beautiful, atmospheric ballad that deals with the topic of loss. The lyrics are poetic and moving, and the music is both haunting and beautiful.
  • “Pick a God and Prey” by Metal Church: This song is a heavy, driving metal tune that deals with the topic of religious hypocrisy. The lyrics are angry and confrontational, and the music is both powerful and aggressive.