KuuKuu Harajuku Series Reveals Doll Line

KuuKuu Harajuku the series created by singer Gwen Stefani, centers around a pop musical group called HG5. A group that's heavily inspired by Japanese street culture. The main characters named Love, Angel, Music, Baby, and G (G likely standing for Gwen), named after Gwen Stefani's debut album "Love. Angel. Music. Baby.".

The series is currently airing online and on television sets everywhere! But if that's not enough, a doll line to tie into the series, will feature all 5 of the main girls, in doll form as well as playsets and accessories too! Expect these to arrive in the fall of 2017 season just in time for the holidays! Check out a photo of the dolls below.

12" Doll Products:
- Signature 12" Doll Assortment incl. G, Love, Music, Angel, Baby
- Fashion Pack Assortment for 12" dolls incl. Sushi (G), Rainbow Unicorn (Love), Super Strawberry (Music), Butterfly Blooms (Angel), Pink Cupcake (Baby)
- Concert Stage Playset incl. 12" G Doll

6" Doll Products:
- Signature 6" Doll Assortment incl. G, Love, Music, Angel, Baby
- Transforming Purse + 6" Doll Assortment incl. G, Love, Music, Angel, Baby
- Tour Bus Playset incl. 6" G Doll

Of Mice and Men's Vocalist Departs from Band

Of Mice and Men's frontman vocalist Austin Carlile has departed from the band. Find out more details HERE.

YOSHIKI CLASSICAL SPECIAL FEAT. ORCHESTRA CANCELLED YOSHIKI Announces a Free Concert to Take Place the Following Day!

The Yoshiki Classical Special feat. Orchestra in Hong Kong, scheduled to take place the evening of Thursday, December 29th at AsiaWorld-Expo Arena, was cancelled two hours before the show.

The cancellation was due to an oversight by the promoter in applying for the Entertainment License necessary to perform the show. The announcement was made at the venue’s discretion during the concert rehearsal that was being watched by fans who had purchased the VIP package.

While the local promoter profusely apologized to Yoshiki for her mistake, Yoshiki took into account the scope of the situation and negotiated directly with the venue himself. A press conference immediately followed to announce that ticket purchases would be refunded, and that Yoshiki will conduct a free concert as a private event for not only his fans in Hong Kong, but for those who traveled from mainland China, Europe, and Japan.

The series of events that took place from local time 7PM on the 29th was broadcast live on NicoNico Douga’s Yoshiki Channel. The morning of December 30th, Yoshiki appeared live in front of the camera to tell his fans what had occurred the prior evening. While the ongoing negotiation with Puffin Entertainment continues, the local staff are working tirelessly through the night to accommodate the needs of the many performers who travelled from across the world, including 2 singers who travelled from the U.S. and were scheduled to appear in the concert.

Yoshiki was due to return to Japan on December 30th to attend the rehearsal of NHK’s “Kohaku Uta Gassen”, Japan’s largest live TV music show of the year, but he adjusted his schedule accordingly to not disappoint his fans. Yoshiki will return to Japan on December 31st to make it to the “Kohaku” event.

Statement from Puffin Entertainment, Ltd.:

On behalf of the organizer, Puffin Entertainment Ltd., we deeply apologize for the postponing of the December 29, 2016 concert at AsiaWorld-Expo Arena to the following day. This is due to the oversight of the application for the Entertainment License, which must be presented to the venue by our company. This is totally Puffin Entertainment's fault.

Yoshiki has arrived in Hong Kong and has prepared his best to perform at the concert.
This cancellation is not in any way related to him. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience we have caused.

Irene Sit, Puffin Entertainment Ltd.

YOSHIKI’s Facebook Comment:

My dear fans,

Let me explain what happened with my concert tonight.
2 hours before the show, the promoter in Hong Kong told me they realized that they failed to apply for a license for tonight's show.

And told me that I needed to cancel the show.
I was really confused for a moment. The promoter really apologized to me.
Then I proposed, what if I were to play a private show for free for my fans, who were already at the venue tonight,

Can the venue allow me to play?
After a long negotiation, the venue said they will allow me to play tomorrow night.
So I will play a show in Hong Kong for the people who already have tickets for free.
All tickets will be honored and refunded.
In order for us to make up for any inconveniences, each ticket holder can bring one extra friend as a guest (Tickets will be refunded regardless).

We'll try to accommodate anyway we can, even changing the stage plan.
Again I'm really sorry for what has happened tonight.
I hope you understand and can make it tomorrow night.

Thank you.
YOSHIKI

Free Concert Information:

Venue: Asia World-Expo, Hong Kong
Date: Friday, December 30th
Entrance Eligibility: People who purchased “Yoshiki Classical Feat. Orchestra in Hong Kong” which was scheduled to take place December 29th plus a guest.

Contact:
Yoshiki Classical ticket Hotline: +852 65375134
Email: puffininfo@gmail.com

Sira Mayo Releases Video for ‘Fake Life’

Sira Mayo has released a new video for "Fake Life". Check it out right HERE.

X Japan's "La Venus" In Oscar Contention, To Be Released Early 2017 Via Sony Legacy Recordings

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced X Japan's "La Venus" as one of the songs in contention for a nomination for this year's "Best Original Song" at the 89th Academy Awards®. YOSHIKI -- songwriter, drummer, classically-trained pianist and the creative force of X Japan -- wrote "La Venus" for We Are X, the critically acclaimed music documentary on the iconic Japanese rock group X Japan. The nominations for the 89th Oscars® will be announced Tuesday, January 24, 2017. The Oscars® will take place Sunday, February 26, 2017 at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

“La Venus” the single will be released via Sony Legacy Recordings and available everywhere in early 2017.

“Sony Music Entertainment’s Legacy Recordings is thrilled to be releasing the new single, ‘La Venus’ from X Japan’s feature documentary, We Are X," says Adam Block, President of Sony Legacy Recordings. “It’s a beautiful, powerful track from a stunning film that we hope will be considered for a nomination for best song from a feature film at this year’s Academy Awards.”

Watch as YOSHIKI describes “La Venus” and its role in the film We Are X
VIDEO: "La Venus" - https://youtu.be/86Jm8gFXbcI

Issue's Covers "Pokemon Theme Song"

Issue's has released an official cover video for the Pokemon theme song. Check it out right HERE.

KRATORNAS' Zachariah Discusses the Holiday Season

Combination makers KRATORNAS put together a little of grindcore, raw black metal, death metal, and thrash metal to create a style all their own. So much so that they are set to make a devastating onslaught on the world of the metal scene. That said, guitarist Zachariah discusses the band's ways of celebrating the holiday season.


1. What are you doing for the holidays?

Zachariah: Visiting all "haunted places" around here if weather permits.

2. This Halloween season I did what?

Zachariah: Spreading hate through music!

3. Did you dress up this year?

Zachariah: Yes, it's always better to walk around with a raincoat on...

4. What is your favorite Halloween candy or treat?

Zachariah: Rambo bubblegum.

5. What are you thankful for?

Zachariah: Being surrounded by all the resources that I need.

6. Do you have a favorite dish for Thanksgiving or do you enjoy everything?

Zachariah: Dining at the Y with a red bearded taco.

7. Who's the one out of the band, that eats the most, when it comes to the holiday season?

Zachariah: Haven't seen Guzzarin since October. Can't say much about me. I never like food myself.

8. Do you or have you gone shopping on Black Friday, if so what did you find and buy? Or have you gone out to see the sights of the crowds?

Zachariah: Not worth waking up so early on that. It's overrated just like Boxing Day.

9. When it comes to the holiday season, does the band all get together, or does everyone do their own thing?

Zachariah: Last time I saw 'Guzzarin' was October. Haven't seen him since then except words on email, so no.

10. What is your favorite Christmas song to sing and why?

Zachariah: Four Strong Winds by Neil Young. It's so strong, makes me exhausted as hell.

11. One thing you really want for Christmas is what?

Zachariah: Any size 12 ginger is enough, thanks.

12. Do you still believe in Santa Claus? Enough so, that you would pay him a visit at the mall or other local events?

Zachariah: Santa Claus can keep frying his ass breaking in people's chimney but no, I'm the Grinch!

13. What type of Christmas tree do you prefer white or green or your own version?

Zachariah: My own version. It's actually a cactus with lots of balls!

14. Are you a late or early Christmas shopper?

Zachariah: Neither, but I do my groceries late to avoid people!

15. One thing you have to do on New Year's Eve?

Zachariah: From where I came from, we lit "whistle bombs" to welcome the new year. It's a warzone down there but up here, people sleep and it's dead quiet. Something that I can easily adopt.

16. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?

Zachariah: Same resolution that I have 10 years ago, nothing!

Hatsune Miku Releases Video for "Though A Song Is Formless" Sung in Chinese

Hatsune Miku wrapped up her 2016 run of the Miku Expo out in Chain, where she sang the song “Uta ni Katachi wa Nai Keredo” (Though A Song Is Formless) by doriko in Chinese! Check it out HERE.

Divided We Stand Gives the Rundown of Who They Are and Why They Are Here

Divided We Stand came together to create a new standard within the music industry. The goal was simple, to compose music of the highest quality possible, that all music lovers and musicians could love and just make the world a better place in the entire process. Find out how this was done below.


1. Tell us the history of your band and its members

It started out with Mike Russell (Drums), Phil Zimny (Guitar) and Trevor Tucker (Guitar) jamming out and writing songs. Later they added Randy Krouse (Bass) after a random try out. Joe Turner was just hanging out with the band one night and asked to play a song for us. To our surprise he had a golden voice and we quickly added him to the band. After Trevor left to pursue other ventures we had a few guitarist come and go on till we found Jake Wilson. He was in other bands that we had played shows with and caught our attention with his strong stage presence.

2. Whats the origin of the band’s name

Our band name is Divided We Stand for a reason. We have such different views and ideals. While we were in the first phases of our band we had so many different ideas of what direction to go in. Someone said don’t be so divided and it dawned on us “Divided We Stand” literally.

3. Where is your band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend

We hail from Knoxville, Tennessee. Our music scene was on a decline recently because of limited places for live music. Knoxville is home of the college UT and there are a lot of dance clubs but not a lot of bars with live music. There was a cool bar called Open Chord that opened a few years back that was dedicated to live music and it breathed new life into the rock/metal scene here. There are some good bands that have came from Knoxville like 10 Years and Straight Line Stitch, but as far as new local music we like and recommend Inward Of Eden, Decombrio, and Tears To Embers.

4. How would you describe your style

We are a modern heavy rock band that combines haunting melodies, infectious grooves, tightly synced guitar riffs and clean, melodic vocals to create a high energy crowd pleasing experience.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works

In 2011 we cut our first EP “Civil Unrest” with Miah at Sound Lair. In 2013 we cut “Deception” with Travis Wyrick at Lakeside Studios. Travis has worked with some big artists like P.O.D and Dolly Pardon. Earlier this year (2016) we decided to cut a single with Tony Gammalo at Spider Studios. They have produced for artists like Machine Gun Kelly, Chimaira, and even did the Freddy VS Jason Soundtrack. So if you look us up you should expect high quality recording of some very well thought out songs. We put our souls into this music and we pride ourselves on having unique songs that will get stuck in your head for days.

6. Do you have any new music in the works

We have so much music we don’t know what to do sometimes. Its hard to get enough capital record sometimes but we have plans to record ourselves eventually. It would be nice to put out song after song. We see the music world evolving towards singles instead of albums because the CD is a thing of the past. Everyone has a playlist now and it makes more sense to put out a single with a music video rather than albums. We currently are trying something weird. We are recording via internet with a producer in Mexico. We hope to have a new single very soon.

7. How about playing shows and touring. Have anything planned out

We play around 70 shows a year. We work with A-Team Entertainment for our booking mostly. We are taking the last part of the year off to enjoy the holidays but we have a tour planned for March 2017. We also have a few loose show dates for the beginning of the year.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band

We want to keep making good music and cool music videos. We plan on continuing to tour United States and even been talking about a Mexico tour soon. So don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff.

You can catch us on I-tunes and Spotify. We are about to be on Fuse and Havoc TV channels. We are a CD Baby band and can get our stuff on their site.
https://www.reverbnation.com/dividedwestand0 (Reverbnation)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/deception-ep/id778751415 (iTunes)
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDividedWeStand (Facebook)

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time.

Music can unite individuals who would otherwise remain separated. We want our message to be one of unmitigated truth. We want the listener to be able to feel the same emotion that we had when we created the music.

BRATS REVEAL NEW VIDEO FOR "AINIKOIYO"

Japanese girls band BRATS have released a scorching new music video for their theme song “Ainikoiyo” from the television anime To Be Hero.

Showcasing the powerhouse combination of sisters Rei Kuromiya (vocals) and Aya Kuromiya (bass), the high-energy song moves BRATS into a rock-influenced style that’s also hinted at in the preview of their song “Nounai Shoukyo Game” (“Brain Erase Game”) in the upcoming Japanese film Slaveman.

Check out the video HERE.

Ghost Town Releases New Song "Find Myself" and Reunites with Keyboardist

Ghost Town have released a new song for the holiday season but it isn't holiday related, it is simply a brand new song called "Find Myself". The band has also made the announcement of reuniting with Evan Pearce the band's keyboardist/synthesizers who left the band temporary but is back!

The band posted the following message on their Facebook page:

"This band wouldn't be the same with out the 4 of us, but it also wouldn't be the same without you Ghosts! Not only are we excited to have Evan back, but we're excited to announce that there will be a new song on Christmas Day!!! We're back! #hauntedyouth."

Check out the new song HERE.

Devilskin's Paul Talks the Holiday Season

New Zealanders Devilskin are celebrating the holiday season like many others around the globe, and bassist Paul Martin discusses how these guys celebrate the holidays!


1. What are you doing for the holidays?

Paul: "I'll be touring with Devilskin. 32 dates in NZ and Australia before we head off to the UK and Europe! My dream holiday!"

2. This Halloween season I did what?

Paul: "Scared my neighbors kids (again)!"

3. Did you dress up this year?

Paul: "I don't need to... :)"

4. What is your favorite Halloween candy or treat?

Paul: Whittakers NZ chocolate, best ever!"

5. What are you thankful for?

Paul: "My health, my family, friends and my bands."

6. Do you have a favorite dish for Thanksgiving or do you enjoy everything?

Paul: "Quite partial to turkey. A good roast pork comes a close second."

7. Who's the one out of the band, that eats the most, when it comes to the holiday season?

Paul: "All of us!"

8. Do you or have you gone shopping on Black Friday, if so what did you find and buy? Or have you gone out to see the sights of the crowds?

Paul: "We don't have the black Friday/sale/stampedes here in New Zealand thank goodness."

9. When it comes to the holiday season, does the band all get together, or does everyone do their own thing?

Paul: "A bit of both, we are all family so we see a lot of each other. Besides that we are all best mates so we want to hang out."

10. What is your favorite Christmas song to sing and why?

Paul: "Train on the water boat on the track -by Griffin & Quagmire. Such a great sing a long number!"

11. One thing you really want for Christmas is what?

Paul: "A Harley Davidson Fat Boy."

12. Do you still believe in Santa Claus? Enough so, that you would pay him a visit at the mall or other local events?

Paul: "No and I won't sit on just anyones knee!"

13. What type of Christmas tree do you prefer white or green or your own version?

Paul: "Ours is black and has skulls on it. :)"

14. Are you a late or early Christmas shopper?

Paul: "Early!"

15. One thing you have to do on New Year's Eve?

Paul: "Play a kick ass show!"

16. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?

Paul: "Be like the river and cut through the stone."

Monster High Releases Official Trailer for "Electrified" Flick

Monster High's rebooted franchise and series will continue with it's all new adventure titled "Electrified"! The storyline goes as follows,

"When the ghouls discover Clawdeen Wolf's big dream of opening a salon for monsters and Normies alike, they can't wait to make it a monstrous success! And Frankie knows just the place for such a voltageous idea-her old power station. But while the ghouls are preparing their electric styles, Twyla spots Moanica D'Kay working on a shocking plan of her own. And with Frankie Stein's latest invention-a super powerful battery-in Moanica's hands, the whole Normie World could be in high-voltage danger! the battery could turn the world into a big mess. Can these ghoulfriends save the Normies and make Clawdeen's dream a clawesome reality? Only one thing's for sure-it's going to be electrifying!"

Check out the trailer right HERE.

Ecclesiast Releases New Video for "Naysayers"

Ecclesiast has released a new video for "Naysayers". Check it out right HERE.

Monster High Exposes the Monster Family

Monster High's upcoming line titled "Monster High" will look into the lives of our favorite ghouls! Some parents will be turned into dolls, as some were in the past, but those were exclusives at times, but this time some parents will be exposed more so. For instance Draculura and her dad Dracula in a 2-pack, and then the ghouls, Clawdeen and her brothers, Lagoona and her sister, among others! Expect these to be out soon, check out the photos below.

Monster High Brings Out the Garden Ghouls

Monster High will be having a garden party sort of with their upcoming line called "Garden Ghouls". It will feature an assortment of old and new ghouls, including such as Cleo De Nile, Toralei, and Tywla as well as all new ghouls. Expect these to be released soon. For now, check out the photos below.

THE PUSSYBATS Releases Video for "Silver Bullet"

The Pussybats have released a new video for "Silver Bullet". Check it out right HERE.

Beating Dead Meat's Holiday Discussion

Aggressive metal quartet Beating Dead Meat are spending the holidays with their loved one's as any other person is during this time of year. So they decided to take some time to discuss how they celebrate the holidays.


1. What are you doing for the holidays?

We normally go and visit our folks back home. You don’t get to see them that much, so it’s nice to spend a couple of days with them.

2. This Halloween season I did what?

If I remember correctly, I think we went and partied a couple of days. There’s really not much else to do around here at that time.

3. Did you dress up this year?

Not really. Our drummer dressed up as Gaahl from Gorgoroth, so he didn’t really need to dress up at all.

4. What is your favorite Halloween candy or treat?

We rarely bake anything ourselves, so anything goes. After all, beggars can’t be choosers.

5. What are you thankful for?

A man should be thankful for every single day he manages to draw another breath. And of course we’re thankful that Amy Winehouse has managed to stay sober for the last five years.

6. Do you have a favorite dish for Thanksgiving or do you enjoy everything?

We don’t actually celebrate Thanksgiving in Finland, but if we did, it would be turkey. You have to appreciate turkeys. You can tell ‘em to get stuffed, and they never get insulted.  

7. Who's the one out of the band, that eats the most, when it comes to the holiday season?

Guess it has to be our drummer, since he’s always eating chocolate and stuff anyway, be it Christmas or not.

8. Do you or have you gone shopping on Black Friday, if so what did you find and buy? Or have you gone out to see the sights of the crowds?

We skipped the whole Black Friday thing, since it really isn’t worth spending your day in a line waiting for a discount TV or whatever.

9. When it comes to the holiday season, does the band all get together, or does everyone do their own thing?

This year we all did our own thing, since we spend quite enough time together as it is.

10. What is your favorite Christmas song to sing and why?

It has to be Corey Taylor’s X-M@$. You tend to get an overdose of Christmas songs, so that one is just what one needs to balance it out.

11. One thing you really want for Christmas is what?

The only thing one needs for Christmas is a nice, succulent ham. Everything else, like world peace, is just a bonus.

12. Do you still believe in Santa Claus? Enough so, that you would pay him a visit at the mall or other local events?

You have to believe in him, otherwise you wouldn’t get any presents, now would you? We didn’t pay him a visit though, since it’s a bit of a weird sight, when four metalheads beg to sit on an old man’s lap. I think they’d call the police if we did that.

13. What type of Christmas tree do you prefer white or green or your own version?

Well, here in Finland we mostly use the real green ones, since we all basically live in the woods anyway. Seriously, you only need to take about ten steps from your porch, and boom, you’re in a forest.

14. Are you a late or early Christmas shopper?

Late ones. Really, really late ones. At the moment none of us have bought anything. Luckily there’s still a couple of days to stress over the whole shopping thing.

15. One thing you have to do on New Year's Eve?

You know, in Finland it’s basically mandatory to get a little hammered on New Year’s Eve, so that has to be it.

16. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?

Normally, on the first day of a new year, when you’re in the throes of the worst hangover ever, you promise never to drink quite as much. Of course we’ve failed the promise every single year, so guess it’s better not to make any resolutions.

Toxic Holocaust Announces New Tour

Toxic Holocaust will be hitting the road for the spring time, joining them will be Nails and Gatecreeper. Check out the list of dates below.

TOUR DATES:

Mar-16 Tampa, FL - The Orpheum
Mar-17 Atlanta, GA (St. Patrick's Day) - The Masquerade
Mar-18 Durham, NC - Motorco Music Hall
Mar-19 Washington, DC - Rock & Roll Hotel
Mar-20 Richmond, VA - Broadberry
Mar-21 Philadelphia, PA - Underground Arts
Mar-22 New York City, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg
Mar-23 Boston, MA - Middle East (Downstairs)
Mar-24 Montréal, QC - Foufounes Electriques
Mar-25 Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace
Mar-26 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick
Mar-27 Columbus, OH - Park Street
Mar-28 Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge
Mar-29 Seattle, WA - Neumos
Mar-30 Portland, OR - Analog Theater
Mar-31 Oakland, CA - New Parish
April-1 Los Angeles, CA - The Hi Hat

Great Fates Just Likes Making Tunes

Great Fates' forthcoming EP release "Go Go Peristalsis" has seen it's release via Pineapple Record Co and the band themselves, has been gaining much anticipation among the fan base, awaiting to hear and see what these guys can do. They took the time to discuss a little about themselves and this EP of course.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

I just like making tunes, sooooo I recorded some music and stuff. I (Harry) am basically the band. I like painting, eating pancakes, the probability that aliens exist in the universe, going to sit-down restaurants for cheap ass coffee, and colonial-era American attire.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

I just kinds liked the light positivity and ring to "Great Fates". I was torn between that and "We Once Had Cats" but everyone thought that one was lame!

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

I'm based out of Hot Springs, AR. Arkansas is pretty dry when it comes to the scene. Check out the band "Couch Jackets" though, DOPE music to get down in a jungle jam to and super nice guys. Also "Ghost Bones", super dope girl-fronted Post-Punk and reallllly good friends of mine.

4. How would you describe your style?

It's been described as "tropical pop" by some. I would probably agree with that. Trop pop with a lofi twist.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

I just released a six song EP through Pineapple Records out of Orlando called "Go Go Peristalsis", PLEASE check it out. Someone can expect sexy harmonies, raunchy production, beach vibes, and flashbacks to teenage emotions one thought would remain dormant forever.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

I always have new music going on in my head. Just have to get around to recording it all. I'm planning on 2017 being totally crazy.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

I currently don't have any plans to tour soon, but I would love to at some point this year. So watch OUT.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

I will totally get around to getting a lineup together and making more music super, super soon, I promise.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Everywhere. Great Fates is on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, all that shit.

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Maybe just remember that I recorded the whole record on my phone??? It's totally crazy, whole record recorded on an iPhone. Don't let anything keep you from making music, kids.

Dommin - Beautiful Crutch

Dommin is an act like many, who has dealt with suffering's from record labels, this case being Roadrunner Records sometime ago, during their time with the label they went on to release their debut full-length album "Love Is Gone" (2010) that saw them do great things, playing shows, touring, getting themselves noticed by said release, and previous releases before the debut, including "Mend Your Misery" (2006) EP and follow-up "Self-Titled" (2009) EP, but after their time dealing with Roadrunner Records, the band saw a hiatus period. Where they would need to gather together to get everything sorted out, releasing some "new" material here and there, causing the fans to be hopeful for future material.

As such, the band would move forward writing and recording an all new album their sophomore efforts "Rise" (2016), which would lead to them releasing even more material, writing and recording even further to release a third full-length titled "Beautiful Crutch". Now listening to the previous album "Rise", and now hearing the material off "Beautiful Crutch", both pieces of material is rather enjoyable to say the least. Each album has its own flare, and "Beautiful Crutch" picks up where the earlier works "Love Is Gone" for instance leaves off, sounding slightly like that essence of material. Whereas "Rise", kept that material alive but did it, in a more fresh approach type of way.

"Beautiful Crutch", allows for some tracks such as "Desire", "The Scene", "I Die", "Madly", and "The Saddest Dream", to be what makes this album, pick up, sounding off as what you could expect from this release, as well as possible future material, as far as sounding quality goes. The vocal chords on the other hand, are still preserved in that classic Dommin style, being just as dreamy and breath taking as the previous material was, while the music portion, just keeps the album flowing, like a never ending stream type of flowing sensation.

Dommin's style is still alive and well on this third full-length album that is "Beautiful Crutch", it's just a blend of the classical approach, meets the modern day appeal, that captures the life of both time frames, making Dommin develop ever so further as a band, tends to do with their music making.

Black Veil Brides Releases New Song "The Outsider"

Black Veil Brides have released a new song called "The Outsider". Check it out HERE.

Alana Releases Video for "Venomous"

Los Angeles-based pop star Alana (of Winds of Plague) fame just debuted her new music video for the heart-pounding pop track called “Venomous,” produced by Khris Lorenz. The music video, shot in a Californian desert tells a visually stimulating story and this chick is undeniably one to watch. Check it HERE.

MARTYRDÖD Releases Video for "Handlöst Fallen Ängel"

MARTYRDÖD has released a new video for "Handlöst Fallen Ängel". Check it out right HERE.

Bat House an Up-and-Comer You'll Want to Bat About

One of Boston's finest and newest bands called Bat House, who haven't really released any properly recorded music for sale purposes until now, with their new song and single "Patterns". Bat House is one of those up-and-comers you should definitely keep an eye out for, because they may just fly away without you never noticing their existence.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Bat House was inspired by the basement DIY scene in Boston. The four of us were friends in school and started playing together in the spring of 2014. Our chemistry instantly sparked and forming a band together was a natural progression. Throughout the summer of 2014, we began writing in an underground rehearsal space called the Sound Museum. This rehearsal space was where we developed our sound and our first handful of songs until we all moved into a house together. Deemed the ‘Banana Hammock,’ this house was where we recorded our first EP titled ‘ghosts’ and solidified our roots in the Boston DIY community. For two years, we threw shows for touring bands from all over the country. We wrote about half of the record and recorded guitars and vocals for the LP in this house.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

The inspiration for our name comes from the Sugarloaf Key Bat Tower, also known as The Perky Bat Tower, that was built in the Florida Keys in 1929. As a Florida native, Shane has frequented The Keys with his family and had been told many stories of the spooky structure.

The tower was constructed in the hopes that it would help control the mosquito problem in the Lower Keys. Whenever the bats were introduced to the tower, they flew away, never to return. It was meant to be a roost for bats that would eat the mosquitoes that spread malaria.

Perky's Bat Tower stands at the end of an unmarked dirt road on Sugarloaf Key as a striking, albeit unsuccessful, monument to both biological pest control and cross-species design.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Boston is home to a wide range of both burgeoning and established acts. The DIY basement scene really pushed us to form Bat House and is an incredible incubator for all sorts of different types of projects. Some of our local favorites are Dent, Black Beach, Dazey and the Scouts, and Model/Actriz.

4. How would you describe your style?

Our music is dynamic in the sense that it is technically complex yet emotionally driven. It’s chaotic, but still has ‘pop-esque’ sensibilities within the melodies. Our live shows incorporate raw, emotionally charged performances featuring floral or brightly patterned clothing, other-wordly visual projections, and samples between songs.

5. Why did you think that “Self-Titling” your album was the right thing to do?

The music was written between the time first started until about one year agp, during which a lot has changed in our music and in our own personal lives. So, we felt that putting a formal title on this period and on these songs would be limiting them and doing them an injustice.

6. How come “Patterns” was made into a single, will we be seeing anymore songs be made into singles off your self-titled album?

“Patterns” is the very first tune we’ve written as Bat House. This song has, in many ways, shaped the band’s sound and inspired the overall direction for this album. We play it as the opening tune for almost all of our live performances -- it’s fundamentally very important to us. It only seemed appropriate that we’d announce the album with it. You can absolutely expect to hear more songs soon!

7. Will you be playing any shows and touring, have anything planned?

We have some plans in the works for early 2017 and we’re hoping to hit the open road again this summer -- keep an eye out for announcements coming soon!

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

In our immediate future, write and record new tunes, play lot of shows in familiar and unfamiliar places, and continue to develop our live show.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Bandcamp! Spotify! Literally any music consumption portal on the internet!

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

A predominant amount of this record was made in our home in Boston. With the exception of the recording of the drums and bass, the rest of the album was recorded, mixed, and produced in our basement, our bedrooms and hallways by us. This record is one hundred percent a labor of love crafted by our own hands.

Krampus - Counter//Current

Folk metal, was never a favorite within the metal genre, that got to me, but when an act like Krampus came along, that changed just a bit. Their latest album "Counter//Current" took the folk metal genre, but turned it on its head, exploring the numerous genres within the metal genre, like these guys went ahead and took a dash of metalcore, post-hardcore, punk, and alternative to blend together with the folk elements of how they sounded previously, to create a style that is fresh and unique.

How is it so fresh and unique, well as mentioned, it takes the folk elements, tradition and modern, and creates a style that just sounds different, like take songs such as "Skapegoat", "Pitch Black", "Butterflies On Fire", and "Nevertheless", these song selections, are what make this album, what it is, and how it sounds so different. The instruments don't sound rushed, they sound fast, heavy, and adrenaline pulsing energized , which is all fine and dandy, but the music is just smooth pacing, but yet fast pacing as well, it just combines these melodies of such motion, it makes the music run, with the tones coming out of it.

Not sure, if that makes much sense, but the music is good plain and simple, it has everything from the genres enlisted above, that makes it more likable. The vocal chords are solid with the scream antics being loud and proud, while the clean vocals stand tall too. It just brings everything together, having the music sounding superb and grand.

Krampu's "Counter//Current", is one of those album's that you will enjoy listening too, not having you skip to the next track, or pulling it out of the player, it's that good of a mix, that you will like that much.

Born of Osiris Announces Tenth Anniversary Tour for The New Reign

Born of Osiris have announced a ten-year anniversary tour for The New Reign album, where they will play said release in full. Support will be coming from Volumes, Oceans Ate Alaska, Within the Ruins and Fire From The Gods.

TOUR DATES:

Feb 17 - Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze
Feb 18 - Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theatre
Feb 19 - Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
Feb 21 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
Feb 23 - Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
Feb 24 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
Feb 25 - Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spade
Feb 26 - Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
Feb 28 - West Hollywood, CA @ The Roxy
Mar 1 - Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater
Mar 3 - Dallas, TX @ GMBG
Mar 4 - San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
Mar 5 - Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
Mar 7 - Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
Mar 8 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
Mar 9 - Greensboro, NC @ Blind Tiger
Mar 10 - Richmond, VA @ Canal Club
Mar 11 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
Mar 12 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
Mar 14 - New York, NY @ Gramercy Theater
Mar 15 - Baltimore, MD @ Sound Stage
Mar 16 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr Smalls
Mar 17 - Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
Mar 18 - Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre
Mar 19 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

Dope Announces the "Blood, Lust, and Death" Tour

Industrial Metal Legends DOPE and Combichrist are pairing up for the Black Craft Whiskey sponsored Blood, Lust, Death 2017 Tour.. The bill will be rounded out with support from September Mourning and Davey Suicide. Launching Feb 27th in Portland OR, the tour winds through the Midwest, East Coast, and South before wrapping up in LA on April 9.

"We are very excited to get back out on the road " says Edsel Dope.
"This will be our first time touring with Combichrist & we both have some really cool surprises planned for the tour…If you are a fan of Industrial Metal, this is one show that you don't want to miss".

"In addition to playing the Dope classics, this will be the first opportunity for fans to catch us performing some of the songs off of our new album Blood Money " Says Edsel.

"Can't wait to get back on the road in the US and actually play a full show for all of you again. Hope you're all ready to party, because shit's getting serious. We are packing the set full of old classics as well as our new favorite tracks" - Andy LaPlegua - Combichrist

Both Dope and Combichrist will play full sets on the tour.… Check out the list of dates below.

TOUR DATES:

3/2/2017 Salt Lake City, UT Liquid Joe's
3/3/2017 Colorado Springs, CO Sunshine Studios
3/4/2017 Merriam, KS Aftershock
3/5/2017 Springfield , MO Outland Ballroom
3/6/2017 Omaha, NE Sokol Underground
3/7/2017 Iowa City, IA Gabe's
3/8/2017 St Paul, MN Amsterdam Bar & Hall
3/9/2017 Dubuque, IA Courtside
3/10/2017 Ringle, WI Q&Z Expo Center
3/12/2017 Madison, WI The Annex
3/13/2017 Cudahy, WI The Metal Grill
3/14/2017 Cleveland, OH The Agora
3/15/2017 Arlington Heights, IL HOME Bar
3/16/2017 Valparaiso, IN Big Shots
3/17/2017 Belvidere, IL The Apollo Theatre
3/18/2017 Flint, MI The Machine Shop
3/19/2017 Battle Creek, MI The Music Factory
3/20/2017 Louisville, KY Trixie's Entertainment Complex
3/21/2017 Pittsburgh, PA Diesel
3/24/2017 Worcester, MA Palladium
3/25/2017 Halethorpe, MD Fish Head Cantina
3/26/2017 Greensboro, NC Arizona Pete's
3/28/2017 Winter Park, FL The Haven
3/29/2017 Tampa, FL The Orpheum
3/30/2017 Fort Lauderdale, FL O'Malley's Sports Bar
4/2/2017 New Orleans, LA Southport Music Hall
4/3/2017 Austin, TX Grizzly Hall
4/4/2017 Houston, TX Scout Bar
4/5/2017 San Antonio, TX Fitzgerald's
4/6/2017 Dallas, TX Trees
4/8/2017 Mesa, AZ Club Red
4/9/2017 Los Angeles, CA The Regent Theater

The Dollyrots Releases Video for "All I Want for Christmas is You"

The Dollyrots has released a new video for "All I Want for Christmas is You". Check it out HERE.

Havok Announces New Album and New Tour

Thrash-metal stalwarts HAVOK are thrilled to announce the details of their upcoming new studio album, titled Conformicide. The Denver based group will unleash their fourth full-length record on March 10th, 2017 via Century Media, along with touring in both North America and Europe next year to support the release. Conformicide is the follow up to the band's 2013 effort, "Unnatural Selection". Discussing what fans can expect from the new record, David Sanchez (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) comments:

“‘Conformicide’ is our most dynamic, heavy, thoughtful, musical, and sonically-crushing album so far.  All four members feel that this is the best Havok album to date. There are a lot of “truth bombs” being dropped on this record and the music absolutely rips!”

Building on Sanchez's comments, Reece Scruggs (lead guitar) adds:

"This album swings for the fences in every way. Sonically stunning, technically proficient and lyrically pissed, we've never been represented at our best until this moment in time. We cannot wait for the world to react to Conformicide."

"In the shop for almost three years, Havok’s Conformicide is undoubtedly their Master of Puppets or Rust in Peace moment. True, the Denver-based rippers have bled out guts, brains, and cash on previous albums Unnatural Selection (2013), Time is Up (2011), and Burn (2009), but none of them compare to the ear-destroying, mind-flaying Conformicide. 'Conformicide is faster and way angrier than Unnatural Selection,' says vocalist/guitarist/founding member David Sanchez. 'On this album, the music is very layered and dynamic and the lyrics say a lot about the current state of the world.'"

HAVOK will return to the road in 2017 with extensive touring planned in both North American and Europe. Expressing the band's level of enthusiasm to bring their fans an even heavier and more energized live show than ever before, Sanchez states, "We can’t wait to perform some new music live and present a show that people won’t forget!  Expect to see Havok like you’ve never seen before. We’re ready to destroy!"

TOUR DATES:

North American Headlining Tour w/Exmortus, Extinction A.D.
February 8th, 2017 - Chicago, IL @ Reggie's Rock Club
February 9th, 2017 - Detroit, MI @ Small's
February 10th, 2017 - Toronto, ON @ Rockpile West
February 11th, 2017 - Quebec City, QC @ L'Anti
February 12th, 2017 - Montreal, QC @ Les Foufounes Electriques
February 13th, 2017 - Somerville, MA @ Once Ballroom
February 14th, 2017 - Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus
February 15th, 2017 - Philadelphia, PA @ Voltage Lounge
February 16th, 2017 - Rochester, NY @ Montage Music Hall
February 17th, 2017 - Dayton, OH @ Rockstar Pro Arena
February 19th, 2017 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Thunder Alley

European Headlining Tour w/Warbringer, Gorod, Exmortus
April 1st, 2017 - Edingburgh, UK @ Heavy Scotland Festival*
April 2nd, 2017 - Manchester, UK @ Rebellion  
April 3rd, 2017 - Birmingham, UK @ Mama Roux’s
April 4th, 2017 - London, UK @ Underworld
April 5th, 2017 - Hasselt, BEL @ Muziekodroom  
April 6th, 2017 - Tilburg, NL @ 013  
April 7th, 2017 - Hamburg, DE @ Logo
April 8th, 2017 - Aarhus, DNK @ Royal Metal Festival
April 9th, 2017 - Gothenburg, SWE @ Sticky Fingers
April 11th, 2017 - Helsinki, FIN @ Tavastia
April 13th, 2017 - Stockholm, SWE @ Fryshuset Klubben
April 14th, 2017 - Copenhagen, DNK @ Pumpehuset  
April 15th, 2017 - Berlin, DE @ Cassiopeia
April 16th, 2017 - Markneukirchen, DE @ Framus & Warwick Concert Hall
April 17th, 2017 - München, DE @ Feierwerk
April 19th, 2017 - Vienna, AUT @ Arena
April 20th, 2017 - Ljubljana, SVN @ Orto Bar
April 21st, 2017 - Brescia, ITA @ Circolo Colony
April 22nd, 2017 - Pratteln, CHE @ Z7
April 23rd, 2017 - Saarbrücken, DE @ Garage
April 24th, 2017 - Nantes, FRA @ Ferrailleur  
April 26th, 2017 - Madrid, ESP @ Caracol
April 27th, 2017 - Barcelona, ESP @ Salamandra 1
April 28th, 2017 - Puget, FRA @ Le Rats
April 29th, 2017 - Paris, FRA @ Petit Bain
April 30th, 2017 - Essen, DE @ Turock
*(HAVOK Only)

ASPHYX Releases New Video for "Candiru"

Asphyx has released a new video for "Candiru". Check it out right HERE.

GPL - Anatomy Of A Sailing Ship

GPL got started way back in 1999, after forming they went on to write and record what would be their first DIY efforts in terms of a demo release "Hope Inside, Ruins Everywhere". After that, they would go on to play many live showcases, writing more material that would become their debut "Self-Titled" EP released in 2010, that really brought out the styling of the band that would be melodic punk rock.

Keeping the years moving along, so did the band writing and recording for a follow-up EP release titled "Phoenix", having them continuing to play shows with various bands. After that the band returned to the studio sometime later on and in 2015 would see their debut full-length "Anatomy Of A Sailing Ship" hit the market, getting digital copies as well as physical copies released through their partnership with Ghost Factory Records. As the band puts it, this album "Is a sea journey, a journey to be made mandatory by defeating monsters and life changes, but from which we will emerge perhaps more intact than before."

That said, the album itself isn't half bad, filled with up to 8-tracks it's really a story on its own, literally the opening track is titled the "Prologue" then from track 2 through track 8, it is divided up into numerous chapters, chapter 1, 2, 3, etc. Even has an interlude embedded within all of that, really making this release that more interesting. The music itself is of course that melodic punk rock style, the fast riffs, guitar solos, drum tones that keep the music in that maintained fast pace beat, while the vocal chords float atop the music, as it spirals along, making the music a never ending flowing motion.

All in all "Anatomy Of A Sailing Ship" by the guys in GPL is one of those albums that you will probably be listening to, more than once, because the first time through, just isn't enough, their music is crafty and fun!

Falling In Reverse Releases New Song "Coming Home"

Falling In Reverse has released a new song called "Coming Home" off their yet to be titled new album. Check it out HERE.

Hail Sagan Announces 1st Leg of North American 2017 Tour

Los Angeles rockers Hail Sagan - fronted by vocalist Sagan Amery - including guitarist Nick Quijano (Powerman 5000), will be hitting the road next year in support of their self-titled debut EP. Confirmed shows are as listed:

TOUR DATES:

January
27 - Pranksters Too - Scottsdale, AZ
29 - Juggernaut Music - Gallup, NM
February
1 - The Rail Club - Fort Worth, TX
4 - Thunder Alley - Oklahoma City, OK
7 - Mesa Theater - Grand Junction, CO
8 - Herman's Hideaway - Denver, CO
9 - Club X - Salt Lake City, UT
12 - Slide Bar - Fullerton, CA

FORMER MISFITS GUITARIST DOYLE WOLFGANG VON FRANKENSTEIN SIGNS LABEL/DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH EMP LABEL GROUP. NEW ALBUM AS WE DIE DUE IN APRIL VIA EMP/MONSTERMAN

As announced on the Black Carpet at the The Epiphone Revolver Music Awards 12/13, former MISFITS guitarist DOYLE WOLFGANG VON FRANKENSTEIN has signed a label and distribution deal with EMP LABEL GROUP, who will not only release AS WE DIE, the upcoming sophomore LP from the legendary guitarist’s eponymous project DOYLE, but distribute all releases for the guitarist’s label MONSTERMAN RECORDS.

EMP, the label vessel of Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, with operations headed up by former Corporate Punishment President/A&R/Marketing exec Thom Hazaert, home to artists including A Killer’s Confession, Motograter, Heaven Below (featuring Patrick Kennison of Lita Ford/Union Underground), Broken Teeth, Doll Skin, Helstar, Cage9, Green Death, Arise in Chaos, former Faith No More vocalist Chuck Mosley, and many more, started out with deep ties into the Doyle camp, according to EMP’s Hazaert.

“I worked really closely with Bruce (Miyaki – Doyle’s Manager) and MONSTERMAN on (Doyle’s 2013 release) Abominator, and I was actually the marketing director out of the gate on that release. Over the years, I’ve stayed involved, and we’re all good friends, and with David (Ellefson), who also has a great relationship with DOYLE, eventually as EMP came to fruition the conversation inevitably came up about seeing if there was a fit there. With everything else going on in all of our Worlds, it took a bit of a detour to finally get here, but I can’t express how excited we are to finally be able to put this all together. The legacy of someone like DOYLE, who is SUCH a legendary talent, is always such an amazing gift when it comes to putting out records, especially for a label like EMP, where we are all HUGE, genuine music fans. And there’s really not many out there who can hold a candle to DOYLE, in terms of talent OR legacy.”

EMP President David Ellefson agrees. “I’ve always loved Doyle and we’ve had a great relationship that goes back a long time. We’d started some talk last year when Doyle and Alissa (White-Gluz) came out to do some stuff with Metal Allegiance, and it just became an ongoing conversation over the past year. Now that it’s official, we’re extremely excited to be able to not only push out this new DOYLE record, which is amazing, but all the killer MONSTERMAN titles via EMP.”

Says Doyle, “When Dave came to me with an offer for our new CD As We Die it was a no brainer. He has been a good friend of mine for 20 + years, and has never done me wrong, and in this business that’s unheard of. We didn’t want to release it ourselves on Monster Man, we wanted a bigger push and EMP has a lot of exciting things happening in 2017 that will do that for us.”

DOYLE the current project of Von Frankenstein, with CANCERSLUG vocalist Alex “Wolfman” Story, and a current lineup rounded out by bassist Brandon Strate and drummer Brandon Pertzborn, continues the lineage of Doyle’s former projects, pairing crushing metal riffs with ferocious Punk Rock swagger and the theatrical intensity one would expect from one of the reigning kings, and erstwhile creators, of Horror-Core.

In addition to the upcoming sophomore release from DOYLE, EMP/MONSTERMAN will release several limited edition vinyl configurations, as well as a CD reissue of DOYLE’s Critically-acclaimed ABOMINATOR, the upcoming LP from LA Industrial Metal mainstays DEAD GIRLS CORP., and several additional 2017 releases TBA.

URBANGARDE Finds Rooftop Religion in "Akumade Akuma" Video

The devil always wins in URBANGARDE’s view of a sick society, and the “trauma techno-pop” Japanese band gives fans a ringside seat to the battle of desire vs. purity in their new music video for the upcoming single “Akumade Akuma”.

Shot on a rainy Tokyo rooftop, singer Yoko Hamasaki returns to the twisted religious imagery of URBANGARDE’s 2010 album Kizu Darake No Maria to act out her conflicting inner selves, finally resolving once and for all band leader Temma Matsunaga’s statement that “We’re all devils to the very end.”

URBANGARDE - "Akuma des Akuma" music video
https://youtu.be/kq3-0DY5Noc

URBANGARDE uses their characteristic wordplay for the video's YouTube release, substituting “Akuma des Akuma” to give the song a new triple-meaning using the implied French and Japanese “des/desu”. The single, due for release January 4, 2017, will come with a variety of bonuses at local Japanese retailers, including:

Tower Records bonus:
DVD “Gasmask Party”
Complete video of the 60-min-long “Gasmask Party”, a frantic live show from last December’s Showa 90 tour where all performers and audience had to wear gas masks.

Village Vanguard bonus:
Reading CD “School Girl Trauma”
Live CD of the reading performance of the poetry photo book “School Girl Trauma” (released this summer) at Asagaya LOFT-A.

URBANGARDE
Akumade Akuma
Rel. 1/4/2017

Regular Edition
1. Akumade Akuma
2. Tenshi ni Shiyagare
3. Akumade Akuma (Instrumental)
4. Tenshi ni Shiyagare (Instrumental)

Limited Edition
1. Akumade Akuma
2. Tenshi ni Shiyagare
[DVD]
1. Akumade Akuma (Music Video)
2. Akumade Akuma (Dance Video)
3. Femme Fata Fantasy (Music Video)
4. Live Performance from Utsu Fes @ TSUTAYA O-EAST
- Onepiece Shinjuu
- Kuchibiru Democracy
- Femme Fata Fantasy
- Shinjuku Mon Amour
- Hako Otoko ni Kike
- Daihakai Koukyougaku / Tokai no Alice
- Yameru Idol

Adoration Destroyed Releases "In Elegant Decay" Video

Adoration Destroyed has released a new video for "In Elegant Decay". Check it out right HERE.

CO-OP's Dash Discusses the Family Business with Music Creating

It runs in the family, or to keep the tradition flowing is the typical expression, among some people, in the case of music, it comes on going, because the son of one of the most iconic rock legends around, Alice Cooper, his son Dash Cooper, got into the music thing, forming his own act called CO-OP. The band went on to write and record material for a debut "Self-Titled" and have plans on releasing a debut full-length album, playing shows and touring to top it all off. So there is no stopping Dash Cooper with his act of CO-OPs. Find out what was said about this act and what they got lined-up.


1. First off, who are you and what role do you play in the band?

Dash: Hi. My name is Dash Cooper and I am the Lead Singer of the band CO-OP.

2. How did the band's name come into the picture and what does it mean?

Dash: I thought of the name of the band as a play on of words if you will. Being that my last name is Cooper, I thought it would be cool to pay homage to it by using COOP but my first name is Dash so I inserted the "dash" in the middle. Also, the word co-op is a hyphenated word meaning cooperative mission in the gaming world. To us we took that to heart because we see this band as an objective or mission we are all on. It made sense because we are trying to achieve our goals collectively.

3. Why did you think having this debut EP release a self-titled release was the right thing to do? Since the debut EP received the self-titled treatment, does that mean no other releases will be self-titled or is there no telling.

Dash: The reason for the EP self title is because this was an opportunity to present CO-OP to the world. We all agreed that the name of the band in presentation is more important than artistic impression in terms of tilting songs and albums. In fact, we have 2 new songs we are recording right now that have working titles. In short we wanted to make sure the name CO-OP was the focal point for all our future fans.

In regards to future titles, we don’t really see too much of a need of self titling anymore as the songs we write are written in groups. The idea there is a story to tell, a movement if you may, within these groups of songs. Sort of like chapters to a book, and we want to tell the story properly. This typically results in correctly titling these albums in regard to the story.

4. You went and released a song off the EP called "Sleep" will this track be made into an official single or video, or do you have another song in mind?

Dash: Sleep is a song designed to introduce our fans to the larger story being told within our full length album. As a single no, the song will be inserted into our full length to where we have multiple song titles that will be established into videos.

5. At your recent CD Release Party, your dad made an appearance performing alongside you, when this happens, do you ever feel embarrassed "like ah man why you here, leave me alone" or to you does it not even matter.

Dash: No I never get embarrassed to sing with Alice. It's always a privilege and never a burden. He and I have a great relationship on and off the stage so we just have fun whenever we get the opportunity to jam together. I think I left the whole "ahh man why are you here, leave me alone" phase in my teenage years... Haha.

6. Do you ever feel awkward singing the old classics your done is so known for or do you feel at ease doing it.

Dash: I don't feel awkward at all singing those songs. Most of the time when we do them, we are actually performing them with Alice himself. CO-OP is its own entity without Alice and our songs are strong and stand on their own. However, in a way, when we jam with him, it feels like less of a cover and more like we are the Alice Cooper band in that brief moment, which is a special feeling.  I feel at ease performing them because we've done them so many times and enjoy playing them.

7. Whereabouts are you in the process of your debut full-length, when can we expect that to be seen and heard.

Dash: We should be done with the album by the end of May. After some quality control, and barring any hiccups, we anticipate our label will have it ready for release by mid June. We have recently finished the drums and are working on bass at the moment. So far, it is sounding thunderously killer! Depending on the direction of marketing, there may be a single here and there released as a primer before its released. We are very excited to get all the music out there for people to hear.

8. How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard your music before and what song would you pick out for them to hear, to best showcase that description.

Dash: Gritty, Dirty, Fuzzy Hard Rock. We like to classify ourselves as Desert Hard Rock. It's hard to say exactly who we sound like. We have so much diversity in our musical tastes. Overdrive kind of represents our speedier rock side, Old Scratch and Desert dreams show our fuzzier heavy grooves in my opinion and Sleep is animal all on its own. We aren't afraid to experiment and play what we consider to be cool. In other words, every idea we come up together has merit and we try to build around those ideas. In this way we don't limit ourselves. That's why CO-OP is such a special sound I think. Every member of the band has different tastes and musical input and we take all of those elements to create an awesome hybrid that people seem to be digging.

9. What does the next year have in-store for Co-Op?

Dash: We will be releasing our full length album, getting on tour as support this summer and hopefully building on the CO-OP brand thru festivals and larger gigs.

10. Any last words?

Dash: Thank you so much for your questions and the opportunity to reach your audience. I'd like to direct people to our website to check us out at www.co-opband.com and to check out our music on iTunes, Amazon and or any other digital platforms for music download. Stay Rockin'!