2020
No Phace Project Discusses Creating Music and Releasing More of It!
Mixer-uppers NO PHACE PROJECT is a collective band whose collaborations are rather unique. With that said, they have an upcoming EP out come the New Year, with more plans on releasing more music, and playing live once things clear up and can take place again. The band discusses all of this plus more.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
No Phace project was founded early 2020 as a platform for artists to come together as a collective to create collaborations and release them.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
The origin of the name. No Phace project is a project with no face. We wanted to let the music we collectively create to be the forefront of the brand. Not the image. Showcasing skills.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We are based in York, North Yorkshire. there are some amazing bands from from the county. The list would be endless to be honest! Top five (no particular order or genre) Howl and the hum, the family ruin, glamour of the kill, hutchi, Kritikal, silk stratosphere and more...
4. How would you describe your style?
How we would describe our style.. that is a tough question as there are so many different genre hybrids that we create. However we are a mixture of electronic music, bass, hip-hop, rap metal, rock, dubstep drum and bass.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
So far No Phace project has released twelve collaborations which can be found on all major streaming platforms. What can be expected from us? We will just keep on coming right back with fresh music. Better and better!
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
We have a 4track EP due out early 2021. Hip hop and bass music collaborations. I'm excited for this release especially as it's our first full hip-hop EP.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Live performances will be considered once we are free from this pandemic.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
Our plans are to continue to expand as a collective and keep releasing music
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Out material is available for streaming and downloads on all major streaming platforms world wide.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
I want No Phace project to be remembered for it's big sound and expression musically.
Marble Discusses New Album And Wanting All to Hear Their Stuff!
Heavy metal band MARBLE have an all new album titled "S.A.V.E." out in 2021! The band goes on with discussion about this release and how they came together, and hoping to play live sometime!
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Marble was an idea of bass player Daniel, that creates with some local musician and ensemble to play prog and power metal. Soon Omar and Jacopo joined and with Paul they completed the lineup. There were a few changes behind the mic during the years. We published first demo, then in 2008 our first full length A.t.G.o.d., an Ep in 2010.
Omar, Daniel and Jacopo were friends since young age, from the same town, Mortara, Daniel met Paul in University and asked him to enter the band. Eleonora met Jacopo and Daniel through a group of historical re-enactment. Norman is the last member who joined and a fellow teacher of Paul in music school.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
In the early days of the band we used to rehearse at our first drummer’s lab. He’s a marble worker and crafts headstones and tombstones for some local graveyards, so we always were surrounded by marble slabs and tombstones. It was a natural idea to choose that name for the band, plus we think it really fits the mood of our style.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
The band was bornin Mortara, a small town outside Milan and still the headquarters lives there. The metal scene around the town was very active during the last years of the ‘90. And the first of the 2000, but lately a lack of places where playing live was possible create a hole in the scene. Around Us there are our friends Heavenfall, Toliman, a great prog metal band with female vocals like us, Sylpheed, and some rock acts. Lots of cover band also!
4. How would you describe your style?
Even of we’re fan of lot of metal genre, we find some difficult to label one of our new music. Surely we had a lot of power influences in the past, but we think our new album is a good combination of some prog elements, aggressive and heavy guitar rhythms blended with lots of vocal melodies and keyboards shades. If you want some known name we can say that Evergrey and Nevermore were the first, but also some band like Ocean of Slumber and Darkwater comes to mind. I think one of the interesting thing is to see or read what people think of our music genre.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
As told before, we have made a full length album of course!
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
We’re going to release through sliptrick records in February our brand new album called “s.a.v.e.” where we combine the concept of sins and virtues with human behaviors. We tried to find our own approach to the subject: not religious, more down-to-earth, probably a bit cynical and dispassionate. It's a theme we found tremendously appealing.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Not yet, since we’re in the middle of the pandemic, and we’re focusing on the promotion for the new album
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
We want to make our listeners enjoy our music and hopefully like it, also through some videos that will come out with the album. And whenever it will be possible we’d like to play it live of course!
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
The new album will be available on all digital platform like Spotify, Apple music, Amazon music and so on. It also will be available as Digipack CD with the amazing artwork created by the finish master Jan Yrlund of Darkgrove Design. First place to support us is our shop in our website www.marbleheavymetal.com that will open in January, or through our label!
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Tricky question. We have different approach on every song, since the theme of sins and virtues bring different sensation. We hope that listeners will enjoy the whole album with the lyrics and dig deep with us in the human behavior. Hopefully the voice of our singer Eleonora will be their guide through this journey! Thank for your time! Cheers from Marble
Ruins Of Elysium - Amphitrite: Ancient Sanctuary In The Sea
Seven years to their namesake, Ruins Of Elysium have released three full-length album's to date, including their most newest and recent calling "Amphitrite: Ancient Sanctuary In The Sea". An array assortment of 12-tracks that span of what is said to be eight different languages. The assortment of languages includes; English, Chinese, Latin, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese, Hindi and more. As the band puts it, it is simply a round the world like trip from the comfort of your ear sockets.
Tenor being the styling of vocalization provided from Ruins Of Elysium's frontman Drake Chrisdensen, where his styling takes on a classical approach, with a vocal range that intertwines the countertenor and baritone voice types. In short, it is one of the highest voice types for a male vocalist to perform. Drake here does flawlessly, combining not just good tenor stylistics but with the genre choices of epic symphonic metal, this album brings forth the likes of folk metal as well as some Celtic folk as well as traditional metal. It combines an ethnic element from not just vocal chords but the instrumentals too, as they are used to contemplate to numerous cultures and folklore's from across the globe.
Very much all of this can be heard within the first couple of tracks including opening track “Alexiel An Epic Lovestory”, following up with “Queen of The Seven Seas”, and then “Belladonna”. Each play well into one another. Vocalization provided is done quite well, whilst the instrumentation is superb and catching. Some portions provide a rather fast paced effort, whereas other parts keep a steady beat that keeps the music together, but has it sink in making it sound gripping yet soaring at times.
Other notable tracks off this release likely consist of such as “”Atlas”, Book Of Seals”, and “Cathedral Of Cascades”. These resemble such an epic presence that is purely majestic yet heavy through and through. It is the sound that Ruins Of Elysium has always been able to craft and create since their forming so long ago. This album is merely a treat for many in all shape and form of its creation.
If an epic tale of adventure is what you seek within the form of music; then perhaps seeking the likes of Ruins Of Elysium is for you. Otherwise this band is without a doubt one that will not be forgotten but cherished and remembered for many years to come.
Skags Talks of Pandemic, Music, and Getting Back on that Stage!
Alternative electronic psychedelic rock band SKAGS is a band like no other! Since forming they have a debut album, with a follow-up in the works! They just want their music to be heard and want to make it out there, playing out on the stage too! The band talks of all of these matters and more.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
SKAGS history starts in 2017 as a cover band with Sotiris (bass), Kostas (guitar) and Spyretta (vocals). After a few changes in the line-up, the initial band members were joined by Christos (drums) and Christina (keyboards). After that, the band decided to record their first album “Digital Cage of a Cursed Generation” which was released on November 5, 2020.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
The band’s name began as an acronym, formed by the first letters of our member’s names at that time. Since then, inevitably, some members left and other came, but in the meanwhile we decided to keep the name. Actually, the word “skag” is slang for recreational drugs, and such we consider our music, intense and highly addictive.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We are located in Athens, Greece. The music scene here is mostly focused on mainstream pop, folk and hip-hop hits. But there is also a popular underground scene building up lately. There are quite a few Greek bands like Planet of Zeus, 1000 Mods, Puta Volcano, Villagers of Ioannina City (VIC) etc. who have established a strong fan base with dedicated followers even outside Greece.
4. How would you describe your style?
We think that the best way to describe our music would be “Alternative Electronic Psychedelic Rock” with a mix of theatrical, atmospheric vocals, progressive guitar-fueled soundscapes and euphoria-dripped synth lines.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
Back in 2019 we released our debut single “Screaming in my bed” along with the official video clip. This was our baptism of fire as a band. Short after we began the process of releasing independently a full album, and, after a whole year of rehearsals, recordings and hard work, we finally made this dream come true. Our first album is called “Digital Cage Of A Cursed Generation”, which is a metaphor for the contemporary Digital Era. We like to consider our music as a rock-fueled thrill ride from start to finish. As it progresses through each track, we portray our take on a variety of social issues we deal with today, such as the environmental crisis, drug addiction, police brutality and even loneliness, alienation and depression.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Hopefully, there are always new projects on the horizon. Our most ambitious plan at the moment is composing a second album. We learned a lot form our first endeavor, and we want the second one to be even better. Unfortunately, though, due to the Covid pandemic we haven’t been able to get together and start working collectively on our ideas. So, at the moment we are focusing on promoting our existing work and hope that, soon enough, will get back to our rehearsal room and get down to business.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
We love touring and playing live in front of our fans. We miss that during the covid-epidemic. As you know, there are no safe predictions for the future of live music shows. So, we really hope that the world gets safer and everything gets back to normal as soon as possible.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
Our main plan is to get back together as a music family and play our music. We are looking forward to writing and recording new songs for our second album. And of course, getting back on stage!
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Our music is currently available in all digital music platforms, including YouTube, Spotify etc We also have a Bandcamp page, where one can purchase our album or any of our tracks if they wish to support us further. To get notified about the band’s activity, one can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram, where we also post some additional content.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
We really want to make a truthful connection with every listener. At first, we aim to get their attention through our music, as the sound slowly builds up, alternates and becomes more elaborate. On the other hand, through our lyrics we strive to “discuss” with them various controversial topics, which we think of as highly important. This “conversation” is our ultimate goal. If, after indulging in our music, any of our listeners’ point of view might slightly change in a positive manner, we’d consider our job done.
Marc Smith Chats It Up About Music Both Old And New!
Loud as hell artist MARC SMITH says that's how his style sounds at least to him. He has been busy writing new songs, working on all new music of course. But before the new content is released, an EP has been released, including an array of single's released as well. With that, Marc himself goes into chatter about his music, and how he got started.
1. Please tell us about your music history.
I think I discovered my passion for music in the middle 90's with bands like Green Day, Nirvana or Nofx, and for that reason I started a punk rock band with my school mates. We dropped out of school soon after that as all we wanted to do is rehearse, write songs and play shows all over the world.
We released 4 records and toured the world with bands like Strung Out, Samiam or No Fun at All. I've been in bands for Over 15 years, and decided to move to London and start a project of my own writing songs from a different perspective. I guess I could say that now I talk about what I feel instead of what I think.
2. What's the origin of your name?
In Spain you get both family names. My original name is Marcos Escoriza Smith as my Dad is originally from Spain and my mum was born here in UK.
3. . Where are you based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
I'm living in Acton Town at the moment, which is located in west London. I was kinda hoping to find a quiet place so I could focus on my songwriting, so there's no music scene where I live. But I do see there's a lot of music communities here and I have witnessed a couple of very good artists.
4. How would you describe your style?
When you're in a band it's easy to describe your style. When you're a solo artist it becomes a bit more difficult. I would like to define my music as songs you can play in a quiet room with just a guitar but also adding a band and sound as loud as hell.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
Ever since I've been songwriting on my own I released a 3 song EP containing Box In A Grave, which is my first single in this new project. Moved up from Spain to London and here I've released 6 more singles, including Brother, which is my latest release.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Writing new songs is what I love to do the most. So I'm always working on new music. Right now there's 2 new songs that I finished not too long ago, and just can't wait to record them. And even though they're quite different from one another, they complement each other.
7. How about playing shows and touring? Have anything planned out?
Unfortunately there's nothing planned out right now for 2021, but I'm quite sure that's gonna change soon. I like to stat positive.
8. What plans do you have for the future as an artist?
I just want to keep doing what I love. I'm not the kind of person that thinks too much about the distant future, it's enough work to accomplish tomorrows goals nowadays.
I guess I want what everyone wants. To live doing what you love for as long as possible.
9. Where can we listen to your music and where can we buy your stuff?
You can find my music on all streaming devices under Marc Smith.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
That he believes me.
Witherfall Release New Single "Another Face"
Witherfall release new single "Another Face”, off their new album “Curse Of Autumn” out March 5, 2021.
“Another Face” is the third single taken from “Curse Of Autumn”, the upcoming album from Los Angeles-based dark melodic metallers WITHERFALL. Helmed by vocalist/keyboardist Joseph Michael (Sanctuary), guitarist Jake Dreyer (Iced Earth), bassist Anthony Crawford (Chon), and drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats), WITHERFALL’s new configuration aligns the brightest stars.
WITHERFALL enlisted Bradley Cook (Slash) to track the drums at Doghouse Studios and Jon Schaffer (Iced Earth/ Demons & Wizards) to produce (with Michael/Dreyer) at Independence Hall. Jim Morris (Savatage) engineered and mixed, while Tom Morris (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) mastered at Morrisound Recording. Adorned by a striking Kristian Wåhlin cover and supported by a visually stunning Zev Deans (Ghost, BEHEMOTH!…) video for “As I Lie Awake,” the “Curse of Autumn” is peak WITHERFALL.
Stream and Pre-order here
Sidus Talks of Current Project and New Music In-Between!
Post-rock, alternative metal music project simply titled SIDUS was made by Spiros Olivotos was influenced by God is An Astronaut, Explosions In The Sky, Deftones, and Hans Zimmer. Merely put he says to always create, express and explore all new horizons. He would go on to release a debut EP, and all new music is being written currently along with other projects that he's working on as well. Find out about all of this when he talks of this in the chat below.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Sidus is a Berlin based post-rock instrumental one-man band formed by bass player Spiros Olivotos (obviously me xD). Originally coming from Athens (Greece), I was mostly a bass player, (or) guitar player and composer for several underground rock and metal acts until 2012. During this year I decided to focus on post – rock instrumental music, and on my studies on Geology. After some years of experimentation and pre-production, Sidus finally hit the studio (P.K. Productions, Athens) to record my debut EP with the title “Seasons Reversed”, which was released on the 6th of November 2020.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
“Sidus” has a couple of explanations. The root of the word in Latin basically means “star” or “constellation”. Though it can be interpreted figuratively as the “night sky” or a “season (of the year)”. Personally I connect the name with the word “star”.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
The band is based in Berlin (Germany). The music scene here is not so prosperous for rock bands, especially instrumental post – rock bands. However there is band that broke through playing post – metal music. “The Ocean” is one of the best post – metal bands worldwide. Even if their music is not instrumental, their compositions influenced a lot of artists in the field of post – rock // metal scene (including myself).
4. How would you describe your style?
It is for sure cinematic and falls into the post – rock // post – metal genre. There are many elements from progressive rock music and from shoegaze too. In addition my favourite band is Deftones. You can definitely recognize the influence that they have in my song-writing and to my musical approach in general.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
The debut EP “Seasons Reversed” was released during November 2020. It is an instrumental, cinematic, post – rock // metal collection of five compositions, which create an intense though melodic and nostalgic atmosphere. Influenced by God is an Astronaut and Explosions In the Sky but also Deftones and Hans Zimmer, this EP combines dynamic guitars with soundtrack vibes and memorable melodies. All songs from the EP have videos which serve as visual representation of the music (find all videos here: https://bit.ly/3lElBff). In the future I am planning to experiment with more heavy/extreme sounds but also with softer indie vibes, while trying to explore new horizons with more artistic videos.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Yes. I am always creating new music in between all the projects that I am working in. I am preparing already my next release and planning to start recordings in the beginning of 2021. I am very excited about it and can’t wait to share new content and music with my fans!
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Not yet. This project initially started as a personal one-man side project to express and explore my musical borders into new genres. I must admit that creating a full band and playing concerts is a tempting thought that cannot go away, since I released this debut EP. As you can imagine Covid-19 does not make it easier!
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
For the time being, I will only focus on releasing new music, build a loyal fan-base and maybe find an independent record label to support my work. Perhaps in the near future a full band will be created and perform the songs live and tour.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
You can listen to my songs in all streaming platforms. There are the ones that I personally use more:
Bandcamp: https://sidusofficial.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2L5mCAs
Youtube: https://bit.ly/2V2TzP6
Apple Music: https://apple.co/2zscqw8
Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/3bbRS8g
You can purchase a digital copy of my debut EP and support Sidus on Bandcamp : https://sidusofficial.bandcamp.com/album/seasons-reversed
Currently I am working on printing “Seasons Reversed” as a digi file CD for a limited amount of copies. Soon a full merchandise site will be created on Bandcamp.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
I want every listener to empty their mind from their everyday concerns and try to focus on the melodies, the atmosphere and the energy that is building as the songs progress. It is the best way to fully experience this type of music (and/or the video clips). Doing so, you will come closer to the mind-set and the mood I had while creating the pieces. Music is an experience which help us to learn more about ourselves, make us realize our emotions and express them easier. It is so personal! I hope my listeners to have the same cleansing experience that I had while creating this album.
In Peril's Discussion of Going With the Flow!
Hard rock punks IN PERIL don't have a style but IF they had to pick it would be what was first said at the start. With that said, the band has just released their debut single, with a whole lot more being released slowly but surely! They want to get their music out there and shared by anybody really! The band goes into further discussion about all of this and more below!
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
We’re a four-piece – Hayden (Vocals & Rhythm Guitar); Matt (Lead Guitar), James (Bass Guitar) & Gary (Drums). Hayden, Gary & James met somewhere near 15 years ago, playing in another band (Dry ‘Til Friday).
All these years later, they wound up getting back together with another Lead Guitarist (Sam) for a short time, before eventually settling with Matt as the permanent Lead Guitarist – who fitted right into the role, at the right time.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
We were originally going by another name (52i) for a while, before deciding that we wanted to change it up to something with a bit more...substance? We spent ages throwing ideas around, before coming up with IN PERIL – which we ended up settling on.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We’re all based in and around the Northampton, UK area.
All four of us have been in various bands around the area for years – Northampton has historically had a great local music scene. Sadly, with the crazy year 2020 has been it’s been hard to keep up with who’s out there doing what. We do love ‘The Trophy Life’ though – if you like it heavy, check them out!
4. How would you describe your style?
We wouldn’t! None of us really feel that we slot into any one place, style-wise. We play stuff which ranges from ‘hard rock’ through to stuff with a more ‘punky’ feel. At the same time, we love to get dark and moody now and again! If we like the way a song’s going when we’re writing, we just go where it takes us!
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
We only just put out our debut single – ‘Bad Dreams & Battering Rams’ at the end of October 2020. We’ve been working on that song for around a year and we finally recorded it. We spent ages mixing and mastering it and we’ve got to say – we’re mega proud of the end result!
Lyrically, it’s a bit of a moody run through the turmoil that mental ill-health can bring. The music adds to the dark feel that often comes with this subject. We’ve also recently put out ‘Your Decision’. Much punchier than Bad Dreams... it’s short, sharp and to the point.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Absolutely! We spent a day recording several of our tunes at Fit Dog Studios in Northamptonshire, a few months ago. Since then, we’ve been working on them – mixing and mastering and we’re slowly releasing them out into the wild! We’re constantly writing new stuff (mostly via Zoom calls lately!) and we do love the occasional cover tune.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Let’s be honest - 2020 has been shit for live music. We haven’t been able to get out and gig for around a full year. So we’re looking ahead. I think we’re lined up to play some festival spots around Hull in July 2021 and we’re looking to line up other shows – which hopefully we’ll have details of soon!
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
Rock Stardom, obviously! We just want to get out there and share our tunes with anybody who’ll listen – if that’s just the bearded old guy that’s been propping up the bar for the last 30 years or packing a venue full, we don’t really care. Live music is where it’s at and we just want to be a part of that!
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
We have an active Facebook presence - https://www.facebook.com/IN.PERIL.Band
You can hear tunes as we release them on most popular streaming services.
For example – we’re on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/67Dv7xDY0QQuhT7Ocfjld9?si=uMlBLh-bRg-1T0oK_uM9sA.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Try not to find yourself trapped in a room alone with Gary. Always important...
The Hu Releases Metallica Cover for "Sad But True"
Better Noise Music recording artists, The HU debut their ‘hunnu rock’ cover of Metallica’s “Sad But True” today, along with a music video. The track is a unique take on the beloved classic that has over 142 Million streams on Spotify alone.
The HU’s distinct style allows listeners to hear this song in a completely new way. The band added traditional Mongolian instrumentation along with their signature style of throat singing and swapped out “Sad But True”’s English lyrics for their native language, Mongolian. The same distorted guitar melody from the original song helps drive the song forward, but the originality and musical prowess of The HU’s distinguishing sound makes this track stand out on its own.
Check it out right HERE.
BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT, Featuring Famous Frontman Alexi Laiho, Signs Official Worldwide Contract with Napalm Records
BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT, featuring former members of Children Of Bodom, have signed an official worldwide (excl. Japan) contract with premier Austrian rock and metal label Napalm Records.
BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT - Alexi, Daniel, Mitja, Waltteri - say:
"We are far beyond thrilled to start working with Napalm Records. We feel that they can provide the best possible temple for a boulder called BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT to roll over all the archeologists who claim that metal music is on the brink of extinction. Since the world is more or less in a stand still state right now, we are spending all the time we’d normally spend on the road making new music. Our new family at Napalm is giving us the liberty to make music that you can bang your head to very soon.”
Thomas Caser, Managing Director Napalm Records adds:
“Welcome BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT. I have been following the career of Alexi Laiho since the first COB albums and have always been a huge fan. It’s needless to say that we are delighted to finally work with such a talent and we cannot wait for the first bits of music to be unleashed to the metal world. This will be BIG!”
After nearly three decades, ten studio full-lengths, two live albums, hundreds of concerts, a Gold certification and many chart-breaking successes, legendary Finnish export Children Of Bodom closed one section and opened another thrilling brand new chapter in their musical career - carrying their well-known spirit and adding some exciting new elements. Vocalist Alexi Laiho and guitarist Daniel Freyberg have joined forces with Waltteri Väyrynen (known as a drummer for Paradise Lost), Mitja Toivonen (ex-Santa Cruz bassist) and live keyboardist Vili Itäpelto to form the explosive new metal pillar BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT!
Named after a track on Follow the Reaper, the newly staffed supergroup already played their exclusive first live set, showcasing their inexorable musical intensity.
BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT are currently working on some exciting new tunes and have entered their studio to record new material. Prepare for a new metal era! More to come soon ...
BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT on their plans for 2021:
"As most of our gigs and touring plans for 2020 got cancelled, meanwhile we've been working hard on our upcoming full-length album that's supposed to see the light of the day in late 2021. To make the wait a little easier we want to give a treat to our fans and announce that we’ve just finished the recordings for two brand new bone-crushing and neck-breaking BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT songs! Needless to say we're absolutely thrilled about this and we can guarantee there's killer stuff coming up your way! Cheers and stay tuned for more info!”
BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT are:
Alexi Laiho - vocals
Daniel Freyberg - guitar
Mitja Toivonen - bass
Waltteri Väyrynen - drums
LUDOVICO TECHNIQUE Unveils New Single, "Live as Myself"
LUDOVICO TECHNIQUE has released their newest single, "Live as Myself." Reflecting on our current times, this song is about expressing who you are inside, regardless of how society views you or tries to tell you how you should be.
"Live as Myself" was mastered by Grammy award nominee Stuart Hawkes (Amy Winehouse, Lorde, Ed Sheeran) and will be given a visual incarnation with a music video slated for release in 2021.
Bringing his dark mystique to goth industrial metal, Ben V-, along with his band Ludovico Technique, shows us a thoughtful depth and complexity unlike any other. Haunting music accompanied by beautiful, cinematic visuals; Ludovico Technique is the embodiment of the Gothic aesthetic in its purest form.
Check out the track over HERE.
Angelspit - The Ignorance Cartel
Angelspit's ninth album "The Ignorance Cartel", is the latest addition to the Angelspit extensive catalog. Across this assortment of what is 14-tracks comes an array of material that is solid yet catchy. Take for instance opening number "Eat the Children", it has a build up that creates edginess. It’s heavy yet plays out like a lot of industrial types of material does, being very catchy yet upbeat as well. The same goes for a lot of the other tracks that come off this release like "Ammosexual", "Love to Watch", "Don't Say", "Comply or Die", and "Live Fast or Die", capture just this weird but unique noise of ultra sound that has brutal beasts that could be heard within the walls of all goth club setting. It's industrial techno beats straight out of the 90's cyberpunk scene, with bits and pieces of distortion and mixes that make even the production value sound crisp yet dense. Pretty much the entirety of this release is mid-temp electro punk tracks, that has the fans of Angelspit devouring every inch of it. Each and every one of the tracks can simply be felt with the beats and have you dancing along whether that be in your sit or on the dance floor if you posses one. Otherwise Angelspit’s latest addition is just chalk full of working’s that will make it a piece of work, that will have you leaning in for more to keep you tame yet relaxed as well.
Petals And Thorns - The Maid And The Blacksmith
Duo band Petals And Thorns have not one but two albums under their belts. Their debut album "The Broken Mirror", released back in 2014 is where the band left things. Taking some time to focus upon themselves and what not, they would go on to write and record material later on leading up to what is their follow-up sophomore album titled "The Maid And The Blacksmith" released this year that is 2020. Perhaps the 2020 year of downtime for everyone, had them get into the urge of creating music once more? Perhaps so or perhaps not. Nevertheless though, Petals And Thorn's newest offering, offers 8-tracks, opening up with "Digital Religion", a rather captivating tune that sets the album straight away. Whereas "Through The Shadows" and "Echo Chamber", capture a more toned down effort. Sounding more doom and gloom as it were. Think if Evanescence had returned to their roots sounding more goth and experimental that is how these two tracks sound much like really. Their style is a lot like theirs except adds the added flare of dark wave and alternative making their style more upset yet mellow. Other tracks like “Lost In A Dream”, “Behind The Curtain”, and “Burning Within”, each have their uniqueness but do sound much alike. It’s not a bad thing, just more or less has such a smooth performance structure done by the duo with an added production value, that makes this sound stunning if not amazing at times. Whilst it may have taken some time for it to be done and released, it is an enjoyable piece for the ears, not just originality but it done from the get go that makes Petals And Thorns soulful and fun to hear from any release released.
Self Isolation Network Talks of Latest Content and How They Stylin Their Sound!
Mixing things up with numerous genres SELF ISOLATION NETWORK do just this with their music. Having going on to release an album, with newer music and other content popping up here and there. The band talks about their style, new album and what holds ahead of them.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Simon Godfrey and Joanna Bowes. We are close friends who met through an admiration for Gary Numan. Simon started up the tribute band Nuway Army with great success and has been part of many musical projects over the years. Simon is currently in Plague UK and he is working very hard on their new album. During lockdown Joanna was desperate to not let the time go to waste and wanted a way to push herself creatively and show case her poetry. We started bouncing ideas back and forward online and with Simon’s musical and production talents were able to produce an album very quickly.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
S.I.N - Self Isolation Network is really documenting the time we recorded it. We wanted something that could be easily remembered and that stands out, as S.I.N is a great abbreviation for an alternative album. Also the name reflects many of the themes of our tracks.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there?
Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We are based near Croydon at the moment and unfortunately due to Covid 19 all music scenes are struggling. The punk and alternative scene are very important to us. Bands I would recommend are Plague UK, Change Persona, IAMWARFACE, David Ryder Prangley, Mechanical Cabaret, Sheep on Drugs and Jayce Lewis The record store Sound of the Suburbs are a great supporter of us and our scene and is the best place to find new and similar artists at the moment.
4. How would you describe your style?
This album is very eclectic, we have many alternative styles influenced by many people. There is N.I.N, Numan, Garbage, the Cure, rock guitars , industrial sounds, darkwave synths the list goes on. Have a listen to see how many styles you can spot.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
We have our album out Cheap Accessory with ten tracks. Each song varies in style but there is a consistent thread that runs through the tracks to make the album one piece of work. We were lucky enough to have a lovely review in Vive la Rock magazine and this somes up very well what you can expect from the album so we were very grateful to them.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Simon is busy focusing on Plague Uk’s new album, called Nothing for Nothing but we are always both dabbling with new ideas so we shall see where our musical paths take us and Jo certainly will carry on writing.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
This is such a tricky time for everyone and I really feel for all professional musicians and anyone in the entertainment industry at the moment. We need to support our talented musicians as much as possible when all this is over and get out there and watch them play live! At the moment Self Isolation Network is a recording project but Never say Never! You will be able to catch Plague UK out and about a lot as soon as is possible!
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
As Cheap Accessory is so brand new we want to let it breathe and let people experience it and then who knows what the future will hold. This album is like a screen shot of our lives at that time and we think stands strong on its own, so any future projects could be very different. Watch this space!
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
We are on Bandcamp where the album can be downloaded or the CD purchased. We are on many streaming sites including Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited , but at the moment we are not on Spotify. We have two videos on YouTube. One for our first single Faceless Clown and the second is Unlock. We had great fun filming these and we did it all ourselves and can I just say that Simon is a genius with directing!
We will soon have one of the tracks from Cheap Accessory on the compilation album Transmission 4. The transmission show on Zetland FM have been a great supporter of us and is a great place to hear new acts from all over the country.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
That this album really doesn’t sound like anything else, though it has reassuring tastes of many things. Jo hopes the words speak to people and they can relate to the feelings we have created. We just really want people to enjoy every second of it as much as we enjoyed the whole process from start to finish!
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RAILWAY MUSEUM PRESENTS TROLLEYS, TWINKLES AND TREATS
The Southern California Railway Museum (SCRM) is pleased to present a safe and socially distanced holiday experience: Trolleys, Twinkles and Treats. On Friday, December 11th through Sunday, December 13th, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., visitors can experience the festive lights and décor, ride a trolley, write a letter to Santa, and enjoy Mrs. Claus reading a holiday classic. Trolley, Twinkles and Treats is an extended, nighttime edition of Second Saturdays.
"The holidays are a time to celebrate and enjoy the season, and normally we would be offering Polar Express to our members and guests." said Hank Winn, Vice President/Chief Operating Officer and Museum General Manager. "Given current COVID-19 restrictions, we were unable to host Polar Express this year. Our Second Saturdays have provided families and guests an opportunity to get out of the house, ride our trains and trollies, and explore the campus safely. Being outside is important and this provides a safe and fun way to enjoy the holiday spirit."
Tickets are available onsite at SCRM’s Box Offce on a first-come, first-serve basis. For everyone’s health and safety, tickets are for specific ride times and capacity is limited. For more information visit www.socalrailway.org/scrm-events/second-saturdays/.
Angelspit Releases New Song and Video for "Don't Say"
"Don’t Say" is directed and shot by Angelspit during lockdown. Featuring CRT glitch distortion from The Liar (Videopunks) plus guest appearances from Angelspit’s Patreon supporters.
"Lockdown and social distancing has forced us to re-think the way we record albums, play gigs and shoot videos. I shot this alone in my studio, while Angelspit supporters contributed footage. The video starts comfortably disturbing, but soon decays into a paranoid-fueled glitch meltdown. The Liar and I wanted to create a "watch-VCR-and-go-insane" video, in which views are overcome by the constant bombardment of disinformation and benign distractions." - Zoog Von Rock, Angelspit.
Videos for all 14 tracks from "The Ignorance Cartel" will be available on a limited addition VHS tape - released through TheBasementLabs and Black Pill Red Pill, December 20, 2020.
Check out the video right HERE.
Young Medicine' Releases NeW Song and Video for "Winter Soldier"
Kansas City trio Young Medicine have released their new single and official music video for "Winter Soldier", showcasing the band's "Warped-Tour-meets-Synthwave" sound, combining heavy '80s synths with a mix of post-hardcore and modern metal. The new single/video are out now through independent record label FiXT Neon.
The "Winter Soldier" video was self-produced by the band, entirely filmed and edited during the pandemic lockdown.
Discussing the video production, Young Medicine commented, "We’ve had a long history of doing all the production and post production for our own videos (everything short of holding the camera), but this was our first time attempting an indoor rain shoot, and it lasted from 10pm-10am the next day. Between takes we were alternative between hot and cold, taking turns with a giant squeegee pushing water down the loading dock ramp of the DSS Warehouse we shot inside."
Musically, the track’s low-key approach builds steadily through the song as Young Medicine’s signature blend of synths and metal grow to an emotional crescendo.
Watch the official "Winter Soldier" music video now on VEVO, plus get the digital single now on all platforms from independent synthwave label FiXT Neon.
Stream / Purchase: "Winter Soldier"
Poison Oak Talks of Upcoming Material!
Combinationers POISON OAK combine the likes of indie, rock, punk and some blues to create a genre, with several single's released thus far. With another single expected next year, with a EP release to follow. The band talks of this content and just continuing to release much more as they see fit.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Well most of us are school teachers’ actually. Originally, Ray, Russell and myself (James), would get to together every Saturday morning just to mess around with some songs, that I had written. Then we wanted a drummer and things progressed from there. Now things have built significantly more since then, with the inclusion of Lachie and Chris.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
It comes from a Bright Eyes song, “Poison Oak”.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We are from a Town in Australia, north Queensland called Townsville. It’s up in the Northern part of the country. I guess the scene is quite accepting of all style. Unlike the cities of where the scenes are divided by genres and quite cliquey. Everyone in Townsville just groups together, it’s pretty cool actually.
4. How would you describe your style?
Indie Rock, with punk and some Blues sprinkled on top.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
Hmmmm…. Hard question. Well, we have six different song released so far. Some are singles and some are part of an EP. I guess we like to make our songs quite dynamic, that slowly progressively build. However, we do have some songs that are straight down line.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Yes, we have another single about to come out in February of next year that is a part of 6 track EP that will be released in March. So we are pretty excited about that!
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
We have some shows lined up at the start of next year. But for touring, we are going to have to wait until we all come back together in the new year, to set some plans for that. However, we going to be playing a lot of shows next to make up for what we missed this year.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
Definitely releasing a lot of new music in 2021, and steadily chugging along. I guess we just play it by ear. But it keeps growing and growing with every new release.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, YouTube… all the usual places.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
How good the hand claps are.
Of Wolves Goes into Discussions on Themselves, Music, and Everything Else!
With a band like OF WOLVES whom prefer to blend the genres together, to create something unique and their own. By doing so, they have released an EP and two album's, as well as slowly starting to write right now as we speak. This band goes into great discussion about their music, how things began and where they see them ending up next.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
I started the band (Steve Sherwood) in 2007 with a couple old friends when we ran into each other at a local record store. Pat Mclaughlin (Idecline) played bass and shared in the vocal duties and we had our bud Danny play drums for a minute but we were loud as fuck and we couldn't hear Danny. Pat recommended Jon Kulpit. He hit hard and even though he was a jackass we continued. We played a couple of my old tunes (that we never recorded) from my band back in the 90s Chronic Jaywalker and started writing. We recorded the first 7” in my garage. Long story short Pat went his own way and we spent a lot of time looking for the right guy. In the meantime we released Evolve in which I ended up recording all the bass after getting sick of waiting for the right bassist and shortly after it was released we found Scotty Cirksena (After School Stoners) He was with us up until we found Ivan Cruz (Yakuza) Ivan was who we had been looking for a long time and we settled right into to finally start finalizing what would become the band to finish writing and record our new album Balance. Shortly after finishing the recording Jon got a great offer and moved to Cali. We miss him to this day. We played together for at least 10 years as Of Wolves. We have had some great guys fill in while we search...
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
When we first started we used to practice in my garage on the south side (until the Chicago cold came and made it impossible) and we had been throwing random names in the air for weeks in between jamming and smoking sessions and one day my German Shepherd Kaya walked up to our original bassist Pat and all the sudden he yells From Wolves! I instantly replied Of Wolves! We all agreed it sounded better and that was it. So, in a way we are called German Shepherd or dog or Kaya (RIP) or not really? I always loved all animals, especially wolves. It also fit really well because of the pack mentality and how they work together as a pack to survive. It fit from day one. We even fought like it. We also liked the Edward R. Murrow quote "A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves." and quickly realized how it fit us more every day as the world around us pushes us further and further into a need for more therapeutic release based on the insane reality that we are stuck in. These moronic hoarding fucks so hellbent on money and power that they are destroying everything in their path.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We are based out of Chicago and wouldn't have it any other way. Its a great city and we all love it more every day. The scene itself is mind blowingly passionate, unique & talented and is constantly raising the bar and keeping things raw & fresh. There are WAY too many bands killer to list. But here's a current list of some of our favorites. Snow Burial, Hypervolume, Black Road, Rosaries (Ivans other project) Canyon of the Skull, REZN, Lume, Wizzo, Huntsmen, Varaha, Something is Waiting, 5RVLN5, Immortal Bird, Bear Mace, Unto the Earth, Sons of Ra, Beyond Deth, Gigan, Salvation, Bloodletter, Cloud Cruiser, Pale Horsemen, Sacred Monster, (I think all of these bands released killer new material recently you should check them all out) High Priest, Making Ghosts, Indian, Scientist, Never We See, Without Waves, Boatmans Toll, Still Machine, Djunah, Campdogzz. Then flipside to that is our label Trepanation Recordings. They just released a compilation that really lets the music speak for itself.
Check it out here> https://trepanationrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/trepanned-volume-one
4. How would you describe your style?
Wow this is a hard question. First thing that comes to mind is therapy! The band is all about release and it has proven itself by far the best form of therapy I have ever found. Especially with how moronic and backwards shit has been getting. And because we love so many styles we don't stay in one place or one overall genre or territory. We tend to blend everything we love together while unleashing the anger and frustrations of our daily lives. So we have been called and grouped into just about every category based on any one song. We often hear things like Sludge and Crust. Or a combination of various genres and descriptions put together.
I think the best one so far is Post Sludge! Its all rock though right? All these categories are hard to keep up with and seem to want to box art in. I feel like that stifles creativity. We wont allow ourselves to be boxed in or cornered. I think it's my ADHD! (Randy Blythe recently posted about us quite a bit this is the most recent see file attached).
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
A 7” early on, an EP & the two full lengths “Evolve” and our album Balance that was released this summer on Trepanation Recordings What is left of the first 50 of each is a special limited edition that comes with some cool one-off goodies. Get it here http://ofwolves.bandcamp.com and we will be doing a pre-sale for vinyl soon as well (that is the first time we have said that publicly)
I have made two videos for Balance so far and a new one is in the works for the title track.
As for what should you expect from us? Well with all the shit 2020 has brought us the music is more vile and pissed off than ever! With that said you never really know what to expect from us but we definitely plan to mix shit up and always deliver a dose of therapeutic aggression and raw honest emotion while trying to create what we love and would want to listen to ourselves.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
We have a new drummer so we are starting over. In writing phases as we speak and look forward to recording a song or two for some really cool splits next year. We are also working on a remix album based off of the songs and various reworking of tracks off of Balance. Anyone interested (any style literally) hit us up and we can send you the tracks.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
All our shows, tours and festivals have been canceled and will be at least for the rest of the year… of course it has been very disappointing for everyone but we look forward to getting back out there! We hope to do at least one more livestream show before years end and then it all depends on how this shit goes from here. Here in the states its a big fucking mess as we allowed the biggest loser to try to ruin our country and seems hellbent on taking as many lives and as much of the planet with him as well.
With that said this seems like a good spot to say. With everything going on, lots of what we love is barely surviving. Be it a local bar, venue, restaurant or various other small businesses. We have all been out of work since all this shit started. So please. If you have any extra or are going to spend money please do it wisely. If we don't help support the people & places we love they may not be there for us later.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
I'd love to add a multi instrumentalist, and I have wanted to add another guitar for quite a while… Maybe I'll take up cello? With Everything going on it makes this question that much harder to answer. But I plan to do this till I die. And I expect to be around for much longer! From there I think the only limit is what we out in ourselves.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Everything but the 7” and the EP are on all streaming and download sites like Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music etc. All of our music is available on our bandcamp page here> http://ofwolves.bandcamp.com we also have cassettes and CDs available there as well. We hope to have the pre-order up and rolling before years end and expect to release more details on that soon.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
We hope they feel it and we hope it helps.
Under The Mountain Chats of Music, Both Old and New!
Heavy rockers UNDER THE MOUNTAIN have two album's out, a single, and even a cover track as well, with an all new album expected in the next year! Nothing but recording is to come forth from this band with playing to follow whenever possible. The band chats about their start, music, and to remember them.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Myles: Steve and I started playing music together back in high school. Twelve years ago or so, we both moved back to Nanaimo at the same time and started playing together again. I was working on a job site and met Curt, he came and jammed with us and it was a good fit. After trying out a bunch of drummers we finally met Fred through another friend of ours. He was with us until last year when he moved to Toronto, we've known Jon for years and knew right away he's who we wanted as his replacement. There wasn't even a discussion, it was an immediate agreement.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
Haha oh man. It took us FOREVER to come up with a name. We filled up two or three sheets of paper with names that we didn't end up liking. In the end it was Curt who was reading a book and came across the phrase "Under the Mountain". We wanted a name that sounded big, and had something personal to it. There's a mountain in Nanaimo called mount Benson and when we first started jamming it was at my dad's house. His living room had a big window with a view of Benson, so it was like we were jamming under the mountain.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Myles: The music scene here is absolutely filled with amazing musicians that we've been fortunate to get to play with. I'm going to forget some bands and feel bad later but off the top of my head I'd say check out Vogue Villains, Chunkasaurus, Awkward A/C, Chris Andres, Moths and Locusts.
4. How would you describe your style?
Myles: This is always a hard one, it changes song by song for us. We go from straight up rock and roll, to eight minute progressive metal instrumentals, to southern rock with acoustic guitar and banjos.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
Myles: We've released two full length albums and one single, it's a cover of Black Velvet by Alannah Myles. We slowed it down and made it heavy. From UTM you can expect a bit of everything. Balls out rock, in your face metal, slow groove... We cover all the bases.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Myles: Yup! Look for a new album in 2021!
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Myles: We've been more fortunate than most this year, but we've only played three or four shows. We had two shows lined up that we were super pumped on that got cancelled due to covid. Vancouver with Shocore and Victoria with Chris Holmes. Hopefully when this all dies down they reschedule!
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
With covid I doubt we'll be touring any time soon. We're going to record a new album in 2021 though!
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
You can listen to us anywhere you stream your music. You can buy our tunes on the usual platforms, and we appreciate everybody that does. Streaming doesn't really generate much revenue and making albums is not a cheap endeavor!
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Myles: That's a good question. I haven't really thought about that... I'd say remember to have a glass of whiskey beside you and really give it a good listen. We put everything we had into these songs and I'd like to think that it deserves at least one proper listen before you use it as background music.
Arcadian Haze Talks About Growth, Music, and Support!
Stylists musicians ARCADIAN HAZE have taken influences from a wide range of genres, classic rock, punk, indie to name off a few. They have an EP out, with a continuation to write out even more material. They also hope to play shows as soon as possible. They for now just want to develop their style and keep it alive and fresh while growing as a whole both from the support and fanbase they have thus far made. The band talks some more about music making and what's next!
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Tye, Jamie and our first drummer, Bartley, were all in ‘AKA Pipeline’ together, they started jamming with John in 2017. Nath joined in 2018 and started writing and learning guitar. Tye, Nath and John had all previously worked together at one point and Steve, who replaced Bartley on drums late in 2019, was an old bandmate of John - so there’s an interesting Venn diagram in there somewhere. We were briefly a 6-piece with another guitarist but we couldn’t make the dynamic work so we are now settled with just us five.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
It has no special meaning. Sounds like a nice strain of weed though..
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire UK. Barnsley is always bursting with lots of talent, enthusiasm and ambition, but similarly short on opportunities, suitable venues and interest from outside. We are nestled in the middle of Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester so that has something to do with it. There are numerous good bands and artists around though, Crossfire Eagles, Black Vines, System Of Hate, Regional Creeps, Del Scott Miller, Lee Bailey to name a few and the annual Barnsley Live festival is a fantastic showcase for local homegrown talent.
4. How would you describe your style?
One of our strengths is the mix of different styles going on. Sharing influences from classic rock, punk, indie, funk and hip hop artists. We get on a vibe, let the concept of the lyrics unfold and try not to overcomplicate it, lifes complicated enough. We just want to enjoy what we play and hopefully that good vibe can transmit to our audience. It seems impossible at the moment to find a specific genre to align with, so we call it Grit Pop.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
This is our first release. It’s a three track EP called “Love On The Dole”. Expect powerful beats and slamming funk grooves. Elevated, anthemic choruses with raucous guitars and inspired lyrical concepts.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
We continue to write and jam and are always flowing with ideas. We’ll be recording again in 2021 and hopefully out playing gigs as soon as that’s possible.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Apart from a ‘This Feeling’ support slot with RATS in April 2021, not a sausage! Slim pickings at the moment, this Covid is disastrous.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
To develop our style, keep it fresh and relevant, and continue to grow our support and fanbase. Touring, festivals, recording, albums, singles, EP’s, videos, the whole works.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
You can find us on Spotify, Apple music, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time
We want the good vibes and the hooks to leave you wanting more.
Gambling Hearts Says A Bit on Everything Involving Music and Themselves
Trio act GAMBLING HEARTS is a mix bag of sorts, releasing two single's and have a bunch of new songs in the works already. This band just wants to get out and play when able, release content and do it all again, so they can be remembered forever.... See what the band had to say about everything else and then some.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
I put the band together about 15 years ago. I’d played with Will (drums) before, and I knew he was keen to do something. Sam (bass) came through Will. Sam played guitar but was us for playing so he agreed to pick up the bass. We moved from Salisbury to north London and played relentlessly for a couple of years, 2 or 3 times a week, but we weren’t great. The songs weren’t good enough, and there were other issues too. Too many late nights. We ran the band into the ground and the three of us drifted apart. 10 years on, Sam got married and Will and I were invited to his wedding. It was so great to see them both again that I asked them if they wanted to get together and play again, just for fun time round, no pressure, no gigs, no delusions of grandeur. But the songs were better this time round and, for old time’s sake, we took a gig at the Dublin Castle in Camden Town and before we knew it we were back playing and recording.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
I don’t remember? I think a friend may have suggested it, but I’m not sure. I remember thinking it was pretty cool at the time. I’m not keen on it now though. When we got back together we did talk about calling ourselves something different, but there was too much history in the name, we couldn’t turn our back on it.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We grew up in Salisbury, Wiltshire. There were tons of bands on the local scene when we first started out. It was incredible. But we were playing a lot in and around north London too, spending a lot of time on the road, so we moved up to London fairly soon after we first got together.
4. How would you describe your style?
I don’t know. It’s too subjective. I know how we sound in my head, but it’s hard to describe without sounding cliché. In a place of no judgement I’d say we sound a little like early R.E.M. or Oasis, but someone else may think we sound lame or middle of the road. We’re a 3 piece guitar band, heavily influenced by the Beatles, Neil Young, Oasis and Nirvana.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
We’ve put out two singles, ‘I Am A River’ and ‘These Days’. I particularly like ‘River’. It’s a song about missing certain things from your past, people and places that aren’t around anymore. A couple of reviews called it a lame song about unrequited love, but it’s quite the opposite. It’s about lamenting the fact that you can’t go back and experience past people and moments in your life.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
I’ve written a bunch of new songs. Angry and uplifting all at the same time. That’s the vibe. There’s one called ‘This Ain’t The Night For Self-pity’ which is massive. We’ll record in the New Year and then release a song every couple of months.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Who knows? We’ll get out and play when we can, when we’re allowed. I’ve played a couple of unplugged sets on Facebook, but I’m hoping we’ll be able to get out on the road as a band again soon.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
We want to put out an LP, a vinyl 12 inch, something physical that can be held and played and kept forever. Something we can look back on and be proud of. And we want to play live, as much as possible. All over the world.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
The singles are available to stream in all the usual places. Spotify, etc.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
A time in their life when they felt good about themselves.
Glass Fortress Talks a Whole Lot on Music, Writing, and Repeating the Process!
Alternative rockers GLASS FORTRES have been creating music since late 2013. Going on to release their debut album and a follow-up all new single with way more content coming soon! They just want to continue writing and recording material, collaborating with others as well for their plans in the future. The band talks about all of this and a whole lot more.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
We started off with getting together to go over the song American Love Vol.1 which started our journey together. After a few songs in we knew we had something special and so Glass Fortress born co-founded by Louie Salerno and Jose Crespo in Des Plaines IL.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
Louie: I thought glass fortress was kind of an oxymoron and funny, yet kinda cool and serious sounding
Jose: I agree. I wanted to be transparent and yet, memorable.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Right now there are a ton of great indie bands out there. We don’t want to elevate on over the other, so we encourage everyone to just explore and support the ones you really like.
4. How would you describe your style?
Really any kind of music ideas we can do. It doesn't matter if it fits this genre or that genre, if it has melody or if it’s fun to play, you know, go for it.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
We have released our 1st Album this past May 19th entitled, Beautiful Sky.
We followed this with the single release this past August 17th of the song: American Love Vol. 1.
Everything has a Rock vibe to it whether it’s heavy, light and in the middle.
We love to express deep feelings, past experiences in what we write. Expect some deeper stuff that is in the works for 2021 singles releases.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Yes, we are looking to release our next song called "First Love" on February 2nd 2021 once the mixing and mastering are complete. Look out for the pre-order date that is soon to be posted on our bands Facebook and Instagram pages.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
We haven't really considered touring at this time. If the opportunity comes up, maybe play at a benefit concert.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
We look forward to continue recording and releasing more of our songs that we have written over the years and collaborating with other artists as well ;)
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Well since you asked:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPlw16OVp6nKDoQLdWqGyfQ
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6DJOVrlwga2JsaGs7MduRw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassfortressband/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlassFortressBand/
Soudcloud: https://soundcloud.com/glassfortressband
Distrokid Hyperfollow page:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/glassfortressband/beautiful-sky
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/glassfortressband/american-love-vol-1
Spotify Band page:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7cLkO7pHWTfZI9OuA5g1lf
Spotify Follow:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7cLkO7pHWTfZI9OuA5g1lf?si=VLT_5D8_QO-kAoypHuRQMA
Beautiful Sky Album:
https://open.spotify.com/album/2bmIpfvgbOIyWOuDOjK0BY
American Love Vol. 1:
https://open.spotify.com/album/1SYq6SA0uIimo1LupfeCbH
Apple Music & iTunes:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/glass-fortress-band/1511232870
Amazon Music:
iHeartradio: https://www.iheart.com/artist/glass-fortress-band-34421680/
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/artist/93357422
Napster: https://us.napster.com/artist/glass-fortress-band
Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/song/81472729
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
The lyrics were written in a way to reach out to them. We really wanted write songs that matter. Maybe help someone during a dark time in their life and encourage them to keep going despite any challenges they face. We try to put a lot of meaning into what we do and with some songs we don't take ourselves seriously and joke around showing our funny side too.
The Last Element Discusses Extensive Single's, New Music, and More Plans Ahead!
Modern day heavy rockers THE LAST ELEMENT have 14 single's out thus far, with much more newer music in the works! Aside from that though, they have a whole lot of other things planned and in the works too. The band discusses all of this matter and much more.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
The Last Element originated around 2017 in this line up. Nick, Jan and Robert have played together for approximately 6 years before they formed The Last Element with Jasper and Noah.
Each of us had experience with other bands and projects. Jan and Robert have the most experience with touring, recording bands and the business, while Noah, Jasper and Nick make sure there is a good balance for the new, now and the current business. Together we make a great team!
When we started making music together we glued together quickly and created our own signature in songs and sound. We started practicing for live sets, did gigs and recorded a lot of songs! Without a doubt, for all of us, this is the best line-up we've ever been in.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
We were searching for a way to explain the driving factor behind our band, our music has always been very close to our hearts, we write about things that really matter to us, but that we believe also really matter to a lot of people. We were searching for a way to explain what could combine the elements of, hardship, love, trust, friendship and perseverance. That's when we decided all of these combined could be seen as: The Last Element – When we are together, we are stronger!
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We are based in The Netherlands. Part of the band lives in Amsterdam - capital city of the Netherlands - and the other part lives more to the south. The Netherlands have a big music scene and are responsible for some of the biggest export products in music, both in EDM and the heavy rock/metal scene. At the moment the live scene is obviously pretty poor though, because of the whole Corona crisis. Before Corona there was plenty of live music, but the majority of the live slots were taken by names that had been around the block for ages. We hope that when the crisis is over new bands that are more than ready to join will also get the exposure that's needed to survive as a band.
4. How would you describe your style?
This is always a hard question to answer. We just wanna say we sound like The Last Element. We believe we have quite an original sound. We did work very hard and are still polishing to make every release sound exciting and new.
All musicians get inspired and as we have quite an interesting mix of ages in this band, the influence is very broad. Each member also has some particular favorites. This all kinda combined into a modern rock/metal vibe. Some call us Core, some call us Nu-metal. We think it's all fine, we just want people to find out for themselves and connect with us and our music.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
We've released 14 singles so far, we believe most of them can easily be recognized as The Last Element. Melodic, heavy, energetic songs, loaded with heartfelt lyrics that give a strong feeling of recognition, no matter where you’re from. We mean every vocal line and every note, to (hopefully) give our music an authentic feel.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Oh, do we... We've got so much more! We're working on new songs every day. We’re constantly writing new stuff, even when we’re focusing on polishing our next release. So, our next release in a few months will most likely be coupled with the writing of 2-3 new songs behind the scenes. ;)
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
We are ready to play shows. We have done quite some interesting shows and support acts in the past with The Last Element and we are ready to continue where we left off before Corona kicked in.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
We are planning out a lot of things. We’re working hard on the next step in our sound, which we will unveil with our next single. Furthermore, we are working on a lot of things that will define us more. We want people to really get to know us; what we stand for. It's never just about writing songs and having fun, we believe there is so much more to be found in our music. We want people to really feel what we are all about, why we do what we do and hopefully join us on our journey. We want to connect with our fans, see that the story we tell is not just ours, it's everyone's, make difficult subjects easier to talk about, deal with sad emotions and realize we are not alone. We are one, all of us and our fans and everyone interacting with our band are part of us, The Last Element.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Everywhere, we are played a lot on different radio stations who support us by playing our latest singles. Spotify is a big support to us as well. All our songs are on there and they've added some of our songs to the biggest metal playlists, for which we are so grateful. We are on YouTube, Pandora, Deezer, everything. Also all of this can be found in one central place --> www.thelastelement.net.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
What it meant, why we made it and hopefully how it resonates with them. We're sure we've all been through difficult stuff. It’s okay to be sad, angry or whatever, but remember that there is always a hand to hold on to. If our music can be that hand, then we'll keep on reaching for you.