Wednesday 24 August 2016

Gritty Scottish Rockers THE BROKEN RAVENS Release New Track "My Shrine"



Gritty, hard rocking five-piece THE BROKEN RAVENS hail from the sleepy Gaelic-speaking town of Stornoway on the Scottish Isle of Lewis - a rocky outcrop in the Atlantic Ocean with no other land between it and America, and quite possibly the most unlikely of birthing grounds for an emerging rock n' roll group. Not to be dissuaded by geographical location, THE BROKEN RAVENS are working to surpass their limitations with their upcoming self-titled EP, set to release this fall.

THE BROKEN RAVENS are metal enough for metalheads, rocky enough for toe tappers, melodic enough to infect the ear of the casual listener, and are prepped to follow in the footsteps of fellow influential Scottish rockers such as Jack Bruce (Cream), Bon Scott, the Young brothers (AC/DC), Biffy Clyro, Shirley Manson (Garbage), David Byrne (Talking Heads), Nazareth, Brian Robertson (Thin Lizzy) and many others.

Several tracks on the EP boast the strong sonic influence of bands such as Queens of the Stone Age and Soundgarden, with a serious nod towards thrash metal. You can hear that influence in the EP's first single, "My Shrine", which is streaming in full now exclusively via PunkNews.org.

The band states, "My Shrine all started with a riff our guitarist Thrash wrote and is based on a true story that our bassist Lotto heard about and worked the lyrics round. "The perfect partner and the perfect predator" - it's about a husband that comes across as the perfect partner, while stalking his wife, to the point she is living in fear, not knowing it's him. His world revolves around her, obsessing about her until he gets to a point where he kills her, his obsession turns to rage. He was the last one to be suspected as came across as the perfect partner. He got caught!"

The band's new EP follows two previously released music videos and a single, which garnered the band enough attention to bring them across the water to the U.K. for live performances and a headline tour in 2015 (while donned with kilts, of course). Received well by critics and peers, the "foot stomping, head banging, fire ball of fuzz" have amassed a solid fanbase, great reviews, praise from peers within the industry and international radio play.

THE BROKEN RAVENS have scheduled their very first foray into international touring with a U.S. performance on November 18th with Puddle of Mudd at the legendary Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles, CA.

The band continues, "When we sent our demo's away, we had a great response, especially from the USA. As crazy as it sounds, given the geographical nightmare (it takes almost a day to reach any major Scottish city from our present location in Lewis), we are aiming for a full US tour."

Stay tuned for more coming from THE BROKEN RAVENS soon.

Geordie Kieffer Releases Official Music Video for “Red Line”



The infamously sexy and comedic imagination of LA’s agro-pop wiz-kid, Geordie Kieffer, has culminated in a delightfully twisted new video for his newest single, “Red Line” which premiered via Myspace.

The singer-songwriter/producer, as well as Georgetown University postgraduate, has been working diligently to literally recreate this video — he explains, “One of my friends who happened to be in [the first version] got a big time movie deal and her agents wouldn’t let us put out ‘Red Line.’ Too graphic, not the right image. Therefore, we needed to start fresh with a new director, producer, et cetera.”

The video for “Red Line,” unlike its beloved precursor, “Tastes Like Chocolate,” is shot in a stark black-and-white, drawing a sharp contrast between the good and the evil within its three-minute running time. “This video was a fucking ball. I mean, who doesn’t like drugs, violence, and cake?!” Geordie posits. “Unlike ‘Tastes Like Chocolate,’ this video was shot very quickly. We had a concept that we liked and we wanted to get it done. My mom hates it, but she still loves me.”

As the video’s monochromatic veil might suggest, “Red Line” has the music and lyrical content to coincide, as well as launch Geordie’s career. He notes, “I remember that the first thing that got laid down was that raggedly harsh synth. I knew some people wouldn’t dig it, but for me, it was love at first listen. I knew the song had to be hard as fuck to keep up with that synth bass, so I guess I just started screaming about the accolades and pitfalls of American society, [and] in essence, a macro look at my own micro character defects. I think it was here, writing and recording ‘Red Line,’ that I finally found my voice. I found Agro-Pop. I was like, ‘Shit! I don’t have to sing all airy soft and sweet! I can scream and yell and fuck shit up and still have it be melodic and catchy. Well goddamn, I’m in!'”

The music video for “Red Line” was produced by John Conaboy and Geordie Kieffer, and directed by Sela Shiloni.




HUNTER & THE BEAR - ‘OH DAISY’, Released: 9th September 2016



‘Oh Daisy’ is the brilliant new single from Hunter & The Bear, a band currently setting the gold standard of the contemporary UK rock scene. From quality airtime on taste-maker Bob Harris’s BBC Radio 2 show, to an unbeatable slot supporting Eric Clapton on his recent arena tour, the band’s deft employment of hard rock riffs and melodic song-craft has seen them championed by some of the biggest names of the rock and roll canon. One of only a handful of contemporary bands with the requisite musicianship to rejuvenate the UK’s proud heritage of guitar led music, ‘Oh Daisy’ is the latest indication that Hunter & The Bear have not only taken up the baton but have run away with it.

A knockout hit of power and emotion, ‘Oh Daisy’ delivers as much force in its electrifying instrumentation as it does in its anthemic chorus. All the band’s celebrated hallmarks are there: the bold and biting guitar tones; the richly textured harmonies; and of course the epic and soaring melodies that are confidently delivered by front man Will Irvine, a singer who possesses true vocal maturity.

The single resonates with the particular energy of a band who, in true rock and roll fashion, honed their talent on the road. One of the hardest working bands around, Hunter & The Bear have spent most of their time together tirelessly gigging across the country, setting venues alight at each and every stop. Between their acclaimed festival performances at Reading, Leeds, and Loopallu and their sell out ‘Highlands and Islands’ tour, in recent years the band have accumulated a vocal legion of fans that are as enthusiastic as they are loyal.

As much as the band’s roots run deep in the traditions and timbres of rock and country, ‘Oh Daisy’ has all the qualities of a modern classic. Rather than chasing the limelight or aping the latest trends, Hunter & The Bear have found a fresh sound and dedicated following by staying true to great music that inspired them. ‘Oh Daisy’ shows Hunter & The Bear doing what they do best: creating exciting, breathless, organic rock that lights the fire in your belly and stirs the soul.

Tuesday 23 August 2016

Mortiis: New Free d/l single+video "Geisteskrank" + Live Dates


OSLO - Mortiis will issue the fourth free download single, "Geisteskrank," in support of The Great Deceiver on August 26. The song, which is actually a non-album track, began as a remix of The Great Deceiver's "The Shining Lamp of God" before eventually mutating into its own song.

Download the single + video here.

"Geisteskrank" made its debut earlier this year as the soundtrack for Norwegian Grindhouse filmmaker Reinert Kiil's short film Vardøger. The track has never been available for download until now.

"The original title of 'The Shining Lamp of God' was 'Zeitgeist' in its embryonic stages, and we eventually changed it," Mortiis said. "When 'Geisteskrank' took form, it sort became this nod towards those early stages of that song, title wise if nothing else. Eventually Reinert Kiil began his mini film trilogy, and wanted to use 'Geisteskrank' as the soundtrack for the first part, and that´s how it made its debut, so to speak." Kiil's Vardøger film will also be included in the free download.

The Great Deceiver, Mortiis' ninth full-length album, was released earlier this year via Omnipresence. Musically, The Great Deceivercontinues along the winding path that Mortiis' two-decade career has taken, mixing together aggressive guitar-driven crossover metal with industrial-type electronics, for a record that could easily be considered the most accessible in Mortiis' catalog.

Mortiis Live in October:

21.10 Phantoms of Pilsen Festival, Pilsen, Czech Republic
22.10 Club From Hell, Erfurt, Germany
23.10 Voodoo Lounge, Dublin, Ireland



BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE ADD 5 MORE DATES TO THEIR NOV/DEC HEADLINE UK TOUR



BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE - the hard rock/metal heavyweights now signed to Search and Destroy / Spinefarm Records whose spectacular global success has seen them fly the British flag from dizzying heights - have added a further 5 dates to their headline UK tour this Nov/Dec due to high demand.

Having sold-out London, Birmingham and 2 dates in Manchester, there will now be extra shows in London, Birmingham and other cities to ensure that fans across the whole of the UK have the opportunity to experience what is sure to be a truly memorable tour...

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE will perform their classic 2005 debut album, 'The Poison', from beginning to end across all newly announced shows, plus the second (already sold out) night in Manchester. See details below.

Playing 'The Poison' in full on selected dates only*

NOVEMBER:
24 Centre, Newport
25 O2 Academy, Bournemouth (Just Added) *
27 O2 Academy, Newcastle
28 O2 Academy, Sheffield (Just Added) *
30 O2 Academy, Glasgow
DECEMBER:
01 Inverness, Ironworks (Just Added) *
03 Academy, Manchester SOLD OUT
04 Academy, Manchester * SOLD OUT
06 O2 Academy, Birmingham SOLD OUT
07 O2 Academy, Birmingham (Just Added) *
09 O2 Academy, Brixton, London SOLD OUT
10 O2 Academy, Brixton, London(Just Added) *

Killswitch Engage & Cane Hill will appear as Special Guests across the whole tour.

Monday 22 August 2016

ZAKK WYLDE DEBUTS "SLEEPING DOGS" FEAT. COREY TAYLOR MUSIC VIDEO



Guitar icon ZAKK WYLDE today has debuted an all new music video for his latest single "Sleeping Dogs" featuring Slipknot / Stone Sour frontman COREY TAYLOR. The track has gone on to become the most successful active rock radio single of Wylde's career reaching as high as #22 in the U.S. and #11 in Canada. Directed by long time collaborator Justin Reich, the video can be seen below.

The new video is being released on the heels of Zakk Wylde's memorable performance in Glendale, AZ opening up for GUNS N' ROSES last week on their current "Not In This Lifetime" tour.

Zakk Wylde is currently on the tail end of a a U.S. and Canadian tour in continued support of his new LP, Book Of Shadows II. Wylde is hitting over 40 cities spread out across the U.S. and Canada which included a highlighted performance at Heavy MTL Festival in Montreal on August 7th, a first for him as a solo artist. Tickets are on sale now here, including VIP upgrades in all markets. Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown and Jared James Nichols will serve as support.

Wylde will continue touring through the end of October, this time with ZAKK SABBATH serving as support for CLUTCH. ZAKK SABBATH includes himself, bassist Blasko (OZZY OSBOURNE, ROB ZOMBIE) and drummer Joey Castillo (DANZIG, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE) performing only BLACK SABBATH songs.



SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR Announces New Album FAMILIA For Release on September 2, 2016



Sophie Ellis-Bextor has announced she will release her new album Familia on September 2, 2016 which will be preceded by new single Come With Us via her own label EBGB’s and Red/Essential.

Familia will be Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s sixth studio album and follows her #4 charting and silver certified album Wanderlust, which marked a critically acclaimed change in musical direction for Sophie. Released in January 2014, Wanderlust went on to spend six months in the UK chart and gave Sophie her first top 10 record since 2007’s Trip The Light Fantastic.

Following suit with her last record, Familia was also co-written, produced and arranged by acclaimed singer-songwriter and good friend Ed Harcourt (Marianne Faithful, Paloma Faith, James Bay) and was recorded in London with a close-knit group of musician friends. Inspiration for the record, which can be clearly seen in the album’s accompanying artwork and images, comes from South America. “My new album Familia is the bolshier, more extrovert little sister to Wanderlust," Sophie says. It sees the Wanderlust girl move away from Eastern Europe to the warmer, sunnier climate of South America where she's swapped vodka for tequila.”

Familia features 11-tracks, which continue to showcase Sophie’s newfound lyrical and musical maturity, from the beautiful and emotive Unrequited to the synth-laded ballad Death Of Love and the alt-pop buoyant opener Wild Forever.


The full tracklisting is as follows: Wild Forever | Death Of Love | Crystallise | Hush Little Voices | Here Comes The Rapture | Come With Us | Cassandra | My Puppet Heart | Unrequited | The Saddest Happiness | Don’t Shy Away

Coheed and Cambria release "The Color Before The Sun" (Deconstructed Deluxe); debut new video for "Bridge and Tunnel"




Coheed and Cambria have released a digital deluxe edition of their eighth studio album, entitled The Color Before The Sun: Deconstructed. The collection was made available August 19 via 300 Entertainment. In conjunction with the rerelease, the band are now premiering a video for one of the two bonus demos, "Bridge and Tunnel.” The clip features stunning views of NYC and it’s skyline, an ode to the city that has had an overwhelming influence on the band.

The 30-track presentation features the original album's 10 songs, both in the studio, and in their early acoustic demo form, as well as two bonus demos that were never recorded in the studio. The demos, called, “Big Beige/4th St,” were named after band frontman, Claudio Sanchez's home, “The Big Beige” in upstate NY as well as his old apartment in Brooklyn, “4th Street” - since he wrote and documented them in each residence. These mostly acoustic demo tracks had previously only been made available to core fans who purchased the band’s Limited Edition Deluxe Box set, which featured a 76 page physical book. Also included in “Deconstructed” are 7 live “bootleg" tracks pulled straight from the soundboard from various dates on their recent US headline tour, that expose a very raw look at the band.

Coheed and Cambria’s ten song album, The Color Before The Sun was released in October 2015 via 300 Entertainment, marking a bold departure for the NY-based band. It was their first non-conceptual album, pausing the beloved The Amory Wars, a seven-album science fiction saga that also bore a comic book empire, in favor of a more personal outing. “It’s very much a time capsule of the two years leading up to this recording,” Claudio Sanchez said. “I first created The Amory Wars in 1998 because at the time, I was afraid to share my personal stories. I didn’t want them or the subject matter to be judged, so I translated my personal experiences into these fictitious characters and landscapes so I could hide behind them. With The Color Before the Sun, I figured it was time to pull back the curtain."


Rolling Stone declared The Color Before The Sun “a dramatic departure,” Noisey said the new album proves “there are no boundaries for a Coheed and Cambria album” and Alternative Press, in a four-star review, added “the album pops and pulsates with signature Coheed wails and riffs.” The Nerdist, who premiered the band’s ode to the ‘80s video for “You Got Spirit, Kid”, said the new music “features much of what has made Coheed and Cambria a force for the last two decades.” The Color Before The Sun was Coheed and Cambria's 6th consecutive Top 10 Billboard charting album, and their third to debut at #5 on the Billboard top current chart with 32,000 units sold.

Coheed and Cambria will be on the road in The States this Fall, on a massive tour with Saves The Day and Polyphia. Kicking off in Seattle this September, the tour takes the band through U.S. markets including a sold out show in Sacramento, Chainfest in Santa Ana, CA (with Portugal the Man and Title Fight), a handful of stops in Canada and closing out with an already sold out show at Starland Ballroom in New Jersey.

The band will also be touring through the UK this August, appearing at Leeds and Reading Festival, with additional dates with La Dispute and mewithoutYou.

"Deconstructed Deluxe is available now via 300 Entertainment and can be purchased on iTunes, Amazon and GooglePlay and is available for streaming via Spotify.

Listen to the New Single from Dead!


Feisty four piece Dead! are have unleashed their new single today entitled ‘Something More Original’.


The track is an explosive punk-rock singalong. It’s another menacing leap forward. “It’s about people who aren’t happy but who just sit around and don’t try to improve their situation,” says Alex. “Whether this band happens or whether we crumble, we’re fucking trying.” The tongue-in-cheek title refers to the fact that “we don’t have a new sound… but we don’t care.” “Something More Original is just a good, fast, British rock song,” says Sam.

The London based boys; Alex Mountford, Sam Matlock, Louis Matlock and Sam Chappell, are a feisty and imaginative bunch that favour the DIY approach to life. Since their formation the band have been finding unique venues to put on self-promoted gigs and on Tuesday they play North London recording studio Livingston Studios. The quartet aren’t the sort of people who wait for opportunities: they go out and hunt them down. With a fire in their belly, they’ve toured, released their own music, made their own videos and now have a fervent fan club, named The Damned Restless Future, who follow their every move. They are one of the UK’s most exciting new rock’n’roll bands, armed with a stack of raucous, punky anthems and a gung-ho, do-or-die attitude. This was the way it had to be. There are no half measures for Dead!.

Their reputation as a thrilling live act has been cemented by chaotic, sweatbox gigs and are nearing the end of a busy Summer of festivals including Slam Dunk, Download, The Great Escape and 2000 Trees. They will round it off with sets on The Pit at Reading and Leeds Festival.


LIVE DATES: Aug 20th Pukkelpop Festival, Hasselt BEL Aug 22nd Manchester, Tiger Lounge (headline show) Aug 23rd London, Livingston Studios (headline show) Aug 24th Birmingham, Asylum Bar (headline show) Aug 27th Reading Festival, The Pit Aug 28th Leeds Festival, The Pit Aug 29th Birmingham, Sunflower Lounge (supporting SWMRS) Aug 30th Glasgow, Broadcast (supporting SWMRS) Aug 31st Edinburgh, Electric Circus (supporting SWMRS) Sep 2nd Liverpool, Studio 2 (supporting SWMRS) Sep 3rd Norwich, Owl Sanctuary (supporting SWMRS) Sep 5th Nottingham, Bodega (supporting SWMRS) Sep 6th Southampton, Joiners (supporting SWMRS) Sep 7th Bristol, Thekla (supporting SWMRS) Sep 8th London, The Garage (supporting SWMRS) Sep 23rd Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg DE Sep 25th Gloucester Underground Festival, Guildhall

Album Review: Walls of Jericho - 'No One Can Save You from Yourself', Released 25 March 2016 via Napalm Records


Walls of Jericho - No One Can Save You From Yourself
Released 25 March 2016 via Napalm Records

Not being a teenager anymore Walls of Jericho were probably more synonymous of the title of the iconic album from the German band Helloween rather than the name of a Punk Hardcore, Metalcore Detroit based band, but things have changed now since I have listened to No One Can Save Your from Yourself.

In activity for a while the flame got re-ignited under the form of a signing with Napalm Records in early 2015. Great production I must say and the lady in charge of vocals - yes it is a lady (and if I was you I would not mess with her either)- is displaying a high level of energy and commitment close to music militant’s mindset. Candace, Chris and the 3 others know their recipes inside out and the entire album is relatively inspired and well executed without necessarily standing out from the crowd I must say.

For example, No One Can Save You from Yourself is a great title, good breaks, aggressive guitars, short and direct vocal punches everything is there. The metal core aspect of their music is undeniably present and that is probably why I am not fully convinced but this has more to do with my own taste (Madball, Downset etc.)

I like the intro on Reign Supreme and really like the riff on Wrapped In Violence. Anthem, as you may guess, is more my cup of tea with the Black Flag like intro and with more punkish vocals coupled with efficient backing vocals. This is probably making this title a killer on stage.

Guys I would not rush buying this album unless you are collecting good bands and decent efforts in that specific genre or if you are really curious to explore the off beaten tracks of Metalcore.
Review by Pascal Derrien



Overall: Professional and sound
If I was to Pick 3 only: Reign Supreme, No One Can Save You From Yourself, Anthem
Live Test: We may all agree on that one!!!

YOU ME AT SIX: UK TOUR JUST ANNOUNCED


YOU ME AT SIX are set to release a new studio album that will confirm their status as one of the most important rock bands to emerge from the UK.

The album, their fifth, was recorded in Nashville at Black Bird Studios with Grammy award winning producer Jacquire King (Kings Of Leon, James Bay) and mixed by Andrew Scheps (Black Sabbath, Red Hot Chilli Peppers). It is set for release early next year, more news to follow.

To kick things off the band will play a bunch of underplay shows this autumn. Having gained a reputation as being one of the best live bands in the UK, with sold out tours that have seen them headline both Wembley Arena and the O2, this is a great opportunity to see them in the most intimate settings they have played in years.

UK TOUR

4 Oct – Bristol, O2 Academy
5 Oct – Folkestone, Leas Cliff Hall
6 Oct – Swansea, Brangwyn Hall
9 Oct – Belfast, The Limelight
10 Oct – Dublin, The Academy
13 Oct – Nottingham, Rock City Main Hall
14 Oct – Oxford, O2 Academy
15 Oct – Cambridge, Corn Exchange
17 Oct – Inverness, Ironworks
18 Oct – Leeds, O2 Academy
19 Oct – Liverpool, Guild of Students
20 Oct – Sheffield, O2 Academy
21 Oct – Middlesbrough, Empire
23 Oct – Southampton, O2 Guildhall
24 Oct – London, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire




Sunday 21 August 2016

The Bash for Philo 2016 in photos





Photos by Dani Kammler

DINOSAUR PILE-UP - 'ELEVEN ELEVEN', Released 26 August 2016 via SO RECORDINGS / CAROLINE


DINOSAUR PILE-UP - 'ELEVEN ELEVEN'
Release sate: 26 August 2016 via SO RECORDINGS / CAROLINE

Wow... you normally know when you listen to the first few notes of an album if you are gonna like a band or not. Well I suppose I fucking love Dinosaur Pile-Up then. :)

11:11, the opening track, has one of those vibes where a riff is just as big as a cargo that it is imposing and infectiously obsessive... a song about self-belief that many bands would love to add to their catalogue and I think this is going to be an iconic track for the British trio.

3rd album for Dinosaur Pile-Up but probably the first as a proper band. The music combo is powerful, precise and the all ensemble is just brilliantly produced by Tom Dalgety. Matt Bigland the band lead and thinking head is at ease in broadcasting his kaleidoscopic personality thru cool songs, nervous choruses (Anxiety Trip), lighter moods (Crystalline) while the bonus track (Cross My Heart) propose a mid-tempo journey after a collection of intense feelings based lyrics.

Some subtle stoner touches are spread out thru the album along-side post grunge references making this album a great go-between the best of Helmet, Quicksand, The Foo Fighters or even the harder side of the Smashing Pumpkins.

Willow Tree is not the strongest title but the rest of the album is excellent and personally I am really dead mad about the song Anxiety Trip. All the songs form an emotional journey, they will electrify your inner senses, crush your doubts and force clarity on the darkest thoughts you may have.

It is a damn good album and when it will be released go buy it, buy it, buy it... whatever you do, make sure you do justice to this band because bluntly said they are FUCKING AWESOME!!!!

Review by Pascal Derrien



Overall: What a nice surprise! A FUCKING MUST BUY (may apology for swearing)
If you pick 3 Only: 11/11, Anxiety Trip, Grim Valentine
Live Test: Thumbs Up




'ELEVEN ELEVEN' track listing:

1. 11:11
2. RED AND PURPLE
3. GRIM VALENTINE
4. FRIEND OF MINE
5. NOTHING PERSONAL
6. ANXIETY TRIP
7. MIGHT AS WELL
8. GIMME SOMETHING
9. BAD PENNY
10. CRYSTALLINE
11. WILLOW TREE
12. CROSS MY HEART