A New Kind Of Rebellion

Bone State Rebellion has quickly rose amongst local Vancouver bands as a leader of the pack. From their solid stage show to their professional promotional material, this band is quickly gaining a strong following that is leading them up to their new EP. We spoke with the band about the new EP and its process.

Hammer Records: For those who don’t know BSR, can you tell some of the history of the band?
Bone State Rebellion: Scott and I met a few years ago, and became best buds almost immediately. We played in a cover band for a short while but always wanted to do originals together.. We hooked up with Bryan on guitar and found we all wrote together fairly well...Willem came a few months later, a fantastic drummer and a recent transplant from Australia and we were able to find our sound pretty quickly.

Hammer Records: What made you choose these two songs for the EP?
Bone State Rebellion: This time around we worked with Matt DiPomponio, recording out of Echoplant Studio B. He was really instrumental in helping us flesh out our sounds and textures and had a lot of great ideas! We played him all of the songs we were considering and he suggested "Road Less Travelled", one of our older songs, and "War In Me", one of our newest.

Hammer Records: How was the recording of the EP? Any fun stories?
Bone State Rebellion: We always love time in the studio, and Echoplant is unbelievable. Really great vibe and tons of unique gear and rooms to play with. The weekends were incredibly warm when we were there and we all got a little giddy in the heat.

Willem tore his pants off on camera, you can catch that on our Instagram, and we live streamed a good chunk of the recording process on Facebook for our fans to check out!

Hammer Records: What was the hardest part of making the EP?
Bone State Rebellion: We'd never worked with a producer before, so that was a unique experience. As a musician, you tend to be very protective of your art,so we had to be receptive to an outside influence and voice. Fortunately, Matt was super easy to work with and had so many great suggestions and ideas. He also plays some guitar on one of the tracks, so I guess we gained an unofficial fifth member during the process!

Hammer Records: Do you guys have any surprises for the upcoming EP Release show for the audience?
Bone State Rebellion: Hah well if I told you guys this, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it? We play our hearts out on stage and promise a high energy show with a lot of crowd interaction! The rest, you'll have to be there to find out...

Hammer Records: Apart from the EP, whats on the horizon for the band?
Bone State Rebellion: We plan on launching a lyric video for "War In Me" to coincide with the launch of the single, done by the very talented Robert Takács! We also plan on getting some new merch out this fall, and continuing to enjoy our partnership with Kevin Schallié, Live Agency, and Rednyne Productions. We are very fortunate to have the support of some great people beside us.

Hammer Records: Can you give the audience some links to find you online?
Bone State Rebellion: Sure thing!

Www.bonestaterebellion.com

@bonestaterebel on Twitter

You can also catch us on Facebook, You Tube and Instagram under Bone State Rebellion!

Prince Tribute Night - Benjamin Wise

Benjamin Wise is one talented fellow, Actor, General Manager, and Musician! We managed to have a quick chat with Benjamin about his Prince experience!

Hammer Records: What was the first song that your heard by Prince?Benjiman: First prince song I heard was purple rain

Hammer Records: How did Prince’s music influence yourself as a musician?Benjiman: Prince did not hugely influence my music apart from maybe vocally

Hammer Records: Why did you choose this certain song(s) to perform by Prince?Benjiman: I chose this specific song because of the amazing memories of LA it invokes in me

Hammer Records: With such a large diverse number of bands performing, are there any bands you are looking forward to seeing share the stage with you?Benjiman: I am really looking forward to TrailerHawk

Hammer Records: Where can people find your music? What are your social media links?Benjiman: People will be able to find my EP 'trust your feet' on bandcamp from September 1st

The Roxy Launch Project - Untitled Sequence

Untitled Sequence already played their showcase but we had a nice chat with them about their thoughts on the showcase and battle of the band contests around Vancouver.

Hammer Records: What made you enter the Roxy Launch Project?Untitled Sequence: This constantly growing need to promote what we've been working on for years. 

Hammer Records: Which of the prizes are you most looking forward to?Untitled Sequence: Trevor needs a new bass.

Hammer Records: How are you going to get fans out to your show? Any special tactics?Untitled Sequence: Hinting about possible anti-republican bits in between songs (Fuck Donald Trump).

Hammer Records: Will you be doing anything special at the show?Untitled Sequence: Sean playing rhythm is new. 

Hammer Records: What do you think of battle of the band competitions around the city? Do they help build the scene?Untitled Sequence: Absolutely. It's a great way to learn from your mistakes and keep improving as a band. 

Hammer Records: What are some of your social media links? Where can people find your music?Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UntitledSequence/?fref=tsTwitter: https://twitter.com/untldsequenceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/untitledsequence/

DEAD RANCH Announce Western Canadian Dates (MB/SK/AB/BC)

Winnipeg's crushing and catchy loud noisy four piece DEAD RANCH are hitting the road for dates across Western Canada in support of their latest album 'Antler Royal' recorded with renowned engineer, Jesse Gander (Japandroids, Anciients) and released on No List Records (dates listed below). The tour will also see the band perform new material from their follow up, their sophomore album 'Brumation' set for release later this year.

'Antler Royal' is available digitally on all major online retailers plus colored limited edition 12" Blood Milk Splatter vinyl from No List Records here.

Tour Dates:

Aug 5 - Brandon, MB - North Hill Inn

Aug 6 - Saskatoon, SK - Amigo's

Aug 8 - Edmonton, AB - Filthy McNasty's

Aug 11 - Victoria, BC - Logan's Pub

Aug 12 - Victoria, BC - Happy Birthday House

Aug 13 - Vancouver, BC - BURGER FEST (The Waldorph)

Aug 17 - Siksika First Nation, AB

Aug 18 - Lethbridge, AB - Ask A Punk

Aug 19 - Calgary, AB - Distortion

Aug 20 - Regina, SK - The Exchange

For more info, please visit http://www.facebook.com/deadranch.

VESPERIA On LIVE AT WACKEN 2015 'Double CD & DVD/BluRay

Set to kick off their cross Canada tour on August 4th with death metal masters NECRONOMICON and Floridian tech-death metallers ABIOTIC for the 'Okkultis In Canada Tour' presented by PureGrainAudio.com (dates listed below). Canadian epic metal quartet VESPERIA are featured on the 'Live At Wacken 2015 - 26 Years Louder Than Hell' Double CD & DVD / Blu-ray being released on Aug 5th in Europe and Aug 26th in North America via UDR Music. The release captures the 2015 Wacken Metal Battle world champions performing their track 'Iron Saga' live at the festival. Please visit WACKEN's UDR-Music.com page for more information.

VESPERIA are currently completing the recording of their new album to follow to 2015's 'The Iron Tempests' EP. The album is being recorded at Blue Sound & Music Studios in Toronto, Canada with engineer/ producer Russ Mackay (Mastodon, Iron Maiden, Styx) and will feature an array of famous Canadian guest musicians with the art created by Juno award-winning artist Hugh Syme (Rush, Nevermore, Dream Theater). 

VESPERIA launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise over $5,000 to record the new album giving fans many special and unique perks for their contributions, including mead made by the band's front man Morgan Rider, drinking horns, album pre-releases, the bands stage banners and much more! For all details on contributions, please visit the following link: https://www.indiegogo.com/at/new-vesperia-album 

HOWLING GIANT 'Mothership'; New EP 'Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 1'

HOWLING GIANT is what happens when three nerds write about space travel, doomed seafarers, and a sentient android hellbent for a camel killing death crusade. HOWLING GIANT plays self-indulgent, drop-tuned, fuzzed out riffs that could curdle milk. With the release of their upcoming EP 'Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 1' due out on August 5th, the fuzz rockers from Nashville, TN have teamed up with Idobi Radio for the premiere of their first single 'Mothership' streaming at the following link: http://idobi.com/exclusives/premiere/premiere-howling-giants-mothership/

Drummer Zachary Wheeler comments on the track:

"Mothership' sets the scene for the Black Hole Space Wizard universe. Mankind has ravaged earth and has been forced to live on a giant space station which they revere as the pinnacle of human achievement. About halfway through the track we start to focus on a group of humans answering a call to defend the Mothership from an unknown entity."

'Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 1' was produced by HOWLING GIANT, mixed by Kim Auch plus mastered by Chris Fasco as the follow up to their 2015 self titled debut.

HOWLING GIANT! The very name summons up mental images of a huge mutated orc-warrior astride an even more gigantic mastodon, ready to bring death, doom, damnation and destruction (and many other things beginning with “d”) down upon its enemies

Names matter, and something magical happened when three nerds obsessed with all that is fuzzed-out, riffed-out, and heavy came together to compose cosmic odes to space travel, doomed sea-farers, and even an android on a camel-killing crusade (what harm did the poor camel ever do to him?), under the name Howling Giant.

Drummer Zach Wheeler says the name is no accident and reflects the band’s music. “Howling Giant sounds a lot like a loud beast, which is what we strive to do musically. We aim to create a full sound that people might normally expect from a five-piece rather than a power-trio.” Indeed, by employing the three-piece format, Howling Giant is following in the footsteps of legends like Motorhead, MC5, Cream, and Corrosion of Conformity; good company to be in! As the band’s philosophy would have it wisely: “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

Hailing from Nashville, Howling Giant obviously had some special metal immunity to all the country and western music in the air. The boys started jamming at school in Boston with an aim to move away from overtly serious music and have fun, describing their music accurately as “loud, energetic, heavy, melodic, and cosmic.”

Overall, Howling Giant’s music forms part of a fascinating Black Hole Space Wizard concept EP series. As guitarist Tom Polzine explains, “Musically we aim to write songs that are melodic, catchy, and head bang-able. As a concept series, we strive to conjure up space-themed imagery of heroes and villains at war, introducing the story and setting the scene of things to come within the Black Hole Space Wizard Universe. We’re not trying to spell out the entire story so much as we are creating scenes to provoke your imagination.”

Writing is very much a collaborative effort. “We usually come up with a general theme, then we write riffs and musical passages to support said theme. After that, we work on overall arrangements to create a nice flow and build within the song. Lyrics and vocal melodies come last as an icing on a very meaty cake. We find the flow of an album is just as important as the flow of an individual song and we strive to make each song unique. We wanted to include a combination of heavy, spacey, doom, and thrash, all wrapped up in a crunchy garage-sounding blanket. Fans can expect two more EPs within the Black Hole Space Wizard Universe. And with an overflowing riff bank, who knows how long we’ll go.”

Such far-out music deserves far-out lyrics, and Howling Giant is prepared to go to extreme lengths to get them. As bassist Roger Marks reveals, “We have a strict regimen of smashing our heads into walls daily until lyrics finally come to us.” As for inspiration, “We are inspired by science fiction and occult rituals, as well as books, movies, and other music.”

As part of an overall concept, the EP paints four distinct scenes.

The pinnacle of mankind.

An exodus from Earth.

The Black Hole Space Wizard destroying everything.

A lone survivor trapped on a ravaged Mother Earth.

In Roger’s own words, “The first track is a little more progressive, packed with riffs both dark and triumphant. The second track is all about build and groove. The third track is thrash, metal, and destructive. The final track is spacey with doom elements.”

Overall, it you are one of the many that wishes Mastodon had continued in the cosmic, crushing progressive manner of Crack The Skye and Blood Mountain, Howling Giant is your dream band!

PSYCHOSTICK Unleash Their Heaviest Video Ever! Watch 'So. Heavy.'

Comedy rock kings PSYCHOSTICK have just unleashed 'So. Heavy.', their heaviest of heaviest videos ever with the most intense cookie cutter vocals to burst your ear drums!

"So. Heavy. is a favorite from our latest album in all it's over-downtuned glory." says guitarist Josh 'The J' Key. "We felt it was a worthy video to launch our Patreon, which has been going very well. If you want to help us make more ridiculous videos like we have been, then please support us on Patreon!"

PSYCHOSTICK's Patreon campaign allows fans to make pledges to the band to produce videos more frequently plus give exclusives and behind-the-scenes access to everything they're working on, as well as supporting the DIY band and their video production group.

Full details at the following link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=2994778
Unfortunately, their guitarist Josh 'The J' Key didn't understand Patreon right away... so please watch this video of the rest of the band explaining it to him. FYI they needed to visit a doctor!

Video - Josh Doesn't Understand Patreon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhEzePWlfss 

...Whatever That Means ON TOUR!

Hailing from Seoul. "....Whatever That Means" is rocking around the states so be sure to catch them on one of their upcoming dates. We chatted with Jeff Moses, lead vocalist and guitarist in the band, about their upcoming tour.

Hammer Records: So we've got to ask, what’s the origin of the band name?

Jeff from …Whatever That Means: Well, as you may or may not know, Trash and I are married. On our wedding day, we had a big punk rock show as the after party for our wedding reception. At that point, Trash was still playing in her old band, BB Lucky Town, and I didn't have a band of my own yet in Seoul, but there was no way I was going to book one of the best shows of the year and not play. I was in the middle of putting together what I planned to be a one-off project when my buddy was finishing up the poster for the show. We still didn't know exactly what my band was going to be, so he just listed all the bands playing and then at the end of the list wrote, "and Jeff....whatever that means." Once we had a lineup set, we just decided to call ourselves ...Whatever That Means so we could pretend our band name was on the poster.

Hammer Records: What differences do you find between Korean crowds and North American crowds?

Jeff from …Whatever That Means: That's a really tough question to answer. How do you generalize North American audiences? I've toured all over the West Coast of the US, and most towns are really different from each other. I can tell you that even though Seoul is a huge city, most shows feel more like small town punk shows. Tens of millions of people live in Seoul, but it can be really hard to get more than 40 or 50 people out to a show. With that said, the 40 people who come out are the right people. Everyone is always ready to have a good time, jump around, and sing-a-long with the bands.

Hammer Records: Interesting to list GOB as one of your influences, many of the members are now producing Vancouver bands and working with the local music scene. If you could meet them, what would you want to say to them?

Jeff from …Whatever That Means: All the Canadian punks I've ever talked to love their early stuff, but I have got to say that "The World According To Gob" was such a killer album. The first time I heard the intro to “For The Moment,” it blew my mind. I think you can hear a lot of that album and "Foot in Mouth Disease" in our writing. I'd put it right up there with some of the best stuff Face To Face put out.

Hammer Records: What is one of your favourite venues to play on your previous tours? Any that you are looking forward to this tour?

Jeff from …Whatever That Means: My two favorite stops on our first US tour were The Interzone Cafe in Corvallis, Oregon and Nemesis House in Tacoma, Washington. We're going back to Tacoma this year, but unfortunately, the Nemesis House is gone. I'm stoked to play at The Interzone again though. I'm actually tour managing another Korean punk band, Full Garage, on their US tour right now. They just played in Corvallis, and it was every bit as rad as I remembered. ...Whatever That Means will be back there on our tour in a few weeks, and I can't wait!

Hammer Records: Which is one of your favourite songs to play live?

Jeff from …Whatever That Means: "Sixty-Eight, Twenty-Two" is always a lot of fun to play because lyrically, it's a song that I really believe in, and it's also our best sing-a-long song. A lot of the time when we play it at home in Korea, the crowd overpowers the mics. That's an awesome feeling. We also just released a new Korea punk compilation album that we'll be giving away for free on tour called "Them and Us 2." We have a new track on there called "The Inside." It's kind of my punk rock midlife crisis song. We've only played it a few times, but it's a lot of fun to play, and Trash sings lead so I can just enjoy actually playing my guitar and singing along with her when I feel like it.

Hammer Records: Besides the tour, what’s on the horizon for the band?

Jeff from …Whatever That Means: People keep asking that, and I don't really have any specifics to offer. We've spent the last six months planning for this tour, working on the "Them and Us 2" compilation, and running our World Domination, Inc. record label. It was a ridiculous amount of work, and I've only recently realized that we don't have any real projects planned for after tour. We've got some new song ideas that I'm hoping to work on during tour, and hopefully we can get back in the recording studio again before year's end. We've also got our annual "Still Alive" Halloween show coming up in Seoul in a few months. Beyond that, it'll be more of the usual. Play lots of shows around Korea, and hope for the best.

Hammer Records: Where can people find your music? Social Media links?

Jeff from …Whatever That Means: You can find our music on Bandcamp at http://whateverthatmeans.bandcamp.com and we're on Facebook at Facebook.com/whateverthatmeansmusic. To keep up with other music coming out on our label, World Domination, Inc., go to Facebook.com/wdikorea and if you're outside Korea and would like a copy of the "Them and Us 2" compilation, just email me at wdibooking@gmail.com and I'll send you a free digital download link.

Here are the band's US tour dates:

July 23 Las Vegas, NV @ The Double Down Saloon
July 24 Fresno, CA @ TBA
July 26 Corvallis, OR @ The Interzone Café
July 27 Seattle, WA @ The Kraken
July 28 Tacoma, WA @ Real Art
July 29 Portland, OR @ Foggy Notion
July 30 Reno, NV @ PB&J's
July 31 Berkeley, CA @ 924 Gilman Street 
August 1 Los Angeles, CA @ The Redwood Bar

Music video for "I Can't Take It" (it was just released last week) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl_4FqbMyi8
Music video for "Asian Prodigy" -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTxYRWzl81I
Music video for "Sixty-Eight, Twenty-Two" (Jeff mentioned this song in his answers) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahC2WuwSD1g

The band’s music can be streamed here: http://whateverthatmeans.bandcamp.com/.  And their new "Blowing Minds & Melting Faces" split 7-inch record with Seattle's Burn Burn Burn can be pre-ordered and streamed here: https://burnburnburn.bandcamp.com/album/blowing-minds-melting-faces

Underling Talks About Their Tour With Ghost Bath

Hammer Records had a quick chat with California band Underling about their current tour with Ghost Bath. Be sure to catch their show in Vancouver!

Hammer Records: How has it been touring with Ghostbath?

Band:

Well this will be both Ghost Bath's and Underling's first time going out on tour.  Dennis (Ghost Bath) and I have known each other for a while since he helped us out with some publicity leading up to the release of our latest full length, Bloodworship.  He and I both have similar roles in our respective bands, and keep in semi-regular contact with each other.  So when he got the offer to do this tour, he was cool enough to hit us up to join them on the road.  I couldn't imagine Underling going out with a cooler band for our first tour, and we are incredibly stoked to have this opportunity.

Hammer Records: What has been one of your favourite places to play on the tour so far? Any that you are looking forward to playing?

Band:  Well, our hometown shows in San Francisco have always proven to have amazing turnouts for us.  Besides that though, we're very excited to play Vancouver and the whole Pacific Northwest for the first time, and I'm personally looking forward to the BBQ in the southern states haha.  But mainly were just excited to play every city on this tour because every show will be a brand new experience for us. 

Hammer Records: What is one of your favourite songs to play live?

Band:  Well, I know for me personally, my favorite song is definitely Guided from our first record, Breathe Deeply.  Its a very powerful and moving song with a lot of atmosphere. It allows the fans to really get into a meditative state with us while we play.  Its also a point in our set where a deeper connection tends to occur between us and the audience that I really love experiencing.

Hammer Records: What do you have to say to any Vancouver fans that are coming out to see you guys play?

Band:  This will be a must-see show for any fan of Atmospheric Back Metal. Underling always brings a high level of emotion and energy during every performance, so come out to Astoria on the 11th and let us, Ghost Bath, and He Whose Ox Is Gored show you what we're made of!

Hammer Records: What are some social media links for people to find your music?

Band:  facebook.com/underlingmusic

Underling.bandcamp.com 

Underling.bigcartel.com (merch store)

Or follow us on Instagram @underlingofficial.

The Roxy Launch Project - Big Fat Fenders

If you even think of missing The Roxy Launch Project battles, then you are out of your mind! Go support these bands battling it out for some great prizes. Go see as many nights as you can! We spoke with Greg Bishop about the Big Fat Fenders crushing the other bands!

Hammer Records: What made you enter the Roxy Launch Project?

Band: We've developed somewhat of a relationship with The Roxy (and Nimbus) over the past few months.  We attended the Breakthrough Music Conference in March and have played The Roxy several times.  It becomes apparent quite quickly that these folks are all about "Community".  They are supportive and professional and genuinely interested in helping artists build their careers and in strengthening the music scene here in Vancouver... and the contest takes place in a first class venue with a great sound system and dedicated support team!  What's not to like?

Hammer Records: Which of the prizes are you most looking forward to?

Band: This may sound a little corny, but the prizes - as fabulous as they are- aren't on the top of our list of motivators.  We've already attended a pre-Launch seminar and gained valuable knowledge from the presenters.  The opportunity to have people hear our music, the opportunity to network and make connections with people in the industry... these are opportunities that it's hard to put a price on.  Would we like a financial windfall to help boost our career and the chance to work on a single with a renowned producer in a world class studio and have the single promoted and distributed?  Who wouldn't?!  But we are focused on the opportunity, not the prizes.  The journey, not the destination.  (See?  I told you it would sound corny!)

Hammer Records: How are you going to get fans out to your show? Any special tactics?

Band: We have not ruled out arm-twisting, threats and kidnapping, but we thought at first we'd start off with a social Media Campaign and some direct invitations to our friends and Super-fans.  We might also follow up with some good old fashioned begging and pleading!

Hammer Records: Will you be doing anything special at the show?

Band: That's a secret! (But we have been known to bust out a surprising showtune now and again...)  We may also perform one or two brand new songs we've written... You'll have to wait till August 12th to know for sure!

Hammer Records: What do you think of battle of the band competitions around the city? Do they help build the scene?

Band: We don't want to comment on any specific competitions.  Suffice to say that contests which offer little more than a venue but require artists to promote and put bums in seats to fill the bar on slow nights can seem a little one-sided.  The organizers and sponsors of The Launch Project on the other hand, recognize the efforts and legitimate expenses of promoting and playing a show.  Proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the artists responsible for generating them, and the events are scheduled on prime summer weekend nights.  That approach speaks well for the integrity of the competition and, under those circumstances, I can definitely see them helping build the scene.

Hammer Records: What are some of your social media links? Where can people find your music?

Band: We are proud to have recently launched our new website; www.bigfatfenders.com There, fans can check out the band, book tickets for upcoming shows and most importantly, listen to and download our music!

If you prefer Facebook, we're at https://www.facebook.com/bigfatfenders/  Come by for a visit and make friends with us!

We post some cool pics of the band and some cool Hot Rods at https://www.instagram.com/big_fat_fenders/  and a little birdie told me you can tweet us @BigFatFenders https://twitter.com/BigFatFenders 

Canadian Music Week Announces 2017 Dates April 18-22

Canadian Music Week is pleased to announce the 35th instalment will take place April 18-22, 2017. Recognized as one of the premier entertainment events in North America focusing on the business of music, the Canadian Music Week festival spans 4 nights of performances, with over 800 showcasing bands at more than 40 music venues in downtown Toronto. All convention functions take place at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, 123 Queen Street W. Toronto.

                        

CMW takes pride in welcoming international artists and key industry players from around the world with 40 participating countries. For the 35th edition, Canadian Music Week will shine a spotlight on France, while the special focus will be on Italy.

Recently, Canadian Music Week awarded Don Pitts, Music & Entertainment Division Manager - ATX Music & Entertainment Division, City of Austin, the CMW International Music City Of The Year Award. Plans are currently underway for 2017 to start an Austin - Toronto Showcase during the annual festival.

Schedule-At-A-Glance:

Tuesday April 18, 2017
Opening Party

Wednesday April 19, 2017
CMW Interactive / DMS
Social Music Summit
Radio Interactive Summit
Canadian Radio Music Awards Luncheon
CMW Music Festival

Thursday April 20, 2017
Live Touring Summit
Radio Interactive Summit
Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards Gala
CMW Music Festival

Friday April 21, 2017
Global Creators Summit
Music Cities Summit
Live Music Industry Awards (Hangover Brunch)
CMW Music Festival

Saturday April 22, 2017
CMW Music Festival

It's 'Prime Time' Montreal's KEYCHAIN Are Ready To Rebirth Nu-Metal

Powerful, inspiring, huge and moving, KEYCHAIN is pushing the boundaries of its genres to bring the world something completely breathtaking. Combining the elements of Metal, Alternative Rock and Hip Hop they're bringing back the uniqueness and authenticity into today's modern music for a rebirth of the nu-metal genre that has been loved by many and black sheeped by some.

In their first year alone, the independent Montreal, QC band has booked over 50 shows, an upcoming cross country North-American summer/fall tour plus will be releasing 3 music videos and 3 live acoustic videos by 2016's end. Their upcoming debut EP 'Breaking Out' set for release on August 5th is produced by award winning producer/engineer/mixer Glen Robinson who has worked with names such as The Ramones, AC/DC, GWAR, Annihilator and Voivod plus mastered by none other than Howie Weinberg (Pantera, Limp Bizkit, The Deftones, etc).

Teaming up with PureGrainAudio.com, KEYCHAIN reveal 'Prime Time', the first banger off the EP.
Vocalist JP Lachapelle comments: It's "Prime Time"! Your life, your choice, your rules. Cameras rolling & speakers exploding; let's get this fucking party started. Choose your true religion & make your mark. Live free, love deep and die hard; that's the Keychain creed. From Montreal to across the continent, this is the rebirth of NuMetal."
To listen to 'Prime Time', please visit the following link: http://puregrainaudio.com/audio/montreal-quebec-s-keychain-stream-pounding-new-single-prime-time-exclusive-premiere 

WITHOUT MERCY Playing Loud As Hell Festival; New EP 'Mouichido' Out Now!

Wrapping up their cross Canada tour last week in support of their new EP 'Mouichido', Vancouver, BC's WITHOUT MERCY are gearing up for their next big performance at this year's Loud As Hell Fest in Drumheller, AB on July 31st (set time 7:30pm). This year's line up includes Unleash The Archers, Striker, Into Eternity, Ninjaspy, Divinity, West of Hell, Disciples of Power and more!

LAH - Sun, July 31

 

Unleash The Archers – 11pm

Ninjaspy – 9:30pm

Disciples Of Power – 8:30pm

Without Mercy – 7:30pm

Planet Eater – 6:30pm

Third Ion – 5:30pm

Expain – 4:30pm

Display Of Decay – 3:30pm

The Avulsion – 2:30pm

W.M.D. – 1:30pm

Slaughterhauser – 12:30pm

Junkies Rush – 11:30am

Maimed Wolf – 10:30am

Tour Dates:
July 23 - Vancouver, BC - SBC Restaurant - info
July 31 - Drumheller, AB - Loud As Hell Fest - info

In additional news, the band teamed up with SkullsnBones.com for their next guitar playthrough for their track 'In Waves' that features vocals from Mark Hunter of Chimaira.

"Crazy things happen when your buddy runs a butcher shop and has an open mind.  We shot this video as a playthrough ,but with a different spin on the concept. There was so much blood and flesh, I almost went vegan. Almost." comments guitarist DJ Temple.
To watch the video, please visit the following link: http://skullsnbones.com/without-mercy-exclusive-premiere-of-guitar-playthrough-for-in-waves/ 
The band's new EP 'Mouichido' is a rebirth for the band as it's a re-release of re-recorded material from their 2014 EP 'Reborn'. 'Mouichido' is the Japanese word for “Repeat” or “to do one more time” and is perfectly titled for the EP to signify its re-release of previously recorded versions that now feature new vocalist Alex Friis and bass tracks recorded by Tristan Martin plus live performance being done by Ryan Loewen along with a guest appearance by vocalist Mark Hunter of Chimaira on track 'In Waves'.

The Roxy Launch Project - Marry Me

The Roxy Launch Project starts NEXT WEEKEND! So be sure not miss these bands battle it out for some of the best prizes any band could want. We had a nice chat with Natalee from Marry Me about the upcoming competition. 

Hammer Records: What made you enter the Roxy Launch Project?

Marry Me: We were extremely grateful to participate in the 2015 Roxy Launch Project, as we were given awesome guidance through the workshops and feedback. This year, we were inspired to enter again to take our live show to the next level, honouring the ongoing lessons and mentoring that we have received from the Launch Project.

Hammer Records: Which of the prizes are you most looking forward to?

Marry Me: All of the prizes are definitely attractive! With the release of our new EP “Itchy Blood”, the ultimate prize is the opportunity to utilize any the resources that we are offered to promote this EP, whether it's working the songs with one of the world-class producers (we really want to record with Garth at The Farm!), making a classy music video with prize money, or growing the band further with mentorship!

Hammer Records: How are you going to get fans out to your show? Any special tactics?

Marry Me: We are giving away 20 free download copies of our new EP “Itchy Blood” at the Roxy show! We are also going to implement some social media tactics that we picked up at the Launch education seminar from Jordan Carriere of Nimbus School of Recording and Media.

Hammer Records: Will you be doing anything special at the show?

Marry Me: While on our July tour of Alberta and BC, we are developing a show that bridges the gap between the audience and the stage. It's getting creative....you'll have to be there to experience it ;)

Hammer Records: What do you think of battle of the band competitions around the city? Do they help build the scene?

Marry Me: A battle of the bands competition like the Roxy Launch Project helps build the scene for sure. It's an exciting concept because it goes beyond the prizes and ticket sales; with the education seminars, it encourages the band's development and growth, and it sparks connections with other bands, building the live indie music scene in Vancouver.

Hammer Records: What are some of your social media links? Where can people find your music?

Marry Me: Our new EP and other music is on Bandcamp: marrymemusic.bandcamp.com

Website: www.marrymemusic.ca

Facebook: facebook.com/marrymeband

Twitter: @marrymemusic1

Instagram: @photosbymarryme

 

Snapchat: marrymeband