Silence The Swamps

It came from the swamp... well in this case Possum Pocket, Alabama. Well truthfully, it actually came from Alberta, Canada. Now residing in Calgary, Silence The Swamps consists of three high school mates creating this swamp water mix of punk, grunge, and surf. They just released their debut album and are proud that each members influences are equally represented in the album.

The album opens with "White Space" which you hear the good old swamp from Possum Pocket. Then the swell of a dirty guitar leads you into this classic punk bass and drum groove. Reminding of of classic old school Offspring slightly with the chorus hook. The dirty guitar nicely in the background leaving ample room for the vocals to take the forefront even though a nice reverb gives the singer a New York Punk sound. The track gets you ready to enter the murky waters of Silence The Swamps.

"Matlock Malfunction" brings a pop punk feel in the beginning with a very Blink 182 sound but quickly dives into a very dirty punk riff that adds a great dynamic between parts. I can just see the crowd go wild when that busts out. Taking another turn for a short bridge a surprisingly catchy hooky vocal comes along. Love isn't always dead will be stuck in your head for hours. Ending the song with returning to that fast punky riff just seems like perfection.

The heat gets turned up for track number 3 titled "Private Reaper". this Horror Punk track channels this great energy that just makes you want to crank the volume up on your speakers! The thick bass really drives the whole song and gets your head banging and feet moving! This track would be killer to see live! The sheer raw energy captured in this track adds a whole new dimension to this album.

"Nightmare Sequence" keeps up the energy by turning up the tempo! The drums are mixed thicker and have more edge to them for this track that really brings up the ferocity of the track. Some nice dynamics keep this track fresh and catchy vocal hooks will have you singing along in no time. The first guitar solo of the album is also featured in this track and in true punk style it has its own unique "I don't give a fuck" feel. The drums are just blasting away and have such a nice bite that really shows off the drummers skill, they really carry the whole track.

"Problems In My Head" starts with a huge in your face guitar riff that sets the tone for this track. The vocals have almost a desert rock feel to them that brings out this new sound with more bite. Once again the chorus has this skate rock anthem feel that could be on any skate video or played at any stadium arena. The 2nd guitar solo has a very surf rock vibe that fits so perfectly. If any song was going to hit the radio, this track would be eaten up by fans of Pennywise, Bad Religion, The Clash and any fan of just good music.

The sixth track, "Bok Choy" has more of an underground feel than the previous track. Reminding me of Smashing Pumpkins, this track has a more music festival vibe than stadium arena vibe. Sounding more like the punk band you would see while waiting for the band you bought tickets for, but instantly fall in love with the band and go buy all their albums. This is the kind of track that is played in all the college bars. At the end of the movie "Euro-Trip" or just played in your walk-man while your laying on the bed at your parents place contemplating life.

"Floyd The Barber" really blows the hairs right off your head! Bringing the dirty grunge out, this track has more distortion and such a darker feel than the other tracks on the album. This would be the climax of the set, having the whole crowd just going nuts as the band blasted this tune, amps turned up to 11. Its a shame its one of the shortest tracks on the album, but I could see the band playing an extended version of this track at shows just allowing the crowd more time for moshing!

The final track "Skulls" is actually the shortest song on the album. Bringing back the classic sound of this album, this track really sums up the album nicely by its catchy vocal hooks, tight crispy drums, thicker than molasses bass and thick and rich dirty guitar. This album is a great summer album, stick it in the car when your going on a road trip or even driving to the supermarket. Put it on at a party and watch as everyone just instantly starts bobbing their heads. As I'm reviewing this album, even my 3 year old son is dancing in the background to this final track. Do yourself a favor and grab this album for your iTunes collection.

Check out their Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/silencetheswamps/

The Racket

Hailing from Bulkley Valley, BC, The Racket formed with the goal of making music that will get your feet moving. Having such a dynamic sound that will get festival crowds dancing as well as losing yourself deep in thought in an intimate coffee shop setting. With their newest self-titled release they aim to push their sound all across the world for new fans to listen to.

The album opens up with "Drunk", already you can hear the musicianship just flow through you giving you chills. The track opens up with a lone guitar palm muting while the vocals come and join. I'm already transported to a concert at the Commodore Ballroom or even Rodgers Arena. Hints of bass start seeping in until finally the reveal of the full band as they enter with this thick groove that gets your head bobbing. The vocal line is already so catchy that I'll be humming it long after this review. Once the main chorus hits your hooked, this is your new favorite band as waves of pure talent sweep over you. You keep thinking no way this opening track can not get any more epic, but then surely it moves on to the next part and outdoes it self. If this is a sample of what to come, then I am very excited!

The next track "Everybody Knows" picks up right where the last track leaves off. Giving you more of a pop indie feel right off the bat. Then suddenly a female vocal joins in out of no way, twinning the already doubled main vocal. Both so tight on their phrases that it almost sounds like they were machines. Every time you expect the vocals to do something predictable, they take your expectations and throw them out the window! The drums are so fantastic about adding the little rhythmic ear candies for you to hear. The thick bass covers the low end so well adding so much dynamics and drama that you barely notice your feet tapping without you even thinking about it. The final groove section hammers that guitar riff into your head and I could see in a live setting, just jamming on that riff letting the crowd dance away until finally ending it with the final vocal phrase "Everybody Knows". Perfection.

"Fortune" starts off with such a bluesy riff that you know this track will just be covered in swagger. This shows how cool these cats are by their ability to rock such a common groove in their own way. Then all of a sudden voices of angels change things up, some fantastic harmonies bring back the theatrics element that I am growing to love with this album. All before busting back into that thick bluesy groove established at the beginning. Being one of the shorter tracks of the album its over before you know it, but that just means you want to click back on your phone and hear it again!

"Underwater" is a track all about tension. Already right from the start, the guitar seems rushed, not badly, but just pushing the beat, creating his own sense of tension. Then when the vocals come in, tight short phrases start getting your blood pressure rising. The drums have this great shuffle going that fits so perfectly. The dramatic breaks are fantastic, letting the vocals sing out. Such vocal control and allowing all the emotion to just burst out. This track really shows a whole other side to this band. Showing the tenacity as a band and talent for such word play from the singer. The whole song just paints a beautiful yet dark picture. Near the end I kept hearing some organ in the track in my head, but that's just the producer in me speaking.

As I said in the beginning, this band prides themselves on the ability to adapt to all venues. "This Train" is one of those tracks, could be perfectly suited for a coffee shop with an acoustic, microphone and a cal-hone. Or it could be on a huge arena stage sounding like Mumford and Sons but just a three piece. Once again, the musicianship is just masterful and allows the lyrics to just sing this beautiful message straight into our brains. This album is more than just music, its an experience. Each track bringing something new.

"Spanish Dancer", number 6 on their album brings things up again. Lets get those feet moving again! The bubbly uplifting bass and drums really make your heart rise. The chorus allows the vocalist to shine again just before it jumps back into the bubbly happy groove. This track is just an all around feel good track. Happy scratchy guitar, thick bouncing bass and light grooving drums all tied together with some fantastic vocals.

Now being more than halfway done the album, "Flow"enters the mix and brings us to a very whimsical land. Some space filled guitar and deep thinking vocals swarm all around you. A nice thick acoustic guitar sits back behind the mix as well. Having a very jazzy feel to the track makes it stand out on its own. I wish the vocals had a little more depth to them, a bit more reverb or effects so that they also sat in the more spaced out feel rather than be completely up front. They sound great, specially when the bass finally joins near the end of the track. Playing around with different grooves really carries on the jazzy feel to this entire track as it keeps your head bobbing but always unsure of what is coming.

"Chapel" starts with one of my favorite chord progressions but with a few twists on it. Once again a scratchy guitar riff lays down the fundamental groovy feel while the bass and drums come in and add almost a disco feel to the track. I had wished there would be some delay on the lead vocals allowing them to also add to the groove. But as the track progresses, it becomes apparent that this is a guitar heavy track that sounds like a blast to perform live with some great instrumental parts. Really allowing the guitar to breathe and showcase all of its hard work.

"The Ballad Of Micky Flinn" introduces a whole new sound. A piano and organ giving this track a dark jazzy blues feel to the track. The super thick organ lays down some serious grooves as we get a bouncy piano on top adding even more bounce to the track. All the instruments though just set the stage for the lyrics. A tale of Micky Flinn, I won't say anymore than that!

"Petty Crimes" is a fast paced folk track. A fantastic accordion keeps your toes tapping. Reminding me of the track "Rasputin". This one would be a blast to do some swing dancing too! Once again I could see getting a whole crowd of music festival goers  dancing away! Production wise it seems more like a fill track than anything. Stacking this track next to some of the earlier tracks it sounds more like an idea than a fully flushed out track. The drums sound more in the background than other tracks. But I love the idea of seeing an accordion up on stage!

"Ball of Evil" almost has a Vogville old school kind of feel, some fantastic writing though. At times reminds me of a couple Jonas Brothers track actually. It has a very Disney feel or musical. Like its a feature piece in a film. It even has a "dance break" where the piano lays down some fantastic licks but I could see two main characters doing some tap style dancing. The ending of the track has this all too catchy chant which will have you singing it for days!

The final track "Build Your Tower High" finishes the album off on a upbeat inspirational note. This great folk tune brings all the theatrical and dynamic pieces from before added with some stellar lyrics really sums up this album. The whole album took you on this roller coaster of a ride but ends with this beautiful message of hope and beauty. I could hear on the radio TODAY and be a huge hit. This is a great cross between folk, country and pop that is both catchy but progressive. Truly a great finish to a fantastic record.

To learn more about "The Racket" vist their Facebook page and links below:
https://www.facebook.com/Theracketofficial/
http://theracketofficial.ca/

Orwellian - Visions Of The Future

In these bleak times, we need metal more than ever to inspire us, allow us to vent our anger and raise our fists at authority. Their name derives from George Orwell "Orwellian" is an adjective describing the situation, idea, or societal condition that George Orwell identified as being destructive to the welfare of a free and open society. It connotes an attitude and a brutal policy of draconian control by propaganda, surveillance, misinformation, denial of truth, and manipulation of the past.

The band has had great success early in their career and continues to push forward. Their unrelenting metal being a rally point for metal heads all over the world. 

Their latest album "Visions Of The Future" just dives right into a blistering drum beat, catchy guitar hook and low guttural growl that will set the stage for the whole album. The opening track "Abandoned" reminds me of a mix of Mastadon and Pantera. The passion and ferocity of Pantera mixed with the melodic but driving riffs of Mastadon. The guitar solo mid track adds a perfect little feature for any guitar lover to really hear some epic shredding. This track would have anyone headbanging right away as its catchy riffs are just so infectious.

"The Gift" is almost straight up early Trivium and Lamb Of God. This track just speeds along with some hard hitting riffs. The bass and drums are locked together perfectly to allow each little guitar riff to really hit home. Vocally, this track has some epic moments but it seems to be more of a guitar driven track for sure. Once again, mid song guitar melody just takes the reign and just gets stuck in your head. The resulting breakdown after, would be epic to witness live on stage. Leading towards a ear ripping guitar solo that is front and center in the mix. The delay effects at the end of the tracks before the final breakdown was fantastic and I hope to see more of that later on in the album.

"Relapse" just like it's name is dark a brutal. Like a shot of heroin, its darkness straight to your heart. The reverb on the vocals give the audience the illusion of a bad trip and it only gets worse. Gone are the melodic guitar hooks. An almost Spanish, middle eastern feel comes to play with an abrasive screeching guitar solo. The drums remind me of every expert level drum track in the video game Rock Band. Endless blast beats and enough double kick to put you in the hospital. The track ends with eerie creaking and scraping sounds like the audience is finally driven insane and taken to an old abandoned insane asylum.

The Fourth Track "Novel Of Despair" keeps in the darker vein but this time adding more synchronized hits. The band goes from stopping on a dime hits, to breakneck galloping speed riffs. The doubled heavy vocals adding emphasis on different words really adds to the feel of the track. Fantastic delay on the vocals allows a sense of space that was lacking on previous tracks. The time changes in this song are fantastic, giving each section a unique vibe and keeps the whole track feeling fresh.

Perhaps the fastest track on the album "Guided By Fear" just takes the audience straight into the fiery depths of hell. The drums stand out particularly well on this track by their sheer impressive ability to keep going with such ferocity and drive. The vocals seem like at any moment the singer's heart could just give out. His screams are so intense that they easily cut through the track and the urgency in the tone gets your heart rate sky rocketing at sections. Finally the tracks ends, and your heart might have exploded because you hear the angels sing, taking you to the great light in the sky with a fantastical masterpiece of composing.

"Tyrant" keeps the strings and choir in the track as they bring you into the kingdom of fire. A lot of galloping riffs make you think of horses returning to the castle of this Tyrant. The vocals remind me of Murmaider from Dethklok and the whole track started to remind me of one of their tracks at times. Having heard the rest of the album, this song stuck out as not as polished as the others. Near the end of the track it picks up with an awesome vocal effect and bringing in the orchestral feeling again, but for a long stretch of song I was left with my mind starting to wander.

The final track "Kodiak" wraps everything together and pushes a more progressive feel. This track has more stops and starts than any previous tracks and they really work in bringing in the audience and keeping my ears interested. The bass takes center stage at a couple moments putting some fantastic epic bass fills in between hits. The slower part of the track really allows the band to show some great clean tones and allowing the vocalist to show a whole new light of himself as they build back up to this epic doom inspired riff. Cranking things back up to 11, the band closes the album with an insane double kick driven madness. This is where the circle pit would emerge and everyone give it all they had for one final push. Ending the album with distinctive end really makes me appreciate what I've just listened to as a whole. I quickly que up the first track again and am ready to dive back into 1984.

Check out the album yourselves here:
http://www.orwellian.bandcamp.com/
Find more about the band at:
https://www.facebook.com/orwellianband/
Instagram:  http://instagram.com/orwellianband
Twitter: www.twitter.com/orwellianband

Little Evenings, Long Nights

I love when true musicians release music from their heart. Its not about selling records, or being a rockstar. It's about releasing your music into the world and seeing where it goes. Angus Maude has a voice that just connects with your soul. The instrumentation is just fantastic and truly stays true with the genre of indie. I could hear this on the radio so easily. But what grabs me the most, are the musical ideas that Angus has created. The album just breaths, vocal layer allows his voice to move beyond each track and really sink into your brain. A few instruments make me wish they were recorded even more DYI. I would have loved to hear the piano in "Tattoos" be more out of tune. Like it was recorded on an old worn out piano covered in dust in the back of the studio. I think the album sounds great, but I think the production could be even more rustic in some tracks just to give it that earthly feel. I love the guitar in "Capo 9" which has such an organic feel to it.

The whole album is just a set of stories that when they all come together it just leaves you wanting more. I would gladly go listen to Angus for hours in a little coffee house, as long as I could have a good seat and a nice cold beer. A real diamond in the rough, this album just wants me to share it with friends and I know I will be adding it to my phone and listening to it and so should you.

Check out his Facebook page HERE.
Here the album for free on Spotify HERE.

TAIGA - (Russian Atmospheric Black Metal) - New Album 'Sky' Out Sept 16th

Russian atmospheric/depressive black metal band TAIGA are now streaming their first single '?????' off their upcoming album 'Sky' set for release on September 16th via Satanathc Records sub label Symbol of Domination. The album tells the story about those moments in life when people are aware of their own insignificance and can not overcome the emotional pain. Everyday is torture for them as loneliness is the guard of their cage and they feel there is no escape. In hope of change, they turn their eyes to the sky.
 

To listen to '?????', please visit the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksLCXzQi93w 


Album Pre-order - https://symbolofdomination.bandcamp.com/album/sodp072-taiga-sky-2016 

TAIGA was founded in the Siberian city of Tomsk by Nikolai Seredov from the thrash band "??????????" (Stakhanovtsi) and the funeral doom band "Funeral Tears" along with Andrey Chernov, guitarist of the military/martial industrial metal band "Panzertank". In December 2013, they released their first two songs, "?? ??????" and "?? ????? ??????", which marked the beginning of the project. People suffering from mental disorders caused by public misunderstanding, undivided love and their own weakness are the main influence in TAIGA's lyrics. In January 2014, TAIGA released their the first EP called "?? ??? ??? ??????" (You Are Still Breathing), which was immediately followed by another EP in February 2014, entitled "???? ? ?????" (Ashen To Ashen). With great feedback on their EPs, TAIGA revealed their debut full length "Ashen Light" during March 2014. The album featured new arranged tracks from the first two EPs and was co-released by labels Satanath Record, Metallic Media and and Le Crépuscule Du Soir Productions. In 2015, they released their second album "Gaia" via labels Symbol Of Domination and Metallic Media. In 2016, band recruited Aleksey "Satanath" Korolyov as their keyboardist/ambient sound maker to add to their mystic atmosphere. Quick Note: Andrei Chernov was not involved in the recording of the new album 'Taiga', but is still involved as a member of the band.

Is It October Yet?

Dear Coward is a four piece grunge rock band with a post-hardcore flare. Having been in the shadows, perfecting their craft and stage show, their first single "October" shows exactly what the band is capable of. This track is full of heated emotions, broken strings and stadium chants. Perfectly recorded, the drums are tight, the bass is locked with the kick and the guitar has so much crunch that you would swear Captain Crunch is playing on this track! This band reminds me of Stella mixed with Foo Fighters that had a baby with Alexisonfire. Their bombastic sound should go over well with the heavier crowd as well as the more straight rock crowd. This song is truly meant to be played in stadiums though!

When Dear Coward hits the scene with their full force, it will be a quick rise to the top if every track has the energy of this! Don't miss any of their shows. Check out more of the band on their Facebook page HERE.

Straight To Your HEAD

HEAD is a Vancouver rock band who just released their debut album "Afraid To Sleep". Their stage show is fantastic and the characters they have created for their on stage personas are epic. Reminding me of a mix of Nighwish, Kamelot, Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson. Their album shows their dreams for each track realized into an epic sonic package for listeners.

Each of the tracks shares great production value. Every instrument is beautifully recorded and the transition between different ideas flows like wine. I would have loved to see the writing process while they worked their ideas into this orgasm of sound. Something very sensual stems through each song. A certain sexuality in each song just like someone whispering in your ears. It reminds me of a lot of older tracks from the 80's. Almost a Madonna feel on some tracks. On a dime the lead singer can switch that sensual feeling into a dark mysterious vibe, and even at times take it even further into an almost stalkerish tone. The vocals on every track are so full of emotion and depth. The effects are well placed and really fill out the track. This is one band that I hope they have vocal effects for their live stage show. Since a lot of call and response or harmonies really play a key part in the track then I hope the rest of the band fills out the sound in a live setting.

Diving into the guitar on the album. Fantastically placed parts. Not overall busy, but not simple at all. Each riff just beautiful compliments the energy of the track at that time. Really filling out the tracks. At times I wish it was a bit louder in the mix, a little more even with the synths just to give it a bit more edge, but thats just the metal head in me speaking. A lot of the tracks remind me of a very Alice In Chains feel. Some great guitar tones are on the album. In "Darkness" there is this almost sitar feeling guitar. The crunch on some songs is nice and thick but yet you can still hear great distinction on the chords.

The bass and drums are perfect for this genre. Just adding a thick level of groove or drive. Either pushing the song forward with some tension and pushing the beat. Or, sitting back and letting the songs have a nice swing feel to them. At times i wish the drums got a little crazier, allowed to be a little more in the forefront. If this album was being mixed for TOP 40 then I would have liked to hear a thicker kick drum so really get that drive that some of the songs seem to lack. Sometimes the synth's lower end just seems to take over where the thickness of the kick drum would be. I really enjoyed the track "Save Me" but wished it was either a bit faster or a bit punchier.

The synth/keyboards are a real leading force in these songs. They really add so much depth to each song. If the rest of the band was a cake, then the synth would be the icing. Not necessary, but it makes the whole thing taste so much better! It makes HEAD stand out from so many other bands on the scene. It adds a sound that can either push the envelop or bring back some flavours from the past.

The album as a whole is a fantastic piece of work. Full of dynamics, hooks and well written songs. I could easily see me playing the entire album on a road trip with the windows down. A lot of these songs have some radio potential but I'd have a hard time picking one song to be their leading single. Each track has a unique take on the band, when you listen to the album as a whole, each track stands with each other quite nicely. I would really recommend going over and touring in Europe or Asia. This bands sound would just thrive over there. It would be harder to break into the North American market with this sound as its almost a very niche sound now a days. A lot of people are tending to listening to harder stuff or lighter material and theres not much middle ground on the radio now a days. I can't wait to watch to see where the bands takes their music next. It was a pleasure listening to the album in its entirety and I recommend anyone listening to their music do the same.

Check out their website and social media links below:
www.headmusic.ca

www.facebook.com/The.band.HEAD

https://twitter.com/headmusic_band

http://headmusic.ca/afraid-to-sleep-the-story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtDD8FrPLv0

OUT NOW! NO LIST RECORDS SPLIT: The Great Sabatini / Godstopper

Out now! NO LIST RECORDS unleash the new split from Montreal sludge metallers THE GREAT SABATINI and Toronto noise rockers GODSTOPPER.The split is available digitally plus on cassette at the following link:  http://store.nolistrecords.com./album/split-5.

"...hails from further out in left-field with more peaks and valleys than the heads-down-tits-up sludgy rock they fire at you from the stage...these dudes have a 90s alt-rock edge grinding against their love affair with riffs that crash bolts of lightning into stacks of Orange amps in delivering a rumbling calling card of hellacious noise." - Decibel

"In 2012, the unpredictability and wickedness of Matterhorn and the gritty violence of the companion release The Royal We established the group as one to watch closely; Dog Years confirms that attention was well worth it." - Exclaim

"The Great Sabatini are not just playing by-the-numbers sludge, but rather mixing things up, and transposing their punk attitude into new forms of musical expression beyond what you might be expecting." - The Sleeping Shaman

Snur

What is Snur you may ask. Well, Snur is a Grunge band from Lake Country, British Columbia. This duo reminds me of what the raw grunge sound coming from Seattle must have sounded like in the beginning. I admit, Snur is quite progressive but this is what the sound from the jam rooms of Mother Love Bone, Temple Of The Dog and Soundgarden back when they first started.

The musicianship on their self titled demo album is fantastic. These two really have a solid groove and sound locked in. At times reminding me of Led Zepplin in the tightness between the drums and the guitar. The drums are never overly busy, just filling out the sound and adding depth and groove. The guitar does a fantastic job at adding all the grit and melody. Where as the vocals sit between the two, almost adding more attitude than melodic hooks. The intensity of the vocals do a great job at making things very dynamic and never stagnant. This band can go full bore and then soft at a drop of a hat, which really helps keeps the interest of the audience.

I can't wait to see how the band develops and hopefully adds a few more members, I think a solid bass player would just make the sound so much thicker and add a whole new flare. Specially if the bass player wasn't just playing root notes all the time. In the demo I can hear some bass through the demo but I think finding a more progressive bass player might really add something to the band. I also would love to see the drummer do some back up vocals. Just adding more depth to the sound. With a smaller band, each member part is so much more important. Even just doubling some of vocals during the chorus would make such a huge difference.

I will be keeping my eye on his band and I suggest you do the same! Be sure to catch them at one of their upcoming shows. Check out their Facebook page HERE.

Get Your Bones Ready For The Rebellion

Earlier this week, we interviewed Bone State Rebellion about their new EP. We managed to get an early release of their EP and have had it on repeat ever since!

The first track "War In Me" starts off with this gritty bass line that just demands your attention. Your mind enters a post apocalyptic world as the vocals fill your ears. Their words creep into your brain as your mind wanders through the wasteland. When the chorus hits, the sound is just mesmerizing. This track reminds me of a mix of Fu Manchu and Mastodon. A deadly combination of heavy riffs, dynamic vocals and thick drums. Matt Di Pomponio did a fantastic job at making this mix heavy but also radio ready. Not too heavy for the Fox, but still fantastically dirty. The band sounds like they have been playing these songs for decades. Everything just flows and the song is never static for too long, but not too progressive. This song will be perfect for finishing up a great night's set.

"The Road Less Travelled" is just a smash, all around. Huge thick riff that instantly gets you headbanging. The calm and collected vocals just float over the chaos below. Reminiscent of Soundgarden's "Jesus Christ Pose", the vocals have a very Chris Cornell sound. The drums are just a monster of sound devouring your ears as they relentlessly beat your ear drums. Both the guitar and bass are locked into this huge heavy riff that reminds you of why you love rock music in the first place. After brief bridge, a space age solo comes on through, bringing it back to the desert rock feel of the previous track. I would love to see this song has as much energy live as it does on the record. This is rock and roll.

Overall the two song EP sounds great, Matt did a great job in the studio, the band really put their best foot forward with this EP. I hope they do a killer video for BOTH tracks and start shopping around to labels and get out there on the road! Bone State Rebellion has what it takes to be the next big Vancouver band based on their sound alone. So go check out their EP release show and see them live! Support the band by buying the EP, trust me, its worth it.

Check out Bone State Rebellion's Facebook page HERE.
Check out the event page for the EP release HERE.

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!

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'.

Hotei releases special edition of 'Strangers'

Japanese superstar HOTEI releases Strangers (Special Edition) today, through Spinefarm Records. The new release is an expanded format of his international debut album, which originally came out in October last year and features an array of guests including the godfather of punk Iggy Pop, Emigrate/Rammstein’s Richard Z. Kruspe, Bullet For My Valentine’s Matt Tuck, Noko from UK electronic band pioneers Apollo 440, and acclaimed Texan singer Shea Seger.

Strangers (Special Edition) features four bonus tracks including ‘Power’. A long-time live fan favourite, this is the first time that Hotei has recorded a studio version and the track has been released in Japan as a single to celebrate his 35^th anniversary as a recording star. The accompanying video features him performing the song to a sold-out crowd of 10,000 people at the Yoyogi Gymnasium, Tokyo.

WATCH ‘POWER’ HERE

 Also featured on Strangers (Special Edition) is ‘Trick Attack’, which was originally released on the New Beginnings album in Japan in 2014, and was the theme song for ‘Lupin The 3^rd’, a smash hit Japanese detective movie in 2014. The new package is rounded off with another live favourite, ‘Black Ships’, and ‘Move It (Hounds Remix)’ which features the afore-mentioned Richard Z. Kruspe on vocals and was remixed by Olly Burden, who is known for collaborating with The Prodigy on their latest album.
 

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘MOVE IT’ HERE

2016 marks Hotei’s 35^th anniversary in music. To celebrate this milestone Hotei has a wide range of events in Japan throughout the year including over 60 live dates, ranging from intimate club shows in the kind of small venues Hotei hasn’t performed in since the start of his career, to a free open-air concert in his hometown in front of 25,000 fans. Hotei will also be playing special shows in the areas devastated by the Tsunami in 2011 and will end the year with a very special fan request show at the Budokan in Tokyo on December 30^th.

Not one to rest on his laurels Hotei will also be playing US shows in July including his first-ever LA show, at the legendary Troubador which is already sold out, and the Highline Ballroom in New York. These follow his live collaboration with Italian legend Zucchero, who visited Japan for the first time in his career in May. Hotei also features in the latest Zucchero video (from his new album Black Cat) and will join him on stage in September at his arena show in Verona.

Heralded by Time Out as “iconic”, and a genuine superstar in his native Japan where he has sold more than 40 million records, Hotei is best known internationally for his Kill Bill theme ‘Battle Without Honor or Humanity’ and is sought-after as a collaborator both in the studio and on stage.

Now living in London Hotei has headlined sold-out shows in the capital at the Roundhouse (2012), and Shepherd’s Bush Empire (2013), and more recently played special intimate shows at The Lexington, North London and the Islington Assembly Hall where he showcased Strangers material.

THE APEX Announce New EP 'Underbelly

Windsor, ON's THE APEX announce they will be unleashing their new EP 'Underbelly' (artwork and track listing coming soon) in follow up to their 2015 self-titled album and have launched a Go Fund Me / Pre-Order Campaign for fans to support. A full list of perks ranging from limited edition shirts, tapes, CDs, vinyls plus an exclusive performance can be viewed at the following link here.

Video of the band recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EL0PLlXh2A 

The band comments:

"We would like to start by saying we are trying to stay as modest as possible here. We see many campaigns for bands shoot for crazy numbers and we are trying to keep ours at a reasonable and achievable number. We are trying to raise some funds to put out our new EP entitled, "Underbelly" which is set to be released in August in time for our East Coast tour around the same time. We need all the help we can get by Aug. 1st. Any help past that day is still a HUGE help!"

The EP will feature 3 ear piercing blasts of extreme shrapnel to please fans as the ghetto tech metallers will be hitting the road this August for their two week 'Fresh Out of The Foundry Tour' with Regina's The Man and His Machine across Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. (dates listed below)

SLUDGEHAMMER Pound The Fury With Debut Album 'The Fallen Sun'‏

Featuring eleven fist pounding tracks of dynamic vocal performances from lead vocalist Chris Szarota and bassist Dan Ayers, along with a showcase of mind bending guitar solos, heavy riffs and blistering drumming fury. Toronto, ON's SLUDGEHAMMER are proud to unleash their debut full length album 'The Fallen Sun' officially out now as of June 10th. The debut album is the follow up their 2014 EP 'Organ Harvester' and was self-produced by the band plus mixed by guitarist Tyler Williams along with mastering done by world renowned producer & engineer Lasse Lammert (Gloryhammer, Alestorm, Teramaze) at LSD Studio in Germany. 

"We're extremely happy to announce that "The Fallen Sun" is available today through bandcamp. Included are 9 brand new tracks that will get any metalhead's blood pumping. We had some fun in the studio and decided to record 2 bonus tracks that are also included on the album. We busted our asses with this one in the winter and we're super excited with how it turned out. Enjoy at high volumes please! Support the underground!" comments guitarist Jeff Wilson.

The album is available digitally and on CD at the following bandcamp link https://sludgehammermusic.bandcamp.com.

"Believe" by Kristen Karma ft. Kazz

“Believe” is the current single of now Toronto-based (previously Vancouver) artist, Kristen Karma. If that’s a name you think you recognize, you’re probably right! Kristen Karma had performed locally for numerous years, garnering success throughout Vancouver and gaining opportunities such as opening for DJ Lady Starlight at the official Lady Gaga Afterparty during the 2013 Born This Way Ball Tour,  before relocating to Toronto, Ontario to further her musical career. Karma also has a dedicated following online, world-wide. 

“Believe” is a heart-felt, positive, pop ballad. Written in connection to the Canadian Cancer Society, lyrically, this song has the ability to reach just about everyone, young and old, on an emotional level. Cancer is no stranger in the lives of many, and this song helps to bring about a positive outlook on a potentially sad situation. It teaches one to believe, and that standing together, there are no sad moments, simply just moments to remember and cherish forever.

Throughout the song, there are delicate harmonies and melodies placed strategically which keeps the song moving and the ear entertained. The addition of a feature vocalist (Toronto artist, Kazz), adds a lot of depth to the over all sound of the track, as does the addition of extra piano and string accompaniment by the talented, Kate Unrau.

The over all mix of the song, technically, was well done. The levels of the instrumentation paired well with that of Karma’s vocals. However, I wish I could have heard Kazz a little higher, or at least, clearer in the mix when it came to the additional background vocals and harmonies in the first minute and thirty seconds of the song. The latter half showcases that there are two separate voices much more clearly than the first half. When Kazz joined in for the feature vocal, you could hear clearly that he has a beautiful voice. One which carried the melodies of the song whimsically. Pairing Kristen Karma and Kazz together to create this acoustic rendition of “Believe” was a great choice. The song is strong messaged, beautifully written, and will touch the hearts of many.

To accompany the single for “Believe,” Kristen Karma released a music video, now with over 23,000 views on YouTube. The video was shot artfully, in black and white, focusing mainly around Karma in varying shots from singing to playing the piano, as well as features from Kazz and Kate Unrau. It also showcased a beautiful storyline in the b-roll of the video that I’ll let you watch for yourself.

The team behind the production of this single and music video did a really good job of capturing the essence of what Kristen Karma wrote. The credits are as follows:

Music and Lyrics: Kristen Karma

Vocals and additional lyrics: Kazz (FACEBOOK)

Strings and additional piano: Kate Unrau

Audio Engineer: Scotty Komer

Videographer: Deighton Goode

Make-up Artist: Ashley Fernandes

Executive Producers: Jordan (Xander) King, Kristen Karma, Scotty Komer

Production Company: The Kommunity Inc.

In Association With: The Canadian Cancer Society ( WEBSITE / FACEBOOK )

You can find this single on ITunes : Buy NOW on iTunes!

Watch the video on YouTube: "Believe" Music Video (Kristen Karma ft. Kazz)

Both Of Them Milenko - Ensh

Ensh released his album "Both Of Them Milenko" a bit of a weird title, but maybe its because the contents of the album are a bit weird as well. Having an album in both English and Serbian is a cool concept and something to be proud of. The album itself sounds well mixed and the beats are both interesting and stimulating. The vocals sound more grinding and out of character than what I'm used to. Neither fitting into a hiphop genre or a Pop/Dance genre. Maybe theirs a niche market that I'm just not used to hearing. At times I feel like I'm being subdued under a trance, while other times I feel like I'm in a boot camp being yelled at by an angry drill sergeant with a love for dance music. The vocals are not off pitch or anything, but sometimes just quite abrasive to the ear. There also is a bit of a loose song structure to the tracks but since most of the time the beat doesn't change substantially, you might just loose track of where you are in the song. Hints of Nine Inch Nails pop into my head as I listen to some of the later tracks. So maybe its why I find some of the tracks more jarring than maybe some other listeners.

The second half of the album seems more relaxation and meditative than the first. Maybe it's because without understanding the language my mind can focus more of the melody and timbre of the track. Also the vocals are softer and more melodic than the first half.

A very interesting listen and I give it all the best to try and break into the western market. I hope that it finds it's niche listeners who will enjoy and share this music.

Check out Ensh on Facebook HERE.

Boyce Avenue - Road Less Traveled

When I think of Boyce Avenue I always think of their Youtube channel with some of the great covers. I also think of their awesome collaborations with many artists. Their videos were always so beautiful. I could only imagine the music that they were creating themselves. This is the first full album on their own label. These songs sound like they are very near and dear to the bands hearts. If their EP was full of their ideas then this album is full of their imagination.

The album is full of feel good, sunny summer day, sit on the grass tracks. Tunes that are uplifting and make you have a smile on your face. Some great pop anthems with a bit of folk feeling instrumentals. Each track has that feeling of wanting to be heard on the radio. Mixed to adult contemporary perfection, but I found that a lot of tracks lacked dynamics. No huge separation between verse and chorus. Vocal wise, it sounds all in the same pitch and vocal tone throughout most of the album. At times I almost didn't know I was listening to a new track, they just seem to flow into each other. I hear a lot of backing vocals and things that fill out the tracks behind him, but I would love to hear some more definite separation between parts in the songs.

The album is mixed fantastically, all the instruments fit perfectly together, just letting the vocals sit on top taking up the majority of the mix. I think a electronic remix of some of these songs would be very successful in the club scene. The vocals really are the centre point of the album. A lot of the songs remind me of Jason Mraz "I'm Yours" having that bouncy, almost ska like feel.

Be sure to grab the album and see them on tour! For more information go to their website HERE.

Strung Out - Dookie Pilots

If you like good old Rock and Roll then you should check out Dookie Pilots! These guys are new to the scene and have put out a super solid first single "Strung Out". Their lead singer we know to be a brilliant song writer as well as a fantastic performer! We look forward to seeing this new band on some of the many Vancouver stages! If their other tunes are just as solid as this first single then I believe they will quickly gain a solid following!

Check out their Facebook page HERE.