Victoria K offer live DVD for pre-order

One more idea to enjoy some live music these days is grabbing your trusty DVD player, put in a disc and there you go.

These option for sure goes more for the bigger bands since they often have live recordings on hold that they can put out now. But I was surprised to read that the symphonic metal newcomers Victoria K are about to put out a Digital Versatile Disc as well.

Victoria K surprise us with a live DVD release in January 2021.

 

The release is called "Live Isolation Concert". It was recorded during the pandemic crisis and includes all the songs from the debut album "Essentia" unleashed during April 2020.

The music of the band is for dedicated fans of symphonic metal with intensive female vocals inside of it. It's emotional and sensible all the way. 

The DVD is available for pre-order here: https://bit.ly/VictoriaK_DVD

The live show will be also released as a digital album on the major online stores.

Track Listing:
1. The Haunting
2. Mist Filled Sky
3. Forsaken
4. Humanity
5. Surreal
6. Freaks
7. Shroud of Solitude
8. Lacuna
9. Freedom Uncharted
10. Matrix 

Update 22.01.2021: 

Finally one full track called "Freaks" has been put out for preview. I think it underlines that the DVD priced at 12,99 Euro plus shipping and handling could be well worth it. 

 

"Freaks" is also available for stream and immediate download
Spotify - http://spoti.fi/3q3ezmX
Apple Music - https://apple.co/35pSYgo 

Livestream Calendar 2020/2021

Since the pandemic is still having us all in heavy grip the only way to have some live music experience is coming through the internet. My last post about this is already a bit older so I decided to open up a new one.  
 
Please consider giving a little donation or buy some band merch if you like what you see or hear. Broadcasting livestreams sadly ain't a free thing. Bands need to have some equipment for it that they usually don't have so they need to buy or lend it at least mostly in exchange for some cash.  

Upcoming shows

John Diva & The Rockets Of Love

Online Release-Show for the new album "American Amadeus"

Friday 15th 2021, starts at 20h CET

https://getnext.to/john-diva?fbclid=IwAR0Ke1yqKqXVyfKMS_mAFmDXxcV3MEXGqwJdblSN06I_HRXKq7GjyI719Aw

 

Leprous

perform "The Congregation" album in it's entirely

Saturday 16th 2021, 20h

Tickets https://watch.munin.live/products/leprous-the-congregation-live?fbclid=IwAR0bSbsuYmgg-Iec8mGpahZ4uiDDMGo_D426j-D5TXi3yecWsJoGGrrIQB0 

OPUS' BLIZZARD B-DAY BASH 2021
Saturday 23th January 2021
Starts at 7PM. Sharp!
Featuring...
DEAD BY WEDNESDAY
EARTH (BLACK SABBATH Tribute USA - Special Unplugged Acoustic Set)
KINGS & LIARS
MARC RIZZO (Guitarist of SOULFLY - Solo Shred)
*Plus more surprises!!!

*Includes premier of DBW's new song "Mars in Exile" & more TBA!!!

Streaming Live on:
YOUTUBE, FACEBOOK, & TWITCH here:

YT: https://www.youtube.com/combatrecords

FB: https://www.facebook.com/toadsplaceofficial

Twitch: @BrainwaveHQ

Metal Storm: The Deep Freeze Fest 

Saturday, January 23rd 2021 starting at 8pm ET 

https://www.twitch.tv/rock_addict_radio

hosted by RAR personality, DJ REM.
 
Featured bands include:
Viral Strain (UK)
Brotality (US)
Matalobos (Mexico)
Blood of Angels (US)
Corners of Sanctuary (US)
Pressure (Sweden)
Illusions of Grandeur (US)

 

Past Shows  

Little Caesar 

streaming their entire debut album

Saturday, December 26th at 3 PM, Eastern

https://www.facebook.com/bravewords or 

https://www.youtube.com/user/Bravewords666?sub_confirmation=1

  

 

Maahes

The Egyptophile black metallers are streaming their complete "Live at Woid Weyd Metal" show on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/MaahesOfficial

 

 

Wrecking Ball Metal Fest 

Saturday,December 12th 2020

the first band performing at 1pmET.  

https://www.rockaddictradio.com/video-stream.php or

Twitch TV channel at https://www.twitch.tv/rock_addict_radio

Bands schedule to perform include:

Syteria (UK)

Strike Master (Mexico)

Corners of Sanctuary (US)

Agressor (Costa Rica)

Threatpoint (US)

The Recasts (US)

Seventh Chaos (US)

Powerless Rise (US)

 

 

Online charity Mezivrchy Festival

December 19th 2020, at 2 PM UTC+01 – DEC 20 AT 12 AM UTC+01. 

Bands schedule to perform include: 

Purnama [death/black metal]

Welicoruss [symphonic black metal]

INNERSPHERE [thrash/melodic-death metal]

Pačess [metal]

V.A.R [thrash metal]

We Are Dust You Turn Into [death metal]

F.A. King [rock]

In addition, you will see a fire show by Alterna!

https://rb.gy/2tkoz8

Let's speak with Fierce Deity (Stoner/Power Metal, 2020)

This was a love upon first sight. I just watched the video on YouTube and the warrior at the fire instantly woke my interest. 

To my further pleasure the music and further progress of the lyric video spoke from my heart. It felt like being back in my childhood days listening Iron Maiden for the first time. I simply had to know more about who stands behind Fierce Deity. Happily my questions where listened to so here's what I was able to find out...

Heavy Metal Underdogs: Hey! Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions of the Heavy Metal Underdogs blog.
Fierce Deity / Jonathon Barwick: Really appreciate you having me, Jens!

- Where does the inspiration for the warrior at the campfire on the cover come from?
I call him ‘The Traveller’ (or ‘Trav’ for short) and I got inspiration for the images a few years ago when my life was chaotic. I grieved by reading The Witcher and travelling to Japan. Witchers and Samurai share many philosophies that helped me move forward and find peace - well, that and a little LSD.

- Do you practise meditation for yourself?
I started in July 2017. I found a group of Tibetan Buddhists in my city that allowed the public to join in their meditations. I wrote ‘The Path’ after my first session - I got home, picked up my guitar and all those riffs fell into place.

 
- Do you play retro-games? If so: which systems and games/genres do you prefer?
My first console was a SNES but I spent most of my childhood on a Nintendo 64. I don’t prefer any system and I love all genres. My favourite games always seem to be single player adventures - Zelda, Witcher 3, Fallout 3, the Souls games… Also I’m the best in the world at Mario Kart 64.

- What do the japanese letters underneath the band name stand for?
It translates to “INTENSE GOD”. I visited Japan in 2018 - I was blown away by their culture and I haven’t seen life the same way since. It opened my eyes to the big wide world and the possibilities of life. A year later Fierce Deity was born but without a doubt the idea was conceived in Japan.

- Could you imagine converting the one-man project Fierce Deity into a full band if there was a demand for shows?
I sure can but I have a wild imagination! If the music catches a strong wind I’ll put a show together - and I mean “a show”. I have zero desire to do the local grind. I’d rather do something special a few times than do the same mediocre thing over and over again. I like the idea of Lemmy and Motorhead - he had a bunch of awesome people come through his band creating a different sound from his writing over the years.

Keep in touch with Fierce Deity with a subscription on Facebook.

Manach Seherath take us back to first rehearsals with free EP

I love demos! They sound much rougher and direct than polished studio recordings. It's also for me as if I can feel the joy and power a band can have when performing their songs at the rehearsal space.
 
Gladly italian Symphonic Metallers Manach Seherath have decided to let us be the fly on the wall at their rehearsal room.  But they give us even something more special. It's a free EP that holds the recordings of the first rehearsals the band did at all. 

Sneak into the rehearsal room of Manach Seherath, cover (c) by Manach Seherath

 

So if you listen closely now you can re-feel the evolution of tracks like Arti Manthano, Timeless and All in All. Make sure not to miss out this possibility and pick up your free download from the band's homepage.
 

The first post on the Facebook page of the band holds a fast access to all the free downloads the band has on offer. You can also download the first demo of the band as well as the latest full length studio album that came out in 2018.

So if you decide to take the full path of listening you can follow all the steps some of the tracks took over the years.
 
Make sure to follow the band on Facebook or the videoportal YouTube so you won't miss out how the story (hopefully) moves on. 

Another option is using the Manach Seherath app. All the instructions on how to get it are located on the band's homepage.

Let's speak with Memories of a Dead Man (Post Hardcore, 2020)

It was the cover of Memories of a Dead Man's album that quickly lead my attention towards their music. A deer crying out while he is standing in ruins - I never saw something similar before.

 

The music turned out to be balanced. Some very rough songs (Shapeshifter) are to be hard while other tracks stick to a far more melodic side. Let's see what stands behind such a diverse post hardcore formation and the newest release (re) M.A.Z.E.d.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did the idea with the deer on the cover come up?
Thierry :The stag has many meanings, especially in the post/hardcore world, and can symbolize the everlasting cycle of life, losing its crown and growing it back up. (re)M.A.Z.E.d is a record made after a long break, a sort of rebirth for a 15 years old band with an history, so the image fits well for the record.
 

Does the new album (re) M.A.Z.E.d follow a concept when it comes to the lyrics?
Thierry :There is no specific theme for the whole album, but some “things” came back naturally one after another, and it kind of binds the record together. Every track is based on introspection, feelings, and social unrests, with a changing point of view, depending on the vocalist or on the track itself. 
 
The songs are mixed to a loud volume. Do you want to express something as well this way (maybe inner pressure) ?
Ben : Indeed to give intensity the mix is strong enough, it sticks to our style for a long time and inner pressure is increased !
And in addition we play hard it would appear  ;) 

 
Is the album linked in any way to it's predecessor V.I.T.R.I.O.L - the cover of both records have a similar style and color with them ?
Thierry :In a way, it is linked, because the band has an history, and the records of yesterday made the sound of today. It was a way for us to express the “back to roots” side we did with (re)M.A.Z.E.d, as well as the coming back of the band, while the line up and styles of vocalist are totally different from the previous record.
 
The new output comes around well balanced. Aggressive tunes and more baladesque material follow one another. Do you prefer to build a certain atmosphere inside the listeners mind?
Thierry :If chaos seems to be a ladder, music is a conduct where feelings can bloom and mindblown the listener, following changing time signatures and different tempi. Every track from the album was thought as a “one shot piece”, where the decor and different actors are set for a quick duration.
 
Do you write the music together as a band or are only certain members involved in the songwriting?
Thierry We write together as a band, each one of us bringing his personal stone to the edifice from his musical influences, under the attentive orchestration of Ben, the band’s oldest member and founder. Some passages of (re)M.A.Z.E.d were discussed together, in order to mix things up more efficiently.  

How do the digipak and jewelcase CD formats offered on Bandcamp differ from each other?

Thierry :The current digipack of (re)M.A.Z.E.d contains a special offer for the first purchasers (including one “stag” t-shirt and a pick of your choice color, depending on the stocks left). 
 
Ben : You can have all merch here :
Bandcamp : https://memoriesofadeadman.bandcamp.com
 
Season of Mist : https://shop.season-of-mist.com/fr/memories-of-a-dead-man-re-m-a-z-e-d-cd-digipak
 
Streaming : https://id.ffm.to/remazed  
 
And Exclusive T shirt  on  Season of Mist 
 
https://shop.season-of-mist.com/merchandising/print-on-demand?display_all=label_layer&label_layer=15331

Melodeath Alliance posts massive supporter thank-you single

Here in Germany a part-lockdown is currently going down. It's said to last for one month. Once again all the venues have been closed. We can only hope that all those affected can survive this time. No one knows how it all with go on further...

I hope the Underdogs can at least help a little bit to skip this hard situation. Recently a massive 14-band Melodeath Alliance united "(...) to create a special single as a thank you to all those supporters, fans, friends, family, people that have been there for all of us artists and supported us in those challenging times.
Without YOU, there’d be no US!
Thank you!" You can see a exact list of the participating bands at this picture.

The Heavy Metal Underdogs is very glad to be included into this circle. The song is a massive force of raw power. At the same time it holds many surprises in it like female vocals, acoustic segments and also some midtempo thrashing. It must have been a lot of work to put this ten minute monster alltogether in remote. Enjoy some great melodeth music.

Rob Halford gives a insight into his new book "Confess"

Rob Halford will give insights into his new book "Confess", the new Judas Priest record and how the band managed to stick together for 50+ years this upcoming Saturday October 31st at 3:33 PM, Eastern.

The exclusive talk was conducted as part of the BraveWords’ new live streaming experience, "Streaming For Vengeance". 

You can watch these live streams on the Bravewords Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bravewords or YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/Bravewords666?sub_confirmation=1

 For more information on Streaming For Vengeance visit http://streamingforvengeance.com

EP Review: Silver Nightmares - The Wandering Angel EP (Prog AOR, 2019)

A wonderful EP that invites to dream away of your everday troubles but also shows the inner fights we all have to struggle with.

The cover already let's you think of another world.

'

The strongest part of this italian release is it's fairytale like concept. It's already the packaging that tell's you that something different awaits inside. Maybe it's the old tree that reveals truth and it may guide us through the minutes of listening.
 
The Silver Nightmares EP shares a wealth of instrumentation with the listener, even a flute like on "Dick Dastardly" or the trumpet on "David The King" have been put inside. 

It's not a common thing to have two vocalists but it works fine here.
They come around to me as if they both stand each for one side. Maybe it's the light and the dark with both fighting against each other. 

It's a rough experience so be prepared that listening this piece of music is challenging at times. Overall it's deeply rooted in the AOR music style with many high notes flying around. My favorite is the title track for it's heavyness and song number four "David The King" with the groove and wide sound inside.  
 
A epic balladesque feeling comes in at "Dame Nature" and marks a point of reloading of energy. Warmly welcomed.
Overall you can listen to this many times, there are always new things to discover.  

The only thing that I've found being negative is the mid-quality of the sound. It would have been nice to have more clarity.

Please support the band with a purchase so they continue to create more fine tunes for all of us. Physical copies are available at Bandcamp as well as the download both at a very fair price (7 Dollar CD, 3 Euro DL).

W.R.Ø.N.G put the roughness back in Grunge music

Finally a band that takes the Grunge back to it's rougher coasts. That was my impression when I heard one full song of the upcoming W.R.Ø.N.G EP "Die Alone".

The cover feels a bit unusual at first sight.

 

I had the pleasure to give the second track "Surrender" a pre-listen. The rhythm beats in a unpredicted way and sets a spotlight at the beginning. Rough and loud guitars join in and give a feel-good touch to the listener. They are loud and rude just like you may expect of classic Grunge tracks. But the heavy and dirty vocals finally give the track the destroyer note it needs to create a fully packed grunge release.  
 
Be prepared for the attack. Tomorrow will see the release of the EP "Die Alone". It will contain 4 tracks:

1. Die alone
2. Surrender
3. Poison
4. Ever undo
 
Release date is October 14th, 2020 on every digital platforms!
Be sure to check the Facebook page for all that is about to come.
 
https://www.facebook.com/wrongofficial

CD Review: AlogiA - Semendria (Symphonic Power Metal, 2020)

Finally after some time a brand new AlogiA album see's the light of day. What happened in the four years since the last release?

The cover creates a positive feeling in me.

I think a lot of work and re-thinking has gone into the creation of "Semendria". First of all the sound underwent changes. This time around it's far more compact and dry. It's not that pumped and blown-up anymore. This makes the tunes lighter to enjoy. The new tunes are compact in duration. A eye was held on a limited tme frame so the tracks come to the point.   

New sound meets tradition

Most of the songs are sourced of traditional symphonic power metal sounds. This lays down a classic foundation to the sound. This impression continues with the vocals that add more high screams than ever before.  

But "Semendria" is far from being a "standard" or one of the many albums out there. This becomes evident on clearer moments that shine through. Just listen to the verses of "The Calling" - they slowly build from softer to faster/harder each verse-round.

The title-track is a good example for the evolution. While lyrically and in the basics a classic track it's the fine elements like the flute or the acoustic guitars that give it a special touch.

Refrains like the one on "Visantia" are outworked with a finetuned melody - leave your ears open and you'll recognize.
Finally piano passages make "From East to West" stand out of all of the tracks. A nice way to end the record in a softer style.
 
All in all I'd like to point out the newest output of AlogiA to your attention. It has more to offer than ever before. It has got a lot of variation in it that is a welcomed aspect. Listening becomes a joy. The shorter way to present the music prevents boring lengths and also gives the music a chance if you're cut short on time.   

Also guest performances of Tim "Ripper" Owens, Mark Boals and the fantastic organ of Fabio Leone make it a even bigger highlight than it already is.

CD and Vinyl available
Make sure to pick a phystical CD copy of the album directly of the online shop. Currently a limited vinyl edition of the record is up for pre-order through Elevate Records at a lower price (20 Euro, will be 24 Euro later. Both prices plus shipping and handling.

The Lonely Ones cover Queen's Flash massively

Normally I'm not into posting covers. I think there's so much great original music out there that we should focus on. Don't get me wrong. Playing a cover ain't easy at all but I love to see musicians adding something of their own to the cosmos of music. And a massive number of you guys out there does this indeed very well.

The cover quickly tells you what this is all about.

As of today this is a exception. The band The Lonely Ones created a cover of Queen's well known "Flash" in a way that is hard to beat. They must have taken massive efforts to get it all together. 

While the core of the track is left untouched and the soul of the track shines through it's carefully opened up to a powerfull level. At the same time some fine and harder to hear fine moments have also been put inside. Just follow the video carefully and you'll see and hear it.

 
Even Brian May (Queen) and Sam J Jones (Flash Gordon, The Highwayman) took note of the cover.
 
Brian May was quoted as saying, “What a fantastic cover ! I didn’t realise they were going to go into The Hero and the whole reprise ... magnificent !"
 
Sam J Jones adds, "This is one of the best covers I have ever heard and seen. What a gifted group - The Lonely Ones are for everyone of us, from the 1980’s to right now!"
 
"Flash/ The Hero" stream/download link: https://linktr.ee/thelonelyones
 
The band will be releasing a brand new song titled "Real Big Trouble" on September 25, 2020.  
 
Make sure to follow The Lonley Ones further on Facebook.

EP Review: Another Day Dawns - Stranger (Rock, 2019)

Does really just Another Day Dawn? I think every given day is something special and should be treated like this. Anyway this five song EP goes in very straight with solid Rock music.

The cover sleeve is a bit different from the usual packaging that such records come with.

Also the overall tone is set to straight and easy listening it's not a lightweight pack of music. There's room for heavyness and in some parts detail-work shines through like multi-layered vocals or outworked guitar solo arrangements.

The production is set on big foot with stomping bold guitars. Unusual feelings come up through the heavy punch of the snare. I think this prevents the tracks of the "Stranger" record to be just commercial tunes for standard Rock Radio rotation.

All tracks are held in a compact duration format. You won't get bored with long songs that never end. The band kept the focus on the short and good saying in my ears.

The only downside of this is that no fresh ideas are thrown in. It's all solid and fine worked music but it misses the Aha-effect you may want to hear. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing bad in here - it's just that it feels like already been heard before.

Just the last one "Forget Me Not" gives a idea that the band may be in a more experimenting status right now. The effects come in more often. Let's see how the band evolves in future. Check the band's Facebook to see what happens next.

If you're after some solid Rock tunes with slightly heavy production this EP is for you. Just taste a little here and you'll quickyl get the idea if it's for you. The record is available directly from the band's own webshop.

Let's talk with Reternity about A Test Of Shadows (2020)

Sometimes there are these albums out there that go deep into your mind. You can feel that they touch something inside of you. It has been like this for me with Reternity's "A Test Of Shadows" that comes out on September 25th 2020 via MDD/Black Sunset.

While the sound is heavy but also uplifting it has also been the lyrics talking about demons and our battles against them that found my interest. Check out the interview with Stefan Zörner, vocalist of the band. He gave us a little look behind the scenes of the upcoming album.

Get into the mood with the title track of the album first.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: Were you influenced more from classic thrash sounds this time?

Hey, nice to meet ya! Uhhh, hard to say… I think, „A Test of Shadows“ is the consistent successor to „Demon“. Maybe a litte bit more uniform and with more catchy moments. More Thrash, more Rock and more hooks to remind, haha!

You and Carsten Sauter recorded the music in the studio on the new album. Do you think that you know best how things should sound like or how came it all together?

Indeed it´s our baby. Carsten and my humble self started RETERNITY and we are the core of this band. No dictators but… musical directors. On the other hand we know about the importance of new blood, critical thoughts and we love to create new music together with our bandmates!

Sometimes the sound is a bit demo-like. Do you want to pay tribute to the days of demo cassette tapes this way?

I wouldn´t say „demo-like“. I prefer the description „typical Reternity“. We are looking for a unique sound and the new album is a big step into that direction. We are very happy with the result. I think too many albums sound similar these days. We are trying to be different.

The cover of "A Test Of Shadows" reminds of a scene in a boxing ring. How would you describe one round in the fight that takes place?

The covergirl is the same lady as on „Facing the Demon“. You can say it is a journey. You have to fight the inner demons and this is the final battle. Stand your ground, don´t fear to fall! Do your best – it will be enough! 

As for fighting against demons: do you think women have to deal more often with them?

No. I think every human being has to deal with inner demons, regrets, nightmares and doubt! We fear to loose the ones we love or never to find love. We fear so much and forget to live. What a pitty!

The lyrics left a gloomy impression on me also sometimes hope shines through. Do you write them up in specific situations or do they evolve over time?

As mentioned, there is a conception. It is called „Diaries of the Mind“ and divided into three acts. So there will be another album, haha! Ok, most of the lyrics are very personal and thoughtful. But there is hope, there is peace and there is a life in light after the darkness! So never stop to think positive, boy!

Do you think people may listen to your songs and find help in them?
Puh. I really don´t know. I just want to write meaningful lyrics. I won´t preach and I don´t know, what is „wrong“ or „good“. But it is a very nice thought… I just want to give some hope and maybe a smile. And don´t forget to bang your heads out there! It´s about METAL music, that´s all!

Make sure to pre-order the album via MDD Records or at Amazon. You may also follow Reternity on Facebook.

Reternity bandshot done by Oliver Laube Photography.

Single Preview: Salava - Remorse (Melodic Doom, 2020)

Can such a traditional genre such as doom be updated with modern elements? The new Finnland based powerhouse duo Salava gave it a try and came to great fruition in this preview to their first single.

The bandphoto of Salava was shot by Risto Vauras.

The single starts a classic way but shortly afterwards the vocals of Jukka Salo give the first freshness in the music. The voice has a much more melodic range in it giving room for emotional versatile expression in lighter ways without letting the guiding voice fall away. It's these finer elements that give a extra shine to stay on the stereo.

The songwriting reveals modern splitters in the ongoing progress of the track playing around with guitar riffing in ways that halt the riffing for the moment just to let it roll few seconds later. There are many little of solo passages build in. They mix the track heavily through this way and add more excitement. It's all turned to 11 this time so prepare for a massive guitar attack.

Be sure to pick up a digital copy on Bandcamp for just 50 cent or add the track to your Spotify collection. 

I'll keep a eye on Salava on Instagram or Facebook.

Memories Of A Dead Man answer the questions of life

These days so many great people die. Recently Martin Birch passed away. Many of you know him as the iconic person behind the production, egineering and mixing desk of Iron Maiden.

So what's the meaning behind all of our lifes? Memories Of A Dead Man have put out a new single that has some answers in the video. Behind the riffladen heavy music stand's a thoughtout message that Ben described in his own words with a look upon the cover picture of the upcoming album of the band:

I've hardly ever spotted a deer on a album cover. It quickly grabbed my attention.

"The cover would be on a "picture"  of the decline of our society, the subjects are often around human psychology and our flaws and weaknesses.  The deer is a symbol of purity and innocence that we, men unfortunately no longer have  ! "

Make sure to listen and watch closely. You may spot some unexpected instruments on this one like a saxophone solo section. Follow the band further on Facebook to see what happens next. The album release is set for October 2020.

Tony Martin returns with brand new solo album

A much underrateed vocalist in my ears. Just listen to "The Hand That Rocks The Cradle" from Black Sabbath and you'll know what I'm speaking about.

photo credit: Rob Billingham

Wow some days hold positive surprises without question. This one came in at a point I never expected it to be. But sure as that the song "The Shining" which features Tony Martin as the vocalist of Black Sabbath still often rotates on my mind. I'm very happy to read that he continued to sing and that a full new album is going to see the light of day. 

Tony Martin, former Black Sabbath singer, signs with Battlegod Productions and Dark Star Records for the release of Tony Martin’s new solo album featuring Scott McClellan on guitar. Talking about the new album Tony had this to say, "This new album is probably the most “Tony Martin” a Tony martin album has ever sounded!! Its got several surprises that will lift people’s eyebrows I am sure. Largely but not entirely based around the riffs of Scott McClellan, new to the world scene he has proved to be a worthy partner in crime for this release...

I was able to make some great songs out of the riffs he was coming up with which is very similar in the writing sense to that which I experienced with Tony Iommi. Different sound and style but the riffing talent that someone like Scott has is very cool. It is diverse, melodic, powerful, thought provoking and of a standard high as ever i have worked on. I believe there are stories still to tell, songs still to be sung and with this album I feel its achieved everything i could have wished for.

Grateful to the people who have given their extra talents in appearances on this recording, its been a challenge in COVID lockdown, getting everyone’s performances from across the world, but in another way it was a perfect opportunity to get it done."  

The new album will feature Danny Needham (Venom), Magnus Rosen (HammerFall), Scott McClellan (who helped co-write the album) and Greg Smith who performed with Alice Cooper, Rainbow, Blue Öyster Cult, and many more!

Battlegod Productions will handle distribution in Australia, Asia, Europe and Japan, while Dark Star Records will handle distribution in all of North and South America including both physical and streaming. Look for the new album to be released toward the end of the year.

For More info go to: Tony Martin Official Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Tony-Martin-311422092205243

www.battlegod-productions.com 

www.DarkStarRecords.net

Livestream-Review: Anvil - L'Anti Bar, Quebec City 04.07.2020

Can a livestream event really fit properly to showcase a band's abilities? Anvil proved that it is possible.

Anvil at the very beginning of the set.

The Canadian legend Anvil is well known for all their classics. Recently the band dropped a new full length called "Legal at last". Like so many other bands they had to cancel the already booked shows. The guys behind the L'Anti Bar invited the band for a livestream performance. People who wanted to attend needed to purchase a virtual ticket in advance but were rewarded very well for their money.

The band opened up with a blast of a instrumental intro. It gave a taste that a well balanced and crystal clear sound has been set up. They were on fire that night.

You could see that Anvil had a lot of fun. They smiled all the way through the set, most of all Lips who once more showed why he is a solid frontman. Bassist Chris Robertson choose to move back and forth to the whole songs while showing grimace every here and there. Very cool!

The band showed that they had a lot of fun performing live.

Other times the band showed some guitar-posing in the form of Accept. Applause was added to the sound as no real audience was allowed to show up but the text responses in the chatbox spoke for themselves. They were some lags in the beginning of the stream. Maybe a control panel to change the quality of the steam could help out to prevent such things the next time.

Lips had his typical humor and short banter with him. He had a great high-toned voice on that night. I liked the band introduction. Everyone was allowed to do a solo starting with bassist Chris Robertson. Robb Reiner was unbelievable on that night. He showed a precise drumming that sharply followed the guitars on every step. His drum solo was one of the most entertaining one's I've heard and seen in a long time. Finally Steve Kudlow gave his well known dildo-guitar performance. It was a lot of fun.

Robb Reiner performed a impressive drum solo and overall performance.

The band played for a good ninty minutes and rounded the set with a blasting cover of "Born to be wild" and the iconic classic "Metal on metal". I can only hope they will do more live shows in the near future. I would choose to see them every time again.

Keep a eye on the band's Facebook page. Let's hope we're lucky enough to see the band performing live in the future again.

Plastic Barricades make your worries visible

Have you ever thought how worries and anxiety would look like if you could make them visible?

The cover of Plastic Barricades Tunnel is as creative as the meaning behind the song.

Well, the alt-rock band Plastic Barricade picked a digital microscope. What they filmed in this session could be just that. A creative look upon something common we all share.

Musically it is a uplifting number. It has easier parts in the verses that feel great. The refrain comes in packed with more goodies playing around with guitar sounds. I like the mixture along with the vocals - it has a distracting effect upon my own worries.

The message behind the track is a shout out to all those being in trouble:

Sometimes it feels like life is this winding road with plenty of tunnels. You go in, it is dark and uneasy, and pretty soon you start wondering how long this tunnel is. Visibility is reduced, you cannot increase your speed or turn back. It starts to feel claustrophobic. Your thoughts are amplified, loudly reverberating in your head.

All you can do is keep reminding yourself that no tunnel lasts forever and you will make it out of this one, like all the previous ones you've been to - and you will see sunlight again!

Lookout for more from the alt-rock duo. The full album "Self-Theories" is set for release in autumn.

Plastic Barricades on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4XMzKbdDQLpa36cYrISsO7?si=rvG0Hj_qSY-wfr5WHC1kZg 

Plastic Barricades Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/plasticbarricades/

Mysterious band sends EMP label group unlabeled cassette tape

Bands seem to surface in strange ways these days. It has been like this with Supreme Unbeing who surely wanted to receive the recognition of EMP label (the record company of Megadeth bassist David Ellefson) executive Thom Hazaert. He told us how it all happened.

Who stands behind the band named "Supreme Unbeing"?

“I received a strange, unmarked package in the mail one day;  No return address, no information, just a hand recorded cassette tape, with the words “SUPREME UNBEING” written on it. Thankfully, I still own a cassette player, so I put it in, and couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I’m still not entirely sure who the band is, or what I signed (and I think they might actually be cartoons), but once I heard it, I just knew they had to be on EMP. The messages of Zac Red were just too powerful to ignore. And to be honest, it hasn’t left my cassette deck since.”

EMP Founder/Megadeth David Ellefson said, “Who???”, disavowing any knowledge.

Heavy Metal Underdogs also got the first message and thought: It got my attention through the playing around with the riff throughout the whole track duration and it's dark-toned soundshell it's put in.

It also features short segments that make you think it could be a balladesque track but soon reveals it's much heavier content. The end also comes as a surprise. You may think it just goes on like in the previous three minutes but a slight change comes in.

Finally the message beneath the music spotted my interest.

The first message, “You’ll Never Make It” tells a very precise story of the human quest to understand his own existence, from creation through the present. The title “You’ll Never Make It” can be interpreted both pessimistically, as many humans fail to reach outside of the psychological cage we are all fostered into since physical birth, or provocatively, as a challenge for those who will continue to transcend the boundaries of the never-ending struggles of life.

More stuff is on it's way. SUPREME UNBEING is set to release additional messages/singles “Animals”, “Solution” and “Dreaming” to the public in the following months prior to the release of the debut full-length LP “Enter Reality” which is set to release on 10th October 2020.

Keep a eye on these pages for future messages.

https://supremeunbeing.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/supremeunbeing/

Livestream Calendar opens it's doors

Currently the only way to have liveshows for musicians goes over the route of the World Wide Web. In the course of the recent days I got some info for upcoming shows I'd like to hand further to you.

Most of the performances are offered for free. If you can somehow support the musicians and / or organizers please do so with handing some bucks through the donation channels mentioned on the event pages.

Upcoming shows

17.7.2020 22h CEST Victoria K. (Symphonic Metal), free
https://www.twitch.t0v/rockshotsrecords

18.07.2020 Bang your head Open Air Online Special. Start time 16h CEST, free
Music clips, full shows, talks, behind the scene material from past years and more.
www.youtube.com/user/byhfestival

18.07.2020 Dance Gavin Dance (Post Hardcore), paid
https://www.dancegavindance.live/

18.07.2020 18:30-23:30 GMT Wolf Jaw, Hollowstar, Black Tree Vultures and False Hearts (Rock), £12.50 per Ticket
Live-Performances and Interviews and interactive Q&A sessions. The event will be hosted by Pete K Mally and Natalie Asteria.
https://www.wegottickets.com/event/502115

If you have info on upcoming shows please don't hesitate and send them my way. 

You may also leave a comment below or send stuff with a message through the Facebook page for the Heavy Metal Underdogs blog.

Past shows

Jupiter Hollow (Prog Metal), free
29.06.2020 (8:00 pm - EST)
30.06.2020 (8:00 pm - EST)
01.07.2020 (6:00 pm - EST)*
02.07.2020 (8:00 pm - EST)
* (Show on Canada Day will only be 50-60 mins)
Facebook.com/JupiterHollowOfficial 
IInstagram.com/jupiterhollow_

Candlemass (Doom Metal), paid
03.07.2020 20-22h CEST
https://blackbox.solidtango.com/live/candelmass-live-from-studio-grondahl?utm_source=Press+News&utm_campaign=1cb52f86ef-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_05_24_09_58_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7e4e555b47-1cb52f86ef-26346391

Monte Luna (Doom), free
July 3rd at 6:30 pm PDT
https://youtu.be/F404rOYGJ_A

03. & 04.07.2020 Lost Horizon - Festival, free
feat. Tallah (Nu Core Metallers with Max Portnoy on drums)
https://www.losthorizonfestival.com

The logo of the Lost Hoizon Festival

04.07.2020 Anvil (Thrash), paid
The event will begin at the following times: Saturday, July 4th at 5pm (EST), 10pm (UK), 11pm (CET) and Sunday, July 5th for 6am (JAP), 7am (AUS).
https://thepointofsale.com/tickets/d7p200704001

Until July 14th there's a chance to see the show (again) if you missed it out or want to watch it a second time (it's still a paid stream).
https://thepointofsale.com/tickets/abs200707001

04.07.2020 Space Of Variations (Modern Metal),
8:00pm Kyiv time/7:00pm CET, free
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAcsDTlPlUZmBBcdpqRRMCA

09.07.2020 Jinjer (Modern Metal), concert recording, free
www.knotfest.com

10.07.2020 Trivium (Modern Metal), paid, 20h CET
http://live.trivium.org

11.07.2020 Leatherjacks (Rock), free 06:00-09:00 UTC-03
https://www.indiestarradio.com/

11.07.2020 Magistarium (Power Metal), free, 20h CET
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyBR46IB-zQ

EP Review: Phil Stiles - The Anchorite (Electronic Ambient Rock, 2020)

Some may think that electronics and effects are not for people like me. But I like the atmospheric elements these stuff can add to the music. The new output of Phil Stiles is a good example for how good these pieces of music can fly through the notes of (partly) heavier music.

Cover Photo by Phil Stiles, Layout and Design Jola Stiles.

"The Anchorite" feels like a dark and atmospheric soundtrack to a dystopian reality. Throughout most of the duration of this EP tasty guitar compositions can be heard. They easily find it's way into my ears and let me drift apart into a isolated society. This is simply good music that touches the soul.

It's the simpleness of the songs that grab's me. In contrast to many of today's bands Phil Stiles concentrated on the main theme of the song and works it out throughout each track's duration. It feels as if each song evolves over time.

Sadly the start is a bit complex. "A Nation's Trust" is a rough and hard to grab song. I recommend starting with the first single "A Slide Into Depravity". It has a bit more of sound thickness inside that enriches the music's message.

Same goes for the excellent "Antipathy" - a riff hacking ride backed by a electronic drum pattern. Great - finally someone dares to go a fresh and different way these days by using the snare a unusual way.

Cold elements also find it's way through the mentioned effects and electronic gimmicks into the four tunes plus the intro of the offering. They point to a society being in chaos. "Critical thinking" perfectly matches that in music form. With it's nearly robotic rhythm pattern topped with riff arrangements floating through the song it gives this "Lost World" flair to me.

Make sure to get the limited tape from Bandcamp. It has a impressive bonus track that's more intensive than the previous five numbers. This song goes beneath the skin more than ever before and is not available for streaming. The silver sparkle cassette tape only costs few more than the download of the song package.

Finally keep in touch with Phil Stiles through Facebook or Twitter or have a look on the homepage from time to time.

Static-X distress the soul with new single "All these years"

In a time when stress takes so much of us it is more urgent than ever to put
something against these feelings. Something that lifts you back up again.
Something that makes the soul shine.

The new Static-X Single "All these years" does that for me. It has this
calming and coming back down to earth feeling in the verses. The heavier and aggressive side comes back in when the refrain takes it's place.

It's the latest preview to the upcoming output "Project Regeneration Vol. 1"
which has been postponed to be released on July 10th 2020.

It's currently up for pre-order digitally through Apple Music, Amazon or in limited physical formats such as marbled vinyl or signed CDs. The coverart has been updated since my last post about the band being victim of thiefs robbing their equipment.

The new cover fits better to the music of the band in my ears.

PROJECT REGENERATION Volume 1 features 12 brand new STATIC-X tracks, containing many of the final vocal performances and musical compositions of Wayne Static along with the original Wisconsin Death Trip lineup of bassist Tony Campos, drummer Ken Jay, and guitarist Koichi Fukuda. Both volumes are being worked on by longtime STATIC-X producer Ulrich Wild.

Track List:
1. Regeneration
2.Hollow (Project Regeneration)
3. Worth Dyin For
4. Terminator Oscillator
5.All These Years
6. Accelerate
7. Bring You Down (Project Regeneration)
8. My Destruction
9. Something of My Own (Project Regeneration)
10. Otsego Placebo
11. Follow
12. Dead Souls

Album Review: Witnesses - Doom II (Progressive Doom, 2020)

Hardly any Doom Metal release touches me much these days. It's not that I dislike it. It's simply as if it feels like anything has been said and performed already.

Until one day this release of Witnesses reached me. It opened up my ears back again. How? Besides the traditional doom trademarks like the powerful guitars and the well known compact rhythm package that accompanies the music it has more to offer.

The album tells the story of a cursed plague-bearing ship that finds landfall at one unfortunate village. 

It's a good batch of feelings that shines at the right moments. The music becomes more sensible. Finetuned melodies find their way into the sound giving it a broken touch. It feels like the own sensible emotional world of a human comes in to bring a own color to the picture.

All tracks are total longplayers. You can easily loose yourselves a bit in them.
Happily they are not too long to become boring or make you skip easily.

There's a need for concentration but at the same time it's also headbang-compatible material so there's still enough fun and heavyness inside. Much dedication and detail-work can be heard. Sometimes you can find your own feelings in works of musicians. That's what happened at least to me with this release.

My faves are the opener "On this Black Ocean" for the epic feelings and "Worse with time" for the heavier side.

It's a independent release. Please consider a purchase of this directly through
the band's Bandcamp page. It's available as a download for just one dollar or more.

Keep in touch with Witnesses through Facebook or the growing popular platform Instagram.

Livestream Event celebrates 80s Photographer Mark "Weissguy" Weiss

These days livestreaming seems to be one of the few possibilities to stay in touch with fans, supporters and to spread the word that music is still alive and kicking.

David Ellefson and Thom Hazaert, with legendary music photographer Mark “Weissguy” Weiss will go online on Saturday, May 30 6PM CST/ 7PM EST to celebrate "THE DECADE THAT ROCKED".

Artwork: Melody Myers

Everything in this issue of the "Oh say you can stream" series is focussed on the work of photographer Mark "Weissguy" Weiss and his upcoming book, THE DECADE THAT ROCKED: THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF MARK “WEISSGUY” WEISS, which will be available June 2nd from Insight Editions.

The book features almost 400 pages of Weiss’ iconic images, with over 700 photographs of legendary artists including Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Megadeth, Twisted Sister, Joan Jett, Van Halen, Aerosmith, KISS, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, and many more.

The livestream event will feature a massive guest list that contributes:

Zakk Wylde
Scott Ian (Anthrax)
Charlie Benante (Anthrax)
Don Dokken (Dokken)
Tamie Downe (Faster Pussycat)
Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Ozzy)
Stephen Pearcy (Ratt)
JJ French (Twisted Sister)
Jack Russell (Great White)
Jacob Bunton (Mick Mars, Adler)
Mark Slaughter
Roxy Petrucci (Vixen/Madam X)
Maxine Petrucci (Madam X)
PJ Farley (Trixter)
Dave Alvin (White Trash)
Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys, Broken Teeth, Evil United)
Carmine Appice (Ozzy, Blue Murder, Vanilla Fudge)
Marc Storace (Krokus)
Bruce Kulick (KISS)
John Gallagher (Raven)
Dean Davidson (Britny Fox, Blackeyed Susan)
Bob Chiappardi (Concrete Marketing)
Andre Comeau (The Real World NYC)
Fred Coury (Cinderella)
Steve Lacy (FOX 5 NYC)
Steve Whiteman (KIX)
Chip Z’Nuff (Enuff Z’Nuff)
THOR
And more TBA!

The David Ellefson Youth Music Foundation (DEYMF) has also set up an eBay auction in connection with the event, with auctions running all week including signed Mark Weiss prints, a collection of Ellefson’s stage-used clothing and gear, and other donated items. You can find the listings at: https://www.ebay.com/usr/ellefsonyouthmusicfoundation

You can stream the event at:

twitch.tv/grammymusiced 
facebook.com/davidellefson 
youtube.com/davidellefson 
facebook.com/grammymusiced 
facebook.com/thedeymf

Let's speak with...Molitoth (Dark Ambient Rock, 2020)

Kyle Brandt is known as the vocalst of the ambient rock band A Light Within. Some time has passed since the last release "Epilogue". Vocalist need to use the organ continually to keep it in motion and the muscle strong

So what did Kyle do? He recorded some new tunes for his own project "Molitoth". The first album "The Tribunal" is going to be released on June 26th 2020.

We had the chance to speak with him in advance about a couple of thoughts that rushed through my head when I read the first hints of the album without having heard a single note. Here's the first single that came out after this interview was already done. It has a cleaning and healing effect on me. Let your soul breathe and close your eyes while listening.

The album concept let's the listener embark in an emotional chronological timeline of regrettable actions and consequence, resulting in five stages of grief.

Furthermore it's meant to explore condensed meditation techniques to help balance the anxieties  that stem from feelings of accusation, entrapment, and confinement.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: Do you practice meditation yourselves or where did you get the inspiration for the topic from?

Kyle Brandt: Yes! I discovered it a few years ago as I was looking for methods to help breath more efficiently from my diaphragm (to help me become a better singer). I came across some breathing meditations which really helped me out, and of course I went down the rabbit hole into deeper meditations and hypnosis.

Many musicians say that they never took any lessons to train their skills. Do you think it's possible to go over a certain limit without that?

“Lessons” can come in many forms in my opinion. I think a lesson could just be watching and learning from someone regardless if it's formal instruction or not. I pretend like any Live musical event I attend is some type of “lesson” for me, as I am watching and learning what TO do (or what NOT to do).
I'm unsure if I believe in “natural” or “God-Given” talent, or if talent is just a product of hard work, passion, and environment. I think that if given the chance, anyone who has an interest in something should be open to learning from someone else, as we all go through different experiences.

Kyle Brandt speaks about the dark concept behind "The Tribunal" LP:

The description of the upcoming Molitoth record centers on emotions like regret and grief. Do you think everybody has made decisions in his life that have led them to those feelings? Is it impossible to live without that?

I would hope everyone has made decisions leading to these natural feelings... if not we may have a perfect human being in existence. Or not even human at all! Aliens!?!? haha

Could the lyrics of "The Tribunal" also be seen as a retrospective on psychological therapy sessions?
Visit any favorite band media page and you will see fans talking about how their music “Changed their life” or “helped them from a dark road”, etc.

I've had influential bands really make me feel therapeutic just based on the deep relations to the lyrical content.

So I typically try and write based on ideas that a broad audience can relate to, with a goal to write metaphorical enough that the audience can adapt in their own way.

The logo of the "Molitoth" project.

Do you think the text can help people in similar situations to get a fresh look upon their own situation?

I can only hope, and if not... I wish they find something else they enjoy within “The Tribunal”. Whether that be the overall sound, vocal melodies, production value, or the guests musical additions that are featured on the album.

Thank you for your time and ears!!

Molitoth

Make sure to follow the project through these social pages:

facebook.com/molitoth.audio

instagram.com/molitoth

twitter.com/molitoth

bandcamp.com/molitoth

soundcloud.com/molitoth

twitch.com/molitoth

September Insomnia give a outside look on you

Few tracks make itself stand out with the sound, they bring along to the table. It's like this for me with the new single September Insomnia passed along to me.

A outside look upon you - The cover by Melody Myers feels like the music - unique.

It's the brokenness of the vocals all along with the roughness of the guitars slightly mixed into the background that made my ears open up. The music spits it so much out what the track is all about that it's hard to get out of the mind once it's in your head. Finally the drums sound in contrast noble and compact so this makes it a even more tasting appetizer to me.

Says singer Corey Johnson, “…Song of You is about a few different things… it’s the story of looking in from the outside, of life destroying everything through selfishness and jealousy, and then an epiphany of self-realization…”

A full length record is slated for release in 2020 via THC:MUSIC, the label of EMP/COMBAT co-chair/A&R Thom Hazaert.