Single Review: Fullmåne - Started A War (Black Punk, 2022)

The London based band talks about being an outsider and going down a destructive path chasing an ever more distant dream. I think in today's context many people can relate to the lyrics of this track.

Fullmåne released a brand new single today.

As for the music this particular track is a hardly ever heard combination of Black Metal elements with strong splitters of Punk inside. The vocals dominate to the front of the sound giving it a pure underground charme. "Started A War" takes no prisoners but goes down a straight route without being too brutal, so happily it's not a one sided Black Metal attack.

This goes even more for the guitars and the spacy keyboards which are held in the background and give the feeling of being recorded a very basic way that has not been altered at any way. The good old four track tape recorder comes to my mind. I think lot's of bands that start out in the garage know how this feels. The voice reminds me of Blackie Lawless on the very first W.A.S.P. records from back in the 1980s.

Finally make sure to listen for yourselves on Spotify and please share it on your playlists.

You can also follow Fullmåne on Facebook and Instagram. Two more singles and a album are said to be in the working stages.

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/

Single-Preview: The Lazlo Device - You stumble, I Fall (Post Rock, 2018)

This beautiful piece of Post Rock packs all the facettes such music is able to show into one compact track.

The cover of the new The Lazlo Device single "You stumble, I Fall". (c) by The Lazlo Device, used with kind permission

This new track of London-based post-rockers The Lazlo Device is going to be released this very friday 27th April 2018. It's the title tracks of the upcoming album of the same name. Heavy Metal Underdogs had a pre-listen to the new single and here's what came around:

Out of a misty intro the song beginns. "You stumble, I Fall" starts out as a harmonic, clear track. Everything is set in a balanced mood with straight vocals, drums and guitars. But as time goes by the song changes. The cymbals announce the change with their constant ringing. More rougher guitars slowly begin to fade in adding a more ghosty and moving note to the tune. Finally the rough notes start to take over bringing in a more harsh sound with distorted experimental sounds. The end comes shortly - a mixture of the more melodic and the rough parts melting together and bringing the single to an end.

I can share a little snippet of what's to come with all of you.

'You Stumble, I Fall' is set to drop on 27th April, with two more singles to follow before the release of the album later in the year.

You Stumble, I Fall album tracklisting:

1. These Eyes

2. Change

3. Sleep Till Summer

4. Beetle

5. Known To You

6. Blanket

7. Alderon

8. Mt Songo

9. I Don't Know

10. Fleeting Seconds

11. Fix Your Sights

12. You Stumble, I Fall

Keep a eye on the band through Twitter, Facebook or their Homepage. That's also the places where you'll surely will be notified of where to purchase the track once it's released. 

New Model Army announce Nights of 1000 voices

To sing along together to a song is awesome. It gives a special feeling as if you're a part of something bigger that is all around you. This event may hold a lot of those moments.

New Model Army have announced a revolutionary two-night event at the Round Chapel in Hackney, London, April 13th/14th/15th 2018.

You know those moments when a band plays quietly and the whole audience sings the words? Sometimes, these are the most emotional experiences - because singing together is the oldest and most basic form of human art, something primal and truly shared. So we are planning two nights of just this, which, to the best of our knowledge, has never been attempted by any band ever.

We have chosen the Round Chapel in Hackney both for its amazing open acoustics and for the circular layout of the room, which we believe will be perfect for the spirit of the event.

A picture of the Round Chapel in Hackney

These are not concerts as such; this is a community singing event for all those people who love our songs, who love singing and love the feeling of singing together with others. The venue will be fully seated around a small stage constructed in the centre of the room; the whole band will be playing but the arrangements will be deliberately stripped down and very quiet - there will be no big PA system. The nights will be all about the participation and voices of everyone who comes.

While we are open to suggestions, ultimately we will choose the songs that lend themselves best to the idea – strong melodies and slower, easy vocal rhythms will suit best and we will vary these over the two nights. We will issue song-books (included in the price of the ticket) as we understand that people often know particular lines and choruses but usually not all the lyrics; and, of course, we plan to record and film both nights.

If you love singing and love New Model Army songs and love the sense of community that we have created over the years, we hope you’ll join with us from all different corners of the World for these special nights.

Tickets went on sale from the band’s own website at www.newmodelarmy.org (in order to undercut crazy ticket agency fees) on two weeks ago and sold out within an hour.

UPDATE: A further Sunday matinee show on the afternoon of April 15th has now been announced. Tickets here https://shop.newmodelarmy.org/product/nights-of-a-1000-voices-sunday-april-15th-2018/

Here is one of the newer New Model Army tunes to have a idea of what could be:

Dancehall to put out post punk on pea green cassettes

This one reminds me so much of how I got hold of my first demo tapes. I used to buy them directly of the hands of band members mostly at shows or when you meet them after school.

The inner sleeve was often handemade based on xeroxed copies made by the musicians themselves. All the music was stored on magnetic tapes that were dubbed by the creators of the music on their home equipment later on also on professionelly produced and printed cassettes.

These guys here called Dancehall have some sort of heavily distorted post punk in the pipe. The recording process came with some nice details that show how quick and raw you can keep things if you want them to. But best of all just have a listen to them while reading the making of.

Owing to the band's obsession with recording songs as quickly as possible, 'KO' and B-side 'Vitamins' were both recorded in one evening at the band's rehearsal space, Kluster Rooms, by friend, producer and co-Vibe/Anti-Vibe label manager, Christopher Smith. The band slept in the studio's live room once recording was completed, only to turn up the next day to their respective jobs unclean but accomplished.

A promo band shot of Dancehall, Photo Credit: Keira Cullinane

The songs will be self released on the band's own Vibe/Anti Vibe label. The fresh tunes will come self dubbed onto pea green cassettes and with risograph printed artwork on candy pink card sleeves for Cassette Store Day 2017. You can order them on Dancehall's Bandcamp page. Release date is October 14 2017 for the digital version, the tapes should ship on or around the same day.

Live dates

October 2017

13 - The Lock Tavern, Camden

14 - TBC, Amsterdam, Netherlands

15 - Roodkapje, Rotterdam, Netherlands

17 - TBC, Bristol

20 - Harbour Arm, Folkestone

More info of the band can be found on Facebook or Instagram.

Pryti speaks out about fears of life

Fear surely is a emotion we all have come across in our lifes. It's not easy at all to go through life and to face all the decisions we have to make.

Alternative singer/songwriter Pryti has picked up this topic and worked it up in a proper lyric video for her single "Angst" off her recent debut album, Tales of a Melancholic. This version of the song is newly remastered and available via the common digital plattforms.

It's a heavy, pushing and raw riffing track that came as a surprise to me. Being introduced to the softer side of Pryti before this kicking track made my ears open widely. The text also is worth having a look so the lyric video is a perfect fit if you're struggling with doubt every here and there.

In addition to that Pryti will also be playing her first live show in London, UK on June 14th, at The Black Heart with support from Awooga. This event offers free entry so don't miss out the chance to see this great singer/songwriter and experience her unique atmospheric tracks with your own eyes and ears.

All details are listed on the flyer below. Also make sure to invite your friends via Facebook because visiting shows is more fun with good friends by your side.

The flyer for the 2017 Camden show, (c) by Pryti, used with kind permission

Finally keep a eye on Pryti using social channels such as Youtube, Twitter or Instagram.

Rock out with Santa Claus on free Incendia Music Compilation

So Santa Claus comes early this year and since you all out there were so kind to follow my blog so regulary and support me with music and information, here's a early present I can hand to you thanks to the nice people of Incendia Music Management and PR company.

This FREE sampler holds 15 bands that Incendia was working with over the last year, and bands they're excited to be working with in early 2017.

Examples include Agent, Brutai, Defences, Elbrano, Empire, Voyager and more....

The cover of the Incendia Music Christmas Compilation '16, (c) by Incendia Music

Some of those bands have been featured here on the blog as well but it should be mentioned that the compilation also includes tracks of bands that have not been mentioned yet.

I think of The Dreamer Within for example who created a exciting mixture of metalcore with synth-elements in their sounds. Very powerfull and unique music. There are The New Device up for listening, a hard rock act reminding of classic rock in the style of the 90s. Music that keeps you going through the day. In short this sampler features great music for all that would like to discover new music. You can check it out in the stream below or go straight on over to Bandcamp to download your copy.

If you'd like to get in touch with Incendia Music Management check out their homepage or see their Facebook account.

Brutai annouce show at Bloodstock 2016 plus club shows

Brutai show is a very good way how modern songrwriting is done in today's heavier range of music. After showing off their first single "Deep" to the public the band has spread the word that they will be part of the line up of this years Bloodstock festival alongside the likes of Slayer, Gojira, Mastodon and more, and will perform on the Sophie Lancaster Stage on the Friday.

The flyer for the Bloodstock Open Air 2016, (c) by Bloodstock Open Air, used with kind permission

They're also heading out on some dates with The Five Hundred in a couple of weeks. You can check out The Five Hundred's single 'Come Closer' here.

The poster for the clubshows, (c) by the Origin Agency, used with kind permission

Friday 6th May - Bantam Northampton
Saturday 7th May - Bar 42 Worthing
Sunday 8th May - Sticky Mike's Frog Bar, Brighton
Friday 13th May - Sound Circus, Bournemouth
Saturday 14th May - The Gryphon, Bristol
Sunday 15th May - Sanctuary Live UK, Basingstoke

The debut release of Brutai has been set for the end of 2016. If you've not heard / seen the band before here's their single "Deep".

Also make sure to mark their social accounts with a like or follow so you won't miss out on the further developments via Facebook or Twitter.

Brutai show how different songwriting these days is

Today's upcoming bands have a lot more complexity and variation in their sound. Sometimes it's not easy at all to sort out the elements that come along when you start listening to their music.

I mean their are sometimes these straight songs that come with a clear structure. A straight riff, the fitting rhtyhm to it and some vocals with the typical song structure marking the way through the song.

As of today it takes various times to get through all of the stuff because some of them are so complex and diverse you wonder how it's all coming together. A good example for that is the London-based modern Metal band Brutai who have just released a new single with accompanying music video for their track 'Deep', taken from their forthcoming album which is due for a summer release.

While the beginning goes in straight with some vocals and a good amount of riff hacking kicks into the song it's quickly getting diverse when the vocals change for the first time from the clear style over to the harsh and deep tonality. This is where the song starts to grow in my ears in some sort of monster style, much heavier and harder.

It's followed up by a pumping and pushing part which leads back to the first formula. After the next break of deep vocals their's another ride taking the track to a rougher edge. Finally the end part is quite different from what can be heard of other bands - what a different yet cool way to end a song and letting it fade out with some soft keyboards...

Felix Lawrie (Frontman, Guitarist) says about the track:
"Lyrically, Deep is about a time when we were struggling as a band during the writing process of the album. It talks about challenges we faced when overcoming adversities such as writers block and other struggles in our personal lives. We needed to come back and finish what we started. This song is a reminder to never give up."

Photo credit: http://www.willirelandphotography.co.uk/
(Left to right-  Mathieu Bauer- Drums, Alex Lorimer- Backing Vox and keys, Felix Lawrie- Frontman/Guitarist, Henry Ryan- Guitars, Christian Sturgess- Bass)

The band has some live dates coming up so don't miss them out if you're around:

25th February- The Underworld Camden (supporting Textures)
10th March- Hammerfest (Wales)

If you'd like to have a copy of the song check out Bandcamp or itunes to purchase it.

Also make sure to mark their social accounts with a like or follow so you won't miss out on the further developments via Facebook or Twitter.

The Roadkill All Dayer 2015 offers free shows all day long

Could you imagine to go to a all-day festival and having not to pay a single cent entry fee? There are some events out there that offer such a great fun. But sure those are few - small wonder when you consider how they should pay for things that always need payment (electricity, stage equipment, buying food and drinks and paying them in advance etc.).

Anyway, in Camden / London such a event is going to take place called "The Roadkill All Dayer" which is scheduled for August 9th at the Lock Tavern.

It is going to feature live-performances of (just click on the names of the bands in the list underneath the flyer picture to go to the band's Facebook pages and have a closer look on their music):

(c) by Heavy Leather Promotions, used with kind permission

Eighteen Nightmares at the Lux
Supercharged Psychobilly Crooners

Dedwardians
Twisted Rockabilly Glam-Punks

Saint Agnes
Western Hard Rock Heartthrobs

Love Buzzard
Powerhouse Disco-Surf Two-Piece

Dirty White Fever
Ballsy Brighton Garage Rockers

The Venus Lyx
Cinematic Surfabilly Brothers

The Sly Persuaders
Anthemic Neo-Rockabilly Charmers

Broken Soundtracks
Psych Rock Party Starters

Cosmo House
Soulful Blues Rock Mistresses

And extra special DJ sets from the Heavy Leather team, RAW MEAT and DJ Scott McMahon.

Sunday August 9th • 12-11 • FREE ENTRY London • NW1 8AJ

Tube: Camden Station / Mornington Crescent

If you need more information or just want to let your friends know that you'll be there just check in at the Facebook event page. Most of all: have fun! 

Prelistening of the new Stoneghost single

I think a lot of you guys out there will miss the old days when Pantera was still around. Some of their trademarks were the brutal, mighty guitar riffing along with the hard vocals.

Happily enough for us that these days young bands carry on the torch and still provide us with the stuff we like. But like ever so often in life it wasn't all that easy to make things happen. This time the band Stoneghost had to fight some problems while creating / recording their brand new album "New Age of old Ways" like they'd let me know:

It was at this point in 2013 when Jason, the vocalist of the band was at his dilemma “This was when I wrote 'Faceless Ghost'” Jason continues. “It's about my daughter, she was on the way, I was feeling apprehensive and scared about the responsibility and seeing a therapist at the time, I was having some really low points, but because I had a daughter on the way it gave me the reason to sort myself out.”

(c) by Will Ireland, used with kind permission

Anyway, the band kept pushing forward and managed at the end of the day to bring some of the feelings and experiences on tape. I think the mixture of the hard riffs along with some reflection of the past in the lyrics forms a overall unique experience. The feeling of fear and insecurities can be re-felt on many points of the song I think.

The single will be released 2nd March followed by the album on 27th April 2015.
For more information of the band check out the Facebook and Twitter account of them.
 

Desperate Journalist introduce album with emotional and message-filled video

I like videos that have a message. Some even show it with including keywords in their promo videos. This particular one hits the feelings very deep with words and faces expressing closely the songs message. Emptiness and loneliness is what I would describe it with. The refrain sticks in your mind with the vocals going up so intensive that it's hard to ignore. But try it out for yourselves, because everybody has a different view on things.



Desperate Journalist consist of two girls and two boys who have bonded in the abandoned wilds of North London. Jo Bevan (vocals), Simon Drowner (bass), Rob Hardy (guitar) and Caz Hellbent (drums) - for 'tis they – have been hauled together by a fearsome instinct for what makes alternative music actually really properly authentically alternative.

They started their journey at the local Negative Creep grunge club night in Finsbury Park on February 23rd 2013. Since those heady, dark days Desperate Journalist have released one EP and two independent singles and played every other shadowy basement in London Town, displaying a bold musical vigour and an admirably chaotic sense of coherence along the way.

The video is a first taste of the self-titled debut album ‘Desperate Journalist’, which was recorded almost entirely live in Soho’s Dean Street Studios, jointly produced alongside Keith TOTP and mixed by the band itself. If that wasn’t organic enough, Desperate Journalist designed their own artwork, get heavily involved in their videos. You can download the digital version of the record already on the well known places like Amazon or itunes. The physical album is going to be released on 26th January 2015 on CD and LP via Fierce Panda Records.

(c) by Desperate Journalist, used with kind permission

The band has some shows coming up, here are the dates:

NOVEMBER 21ST LINCOLN The Scene
NOVEMBER 22ND BIRMINGHAM Actress & Bishop

NOVEMBER 27TH - LONDON Buffalo Bar
DECEMBER 13TH NOTTINGHAM - The Chameleon

Don't miss out the further band's progress. Head over to Facebook to add them your watchlist or check out the band's own website. You may also have a look at the record company's website from time to time.

Ventenner release thrilling video for new track Six Blood

After all of the traditionell metal posts here on the site I think it's time for something different to get a fresh look upon things. This doesn't mean the site will change in any way it's just that I like to come around with some diversity to break out of the everyday structure.

This time I took a look upon Ventenner's new video "Six Blood". The track is very catchy with a very constant rhythm in it. Nevertheless the track offers a lot of details in there that make it well worth checking out. It's the fine use of instruments in the different phases of the song that makes it giving me chills. Plus there is this video with the overall darkness all around just with some silver lining every here and there. Just like life feels every here and there...

Musically the band reminds me a lot on the older Depeche Mode in a positive way but surely they've not only taken the old style and that's it. They've added these fines notes in between I was just talking about which give the track a lot of replayability - you'll need several rounds to get all of the little diamonds put into the track. Speaking of other compareable bands I think Nine Inch Nails, Gary Numan, Atari Teenage Riot with hints of early Marilyn Manson and Smashing Pumpkins could be added here.


The band is also going to do some live shows in London, here are the dates:

6th September – London, Electrowekz
18th October – London, Electrowerkz w/ Hanzel Und Gretyl
30th November – London, O2 Academy w/ Orgy

The song is taken from the upcoming album "Distorture" which will be released on 1st of September 2014 through Sonic Fire Records.

For further informations take a look on the band's Facebook page or click on through on their Homepage.