Evil Brain Taste crushes society's insanity with riff smasher

I think today's society suffers of it's complete overload in everything. There's so many things expecting us to click everywhere that we nearly forget what really counts.

Evil Brain Taste performing the newest single "Artithmophobia".

UK based thrashers Evil Brain Taste have brought this subject on point for me. The "Arithmophobia" video shows how much this civilisation has been downgraded that it's near to pure madness. Visualised with few elements everyone quickly knows that humanity needs to change.

The music side of the single presents a blasting riff monster that relentlessly pushes on forwards. It's labeled deathmetal by the band but feels more like a mixture of death and thrash metal elements to me. Various sections put itself into the mind of the listener and give it a positive push-up. Blasting vocals are raw and remind me a bit of Mille Petrozza of Kreator.

It's a taste of the album to come that is set for release in early 2023. Keep your ears and eyes open for twelve tracks of deathmetal fun shortly entitled "Number Two".

Just follow Evil Brain Taste through Bandcamp, Facebook or Instagram and share the video with your friends to help it spread all around.

Single Review: Wicked Smile - Daze Of Delirium (Heavy Rock, 2022)

When it comes to playing Metal music that could be used on a party many bands often use cliché lyrics. It surely fits to the mood and is surely easier to write but it misses out a chance of talking about something important.

The cover art of Wicked Smiles single comes as a unique photography.

Heavy Rockers Wicked Smile from Australia don't go this route. The topics featured on the debut "Wait for the night" have a range from civil unrest, bullying up to mental health. 

The newest single is set as a bold stomping track. After a short guitar introducer the music begins it's heart beating work. It quickly becomes evident that the song calls to have a good time. 

Anyway it's not that easy to come by. The vocals go a direct line in the verses but start to splitter up in the refrain. The guitars follow this path like as if they crack up from time to time. It offers a more abrasive side but makes the listener having more and more rounds to get through it. It plays around with the riff which hangs in my mind afterwards. 

This hardly comes as a surprise once you know that lead vocalist Danny Cecati (ex Pegazus & Eyefear) stands behind the microphone while Stevie Janevski and Dave Graham are to be heard on guitars. It has a good duration - not too long but also not too short so it's good to enjoy.  

What's coming up next ?  The boys have announced an upcoming headline tour of the United Kingdom in November, where they will also perform at renowned festivals such as Hard Rock Hell and Winter Storm. 

Wicked Smile were also recently added to the Silverback Touring roster where the boys have an upcoming Australia wide December tour with rock legends Skid Row.

Make sure to connect with them through Facebook to hold the line. 

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.

Voyager gives live-preview to coming album "Colours In The Sun"

Open mindeness combined with their own dream-like style sound. This band has found a place in the world of sounds that expresses everything they've ever dreamed of I suppose. So far the cover of the coming full length has been revealed along with the first single and tourdates.

All of Voyager's covers are different. This one is no exception of that.

As for me I can only say that the mixture of rough and sharp riff packed power parts along with clear sections and silk vocals are what I've always searched for. Enjoy every single second of this new single taken of the coming album.

Also make sure to see them live in Europe these days. They'll give a preview to the upcoming record "Colours In The Sun" (available to pre-order from https://smarturl.it/Voyagerinthesun ) at these liveshows so that's one more massive reason to go.

TOUR DATES
21st September - Space Rocks - Indigo 2 - London (featuring Anathema)
22nd September - 229 - London  (Intimate headline show)
23rd September - The Lanes - Bristol
24th September - The Flapper - BirminghamI
25th September - Satan’s Hollow - Manchester
29th September - Euroblast Festival - Cologne, Germany*
4th October - Progpower Europe, Baarlo, Netherlands (Headline set)
6th December - Good Things Festival, Melbourne, Australia**
7th December - Good Things Festival, Sydney, Australia**
8th December - Good Things Festival, Brisbane, Australia**

*(w/ Car Bomb, Between The Buried and Me, Dead Letter Circus)
**(featuring Parkway Drive, Karnivool, Coheed and Cambria)

Updates and more info on these shows can be found at the band's Facebook page.

CD Review: Solitary - XXV (Thrash, 2019)

I need to admit that I had some initial starting problems with this band. Their newer output always felt a bit close soundwise to Metallica to me so I always choose to not review them. This brandnew EP changed that for the much better.

The cover of Solitry's upcoming anniversary EP XXV, (c) by Solitary

25 years are Solitary already thrashing around their brand of music. These days the band put's out a EP that celebrates this with three re-recordings of classics plus two live recordings of older material.  What convinced me this time so much? It's the high pressure the UK based band put's into their sound. I've seldomely come around any combo that set's such a massive bar when it comes to creating their noise.

It almost feels like using a high pressure cleaner. You know cleaning with water helps in normal situations. But this one blasts every little thing of dirt away. But it's not only the brutality. It's also the changes and little part's included with the songs. There are always intermissions present that give room for letting off some of the steam. They leave space to headbang all around. You know the change to a more midtemo format. It's all those stuff that makes you smile once you've gone through the tracks.

The live tracks "Architects Of Shame" and "The Diseased Heart of Society" are something special in my ears. It's one thing to be heavy in the studio but another one to be so live. Solitary prove with this unpolished tunes that they can give it live in the same brutal way.

I love the drums sound. This high pitched snare along with the much deeper bass drums kicks it the perfect way. Especially the last track shows that more complex and progressive structures are also something they learned to master in their long lasting carrer.

The EP will be released on August 9th. Currently there's no preview snippet available. Keep a eye on Facebook, maybe something will show up in the coming time.

Support the band with a pre-order of the EP through Solitary's own website. It will help them to tour more and put out more music. Next stops on the touring schedule are Aggressive Music Fest this weekend (19th and 20th July 2019) and Bloodstock Open Air 2019.

CD Review: Final Coil - The World We Left Behind For Others (Progressive Metal, 2019)

Finally a album that gives a carthasis! That's what I thought when I finished listening to the newest output from England's prog heads Final Coil. It's like a rollercoaster ride to a inner fight between good and bad. Happily at the end you'll feel fine and refilled with new energy to move on with your own life.

The cover of the new Final Coil album was created by Andy Pilkington, (c) by Final Coil.

 
Changes in the band's sound
But what happened since the first full length album "Persistence Of Memory"? I think most of all the sound has taken a more sharper and clearer form. All of the sound ingridents come out strong and direct to you. The most remarkable sign speaks of the drums that set the beat heavier this time.

The new album also see's a lot of progress on the vocal site. Phil Stiles and Richard Awdry outworked their parts much more. You can feel more of the story through the vocal performance. Last of all the guitars show up more diverse than ever taking it with more surprise. The silver disc holds much moments that will have you raise an eyebrow since sounds come in you won't expect. Finally all the tracks vary. It's never a montone record but always one that keeps you on the stereo. Each song feels like a journey in itself.

More changes? Yes, "The World We Left Behind For Others" features intermissions. Some tracks seem to be composed as bridges between tracks so it will be one big artwork in the very end.

Track Overview / Analysis
It's hard to pick favorites for me but "Scattered Dust" was the most emotional moment for me. I love the softness mixed up with hammered powerparts that have been worked in. "Keeping going" comes around a bit like a electronic effect ladden song with open minded style. It's catchy and a bit of Depeche Mode shines through.

Some tracks are softer, feel dreamlike. Take "Imaginary Trip" and it will send you to a land far away. The title track is a good mixture of soft and slightly heavier parts. The ten minutes duration are gone before you'll notice it. The monotone setting of "Convicted Of The Right" is great along with the more creepy rhythm.

Conclusion / Purchase-Link / Stream
Finally if you're after a good progressive rock/metal album that is diverse and gives great feelings while listening you've found it. Be sure to pick the Deluxe Bundle. It has a bonus cassette tape with it holding not only three demo tracks of album songs but also one additional one not used for the record that is not available anywhere else. I bet this is going to be a collectors item many people will hunt after one day. All formats are available directly from the Bandcamp page of Final Coil.

Drop Oblivion release wicked performance video

It's a difference for me if I listen to music alone or watch a video with it. Most of the time I feel more drawn towards the music every time I watch the music video that belongs to the track.

It's been this way with the brand new video of death 'n' thrashers Drop Oblivion. While the visuals set a dark and wicked theme the music holds a constant push.

The cover of the single "Damaged Good", (c) by Drop Oblivion

What I love so much about this particular one is that the guitars move so slowly and constantly inside. The riffs remain creeping in more and more with the duration going on. Plus the small guitar effects towards the end give it a more ears up while watching. The cool thing is that in all the dark theme the video holds the ending makes me smile and it leaves a good feeling in me behind.



Make sure to pick a copy of the track on Bandcamp. Or pick the whole EP "Narcissistic Counselor", you won't regret. It's all well worth your full hard earned coins. Finally follow the project further on Facebook.

CD Review: Drop Oblivion - The War Within EP (Death 'n' Thrash, 2019)

The second part of the dual EP will be out February 2019. Is it better than the first one or just a collection of fillers?

The cover of "The War Within" EP of Drop Oblivion, Artwork done by Barnaby Oakley at Crossfade Productions

Introduction
Having two releases out in a short period of time was something that found it's way into the record market in the 90s. Just think of Guns 'N' Roses "Use your Illusions I & II" albums. Or Iron Maidens two part live release with "A Real Live" and "A Real Dead One".

Now these days the Death 'n' Thrash project Drop Oblivion gives us two EPs in a two months release frame. The first cut was a rough and loud fest of dirty riffs and growling monsterous vocals mixed up with a lot of fun.

Atmospheric midtempo Thrash
These days "The War Within" reminds us of how fine Thrash can be in midtempo mode. The EP starts with a mysterious and darkened intro just to shot us in with "Monster". This particular one is the fastest and heaviest one of the package. It's rude and with a raw note. Most of the other songs on this one happily follow a more midtempo shakin' pattern. I love that. It leaves more room for atmosphere and a brighter display of feelings. The pressed situation of going in fast and loud is left behind.

It's replaced with the fun of going deeper into the riffs itself. They can breathe far more. Happily it's never monotone and also has enough agression under it's surface. You'll be satisfied if you already liked the other offer Narcistic Counsilour. The EP expresses and widdens deeper the inner fight of good and bad in all of us that has been started out with the first EP just a month ago.

"The Last Goodbye" is the best example for that. With it's different voices/vocals in it you'll feel the twisted emotions. The refrain is a wave of redemption. The title track "The War Within" is kept compact. Line by line it's going on with a closing pattern at the end. It explodes in a quick and direct ending giving a good feeling being through after all. 

It's hard to pick favorites but the track "Inner Empire" always pushed the fun factor to the highest point in me. It's this constant riffing along with the drum pattern going step by step through the whole duration.

The last one "Dark Passenger" fades the EP properly. It's the most atmospheric and haunting one. It shows that it's possible to have dark vocals in a clear surrounding and midtempo drums going hand in hand.

Purchase-Link & Prelistening
You'll get the full riffing attack possible. That's why I can recommend to pick up a copy from Bandcamp (registered users on Bandcamp can re-download all purchased music. Make sure to be logged in when buying your copy). This one is one you'll want to keep safe from any possible loss. It'll be online 1st of February 2019 on Bandcamp.

So far one track "Dark Passenger" is online for listening. Listen to it below.

Mark the Facebook page of Drop Oblivion to keep a eye on how this project will move further.

CD Review: Drop Oblivion - Narcissistic Counselor (Death 'n' Thrash, 2019)

The previous singles were a blast. Now a dual EP release. Something new to me. So how has the first one turned out?

The cover of Drop Oblivion's upcoming EP "Narcissistic Counselor", (c) by Drop Oblivion

The introduction "Into The Dark" opens the curtain like opening up to a classic concert. It's darker toned for sure but helps to get into the mood. Happily not too long in duration to stress the listener.

"Damaged Goods" sounds good providing a boost of heavy hitting grunts and dirty riffs.
Enjoy the full details the track has to offer with it's many highs and lows on the guitar and drumming kicking it out to the door. It's a full duration endless runner talking how riffing should be in Thrash Metal. It's explodes into a blast of energy towards the end. The devil's mask, the mascot of Drop Oblivion comes to life this way.

"Detached" brought in the riff-fun with going up and down making the ride nearly endlessley. It's showing how to work a compact song keeping the energy inside without using the fast double bass formula. The biggest strength is it's constant changing all the while. It never becomes boring also having heard it numerous times. The end came as a surprise offering more relaxed notes. 

The title track is the center of this release. "Narcissistic Counselor" mixes the strengths of the previous tracks but takes it down even heavier. It has this finetuned mixture of catchy riffs and rhythm mixed up with rawness and abrasive vocals. A unusual use of high notes comes in as a surprise. Those high pitched moments knock into your head from the first listen. They dominate the last third of the track. A wicked tune from start to finish speaks out a darker language but I think the slower part leaves room for hope...

"Dreams are made broken" is the most dirty track of the pack throwing you in without further ado. It's a fast thrasher changing to midtempo parts on and on. Yet there's always this slice of melody and moreover fun on playing with the riffs that set the music apart from other bands. Don't turn off the player too fast at the end. Maybe a hint to the second EP coming in 1st February 2019 ? 

Pre-Order Link
This EP is a good christmas present. Just make sure to pre-order it right now on Bandcamp. It'll be up for download on the very first day of 2019. You can use the "Send as a gif" option on the linked Bandcamp website to do so. All you need is the Email of the lucky one.

Mark the Facebook page of Drop Oblivion with a like for more info on the upcoming second EP "The War Within" that is about to come up February 2019.

Preview-Track
Have a listen to "Detached" for a good insight into this release.

Single Review: Skin For A Canvas - Autumn fireflies (Ambient Acoustic, 2018)

The atmospheric time of change has arrived. We turn from summer to winter. Skin For A Canvas provide the proper soundtrack to this time of the year.

This summer has been long and heated. Slowly we go to the colder days so it's time for some softer stuff. The cover alone already speaks out what the music inside is all about. It's a catchy tune full of touching moments. Close your eyes and let it fully sink in. Time to relax for a while...

The beautiful cover gives a hint of what to expect of the music

One of the creators behind this single is Ian Mortimer. Readers of this blog may remember his name for his work on his other project Drop Oblivion, a much heavier Death 'n' thrash metal offering. But this man also has a tatste for softer tunes. This reviews looks into what is about to come out soon.

"Autumn fireflies" fades in slowly a classic acoutic way but some percussive elements add in every here and there already. It combines the soft glimpse of fine guitars and harmonic vocals along with surprisingly rougher notes coming later in. The first section is based on clearer parts with some tasteful rhythm. "Autumn fireflies" builds up with more keyboards and dual vocals further to rush up towards a outgoing point marking the end of the track with a climax.  

You can pre-order this release through the Distrokid service. It will be added automatically on 2nd of November 2018 to your Spotify library. There's also a link on the page to pre-save the track on Apple music. Below is a little sneak peak of the single.

The artist Ian Mortimer already works on more stuff together with Dani Burnett. It's a limited album that's in the works based on music written in different time periods.

Some of the songs of this album are brand new songs, some written before Dani was planned to be on this album and some songs Ian Mortimer and Dani wrote back in 2006 but were not recorded or released but now this album will finally see the day of light. Be sure to follow the both further through the Facebook account of the Skin For A Canvas to know how the story goes on.

David Ellefson to tell his Basstory on upcoming clinics

Do you remember the bass riff that opens the song "Peace sells but who's buying"? I've heard it many times and sure as that it is one of the many great one's that can beard in the music of Megadeth. Just think of "Architecture of Agression" of the Countdown to Extinction album.

So how are these riffs played and how did they came to life? David Ellefson himself is going to give some insight into his playing techniques as well as he will tell background stories that have not been shared before in the string of upcoming clinics.

The flyer for the Basstory clinic sessions, many more dates can be found below

Be sure to visit his bass clinics entitled "Basstory" already starting this week in the US and continuing over the next couple of weeks further to Europe.

There will be opening acts on many nights so be sure to show up early - you will not want to miss the opportunity to warm up with some music. Those special guests vary from date to date. So far Bumblefoot (ex-Guns N’ Roses, Sons of Apollo), Dead By Wednesday as well as Green Death and Wrath have been confirmed. Please check the list for all the details.

BASSTORY will also include special VIP meet and greets, exclusive merchandise, and more.

Tickets and limited VIPS are available for purchase at davidellefsonbasstory.com

BASSTORY US:
9/20 Portland, OR - Dante's
9/21 Spokane Valley, WA - The Roadhouse
9/22 Fife, WA - Louie G's
9/28 San Antonio, TX - Fitzgerald's
9/29 Houston, TX - BFE Rock Club
10/3 Bradley, IL – The Looney Bin (w/ Green Death)
10/4 Lombard, IL - Brauer House (w/ Green Death, WRATH)
10/5 Sturtevant, WI - Route 20 Outhouse(w/ Green Death, WRATH)
10/6 Ringle, WI - Q and Z Expo Center (w/ Green Death, WRATH)
10/7 Mankato, MN – What’s Up Lounge (w/ Green Death, WRATH, Kublai Khan)

NEWLY ADDED
11/16 Manchester, NH - Jewel Nightclub (w/ BUMBLEFOOT, Dead By Wednesday)
11/18 Holyoke, MA - Waterfront Tavern (w/ BUMBLEFOOT, Dead By Wednesday)
11/20 NYC - The Iridium (w/ BUMBLEFOOT, Dead By Wednesday)
11/21 Albany, NY – Chrome (w/ BUMBLEFOOT, Dead By Wednesday)
11/23 Niagara Falls, NY – Evening Star Concert Hall (w/ BUMBLEFOOT, Dead By Wednesday)
11/25 Waterbury, CT - Shamrock Pub (w/ BUMBLEFOOT, Dead By Wednesday)

BASSTORY EUROPE:
(Presented by Metal Casino)
15 October: BIMM-Bristol/UK+
16 October: ACM-Guildford/UK+
17 October: Rockhal-Esch Sur Alzette/Luxemburg (https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/5750754/david-ellefson-basstory-eschalzette-rockhal-luxembourg)
18 October: 013-Tilburg/Netherlands (https://www.ticketmaster.nl/event/225801?CAMEFROM=013&brand=nl_013web)
21 October: Le Relais des artistes-Les Bioux/Switzerland (Reservations via email only valprod.management@gmail.com
22 October: Riff Megastore-Warsaw/Poland
23October: Private Club-Berlin/Germany+

+Private events. No public ticketing available.

For more information:

Davidellefson.com

Davidellefsonbasstory.com

Facebook.com/davidellefson

Facebook.com/ellefsontouringagency

Final Coil to document journey and recordings for upcoming second album

Sometimes it's crazy what happens in your life. This morning I held the "Persistence Of Memory" CD of Final Coil in my hands. The constantly evolving sound of the alternative / dark grunge band as well as the special artwork keep me coming back to this record again and again. The following exciting news piece reached me as well today. Sometimes it feels as if things should be this way...

In just seven days the band will be heading out to Italy, more specifically to Real Sound Studio in Langhirano, where they will begin recording their second full length album. We've (Imperative PR) heard the rough demos for the new tracks and can assure you that this album is going to be nothing short of spectacular. 

The band Final Coil, Photo credit Ester Segarra

The band will be documenting the whole recording process - including the journey to Real Sound - and will be keeping you all updated with regular video posts from the studio and the road. Front man Phil sent us these few words about the upcoming adventure...

"We're incredibly excited to announce that, next week, the band will be relocating to Real Sound Studio in Italy to continue the creative partnership we began with Persistence of Memory. Watch this space for regular updates, video clips and more from the studio and join us as we begin this next chapter of our journey together as Final Coil."

So stay tuned and follow Final Coil every step of the way as album number two is brought to life!  

Single Review: Drop Oblivion - Detached (Thrash, 2018)

A big pack of riffs and drums that creates so much fun like I had back in the day when starting listening to metal music. Come on take a ride!

Artwork by Barnaby Oakley at Crossfade Productions, (c) by Drop Oblivion, used with kind permission

Summary
Some songs give you this special something. This one has it. As for me the whole thing started to fully come to fruition when I focussed on the way the drums and six-strings add to each other. There are these sections when it feels like being in a loop on a racing track. It simply kicks my brain.

But let us look from the beginning of the new song. This one takes it up where "Damaged Goods" left the road opened up for more. I love this, it feels as if it's one or as if could be recorded at a live set.

There are two main riffs, one slightly lighter on the first verse with a rougher one following later on. Then there is the outworked refrain feeling big and out of this world. The verses offer a hacked feeling that is added by the words that perfectly fit into this structure.

Finally there are softer parts inside. One in the last third of the duration and one at the end. They add a breathing and relaxing note to the package. It's toped by the drums counting in back to the tune after the first section. It's those little things that make something great out of a good tune in my ears.

Purchase-Link / Crowdfunding / Stream
Don't hesitate any longer. Please support this project with a purchase of the track at Bandcamp or reserve the full album on the pre-order campaign. The digital album goes for 10 GBP while the "Detached" single can be downloaded in various formats for 1 GBP. You can also stream the music on Spotify and Soundcloud.



Contact-Data
Also see the Facebook page of Drop Oblivion for all the further progress of the project.

Single Review: Drop Oblivion - Damaged Goods Reworked (Thrash, 2018)

I reviewed and introduced this track already some time ago. Ian Mortimer, the man behind the project has constantly worked on the song since then. Can a good piece of music still be upgraded?

The cover for Damaged Goods, artwork created by Barnaby Oakley Crossfade Productions, (c) by Drop Oblivion

Reworked for the better
The answer is: yes it can! It is nearly unbelieveable how different the new version sounds compared to the previous version. It feels as if a new song comes out of the speakers right now.

In detail "Damaged Goods" sounds much sharper and clearer now. Most of all the different parts and sections come out to the front. Now it's clear how many riffs and finer undertoned effects this track has in it. The guitars are much louder on this version.

A new drum sound also supports the easier understanding of the track - it's like it's putting marks and properly pointing parts into their direction now. It feels easier to get a fast grip of what the song is all about now.

The guitars got some new riffs in them I think. One section is brand new - the one where the guitars are quite for a few seconds.

The vocals have been completly re-done. They have a more constant line in them now. The overall tonality of the demonicness feels like one layer being constant through the whole duration now.

It's fascinating to hear how much one track can change with such a overhaul. Very well done!

Purchase-Link & Album Crowdfunding
Pick up a copy from the digital plattform Bandcamp. It costs 2 GBP. More platforms will follow in the coming days. I'll add them as them come in.

Currently a full album is in it's finishing stages. Please help to cover the expenses for mixing, mastering and worldwide release with pre-ordering a digital copy of "Narcissistic Councilor" for 10 GBP via Crowdfunder.

Contact Data
Be sure to follow this project further through the Facebook band page of Drop Oblivion.

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:

Single Review: Drop Oblivion - Damaged Goods (Thrash, 2017)

The last days of the year are running but there's still something going on. This time it's a brutal piece of heavy music coming our way giving a idea of how 2018 could sound like.

The single cover for "Damaged Goods" without background and title, (c) by Drop Oblivion, used with kind permission

Introduction
Drop Oblivion is the brain child of UK based solo composer Ian Mortimer. After getting into the local Metal scene in 2006 performing with various bands over the years, he started an outlet in 2014 for his own heavy creations with Drop Oblivion.

Originally conceived as a “just for fun” project, Ian began working with other musicians on some initial demo tracks,  and created an entire album of material over the course of a few days. As Ian progressed and focused on performing with his other ambient project “Skin For A Canvas”, Drop Oblivion took a back seat for a few years until 2017 when new demos were taken into full production at his home studio in England. The first single taster track for the new album was released in December 2017 titled “Damaged Goods”. The completed album is expected for release late 2018.

Summary
It's a plaesure to see that one man can give heavy music a push into a new direction. The fine thing about this single track is it's continous push it gives. I like the constant going of the drums and the overall song-structure as composed to sound as one piece. Guitars are riff-oriented but not too loud making the listening experience smooth.

It's also fine to hear that the vocals take part on this journey and also it remains sounding as one bold metal track it also changes in it's way of dark tonality. There are many various undertones of the dark vocals that are presented with various pressure. The end comes a bit surprising with a guitar solo offered as part of the song structure instead of forming a own part as usual.

Track-Stream & Purchase-Link
If you're into experimental heavy, let's say mostly thrashy music this one is a ear to keep upon. Devin Townsend came to my mind but also slight comparsions with Trivium rushed in every here and there. Expect raw heavyness mixed with little surprises and lot's of riffs with modern sound well produced for your listening pleasure.

Pick up a copy from the digital plattforms such as Bandcamp, CD Baby and Spotify
Have a listen by checking the visual video below.

Contact-Data
Make sure to follow Drop Oblivion on Facebook. The full album is set for release late 2018.

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.

Dirk Verbeuren plays guest drums on Synthetic's track "Hollow"

"Every time you feel betrayed remember life is only a game."

Lyric video can have such a strong expression with it. This particular quote comes from Synthetic's lyric video for the track "Hollow" and I think it will speak out so clearly to a lot of people. The song is such a strong riff hammer. It comes with as many ups and downs as life has colors.

Support on the drums comes of Dirk Verbeuren, who is well known for his work with Soilwork and Megadeth. His typical signature of playing the drums shines very well throughout the song.

The song is taken off from the band's debut album "Here Lies The Truth".

Links to follow the further band activities or puchase the bands productions:
http://syntheticband.com
https://www.facebook.com/syntheticmetal/
https://synthetic2.bandcamp.com/

Voyager to tour Europe and UK September/October 2017

Some say that the beginning of a new week doesn't hold any good but this news blew me away. A mail reached my inbox saying that some of Australia's finest prog metal bands is going to hit some European and UK venues already at the end of this month.

Having followed the band Voyager since the days of the "V" album and being more than overwhelmed by the brand new "Ghost Mile" output this is news that needs to be shared all the way.

Voyager will open up for the French band Uneven Structure that also offers progressive metal music to the attenders. Make sure to come around for a event with bands that surely deserve your time and money.

Uneven Structure and Voyager tour dates

Sep 29: Cologne Euroblast Festival, Germany
Oct 06: Baarlo Progpower Europe, Netherlands (Voyager only)
Oct 09: London Underworld, UK
Oct 10: Birmingham The Flapper, UK
Oct 11: Dublin Voodoo Lounge, Ireland
Oct 12: Glasgow Audio, UK
Oct 13: Manchester Satan’s Hollow, UK
Oct 14: Guildford The Boiler Room, UK
Oct 15: Leiden Gebr De Nobel, Netherlands (Uneven Structure only)
Oct 16: Muenster Sputnik Cafe, Germany
Oct 17: Berlin Maze, Germany
Oct 18: Wroclaw Carpe Diem, Poland
Oct 19: Prague Underdogs, Czech Republic
Oct 20: Vienna Chelsea, Austria
Oct 23: Munich Backstage, Germany
Oct 26: Milan Legend Club, Italy
Oct 27: Zug I45, Switzerland
Oct 29: Barcelona Apolo 2, Spain
Oct 30: Madrid Caracol, Spain

Purchase tickets at  http://www.seetickets.com/ or via the venues' official websites for Europe.

Update 23.09.2017: Additional info about Uneven Structure - the band is going to play the newest album 'La Partition' in full EVERY night, as well as a few classics. Listen to the track "Incube" on YouTube.

Here are direct links that will let you quickly picking up tickets.

Buy Tickets for UK Shows

Buy Tickets for European Show

The tourflyer for the Uneven Structure /Voyager tourpackage fall 2017, (c) by Uneven Structure / Voyager, used with kind permission

If you've not heard something of the new Voyager record here is the title track their current album as a quick check out tune.