exPorter wonder about success on streaming sites

Sometimes it's surprising how a band can have success just through the internet. In times of streaming everything seems to be possible.

exPorter are happy that the song "Letting Go" gets so much attention.

This phenomenon happened to the alternative rock band exPorter. Just read what the band themselves said about how it all came together when they worked on the new song "Letting Go".

"Letting Go’ is a song that we had done with our friends in Let Flo Go. They're a band that started out in Santa Barbara like us, and Kylen and I started messing around with a couple songs. We started doing ‘Letting Go’ in our exPorter sets and it really went well. We started doing a more "exPorter" version so when we were recording our last EP (New Rubber Girlfriend) we really wanted to add a full band version of that song. It took off really quickly on streaming sites, started getting radio play, and for some weird reason became really popular for us in South America."

For me it's one of those songs that catches you quickly from the start. The song builds up step by step. In the beginning it's a soft and small rhythm and fine melody but things quickly start to grow when more punchy guitar riffs come into play and the rough section converts it into something heavier. 

Happily it falls a bit back into the dreamlike formula with the next verse. The heavyness comes back into play every here and there but it never becomes too hard. 

Let's see how the band moves on further. You can follow them on Facebook and most of all enjoy the music on Spotify (and become a constant listener).  

Let's speak with Thomas Wright (bassist & creative leader of Rootbrain)

The german / finish alternative band Rootbrain came along to me with a lyric video showing beautiful nature scenes. It's music content is a slower tune with fine melodies that is building up constantly throughout it's duration. At the proper moments heavier parts come in but it all remains fitting very well with each alltogether.

Picture of Thomas Wright taken by Varjo Art.

The info that came with the music was very exciting so it was a close idea to ask the band a few questions how the new EP "Mothertomb" came together.

Heavy Metal Underdogs:The video for "Mothertomb" shows a lot of scenes filmed in beautiful nature locations. Have you recorded them in the surroundings of one of the recording locations? 

Thomas Wright (bassist of Rootbrain): Yeah, the scenes are filmed around our Rootbrain hq, a cabin on an island in the middle of beautiful Finnish nature. A place baptised the Temple of Bad Habits by our drummer Fat Tony. Beats me why. I’ve been fortunate enough to call this place my home for the past few years. The clips on the video are just little observations during the last two years or so. I think they go very well with the song. You’re right we also recorded part of the Mothertomb ep there in our pop-up cabin studio. Vocals, bass and acoustic guitars to be precise. Victor and Helle nailed the distorted guitars later at Woodshed Studio, Germany. Tony had delivered his magic earlier at Q7 Studios in the same country 

The songs on the new EP "Mothertomb" were written more spontaneously. How exactly did you go along to catch the idea of the moment? 

It’s always been a part of our sound and approach that in the studio we deliver our parts pretty fast and try to capture a live feel. But it’s not like we enter the studio and just start jamming. There’s a lot of creative work in the background. Usually the process starts with me writing the core of a song. This usually takes a few demo versions before they start to find their form. If the song passes Helle’s scrutiny it usually proceeds to the next phases where we arrange it with Helle and Tony at the rehearsal place. That’s our expanded rhythm section. Then the more melodic elements get more attention closer to the studio sessions and that’s where Jules and Santura enter in a signifigant way. It’s true the vocal recordings were more spontaneous and intuitive this time and we could work on the songs in a way that gave more room to the vocals. All elements were more aligned this time. On the debut the album was already done when Jules joined the band and he just recorded his parts on top of the ready songs. He did that in a phenomenal way, though and created the genre of black grunge in the process. On these Mothertomb sessions it was very fruitful to work with the songs as entities and communicate much better. We even wrote some of the lyrics during the vocal recordings together. There is so much creative talent in this band that it’s a priviledge to have sessions like these. 

Does it mean you didn't practice the songs for a longer time but instead directly recorded them straight away? 

We didn’t practice that much before the recordings but we did have a couple extremely dedicated rehearsal camps with Fat Tony and Helle. Our rehearsals always last for days since we don’t live close to each other. That works very well for us and gives us the opportunity to get deeper into the songs compared to shorter sessions. They are also special occasions with special friends and during them we shut all outside life out and focus only on the present and the music. But yeah, we worked a lot on the vocals and lyrics on the spot. All the actual recordings we usually deliver quite fast trying to capture the magic of the moment. If it sounds awesome it’s much better than if it sounds perfect. One of our key principles is to have a bit of edge and danger that so much of the modern metal lacks because it’s all quantized and polished into perfection. We leave our fingerprints. 

Are you going to perform the new songs live this year? 

I sure hope so. So far our tour calendar is empty though. But we’re working on the second full length album and the plan is to start recording in the summer so we’re not resting on our laurels. Hopefully a couple festival shows will drop for the summer and who knows maybe there’s something in the autumn. Our music belongs to the stages. We have already played all the four new songs live. They worked really well. 

You can listen to more songs of the band on Spotify. Follow Rootbrain on Facebook so you won't miss out on future updates.

JamArt shares mystic metal with Wanted Dead single

This is music the way I would like to write it myselves. 

The cover by WormRot adds to the mystical atmosphere of the music.

The single takes you from rough, dirty riffing stages over to midtempo and crawling material. Finally it sends you to a soft and dreaming place just before it erupts like a vulcano into a passage of raw thrashing. 

The end comes like the start but with more details worked into the sound. The whole single comes in a compact sound shell that gives a thick sound feeling. All the sounds have been kept close to each other to give a strong atmosphere. Fine headbanger stuff in here. 

Well, let's see what the album holds that's slated for a August 2021 release and is already up for pre-order through Rockpit Records. The tracklist reads as follows 

Wanted dead
Cuxt
War King Cross
Public Killing
Disgrace
Djinn
Canvass Black
BanCkull

 

Make sure to hold on to the project through a follow click on Facebook or Instagram.  

CD Review: Interdrive - EP3 (Alternative Stoner Metal, 2016)

This came in at the right time on a stressy Monday evening - what a healthy cure.

The cover of Interdrive's "Aetheral" EP, (c) by Interdrive, used with kind permission

Summary
On a first listening this is typical brutal release. But as always a second look pays off. It's those moments when you take a closer look that you'll spot what makes this so special. It's the many ups and downs this EP provides that gives the music this mark - here comes something special to you.

I love those mixed vocals. The roughness of the dark toned voice just suits good to the agressive structured parts while the softer voice gives those melodic sections it's silk moments you need to be balanced. It's further great to hear that no moment lasts all too long in here. Just like in real life it changes quickly all the way throughout the duration of the whole material. The tempo is different on all tracks so it should offer something for all tastes out there.

A additional plus is the drummers work. Without ruining the music he moves like a shadow underlining the songs with the proper groove - that's not to be found all too often. Every here and there like in the opening track the songs changes over and moves to a time off - taking a time out of the usual structure. This feels refreshing and re-news the attention to the music. Overall the productionis fat and modern but not feeling overproduced or unreal.

Purchase-Link and Album-Stream
With every purchase you help a band to grow further. So spending a few spared bucks on this one will give you a calming down everytime you need it. Buy the digital version at Bandcamp or iTunes.

Contact
Connect with Interdrive on Facebook to keep a eye on the further progress. It's a pleasure to seesomething grow so it's well worth following them.

Dirty Machine lift the mood up with Rock and Eat video performance

Recently I felt down and was in need to find something to lift me up again. Happily music has the power to cheer you up many times. This time around it was Dirty Machine's video for "Built" that gave me back my power.

It's this seamless and not-stoppable riff and rhythm power going down in one piece that lays the basics for my good mood. On top of that the vocals are top notch and I love to hear that there are two vocalists who take down the stuff so solid and heavily trained that you can't do anything elese but feel good again.

Plus the vid shows how small place you need to perform. The band picked a packed restaurant to perform. It often feels to me as if the smalest location can be filled with life if only there's a few space for a live band.

Be sure to follow the band on Facebook or the band's website. They have some great stuff comin' like a free show on December the 18th at the Whisky A Go-Go. Don't miss out your chance to have a good time!

Live Review: Semperfield / Insanity Moments - Lingen 15.07.2017

What a fantastic night! It was a great pleasure to discover two fresh bands at this very summer evening. A little story about feeling like going back to the days of your first concert visits.

Having arrived early at the venue was a plus. I had the pleasure to talk to some people outside of the venue and could easily get into the mood for the evening. The venue this time was a youth center that was kind enough to give new bands a chance and host the event. Sure it's small in there but I love the way the few space is used. For instance there's a area where you can put up your jacket. The holders are mounted underneath a nice collection of vinyl that are drapped at the wall. It feels a bit like home.

Precisely at 20h Insanity Moments took to the stage to open up their set. The band seized their chance and gave the crowd a good insight into their unique sound offers. It's one of those young bands that are able to express the situation they are living in through their music. It felt like a wild mix of Rock, Metal and some easier Pop elements. It talked to me as if it's all about what the guys are going through these days - you can feel that there's the power and sometimes the frustration in that comes along in life. I think it's something that feels like pouring out your heart to someone because you can't hold all of this back.

Insanity Moments live at Kotten Lingen 15.07.2017

Vocalist Jan Blume stood out a bit with his fearless performance. For some reason the audience held a distance to the stage but he filled the gap with going straight into there and perform directly in front of those people. I think that surprised most people and added to the good songs of the band. Check out a live recording done at another venue that the band uploaded to YouTube.


Shortly afterwards Semperfield took over and they played their hearts out this evening. While mostly sticking to the Heavy Rock formula the band played a long and very extended set to the audience. This concert sometimes felt endless to me - and that's a good sign. I thought they would never end this set. Semperfield mostly brought their own original material with them which surely has been inspired by the Foo Fighters but was a great pleasure to the writer of these lines. They also played a cover tune every here and there. Nirvana's "Smells like teen spirit" was warmly welcomed by the crowd and the audience changed into a pit feeling like a mirror of the power that was circulating on stage.

Semperfield rocked the youth center Kotten at Lingen 15.07.2017

Here's the videoclip for the band's own song "Dusty Paradise" for you to check out.

Finally it should be mentioned that this was part 3 of a new concert series in Lingen, Germany. Part 4 is already coming up and will take place on August 19th 2017 at Alter Schlachthof in Lingen. Kings Call will be the headliner of that evening. Make sure to pick all the further information from the Facebook page for the concert series.

CD Review: Counterfeit Culture - Deathwish (Melodic Metalcore, 2017)

A melodic metalcore release doing things a different way. I was surprised listening to this one.

Having looked through this blog I've noticed lately that there isn't any metalcore up yet. So as the chance came around to review this one I packed it with both hands since the description sounded promising. A band mixing metalcore with several influences like alternative was something I had not experienced before so I gave it a shot.

The cover of Counterfeit Culture's EP "Deathwish", (c) by Counterfeit Culture, used with kind permission

Summary

Of course there are the typical elements to be found - the bold sound, the heavy vocals and hard drums. But beside that there are a lot of variations and unusual things to be found. It starts with the way the songs are build - I've not heard metalcore songs with such a span of variation before.

It starts already with opener "Apothecary". The first half has only slight and softer guitar parts with it. The track turns and evolves to a more heavier piece of music. Anyway it's still different - the track remains a bit slower in terms of tempo and the vocals also provide change all the while.

"Second Soul"  starts out more metalcore typical but won't do so for a long time. The drums give a fresh whirl before things begin to become static. The whole pattern changes in the last third to a more slower formula. I like this for all the way the drums show that they can dominate a track at times and push it into a new direction every here and there.

The EP closes out with "X".  It mixes a rough edgy beginning just to move over to some soft notes. To me it's the most intensive song of the three-song-pack. It's a fine demonstration how to go a slower and more below-the-line attempt in a melodic metalcore song.

Preview Track and Purchase-Link

I've picked one song out of the release for you as a quick check out track. Make sure to support Counterfeit Culture with a purchase of the EP at the band's webshop. The EP comes out 1st August 2017. You can pick up the tracks digitally right now on all standard plattforms such as Apple Music or Spotify if you don't want to wait until August.


Contact Data

Tune in to the social channels of the band at Facebook or Twitter.

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.

Pryti uses music and video to express her darker feelings

I've found out that music can speak to me and others much more than other ways of art ever could do. The same thought may have been one of the reasons for Pryti to start writing music. She is a Alternative / Singer Songwriter based in Birmingham / UK.

Her influences range from Sarah Mclachlan to Deftones and I think you can hear that a lot in the video single for the track "Bitter Pill".  Pryti wrote, sang, played the guitars and bass on all of the songs of her debut album ‘Tales of a Melancholic’, and released it on her label Welcome To Pariahville.

In a statement about the track Pryti pointed out: "Bitter Pill is a dark song about struggling and trying to explain how you feel. I love how the video captures that."

As for me this one comes with a special dark, haunting vibe to it. I love the slow way the track moves in the verses just to finally explode in the refrain parts. The voice gives so much of sensibility to the overall tone of the music while the beat keeps it hard and dry but it feels naturally throughout the whole track duration.

Pryti during the video shoot of "Bitter Pill", (c) by Pryti, used with kind permission

You can pick up the song or the whole longplayer from iTunes and all other digital retailers.

Also make sure to stay in connection with Pryti through sites such as Twitter, Youtube or Facebook.

Fins a Luminous share haunting Double A side single

This brand new digital single released by UK based band Fins A Luminous shows that you can also work with fine electronic elements to create a deep and intense atmosphere. I think it's the idea that stands behind the music and how detailed it's worked out that decides if it touches the listener.

The cover of the Double A side single, (c) by Fins A Luminous, used with kind permission

This said the single starts out rather soft and silent with "Setting Souls". The song is styled in a minimalistic way but once you let it sink in you'll discover what this simpleness will do for you. It's this easy toned style that helps to concentrate on the music itself. This track that will take you away from your everyday life and lead over to a more relaxed state of mind. Enjoy some refreshing of your soul while listening to it.

The second number "Funeral Shake" gives things a more raw and powerfull tonality featuring elements of drone and shoegaze in it. While it still creates landscapes of imaginations through the music it definitely goes a bit deeper and works with various sound layers to create it's atmosphere. The lyrics are inspired by the Twin Peaks series.

If you enjoy what you hear don't hesitate to go to Bandcamp and pick a copy of this release. While the band has been so kind to give it away for free please consider giving at least a few bucks back on a donation basis to help them creating more atmospheric and refreshing tunes for you.

Follow the band through their social accounts on Facebook or Twitter to stay up to date about all the upcoming works of Fins A Luminous. You can also visit Soundcloud for more tunes of the band.

CD Review: June 1974 - Atlantide (2014)

I've seldomely ever heard that someone managed to change between various styles in such a cool way. But this instrumental one man project of Federico Romano really gives me hope that breaking barriers between various genres isn't that hard to get by. Read now what I've found out while listening to the "Atlantide" EP.

Short Introduction

June 1974 is the musical project created in late 2009 by Federico Romano,an underground writer of poems and short stories.His kind of music is indefinable because every song embraces different styles from dance to rock to classic/ hip hop  music. So June 1974 is 360 music degree only for open mind listeners.Till now June 1974, has published more than 250 songs(singles+ep+albums) available on all digital stores worldwide thanks to Visionaire Records (his record label) .

Atlantide is the title of this EP published in November 2014 that cointains two songs in rock electro classic post shoegaze style mastered in Iceland by Birgir Jon Birgisson at his Sundlaugin studios ( Sigur Ros / Alcest / Mum ) available on all digital stores worldwide by Visionaire Records. Meanwhile June 1974 has published other singles in 2015 and now is working hard on the new album that will be avalaible in middle of 2016.

Cover artwork by Soey Milk (c) by June 1974, used with kind permission

Summary

The EP is a cool surprise item if you're looking for a gift to someone you know that is completly open to all sorts of music or just yourselves if you like to listen to all possible styles of music. This said it's sure that this release contains a good potion or Rock music with slightly heavier parts in it as well as soft parts of the more ambient direction.

But it's far more than that. You'll listen to pop elements as well as have your ear on some nice electronic elffects in it. Some sounds give a ghostly feeling while others sound very experimental and it's hard to say how that effect might have come together. Sounds like the composer tries out effect stuff and various set-up's while creating his music. Some melodies will stay in your mind for some time due to it's strangeness or typical melody.

EP Overview

The record starts with the slower and soundwise softer "Follia". It starts out slow but just wait a little and the track moves on and starts to evolve through it's duration. You may not think that it will be very different throughout the whole track but just relax and enjoy. Have you ever listened to something similar like this? I love people who create such soundscapes for all of us.

The second number "Atlantide" is of the more abrassive way of music. It comes with more distortion. You'll easily point it out as a rocking track. It has less of it's haunting moments but takes it's energy more of the heavier riffs that are built in. The rhythm patterns are also chosen in a much heavier way. Nevertheless it has also a outworked song structure which let's us discover various moods throughout the musical journey so it's not just a Rock song all the while.

Player & Purchase-Link

The EP consists of two tracks. That seems not to be much but please keep in mind that those tracks come along with a duration of 24 minutes alltogether. The download costs 2 Euro for the whole EP on Bandcamp but looking at the whole diversity and big musical bandwith it covers should be a good pick for fans of various genres. Enjoy the stream to find out if the EP meets your taste of music.

 

Contact Data

If you enjoyed the music make sure to see the other releases of June 1974 on Bandcamp and make sure to keep a eye on the Facebook page of Visionaire Records for all the upcoming info on this project.

CD Review: Heat Of Damage - Open Fire (2015)

Short Introduction

Heat of Damage writes and performs an edgy and eclectic mix of rock, metal, and alternative music. Their debut EP Orenda was self- produced in the drummer's garage and was released in 2013.

Since then, the band has performed at numerous venues in the Sacramento area. The group released their second EP, the Lifestyle EP, in September 2014. The title track was featured on Sacramento’s 98 Rock Local Licks show for three weeks running. Lifestyle's "Apocalypse" was released soon after and earned the 2nd spot on 98 Rock's Local Licks Most Liked Songs of 2014 Countdown Show.

Following the local success of the Lifestyle EP, including two 2015 Sacramento News & Review SAMMIE award nominations for best teen band and best hard rock band, the band entered the studio with with producer Matt Thomas in Sacramento to record their first full-length album, Open Fire, which was released in October of 2015.

(c) by Heat Of Damage, used with kind permission

Summary

This band introduces a great mixtures of elements of Metalcore (vocals on some points), classic 80's metal (guitars), alternative metal (production) and also a lot of atmosphere from American punk bands and lifestyle. In fact it is one of the biggest surprises that came my way in a long time. While listening to their material is sort of relaxed and uplifiting yet very powerful it also expresses a lot of aggression partly through the vocals, something that give's the listener and writer of these lines a redemption feeling.

It lives from the tension between the heavy riffs, hammering drums on the one hand and the easier feeling that comes along through the vocals in most of the vocals, except for most of the refrains (the mentioned Metalcore heavyness steps in at those parts).  Looking at the fact that this is their first full length release this seems to me one of the bands that could really contribute to the further development of Heavy Metal music without leaving all the roots behind.


Album Overview

If you wanna get quickly started I can suggest the first single "Judgment Day" to you (it's song number two in the album stream below). It's a blast with a lot of drumming that made me speechless. The drummer really hammers and nails down each and every single whole that ever was. Meanwhile the guitars maintain a sound with much volume and classic metal guitar songwriting. Overall you'll hear what the vocalist has to offer. Does this give you as much positive vibes as it does to me? Then don't move, just relax and listen further.

The next track "Accessory" keeps the pushing and heavy tonality up. It's maybe one of the roughest tracks of the package giving you the "let the pressure burn" feeling. After all you may want to relax a bit. The half ballad "Fade Away" will give you a moment to breathe. Happily it's not too flat, while the music is much softer than before it still has a lot of atmosphere in it. The feeling keeps authentic transporting a lot of emotion through the music.

The second batch of the album track offer more complex tracks. "Veil of Authority" stands out with it's diverse vocal performance. The motions change nearly with every single text line so does the music goes with it through all the up and downs until a blast scream sends some salvation at the end. "Osprey Drive" goes with a similar feeling but is parltl lighter than the previous number.

Katie Robinette contribute's some guest vocals to "Heaven", a slightly easier song before "The Greeding Party" gives you yet another kick in the face and the hymn "Any other way" with a typical earcatching hookline marks a proper closing line to a great album.

Player and Purchase-Link

Thankfully the band offers a full album stream via YouTube giving everyone the fair chance of listening to the whole album without any risk in advance. Hit the play button and enjoy listening to a great new band you don't want to miss anymore once heard.

The album is up for purchase as download on sites such as  iTunes, CDBaby or Amazon.




Contact Data

Also make sure to see the band's social domains of sites such as Facebook, Twitter or check in to their homepage since the band has some shows coming. Here are the next one's that have been announced so far:

Jan 30th
Saturday at 7:00 PM
The Boardwalk
Orangevale, CA

Feb 3rd
Wednesday at 6:00 PM
Ace of spades
Sacramento, CA

Heartlay confirms show in Paris and helps people affected by terrorist attacks

Last friday we all faced the shocking news that terrorists had stormed a show of the band Eagles of Death Metal as well as several other public places like restaurants and bars in Paris to kill innocent people in the name of their religion. A football stadium was also set as a point of attack but happily the security people could help to prevent this from happening by letting a suspicious person not inside.

Let me express my dislike to any sort of violence anywhere in the world for any reason. There is never a place for such a thing and there is never anything that justifies such behaviour. We all live in one world and by the end of the day I'm quite sure we all believe in the same god or how else we may call it.

I can fully understand that it wasn't sure if the show of the alternative metal / industrial rock band Heartlay along with the bands The Way I Am and The Long Escape in Paris will happen on 20th of November 2015. It's just one week after these events and of course there's still tension and fear hanging in the air that such a thing might happen again. Last night a football game here in germany was cancelled due to serious terror warnings.

The good thing to all of this is that the people in Paris don't want to give in. They decide not to let themselves to intimidate by these mean act of violence. Heartly have finally decided to play that show but it will not be the release party for the new EP "Remedy".

(c) by Heartlay, used with kind permission

Instead the show will be dedicated to all the victims of the terroristic attacks. There will be no entrance free taken for this show but at the entry area of the venue you'll find a box when you can give a amount of your choice. The money collected will be given to the "Association française des Victimes du Terrorisme", a association for the victims of the terror. Their will be books of condolence where you can write in a mention and send some positive power to all those affected by the attacks.

You can find more details about the event on the Facebook page.

Heartlay have released their newest single "Consequence" just at the beginning of this month. It shows that the band has continued their path they began with the "Injection" EP. To me it comes around a bit more edgy and rough as the songs on the debut. If you would like to have a copy of the song don't worry. Just head over to Bandcamp. The band has kindly set up a free download of the track there.

Interview with From Ashes To New

From Ashes To New is a Rap-rock / Alternative Metal band from Central Pennsylvania. I first came along the band when I was introduced to the lyric video of "Downfall". At that moment I wasn't in a good mood due to some things happening in my life that weren't positive and I was looking for something to cheer me up a bit. 

(c) by From Ashes To New, used with kind permission

The positive uplifting lyrics along with the power that the words "So don't let go" were thundered inside the refrain gave me a lot of strength so I was curious to get to know more about the band. I ended up on the website where the next video was waiting for me. This time "Stay this way" found another like with it's more rough power in it. 

So I wanted to know more about the band and happily had the chance to do so. Matt Brandyberry, who is responsible for Vocals/Guitar/Keys/Programming kindly gave me some information about the way the band works when writing songs, the message of the lyrics as well as about the upcoming album "Day One" and the bands relation to their fanbase.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: In the biography I've read that Matt Brandyberry's first takes in music were related to the Hip Hop scene and writing rhymes but later changed to Rock music. What was the trigger that changed you to focus more on the heavier side of music?

Matt Brandyberry: There are a few different things that lead me to metal. The first thing was not a good thing and actually gives me ground for my lyrical purpose and helping others be themselves. I rapped when I was a young teen. Everyone told me to quit, not because I wasn’t good, but because I was a white teen from a small town. So what did I do? I listened. At the time of me quitting rap the “Numetal” was starting to take off. I gave up rap all together and switched to guitar. Bands like Sevendust, Linkin Park, Drowning Pool, and Disturbed were at the top of my playlist. 

The lyrics in many metal bands are talking about the dark or gloomy side of life. You often use a more positive way of looking at things. Is it maybe a sort of message or giving the listener a piece of hope you want to do with doing different lyrics?

As I answered in the previous question, it’s all about going after what you love. Never take no for answer in this life. We honestly only live one time and we need to be ourselves during that process. Don’t waste your life being something that you’re not, while listening to what others want you to be. Go get yours. 

(c) by From Ashes To New, used with kind permission

Are most of inspirations for the vocals taken from your everyday personal life or where do you draw them from?

That’s where it’s all derived from, yes. 

With the approach of having two vocalist in the band: do you have a sort of scheme for each vocalist or do you try with every song who can do the proper vocal lines better?

We just write whatever feels right. If it’s rap, if it’s rap. If it’s singing, it’s singing. We write from the heart not from a schematic. 

How do you attempt each song in the writing process? Is it mostly Matt that comes around with the ideas or do you put all the ideas you have on a pile and work on them in rehearsal to see what fits best?

It starts with me (Matt). I have a small studio in my house, so it helps make the writing process easier. Chris and Branden are usually in the beginning stages as well. We all like to put our 2 cents into a song before it’s finished, so more lately it’s becoming a full band thing. We like it better as it evolves. 

The Downfall EP shows a wide variation of styles as well as on emotions. Will you focus on these mixture or even go on a heavier way on the upcoming record? (You can preorder "Day One" at the Pledgemusic page of the band.)

We don’t have a set way to do things. If it feels right we do it. We go from soft with pianos and strings to heavy, straight up screaming on the record. You’ll have to wait and see! 

Having seen that you've hit the road recently with Hollwood Undead: have you guys given up all your jobs lately and are focussing on the band alone or do you still work besides playing tours and recording new stuff?

We are all full time musicians now. We believe in this thing with everything we have, so we’re all in. 

Your fans seem to be very inspired by the music. Many of them have just contributed in the lyric video for "Downfall". Have you gotten feedback from them how your music influences their lives? I know of a good bunch of songs for myselves that have kept me going in my life through various hard times in my life.

We get great feedback all the time. That’s what are music is here for, to inspire and encourage everyone to chase their dreams and be themselves. It feels good to know that your own personal trials and tribulations are helping someone else conquer there’s. We’re here for others because it’s becoming harder and harder to find someone else who is. We as people need each other. A constant battle will only cripple our species. 

Since you have been on road recently: is there any funny story that happened that you would like to share with our readers?

I mean we’re always doing funny shit! We end up at Walmart 9 times out of 10. I guess the best way to see the stuff we do is follow our social media and add us on Snapchat FATNofficial. 

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions!

You can connect with the band on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube,
The band is going to hit the road in a few days alongside Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach and In This Moment.

CD Review: The Dry Mouths - Two Months (easter gift inside)

Note:  If you have a own band or project that you think might fit in well here for a review or as a presentation / introduction please drop me a line or two in a E-Mail. Please see my profile for my E-Mail adress. I appreciate new suggestions very much so don't hesitate to contact me. I'm also interested in band news / updates / tourdates so keep the stuff coming. Thanks!

If you're having troubles writing in English please send me a E-Mail in your preferred language or use the free Google Translator to transfer your message to English. I also use that tool, it's of course not perfect but I think it will mostly likely work out for our purposes.

It's easter again, time to celebrate the (hopefully) upcoming spring time of the year.
As it is already a little tradition over here at the Metalunderdogs blog we are sort of giving away something so we can celebrate together.

Short Introduction

This year, thanks to the guys in The Dry Mouths we can enjoy the full band release catalogue totally for free. The band describes itself on Bandcamp as a "Alternative Rock band from Almeria, Spain. Their music is a mixture between the rock of the 90′, stoner and the experimentation, leaving itself to notice in the first listening influences like Nirvana, Tool, Mogwai, Explosions In The Sky, Black Sabbath or Pink Floyd."
All the four recordings of the band can be downloaded for free from Bandcamp.
This review talks about the newest release of the band the EP "Two Months" which was released at the beginning of 2015.

(c) by The Dry Mouths, used with kind permission

Summary / Player / Purchase Link 

What I like most about the band is that they dare to make things differently. It's not the same odd song structure's they restrict themselves to. They do try out a lot and always look for new ways so the music never get's monotone. Plus all the artworks having something of their own, it's stuff that put's a own finishing note to each recording.

On the "Two Months" album the band is keeping things very straight forward and very hard and heavy. Nevertheless they've also used the room for some experimentation so you'll notice some unusual stuff in the music also on this newest addition to the band's release list.

Since they've set up the download as a pay what you want option you can also decide to give a little back for what you've taken by handing over some coins to the band when asked at the download page.
You can also get physical copies of "Two months" as well as for all the other three releases of The Dry Mouths. Just check the detailed descriptions at the page of each recording on Bandcamp.

In addition the band has set up a download mirror for all the albums in various quality levels on their website. Please consider to spread the word about'em in return.

The band is going to play the next show on

Apr 18th
La Boca Club
Madrid, Spain

Also make sure to keep an eye of the further band activities via Facebook on the band's website.



Track-by-Track review

Tour P-2
A powerfull beginning for the record. Starts with powerfull chords, then goes over to a forth and backward moving riff and rhythm structure. Yet the song spreads a cool feeling with it.

Tea Pex
A compact and hard riff hits this one up. It moves over to a softer section just to return back to the harder structure. Followed up by changing moments between rougher and softer sections. The Solo section is kept with very high notes.

Party & Son
A slower beginning starts this midtempo number. The tempo speeds up with a cool drum fill pattern. The refrain spreads a relaxed feeling with a different speed. Another drum pattern - very diverse. You can feel the band has some fun playing around with their music.

(c) by The Dry Mouths, used with kind permission

Cold Mind
I love the counting in of the song! A rough and very compact track but the structure makes it a cool time to listen to it. Surely one of my favorites of the band so far.

Intromental / Info Mental IV
The last song starts with a softer touch. The band shows it's more technical side on this one. The rougher edge is presented in the second part followed up by some more softer notes the band is jamming upon. Part three holds again more roughness with very powerful chords and guitar leads put inside. Some classic metal riffs towards the end before some notes leave one with the hope behind that there will be more to come of this great band.

CD Review: Heartlay - Injection EP

Note: If you have a own band or project that you think might fit in well here for a review or as a presentation / introduction please drop me a line or two in a E-Mail. Please see my profile for my E-Mail adress. I appreciate new suggestions very much so please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm also interested in band news / updates / tourdates so please keep the stuff coming. Thanks!

If you're having troubles writing in English please send me a E-Mail in your preferred language or use the free Google Translator to transfer your message to English. I also use that tool, it's of course not perfect but I think it will mostly likely work out for our purposes.

Short introduction

Heartlay is an Alternative/industrial rock band incorporating elements from Industrial rock, Alternative metal, modern electronics and Progressive rock. All the songs are completley conceived and performed by French multi-instrumentalist Aaron Sadrin, writing all the music, from intense vocal melodies to heavy guitar hooks, sonic experimentations, and modern influenced soundscapes. Brought up on piano, switching to guitar, and now, vocal interest has transformed and opened up these visions of music as a whole, without any limits.

The debut EP "Injection" has been released in November 2014.

(c) by Heartlay, used with kind permission

Summary / Player / Download Link

This five track EP contains a very dedicated, unique piece of music with very intensive atmosphere and many, many chilling moments. I love this epicness of the style and sound!

The whole record comes in a very powerfull soundscape. It's from the very beginning up to the last track a very intensive listening feeling you'll have. Somehow it reminds me of a journey - it starts at a very loud beginning, then a lot of things happen which will see you reaching many highs and lows until you reach the end which is a set in a bit more silent way but the last notes give hope that this wasn't the last bit we've heard from the band. I hope the journey can be continued some day!

The sound is set in Rock music style and on various points even Heavy Metal elements come in. Nevertheless you'll hear that it doesn't come along packed in a traditional sound but with a lot of modern ways to produce such a record. Also I'm coming personally from the old-school days I like this modern approach. It brings in a lot of fresh air to the world of Rock music and innovation often comes along with experimentation not with staying the same way all the time in my opinion. It's also very diverse so it won't get boring, the tempo and mood changes quite often in each song.

The record has been set up as a free download on Bandcamp. Since you can name the price for the EP on Bandcamp it would be nice if you could give something back for what you've taken. You know making music ain't free so please consider this. Thanks! The download option on Bandcamp also let's you choice the format and quality. All the fines loseless music file-options this site offers are available with this EP,too.

If you want to keep a eye on what's further going on in the Heartlay cosmos make sure to follow the band on Facebook or have a look from time to time on their official website which also holds more links to other social accounts the band has a presence opened up for.

Track-by-Track Review

1.See You Under
Some soft guitars play some notes before a constant hard and heavy drum pattern gives the track the push movement forward. Haunting, spoken and distorted vocals add a lot to the atmosphere. The refrain kicks in with very dominating vocals and harder guitars. It feels a bit like a phoenix rises from the ashes.
This scenario grows even further as the six-strings go over into a heavy and hard riffing attack which is pushed by a double-bass drum part which makes this the blast part of the song. A slower part follows up which gives some time to breathe before some more intensive but slightly cleaner vocals lead the song back to the heavy style. The drum pattern from the very beginning comes back towards the end of See you under bringing this one to a slow but great ending. A great first track!

2.Leave Them All Behind
A very dark and heavy hitting riff along with pushing drums opens this one up. The tone is very raw and direct. A little change comes in with the vocals. It gets over to a bit more riff- and rhythm-oriented song before a blasting refrain kicks back in again which ends up in the raw tone of the beginning again.   The second verse and chorus go in the same way as the first did but the refrain comes in even more handy which makes this track ringing in your ears for quite some time after you've heard it. The solo section comes a bit softer around playing with the previous elements of melody and riffs in various ways. The refrain is repeated and the riff-hacking part comes back to life. The end reprises the maintheme and refrain and end with distorted guitars abruptly ending the track.

3.It Comes Alive
High peak six-strings open this one up before some softer vocals give a haunting chill to this piece of music. Set in a bit more midtempo structure this one plays around a lot with the various tones and effects of the guitars. While the first half features some vocals they are left oft the second half which goes even further into experimenting with raw and hard noises. This one needs a repeat to get fully through the complex song structure.

(c) by Heartlay, used with kind permission

4.Hidden
Haunting and chilling fearfull vocals open up this one. The refrain offers a tight, bright wall of sound. This has a strong effect on the listener. The following part feels much more frail and intensive after this treatment. A constant played melody brings back the intense atmosphere from the beginning but in a bit softer way. Then a sharp cut surprises the listener - some piano notes come to life making the follow up instrumental section to a very special one. It mixes up the previous used elements along with some riffs to end up in another sound explosion. Another sharp cut and very soft and slow notes bring this excellent piece of music towards the end. A very special gem, a must listen to all the music lovers out there!

5.White Walls
Ghostly drums start this one. Beautifull, soft notes jammed in with harder piano pieces build a very strong piece of sound again. Some drum variations along with some last guitar vibrations end this EP in a soft but very decent way. 

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.

CD Review: Ventenner - Distorture

Note: If you have a own band or project that you think might fit in well here for a review or as a presentation / introduction please drop me a line or two in a E-Mail. Please see my profile for my E-Mail adress. I appreciate new suggestions very much so please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm also interested in band news / updates so please keep the stuff coming. Thanks!

If you're having troubles writing in English please send me a E-Mail in your preferred language or use the free Google Translator to transfer your message to English. I also use that tool, it's of course not perfect but I think it will mostly likely work out for our purposes.

Short Introduction

Ventenner are a industrial metal band. There music can be said to be have some similarities to Depeche Mode. To be precise I think back of the old Depeche Mode, meaning mostly the Ultra album plus Music for the masses but without the party feelings in them.

That's where elements from Nine Inch Nails come into play.
The music has a lot of dark elements in them which are cleverly put inside of the songs. So most of the tracks have a very emotional, atmospheric style in them but inside of the mostly darker parts there's often a glimpse of light in there. That's where the catchy melodies and hooks can be found. Some of the songs you'll fastly won't forget anymore once you've heard them. "Distorture" is the bands second effort, following up to the first record entitled "‘This Is the Reason" from 2012.

(c) Ventenner, used with kind permission

Short Summary / Player / Purchase Link

Industrial metal ain't everybody's taste and so it was for a long time for me. I disliked all the working with technical effects and the slowliness of the music. But as you walk through life things change and so did my music preferences. I would like to encourage everybody to check out this album. It is great and it's not only cold, electronic music but moreover has Ventenner made sure to put in hand made music that comes directly from the band themselves.

Check out the tracks "Wave" and "Six Blood" to quickly get a idea what the band is all about. The rest of the album takes much more time but it pays off once you give it a chance.

Just check out the stream below to find out if the album meets your choice of musical style. The download comes around for 10 Euro through the bandcamp page of the bands record company Sonic Fire Records. You'll get 60 Minutes of music in the format of your choice including MP3, FLAC etc. for your money that leave more than enough space for listening to it several times.


In support of the latest output the band is going to do some shows in England. Make sure to go if you can make it to one of their shows:

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

The band has a own website http://www.ventenner.com/ up and running where you can find out more about the band. Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Ventenner also offers a great way to stay up to date with all the latest happening in the Ventenner universe.

Track-by-Track Review

01. Rise
Slowly we start back coming to our senses. A very good intro and start into the album. A constant melody underlayed with different drum beats that change during the track. Some rough guitars towards the end and much distortion introduce the band as they pick up there instruments to start playing the songs of Distorture...

02. Six Blood
A very catchy one with a constant drum track and fine instrumentation. You can easily imagine the people dancing to the song in the clubs. The chorus comes with a lot of loud vocals and a bit of screaming while the rest is kept in a haunting but calm spoken soft form. It's the variations of the instruments that are cleverly placed in this piece of music. The end comes with some more electronic effects and vocal screams and fades away. The video for Six Blood I talked about some time earlier fitts to the mood the song provides.

03. Wave
Love this! It's what I would call a song that leaves a long lasting impression once heard. While the rhythm is once again very stable the cold guitars and crawling vocals come close to you to explode with a emotional explosion. Some rhthym change at the middle of the song with a cold, empty and lonely sounding keyboard melody makes the earcatcher perfect. The end mixes up all the elements of the previous parts to leave you at the end with the keyboard melody. Once you hear this you'll surely want to have a  repeat. I've just done pressing that button while typing these lines. :-)

04. Unaffected
A faster track of the album! Drums open up this one along with some faster vocals. The refrain introduces the variable voice of the vocalist - much more than you might've thought from the previous songs. A slower intermezzo with rough guitars at the middle of Unaffected along with vocals give you some time to breath before a more clear part come in with some guitar improvisations. A hard attack of lyrics like a machine-gun takes us back to the style of the beginnig. The end comes fast and abrupt.

05. Distorture
The title-song comes as a very compact instrumental with a mixture of electronic music and heavy guitars. A dark and edgy piece of music. Could be some sort of music for a film. Maybe some action movie with a dystopic setting or ending.

06. Skin Ritual
The traditionell constant rhythm opens up this one. A slow tune with soft guitar vibes. Overall it contines the dark feelings of the previous title-song of the album. Like a flower this song finally opens up towards the end to show all the beauty it has to offer. The refrain is soft and feels comfortable but the end comes fast.

07. Begin Again
Spacy guitars open up this instrumental before some marching drums and percussion join in and the sound grows a bit more rude. Some soft keyboards can be heard more in the background and give in a melodic touch that lead the direction and take over toward the end of it all. The last seconds are a bit strange. Some keyboard effects if I'm not mistaken.

08. Metacell
A fast rhythm open up. One of the faster tracks with a danceable feeling once again. Loud vocals in the first row along with some effects. The last part is much slower with more edgy vocals and some guitar riffs close this short song.

09. Fallout
Majestic keyboards in the beginning. A change once again to a slow part with lots of screaming vocals. Much calmer vocals in the next part before the screaming part repeats  for a short while. Keyboards all over some more moments at the end before it all abruptly is gone in silence...

10. Cast
Constant drums along with keyboards and dominating high pitched vocals dominate the soundscape. Repeating keyboards and the same structure as in the beginning continue the path before some whispered words point towards a eyecatchy keyboard melody. The vocals are something special. Long stretched vocals lines with some effect but perfectly fitting each line to the last note of each melody. It has a beauty of it's very own style.

11. Undone
A slow atmospheric start - soft notes and vocals touch the listeners ears. As if you paint a picture with music so it'a bit with this song. The colors and forms vary as the song goes forward. A dreamingly landscape with different moods we pass through in my ears.

12. Shade
Broken drums and fragments of melodies form a "Shade".  The bass guitar sound is something special giving it a extra note that keeps running through my ears. Beautifull vocals slowly add to this outstanding song. Stronger vocals in the last third open up for more louder and harder sound fragments. The soft keyboard notes from which the song may originate close the 12. track of "Distorture".

13. House of Ten
Raw guitars are the main element this song is made of with vocals and drums of the same. Once again the theme of the song changes and a soft part comes in. It's the same theme then in the beginning but without all of the hard distortion in it. The song fades away at the end. Hopefully we will hear more from this band in the future. I would like to know how they evolve even further. A lot of great music on this album.