Hellz reveals the Sinner in us all

Some tracks are just cool. This particular one rocked me step by step. In the beginnins things sound a bit thin and simple but beware. The music evolves heavily.

Hellz surprised me with a massive first single called "Sinner".

While the first seconds may make you want to turn it down again, make sure to hold on. It grabs you a bit more with each passing moment deep inside your heart.The refrain will give you a pusher. It kicked me straight and this single is once more something that proves, that music is motivation. So much energy that she sends this way. It keeps your head in the here and now and wants you to push on forward.


The song is up for purchase on iTunes as well as Amazon.

More music of Hellz is already on the horizont. The debut EP has been announced to hit the shelves early 2020 via R.I.N.D Records. Once the EP is completed touring will be on the horizon both in her native Australia, as well as internationally.

Make sure to keep a eye on the homepage of Hellz and to check Facebook so you won't miss the further story out.

Tulip add more groove to symphonic metal / US Tour Aug. 2019

Some bands add few but important elements to a existing sound. This time symphonic metallers Tulip got me. They add a fresh dose of dry and well thought-out groove to the well known and popular symphonic metal world.

This working style gives a more calming element into the sound. That's something I think postive of. It makes the music more actionable. Try it out for yourselves with the music video of "Total".

It's great to see that the band that isn't around for too long has secured a opening slot on a package with Evergrey and Shattered Sun starting end of August 2019 in the United States.

8/23/2019 Los Angeles, CA The Satellite

8/24/2019 San Jose, CA The Ritz

8/25/2019 Sacramento, CA Holy Diver

8/27/2019 Portland, OR Bossanova Ballroom - TBA

8/28/2019 Seattle, WA Club Sur

8/30/2019 Salt Lake City, UT Metro Music Hall

8/31/2019 Denver, CO Marquis Theater

9/2/2019 Dallas, TX Gas Monkey Bar & Grill

9/3/2019 Austin, TX Come and Take It Live

9/8/2019 Toronto, ON Velvet Underground

Pick the flyer for a reminder to the shows and visit Tulip's Facebook page for updates and more info.

Tulip will open up for swedish melodic metal band Evergrey.

Darkwell bridge time with intensive performance video

Symphonic metallers Darkwell released their album "Moloch" to positive reactions some time ago. As the band told me they're currently back in songwriting mode having taken a break before.

The cover of Darkwell's "Moloch" already shows that something different from all the other is going on with the sound of this band.

To help skip the waiting time until something new surfaces the band has taken the chance to put out a live video of the "Moloch" track "Clandestine". That one picked my attention. It captures the joy but also the full concentration the musicians put into their performance really well. It also shows the reactions of the audience starting positive but let's say in a waiting way. They move over to realise the quality of the material and finally giving back with positive feedback.

Make sure to keep track of what's going on further with a like click on Darkwell's Facebook page or see the band's website for updates.

Graveshadow open the doorway to heaven

It goes up and down many times in life. I think this is maybe one of the biggest ressources for musicians to create their sounds and texts of. This particular one song talks soundwise for me a lot about that.

It also has it's highs and lows changing all the while. It's cool to hear that it has a controlled and finetuned dose of power with it something not to be found everywhere. Most of all the vocals stand out with it's many faces (good and dark/bad parts all shine in many variations on this track). This must have taken lot's of effort to get it on tape but the result for sure sounds impressive and it invites to listen once more just to make sure to have not missed out a vocal layer through the tracks duration.


"Doorway to heaven" is part of Graveshadow's new album "Ambition's Price" that has been put out on M-Theory Audio in April 2018. This band features Heather Michelle performing the vocals.

The cover for Graveshadow's album "Ambitions Price", painted by Dusan Markovic. (c) by Graveshadow, used with kind permission

Tune in to the band's channel on Facebook for more info like tourdates and so on.

We lost track show T-Shirt artwork creation process

Have you ever thought about how difficult and time-consuming it is to draw a T-Shirt design, one of the many that we love to wear everyday? Melodic metal band We lost track have taken up this topic and put together a timelapse video that shows that.

While you can listen to a powerful yet very direct and not too complicated track of the female fronted combo you can spot the creator Timon Kokott drawing the band's T-Shirt design. I never thought this would take so long and require so many detailed work to have a finished product in the end. It's always impressive to see how dedicated creating art is.

Find out more about the band We lost track with a look upon their website or check 'em out on Facebook.

Darkwell give in-depth look into making of videos

Music videos have a long tradition and they have evolved from simple videos to mini-movies. But how are these clips created and what does it take to put them together? It's rare that these questions are answered. Most times you find such making of's on DVD's at the bonus material section.

Female fronted Symphonic metallers Darkwell have given us now a extensive look behind the scenes. The band made two high quality clips for the tracks "Yoshiwara" and "Moloch" both centered around the Metropolis movie theme.

Find out how the band brought the unreal world of the movie to life and what else happened in the five days the clips were shooted. Besides much work you'll also spot some funny scenes and have fine Darkwell music with it. More info on the band and purchase links for their latest album "Moloch" can be found on Facebook.

CD Review: Mercy Isle - Undying Fire (Symphonic Metal, 2016)

A epic piece of symphonic rock and metal that sets it's focus on dedicated listeners of intensive sounds.

Mercy Isle are a American-Dutch symphonic metal/rock band with massive female vocals. The band is a fusion of American pop/rock with elements of European symphonic metal. "Undying Fire" is the first full length release.

The album art for Mercy Isle's "Undying Fire" record, (c) by Mercy Isle, used with kind permission

Summary

Having heard this album several times now it always makes me wonder how deep and completly musicians are able to turn towards music. This album is like it was made to show how much the creators are giving there all and everything into the music.

The longplayer start's out easy with the first three tracks being all songs you would expect of a symphonic metal release these days. The tunes are direct rockers going straight to the meat. You can imagine a crowd going all on it They invite you to let your feelings let go and are a good opener to warm you up for what's to come.

Song four is a ballad turning the tides. Yet easy to access it already becomes more detailed and has some changes in it. This serves as a bridge to "No one will save you" and "Uncaged" both being the hardest to get by tracks. They need the full attention of the listener and are loaded with massive sounds and vocal layers. Being patient pays off and will reveal it's full potential to you.

"I Am" is sort of a crawling number, midtempo all the way but feels warmly welcomed through it's fresh attempt. Something not to be heard that often in this genre of metal. "Saying Goodbye" gives more silent moments - they give you time to take a moment off of the everyday stress and let you dream. The last two tracks give room for the more complex formula deserving higher attention to have the full point. The more often you listen the more you'll enjoy them.

Purchase-Link and Album Preview

If you're after a album that needs several rounds and offers complex and deep song structures "Undying Fire" will give you satisfaction for months. There are also lighter tracks but it surely is for all those that love to focus themselves on music and nothing else. Pick up a copy digitally on Bandcamp or order the silver disc from the same location. The band deserves some bucks for giving us such in-depth music.

For a quick overview I've included the full album stream below.

Upcoming Shows / Contact Data

Some shows have been announced for October 2017 in the Netherlands. Check the band's homepage for more details. Hold a further eye on this band using Reverbnation, Twitter or Facebook.

Powerless Rise release redemptive clip of feelings

Sometimes it's hard to let go of bad feelings. Music has often helped me in a redemptive way here. Somehow it free's up the soul of it's bad condition holding us down and preventing us of feeling better.

This clip here of the US female fronted Hard Rock group Powerless Rise helped me to get over such a gap so I thought it would be great to share this moment with all of you out there.

If you like what you hear and would like to have a copy of the song to carry on with you it's surely fine news to know that Powerless Rise has set up a free digital download of the single available from Soundcloud.

The video delivers a very expressive performance. I like the blue tone of the video. It expresses the state of mind with the visuals perfectly. It's all about depicting the tormented spirit and emotional roller coaster associated with heart break and tragedy.

A bandshot of Powerless Rise while doing the video for "Battered Soul", (c) by Powerless Rise, used with kind permission

The track is featured on the band's debut record “Set Sail” which is available on iTunes, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and Google Play among many other online retailers.  The album is also available for purchase as a download or physical CD at the band’s official website www.powerlessrise.com.

The band is already working on a new EP so make sure to connect with the band via Facebook.so you won't miss out on the further band activities.

Female fronted doom band Mist confirmed for Bloodstock 2017

The Bloodstock Open Air has become a event of high profile. In the past years many great performances could be enjoyed there. The 2017 edition will feature well-known names such as Ghost, Megadeth, Testament, Obituary, Arch Enemy, Kreator, Blind Guardian and Amon Amarth.

But what about the smaller bands that will play? Which may be worth a look? One of them surely is be the female fronted doom combo Mist which have just been confirmed for the 2017 edition of the Open Air.

The band "Mist", Photo by: Uroš Spruk ,used with kind permission

The band is happy to be able to play a show there and has already announced to make this performance a special one:

»We are thrilled to have been given this opportunity! Our first album is coming out this year and we've decided to perform one of the unreleased songs for the first time at BOA. This will be our second time in the UK and we'll make sure it's a blast.« Grab the flyer below to make sure not to miss out their perfomance at the Bloodstock Open Air.

The showtime and stage for BOA 2017, (c) by Mist, used with kind permission

Mist build their music on the legacy of legendary bands like Black Sabbath, Pentagram, Candlemass, Coven and others. Check out the title track of the EP Inan' in the player below. 

The band released their first demo recordings in November 2013 which have been re-issued on CD three times due to great interest. 

In 2014 they signed to Dutch label Soulseller Records and released their first EP »Inan'« the following year. Currently the band is busy recording their first full-length album, the title is to be announced soon.

Make sure to follow them further to be notified on how the story of this uprising band goes on.

https://www.facebook.com/mist. doom
http://mistdoom.bandcamp.com/
http://mistdoom.tumblr.com/

Free sampler for Metalocalypstickfest plus volunteer options for free entry available

Some time ago we shared the word about a festival located in Canada that features metal bands with female musicians in them. I'm still of the opinion that women can contribute a lot to a metal band with their difference in sound, optic and stage presence. It just feels different for me when I see and hear a band that has a female part in them.

So if you think about going to the festival or just want to have a quick check in to the sound of those bands you may be happy to read that a FREE digital sampler of the bands that participate in these years edition of the fest has been released. Properly entitled "Metal Queens Vol.1" is features a wide variation of bands of all around the globe.

To get your Free Download, please visit the following link or stream directly from the player below. https://metalocalypstickfest.bandcamp.com/album/metalocalypstick-metal-queens-vol-1

If you're in trouble having money to attend the festival - there are ways to get inside for FREE in exchange of some support you need to show the organizers.

Here's what you can do for them:

- 1st way Volunteer! We need merch girls, photographers, security, front gate peeps! http://metalocalypstickfest.rocks/volunteers-2/
- 2nd way is to share the event page, we will be giving away free tickets randomly until fest time. www.facebook.com/events/1158984924137688
- 3rd way is to come out to our annual fundraiser! May 18th at The Rickshaw Theatre.
www.facebook.com/events/174527276387721

This year's festival is being held during Canada Day weekend July 1st and 2nd on the outdoor grounds of the Interlakes Community Center in Lone Butte, BC.

Artwork by Abradinfluence
www.facebook.com/abradinfluence

2017 Line-Up and Set Times - Metalocalypstick

Saturday, July 1st:
1pm - Sins Of Sorrow (Edmonton, AB) 
2pm - Breaking The Silent (Edmonton, AB) 
3pm - Kymatica (Vancouver, BC) 
4pm - Forsaken Rite (Edmonton, AB)
5pm - Remnants (Edmonton, AB)
6pm - Tessitura (Edmonton, AB)
7pm - Massive Scar Era (Vancouver, BC / Cairo, Egypt)
8pm - Scythia (Calgary, AB)
9pm - Cabrakaan (Toluca, Mexico)

Sunday, July 2nd:
1pm - Life Like Fire (Calgary, AB)
2pm - Meteor Tree (Kelowna, BC)
3pm - HEDKS (Vancouver, BC)
4pm - Korperlose Stimme (Edmonton, AB)
5pm - Juliet Ruin (Edmonton, AB)
6pm - Violent Betty (Saskatoon, SK)
7pm - Anarcheon (Vancouver, BC)
8pm - Atmora (Windsor, ON)
9pm - Sovereign Council (Kingston, ON)

Day and weekend passes plus camping available at http://metalocalypstickfest.rocks/tickets/
Ride Share - www.facebook.com/groups/metalocalypstickfestrideshare/
Event Page- www.facebook.com/events/1158984924137688/

Festival Location:
Interlakes Community Association and the
Roe Lake & District Recreation Commission
7592 Highway 24,
Lone Butte, BC

Metalocalypstick Fest celebrates women in Metal

Some festivals have something special to offer. This particular one caught my attention with it's unusual wooden stage. In addition to that it has mountains as natural backdrop. A really special and cool location.

But what's even better is the fact that this Valemount, BC  Lone Butte, BC (Canada) (Explanation. I got a update in the mail today that the venue has moved.) based festival centers upon the female contribution to the world of Heavy music and has some band in it's line-up from countries you don't see often at festivals (Egypt, Mexico). Founded by Kaija Kinney of Vancouver’s Anarcheon after researching a lack of female based metal festivals to apply her band to, Kinney took matters into in her own and decided to produce the event.

Kinney comments:

“This festival means the celebration of both sexes coming together and creating something amazing. People like to say women in metal aren’t a big deal anymore and that we are all the same. I feel that is untrue, this is still a male dominated world and woman are still looked as lesser. I want to showcase all these bad ass ladies and celebrate the differences of men and woman rather than pretend we are all equal. Truth is we are different why can't we celebrate that?”

Check the short trailer below to find out how it's like to be at METALOCALYPSTICK FEST. Even if you can't make it there I recommend to watch the movie. It has some great band's rocking the stage so it's well worth checking it out.


METALOCALYPSTICK is being held during Canada Day weekend on July 1st and 2nd in Valemount, BC. Lone Butte, BC (Canada) at the outdoor grounds of the Interlakes Community Center in Lone Butte, BC. (Explanation. I got a update in the mail today that the venue has moved.)

This year's line up features bands from across Canada and beyond with Cabrakaan (Toluca, Mexico), Sovereign Council (Kingston, ON), Violent Betty (Saskatoon, SK), Atmora (Windsor, ON), Scythia (Calgary, AB), Massive Scar Era (Vancouver, BC / Cairo, Egypt) and many more.

There are day-tickets available (64 Candian Dollar) but there's also a option for both days (priced at 95 CAD including camping).

Poster created by Abradinfluence
https://www.facebook.com/abradinfluence/

Update 2017/04/26: The venue has moved. The festival will be held in Lone Butte, BC at the outdoor grounds of the Interlakes Community Center in Lone Butte, BC.

In addition to the festival celebrating women in metal, the METALOCALYPSTICK FEST gives back to the community by being a non-profit organization dedicated to raise funds and donating 100% of proceeds to local charities Girls Rock Camp, Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter, Earth Protectors plus an audience picked foundation.

For tickets and more info, please visit the following links:
  
www.metalocalypstickfest.rocks
www.facebook.com/metalocalypstickfest/
Event Page- www.facebook.com/events/1158984924137688/
Ride Share - www.facebook.com/groups/metalocalypstickfestrideshare/

Defences stand up against negativity

In these times much too much negativity is floating all around us. This cannot go on. We need the positive power to move on and positive throughts are the most pure form of energy! So I appreciate more than ever that there are bands around putting out messages and videos that can have a uplifting effect on you when you feel down.

One of those examples just recently came along in the form of a brand new video of the metalcore formation Defences. Here is a quote about the meaning of the new moving picture:

“The song inspires the idea of not giving up when life’s got you down, getting back on your feet and coming out stronger than ever,” say the band.

“The accompanying music video applies the uplifting message behind the lyrics of the song to a real-life situation, in which we see someone re-evaluate, regroup and finally reclaim their independence in the face of adversity.”



I like the way the song is written and performed. All the elements work together. This starts with the vocals that add to each other - the raw as well as the softer elements. The same goes for the drums and all the guitars that are up. It feels like they surround each other. It's seldom that Metalcore tracks come around formed like this one does. It's fine-tuned metalcore sound, not only pure brutality going all the way through the music.

A promo shot of the band Defences in 2017, (c) by Defences, used with kind permission

Formed in Hertfordshire in 2013, Defences draw on electronic and stadium rock influences to offer a brand of alternative metal distinct from other modern rock acts. The group offers a fresh take on the female-fronted metal genre, with frontwoman Cherry Duesbury’s voice being described by Kerrang!’s Alex Baker as “deliciously androgenous”. The band heavily emphasise positivity, acceptance and self-improvement in their sound.

Make sure to stay in connection with them to keep track of the upcoming release of their debut album in May 2017 through social channels such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

CD Review: September Mourning - Volume II (Dark female fronted Rock/Metal 2016)

A smashing piece of female fronted rock/metal music taking you deep into the world of dark and grown-up comic characters without losing the sense for the real world.

The front cover of September Mourning's Volume II, (c) by September Mourning, used with kind permission

Summary

Some albums take you into another world. This particular one is a fine example for this. Besides the heavy and diverse rocking music tracks that invite you to have a good time and rock out to them this release contains far more.

It let's you sink in deep into a realm of comic characters that could be easily transfered from the real world. While the characters for sure are fictional you can easily connect with them if you look upon the story with adult eyes. It's like in the real world we are living in. The actions they do for sure aren't real but like in a fairytale you can see all the relations have a consequence and you may be able to learn something of the plot in the end.

It's for sure a album that aim's at the grown-up audience. Much to much of the story is based upon hard facts but if you like to take a brief time of your own life without going into a unrealistic realm this album is for you. The music screams out for a proper show on stage and I think the band should be worth a visit. Just look at the end of this review for US dates starting End of Feburary 2017. I hope they'll come to Europe/Germany some other day, too.

The music itself comes around hard and heavy. Often there are haunting moments inside of them - the vocals give express so much of what the topic of the song is all about. The guitars and drums push you constantly but also leave room to breathe every here and there. It's a thin line between heavyness and melody but this band has the ability it takes to provide songs that are authentic and lighter at the same time.

Preview-Track

The album has been released via Sumerian Records.. Music is always worth it so please support those that provide us with such a great treat. I've added the video for "20 Below" to give you a quick first insight into the band's sound.


 
Tour Dates

Be sure to see the band live in the United States starting in February 2017 alongside Dope, Combichrist and Davey Suicide. Dates are given below:

02/27 @ Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR
02/28 @ Studio Seven - Seattle, WA
03/02 @ Liquid Joe's - Salt Lake City, UT
03/03 @ Sunshine Studios - Colorado Springs, CO
03/04 @ Aftershock - Merriam, KS
03/05 @ Outland Ballroom - Springfield, MO
03/06 @ Underground - Omaha, NE
03/07 @ Gabe's Oasis - Iowa City, IA
03/08 @ Amsterdam Bar & Hall - St Paul, MN
03/09 @ Courtside - Dubuque, IA
03/10 @ Q&Z Expo Center - Ringle, WI
03/11 @ The Sandlot - Green Bay, WI
03/12 @ The Annex - Madison, WI
03/13 @ The Metal Grill - Cudahy, WI
03/14 @ The Agora - Cleveland, OH
03/15 @ HOME Bar - Arlington Heights, IL
03/16 @ Big Shots - Valparaiso, IN
03/17 @ The Apollo Theatre - Belvedere, IL
03/18 @ The Machine Shop - Flint, MI
03/19 @ The Music Factory - Battle Creek, MI
03/20 @ Trixie's Ent. Complex - Louisville, KY
03/21 @ Diesel - Pittsburgh, PA
03/22 @ Reverb - Reading, PA

The band September Mourning, (c) by September Mourning, used with kind permission

03/23 @ Highline Ballroom - New York, NY
03/24 @ Palladium - Worcester, MA
03/25 @ Fish Head Cantina - Halethorpe, MD
03/26 @ Arizona Pete's -Greensboro, NC
03/28 @ The Haven - Winter Park, FL
03/29 @ The Orpheum - Tampa, FL
03/30 @ O'Malley's Sports Bar - Fort Lauderdale, FL
04/02 @ Southport Music Hall - New Orleans, LA
04/03 @ Grizzly Hall - Austin, TX
04/04 @ Scout Bar - Houston, TX
04/05 @ Fitzgerald's - San Antonio, TX
04/06 @ Trees - Dallas, TX
04/08 @ Club Red - Mesa, AZ
04/09 @ The Regent Theater - Los Angeles, CA

Hail Sagan take a stand against bullying and abuse

Bullying is a crime and not a normal way of treating others! It is a shame that this society doesn't seem to care about this important subject and most of all it is hard for victims to defend themselves or to protect against such attacks. That's the way I look at things and I'm glad there seem to be more people in the world of music who think that this topic needs to be expressed and talked about.

Female fronted Los Angeles hard Rock band Hail Sagan has taken a stand and brings this important matter up to the front in their video for the song "Dark Cloud". 

In a statement the band has clarified what can be seen in the video. Amery says "It's been a great experience being able to broach the subject of bullying and abuse with the lyrics of this song. We took it one step further and created a video with director Matthew Crum and DP Kenny Keeler that visually enhanced the sensitive subject matter.  

We chose to mask the members of the band in an effort to show the world that anyone can be a part of this, you never know who will be under there, maybe even a fan or someone who needs music to save them." 


At the moment you still have the chance to order the first EP that includes the song "Dark Cloud" directly from the band via Pledgemusic. If you order, you'll receive one of the limited edition copies on CD along with a signed print and a download of the songs. There's a second option which offers a signed copy of the record as well.

Make sure to follow the band via Facebook ,Twitter or Instagram so you won't miss out on all the further band activities.