Wax Mekanix returns with special vocal performance on new single

This artist has put a lasting impression on me. Having heard him first with his "Mobocracy" EP some time ago made it all clear to me. His mixture of straight rocking tunes along with those leaving you with your thoughts of the world behind were enough to yearn for more.

Wax Mekanix at the set for the video shoot of 420. 

Wax Mekanix released already more music in the meantime but I rarely found the time to write about it. Now he is back with new song material called "420". It's one of the more direct rocking tunes but along with all the groove and guitars comes something special - the vocals of Wax. They are of the kind that wants you to rock out, too. 

It's going easy like surfing a wave but at the same time you think of how to perform it properly since it doesn't seem to be too easy to get into that mood along with how to put the tonality the way he does. Listen closely - I think you can find out more with each round of turning your ears towards "420".

Just try out the music video for a quick check or stream and purchase it at this selection tree of various sources.  There's also a Instagram account available if you want to stick to all the further moves of Wax Mekanix.

Let's speak with Still Dusk (Alternative Rock)

In the beginnings it was the music that was compelling for me. It was the creativity, the never ending of expression and feelings through melodies and sometimes the raw energy of the guitars or the beat of the drums.

Later on as I began to buy music I started to watch the lyric sheets that often came with the records. That's the second time music became so important to me because I often felt that I was able to relate to the text. Other times it was inspiring to see other perspectives on a similar topic. 

Still Dusk give a fresh look upon today's society.

The alternative rock formation Still Dusk quickly draw me into their music with the lyric video for "Sugar". Having been teased before by a short info in a mail I was curious to hear how this sounds. Minutes later saw me be being feeling touched by the straight rocking riffs mixed up with lyrics that create some reaction and reflection in my mind. I was sure I wanted to know more about who stand's behind all of this and some questions for a interview were sent away. 

Here's what vocalist Konstantina answered to mostly lyrics-related questions about the music of Still Dusk.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: Thank you very much for taking the time to answer some questions for the Heavy Metal Underdogs blog. How did the band find together in it's initial days?

Konstantina (vocals): The band initially came together in 2018 through an ad posted on a website by a former member who had the vision to start a music project. In its early days, the band explored a different musical style. However, the pandemic brought a period of reflection and change. Afterward, we reorganized, redefined our direction, and evolved into what we are today. Now, we're thrilled to be just a step away from releasing our debut album, marking a new chapter in our journey.

Your lyrics seem to be outworked a lot and something you center upon. How do you work them out?

Our approach to lyrics is like weaving a tapestry. Every thread has a purpose, and every detail matters. We don’t write them just to fit the music; we see them as an extension of the song's soul. Sometimes, a lyric begins with a single word or phrase that lingers in our minds, and we build from there, layering meaning and emotion. We also like to explore contrasts, pairing raw vulnerability with bold imagery or blending abstract ideas with vivid storytelling. It’s less about following rules and more about creating something that feels alive and honest.

Are the topics based upon personal experiences?

Many of our topics are drawn from personal experiences, but we don’t limit ourselves to just that. Sometimes, a song starts with a deeply personal moment or emotion, and other times it’s inspired by observing the world, exploring human nature, or imagining alternate perspectives. Even when the lyrics come from personal stories, we like to write in a way that leaves room for listeners to find their own meaning. It’s a mix of introspection and storytelling, always aiming to connect on a deeper level.

Do you write the music first or are there moments where the lyrics define the sounds they are going to be combined with? 

It’s a bit of both, depending on the inspiration behind the song. Sometimes the music comes first, an idea, a riff, or a melody that sets the tone and the lyrics are written to fit the emotional landscape of the sound. Other times, the lyrics are so vivid or powerful that they dictate the mood and direction of the music. There are also moments where everything happens simultaneously, as if the words and music naturally find each other. We enjoy the flexibility of letting each song take its own path during the creative process.

Follow the band on social media so you won't miss anything on the upcoming album.

Bandcamp: https://stilldusk.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stillduskofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StillDuskofficialchannel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stillduskofficial

Smile Empty Soul send a Savior your way

Sometimes there's a need to have a band and song that kicks you out of everyday feelings. 

Smile Empty Soul have put out a new single "Savior".

I've had Smile Empty Soul on my radar for a long time now but never found the proper moment to blog about them. The newest single "Savior" is such a good treat if you feel down and pressed. The performance of the drummer gives me the feeling as if it is knocking down my bad feelings. 

In the vocals you can find a well balanced way of softer verses and a slight and good dosed potion of roughness in the refrain. It fit's so much to this "we kick it all away" moment but it's never done a overloaded way so it always remains in it's true and natural art.

The alt-rock veterans have picked this song as a preview of their upcoming EP, Swan Song, which is scheduled for release at the end of the year through TLG|ZOID / Virgin Music Group.

Check the video out to get your Monday kick now or stream the music on the service of your choice.

Make sure to follow the band on Facebook or simply call up the band's website from time to time to check back for news updates.  

Single Preview: Corners of Sanctuary - Hunter Prey (Trad Metal, 2024)

Philadelphia's Traditional hometown Heavy Metal artillery, Corners of Sanctuary (COS), have released a short preview video for their upcoming new single, “Hunter Prey,” in conjunction with a pre-ordering promotion for a limited number of autographed "Metal Up" CDs, “Metal Up,” 

The story behind the single hasn't been revealed yet.

Heavy Metal Underdogs was lucky enough to have a pre-listen to the first full single "Hunter Prey" through a digital advance tape. I would say that the band metalized up the COS sound. 

It's coming together quicker, harder and heavier to the point and it's filled up with more intensive atmosphere than ever before. It's already the hard hitting drum roll at the very beginning that starts the party more kicking than in every release before. 

The pressure remains in the following minutes, something the vocals benefit of a lot. The vocals have more room than before to breathe out and add life to the sound. The guitars change all the while with different tonality but stand compact with drums and bass guitars.

I'm looking forward to the time the full EP will come out. In the meantime make sure to place your pre-order through a Paypal order or pre-save the single release on the service of your choice.

COS’ latest extended EP, officially releases on March 29th via SODEH Records.

The band's Facebook page also holds the latest info on the band activities or go to the shows to enjoy the music and buy some merch directly of them.

Show Schedule (USA):

March 21st 

Century Bar

w/ Kazha 

Phila, PA

March 23rd 

Sherman Showcase 

Stroudsburg, PA

April 13th 
Tourist Inn
York, PA

w/ Ronny Munroe 

May 18th 
Gin Mill
w/ Denim and Leather
Northampton, PA

Finally listen to a snippet of "Hunter Prey".

Voyager-X take a critical look on media overload

In this brand new song the re-formed progressive metal band Voyager-X cuts the topic slowly step by step yet in a very precise way.

 © Artwork Album Tobias Roetsch | Artwork Singles Richard Touzimsky

The song "Hypnotize You" is going down in a way that is very cool. With every verse the music feels like fading the audience in into the show. I can imagine this going down in a great way in a live situation yet the message of bread and games is vital and important. 

While the progressive metallish music walks down a straightforward and catchy way with direct drums and play-around sharply tuned guitars it's the vocals that put in a raw and dazing touch that makes sure a feeling rises up in me that not everything is as easy as it seems.

I think the pictures chosen to suit the lyric video speak on point that media can make us forget all the things around us that are truly of importance - the destruction of our nature, wars and much more. 

Make sure to pre-order the new album "Magic" that also holds "Hypnotize You" on it (out: March 2024). It's available at these places.

VOYAGER-X „Magic“ Digifile CD:

► www.dr-music-promotion.de/?p=23071/#shops

🎧 VOYAGER-X „Magic“ Streaming & Download:

► Amazon: https://li-nk.net/voyager-x-magic-amazon

► Apple Music & iTunes: https://li-nk.net/voyager-x-magic-applemusic

Neocracy open the road to the new album with heavy catchy single

I remember the time the first Neocracy album hit my inbox. It was a special album full of sensible and broken feelings beautifully packed in riffing songs. The raw sound made it sure all the feelings came through in a direct way without changes.

The new Neocracy is a bit different from what the band released this far.

The newest single called "Torment" goes a different way. It's sound is still soaked with riffs but the drums are way heavier this time and a word on precise timing. The contrast comes in with the vocals that are fine and full of emotion. It's refrain is a earworm that once it's inside your mind won't leave you again. 

But the track has even more to offer. The last third comes with a surprise showing dark toned vocals that the bassist throws into the sound. It all get's a heavier touch before a extended guitar solo and the female vocals close the single. You can intensively feel the dedication the musicians put into the making of "Torment". It's a well worked out track with fine mixing - you need to listen closely to hear all the details that are inside.

Make sure to follow Neocracy further on Facebook and the popular Instagram network. After this teaser I'm sure many of you out there can't wait to see and hear how the band moves on in the upcoming time.

Stitched Up Heart roll heavier through the USA

In fact the Los Angeles based heavy rockers began to start making noise already way back in 2010 but Stitched up Heart came around as a completely new band to me.

The colors underline the dark and heavier music of Stitched Up Heart.

The newest single "Conquer & Divide" combines a fine mixture of lighter verses that leave the music room to breathe and vibrate along with much heavier refrain parts that fly through the air but never overload the ears of the listener too much.

It's still possible to locate all the musicians contributions properly, a fact that is much welcomed to me because everyone has it's moments to shine especially in this particular song taken of the newest album "To the wolves" that came out the start of this month.

The video underlines this showing the performance in a well to follow perspective. It's in fact a dark video shot but doesn't roll over your feelings with negativity.

Sure the best way to experience music is at a live situation. 

Stitched Up Heart are currently on tour with ESCAPE THE FATE along with D.R.U.G.S., POINT NORTH, AND GARZI in the United States. Pick your chance to see them if they're performing close to you.

Sept. 12 - Pittsburgh, Pa. @ Jergels

Sept. 13 - Columbus, Ohio @ King of Clubs

Sept. 15 - Pontiac, Mich. @ Crofoot

Sept. 16 - Covington, Ken. @ Madison Theater

Sept. 17 - Nashville, Tenn. @ Brooklyn Bowl

Sept. 19 - Atlanta, Ga. @ Masquerade Heaven

Sept. 20 - Birmingham, Ala. @ Iron City Birmingham

Sept. 22 - Houston, Texas @ Warehouse Live - Ballroom

Sept. 23 - Dallas, Texas @ The Factory

Sept. 24 - San Antonio, Texas @ Vibes Event Center

Sept. 26 - Phoenix, Ariz. @ The Marquee

Sept. 27 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ Belasco

Sept. 29 - Riverside, Calif. @ Riverside Municipal Auditorium

Sept. 30 - Las Vegas, Nev. @ Brooklyn Bowl

Oct. 1 - San Francisco, Calif. @ DNA Lounge

Oct. 3 - Seattle, Wash. @ The Showbox at the Market

Oct. 5 - Portland, Ore. @ Bossanova Ballroom

You can listen to more of the band on Spotify and follow the combo through Facebook for all updates.

Ways. focus on mood changes with new single

Time goes on and things never seem to stay the same. This goes more than ever for music which constantly moves forward.

The french metalcore formation Ways. has been present here on this blog some time ago. By that time it was a mixture of heavier sounds with a lot of silent notes flying in between.

Ways. move on to the next level.

The newest single that the band put out today called "Why do we fall?" is a massive move forward. The music has become more compact, gone to precise adjustment at the proper moments when the mood changes. All the musicians seem to have learned a lot on their instruments and use them in a more direct way.

A highlight is set by the vocals. They are a blast and show the full range of feelings humans are able to feel (good and bad). Back in the day they were already standing out but I never thought they would move on in this particular direction with a lot of brutal shouts but in a clear quality.

The end of the single release gives me redemption and let's me breathe through deeply. After all of the things the music put's you through (and maybe life, too) I think you will warmly welcome the ending.

Make sure to keep a eye on the band on Facebook for all the further activities to come.

Black Seven revamp full sound on new single "Driven"

A year ago the one man instrumental band Black Seven released it's very first album. Back in those days it grabbed my attention with it's unusual changes that were put at places you wouldn't expect them.

Black Seven are back with a brand new video single release.

I remember that I shared the accompanied music video on Facebook. Present day saw me looking through my mails and a nice surprise came around with a brand new single called "Driven".

Having checked it out it quickly became obvious that a lot of progress has been added to the sound of Black 7.

The new composition stays true to it's roots. The unusual changes this time are formed out of softer notes placed into the raw guitar centered music.

Guitar wizardy still holds a bold spot but can be easier followed through the main riff. The soft notes mentioned call the listener to give the new effort a second, third and maybe even more times to listen to. I think they confront the listener with so much detail to give a reason for a closer listen.

But the fine thing is that overall the music has been updated to a shorter, more trimmed to come to the point. It's sharper, shorter and easier understandable compared to the previous effort.

With so much energy being put inside of the music I'm looking forward to see how this project will go to next.

Make sure to do that, too. The many social camps set up should make it easy to follow the music at the place you prefer to do so.

Site: https://www.black-seven.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blacksevengermany

Instagram: http://instagram.com/blacksevengermany

Bandcamp: https://blackseven.bandcamp.com

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/black_seven

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC29c1c5r-hHKv4zdlkRl29g

Supernaut hit the road tomorrow with fun riffhacker single

This is the sort of music that keeps me on the stereo. The stoner metal formation from the United States created a heavy riff that rocks straight through my ears. It's going agressively in but never misses to form something that remains listenable.

The cover reminds me a bit of computer game shells.

The drums accompany to the guitars and keep the groove tight and round. But what I liked most are the vocals on "Resist the urge". They have this legendary spirit in it. These direct vocals only pure underground bands have in them. They hit you direct in the face and keep it short and straight forward. No holding back, no overload just straight in to the noise. The lyrics accompany to this.

The overall sound is also like these thrash bands used to have them when they started out. 

Make sure to listen to the full song 'till the end. The last third holds some nice play-around with more rough riffing that spread a lot of fun. 

The brand new single comes packed in a nice sleeve that hopefully will see a T-Shirt release sometime.

Make sure to support this combo on the coming tour in the United States that already starts tomorrow! Here are the exact dates.

August 2022

Friday 19th The Blue Lagoon - Santa Cruz, CA
Saturday 20th The Partisan - Merced, CA
Sunday 21st Jerry's Pizza and Pub - Bakersfield, CA
Tuesday 23rd Transplants Brewing - Palmdale, CA
Wednesday 24th Supply and Demand - Long Beach, CA
Thursday 25th The Continental - Fullerton, CA
Friday 26th The Pourhouse - Oceanside, CA
Saturday 27th Bancroft Bar - Spring Valley, CA
Tuesday 30th Yucca Taproom - Tempe, AZ
Wednesday 31st The Rockin' Bar - El Paso, TX

September 2022

Thursday 1st The Deadhorse - San Angelo, TX
Friday 2nd Wake The Dead Coffeehouse- San Marcos, TX
Saturday 3rd Green Jay - Austin, TX
Sunday 4th Acadia Bar - Houston, TX
Thursday 8th Freetown Boom Boom Room - Lafayette, LA
Friday 9th Gasa Gasa - New Orleans, LA
Saturday 10th The Tavern - Hattiesburg, MS
Sunday 11th TBD - Memphis, TN
Tuesday 13th TBD - Fayatteville, AR
Wednesday 14th TBD - Norman, OK
Thursday 15th Leftwoods - Amarillo, TX
Friday 16th Longhair Records - Albuquerque, NM
Saturday 17th The Attic - Prescott, AZ
Sunday 18th The Sand Dollar Lounge - Las Vegas, NV

A full album release is also slated for the 19th of August 2022. Keep a eye on Bandcamp for the moment it hits the shelves.

Keep in touch with the guys directly through Facebook or Instagram.

Single Review: Leatherjacks - Baby Hit and Run (Rock 'n' Roll, 2022)

The times we're living in look a bit dark. But music helps us to get through all of this. The new Leatherjacks single is a wave of pure rocking out for the Rock 'n' Roll fun to me.

The Jackers made some progress with the release of a new single.

Having followed the band project for some time now the Brazilians have made a strong movement from basic rockers on to more experienced one's. The highlight came to me as the "Extremely Dangerous" album surfaced. It showed that they were able to get on point more than ever with more compact songs that riffed a lot.

These days the newest release flies to us as a digital single. In the beginning it all starts with pureness and attracts with it's simplicity. The rush of good feelings already shines in here. But something else is also present. 

It's a progression in songwriting. The music builds up more clever, showing more twists and quickly makes it clear that it's not as simple as it felt in the beginning. It's not predictable where the rocker goes next and that points to the next evolutionary step the Leaterjacks made with this release.

The guitars have been added a technical level. They are set to go faster than ever, taking more various shapes and showing the whole ability that the Fretboard offers. You can hear that the more intensive music comes slightly multi-layered every here and there (for example the bridge towards the refrain).

"Baby Hit and Run" can be heard more than just one time. To get into all the details more rounds are needed.

Make sure to tune in here or check your preferred streaming platform. It's well worth it.

Finally follow the Jackers on Facebook so you won't miss out on further releases.

All Depraved take a stand against bullying

Bullying someone is no fun. It hurts the person heavily inside. You can see no scars because it's all "just words" that have damaged someone so bad.

I'm sure a lot of people in today's society suffer psychological problems caused by bullying. It's such a bad thing that needs to be spoken of far more in public and most of all removed.

The All Depraved put out a song with a important subject.

I'm glad thrashers All Depraved picked up this topic and put out a song with a proper title. People who commit bullying really "Don't care what's wrong or right" anymore. I hope this song helps to make more people sensible that this is a serious problem. 

If you see someone who is affected by this please them. Show courage and don't look away - fight against bullying!

Musically it's packed in a fat riff that spreads a lot of positive up-powering energy. You can hear the fun the musicians transport with their performance. I think they had a lot of fun putting the song together. Throughout all the heavyness you'll spot lighter moments that let the song breathe and prevent it from becoming monotone or overloaded in just one style.

Make sure to follow the band on Facebook. I'm sure they will have to say a lot more in the future. 

Fatal Opera sends some light with new single and album towards us

In all of the uncertainties of times we're living in music always shone a light for me. It contains my hope and keeps me pushing on forwards.

This goes even more in these days for me. So it was a massive highlight as I got the info that a brand new track by experimental progressive metallers Fatal Opera surfaced. 

Almost 20 years after the initial recordings, a brand new Fatal Opera record see's the light of day.

It's not "just" a song. It lives and breathes the typical soul of a song by this particular band. The many timing changes, the dark tonality, the unique lyrics but most of all a glimpse of uplifting positivity is what keeps me sticking to this particular band. There are also few slower parts that add to the great atmosphere - these lay the foundation for a even heavier next part of the single.

"The Raven" holds all of this. Plus it is some sort of reunion. David Ellefson contributes the bass guitars while Chris Poland can be heard on the six strings. Don't wait any longer and go straight to the music.

But we're even graced with more good news as as full new album by Fatal Opera also shines now on Spotify. Read all of the story below, I think a lot of the history guys out there will love to know how the story around Gar Samuelson (R.I.P.) moved on after he left Megadeth back in the day.

FATAL OPERA 3 can be streamed here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/4jOX9voVjVxg6PNPTPda7G

Following his departure from Megadeth in 1987, Gar Samuelson assembled his new band Fatal Opera, along with his brother Stew on guitar. Gar went on to produce the group’s debut album in 1994, which also featured Dave Inman on vocals, Travis Karcher on bass and Billy Brehme on guitar. The group’s second album Eleventh Hour was released in 1997 and introduced Andy Freeman on vocals, reaching top 10 on European charts while the group continued building a loyal fan base touring across the USA that year. Sadly, in 1999 Gar became ill and passed away, at which point the group disbanded.

Then, in 2018 Andy and Stew set out to remix the Eleventh Hour LP and in the process discovered a collection of demos with Gar which were intended to become the band’s third album before his passing. Although the demo tapes were damaged after many years of neglect, Freeman labored to revive the tracks with some songs lost forever. However, he was able to complete 12 tracks, inviting Ellefson & Poland to participate on "The Raven" as a way to conclude the legacy of Gar and Fatal Opera.

Chris Poland recalls, “Back in the day, long before Megadeth, Gar and his brother Stew were the heart and soul of a heavy instrumental jazz/rock project called THE NEW YORKERS. I played guitar with them and Robbie “Pag” Pagliari played fretless bass. It was everything we could do just to keep up! Stew’s right hand was a machine. Flawless. And Gar was right there with him always pushing things to the next level. 

And again, these two brothers were the heart and soul of Fatal Opera. It was a privilege to be a part of this release, and playing on ‘The Raven’ with David Ellefson made it that much more special. Gar was a true artist. Be it his amazing drumming, his painting or his wood sculpture pipe (he made by hand). Gar was one of a kind. And here Gar, Stew and crew push the limits of experimental metal. These songs are complex yet accessible. Music with a dark side that draws you into their world and keeps you wondering 'what’s next!'” Chris Poland also added additional guitar work to the track "Mask of Time".

David Ellefson adds,“This is a really cool moment for Chris and me to musically reunite with our friend Gar, now almost 35 years after our last studio session together, which was the 1987 re-recording of 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ for the Dudes movie soundtrack, compiled by director Penelope Spheeris. Gar was always such a free spirit with his music, no click tracks or digital reinvention for him. And, he seldom played the same thing twice, quite unusual for heavy metal! He just went for it with real gusto and that became the hallmark of his sound."

He continues, "When I was laying down the bass track for 'The Raven' it reminded me once again of Gar’s spontaneity in the studio, as if we were recording live in the same room together. I’m super happy these tracks were brought to life so we could have one last go around with Gar behind the kit. It’s a reminder that he truly was one of the greats!”

Track Listing for Fatal Opera 3 :

1. The Raven (Feat. David Ellefson & Chris Poland)

2. Live Again

3. Mask of Time (Feat. Chris Poland)

4. Killers in the Night

5. Swept Away

6. Burning of the Midnight Lamp

7. 10 Years Gone

8. Little Sister

9. Salt

10. Rise

11. Wings of Pain

12. Jumped in the Pot

Fatal Opera 3 Line-up:

Andy Freeman – Vocals, Keyboard, Guitar

Stew Samuelson – Guitar

Billy Brehme – Guitar

Travis Karcher – Bass

Gar Samuelson – Drums

Single Review: Mike Milan Dedic - Energy (Instrumental guitar shred, 2021)

It's great to hear how musicians evolve over time. I think with time passing I feel I can appreciate more the efforts these people take to not let the music become boring.

The cover feels like it comes with a message. What do you think?

This also goes for Mike Milan Dedic. Being a solo instrumental guitarist I met his work some time ago and liked his style. These days he returned with brand new material in form of a single. This time around he laid it down more heavy concentrating on raw solos. 

The song listens to the title "Energy" and I think it has many phases of energy in it like a rocket that travels to the stars.

It all starts rather basic with the drums coming in. Next is a first solo introduction. It all comes abruptly to a end to make room for more relaxed moments and also hammond sounds shining in. 

After the short intermission another break to hand in more solos and far more roughness that climate in a duell with the mentioned hammonds and more dirty guitars end the track.No question the evolvment is here. Make sure to have a listen and purchase the track as a good starter to 2022.<

Available now on:

‎https://music.apple.com/us/album/energy-single/1580690268

https://www.amazon.com/Energy/dp/B09CCLZHPY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=energy%20mike%20milan%20dedic&qid=1628784597&s=dmusic&sr=1-1&fbclid=IwAR2fPPdvt7oujJbLJj8MqjucPLtUfSONOA6v8BqmuajBcNsQ_Alx-V_2b_8

https://open.spotify.com/album/0QkdmwNAn59LTcGhPuj3XD

https://www.deezer.com/fr/album/251263352  

Sense Of Fear shot a new single out of nowhere

Sense of Fear is one of the oldest active heavy metal bands based in Northern Greece. I know they had a lot of trouble getting the first releases ( a EP and their full-length album titled "As the Ages passing by") together which took them a long time to get it all done. In fact they have my deepest respect that they sticked to what they wanted to archive no matter how bad things went.

So today I was very surprised to find the newest single in my inbox. The music also goes a fast and straight forward route taking a more thrashy style this time. If you're after something going straight for the kill - this track has it all.

But soundwise it also comes with specials in it. The vocals are held a bit in the background but step to the front at the proper moments. It feels balanced this way for me but may sound strange at the first listening round.

No one can tell what the future holds. Maybe more is to come, maybe not - I think we'll have to stay in connection with Sense of Fear to find out.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/senseoffearband/

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/SenseofFearOfficial

Reverbnation http://www.reverbnation.com/senseoffear

SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/sense-of-fear

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September Insomnia give a outside look on you

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

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

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

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

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

David Ellefson donates income of new single to Italian COVID victims

It's drastic to see what a virus can do with the world we're living in. Everything seem's to be upside down.

The world of music is afflicted by this in many ways. No shows anymore and many record retailers having to close their shops. But there's also hope out there that this event will let us get closer together as humans.

Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is going to throw out a brand new single called "Simple Truth" on all digital outlets on 4/17, with a direct BANDCAMP release on 4/10, via Ellefson's COMBAT RECORDS,  with all profits from downloads and streams donated to the CROCE ROSSA ITALIANA, the Italian Red Cross, who are at the frontlines of the war on Covid-19, coordinating the nation's pandemic response with Italy’s Ministry of Health.

David Ellefson donates all proceeds of the new single to the Italian Red Cross. Photo Credit: Melody Myers.

This is also the first sign that a follow up album to the 2019 release "Sleeping Giants" has been worked on in the recent time with the line-up of vocalist Thom Hazaert, with Italian guitarist and drummer Andy Martongelli and Paolo Caridi. 

The group have worked on the album remotely recording tracks in Italy, London, Phoenix, and Wisconsin during quarantine.

Says Ellefson, “We actually wrote the song in Milan during a tour rehearsal, and a lot of it was recorded there. We’ve gone back and forth with Andy in Italy, from the Platinum Underground in Phoenix, and with our mixer and co-engineer Alessio Garavello in London. While we’re all staying positive and just keeping busy, it’s heartbreaking to see what’s going on over there with the death toll climbing every day."
He adds, "We played several shows in Italy on our European 'MORE LIVE WITH DETH' tour last year, and I was just there with Megadeth back in February. It’s absolutely devastating to see what the country is going through right now.  The people, and it's culture, have been so welcoming to me over the years, that i’m honored to do anything I can to give something back to them during this time of need"

Thom Hazaert explains the special meaning of the new track: "Lyrically, the song is really about not giving up, and not taking any shit. Tuning out the noise and going after your dreams no matter what, and not letting anyone tell you can’t do something.”

More information can be found in the meantime at:

combatrecs.com
davidellefson.com

Donate to the Italian Red Cross here: https://www.cri.it/home

Single Review: Crystal Faith - Pain (Metal, 2020)

Some bands can put a subject so much on point it's just unbelievable. These words ran through my head when the newest Crystal Faith single came in.

The cover already teases what's inside.

It's the rushing agony that is spread through the constant push in the first part of the song that let's me sink deeper into the track. The next step comes with the lyrics pumping in with the constant knocking of words - expressing so much of what a person in this situation is thinking and wishing for.

I hardly know of any band that keeps translating feelings and thoughts into music like Crystal Faith do on "Pain". It's a symbiosis of words and music forming a bold message that changes and forms all the way through this digital release.

Finally there's a message at the end that I cannot second enough. I hope more people will think about it having seen and heard this great track.

You can purchase music from the website of the band. Every cent helps them to keep going. Follow them on Facebook for info on all the stuff to (hopefully) come.

Crystal Faith release detail-packed song about middle of life

Life is short. Crystal Faith have created a single that talks about reaching the middle of your lifetime and how this feels. That's at least how the music comes around to my ears.

The cover of Crystal Faith's single gives a good preview of what the lyrics are all about. (c) by Crystal Faith.

Besides being a great metal track with dirty rocking vibes in the vocals it's the small elements that let this song shine. There are several non-expected changes that pop up without warning that give "Middle of the road" this special something.

For instance after the first verse and chorus  the human heartbeat is included in a form that fits perfect as a bridge to the second verse. At another position a slow and relaxing part with pictures of the shore comes in before it all explodes into a bold guitar solo. Make sure not to miss out this gem and buy it at iTunes.

Take a look at the homepage to get to know more about this metal band based at Montreal, Qc, Canada. The band will reveal a new song every month so be sure to tune in or connect with them through the socials bookmarked at the very top right corner of the homepage.