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.

Mila Masu gives you fresh energy for a re-start

I don't think we had many bands with german lyrics here at the Underdogs. But this Punk Pop band based at Munich, Germany has turned my head from the start. 

Pop Punk with a message. The cover says it already with one look.

It's the wild mixture of fun based and lighter guitars along with the drive of the drums that opened my ears so quickly.  

But what totally flashed me are the vocals of Mila Masu. Her voice acting as a start to the song and to finish the track are almost unforgetable. The positive vibe continues as the song unfolds with constant lyric shots combined with the unconstant riffs firing around. The climax comes in once "Kopf Aus" drives towards the refrain. You feel that the power starts to gather and finally breaks out. I can imagine many people to dance along to this in clubs like Mila Masu does.

You can also listen to the music on Spotify if you like to hear it in better quality.

Lyrically the song talks about starting new things and breaking with old habits. It want's to show you how colorfull life can be once you go that way. The inspiration should give you power to re-define yourselves.

"Kopf Aus" is the third single the band released after already having already put out "Willst Du" and "Illegal". Make sure to keep a eye on them. The band's homepage has everything you need compiled at one place.

Cassidy Paris kicks you out of sorrow with Wannabe single

Music has the power to get me through difficult times. This single is a fine example on how this works.

The coverart for the new Cassidy Paris output "Wannabe".

It's foundation is based on a pumping solid rock 'n' roll riff that's ready to explode like octane. It's mixed along with a smooth rhythm section that gives me a positive push. But all of this comes to a boil when the vocals come touching in.

In the beginning it's going all easy with verses going step by step. But wait until the refrain starts. I bet you won't get this out of your mind once heard. 

Finally it's also material to shake your legs to it so that's prove it's pure Rock 'n' Roll. Make sure to follow Cassidy Paris as she and the band move further to the next steps. A EP called "FLIRT" is said to come out September 1st 2021.

www.cassidyparis.com 

www.facebook.com/cassidyparisofficial           

Besides all the fun the music spreads the lyric content inside speaks out a serious message as vocalist Cassidy Paris explains: "It focuses on the obsession today’s youth has on popularity and how they are willing to sacrifice their friendships and integrity. The youth of today are not able to be original. They all want to be Tik Tok or You Tube Stars.  I have never really understood how people can fake friendships. Talentless people are trying to become famous for doing nothing at all”.  Yet it was a pattern that was becoming all too familiar, Cassidy explains about the inspiration behind the song. “This song is how people fall into the pattern of becoming followers and focussed on materialistic possessions and fame”.                         

Helion Prime let the stars explode with new single

Here comes more positive power! This brand new single of Helion Prime comes along like a energy boost. Great performance on vocals and maximum power on all instruments. It's unbelievable how much energy the band breathes on this one. The band underwent some changes (new female vocalist) and also signed a record deal with AFM Records in the recent months and these changes seem to have a positive effect on the band and given them motiviation to kick in even harder.

You can purchase the track at http://helionprimemetal.com/new-single-remnants-of-stars/
The song will also be part of the next album, working title "The Terror of Saibot". The band aims to release the new full legth late 2017/early 2018.

Make sure to see the band live on their US West Coast Tour. Here are the dates, check the links to be notified via Facebook when the show draws near and/or invite your friends and pick the tickets on time. For all those missing links check the band's touring subpage. I think those will be added shortly.

June 16th - Modesto, CA - Shadow Lounge
FB: NOT YET AVAILABLE
TIX: NOT YET AVAILABLE

June 18th - Portland, OR - Twilight Cafe & Bar
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/660569050808952
TIX: NOT YET AVAILABLE

June 20th - Seattle, WA - Highline Bar
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/1471267299560710
TIX: http://www.highlineseattle.com/event/1468627

June 22nd - Boise, ID - The Shredder
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/126781781201153
TIX: NOT YET AVAILABLE

June 23rd - Salt Lake City, UT - Beehive Social Club
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/1322632397830968
TIX: NOT YET AVAILABLE

June 24th - Denver, CO - Streets of London Pub
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/817782765056424
TIX: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1470449

June 25th - Kansas City, MO - Riot Room
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/226544857828817
TIX: http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1478278

June 27th - Dallas, TX - Renos
FB: NOT YET AVAILABLE
TIX: NOT YET AVAILABLE

June 29th - Phoenix, AZ - Joe's Grotto
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/1259007547545723
TIX: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2934948

June 30th - Glendale, CA - The Complex
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/286866851754237
TIX: http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1477591

July 2nd - Sacramento, CA - Starlite Lounge
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/2254318648127679
TIX: https://atlanteancollective.queueapp.com/events/32453

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.

Rik Emmett takes a cool train ride on "End Of The Line"

Yep, finally we made it through the whole long week. Time to calm down and distress with some heavy music. This one is the perfect fit I think.

It's a lyric video which let's you take a one way ticket ride while some cool heavy riffs and grooves can be heard. Those are sourced of the brand new Rik Emmett track that has just been revealed. The track features guest spots from Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson and Dream Theater singer James LaBrie. Make sure to look the full video because the end is not what you may expect...

The logo of Rik Emmett & RESolution 9, (c) by Rik Emmett & RESolution 9, used with kind permission

What I love so much about it is that it comes with such a great and cool riff and the groove is just bringing you in the right mood. That's exactly what Emmett seems to have on his mind when he writes new music as he explains in his own words: "The context of this entire album for me was, ‘Wow, somebody tossed me a lifeline.’ I still want to make positive music and offer people something that’s motivating and inspiring — and I want to do it for myself too. I need music, and music can provide that lifeline for me.”

The track is part of the upcoming album "RES9", released worldwide in various formats - CD, limited red vinyl, and digital download - on November 11th via Mascot Label Group/Provogue Records. Make sure to stay up to date by having a look on the homepage of Rik Emmett or connect via social channels such as Twitter or Facebook.

Helion Prime release uplifting video for "Life Finds a Way"

"Music is healing." (Author unknown)

I found this quote some time ago on Facebook. I totally belive in this. Why?

If you look and hear videos like this brand new one of the powermetal band Helion Prime I'm sure you can't resist the positive vibes that flow through the music. It's like the melodies can make you fly, as if the vocals of Heather Michele can break through the all and every wall of negativity there is in life.

As for me it's crushing down a lot of bad feelings with it's superb melodies, riffing and rhythm and it has this sort of uplifting effect for me. It takes me away from feeling bad and brings me into a state of power. It pushes me to carry on with all the things in my life. Do you feel the same?

The song is taken of Helion Prime's self titled debut cd which has been independently released on February 15, 2016 and can be ordered as either a physical or digital copy at the band's Bandcamp website. The cover alone has teased me enough to take a closer look upon this release. Make sure to listen to the whole record on the Bandcamp page. A diamond no one should oversee in my eyes.

The cover of the first Helion Prime album. (c) by Helion Prime, used with kind permission

If you decide to pick up a physical copy you'll receive a booklet with lyrics, additional artwork, and credits.

Make sure to follow the band further on through their own website or mark their Facebook page with a like.