Single Preview: VIMIC - In Your Shadow, Reunion show and Album release

After drummer Joey Jordison departed from Slipknot in late 2013, he shifted his focus to various other ventures. One of these projects, Scar the Martyr, released a self-titled album before disbanding, with some of its members going on to create a new band called VIMIC. 

Photo credit: Horrible Herbert

The initial lineup of VIMIC included Jordison on drums, Kalen Chase as the vocalist, Jed Simon and Kris Norris on guitars, Kyle Konkiel on bass, and Matthew Tarach on keyboards.  

VIMIC released four singles from the project between May 2016 and October 2017: “Simple Skeletons,” “She Sees Everything,” “My Fate,” and “Fail Me (My Temple),” the last of which featured Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine.

On August 8th 2025 a new single is going to be released called "In Your Shadow". Heavy Metal Underdogs has been lucky enough to hear the new track and has been blown away by it's intensity. It all starts with the dark and evolving guitar riff. Drums come in and bring the music into movement. A first climax comes with the refrain bringing the vocals to higher emotional points. "In Your Shadow" moves further with guitars performing a solo bridge that leads into a faster riffing section with the vocals keeping the tension up. A slow intermission brings the whole song a bit down before the final section blows it out with a powerful hard riff attack and midtempo drums bringing in fresh wind into this great track. You can pre-save the new music on https://ffm.to/vimic_inyourshadow

Open Your Omen is VIMIC's only album that has been completed and shelved since 2016. VIMIC will be reuniting for the first time since 2018 in conjunction with the album's release on October 3rd, 2025.  

The reunion show will take place at Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles (USA), the Joey Jordison Charitable Fund will not only honor Jordison’s memory but also celebrate the release of the album. Tickets are available from https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/090062C2BD8915A3

VIMIC will be supported by Wednesday 13 (who worked with Jordison in Murderdolls) along with some very special guests; there will be exclusive event merchandise available. 

The band’s first album, Open Your Omen, was first expected to be released in 2018. Produced by Jordison and Kato Khandwala (The Pretty Reckless, Pop Evil), progress came to a standstill in 2018. Khandwala tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident on April 25, 2018, and Jordison, Konkiel, and Simon shifted their focus to Sinsaenum, Bad Wolves, and Imonolith, respectively. Jordison sadly passed away on July 26, 2021, further delaying the plans on the album.

After years of working to secure the rights to the music, the Jordison Family Estate is releasing Open Your Omen independently to get the album into the hands of the fans that have been asking for it for years. You can still contribute late pledges to the Kickstarter campaign HERE. 

In a December 2016 interview with Shockwave Magazine, the late and famed Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison discussed the making of his other project VIMIC’s first album: "The way we wrote 'Open Your Omen', is exactly like how a garage band would do their demo tape. We went all the way back to the basics, and it was cool doing it like that because you didn't have the influence of your label, and the huge studio, and cars, hotels, and fancy dinners, all this b—---- that goes on along with being in the record industry. It was done literally in my home, organic, and we went out just to the studio not too far from my house and we just laid it down there. So, it was pretty much born in my home and then we just cruised up to the studio and just laid it down really quick."

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".

Advance tape preview: Barbara Max - Goddess (Rock, 2024)

Female voices can add a lot to the music. It's different from what male voices add to the sound. I think there's more emotion and warmth but sometimes also harsh elements in them. A very good example for this came across my mind when I heard of Barbara Max.

Metal Underdogs listented to some of Barbara's new tracks.

The female singer worked together with legends like UFO and Nick Menza (Drummer of Megadeth in the 90s) for her new album "Goddess" which is going to present her vocal abilities on many levels in songs of various intensity and heavyness.

I've been given the honour to hear those new tunes in advance. It started with "All for the money" - the first single released already. It rocked me over and over. It's a soft riffing number walking slowly step by step. The first verse adds this special something I spoke of - the voice taking a center spot moving my feelings further with every note and passage. It builds up so much that you don't want it to end but surely it has to end also it feels infinite to me. Happily it never holds on to too many high notes so it has been well balanced.

The second tune "I'll wait" comes in a different style and character being a slow and intensive ballad from the start. Again the voice of Barbara Max set's my feelings in a moving direction. There are sections where the voice reaches it's climax but it stays in a  moderate way. The guitars follow the path showing a extensive performance towards the end. It feels like a track that could be a note to someone you love but cannot hold in your arms whatever the reason is. I'll wait comes with the late great Keith More on bass, Jacob Ziemba playing guitars and features Phil Martini on the drums - he is the signed drummer of Joe Elliots (Def Leppard) solo band.

Nick Menza joins Barbara with a drum roll in "Sweet Mystical Love". It's the song with the loudest setting comprised of harder vocals and the guitars not only showing a following but a rougher side with a extensive and heavier solo section something not to be heard of in the previous songs. Nick Menza performs on this track with drums taking a more backround role not showing too much of his harder performance talents he has become so well known for in the past but surely such drums wouldn't fit at all here.

The song also features Scott Warren keys (Dio ), Howie Gold Bass ( Alcatrazz) ( and Acoustic Guitar) and J.P. Cervoni ( Buddy Guy) Guitars

"Sweet Mystical Love" was also up for a King Arthur movie.

The final preview track "In our mystery" rocks things out and straight the heavier way. Recorded together with the guys in UFO (Clive Edward's showing his signature drum abilities, Laurence Archer on Guitars and Pete Way performing the bass guitars) 

It starts out a soft way before the rock mode kicks in directly. Set again in a heavier sound package the voice stays loud and clear all the time with a first passage that quickly sticks in my mind but the tune changes a lot during it's duration. 

It contains loud and high parts that are repeated several times with lot's of distorted guitars and finish into a solo performance without any instruments - something that is not like the many songs out there. 

All in all this preview shows many different sides of the voice of Barbara Max. With soft notes, balladesque material, directly rocking numbers and rough heavy songs it raised my attention upon what hopefully will be the "Goddess" album once it's out. One thing is certain: these recordings have made history in Rock music and will get a lot of attention of fans of the mentioned musicians. 

Surely a legend to be as she goes to the top of her field and that there is no doubt this incredibly talented artist and songwriter certainly deserves a major signing.

If you want to get in touch with Barbara Max or follow her further activities make sure to join her on Reverbnation or on her Instagram profile.

The release is slated for a release in Winter 2024 but we can skip the time until it's release with watching one of Barbara Max's videos right here.

SCUD announces return with preview of new song

It's great to see that many bands show endurance throughout the many years of existence.

The brasilian band SCUD has already been around since 1990. They started the classic way with releasing a demo on cassette tape one year after the foundation. The following years see the band putting out 7 inch vinyl releases as well as a full album along with touring activities.

Sadly they often have to suffer of setbacks with people leaving the band not always at proper moments. By the time I'm writing this the band has taken a major step forwards.

SCUD have a preview of a new song online.

At the beginning of 2023 SCUD manage to set up their own home studio, SCUD MUSIC, Praia do Coqueiro, shore from Piauí, Brazil, a mini studio actually, but capable to start producing, recording, mixing and mastering next works. 

It enables the band to continue work on the next album called "Tremembés". The new release is currently being mixed at SCUD's home studio. After mixing, the songs go for mastering, completion and production for release. 

The band send us a full song as a preview of what is currently in the makings. The single is called "Caveman". It rocks out so much that it changed my mood for the better. It's already sounding great - a straight rocking number going directly for positive vibes. 

The fine thing is that it mixes the typical rock sound palette up with few elements adding distorted vocals for instance at the beginning. It remains in this structure for a second verse. This working method let's the power release afterwards at a even higher level and adds a extra push. The guitar sounds change often - it all never becomes one dimensional this way.  

It is all set on a high energy level pushing the drums to the max. I'm looking forward to hear how the fully produced song may sound like it the end.

Make sure to take a listen for yourselves or jump on over to Spotify to listen to the preview track and add the band on Facebook to keep in touch.

Hijabs and heavy music - does this fit together ?

We often forget how important freedom of speech is. It may seem neglectable at times but think for yourselves. There are regions in the world that don't allow to express yourselves the way you want. This is a fact - sad as it is.  

So I was more than surprised to hear of the all female hijab-wearing band called Voice Of Baceprot. They are an Indonesian rock combo formed in Garut, West Java in 2014. 

Voice Of Baceprot create heavy music and stay true to their roots and believes.

They have a new single coming up called "God allow me (please) to play music". Having been given the chance to have a early listen to the track it got me with it's rough hacking riff starting the track plus it's slightly broken timing in it. Rage Against The Machine comes to my mind - that's my favorite voice of revolution.

The guitars change from harsh toning to softer one's flying through the whole track duration. The music lives of this contrast.

But inside the rough shell a beautiful soft toned voice send the message towards the listener. It carefully builds the mood of the song. There are balanced parts, long held vocal notes and finally those calling it all out into the world. The single finally explodes into a wide refrain that hopefully will unite all music fans no matter where they come from.

The song speaks of the right to create music and to believe in god. 

“We want people who listen to this song to become more tolerant towards others. God does not belong to just one person or one group of people. God belongs to anyone who believes in Him. So, everyone has a right to be creative, create, and take responsibility for their creations given by the God that he or she believes in,” Marsya (Voclas, Guitar) of the band comments on the track.

"God, Allow Me (Please) to Play Music” will be available on all digital streaming platforms starting from August 17, 2021.

Make sure to keep a eye on the band's channels for the exact link to the song.

YouTube www.youtube.com/voiceofbaceprot

Twitter www.twitter.com/baceprotvoices 

Facebook www.facebook.com/voiceofbaceprot 

The group has been confirmed to play Wacken Open Air 2022. They will play alongside headliners Slipknot, Judas Priest, Rammstein’s Till Lindemann and more, at the event, scheduled to run from August 4 - August 8, 2022.

Starlight to hit streaming services with 1st Contemporary Lounge Rock EP

I like it when a artist leaves the sound for which he or she has become so well known for. You cannot know what comes around and how a particular musician sounds in a different environment.

 

This time Mick Michaels, guitarist of Traditional Metallers Corners Of Sanctuary has opened up a solo project called Starlight. It goes into some sort of Retro Rock sound also some surprisingly rough elements shine through (check the vocals on "I don't want to go"). 

 

The story behind this EP is exciting so let's have a closer look upon it.

“About six years ago, a friend and mentor suggested I try my hand at something other than Heavy Metal,” said Michaels. “He even suggested I do the singing…which I considered for a second but felt it wasn’t what would be completely best for this project. Bringing others into the fold would be the direction it would have to take to get it off the ground.”

With the help of an industry contact, Michaels recruited unknown singer and violinist, Taryn Dorothy, for lead vocals and also enlisted Corners of Sanctuary bandmate and drummer Mad T to supply the back beat, with Michaels providing guitars, bass and keyboards.

“Taryn’s voice adds so much diversity and depth to the songs…each track took on a new flavor once her vocals were added,” said Michaels.

Starlight’s “Under the Radar” will be available February 12th 2021 on multiple digital platforms including: iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Google Music, Amazon among many others.  

 

You can have a short overview of the upcoming release with this preview video.

Single Preview: Salava - Remorse (Melodic Doom, 2020)

Can such a traditional genre such as doom be updated with modern elements? The new Finnland based powerhouse duo Salava gave it a try and came to great fruition in this preview to their first single.

The bandphoto of Salava was shot by Risto Vauras.

The single starts a classic way but shortly afterwards the vocals of Jukka Salo give the first freshness in the music. The voice has a much more melodic range in it giving room for emotional versatile expression in lighter ways without letting the guiding voice fall away. It's these finer elements that give a extra shine to stay on the stereo.

The songwriting reveals modern splitters in the ongoing progress of the track playing around with guitar riffing in ways that halt the riffing for the moment just to let it roll few seconds later. There are many little of solo passages build in. They mix the track heavily through this way and add more excitement. It's all turned to 11 this time so prepare for a massive guitar attack.

Be sure to pick up a digital copy on Bandcamp for just 50 cent or add the track to your Spotify collection. 

I'll keep a eye on Salava on Instagram or Facebook.

Preview: Last Frontier - Aether (Atmospheric Power Metal, 2020)

I'm missing keyboards in the sound of many metal bands of today. One of the few bands that still works with this instrument to raise some atmosphere in their sound at Italy's "Last Frontier".

After longer last the band has wrapped the third longplayer "Aether (Equivalent Exchange)". A preview player for the albm has been installed on the website of Revalve Records. That's how I got the chance to hear something of the new songs in advance.

The cover already shows that something different is about to be released by Last Frontier.

Track Analysis
It reveals that the agressive elements the band worked on so hard in the past have been kept in the sound. Besides that there's also a lot of room in the songs for the mentioned keyboards. "Fields Of Thetis" and most of all "Flames of Moloch" speak like from the bottom of my heart that it's great to have such elements in the sound.

Other tracks like "Shahar" have a slightly majestic feeling with it and also add the keys to power up the music. "The Wilow" shows that the band can put a lot of pressure into the sound to go a rougher direction if needed. Track number seven feels like a mixture of majestic, power and atmospheric elements.

Preview-Summary
It looks like a album with much detailed work on feelings has been created. It comes with a modern heavy sound yet it holds the tradition up as well. If everythings goes fine the new album will be out on January 24th, 2020 via Revalve Records.

Tracklist  "Aether (Equivalent Exchange)"

1. Toward the Last Frontier
2. Cults of Cargo
3. Fields of Thetis
4. Flames of Moloch
5. Wings of Stone
6. The Willow
7. The River
8. The Brier
9. Shahar

Follow the band through their Facebook page for all the next steps towards the album release.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bloody Times brings back former members of Manowar & Iced Earth

In many metal megazines you can find from time to time articles about past members of well known bands. Where are they now ? - that's what the main question is all about.

These days I got a info that one former member of Iced Earth picked up the microphone to help a new project to grow further. "Bloody Times" was basically a one man project of Simon Pfundstein on bass guitar supported by Raphael Saini (ex Iced Earth) on drums. John Greely joined the combo already in 2015. He is known for his vocals on the "Night of the stormrider" record of Iced Earth.

The cover for Bloody Time's upcoming single "Alliance"

Guitars on the track "Alliance" will be provided by no one else but the well known Ross The Boss, ex member of Manowar  who can be heard on the first six albums of the true metal icons. Here's a first sneak peak on the upcoming single "Alliance" taken of the upcoming full length "On a mission".

How does the rest of the track sound like? 
While the song “Alliance” starts very softly and calm, after about a minute the hard and heavy sound kicks in. Again, Raphael Saini is supporting the act with his pounding drums. A short while into the song, John Greely starts his performance with an impressive heavy metal scream. He is proving once again the wide range of his vocal spectrum like he did many years ago with Iced Earth during the memorable "Night of the Stormrider" era. High tunes or low tunes, hard or soft, John Greely can do them all. Today, better than ever, he sings for his own band Seventh Servant and is the main singer of Bloody Times since 2017.

The single is exclusively available for pre-order / registration on CD (limited edition, including two bonus tracks). A digital release has not been announced yet - this possibly makes it even more "old school".

Follow the project further on Facebook.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video Preview: Nhibitions - Hourglass (Metalcore, 2018)

A hourglass is often used to symbolize that something won't be endless. How does such strong metapher sound if it is transfered into the metalcore universe?

The release of the single "Hourglass" is not far away anymore...

Nhibitions have crafted a powerful debut single along with a proper lyric video to bring the message out to the listener. First of the heavyness dominates the sound with it's bold guitars and even stronger drums. The vocals of Chris Fronzak are loud, clear and of dark tonality. The overall feel is dramatic and could talk of a soul that has taken a lot of hurt in his lifetime. The performance is great since he changes the mood throughout the whole track duration. Every section comes with it's own tonality.

But there's much more. Something special comes down as the refrain takes it's place in the song. It's different you can feel from the start. It feels like cut out and from a different look upon the same scene. It won't take long and it will stick into the listeners mind. I've not come across such metalcore track so far so the surprise was there and it touched me deep inside.

As for the music: it's a sharp riff hacker going in straight. Nevertheless it's still feeling slightly complex to me as it's not easy to quickly get a idea of how all of this was done. A sign that re-listening to this one pays off.

All in all "Hourglass" makes curious about what else Nhibitions are about to put out in the forthcoming time. As for the first be sure to mark your Facebook calenders (or any other one you may use). On September 21th 2018 the full song and video are going to be revealed. On that day check the Ghost Killer Entertainment Youtube page to hear the full song (the band has teamed up with them to share the video to a wide audience).

To skip the waiting time surf to the band's Facebook page. That's where you can check a little teaser snippet of the video.

Elswhere put a spotlight on mental health topic

Whilst the subject of mental health is a difficult one to approach, Elswhere are devoted to this issue. They provide a positive message about helping each other, which is conveyed in their material. 

Drawing from personal experiences and tragic losses, their songs portray painful emotions accompanied with a hopeful attitude. Frontman Ethan uses the bands Facebook page in efforts to support fans who may be struggling with mental illnesses “If you are in need of advice, guidance, or you have negative thoughts in your head that overpower your everyday life, call 116 123 - or even email us at elswhereofficial(at)gmail.com where I will personally reply to try my best to
help.”

Musically the band has recently signed to Marshall Records and given out a snippet of the material they are currently working on.

It impressed me with it's slowness and the fat sound it features. So far it comes around riffy and powerful. It breathes a lot of atmosphere in it's core. It's hard to say how the track may go on. It could easily explode at some point or maybe move on further in this calm but constant moving sound and change into something else.

The band has raised the attention of Marshall Records at a Battle of the Bands in Milton Keynes. They recently entered the studio with award-winning producer Romesh Dodangoda (Bring Me The Horizon, Bullet For My Valentine) and will unleash new music in the coming weeks.

Live Dates
Wilkestock Festival -  August 31st

Elswhere online
Facebook.com/elsewhereband
Twitter + Instagram: @Elswhereband

Single-Preview: The Lazlo Device - You stumble, I Fall (Post Rock, 2018)

This beautiful piece of Post Rock packs all the facettes such music is able to show into one compact track.

The cover of the new The Lazlo Device single "You stumble, I Fall". (c) by The Lazlo Device, used with kind permission

This new track of London-based post-rockers The Lazlo Device is going to be released this very friday 27th April 2018. It's the title tracks of the upcoming album of the same name. Heavy Metal Underdogs had a pre-listen to the new single and here's what came around:

Out of a misty intro the song beginns. "You stumble, I Fall" starts out as a harmonic, clear track. Everything is set in a balanced mood with straight vocals, drums and guitars. But as time goes by the song changes. The cymbals announce the change with their constant ringing. More rougher guitars slowly begin to fade in adding a more ghosty and moving note to the tune. Finally the rough notes start to take over bringing in a more harsh sound with distorted experimental sounds. The end comes shortly - a mixture of the more melodic and the rough parts melting together and bringing the single to an end.

I can share a little snippet of what's to come with all of you.

'You Stumble, I Fall' is set to drop on 27th April, with two more singles to follow before the release of the album later in the year.

You Stumble, I Fall album tracklisting:

1. These Eyes

2. Change

3. Sleep Till Summer

4. Beetle

5. Known To You

6. Blanket

7. Alderon

8. Mt Songo

9. I Don't Know

10. Fleeting Seconds

11. Fix Your Sights

12. You Stumble, I Fall

Keep a eye on the band through Twitter, Facebook or their Homepage. That's also the places where you'll surely will be notified of where to purchase the track once it's released. 

Video Preview: Inoculum - Dissimulate (Alternative Groove Metal, 2018)

These days so many bad comments and hate floots the internet in my eyes.
The world badly needs some antidote. This band based from the Baltimore, MD (USA) area provides ripping out all these dark stuff and leaves behind some light with their upcoming new videosingle "Dissimulate".

The logo of the Alternative Groove Metal band Inoculum, (c) by Inoculum, used with kind permission

Heavy Metal Underdogs has been given the honour to check out the brand new Inoculum video in advance as a private screening. I was blown away by the sheer power and the will to create something that lasts as a piece of unique sound. That's why I would like to say that the guys play Dedicated Metal. It's comin' deeper from the heart than anything else out there.

The new track "Dissimulate" in detail
What got me so much about their sound is the combination of brutality and softer undernotes mixed  in. The song builds up softer, adds up with extra power and finally blows out the energy in one blast. It's not often coming along my way that the drummer takes over vocal duties. Here you can spot this rare ocassion and it's a fine contrast to the brutal assault of the main vocals. On other parts of the song both harmonize which adds a extra to the already excellent track.

The guitar riffs vary but give a more underlining note to the sound while the drums groove straight away something that's heavily supported through the use of a dark and deep toned bass sound. Inoculum doesn't just play the notes but lives them out with heartblood. The song feels nearly endlessly. I think a show of these guys must be a very intensive experience.

Video preview snippets
So far you can spot some scenes of the video on the start page of the band's world wide web presence.I think it will come with a deeper meaning. So far you can see some TV's that are destroyed and books burned by masked people taking people away from their places.

Well I think we need to wait until April 1st 2018 to know what the band exactly wants to express with this moving picture. The band has announced to premiere the video on their homepage.  

Social Contacts and Future plans
Make sure to have a eye on their socials on Facebook or Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date in the meantime on how things move on. The band also has plans to tour with their material so promoters out there looking for a good band to book in the upcoming months would make a good pick with booking Inoculum.

Who brought paradigm shift to the guitar player world?

As some of you may've read in previous interviews here on the Underdogs page inspiration can be sourced of various things. But paradigm shift? Something that changed things for times to come? That doesn't happen often I think.

Today we have a nice little article preview for you out of the hand's of the Rock Candy magazine talking about this subject. The mag is a print product available online and in many shops worlwide. It is put together by respected UK rock journalists Derek Oliver, Howard Johnson and Malcolm Dome, all frontline writers for the legendary Kerrang! magazine in the golden era.

The cover of the February / March 2018 edition of Rock Candy magazine, (c) by Rock Candy magazine, used with kind permission

It talks about iconic as well as more unknown acts of past and present days (for instance the making of Judas Priest's "Screaming for vengeance" album). You can get your copy from the papermag's homepage and follow them on Facebook.

Read on and find out what Steve Vai say's about paradigm shift in the world of guitar players.

Speaking exclusively about his deep appreciation of Edward Van Halen in the new issue of Rock Candy magazine, Vai told editor Howard Johnson, “There are so many guitar heroes I love, and maybe even prefer over Edward in a sense. But the two guitar players who really created a paradigm shift in my opinion were Jimi Hendrix and Edward Van Halen. Everybody else has contributed wonderfully to the art form. But when you look at scope of their individual contributions and how they became pivotal turning points for guitar playing, those two guys were the most effective.”

In a wide-ranging interview all about the Van Halen legend that forms part of Rock Candy mag’s 14 page VH feature in the current issue, Vai recalls hearing Edward’s playing for the first time when he was a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston in the late ‘70s.

“’You Really Got Me’ came on the radio, with the ‘Eruption’ solo tagged on at the start,” he explained. “We were just all completely stunned.”

In a long and illustrious career, Steve Vai has produced some of the most loved guitar music ever recorded, while also bringing his outstanding combination of flash and technique to some of rock’s greatest acts, including Whitesnake and, of course, David Lee Roth. Between 1985 and 1989 Vai performed a number of Edward’s songs alongside the former Van Halen frontman during the height of Roth’s solo career.

“Playing Van Halen songs is such a hoot,” he told Rock Candy. “Especially when you’ve got David Lee Roth singing them! ‘Panama’ is just great. ‘Unchained’ and ‘Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love’ too. We’d play a whole lot of Van Halen tunes and they were always wonderful. The parts were constructed perfectly, because Edward has real completeness as a guitar player.”

The full interview can be found in the issue February / March 2018 of Rock Candy magazine. Other bands also featured in this issue are:

CINDERELLA
MICHAEL SCHENKER
JUDAS PRIEST
MOTORHEAD
DEEP PURPLE
THE US FESTIVAL
POISON
FOGHAT
RUSH
MARILLION
RATT
HANOI ROCKS
GARY MOORE AND PHIL LYNOTT
VENOM
AC/DC
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN
GENE SIMMONS
JIMMY BARNES
DIO  

Autumns Eyes give seasons change a sound

We're going closer towards the cold days. Halloween marks the point between the last warmer moments and the going over to the less well-feeling times. How does this change sound in the world of music?

Autumns Eyes have given these season a own treatment with the release of the single called "Death Of October". Musically it cracks the borders of boundaries and limitations. It recalls some modern Paradise Lost songs in my mind, think of the "Host" album or the self-titled record of the same english formation and also Type O Negative can be heard.


This one comes around as a teaser to the full album "Ending Life Slowly" that's going to see it's release at the very end of October - exactly on Halloween 2017.

Pre-orders are now online at https://autumnseyes.bandcamp.com/album/ending-life-slowly and the album's track listing is as follows:

1. Death of October
2. Break the Skin
3. Your Last Day
4. Moments Into Memories
5. The Honest Liars
6. Couldn’t Hold On
7. Far Away From Fading
8. Internal Arson
9. Open Your Eyes, Not Your Wrists
10. Under the Skin of the Sun

Follow this band further using the links below:

http://autumnseyes.com/
https://twitter.com/autumnseyes

Preview pages of James Hetfield biography surfaced

James Hetfield is for sure a outstanding personality in the world of metal. Before becoming known as one of the greatest metal guitarists in the world, Hetfield surpassed several barriers throughout his adolescence including his parents’ divorce, his mother’s untimely death and severe alcoholism.

It is for sure interesting to read how he went along with all the stuff that crossed his path. I always enjoy a look at the beginnings of people. It's exciting to read how they lived their lives, which decison lead to which consequence and how other stuff found their way into their lifes. Some info and story of that kind is about to come our way with the book "So Let It Be Written: The Biography of Metallica's James Hetfield". After months of speculation from fans and critics, preview pages of the introduction and chapter 1 are now available exclusively on CLRVYNT.

Update 2017-06-04: A excerpt of chapter six along with some pictures takes out of the release have been published online at the pages of Noisey. This part of the book talks about the creation of the second Metallica album "Ride The Lightning" and offers some nice insight into the making of.

The cover of "So Let It Be Written: The Biography of Metallica's James Hetfield", (c) by Lesser Gods, used with kind permission

In the first biography of a living Metallica member the author Mark Eglinton uses exclusive, firsthand interviews with a number of artists and celebrities who have crossed paths with Hetfield including members of Metallica, Chuck Billy (Testament), Charlie  Benante (Anthrax), Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains), Rex Brown (Pantera), and more to construct the definitive account of Hetfield.

So Let It Be Written: The Biography of Metallica’s James Hetfield will hit shelves and online stores on April 11, 2017 via Lesser Gods. The publication can be pre-ordered via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Indies.

Onydia shares a glimpse of hope with upcoming single

I like it when the lyrics that come with the music transport something. This part of the song can be a message, a thought, a opionion, a statement or anything else you can imagine. I've often found myselves checking the lyrics out and many times they did hold something worth reading and thinking about. So I can only motivate everyone to do the same thing and have a closer look on what the song wants to tell you.

This track of the band Onydia also has this special idea behind it of transporting something to the listener.
The Main theme of the track is the rebirth of hope when everything seems to be over as the band points out in their own words:

"Life is a complicated path which often makes us feel lonely and abandoned.

In these moments, confidence in ourselves and in our abilities make us feel alive, restoring our energy and letting us create pure art. Creation is a supernatural entity which discloses itself.

The artist cannot help but lends his soul and his voice to this entity, which is stronger and bigger than him. "Dyaphany " is an explosion of creative strength which spreads energy and positivity. "

You can feel that these words come from the heart. Here is a little glimpse on how the single will sound like. If you like progressive metal with the deepth and intensity of the female voice - this is for you. Check out the snippet on the website of the band's record company Revalve Records.
The full single is going to see the light of day on Friday 09.12.2016.

Onydia is the new project born from the hands of the ex Elarmir musicians, Eleonora Buono (Ex Elarmir), Daniele Amador (Ex Elarmir, Ade), Luca Zamberti (Ex Elarmir), After sharing the stage with bands like Arch Enemy, Epica, Sirenia and Amorphis the band continued their way with a new chapter in form of a single and album. 

The Onydia name was created from two greek words, oneiro(dream) and diafanìs (transparent),”the display of a surreal dream in the real world, a mystical dream, our emoctions when creating art”
The band signed a record deal with Revalve Records for the release of the new single in autumn 2016 and the debut album that will be released in the first months of 2017. The album will feature some special guests.

Make use of Facebook to stay in touch with the band for all the further updates.