Final Coil comes to Europe this December

It's not a huge secret for everyone looking at this blog that progressive Post Rockers Final Coil are one of those bands that I'm excited about. Having put out the third full length album "The World We Inherited" this year I think many people out there have already thought about a tour of the Leicester based formation.

But besides a couple of shows with hand picked bands in England and a first appearance at the massive Bloodstock Open Air no other opportunities surfaced (also it needs to be said that every gig that can be confirmed is already something that needs to be accomplished first). Not until now - in December 2024 this is going to change as the band has finally been able to announce three gigs in Europe. 

Those are going to take place in France in Belgium but who know's maybe there are bookers or venues out there who still look for a band to perform? Don't hesitate to contact the band through the form on the band's homepage or use the links to social sites on the left of the page to get in touch through those services.

Confirmed dates:

December 12th - Fury Bar - Rouen - w/ Once Upon The End, Silent Injury
Event page: https://fb.me/e/5ir7Fev9x
Venue information: https://www.facebook.com/furybarrouen

December 13th - The Crossover - Ghent - w/ Far Beyond
Event page: https://fb.me/e/7l8STBYyL
Venue information: https://www.thecrossover.be/

December 14th - Supersonic - Paris - w/ Homecoming, Vestige
Event page: https://fb.me/e/1KFdSU292
Venue information: https://www.facebook.com/supersonicbastille

*please note shows are free entry, except for Ghent, where tickets are 8 Euro in advance and 10 Euro OTD

If you'd like to know how the band sounds these days please try the newest video, with dark and constant pattern you'll be introduced into the band's world of subtle and intensive melodies that are both relaxing and inciting together.

Royal Hunt announce first tour dates for 2023

Royal Hunt are a great progressive power metal band. They came around to me the first time with the "Land of Broken Hearts" album and the title track of that particular record immediately got stuck in my mind. The "Fear" release came next and with "Cold City Lights" it proved to have another catchy hit song on it as well.

Royal Hunt are said to be Denmarks best kept secret.

These days the band cotinues to share uplifiting melodic gems withs us. Just check out the video below and you'll quickly get a idea of the band's sound. 

Like so many other bands they couldn't tour in recent years. 

During that downtime the band released two studio albums (Dystopia Part 1 & 2), a concept offering based on Ray Bradbury´s "Fahrenheit 451" and now plans to enhance their live set with some of their new material.

The great news is that these songs will see a live performance already soon.

Confirmed dates for 2023 so far:

Aug 25: Linköping Hell Year Rock Club, SE

Aug 26: Copenhagen Amager Bio, DK

Aug 27: Hamburg Logo Club, DE

Aug 30: Budapest Analog Music Hall, HU

Sep 01: Campulung Posada Festival, RO

More Dates TBA!

Keep a eye on the band's social sites to stay up to date about further dates.

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/royalhuntband

Single Review: Not Another Prayer - Vicious Circle (Progressive Nu Metal, 2022)

This band just started it's journey and the very first release already put's a spotlight on them.

Hour one has just begun at the Not Another Prayer camp.

What makes this release stand out? It's the fact that it builds up and rises throughout the long duration of over six minutes. In the beginning things are basic and more like you would expect of a Nu Metal band. 

But as the time passes by new and more new elements fly in and add themselves to the sound of the Italian formation. These elements include a lot out of the progressive direction of music. They fit in well and are left off whenever the deeper Nu Metal style comes back. 

Finally the whole package shows it's full power and starts a instrumental sonic rampage towards the end of the track. It leaves behind a listener that starts a second round to see how the song turns out this time...

...similar thoughts but the focus is more on the vocals which change and morph. The keyboards are a surprise at the last third of the release. 

You can listen to the track on Spotify or directly here in the YouTube player.

I'll keep a eye on Not Another Prayer on Facebook or Instagram. Let's see how the mission continues...

EP Review: The Great Lie - Burners (Hardcore/Punk, 2022)

Life is short. The Great Lie seem to have used this saying and put together a EP that goes straight to the meat.

The New York based band put's out a open stylistic EP called Burners.

It's main ingredient is a strong basis of heavyness. The tight drums and guitar sections make sure it all sticks rough and dirty together.

From it's stylistic "Burners" is a open release taking advantage of many styles of the heavy music genre. You can spot potions of Hardcore, Punk, Thrash and Metal all the way. The band makes sure the journey never becomes monotone because the five short tracks (the longest one is three minutes in duration) quickly change from one part to another. 

My favorite is the opener "Amputee" with it's change between vocals that stand alone in some moments and other segments where the rest of the band pushes in with all of it's sheer power bringing the whole song into a rush of fury. 

Partly It feels a bit like progressive Metal to me when I listen to the music on this EP. The dry production adds to this feeling. Happily the songs are very straight forward (just listen to "Winters Death") so things never become too complicated to follow.

You can pickup the digital release at a price of your choice from Bandcamp. As a alternative "Burners" can be added and listened to on Spotify. Please add them to your playlists so your friends can check them out, too.

Finally Facebook will help you to keep on track how the story of the band evolves further.

EP Review: Silver Nightmares - The Wandering Angel EP (Prog AOR, 2019)

A wonderful EP that invites to dream away of your everday troubles but also shows the inner fights we all have to struggle with.

The cover already let's you think of another world.

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The strongest part of this italian release is it's fairytale like concept. It's already the packaging that tell's you that something different awaits inside. Maybe it's the old tree that reveals truth and it may guide us through the minutes of listening.
 
The Silver Nightmares EP shares a wealth of instrumentation with the listener, even a flute like on "Dick Dastardly" or the trumpet on "David The King" have been put inside. 

It's not a common thing to have two vocalists but it works fine here.
They come around to me as if they both stand each for one side. Maybe it's the light and the dark with both fighting against each other. 

It's a rough experience so be prepared that listening this piece of music is challenging at times. Overall it's deeply rooted in the AOR music style with many high notes flying around. My favorite is the title track for it's heavyness and song number four "David The King" with the groove and wide sound inside.  
 
A epic balladesque feeling comes in at "Dame Nature" and marks a point of reloading of energy. Warmly welcomed.
Overall you can listen to this many times, there are always new things to discover.  

The only thing that I've found being negative is the mid-quality of the sound. It would have been nice to have more clarity.

Please support the band with a purchase so they continue to create more fine tunes for all of us. Physical copies are available at Bandcamp as well as the download both at a very fair price (7 Dollar CD, 3 Euro DL).

Voyager set a Brightstar at Australia

Some bands are giving me exactly what I need. Voyager, a progressive band mixing up metal with pop-like elements has brought a brand new (video) single to life.

The cover already gives a idea that something special is about to come your way...

It demonstrates once more the band's ability to express softer, melodic elements that touch the soul and give room for dreams and atmosphere. On the contrary there are always rougher corners showing up making clear how much of the agression, raw power and heavyness also lives in the soul of the band. Along with bright pictures of nature and technique it's a overwhelming feeling that floats through me listening to "Brightstar".

If you're living in Australia don't miss out the chance to see Voyager live these days. They hit the road with the excellent Twelve Foot Ninja, a crossover act that also didn't leave my mind once I heard them.

Here are the dates:

Friday 8th March - ANU, Canberra

Saturday 9th March - Download Festival Sydney

Monday 11th March - Download Festival Melbourne

Friday 15th March - Miami Tavern, Gold Coast

Saturday 16th March - The Valley Drive in, Brisbane

Saturday 23rd March - The Gov, Adelaide

TICKETS - http://twelvefootninja.com/shows

The single is up for purchase from Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon Music and more.

Check the band's Facebook for updates and more info.

Rough Silk back with new video and tourdates

Rough Silk ran across my way many times. First of all way back in 1994 when the band opened up for Helloween. I didn't knew the band before at all but was positively surprised of their sound. Most of all the song "Walls Of Never" left behind something in me.

I kept a eye on them the following years, bought the double best of CD "Wheels Of Time". The german progressive rockers kept changing line up and also the sound changed from lenghty and epic tunes to compact riff rockers.

These days the band sounds more tight and straight fowards than ever before. In addition to putting out a new album "Progressive Oi! Pop" they've put out a decent video showing the new formed band in action in the studio. Besides the work it also captures a lot of the fun moments of those days.

Rough Silk will hit the road on a good many of shows throughout 2019, most of them are located in Germany. Here's the exact list of dates starting already the coming weekend:

19.01.2019 Schänke / Haltern am See
01.02.2019 Café Prinzregent / Ansbach
02.02.2019 Raldy´s Wirtshaus / Pülfringen
09.02.2019 Dublin Road / Rheda Wiedenbrück
16.02.2019 BarRock / Hamburg
08.03.2019 Altberliner Destille / Kassel
09.03.2019 Subkultur / Hannover
15.03.2019 Klimperkasten / Stelle
29.03.2019 Matze's Rock Bar / Bad Wildungen
30.03.2019 Weißes Ross / Immelsdorf
26.04.2019 Teufels / Bargteheide
27.04.2019 B6 / Goslar
18.05.2019 Kapovaz / Bremerhaven
30.05.-01.06.2019 Metal Meeting Festival / Werder
01.06.2019 Kaiserkeller / Hamburg "Punk op de Deel-Festival"
22.06.2019 BarRock / Langenholzhausen / Open Air
07.09.2019 Janja's / Cuxhaven
14.09.2019 Crazy / Hameln
21.09.2019 Mikrofon / Obernkirchen
26.10.2019 ASB Bahnhof / Barsinghausen
01.11.2019 Tonelli´s / Leipzig
02.11.2019 Ranch / Plauen
09.11.2019 Schabreu / Braunschweig
16.11.2019 Gnasteiners / Lauenburg
23.11.2019 Fabrik / Braunsbedra
30.11.2019 Frosch / Limmer
07.12.2019 Muziekcafe / Helmond (NL)

Make sure to check the homepage for further updates.

Spiritual Sickness is looking for a vocalist (m/f)

Wonders happen. Often in those moments when you expect them the least. It has been like this when this news reached my inbox about this killer power metal band based in New York that already said goodbye some time ago. It looks as if the band has picked up fresh energy and is now hungry for new deeds. But they need a new vocalist to continue their way. That's your chance - pick the microphone and show them you're the one they're looking for.

Here's what it takes:

Spiritual Sickness are poised to land on big stages across the world. With a new record well on its way to completion, the band needs a strong vocal presence to complete the vision.

The aspiring vocalist needs to be dedicated in his or her approach, with a strong voice, good range and a vivid imagination. Someone who is willing to hit the road and crush audiences around the world. A team player who wants to help propel this band towards its Destiny.

Spiritual Sickness has a wealth of musical talent, dedication, a strong work ethic, a love of metal music,and a deep well of experience on stages, in studios, and on the road.

If your musical goals align with ours, put your name on the list and let’s get to
work. You can get in touch with the band through Facebook.

Here's some music to listen to:

Finally this is what happened recently in the band's camp:

A four-piece heavy metal band with many diverse influences, Spiritual Sickness Is looking for a vocalist to complete their lineup. The band is building on the success of two killer releases (their 2011 debut album "Architects of Agony" and the follow-up 2014 EP "Spiritual Sickness") and is getting quite the reputation as an aggressive, hard working, innovative heavy metal outfit.

Spiritual Sickness has been creating opportunities for themselves by impressing national touring headliners, managers, tour managers, and everyone who has worked with them.

The band has toured with Ghost Ship Octavius, Cage and most recently as direct support for The Three Tremors on their first European tour, with Spiritual Sickness touring as Benedictum with the infamous Veronica Freeman at the helm. They have already been invited to do it again in 2019, this time as Spiritual Sickness and have many more other opportunities looming.

Brutai will turn your world upside down

Bands go through evolutional steps. It's like we all are going through changes, changes and even more changes. The progressive rockers Brutai recently went through one of these steps and are back with a brand new track.

Stranger Things inspired Artwork by Mark Leary @ Asylum Seventy7

That's what came to my mind when I listened to the brand new Brutai single. It came as a surprise to me. "Upside down" has a different soundstyle. It's less rough and the ongoing rhythm is set a bit slower yet it constantly moves along with the melodies and the many layers inside of the track. The mix of the new single is more detailed than ever. The progressive rockers seem to have given more room for a expanded sound experience with deeper emotions and breathing atmosphere.

Lyrically this one also comes with a special message. Felix Lawrie, vocals and guitars, says this about 'Upside Down'

“Upside Down is semi-inspired by the series Stranger Things. It relates to people being in situations that they can’t see a way out of, and it’s about asking people for help. It’s about being in an ‘upside down’ universe and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. Empathy is the core emotion we hope people take away from this. The soundscapes are somewhat eerie and we felt Halloween was the perfect time to launch this track as an interlude to our new material from album 2."

You can download the track in any format from http://www.brutai.bandcamp.com alongside merch bundles and the final physical copies of the band's debut album 'Born'.

'Upside Down' is also available on iTunes and Spotify.

Brutai will return to the stage in December for the Incendia Music Christmas Party as the headline act. The band will also perform at HRH Metal in February.

Tickets for Brutai's headline show in December can be bought here.

Now having reverted to unsigned status again, the band recommencew their journey. Make sure to follow Brutai on this way.

www.facebook.com/brutai
@Brutaiband
Brutai.bandcamp.com

CD Review: Antidote - The Truth (Progressive Thrash, 1992/2017 re-release)

Usually the Underdogs is glad to be able to check out new releases and let you know how they turned out. This one originally comes from way back in 1992. Why is it worth reviewing it anyway?

It's because Antidote were one of the first bands that added progressive elements to the classic thrash formula and dared to go new ways in this sector. This re-release came to me without warning out of nowhere.

The cover of Antidote's "The truth" album, (c) by Antidote, used with kind permission

Summary
The first disc offers the full classic "The Truth" as a remastered edition. The vocals are held in the screaming regions so it's oldschool all the way. If you've heard the "Mind Alive" album before this record this fact may surprise you but this style fit's the far more agressive material of the early days of the band perfectly. The songs often go straight, raw and with lot's of drive but with slight elements of progression so it's great to be able to see how the band evolved over the releases with this re-issue.

Another pro for this CD is the fact that finally you don't need to hunt it down heavily in second hand shops etc. for high prices anymore. In addition to that this edition comes with a bonus disc. I think not many people have heard the stuff pressed on this silver disc. It contains the two demo tapes the band made ("Epoch Of Insanity" and "Spaced Out") that came out before the band reached for bigger aims.

It's those tunes that bring the most fun. In today's context where most productions are heavy weight it's great to hear the simpicity of demos of back in the day. No need to follow complicated structures and layers just lay back and enjoy tracks going straight. It's those noise that makes this double treat as stuff to be remembered.

In addition those demos were never before available at least here in Germany so it was for me as if the band released a brand new album. The tunes itself lay it down heavy and fast most with compact song structures. At some points you'll spot some great experiments on the guitar worked in (just listen to "Spaced Out" with those high guitar notes inside - it put's a real spotlight on the song).I love the printing on Demo CD - it reminds me so much of back in the day when I used to collect demos myself.

Purchase-Link
Grab the double disc while it's up for purchase (looks like it is limited to 500 copies). So far I've only been able to find it on the web as physical release at the webshop of Minotauro Records. Alternatively you can buy it from the Bandcamp shop of the record company.

Contact Data
The band has a Facebook account talkin' a lot about the memories of back in the day so you may want to follow those stories with the famous "Like"-Click.

Eyestral put out horror-themed lyric video

I haven't come across a Thrash Metal band that put's out such stuff in a long, long time. In fact I remember Megadeth put out such stuff way back in their beginnings (just had a look into the booklet of the Peace Sells album and that was a fine reminder of how they wrote song text in those days).

The nice thing about this particular one of french Thrashers Eyestral is that the video doesn't just show the song text but also changes in various ways throughout the song duration. The lyrics make me feel a bit scary at times with it's dark and bad setting. In addition it's great to have some progressive elements in the music. It rounds out the package with nearly 10 minutes of ripping guitars and powerhouse drums very good. It's a fine neckbreaker.

This first full song comes along as a sign of the coming release of Eyestral who will put out their first full length record "Beyond" on digital plattforms on October 25th. The longplayer will be available from November 10th in Europe. You may also pre-order the physical release straight away through the webstore of Music Records.

Just make sure to follow Eyestral via Facebook to be notified in your News Stream about further updates.

Dirk Verbeuren plays guest drums on Synthetic's track "Hollow"

"Every time you feel betrayed remember life is only a game."

Lyric video can have such a strong expression with it. This particular quote comes from Synthetic's lyric video for the track "Hollow" and I think it will speak out so clearly to a lot of people. The song is such a strong riff hammer. It comes with as many ups and downs as life has colors.

Support on the drums comes of Dirk Verbeuren, who is well known for his work with Soilwork and Megadeth. His typical signature of playing the drums shines very well throughout the song.

The song is taken off from the band's debut album "Here Lies The Truth".

Links to follow the further band activities or puchase the bands productions:
http://syntheticband.com
https://www.facebook.com/syntheticmetal/
https://synthetic2.bandcamp.com/

Voyager to tour Europe and UK September/October 2017

Some say that the beginning of a new week doesn't hold any good but this news blew me away. A mail reached my inbox saying that some of Australia's finest prog metal bands is going to hit some European and UK venues already at the end of this month.

Having followed the band Voyager since the days of the "V" album and being more than overwhelmed by the brand new "Ghost Mile" output this is news that needs to be shared all the way.

Voyager will open up for the French band Uneven Structure that also offers progressive metal music to the attenders. Make sure to come around for a event with bands that surely deserve your time and money.

Uneven Structure and Voyager tour dates

Sep 29: Cologne Euroblast Festival, Germany
Oct 06: Baarlo Progpower Europe, Netherlands (Voyager only)
Oct 09: London Underworld, UK
Oct 10: Birmingham The Flapper, UK
Oct 11: Dublin Voodoo Lounge, Ireland
Oct 12: Glasgow Audio, UK
Oct 13: Manchester Satan’s Hollow, UK
Oct 14: Guildford The Boiler Room, UK
Oct 15: Leiden Gebr De Nobel, Netherlands (Uneven Structure only)
Oct 16: Muenster Sputnik Cafe, Germany
Oct 17: Berlin Maze, Germany
Oct 18: Wroclaw Carpe Diem, Poland
Oct 19: Prague Underdogs, Czech Republic
Oct 20: Vienna Chelsea, Austria
Oct 23: Munich Backstage, Germany
Oct 26: Milan Legend Club, Italy
Oct 27: Zug I45, Switzerland
Oct 29: Barcelona Apolo 2, Spain
Oct 30: Madrid Caracol, Spain

Purchase tickets at  http://www.seetickets.com/ or via the venues' official websites for Europe.

Update 23.09.2017: Additional info about Uneven Structure - the band is going to play the newest album 'La Partition' in full EVERY night, as well as a few classics. Listen to the track "Incube" on YouTube.

Here are direct links that will let you quickly picking up tickets.

Buy Tickets for UK Shows

Buy Tickets for European Show

The tourflyer for the Uneven Structure /Voyager tourpackage fall 2017, (c) by Uneven Structure / Voyager, used with kind permission

If you've not heard something of the new Voyager record here is the title track their current album as a quick check out tune.

Collectors Item: Antidote - The Truth (Re-Issue Announcement)

Sometimes it's surprising when information about a band surfaces that you've already thought to be lost in time. One of these moments just happened when I heard about the finish band Antidote again.

Having heard 'em first way back in 1998 on a sampler of the Rock Hard magazine I couldn't get the progressive thrashers out of my mind. Their song "The Mind Alive" was way to strong to leave behind so some time afterwards I found myselves happy enough to be able to purchase this album of the same name. It is the second one in the band's career and features the more melodic site of the band.

Back to present days I received a note saying that Minotauro Records is going to re-issue ANTIDOTE'S "The Truth" album along with a Bonus CD w/ Demos from 1990 to 1992 restored and remastered!

The front cover of Antidote's album "The Truth", (c) by Antidote, used with kind permission

"The Truth" is the band's first album, originally released in 1992. As far as I know this record features more of the heavier side of the band and Nino Laurenne was singing differently on this one, too. Anyway I thought this info to be of value for all of you collectors out there. More info is said to follow soon. I'll update this article once more stuff will come in, so please stay tuned.

ANTIDOTE line-up:
Mika Arnkil - Drums (later with Impaled Nazarene)
Nino Laurenne - Vocals (lead), Guitars (now with Thunderstone)
Pete Peltonen - Bass, Vocals (backing)
Tuomo Louhio - Guitars, Vocals (backing) (later with Impaled Nazarene)

CD Review: Arcade Messiah - III (Instrumental Metal, 2016)

Massive guitars - these words were left behind in my mind after listening to the newest effort of Arcade Messiah. John Bassett impressively shows how to present guitar wizardry in modern sounds to the audience these days.

The album cover for Arcade Messiah's "III", (c) by Arcade Messiah, used with kind permission

Summary
 
The longplayer simply entitled "III" is packed to the brim with beautiful and massive guitar sounds. If you adore such sounds the first three tracks, especially "Citadel" and "Revolver" will make you alone more than happy. You don't need to read further - go straight forward to Bandcamp and buy the record for a few bucks. You can't go wrong here.

For all others it should be mentioned that the album builds up the tonality to a absolute peak in the first three tracks. Afterwards the tension falls down a bit to give air for some more breathing to the atmosphere. Those two numbers that follow go with less massive sound and examine the fragileness of guitar sounds with softer music.

What else has changed since the last record? "III" is compared to the previous album a output that comes in a much thicker presentation. Everything has been outworked to sound heavy from the start. Most of all the drums speak out clearly to me. They are much more brutal and present than on "II". Even the bass shines more through on this album. In addition some vocals can be heard. They fit well and don't ruin the listening experience. 

It's the fun that winds down in your ears while listening to the album that makes it stand out from other releases. John Bassett plays a lot with themes and motives on this one and it's simply a calming and positive feeling those notes leave behind.

Purchase-Link and Album Player

Please appreciate those efforts with a purchase. These time no physical format can be offered since John Bassett moved his home while creating these tunes and decided to go a safe route finacially. But the digital plattform Bandcamp happily offers losless formats so you will have the same quality with the files than having a pressed CD.  Enjoy a preview in the player below.

Contact Data

The story of Arcade Messiah goes on! Make sure to follow the project through their homepage or use Facebook to do so.

Easter Egg: Spiritual Sickness hand album and EP as last goodbye

Happy Easter everyone! It's time to go and search for the colorful and tasty eggs again.

But wait this article is already one. Sadly it comes with a bitter news to be added to it.

American progressive power metal band Spiritual Sickness have announced the band's immediate break-up. The band played their very last show on March 25, 2017 at Blackthorn 51 in Elmhurst, New York fronted by special guest vocalist Veronica Freemen "The V" (Benedictum).

The Spiritul Sickness logo, (c) by Spiritual Sickness, used with kind permission

Spiritual Sickness founder / guitarist Ed Mischke has checked in with the following comment:

"It is with sadness and regret that I must announce that Spiritual Sickness is being put to ice. The band had a killer run full of heavy and hard hitting metal shows and I was lucky enough to play with some great musicians along the way such as Jeff Kohler, Brian Cahill, Jim Nola, Mark Zapata, Eddie Jucius, Veronica Freeman and Mike Festa. All stellar musicians, great people and excellent friends. Id like to give thanks to the bands we were recently lucky enough to tour with Cage and Ghost Ship Octavius..And a few other people not necessarily in any order.John Rup, Kevin Scondotto, Van Williams, Sean Peck, Rich Brymer, Nicki Camp, Video Uploader, Blackthorn 51, Bill Pollard, Bennett Montalbano, Billy Loney, Lori Eitleman and Wally Huggins. Actually there are probably a few hundred people that I actually need to thank and if Iid forget you please understand. Thanks to all the bands, clubs and internet radio stations. My wife Miljenka and my daughters Nicole Jamie and Taylor for being at every show possible and all the people who have supported us over the years from the bottom of my heart.Thank you. Just a parting note.Whats beginning to rise from the ashes is gonna be bad ass..I am far from done!!"

The band has decided to give away their 2011 debut album "Architects of Agony" and the follow-up 2014 EP "Spiritual Sickness" as free digital downloads for all to have and enjoy.

Make sure to follow the Spiritual Sickness Facebook page so you'll know what the members will do next.

Having heard the songs for the first time myselves it's hard to believe that this band calls it quits. It's great music and having heard the track "Beyond the wall of shame" I'm sure this is a combo with massive potential. It took me by storm.

If your're not shure if this is worth the download check out the song stream below to quickly check the band's abilities.

Interview with Shallow Ground (Thrash, 2017)

We had a longer talk with vocalist/guitarist Keith Letourneau of the US thrash metal band Shallow Ground. They play classic thrash with slightly added elements of the progressive. Discover how the band goes along with today's digital age in terms of release formats as well as social media as a way of talking with fans. It also shows what music means to a heartfelt musician and at the very end he also give's us a glimpse into what you may experience while touring around...Have some music while reading the little interview in the player below.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did the band come together?

Keith Letourneau: We started out back in 1992 with a different line up. Took time off when my daughter was born in 98 and reformed in 2009. We just found each other , Thrash is a brother/sisterhood that just finds one another. And it was time Thrash call to you if you play it lol

Which sources do you use as inspiration for writing new songs?

Life both good and bad crap that happens! Look around there is inspiration in everything you see feel and can touch,  Just have to tap into it.

Do you feel that writing and performing music helps you to push on further with your own personal lifes?

Oh 100% yes!! It becomes part of your DNA, make's up your soul. It just makes me happy!

The cover of Shallow Ground's 2015 release "Embrace The Fury", (c) by Shallow Ground, used with kind permission

Social media surely plays a big role in the communication between a band and their fans. Do you feel that fans contact you more or less personally at gigs these days?

Social media is good.  I get a lot of Thrashers from all over the world hitting me up to BS" which i love" ! It diffidently makes it easier to talk to people all over the world. When we play a gig anywhere and someone comes up and says hay I'm so and so, Its awesome to really put a face with a name ! So I guess Social Media helps some people who are not to out going break there silence and enables them to talk to people they normally would not.  

Do you still prefer releasing music on traditional media like LPs, CDs and the like or do you feel the same satisfaction when putting out music digitally?

CD's its a thing you can hold and look at!! Then  use as a beer coaster after you down load it lol  I prefer CD's myself. Dig has its uses for a lot of people, right to phone and take it everywhere you go always have your tunes with u i get it !

Have you ever experimented with other styles over the years and thought about changing?

Well I was playing Thrash in the 80ies left that band. Started Shallow Ground with Tim and we were more of a speed/ power metal band back then ! But my soul swims in THRASH and im back where I belong PLAYING THRASH! As far as changing things up. I am not a flavor of the month kind of guy. if you know what I mean?  Thrash makes me happy I think no other music out there can make me as happy as Thrash does.

The band Shallow Ground,  (c) by Shallow Ground, used with kind permission

Did you come along points where you thought about leaving it all behind? If you reached that point: how did you keep the motivation up to move on?

Quit no lol I did walk away for around 10 years to be the best dad I could be. but I'm back lol .

How did I keep the motivation up to move on? Easy when you love playing !

What was the funniest story that came along your way when you performed live? Or did things happen that you would have never thought of to occur (not only at gigs but maybe anywhere else as well)?

Playing Warriors of Metal open air fest in Ohio. Myself and our old bass player Nick were sharing a hotel room. got woken up by screams and yelling! a hooker was getting beat up by her pimp bad. cops came and the dude got busted but he was saying he was going to kill the hooker to the cop wtf. Cop kept saying sir im going to have to bring you in if you keep saying that. Well he did and cuffed and stuffed the whole time before the cops got there was worried about a stray bullet coming thru the window. Cuz the guy had her pinned up against our window saying he was going to shoot her in the head. Wont forget that one lol

Make sure to stay in touch with the band using their Facebook page or see their website for info and the merch section where you can order their music.

Kepler Ten share positive feelings throughout the change of Time and Tide

As the times change so does the tide. It all just seems to be coming and going. So does life look at least to me. Kepler Ten seemed to have picked up the topic with their latest track "Time and Tide" and it's not only a song of thinking out loud but also packed with immensive power showing how much three musicians are able to put out of sheer musical expression and sharing positive thoughts and feelings this way. It's uplifting for me.

Steve Hales, Drummer of Kepler Ten who wrote the lyrics for this song, says this about the track:

‘No matter how in control of our lives we feel when it comes to the passing of time we are merely passengers. Our journey is flagged along the way by important personal moments such as falling in love but metaphorically the same powerful tide that brings two people together can in the blink of an eye tear them apart (in the song through illness). Whether you call it fate, probability or just dumb luck it's still outside of our control and there is no way that we can ever stop the clock or turn it back for a second chance. The song is sad but the message is not. Don't take anything for granted and make the absolute best of those good times. Fly their flags high!’

The cover for the video single "Time and Tide" by Kepler Ten, (c) by Kepler Ten, used with kind permission

Kepler Ten’s debut album ‘Delta-v’ was mixed and mastered by John Mitchell and will be released on February 10th 2017 via White Star Records.

Make sure to keep a close eye on the band on their homepage or connect through Facebook with them.  

Northern Lines demonstrate own idea of instrumental prog music

Some bands work out instrumental tracks that can impress you with it's simple structure yet the track never becomes boring also it has a long duration.

Northern Lines, who are located in Italy have created such a piece of music and currently are handing it out on a pay what you want basis on their Bandcamp page. The fine thing is that it's surely progressive rock/metal but that it's listenable on such a direct and easy basis. I think that's what not many band's have to offer and make this band worth checking out.

The track is taken of the upcoming album "The Fearmonger" which will be released this month. Make sure to keep a eye on the band via Facebook or Twitter so you won't miss out about the release details. As for the first you can already have a look upon the cover which give's a short glimpse upon the concept story of the record which will talk about death/dying.

The cover of Northern Lines album cover for "The Fearmonger", (c) by Northern Lines, used with kind permission

Live Review: Monster Truck / The Dirty Nil / Billy Talent Emslandarena Lingen 10.12.2016

What a night! Three bands that gave the fans of the sold out venue what they really wanted: Rock 'n' Roll at it's best. I think that's the best proof that the show was worth the money the people spent on it.

The Dirty Nil seem to have been added the last minute to the package. I was pretty surprised to see the band's banner on stage since I didn't hear before that a third band would rock out on that evening. They put out a typical modern punk rock format with their music and opened with a pounding fist of songs. The audience that was numerous up to that point already warmly welcomed their offer.

The Dirty Nil Live in Lingen 2016, (c) by Jan Starcke, used with kind permission

I think the people eagerly waiting for the Billy Talent show could somehow connect easily to the band's sound. The vocalist ripped up his voice roughly on most tracks so agression came out clearly while the drums layed down a pumping constanty to the sound and the guitars having razor sharp riffs with them. The band had a good mix of tracks but kept it fast for most of the time, something that was a good choice in my eyes. With a loud and rude opening and few but good lights on stage the evening was going to start out great.

Monster Truck were the best band of the night in my ears. They had in contrast to both of the other bands a different approach in any way. The most significant one was the sound. They decided to put the volume down, something that I love when it comes to live shows. That little bit of volume they cut was replaced with a beautifull sound spectrum. All instruments came through clear and direct and I think this sound was the
best I encountered in a long time.

Monster Truck put a highlight with their sound at the liveset in Lingen 2016, Photo (c) by Jan Starcke, used with kind permission

The soundstructure provides space for warmth, details in the performance and most of all it gave the possibility to enjoy each and every riff like having a good meal on which you spend a lot of time to taste every little nuance that is inside. The band opened up with a couple of faster tunes before they changed to a more slower and progressive format and also included a half-ballad in their set. This may have been too lengthy for some people especially when it came to the solo sections but the band once again changed the style and closed their set with rougher tracks that more people in the crowd enjoyed. After all I think the band was able to make some people open up their minds and discover their sounds.

Finally it was time for Billy Talent to rock the packed house. The first third came around filled with classic tracks while the new songs had to wait until they had their time. "Afraid of Heights" was my favorite they played on the show along with a clear statement on the meaning at the beginning. The show was wrapped in a nice stage setup that included a monsterous backdrop of the album artwork that was filled with lights and also had a second floor were the musicians placed themselves later in the set.

Billy Talent in his typical pose captured live in Lingen 2016, Photo (c) by Jan Starcke, used with kind permission

My personal favorite was "Ghost ship of cannibal rats" a razor sharp number with the typical punk attitude in it. As for me it's a highly symbolical way of saying how today's society looks like. The band showed some heart and decided to give one euro of each sold ticket on this event to a social organisation for people in need. It shows that the band has not forgotten where they are coming from. The audience was wild on the show and it's not often that you can spot moshpits and pogo in cities like Lingen. Billy Talent returned after the set for some additional tracks and left a happy crowd in the thought that this was the first real proper heavy music event to grace the Emslandarena in Lingen. Thanks for the great show and the fine memories to all the bands that played on this evening!