Cassidy Paris encourages to pick up a guitar instead of a phone

In these times we all see so many people running around and caring hardly about anything else than the smartphone. Australian rocker Cassidy Paris uses her time to write and release music that comes with a message.

The cover of the upcoming new Cassidy Paris album "Bittersweet".

The newest one listens to "Getting Better" and comes partly with sections that only let's Cassidy's voice stand for herself. Afterwards harder parts come into play that let the track run up and down like a roller coaster. Guitars wind through the music like a snake while the drums follow in these pattern.The same goes for her voice that moves and changes as the music moves further. Sometimes spoken passages come in while other times she just blows it out.  

The message she points out is clear:"‘Getting Better’ is the missing puzzle piece to ‘Stronger’. Together they tell an important story about overcoming difficult situations and not tolerating degrading and hurtful behaviour. You are strong and you are powerful. You are deserving of where you are, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It is vital to me that people know my story and the truth. Through these songs, I am able to deliver that”.  

Besides a new full album called "Bittersweet" that is about to come out on November 21, 2025 Cassidy Paris is also very active at Metalheads Against Bullying. She regularly performs in schools around Melbourne, using her platform to inspire resilience and authenticity in young fans. If you'd like to support her music you can pre-order the new record at https://ffm.to/cassidyparis_bittersweet Make also sure to follow the next steps her website or a service like Instagram.    

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.

CD Review: Neocracy - Who To Blame? (Rock, 2024)

This band had a huge surprise in it's bag at the time they came around with the first full album. It took a long time until the new record "Who to blame?" could be finalized but it was worth the wait.

Neocracy teased this album with the highly addictive single and video for the track "Torment". Once heard it was nearly impossible to let the refrain go out of my mind. It kept in rotation for a long time. 

The cover of Neocracy's second album "Who to blame?"  

Now that the second longplayer had it's time I can say that the band once again had a lot to say. The fragileness of the first album release is still there. While the band often lays down a rocking performance it's the vocals of Fraziska Stolze that add a layer of deep emotions to each track. But there's far more in there. The guitar riffs come from various sources, from rocking to metal-classic. Sometimes they come to the front of the sound but often they also stick to the background.

So what's new in the new album? It's the vocal contribution of bassist Tim Pannek. He added on nearly half of the tracks his growling organ which put's a good contrast to the female voice. It's feeling like light and darkness when you hear the new songs. 

Maybe it's a bit unusual at first listen but with every round you'll become more familar and will enjoy the album on a deeper level. I've done so on three to four completed run downs of "Who to blame?" and have never regret to spent a moment at all.

The drums have become heavier, too. They sound like pushed to the maximum but never become boring. There's a good balance in them so they don't ruin the sound.

"Who to blame?" comes with fine production. It's not feeling overloaded. Instead it centers on leaving room for atmosphere and so the album breathes and lives - something I'm very happy about.

I'll give a strong recommendation out on this one. If you don't listen and buy this gem you'll miss out one of the finest releases in recent months. Ask the band via Facebook or Instagram messages for the physical edition - I'm sure you'll want to be able to hold the CD in your own hands also the download is fairly priced at 8 Euro on Bandcamp. 

Submit your Record Store to the worldwide BraveWords Record Store list

Have you ever had the experience of walking into a record store? Posters all over the walls. Music blaring. Racks of vinyl and CDs. You are on the hunt for a new release or looking for that lost treasure. 

There is always something new or strange to discover. Taking vinyl albums, Compact Discs, Music Cassettes, VHS tapes or DVD's into your own hands gives a first look and feel for a release. It's very different compared to looking music up online. Just turn around a actual record and you know what I'm talking about. Share the experience with a friend and you can start talking about releases quickly.

Often there is a chance of having a listen to new releases through headphones directly at the store and if you purchase something free magazines or other goodies maybe added by the shopkeeper.   

Record stores are a rare breed these days. BraveWords.com wants to help fans around the worldwide find record stores. 

Keep the spirit of Record Stores alive by submitting them to the Record Store list.

Do you own or work at a record store that sells rock and metal albums? BraveWords.com is assembling a list of record stores around the world for fans to use. They will put this list online for all fans.

Note: Only store name, address and URL will posted. Phone number, email address and contact name will not be shared online.

To take part, find the BraveWords Record Store Submission Form here:     

https://forms.gle/Gnm3JkxCAR9bgx4J7

Please take the chance to help Record Stores survive in these hard times.

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.

Album Review: Neocracy - Pure Organic (Emotional Rock, 2022)

The songs on the debut album of Neocracy speak of intensive feelings experienced in life.

The cover already says that something with feelings waits inside.

Besides the rough sound shell shines a face twisted in two parts. The female voice talks in a finetuned and fragile way about life while the growls may picture the darker depths and sides of our existence. 

The same duality can be found in the instrumental colors. There are soft guitars to be heard all put at the proper moments. But the heavyness kicks always in at moments things may get to monotone. Sometimes percussion elements like on "Shallow Hearts" bring some change. 

There are always moments when a surprise comes in. Listen to "Fate" and the clear part towards the end will surely raise your attention bar.

The guitars loop on the last moments - not to be heard that often. If you check out "Respect" closer the keyboards towards the end jumping through the music also add some extra taste to the already great meal.

My favorite is still "Sleep Awake" for it's very catchy way of building up and breaking down and the feelings shining so pure inside of the vocals. But the whole spectrum of feelings comes out throughout the duration of the album so please don't judge them for only this particular track.

The sound on the disc is very self produced. This comes with a good and a bad side. It holds the magic of the moment and prevents the rough and direct emotions from being taken away. But sometimes a bit more flat sounds would have made it a bit more comfortable to enjoy.

Anyway, it's still well worth to listen and purchase especially if you look for something going under your skin.

Contact the band on Bandcamp and Facebook if you want buy a copy of the album.

EP Review: Wax Mekanix / Troll Teeth - Blunt Split EP (Rock, Exmerimentation 2021)

I like thie music direction that the songs spread that Wax Mekanix contributes to this digital only release.

The songs sound fresh. The music denies to be pressed into a single folder. Instead it always changes into the directions that fits to the mood of the moment.

This EP features songs "In Stereo" as the sign promises.

Already the opener "Head" will please all Rock fans out there that are open-minded. It rocks without any fears or negativity on the mind straight away. It's unusual refrain and message will stick in many heads for a long time. It even invites to dance to it in a typical rock club. The never ending lyrics give it a feeling of a wire that winds into the endless.

The second contribution "Manchester Strawberry Blonde" feels more like a intermission. It's more of vocals mixed up with a drum pattern. The voice sounds out of a total different direction and some female voice breaks in at the beginning. Finally it fades with the tonality of the beginning. Not my favorite but for sure a nice experiment.

My favorite after some re-listening sessions turned out to be "Freak Boutique". The hacked way the riff goes and stops always jumps into my ears. It invites to listen closer and just let yourselves join the good vibes this one spreads. Good rocking stuff with unusual structure that just makes me even more curious on what Wax Mekanix hopefully has to offer in the future. 

The songs that Troll Teeth recorded for this Split EP are of a total different direction. They belong to the total epic exerimentation field and didn't found my sympathy. I disliked all the high tonality and the raw and edgy sounds they present to the listener but it's for sure a highlight to those seeking something out of the ordinary music catalog.

The EP is available as a download for 5 USD on the Bandcamp page of Electric Talon Records.

Album Review: Wax Mekanix - Mobocracy (Rock, 2020)

Intensive from start to finish with many, many parts put inside. A well crafted sound collection not to be found that often out there.

Which record would you expect looking at the cover?

Wax Mekanix is an American musician, songwriter, performer, producer, and founding member of NWOBHM cult rockers Nitro. (Not to be confused with the Hollywood band).

In recent times he put out a brand new record. He can be heard on "Mobocracy" performing Lead and Backing vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Drums and Percussion.

The result surprised me least to say. It's a fully rocking release showing that music needs to be anything but one-sided. A breathe of fresh air went through my ears as I listened to this. It has more in mind with modern Rock sound. So many ideas have been put inside - all you need to be is a bit of opened minded to enjoy this.

Track by Track

Blood in my eyes starts the release with a rough rocker and has a wide calling refrain. It's a little bit rock radio compatible.

Victorious - goes in the easiest of the songs,rocks away, straight and surely a fest for fans of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Many repeats of the chorus towards the end - this may be a bit boring at times.

All Freaks rocks it out a more hacked way. The ripped riffs crawl out of the speakers, many guitar effects and experimentation but straight all in all.

Mad World comes with compressed guitars, different song structures than before, and a dizzy atmosphere. It needs closer listening, brightest sound so far.

Ghostland is a darker themed tune,much detail work on vox and guitars,sounds like one voice broken and burst into many different ones

Black unfolds as a acoustic ballad,deeply touching,tells a great tale of all the lifes grey zones,voice transport so much of it's content,guitar drums-great!

All in all it's anything but a casual record. It's not too long in duration but the content provided is so intensive that running it a second time and even more reveals more and more of the many details worked in. 

This surely has taken it's time and effort to put together so it's well worth a purchase in one of the many packages with fine merchandise attached to the music (also the tracks are available as download alone) on Bandcamp.

The artwork stands out. The unsharp optic and the use of red color at the front may seem strange at first sight but it packages the unusual music performance of the record well.  

The lyrics have been detailfully taken care of. I think I've not read so dedicated and own worded texts in a long time. 

You can connect to Wax Mekanix on Facebook and Twitter Network to see how things move on.

EP Review: Another Day Dawns - Stranger (Rock, 2019)

Does really just Another Day Dawn? I think every given day is something special and should be treated like this. Anyway this five song EP goes in very straight with solid Rock music.

The cover sleeve is a bit different from the usual packaging that such records come with.

Also the overall tone is set to straight and easy listening it's not a lightweight pack of music. There's room for heavyness and in some parts detail-work shines through like multi-layered vocals or outworked guitar solo arrangements.

The production is set on big foot with stomping bold guitars. Unusual feelings come up through the heavy punch of the snare. I think this prevents the tracks of the "Stranger" record to be just commercial tunes for standard Rock Radio rotation.

All tracks are held in a compact duration format. You won't get bored with long songs that never end. The band kept the focus on the short and good saying in my ears.

The only downside of this is that no fresh ideas are thrown in. It's all solid and fine worked music but it misses the Aha-effect you may want to hear. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing bad in here - it's just that it feels like already been heard before.

Just the last one "Forget Me Not" gives a idea that the band may be in a more experimenting status right now. The effects come in more often. Let's see how the band evolves in future. Check the band's Facebook to see what happens next.

If you're after some solid Rock tunes with slightly heavy production this EP is for you. Just taste a little here and you'll quickyl get the idea if it's for you. The record is available directly from the band's own webshop.

Livestream Calendar opens it's doors

Currently the only way to have liveshows for musicians goes over the route of the World Wide Web. In the course of the recent days I got some info for upcoming shows I'd like to hand further to you.

Most of the performances are offered for free. If you can somehow support the musicians and / or organizers please do so with handing some bucks through the donation channels mentioned on the event pages.

Upcoming shows

17.7.2020 22h CEST Victoria K. (Symphonic Metal), free
https://www.twitch.t0v/rockshotsrecords

18.07.2020 Bang your head Open Air Online Special. Start time 16h CEST, free
Music clips, full shows, talks, behind the scene material from past years and more.
www.youtube.com/user/byhfestival

18.07.2020 Dance Gavin Dance (Post Hardcore), paid
https://www.dancegavindance.live/

18.07.2020 18:30-23:30 GMT Wolf Jaw, Hollowstar, Black Tree Vultures and False Hearts (Rock), £12.50 per Ticket
Live-Performances and Interviews and interactive Q&A sessions. The event will be hosted by Pete K Mally and Natalie Asteria.
https://www.wegottickets.com/event/502115

If you have info on upcoming shows please don't hesitate and send them my way. 

You may also leave a comment below or send stuff with a message through the Facebook page for the Heavy Metal Underdogs blog.

Past shows

Jupiter Hollow (Prog Metal), free
29.06.2020 (8:00 pm - EST)
30.06.2020 (8:00 pm - EST)
01.07.2020 (6:00 pm - EST)*
02.07.2020 (8:00 pm - EST)
* (Show on Canada Day will only be 50-60 mins)
Facebook.com/JupiterHollowOfficial 
IInstagram.com/jupiterhollow_

Candlemass (Doom Metal), paid
03.07.2020 20-22h CEST
https://blackbox.solidtango.com/live/candelmass-live-from-studio-grondahl?utm_source=Press+News&utm_campaign=1cb52f86ef-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_05_24_09_58_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7e4e555b47-1cb52f86ef-26346391

Monte Luna (Doom), free
July 3rd at 6:30 pm PDT
https://youtu.be/F404rOYGJ_A

03. & 04.07.2020 Lost Horizon - Festival, free
feat. Tallah (Nu Core Metallers with Max Portnoy on drums)
https://www.losthorizonfestival.com

The logo of the Lost Hoizon Festival

04.07.2020 Anvil (Thrash), paid
The event will begin at the following times: Saturday, July 4th at 5pm (EST), 10pm (UK), 11pm (CET) and Sunday, July 5th for 6am (JAP), 7am (AUS).
https://thepointofsale.com/tickets/d7p200704001

Until July 14th there's a chance to see the show (again) if you missed it out or want to watch it a second time (it's still a paid stream).
https://thepointofsale.com/tickets/abs200707001

04.07.2020 Space Of Variations (Modern Metal),
8:00pm Kyiv time/7:00pm CET, free
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAcsDTlPlUZmBBcdpqRRMCA

09.07.2020 Jinjer (Modern Metal), concert recording, free
www.knotfest.com

10.07.2020 Trivium (Modern Metal), paid, 20h CET
http://live.trivium.org

11.07.2020 Leatherjacks (Rock), free 06:00-09:00 UTC-03
https://www.indiestarradio.com/

11.07.2020 Magistarium (Power Metal), free, 20h CET
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyBR46IB-zQ

EP Review: Phil Stiles - The Anchorite (Electronic Ambient Rock, 2020)

Some may think that electronics and effects are not for people like me. But I like the atmospheric elements these stuff can add to the music. The new output of Phil Stiles is a good example for how good these pieces of music can fly through the notes of (partly) heavier music.

Cover Photo by Phil Stiles, Layout and Design Jola Stiles.

"The Anchorite" feels like a dark and atmospheric soundtrack to a dystopian reality. Throughout most of the duration of this EP tasty guitar compositions can be heard. They easily find it's way into my ears and let me drift apart into a isolated society. This is simply good music that touches the soul.

It's the simpleness of the songs that grab's me. In contrast to many of today's bands Phil Stiles concentrated on the main theme of the song and works it out throughout each track's duration. It feels as if each song evolves over time.

Sadly the start is a bit complex. "A Nation's Trust" is a rough and hard to grab song. I recommend starting with the first single "A Slide Into Depravity". It has a bit more of sound thickness inside that enriches the music's message.

Same goes for the excellent "Antipathy" - a riff hacking ride backed by a electronic drum pattern. Great - finally someone dares to go a fresh and different way these days by using the snare a unusual way.

Cold elements also find it's way through the mentioned effects and electronic gimmicks into the four tunes plus the intro of the offering. They point to a society being in chaos. "Critical thinking" perfectly matches that in music form. With it's nearly robotic rhythm pattern topped with riff arrangements floating through the song it gives this "Lost World" flair to me.

Make sure to get the limited tape from Bandcamp. It has a impressive bonus track that's more intensive than the previous five numbers. This song goes beneath the skin more than ever before and is not available for streaming. The silver sparkle cassette tape only costs few more than the download of the song package.

Finally keep in touch with Phil Stiles through Facebook or Twitter or have a look on the homepage from time to time.

Album Review: Leatherjacks - Extremly Dangerous (Rock, 2020)

The new record is by far better than the previous effort "The Lost Arks of Rock 'N Roll". What has changed so much?

The coverart invites to think about it's meaing, It was done by bandhead Mauro Cordeiro.

Sound
First of all it's the sound and production. It comes around much more clearer and sharper. This adds a lot to the pleasure of listening. All instruments rush loud and clear through my speakers. The vocals are set a bit louder on the overall mixing, that's something some people may not like that much.

Songstructures
The next point are the far more easy soundstructures. In times of complexity and overload we're living in it's a pleasure to relax and rock out to something straight from the first listen. It helps to breathe fresh air into my soul. In many parts the straight material on the record feels like classic Rock tunes but with a far more finetuned level when it comes to playing the songs on guitars.

Also at times you may first think that some tracks like the title track "Extremly Dangerous" may be held in a way too simple style but beware. I had a look upon the preview video to the album on the Leatherjacks Facebook page and it revealed that a lot of skill is needed to fullfill the guitar parts used on this tune.

Fun-Factor
All tracks come with great hooklines and fine outworked melodies as well as decent placed riffs in them. The music never get's to one-dimensional or monotone, they it always moves onwards.

The songs never get boring but there is always this itch of wanting to listen to one more song. Not many records have this on board. I think this stems of the pleasure the artist is able to transport through the music over to the reviewer and hopefull you, too.

Purchase and Contact Link
Finally please support the brasilian band with a purchase. Artists are faced with many costs they need to pay in advance of album releases. It's not easy at all to get that money together. In the end your money can help a artist to be able to release new tunes that in the end give you fresh joy. I think it's more important than ever before in these uncertain times.

"Extremly Dangerous" is set for release on 10th April 2020. Proper information on how to pick up a copy will be spread the coming days on the official Leatherjacks Facebook page. 

Here are some snippets out of the new release.

Redwolves show positive apects of life in dark times

Besides the great melodies it's the lyrics in the music that always keep me coming back. If you take a closer look upon them you'll often spot thoughts and situations you've been in. It helps to know you're not alone. 

Sometimes there's advice on how to move on and this particular one of heavy psych rockers Redwolves from Denmark keeps rotating on my mind. Their record "Future becomes past" talks about the times of being down in life and what to make of it.

The band says: Even though many of the songs origin from this depressive state, one still senses a path towards the light in the music, and it is this adamant hope that the record will remind you of. As the good sides of life can put depression, hopelessness and contingency into perspective, the negation of life can also put perspective on joy and light: “Especially because we all will perish soon, we must insist on living, partying, loving and not to be conquered by darkness, hate and destruction.” The band explains. “And thus, we must necessarily seek to journey out of the dark again.”



The music the band offers has it's own tonality. It's hard to define but it comes around as if they've put together a own soundscape of dedicated guitar-playing to transport their message. Step by step you'll unfold what's inside so listening once more sheds a new light on the sounds heard already before.

After all keep in touch with Redwolves. The website offers all the info on just one site. It's recommended for a quick overview. Facebook helps to keep constantly updated on what's going on further.

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: Mikey Cunningham & The Aftermath - Massive head wound (Instrumental Metal, 2016)

This record shows how much you can dive deeply into the world of instrumental rock sometimes slightly mixed with power and progressive elements.

The cover of "Massive head wound", (c) by Mikey Cunningham & The Aftermath, used with kind permission

Summary
The album let's the screaming six strings speak out loud and clearly to the listener. On most of the arrangements the start goes in straight forward with compact riffing and drums that power up the rocking message. Afterwards it's time to show some solo's and a lot of guitar technique's. It comes around a bit like in those days when Jimi Hendrix was alive and put out a new record. The world was stunned to hear what he was able to make of his instrument.

Something similar remains in my mind having listened to this disc. I like that these elements still add to the song as a whole so it's not only a presentation of solo's. The only downside is that nearly all the songs are build like this so after some time some feeling of repeat comes in. But this is the way it is - I think it's already hard enough to get something like this done at all. Please remember that instrumental artists cannot rely upon standard song structures so the pure sound is all they can offer. Sometimes I had to think of Jazz songs listening to the tunes of "Massive head wound" but this can be seen as a plus as I enjoy listening to that genre from time to time, too.

The fine sound of the production made me feel comfortable and added a lot to the listening pleasure. The guitars are sharp but not to hard so they remain enjoyable. Drums are lound and clear most of all the snare set's a mark. It's a pleasure  to hear the band feels as one so it's not guitars all the way with nothing behind it. Surely a strong band backing a cool guitar performance. Don't miss this one out instrumental heads out there.

Purchase- and Preview-Link
You can pick up the album as download through the widget on the band homepage. It costs 9,99 Dollar and you can pay with Paypal. Here we have the track "Creepy Halloween Cat" for you to check out.

Contact Data
Follow the instrumental band on Facebook for show updates etc.

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  

Christmas Gift: Are you ready to rock Vol. 3 sampler

Merry Christmas to each and everybody out there!

There are many bands I was able to write about in 2017. But as always time is short so it's not possible to have a post about all the great bands out there. 

Happily ONLINE METAL PROMO (United States), BREATH FRESHER webzine (Japan) and MARIC MEDIA (Australia) have joined forces to offer a free online digital download promotional music compilation titled "Hello Tokyo...OMP, Are You Ready To Rock?" featuring 53 songs from some of the hottest established and rising rock / metal bands from the United States and Australia.

The front cover for the free online download compilation "Are you ready to rock Vol. 3"

This package is a good and easy way to discover some of the new band's for yourselves. Here is a list of the band's that are featured:

ARTERIES - Australia
AZRAEL'S BANE - United States
BLASTED TO STATIC - Australia / United States
BURN RIVER BURN - United States
CAGE - United States
CANEDY - United States
COBRA - Australia
CORNERS OF SANCTUARY - United States
CROSSON - Australia
CROWN OF EARTH - United States
DEADSPACE - Australia
DEATH DEALER - United States / Australia
DEVIL ELECTRIC - Australia
DIAMOND LANE - United States
DREADNAUGHT - Australia
ENVENOMED - Australia
ETERNAL VOYAGER - United States
FRANKENBOT - Australia
GODS OF EDEN - Australia
HELD HOSTAGE - United States
HELLEVATE - United States
HELLSCREAM - United States
HEMINA - Australia
IN DEATH - Australia
LOVE N WAR - United States
LUNAR - United States
MALICE - United States
MASQUED - United States
MATREKIS - United States
MEGA COLOSSUS - United States
NIGHT LEGION - Australia
NIVIANE - United States
NUCLEUST - Australia
OUR LAST ENEMY - Australia
PETER GRAIGS - United States
RAVAGE - United States
RIFF RAIDERS - Australia
SALEMS LOTT - United States
SCARS OF GRACE - United States
SCREAMKING - United States
SEVENTH CALLING - United States
SHALLOW GROUND - United States
SILENT KNIGHT - Australia
SPACE VACATION - United States
ST. JAMES - United States
SYNAESCOPE - Australia
THE RODS - United States
THEM - United States / Germany
TO AN END - Australia
TOWER OF BABEL - United States / Europe
TUBEFREEKS - United States
VANLADE - United States
YUGEN - Australia

Download the free songs, compilation artwork and track listing directly at this Dropbox link.

Single Review: Mike Milan Dedic - Escape (Instrumental Rock,2017)

Shred guitarist Mike Milan Dedic presents a brand new track and it's a surprise to the reviewer. I never thought hat he would move on so much further with this release called "Escape".

The cover of Mike Milan Dedic's brand new release "Escape"

Summary
Heaving heard and reviewd his previous EP I was sure that more shred-oriented material would come along with this one. The new single "Escape" that comes as a one track download is a explosion of progress in my ears. It's much more song-oriented, there's more of a earworm feeling at times than on the first release which sounded more of a demonstration of the guitar playing abilities of Mike Milan Dedic. 

To me it's more of a rocking number that split's the dutys. The guitars take a good part of the sound but the backline of drums and bass also has their moments when they are able to shine for themselves.

The track feels much better, fresher  and sounds overall much more moving, diverse and changing throughout it's full duration. There's even time to relax at some  parts. A big step forward!  

Purchase-Link and Track Stream
Make sure to have a listen for yourselves. You can purchase and listen to the track at the same link (CD Baby).
 
Contact Data
Finally make sure to connect with this outstanding guitarist via Facebook to be notified of what's going on in the future.

Everybody Panic! prove that success is possible these days

How is it to be at a gig of a band called Everybody Panic? It looks like it is quite a cool and enjoyable experience for both fans and band alike. The combo has uploaded their self-made live video which was filmed while being on tour with Mushroomhead.

Musically this song reminds me of a classic rock 'n' metal song but pushed up to fit to modern standards. This one goes on more straight forward and that's something that I like. There's also this going over from refrain to the next part without timing change, it just glides directly over to it. This keeps the tension up for me which gives the whole track a pushing tonality. A good way to lift your mood up when you feel down.

The history of Everybody Panic! is a good example that there is hope out there in these hard time.  They are a rock band hailing from Oklahoma City, OK by way of Seattle, WA. A four piece, consisting of Ty (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt) on vocals, Provo (Skinlab/Rikets) on guitars, Tony on bass, and Levi (Anti-mortem) on drums, formed in 2012 and released its first self-produced EP independently in February of 2013. The band supported the release with high profile dates with the likes of Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Deftones, and many others. That release would go on to sell over 3,000 copies through digital retailers.

The logo of the band Everybody Panic, (c) by Everybody Panic, used with kind permission

Through hard work and dedication the band caught the attention of CaviGold Records and entered the famed and haunted Robert Lang Studios in Seattle, WA in March of 2015, to record their follow up, "Attack", which features the highly charged single “No One Gets Out Alive”, mixed by Ulrich Wild (Static-X, Dethklok).

The band is currently at CaviGold Studios in Orange, CA working on new music, videos and more. Tours will be announced soon for spring/summer 2017 so I guess a look upon the band's website from time to time or connecting with them through Reverbnation or Facebook could be a good idea.