Demo Single Review: A Light Within - Terraform (Post Rock, 2022)

I think the new A Light Within demo single is going to surprise people who followed the band this far. The new material the band is currently working on will be released piece by piece as singles marked as "demos".

A Light Within open a new chapter with a demo single release.

Don't let this fool you. The quality is top notch there is nothing sounding bad or not outworked in this.

As I listened to the first installment called "Terraform" things overwhelmed me. A Light Within were well known to me for sticking to subtle and fine-tuned Post Rock sounds. 

This new material comes around with brighter sound. It slightly blasts the ears with full sound tonality from the very start. I like the way the drums are presented this time. They are coming more to the point and sound thicker than before without destroying the structures.

But don't worry, the new noise isn't all just about change. It's also keeping tradition. It still has these vibe that incites your imagination. Sometimes it's a bit ghostly, other times it's a bit spacy. Other moments I had to think of space travel and maybe this is how things sound when you explore outer space.

Make sure to close your eyes once in a while and let your mind drift away. A Light Within have created sounds that help you to go to places unknown. 

The vocals come further to the front and take more space and volume than ever before. Same goes for the melodies. They prefer to travel through the whole track duration. At the same time things morph and change so in the end there's change. 

All in all it has become a more direct and content filled soundscape. Make sure to take a listen.

As a alternative you can also listen to "Terraform" on Spotify and maybe recommend it to your friends.

Follow the band's journey on socials such as Instagram or Twitter so you won't miss the next single releases.

KKs Priest calls us to keep music alive and kicking

In these times we're living in it's quite easy to give up. So much seems to be lost and down. So I'm glad to see and hear that KKs Priest gives us a call not to let it all go to waste what we all love and believe in so much. 

The title track of the upcoming album has already been revealed.

"Stick further to the music and keep the flame burning" this video talks to me. 

Musically this track stems from all the classic material we all know but holds the power and pressure tight 'til the last second. The vocals Ripper Owens performs feel very concentrated and to the point without going on one's nerves with too many high notes. The more classic sort of production without overload on noise adds to the positive feedback the title track calls in me. 

The release of the Sermons Of The Sinner album via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records will come on August 20. Fans are able to pre-order the debut album in various configurations including an exclusive limited edition autographed Metal Vinyl (Silver Disc) with bonus CD Album, via the band’s online store here: https://found.ee/KKsPriest. The album can be pre-saved via all global digital streaming partners as well. 

 

With Downing on guitar, KK’s PRIEST also features ex-Judas Priest member Tim “Ripper” Owens on vocals, who fronted the band for eight years and recorded two studio albums, Jugulator, featuring the GRAMMY® nominated track “Bullet Train,” and Demolition, plus two live albums. 

 

They are joined by Tony Newton (Voodoo Six) on bass, A.J. Mills (Hostile) on guitar and Sean Elg (DeathRiders/Cage) on drums. Original drummer, Les Binks, unfortunately sustained a wrist injury, but will make special guest live appearances when the band tours. 

 

KK’S PRIEST is set to tour worldwide as soon as current restrictions are lifted. Details of touring to be announced. 

 

Connect with KK’S PRIEST via… 

Website - www.kkspriest.com 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/KKsPriest

Single Review: All Depraved - Makes me blind and insecure (Thrash, 2021)

This band coming from the Austrian Alps (Kärnten) kicks it out straight forward taking no prisoners. 

Bandpicture of the band All Depraved, Photo Credit: Tom of All Depraved.

Sometimes when you get sends like this one it's hard to know what to expect. But this time a positive surprise came out of the bag. This gem which is yet to be released on May 2th 2021 features a frame of constant pushing drums provided by guest drummer Adrian Erlandsson (At The Gates, The Haunted). 

The air is filled with classic razor sharp thrash riffs that cut straight and direct. At the same time they feel slightly layered at some points which gives it it fuller sound structure. 

The vocals go a slightly growling way. Happily they don't go too deep so they are understandable. That's a big pro in my ears because it gives the refrain a hugh push and together with all the backing vocals it builds up to be a ear catcher. 

The whole song takes a turn when it changes to the solo section. I love those midtempo changes, it gives a new view on the main riff of the track and a chance for all those who love to headbang like a propeller.

This track works fine as a introduction. It also leaves me asking how the other songs the band is working on may sound like. "Makes me blind and insecure" will be released on all streaming plattforms on May 2nd 2021. 

Be sure to connect to the band on Facebook and YouTube to get a reminder of the single release. 

A full album is about to follow sometime in 2021, too.

Plastic Barricades make your worries visible

Have you ever thought how worries and anxiety would look like if you could make them visible?

The cover of Plastic Barricades Tunnel is as creative as the meaning behind the song.

Well, the alt-rock band Plastic Barricade picked a digital microscope. What they filmed in this session could be just that. A creative look upon something common we all share.

Musically it is a uplifting number. It has easier parts in the verses that feel great. The refrain comes in packed with more goodies playing around with guitar sounds. I like the mixture along with the vocals - it has a distracting effect upon my own worries.

The message behind the track is a shout out to all those being in trouble:

Sometimes it feels like life is this winding road with plenty of tunnels. You go in, it is dark and uneasy, and pretty soon you start wondering how long this tunnel is. Visibility is reduced, you cannot increase your speed or turn back. It starts to feel claustrophobic. Your thoughts are amplified, loudly reverberating in your head.

All you can do is keep reminding yourself that no tunnel lasts forever and you will make it out of this one, like all the previous ones you've been to - and you will see sunlight again!

Lookout for more from the alt-rock duo. The full album "Self-Theories" is set for release in autumn.

Plastic Barricades on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4XMzKbdDQLpa36cYrISsO7?si=rvG0Hj_qSY-wfr5WHC1kZg 

Plastic Barricades Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/plasticbarricades/

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.

CD Review: Reternity - Demo 2018 (Metal, 2018)

Big refrains that invite to scream along to at the first listen already. Direct riffs and extended solos - all this can be found on Reternity's first two track offer.

The coverartwork was created by T. Bernhardt

It's not so often that demos come to knock on my door. In fact this one was created by people that readers of this blog may have heard of already. The vocals were done by Stefan Zoerner who left SpiteFuel earlier this year. On his side his longtime companion bass guitar player Finn Janetzky who was also active in Strangelet and SpiteFuel. Plus the addition of Carsten Sauter on guitars and Carmine Jaucci on the drums round out the new band.

So what's on the disc? "Down.Not.Broken" comes out straight as a compact riffrocker with it's bold opening section and the bass going all on it. I can already see the hands going up in the concerts to this. The refrain is formed as a fighting outcall pushing through a longer set of text lines saying that rumors may see you all at the end while in fact you're just a bit tired and going through a time of rebuilding. That's at least how it feels for me without having read the lyrics.

The second tune "Suicide Butterflies" goes in a similar way with a short intro. Afterwards it explodes into a even more direct and uptempo song. It feels like a rush of feelings was in need of finding redemption. This time the refrain is bigger and sung of a huge chorus. It sticks in my mind. I'm sure readers of this blog will love this number, too. The guitars take a bigger and rougher place in here with it's extended solo sections. The overall structure is slightly complexer and outworked compared to Down.Not.Broken.

The two track disc will be up for purchase via MDD Records soon. Back in the day demos were also sold so I think it's allright to ask for a somthing in return. The sound is solid. Just listen to the snippets in the trailer.

Finally taking a look at Reternity's Facebook page and Instagram account work perfect to keep a eye on future updates and to be notified when the demo single is up for purchase.

Single Review: LeatherJacks - Spells and zombies through the night (2018)

If you need music that grab's you directly at heart take this fresh single from brasilian rockers LeatherJacks to bring in a dose of energy that lift's you up.

The cover of LeatherJacks single release "Spells and zombies through the night", (c) by LeatherJacks, used with kind permission

Summary
This band is lead by Mauro Cordeiro. His outstanding and always changing vocal performance along with a good potion of riffs creates this special atmosphere being present in the music of LeatherJacks. Having put together a full album and one more single this new piece of music was expected eagerly by me. How would the music evolve further?

It remained the same as it goes for the main attempt at it's core being full blown rock music. But it comes infused with modern techniques in songwriting at least when it comes to the first number "Spells and zombies through the night". This time around the vocals go all on it throughout the whole track duration. The refrain is integrated into the overall sound structures. You can think of this as a feeling being created out of one piece.

The voice shouts it out more agressively in the verses but keeps it softer when it's time for the refrain. Guitarwise this one nails it down with heavier riffs compared to the slightly older material available so far. The drums follow this idea with's it attacking double-bass pattern. The refrain parts are kept longer and more extensive something not be found too often in rock and metal music.

Next to go is the track "Persona non grata". This nearly five minute long song fires way around with a easier mix of riff and drumming. It's way more melodic and catchy. The refrain stands out with it's extra punch it provides towards the end. It's for sure a track you'll remember once heard and will want to enjoy times again. Happily it's part of this single package release already.

Purchase-Link and Preview-Track
Currently the single is up for purchase at iTunes and Amazon.

Paying a little for this helps the band to record more music for you in the near future. So in the end spending some bucks is a investment into your own music world - it rewards you like a plant. Once you care for it it may pay you back with lot's of joy with more flowers that it spreads. Check out the title track below to get a quick taste of the band's sound.

Connect with LeatherJacks
Keep a eye on LeatherJacks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Metal Singles & Dating Community Bound By Metal opens it's doors

Do you often feel lonely and left behind on your own with all the stuff life provides? A new love is like a new life they say. Sure it's not sunshine all the way when you have someone by your side (I spoke about the darker sides in the previous post) but going all alone in solo mode surely can also negative effects with it. We all need a bit of uplifting at times I think.

But where to find your significant other? The internet has become a big place to look and find. The Metalmusic plattform Bound By Metal shows a heart for singles and has opened up a free and open Single and Dating platform to show yourselves and your likes in metal music.

A look at the Bound By Metal website

It has been proven that new partners often speak about music in the first time while they
get to know each other. So this could be your chance! Visit www.boundbymetal.com to sign up and start getting to know other Metal maniacs. Over 1000 people have already joined the community.

The use of this service is free of charge and will remain this way. In addition to that
you'll take part in a raffle automatically with joining the site. The prices are given away
in waves each time a new total number of members is reached. So make sure to notify others of this great new opportunity to find your loved one's and unlock the next raffle stage quicker together.

P.S. The Bound by Metal portal also supports nearly all the Metal bands out there and introduces them with full discography and videos. One more reason to join forces with them.

Moscow shares thoughts on the inner voice

Always listen to your inner voice! That's what Russian Rock Goddess Moscow tries to express with her song and video for the track "Queen of Sin". I like that raw screamed refrain. It cuts this part of the song out of the softer context of the rest of the music. Additonally there are some spoken distorted pieces in there, too. That add's even more to the special feeling this single represents in my ears.


Underneath the rocking attitude the track holds a strong message in it's lyrics which I think is well worth taking a moment to think about...

When asked about the meaning behind “Queen of Sin”, Moscow said: “The 'Queen of Sin' idea was originally based on the philosophy of Nietzsche, which basically says that you are your own god and your own devil, you are in charge of your morals, to decide what's good and what's bad. Listen to your own Queen of Sin, which we all have deep inside.”

Check out more of Moscow by following her on the social accounts hosted at Twitter and Instagram.or go directly to iTunes to purchase the EP of the same name.

Night Idea blends together complex and catchy prog music elements

How can progressive music evolve further on? On the heavier side of music it is a genre that is often used to bring in new elements to a existing sound. But how can elements of indie add content to a progressive rock act?

I think Night Idea, a band based out of Richmond, VA gives a nice idea how such a thing can work out. Their sound is multi-layered yet it is not too complicated. They set a focus on details when it comes to building songs and this fresh insight into their upcoming record "Breathing Cold" shows that is indeed possible to maintain a constant rhythm and song structure while adding little progressive elements all the way through the song which make the track a exciting listening experience.

Night Ideas second full length album "Breathing Cold" will be released March 25th on JuJu Records. Speaking about the upcoming record the band reveals that it comes with some sort of concept. Built around loose themes, Breathing Cold slowly descends into madness as it unfolds. The album starts very happy-go-lucky and bright, and then in the second half it takes a dark turn.

By the end of the record, the band have traversed through some really dark passages, and the listener is left somewhere completely different from the beginning. It’s a journey intended to be heard in full, a transformative experience for the listener and band alike. Lyrically, Carter Burton (guitar/vocals) has inspiration from all over the place. There isn’t a concrete theme to the lyrics, each song is a separate story. Some songs are about day to day experiences, some of it is existential.

The band Night Idea, (c) by Joey Wharton, used with kind permission

The band has some shows coming up, here's a list of the dates:

3/25: Richmond, VA @ The Broadberry
4/05: Greensboro, NC @ Revolution Cycles
4/06: Savannah, GA @ The Erasery
4/07: Raleigh, NC @ The Pour House
4/08: Wilmington, NC @ Reggies
4/09: Atlanta, GA @ 529
4/14: Larami, WY @ University of Wyoming
4/20: Brooklyn, NY @ Sunny Vale
4/21: Beacon, NY @ Quinns Beacon
4/22: Providence, RI @ Aurora Providnce
4/23: Mystic, CT @ The German Mystic Club
4/28: Harrisonburg, VA @ The Golden Pony
4/30: Dublin, VA @ Progress Festival

Make sure to keep a eye upon the band through their sites on places such as Facebook, Bandcamp or Instagram.

Fins a Luminous share haunting Double A side single

This brand new digital single released by UK based band Fins A Luminous shows that you can also work with fine electronic elements to create a deep and intense atmosphere. I think it's the idea that stands behind the music and how detailed it's worked out that decides if it touches the listener.

The cover of the Double A side single, (c) by Fins A Luminous, used with kind permission

This said the single starts out rather soft and silent with "Setting Souls". The song is styled in a minimalistic way but once you let it sink in you'll discover what this simpleness will do for you. It's this easy toned style that helps to concentrate on the music itself. This track that will take you away from your everyday life and lead over to a more relaxed state of mind. Enjoy some refreshing of your soul while listening to it.

The second number "Funeral Shake" gives things a more raw and powerfull tonality featuring elements of drone and shoegaze in it. While it still creates landscapes of imaginations through the music it definitely goes a bit deeper and works with various sound layers to create it's atmosphere. The lyrics are inspired by the Twin Peaks series.

If you enjoy what you hear don't hesitate to go to Bandcamp and pick a copy of this release. While the band has been so kind to give it away for free please consider giving at least a few bucks back on a donation basis to help them creating more atmospheric and refreshing tunes for you.

Follow the band through their social accounts on Facebook or Twitter to stay up to date about all the upcoming works of Fins A Luminous. You can also visit Soundcloud for more tunes of the band.