All posts by Brianne Dunn

Live Sound Audio Technician in Los Angeles. WordPress Editor for SoundGirls.org. Trained in Music Marketing and Promotions for 14 years. Guitarist, Makeup Artist. Lover of concerts, skateboarding, animals, and the horror genre. Believes in the Oxford comma.

Celtic Metal Vocalist LEAH Reveals Powerful New Track, “Edge of Your Sword”, Featuring Members of Delain, Orphaned Land and Blind Guardian

Symphonic/Celtic vocalist LEAH – described affectionately by her fans as “the metal Enya” – recently announced the release of her upcoming full-length album, The Quest, out Friday, October 5. The album features a stronger Celtic and Fantasy connection in comparison to her previous release, Kings & Queens, as well as prog rock elements and ethereal ambiance, combined with traditional symphonic metal elements. The album is available for pre-order HERE

Today, LEAH is pleased to reveal a new track from The Quest, entitled “Edge of Your Sword“.

Check out the brand new lyric video HERE

LEAH says about the track: “This track was interesting to write… it was inspired by a mood, more than anything else – medieval rock vibes with a bit of spice. I hope those vibes get passed onto the listener! Some of that spice is attributed to Chen Balbus (Orphaned Land) who added the middle eastern saz on the track, which gave it a really cool and unexpected flavour! Also on the track is Barend Courbois (Blind Guardian) playing bass, Timo Somers (Delain) playing rhythm guitars (with an epic solo!), and Sander Zoer (ex-Delain) on Drums and percussion. Oliver Philipps (Everon, Phantasma) added a ton of orchestration which really beefed the whole sound up.

My part in it was composing the song, playing a lot of the keys, harps, synths, arrangements, lyrics, and of course vocals. I was actually scared out of my mind about that high note in the last chorus! I knew I could technically execute it, but was mentally blocked for some time about it. I had to do weird things in the vocal booth to overcome my vocal mental block, such as drawing an arrow pointing down on a piece of paper that I could look at, also using physical gestures when I went to sing it, such as pointing to the ground with my hands. The reason is because when you go to sing a high note, most singers tend to tense up and squeeze their vocal chords up, which make a horrible tone and tense up the voice. So, to overcome that default tendency, I had to convince my brain that I was actually singing lower and it would get easier, not harder. And when that note came out, it actually was a piece of cake! Amazing how the mind works!”

 

Hear a sample of more new music from The Quest HERE

 

LEAH is recognized in the music world for her work with established heavy metal musicians such as Eric Peterson of Testament and Dragonlord, Timo Somers of Delain, Troy Donockly of Nightwish and many others. To date, LEAH has released three albums, Of Earth & Angels [2012], Otherworld [2013], and Kings & Queens [2015], as well as several viral videos. Her latest video features an ethereal cover of “The Dragonborn Comes“, the main theme from the massive video game Skyrim. The video has racked up 5.3 million views on Facebook and nearly 600,000 views on YouTube to date.

As mentioned in her comment above, in addition to LEAH‘s own vocals, keys, and orchestrations on The Quest, the album features an impressive international cast of guest musicians – including Troy Donockley of Nightwish on pipes and flutes, Barend Courbois of Blind Guardian on bass guitar, Timo Somers of Delain on rhythm and lead guitars, Sander Zoer formerly of Delain on drums and percussion and Chen Balbus of Orphaned Land on Middle Eastern Saz and Oud. The album features mixing and mastering from Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Epica, Amaranthe), as well as orchestration, arrangement and production from Oliver Philipps (Everon, Phantasma, Delain).

I am totally delighted to work with the guest musicians on this album. Each and every individual is an expert at what they do, and I only wanted the best for these songs, as we were developing toward a very specific sound, which was a rock/metal album with a Celtic and fantasy twist,” says LEAH. “This album was truly an international effort!

LEAH The Quest album art by Jan Yrlund
The Quest art by Jan Yrlund (Tina Guo, Apocalyptica, Manowar)

The Quest track listing:

1. The Quest
2. Edge of Your Sword
3. Lion Arises
4. Heir
5. Ruins of Illusion
6. Labyrinth
7. Abyss
8. Oblivion (Between Two Worlds)
9. Ghost Upon a Throne
10. The Water Is Wide

 

About LEAH:

LEAH is a fan-described “Celtic vocal goddess” hailing from the coast of British Columbia, Canada, and is inspired by Celtic and world music influences such as Clannad and Enya to European symphonic and progressive metal influences. Her debut self-released album Of Earth & Angels received international critical acclaim, including landing the “The Best Symphonic Metal AlbumMetalstorm Award for 2012. Her 2013 release, Otherworld, is a five-song Celtic-metal masterpiece, mixed by ChristianMoschusMoos at SPACELAB in Germany (Delain, Everon, Imperia) and features the vocals of guitar legend Eric Peterson (Testament/Dragonlord) on the ethereal metal track “Dreamland“. 2014 was very successful year for LEAH as she raised over $27,000 through Indiegogo via her fans to record and produce her heaviest album, Kings & Queens, which was eventually released in early 2015 through Inner Wound Recordings. The album received dozens of four and five-star reviews, and helped her gain thousands of new fans around the world.

Most recently, LEAH raised over $87,000 in 30 days via Indiegogo and her shop to launch The Quest, again released via her own independent record label, Ex Cathedra Records, along with Inner Wound Recordings. Already, The Quest is receiving 5-star reviews and critical acclaim. Her fans have never been more loyal and excited for fantasy-inspired symphonic metal!

LEAH Online:

Website | Facebook | Youtube
Instagram | Twitter

 

Mark Hunter of CHIMAIRA Stars in Upcoming Documentary About Mental Health, “Down Again”

“I have dealt with depression and bipolar for a good part of my life,” says Mark Hunter, vocalist for iconic Cleveland, Ohio-based heavy metal band Chimaira. “It’s probably safe to say that most Chimaira fans understand that the band’s music, lyrics, and live performances were my cathartic outlet.”

On October 10, 2018 – World Mental Health Day – Mark Hunter will share his personal story about utilizing his art to battle personal struggles and bipolar disorder in a heartfelt upcoming documentary, Down Again. The film is directed by Nick Cavalier – also recognized for directing Derek Hess‘ award-winning Forced Perspective documentary – and will be free and available to stream on October 10 at Down Again Film

Read an in-depth interview about Down Again and view clips of the film via Loudwire

Mark Hunter and director Nick Cavalier met on a panel speaking about Mental Health and Creativity monitored by Dr. Patrick Runnels (featured in the documentary) during the Acting Out! festival in Cleveland – a festival put on in 2017 to raise mental health awareness. After hearing his story at the panel, Nick approached Mark to create a short film around his ability to cope with mental illness in the public spotlight through the art. Down Again juxtaposes Chimaira‘s history with Mark‘s life events and lyrics, presenting an intimate timeline through the rise and fall of the band and Mark‘s ability to channel it into art. The film also explores the catharsis created by the act of making music and art and how the end result affects the fans.

“I was a bit apprehensive [to do this documentary] at first,” continues Mark Hunter. “Not because I am unwilling to share my story, but more so because there are thousands of people infinitely more interesting than me. And worse off than me. But in the end, I am thankful to have been a part of this short documentary. It captured an extremely critical moment in time. The rekindling of friendships with my former bandmates was one of the most significant healing moments of my entire life.”

Mark adds, “It’s unfortunate to note the past couple of years have been tough on the music community. We lost a lot of talented people to their struggles with depression. I hope the viewers of our film will take away a story of healing and feel the impact of dealing with mental health issues head-on.”

In addition to interviews with Mark Hunter and those in his life about his mental health, upbringing, and the formation/rise of Chimaira, the documentary also includes high-quality video footage of the band’s 15th Christmas show at the Agora in Cleveland (2017), featuring the band’s original line-up – marking their first performance together after nearly seven years of separation.

Mark Hunter explains, “This is not a story about Chimaira, although fans of the band will be excited to see familiar faces and hear some of their favorite songs. The audience will get a glimpse into my personality and how I use art to better deal with the harder moments of life.”

In addition to direction of photography by Tyler Clark, the film also features a devastating live audio mix by Chimaira guitarist Rob Arnold.

Not only does Down Again explore Mark‘s art via Chimaira, but also his photography – visiting Mark‘s world not only through his figurative lens, but his literal one. He adds, “Since the band ended in 2014, photography has been my passion and a great way to fill my time with positivity.”

Down Again was made possible by a generous donation from The Centers for Family and Children, and marketing support via Hope For The Day.

To learn more, visit the film’s IMDB page here, or www.nickcavalier.com

About Nick Cavalier:

Nick Cavalier is a director of films, commercials, branded content and music videos. A visual and character-focused storyteller, Nick is known for his high production value docu-driven films with poetic hero-centered themes. Nick has been honored with awards and selections at festivals such as SXSW, Palm Springs, and Cleveland International. His work is featured in multiple national publications including New York Times, VICE, Shorts TV, Devour, HYPEBEAST, Alternative Press, Funny Or Die, G4, MTV, Fast Company, Juxtapoz Magazine and many more. In addition to the praise received for Forced Perspective, Nick is lauded for his short film about vinyl record resurgence, Gotta Groove Records.

 

 

The Faim’s Debut EP, “Summer Is A Curse”, Out Today Via BMG

Los Angeles, CA – The Faim’s debut EP, Summer Is A Curse, is out today! The six-track effort was recorded with the iconic John Feldmann (blink-182, Good Charlotte, All Time Low) and features four brand new songs in addition to smash single, “Summer Is A Curse,” and the band’s latest release, “A Million Stars.” The EP also serves as a prelude to the group’s highly-anticipated first full-length album, slated for 2019. During the recording process, the Perth natives teamed up with industry staples including Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy (on “Saints Of The Sinners”), Josh Dun of Twenty One Pilots, Mark Hoppus of blink-182, and Ashton Irwin of 5 Seconds of Summer (on “Summer Is A Curse”).

The Faim - Summer is a Curse EP artwork

Summer Is A Curse showcases the pop-rock/punk outfit’s stadium-ready anthems, infectious hooks, impressive songwriting chops, and frontman Josh Raven’s striking, powerhouse vocals. The record includes a solid blend of pop-punk and indie-pop tunes, and the final product is both explosive and fiery, while being authentic, raw, and emotive at the same time. Listen to the EP on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and other digital retailers.

The Faim have this message to share with their fans:
“To say we’re excited about releasing this EP is an understatement. More than just songs, to us these six tracks are a window into our world. We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of the community around us and welcome you all on this beautiful journey. We’re proud to be able to share our music with you and hope you enjoy listening as much as we’ve enjoyed writing it.”

Summer Is A Curse EP Track Listing:

1. Summer Is A Curse
2. A Million Stars
3. Make Believe
4. I Can Feel You
5. My Heart Needs To Breathe
6. When It Comes

 

Photography by Max Fairclough
The Faim
| Photography:
Max Fairclough

The Faim will head out on tour this month, supporting Against The Current for a run of dates across Europe. The stint launches on Saturday, September 15th in Dublin and hits major cities including London, Amsterdam, and Berlin, before ending in Paris on Thursday, October 11th. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased HERE, with a full list of dates included below.

It has also just been announced that The Faim will soundtrack the brand new Coca-Cola television advertising campaign in the U.K. with their cover of Blondie’s classic hit, “One Way or Another.” Check it out HERE, and the song is also up on Apple Music and Spotify.

 

The Faim Tour Dates w/ Against The Current:

9/15/18 – Dublin, Ireland @ The Academy
9/17/18 – Bristol, U.K. @ SWX
9/18/18 – Southampton, U.K. @ Engine Rooms
9/19/18 – Norwich, U.K. @ Waterfront
9/21/18 – Birmingham, U.K. @ O2 Institute
9/22/18 – Leeds, U.K. @ Stylus
9/23/18 – Manchester, U.K. @ O2 Ritz
9/25/18 – Glasgow, U.K. @ Garage
9/27/18 – Newcastle, U.K. @ Riverside
9/29/18 – London, U.K. @ O2 Forum
10/2/18 – Antwerp, Belgium @ Trix Club
10/3/18 – Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg
10/5/18 – Cologne, Germany @ Kantine
10/6/18 – Berlin, Germany @ Gretchen
10/7/18 – Hamburg, Germany @ Uebel & Gefaehrlich
10/9/18 – Munich, Germany @ Ampere
10/10/18 – Frankfurt, Germany @ Batschkapp
10/11/18 – Paris, France, @ Yoyo

 

 The Faim Online:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

 

The Faim Unveil New Single, “A Million Stars”

LOS ANGELES – Following the release of three massive singles and videos for “Saints Of The Sinners,” “Midland Line,” andSummer Is A Curse,” The Faim have returned with yet another anthemic track, A Million Stars.” The song highlights a more pop-leaning, melodic side of the group and features a vibrant chorus paired with frontman Josh Raven’s striking, powerhouse vocals. Listen HERE, and stream/download “A Million StarsHERE.

More Music Videos from The Faim:

Saints Of The Sinners | Midland Line | Summer Is A Curse

After kicking off 2018 on a strong note with extensive global touring, including selling out their first ever headline show and sharing the stage with Sleeping With Sirens, PVRIS, Lower Than Atlantis, and more, The Faim will release their debut EP, Summer Is A Curse, on Friday, September 7th. All songs on the EP were recorded with legendary producer, John Feldmann (blink-182, All Time Low, Good Charlotte), and serve as a prelude to the band’s hotly-anticipated first full-length album, slated for release in 2019. During the recording process, the Perth natives teamed up with industry staples including Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy (on “Saints Of The Sinners”), Josh Dun of Twenty One Pilots, Mark Hoppus of blink-182, and Ashton Irwin of 5 Seconds of Summer (on “Summer Is A Curse”).

Regarding Summer Is A Curse, The Faim have this message to share with their fans: “To say we’re excited about releasing this EP is an understatement. More than just songs, to us these six tracks are a window into our world. We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of the community around us and welcome you all on this beautiful journey. We’re proud to be able to share our music with you and hope you enjoy listening as much as we’ve enjoyed writing it.”

Comprised of six tracks, Summer Is A Curse showcases the pop-rock/punk outfit’s stadium-ready anthems, infectious hooks, and impressive songwriting chops. The EP also includes five brand new songs in addition to smash single, “Summer Is A Curse,” which has clocked over 3.5 million global streams and landed on notable Spotify playlists including Rock This, The New Alt, Top of the Morning, The Scene, and New Noise.

It’s needless to say that The Faim is an artist to watch, with their fiery, explosive live shows in high-demand. To see if for yourself, check out their special performance at London’s St Pancras Station and highlight reels from this year’s Slam Dunk and Reading Festivals.

“These guys could become one of the biggest new names in rock this year.” -Rock Sound

“Arena-sized” Billboard

“There’s no doubt that the Faim are going to be heard everywhere.” Alternative Press

“The cult of The Faim is here to stay.” Upset

“Massive tunes…You have to hear them right now” KERRANG!

“If you haven’t heard of The Faim yet, don’t worry – you’re about to.” -Punktastic

 

Stay tuned for more news from The Faim – the forthcoming track listing for the Summer Is A Curse EP will be revealed soon!

 

The Faim Online:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

Featured photo (top) by Max Fairclough

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES Announces CONVERSE Footwear and Apparel + Reveals New Track

Heavy music legends Suicidal Tendencies recently announced the upcoming release of their latest album, STill Cyco Punk After All These Years, out September 7, 2018. STill Cyco Punk After All These Years is a re-recording and re-imagining of a Cyco Miko (Mike Muir) solo album recorded in 1995, originally entitled Lost my Brain! (Once Again). The album is an auditory time capsule – a full-on Cyco Punk record taken to a whole new level – featuring legendary drummer Dave Lombardo brutally beating the songs and sound that is made to get your slam on.

In conjunction with the release, Suicidal Tendencies is pleased to reveal details about their upcoming Converse collaboration. The new Converse x Suicidal Tendencies collection will be available the same date as the new album, September 7, via Converse.com and select retailers. To celebrate, in Converse’s hometown of Boston, the collection will be available at Bodega Boston, in a pop-up on September 6 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM and on September 7 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 AM, before the Suicidal Tendencies show at the House of Blues in Boston.

Converse x Suicidal Tendencies Footwear and Apparel
Converse x Suicidal Tendencies Footwear and Apparel
Photo Photo Courtesy of Converse

Vocalist Mike Muir‘s relationship with Converse started long before Suicidal Tendencies. “When I was young, I still remember getting my first pair of ‘Chucks’ for my birthday and how stoked I was to wear them to school the next day,” says Muir, reflecting on the iconic sneaker. “It was almost like a rite of passage, the beautiful thing about them is whatever ‘direction’ you were headed, you could go there with your Chucks.

Converse x Suicidal Tendencies is a collection of Chuck 70’s and accompanying apparel based on digital and screen-printed graphics in the classic style of Ric Clayton, who designed posters and fliers for the band back in the ’80s. The Chuck 70 HI’s vintage canvas upper features an all-over digital print and the Suicidal Tendencies leather patch on the lateral side. An Ox version, comes in black with an all over digitally-printed lining. The Suicidal Tendencies logo is printed on the tongue and heel. Both the Hi and the Ox pair feature two sets of additional laces including a Suicidal Tendencies printed logo lace.

All apparel, which feature original, screen printed Suicidal Tendencies artwork, include a woven poplin shirt, two pull over hoodies, a pair of sweatpants, a pair of sweatshorts, one long sleeve tee, and two short sleeve tees.

The footwear will retail for a suggested retail price of $90-$95 USD. Apparel will retail for SRP of $35-$80 USD.

“All these years later, Converse has the same meaning to me,” adds Mike Muir. “Just as young Mike will never forget putting on his first pair of Chucks, I can’t wait to relive that amazing feeling with the new Converse x Suicidal Tendencies, a massively proud moment for the band, our fans and of course me personally!”

Listen to two re-imagined tracks from
STill Cyco Punk After All These Years” here:

“F.U.B.A.R”

“It’s Always Something”

As originally premiered via Full Metal Jackie, featuring footage of Alan Pirie a.k.a. Samurai Guinea Pig airbrushing wall art the Nuthouse STudio:

STill Cyco Punk After All These Years will be available in digital, CD, opaque purple vinyl (with download card) and opaque gold vinyl (with download card, patch and poster) formats. All merch and physical formats can be pre-ordered via the official webstore, and digital formats can be pre-ordered via iTunes and Amazon. You can also pre-save the album via Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer here.

“STill Cyco Punk After All These Years” Track Listing:

1) I Love Destruction
2) F.U.B.A.R.
3) All Kinda Crazy
4) Sippin’ From The Insanitea
5) It’s Always Something
6) Lost My Brain… Once Again
7) Nothin’ To Lose
8) Gonna Be Alright
9 Aint Gonna Get Me
10) All I Ever Get
11) Save A Peace For Me

New Album, “STill Cyco Punk After All These Years”,
out September 7, 2018
Pre-Order:

Physical/Merch | iTunes | Amazon

 

Suicidal Tendencies will perform in several cities this coming September and October. See below for all confirmed performance dates:

Suicidal Tendencies North American Tour Dates:

9/7 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues – album release party and anniversary show, playing first album in its entirety!TICKETS
9/8 – Washington, D.C. @ 9:30 Club – album release party and anniversary show, playing first album in its entirety!TICKETS
9/16 – Chicago, IL @ Douglas Park – Riot FestTICKETS
9/18 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Pressroom – TICKETS
9/19 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater – TICKETS
9/21 – Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar and Grill – TICKETS
9/22 – San Antonio, TX @ The AT&T Center Grounds – Bud Light River City RockfestTICKETS
9/23 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues – TICKETS
9/25 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade – Heaven – TICKETS
9/27 – Greensboro, NC @ Cone Denim Entertainment Center – TICKETS
9/28 – Louisville, KY @ Champions Park – Louder Than LifeTICKETS
9/29 – Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop – TICKETS
10/1 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue – TICKETS
10/3 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s – TICKETS
10/5 – Denver, CO @ Summit – TICKETS
10/6 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex – TICKETS
10/27 – Huntington Beach, CA @ Huntington State Beach – Surf City BlitzTICKETS

 

Suicidal Tendencies Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Suicidal Tendencies is:

Mike Muir – lead vocals
Dean Pleasants – guitars
Dave Lombardo – drums
Ra Díaz – bass

 

MUSHROOMHEAD Schedules Additional In-Store DVD Signings During Upcoming “The Summer of Screams” Headline Tour

Influential Cleveland, Ohio-based metal pioneers Mushroomhead will release their highly-anticipated upcoming DVD, VOLUME III – a follow up to the widely-acclaimed DVD’s Volume 1 (2005) and Volume 2 (2008) – on August 17, 2018 via Megaforce Records. The DVD will feature over 90 minutes of new material – including stunning new music videos, backstage antics, and exclusive never-seen-before content. Pre-orders are available now via Amazon.

Get a taste of the high-quality video on VOLUME III via the official video trailer here:

Massive Upcoming DVD, VOLUME III, out August 17, 2018

Pre-Order Now via Amazon | Watch the “We Are The Truth” Music Video Here

Mushroomhead DVD, VOLUME III cover
Last week – in addition to their one-night-only DVD premiere screening in Cleveland on August 15 (see below for more details) – Mushroomhead announced a special DVD signing taking place at The Exchange in Parma Heights, Ohio. Today, the band is pleased to announce several more signings scheduled to take place along their upcoming The Summer of Screams headline tour, presented by Scream Factory and Dread Central. See below for a full listing on signings.

DVDs will be available for purchase at each signing, and the band will appear in full costume.

Mushroomhead Signing Dates: 

8/15 – Parma Heights, OH @ The Exchange (6277 Pearl Road) – Begins 7:00 PM
8/22 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ Darkside (611 Dutchess Turnpike) – Begins 6:00 PM
8/28 – Houston, TX @ Cactus (2110 Portsmouth St) – Begins 6:00 PM
8/29 – Austin, TX @ Waterloo (600 N Lamar Blvd) – Begins 5:00 PM
9/5 – Portland, OR @ Music Millennium (3158 E Burnside St) – Begins 6:00 PM (tentative, check local listing)
9/6 – Seattle, WA @ Silver Platters (2930 1st Ave S) – Begins 6:00 PM (tentative, check local listing)
9/7 – Billings, MT @ Ernie November (1825 Grand Ave) – Begins 6:00 PM

The Summer of Screams tour line-up: 

Mushroomhead,
Powerman 5000 (9-2 to 9-15)
The Browning
Psychostick (8-17 to 8-31)
Kissing Candice
Unsaid Fate
Voodoo Terror Tribe (8-17 to 8-30)/Earth Caller (8-31 to 9-15)

The Summer of Screams tour dates:

8/17 – Indianapolis, IN @ Emerson Theater
8/18 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Rex Theater
8/19 – Toronto, ON @ Rockpile West
8/21 – Manchester, NH @ Bungalow
8/22 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
8/23 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Shaka’s
8/24 – Spartanburg, SC @ Groundzero
8/25 – Huntsville, AL @ Sidetracks Music Hall

8/26 – New Orleans, LA @ Southport Music Hall
8/28 – Houston, TX @ Houston Underground

8/29 – Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live
8/30 – Laredo, TX @ Ethos Live
8/31 – Fort Worth, TX @ The Rail Club
9/2 – Los Angeles, CA @ 1720
9/4 – Orangevale, CA@ The Boardwalk
9/5 – Portland, OR @ Dante’s
9/6 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
9/7 – Billings, MT @ Pub Station
9/8 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
9/9 – Denver, CO @ Roxy Theater
9/11 – Merriam, KS @ Aftershock
9/12 – Waterloo, IA @ Spicoli’s
9/13 – Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theatre
9/14 – Ringle, WI @ Q & Z Expo Center
9/15 – Chicago, IL @ Patio Theater

As mentioned above, Mushroomhead will host an exclusive, one-night-only screening/premiere of the entire DVD in their hometown of Cleveland at the Cedar Lee Theatre (2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118) on Wednesday, August 15, 2018. The screening will begin at 10:00 PM and runtime is just under two hours. Tickets are just $25 and are available for purchase here. A copy of VOLUME III is included in the price of the ticket. Get your tickets now – seating is limited.

Check out Mushroomhead‘s terrifying, cinema-quality new music video for the alternate version of their track, “We Are The Truth”, cut from VOLUME III and their most recent and successful charting album, The Righteous & The Butterfly (the album debuted at #20 on the Billboard Top 200, #1 on the Billboard Independent Chart, and #1 on the Billboard Hard Rock Chart). The track and video feature Jackie Laponza of Unsaid Fate on guest vocals. Impressively, the video is a complete DIY production, featuring sets the band built themselves and shot in Cleveland. Watch the video here via VEVO:

 

Expect more clips and information to be released leading up to the release of VOLUME III!

 

Mushroomhead Online:

Website | Facebook | Youtube

Megaforce Records

 

LULLWATER Releases Stunning Cover of PEARL JAM’s “Release”

Athens, GA based alternative rock band Lullwater has released the official music video for their cover of Pearl Jam’s “Release,” off of the 1991 hit album TEN. Originally premiered on Loudwire, “Release” features live Footage with Dave Krusen (Pearl JamCandlebox) and Kevin Martin (Candlebox), and was recorded at London Bridge Studios in Seattle, WA, where TEN was originally recorded, with engineering and mixing by Justin Davis.

“The entire experience of recording Pearl Jam’s ‘Release’ in London Bridge Studios was so surreal. Pearl Jam is one of my favorite bands and to cover that song in the same room as they did, was very emotional for me. I had no idea that a couple of years later we would be performing it live with Dave Krusen and Kevin Martin on the Candlebox tour; it’s such an odd and incredible feeling of living and experiencing the moments we’ve made because of ‘Release.’ It’s by far the coolest thing that’s ever happened to me as a musician. Thinking back to when I was in my adolescent years playing that song over and over and then one day to be performing it live with the original drummer, is simply crazy for me. ‘Release’ has a special place in my heart and is one of my favorite songs to play live.” – John Strickland (Vocals/Guitar)

Lullwater
Lullwater

For more than a decade, alt rockers Lullwater have been blazing their way to the top of the industry thanks to their gritty, Southern-infused sound and straight-up, raw performances.

Formed in 2007 in Athens, GA, the foursome was born from the indelible mark that the godfathers of grunge left on music. The convergence of this inspiration, mixed with a healthy helping of swagger, defines this critically acclaimed alternative rock band.

Lullwater album cover

The group released its debut, self-titled album in 2012 to solid reviews and were immediately invited to join some of the biggest tours that same year, as well as had the single “Albatross” featured on Sirius XM Octane Radio. Since that time, Lullwater has spent the majority of their career on the road sharing the stage with such A-list acts as CandleboxTheory of a DeadmanFlyleafPassafireAmarantheButcher Babies, and more. The band released their critically acclaimed sophomore album, Revival, in 2015, followed by a live EP, The Seattle Sessions, in 2017.

Voodoo, their latest effort and arguably their best work to date, was recorded at the end of 2017 in New Orleans at Marigny Studios by Swedish producer and engineer Jakob Herrmann, co-produced/engineered by Justin Davis, and mixed by Jakob Herrmann at top floor studios, is scheduled for a Winter 2018 release; this record promises an even bigger, more explosive sound that will shake you to your core.

Lullwater is:

John Strickland – Rhythm Guitar & Lead Vocals
Daniel Binnie – Lead Guitar
Roy ‘Ray’ Beatty – Bass & Vocals
Joseph Wilson – Drums & Vocals

Lullwater Online:

Website |  Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Stream/Download

YouTubeiTunes  |  Spotify  |  Bandcamp


Featured Photo (top) by Thrasher Photo & Design LLC

 

OTEP Calls Out the NRA in Shocking New Music Video for “Shelter In Place”

Just over one week ago, iconic rockers OTEP unleashed their most uncompromising, candid, all-inclusive and controversial assessment of the current residing political regime that they have ever released – the new album Kult 45. Today, they have released a shocking new music video – pointing a finger at the NRA and their allowance of continued gun violence – for the single “Shelter In Place”. The video, directed by OTEP and filmed by PR Brown, can be viewed now, here:

Otep Shamaya says, “The video for “Shelter In Place” challenges the NRA’s irrational claim that “only a good guy with a gun can stop a bad guy with a gun”. It aims the blame of mass murders of our children in school shootings directly on the NRA, not necessarily its members, but the administration who continue to fight for people on Terrorist Watch Lists to own a gun. Why? It’s my belief the more murders that occur, the more money they make from weapons manufacturers and increases in membership which strengthens their ability to be a political power that continues to frighten the Republican owned Congress.
 

Photo from "Shelter In Place" shoot by PR Brown
Photography by PR Brown

The number of mass murders of children in schools by gun violence is our national shame yet the Republican owned Congress (and shills for the NRA) have done nothing, not a single thing, to protect our kids. In contrast, when ONE man attempted to detonate a shoe bomb on board a plane in flight, legislation was enacted to protect people from this SINGLE attempt of failed terrorism. Now all of us have to remove our shoes before boarding a flight. All of us have to be searched and x-rayed.
 
The NRA may have begun as an advocacy group for the Second Amendment but it’s my belief they have regressed into something akin to a homegrown terrorist organization that benefits from mass murders both financially and as a political power. This is completely unacceptable.
 
Enough is enough. Our children deserve better. And their safety and the safety of their teachers are worth fighting for.”

New Album, Kult 45, Out Now via Napalm Records

Otep - Kult 45 album cover
Art by PR Brown

Kult 45 is available now in digital formats here, and/or CD and vinyl formats via the Napalm Records Online Store. You can also stream Kult 45 in full via Spotify here. While online, watch a new 20+ minute documentary about the making of Kult 45, performing together as a band, and more here

Kult 45 sees OTEP at their controversial best, assessing and tackling the issues swimming around the political pool party that currently harbours their capital.” – Metal Wani

Throughout the span of her career, Otep Shamaya has been an undeniable force in bringing awareness via various acclaimed mediums to the social and political injustices felt by various communities and subcultures. For years, publications such as Revolver Magazine have lauded Shamaya for “following in the footsteps of outspoken musicians from folk singer Woody Guthrie to Rage Against The Machine‘s Zach de la Rocha”, dubbing her “one of music’s catalysts for social change”. So, with the political climate as it is today, now it’s the perfect time to impact with Kult 45.

“Protest music is alive on well on Otep Shamaya’s new bible for dissenters.” – Alternative Press

Kult 45 was recorded at The Lair in Los Angeles, completely utilizing the same equipment used for OTEP‘s first album, Sevas Tra (down to Shamaya’s vocal microphone, a SHURE Beta 58), in order to create a sound reminiscent of their roots. Kult 45 was self-produced by Otep Shamaya and Aristotle, with assistant engineering from Larry Goetz, Nicolas Schilke and Lizzy Ostro.

OTEP does not hold back on Kult 45, pointing out all sorts of political duplicities and leaving them in their wake. The band explodes on aggressive, adamant anthems like “Halt Right” and “Molotov”, which act as timely outcries against the recent resurgence of hate groups.Tracks like the in-your-face “Cross Contamination” explore the hypocrisy of the evangelical right giving Trump a pass on his infidelities, and cherry-picking scriptures to fit their ideologies. “Invisible People” approaches immigration issues while pointing a strong finger at Trump, the electronically-charged “Boss” aims to break, fight, and redefine gender roles, “Shelter In Place” investigates the topic of school shootings, and “Trigger Warning” targets rape culture – specifically Stanford rapist Brock Turner -with a vengeance.

“[OTEP] is a powerful voice for civil rights, for people of color, for the LGBTQ community, for the working class, for animal rights.” – Reading Eagle

One of the last tracks on the album is a true-to-form cover of “Wake Up” – an homage to political music icons, major Kult 45 writing inspirations, and original track recording artists Rage Against The Machine. The album closes with the bonus track “The Tribe Speaks”, featuring recorded voicemails from fans expressing how OTEP‘s music has changed their lives. Shamaya says the voicemails are truly moving and keep her fighting as an artist and activist.

OTEP‘s message is one that needs to be heard.” – Jamestown Post-Journal

OTEP is on the road supporting Kult 45 now. See below for all currently confirmed tour dates.

Remaining OTEP Summer 2018 Headline Tour Dates:

8/7 – Mesa, AZ @ Club Red&
8/8 – Los Angeles, CA @ Whisky A Go Go
8/9 – Flagstaff, AZ @ The Green Room&
8/10 – Tucson, AZ @ The Rialto Theatre&
8/11 – Anaheim, CA @ The Parish @ House of Blues&
8/12 – Sacramento, CA @ Holy Diver&
8/14 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon&
8/15 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre&
8/17 – Fresno, CA @ Fulton 55&
8/18 – Ventura, CA @ Ventura Theater&

* w/ Dropout Kings & One Day Waiting

# w/ Dropout Kings & Kore RozZik
& w/ Dropout Kings & Ragdoll Sunday

 

OTEP is:

Otep Shamaya: Vocals
Aristotle: Guitars
Drewski Barnes: Bass
Justin Kier: Drums

OTEP Online:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Merch
Snapchat: otepofficial

 

Featured photo (top) from “Shelter In Place” shoot by PR Brown

 

Multi-platinum Hip-hop Group Cypress Hill Announce New Album, Elephants on Acid – Available for Pre-order Today

Los Angeles, CA – Multi-platinum hip-hop group, Cypress Hill, is pleased to announce the release of their highly-anticipated ninth studio album, Elephants on Acid, on September 28th. Elephants on Acid is the band’s first full-length record in eight years and marks their newly inked partnership with BMG. The album is available for pre-order HERE starting today.

With DJ Muggs at the helm, Elephants on Acid is the first record he produced since 2004’s Til Death Do Us Part. After reuniting with B-Real and Sen Dog in Los Angeles, Muggs traveled across the world to collect the vibe and sounds that make up much of what you’ll hear from start to finish on the 21-track-interlude mix. Cypress Hill takes the listener on a musical journey, starting from the alleyways of Cairo on “Band of Gypsies” – which features live instrumentation from Egyptian street musicians – to the mystical vibes of Joshua Tree where Gonja Sufi lays down some cannabis-infused flow on “Jesus Was a Stoner” and “Blood on my Hands Again.” The band then returns to their native streets of Los Angeles on “Crazy,” a woozy waltz that bubbles underneath rhyme fireworks and an intoxicatingly irresistible hook. The latter is vintage Cypress Hill and also includes the soulful guest vocals of Brevi Wood. Additional standout tracks from B-Real and Sen Dog include “Warlord” and “Put Em In The Ground” – both are sure to bring fans the classic sound they love with a 2018 twist. The accompanying video to “Band of Gypsies” is also out today, which fans can watch HERE.

Watch New “Band of Gypsies” Video Here

“Psychedelic rock and stuff has been a big influence on me,” Muggs tells Rolling Stone. “I’ve been listening to it since it was in my mother’s and my uncle’s collection. … I had the idea what the name of this record was going to be and then I just started building the whole sound around [it]. Just a whole sound like feeling like you’re high on hallucinogenic drugs – but you’re not on no drugs.”

In celebration of Elephants on Acid, Cypress Hill will embark on an extensive global headline tour throughout the fall and winter. After performances at Riot Fest (Chicago, IL) and The Great American Smokeout (Ontario, Canada), the group will head out on a massive run of dates across South America, Mexico, and Europe, hitting notable cities including Rio De Janeiro, London, Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam.

Tickets for Annual Haunted Hill Shows on Sale Now

Cypress Hill is also excited to play their annual Haunted Hill shows this fall. The band will first hit Los Angeles with a performance at the El Rey on October 25th, followed by a slot at The Roxy the following night. They’ll then return to New York to headline the Gramercy Theatre on October 31st and Warsaw on November 2nd. A full list of tour dates can be found below, with tickets available to purchase HERE.

Cypress Hill Tour Dates:

9/14/18 – Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest

9/15/18 – Ontario, Canada @ The Great American Smokeout

10/6/18 – Córdoba, Argentina @ Plaza De La Musica

10/7/18 – Santiago, Chile @ Cosquin Rock Chile

10/9/18 – Porto Alegre, Brazil @ Pepsi On Stage

10/10/18 – São Paulo, Brazil @ Espaco Das Americas

10/11/18 – Rio De Janeiro, Brazil @ HUB RJ

10/13/18 – Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Estadio Malvina

10/20/18 – Guadalajara, Mexico @ Coordenada Festival

10/25/18 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey (Haunted Hill)

10/26/18 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy (Haunted Hill)

10/27/18 – Tijuana, Mexico @ Tecate Peninsula

10/31/18 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre (Haunted Hill)

11/2/18 – Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw (Haunted Hill)

11/30/18 – Manchester, UK @ Academy 2

12/1/18 – Leeds, UK @ O2 Academy

12/3/18 – Glasgow, UK @ Barrowland

12/4/18 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy3

12/5/18 – London, UK @ O2 Academy

12/7/18 – Paris, France @ Zenith

12/8/18 – Stuttgart, Germany @ Porsche Arena

12/10/18 – Munich, Germany @ Zenith

12/11/18 – Leipzig, Germany @ Arena Leipzig

12/12/18 – Cologne, Germany @ Palladium

12/14/18 – Dortmund, Germany @ Warsteiner Hall

12/15/18 – Berlin, Germany @ Verti Hall

12/16/18 – Hamburg, Germany @ Sporthalle

12/18/18 – Vienna, Austria @ Planet. TT Bank Austria Halle Gasometer

12/19/18 – Zurich, Switzerland @ X-Tra

12/21/18 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands @ AFAS Live

2/16/19 – Bogota, Colombia @ Jamming Festival

 

Elephants on Acid Tracklisting:

1. Tusko (Intro)
2. Band of Gypsies
3. Put Em in the Ground
4. Satao (Interval)
5. Jesus Was a Stoner
6. Pass the Knife
7. LSD (Interval)
8. Oh Na Na
9. Holy Mountain (Interval)
10. Locos
11. Falling Down
12. Elephant Acid (Interlude)
13. Insane OG
14. The 5th Angel (Instrumental)
15. Warlord
16. Reefer Man
17. Thru the Rabbit Hole (Interlude)
18. Crazy
19. Muggs is Dead
20. Blood on my Hands Again
21. Stairway to Heaven

 

About Cypress Hill:

Three decades ago, B-Real, Sen Dog, and DJ Muggs sparked a trip that left popular culture stoned, stunned, and staggering in anticipation for more. Naming themselves after a local street in Los Angeles, Cypress Hill burst on the scene in 1991 with the release of their self-titled debut album. The singles “How I Could Just Kill a Man” and “The Phuncky Feel One” became underground hits, and the group’s public pro-marijuana stance earned them many fans among the alternative rock community. Cypress Hill followed their debut with Black Sunday in the summer of 1993, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 and went triple platinum in the U.S. As a result, Cypress Hill became the first rap group to have two albums in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 charts at the same time. Cypress Hill went on to release six more records and have sold over 18 million copies worldwide, becoming the first Latino-American hip-hop group to achieve platinum and multi-platinum success. The band has also been immortalized by a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (coming in 2019), getting animated for an episode of The Simpsons, and earning a spot on VH1’s “100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop” with smash single “Insane in the Brain.” Additionally, Cypress Hill has been sampled by everyone from JAY-Z and The Black Eyed Peas, to A$AP Rocky and Vic Mensa with Chance the Rapper.

Follow Cypress Hill:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music