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Imonolith – the new metal powerhouse featuring vocalist Jon Howard (Threat Signal, Arkaea), drummer Ryan ‘RVP’ Van Poederooyen (Devin Townsend Project), guitarist Brian Waddell (Devin Townsend Project), bassist Byron Stroud (Strapping Young Lad, Fear Factory), and second guitarist Kai Huppunen (Methods of Mayhem, Noise Therapy) – is making an unforgettable entrance with a brand new official single, “Hollow”, available to stream/download for the first time today.
“Hollow” serves as the perfect introduction to Imonolith, a band whose mission is simple: to write the heaviest riffs, the biggest hooks and most monstrous grooves. Given the impressive pedigree of each player, they do exactly this and more.
Recorded and produced by Brian Howes and Jay Van Poederooyen (Nickelback, Chris Cornell, Airbourne, Hinder, Daughtry) at Van Howes Studios in Los Angeles, California, “Hollow” is immediately setting the bar high – and the best is yet to come.
Drummer Ryan ‘RVP’ Van Poederooyen comments: “‘Hollow’ is a song about the personal battles we all can face internally. Social pressures and self expectation can drive you to a point of feeling hollow inside if you don’t meet specific standards in your mind. The song itself actually has a positive message built into it. It’s not about feeling hollow, it’s more about preventing that hollow feeling that any one of us can develop through negative thinking and limited beliefs.”
Fans can expect many surprises as they unveil more music. RVPcontinues: “As for ‘Hollow’, musically it represents the catchier side of Imonolith’s music. We have varying influences spread throughout the band and we don’t like to play just one style of music. We have a more metal crushing side, a catchier radio side and then music that fits in-between our heavy and catchier vibes. We always aim to make Imonolith’s overall sound diverse and interesting. Most of all, we’re always focused on trying to write a great song, no matter if it’s heavy or catchy.”
Imonolith was officially formed in February 2018 by drummer Ryan ‘RVP’ Van Poederooyen and guitarist Brian Waddell, although the pair started writing their own brand of heavy music in 2015 whilst playing together in the Devin Townsend Project. RVP and Waddell then went on to recruit vocalist Jon Howard, bassist Byron Stroud, and second guitarist Kai Huppunen, completing a fearsome line-up. The Canadian quintet have since written a mass of highly diverse material, which appeals to everyone from the metalhead to the radio rock fan, and everyone in between.
About Imonolith
Imonolith | Photography: Dave Benedict
Since teasing demos and video clips online, Imonolith have amassed a dedicated legion of supporters worldwide, and with the release of the new single, their following is set to expand by the thousands. With their first run of shows throughout Canada announced and big international plans in the pipeline, 2019 is set to be a huge year for Imonolith.
Imonolith Confirmed Tour Dates:
February 23 – The Red Room, Vancouver, BC – Tickets March 1 – Dickens, Calgary, AB – Tickets March 2 – Starlite Temple, Edmonton, AB – Tickets
PHOENIX — Hailing from Perth, Australia, The Faim dropped into Crescent Ballroom on headliner Hands Like Houses’ “U.S. Tour 2018”. With a whopping 5-band line-up (including Arlington, The Faim, Devour the Day, Emarosa, and Hands Like Houses), Phoenix was treated to an explosive set of just 30 minutes, which left the crowd hungry for more! On the dimly-lit stage, the band brought an unanticipated level of energy and a performance undoubtably worthy of headlining at an even bigger venue.
With a big sound and big backing, it was entirely evident that The Faim will be going far, and doing it fast. At the time of our interview, it was still unknown when the band would grace Arizona with their presence. Since then, The Faim has released multiple songs and music videos, their Summer is a Curse EP (released September 7th), toured the states, and are embarking on a world tour in 2019. Current tour dates can be found on their website.
This honestly doesn’t seem real. Selling out/upgrading shows on the other side of the world is a fantasy we’ve never expected. This is a testament to all of the incredible support and dedication from our amazing supporters all over the world. This love is unforgettable x pic.twitter.com/Rxyxh5e6FG
Following the performance, I met with Raven to praise him for his unreal, 200% stage presence, to which he humbly and graciously replied that he’s just happy to be doing what he loves.
PHOENIX — A Perfect Circle ended “on a high note” for the last date on the third leg of their headlining North American tour, to the city that frontman Maynard James Keenan thanked for being the “marijuana-stinking cherry” on top. Dark electronic duo Night Club and trip hop artist Tricky supported the band starting from October 20th, leading up to this night at Comerica Theatre. A PerfeBetct Circle delivered a performance that repeatedly went from smoldering to bellowing, and took the transfixed audience on an escape of commiseration through hard rock.
This year, A Perfect Circle released Eat the Elephant, which is their first album release in fourteen years, and their fourth studio album. Today, A Perfect Circle released a limited-edition 7” vinyl single featuring the latest single, “So Long, And Thanks for All the Fish”. Included on the release is a B-side, a cover of AC/DC’s “Dog Eat Dog”. It is available exclusively from the Record Store Day Black Friday event at select brick-and-mortar record stores.
The tone of their performance in Phoenix was first set with a dark stage as they invisibly began the instrumentals of the title-track of their latest album, “Eat the Elephant”. Anyone who has previously experienced A Perfect Circle live may have come to expect a giant white sheet shrouding the stage front leading up to, and remaining through the entirety of, the first song, before dramatically dropping to the floor. However, the sheet was absent this time around. Each band member was gradually backlit by just a bit of light, one-by-one, until all appeared as nearly pure-black silhouettes.
Blue and white rays of light and rising smoke backed them, in front of a curtain displaying their logo, and they were surrounded by white panels that would feature visuals catered to each song throughout the night.
True to character, Keenan remained even less visible than his bandmates for the entire performance, on a platform in the back of the stage. Sometimes he blended in with the darkness and visuals so well that one might question whether he had left the platform, seeing that he remained stationed upon a second glance.
When A Perfect Circle performed at Comerica Theatre in April of 2017, Keenan offered a few encouraging words. This time around, he almost seemed to be out of supportive messages.
Perhaps referencing the “despicable false claim”, in his words, made against Keenan earlier this year, he said, “Crazy, crazy, crazy, insane times we’re living in, wouldn’t you say? Insanity… People all mad at each other over a fuckin’ internet thing. It’s stupid… I’ve heard it said love is the answer… but because of all of the marijuana, I can’t remember the question.”
However, substantial sentiments and motivational speeches may not be necessary every time, considering the volumes that the messages in their music speak, and how emotionally evoking the dynamics of the music are. As usual, A Perfect Circle performed with nearly album-quality sound. Often, elements of the songs that may go unheard when listening to recordings were clearly audible during this performance, bringing new life to the music and a deeper appreciation for the composition. Furthermore, hearing lyrics to new songs for the first time live, versus via studio recording, can cement a different impression of the song as the concert experience packs in the emotion emanating from the artist.
Eight of the songs performed this night were from Eat the Elephant. Lyrics that really strike a chord in relation to the status quo, religion, and the political climate are contained in their songs, such as the following from “The Doomed” from the new album:
What of the pious, the pure of heart, the peaceful? What of the meek, the mourning, and the merciful? What of the righteous? What of the charitable? What of the truthful, the dutiful, the decent?
Doomed are the poor Doomed are the peaceful Doomed are the meek Doomed are the merciful
For the word is now death And the word is now without light The new beatitude: “Fuck the doomed, you’re on your own”
The lighting and visuals on the screens became increasingly dramatic, matching the intensity of the music throughout the night. They designed a setlist that felt narrative, which crescendoed and climaxed. Along with that, the colors shifted from cool and neutral, to bold and loud red, white, and black. Behind the band, the all-seeing eye displayed where their logo once appeared. The audience was united in a cathartic experience, as they let go and got lost in A Perfect Circle’s trademark indignation and disdain.
One fan in the audience was overheard saying, “I forgot how hard these guys rock!” and with unrestrained, unabashed love and respect for the band, he yelled louder than all around him.
“We’re gonna end on a high note here in Arizona. Off to Europe for about 3 weeks. So thank you very much for being the cherry on top. A marijuana-stinking cherry.” — Maynard James Keenan
Before going into “Dog Eat Dog”, a tribute to the late Malcom Young of AC/DC, Keenan took a moment to introduce the band members. It was interesting to note the many other music projects all band members are a part of, emphasizing how much of a supergroup A Perfect Circle is.
“Our rhythm section: from Beta Machine, Ashes Divide, Eagles of Death Metal, and Puscifer — Mr. Matt McJunkins, Mr. Jeff Friedl.” McJunkins (Bassist) is also a former touring member of Thirty Seconds to Mars.
He continued, “Guitar & keyboards: from Autolux and Failure, Mr. Greg Edwards.” Edwards is filling in for James Iha, who is currently touring with Smashing Pumpkins. He was also a member of Lusk and Replicants in the past.
Of course Keenan is also a member of multiple bands on top of A Perfect Circle, including Tool and Puscifer.
Some find the media policies for A Perfect Circle’s shows to be pretentious or mistreating to fans. Like a performance in a symphony hall, the band sends the message that it is a faux pas to raise up a phone in the air during theirs. Others feel that it not only preserves an important atmosphere that keeps integrity to the music and sets their performances to a different level than other rock concerts, but also actually appreciates their fans because the band wants to connect with them like they did in the days before smartphones. There were some in the crowd that could be overheard during the show actually expressing appreciation for the absence of cell phones in the air throughout the concert. The impression was that most, if not all, in attendance left satisfied and delighted.
Following the climax of the performance with four ferocious songs, A Perfect Circle closed out the concert with “Delicious” from the new album. It had the fitting mood of the falling action of the storyline, lyrically segueing into a resolution of sorts:
How inconvenient and unexpected and harrowing for you, as consequences tend to be For the rest of us, so delicious to witness your dread. Poetic justice consummate.
During these times, it is interesting to see swathes of artists such as A Perfect Circle, Cake, Otep, Eminem, Taylor Swift, and many more, using their platforms to speak out against or oppose President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. While some feel that entertainers should “stay in their lane” in topics such as these, it is undeniable that they historically have significant ability to influence the public, for better or for worse. With the success of their world tour, and the large attendance of a concert on a Tuesday night, it is evident that there are a significant number of people that aren’t repelled by their political leanings. In the current political climate, A Perfect Circle’s brooding music serves as an outlet, a beacon of intellect and sanity, and a unifier for like-minded fans that are equally frustrated, angry, and despairing.
While it would be unlikely that Keenan and his band would skip playing his home-state, Arizonans were undoubtedly grateful that they had the opportunity to experience A Perfect Circle live after getting some fresh music from them. Keenan stated in a June 2018 interview that “there should be” more albums in the future. Though Eat the Elephant has proven worth the wait, hopefully it will not be another fourteen years before the next release. Hopefully fans can be treated to another tour in support of the next release, or at least more Arizona shows.
Considering the solid quality and atmosphere of their live performance, the sizable setlist, the supportive experience, and love of their intense music, any fan that may hesitate to make the investment in a concert ticket can rest assured this one is worth it. A Perfect Circle’s show in Phoenix was not a buzzkill.
Fast food-themed Black Sabbath parody kings Mac Sabbath are about to kick off another North American tour, beginning October 27 in Pomona, CA at Lagunitas Beer Circus! In celebration of the tour, the band have released their second recorded song, “Sweet Beef”, along with a brand new, zany music video for the track. The music video features maniacal marionettes in the image of the band members themselves!
Watch the “Sweet Beef” video now via premier comedy site The Laugh Button
This video is so psychedelic, it will leave you with the munchies! Deranged vocalist Ronald Osbourne says: “Mac Sabbath ‘meats’ marionettes! There will be blood!“
The “Sweet Beef” video concept was created by Mac Sabbath, Michael Serwich and Matt Scott, with maroniettes managed by Matt Scott and Rasputin’s Marionettes and editing and effects by Joe Seafus.
The most impressive-and terrifying-thing about Mac Sabbath is that they’re actually really good. Ronald channels his inner Ozzy onstage, from the manic jumping to the frantic hand waving…” – Bryan Rolli, Paste Magazine
10/27 – Pomona, CA @ Pomona Fairplex – Lagunitas Beer Circus
10/28 – Long Beach, CA @ Alex’s Bar
10/29 – San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
10/31 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
11/1 – San Jose, CA @ The Ritz
11/2 – Crystal Bay, NV @ Crown Room at Crystal Bay Casino
11/3 – Portland, OR @ Dante’s
11/4 – Tacoma, WA @ Jazzbones
11/07 – Calgary, AB @ Dickens
11/08 – Edmonton, AB @ Starlight Room
11/09 – Saskatoon, SK @ Amigos Cantina
11/10 – Regina, SK @ Riddell Centre
11/11 – Winnipeg, MB @ The Pyramid Cabaret
11/14 – Hamilton, ON @ This Ain’t Hollywood
11/15 – Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace
11/16 – Buffalo, NY @ Tralf Music Hall
11/17 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme
11/18 – Palatine, IL @ Durty Nellies
11/19 – Hobart, IN @ Hobart Art Theater
11/21 – Lincoln, NE @ The Bourbon
11/22 – Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theatre
11/24 – Scottsdale, AZ @ BLK Live
“… one of the most interesting bands to come around in a long, long time. They have Dead Kennedys’ outrageous sense of humor mixed with total irreverence and ornate style on top of a solid, engaging performance (even if the crowd is reluctant to respond). So while this whole thing was probably thought up after eating too many pot brownies, it is one of the most brilliant ideas in a long time.” – Troy Farah, Phoenix New Times
About Mac Sabbath
Mixing raucous comedy with borderline-horrific theatrics, the only thing more petrifying than impending health problems resulting from years of overeating is a Mac Sabbath show. Show attendees should be prepared to partake in the fun – Mac Sabbath puts on a theatrical, multimedia stage show – complete with a smoking grill, laser-eyed clowns, bouncing burgers and many more magical surprises… basically anything and everything an unwary show-goer could ever want in their wildest dreams. Named by Buzzfeed as one of the “13 Metal Bands You Didn’t Know How to React To” + Named as LA’s “Best Tribute Band” by LA Weekly.
“This is not a drill. Be it exchanging Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” for a “Pair-a-buns” or “Iron Man” for a “Frying Pan,” these food-focused musical dweebs are cooking up something hot ‘n’ ready just for you.” – Alicia Lutes, MTV.com
“Even if the songs are dripping with onions and extra cheese, Mac Sabbath put on one righteous stage show, complete with smoke machines, gritty power chords, and endless head-banging.” – Chris Coplan, ConsequenceofSound.net
Los Angeles — Tilian (Pearson)’s highly-anticipated third full-length studio album, The Skeptic, is out today! The Dance Gavin Dance frontman’s 10-track effort is his first solo release with Rise Records and serves as a follow up to his previous work, Material Me(LP, 2013),Future Friends(EP, 2014),Perfect Enemy(LP, 2015), and most recently, thePatientEP (2017). Prior to creating DGD’s latest offering, Artificial Selection, Tilian retreated to Portland for three weeks to record The Skeptic with producer and frequent collaborator, Kris Crummett. The result is a solid blend of pop-punk and indie-pop anthems that highlight Tilian’s powerhouse vocals and heartfelt, raw songwriting.
The Skeptic Track Listing:
1. Made of Plastic
2. Cocky
3. Gone
4. Handsome Garbage
5. Hold On
6. Blame It On Rock n Roll
7. Let Her Go
8. Drunken Conversations
9. Right Side
10. Ghost Town
The Skeptic signifies a formative chapter in Tilian’s career where the more questions he asked, the more inspiration he found. The Florida-born, Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer continues his existential search on this record. “Musically and in my personal life, I kept thinking, ‘I’ve got to find and explore some new ground,’ ” says Tilian. “I’ve always been so much more questioning than most people around me are. I never really bought into things the way 90% of the crowd does. That sentiment communicated the idea of The Skeptic to me,” he adds.
Tilian Pearson
As Tilian continues to pose questions on his journey, he has a better grasp on himself as an artist than ever before, and that ultimately shines through on The Skeptic. “I’m optimistic and excited,” he notes. “I’ve been through the ringer, but I’ve had a pretty awesome and fortunate life. The whole journey is ongoing, and I get to be responsible for it.”
Additional news from Tilian will be coming soon – stay tuned!
PHOENIX — While Journey and Def Leppard were “on fire” at Talking Stick Resort Arena, Butch Walker and opener Greg Holden ignited their own explosive show at Crescent Ballroom just a little more than a mile away. As is often the case, Phoenix was the tour kickoff location of Walker and Holden’s tour, and they would thereafter embark on the 17-date “The Last Days of Summer Tour” (2018). While some dedicated fans had even flown in from out of state to see the show, no one was prepared for just how hype this show would get; apparently not even Walker himself, who likened coming out to perform again like getting back into your old prom clothes.
Greg Holden, who recently interviewed with us prior to the concert date, performed at acoustic set, which as you would expect, was chill and low-key. But while Holden generally presents a fairly serious demeanor overall, he cracked a number of smiles while engaging with the vocal crowd, and joking during stage banter.
Of course, many fans recognized his “claim to fame”; the infectious hit song “Home”, written by Holden and chosen by American Idol finalist Phillip Phillips. Solidarity and warmth were felt with a strong cheer from the audience as he reached the end of the heart-wrenching song “Boys in the Street”, about the strained relationship between a father and his gay son, and finally growing to acceptance.
Holden’s “On the Run” was actually produced by headliner Butch Walker, who has an impressive list of work as a producer; including the likes of Katy Perry, Panic! At The Disco, Weezer, Pink, Fall Out Boy, The Maine, and many more.
Butch Walker
Anyone unfamiliar with Butch Walker was in for quite a surprise when he and his live band took the stage, as the shift in energy was immediate and palpable. Walker is not a country artist. Despite a name that might suggest as much, and Butch Walker’s charming southern roots poking through his stage presence, the more dominant and effortless image and energy he exhibited conveyed his background of a music career in glam metal (SouthGang) and pop punk/post-grunge (Marvelous 3). Walker has 8 studio albums under his belt — the most recent being Stay Gold, which was released in August of 2016.
The 48-year-old, who shared his age with the crowd himself, seemed almost surprised, and definitely pumped, that as the night went on, his solid and seasoned musical prowess had no problem kicking into high gear. Not to be taken for granted or uncredited, Walker’s live band matched his enthusiasm and skill perfectly as they danced and jammed with a fury.
As his set was coming to a close, his performance climaxed after a medley of magnificent covers of David Bowie that couldn’t have felt like more of a worthy tribute, which segued into Walker’s “Hot Girls in Good Moods”. With his shining sense of humor, he began a drawn-out activity amidst the crowd that built anticipation and inspired nearly all, save for the wallflowers on the bleachers in the back of the venue, to participate and, “GO CRAZY!” Confetti and streamers popped out over the thrilled concertgoers.
The duality between Walker and Holden’s performances indeed complemented each other perfectly, and the show was unforgettably dynamic and downright mind-blowing. We highly recommend picking yourself up and heading out to this show in a city near you, because it is so worth it.
Renowned Testament guitarist Eric Peterson recently announced the release of his highly-anticipated new Dragonlord album, entitled Dominion, out September 21, 2018 via Spinefarm Records. The symphonic black/death metal album serves as the long-awaited follow-up to 2005’s Black Wings of Destiny, but takes the fantasy and storytelling to a whole new level. Dominion explores themes of darkness owning and influencing these times we now live in, and things that have come to pass. It also delves into other eras, real and otherworldly.
Get another taste of Dominion today via Gimme Radio‘s New Releases Show! Listen in today at 8:00 AM PT/11:00 AM ET to hear the world premiere of “Lamia“, a track about the mythical feminine man-eating creature! Listen by visiting Gimme Radio.
You can also tune in to encore airings of the show on:
Sunday, September 9 – 12:00 AM PT / 3:00 AM ET
Monday, September 10 – 8:00 PM PT / 11:00 PM ET
Wednesday, September 12 – 10:00 PM PT / 1:00 AM ET
(Thursday morning)
“Oh Lamia it’s witching hour!” “Oh Lamia thy sons devoured!”
Eric Peterson says, “Musically, this song just rocks! Starting off with ethereal keys backed by a stronghold of bombarding riffs and drums, Leah‘s siren wails and my melodic screams of Lamia’s constant call for filicide, reaping forth complete despair! Tonight’s the night she’ll tear your soul apart! Through telepathy she knows who’s calling her and she will find you!”
Digital and physical pre-orders for Dominion are live here:
Make sure to pick up the newly available“Ultimate Dragonlair” merch bundle, which will be available today via Spinefarm Records, featuring:
LP gatefold w/ large size 20 page lyric booklet
DIGI CD Pack
THE BURNER Comic
T-shirt While online, make sure to check out the “The Making of Dominion” video series! Unreleased audio clips of the album are also mixed in amid the video content. Watch here:
Also, watch the lyric video for the album’s first single, “Dominion” here, and the fantasy-driven music video for “Northlanders” here.
Dominion is a dark fantasy fan’s musical dream – exploring everything from Nordic history to Lord of the Rings! Dominion‘s eight songs create a deep and heady musical journey rife with meaning and menace, from the blackest and loudest recesses of Eric Peterson‘s mind.
Peterson recorded Dominionat Northern California’s Trident Studios and produced it with an assist from engineer/mixer Juan Urteaga (Testament, Machine Head, M.O.D.). Dominion was mastered by famed producer/engineer Jens Bogren of Fascination Street Studios in Sweden. In addition to Eric Peterson, Dominion features the musical talents of Lyle Livingston (Psypheria) on orchestrated keys and pianos, Alex Bent (Trivium) on drums, and notable fantasy metal singer Leah on female vocals and choirs (who has performed/recorded with members of Blind Guardian, Nightwish, Delain, and others).
Peterson formed Dragonlord in 2000 as its singer and guitarist (with keyboardist Lyle Livingston and now-ex-members Steve DiGiorgio of Testament and Jon Allen of Sadus), and notes that the growth from Dragonlord‘s first two records to the cinematic triumph and brutal blast-beats of Dominion has been immense. Dominion‘s stellar, complex, brutally symphonic metal is triumphant in its execution, bringing together layers of meaning and musicality into an unholy whole.
Album artwork painted by artist Eliran Kantor (Testament, Iced Earth, Sodom)
Dominion track listing:
1) Entrance
2) Dominion
3) Ominous Premonition
4) Lamia
5) Love of the Damned
6) Northlanders
7) The Discord of Melkor
8) Serpents of Fire
New Jersey-based progressive metal quartet Etherius are thrilled to release their remarkable new instrumental progressive metal EP, entitled Thread of Life, today. The impressive new five track offering is available to order now via Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play. You can also stream it now via Spotify.
In celebration of today’s release, Etherius have revealed a brand new music video for their barnburner track, “March and Defy”, filmed/directed/edited by Michael J Adams of Blackline Studios and recorded at High Tor State Park, NY.
Guitarist Jay Tarantino says about the track and video: “‘March and Defy’ was the last track that was finished for this EP. When I brought the song to the guys we agreed that it felt incomplete. We worked out a new section for after the intro and made some changes to the arrangement and it really came together. It features some of my most challenging lead work and I love the way the main hook came out.”
The new video for “March and Defy” introduces new guitarist Jon Perkins, stepping in for former guitarist John Kiernan. Perkins originally hails from São Paulo, Brazil, and brings a strong a jazz guitar and classical composition background into the fold, accelerated by his studies at both UMiami’s Frost School of Music and Columbia University. He came in contact with the members of Etherius after performing with drummer Zaki Ali in guitarist Gus Sinaro’s backing band.
Perkins says, “It’s been exciting getting to know the members of Etherius and getting a sense of how they interpret musical ideas in a performance setting. I’ve come to see a strong sense of musical discipline and a shared sense of focus, determination and all around professionalism in everyone. I am greatly looking forward for the album release and what lies ahead for Etherius.”
Jay Tarantino adds, “We’re excited to have Jon come into the band. We’ve had the chance to get to know him after he filled in on guitar for us a few months ago for a gig at the last minute. I was impressed with how quickly he picked up the material, because it is not easy music to play. His jazz background makes him a versatile player and his attitude and work ethic fit right in with the chemistry that’s been created between Zaki, Chris, and myself.”
While online, check out the latest Etherius behind the scenes videos detailing the making of Thread of Life, exclusively hosted by Gear Gods. Catch parts one and two here, detailing drums and bass, respectively, and stay tuned for part three detailing the recording of guitars: Part One, Drums | Part Two, Bass
Etherius was formed by guitarist Jay Tarantino in 2017. After gaining experience as a touring rhythm guitarist for guitar virtuoso Angel Vivaldi, Tarantino decided to branch out on his own with the goal of making music unlike the djent/electronic stylings of the current instrumental guitar scene. The result is Etherius – a fresh new take on progressive metal/neoclassical shred incorporating classic thrash elements. Etherius features lead guitarist Jay Tarantino, drummer Zaki Ali, bassist Chris Targia and second guitarist Jon Perkins.
The concept of Thread of Life and the album’s artwork were inspired by ancient Greek mythology, specifically TheMoirai (moy-ray), or “three fates”.Thread of Life was produced and engineered by Jay Tarantino and Zaki Ali with Angel Vivaldi acting as co-producer, was recorded at Backroom Studios in Rockaway, New Jersey (owned by Dillinger Escape Planguitarist Kevin Antreassin), and was mixed/mastered by Mutiny Within vocalist Chris Clancy at Audioworks Productions. Additional tracking was completed with Angel Vivaldi at his home studio.
With one listen to Thread of Life it’s clear that combined, the four extremely talented musicians of Etherius produce a clean, awe-inspiring sound merging powerful progressive elements that will appeal to not only the most discerning and critical metal fans, but to the heavy music-loving masses as well.
Etherius are currently endorsed by Kiesel Guitars.
Thread of Life track listing:
1. Thread of Life
2. The Soothsayer
3. March and Defy
4. The Inevitable End
5. Lament
Etherius Live Dates:
9/2 – New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge w/ The Astra Cadence, Book of Harmony – 6:00 PM, $12 – TICKETS
Los Angeles, CA — Dance Gavin Dance frontman, Tilian Pearson, is excited to share his new single, “Cocky,” out today via Rise Records. The track is an upbeat, infectious alt-pop anthem, bound to be a staple on summer playlists. The accompanying music video is also out today, which features Tilian and his love interest on a picturesque road trip throughout San Bernardino and Crestline, California. Watch it HERE.
New Album, The Skeptic, Due 9/28 – Available for Pre-order Here
Tilian is also pleased to announce that his third full-length studio album, The Skeptic, is due this fall, confirmed for release on Friday, September 28th. The record is rounded out at 10 tracks and complete with a solid mix of pop-punk and indie-pop offerings. Fans can pre-order it HERE.
“Musically and in my personal life, I kept thinking, ‘I’ve got to find and explore some new ground,’ ” says Tilian. “I’ve always been so much more questioning than most people around me are. I never really bought into things the way 90% of the crowd does. That sentiment communicated the idea of The Skeptic to me,” he adds.
The Skeptic Track Listing:
1. Made of Plastic
2. Cocky
3. Gone
4. Handsome Garbage
5. Hold On
6. Blame It On Rock n Roll
7. Let Her Go
8. Drunken Conversations
9. Right Side
10. Ghost Town
North American Headline Tour Kicks Off Next Week in San Francisco
After touring non-stop with DGD, Tilian will head back out on the road next week, kicking off his North American headline dates at San Francisco’s Brick & Mortar on Thursday, August 23rd. The stint hits notable stops in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Nashville, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Toronto, before wrapping in Denver on Sunday, September 23rd. Former DGD vocalist, Kurt Travis, will provide direct support with his new band, Royal Coda, along with Sunsleep and another special guest (TBA). Tickets and VIP packages can be purchased HERE, and a full itinerary is included below.
Tilian Tour Dates:
8.23.18 – San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar
8.24.18 – Sacramento, CA @ Holy Diver
8.25.18 – Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
8.26.18 – Fresno, CA @ Strummers
8.28.18 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
8.29.18 – Scottsdale, AZ @ Pub Rock
8.30.18 – El Paso, TX @ The Perch
8.31.18 – San Antonio, TX @ Jack’s
9.01.18 – Dallas, TX @ Prophet Bar
9.02.18 – Houston, TX @ Secret Group
9.04.18 – Tampa, FL @ Crowbar
9.05.18 – West Palm Beach, FL @ Respectables
9.06.18 – Orlando, FL @ Soundbar
9.07.18 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
9.08.18 – Nashville, TN @ The End
9.09.18 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
9.11.18 – Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter
9.12.18 – Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
9.13.18 – Philadelphia, PA @ Voltage Lounge
9.14.18 – Brooklyn, NY @ Kingsland
9.15.18 – Ashbury Park, NJ @ House of Independents
9.16.18 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
9.18.18 – Toronto, ON @ Sneaky Dee’s
9.19.18 – Ferndale, MI @ The Loving Touch
9.20.18 – Berwyn, IL @ Wire
9.21.18 – St. Paul MN @ Amsterdam
9.22.18 – Kansas City, MO @ Aftershock
9.23.18 – Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
PHOENIX — Touring alternative singer-songwriter, Emric‘s new single “Go Down” will hit the internet on August 15th. Be the first in line to experience this powerful message that “to live a full life, you must go down into your darkness”.
Painting a profound atmosphere with his gritty, signature soulful vocals, Emric’s talent is on display as he steps away from guitar, and makes “Go Down” his first piece written on piano, featuring intense synths and hard-hitting stomps.
Having made himself a home in Arizona, Emric will be celebrating his new single release party in Phoenix at the Listening Room on Friday, Aug. 24th at 7pm. Joining him will be alternative pop band Spar Afar.
A dynamic pop solo artist based in Arizona, Emric has appeared on the 2017 Van’s Warped Tour, and opened for such national touring bands as Puddle of Mudd. In 2015, he released a three-song EP, where he received praise from noted producer Stuart Epps (Led Zeppelin, George Harrison) for his single “Set Me Free”. What makes him unique is how he brings his music to life with an ecletic soundscape and gritty, soulful vocals.
EP (released September 7th), 
, which is their first album release in fourteen years, and their fourth studio album. Today, A Perfect Circle released a 
, is out today! The Dance Gavin Dance frontman’s 10-track effort is his first solo release with Rise Records and serves as a follow up to his previous work, 
(LP, 2013), 
(EP, 2014), 
(LP, 2015), and most recently, the 
EP (2017). Prior to creating DGD’s latest offering, Artificial Selection, Tilian retreated to Portland for three weeks to record The Skeptic with producer and frequent collaborator, Kris Crummett. The result is a solid blend of pop-punk and indie-pop anthems that highlight Tilian’s powerhouse vocals and heartfelt, raw songwriting.
, which was released in August of 2016.
While online, make sure to check out the “The Making of Dominion” video series! Unreleased audio clips of the album are also mixed in amid the video content. Watch here:
