Category Archives: News

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

 

Progressive Metal Group ETHERIUS Reveals Stunning New Music Video for “March and Defy”

New EP, Thread of Life, out Today

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 AmazoniTunes, and Google Play. You can also stream it now via Spotify.

Etherius - Thread of Life - Album ArtIn 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

 

Check out more Etherius videos here:

“The Inevitable End” Music Video

Drum playthrough for “The Inevitable End”

Guitar playthrough for “Soothsayer”

Guitar playthrough for “Thread of Life”

Bass playthrough for “Thread of Life”

 

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

Etherius Online:

Facebook  |  Bandcamp | YouTube

 

Tilian Pearson (of Dance Gavin Dance) Shares New Single and Video for “Cocky”

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 Skepticis 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

 

Follow Tilian:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

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

 

Hip-Hop/Metal Crossover Group CONCRETE DREAM Release New Music Video for “Relationshit”

This summer, hip-hop/EDM/hardcore metal crossover project Concrete Dream has released three singles: “Catch 22“, “One Thing“, and now, the new single “Relationshit“. Today, fans can witness the brand new music video for “Relationshit“, directed by Don Capria, via New Noise Magazine. Watch here.

Singer Jeremiah Mayhem says, “This song is about hiding your true self from the people you love. With your significant other, you live the lie because you’re either comfortable or may not want confrontation; which comes with being honest. And as we continue to live the lie, it turns into a ‘relationshit’, not a relationship.”

“All of our new songs are about struggle,” adds Jeremiah. “It is about a cycle in most people’s lives – we love something, we lose it, mess it up, or it leaves us, then we feel pain, and then we find a way to escape the pain. Then we repeat, again and again. This negative to positive cycle drives us forward, and we’re inspired by both the good and the bad.”

Want more? Watch the official music video for “Catch 22“, which originally premiered via Alternative Press, here.

About Concrete Dream

New Jersey-based Concrete Dream exudes a distinct, raw, yet accessible power and clean execution previously unmatched by any artist in the scene. Do not mistake this band for another local – the self-described “trap-metal” quartet are on another level, crafting potent, consistent anthems that will have listeners singing along while still hitting hard as nails.

After tapping the keen production talents of This or the Apocalypse-vocalist-turned-producer Ricky Armellino for each new single, the infectious sound reached the ears of New York hardcore legend Lord Ezec (Crown of Thornz, Skarhead, Danny Diablo), who quickly signed them to his new label, E-Train Records.

“I met Jeremiah Mayhem and immediately liked him,” says Lord Ezec, who signed the band earlier this year to E-Train Records. “He was genuine. He was real. He was like a younger version of me. Once he played me the music I was blown away. I met the band and saw a real tight unit. They care about their music and the message. Their live show says it all and that’s why I knew I needed to sign them. I want to help advance them to get their voices heard.”

Make no mistake, Concrete Dream is a band to watch in 2018.

Don’t miss Concrete Dream performing on August 11th at “Sound Purge“, taking place at Lot 13 in Bayonne, NJ (169 E Ave E). Doors open at 8:00 PM. See here for more details. The band will also perform at the “Why Is Music Important?” gallery in support of the You Rock Foundation for mental health awareness on August 31st. The event will take place at The Cyclorama at Soundwars Studios in Hoboken, NJ from 6:00 – 10:00 PM. Visit this page for more information on the event.

Concrete Dream is:

Jeremiah Mayhem – Vocals
John Kennedy – Guitar
Alejandro Mena – Bass
Juan Bang – Drums

Concrete Dream Online:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Featured photo (top) by Laura DeSantis-Olsson

 

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

 

“Go Down” With Emric — Single Release Party on August 24 at The Listening Room, Phoenix

Emric - Go Down single cover

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.

Preview “Go Down” on Spotify

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.

Tickets starting at $15  |  Free Streaming is available.

$15 advance / $20 at the door – General Admission
$20 advance / $25 at the door – VIP Seating and VIP Merchandise

For more information on streaming and ticket purchases,
visit www.emricmusic.com/shows

Emric - Photography: Katherine Amy Vega, Kataklizmic Design
Emric | Photography: Katherine Amy Vega
© Kataklizmic Design. All Rights Reserved.

About Emric

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.

Emric Online:

Website  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  YouTube

Featured photo (top) by Katherine Amy Vega, Kataklizmic Design

 

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

 

Southern Florida’s LiveKill Reveal High-Energy Music Video for New Track “In This Moment”

Southern Florida’s LiveKill recently announced the release of their upcoming EP, entitled Turned to Grey, out September 28, 2018 via SWOL Records.LiveKill performs an intense, high-energy blend of alternative metal and hardcore styles with deep lyrical messages about the fragility of life itself. Turned to Grey is available for pre-order now via AmazoniTunes, and Google Play. The EP will also be available to stream via Apple Music and Spotify upon release.

As a follow up to the release of their first single and title track, “Turned To Grey”, via lyric video (which in under a month has garnered over 120,000 streams/views via Facebook alone),LiveKill is pleased to reveal their second single, “In This Moment”, and its music video, directed by Alex Morgan (WhitechapelGojiraBad Wolves). Check out the music video now via Metal Wani.

Guitarist John Snell says, “I had rented a pretty amazing white wall studio full of everything we needed to make a great video. On the day we were supposed to film the video, the owner of the studio told us that he had rented the studio to someone else that day! So, I made a few phone calls and literally within 30 minutes, I was able to secure a new location. We walked through the space and found a section with metal framing that had not been completed, and right then Carlos our vocalist came to me and said, “you know this is pretty badass because the song is about being trapped in your mind, feeling trapped with nowhere to go”. The framing gave off a feeling of being in a cell, which really brought out the conceptual meaning behind the song.

I reached out to Alex Morgan to do this video because of his great work with DaathChimairaand Gojira and his extensive knowledge in the world of metal music. We are looking forward to hopefully working on our next video with him! He really made this fun and brought out a great live performance in us.”

Featuring top-tier production and a world-class pummeling from seasoned drummer Kevin Talley (Daath, Chimaira, Suffocation) on the EP itself, LiveKill also features Carlos Guerreros on vocals, Sean Young on lead guitar, John Snell on rhythm guitar, Anthony Laurella on live drums (and in the “In This Moment” video), and Gil Giberga on bass.

For Turned to Grey,the band brought on Alastair Sims of MOTTO Sound (Rush, Three Days Grace) to mix and master the EP, which took place at Villa Studios in Canada. Further building upon the intensity, passion and professionalism of Turned to GreyLiveKill sought the creative talents of artist Eliran Kantor, recognized for his work on album covers for Testament, Soulfly, and SodomLivekill and Eliran worked over a period of five months to complete the vision of guitarist John Snell to capture the concept of how fleeting life is. The art was inspired by the imagery, stories and grief of people who lost their lives in a flash of light – so quickly that they were “Turned to Grey” while leaving their last moment’s impression.

The main inspiration behind the art and EP concept is the lives lost in Hiroshima and more specifically, the story of Shinichi Tetsutani, a three year old boy who lost his life in the atomic bomb strike there. His father buried Shinichi and his tricycle in the backyard, and 40 years later in 1985, dug up his son along with the tricycle, had him properly buried, and donated the tricycle to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Basing some concepts of the EP on this story was not intended to highlight war itself, but rather that any one of us, in a moment so quick, can be nothing more than an imprint left behind.

Intense New EP, Turned to Grey, out September 28, 2018

Livekill - Turned to Grey album cover

Track Listing:

1) Turned to Grey
2) In This Moment
3) Demons
4) Shadows

Pre-Order via AmazoniTunes, and Google Play

 

LiveKill will perform live on October 19th in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Catch them at the show!

See below for more information:

10/19 – West Palm Beach, FL @ Respectable Street
Show: 7:00 PM
Tickets: $15
w/ Doyle, Natsuki, The Coven

 

LiveKill Online:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter YouTube

Featured photo (top) by Alex Morgan