Category Archives: News

Breaking The Law PR, Music Videos, News, Tours

Arch Enemy Launches New Video for “Poisoned Arrow”; Prepares to Kick Off Worldwide Touring This Weekend

February 9, 2023 Brianne Dunn Leave a comment

After releasing their latest record, Deceivers, last year to critical acclaim, extreme metal masters Arch Enemy have returned today with a new video for the album track, “Poisoned Arrow“. Produced by Mirko Witzki (Witzki Visions), watch “Poisoned Arrow” today at 9AM PT//12PM ET//6PM CET here.

Michael Amott comments as follows: “I almost can’t believe we’re releasing a 7th (!) video off our recent ‘Deceivers’ album. Yet here it is, ‘Poisoned Arrow’, a mid-tempo track drenched in melodic guitar work and a somewhat different vibe overall compared to the other singles we’ve had out.

“The video was shot in Berlin, Germany during a hectic whirlwind schedule with director Mirko Witzki and his talented crew – they even made it snow in the middle of the sweltering German summer heat!

“Here’s another Deutschland connection for you; our German friend Raphy played the beautiful cello part on the intro and outro of the song, thanks again mate!

“2023 is upon us and Arch Enemy is back on the road again, we launch the proceedings in New Zealand, Australia and Japan and have a big European summer run too.

Who knows where we’ll go after that…but for now, check out ‘Poisoned Arrow’!”

Starting this weekend, Arch Enemy will hit the road, touring the world in support of Deceivers. The quintet will first appear in New Zealand and Australia before heading to Japan; this summer, fans will have the chance to catch Arch Enemy at the biggest festivals across Europe (with more EU shows to be announced soon!). See below for all dates!

Arch Enemy New Zealand/Australia tour 2023

Feb. 12, 2023 – Auckland, NZ – Powerstation
Feb. 14, 2023 – Adelaide, AU – Governor Hindmarsh
Feb. 15, 2023 – Brisbane, AU – Tivoli Theatre
Feb. 17, 2023 – Sydney, AU – Metro Theatre
Feb. 18, 2023 – Melbourne, AU – Forum Theatre
Feb. 19, 2023 – Fremantle, AU – Metropolis

Arch Enemy Japan tour 2023

Feb. 22, 2023 – Koto City, JP
Feb. 24, 2023 – Hokkaido, JP
Feb. 27, 2023 – Aichi, JP
Feb. 28, 2023 – Osaka, JP
Mar. 1, 2023 – Fukuoka, JP
Mar. 3, 2023 – Koto City, JP

Arch Enemy EU festivals 2023

June 2, 2023 – Metalfest (CZ)
June 3, 2023 – Rock Im Park (GER)
June 4, 2023 – Rock Am Ring (GER)
June 6, 2023 – Laiterie (FR)
June 7, 2023 – La Belle Electrique (FR)
June 9, 2023 – Greenfield Festival (CH)
June 10, 2023 – Nova Rock Festival (AT)
June 13, 2023 – Le Splendid Festival (FR)
June 14, 2023 – 013 Tilburg (NL)
June 15, 2023 – Graspop Metal Meeting (BE)
June 17, 2023 – Hellfest (FR)
June 21, 2023 – Tvornica Kulture (HR)
June 24, 2023 – Alpen Flair Festival (IT)
June 25, 2023 – Rockhal (LUX)
June 29, 2023 – Provinssi Festival (FI)
June 30, 2023 – Tuska Festival (FI)
July 1, 2023 – Hard Rock Laager (EST)
July 3, 2023 – Art Factory Loftas (LTU)
July 5, 2023 – B90 Club (PL)
July 6, 2023 – Studio Krakow (PL)
July 7, 2023 – Rock Harz Festival (GER)
Aug. 6, 2023 – Rockstadt Extreme Fest (RO)
Aug. 10, 2023 – Leyendas del Rock (ES)

Deceivers

A collection of 11 tracks that are ruthlessly catchy and mercilessly violent, 2022’s Deceivers stands toe-to-toe with the highlights of the band’s storied catalogue. Roaring to life with “Handshake With Hell“, Arch Enemy make it clear they are out for blood, and every track is a hit, from the moody “Poisoned Arrow” to the titanically anthemic “One Last Time“. Sounding more energized than ever, the quintet is operating at the highest level, delivering a maelstrom of diamond-hard riffing wrapped around cinematic melodies, thunderous drumming and towering vocals. Arch Enemy has proved, yet again, that they are unstoppable.

Purchase and stream Deceivers now here

Deceivers achieved enormous chart success in many countries and received international high praise from media!

“Arch Enemy have always been reliable, every few years dropping a solid collection of catchy, chunky melodic death with at least a handful of real bangers to chew on. With ‘Deceivers’, they have surprisingly managed to up their game, delivering an album that slays from start to finish and is essential listening for metalheads yearning for a soundtrack to wreck their necks to.” – Kerrang!

“…the band’s strongest work since 2001’s ‘Wages of Sin’.” – Decibel Magazine

“With all the turmoil in the world, we can be happy that Swedish legends Arch Enemy are back with their long-awaited 11th album ‘Deceivers’ which once again raises the bar for anyone in the melodic death metal genre.” – The Hard Times

“Arch Enemy are not just another metal band. They are the metal band, and if you disagree, give this record a spin.” – The Aquarian

“This is great, fucking great, fucking heavy! Get it in ya earholes!” – Heavy Magazine

“(…) when listening to it twice, you begin to understand what a monster of an album you are dealing with here.” – Metal Hammer (GER)

“First of all, ‘Deceivers’ is a record where many bands can only dream of.” – Aardshok (NL)

“Not only does ‘Deceivers’ earn its place in one of the most reliable discographies in modern metal, it does so by being amongst the bravest and most entertaining to date.” – Metal Hammer (UK)

“‘Deceivers’ brilliantly plays the card of diversity. Stunning production, powerful choruses; Arch Enemy know how to convince and climbs a step higher.” – Rock Hard (FR)

“Once again they have turned melodic death metal upside down, proving that they are one of the greats of the genre.” – La Heavy (ES)

Arch Enemy is:

Alissa White-Gluz – Vocals
Michael Amott – Guitars
Jeff Loomis – Guitars
Sharlee D’Angelo – Bass
Daniel Erlandsson – Drums

Arch Enemy online:

Featured photo (top) by Katja Kuhl

Concerts, News, Photo Galleries, Reviews

REVIEW: Sad Night Dynamite Brings a Unique Spin on Trip Hop to Valley Bar (11-13-22)

November 15, 2022 Ryan Novak Leave a comment

PHOENIX — England’s Sad Night Dynamite has had two full length albums, both dropping in the last two years, but based on the fevered crowd reaction to their Sunday night concert at Valley Bar, with support from The Color 8, you might believe they are a group whose rabid cult-following stretches across decades and multiple albums. Valley Bar was the perfect venue for the show, as its location around the back of a building, and down an old staircase into the basement of the building felt like a secret show that only the coolest people know about. It’s a vibe that Sad Night Dynamite’s set kept going, in a set heavy with crowd interaction

The Color 8

Phoenix’s The Color 8, for those unfamiliar, are a band that defies all expectations their first appearance may give an audience. From the first note of their opener “Galaxy,” one might expect a set of modern-day jazz-funk fusion, like The Meters’ Cabbage Alley album was pulled through a time warp and reimagined for a new generation. That on its own would have been incredible enough, but this is where The Color 8 swerves instead of staying any particular course.

“Is it alright if we switch things up a little bit?” asked guitar player Kal (stage name Kal The Guitar Hero). With that, Kal and bassist Jeremiah Smith laid into a heavy (with emphasis on heavy) metal riff for the song “Whoa,” joined by drummer Wisco 3’s heavy beats. His jazzy tempo from “Galaxy” gave way to a drumming so intense it sounded like he was hitting the drums with cinder blocks instead of sticks. Ashton Vaughn Charles, who was playing the saxophone just a song before, let loose with vocals that felt like a cross between the metal of System of the Down’s Serj Tankian with a splash of the hardcore punk of HR from Bad Brains. It was gloriously intense.

They followed up jazz-funk fusion and metal with the post-reggae island track “Know the Plan.” They invited the audience to join in with each track and be a part of the experience (the band are veterans of First Friday Art Walk, where they were routinely joined by a bevy of different musicians which has lent itself well to their eclectic style). The new song “No Sleep” was a set highlight, featuring some gorgeous harmonies in the shared vocals from Wisco 3 and Jeremiah. Following the metal track “Run It Back,” with more audience participation throughout the song, Kal joked to the audience “We’re a bit bipolar ‘cause we go up and down,” before they launched into the R&B-soul groove of “X.” They closed out their set with “Savage Season.”

Sad Night Dynamite

Playing their first show in Phoenix, Sad Night Dynamite from Somerset, England immediately proved to have built a strong fanbase in The Valley of the Sun. With the house lights down, the duo of best friends Josh Greacen and Archie Blagden joined their band to the appropriately named track “Intro.” As soon as they launched into “Demon” from this year’s album Volume II, the audience collectively lost their minds. As the two traded off vocals and weaved back and forth around the stage, they were musical puppet masters, moving the crowd this way and that at even the slightest of directions. During the song and throughout the night, Greacen rapped through a megaphone into his microphone, which is never not cool.

For “Black & White,” Greacen played guitar while Blagden went into the crowd (shout out to the member of SND’s crew who stood on stage holding the mic chord high up, so that he could stand in the crowd without the mob of fans around him inadvertently unplugging the mic). Following “Icy Violence” from their self-titled debut, it was Greacen’s turn to go into the crowd for “Smoke Hole.” As he waded out into the middle, he prompted the crowd with “Alright Phoenix, I want you to break my bones! On my count: 1, 2, 3… 4!” As Blagden and the band launched into the song, the crowd launched into Greacen, seemingly trying to follow through on his request, bouncing him around the circle pit like a pinball. Returning to the stage a little beat up, he jokingly opined “That’s more like a 10, Phoenix… I think I broke some ribs!”

“We’re from this sad little island called England,” Greacen told the crowd after recovering from his circle pit beating. “Do you know what’s good about England?… Sad Night Dynamite,” Blagden responded, with the crowd roaring in approval. Excluding The Beatles, Bowie, and Monty Python, Sad Night Dynamite certainly made a compelling case throughout the night.

The duo changed the mood with the beautiful, atmospheric “Tramp” from Volume II, with Greacen on keyboards. Their 13-song set featured seven of the nine songs from their debut Sad Night Dynamite, and four of the seven songs from their new album. They closed out their set with the chill dance groove of their new song “What Does That Make Me?” and “Krunk”. Sad Night Dynamite traveled approximately 5,186 miles to play their first show in Phoenix, and for this crowd, they truly brought the best thing in England to the Valley Bar.

Photo Galleries

Photographer: Rodrigo Izquierdo

Sad Night Dynamite & The Color 8 – Valley Bar 11-13-22

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Photography © Reagle Photography
All Rights Reserved

Adrenaline PR, Films, Music Videos, News

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Drops When We Were Young – Weekend One Behind The Scenes Mini-Documentary Today

November 8, 2022 Brianne Dunn Leave a comment

The definitive behind the scenes mini-documentary of Red Jumpsuit Apparatus’ (RJA’s) experience from weekend one of the When We Were Young Festival (10/22-23/22), including Saturday’s festival cancellation, subsequent pop-up show with Hawthorne Heights and Armor for Sleep, and RJA’s next day’s performance.

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
When We Were Young – Weekend One Behind The Scenes Mini-Doc

Watch here:

During The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus’ soundcheck at the When We Were Young Festival, an announcement came over the loudspeaker stating the show for Day One was canceled due to high winds. RJA teamed up with Hawthorne Heights and Armor For Sleep and secured The Strat Hotel Casino for a free show.

Watch and hear literally everyone in attendance singing along to “Face Down” via video posted on their Instagram here.

Day Two, the When We Were Young festival goes as planned and RJA hits the stage.

During an interview with Variety Magazine, Frontman Ronnie Winter shared “It was one of my favorite sets in my entire career. Mainly because we were one of the first bands to play after day one ended so tragically. The vibe was high. It was like everyone, all at once, took a deep breathe and said, ‘Ok, this is really happening,’ which was really needed. In that moment, we were all united. It really was beautiful. I’m grateful I was alive to see it, and I felt honored to be a part of it in my small way.”

The audience, again, adding their voices to “Face Down” (which Billboard lists on their Greatest of All Time Alternative Songs Chart) during the powerful finale of RJA’s set.

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (RJA) released a new symphonic version of their RIAA certified 5x Platinum hit Face Down on all streaming platforms Friday, October 21, followed by a new video on October 2. Face Down (Symphonic Edition) is a stirring, emotional follow-up to the original hit, both timeless and scathing indictments of domestic violence and its devastating impacts. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is partnering with leading digital domestic violence resource, DomesticShelters.org, to raise awareness about domestic violence and share free resources for people experiencing abuse.

Watch “Face Down (Symphonic Edition)” Music Video here:

The 2006 smash hit “Face Down” was written by RJA lead singer, Ronnie Winter, who witnessed firsthand the lifelong effects domestic violence has on abuse victims and their families. Since its initial release more than 15 years ago on the band’s RIAA certified Platinum debut album Don’t You Fake It (2006), “Face Down” has helped a countless number of domestic violence victims and survivors find their voices and work to escape abuse. “Face Down” has an enduring legacy of positive impact, with over 347 million streams on Spotify and over 120 million views of its original music video on YouTube alone. Fans of RJA and “Face Down” began an outpouring of support for the new Symphonic Edition on TikTok, with the announcement video generating more than 2.6 million views and thousands of comments in less than a week.

The band is well known for its Multi-Platinum debut album Don’t You Fake It (one of Alt Press Most Influential Emo Albums) and their 5x Platinum single “Face Down” (video / audio / lyrics), a timeless and scathing indictment of domestic violence. “Face Down” is also on the Billboard Greatest of All Time Alternative Songs chart.

About The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus:

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is an American rock band formed in 2003, whose members include Ronnie Winter, his brother Randy Winter, Joey Westwood, Josh Burke and Jon Espy. Over their years as a band, RJA has amassed over 1 billion streams across platforms, achieved numerous Multi-Platinum, Platinum and Gold albums and singles, numerous Billboard #1’s and Top 10 radio singles, was named one of Alt Press Most Influential Emo Bands of All Time, was honored on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, and has been featured on major motion picture soundtracks, among many other achievements. Continued recent viral social success includes videos with 4M TikTok views, YouTube and more.

About DomesticShelters.org:

DomesticShelters.org is a service of Theresa’s Fund, an Arizona-based 501(c)3 non-profit charity started in 1992 by Preston V. McMurry, Jr. Launched In 2014, DomesticShelters.org provides the first and most extensive searchable digital database of domestic violence programs and shelters in the U.S. and Canada, as well as one of the largest sources of resources, tools and information for people experiencing and working to end domestic violence. DomesticShelters.org is also the host of the Purple Ribbon Awards, the first comprehensive awards program honoring the countless heroes of the domestic violence movement.

Learn more at DomesticShelters.org

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus online:

Featured photo (top) by Black Creek Productions

Music Videos, News, Speakeasy PR

Puscifer Release “Man Overboard” Video from “Parole Violator” Concert Film; Extend Viewing

November 1, 2022 Brianne Dunn Leave a comment

Jerome, AZ – Puscifer’s recent limited engagement, concert-meets-feature films: V is for Versatile: A Puscifer Concert Film featuring music from the V is for… era and Parole Violator: A Puscifer Concert Film featuring Conditions of My Parole, have been extended for viewing here through Nov. 7 (initially the films were slated to run through the morning of Nov. 1).

Watch “Man Overboard” from Parole Violator here:

Meeting at the intersection of music and theater, Puscifer is known for their thematic, multimedia-laced tours. From a “Hee Haw”-style jamboree to a televangelist revival, from sitting ringside at a Lucha Libre match to the advent of Agent Dick Merkin and the Pusciforce, Puscifer’s transition from live performances to film is a natural extension of the music-meets-acting troupe. The pandemic-induced dawn of the at-home concert experience provided Maynard James Keenan, Mat Mitchell and Carina Round with the tools to turn to film, having now released two movies to date: 2020’s Existential Reckoning: Live at Arcosanti and 2021’s Billy D and The Hall of Feathered Serpents featuring Money $hot by Puscifer.

“Those with creative minds are restless. Lockdown was only physical, not mental,” offers Keenan. “The Pandemic was the perfect springboard and opportunity for us all to flex our creative muscles. Here is more evidence.”

V is for Versatile: A Puscifer Concert Film featuring music from the V is for… era Puscifer take you into the famed studios of Los Angeles’ Sunset Sound, where everyone from Led Zeppelin to Van Halen to Elton John and Tom Waits recorded classic albums. In this live performance piece, the band invites fans behind-the-scenes as they re-interpret and re-record songs from their V is for… era. Agent Dick Merkin, Major Douche, the briefcase and a few surprise cameos are interspersed amongst the studio footage.

Parole Violator: A Puscifer Concert Film featuring Conditions of My Parole

Billy D is in jail, Hildy is on the war path and Peter Merkin, as usual, is up to no good. The saga of the Bergers continues as Puscifer pairs the duo’s ongoing melodrama with a live, track-by-track re-imagination of the band’s critically-acclaimed 2011 album, Conditions of My Parole. Visually, Parole Violator is evocative of Keenan’s North Arizona homestead, with Puscifer’s performance married to striking visuals, dramatic lighting, and in a nod to the band’s 2011/2012 tour in support of the collection, closes with a campfire sing-a-long.

Both V is for Versatile and Parole Violator have album companions, available on vinyl, CD and streaming in November. Pre-orders are available via puscifertv.com.

About Puscifer

Born somewhere in the Arizona desert, Puscifer is an electro-rock band, multimedia experience, traveling circus, and alien abduction survivors. The group’s catalog consists of four full-length studio albums: V is for …[2007], Conditions of My Parole [2011], Money $hot [2015], and Existential Reckoning [2020] — in addition to a series of EPs and remixes. Beyond the core trio of Maynard James Keenan, Mat Mitchell, and Carina Round, the group’s ever-evolving ecosystem encompasses Greg Edwards, Gunnar Olsen, Juliette Commagere as well as a cast of characters such as Billy D and his wife Hildy Berger, Major Douche, Special Agent Dick Merkin, and many more. Meanwhile, the moniker’s origins can be traced to a 1995 episode of the HBO classic Mr. Show where Keenan first used the name “Puscifer.” In addition to tallying tens of millions of streams and views, they’ve piqued the curiosity of the press. Entertainment Weekly christened them, “Exceptionally groovy,” and Revolver fittingly described them as “indescribable.” Renowned for an immersive live show, the group’s performances blur the lines between concert and theater, traversing the dusty American Southwest with Billy D and Hildy or the sweaty squared circle with Luchadores. They’ve brought their unique live experience to life everywhere from Coachella to Bonnaroo. On their 2020 debut for Alchemy Recordings/Puscifer Entertainment/BMG entitled Existential Reckoning, Puscifer track Billy D back to the desert and, just maybe, uncover the truth about aliens once and for all.

Puscifer online:

Featured photo (top) by Priscilla C. Scott

Festivals, News

When We Were Young Festival announces 2023 lineup

October 11, 2022 Katherine Amy Vega Leave a comment

Featuring Blink-182, Green Day, 30 Seconds to Mars, the Offspring, Good Charlotte, 5 Seconds of Summer, All Time Low and Many More

Las Vegas Festival Grounds – Saturday, October 21, 2023

Following the undeniable popularity and immediate sell out of the hit inaugural When We Were Young Festival 2022, which takes place later this month, organizers are excited to announce the lineup for When We Were Young 2023, set to return to the Las Vegas Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

With an epic pop-punk twist, next year’s bill delivers a colossal collection of the all-star bands that perfected the genre, including headliners Blink-182, featuring reunited original members Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker and one of the most influential bands of the genre, Green Day.

The lineup also features fan favorites 30 Seconds To Mars, The Offspring, Good Charlotte, 5 Seconds of Summer and All Time Low, Yellowcard, Rise Against, Sum 41, Pierce the Veil, Gym Class Heroes, Michelle Branch, Thrice, Rise Against, Simple Plan, New Found Glory and many more.

Fans can sign up now for the presale that begins Friday, October 14 at 10 am PT for fans who sign up for early access to passes online at whenwewereyoungfestival.com.

Following the presale, any remaining tickets still available will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, October 14 at 2 pm PT. Layaway payment plans start $19.99 down.

GA tickets start at $249.99, GA+ tickets start at $419.99 and VIP tickets start at $519.99. VIP cabanas will also be available to purchase for guests 21 years of age and older.

Follow When We Were Young Festival

Albums & EPs, News, Rockshots Records

Victoria K to Release Sophomore Album ‘Kore’

September 22, 2022 Katherine Amy Vega Leave a comment

Australia’s Victoria K returns in 2022 for the release of the sophomore album Kore this coming October via Rockshots Records to follow the 2020 debut album Essentia.

Offering up progressive symphonic sound, Kore was specifically written to provide a full orchestral experience that drives people through a sonic journey of growth and grandeur.

Pre-Order Kore

Victoria K Kore album artwork — Victoria K’s ‘Kore’ album artwork

A concept record, “Kore” explores modern-day issues through the Homeric Hymn to Demeter (the story of Persephone). Victoria K conceptualized the idea for the album with her producer Lee Bradshaw and then spent many months researching and analyzing the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, even meeting with experts of the Homeric Hymns from Greece. The story was then broken up into its different parts where Victoria Knight wrote the lyrics and developed the melodies for each section of the tale, exploring the myth from a modern perspective.

The tracks were written specifically to encapsulate the various sections of the Homeric Hymn to Demeter and tell the story chronologically through each song and the music grows in intensity throughout the record capturing the emotional state of Persephone and other characters as the story progresses.

The various instruments were then written by Victoria around the lyrics and further enhanced and developed through the production process. Lee Bradshaw then finalized the songs by writing orchestral scores for each song, which were recorded live in Europe, before the final mixing and mastering.

Recommended for fans of Lacuna Coil, Rammstein, Within Temptation, Spirit Box, and Delain, Victoria K‘s forthcoming “Kore” will be released on October 14, 2022.

Victoria K’s “Tower” Music Video

Victoria K online:

Albums & EPs, Breaking The Law PR, News, Tracks

Lacuna Coil Release “Swamped XX” Single Off Upcoming ‘Comalies XX’ Reissued Album

September 22, 2022 Katherine Amy Vega Leave a comment

Italian metal legends Lacuna Coil presented their new single “Swamped XX” on September 15, 2022. This song follows the previously launched track, “Tight Rope XX“, which is also taken off the upcoming re-issue, Comalies XX, set to be released on October 14th through Century Media Records. Watch “Swamped XX” here (directed, filmed and edited by Trilathera

True to the maxim “never change a winning team”, Lacuna Coil decided to release the opener of the album – like its original predecessor “Swamped” (2002) – as a single again. Same energy and drama as 20 years ago, but dressed for 2022 and ready to win over old fans, as well as new fans, alike.

Pre-Order Comalies XX

Lacuna Coil Comalies XX album artwork — Lacuna Coil *Comalies XX* album artwork

Available as a Ltd. Deluxe 2-CD Artbook, 2-CD Jewelcase, Ltd. Gatefold 2-LP+2-CD & LP-Booklet and digital album, Comalies XX is an entirely deconstructed and remade re-recording of Lacuna Coil‘s third full-length album, Comalies (2002). Featuring the original songs from the classic record, plus new versions of the 13 tracks, Comalies XX will be released October 14th via Century Media Records. Same energy and drama as 20 years ago, but dressed for 2022 and ready to win over old fans, as well as new fans, alike.

In celebration of this release, Lacuna Coil have been touring the USA, with Butcher Babies, Uncured, and Lions At The Gate. The tour wraps September 23, 2022 in Joliet, Illinois at The Forge.

Lacuna Coil members:

Cristina Scabbia – Vocals
Andrea Ferro – Vocals
Marco Coti Zelati – Bass guitar, Guitars, Keys & Synths
Diego Cavallotti – Guitars
Richard Meiz – Drums

Lacuna Coil online:

Festivals, News

ZONA MUSIC FESTIVAL Announces Inaugural Lineup Ft BEACH HOUSE, PORTUGAL.THE MAN, TEGAN AND SARA, More

August 24, 2022 Brianne Dunn Leave a comment

Psyko Steve Presents (PSP) and Downtown Phoenix, Inc (DPI) are excited to reveal details for the inaugural ZONA Music Festival—a new two-day boutique music festival taking place December 3 & 4 in Downtown Phoenix at Margaret T. Hance Park. The event will feature a diverse range of national and local alternative, indie, pop and rock artists in addition to highlighting several nearby businesses and vendors. Headlining acts include Beach House, Portugal. The Man, and Bleachers with Tegan and Sara and Japanese Breakfast. The event was formally announced earlier this morning at a press conference in Downtown Phoenix with remarks from Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Congressman Greg Stanton along with a special acoustic performance from Phoenix-based alternative/indie group Breakup Shoes who are featured on the festival.

In addition to the above headlining acts, the 2022 ZONA Music Festival lineup is rounded out by (in alphabetical order): Bartees Strange, Beach Goons, Black Carl, Breakup Shoes, Chicano Batman, Chloe Lilac, Destroy Boys, Diva Bleach, flor, The Front Bottoms, The Garden, Glixen, The Happy Fits, Jeff Rosenstock, July Talk, Lucius, Lucy Dacus, Miniature Tigers, The National Parks, Pariah Pete, Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra, Playboy Manbaby, Pom Pom Squad, The Red Pears, The Regrettes, SALES, SASAMI, Sitting On Stacy, Sub Urban, Sydney Sprague, Turnover, TV Girl, UPSAHL, Waxahatchee and Kevin Morby.

“We are beyond thrilled to be among this incredible lineup and return to one of our favourite cities in the United States,” says headlining act Tegan and Sara. “It’s been a long three years, and we are very much looking forward to getting on stage and strutting our stuff at ZONA in December!”

“So excited to come back to Phoenix for ZONA Festival!!!,” exclaims the Northern California-based punk trio Destroy Boys. “So many killers bands are playing, plus this is one of our favorite cities. See you there!”

Event producer Psyko Steve Presents has been promoting concerts in the Phoenix area since 2000. Founder Stephen Chilton has always placed an emphasis on developing local talent and incorporating Arizona-based artists into the company’s events. That approach rings true for ZONA Music Festival; some of Arizona’s finest artists are included throughout the festival’s lineup, including UPSAHL, who will be coming off her first headlining tour, Black Carl, who are reuniting for the occasion, and Sydney Sprague, who has had a busy couple years since the pandemic opening for tours with Jimmy Eat World and Dashboard Confessional, and The Front Bottoms. Other local artists featured on the bill include Miniature Tigers, Breakup Shoes, Playboy Manbaby, Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra, Glixen, Diva Bleach and Pariah Pete.

ZONA Music Festival general admission and VIP weekend tickets will go on sale to the public this Friday, August 26 at 10:00 A.M. PST via ZONA’s Official Website and See Tickets. Single day GA and VIP tickets will be available closer to the event.

ZONA Music Festival online:

Albums & EPs, Music Videos, News, Rockshots Records, Tracks

EVERFROST Shares New Single “Flyers”

July 22, 2022 Brianne Dunn Leave a comment

Finnish symphonic power metal band Everfrost shares brand new single “Flyers” taken from Frostbites, an EP of anime opening song covers coming out November 2022.

The band adds about the track: “‘Flyers’ by the band BRADIO became a big hit in the Japanese anime scene when it was used as the opening for cult classic show Death Parade. It’s a song we’ve wanted to cover for a long time because of its infectious groove and anthemic chorus, perfect for EVERFROST!

Listen to “Flyers” on Spotify

BRADIO – “Flyers” (Cover) by EVERFROST feat. Rob Lundgren video:

View it on YouTube

On this song we had the privilege of working with featuring vocalist Rob Lundgren, well-known for his bands Mentalist and Reveal, and vocal work on Youtube. His fun, energetic style was perfect for the track and he gave a great performance!

Aside from arranging the song into a heavier genre, main songwriter Benji wanted to elevate the chorus specifically with a huge vocal sound. This lead to us having the pleasure to work with a group of excellent singers in Finland to provide the large group sound heard on the track. This group consisted of Yannis Papadopoulos (Beast In Black), Bini Silvennoinen (Blame Me!), Mikael Salo (ex-EVERFROST, Thy Row, Dyecrest) and Sara Strömmer (Shereign, ex-Fear of Domination).”

“It’s time to crank ‘Flyers’, put your hands up and have a blast this summer!”

Frostbites CD Digipak pre-order here

About Everfrost

Everfrost is a Finnish symphonic power metal band known for incorporating Japanese anime and manga influences into their music, visuals and storytelling.

Metal fans and anime enthusiasts alike have described Everfrost numerous times as the band they were always looking for as the music is created from a passionate desire to energize you, make you happy and take you away from the struggles of everyday life.

The familiar influences of classic and modern Finnish heavy metal (Nightwish, Beast in Black, Sonata Arctica, Wintersun etc) are present in the Everfrost sound, however the band’s trademark wintery style combined with elements from non-metal genres such as eurobeat, dance pop and anime music bring a unique freshness to the mix. The result is an addictive cocktail that has proven to find its way into a wide variety of playlists, DJ sets, parties and live events.

Another big reason people fall in love with Everfrost is because of how immersive the band’s universe is. Each album features ongoing stories of a group of characters living in a cursed city, sealed off from the world. The concept is inspired by the ‘secret cities’ experiments established during the Cold War.

The band’s latest full length album Winterider was in particular quite a unique release in the metal world, being a concept album featuring this world and characters in a fully coherent manga comic, following the story and working in tandem with the songs. It received critical acclaim and high scores from multiple well-known metal media outlets such as Kaaoszine, Powerplay Magazine, Bravewords Magazine and Tuonela Magazine. “9/10 The next great power metal band.” –BRAVEWORDS

The album also made it to Disk UNION Japan’s top 10 charts for two weeks, charting at number 1 for the first week. The band also won Tuonela Magazine’s ‘best new discovery’ award for 2019.

While the music may sound energetic and cheery, the lyrical themes are usually dark, melancholic and vulnerable, dealing often with escapism through fantasy and entertainment, death and loss, social isolation and hardship. These feelings and ideas are manifested in the stories and characters, however the core inspiration stems from how cruel and cold the real world can be at times. This combination of happy music with sad lyrics empowers listeners in whatever stage they are going through or have been through in their lives.

The band features keyboardist and songwriter Benji Klint-Connelly, guitarists Samuli Heiskanen and Joose Ylianttila, bassist Roi Partanen and drummer Jope ‘James’ Salminen. Past members have included vocalists Hew Wagner and Mikael Salo (Thy Row, Dyecrest). The band has also featured and worked with many other esteemed musicians such as Rob Lundgren (Mentalist, Reveal), Yannis Papadopoulos (Beast in Black), Asim Searah (Damnation Plan, ex-Wintersun), Sara Strömmer (Shereign, ex-Fear of Domination) and Bini Silvennoinen (Blame Me!).

Everfrost online:

Earshot Media, Music Videos, News, Tours

The Aquadolls Tour with Incubus and Sublime With Rome Kicks Off July 24

July 20, 2022 Brianne Dunn Leave a comment

So Cal all-female rock trio The Aquadolls will be on the road with Incubus and Sublime With Rome from July 24 through September 3rd. See dates below.

Watch for new music coming soon. In the meantime, the band’s latest single titled “Help (I’m Falling 4U and I Can’t Get Up)” is out now.

Stream the single here, and stream the video here.

Frontwoman Melissa Brooks says, “This song tells the story of falling for someone and starting to obsess over them. It’s about imagining all of the things we could do together, both romantic and twisted, showing the darker sides of having a crush and longing for more to come from it.

Produced by Fat Mike of NOFX and Jon Graber, this song is a sultry slow jam compiled of surfy guitar with a heavy kick drum, hitting our heart strings with every chord.”

“Help (I’m Falling 4U and I Can’t Get Up)” follows on the heels of the trio’s recently national co-headline tour with Republic Records’ Sitting On Stacy, and their recent appearance at Ventura, CA’s Surf Rodeo.

Already a festival favorite, having performed for the masses at Lollapalooza, Ohana Fest, and Beachlife Festival, The Aquadolls will again grace the stage at Austin City Limits Festival this October.

The 3-piece has just finished recording a new LP that is scheduled to be released soon on Enci Records.

Incubus / Sublime With Rome / The Aquadolls Tour Dates

Sunday, July 24 West Palm Beach, FL iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Tuesday, July 26 Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place
Wednesday, July 27 Atlanta, GA Lakewood Amphitheatre
Friday, July 29 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
Saturday, July 30 Doswell, VA AfterHours Concerts at The Meadow Event Park
Sunday, July 31 Wantagh, NY Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Tuesday, Aug 02 Syracuse, NY St. Joseph’s Heath Amphitheater at Lakeview
Wednesday, Aug 03 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center
Friday, Aug 05 Camden, NJ Waterfront Music Pavilion
Saturday, Aug 06 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
Sunday, Aug 07 Bangor, ME Maine Savings Amphitheater
Tuesday, Aug 09 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center
Wednesday, Aug 10 Clarkston, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre
Friday, Aug 12 Bonner Springs, KS Azura Amphitheater
Saturday, Aug 13 Maryland Heights, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis
Sunday, Aug 14 Tinley Park, IL Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago
Tuesday, Aug 16 Rogers, AR Walmart AMP
Wednesday, Aug 17 Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion
Friday, Aug 19 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Saturday, Aug 20 Austin, TX Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Monday, Aug 22 Phoenix, AZ Ak-Chin Pavilion
Wednesday, Aug 24 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
Friday, Aug 26 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
Saturday, Aug 27 Irvine, CA FivePoint Amphitheatre
Sunday Aug 28 Chula Vista, CA North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tuesday, Aug 30 Reno, NV Grand Sierra Resort and Casino (Grand Theatre)
Thursday, Sept 01 Ridgefield, WA RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Saturday, Sept 03 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater

About The Aquadolls

The Aquadolls was formed in La Mirada, CA in January 2012 by lead singer and songwriter Melissa Brooks, who began recording bedroom demos of her songs. She eventually released the album We Are Free in early 2013, followed by the LP Stoked on You in December 2014. After a brief break from releases, the stars aligned in July 2018, and the new era of The Aquadolls commenced with Jacqueline Proctor on drums and Keilah Nina on bass. The band grew as a powerful threesome leading up to the release of The Aquadolls’ highly anticipated second album, The Dream and the Deception, recorded and self-produced by Brooks and self-released October 28, 2018, on Aqua Babe Records.

Following their sophomore album, the trio self-released the single “Suck on This” in summer 2019, followed by their 2020 viral cover of Lash’s “Take Me Away” (a track made famous via its inclusion in the 2003 Lindsay Lohan-starring Disney film ‘Freaky Friday’).

After signing with Enci Records and releasing a trio of singles (including the track “Cry Baby” which hit the top 10 Alternative Specialty Charts), The Aquadolls, whose sound mixes indie, punk, surf rock, and vintage bubblegum girl-group swagger, went on to garner praise from the likes of Spin, Paste, Alternative Press, New Noise Magazine and many more.

The Aquadolls Acclaim

“Coming from the suburbs of Los Angeles, the Aquadolls are punk pioneers in the broadest sense. They ooze eclecticism, stacking elements of indie– and surf-rock on top of a distinctly pop-punk foundation. While their sound might not exist at a comfortable spot for genre purists, fans of sonic experimentation will surely find their versatility entrancing.”- Alternative Press

“… exudes an undeniable attitude…”- New Noise Magazine

“The Aquadolls exude a positively energetic, and powerfully confident vibe. A mix of influences and life experiences between this trio, makes for their inspiringly eclectic, powerful punk rock n roll music.”- Wall Of Sound

“If there was a missing link between 60s girl groups, California surf-pop, 90s skater rock and Taylor Swift’s assertive pop-sassiness it might be this lo-fi band helmed by singer-guitarist Melissa Brooks from Southern California.”– New Zealand Herald

“In line with other historical all-female bands such as Bikini Kill.”- The BC Heights

“If you were looking for a new mood-booster, this is it.”– Riff Magazine

“The Aquadolls are a So-Cal trio primed to blast off. Featuring surf-rock vibes alongside pop-punk vocals, these witty women excel at blending genres and garnering attention they rightfully deserve.”– Idobi Radio

“…fuzzy surf-psych-grunge pop from Southern California with an ebullient sing-a-long vibe.things are on the up-and-up for this cool crew.”– *Oh My Rockness*

“The Southern California band effortlessly pours out infectious shoegazey bops, earnest headbangers, cosmic surf-punk ballads, and electrified power-pop anthems. Despite the sheer range of styles and genres reflected in their music, there’s a real cohesion to The Aquadolls’ addicting combination of sharp edges and even keel. No matter what vibe a given song has, it’s clear The Aquadolls are putting everything they have into the music they’re making.”– Hard Noise

“This is a rock band composed of womxn unafraid to unhinge their music from easy listening, a powerfulness laced with irony and sarcasm and sweltering feeling in all of their songs.”– Lithium Magazine

“The group has continued to push themselves creatively in new directions with each release.”– All The Alt Things

“The Aquadolls have managed to piece together an anthem-in-waiting. Powered by woozy chords and a hazy soundscape set atop delicate but resonating vocals, ‘Disappearing Girl’ feels as though it’s been delivered to us fresh from (a) distant dream. Fingers crossed that world domination is part of their plan.”– Blunt Mag

“A shimmering piece of indie rock, “Disappearing Girl” is built on fizzling layers of percussions as The Aquadolls toy with the raw elements garage and chest-swelling air of dream rock.”– Aupium

“A punk rock power ballad doesn’t sound like it could be possible, but The Aquadolls somehow pull off the impossible.”– If It’s Too Loud

“…energetic and infectious. They’re better than caffeine.”– Illinois Entertainer