Category: Video
0 Stardog Champion Announces Tour
Some roots never die, no matter how they are cut. Stardog Champion is proof of this. Aaron Fink and Mark James reunite with vocalist Nick Coyle reigniting the creative flame that sparked the band Lifer and set the path for Breaking Benjamin success, add drummer Josh Karis to the mix and you get Stardog Champion. Produced by Grammy-nominated Neal Avron (Switchfoot, Everclear, Linkin Park) Exhale the group’s first EP featuring the single “When We Fall” is a collection of sharp, mature rock tracks unlike a lot of modern day manufactured rock tunes. Exhale is a product of passion and lifelong influences today’s listening audience should be getting ready to absorb. What will come from these roots? Stardog Champion, breathe in Exhale!
Check out Stardog Champion on tour near you!
Tour Dates:
| Fri Aug 9 | Long Branch | NJ | Brighton Bar |
| Sat Aug 10 | Kenilworth | NJ | 10th St Live |
| Fri Aug 16 | Syracuse | NY | Three Fat Guys |
| Sat Aug 17 | Mattydale | NY | Macs Bad Art Bar |
| Thu Aug 29 | Westchester | PA | The Note |
| Fri Aug 30 | Altoona | PA | Aldos |
| Sat Aug 31 | NYC | NY | Tobacco Road |
| Sun Sep 1 | Philly | PA | Legendary Dobbs |
| Tue Sep 3 | Clifton | NJ | Dingbatz |
| Wed Sep 4 | White Marsh | MD | House of Rock |
| Thu Sep 5 | Columbus | OH | Victorys Live |
| Fri Sep 6 | Dayton | OH | McGuffys |
| Sat Sep 7 | Newport | KY | Thompson House |
| Sun Sep 8 | Indianapolis | IN | Emerson Theater |
| Tue Sep 10 | Nash/Louisville | ||
| Wed Sep 11 | St Louis | MO | Fubar |
| Thu Sep 12 | TBA | IL | |
| Fri Sep 13 | Cape Girardeau | MO | Pitters |
| Sat Sep 14 | Merriam | KS | Aftershock |
| Sun Sep 15 | Des Moines | IA | Krazee Kafe |
| Tue Sep 17 | Cedar Rapids | IA | |
| Wed Sep 18 | Crest Hill | IL | Bada Brew |
| Thu Sep 19 | Barrington | IL | Penny Road |
| Fri Sep 20 | Janesville | WI | Back Bar |
| Sat Sep 21 | Creve Couer | IL | Trendz |
| Sun Sep 22 | South Bend | IN | Cheers |
| Tue Sep 24 | G Rapids/Muskegon | ||
| Wed Sep 25 | Chesterfield | MI | Diesel Concert Lounge |
| Thu Sep 26 | Lansing | MI | Ulis Haus of Rock |
| Fri Sep 27 | Parma | OH | Rock City Tap House |
| Sat Sep 28 | Marion | OH | Tinks |
| Sun Sep 29 | Pittsburgh | PA | Hard Rock Cafe |
For more information please go to……
http://www.facebook.com/stardogchampionband
0 EVE TO ADAM TO RELEASE LOCKED & LOADED ON SEPT. 17TH; REVEAL ARTWORK FOR NEW ALBUM
EVE TO ADAM TO RELEASE LOCKED & LOADED ON SEPT. 17TH
REVEAL ARTWORK FOR NEW ALBUM
ON TOUR WITH TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION
NYC rockers, Eve To Adam recently announced the release of their latest album, Locked & Loaded, on September 17th via 3for5 / Megaforce / Sony Red. The album was produced by multiple notable producers including Dave Bassett (Shinedown, Halestorm), Eric Bass (Shinedown), and Elvis Baskette (Puddle of Mudd, Alter Bridge, Chevelle) and features ETA’s sexy new single, “Straitjacket Supermodel.” Check out the clip below!
Eve To Adam is teaming up with Texas Hippie Coalition starting July 13th for a nationwide tour ending August 16th. To stay current with all things ETA, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
EVE TO ADAM W/ TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION TOUR DATES
7/13 – Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco
7/14 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
7/16 – Orlando, FL @ The Social
7/17 – Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
7/18 – Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits
7/19 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
7/20 – Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero
7/21 – Wilmington, NC @ The Soapbox
7/22 – Richmond, VA @ Kingdom
7/24 – Pottsville, PA @ Goodfellas
7/25 – Harford, CT @ Webster Underground
7/26 – West Chester, PA @ The Note
7/27 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre
7/28 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Alter Bar
7/30 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s Downunder
7/31 – Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop
8/01 – Joliet, IL @ Mojoes
8/02 – Spring Lake Park, MN @ POV’s
8/03 – St. Louis, MO @ The Firebird
8/04 – Lawrence, KS @ Granada
8/06 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Bar Deluxe
8/08 – Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
8/09 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
8/10 – Modesto, CA @ Fat Cat Music House
8/11 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
8/12 – Tempe, AZ @ Club Red
8/14 – Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theater & Club
8/16 – Abilene, TX @ The Lucky Mule
0 New Video – Skillet – American Noise
Two-time Grammy®-nominated rock band Skillet have now released the official music video for “American Noise.” You can also go behind the scenes with the band on the set of their new video here and watch the “American Noise” lyric video here.
The highly anticipated album, RISE, is now available on iTunes and follows the band’s 2009 blockbuster, Awake, which was recently certified platinum for sales in excess of one million copies in the U.S.
The band is preparing to hit the road on the Carnival of Madness tour presented by Monster Energy. The nationwide tour includes rock superstars such as Shinedown, Papa Roach, In This Moment, and more.
To stay current with all things Skillet, be sure to follow them on their official site, as well as their Facebook and Twitter.
Carnival of Madness Tour Dates w/ Skillet
8/11 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage
8/13 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
8/14 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center for the Performing Arts
8/16 – Canandaigua, NY – Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
8/17 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center
8/18 – Bloomington, IL – US Cellular Coliseum
8/20 – Burgettstown, PA – First Niagara Pavilion
8/21 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
8/23 – Tinley Park, IL – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
8/25 – Cedar Rapids, IA – U.S. Cellular Center
8/27 – Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
8/28 – Big Flats, NY – Tags
8/30 – Charlotte, NC – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
8/31 – Virginia Beach, VA – Farm Bureau Live
9/01 – Raleigh, NC – The Red Hat Amphitheater
9/06 – Orlando, FL – Night of Joy
9/07 – St. Louis, MO – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater St Louis
9/08 – Oklahoma City, OK – Zoo Amphitheater
9/10 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
9/12 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Country Interstate Fair
9/14 – Sacramento, CA – Discovery Park
9/15 – Las Vegas, NV – The Joint
9/18 – Seattle, WA – Washington State Fair
0 TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION KICKS OFF THE HIGHWAY ROBBERY TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST EVE TO ADAM
Texas Hippie Coalition kicks off their 29 city Highway Robbery Tour in Birmingham, AL at Zydeco on July 13, 2013. They will be joined on tour by New York based rockers Eve To Adam. Having conquered Brazil during a tour of the country this spring, frontman Big Dad Ritch, bassist John Exall, guitarist Cord Pool and drummer Gunner Molton are set to spread their brand of Red Dirt Metal to US stages. The summer tour will take THC from coast to coast in support of their latest release Peacemaker, on Carved Records. Since Peacemaker’s release last summer, the record has spent more than 24 weeks on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and more than 15 weeks on the Billboard Hard Music Chart.
THC’s 3rd single Hands Up hit Active Rock stations July 10th.
Check out the Hands Up lyric video here:
Date Venue City/State
07/13/2013 Zydeco Birmingham, AL
07/14/2013 Exit / In Nashville, TN
07/16/2013 The Social Orlando, FL
07/17/2013 Vinyl Music Hall Pensacola, FL
07/18/2013 Jack Rabbits Jacksonville, FL
07/19/2013 The Masquerade Atlanta, GA
07/20/2013 Ground Zero Spartanburg, SC
07/21/2013 The Soapbox Wilmington, NC
07/22/2013 Empire West Springfield, VA
07/24/2013 Goodfellas Pottsville, PA
07/25/2013 Webster Underground Hartford, CT
07/26/2013 The Note West Chester, PA
07/27/2013 Gramercy Theatre New York, NY
07/28/2013 Altar Bar Pittsburgh, PA
07/30/2013 Peabody’s Downunder Cleveland, OH
07/31/2013 The Machine Shop Flint, MI
08/01/2013 Mojoes Joliet, IL
08/02/2013 POV’s Spring Lake Park, MN
08/03/2013 The Firebird St. Louis, MO
08/04/2013 Granada Lawrence, KS
08/06/2013 Bar Deluxe Salt Lake City, UT
08/08/2013 Studio Seven Seattle, WA
08/09/2013 Hawthorne Theater Portland, OR
08/10/2013 Fat Cat Music House Modesto, CA
08/11/2013 The Roxy Los Angeles, CA
08/12/2013 Club Red Tempe, AZ
08/14/2013 Mesa Theater & Club Grand Junction, CO
08/16/2013 The Lucky Mule Abilene, TX
08/17/2013 Trees (Ride For Dime) Dallas, TX (no Eve To Adam on this date)
http://www.thcoutlaw.com/
http://twitter.com/thcofficial
http://www.facebook.com/texashippiecoalition
0 New Video – King Kobra – Have a Good Time
“Have a Good Time” is the first video/single taken from the KING KOBRA 2013 album entitled “II” available NOW on Frontiers Records. Check out the new clip below!
KING KOBRA is:
Paul Shortino – vocals
David Michael-Philips – Guitar
Mick Sweda – Guitar
Johnny Rod – Bass Guitar
Carmine Appice – drums
0 RAVEN Announce North American Tour
New wave of British heavy metal and thrash legends RAVEN are embarking on a US and Canadian tour which will coincide with the release of their Documentary DVD entitled Rock Until You Drop – A Long Day’s Journey documents the band’s almost 40 year career and highlights their high energy approach and influence on the development of thrash. The DVD will be released July 16th via Steamhammer/SPV in North America and can be pre-ordered HERE.
A trailer for the DVD can be viewed HERE.
Joining them on the tour will be Special Guests and long time friends – Mpire of Evil which features ex Venom members Tony Dolan (Demolition Man) and Jeff Dunn (Mantas) together with drummer JXN Jackson marking their return to the US and Canada in support of their brand new album Crucified (Cleopatra Records) out now in North America. The tour will start in Fort Lauderdale September 11th and end in Chicago On October 1st.
RAVEN will then continue on as double headliners on the Diamond Head tour which will hit the West Coast in October.
RAVEN North American Tour:
9/11: Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ TBA
9/12: Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
9/13: Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall
9/14: Raleigh, NC @ The Maywood
9/15: Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter
9/18: Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus
9/19: Long Branch, NJ @ The Brighton Bar
9/21: North Hampton, PA @ The Gin Mill
9/22: Amityville, NY @ Revolution
9/23: Quebec City, QC @ L’Agitee
9/24: Montreal, QC @ Katacombes
9/25: Buffalo, NY @ The Forum
9/26: Toronto, ON @ Wreck Room
9/28: Westland, MI @ Token Lounge
9/29: Columbus, OH @ Shrunken Head
10/1: Chicago, IL @ Reggies
For More Info Visit:
2 New Video – Queensryche – Fallout
Queensryche (with Todd La Torre) has released a brand new clip “Fallout”. “Fallout” is on Queensryche’s new self titled album, available now!
0 New Video – SOIL – Shine On
SOIL’s new album Whole will be released August 20th. Check out the first single “Shine On” below!
0 New Video – Gotthard – Yippie Aye Yay
GOTTHARD – Radio-Bagpipe Version “YIPPIE AYE YAY”
The perfect song for the start of the summer.
With their album Firebirth, released in 2012, the Swiss rockers stormed the charts, toured the entire world and received a platinum award!
Right on time for the start of the summer, we present you «Yippie Aye Yay», the fourth single from this successful album, in a special radio-bagpipe version.
This feel-good song is the perfect choice for the upcoming months which are promising to be really hot.
At the start of “Yippie Aye Yay” you can hear the bagpipes of the Wild Boar Clan.
You can watch the video which Gotthard directed themselves here:
The song rocks from the very first sound and rolls without stopping throughout this enchanting track. „come what may,…. shake the day,… are you coming?
What are we waiting for?
At the moment they are fervently writing songs for the new album, planned to be released in early 2014. But Gotthard just can’t live without any stage appearances in 2013 and in order not to let the fans wait too long, the band will rock – besides a few shows in Germany – the Swiss Rock’n’Road exclusively on August 10th 2013 in Bellinzona!
“Yippie Aye Yay”!
0 Lyric Video – Scorpion Child – Polygon of Eyes
Austin, Texas revival rockers Scorpion Child have released their self titled debut album in June. Check out their lyric video “Polygon of Eyes” below.
0 CIVIL WAR (EX-SABATON) STREAMS “GETTYSBURG” FOR 150th ANNIVERSARY
Civil War, the new symphonic power metal band from ex-Sabaton members, Rikard Sundén, Oskar Montelius, Daniel Mullback and Daniel Myhr, along with frontman, Nils Patrik Johansson (Astral Doors), and bass player, Stefan “Pizza” Eriksson (Volturyon), has uploaded its new song, “Gettysburg,” to Soundcloud in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the historic battle. Check out the song, taken from the band’s debut full-length The Killer Angels out now on Despotz Records, online here:
“The Battle of Gettysburg. 150 years have passed since it took place, but still today it’s one of the greatest battles in history,” commented the band. “This is a song that reflects the memories and thoughts of one single soldier. His name is unknown, maybe he never existed. But if he did, maybe this is what went through his mind. We give you the song, ‘Gettysburg.'”
After streaming the new song, fans can purchase The Killer Angels on iTunes at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-killer-angels/id651486589 or via Amazon.com at: http://www.amazon.com/The-Killer-Angels/dp/B00DJMMN0Q/ref=sr_shvl_album_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1372887657&sr=301-2 just in time for the weekend’s Holiday festivities.
1. King of the Sun
2. First to Fight
3. Saint Patrick’s Day
4. Rome is Falling
5. Sons of Avalon
6. I Will Rule the Universe
7. Lucifer’s Court
8. Brother Judas
9. My Own Worst Enemy
10. Gettysburg
11. March across the Belt **vinyl bonus track
11. Children of the Grave **CD bonus track
Borrowing its name from the novel by Michael Shaara about the Battle of Gettysburg, The Killer Angels was recorded by Jonas Kjellgren at Studio Myhrer (which is actually the bed and living room of keyboard player, Myhr), Black Lounge Studio and Peter Tägtgren’s, The Abyss, in Pärlby, Sweden.
Artwork comes courtesy of Polish artist, Lukasz Jaszak.
Stay tuned for more information on Civil War and The Killer Angels.
Civil War is…
Nils Patrik Johansson – Vocals
Rikard Sunden – Guitars
Oskar Montelius – Guitars
Daniel Myhr – Keyboard
Daniel Mullback – Drums
Stefan “Pizza” Eriksson – Bass
Civil War online
0 New Lyric Video – Airbourne – No One Fits
Airbourne have released a new lyric video for their song “No One Fits”. Check it out below! Airbourne’s latest CD Black Dog Barking is available now!
0 New Video – The Last Vegas – She’s My Confusion
Chicago rockers The Last Vegas are back with another eye-catching music video for the song “She’s My Confusion” off the band’s fourth full-length album, Bad Decisions, released last fall through FrostByte Media. The video is produced and directed by the Chicago-based video production company Motion Source Video Solutions, the same team responsible for the “Evil Eyes” music video. Click to watch “She’s My Confusion” below.
The video is based on a well-known Chicago area ghost story named Resurrection Mary that’s been around since the ’30s. The young woman, Mary, had spent the evening dancing at the Oh Henry Ballroom (now the Willowbrook) with a boyfriend. Following an argument that evening Mary stormed out into the cold winter’s night, leaving the ballroom behind and walked along Archer Avenue. Not long after, she was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver who fled the scene leaving her to die. The story survives through the many men who claim picking up a young female hitchhiker along Archer Avenue between the Willowbrook Ballroom (which is the locale for the video) and Resurrection Cemetery. When reaching the cemetery, the young woman is let out only to disappear into the cemetery.
“The Willowbrook Ballroom is a Chicago musical institution; one bad-ass, old-school place which drips of mystery, intrigue and aura. What better place to film an unconventional rock video for ‘She’s My Confusion?’ We stepped back in time and addressed whether those noises we hear in the night are real, or just a dream?” – Adam Arling
TLV are a straight-up rock n’ roll meets garage/punk rock band that turn any event into a raucous. Hailing from Chicago and formed in 2005, TLV burst onto the national scene in 2009 when Motley’s Crue’s Nikki Sixx saw them play live in Los Angeles and subsequently co-produced their third album, Whatever Gets You Off. More touring followed, including a stint opening Motley Crue’s “Saints Of Los Angeles” tour. The Onion referred to their sound as “Swaggering, stomping, balls-out guitar rock”, while The Chicago Sun-Times declared them to be “Red hot garage-rockers.” The Last Vegas is: Chad Cherry (vocals), Adam Arling (guitars), Danny Smash (bass), Nate Arling (drums) and Johnny Wator (guitars).
TLV are in studio this month laying down tracks for their fifth full-length album, title yet to be determined, working with the great Roy Z (Judas Priest, Bruce Dickinson, Sepultura) and immediately following up with a North American tour and then a European tour supporting Buckcherry and Hardcore Superstar, but they’re not doing any of that alone. Partnering with fans through PledgeMusic, TLV are offering up a variety of great exclusive opportunities like a studio hang, an acoustic performance/backyard BBQ and more!
For more details on specific dates and chances to win, visit TheLastVegas.com! Remaining tour dates listed below.
North American Tour:
- Jul 4 in Queretaro, Mexico at the Black Dog
- Jul 5 in Puebla, Mexico at Pulque For Two
- Jul 6 in Mexico City, Mexico at Jose Cuervo Salon w/ Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil
- Jul 18 in Chesaning, Michigan at Chesaning Showboat Music Festival w/ Theory of a Deadman
- Jul 19 in Pecatonica, Illinois at Breast Fest w/ Pop Evil, NonPoint, Wayland, SOIL
- Jul 20 in Kenosha, Wisconsin at Brat Stop w/ Sevendust
- Aug 17 in Chicago, Illinois at Glenwood Ave. Arts Fest
- Aug 24 in Hillsdale, Michigan @ Checker Records Street Dance
- Aug 30 in Burnsville, Minnesota @ High Five
- Aug 31 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin @ BMO Harris Pavilion w/ Halestorm
European Tour:
- Nov 8 in Cologne, Germany @ Essigfabrik w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 9 in Berlin, Germany @ Columbia Club w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 10 in Vienna, Austria @ Szene Wien w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 12 in Munich, Germany @ Backstage Halle w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 13 in Zürich, Switzerland @ Plaza w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 15 in Roncade TV, Italy @ New Age Club
- Nov 16 in Bologna, Italy @ Estragon w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 17 in Milan, Italy @ Alcatraz w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 19 in Aschaffenburg, Germany @ Colo-Saal w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 20 in Vauréal, France @ Le Forum w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 22 in London, United Kingdom @ Koko w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 23 in Coventry, United Kingdom @ Kasbah w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 25 in Manchester, United Kingdom @ The Ritz w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 26 in Glasgow, United Kingdom @ ABC w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 27 in Belfast, United Kingdom @ The Limelight 2 w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 29 in Dublin, Ireland @ Button Factory w/ Buckcherry
- Nov 30 in Nottingham, United Kingdom @ Rock City w/ Buckcherry
- Dec 2 in Bristol, United Kingdom @ O2 Academy Bristol w/ Buckcherry
- Dec 3 in Cardiff, United Kingdom @ Solus w/ Buckcherry
- Dec 4 in Exeter, United Kingdom @ Lemon Grove w/ Buckcherry
- Dec 6 in Vosselaar, Belgium @ Biebob w/ Buckcherry
- Dec 7 in Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Melkweg w/ Buckcherry
- Dec 8 in Hamburg, Germany @ Markthalle w/ Buckcherry
0 Stardog Champion – Exhale – EP (2013)
When I first heard the name Stardog Champion, I immediately thought of the Mother Love Bone song from the 90’s (what a great song!) I can assure you that Stardog Champion has nothing to do with Mother Love Bone, but they are a cool new band worth checking out.
Stardog Champion is the new band with singer Nick Coyle (from Lifer), and guitarist Aaron Fink, bassist Mark James (both originally from Breaking Benjamin). Their new EP Exhale offers up five rockin’ tracks that will likely get a lot of radio play. The first single “When We Fall” was my first introduction to the band, and I took to that song immediately. “When We Fall” is a little heavier that the rest of the songs on Exhale, but if the five songs on this EP are any indication as to the direction of Stardog Champion, this band will have a long and prosperous career.
Stardog Champion’s music leans more towards the alt rock side of the fence, but there are some definite harder rocking moments. If you like bands like Papa Roach, & Shinedown, I think you will enjoy Stardog Champion too. Check them out!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Exhale is available via iTunes, and CD’s through Gallery of Sound.
Track Listing:
1. Aphrodite
2. Nothing To Lose
3. When We Fall
4. House of Cards
5. The Switch
Stardog Champion is:
Nick Coyle – Vocals
Aaron Fink – Guitar
Mark James – Bass
Josh Karis – Drums
0 New Video – Heaven & Earth – Victorious (Live)
Rock band Heaven & Earth premiered their live performance of “Victorious” with ArtistDirect this week. The hard hitting performance was shot at the band’s unforgettable record release concert celebrating their new album DIG (available on iTunes and Amazon) at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, CA.
“Victorious” builds anticipation with Stuart Smith’s ripping guitar solo only to be quickly accompanied by bassist Chuck Wright, drummer Richie Onori, and the dominating keyboards of Ed Roth. The pinnacle is reached when front man Joe Retta effortlessly nails the vocals leaving classic rock purists and fans in awe.
The band will be unveiling a music video for the song “I Don’t Know What Love Is” in the coming weeks. To stay current with all things Heaven & Earth be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Check out the clip for “Victorious” below.
0 Pretty Maids – Motherland (2013)
Synth heavy, hard hitting, and filled with lyrics that give the listener pause, creating thought, Pretty Maids latest album, Motherland is a solid, enjoyable effort from this Danish rock band. While their last effort, 2010’s Pandemonium was a harder edgier affair, Motherland is a strong musical journey and a great next chapter for this band’s long history book.
On first listen, it may appear that Pretty Maids are leaning more toward the album oriented rock melody in their song crafting. Yet, after a few more spins, it is easier to tell that this disc is still based on a solid foundation of shredding guitars, strong and steady stomp drumbeats, and massive guitar solos. Overall Motherland is a little mellower than its predecessor, but it still delivers the hard rock hits.
Motherland is one of those atypical albums where the disc must be played through a few times for the whole effect to take hold. On first listen, I thought that Motherland was a decent record with the stronger songs placed at the end of the album. Then I played it through a few more times only to learn that the songs at the beginning of the record were pretty decent as well.
Loaded with great hooks and shredding solos, Pretty Maids have delivered a fine piece with Motherland. Lead singer Ronnie Atkins’ voice is in top form throughout the record, never wavering or weakening. Ken Hammer continues to deliver on guitar with some exceptional work and fantastic solos. And while the keyboards from Morten Sandager receive plenty of spotlights, they never overtake the music entirely, allowing for a perfect blend of synthesizer, guitar, drums, bass, and vocals. It creates a synthesis of symphonic sound parading through the eardrums with delight.
Motherland reminds me of great synth-rock albums from the 80s, balanced with mid-tempo melodies, hard rockers, and a ballad or two thrown in for good measure. Think Styx, Trixter, Europe, or Winger for a good point of reference. And while Motherland may not be as strong a release as their last record, it is still a decent album worthy of investing your listening time into. Pretty Maids may be heading in a mellower direction, but that doesn’t make them any less grand. And given enough time (and plays) Motherland may overtake any of the bands releases in the last ten years as the record to listen to.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
Mother Of All Lies
To Fool A Nation
Confession
The Iceman
Sad To See You Suffer
Hooligan
Infinity
Why So Serious
Motherland
I See Ghosts
Bullet For You
Who What Where When Why
Wasted
Pretty Maids Are:
Ronnie Atkins – Vocals
Ken Hammer – Guitars
Rene Shades – Bass
Allan Tschicaja – Drums
Morten Sandager – Keyboards
Reviewed by Ryo Vie
1 Two For Tuesday Videos – Vega – What The Hell & White Knuckle Ride
In 2013, Vega has released their sophomore effort What The Hell. Check out the first single “White Knuckle Ride”, and the title track “What The Hell” in the clips below!
0 Video – Pink Cream 69 – Special
In 2013, Pink Cream 69 has released their eleventh album, Ceremonial. Check out their latest video clip “Special” below!
3 Black Sabbath – 13 (2013)
Legendary. It is the only word that fits the band Black Sabbath! It is mind-blowing to me that Black Sabbath has been recording metal music off & on for over 40 years now. Their music has stood against the test of time. There have been many imitators, but no band has been able to reproduce the amazing music that Black Sabbath has put out over the years. With that being said, Black Sabbath’s latest album 13, is not what I would call legendary, but it is a great bookend to what could easily be the final chapter in the careers of this amazing metal band.
Before the release of 13, I had not listened to a single song from the album, so I had no idea what to expect. After the first play, the only song that grabbed my attention initially was “God Is Dead”. On the first play, I thought, this could easily be a staple for Sabbath’s live set. It is a very classic sounding Sabbath song and easily one of my favorites on the album. I struggled at first to find another song that really made an impact on me, but I kept listening, and then a funny thing happened, I couldn’t QUIT listening.
13 really started sinking in after the second listen, and I started to enjoy it more. “End of the Beginning” does a great job re-capturing the vibe of the awe-inspiring 1970 debut Black Sabbath. Tony Iommi is absolutely riffdiculous. On 13, he has once again put together a stellar performance, creating a bunch of new riffs from his endless bag of tricks. It is his guitar work that will make you want to give this album endless spins. Geezer Butler deserves a strong mention here as well. His powerful bass is the driving force behind this music. It is awesome to listen to someone who can truly play, and not just remain hidden in the background playing rhythm. His deep and sometimes jangly bass riffs are amazing. Geezer does not always get the credit he deserves. It is my opinion that his playing on 13 is stellar.
As much as I love Ozzy Osbourne, I didn’t think his vocals were as strong or as aggressive as past releases. I get the fact that Ozzy is 64 years old, but I was hoping that producer Rick Rubin would push him a little further than he did. With that being said, Ozzy’s vocals aren’t bad, just not as good as they have been in the past.
As much as I am disappointed that Bill Ward was not involved in the making of this album, I have to give credit to Brad Wilk from Rage Against the Machine. He provided the thunder for this album, and I truly believe he did an outstanding job.
There are three of songs that have really grown on me since I started listening to 13, and those are “Loner”, “Zeitgeist” and “Live Forever”. “Loner” is maybe the most upbeat track on the album, while “Zeitgeist” is the slowest. “Zeitgeist” may just be one of the most different sounding Sabbath tracks of all time. That is the song’s pure brilliance. Iommi nearly treads into Eric Clapton territory with his playing on this one, and Brad Wilk plays the bongos throughout this song. “Zeitgeist” is clever and cool. Metal purists may turn their nose at this one, but I appreciate the creativity, and outstanding musicianship. I love the chorus on “Live Forever”. “Well I don’t want to live forever, but I don’t want to die….”. This lyric has really stuck in my head.
If you buy one version of this album, I highly recommend the bonus version (available at Best Buy) with four bonus tracks.
The bonus track “Methademic” is nearly worth the price of admission all by itself. This is a killer up tempo number that should have been on the main disc. I don’t know why this one got picked over. It is better than some of the songs on the main disc. This is a song that you won’t want to miss. (Check it out below!) “Pariah” is also an outstanding tune that should not be missed.
Overall, 13 is a solid, but not spectacular album. The more I listen to it, the more I have grown to like and appreciate it. It may not be perfect, but it does have good song writing, and outstanding musicianship. Black Sabbath fans should rush to get this, and all other metal fans should give this one a chance.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. End of The Beginning
02. God is Dead?
03. Loner
04. Zeitgeist
05. Age of Reason
06. Live Forever
07. Damaged Soul
08. Dear Father
* Bonus Tracks
01. Methademic
02. Peace of Mind
03. Pariah
04. Naivete In Black
Black Sabbath is:
Tony Iommi – lead guitar
Geezer Butler – bass guitar
Ozzy Osbourne – lead vocals
Brad Wilk – drums
0 New Video – Grand Design – Baby It’s You (featuring Susi Päivärinta on guest vocals)
Sweden’s Grand Design has released a new single and video “Baby It’s You” featuring Susi Päivärinta (Lili & Susie) on guest vocals. Check it out!!
0 New Video – Broken & Burnt – Tell Me No Lies
Brazilian metal band BROKEN & BURNT released a video for “Tell Me No Lies”, track from “Let The Burning Begin”, the band’s debut album released in 2012.
The video was recorded by Thais Carletti and Marcelo Abelha, director who worked with the group before on “The New Me” video. About the partnership the members commented: “Again we had the opportunity to work with Marcelo Abelha, a great friend who is extremely professional and knows how to capture our feeling on stage and shows perfectly our ‘keep breaking and burning’ attitude. We loved the result and we hope you guys enjoy it too.”
Check out the clip below!
0 Jon Oliva’s New Lyric Video – Father Time
You will have to wait a few more weeks (July 2nd) from the new album from Savatage front man Jon Oliva! AFM records has released a lyric video for “Father Time”. Just one of the new songs you will find on Oliva’s up and coming album, Raise the Curtain.
Check it out!
0 Pop Evil – Onyx (2013)
Adjectives that can be used to describe Onyx: heavy, different, solid, fantastic, amazing. After a few spins it is easy to state that Onyx is the best Pop Evil album to date. And while that may seem like a bold statement, it is a true statement. Fans expecting to hear “Monster You Made,” or “100 In A 55,” will not find that here. That doesn’t mean those fans will be disappointed, because Pop Evil has still delivered greatness. Acoustic guitars may be absent, and ballads may be few and far between (technically only one ballad appears on Onyx), but phenomenal music is definitely present and accounted for. Here now is Hard Rock Hideout’s track by track breakdown of the latest LP from Pop Evil.
Goodbye My Friend
Opening track, “Goodbye My Friend,” is a solid, hard rocking, modern blast. The addition of Nick Fueling (lead guitar) and Chaci Riot (drums) are felt immediately. And while the absence of Tony Greve and Dylan Allison is noticeable, the new players are taking Pop Evil in a whole different direction. “Goodbye My Friend” sets the tone for what the rest of Onyx is going to sound like: a fast, hard hitting masterpiece. The solos in this song are outstanding and vocalist Leigh Kakaty reaches down and pushes out a growling, gravelly voice that has not been heard previously.
Deal With The Devil
“Deal With The Devil” is a fast song with a hard and heavy beat. This song hit hard right out of the gate and quickly became an instant favorite. I didn’t think that there was a song that I would enjoy more than “Trenches” on this record, but I was wrong. There are multiple songs that are better than “Trenches” and “Deal With The Devil” is one of them. Crunching guitars from Nick Fueling and Dave Grahs dominate this song and turn it into a gem. Add to that Kakaty’s voice in peak form, and there’s high chance for “Deal With The Devil” to become a huge hit.
Trenches
“Trenches” was the first single released for Onyx and for a while I really thought it was the best song on the record. That is no longer the case (as you will see). Yet, “Trenches” is one of the best Pop Evil songs to date. Crunching, heavy guitars open the track and are immediately followed by the pounding drums of Riot. The powerful vocals that Kakaty nails throughout along with the urgency that the song is sung in makes this one of the most powerful anthems to come out of the Pop Evil camp.
Torn To Pieces
This is easily the weakest song on the album. That’s not to say it’s a horrendous song, it’s just not as strong as the other tracks. The subject matter is very touching (Leigh Kakaty wrote it as a tribute after his father passed away), and the song is heartfelt, but “Torn To Pieces” lacks the power that all other Pop Evil ballads have contained. And considering this is the only true ballad on Onyx, it was quite surprising. Heading into the disc, I thought “Torn To Pieces” was going to be a song that I constantly played. However, it looks like it will be just the opposite. I seem to hit skip a lot to get to the next track.
Divide
“Divide” is another strong, hard hitting, modern rock gem that only Pop Evil can deliver. This is also another song that defines the new direction Pop Evil is heading in. There would never be a song like “Divide” on the band’s previous two albums because they hadn’t emerged to that state in their career yet. With “Divide” the band has embraced the modern rock sound that they seemed to be keeping at bay on previous records. Here, they embrace the sound and turned in a strong, enjoyable song.
Beautiful
“Beautiful” is a mid-tempo piece that is quite enjoyable. The subject matter is exceptional, as the message in the music is we are all beautiful to someone in our own way. Regardless of sexual orientation, the color of our skin, personal interests, or anything else, we are all beautiful today and everyday for the rest of our lives. “Beautiful” is a very uplifting song and one that I believe has the potential to be absolutely astonishing in concert. Personally, I can’t wait to hear this song performed live.
Silence & Scars
Another ballad is delivered in the form of “Silence & Scars.” The song emerges with a strange, yet cool, attention grabbing guitar riff. It sets the stage for the rest of the song. Once again, Kakaty’s voice is strong and smooth and while it’s not a true ballad, “Silence & Scars” is up there with “Monster You Made” for one of the best ballads in the Pop Evil catalog. I expect that this will be a chart topping hit in the very near future.
Sick Sense
This is the heaviest song that Pop Evil has ever done. It sounds like a mash up of Marilyn Manson, Rage Against The Machine, and some darker modern rock bands. After the first couple of listens, I didn’t think that I was going to like this song at all. Then, after a few more spins, it started to grow on me. Now, “Sick Sense” is one of my favorite tracks on the record. It clearly shows the evolution of Pop Evil and the deep influence that Fueling and Riot had on the band for the recording of this record. Three years ago, I wouldn’t even consider “Sick Sense” a Pop Evil song. Now, part of me is hoping this is the direction the band heads in over the next couple of albums.
Fly Away
“Fly Away” is a return to the Pop Evil sound that fans have come to know over the years. Hard rocking, clean, and a whole lot of fun, “Fly Away” is one of the strongest Pop Evil songs recorded. This is destined to be a sing along classic in almost no time. “Fly Away” is another song that I am anxious to see the band perform in concert. There is so much raw power and potential for this song to be a climactic moment during their concert. And while the song structure is very simple, the delivery is impeccable, and it is what pushes “Fly Away” over the top.
Behind Closed Doors
This is another song that took a few listens to grow on me. At first, I wasn’t quite sure that I liked this song, but after a few plays, I realized how grand of a song “Behind Closed Doors” is. Starting off slow and then building into a hurried frenzy, “Behind Closed Doors” is a song that has a lot to offer. The song is rich, layered, and deep, which may be why it took so long to grow on me. There is a lot happening within “Behind Closed Doors” and it takes several listens to truly appreciate all of the great music that is being played back at the listener.
Welcome To Reality
Another quick, simple, and highly enjoyable song, “Welcome To Reality” is standard Pop Evil flair. Filled with high energy and strong vocals from Kakaty, “Welcome To Reality” is a song that delivers. If “Trenches” has a sibling, it would be “welcome To Reality.” This is a strong song that serves as a great reminder that music can sometimes just be straight out fun.
Flawed
“Flawed” is an odd song that I haven’t quite decided how I feel about. I love the opening guitar riff from Nick Fueling and I love how the drums come crashing in behind the riff. Yet, there is something about the song that keeps it from standing out as all of the other tracks have. I am unable to identify exactly what is holding this song back, but the simple fact remains that “Flawed” isn’t as grand as 10 of the other Onyx tracks. Maybe it’s due to the fact that it is the last song on the record? I have no idea. What I do know is that it will take several more listens to determine if “Flawed” is one of the better Pop Evil catalog songs.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Goodbye My Friend
02. Deal With The Devil
03. Trenches
04. Torn To Pieces
05. Divide
06. Beautiful
07. Silence & Scars
08. Sick Sense
09. Fly Away
10. Behind Closed Doors
11. Welcome To Reality
12. Flawed
Pop Evil Is:
Leigh Kakaty – Vocals
Matt DiRito – Bass
Dave Grahs – Rhythm Guitar
Nick Fueling – Lead Guitar
Chachi Riot – Drums
0 Airbourne – Black Dog Barking (2013)
Are YOU ready to ROCK?! Airbourne certainly is, and with their third album Black Dog Barking, the band has raised the bar high as far as rock albums in 2013 goes.
While Running Wild put Airbourne on the Rock and Roll map, and No Guts, No Glory proved that the band was the real deal. I believe it will be Black Dog Barking that will bring Airbourne their greatest success yet. Why is that you ask?
Black Dog Barking has not one, but ten songs that could easily be radio singles for Airbourne. Airbourne has managed to load this album with a bunch of killer fist-pumping anthems that are going to please most hard rock fans out there. Joel O’Keeffe sings, screams and plays his ass off on this album, and I hear some definite growth in his playing as well.
“Ready To Rock”, “Animalize”, and “Live It Up” are my favorites on this record but there isn’t one dud in the bunch.
I spent the extra money for the UK import which has three bonus tracks (Why doesn’t the U.S. get these ROADRUNNER?!), and I am glad I did. The bonus songs are pretty solid numbers too.
Some may argue that there isn’t one original thing about Black Dog Barking. I say what the album lacks in originality, it makes up for it with pure hard rock awesomeness. Airbourne is dishing out the best Aussie rock out there right now, and that includes most of the bands that inspired them. Don’t miss this! You won’t be disappointed! Look out for Airbourne on the Rock Allegiance Tour coming to major venues later this summer!
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Ready To Rock
02. Animalize
03. No One Fits Me (Better Than You)
04. Back In The Game
05. Firepower
06. Live It Up
07. Woman Like That
08. Hungry
09. Cradle To the Grave
10. Black Dog Barking
Bonus Tracks
11. Jack Attack
12. You Got The Skills (To Pay The Bills)
13. Party In The Penthouse
Airbourne is:
Joel O’Keeffe – lead vocals, lead guitar
David Roads – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Justin Street – bass, backing vocals
Ryan O’Keeffe – drums
0 New Video – Pamela Moore – Paranoia
Pamela Moore has released a new album, Resurrect Me via RatPak Records. Check out this killer new tune “Paranoia” off of new album. Resurrect Me is available now through Amazon.com.
0 Two For Tuesday Videos – Alice in Chains – Stone & Hollow
On the release date of Alice in Chains’ fifth album, The Devil Put The Dinosaurs Here, I thought a couple of the band’s recent clips were appropriate. The band has done a great job capturing their classic sound (minus Layne Staley, God rest his soul) on the songs “Hollow” and “Stone”. Check them out!
0 Suicidal Tendencies – 13 (2013)
“Suicidal is back!” So screams Mike Muir on the lead single to Suicidal Tendencies first album in 13 years, 13. Judging from the collection of songs put on this disc, Suicidal is back indeed. Technically, 13 is the band’s first album since 2000’s Free Your Soul And Save My Mind, hence part of the reasoning for the title 13. 13 years is a long time to be out of the spotlight and away from the fans. The big question on everyone’s mind was could Suicidal still deliver exceptional thrash/metal music after such a long hiatus? The short answer to that question is yes.
Opening with the hard hitting “Shake It Out,” 13 delivers an immediate impact that both long time fans and newcomers alike are bound to enjoy and praise. The opening guitar riff and drum beat scream out this is a hardcore, thrash album that needs to be played loud. A self-celebrating praise of their return, “Shake It Out” is a reminder of how much fun Suicidal Tendencies can be. This is a hard hitting opener that makes me want to listen over and over again.
“God Only Knows…Who I Am” features a solo by Dean Pleasants that is jaw dropping. The song opens slower than most on the album, but it builds in intensity and anticipation as it develops. By the time the chorus arrives, ears are hooked and fists are pumping into the air. This is an immensely pleasing, amazing song. The build up to the chorus is a great set up for the explosion in the middle. The eruption is pure ear candy and “God Only Knows…Who I Am” could be one of the best Suicidal Tendencies song ever recorded.
“Show Some Love…Tear It Down,” highlights guitarists Dean Pleasants’ and Mike Clark’s exceptional abilities and how they are able to weave so well together. The guitars are heavy, the groove is tight, and the song is flat out fun. This is yet another song that will find fans singing along after just one or two listens. I had a grin planted on my face after just one listen. This is a perfect song for moshing or head banging (depending on your preference). And while it slows down in the middle, it just gives the listener a reason to catch their breath before the song takes off in a fit of rage once again.
Overall, 13 is a fantastic album. If you are a fan of How Will I Laugh Tomorrow… or Lights, Camera, Revolution, then you are going to love 13. Layered with multiple infectious grooves, powerful hooks, heavy guitars, and lots of funk and fun, 13 is a powerful album that takes the listener on a journey of musical styles with thrash metal always remaining as the main focus. Suicidal Tendencies did a phenomenal job with this record. There is not a bad song on the album and it is near perfect. When it comes to voting for album of the year, 13 is definitely going to get heavy consideration.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Shake It Out
- Smash It!
- This Ain’t A Celebration
- God Only Knows…Who I Am
- Make Your Stand
- Who’s Afraid?
- Show Some Love…Tear It Down
- Cyco Style
- Slam City
- Till My Last Breath
- Living The Fight
- Life…(Can’t Live With It, Can’t Live Without It)
- This World
Suicidal Tendencies Is:
Mike Muir – Lead Vocals
Dean Pleasants – Lead Guitar
Mike Clark – Rhythm Guitar
Steve Bruner – Bass Guitar
Eric Moore – Drums
Reviewed by Ryo Vie
0 Two For Tuesday Videos – Airbourne – Blonde, Bad & Beautiful & Live It Up
Jump for Joy, Airbourne’s Black Dog Barking s available in stores today! Check out Airbourne’s video “Blonde, Bad & Beautiful” and “Live It Up” below!
0 Three For Thursday Videos – Rob Zombie
This has been a long week already, and with only one day to the weekend, I thought a little help from Rob Zombie might get us through the workday. Check out the videos clips “Dragula”, “Never Gonna Stop”, and Rob Zombie’s latest video “Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown”
0 New Video – Shaken – So Wrong
Mississippi rockers, Shaken have recently released a new self titled EP on iTunes & Amazon.com. Check out the video for the track “So Wrong” below!
For more information on Shaken, please visit the websites below:
http://www.shakenband.com
http://twitter.com/shakenband
http://www.youtube.com/user/shakenmusic
http://shakenmerch.bigcartel.com
http://www.facebook.com/shakenmusic
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