The Age of Metal

Butcher Babies Announce July 9 Release Of Debut Album ‘Goliath’

Miguel — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:19:32 +0000

Band To Spend Summer On
The Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival

May 23, 2013 (Los Angeles) – BUTCHER BABIES are proud to announce the July 9release of ‘Goliath’ on Century Media Records.

The Los Angeles-based band - frontwomen Carla Harvey and Heidi Shephard, guitarist Henry Flury, bassist Jason Klein and drummer Chris Warner – wrapped their tour with Marilyn Manson in late-February and went straight into the studio with producer Josh Wilbur [Gojira, Lamb Of God, Hatebreed]. The results offer an undeniable mission statement to the metal community: forget everything you think you know about the BUTCHER BABIES, because they’ve got their sights set to slay on ‘Goliath.’

“Working with Josh Wilbur was an incredible experience because he helped us explore ourselves as musicians and further develop the unique sound that is the BUTCHER BABIES,” says the band of their recording experience. “Being a debut album, this has been in the works since we were young, and we are so proud to have created a collaboration of all our personal influences into one complete sound.”

‘GOLIATH’ Track Listing:

1. “I Smell A Massacre

2. “Magnolia Blvd.”

3. “C8H18 (Gasoline)”

4. “Grim Sleeper”

5. “Goliath”

6. “In Denial”

7. “Give Me Reason”

8. “The Mirror Never Lies”

9. “Dead Poet”

10. “The Deathsurround”

11. “Axe Wound”

BUTCHER BABIES will celebrate the album’s release as part of this summer’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, where they will be a mainstay on the Jagermeister stage and spend the summer alongside heavyweights including Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Machine Head, Mastodon and Amon Amarth. The tour kicks off June 29 at the San Manuel Amphitheatre in San Bernardino, CA and runs through August 4 in Dallas, TX – see complete itinerary below.

JUNE

29: San Bernardino, CA – San Manuel Amphitheater

30: Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

JULY

03: Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre

05: Phoneix, AZ – Desert Sky Pavilion

06: Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheatre

07: Englewood, CA – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

10: Toronto, ON – Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

12: Burgettstown, PA – First Niagara Pavilion

13: Camden, NJ – Susquehanna Bank Center

14: Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

16: Mansfield, MA – Comcast Center

17: Bangor, ME – Bangor Waterfront

19: Scranton, PA – Toyota Pavillion

20: Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

21: Hartford, CT – The Comcast Theatre

23: Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

24: Bristol, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

26: Noblesville, IN – Klipsch Music Center

27: Tinley Park, IL – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

28: Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre

30: Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

31: Tampa, FL – 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre

AUGUST

02: Austin, TX – Tower Amphitheatre

03: The Woodlands, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

04: Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavilion

For more info:

www.facebook.com/ButcherBabiesMusic

www.twitter.com/ButcherBabies

www.centurymedia.com

POWER TRIP – Manifest Decimation (2013)

Valerie Littlejohn — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:00:38 +0000

You know that feeling you get when you’re waiting for a band to start playing? You know the one…the apprehension felt while idling in the front of a packed show in a small, run down, poorly air-conditioned venue? Standing sandwiched and wedged in between bodies with a sweat coming off of you so thick that you’re stuck to the stranger in front of you. Your body heat is radiating off in droves, and your adrenaline starts pumping to your heart at maximum speed and velocity. Aggression and ruthlessness fill the room mere seconds before the band begins to play. The calm before the storm. All those memories flood back to the mind as soon as the needle hits this record. From the first track to the last track and each one in between; Manifest Decimation strikes with an unrelenting vengeance, crossover at its absolute best.

This album rarely lets up, and you’ll find yourself not wanting it to. This record is sheer raw power, electrocuting the ears like nerves spewing out of the nervous system. The opening track ‘Manifest Decimation’ gets the body excited almost immediately. The drums start pounding away in the beginning of this track, knocking on your door. They’ll wake you up and demand your attention. The solos are faultless and the speed is just right. Curiosity peaks, the album plays on…

‘Heretics Fork’ is abrasive and aggressive in the most welcoming way. This track is sure to enliven even those people who never move at shows, you’d have to lack a pulse not to. The solo that enters about half way through will have you sliding your hand up and down the neck of your invisible guitar. You’ll feel it in your guts and out through your ears. ‘Conditioned to Death’ gives you a small break in the beginning, just long enough to take a breath before it explodes into an archetype of momentum and hostility. Once it detonates, the fury doesn’t quit.

The track ‘Murderer’s Row’ is one of the catchiest songs on the album. It’ll make you crave the feeling you get when flying through the air crowd surfing, maniacal and out of your mind. It flows impeccably into ‘Crossbreaker,’ one of the most addicting tracks on the album. Acting as almost an anthem, it’s the kind of song you’ll find yourself head banging to without even noticing. Listening to it live you’ll want to put your arm around your buddy with a fist in the air, yelling “CROSSBREAKER!” at the top of your lungs. You’ll want to lose your voice…and your mind.

‘Drown’ gives the listener another short-lived break as it takes time to build up. It’ll give you a second to watch the musicians do their thing right before it thrashes you back into the energy of the crowd. ‘Power Trip’ is the kind of song destined for the eye of the tornado that’s felt in the circle pit. As it progresses, a kinship with the band is felt. It makes you want to be a part of it, every riff and every lyric. It’ll force stress out of the body as it dissipates into the ground. ‘The Hammer of Doubt’ closes this album and it’s one hell of an ending. It’s reminiscent of a track that you’d swear was released in the mid-80’s, old school and operating at unforgiving high-speeds. Once the album ends, you can finally take a breath. (And then press play all over again).

All 34.5 minutes of this album are pure gold, an overdose for all five senses. With a sound heavily influenced by the likes of Motorhead, Sepultura, Cro-Mags, Nuclear Assault, Discharge, Exodus, Venom, and Anthrax, this album will strike a positive cord with fans of hardcore and old school thrash alike. I predict this album making a lot of top ten lists this year. I can’t reiterate it enough. Trust me, Manifest Decimation will have you feeling the bangover before the album even begins.

Manifest Decimation is out on Southern Lord records on June 11^th, 2013. Buy. This. Record. If you’re a fan of crossover, it’ll be one of the best purchases you make this year.

TRACK LIST:

Manifest Decimation
Heretic’s Fork
Conditioned to Death
Murderer’s Row
Crossbreaker
Drown
Power Trip
The Hammer of Doubt

GENRE: Crossover thrash/hardcore

RECORD LABEL: Southern Lord

PLAYING TIME: 34.6 minutes

LINE-UP:

Riley Gale – Vocals
Blake Ibanez – Guitar
Chris Ulsh – Drums
Nick Stewart – Guitar
Chris Whetzel – Bass

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/powertripTX
http://powertriptx.bandcamp.com/
https://twitter.com/PowerTripTX

STRIKER Announce New Guitarist – On Tour in Canada Now

Miguel — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:12:38 +0000

(L-R: Tim Brown, Adam Brown, Dan Cleary, Dave Arnold, Chris Segger)

STRIKER have announced that Tim Brown has joined their band as their new guitarist. Tim is the brother of Adam, the band’s drummer. He is the former lead guitarist of Canadian female fronted band “Kobra and the Lotus” (Simmons Records/Universal) as well as local band “Sixguns Over Tombstone” which he grew up playing in with Adam.

Guitarist Chris Segger commented on Tim joining the band:

“Please welcome our new guitarist Tim Brown!! We’re thrilled to have Adam’s brother join us in time for our upcoming Canadian tour and look forward to seeing you all on the road \m/”

Striker are currently on tour in Canada. A complete list of dates can be found below.

Armed to the Teeth, combines the perfect mix of melody and energy. The first two songs – “Forever” and “Let it Burn” – set the stage for the rest of the album. STRIKER ignites a firework in which rigorous riffing, playful solos and brilliant refrains are clearly the prime focus. Inspired by the originators of the scene like Saxon, Iron Maiden, Annihilator but also Exciter, the band stays hungry and wild over the full duration of the album. With every note,Armed to the Teeth, breathes the spirit of the glorious 80′s and revitalizes this particular era of music with a boost of fresh energy.

A video for the song “Let it Burn” can be viewed HERE.

Armed to the Teeth is available on Amazon and iTunes.

For More Info Visit:

https://www.facebook.com/strikermetal

http://www.napalmrecords.com

STRIKER on Tour

Thursday May 23: Fort McMurray AB – The Den

Friday May 24: Red Deer AB – The Vat

Saturday May 25: Edmonton AB – The Pawnshop

Tuesday May 28: Banff AB – The Devils Gap

Thursday May 30: Nelson BC – Spirit Bar

Friday May 31: Kelowna BC – Level Nightclub

Saturday June 1: Vancouver BC – Funky Winkerbeans

Thursday June 6: Regina SK – The Exchange

Friday June 7: Brandon MB – Park Community Centre (All Ages)

Saturday June 8: Winnipeg MB – The Zoo

Sunday June 9: Thunder Bay ON – Crocks

Tuesday June 11: Kitchener ON – The Hive (All Ages)

Wednesday June 12: London ON – Norma Jeans (All Ages)

Sunday June 16: Chicoutimi QC – Le Sous-Bois

Wednesday June 19: Ottawa ON – Café Dekcuf

Thursday June 20: Quebec City QC – Le Bateau de Nuit

Friday June 21: Montreal QC – Café Chaos

Saturday June 22: Toronto ON – Hard Luck Bar

Monday June 24: Hamilton ON – This Ain’t Hollywood

Tuesday June 25: Sault Ste. Marie – TBA

Thursday June 27: Saskatoon SK – The Fez

Saturday June 29: Gibbons AB – Boonstock Festival

DEW-SCENTED RELEASE VIDEO TEASER FOR NEW TRACK German thrashers’ anniversary compilation ‘Insurgent’ due out Tuesday

Miguel — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:08:58 +0000

German thrashers DEW-SCENTED have released an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the recording of the song, “Guided By The Dead Light,” one of the new tracks off of their upcoming 20th anniversary anthology “Insurgent.” Check out the studio footage below or via YouTube. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiTZrO3yNrg)

Lauded as “one of the most determined and deadly thrash metal acts in recent history with one of the finest metal releases of 2013″ (Alibi), the band will release their 19-track, 76-minute compilation “Insurgent” in North America on Tuesday (28) via Prosthetic Records. The release celebrates over 20 years of deadly thrash metal with a mix of new original songs, live tracks and rare covers. You can pre-order a copy of “Insurgent” through the Prosthetic webshop HERE. (http://www.indiemerch.com/prostheticrecords/item/19043)

DEW-SCENTED were recently seen supporting thrash legends Testament on their European tour, after which they were featured on the Full Metal Cruise alongside Doro, Kreator, Sabaton and several others. The band will play a slew of European festival dates throughout the summer including the prestigious Wacken Open Air alongside Anthrax, Rammstein and Meshuggah, to name just a few.

Catch DEW-SCENTED live:
6/07 Hauptmannsgrunn, DE – Chronical Moshers Open Air
6/16        Bremen, DE – Aladin w/ Testament
7/25        Munich, DE – Backstage Halle – Free & Easy Festival
7/26 Magdeburg, DE – Rock Unter Den Eichen Open Air
7/27 Obersinn, DE – Eisenwahn Festival
8/1 – 8/3 Wacken, DE – Wacken Open Air 2013
12/15      Geiselwind, DE – Christmas Metal Festival @ Eventhalle

MERCENARY POST NEW TRACK FROM UPCOMING RELEASE Danish quartet announces additional European tour dates

Miguel — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:03:28 +0000

Melodic death metallists MERCENARY have unveiled the title track from their upcoming album, “Through Our Darkest Days.” You can stream the entire song via Soundcloud. (https://soundcloud.com/prosthetic-records/mercenary-through-our-darkest)

The band commented, ”We are proud to let you all hear the title track of our new album. We put a lot of effort, heart and soul into this beast and can’t wait to unleash it on the world! For us, the song is very iconic and it embodies the melancholic and grand sound that has always been a trademark for Mercenary.”

“Through Our Darkest Days” — the group’s seventh studio album — is scheduled for release in North America on July 30 via Prosthetic. It was recorded with longtime collaborator Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Heaven Shall Burn) at Hansen Studios in Denmark and features cover art by Mircea Eftemie (Soilwork, Mnemic).

The band also has also announced a series of tour dates in its native country, which will follow their recently announced European headlining tour. Says the band, “We are psyched to announce that we will be tearing up Denmark in September and October with our good friends Essence! We will make sure that no heads are left unshaken! We look forward to share the stage with Essence once again and delivering ONE HELL of a show every night! So get your asses down to the shows and bring the action!”

Over the course of its career, MERCENARY has earned extensive acclaim for its juxtaposition of melody and melancholy, as well as its unique musical mixture of the progressive, power, death and thrash metal subgenres. The group — which has twice performed at the annual ProgPower USA festival — has toured their native continent extensively with the likes of Megadeth, Arch Enemy, Nevermore, King Diamond, Death Angel and Symphony X, in addition to playing such prominent festivals as Wacken, Graspop and Dynamo.

Catch MERCENARY on tour below:
5/30 Geiselwind, DE – Beastival
6/1 Oberentfelden, CH – Borom Pom Pom
6/2 Pilzen, CZ – Metalfest CZ
8/30 Leipzig, DE – Hellraiser #
8/31 Munchen, DE – Backstage Club #
9/1 Pratteln, CH – Gallery #
9/4 Bucharest, RO – The Silver Church Club #
9/5 Budapest, HU – TBA #
9/6 Wien, AT – Escape #
9/7 Brno, CR – Melodka #
9/8 Berlin, DE – Magnet #
9/11 Vosselaar, BE – Biebob #
9/12 London, UK – The Underworld #
9/14 Stuttgart, DE – Club Zentral #
9/15 Eindhoven, NL – Dynamo #
9/26 Kolding, DK – Godset *
9/27 Herning, DK – Fermaten *
9/28 Horsens, DK – Kulisselageret *
10/4 Lyngby, DK – Templet *
10/5 Aarhus, DK - Club Brutal *
10/11 Aalborg, DK – Studenterhuset *
10/12 Vejle, DK – Bygningen *
10/18 København, DK – Vega *
10/19 Odense, DK – Kansas City *
# with Omnium Gatherurm
* with Essence

DARK TRANQUILLITY premieres new track, “Endtime Hearts,” online

Miguel — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:39:05 +0000

Melodic death metal pioneers DARK TRANQUILLITY will release their much-anticipated 10th studio album, Construct, on May 27th in Europe and on May 28th in North America via Century Media Records. In anticipation of this release, the band has premiered another album track, “Endtime Hearts,” online here:

http://www.metal-hammer.de/video-audio/premieren/article417991/hoert-den-neuen-dark-tranquillity-song-endtime-hearts-hier-zuerst.html

The band comments about the track: ”So – here is the fourth and final ‘Construct’ preview, again showcasing a different side of the album. ‘Endtime Hearts’ is more bouncy and direct than the previous songs, combining a wide range of influences into a catchy and live-friendly little tune. Enjoy!”

For another preview of Construct, be sure to check out the following previously released album tracks

“For Broken Words“

“The Science Of Noise“

“Uniformity“

Construct track-listing:

1. For Broken Words

2. The Science Of Noise

3. Uniformity

4. The Silence In Between

5. Apathetic

6. What Only You Know

7. Endtime Hearts

8. State Of Trust

9. Weight Of The End

10. None Becoming

11. Immemorial

12. Photon Dreams

Decades after their inception, Gothenburg’s DARK TRANQUILLITY remains at the forefront of the scene that they helped to define as one of the longest-standing melodic death metal bands. Their 10th studio album, Construct, continues in the tradition of their past records by not straying from the band’s roots, while also putting a fresh spin on their trademark sound. After over 20 years together, DARK TRANQUILLITY yet again proves that they are more vital than ever.

To pre-order Construct, please head over to CM Distro for the album in a variety of formats.

Read on for a few international reviews of the critically acclaimed Construct:

“…an album of style, substance and accomplishment.” – DECIBEL MAGAZINE (USA), 9/10

“…DT continue to expertly hit that sweet spot between encephalectomic brutality and orgasm-inducing catchiness.” – METAL SUCKS.net (USA)

“DARK TRANQUILLITY have long been stalwarts of the Gothenburg death metal scene, and on ‘Construct’, their tenth album, they’re exploring a more varied approach than before.” – TERRORIZER (UK)

“‘Construct’ doesn’t change the musician’s formula for success and shows what adapted songwriting can affect: Hits Hits Hits…” – METAL HAMMER (GER), “Album Of The Month,” #1 Metal Hammer Soundcheck

“‘Construct’ is more refreshing than anything else that the scene has produced over last few years and highlights one more time the exceptional position of the band! Chapeau!”– ORKUS (GER)

“‘Construct’ is an album of maturity. Wisdom and serenity are acquired with power and concision. DT has never justified their name that strongly! Awesome!” – ROCK HARD (FRANCE), “Album Of The Month”

“Probably the purest DARK TRANQUILLITY album to date.” – UP MAGAZINE (NETHERLANDS), 85/100

DARK TRANQUILLITY live:

6.1.2013–Germany, Geiselwind–Beastival Festival

6.7.2013–United Arab Emirates, Dubai–Rock Fest

6.28.2013–Czech Republic, Spalene Porici–Basinfire Festival

7.6.2013–India, Bangalore–Bangalore Open Air

7.11.2013–Germany, Neukirchen Vluyn–Dong Open Air

7.12.2013–Germany, Ballenstedt–RockHarz Festival

7.13.2013–Poland, Wegorzewo–Seven Festival

7.27.2013–Sweden, Rejmyre–Skogsröjet

8.23.2013–Germany, Wörrstedt–Neuborn Open Air

8.13.2013–Sweden, Östersjön–Close-up båten

1.27.2014–USA, Miami–70000 Tons Of Metal

DARK TRANQUILLITY online:

http://www.darktranquillity.com

http://www.facebook.com/dtofficial

http://www.myspace.com/dtofficial

http://twitter.com/dtofficial

Alexander Krull of Atrocity talked about Okkult with The Age Of Metal

Miguel — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:00:59 +0000

Twenty five years of experience in the international metal scene, eight studio albums, countless tours, and possibly the most “out of the box” band out there (musically speaking) as they can play the fastest and brutal metal to the softest gothic pop metal. Atrocity is without a doubt one of the biggest death metal bands that is releasing a new album this year.

Okkult, the band’s eight studio opus is way different to their earlier material but is connected with what they did on the Atlantis album (2004). Okkult, is a concept album that brings back to live al the mystical places, conspiracy theories, and dark stories that didn’t reach a popular status. Examples of that are songs like: Masaya, La Voisine, Pandemonium, and March Of The Undying. With this album Atrocity goes back to their roots in death metal with full force blast beats, fast riffs and the powerful voice of Alexander Krull.

The Age Of Metal had the chance to speak with Alexander Krull vocalist of the band about the idea behind Okkult, Atrocity‘s music journey, the treasure hunt inside Okkult, and what is next for Atrocity and his other band Leaves Eyes.

Interview with Alexander Krull of Atrocity by Theageofmetal on Mixcloud

VISTA CHINO Sign to Napalm Records

Miguel — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:29:15 +0000

VISTA CHINO the band formed by John Garcia and Brant Bjork (formerly of Kyuss) have inked a deal with Napalm Records. The album is set for an early fall release. More details, including album title, artwork and track listing will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Vocalist John Garcia said the following:

“Kyuss Lives is now VISTA CHINO!…it feels great just to write that….and to say it out loud, feels even better. Now that our relationship with Napalm Records is official; it’s time to forget about the past year, move forward, and execute our original plan, which was to make kick ass music and tour the world!

Drummer Brant Bjork added:

“We look forward to working with Napalm Records and we anticipate great support in rolling out the VISTA CHINO rock.”

Thomas Caser, Head Of A&R at Napalm Records commented on the signing:

It’s with great pride we announce the signing of VISTA CHINO. After all the band has been through they are ready to rock! We at Napalm Records are thrilled to work with such talented artists and look forward to a long-lasting cooperation!

Today Napalm Records and VISTA CHINO are excited to debut the first song fromVISTA CHINO‘s highly anticipated first full length album. The song entitled “Dargona, Dragona” is available as an exclusive stream on the VISTA CHINO Facebook Page. When visiting the facebook page, clicking the “like” button will enable the audio.

Rising from the desert sands that birthed Kyuss Lives, VISTA CHINO‘s sound is instantly familiar. With the trademark soulful vocals of John Garcia, the songwriting and production of Brant Bjork (drums) and the fuzz-laden riffage of imported guitarist Bruno Fevery,VISTA CHINO‘s debut is one of the year’s most anticipated heavy rock albums. A new band born of a storied past, right now it’s about these players playing these songs.

VISTA CHINO‘s first North American performance will take place at this year’s “Orion Festival” in Detroit, MI curated by Metallica. VISTA CHINO will play on Sunday June 9^thon the “Frantic Stage”. A full North American tour will be announced shortly.

VISTA CHINO Live:

6/9: Detroit, MI @ Orion Festival

7/25: Tienen, Belgium @ Suikerrock

7/26: Feldkirch, Austria @ Poolbar Festival

7/29: Vienna, Austria @ Rock Im Wald Festival

7/31: Pinarella di Cervia, Italy @ Arena

8/3: Lierpop, Holland @ Rock Planet

8/7: Munich, Germany @ Backstage (Free & Easy Festival)

8/8: Geneva, Switzerland @ Usine

8/9: Puttlingen, Germany @ Rocco del Schlako

8/10: Eschwege, Germany @ Open Flair Festival

For More Info Visit:

https://www.facebook.com/VistaChinoMusic

http://www.vistachinomusic.com

http://www.napalmrecords.com

REVOCATION Confirm Release Date For New Album Artwork and Tracklisting Revealed

Miguel — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:06:43 +0000

On the Summer Slaughter Tour This July!

REVOCATION have confirmed an August 6^th release date for their new self-titled album via Relapse Records. This is their 4^th full-length release and the first featuring new bassist Brett Bamberger. Today the band has unveiled the artwork and tracklisting for the album. The artwork was created by Orion Landau (Dying Fetus, Obscura, Nile).

Throughout the recording process the band had cameras rolling capturing everything. From this footage REVOCATION has put together a series of videos detailing different aspects of the recording process. The first in-studio video focuses on the drums and bass and can be viewed HERE. Additionally the clip features 10 seconds of new REVOCATION music. The second video in the series focusing on the guitar and bass tracking and features 10 seconds of brand new REVOCATION material. Check it out HERE.

REVOCATION will be taking part in this year’s Summer Slaughter Tour, alongside the likes of Dillenger Escape Plan, Cattle Decapitation and others. The tour starts July 19^th in San Francisco, CA and runs through August 20^th in Portland, OR. In addition to the Summer Slaughter dates, the band has announced a handful of headline shows leading up to the Summer Slaughter and immediately following the tour. All dates are listed below.

REVOCATION is available for interviews upon request. To speak with the band, please contact the relevant publicity contact listed below. Updated REVOCATION news and tour information will be made available at the Relapse Records website, the REVOCATIONFacebook page.

REVOCATION Tracklisting:

1. The Hive

2. Scattering the Flock

3. Arch Fiend

4. Numbing Agents

5. Fracked

6. The Gift You Gave

7. Invidious

8. Spastic

9. Entombed By Wealth

10. A Visitation

REVOCATION Headline Dates:

7/14 Reading, PA @ Reverb

7/15 Peoria, IL @ Brass Rail

7/18 Reno, NV @ Knitting Factory

***THE SUMMER SLAUGHTER TOUR. All Dates from July 19 – Aug 16 with/ The Dillinger Escape Plan, Animals as Leaders, Periphery, Norma Jean, Cattle Decapitation, The Ocean, Revocation, Aeon, Rings of Saturn, Thy Art is Murder***

7/19-San Francisco, CA @ The Regency

7/20-Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues

7/21-Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory

7/24-Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom

7/26-Dallas, TX @ House of Blues

7/27-Houston, TX @ House of Blues

7/29-Orlando, FL @ House of Blues (NO CATTLE DECAPITATION)

7/30-Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade

7/31-Knoxville, TN @ Old City Courtyard

8/01-Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues

8/02-Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore

8/03-Worcester, MA @ The Palladium (NO NORMA JEAN)

8/04-Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero

8/07-New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater

8/08-Toronto, ON @ The Sound Academy

8/09-Montreal, QC @ Heavy MTL

8/10-Albany, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall

8/11-Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre (NO DEP)

8/12-Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

8/13-Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave

8/14-Minneapolis, MN @ Station 4

8/16-Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre

8/17-Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex

8/19-Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO

8/20-Portland, OR @ Roseland Ballroom

REVOCATION Headline Dates:

8/21 Richland, WA @ Ray’s Golden Lion

8/22 Spokane, WA @ The Center

8/23 Billings, MT @ Railyard

8/24 Cheyenne, WY @ Ernie November Record Store

8/25 Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews

Spiritual Beggars – Earth Blues (2013)

Jonathan — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:00:06 +0000

Many of you know Michael Amott from legendary bands Carcass and Arch Enemy. However, what many of you may not know is that around the time he founded Arch Enemy, he founded a very different project called Spiritual Beggars. Moreover, this project has been active ever since. Earth Blues, their eighth album, displays its influence right on the album title. So how does this fare? Is it a failure and should Amott stick with what we know him by? No. Not at all.

So the first thing that wows me here is how many absolutely sublime riffs are in this record. I’m absolutely floored by how much I enjoy Amott’s guitar playing. Everything about it is spot on – the riffs, the tone, the placement, everything. However, this project wouldn’t be as good without the rest of the team playing their part. Former Opeth keyboardist Per Wiberg is on this album and whether he’s playing in the background or is pushed to the forefront (Sweet Magic Pain) he does incredibly well, although this is to be expected. Vocalist Apollo Papathanasio (ex-Firewind) shows his prowess here in a very different light as well, going in a bit more aggressive tone than his time in Firewind and it shows. The rhythm section keeps everything together and keeps all of these talented people from going too far away in weird directions. Also, I’d like to know how many pretty metal flourishes are on here. For example, on One Man’s Curse, Amott plays this one riff that repeats through the first stanza that’s pretty metal.

Even on an album with many great songs, some stand out. ‘Turn the Tide‘ I think is my favorite song off the entire record, and really the best song out of any of these old-school songs that have come out as of recent. Just everything about it is so…sublime. Their willingness to just jam out fucking rules. I really have no bad things to say about this record at all.

Overall, this is old school rock and roll done right: an incredible amount of fresh ideas to turn something that can be seen as stale to something totally new yet familiar at the same time. If you just wanna jam out, this record is absolutely for you and I am ashamed of you for not listening to it yet. Go get this record. I can safely say this is my surprise record of 2013.

Tracklist:

1. Wise as a Serpent
2. Turn the Tide
3. Sweet Magic Pain
4. Hello Sorrow
5. One Man’s Curse
6. Dreamer
7. Too Old to Die Young
8. Kingmaker
9. Road to Madness
10. Dead End Town
11. Freedom Song
12. Legends Collapse

Genre: Hard Rock/Metal

Record Label: InsideOut Music

Playing Time: 50 Minutes

Line-up:

Michael Amott – Guitar
Per Wiberg – Keyboards/Vocals
Apollo Papathanasio – Vocals
Ludwig Witt – Drums
Sharlee D’Angelo – Bass

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/spiritualbeggarsofficial/
https://twitter.com/Spiritual_B
https://www.spiritualbeggars.com