NYS Music 20​14

Author: Jay Saint G

  • Hearing Aide: Obituary ‘Inked In Blood’

    albumTampa, FL based death metal veterans Obituary will release Inked In Blood on October 27 via Relapse Records making it their first album release in over five years. This, next to Cannibal Corpse’s A Skeletal Domain, is one of the biggest death metal releases of 2014. Last year, Obituary successfully crowd funded this album, but does the music deliver back to what the fans invested in?

    Right away the album kicks into high gear with “Century Of Lies” The drums and rhythm guitars sound clutch as ever, vocalist John Tardy may not have the pipes he had twenty years ago, but still delivers the haunting and monster-like vocals that still fit with the music and atmosphere. But his best vocals are showcased in the title track in the middle of the album.

    By the time we get to “Violent By Nature” and “Pain Inside,” the pace slows down a tad but still brings the traditional Obituary sound that we are still used to with blazing guitar solos in between verses. I will say the studio quality isn’t the greatest, but it adds a charm to the album giving it a more raw, old school sound.

    The drumming of Donald Tardy is still blazing fast, giving the band a true back-bone to keep the tunes running. The track “Visions In My Head” really showcase his talent with the all the tempo changes.

    When “Violence” starts, the tempo moves fast like it did at the beginning of the album, but the guitar tracks stand out more than they did previously with bone-crushing riffs and solos. That trend continues with the tracks “Deny You” and “Within A Dying Breed.” It’s clear the album’s best tracks are the longer songs that are deeper into the album.

    The album ends tastefully with” Paralyzed With Fear” making you want more from this band. Obituary has put out a death metal masterpiece and showing their as vital as ever.

    Overall, a fantastic album that really takes the listener back into the nasty swamps of Tampa and showcase what true death metal is all about. Clearly the Kickstarter campaign worked out quite nicely for both the band and the fans.

    You can purchase the album here.

    Key Tracks: Back On Top, Violence, Inked In Blood, Deny You

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  • Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) To Release Tell ‘Em I’m Gone October 27, Full Album Stream Available

    albumRock And Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2014 songwriter Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens) is streaming his latest album Tell ‘Em I’m Gone here. The album which was Co-Produced by acclaimed producer Rick Rubin will drop October 27.

    This marks Yusuf Islam’s first album since 2009’s Roadsinger. Tell ‘Em I’m Gone is a mix between original material and covers.

    Track Listing:

    1. “I Was Raised In Babylon”
    2. “Big Boss Man”
    3. “Dying To Live”
    4. “You Are My Sunshine”
    5. “Editing Floor Blues”
    6. “Cat & The Dog Trap”
    7. “Gold Digger”
    8. “The Devil Came From Kansas”
    9. “Tell ‘Em I’m Gone”
    10. “Doors”

    You can purchase the album here.

    As previously reported, Yusuf Islam is embarking on the “Peace Train…Late Again” Tour. The tour will start overseas in Europe in November, but will reach the United States in December at select cities. No dates in New York as the New York City show December 7th is cancelled. Closest stops from the Upstate NY region will be December 1st in Toronto, December 4th in Philadelphia, and December 7th in Boston.

    Yusuf Islam released the following statement on his official website:

    “Unfortunately I will not be performing in NYC this time around but I am looking forward to playing for fans in Philadelphia on December 4 and hope to return to NYC at a future date. My fans will understand and I thank them for informing me about the extortionate tickets prices already being listed on some websites. I have been a longtime supporter of paperless tickets to my shows worldwide and avoiding scalpers. Unfortunately NY has a state law that requires all tickets sold for shows in NYC to be paper, enabling them to be bought and sold at inflated prices. I’m sorry about not being able to now play in NYC but hope to find an opportunity that aligns with my support of this issue in the near future, God willing. Looks like the Peace Train is going to arrive at New York a little bit later than expected.”

    North American tour dates as follows:

    Dec 01  •  Toronto  Massey Hall
    Dec 04  •  Philadelphia  Tower Theatre
    Dec 07  •  Boston  Wang Theatre (New Date)
    Dec 09  •  Chicago  Chicago Theatre
    Dec 12  •  San Francisco  Masonic Auditorium
    Dec 14  •  Los Angeles  Nokia Theatre

  • Hearing Aide: Sixx A.M. ‘Modern Vintage’

    sixxammodernvintagecdnewSixx A.M. released their third full-length album Modern Vintage on October 7 and has struck lightening once again.  What makes this Eleven Seven Music released album even more intriguing than the previous two releases, is that this marks the first time that Nikki Sixx, James Michael, and D.J. Ashba have written an album without using a Nikki Sixx novel as source material.

    Opening track “Stars” has brilliant guitar work while “Gotta Get It Right” song sounds like something Queen would write.  This album fully shows off the kind of music that influenced them. The songs seem a lot shorter than songs off their previous releases. It’s definitely a step in a different direction. The material isn’t as heavy as the other two releases, but by no means lacks energy in the songs.

    “Get Ya Some” is a nice change of pace with the acoustic guitar, then “Let’s Go” cranks things real loud really showcasing the band’s depth. James Michael’s vocals throughout the album are absolute gold. He has such an Elton John flavor with a touch of 90’s alternative to his voice that really makes this band really stand out among other hard rock bands. Sixx A.M. is not just riding high because of the name. The band has real talent.

    It was recently revealed current Black Label Society drummer Jeff Fab laid down the drums for this album and will be playing behind the kit for the live shows.

    Midway through the album, Sixx A.M. goes into a power ballad with “Drive” before going into the Motley Crue like “Give Me A Love” which is also a catchy tune. Going into the end of the album, “Miracle” is clearly a nod to the eighties, while closing track “Before It’s Over” ends the album on a rather strange note.

    Overall, a solid release from Sixx A.M. A departure from the previous two releases, however, Sixx A.M. is here to stay. I would expect after Motley Crue wraps up their farewell tour, Nikki Sixx will make Sixx A.M. his full-time gig, And I would imagine D.J. Ashba will have plenty time off with Guns N’ Roses to be a part of it.

    You can purchase the album here.

    Key Tracks: Stars, Get Ya Some, Let’s Go

  • Black Label Society, Hatebreed and Butcher Babies Announce Tour, Includes Syracuse Stop

    This past Tuesday Sept. 16, E One Records announced a winter tour featuring Black Label Society, Hatebreed, and Butcher Babies. Including a stop in Syracuse, N.Y. Saturday, Jan. 10 at the F Shed At The Regional Market.

    Black Label Society is currently touring in support of their latest album Catacombs of the Black Vatican. This tour will mark the first time since 2006 that the band has played in Syracuse. Hatebreed, unleashed their latest album The Divinity of Purpose last year and came to Syracuse in February of 2013. Butcher Babies, who toured with Black Label Society earlier this spring, will be releasing a covers EP entitled Uncovered, on Sept. 30.

    Tickets for the F-Shed Show can be purchased here, this Friday Sept. 19 at 10AM.

    Tour Dates: tour

    12/28 — Spokane, Wash. — Knitting Factory

    12/29 — Vancouver, British Columbia — The Commodore Ballroom

    12/30 — Kelowna, British Columbia — Kelowna Community Theatre

    12/31 — Calgary, Alberta — Flames Central

    1/2 — Edmonton, Alberta — Shaw Conference Centre

    1/3 — Regina, Saskatchewan — Conexus Arts Centre

    1/4 — Winnipeg, Manitoba — The Burton Cummings Theatre

    1/5 — Thunder Bay, Ontario — Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

    1/7 — London, Ontario — London Music Hall

    1/8 — Toronto, Ontario — Kool Haus (The Guvernment)

    1/9 — Montreal, Quebec — Le Métropolis de Montréal

    1/10 — Syracuse, N.Y. — F SHED at The Market

    1/12 — Reading, Pa. — Reverb

    1/13 — Portland, Maine — State Theatre, Portland, Maine

    1/14 — Hartford, Conn. — The Webster

    1/16 — Royal Oak, Mich. — Royal Oak Music Theatre

    1/17 — Columbus, Ohio — LC Pavilion

    1/18 — Charlotte, N.C. – The Fillmore Charlotte

    1/20 — Oklahoma City, Okla. — Diamond Ballroom

    1/21 — Kansas City, Mo. — Arvest Bank Theater At the Midland

    1/22 — Omaha, Neb. — Sokol Auditorium

  • Joan Jett and The Black Hearts Rocked The Chevy Court at The Great New York State Fair

    The New York State Fair is always brining fantastic artists to Central New York. This year they struck gold when Rock And Roll Hall of Famers Joan Jett And The Blackhearts performed for free at the Chevy Court stage at the Great New York State Fair on Wednesday, August 27.

    Joan Jett and The Black Hearts – Great New York State Fair Chevy Court

    There was easily about seven thousand fairgoers gathered for their hour and fifteen minute set. No opening act. No nonsense. Just straight up classic punk. Currently, Joan Jett And The Blackhearts are touring in support of their latest album, Unvarnished. There were five songs off that album sprinkled into their set, along with their more notable hits and The Runaways’ classics.

    The band opened with “Bad Reputation” and The Runaways’ classic “Cherry Bomb”. Joan Jett is clearly on her A game and sounded better now than she did seven years ago when she played the state fair the previous time. And very notably, the band was clicking on all cylinders as well. Keyboardist Kenny Laguna, guitarist Dougie Needles, drummer Thommy Price, and bassist Acey Slade all showed great chemistry and great backing vocals to the entire performance.

    Some of the bigger highlights of their set would have to be “Touch Me There”, a new song that she co-wrote with Dave Grohl titled “Any Weather”, and her cover of “Crimson and Clover”, which the crowd went nuts for. Also, the crowd went crazy for “I Love Rock and Roll” as expected.

    The band ended with a three-song encore, featuring “Reality Mentality”, “Real Wild Child”, and a cover of “Everyday People”

    Overall it was a great show, and possibly the best Chevy Court concert in YEARS.

  • Rockstar Uproar Rocks The Great New York State Fair, Despite Poor Weather and Lukewarm Ticket Sales

    It was a rainy and miserable day on August 22 at the Great New York State Fair. However, some great hard rock rolled through the grandstand. There were some problems going into the show. First and foremost, Seether, Buckcherry, and These Raven Skies DID NOT appear at this stop due to outside conflict of interest, which may have hurt the ticket sales. On top of that, there seemed to be a lack of promotion behind this show. I would be worried if Rockstar Uproar will stop in Syracuse next year.

    Doors originally were supposed to open at 2pm that day, but due to the amount of bands that pulled, the show started at 3pm. The first set of bands performed on the smaller “Festival Stage” which was set on the dirt track right next to the grandstand stage. I did like how the vender tents and autograph tents were positioned on the far side of the track. The stage itself looked and sounded great. There was only one problem. Dirt track and rain is a messy situation. But bloody hell, it’s rock and roll. The first band Blame Anchor did a fine job opening the set. There must have been only 400 people when they started. Blame Anchor was the band that won the battle of the bands competition to be part of Rockstar Uproar. I think their fifteen minutes of fame pending the rest of the tour will pan out for them. Blame Anchor played a very short set, but made it count. They had a Godsmack vibe to them.

    Bad Seed Rising played their half hour set. They’re just kids, but they impressed. It’s really hard for bands in their teens to really take off with rock and metal, but I believe Bad Seed Rising can make it in this harsh industry if they stick to their guns. They’ve got some real heart and talent.

    Canada’s Sons Of Reverly are definitely the odd band out of this line up, which is not a bad thing. It just shows they got something to prove as they’re an unsigned indie band. They were the winners of last year’s Rockstar Uproar battle of the bands. This year they made it on to a permanent slot. The fascinating thing about watching them is how they eventually won the crowd completely over by the end of their set. They seem to have a little flavor of Rush, but they have some heavy songs and songs that people can relate too. I would imagine this band will be signed within the next year. I had the privilege of interviewing them after their set.

    Tattered and Three Years Hollow played good and heavy sets, but it was festival stage headliners Escape The Fate that really made that stage explode and laid the foundation. They played a fast and heavy set and egged on the crowed, too, to get them going. Clearly, a hungry band that continues to grow and make an impact on the radio and on the road. It was surprising they were not on the main stage because they clearly belonged there on this tour. By the time Escape The Fate finished, there must have been about three thousand people in attendance. Not exactly staggering numbers for a grandstand show at the fair, but the people who were there were lucky to see Escape The Fate perform.

    After Escape The Fate graced the stage and the festival stage closed down, Pop Evil opened the main stage. There was only one problem. It was almost an hour before Pop Evil started. I understand setting up the stage and production is hard work, but there was no reason for it be that long. Especially the fact that this show had two stages. But despite the long wait, Pop Evil clicked on all cylinders and was definitely a highlight of the entire show. Their set consisted of songs from all three of their albums. Songs like “100 In A 55”, “Dance With The Devil”, and “Last Man Standing” were great and had awesome performances. Pop Evil is certainly making big splashes and really solidifying themselves as a premiere headlining act.

    Because of the shortage of bands that were originally billed, it was yet another long ridiculous wait for Skillet. It may have been worth it though as Skillet was easily the best band on the bill. They’re production was bigger than it ever was. They had violinists on stage with them too; it was such a spectacle. There was a lot of energy put into their performance, and it was a nice change of pace to hear music with a positive message too. Skillet played most of their hits, but the song that stood out the most was definitely “Awake and Alive”, which had a slightly different take on it than we are used to hearing. I did find it a little odd that Skillet, who are strong Christian believers, were on the same bill with Godsmack because Sully Erna is a member of the Church of Satan. But it’s about the music, not the beliefs.

    Godsmack, of course, headlined the show. Now don’t get it twisted, Godsmack ALWAYS puts on a great show. Even if they’re off a little on a night, you’re always going to get a great show from them. Now, I have seen Godsmack multiple times. For the past decade, the band has been no stranger to Syracuse and the rest of Upstate New York, so I’m sure there are a lot of people who have seen them multiple times. That being said, they seem to have lost a little fire in their performance that night. It was still a great show, but the energy that I am used to seeing from Godsmack over the years, I did not see at Uproar. Most notably in lead guitarist Tony Rombola. He’s very talented and was a nice guy when I met him a few years back, but it just seemed he lacked the passion he used to have on stage. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt though as maybe it was an off night or that the band is a little rusty from taking the last couple of years off. As far as their set, it was a good mixture of their classic hits and some songs off of their latest release 1000 HP. Of course, the one thing that stood out during the show was the dual percussion solo between Sully Erna and Shannon Larkin. Always enjoyable to see. And during “Whatever”, Erna threw beers at the crowd and invited some fans on stage – most notably the guy with the HUGE afro that fascinated Erna. It was pretty amusing.

    Overall, it was a good lineup, but could have been so much more if Seether and Buckcherry were able to make the bill. I think fans would have gotten a much better bang for their buck and the show would have had MUCH better attendance.

  • Interview: Escape The Fate at Rockstar Uproar at the New York State Fair

    Escape The Fate have been making waves in rock and metal the past few years and currently are on this year’s Rockstar Energy Uproar Tour, headlining the Festival Stage in support of their latest album Ungrateful. I was honored to get the opportunity to spend a couple of minutes getting to know them. Drummer Robert Ortiz and guitarist “Thrasher” Bell were kind enough to invite me into their tour bus and gave me some insightful information on their music, the tour, and how rock and metal music is finally getting some recognition it deserves. Listen to the interview here or read it transcribed below.

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    Jay Saint G: So far, how’s the tour been going?

    Robert Ortiz: It’s been going great man every show has been crazy it has been a good time I really enjoyed it and we have played some headliners and intimate shows; just added them to fill in the dates when we haven’t been doing Uproar and those have been going great too cuz it gave us the chance to get up close to our fans, and that we haven’t done in while and it’s been good.

    Jay Saint G: I understand you’re from Upstate as well?

    Thrasher Bell: Yeah, born and raised in Albany, NY. I used to play Saratoga Winters and Valentines growing up. It’s awesome to bring this package to Syracuse this year.

    Jay Saint G: Very nice. Also, I know Maria Brink from, In This Moment, is from the same area if I’m not mistaken, so have you guys played any shows together?

    Thrasher Bell: No, we didn’t.

    Jay Saint G: Figured I’d ask. I understand the band has gone through quite some changes since Dying Is The Latest Fashion and some transitions in the band if you want to give some background on that.

    Robert Ortiz: The band has been ever-evolving this is our 10th year.A band is hard thing to keep together especially rock ‘n’ roll. We just roll with the punches, the important thing is where do we go from here, we have a lot of love for what we’ve done with each album and each member and there’s a great history and we want to continue and make more history.

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    Jay Saint G: I see you guys are under Eleven Seven Records, who have been one of the more prominent rock labels in the last decade. How long have you guys been with Eleven Seven Records?

    Both: I believe about a year and a half.

    Thrasher Bell: They’re a good rock label.

    Jay Saint G: If I may ask..you guys have been hitting radio hard with “Picture Perfect”, the latest single?

    Robert Ortiz: Yea we hit it hard too with “One For The Money” and we figured it was the right time now to release “Picture Perfect” which is more of a ballad-type song. Its a somber song, not a depression song but deals with loss and having to overcome and learn from the things you may have missed out with the loved one during the time they spent with you. This year I lost my grandfather at the middle of our tour.

    Jay Saint G: Condolences.

    Robert Ortiz: Thank you. It was a really difficult thing to deal with and playing that song really helps me deal with it. It’s what it’s all about so we are hoping that this song can get on radio stations and reach people’s ears and maybe help them through a tough time.

    Jay Saint G: Yeah I saw the video, very moving, so if you haven’t seen it, check it on Escape the Fate Vevo on YouTube.

    Thrasher Bell: Yeah check it out at escapethefate.com is a good source for all our videos and tour dates.

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    Jay Saint G: I have to ask, have you guys played central New York?

    Thrasher Bell: Yeah, I played all over New York.

    Jay Saint G: What about the great New York State Fair at all?

    Robert Ortiz: No, this is the first time. We played Albany and Buffalo, but never Syracuse. This is my first time at the State Fair. I’m looking forward to our show, I’ve seen all the bands before so I might go around and enjoy all the sights and sounds of what’s going on today.

    Jay Saint G: I believe this is the second or third time Uproar has been to the fair, and as a native of Syracuse myself, when you’re here at the fair, you got to indulge in some of those deep-fried Oreos and wine slushies and fried Twinkies.

    Thrasher Bell: So this is where it’s at. My inner fat kid is stoked!

    Jay Saint G: Gianelli Sausage, Dinosaur BBQ, Tully’s and their tenders.

    Robert Ortiz: Ok so what’s the spot I have to hit?

    Thrasher Bell: I heard they have fried chicken and Krispy Kreme.

    Jay Saint G: Yes there’s a place called sticks and things, they have shark on stick, alligator on a stick, it’s a pretty big hit here along with Dinosaur BBQ. They’re famous here in Syracuse, Rochester, New York City, but there’s all those tiny places you gotta hit like Jim’s Fried Specialties, they’ll fry anything! I get fat just thinking about it. I think I clogged an artery just talking about it.

    Robert Ortiz: So what you’re saying is this day is going to take four or five years off my life.

    Jay Saint G: I certainly hope not.

    Robert Ortiz: I hope so cuz it will be worth it cuz it sounds amazing.

    Jay Saint G: I think the fair is the only thing that keeps central New York going, so I gotta ask, going back to music, and less food, what was some of your musical influences?

    Thrasher Bell: I was influenced by Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, Slash, Eddie Van Halen, then took off to progressive metal.

    Robert Ortiz: I was raised as a metal head. My parents were rockers. They raised me with the classics like Ozzy and Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin to Aerosmith, Guns n’ Roses and Metallica and all that awesome ’80s metal and then I fell in love with the big four of thrash metal that was all my shit. And that’s what influenced me to play metal, and then led to some of the newer bands like Thrice and Avenged Sevenfold. All that stuff that was new when I was in high school. And, now it’s almost everything. If it touches me in some way and I like it and it finds its way into everything I do. I always go back to those classic fuckin’ rock and metal bands that will always be in my heart.

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    Thrasher Bell: Yeah, anything they play on 103.5/103.9 The Edge.

    Jay Saint G: Yes, great stations. I always check it out whenever I travel to Albany I put it on The Edge. Another question, is there any music you guys are listening to right now that may be out of the ordinary?

    Thrasher Bell: Interesting one, we are listening to Jay Z right now which is classic to me.

    Robert Ortiz: To me if I haven’t heard it its new to me. I tend to dive into weird stuff that will make me think like why was this artist huge? And I just never heard them? Maybe it’s before my time or a scene I was never into, so ill go back , or if its Mexican music or fucking some pop artist or anything like that, I always dive into it, last few months its been fucking Vicente Fernández, the mariachi music. He’s the man. I’ve been jamming that, but it’s weird and I love it so I don’t care. Lately been getting into this new band that just signed with our label what are they called? They’re getting huge on the radio…what are they called?

    Thrasher Bell: Nothing More.

    Robert Ortiz: Yeah, Nothing More. That’s one I’ve been listening to.

    Jay Saint G: Yes, they just played a local festival here in Syracuse called 95x Fest. They absolutely killed it. Them and Otherwise blew all the other bands out of the water and that was my first exposure to Nothing More and they have been rapidly growing. It’s good to see that kind of music making that dominance to mainstream radio. It’s kind of refreshing to hear that.

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    Robert Ortiz: Yeah and that’s where I was coming from. We are definitely in the same vibe as them. They seem to somehow finally be breaking the mold of rock n roll radio has been the last 10 years. And I don’t think rock radio has taken a lot of chances, and they’re taking a big chance with them and it opens the doors for different bands that you know…that kids have been following for a long time. That style. That genre. Kids have been following, and that’s the direction rock has been going the last 10 years and now there’s finally one going balls to the wall with that sound and making that and growing that sound. And people may not have given that style of music that chance. In rock music they never would have given that chance back then and they are now.

    Jay Saint G: Any chance we will see Escape the Fate and Nothing More tour together in the near future?

    Thrasher Bell: I did tweet them that I was listening to their new record at the gym and they offered to do a little tour with us. So it’s a possibility.

    Jay Saint G: We will keep our fingers crossed, and will be first to release that news.

    Robert Ortiz: Honestly that tour would be awesome. We should call that the new face of rock radio

    Jay Saint G: The Revolution.

    Robert Ortiz: Yeah, the rock revolution tour

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    Jay Saint G: That would be killer. I don’t want to keep you guys too much longer. Couple more questions; Any crazy stories from the tour so far?

    Thrasher Bell: Godsmack threw an after party. It was cool to hang with those guys so they had a lot of cool stories to share.

    Jay Saint G: Yeah, them and Buckcherry are the veterans of the tour so they must have crazy stories to share.

    Robert Ortiz: Honestly nothing crazy yet. But that drum solo that Godsmack does, everyone needs to see that because it’s such a spectacle.

    Jay Saint G: You guys have been together 10 years and growing strong. Do you guys have any advice for up and coming bands that just started and how they can make it in rock n roll?

    Thrasher Bell: I would say try to find a unique voice. And stick to your guns and practice, practice, practice. You want to rehearse before your shows and play as many shows as possible. And that’s how you grow as a band.

    Robert Ortiz: I would say follow what’s in your heart. If you like it, someone else will like it.

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  • Breaking Benjamin Ends Hiatus With Brand New Line Up

    After being away for five years, everyone was wondering if Scranton, PA alternative hard rockers Breaking Benjamin would ever come back. Now the silence is broken, fans rejoice! Breaking Benjamin is officially back.

    The news broke this week when Breaking Benjamin posted a new video on their Facebook that they have a completely new lineup. Frontman and lead song writer Ben Burnley is the only original member left in the band, which has been inactive since 2010 with Burnley dealing with health issues and was in a legal battle against former members Aaron Fink and Mark James regarding the release of the remixed version of “Blow Me Away” which was released as a single to radio when their greatest hits album was released.

    breaking benjamin hiatusBurnley won the legal battle in April 2013 and announced plans to continue under the Breaking Benjamin name, playing a few acoustic performances later that year. No word on former members Aaron Fink and Mark James musical plans are. Former drummer Jeremy Hummer is currently touring with Creed frontman Scott Stapp, and former drummer Chad Szeliga spent a few years with Black Label Society.

    breaking benjamin hiatusJoining Burnley in what is the third version of Breaking Benjamin are drummer Shaun Foist, bassist Aaron Bruch, former Red guitarist Jasen Rauch and ex-Adelitas Way guitarist Keith Wallen.

    This marks the first time Breaking Benjamin as a five piece band.

    Breaking Benjamin currently has no plans regarding a new album, touring plans, and hasn’t revealed what record label they are signed with. Breaking Benjamin spent their whole active career with Hollywood Records. The last Breaking Benjamin album, Dear Agony, came out in 2009.

    Benjamin Burnley was originally in a band named Breaking Benjamin in 1998 that played “softer music” such as Weezer and The Beatles covers, and was “nothing like” subsequent lineups. The name originates from an incident in which Burnley broke a borrowed microphone, prompting its owner to retort, “Thanks to Benjamin for breaking my fucking mic.”

    Expect more news on Breaking Benjamin shortly.

  • Hearing Aide: King 810 ‘Memoirs Of A Murderer’

    king-810-memoirs-of-a-murdererFlint, Michigan metallers King 810 have released their first full length album Memoirs Of A Murderer released by Roadrunner Records. A band, who are no stranger to arrests and controversy. Machine Head’s Rob Flynn has praised this band for their balls to the wall violent ways – But does Memoirs Of A Murderer live up to expectations?

    My immediate impression with opening track “Killem All” is that this band is a mix between hardcore and death metal; if that makes any sense. It’s very aggressive sounding with very violent lyrics. The album does maintain a consistent theme with the whole “I wanna kill you” attitude that is present in almost every song. This band sends a message that they have been around violence all their life and want to translate it using metal music.

    The album has aggressive electric guitar sound until the fourth track where it briefly changes pace with an acoustic but haunting sounding song “Take It”. Then the next track goes heavy again with “Fat Around The Heart” by delivering the message that the band has been around so much violence and wants to tell the listener not to try to live that kind of lifestyle because you won’t make it. Vocalist David Gunn goes spoken-word with “Anatomy 1-2”  which is a good change of pace so the album does not sound all the same.

    “Eyes” is an impressive track. The bands lyrical style changes as well as musically and goes into a melodic direction showing that the band has depth.

    “Desperate Lover” goes back to the heavy and violent direction. Anyone that has ever fantasized about killing an ex-lover would love this song. Moving forward, we get another heavy track with “Boogeymen” and another acoustic track with “Devil Don’t Cry” before we get another spoken word track with “Anatomy 1-3”. The rest of the album continues with the heavy tracks before it finally closes with acoustic closing track “State of Nature”.

    Overall, a solid debut. Simple but catchy rifts throughout, very violent but memorable lyrics.  This band is the next controversial band, expect them to ride the wave of bad publicity, but their talent can’t be overlooked.

    You can purchase the album here.

    KEY TRACKS: Fat Around The Heart, Eyes, Desperate Lover

  • New Music Releases To Be Moved From Tuesdays To Fridays?

    How do you defend yourself against pirates? By moving to Friday apparently. According to sources, in order to reduce illegal downloading of music, leaks, and pirating, Billboard is looking to set a global release day to Friday for all new music releases worldwide.

    The whole idea came about when Australia saw success by moving new releases to Friday. In recent years, music has already hit torrent sites before albums even reach their street release dates. Especially in the U.S.

    According to Consequence of Sound and Ultimate Guitar, sources say the policy could go into effect as early as July 2015, but others suggest that it hasn’t been agreed upon completely by everyone in the industry. But there can be setbacks.

    “This global streetdate is necessary for the industry but unfortunately it will be awkward for the physical retailers to change their ways of doing business,” one label executive told Billboard.

    Personally, this makes Fridays even better. Not only is it payday for most hardworking Americans, now they can have something to look forward to investing to when they get paid.   I’m sure there will be plenty people who would much prefer to keep it on Tuesdays.

    What do you think? Keep it Tuesdays or embrace the change for Friday? Comment below.

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