NYS Music 20​15

Category: Features

  • Hearing Aide: Balkun Brothers ‘ReDrova’

    Emerging from CT with an explosive, funkified blues-rock sound, Balkun Brothers have been touring heavily up and down the East coast in support of their first full-length studio album, ReDrova.

    The trio features Steve Balkun on guitar/vocals, Nick Balkun on drums and Caleb Battersby on bass/vocals, creating a new age soulful blues with hard-hitting attitude. They’ve been voted “Best Blues Band in Connecticut” for the past two years in a row and ReDrova is a powerful testament to the title. The 12 track album covers a diverse taste of Balkun Brothers flavor with foot stomping, high-speed chase tunes to swampy Americana punk. The Balkun Brothers have shared the stage with such acts as Dopapod, Johnny Winter, Joe Bonamassa, Mike Dillon and many more with hundreds of shows set at festivals and legendary clubs across the country.

    The album kicks off with an organized mess of a crescendo from the trio before slamming into heavy, classic rock guitar riffs and rhythms that throw the listener into the music with full force. The impressive rock star vocals with lengthy note holds and range are enthusiastic cliff hangers throughout the entire album. The blues rock is a swampy surprise as the twang of the guitar blends with the deep bass notes and steady percussion perfectly each time. The album takes a turn to slow it down for a heated focus on the sensual melodies only to segue into an upbeat New Orleans’s jazz for a ‘spin me around the dance floor’ free for all. Each song is fresh with an energetic punk meets blues rock and a heavy twist of Elvis Presley charm.

    ReDrova is available on their website for $10 as a digital download or as a hard copy at any of their shows. Catch them this weekend when they return home to Connecticut to perform at The Main Pub in Manchester on Friday, February 6 and to Upstate, NY on Saturday February 7 at Syracuse’s Funk n Waffles with special guests Canopy. Check out their website for all their upcoming New England show dates because with their hot new album release, this is the band to look out for this year.

    Key Tracks: Oh Yeah! (Last Jam), Got My Boots On, Sally’s Blues

    [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/60878425″]

  • Wage Love! Hudson Valley’s Fred Gillen Jr. CD Release Show Feb. 8 Peekskill

    The Hudson Valley’s own Fred Gillen Jr. is set to release his ninth studio album this weekend, and he’s not doing it alone.

    This Sunday, February 8, Fred will be performing a CD release show at EMBARK@EMC, a cozy performance space at 925 South Street in Peekskill. Joining him will be special guest Laura Bowman, a singer-songrwriter originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, and a full band including Paul Magliari (drums), Jeff Eyrich (bass), and Matt Turk (guitar/mandolin).

    Sunday’s show starts at 4:30, and the $15 entry includes a copy of Wage Love.

    Fred Gillen Jr. has performed at venues large and small throughout the country, connecting with his audiences through heartfelt performances of melody and lyric embracing the tradition of folk music with his own character.

    Fred Gillen Jr

  • Metal Monthly Fix: Top Ten Most Anticipated 2015 Metal/Hard Rock Releases

    With a month already into 2015, one of things to get excited about is upcoming album released we are expecting or hope to see the light of day. We expect big things from 2015 as far as heavy music, so without further ado, here are the top ten most anticipated metal/hard rock releases.

    10. Biohazard

    Brooklyn, NY hardcore metal outfit Biohazard is still as vital as ever, even with Evan Seinfeld out of the fold since 2012, which makes their yet to be titled tenth album, targeted for a 2015 release via Nuclear Blast USA, even more intriguing. This album would mark the first time with the lineup of Billy Graziadei, Bobby Hambel, Danny Schuler, and now Scott Roberts completing the lineup in place of Seinfeld. It will be interesting to see what this new line up of Biohazard brings to the table.

    9. Tremonti

    Back in 2012, Alter Bridge/Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti launched his solo project Tremonti with the debut album All I Was which was arguably one of the best albums of 2012. Now hard at work with the second album, Wolfgang Van Halen is officially a member of the band and playing bass for Tremonti.. Any lover of shred should be salivating at the thought of Mark Tremonti and Wolfgang Van Halen in the same band. This album will be solid.

    8. Mastodon

    What makes this release fascinating is Mastodon is always willing to take risks and making every album sound different which is why everyone should be excited for another Mastodon album.

    7. Deftones

    The last two albums from Deftones, Diamond Eyes and Koi No Yokan, are easily some of their best work to date, so high expectations are set for this yet to be titled album slated for a fall 2015 release.  Also hope that someday their scrapped album Eros sees the light of day as well.

    6. Lamb Of God

    After all the things Randy Blythe and the rest of Lamb Of God went through with the trail and incarceration in Prague, you know that the band is coming back with a vengeance with this upcoming album. Blythe wrote a lot of music about his time in Prague, which is going to add such a compelling element to what will be the band’s eighth album. This makes Lamb of God one of the top ten most anticipated hard rock and metal releases of 2015

    5. Coal Chamber

    Set for an April release via Napalm Records, Coal Chamber’s comeback album is definitely the most interesting. After a much publicized split in 2002, it seemed highly unlikely Coal Chamber would ever get back together. Then a decade goes by, Coal Chamber reunited for select shows in Europe and Australia which led to a successful US tour in 2013 which ultimately set recording process for this album in motion. It’s amazing how frontman Dez Fafara has kept busy in the spotlight with DevilDriver, he still managed to bring Coal Chamber back in the spotlight. And to top it off, Ministry frontman Al Jourgensen is having a guest appearance on this album. It will be interesting to see how Coal Chamber will evolve its sound for 2015.

    4. Anthrax

    Anthrax set the world on fire back in 2011 with their comeback album Worship Music which saw the return of CNY’s Joey Belladonna back in the fold. Now after successful album sales, several laps around the world, the band has been hard at work with the next album which will be released sometime this year. If it’s even half as good as Worship Music was, this album can be and will be the best album of 2015. Expect nothing from great things from Anthrax.

    3. Black Sabbath

    This will be the last Black Sabbath album. Lots of bands always say “This is our last album/tour” but this time coming from Black Sabbath, who are all pushing 70, I would certainly say it’s a safe bet they mean it. Their comeback album 13, which saw Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler on an album together for the first time since 1978’s Never Say Die, was the most successful metal album of 2013. Iommi has been battling cancer but yet still touring with Sabbath, is still a riff machine and has solidified himself as one of the best guitarist that ever lived, said wants to bid farewell one last time with Sabbath with an album and farewell tour to follow. It would be nice to see the return of Bill Ward but that’s unlikely that will happen.

    2. Faith No More

    Already announced for a May release, Faith No More has made their long awaited return with their first album since 1997’s Album Of The Year and a US tour to kick off this spring including a headlining slot at Heavy Montreal, with more shows to be announced. 2015 is looking the year of Faith No More and fans around the world now wait in anticipation.

    1. Tool*

    I put an asterisk on this because this is the only album on this list where the band hasn’t made an official announcement. But I believe that 2015 is the year the new Tool album sees the light of day.  The band has been quoted stating that there IS an album in the works and they have been recording.  So we all ask….what the fuck is the hold up? The world needs another Tool album. It has been close to a decade since 10,000 Days and enough is enough.

    So that rounds off the list of the top ten most anticipated hard rock and metal releases of 2015. What metal or hard rock album on this list are you excited about? What upcoming album do you think should be included on this list? Sound off in the comments below.

  • Hearing Aide: Years & Years, “Y&Y EP”

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    They say you should never judge a book by its cover, but what about judging a band by their album artwork? It’s an interesting concept. As a musician, I’ll admit I enjoy the contents of a record way beyond its initial art, but as I’m gazing along multiple music search engines, I have to say bright colors do catch my eye first. But what does this have to do with British band Years & Years and their new album? Everything.

    Many have been drawn to this talented trio’s previous releases, including their 2012 single “I Wish I Knew” and 2014 super hit “Real.” However, it wasn’t music alone that brought me to the masterpiece that is Y&Y EP. Once the intricate design of the album cover caught my attention, there was a sudden urge to listen to the entire collection, which of course, I did.

    In typical EP fashion, the EP contains only four tracks, each contrasting in style. The opening track “Desire” leads us in with what some would consider to be a champion pre-game anthem, with an engaging house-inspired pulse courtesy of beat master Emre Turkmen. The combination of Turkmen along with bassist Mikey Goldsworthy was the start of Years & Years back in 2010. Since then, Olly Alexander’s soulful vocals have been added to the band after Goldsworthy heard him singing in the shower. With the addition of Alexander, Years & Years have been gaining great success before even releasing a full-length album, like undergoing an extensive UK tour. The tender mix of bluesy melodic lines and urban dance blends make this band very distinct to listeners, especially for tracks like “Take Shelter” and “King.”

    Placed last in the EP is a track entitled “Memo,” which you could say is the outlier of the Y&Y EP. With subtle use of electronic embellishments, Alexander plays block piano chords as he sings jazzy vocal syncopations. His use of vocal trilling is similar to that of Tracy Chapman, yet there’s an intimate softness in his voice that is close to the style of James Vincent McMorrow. While the song may leave the EP on a rather gloomy note, it shows great versatility within the group that leaves us anxious for a full-length album. While there’s no official word on what this group will do in the studio next, we will surely be keeping watch, at least for some new artwork to marvel at.

    Key Tracks: Desire, Take Shelter, Memo

  • When Planets Collide: One Saturday in ROCKchester

    The duel galactic bodies of Rochester’s Planet Assassin and Inner Planets joined forces Saturday Jan 31 at The Firehouse Saloon downtown for ROCKchester. Despite the Hoth-like chill in the outside air the music room at Firehouse filled up nicely and was ready to get their groove on.

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    The Firehouse Saloon is relatively new to the Rochester scene but has been a great friend to the music community. Non genre focused bar hoppers and music fans alike can enjoy a variety of acts on any given night.  The bar showcases an excellent beer selection, free popcorn, a nice outdoor patio, and if you’re game, a free to play ping pong table.

    Planet Assassin was up first after some technical amp difficulties. Playing in only their third public facing show, the stoner-groove-rock focused 4-piece features Daren Johnson and Josh Cooke sharing guitar hero and vocal duties, Frank Ashcraft on bass, and Nick Pryor (Also in Hot Mayonnaise and formerly of Abandoned Buildings Club) smacking the skins. Citing their influences as Dead Meadow, Rush, Hawkwind, and Hall & Oates (Seriously guys?) – the bands hard droning rock sound maintained a uniqueness and surprising tightness for such a new band.

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    Inner Planets – not nearly as new to the scene having formed in 2009 – took the stage next for duel sets of songs featuring a solid rock base with a generous side heaping of jamming. The Rush influence continued along interspersed with shades of Phish, moe. and more.

    http://youtu.be/IqysP-USNcA

    This weekend Firehouse will continue to showcase it’s diverse schedule with a burlesque Mardi-Gras celebration on Friday ($7 at 9PM) and local cover band Trapper Keeper on Saturday ($5 at 9PM). All shows are 21+

  • Local Limelight: Getting to know Utica’s Glen Street

    gs3Glen Street is an alternative rock band from Utica that have proved in music age is just a number. From gym class to the recording studio, these guys truly have something special.

    Nick Vanderwood, Adam Manion, Alex Verbickas, Dylan Crawford, and Will Gordon are wowing audiences across Upstate NY with their incredible talent. While playing a mix of originals and covering artists such as Nirvana, Sublime, and Pink Floyd the band looks like they have been performing for years. It is refreshing to see young artists not only appreciate the classics but to execute them perfectly. With these guys at the wheel we can rest easy about what the next generation of musicians will have to offer. Although most of the band is still in high school, Glen Street has already managed to make some big moves in their career. They recorded their first single “Blue” in July of 2014, and opened for national recording artist Nonpoint in December. I was lucky enough to attend this show and have been itching to know more ever since. Drummer Will Gordon recently sat down with to allow some insight on these young musicians.

    Katrina Johnson: How did Glen Street get started?

    Will Gordon: Glen Street started when I was looking for a band to play with. I contacted someone to play music with and he introduced me to 2 of the current members. The 4 of us played at one of our houses. The name of the Street the house is located is called Glen Street. We went through many lineup changes in the past 2 years.

    KJ: Are you all still in high school?gs4

    WG: 4 of the 5 of us are. 3 of the 4 seniors. The other, a junior.

    KJ: Do you think the fact that your so young has helped you or hindered you?

    WG: Locally, our age has both helped, and hurt us. First impressions are always important. Our appearance undermines our talent. We get looked at as kids most of the time. But when people hear us play, we often get told that we have something really special and we should definitely keep it going.

    KJ: When did you guys learn to play?

    WG: I learned the basics of rhythm and the layout of the drum set at age 3. Over the years I have built up my drumming. Adam our rhythm guitarist first learned around 8 or 9 years old. He taught Alex our lead guitarist the guitar and they used to jam around the age of 9. Nick, our singer, used to be in a cover band at age 13 with our bassist Dylan. So when the time came to find a new bassist in the summer of 2014, we asked him to join. Nick and I crossed paths in 2011 where we both participated in a talent show. We never really talked to eachother until late 2013. And now, they’re my brothers. So many good things have happened because of this band.

    KJ: Who are some of Glen Streets influences?gs2

    WG: Our influences include: Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, Tool, Audioslave, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters.

    KJ: Your first single “Blue”, tell me about it. Did one of you write it?

    WG: I believe Alex, Adam and Nick started the beginning riff after that drum intro I do. I added the drums to match up with the riff. Eventually, we decided to have myself start off with the drums so the song built up. In time, the song was finished and we were ready to record. We all wanted to record something. We just didn’t know what to record. We thought “Blue” was our strongest song since it had a very powerful riff and melody. It was recorded at Big Blue North recording studio in Utica. Jeff does a phenomenal job over there, and you will hear more from that studio in our upcoming single, where he actually produced it.

    KJ: How did you end up opening for Nonpoint?

    WG: To be honest, we were in a parking lot of a venue we were going to play. We were there hours early so I took out my phone and went on Facebook. I’m the booking guy of the band, so I love to look for opportunities for the band 24/7. I saw a post on Facebook about an entertainment company looking for opening bands. I didn’t really think anything of it, but something told me to comment our contact info on it. Next thing I know, I get a phone call asking me to have the band open for Nonpoint. I was shocked that they wanted us to perform.

    KJ: What is in store for Glen Street in 2015? Album? New single?

    WG: We have a new single coming in early 2015! We are in the final stages of production.

    KJ: Very exciting. I look forward to hearing it. Where do you see yourselves in 5 years? What are some of your goals?

    WG: We don’t really like to look to the future when it comes to the band, because everyone knows things never go as planned. One goal of ours is to play music together for a very long time.gs1new

    Check Glen Street out on Facebook and Reverbnation!

  • Slipknot Announce Summer’s Last Stand Tour, Includes Stops at Darien Lake, SPAC, Jones Beach

    Hot off the release of last year’s album .5: The Gray Chapter, Iowa’s Slipknot has returned with a vengeance headlining various festivals and tours across the world, are now geared up for one of their biggest tours to date: Summer’s Last Stand.

    Joining them on this tour are the mighty Lamb Of God, Bullet For My Valentine, and Motionless In White. The tour kicks off in West Palm Beach, FL on July 24 and will wrap up in Dallas, Texas September 5. This tour will include three stops in  New York State including Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on July 29, Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 31, and Nikon at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY on August 1.

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    The tour dates as follows:

    Jul. 24 – West Palm Beach, Fla. @ Cruzan Amphitheater

    Jul. 25 – Tampa, Fla. @ MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater

    Jul. 26 – Atlanta, Ga. @ Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood

    Jul. 28 – Detroit, Mich. @ DTE Energy Music Theatre

    Jul. 29 – Darien Center, N.Y. @ Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

    Jul. 31 – Saratoga Springs, N.Y. @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    Aug. 01 – Wantagh, N.Y. @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

    Aug. 02 – Hartford, Conn. @ Xfinity Theatre

    Aug. 04 – Boston, Mass. @ Xfinity Center

    Aug. 05 – Holmdel, N.J. @ PNC Bank Arts Center

    Aug. 06 – Pittsburgh, Pa. @ First Niagara Pavilion

    Aug. 08 – Toronto, Ontario @ Molson Amphitheater

    Aug. 11 – Washington, D.C. @ Jiffy Lube Live

    Aug. 12 – Virginia Beach, Va. @ Farm Bureau Live

    Aug. 14 – Indianapolis, Ind. @ Klipsch Music Center

    Aug. 15 – Chicago, Ill. @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheater

    Aug. 16 – St. Louis, Mo. @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

    Aug. 19 – Denver, Colo. @ Red Rocks Amphitheater

    Aug. 21 – Salt Lake City, Utah @ USANA Amphitheater

    Aug. 24 – Vancouver, British Columbia @ Rogers Arena

    Aug. 26 – Concord, Calif. @ Concord Pavilion

    Aug. 28 – Las Vegas, Nev. @ MGM Resort Festival Lot

    Aug. 29 – Phoenix, Ariz. @ Ak-Chin Pavilion

    Aug. 30 – Albuquerque, N.M. @ Isleta Amphitheater

    Sep. 02 – Austin, Texas @ Austin 360 Amphitheater

    Sep. 04 – Houston, Texas @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

    Sep. 05 – Dallas, Texas @ Gexa Energy Pavilion

    Tickets are on sale now. You can purchase the Darien Lake tickets here, or the Saratoga show here, and the Long Island show here.

  • SAMMY’S Announce Nominees, Inductees, and Lifetime Achievement Recipient, Jon Fishman for 2015

    This morning at The Palace Theater in Syracuse, NY, the much anticipated Syracuse Area Music Award Nominees, Hall of Fame Inductees, Music Educator of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Recipient were announced for 2015. With several new names, a few new categories, and many well deserving recipients being added to the list, the upcoming Hall of Fame Ceremony and Award Ceremonies and bound to sell out.

    Jon Fishman – DRUM Magazine Cover September 2014

    The most prestigious award, The Lifetime Achievement Award, will this year be given to Syracuse’s own, Jon Fishman. Jon is the drummer/vocalist and one of the founding members of the highly popular band Phish. Often credited as the namesake, after all he is often referred to as “Fish”, Jon has traveled the world for the past thirty plus years with band mates acquiring a cult like following of fans that are often compared to the Grateful Dead’s fans, and lovingly referred to as Phisheads or Phans.  This exceptional drummer began honing his skills here locally as a student at Jamesville-Dewitt High School, and Jon was recently featured on the cover of DRUM Magazine this past September.

    Sammy's 2015His musical abilities reach past the drum kit however to a myriad of musical instruments, including the vacuum, yes, the vacuum, but what he’s most passionate about is his tireless efforts and dedicated humanitarian role he has with several organizations, but most specifically he plays a key role in helping to raise money and awareness for the Mimi Fishman Foundation, an organization founded by Jon’s late mother, Mimi Fishman. Mimi believed that through partnerships with bands such as Phish, money could be raised to help bring awareness and assistance to many needed charitable organizations, focusing on the needs of families and children, and specifically those that suffered from visual impairments.

    SAMMYS Hall of Fame Inductees

    Lifetime Achievement Award
    Jon Fishman
    Hall of Fame Inductees
    Bobby Comstock
    Chris Goss
    Loren Barrigar
    The Works
    Music Educator of the Year
    David Rezak

    SAMMYS Nominees 2015

    Best Pop
    Ceili Rain
    Nick & Noah
    Sir Magnus
    Best Country
    Hattie Lewis Band
    Mick Fury & Midnight Moonshine
    Jason Kreuger
    Megan Lee
    Driftwater

    Best Jazz

    Julia Goodwin
    Nick Ziobro
    Christiane Page
    The Bob Holz Band
    Scott Dennis
    Best Hip Hop
    Oxburg
    Nick Case a.k.a. Decoy
    Supa Satty
    Coke Da Don
    Shystee

    Best Blues
    Tas Cru
    Tangled Roots
    Funky Blu Roots
    Johnny Ray & The Stonethrowers
    Castle Creek

    Best R&B
    Brownskin Band
    Shakeif

    Best Americana
    Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers
    The Brothers MacRae
    Larry Hoyt & the Good Acoustics
    String Bee

    Best Alternative
    Leah Shenandoah
    The Overnighters
    Phoenix Eleven
    Phantom Chemistry
    Joe Valentine

    Best Rock

    Ben Mauro
    The FabCats
    The Golden Novak Band
    William Gruff
    The Unknown Woodsmen

    Best Hard Rock

    Jeremiah’s Razor
    Nineball
    How to Disappear Completely
    Armed With Valor
    Vampire Choir

    Best Other Style
    Doolin O’Dey
    Samba Laranja
    Peter LaVine

    Best Jam Band
    Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate
    Liquid Lounge Band
    Acadia
    Our Friends Band
    Count Blastula

    Best Singer/Songwriter
    Tim Herron
    Alanna-Marie Boudreau
    Rabbit In The Rye
    Kingsley Malcolm
    William James Nicholson

    Peoples Choice Award

    TBD – Voting Ends February 7, 2015

    Tickets can be purchased for both the March 5th Hall of Fame Event at the Dinosaur Barb-B-Que, and the March 6th, Awards Ceremony at The Palace Theatre.

  • Conehead Buddha/Wild Adriatic Coming to Rochester’s Montage Saturday

    Born from the depths of the admittedly hilariously named Coxsackie, NY, Upstate’s Conehead Buddha have been on the scene a long time. Presenting a blended genre jam based sound containing hints of ska, reggae, world music, and good old rock and roll – the Conehead Buddha will hit Rochester’s Montage Music Hall this Saturday night with Saratoga based rockers Wild Adriatic.

    Wild Adriatic have been featured in such publications as Huffington Post, Rolling Stone, Relix and more. Fan’s of The Strokes, Black Keys, and London Soul should not miss this rare area appearance. Ticket’s are available online for only 6$ (7$ at the door). Show starts at 9PM. 18+ Let’s get wild ROCKchester!

  • Hearing Aide: Dethlehem ‘Destroyers of the Realm’

    Do you like melodic death metal? Do you like role playing games along the lines of Dungeons & Dragons? If you answered yes to both of these questions, Dethlehem is a band you need to know about, if you don’t already.realmcover

    Simply put, the music of Dethlehem serves as a portal to a wondrous realm of knights, maidens, dragons, wizards, witches, and ghastly nocturnal creatures. Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA these five heroes have spent the last seven years treating their audiences to a true fantasy RPG experience, through both their live shows and studio recordings.

    Their latest album, Destroyers of the Realm, is no exception. From start to finish, this 11 track adventure uses crushing war drums, superb guitar riffs and solos, beautifully layered and diverse vocals, and a tasteful low end, to cut through the fabric of space and time. It transports the listener to a metal nerd’s utopia, where the only rules stem from the limits of your XP and your luck with the dice.

    Presentation is very important to this band. Not only do they grace the stage covered in medieval battle armor, they also made sure to put just as much effort into the physical copies of their latest album. Visiting their bandcamp page and downloading a digital copy scores you an issue of their digital comic book, but buying a deluxe hard copy from the same site ensures a separate lyric sheet. It comes off as a medieval scroll with burnt edges, and encapsulating the entire package, is a custom sleeve with the band’s royal seal stamped on it with red candle wax.

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    The album kicks off with an 8 minute battle called Knightmare. This tune goes off in several directions throughout, but the diversity of the song never takes away from its flow. This band is very good with song structure in that regard. Each song is a well conceived part of an overall story and never fails to hit its mark. The guitar riffs are catchy and spot on with their genre, reminiscent of the guitar work on The Jester Race, Whoracle or Colony by In Flames. The solos are very driving, but also just as catchy as the riffing. If you’re a fan of hooky leads with a slight power metal feel, then these licks are for you.

    Oathbound follows Knightmare and serves as an ideal single and perfect representation of this band’s sound. It’s hard-hitting, with no regrets and leaves you wanting more. Simply scroll down for the video and allow it to speak for itself.

    The record also never loses its RPG feel. Several guest performances were included on this record to make certain of that. Haunting narrations make their way on and off certain tracks. The album also contains three interludes, during which the listener is transported back to a D & D setting, where only the dungeon master’s words can dictate the next chain of events.

    Enchanting female vocals, courtesy of Clarissa Badini appear on the track, Shadow Remnants of the Guardian Shield, and the URIZEN boys’ choir also appears on the same track, taking on the roles of a group of dwarfs. This is also the longest track on the album, at 9:08. It’s a true testament to the band’s level of admirable musicianship as a whole.

    The shortest actual song on the album is Oathbound, clocking in at 3:52. However, the majority of the full songs, not counting the interludes, hover in between 6 and 9 minutes. Fans of this genre shouldn’t be disappointed by the longer tracks. These are very multi-dimensional songs, with great dynamics and skilled layering across the board. Simply put, they remain interesting for their duration.

    Dethlehem will be in Clarence NY on June 13 for an outdoor folk metal festival. Fans of the band and their new album Destroyers of the Realm are urged to come out and hear these tracks played live, along with some of the best talent the WNY metal scene has to offer!

    Key Tracks: Knightmare, Oathbound, Shadow Remnants of the Guardian Shield

    www.dethlehem.com

    www.facebook.com/dethlehem

    www.dethlehem.bandcamp.com