New Trucker Diablo video featured at Classic Rock Magazine!

Northern Irish rising stars Trucker Diablo have released a video for their single The Rebel, and it's featured at Classic Rock Magazine.

The track is taken from upcoming album Songs of Iron, to be released in May.

Previously noted by Classic Rock, the hard rock outfit’s debut album The Devil Rhythm featured a guest appearance by Thin Lizzy frontman Ricky Warwick. They’ve also been hotly-tipped by Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott and The Answer’s Cormac Neeson.

The band enjoyed a successful 2012 which included appearances at Hard Rock Hell and Hammerfest, a support slot with the Foo Fighters at Tennents Vital and a support tour with Terrorvision. They rounded out the year by opening for their heroes Lizzy in Belfast.

FEN Debut New Video for First Single, "A Long Line," from the Album that Power of Metal.com Gave a Perfect 10/10

Strutter 'Zine has called it "Stunning."  The Power of Metal gave it a perfect "10/10."  Hard n Heavy Webzine hailed it "Spectacular."

Of Losing Interest is tearing through the charts and leaving the critics and fans alike with slack-jawed amazement.

Now, Vancouver's alternative prog-meisters, FEN, have partnered up with The Ripple Effect for an World Premiere exclusive preview of the bands new video, "A Long Line."

 Following up on 2010’s breakout album, Trails Out of Gloom, the band return to their heavier roots with the brand new album, Of Losing Interest. Once again recorded at Creativ Studios with longtime producer, Mike Southworth at the helm, the band have crafted themselves an album that perfectly balances the technical virtuosity of heavy metal with the more down to earth tones of the early 90’s alternative rock movement. Of Losing Interest is available through Nail Distribution in North America, Code 7 in the UK, Clearspot International in Europe, at the Ripple Music Bandcamp for digital and here at the Ripple Store for physical.
Tune in here!: Heavy Planet


Fen will be hitting the road to begin support Of Losing Interest in September:

Sept 21st: Kamloops, BC - The Dirty Jersey
Sept 22nd: Salmon Arm, BC - Hideaway Pub
Sept 25th: Calgary, AB - Vern's Bar
Sept 28th: Prince George, BC - Riley's Pub
Sept 29th: Dawson Creek, BC - Rockwell's

Here’s what the press has to say:

“Fen combine more traditional prog  passages with heavy riffs creating a unique sound. The band certainly know the way around their respective instruments  and have the talent to pull off the complex passages.”  --  Get Ready To Rock!

“Certainly, Of Losing Interestis different than its predecessor, but not entirely unexpected from Fen. Being heavier rock, even metal, the album still offers the listener their darker side. Recommended. 4 / 5”  --  Dangerdog

“Now they are back with a stunning new album titled ‘Of losing interest’, which musically goes into a very high quality Progressive Rock/Metal direction. It is especially thanks to the superb vocalwork of singer DOUG HARRISON that FEN’s music is lifted way above other bands in this extensive genre called Prog. 8.6/10 ”  --  Strutter ‘zine

www.fenmusic.ca

RIPPLE MUSIC STORE


Now, here's the World Premiere Video "A Long Line"

Great interview with Rising Star, Trucker Diablo from Culture Northern Ireland. Org

 

Who/what/where/when/why are Trucker Diablo?
We are Tom Harte on guitar and vocals, Simon Haddock on guitar and backing vocals, Glenn Harrison on bass guitar and Terry Crawford on drums. We are a Northern Irish hard rock band from the Craigavon area: Moira/Lurgan/Portadown. We started the band at the start of 2008. And why? When you have been playing music most of your life, it is hard to stop...

What does your name mean?
The name is a trucker handle. When truckers contact each other on the road, they use a handle. Something like Trucker: Diablo over and out.
Your song 'Drink Beer, Destroy' was recently picked up by Kerrang! Radio and TV in the UK and MTV Headbangers Ball in Australia, and is now available on the computer game Rock Band. How did that happen?

We contacted a couple of authoring houses for the game. One of them, Alt Strum Pro, loved the song 'Drink Beer, Destroy' (watch the video, produced by Redcap Productions, above), so we decided to partner with them.
After that the song still had to go through testing and an approval process before it could be released onto the game. Thankfully we didn't hit any bumps along the way, so now it is out there for everyone to play. When we heard the news, we were over the moon. It is an amazing achievement for us.





Was it a point in your career when you thought, 'Right, now we've made it'?
Nope. We haven’t got there yet. We have achieved some amazing things, though, things that other bands dream of, like playing the Download Festival. We are really grateful for that, but we are still working hard towards the day when we can say 'we've made it'. Until then though, we’ll keep on trucking.


Do any of you play Rock Band?
I'm more of a Guitar Hero man myself, but now that we're on Rock Band I'll definitely give it a go.
What's the one song you would most like to beat on the game that isn't your own?
Actually, I suck at these kind of games, so it would need to be something easy. 'Holy Diver' by Dio would be good.
If you had to be a video game character, which would you be?

Eddie Riggs – a roadie, modelled on Jack Black, transported into a fantasy world based on heavy metal album covers – from Brütal Legend. He rocks.

Do you have any tips for fans who are gearing up for a go at your song on Rock Band?
They should play together at parties to maximize skills. Oh, and they should go and tell everyone they know about it. That way we can get millions of downloads and I can say that 'We’ve made it'.

So, now that you have cracked the world of musical gaming, what's your next big goal?
We just want to increase the band's profile as much as we can over the next few months. We love playing, especially live, and we want to be able to do it full-time. This year we are really pushing to do a big tour. So I hope we get to do that. If we do, then see ya out there!

Virgin Steele - Age of Consent

 

Ah, eighties metal. Fun, fun stuff. Virgin Steele takes all that was good from the eighties metal pool and mixed it up to spit out a great record. They have screechy male vocals, indulgent guitar solos, and hard hitting songs. The styles fluctuate throughout the record, some sounding like Iron Maiden while the next song is thrashy like old school Metallica.

 In the first three seconds of the very first song on Virgin Steele's Age of Consent, I thought, "Wow." And not in a bad way, no not at all. I love eighties metal. You're looking at someone who would gladly rip their right arm off to see Motley Crue, or Van Halen in concert. I loved the sound, elements of classic British heavy metal meeting glam metal to make a great, great album.

The thing I can't get over is the vocals. Very Iron Maiden sounding. The levels that DeFeis reaches with his vocals would make Vince Neil turn green round the gills. From low Dio esque growls, to soaring Bruce Dickinson levels, it's just flabbergasting. The whole album was high energy, and made me want to run on top of a tour bus going down a highway at 90 miles per hour. It packs kick you in the face speed with guitars that'll leave you slack jawed. Go ahead, put on "Screaming For Vengeance." Yeah, now go pick up your jaw from the floor that you headbanged off.

I really just cannot say enough how much I loved "Age of Consent." It was fun, and heavy, and fits right in with classic Dio, Iron Maiden, even Aerosmith. This cd didn't leave my headphones for numerous days. I just freakin' loved it, okay?!

From the talented vocalist himself, David DeFeis describes Virgin Steele's sound as, "From a whisper to a scream, barbaric, romantic, bombastic, yet subtle, grandiose, yet earthy. A call, a shout, an invocation to Freedom and the continual awakening to the awareness that every moment of life is lived to its fullest potential. It is a force, a sacred quest which drives Virgin Steele on.“

Couldn't have said it better myself.


--Gorgeous Nightmare

Queen - Days Of Our Lives

THE DEFINITIVE DOCUMENTARY ON THE WORLD’S GREATEST ROCK BAND IS COMING TO DVD AND BLU-RAY

~On January 31~

To Be Released by Eagle Rock Entertainment through Eagle Vision.

"This fantastic and moving two-parter tells the story of the finest live band in the history of rock. There's archive footage of past performances, interviews with the members and, best of all, plenty of insider anecdotes; the choicest being Elton John's reaction to Bohemian Rhapsody: "Are you off your head? You'll never get that played." The Guardian/UK.

In 1971, four college students got together to form a rock band. Since then, that certain band called Queen have released 26 albums and sold over 300 million records worldwide. The popularity of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon is stronger than ever 40 years on. On November 6, 2011, in front of an estimated TV audience of 1.2 billion they were honored with the Global Icon Award at the 2011 MTV EMA.

But for Queen the journey was no bed of roses. No pleasure cruise. Queen had their share of kicks in the face, but they came through - and this is how they did it.

Set against a backdrop of brilliant music and stunning live performances from every corner of the globe, Queen: Days of Our Lives - available in both Blu-Ray and standard DVD formats, brings Queen’s 40th Anniversary year to a close in suitably regal style.

Days Of Our Lives began as a two-part documentary produced by long-term Queen collaborators and life long fans Rhys Thomas (the comedian who famously broke the Mastermind all-time record points score with a specialist subject of Queen) and Simon Lupton, and directed by the renowned director Matt Casey. After 10 years of making Queen DVDs, Lupton and Thomas were asked by the band to produce the definitive 40th Anniversary documentary and after almost a year of painstaking research and editing, this was the result.

Split over two episodes, Part One covering 1970-80, Part Two 1980 – present day, the documentary is a genuine rollercoaster of rock and roll history.

In this film, for the first time, it is the band that tells their story. Featuring brand new interviews with Brian May and Roger Taylor and unseen archive footage - including their recently unearthed first ever TV performance - it is a compelling story told with intelligence, wit, plenty of humor and painful honesty.

Rhys Thomas comments, “We set out to make the definitive Queen documentary. It's a funny, honest, inspiring and ultimately tragic account of ‘a certain band called Queen’, as told by the band themselves. We tell the story of four students who met in West London, slogged hard and conquered the world, ultimately changing rock music forever.”

When originally broadcast in the UK on BBC 2 across two nights in May of last year, Queen: Days of Our Lives was the highest rated TV show on in its slot, beating every other channel and peaking with 3 million viewers. It has been widely regarded as one of the finest rock documentaries made and the critical reaction was outstanding. “Funny that,” says Thomas, “considering Queen were always denounced by the press!”

“The Boys did a fantastic Job on this documentary ... with little interference from us! I think this one will set the bench mark for years to come,” said Brian May.

Thomas explains the transfer of the original BBC documentary to DVD release: “When originally making the series it wasn’t easy condensing 40 years of Queen down to just two hours. In fact, there was so much more to be said and so much more to be seen. Thanks to Blu-Ray and DVD, so much more of that story can now be told…As the two documentaries worked so well, we resisted the idea of making an epic 3-hour ‘Extended Cut’. They are always boring, and as Freddie said to his manager Jim Beach in his last days: “Do anything you want with my music dear, but never make me boring!

“So rather than simply dump a load of ‘deleted scenes’ onto the DVD and Blu-Ray, Simon and I decided to edit them all with as much love, time and care as we put into the main documentary. What we have as a result is a great companion to the main story and some real gems, most notably covering the formation of the band and the making of the last three albums which was only touched upon in the televised version. For instance, we learn from Brian how John Deacon made a cut in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ for the record company and Freddie’s reaction; the revelation that Freddie was not sober during the making of ‘Spread Your Wings’/’We Will Rock You’ in Roger’s back garden, and a hilarious sequence about Queen and their love of Scrabble.

“As well as the new sequences, there are 7 new videos. Excerpts were featured in the main documentary, but we have completed them, and here on DVD and Blu- Ray they appear in full.”
The Blu-Ray format allows for additional bonus material and therefore differs in content to the Standard DVD release. Please check credits for each release.


‘Queen: Days of our Lives’ Blu-Ray & Standard DVD content descriptions:

Documentary Part 1 – 59 mins

Documentary Part 2 – 59 mins.


ADDITIONAL VIDEOS – Blu-Ray and Standard DVD (24 mins):

Seven Seas Of Rhye 2011:

A compilation of all four Top Of The Pops and Rainbow Live performances from 1974 – all unseen


Killer Queen 2011

A compilation of two Top of The Pops performances, one the familiar 1974 Christmas Special, the other - discovered in the late British comedian Dick Emery’s private collection, hasn’t been seen since 1974, the original master tape wiped from the BBC archives.


Somebody To Love 2011

This is a new edit of the video using the four takes shot on the day, most of which has never before been seen.


We Are The Champions 2011

In 1977, cameras filmed Queen recording a new version of the song for the promo video. This video shows the band performing and mixing this unreleased version in two live takes. An instrumental version of this closed Part One of ‘Days of our Lives’. Here for the first time the video can be seen in its entirety.


Crazy Little Thing Called Love 2011

A new edit of the video compiled from the rushes including outtakes and unseen angles.


Under Pressure 2011

A new video intercutting Queen’s first live performance of the song in Montreal 81 and Queen + David Bowie at the Freddie Mercury Tribute.


Radio Ga Ga 2011

This new video includes unseen color footage from the 1984 Radio Ga Ga video shoot plus rushes and outtakes.


BONUS SEQUENCES – Blu-Ray (59 mins) / Standard DVD (21 mins only):

Queen: The Beginning
A detailed look at how Queen formed in 1971. Covering Smile, finding John Deacon, and the early struggles of the band.


Queen On Tour 1974-5

Featuring Queen at the Rainbow and unseen footage of the band touring Japan for the first time. Includes excerpts of ‘Now I’m Here’, ‘Killer Queen’ and ‘In The Lap Of The Gods’ live.


Bohemian Rhapsody

Brian reveals how John Deacon made a cut in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ for the record company, only to be dismissed by Freddie: “Either it’s released in it’s entirety or not at all!.”


Working Together

The Band discuss their working relationship, including unheard archive of Queen having a ‘creative discussion!’


Leaving John Reid

An in-depth account of how the band left manager John Reid and set up Queen Productions – plus the revelation that Freddie was not sober during the making of ‘Spread Your Wings’/’We Will Rock You’ in Roger’s back garden.


Don’t Stop Me Now

Brian and Roger discuss ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ and the ‘Guitar Version’ discarded by Freddie.


Flash Gordon

A short sequence on the making of Queen’s first film soundtrack, ‘Flash Gordon’, plus an alternate promo video.


Making Videos

The band discuss the video making process, featuring lots of unseen outtakes.


Scrabble Wars

A hilarious sequence about Queen and their love of Scrabble. You will just have to watch!


From Magic to The Miracle

In the three years between A Kind Of Magic and The Miracle, the members of Queen went through some life changing experiences in their working and personal lives. This chapter sheds light on what went on behind closed doors.


Going Slightly Mad: The Making of Innuendo

In 1991 Queen hit the charts with a No.1 album and single, “Innuendo.” Creatively the band were reinvigorated, their material better than ever, but beneath the surface, they all had to face the fact that Freddie was seriously ill and time was running out.


Made In Heaven

Roger and Brian talk about the making of the last Queen album, Made In Heaven, working with Freddie in his final weeks, as well and working with the material he had recorded after he had passed away and the emotional distress it caused.


Return To Imperial

Brian returns to Imperial College and shows us around the college where he and Roger first met, formed Smile and ultimately Queen.


BONUS INTERVIEWS - Blu-Ray (19 mins). Not included on Standard DVD:

The Bonus Interview section contains various interesting, funny and insightful footage that didn’t fit into any particular sequence but was too great to leave on the cutting room floor.


Official website:
www.queenonline.com 

Paul McCartney's THE LOVE WE MAKE - ~On DVD and Blu-ray December 6~

THE LOVE WE MAKE

~On DVD and Blu-ray December 6~

It was one of the most emotional documentaries ever aired on the Showtime Cable Network. Now, for the first time, on December 6, fans will have a chance to own The Love We Make, a look back at Sir Paul McCartney and his efforts to plan and perform a benefit concert in the aftermath of the worst day in the history of New York City.

Eagle Rock Entertainment will release the film, directed by Albert Maysles (Gimme Shelter) and Bradley Kaplan, on DVD and Blu Ray. Shot in stark 16 mm black and white, complete with color concert clips, The Love We Make juxtaposes dramatic images of “The Concert For New York City,” held mere months after 9/11, with that of scenes of McCartney himself as he walks the streets of the town that his former songwriting partner, John Lennon, loved so much.

“It was an honor to be able to help New York and America at that time in its history,” said McCartney of the concert. “There was a feeling of shock and fear in the air that I thought we could help alleviate with music and the fact that so many people stepped up to join us made for a very uplifting evening for us all.”

Recorded in DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital 5.1 and LPCM Stereo, the 90-minute film features cameo appearances by President Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, Leonardo DiCaprio, Harrison Ford, Jay Z, Billy Joel, Elton John and many more in onstage and backstage moments.

It is a film that no music fan can afford to miss.

Sly And The Family Stone - A Whole New Thing

Scene:  It is mid-afternoon.  Penfold is sitting in his office.  He is listening to music.  His friend enters the room. (Conversation intended to be read quickly)

“Hey Penfold.”
“What’s going on my friend?”
“Nothing much.  Same old, same old if you know what I mean.  Say…what is that?”
“What is what?”
“That thing.”
“What thing?”
“That thing,” says my friend as he points his finger.
“The stereo?”
“No, not the stereo.  What is that thing that you are listening to?”
“Oh, that thing.”
“Yes, that thing.  Is it new?”
“Yes it is.”
“When did you get the thing?”
“The thing came in the mail today.”
“Do you like the thing?”
“Oh yes.  This thing is special.”
“Because it’s new?”
“Not exactly.”
“Then what’s so special about the thing?”
“Everything.  It’s a whole new thing!”
“A whole new thing?”
“Yes indeed.”
“Are you pulling my leg about this thing Penfold?”
“Would I joke around about a thing like this?”
“You joke around about things all the time.”
“But this thing is different.”
“Because it’s new?”
“Wholly new!”
“Can I believe you about a thing like this?”
“Can you afford not to believe me about a thing like this?”
“The thing is you do seem to know a little bit about these things.”
“Yes.  These things are things I like to know about.”
“They’re kind of your thing.”
“Precisely!”
“So I should get my own copy of the thing?”
“That seems to me like the thing to do!”
“Do you really think I’ll like the new thing?”
“Absolutely.  You’ll like the new thing a lot better than that old thing you’re into.”
“Fine.  You talked me into it.  I’ll pick up a copy of the thing.”
“Great!  I promise it’ll be just the thing!”

There is no point in beating around the bush waveriders.  I’m confident that nearly every human being on this planet has heard a Sly And The Family Stone song.  It is certainly possible that some individual out there is operating under the assumption they have not yet been exposed to this group, but let’s face it…they’re wrong.  Maybe “Everyday People”.  Perhaps “I Want To Take You Higher”.  Almost certainly “Dance To The Music”.  Some folk might not have known the name of the band, but I guarantee an overwhelming majority would hear the beginning of one of those aforementioned songs and say to themselves, “Oh man.  I love this song!”

Sly And The Family Stone’s second, third, fourth, and fifth albums are considered all-time classics.  This is a statement that I wholeheartedly agree with, but I am going to talk about something else today.  I am going to talk about my personal favorite Sly Stone album; his debut, A Whole New Thing.  From the first moment I began listening to this album my ears knew that they had found a new soul mate.  Waveriders, I’m sure you have all experienced one of these musical connections yourselves, but if you have not had the pleasure let me explain further.  To say that the music clicked with me immediately is an enormous understatement.  It was magical!

Admittedly, I’m a sucker for bands that combine musical elements I already like in a new and interesting way.  I like rock n’ roll.  I like funk.  I like classic r&b/soul.  I like the blues, and I like pop.  SATFS manages to combine elements from all of those genres into an immensely listenable sonic gumbo.  The main reason I like the music on A Whole New Thing more than later Sly Stone releases is that the songs are less refined than what followed.  What does that mean?  Well, the energy level of every song is off the charts and the compositions are often quite complicated.  Most songs utilize multiple singers, have horns blasting intricate note patterns, and layer truly funky guitar/bass/organ instrumentation on top of some wicked rock n’ roll drumming.  In short, it’s a dream come true for folks like me!

Those in need of proof concerning what I’ve reported need look no further than album opener “Underdog”.  Horns build up listener anticipation before the full band kicks in around the twenty second mark.  From there we have highly motivated start/stop drumming, rock solid basslines, tasteful guitar and organ playing, and positively massive sounding waves of unified instruments and voices following irresistible sing-along choruses.  Oh, and the lyrical content is nothing to laugh at either.  And that is only the first song!  It gets even better!  The energy level is lowered slightly for the next two tracks, “If This Room Could Talk” and “Run, Run, Run”.  Then the throttle is stomped to the floor for the barn-burning “Turn Me Loose”.  Knowing that the listener needs a breather, the band delivers the stunning blues/soul number “Let Me Hear It From You”.  Waveriders I apologize.  This writeup is getting out of control, and I didn’t even talk about other favorites like “I Cannot Make It”, the psychedelic “Trip To Your Heart”, or the bonus track “What Would I Do” from the 2007 remaster.  Alas, you’ll have to discover these delectable sonic morsels for yourselves.

On several occasions I’ve read that A Whole New Thing is a ‘lost album’.  Due to the success of later Sly And The Family Stone albums, the debut release is largely forgotten.  This is a travesty of the highest order!  But fear not waveriders, for we can rectify this grave injustice.  All you have to do is pick up a copy of this magnificent album, let the music it contains fill your days with happiness and good cheer, and then spread the word to anyone who will listen.  We can do this!

--Penfold

BLACK SABBATH: Official Reunion News with Press Conference Video Highlights

The original lineup of the legendary heavy metal band BLACK SABBATH announced on Friday (November 11) that it was reuniting for its first new album in 33 years and a 2012 world tour.

Singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward revealed during a press conference at legendary Sunset Strip club Whisky a Go Go they were working on new material for the album which will be made available Vertigo/Universal Republic in the U.S. and Vertigo in all other territories. There is no title as yet but it will be produced by Rick Rubin, who has previously worked with METALLICA, SLIPKNOT, SLAYER and SYSTEM OF A DOWN, among many others. The band hopes to begin recording the CD in January for a fall 2012 release. A world tour will follow, including an appearance at the U.K.'s Download festival on June 10, 2012.

"It's now or never. We are getting along great. Everything's really good," Iommi said.

"It's like putting on an old glove. It's fantastic," he added.

The band credited Rubin's persistence for helping get them back in the studio. "He phoned us every five minutes," Iommi joked.

"It was the obvious choice," explained Osbourne of Rubin as producer. "I've known Rick for many years."

"It was time," said Osbourne of the reunion. "The timing was right."

Osbourne went on to reveal that they've written "seven or eight" new songs for the album, which they plan to release at the end of next year.

Butler added that the new songs are "back to the old SABBATH style and sound. The stuff that Tony's been playing is absolutely brilliant."

Rubin, who was also present at the event, said: "We've been working on developing material and we're halfway into the writing process. It's inspiring hearing what's coming out."

A two-minute video clip featuring highlights from the press conference has been posted on the newly launched official BLACK SABBATH You Tube channel and can be seen below.

The Ozzy-fronted lineup of SABBATH hasn't toured since 2005 and last appeared together when they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006. They attempted to cut a new album — their first since 1978's "Never Say Die!" — with Rick Rubin in 1999, but the sessions fell apart after just a couple of songs and Osbourne turned his attention to his solo career. The Ronnie James Dio lineup reunited under the moniker HEAVEN & HELL in 2006 but split four years later, after Dio passed away.

SkeletonWitch - Forever Abomination

 
This is one of the blurbs that came with the advance of Skeletonwitch's Forever Abomination:

Skeletonwitch has been called every name in the fucking book: death metal, black metal, thrash metal, speed metal, heavy metal, epic viking blackened thrash ‘n’ roll, and so on. It seems the only description everyone can agree on is metal.

Something you might need to know here:

The blurbs that come with advance copies of albums are RIDICULOUSLY hyperbolic-- "this band will take your virginity, change your gender and make you smart enough to build a trans-dimensional teleporter to visit God himself-- and then bitch-slap him in the face! (Also you'll lose weight and gain lean muscle.)"

They're almost an art form of intentional, nay, Voltaire-esque, excursions into world-bending parody. They're so far over the top that their children never even knew there was a top to be over.

Have I made my point?

This in mind, the above Skeletonwitch quote is actually completely spot on: "epic viking blackened thrash ‘n’ roll" is a great description of the SW sound-- as is "metal."

"This Horrifying Force (The Desire to Kill)" the album opener, starts with (old-school thrash style) the acoustic intro, segues into a very cool bay-area thrash breakdown riff at about 2:00, then fires off Maiden/Priest style dual-leads.... 

"Reduced to the Failure of Prayer" (great title) starts with particularly effective roaring from vocalist Chance Garnett (who I normally find a bit underwhelming) over Testament-like riffs and solos....

...and in all the songs you can not only hear the bass, but it's usually playing a part separate from the leads-- which illustrates the level of songwriting (or at least riff writing) here...

Track 3, "Of Ash and Torment" has a great melody at 1:00, and overall the best hooks on the album-- comparable to "Within My Blood" and "Crushed Beyond Dust," to me the highlights of their first two albums. This track also illustrates the second, and arguably best, illustration of SW's songwriting skill--

These songs are short.

Not Grind/ punk short, but rarely over 3 minutes. They get in, they rock out, they get out. The songs are usually over before you realize it-- and makes me wish SW would hold a workshop for doom/sludge bands (my true love) about how to write short songs. Yeah, sometimes length is the point, but more often than not a good doom song could be made great by being half as long, amirite?

All the tracks, particularly "Shredding Sacred Flesh" and "Cleaver of Souls" are unapologetically metal (i.e., awesomely ridiculous/ ridiculously awesome), and as the songs unfurl all the melodies sound something  like Maiden's "Flash of the Blade" (not a bad thing at all) and the guitars have that Gibson-straight-into-Marshall sound from Kill 'em All.

In fact, that's the best description of Skeletonwitch as heard on Forever Abomination: 1982 Metallica covering Iron Maiden with Cronos singing.

Not original at all, but excepting that-- perfect.

 

--Horn

Bowery Beasts- Heavy You

When I was in my senior years in a small pathetic excuse of a high school, I fell into the “rejects” group. Being in the rejects group meant  that you didn't like pop music, football, remaining tanked for the entire weekend, shooting random marsupials and when you dated someone it was for longer than a week.

Not liking pop music meant that everyone in the group had differing opinions on what was great, and a few collective favourites. As the new kid on the block I was given a heap of music almost daily and quizzed about it twenty four hours later... If I didn't like the right bands I was ridiculed and mocked. This pressure made me hate music a bit as I was being pushed and pulled in every direction and not left alone to figure it out. It was only after resisting them that I found my feet and I can really appreciate music and really love it. I wish they would have left me alone to start with...

BUT!

On the other hand now that I have my own tastes and opinions I wish I could get those days back. Conversations about bands could last days DAYS and with my new found confidence in what I like and what is good it would be nice to argue with someone about it.

I had this yearning not that long ago after locating in my music library some un-reviewed brilliance. Bowery Beasts was a bit of a surprise for me, not only because I didn't know they were there but because it is like a shining two dollar coin on the footpath of music.

Heavy You is the Bowery Beasts debut EP and I hope there is more to come. This LA band plays really good rock 'n roll. I was quite surprised because whenever I heard the phrase “rock 'n roll” I was transported to some distant childhood memory of my dad's music... But now, I am thrown into the modern era that holds the smooth, sexy sounds that the genre is known for.

Its not just the guitar riffs that catch me, it is the lyrics, vocals, drums the whole set up makes you want to listen to more. The five songs in Heavy You just aren't enough.

I don't have a favourite song this album, which is rare for me, because I think they are all awesome.

It opens with “He Was Your First Tattoo” and instantly reminds me a little of Them Crooked Vultures-  has more rock than roll. Team this legendary sound with lyrics like-

“He was your first tattoo,
Never seen eyes so true
The was the first you knew
Never met a girl like you”

And you have a winner!

“White Diamond Babe” definitely pulls together the silky rock sound to create something really special. It is worth noting that when you are singing along to this music (as one does) you not only sing the lyrics you sing the riffs too...

“Today I saw my angel smile, (duh duh duh dummm dummm dummm)
It made me want to try. (duh duh duh dummm dummm dummm)
Today I saw my angel cry (duh duh duh dummm dummm dummm)
I could see you waiting right there, out on the sand, under the sun.
Twisting her hair, I could see her.”

I was really happy cruising around in my modern day rock 'n roll feeling, then “Young Rockers” took me back to my childhood and took Heavy You up another notch, which I thought was impossible. I think the change in sound comes because this song has more haze around it.

“Amulet” is completely different to any of the other songs, starting off with acoustic sounds and slowly building towards a peak of velvety riffs. Beautiful.

“Rock and Roll Queen” is the neat package at the end of the EP. Tying together all of the sounds of Heavy You, being sweet and having a quick line like-
“I want to roll a Rolling Stone”

My parents live 1300km (808 miles) away from me and I held the phone up to the speaker for 20 minutes because I thought this band was that great. They did too! Bowery Beasts bridges generation gaps with their smooth, beautiful sound. Heavy You is definitely an EP to get and they are a band to watch.

 --Koala

Buy here mp3: Heavy You

Ripple News - Shazam Launches New Acoustic YouTube Video Channel

You may know Shazam as  the world's most popular mobile phone app for hunting down elusive song titles or artists.  Seriously, if you don't, you should.  Just this weekend, at the Sharks playoff game (where they demolished the hapless Red Wings!) I used the app three times to identify songs that the arena played that Mrs. Racer loved.  Could be handier.  You can download it free here.



But now there's more from the Shazam folks. 

 Over the past few months they've been filming a series of exclusive, stripped down performances for their new 'Shazam Sessions' YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/user/ShazamVideoChannel

They're goal is to build this into a new, exciting destination site where fans can come and see their favourite bands performing in free, unique videos. Recent additions include exclusive acoustic performances by Glasvegas, Pigeon Detectives and Guillemots.


If you dig stripped down jams from some of your favorite indy bands, you may want to check this out.


Shazam YouTube

World Premiere of Fen's New Video "Miracle" Debuts on Heavy Planet

 

We’ve been talking about this for a few months and it’s all finally coming true . . . Fen’s first official video is complete and ready to be viewed by the masses! Tuesday, February 8^th, the video for the band's second single from the Trails Out of Gloom album, “Miracle”, will exclusively air on the Heavy Planet web site (hint, hint . . . view the video here .   Heavy Planet) before it’s made available through other viewing avenues. At the same time, “Miracle” is landing on the desks of radio programmers across the nation in a concerted effort to push the track. Produced by Mind of a Snail Co. and featuring a couple of hand-made marionettes, the video tells the visual tale of two young lovers finding out just how miraculous love can be.

“The speaker is pining to regain the initial spark of a relationship,” states singer/guitarist Doug Harrison on the meaning behind the song. “He pleads with whatever mysterious power brought them together, hoping that it will help him fully remember that miraculous union, and through this knowledge, bring them closer together again,” he explains.



In support of Trails Out of Gloom, Vancouver’s progressive alt-gloomsters are preparing for dates across Canada in the Spring, as well as a special tour that will feature live performances in select ghost towns. More information will be made available as soon as the details are worked out on all fronts! 

Video:  Heavy Planet

Here's what the press has to say about Trails Out of Gloom:

"Consistently enchanting from start to finish, Trails Out of Gloom is one of the more rapturous releases you're likely to encounter in quite some time.  It is fantastic in every way.  Highest possible rating, 16/16." -- Progressions Magazine

"It’s one of the better if not the best release in 2010!” – Prognaut

"Doug Harrison is one of the new remarkable talent in the prog scene. Beautifully structured songs that almost drown in the right emotions and are decorated with tasteful arrangements.  Fen resembles Anathema meets Threshold , but with an original, unique angle.” – Lords of Metal

www.fenmusic.ca

www.ripple-music.com

Velvet Revolver Leaks Performance From Upcoming ‘Live In Houston’ DVD

And speaking of rock . . .

Velvet Revolver has just leaked their performance of “Slither” which comes off their upcoming DVD, Live In Houston, hitting stores on November 16th. Filmed in 2005, the concert captures the band touring in support of their award winning debut album, Contraband. The full length tracks are intercut with brief interviews with the band members talking about how Velvet Revolver came to be. The setlist focuses on Contraband, but also includes cover versions of tracks by Guns ‘n’ Roses and Stone Temple Pilots highlighting the history of the group members. Live in Houston features the original Velvet Revolver line-up of vocalist Scott Weiland, lead guitarist Slash, bassist/vocalist Duff McKagan, drummer Matt Sorum, and rhythm guitarist Dave Kushner.

Track Listing:
1.)  Sucker Train Blues
2.)  Do It For The Kids
3.)  Headspace
4.)  Crackerman
5.)  Illegal I
6.)  It’s So Easy
7.)  Fall To Pieces
8.)  Big Machine
9.)  Set Me Free
10.) Used To Love Her
11.) Slither
12.) Sex Type Thing


Get the DVD  Velvet Revolver: Live in Houston DVD


Check out “Slither:”


Velvet Revolver - "Slither" from 'Live in Houston' DVD from RawknRoll on Vimeo.

World Premiere of the First Ever JPT Scare Band Video

Here's the World-wide Premiere of the JPT Scare Band New Video, "Not My Fault. "  Takes Aim at BP and Their Denial of Involvement in the Gulf Oil Spill Disaster  
                                            

Legendary rockers, JPT Scare Band, released some of the most collectible psychedelic/acid rock of all time, and now they're about to release their first ever music video.  Banded together during the tumultuous years of the early 70’s, JPT Scare Band fused a sound equally heavy in hard rocking blues as it was tripped out in psychedelia, creating a sound so imposing that it perfectly reflected the emotions of the era.  Hailed as one of the "lost pioneers of Heavy Metal” by Classic Rock Magazine, JPT Scare Band has seen a resurgence of interest by fans of 1970’s heavy fuzzed out rock.

Now, on the heels of the release of their new album, "Acid Blues is the White Man's Burden" on Ripple Music, JPT will unveil their first ever music video for the new JPT classic, "Not My Fault," a song written by JPT in the '70's but never recorded until the early 2000's.  The video makes direct use of the song's title and biting sarcastic edge as it assails BP for their denial of any blame for the Gulf Oil Spill disaster.  The video is thought provoking and inflammatory, in addition to being a good 'ol rock video, with tons of never before seen footage of JPT Scare Band doing what they do best.

Released as a special event, "Not My Fault," will makes it's exclusive debut as a limited world-wide premiere on some of rock's finest websites.

Starting Monday, June 14th and for one week, the new JPT Scare Band video can be found only at these fine sites.

Roadburn
Rock Realms
The Soda Shop
The Obelisk
Bill's Music Forum
TheLiveLine
Bad Taste Music

And of course, here, on the Ripple Effect.

If the video touches a nerve with you, including it's poignant ending, please pass it on.  Let's create a ruckus in BP's world.  The song "Not My Fault," and the album, Acid Blues is the White Man's Burden can be found at Ripple Music, www.ripple-music.com.