Mos Generator to support Saint Vitus on European Tour; Interview Opportunities Available

Ripple Music and MOS GENERATOR are pleased to announce the heavy rockin' power trio's support spot on SAINT VITUS' European tour beginning March 5th on Koln, Germany and ending March 27th in Hamburg. Touring in support of October 2012 Ripple Music release Nomads, the band's classy 'n catchy brand of heavy rock is sure to leave audiences with mouths agape and ears ringing.

The introspective and dynamically heavy Nomads marked the triumphant return of MOS GENERATOR after a three year hiatus. Fusing the band's trademark sound of explosive heavy dissonance with equally beautiful melodic passages, the Port Orchard trio is giving Hard Rock fans a 40-minute rock n' roll treat that was five years in the making. Available on CD, vinyl LP, and digital download at www.ripple-music.com. Nomads is unequivocally recommended for fans of Mountain, Black Sabbath, Corrosion of Conformity, Judas Priest, Monster Magnet, Deep Purple, Queens of the Stone Age, Kiss.

Check out the video for "Lonely One Kenobi" off of Nomads at this location.

MOS GENERATOR Live Dates:

*Mos Generator only

2/1 Flights Pub - Everett, WA  

2/9 The Breakroom - Bremerton, WA  

2/23 Club 21 - Portland, OR  

3/1 Chop Suey - Seattle, WA

March 2013 - SAINT VITUS & MOS GENERATOR 

3/5 Cologne, Germany @ Underground 

3/6 Berlin, Germany @ C-club 

3/7 Dresden, Germany @ Beatpol 

3/8 Arnhem, Holland @ Willemeen 

3/9 Paris, France @ La Maroquinerie 

3/10 Vosselaar, Belgium @ Biebob 

3/11 Brighton, England @ The Haunt 

3/12 Southampton, England @ The Cellar 

3/13 Birmingham, England @ O2 Academy 2 

3/14 Glasgow, Scotland @ The Cathouse 

3/15 Newcastle, England @ Northumbria Uni 

3/16 Pwhelli, Wales @ Hammerfest 

3/17 London, England @ The Garage 

3/18 Rouen, France @ Le 106 

3/19 Esch-sur-alzette, Luxembourg @ Kulturfabrik 

3/20 Lyon, France @ Le Ninkasi Kao 

3/21 Winterthur, Switzerland @ Salzhaus 

3/22 Vienna, Austria @ Szene 

3/23 Bologna, Italy @ Zr 

3/24 Milano, Italy @ The Tunnel 

3/25 Nürnberg, Germany @ Rockfabrik 

3/26 Aschaffenburg, Germany @ Colos-sal 

3/27 Hamburg, Germany @ Logo

The Soda Shop Debuts Video For MOTHERSHIP's "City Nights"

TheSodaShop.us has delivered an exclusive world premier of the video for "City Nights" from Dallas, TX heavy rockers Mothership.   Directed by Alan Fillencia for Scything Touch Productions, the video comes from the band's self-titled debut album, which is due out on February 12th on Ripple Music. Check it out at this location.    70's-tinged U.S. hard rock with a sound that satisfies like a steaming hot stew of UFO and Iron Maiden, blended with the southern swagger of Molly Hatchet and ZZ Top, Mothership's goal from the beginning has been to carry on the tradition of the classic rock style; updated and amped up for the modern day. Originally self-released in 2012, Mothership and Ripple Music have joined forces to re-release this stunning debut record on CD (includes lyrics) and LP (packages to include an 11" x 17" poster and download cards).  Late last week, Ripple Music held a special online pre-sale for limited edition copies of ofMothership on purple splattered vinyl with signed poster. All 100 copies of the album were sold-out in less than two hours. If you weren't one of the fortunate few, it would be wise to visitwww.ripple-music.com on or around the release date to secure yourself a copy of what is destined to be one of 2013's greatest rock records.   Mothership will be playing two Dallas-area CD release shows next month and is currently putting together a West Coast tour. Confirmed dates are as follows: February 8th @ Curtain Club - Dallas, TX February 9th @ Lola's Saloon - Ft. Worth, TX March 8th @ Club Red/ Red Owl - Tempe, AZ March 29th @ Johnny B's - Medford, OR  "Such a killer find, man. Can't wait to see them live!"   - Dom Lawson (Metal Hammer / Classic Rock) "Been listening to Mothership all day now and if feels like UFO and Orange Goblin got drunk with St. Vitus, smoked some weed with Blue Cheer and spewed out the tuffest blues-drenched, no frills love child I've heard all month. Some ridiculously badass guitars. And heavy above all else!" -- Sword of Doom "Try to resist a band that plays blues-laden metal with heavy guitar riffs that is also hoping for intergalactic travel. Mothership is a three piece from Dallas that alternates between an almost AC/DC-like sound on a track like 'City Nights' and a broader, heavier and more epic sound on tracks like 'Cosmic Rain,' 'Angel of Death' and the opener, 'Hallucination.'    -- Vue Weekly.com

Mothership Bio Rock n' Roll history is rife with brothers working together to create their artistic vision. But rarely do we hear about a full-fledged family unit embarking down the treacherous path of a musical career. In the case of Texas based Mothership, the Brother Juett (Kyle on bass, younger brother Kelley on guitar) enlisted the aid of their father, John Juett, to help get the 'ship off the ground. Raised on a healthy dose of their father's 70's-era record collection, the brothers began crafting songs fueled on the raucous and raw good time vibe when music seemed to know no bounds. Lifting off the pad for the first time in 2010, the band began to gain momentum and notoriety with their unabashed live shows. Knowing that the service of the family patriarch was temporary, Father Juett actively helped his boys find his replacement, and in late 2011, enter the mighty Judge Smith to hammer away on the skins. In early 2012, Mothership entered Crystal Clear Studios with Wo Fat mastermind Kent Stump manning the boards and by mid-year, the band self-released their debut album. It was the combination of the 70's-era heavy rock fuzz and fury mixed with the blistering guitar solos of the NWOBHM-era that drew the bands attention to California-based Heavy Rock label, Ripple Music. In the waning months of 2012, after a successful year of traveling regionally throughout Texas and opening for national acts such as Prong, Red Fang, Gypsyhawk, Earthen Grave, and Lo-Pan, Mothership officially dubbed Ripple Music as its Home Port and began plotting a course for their first U.S. Tour in early 2013. Kells Juett- Guitars/Vox  Kyle Juett- Bass/Vox Judge Smith- Drums www.facebook.com/mothershipusa www.ripple-music.com

TRUCKER DIABLO Preview New Single from Upcoming Album, Songs Of Iron!

 

Northern Irish Rockers Trucker Diablo are back! New single “The Rebel”, from the forthcoming album "Songs of Iron", sets the tone that the Trucker boys aren’t messing about. Hard hitting, full of passionate vocals and heavy guitars, “The Rebel” hits you between the eyes and rubs them better all in the 5 minutes of its entirety. Grab a beer and enjoy!!

Download The Rebel .WAV here

"The Rebel" Video!

Click above to play the video for "The Rebel"

The boys took 2012 by the throat and played a massive 40 shows, which included some key highlights from playing Hammerfest with Anthrax, supporting Foo Fighters at Tennents Vital, supporting Terrorvision on their UK tour, rocking crowds on the main stage at Hard Rock Hell festival and topping off 2012 by supporting their heroes Thin Lizzy in Belfast.

Trucker’s second album “Songs of Iron”, will be released in May 2013 through Ripple Music. There’s a big open road in front of Trucker Diablo, jump on board, be a part of the convoy and catch them on tour in the U.S and U.K in 2013.

www.facebook.com/truckerdiablo
www.truckerdiablo.com

Big Ripple Music Holiday Years-End Sale!!

Happy Holidays! It's time to pick up some of those last minute stocking stuffers or a little something for yourself coz' you've been a good little boy or girl. With the exception of all multi-unit and sale packages, everything in the Ripple Music Store is on sale! It's simple . . . throw a minimum of two items in your cart, enter the code word: grinch, receive 20% off your entire order!

The sale is running now until we say it's over (probably sometime in January) . . . here's your opportunity to share the wondrous rockin' sounds of Mos Generator, Trucker Diablo, Fen, Mighty High, C.F.A., Grifter, and really, the entire Ripple Family, at a discounted rate!

Happy hunting and we wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season!

http://ripplemusic.bigcartel.com/

Charity Auction for Superstorm Sandy Relief, Package Deal for Both STONE AXE and MOS GENERATOR LP Test Pressings

 

Continuing with the company tradition of giving back to the community, Ripple Music will auction a pair of extremely Rare Original Test Pressings in one package. Stone Axe: Captured Live! and Mos Generator Nomads vinyl are being made available with proceeds going to Superstorm Sandy Relief.

Only 5 copies of each test pressings exist, and these are the only one's being made available to the public!  You can jump into the auction, win a cool heavy rock collectible and benefit the agencies that commit money and manpower to lend a helping hand. To do so, just visit us at the Ripple Music Ebay Store! The auction will start on Monday, November 19th and end on Monday, November 26th.

The Stone Axe and Mos Generator test press auction is the latest in a growing line of charity auctions that Ripple Music has created.  Previously, rare JPT Scare Band, Mos Generator, Stone Axe, and the Heavy Ripples test pressings were auctioned with proceeds going to Gulf Disaster, The Wounded Warrior Fund, Japan Tsunami and the Joplin Tornado disaster relief agencies.  With the sacrifices made by the men and women to assist their fellow Americans in need, Ripple founders John Rancik and Todd Severin thought the time was right to release another rare test pressing from their vault and raise money for a worthwhile effort.





Press raves about Mos Generator and Stone Axe:

"Tony Reed is my favorite hard rock guitarist going right now. He plays with sincere and unrivaled passion and backs it up with some of the tastiest guitar licks and riffs that I've ever heard in recent memory." -- John Perez, Solitude Aeturnus

"For those who are already fans of this band this is a welcome addition to their catalog. For those who have never heard this fantastic act then this would serve as a fine introduction."  --  Heavy Metal Time Machine

“Mos Generator are back, they are in fine form and anyone who loves their rock, raw, grungy, classic and in your face should sit up and take notice.” -- BCFM Sunday Rockshow

"If it (Stone Axe: Captured Live!) had been released in 1974 instead of 2012, Stone Axe would be flying from gig to gig in a jumbo jet with their name on the side, and Tony Reed would be a household name and worth a fortune." -- Rock Guitar Daily


Mos Generator "Lonely One Kenobi" video: Here
 

Mos Generator - Nomads

 

This came my way just when I really needed it.

 I had a really hectic summer and didn't get a chance to check out any new music at all. I don't think I missed out on anything really major but I do like to keep somewhat up to date, otherwise I'll just listen to Fly To The Rainbow by the Scorpions or Lou Donaldson boogaloo records all the time. Not that there's anything wrong with that! But you gotta put the old stuff away from time to time and hear something new. And I love hearing new stuff that sounds just like the old stuff I'm into. That leads us to the new album from Mos Generator called Nomads. The slogan for the Ripple label is "now it's time for YOUR classic rock." That means Deep Purple, UFO, Thin Lizzy, Free, Tommy Bolin, etc. and NOT Billy Joel and endless replays of "Comfortably Numb."

Mainman Tony Reed put Mos Generator on hold a few years ago to focus on Stone Axe but now the roles have been reversed.

Nomads is 9 songs and 40 minutes of no filler, all killer kick ass heavy rock. "Cosmic Ark" kicks things off and the drum intro lets you know this is serious business and sets up a strong Thin Lizzy meets Black Sabbath jam. "Lonely One Kenobi" amps up the Sabbath influence but keeps it more rocking than metal. "Torches" is a blues based noggin rocker followed by the heavy Volume 4-ish "Step Up."

Side two opens up with a cover of a great Judas Priest song "Solar Angels" from their Point Of Entry album. It's often overlooked because it's a pretty commercial record and came out between British Steel and Screaming For Vengeance but has some great songs. "Solar Angels" has always been a favorite of mine and this version is a nice tribute. It's followed up with "For Your Blood" that has a definite "rapid fire" influence. Can't go wrong with a double shot of Priest. "Can't Get Where I Belong" returns things to Mos' mid-tempo heavy rock heartland with a big, catchy chorus. The one minute acoustic title track sets up album closer "This Is The Gift Of Nature" perfectly. Saving the best for last, this is a 7 minute trip that starts off hard before it gets heavy. I think the lyrics might be about weeed, too. At least I'm going to pretend that they are.


Chances are if you're already a fan of Mos Generator than you know what to expect. But if you need a break from Force It, Sabotage, Fighting and Tons Of Sobs than get acquainted with these guys pronto.

--Woody

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"

Fen - Of Losing Interest

Was gonna go a totally different direction with this.

I was going to tell you all about how Fen's mind-blowing music helped shape a small part of my life for the past year or so.  I wanted to explain how their last stunning album, Trails Out Of Gloom, took me straight to the doors of Ripple Music.  How those doors opened up a line of communication with the president of the upstart label, which eventually landed me here at The Ripple Effect.

The point is that my Ripple relationship started with Fen.  If you're not familiar with them, then you definitely need to be.  Progressive and heavy, modern and melodic, with strikingly powerful and passionate vocals akin to Tool and Chevelle, Fen is among my favorite underground bands.  I feel like I owe the Canadian rock group because this past year has been such an enjoyable ride for me.

But this isn't supposed to be about me.  Let's talk Of Losing Interest, the latest breathtaking album due for worldwide release on August 14.

Well...maybe a little about more about me, too.  Don't sigh.

In one word: amazing.  No, not me, silly.  The album.  Amazing is exactly what I said in my buzzing head.  I think it's even more remarkable than Trails Out Of Gloom.  Of Losing Interest seems much more forceful and energetic to me.  Less mellow - even more electric - with tons of timely tempo shifts and smooth transitions which Fen have perfected over their years together.

"It's heavy on guitar and bass and rock riffage in general.  There's a lot of solos too," the band says collectively.

I think that's putting it mildly.

I could tell from the first machine-gun riffage on "Riddled", that Fen entered ultra-heavy mode on this album.  A pleasant surprise.  There are more explosive riffs by Doug Harrison (vocals, guitar) and Sam Levin (guitar) in the first half of the new the album than all of their previous effort, as far as I'm concerned.   Solos?  Yeah, lots of solos throughout.  Sometimes 2 or maybe more in a song.  And there are rumbling spots on the album, such as during the title track, when all you hear are the heavy bass lines by Jeff Caron.  The drumming from Nando Polesel is f-in phenomenal.  And they didn't even mention the vocals.  Harrison hits notes on this record that I don't think he tried on the first Ripple release.

It was exactly 4 minutes into "A Long Line" when IT happened.  You know.  I'd already been rocking the hell out when, amidst a stomping beat and upper-body-convulsing riffage, Fen take it to another level.  Yet another solo kicks off and I start to feel every hair on my arms start rising.  The feeling works its way up my arms to my neck.   It's the chills people.  After 40 seconds of ripping solos, the song ends suddenly and I'm literally breathless.  It's like a shot of pure adrenaline straight into the veins.  Wanna know the best part?  I get that feeling every time I listen.

"Light Up The End", affects me much differently, like an emotional roller coaster.  I suppose it's the lyrics - presented along with light acoustic guitars in the beginning - that make me reflect on my own past and look forward to what future I may or may not have left.  It also leaves me asking a few questions.  Why does music do this to me?  Am I the only one who gets such strong feelings?  I know I'm a freak, but surely I can't be the only one who gets so overwhelmed.  At least, I hope not.

Sure, I could describe each song and tell you how I feel, talk about all the interesting lyrics, and go on about how much I enjoy the new album but I think you get the hint.  I don't think I can do it justice with my middle-school writing skills anyway.

Something I don't like?  The title.  I don't want anyone to lose interest at all - I want the opposite.  A lot more people need to know about the tunes by this band.

I think Fen are the gigantic waves at Ripple Music.  If there's one group on the label who I'd love to see sweep across the globe - and who I think has the talent to do that - it's this one.  I might get some flack for saying it out loud, yet I don't care.  I'll grin and take it.  I owe those four guys for the great time I've had so far at The Ripple Effect.

Maybe Of Losing Interest could touch your life in some way.  You can get the cd today, before it hits the shelves, straight from the Ripple Store.

--Heddbuzz

MOS GENERATOR Announce New Album Title and Release Date

It’s been five years since the world has heard new material from MOS GENERATOR, and fortunately, that streak is about to end! The brand new MOS GENERATOR full-length album is called Nomads and will be available world-wide on October 23^rd, 2012 through Ripple Music. The nine track album features the heaviness and elegant melody that have become the trademark sounds of the band, but this time lyrically exploring the introspective path of soul salvation.

“Nomads, as a whole, is the literal journey that Mos Generator has made,” states guitarist/singer Tony Reed on the theme behind the new record, “The songs are interpersonal tales about the struggles that we’ve all faced with each other, our personal lives, the making of this record, just getting through life. And, of course, there are some science fiction themes, as well.”

The Port Orchard, Washington rock n’ roll nomads spent almost a year tracking, recording, and mixing the new album until they were happy with the end result, constantly holding the material to the light, never wanting to release anything less than stellar.

“The album had to stand up to the Mos history,” continues Reed, “We’ll never put out something that we feel is inferior, and admittedly, there was a lot of second guessing with some of the material selections and mixes.”

Nomads will be available through Nail/Allegro Distribution in the U.S., Code 7 in the UK, and Clearspot International through continental Europe. Look for MOS GENERATOR to hit the road throughout the Pacific Northwest in late September and then possible more road work later in the year and early 2013.

Track List:

1.       Cosmic Ark
2.       Lonely One Kenobi
3.       Torches
4.       Step Up
5.       Solar Angels
6.       For Your Blood
7.       Can’t Get Where I Belong
8.       Nomads/This Is The Gift Of Nature

DEVIL TO PAY Sign With RIPPLE MUSIC; Enter Studio to Record New Album For Vinyl and CD

RIPPLE MUSIC is proud to announce the signing of acclaimed, hard-hitting American Doom rockers, DEVIL TO PAY to their ever-expanding roster!

The band’s fourth, as of yet untitled, album is set for worldwide release on RIPPLE MUSIC in the coming months and the band will subsequently tour to knock the crowds out of their skulls, including appearances in all the major heavy rock/doom festivals.

DEVIL TO PAY commented yesterday upon the new alliance; “We are stoked to be a part of the Ripple family and to work with one of the most genuine heavy rock labels in the world! Having released our first three albums independently, it’s clear that these guys don't compromise in terms of putting out creative music and are the true believers of heavy rock. The variety of bands and the sheer quality of music they’ve released speaks for itself. We are very much honored that our music earned its place among their ranks!"

DEVIL TO PAY was formed in the beginning of the millennia as a doom rock band with metal/stoner and rock tangents, effortlessly crushing skulls while simultaneously coaxing them to sing along. The band hails the almighty riff, but unlike many of their contemporaries, the song is still king.  That is what separates the great bands from the shoulda & coulda bands.   Now celebrating their 10th year anniversary, DEVIL TO PAY has aged like Kentucky bourbon, distilling a culmination of years of sweat, highway miles, cigarette smoke and hangovers into crushing compositions and bone-jarring, heavy musical moments.

With a catalog of underground releases, DEVIL TO PAY gained accolades, awards and a hard earned cult-like status. They have established themselves as the go-to band for those searching out more than just a few killer riffs; a foundation of heavy that will flourish under the Ripple banner.

For more information on the band, please visit:

www.deviltopay.net

RIPPLE MUSIC to Sponsor The 2012 Metroplex Heavy Fest, Featuring Headlining Performances From Wo-Fat and Earthen Grave

 

Ripple Music and Big Dude Productions are proud to announce that the California-based hard rock record label will be sponsoring the first annual 2012 Metroplex Heavy Fest in Dallas, Tx. on July 27th & 28th, 2012! The festival will be held at The Boiler Room, owned by Steve Benton of Drowning Pool, and will celebrate some of the regions hardest and heaviest acts, including special headlining preformances from Wo-Fat and Earthen Grave (featuring members of doom legends, Trouble). The event will be hosted by Dave Sherman (Spirit Caravan/Earthride/WeedisWeed) and will feature raffles, live recordings of the performances, and special guest appearances.

"To be approached by Big Dude Productions to be a part of this event was somewhat surrreal," states John Rancik and Todd Severin of Ripple Music. "We love heavy music. We love supporting heavy music. We love the guys who create the music and have the hard stuff running through their veins. What better way to give back to the scene than get involved and help keep it vibrant and alive?"


Big Dude Productions is proud to announce:

The 2012 Metroplex Heavy Fest
With special MC for both nights
Dave Sherman of Spirit Caravan, Earthride and WeedisWeed

Held at Steve Benton’s (of Drowning Pool)
Boiler Room, in Dallas, TX.
Friday July 27th & Saturday July 28th

Sponsored By: Ripple Music

With Co-Sponsors:
Lace Music Products
Coffin Cases
Fourth Floor Graphics
Voodoo Harley Davidson of New Orleans

The showcase of talent that ranges from Doom, to Stoner, to Sludge, but is all heavy!!!

·         7 bands on each night!
·         The best of local, regional, national and globally known bands from the area, in one place!
·         $10. cover each night!
·         Raffles held for both nights on killer schwag and gear!
·         Live recording of both nights!
·         Pod-Cast taping for internet radio on both nights!

Lineup for both nights:
Friday July 27 @ The Boiler Room, Dallas, TX. / First band 7PM - Last band 1AM

Turbo Motorhome - 7PM
Stone Machine Electric - 8PM
Big Sandy Gilmer - 9PM
Mothership - 10PM
Wo Fat (headliner) - 11PM
Hawk vs Dove - 12AM
Kin of Ettins - 1AM

Saturday July 28 @ The Boiler Room, Dallas, TX. / First band 7PM - Last Band 1AM

Black on High - 7PM
Pothead Goat - 8PM
World Beneath World - 9AM
Orthodox Fuzz - 10PM
Earthen Grave (headliner) - 11PM
Burn Down - 12AM
FTW - 1AM



www.ripple-music.com

Ripple Music unveils it's first T-shirt - I Like Vinyl

Tell the world how you really feel.  Get the new Ripple Music t-shirt at the Ripple store.  Very limited press, so get em while supplies last.  Ripple Music logo on the back.

MIGHTY HIGH's Premiere of Brand New Album on Blog Tour Release Party Wraps Up Today with Final Five Songs

Continuing with the party that found Brooklyn's finest regressive rock act crashing the party at some of the best music sites in the world, Mighty High bring their debut album blog tour to the Ripple Effect for the premeire of the final two songs, "Chemical Warpigs" and "High on the Cross."

Invading places they'd never be welcomed normally, Mighty High and Ripple Music offer you the opportunity to hear the whole album Legalize Tres Bags, and visit some great rock music sites to boot.  Ripple Music has teamed with the finest leaders in heavy music journalism, The Soda Shop, Heavy Planet, Cosmic Lava, Grip of Delusion Radio, and The Ripple Effect, to bring you Ripple Music’s first ever Blog Tour Album Release Party.

Don’t miss the album that Heavy Metal Time Machine says stirs “together some classic rock riffs, punk rock energy and stoner rock madness to serve up some of the catchiest rock to come down the pike in some time.”

Blog Tour Schedule:

Tuesday June 26th: Soda Shop (www.thesodashop.us)
Wednesday June 27th: Heavy Planet (www.heavyplanet.net)
Thursday June 28th: Cosmic Lava (www.cosmiclava.de)
Friday June 29th:  The Ripple Effect (www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com)
All week, Grip of Delusion Radio (www.gripofdelusion.com)

And catch Mighty High performing Legalize Tre Bags live & nasty:

Saturday June 30 at The Rock Shop in Brooklyn, NY    www.therockshopny.com

You can find the album at the Ripple Store and all fine physical and digital outlets.

For a review of the album, check out The Sleeping Shaman.

"Yeah I know I’m in a band on the same label as these guys but that doesn’t necessarily mean I think this bunch of lobotomised chimps are any good now does it? For the record, I do…and I did long before we were label mates right back to the birth of their previous album “In Drug City” which proved to be a raw, uncultured blast through rock and roll’s dark history whilst under the influence of a truck load of narcotics.

The band describes their sound as “Black Flag Railroad”…and that’s pretty accurate. Imagine it’s the year 1973 and Grand Funk Railroad have inadvertently discovered hardcore punk. Not wanting to fuck up their lavish rock star lifestyles they decide to find a willing group of slightly retarded, stoned teenagers and teach them to play this new sound…that band would be Mighty High…except they’re far from being teenagers and this is 2012…the rest of the description remains pretty accurate.

Kicking off with the barely-scraping-a-minute blast of “I Don’t Wanna Listen To Yes” it’s clear that, despite line-up changes this is very much business as usual for Mighty High…raw, in your face punk meets 70’s boogie rock and roll. Any song that features the line “I don’t wanna fuckin’ listen to Yes, Yes sucks, fuck you!!!” is an instant winner. From here Mighty High continue to mine their tales of drug abuse on the remaining 10 tracks. “Mooche” is a classic tale of a free loading deadbeat set to rollicking punk fuelled riffs. It’s not big…but it is surprisingly clever as Woody High displays a humour and turn of phrase in his lyrics that elevate themselves from being purely dumb, this is an intelligent level of dumbness that’s pretty hard to achieve. The High plumb their 70’s rock influences on “The Ram” which grooves on a riff that would have made Budgie proud and shows that the band, despite their image have a real eye for a well structured song. They probably won’t thank me for saying this but they are a surprisingly adept rock and roll band…maybe they can use this line in their advertising!!!"  . . . Read more at The Sleeping Shaman.

And now, here's your final two songs from Legalize Tres Bags, and since there was a technical glitch yesterday on Cosmic Lava, we'll drop those in also.

RIPPLE MUSIC to Sponsor The 2012 Metroplex Heavy Fest, Featuring Headlining Performances From Wo-Fat and Earthen Grave

 

Ripple Music and Big Dude Productions are proud to announce that the California-based hard rock record label will be sponsoring the first annual 2012 Metroplex Heavy Fest in Dallas, Tx. on July 27th & 28th, 2012! The festival will be held at The Boiler Room, owned by Steve Benton of Drowning Pool, and will celebrate some of the regions hardest and heaviest acts, including special headlining preformances from Wo-Fat and Earthen Grave (featuring members of doom legends, Trouble). The event will be hosted by Dave Sherman (Spirit Caravan/Earthride/WeedisWeed) and will feature raffles, live recordings of the performances, and special guest appearances.

"To be approached by Big Dude Productions to be a part of this event was somewhat surrreal," states John Rancik and Todd Severin of Ripple Music. "We love heavy music. We love supporting heavy music. We love the guys who create the music and have the hard stuff running through their veins. What better way to give back to the scene than get involved and help keep it vibrant and alive?"


Big Dude Productions is proud to announce:

The 2012 Metroplex Heavy Fest
With special MC for both nights
Dave Sherman of Spirit Caravan, Earthride and WeedisWeed

Held at Steve Benton’s (of Drowning Pool)
Boiler Room, in Dallas, TX.
Friday July 27th & Saturday July 28th

Sponsored By: Ripple Music

With Co-Sponsors:
Lace Music Products
Coffin Cases
Fourth Floor Graphics
Voodoo Harley Davidson of New Orleans

The showcase of talent that ranges from Doom, to Stoner, to Sludge, but is all heavy!!!

·         7 bands on each night!
·         The best of local, regional, national and globally known bands from the area, in one place!
·         $10. cover each night!
·         Raffles held for both nights on killer schwag and gear!
·         Live recording of both nights!
·         Pod-Cast taping for internet radio on both nights!

Lineup for both nights:
Friday July 27 @ The Boiler Room, Dallas, TX. / First band 7PM - Last band 1AM

The Velia Shrine - 7PM
Stone Machine Electric - 8PM
Big Sandy Gilmer - 9PM
Mothership - 10PM
Wo Fat (headliner) - 11PM
Hawk vs Dove - 12AM
Kin of Ettins - 1AM

Saturday July 28 @ The Boiler Room, Dallas, TX. / First band 7PM - Last Band 1AM

Black on High - 7PM
Pothead Goat - 8PM
World Beneath World - 9AM
Orthodox Fuzz - 10PM
Earthen Grave (headliner) - 11PM
Burn Down - 12AM
FTW - 1AM



www.ripple-music.com

RIPPLE MUSIC to Sponsor The 2012 Metroplex Heavy Fest, Featuring Headlining Performances From Wo-Fat and Earthen Grave

 

Ripple Music and Big Dude Productions are proud to announce that the California-based hard rock record label will be sponsoring the first annual 2012 Metroplex Heavy Fest in Dallas, Tx. on July 27th & 28th, 2012! The festival will be held at The Boiler Room, owned by Steve Benton of Drowning Pool, and will celebrate some of the regions hardest and heaviest acts, including special headlining preformances from Wo-Fat and Earthen Grave (featuring members of doom legends, Trouble). The event will be hosted by Dave Sherman (Spirit Caravan/Earthride/WeedisWeed) and will feature raffles, live recordings of the performances, and special guest appearances.

"To be approached by Big Dude Productions to be a part of this event was somewhat surrreal," states John Rancik and Todd Severin of Ripple Music. "We love heavy music. We love supporting heavy music. We love the guys who create the music and have the hard stuff running through their veins. What better way to give back to the scene than get involved and help keep it vibrant and alive?"


Big Dude Productions is proud to announce:

The 2012 Metroplex Heavy Fest
With special MC for both nights
Dave Sherman of Spirit Caravan, Earthride and WeedisWeed

Held at Steve Benton’s (of Drowning Pool)
Boiler Room, in Dallas, TX.
Friday July 27th & Saturday July 28th

Sponsored By: Ripple Music

With Co-Sponsors:
Lace Music Products
Coffin Cases
Fourth Floor Graphics
Voodoo Harley Davidson of New Orleans

The showcase of talent that ranges from Doom, to Stoner, to Sludge, but is all heavy!!!

·         7 bands on each night!
·         The best of local, regional, national and globally known bands from the area, in one place!
·         $10. cover each night!
·         Raffles held for both nights on killer schwag and gear!
·         Live recording of both nights!
·         Pod-Cast taping for internet radio on both nights!

Lineup for both nights:
Friday July 27 @ The Boiler Room, Dallas, TX. / First band 7PM - Last band 1AM

The Velia Shrine - 7PM
Stone Machine Electric - 8PM
Big Sandy Gilmer - 9PM
Mothership - 10PM
Wo Fat (headliner) - 11PM
Hawk vs Dove - 12AM
Kin of Ettins - 1AM

Saturday July 28 @ The Boiler Room, Dallas, TX. / First band 7PM - Last Band 1AM

Black on High - 7PM
Pothead Goat - 8PM
World Beneath World - 9AM
Orthodox Fuzz - 10PM
Earthen Grave (headliner) - 11PM
Burn Down - 12AM
FTW - 1AM



www.ripple-music.com

Ripple Tech - Tweaker Travel Speakers - The Best Little Noise on the Planet

Different column today, but I wanna share something pretty darn cool.

If you're like me and travel quite a bit and listen to a lot of music, you probably know that really small/compact portable speakers are a dicey affair.  I've gone through at least 10 different makes/models over the last couple of years.  They all promise big sound and lightweight, but in the end have all been pieces of crap.  It's just nearly impossible to find something incredibly small that has worthwhile sound quality.  If they sound decent, then they take up way too much space in my over-stuffed luggage or computer bag.   And if they sound decent, they probably cost an arm, leg, kidney and unborn child.

I realize big sound will never come from a tiny speaker, but still, I keep hoping.  Something to plug into my iPhone or laptop.  Anything that is ridiculously small, lightweight, sounds good, and doesn't cost me a fortune.

I finally found it.

Now, it takes a lot to get me excited about a pair of travel speakers.  But here they are.  Grandmax Tweakers SPKR-RI-BK, 3.4 W Pull-n-Play Speakers are my newest baby.

Why?

First, the product design is killer and amazingly well thought out.  The speakers are tiny, I mean tiny.  Maybe 1 and 1/2 inches tall and wide, dome-shaped marvels.  They stack together with a magnetic connection and squeeze into a little pouch that takes up no more than 4 x 2 inches of bag space.  Item weight is said to be one pound, but it feels lighter to me.  That's it!  Yeah, I've seen smaller single speaker units, but not double speakers.  Not for real stereo sound separation.  Not a bad start, but the engineering gets better from there.

Each speaker twists open and pops up to reveal an acoustic chamber that creates the bass. Sure, it's not stoner metal-vibrate-the-walls-and-set-off-car-alarm bass, but its good enough, and surprisingly rich for these little guys.

I bought these on a whim before a big trip.  I knew I need some real sound to write some reviews, listen to Ripple submissions, and check out some Master tapes for upcoming Ripple Music releases.    The pair cost me $40 at the airport and you can find them cheaper at Amazon.

Sure, they won't replace your home stereo, and don't go expecting too much from a pair of speakers that can fit into the palm of your hand.  But these are definitely the best speakers I've come across in my travels for the size, weight, and money.  Count me a fan.

No batteries are needed (a huge plus for me).  The speakers charge through my laptop, and --coolest of all-- they charge and connect through built-in, retractable charge/audio cables.  Man, that's cool!  Eliminates most of the packing needed to get stereo sound.  There's one cable included to connect the speakers to each other, that's it, and I wouldn't even need to use it if I wasn't charging.  They're that clever.

So the design is cool, but what's really important is the sound.  Is it better than my built in computer speakers?   Hell yes!  Granted,  my computer speakers are totally crappy, but the frequency-tuned amplifier in these little Tweakers delivers really clear sound, handles high volumes without distorting (too much), delivers enough bass for me to review stoner submissions on the road, and the stereo provides real separation and fullness.  I'm listening to the Vincebus Eruptum "Acid Sounds Vol. 1" CD as I write this and it sounds badass.

So, if you hit the road as often as I do, laptop and iPhone in hand, and you want to hear music.  And if space, weight, and volume in the suitcase are as important to you as they are to me.  Check these babies out.

And let me know what you think.

--Racer

http://www.grandmax.com/online/
https://www.facebook.com/grandmaxam

MOS GENERATOR 10th Anniversary Re-Issue Test Pressing to be Auctioned Off for Wounded Warrior Project Charity

Continuing with the company tradition of giving back to the community, Ripple Music will auction an extremely Rare Original Test Pressing of the Mos Generator 10th Anniversary vinyl, with proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). With the mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors, WWP is the hand extended to encourage warriors as they adjust to their new normal and achieve new triumphs. Offering a variety of programs and services, WWP is equipped to serve warriors with every type of injury – from the physical to the invisible wounds of war.

Only 5 of these test pressings exist, and this is the only one made available to the public.  You can jump into the auction, win a cool heavy rock collectible and benefit the guys who throw their lives on the line every day so that we can have the liberties that we do at the same time. To do so, just visit us at the Ripple Music Ebay Store! The auction will start on Monday, April 23rd and end on Monday, April 30th.

The Mos Generator test press auction is the latest in a growing line of charity auctions that Ripple Music has created.  Previously, rare JPT Scare Band, Stone Axe, and the Heavy Ripples test pressings were auctioned with proceeds going to Gulf Disaster, Japan Tsunami and the Joplin Tornado disaster relief agencies.  With the sacrifices made by the men and women of the U.S. armed forces, Ripple founders John Rancik and Todd Severin thought the time was right to release another rare test pressing from their vault and raise money for a worthwhile effort.

Donations can be made to the charity outside of this auction by visiting www.woundedwarriorproject.org


Press raves about Mos Generator 10th Anniversary Edition:

"Frontman/guitarist Tony Reed continued to assert himself as one of the underrated guitar heroes of the past couple of decades." -- New York Music Daily

"Reed wears his influences on his sleeve not only in terms of what he plays but in the way he engineers his records – every instrument comes through CRYSTAL clear, there are no fancy studio frills or tricks, or the “wall of guitars” effect that is found on so much music deemed ‘heavy’ of late. To be sure, everyone in this band is playing loud and note-perfect through very cool old gear (the cover gives you a handy rundown of what they use!), but it’s the sheer energy and talent that has gone into writing the music that makes this record heavy."  --  The Sleeping Shaman

"Of all the second-wave Sabbath types, these guys were and remain by far the most original, with tricky prog tempos, tunefully sludgy Tony Iommi-style lo-register riffage and a sense of humor to rival their sense of purpose. If metal is your thing and you slept on this stuff when it first came out – and a lot of people did, this was before myspace, let alone youtube – now’s a good time to rediscover them."  --  Lucid Culture

Stone Axe, Grifter, and Iron Claw Ready for the Official North American Release of New Albums in the Wake of their Triumphant Appearances at Desertfest

By all accounts, the crowds were blown away.  Rocking the Midlands hailed Stone Axe's recent route through the U.K., as "the best kept secret in rock!"  The Obelisk called Grifter's Desertfest show "no bullshit rock n roll" and "the destination I'd been running to all day."  And famed rock critic, Mark Taylor, from Touchline Live Music andMetaltalk.net, claimed that finally seeing Iron Claw live as they took the Desertfest stage was a "skullcrushing joy."

So, after planting the flag of hard-driving retro rock firmly in the heart of the U.K., what do the trifecta of Ripple bands do for an encore?  They ready themselves for the official North American release of their latest albums!  Officially released on April 10, Ripple Music is proud to unleash Stone Axe II Deluxe Edition 2 CD set, Stone Axe Captured Live at Roadburn, Grifter's self-titled debut and Iron Claw A Different Game. 

With the blazing resurgence of true retro-rock taking hold all over the world, these four releases will be at the top of every heavy music lover's lists.  Fans are ready to bask in the guitar heroics of Tony Reed, the gritty biker rock of Grifter and the true retro-resurrection of legendary U.K. doom-sayers, Iron Claw.

Released through Nail Distribution across the U.S. and Canada, with world-wide digital distribution through the Allegro Media Group, you can expect to find these releases at a record store near you, and as always through the Ripple Music Store.  Add to this onslaught the critically-hailed Trucker Diablo album The Devil Rhythm and Mos Generator's 10th Anniversary Deluxe reissue LP, and it's clear that the time has finally come for real rock and roll to reclaim it's rightful place upon the throne.


Here’s what the press is saying:

"This one helluva album, and with all the revived interest in 60's - 80's rock and metal going on at the moment this set will help mark out Stone Axe as one of the very best in their field. and long may they continue. Hell if you have already got this album its worth getting again for the bonus disc alone. 5/5" -- The BCFM Sunday Rock Show

"Grifter is the best classic rock band around" - Captain Zen Beyond

"Scotland's Proto-Metal pioneers, Iron Claw, return with a long-awaited album of gritty, blues-based melodic heavy rock that is already garnering album-of-the-year accolades." - Puregrainaudio

 

Stone Axe Return to for European Tour

The cream of the retro rockin’ resurgence crop has announced that they’re making their long anticipated return to the shores of the United Kingdom and northern Europe this April! Stone Axe are loading the road cases, fine tuning the live set, and packing fresh clothes for the 2012 edition of their European Tour with Stubb and Trippy Wicked, once again, performing in the support slots. Last year, Stone Axe went overseas to support the Expanded Edition of their first album and, in the process, turned heads and made a ton of new fans and friends. This year, Stone Axe is touring in support of the 2-disc Deluxe Edition of the band’s second album, featuring the highly regarded follow up to the debut, as well as a bonus disc packed with vinyl only releases and rare oddities from the Stone Axe vault. The ten day tour will take these classic rock preservationists throughout England, Scotland, The Netherlands, and parts of Germany as they revisit some of the choice spots from the year before, and tackle new venues in search of new fans looking for a show with some substance. Of key note, Stone Axe will be performing two sets at the inaugural Desertfest held in London; one set being under the name Stone Free as the band performs a free set from the band’s greatest influence, Free! Stone Axe II – Deluxe Edition will be available in the UK/Europe by or on April 2nd, 2012 and on April 10th, 2012 throughout the U.S. STONE AXE on the road with STUBB & TRIPPY WICKED April 5th Scrutty Murphy's - Birmingham UK April 6th Desertfest (2 sets) - London UK April 7th Stereo Cafe Bar – Glasgow, Scotland April 8th - TBA April 9th The Star and Garter - Manchester UK April 10th The Rambler - Eindhoven NL April 11th Immerhin - Wurzburg DL April 12th AJZ - Bielefeld DL April 13th Oetinger Villa - Darmstadt DL April 14th The Vortex - Siegen DL Here’s what the press is saying: “Stone Axe is an American analomy, maybe a treasure: resurrecting and revitalizing the best of classic Seventies rock in a modern context. They do it right and do it well. Fans should scoop this up, and newcomers, too. Recommended." –Dangerdog "This one helluva album, and with all the revived interest in 60's - 80's rock and metal going on at the moment this set will help mark out Stone Axe as one of the very best in their field. and long may they continue. Hell if you have already got this album its worth getting again for the bonus disc alone. 5/5" -- The BCFM Sunday Rock Show

Ripple Music Announces Sponsorship and Grand Prize Recording Contract for TBFM Factor 2012

 
Ripple Music, home of the "Best retro-rock and metal on the planet" is thrilled to announce it's sponsorship of TBFM Factor 2012 - the biggest "on-air" battle of the bands ever!

TBFM Factor 2012 is presented by internet radio station Total Biker FM, home of hard-driving rock n' roll. This is the second time the station has presented this competition. With so much talent out there TBFM wanted to help promote the top bands and hopefully give them the boost up the ladder that they deserve by setting up a fan voted competition.

In 2010, the station was not fully prepared for what turned out to be an amazing competition with over 4 million hits during the final week which crashed the servers TWICE! The competition was such a great success, they decided to bring it back in 2012, bigger, better and more prepared!

The competition is set over 15 weekly knockout weeks. Music from 10 bands each week will get airplay on the Sunday Show on Total Biker FM and then fans get to vote for one week on which band deserves a place in the final. After 15 weeks, a final place is given to a wildcard, which will be the highest voted for runner up from all the knockout stages.

On week 16 the epic final takes place. All 16 bands get featured on air on a special 4 hour show and then all week during all regular shows while fans vote again for the best band of the competition. The winning band will receive some great prizes including the top prize of an exclusive one album record deal with American label Ripple Music.

This is one lucky band's opportunity to join with Ripple Music and become a label-mate of such roaring artists as Mos Generator, Trucker Diablo, Stone Axe, Iron Claw, Grifter, Poobah, JPT Scare Band and Fen.

More prizes are on offer for the finalists ranging from musical equipment to website memberships to free record mastering. Registration closes on 31st March, 2012 and the competition gets under way on June 10th, 2012 with the grand final in September.

More information on the bands taking part, how to register, prizes and sponsors can be found at www.tbfmfactor.com

150 bands take part over 16 weeks… only one winner!
And a Ripple record contract is the Grand Prize!

Important dates are as follows:

Registration closes 31st March 2012
Qualifying Bands Line-Up announced 13th May 2012
Competition starts 10th June 2012 for 15 weeks
The final will be on 23rd September 2012
Winner announced 30th September 2012