Adam Lawton, Author at MediaMikes

Foo Fighters Tour Support Confirmed for Concrete and Gold North American Tour

FOO FIGHTERS

CONCRETE AND GOLD NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2018 SUPPORT CONFIRMED FOR BOSTON, CHICAGO, SEATTLE &
TORONTO STADIUM DATES

Dinosaur Jr., Speedy Ortiz, The Joy Formidable, The Struts, Gang of Youths & More To Join On Select Dates

#CALJAMDAD FLYAWAY SWEEPSTAKES LIVE NOW AT http://smarturl.it/CalJamDad

Foo Fighters have confirmed an array of additional support acts for the upcoming North American leg of the tour. Friends joining the Foos on the rock and roll stage include FF influences Dinosaur Jr., current tour mates The Struts, indie darlings Speedy Ortiz, powerhouse rock quartet The Beaches, and handpicked bad ass local bands The Monsieurs, Melkbelly, and Touched by Ghoul. The Joy Formidable and Gang of Youths will join for the tour’s fall arena dates.

The North American leg of the Concrete and Gold Tour kicks off in three weeks, on July 6 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Washington D.C., and crisscrosses the US and Canada through mid-October with stops in major cities Toronto, New York, Boston, Chicago, Vancouver, Denver, and San Bernardino, where the band will play their only Los Angeles-area show as the headliners of Cal Jam 18.

The breakdown of guests on Foo Fighters’ July and September marathon stadium rock extravaganzas will be:

July 12 — Toronto — Rogers Centre:
The Struts
The Beaches

July 21— Boston – Fenway Park:
The Struts
The Monsieurs

July 22 — Boston – Fenway Park:
Dinosaur Jr.
Speedy Ortiz

July 29 — Chicago, IL — Wrigley Field:
The Struts
Melkbelly

July 30 — Chicago, IL — Wrigley Field:
TBA
Touched by Ghoul

September 1 — Seattle, WA — Safeco Field
TBA
The Joy Formidable

As already announced, The Struts support on the tour’s July and August arena dates, with The Joy Formidable taking over in September and Gang of Youths opening in October.

Foo Fighters fans are invited to make the band’s final Southern California appearance of the Concrete and Gold Tour a family affair: Enter the #CalJamDad Flyaway Sweepstakes by going to http://smarturl.it/CalJamDad to upload a photo of your #CalJamDad in your life—or of yourself if you’re a dad–and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Cal Jam 18. What better way to celebrate Fathers Day than to win a chance to join Foo Fighters and their custom-curated lineup featuring an exclusive appearance by Iggy Pop and Post Pop Depression (Joshua Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Dean Fertita, Matt Helders), Tenacious D, Garbage Greta Van Fleet, Silversun Pickups, Manchester Orchestra, Krist Novoselic’s new band Giant In The Trees, Slaves (UK), Gang of Youths, Black Mountain and more…

For further updates on the 2018 Concrete and Gold Tour, continue to check www.foofighters.com.

Foo Fighters are Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear and Rami Jaffee.

FOO FIGHTERS
CONCRETE AND GOLD
North American Tour 2018

07/05-15/18 – Ottawa, ON – RBC Bluesfest
07/06/18 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
07/07/18 – Philadelphia, PA – BB&T Pavilion
07/09/18 – Quebec, QC – Festival de Quebec
07/12/18 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre
07/14/18 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
07/16/18 – New York, NY — Madison Square Garden
07/17/18 – New York, NY — Madison Square Garden
07/19/18 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
07/21/18 — Boston, MA – Fenway Park
07/22/18 — Boston, MA – Fenway Park
07/25/18 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH (Cleveland) – Blossom Music Center
07/26/18 – Noblesville, IN (Indianapolis) – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
07/29/18 — Chicago, IL — Wrigley Field
07/30/18 — Chicago, IL — Wrigley Field
09/01/18 – Seattle, WA — Safeco Field
09/04/18 – Edmonton, AB — Rogers Place
09/06/18 – Calgary, AB — Scotiabank Saddledome
09/08/18 – Vancouver, BC — Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
09/10/18 – Portland, OR — Moda Center
09/12/18 – San Jose, CA — SAP Center
09/14-16/18 – San Diego, CA – KABOO de mar
10/5-6/18 – San Bernadino, CA – Glen Helen Regional Park — CalJam18 (with Iggy Pop/Post Pop Depression, Tenacious D, Garbage, Greta Van Fleet, Silversun Pickups, and more; Friday Night Party with Billy Idol, Bridget Everett, Mexrrissey, others)
10/08/18 — Phoenix, AZ — Talking Stick Resort Arena
10/10/18 — Denver, CO — Pepsi Center
10/12/18 — Kansas City, MO — Sprint Center
10/13/18 — St. Louis, MO – Scottrade Center
10/15/18 —Detroit, MI — Little Caesars Arena
10/17/18 — Milwaukee, WI – Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center
10/18/18 — St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

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MOTÖRHEAD to Release Official “Road Crew” Beer

MOTÖRHEAD to Release Official RÖAD CREW Beer in the United States on June 23

Official Beer Release Party Taking Place on June 23, 2018 at Arcadia Brewing Co.’s Riverfront Brewery, Pub and Beer Garden in Kalamazoo, MI – Event Info

Watch Phil Campbell & Mikkey Dee Announce Röad Crew Beer Here

MOTÖRHEAD are excited to announce June 23, 2018 as the official U.S. launch date for their Röad Crew beer, brewed by Kalamazoo, MI’s Arcadia Brewing Company.

Music fans and beer lovers alike are invited to the official launch party, taking place at Arcadia’s Riverfront Brewery, Pub and Beer Garden, incorporating Lemmy’s Lounge, in Kalamazoo, MI. The party will begin at 3:00 PM and will include live music from the rock band Bonehawk, MÖTORHEAD tribute Band Kilmister, and Detroit metal band Anguish. In between bands, the Bangarang Circus group will entertain with burlesque, aerial and fire-breathing acts.

Please click this invite link to reserve your spot as space is limited: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/arcadia-brewing-company-8527351525

“I’m very happy to say that Röad Crew beer is now out in the U.S.,” says MOTÖRHEAD drummer Mikkey Dee. “It’s been way too long, but now it has arrived. I encourage our North American friends to get out there and enjoy it right now!”

Röad Crew is an American IPA and sits around 6.2% ABV. This is a crushable hop-forward India Pale Ale with attitude that showcases a floral and citrussy hop character with just the right amount of malt sweetness. Röad Crew beer is perfect for all rock, beer and hop heads and goes down especially well whilst listening to MOTÖRHEAD at a wonderfully obscene, lawn-killing volume. Röad Crew will be available in bottles, cans, keg and even cask.

Röad Crew will be available initially in the Great Lakes region of the U.S.. There will be further regional launches throughout the U.S. in the near future, with the goal of providing every rock and beer fan with the beer that’s “LÖUDER THAN EVERYTHING ELSE”.

For further information regarding Röad Crew coming to your favorite retail location, please check www.motorhead-beer.com for updates or the official MOTÖRHEAD Beer Facebook, Instagram pages.

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CD Review: Burn The Priest “Legion: XX”

“Legion: XX”
Burn The Priest
Epic Records
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

RIAA-certified, Billboard chart-topping, five-time Grammy nominated Richmond, VA band Lamb of God are pleased to release their highly-anticipated full-length covers album as Burn The Priest, “Legion: XX”, via Epic Records. The album is a collection of songs reflecting the greatness of the classic punk, hardcore, crossover and noise artists that influenced the band in their formative years.

The wait is finally over for fans of Lamb of God’s previous incarnation Burn The Priest .To celebrate the bands twentieth anniversary the guys have united under their previous moniker to release a special album of cover songs which pay homage to the groups punk/metal upbringings. Titled “Legion: XX” the album is a roller coaster ride of aggression and attitude which over the course of ten tracks paints a vivid picture of the members early influences. Tracks like “Inherit The Earth”, “Kerosene” and, “I Against I” are everything you would expect from the Virginia based metalers as they provide an invigorating spin on classic numbers while staying true to the original incarnations of each song.

Though the songs contained on “Legion: XX” might not be as well know by someone from outside the punk and metal genres the track listing for this release provided a fun listen that is unique and personal to the band themselves. This fact provides a fresh listening experience for fans of Lamb of God/Burn The Priest and it caused me to go back and listening to the original recordings. During my trip down memory lane it was fun to compare and contrast each version of the songs especial “Jesus Built My Hotrod” and “Kill Yourself”. Yes it would have been cool to have included one or two new original songs from BTP however, beggars can’t be choosers as there is definitely enough killer material contained on this release to keep even the most rabid fans at bay for the albums brief thirty eight minute run time.

Track Listing:
1.) Inherit The Earth (The Accused)
2.) Honey Bucket (Melvins)
3.) Kerosene (Big Black)
4.) Kill Yourself (S.O.D.)
5.) I Against I (Bad Brains)
6.) Axis Rot (Siliang Laos)
7.) Jesus Built My Hotrod (Ministry)
8.) One Voice (Agnostic Front)
9.) Dine Alone (Quicksand)
10.) We Gotta Know (Cro-Mags)

Happy International Day Of Slayer!

FROM TOM ARAYA, KERRY KING, PAUL BOSTAPH AND GARY HOLT
“Thanks to the fans for celebrating this day with us for the past 12 years…keep it going!”

AND, Slayer would also like to thank Jeff Tandy who, 12 years ago, on 6/6/06, launched the “National Day of Slayer” site. It grew so big, it became the “International Day of Slayer.” Jeff built the site and maintains it to this day. Thanks, Jeff!”

The “International Day of Slayer” is the annual heavy-metal holiday that celebrates the uncompromising, loud and defiant music of the iconic thrash/punk/metal band Slayer. To find out exactly how to celebrate the Day of Slayer, go HERE.

For more information on Slayer and the band’s Final World Tour, go HERE.

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: day, happy, international, slayer

Killswitch Engage Signs with Metal Blade Records; Kicks Off European Tour w/ Iron Maiden

Killswitch Engage signs with Metal Blade Records and Columbia/Sony Music Germany; kicks off European tour with Iron Maiden

Photo credit: John McMurtrie

Metal Blade Records is proud to welcome Killswitch Engage to its roster! Partnering with Sony Music Entertainment outside of North America, the band will be releasing their upcoming album in 2019 worldwide.

Metal Blade’s CEO/founder Brian Slagel comments: “I have been a huge fan and friend of Killswitch for a long time, so it is truly an honor to be able to work with them. So happy to welcome them to the Metal Blade family.”

Jesse Leach (vocals): “I’m beyond stoked to sign with the legendary Metal Blade Records and Columbia/Sony Music. It’s clear they truly understand and believe in what we do as a band, and we’re psyched to have them on our side. It’s an exciting new chapter for KSE and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Adam Dutkiewicz (guitar): “I’m very excited to say that Killswitch Engage will be joining forces with Metal Blade Records and Columbia/Sony Music! Super stoked to join the ranks with a long list of many epic metal acts, as well as a team of excellent human beings who truly have a genuine love for metal music. Here’s to an awesome future with awesome labels!”

Benjamin Voss, Senior A&R Manager Columbia/Sony Music Germany: “I am very happy and proud to work with such an amazing band like Killswitch Engage in the future. We are absolutely excited about releasing their new album on Sony Music outside North America.”

Currently finishing work on their upcoming album, Killswitch Engage have taken a break from recording to embark on a summer European tour with Iron Maiden. The trek will also see the band appear at various premier festivals (Sweden Rock, Graspop Metal Meeting, Hellfest, etc.), along with a few special headlining shows. Then in the fall, the band will be touring across Australia with Parkway Drive. See below for all dates!

Killswitch Engage tour dates
w/ Iron Maiden
May 26 – Saku Arena – Tallinn, Estonia
May 28 – Hartwall Arena – Helsinki, Finland
May 29 – Hartwall Arena – Helsinki, Finland
May 31 – Pustervik – Goteborg, Sweden ***
June 1 – Tele2 Arena – Stockholm, Sweden
June 2 – Rockefeller Music Hall – Oslo, Norway ***
June 3 – Trondheim Rocks @ Dahls Arena – Trondheim, Norway **
June 5 – Royal Arena – Copenhagen, Denmark
June 7 – Sweden Rock Festival – Solvesborg, Sweden **
June 9 – Rockavaria – Munich, Germany **
June 10 – Expo Plaza – Hannover, Germany
June 11 – Live Music Hall – Cologne, Germany ***
June 13 – Waldbuhne – Berlin, Germany
June 14 – Kwadrat – Krakow, Poland ***
June 16 – Akvarium Klub – Budapest, Hungary ***
June 17 – Novarock Festival – Nickelsdorf, Austria **
June 19 – Proxima – Warsaw, Poland ***
June 20 – Letnany Airport – Prague, Czech Republic
June 22 – Graspop Metal Meeting – Dessel, Belgium **
June 24 – Hellfest – Clisson, France **
June 25 – Den Atelier – Luxembourg, Luxembourg ***
June 26 – Geneva Arena – Geneva, Switzerland
June 28 – Rock in Rome @ Ippodromo Capanelle – Rome, Italy *
June 29 – Rock the Castle @ Villafranca Castle – Verona, Italy **
June 30 – Messe Freiburg – Freiburg, Germany
July 1 – GelreDome – Arnhem, Netherlands
July 31 – Metro Radio Arena – Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Aug. 1 – The Academy Dublin – Dublin, Ireland ***
Aug. 2 – SSE Arena – Belfast, UK
Aug. 4 – Aberdeen Exhibition & Conf. Centre – Aberdeen, UK
Aug. 6 – Manchester Arena – Manchester, UK
Aug. 7 – Genting Arena – Birmingham, UK
Aug. 10 – 02 Arena – London, UK
Aug. 11 – 02 Arena – London, UK
*=w/ Megadeth (no Iron Maiden)
**=festival off-date
***=Killswitch Engage headlining off-date

Killswitch Engage tour dates
w/ Parkway Drive
Oct. 25 – UC Refectory – Canberra, Australia
Oct. 26 – Hordern Pavilion – Sydney, Australia
Oct. 27 – Nex – Newcastle, Australia
Oct. 28 – Riverstage – Brisbane, Australia
Nov. 02 – Margaret Court Arena – Melbourne, Australia
Nov. 03 – Entertainment Centre – Adelaide, Australia
Nov. 06 – HBF Stadium – Perth, Australia

Formed in 1999 out of western Massachusetts, Killswitch Engage is often credited as one of the most influential metal acts in the last 20 years. Spending much of their career on the road, the band has enjoyed premium slots on major USA tours, including Ozzfest, Warped Tour, Taste of Chaos, Rockstar Energy Mayhem Fest, Music As a Weapon, and Trespass America, as well as countless international festivals around the globe. Having shared the stage with acts ranging from Rise Against to Slayer, the diversity and versatility of their touring is unparalleled. Their songs have been featured on Guitar Hero III, Rock Band, John Madden, the Resident Evil III soundtrack, and as entrance music for WWE wrestling champ CM Punk.

Twice Grammy-nominated, Killswitch Engage has sold over 3 million records worldwide, with The End of Heartache and As Daylight Dies both certified Gold in the U.S and Silver in the UK. The band’s latest album – 2016’s Incarnate – landed at #6 on the Billboard Top 200, #1 on the Current Rock Albums chart, and debuted at #1 overall in Canada, #5 in Australia, and #10 in both the UK and Germany – a testament to their international reach.

2018 will mark the end of the Incarnate album cycle, which saw the group reach new heights with its collection of anthems that set the heavy music world ablaze. Co-founders of Killswitch Engage – guitarist/backing vocalist Adam Dutkiewicz, guitarist Joel Stroetzel, bassist Mike DAntonio, and lead vocalist Jesse Leach (who returned six years ago after a decade-long absence) – plus longtime drummer Justin Foley, are currently working on a new album, with Adam Dutkiewicz handling producer duties once again. Employing their usual unrelenting determination to continually release powerfully potent work, Killswitch Engage plans to deliver another trend-resistant, timeless record that feeds the soul, touches the heart, and strengthens the mind. Stay tuned for more news about this new album coming soon!

Killswitch Engage line-up:
Jesse Leach – Vocals
Adam Dutkiewicz – Guitar
Joel Stroetzel – Guitar
Justin Foley – Drums
Mike D’Antonio – Bass

Killswitch Engage online:
http://www.killswitchengage.com/
https://www.facebook.com/killswitchengage/
https://twitter.com/kseofficial
https://www.instagram.com/killswitchengage

Bullet For My Valentine Release “Letting You Go” From Fourth-Coming Album “Gravity”

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE have released “Letting You Go,” the third track from forthcoming album, Gravity. The album is available for pre-order HERE.

Watch it HERE.

“‘Letting You Go’ was a very challenging song to write in so many ways,” said vocalist + guitarist Matt Tuck. “It’s by far the most experimental track I’ve ever written – musically and lyrically. I really wanted to make a track that stood out from the crowd and separated us from any other band in our genre, and that’s exactly what ‘Letting You Go’ does.”

Gravity, out June 29, is BFMV’s first album under the Search and Destroy/ Spinefarm Records banner, and aptly sees the band rewriting their own future – finding new ways to invent heavy noise and remaining unshackled by the legacy that comes with being masters of their trade.

BFMV will play second to headline on the Friday of Download (UK) Festival – their first home-turf festival performance in five years. The band will then headline European summer festivals and venues before travelling to Japan for the Summersonic event.

The band will return to the U.S. in the fall with support acts to be announced. Dates are below.

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE ON TOUR:
FALL 2018:
SPECIAL GUESTS TBA:
9/13: Kansas City, MO @ Harrah’s
9/15: St. Paul, MN @ The Myth
9/18: St. Louis, MO @ The Paegant
9/20: Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
9/21: Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
9/22: Austin, TX @ Emo’s
9/24: San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theater
9/25: Houston, TX @ House of Blues
9/27: Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre
9/30: Grand Rapids, MI @ 20 Monroe Live
10/2: Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
10/3: Syracuse, NY @ SI Hall
10/4: Boston, MA @ House of Blues
10/7: Detroit, MI @ Fillmore Detroit
10/9: Wichita, KS @ Cotillion Ballroom
10/10: Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
10/12: Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
10/14: Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival*
10/16: Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
*FESTIVAL

For More Info Visit:
https://www.facebook.com/BulletForMyValentine
https://twitter.com/bfmvofficial
http://bulletformyvalentine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bfmvofficial/

Guns N’ Roses Debuts Previously Unseen Video for “It’s So Easy”

GUNS N’ ROSES DEBUTS
PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN FULL-LENGTH VIDEO FOR
“IT’S SO EASY”
IN CELEBRATION OF THE FORTHCOMING APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION REISSUES

Available June 29, Configurations Include:
1CD Remaster / 2LP 180-gram Heavyweight Vinyl Edition / 2CD Deluxe Edition / 4CD, 1Blu-ray Audio Super Deluxe Edition / Expansive Five-Disc Set, Seven-LP, Seven 7-inch Box Set

Geffen/UMe continues its celebration for the release of Guns N’ Roses’ forthcoming Appetite For Destruction reissues with the debut of the original, newly discovered video for “IT’S SO EASY.”

Filmed live in 1989 at the infamous Cathouse, “IT’S SO EASY” was never completely finished and has remained in the vaults, unseen and unreleased. The footage was recently uncovered for inclusion in the box set and has been digitally restored in 4K UHD from 16mm film transfers with the original conceptual scenes edited back in with the live footage, just as the band had originally intended.

“IT’S SO EASY” can be viewed HERE.

In addition to “IT’S SO EASY,” Geffen/UMe will also officially roll out Guns N’ Roses’ 14 seminal music videos spanning the band’s career all in newly upgraded 1080p HD pillarbox video. “Welcome To The Jungle,” “Paradise City,” “Patience” and two versions of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” will also feature newly remastered stereo audio.

Following the group’s 1985 formation, Guns N’ Roses injected unbridled attitude into the burgeoning Los Angeles rock scene. They went on to captivate the entire world with the July 21, 1987 release of Appetite For Destruction, which remains the best-selling U.S. debut album ever, moving over 30 million copies globally. Appetite features such indelible tracks such as the No. 1 single “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Welcome To The Jungle,” “Nightrain,” and “Paradise City.”

The band’s ongoing success of the ‘Not In This Lifetime’ worldwide tour has elevated it to the 4th spot on the list of the most successful tours in music history, from its first two years alone – with no sign of slowing down. The next leg of the highly successful and anticipated World Tour continues in Europe in June & July 2018 and from what we hear, onto the fall.

Preorder all versions of Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite For Destruction here.

Motograter Vocalist James Anthony Legion Talks About the Bands New Video For the Song”Daggers”

The heavy metal band Motograter are currently out on the road in support of their most recent release “Desolation” which was released early in 2017 and Media Mikes had the chance to speak with the bands singer James Anthony Legion about the tour, the bands current lineup and their most recent video for the track “Daggers”.

Adam Lawton: Can you give us some info the bands current tour and if you will be hitting new areas this time out?

James Anthony Legion: This is a short two week run that we set up to help break in some of our newer members. We will be hitting places like Seattle, Fresno, and Hollywood at the Viper Room which is place we really enjoy playing at. I don’t think we are hitting any new places this time around.

AL: Can you tell us about the bands new line up?

JAL: We have Aeon Cruz playing bass. She is the first ever female member of Motograter. Nuke had met her in Los Angeles and she is a really good bass player with a great look so we brought her in to the fold. We have never had a female in the band before and most of the time we are shirtless covered in body paint. Bringing a female into that situation obviously posed some issues (Laughs). We were able to figure something out and it looks really cool. We have also added Ryan Ramirez on drums. He is just a super sick player!

AL: With this being just a short run what are the bands plans after this leg wraps up?

JAL: We are trying to get a new album put together. In the mean time we are going out and doing a couple short tour runs here and there. We have another one set up with the guys from Terror Universal. That one will start after a festival show we have booked with Mushroomhead. We have a few other things in the works however we can’t announce those just yet.

AL: You just released a video for the song “Daggers” can you tell us about that?

JAL: That song is a real favorite of mine and one that I very much believe in. I think it has a great hook and the lyrics will speak to a lot of people. We are hoping this song will makes its way on to the radio much like “Dorian” did. We want to push this song the same way. It felt good having a song on the charts next to ones from bands like Korn and Stone Sour. With the look of the video we had ideas but Matt the director was really the guy behind that. We shot some stuff that in the end didn’t fit and we kept things to a pure performance type of video.

AL: Do you find it hard selecting one song to stand out above others you have a close relationship to?

JAL: For me it has a lot to do with the meaning behind the song and whether or not it strikes a chord with me. When I am writing I try to think about what is really on my mind and what is important. I try and transfer that to my lyrics. I feel if you are writing lyrics that mean something to you then chances are people will pick up on that and in turn they will mean something to them as well. If I feel I did a really good job getting my thoughts across and things are resonating then that’s a track that’s going to stand out.

AL: Where is the band currently in relation to the release of a new album?

JAL: We work in sort of a unique way. I am based in North Carolina while the majority of the band is in California. With me being a vocalist it’s a little easier for me as I don’t have to necessarily be there jamming on instruments. Nuke generally comes up with song ideas and then will send things over to me to add my stuff. He will then send something that is a little more finished and that’s when I add vocals. We have started working a little bit on things already but in between these two tours is when we plan to really start going.

For more info on Motograter you can visit their official website here.

Sumo Cyco’s Skye “Sever” Sweetnam Talks About the Bands Current Tour and Plans For A New Album.

The Canadian hard rock group Sumo Cyco first burst onto the scene in 2011 with their debut release “Lost in Cyco City”. A short time later the band released their second full length “Opus Mar” and have been out on the road in support of that ever since. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with the groups lead singer Skye “Sever” Sweetnam about the group’s formation, her transition from pop to rock music and, the bands current tour with Nonpoint and The Butcher Babies

Adam Lawton: Can you give us a little background on the band an how you all came together?

Skye Sweetnam: Sumo Cyco is a four piece band based out of Hamilton, Ontario. I first met Matt who plays guitar in the band when I was fourteen. I was auditioning guitarists for my solo project and we started working together through that and from there we decided to start Sumo Cyco.

AL: Having come from a successful pop career what was that interested you about doing Sumo Cyco which is very much a rock orientated project?

SS: Matt was a big influence on that as he is always giving all sort of different music to check out. When I was younger I had the chance of being the opening act for Britney Spears and after getting off stage all my band mates would be blasting music like Metallica and Pantera. I soaked all that in and when changes started happening with my pop career and as I transitioned from a teenager to a young woman I felt I wanted to try something a little bit different. I really enjoyed working with Matt and felt like this type of project would be a good collaboration for us. From the outside it might look like a really drastic change but during my career as I pop singer I actually got to work with people like Tim Armstrong from Rancid, Mark Hoppus from Blink 182 and a bunch of other great people. For me it was more of a natural progression as I always loved rock and heavy music.

AL: The band has an impressive YouTube following and is putting out some very high quality pieces independently. Can you tell us about your process for that?

SS: I grew up watch B and C movies and it was always a goal to try and find the weirdest movie you could from one of those truck stop bargain bins. (Laughs) I have always loved film and the idea of being able to make a piece that went along with our music without be told from an outsider of how it should look or be. I love being able to come up with these ideas and add something visual to our music. I enjoy turning the music and videos into just one big project. This is another passion of our and we are self taught when it comes to all of it. We knew we could save a lot of money by doing things ourselves and with so much content being released each day this is a fun way for us to attract new fans.

AL: Is this something you see yourself doing more of?

SS: For sure! There have been talks of one day doing a film and there are just so many projects I want to do but right now the band is taking precedence. We have a lot of great opportunities and we are going with the flow of that. We will be expanding things as time go on.

AL: Can you tell us about the bands current tour with The Butcher Babies and Nonpoint?

SS: We first met the Butchers in the UK when we toured with them over there about two years ago. The same thing goes for how we first met Nonpoint. When our name came up for the tour they knew who we were and what we could bring. The tour has been great so far and a lot of fun so far and we still have a bunch of shows left as the tour runs through mid June.

AL: What are the bands plans after this tour wraps up?

SS: We have been working our album “Opus Mar” for about a year and a half now so we are looking to head back in to the studio to record some new material. We did release a single at the beginning of the year titled “Undefeated” but we are getting hungry to back in the studio and record some new material. We are always coming up with new ideas so I think that is our next step. We just started working with a new management and are putting together a lot of new stuff for the upcoming year.

For more info on Sumo Cyco you can visit their Official Facebook page here

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music, Music Interviews Tagged With: album, bands, current, cycos, plans, sever, ...

Tenacious D Announce First U.S. Tour In Five Years

TENACIOUS D

ANNOUNCE FIRST U.S. TOUR IN FIVE YEARS

New Album 2018…..Probably
New Tour 2018…..DEFINITELY

Acclaimed rock duo and basically everyone’s favorite band ever Tenacious D– comprised of Jack Black and Kyle Gass– will embark on their first U.S. tour in five years this fall. Tickets for the highly anticipated run go on sale on Friday, May 18th at 10 am in all local markets.

Watch the awesome tour trailer HERE.

Tenacious D are also hard at work at the follow up to 2012’s Rise of the Fenix; stay tuned for more…

The dates are:
6/16/18 Montebello, Quebec @ Montebello Rockfest
10/6/18 San Bernardino, CA @ Cal Jam 18
11/3/18 Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre
11/5/18 Boston, MA @ House of Blues
11/7/18 Washington, DC @ The Anthem
11/8/18 Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
11/9/18 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
11/10/18 Columbus, OH @ Express Live! Indoor Pavilion
11/12/18 Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
11/13/18 Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: announce, tenacious, tour, years

The Damned’s Pinch talks about the bands latest release “Evil Spirits”

The Damned, easily the greatest surviving British punk band, bar none – are back with their first new album in a decade titled “Evil Spirits”. Where their peers either burnt out, or faded away into mediocrity The Damned continue to fire on all cylinders and breaking all the rules along the way. Media Mikes had the chance to talk with Pinch (Damned Drummer since 1999) about the new album, the bands recent video for “Look Left” and about the bands upcoming touring plans.

Adam Lawton: With a 10 year lapse between albums, what prompted the idea/creation to go ahead with a brand new full length release?

Pinch: It was the Pledge campaign, which after launch, was so successful we could see there was the demand for a new record that we all knew was there. To see that demand become real was very satisfying and we have to heartily thank our incredible fans for that. After our last (self funded) record, we knew we had to have Dave V fully on board with this one and he stepped up admirably, committing both musically and promotionally, whereas previously he had seemed somewhat reticent to launch himself fully into the project. The record really needed Dave’s touch and I’m happy that he dusted off the cobwebs and got songwriting again. His tunes and vision really drive “Evil Spirits” nicely and I think the mix of song styles by all contributing writers underlines the Damned’s ability to pleasantly surprise both fans and new listeners.

AL: How did the writing process go for “Evil Spirits”? Do you work separately from one another or collectively?

Pinch: It was a funny chess game leading up to this album. Captain seemed to be holding back his contributions, encouraging Dave to feel he had the freedom to create whatever took his fancy. It seemed at one point that everyone was too scared to offer up demos for fear of the wrong direction being taken. Thankfully, when push came to shove and we had a producer and studio time locked down, the songs were popping into the dropbox thick and fast. We ended up with at least a couple of records worth of songs from all writers, and it was decided to let someone else choose the final songs for “Evil Spirits”. I think the record works really well as a collection and perhaps some of the songs that didn’t make it would sound great together too, but as a band, sometimes you are too close to the art to make that call clearly. Captain likes to deliver fully finished demos, very well produced I may add, whereas the rest of us offer up a mostly completed song that benefits from all members adding their personalities. Sitting in a room together with a blank notepad is not the way any of us work best, as the years of pharmaceutical inspiration are thankfully long gone. However, working under the gun, with deadlines looming, seems to drag out inspiration by the bucket full.

AL: You recently released a video for “Look Left”, can you tell us about the story behind that and what made you choose that song for a video treatment?

Pinch: I had the bones of that song kicking around for a few years, hoping that it would eventually develop into something The Damned could use. The phrase- “while everybody’s looking left, what the hell is happening right?” seemed to really sum up where I could see the programming of humanity taking us. Whilst we are being distracted by some nonsensical celebrity twaddle, there would be a vote on a crucially important social issue that would sneak its way into law. Today’s media really have fine tuned the craft of distraction to the point of perfection. When perfectly true, well researched articles are labeled fake news to fit nefarious agendas, AND everybody swallows it, where does that leave the truth? Other than being just another opinion. Ultimately, whose opinion is right and whose is wrong are things we all currently have the liberty to discuss, but with increasing media censorship, I fear for our future ability to make any kind of disagreeable statement without some kind of social punishment. It was the label that chose “Look Left” as a single to have a video, and I really had to leave the interpretation to the video director, as these guys don’t like you stepping on their visions. Also, it was nice to see someone else’s take on my lyrics and sentiment. Ultimately, Radio declined to get on board with the song, stating some kind of half baked excuse about it not fitting the listenership they were “moving toward”. If the most commercial, hooky single the Damned have ever released can’t make a daytime radio playlist, with the album sitting at number 7 in the charts, you have to wonder if that age old Damned phobia hasn’t simply moved through the decades of radio producers and makes me ultimately think- Why Bother? Let’s just go back to the biff boom crash that the band are known for and screw any notion of radio success. Sad really but it’s an unfortunate reality.

AL: The band has a number of live performances booked starting in May. Can you tell us about the upcoming UK run, the few stops you have scheduled in the States and your plans for the remainder of the 2018 tour season?

Pinch: Due to the recording of the album being pushed back, we were kind of scrambling to lock in a good live touring plan. Only WE could release a record with ZERO live dates either side of release but, that is where we find ourselves. We head off to Europe next week starting in Germany and ending in France, by way of Switzerland, Italy and Holland. A short Arena tour of the UK with Hollywood Vampires is set for June, where Mr. Vanain and Mr. Depp can compare hair style notes and the benefits of a fine snifter no doubt. Then another short Pacific North West and Canada run in early July, including Burger Boogaloo in Oakland, which we are all excited to play. It sounds like a whacky thing that we would all enjoy, AND I get to see Devo the night before which is never a bad thing. October sees us embarking on another coast to coast U.S run, starting in Boston and ending in San Diego, before coming back to the UK for our traditional winter tour to wrap up the year. Hopefully we will debut some more songs from “Evil Spirits” at some point on these dates, it’s always good to see how they translate live.

AL: Each of you tends to have a number of projects going on at one time. Can you tell us about some of those and where we can keep up to date with everything?

Pinch: Not sure what the other guys have going on at the moment, but when I am not touring, I work a production gig in the United States that sees me working with a mind bending array of legendary artists that constantly makes me chuckle. Did I ever think I would be attending to the needs of Mr. Englebert Humperdinck when I was living in a punk squat in Grantham all those years ago? Well, anything can happen with an open mind, and often does. Think! It’s not illegal …..YET.

For more info on The Damned you can visit www.officialdamned.com

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music, Music Interviews Tagged With: bands, damneds, evil, latest, pinch, release, ...

Guns N’ Roses Celebrated with Massive Appetite For Destruction: Locked N’ Loaded Edition Box Set

GUNS N’ ROSES CELEBRATED WITH MASSIVE
APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION: LOCKED N’ LOADED EDITION BOX SET

Their Debut Album’s Legacy Affirmed With Expansive
Five-Disc, Seven-LP, Seven 7-inch Box Set & A Bombardment of Collectables
Plus Additional Formats
All Available June 2

GNR set to embark on Massive European Tour this summer

Los Angeles – May 4, 2018 – On June 29, Geffen/UMe celebrates one of rock’s most important bands, Guns N’ Roses, with the release of Appetite For Destruction: Locked N’ Loaded Edition box set. Commemorating the band’s highly influential album debut Appetite For Destruction, this lavish box set is the ultimate GnFnR fan’s dream fulfilled.

Appetite will also be released in concurrent multiple configurations, Appetite For Destruction will be made available in a 4CD/1Blu-ray Audio Super Deluxe Edition with a 96 page book featuring unreleased photos from Axl Rose’s personal archive, a 2CD Deluxe Edition, 2LP 180-gram heavyweight vinyl edition, 1 CD remaster, and digital download/streaming equivalents.

Housed in a custom 12x12x12-inch solid-wood box that’s wrapped in faux-leather and sports embossed, instantly identifiable artwork with a hand-sculpted and hand-painted 3D cross on its front doors, the Appetite For Destruction: Locked N’ Loaded Edition is clearly the one true GN’R Holy Grail. The box encapsulates all content being offered to fans and more, including the Super Deluxe Edition, as well as first-time benchmarks of the album itself being newly remastered from the original stereo analog tapes, 12 remastered tracks compiled from of-era EPs and B-sides, 25 unreleased demos from a 1986 Sound City recording session, and a pair of unreleased tracks from recording sessions by Appetite’s producer Mike Clink: “Shadow Of Your Love” recorded December 1986, one month before the album sessions, as a trial recording session which resulted in Clink getting the producer gig; and “Move To The City (1988 Acoustic Version)” which was from the GN’R Lies sessions.

Additional highlights of the unreleased audio include the first two work-in-progress recording attempts of the 1991 epic masterpiece “November Rain” which was originally penned as the ballad for Appetite, covers of songs like Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel,” Aerosmith’s “Mama Kin,” two distinctly different recordings of the Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (one electric, one acoustic) and two never finished tracks/jams “The Plague” and “New Work Tune.”

On the vinyl front, the original Appetite For Destruction album has been broadened to 2LPs for the first time, including expanded gatefold jacket art and a limited-edition foil printed plastic slipcase. The music itself is being presented on three sides only for maximum audio fidelity, with the fourth side featuring a vinyl Hologroove Hologram of the band’s iconic logo. Seven 7-inch singles are also included: the five original singles from the album, plus one for “Patience” and a new song, the aforementioned “Shadow Of Your Love.” All of the bonus tracks appearing on 12-inch vinyl will only be available in the Locked N’ Loaded Edition box including a reissue of the band’s first EP Live ?!@ Like A Suicide.

The Blu-ray Audio disc contains the 12 tracks from the original album as newly mixed in glorious 96kHz 24-bit 5.1 surround sound from the original multi-tracks by legendary producer Elliot Scheiner (Steely Dan, Eagles), plus 5 bonus tracks mixed in 5.1 surround sound by both Scheiner and Frank Filipetti (Billy Joel, Elton John). Additionally, the Blu-ray includes four iconic GN’R music videos that have been newly sync’d to both remastered stereo audio and new 5.1 surround sound mixes, plus a brand-new video for “It’s So Easy” that was shot in 1989 by the band but was never completely finished — until now in 4K HD from 16mm film transfers.

Exclusive collectibles inside the box include a dozen 12×12-inch lithos of new illustrations visualizing each Appetite track, 5 custom buttons with various band logos, 5 custom hand-sculpted metal-cast band skull face rings, 5 custom hand-sculpted metal-cast band skull face lapel pins, a replica of the band’s first stage banner from the ‘85/’86 club days, a bandana, a 2-inch collector’s coin with unique imagery stamped on both sides, 2 24×36-inch wall posters, a 12×24-inch Robert Williams painting litho, 5 never-before-seen band lithos, 6 replica gig flyers, 3 replicas of classic show ticket stubs, two temporary tattoo sheets featuring life-size tattoos of the band members’ tats, 6 iron-on stitched patches, 5 metal-stamped guitar picks of the band skull faces with stamped signatures on the back, a turntable mat, a microfiber vinyl cleaning cloth, a 7-inch large-hole custom adapter, and finally, a 32gb metal-cast USB stick with 192kHz/24-bit, 96kHz/24-bit, and 44.1kHz/16-bit uncompressed audio files of all of the tracks included on the 4 CDs.

The band’s ongoing success of the ‘Not In This Lifetime’ worldwide tour now become the 4th spot on the list of the most successful tours in music history on its first two years with no sign of slowing down. The next leg of the highly successful and anticipated World Tour continues in Europe in June & July 2018 and from what we hear, onto the fall.

NOT IN THIS LIFETIME…Europe: Summer 2018

June 03 Berlin, DE Olympiastadion
June 06 Odense, DK Dyreskuepladsen
June 09 Donnington Park, GB Download Festival
June 12 Gelsenkirchen, DE Veltins Arena
June 15 Firenze, IT Firenze Rocks
June18 Paris, France Download Festival
June 21 Dessel, BE Graspop Metal Meeting
June 24 Mannheim, DE Maimarktgelande
June 26 Bordeaux, FR Matmut Stadium
June 29 Madrid, ES Download Festival
July 01 Barcelona, ES Estadio Olympico
July 04 Nijmegen, NL Goffertpark
July 07 Leipzig, DE Festwiese
July 09 Chorzow, PL Stadion Slaski
July 13 Moscow, RU Otkritie Arena
July 16 Tallinn, EE Tallinn Song Festival Grounds
July 19 Oslo, NO Valle Hovin
July 21 Gothenburg, SE Ullevi Stadium
July 24 Reykjavik, IS Laugardalsvollur

Preorder the Guns N’ Roses Appetite For Destruction: Locked N’ Loaded Edition box set here

GUNS N’ ROSES – APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION: LOCKED N’ LOADED EDITION BOX SET
[4CD, 1 Blu-ray, 7 12-inch LPs, 7 7-inches, Hardbound Book, Ephemera box set]

CD 1 – APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION: REMASTERED

1. Welcome To The Jungle
2. It’s So Easy
3. Nightrain
4. Out Ta Get Me
5. Mr. Brownstone
6. Paradise City
7. My Michelle
8. Think About You
9. Sweet Child O’ Mine
10. You’re Crazy
11. Anything Goes
12. Rocket Queen

CD 2 – B-SIDES N’ EPS: REMASTERED

1. Reckless Life
2. Nice Boys
3. Move To The City (Live)
4. Mama Kin
5. Shadow Of Your Love (Live)
6. You’re Crazy (Acoustic Version)
7. Patience
8. Used To Love Her
9. You’re Crazy
10. It’s So Easy (Live)
11. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (Live)
12. Whole Lotta Rosie (Live)

CD 3 – 1986 SOUND CITY SESSION
Previously unreleased

1. Welcome To The Jungle (1986 Sound City Session)
2. Nightrain (1986 Sound City Session)
3. Out Ta Get Me (1986 Sound City Session)
4. Paradise City (1986 Sound City Session)
5. My Michelle (1986 Sound City Session)
6. Think About You (1986 Sound City Session)
7. You’re Crazy (1986 Sound City Session)
8. Anything Goes (1986 Sound City Session)
9. Rocket Queen (1986 Sound City Session)
10. Shadow Of Your Love (1986 Sound City Session)
11. Heartbreak Hotel (1986 Sound City Session)
12. Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986 Sound City Session)

CD 4 – 1986 SOUND CITY SESSION N’ MORE
Previously unreleased

1. Shadow Of Your Love
2. Move To The City (1986 Sound City Session)
3. Ain’t Goin’ Down No More (Instrumental Version – 1986 Sound City Session)
4. The Plague (1986 Sound City Session)
5. Nice Boys (1986 Sound City Session)
6. Back Off Bitch (1986 Sound City Session)
7. Reckless Life (1986 Sound City Session)
8. Mama Kin (1986 Sound City Session)
9. New Work Tune (1986 Sound City Session)
10. November Rain (Piano Version – 1986 Sound City Session)
11. Move To The City (Acoustic Version – 1986 Sound City Session)
12. You’re Crazy (Acoustic Version – 1986 Sound City Session)
13. November Rain (Acoustic Version – 1986 Sound City Session)
14. Jumpin’ Jack Flash (Acoustic Version- 1986 Sound City Session)
15. Move To The City (1988 Acoustic Version)

DISC 5 – BLU-RAY AUDIO
96kHz 24-bit 5.1 Surround Sound & Remastered Stereo
5.1 Surround Sound mixed by *Elliot Scheiner and **Frank Filipetti
Previously unreleased

APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION*
1. Welcome To The Jungle
2. It’s So Easy
3. Nightrain
4. Out Ta Get Me
5. Mr. Brownstone
6. Paradise City
7. My Michelle
8. Think About You
9. Sweet Child O’ Mine
10. You’re Crazy
11. Anything Goes
12. Rocket Queen
BONUS TRACKS
1. Shadow Of Your Love**
2. Patience*
3. Used To Love Her**
4. You’re Crazy**
5. Move To The City (1988 Acoustic Version)**
MUSIC VIDEOS
1. Welcome To The Jungle
2. Sweet Child O’ Mine
3. Paradise City
4. Patience
5. It’s So Easy (Brand New Video From 1989)

GUNS N’ ROSES – APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION: SUPER DELUXE EDITION
[4CD, 1 Blu-ray, Hardbound Book box set]

CD 1 – APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION: REMASTERED

CD 2 – B-SIDES N’ EPS: REMASTERED

CD 3 – 1986 SOUND CITY SESSION
Previously unreleased

CD 4 – 1986 SOUND CITY SESSION N’ MORE
Previously unreleased

1. Shadow Of Your Love
2. Move To The City (1986 Sound City Session)
3. Ain’t Goin’ Down No More (Instrumental Version – 1986 Sound City Session)
4. The Plague (1986 Sound City Session)
5. Nice Boys (1986 Sound City Session)
6. Back Off Bitch (1986 Sound City Session)
7. Reckless Life (1986 Sound City Session)
8. Mama Kin (1986 Sound City Session)
9. New Work Tune (1986 Sound City Session)
10. November Rain (Piano Version – 1986 Sound City Session)
11. Move To The City (Acoustic Version – 1986 Sound City Session)
12. You’re Crazy (Acoustic Version – 1986 Sound City Session)
13. November Rain (Acoustic Version – 1986 Sound City Session)
14. Jumpin’ Jack Flash (Acoustic Version– 1986 Sound City Session)
15. Move To The City (1988 Acoustic Version)

DISC 5 – BLU-RAY AUDIO
96kHz 24-bit 5.1 Surround Sound & Remastered Stereo
5.1 Surround Sound mixed by *Elliot Scheiner and **Frank Filipetti
Previously unreleased

APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION*
1. Welcome To The Jungle
2. It’s So Easy
3. Nightrain
4. Out Ta Get Me
5. Mr. Brownstone
6. Paradise City
7. My Michelle
8. Think About You
9. Sweet Child O’ Mine
10. You’re Crazy
11. Anything Goes
12. Rocket Queen
BONUS TRACKS
1. Shadow Of Your Love**
2. Patience*
3. Used To Love Her**
4. You’re Crazy**
5. Move To The City (1988 Acoustic Version)** MUSIC VIDEOS
1. Welcome To The Jungle
2. Sweet Child O’ Mine
3. Paradise City
4. Patience
5. It’s So Easy (Brand New Video From 1989)

GUNS N’ ROSES – APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION: DELUXE EDITION [2CD]

CD 1 APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION: REMASTERED

Welcome To The Jungle
It’s So Easy
Nightrain
Out Ta Get Me
Mr. Brownstone
Paradise City
My Michelle
Think About You
Sweet Child O’ Mine
You’re Crazy
Anything Goes
Rocket Queen

CD 2 – B-SIDES, EPS N’ MORE

Reckless Life
Nice Boys
Move To The City (Live)
Mama Kin
Shadow Of Your Love (Live)
Welcome To The Jungle (1986 Sound City Session)*
Nightrain (1986 Sound City Session)*
Out Ta Get Me (1986 Sound City Session)*
Paradise City (1986 Sound City Session)*
My Michelle (1986 Sound City Session)*
Shadow Of Your Love*
It’s So Easy (Live)
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (Live)
Whole Lotta Rosie (Live)
You’re Crazy (Acoustic Version)
Patience
Used To Love Her
Move To The City (1988 Acoustic Version)*

* Previously unreleased

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: appetite, box, celebrated, destruction, edition, guns, ...

DVD Review: Anthrax “Kings Among Scotland”

Anthrax “Kings Among Scotland”
Director: Paul M Green
Metal Blade Records
Not Rated
2 Discs

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Multi-Grammy nominated thrash icons Anthrax have just released their long-awaited live-in-concert DVD “Kings Among Scotland.” The release is available on CD, DVD and digital formats and features the bands two hour set from their sold out February 15, 2017 concert at the historic Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow, Scotland. Also included on the two disc set are interviews, behind-the-scenes footage along with other B-roll footage shot on the band’s bus, backstage and in hotels elsewhere, plus “gear rundowns” from each band member.

This release has been on my radar since it was first announced quite a few months ago and, upon receiving it I can say that it was certainly worth the wait! Even before I opened the packaging the artwork grabbed my attention as the band chose to riff on the classic Kiss “Rock and Roll Over” motif which was nicely embossed on the multi fold packaging. Inside along with the discs were a collection of live shots from the show as well as a sticker of the albums cover art (another nod to “Rock and Roll Over” which also came with a sticker). Even before I had this in the player I was already digging it. From the opening notes of “A.I.R.” to the closing notes of “Antisocial” some eighteen songs later the band appears to be at the top of their game and have never sounded better. Disc one is the live portion of the release featuring classic tracks like “Madhouse” and “Medusa” intertwined with newer songs like “Fight’ Em ‘Til You Can’t” and “Breathing Lighting” before giving away to an entire “Among the Living” set which is closed out by the bands anthemic cover of “Antisocial”. If all that wasn’t enough Disc two is jammed packed with candid, behind the scenes footage that gives you a glimpse of what it’s like to be on the road and the work it takes to makes a show like Anthrax’s happen each night.

Director Paul M Green and Mixer Jay Ruston did a phenomenal job with the look and sound of the live show. The variety of camera angles used gives viewers the best experience possible without actually being there. The audio is equally top notch and sounds great no matter if you are watching it with headphones or using your home theater system. Anthrax really delivered something special with this package and, even though I would have liked to hear a few more songs from some of the bands more recent releases the new material they did play combined with all the classics was really great. Throw in all the material featured on Disc two including the in-depth gear segment and you will be hard pressed to find a similar package offering as much as “Kings Among Scotland” does.

Track Listing:
1.) A.I.R.
2.) Madhouse
3.) Evil Twin
4.) Medusa
5.) Blood Eagle Wings
6.) Fight’Em ‘Til You Can’t
7.) Be All, End All
8.) Breathing Lightning
9.) Among the Living
10.) Caught In A Mosh
11.) One World
12.) I Am The Law
13.) A Skeleton In The Closet
14.) E-Lnikufesin (N.F.L.)
15.) A.D.I./Horror Of It All
16.) Indians
17.) Imitations of Life
18.) Antisocial

Concert Review: Julien Baker and Tancred

“Julien Baker Spring Tour 2018”

Julien Baker, Tancred
Friday, April 13th, 2018
Hangar Theater, Ithaca, NY

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Singer/Songwriter Julien Baker made a stop in the bustling college town of Ithaca, NY on April 13th for a sold out performance at the intimate Hangar Theater. This would be her first time performing in Ithaca as a headlining act having only previously played the area as an opener for The Decembrists. Baker proved she was up to the task and had the capacity crowd wanting even more by the end of the evening.

Opening up the night was former Now, Now guitarist Jess Abbott and her group Tancred. The group quickly worked through a brief, upbeat set which included songs from the bands four album catalog including songs from their latest release “Nightstand”. The packed house was appreciative of the set and thanked the musicians with a wave of applause as they left the stage. After a brief intermission Julien Baker took the stage opening the night with the song “Over” from her album 2017 release “Turn Out the Lights”. The somber instrumental quickly gave way to songs like “Appointments”, “Funeral Pyre” and “Sprained Ankle” which received a large applause from the crowd. Baker captivated the crowd with her soft spoken demeanor and breathy delivery which acted as the foundation for songs such as “Happy To Be Here” a number which almost brought the singer to tears. Later on in the set Baker was accompanied by violinist Camille Faulkner on a hand full of songs including “Even” “Vessels” and, “Sour Breath” before closing out the night with the sounds of “Something” from Julien’s debut album “Sprained Ankle.

To find a musician that can write captivating lyrics and instrumentation is a rarity unto itself however, when you find an artist who is then able to transfer that power and emotion into a live setting with just a guitar, piano and their voice that for me puts the artist on a completely different level. Julien Baker is one of those musicians. From the moment she took the stage to the time she left Julien’s performance took listeners to another place. Equally as powerful as her recordings Baker did what is sometimes unattainable for lesser performers. On this night in Ithaca, NY concert goes got not only a break from the often bitter early spring weather but a chance sit back and enjoy a really great evening of music. For those of you in areas where Julien may be performing I highly encourage you to attend as you surely will not be disappointed.

Set List:
1.) Over
2.) Appointments
3.) Turn Out the Lights
4.) Funeral Pyre
5.) Rejoice
6.) Sprained Ankle
7.) Happy To Be Here
8.) Red Door
9.) Blacktop
10.) Everybody’s Does
11.) Even
12.) Vessels
13.) Sour Breath
14.) Televangelist
15.) Hurt Less
16.) Something

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Filed Under: Concert Reviews, Music Tagged With: baker, concert, julien, review, tancred

Monster Magnet’s Dave Wyndorf Talks About The Bands New Album “Mind Fucker”

Dave Wyndorf is the lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock group Monster Magnet. The groups latest album (Their first in five years) titled “Mind Fucker” was released on March 23rd and Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Dave recently about the albums creation, its first single “I Am God” and about the groups upcoming European tour run.

Adam Lawton: It has been five years since the bands last release “Last Patrol”. Can you tell what has been going on with the band during that time and what led to the release of the new album?

Dave Wyndorf: The band tours every year predominately around Europe and the world as that’s where rock really lives. I only tour here in the states every couple of years as rock music is sort of dead here so we have to sort of wait it out. We have been in the studio quite a bit as we were re-imagining/recording two records making them sound-scapes that would allow for psychedelic, alternative listening experiences. Things never really stop we just sort of take a left or right turn down a rabbit hole and then pop up in public whenever it suits us.

AL: Can you tell us about some of the work that went into the new album and also maybe about the catchy title?

DW: I wanted to make something along the lines of a punk rock record. I wanted it to have that spirit while being this sort of proto-punk, straight ahead rock record. At the time I was doing a lot of long form psychedelia and I wanted to put this album out quick. I was kind of going from the hip and wrote this album in about three weeks. The idea was for it to be a sex, drugs and rock and roll album then the whole political and information melt down that happened from 2016 to 2018 started creeping its way into the lyrics. During the writing I had started calling the album “Mind Fucker” and thought it was the perfect title for album being released in 2018. It was really supposed to be an “I want to drive my camaro of a cliff just for fun” type of record but then the blending of all these things happened and it sort of morphed into a weird mixture of the two.

AL: Was it hard for you to transition back into writing more straight forward material as opposed to the long form material you were currently working on at that time?

DW: It wasn’t hard to dream it up but I did have to re-calibrate myself as to what I wanted as I wrote. It was a challenge. The thing with the long form sound-scape material is you are creating this place for people to be in for awhile. You take your time getting there. With the type of record “Mind Fucker” is it’s much quicker and goes right to the point.

AL: At what point do the other members of the band come into the writing/recording process?

DW: I start out by writing everything to a click track. I will arrange it the best possible way I can with melody, guitar and bass. From there I will take it to the drummer and come up with a proper arrangement. We get the meat of how things are going to go together and then we bring in the rest of the guys. I give them an idea of what each song is about and then they take things from there. I write with everyone in mind so that when the time comes the material is right in their wheelhouse.

AL: What can you tell us about the album’s first single “I Am God”?

DW: “I Am God” is just a way for me to yell at people without saying it’s me. (Laughs) I wanted to write a song about god yelling at people as it was apropos with the time. I figured this song would hit someone out there. It’s an easy song to remember and who doesn’t want to scream “I Am God” while riding down the highway? It was written with a sense of humor involved. Being the song is so blunt it just had to be released as a single.

AL: The band performed a couple shows here in the NY area recently and you are now set to tour Europe can you tell us about that run of shows?

DW: We kicked things off with a few shows in the New York area to celebrate the release of the album and, we will be announcing a whole North American tour here in the next few weeks. However, first we will be heading over to Europe for around a month and a half. During that time we will be looking for more opportunities during the summer in possibly Australia and/or South America. We are always trying to hit new places so we will just have to wait and see. I would really like to make it into China.

AL: Being a guy who is always busy do you have anything else you are currently working on right now?

DW: Right now I am really trying to sell the new album as hard as I can. Once I get back from Europe I will be diving in to writing and seeing where that goes. I try to focus on one thing at a time so I can get the most experience out of it and then when I am totally exhausted I sit down and think back on what I learned during that time. I just live life and then write about life. That’s where the music and lyrics come from for me.

For more info on Monster Magnet you can visit their official facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/monstermagnet/

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music, Music Interviews Tagged With: album, bands, dave, fucker, magnets, mind, ...

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Author: Adam Lawton

Foo Fighters Tour Support Confirmed for Concrete and Gold North American Tour

MOTÖRHEAD to Release Official “Road Crew” Beer

CD Review: Burn The Priest “Legion: XX”

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