Panic Fest Film Review: “Trader”

Starring: Kimberly-Sue Murray, Shaun Benson and Stephen Bogaert
Directed by: Corey Stanton
Rated: NR
Running Time: 84 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Sometimes the strangest things in life end up becoming the best fodder for films. Since the first image flickered with life on-screen, movies have commented on politics, government squabbles, war, famine, Hollywood itself, etc. All of it has been caught by the watchful eye of directors looking to make a statement, whether it’s subtle or blunt. As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, the pandemic was a breeding ground for ideas, but I can honestly say I never expected a director to watch the GameStop squeeze in later 2021 and go, “That gives me an idea…”

Does the lead of “Trader” have a name? No. Kimberly-Sue Murray leads the way in “Trader,” a film shot in the apartment basement of a building with Murray as the only person we’ll see for the next 84 minutes. She lets us know what kind of person she is in the opening minutes as she scams an elderly person over the phone out of their credit card and personal information so she can dump some funds into her bank account. What does she want to do with that money? Stonking some tendies to the moon and back (Sorry, r/WallStreetBets lingo). I’m sure that sounds like a boring premise to some, but I assure you it is not. Murray, who delivers a tour de force performance, carries this film on her back as she learns about stock trading, learns about options trading, and attempts to hedge her way into a cutthroat world that may just end up eating her alive, unless she bites first.

Murray may just be the sole reason we watch “Trader.” It’s not a character study, but what we get out of her character is personal financial determination mixed with sociopathic tendencies. She’s a smart cookie, and will possibly break your arm for doubting it. She eventually makes her way through the message boards and connects with a broker named Bob who plays the stock market for social media clout and, of course, the millions of dollars. Murray’s character aches for that life and that luxury, but as one person in a basement on her lonesome, she has to make due with what she’s given. She’s been given Bob the Broker and will lie her way to a seat at the broker table.

Throughout the film, we’re told through discussions with Bob that Murray used to be a victim of sex trafficking, but can we believe that? Most of the time we see her lying, even to Bob, so when she does cry and seemingly stares off into the distance with all the seriousness of the world in her eyes, we have to believe her. But it’s that same kind of personality that she uses to fool others, whether it’s the geriatric at the beginning with his credit card in hand or Bob teasing a better life. One of the more fun aspects of the film is attempting to piece together who Murray’s character is and isn’t.

Even if you know nothing about GameStop or stock trading, “Trader” is a low-budget techno-thriller with plenty on its mind and plenty more to say. Murray gives the best performance of the year, so far, with equal amounts of pain and pleasure during the entire process. Murray’s character is physically, mentally and emotionally working through a past that’s never revealed, but watching her kick and crawl through the boy’s game at Wall Street is an absolute delight. If you’re lucky enough to see this on a streaming service or anywhere in the future, give it a watch and prepare to be blown away by its mesmerizing simplicities. 

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Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies, Streaming Tagged With: 2021, corey stenton, film review, gamestop, jeremy werner, kimberly-sue murray, ...

Concert Review: Every Time I Die “Tid The Season” 2021

“Tid The Season” 2021

December 9-10, 2021
Riverworks, Buffalo, NY

Our Score: 3 out of 5 Stars

After a year hiatus due to Covid-19 Buffalo’s favorite sons Every Time I Die returned with their annual “Tid The Season” holiday bash. The sprawling Riverworks complex in Buffalo, NY once again played host to the two-day event which featured ice skating, curling, wrestling and bands such Circa Survive, Knocked Loose, Ice-T and of course Every Time I Die.

Media Mikes had the opportunity to check out day two of the event which started off with a full bill of wrestling courtesy of Empire State Wrestling. Highlights from the multi match card included hometown favorite Puf opening the event with a fun filled match which had him blasting opponents with an array of confetti cannons one of which he even saved for an unsuspecting referee. AEW stars Evil Uno and The Blade w/ The Bunny squared off in the main event which started out quite heated after Uno took multiple verbal jabs at Buffalo and its inhabitants. Being local The Blade and Bunny didn’t take very kindly to Uno’s tirade and the match quickly ensued. After a tense couple moments of back-and-forth action between the two participants Blade’s tag team partner Butcher (Andy Williams) emerged donning what appeared to be attire inspired heavily by Donald Gibb’s character in “Bloodsport”. Though the Butcher didn’t fair to well initially the match concluded with the duo’s signature finishing move “Full Death” being delivered to a weary Evil Uno before the count of 1,2,3, was made. Prior to leaving the ring the team thanked the ever-growing crowd for the continued support which helped usher the team to the locker room accompanied by a wave a cheers and chants.

After a brief intermission to clear the floor of the ring the music portion of the night would be kicked off by the extreme Hardcore group END. The band consisting of members from the bands Misery Signals, Counterparts, Reign Supreme, Shai Hulud, and Fit For An Autopsy wasted no time delivering to the near capacity crowd as they ripped through songs from their “Splinters From an Ever-Changing Face” release setting a high standard for the bands still to come. Three-piece Ontario rockers The Dirty Nil took the stage next and proved that big things can come in small packages as the three-piece group decimated the audience with their unique blend of fuzz infused overdrive. Certainly, a highlight of the performance was a rawkus rendition of the Metallica classic “Hit the Lights” which was performed near flawlessly and left the crowd wanting more. Vancouver natives Spiritbox would follow and though I personally found the set to be rather lackluster and vocalist Courtney LaPlante quite pitchy at times the band invoked a solid reaction from the crowd that you had to applaud.

Heading into the meat of the nights lineup we saw Los Angeles based The Bronx return to the stage for their second performance of the weekend (the band performed on night one of the event with their Mariachi El Bronx lineup). The band helmed by energetic front man Matt Caughthran kept the nights energy going despite battling feedback issues as they performed crowd favorites such as “Shitty Future”, “Six Days a Week” and “History’s Stranglers” before closing out the set with “Around the Horn” from the bands 2006 album “II”. Tid The Season regulars Knocked Loose would follow instantly re-igniting the crowd after a brief reprieve. Guitarist Isaac Hale dominated the stage left position with his precise chuggery while front man Bryan Garris commanded the attention of capacity crowd while the band performed such tracks as “God Knows”, “All My Friends” and “Counting Worms”. The set also featured a couple guest appearances including Brendan Murphy on “Billy No Mates”, Courtney LaPlante on “A Serpent’s Touch” and Keith Buckley on “Forget Your Name” all of which garnered loud roars from the bustling crowd. The Original Gangster Ice-T occupied the direct support slot this evening and despite a much different sound than the other bands on the bill Ice and his crew fit in perfectly as they threw down his signature West Coast rhythms backed by long-time DJ Evil E’s beats. Despite more widely known tracks like “New Jack Hustler” and “Lifestyles of the Rich and Infamous” missing from the set Buffalo did get to hear “O.G. Original Gangster” along with a few other classics prior to Ice leaving the stage with his wife Coco and daughter Chanel in tow.

As a white banner projecting of a large burning fireplace dropped from the ceiling and Christmas music began to play through the PA the anticipation level jumped threefold as what has become the marker signaling for the evenings hosts Every Time I Die to take the stage. As a dangerous windstorm swirled outside and synthetic snow began dropping from the ceiling the band burst on to the stage with the song “Roman Holiday”. The band appeared as though they were shot of a cannon as the opening number set a solid foundation for tracks like “A Colossal Wreck”, “Post-Boredom” and “The New Black”. The set features a couple new tracks as both “Desperate Pleasures” and “People Verses” from the newly released “Radical” album made their way into the set for the first time fitting perfectly amongst more seasoned ETID tracks like “We’rewolf”, “Decayin’ With the Boys” and “Map Change”. Despite internal tensions within the band being reported recently the members of Every Time I Die showed they are consummate professionals at the top of their game as the band once again delivering to the sold-out Buffalo crowd.

Every Time I Die Set List:
1.) Roman Holiday
2.) Romeo a Go-Go
3.) Off Broadway
4.) A Colossal Wreck
5.) Desperate Pleasures
6.) Underwater Bimbos From Outer Space
7.) The Marvelous Slut
8.) Post-Boredom
9.) The New Black
10.) Sly
11.) Pigs Is Pigs
12.) The Sweet Life
13.) Champing at the Bit
14.) Cities and Years
15.) No Son of Mine
16.) Thirst
17.) I Been Gone a Long Time
18.) We’rewolf
19.) AWOL
20.) Bored Stiff
21.) The Coin Has a Say
22.) White Void
23.) Decayin’ With the Boys
24.) Floater
25.) Map Change
26.) People Verses
27.) Indian Giver

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Filed Under: Concert Reviews, Music Tagged With: 2021, concert, die, review, season, tid, ...

PRISONERS OF THE GHOSTLAND – Available on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD/Blu-ray SteelBook on November 16, 2021

LOS ANGELES, (October 14, 2021) – RLJE Films, a business unit of AMC Networks, will release the action-adventure thriller PRISONERS OF THE GHOSTLAND on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD/Blu-ray SteelBook on November 16, 2021. The film made its world premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

<>Directed by the acclaimed Japanese director, Sion Sono (Why Don’t You Play in Hell), the film was written by Aaron Hendry and Rexa Sixo Safai (Western Wonderland). The film stars Nicolas Cage (Mandy), Sofia Boutella (The Mummy), Nick Cassavetes (Face/Off), Bill Moseley (Texas Chainsaw Franchise), Tak Sakaguchi (Tokyo Tribe) and Yuzuka Nakaya (The Forest of Love). Joseph Trapanese (Tron: Legacy, The Raid: Redemption, The Greatest Showman) composed the original score. The DVD will be available for an SRP of $29.96, the Blu-ray for an SRP of $29.97 and the 4K UHD/Blu-ray SteelBook for an SRP of $35.97.

PRISONERS OF THE GHOSTLAND is set in the treacherous frontier city of Samurai Town where a ruthless bank robber (Cage) is sprung from jail by wealthy warlord The Governor (Moseley), whose adopted granddaughter Bernice (Boutella) has gone missing. The Governor offers the prisoner his freedom in exchange for retrieving the runaway. Strapped into a leather suit that will self-destruct within three days, the bandit sets off on a journey to find the young woman—and his own path to redemption.

PRISONERS OF THE GHOSTLAND DVD, Blu-ray and UHD/Blu-ray SteelBook includes the bonus feature, “The Making of Prisoners of the Ghostland.”

ABOUT RLJE FILMS

RLJE Films’ recent and upcoming features include the critically acclaimed horror film The Dark And The Wicked from director Bryan Bertino; David Oyelowo’s directorial debut The Water Man; the intense PRISONERS OF THE GHOSTLAND starring Elijah Wood and Luke Kirby from director Amber Sealey; and Sion Sono’s 2021 Sundance Film Festival premiere Prisoners of the Ghostland starring Nicolas Cage and Sofia Boutella. us.rljentertainment.com <about:blank>

ABOUT AMC NETWORKS

AMC Networks is a global entertainment company known for its popular and critically-acclaimed content. Its portfolio of brands includes AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, IFC Films, and a number of fast-growing streaming services, including the AMC+ premium streaming bundle, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and ALLBLK. AMC Studios, the Company’s in-house studio, production and distribution operation, is behind award-winning owned series and franchises, including The Walking Dead, the highest-rated series in cable history. The Company also operates AMC Networks International, its international programming business, and 25/7 Media, its production services business.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: 16, 2021, 4k, bluray, dvd, ghostland, ...

Film Review “Candyman (2021)”

Directed by: Nia DaCosta
Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Colman Domingo, Tony Todd
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date: August 27, 2021
Running time: 91 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I have been a fan of the original 1992 film “Candyman” since its release on home video likely back in 1993. It was a film that scared me growing up. It was suspenseful and gory and I loved it. When I heard that they were making what turned into the “fourth film” in this franchise, I could have been more excited. Bring on “Get Out”, “Us” writer/director Jordan Peele and I thought we were going to have an instant winner here. The rest of this review could offer some spoilers so if you don’t already know that much about this film, I would steer clear…

Official Premise: For as long as residents can remember, the housing projects of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green neighborhood were terrorized by a word-of-mouth ghost story about a supernatural killer with a hook for a hand, easily summoned by those daring to repeat his name five times into a mirror. In present day, a decade after the last of the Cabrini towers were torn down, visual artist Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II; HBO’s Watchmen, Us) and his partner, gallery director Brianna Cartwright (Teyonah Parris; If Beale Street Could Talk, The Photograph), move into a luxury loft condo in Cabrini, now gentrified beyond recognition and inhabited by upwardly mobile millennials. With Anthony’s painting career on the brink of stalling, a chance encounter with a Cabrini-Green old-timer (Colman Domingo; HBO’s Euphoria, Assassination Nation) exposes Anthony to the tragically horrific nature of the true story behind Candyman. Anxious to maintain his status in the Chicago art world, Anthony begins to explore these macabre details in his studio as fresh grist for paintings, unknowingly opening a door to a complex past that unravels his own sanity and unleashes a terrifying wave of violence that puts him on a collision course with destiny.

I must say that I am definitely a Yahya Abdul-Mateen II fan, but here is my rant, if you going to make him Candyman, then make him Candyman. With this new film they hesitated to announce or reveal who was playing the role of Candyman. But when fans found out that original actor Tony Todd, who played the villain in the first three films, was involved that this was going to be an epic sequel. Maybe the film is too smart for me but I was just left saying “What?” when those credits started. I understand what they were trying to achieve with their ending but after hoping to see Todd reprise his role the whole movie, I got to say, I was left very disappointed. With little scares, less gore than the original, I am perfectly content with the first three films.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: 2021, candyman, film, review

OVERKILL ‘THE ATLANTIC YEARS 1986 -1994’ VINYL AND CD BOX SETS TO BE RELEASED ON 29TH OCTOBER 2021.

WATCH THE UNBOXING HERE
PRE-ORDER IS LIVE NOW HERE

An integral part of the early-’80s thrash metal movement that spawned acts like Metallica and Anthrax, New Jersey’s Overkill garnered a reputation for brutal, pounding speed and technique. Taking their moniker from the 1979 Motörhead album of the same name, an early demo; Power in Black, made waves in the underground tape-trading circuit and caught the attention of Megaforce Records, which issued the band’s full-length studio debut, Feel the Fire, in 1985. High-profile shows alongside luminaries like Slayer and Anthrax followed, and with the American thrash scene in full tilt, Overkill inked a major-label deal with Atlantic, which put out their sophomore effort, 1987’s uncompromising Taking Over. This was followed quickly in 1988 by the equally uncompromising, Under The Influence which spawned the MTV hit, ‘Hello From The Gutter’. Continuing their breakneck pace, the band issued the Terry Date -produced Years of Decay the following year in 1989, which saw them pushing their sound in a more epic direction, while maintaining the neck-snapping attack of their debut. Expanding their lineup to a five piece in 1990 they released the brooding and relentlessly heavy Horrorscope, which introduced elements of doom into the mix and would go on to become a defining release and fan favorite. Overkill continued to move toward a more epic Sabbath style on 1993’s I Hear Black but switched up again on 1994’s W.F.O. which marked a return to the whiplash-inducing thrash of the past.

Overkill are held in high regard as one of the true greats of the global metal scene, one they dominate to this day. These six albums cemented Overkill in the thrash hall of fame, while contributing to their 16 million record sales, notched up over the last 40 years and are all considered stone cold classics.

All six of these albums are back on vinyl for the first time in over a decade. Half speed mastered for dynamic range and pressed on 180g vinyl. Also available as a CD collectors box.

The Atlantic Years 1986 to 1994 contains :
TAKING OVER
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
THE YEARS OF DECAY
HORROSCOPE
I HEAR BLACK
W.F.O.

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: 1986, 1994, 2021, 29th, atlantic, box, ...

Top 10 Esports Games of 2021 by Total Winnings

The esports space saw a colossal withdrawal in prize cash in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic, stopping the eye-popping handbag numbers that were beginning to get standard consideration.

After an almost 30% leap from 2018 to 2019 that left last year’s prize cash added up to at $211M USD, this year came in at a generally irrelevant $65.5M. That is a drop of about 69% in one year.

The discouraged payouts will probably proceed in 2021 on the grounds that the world isn’t relied upon to have returned to a feeling of business as usual till the center piece of the year, dispossessing numerous occasions that might have occurred in Q1 and Q2.

No. 1 – Android Casino: $9.6M

The approach of cell phones and cell phones has made internet gaming simpler and more advantageous for top android casinos. We currently have all our number one club games accessible readily available. No doubt, the Android OS overwhelms the worldwide cell phone market. Thus, there are more Android gamers on the planet presently. What’s more, this makes the Android gambling club market exceptionally huge and invigorating.

In case you’re an Android client searching for portable club to play with your gadget, you are on the right page. On this page, we have made a nitty gritty aide on the best gambling club online android destinations and applications. You will likewise find the accessible android club games and different advantages you can appreciate by playing with your gadget. There are an assortment of android club destinations and applications to play at. A considerable lot of them offer astounding gaming administrations and energizing promotions. We have made a rundown of the best accessible ones underneath.

No. 2 – Dota 2: $8.87M

With the pandemic constraining the deferral of the current year’s The International, Dota 2 saw a gigantic drop-off from last year true to form. Subsequent to giving out a huge take last year that almost arrived at $50M, this year came in at a generally insignificant $8.87M.

2021 uncovered exactly how dependent Dota’s esports importance is without that record-breaking TI prize pool every year. Without critical local area pressing factor and outsider coordinators moving forward, Dota would have fallen a lot further down the rundown.

The central issue confronting this title in 2021 is what will befall that over-enormous title handbag. Valve actually raised more than $40M for the 2020 TI prior to delaying to August 2021 and has not expressed what will occur with that cash. There could be a situation where that cash gets moved into the following year’s crowdfunding exertion and we see a solitary occasion prize pool outperform $80M.

No. 3 – League of Legends: $8.00M

The world’s most famous esport by viewership measurements had the option to a great extent persist through the pandemic – though through generally online-just matches – and League of Legends in this manner hopped from No. 6 last year to the third opening this year since it didn’t see a significant drop-off in prize cash. Subsequent to paying out $9M last year, League just saw a slight drop to $8M this year.

Group of Legends is one of a handful of the esports where, notwithstanding the huge sums disseminated, prize cash by and large takes a secondary lounge to the renown of contest. Gone are the times of the main prize granted at an occasion being the curiosity goliath check worth thousands. All things being equal, the exceptionally desired Summoner’s Cup prize becomes the overwhelming focus at the World Championship while its beneficiaries unobtrusively rake in more than $100K each after the confetti has completed the process of falling.

No. 4 – Fortnite: $7.87M

Epic Games’ well known fight royale title dropped from last year’s top space to No. 4 this year in enormous part since it had no Fortnite World Cup in 2020 because of the pandemic. The occasion in 2019 acquired, indeed, epic media consideration subsequent to giving $3 million to then 16-year-old champ Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf.

Yet, Epic has consistently had what’s apparent in the business to be a finnicky relationship with esports, and presently the organization is proceeding to ease off of its already overwhelming position. Epic has effectively reported there will be no disconnected competitions for Fortnite in 2021, which means no World Cup indeed. While the distributer has the assets to support Fortnite back to the top anytime, without a critical reinvestment in 2022 the game is probably going to keep tumbling out for the count of esports pertinence.

No. 5 – Call of Duty: $6.27M

With the presentation of the recently geo-found and diversified Call of Duty League in 2021, the game generally stood its ground in the current year’s positioning when contrasted with last, with a leap of three openings and just a slight downtick in prize payout. Not at all like the Overwatch League, the Call of Duty League submitted from the beginning to holding a competition style structure like its pre-establishment model.

This implied that every seven day stretch of contest expected to pay out its own prize pool notwithstanding the $4.6M Activision Blizzard given out for the debut CDL title. In another break from the OWL, Activision Blizzard additionally dedicated critical assets to an open semi-genius biological system for Call of Duty to run corresponding to the CDL. The biggest of these competitions paid out $250K.

No. 6 – Rainbow Six Siege: $5.02M

Rainbow Six Siege was one of only a handful of exceptional titles to pay out more in the pandemic-tormented year than it did last year, with $5.02M in 2020 versus $4.1M in 2019. This was to a great extent because of the game’s big showdown, the Six Invitational, being held toward the beginning of February before most of the world’s COVID lockdown. That occasion alone paid out $3M, up from $2M in the earlier year.

Rainbow Six was one of the solitary games in all of 2021 to have its greatest competition face to face, and hence partook in the consequences of its proceeded with year over year development more than most titles.

No. 7 – Overwatch: $4.36M

The Overwatch League needed to move to online-just play this year because of the pandemic, obliterating its host group model goals that should take off in full power this year. The game actually had a strong prize payout, yet the cash was not exactly 50% of last year’s take, which came in at $9.59M, and it has dropped from the position of No. 5 last year therefore.

While Activision Blizzard disseminated a comparative amount of more than $3M for its season-finishing competition, the vital shift to online play affected the games stage-based rivalry cycle, lessening the quantity of alliance wide contests which had recently finished in enormous payouts themselves.

No. 8 – PUBG: $4M

Some time ago PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS could possibly turn into a forerunner in the esports space. Notwithstanding, after numerous restructurings of its esports foundation and the flight of a few conspicuous esports groups from the space, the game seems to have subsided into a lower rung. 2021 was expected to be another chance for PUBG to zero in on global contest, yet the COVID-19 pandemic messed up that arrangement before it could make headway.

The game just paid out about a third in 2021 from what it did in 2019, dropping in the rankings four openings year over year from No. 4 out of 2019.

No. 9 – Hearthstone: $3.73M

Activision Blizzard’s computerized collectible game makes it onto the current year’s rundown following a prominent nonattendance last year. Hearthstone, which came in at $3.73M, is the lone game in the advanced collectible card classification to make it onto the rundown, however it has new contest to keep an eye out for from Riot Games’ Legends of Runeterra.

While Activision Blizzard keeps on centering the vast majority of its energy and assets on its diversified alliances, Riot Games is consistently and fastidiously increase esports interest in its fresher titles, including LoR. That combined with the ascent of other rivalry like Magic Arena (which made the rundown last year) implies that Hearthstone’s status as the undisputed lord of games is presently more being referred to than any time in recent memory.

No. 10 – Rocket League: $2.63M

Recently onto the rundown this year is Psyonix Studios title Rocket League, which given out $2.63M in prize cash throughout the year through its Rocket League Championship Series. The vehicle soccer match, which paid out $3.040M in prize cash last year, is viewed as a title with great development potential.

Psyonix submitted $4.5M to the latest RLCS season, which will close in 2021. With more prize cash than any time in recent memory streaming into a redid, open environment, Rocket League is ready to ascend the rankings one year from now.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: 10, 2021, esports, games, top, total, ...

How to Use Two-Factor Authentication in 2021 with Ease

Is it really you? I mean, really, really you? If you shop online, download apps, do online banking or do pretty much anything on the Internet, you’re often asked to prove who you really are. And the way that you’re most often asked to prove that it’s “really you” is by entering a code sent to you via text or email. The sender knows that if you enter the code you were sent, your authentication is valid. And that it’s “really, really you.”

This additional authentication helps to prevent all types of cybercriminal activity. In fact, two-factor authentication can prevent 99.9% of automated attacks – hacking, data breaches and other types of security breaches. While strong passwords – those 12 characters long using letters, numbers and symbols – used to be the best way to secure your data, it is no longer enough. The standard nowadays is two-factor authentication, also known as two-step verification.

Take A Closer Look at 2-Factor Authentication

Think of 2-factor authentication (2FA) as getting an extra password that you can use to access your account. It’s a “one-time” password, or OTP, because the code is only valid for one-time use and often will expire in a short amount of time if not used within a designated time frame. The code can be sent to you via a text message or an email, but most experts agree that a text message is more secure. The reasoning is that if your email is hacked, a cybercriminal will get your access code and can then gain additional access to your secure accounts.

2FA is based on three distinct types of factors. First is something that you know. This is the knowledge that only you would have, such as a password or an answer to a security question you might have set up. The second factor is something that you have, which could include wireless tags, tokens or card readers, for example. The third factor is something you are, which could be facial recognition software, a fingerprint reader, voice recognition, retinal scanner or something similar. This is known as biometric authentication. It’s all done to prove that it’s really you trying to access your account.

If a hacker is able to gain access to your password and login credentials, and you’ve enabled 2FA, they will never be able to log into your account. That’s the beauty of 2FA – because hackers can work from just about anywhere in the world, and unless they happen to be standing next to you when your 2FA code comes in, they’ll be out of luck. That’s why 2FA is far more effective in preventing hacking than a simple password.

 

Limits with 2-Factor Authentication

As good as 2-factor authentication is, it does have some limits that could be problematic for a user. For example, if you use a smartphone and it’s lost, stolen or broken, you’re not going to be able to access your one-time password to get into your account until you have a new phone or other device. It is possible to recover your access codes, but it’s a difficult and time-consuming process.

Here’s another problem – if you choose to use email notification for your 2FA, and a hacker gains access to your password, your email could be compromised and the hacker could simply bypass your 2FA. Your secure and protected accounts using 2FA would be totally compromised. The other issue is that if a hacker gets hold of your 2FA, he or she could end up locking you out of your own accounts. So you should still be vigilant with all other best practices used to prevent hacking.

New Apps Can Help

While one-time passwords are traditionally delivered via text or email, there are new authentication apps available that can generate strong one-time codes to provide access to your accounts.  For example, Google has its own 2-step authentication app called Google Authenticator. As long as you have a Google account and you download the Google Authenticator app, you’ll be able to use any service or website that offers 2FA.

Not to be outdone, Microsoft has its own authenticator as well, called, not surprisingly, Microsoft Authenticator. Like Google Authenticator, this app is also free and works across all devices and operating systems. In addition, it offers passwordless entry, eliminating the need for a password and also uses push notifications.

Facebook has come out with its own version called Facebook 2FA. It lets you use third-party authenticators or will provide codes directly from Facebook. But unlike Google and Microsoft, you can only use Facebook’s 2FA to access Facebook, so just be aware that it’s not a full-fledged authenticator.

Amazon also has a 2FA authentication app, and you’re able to use it for third-party authenticator support or on its own two-step, single-purpose authentication. If you prefer to use codes then you can use Amazon’s SMS notification option. 

The good news is that as two-factor authorization gains in popularity, then more and more apps will be available. This will make everyone’s life easier, and remove any barriers that might be in place now with people who are hesitant to use 2FA.

The entire concept of 2FA is not foolproof, but it’s extremely hard to hack and nobody has found a way to bypass it once it’s in place on your smartphone or device. The bottom line is that 2FA gives you the second level of protection – above and beyond passwords, to secure your personal data from cybercrooks. It may take a little effort to use 2FA – but the peace-of-mind that comes with it is well worth the extra effort.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: 2021, authentication, ease, twofactor

Royal Ascot Favourites | What To Expect From Ascot 2021

It’s been a challenging year for horse racing the last one, but 2021 sees the sport rising from its ashes. The Royal Ascot is waiting to surprise enthusiasts with some of the best horses. But who are the Royal Ascot favourites? What to expect from Ascot 2021? Let’s find it out.

Stradivarius

  • 7 years’ old
  • Trained by John Gosden

Stradivarius is no longer one of Ascot’s best kept secrets. The horse has won the race’s Gold Cup in 2018, 2019, and 2020, as well as the Queen Vase in 2017. Still in its prime age, with a top-notch trainer and Frankie Dettori as a jockey, Stradivarius is the hottest Ascot favourite in 2021.

Battaash

  • 5 years’ old
  • Trained by Charles Hills

Runner up of the King’s Stand in 2018 and 2019, and the winner of the race in 2020, Battaash is a firm favourite at Ascot 2021. This year, the stallion is expected to defend his title on the King’s Stand Stakes. Two years younger than Stradivarius, Battaash is expected to remain a favourite for long if the performance this year is good.

Palace Pier

  • 4 years’ old
  • Trained by John Gosden

If Stradivarius wasn’t proof enough of Gosden’s worth as a trainer, then Palace Pier might prove it. Three years younger than the absolute favourite, Palace Pier is a promising horse. It has won the St James’s Palace Stakes last year – under Stradivarius’ jockey, Frankie Dettori. The victory may seem like a drop in the ocean, but there is no insider who doesn’t know this horse’s talent.

Lord North

  • 5 years’ old
  • Trained by John Gosden

Another name associated with Gosden, Lord North has proven his name’s worth last year at the Prince of Wales’ Stakes. A true middle-distance performer, it is expected to see him attempt to secure the first multiple title of the new millennium at the Prince of Wales’ Stakes at the Royal Ascot 2021. This performance was last achieved in 1995, so history might just be ready to repeat itself this year.

Campanelle

  • 3 years’ old
  • Trained by Wesley Ward

The winner of Queen Mary Stakes last year, Campanelle is another sought-after name in this year’s list of Royal Ascot favourites. The main difference between Campanelle and most of the other favourites of the race is that this horse is American-trained.

Sure, there are many other Royal Ascot favourites to look after in 2021. Make sure to stay up to date with the latest horse racing betting news if you don’t want the commencement of the races on the 15th of June to catch you by surprise. In this way, you can rest assured you’ll always know which is the best horse to bet your money on.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: 2021, ascot, expect, favourites, royal

The best casino bonuses 2021: free welcome bonus casino

You are looking for the best online casino bonus?  Do you want that casino that offers not only a top welcome bonus but much more? Then you’re in the right place.

In this article, we are going to tell you all about casino bonuses and which casinos offer the best bonuses. We’ll tell you all about no deposit bonuses, the highest bonus at online casinos and we’ll take a closer look at how casino bonus codes work. Also, discuss how to find the best bonus for yourself.

In addition, we also go into more detail on this page about how different bonuses work, what exactly the wagering conditions mean, and we even listed the selected lucrative bonuses.  Read on and find out everything you need to know about the best casino bonuses.

How can you find the best casino bonus yourself?

We know what we want when we get a casino bonus. But you may not know what’s best for you yet. That’s why you first need to get a few things straight for yourself.

Ask yourself: What bonuses are actually available? What are the terms of the different bonuses and which online casinos offer these bonuses? We are going to go through everything with you.

How do you find the best bonus?

  1. Bonus: which bonus best fits your needs?
  2. Terms and conditions: what do you need to pay attention to with a casino bonus?
  3. Safety: is the casino reliable to play at?
  4. Casino: do they offer more than just a bonus?

Which bonus suits you best and which casino offers it?

An online casino bonus comes in many different forms. So it is very much up to you which bonus suits you best.

Some bonuses you get without having to do anything for it while others are given as rewards. And some are a combination of both things.

What bonuses does the casino offer?

Below you will find several sections with information about the bonuses. Read through them all and find out which bonus suits you best.

Please note that not every online casino offers everything we discuss. So before signing up, take a good look at what you find important and whether it is offered.

Welcome bonus

Almost every casino gives a welcome bonus, some a little higher than others. A welcome bonus is exactly what the word says. A bonus you receive because you are welcome.

There are more and more casinos these days that give a whole welcome package. You will then get multiple deposit bonuses and free spins. The sky’s the limit.

When we review a welcome bonus we don’t only consider the amount to be important but also the terms and conditions. What is the wagering, which games, maximum bet, etc?

You have several deposit bonuses as welcome gifts.

  • 100% deposit bonus: you get an immediate doubling of your first deposit.
  • 200% deposit bonus: with this bonus, you will get three times more money on your balance than that which you deposit. 
  • 500% deposit bonus: you get as much as 5 times your deposit as bonus money. However, you don’t see this bonus very often.

Very important to look at the wagering. When you accept a bonus it must be realistic to clear it. On the page we’ve provided earlier, there are several wagering conditions. However, there is not one that we would say is not doable.

Deposit bonus

Most welcome bonuses consist of a deposit bonus. A deposit bonus is a bonus that is triggered by a deposit. You as a player make a deposit and as a welcome, the casino gives you a percentage of your deposit as a bonus.

Regular players of a casino are also often offered a deposit bonus. This is to reward you as a player for your loyalty. You can then get a lot of extra balance this way.

How high this bonus depends on you as a player and on the casino. It is well known that VIP players often get higher bonuses with better terms than the average player.

If you are an avid player it can be very wise to take a good look at the number of daily or weekly bonuses the casino offers you. This way you can get much more out of your deposits than you might think.

No deposit bonus

A no deposit bonus is very popular with players. It is a bonus that does not require you to make a deposit. You get free money or spins from the online casino. Unfortunately, not all casinos offer this bonus. However, you can still see them on a regular basis.

Incidentally, the no-deposit bonus has been used more often as a bonus for loyal players.

  • Free spins on registration
  • Exclusive welcome bonus
  • High Roller bonus
  • Free spins upon registration
  • Exclusive welcome bonus
  • A welcome package with 3 bonuses

New casino bonuses

New casinos continue to enter the market with regularity. These often try to attract players through fun and large bonuses.

For you, as a player, it can therefore be interesting to keep up to date with the latest casinos. So that you can always make the best use of the latest casino bonuses.

Free spins

Free spins bonuses are also often part of the welcome package. Often you get a free spins bonus as soon as you make a deposit. You then get free spins on top of your extra balance that you can play.

No deposit free spins can also be part of the welcome bonus. The casino will give you a free spins bonus upon registration. This is an additional welcome gift and gives you the chance to get to know the casino, free of charge.

High Roller bonus

A casino bonus that is not for everyone. The high roller bonus is a casino deposit bonus for high initial deposits. Some players choose to deposit high right away. But also like to be rewarded for it. These are players who don’t want $100 or $200 but want to receive $1000 or more immediately.

These players go looking for the highest bonus in an online casino. You don’t come across them very often, but we found a good one for you.

Cashback bonus

Some casinos choose not to give a welcome bonus. Instead of a bonus, you will receive a percentage of your losses back every week. Often this is 10%. Generally, there are no conditions attached. You get your “bonus” as cash.

A cashback bonus gives you back a predetermined percentage of your losses.  It is one of the fairest bonuses out there. Your bonus is adjusted according to your playing habits. If you play more than someone else, you will also get more cashback. A great advantage of the cashback bonus is that it is automatically credited to your account. You do not have to wait or ask for the bonus.

A big advantage of the cashback bonus is that you can also have it paid out if you want to.

Loyalty bonus

This bonus does not fall under the welcome bonuses but it is still important. There are many casinos that continue to reward players. This means that if you play regularly the casino will usually give you an extra bonus. This could be a deposit bonus, deposit bonus or an extra free spins bonus.

Terms and conditions of a casino bonus

All bonuses at the casino are subject to conditions. This is also quite understandable. The casino wants to have you as a player but doesn’t just give something away for free.

It is important for you as a player to know what to look out for. Violating the bonus conditions can lead to losing your bonus and any winnings that go with it. Below we go over the most common conditions with you:

Wagering

All bonuses require you to wager a certain number of times. This is often between 30 and 50 times. Let’s say the casino sets a wagering requirement of 40 times your bonus and you have a $100 bonus. Then you have to wager $4000 before your bonus is cleared. It is also good to see if you only have to wager your bonus or your bonus and deposit. This makes a big difference.

In summary, a good bonus has a wagering of around 35 times

Minimum deposit

Different casinos have different terms and conditions. This also applies to the minimum deposit you need to make to activate the bonus. At many casinos, the minimum deposit for the welcome bonus is $10 or $20.

But if you play somewhere longer the casino may offer you a deposit bonus with a higher minimum deposit. This also has to do with the loyalty level you build up.

In summary, most welcome bonuses are already activated with a minimum deposit of $10 or $20

Maximum payout

With no deposit bonuses, you often have the maximum payout you can make. With deposit bonuses, you see this much less. It is important to know in advance what the maximum amount is that you can get.

If you get a deposit bonus of up to $100 but the maximum payout is $250 you better not take this bonus.

If you have unlocked the bonus and are at the max, payout. If you keep playing, it’s a waste because you never get the money paid out. If you want to keep playing, you can make a new deposit. There is almost never a maximum payout on a deposit bonus.

In summary, a maximum payout can be tricky. Be sure to check the terms and conditions beforehand.

Which games count

Generally speaking, slot machines count towards the full amount of your casino bonus. However, there are some slot games that do not count at some casinos. Be sure to check the terms and conditions to see which ones.

You have to keep in mind if you play the wrong slots that the casino may cancel your bonus. Or you may not unlock the bonus. Some casinos will automatically notify you if you play a game that is not allowed. However, not all casinos do this. So it’s definitely advisable to check this before you start playing.

To sum up, unlocking a bonus is best done on online slots. Just be sure to check out which slots you can use for this purpose

Bonus codes

You may have to enter a casino bonus code when you deposit. Players who want to take advantage of these deposit bonuses must enter a bonus code.

It is important to enter this bonus code. If you forget this, the bonus will not be activated. Some casinos will be generous and add the bonus. However, there will also be casinos that will require you to make another deposit.

In summary, casino bonus codes should not be forgotten to fill in. Without the codes, you can miss out on bonuses. Even if you are one of the richest gamblers, you are still not going to want to miss out on those codes. 

Time Limit

You often get 3 to 4 weeks to clear your bonus. With free spins, this may be less. This means if you don’t meet the wagering requirements within this time, you will lose the bonus. Keep this in mind. Don’t activate a bonus if you can’t play for 4 weeks after that.

There are also bonuses where the 4 weeks start again as soon as you start playing. This gives you much more time. However, the experience is that a bonus can easily be wagered within that time.

Summary: The time limit is an important factor in unlocking your bonus. Make sure you have the time to not let your bonus expire

Maximum effort

When you start to unlock the online casino bonus, there is a maximum bet you can make. So you can’t clear your bonus with a few high spins or suddenly make a big win. Most online casinos use $5 as the maximum bet. But always check this before you play. There are casinos that want to see fewer bets.

This also counts for the bonus buy feature. Some casinos do not accept this when you are unlocking a bonus. While others do accept it or don’t count for 100%.

In summary, don’t go over the maximum bet allowed. This can cost you a bonus. If this amount is lower than $4, it might be better to choose another bonus.

Deposit methods

Sometimes a bonus is not accepted if you deposit with Skrill, Neteller, or Paysafecard. You must then make a deposit with iDeal/Trustly or your credit card.

Keep this in mind before you sign up. If your preferred payment method is not accepted, it may be wise to open an account elsewhere.

To sum up: look carefully beforehand which payment method you want to use. Some payment methods are not valid for a bonus.

Parachute bonus or not

With most casino bonuses, your deposit and bonus are considered bonus balances. This means that you can’t cash out during free play. However, if you get a parachute bonus, then the bonus is a backup. You then play with your own money first.

If you make a nice win, you can cancel the bonus. You can then cash out your own money and win. Of course, this is not possible if you were playing with the bonus and had already used up your own money.

In summary, a parachute bonus is ideal but unfortunately rare. It literally gives you a second chance.

Summary of ideal bonus conditions

There are a lot of terms and conditions that you need to pay attention to. But what are the ideal bonus terms for us?

First of all, we prefer to have a parachute bonus. This gives us the opportunity to pay out on a big win.  Of course, we also prefer to have wagering as low as possible. On average 35 times is reasonable.

Of course, it is also important to be able to deposit with iDeal or Trustly. After all, this is the easiest way to deposit money. Fortunately, this is accepted by most casinos.

Furthermore, we look at the games we can play. Preferably we have the possibility to buy bonuses as well. And of course the maximum bet.

Summary: The ideal bonus has a low wagering, a high maximum bet and you get it when you deposit with Trustly or iDeal. In addition, it’s a real second chance and the bonus balance can be played around separately from your cash balance

Is a casino bonus safe? 

Some of the well-known logos that show you that the casino is secure

All bonuses in a casino are completely safe if you keep a few things in mind. First of all, choose a casino that is completely safe and reliable. On this page, you will find only reliable casinos. You can accept these bonuses with confidence.

The casinos we accept are properly licensed anyway. Usually a license from the MGA. This is a strict authority that makes sure casinos follow the rules. Check out the site of the MGA and find out how the regulation works.

We also check to see if they are audited by eCOGRA (at least the games) so we can be sure we are dealing with properly vetted games with a correct RTP.

Of course, technical security must also be in good order. Think of good virus scanners and killers, SSL encryption, and the right responsible play tools.

If all this is in order, we also check if the bonuses have no snags. After all, you have nothing to gain from a bonus that can never be played or that is never paid out.

Does the casino offer more than just a good bonus?

This is important to know. A good casino bonus is important but you want more. Before you accept the bonus check out the casino carefully, or read our reviews.

You need to know if the casino offers the games you want to play. Also, check if the live casino is okay. Do they have the right games and does everything match the RTP etc? Here you can read more about how the RTP of slots exactly works.

In addition, it is also important that you can easily make a deposit or a withdrawal. Check what payment methods are available and if you want to work with them. A payout must be made using the method you deposited with. So if you have a nice win, you want to have your money in your account quickly.

We also always look at the customer service and how well the casino works on mobile. We, like 80% of the players, mainly play on our cell phone casino.

Of course, the most important thing is security at an online casino. You want to be able to play safely. But also your data should be well protected. Therefore it is important that a casino works with the right data protection tools.

In addition to this, you also need to be safe. And by this, we mean responsible gaming policy. The casino must give you the tools to not get into trouble.

Understanding Casino Bonuses

A casino bonus is not difficult to understand. However, it is important to consider what you want to use the bonus for. Do you like to play slots or do you prefer live casinos? This can be important when choosing a bonus. Below we will go into more detail on how casino bonuses work and how to get them.

How do casino bonuses work?

A casino bonus has many advantages for you as a player. At the end of the day, of course, it’s a gift you get.

The way a casino bonus works is simple. You get a gift from the casino. This can be a no deposit bonus or a deposit bonus. And this bonus you can use to play casino with.

However, you must meet a number of requirements from the casino. These are the conditions set by the casino. Getting a casino bonus has many advantages.

How to get a casino bonus?

The first step you should always take is to register at a casino. Only then can you make use of the bonus. At some casinos, you will have to make a deposit to activate the bonus. At other casinos, you will get a bonus instantly when you just sign up.

If you become a loyal player of the casino then chances are you will get extra bonuses. However, this depends on how you play the casino and how much you play.

Step-by-step how to get a casino bonus:

  1. Register at a casino through our site
  2. Possibly use the no deposit bonus
  3. Enter the bonus code if necessary
  4. Make a valid deposit
  5. Check if the bonus has been added properly
  6. Play your favorite games
  7. Pay out your winnings after your bonus is cleared

Register directly at one of our top casinos. Make your first deposit and take advantage of one of the great bonuses right away.

Is a casino bonus right for you?

Not everyone wants to receive a casino bonus. This is mainly because some players want to be totally free. Decide which games to play or when to cash out.

Nevertheless, in our opinion, a casino bonus has mainly advantages and we are happy to discuss them with you.

We are going to name the advantages for you below. Then we’ll give you a complete list of the pros and cons of an online casino bonus.

  • Try out more slots: thanks to the welcome bonus your balance is twice as much as without the bonus. This gives you the opportunity to try out twice as many online slots.
  • Greater chances of winning: the welcome bonus allows you to play more. This means that when your deposit is up, you still have the bonus. This gives you an extra chance to win.
  • Multiple days of free play: free spins are often included with the welcome bonus. These free spins are often spread over several days. So you can gamble for free for several days.
  • Higher Bets: You can also use the welcome bonus to bet higher. If you normally pay $1 per spin, you can now do $2. If you then land a big win, your payout will also immediately be twice as high.
  • Free gambling: this only applies to a no deposit bonus. But if you get a no-deposit welcome bonus, you can gamble for free and win for free.

Benefits of a casino bonus

  • Try more games
  • Greater chance of winning
  • Play for free for several days
  • Higher stakes
  • Play for free

Cons of a casino bonus

  • Wagering requirements
  • Limited in the number of games

How to get the most out of your casino bonus?

If you want, you can take maximum advantage of all the casino bonuses. It’s up to you as a player what you want. Would you like to play at a casino and only receive their bonuses? Or would you rather go around all the casinos and make use of a welcome bonus every time?

There is something to be said for both. It also has to do with how much you want to and can play. If you want to get the most out of your casino bonus look at the wagering you have to do. The lower the wagering the bigger the chance you’ll get something out of it.

Below are some tips for you as a player to make the best use of the bonus.

Tips for beginners in the online casino 

Tip 1: Start with a nice bonus of at least 100%

Make sure the terms and conditions are in order. This way you start your online casino adventure with a doubling of your money.

Tip 2: Read the terms and conditions carefully

There is a lot you need to pay attention to when you want to unlock a bonus. This way you can make sure you do everything via the rules.

Tip 3: Check if you need to enter a bonus code

You often have to do this with your first deposit. If you forget to enter the bonus code, the bonus will not be added.

Online casino bonuses: our opinion – conclusion

We love online casino bonuses. Welcome bonuses or loyalty bonuses, we want them all. Of course, it is important to first check if the casino is reliable. Not only the amount of the casino bonus is important. Also how good it is to play free is important and taken into account by us.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is an online casino welcome bonus?

This is a bonus upon registration. You get this from the online casino. It can consist of doubling your deposit, free spins, or even a free bonus.

What are the benefits of a casino bonus?

There are a lot of benefits when you play with a casino bonus. In the end, it’s free to play you can do it with it.

What is the best online casino bonus?

The best online casino bonus is a combination. A combination of a good amount, good terms, and a reliable casino.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: 2021, bonus, bonuses, casino, free

Rocklahoma 2021: Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Rob Zombie, Chevelle, Halestorm, Anthrax, and Many More

This Year To Celebrate America’s Biggest Labor Day Weekend Party

Friday, September 3, Saturday, September 4 & Sunday, September 5

At Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds in Pryor, Oklahoma

Hosted By Eddie Trunk

Early Bird Passes On Sale Friday, June 11 at 10:00 AM CT

Rocklahoma will make its highly anticipated return this year – taking place on Friday, September 3, Saturday, September 4, and Sunday, September 5 at Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds in Pryor, Oklahoma, just outside of Tulsa. Previously taking place over Memorial Day Weekend, Rocklahoma will celebrate America’s biggest Labor Day Weekend Party in 2021. Now in its 15th year, the three-day camping festival features some of today’s top rock artists, including Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Rob Zombie, Chevelle, Halestorm, Anthrax, Falling in Reverse, and many more.

Produced by AEG Presents, Rocklahoma showcases the best new rock acts and classic artists performing on three stages. With onsite camping amenities and unparalleled VIP packages, Rocklahoma lives up to its motto of “Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Rock.”

The music lineup for Rocklahoma 2021 is as follows (subject to change):  Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Rob Zombie, Chevelle, Halestorm, Anthrax, Falling in Reverse, Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals Perform A Vulgar Display Of Pantera, Sevendust, The Hu, Motionless In White, Pop Evil, Badflower, Grandson, Jelly Roll, Candlebox, Puddle Of Mudd, Stephen Pearcy The Voice Of Ratt, Andrew W.K., Knocked Loose, From Ashes To New, Tremonti, John 5 And The Creatures, Ayron Jones, All Good Things, Light The Torch, Zero 9:36, Bones UK, Butcher Babies, George Lynch & The Electric Freedom, Diamante, Austin Meade, Cory Marks, Jeris Johnson, BulletBoys, Liliac, Another Day Dawns, Dead Metal Society, Color Of Chaos, East Side Gamblers, Budderside, Paralandra, Fist Of Rage, Travis Bond & The Rebel Souls, Outlaw Devils, 90LB Wrench, Severmind, Love Sick Radio, Mind Of Fury, Jessikill, Straight Six, The Rumours, and Chaotic Resemblance.

Slipknot’s M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan says, “Cannot wait until we play Labor Day Weekend in Pryor, Oklahoma. Our first time at a festival is always very special. We all know that this will be one of those days. See you all soon. Stay (sic).”

Passes go on sale at early bird pricing on Friday, June 11 at 10:00 AM CT at www.Rocklahoma.com, and will increase to phase 2 pricing on Friday, June 18 at 5:00 PM CT. Payment plan options are also available, allowing purchasers to split the cost into monthly payments. Fans are encouraged to buy early and save.

Limited quantities of Groupie, Roadie, and Rockstar VIP Packages are also available.

Please visit https://rocklahoma.com/passes.html for details.

Current pass pricing is as follows, while supplies last:

Weekend Admission Passes:

Weekend GA: $144 plus fees

Weekend Military GA: $120 plus fees

Weekend GA 4-Pack: $516 plus fees

Weekend Reserved Admission (comes with food & soft drinks): $399 plus fees

VIP Packages:

Groupie Package: $700 per person for pit / $800 per person for reserved plus fees

Roadie Package: $1,125 per person plus fees

Rockstar Package $2,650 per pair for camping / $3,350 per pair for Hotel plus fees

Note: All Weekend tickets are for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

New for 2021, Rocklahoma will offer two new packages to get away from the crowds:

Big Shot Boxes: $3,400 plus fees

Private, shaded, elevated boxes located at the main stage for you and three friends north of the reserved seats. Couches, chairs, and beverage service plus access to the VIP Tent and Stage 2 VIP lounge.

The Garage package: $4,500 plus fees

Private, shaded 10×20 tent near the main stage for up to six people. Couches, chairs, and beverage service for you and your guests.

The campgrounds are a unique part of the Rocklahoma experience, and will be open from Sunday, August 29 at Noon CT through Tuesday, September 7 at Noon CT. New in the campgrounds, Rocklahoma will offer two high end glamping packages. General Admission and VIP camping are available at checkout and are only available with weekend ticket purchases. Information on camping add-ons can be found at https://rocklahoma.com/camping.html.

Fans are invited to kick off the party early at The Roadhouse where local Oklahoma favorites, top tribute acts, and national legends will headline the D&B Concerts Stage each day. The Roadhouse will also feature food trucks, a full-service bar, and a great place to hang with your friends throughout Rocklahoma.

Festival doors open at 2:00 PM daily, and doors for The Roadhouse open at 11:00 AM daily.

Rocklahoma is located just 45 minutes northeast of Tulsa, in Pryor, OK. The Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds is a premier destination for a multi-day festival and includes onsite camping with access to restrooms and shower house, a general store for campers, VIP reserved seating, hospitality areas and much more.

For more information on Rocklahoma, visit: Website: www.Rocklahoma.com

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: 2021, anthrax, bizkit, chevelle, halestorm, limp, ...

GUNS N’ ROSES ANNOUNCE UPDATES FOR 2021 TOUR, ADD MAMMOTH WVH AS SPECIAL GUEST

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR 2021 US TOUR

Don’t miss your chance to see the band live in North America in your city!

Get on the Nightrain for first shot at tickets beginning June 1 at Noon local time.

Nightrain presales available for these shows:

  • July 31, 2021 – Hershey, PA @ Hersheypark Stadium
  • August 22, 2021 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center
  • August 25, 2021 – San Jose, CA @ SAP Center at San Jose
  • August 27, 2021 – Las Vegas, NV @ T-Mobile Arena
  • August 30, 2021 – Phoenix, AZ @ Phoenix Suns Arena
  • September 1, 2021 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
  • September 11, 2021 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena (casino)
  • September 12, 2021 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena (casino)
  • September 21, 2021 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
  • September 23, 2021 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center 
  • September 26, 2021 – Baltimore, MD @ Royal Farms Arena
  • September 29, 2021 – Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena
  • October 2, 2021 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live Arena 
  • October 3, 2021 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live Arena 

Active NIGHTRAIN members will see their UNIQUE presale code displayed on the TOUR page after logging in.

Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning June 4 at Noon local time.

If you are not currently a member of Nightrain, 

CHECK OUT  THE NEW NIGHTRAIN PACKAGES!

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: 2021, add, announce, guest, guns, mammoth, ...

ReedPop Shares Schedule for 2021 Events

To our community— 

As I write this, I’m filled with hope and excitement for the year ahead. There’s much in the works at ReedPop that we’ll announce in the coming months, but today I’m bringing you an update on the return of our physical events and the first look at our plans to promote health and safety.

To give you a peek behind the curtain, events folks have to plan six to nine months down the road. We must put ourselves forward from where we are today into where we think we may be tomorrow, and continue making the next best decisions.

Today, I share what we’re planning with this assurance: ReedPop’s number one priority is the wellbeing of the people that come to our shows. 

Right now, we see a path forward for safe, amazing events that are going to look a bit different than usual, so that’s where we’re heading. Keep in mind what we communicate is subject to change as state and local guidelines are adjusted. I encourage you to stay connected with us via our newsletters, social channels, and websites to keep on top of the latest information right up to the shows.

ICYMI, our schedule for 2021 is:

With the return of physical events comes so much we were missing this past year. Supporting small businesses and indie creators more directly, old friends reconnecting, the energy of a panel room when a cast first takes the stage… 

I can’t even believe I’m saying this, but I almost miss the awkward camaraderie of the women’s restroom line. Almost. 

Speaking of lines, let’s talk capacity and a few other key safety measures we’ll be taking…

  1. We will be running all our shows with reduced capacity. With our new safety precautions in place, attendance and badges will be very limited so that we can ensure physical distancing. We’re working closely with each convention center to determine how many people are permitted in the building every day and at a given time. 
  1.  We are requiring approved face coverings for all individuals attending our events, including our exhibitors and staff. They must be worn at all times within our venues. For more information, you can visit the FAQ pages on each of our show websites. 
  1. Temperature screening upon entry will be required to enter our events. Anyone with an elevated temperature will not be permitted to enter the event. 
  1. We will have increased sanitization and cleaning with enforced physical distancing throughout the event.
  1. We have also adopted a firm no handshakes, no high-fives, no hugs policy. We’re all going to have to get very smooth and cool-looking at either the elbow bump or air high-fives. Please start practicing now.

I know there are a lot more questions than what I’ve shared here. You’re probably wondering what the heck a photo op may look like and how panel seating will work. We’ll be sharing more information in the months leading up to our shows, and we are committed to being as transparent as possible. 

Our goal remains the same: bring together our fan communities to celebrate the best pop culture has to offer. Alongside all of our physical events, we’ll be running a virtual event companion through FindtheMetaverse.com. So whether or not you join us in person, you can attend each of our shows and have a pretty excellent time. Save the date for the next Metaverse event — June 7-13 — and follow our newly launched social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

More announcements are coming soon with on-sale dates, guests, panels, and so much more. We promise it will be worth the wait.

Finally, thank you for your continued support in what has been a difficult time for our entire community. Thank you for your patience with us at every turn, and for your understanding as we continue to navigate the future of pop culture events together.  

Higher, further, faster,

Kristina Rogers (she/her)

US Comic Portfolio Director

ReedPop

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Filed Under: Conventions, Misc Tagged With: 2021, events, reedpop, schedule, shares

Handheld Anal Probing now possible: Destroy All Humans! is coming to Nintendo Switch™ on June 29th, 2021

Destroy All Humans! while sitting on the john.

Vienna/Austria, Offenburg/Germany, April 8, 2021: Legends say that the most brilliant inventions were created in garages. We call bull excrement on that! Real evil plans come together on the john! On June 29th, 2021 Destroy All Humans! will land on Nintendo Switch™ and anal probing is now handheld. Start the invasion on the go and collect DNA while flushing, the fate of mankind rests in your hands (literally)!

The Switch™ version comes with ALL available skins that were created for the game, including the Skin Pack DLC. The standard version will be available for an SRP of €39.99 | $39.99 | £34.99.


Our two special editions will be available for Nintendo Switch™ as well (EU and UK only):

The Crypto-137 Edition, featuring a Crypto-137 figurine, a Crypto backpack, keychain, six lithographs, an anti-stress toy, and all in-game Crypto skins, all contained within a premium box, has an SRP of €399.99 | $399.99 | £349.99.
Check out the trailer of the Crypto-137 Edition: https://youtu.be/WD6GWwNmRfE

The DNA Collector’s Edition, featuring a Crypto’N’Cow figurine, keychain, six lithographs, anti-stress toy, and all in-game Crypto skins, all contained within a premium box, has an SRP of €149.99 | $149.99 | £139.99.
Check out the trailer of the DNA Edition: https://youtu.be/f06KfNrR1WIAbout Destroy All Humans!

The cult-classic returns and invades everything but your privacy on July 28 2020! Terrorize the people of 1950s Earth in the role of the evil alien Crypto-137. Harvest DNA and bring down the US government in the remake of the legendary alien invasion action adventure. Annihilate puny humans using an assortment of alien weaponry and psychic abilities. Reduce their cities to rubble with your flying Saucer!

One giant step on mankind!Destroy All Humans! is a cult classic and one of the few games that will have you laughing out loud. Many games have taken inspiration from its mix of humoristic story-telling and easily accessible open world shooter action, as well as its wide range of over-the-top weaponry. But there can only be one Cryptosporidium: the human-hating alien with the voice of an angry Jack Nicholson and a shorter fuse than a xenomorph on steroids.

Step right up and enjoy the show!Only Destroy All Humans! allows you to explore idyllic US cities of the 1950s, read the thoughts of their citizens to uncover their secret desires… and then burn the very same cities to the ground with the mighty Death Ray of your flying saucer!

Features

  • Use your Abducto Beam to throw tanks around!
  • Use your psychokinesis powers to crush a farmer under his own cow!
  • Discover which seemingly prude ’50s housewife secretly has the hots for her hairdresser!
  • Slowly batter a human to death with his own hat! 
  • Light up the night by zapping your enemies with teslatastic electricity!
  • Take. One. Giant. Step. On. Mankind!

Visit the website for more information:

Official Destroy All Humans! Website

About THQ Nordic

THQ Nordic Website

About THQ Nordic

Founded in 2011, THQ Nordic is a global video game publisher and developer. Based in Vienna, Austria and Karlstad, Sweden with subsidiaries in Germany and the USA, THQ Nordic brands include Darksiders, MX vs. ATV, Red Faction, Titan Quest and many more. THQ Nordic is meant to represent a core approach of doing much more than “owning” a highly competitive portfolio of IPs. It revolves around cherishing them, and aligning them with the very best development resources to expand upon them with the level of experience that communities and established fan bases expect and deserve. The company’s internal development studios are Grimlore Games based in Munich, Germany; Rainbow Studios based in Phoenix, Arizona; Mirage Game Studios AB based in Karlstad, Sweden and Foxglove Studios AB based in Stockholm, Sweden.

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Filed Under: Game Headlines Tagged With: 2021, 29th, anal, coming, destroy, handheld, ...

MYLES KENNEDY to Release Sophomore Solo Album, The Ides Of March, on May 14, 2021 via Napalm Records

Pre-Order HERE

Watch the Official Video for Debut Single “In Stride” HERE

Never a musician to waste any precious time, Alter Bridge and Slash and the Conspirators vocalist MYLES KENNEDY used the recent pandemic downtime to finalize his sophomore solo album. The finished result is the exciting new offering, The Ides Of March, which incorporates Myles’ love of rock, blues and country and is slated for release on May 14, 2021 via Napalm Records.

During his time at home due to all touring being canceled, Myles created the framework for the song ideas that would make up The Ides Of March. He then called up his cohorts from his Year Of The Tiger debut – longtime friend and drummer Zia Uddin and bassist/manager Tim Tournier – and the three musicians drove to Florida to record the album with longtime producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette. From the slide guitar riffs of the album opener “Get Along” to the pensive blues style of closer “Worried Mind,” it is clear that Myles has crafted a formidable follow up to his debut solo album. While Year Of The Tiger was more of an acoustic exploration through Myles’ mind, The Ides Of March finds him strapping on his electric guitar and pushing himself as a guitarist/songwriter. Tracks like “A Thousand Words,” “Wake Me When It’s Over” and “Moonshot” showcase the diverse musical arrangements that have garnered Myles fans globally across all of his projects. The epic “The Ides Of March” clocks in at over seven minutes, and Myles, Tim and Zia showcase their musical chops on the track.

The first single, “In Stride”, opens with Myles showcasing his slide playing before delivering a lyrical message to “take it all in stride.” The video for “In Stride” marks a return by Stefano Bertelli (who created the recent “Native Son” video for Alter Bridge) and shows an animated Myles as he takes the end of the world in stride.

“Chill out. That pretty much sums it up,” explains MYLES KENNEDY about the single. “The lyric paints a picture of a survivalist preparing for an impending zombie apocalypse. It was inspired by the first wave of lockdowns as everyone was buying vast amounts of toilet paper and supplies. I started to ask myself if it might be wise to try and gain some perspective and not overreact… keep calm and carry on.”
Watch the music video for “In Stride” HERE:

Pre-Order The Ides Of March HERE

The Ides Of March tracklisting:1) Get Along                           
2) A Thousand Words
3) In Stride
4) The Ides of March
5) Wake Me When It’s Over
6) Love Rain Down
7) Tell It Like It Is
8) Moonshot
9) Wanderlust Begins
10) Sifting Through The Fire
11) Worried Mind

The Ides Of March will be available in the following formats:
– Digital Album
– 1 CD Jewel Case
– 1 CD Digipack (Napalm mailorder, limited to 500 worldwide)
– 2 LP Gatefold Black Vinyl
– 2 LP Gatefold Gray Vinyl 
– 2 LP Gatefold Bottle Green Transparent Vinyl (Napalm mailorder, limited to 400 worldwide)
– Die Hard Limited Edition: 2 LP Gatefold Clear Splatter Mint/Violet/White Vinyl + Aluminum Print (Napalm mailorder, limited to 300 worldwide)
– Limited Deluxe Box: Glow In The Dark Vinyl + Cover Artprint + 7” Glow In The Dark “A Thousand Words” Vinyl Demo Single + Pendant + Slipmat (Napalm mailorder, limited to 700 worldwide)

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: 14, 2021, album, ides, kennedy, march, ...

KRAMER ANNOUNCES ORIGINAL, MODERN, AND ARTIST COLLECTIONS FOR 2021

KRAMER: MADE TO ROCK HARD

KRAMER, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand has been setting trends with a legacy of premium, performance-focused instruments since it was first launched in 1976. Made for rule-breakers that play fast and loud, KRAMER has been embraced by legendary rockers and shredders like Eddie Van Halen, Vivian Campbell, Richie Sambora, Elliot Easton, and Mick Mars and more during the height of the metal era in the 1980s–a period when it was the most popular guitar brand in the world. KRAMER’s innovative approach and unwavering commitment to performance spans entry-level and intermediate guitars, to professional offerings, across the entire line and continue to make KRAMER instruments the choice of today’s hard rock and metal legends. 

New for 2021, KRAMER debuts the new Artist Collection featuring collaborations with Snake Sabo (Baretta), Charlie Parra (Vanguard), and Tracii Guns (Gunstar Voyager), with more collaborations to come throughout the year. From its iconic models and legendary artist collaborations to the Original and Modern Collections, KRAMER is back. “We leveled-up with our Kramer re-birth and new focus, giving hard rock and heavy metal shredders what they wanted,” says Cesar Gueikian of Gibson. “This is just the beginning for Kramer, we have big plans for the brand’s future, starting with these exciting collections and collaborations plus a few more we will be announcing throughout 2021.” 

KRAMER Artist Collection:Artist Collection guitar specs: HERE. 

The Snake Sabo Baretta is the premier signature model from Skid Row’s Snake Sabo. Inspired by his favorite road guitar, the Snake Sabo Baretta features a replica graphic commissioned by Sabo and created by legendary KRAMER artist Dennis Kline. The Snake Sabo Baretta features a new Kramer 85-T™ Double Black Open Coil Humbucker™ that was designed by Gibson™ USA Luthier Jim DeCola, a K-SpeedSlimTaper™ neck with jumbo frets, a Floyd Rose® 1000 bridge system, and a EVH® D-Tuna® Drop D Tuning System. 

“I’m so proud that the Kramer brand has been resurrected by Gibson and humbled by the fact that they’ve allowed me to be a part of it,” says Snake Sabo. “The Snake Baretta started out as a simple idea 35 years ago and played such a big part in our formative years. Now Kramer has kindly released it as a limited edition. I’m so proud and honored to be part of the Gibson and Kramer family. I hope everyone enjoys this guitar as much as I have since it was first made in 1985.”

The Tracii Guns Gunstar Voyager is ready to rock and marks the first KRAMER signature model for pioneering L.A. Guns guitarist. The Gunstar Voyager features a star-shaped mahogany Voyager body with a black metallic finish and flame graphics, a 3-piece set maple neck with a Slim C profile and a classic KRAMER pointy headstock with a Kramer Pyramid logo on the front and a chrome wrench holder on the back, two Epiphone™ ProBucker™ pickups, each with its own volume control and coil-splitting push / pull switch for broad tonal flexibility, and a Floyd Rose 1000 series tremolo and a top mounted R2 Locking Nut and Chrome string retainer bar. 

“I play the guitars my heroes play, and those guitars are Gibson’s,” says Tracii Guns from L.A. Guns. “As the future has arrived now, I have designed the ultimate metal guitar with Kramer guitars loudly and proudly called the Kramer Gunstar Voyager for my shredding friends. Made To Metal!!!”

The Charlie Parra Vanguard is the second KRAMER signature model from the Peruvian metal master. Featuring a mahogany body, 3-piece satin-finished maple neck, bound ebony fretboard with 22 jumbo frets, dot inlays with 12th fret Day of the Dead owl, a single chrome knurled master volume control and 3-way pickup selector switch mounted on a satin aluminum pickguard, EMG™ 57 and 66 pickups with chrome covers, a recessed output jack on the upper horn, and a LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece. Charlie Parra’s signature is engraved on the truss rod cover, and his Vanguard is finished in Candy Apple Red Gloss. 

“I’m so humbled and honored to be part of the Gibson family as their first South American signature artist thanks to the comeback of Kramer,” says Charlie Parra. “This limited-edition Kramer Vanguard honors the classic 80s look and vibe with a twist of modern hardware, 24 fret madness and full access cutaway. I hope guitar players everywhere enjoy this instrument that may look tough, and heavy, but plays really smooth!”

Watch and share the new KRAMER signature artist panel featuring Tracii Guns, Snake Sabo, Charlie Parra and host Mark Agnesi, Director of Brand Experience at Gibson Brands: HERE.

KRAMER Original Collection:Original Collection guitar specs: HERE. 

The KRAMER heads back to basics with the Original Collection of guitars which capture the look and feel of the original shredder guitar. Utilizing the best tone woods, components, neck profiles, and iconic body shapes, these guitars take players back in time to experience guitars made famous by legendary guitar heroes. The new Original Collection which includes the Baretta Special, and Focus VT -211S which are some of the most influential guitars in rock history and designed for new players to discover KRAMER at an affordable price. Crossing over into the higher-end rock classics, KRAMER brings in the Jersey Star, Pacer, SM-1, NightSwan, The 84, the Baretta and all of the iconic models that changed the guitar world forever. 

KRAMER Modern Collection:Modern Collection guitar specs: HERE. 

The KRAMER Modern Collection add a present-day twist on killer classic designs. Be on the lookout for guitars with new neck-to-body joints, contemporary hardware and tremolo options, cutting-edge pickups and electronic options for a wider range of tonal possibilities, and other options geared toward players that want to launch into hyperspace all with the Kramer DNA intact. KRAMER’sModern Collection features innovative design with classic lines including the Assault 220, Assault Plus, Nite-V, Nite-V Plus, and KRAMER’s premier bass, the D-1 Bass and more.

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: 2021, announces, artist, collections, kramer, modern, ...
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