On the heels of their first-ever virtual acoustic radio tour Acoustour and after teasing fans for days on social media, Los Angeles rockers Black Veil Brides have released the full details of their upcoming 6th studio album, The Phantom Tomorrow. The new album is scheduled for release on June 4th via Sumerian Records and is a concept record based on a story idea created by vocalist Andy Biersack. The album is comprised of a dozen tracks and has spawned the current Top 20 Active Rock single “Scarlet Cross.” The cover artwork for The Phantom Tomorrow was created by Eliran Kantor – known for his work with Testament, Hatebreed, Havok and Andy Black to name a few. The Phantom Tomorrow is produced by Erik Ron (Godsmack, Dance Gavin Dance, Bush) and co-produced by guitarist Jake Pitts – is available for pre-order in various bundle configurations here: www.phantomtomorrow.com.
To coincide with the announcement of The Phantom Tomorrow, Black Veil Brides are releasing the next music video from the upcoming album. The video for “Fields Of Bone” marks the directorial debut by vocalist Andy Biersack. Backed by guitarists Jake Pitts and Jinxx, bassist Lonny Eagleton and drummer Christian Coma; the video picks up where the “Scarlet Cross” video (http://smarturl.it/scarletcross) left off. The main character “The Blackbird” returns to square off against “9,” his adversary depicted throughout the “Fields OF Bone” video. He has been used in the band’s tease posts all week. The video also showcases the new look the band will be utilizing throughout the entire cycle for The Phantom Tomorrow. The video for “Fields Of Bone” can be seen here: https://youtu.be/JR37XyIXqPg.
The track listing for The Phantom Tomorrow is:
1) The Phantom Tomorrow (introduction)
2) Scarlet Cross
3) Born Again
4) Blackbird
5) Spectres (Interlude)
6) Torch
7) The Wicked One
8) Shadows Rise
9) Fields Of Bone
10) Crimson Sky
11) Kill The Hero
12) Fall Eternal
Photo Credit: Joshua Shultz L to R: Christian Coma (Drums), Jinxx (Guitars), Andy Biersack (Vocals), Jake Pitts (Guitars), Lonny Eagleton (Bass)
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!
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.
Atreyu have announced their new album Baptize, out June 4 via Spinefarm Records. Pre-order it here.
The band has shared not one but two brand new songs from the record.
Listen to the anthemic “Warrior,” featuring Travis Barker, and “Underrated.”
“‘Warrior‘ is song about persistence and never giving up,” the band shares. “We hope this song can be the puzzle piece that helps people realize that we ALL have the capacity for greatness. Sometimes, greatness can exist in the shadows and lives buried under negativity, trauma, or anxiety. ‘Warrior’ is about searching through all of that endless darkness to finally find the sunrise.”
Atreyu continues, “When we wrote ‘Warrior,’ the idea to do a big marching drum break came about. We wanted it to feel like a hometown football game. Travis Barker was the perfect person to bring this to life. It’s cool to have him be a part of the song and to perform in a different light than what people may be used to.”
About “Underrated,” the band says, “We’ve always had to prove ourselves. We’ve never been handed anything nor have we taken any shortcuts. It’s never been ‘the easy way.’ Over two decades later, we’re still making our mark.”
“In The Beginning” New Album Coming June 19th – Pre-Orders Available Now
2019 saw the CRO-MAGS crushing the masses with the release of their first pieces of music in 19 years. Today, the legendary hardcore pioneers have released a music video for the previously released single “From The Grave,” featuring former Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell. The band’s first full length album in 20 years, titled In The Beginning, will be available on June 19th via Mission Two Entertainment.
“The idea for the video is that I’m rising from the grave and going on a mission…like I came back from the dead to become the Grim Reaper himself,” explains CRO-MAGSfounder, bassist and vocalist Harley Flanagan on the clip. “I think anybody who knows the history of this band and of my life will get it. It starts off at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, where I will be buried with my family and in-laws. In the opening shot, the grave I’m in front of is actually my mother’s.”
As CRO-MAGS toured with Motorhead in 1986, Flanagan adds, “Phil is one of my favorite guitarists of all time and I still can’t believe I have him playing on one of my songs! I am so honored. The footage of Phil was shot by his son Todd Campbell at his recording studio in Wales, UK.”
“From The Grave” is the second video following last year’s “No One’s Victim,” which was the CRO-MAGS first music video in 27 years.
In The Beginning will be released on June 19, 2020 on CD, limited edition yellow or red cassettes, and the following vinyl formats:
Yellow/orange/black sunburst
Transparent orange w/ yellow splatter
Orange Crush
Ultra-clear w/ orange and yellow splatter (Indie retail exclusive)
Proceeds From Ticket Sales To Benefit Heavenly Pets Animal Rescue and Live Nation’s Crew Nation Fund Tickets now available here: https://lnk.to/steelpantherlive
California rock legends and global philanthropists Steel Panther are gearing up for another first in their long and distinguished career. The band is going to be playing their first ever, completely live around the globe, socially distance abiding (band members will be 6’ away from each other too), virtual concert that they are calling the Concert To Save The World. The concert will take place on Sunday, June 7thfrom a sanitized, undisclosed location in Los Angeles that will feature full stage production and use multiple cameras to stream the event live on www.steelpantherrocks.com.
The show will be live at 2:00PM Los Angeles time, 5:00PM New York City time, 10:00PM (22:00) London time, 11:00PM (23:00) Berlin time, 5:00AM (Monday morning) Hong Kong time and 7:00AM (Monday morning) Sydney time. The band will take breaks during the show and interact with the fans live around the globe. Tickets for the virtual concert will cost $15.00 each with proceeds from each ticket sold going to benefit Heavenly Pets Animal Rescue (the location that hosted the band’s recently announced All Day Kitty Cam) and Live Nation’s Crew Nation Fund (benefitting all touring personnel affected by the Covid-19 pandemic).
Any fan who has purchased the band’s latest effect pedal The Butthole Burner prior to the concert will get a free ticket to the event. The band will also be giving away 3 pedals live during the event as well as a guitar, merchandise from longtime sponsor Monster Energy including a year’s supply of Monster, a Jambox, skateboard and other items. The Concert To Save The World is being sponsored by Monster Energy and tickets are available here: https://lnk.to/steelpantherlive.
“This concert is guaranteed to, at the very least, have our microphones plugged in and facing the right direction.,” explains Steel Panther. “We feel like heavy metal hasn’t been represented in any recent broadcasts. It is time to bring spandex and hairspray back to the forefront and ripping guitar solos into your living rooms. Additionally, Steel Panther would like to inform you that it is totally legal to attend this concert naked!”
Steel Panther has been making headlines with their daily video vignettes helping folks sheltering-in-place know what day of the week it is. A short musical intro gives way to a band member explaining which day it is for their viewers. The series has gained such popularity that various entertainment friends have made cameos as well. Comedy legend George Lopez recorded a special video for Cinco de Mayo and joins a list that includes Corey Taylor of Slipknot/Stone Sour, Scott Ian of Anthrax, Jason Hook of Five Finger Death Punch, and Joey Fatone of ‘N Sync with more surprises forthcoming. The videos can be seen on all social media platforms.
The band also recently released a music video for their newest single “Let’s Get High Tonight” from their chart-topping album Heavy Metal Rules (https://lnk.to/HeavyMetalRules). The Frankie Nasso directed video puts the heavy metal heroes in various musical styles including a black metal band, a Spanish mariachi band, a boy band, a Baroque classical quartet, and a country/western band. That video can be seen here: https://youtu.be/_l6sbhjm8pk.
ABOUT STEEL PANTHER: For the uninitiated, Steel Panther was formed in 2000 and is comprised of Michael Starr (lead singer), Satchel (guitarist), Lexxi Foxx (bass) and Stix Zadinia (drums). Hailing from Los Angeles, the epicenter for rock n’ roll in all its debauchery and glamour, Steel Panther has established themselves as the world’s premier party band, melding hard rock virtuosity with parody and criminally good looks. Steel Panther is a global phenomenon with four full-length albums, touring across the world, platinum-level You Tube status and high-profile television appearances such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, Larry King Now, and FOX NFL Sunday. Rolling Stone avowed, “There’s a reason Steel Panther have transcended their origins as a cover band playing the Sunset Strip,” while Metal Sucks declared, Steel Panther’s concept is genius…their songwriting is…preposterously snappy – and relatable.”
Shred guitar pioneer Michael Angelo Batio will release his 12th studio album More Machine Than Man on June 12th via Rat Pak Records. The album features 13 new studio tracks and is the highly anticipated follow up to 2013’s Intermezzo. More Machine Than Man is an all instrumental shred album from the Fastest Guitarist On The Planet that’s sure to resonate with past fans, as well as garner new fans along the way. From the infectious guitar riffs from album openers “Laser Guided” and “The Badlands”, to the crushing bonus-track finale of “No Backup Plan” Michael has created something truly special and engaging.
Mixed and Mastered by longtime Batio engineer Chris Wisco, the album also features guest performances by Chris Adler(Lamb of God), lending his drum skills on the tracks “More Machine Than Man” and “The Two Sirens”. Also appearing on the album is renowned bassist Victor Wooten who performs on “AVTD”, and guitar virtuoso Andrea Martongelli who guest solos on “The Countdown Is On”.
Regarding the release, Michael comments, “This is the most “in your face” album I have ever recorded. I limited the use of keyboards so you can hear the detail and precision of the rhythm guitars. My goals were to write the best songs I could, keep the tracks as raw and natural as possible and make the grooves relentless! I’m borrowing a quote by NITRO singer Jim Gillette that I think describes this album perfectly – “If this album doesn’t rock your socks off, call the coroner ‘cause you must be dead!””
Photo credit: Marie Gregorio-Oviedo
With heavy rhythm riffs, blazing guitar solos and rock-solid grooves More Machine Than Man delivers all the power and punch that one would expect from this high-level player and is sure to be a favorite of shred lovers around the globe!
Michael Angelo Batio showcased his guitar techniques and innovations for the first time with his early instructional programs, as well as in his live performances, which are now considered “standard techniques” amongst guitarists worldwide. Michael not only invented but was the world’s first player of the double-guitar and was also voted one of the World’s Top 100 Guitarists Of All Time by Guitar World Magazine. He also holds the YouTube record for his instructional video “Speed Kills”, the highest views for a guitarist coming in at over 21 million!
[Photo Credit: Abe Robinson at blind 7 Photography]
For the better part of the past five years, top-charting masked metal machine MUSHROOMHEAD have been crafting the epic follow up to their monumental 2014 full-length album, The Righteous & The Butterfly – waiting ever-so-patiently to drop their next collection of anthems. The Cleveland collective make their prodigious return with the new full-length oeuvre, A Wonderful Life – the eighth release of their benchmark career – out June 19, 2020 via Napalm Records.
Available in several enticing formats, A Wonderful Life clocks in at a whopping 70+ minutes with its four bonus tracks – leaving a total of 17 stellar compositions in its wake for fans to devour. A Wonderful Life is accented by the sharp production of band mastermind/drummer Skinny, as well as the standout mixing prowess of Matt Wallace (Faith No More, 3 Doors Down), also recognized for his work on the band’s classic offering XIII.
Today, MUSHROOMHEAD have dropped their first new single – the arena-ready anthem “Seen It All”. The hair-raising earworm will have listeners chanting along in no time and is surefire proof that MUSHROOMHEAD are back in prime form. New full-time vocalist Mr. Rauckhorst leads the pack in an apropos cry for societal unity and marks a confident return for the band. Sing along and watch the new music video for “Seen It All” below.
Watch the new official music video and listen to “Seen It All” HERE:
At its start, an ominous choir invites the listener into A Wonderful Life – introductory track “A Requiem For Tomorrow” smoothly shifts into an industrial-metal inspired, grooving punch to the gut juxtaposed with a melodic, synth-laden chorus. This sets the stage for stocky, chant-worthy anthems such as “Seen It All” and hair-raising, politically-inclined tracks like “The Heresy” and “Carry On”, both featuring the sinister multi-voice attack of new full-time vocalist Ms. Jackie and returning longtime vocalist J Mann, with an extra strike from aforementioned new vocalist Mr. Rauckhorst on the latter. Tracks like “What A Shame”, “I Am The One” and “Madness Within” will prove a treat for new and diehard MUSHROOMHEAD fans alike – providing the macabre inspiration followers have come to crave with a weighty dose of galloping drums and bone-rattling guitars, to boot.
MUSHROOMHEAD attacks track after track with a refreshed focus, delivering a carefully-curated selection of certified future hits. A Wonderful Life re-cements the band’s position as one of the most consistently impactful heavy bands of our generation.
[Cover Art: Gus Fink]
A Wonderful Life Tracklist: 1. A Requiem for Tomorrow 2. Madness Within 3. Seen it All 4. The Heresy 5. What a Shame 6. Pulse 7. Carry On 8. The Time has Come 9. 11th Hour 10. I am the One 11. The Flood 12. Where the End Begins 13. Confutatis 14. To the Front (Bonus Track) 15. Sound of Destruction (Bonus Track) 16. Another Ghost (Bonus Track) 17. Lacrimosa (Bonus Track)
A Wonderful Life will be available in the following formats*: – CD Digipak – 2 LP Gatefold Black + Mask- Digital Album – 2 LP Gatefold Gold / Black Inkspot + Mask – CD Digipak + Cover T-Shirt Bundle – 2 LP Gatefold Gold / Black Inkspot + Mask + Cover T-Shirt Bundle – US Mailorder Only – 2 LP Gatefold Black + Mask + Cover T-Shirt Bundle – USA Mailorder Only – Skateboard ONLY – CD Digipak + Skateboard – USA Mailorder Only – 2 LP Gatefold Black + Mask + Skateboard – USA Mailorder Only – 2 LP Gatefold Gold / Black Inkspot + Mask + Skateboard Bundle – USA Mailorder Only – CD Digipak + Cover T-Shirt + Skateboard Bundle – USA Mailorder Only – 2 LP Gatefold Black + Mask + Cover T-Shirt + Skateboard Bundle – USA Mailorder Only – 2 LP Gatefold Gold / Black Inkspot + Mask + Cover T-Shirt + Skateboard Bundle – USA Mailorder Only
*All first edition vinyl pressings of A Wonderful Life include a cardboard punch out mask to help you become the next member of MUSHROOMHEAD!
Attention “Toy Story” fans, this announcement is for YOU!
On Sunday, June 23rd, the “Toy Story 4” Summer Road Trip will be making a stop in the Kansas City area. A “Toy Story 4”-themed RV will roll into Kansas City, featuring photo opportunities for fans, film-themed prizes, carnival games and lots of family-friendly fun.
Local “Toy Story” fans are invited to take part in the activities. Two film ambassadors will be on hand to share details about fan-favorite characters—Woody, Buzz, Bo Peep—as well as new characters coming to the big screen—Forky, Bunny, Ducky and Duke Caboom, among others—learn more about this all-new adventure.
The event will be held at the AMC Town Center 20, 11701 Nall Ave. in Leawood, Kansas and will run from 10:00 am through 3:00 pm.
California punks Dad Brains return with their latest 7″ colored vinyl/EP ‘Dadditude’ on June 14. The 4 track EP will be available digitally via all DSPs on June 7th.
Frontman Pat Pedraza says, “I’ve never heard of a Fathers Day song in my life, so I was like, hey, we might actually do something original???? Hahahaha. As most of us know, it’s kinda challenging to be original nowadays. I couldn’t ask for anything more with this video and the fun we had shooting it. Families, friends, and kids getting together, kids playing instruments, getting food and water balloons launched at us, and a 20-year-old with a camera filming it…This was the highlight of my musical career so far!!!!
This band of new dads/longtime musicians (members have been in bands such as No Motiv,The Missing 23rd,Creep Division, and The F-ing Wrath) started out as a creative outlet to share the trials, tribulations, and awesome-ness of dadhood. Their 2018 self-titled EP caught on with listeners and a legion of like-minded moms and dads, which led to the split ‘MerryX-Mas’ EP with fellow punk parents The Ramoms, released last winter.
With their latest EP ‘Dadditude’, Dad Brains continue to mine their shared experiences of fatherhood on new tracks that examine the fears, anxieties and sheer joy that all parents experience.
Dad Brains will be playing a pair of local Ventura, CA shows around the release of “Dadditude” on June 14 and 16. See show flyer below.
The pioneers of wizard rock return with a double LP chronicling the all-too-relevant events of the seventh Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
“The Potters specialize in lo-fi indie rock, sung from the perspective of the protagonist, played by both [Paul] DeGeorge and his brother Joe. Musically, they take cues from the nerdy meanderings of They Might Be Giants and Magnetic Fields, adding on silly lyrics sourced from the books’ plot lines.”-Rolling Stone ” …a gimmick, a daydream, and a beautiful geeky power-fantasy all wrapped in one… they wrote music about what they adored, they had no fear, and along the way they fostered a beautiful thing.” VICE’s Noisey
On June 21st, wizard rock pioneers Harry and the Potters (Paul and Joe DeGeorge), will release their first full-length album since 2006: Lumos. Using the magic of rock and roll, it chronicles the events of the seventh and final Harry Potter book where J.K. Rowling’s teen wizard and his friends are on the run from a xenophobic, authoritarian regime and must work diligently to take down a dark wizard who capitalizes on fear and emboldens supremacist wizards. In other words, the subject matter of Lumos is extremely relevant. Harry and the Potters will embark on their first national tour of libraries since 2011 in support of the new album.
Lumos was first announced to Harry and the Potters’ fans with a Kickstarter campaign on April 23rd, doubling its funding goal within 24 hours of launch.
Lumos is an album for this political moment. For the parents raising a younger generation reading these books for the first time, it’s an opportunity to connect the dots: the systems facilitating oppression in the wizard world – state-run media, children being separated from their mixed-blood parents, surveillance systems, and pureblood supremacy – strongly echo the daily reality of creeping neo-fascism. For the generation of Harry Potter fans that has grown up into a world where cartoonish villains occupy the halls of power, it’s a reminder that there is a pathway forward. Now is the time for Dumbledore’s Army, for the Order of the Phoenix. We are being called upon to become the heroes that this moment necessitates.
Paul DeGeorge tells Rolling Stone, “we’re hoping that parents and their young kids might see us play at the library, hear a song explicitly critiquing pureblood supremacy and then later have a real discussion about white supremacy and how it manifests in their own lives.”
These are wizard fight songs, but there are also songs about riding dragons, magic pictures of cats, and using cool spells while camping. There is even a platonic friendship power ballad duet with Kimya Dawson, who makes a special guest appearance as Hermione Granger. Truly there is something here for the whole family – especially if the whole family is invested in defeating Voldemort.
Tracklist:
1. Lumos
2. You’re Not the Wizard
3. Good Riddance (Privet Drive)
4. The Trace
5. On the Importance of Media Literacy Under Authoritarian Rule
6. Hermione’s Army
7. What Happened to the Cat?
8. The Banality of Evil (Song for Albert Runcorn)
9. Gone Campin’
10. Where’s Ron? (featuring Kimya Dawson as Hermione Granger)
June 21 – Gloucester, MA – Sawyer Free Library June 22 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo and Erie County Public Library June 23 – London, ON – The Rec Room June 24 – Toronto, ON – The Rec Room June 26 – Ann Arbor, MI – Ann Arbor District Downtown Library June 28 – Athens, OH – Athens Public Library June 29 – Louisville, KY – Louisville Free Public Library June 30 – Chicago, IL – Beat Kitchen July 1 – DeForest, WI – DeForest Area Public Library July 2 – Dubuque, IA – Eagle Point Park (rain location: Carnegie-Stout Public Library) July 3 – Minneapolis, MN – Cedar Cultural Center July 4 – Rapid City, SD – Memorial Park Bandshell July 5 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Strings Music Festival July 6 – Boulder, CO – Band Shell in Central Park July 7 – Denver, CO – Mercury Cafe July 8 – Provo, UT – Provo Library at Academy Square July 9 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court July 12 – Missoula, MT – Missoula Public Library July 13 – Calgary, AB – The Rec Room July 14 – Edmonton, AB – The Rec Room July 16 – Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Public Library July 17 – Anacortes, WA – Causland Park July 18 – Olympia, WA – Olympia Timberland Library July 19 – Seattle, WA – Seattle Public Library July 20 – Portland, OR – St. Johns Library July 20 – Portland, OR – Gresham Library July 21 – Eugene, OR – Downtown Eugene Public Library July 23 – Santa Clara, CA – Northside Branch Library July 24 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill July 25 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Public Library Main Branch July 27 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Public Library July 30 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour July 31 – Huntington Beach, CA – Huntington Beach Public Library August 1 – Las Vegas, NV – Clark County Library August 2 – Phoenix, AZ – Burton Barr Central Library August 3 – Tucson, AZ – Flowing Wells Branch Library August 4 – El Paso, TX – El Paso Public Library August 5 – San Antonio, TX – The Magik Theater August 6 – Houston, TX – Houston Public Library – Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza August 7 – New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Public Library – Main Library August 8 – Ridgeland, MS – Ridgeland Public Library August 9 – Dallas, TX – LeakyCon August 11 – Dallas, TX – Renner Frankford Branch Library August 12 – Austin, TX – Mohawk August 14 – Shawnee, KS – Monticello Library August 15 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa City County Library – Hardesty Regional Library August 16 – Springfield, MO – The Library Center August 18 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Public Library August 20 – Washington, DC – Woodridge Library August 21 – Lewes, DE – Lewes Public Library August 22 – Brooklyn, NY – Knitting Factory August 24 – Boston, MA – Boston Public Library (Dartmouth Street Steps)
Harry and the Potters are the first wizard rock band. They play songs exclusively about the Harry Potter books. The band consists of brothers Joe and Paul DeGeorge. They grew up in a suburban Boston house that has a cupboard under the stairs. Since 2002, Harry and the Potters have performed over 800 shows in libraries, rock clubs, art spaces, bookstores, basements, and all ages venues all over the world. Their high-energy live show has become legendary. Pitchfork placed the band in their Best Live Shows of 2005 list noting, “the greatest rock and roll tour of the year took place this past summer in public libraries across America… The Decemberists wish they could lit-rock like this.”
Inspired by equal parts Fugazi and They Might Be Giants, Bruce Springsteen and Negativland, the band continues to occupy a bizarre niche that brings their DIY punk ethos to the fandom of a mainstream cultural phenomena. Their commitment to playing all ages shows has meant extensive touring in unconventional spaces like libraries (where a large number of teens and pre-teens undoubtedly saw their first concert ever). As fandom and convention culture has gone mainstream – and in the process become increasingly corporatized – over the past decade, it feels refreshing to see a free Harry and the Potters show at the local library.
The band helped co-found the pioneering fan activist organization The Harry Potter Alliance and were profiled in the 2008 documentary We Are Wizards. With their annual Yule Balls (2005-present) and the Wizard Rock EP Club (which released albums from over 30 different wizard rock bands between 2007-2009), the band has raised over $100,000 for the Harry Potter Alliance and other literature-related charities.
In 2019, they will release Lumos, their first full-length album in over a decade, and will embark on an extensive summer tour of libraries across the United States.
Gold & Grey album cover; original painting by John Baizley
Baroness release their eagerly-awaited new album, Gold & Grey, on June 14 via Abraxan Hymns.
The band has simultaneously released a video for the song “Borderlines” (https://youtu.be/tQX_oVVORFU), which saw its live performance debut at Baroness’s tour kick off last Friday in Houston.
“Our goal is, was, and will always be to write increasingly superior, more honest and compelling songs, and to develop a more unique and challenging sound,” offered Baroness founder, guitar player and vocalist John Baizley. “I’m sure we have just finished our best, most adventurous album to date. We dug incredibly deep, challenged ourselves and recorded a record I’m positive we could never again replicate. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to know Sebastian, Nick and Gina as both my bandmates and my friends. They have pushed me to become a better songwriter, musician and vocalist. We’re all extremely excited for this release, which includes quite a few ‘firsts’ for the band, and we’re thrilled to be back on tour to play these psychotic songs for our fans. Expect some surprises.”
While Gold & Grey found the outfit once again working with Purple producer Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Mogwai), sequestering themselves at Fridmann’s remote upstate New York Tarbox Road Studio, the 17-track album ushered in two significant changes: a decidedly different recording process and guitar player Gina Gleason’s debut on a Baroness recording. The band, who tracked portions of the vocals, guitars and overdubs in Baizley’s home-basement studio, another first for the band, eschewed their normal routine of entering the studio with meticulously detailed plans and instead opted for a looser, more improvisational approach that resulted in the band’s most collaborative and emotionally evocative release to date.
“On Gold & Grey we have taken some unexpected paths on a labyrinthine sonic adventure. We accepted sounds and styles that have not appeared on previous Baroness albums, and I’m excited to welcome our fans into our new lair,” added drummer Sebastian Thomson. “Having the chance to create music without any preconceived boundaries was both liberating and intimidating,” explains guitar player Gina Gleason. “As we pushed past our fear and comfort zone, the four of us connected in a way that allowed us to create freely, uplift one another and build the unique sonic world that is Gold & Grey. As a longtime Baroness listener, it is exciting to have created something new while still maintaining a deep love and understanding of the band’s roots. To say that the making of this record was quite a journey would be an understatement. We are beyond excited to share this experience and music with everyone!”
Baroness tour dates (co-headline w/Deafheaven; Zeal & Ardor open on all dates):
March 14 Anaheim, CA House of Blues Anaheim
March 16 Berkeley, CA The UC Theatre
March 18 Portland, OR Roseland Theater
March 19 Seattle, WA The Showbox
March 20 Vancouver, BC Vogue Theatre
March 22 Edmonton, AB Union Hall
March 23 Calgary, AB The Palace Theatre
March 24 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
March 26 Salt Lake City, UT The Complex
March 27 Denver, CO The Ogden Theater
March 29 Minneapolis, MN Skyway Theatre
March 30 Madison, WI The Sylvee
March 31 Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre
April 2 Toronto, ON Danforth Music Hall
April 3 Montreal, QC Corona Theatre
April 5 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
April 6 Worcester, MA The Palladium
April 7 Albany, NY Upstate Concert Hall
April 9 Cleveland, OH Agora Theater
April 10 Silver Spring, MD The Fillmore
April 12 New York, NY Terminal 5
April 13 Philadelphia, PA Decibel Metal & Beer Fest (The Fillmore Philadelphia)
Photo credit: Pam Strohm
Gold & Grey track list:
Front Toward Enemy
I’m Already Gone
Seasons
Sevens
Tourniquet
Anchor’s Lament
Throw Me An Anchor
I’d Do Anything
Blankets of Ash
Emmett-Radiating Light
Cold Blooded Angels
Crooked Mile
Broken Halo
Can Oscura
Borderlines
Assault on East Falls
Pale Sun
Album pre-orders (http://smarturl.it/baroness-goldandgrey) are available now with various limited-edition vinyl and merch bundles available as well as digital pre-orders that include an instant download of “Borderlines.”
MAPLEWOOD, N.J., and WATFORD, United Kingdom – April 5, 2018 – Saber Interactive and Wired Productions have revealed with a new trailer today that Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn will launch globally on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™ and Windows PC on June 5, 2018. The full game will be available for digital download on those platforms for $19.99. Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn will also be bundled as a physical boxed product with unannounced DLC at major retailers for $29.99 on the PlayStation®4 system and Xbox One and $39.99 on Nintendo Switch.
Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn is an action-packed beat ‘em up starring the one and only Big Diesel himself: Shaquille O’Neal. Battle the hordes of Hollywood and hell on a one-man journey to avenge your fallen home and martial arts master. Beat down foes with devastating combos, face off against outlandish celebrity bosses, and unleash your fury with a variety of hard-hitting weapons and power-ups.
Saber has previously announced that anyone who purchased NBA Playgrounds on Nintendo Switch prior to June 10, 2017, will receive a free copy of Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn on Switch upon release. In addition, Saber will share more specifics in the future regarding timing and delivery of rewards for Indiegogo backers of Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborndirectly via the game’s Indiegogo page.
Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn is a co-production of Saber Interactive and Big Deez Productions and published in partnership with Wired Productions and Mad Dog Games. This game is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB.
About Saber Interactive
Based in the U.S., Russia, and Spain, Saber Interactive is an independent developer whose credits include Quake Champions, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo: Master Chief Collection, and others. Saber’s most recent release, NBA Playgrounds, is one of the best-selling digital console titles of 2017. The company has multiple development studios across the world making great games and bringing fun interactive experiences to life.
About Wired Productions Ltd
Wired Productions is a leading video games publisher based in Watford, UK. Founded in 2008 and shortlisted by MCV for Indie Publish of the Year 2018, Wired have produced and published award-winning titles across all major platforms. Bringing games to market in both physical and digital media, notable launches to date include Super Dungeon Bros, Victor Vran: Overkill Edition, Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and The Town of Light.
PAW Patrol is on a roll with the first-ever live tour! It’s the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found. PAW Patrol to the rescue! For the mission, Ryder summons Chase, Marshall, Skye, Zuma, Rubble, Rocky, and the newest pup, Everest. Their mission is to rescue Mayor Goodway and run the race in her place. Using each of their unique skills and teamwork, the pups make several heroic rescues on their race to the finish line.
Show date: June 24 & 25, 2017
Show time: Show times vary
Tickets start at $21.75
Walt Disney Theater
A VStar Entertainment Production. Presented by Pedigree
Be a VIP – Very Important Pup!
VIP package includes:
Premium seat
Special Gift
Exclusive access to a Meet & Greet with Chase, Ryder and Skye after the show
Each adult & child in a group must have a VIP ticket. Pick up your VIP Packet at the VIP Check in table prior to the show. One adult may accompany up to 4 children. For any remaining questions, please contact info@vstarentertainment.com.
FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando presents Finding Neverland
This breathtaking smash “captures the kid-at-heart” (Time Magazine). Vogue cheers, “it’s a must-see you’ll remember for years to come!” Directed by visionary Tony winner Diane Paulus, Finding Neverland tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever.
Show dates: Tuesday-Sunday, June 6-11, 2017
Show times vary
Tickets start at $33.75
Walt Disney Theater
ARCADEA (MASTODON, ZRUDA, WITHERED) SIGN WITH
RELAPSE RECORDS; NEW ALBUM OUT JUNE 16TH
April 19, 2017 – Los Angeles, CA – Hailing from the fringes of the cosmos, Arcadea, will make their arrival known in 2017 with a debut, self-titled album due out on June 16th. Today, the synth/psych band has announced they have inked a deal with Relapse Records to release the record. Pre-orders and new music will be announced in the coming weeks.
Arcadea was born when drummer-vocalist Brann Dailor (Mastodon) teamed up with upside-down guitarist & keyboardist Core Atoms (Zruda) to create a synth-laden progressive, heavy psych band. Adding guitarist Raheem Amlani (Withered) on synth, the three recorded their visionary,10 song synth odyssey at Orange Peel Studios in Atlanta, GA. The self-titled debut record will see its release via Relapse Records this June.
Unlike their other bands, Arcadea uses only keyboards in a unique blend of crushing, organic drums and psychedelic synthesizers. The music is at once electronic but not electronica, synthetic but not processed, heavy but not metal.
The album envisions a future 5 billion years from now, where the impending collision of galaxies creates a new order of planets. Where cold, distant moons pledge alliance to new suns and expanding gas giants implode into black holes. Ancient drones, forever adrift, record toxic tales of love between dying stars. Where lifeforms in suspended animation, dream among the ice rings of Saturn and cosmic war wages among gods and planets. It is in this universe that Arcadea reign supreme as the last surviving space wizards since the final extinction.
