September 2010


Alternative rock powerhouse group Slant has been doing nothing BUT touring, making music, and getting their groove on. With that said two of the four members, Fahim Zaman (vocals/guitar) and Munir Haque (guitar) caught up with me to discuss the band's current plans for the remainder of this year and what we can expect as of next year.

1. You licensed the song "Lying and Bleeding" into an MMA film by Longsgate/Grindstone, how did this all happen?

Munir: KROQ and our management team PCM live made it happen for us. They used our song called Lying and Bleeding. It fits well with the MMA fighting world.

2. KROQ's Locals Only has been hitting the mark hard when it comes to "All I'm Good For" so I take it it's gotten a big reception?

Munir: Yeah thanks to Kat Corbett and our fans, the song has been making a lot of appearances on the local’s only show.

Fahim: Yeah thank you KROQ and all the peeps that have called in for the song. I can’t believe it’s still hittin strong, it’s been a year so far and it still comes back on, And it’s shown in our shows as well....a lot more peeps have been comin down... So def. thank you’s to Kat & everyone at the station and everyone for calling in. KEEP CALLING GUYS!!!

3. You have been selected to play at the Ford Fiesta Lounge Show happening at the Escondido Street Fair, what can be expected from that event?

Fahim: Just expecting to have a good time and playing a good show out there in Escondido, And to check out some cool cars from ford of course. The show is put on as part of the contest “Gimmie the Gig” from Ford, so along with writing a little song that goes with the motto, they asked us to do a short set to entertain the audience at the fair.

4. Speaking of performances you guys also played in this year's Sunset Strip Music Festival, how did that turn out for you guys?

Munir: The sunset music fest was a lot of fun. The guys from P.O.D are very cool and so were all the bands on the bill.
Ilya: It was a blast, the place was packed and we met a lot of new people and had a great time on stage.

5. Have you had any luck in getting signed or had any offers from any labels?

Fahim: Still in the works, we’ve been talking to a couple labels but nothing is where we would like it at so far, so we’re gonna keep playing and doing what we do and if it happens then it happens…Until then we will push along with our d.i.y. methods that show solid success.



6. How about writing have you written any new material since we last talked? Have any upcoming releases in store or not yet?

Munir: We have re arranged some of our tunes into acoustic tracks which we will be recording very soon along with a new track.

Fahim: Yah and we’ve been writing alot and have a lot of songs kinda half way there....early on next year we’ll have stuff ready and released. The acoustic stuff will be out in the next couple months...

7. What else does 2010 have in store for Slant for the remainder of this year leading into next year?

Fahim: We have a bunch of dates coming up in October....We love doing Halloween shows so this year we’re doing the Dark Harbor event on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, along with a couple other spots around L.A. and O.C. Come out and it’ll be a good time...

8. Is there anything else you'd like to say to your fans?

Fahim: Thanks for sticking with us and all the support...Keep hittin us up on Myspace and Facebook, we love talking to ya guys...2010 was kickass....2011 will be even better...See ya at the shows!..... :)



No matter how many bands fall they still manage to pull themselves together. This is precisely what happened with the likes of Chiodos. Having such a success with their first two full-length albums “All's Well That Ends Well”, and “Bone Palace Ballet”, and then dealing with the loss of their former lead singer Craigery Owens, everything abruptly came to a halt. There was no denying that Chiodos would ever be the same again....

With "Illuminaudio", being their third release via Equal Vision Records, Chiodos would live on to see yet another day in a whole another light. After Owens had parted ways, fans were thinking rather or not how and would Chiodos continue to make music. Indeed the band had decided to continue to create music and included their new vocalist Brandon Bolmer formerly of Yesterday's Rising who’s managed to settle in just fine. The title track to the album drives it into.

The title track to the album is what opens it up going right into what Bolmer was sent here to do. Now whether you like Bolmer or not he is indeed a great addition to the Chiodos family and is a top notch character that is just as Owen was. His abilities are what builds this album and makes it a solid ground for greater things. Like take "Love Is A Cat From Hell", and "Modern Wolf Hair", both showcase the group's progressive talents that have catchy chorus' with gang vocal tactics that holds the music together. Each of which are heavy yet raw emotion that is expressed thoroughly well.

As the album continues to progress it becomes more diverse and captures directional pulls in various segments being heavy on one side but then mellow dramatic on another. The riffs played through tend to skip on certain tracks like "Let Us Burn One" and "Hey Zeus! The Dungeon", these tracks being the least impressive on this release. "Illuminaudio" comes off to being a better sweet end to lack of music that manages to rebuild a bit too much.



NEURAXIS, BELPHEGOR, BLACKGUARD and PATHOLOGY will also be on the bill. The run will kick off in Atlanta, GA on February 15th and conclude in Tempe, AZ on March 10th.

Their upcoming dates are as follows:


2/15        Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade *
2/16         Charlotte, NC - Tremont Music Hall *
2/17         Raleigh, NC - Volume 11 *
2/18         Philadelphia, PA - The Trocadero *
2/19        Rochester, NY - Montage Music Hall *
2/20        Worcester, MA - The Palladium *
2/21         New York, NY - The Gramercy Theatre *
2/22        Quebec City,  QUE -  Imperial de Quebec *
2/23         Montreal, QUE - Cafe Campus *
2/24        London, ONT - Music Hall *
2/25         Toronto, ONT -  Opera House *
2/26        Chicago, IL - Reggie Rock Club *
2/27         Detroit, MI - Blondie's *
2/28         Louisville, KY - Headliner's Music Hall *
3/1          Tulsa, OK - Marquee *
3/2          Denver, CO -  Bluebird Theater *
3/4         Seattle, WA - El Corazon *
3/5          Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre *
3/7          Las Vegas, NV - Cheyenne Saloon *
3/8          Los Angeles, CA - Key Club *
3/9/         San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick *
3/10        Tempe, AZ - Clubhouse *
* w/ Deicide


Scranton, PA metallers Motionless In White are thrilled to reveal the cover art and track listing for their debut album Creatures. Recorded in Ocala, FL with Andrew Wade (A Day To Remember, The Word Alive), the album is set for release on October 12th, 2010.

Track listing:

1. Immaculate Misconception
2. We Only Come Out At Night
3. London In Terror
4. Abigail
5. Creatures
6, Cobwebs
7. .Com Pt. II
8. Count Choculitis
9. City Lights
10. Puppets (The First Snow)
11. Undead Ahead
12. Scissorhands (The Last Snow)

“I can absolutely promise that this is going to be one of the most pissed off and unique records of 2010,” notes singer Chris Motionless. “We’ve taken our time to make sure our debut album is worth the wait – and believe me, this will be worth it. Everything we’ve done has completely defined our own sound and will make it near impossible to catergorize us in any one specific genre. I don’t think ANYONE has any idea what to expect, or even moreso, I don’t think anyone is ready for what they’re about to hear!”



http://www.facebook.com/motionlessinwhite
http://www.myspace.com/motionlessinwhite



COME OUT TO THE AVERAGE GUYS WITH EXCEPTIONAL HAIR TOUR!!! BE SURE TO CHECK OUT, WOE IS ME, SCARLETT O' HARA, FOR ALL THOSE SLEEPING, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, AND A SKYLIT DRIVE!

Tour Dates:

11/4 Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
11/5 San Diego, CA @ Soma Sidestage
11/6 Tempe, AZ @ The Clubhouse
11/7 Tucson, AZ @ The Rock
11/9 San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
11/10 Ft. Worth, TX @ The Door
11/11 The Woodlands, TX @ Shadowplay Lounge
11/12 Metairie, LA @ The High Ground
11/13 Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
11/14 Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits
11/15 Orlando, FL @ The Social
11/16 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
11/17 Richmond, VA @ The Canal Club
11/18 Baltimore, MD @ Otto Bar
11/19 Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
11/20 S. Hackensack, NJ @ School Of Rock
11/21 Buffalo, NY @ Xtreme Wheels
11/23 Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge
11/24 St. Louis, MO @ Fubar (No Motionless In White)
11/26 Denver, CO @ The Marquis Theatre (No Motionless In White, Woe Is Me)

Escape the Fate Reveal Album Cover on ARTISTdirect.com

ARTISTdirect.com is thrilled to exclusively reveal the cover of Escape the Fate's new, self-titled album, which also marks their Interscope debut. The Las Vegas band will release the platter on November 2. They are currently on tour with Bullet for My Valentine, and are plotting to take over the music world, one song and one stage at a time. Make a note to pick up the album on November 2, as well.

The image of the four members' faces, all scabbed and roughed up, could certainly become iconic. It sort of reminds me of a modern take on Guns N' Roses' Appetite For Destruction in terms of its overall vibe. It also reminds me of Queen's Queen II, updated for the new generation.

Check out the two versions of the album cover, deluxe edition and standard editions listed below;

Deluxe Edition
Standard Edition



If you haven't discovered what death metal is then I suggest you do so. For those who aren't familiar with the term it’s a genre of heavy metal music that consists of constant growls, fast guitars and progressive beats that shake and rattle your bones right out of your skin. Now if that still doesn't grab your attention then perhaps this name shall, Sacrificial Slaughter!

"Spontaneous Suicide", released just last year has everything you could ask for in the terms of "death metal" from growling grunts to fast guitar riffs with over powerful solo tactics that just makes your mind spin. This music alone is impossible to resist like take "Waist Deep in My Filth", this gut retching tune its packed full of obscene noises fast instrumentals and everything in between. While "Agressor Of Death", promises to be your death calling card. It delivers an aggressive assortment of beats its overwhelming. Whilst “Sacrificial Right” takes a mellow dramatic approach that keeps the listener at ease at first glance but returns in retaliation with yet again a source of vastly driven hits.

Sacrificial Slaughter is what death metal is and will forever remain because without death there is no point in living. 



Endless Hallway has indeed been around for some time now but just hasn’t hit the surface just yet. Some of their main problems were that they had demo recordings tucked under their belt and hadn't done much of touring to gain much of recognition. Their material is top notch quality but from what they could offer at the time being they were only giving a glance at what potential lied within.

Now that they've gotten themselves sign into a solid based label, Wind-Up Records who’s been around for the past 11 years, Endless Hallway's debut effort "Autonomy Games" is surely to amuse at least some listeners. "Autonomy Barrier", starts things off and though its guitar riffs and raunchy vocal attics are smooth yet aggressive Endless Hallway’s first attempts at song making is a solid piece of craftsmanship. "A Bad Current" manages to kick things up a notch with its rather impressive yet confident musical chooses that just settles the music into place instantly. The album goes in several different directions. "Remora", being the power-pop eye-catcher with "Shallows", being the ballad of them all and "Gamma" getting your groove on with its upbeat dance beats. This album is just a twister of music that cannot be compelled into just one type.

The album's first single "Solvency", returns to where the band started with the beginning of the album's progression then the album just falls out of place it would seem. Endless Hallway takes influences very serious with making this assortment of tunes that just puts them at ease. Fans of Hawthorne Heights, Switchfoot, and From First to Last will surely find this quite the pleaser.


The Japanese culture has seen a variety of a assortments from music, food, toys, games, the list goes on and on. But it’s most famous would probably fall between food and music. Now the music culture just as the American one are both different yet quite similar because we have our ways of showcasing our types of rock, metal, punk, all types of music genres and the Japanese also have their own ways of doing things. When it comes to their musical tastes and appearances they kick it up a notch. Like appearance wise they tend to showcase the latest trends and fashion tastes that are buzzing around and musically well they just got the skills for everything.

With that said, the Japanese have had a solid mix of bands that are considered “legends” in their books from, D’espairsRay, Dir En Grey, Glay, Vamps, and most legendary X JAPAN. All of whom have made it to the U.S. But there was once in the mix that had a much difficult time coming over seas among several other outbursts that threw them off course. X Japan formed in1982 by Toshimitsu "Toshi" Deyama and Yoshiki Hayashi, being originally named X the group achieved much success over the years but tragedy soon struck. Former guitarist/backing vocalist Hideto "Hide" Matsumoto had as the other members wanted to pursue solo careers and get their own ideas out into the open. Hide had managed to release a few solo albums since 94's "Hide Your Face", his music leaning towards the alternative rock standards. But X Japan would not last as long as they hoped due to Hide's death in May 1998 the band would go on to disband for what seemed like a lifetime.


The band did not perform nor did they record for another 10 years since their disbandment in 97. In 2007, the band had reunited performing live for the first time since their break-up. After performing concerts throughout 2007-2009 in Asia the band had scheduled their first ever North American tour and it all was about to begin on September 25, 2010. After all the years of much earned success and tragedy their hard work was about to expand even further than ever whilst they did have an American fan base growing this would increase into the far reaches of the world as we knew it.

On September 25, 2010 X Japan had invaded American becoming citizens officially and calling Los Angeles their home base. Not only did that all occur but this day would be the first day of their official North American trek. X Japan would have the honor of welcoming in Los Angele’s very own Vampires Everywhere! to their showcasing spot letting a tad of darkness into their mists. Vampires Everywhere! are indeed new comers with the release of their EP “Lost in the Shadows” and a debut LP due out very soon the band has been spreading their name around quite a bit as it were. Having several opportunities that not many bands would get a shot at, one was opening for the Murderdolls during the beginning of the summer. While another incident was being included on Hot Topic’s The Sacred Ceremony Tour with other recognizable acts, Black Veil Brides, Get Scared, and Modern Day Escape which made their name such a success. After that tour wrapped up the band went into the recording studio and have been hard at work getting all the right sources to make this upcoming album be pitch perfect.

Now that that’s all out of the way the band has gotten yet another opportunity up their sleeves by being the openers for X Japan. Now this would turn out to be quite the combo because they would be introduced to whole another culture since that’s who particularly all turned out at the venue. While the attendances were intrigued many of them stood in wait outside in the hallways or picked up merchandise while waiting. As others booed the band at various times, I for one have liked the band since first witnessing them perform with the Murderdolls at the start of the summer. Their set included such songs as “"Bury Me Alive", "Dear Eliza", "The Embrace", and "Immortal Love".

Did I forget to mention the crowd turn out? This venue was packed to the max from people spending the night a few nights before to the line the day of the show it was long lines as far as I can see. Anyway, it was now time for X Japan to enter and make their mark on the American surface stage wise that is. Now after Vampires Everywhere! left the stage around 8:30PM it took about 45 minutes for X Japan to get settled in and everything set up. When it was time for things to be let go the clock had struck 9:45 and went on to last for 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Their set list comprising of a lot of their biggest hits and longest songs I ever heard, lasting long into being from 10 minutes to 20 minutes tops it was one night I will not ever forget. X Japan is not only known for their popularity and music but their stage show rather for when the band was opening up they were instantly able to grasp my attention as they did the rest of the crowd. The intro began with a voiceover that had their logo “X JAPAN” engraved in their famous red logo being flashed left and right wrapping up with an echoing of X JAPAN….. Until they broke the silence and went on and did what they do best perform music.


Now their set comprised of an assortment of tunes, from opening up with "Jade", "Rusty Nail", and 'Silent Jealousy" to rounding off the evening with a piano and violin solo right down to a drum solo in the mix. But the band was much successful with "X", "Endless Rain", and "Art of Life". The crowd shouting with glee as drummer Yoshiki Hayashi chucked water bottles into the stands and up top in the upper decks fans leaping to grasp hold of one. If that wasn’t enough the crowd went into a chant of shouting “WE ARE X” so many times throughout the evening that they must have all gone home throats aching with pain but having happiness buried within their hearts and souls.


Setlist:
1. Jade
2. Rusty Nail
3. Silent Jealousy
4. Drain
5. Piano & Violin Solo
6. Kurenai
7. Born To Be Free
8. Drum Solo
9. I.V.
10. X
Encore:
11. Endless Rain
12. Art Of Life


The Japanese culture has seen a variety of a assortments from music, food, toys, games, the list goes on and on. But it’s most famous would probably fall between food and music. Now the music culture just as the American one are both different yet quite similar because we have our ways of showcasing our types of rock, metal, punk, all types of music genres and the Japanese also have their own ways of doing things. When it comes to their musical tastes and appearances they kick it up a notch. Like appearance wise they tend to showcase the latest trends and fashion tastes that are buzzing around and musically well they just got the skills for everything.

With that said, the Japanese have had a solid mix of bands that are considered “legends” in their books from, D’espairsRay, Dir En Grey, Glay, Vamps, and most legendary X JAPAN. All of whom have made it to the U.S. But there was once in the mix that had a much difficult time coming over seas among several other outbursts that threw them off course. X Japan formed in1982 by Toshimitsu "Toshi" Deyama and Yoshiki Hayashi, being originally named X the group achieved much success over the years but tragedy soon struck. Former guitarist/backing vocalist Hideto "Hide" Matsumoto had as the other members wanted to pursue solo careers and get their own ideas out into the open. Hide had managed to release a few solo albums since 94's "Hide Your Face", his music leaning towards the alternative rock standards. But X Japan would not last as long as they hoped due to Hide's death in May 1998 the band would go on to disband for what seemed like a lifetime.


The band did not perform nor did they record for another 10 years since their disbandment in 97. In 2007, the band had reunited performing live for the first time since their break-up. After performing concerts throughout 2007-2009 in Asia the band had scheduled their first ever North American tour and it all was about to begin on September 25, 2010. After all the years of much earned success and tragedy their hard work was about to expand even further than ever whilst they did have an American fan base growing this would increase into the far reaches of the world as we knew it.

On September 25, 2010 X Japan had invaded American becoming citizens officially and calling Los Angeles their home base. Not only did that all occur but this day would be the first day of their official North American trek. X Japan would have the honor of welcoming in Los Angele’s very own Vampires Everywhere! to their showcasing spot letting a tad of darkness into their mists. Vampires Everywhere! are indeed new comers with the release of their EP “Lost in the Shadows” and a debut LP due out very soon the band has been spreading their name around quite a bit as it were. Having several opportunities that not many bands would get a shot at, one was opening for the Murderdolls during the beginning of the summer. While another incident was being included on Hot Topic’s The Sacred Ceremony Tour with other recognizable acts, Black Veil Brides, Get Scared, and Modern Day Escape which made their name such a success. After that tour wrapped up the band went into the recording studio and have been hard at work getting all the right sources to make this upcoming album be pitch perfect.

Now that that’s all out of the way the band has gotten yet another opportunity up their sleeves by being the openers for X Japan. Now this would turn out to be quite the combo because they would be introduced to whole another culture since that’s who particularly all turned out at the venue. While the attendances were intrigued many of them stood in wait outside in the hallways or picked up merchandise while waiting. As others booed the band at various times, I for one have liked the band since first witnessing them perform with the Murderdolls at the start of the summer. Their set included such songs as “"Bury Me Alive", "Dear Eliza", "The Embrace", and "Immortal Love".

Did I forget to mention the crowd turn out? This venue was packed to the max from people spending the night a few nights before to the line the day of the show it was long lines as far as I can see. Anyway, it was now time for X Japan to enter and make their mark on the American surface stage wise that is. Now after Vampires Everywhere! left the stage around 8:30PM it took about 45 minutes for X Japan to get settled in and everything set up. When it was time for things to be let go the clock had struck 9:45 and went on to last for 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Their set list comprising of a lot of their biggest hits and longest songs I ever heard, lasting long into being from 10 minutes to 20 minutes tops it was one night I will not ever forget. X Japan is not only known for their popularity and music but their stage show rather for when the band was opening up they were instantly able to grasp my attention as they did the rest of the crowd. The intro began with a voiceover that had their logo “X JAPAN” engraved in their famous red logo being flashed left and right wrapping up with an echoing of X JAPAN….. Until they broke the silence and went on and did what they do best perform music.


Now their set comprised of an assortment of tunes, from opening up with "Jade", "Rusty Nail", and 'Silent Jealousy" to rounding off the evening with a piano and violin solo right down to a drum solo in the mix. But the band was much successful with "X", "Endless Rain", and "Art of Life". The crowd shouting with glee as drummer Yoshiki Hayashi chucked water bottles into the stands and up top in the upper decks fans leaping to grasp hold of one. If that wasn’t enough the crowd went into a chant of shouting “WE ARE X” so many times throughout the evening that they must have all gone home throats aching with pain but having happiness buried within their hearts and souls.


Setlist:
1. Jade
2. Rusty Nail
3. Silent Jealousy
4. Drain
5. Piano & Violin Solo
6. Kurenai
7. Born To Be Free
8. Drum Solo
9. I.V.
10. X
Encore:
11. Endless Rain
12. Art Of Life



Based out of St. Louis, MO In the Midst of Lions had grown up in that music scene of nothing but hardcore and indie bands doing whatever it takes to strut their stuff. In the Midst of Lions says that “Our local scene influenced our style to be a little bit different than the run of the mill death metal." Having said that, the band has made much success since their debut album "Out of Darkness" released through Strike First Records in 2009. Since then the band has done countless touring among other various activities. One of which was writing and recording brand new material for their follow-up to their previous release entitled "The Heart of Man", which was recorded with Jamie King who’s worked with Between the Buried and Me and For Today. This follow-up is the crushing metal that we have wanted to see.

The title track opens up the album with an aggressive tone with an obsessive attitude to match. The guitar rapture with overpowering vocal tactics overwhelms the music structure by compelling one another. This makes the music duke it out from start to finish. Whereas other tracks noted on the album such as 'The Machine" give the music a push towards another direction. Like for instance this song displays an in-depth look into how the music is written and what it’s all about. Which is a fast pacing melodic mix of metal that goes into the lines of such bands as, Whitechapel meets The Faceless.

Some of the other tracks on this album play off to be nothing more than your average take on the melodic metal scene with added hardcore drifts thrown in between. Such as "Fearless", and "An Awakening", these two alone set up the hardcore melodic sensation that is keeping this music hooked in on the listener's perspective. In the Midst of Lions has grasped the listener’s attention in full blown force taking their musical attics to a whole another level but will that level be kicked up another notch? Only time will tell to be sure.



Modern Day Escape a five piece act straight out of Florida comprised of vocalist James Vegas, guitarists Nxe and Marti Rubels, bassist Shep and drummer Corey, have made a name for themselves since their formation. But since then they have released their self-titled EP and a full-length LP "House of Rats". Both of which have sold amazingly well since their releases. But after doing countless tours their last being a part of The Sacred Ceremony Tour several things occurred after this tour ended.

Headliners Black Veil Brides had to let go of their drummer Sandra Alvarenga replacing her with a male counterpart Christian Coma taking over the drum patrol. If that’s not enough even Modern Day Escape had to face some band arrangements. Former drummer Corey has decided that he needs to focus on his family right now and the rest of Modern Day Escape wish him the best in everything he does in the future. They considered him as a brother to them.

So could you take a guess as to who the replacement for Modern Day Escape is? Drum roll….please Sandra Alvarenga! Yes indeed former Black Veil Brides drummer will now be calling Modern Day Escape her sanctuary. Modern Day Escape is excited to have Sandra on board and they can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store for the future!

As of right now, Modern Day Escape is ready to head into the studio to record the follow-up to their 2009 release “House of Rats”. Be sure to follow them on Twitter @officialmde for new updates, and possible some brand new song clips. So now all we can do is wait and see what happens next.


Universal Motown Recording artist Get Scared is set to release an exclusive three song EP through Hot Topic stores on October 5th.   The band is rapidly taking over the rock scene with their unique blend of hardcore and power-rock.   As Get Scared will tour this fall in support of the EP, fans should continue to check the band’s Myspace page for upcoming tour dates, www.myspace.com/getscaredrock’.

This exclusive EP comes hot off the heels of the Hot Topic – presented Sacred Ceremony Tour with Black Veil Brides, Vampires Everywhere and Modern Day Escape.  The tour took the band around the US on a whirlwind 6 week tour and helped to build the band’s already growing fan base.  Their upcoming full length release, ‘Best Kind of Mess’, was produced and engineered by John Feldmann (Atreyu, The Used, Goldfinger) in California during the spring and summer of 2010.

Get Scared consists of longtime friends Nicolas Mathews, Johnny B, and Bradley Lloyd.  Hailing from Layton, UT, the band came together in winter of 2008, writing, recording, engineering, and touring.  After self-releasing their first EP and creating an internet buzz with their unique and true-to-style video for their track ‘If She Only Knew Voodoo Like I Do’, the band was put on notice by Universal Motown Records and quickly signed to the label.

With over 1 million hits on their Myspace page, over 100K friends and a loyal and dedicated fan base the future of rock has arrived – GET SCARED.


When June 2007 had struck a group if five young musicians around their mid-early 20s from Southern California had decided to form a band and from that day forward they would call themselves Sleeping With Angels. The band was a formatted from the remaining members of this band Zain once was, but then Josh (Vocals), and Anthony Reta (Bass/Vocals/keyboard). As time went by they went into finding some musicians that were more to their need and some indeed catch their attention while some didn't. In the long run they came across a solid group of talented musicians; The Ozkar (Guitars), Andrew Garcia (Guitars), Justin Tapparo (Bass), and Fabio Patino (Drums). Later on down the line the band slowly began to write and create music in their timely manners which lead them to write their first debut entitled "Promise to Nowhere" which will make its debut June 2010.

1. Let's start off with a little background information. How did Sleeping With Angels start out?
Josh: We started in June of 2007. We were all in other bands, but artistic differences drew us apart from the other projects that we were in; and summoned us together. I guess it was our time to find each other.

2. Where do you draw your influences from?

Josh: We all have different influences, which makes are music so diverse. Our tastes range form: The Beatles, Alice in Chains, Led Zepplien, Deep Purple, Nirvana, The Doors, King Crimson, Iron Madien, John Lee Hooker,  all the way to Bach, Beethoven and Mozart.......The List goes on and on.....Alcohol helps too.....

3. What is your favorite track off the new album and why?

Josh: One of my favorite tracks off of the album has to be, "One More for the Road".... It deals with having to escape from your life for a little while, and doing what you have to do; or taking what you need to take...before you have to make that long journey down the road, back home.

4. Can you tell us more about “Promise to Nowhere"?

Josh: "Promise to Nowhere", has to deal with this never ending rat-race that the majority of the human species finds its -self trapped in. It’s like the never ending pursuit of money and power. It’s manipulation of media, and the government trying to brainwash your mind in thinking in their points of views instead of having your own. The constant need to crush your competition, kill your enemy and neighbor. Basically how in the end, we all die anyway. What's the point of life? Or is it, just a promise to nowhere?

5. Does the album cover for “Promise to Nowhere" have any meaning behind it or did you guys just think it looked awesome?

Josh: We used a picture of train tracks...when we were young, we lived by them, and they connected us to our friends and destinations....a road in a way. The track behind us is our past, and the tracks leading into the infinite distance ahead of us is our future.



6. Who writes the lyrics in the band? What do the lyrics usually deal with?

Josh: I, Josh Galo, write the lyrics. They all have to deal with certain times in my life where the only sanctuary from my demons was to write. From: Pain, Sadness, Abandonment, Suicide, Betrayal, Anger and Hatred.......Some of the rawest and most powerful of emotions. The songs are pretty much a form of "Sonic- Therapy" for me and the rest of the band. They provide a way to cope.

7. You guys plan to be a part of the second installment in the LA Punk Noir Festival, how did you get involved with this festival?

Josh: Our Guitarist, Ozkar, answered the right add at the right time I suppose.

8. What should fans look forward too for the rest of 2010 and beyond?

Josh: They should look forward to our first set of tours and streamline of radio airplay as well as promotions also having the possibility of looking forward to our second recording sometime in 2011.

9. Sleeping With Angels is from Los Angeles what LA sports teams do you root for?

Josh: We don't like sports. We see them as needless displays of testosterone.

10. Any last comments?

Josh: We appreciate all of our fans that we have gained through the past years and the ones that we will gain in the time to come, and hope that our music helps them as much as it helped us.....
Sincerely, Sleeping With Angels



While little to none can be said about them, As The Ashes Fall tend to bring back "what once was" hence their use of 80s hard rock slammed against the adrenaline rush of punk meets heavy metal - As The Ashes Fall Sean (vocals), Nikki (bass), Chris (drums), and Paris (guitar) maintain to produce an electrifying experience that’s both nurturing and rapidly growing right now as we speak. With the constant touring and recording to occupy their time, As The Ashes Fall is a domination to the Los Angeles music scene.

1. Please introduce yourselves and tell me how As The Ashes Fall originated?

Paris: Me, Chris and Nikki come from a previous band “Blood on the Stereo" when "BOTS" Disbanded we decided to start a new project. After scouting for a vocalist for months and trying out quite a few people we finally connected with Sean through craigslist. The rest is history.

2. As The Ashes Fall is the band's name but what is the meaning behind it?

Nikki: Me and Chris were driving in Santa Monica and we were stopped by a cop. when I asked him why I was being pulled over the cop said it was because I threw a lit cigarette out of my window, I tried to tell him the ashes had fallen in my crotch and were burning me so i had to get rid of it quick… He didn't buy my story but he did give me a ticket.

Sean: It kinda became a running joke in the studio… whenever something bad would happen to one us we would write it off as "Well that's how the ashes fall".

3. When it comes to performing live what are some of your favorite songs to play?

Paris: “From Lut to Dust”.

Nikki: “Lost Cause (SixGun)”, and “Twilights & Daybreaks”.

Chris: “10”, and” From Lust to Dust”.

Sean: “From Lust to Dust”, and “Heartache”, (our new song).

4. How would you describe As The Ashes Fall's sound to a new listener?

Chris: Straight rock n roll with an indie/punk twist.

Sean: Oh and Lots of Love ….or Lust… maybe both.

5. With so many people downloading music instead of buying it do you think this is the beginning of the end of the CD?

Sean: I don't think so...there something to be said about holding the CD in your hand and getting to look through the CD booklet it still holds its value over digital records…plus I know many people who still roll with vinyl these days.

Chris: We’re getting ready to make out imprint on the music industry with a little something called Warhouse/Sounds Good Music with are studio mate JoeiJo (www.joeijo.com) warehouse will focus on the rock stuff and sounds good will focus on the electronic/urban market.

6. It seems like you guys have an open schedule as of right now when can we expect you guys to head out on the road?

Chris: Well were just wrapping up recording so were looking to hit the road this summer keep checking our website for upcoming dates (astheashesfall.com).

7. What's going on in terms of music, the only release you have is a demo?

Paris: Well were a relatively new band were concentrating on making good material we don't care to release anything that’s  not up to our standards but keep checking in with us at www.astheashesfall.com we will be releasing Twilights & Daybreaks (album) very soon just putting the finishing touches on it now.

8. What's the craziest thing you've done as a band?

Paris: We ended up in Vegas after a four day binder.

Sean: It was actually pretty fucking rad! We all piled into a van around 3am with only the shirts on our backs. When we finally did arrive in Vegas I went straight for the bar and somehow ended up dropping $200 on a football game….after lost I realized I was flat broke luckily Paris loaned me a couple hundred to keep going…..I never did the him for that….(to Paris) Thanks Man!

Nikki: Well there were a few incidents with cops, car accidents, and vicious women but we’ll save that for the book.

9. Who writes the lyrics in the band? What do the lyrics usually deal with?

Sean: I do and honestly I just write about what I feel, Sometimes Love. Sometimes Hate.

10. What should fans look forward too for the rest of 2010 and beyond?

Paris: Well we got a music video in the works for Twilights and more shows lots more.
Chris: New merch coming soon also and basically over all progressing as a band and hope fully meeting and making new fans and friends.

11.  Who would you love to work with when it comes down to creating that debut album and why?

Paris: James Paul Wisner a talented producer who has worked with Underoath, New Found Glory and Dashboard Confessional.

Nikki: Rob Cavallo who worked with Paramore, My Chemical Romance and many other bands. He's Awesome!

Sean: Rick Rubin or Chad Ginsburg of CKY he did some cool work with a band called The Moxy.

12. Do you guys have any messages for your fans?

Sean: Close your eyes and open your mouth…..Seriously I promise to keep my pants on.

Nikki: (laughs) Come to our shows and don't be a stranger.

Chris: Yeah find us on Myspace, Twitter and Facebook also…hit us up we'd love to meet you all.

Paris: Keep Rock'n!



On October 5th, Wind-up Records will release the full length debut album Fight or Flight from Hannah Montana star Emily Osment. The 11-track electro-pop album was produced by Nellee Hooper, who has also worked with No Doubt, Madonna, U2, Bjork and more. The multi-talented Emily co-wrote all of the songs on Fight or Flight including the first single “Lovesick,” as well as the international single “Let’s Be Friends” which is currently available at digital retailers (watch the video here). Both tracks can be heard on Emily’s MySpace.

Emily signed with Wind-up in 2009, and that fall burst onto the music scene with the release of her debut EP All The Right Wrongs. The 6-track EP debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart and remained on the charts for 31 weeks, while the first single “All The Way Up” went straight to the Top 10 on Radio Disney. Emily finished up 2009 on a high note, nominated for a People’s Choice Award for Breakout Movie Actress for her role in Hannah Montana: The Movie, and started 2010 with a sold-out headlining tour in Canada. Now, after months of writing and recording, Emily is proud to announce the release of Fight or Flight. Visit OfficialEmilyOsment.com for all the latest updates on the album, and find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Tracklisting:

1. Lovesick
2. Get Yer Yah-Yah’s Out
3. 1-800 Clap Your Hands (The Water is Rising)
4. Marisol
5. The Cycle
6. All The Boys Want
7. Double Talk
8. Truth or Dare
9. Let’s Be Friends
10. You Get Me Through
11. Gotta Believe in Something