June 2014


Metal outfit Death Of An Era have released their debut album "Black Bagged", via Artery Recordings/Razor and Tie Records. Frontman vocalist Daniel Simpson discusses that album and plans these guys have in-store for themselves and us in the coming future.


1. Can you give those of us who aren't familiar with Death of an Era a brief history of the band and can you please describe your sound for those who have yet to hear your music?

Daniel: We're just a group of guys making music, doing what we love. We built our fan base over the years with smaller release and regional shows and just built from there. We signed in early 2013 with Artery Recordings and Razor & Tie. We put out an EP called "The Great Commonwealth" and have been touring off it ever since. Our first full length dropped the 23rd of June. Without getting too muddled with sub genres and whatnot, I'd say we're a heavy band with a good amount of technicality, accompanied by choruses and breakdowns.

2. Could you describe your song writing process? What comes first – the music or the lyrics?

Daniel: The music always comes first. I usually keep concepts in mind before writing, but I prefer to write lyrics to the music, rather than force them where they don't fit.

3. Why did you think and want "Big Brother" and "The Global Movement" as your two singles? Will you also be releasing videos to accompany these or will other songs be chosen?

Daniel: Both tracks had the variety of musical and lyrical content that we wanted people to hear first. We did our best to represent the album with those songs. You'll just have to wait and see about those videos!

4. What was the recording process like this time around? Was there anything different that happened or was it the same old studio thing?

Daniel: This was our first time to be able to stay in a studio and write for a month straight. Working every day really kept things moving and didn't give ideas the chance to die out.

5. Can you tell us how this album differs from the previous EPs? What can we expect and what is the message behind it?

Daniel: The full length is more or less an expansion of the last EP. It contains a lot of the same concepts, both lyrically and instrumentally. We were able to take certain parts and really run with them through the 12 tracks. This release is heavily political but also has other themes to keep things from getting monotonous.

6. What does “Black Bagged” mean to you all?

Daniel: For those of you who aren't familiar with the term, it refers to the clandestine actions of  "powers that be" when throwing sacks over the heads of rebellious or outspoken citizens and throwing them in the back of a van never to be heard from again.

7. How does the album art relate to the music on the album?

Daniel: Its conceptual in nature and tied to the title. In the foreground, there's hooded figure that represents the "Black Bagged' part of things, while there are several screens displaying acts of terrorism by the American government.

8. “Black Bagged” the title portray a political appeal, can you expand on the title's representation?

Daniel: Sure just refer to the previous answer in question 7.

9. Kevin Lankford produced this album what was it about him that you saw would fit Death of an Era's style?

Daniel: He was the same producer we worked with on the last release and it just felt like a natural fit.

10. Do you think there is an element of the band’s sound that you would like to push out further on the next batch of songs? With so much going on in your sound, obviously there are elements that might get further explored?

Daniel: As we just released a full length album, a lot could change in how we want to the next album to sound before we sit down and record it. We'll just figure it out along the way.

11. What is in the future for Death of an Era? Any tours or shows on the horizon?

Daniel: Management always has things in the work, but nothing we can say just yet.


The Unlikely Hero's EP "The Road That We Travel" provides you with another pop punk rock act except this one isn't all fast and hyper like many. These guys bring down the hype to a more mellow dramatic ton of melody and rhythm. The instrumentals are toned down to having that catchy beat that isn't sped up and so fast paced it's slowed down to be enjoyable and soothing, the guitars and bass working together while the vocals and drums bounce off one another, connecting the music as a whole it sounds good keeps to the beats, having you bob your head here and there while easily singing right along to the lyrical context. The Unlikely Hero have got an EP release that takes the pop punk rock style expressing it to a more in-depth concept appeal that makes the music more at ease with its listener than previous processors.


Literal rockstars Starset have written and recorded and signed on to Razor and Tie to unleash their debut album "Transmissions". An album that takes you on a journey to the stars and galaxies far, far, away, perhaps even further than that even. The album itself is a concept release that is built around love songs written about the fascination of astronomy and the Universe surrounding it. The songs and lyrics are crafted with poetic trance, that really captures the music as a whole. The instrumentals capturing the essence with their melodic flow, guitar riffs, drum tactics, bass lines and vocal chords working like a speed of light with crushing screams coming in between them, really makes the music that more eye opening that it pops! Starset's style and sound is impressive and unique as other bands have been described, but it's the way that Starset decrypts themselves. They have built a style of sound, that they know works well for them, that it's so mesmerizing to hear, it's hard to place them, making them that more crafty at what they do.


Hit The Ground Running's "A Long Summer In Ohio" is the debut EP release by the pop punk act who as many others before them sounds just like the rest. These guys do provide that pop punk sound that resembles a lot like other acts like All Time Low, 5 Seconds Of Summer, and Boys Like Girls. A handful of the songs offered like "Everyone Knows Virgins Don't Go To State Colleges", "Falling Apart", and "Tattoo", give you pretty much an expectation of the style quality and sound sense with groovy guitar licks, bass structure, drum beats, and vocal chords that bring out the quality making it sound sensational. The lyrics are upbeat and rather catchy making you want to bob your head back and forth, if not wanting to jump up and down in your seat or around in place wherever you may be. All in all Hit The Ground Running 's EP is one of those releases that will keep you occupied at all times.


Death Of An Era's debut album "Black Bagged" brings forth their classic style except it's enhanced sounding more ground breaking, aggressive, impulsive, just all of the intensity terms that can pop into your head will fit upon this release. Death Of An Era have only released some EPs to grasped upon their name, building something for themselves, and while all of that has paid off, with songs like "We The People", "Big Brother", "The Global Movement", and "Prescription Poison", everything that was there before is again enhanced having more guitar riffs, solos, drum beats, bass lines, and of course the vocal chords, that all work together with ease. Building the music upwards sounding more intense with each captivating lyric and musical piece. These guys bring to mind a lot of Crown The Empire meets Capture the Crown both of these acts collide with one another while leaving behind those remains that sound a lot like Death Of An Era's work. "Black Bagged" has intensity written all over it and brings forth an act that will express and expose themselves for all their worth, taking their music to the next level of successful because that is what this release is it's succeeded that sucess.


Coming across an act like Angelspit was one of those daily run ins while browsing the net. After giving their tunes and videos a listenable watch their style grew on me a tad. Since their debut EP back in 2007 "Nurse Grenade" was one of those releases that was more interesting than any other electronic/electro-industrial acts within that scene. Now years later their latest release "The Product"  has Zoog Von Rock working with various other artists including, George Bikos of MeteorEYES, Adam Newman of hard dance legends Lab4 , Miss Ballistic, Helalyn Flowers, Chant and Teknocracy amongst others. While regular participant Destroy X focused on other activities. Anyway you look at it though, this time around the material is more in-depth rather intense at times, having the guitar work like jiggered chainsaws with its beats, the synths and various other sounds all blended together, into this mayhem of chaos while all the contributors wrap it altogether. In short, "The Product" is a release that rather screams at you with its bouncy excessive beats.


Pop rockers Hit The Ground Running have their brand new EP under their belts and have made a name for themselves in the great Cleveland area. If that's not enough they've had the chance to share the stage with playing shows and touring alongside Nickelodeon's Drake Bell, Bowling For Soup, Hit The Lights, and The Dangerous Summer, among others, HTGR is known for their energetic live performance - the band aims to leave any audience asking for more. They took the time to discuss this EP and plans ahead.


1. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?

Made up of Nick Nord (vocals/guitar), Anthony Lauletta (guitar), Justin Gamble (bass), and Greg Boaz (drums), Hit the Ground Running have quickly made a name for themselves in the greater Cleveland area. Having had the pleasure to share the stage with such acts as Nickelodeon's Drake Bell, Bowling For Soup, Hit The Lights, and The Dangerous Summer, among others, HTGR is known for their energetic live performance - the band aims to leave any audience asking for more. The group's unique Pop/Rock blend is clearly showcased in their brand new single "Falling Apart," which was recently debuted by Bryan Stars Interviews. Their upcoming EP "A Long Summer In Ohio" is out NOW on In-Demand Records!

2. How did you guys come up with your band name?

After going back and forth on tons of ideas, we stuck Hit the Ground Running because it fit the excitement we strive to portray in our songs.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Based out of Northeast Ohio, USA the band is one of a kind as far as their sound goes. We would definitely recommend local favorites, Envoi, Lakota De Kai, and We Were Kids.

4. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?

Our lyrics tend to represent where we are in life right now. We’re young and growing and loving life. Our lyrics spread a fun, and positive message.


5. What bands have influenced your band and its sound?

Fall Out Boy, All Time Low, Boys Like Girls, Yellowcard, Relient K, among others.

6. Is there any story or concept behind the "A Long Summer In Ohio" title?

The title comes from a line in the song “Firefly.” That song is one that sets the mood for the EP, and is a definitely a good representation of our band’s overall sound.

7. Who produced "A Long Summer In Ohio" and what was it like working with them?

We worked with producer John Burke (Modern Day Escape, Envoi) at Vibe Studios on the record. Our goal with this EP was a unique, polished, and larger than life sound, and John helped us to achieve that.

8. Why did you want a debut EP as opposed to a debut album?

This is just a taste! A full-length will definitely be in the works.

9. Will you be shooting a video for any of the songs off "A Long Summer In Ohio"?

More details on that coming soon!

10. What are your upcoming touring/show plans?

A short East Coast tour this summer, but look for us all over the East Coast in the upcoming year.

11. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

You can download our EP on iTunes here: bit.ly/HTGRsummer
You can also stream our EP on Spotify: bit.ly/HTGRspotify

12. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

We don’t want a listener to just remember our songs, we want them to be stuck in their head for days on end!

13. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?

We all attend college, so touring full-time isn't a possibility as much as we’d love for it to be… But you can expect us to be increasing our tour schedule starting this year.

14. Any final words of wisdom?

Be sure to connect with us on Twitter/Instagram (@OfficialHTGR)! and Facebook (Facebook.com/hitthegroundrunningmusic). We will always be a band that loves to connect with their fans. 


The Black Belt KARATE will be touring across Los Angeles in Southern California in July - August...this local run of shows will be a BBK "Poker Run", meaning everyone who comes to a show will get one poker card per attendee.  Each show you attend, you get one more playing card...at the end of the run (mid-late August) folks will submit their poker hands via facebook / Twitter / Instagram...and the best hands will win some nifty BBK swag.  So mark calendars now, and we'll see you at the shows!

TOUR DATES:

7-23  King King (Hollywood)
 7-31  The Federal (Long Beach)
 8-4  Harvelle's  (Santa Monica)
 8-9  The Mint  (LA)
 8-12  Harvard & Stone  (Los Feliz)



British heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST will embark on a U.S. in the fall. Support on the trek will come from Los Angeles glam-metal jokesters STEEL PANTHER.

TOUR DATES:

 Oct-01 Rochester, NY Main Street Armory
 Oct-03 Hammond, IN The Venue at Horseshoe Casino
 Oct-04 Louisville, KY Louder Than Life Fest at Champions
 Oct-09 Brooklyn, NY Barclays
 Oct-10 Atlantic City, NJ Harrah's
 Oct-11 Mashantucket, CT MGM Grand Theater at Foxwood's
 Oct-14 Lowell, MA Tsongas Center at UMass
 Oct-15 Allentown, PA PPL Center
 Oct-17 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center
 Oct-19 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
 Oct-24 Baltimore, MD Pier Six Pavilion
 Oct-28 Duluth, GA The Arena at Gwinnett Center
 Oct-30 Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Live Arena
 Nov-06 Allen, TX Allen Event Center
 Nov-07 Austin FunFunFun Fest
 Nov-10 Los Angeles, CA Nokia
 Nov-12 Phoenix, AZ Jobing Arena
 Nov-13 Highland, CA San Manuel Casino
 Nov-14 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl
 Nov-16 San Jose, CA City National Civic
 Nov-18 Salt Lake City, UT Maverik Center


Melodic hard rock that would provide the perfect soundtrack to a party is the style that Germany's export, Unbreakable, specialize in, as evidenced by their must-hear new album, 'Knockout,' as well as their freshly-filmed video, "Rock the Nightlife." The clip, which features the band playing the tune (and shots of a beautiful video vixen) can be viewed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQvmtAcApaM&feature=youtu.be

And the band - which is comprised of Al Crespo (vocals), Martin Ries (guitar), Pascal Alles (guitar), Lukas Mittler (bass), and Alexander Ries (drums) - are 100% pleased with the clip. "Our video shoot at Grabowsee near Berlin, Germany was fantastic. We had a lot of fun with Herman Rarebell, Oliver Sommer, and the team from AVA Studios. We filmed the whole day; it was so exciting that we don’t want to stop! So check it out, keep on rocking, and let's celebrate!"

'Knockout' (which was produced by former Scorpions drummer Rarebell) is now available for purchase as a very special "pre-release" version, which comes with a custom bottle opener key chain. While the rest of the world will have to wait to acquire the album (July 29th in the US and August 18th in Europe and the rest of the world), fans can purchase the pre-release version right now, exclusively from Dark Star Records:

www.DarkEntityMusic.com

Once the album drops, Unbreakable plan to hit the road hard, showing the world that they can rock and party with the best. "You can expect a high energy rock show and hard power chord guitar riffs with melodic solos, a high metallic voice and driving drum rock beats. We feel like home wherever the stage is!"


This past weekend the San Francisco blues-rock trio, Fritz Montana, teamed up with Lucy Out Loud to provide their track “Let You Down” as a part of the site’s FREE summer compilation titled SPF14. The compilation is a summer playlist containing 12 tracks, including “Let You Down,” all for free download! Get the downloaded version for yourself HERE.


Texas Showdown Festival, the country's largest tattoo & music festival, is returning to El Paso County Coliseum for 3 days of tattooing, music, sideshows, and more from July 18th-20th!

The Texas Showdown Festival music lineup includes headliners Deftones, Drowning Pool, and Wu-Tang Clan along with support from The Casualties, Lower Class Brats, Murder FM, 12 Stones, Crazytown, Bridge To Grace, Grind, Bash, Snow Tha Product, Sheek Louch, D-Block, Rare Individuals, Explicit Content, and a surprise guest!

Over 300 tattoo artists from around the globe will be tattooing including celebrity artists from popular TV tattoo shows. The festival also features a variety of sideshows as well as human body suspension shows.

You can buy tickets HERE.

Festival Location:
El Paso County Coliseum
4100 E Paisano Dr
El Paso, TX 79905

For more information, visit:
http://texastattooshowdownfestival.com


After spending the last two years in live development, Arena is pleased to introduce its artist-friendly streaming music service Listen To Own.
 
The company’s Listen To Own hybrid ownership model expands upon Arena’s advertised premium artist payouts of $0.21 and $0.01 per stream -- figures well above the industry standard rates commercial web broadcasters like Pandora, Spotify, Beats Music, and YouTube are able to pay - by using a unique approach intended to regenerate consumer interest in owning music.
 
Once a listener plays any participating single song 5 times, Arena gives the listener the MP3 file to download and own while paying the artist $0.85, in addition to the $0.21 for the 5 streams, as if the listener had purchased the song to own directly. By combining traditional download revenue with premium stream payouts, artists are able to earn a potential $1.90 per track per listener - roughly twice what the iTunes download store could pay for the same purchase.
 
 Essentially, Arena allows listeners to access commercial free playlists from today’s most popular touring, and up-and-coming, acts without a monthly subscription, all while providing a platform for artists to maximize their revenue options.
 
 "Listen To Own makes it easy to picture what the transition to an economically viable and artist-friendly streaming model looks like while maintaining the historic understanding of what a sellable music 'unit' is in today's marketplace," says Damon Evans, Founder and CEO of Arena. "We can say with a high level of confidence that it no longer matters how many albums an artist has sold. All that matters now is how many listeners that artist can convert into owners."
 
 Arena is aimed to address and satisfy both the desires of music listeners and the needs of music artists.
 
 In order for artists to participate, they must request an invite. If accepted, the artist is required to sell merchandise through the platform and pay a one-time setup fee per project, which can be deferred depending on how well the project ranks on criteria such as originality, recording quality, professionalism, musicianship, and marketability.
 
 Listeners are encouraged to actively participate. In addition to streaming commercial free playlists and downloading music, registered users can submit fan reports on their local music scene, post original video content, and even write music reviews for Arena sales credits, which can be used to redeem merchandise, music, and movies.


Powerman 5000 and Yahoo! Music have teamed up to launch the band's new music video for "How To Be A Human," taken from the recently released, Builders Of The Future, at: https://music.yahoo.com/blogs/music-news/see-it-first--powerman-5000-premieres--how-to-be-a-human-163512146.html.

"The video for 'How To Be A Human' is a departure for us," band leader, visionary and sole remaining original member, Spider One, told Yahoo!. "In the past, our videos have been big, over the top productions. This time, it was fun for us to show the band as a band. Just kind of rocking out!

"Although, conceptually it's not that simple. I look at this video as a propaganda film from another planet. An instructional video for how to be a human. It's a visual representation of how insane we would appear to be to an alien race."


Five Finger Death Punch co-founder and drummer Jeremy Spencer and publisher HarperCollins have jointly announced a September 2 release date for Spencer's autobiography DEATH PUNCH'D, Surviving Five Finger Death Punch's Metal Mayhem. Spencer's personal journey through the wild highs and terrifying lows of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle is told with candor, redemption and enlightenment.  The first-time author offers a wry and rollicking tale of music, addiction and recovery, revealing the path that served as a catalyst to make him the man he is today.  Revolver has premiered a video teaser Spencer produced which can be screened HERE.

Spencer offers, "The day I left treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, I decided to write my story.  I was feeling raw and exposed and hoped just 'getting it all out' would be therapeutic.  And, it was.  Sitting on a tour bus with little to do, I found myself writing two or three thousand words a day.  It didn’t occur to me until I’d written fifty or sixty thousand that my story might be helpful to others who need encouragement in pursuing their dreams and for those struggling with addiction.  I sent that first draft to my dad who said, 'No parent wants to read about his son’s sex, drugs and Rock ‘n Roll exploits,' but he said there might be some benefit in sharing it with others, so he agreed to help me with revisions.  What had begun as a way to help process my own 'stuff,' has resulted in the publication of Death Punch’d—Surviving Five Finger Death Punch’s Metal Mayhem.  At first, I was apprehensive about the reaction I’d get from having the 'arrogance' to think anyone would want to read about my life.  However, that initial apprehension has been replaced by knowing that if my story can help even one person, whatever criticism I might receive will pale in comparison.  I’m not proud of many of the episodes in the book, but the person I was, under the influence, is not who I choose to be.  A heartbeat away from death, I chose life.  So, more than anything, I think Death Punch’d is a reflection of how far one can fall and still find a way back, a way to accomplish goals and dreams and more important...a way to live.  I’d be the last person to say it’s easy.  But, I’d be the first person to say there’s always hope."

Spencer has committed a percentage of his personal income from the book to support NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, which represents the professional interests of more than 75,000 addiction counselors, educators and other addiction-focused health care professionals in the United States, Canada and abroad. NAADAC’s members are addiction counselors, educators and other addiction-focused health care professionals, who specialize in addiction prevention, treatment, recovery support and education. An important part of the healthcare continuum, NAADAC members and its 45 state affiliates work to create healthier individuals, families and communities through prevention, intervention, quality treatment and recovery support.

Rock legend Alice Cooper shares, “Every rock star struggling with addition comes to the crossroads.  Where he decides whether to live or die.  It all comes down to that one decision.  You're either going to stop everything and change your lifestyle and go on to make more music, or you die, it's that simple. Jeremy’s book is one of the best rock n roll, addiction and redemption stories since Nikki Sixx’s The Heroin Diaries. Jeremy, you're still here, welcome to the club!”  Rob Halford offers, "Jeremy is in a position to tell a unique story: FFDP are a band young enough that they had to navigate the new music industry, yet they did so with an approach and work ethic that was purely old school.  That story alone would make for a good read, and Jeremy covers it. But thankfully he goes further-- he details how metal musicians are forged, and how metal bands either bond or break, and he tells us this in a matter- of- fact, unfiltered voice that is as raw and unashamed as his band's music."

Hailed by the New York Times as one of the most consistently popular bands on the rock charts, Five Finger Death Punch has become a heavyweight champ in music. But the band’s co-founder and drummer, Jeremy Spencer, did not have an easy ride to the top. Now, in DEATH PUNCH’D: Surviving Five Finger Death Punch’s Metal Mayhem (It Books; September 2, 2014; Hardcover; $26.99), Spencer opens up about how a mischievous boy rose from small-town Indiana to one of the decade’s top-selling bands globally—and how he nearly destroyed it all for a good time.

A detailed, in-depth account of the group’s origins and influences, as well as the infighting and tensions that, when channeled properly, result in the music fans love, DEATH PUNCH’D takes us onstage and behind the scenes, on tour and into the studio to tell the band’s story and his own story of remarkable perseverance and recovery. Told in Spencer’s unique, self-deprecating voice, filled with his twisted and humorous take on living the sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll dream-turned-nightmare, DEATH PUNCH’D is a lively, no-holds-barred ride and an inspiring cautionary tale that offers lessons for us all.  Brimming with Spencer’s unique personality and ability to find humor in even the darkest situations, DEATH PUNCH’D is captivating throughout.


Crown The Empire will headline the "Welcome To The Resistance Tour" later this summer with support from Volumes, Secrets, Ice Nine Kills, and The Family Ruin. Here are the dates:

TOUR DATES:

8/30 Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
8/31 Hollywood, CA @ The Whisky
9/2 Salt Lake City, UT @ Club Sound
9/3 Colorado, Springs, CO @ Black Sheep
9/5 Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground
9/6 Iowa City, IA @ Blue Moose
9/7 Kokomo, IN @ Center Stage
9/9 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Stache
9/10 Toledo, OH @ Frankies
9/11 Erie, PA @ The B.T. Center
9/12 Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon
9/14 Danbury, CT @ Heirloom Arts Theatre
9/17 Raleigh, NC @ Southland Ballroom
9/18 Covington, KY @ CODA
9/19 Louisville, KY @ The Vernon Club
9/20 Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco



Twenty five years almost added to their name sake, In Flames keeps moving forward going onto their eleventh album entitled "Sirens Charm", touring to follow suit with no plans on stopping in regards to touring and making music to further their musical careers. Drummer Daniel Svensson discusses that eleventh album, touring plans, and some back story on the fiery flames that can only be called In Flames.


1. First of all, who are you, and what do you do in the band?

Daniel: My name is Daniel Svensson and I am the drummer for In Flames.

2. What do you think has changed most about In Flames since 1990?

Daniel: Everything has changed. It the beginning we were just a small band just starting out like any other band, now it's a big machinery we play shows all over the world. I think it's still the same things that keeps us going and it's the love for the music and playing together is the same but everything else has changed. It's very different nowadays than back in 1990.

3. Can you tell me the story as to how and why the band wanted to be called In Flames?

Daniel: That I don't know and I don't think anyone else in the band knows because the guy that came up with the name is no longer in the band. It doesn't really have a particular meaning to it, it just sounded cool.

4. A lot of bands have seen the misfortune of line-up changes but you guys have foresee this, what has been the secret to longevity for the band?

Daniel: We did have a lot of line-up changes in the beginning but it wasn't until I joined in 1998 that our line-up has been a stable one. But before that a lot of members were coming in and out of the band and just all over the place. But as of 1998 only 1 member has left which was Jesper Strömblad who was replaced by Niclas Engelin who was in the band originally then he came back in it's a bit complicated to explain. But since 1998 the line-up has been stable since, because we know each other and have been doing this for so long that we know how to treat each other good or bad. We have a deep respect for one another when out on the road or in the studio, everyone has their own saying and feelings that are needed that no one is ever left out.

5. Why do you think Anders Friden made the decision to chop the locks, what was this change of pace put into place? Will we see the revival of the locks?

Daniel: He just felt like it, it's not a big deal.  Some people think the music is within the hair but it's within the fingers and vocals not what's on top of the head.

6. Over the span of your music career as far as releases, you have yet to release something that has been Self-Titled, will you guys ever take this direction and do so?

Daniel: We never talked about it. I don't know it's nothing we've never  thought about it either. We don't have any plans for it. Usually our albums have titles from different songs but you never know a Self-Titled release could happen we will see.

7. Do you think we will ever see an all acoustic release from you guys?

Daniel: It's not impossible we like doing different stuff and don't like repeating ourselves so it might work. But we're an aggressive band so our songs sound best the way we originally play them but acoustically but you never know. It's not something we've never talked about either, we're into different things so we'll see.

8. You've run your course of labels so why not take the DIY approach to getting your music out there? How has the relationship and transition between labels been?

Daniel: We've talked about it several times. But that means a lot of hard work and we wanted to concentrate on playing music and touring as much as possible. I don't know if we're ready to do it ourselves yet. It feels safe to do it with a label, doing it the old fashioned way. A lot of bands are doing the DIY thing nowadays and we've been discussing it back and forth several times but you never know we'll see.

9. You have eleven albums to your name, do you think it's safe to say, that you've come a long way and accomplished so much?

Daniel: Yeah if someone had told me when I had joined this band in 1998, that I would still be doing this by 2014, I wouldn't believe it. We're really grateful for what we've achieved and it's gone beyond our expectations. We can still do this and gain new fans writing songs that we enjoy, having a lot of fans being loyal while still enjoying the music even to the new fans and kids. If the band were to breakup today, I would be so happy with what the band has achieved so far.

10. It's been three years since the release of "Sounds of a Playground Fading". Why such a long time period between albums?

Daniel: First off, the touring cycle was a little bit longer than previous tours. After the tour we had felt we needed a few more months to take off. Usually right after a tour we'd jump right back into the studio, but felt we needed to recharge our batteries this time needing a little bit more time.

11. Would you say that there's a story or concept to be said about this album or its title?

Daniel: I don't know much about it lyrically. I think it's about addiction and temptations that are out there. That's what the title means at least. Otherwise I don't know much about the lyrics, Anders wrote all of the lyrics while we were recording, he didn't have any lyrics before the recording, he wrote them on sight inspired by Berlin and by watching documentaries about drug abuse and addiction.

12. How does the album art relate to the music on the album?

Daniel: I don't know. I think it relates more to the lyrics than the music. It's more of a stronger link between the artwork and the lyrics, than it is in between the music and the artwork, that's my feeling at least.

13. Can you give us a bit of a summary behind the tracks on "Siren Charms"?

Daniel: That's tough, We wanted to write an interesting album that had a lot of diverse songs. We have a few fast and heavy songs and even a song that's almost a ballad. It's hard to explain all of the songs, but we tried to make an interesting album that allowed all of our songs to work together as a setlist would. We did have more songs that were recorded but left those out because they didn't flow together with these selected. But I think this is the most interesting album, because it has more of everything, it's a more matured album in a good way.

14. Do you think there is an element of the band’s sound that you would like to push out further on the next release? With so much going on in your sound, obviously there are elements that might get further explored?

Daniel: It's hard to talk about the next release this one is still fresh to us. We haven't played the songs live yet so before we discuss any new songs we have to play these new songs a few times to see how they work and see where we should continue on the next album. By the end of the day, we write songs with how they sound live because we're a live band. I know a lot of bands write while on tour and we tried that but it's hard for us to do that, we want to start thinking of new songs while we're in the middle of the current song's finishing up that chapter before starting the new chapter. It's hard for me to talk about the next release but we'll see.

15. Are any of you currently involved with any other bands or projects outside In Flames?

Daniel: It's only Niclas Engelin whose involved in 2 other bands one is called Engel and the other one is called Drömriket. He's very creative and needs to write music to put out on different channels. He is the only one to put out music on the side that I know. Not sure if anyone else has any secret bands they're working on.

16. As you may or may not be aware several of your releases have hit certain mile stones, your debut "Lunar Strain" is at 20 years, "Colony" at 15 and "Soundtrack to Your Escape" at 10. Will any of these or any other release be considered of being played in its entirety?

Daniel: We did it once with "Soundtrack to Your Escape" where we did 2 shows one in Sweden and one in Los Angeles, California playing it from the first track to the last track, then playing another set afterwards of all the old classics. So we did do it once before, not sure if we will be doing it on a tour but perhaps a special show we will do it again.

17. What does the band have planned for the rest of the year aside from "Siren Charms"?

Daniel: We have the release then right after we'll be going on tour in Europe that will go into November then hopefully have another tour before Christmas, somewhere maybe North America if not the latest touring there early next year. But we will tour as much as possible all over the world.

18. Where hasn't In Flames been as far as touring and playing shows? Do you think there's been a band that has been to all parts of the world?

Daniel: We've played everywhere you name it. But there have been continents and countries that we have not played. But we'll grateful that we have such a large fan base that we will play everywhere eventually.

19. You guys have been together for going on almost 25 years, how do you react when hearing such a thing.

Daniel: First off, it makes me feel old. As I said before, I am just grateful that people still enjoy what we do and that the fans are still around because it's all due to them. It still works for us and we're able and allowed to write music that we enjoy writing and playing and so do the people that still enjoy it. We're really happy for that.

20. Anything else you'd like to say or want to add to the fans?


Daniel: Not really, we're looking forward to getting back on the road and touring, meeting all of the new and old fans so see you on the road!


Metal hardcore outfit the Deceivers are currently hard at work writing and recording for their new album with touring in the works. Frontman vocalist Greg discusses the new material, touring, and some in-depth details about the band.


1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Deceivers, and how long the band has been together.

Greg: I’m Greg, vocalist of Deceivers. The band exists for more than 20 years, walking independent since that.

2. Tell us the brief history of your band.

Greg: The New Era of metal core is here! - As said by a reviewer about Deceivers powerful and original way to write heavy and aggressive music describes how the band is building an impressive career since DECEIVERS - emerging from Brazil's capital city - formed in 1994.

Sometime ago during a TV show interview with Hatebreed, frontman Jamey Jasta was questioned about which bands they know from Brazil. He answered: Sepultura and DECEIVERS. The band has shared the stage with many national and international touring bands, including Sepultura, Madball, Krisiun, Violator, Angra, Hirax, Rage, Ratos de Porão and many others.

DECEIVERS recorded their first demo Redrum in 1997. With the new demo in hand, the band started a tireless tour schedule along with the demos distribution superior to 4,000 copies through the whole world. The band entered the studio in August 1999 to record their debut album Third Machine. The debut was received very well by the public and reviewed positively in several websites and magazines including Metal Hammer, Aardshock and Rock Brigade.

Deceivers contributed to a number of national and international compilations as well as New Metal from Trip Magazine with distribution superior to 120,000 copies alongside well known artists Krisiun, Stuck Mojo, Iced Earth, Nevermore and Shelter.

By late 2003, the band entered the studio to record Everbreathe. Looking for the best to be done Everbreathe album was mastered in New Jersey at West West Side Studios by Alan Douches (Hatebreed, Sepultura, Sick of it All, Thrice). Unlike their past album, Everbreathe is a more concise hybrid of metal and hardcore. It definitely marks an improvement in the bands style and sound.

As soon as the new album production completed the band decided to move to Los Angeles to promote Everbreathe promo material to the utmost. Along with new album in early 2005 DECEIVERS just finished a video for Everbreathe which is already on MTV schedule among others shows and specialized websites. Everbreathe was released in Brazil by 53HC Records, and in UK and Europe by Fury76 Records (Dead by Wednesday, Runt, The Dischargers).

In January 2010 the band entered  “Refinaria Studio” to record EP Paralytic.  Mastering was handled by world-famous Sterling Sound, by the hands of Justin Shturtz (Slipknot, Fall Out Boy, Bjork, Evanescence, My Chemical Romance) mastering wiz, who gives this record his usual seal of excellence.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Greg: We’re based in Brazil’s capital. I believe that the finest Brazilian bands are born here, we have bands from hardcore to death metal as well. We have an indie scene with tons of great bands in Brazil, but we suffer with a small shy market with not many labels or places to play. The scene is moved by kids like us supporting concerts and other bands. I can recommend Mais que Palavras, DFC, Totem, Death Slam, Optical Faze, Raimundos, Crushed Bones among others, are band’s involved in city’s scene!

4. What type of band are you?

Greg: We an indie band which mix hardcore, from old to new, with crossover and metal.

5. Why did you want to name the band Deceivers? What does it symbolize and represent for the band?

Greg: I believe the name came from a feeling… we were teenagers when we started the band. Actually Brazil is the land of the lie, with corruption, terrible politics and government, violence with no punishment, and a kind of “make up” imposed by the media and government that makes everything seems to be normal and acceptable. The World Cup here can be considered a symbol of this deceiving!
 
6. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

Greg: Everyone in the band have many different influences, we are very into art and music (metal or not) as well. I like music from Tracy Chapman to Obituary, from Thrice to Vader, from Immortal to Sick of it All, from Tim Maia to System of a Down. I’m into movies and books also… I love everything what comes from the heart.

7. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)

Greg: We talk about feelings and impressions taken from the real life. I believe that a lyric can express this feeling in many ways, even more direct or sometimes more subtle! There’s no rule on this process, but obey mind and heart is the key.

8. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)

Greg: For sure! We are often looking for a better and natural way to do it. Also we try to compose with the whole band so the ideas can flow faster and more interesting. The lyrics obey music mood and ideas taken on the moment which the new song is being created.  

9. What's new in the recording of your music?

Greg: At this time we will work with Ben Schiegel and Tony Gammalo, American Metal Experts from Spider Studios (Chimaira, Walls of Jericho, Switched) to get some new material out there sooner or later.

10. What are your dreams and goals?

Greg: Bring Deceivers’ music and message to international and national levels more than ever! We are also planning a American tour to divulge and spread the new album.

11. What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?

Greg: This is an awesome question. We do our work from the heart and inspiration is a mark of our music, so we believe that media may be interested in the band looking for this approach. We know about many bands looking for market and industry only as a business, and this is not our flag.

12. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Greg: Every info and merch are at: http://www.facebook.com/deceiversband 

We have an YouTube channel with latest videos and cool stuff:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbNY1VvkKjWLXfA0BGHloZA

Listen at: https://soundcloud.com/deceiversband

13. What plans do you have for the near future as a band?

Greg: Release the new album and start tour with it. We love to play live and to stay with the crowd and scene!

14. What is it you?d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Greg: The impact of it.

15. Any final words of wisdom?

Greg: Visit our Facebook and like our profile to stay tuned! And be sure that we're looking forward to meet people in North America! Thanks a lot Natalie for the support! Keep doing this great job!


Electro-punk artist Angelspit has been chosen to craft and perform 90 minutes of hellish soundscape created specifically for the legendary horror masterpiece ‘Nosferatu’ - LIVE in the park in Chicago’s Comfort Station (Logan Square) on August 20!

Angelspit has recruited several musicians to assist, including Brian Graupner (The Gothsicles), Jim Cookas and Brittany Bindrim (I:Scintilla), and some of Chicago’s top experimental noise artists. A large portion of the performance will be performed by the audience....so bring your smart phone to get in on the action!
“This will be the craziest outdoor gig we’ve ever done. I have written a large amount of new music, plus I am designing many acoustic and electronic instruments to be used in the performance. I’m also using much of the gear used in the recording of our latest album ‘The Product’ - several old samplers, rare modular synths and many analog/circuit-bent DIY devices.

There is also a huge amount of the the performance that will be played by the audience....and it’s all live! no laptops, no sequencers - it’s all performed LIVE while the original version of ‘Nosferatu’ is projected.”- Zoog Von Rock, Angelspit.

Nosferatuis famous for its numerous score variations over the years--now Angelspit joins the ranks!

DETAILS:

Wednesday August 20th (at sunset - around 8.30pm)
Comfort Station - Chicago, IL
2579 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
Cnr: Milwaukee Ave and Logan Blvd (East side of Milwaukee Ave).

www.comfortstationlogansquare.org


Got a head full of crazy ideas and a lens focused on psychological, creepy, freak-out with a twist of horrifying? Then it’s time to SHARE YOUR NIGHTMARE WITH THE MASSES! To coincide with its live soundtrack for the silent classic Nosferatu this August, Angelspit announces the most PSYCHOTIC music video competition on the web! Using a track from Angelspit’s new album THE PRODUCT, we challenge video artists to create a music clip to thrill and corrupt the masses!

PRIZES:

The winners will be a part of Angelspit’s new video compilation.

This compilation will be sent out to magazines, DJs, clubs, video pod casts and vlogs on Angelspit’s massive promotional network.

Winners will also receive webstore prize give-aways.

This compilation will be viewed for free to everyone on Angelspit’s Youtube and Vimeo.

All winners will be pimped and credited on Angelspit’s social media - we’ll PIMP YER ASS HARD!
There is a chance Angelspit will work with you on official releases in the future (Three finalists from our previous video competition have been hired to work on Angelspit video projects).

NEED INSPIRATION?

Create something INSANE based on the concept of Angelspit’s new album, “The Product”. Watch the infomercial for details. Use public domain stock footage. You don’t need to be bogged down in building sets - use found footage to tell your crazed story.

You can extend the track length or add intros and outro to your video to help tell your story.
EXPERIMENT! Use old video technology like VHS tape. Shoot footage off a TV or projection. Shoot through prisms....GO WILD!

The crazier and more innovative, the better. You are encouraged to use you own actors. As added incentive, Angelspit will be supplying additional lip-sync footage for some tracks (These will be provided for some of the heavier, faster tracks - more on this later).

“Angelspit was so impressed with the quality from our previous video competition that we took The Liar (the winner) on a USA tour with us. We commissioned finalists Keith Jenson to do ‘Pretty Dead Boys’ and Chris Davis to do ‘Ambassador’ from our new album ‘THE PRODUCT’. These competitions are the coolest way to bring the amazing talent in Angelspit’s fan-base to light”- Zoog Von Rock, Angelspit.

Check Angelspit’s website for details on prizes, rules and regulations:

http://www.angelspit.net/video-competition/

The contest deadline is Monday Sept 8th, 2014.


Angelspit has launched a new remix release and wants YOU involved! The hunt is on for club orientated remixes of a track from their latest album “The Product”. If your style is EDM, Glitch, Dubstep, EBM...then Angelspit want to hear from you!

PRIZES:

The winners and top entries will be a part of the new official Angelspit remix release, sent out to magazines, DJs, clubs and podcasts on Angelspit’s massive promotional network.

Winners will also receive a USB “SPITPILL” packed with awesome, plus webstore give-aways.

This release will be available on Spotify, USB “SPITPILLS,” iTunes, Amazon and many others.

All winning tracks will be pimped and credited on Angelspit’s social media - we’ll PIMP YER ASS HARD!

Check Angelspit’s website for details on remix packs, rules and regulations:

http://www.angelspit.net/the-product-remix-competition/

Entries close Monday August 4th!


BUTCHER BABIES recently wrapped the REVOLVER MAGAZINE Golden Gods Tour with Black Label Society.  They are now planning a full headlining U.S. Tour starting in September with special guest Anti-Mortem! Check out the dates below!

TOUR DATES:

SUPPORT:

9/12 Reno, NV @ Knitting Factory Concert House *wi/ BLS
9/13 Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival
9/14 Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst *w/ BLS

HEADLINE:

9/27 Scottsdale, AZ @ Pub Rock
9/28 Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
9/30 Merriam, KS @ Aftershock
10/01 Joilet, IL @ Mojoes
10/03 Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar
10/04 Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop
10/05 Louisville, KY @ Champions Park ***Larger Than Life Festival
10/07 Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
10/08 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium (upstairs)
10/10 New York, NY @ Santos Party House
10/11 Philadelphia, PA @ District N9ne
10/12 West Springfield, VA @ Empire
10/14 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
10/16 Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
10/17 Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock
10/18 San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live
10/19 Lubbock, TX @ Jake's Backroom
10/21 Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep
10/22 Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theatre
10/23 Las Vegas, NV @ Backstage Bar


Killswitch Engage returns to Michigan to headline Dirt Fest 2014! This is the band’s first Michigan Festival date for original vocalist Jesse Leach since the 2012 Trespass America Tour.

Coming off of a Rock on the Range appearance, and most notably, a Grammy Nomination for ‘Best Rock Performance’ for “In Due Time” from their latest Roadrunner Records release ‘Disarm the Descent’, Killswitch closes their 2013-2014 World Tour at Dirt Fest 2014!

The 2014 Dirt Fest lineup includes: Killswitch Engage, Sid Wilson of Slipknot, Powerman 5000, Hed Pe, Nonpoint, Chimaira, Battlecross, Gemini Syndrome, Tantric, Smile Empty Soul, Local H, Redlight King, Like A Storm, Nothing More, Eyes Set To Kill, Gift Giver, Blue Felix, Psychostick, & A Special Mystery Co-Headliner to be announced on July 19th.

Known mostly for its quiet Outlet Mall, the town of Birch Run, MI will once again get turned on its head at Dirt Fest 2014 on Saturday, August 9th. Dirt Fest celebrates its 16th year as it presents over 50 live National and Local acts on multiple stages, proving once again that Rock & Roll is alive and kicking!

Dirt Fest is hosted by Matt and Andy Dalton of Dalton Brothers Entertainment, along with Banana 101.5 FM, and is presented by Ourtunez at the Birch Run Expo Center.

Dirt Fest is an all-day, all-ages music festival that the Daltons have developed from humble beginnings and grown a reputation for being a must attend event every year for fans of established and emerging hard rock and metal music. Dirt Fest has showcased a multitude of acts from Michigan born bands such as Pop Evil, Battlecross, Chiodos, Wilson & Critical Bill to National headlining bands like Trapt, Sevendust, In This Moment, and Clutch while continuing to make an enormous effort to feed the pot with younger developing acts.

In addition to VIP Ticket Packages, Dirt Fest will offer Meet & Greet opportunities and will have several media outlets broadcasting live coverage from the show and interviews with the bands. $35 General Admission tickets are on sale now and VIP tickets are currently on sale for $80, which includes early entry into the festival, access to the VIP tent, raised seating, access to the private bar where the bands hang out, private VIP restrooms, and an event t-shirt.

Check out the video for the festival HERE.


Swedish old school rockers The Gloria Story holds Kiss as one of their main influences. This year marks Kiss 40:th anniversary. It is also the year that Kiss finally got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Gloria Story's song "Live your Life in Shame" is all about "life as a Kiss-fan". It's packed with Kiss-references and is nothing short of an homage to one of the greatest rock-groups of all time. The video - filled with flames, girls, action and a lot of KISSING - is released on the same day as Kiss kicks off their 40:th anniversary-tour together with Def Leppard. June 23. The "Live your Life in Shame-video" is The Gloria Story's way of saying: "Thank you Kiss for the music during 40 years of Rock and Roll, and congratulations on the RARHOF induction".

Note: The Gloria Story didn't want to use the iconic, trademark KISS-makeup in the video, because it would be a little too obvious. Instead the four different girls appearing in the video wears different colour lipstick - each of them representing the theme-colour from the the original four Kiss solo-albums, and each of them representing the classic "Kiss-song girls" aka Christine, Beth, Shandi and Domino.

"Live your life in Shame" is the third single from THE GLORIA STORY's album BORN TO LOSE (2013) - available from Sound Pollution Distribution on CD, Digital and Vinyl-LP. Check out the video HERE.


KING DIAMOND has confirmed what has been rumored for several weeks: a full North American tour this Fall! The long-awaited trek will commence on October 11th in Atlanta and wrap up with the previously announced performance at Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin. A limited edition KING DIAMOND jacket will be available through the SHOWstubs.com fan club pre-sale, which begins tomorrow, June 24th. Tickets will be on sale online and at box offices nationwide on Friday, June 27th.

KING DIAMOND will be joined on stage by longtime band members Andy LaRocque, Mike Wead, Hal Patino, and Matt Thompson. Additionally, North American fans will bear witness to the band's full European festival stage show. These will be the most ambitious and largest North American productions of the band's entire history. A special guest support act for the tour will be announced in the coming weeks.

TOUR DATES:

10/11/2014 Center Stage - Atlanta, GA
10/13/2014 The Fillmore - Silver Spring, MD
10/14/2014 Best Buy Theatre - New York, NY
10/16/2014 The Palladium - Worcester, MA
10/17/2014 Olympia - Montreal, QC
10/18/2014 The Sound Academy - Toronto, ON
10/19/2014 Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA
10/21/2014 The Vic Theatre - Chicago, IL
10/22/2014 The Pageant - St. Louis, MO
10/24/2014 Paramount Theatre - Denver, CO
10/26/2014 The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT
10/28/2014 The Moose Theatre - Seattle, WA
10/30/2014 The Warfield - San Francisco, CA
10/31/2014 The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA
11/01/2014 House Of Blues - Las Vegas, NV
11/03/2014 Rialto Theatre - Tucson, AZ
11/05/2014 House Of Blues - Houston, TX
11/06/2014 House Of Blues - Dallas, TX
Fun Fun Fun Fest
11/08/2014 Auditorium Shores - Austin, TX


When Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies and Exodus played a handful of dates together this past May, every date was sold out and fans experienced a night of some of the best metal on the planet.  With reviews like "the best show in years that I've been blessed to witness," "a metalhead's dream come true," and "...an onslaught of heart-pounding tunes during an evening full of awesome head banging action," how could this trinity of thrash legends not join up again for a full-on road trip?  So, with Scion proudly presenting, Slayer - Kerry King/guitars, Tom Araya/bass'vocals, drummer Paul Bostaph and guitarist Gary Holt - with special guests Suicidal Tendencies and Exodus, will hit the road this fall, kicking off November 12 in Oakland, CA, playing through to December. 5 in Detroit, MI.  The confirmed itinerary is below.

Slayer fan club members are invited to take advantage of a ticket pre-sale that will begin this Wednesday, June 25 at 10AM (local time) and ends on Thursday, June 26 at 5:00PM (local time).  Fan club members will receive an email with instructions for ticket purchasing.  Tickets go on sale to the public this Friday, June 27 at 10:00AM (local time) - log onto www.slayer.net for all ticket purchasing details.

Said Slayer's Tom Araya, "We are way fucking excited about hitting the road again with Suicidal and Exodus.  Fucking intense.  See you in the fall."

Added Mike Muir, Suicidal Tendencies' vocalist, "Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies and Exodus, for only six shows?  They were a blast, but everyone knew that wouldn't be enough.  Now's your chance to see what everyone else was screaming about.  ST definitely can't wait 'til November to do it all again!"

"This monumental tour is a heavy metal collision of epic proportions," added Exodus vocalist Steve 'Zetro' Souza who has just rejoined the band.  "For my first tour back with Exodus, I'm beyond excited to be on the road with my brothers in true thrash metal! I'm also looking forward to meeting and hanging out with all of the fans on this heavy as hell tour."-

TOUR DATES:

NOVEMBER:

12   Fox Theatre, Oakland, CA
14   The Forum, Los Angeles, CA
15   Comercia Theatre, Phoenix, AZ
17   Bricktown Events Center, Oklahoma City, OK
18   ACL Live, Austin, TX
19   Verizon Theatre, Dallas, TX
21   Hard Rock Live, Orlando, FL
22   The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA
23   The Fillmore, Charlotte, NC
25   The Armory, Albany, NY
26   Sands Events Center, Bethlehem, PA
28   The Palladium, Worcester, MA
29   Wellmont Theatre, Montclair, NJ
30   Tower Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

DECEMBER:

 2   Agora Theatre, Cleveland, OH
 4   Egyptian Room, Indianapolis, IN
 5   The Fillmore, Detroit, MI


Grunge pop rockers Arcane Saints will be making their first U.S.A tour debut along with playing some festivals and other showcases along the way. They have released their latest single "Hard To Please" with a whole lot more music in-store with future plans already a work in progress with so much more. Frontman vocalist/guitarist Michael John discusses the single, touring, and future ahead!


1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Arcane Saints, and how long the band has been together.

Michael: Hello I'm Michael John and I sing and play guitar, mostly rhythm guitar because no one wants to hear my solos haha. Arcane Saints formed in 2008.

2. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?

Michael: I was born in the UK but grew up in Auckland, New Zealand and played in various bands. Auckland is a small city and only has 2 or 3 places rock bands can play. So after becoming way too acquainted with those 2 or 3 venues over a number of years I decided to move to Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne is the music mecca of the southern hemisphere. It also has excellent coffee, which along with music, I'm very passionate about! Melbourne's population is almost on a par with New ZealandÕs entire population so it was definitely a shock moving to a much bigger city. Once I moved I formed Arcane Saints. Like most bands there have been a few line up changes but I think at the moment the line up is just right.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Michael: Melbourne, Australia. People can see amazing bands any night of the week here so you really have to be good to stand out and draw an audience. Local bands I'd recommend are Shihad (who are true rock veterans,) Massive, Audemia and Verona Lights.

4. How did you guys come up with your band name?

Michael: "Arcane" means mysterious and unknowable, I liked that connotation as it applies to music I like too. I like music where you have to delve in a bit deeper to the song to try and figure out what the message is. "Saints" just kind of fit well alongside it.

5. What bands have influenced your band and its sound?

Michael: The most obvious influence are the so-called grunge bands- Nirvana, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden particularly, but also bands such as QOTSA, Guns n Roses, Muse, Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys, Black Sabbath. Lately I've been getting into St Vincent who probably hasn't directly influenced our sound but she inspired me to write a whole bunch of new songs. She's amazing.

6. Are you guys signed to a label? Do you hope to get signed to a label or prefer the DIY approach with your music?

Michael: No we aren't, we have had offers but are waiting for a label that will be the right fit for us. I think you can't help but feel validated as a musician when you get signed to a label so yes we would like to be at some stage.

7. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?

Michael: There's a real mixture, depends on what mood I'm in I guess. As with all musicians you can feel lot of anger and frustration towards the music industry at times but also being in a rock band and travelling the world, even when you are broke is so fun and rewarding. So I draw on a lot of experiences from that.

8. What's the story behind "Hard to Please"?

Michael: People think its about a girl but its actually about being in a relationship with music. At times you question why you are doing it when you have to sacrifice so much. At present I'm working 2 day jobs, 6 days a week to save for our USA tour and I haven't had an actual holiday in 5 years. You get exhausted but you do it because you are compelled to.

9. Do you guys have any new music in the works?

Michael: Oh yeah, 2 new songs we are gonna rock on the upcoming USA tour. One is really heavy and dark. The other could be our next single and is each members favorite song to play at the moment.

10. How do you promote your band and shows?

Michael: We have a publicist in the USA who is promoting the upcoming tour with Trapt. Other than that we just tour as often as possible and try and write good music, that's the best promo a band can do.

11. Can you describe your show, visually and musically for those who have yet to see you live?

Michael: Very raw and energetic. We try and keep the music real so opt not to use backing tracks or computers. There are no gimmicks, we just get up there and give it everything we have.

12. What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?

Michael: Well everyone should check out our album out called TURNING THE TIDE that was produced by Toby Wright (Metallica, Alice in Chains, Kiss, Korn.) We made the record in Nashville and Peter Keys from Lynyrd Skynyrd came down and played piano on it. I used a mic custom made for Layne Staley, late singer of Alice in Chains. I invite anyone who likes hard rock to check it out.

13. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Michael: People in the USA can check us out live very soon as we are touring there with Trapt in a few weeks. You can get our album in physical format and merch at our website www.arcanesaints.com and we are on iTunes too of course.

14. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?

Michael: After our first USA tour we will play more shows in Australia. At the moment we are talking about our 3rd China tour next year or maybe another USA tour or even a European tour so we aren't sure yet. We really want to record more music at some point too, even if its only a single.

15. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Michael: Our band name, because it takes a little while to remember, Arcane Saints Arcade Fire? No, Arcane Saints! Oh right ok got it.

16. Any final words of wisdom?

Michael: For those people into rock and metal, I can't stress enough how important it is to support the bands you like in this genre. Go the shows, buy the music, buy the merch because trust me it helps us out more than you realize. A lot of good bands are breaking up because they just can't afford to do this anymore which really sucks. So support the rock bands you love people!