January 2014


Formed in 2003, Icarus Witch came together out of a shared passion for classic heavy music with a goal of creating the ultimate melodic rock/traditional metal hybrid to bridge the words of modern and vintage. Since that time the prolific band has toured, played festivals, shows, written and recorded material and have released their latest album to date "Rise". Bassist Jason Myers discusses that release and the plans they have lined-up!


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

Jason: I was living in Los Angeles in the early 2000s and trying to piece together a traditional metal band, driving all over the city, answering classified ads, etc. Eventually it became apparent that I wasn't going to find what I was looking for there, so I moved back to Pittsburgh, where I knew there were several musicians who were playing the style of classic, melodic hard rock that I wanted to focus on.

When I returned in 2003, I was living with a drummer friend of mine named Keith Hurka who I’d been friends and bandmates with previously. He heard a demo of a singer named Matthew Bizilia who had just moved to town. We set up a meeting and realized we had a lot of mutual interests and influences and that began the working process of the first version of Icarus Witch. Since that time, the band’s been through numerous lineup changes, and now 10 years and five CDs later, we’re still going strong and getting better with each release!

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

Jason: The name came to me in a vision while I was still in Los Angeles, during that initial inspiration to create the kind of band I’d missed hearing. The name, and early version of the logo, the concept, all of that was in place before the first note was played.

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

Jason: We’re based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the scene is pretty similar to any large city. There are good points and rough patches. At the moment, there seems to be more live venues to play than in recent memory, so that’s a good sign. We played with a progressive metal band called Second Empire last year when we opened for Kamelot, and they were a really solid, young group with a bright future. Then there are bands like Dofka that we've been friends with forever who are still putting out amazing, classic metal music including a recent track with our former singer, Matthew Bizilia (who now has a band called Habitual Sins). Another fun band from the area is Gene The Werewolf who are on Frontiers Records and play a rowdy, catchy brand of hard party rock. Vermithrax is also quite good if you like classic thrash with a modern edge.

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

Jason: That depends on who’s writing any particular lyric. On RISE, Christopher wrote the lion’s share of the lyrics. I think originally, he came in as the new guy thinking he had to inject some of the fantasy element that our previous singer, Matthew was known for. However, after we reassured him that this was his role now and to do what he was comfortable with, you started to see more heartfelt lyrics come out, like “Break The Cycle” and “Say When” (which he co-wrote with Quinn).

Some of the lyrics I contributed on the last album include “Last Call for Living” which was meant to be a rallying cry for our band and anyone who’s ever felt their back was against the wall one too many times. That’s a fight song with a punk attitude if ever we've written one!

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

Jason: Originally, the band was formed around a mutual love of classic metal and rock bands like Rainbow, Ozzy, Dio, Queensryche, Y&T, Krokus, Fastway, Maiden, Crue, Def Leppard, Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake as well as some of the darker yet melodic influences of Mercyful Fate, Candlemass and Trouble. Depending on who’s controlling the music in the touring van, at any point on the highway, you may hear anything from H.I.M. or The Cure, to Emperor to Bob Seger to Testament to Danzig to Motley Crue to Mastadon to Sixx A.M. to Journey to Black Veil Brides to Katatonia to Eclipse or H.E.A.T...it’s really all over the place. We just love good music and inevitably the best elements of our favorite songs are going to work their way into our compositions, even if just subliminally.


6. Is there any story or concept behind the RISE title?

Jason: The artwork and photography for the album had already been selected and the song “Rise” was the first one we had written for this project. Something about the simplicity of the word, it served as a call to action. One meaning could be that the band was poised to rise above the level we’d previously reached. Also, the levitating naked witch on the broomstick image seemed perfect for the title, so it worked on many levels.

7. Who produced RISE and what was it like working with them?

Jason: It was produced by Dave Watson who we enjoyed working with so much on the early single “Tragedy” that we invited him to join the band! Dave’s got such a great ear, a lot of patience and an uncanny, gut instinct for what makes a good song great. After he signed on with the Witch full time we began writing together and his influence is very clear on the more modern production of the last album. He also contributed a lot of really solid keyboard parts, and played second lead guitar, complimenting Quinn’s style perfectly on every song.

8. Who did the cover art for RISE and how much input did you have on it?

Jason: The photography for the levitating Witch was shot by an amazing artist named Sergey Bizyaev in Russia. I’d been a fan his work for a long time and contacted him about working with us. Fortunately, he was really into the idea and his images became as much a part of the album release as the music and video. I’m a long time fan of classic album art and Sergey’s imagery really fit well with our sound. Classy, provocative, sensual, with a hint of dark humor...it was a perfect match. As for the graphic layout, logo, text and package design, I did that work myself, as I have on the past three releases.

9. What's your favorite song on the album right now?

Jason: Personally, I’m still really moved by the title track, “Rise.” It’s more of a groove-oriented jam than some of our more progressive songs, which makes it a joy to play live. It’s one of those songs that you don’t have to over think, you can just close your eyes and feel, which is a lot more fun to experience on stage. That’s one of the few songs in our history that was spontaneously written on the spot in a jam mode, something I hope to do more of in the future.

10. Do you guys have any new music in the works as far as a follow-up release?

Jason: Yes, we've all been writing individually and just recently began getting back together for rehearsals after a break. I've got one song in particular that I've been working on every time I pick up the bass. I know the other guys have been writing too and we've discussed possibly producing and releasing an EP this summer to have some fresh tracks in the set and online.

11. What are your upcoming touring/show plans?

Jason: Again, we just started getting together again after taking our first break in years. At the moment, we have a show in Erie, PA on March 14 and we’re playing with Jake E. Lee in Pittsburgh on March 24. We’re hoping to get out on the road for another tour later in the year, but regardless, are committing to playing live a lot more this year.

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

Jason: We’re getting ready to relaunch a new, feature-rich version of IcarusWitch.com in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can stream RISE in its entirety at our Facebook page. Our new store will be up soon too, but you can also buy our merch and CDs at the Facebook store. As for digital downloads, the most artist friendly place to buy tracks and help the band, is at our iTunes store.

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

Jason: Listen with an open mind and approach the band’s music in terms of how the songs make you feel. Too often we get lumped into these narrow sub genres that don’t really reflect the scope of our work. Music is either good or it’s not, we’ll leave the labels to the marketing execs and let people decide for themselves if the Icarus Witch songs make them feel good. If so, mission accomplished.

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

Jason: More progression in songwriting and production, a renewed sense of energy and focus on the stage show and a lot of hard work and attention to detail when it comes to writing and producing the highest quality music we’re capable of creating!

15. Any final words of wisdom?

Jason: There’s not much I could say that would exceed the profundity of the wise Dee Snider, so I’ll reflect his eternal sentiment - “I wanna rock!”



Our Souls Evolve is a metal band that is not like all the rest. These guys have played shows like others have, written and even recorded and released material but their source of style and sound is different. Guitarist Ismael Mossadeq talks about their style and plans.


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

Ismael: Hi, I'm Ismael and I play guitar in Our Souls Evolve. The band has been active for about a year and a half now.

2. Tell us the brief history of your band.

Ismael: We are 5 guys who are passionate about metal music and wanted to contribute to the crazy local scene in Montreal .

 Our first goal is to have fun and also give to other people what music brought us!

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

Ismael: Like I said, we are based at Montreal, QC, Canada. The metal music scene is really huge, some bands travels from Ontario just to get a chance to be heard here. If I would recommend local bands I would say : Justified and Shape the above. Two different style but you get the goose bumps every time their music pop out on your ipod!

4. What type of band are you?

Ismael: People have labeled us like a progressive ambient djent/metalcore but we rather be called deafening Canadians dudes!

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

Ismael: While one of our guitar player(Sergio) was listening to his favorite song by periphery, there was a line that he really liked. At the end of "Jetpack was yes" you can hear "A soul evolves as one", which inspired our band's name. We see life as a cycle in which we change as a person ether in a good or bad way and that's how we evolve in life.

6. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

Raphael: For me my major musical influence is Tim Lambesis (As I Lay Dying) and non-musical influence would be Charles Baudelaire.

Sergio: For me my musical influences are Periphery and After The Burial.

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

Ismael: The name of each songs really tells you the subject. It's about evolving, questioning yourself, the manipulators of society, trying to find paradise and being afraid. They all have a common thing, being human.

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

Ismael: In general, Sergio writes the main thing (guitars, basic drums, basic bass) and then he would send it out to the rest of the band, they would teak it or rewrite their parts; then Raphael writes the lyrics on his own.

9. What's your take on Origins as a whole?

Ismael: It's how we started, a picture of us in that period of time and each song as his different "vibe" to it  so it makes it special and fresh through out the entire EP.

10. Who produced Origins and what was it like working with them?

Ismael: Three members of the band are parts of a young recording company called "Microgroove media". Sergio produced, engineered and mixed the EP. Charly plays bass with the band and was the assistant engineer. Since we do everything by ourselves it was pretty easy to go about things. It's was a long process but was worth it.

11. Is there any story or concept behind the Origins title?

Ismael: Like we said earlier it's how we started, it's our origin musically.

12. Who did the cover art for Origins and how much input did you have on it?

Ismael: Again, under the umbrella "Microgroove Media" (we do recordings and graphic designs among other things), Sergio created the artwork. That mofo writes the music, produces it and then creates the artwork for it!

13. Select two songs from Origins and what inspired the lyrics.

Ismael: Origins: I (Raphael) played Halo 4 and in the story theirs Cortana ( an A.I.). Who is questioning her self as an Artificial life form, so I decided to write a song about that.

Afraid: Sergio wrote most of the lyrics on "Afraid" so he will be answering this one:

The lyrics are really personal on this one, I've always struggled on writing lyrics but i finally had something to say. Pretty much it talks about a girl and my feelings for her. We had a good relationship up to the point when I wrote the lyrics but we were not together. I couldn't bring myself to expose my true feeling because of the fear to make her go away. I always "over think" things, and could see many outcomes to our relation if I had done so. Some goods and other simply terrifying. I was afraid to loose her.

14. Do you have any new music in the works - in terms of a follow-up to Origins?

Ismael: We actually have 5 songs completed for the next EP already! We are probably going to add 4 to 5 songs for the official release.

15. What are your dreams and goals?

Ismael: We hope that our project is going to get us as far as we can. Ruling the Canadian scene would probably be our official goal.

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

Ismael: Every person who like progressive music should give it a try! We released our album for free to give a chance to anyone to listen to it. We did everything on our own with a minimum budget, and worked our asses off!

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

Ismael: You can go on every media platform (Facebook, reverbnation, YouTube, etc.) and find us! (under the "Our Souls Evolve" name). You will have the opportunity to buy some cool stuff on our official website : www.oursoulsevolve.com in the following weeks like shirts, earplugs, necklaces soaked in our blood or some home made sugar maple!

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

Ismael: We plan to go on a little Ontario- Quebec tour this summer! It should be a 8 towns tour so wish us good luck!

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

Ismael: The ambiance we like to create in the songs that make them unique. We put a lot of effort into it even if it's in background. We also hid the coordinates to a million dollars worth of valium in one of the tracks, you're welcome!

20. Any final words of wisdom?

Ismael: We would like to thank you for the time you took and the interest in us. Download our album, we'll upload you some love!


Symphonic technical death metal act Whorion formed in 2009, wanting to create something all their own and did just that. Now they are in the process of recording their full-length debut along with playing some shows here and there with a whole lot more in-store. Vocalist and gutarist Ep Rautamaa discusses the album, shows, and plans.


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

EP:  I am the founder and song writer of Whorion. The band has been together since 2013, but the band formed in 2009 being an on/off project until 2012.

2. Tell us the brief history of your band.

EP: In the start of 2013 Iiro Illman and Dorian Logue joined the band and the first release was being fired up. Ari Nieminen came across and made vocal demo, Whorion was constructed in the way that we have visioned from the start. Ukri Suvilehto came as session drummer and we started to record first release at D-Studio in Klaukkala. With help of Vili Itäpelto and Jussi Kirves, also symphonic elements came really good together with the music. Heikki Saari from Norther joined the forces after first release was made and Ukri could not continue with us.

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

EP: We're based in Helsinki and it's full of metal. Whole metal scene can be found here and lots of awesome underground bands, such as Church of the Dead.

4. What type of band are you?

 EP: I personally started our band as death metal, a bit technical one, just added there orchestral elements on top of that. Songs needs to work without orchestral, they come as last but are also really important piece of the puzzle.

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

EP: That isn't something we like to share at this point. Meaning of Whorion will be revealed at some point, but in our way. So that question has to wait a bit further for now.

6. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

EP: Personally, Dying Fetus, Suffocation, Decapitated, Nile, Whitechapel and last but not least, Mr Peter Tägtgren.

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

EP: Biggest inspiration is the world itself and despicable race called humans who wanders here. Mind that cannot see distance or the big picture. What secrets lies beyond our sight and understanding. So many questions, so little answers. My mind goes away from here, there's is much more to look at. World without weak individual. Ancient Greek is also on my personal interest.

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

EP: The process of writing is slow since i take time to think everything through from the first kick drum to last trumpet. "Less is more", said someone once. So everything we put out, is thought through many times and past the bar we have set for this.  That is also our reason to put first EP and not full length. An idea what future is bringing. I'm giving music its own time to come together. Still have not finished listening this one album with 16 songs, since i did get bored on the 7th or 8th song. Maybe one day.

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

EP: There ain't nothing new in my personal view. Just different way to use already existent music elements.

10. What are your dreams and goals?

EP: Personally, no dreams or goals. Just passion to continue what I have started. Our goal is to tour as much as possible. Grow and get place in the world of music.

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

EP: They should not actually. Everything you see, is enough. What's deeper inside, those who share passion, will find what lies under the surface.

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

EP: Spotify for free listening, Amazon, iTunes and many other web stores. Our own online store is under construction.

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

EP: Deal with the tours that has been presented and start recording our full length.

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

EP: Well from artwork, lyrics and music, everything fit together and has been built as a theme, so if people see that, my job is done.

15. Any final words of wisdom?

EP: Only a blind can see through darkness.


Hasbro's My Little Pony line that invaded Build A Bear not to long ago is continuing it's line of ponified bear plushies with the addition of Rarity on the way, but Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle as well. Other ponies who have already been released includes; Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and Spike! Expect these to be released soon.
Scootaloo Build A Bear

Sweetie Belle Build A Bear

Rarity Build A Bear


Portland, Oregon-based electro-indie-rock three-piece Bombs Into You have announced the release of 'Evasive Me' for free download. The track comes from the band's debut full-length album, 'Shake' which is available now.

"Evasive Me" is an emotive and hard-hitting reflection about what it's like to care for someone too much. Sonically, it's all about playful 80s synths, powerful, skyscraping riffage, proper rock beats and serious soothing vocals. The band's chief songwriter and vocalist, Jaren Jensen comments: “Sometimes someone hooks you in, and it can be difficult to let that go. I think it's kind of a universal sentiment in the end.” Check out the song and download it from the link below;

https://soundcloud.com/likeradiation/bombs-into-you-evasive-me-prod

The tune itself is a great insight into the gritty and intensely personal nature of 'Shake' as an album. “I had just ended a relationship and was single for the first time in years, and soon after fell in love with the wrong person, which was all hard to get through. There is a lot of anxiety that went into the themes of this record - that's why it's called 'Shake'. I've always tried to be vulnerable when I work, and I think 'Shake' is the most honest, vulnerable thing I could've done,” Jensen adds. “The payoff is when I get to sing all these songs in front of people. I know where they came from - but they don't. And yet, they're still with me, in that room, in that moment.”

It is this brutal honesty and depth that has gifted BIY a dedicated fanbase since the band formed, as well as some notable admirers. “We played 'Sucker' [the closing track from 'Shake'] last August at this little house party, and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. 30 or so people, and they were all just with me. Amanda Palmer was there, and afterwards she told me that our songs were beautiful. Those moments validate all the frustration and anxiety that have informed the songs - there's a therapeutic 'letting go', and a way of communicating that's truly unique.”


Mindless Self Indulgence will be going on tour with support from Death Valley High filling in between April 1st through the 15th! Find out where and when this tour will come from the list of dates below!

TOUR DATES:

Mar 12 · Tempe, AZ Marquee
Mar 14 · Houston, TX Warehouse Live
Mar 15 · Grand Prairie, TX Quicktrip Park
Mar 17 · Atlanta, GA The Masquerade
Mar 18 · Norfolk, VA The Norva
Mar 20 · Baltimore, MD Ram's Head Live
Mar 21 · Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
Mar 22 · Worcester, MA The Palladium
Mar 23 · Philadelphia, PA Theatre of The Living Arts
Mar 25 · New York, NY Irving Plaza
Mar 26 · Clifton Park, NY Upstate Concert Hall
Mar 27 · Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE
Mar 28 · Cincinnati, OH Bogarts
Mar 29 · Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
Mar 30 · Cleveland, OH House Of Blues

Death Valley High Support:

Apr 1 · Toronto, ON Phoenix Concert Theatre
Apr 2 · Detroit, MI St. Andrews Hall
Apr 3 · Chicago, IL House Of Blues
Apr 4 · Milwaukee, WI The Rave/Eagles Club
Apr 5 · Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
Apr 6 · Lawrence, KS The Granada
Apr 7 · Sauget, IL Pop's
Apr 9 · Denver, CO Bluebird Theater
Apr 11 · Seattle, WA El Corazon
Apr 12 · Portland, OR Roseland Theater
Apr 13 · San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
Apr 15 · West Hollywood, CA House Of Blues Sunset Strip


Santa Cecilia Orchestra (SCO) will host its second concert of the 2013-2014 season, “Spellbound!”, which will take place at Occidental College’s Thorne Hall on Sunday February 9 at 4:00 p.m. Conductor Sonia Marie De León de Vega will lead the orchestra performing music by Dvorak, Márquez and Tchaikovsky.

SCO is fulfilling its Music is For Everyone mission by offering full orchestra concerts, chamber concerts and its nationally acclaimed Discovering Music Program.

The orchestra will perform three passionate masterworks, Dvorak’s Carnival Overture, Márquez’ Danzón No. 8 and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. The orchestra will end the program with Tchaikovsky’s most spectacular symphony, an emotional tour de force that blazes with passion. Rich with drama and marked by a supercharged melody, Tchaikovsky’s epic Symphony No. 4 will leave you with goose bumps.

The concert will take place at Occidental College’s Thorne Hall, 1600 Campus Rd., Los Angeles on Sunday February 9, 2014 at 4:00 p.m.  There will be one performance only of this program. Tickets priced at $26, $20 and $7 (youth 17 and under) are available by calling the orchestra office at (323) 259-3011 or by visiting www.scorchestra.org/201011orderform.html#ticketsspellbound.


Rock n' rollers Lynam has been around for while now and while they have been through a lot they will push it to the limit never having anything to stop them. Drummer and vocalist David Lynam discusses their first ever EP debut "Halfway To Hell" and plans for the future.


1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Lynam? How long the band has been together?

David: I'm David Lynam.  I play drums but I feel like more of the mascot for the band.  We've been together for 13 years at the end of next month.

2. Why did you want to call the band Lynam? Did you ever notice that spells out "manly" if you look at it backwards.

David: Truth be told I was a horrible drummer in the formation of this band.  We never planned on  being a band and the band agreed that the band was going to be called Lynam as a ultimatum to me to either get better as a drummer or drag my family's name through the mud.  And honestly, since we didn't plan on being a "band" we really never named the band.  I just did the booking and the clubs said, "I'm putting down Lynam til you come up with a real band name."  THAT'S house serious we were about this band in the beginning and though we treat it more seriously now we never have been accused of taking ourselves TOO serious.

3. Tell me about your new EP.

David: Our EP … well, lets see. It's our first studio release in 4 years. We were REALLY itching to get into the studio and do something.  It took us forever to record but not for the normal reasons that bands take forever to record.  We just couldn't line up time when we were off and our studio was available.  FINALLY it happened.  It's 6 songs.  One of the songs, Wrong Side of the Grave, was a song not used on the Adler cd so we used it.  It's actually a demo.  THAT song we never got around to re-recording, thus the sub par sound quality of the mix.  Dead Man's Parade was written by Lonny.  It's been a lot of people's favorite. The other songs were written by Jacob.  We're planning on completing this EP into a full length sometime this year and re-releasing it.

4. Is there any story or concept behind the Halfway To Hell title?

David: Well since it's not a full length album and just an EP we decided to go with Halfway to Hell.  All the Way to Hell might be the full length album release name. Haha.

5. Select two songs from Halfway To Hell and what inspired the lyrics.

David: Two?  TWO???  I can't even tell you ONE!  I mean, I know all of the songs.  I can play them in my sleep.  I know my harmonies.  I know the words I'm supposed to be singing … but what they mean?  Man, I couldn't tell you.  I can tell you that Jacob writes about broken hearts a lot.  He writes about death a lot too.  So if I were you I would start from the beginning of any of the songs he's' written on this EP and look for one of two meanings, heartbreak and/or death.  I reckon you'll crash head first into one of those topics.  I don't know if you're like me but some bands I just don't pay attention to the words.  Eric Church?  Sure I know what he's singing about.  Motley Crue, I can usually guess it's either pussy or partying but I couldn't tell you specifically on most songs b/c I'm a melody guy, not a lyric guy.  I'm listening to other stuff while the song's going.  I know a million songs on drums but if I had to sing one of 'em I'd have to have an Ozzy teleprompter.

6. Who produced Halfway To Hell and what was it like working with them?

David: Jason Elgin.  It's all I know.  I've never really recorded with anyone else.  I mean I've gone in and cut drums a couple of times for other producers but I've never sat there and gone song by song, doing full length albums with anyone else but Jason so I only know that experience and it's great.  It was tough in the beginning b/c he's tough on everybody but he's REALLY tough on drummers.  He has bad ass drummers fly in and do projects in there (Synchromesh Studios) ALL of the time so when a hack like me steps in he's not in the mood for any wishy washy b.s.  He wants all of the pre-production, song arrangement, on the rhythm end, DONE and TIGHT.  The final product is all worth it though.  You can go back through our catalog and all of the stuff sounds amazing.

7. Who did the cover art for Halfway To Hell and how much input did you have on it?

David: Lonny did the artwork.  Alan Matthews did the photography.  My input on it is literally this.  Jacob held up his cell phone when Lonny did the final draft of it and asked, "You dig it?"  I replied, "I dig it, looks great."  I think I was asked if I preferred playing cards or tarot cards and I said tarot.  So there … that was my contribution.  Really huge, huh?  Remember, I'm only the drummer.

8. How does this release differ and compare to your previous releases and how has the sound evolved between them?

David: Well, first off, we've never done an EP before so there's that but the songs are different than anything we've done before but ya' know?  I've listened over and over again and I can't really put my finger on it.  I mean, Cold has that HIM, "Wicked Game" sound and Store Bought Halo is VERY hard to sing.  Puzzles me that Jacob writes a song that's that high and STAYS that high the whole song.  He must be masochistic.  A lot of the songs are quick though.  Most of them you're in and out before you even know it.

9. Can you tell me about the song and video for "Cold"?

David: You know we listened to this EP over and over and we just decided that whether or not Cold would be picked as a single it was our favorite song, collectively, as a band so we definitely wanted to do a video for it.  We're long overdue for video.

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

David: Like I said before Jacob writes what he knows about … being homeless.  No, I'm joking.  He writes about stuff we all go thru.  I mean, you'll never hear him write a song about being  winning a heisman trophy or ice skating in Alaska.  He's a skinny white guy who's ALWAYS cold.  That's why I think there's funny irony in us having a song called Cold b/c the guy keeps every hotel room we stay in at 400 degrees.  He eats like it's an olympic event too.   OK you see how I get sidetracked.  To nutshell the answer most of our songs are about relationships with other people whether it be romantic ones or friendships or enemies.

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

David: Yes.  Jacob's forte' is song writing.  He primarily writes everything but on this EP we took a song Lonny wrote and Jacob co-wrote Wrong Side of the Grave with someone else.  Jacob writes in a weird way.  Melody, lyrics and music all come to him at once for the most part.  It's very rare that you see someone write songs that way.  A lot of people's shortcoming when it comes to songwriting is that they come up with several cool parts and they try and crowbar them all into one song.  Song structure is something that's pretty identical.  Few songs stray the path of song arrangement.  As long as you don't stray too far from that recipe and have the ability to write chord progressions that move people your way ahead of the curve in regards to most song writers.

12. Who are your musical influences?

David: Listen, this band has CRAZY influences. Jacob really loves bluegrass.  Some of his favorite bands are Dada, Cinderella, Ricky Skaggs, Mute Math and anything Mutt Lange. Mark's a HUGE Steely Dan, Zeppelin, Hall and Oates fan. I love The Cult, U2, Chromeo, Eric Church, Brad Paisley.  My favorite drummer has to be a buddy of mine, Zoltan Chaney.  Look him up on Youtube.  Great guy, great, entertaining drummer.  He's the kind of drummer you get mad when the singer or guitarist wanders in front of him.

13. What are your upcoming touring plans and plans for 2014?

David: We're doing a tour we'll announce soon.  We'll be hitting a few festivals this summer.  We're really looking forward to hitting some markets we haven't been to in 4 years.  We might even be playing Hawaii this year so we're really excited to get out and support this new EP; especially with Lonny in the band now.  We're going to have a blast.

14. How do you promote your band and shows?

David: Shamelessly, I'll tell you that.  We don't give a DAMN.  We have friends in show business and we get them to wear our shirts all of the time.  One of our buddies is a stand up comedian who worked as a correspondent for Jay Leno for a year or two and we had him wear one of our shirts in one of his bits.  In this day and age you have to be like that to get your name out there.  Why back in the day when we didn't have a show at one of the big festivals in town we'd book a show at a club semi close to the festival AFTER the festival and we'd have folks walk around with huge poster boards promoting the show.  That kind of looney activity had every home town show sold out for years.

15. Describe your show, visual and musically for us.

David: We like to call it bar-ena rock.  We've played bars for SO long that we've kind of acquired that term.  It's arena rock show crammed into a bar.  Very intimate fun show with lots of audience participation.  Look, we didn't get the band all together, travel that far and set up all of that equipment not to have a good time.  

16. What advice would you give to fellow bands, who want to do what you're doing?

David: You've got to find guys you can get along with.  Guys who can handle rejection and not do a bunch of finger pointing.  Guys or girls you can get along with.  We're a band who has been together 13 years one our success is relative.  We're lucky to do a lot of the things we've done but we've also worked our asses off really, really hard.  You've got to understand some core things if you're just now starting off.  Play anywhere, everywhere, for any amount of money.  Do it b/c you LOVE it.  Do it b/c music saved your life and you owe it to music to make your own.  DO NOT let people persuade you to give up on your dreams however DO listen to people that teach you shortcuts and the wrong things to do when trying to take your band to the next level.  Always remember, there's plenty of other bands who want it just as bad as you.  Work together.  We're all in this game together.  There's enough room for ALL of us.

17. Do you guys have any new music in the works, in terms of a follow-up release, when can we expect another full-length album?

David: We'd like to cut four or so more songs and re-release this EP as a full length and just set it up on iTunes where you can click "Complete album" and finish downloading the rest of the CD.  We'll see what our touring schedule allows in the way of recording.

18. Any final words of wisdom?

David: Don't give up.  Don't EVER give up. -Jimmy Valvano.  RIP


Soulful pop artist Maggie has an eclectic sound that extends past the boundaries of pop and neo-soul, and creates a blend transcendent of being pigeonholed as a flavor-of-the-week. Her larger than life voice is vivacious, honest and timeless - a force that has been influenced by the greats, and yet clearly is no imitation. Maggie took some time to discuss her latest single "Tidal Waves and Hurricanes" and plans for the bright upcoming future!

1. What type of artist are you?

Maggie: I’m a pop/soul artist, singing songs that I write from my own personal experiences.

2. Tell us the brief history of you being an artist.

Maggie: For as long as I can remember I knew music and singing is what I was meant to do. I grew up taking advantage of every opportunity I could to sing in front of a crowd. When I was 13 I wrote my first full song, and I continued to try and grow as an artist. I eventually moved to Nashville and wrote and recorded an EP, which got me a record deal with Linus Entertainment, a label in Canada. After releasing an album through them and successfully getting my single Lovesick played on radio across the country, I decided my next move would be Los Angeles. So now here I am! I just released a new single and I’m working on new music to share with the world!

3. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

Maggie: Carole King has always been one of my main influences. I've always looked up to her because she’s such an amazing songwriter and artist, and her music is timeless. I've also always looked up to Etta James and Eva Cassidy for their amazing vocal styling's, and artists like Justin Timberlake who have been so influential in pop music.

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

Maggie: My songs are my stories; they are about experiences that I've gone through and stories that I feel compelled to share through my music. They tend to be a lot about relationships and love, something we all struggle with but also strive for.

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

Maggie: Absolutely! I write by myself a lot, but I also really enjoy co-writing. When I’m feeling like I just want to be alone, that’s when I know I just need to lock myself in my room and write a song. However, co-writing can be so much fun because I get inspired by other people and there are always so many cool ideas that I may not have thought of by myself!

6. Speaking of songs, can you tell me about the song “Tidal Waves and Hurricanes”?

Maggie: "Tidal Waves and Hurricanes" is a song I wrote shortly after moving to Los Angeles from Ontario, Canada. Moving to LA was a huge change for me because I didn't know anyone here when I got here, and it’s always a big transition moving from a different country. I felt inspired to write this song because it was a struggle being in this new place by myself, and I felt that a lot of people could relate to what I was feeling. It’s a song about not letting the lows get you down because we’re all stronger than we think we are!

7. Where can we expect to find this song on future material a future EP or full-length release?

Maggie: I’m busy working right now on more material to release to the world, which I’m very excited about. I’m kind of taking it song by song right now, which I would love to compile into a full-length album this year.

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

Maggie: I feel like I've let my guard down a lot when it comes to expressing myself through my music; I’m not afraid to sing what I’m really feeling, or share certain stories that I may have been a little scared to admit to.

9. What are your upcoming plans for shows and touring?

Maggie: I’m very excited to be celebrating the release of my music video for Tidal Waves and Hurricanes at Hotel Café on February 8th, 9 PM.  I’ll be screening the music video for the first time, so everyone there will be the first to see it! Then my band and I will perform for everyone.

10. What inspires you to do what you do?

Maggie: My strong love for music inspires me to do what I do. There’s nothing else that makes me feel happier than writing a new song, performing, or sharing music for people to hear.

11. What advice would you give to fellow artists/bands?

Maggie: The advice I would give is to be inspired, believe in yourself and stay positive! The opportunity to share music is an amazing gift, so take advantage of it!

12. How does music affect you and the world around you?

Maggie: Music has such a positive impact on who I am; it makes me feel like I belong and it continues to inspire me everyday. I think music connects the whole world together. We can relate to feelings and stories, and feel certain emotions through notes and sounds. It’s universal!

13. What are your dreams and goals?

Maggie: My dreams are to share music with the world that people can relate to. I would love to tour the world with my band, and gain new fans and people to share my songs with! Winning a Grammy is also on my list too.


Backwoods party metallers 44MAG formed in 1998 since then they have had the love to play heavy metal! They went on to play shows of course and release some albums including their most recent to date, "Outlaw Psychosis". Drummer Jesse Roedts and vocalist Jared Mondell discusses on who the band is and what their music is about and the plans for the future.


1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in 44Mag, and how long the band has been together.

Jesse Roedts: My name is Jesse Roedts and I play drums. The band has been together for  about 15 years.

Jared Mondell: My name is Jared Mondell and I am the vocalist for 44MAG.

 2. Tell us the brief history of your band.

JR: Our bass player (Jason Miller) and I formed the band while we were in High School. Jason and I were friends since we were kids. We were both huge metal fans and wanted to thrash ! We met some like minded players along the way and the rest is history!

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

JR: We are based out of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Our area has a pretty diverse music scene. Alot of blues,rock, indie, and jam bands, but not much original metal. A lot of the bands we play with are from out of the area. We are big fans of Faith in Exile and Tusko from Pottsville, Pa.

JM: Some of the Williamsport based bands we jam with are Moxie and Rebel, Audiobox, and All Else Fails, check em out!

4. What type of band are you?

JR: Straight up, old school metal! We thrash like Slayer and groove like Pantera!

5. Why did you want to name the band 44Mag? What does it symbolize and represent for the band?

JM:Jason and Jesse were always into shooting guns. Its a way of life where we come from. We wanted our name to be gun related. Something strong and powerful. We were inspired by the scene from the movie Dirty Harry when he describes the gun he is using “...this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world and will blow your head clean off…”

 6. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

JR: My musical influences are Pantera, Slayer and Hank 3. My non musical influence is good, fresh marijuana.

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

JM: A lot of the tunes we write come from our experiences, either personal or as a band. Brain Douche is about Jesse and Pat at the Bonnaroo festival a few years back, DUI is obviously about run ins with the law, and getting behind the wheel when you probably shouldn't. The writing process, especially lyrically, is pretty organic. Before we know it, we have a song about fake ass musicians who have more money than talent like Mr. Rock N Roll.

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

JM: Yes, we write our own stuff. The songwriting process is very collaborative, but there really isn't a rhyme or reason to it. We just do what we do and if doesn't suck, we have a song!

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

JM: Pennsylvania Backwoods Party Metal

10. What are your dreams and goals?

JM:To get as many people as possible to know and support 44MAG...and that Dimebag would rise from the grave and kick the shit out of Justin Bieber...and a bunch of hipsters.

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

JM: We have an old school sound you don’t hear very often anymore and its long overdue for a comeback. Pure. American. Metal. No gimmicks, no games.

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

www.44magmetalband.com

https://www.facebook.com/44magmetal

http://www.reverbnation.com/44magmetal

Also on iTunes, Amazon, Cd Baby, Google Play etc.

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

JM: We are currently booking out our spring and summer dates for 2014. We are also looking to start recording and releasing some new material before the year is out.

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

JM: The raw power and aggression that has just entered their ear holes!

15. Any final words of wisdom?

JM: If you like what you hear, please help spread the word and turn it UP!


Anahita Skye is a Los Angeles up-and-coming artist with her new single "On The Surface". The single itself expresses a modern day look into the pop rock sense, having a very upbeat melody, catchy lyrics, with easy going instrumentals that brings it altogether. Her style is very original and unique it brings out her own skill set of creating this style of music, she has built something she has relay on and the music works. She is surly going to be an artist that will be hard not to miss out on if you haven't already given her music a listen. Check out her newest single HERE.


After more than three decades together, MÖTLEY CRÜE announced today their Final Tour and the band's ultimate retirement. The announcement was solidified when the band signed a formal Cessation Of Touring Agreement, effective at the end of 2015, in front of global media in Los Angeles. Celebrating the announcement of this Final Tour, the band performed on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and on "CBS This Morning".

With over 80 million albums sold, MÖTLEY CRÜE has sold out countless tours across the globe and spawned more than 2,500 MÖTLEY CRÜE branded items sold in over 30 countries. MÖTLEY CRÜE has proven they know how to make a lasting impression and this tour will be no different; Fans can expect to hear all the band's hits and look forward to mind-blowing, unparalleled live production.

"When it comes to putting together a new show we always push the envelope and that's part of MÖTLEY CRÜE's legacy," explains Nikki Sixx (bass). "As far as letting on to what we're doing, that would be like finding out what you're getting for Christmas before you open the presents. We think in an age of too much information, we'd like to keep some surprises close to our chest until we launch The Final Tour."

The Final Tour presented by Dodge and produced by Live Nation will kick off in North America on July 2 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and reach 72 markets before hitting international territories in 2015. To Live Nation, MÖTLEY CRÜE tours are not only box office successes but artistically their shows have set the bar for production and entertainment value.

"There's no arguing that MÖTLEY CRÜE have been and always will be the definitive bad boys of rock and roll," says Rick Franks, Live Nation's regional president of North America Concerts. "But behind all those notorious stories is a legendary rock band that has revolutionized heavy metal and created some of the biggest hits in music history. They are a hugely successful global brand and a touring powerhouse. Everyone at Live Nation has a tremendous amount of respect for these hard-working and extremely talented gentlemen. The music industry will never have another MÖTLEY CRÜE."

The Dodge brothers were a notorious duo, so it seemed only natural to partner with the World's Most Notorious Rock Band.

"Whenever I talk to people about MÖTLEY CRÜE, the common thread is how cool and relevant the band remains even after 33 years," said Tim Kuniskis, president and CEO, Dodge brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "This irreverent 'staying power' resonates deeply with the Dodge brand as we turn the corner on our 100 year anniversary. What better way to celebrate the band's final tour and the 25th anniversary of 'Kickstart My Heart' than to do it together?"

Fans can look forward to very special guest ALICE COOPER joining MÖTLEY CRÜE for an incredible package — Alice invented the genre and MÖTLEY CRÜE put steroids in it!

"Real hard rock bands are hard to find these days," said Alice, "MÖTLEY has always gone on stage with one attitude and that's to blow the audience away. That's exactly how we do it. Putting MÖTLEY CRÜE and Alice Cooper together is going to be just what this summer really NEEDS. We're going to go out there and tear it up, and I can't wait to see MÖTLEY on stage. MÖTLEY CRÜE and Alice Cooper — A match made in... Armageddon?"

As documented in the Cessation Of Touring Agreement the band signed at the press conference today, the band will not tour after this Final Tour. Band attorney Doug Mark of Mark Music & Media Law explains: "Other bands have split up over rancor or the inability of people to get along, but this is mutual among all four original members and a peaceful decision to move on to other endeavors and to confirm it with a binding agreement."

Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, and Mick Mars will go their separate ways after the lengthy two-year touring cycle. Tommy Lee (drums) explains: "Everything must come to an end!! We always had a vision of going out with a big fucking bang and not playing county fairs and clubs with 1 or 2 original band members! Our job here is done!!!" Of the band's tumultuous history, Mick Mars (guitar) adds: "(It has been) more drama than 'General Hospital' — it keeps 'em watchin' and they keep comin' back." Vocalist Vince Neil says of the finality of the tour: "I'll miss playing with the guys but I won't quit playing rock and roll!! I feel there are a lot of great opportunities and exciting projects after MÖTLEY."

The Final Tour will coincide with the film made from MÖTLEY CRÜE's New York Times best-selling book "The Dirt". Jeff Tremaine ("Bad Grandpa") has signed on to direct the opus that is set to debut in theaters globally in 2015, coinciding with The Final Tour. "The Dirt" is not only one of the best selling rock books of all time but also one of the greatest rock books of all time because of its brutal honesty, its unique voice, its multiple perspectives on the same events and its first-person inclusion of all members of the same band. Most rock memoirs are salacious mud-slinging accounts of a single person and MÖTLEY CRÜE was adamant to include the perspectives of all four of its members. Tremaine's intention is to make, not just a great movie about a band, but a great movie about four misfits who, despite themselves and everyone else, band together to overcome the odds and change the history of rock and roll.

"'The Dirt' is a movie I've wanted to make ever since I read the book in 2002," says Tremaine. "I relate to the story on so many levels; my whole professional career has been about boys behaving badly, so I have a real connection to the material. It's awesome to be working with the band at such an exciting time in MÖTLEY CRÜE's history." The film will be produced by the members of MÖTLEY CRÜE, Rick Yorn, Julie Yorn, Erik Olsen and 10th Street Entertainment.

Big Machine Records, home to country superstars such as Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw has teamed up in a joint venture with Mötley Records and Eleven Seven Music for the summer 2014 release of a country music tribute to MÖTLEY CRÜE. Big Machine founder and CEO, Scott Borchetta, is among the legion of country music fans who love MÖTLEY CRÜE. The country tribute album will show off the band's quality songwriting with these fresh takes on their classic hit songs. Among the artists already confirmed to be featured on the country tribute album is Florida Georgia Line. Borchetta says of the collaboration, "I have been a not-so-secret CRÜE fan from the beginning. When manager Chris Nilsson called with the idea for a tribute album on Big Machine Records, it was an immediate 'yes' from me! Our album will highlight just how great the MÖTLEY CRÜE song catalog is. At the end of the day, that's what will stand the test of time."

MÖTLEY CRÜE Fan Club members will get the exclusive first crack at tickets and VIP Packages, via a unique code, beginning on Wednesday, January 29 starting at 10 a.m. local time. VIP ticket packages will be made available to the general public on Thursday, January 30 at 10 a.m. local time. The general public ticket on-sale for most shows is Friday, January 31. All tickets and packages can be obtained via Ticketmaster.com.

Check out video of the announcement in this conference HERE.

TOUR DATES:

July 02 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
July 04 - Milwaukee, WI - Summerfest
July 05 - Noblesville, IN - Klipsch Music Center
July 06 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center
July 08 - Columbus, OH - Schottenstein Center
July 09 - Maryland Heights, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
July 11 - Des Moines, IA - Wells Fargo Arena
July 12 - Wichita, KS - INTRUST Bank Arena
July 13 - Tulsa, OK - BOK Center
July 15 - Cedar Park, TX - Cedar Park Center
July 16 - Dallas, TX - Gexa Energy Pavilion
July 18 - Albuquerque, NM - Isleta Amphitheater
July 19 - Phoenix, AZ - AK-Chin Pavilion
July 21 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
July 22 - Irvine, CA - Verizon Wireless Amp
July 23 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre
July 25 - Reno, NV - Reno Events Center
July 26 - Ridgefield, WA - Sleep County Amphitheater
July 27 - Auburn, WA - White River Amphitheater
July 29 - Wheatland, CA - Sleep Train Amphitheater
July 30 - Chula Vista, CA - Sleep Train Amphitheater
Aug. 01 - Salt Lake City, UT - USANA Amp
Aug. 02 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center
Aug. 03 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center
Aug. 05 - Sturgis, SD - Sturgis Buffalo Chip
Aug. 06 - Sioux City, IA - Tyson Events Center
Aug. 08 - Tinley Park, IL - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Aug. 09 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
Aug. 10 - Toronto, ON - Molson Canadian Amp
Aug. 12 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Blossom Music Center
Aug. 13 - Burgettstown, PA - First Niagara Pavilion
Aug. 15 - Pelham, AL - Oak Mountain Amp
Aug. 16 - Alpharetta, GA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre @ Encore Park
Aug. 17 - Tampa, FL - MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amp
Aug. 19 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion
Aug. 20 - Virginia Beach, VA - Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
Aug. 22 - Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube Live
Aug. 23 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center
Aug. 24 - Mansfield, MA - Xfinity Center
Aug. 26 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Saratoga Performing. Arts Center
Aug. 27 - Allentown, PA - Great Allentown Fair
Aug. 29 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
Aug. 30 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
Aug. 31 - Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake Performing. Arts Center
Oct. 10 - Oklahoma City, OK - Chesapeake Arena
Oct. 11 - The Woodlands, TX - Cynthia W. Mitchell Pavilion
Oct. 12 - Bossier City, LA - CenturyLink Center
Oct. 14 - Louisville, KY - KFC Yum! Center
Oct. 15 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena
Oct. 17 - Hollywood, FL - Seminole Hard Rock Live
Oct. 19 - Jacksonville, FL - Veterans Memorial Arena
Oct. 21 - Greenville, SC - Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Oct. 22 - Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Coliseum
Oct. 25 - Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Events Center Phoenix - AK-Chin Pavilion
Oct. 26 - Montville, CT - Mohegan Sun
Oct. 29 - Syracuse, NY - The OnCenter Complex
Nov. 05 - Biloxi, MS - Mississippi Coast College
Nov. 06 - Southaven, MS - Landers Center
Nov. 09 - Moline, IL - iWireless Center
Nov. 11 - Green Bay, WI - Resch Center
Nov. 12 - Madison, WI - Alliant Energy Center
Nov. 13 - Omaha, NE - CenturyLink Center
Nov. 15 - St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center
Nov. 16 - Fargo, ND - FargoDome
Nov. 18 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place
Nov. 19 - Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Saddledome
Nov. 21 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena


On January 13th, FUDANJUKU held their Tour Finale at Zepp Tokyo as a conclusion to their 4-city-walking-tour (Sendai, Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo) titled “Fudanjuku Boisterous Dance, 4-City-Walking-Tour ~Seven Wind Samurais~.” The tour started off from Sendai RENSA, to Zepp NAMBA (Osaka) and Zepp NAGOYA (Nagoya), and held the final show as their first one-man live at Zepp Tokyo.

During the “Zatoichi-themed” opening, all members dressed up as handsome samurai for their entrance on the stage. Following by a large group of background dancers, the members burst into a powerful tap dance, which enticed the crowd into a frenzy of screams. “We are finally here! Zepp Tokyo! I’m so excited and will keep saying ‘Zepp Tokyo’ over and over again for the rest of the day!” shouted Uramasa as they began the show with "JINSEI WAHAHA!" and "RIKISHI-MAN" (FUDANJUKU's song for the Japan Sumo Association).

In the middle of the live, Akazono stopped the show to shout, “FUDANJUKU today has a member who has to welcome his Coming-Of-Age!” and a classical Japanese melody suddenly began to fill the live house. Since January 13 was Coming-Of-Age Day (Seijin no Hi) in Japan, the group celebrated Ryoma Yukimura’s attainment of manhood with a special ceremony on stage. "Please welcome the Shinto Priest from the Ancient and Honorable Jinjya," Kensui shouted, and the crowd burst into laughter when producer Hanawa appeared on stage dressed as a Shinto priest.

The “Shinto Priest” Hanawa exorcized the evil spirits for Yukimura who had already changed clothes into a Hakama, and poured him a cup of libation. When the liquid turned out to be real sake. "Isn’t it normally just supposed to be water?" Yukimura chuckled. He glanced at his producer and quickly finished the cup, announcing to the audience, "That was so delicious!"

During the second part of the show, FUDANJUKU performed their new songs "Chemen Tengoku" and "Dansou Revolution", bringing their fans to the peak of excitement. "Everyone wave your towel! If you don’t have one, then take off your shirt!" Momotaro encouraged the audence as the background dancers returned to the stage. When the crowd shouted for an encore, the group returned to the stage to perform "Taiyou mitaina kimi ga suki" (the coupling track from "Chenmen Tengoku") and led the crowd in a chorus of "Cocktail on the Beach."

"Chenmen Tengoku" was released Jan. 22 in Japan.


J-Rock screamo band DAZZLE VISION will be featured on the SADS tribute album to be released this March in Japan. DAZZLE VISION will contribute their cover of the song "Hate," originally released on the album The Rose God Gave Me in 2001. DAZZLE VISION will also perform at a 2-day release event concert "Carnival of Evil" with fellow contributors MEJIBRAY, DIAURA, LIPHLICH, Lycaon, and HEXVOID on March 28 and 29 at The Garden Hall in Meguro, Tokyo.


Heavy thrash metal act Eternal Judgment has been playing the scene as of 2008, since then they have played shows on and off while writing for their debut full-length album coming soon, the band has said that they have got a lot of plans for the future. Frontman vocalist and guitarist Remy Roy discusses about their musical inspirations, debut album, and upcoming plans.


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

Rémy: Hi I'm Rémy , Guitarist & singer of Eternal Judgment ( south-shore of Montreal ) and we've been toghether since 2008 but I'm the only original member now.

2. Tell us the brief history of your band.

Rémy: It started with me and my old friend Jean-Loup Venne we kept on jamming songs of Metallica , AC/DC , Black Sabbath  and then thought we could do some originals instead. That's when Pete an old friend of ours came in as the drummer. We soon found this crazy ass bassist Jacob Schinasi and started playin' gigs. Since 2008 we have played around 50 gigs in Québec & Ontario.

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

Rémy: We are from a suburb area called '' Montérégie '' ( Québec , Canada ) . It's a very nice place and it's 25 minutes away from Montreal! The fact Montreal is so near means that, yes, I can recommend you a lot of bands; Reanimator , Alchoholator , Powered by Death , Chemical Way , Warsenal , The Unconscious Mind, Brought By Pain , Beyond Creation, The Poor Generation , Unhuman , The Dahlias , Citizen Vicious, I could go like this for ages! ( and that's in a 45 minutes '' with a car '' ride ) . We got a wholle lotta crazy bands!

4. What type of band are you?

Rémy: Thrash Metal.

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

Rémy: It deals with a whole concept around our first album that will be released soon . When people see the cover they will freak out!

6. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

Rémy: Deep Purple, Slayer, Pearl Jam, The Offspring, Johny Cash, Pantera, Metallica, ( who the fuck didn't listen to them). As for the non musicians ... The Jackass crew, Trailer park boys, and my grandfather.

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

Rémy: It's pretty much hate against the government, corruption, police, and anger. Most of the time some songs are more party time songs talking about getting drunk and partying!

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

Rémy: I do a lot of the writing but how it happens is a member suggests or helps with the writing . Usually I write something (with guitar pro) and the guys like it so we go forward! Also Simon (rhythm guitar) writes a bit on his side too.

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

Rémy: We have great gear and enough time to record our stuff properly. We can definitely say we have a professional sound! Thanks a lot to DanRock Studios!

10. What are your dreams and goals?

Rémy: Living my life, even if I'm very poor, with the music I play. Being on tour is a dream and having more time to record!


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

Rémy: We will never give up our goal, we have a lot of inspiration for future and love what we do!

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

Rémy: On YouTube, Facebook , iTunes, and our Bandcamp!

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

Rémy: Release our first full length album! Soon after winter we hope.

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

Rémy: That they can expect even more on the next CD!

15. Any final words of wisdom?

Rémy: Let it be .


Death thrash metallers Roarback formed not that long ago, soon after they played their debut show that fell into a series of other shows and them writing and recording their debut EP "Face The Sun". Bassist Mikkel Stender discusses the EP, the band, and their plans for the bright future!


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

Mikkel: My name is Mikkel, I’m 20 yrs old and I’m the bass player of Roarback. I was recruited upon our band’s first gig at a Halloween dress-up party. At that time, the band had been online for about a year (assembling troops and composing tracks), which makes us almost 2.5 yrs old now.

2. Tell us the brief history of your band.

Mikkel: The two guitarists Andreas Rohde and Andreas Dixø shared both first names and musical taste when they decided to form a prototype band at their boarding school - today, they gladly share beds and toothbrush. Their band “Sanitorium” was approx. 5 yrs ago and I think this experience gave them a somewhat profound sense of what kind of music they wanted to create. Our lead singer and beard monkey Dennis was - as far as I’m concerned - tired of his old band and wanted to spend his good throat years on something else. The drummer Kåre was absorbed into the band during his hormone-crazed boarding school period, which allowed the guitarists to surgically reprogram his brain. He went from “30 seconds to Mars”-music to Death in a year or so. You have read how I joined. Finally assembled and somewhat thrilled after releasing our Face the Sun EP we went to a studio out in the middle of fucking nowhere and recorded “Echoes of Pain”. Good times.

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

Mikkel: We’re revolving around a medium-sized city named Roskilde - maybe you've heard about the Roskilde festival? The everyday music scene here is just as heavy as a handful of feathers - the average band plays either mediocre singer-songwriter, indie or surf rock (which is nice though.). But I’d recommend Absicission, Defilementory, Decay of Existence, Reverend Boylover and Vile Deeds.

4. What type of band are you?

Mikkel: The type no one wants at their wedding, unless they want mosh pits and surprised mothers-in-law. Then, they would find out Roarback is only a mask we wear out of our personal insecurities as we’re really soft and love our mothers when we’re home. If they booked us a second time, Dennis - he usually does this at second-time-gigs - would beat them up personally. He is afraid of committing himself to relationships besides his girlfriend and son. “The Mentally-Unstable Band You Don’t Want At Your Wedding”, that’ll do it.

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

Mikkel: “Roarback” originally felt as the revolutionary out-of-the-box name of the 21st century for a day or so; then we remembered that one of Sepultura’s not-so-good albums (“Roorback”) almost shared name with us. After feeling stressed out for a few hours and almost re-naming ourselves “Nurgl” (a.k.a. the god of decay in Warhammer 40.000), we are happy again today.“Roarback” has a few meanings, but it really only means one thing to me: to “roar back”, i.e if someone taunts you, bark or yell at them until they run or want an encore.

6. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

Mikkel: Musical influences: Cannibal Corpse, Terrorizer, Slayer, early Sepultura, early Metallica.

Non-musicals: war, hostility, aggression, insanity, religion, Jesus.

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

Mikkel: They’re mainly about someone or something killing or destroying someone else or something else. With variations though - that’s Dennis’ lyrics at their best. From the morbid descriptions of the meeting between a man and a a giant flaming ball in “Face the Sun” to the abstract story of a man and his schizophrenic troubles in “Voices of Deception”, Dennis wants to embrace everything in between. Also, I think I've heard his fascination of superhumans (“Übermenschen”) will be shown on a probable next album.

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

Mikkel: The creative process is basically a hierarchy of creativity - Andreas & Andreas write the riffs at home, drums and bass are added by Kåre and myself during rehearsal and Dennis - who’s been isolated from the song till now - decides whether or not the song is OK. Lyrics are added by him, too, in the end.

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

Mikkel: Not too much. In the studio we tried to keep the sound relatively close to an old-school death metal sound. To be quite honest, I think we could have went even further on the production of “Echoes of Pain” - it could easily have sounded even more thrashy and fuzzy.

10. What are your dreams and goals?

Mikkel: Fame, money, drugs, pussies and probably world domination. Also, Kåre wants to enter club 27.

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

Mikkel: Because they are about to find out just how much everyone has a very special place in their hearts for old-school death. A place that beats the same rhythm as our music, fast-paced when you’re on your way to the stars and heavy when clearance of the mind is needed. Personally, I've grown to really enjoy an Old-school death metal pause whenever it’s needed.

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

Mikkel: Our music is available for listening on Facebook and YouTube. Also, our EP is downloadable at bandcamp. Your local disc dealer can order “Echoes of Pain” for you to purchase right now!

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

Mikkel: To be honest we’re dazzled by the fact that we've gotten this far as a band - but apart from the mental processing, we’re working on promoting the CD and our new music video.

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

Mikkel: I’d like the listener to remember the rage you feel when someone takes your seat and calls you a filthy gypsy. When Roarback is at its best, that feeling is transformed into headbanging.

15. Any final words of wisdom?

Mikkel: “Always die slowly and painfully, if you ever want to feel alive.”

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