Legendary rock band Riley’s L.A. Guns is thrilled to announce the release of an acoustic rendition of their iconic track ‘The Ballad of Jayne’, out now via Golden Robot Records. This reimagined version offers fans a fresh, stripped-down take on one of the band’s most beloved songs, showcasing their musical versatility and emotional depth.
In celebration of this release, Riley’s L.A. Guns is also launching an exclusive 7-inch vinyl edition of the acoustic single. Available on August 16th, this special vinyl release can only be purchased as part of a bundle, making it a must-have collector’s item for dedicated fans and vinyl enthusiasts alike.
Rockshots Records and Mexican Standoff are joining forces together for the release of the next upcoming album called “Raiders Of The Dutch Rudder” to be released on October 4th, 2024.
In the meantime, Mexican Standoff is delighted to announce the release of a brand new song called “Bloody Summer” on all digital platforms as well as its official music video! “Bloody Summer” is an up-tempo track in the style of Danko Jones featuring an explosive intro and an extremely catchy chorus.
“Raiders of the Dutch Rudder” showcases their blend of classic rock energy, metal aggression, and punk rebellion for a groovy musical experience. After a six-year hiatus, the trio reunited to produce tracks highlighting their catchy and groovy signature sound while exploring new territories. Drawing from metal, glam, and punk, their sound is both fresh and familiar with lyrics ranging from imaginative storytelling to personal reflections.
The Plague‘s latest single, “Clean Slate,” is an alternative rock song from his upcoming 2025 album diving deep themes of introspection and starting over from a painful past. The Plague explains, “This song is about narrowly surviving a drug over dose and coming to terms with life after making traumatic mistakes.”
Regret. Pride. Redemption. The single talks about feeling regret over past mistakes, painting a vivid picture of someone wanting to start over. Fused on top of an easy listening soundscape, the tracks gentle but power emotional depth belay the heavy weight of the past and the toll its taken in the present. The lyrics describe someone who has lost their loved ones and is struggling to find strength and healing. They feel the weight of their past and are praying for a chance to make things right. The song’s powerful imagery of seeking solace in taxis and waking from anesthesia adds to the emotional depth. Overall, “Clean Slate” is about the hope for renewal and forgiveness in the face of past regrets.
The Plague masterfully combines elements of modern rock, alternative rock, and pop rock, creating a sound that is both motivational and somber. “Clean Slate” serves as a beacon of hope for those who have faced their own struggles, offering a message that renewal and forgiveness are possible. Raw and powerful, “Clean Slate” is the latest chapter from The Plague‘s upcoming album due out later this year.
The Plague is the brainchild of producer/engineer David Adam Monroe, a pioneer of Future Punk. The Plague’s post-apocalyptic themes portray the struggles of being human, encouraging people to break free of the superficial and to know they are not alone.
David has been playing music from an early age, highly encouraged by his parents, he received an electric guitar at age ten and took off emulating his favorite bands at the time; Greenday, Smashing Pumpkins, and other 90’s rock bands. His career took off at age 16 when a promoter got his high school band on the Van’s Warped Tour.
As a producer/engineer, David has produced records with many artists including Glen Matlock from the Sex Pistols and multi-platinum engineer Earl Cohen. As a musician, he has toured internationally–including 4 years on Van’s Warped Tour— and has played with bands such as Tony Levin, My Chemical Romance, Story of the Year, NoFx, The Used, Yellow Card, Three Days Grace, and many more. ThePlague‘s debut album Hope For the F.U.T.U.R.E. was released independently in 2017.
In 2018 The Plague remixed Circle Of Dust’s “Embracing Entropy” (feat. Celldweller), through artist-owned record label FiXT. The Plague eventually signed to FiXT in 2022, and re-released the debut album with remastered tracks, new art as well as bonus tracks throughout the 2023, ahead of a new album slated for release in 2024.
“My goal with The Plague was to make futuristic Christian rock, when I was producing bands in Boston, my assistant showed me Celldweller and said, “This guy is dope and reminds me of you!” I chased Celldweller’s blend of synths and guitars, and that exploration process helped me discover my own sound. When I finished the record I emailed James (FiXT Manager) with the spirit of a little brother and said, “Hey James, look! I self-produced a futuristic rock record that I’m releasing on my label! You guys inspired this!” By some wonderful miracle he was excited too!” – The Plague
Swedish rock ‘n’ roll band BLUES PILLS released their triumphant 4th studio album last Friday, August 2nd. Written and recorded in Sweden’s idyllic rural countryside as well as Recordia studios, Birthdaytook just 10 days to record and was produced by renowned songwriter and studio guru Freddy Alexander.
BIRTHDAY Tracklist: 1. Birthday 2. Don’t You Love it 3. Bad Choices 4. Top Of The Sky 5. Like A Drug 6. Piggyback Ride 7. Holding Me Back 8. Somebody Better 9. Shadows 10. I Don’t Wanna Get Back On That Horse Again 11. What Has This Life Done To You
(“Birthday” – Album cover by Dana Trippe)
Containing ten new tracks including the new single Bad Choices a ‘Motown-style stomp’ that encapsulates the approach of the whole album. Fabulous frontwoman Elin Larsson concurs “Bad Choices is our attitude on this record – f*ck it, enjoy it!” Guitarist Zack Anderson adds: “I think we can now say no regrets too, for example – we don’t feel the pressure that we felt before in our career, this album is a lot more free, and this is epitomised in this song.”
Elin explains how Bad Choices came about: “I think Kribba (Kristoffer Schander) was hung over and we were discussing his bad choices in life… “ Elin laughs, “and that’s how it started… Kribba started to then play some bass grooves and our producer started on the piano then I got the hook you know? Bad Choices!He may have been hungover but he had soulful vibes in that bass groove! Basically, it’s a “Do whatever the fuck you want with your life song. People are gonna have an opinions, but you need to say fuck it!”
The album which contains ‘genuine jaw-dropping moments’ (Classic Rock) delivers a manifesto for a Blues Pills who return more mature and ready to kick-arse! No longer feeling the pressures or restrictions they felt as a younger, newer act but still with that brilliant irrepressible energy that is a defining of Blues Pills sound. “Birthday” is a clear statement that they are ready to take it to the next level.
There’s a live-feel to Blues Pills’ that states confidence in their ability to craft new compelling sounds without tampering with the explosive formula that got them their start – a sound that’s as eclectic as it is heavy as it is fun, and their continuity is testament to their determination to progress and evolve their sound.
“Our style of music is able to cross boundaries a little bit,” says co-writer and guitarist Zack Anderson. “Within very short time we went from being a band that no-one had heard of to playing giant festivals and bigger shows than we could have imagined. We were quite young so that came with a lot of pressure. Now that we’re older it’s easier to see that you should just do music for yourself. And it’s a blessing that we grew up in a time before all the technology totally took off. When we first started – when we recorded our first songs – it was with one of those Tascam cassette recorders – so you couldn’t fix anything. So, the only way to do it was to actually perform the thing for real. That’s where we started off from. I guess that set the tone for the rest of our career.”
Elin Larsson explains, the band’s time in the studio saw the birth of more than just a record. “During the recordings of the album I discovered I was pregnant,” she says. “It wasn’t planned so I was a bit overwhelmed, but it actually made it easier for me to write for this album. It should be natural to be both a mother and an artist, and I want my son Loui to be on that journey with me.”
The band’s feminist stance has naturally grown too, drawing on the lived experience of the band online and while touring with a frontwoman.
Elin: “A lot of the years I’ve been taking shit for being a woman in rock n roll, Zack sees it all first hand and it gives a new perspective. For everyone in the band it’s a constant driver.”
Zack: “We support each other. It’s always been, since the beginning 12 years ago, Zack & Elin. We’ve seen it all. The band and I are happy to stand behind Elin and call ourselves feminists too, this doesn’t seem controversial to us. It’s not a radical thought or a major statement. It’s just the right thing.”
Majestically featuring her pregnant body front and centre in the photoshoot for BIRTHDAY, Elin has naturally and unashamedly stepped into her power. Knee high arse-kicking boots at the ready, power stances levelled up, Elin is ready to hit the big time with her incredible voice and tight-knit band Blues Pills, baby cradled in one hand, mic in the other.
Elin: “I need to do this for myself and for other mothers, so they don’t abandon their own passions after becoming mums. It’s going to take time to combine the two worlds I love, but I can only think it will do my son Loui good to experience other cultures, countries and music. I really think it’s important that I can do this. To empower other women, and to meet this new state proudly and enjoy”.
And, as Elin explains, the creation of Birthday wasn’t just an affirmation of Blues Pills’ exceptional talents on and off the stage. It was a bonding experience for them as well. “I felt all the love for my bandmates that they were so supportive to me,” she says. “Everyone was like, ‘we’re so happy, we will figure it out.’ So, we became even closer as band members and friends. I’m grateful for that.”
BLUES PILLS, Birthday Tour Dates (support: Daniel Romano’s Outfit) : October 4, 2024: Hamburg, Germany – Gruenspan October 5, 2024: Cologne, Germany – Luxor October 6, 2024: Brussels, Belgium – Botanique – Museum October 8, 2024: Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms October 9, 2024: Glasgow, UK – Garage October 11, 2024: London, UK – Lafayette October 12, 2024: Manchester, UK – Band On The Wall October 13, 2024: Dublin, Ireland – Opium October 15, 2024: Bristol, UK – Thekla October 16, 2024: Paris, France – Maroquinerie October 18, 2024: Frankfurt am Main, Germany – Das Bett October 19, 2024: Karlsruhe, Germany – Substage October 20, 2024: Utrecht, Netherlands – Tivoli Vredenburg November 1, 2024: Helsinki, Finland – Tavastia November 8, 2024: Gothenburg, Sweden – Pustervik November 9, 2024: Stockholm, Sweden – Kägelbanan November 21, 2024: Copenhagen, Denmark – Pumpehuset November 22, 2024: Oslo, Norway – Vulkan Arena November 29, 2024: Budapest, Hungary – Barba Negra November 30, 2024: Warsaw, Poland – Niebo December 1, 2024: Prague, Czech Republic – Rock Café December 3, 2024: Berlin, Germany – Hole 44 December 4, 2024: Vienna, Austria – SIMM City December 6, 2024: Munich, Germany – Backstage December 7, 2024: Rubigen/Bern, Switzerland – Mühle Hunziken December 8, 2024: Milan, Italy – Circolo Magnolia December 10, 2024: Barcelona, Spain – Razzmatazz December 11, 2024: Madrid, Spain – Mon December 13, 2024: Toulouse, France – Metronum *without Daniel Romano’s Outfit December 14, 2024: Lyon, France – Marche Gare *without Daniel Romano’s Outfit
BLUES PILLS is: Elin Larsson – vocals Zack Anderson – Guitar Kristoffer Schander – Bass André Kvarnström – Drums
“Quarantine“, the latest hard rock anthem from Fight The Fade, delves into the turmoil of isolation and self-reliance. This is the latest single from Fight The Fade‘s next album – Isolationist – Out October 18th from FiXT.
With raw lyrics and urgent instrumentals, “Quarantine” is a visceral plea for space amidst inner struggle. The track is a perfect reflection of Fight The Fade‘s signature style, blending elements of hard rock, alternative rock, and modern rock, with moods that range from energetic to fiercely introspective. The chorus echoes the protagonist’s need for solitude with thought provoking lyrics: “Quarantine, Stay away from me, I’ll separate myself, For my own sanity.” Through poignant reflections on healing and resilience, Fight The Fade delivers a cathartic yet intense anthem for those navigating inner turmoil. Featuring a blend of fierce synthesizers, pounding drums, electrifying guitar riffs, and a robust bass line “Quarantine” is a haunting yet deeply poignant testament to Fight The Fade’s ability to channel personal struggles into powerful musical soundscapes that easily resonate with fans.
The single sets the stage for the upcoming album Isolationist, promising more tracks that explore the depths of the human condition.
Known for pulling together influences from rock, metal, and electronic music, Fight the Fade has forged an unmistakable sonic identity that wraps heartfelt lyrical themes within a robust production style and delivers them with nuanced and diverse writing approaches. The band’s work ethic and innovative blend of genres led them to an album deal with independent electronic rock label FiXT in late 2020, with Fight the Fade releasing singles throughout 2021, leading to a full-length album APOPHYSITIS released in July 2022.
SKAM are back, and with a serious bang. This hugely talented band release their searing new rocker ‘Fate Of The Souls’ on 16th August and this fabulous track will make see them making a huge impact across the board.
Formed in 2011, SKAM are a hard rock power trio band from the middle of England. They have a reputation for delivering no nonsense, gutsy, classic sounding contemporary British rock music. To date, the band have independently released 3 albums. ‘It’s Come to This’ (2011) and ‘Peacemaker’ (2014) were released to critical acclaim and the band established themselves as a live force to be reckoned with.
A drive to innovate inspired SKAM to release ‘The Amazing Memoirs of Geoffrey Goddard’ (2017), a concept record based on the diary entries of a time travelling RAF pilot. The songs were described as ‘gritty anthemic rockers’ by Classic Rock Magazine and the album received a number of 5 star reviews from the UK Music press. Lead single ‘Take it Or Leave it’ was voted as ‘track of the week’ by Classic Rock Magazine and has since been included on Earache Records ‘New Wave of Rock N Roll’ compilation vinyl. In 2021, broke into the Official UK Rock Charts with their ‘Intra’ EP hitting number 6. Part 2 ‘Venous’ went one better making it to number 5.
And now in 2024, the band returns with new single ‘Fate Of The Souls‘, taken from ‘From The Depths‘, their most eclectic and ambitious album yet. On this album they have pushed themselves into unknown waters, experimenting with everything from Metal to prog, to Acoustic balladry. The album is due for release in November.
UK Tour dates: 1st Nov – Corporation, Sheffield 2nd Nov – Bannermans, Edinburgh 3rd Nov – Trillians, Newcastle 8th Nov – The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton 16th Nov – Bear Cave, Bournemouth 17th Nov – The Black Heart, London 23rd Nov – Rebellion, Manchester 29th Nov – The Musician, Leicester 30th Nov – The Patriot, Newport 1st Dec – Planet Rockstock, Porthcawl
Steve Hill (guitar/vocals) Matt Gilmore (bass/backing vocals) Neal Hill (drums/backing vocals)
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Ads
Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 