Pushing from one horizon onto the next, Toronto, Canada’s Jupiter Hollow‘s growth has come a long way since making their debut as a duo in 2015. Led by the fearless Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry, this recording and songwriting powerhouse duo has transformed into a live quartet with the addition of John Ryan Godfrey (Bass) and Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh (Drums).
Advancing their unique brand of progressive rock/metal, the band is presenting their latest single “Incivility” accompanied by a music video to close out their new music releases for 2024. “Incivility” serves as a bold statement, reflecting the band’s evolution both sonically and thematically. With its intricate arrangements, evocative lyrics, and captivating visuals, the single is a testament to the band’s relentless dedication to pushing artistic boundaries.
“At its core, Incivility reflects humanity’s inner struggles, the relentless pursuit of purpose, and the emotional void created by modern distractions. The lyrics delve into themes of arrogance, wasted time, and the consequences of superficial existence, symbolized by “filming your bones”—a critique of documenting life rather than living it.
The song wrestles with the tension between ambition and the emptiness of unmet expectations, asking hard questions: At what cost do we chase our dreams? and How do we reconcile purpose with the pressures we hide? The recurring imagery of the “yawning cage of wasted love” evokes a profound sense of entrapment, urging listeners to confront the emotional weight of past mistakes while seeking true fulfillment.
Musically and lyrically, Incivility challenges listeners to reflect on their lives, embracing the discomfort of self-awareness while pushing forward with resilience. It’s both a cautionary tale and a call to action—demanding authenticity in a world that often values the opposite.”
With thought-provoking lyrics, unique vocal melodies, harmonies, powerful guitar riffs, unyielded songwriting, and Jupiter Hollow’s incessant desire to bring fans on a journey, there’s always something new to explore. Thus far they have two full-length albums under their belts: 2020’s “Bereavement”, and 2018’s “AHDOMN”, and they have another one in the works. Planning to release singles over the coming months, Jupiter Hollow will take the time to ensure a polished, impressive offerings song by song. The band wants nothing more than to make their art and share the experience with as many people as they can. Recommended for fans of Porcupine Tree, Coheed, and Cambria, Rush, and Protest The Hero.
Southern California rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck are back with their brand-new stand-alone single, “Point of View,” available now on all digital platforms. A rollicking, groove-driven ode to the colourful characters encountered on the road, “Point of View” captures the band’s signature energy and humour with a distinctly vintage flair. Self-produced and recorded at the legendary Sunset Sound in Hollywood, the track showcases a Stones-inspired vibe, complete with vibrant backing vocals from Laura Gruska and Rachel Mazer.
“‘Point of View’ is a story inspired by those rare experiences where things get a little wild,” explains guitarist Henry James. “Every once in a while, someone gets a bit too comfortable, and while it can be challenging in the moment, it always makes for a great story later. Musically, the song came together naturally—a big, loose, yet tight ‘70s rock ’n’ roll jam that we’re all really proud of.” With its infectious riffs, tight grooves, and feel-good party vibe, “Point of View” is a fresh addition to the band’s ever-growing catalogue, perfectly complementing their high-energy live performances.
The band’s new single comes on the heels of the release of the Red Moon Rising Deluxe Edition, out now on all digital platforms. Featuring the original tracks from their acclaimed 2024 album alongside two CD bonus tracks, “Hate To See You Go” and “Rager,” and two brand-new songs, “Boss Man” and “Life Between The Lines,” the album has garnered critical acclaim and deepened the band’s connection with their fans. Critics have praised Red Moon Rising for its powerful storytelling, dynamic musicianship, and emotional depth. With tracks like the emotionally charged “Ballad Of A Broken Hearted Man” and the anthemic “Give Love,” the album has cemented Robert Jon & The Wreck’s place as torchbearers of modern Southern rock.
Currently, in the middle of a successful European tour, Robert Jon & The Wreck are bringing their electrifying live show to audiences worldwide. After wrapping up their EU dates in early December, the band will kick off their U.S. winter tour with a performance on The Rock Boat XXIV Cruise, setting sail from Miami, Florida on January 26, 2025. From there, the tour will crisscross the U.S., bringing their blend of storytelling and fiery musicianship to fans nationwide.
Since their formation in 2011, Robert Jon & The Wreck have been delivering their distinct brand of Southern rock with relentless passion. Featuring Robert Jon Burrison (vocals, guitar), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, vocals), Andrew Espantman (drums, vocals), Warren Murrel (bass), and Jake Abernathie (keyboards), the band has captivated audiences worldwide with their powerful storytelling and high-energy performances. Whether on stage or in the studio, Robert Jon & The Wreck continues to redefine what it means to carry the torch of rock ‘n’ roll into the modern era.
Robert Jon & The Wreck – 2024 Fall Tour Dates November 23 – The 1865 – Southampton, UK November 25 – Boiler Shop – Newcastle, UK November 26 – St Luke’s – Glasgow, UK November 27 – Junction – Cambridge, UK November 28 – Islington Assembly Hall – London, UK November 29 – Planet Rockstock – Porthcawl, UK November 30 – O2 Academy Oxford – Oxford, UK December 1 – Rock City – Nottingham, UK December 31 – Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium (Opening for Blackberry Smoke)
Robert Jon & The Wreck – 2025 U.S. Winter Tour Dates January 9 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up January 26-31 – Miami, FL – The Rock Boat XXIV January 31 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center February 1 – Bonita Springs, FL – Arts Bonita February 2 – Orlando, FL – Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater February 4 – Birmingham, AL – Woodlawn Theatre February 5 – Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar February 6 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre February 7 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre February 8 – Elkin, NC – The Reeves Theater & Cafe February 11 – Stuart, FL – The Lyric Theatre February 13-17 – Miami, FL – Rock Legends Cruise XII March 21-26 – Miami, FL – Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea X
Robert Jon & The Wreck – 2025 E.U. Spring Tour Dates April 15 – Hengelo, NL – Metropool April 16 – Verviers, BE – Spirit of 66 April 17 – Lössnitz, DE – Zur Linde April 18 – Seewen, CH – Gaswerk Eventbar April 19 – Lyss, CH – Kufa April 20 – Nürnberg, DE – Hirsch April 23 – Gloucester, UK – Guildhall April 24 – Birmingham, UK – Academy 2 April 25 – Chester, UK – Live Rooms April 26 – Edinburgh, UK – Liquid Rooms April 27 – Holmfirth, UK – Picturedome April 29 – Hull, UK – Welly Club April 30 – Norwich, UK – Epic Studios May 1 – Folkestone, UK – The Quarterhouse May 2 – Venlo, NL – Grenswerk May 3 – Groningen, NL – Groningen Rhythm & Blues Nights Festival
Charismatic frontman of MALICE IN WONDERLAND, Chris Wicked, is set to release his rendition of “Utan Dina Andetag,” a catchy and atmospheric take on KENT’s hit, on December 5th.
The Norwegian artist has translated the song from Swedish into Norwegian, crafting a fresh, captivating version that brings a new depth to the original.
“It’s just a beautifully melancholic melody that I feel really suits my voice. After performing it live a few times and receiving such positive feedback, and on top of that, Kent decided to renuite, we felt it was a good idea to record it,” Chris shares.
Earlier this year, Chris Wicked and his band released the single “Northern Heart,” a dark folk-rock track that surprised listeners and received high praise. Now, they follow up with “Utan Dina Andetag,” the first single from the forthcoming EP Black Horns & Black Hooves, which also will feature covers of songs by Danzig and Depeche Mode.
Supporting Chris’ evocative vocals are longtime band members and multi-instrumentalists Marius Mathisen and Eskil Sæter, who provide a richly layered musical backdrop.
Bergen artist Chris Wicked has been compared to artists like Nick Cave, Sisters of Mercy and Anathema and Norway’s own Seigmen and Madrugada. His clear voice and deep, melancholic lyrics set him apart from many others.
After touring the world with Malice In Wonderland for years he in 2021 released the critically acclaimed solo debut album “Aleine”. Both singles was aired on national radio and people widened their eyes when musicians like Gaahl (Gaahls Wyrd, Gorgoroth), Hoest (Taake, Gorgoroth), Niklas Kvarforth (Shining) and others of the “black metal elite” were part of such a release.
Details:
City: Bergen Country: Norway Artist: Chris Wicked Single title: Utan dina andetag Release date: Decemeber 5, 2024 Record label: Raven Black Productions
Critically acclaimed Atlanta-based American guitarist Eddie 9V is pleased to announce the release of the official music video for their new single “Love Moves Slow.” Watch the music video on YouTube HERE.
The music video coincides with new album Saratoga out now! The album is available HERE.
The new album dovetails Eddie’s November and December UK Tour where he will support Robert Jon & The Wreck at Oxford Academy 2 (Nov 30) and Nottingham Rock City (Dec 1), followed by headline concerts at Newcastle Cluny 2 (Dec 2), Edinburgh The Caves (Dec 3), London Black Heart (Dec 4), and Manchester Retro Bar (Dec 5).
True Strays support Eddie 9V at London Black Heart (Dec 4) & Manchester Retro Bar (Dec 5)
Eddie 9V has an endless stockpile of cool stories – and you’ll find twelve of them on new studio album Saratoga. It’s a record that will thrill both newcomers and fans who have trailed Eddie since the start, showcasing his fresh, fiery spin on Southern soul, blues, rock and funk, with his signature wit and sharp observations of modern America placing him squarely in the here-and-now. “I do think it’s a wonderful road trip album,” he nods.
Eddie 9V has powered up. From the day he first slung a guitar on a local stage, the Georgia-born bandleader announced himself as an artist to watch. But in the last few meteoric years, Eddie’s music has crossed oceans and airwaves, transcending his cult-hero status to become a beacon for fans of real music everywhere. “Eddie 9V is something else,” wrote the UK’s Classic Rock magazine – “A man who genuinely inhabits golden-era American roots, playing the most instinctive blues you’ll hear all year.”
Check out the gig listings and you’ll find this rising star playing a bigger club every time he blows through town. Scan the charts and you’ll find his most recent album, 2022’s Capricorn, locking horns with the giants of rock ‘n’ roll. “Capricorn debuted at #1 and that was a cool feeling for a week, until Bonnie Raitt kicked us off,” reflects Eddie with a smile. “But hey, that’s a cool story to be able to say…”
We’ve rode shotgun with Eddie for a couple of decades now. Born Brooks Mason in June 1996, he was playing guitar by the age of six (“One of those with the speaker in it – the most bang for your buck, y’know?”). Even then, manufactured pop music held nothing for him, and his years at Union Grove High School were instead soundtracked by local heroes like Sean Costello, alongside his studies of “older cats” like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Freddie King and Rory Gallagher.
“I wanted to see what made them groove and tick,” he explains. “I’ve been making up lyrics on the spot for years. I believe that came from my Uncle Brian at our family fish fries – he taught me about what made people laugh and what kept the audience’s attention.”
Coming up on his home state’s live circuit – first with covers band The Smokin’ Frogs, then with highly rated blues-rockers The Georgia Flood – Mason soon turned heads, even representing the Atlanta Blues Society at the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. But his true birth as an artist came when he buried his birth name and adopted that striking solo moniker. “A lot of people wanted me to be the Brooks Mason Blues Band, but that’s been done,” he reasons. “I wanted to start from scratch – and I ain’t never heard of no bluesman named Eddie 9V.”
From the start, Eddie’s output pricked up ears, with 2019’s “Left My Soul In Memphis” dubbed “fresh and life-affirming” by Rock and Blues Muse and the chaotic free-for-all of 2021’s “Little Black Flies” praised by Classic Rock Magazine as “like having all your best mates in the speakers”. In 2023, he got his best reviews yet for Capricorn, a record tracked at the near-mythical Macon studio of the same name, that led Classic Rock’s Henry Yates to declare: “As an artist, he sounds fully charged.”
But the great artists evolve, and in both its songcraft and execution, Saratogafinds Eddie painting with more colours from his palette. “I was shooting for a more Americana-type album this time, less blues songs and solos and more focusing on the songwriting,” he explains of the eleven originals co-written with his brother, the much-respected Southern musician, Lane Kelly. Unlike the anarchy of earlier albums, meanwhile, the sessions mostly saw the multi-instrumentalist siblings hunkered down at their own Echo Deco Studio in Atlanta, self-producing the new tracks with Patrick Meese and inviting guest players to supply horns, fiddle and lap steel.
“It was definitely more me and my brother in our home studio recording everything. There’s a lot of guests, for sure, but it was mainly overdubbing. We did the songs “Saratoga,” “Delta,” and “Halo” at Crown Lanes Studio in Denver, Colorado, and it was nice to take a break, walk outside, see the mountains, feel the fresh air. At our studio, it’s just muggy with mosquitoes. But sometimes it’s good to not have distractions.”
Likewise, the new songs of Saratoga deserve nothing less than your full attention. Eddie’s latest album announces his new groove with the crisp, purposeful beats of the opening title track, an instant favourite that gets under your skin with its almost disco-style harmonies and joust of horns and slide guitar. As Eddie says: “That song is about being in a lonely tiny town that feels impossible to escape.”
“Halo” struts from the speakers on Eddie’s falsetto howl, before the lush yearning of “Cry Like A River” and “Love Moves So Slow” (co-written by Spencer Pope) brings vintage soul into the modern age. The brittle riffs and spacey vocal of Delta mark another gearshift, flowing into “Red River’s” reflective-yet-kinetic groove. “Wasp Weather” speaks to Eddie’s love of rapid-fire streams of consciousness. “That’s my favourite lyrically ’cos I like spewing words that don’t make sense into songs. ‘I got a big mud house that I can’t keep clean, it’s useless’ – I love that line.”
The album plays out in style with the trilling alt-folk of “Truckee.” “We got high and did shrooms and camped on the Truckee river in California,” he explains of the inspiration – the wistful “Tides” and “Love You All The Way Down.” Eddie even slips in a brass-blasting take on Mac DeMarco’s “Chamber Of Reflection,” before bringing the record home with “The Road To Nowhere’s” shuddering, tremolo-drenched country lament, his trademark twang utterly transformed into a vintage croon.
Eddie 9V is right: this latest album takes us all over the musical and emotional map, while announcing that his recent career peaks are just the start. “Capricorn was a big jump for us,” he reflects. “But I’m already writing new songs, y’know?”
Album Track Listing
1. Saratoga (3:34) 2. Halo (3:03) 3. Love Moves Slow (3:29) 4. Tides (3:13) 5. Cry Like The River (3:20) 6. Red River (3:04) 7. Delta (4:10) 8. Wasp Weather (2:26) 9. Truckee (3:01) 10. Love You All The Way Down (5:39) 11. Chamber Of Reflection (3:08) 12. The Road To Nowhere (3:12)
Production Credits
Recorded at Echo Deco Studio in Atlanta, Georgia (Jan 23 – July 24, 2022) and Crown Lanes Studio in Denver, Colorado (November 2022) Produced by Lane Kelly, Eddie 9V and Patrick Meese Engineered by Mark Anderson and Lane Kelly, except “Love You All The Way Down” (produced, recorded & engineered by Damon Moon at StandardElectric Recorders in Scottdale, Georgia, May 2024) Executive Producer: Thomas Ruf Mixing by Lane Kelly at Echo Deco Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, except “Halo” and “Saratoga” (by Gerardo Ordonez at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas) Mastered by Pauler Acoustics Cover design by Lane Kelly
Finland’s celebrated Von Hertzen Brothers have just announced a new European run for 2025. A full list of confirmed shows can be found below.
Von Hertzen Brothers live dates: 27.02.2025 Espoo (FI) Sellosali 28.02.2025 Savonlinna (FI) House of Olaf 01.03.2025 Nokia (FI) Kerhola 08.03.2025 Stourport (UK) Fusion Festival 09.03.2025 Bristol (UK) The Fleece 11.03.2025 Paris (FR) Backstage by the Mill 12.03.2025 Neunkirchen (DE) Stummsche Reithalle 13.03.2025 Russelheim (DE) Das Rind 14.03.2025 Helmond (NL) Cacaofabriiek 15.03.2025 Zoetermeer (NL) Boerderij
Von Hertzen Brothers will be playing in support of their ninth studio album In Murmuration, which was released on October 25, 2024.
Guitarist/vocalist Mikko comments on the release: “The shapes and the overall tone of the musical content on this album could be a bit surprising to some of our newer followers, but not to those who have been listening to us from the beginning. Musically speaking, we have proudly carried the cloaks of ‘prog-wizards’ for the last two albums, but what has not been so widely discussed lately is our ability to write good pop choruses and great catchy rock anthems with good vibes. We felt like it was now time to bring forth that side of us once again.
“The lyrical themes still deal with the everyday struggles of being humans in this f*cked up world, it’s a source that keeps on giving, but we wanted to step out of the forest and into the sunlight to mingle, discuss and celebrate. We live in an age of constant change where everyone is trying to find a secure footing in life, sometimes full of joy and sometimes filled with utter disappointment. Amid all that, the trick is to stay alert and lean to one another. Like starlings in murmuration. After the pandemic, and now as the world has once again opened, we have somehow felt lighter in our everyday lives. We acknowledge the contradiction of course, since the world with its horrors hasn’t changed much… It would have been easy to drown in those doomsday moods, but writing these songs we felt the need to tackle these problems from a more forgiving and positive standpoint.”
1. The Relapse 2. A Good Life 3. Starlings 4. Ascension Day 5. Beneath the Silver Stars 6. Tightrope Walker 7. The Change 8. Separation 9. Snowstorm 10. Wait for Me
New album In Murmuration follows the profound and epic journey of their acclaimed, pandemic-era masterpiece Red Alert in the Blue Forest (2022).
In Murmuration will be released on Von Hertzen Brothers’ own label, DoingBeingMusic, on limited-edition crystal-clear vinyl gatefold LP, CD and digital. Merch bundles will be available from the band’s website. Pre-orders are available now.
Von Hertzen Brothers will play album launch shows in Finland and the UK at the end of 2024 before returning to the UK, Europe and the US, including Cruise to the Edge in spring 2025.
Confirmed dates are as follows: Nov 09: Helsink (FI) Tavastia (album release show) Nov 16: Tampere (FI) Olympia (album release show) Nov 28: Troon (UK) Winter Storm Festival Nov 29: Buckley (UK) The Tivoli Nov 30: Trecco (UK) Bay Planet Rockstock Dec 02: London (UK) The Garage
In true Von Hertzen Brothers style, In Murmuration creatively juxtaposes the band’s previous release. Whilst their imaginative, multi-genre hard rock and harmonies remain, the band’s artistic pendulum has swung more towards an air of optimism and renewal. The result is a work filled with big choruses, stadium rock anthems, art-rock with 90s vibes and catchy power-pop.
Whilst the themes within the album may not be as deliberately opinionated as on previous releases Red Alert in the Blue Forest and War is Over, there is a naturally occurring sense of constant change throughout. Precise and intriguing observations on the global political landscape, the tricky human relationships of this age, resilience and personal growth all provide lyrical subject matter. The first half of the album embodies a transformation of mood, bringing forth some positivity and love, and the second half journeys through challenging relationships, a literal call for change, separation, loss, longing and a final resolution.
From the anthemic opener to the reflective closer, In Murmuration ebbs and flows much like the starlings after which it is named.
The instrumentation on this album has also evolved. The three brothers Mikko, Kie and Jonne,with drummer Sami Kuoppamäki, are joined by multi-instrumentalist Markus Pajakkala, who performed with the brothers on their acoustic tour in 2023. Notable for his saxophone solo on 2022’s ‘Peace Patrol’,Markus brings a new dynamic to the album. Guests on the album include a gospel ensemble and the Budapest Art Orchestra.
Now in their 23rd year, Von Hertzen Brothers have consistently delivered music on their own terms and In Murmuration is no exception. This is their third self-produced album, the others being the award-winning Approach (2006) and War is Over (2017).
Von Hertzen Brothers are: Mikko von Hertzen – vocals, guitars Kie von Hertzen – guitars, vocals Jonne von Hertzen – bass, keyboards, vocals Sami Kuoppamäki – drums Markus Pajakkala – keyboards, woodwind
Finnish melodic death metallers ADMIRE THE GRIM will release their debut album ‘Resist’ via Inverse Records on January 31st 2025. The album’s title single Resist is unleashed today and it features Stam1na‘s Antti Hyyrynen on featuring vocals!
Music by Jani Loikkanen, Katri Snellman, Tommi Vante
Lyrics by Katri Snellman
Single cover by Juha Tretjakov
Band comments:
“‘Resist’, as its name suggests, is a song that pushes you for resistance against all oppression. It was one of the last songs that got finalized for the album and it has this odd structure where all the verses are in the beginning of the song and the end of the song is all about simple, catchy choruses and bursting guitar solos. When we started writing this song, it seemed like the puzzle pieces just fit on the very first try and suddenly the song was ready. Right before the album recordings we came up with the idea that we should ask a local legend Antti Hyyrynen of Stam1na to feature on vocals. Antti was happy to come to the studio and recorded some ripping vocals for the track. ‘Resist’ turned out to be a great song for a single and an amazing banger for live shows.”
Vocalist Katri Snellman comments:
“To me personally, considering the vocal parts and lyrics this song became the highlight of the record. There’s this certain simplicity in the vocal lines that gives space for interpretation. That is especially fun live! It’s also probably clear without saying that having Antti Hyyrynen of Stam1na to do the vocal feature on this song gives it a specific tone. Couple of years back I wouldn’t have thought in a million years that I’m gonna be singing on the same song with Antti any time soon. I’m very lucky to have these band members around me to create music and make cool things possible. It’s good to continue from here forward!”
Finnish melodic death metallers Admire the Grim will release their debut album ‘Resist’ via Inverse Records in January 2025. The album, which was crafted for two years, consists of familiar Admire the Grim tunes and acoustic surprises. Antti ‘Hyrde’ Hyyrynen of Stam1na visits as a guest vocalist on the single ‘Resist’. Album debut gig will be held at the legendary Nuijamies venue in the band’s hometown of Lappeenranta, Finland. Afterwards Admire the Grim is heading for gigs around Finland.
Admire the Grim was formed in 2021. The band released its’ well received ‘Rogue Five’ debut EP via Inverse Records in 2022. After the release the band followed up with a Finnish tour and their first gig abroad at Bloodstained Metal Fest in Estonia.
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
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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
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