Southern California’s DAYSEEKER will embark on a headline tour this September. The tour kicks off September 1 in Lubbock, Texas, and runs through September 24 in the band’s native Southern California. Silent Planet and Moxy the Band will support. All dates are below, including festival appearances at Rocklahoma and Blue Ridge Rock Fest.
Additionally, vinyl reissues of the band’s latest albums Sleeptalk and Dark Sun are available for pre-order here.
Dayseeker are a quiet killer. The band has steadily built a buzz over the past several years — and they have reached a tipping point. Dayseeker built themselves into a scene standout with 2019’s Sleeptalk, which was hailed by Alternative Press as “a warm and welcome release to higher ground” and as “much needed fresh air into the post-hardcore scene.” The album has gone on to accumulate over XX million streams, and it positioned the band as a formidable force — and one that is primed to take its next big leap. In 2021, the band dropped a deluxe version of Sleeptalk, featuring four reimagined versions of album tracks, which offered fans a fresh and unique take on songs they already love. It also demonstrated the depth and breadth of the band’s creative vision, scope, and possibilities. However, Dark Sun catapulted the band beyond the scene’s stratosphere. The album is out now via Spinefarm.
Century Media Records is proud to announce the signing of San Fernando Valley, California, Melodic Death Metal merchants, UPON STONE.
The band delivers a uniquely visceral unfiltered energy and fuses it with a passion for the earliest and rawest Melodeath influences including At The Gates, In Flames and Dissection.
Their newest anthem “Onyx Through the Heart” can be listened to HERE.
The video can be seen here:
Comprised of bassist/vocalist Xavier Wahlberg, drummer Wyatt Bentley and guitarists Ronny Lee Marks and Gage Goss, UPON STONE was forged during the pandemic days, during which the band recorded its first release, a four song EP, Where Wild Sorrows Grow, which was released in late 2021 on the Creator Destructor label. The band made its live debut in January of 2022 supporting Japan’s KRUELTY and have since shared stages with the likes of UNEARTH, GATECREEPER, 200 STAB WOUNDS, as well as a US tour with labelmates VOMIT FORTH and an appearance at the KNOCKED LOOSE-curated LDB Fest in Louisville, KY.
UPON STONE comments: “We’re beyond elated to announce our signing to Century Media. The label’s commitment to releasing music from vital new artists, coupled with their undeniable legacy as the global gold standard for all facets of extreme metal makes this partnership incredibly exciting for us. From Unanimated to Insomnium and Dark Tranquillity, Century Media is the obvious home for Melodic Death Metal in 2023, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”
“UPON STONE stands out for reenergizing influences from the early Scandinavian scene with an authenticity and intensity that’s undeniable”, says Century Media VP of A&R, Mike Gitter. “They’re bringing back some of modern metal’s most important influences. It’s a sound that’s deep in the label’s history that UPON STONE makes lethal again”.
“Onyx Through the Heart”is the first salvo from UPON STONE through their new label home. Produced and mixed by Taylor Young (Drain, Suicide Silence) it’s a relentless rampage that echoes classics like At the Gates’ Slaughter of the Soul. The song and its accompanying video evoke the feel of the early 90’s classics that UPON STONE brings a new fire to. “Onyx Through the Heart” taps into the inherent grandeur and chaos held within the nocturnal world”, says UPON STONE. “Something ancient and feral awakens deep within the human spirit when surrounded by the darkness of nature in total solitude. This track seeks to strengthen that bond. To the Night Without Return!”.
Starting July 10th, UPON STONE begins a short US run with Texan death metal titans, CREEPING DEATH and labelmates, ENFORCED. The tour runs to July 21 in Fort Worth, Texas. They will also be playing the first annual Metal Injection on Sept 17th alongside headliners MACHINE HEAD, TESTAMENT and FEAR FACTORY. Catch them here:
Internationally acclaimed hard rock/heavy sensations BAD As are thrilled to announce the release of the new single, “Nemesis.” This hard rock anthem is the second single taken from their upcoming album, “Fight The Demons,” set to be unleashed on fans worldwide on September 23rd, 2023, both in digital and Digipak formats.
“Nemesis” captures the essence of resilience and the unwavering determination to face adversity head-on. With its powerful lyrics and infectious melodies, the song serves as a testament to the band’s unyielding spirit. It encourages listeners to tap into their inner strength and harness their anger as a driving force toward achieving their goals.
To experience the power of Bad As and their latest release, “Nemesis,” listeners can buy and stream the single HERE.
“Fight The Demons” is a testament to Bad As’ unwavering commitment to their craft. The album features 11 outstanding and catchy rock/metal songs that showcase the band’s signature style. With each track, Bad As takes listeners on a thrilling journey filled with hard-hitting riffs, captivating vocals, and dynamic musicality.
“Fight The Demons” tracklist 1 Fear 2 You Better Run 3 The War is On 4 Fight The Demons 5 Nemesis 6 Where Did The Love Go 7 Inside A Dream 8 Awake 9 As I Walk Away 10 The Answer 11 Free
Previous news:
BAD As have posted online a drum playthrough video, where their 15 years old drummer Iacopo Bergamasco is performing ‘Black Star’, taken from the band’s 2019 album “Midnight Curse”. Watch the drum playthrough video here: https://youtu.be/0xeBttpE690
Just recently, BAD As released their heavy rock tribute cover ‘The Best’, paying homage to the iconic TINA TURNER, a true legend in the world of music. With her unmatched energy, powerful vocals, and electrifying stage presence, Tina captivated audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. In case you missed it, watch it here: https://youtu.be/IB26heVRrVA
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BAD As (formerly known as BADASS), consists of extraordinary talent, including vocalist John Jeff Touch, bassist Alberto Rigoni, new guitarist Leonardo Caverzan, and new drummer Iacopo Bergamasco. With their original blend of musical prowess and relentless energy, the band has garnered a dedicated global fan base and critical acclaim throughout their career.
Their upcoming album, “Fight The Demons,” marks a pivotal moment in Bad As musical journey. Set to drop in September 2023 via WormHoleDeath Records/Warner, this album is going to blow fans away with its incredible tracks that will take their musical experience to a whole new level. Get ready to be amazed as Bad As pushes the boundaries of the genre and delivers an impressive collection of songs.
“We are looking forward to hitting the road and playing our music for our fans,” said the band. “We hope to see you all out there.”
Line-up: John Jeff Touch – vocals Alberto Rigoni – bass Leonardo Caverzan – guitar Iacopo Bergamasco – drums
Earlier Releases: Crucified Society – Album, Released: March 17 2020 via SlipTrick Records Midnight Curse – Album, Released: November 30th 2019 via RockShot RecordRigoni More Pain, More Gain – Album, Released: April 15th 2016 via Lion Music
DUSK, the visionary Progressive Metal Musician/Songwriter, is making waves once again with the releaseof a mesmerizing lyric video for their latest track, “Agnes of Rome.” This highly anticipated visual accompaniment showcases the sheer intensity and artistry behind Dusk’s music, captivating audiences with its dynamic energy.
This track is taken from Dusk’s highly acclaimed album, “Spectrums,” released via Wormholedeath. With “Spectrums,” Dusk solidifies its position as a rising force in the metal scene, delivering a sonic journey that captivates listeners from start to finish.
The visually stunning lyric video for “Agnes of Rome” was created by Volume Agency.
Dusk, led by the multi-talented Meshari Sangora, embarked on a remarkable musical journey that began as a DJ and evolved into a groundbreaking Modern Metal project. With a total of 49 tracks released across various genres, Dusk’s versatility and dedication to pushing musical boundaries have earned them a loyal and growing fanbase.
“Dusk – Agnes of Rome” is a testament to the boundless creativity and artistry that Dusk brings to the metal genre. With their powerful music and thought-provoking lyricism, Dusk continues to push the boundaries of Modern Metal, leaving an indelible mark on the music world.
To stay connected with Dusk and witness the evolution of this extraordinary artist, follow them on social media:
JOHNNY O’NEIL recently announced the release of his third album “Brand New Day”. Johnny recently released the music video for the lead single from the album, also titles “Brand New Day.” The video can be viewed below.
Johnny O’Neil speaking about the new video, “We wanted to capture the energy of the full band through incorporating video technology that we haven’t utilized before, courtesy of our amazing videographers, Brianna and Kurt Jorgensen. Regarding the song itself, following such difficult and tumultuous times that we have all been through over the past three years, I thought it was important to put out a record that rejuvenates people. Although we’re still struggling in many ways, I wanted to say that it’s time to move on and look forward to a better day. The chorus of ‘Brand New Day’ – ‘I’m alive, I’m feeling fine’ – is about getting through one of the weirdest eras the world has ever seen with positivity and hope.”
At the same time the video was released, the lead single was serviced to rock and metal radio around the world. The single Brand New Day debuted at #164 in the Active Rock Indie Label Report.
Stations around the world already jumping on the lead single include:
WBXO – PAWLING, NY
WWSK – NASSAU-SUFFOLK, NY
WPJX – CHICAGO, IL KTED – CASPER, WY 107 ROCK – WORLDWIDE ONLINE COAR RADIO SHOW – WORLDWIDE ONLINE DIGITAL REVOLUTION RADIO – WORLDWIDE ONLINE ICED OUT RADIO – WORLDWIDE ONLINE LUCKY STAR RADIO – WORLDWIDE ONLINE REBEL RADIO – WORLDWIDE ONLINE ROCK RAGE RADIO – WORLDWIDE ONLINE STAR RADIO – WORLDWIDE ONLINE TOTAL ROCK RADIO – WORLDWIDE ONLINE
Johnny O’Neil is hitting the road this summer:
July 20 – Moondance Festival – Walker, MN August 18 – Loonfest 2023 with Buckcherry – Brainerd, MN
Show info and tickets can be found at https://bnds.us/2kqa3x
Graphic Design & cover photo: JoBa Visuals
ALBUM: BRAND NEW DAY
BRAND NEW DAY (J. O’Neil)
TAKE ME DOWN (J. O’Neil, J. Funk)
MY MONA (J. O’Neil, J. Funk)
IT’S TOO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE (R. Hogan)*
WHEN JANIE MOVED INTO TOWN (J. O’Neil)
IN SEARCH OF (J. O’Neil)
COMIN’ DOWN LIKE A MOUNTAIN (J. O’Neil)
HANDS UP (J. O’Neil, J. Funk)
DON’T BELIEVE A WORD (P. Lynott)**
TELL ME YOUR STORY (J. O’Neil)
Band Members: JOHNNY O’NEIL: All Lead and Harmony Vocals, Guitars JOHN FUNK: Guitars BENNY CRAIG: Bass JOACHIM BAECKER: Drums and Percussion
SPECIAL GUEST ARTISTS:
JASON PETERSON DELAIRE Saxophone on “My Mona” Piano & Organ on “My Mona,” “Hands Up” & “Tell Me Your Story”
BRIANNA JORGENSEN Backing Vocals on “Brand New Day” & “My Mona”
JASON WOLFE Violin on “Tell Me Your Story”
RECORDED AT: Pachyderm Studios Cannon Falls, MN Assistant Engineer: Nick Tveitbakk
Logic Recording Minnetonka, MN Engineer: Brian Bart
String Arrangement on “Tell Me Your Story” by Johnny O’Neil & Brian Bart
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Johnny O’Neil
PRODUCED BY: The Blood Brothers – Johnny O’Neil & Brian Bart
RECORDED, ENGINEERED, MIXED & MASTERED BY: Brian Bart
JOHNNY O’NEIL: O’Neil has been in practice as a Ph.D.-level clinical psychologist for over two decades, quite a feat considering he dropped out of high school at 16 to focus on his burgeoning music career. After more than a decade of achieving many of his musical dreams, including the ‘80s with Dare Force, O’Neil decided to go back to school at the age of 28 to get his GED. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, followed by a Master’s degree and eventually a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from The Ohio State University.
Now a solopreneur in private practice as a forensic psychologist, O’Neil conducts Independent Psychological Evaluations (IPEs) of claimants involved in workers’ comp and personal injury cases, and provides courtroom testimony as an expert witness – a fascinating occupation to be sure. In fact, he found himself interviewing dozens of Minneapolis police officers who filed disability claims due to PTSD in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
Not surprisingly, for O’Neil, playing music is an invaluable form of therapy and expressing his emotions. “I don’t have a choice, I have to play music,” he says. “It’s how I’m wired and how I preserve my sanity. It’s therapy for me. I’ll be performing until my last gasp.”
O’Neil fell in love with music at the age of five, begging his parents to buy him a guitar after seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show, which they finally did when he turned eight years old. The stars aligned when his future Dare Force bandmate, Brian Bart, moved in across the street when he was nine. “We had a tussle over something silly in the front yard, then my mom invited us in for a piece of cake; we’ve been thick as thieves ever since,” O’Neil says.
O’Neil and Bart immediately bonded over their mutual love of music (including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Winter, Steppenwolf, and Creedence Clearwater Revival), and quickly formed a band together. One of their first gigs was at Sunny Hollow Elementary School in 6th grade, where Bob Dylan’s younger brother, David Zimmerman, was their music teacher and introduced their band to an audience of 500-some fellow classmates.
Infusing his songwriting with his personal values of tolerance, compassion and empathy throughout his career, O’Neil believes that an important part of an artist’s job is to not only reflect what’s going on in the world, but also to comment on it and influence it. To this end, O’Neil’s driving rock tunes go beyond being simply upbeat, feel-good rock ‘n roll, to songs that really have something to say to the world.
DARE FORCE: (Johnny O’Neil’s previous band Dare Force) Dare Force was a legendary hard rock/heavy metal band based in Minneapolis that was initially founded by Johnny and Brian Bart when they were 18 years old. Dare Force released three albums in the 1980s and performed in concert with numerous national acts such as KISS, Ted Nugent, Triumph, Kansas, UFO, the Joe Perry Project, and Ratt, as well as headlining in venues throughout the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Dare Force also had several songs that received heavy airplay on rock radio stations throughout the midwestern US in the 1980s. Dare Force released its third album, “Firepower,” with a reformed version of the band in 1989. The original lineup performed occasional reunion gigs after the long run of the original band ended in 1987, but the original version of Dare Force stopped performing live altogether after their last reunion show in 2002. Dare Force reformed yet again with a return to a four-piece lineup in 2017, and released its fourth album, “Callin’ Your Name,” in 2018.
FOREVER AUTUMN is thrilled to unveil the lyric video for the captivating track “The Forest and the Nyght” featuring Aaron Stainthorpe. This mesmerizing song is part of their upcoming EP titled “Crowned in Skulls,” set to release on July 21st, 2023 via Epictronic.
“The Forest and the Nyght” encapsulates the essence of embracing darkness and finding solace within it. It serves as a compelling call to leave behind worldly troubles and immerse oneself in the unity and empowerment of the night, symbolized by the mystical forest, all through the enchanting act of seizing the night (Carpe Noctem).
Crafted by the esteemed team at Volume Agency, the lyric video visually complements the ethereal ambiance of the song, offering a captivating visual journey into the depths of Forever Autumn’s musical creation.
Following the 2021 EP Hail the Forest Dark, the EP features a guest appearance from Aaron Stainthorpe on ‘The Forest and the Nyght’, and musically delves further into acoustic and pagan realms The EP can be described as a five-song exploration of shamanism and witchery through Pagan Folk and Acoustic Doom.
Forever Autumn was founded by Autumn Ni Dubhghaill in 2000 and released their first demo in 2001, followed by several more in the following decade. Since 2014, the band has released a series of wider album releases, with Ni Dubhghaill and cellist Jon McGrath as the core members, creating music that is elegant in its simplicity and fragile in its beauty.
To stay updated on Forever Autumn and their upcoming releases, follow them on Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 