LORDS OF THE TRIDENT are back with the third single off of their upcoming EP, V.G.E.P. out October 1st, with Valerie, a cover of the Steve Winwood classic. The single is accompanied by a music video, paying homage to the original.
Frontman Fang VonWrathenstein explains:
“When I was a kid, the local mall arcade – ‘Aladdin’s Castle’ – was a short bike ride from my house, so I basically grew up there. I remember parking my bike, entering the mall out of the hot summer air, and listening to the canned mall music being played over the tiny, ceiling-mounted speakers as I walked toward the arcade. More often than not, Valerie by Steve Winwood would be playing as I reached the doors of Aladdin’s Castle, where the busy noises of the arcade machines would overtake the sound of Mr. Winwood belting out the name of his lost lover. That’s why, for whatever reason, I associate Valerie with the childhood thrill of exchanging my quarters for tokens and challenging the latest video game. We wanted to pay homage to the original hand-painted video by attempting to recreate the look and feel (and aspect ratio!) of Steve Winwood’s legendary music video. How’d we do? Let us know in the comments of the video!”
Anyone who pledges $5 or more to the LORDS OF THE TRIDENT Patreon gets immediate access to download the full EP and the band’s last four albums, 25+ live albums, 10+ singles, and more!
Born from a volcano containing metal and steel, Fang VonWrathenstein’s immortal quest was to assemble a band of the most metal warriors imaginable. After thousands of years and multiple bandmates captured or killed by the shadowy multinational group known as SPIDR, the LORDS OF THE TRIDENT are currently in their strongest lineup yet: Fang – whose voice will randomly set microphones ablaze – on lead vocals. The wrongfully disgraced aristocrat-turned-sellsword Baron Taurean Helleshaar on lead guitar. The shadowy master of samurai subterfuge Akira Metal on lead guitar. The high priest of death, Pontifex Mortis, on lead bass. And the animal-loving, percussively proficient Master Hercule “Herc” Schlagzeuger on the lead drums. Together, these warriors roam the lands in search of ever greater battles, more lustrous loot, and the strongest of heavy metal fans to join their metal army!
Prime Video has released the official key art and trailer for the upcoming four-part docuseries The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, an intimate and unvarnished look at the extraordinary 40-year journey of Canada’s most beloved rock band. Directed by Mike Downie, the four-part series chronicles the triumphs, trials and deep bonds of brotherhood that defined The Tragically Hip’s rise from basement shows to arena rock legends. The docuseries will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) before screening at film festivals nationwide. The Prime Video launch date will be shared at a later date.
“We’re thrilled to premiere the incredible story of The Tragically Hip at this year’s TIFF. It will be a powerful and memorable event,” said Mike Downie. “This project is a labour of love, with personal and unseen footage from the band’s 40-year history. We set out to understand what held the band together, what pushed them apart and how they captured the hearts and minds of so many fans both in Canada and around the world.”
“The Tragically Hip’s music continues to be the soundtrack for generations of Canadians,” said Shaun Alperin, head of content, Prime Video, Canada. “This docuseries offers fans an unprecedented window into the band’s iconic career and the deep kinship they forged with an entire nation through their poetic lyrics and electrifying performances — from director Mike Downie who was there for every moment.”
The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal is a love story between a band and the country they call home. With never before seen personal and archival footage, the Canadian rock ‘n roll legends share the story of their unique, complicated and wildly successful musical brotherhood. Forty years of hits and misses, friendship and frustration, triumph and tragedy, the docuseries features unseen performances, unreleased music and unprecedented access to The Hip.
From their hometown of Kingston, ON, Rob Baker, Gord Downie, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois and Gord Sinclair skyrocketed to fame as The Tragically Hip with their signature blend of rock anthems and poetic lyricism. Over their storied career, the band released 14 studio albums, 9 of which hit #1 in Canada, won 17 Juno Awards, and were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and received a star on Canada’s Walk Of Fame. Their 2016 cross-Canada tour, undertaken after Downie’s terminal cancer diagnosis, was a cultural phenomenon watched by millions.
The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal is produced by Courage Films with support from Ontario Creates and the Government of Canada. The docuseries is directed and produced by Mike Downie and executive produced by Jake Gold.
The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal joins the slate of Canadian Amazon Original series and films including TIFF 2023 People’s Choice Documentary Award and Canadian Screen Award-winner Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe, Luxe Listings: Toronto, LOL: Qui rira le dernier?, Pour un Soir Seulement, Nuit Blanche, L’ultime gala, Three Pines, Chosen One: Alexandre Daigle, Saving Sakic, All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs, The Kids in the Hall, The Lake, LOL: Last One Laughing Canada, The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Lynn Smith and the upcoming series The Sticky and Elisabeth Rioux: sans filtre.
These series will join Prime Monday Night Hockey, which will stream all national regular season Monday night NHL games in English for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 NHL seasons, and the thousands of TV shows and movies from Hollywood and around the world in the Prime Video catalogue, including award-winning and critically acclaimed Amazon Originals The Boys, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, and I Am: Celine Dion. Prime members in Canada enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership, for just $9.99/month or the best value of $99.99/year.
Watch the official trailer:
40 Years Of The Tragically Hip: The Tragically Hip has been at the heart of the Canadian musical zeitgeist, evoking a strong emotional connection between their music and their fans that remains unrivalled. A five-piece group of friends including Rob Baker (guitar), Gord Downie (vocals, guitar), Johnny Fay (drums), Paul Langlois (guitar) and Gord Sinclair (bass), who grew up in Kingston, Ontario, The Tragically Hip have achieved both mass popularity with more than 12 million albums in Canada and over 2 million sold in the U.S, as well as peer recognition through 17 Juno Awards – picking up the distinguished Humanitarian Award in 2021 at the 50th annual JUNO Awards, which recognizes Canadian artists or industry leaders whose humanitarian contributions have positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada and beyond. In 2022, they were inducted into Canada’s Walk Of Fame for Humanitarianism in pursuit of social and environmental justice. They had previously received a star on the Walk Of Fame in 2002 for Arts & Entertainment. Most recently, the band along with their manager, Jake Gold, received the War Child Canada Founder’s Award celebrating over 20 years of support for the global humanitarian organization. The Tragically Hip’s tireless activism and philanthropic pursuits have raised millions of dollars for multiple social and environmental causes, such as Camp Trillium, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Sunnybrook Foundation, WAR Child, the Special Olympics, and the Unison Benevolent Fund. Their studio catalogue includes their self-titled debut album The Tragically Hip (1987), Up To Here (1989), Road Apples (1991), Fully Completely (1992), Day For Night (1994), Trouble At The Henhouse (1996), Phantom Power (1998), Music @ Work (2000), In Violet Light (2002), In Between Evolution (2004), World Container (2006), We Are The Same (2009), Now For Plan A (2012), Man Machine Poem (2016) and Saskadelphia (2021). A National Celebration was the final show of The Tragically Hip’s Man Machine Poem Tour recorded on August 20th, 2016, at the K-Rock Centre in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario, and is their last performance as a five-piece band. Through their career the band became a cultural touchstone in Canada, who despite their accolades and numerous recognitions, will always be proudest of the humanitarian work they have done over the years through numerous charitable organizations and causes. The legacy of the band’s frontman, the late Gord Downie, continues with The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund, which aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Finnish rock band MOFFAT releases their debut album later this year. Now they present the second single from the album. ‘Home’ is a unique song that blends prog rock, heavy metal, and hard rock. It addresses the theme of people’s detachment from their ‘roots’. The song criticizes the lack of community and the individualism associated with the Western lifestyle.
MOFFAT is a rock band founded in Jyväskylä, Finland in 2020. Their music is mostly inspired by 1990s grunge, hard rock and progrock. The lyrics of the songs often deal with social themes.
Drowning Pool, the iconic heavy metal band known for their electrifying performances and chart-topping hits, is thrilled to announce the No Authority Tour 2024 with special guests A Killer’s Confession,Above Snakes and The Failsafe.! This tour promises to be an adrenaline-fueled journey, featuring Drowning Pool’s dynamic return with lead singer Ryan McCombs. Fans can also look forward to the release of brand new music, including their first new single with McCombs in 13 years. Keep an eye out in the next few weeks for this highly anticipated track!
Drowning Pool will be conducting on-site VIP packages. These VIPs will be sold on a separate platform and WILL NOT include a ticket to the show. All VIPs will need to purchase a show ticket for entrance.
Drowning Pool Tour Dates:
9/27 Shreveport, LA – Strange Brew * 9/28 Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall * 9/29 Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life * 10/1 Oklahoma City – Beer City Music Hall 10/2 Roswell, NM - The Liberty 10/3 Phoenix, AZ – The Marquee 10/4 Anaheim, CA - Why Worry Fest * 10/5 Las Vegas, NV – Vamp’d 10/6 San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick 10/8 West Hollywood, CA - Whisky Go Go 10/9 Bakersfield, CA – 1933 10/11 Portland, OR - Bossanova Ballroom 10/12 Eugene, OR – John Henry’s 10/13 Sacramento CA – Aftershock * 10/15 Salt Lake City, UT – Leatherheads 10/16 Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater 10/17 Cheyenne, WY – The Lincoln 10/18 St Joseph, MO – Time Out Event Center 10/19 Hochatown, OK – Hochatown Saloon
*indicates Drowning Pool only, no support.
Drowning Pool, a name etched in the score of modern rock history, roars back into the spotlight with thunderous energy and uncompromising power. The band’s unmistakable sound, synonymous with raw energy and unapologetic attitude, returns to captivate audiences once again.
Known for their iconic anthem “Bodies,” Drowning Pool needs no introduction. This breakout single propelled them to international recognition, leaving an indelible mark on the nu metal landscape. The song’s relentless energy and defiant spirit resonated with a generation, becoming an anthem for moshers, metalheads, and fans of electrifying live performances.
Ryan McCombs played a pivotal role in the band’s evolution, joining their ranks in the aftermath of the tragic loss of beloved frontman Dave Williams. His powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence breathed new life into Drowning Pool, solidifying their status as metal titans. Songs like “37 Stitches,” “Feel Like I Do,” and “Turn So Cold” catapulted them to new heights, earning them a place among the genre’s heavyweights.
Yet, Drowning Pool’s story is not just about music; it’s a testament to enduring friendships and a shared passion for their craft. Ryan’s return to the band in 2023 marks a reunion of kindred spirits, a return to the roots of their musical journey. As he succinctly puts it, “Just being back in the same room together after so many years… was a quick reminder as to why I considered them to be my best friends in the business back in the day.”
Their path has not been without its challenges. “Bodies” faced misinterpretations and controversy, with its lyrics taken out of context. Nevertheless, their music has persisted, embraced by the very culture that birthed it. “Bodies” remains an enduring anthem, not just for Drowning Pool but for metal culture as a whole. Its legacy lives on, inspiring new generations of fans. Guitarist C.J. Pierce captures the essence of their dedication: “I’d play ‘Bodies’ five times a night if people really wanted it that bad!” The song’s timeless appeal transcends generations, resonating with both the seasoned and the fresh-faced.
Drowning Pool’s return is a testament to the enduring power of their music, a reminder that their unapologetic spirit continues to strike chords with audiences worldwide. The band experienced a triumphant resurgence in 2023 and with new music on the horizon, a 2024/25 calendar proving that the demand for the band isn’t about to slow down.., Drowning Pool has a white knuckle grip on their present and future with no plans to slow down.
Years in the making, Los Angeles’ acclaimed avant-garde metal band MELTED BODIES has revealed today their long-awaited 2nd album, The Inevitable Fork, will be self-released on October 18th. Comprised of 3 distinctive EPs sewn together with mesmerizing interludes and soundscapes, The Inevitable Fork is an experimental genre-blending record that pushes the limits of what’s expected of modern metal and showcases the emerging talent of one of the scene’s most innovative and volatile bands around.
Today, the band has debuted the new single “Bloodlines,” a frenzied, frantic new track with massive groove laden riffs and incredibly memorable hooks that will grab hold of listeners with its sharp teeth and never let go.
Commenting on the song, vocalist Andy Hamm (ex-LOCAL NATIVES) says:
“’Bloodlines’ toils and tussles with the idea that all of us have unique pre-loaded behaviors, emotions and traits in our bloodlines. The past addictions, traumas, bodily shapes, love, nurture, disease etc. are passed down to us generation after family generation. I find myself longing for an emotional and physical tenderness that my mother held back on at points, paying for mistakes that my father perhaps made, a history of alcoholism and depression on both sides of my family etc. We spend a majority of our lives yearning to fix, understand or struggle with these genetics we never asked for.”
“We all have arrived at, or are approaching our own version of what I call ‘The Inevitable Fork’, and this overarching theme informs most of these songs in some way, much of which is very personal. Our bloodlines, mental health, past traumas, accomplishments, and regrets eventually lead us all to choose one of this fork’s many prongs to follow. Maybe we accept that it’s all imperfect, and we embrace our flaws to make anew or try again. Or perhaps we avoid, stall, numb, or overindulge. We’ve all been told “it’s now or never,” but yet we have heard that so many times. This stigma feeds our avoidance, unaccountability, and utter laziness. But rest assured ‘The Inevitable Fork’ is coming for us all whether we appreciate it or appall it.”
The Inevitable Fork is about the personal battle of survival vs. joy; our need to conform and stay afloat despite the pursuit of purpose. This is the next chapter for MELTED BODIES, but for a band designed around reflecting on the very idea of metal with glaring intensity, there’s much more to this story.
The Inevitable Fork Tracklisting: 1. Destined To Suffer 2. Bloodlines 3. The Hot Dog Contract 4. Wrath Of The Flies 5. Overinflated All The Time 6. Liars (Album Edit) 7. State Of Mind 8. Splitting 9. Vague And Easy 10. Relax You Are Lazy 11. Dreamer 12. The Avalanche (Album Edit) 13. Vital Aftermath 14. The Inevitable Fork (Album Edit) 15. Talk Some More About It 16. Think Safe 17. I Often Feel Alone While Surrounded By Other People 18. Therapy 19. There Is Something Else Here Now Too 20. Something Is Wrong
About MELTED BODIES: It’s 2015, Andy Hamm is staring at two of his favorite albums sitting above his record player – Cannibal Corpse’s The Bleeding, and Talking Heads’ More Songs about Buildings and Food. For the past decade, Andy toured the world as a founding member of indie band Local Natives, but was unexpectedly pushed out of the group by his former bandmates. Sitting alone, with unsatisfied ideas, he stared at those two albums and saw a template for a new project grounded in the music that inspired him in the first place. So he started writing.
A few months later, Andy met Scott McDonald at a screening of the Japanese cult film Why Don’t You Play in Hell? The two realized their shared love of horror and anime extends to music too. With Scott’s drumming background for Portland’s early 2000s Upon Beauty Rests, the two decided to meet up and explore Andy’s new ideas.
It quickly became clear that they needed to fill out the band, starting with bassist Houda Zakeri, a part of the LA punk scene for years with Holy Hydraulics, then ending with Ben Majoy, aka Diamondstein, electronic music producer and host of NTS Radio’s popular dark music show Night Shift. And with this, MELTED BODIES was formed.
Over the next few years, MELTED BODIES developed a reputation around SoCal for chaotic and unpredictable shows. Their difficult-to-pindown intensity led to as many mismatched billings as sold-out shows, supporting bands like Red Fang, Kikagaku Moyo, Horse the Band, Machine Girl, and Sleepy Time Gorilla Museum. Then as the world closed, 2020 became an ironically perfect year for Melted Bodies to release their breakthrough debut album, Enjoy Yourself.
Self-recorded in their depraved Inglewood rehearsal space, this album introduced their fresh contradiction to a global audience of like-minded multi-hyphenate metalheads, and quickly became one of Bandcamp’s top metal albums for the year, and a mainstay on many year-end lists, including a #1 from MetalSucks. Acclaimed for its new ideas in heavy music, Enjoy Yourself was labeled “the Most 2020 album we could have hoped for” by journalists, due to its cheeky themes of consumerism, isolation, and police cannibalism.
A step removed from the sardonic nature of Enjoy Yourself, and now firmly established as a referential part of the metal music landscape, MELTED BODIES is releasing the final piece of their existentially and sonically heavy 3 EP series, The Inevitable Fork. Finally heard in its totality, these three volumes tell a different story from their breakthrough Enjoy Yourself.
Guitar virtuoso Marcus Nand, best known for his collaborations with White Lion’s frontman Mike Tramp, marks the August 2 release of his much-anticipated solo album The Traveler by joining Tramp for a full US tour.
Marcus Nand’s musical odyssey is deeply rooted in his eclectic upbringing, spanning the flamenco traditions of Spain, the soulful depths of blues, and the raw power of rock. This unique blend has garnered him significant recognition, notably through his work with the metal band Freak Of Nature, featuring Mike Tramp, and the world music-infused rock ensemble Ziroq, alongside legendary David Bowie bassist Carmine Rojas.
Nand reflects on the creation of the album, stating, “The Traveler is definitely a very musical guitar album – but not as you’d expect. There are lots of textures and depth to the guitars and I was careful in making sure they created an atmosphere and supported the vocals. A lot of care went into the writing, production, and the vocals because I wanted every element to be strong and sound like a great ‘band’ – which I think it does!”
Now fans can look forward to experiencing Nand’s electrifying live performances as he hits the road with Mike Tramp. The upcoming tour promises to be a spectacular showcase of their combined talents.
“I’m super excited about the tour,” says Nand. “We have some great surprises in the set and I’m thrilled to have my album The Traveler available at the merch stand. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the road!”
Tour Dates: 8.23 – Backstage Bar – Las Vegas, NV 8.24 – Club 44 – Glendale, AZ 8.29 – Arcada Theatre – St. Charles, IL 8.30 – Epic Event Center- Green Bay, WI 9.1 – Winchester – Lakewood, OH 9.2 – Los Gallos – Boardman, OH 9.4 – Rustbelt – East Moline, IL 9.6 – Rocktember Fest – Hinckley, MN 9.7 – Pierre’s Entertainment Center – Ft. Wayne, IN 9.8 – Diesel Lounge – Chesterfield, MI 9.11 – Venue Event Center – Cadillac, MI 9.12 – Warner Vineyards – Paw Paw, MI 9.13 – Art theatre – Hobart, IN 9.14 – Danenberger Vineyards – New Berlin, IL 9.15 – Hot Spot – High Ridge, MO 9.19 – Madlife Studios- Woodstock, GA 9.21 – CJ’s – St. Petersburg, FL 9.22 – Wynfield’s – Satellite Beach, FL 9.26 – Landis Theater – Vineland, NJ 9.27 – Debonair Music Hall – Teaneck, NJ 9.29 – Four Seasons By The Lake – Stafford Springs, CT 9.30 – Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA 10.1 – Jergel’s – Warrendale, PA 10.2 – Mickey’s Black Box – Lititz, PA 10.4 – Backseat Event Center – Winchester, VA 10.5 – Uncle Jessie’s – Raleigh, NC 10.10 – Bourbon Theater – Lincoln, NE 10.11 – Lefty’s – Des Moines, IA 10-13- Fat Jacks- Texarkana, Arkansas 10.17 – Fitzgerald Bar – San Antonio, TX 10.19 – Fat Daddy’s – Mansfield, TX 10.20 – Warehouse Live – Houston, TX 10.25 – The Whisky A Go Go – Hollywood, CA
The Traveler will be available on CD, vinyl, and digital formats starting August 2. Don’t miss the chance to embark on this sonic journey with Marcus Nand.
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
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 