BRIGATA VENDETTA, one of the newest Bay Area bands featuring members of Harrington Saints and Bum City Saints, have released a new single called “1000 Cuts.” The song comes from their debut LP “This is How Democracy Dies” which is available for pre-order on January 12th and hits stores on February 2nd. Click here to listen to “1000 Cuts.”
“‘1000 Cuts’ was one of the first songs we wrote after deciding to do a full length. It’s about incompetence and corruption of a Congress to do any sort of governing that would actually help people instead of toeing party lines. The old adage of ‘death by a thousand cuts’ is the refrain in the verse: ‘Lie, cheat and steal / Then feign ignorance / Death by a thousand cuts,’” explains frontman and bassist Darrel Wojick.
Brigata Vendetta formed at the end of 2022 with Darrel Wojick and guitarist Mike Caputo – renowned for their work in street punk stalwarts Harrington Saints – subsequently joined forces with Bum City Saints drummer Brian Zobel. Together, these three “saints” are crafting a brand new sound informed by classic hardcore punk that stands poised to surprise and excite longtime fans and new ones alike.
What began as a side project for Darrel and Mike became their prime focus after Harrington Saints went their separate ways, and despite their familiarity playing together, the new band brings with it fresh sounds and fresh perspectives. Darrel characterizes the sound as more influenced by the punk and hardcore he grew up on in the 80s than the Oi! that was Harrington Saints‘ signature, or anything played by his notable rock & roll project Suede Razors.
Stated plainly, this is a record that is sure to please longtime fans who are ready for something new, but it will likely attract an entirely new audience of hardcore faithful! Darrel says that following this 80s hardcore influence has injected new energy and a sense of fun into Brigata Vendetta.
The world at large got their first listen to Brigata Vendetta via “Embrace,” which appeared on the latest volume of Pirates Press Records‘ compilation For Family and Flag.
“My Secret Suicide”, a single from the MUSIC FROM THE DARK Music Project for Wanikiya Record/Promotion, will be released on January 29 and will be available, on all the best music stores, on Wanikiya Record’s Japanese storefront and on the Crash Sound Ditribution store!
Single “My Secret Suicide”
Despair leads to isolation, isolation to depression and despondency, from this dark point in life the Music From The Dark project takes strength +++
A deep black soul duo that draws from bands like the cure, paradise lost, katatonia, joy division to unite in a deep sound of sad and decadent torment.
“DEPRESSIVE DARK” this is the genre proposed by MUSIC FROM THE DARK +++.
To be in a room and never see an exit…to live in the light but see only darkness around you…a single moment of hope…this is ” My Secret Suicide “.
Line up: MARCO MAGNONI (VOCALS/GUITARS). Historical voice/guitarist of BLACKAGE with an active record “New world order” released 1998 x Collapse Records. At that time BLACKAGE will back up Cradle of Filth and left for a tour in which they participated in many festivals including Beach bum in Jesolo with headliner Marilyn Manson. There will be participations in other Goth/Dark projects but the idea of reuniting with his old friend and historical drummer “MAX” to found “Music from the dark ” will happen only in 2020 during the black time of covid.. In that forced period of isolation and total darkness came the band’s most decadent and despair-filled pieces.
MAX TOSI (DRUMS) Born as a drummer in the very early era of Modenese heavy metal. Of clear Classic Metal mold , shares the very first youthful experiences with “MARCO” establishing a friendship that has always been maintained over the years despite different were projects and musical directions. Always belonging to the underground fabric participates in several projects ranging from Classic Metal , Stooner and finally Horror Rock with local bands preferring projects aimed at the creation of original music. From him the idea to start again from a historical friendship, absolutely trusted with which to concretize musical models and approaches now lost in time.
DUST & BONES have released their new single “Remedy” from the band’s upcoming album “Mission Back To The Forbidden Planet”.
The band itself says: “Rock’n’roll is the cure. Music that touches you always gives you energy and strength!”. Even if this wisdom is not new, it speaks to the hearts of many of their fans.
DUST & BONES are back to have fun … and bring fun!
For over two decades, the five Swabians have not allowed themselves to be pressed into any clothing. Their energetic mixture of riffy punk rock, dark heavy rock with metal attitudes and uncompromisingly dirty rock’n’roll, as well as the unusual line-up with two completely different singers and the earthy, deep-dirty guitar sound, are looking for its equal. Distinguished by their high recognition value and exceptional charisma, they have been delighting rock and metal enthusiasts alike with their legendary live performances for many years. With their fifth studio album “Mission Back To The Forbidden Planet” and 11 brand new tracks, DUST & BONES manage in an impressive manner to capture this unbridled brutal live energy on record and to captivate fans across genres. Audible fun and playing joy are obviously in the foreground … always authentic, always with melody and always with a certain wink. Fans of the Ramones, Rose Tattoo, Danko Jones, Motörhead and Turbonegro will take this special piece of “High Energy Dirt Rock” into their hearts, for everyone else it’s warmly recommended to their rockers heart!
racklist: 01 – Mission start 02 – UR R’N’R 03 – Move 04 – Remedy 05 – Out on that road 06 – Feel good07 – Earth stood still today 08 – For all the good and the bad 09 – Electricity 10 – Planet 5 11 – People strange 12 – This is not the end
Tourdates (… more to come) January 26, 2024 CD Release Show – Belinda, Sulzberg February 09, 2024 Luftraum Rock Club Fürstenfeldbruck February 10, 2024 Legau Roadhouse
Italian band HIDDEN LAPSE has announced the passing of bassist Romina Pantanetti:
“With IMMENSE sorrow, we communicate the premature passing of our warrior, Romina. A pulsating heart, propelling force, and brilliant mind that brought our splendid artwork to life, Romy’s presence has been and will always be a beacon of inspiration. Today, as we mourn her absence, after a long and respectful silence, we promise to her and to ourselves that we will continue to play with heart, carrying forward her legacy, celebrating the EXTRAORDINARY life we had the honor of sharing with her. Our deepest condolences to her friends, family, and all those fortunate enough to have known the extraordinary person she was to us all.”
Fortuna is the brand-new album from blues roots rock guitarist Bex Marshall. The album is released on CD and digital by Dixiefrog Records on Friday 1 March 2024.
The first single “5am,” is released today Friday 5 January 2024, is available to stream and buy HERE.
“5am” has a melancholy feel, a bluesy ballad starting with soft electric spreads. Bex’s vocal is late-night and resigned. The track is full of charismatic regret and her guitar playing is prominent, poignant, and emotive throughout. The song tells the story of a drunken late-night fight with a lover, culminating in a drunken white flag of emotional guitar peaks. It’s slightly influenced by Gary Moore hat doffing, to finish, no rock n roll endings akin to a melodic 5am pass-out. It makes for addictive listening.”
Bex Marshall has a super abundance of smarts and edgy spirit to go along with her surety of purpose. She conjures a vocal melting pot of old black woman’s heartache and powerful gritty soul and unique guitar skills which have been labelled by other guitarists as “the goal.”
The long-awaited studio album Fortuna is a ten-track blues tapestry that bulges to the edges with addictive hooks and story lines. Bex is a writer of notability, she pushes the boundaries of blues and weaves the genre in and out of blues, funk, rock, and Americana.
Bex steps forward with this record as a leading female guitarist, producing her powerful, self-penned album with soaring lead lines, technical ragtime, and ballsy slide playing.
It’s been ten years since Bex Marshall’s last release. During this time, Bex has experienced a busy touring schedule, independently breaking into several international markets. Fortuna is an intense culmination of focus and personal release over the last few years.
Bex was able to stand still for a moment and draw in local London talented friends including Richie Stevens on drums (Tina Turner, Simply Red, George Clinton), Toby Baker on keyboards (BB King, Eric Clapton, Alexander O’Neil, Sinead O Connor), B.J Cole on Dobro (Elton John, Coldplay, Sting, Shania Twain, Robbie Williams), New York’s Robert Eugene Daniels on bass (RIP “Red Bass”) Aurora Mannola on bass, London’s gospel Queen Shola Adegoroye, and legendary Danny Bryan on percussion (Taj Mahal).
After a week-long intense recording session at Snakepit Studios in North London, Fortuna was created. It’s an album of soulful rock blues, with funky undertones with touches of gospel and roots. The album was engineered, co-produced and mastered by Nick Hunt (Dave Stewart, Boy George, Placebo, George Clinton) who Bex has worked with on her previous album House of Mercy.
“I have been influenced by multiple artists,” says Bex. “For me it never stops. Songwriters, vocalists, and guitarists – you name it!
“I grew up listening to Tina Turner. Vocally, she was my heroine. Her tone, soul, and vocal range was so versatile. Other influences include Eric Clapton’s cool guitar style, John Lee Hooker’s back porch flavour, Freddie King’s sting, Hose Feliciano’s flair, Janis Joplin’s ragtime, and Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s songwriting. I was lucky as my uncle had a stunning vinyl collection, and I was able to absorb all these relevant box ticking blues rock greats.”
“She’s mastered the art of making new material sound like it’s been found in long forgotten vaults,” says Net Rhythms. Bex holds a songwriting retreat twice a year in Cyprus and believes that “bad songwriting is affecting the quality of our suffering.”
The album’s lyrical content touches on the all too familiar addictions of life, from love to liquor, changes in society and bitter regret. The album features nine original tracks, one being an instrumental and one cover.
Album cover artwork and photography by Barry Warren
“The album is where I am today musically and philosophically and reflective of the performer I am now,” says Bex. “I wanted to take the hard lumps out of life, and present them back in a different light, sometimes with humor, sarcasm, or resilience but always with a shed load of tenacity. I wanted to make a record with iconic guitar sounds, heavenly funky keyboards, roots infected vocal lines with the funk in the trunk. The album is the most upbeat offering from me to date and I want to produce a show of high energy blues rock euphoria to reignite people’s mojos.”
During lockdown Bex’s good friend and bass player “Red Bass” (aka Robert Eugene Daniels) was living in London with us and after a few months sadly passed away. She was lucky enough to capture some of his bass lines in Snakepit Studios. Bex recorded demos for the album and finally used them in five of the 10 album tracks. “Red was a unique musician,” reflects Bex. “I was honoured to play music with him for over 20 years. We even shared the same birthday.”
The final track of the record is called “When It’s Gone” it’s a poignant song although written several years earlier, BJ Cole (Tiny Dancer, Coldplay) plays dobro on this track as a tribute to “Red.”
Fortuna – Track Listing
1. Preaching to the Choir (3.40) 2. Dirty Water (5.26) 3. I Can’t Look You In The Eye (3.21) 4. 5am (4.26) 5.Jungle (3.25) 6.Table for One (4.53) 7.Fortuna (3.08) 8.Lay Down and Die (3.53) 9. Scrapyard Dog (4.45) 10. When Its Gone (4.00)
Production Credits
Bex Marshall – Lead and Backing Vocals, Rhythm, Acoustic, Slide and Lead guitar Toby Baker – Keyboards, Hammond, Rhodes, Wurlitzer Bass Guitar – Robert Eugene Daniels (Tracks – I Can’t Look You In The Eye, Table for One, Fortuna, When Its Gone, and Aurora Mannola Drums – Richie Stevens Dobro – BJ Cole Shola Adegoroye – Gospel BVs Danny Bryan – Congas, Darbuka, Percussion Produced and arranged by Bex Marshall and Nick Hunt Engineered – Nick Hunt Mastering Engineer – Nick Hunt Second recording engineer – Mike Haslam Photography and Album artwork – Barry Warren Recorded and Engineered at House Of Mercy Studios London Catering Johnathon Lolley Scott Coopwood – Guitarist – I Can’t Look You In The Eye Barry Bays – Rhythm Guitar – I Can’t Look You In The Eye Mike Capperelli – Engineer – I Can’t Look You In The Eye Photography and album artwork – Barry Warren Video production – Andrew Radford and Ben Radford
Supported by HELP MUSICIANS Distributed by Dixie Frog Records Sponsored by Teye Guitars, Ozark Resonators, Blackstar Amps, DR Strings
In Memory to my father Coleridge William Marshall 1948-2023 RIP Robert Eugene Daniels (aka “Red Bass”) Copyright Bex Marshall. All rights reserved 2023
All tracks written by Bex Marshall except track 2. Dirty Water (Buddy and Julie Miller BUG MUSIC INC) track 3. I Can’t Look You In The Eye – Bex Marshall /Scott Coopwood
ALBUM TRACK BY TRACK
PREACHING TO THE CHOIR – This is a no-nonsense guitar track and firmly sets the pace of the album. It’s a blues rock ignition to the album engine and the third single to be released March 1st. Anthemic, skyscraper guitar licks kickstart the track and launch into driving funk groove train. This song gets straight to the nitty gritty, with lofty gospel vocals from Shola Adegoroye. Bex’s drawl shoots the accusation to the guilty party… preaching to the choir. Political? Personal? Judge for yourself.
DIRTY WATER – This is the second track from the album, and it’s originally penned by Buddy and Julie Miller. It’s the only cover on the album. “I’ve been playing the song for a few years, but my interpretation is a lot grittier,” says Bex. “The original was so laid back, and a great song, but I wanted to ramp it up and make it howl with pain.” The track starts with an acapella vocal reminiscent of a back porch lament, gathering momentum into a tribal hambone, all heading towards a danceable rocker and crescendo of guitar licks and promises of abstaining once again.
I CAN’T LOOK YOU IN THE EYE – This track features powerhouse slide guitar performed by Bex. The track was co-written by Scott Coopwood (Clarksdale, Mississippi) who’s guitar playing features as the solo (playing a custom Les Paul). Other musicians featured include Barry Barnes and recorded in Clarksdale, Mississippi. This four-to-the-floor number bombards the blues crossroads with harmonious heavy blues guitars and lyrically temps fate, while coyly celebrating the human consciousness of lust.
5AM – The change of tempo is stark and the pining and longing of the electric guitar spreads that repeat through the song, hypnotizing and encapsulating the regret which continually wheels around her head. Toby Baker’s Rhodes playing behind the guitar reflects the gentle madness of her frustrating inability to make it all better and harness the mood of the song to late night. Bex’s guitar solo transformers into a dramatic longing of emotion until conceding to the hour of 5am
JUNGLE – Slide guitar comes in like a kid skidding over a shiny polished floor with a big smile on its face and sets the scene for a rockabilly inspired chicken pickin’ slide guitar solo. It’s a jungle out there! Imagine all the people you know are animals or insects, a humorous toe tapper, honky-tonk piano bar room frolics!
TABLE FOR ONE – Mid-tempo bass-led groover, with Hammond and piano dominant throughout. The tale-telling vocals depict a lonely meal. The song features funky rhythmic stabs echo a Bo Diddley feel and keep the roots firmly while the jazzy lead break encourages a sarcastic look at the stigma attached to woman who like to eat alone, culminating in lead guitar outro.
FORTUNA – Boom and we’re off! The title track of the album, shooting out of the stalls in a Steve McQueen Bullet-style car chase. The resonator dominates with heavy funk driving drums from Richie Stevens and sensational bass harmonizing bass playing from RED BASS smothered in piano drama. This is the kind of energetic lunacy to let your imagination run wild.
LAY DOWN AND DIE – As you fly off the edge of the cliff of Fortuna at 100 miles an hour, the intro riff catches you and takes you on a ZZ Top reminiscent chugger, a good old-fashioned blues riffs but with quirks, slightly different Texas inspired blues rock. Lay Down and Die – “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.”
SCRAPYARD DOG – The intro conjures up images of a slightly limp character walking slowly up to no good. The clavinet gives a vintage circus-feel to this track and Richie’s drums throw in a loose roots-reggae feel every now and again, playing late in the beat while the walking bass ploughs on, Bex plays her Ozark resonator back porch ragtime rock solo.
WHEN IT’S GONE -The “Maggie Mae” vibe of this song mixes into the sweeping chorus of BJ Cole’s guest Dobro playing, banks of layered harmonies reminding us that “When its gone, it’s gone.” Bex’s acoustic ‘63 Gibson hummingbird guitar harmonizes with BJ. The sweet harmonies of strings take over this end of the album track. The song embodies reflective sentiments, educational and a warning to all.
Bunker Heights is a genre-bending farce that delves into the complexities of a troubled city facing a catastrophic crisis. Blending elements of crime, horror, and dark comedy, the film offers a gripping narrative that follows the lives of its citizens as they navigate the looming threat that jeopardizes their very existence.
Written and directed by Drew Fortier under the production of Hannah Fierman (V/H/S, Dark Circles, Siren), the film boasts mesmerizing special effects crafted by Deryk Wehrley (Late Checkout, Crust), alongside captivating cinematography courtesy of Gordon Cameron (Her Name Was Christa). Principal photography for the film took place in secret with a budget of $30k and is currently in post production with no set release date.
As Bunker Heights enters its post-production phase, the suspense continues to build with anticipation, promising audiences an unforgettable cinematic experience. While the official release date remains undisclosed, the film’s blend of gripping storytelling and ensemble cast guarantees a viewing experience that will captivate audiences.
Watch the teaser trailer here:
Exclusive Bunker Heights t-shirts and signed posters are available at bunkerheights.com
“It’s the most fun I’ve had on a film set,” said Hannah Fierman, producer and actor in the film. “It was really a dream team as far as the cast and crew. The script is reminiscent of classics as well as having its own very distinct voice.”
Writer/director/actor Drew Fortier said, “I only ever find a purpose to do anything creative when things are organic and align properly; with that said, I have never been a part of something that has aligned more properly than Bunker Heights. The cast and crew of this thing are incredible and I am very proud of the fact that we created this film together from the ground up entirely in secret.”
Fortier continues, “The film itself is very ambitious in scope and filled with so many memorable characters and incredible performances that will no doubt stick with people for a long time; it’s pure unconditional entertainment. We have such a great ensemble cast in the film that truly shines; everybody is a star.”
Bunker Heights Stars:
Drew Fortier (Dwellers, Side Effects May Vary) Hannah Fierman (V/H/S, Siren, Dark Circles) Chaney Morrow (Wrong Turn, Haunt) Paul T. Taylor (Hellraiser: Judgement, Sin City) Floyd Ewing Jr. (The Dead Next Door, Robot Ninja) Douglas Esper (Dwellers, Trivial) James L. Edwards (Her Name Was Christa, Side Effects May Vary) Daniel John Kearney (Crust, Watchdog) L.C. Holt (You’re Next, V/H/S 2) Xander Goldman (Macabre Mountain, Massacre Academy) Christopher Robin Koch
The cast also includes various talent from the music world such as:
David Ellefson (ex Megadeth, The Lucid) Violent J (Insane Clown Posse) Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge, The Lucid) Lance Eric (ex Bang Tango, Color of Chaos) James Leg (Black Diamond Heavies) Bass Amp (First Jason)
Drew Fortier wrote the screenplay from a story co-written with Joe Placzkowski.
Autodidactic Studios, David Ellefson, Frank Ritter, and Xander Goldman executive produced the film.
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 ) 