Quinn Gardener-Kane is best known as the charismatic singer of Australian funk/hard rock band, DEFRYME. Now, he returns with a new project THE BLACK SKELETON,who today has released his new single ‘The Ledge’ on all digital platforms via Golden Robot Records.
‘The Ledge’ is a stunning and peerless melodic rock track that highlights Gardener-Kane’s amazing vocals.
With an eclectic collection of songs that partner so perfectly with each other, The Black Skeleton has created an EP’s worth of music that will soon be available through Golden Robot Records.
The Black Skeleton is a powerful, melodic rock journey! With an eclectic collection of songs that partner so perfectly with each other, The Black Skeleton has created an EP’s worth of music that will soon be available through Golden Robot Records. Quinn Gardener-Kane has been making what started as a fun journey of writing and recording with other super creative friends, into an emotive rock ‘n roll beast all of its own.
The Black Skeleton is a window to the inner thoughts and stories of Quinn’s life experiences; some dark and haunting, but always personal. The themes and depth of this collection of songs will resonate, provoke and have a different point of resonation with each listen. Quinn has sought after and secured some of Australia’s most accomplished musicians to assist in the final recordings, and form the live band to showcase these amazing, kick ass songs.
Legendary JOHNNY O’NEIL have teamed up with Metal Shock Finland to premiere exclusively their third music video ‘Red Suns In The Sky‘, taken from his debut solo album, “Truth Or Dare“.
Watch “Red Suns In The Sky” Official Music Video here:
Furthermore, Metalshock Finland had a pleasure to interview Johnny O’Neil, talking about the new video, debut album and more. Please read below.
Hello Johnny O’Neil and welcome to Metal Shock Finland. Today we’ve a pleasure to premiere worldwide your new video ‘Red Suns In The Sky’, taken from your debut solo album “Truth Or Dare”. Please tell us more about the song and its story and the video.
Hello, Metal Shock Finland! It is my pleasure to meet you, and thank you so much for hosting the premiere of my newest video for ‘Red Suns In The Sky,’ the third single from my debut solo album, “Truth or Dare.” The song goes back some years, and was a tune I wrote after the initial run of “Dare Force,” (the band I co-founded with Brian Bart) ended in the late 1980s. As such, it had never been recorded before, but has always been in the back of my mind to “bring it to life,” so to speak. The lyrics are influenced by one of my favorite rock poets, Jim Morrison, and the music has a bit of a “Blue Oyster Cult” edge. This is the most ‘cinematic’ video we have filmed thus far. We really wanted the video to tell the song’s story, which is essentially about the joy, freedom, and exploring of the human experience, crossing all boundaries. It is also the most involved video we have filmed by far, with a number of different location shots, a cameo appearance by a ’67 Cutlass Convertible, as well as two splendid actors with wonderful energy and presence, Abbey Wright, and Wes Mager (and believe it or not, they had never met before the shoot!).
Speaking of the past and how it all began, you started playing lead guitar in Twin Cities nightclubs at the tender age of 14, what are your best memories and musical highlights, so far?
I formed “Dare Force” with my childhood friend and “Blood Brother,” Brian Bart when we were 18 years old. I have known Brian for most of my life, and we initially became friends and bandmates when his family moved in across the street from mine while we were in elementary school.
Dare Force was a legendary hard rock/heavy metal band that was based in Minneapolis. 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.
One of the most wonderful aspects of “Truth or Dare” has been the chance for me to work in the studio once again with Brian Bart, who engineered, recorded, mixed, mastered, and co-produced the album with me (call us the Twin Cities version of the Glimmer Twins!).
Now, let’s talk about your band mates, each of you are legends in the music business already from the ’70s and early ’80s, how did you get together?
Dare Force released its third CD, ‘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 CD, ‘Callin’ Your Name,’ in 2018. However, as in all things in life, people, relationships, events, and bands must pass. So, too, it was with the latest lineup of Dare Force….
But as every door closes, another one opens, and this life chapter is no exception! After the demise of Dare Force, I decided to released my debut solo album, entitled “Truth or Dare.” In addition to writing all but one of the tunes on the album, I am singing all lead vocals, and playing all guitars (lead, slide, acoustic, and bass) on the album. However, I also enlisted a “secret weapon,” percussion powerhouse Joachim Baecker on drums. Joachim has quite a track record himself, including playing drums in Rattlin’ Bones and Funhouse with former members of Obsession and Flipp, as well as having worked in the studio with the legendary producer Jack Douglas, and the late, great Mick Ronson, former guitarist for David Bowie. Joachim and I had never played together before, but I certainly knew of him through the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul) music scene. I recruited him to record on my album through a phone call. Although I released “Truth or Dare” with the advent of my career as a solo artist, I always intended to perform live shows with a full band. After the album was released I asked Joachim if he wanted to stay on as the drummer in my band. To my good fortune, he said, “yes.”
Along with Joachim on drums, my band features my new partner in six-string crime, the one and only John Funk on lead guitar and backing vocals! John is also a veteran of the Twin Cities music scene, and is well-known for his high energy stage presence and blistering fretwork! Again, while John and I had never played together before, I had heard about him for years, and recruited him for my band through yet another phone call. That left one missing link, a bass guitarist. Benny Craig, too, is a veteran of the Twin Cities music scene, and was an original member of the band, “Paradox.” While I also had never played with Benny before, I had known him for years, as Dare Force and Paradox were active in the Twin Cities (and beyond) around the same time. After one “audition” with Benny, the lineup of my band was complete!
Your debut solo album “Truth Or Dare” is out worldwide. What can you tell us about the songs, songwriting process and topics they are telling about?
“Truth or Dare” is my debut solo album release. It represents a musical chronology of my songwriting, ranging from an acoustic song I wrote when I was sixteen years old, through tunes I had written and played in my former band, Dare Force (but never recorded), up to brand new songs I had yet to perform onstage. It truly is a “solo album,” in that I am singing all lead and harmony vocals, and playing all guitars, including lead, slide, acoustic and bass. I also wrote eight out of the nine songs on the album, the lone exception being a remake of The Beatles iconic classic, ‘Revolution.’
The inspiration behind the album was the breakup of the band I started when I was eighteen years old, Dare Force. After a number of incarnations of the band over many years, I found myself playing with three other musicians whose worldviews diverged quite widely from mine. Between the political rancor in America and the global upheaval of the Covid-19 pandemic, I increasingly found myself at odds with the other three members of the band, and as the lone liberal in the group, it became an untenable situation. You could say that “the virus killed The Force.” I had thought for many years of recording a solo album, and took the pain of the demise of Dare Force as a challenge to see if I could create something entirely of my own making that would equal (if not surpass) the work I had done with my former band. I believe I succeeded. The inspiration behind the songs was the many life experiences and changes I have transitioned through during my time on this little blue marble in space thus far.
How would you describe your musical sound today?
I am at heart a hard rock/heavy metal musician, and have always loved bands based around dual-lead guitarists. Thus, my “musical sound today” is no exception. However, I have also tried to expand my musical palette beyond traditional two-guitar rock ‘n’ roll by incorporating acoustic guitar, keyboards (‘Truth or Dare’ also features a very special guest artist, Danny Peyronel, the original keyboardist for UFO, contributing his stellar keyboard skills to three of the tracks on the album!), and string arrangements, in order to have a wider variety of dynamics and aural landscapes. I want to take listeners on a “sonic journey,” if you will.
We all know how Covid has changed our daily lives over the past 2 years, but is there anything we may have learned of this weird world situation?
That is quite a broad question, and I could attempt to respond to it on many diverse levels – philosophical, geopolitical, psychological, artistic, and on and on. For the sake of parsimony, let me just say that I think (and hope!) we have learned that human relationships and experience are much more important than just working and keeping one’s nose to the grindstone. And of course, there is nothing that can replicate the beauty and energy of live music, and live artistic performance in general.
As we don’t yet know when the proper shows and tours will be really happening again, without restrictions, how will you support the album in the meantime?
We actually have begun playing live shows, albeit on a limited scale. In the meantime, we are promoting and supporting the album through online musical platforms, social media, videos, and interviews.
What about your future plans, what will happen next in the Johnny O’Neil -camp?
In addition to playing our first live shows and releasing our third single and video with ‘Red Suns In The Sky,’ we have already begun writing new material for the next “Johnny O’Neil” album. We will be going back into the studio to begin recording a new album later this year, but this time with my full band performing on the album, and ultimately secure some type of label deal!
Now the word is yours, what is your message to our readers and your fans?
I, Johnny O’Neil, speak on behalf of not only myself, but my former band members in thanking all of you for your unwavering support through all of the changes Dare Force has gone through over the past 40-some years, ever since my Blood Brother, Brian Bart and I started the band as a couple of upstart 18-year-olds all those years ago. I decided after the demise of Dare Force that it was time for me to take the reigns as a solo artist and assume the role of a “benevolent dictator.” However, I have played in bands since I was nine years old, and have always loved the camaraderie and inspiration of being in a band. I knew all along that I wanted to form a full band to do live shows after the record was released, and have been extremely fortunate to recruit some of the finest musicians with whom I have ever had the privilege to play. While the four of us are a band in the truest sense of the world, in the end I am calling the shots, albeit with major input from my band mates, all of whom I greatly respect both musically and as human beings.
Thanks again so much to all of you! Your support means the world to me, and I NEVER will take it for granted! In the meantime, stay safe, and be well! Peace and love to everyone!! Best always to all, Johnny O’Neil
“Truth or Dare” is the blazing new solo debut from guitarist Johnny O’Neil, co-founder and mainstay of the Minnesota legendary hard rock band, Dare Force. It’s muscular, guitar-driven rock with a powerful foundation supplied by drummer Joachim Baecker, as well as a guest appearance by UFO’s original keyboardist, Danny Peyronel. Both O’Neil and Baecker are no strangers to the Midwest music scene, and have finally joined forces to lay down a new set of refreshing rock & roll. Engineer and co-producer Brian Bart (a Midwest legend in his own right, and co-founder of Dare Force along with O’Neil) has delivered a crisp, clean recording that fully captures O’Neil’s blistering guitar work. “Truth or Dare” features nine songs, including the first single from the album, “Snake in the Grass,” the symphonic rocker “Temple,” the driving instrumental “World Run Amuck,” and a rollicking remake of The Beatles’ classic, “Revolution.”
Band Members: JOHNNY O’NEIL: All Lead and Harmony Vocals, All Guitars (Lead, Slide, Acoustic, Bass) JOACHIM BAECKER: Drums and Percussion
Guest Artists: DANNY PEYRONEL: Hammond B-3 Organ and Piano (“Down and Round,” Temple,” “Revolution”) MARK MILLER: Drums (“Tell Me What You Think You Know”)
Produced by: The Blood Brothers JOHNNY O’NEIL & BRIAN BART Engineered and recorded by BRIAN BART Logic Recording Studio, Minneapolis Drum Tracking at Winterland Studios, Minneapolis Mixed and mastered by BRIAN BART Logic Recording Studio, Minneapolis
Following their captivating first single “Unstoppable” – which captured nearly 100,000 YouTube views within 24 hours of its debut – AD INFINITUM are back with another addictive new single, “Afterlife”. The track, which features magnificent frontwoman Melissa Bonny performing alongside fellow vocal powerhouse Nils Molin of modern metal frontrunners Amaranthe and power metal outfit Dynazty, has premiered today with a cinematic music video.
Cut from their upcoming album Chapter II – Legacy (out October 29 via Napalm Records), “Afterlife” propels the band into the realms of eternity with spine-chilling cembalo insertions, shivering strings and epic guitar riffs. This is an outstanding, harmonic duet that promises instant goosebumps!
AD INFINITUM on the new single: “’Afterlife’ is one of those songs that was an obvious candidate to introduce and represent the sound of our second album. We are proud to present a darker, heavier AD INFINITUM and we are thrilled to share “the stage” with one of the greatest voices in metal nowadays, mister Nils Molin.”
Nils Molin adds: ”AD INFINITUM is one of those few bands that with their second album go beyond delivering upon the great promise established by their first release and instead shatter expectations with Chapter II – Legacy! I’m hella excited to contribute with my voice and be featured on the haunting and devilishly delicate track and second single release – ‘Afterlife’!”
Check out the energetic music video for “Afterlife” HERE!
Symphonic metal onslaught AD INFINITUM are no strangers to the scene. With their spellbinding debut album, Chapter I – Monarchy(2020), brought to life in the middle of a global pandemic, the foursome reached millions of plays on streaming platforms. With its very first single, “Marching on Versailles”, riding high at more than 1.8M video views to date, the highly talented unit didn’t put the brakes on. Instead, they transformed pandemic fatigue into heavier soundscapes without sacrificing their signature aura. Furthermore, frontwoman Melissa Bonny is consistently drawn to exciting musical collaborations, as she recently unveiled the brand new band THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON and their bittersweet reinterpretation of Florence & The Machine‘s Game Of Thrones soundtrack song, “Jenny Of Oldstones”. In addition, Bonny’s exciting feature with FEUERSCHWANZ on the song “Ding” (Seed-cover) has already gained over 2.6 million views on YouTube since its release. Now, she sets her focus back to her main musical force as AD INFINITUM – with Adrian Thessenvitz (guitars), Korbinian Benedict (bass) and Niklas Müller (drums) – unveils its new opus, Chapter II – Legacy.
Chapter II – Legacy surprises with a melting pot of different influences and a contrast between super heavy riffs, sometimes even djent/metalcore-like touches and catchy hook lines and melodies, giving the band’s sophomore album a modern and equally timeless touch. The lyrics have, just like on their debut album, been inspired by a historical figure: the paradoxical life and afterlife of Vlad The Impaler, also known as Dracula, inspired the themes and questions of this album.
AD INFINITUM add: “Chapter II – Legacy holds a very special place in our heart. It represents months and months of hard work of four bandmates, for a result that we are proud to call “self-produced”. For this record, we decided to work without the influence of an external producer during the songwriting process and to team up with Elias Holmlid for the beautiful and epic orchestrations and of course with Jacob Hansen who recorded [vocals], mixed, mastered and participated to the post production. A younger and heavier sound that defines AD INFINITUM like never before.”
Chapter II – Legacy once again showcases the indispensable creativity of AD INFINITUM – featuring twelve complex, marvelous tracks highlighting their sonic development and undeniable symphonic strength. Such talent can be witnessed with opener “Reinvented”, lurking with lovely piano tunes and erupting in intense riffage in the blink of an eye. Right away, the music reflects the extremely multifaceted voice of Melissa Bonny – ranging from crystal clear vocals to impressively powerful screams and menacing growls. Songs like “Your Enemy” and cinematic grand finale “Lullaby” leave no scope for weakness and unveil the heaviest side of AD INFINITUM to date. This grasping hymn is far from lulling you to sleep, as the eclectically versatile sonic world of AD INFINITUM immediately induces you to listen to Chapter II – Legacy again, right from the beginning!
Tracklist: 1. Reinvented 2. Unstoppable 3. Inferno 4. Your Enemy 5. Afterlife (feat. Nils Molin) 6. Breathe 7. Animals 8. Into the Night 9. Son Of Wallachia 10. My Justice, Your Pain 11. Haunted 12. Lullaby
Genk, Belgium- based doom metal force, SPLENDIDULA, has announced to re-release their first album through Argonauta Records! Originally released in the summer of 2013 and longtime sold out, the band’s self- titled debut will be reissued by the Italian label as a special Vinyl edition, limited to 100 copies. It’s the first time this album will be released on Vinyl!
“We’re really proud to announce this vinyl re-issue of our debut album.“ The band states. “The CD is already sold out for quite some time now, and we always thought it was a pity that it didn’t get a proper vinyl release. Thanks to the trust and support of Gero from Argonauta Records, it’s finally time to complete our discography with this fine looking splatter vinyl. This is the album where it all started, the strong fundament for our sound, as it is today. A mix of traditional doom and alternative rock with sludge grooves and psychedelic drones, for open-minded fans of experimental genres.”
The pre- sale of SPLENDIDULA‘s reissue just went up at THIS LOCATION!
Following some line- up changes and the highly acclaimed, sophomore album Post Mortem ( 2018, Inverse Records ), with their vibrant blend of psychedelic yet classic doom and a crushing sludge sound, SPLENDIDULA quickly took the doom scene by storm and played countless shows with acts such as Wiegedood, Wolvennest, Atomic Vulture and many more. In January 2021, the band released their third album, entitled Somnus, via Argonauta Records.
Guitar legend JOE BONAMASSA today reveals his stunningly sweeping new single, “Time Clocks”.
This is the third song taken from his forthcoming brand-new studio album of the same name, set to be released on October 29 via Provogue (Europe) and J&R Adventures (North America).
Joe continues his soul-searching evolution on this beautifully poignant Bonamassa-Shirley penned song. At just over seven minutes long, it has all the epic musical grandeur of him at his most expressive and ambitious. With a heart on sleeve narrative weaving its way throughout, the rousing chorus rises to the heavens as he sings, “and the rain soaking through my coat, about to capsize my boat I push it along away from the docks, I was never a good puncher of time clocks.” Backed with cascading vocals from Juanita Tippins and Prinnie Stevens, as well as the supreme musicianship of Anton Fig (Drums), Steve Mackey (Bass), Lachy Doley (Piano/Organ) and Kevin Shirley (Percussion), it has an aura of pure timelessness.
The album was recorded in New York City and took Joe back to his early roots and rediscovers him at a newfound peak with an unparalleled Blues Rock prowess. Known as the man in the suit, loved by many as the ultimate guitar hero, and cited by critics as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist” (Guitar World), somehow the music mastermind has found yet another layer of immense new artistry to share with his fans. Recently Bonamassa dropped hints of the new album with his reeling anthem “Notches“, and the Blues heavy single “The Heart That Never Waits”, another instant classic that takes a tale of heartbreak and turns it around into an undeniable showstopper meant for the stadiums.
The new album is a collection that sheds new light on Joe’s life as a journeyman, constantly creating and always on the run. As “Notches” and “The Heart That Never Waits” would suggest, this album shows that even though Joe chose the road less traveled, it’s led him to success in the end. And he’s not backing down any time soon. A bit older in years but wiser in knowledge earned, his new sound has a raw and vital flavor, combined with a resolute skill that can only be gained through years of perseverance and unyielding dedication. ‘Time Clocks’ follows Joe on his never-ceasing evolution as he continues to forge ahead, bending genres, breaking down walls and defying the odds of the music industry.
For the new studio album, Bonamassa hit the studio with longtime collaborators Kevin Shirley as producer and manager/business partner Roy Weisman as executive producer. Recorded in New York City at Germano Studios/The Hit Factory, the band includes Steve Mackey (bass), Lachy Doley (piano), Bunna Lawrie (didgeridoo), Bobby Summerfield (percussion), and Late Night with David Letterman’sAnton Fig (drums and percussion), along with Mahalia Barnes, Juanita Tippins, and Prinnie Stevens on backing vocals. The album was mixed by Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Bon Jovi), and the fantastic artwork on this album was created by famous graphic artist Hugh Syme (Rush, Aerosmith, Whitesnake).
“Time Clocks” is a song that has all the hallmarks of a sure-fire fan-favorite hit. As the world begins to open up and Joe the showman, Joe the entertainer, takes his place on this rightful home on the stage, you can already picture thousands of fans singing back the stirring chorus.
Now, with even bolder energy than ever before, Bonamassa holds the power of controlling both his artistry and his business in both hands. With 24 #1 albums, yearly sold-out tours worldwide and custom annual cruises, he’s a hard act to beat. Joe knows his worth, and albeit humble, he plans to continue to beat the odds and exceed the expectations of naysayers. ‘Time Clocks’ is a testament to his credentials and a toast to his longtime fans. It’s Joe Bonamassa at his finest, ready to rock.
In releasing new music destined for the loudspeakers, Joe is elated to get back to the stage. Recently completing a summer tour on the US West Coast, he’ll be back on tour for the fall season with shows across the rest of the country before taking the stage at sea for his sold-out Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea VII cruise, sailing from Miami, FL to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on February 21-25, 2022, by way of the Norwegian Pearl. Joe will also be touring Europe in Spring 2022. For tickets and full tour dates, visit https://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/.
Last week, RIVERS OF NIHIL released their fourth full-length, The Work, via Metal Blade Records. For a preview of the album – which MetalInjection.net calls “a work of art” (9/10) – a video for the new single, “The Void from Which No Sound Escapes” (directed by David Brodsky // mgenyc.com), can be viewed below:
Guitarist Brody Uttley comments: “‘The Void from Which No Sound Escapes’ is a song that was put together pretty early in the writing process for ‘The Work’. It features some familiar sounds that people have come to expect from our band, while also highlighting some new sounds and textures that we’ve never experimented with before.“
Purchase and stream The Work in full now at: metalblade.com/riversofnihil – where the record is available in various formats.
Album artwork by: Dan Seagrave
With The Work, Rivers of Nihil have forged further into new territory, delivering an album that is as cerebral as it is visceral, and that covers a staggering sonic range, definitively placing them in a category of their own.
“For those who loved ‘Where Owls Know My Name’, this album’s bursts of syrupy saxophone (‘The Tower’, ‘Episode’) and detours into dreamy, Moog-embellished shoegaze (the utterly sublime ‘Maybe One Day’) may not come as a massive surprise, but the sophisticated and elegant way that all those new elements have been assimilated into the Rivers of Nihil sound is genuinely impressive.” – Blabbermouth.net
“‘The Work’ is indeed…the band’s best work yet, one which serves both as the ending of one era and, perhaps, the beginning of another.” – NoCleanSinging.com
“Cerebral, emotional and challenging, ‘The Work’ is a beautifully schizophrenic piece of art from a band unafraid to smash through boundaries and set their own rules.” – GhostCultMag.com
“An invigorating genre-agnostic blend of death metal, prog, electronic, jazz inflections, even some arena rock riffage, each new listen brings up undiscovered pleasures.” – MetalSucks.net
“‘Ending on ‘Terrestria IV: Work,’ Rivers of Nihil leave you off on an eleven minute and thirty second slam dunk of a song. It’s technical. It’s heavy. It’s cathartic. It’s gripping. It’s an embodiment of what ‘The Work’ is.” – NewNoiseMagazine.com
Rivers of Nihil is currently out on the road with The Black Dahlia Murder, After The Burial, Carnifex, and Undeath for an extensive North American tour. Get your ticket now at: nightshiftmerch.com
“Up From The Sewer Tour 2021” w/ The Black Dahlia Murder, After The Burial, Carnifex, Rivers of Nihil, Undeath Sept. 29 – Greensboro, NC @ Arizona Pete’s Sept. 30 – Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage Oct. 1 – Columbus, OH @ King of Clubs Oct. 2 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theater Oct. 3 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues Oct. 5 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall Oct. 6 – Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Hall Oct. 7 – Montreal, QC @ Club Soda Oct. 8 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium Oct. 9 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom Oct. 10 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
Chief Shock Video
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 ) 