‘Ascension’ Is A Strong Start For Paladin

Posted on December 24, 2020 by philspicks

Up-and-coming metal outfit Paladin has kept busy this year. The band opened the year with the release of its three song EP Anamnesis. The band’s second-ever studio recording, it is a tribute to Nevermore. Its release was followed by a short live run before COVID-19 started spreading across America. The band did not let the virus’ spread stop the music though, instead performing through a series of livestream events. As the old year bids farewell and the new year nears, the band recently announced that it is in the running to take part in another livestream event with other acts in the ‘iVoted Festival.” The festival, which started during the 2018 midterm election, is a way to encourage voters in Georgia to get involved in the state’s two Senate races that will determine control of the senate at the federal level. Audiences can vote for the band to take part in the festival now here. Audiences who need convincing to vote for Paladin need only listen to the band’s 2019 debut album Ascension to make the decision. The 11-song record is a presentation that will appeal widely among the metal masses. That is proven equally through the album’s musical and lyrical content. ‘Carpe Diem,’ which comes early in the album’s run does well to support the noted statements. It will be discussed shortly. ‘Shoot For The Sun’ also serves to show what makes Ascension such a strong debut from Paladin. It will be discussed a little later. ‘Genesis,’ which closes out the album, is one more way in which the record proves its appeal to so many in the metal masses. When it is considered along with the songs noted here and the rest of the album’s works, the whole makes Ascension easy proof of why audiences should vote for Paladin in the “iVoted Festival.”

Paladin’s 2019 debut album Ascension is a powerful debut for the band, an convincing proof of why this up-and-coming metal outfit deserves to take part in this year’s livestream “iVoted Festival.” The album’s musical and lyrical content go a long way to support the noted statements. ‘Carpe Diem,’ which comes early in the album’s 49-minute run, is just one of the songs that serves to support the noted statement. The song’s musical arrangement is a full-on vintage thrash style composition. Its solid time keeping, equally powerful mix of death metal screams and power metal clean vocals pairs with the equally powerful guitar riffs to make the song in whole one of the album’s most notable works. The death metal screams and guitar riffs lend themselves to comparisons to works from the likes of Arch Enemy while the clean vocals lend themselves to comparisons to works from Judas Priest. The balance in those two sides makes for so much entertainment and engagement. It ensures its appeal to a wide range of audiences. When the song’s powerful musical arrangement is considered with the song’s lyrical content, which is powerful in its own right, the song in whole develops even more interest.

The lyrical content featured in ‘Carpe Diem’ comes across as in fact encouraging audiences to indeed seize the day. It opens with the lead verse stating, “Uncertain feelings coming through/The life you thought you always knew/Now seems so lost and far away/Time passing cannot be undone/Future and past become as one/No looking back, no backing down/This time around, this time around.” The chorus adds to the positive sense in the song’s lyrical content, stating, “One desire, soaring higher, oh/Now it’s time for you to take the reins/Fall harder, reaching farther/You’ve so much left to gain/The prize is worth the pain.” The song’s second verse solidifies the noted message of positivity, stating, “Lost in an existential haze/Trapped in oneself, an endless maze/Anxiety imprisoning my soul/Seeking the path I know exists/In search of truth, I must persist/A voice calls out from deep within/To take control is to begin.” All things considered here, these lyrics are certain to connect with listeners. When they are paired with the song’s equally accessible musical arrangement, the whole of the song proves in its own way why Ascension is such a strong start for the band. It is just one of the songs that serves to make the album a success. ‘Shoot For The Sun’ is another way in which the album proves its strength.

‘Shoot For The Sun’ presents a musical arrangement that is best described as presenting a stylistic approach and sound that is one part prog metal and one part classic rock. It conjures thoughts of Liquid Tension Experiment on one hand, and of vintage Metallica and Motorhead on the other. That juxtaposition and joining of sounds and styles makes for so much enjoyment an engagement in this full-on fist-pumper. Right down to the solos, the song offers metal fans across the board something to enjoy. When the power and energy exuded in the song’s musical arrangement is paired with its positive lyrical theme, the whole of the song becomes that much more enjoyable.

As is the case with ‘Carpe Diem,’ ‘Shoot For The Sun’ offers audiences another positive message of self-determination and confidence. That is inferred in the song’s lead verse, which states, “You wanna know what it means to see/Just look around and let yourself be free/Set the world in your sights, we’ll prove it tonight/You’ve got a vision burning in your head/White hot, one shot, the prayer’s been said/Pull the trigger now, we’ll make it somehow.” The song’s chorus adds to the seeming statement as it states, “There’s just no more I can take/It’s all building up, I refuse to break/There’s just no more I can bear/When everything’s all said and done/Shoot for the sun.” That positive encouragement carries on through the song’s second verse, solidifying the message as it states, “You wanna know what it’s like to fly/Just spread your wings and you’ll touch the sky/No reason to wait, no time left to waste/You think you know how it all plays out/No one can save you from your own doubt/Feel the light that starts to shine/As it clears the heavy thoughts that cloud your mind/That cloud your mind, yeah, yeah, oh.” Again, this comes across as a very positive message that any listener will welcome. When it is considered with the composition’s equally enjoyable musical arrangement, the result is yet another work that will appeal to plenty of audiences. Together with the whole of ‘Carpe Diem,’ the two songs collectively show even more why the album in whole is a success, too. They are just a portion of what makes the album well worth hearing, too. ‘Genesis’ is one more example of why audiences will enjoy Ascension.

‘Genesis’ presents a musical arrangement that is another full-on wall of sound metal presentation. The dual guitar attack and guttural vocals pair with the seamless time keeping and bass work to make for its own share of engagement and entertainment. The clean vocals are a near musical mirror image of those of Judas Priest front man Rob Halford. The contrast of that sound to the screams joins with the full-on metal arrangement to make the song in whole even more appealing for audiences. When it is considered along with the song’s unique lyrical content, the song becomes even more intriguing.

The lyrical content featured in ‘Genesis’ seems to come across as a sort of fantasy story. It comes across as telling the story of a person’s story of growth and development. It is sort of an existential type of story, which opens with the song’s subject stating, “The silent scream of the conscience of man/As we are brought to sentience/Given dominion over the sea and land/To rule as we see fit.” That seeming story of development continues in the song’s chorus, which states, “The perfect form, born from the perfect image/We are the chosen/Yet as we prosper and we create/We yearn to know.” The subject continues his discussion by noting where society has been and where it is going. He states, “Thousands of years of progress/In search of a higher purpose/Unanswered questions to forces unknown/Our pleas are met with silence/And so we wander, blind to the way/Alone, abandoned and betrayed/Our stricken minds now led astray/Astray.” Things continue from here, with the subject even pleading to the “Almighty one/Bringer of the winds and rain” for clarity on things. That higher power responds, telling the song’s subject that “Even as your knowledge grows, your minds will never know/What lies beyond this world before it’s your time.” Simply put, the song’s subject is every one of us. We have all reached that point in which we ask what is the purpose in life and where are we going. The reality is that we will never really know and that we are better off just living life and living it to the best that we can. The whole of the story makes for a powerful addition to Ascension and yet another way in which the album is proven a success. When it is considered along with the other songs noted here and the rest of the album’s works, the result is an album that proves without question, to be a powerful debut from Paladin. To that end, the album is its own proof of why Paladin deserves to take part in this year’s “iVoted Festival.”

Paladin’s debut album Ascension is a powerful first outing for the band. The 11-song album is a presentation that will appeal widely to the metal masses. That is proven equally through the album’s musical and lyrical content as noted here. Its musical arrangements combine the best elements of prog metal, thrash, and even power metal for a whole that will bring the noted fans together. The album’s lyrical content ranges from easily accessible to much deeper, as noted here. All things considered, the album in whole proves that given the right support, Paladin could be one of the next big names in the metal community. That support starts with voting for the band in the upcoming “iVoted Festival.” More information on Ascension is available along with all of Paladin’s latest news at:

Website: http://paladinatl.bandcamp.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/paladinatl

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PaladinATL

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Lutharo’s Latest EP Will Leave Listeners Feeling Anything But Agony

Posted on August 14, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Asher Media Relations

Independent, up-and-coming metal outfit Lutharo’s new EP Wings of Agony is a welcome new addition to this year’s field of new hard rock and metal records in general. That is due to the growth that the five-song record – the band’s second EP and second studio recording – exhibits in comparison to its 2018 debut EP Unleash The Beast. This record takes the musical and lyrical content from that record and builds on each element with the result being a presentation that is even stronger than its predecessor. The noted musical and lyrical content will be discussed separately here. The musical and lyrical content is only a potion of what makes Wings of Agony stand out as a positive new offering from Lutharo. The EP’s sequencing rounds out its most important elements. It will also be discussed here. All three elements are important in their own way to the whole of Wings of Agony. All things considered, they make the EP a presentation that will appeal to any metal fan.

This past March, Lutharo released its sophomore EP – and second overall studio recording – in the form of Wings of Agony. The 25-minute presentation is a work that will appeal to any metal purist. It is another positive step forward for the band in its journey to becoming one of the metal community’s next big names. That is proven in part through the record’s musical arrangements. Whereas the musical arrangements featured in the band’s 2018 debut EP Unleash The Beast were focused primarily on a combination of power and death metal, this EP’s arrangements find the band taking a step forward and expanding its horizons. Case in point is the EP’s second single, ‘Blood Lightning.’ The band — John Raposo and Victor Bucur on guitar, front woman Krista Shipperbottom, bassist Chris Pacey and drummer Duval Gabraiel – takes the power and death metal sound exhibited in Unleash The Beast and hones it even more. There is more balance between Shipperbottom’s screams and clean vocals here than in the songs in the band’s previous EP. What’s more, the production comes across as being cleaner, adding to the general effect. It is just one way in which the EP’s musical content stands out. ‘Will To Survive’ makes the EP’s musical content stand out, too.

‘Will To Survive’ is such a full, powerful composition. At its base is a speed metal style arrangement to which each member of the band contributes equally. From the shredding guitars to the precision in the timekeeping to the low-end from the bass to the powerhouse vocals, every element works so well here. This song’s arrangement is easily likened to works from Arch Enemy past and present. In comparison to the songs featured in Unleash The Beast, there is really nothing comparable. Again, it shows the band members’ creative growth. It is just one more way in which the record’s musical content shows its importance. ‘Diamond Back’ is another example of the importance of the EP’s musical arrangements.

‘Diamond Back,’ the EP’s second track, takes the band’s already established talents in death metal and metal in general, and adds a touch of metalcore influence into the mix. That metalcore influence is especially audible in the drums and guitars, subtle as it is. It lends itself to comparisons to works from As I Lay Dying and other harder-edged metalcore acts. The combination of those influences is well-balanced here, with the result being another work that is just as enjoyable as the EP’s other arrangements. When it is considered with the other arrangements noted here and the EP’s other pair of arrangements not discussed here, the end result is an overall musical presentation that will engage and entertain metal purists even more than that of Lutharo’s debut EP.

While the musical content featured in Lutharo’s latest EP goes a long way toward making the record enjoyable, it is just one part of what makes the record so appealing. The musical content’s lyrical accompaniments add their own share of interest to the EP. Again, the album’s latest single, ‘Blood Lightning’ is a prime example to cite. The band explained the song’s lyrical theme in a prepared statement.

“The song ‘Blood Lightning’ is about having such an extreme passion for something so much so that it sets your soul on fire, for better or for worse,” the statement reads. “It is the endless struggle of putting your blood, sweat, and tears into something and receiving next to nothing in return. However, when you do catch a glimpse of your progress, it is enough to keep pushing forward even when you are constantly being beaten down and put to war. The music video for ‘Blood Lightning’ showcases all of the physical, emotional, financial, etc. Hard work that is put into pursuing your dreams in music.”

That statement is illustrated best through the song’s chorus, which finds Shipperbottom and company singing, “Each day I’ve spent/Ripping my heart to shreds/This dream I’ve bred/Now wide awake/These reins I’ve held/I grant them off to chance/Leaving the cuts on my hands/Unachievable bliss/Wrecked all of my innocence/Douse my wounds in gasoline/Cast my blood to lightning.” This is a concept to which so many listeners will connect, considering that everyone has been in this position at one point or another at least once in life. It is just one of the EP’s most notable lyrical presentations. ‘Will To Survive’ is another example of why audiences will want to pay attention to the EP’s lyrical content.

‘Will To Survive’ stands out because it also comes across as taking on the issue of self-determination, much like ‘Blood Lightning.’ This case is different from that of ‘Blood Lightning’ at the same time, though. That is because this song seems to come across as being from the vantage point of someone who has realized that they have let that determination get the better of himself/herself. That is inferred in the song’s lead verse, which finds Shipperbottom singing, “Oh I shook hands with the devil himself/Our grip held the contents of hell/Conceit was spilling over his gaze/He nods at me now/It’s make or break/Make or break/It has begun/No time to waste/My calloused Core/they’ll never shake/ Behind these walls my life awaits.” The song’s second verse adds to that inference as she sings, “Oh I’ve struck gold with a consequence/A gift to bare with a great expense/Yet I’m still fighting profitless/Proving my worth with every step/No repent/And Peace will come to those who’ve spent/My freedom wears a heightened sense/So line em ’up/I’ll pay my debt.” Again, it comes across as a person realizing that success has perhaps come at too great a cost. In other words, it comes across as sending that message of making sure that in one’s self-determination, one does not get too deep and let things get out of control. It is just one more example of why the EP’s lyrical content is so important to its whole. ‘Diamond Back’ is another notable way in which the EP’s lyrical content proves so important.

‘Diamond Back’ comes across as being another proudly defiant work that reminds listeners not to let adversity stop them in life. In this case, that adversity would apparently come from those who would try to bring one down. Shipperbottom says to those people in the song’s chorus, “It will give me great pleasure To take your last breath away/No remorse now/Trust in me/My skin is tougher than you’ll ever be/I gather my strength from which you lack/Forever Bearing a diamond back.” That very mention of “bearing a diamond back” is a reference to a rattlesnake, which is a very dangerous species of snake. What she comes across as saying here is that she’s always ready to strike (metaphorically, not literally) and that she is stronger than those people who want to tear her down. She adds to the statement in the song’s second verse, “Proud I stand from which I’ve lead/Ruthless actions vast condemned/The moral plain to be said/Cross my path I’ll take your head.” Again, here listeners get that seeming message of defiance and determination. The rest of the song’s lyrical content builds on this statement and shows even more why the song is one more key example of the importance of the EP’s lyrical content. When it is considered along with the rest of the EP’s noted lyrical content and that content not addressed here, the end result is such that it will appeal just as much to listeners as the EP’s musical arrangements. Even as much as the EP’s lyrical content does to make it engaging and entertaining, it still is not the last of the record’s most notable content. The EP’s sequencing rounds out its most important elements.

Wings of Agony’s sequencing ensures the record’s energy does its part to keep listeners engaged from start to finish. It succeeds in that avenue, too. The album starts off heavy and fast in ‘Barren.’ While the song’s opening bars are brooding and slow, the rest of the song is intense and extremely upbeat. The same applies to the EP’s other four songs. What this means is that the album’s energy remains high throughout its body, ensuring audiences are kept engaged from start to end of the EP. That is a positive in its own right to the whole of this record. When it is considered along with the EP’s musical and lyrical content, it shows once and for all why this EP is a presentation that every metal purist will appreciate.

Lutharo’s sophomore EP Wings of Agony is a presentation that will leave listeners feeling anything but agony. It is in fact a presentation that the metal masses will appreciate. That is proven in part through its musical arrangements. The musical arrangements featured in this record show obvious growth from the band in whole. It has taken the power and death metal influences exhibited in the band’s debut EP and built on that in each song here. The lyrical content that accompanies the musical arrangements is accessible in its own right. The EP’s sequencing ensures listeners’ engagement and entertainment in its own right, too. Each noted element is important in its own right to the whole of this record. All things considered, it becomes a work that every metal purist should hear at least once if not more. Wings of Agony is available now.

More information on Lutharo’s new single, video and EP is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.lutharo.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LutharoOfficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lutharoband

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Lutharo Debuts ‘Blood Lightning’ Video

Posted on August 7, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Asher Media Relations

Independent hard rock band Lutharo debuted the video for its latest single this week.

The band debuted the video for its new single ‘Blood Lightning’ Thursday through Metal Injection. The song is the second single from the band’s new EP Wings of Agony, which was released March 27. The band debuted the video for the EP’s lead single/title track on Feb. 26.

The musical arrangement at the center of Lutharo’s new single presents a powerful death metal style approach through its guitar and drums. Front woman Krista Shipperbottom’s vocal delivery style, which shows her ability to handle clean vocals and screams, adds to the song’s punch, as does the steady bass line of Chris Pacey. The arrangement in whole will appeal to fans of bands, such as Arch Enemy, Unleash The Archers, and Amon Amarth.

The song’s lyrical theme matches the energy in its musical arrangement, as the band explained in a prepared statement.

“The shots taken to look like the set of a video shoot are meant to resemble the business aspect/behind the scenes work of being a musician, but also the high of performing live and seeing your visions come to life, while the single shots of each member in the middle of a storm are meant to display the emotional sacrifices and hardships that each individual goes through,” the statement further reads.

Wings of Agony‘s track listing is noted below.

Track Listing:
1. Barren (5:21)
2. Diamond Back (4:31)
3. Blood Lightning (4:41)
4. Will to Survive (5:09)
5. Wings of Agony (6:02)
EP Length: 25:45

More information on Lutharo’s new single, video and EP is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.lutharo.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LutharoOfficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lutharoband

Amaranthe, Angela Gossow Partner For New Single, ‘Do Or Die’

Posted on February 15, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Amaranthe has partnered with former Arch Enemy vocalist Angela Gossow to send a warning to the world about its current state.

The group debuted the video for the song ‘Do or Die‘ Friday. The video features Gossow and the members of Amaranthe in a post-apocalyptic world that is filled with pollution and garbage, collecting what can only be assumed to be the skeletons of the world’s former inhabitants killed by the impact of climate change.

The song’s musical arrangement features Amaranthe’s familiar melodic, orchestral metal sound alongside Gossow’s equally familiar gutteral vocal delivery. The song’s lyrical content is meant as a statement about what humans are doing to the planet.

Amaranthe guitarist Olo Morck discussed that lyrical theme in a recent interview.

“While Amaranthe’s music is often uplifting, energetic and positive, sooner or later everyone needs to deal with the obvious fact that the world is literally crumbling around us — and it is crumbling fast, thanks to the short-sighted abuse of our common Mother Earth!,” he said. “We talked to legendary Angela Gossow of Arch Enemy fame to do an entire package of a video and a song, outside of any normal album cycle, and let our different perspectives on metal collide in a massive explosion; and it resulted in ‘Do Or Die’!” together with Overbeck Media, who shot the video, we delivered something really quite special, and Angela brings in a fresh strength to the trademark Amaranthe sound that is sure to resound all across the metal world! Death and Fire!!!”

Gossow offered her own remarks about taking part in the video shoot.

“It was thrilling to join Amaranthe for a more extreme track and shooting a cutting edge video for it!,” she said. “This is no cozy studio performance, but real ice cold winds, sewages, cadavers and pouring rain — the reality we live in, the devastating legacy we leave to our future generations. Time to wake up, turn — and bang — some heads! Watch out for these guys and killer lady. They are going to crush you this year with a new album and some heavy touring!!!”

‘Do Or Die’ is available to stream and download here. The song’s debut comes more than a month after the band debuted the video for its cover of Sabaton’s song ‘82nd All The Way.’

Amaranthe is wrapping the latest leg of its tour with Sabaton. The bands’ current tour winds down Sunday.

The band will take part in a series of festivals this summer across Europe. Its festival schedule opens June 4 at the Sweden Rock Festival and runs through Aug. 31 at the Rock in the City Festival.

An extensive North American headlining tour is also on tap for Amaranthe this summer, with support from Battle Beast and Seven Spires. The band’s North American tour is scheduled to launch Aug. 20 in Baltimore, MD and to run through Oct. 2 in Cincinnati, OH. It features performances in cities, such as Portland, OR; Tempe, AZ and Philadelphia, PA.

Amaranthe’s upcoming live dates are all noted below. Tickets for the band’s North American dates are available here.

AMARANTHE EUROPEAN FESTIVAL SHOWS

04.06. S Sölvesborg – Sweden Rock Festival *NEW*
05. – 07.06. D Nürburg – Rock am Ring *NEW*
05. – 07.06. D Nuremberg – Rock im Park *NEW*
05. – 07.06. FIN Tampere – Rockfest *NEW*
13.06. SK Prešov – Dobry Festival
24./25.07. FIN Oulu – Qstock *NEW*
30.07. – 01.08. FIN Kuopio – Kuopiorock *NEW*
31.08. FIN Lappeenranta – Rock In The City *NEW*
05. – 08.08. S Falun – Sabaton Open Air *NEW*

North American Tour 2020
with BATTLE BEAST and SEVEN SPIRE:
08/20/2020 Soundstage – Baltimore, MD
08/21/2020 The Palladium (MA) – Worcester, MA
08/22/2020 The Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY
08/23/2020 Theatre Of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA
08/25/2020  Club Soda – Montreal, QC
08/26/2020  Imperial de Quebec – Quebec City, QC
08/27/2020 Mavericks – Ottawa, ON
08/28/2020 MOD Club – Toronto, ON
08/29/2020 The Eclectic Room – Angola, IN
08/30/2020 Token Lounge – Westland, MI
09/01/2020 Concord Music Hall – Chicago, IL
09/02/2020  Apollo Theater – Belvidere, IL
09/03/2020 Wooly’s – Des Moines, IA
09/04/2020 The Cabooze – Minneapolis, MN
09/05/2020 Park Theatre – Winnipeg, MB
09/06/2020 The Exchange – Regina, SK
09/08/2020 The Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB
09/09/2020  Dickens – Calgary, AB
09/11/2020 The Venue – Vancouver, BC
09/12/2020   El Corazon – Seattle, WA
09/13/2020 Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR
09/14/2020 Holy Diver – Sacramento, CA
09/15/2020 Brick by Brick – San Diego, CA
09/16/2020 Whisky a Go Go – West Hollywood, CA
09/18/2020  Club Red – Tempe, AZ
09/19/2020 Backstage Bar and Billiards – Las Vegas, NV
09/20/2020  Liquid Joe’s – Salt Lake City, UT
09/21/2020 Bluebird Theater – Denver, CO
09/23/2020  Trees – Dallas, TX
09/24/2020  Come and Take it Live – Austin, TX
09/25/2020. Scout Bar – Houston, TX
09/26/2020  House of Blues – New Orleans, LA
09/27/2020  House of Blues – Lake Buena Vista, FL
09/29/2020  Rt 20 – Racine, WI
09/30/2020 The Crafthouse – Pittsburgh, PA
10/01/2020 The Underground – Charlotte, NC
10/02/2020  Riverfront Live – Cincinnati, OH

More information on Amaranthe’s upcoming live dates, its new video and more is available online at:

Website: http://www.amaranthe.se

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmarantheBand

Twitter: http://twitter.com/amaranthemetal

Disciples Of Verity Debuts ‘Worthy’ Lyric Video

Posted on August 25, 2019 by philspicks

Hard rock/metal outfit Disciples of Verity debuted the video for its new single this week.

The band — Corey Glover (Living Colour, Bowie Experience), George Pond (ex-Negative Sky), Danny Puma (Negative Sky) Corey Pierce (ex-God Forbid) and Mark Monjoy (Sekond Skyn) — released the lyric video for their song ‘Worthy’ Thursday through Revolver magazine.

The song is the lead single from the group’s forthcoming album Pragmatic Sanction, which is scheduled for release later this year through The Label Group and INgrooves. The album’s exact release date will be announced soon. Pre-orders are open now.

‘Worthy’ features guest guitar work by Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy, Nevermore). Loomis’ Nevermore influences are clear in this song alongside Glover’s vocals. Glover said in a recent interview, the song is lyrically a work that presents a message of overcoming feelings of personal adversity.

“No matter what you’re going through as long as you’re breathing and still here to see another day, it is another chance,” he said. “Being worthy though, that is the rub you are always trying to figure out. The heart and mind play against each other. Your mind says you aren’t good enough, but your heart knows you are worthy. That said, I am here for a reason. I am ‘WORTHY!'”

Courtesy: The Label Group/INgrooves/TAG Publicity

More information on Disciples of Verity and the band’s new lyric video is available online now at http://www.facebook.com/Disciplesofverity.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Project 86 “Among” Rock and Metal’s Best On Phil’s Picks 2017 Top New Hard Rock & Metal Albums

Posted on December 27, 2017 by philspicks

Courtesy: Project 86/TAG Publicity

For those about to rock, we salute you!

Yes, everyone knows that phrase from AC/DC’s classic song by the same name. As popular as it is, it is more than just a song lyric and title. It is a statement of honor for the acts and audiences who span the rock community. This year, as with every year prior, there are so many bands to honor as the year nears its end, including hard rock and metal bands. In case it hasn’t become clear by now, this article focuses on this critic’s choices for the year’s top new hard rock and metal albums. As with every list before, compiling it was not an easy task. New releases from Project 86, Arch Enemy, Iced Earth, and so many others made this year’s field of new hard rock and metal albums very crowded. That is putting it lightly. Between well-known mainstream acts and their lesser-known independent counterparts, the two sides collectively offered so many impressive new albums.

Topping this critic’s list of the year’s top new hard rock and metal albums is Project 86’s latest album Sheep Among Wolves. The band’s 10th full-length studio recording in 20 years, this record takes all of the best elements of the band’s past — both musically and lyrically — and uses them to craft a work that is just as memorable and engaging as its predecessors. Also on this year’s list from Phil’s Picks are new albums from — as already noted — Iced Earth and Arch Enemy — as well as new offerings from Overkill, Act of Defiance, Prong, Adrenaline Mob, Blacktop Mojo and others. As with every list, this list presents this critic’s Top 10 titles plus five additional titles for a total of 15 records. That being noted, here for you is Phil’s Picks’ 2017 Top 10 New Hard Rock & Metal Albums.

PHIL’S PICKS 2017 TOP 10 NEW HARD ROCK & METAL ALBUMS

Project 86 — Sheep Among Wolves
Prong — Zero Days
Act of Defiance — Old Scars, New Wounds
Overkill — The Grinding Wheel
Iced Earth — Incorruptable
Blacktop Mojo — Burn The Ships
Adrenaline Mob — We The People
Marty Friedman — Wall of Sound
Corroded — Defcon Zero
Dragonforce — Reaching Into Infinity
The Haunted — Strength In Numbers
Doyle — As We Die
Demon Hunter — Outlive
36 Crazyfists — Lanterns
Arch Enemy — Will To Power

That’s all for this list. Again, it was not an easy list to compile. Acts the likes of Eve To Eve to Adam, Marty Friedman, Sepultura, Annihilator, Mastodon and so many others all deserve their own share of credit. With that in mind, it becomes easy to see why no disrespect was meant to any one act or another here. Every noted act released its own impressive album. Only so many spaces were available, sadly.

2018 is already shaping up to be an interesting year in its own right, with new material from Ministry on the way alongside new albums from Judas Priest, Saxon, Machine Head, Corrosion of Conformity, Tool, Clutch and lots more. Stay tuned for all of that in the new year. To keep up with all of the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Ellefson Partners With Pro Tone Pedals To Release New Pedal

Posted on March 4, 2017 by philspicks

Courtesy: Pro Tone Pedals

Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson does not rest easily on his laurels.

The musician turned entrepreneur announced this week a new partnership with Pro Tone Pedals to create a new guitar pedal. The pedal, dubbed the “Dawn Patrol Chorus,” came to being after Pro Tone Pedals representatives approached Ellefson and proposed the idea.

Ellefson stressed the new, signature pedal will be a welcome addition to any bassist’s resources, adding he already used the company’s “Chorus” pedals when the organization’s representatives came to him with the idea.

“When Pro Tone approached me with the idea of making some signature pedals,as a bass player, Chorus is one of my go-to effects live, an ace weapon in my arsenal, and in many regards, helped me transition to my signature tone from studio to live on classics like ‘Dawn Patrol,’ Ellefson said. “So the idea of developing a great chorus pedal was really a no brainer. Dennis and the Pro Tone team are technical wizards and developed the Dawn Patrol to my exact specifications, and together we’ve developed a high quality, hand-built stompbox pedal that I’m positive will find a special place in any bassist’s rig.”

Ellefson’s new partnership with Pro Tone Pedals makes him just the latest name to make the company live up to its name. Animals as Leaders bassist Tosin Abasi and Reeves Gabrels use the company’s signature pedals. Jeff Loomis, Fear Factory, Alice in Chains, Prong, Deftones, Living Colour, Overkill, 30 Seconds to Mars and many others also use the company’s products.

Pro Tone Pedals was founded in 2004. The company, now based in Charleston, South Carolina, has developed its reputation from making custom designed pedals. Its employees’ dedication to customer service has garnered it affiliations with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Arch Enemy, Whitechapel, the Cure, Fear Factory, Ministry, Prong, Overkill and others.

The Dawn Patrol Chorus will be available at an introductory price of $189.99. More information on the new pedal is available online now at:

Website: http://www.protonepedals.com/ellefson

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/protonefans

Arch Enemy Unveils ‘War Eternal’ Live Video

Posted on January 28, 2017 by philspicks

Courtesy: Century Media Records

Arch Enemy debuted this week a new live video in anticipation of its upcoming live recording As The Stages Burn, which will be released aroudn the world on Friday, March 31 via Century Media Records.

The band released the video for its performance of ‘War Eternal,’ which was recorded at its performance at the Wacken 2016 Open Air Festival. The blistering performance captures the energy that makes the band just as much a fan favorite live as in the studio. That is thanks to the expert work of those behind the cameras and the sound board, and those who handled the recording’s post production. Audiences can check out the video online now here.

The band’s performance of ‘War Eternal’ is just one of a number of other songs included in the band’s set from the 2016 Wacken Open Air Festival. The concert also includes performances of ‘Nemesis,’ ‘You Will Know My Name,’ ‘We Will Rise’ and a number of other songs.

The recording also includes extensive bonus material to enhance fans’ viewing experience. That bonus material includes music videos, bonus live performances from the band’s 2015 Tokyo performance, and extra behind the scenes material.

The recording will be available as a Limited Edition Deluxe CD/DVD/BD box set in the European Union. It will be available as a Limited Edition CD/DVD combo pack, gatefold 2 LP/DVD combo pack and on digital platforms everywhere else.

Fans can pre-order the CD/DVD combo and 2 LP/DVD combo pack now here. Anyone who pre-orders the recording via iTunes and Amazon now will receive ‘War Eternal’ immediately.

Arch Enemy will tour live in Europe in support of As The Stages Burn this spring. The band will be Bochum, Germany on March 30. The band will join The Haunted and Lacuna Coil on its upcoming spring European tour. The tour runs through April 9 in Ludwigsburg, Germany.

The band also has a handful of festival performances scheduled for this summer. Those dates and the band’s upcoming European dates are all noted below.

ARCH ENEMY “As The Stages Burn” Shows w/Lacuna Coil & The Haunted

March 30th, 2017 – Bochum (Germany), Zeche*
March 31st, 2017 – Leipzig (Germany), Hellraiser*
April 1st, 2017 – Colmar (France), Rock in Hell*
April 2nd, 2017 – Edinburgh (UK), Heavy Scotland
April 4th, 2017 – Langen (Germany), Neue Stadthalle**
April 5th, 2017 – München (Germany), Backstage Werk**
April 6th, 2017 – Saarbrücken (Germany), Garage**
April 7th, 2017 – Durbuy (Belgium), Durbuy Rock Festival**
April 8th, 2017 – Cambrai (France), Betiz Fest*
April 9th, 2017 – Ludwigsburg (Germany), Rockfabrik**

* with The Haunted
** with The Haunted and Lacuna Coil
German shows presented by Metal Hammer and EMP

ARCH ENEMY Festivals 2017
February 2nd, 2017 – 70000 Tons Of Metal – Miami, FL
July 6th, 2017 – Rock Harz Festival, Ballenstedt, Germany
July 14th, 2017 – Gefle Metal Festival , Gävle, Sweden
August 5th, 2017 – Ostrava v Plamenech, Ostrava, Czech Republic
August 10th, 2017 – Leyendas Del Rock, Villena, Spain
August 11th, 2017 – Vagos Metal Fest, Vagos, Portugal
August 12th, 2017 – Into The Grave, Leeuwarden, Netherlands

More information on Arch Enemy’s upcoming live dates, its upcoming live recording and all of its latest news is available online now at:

Website: http://www.archenemy.net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/archenemyofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/archenemymetal

Verbeuren Named Megadeth’s New Permanent Drummer

Posted on July 16, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Soilwork/Nuclear Blast Records/Adrenaline PR

It looks like the Megadeth drummer carouse has finally stopped spinning.

The band has announced that Dirk Verbeuren is the band’s new full-time drummer. In taking on the new position Verbeuren has stepped down as a member of Soilwork. In his place drummer Bastian Thusgaard has been tapped to take over drumming duties for the band. Verbeuren has been performing with Megadeth in recent months, taking the place of Chris Adler (Lamb of God), who had originally filled in after Megadeth’s previous full-time drummer Shawn Drover left the band alongside guitarist Chris Broderick in 2014. The pair went on to form Act of Defiance with vocalist Henry Derek and bassist Matt Bachand.

Soilwork front man Bjorn “Speed” Strid shared his thoughts on Verbeuren’s departure in a statement released to the press. He was completely supportive of the decision both on the part of Megadeth and Verbeuren. “In regards to the statement Megadeth released yesterday, confirming that Dirk will join them as their full-time drummer, I just want to take the time to wish Dirk good luck on this new venture and thank him for 12 great years together,” he said. “Together we have created a beast of a band and have pushed the limits musically further than we ever could have imagined.” Strid also made mention of Thusgaard’s new appointment with the band in his statement, noting “Meanwhile, I’m sure many of you have seen us at a festival in Europe this summer with our friend, Bastian Thusgaard filling in on drums and I’m sure we can all agree on what a monster he is. Thank you Bastian, you are absolutely killing it. Check out the remaining festival dates and come see us. We’ll be there. Thank you.”

Verbeuren was just as warm in his thoughts on his time with his now former band mates in his own statement. He also offered up his thanks to his new band mates, and fellow musicians in making his transition. “They say the biggest decisions in life are the hardest to make,” he said. This decision falls under that category. As a drummer I’ve always enjoyed the evolution of my path. The past twelve years with Soilwork have been incredible, a portion of my life I honor with pride. When I was approached to join Megadeth- a childhood dream come true and something I never anticipated. I was beyond excited to even consider the realm of possibility. But truth be told, I couldn’t have rightfully made this step without the support and blessing of my Soilwork family. For that I owe a huge thank you to Bjorn, Sven, David, Sylvain and Markus. You have allowed me to see what lies ahead, and you’re my brothers in metal. Chris Adler, thank you for introducing me to Megadeth and for your encouragement and support. Dave, David and Kiko, I’m thankful for your warm welcome and thrilled to perform and create badass music with you guys. To the fans, this is a new chapter for us; I hope we can enjoy this ride together!”

In regards to what fans have to expect from Soilwork and its sound as it moves ahead Strid had the following to say: “In the recent years Soilwork have found new ways of expressing ourselves and as much as of a cliché it is, I strongly believe that this is very much of a new era for us and that we still have so much left to say, whether it being with or without Dirk. This band has grown to be quite a metal collective and an institution that paves the way creatively and we hope that you, the fans, can feel the presence and the heart in our music still to this day. Believe me, it’s there. I can assure that you will forever get 100% Soilwork, as long as we release albums. We aim to surprise ourselves and the listeners by constantly developing our sound and songwriting, something I believe we have succeeded in doing and yet remained true to our roots. That is something to be proud of and we are. We appreciate all our loyal fans and are excited that so many of you share our musical vision.”

Soilwork has a string of festival dates currently scheduled for August. Those live dates will be followed up soon after by a short string of UK dates with Arch Enemy. It will have one headlining date on that schedule, too. After that stretch the band will take some time off before launching a South American tour on September 9^th in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The tour is currently scheduled to run through September 20^th in Guadalupe Inn, Mexico. The band will take off the rest of the year after wrapping that tour and will then go back out on the road for a European tour with Kreator, Sepultura, and Aborted beginning February 1^st in Metz, France. That tour is currently scheduled to run through March 4^th in Essen, Germany. The band’s current live schedule is noted in full below.

SOILWORK 2016 International Festivals and Headliners:

8.14.2016 Rasnov, Romania – Rockstadt Extreme Fest

8.19.2016 Dinkelsbuhl, Germany – SummerBreeze Open Air

8.20.2016 Saint-Nolff, France – Motocultor Festival

SOILWORK August 2016 UK Tour with ARCH ENEMY:

Tickets available from seetickets.com

8.21.2016 Norwich, UK -Waterfront w/ ARCH ENEMY
8.22.2016 Sheffield, UK – Corporation w/ ARCH ENEMY
8.23.2016 Cardiff, UK -Tramshed w/ ARCH ENEMY
8.24.2016 Southampton, UK – Engine Rooms w/ ARCH ENEMY
8.25.2016London, UK – The Underworld (tickets) (headline – NO ARCH ENEMY)

SOILWORK in South America:

9.9.2016 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Treato Odisseia

9.10.2016 Sao Paulo, Brazil – Clash Club

9.11.2016 Curitiba, Brazil – Music Hall

9.13.2016 Buenos Aires, Argentina – Uniclub

9.14.2016 Montevideo, Uruguay – MM Box

9.16.2016 Santiago, Chile – Blondie

9.17.2016 Lima, Peru – The Blood

9.18.2016 Bogota, Columbia – Auditorio Lumiere

9.20.2016 Guadalupe Inn, Mexico – Lunario

KREATOR, SEPULTURA, SOILWORK, ABORTED European Tour:

Presented by: EMP, ESP, Meinl, Metal.de, Metal Hammer, Metal + Wine, Metalnews.de, Musix, Nuclear Blast, Peta, Piranha, RTN-Touring, Tätowiermagazin, Visions.

2.1.2017 Metz, France – B.A.M.

2.2.2017 Tilburg, Netherlands – 013

2.3.2017 Munich, Germany – Tonhalle

2.4.2017 Hamburg, Germany – Mehr! Theater

2.6.2017 Copenhagen, Denmark – Amager Bio

2.7.2017 Oslo, Norway – Rockefeller

2.10.2017 Helsinki, Finland – Black Box

2.11.2017 Tampere, Finland – Pakkahuone

2.12.2017 Tallinn, Estonia – Rock Cafe

2.13.2017 Vilnius, Lithuania – Siemens Arena

2.15.2017 Warsaw, Poland – Progresja

2.16.2017 Wien, Austria – Gasometer

2.17.2017 Wiesbaden, Germany – Schlachthof

2.18.2017 Berlin, Germany – Columbia-Halle

2.19.2017 Pratteln, Switzerland – Z 7

2.21.2017 Trezzo, Italy – Live Club

2.22.2017 Grenoble, France – Summum

2.23.2017 Barcelona, Spain – Razzmatazz

2.24.2017 Madrid, Spain – Riviera

2.25.2017 Toulouse, France – Bikini

2.26.2017 Paris, France – Bataclan

2.28.2017 Manchester, UK – Academy

3.1.2017 Dublin, Ireland – Vicar Street

3.2.2017 London, Uk – O2 Forum

3.3.2017 Balen, Belgium – Torhout

3.4.2017 Essen, Germany – Grugahalle

Death Resonance, Soilwork’s new compilation record, will be released Friday, August 19^th via Nuclear Blast Records. Audiences can pre-order the record online now here. Audiences can also order the band’s most recent album The Ride Majestic online on CD, vinyl, and digital formats. While ordering the band’s new music audiences can also check out the videos for a pair of songs from The Ride Majestic—‘Death in General,’ and ‘Enemies in Fidelity’—online, too. The album’s title track is streaming online, too via YouTube.

More information on Soilwork’s upcoming tour dates, music, and more is available online now at:

Website: http://www.soilwork.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/soilwork

Twitter: http://twitter.com/soilwork

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Soilwork Announces Upcoming Dates With Arch Enemy

Posted on April 25, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Soilwork has announced a handful of new live dates for this summer.

Soilwork, currently touring in support of its latest album The Ride Majestic, will open for Arch Enemy on a handful of its upcoming European dates this summer. The band’s schedule with Arch Enemy runs from Monday, August 21^st to Thursday, August 24^th. That stretch is followed by a headlining date by Soilwork on Friday, August 25^th in London, England. As noted by the band’s front man Bjorn “Speed” Strid, the tour marks the first time since Ozzfest 2005 that both bands have shared the stage. “We are very excited to announce this UK run together with our fellow Swedes in Arch Enemy. For the first time since Ozzfest 2005, we are once again sharing the stage!,” he said. “It will be one hell of a riff-and shred fest, ladies and gents! We’re also announcing a special one off headline show at the Underworld in London on August 25^th. It’s been a long time coming… do not miss out! See you in August!”

Tickets for the upcoming shows go on sale today, April 25^th, at 9am. They can be purchased online at seetickets.com. The complete schedule for Soilwork’s tour with Arch Enemy is listed below.

21st August: (Support to Arch Enemy) Norwich -Waterfront

22nd August (Support to Arch Enemy) Sheffield – Corporation

23rd August (Support to Arch Enemy) Cardiff –Tramshed

24th August (Support to Arch Enemy) Southampton – Engine Rooms

25th August: (HEADLINE) London – The Underworld (tickets)

The Ride Majestic is available in stores and online now. It can be ordered online via Nuclear Blast Records’ online store, and downloaded via iTunes, Amazon, and Nuclear Blast’s digital store. Audiences can check out the videos for two of the album’s singles—‘Death in General,’ ‘Enemies in Fidelity,’—and the lyric video for the album’s title track via Nuclear Blast’s official YouTube channel. More information on Soilwork’s upcoming tour, album, music, and more is available online now at: