Royal Bliss Partners With Citizen Soldier For New Single; New Album Coming Next Week; Tour To Launch Friday

Posted on March 30, 2023 by philspicks

Royal Bliss premiered a brand new single this month, along with the song’s companion lyric video.

The band partnered with fellow rock act Citizen Soldier for the new single, ‘Through Hell‘ last week. The standalone single’s release comes on the hells of the premieres of two other singles from the band — ‘Medication‘ and ‘Black Rhino‘ — which will be featured in the band’s upcoming sixth album, Survival. The album is scheduled for release April 7.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Through Hell’ stands separate from those of the aforementioned singles. It is a melodic rock opus that is easily comparable to works from so many of the band’s equally well-known mainstream counterparts, such as Hinder and Nickelback and Theory of a Deadman.

By comparison, the arrangement featured in ‘Medication’ is a southern rock style composition that is honestly just as accessible in its own right. The arrangement featured in ‘Black Rhino’ meanwhile is a more fiery, energetic work that is a more pure rock work. Keeping that in mind, the band’s new standalone single boasts its own identity from the singles that it has released in support of Survival that is just as engaging and entertaining as those songs.

The lyric video for the band’s new single is a straight forward presentation. It features the band in front of a CG-imposed wall of fire as the band performs the new single. At points in the video, there is imagery such as a boxer and a wall being broken to help illustrate the message in the song’s lyrical theme.

Speaking of the song’s lyrical theme, its message centers on the topic of getting through all of the negative that life throws at us, according to Royal Bliss Front man Neal Middleton.

“‘Through Hell’ will be the anthem for those who have survived trauma and struggle,” Middleton said. “We all have been through some sort of hell, and this song will help people to know, they are not alone. It’s a common bond so many of us share.”

In other news, Royal Bliss is touring in support of Survival. The band is scheduled to be in Las Vegas, NV. The band’s tour schedule is set to run through July 14 in Grand Rapids, MI and includes performances in cities, such as Bloomington, IL; Billings, MT and Hildale, UT. Tickets and dates are available here.

More information on Royal Bliss’ new single, album, and tour is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://royalbliss.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/royalbliss

Twitter: https://twitter.com/royalbliss

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://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.

The Speakeasy Working On New Album; Premieres New Single

Posted on March 30, 2023 by philspicks

Pop punk band The Speakeasy is working on a new album that it is hoping to release this year through Thousand Islands Records.

As audiences wait for the album’s release, the band has given them a new single to whet their appetites. The song premiered Thursday in the form of the subdued punk ballad ‘Breakfast Drugs.’ The song is the second single the band has released this year behind ‘Bright Side,’ which the band premiered in February.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Breakfast Drugs’ is a stark contrast to that featured in ‘Bright Side.’ Where ‘Bright Side’ features a high energy pop punk sound and style akin to works from the likes of NOFX and Sum 41, ‘Breakfast Drugs’ is a far more subdued, almost melancholy type composition that is so contemplative. Even in that difference, it is still an engaging and entertaining work in its own right that conjures thoughts more of more emotional works from the likes of Matchbox 20 and Three Doors Down to name just a pair of comparable acts.

No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme in the news release announcing the new single’s premiere. No lyrics are available, either. In listening to the song, it comes across as something of an existential nature. That is just this critic’s interpretation.

More information on The Speakeasy’s new single and album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at https://www.facebook.com/TheSpeakeasyRock.

Ghost Hounds Premieres ‘Dirty Angel’ Video

Posted on March 30, 2023 by philspicks

Blues rock band Ghost Hounds premiered the video for its latest single this week.

The band debuted the video for its single, ‘Dirty Angel‘ Wednesday. The video’s premiere came three weeks after the band debuted the single by itself. According to information provided in a news release announcing the video’s premiere, the visualization was recorded in a horse arena near Los Angeles and stars stunt rider-equestrian Mia Rae.

Ghost Hounds guitarist Johnny Babb talked about the video in a prepared statement.

“We knew we wanted something that felt unique and would lend itself to the mood of the song, so we filmed it in a majestic horse arena outside of L.A. on a cold and rainy night with a few of our guys and the amazingly talented, Mia Rae,” Babb said. “The entire team involved did an incredible job coming together and we are very grateful for them helping the vision come to life.”

Rae’s portion of the video shows her riding a horse in the arena. The other half of the video features the band performing its new single in the arena, with lighting behind the group to light the setting. The band’s new song plays over the visualization in the meantime.

‘Dirty Angel’ is the lead single from the band’s as yet untitled fourth album whose release date is also under consideration. The song’s musical arrangement is an immediately infectious composition that is driven equally by each of the band members’ performances. The bluesy southern rock vibes presented through the arrangement are easily comparable to works from the likes of Blackberry Smoke, Gary Clark, Jr. and Robert Randolph and the Family Band.

The song’s lyrical theme is a straight forward message sung from the standpoint of a man who is praising a woman he loves and respects.

Ghost Hounds has released three albums so far, Roses are Black (2019), A Little Calamity (2021) and You Broke Me (2022). The band’s new album, which is expected for release in June, will come through Gibson Records.

More information on Ghost Hounds’ new single and album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://ghosthounds.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostHounds

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ghosthounds

The Winery Dogs Offers Audiences One Of 2023’s Top New Rock Albums In ‘III’

Posted on March 29, 2023 by philspicks

Early this February, rock super group The Winery Dogs released its latest album, III, through its own label, Three Dog Music. The band is currently touring in support of the record, which has already produced two singles, ‘Xanadu’ and ‘Mad World.’ Those two singles are positive addition to the record but not the only noteworthy additions to the presentation. There are plenty of other entries among the album’s 10 total songs that make the record worth hearing, one of them being the late entry, ‘The Vengeance.’ It will be discussed shortly. ‘Gaslight,’ which comes even later in the album’s 51-minute run, is another notable entry in this record. It will be addressed a little later. ‘Rise,’ which comes earlier in the album’s run, is yet another standout entry to the album. It will be discussed a little later, too. All three songs noted are just as important to the album’s impact as the two singles already released. When all of those songs are considered with the rest of the album’s songs, the whole makes III one of the best of this year’s new rock albums.

III, the aptly titled third album from The Winery Dogs, is another strong offering from the rock super group. Its musical and lyrical content alike makes that clear, as its two singles have already shown. They are just two of the songs that show the impact of that collective content. The record offers plenty of other songs that show the strength of its musical and lyrical content, not the least of which being the late entry, ‘The Vengeance.’ Kicking off the album’s second half, the song boasts a musical arrangement that immediately throws back to the pop rock sounds of the 80s through the sound and style taken in its layered guitar line and the distinct vocal style of front man Richie Kotzen. At the same time, Kotzen, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Mike Portnoy also offer a touch of more modern rock to make things even more interesting. The juxtaposition of the two sounds and styles collectively makes the arrangement here unique and fully engaging and entertaining.

The positive mood that the song’s arrangement sets through its presentation works well with the song’s lyrical theme, which presents a message of not giving in to the anger and frustration we all feel from dealing with certain difficult people in our lives. This message is inferred as Kotzen sings in the song’s lead verse and chorus, “I’m in my head/I’m feeling sick of life/I lend a hand and then get crucified/You act like you own me/But you don’t real/All bets are off/The air is thick tonight/I’m not talking anymore/Nobody’s listening/And you’re nothing I adore/You don’t break my boredom, you break my balls/And make me wish I never grew up/And I ain’t laughing anymore.” He adds in the song’s second verse, “I’m if I’m then I’m holy hell/I’m stopping time/I’m clearing all my history” and adds in the song’s third and final verse the most telling statement, I know the strong forgive/The weak ones seek out their revenge/I’ve got no vengeance/I’ve learned the wise ignore/So I’m not gonna waste time settling scores/I’ll let it play out/I’ve got the light without the heat/For the first time I feel alive tonight.” This comes across his frustration of how he is treated, strongly in his frustration of how he is treated, but eventually reaches the point in which he realizes there is no point in being angry and wanting vengeance. He even states it is wasting time, wanting vengeance against others. It is a statement that is certain to resonate with listeners who allow themselves to be open-minded. This message, paired with the positive vibe in the song’s classic rock-inspired arrangement make the song overall another clearly positive addition to III.

‘The Vengeance’ is just one of the songs featured in III that shows the impact of the album’s musical and lyrical content. ‘Gaslight’ is just as impacting as ‘The Vengeance’ because it also takes on people who want to make our lives miserable. Kotzen makes that clear right from the song’s outset as he sings in the song’s lead verse and chorus, “Why you so damn sensitive/Always hanging by a thread/And you say, ‘Why you so damn negative?’/It’s what you heard, not what I said/I’m much better when I’m on my own/Life makes more sense when I talk alone/Right from the start you’re bringing crazy/That’s how you like to play/Twist up the mind and keep it hazy/Do what you wanna do/But don’t gaslight me.” He adds in the song’s second verse, “Why you need to escalate/Over something so benign/I’m not into a debate/I don’t wanna waste my time/And you tell me you’re so lazy and confused again/But I know I’m not/Telling me I’m wrong until the end.” He closes out the song stating, “You won’t gaslight me.” This is yet another theme to which so many listeners will be able to relate. That is because of the er since the Trump he topic of gaslighting. Ever since the Trump administration was in charge, gaslighting has becoming an ongoing problem nationwide, and still is today. Those people wo just want to egg others on, and cause fights are such a problem. This comes from the vantage point of those who are tired of dealing with those gaslighters.

The musical arrangement that accompanies this message is unique in its own way. The intense guitar lick that opens the song immediately conjures thoughts of guitar great Joe Satriani. As the song progresses, the driving energy actually lends itself to comparison to songs from Motorhead, especially considering the guitar lick and time keeping. Back and forth of that Satriani style performance and the more Motorhead style work makes for quite the interest. Sheehan’s bass work and Portnoy’s work on the arrangement add their own touch, what with Portnoy’s fills and Sheehan’s fluid performance, ensuring listeners’ engagement and entertainment even more. The fire in the energy entertainment even more. The fire in the energy really does well to help translate the frustration that people feel when they are dealing with people who gaslight others. The whole of that lyrical and musical content shows just as much the content featured inhere is just as impacting as that in ‘The Vengeance.’

‘Gaslight’ is just one more of the songs that shows how much III has to offer musically and lyrically. ‘Rise,’ which comes earlier in the album’s run, does its own share to make that clear. Its musical arrangement does plenty to make that clear. Right from the arrangement’s outset, that classic/southern rock influence proves that. Portnoy’s relatively straight forward performance on the drums and Sheehan’s frenetic bass line pair to make the arrangement more unique from the rest of the album’s arrangements. The overall vibe and energy in the song’s arrangement make certain audiences will remain engaged and entertained throughout. That energy also pairs well with the song’s lyrical theme, which seems to come across as being about fake friends and supporters.

This is inferred as Kotzen sings in the song’s lead verse and chorus, “Knives thrown in rage/To cut you down to size/And that’s just how they slay/Rhymes charmed and safe/Lure you to your grave/But I won’t play/On wheels of fire I’m still riding/These gears that I grind keep me climbing/On and on/Here and gone/Revered and then replaced/They build you up/They pull you down/But I rise, rise, rise.” He adds to the message in the song’s second verse, “Their bitter tongues spit and yell/Judging the unwell/I come out unscathed” before returning to the song’s chorus. That note of people building others up and then pulling them down is as clear as the message gets here. This is a commentary about those negative people who would rather see others fail than succeed. These people are individuals that everyone has encountered in life. To that end, everyone will relate to this theme, too. Keeping that in mind, the musical and lyrical content featured in this song proves just as accessible to listeners as those in the other songs noted here and with the album’s singles. When all of these songs are considered along with the album’s other entries, the whole makes III a win for The Winery Dogs and its fans alike, and one of the best of this year’s new rock albums so far.

III, the third album from The Winery Dogs, is another strong offering from the rock super group that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. That is proven through its musical and lyrical content alike. The songs examined here make that totally clear. When they are considered along with the album’s singles and with the rest of the album’s entries, the whole makes III one of this year’s top new rock albums so far.

III is available now through the band’s label, Three Dogs Music. More information on the album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://thewinerydogs.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWineryDogs

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thewinerydogs

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to https://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.

Project 86’s Penultimate Album Is Some Of Its Best Work To Date

Posted on March 28, 2023 by philspicks

In May 2021, almost two years ago, the members of Project 86 announced the band had started work on its final album. The announcement came to a shock to many, considering that the band had only been in existence for 25 years. However, in that time, it had released a total of 10 albums. For most bands, releasing 10 albums takes much longer. What’s more, those records and the band’s live shows built a fan base of millions around the world, even though the band stayed just below the mainstream radar the entire time. That is quite the statement about this band. Now as the band begins the road to the end of its time, the band has padded its resume even more with the release this past Friday of its new album, Omni. The 12-song record, the band’s now 11th, is the first half of what is a larger, double album whose second half will release likely later this year, as part of a long goodbye from the band. This first half of the record is an impressive new offering that will certainly stun audiences in the best way possible. That is due in no small part to its featured musical arrangements. They will be discussed shortly. The lyrical content featured in this record is just as much of note as the record’s musical arrangements and will be discussed a little later. The record’s production rounds out its most important elements and will also be discussed later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the album’s presentation. All things considered they make Omni a powerful penultimate offering from Project 86.

Omni, the 11^th album from Project 86, is a powerful new offering from the band as it begins to count down to the end of its days. The appeal offered by the album comes in part through its featured musical arrangements. The musical content that is presented throughout the album’s 51-minute run time is the absolute heaviest material that the band has crafted to date. The post metal elements for which the band has come to be known are still present. That should not be ignored, but the band has taken its approach 10 whole steps forward this time, opting for elements of death, doom, and industrial metal along with those familiar post metal leanings for a whole that must be heard in order to be understood and appreciated. Front man Andrew Schwab’s screams, against the pummeling guitars, bass, and drums come together to create comparisons to the best works of Whitechapel, Zao, and Demon Hunter just to name a few. Now that combination may seem odd on the surface, but it certainly works here from one song to the next. The wall of sound that the band creates through each composition is absolutely intense in the best way possible. Even in the album’s more subtle moments that lean back to some of the band’s existing works, the band still finds a way to transition into that much heavier side of things. Audiences can even make comparison to works from Project 86’s fellow Christian metal act Living Sacrifice in the intensity exhibited in the songs. The overall change shows a deliberate intent to do something completely unlike what Project 86 has done, and it is an approach that is certain to engage and entertain audiences new and old alike.

The musical arrangements featured throughout Omni are just a part of what makes the album so worth hearing among the band’s legions of fans and by metal fans alike. The lyrical content featured in this record makes for its own share of interest, too. The lyrical content in this case is a concept record. As with the record’s musical arrangements, taking the chance to create a concept record is something else that Project 86 has never done, either. The story overall is rather in-depth. In the simplest terms possible, the story is one of the influence of technology on mankind. Now on the surface, a person’s mind might automatically go to a comparison to albums from the likes of Fear Factory and other acts who have taken to writing about the negative impact of machines on mankind. Project 86 has not gone that route here. Rather, this story plays out like some kind of melancholy futuristic drama that does not end well. According to information provided about the story, technology has reached the point at which humans can now be immortal. Yes, immortal. However, that immortality has come at a great price. Humans have essentially become plugged into a network of sorts that brings together the physical and digital world, in essence putting their consciousnesses partly in the real world and partly in the digital realm. Sounding familiar? It should, because science is slowly reaching that point in the real world. Man and machine have finally merged, allowing humans to live on even after their bodies are gone. The Augment, the technology that has brought about this merging of man and machine, has brought out the evil in humans. As is noted in press material about the album, “Without the fear of the ultimate consequence (death), the true, dark nature of man becomes evident. Violence and anarchy begin to spread like yeast through dough…The story culminates with the narrator inviting a malicious AI (spirit) into his body, setting off a chain reaction of unimaginable horror on a massive scale.” It is a dark story, and one not necessarily unfamiliar to audiences, but certainly original in its approach. That being the case, it makes for its own engagement and entertainment among the band’s established audiences and among metal fans alike. It is hardly a happy story, but this allegory warning the world of where we are headed very quickly will hopefully resonate with every person who gives the story a chance.

The familiar metaphorical language that Schwab has used in telling the story through each song adds even more to that depth and impact. The mention of retaking Eden in the album’s opener, ‘Apotheosis’ and being replaced by an algorithm is a powerful statement about how people fail to see the long term impact of what they are letting happen through technology. Later in ‘User Agreement,’ Schwab writes of how people’s identities have become property of a company and its proprietaries through that reliance on technology, making for another powerful statement as part of the overall story. That moment when the narrator merges with the AI is displayed in ‘Tartarus Kiss,’ with the AI convincing the man, “I can be whatever you want me to be/Just say the word and as one we merge.” Knowing Project 86’s Christian metal background, it would be easy to compare this moment to Satan’s temptation of Jesus in the wild. Sadly, in this case, the narrator allowed the AI to merge with him, leading to a very negative result. It is just one more example of the power of the album’s lyrical content. All things considered the lyrical content featured in this album makes for just as much impact as the album’s musical content. When it is paired with the noted musical material, the whole increases the engagement and entertainment for listeners even more.

Knowing how much impact Omni’s overall lyrical content has on its general presentation, it is just one more positive aspect of the record. The record’s production rounds out its most important elements. That is especially considering the heaviness of each of the album’s songs. There is so much going on in each song in terms of the vocals, instrumentation, and secondary elements, such as electronics that it would have been easy for each musician to overpower his fellow performer. The attention paid to each detail thankfully avoids that issue. The result is a powerhouse presentation whose overall general effect will do just as much to keep listeners engaged and entertained as the content itself. When the production that went into this record is considered along with the album’s content, the whole makes Omni one of the best records that Project 86 has produced to date and one of the best hard rock and metal albums of 2023 so far.

Omni, the penultimate album from Project 86, is a powerful new offering from the Christian metal band if not its best to date. That is due in no small part to its featured musical arrangements. The arrangements take Project 86 in a direction little taken throughout its catalog. The band has produced some heavy songs throughout its catalog, but none to the intensity of this record. That is because of the approach taken. There is more death, doom and industrial influence here than anything else. It creates a surprising and surprisingly engaging musical presentation. The lyrical content that accompanies the record’s musical content is just as heavy as that material. That is because of the topic that the band takes on here. It is a familiar hard rock and metal topic, what with the path that technology has set out for humans the world over. The approach that the band takes here is totally unlike what any other band has done when taking on this topic of technology’s role on humans’ fate. The production that went into this album puts the finishing touch to this presentation. It ensures the best of each of the band members’ work shines in each song. The positive general effect that results from that production completes the presentation here and makes Omni one of Project 86’s best albums to date and one of this year’s top new hard rock and metal albums so far.

Omni is available now. More information on the album is available along with all of Project 86’s latest news at:

Website: https://project86.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/project86

Twitter: https://twitter.com/project86band

Pixies Announces Dates For Final Leg Of Its 2023 North American Tour

Posted on March 28, 2023 by philspicks

Pixies will wrap up the North American leg of its current tour this summer.

The band announced the dates for the third and final leg of the tour, which is in support of the band’s latest album, Doggerel (2022). Tickets for the tour will go on sale at 10 a.m. local time Friday here. The tour’s third and final leg is scheduled to kick off Aug. 20 in Asbury Park, NJ and to run through Sept. 16 in San Diego, CA.

The upcoming schedule also features performances scheduled in cities nationwide, such as Lewiston, NY; Bonner, MT and Napa, CA. The tour’s schedule is noted below:

LEG THREE: (co-headline with Modest Mouse, special guest Cat Power):

AUGUST 2023

20 Stone Pony Summerstage, Asbury Park, NJ

21 The Rooftop at Pier 17 – New York, NY

22 The Rooftop at Pier 17 – New York, NY

24 Hartford HealthCare Amphitheatre, Bridgeport, CT

25 Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, NY

26 MASS MoCA, North Adams, MA

28 Artpark Amphitheater, Lewiston, NY

29 TCU Amphitheatre at White River State Park, Indianapolis, IN

30 Salt Shed – Outdoors, Chicago, Il

SEPTEMBER 2023

2 Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre, Vail, CO

4 Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden, Boise, ID

6 Pavilion at Riverfront, Spokane, WA

7 Kettlehouse Amphitheatre, Bonner, MT

8 Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA

9 Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Cenrer, Vancouver, BC

12 McMenamins Edgefield, Troutdale, OR

13 McMenamins Edgefield, Troutdale, OR

15 Oxbow RiverStage,Oxbow Commons, Napa, CA

16 Gallagher Square, San Diego, CA

The band’s overall North American tour is scheduled to launch May 4 in Oakland, CA. The first two legs are scheduled to run through June 25 in Austin, TX, with performances scheduled in cities, such as Raleigh, NC; New Orleans, LA and Las Vegas, NV. The schedule for the tour’s first two legs is noted below.

LEG ONE: (various support acts):

MAY 2023

4 Fox Theater, Oakland, CA

5 BeachLife Festival, Redondo Beach, CA

6 Golden State Theatre, Monterey, CA

8 The Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ

9 Lensic Performing Arts Center, Santa Fe, NM

10 The Mission Ballroom, Denver, CO

12 Encore Theatre at Wynn, Las Vegas, NV

13 Encore Theatre at Wynn, Las Vegas, NV

14 Kilby Block Party, Utah State Park, Salt Lake City, UT (Festival)

18 Teatro Metopólitan, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico

21 Corona Capital 2023, Mexico, Mexico

LEG TWO (with Franz Ferdinand and Bully):

JUNE 2023

8 MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Boston, MA

9 The Met, Philadelphia, PA

10 The Anthem, Washington, D.C.

12 Kemba Live!, Columbus, OH

13 Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA

14 Andrew J. Brady Music Center, Cincinnati, OH

16 Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh, NC

17 Rabbit Rabbit, Asheville, NC

18 Bonnaroo, Manchester, TN (Festival)

20 Coca-Coca Roxy, Atlanta, GA

21 The Fillmore, New Orleans, LA

23 Bayou Music Center, Houston, TX

24 Southside Ballroom, Dallas, TX

25 Moody Amphitheatre, Austin, TX

Pixies’ world tour in support of Doggerel opened in March 2022. It included performances in the United Kingdom, Europe, South America, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. The band just recently wrapped up a month-long run across Europe and the UK as part of its tour.

More information on Pixies’ new tour dates is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://pixiesmusic.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pixies

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIXIES

Visions Of Atlantis’ Most Devoted Fans Will Find ‘Pirates Over Wacken’ A Treasure

Posted on March 28, 2023 by philspicks

Later this year, symphonic metal act Visions of Atlantis will join its fellow symphonic metal act and label mate Delain for a roughly two-week tour across North America. The tour, which is scheduled to launch Sept. 9 in Atlanta, GA and to run through Sept. 24 in Los Angeles, CA, will follow a brief European run in April alongside Autumn Bride. Both upcoming tours are in support of the band’s forthcoming live recording, Pirates Over Wacken. The new live recording is scheduled for release Friday through Napalm Records and was captured during the band’s performance at the 2022 Wacken Open Air Festival. The recording is a presentation that VOA’s fans will find mostly positive. That is due in large part to the show’s set list and the band’s performance thereof. This will be addressed shortly. While the set list featured in this recording forms a solid foundation for the presentation, it is only available on CD, which detracts somewhat from the appeal. This will be addressed a little later. Knowing the limited platform presentation of the recording is not enough to doom the recording, there is one more positive to note. It comes in the form of the recording’s audio production. This will also be examined later. Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of the recording’s presentation. All things considered they make Pirates Over Wacken a presentation that VOA’s fans will agree is mostly successful.

Pirates Over Wacken, the forthcoming new live recording from Visions of Atlantis, is an interesting new offering from the veteran symphonic metal collective. Its appeal comes largely through it featured set list and the band’s performance thereof. The 12-song set list lifts liberally from the band’s most recent album, Pirates, pulling seven songs from the album. That is a little more than half of Pirates’ own 12-song body. The other five songs were pulled from its two preceding albums, Wanderers (2019) and The Deep & The Dark (2018). Three of those songs – ‘A Life of Our Own,’ ‘A Journey To Remember’ and ‘Heroes of the Dawn’ – are pulled from Wanderers while the two remaining songs are pulled from The Deep & The Dark. It makes sense that on a tour meant to support the band’s latest album, the concert’s set list would focus heavily on said album. Given, it would have been nice, perhaps, to get a slightly wider representation of the band’s catalog, especially considering the band’s catalog spans eight albums. At the same time though, festival shows do not allow bands to perform but for a certain amount of time because they have so many acts on their bills. To that end, the set list is still mostly positive.

The band’s performance of the set list is of its own appeal, what with the emotion and energy that the band puts into each song. The power put forth in ‘Pirates Will Return’ is a prime example of the role of the band’s performance. The emotion in the vocals and the richness of the instruments even considering the melancholy mood that the arrangement sets shows so much focus from all involved. There are also plenty of interactions with the audience by the band members, adding even more to the experience. That is because even as brief as they are here and there throughout the concert, it personalizes the experience for the audience. Even in the performance of ‘Melancholy Angel,’ late in the concert, the energy is so high. The full-on operatic vocals, the power in the instruments, it all comes together to show its own wonderful performance. Between these noted items and the rest of the performances, there is no doubt that the band’s performance of the set list plays just as much into the recording’s appeal as the set list itself.

While the set list featured in Visions of Atlantis’ is a positive starting point for its presentation, the limited platform availability detracts somewhat from the recording’s appeal. In researching the recording fully, it looks to be that Napalm Records is only releasing the recording on audio platforms. The only DVD presentation is a DVD that accompanies the recording’s limited edition expanded audio release. The DVD is not even from the band’s performance at Wacken, though. Instead it features performances by the band of five of its songs taken from the Masters of Rock festival in the Czech Republic. So while audiences will get at least some audio-visual entertainment in VOA’s new recording, it is still lacking in the way of having a full audio-visual presentation of the Wacken concert or even the whole of the band’s set from that other 2022 festival.

Now while the recording’s limited edition presentation is still lacking a full audio-visual presentation of the concert, it does have at least one other positive to make up for that concert. It comes in the form of a full orchestral presentation of Pirates in the form of A Pirates Symphony. Knowing how enjoyable the full presentation is of Pirates what with all of its orchestrations, the full instrumental presentation is certain to appeal to plenty of audiences. Keeping this in mind, while the concert featured inf Pirates Over Wacken is lacking in the way of a DVD or even Blu-ray presentation of the concert, this shortfall is not enough to doom the recording. It just would have been really nice to have had that option, since most audiences really want to fully experience concerts, not just hear them. Knowing this, there is still one more positive to note, and that is the concert’s audio production.

The audio production here is important because it captures so well, the openness of the festival. The airy-ness is there, but also ensures not one aspect of the concert is lost. Audiences will feel like they are right there with the people who were at the concert, taking in the concert with them. That is how well-balanced the sound is thanks to the production. The result is a fully positive general effect and finishing touch to the recording’s presentation. When the positive general effect that comes from the production is considered along with the positive of the concert’s set list and the band’s performance thereof, the whole therein makes for plenty of engagement and entertainment for audiences as well. It would have been nice to have had a DVD or Blu-ray presentation of the concert, but maybe that is a discussion for another time. All things considered the recording proves a presentation that is worth hearing even in its one shortfall.

Pirates over Wacken, the new live recording from Visions of Atlantis, is an interesting new offering from the veteran symphonic metal outfit. That is due in large part to its featured set list. The 12-song set list pulls largely from its 2022 album, Pirates. The band likely had a very limited amount of time to perform, considering festivals only allow but so much time for acts to perform, so to that end, it is understandable. The band’s performance of its set list makes for its own share of engagement and entertainment, too. While the set list and the band’s performance thereof collectively do plenty to engage and entertain audiences, the fact that the concert is only being presented on audio platforms detracts somewhat from the recording’s appeal. That shortfall is not enough to doom the recording, though. Keeping that in mind, the recording’s production works with the set list and the band’s performance to make for more appeal. Those items collectively do just enough to make the recording appealing to the point that it is worth experiencing occasionally.

Pirates Over Wacken is scheduled for release Friday through Napalm Records. More information on the recording is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.visionsofatlantis.at

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visionsofatlantisofficial

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Ozomatli Announces New Live Dates

Posted on March 27, 2023 by philspicks

Grammy® Award-winning music act Ozomatli has announced a new schedule of live dates for this spring and summer.

The band announced the new live dates Monday. The new tour is in support of the band’s latest album, Marching On, which is available now. The upcoming tour is scheduled to launch March 30 in Waco, TX and to run through June 24 in Piercy, CA. A performance at the Rock The Locks Festival Oct. 6 in Umatilla, OR is also on the band’s upcoming live schedule.

The majority of Ozomatli’s upcoming dates are in California, but there are also performances scheduled in Winter Park, CO; Phoenix, AZ and Destin, FL on April 22, April 25 and 26, and May 4 respectively. The tour’s schedule is noted below:

Ozomatli on Tour
3/30/23 – Waco, TX – The Pavilion at Carleen Bright Arboretum
4/06/23 – Venice, CA – The Venice West
4/13/23 – Venice, CA – The Venice West
4/15/23 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy & Harriet’s
4/20/23 – Venice, CA – The Venice West
4/22/23 – Winter Park, CO – Spring Bash + Splash
4/25/23 – Phoenix, AZ – Musical Instrument Museum
4/26/23 – Phoenix, AZ – Musical Instrument Museum
4/27/23 – Venice, CA – The Venice West
5/04/23 – Destin, FL – Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation 28th Annual Concerts in the Village Series
5/27/23 – Monterey, CA – California Roots Festival (with Chali 2na & Cut Chemist)
5/28/23 – Bakersfield, CA – Lightning in a Bottle Festival (with Chali 2na & Cut Chemist)
6/24/23 – Piercy, CA – Summer Arts & Music Festival
10/06/23 – Umatilla, OR – Rock the Locks Festival

Marching On has produced the singles, ‘Sunsets,‘ ‘Sacude,’ ‘Mi Destino,’ and ‘Fellas’.

More information on Ozomatli’s new album and tour is available along with all of the group’s latest news at:

Website: https://ozomatli.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozomatli

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ozomatli

Bluphoria Premieres Debut Album’s Third Single

Posted on March 27, 2023 by philspicks

Independent rock act Bluphoria is scheduled to release its major label debut album this spring.

The band — Reign LaFreniere (lead vocals, lead guitar), Dakota Landrum (rhythm guitar, background vocals), Rex Wolf (bass, background vocals), Dani Jane (drums, background vocals) — is scheduled to release its self-titled album May 5 through Edgeout Records. In anticipation of the album’s release, the band premiered the album’s third single ‘Ain’t Got Me‘ and its companion video this month.

The single features a catchy musical arrangement that features equal parts pop rock and blues. The simple presentation is the epitome of the adage that less is more. He said of the song’s arrangement, “‘Ain’t Got Me’ is one of the first songs I wrote for Bluphoria. I wanted to write a song that was very nostalgic and similar to a classic rock song, and while fiddling on my guitar, I came across these chords.

He added, “I had so many different versions of this song come through but I never could shake the original verse and chorus I had written for it. So I hope those who listen enjoy this rock n roll ballad as much as I have through the years.”

LaFreniere, talked about the lyrical side of ‘Ain’t Got Me’ in a prepared statement.

“I wanted to keep the lyrics simple and suggestive like a 60s song, but somehow make the song have an edge to it rather than continuing the arrogant nature it carries at the beginning,” LaFreniere said. “As the song goes on, I wanted the listener to realize how self-aware the speaker was once I started singing, “I’ve got nothing and I ain’t got you.”

The debut of Bluphoria’s new single follows those of the album’s two other current singles, ‘Walk Through Fire‘ and ‘Set Me Up.’ The track listing for the band’s new album is noted below:

Album Track Listing
1. Set Me Up
2. Believe In Love
3. Walk Through The Fire
4. Pretty People
5. Let You Go
6. Something More
7. Aint Got Me
8. Columbia
9. Show It To Me
10. Guide Me
11. Ms. Jones

In other news, Bluphoria has a pair of live performances lined up to help promote its new album. The first is scheduled for Thursday in Nashville, TN. The second is scheduled for May 3 in Los Angeles.

More information on Bluphoria’s new album, single, video and upcoming live dates is available along with all of the band’s latest news at https://www.facebook.com/BluphoriaOfficial.

Amaru: GoFund Me Campaign Launched For Saliva Guitarist’s Daughter

Posted on March 27, 2023 by philspicks

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

Following the untimely passing of Saliva founding member and guitarist Wayne Swinny last week, a GoFund Me campaign was established for Swinny’s daughter.

According to front man Bobby Amaru, the campaign was launched after he talked with Swinny’s sister, Linda about launching the campaign in order to establish a trust for Swinny’s daughter.

As of early Monday afternoon, the campaign had raised more than $49,000 since it was launched, according to its information. That is from a total of 200 donations. The campaign’s goal is to raise $100,000 for the trust.

Swinny died March 22 as the result of a spontaneous brain hemorrhage.

According to the National Library of Medicine, which is directly associated with the National Center for Biotechnology Information, spontaneous brain hemorrhage is a brain bleed that leads to strokes.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is the cause for at least half of the spontaneous brain hemorrhages reported to hospitals nationwide annually, according to the agency. The organization’s information states factors, such as tumors, aneurysms, blood disorders, inflammation of blood vessels, and abnormalities of blood vessels and lymph vessels lead to all of the other brain hemorrhages reported each year.

Amaru said in a recently released statement, that while Swinny’s death was tragic, Swinny was an organ donor and through donation of his liver and kidneys, he helped save the lives of two people.

He said the band is grateful for the donations already made and the emotional support Swinny’s family has received as well as the band.

“The Saliva family is overwhelmed by the amount of love we have received,” Amaru said. “Thank you all for the posts, calls, e-mails, texts, and prayers. They are greatly appreciated and helping everyone cope during this very trying time.”

Saliva was on tour in support of its latest single, ‘High On Me’ when Swinny died. The band had been touring alongside Any Given Sin and Through Fire at the time of Swinny’s passing. As a result of Swinny’s passing, the remainder of the tour was forced to be canceled.

More information on Swinny’s passing is available along with all of Saliva’s latest news at:

Website: https://salivaofficial.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saliva

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OfficialSaliva

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