Crowbar’s New LP Gets Well Above A Zero

Posted on March 5, 2022 by philspicks

Veteran metal act Crowbar officially returned this week with its latest album, more than five years after the release of its then latest album, The Serpent Only Lies. The band released its new album, Zero And Below Friday through MNRK, formerly eOne. The 10-song record is a powerful new offering from the band musically and lyrically speaking. Both items will be examined here. When they are considered along with the album’s production, which will also be examined here, the collective makes the album in whole another impressive new addition to this year’s field of new hard rock and metal albums.

Zero and Below, the 12^th album from stalwart metal band Crowbar, is a strong new offering from the group. The album impresses will impress the band’s established audiences just as much as it will more casual fans of the band’s familiar sludge metal sounds. Speaking of those sounds, they (and the album’s overall arrangements) are just part of what makes the album appealing to the noted audiences. From beginning to end, the album’s arrangements continue to present the band’s familiar heavy, thick, sludge metal sounds, which are topped off by front man Kirk Windstein’s familiar groaning screams. Few if any metal vocalists out there past or present sound like him, which makes the arrangements all the more engaging and entertaining. Right from the album’s outset the heaviness hits listeners like a ton of bricks in ‘The Fear That Binds You.’ What’s so interesting in this song is that to an extent, listeners can argue that there is a touch of comparison to works from Hatebreed tied into the mix. It makes for an interesting new composition from the band. As the album progresses, the band’s trademark heaviness blends with a touch of blues-based metal in ‘Chemical GODZ’ There is almost a certain sort of Superjoint Ritual comparison here to be more exact. The band even tries its hand (successful at that) at some faster stuff in the form of ‘Bleeding From Every Hole.’ Simply put, the band shows through the album’s musical content, a clear evolution in the approach that it took this time out. It is reason enough for audiences to take in this record, and certainly not the only reason, either. The record’s lyrical content adds its own appeal to the presentation.

The lyrical content featured in Zero and Below is important to examine because as intense and heavy as the record’s musical arrangements are, they actually help translate the emotion in the songs’ lyrical themes. The album’s opener, ‘The Fear That Binds You’ reminds audiences that we don’t know what the future holds, but even despite that uncertainty, we cannot give up. Windstein delivers that message as he writes, Everything that you thought was good/Can quickly fade/And you’ll find the blackest, darkest, deepest hole you’ve made/Breaking it down/The fear that binds you/Breaking it down/The answer finds you/Survive/No more borrowed time.” The message seems relatively clear here. It comes across as that noted reminder for people to look past the darker, more emotional moments and life’s uncertainties. It is a familiar theme and just as welcome here as in any other case from any other band.

‘Confess To Nothing,’ one of the album’s early entries, presents what seems like a message about overcoming addiction. More specifically, it seems to address heroin addiction. This as Windstein writes in the song’s lead verse, “You feel the frost/The chill is touching you/That needle speaks/Stand and walk away/Hand of doom/It reaches out for you/Don’t grab ahold/Live another day/Don’t back down/Live to win.” He continues in the song’s second verse, “You’re sweating now/Your pulse begins to rise/It’s got a hold on you/Never compromise/Your soul weak and growing old/Focus your mind/Don’t destroy it now.” From there he again reminds listeners to not back down. Whether it is in fact a story of overcoming addiction or dealing with another sort of negative situation, the fact here is that the band is reminding audiences to not give in and remain positive. So again, this continued message of determination is another example of the importance of the album’s lyrical content.

‘It’s Always Worth The Gain,’ which comes late in the album’s run, is yet another example of the importance of the album’s lyrical content. In the case of this song, Windstein writes again of pushing on through life, stating, “Your hunger better always burn/You’re never guaranteed a turn/The weak are always pushed away/Never underestimate/No one knows their final fate/’Cause I have earned mine every day/Taking one step at a time/March on.” This reminder will resonate with audiences just as much as those in the other songs examined here. When each message examined here is considered along with that of the album’s other songs, the whole leaves no doubt as to the importance of the album’s lyrical content. All things considered here, the album’s lyrical content proves just as important as its musical arrangements.

As much as the overall content presented in Zero and Below does to make the album engaging and entertaining, it is only part of what will keep audiences listening. The album’s production rounds out its most important elements. That is because of how much is going on in each composition. Between the heaviness and power of Windstein’s vocals and the intense power of the songs’ instrumentations, the songs have a lot going on both in terms of volume and activity. Thanks to the work of those behind the glass, each item was expertly balanced with the others in each work. The end result is that the utmost power is brought out of each song, and by connection, audiences’ engagement and entertainment remains throughout the album. This creates a powerful general effect for the album that when considered with the album’s content, makes the record in whole one of the best of the year’s new hard rock and metal albums.

Zero and Below, the latest album from Crowbar, is another strong new offering from the veteran band. It is a presentation that will engage and entertain the band’s established audiences just as much as casual fans. That is proven in part through the album’s musical arrangements. The arrangements are important in that while they continue to exhibit the band’s familiar heavy, sludge metal style and sound, also show some growth from the band. They show the band’s willingness to take some chances. The record’s lyrical content is just as important as its musical arrangements. That is because of the messages that it delivers (and seems to deliver). The messages (and seeming messages) present what come across as very positive themes. Those themes, together with the album’s musical arrangements, give audiences much to appreciate. The production of the overall content rounds out the album’s most important elements. It ensures that each song presents the most powerful impact possible. Each item examined here is important in its own way to the whole of the album’s presentation. All things considered, they make Zero and Below one more of the best new hard rock and metal albums so far this year.

Zero and Below is available now. More information on the album is available along with all of Crowbar’s latest news at:

Website: https://crowbarnola.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/crowbarmusic

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.

Black Label Society’s Latest LP Is Yet More Good News For The Band And Its Fans

Posted on November 23, 2021 by philspicks

Fans of Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde, and Black Label Society got some big news this month when it was announced that Wylde and Osbourne have reunited for Ozzy’s next album. The announcement came more than a decade after it was announced that the longtime duo had parted ways because Ozzy allegedly felt his sound had become too much like that of the song’s from Black Label Society (Wylde’s band). Right around the time that the announcement of the duo’s reunion was made, audiences got even more good news when it was revealed that BLS was going to release its new album this fall. That album, Doom Crew, Inc., is scheduled for release Friday through eOne. It will come more than three years after the release of the band’s then latest album, Grimmest Hits.

While the news of the album’s release (and that of Zack and Ozzy reuniting) is good in itself, the even better news is that the album lives up to expectations of all the aforementioned audiences. That is because the album’s content is everything that those audiences have come to expect from BLS and then some. It brings audiences together by bringing in the band’s softer and heavier sides together in one complete package, which is so smart on the part of Wylde and company. At the same time, the arrangements featured throughout the album still give audiences something new in sound and style while still being familiar in their approach. One of the most notable of the ways in which Wylde and company have brought audiences something new and old together here is the album’s penultimate entry, ‘Gather All My Sins.’ This song will be discussed shortly. ‘Forever And A Day,’ which comes earlier in the record’s run is just as notable for the same reason. It will be discussed a little later. Much the same can be said of ‘Destroy_Conquer.’ It will also be discussed later. This song and the others noted here each do their own part to show how BLS’ blend of old and new make this record so enjoyable. When they are considered along with the rest of the album’s entries, the whole makes the album in whole, another successful new offering from the band that gives listeners just as much to be happy about as all of the news surrounding the album and Wylde’s reunion with Ozzy.

Black Label Society’s forthcoming 11^th album, Doom Crew, Inc., is another strong new offering from the band. Coming a little more than three years after the band’s then latest album, its title is a tribute to the band’s fan base, for those who might be unaware. It is just part of that tribute, too. The record’s mix of new and old content throughout the album is its own tribute to those audiences, too. ‘Gather All My Sins,’ the record’s penultimate entry, is just one of the songs that serves to support the noted statements. The song opens with a catchy little southern blues-tinged rock riff that conjures thoughts of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and at the same time, of Wylde’s work with his other project, Pride & Glory. That intro is brief, very quickly giving way to Wylde and company’s more familiar heavy riffs and beats. At the same time, the overall arrangement, while being familiar stylistically, still boasts its own unique identity separate from the band’s (and Wylde’s) existing catalogs. It still bears that southern blues rock sound that opened the song throughout. This is important to note because so much of BLS’ music is known to be more along the lines of a southern sludge metal type work. The southern rock element is here, but instead of the familiar sludge approach, this is more of a pure, guitar rock style opus. It is a nice change of pace that audiences are sure to appreciate. In an interesting way, it throws back to some of the works that the band presented in its 2002 album, 1919 Eternal. It is just one part of what makes the song stand out. The lyrical content that accompanies the record’s musical arrangement makes for its own appeal.

Not having a lyrics sheet to reference, some of the lyrics are a little difficult to decipher, thanks to the production. From what can be deciphered, it can be inferred that the song’s lyrical theme has something to do with perhaps the topic of judging others wrongly. This is only this critic’s interpretation from what little can be deciphered from the song’s limited lyrical content. The noted interpretation as Wylde sings about bringing “the dead one to the stand” and gathering his own sins. It seems to be metaphorical language for people attacking those who cannot defend themselves. If in fact that is the case, then it is a familiar topic that will resonate with audiences. The song’s arrangement, energy and all serves to keep listeners engaged, leading to the noted interpretation or possibly another. Again, regardless of interpretation, that the song’s lyrical content can get audiences thinking is positive in its own way, showing even more why it is a key example of how the album’s mix of old and new makes it stand out.

‘Forever And A Day’ is another notable addition to Doom Crew, Inc. that shows how its content’s blend of old and new makes it so strong. This song is the polar opposite of ‘Gather My Sins.’ Its much more subdued sound and approach makes it a more fitting piece for existing BLS albums, such as Mafia and Hangover Music Vol. VI. The use of the layered vocals, the piano and subtle guitar alongside Wylde’s mournful, melancholy singing makes that clear. At the same time, it also boasts its own identity separate from the songs on those albums without alienating it from the records in question. So again, here just musically, audiences get another blending of old and new. The song’s lyrical content makes for just as much

The lyrical content featured in this song is, again, deciphered sans lyrics to reference. That should be noted up front. They are a little easier to decipher since the song is more controlled and subdued. In the case of this song, it comes across as a love song, believe it or not. This is inferred as Wylde sings in the song’s lead verse and chorus, “You say you’ve found/All that you lost/Just like a stone that sits upon/The gathered moss/It’s so easy/Just to walk away/It’s so easy/When you’ve got nothing to say/All the shadows we cast/They fade away/Like seasons that change/That could not change/I’ll gather the tears that fall/Forever and a day.” What audiences get here is, again, a seeming love song as someone is saying to another who is going through a tough time, emotionally, adding that no matter what, he/she will be there to gather those noted tears and be there for that person. As he continues in the song’s second verse, Wylde sings, “The sun that shines upon this empty home/The warmth inside/The endless cold/I’s so easy/Just to walk away/It’s so easy/When you’ve got nothing/Nothing to say/All the shadows we cast fade away/Like seasons that change/That could not stay/I’ll gather the tears that fall/Forever and a day.” Again, this isn’t just one of those sappy love songs. This is someone telling another that he/she will be there for that person in those difficult times. Wylde and company do such a wonderful job of capturing the delicate nature of such moments through the song’s musical arrangement. The gentility with which the subject approaches that other person’s emotions in such situations is equally well handled through the song’s lyrical approach. The whole makes the song another powerful addition to this record. Again, this is just this critic’s interpretation and should not be taken as gospel. Hopefully it is close to being what the band meant to infer. It is just one more example of what the album has to offer audiences. ‘Conquer_Destroy’ is yet another notable addition to the record that shows how its blend of old and new makes it successful.

‘Conquer_Destroy’ is notable in part through its arrangement, which does once again present some of Wylde and company’s familiar heaviness throughout its almost five minute run time. At the same time, the band gives audiences something unique here by taking that familiar heaviness and setting it against something of a bluesy, classic rock style sound and approach. So once again, audiences get here something new and something old in one setting that makes the whole so unique and enjoyable throughout. As with the other songs examined here, the song’s musical content is just one part of what makes it stand out. Its lyrical content does its own part to make it stand out, too.

The lyrical content featured in this song is yet again deciphered sans lyrics to reference. From what can be deciphered here, the song seems to be a commentary about war. Again, this is just this critic’s own interpretation and could well be incorrect, so should not be taken as the only interpretation. The mention of war and a horse riding, along with “the eternal fire” would seem to point the song in the noted direction. There is also an apparent call for people to “make this world all that you can” along with something about somebody gathering up souls. It certainly makes for an interesting listen, needless to say. There is even what sounds like a mention of “deserts burning” early in the song. That almost sounds like perhaps a reference to the nonstop combat that the U.S. has faced in the Middle East. Once again, this is only this critic’s interpretation. If in fact the whole is a reference to war (knowing Wylde’s support for the military, it would make sense), then it is a unique new way (again there’s that word, “new”) to address the inferred topic. Together with the song’s arrangement, the whole shows in its way, the noted blend of old and new and impresses in the process, too. When this song and the others examined here are considered along with the rest of the album’s entries, the whole of the album becomes a wonderful tribute to the worldwide Doom Crew, Inc. and a strong new offering from Black Label Society in whole.

Black Label Society’s forthcoming new album, Doom Crew, Inc., is another successful offering from the band. It is a presentation that continues to cement the band’s place in the upper echelons of the hard rock community. That is proven from beginning to end of the record through its musical and lyrical content. The musical content does a good job of blending the band’s own familiar sounds and stylistic approaches with some new sounds and approaches from one to the next. The lyrical themes are themselves unique and will engage and entertain audiences in their own right. All three of the songs examined here do well to make that clear. When they are considered along with the rest of the record’s entries, the whole – again – makes the album in whole another successful offering from BLS that pays tribute to the band and its legacy, and to the members of the Doom Crew, Inc. worldwide.

Doom Crew, Inc. is scheduled for release Friday through eOne. More information on the album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://blacklabelsociety.com

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

Shout! Factory’s 35th Anniversary Re-Issue Of ‘The Transformers: The Movie’ Will Appeal To A Very Targeted Audience

Posted on October 18, 2021 by philspicks

It’s hard to believe but this year marks 35 years since the landmark presentation, The Transformers: The Movie debuted. In celebration of the anniversary, Shout! Factory re-issued the movie again Aug. 3 on separate steelbook and Blu-ray/DVD presentations. The re-issue, which in fact comes five years after the release of the company’s 30^th anniversary re-issue of the movie, is sadly a disappointing presentation. That is due in large part to its featured bonus content, which will be discussed a little later. For all that said content does to detract from the presentation, it does have at least one positive to note in its restored look. This will be discussed shortly. The one other positive worth noting is the re-issue’s pricing. It will be discussed later, too. Each item plays its own important part to the whole of this re-issue. All things considered, they still make the presentation sadly a disappointing new offering from Shout! Factory that does little to further the legacy of The Transformers.

Shout! Factory’s recently released 35^th anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie is sadly, a disappointing offering from the company. It is another example of how far the company has fallen from its former place as the leader in home entertainment. It is not a complete failure, though. The most notable of its very few positives is its look. As noted on the presentation’s packaging, it is presented this time out in a new, restored look thanks to a 4K scan of the original film. The restoration’s impact is clear right from the movie’s outset. The rough, hand-drawn anime look from the original movie is still evident here. At the same time, there is a certain definition to that look. That is not to say that the charm of the original hand-drawn look is gone by any means. Rather, it is just that evident that said look has been improved upon without losing the look of the original cut. Yes, it is an aesthetic element, but it in itself makes the re-issue worth watching at least once.

While the newly restored footage of Transformers: The Movie is a positive that viewers cannot ignore, it is one of very few positives to this set, next to its pricing. That item will be addressed later. The bonus content featured with this re-issue detracts considerably from the presentation. According to information provided late this summer, this latest re-issue features a handful of so-called new bonus features. In reality, there are three new bonuses: new feature-length storyboards, new deleted and alternate sequences, and a new interview with singer-songwriter John Bush, who provided much of the music for the movie’s soundtrack. This all sounds great on paper, but in reality, it collectively does little if anything to enhance the viewing presentation. The interview with Bush for instance finds him talking about how the song, ‘The Touch’ was created. There is no real insight into its connection with the movie. Along with the discussion, audiences also get an acoustic, in-studio performance of the song as well as a performance of ‘The Dare,’ another of the songs featured in the movie’s soundtrack. The storyboards and deleted scenes are just that. The deleted and alternate scenes are essentially one in the same. Just as concerning (if not more so) is that there is no sound in the storyboards, which are their own presentation and the deleted/alternate scenes. As a result, audiences have to essentially guess as which scenes are alternate and deleted. If any one good thing can be noted here, it is that these same “bonuses” are featured in the movie’s 4K UHD and Blu-ray/DVD combo packs. Even that is not enough to offset the negative of the content or lack thereof. At least the more enjoyable bonus content from the movie’s 30^th anniversary presentation is featured in this re-issue. Keeping all of this in mind, the “new” bonus content featured in this 35^th anniversary re-issue of The Transformers: The Movie is more burden to the presentation than boon.

For all of the concerns raised by the “new” bonus content in this presentation, there is at least one more positive for the most devoted fans of The Transformers. That positive is the pricing. Speaking more specifically, the pricing for the BD/DVD combo pack is that positive. The average price point for that platform is $15. That price was reached by averaging prices listed through Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Books-A-Million, and Shout! Factory’s store. It was not listed through Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Target at the time of this review’s posting. By comparison, the average price point for the 4K UHD set is $22.19. That price was reached by averaging prices listed through Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Books-A-Million, and Shout! Factory’s store. The movie’s steelbook presentation averages at $24.73. This is all important to note because the only thing that separates the three platforms is their box art. Yes, that’s it. Each platform has the same content right down to the bonus content. To that end the most devoted Transformers fans will do well to save themselves some money and just get the standard Blu-ray/DVD combo pack if they get this 25^th anniversary presentation of The Transformers: The Movie if they buy it at all. Noting again, the lackluster bonus content against the slightly better look of the film, there is little motivation for most audiences to buy this set if they already own the movie’s 30^th anniversary re-issue.

Shout! Factory and eOne’s recently released 35^th Anniversary re-issue of The Transformers: The Movie is a surprisingly disappointing new presentation of the classic animated feature. It is not a total failure, though. Its restored 4K scan is a noticeable improvement on the look from the movie’s 30^th anniversary edition without losing the warmth of the movie’s look from that re-issue. The major shortfall for this movie comes in the form of its “new” bonus content. Said content is anything but a real bonus. That is because of how little it does to enhance the viewing experience in comparison to the bonus content carried over from the 30^th anniversary re-issue. It will appeal primarily to the most devoted fans of The Transformers overall. Considering that the overall content is featured in each of the re-issue’s three separate platforms (yes, three), it makes the pricing for the movie’s Blu-ray/DVD combo pack positive in its own right. That is in comparison to the pricing for the movie’s separate 4K UHD/BD set and steelbook set. Keeping all of this in mind, this latest re-issue of The Transformers: The Movie proves itself a presentation that will appeal to a very targeted audience.

The Transformers: The Movie’s 35^th anniversary re-issue is available now. More information on this and other titles from Shout! Factory is available along with the company’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.shoutfactory.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShoutFactory

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.

Pop Evil Announces Top 10 Honor For Another Of Its Singles; Band Launches New Mobile Game; Tour Continues

Posted on August 31, 2021 by philspicks

Pop Evil and its fans have a lot to celebrate this week.

The band’s single, ‘Survivor‘ has officially reached #9 on Billboard’s Rock & Alternative Airplay Chart. The achievement makes the single the band’s 18th overall single to reach a Top 10 position on any of Billboard’s charts.

The song is featured in the band’s latest album, Versatile and is just one of the record’s songs to reach a Top 10 charting position. ‘Breathe Again‘ peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay Chart in May. ‘Work,’ yet another of the album’s singles, also reached the top spot on one of Billboard’s charts.

In other news, the band has launched a mobile Rubik’s Cube game that it has dubbed “The Cube.” Audiences can download the game here.

Front man Leigh Kakaty said the recent downtime that he spent as the result of a positive COVID test gave him lots of time to play the game himself.

“Over the last few weeks, I played the hell out of this game during my Covid isolation,” said Kakaty. “Just warning everyone, it’s not an easy game to nail down. Good luck beating Hayley’s score, she currently has the highest score on the bus…”

In more news still, the band continues its tour in support of Versatile tonight in Savannah, GA. The performance is one of a handful of dates that was re-scheduled due to Kakaty’s temporary sidelining. The band’s current tour schedule is noted below with the recently rescheduled dates noted in red.

POP EVIL “VERSATILE” TOUR DATES

(*dates in red mark rescheduled shows)

August 31 – Savannah, GA @ Victory North #

September 1 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel #

September 2 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl (w/ Zero 9:36 only)

September 4 – Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma

September 8 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall #

September 9 – Flint, MI @ Machine Shop #

September 10 – Harrisburg, PA @ XL Live #

September 11 – Mansfield, OH @ Inkcarceration Fest

September 12 – Danville, VA @ Blue Ridge Rockfest

September 15 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live #

September 16 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom #

September 17 – Portland, ME @ Aura *

September 18 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Wally’s *

September 21 – Huntsville, Al @ Mars Music Hall – Von Braun Center*

September 22 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theater *

September 23 – Destin, FL @ Club LA *

September 24 – Orlando, FL @ Central FL Fairgrounds – Rebel Rock Fest

September 29 – Fargo, ND @ Sanctuary Events Center #

October 1 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater #

October 3 – Joliet, IL @ The Forge #

October 5 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s #

October 8 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival

# with ZERO 9:36 & BRKN LOVE

* with BRKN LOVE & LIKE MACHINES

Pop Evil’s “Versatile Tour” is in support of the band’s latest album, Versatile. The album has produced the singles, ‘Survivor,’ ‘Breathe Again,’ ‘Set Me Free,’ ‘Work,’ and ‘Let The Chaos Begin.’ Versatile is available to stream and download here.

More information on Pop Evil’s tour and album is available online along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.PopEvil.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/popevil

Pop Evil Announces Rescheduled Live Dates

Posted on August 19, 2021 by philspicks

Pop Evil has officially rescheduled dates on its tour that were postponed due to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis in the band.

The band announced Tuesday, that it had postponed seven dates on its “Versatile Tour” from Aug. 17-25. The postponements were the result of front man Leigh Kakaty receiving a positive COVID-19 diagnosis following the band’s Aug. 15 show in Denver, CO.

The band’s Aug. 17-20 dates in Des Moines, IA; Fargo, ND and Joliet, IL have been rescheduled to the end of September and early October. The band’s performances originally planned for Aug. 21, 23-24 in Nashville, TN; Savannah, GA and Asheville, NC have been rescheduled for dates in Aug. 31-Sept. 2.

According to information provided about the updates dates, the band’s originally planned performance scheduled for Aug. 25 in Jacksonville, NC was also one of the postponed dates. It is not listed among the rescheduled dates on the band’s new schedule. However, a new show in Denver, CO is scheduled to take place Oct. 1.

No reason was given in the press release announcing the rescheduled dates why the Aug. 25 show was not listed in the updated schedule or if it is still postponed. Information posted to Hooligans’ official Facebook page states that a rescheduled date is TBD.

Pop Evil’s currently updated tour schedule is noted below. Tickets that were purchased for the postponed shows will be valid for the new dates, which are available for purchase here.

POP EVIL “VERSATILE” TOUR DATES

(*dates in red mark rescheduled shows)

August 27 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27 #

August 28 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls

August 29 – Inwood, WV @ Shiley Acres (w/ Black Stone Cherry)

August 31 – Savannah, GA @ Victory North #

September 1 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel #

September 2 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl (w/ Zero 9:36 only)

September 4 – Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma

September 8 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall #

September 9 – Flint, MI @ Machine Shop #

September 10 – Harrisburg, PA @ XL Live #

September 11 – Mansfield, OH @ Inkcarceration Fest

September 12 – Danville, VA @ Blue Ridge Rockfest

September 15 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live #

September 16 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom #

September 17 – Portland, ME @ Aura *

September 18 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Wally’s *

September 21 – Huntsville, Al @ Mars Music Hall – Von Braun Center*

September 22 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theater *

September 23 – Destin, FL @ Club LA *

September 24 – Orlando, FL @ Central FL Fairgrounds – Rebel Rock Fest

September 29 – Fargo, ND @ Sanctuary Events Center #

October 1 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater #

October 3 – Joliet, IL @ The Forge #

October 5 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s #

October 8 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival

# with ZERO 9:36 & BRKN LOVE

* with BRKN LOVE & LIKE MACHINES

More information on Pop Evil’s tour and album is available online along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.PopEvil.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/popevil

Positive COVID-19 Diagnosis Temporarily Sidelines Pop Evil Tour

Posted on August 17, 2021 by philspicks

Pop Evil’s “Versatile Tour” has been temporarily suspended.

The announcement was made Tuesday through a news release. It comes after front man Leigh Kakaty tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. The positive test came following the band’s Aug. 15 concert in Denver, CO.

The band’s tour is scheduled to resume Aug. 27 in Virginia Beach, VA. The band is working to reschedule its postponed dates, which are listed below.

The currently postponed dates are as follows:

August 17 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s

August 18 – Fargo, ND @ Sanctuary Events Center

August 20 – Joliet, IL @ The Forge

August 21 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

August 23 – Savannah, GA @ Victory North

August 24 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel

August 25 – Jacksonville, NC @ Hooligans

The band released the following statement regarding Kakaty’s diagnosis and the band’s tour plans as a result of the finding.

“To our Evilz, we always want to be fully transparent with our fans and the status of our shows,” the statement reads. “All of our band members and crew have been vaccinated prior to us starting tour. Yesterday, and again this morning, Leigh Kakaty tested positive for COVID-19. Leigh wanted to make sure his test wasn’t a false positive before postponing any more shows. With his second positive test this afternoon, out of an abundance of caution, we will be postponing our shows and be back for our show in Virginia Beach on August 27.”

The statement continues, “We are doing our best to move the following shows: Denver, CO (8/15), Des Moines, IA (8/17), Fargo, ND (8/18), Joliet, IL (8/20), Nashville, TN (8/21), Savannah, GA (8/23), Asheville, NC (8/24) and Jacksonville, NC (8/25) to the end of the tour. Leigh is already feeling much better and will be back on his feet in no time. We want to thank everyone for their continued support! See you soon.”

Pop Evil initially announced its North American tour schedule — in support of its latest album, Versatile — in May. The album has produced the singles, ‘Survivor,’ ‘Breathe Again,’ ‘Set Me Free,’ ‘Work,’ and ‘Let The Chaos Begin.’ Versatile is available to stream and download here.

The remaining dates on the current leg of Pop Evil’s tour are noted below.

POP EVIL are currently scheduled to appear on the upcoming dates.

August 27 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27 #

August 28 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls #

August 29 – Inwood, WV @ Shiley Acres Concert Stage #

September 4 – Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma

September 8 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall #

September 9 – Flint, MI @ Machine Shop #

September 10 – Harrisburg, PA @ XL Live #

September 11 – Mansfield, OH @ Inkcarceration Fest

September 12 – Danville, VA @ Blue Ridge Rockfest

September 15 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live #

September 16 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom #

September 17 – Portland, ME @ Aura *

September 18 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Wally’s *

September 21 – Huntsville, Al @ Mars Music Hall – Von Braun Center*

September 22 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theater *

September 23 – Destin, FL @ Club LA *

September 24 – Orlando, FL @ Central FL Fairgrounds – Rebel Rock Fest

October 8 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival

# with ZERO 9:36 & BRKN LOVE

* with BRKN LOVE & LIKE MACHINES

More information on Pop Evil’s tour and album is available online along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.PopEvil.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/popevil

Armored Saint Announces Winter Dates With Black Label Society

Posted on July 24, 2021 by philspicks

Armored Saint is joining Black Label Society’s headlining tour.

The band made the announcement Tuesday through a news release distributed to the media. The band will join Prong as support for the newly announced dates, which are scheduled to run from Dec. 27 in Reno, NV to Dec. 31 Tempe, AZ.

Armored Saint’s upcoming live dates with Prong and Black Label Society are in support of the band’s latest album, Punching The Sky (2020).

Front man John Bush was upbeat as he talked about joining the tour.

“We’re super excited to finally be doing some dates in support of Punching the Sky!!,” he said. “Albeit a year and two months after it came out. What makes it even more exciting is to support Zakk Wylde and Black Label Society!! Let’s do it!!!!”

Armored Saint’s upcoming dates with Black Label Society and Prong are noted below.

“Doom Trooping over North America” tour dates
w/ Black Label Society, Armored Saint, Prong
Dec. 27, 2021 – Reno, NV – Virginia Street Brewhouse
Dec. 28, 2021 – San Francisco, CA – Regency Grand
Dec. 29, 2021 – Los Angeles, CA – Wiltern
Dec. 30, 2021 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
Dec. 31, 2021 – Tempe, AZ – The Marquee

Black Label Society announced the initial dates for its upcoming tour last month. The band’s tour is scheduled to launch Oct. 1 in Sacramento, CA and to run through Nov. 28 in Albuquerque, NM. The nearly two-month run features performances in cities, such as Asheville, NC; Dothan, AL and Houston, TX.

Prong and Obituary will share time as support for the tour, dubbed the “Doom Trooping Over North America Tour.” Tickets are available now. The tour’s schedule is noted below.

Oct. 01 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
Oct. 02 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Theater
Oct. 04 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory
Oct. 05 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
Oct. 07 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
Oct. 08 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
Oct. 12 – West Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom
Oct. 13 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre
Oct. 15 – Bowler, WI – Mohican North Star Gaming & Resort
Oct. 16 – Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Club Stage
Oct. 17 – Chicago, IL – House Of Blues
Oct. 18 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore
Oct. 19 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
Oct. 21 – Biloxi, MS – Hard Rock Live Hotel & Casino
Oct. 22 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theater
Oct. 23 – Dothan, AL – The Plant
Oct. 24 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House Of Blues
Oct. 26 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution Live
Oct. 28 – Huntsville, AL – Mars Music Hall
Oct. 29 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel
Oct. 30 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
Oct. 31 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
Nov. 02 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall
Nov. 04 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
Nov. 05 – Albany, NY – Empire Live
Nov. 06 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater
Nov. 07 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
Nov. 09 – Hartford, CT – Webster Theater
Nov. 10 – Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater
Nov. 11 – Rochester, NY – Main Street Armory
Nov. 13 – Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Kewadin Casino
Nov. 14 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
Nov. 15 – Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues
Nov. 16 – Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s Entertainment Center
Nov. 18 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
Nov. 19 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre
Nov. 20 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre
Nov. 21 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
Nov. 23 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theater
Nov. 24 – Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues
Nov. 26 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
Nov. 27 – Denver, CO – Summit Theater
Nov. 28 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater

More information on Punching The Sky is available online along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: https://www.armoredsaint.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thearmoredsaint

To keep up with 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.

Black Label Society Announces New Live Dates

Posted on June 11, 2021 by philspicks

Black Label Society is heading out on the road.

The band made the announcement in a news release distributed Friday. The band’s forthcoming tour is scheduled to launch Oct. 1 in Sacramento, CA and to run through Nov. 28 in Albuquerque, NM. The nearly two-month run features performances in cities, such as Asheville, NC; Dothan, AL and Houston, TX.

Prong and Obituary will share time as support for the tour, dubbed the “Doom Trooping Over North America Tour.” Tickets are available now. The tour’s schedule is noted below.

Black Label Society’s latest release, the None More Black vinyl box set April 21 through eOne. The collection boasts all 12 of BLS’ albums on vinyl along with a 32-page hardcover book, None More Black bottle opener and back patch.

The full album and track listing for Black Label Society’s new vinyl box set is noted below.

Vinyl Selections in Boxset:
Grimmest Hits 2LP
Stronger Than Death 2LP
1919 Eternal 2LP
The Blessed Hellride LP
Hangover Music Vol. VI 2LP
Mafia 2LP
Shot To Hell LP
Order Of The Black 2LP
Catacombs Of The Black Vatican 2LP
Nuns And Roaches LP
Sonic Brew 2LP
Song Remains Not The Same II 3LP

Bonus Tracks:
Song Remains Not The Same Vol. II
1. My Dying Time
2. Blind Man
3. Graveyard Disciples
4. The Nomad
5. Scars
6. House of Doom
7. A Love Unreal
8. We Live No More
9. Cry Me A River
10. The Chosen One
11. Empty Promises
12. Lead Me To Your Door

More information on Black Label Society’s new tour dates and box set is available along with all of the band’s latest news is available online now at:

Website: https://www.blacklabelsociety.com

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

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

Shout! Factory, eOne Partner For 35th Anniversary Re-Issue of ‘Transformers: The Movie’

Posted on May 24, 2021 by philspicks

Shout! Factory will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the original release of Transformers: The Movie this summer.

The home entertainment company, which last re-issued the movie on Blu-ray in 2016, is scheduled to re-issue it again Aug. 3 on a new 4K UHD/BD steelbook presentation. It marks the first time that the movie has seen release on that platform. Additionally, the movie will see release on a standard edition 4K UHD/BD package and separate 35th anniversary BD combo pack platform.

The BD and 4K UHD/BD combo packs will feature the movie in separate HD fullscreen and widescreen presentation. Additionally, the 4K UHD/BD combo pack will feature new bonus content that was not featured in the movie’s previous 2016 BD re-issue as well as the bonus content featured in that release.

The full list of the movie’s bonus content is noted below.

*New Feature-Length Storyboards, including deleted, alternate and extended sequences

· *New Fathom Events 30^th Anniversary Featurette, including Stan Bush’s acoustic performances of “The Touch” and “Dare”

· ‘Til All Are One – A comprehensive documentary looking back at THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE with members of the cast and crew, including story consultant Flint Dille, cast members Gregg Berger, Neil Ross, Dan Gilvezan, singer/songwriter Stan Bush, composer Vince Dicola and others!

· Audio Commentary with Director Nelson Shin, story consultant Flint Dille and star Susan Blu

· Featurettes

· Animated Storyboards

· Trailers and TV Spots

*exclusive to the Limited Edition SteelBook and 4K UHD releases

Audiences in theUK will see the movie’s re-issue come in September. An exact release date is under consideration. Viewers who pre-order the movie now will receive a bonus 18″X24″ lithograph with new art by Matt Ferguson while supplies last.

More information on this and other titles from Shout! Factory is available along with the company’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.shoutfactory.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShoutFactory

Pop Evil’s Latest LP Lives Up To Its Title Through Its Musical, Lyrical Content Together

Posted on May 20, 2021 by philspicks

When Pop Evil releases its new album, Versatile Friday, its release will end a wait of more than three years for the record. The wait was well worth it, as its already existing singles – ‘Let The Chaos Reign,’ ‘Set Me Free,’ ‘Work,’ and ‘Breathe Again’ – show. The singles paint a rich, melodic hard rock picture of the album that also boasts some engaging and accessible lyrical content. They are just a portion of that overall picture, as they make up the first quarter of its 12-song body. ‘Same Blood,’ the album’s penultimate entry, is another example of what makes Versatile successful. It will be discussed shortly. The infectious song of determination and self-confidence that is ‘Raise Your Flag’ is another example of what makes Versatile stand out among this year’s field of new hard rock and metal albums. It will be discussed a little later. Much the same can be said of ‘Survivor,’ another of the album’s late entries. All three songs do their own, clear part to make Versatile successful. When they are considered along with the album’s existing singles and the rest of its songs, the whole becomes one more of this year’s best new hard rock and metal offerings.

Pop Evil’s forthcoming album Versatile is a strong return for the established hard rock band. It is a record that was worth the wait of more than three years. All four of the singles that the album has already produced do their own part to support the noted statement. They are only a portion of what makes the album stand out. The whole album offers something for audiences to appreciate, including its penultimate offering, ‘Same Blood.’ The musical arrangement featured in ‘Same Blood’ is part of what makes this song stand out. It is a very Sevendust-type composition. That is evidenced in the juxtaposition of the heavy choruses and the softer, more contemplative verses. That sort of point/counterpoint of the two approaches makes this arrangement just as much of a hit as the noted singles. What’s more, it is just as viable of an option for the band in a live setting, as the choruses are sure to have audiences pumping their fists in the air as they sing along. The power exuded by the arrangement (on both sides) works well with the song’s message of unity in its lyrical content to make the song even more memorable.

The noted theme of unity is presented relatively clearly throughout the song. It is clear right from the song’s outset as front man Leigh Kakaty sings, “We’re all the same blood” before adding, “Some people grow up/Too afraid to change/Some people wake up/In a place they hate/Some people give up/When it’s hard to stay/Some people press on.When the world begins to shake/I’ve seen a million different faces/Now I’m starting to see/We’re all the same blood/Every child, every race/Every life, we can’t replace.” That clear message is presented just as clearly in the song’s second verse, in which Kakaty asks, “Who are we/To judge and pray/Dividing lines/Machines of fate/Finding my footsteps/I’m breathing again/Out of the trenches/We get the lions again.” These are some straight forward comments that are full of so much emotion. That emotion is translated just as well through the song’s musical arrangement, again. Considering the impact of that musical and lyrical content together, there is no doubt as to the power of ‘Same Blood’ to Versatile’s overall presentation. The heavy, melodic musical arrangement and call for unity together makes this song just as viable a single as the album’s existing singles and the album’s other works.

‘Same Blood’ is just one more of the songs featured in this record that makes it successful. ‘Raise Your Flag’ also serves to exhibit the album’s strength.

‘Raise Your Flag’ is important because it is so different from ‘Same Blood’ and much of the rest of the album in terms of its musical arrangement. This song is one of those works whose musical arrangement makes it heavy without being heavy. The arrangement is more of a mainstream pop rock type composition a la Imagine Dragons. This is a sign of evolution from Pop Evil because it has never really been known for going lighter and more poppy. Where it is similar to the rest of the album’s musical content is that it is just as sure to be a hit on record and in live situations as the rest of the album’s works.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Raise Your Flag’ is just part of what makes it such a certain hit in its own right. Its lyrical content, which delivers a message of self-confidence and determination, adds to its impact. That message is delivered clearly in the song’s lead verse as Kakaty sings, “Nothing ever feels like it used to/No common ground we can break through/Time to change our ways/Or close the door/Same place/Same temptation/Life full of limitations/My pride/No more patience/Wave your flag/Stop running away/Face everything/Raise your flag/Don’t need to complain…Raise your flag/Stop running away/Lets raise our flag.” The message is delivered just as clearly in the song’s second verse, which finds Kakty singing, “Howl at the moon/Go up in smoke/Just live your life/Some things to choke/This time/Turn around and close the door/Inside, the same frustration/Each day more motivation/My pride/No more patience/Raise your flag/Stop running away/Face everything.” Again, here is a song that reminds listeners not to give up even in difficult times. It is a familiar, message that is just as welcome here as is from any other act across the musical universe. The addition of the song’s moving, infectious musical arrangement to the mix makes the song even more memorable. Together with ‘Same Blood’ the songs show even more what makes Versatile such a strong new offering from Pop Evil. It is hardly the last of the album’s most notable works, too. ‘Survivor’ is one more example of what makes this record successful.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Survivor’ is the first thing that listeners will notice from the song. The 90s rock type approach and sound immediately lends itself to comparison to works from Saliva and so many other bands. Once again, this is a distinct change of pace and style from Pop Evil. It is a change that many (if not most) audiences will welcome from the band, too. That is because it shows the band is not afraid to take a chance. What’s more the chance that the band took here paid off just as much as those taken with much of the rest of the album’s musical arrangements. It is just one part of what makes the song stand out. Its lyrical counterpart adds even more to its impact.

The song’s lead verse is difficult to decipher sans lyrics to reference, but the song’s lead chorus is clear enough that the message becomes obvious. The message in question is that of learning from one’s life experiences and continuing on. That is made clear as Kakty sings, “I’m a survivor/Come ride with me/Through hell and back/Don’t need your sympathy/Everything I want is right in front of me/I’m a survivor/Come ride with me.” The message is made even clearer in the song’s second verse, which starts off just as difficult to decipher. However, as the song continues, the message is easier to understand as Kakaty sings about the tide changing and getting those negative emotions, wanting the world to see. The short and simple here is, again, that message of pushing on through life’s difficult times, having no remorse about it, moving on past those experiences. It is, overall, a message that will resonate just as much with listeners as the messages in the album’s other songs. To that end, it and its musical counterpart make it one more obvious example of how much Versatile has to offer audiences. Between this message, the familiar theme of a broken relationship in ‘Worst of Me,’ the message of personal strength and determination in ‘Stronger (The Time is Now),’ and that of the same in ‘Fire Inside,’ the album’s lyrical content offers audiences plenty of motivation, engagement, and entertainment. The addition of those songs’ musical arrangements to those noted here and those of the album’s existing singles makes for even more appeal. All things considered, this record shows that it more than deserves a spot on any critic’s list of the year’s top new hard rock and metal albums.

Pop Evil’s forthcoming album Versatile is a strong new offering from the veteran hard rock outfit. That is proven through its musical and lyrical content alike. The songs’ musical arrangements show some familiarity to listeners as well as some growth and change from the band. That aside, it all comes together to make this part of the album enjoyable from start to end. The album’s lyrical content adds its own share of appeal to the whole because of its overall accessibility. From themes of determination and drive, to the equally familiar matter of a broken relationship, to that of dealing with the stresses of work, and even things going on in the world, the themes add their own touch to the album’s presentation. The album’s singles and songs examined here all serve to support the noted statements about the album’s appeal. When they are considered along with the rest of the record’s songs, the whole makes Versatile an easy candidate for a spot on any critic’s list of the year’s best new hard rock and metal albums. Versatile is scheduled for release Friday through eOne.

In other news, Pop Evil has scheduled a series of tentative live dates in support of Versatile. The dates are noted below.

POP EVIL will perform live at the following shows:

Fri. 8/6 – Mt. Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort & **SOLD OUT**

Wed. 8/11 – Camdenton, MO @ Ozarks Amphitheater

Fri. 9/24 – Orlando, FL @ Monster Energy Rebel Rock at Central Florida Fairgrounds

Thu. 10/7 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock at Discovery Park & w/Shinedown

More information on Pop Evil’s new music is available online along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.PopEvil.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/popevil

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Tag Archives: EOne

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Pop Evil’s Latest LP Lives Up To Its Title Through Its Musical, Lyrical Content Together