Independent hard rock band Lockjaw debuted the video for its latest single this month.
The band premiered the video for its new single, ‘Breaking Point‘ June 3. The song’s premiere follows that of the band’s then latest single, ‘Living In My Head‘ and is distinct in its sound and style from that song.
Where ‘Living In My Head’ presents a clear metalcore sound and style in the vein of Killswitch Engage, ‘Breaking Point’ is more of a melodic hard rock style song a la Stone Sour. Interestingly enough, front man Joe Ortiz’ vocals are close in sound and style to those of Stone Sour/Slipknot front man Corey Taylor at some points in the song. At others still, one cannot ignore just as much of a similarity to the vocal sound and style of Chad Gray (Hellyeah, Mudvayne). That is just this critic’s interpretation.
The video for ‘Breaking Point’ features the band in what is meant to reflect a live setting, complete with fans surrounding the band as it performs its new single.
No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme in the press release announcing the video’s premiere. The lyrics provided with the video make for an inference about someone who simply has had enough of someone else’s verbal, emotional and psychological abuse. Again, this is just this critic’s interpretation.
More information on Lockjaw’s new single and video is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
A little more than a year ago, Hyro The Hero announced to the world that he was working on a new project dubbed Kids Against The Monsters. The record was originally scheduled for release last year, but that obviously did not happen. Why that is the case is anyone’s guess. That is beside the point. The announcement came as part of a bigger announcement that he had released a new single titled ‘Legendary.’ Fast forward to this weekend. The long-awaited project (originally called a “mixtape,” now being marketed as an EP) was finally released Friday. The four-song record is an enjoyable albeit imperfect presentation from the up-and-coming rap-rock star. To its positive, it features three songs that the rap-rock star (a.k.a. Hyron Louis Fenton, Jr.) crafted in 2021. On the opposite side, it is lacking other songs that he crafted last year. This will be examined a little later. One last item to note is the record’s sequencing, which will also be examined later. Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of Kids Against The Monsters. All things considered, they make a record that although imperfect, gives hope for Hyro The Hero’s next record.
Kids Against The Monsters, the long-awaited “mixtape” project from Hyro The Hero, is a mostly welcome filler between his then latest album, 2019’s Flagged Channel, and his next studio recording. Hopefully that new record will come sooner rather than later, but that is entirely up to him. The record works in part because of the songs that it features. Four songs make up the EP’s body. They include the EP’s title song, which features a guest appearance by Slipknot/Stone Sour front man Corey Taylor, and three singles that he released last year, ‘FU2 (ft. AJ Channer),’ ‘We Believe (ft. David Draiman)’ and ‘Fight (ft. Chad Grey).’ All four songs are impressive in their own right, because each offers audiences something different from its counterparts. The EP’s opener, for example, is a heavily blues-tinged rocker that conjures thoughts of songs from Imagine Dragons and others of that ilk. Taylor’s vocals are almost indiscernible to be honest. The subtle use of the turntables and the beats makes for such a great hip-hop vibe. The whole here makes the song so enjoyable in its own right.
‘FU2 (ft. AJ Channer)’ takes audiences in a completely different direction with its high energy approach and its socially conscious lyrical theme. Fenton points the finger at what the world has become in the song’s lyrical theme. That and the energy in the intense nu-metal approach is certain to keep audiences engaged and entertained. Again, it is the polar opposite of the EP’s opener, and that is a very good thing.
‘We Believe (ft. David Draiman)’ takes Fenton’s modern rap leanings and pairs it with a melodic hard rock approach to make the song enjoyable right from the get go. The heavy bass used in the verses clearly exhibit those hip-hop leanings. Draiman’s vocals make for a positive counterpoint to those of Fenton here, making for even more engagement and entertainment. The whole becomes a song that holds its own identity separate from the record’s first two songs, again showing the importance of the record’s featured songs.
‘Fight (ft. Chad Gray)’ is yet another change of pace sure to keep audiences engaged and entertained. That is because it takes audiences back to the sounds and stylistic approaches that made Flagged Channel so enjoyable. The addition of Gray’s vocals to the song makes for another welcome contrast to those of Fenton, in turn adding even more to the song’s appeal. The song’s lyrical theme, which is yet another socially conscious message, adds even more to the song’s appeal.
For all of the enjoyment that the songs featured in this record guarantees, there could have been more music included in the EP. That is because it does not feature all of the songs that Fenton crafted last year. He also released another single, titled ‘Retaliation Generation’ alongside Ice Nine Kills front man Spencer Charnas. That song and ‘Legendary’ are each enjoyable in their own right because of their own musical and lyrical content. Why Fenton decided not to included the songs in this record is also anyone’s guess. It would have brought the record’s total song count to six, and in turn made the record even more enjoyable. That is because they are just as unlike one another as they are from the songs featured in the EP and as they are from one another. So to that end, not including these two songs in the EP is obviously not enough to make the EP a failure, but it certainly would have made the EP’s presentation so much more positive.
Keeping this in mind, there is still one more item to examine. That item is the record’s sequencing. There are, again, only four songs featured in the EP, but their sequencing ensures listeners’ engagement and entertainment just as much as the songs themselves. That is because from beginning to end, it ensures the record’s energy remains stable even as the song styles and sounds change. The whole thing opens with the noted bluesy hip-hop opus before really picking things up in ‘FU2’. The energy keeps flowing in ‘We Believe’ and continues in ‘Fight’. In other words, from start to end, the EP’s sequencing sees the record interesting because of its role in the general effect, doing even more to keep things interesting for listeners. When this is considered along with the songs themselves, the record proves even more worth hearing.
Kids Against The Monsters, the newly released EP from Hyro The Hero, is a welcome addition to this year’s field of new EPs. That is due in part to its featured songs. The songs featured in the record are singles that he released last year. Each is different from one another in its sound and style while their lyrical themes will resonate easily with any listener in their own way. From the socially conscious to the more personal, each theme has something worthwhile to offer. While the songs featured in the record do plenty to make the EP appealing, the lack of two other songs that he released last year detracts from the record’s presentation. It is not enough to make the EP a failure, but the record would certainly have benefited from their inclusion. That aside, the EP is still mostly successful. Its sequencing ensures that in its own right. That is because it makes sure the record’s energy stays stable even as the sounds, styles and themes change from one song to the next. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the EP one more of the best of its field so far this year.
Kids Against The Monsters is available now. More information on Hyro The Hero’s new EP is available online now along with all of Hyro The Hero’s latest news and more at:
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A wait of more than two years for A Killer’s Confession’s new album finally ended Friday when the band released its new record, Remember. The record’s release came after almost a year of buildup that started in January with the release of the album’s title track/opener. It is one of a number of singles that the record produced, too. In all, the record produced no fewer than six singles, which is more than half the record’s 11 total songs. It is just one of the most notable of the record’s songs, too. The band’s latest song, ‘Tell Your Soul,’ which features a guest appearance from Chad Gray (Hellyeah/Mudvayne), is another example of how much the band’s new album has to offer audiences. It will be discussed a little later. ‘Trapped Inside,’ which comes early in the record’s run, is yet another example of the record’s strength. It will also be discussed later. When all three of these songs are considered along with the rest of the album’s singles and the rest of the record’s songs, the whole makes Remember a presentation that AKC’s fans and that hard rock/metal fans alike are sure to remember.
A Killer’s Confession’s latest album, Remember, is a strong new offering from the band. The band’s third album, it has proven so positive over the course of this year through all six singles that it has produced, not the least of which is its title track/opener. The band debuted the single and its companion video in January. The song stands out in part through its musical arrangement, which boasts a sort of blues based hard rock sound and stylistic approach. That sound and approach pairs with what also sounds like a bit of an aggro-rock syle approach and sound for a whole that is immediately infectious. The appeal ensures from the song’s musical arrangement is just part of what makes the song stand out. Its lyrical counterpart makes for its own appeal.
According to statements made by front man Waylon Reavis at the time of the song’s premiere, its lyrical theme delivers a message of taking life into full account. He said of the theme, “Sometimes in life, people are quick to forget the good and the bad. We all need to be reminded from time to time where the line in the sand is truly drawn.” It comes across as a sort of statement about deciding where we stand in life by seeing both sides of things. This is inferred right from the song’s outset as Reavis sings, “They say that blood is thicker than water/Seems yours is running a little thin/Or did you forget/I’m calling out from my soul/Waiting for a sign to show me/That you’re now alone/Do you feel nothing is owed/Now that you have played me/Empty/Draning me low/Won’t turn my blind side to your knife any longer/But every scar carved on my back/makes me stronger/’Cause I will bow to you for never/And you know my name/I hope that you remember/I’ll bow to you for never/I hope that you remember.” The message continues in the song’s second verse as Reavis sings, “Brace for the truth to be told/Trapped in your own web/That you have spun/I watch the venom take hold/And once the poison spreads/The damage can’t be undone.” This statement of confidence and defiance translates well, Reavis’ statement about the song’s lyrical message. This is someone who has seen his/her own good while seeing the bad in another instead of just being blind. Once we see the good and bad in life, we can differentiate and see that proverbial line in the sand and know where we stand. That fully accessible statement, together with the energy in the song’s infectious musical arrangement, makes the song in whole that much more powerful in its presentation. It leaves no doubt as to the importance of the song to the record’s overall body, and is just one of the most notable of the record’s songs. ‘Tell Your Soul,’ the album’s latest single, is another way in which the album exhibits its strength.
‘Tell Your Soul’ features a guest vocal appearance by Chad Gray (Hellyeah/Mudvayne) and is arguably the strongest of the album’s entries both musically and lyrically. The contemplative, melodic hard rock sound and approach taken to this song’s arrangement is so rich and so deep. Any active/modern rock station that is not currently running this song is missing and out and doing a disservice to its audiences. It is a perfect fit to those stations’ play lists. That is especially evidenced through the contrast of the song’s deeply contemplative mood in its verses and more fiery approach in its choruses. That contrast becomes even more impacting when it is considered along with the song’s lyrical theme.
According to comments made by Reavis, the song’s lyrical theme centers on “forgiveness and acceptance of one’s own shortcomings.” That in itself is so powerful. We all need to remember that no one is perfect, even as much as some would try to have others believe. We need to accept our imperfections and live with them, and become better through them. The way in which Reavis delivers that message in the song’s lyrics is unique in itself. If not for that explanation, one would have thought the theme would have been more about a relationship or simply about finding confidence in one’s own self following a bad relationship. This as he sings in the song’s lead verse and chorus, “I feel like we really don’t know/Wasting away till it’s gone/The moments in time always fuel the fire/Watching the embers alone/And I won’t belong to you now/I feel like it’s over/So take this down/Why am I afraid when I’m gone/I don’t know/I won’t relive our mistakes/I will be what you’ve needed/To face the day/Now I understand/It’s not your pain/Don’t you think/I’m far from wherever you are/You can’t be what you wanted without the scars/It’s not your fault/Don’t you know/Tell your soul.” That questioning of “Why am I afraid when I’m wrong” plays into Reavis’ statement. This is someone asking himself/herself whey he/she feels so bad about getting things wrong. This, before he/she goes on to admit to himself/herself, “I won’t relive our mistakes.” This is that moment of realization that being wrong and making mistakes is normal and part of being human. It is that acceptance of this realization. Once people realize that mistakes happen and that no one is perfect, as this person did, they will hopefully accept it and simply live life. When this is considered along with the mood that the song’s arrangement sets, the whole makes the song overall that much more accessible and appealing. It is just one more of the album’s most notable works. ‘Trapped Inside’ is just as much of note as ‘Tell Your Soul’ and ‘Remember.’
‘Trapped Inside’ stands out among Remember’s songs in part through its musical arrangement. The arrangement is unique from its counterparts in this record what with its melodic hard rock approach. Yes, ‘Tell Yourself’ is a melodic hard rock style composition, but it is quite unlike this song. In this case, the song maintains its heaviness and sets a completely different mood. The mood in question is brooding for the most part, until the song reaches its powerful bridge, which features such a heavy breakdown. The use of the keyboards in the introduction to the verses helps set the mood as the song’s subject contemplates his/her inner demons in the song’s lyrical content. The heavy guitars that are used throughout do just as much to help illustrate the battles that the song’s subject faces with those demons. Looking at all of this, the contemplative, brooding mood established in this song matches well with the song’s lyrical theme.
That lyrical theme is made clear as Reavis sings in the song’s lead verse and chorus, “I don’t want anyone to know this/But I don’t think anyone will notice/Even in a room full of people/Somewhere in the hay/I’m the needle/Feeling so small and helpless/Running down halls that are endless/Listen for a voice in the echo/Trying to find a sound that I might know/I know there’s no way out/I’m tapped inside/Time is f****** with my mind/Truth hides within the lies/And it will decide when its over/Fate tears down what I create/While laughing in my face/And it will decide when it’s over/I’m trapped inside.” The brooding continues in the song’s second verse as Reavis sings, “I used to be alive and connected/Now I’m just a pit of rejection/Always had a rhyme or a reason/Now I’m just cold/Yeah, I’m freezing/It’s hard to keep warm when you’re empty/I’m waiting for the world to forget me/Tired of the self-isolation/Trying but there’s no motivation/I know there’s no way out/I’m trapped inside.” This is some heavy content, but the thing is that being so heavy and clear in that heaviness, it will connect to plenty of audiences. It will help others who are fighting those personal emotional battles have a connection and in turn, the strength to push on and persevere, knowing they are not alone in those battles. That, together with the emotional heaviness in the song’s arrangement, makes clearer why this song is so important to the album’s presentation. When it is considered along with the other songs examined here and with the rest of the album’s entries, the whole of that content makes Remember another strong new offering from A Killer’s Confession.
A Killer’s Confession’s brand new album, Remember, is a positive new offering from the band. The band’s third album, it is a mostly impressive follow-up to the band’s sophomore record, The Indifference of Good Men (2019). The record’s strength comes through its musical and lyrical content alike. That is evidenced through all of the songs examined here, as well as the rest of the album’s songs. When all of that content is considered together, the whole makes the album overall a record that audiences are certain to remember. Yes, that awful pun was intended.
Remember is available now through Wake Up! Music Rocks/Wake Up! Music. More information on the album is available along with all of A Killer’s Confession’s latest news at:
Hellyeah guitarist Tom Maxwell is diversifying his portfolio, so to speak.
Maxwell, also known for his time with Nothingface, has launched a new lifestyle line dubbed Black Goat Wear. The new line will feature items, such as soaps, shadow boxes, and gourmet sauces. Maxwell founded the company with his friends, Tim Buchenroth and Luke Fletcher.
In celebration of the brand’s official launch, Maxwell and company are offering fans the chance to win a Dean guitar signed by Maxwell, along with a bottle of custom Forbidden Fruit Spicy Gourmet Sauce and t-shirt. Fans can enter the contest by entering their emails here.
More information on Black Goat Wear is available along with all of the company’s latest news at:
A Killer’s Confession released its latest single, ‘Tell Your Soul’ recently. The single features the band working with Chad Gray (Hellyeah, Mudvayne) and Sahaj Ticotin (RA). Its release came amid AKC’s tour with Gemini Syndrome. Front man Waylon Reavis took some time out of his busy schedule recently to talk with Phil’s Picks about the band’s forthcoming album, life on the road in more. The whole interview is available to read below.
PP: The past year or so has been really eventful for you and your band. Between all of the new singles that you all have released – the latest scheduled for release this week – a new album on the way, and all of the touring, you’ve clearly had plenty on your plate so to speak. So how have you balanced it all? On the surface, it sure seems like so much to handle. So talk to me about how you’ve handled it all.
WR: Honestly my wife Julie runs everything and my manager Jerome. Julie and I plan everything out for tours and we balance each other. With my team around me from FMM, OneRPM and Wake up! music Rocks record label I am blessed.
PP: Speaking of your latest single, I got the press release for your next single, ‘Tell Your Soul,’ along with plenty of other writers. I’m sure you’ve answered this question plenty of times and then some, but for my readers, talk to me if you will about how the partnership with Chad Gray and Sahaj Ticotin about. I know Sahaj’s band, Ra, is label mate to A Killer’s Confession, so I’d assume that that played into bringing him on board. So, what about Chad’s inclusion in the song?
WR: I have been working with Sahaj for five years now. He has become a brother to me. He has wrote with me over 9 songs now. He truly has been a blessing in my life and career. I actually am the Head A&R along side my wife Julie and CEO Pepper Gomez of Wake Up! music Rocks. I brought RA to the table over a year and a half ago knowing I wanted to sign his amazing new album Intercorrupted. My best friend Aimee is very close to Chad. That is how we started talking about creating ‘Tell Your Soul.’ We actually wrote a heavier song at first but it just didn’t make the cut. I called Sahaj and asked if he could help us on this one. Man did he write and produce an amazing song. I remember when I first heard it it made my hair stand up. My lyrics just flowed so fast I wrote them in 15 minutes. Sahaj flew out to Vegas to record Chad and it all fell into place. Chad and I flew to Texas to record the video with the very talented Wombat Fire. We had a great time putting all this together.
PP: I’m going to digress a little here, but knowing Chad and Sahaj are probably good friends of yours, the announcement of Mudvayne reuniting this year was a big deal. What are your favorite songs/albums from Mudvayne and Ra? What about Hellyeah? Do you have any favorites there? From your time working with Chad on your new single, was there any discussion on whether Hellyeah will make another album?
WR: I would like to pass..
PP: Changing gears and moving to the topic of all of your live shows, you guys are busy on the road with Gemini Syndrome. How has it been for you and your band mates being back on the road after live music was shut down for such a long time last year? Was it second nature for you all or did you feel more like you had to readjust to it?
WR: It just comes natural. We love being on the road playing shows every night. The crowds and fans have been amazing. it’s like riding a bicycle you just have to get back on
PP: On a related topic, a lot of acts ended up resorting to using livestream shows behind pay walls during the live music shutdown. Is that something that A Killer’s Confession ever considered? What is your thought on livestreaming versus actually being on stage? It seems like it would be a completely different world. So talk to me about that.
WR: I refused to do it. It’s just not the same in anyway. I waited out the storm….
PP: Staying on the band’s live schedule, A Killer’s Confession is also scheduled to perform at Metal in the Mountains this year. It was canceled last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact. There is a wide array of bands on this year’s bill. They range from the up-and-coming to more well-known acts, such as yourselves. Which band(s) are you looking forward to seeing at the festival while you’re not performing?
WR: We are headlining Central Florida Metal Fest, playing Metal in the Mountains and Inkcarceration this year. I’m stoked to see Mudvayne of course! Slipknot. RA, Rob Zombie. Motionless in white. Butcher babies. Attila. Man I’m just excited to see them ALL! Live music hits the soul
PP: Getting back on a lighter note and bringing things full circle here, I’ve got one last question for you. Thank you, by the way, for taking the time to respond to my questions. It really is appreciated. With all of the new music that A Killer’s Confession has released since January of this year, what is the status of the band’s new album? Word is that the singles that you’ve released are expected for inclusion in the band’s latest album. So what is the status on the album’s progress? When can fans expect its release?
WR: Thank you for having me! I will be dropping another single at the end of October and then the full album will release with 13 songs. I will then print limited CD and Vinyl to sell at my shows and start releasing my fourth album!
Thank you again so much for your time, Waylon. Good luck with all of the upcoming live dates, and I like the rest of your fans, am anxiously awaiting the release of that new album.
More information on A Killer’s Confession’s new tour dates, single, and video is available along with all of the band ‘s latest news at:
The band made the announcement through a press release distributed Monday. The document states the new dates are scheduled to run from Nov. 4 in Akron, OH to Nov. 18 in Iowa City, IA. The new schedule also features performances in cities, such as Clifton, NJ; Hampton Beach, NH and Flint, MI.
Along with the new dates, the band also has a series of dates to finish this month between Aug. 20 and 29. That run includes a performance at this year’s Metal in the Mountains festival on Aug. 28.
Front man Sahaj Ticotin said in a prepared statement, he and his band mates are looking forward to the band’s new and current dates.
“We are super excited to have all these dates lined up!,” said Ticotin. “It’s been 7 years and we have 5 records to pick songs from. Gonna be a great time with great bands and we can’t wait to see all the beautiful faces both past and new! Lets’ Goooo!!”
Ra’s latest tour dates are in support of its latest album, Intercorrupted, which was released March 19 through Wake Up! Music. The album features guest appearances from Sevendust front man Lajon Witherspoon, and Starset’s Dustin Bates. It produced the single, ‘Armageddon‘ and its lyric video.
The band’s current live schedule is noted below. Any Given Sin and Killakoi will serve as support for Ra’s upcoming November shows.
Leg I:
Fri, Aug 20 – Madison, WI – The Annex
Sat, Aug 21 – Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s
Sun, Aug 22 – Joliet, IL – The Forge
Tue, Aug 24 – Des Moines, IA – Lefty’s
Wed, Aug 25 – Racine, WI – Rt 20
Thu, Aug 26 – Columbus, OH – King Of Clubs
Fri, Aug 27 – Marietta, OH – The Adelphia
Sat, Aug 28 – Pipestem, WV – Metal In The Mountains
Sun, Aug 29 – Louisville, KY – Diamond Pub
Leg 2:
Thu, Nov 4 – Akron Ohio – Empire Concert Club
Fri, Nov 5 – Rochester, NY – Montage Music Hall
Sat, Nov 6 – Hampton Beach, NH – Wally’s
Sun, Nov 7 – Providence, RI – Fete Music Hall
Mon, Nov 8 – Albany, NY – Empire Underground
Tue, Nov 9 – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz
Wed, Nov 10 – Pittsburgh, PA – Crafthouse
Fri, Nov 12 – Battle Creek, MI – The Music Factory
Sat, Nov 13 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop
Tue, Nov 16 – Sioux City, IA – The Marquee
Wed, Nov 17 – Lincoln, NE – The Royal Grove
Thu, Nov 18 – Iowa City, IA – Wildwood
In other news, Ticotin recently worked with A Killer’s Confession and Mudvayne/Hellyeah front man Chad Gray on A Killer’s Confession’s new single, ‘Tell Your Soul,’ producing the single. The single was accompanied by a companion video, which debuted Thursday alongside the single.
More information on Ra’s new tour dates is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
The wait for the new single and video from A Killer’s Confession is over.
The band premiered its new song, ‘Tell Your Soul‘ and its video late Thursday night, more than a week after the announcement was made that the two were coming. The single features guest vocals from Chad Gray (Hellyeah, Mudvayne) alongside front man Waylon Reavis.
The musical arrangement featured in ‘Tell Your Soul’ is a melodic hard rock composition. The juxtaposition of the deeply contemplative mood in the song’s verses and more fiery approach to its chorus creates plenty of appeal.
Reavis spoke positively of the new single and collaboration during a recent interview.
“This song was an amazing collaboration between Sahaj Ticotin (Ra), Chad Gray, and myself,” said Reavis. “It was an honor to work with such true professional artists on such a powerful song. I hope everyone can feel the raw emotion and are moved just like I am when they listen.”
Gray shared Reavis’ appreciation for the song and its video.
“Waylon has wanted to do a song with me for a very long time, and earlier this year, we tried, but the song just didn’t fit either one of us,” he said. “So we went back to the drawing board with Sahaj Ticotin. The song really spoke to me, so we went for it. Everything just seems to fall into place. I’m really excited about this release.”
Added Gray, “My boy Wombat absolutely killed the video. I’m stoked for this song to drop. It’s a nice prelude to some more solo stuff I have on the way. I can’t wait for you all to hear this. Enjoy.”
Gray’s collaboration with AKC is just his latest. He worked with fellow rocker Hyro The Hero last year on his song, ‘Fight.’
The lyrical theme featured in the song matches that contemplative nature. Reavis talked about the song’s lyrical theme during the noted interview.
“This song is about forgiveness and acceptance of one’s own shortcomings,” he said. “I want to thank Chad and Sahaj for being such great friends and recording this song with me. Wombat absolutely crushed this video. Amazing talent all the way around!”
The video for ‘Tell Your Soul’ presents Reavis and Gray in dimly lit home settings as they perform their respective parts to the song. Meanwhile, the song plays over while footage of an unidentified figure in a sheet is occasionally shown dancing as if it was a spirit.
‘Tell Your Soul’ and its video, are just the latest from the band’s forthcoming album, Remember. The album’s release date is under consideration. The album produced the single, ‘Trapped Inside‘ and its companion video April 29. The premiere of the song and its video came less than a month after the premiere of AKC’s then latest single, ‘Light to Darkness‘ and itsvideo.
Additionally, the album has produced the singles, ‘Knife From Behind’ and its video, and Between Your Eyes’ and its video.
In other news, A Killer’s Confession is on tour with Gemini Syndrome for that band’s headlining tour. AKC’s run with Gemini Syndrome is scheduled to run through Aug. 15 in Albuquerque, NM. Following that run, AKC will head out on its own headlining tour, which is scheduled to launch Aug. 18 in Houston, TX and to run through Sept. 10 in Mansfield, OH.
The band’s current tour schedule is noted below.
AKC Tour Dates:
With Gemini Syndrome
Aug. 6 – Akron, OH – Empire Concert Club SOLD OUT
Aug. 7 – Louisville, KY – Diamond Ballroom
Aug. 8 – Nashville, TN – Basement East
Aug. 10 – Tulsa, OK – The Shrine
Aug. 11 – OKC, OK – 89th St Collective
Aug. 12 – Lawrence, KS – Bottleneck
Aug. 14 – Denver, CO – Oriental Theater
Aug. 15 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
Headline shows / Festivals:
Aug. 18 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar
Aug. 20 – Jacksonville, FL – Acchetype
Aug. 21 – Orlando, FL – Central Florida Metal Fest V
Aug. 24 – Memphis, TN – Growlers
Aug. 25 – Huntsville, AL – Sidetracks
Aug. 26 – Pipestem, WV – Metal In The Mountains
Sep. 10 – Mansfield, OH – Inkcarceration
A Killer’s Confession with Gemini Syndrome and its upcoming headlining shows are just its latest. The band most recently ran a headline tour from May 7-24 with support from Heartsick and The Failsafe.
More information on A Killer’s Confession’s new tour dates, single, and video is available along with all of the band ‘s latest news at:
Chad Gray (l) and Waylon Reavis (r) have partnered for A Killer’s Confession’s new single. Photo credit: Wake Up! Music Rocks
Chad Gray is lending his talents to a new single from A Killer’s Confession.
Gray (Mudvayne, Hellyeah) has partnered with the band for its new single, ‘Tell Your Soul.’ The single is scheduled for release Aug. 6 through Wake Up! Music Rocks. It will feature in the band’s as yet untitled forthcoming third album, which is scheduled for release later this year.
Front man Waylon Reavis (ex-Mushroomhead) spoke positively of the new single and collaboration during a recent interview.
“This song was an amazing collaboration between Sahaj Ticotin (Ra), Chad Gray, and myself,” said Reavis. “It was an honor to work with such true professional artists on such a powerful song. I hope everyone can feel the raw emotion and are moved just like I am when they listen.”
Added Reavis, “This song is about forgiveness and acceptance of one’s own shortcomings. I want to thank Chad and Sahaj for being such great friends and recording this song with me. Wombat absolutely crushed this video. Amazing talent all the way around!”
Gray shared Reavis’ anticipation for the song and its video.
“Waylon has wanted to do a song with me for a very long time, and earlier this year, we tried, but the song just didn’t fit either one of us,” he said. “So we went back to the drawing board with Sahaj Ticotin. The song really spoke to me, so we went for it. Everything just seems to fall into place. I’m really excited about this release.”
Added Gray, “My boy Wombat absolutely killed the video. I’m stoked for this song to drop. It’s a nice prelude to some more solo stuff I have on the way. I can’t wait for you all to hear this. Enjoy.”
Gray’s collaboration with AKC is just his latest. He worked with fellow rocker Hyro The Hero last year on his song, ‘Fight.’
In other news, A Killer’s Confession is on tour with Gemini Syndrome for that band’s headlining tour. AKC’s run with Gemini Syndrome is scheduled to run through Aug. 15 in Albuquerque, NM. Following that run, AKC will head out on its own headlining tour, which is scheduled to launch Aug. 18 in Houston, TX and to run through Sept. 10 in Mansfield, OH.
The band’s current tour schedule is noted below.
AKC Tour Dates:
With Gemini Syndrome
Jul. 27 – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz
Jul. 28 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Crafthouse Stage & Grill
Jul. 30 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater
Jul. 31 – Harrisburg, PA – HMAC
Aug. 1 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
Aug. 3 – Fort Wayne, IN – Ft. Wayne Entertainment Center
Aug. 5 – Columbus, OH – The King Of Clubs
Aug. 6 – Akron, OH – Empire Concert Club SOLD OUT
Aug. 7 – Louisville, KY – Diamond Ballroom
Aug. 8 – Nashville, TN – Basement East
Aug. 10 – Tulsa, OK – The Shrine
Aug. 11 – OKC, OK – 89th St Collective
Aug. 12 – Lawrence, KS – Bottleneck
Aug. 14 – Denver, CO – Oriental Theater
Aug. 15 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
Headline shows / Festivals:
Aug. 18 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar
Aug. 20 – Jacksonville, FL – Acchetype
Aug. 21 – Orlando, FL – Central Florida Metal Fest V
Aug. 24 – Memphis, TN – Growlers
Aug. 25 – Huntsville, AL – Sidetracks
Aug. 26 – Pipestem, WV – Metal In The Mountains
Sep. 10 – Mansfield, OH – Inkcarceration
A Killer’s Confession with Gemini Syndrome and its upcoming headlining shows are just its latest. The band most recently ran a headline tour from May 7-24 with support from Heartsick and The Failsafe.
A Killer’s Confession premiered its latest single, ‘Trapped Inside‘ and its companion video April 29. The premiere of the song and its video came less than a month after the premiere of AKC’s then latest single, ‘Light to Darkness‘ and itsvideo.
A Killer’s Confession debuted another single, ‘Remember‘ and itsvideo in January.
More information on A Killer’s Confession’s new tour dates, single, and video is available along with all of the band ‘s latest news at:
Independent rapper Hyro The Hero debuted his latest single this week.
The rapper (a.k.a. Hyron Louis Fenton, Jr.) debuted his new single, ‘Legendary‘ Friday. The song features a guest appearance by Atreyu co-front man Brandon Saller. The composition comes more than two months after Fenton premiered his then latest single, ‘Retaliation Generation,’ which itself featured a guest appearance by Ice Nine Kills front man Spencer Charnas.
‘Legend’ is a departure of sorts, stylistically, for Fenton, even in comparison to ‘Retaliation Generation’ and his other recent singles, ‘Fight‘ (which featured Hellyeah/Mudvayne front man Chad Gray on guest vocals) and ‘We Believe‘ (which features Disturbed front man David Draiman on guest vocals). The song is heavy and Fenton’s flow is as solid as ever here. Though the addition of the more subdued momentary vocals provided by Saller in the choruses makes for a softer, more melodic approach. It gives this song its own unique identity separate from that presented in ‘Fight’ and ‘We Believe.’
‘Legendary’ was co-written by Fenton, Saller, Matt Good, Dan Jacobs, and Travis Miguel. Good additionally produced the song.
According to Fenton, the song’s lyrical theme is a contemplative presentation.
“‘Legendary’ is a look into the life and feeling of a champion,” he said. “I wanted to express how it would feel in my mind to make such an impact on the world that you are considered a legend.”
Additionally, Fenton spoke warmly of Saller and his band mates’ participation in the new song.
“I’m so happy that Atreyu was able to be a part of this song and that Brandon Saller lent his amazing vocals,” added Fenton. “They have been in the game for years and bring an actual legendary power and life to it. This is such an epic track and my goal is that it will inspire others to lean into their greatness.”
Saller returned Fenton’s sentiments about collaborating.
“Hyro first got put on my radar maybe seven years ago by a good friend, Fred Archambault,” said Saller. “Since then I’ve had my eye on what he was doing. Last summer, we did the Disrupt Festival with him, and he blew me away at every show. His energy was amazing and we immediately hit it off. When the opportunity came to be on a track with him, I had no hesitations. This song has such a vibe to it and has so much power. I’m stoked to be a part of it.”
‘Legendary’ is the first song from a new “mixtape” presentation that Fenton announced. The project is dubbed Kids Against The Monsters. Fenton presented a statement about the project early this week through Knotfest. Knotfest will feature a series of interviews with Fenton in the coming weeks to look deeper into his new project. Charnas and Gray are among the guests scheduled to appear in the noted interviews, hinting that ‘Fight,’ ‘Retaliation Generation,’ and ‘We Believe’ might end up inthe mixtape project, too.
Kids Against Monsters is scheduled for release later this year. Its exact release date is under consideration.
More information on Hyro The Hero’s new single, video, and livestreatm is available online now along with all of Hyro The Hero’s latest news and more at:
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Small Town Titans has, over the course of the past two years, become quite a big deal in the rock community. Yes, that awful pun was intended. From its surprise hit cover of the holiday song ‘You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch’ to original songs, such as ‘Dragonfly,’ ‘Devil’s Choir,’ and ‘War Cry’ to other equally popular covers and originals, this band has made quite a name for itself, and it has done so with the least amount of label help. Now on Friday, the band will take its next step forward on its journey with the release of its new album The Ride. The album has already spawned six singles ahead of its release – more than half of its album. As much as they do to show what makes this album so appealing, they are only a portion of what makes the album stand out. ‘Behind The Moon’ is another notable addition to the album. It will be addressed shortly. ‘When It All Comes Down’ does its own share, too, to show the album’s strength. It will be discussed a little later. Much the same can be said of ‘Let Me Breath,’ which comes just ahead of the album’s midpoint. It will also be discussed later. When all three of these noted songs are considered along with the noted singles and the one remaining unmentioned song from this record, the whole proves to be a presentation that, given the right support, could finally be that record that breaks this band into the mainstream.
Small Town Titans has, ever since its inception, been one of the rock and hard rock communities’ best kept secrets. Its star has quickly risen since 2018 though, and now with the pending release of its new album The Ride, the secret could finally be out about this outstanding band. The six singles that the album has already produced have more than proven that true. They are only some of its notable works, though. ‘Behind The Moon,’ which comes early in the album’s run, is notable in its own right. That is due in no small part its musical arrangement. The arrangement in question forms the song’s foundation. What makes it so interesting is that between the harmonies and guitar lines, audiences get a song that crosses elements of modern/active rock and a clear classic rock influence for its whole. One could argue that there are touches of Queen and The Allman Brothers Band mixed along with something more modern along the lines of Alter Bridge, for the same of comparison. When that musical presentation is coupled with the song’s clearly uplifting lyrical content, the song in whole gains even more traction.
The lyrical theme featured in ‘Behind The Moon’ is that of being willing to take risks and make the most of life. That is evidenced clearly in the song’s chorus, in which front man Phil Freeman sings, “The sun don’t shine/When you stand behind the moon.” The message is made even clearer as he sings in the song’s lead verse, “I was walking on the other side of the moon/Looking for another sign of life/I was trying/To buy another man’s dreams/In exchange for something nice/Then I saw it /I saw it coming from miles away/Then I saw it/I saw it coming from miles away/The break of day.” What audiences get here is that message, with Phil stating metaphorically, the song’s subject was trying to be someone and something that he wasn’t. That is made clear in the statement about trying “To buy another man’s dreams/In exchange for something nice.” As he continues, the song’s subject notes he saw reality in what he was doing. The optimistic, uplifting message continues as he sings in the song’s second verse, “There was a fork in the road and no time left/But I finally had a place to go and a reason to live/And from that moment on I flew into space/Towards all those burning stars with a reason to give/And you’ll see me/You’ll see me coming from miles away/Yeah you’ll see me/You’ll see me coming from miles away/To find my place.” When all of this positive mindset is considered along with the song’s equally upbeat musical arrangement, the whole leaves zero doubt as to what makes it such an appealing addition to The Ride. It is just one of the additional entries that makes the album so strong. ‘When It All Comes Down’ is yet another powerful addition to The Ride.
‘When It All Comes Down’ wastes no time catching listeners’ attention once it gets started. The song’s musical arrangement lends itself to comparisons to works from the likes of Hellyeah and Dope in its verses. On the other hand, the choruses once again conjure thoughts of Alter Bridge. That sounds on paper, like quite the musical contrast, and it is. At the same time though, Freeman (who plays bass along with handling vocals), drummer Johnny Ross, and guitarist Ben Guiles make the balance work. The end result is a fiery composition that stands completely on its own musical merits separate from the rest of the album’s works. That high-energy composition partners well with the song’s lyrical content, which delivers a message of making sure we realize where we set our priorities in life.
The noted message is familiar to rock fans, but interestingly not overly used, which keeps it fresh in this case. That is even more so in the fashion in which it is delivered. Freeman sings in the song’s lead verse and chorus, “You put stock in temporary things/Yet you cry, cry, cry when they fail to make you sing/You miss the forest for the trees/As if you’ll live forever and never bleed/Forever and never bleed/Ring around the dollar/Pocket full of power/Ashes to ashes/It all falls down/Ring around the dollar/Pocket full of greed /Ashes to ashes /As we all bleed/Tell me what it’s worth/When it all comes down/When it all comes down/Tell me what it’s worth/When it all comes down/When it all comes tumbling down.” The message is just as stark and powerful in the song’s second verse, which finds Freeman singing, “No one’s gonna save you better than yourself/No one’s gonna steal your soul better than/your wealth/Put two and two together/And measure out the way they make you feel/Feel, feel, feel.” This message is a statement of which listeners need to be reminded daily. We put our focus on all the wrong things so often, and we need to step back and make sure we know what is really important in life. When this loudly echoing statement is coupled with the power in the song’s musical arrangement, the whole of the song leaves no doubt why it is yet another notable addition to The Ride. It certainly is not the last of the album’s most notable works. ‘Let Me Breathe’ is one more song worth examining here.
‘Let Me Breathe’ is the most Alter Bridge-esque song featured in The Ride in terms of its musical arrangement. That is made clear through the combination of the song’s instrumentation and Freeman’s vocal delivery style. Even the choruses play out like a mirror image to Alter Bridge’s work. That is not necessarily a bad thing because the work still maintains its own identity despite the clear comparison. It is just one part of what makes the song worth examining. The song’s lyrical theme adds its own touvh to the work.
The lyrical content featured in ‘Let Me Breathe’ comes across as a familiar story of one’s battle with one’s inner self. This is a familiar lyrical theme for so much music, not just rock. It is inferred right from the song’s lead verse and chorus, in which Freeman sings, “There’s a game of hide and seek tonight/Between my shadow and I/And it starves for something greater now/As I sit here satisfied/It whispers in my ear and tries/To sell my soul for things that I don’t need/It seems it won’t stop until I break/Especially when I start to speak/Let me breathe as I try to clear the weight inside/As I find my saving grace this time/Cause the hunger never fades /No the hunger never fades/Let me be as I try to steal away this night/As I try to clear the weight inside/Cause the hunger never fades/No the hunger never fades/Let me breathe as I try to clear a space inside.” That inner battle theme is made just as clear in the song’s second verse, in which Freeman sings, “This game we play is zero sum/There’s no winner and no higher ground/But at least these words they save my pain/From this battle to which I’m bound/I say/Trust me you don’t want any of this/Trust me you don’t want any of this/Trust me you don’t want any of these empty lies/So get behind me and follow the leader/Get behind me and follow the leader/Don’t forget your place and remember why.” The existential message is confirmed without doubt in the song’s third and final verse, which states, “And I hope to God that this saves you too/Cause we all have shadows in our minds/And all they want is everything and all we have is time/And all that we can try to do is lead them to the light.” Overall, the song’s message is one of hope for listeners, reminding audiences that those shadows can be eliminated and that we can breathe again. This is a positive message that will resonate with listeners every day. When it is couple with the song’s radio ready musical arrangement, the whole of the song becomes a work that every listener will appreciate. When the song is considered with the others examined here, the album’s current singles, and its one remaining song, the whole of this record proves to be a “rock solid” (yes, that awful pun was intended, too) album.
Small Town Titans is on the verge of becoming a big name in the rock community. The band’s forthcoming album The Ride leaves zero doubt as to that statement’s truth. Its musical arrangements and its lyrical themes collectively fully support the noted statements. That is proven clearly in all three of the songs examined here as well as through the album’s existing singles. When that collective is considered with the album’s one remaining work, the whole of the album proves itself a memorable musical “ride.” The Ride is scheduled for release Friday through AntiFragile Music.
More information on the album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
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