Anthrax Premieres ‘The Devil You Know’ Live Clip

Courtesy: Megaforce Records

As the release date for Anthrax’s new live recording, Anthrax XL, nears, the band is giving audiences another preview of the recording with a new live clip.

The band premiered the clip of its performance of ‘The Devil You Know‘ Friday. The recording is schedule for release July 15 through Megaforce Records. The video features the band performing the song on stage and adds in pictures of the band alongside some very well-known friends. Among the well-known friends featured in the pictures are the likes of Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, and Vinnie Paul. Also among those friends featured in the pictures are the likes of Peter Criss, Slash, and James Hetfield.

The audio in the clip is exceptionally clear. The video is just as impressive.

‘The Devil You Know’ is the second live clip that Anthrax has released ahead of Anthrax XL‘s release. The band premiered a live clip of ‘Aftershock‘ early this month.

The track listing for Anthrax’s Anthrax XL Blu-Ray / CD / Digital is as follows:

Time/Fight Em ’Til You Can’t

Madhouse

Caught In A Mosh

Metal Thrashing Mad

Got The Time

I Am The Law

Keep It In The Family

Lone Justice

The Devil You Know

Be All End All

Now It’s Dark

Antisocial

In The End

Medusa

Evil Twin

Indians

Skeletons In The Closet

Blood Eagle Wings

Bring The Noise

A.I.R.

Among The Living

In other news, Anthrax, Black Label Society and Hatebreed will hit the road together this summer.

The bands will launch a five-week tour July 26 in Phoenix, AZ. The tour is scheduled to run through Aug. 28 in Philadelphia, PA and will feature performances in cities nationwide, such as Charlotte, NC; Cincinnati, OH and Toronto, ON.

Anthrax’s upcoming tour is part of its ongoing 40th Anniversary celebration. For Hatebreed, the tour is a continued celebration of the 20th anniversary of the release of the band’s album, Perseverance. The band is in the midst of a tour with Parkway Drive, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Stick To Your Guns in support of the album’s release anniversary. The tour is scheduled to wrap June 5 in San Francisco, CA.

Black Label Society’s upcoming run with Anthrax and Hatebreed is in support of its latest album, Doom Crew, Inc., which was released last year through eOne. Front man Zakk Wylde spoke warmly of Anthrax and Hatebreed as he talked about the upcoming tour.

“ANTHRAX is one of The BESTEST LEGENDARY METAL/THRASH BANDS of ALL TIME – I have been buds with SCOTTY, CHARLIE, FRANKIE & JOEY for over 3O years & they are some of the BESTEST people you will meet,” he said. “JON is The BESTEST new addition ANTHRAX could ask for – HATEBREED are The BESTEST HARDCORE/EXTREME METAL band & BESTEST friends w/ANTHRAX & BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. The ANTHRAX + BLACK LABEL SOCIETY & HATEBREED TOUR is going to be one of the BESTEST TOURS EVER!!”

Hatebreed front man Jamey Jasta was also upbeat as he talked about the bands’ upcoming live run.

“Listen up! It’s gonna be a hot summer!” said Jasta.  “Anthrax, BLS & Hatebreed will be on your case, in your face & ready to kick you and your father back in place!  See you in the pit.”

Public ticket sale for the upcoming tour opens at 10 a.m. local time Friday. The tour’s schedule is noted below along with the full schedule for the various ticket sales open times.

Dates for the tour are as follows:

JULY

26  The Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ

28  Brooklyn Bowl, Las Vegas, NV

29  The Palladium, Los Angeles, CA

30  Heart Health Park, Sacramento, CA

AUGUST

  1  Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO

  2  Midland Theater, Kansas City, MO

  4  Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana, Gary, IN

  5  Oshkosh Arena, Oshkosh, WI

  6  The Fillmore, Minneapolis, MN

  8  Southside Ballroom, Dallas, TX**

  9  Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater, Austin, TX

11  The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA

12  House of Blues, Orlando, FL

13  The Fillmore, Charlotte, NC

15  The Andrew J Brady Music Center, Cincinnati, OH

16  Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN

18  The Fillmore, Silver Spring, MD

19  Main Street Armory, Rochester, NY

20  The Fillmore, Detroit, MI**

22  StageAE Outside, Pittsburgh, PA

23  History, Toronto, ON  CANADA

24  Amphitheatre Cogeco, Trois Riviere/Montreal, QC

26  Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY

28  The Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA**

** Hatebreed will not appear on these dates.

* TICKET PRESALE DETAILS:

Citi Presale: Monday, April 18, 2022, 12:00 PM Eastern Time 

Live Nation Presale: Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 10:00 AM Local Time 

Spotify Presale: Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 2:00 PM EST 

Ticketmaster Presale: Wednesday, April 20, 10:00 AM Eastern Time 

Blabbermouth Presale: Wednesday, April 20, 10:00 AM Eastern Time 

Knotfest Presale: Wednesday, April 20, 10:00 AM Eastern Time 

Nederlander Presale:  Thursday, April 21, 2022, 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Venue Presales: Thursday, April 21, 2022, 10:00 AM Local Time

All Presale end: Thursday, April 21, 2022, 10:00 PM Local Time 

More information on the upcoming tour is available along with all of Anthrax’s latest news at:

Website: https://anthrax.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anthrax

More information on Black Label Society’s upcoming run with Anthrax and Hatebreed is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://blacklabelsociety.com

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

More information on Hatebreed’s run with Anthrax and Black Label Society is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.hatebreed.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatebreed

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

BMG’s New Overkill Box Set Proves To Be A Mostly Positive New Presenation

Courtesy: BMG

More than three months after it was initially scheduled for release, Overkill’s long-awaited box set, The Atlantic Years: 1986–1994, will apparently finally see the light of day this month, on Feb. 18.  The six-disc collection was originally scheduled for release Oct. 29 through BMG, but was delayed from there.  Officials at the label did not provide comment about what caused the delay.  The collection is a welcome release for any Overkill fan.  That is due in part to its general presentation, which will be discussed shortly.  The set’s packaging at least in the way of its CD presentation is a positive, as the related pricing.  The set’s vinyl set is another issue.  Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of this box set.  All things considered, they make the collection a mostly positive presentation that any Overkill fan will appreciate.

BMG’s forthcoming Overkill box set, The Atlantic Years: 1986–1994, is a mostly successful presentation.  It is an offering that most Overkill fans will appreciate.  That is due in large part to its general presentation.  As the set’s title indicates, it features all six of the albums that the band released during its time with Atlantic Records.  Those albums are: Taking Over (1987), Under The Influence (1988), The Years of Decay (1989), Horrorscope (1991), I Hear Black (1993), and W.F.O. (1994).  They are the band’s second through seventh albums.  The band’s debut album, Feel The Fire was released in 1985 through Megaforce Records, which was started by the late, great John Zazula.  The albums featured in this collection represent Overkill’s formative years in one setting. The Years of Decay is especially important because despite a les than stellar charting through Billboard, the fact of the matter is that it has since gone on to be known as a key record for the band because of its influence on the then burgeoning groove metal scene.  It was and is considered a work that heavily influenced that sound.  On a wider range, the albums also saw a numberof shakeups in the band’s lineup.  Considering all the personnel changes that the band saw through the albums, one would have thought it would have had an impact, and not in a good way, on the product, but the albums each received mostly positive reviews from critics and fans alike.  To that end, these albums are collectively, a representation of Overkill as a band finding its footing while also establishing itself (and successfully so) within the hard rock and metal communities.  Keeping that in mind, having all six albums together in one place will help Overkill fans and more casual thrash fans fully understand and appreciate the importance of this period in Overkill’s life.  This is just one of the ways in which this box set succeeds.  Its packaging, at least in the form of its CD platform, is a positive to the presentation, too.

The packaging of the albums in their CD platform is important because of its ergonomic design.  All six albums are housed inside their own “sleeves” within a larger box.  The “sleeves” in question each present the front and rear artwork from the albums’ original releases.  Yes, that is just an aesthetic item, but it still will appeal to audiences because it shows BMG’s attempt to really win over audiences.  The box in which the records are placed is just large enough to house them, too.  Its depth is roughly equal to that of an old school double-CD album case.  In other words, the box containing the albums is not overly large, but not tiny, either.  That means it will save space in any Overkill fan’s home, whether on a CD rack or elsewhere where they place box sets. 

The set’s vinyl box set, by comparison is far larger.  It has to be larger, too, in order to be able to house each large, vinyl disc.  Those discs take up a lot more space than the CD collection, so again, this makes the CD platform’s packaging all the more appealing.  Keeping that in mind along with the importance of the set’s general presentation, the set proves all the more positive a presentation.  The set’s pricing, again at least in reference to its CD platform, rounds out its most important items.

The average price point for the set’s CD platform is $51.65.  That price, which puts each album’s price at less than $10 (quite the deal in itself), is reached by averaging prices listed through Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble Booksellers.  The CD platform was not listed through Books-A-Million, Walmart, and Best Buy.  Rather, they list the set in its vinyl platform.  The set’s average price point on vinyl is $165.36.  This is a restrictive price point for any Overkill fan.  The listing of $199.99 through Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Best Buy are even more restrictive.  By comparison, the most expensive of the CD platform’s listings is $54.99 (through Barnes & Noble Booksellers).  Meanwhile listings of $49.98 and $49.99 through Amazon and Target respectively are each below the CD platform’s average.  They make the albums just under $10 per album, too.  So again, in looking at all of these figures, it becomes even clearer why the collection’s CD platform pricing is a positive.  The average and separate listings are far more affordable than those of its vinyl platform.  When this is considered along with the collection’s general presentation and packaging, all three items make the set overall a success for Overkill and for BMG. 

Overkill’s forthcoming box set, The Atlantic Years: 1986–1994, is a mostly positive new offering from the band and from BMG.  It is a presentation that any Overkill fan will appreciate.  That is proven in part through its general presentation, which features all six albums that the band released in its formative years through Atlantic Records.  The packaging for the set’s CD platform is another positive.  That is because of the amount of space that it saves on any audience’s CD rack and elsewhere.  The set’s pricing rounds out its most important items.  That is especially the case when comparing the set’s pricing to that of its vinyl counterpart.  Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of this collection.  All things considered, they make The Atlantic Years: 1986–1994 a mostly successful new offering from Overkill and BMG that any Overkill fan will appreciate.

The Atlantic Years: 1986–1994 is scheduled for release Feb. 18 through BMG.  More information on Overkill’s new box set is available online now along with all of the band’s latest tour updates, news and more at:

Website: https://www.wreckingcrew.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OverkillBand

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

Saliva’s ‘Every Six Seconds’ Tribute EP Will Appease Audiences While They Await The Band’s Next Album

Courtesy: Megaforce Records

Twenty years after Saliva made its major label debut (and second overall album) with Every Six Seconds, the band is revisiting that record with its new EP, Every Twenty Years.  The six-song record features a handful of re-worked versions of songs from Every Six Seconds that make up the majority of the record.  Those songs are certain to engage and entertain listeners in their own way.  They will be discussed shortly.  While the majority of the songs featured in Every Twenty Years are lifted from Every Six Seconds, there are two songs that were not featured in that album.  Their inclusion in the record adds their own level of appeal to the EP.  They will be discussed a little later.  The performances of the updated songs put the finishing touch to the EP and will also be discussed later.  When this aspect is considered along with the songs themselves and the two bonus tracks, the EP in whole proves itself a presentation that any Saliva fan will enjoy.

Saliva’s brand new EP, Every Twenty Years is a tribute to the band’s debut album, Every Six Seconds, that despite its brief nature, will appeal widely to the band’s established audience base.  That is due in part to the EP’s featured songs.  The majority of the record’s songs (four in all) are lifted from Every Six Seconds.  They are ‘Your Disease,’ ‘Click, Click, Boom,’ ‘After Me,’ and ‘Greater Than/Less Than.’  ‘Your Disease’ and ‘Click, Click, Boom’ were both hit singles spawned from Every Six Seconds.  “Greater Than/Less Than’ meanwhile was a carryover from the band’s self-titled 1997 debut album.  ‘After Me’ garnered its own appeal among audiences following the release of Every Six Seconds, too.  This collection of songs is a brief tribute to the legacy of Every Six Seconds, but considering the popularity of the songs’ source material, these re-worked renditions are certain to garner renewed interest in the band’s noted major label debut.  That in turn makes these primary songs a good starting point in examining this EP’s appeal.  The two bonus tracks that accompany the EP’s primary content build on the appeal of those works to make the EP increasingly engaging and entertaining.

The two bonus songs featured in Every Twenty Years are a re-worked take of the band’s 2001 cover of Henry Mancini’s ‘Theme From Peter Gunn’ and a cover of Soundgarden’s hit 1994 single, ‘Spoonman.’  Saliva’s take on ‘Spoonman’ largely stays true to its source material, which will appeal to fans of both bands.  Front man Bobby Amaru’s vocal delivery holds its own here against that of the late great Chris Cornell while his band mates – Paul Crosby (drums), Brad Stewart (bass), and Wayne Swinny (guitar, vocals)  — are just as applause worthy in their own performances here.

Saliva’s take on ‘Theme From Peter Gunn’ was not featured as part of Every Six Seconds despite also being released in 2001.  It was re-named ‘Spyhunter’ as it was featured in the soundtrack to the 2001 reboot of the vintage video game “Spyhunter.”  Both versions clock in at four minutes, 22 seconds in length, so needless to say not much has changed between the original and this song.  The variations are in fact that subtle. Considering that  the original rendition is likely difficult to find today other than through YouTube, having this version included in an official Saliva record makes for even more appeal here.

Speaking of variations, the variations between the original and updated takes of the songs from Every Six Seconds make for their own appeal, too.  That speaks to the importance of the band’s performance of said songs.  While there are many similarities between the original and updated version of ‘Click Click Boom’ for instance, there are also clear differences. The differences are most clear from the second verse on. They come in part through the vocal delivery of current front man Bobby Amaru and former front man Josey Scott. Amaru’s vocal delivery style is noticeably heavier heavier than that of Scott in the verses while the two have roughly similar styles in the more melodic choruses.  In terms of the instrumentation here, there are clear moments throughout when Swinny’s guitar riffs are heavier than in the original.  There are also certain effects used here that were not used in the original composition.  All things considered, the band’s updated take of ‘Click, Click, Boom’ is actually an improvement over the original work and just part of the proof of the importance of the band’s performances here.

Just the two renditions of ‘Click, Click, Boom’ are relatively similar, save for some subtle variances, so are the two renditions of ‘Your Disease.’  The updated take featured in Every Twenty Years is different from its source material primarily in the fact that it is more amped up in the verses than the original take.  The choruses meanwhile are just as controlled and melodic.  There is a slight change in the guitar arrangement in the song’s chorus refrain that adds a nice touch, too.  Other than that and the noted heavier approach to the song’s verses, the song’s update is largely the same as the original.  That marriage of something old and something new (yes, that awful wedding pun was intended) make this presentation yet another example of what makes the band’s performances of the  updated songs so important to the EP’s presentation.  The band’s performance in the updated take of ‘Better Than/Less Than’ is yet another example of the importance of the band’s performances here.

Saliva’s updated take of ‘Better Than/Less Than’ is just as subtle in its performance as the band’s performance in the other examined updates.  Swinney’s guitar line is once more amped up here in comparison to the band’s initial performance.  The result is that the song’s distinctly Alice in Chains style sound and style is even more evident here than in the original.  That is not to say that it was not evident in the original work.  It is just so   much more pronounced in this case.  Taking this update into account along with the performances in the other examined updates and that in the band’s updated take of ‘After Me,’ the importance of the band’s performances here become that much clearer.  When they are considered along with the EP’s main body and its bonus songs, the whole makes this EP a mostly enjoyable presentation that will tide audiences over until the band releases its next album.

Saliva’s brand new EP Every Twenty Years is a presentation that will appeal to the band’s established audience base.  That is due in part to its featured songs.  The songs are for the most part, lifted from the band’s 2001 album, Every Six Seconds.   However, there are two “bonus” tracks added to the mix to enhance the EP’s presentation.  One of the songs is an updated take of a cover that the band recorded for a game that was itself an update of a video game that was popular in the 1980s.  How is that for a little six degrees of separation?  The other song is a cover of a song made famous by a famed grunge act and is just as engaging and entertaining as that original.  The band’s performances of the updates rounds out the EP’s most important elements.  The performances are subtle yet still heavy updates of the band’s own original songs that will keep listeners engaged and entertained in their own right.  Each item examined is important in its own way to the whole of the EP.  All things considered, they make the EP a work that is certain to tide audiences over until the band releases its next album.  Every Twenty Years is available now.

More information on Saliva’s new EP is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://salivaofficial.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OfficialSaliva

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.

Saliva Unveils Re-Worked Version Of Its Classic Song, ‘Click Click Boom’

Courtesy: Megaforce Records

Saliva released another single from its forthcoming EP last week.

The band unveiled a re-worked take on its classic song, ‘Click Click Boom‘ Thursday. The song is the second single from its forthcoming EP, Every Twenty Years, which is scheduled for release 7 through Megaforce Records. The band debuted the EP’s lead single, a re-worked version of ‘Your Disease‘ last month.

While there are many similarities between the original and updated version of ‘Click Click Boom,’ there are also clear differences. The differences are most clear from the second verse on. The vocal delivery of current front man Bobby Amaru and former front man Josey Scott become evident over that course of time. There are also changes to the guitar line between the two renditions.

Founding member and guitarist Wayne Swinny talked about re-working the song in a prepared statement.

“Re-recording ‘Click Click Boom’ was much easier than the original recording because we already had the blueprint laid out for us,” he said.  “There was no need to alter anything because the original had all the right pieces in all the right places. We simply used the advances in modern technology to enhance the song sonically.”

Pre-orders for Every Twenty Years are open now. Along with re-worked takes of ‘Click Click Boom’ and ‘Your Disease,’ the record also features updated versions of ‘After Me,’ ‘Greater Than/Less Than,’ and ‘Spyhunter’ and a cover of Soundgarden’s hit single, ‘Spoonman.’

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

Website: https://salivaofficial.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OfficialSaliva

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.

Charlie Benante Announces New LP Release Date, Specs

Courtesy: Megaforce Records

Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante will release his new album this spring.

Silver Linings is scheduled for release May 14 through Megaforce Records. While the record sees Benante as the primary figure in its presentation, he stressed during a recent interview, that the album is not a solo record.

“This isn’t a solo album,” Charlie said, “This is a record of my favorite songs done with some of my friends during a very dark time.  We found a shining light and this is the result of that light.  I was really happy that my musician friends came on board and helped make this record what it is.  I appreciate all of them, and they all did such a fantastic job.  Despite all of the darkness we’ve experienced this past year, there are ‘silver linings,’ that’s why I chose that title for the album.”

He added, the album’s creation came about through the advice of someone close to himself.

“Back in February of last year, with COVID and all the other B.S. that was going on, I was glued to the 24-hour news cycle on the TV and my phone, and I started to get really depressed,” he said.  My girlfriend said I needed to turn off the news and suggested I do something creative, whether it was art or drumming or writing new songs, and she was right.”

According to information provided about the 14-song record, it will feature an all-star cast of guest musicians and performers, such as guitarist John 5 (Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson), Alex Skolnick (Testament), and Corey Taylor (Slipknot).

Also featured on the new record are Run DMC member Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Rob Caggiano (Volbeat), and Ra Diaz (Suicidal Tendencies). The group recorded the song “Run-DMC Medley,’ which is one the songs featured in the album. The group premiered the song’s quarantine video in June 2020.

The whole of Silver Linings‘ track listing is noted below:

* “City of Blinding Lights”/U2 – Frank Bello, Mark Osegueda, Charlie Benante

* “Chloe Dancer / Crown of Horns”/Mother Love Bone – Mark Menghi, Mark Osegueda, Charlie Benante

* “Teardrop”/Massive Attack – Carla Harvey, Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante

* “Run DMC”/Run DMC – DMC, Rob Caggiano, Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante

* “Rhiannon”/Fleetwood Mac – Mark Menghi, Jennifer Cella, Randy McStine, Charlie Benante

* “Yer So Bad”/Tom Petty – Carla Harvey, Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante

* “Transylvania”/Iron Maiden – Snake Sabo, Frank Bello, Jon Donias, Charlie Benante

* “Presto Vivace”/U.K. – Ra Diaz, Alex Skolnick, Jordan Rudess, Charlie Benante

* “Bad Guy”/Billie Eilish – Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante

* “Jimmy James”/The Beastie Boys – Ra Diaz, Charlie Benante

* “All The Way”/KISS – PJ Farley, Joe McGinness, John 5, Charlie Benante

* “Mr Speed”/KISS – Joe McGinness, PJ Farley, Charlie Benante

* “Public Image”/Public Image – Hank Von Hell, Dave Brownsound, Jason “Cone” McCaslin, Charlie Benante

* “Funny Vibe”/Living Color – Ra Diaz, Corey Glover, Henry Flury, Charlie Benante

More information on Charlie Benante’s new album is available along with all of his latest news at:

Website: https://charliebenante.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skisum

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.

Semisonic Debuts New EP’s Second Single

Courtesy: Pleasuresonic Records/Megaforce Records

Semisonic debuted another single this week from its forthcoming EP You’re Not Alone.

The band debuted the EP’s second single ‘All It Would Take‘ Friday.  The song’s musical arrangement opens with a soft, subtle piano line and vocals that gradually builds into a more energetic and upbeat sound in its verses.  That buildup serves to help translate the song’s lyrical theme.

Front man Dan Wilson discussed the song’s lyrical theme in a recent interview.

“I feel that in each of our lives, there is the possibility of meeting that one person who will change the way we see everything, a person who will give us a sense of new meaning, a mission, a passion,” said Wilson. “‘All it Would Take’ is my song for that moment, that person, that one voice that can change the world within you. Then you can turn outward and begin to change the world around you, too.”

Semisonic debuted the lead single from You’re Not Alone, its title track, last month.  Its debut was followed early this month with the debut of the song’s companion video.

You’re Not Alone is scheduled for release Sept. 18 through Pleasuresonic Records/Megaforce Records.  The EP’s track listing is noted below.

 

You’re Not Alone Tracklist:

1) You’re Not Alone

2) All It Would Take

3) Basement Tapes

4) Don’t Make Up Your Mind

5) Lightning

 

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

 

Website: http://semisonic.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/semisonicband

 

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

Semisonic Debuts ‘You’re Not Alone’ Video

Courtesy: Pleasuresonic Records/Megaforce Records

Rock band Semisonic debuted the video for its latest single this week.

The band debuted the video for its single ‘You’re Not Alone‘ Monday.  The video’s debut comes less than a month after the band debuted the single by itself, on June 26.  The song and its new companion video are the band’s first in almost 20 years.  The song is the lead single and title track from the band’s forthcoming EP, which is scheduled for release Sept. 18 through Pleasuresonic Records/Megaforce Records.

The video finds a young man making his way through a variety of settings, such as a back alley, a bridge, and a forest before finally reaching the band of a stream.  It is here that the boy writes a message on a piece of paper before placing the message into a bottle, corking the bottle and tossing it into the water.  Semisonic front man Dan Wilson finds the bottle during a walk on a beach and opens the message, which states simple, “You’re not alone.”

Wilson talked about the video in a recent interview.

“For the new Semisonic video, ‘You’re Not Alone,’ we began with memories of childhood in the woods,” explained Wilson. “Filmmaker Phil Harder creates a fable of the woods, the city, a distant beach, and a young boy who places a message in a bottle and sends it on a long journey. Inspired partly by Richard Powers’ devastatingly beautiful novel, ‘The Overstory,’ partly by the paintings of Tomas Sanchez (one of which is featured on the sleeve of the single), and partly by the profound isolation we are experiencing during the pandemic, the video reflects the hopeful message of the song.”

The song’s musical arrangement is a mid-tempo, guitar-driven work that takes listeners back to the 90s, and will keep them engaged and entertained throughout its three-minute-plus run time.

Front man Dan Wilson said in another recent interview, that the song’s lyrical content is a social commentary that came to being from his own experiences.

“I wrote ‘You’re Not Alone’ a couple of years ago at a time when a lot of people, including me, were feeling isolated and despairing about the state of the world and the direction our country was going,” said Wilson.  “We recorded the song last year and I’m really happy that it’s now coming out.  Coincidentally, the song is coming out when both a global pandemic and racial justice protests are compelling us to re-imagine our relationships to each other and the communities we live in. Just as I had hoped when I first wrote it, I hope the song will communicate a sense of connection and comfort, an awareness that we’re not alone.”

Wilson’s fellow Semisonic founding member John Munson added to the discussion, talking about the creation of Semisonic’s new EP.

“I think these songs have a really important and relevant story to tell,” said Munson.
“They embody this spirit of optimism about the possibility we can offer each other in times of hardship and struggle. I’ve always believed that a Semisonic song is one that gives you hope, one that sends you out into the night happy, one that leaves you feeling more connected to whatever it is that makes you human, and that’s something we need now more than ever.”

The EP’s track listing is noted below.

 

You’re Not Alone Tracklist:

1) You’re Not Alone

2) All It Would Take

3) Basement Tapes

4) Don’t Make Up Your Mind

5) Lightning

In the years since Semisonic released its last album All That Chemistry (2001), Monson, Wilson and fellow founding member Jacob Slichter all kept themselves busy even though the band never officially broke up.  Slichter went on to become a contributor to the New York Times newspaper and to National Public Radio (NPR).  Wilson became a first-call writer and producer.  Wilson has worked with American Public Media and has performed with a variety of bands.

The band officially reunited in 2017 to celebrate the anniversaries of its albums Great Divide and Feeling Strangely Fine.

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

 

Website: http://semisonic.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/semisonicband

 

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

Semisonic Debuts First New Music In Nearly 20 Years

Courtesy: Pleasuresonic Records/Megaforce Records

Semisonic has returned.

After being away from the industry for nearly 20 years, the band has released some new music.  The band debuted its new single ‘You’re Not Alone‘ Friday.  The song is the lead single/title track and opening number from the band’s forthcoming EP by the same name.  The Ep is scheduled for release Sept. 18 through Pleasuresonic Recordings/Megaforce Records.

The song’s musical arrangement is a mid-tempo, guitar-driven work that takes listeners back to the 90s, and will keep them engaged and entertained throughout its three-minute-plus run time.

Front man Dan Wilson said in a recent interview, that the song’s lyrical content is a social commentary that come to being from his own experiences.

“I wrote ‘You’re Not Alone’ a couple of years ago at a time when a lot of people, including me, were feeling isolated and despairing about the state of the world and the direction our country was going,” said Wilson.  “We recorded the song last year and I’m really happy that it’s now coming out.  Coincidentally, the song is coming out when both a global pandemic and racial justice protests are compelling us to re-imagine our relationships to each other and the communities we live in. Just as I had hoped when I first wrote it, I hope the song will communicate a sense of connection and comfort, an awareness that we’re not alone.”

Wilson’s fellow Semisonic founding member John Munson added to the discussion, talking about the creation of Semisonic’s new EP.

“I think these songs have a really important and relevant story to tell,” said Munson.
“They embody this spirit of optimism about the possibility we can offer each other in times of hardship and struggle. I’ve always believed that a Semisonic song is one that gives you hope, one that sends you out into the night happy, one that leaves you feeling more connected to whatever it is that makes you human, and that’s something we need now more than ever.”

The EP’s track listing is noted below.

You’re Not Alone Tracklist:

1) You’re Not Alone

2) All It Would Take

3) Basement Tapes

4) Don’t Make Up Your Mind

5) Lightning

In the years since Semisonic released its last album All That Chemistry (2001), Monson, Wilson and fellow founding member Jacob Slichter all kept themselves busy even though the band never officially broke up.  Slichter went on to become a contributor to the New York Times newspaper and to National Public Radio (NPR).  Wilson became a first-call writer and producer.  Wilson has worked with American Public Media and has performed with a variety of bands.

The band officially reunited in 2017 to celebrate the anniversaries of its albums Great Divide and Feeling Strangely Fine.

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

 

Website: http://semisonic.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/semisonicband

 

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

Saliva Announces ’10 Lives’ Release Date

Courtesy: Megaforce Records

Veteran rock band Saliva will reach a milestone this fall with the release of its 10th album.

The band announced today that it is currently scheduled to release 10 Lives October 19 via Megaforce Records.  Pre-orders for the 14-song record are open now via Amazon.

The band said in a collective statement that 10 Lives, co-produced by Saliva front man Bobby Amaru and Steve Perreira, holds a special meaning to the group.

“The title represents where we are at in the band’s career,” the band said.  “We feel stronger than ever…10 Lives is about never giving up and grinding daily.  We love making new records for the fans who continue to support the band through it all.  This will not be the last!”

Currently, the band is on tour in support of its most recent album, 2016’s Love, Lies & Therapy.  Its current tour schedule will bring it to Newberry, South Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina on August 30 and 31 respectively.

The tour’s schedule takes the band through September 9 in Denver, Colorado.  The remaining dates on the band’s current schedule are noted below.

SALIVA Tour Dates:

8/30 – Newberry, SC @ Newberry Opera Hous

8/31 – Greenville, SC @ The Firmament

9/1 – Concord, VA @ Devault Vineyards – Blue Ridge Rock Festival

9/2 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Main Street Station Live

9/3 – Sebastian, FL @ Captain Hiram’s Sand Bar

9/6 – Altus, OK @ Red River Music Hall

9/7 – Salina, KS @ Tony’s Pizza and Events Center

9/8 – Kansas City, MO @ Crossroads

9/9 – Denver CO @ Herman’s Hideaway

More information on the band’s current tour schedule, its new album and more is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.saliva.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/saliva

 

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

Audiotopsy Announces New Album Release Date, Specs

Courtesy: Megaforce Records

Almost three years after it released its debut album Natural Causes, hard rock super group Audiotopsy will finally release its sophomore album this fall.

The band — composed of Mudvayne members Greg Tribbett and Matt McDonough alongside Skrape vocalist Billy Keeton and bassist Perry Stern — announced on Monday that it is scheduled to release its second album The Real Now on Friday, November 2 via Megaforce Records.  In anticipation of the album’s release, a teaser trailer has been released.

Tribbett explained in a recent interview that the album’s central theme of life’s exploration in every avenue.

“This album deals with life — from addiction to depression to death,” Tribbett said.  “Life is a journey of unforeseen experiences.”

Pre-orders for The Real Now are open now.  The album’s full track listing is noted below.

The Real Now track listing:

1)      War

2)      Hologram

3)      Panic on the Airwaves

4)      Fade Away

5)      Hurt Down

6)      What Am I?

7)      If Only

8)      A Death Benefit

More information on The Real Now is available online now along with all of Audiotopsy’s latest news and more at:

 

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/audiotopsymusic

 

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