Vermilion Whiskey Debuts Lyric Video For New Single, ‘Atrophy’

Posted on March 22, 2023 by philspicks

Independent hard rock band Vermilion Whiskey offered audiences yet another preview of its forthcoming album, Crimson & Stone this week with the premiere of the video for the album’s third single, ‘Atrophy.’

The band debuted the single’s lyric video Wednesday. The premiere came roughly a month after the band debuted the album’s second single, ‘Confidence‘ and lead single, ‘Good Lovin’.’

As with the album’s first two singles, this latest single once again bears a strong comparison to works from the likes of Pantera, Black Label Society and Crowbar. That is fully evidenced through the southern sludge/doom sound and stylistic approach taken throughout the song.

The band talked about the song’s arrangement ins a prepared statement.

“This track completely imbibes the entire spirit and premise of the album’s namesake, and sets the tone for what we have in store for the future,” the statement reads.

No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme in the news release announcing the lyric video’s premiere. The lyrics presented in the video hint at the theme centering on the familiar topic of a person’s inner emotional and mental struggles That is just this critic’s interpretation.

The lyric video for the new single is certain to engage audiences. It presents the song’s lyrics over various random psychedelic images as the song plays over the unique visualization.

Vermilion Whiskey’s new album, Crimson & Stone is scheduled for release May 26. The record is the band’s third full-length studio offering. The band released its debut album, 10 South in September 2013. The band’s sophomore effort, Spirit of Tradition, followed less than four years later in February 2017.

The track listing for Crimson & Stone is noted below:

Crimson & Stone Track Listing:

Intro
Down on You
The Get Down
Confidence
Good Lovin
Interlude
Dissonance
Atrophy
Hollow

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

Website: https://www.vermilionwhiskey.com

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

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.

Aftershock Festival 2023 Lineup Announced

Posted on March 15, 2023 by philspicks

Courtesy: Ashton-Magnuson Media

Aftershock Festival organizers have announced the lineup for the annual event, which is scheduled to be held Oct. 5-8 at Discovery Park in Sacramento, CA.

Guns N’ Roses, Korn, Tool, and Avenged Sevenfold have been announced as the headliners for this year’s festival. Also on the bill for the event are other equally well-known bands, such as Godsmack, Incubus, Pantera, Megadeth, Rancid, Queens of the Stone Age, The Cult, I Prevail, AFI, Dance Gavin Dance, 311, Turnstile, and Limp Bizkit.

This year’s event is being put on by Danny Wimmer Presents, and Danny Hayes, the company’s chief executive officer, said he is looking forward to this year’s festival.

“We are so excited for what will be the biggest Aftershock in the festival’s 11-year history,” Hayes said. “We are grateful for our partnership with the city and county of Sacramento and together we have built an amazing brand that showcases Sacramento to attendees from all over the globe.”

Avenged Sevenfold is scheduled to headline the festival’s first day. Other acts scheduled for Day One are the likes of: Pennywise, Beauty School Dropout, The Cult, AFI, and Incubus.

Tool is scheduled to headline Day Two, with the likes of Megadeth, Memphis May Fire, The Hu, Skillet, Limp Bizkit, and Coheed and Cambria joining the band and others on the day.

Korn will headline Day Three. Others on the day’s schedule include and are not limited to: Corey Taylor, Avatar, The Amity Affliction, Parkway Drive, and Babymetal.

Guns N’ Roses will close out the four-day festival. Leading up to the band’s performance, other acts, including and not limited to: Queens of the Stone Age, Rancid, I Prevail, Dance Gavin Dance, Daughtry, and Mayday Parade will also take the stage.

The full list of this year’s acts is noted below. Audiences can put down $10 now toward the price of the passes. Payments toward the price can be made from there between April and August. The down payment can be made here.

The full Aftershock 2023 lineup is as follows (subject to change):

Thursday, October 5: Avenged Sevenfold, Incubus, Turnstile, The Cult, AFI, Pennywise, Nothing But Thieves, L7, White Reaper, Senses Fail, Don Broco, The Bronx, Nothing, Nowhere., DeathByRomy, Beauty School Dropout, Bob Vylan, Holding Absence, Pinkshift, Thousand Below, Starbenders, SeeYouSpaceCowboy, Static Dress, Letdown.

Friday, October 6: Tool, Godsmack, Limp Bizkit, Megadeth, Coheed and Cambria, Skillet, Bad Omens, The Hu, Deafheaven, Memphis May Fire, Converge, Fire From the Gods, Polaris, Rain City Drive, Gideon, Currents, Varials, Strange Kids, Dragged Under, Tallah, HANABIE., Widow7, Death Valley Dreams

Saturday, October 7: Korn, Pantera, 311, Corey Taylor, Parkway Drive, Babymetal, Polyphia, Dethklok, Avatar, Fever 333, The Amity Affliction, Sleep Token, Escape the Fate, Boston Manor, Fame on Fire, Catch Your Breath, Ten56., Reddstar, Holy Wars, ’68, Ithaca, Devil’s Cut, Traitors, Fox Lake, All Waves, As You Were

Sunday, October 8: Guns N’ Roses, Queens of the Stone Age, Rancid, I Prevail, Dance Gavin Dance, Daughtry, Badflower, Billy Talent, Mayday Parade, Suicide Silence, Movements, Ayron Jones, You Me At Six, Dead Poet Society, Austin Meade, Alpha Wolf, Jehnny Beth, Redlight King, Tigercub, Call Me Karizma, Ryan Oakes, Gnome, Luna Aura, Asava

More information on the 2023 Aftershock Festival is available along with all of the festival’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.AftershockFestival.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AftershockSac

Texas Hippie Coalition Announces New Album Details; Debuts Album’s Lead Single

Posted on March 3, 2023 by philspicks

Texas Hippie Coalition is set to return with its latest album this spring.

The southern hard rock outfit is scheduled to release its new album, The Name Lives On April 21 through MNRK Heavy. The record will be the band’s seventh album and will come more than three years after the release of its then latest album, High in the Saddle.

In anticipation of the record’s release, the band premiered the album’s lead single, ‘Hell Hounds‘ Friday. The song’s musical arrangement is everything that audiences have come to expect from the band right down to its heavy Pantera-esque guitar line, gritty vocal delivery style and rich bass line. Once again the comparisons are easy not only to Pantera, but also to the likes of Black Label Society, Vermilion Whiskey, and others of that ilk.

No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme in the news release announcing the song’s premiere. In listening to the song, the theme is inferred to be a bravado-filled statement about people who wrong others getting what is coming to them.. In this case, getting what they deserve means powerful beasts coming to get those wrong-doers.

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

Website: https://thcofficial.com/band

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thcofficial

Pantera Announces New North American Live Dates

Posted on January 22, 2023 by philspicks

Pantera will make its way across America this summer, and the band is bringing an equally well-known band along for the ride.

The tour will start with a trio of festival shows May 20 at the Welcome to Rockville Festival in Daytona Beach, FL, July 13 at the Rockfest Festival in Cadott, WI and July 15 at the Inkcarceration Festival in Mansfield, OH. From there, the band will head to Burgettstown, PA after wrapping its festival shows.

The remainder of the tour will see the band headlining select dates and serving as support for Metallica. For the band’s headlining dates, Lamb of God will serve as a special guest.

Pantera’s tour schedule is noted below. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. local time Friday here. Pre-sales open at 10 a.m. Tuesday for Citi card members here. Pre-sales end at 10 p.m. Thursday.

TOUR DATES:

*Festival Date | #Support Act TBD | ^Pantera Support for Metallica Dates|

2023 Dates

Fri May 20 – Daytona, FL – Welcome to Rockville*

Thu Jul 13 – Cadott, WI – Rockfest*

Sat Jul 15 – Mansfield, OH – Inkcarceration*

Fri Jul 28 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake

Sat Jul 29 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

Mon Jul 31 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater#

Wed Aug 02 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

Fri Aug 04 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium^

Sat Aug 05 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium

Sun Aug 06 – Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain

Tue Aug 08 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview

Wed Aug 09 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater

Fri Aug 11 – Montreal, QC – Olympique Stadium^

Sat Aug 12 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

Tue Aug 15 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP

Thu Aug 17 – Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Fri Aug 18 – Arlington, TX – AT&T Stadium^

Sun Aug 20 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater

Wed Aug 23 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

Fri Aug 25 – Inglewood, CA – SoFi Stadium^

Sat Aug 26 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

Tue Aug 29 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre

Thu Aug 31 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

Fri Sep 01 – Glendale, AZ – State Farm Stadium^

Sun Sep 03 – Pryor, OK – Rocklahoma*

Thu Sep 07 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater

Fri Sep 08 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion

Sat Sep 10 – Alton, VA – Blue Ridge Rock Festival*

Tue Sep 12 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

Thu Sep 14 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach

Fri Sep 15 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

Sat Sep 23 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life*

Sat Oct 07 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock*

Fri Nov 03 – St. Louis, MO – The Dome at America’s Center^

Fri Nov 10 – Detroit, MI – Ford Field^

2024 Dates

Fri Aug 02 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium^

Fri Aug 09 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field^

Fri Aug 16 – Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Bank Stadium^

Fri Aug 23 – Edmonton, AB – Commonwealth Stadium^

Fri Aug 30 – Seattle, WA – Lumen Field^

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

Website: https://pantera.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pantera

Annihilator Announces New Album Details; Debuts Video For Album’s Lead Single; Announces Album Re-Issues Series

Posted on November 13, 2021 by philspicks

Annihilator is partnering with earMUSIC to give its fans a very special gift.

The band announced Friday through a news release, it is scheduled to release its next album, Metal II, Feb. 18. The album will release on CD digipack, 2 LP gatefold black limited and separate 2 LP gatefold transparent orange pressings. The record’s track listing is noted below.

METAL II TRACK LISTING:
“Chasing The High” (Featuring William Adler)
“Downright Dominate” (Featuring Alexi Laiho)
“Army Of One” (Featuring Steve “Lips” Kudlow)
“Couple Suicide” (Featuring Danko Jones + Angela Gossow)
“Heavy Metal Maniac” (Featuring Dan Beehler + Allan Johnson)
“Haunted” (Featuring Jesper Strömblad)
“Romeo Delight”
“Detonation” (Featuring Jacob Lynam)
“Clown Parade” (Featuring Jeff Loomis)
“Smothered” (Featuring Anders Björler)
“Kicked” (Featuring Corey Beaulieu)

In anticipation of the record’s release, the band premiered the lyric video for the album’s lead single, ‘Downright Dominate’ Friday. The song features guest appearances from Dave Lombardo, Stu Block and the late great Alexi Laiho.

The song’s musical arrangement is a high-energy composition. The guitars and drums give the song a familiar full-on thrash style and sound. At the same time, audiences can also argue that the song bears something of a Pantera influence, what with its punch and heaviness.

No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme in the press release announcing its debut. Looking at the lyrics featured in the video though, one can infer that it seems to deliver a message of determination and overcoming life’s obstacles. If that is indeed the song’s lyrical theme, it will connect with plenty of audiences.

The video features the song’s lyrics over footage of people preparing for a boxing match. That visualization of people preparing for a big fight would seem to hint even more at the noted inferred lyrical theme.

In other news, Annihilator announced in the noted press release, it is planning to re-issue many of its existing albums through earMUSIC. Exact release dates and which albums will re-issue are under consideration. Annihilator released its latest album, Ballistic,Sadistic. last year.

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

Website: https://www.annihilatormetal.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/annihilatorband

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.

Gemini Syndrome Finishes Off Its First Trilogy Of Albums Successfully With ‘3rd Degrees – The Raising’

Posted on October 20, 2021 by philspicks

Alt-metal band Gemini Syndrome released its latest album over the weekend. 3^rd Degree – The Raising was released Friday through Century Media Records. The band’s third album, it came more than five years after the release of the band’s sophomore album, Memento Mori (2016). The wait for the record was worth it, too. This has already been proven through the singles that the album has produced. That is due to the songs’ musical arrangements and lyrical themes. The musical and lyrical content featured through the rest of the album is collectively just as powerful. Each will be discussed in the bigger record’s bigger picture here, as will the record’s sequencing. Each item noted does its own important part to make the album successful. All things considered, they make the album overall, yet another strong addition to this year’s field of new hard rock and metal albums.

Gemini Syndrome’s latest album, 3^rd Degree – The Raising, is an impressive new offering from the band. Its success comes in part through its musical arrangements. The arrangements continue to exhibit the richness and heaviness that became so familiar to audiences over the course of the band’s first two albums, Lux and Memento Mori. However, a close listen also reveals clear growth from the band this time out in terms of the arrangements. In place of the aggro rock and more nu-metal leanings present in those records’ arrangements is a darker, heavier approach that blends influences of Tool’s dark prog and Breaking Benjamin’s gloomcore sound into one. Each arrangement is unique from its counterparts here, but the influences are still there. The changes in the sounds and stylistic approaches are subtle from one to the next, but again, a close listen will reveal those variances. Case in point is the arrangement featured in ‘Absolution.’ This radio ready arrangement whose contemplative verses and heavy, fiery choruses create a great contrast that is certain to keep listeners engaged. The intense approach taken in the arrangement’s bridge, which finds front man Aaron Nordstrom almost rapping (believe it or not) adds even more to the song’s interest. By comparison, the full-on alt-metal approach taken in ‘IDK’ (one of the album’s singles), complete with Nordstrom’s screams against the more melodic choruses is a distinct change in sound and style. Yet it is still so immersive with its richness and heaviness. On yet another note, a song, such as ‘Children of the Sun’ takes listeners in yet another direction. The guitar riff that opens the song immediately conjures thoughts of Pantera. Interestingly enough, that comparison is only brief as the song progresses. From there, the guitar and bass line that builds presents an almost bluesy influence in its stylistic approach, even as heavy as the pairing proves. The song’s chorus meanwhile is a full, immersive melodic hard rock presentation. All things considered here, there is a lot that happens in this arrangement, but it is all so well-balanced from beginning to end. The whole stands on its own merits separate from the album’s other arrangements. Keeping that in mind, when it and those other arrangements (including the ones noted here) are considered collectively, they leave no doubt that the musical content featured in this record is so important to the album’s presentation. They are just a part of what makes the album an impressive presentation. The record’s lyrical themes also play in to the album’s success.

The lyrical themes that are featured throughout this album are important because of their overall accessibility. The theme featured in ‘Absolution’ is a prime example of that accessibility. The theme presents a seeming message that yes, things are going to be tough in life, but it is up to us to make a difference in our lives. He reiterates that seeming message in the song’s chorus, noting that “This is our last chance for absolution.” For those who might not know, absolution is the act of forgiving for having done wrong. It would seem to go in line with the inferred theme. He seems to be saying that forgiving others is part of making changes in our lives for the better; that we cannot hold onto anger as well as making the most of ourselves. This is all just this critic’s interpretation of course. Regardless, the seeming message is powerful and will certainly resonate with listeners whose hearts and minds are open to that apparent theme.

‘Broken Reflection’ is another example of the importance of the album’s lyrical themes. This song – one of the album’s singles – is a rumination on how we view ourselves versus how we present ourselves to the public. Nordstrom talked about the song’s theme when the single was released this summer, noting, “We are all trying to show the best versions of ourselves, but we need to master those versions inside before we can present the perfect image and not have it be confused for something illusory.” This statement makes sense and hopefully will to audiences. He is saying we need to look inward before we look outward as part of that process of rebirth. The theme of personal and spiritual rebirth is the overarching theme of this album, so that makes this theme even more fitting.

‘Where We Started From’ is another example of the importance of the album’s lyrical themes. In the case of this song, the inferred message (again this is this critic’s interpretation) seems to be one of addressing how we find ourselves in vicious cycles, doing the same things over and over. It would seem that the song hints at how our own mental and emotional states play into those cycles happening. It would seem to play into the album’s overall lyrical theme of personal and spiritual rebirth, too. Once again, this is all just this critic’s interpretation and is hopefully somewhere in the proverbial ballpark. When it is considered along with the themes (and seeming themes) of the other songs addressed here and those in the rest of the album’s songs, the whole makes clear that the album’s lyrical content is just as important to its presentation as the album’s musical arrangements. The content overall gives audiences plenty to appreciate here. When the sequencing thereof is considered, too, it works with the content to show even more why this record is a success.

The sequencing of 3^rd Degree – The Raising is important because it takes into account the subtle changes in the songs’ arrangements and their lyrical theme as it assembled the record. It also takes into account the energy in each arrangement. Considering the mood that the arrangements establish (even considering the overall positive and contemplative nature of the songs’ lyrical themes) this is extremely important. That is how emotionally heavy each arrangement proves. The themes, as noted, are meant to help audiences relate and cope with situations in their own lives. The sequencing ensures that those themes change from one song to the next. That in turn ensures listeners’ maintained engagement and entertainment even more. When this is considered along with the impact of the record’s sequencing in terms of the subtle changes in the arrangements, the whole proves the sequencing just as successful as the album’s content. When all things are considered together, they make the album overall a powerful new offering from Gemini Syndrome that the band’s fans will enjoy just as much as hard rock and metal fans in general.

Gemini Syndrome’s latest album, 3^rd Degree –The Raising is a successful new offering from the band. It is a presentation that will appeal equally to the band’s established audiences just as much as it will to hard rock and metal fans in general. That is due in part to its arrangements. The musical arrangements stand out because of their familiarity and accessibility. The lyrical themes that accompany the album’s musical arrangements are accessible in their own unique way and will also make audiences really think deeply about life and themselves. It strengthens the record’s presentation that much more. The sequencing of that overall content rounds out the album’s most important elements. It takes all of the content into account in every way and ensures the songs are ordered so that the content has the maximum impact on listeners, ensuring the audiences’ maintained engagement from beginning to end. When it is considered along with the content and its impact, the whole makes the album overall a strong finish to Gemini Syndrome’s trilogy of albums and gives hope for the band’s future.

3^rd Degree – The Raising is available now. More information on Gemini Syndrome’s new album, single, video and live appearances is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://geminisyndrome.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeminiSyndrome

Lord’s New Record Is A Covers Compilation That Is Actually Worth Hearing

Posted on April 2, 2021 by philspicks

Independent rock band Lord released its latest record this week. Its new covers compilation, Undercovers Vol. 1 released Friday through Dominus Records. The 23-song (yes, 23 songs) comes less than a year after the trio released its then latest EP, Chaos Raining, and approximately two years after the release of its then latest new album, Fallen Idols. This latest compilation stands out from so many other compilations already released this year in part because of its featured songs. This will be discussed shortly. The band’s take on the songs makes for its own share of interest and will be discussed a little later. The songs’ sequencing puts the finishing touch to the record’s presentation. When this element is considered along with the other noted items, the record in whole proves that while it is largely a space filler between albums, is still a positive addition to Lord’s catalog.

Lord’s new covers compilation, Undercovers Vol. 1 is a positive new presentation from the longtime independent hard rock band. The record’s appeal comes in large part through its songs. The songs are important to note in that they are not just a bunch of songs that the band recorded specially for this compilation. Rather, they are mostly covers that the band has recorded throughout its life and has only now made available together. Simply put, they were brought together as a way to entertain the band’s fans in lieu of a live recording and even new live dates while promoters and venue heads decide their next steps for live music. They are not just some random space-filler used to appease contractual obligations.

Bassist Andy Dowling explained the songs’ collection during a recent interview.

“Covers have been a big love of ours since the early days of Dungeon right up to and including now,” said Dowling. “Over the years in Lord these tracks have ended up on limited edition releases, bonus tracks in isolated parts of the world and other weird and wonderful places. These songs have been scattered over so many different places that even we struggle ourselves to remember where on earth all of these songs can be found.”

“While bands around the world continue to navigate these uncertain times, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to release this collection of cover songs, as well as new recordings, to keep the LORD machine moving while we continue to write new music,” he added.

Additionally, Dowling pointed out that two of the songs featured in the compilation — Savage Garden’s ‘To the Moon and Back’ and Judas Priest’s ‘Reckless’ – were the only songs specially recorded for the compilation. Those two songs are only a small portion of the 23 (yes, 23) total songs featured in this recording, and are important because they are a highlight of the diversity in the collection. The band also took on The Police (‘Message in a Bottle’) here, as well as songs from Bon Jovi, Helloween, Metallica, and Little River Band just to name a handful of other acts featured in the compilation. The short and simple is that the bands covered here come from a wide range of genres. From hard rock –Metallica, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Anthrax – to classic rock – Little River Band – to 80s hair rock – Bon Jovi – to prog – Queensryche, Symphony X – to mainstream pop and rock – The Police, Savage Garden – Lord takes on music from so many influences. That diversity in the bands and music featured here helps to build the band’s reputation and at the same time, perhaps even introduce audiences to music to which they might not have otherwise listened. If for no other reason, that diversity in the bands and songs will keep audiences engaged and entertained. It is of course just one of the elements that make this recording so interesting. The band’s performance of said songs adds to the record’s interest.

Lord’s take on The Police’s ‘Message in a Bottle’ is just one example of the importance of the band’s performances. Lord’s take on the classic song is interesting in that while it stays largely true to its source material, it essentially amps up that original in a sort of 80s power metal style work. That updated take — complete with machine gun-fast bass drum work, melodic guitar lines, and operatic vocals – shows that the song strangely enough works just as well in this case as in the original presentation. It is not one of those woks that hits listeners in its first listen, either. Rather, it will grow on listeners with each listening, highlighting its longevity.

The band’s take on a-ha’s ‘The Sun Always Shines on TV’ is yet another example of the band’s performances here. In the case of this performance, the band has opted more for an 80s hair metal style performance that makes for quite the contrast against a-ha’s keyboard-driven original composition. There is the slightest touch of a power ballad early on in the original composition, what with the string arrangement, but that soon gives way to the band’s more familiar new wave approach, which is more present throughout the song. Lord’s take on the song, as noted, is more of an 80s hair power ballad type work. It gives a-ha’s original quite the unique new identity in this case with its amped up take on the song. Where it ends up standing with listeners will be left for those audiences to decide. That aside, it definitely makes for its own interest.

W.A.S.P. is another of the bands whose work is covered in this compilation. In this case, Lord took on the band’s hit song ‘Wild Child.’ In this case, the stylistic approach taken by Lord is largely the same as that of W.A.S.P. The difference is that Lord’s cover is actually an improvement on the original. It would seem here that is more due to the production. The production makes the song sound so much fuller and richer here than the original. It makes the song sound more modern with a throwback feel. To that end, it is yet another example of the impact of the band’s performances here, and the importance thereof. When it is considered along with the other performances noted here and the rest of the record’s featured performances, the whole of those performances makes for even more engagement and entertainment. It is just one more example of what makes this compilation worth hearing. The sequencing of the songs featured in this compilation rounds out its most important elements.

The sequencing of Undercovers Vol. 1 is important to examine because of its role in the record’s general effect. The record starts in contemplative fashion with its cover of Savage Garden’s ‘To the Moon and Back’ but very quickly after, it picks up with its take of Iron Maiden’s ‘Judas Be My Guide.’ It is not even until the record reaches its midpoint in its take of Cutting Crew’s ‘(I Just) Died In Your Arms’ that the album’s energy even remotely pulls back. From that point on, the compilation’s energy remains relatively high, even as the band takes on what are some otherwise reserved songs. Even in those cases, the band manages to amp up those songs, including their energies. So overall, the sequencing ensures that the album’s energy remains relatively high throughout its 100-minute (one hour, 40 minute) run time. That the record’s energy remains relatively high, and even gives a break point roughly halfway through ensures that the record will run fluidly throughout, ensuring even more, listeners’ engagement and entertainment. When that certain engagement and entertainment is considered with the impact of the band’s unique performances and the variety of songs featured here, that whole makes the compilation overall, its own standout presentation. Add in the fact that this compilation marks the first time that the band has ever united the previously recorded covers in one setting, and the compilation gains even more appeal. It shows that this was not just some randomly recorded presentation used to appease contractual obligations. Between this and everything else noted, the record in whole proves to be a covers collection that is actually worth hearing.

Lord’s new covers compilation Undercovers Vol. 1 is an interesting presentation that rockers and even pop music fans alike will find worth hearing at least once. That is due in part to the songs featured in the recording. The band does not just take on a bunch of hard rock and metal songs here, though there are a lot of those songs featured here. The band also takes on songs from pop and pop rock acts, such as Savage Garden, The Police, a-ha, and even Kylie Minogue. That variety in itself makes for reason enough to hear this presentation. That only two of the songs featured here were specially recorded for the compilation shows that this was not just some randomly thrown together presentation that was made to appease any contractual obligations for the band. Rather, it was a way for the band to bring together so many of the covers that it has recorded over the course of its life. That makes the presentation more special in itself. The band’s performance of the featured covers makes for its own appeal. That is because they give those originals their own unique identities from one to the next. The songs’ sequencing rounds out the most important of the compilation’s elements. That is because it ensures the record’s pacing remains stable throughout while also constantly giving listeners something interesting rather than redundant. Each item noted here is unquestionably important in its own way to the whole of the compilation’s presentation. All things considered, they make the record a work that despite being a covers compilation, still a presentation that is worth hearing, and at least once at that. Undercovers Vol. 1 is available now through Dominus Records.

More information on Undercovers Vol. 1 is available along with all of Lord’s latest news and more at:

Website: https://www.lord.net.au

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lordofficial

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.

Johnny Nocash & The Celtic Outlaws Debuts ‘Burned Alive’ Video

Posted on October 27, 2020 by philspicks

Independent country rock band Johnny Nocash and the Celtic Outlaws debuted the video for its latest single this wee.

The band debuted the video for its new single ‘Burned Alive’ Tuesday through The Pit. The video features Nocash and his band mates in two settings, walking along a dusty road and then enjoying some cold drinks and good music around a campfire. The simple approach ensures viewers’ engagement and entertainment.

The musical arrangement featured in the band’s new single is of its own interest as it is a stark contrast to the band’s most recent single, ‘The Hex.’ That song does have heavy moments throughout, but its verses are noticeably more reserved, incorporating more of a Celtic rock sound than country rock. ‘Burned Alive’ features a distinctly more gritty, heavy sound whose overall stylistic approach and sound will appeal to fans of similar acts, such as Corrosion of Conformity, Texas Hippie Coalition, and Pantera.

The song’s lyrical content matches its musical arrangement, simply focusing on life on the road and performing live, thus the imagery used in the video.

Nocash said in a prepared statement, he hopes that audiences will appreciate the song.

“Our new single ‘Burned Alive; is a combination of the time we’ve spent on the road mixed with all of us coming together as a unit, a brotherhood if you will, to create something that moves people,” he said. “We feel that this will not only be received well from our fans now but will pull outside audiences in for a closer listen to what we have to say.”

‘Burned Alive’ is available to stream and download through Spotify and the band’s official Bandcamp page.

More information on ‘Burned Alive’ is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.johnnynocash.com

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

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.

Upon A Burning Body’s New EP Is Will Continue To “Build” The Band’s Name And Reputation

Posted on August 2, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Seek & Strike

Hard rock band Upon a Burning Body is, it would seem, one of the hardest working bands in the hard rock community today. Having formed approximately 15 years ago (which is not that long ago in music industry years), the band has released five albums and one EP. The longest stretch that the band has gone between new albums is three years, which came between the band’s fourth album Straight From the Barrio (2016) and its fifth album Southern Hostility (2019). Each of those albums has enjoyed its own level of success in terms of charting. The band shortened its time between new records again this week with the release of its second ever EP Built From War. The five-song record was released Friday through Seek & Strike Records – its second studio recording for the independent label. The 17-minute record is a work that the band’s established fan base will appreciate jut as much as metalcore and metal fans in general. That is thanks to its musical and lyrical content, as is evidenced in part by the EP’s first two songs, ‘5X3’ and ‘Built From War.’ Each song will be addressed here, along with the EP’s penultimate song ‘Living for the Weekend.’ All three songs do their own part to make this record work as well as it does. When they are considered with the EP’s two remaining songs — ‘Chains of Agony’ and ‘Extermination’ – the whole makes Built From War an EP that is built for success.

Upon A Burning Body’s latest studio recording Built From War is a strong new offering from the band, which has already made quite the impact on the metal community in such a short time. That is due to its musical and lyrical content, each of which is accessible in its own way. The EP’s opener, ‘5X3’ is just one of the songs that serves to support the noted statements. This song’s arrangement is a full-on assault on the ears, but in the best way possible. It is a blues-infused heavy metal opus that wastes no time grabbing listeners by the ear with its heavy, driving guitars, time-keeping, vocals and bass. The immediate thought that comes to mind in listening to the song’s musical arrangement is a work that takes the best elements of Hatebreed and Lamb of God and combines them into one whole for a work that will keep listeners’ adrenaline peaked. That adrenaline is heightened through the social commentary that is clearly presented through the song’s lyrical content.

The social commentary in question is a statement about people’s obsessions with celebrity and fame in general. This is pointed out in the song’s lead verse and chorus, through which front man Danny Leal screams, “Nothing’s free in this world motherf*****/This life is not what you see on your screen/Your 5×3 reality/Before you double tap on what you wish you could be/Understand it might not be what you think/You want it so bad/But you don’t know what it means/There’s no turning back/Once you’re in too deep/Can you handle it/Here’s the cold hearted truth/Only craving the money the power the fame will never satisfy you.” He continues in the song’s second verse, “This life is not just the views from the top/Because the higher your head gets the faster you’ll drop.” This applies just as much to people’s obsession with celebrities and wanting to be famous as to wanting to be famous through YouTube and internet in general. Given, this is hardly the first time that any band has ever take on the topic of people’s obsession with fame and celebrity, but it is no less gripping here as from any other act from across the musical universe. When it is considered along with the fire in the song’s musical arrangement, the whole of the song becomes just one of the EP’s most notable entries. The record’s title track stands on its own merits.

The musical arrangement at the center of ‘Built From War’ is a full on thrash/groove composition that will keep listeners just as engaged and entertained as ‘5X3.’ The powerhouse guitars and time keeping works with the bass line and vocals to once again present that Hatebreed-meets-Lamb of God type of sound. Even more to its credit is that the arrangement is not just a rehashing of 5X3. It is its own, unique musical presentation that audiences will appreciate just as much as that song. That pummeling musical arrangement is just one part of what makes the song stand out. Its lyrical content partners well with that merciless musical arrangement.

The song’s lyrical is a fist-pump-inducing statement that encourages listeners to defy all obstacles. That message is made clear in the song’s lead verse and chorus in which Leal screams, “Are you the strongest of them all/Cross the lines of fate/Wipe the blood from your face/Forged in the heart of the fire/Fueled from failure/Made for more/Built from war.” It is strengthened even more in the song’s second verse as he notes, “The power remains/The blood fueling rage/Don’t turn away/To rise you must fall/Tell me do you have the strength within you to be the strongest of them all.” It is cemented in the song’s third and fourth verses, “Start the battle and end the war/Strength is the only way out/To be the strongest of them all/What are you built from/Are you the strongest of them all/Strength is the only way out/To be the strongest of them all.” Again, little to no doubt is left here as to the song’s uplifting message. It is a message of self-determination and strength. When that welcome message is coupled with the song’s equally powerful musical arrangement, the result is a work that holds its own just as much as ‘5X3.’ It is just one more way in which the EP shines. ‘Living for the Weekend’ is yet another song that makes the EP stand out.

‘Living for the Weekend’ stands out in part because of its own musical arrangement. This song is not a cover of Fitz & The Tantrums’ song by the same name. It just so happens that both songs have the same title, and while each is enjoyable in its own right, each is its own work. It also is not a cover the song from The O’Jays, which is its own song, too. Ironically, the song’s lyrical content is very similar in its approach, with the song’s lead verse stating, “Roll up your sleeves/And strap on them boots/Clocking in and out/It’s the work week blues/Got mouths to feed and bills to pay/All work, no play/Long days/They’re all the same/The f*****’ boss don’t even know my name/This 9-5/Gotta leave it behind/or break your f****** back/And keep your a** in line.” The song’s chorus adds, “Thin lines, I’m walking all the time/F*** these deadlines/leave ‘em all behind/Hell yeah/All my worries are gone/With the music loud/And the grill’s on/Hell yeah, living for the weekend.” The song continues on in similar fashion from there in its second and third verses, with the song’s subject lamenting about dealing with each day of the work week and needing a break.” It’s a bit of a touchy subject right now considering how many thousands of people are out of work as a result of COVID-19, wishing they had a job, but it is still a song that will connect with its own share of listeners. To that point, this and the song’s heavy, blues-based Hellyeah type arrangement make it stand out even more. Keeping this in mind along with the impact of the other songs noted here and the EP’s other two songs not directly addressed, the whole of the EP proves itself a powerhouse presentation from Upon a Burning Body. It makes Built From War a presentation that is built for success.

Upon a Burning Body’s new EP Built From War is a strong new presentation from the band. It is one more example of why this band has remained so successful even despite being clearly one of the hard rock and metal community’s hardest working bands. It shows this band is still running full steam ahead and is aimed to be one of the next leaders in the current generation of hard rock and metal bands. That is evidenced through the EP’s musical and lyrical content, as the songs examined here show. When those songs are considered along with the EP’s two songs not discussed, the whole of the record – the band’s seventh studio recording overall – proves itself a work that will continue to build the band’s name and reputation. It is available now. More information on the EP is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.uponaburningbody.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/uabb

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

Annihilator Proves Again Why It Is Thrash Metal Elite With ‘Ballistic, Sadistic’

Posted on July 19, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Neverland Music, Inc.

Thrash metal is alive and well. This critic has pointed this out more than once during the course of this year. New, successful albums released this year from the likes of Testament, Warbringer and Sepultura have supported that statement without any doubt. They are just a few of the albums that have served to support the noted statement. They are just some of those examples of what has made the thrash world so strong this year. They also were not the first of the year’s major thrash albums. Annihilator beat all of them to the punch on January 24 with the release of its latest album Ballistic, Sadistic. The band’s 17^th full-length studio recording, its 10 total songs make the album everything that audiences have come to expect from the veteran metal outfit, musically speaking. This will be discussed shortly. The album’s lyrical themes work with that noted musical aspect to add to the record’s appeal. It will be addressed a little later. The record’s sequencing rounds out its most important elements. It will also be addressed later. Each noted item is important in its own way to the whole of this recording. All things considered, they make Ballistic, Sadistic another win for Annihilator and its fans.

Annihilator’s latest album Ballistic, Sadistic is a pure example from start to end of why this band has remained such a respected act both within the thrash and metal realms for more than 35 years. That is proven in part through the 45-minute album’s overall musical presentation. The album’s musical arrangements are, from one to the next, everything that audiences have come to expect from the band. The shredding riffs are there as are front man Jeff Waters’ grinding vocals and drummer Fabio Alessandrini’s solid time keeping and fills. From the full-throttle approach of ‘Out With The Garbage’ to the almost power metal approach of ‘Lip Service’ to the equally driving arrangement of ‘The Attitude,’ audiences get everything that they have come to expect from Annihilator on this latest offering from the veteran metal outfit. What’s interesting to note in examining the arrangements is that for all of the familiarity present throughout the course of the 45-minute record, there are some aspects that audiences will find interesting in their own right. That arrangement at the center of ‘The Attitude’ is just one of those moments that stands out. The nearly five-minute song opens with what is best described as something of a doom sound with the slow, heavy guitars and equally impacting drumming. This element lasts almost two minutes before the band launches into the more full-throttle, old school thrash sound for which it has come to be known. ‘One Wrong Move’ is another example of some changes from the band, that audiences will like. Roughly halfway through the course of the nearly five-minute song, which in its overall presentation sounds a lot like old school Metallica circa 1991 (and old school Pantera for that matter), the song becomes decidedly subdued. That change of tone is only temporary, though, as the song soon after, as the band gets right back to the song’s original heaviness after the brief respite. Between these two changes, the more familiar aspects of the band’s musical work and the rest of the work not addressed, the album’s overall musical content creates a solid foundation for its presentation. The record’s lyrical themes rest on that foundation, making the album even more appealing for audiences.

The lyrical themes featured throughout the course of Ballistic, Sadistic strengthen the foundation formed by the album’s musical arrangements. That is because the themes in question are topics to which listeners can relate. “The Attitude’ is just one of the songs that serves to support the noted statement. The song comes across as addressing those people who live to make others’ lives miserable. It is a familiar topic that has been covered many times from one act to the next and from one genre to the next. But even in the case of this presentation, it still maintains its appeal to listeners. Case in point is the song’s lead verse, which states, “Years of blood, sweat and tears/Under the belt/Disregard, disrespect for what you’ve been dealt/best defense, arrogance/You know it all/Enjoy your time while it lasts/Before you fall.” The damning indictment of such behaviors from those people continues in the song’s second verse, “It’s dragging me down/Pessimist/What do you know/In a couple of years, wait and see/You’ve got nothing to show/telling me how/Teaching me how it’s done/Feel the need to educate everyone” and adds in the song’s third and final verse, “You’ll learn the lesson/Learn it well/Save your tears/I’d wish you luck/Don’t fuck a f***/get out of here.” That final statement is the most telling, as the song’s subject clearly is taking on that negativist, telling that person that he/she is not wanted or welcome. When that forceful statement is coupled with the song’s equally powerful musical arrangement, the whole of the song is certain to leave a lasting impact on listeners. It is just one of the most notable examples of what makes the album’s lyrical content stand out. ‘Dressed Up For Evil’ shows in its own way what makes the album’s lyrical content so important to its presentation.

‘Dressed Up For Evil’ does not come right out and say it, but could very easily be considered a statement against none other than the “Mango Monster” himself, Donald J. Trump. This is inferred right from the song’s outset as the song states, “Put on your best suit and pick out your tie/Cover up the hooves/A devil in disguise/Jump in your fancy car/Women, a plaything/Everyone’s inferior/All hail the king/Lake Damien from The Omen/A business camouflage/Hanging with your worshippers/Your phony entourage/Blending in with all of us/A smell of rotten flesh/Fending off the flies.” The seeming statement about the wannabe dictator continues in the song’s second verse, “So condescending/Rotten to the core/Everyone’s beneath you/Put ‘em down some more/Tempting with currency/Preying on the greed/Extend the family/With demon seed/People are just property/Amassing your net worth/Building up the empire/Right here on Earth/Delusions, illusions/All a fantasy/No guilty conscience/A moral bankruptcy.” The song’s third and final verse follows in similar fashion, but at least ends the song with a “happy” ending, stressing to that evil figure, “The reign is over/Good has overcome/Dealing with the aftermath/The healing has begun.” One can only hope that the healing will begin come November when hopefully the giant cheeto will be gone from the White House. Considering all of this, the song is a song that will certainly resonate with plenty of listeners. It is just one more way in which the album’s lyrical content proves so important to its presentation. ‘Lip Service’ is yet another way in which the album’s lyrical content proves so important to its presentation.

The lyrical content featured in ‘Lip Service’ presents a certain intentional double entendre. On the one hand, there is a clear sexual aspect to the song, as it states at one point, “Sweat dripping from the skin/’m dancing with the ultimate done/Like a sweet peach dipped in honey/With a taste that’s second to none/Down we go/It’s just what you need/Your pleasure and my treat/I got dessert to eat.” Again, the sexual nature is fully evident here, but at the same time, one can consider that lip service meaning someone lying to another, there is a commentary here about just that. People so often will pay lip service to others in order to get what they want. That could be what is being addressed here in the bigger picture. It could be a man trying to woo a woman. It could be a brown noser sucking up to a boss. Overall, the song’s lyrical content, with that seeming commentary and double entendre will certainly reach listeners and keep them just as engaged and entertained as the lyrical content featured in the album’s other noted songs and those not directly addressed. All things considered here, the lyrical themes featured alongside the album’s musical content, make the album that much more enjoyable for listeners. While the overall content goes a long way toward making it worth hearing, it is not all that audiences will appreciate. The album’s sequencing rounds out its most important elements.

The sequencing of Ballistic, Sadistic is important to note because it does just as much to keep listeners engaged and entertained as the album’s overall content. Clocking in at just over 45 minutes in length, a lot is going on in the album. Yet even with so much happening, the album is well balanced in its energies and time. The album’s two halves each run just over 20 minutes, with the longest of the record’s songs each running a little more than five minutes. That means that at no point does the album let itself drag. Even with the slight stylistic changes in some of the songs, each song still keeps the album’s overall energy moving throughout. The result is a presentation that is just as appealing for its aesthetics as for its content. Keeping that in mind, the album in whole proves clearly why it is another positive offering from Annihilator that is also among the year’s top new hard rock and metal albums.

Annihilator’s 17^th album Ballistic, Sadistic is another successful offering from the veteran thrash metal outfit. That is proven in part through it musical arrangements which present plenty of familiar sounds and stylistic approaches alongside a little something new. The album’s lyrical themes will connect with listeners just as much as its musical arrangements, as has been pointed out here. The album’s sequencing puts the finishing touch to its presentation. Each item noted is important in its own right to the album’s presentation. All things considered, they make Ballistic, Sadistic a presentation that the band’s established fan base will appreciate just as much as metal aficionados in general. It is available now through Neverland Music, Inc. More information on the album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.annihilatormetal.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/annihilatorband

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

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