Up-And-Coming Acts, Veteran Bands Alike Made 2021 Another Great Year For Rock

Posted on December 10, 2021 by philspicks

The rock community turned out a whole bunch of great new content in 2021. From established acts to the up-and-comers, to the veterans, acts from across the rock community gave audiences plenty of reason to be happy this year. Now with only 21 days left in the year, that flow of new releases has slowed, though there is already lots of rock to look forward to in 2022, beginning early in the year. Until then though, Phil’s Picks has its annual list of this year’s top new rock albums to share.

As was the case with all of the other lists, this one was not easy to craft, either. Pop Evil returned this year with its powerful new album, Versatile. Liquid Tension Experiment (which is essentially the side project of three of Dream Theater’s members) returned for the first time in some years with its third record, too. Up-and-coming neo-classic rock band Greta Van Fleet worked hard this year with its new album to show that it wants to be known as its own act, not just a Led Zeppelin knockoff. Between this record, the others noted here and so many others, this year’s list of top new rock albums is diverse.

As with every other list presented by Phil’s Picks, it consists of the year’s top 10 new albums and five honorable mentions for a total of 15. Without any further ado, here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks’ 2021 Top 10 New Rock Albums.

PHIL’S PICKS 2021 TOP 10 NEW ROCK ALBUMS

Liquid Tension Experiment – 3

John 5 – Sinner

Billy F. Gibbons – Hardware

The Dead Daisies – Holy Ground

Mason Hill – Against The Wall

Candlebox – Wolves

Marc Ribler – The Whole World Awaits You

Myles Kennedy – The Ides of March

Pop Evil – Versatile

Dropkick Murphys – Turn Up That Dial

L.A. Guns – Checkered Past

Foo Fighters – Medicine at Midnight

Grand Royale – Carry On

Styx – Crash of the Crown

Greta Van Fleet – The Battle at Garden’s Gate

That’s it for this list, but wait, there’s more! Yes, there are still two more music lists to go before the attention turns to the best of the year’s new movie and TV categories. Stay tuned!

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.

Rocklahoma Performance Times Announced

Posted on September 1, 2021 by philspicks

Courtesy: A12 Entertainment

The 2021 Rocklahoma Festival will go on for now.

Performance times for the festival were announced Wednesday through a news release distributed to the media. The festival’s unofficial start is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. ET Thursday with a performance by Devium IV on the Deb Concerts Stage.

Thursday night’s kickoff continues at 8:05 p.m. with a performance by Dead Metal Society. The Iron Maidens follow at 9:30 p.m. Stephen Pearcy, the voice of RATT will headline the evening’s events at 10:50 p.m.

FRIDAY

Friday’s official launch opens at 11 a.m. on the Deb Concerts Stage with a performance by Straight Six. Lovesick Radio, Outlaw Devils, Travis Bond & The Rebel Souls, and Color of Chaos keep things moving from 11:50 a.m. through 2 p.m.

Liliac closes out the performances on the Deb Concerts Stage at 5 p.m., but before that, Plush will take the stage at 4 p.m. on the Renegade Stage. Half an hour later at 3:30, From Ashes To New will open the action on the Renegade Stage.

Performances from the likes of Tremonti, Candlebox, and Sevendust are also scheduled for Friday. Rob Zombie is scheduled to headline Friday’s events at 10:45 p.m. on the Freedom Stage.

SATURDAY

Slipknot is scheduled to headline Saturday’s events at 10:45 p.m. on the Freedom Stage. Prior to its performance, other bands, such as John 5 and the Creatures, Zero 9:36, and Pop Evil are also scheduled to perform.

Also scheduled to perform Saturday are the likes of Butcher Babies, School of Rock, and Falling in Reverse.

SUNDAY

Sunday will see its own wide array of acts scheduled to perform. Among those scheduled to perform Sunday are The Hu, Puddle of Mudd, and Philip H. Anselmo and the Illegals.

The full rundown of performance times for this weekend’s festival is noted below.

Thursday, September 2

DEB CONCERTS STAGE

10:50 PM – Stephen Pearcy The Voice Of Ratt

9:20 PM – The Iron Maidens

8:05 PM – Dead Metal Society

7:00 PM – Devium IV

Friday, September 3

FREEDOM STAGE

10:45 PM – Rob Zombie

8:45 PM – Chevelle

6:55 PM – Sevendust

5:40 PM – Candlebox

4:30 PM – Ayron Jones

3:30 PM – From Ashes To New

RENEGADE STAGE

9:55 PM – Grandson

8:05 PM – Tremonti

6:20 PM – Austin Meade

4:00 PM – Diamante

3:00 PM – Plush

DEB CONCERTS STAGE

5:00 PM – Liliac

2:20 PM – Color Of Chaos

1:30 PM – Travis Bond & The Rebel Souls

12:40 PM – Outlaw Devils

11:50 AM – Love Sick Radio

11:00 AM – Straight Six

Saturday, September 4

FREEDOM STAGE

10:45 PM – Slipknot

8:45 PM – Anthrax

6:55 PM – Pop Evil

5:40 PM – Badflower

4:30 PM – Bones UK

3:30 PM – Butcher Babies

RENEGADE STAGE

9:55 PM – Falling in Reverse

8:05 PM – Jelly Roll

6:20 PM – Zero 9:36

4:00 PM – All Good Things

3:00 PM – School Of Rock

DEB CONCERTS STAGE

5:00 PM – John 5 And The Creatures

2:20 PM – Rocket Science

1:30 PM – Fist Of Rage

12:40 PM – 90LB Wrench

11:50 AM – Mind Of Fury

11:00 AM – The Rumours

Sunday, September 5

FREEDOM STAGE

8:45 PM – Halestorm

6:55 PM – Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals

5:40 PM – Motionless In White

4:30 PM – Steel Panther

3:30 PM – Stellar Ascent

RENEGADE STAGE

9:55 PM – The Hu

8:05 PM – Andrew W.K.

6:20 PM – Knocked Loose

4:00 PM – Cory Marks

3:00 PM – Jeris Johnson

DEB CONCERTS STAGE

5:00 PM – Puddle Of Mudd

2:20 PM – Budderside

1:30 PM – Paralandra

12:40 PM – Severmind

11:50 AM – Jessikill

11:00 AM – Chaotic Resemblance

A three-day pass is required to attend the Roadhouse Pre-Party on Sept. Thursday. Doors for the Roadhouse Pre-Party open at 11 a.m. Festival grounds open for the festival daily at 2 p.m.

Rocklahoma is presented by AEG Presents.

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

Website: https://www.Rocklahoma.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rocklahoma

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

Posted on August 31, 2021 by philspicks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

POP EVIL “VERSATILE” TOUR DATES

(*dates in red mark rescheduled shows)

August 31 – Savannah, GA @ Victory North #

September 1 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel #

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

September 4 – Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma

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

September 9 – Flint, MI @ Machine Shop #

September 10 – Harrisburg, PA @ XL Live #

September 11 – Mansfield, OH @ Inkcarceration Fest

September 12 – Danville, VA @ Blue Ridge Rockfest

September 15 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live #

September 16 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom #

September 17 – Portland, ME @ Aura *

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

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

September 22 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theater *

September 23 – Destin, FL @ Club LA *

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

September 29 – Fargo, ND @ Sanctuary Events Center #

October 1 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater #

October 3 – Joliet, IL @ The Forge #

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

October 8 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival

# with ZERO 9:36 & BRKN LOVE

* with BRKN LOVE & LIKE MACHINES

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

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

Website: https://www.PopEvil.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/popevil

Pixies Cancels September Tour Dates Due To Concerns Over COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on August 23, 2021 by philspicks

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has claimed yet another band’s tour.

Pixies announced Monday through a press release, it has canceled its upcoming tour. The tour was scheduled to run from Sept. 10 in Chester, NY through Sept. 26 in Tulsa, OK. The news release cites the ongoing pandemic as the reason for the cancellation.

The tour’s schedule is noted below. Those who bought tickets will be able to get full refunds.

SEPTEMBER

10 Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY

11 Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA

13 Old Forester’s Paristown Hall, Louisville, KY

14 Foellinger Theatre, Fort Wayne, IN

16 Summerfest, Milwaukee, WI

17 The Factory at The District, Chesterfield, MO

18 The Waiting Room/Outdoors – Omaha, NE

19 Riot Fest, Chicago, IL

21 Jacobs Pavilion, Cleveland, OH (with NIN)

23 Jacobs Pavilion, Cleveland, OH (with NIN)

26 Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa, OK

Pixies is just the latest band to see its tour plans canceled due to the pandemic. Acts, such as Stevie Nicks, Nine Inch Nails, Deftones, and even Garth Brooks have all canceled their tours as a result of the pandemic’s impact. Many others have postponed their tour plans until 2022 both for North America and Europe, including Pixies. Pop Evil most recently had to reschedule a series of dates due to front man Leigh Kakaty getting a positive COVID reading following a recent performance in Denver, CO.

More information on the cancellation of Pixes’ September tour is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.pixiesmusic.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIXIES

Pop Evil Announces Rescheduled Live Dates

Posted on August 19, 2021 by philspicks

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

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

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

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

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

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

POP EVIL “VERSATILE” TOUR DATES

(*dates in red mark rescheduled shows)

August 27 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27 #

August 28 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls

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

August 31 – Savannah, GA @ Victory North #

September 1 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel #

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

September 4 – Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma

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

September 9 – Flint, MI @ Machine Shop #

September 10 – Harrisburg, PA @ XL Live #

September 11 – Mansfield, OH @ Inkcarceration Fest

September 12 – Danville, VA @ Blue Ridge Rockfest

September 15 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live #

September 16 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom #

September 17 – Portland, ME @ Aura *

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

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

September 22 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theater *

September 23 – Destin, FL @ Club LA *

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

September 29 – Fargo, ND @ Sanctuary Events Center #

October 1 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater #

October 3 – Joliet, IL @ The Forge #

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

October 8 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival

# with ZERO 9:36 & BRKN LOVE

* with BRKN LOVE & LIKE MACHINES

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

Website: https://www.PopEvil.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/popevil

Positive COVID-19 Diagnosis Temporarily Sidelines Pop Evil Tour

Posted on August 17, 2021 by philspicks

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

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

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

The currently postponed dates are as follows:

August 17 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s

August 18 – Fargo, ND @ Sanctuary Events Center

August 20 – Joliet, IL @ The Forge

August 21 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

August 23 – Savannah, GA @ Victory North

August 24 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel

August 25 – Jacksonville, NC @ Hooligans

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 27 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27 #

August 28 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls #

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

September 4 – Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma

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

September 9 – Flint, MI @ Machine Shop #

September 10 – Harrisburg, PA @ XL Live #

September 11 – Mansfield, OH @ Inkcarceration Fest

September 12 – Danville, VA @ Blue Ridge Rockfest

September 15 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live #

September 16 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom #

September 17 – Portland, ME @ Aura *

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

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

September 22 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theater *

September 23 – Destin, FL @ Club LA *

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

October 8 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival

# with ZERO 9:36 & BRKN LOVE

* with BRKN LOVE & LIKE MACHINES

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

Website: https://www.PopEvil.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/popevil

Pop Evil Announces Summer Tour Schedule

Posted on May 25, 2021 by philspicks

Pop Evil will head back out on the road this summer.

The band made the announcement Tuesday through a news release. The announcement comes fresh on the heels of the release of the band’s latest album, Versatile, which was released Friday through eOne. The tour features performances in cities nationwide, such as Jacksonville, NC; Billings, MT, and Louisville, KY.

Zero 9:36, BRKN Love, and Like Machines will serve as support throughout the tour. Additionally, Shinedown will join the band for select dates, too.

The band expressed its anticipation for the tour’s launch in a prepared statement.

“This really is just as exciting as releasing our new album,” the statement reads. “Like many other musicians, we haven’t played a live show in over a year. We can’t wait to get back out there and play in front of our fans. We are thrilled to have hot and upcoming artists like ZERO 9:36, BRKN LOVE and Like Machines out with us. See you this summer!!!”

The tour’s schedule is noted below. Pre-sale tickets are available for purchase. Public ticket sales begin at 10 a.m. local time Thursday.

POP EVIL 2021 TOUR DATES

July 14 – Lake County, IL @ Blarney Island – WIIL Summer Series

July 16 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Upheaval Festival

July 17 – Caddott, WI @ Cadott Festival

July 18 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s #

July 20 – Minot, ND @ The Original #

July 21 – Billings, MT @ Pub Station #

July 23 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot #

July 24 – Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theater #

July 25 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Marquee #

July 27 – Lubbock, TX @ Jakes Sport Café #

July 29 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live #

July 30 – Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Live #

July 31 – Kansas City, MO @ Truman Theater #

August 1 – Sauget, IL @ Pops #

August 3 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theater #

August 4 – Bloomington, IL @ The Castle #

August 5 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ Pierres #

August 6 – Mt. Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino &

August 7 – Louisville, KY @ Waterfront Park &

August 8 – Evansville, IN @ Marina Point ^

August 10 – Kettering, OH @ Fraze Pavilion &

August 11 – Camdenton, MO @ Ozark Amp &

August 13 – Madison, WI @ The Sylvee

August 14 – Sioux City, IA @ Hard Rock Battery Park &

August 15 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater #

August 18 – Fargo, ND @ Sanctuary Events Center #

August 20 – Joliet, IL @ The Forge #

August 21 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl #

August 23 – Savannah, GA @ Victory North #

August 24 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel #

August 25 – Jasonville, NC @ Hooligans #

August 27 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27 #

August 28 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls #

September 1 – Syracuse, NY @ Westcott Theater *

September 4 – Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma

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

September 9 – Flint, MI @ Machine Shop #

September 10 – Harrisburg, PA @ XL Live #

September 11 – Mansfield, OH @ Inkcarceration Fest

September 12 – Danville, VA @ Blue Ridge Rockfest

September 15 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live #

September 16 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom #

September 17 – Portland, ME @ Aura *

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

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

September 22 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theater *

September 23 – Destin, FL @ Club LA *

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

October 8 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival

# with ZERO 9:36 & BRKN LOVE

* with BRKN LOVE & LIKE MACHINES

^ with ZERO 9:36

& with SHINEDOWN

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

Website: https://www.PopEvil.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/popevil

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

Posted on May 20, 2021 by philspicks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

POP EVIL will perform live at the following shows:

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

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

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

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

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

Website: https://www.PopEvil.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/popevil

Pop Evil Debuts New LP’s Latest Single; Announces Album’s Track Listing

Posted on March 20, 2021 by philspicks

Pop Evil is giving audiences yet another preview of its new album.

The band debuted the latest single and video from its new album Versatile Friday. The single — ‘Set Me Free’ — and its video are the fourth from the album. Their premiere follows those of the singles ‘Work,’ ‘Let The Chaos Begin,’ and ‘Breathe Again.’

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Set Me Free’ is an infectious, upbeat composition. Its drums seem to form the foundation while the guitars and other elements build on that to flesh out the song even more.

No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme in the press release announcing the single and video’s debut. However, it is obvious right from the song’s outset that this song is lyrically, about someone dealing with his own inner turmoil. It is a familiar lyrical topic that will connect with any listener, especially when the song’s musical arrangement is considered along with this content.

The video that accompanies the song is a psychedelic, animated presentation. It features images, such as creatures meant to reflect the subject’s inner demons; front man Leigh Kakatay, singing, third eye protruding from his head, and more.

‘Set Me Free,’ ‘Work,’ ‘Let The Chaos Begin,’ and ‘Breathe Again’ are only four of the songs featured in Versatile. The record is composed of 12 songs, all of which were announced Friday along with the song’s premiere. The album’s track listing is noted below.

VERSATILE Tracklist:

1. Let The Chaos Reign

2. Set Me Free

3. Breathe Again

4. Work

5. Inferno

6. Stronger (The Time Is Now)

7. Raise Your Flag

8. Human Nature

9. Survivor

10. Worst In Me

11. Same Blood

12. Fire Inside

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

POP EVIL will perform live at the following shows:

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

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

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

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

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

Website: https://www.PopEvil.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/popevil

Pop Evil Premieres ‘Breathe Again’ Video

Posted on February 12, 2021 by philspicks

Pop Evil debuted the video for its latest single this week.

The band debuted the video for its single ‘Breathe Again‘ Wednesday. The video’s debut comes more than two months after the band debuted the song by itself. The video blends footage of the band performing its new single against a variety of backdrops with the story of an unidentified woman (with what looks like a Rubix Cube on her head) making her way through a building. The woman does finally escape her “prison” and gets away in the end, which is meant to help translate the message in the song’s lyrical theme.

The lyrical theme featured in the band’s new single works well with its companion musical content. That is because it presents a familiar, positive message about overcoming life’s obstacles and adversities. The energy exuded through the song’s musical arrangement adds to the power in that noted lyrical theme.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Breathe Again’ takes the band’s familiar melodic hard rock and adds in some electronics and aggro-rock elements for a unique new composition that holds its own against the band’s most recent singles and that will appeal widely to the band’s audiences.

‘Breathe Again’ is expected for inclusion in the band’s next album, Versatile. Along with ‘Breathe Again,’ Versatile is also expected to feature the band’s singles ‘Let the Chaos Reign‘ and ‘Work,’ which it premiered in 2020.

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

Website: https://www.PopEvil.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/popevil

philspicks

All the latest reviews and news in entertainment

Tag Archives: Pop Evil

Up-And-Coming Acts, Veteran Bands Alike Made 2021 Another Great Year For Rock

Rocklahoma Performance Times Announced

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

Pixies Cancels September Tour Dates Due To Concerns Over COVID-19 Pandemic

Pop Evil Announces Rescheduled Live Dates

Positive COVID-19 Diagnosis Temporarily Sidelines Pop Evil Tour

Pop Evil Announces Summer Tour Schedule

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

Pop Evil Debuts New LP’s Latest Single; Announces Album’s Track Listing

Pop Evil Premieres ‘Breathe Again’ Video