Awaken The Giant Tackles Mental Health, Addiction In New Single

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

Awaken The Giant debuted its latest single this week.

The band premiered its new single, ‘Feel Alive‘ Thursday. The song’s debut comes more than two months after the band unveiled its then latest single, ‘Hypnotize.’

The overall musical arrangement featured in ‘Feel Alive’ presents a familiar melodic hard rock sound and style that fits well into any active rock radio programmer’s playlist. The overall sound is easily comparable to works from the likes of Finger Eleven, Three Days Grace, and others of that ilk. However, the screams that are incorporated into the song’s final bars present an equally interesting metalcore vibe.

The band discussed the song’s lyrical theme in a prepared statement.

“‘Feel Alive’ is a song about being caught up in depression and addiction, being in a crowded situation and not feeling part of it, and feeling eager to fast forward to the future in hopes of a better life and to feel alive again,” the statement reads.

In other news, Awaken The Giant has announced a series of live dates set to launch Feb. 25 in Houston, TX in support of its new EP, Black and Blue. Its release date is under consideration.

The band’s upcoming live run also features a performance alongside the likes of Seether, Nonpoint, and 3 Doors Down April 2 at the CPR Fest in Biloxi, Miss. The band’s tour dates are noted below.

Awaken The Giant Show Dates:

Friday 2/25 Houston, TX @Acadia Bar

Sunday 2/27 Tulsa, Oklahoma w/Kingdom Collapse @ The Vanguard

Monday 2/28 Memphis, Tennessee w/Kingdom Collapse @ Growlers

Tuesday 3/1 Fort Walton Beach, FL @ DownTown Music Hall

Saturday 3/5 – Pascagoula, Mississippi @ The Celtic Irish Pub

Friday 3/11 Katy, TX @The Wildcatter Saloon w/Uncured, Versus Me & Madame Mayhem

Friday 3/18 New Orleans, Louisiana @ Babylon Music & Sports Bar

Saturday 4/2 CPR FEST with 3 Doors Down, Seether, Badflower, Nonpoint

Black & Blue has produced not only its title track as a single, but also ‘I Fooled You‘ and ‘Hypnotize.’ The track listing for Feel Alive is noted below.

Black & Blue Tracklisting:

1. Feel Alive

2. 2 Pump Chump

3. Hypnotize

4. I Fooled You

5. Make Believe

6. Seen Enough

More information on Awaken The Giant’s new single is available along with all of the duo’s latest news at https://www.facebook.com/awakenthegiantband.

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/phispicks 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.

New Singles Compilation Coming From Seether; Band Announces Plans For New Concert, Livestream Events

Courtesy: Craft Recordings

Seether will release a new singles compilation later this fall.

The band is scheduled to release the collection, Vicennial: 2 Decades of Seether Oct. 15 through Craft Recordings. The record features 20 songs from the first two decades of the band’s career. The record’s track listing is noted below.

Vicennial – 2 Decades of Seether features the following tracks:

1. Fake It

2. Remedy

3. Fine Again

4. Broken

5. Words As Weapons

6. Country Song

7. Let You Down

8. Rise Above This

9. Weak

10. Tonight

11. Nobody Praying for Me

12. Careless Whisper

13. Truth

14. Gasoline

15. Betray and Degrade

16. Breakdown

17. Same Damn Life

18. The Gift

19. Driven Under

20. Dangerous

In anticipation of the compilation’s release, the band has announced that it will perform the album Oct. 7 at Ace of Spades in Sacramento, CA, one song at a time from start to end. The Aftershock After Party is for the opening night of the sold-out Aftershock Festival. Tickets for the event are available here.

In related news, the band will also hold a special livestream event Oct. 11 for global audiences since the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is preventing the band from touring outside of the United States. Set to air at 6 p.m. PST/9 p.m. ET, 6 p.m.GMT, and 6 p.m. JST on the noted date, the concert will feature a 10-song set that will be built by fan vote. Additionally, it will feature virtual meet and greet sessions with the band. Tickets and bundles that include a limited number of vinyl pressings of the band’s new compilation are available here.

In other news, Seether is the latest addition to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “Right Here Right Now” exhibit. The exhibit examines the evolution of rock and the impact of the genre and its growth on today’s generation of rock acts.

In even more news, Seether debuted its latest single last month in the form of the alternate version of its song, ‘Wasteland.’

The song was originally featured in the band’s 2020 album, Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum.  The new “alternate take” stays true to the source material, with the band opting instead this time for a softer, semi-acoustic take on the song.  The updated take is comparable to works from Staind.

Front man Shaun Morgan said during a recent interview, he was looking forward to the release of the band’s new EP.

“We are really excited to release The Purgatory EP as a companion to our latest single, ‘Wasteland,’ he said. “I’m especially proud of how the alternate version of the track turned out and really happy that people will finally hear it!”

In still more other news, Seether launched an extensive new tour in support of its new EP last month.  The tour launched July 17 in Huber Heights, OH and is scheduled to run through Oct. 16 in West Palm Beach, FL.  The remaining dates for the band’s tour are noted below.

TOUR DATES

Aug 13 Fri-Moorhead, MN-Bluestem Amphitheater

Aug 14 Sat- Belcourt, ND-Sky Dancer Casino & Resort

Aug 19 Thu-Wantagh, NY-Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Aug 20 Fri-Baltimore, MD-MECU Pavilion

Aug 21 Sat-Philadelphia, PA-The Mann Center

Aug 26 Thu-Kennewick, WA-Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo

Aug 27 Fri-Boise, ID-Expo Idaho

Aug 28 Sat-Salem, OR-Oregon State Fair

Aug 31 Tue-San Jose, CA-San Jose Civic

Sep 2 Thu-Corning, CA-Rolling Hills Casino Corning Ca

Sep 3 Fri-Reno, NV-Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort

Sep 5 Sun-Las Vegas, NV-Fremont Street Experience

Sep 7 Tue-West Valley City, UT-USANA Amphitheatre

Sep 8 Wed-Denver, CO-Bellco Theatre

Sep 10 Fri-Newark, NJ-WDHA’S Family Reunion

Sep 11 Sat-Danville, VA-Blue Ridge Rock Festival 2021

Sep 17 Fri-Minneapolis, MN-93X’s Family Reunion

Sep 19 Sun-Maryland Heights, MO-105.7 The Point 2021 Fest

Sep 23 Thu-Brandon, MS-Brandon Amphitheater

Sep 24 Fri-Rogers, AR-The Walmart AMP

Sep 25 Sat-Nashville, TN-Ascend Amphitheater

Sep 26 Sun-Louisville, KY-Louder Than Life 2021

Sep 30 Thu-North Myrtle Beach, SC-House of Blues Myrtle Beach

Oct 1 Fri-Atlanta, GA-Tabernacle

Oct 2 Sat-Tampa, FL-98ROCKFEST

Oct 7 Thu-Sacramento, CA-Aftershock 2021

Oct 10 Sun-Tempe, AZ-Marquee Theatre

Oct 14 Thu-Jacksonville, FL-Daily’s Place Amphitheater

Oct 15 Fri-Orlando, FL-Hard Rock Live Orlando

Oct 16 Sat-West Palm Beach, FL-iTHINK Financial Amphiteatre

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

Website: https://www.seether.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Seether

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.

Antisaint Gives Audiences A Double Dose Of Music From Its New Album

Courtesy: Head First Entertainment

Independent hard rock band Antisaint premiered not one but two songs from its forthcoming album this week.

The band premiered the songs ‘Incomplete‘ and ‘Feed The Crows‘ Tuesday. The songs are featured in the band’s forthcoming album, Vaticinate, which is scheduled for release Aug. 20. Pre-orders are open now.

The songs are two completely different works in regards to their musical arrangements. ‘Incomplete’ boasts a heavy song that is similar to works from the likes of Seether, Three Days Grace, and others of that ilk in regards to its stylistic approach and sound. On the other hand, ‘Feed The Crows’ presents a sound and stylistic approach that is more akin to works from the likes of Deftones and Korn.

The songs are unique not only in regard to their musical arrangements, but also their lyrical content. As front man Matt Whiteman points out, the lyrical theme featured in ‘Incomplete’ delivers a message of proud defiance.

“’Incomplete’ is about being looked down upon and judged by others for pursuing a purpose in life that they do not understand themselves,” said Whiteman. “It is a common occurrence to have when pursuing a creative lifestyle. People constantly criticize and belittle artists’ creations without even thinking about what it takes to have the courage to make something original and put it out into the world. The end of the song is a rally to other people in our position to not give into the doubt and pressure, take the half that they can’t see and make it whole. 

As to the lyrical theme featured in ‘Feed The Crows,’ Whiteman stressed this song is more of a statement of anger and frustration.

“‘Feed The Crows’ was written during a low point of making the album,” he said. “The song is pure frustration and the message behind it is to say f*** it, and compromise morals to match those who have none. It’s less meaningful compared to the other songs on the album. Having said that it serves a major purpose in the TO DIGEST part of the album in which it represents the pure chaos and emotion of not being able to achieve what you wanted.”

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

Website: https://antisaintband.square.site

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/antisaintband

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.

Seether Debuts New Single; Launches New Tour

Courtesy: Fantasy?Concord Records

Seether will release its new record this week.

The band is scheduled to release its new EP, Purgatory Friday through Fantasy/Concord Records.  In anticipation, the band will release the alternate version of its single, ‘Wasteland‘ Tuesday.  The song was originally featured in the band’s 2020 album, Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum.  The new “alternate take” stays true to the source material, with the band opting instead this time for a softer, semi-acoustic take on the song.  The updated take is comparable to works from Staind.

Front man Shaun Morgan said during a recent interview, he was looking forward to the release of the band’s new EP.

“We are really excited to release The Purgatory EP as a companion to our latest single, ‘Wasteland,’ he said. “I’m especially proud of how the alternate version of the track turned out and really happy that people will finally hear it!”

In other news, Seether launched an extensive new tour in support of its new EP.  The tour launched July 17 in Huber Heights, OH and is scheduled to run through Oct. 16 in West Palm Beach, FL.  Performances in cities nationwide, such as Nashville, TN; Boise, ID and Sterling Heights, MI are among the many dates on the tour’s schedule, which is noted below.

TOUR DATES

Jul 29 Thu- Bossier City, LA-Brookshire Grocery Arena

Jul 30 Fri-Sugar Land, TX-Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land

Jul 31 Sat-Irving, TX-Irving Music Factory

Aug 5 Thu-Tinley Park, IL-Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

Aug 6 Fri-Indianapolis, IN-TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park

Aug 7 Sat- Sterling Heights, MI-Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill

Aug 12 Thu-Council Bluffs, IA-Harrah’s Council Bluffs Hotel & Casino

Aug 13 Fri-Moorhead, MN-Bluestem Amphitheater

Aug 14 Sat- Belcourt, ND-Sky Dancer Casino & Resort

Aug 19 Thu-Wantagh, NY-Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Aug 20 Fri-Baltimore, MD-MECU Pavilion

Aug 21 Sat-Philadelphia, PA-The Mann Center

Aug 26 Thu-Kennewick, WA-Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo

Aug 27 Fri-Boise, ID-Expo Idaho

Aug 28 Sat-Salem, OR-Oregon State Fair

Aug 31 Tue-San Jose, CA-San Jose Civic

Sep 2 Thu-Corning, CA-Rolling Hills Casino Corning Ca

Sep 3 Fri-Reno, NV-Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort

Sep 5 Sun-Las Vegas, NV-Fremont Street Experience

Sep 7 Tue-West Valley City, UT-USANA Amphitheatre

Sep 8 Wed-Denver, CO-Bellco Theatre

Sep 10 Fri-Newark, NJ-WDHA’S Family Reunion

Sep 11 Sat-Danville, VA-Blue Ridge Rock Festival 2021

Sep 17 Fri-Minneapolis, MN-93X’s Family Reunion

Sep 19 Sun-Maryland Heights, MO-105.7 The Point 2021 Fest

Sep 23 Thu-Brandon, MS-Brandon Amphitheater

Sep 24 Fri-Rogers, AR-The Walmart AMP

Sep 25 Sat-Nashville, TN-Ascend Amphitheater

Sep 26 Sun-Louisville, KY-Louder Than Life 2021

Sep 30 Thu-North Myrtle Beach, SC-House of Blues Myrtle Beach

Oct 1 Fri-Atlanta, GA-Tabernacle

Oct 2 Sat-Tampa, FL-98ROCKFEST

Oct 7 Thu-Sacramento, CA-Aftershock 2021

Oct 10 Sun-Tempe, AZ-Marquee Theatre

Oct 14 Thu-Jacksonville, FL-Daily’s Place Amphitheater

Oct 15 Fri-Orlando, FL-Hard Rock Live Orlando

Oct 16 Sat-West Palm Beach, FL-iTHINK Financial Amphiteatre

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

Website: https://www.seether.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Seether

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.

Nonpoint Announces New Live Dates

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

Nonpoint will head back out on the road later this summer for a full-length tour

The band made the announcement Friday. It will launch what it has dubbed the “I’m About to Explode Part I” Tour Sept. 11 in Easton, PA. The tour is scheduled to run through Oct. 10 in Tempe, AZ and features performances in cities nationwide, such as Jacksonville, NC; Green Bay WI and Destin, FL.

Front man Elias Soriano was upbeat as he talked during a recent interview, about getting back on the road.

“We’re coming out of the pandemic swinging!,” he said. “The bands and the shows will leave fans talking for weeks.. Production is new, show is BRAND NEW, deep cuts from our catalog and our most Ruthless Setlist ever. ITS ABOUT TO EXPLODE, Part 1 is the swing of the bat and first contact”

The band had previously announced a handful of live dates for this month and September, as well as the schedule for its 2022 appearance on the ShipRocked Cruise. It makes this announcement the band’s first big tour announcement of the year.

Dropout Kings, Saul, and Any Given Sunday will serve as support throughout much of the tour. Joining the band for other dates are the likes of Tetrach, Seether, Atreyu, and Plush.

The tour’s schedule is noted below. Tickets are available here. The announcement of the new tour comes more than two months after it premiered its latest single, ‘Ruthless.’ The band premiered the song’s video last month.

I’m About To Explode Tour Pt. 1 with special guests: Saul, Dropout Kings, & Any Given Sin

09.11.21 – One Centre Square – Easton, PA

09.12.21 – House of Independents – Asbury Park, NJ

09.14.21 – Wallys – Hampton Beach, NH

09.15.21 – Lost Horizon – Syracuse, NY

09.16.21 – Beachland Ballroom- Cleveland, OH

09.17.21 – Music Factory – Battle Creek, MI

09.19.21 – Emerson Theater – Indianapolis, IN

09.21.21 – Piere’s – Ft. Wayne, IN

09.22.21 – Rock City Bake Company – Charleston, WV

09.23.21 – Shagnastys Grubbery And Pour House – Huntsville, AL

09.24.21 – Amos – Charlotte, NC

09.28.21 – Capones – Johnson City, TN

09.29.21 – Hooligans – Jacksonville, NC

10.02.21 – Club LA – Destin, FL

Dates with Atreyu, Tetrarch & Another Day Dawns:

09.03.21 – Epic Event Center – Green Bay, WI

09.04.21 – Ovation – Newport, KY

09.05.21 – The Sylvee – Madison, WI

09.07.21 – Temple Live – Wichita, KS

09.08.21 – Temple Live – Fort Smith, AR

Dates with Seether & Plush:

09.30.21 – House of Blues – Mrytle Beach, SC

10.01.21 – Tabernacle – Atlanta, GA

10.10.21 – Marquee – Tempe, AZ

Nonpoint will be appearing at the following festivals:

09.10.21 – Blue Ridge Rock Fest – Danville, VA

09.18.21 – Fall Fling – Peoria, IL

09.25.21 – Rebel Rock – Orlando, FL

January 22-27, 2022 ShipRocked

More information on the band’s tour, the band’s new EP and more is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.nonpoint.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nonpoint

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.

Seether Announces New Album Release Date, Specs; Debuts Video For Album’s Lead Single

Courtesy: Fantasy Records

Seether is giving audiences their first preview of its new album

The band debuted the video for its new single ‘Dangerous’ Wednesday through Revolver magazine.  The song is the lead single from the band’s forthcoming album Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum.  Roughly translated, that means “If You Want Peace, Prepare for War.

The album is scheduled for release Aug. 28 through Fantasy Records.

The single’s video takes the classic story of Little Red Riding Hood and turns it on its ear with a dark new interpretation.  The song’s musical arrangement is its own dark, brooding composition that serves to help translate the song’s seeming social commentary contained within its lyrical content.

Pre-orders for Seether’s new album are open now.  It will be available on CD, vinyl and digital.  The record’s track listing is noted below.

 

 

Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum track listing:

1.   Dead And Done

2.   Bruised And Bloodied

3.   Wasteland

4.   Dangerous

5.   Liar

6.   Can’t Go Wrong

7.   Buried In The Sand

8.   Let It Go

9.   Failure

10.  Beg

11.  Drift Away

12.  Pride Before The Fall

13.   Written In Stone

 

 

Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum was produced by Seether front man Shaun Morgan and mixed by Matt Hyde (Deftones, AFI).  Corey Lowery (ex-Saint Asonia, Stuck Mojo, Dark New Day, Stereomud) joins the band as its newest member on this album.  Lowery also engineered the record.

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

 

Website: http://www.seether.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/seether

 

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.

Another Day Dawns’ New EP Should Be No “Stranger” To Mainstream Rock Fans

Courtesy: TAG Publicity

Another year has officially dawned, and with it so will lots of new music for audiences.  While the year is still very young, some of the year’s most notable new music is sure to come from independent hard rock band Another Day Dawns.  The PA-based band is scheduled to release its new EP Stranger Jan. 31.  The five song record is anchored by its lead single ‘Taste of Heaven,’ which will easily appeal to fans of Seether.  It will be addressed shortly, as it is just one of the songs that stands out in this record.  Also of note in the EP is the song ‘Am I,’ which immediately precedes ‘Taste of Heaven.’  This work will be addressed a little later.   The deeply emotional ‘Never Okay,’ which is the record’s penultimate track, is another key addition to the EP.  When it is considered alongside ‘Am I,’ ‘Taste of Heaven’ and the record’s remaining trio of songs, the end result is a work that will ensure many positive new days will dawn for Another Day Dawns.

Up-and-coming independent hard rock band Another Day Dawns is on the verge of becoming one of mainstream rock’s next big names.  That is due to the group’s forthcoming EP Stranger.  The five-song record boasts a collective of compositions that immediately lend themselves to comparisons to songs from the likes of Seether and Three Days Grace.  The record’s lyrical content will generate just as much engagement and entertainment as its musical content.  The EP’s forthcoming lead single ‘Taste of Heaven,’ which is set for release Jan. 8, is just one of the songs that serves to support the noted statements.  The song’s mid-tempo, guitar-driven composition is full of catchy hooks and choruses throughout its nearly three-and-a-half-minute run time.  It is an arrangement that is a radio ready work, without any doubt.  While the song’s arrangement is a strong point to its overall body, it is just part of what makes the song stand out.  The song’s lyrical content adds its own touch to that body.

Front man Dakota Sean, whose vocal delivery sounds like a hybrid of Seether front man Shaun Morgan and Dope front man Edsel Dope – yes it sounds like a weird comparison, but it’s there, and even more interestingly, it works — sings in the song’s lead verse, “Should have been the same old story/Lovers fall in love/The end/But with you/Things aren’t boring/Didn’t see the trouble I stepped in/Red flags don’t lie/Like the devil in your eyes/But I let your sex control me/Hooked on all your alibis/Should have known right from the start/Should have known just who you are/You just want a taste of Heaven/Now I’m falling from the stars/As I’m calling out your name/I want you bad/But you won’t stay/You just want a taste of Heaven/Spit me out and walk away”  He continues in the song’s second verse, “Should have seen your colors changing/Like a mood ring with a curse/Slip you on and you’re an angel/Slip you off, it’s in reverse/No air/Can’t breathe/Still tied up in your sheets/Pray to God somebody saves me/you locked the door and threw away the key.”  The group returns to the chorus from there, eventually making its way to the song’s solid finale.  There is no doubt left in listeners’ minds as to the song’s theme in examining these lyrics.  The song’s subject is dealing with a love interest who has made his/her life anything but good.  In simple terms, it’s a breakup song that finds the song’s subject looking back on that now broken relationship.  The accessible lyrics make it easy for listeners to connect with that message, and in total, the song.  The composition’s equally accessible composition sits alongside those lyrics to make the song in whole a strong start for the EP.  They also serve to show in part why the EP is a work that could break ADD into the mainstream.

‘Taste of Heaven’ was a good choice for a lead single for Another Day Dawns’ new EP.  It is just one of the record’s most notable works, too.  ‘Am I,’ which immediately precedes ‘Taste of Heaven’ is notable in its own right.  The song’s melodic hard rock arrangement lends itself just as easily to comparisons to works from Three Days Grace and Seether as ‘Taste of Heaven.’  Making the musical arrangement stand out even more is that the composition bears its own unique identity separate from the rest of the record’s works.  It has the same feel as its counterparts, but still stands as its own unique work.  Lyrically speaking, the song comes across as another work that focuses on the matter of a broken relationship.  Yet even with that familiarity in mind, the band has managed to find a new way to present that theme.

Sean sings in the song’s lead verse, “Take my brain and wash away/All the blame you dump on me/All your lies are clear as day/They’re a coverup!/As I’m holding you like this/I can taste a stranger’s kiss/Your alibis are full of s***/Wasn’t I good enough?/This is our reckoning/I’m not that stupid/Am I, am I the one who’s bleeding/Am I, am I getting even/Go live your secret life you’re leading/Am I, am I the one who’s leaving?”  He continues in the song’s second verse, “Did I pick you ‘cause you’re bad/Like an echo from my past/We’re just like my mom and dad/There’s no happy ending/The truth is I’ve been had.”  The song turns back to its chorus from here as it makes its way to its finale.  The note here from the song’s subject of comparing his/her parents’ seemingly broken relationship to that of his/her relationship with his/her significant other makes for an interesting conversation point.  We all talk about getting into relationships with people who are like one of our parents or the other.  That seems to be what this subject is hinting at having possibly done here.  At the same time, the song’s subject is making note that what’s happened is the fault of that significant other, not himself/herself.    He/she realizes what has happened, but is still just angry about the situation, and justifiably so.  It is that beginning phase of realizing the relationship is over.  To that end, all of this taken into consideration makes the song that much more noteworthy.  That content set against the song’s musical content adds even more engagement and entertainment value to the song.  Together, the two elements make the song stand out against the rest of the EP’s songs that much more.

While ‘Am I’ and ‘Taste of Heaven’ go a long way toward showing what makes Stranger a strong offering from Another Day Dawns, they are just a portion of the EP’s positive marks.  ‘Never Okay’ is quite notable in its own right.  The song’s musical  arrangement starts out with just one guitar and Sean’s vocals.  That flowing, subtle approach eventually gives way to a more powerful melodic hard rock ballad style approach roughly halfway through the song.  That eventual change works to illustrate the emotion in the song’s deeply emotional lyrical content.

The song’s lyrical content focuses on the feelings that many people feel every day, but would otherwise not talk about, whether it be due to the stigma of expressing said emotions or for another reason.  Sean sings in the song’s lead verse, “No one knows the other side/I buried it in my backyard/It’s buried six feet deep/No one knows how hard I tried to keep the smile/safe/It’s not so fun when everyone is kicking on your face/I’m never okay.”  He continues in the song’s second verse, “Everyone just stares at me/Not knowing where I’ve been/It’s just another day wearing someone else’s skin/I’ve buried them in the yard next to my old friends/And when I’m feeling bored again/I dress up and play pretend/I’m never okay.”  Yet again, this is lyrical content that is relatively accessible to audiences.  It is something to which so many listeners can certainly relate.  Talking about those feelings of depression and worthlessness is something that more people deal with around the world than many would like to admit.  To that end, that alone will make this song a favorite to many.  Those relatable lyrics set against the song’s equally strong musical content makes the song that much more powerful.  When the song is considered along with ‘Am I,’ ‘Taste of Heaven’ and the record’s other three entries, the whole of the EP becomes a work that, given the right support, could make Another Day Dawns one of the next big names in the mainstream rock realm.

Another Day Dawns’ new forthcoming EP Stranger is an important work for the independent hard rock band.  That is because from start to finish, it presents musical and lyrical content that is collectively accessible to the masses.  Every one of the record’s songs would fit easily into any mainstream rock radio programmer’s daily list.  The songs addressed here are proof of that.  All things considered, Stranger proves itself to be a record that should not be a stranger to any rock fan.  Stranger is scheduled for release Jan. 31.  More information on the record is available online along with all of ADD’s latest news at:

 

 

 

Website: http://anotherdaydawns.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/an0therdaydawns

 

 

 

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.

Monster Energy Aftershock Festival Lineup Announced; Tickets On Sale Now

Courtesy: Danny Wimmer Presents

The Monster Energy Aftershock Festival is coming back to California this year.

The annual festival is scheduled to be held October 13 and 14 at Sacramento’s Discovery Park.  Now in its seventh year, the festival will be headlined this year by System of a Down, Alice in Chains and Deftones.  This year marks the first time that System of a Down has performed at the festival.

Along with being the band’s first year at the festival, System of a Down’s performance at the Aftershock Festival will also be the band’s first announced U.S. appearance in three years.  It is also part of the band’s 20th anniversary celebration of its landmark self-titled album’s release.

While System of a Down, Alice in Chains and Deftones are the two-day festival’s planned headliners, they are not the only bands on the bill.  Also scheduled for the performance are Godsmack (which is currently touring in support of its brand new album When Legends Rise), Incubus, Seether, Jonathan Davis (whose latest solo album Black Labyrinth is scheduled for release May 25), At The Drive-In and Slash ft. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators (who are currently working on their latest album) as well as Bullet For my Valentine (whose new album Gravity is scheduled to be released June 29), Sevendust (whose album All I See Is War is out now) and many more.  The full lineup for this year’s festival is noted below.

The current band lineup for Monster Energy Aftershock is as follows: System Of A Down, Deftones, Alice In Chains, Incubus, Godsmack, Shinedown, 311, Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators, At The Drive-In, Seether, Jonathan Davis, Bullet For My Valentine, Underoath, Black Veil Brides, Hellyeah, Asking Alexandria, Sevendust, Everlast, GWAR, Emmure, Stick To Your Guns, Dance Gavin Dance, Monster Magnet, Red Sun Rising, Bad Wolves, The Fever 333, Dorothy, Wage War, Plague Vendor, Hyro The Hero, Amigo The Devil, All Them Witches, Slothrust, The Dose, Viza, The Jacks and more to be announced.

Providing food for this year’s festival will be a variety of vendors including: Southern Hospitality Concessions LLC, Danny Wimmer Presents’ affiliate concessionaire.  Food trucks will also be on hand, providing savory and sweet treats from: Angry Bird Grill, Bacon Mania, Barrett’s Burgers, Barrett’s Sliders, Big Joe’s BBQ, Bubba’s BBQ, Cousins Maine Lobster, Dippin Dots Ice Cream, Dogtown, Drewski’s Hot Rod Sandwiches, Florez Bar & Grill, La Mex Taqueria, Mac Attack, Mount Olympus, Sausage King, Smokin’ Hot Pizza, Spicy Pie and Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant.

Beverages will be available from a variety of vendors, including vendors for festival-goers 21 and older.  Those vendors include: Caduceus Vellars & Merkin Vineyards Wine Garden (owned by Tool/A Perfect Circle/ Puscifer front man Maynard James Keenan) and the Belching Beaver Bar (featuring drafts from the Vista, CA brewer including the Phantom Bride IPA, a collaboration with the Defones).  Mrkt N Jolt will also be on site, offering hot coffee, cold brew and other items.

As if the music, food and drink isn’t enough for festival-goers, this year’s festival will also offer lots of entertainment options.  Those options include the Monster Energy Experience, which gives audiences the chance to meet and greet the bands while also sampling the festival’s various offered drinks, The Music Experience, which is an interactive exhibit and music instrument retailer.  Non-profit animal rescue organization Take Me Home will also be on-site along with Dyin 2 Live/FXck Cancer, a wish-granting organization.  Fans can buy music from the festival’s bands on site at the f.y.e. Fan Experience.

Festival-goers can win prizes and check out the latest products from Zippo Lighters at Zippo Encore and charge their phones at SWFTCharge.

Tickets and VIP packages for this year’s festival are on-sale now.  Prices are listed below.  Service fees on all ticket purchases include a $0.50 charity fee for the T.J. Martell Foundation, a foundation aimed at researching and fighting cancer.  Active military personnel get discounts on their tickets through GovX.

Initial ticket prices will be as follows:

• 2-Day Weekend General Admission: starting at $149.50 + fees
• 2-Day Weekend VIP: starting at $299.50 + fees
• Single Day General Admission: starting at $89.50 + fees
• Single Day VIP: starting at $179.50 + fees

VIP tickets include: VIP entrance lanes to the venue, shaded VIP hang area with seating for dining, a VIP-only viewing area of main stage, video screens featuring a live feed of main stage inside the VIP hang area, upgraded food and drink selections, dedicated VIP restrooms and commemorative VIP Monster Energy Aftershock laminate.

A park & ride shuttle is being offered again for this year’s festival as parking at Discovery park is very limited.  Every ticket includes parking at Sleep Train Arena and non-stop shuttle directly to the festival site.

The Monster Energy Aftershock Festival is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents and fueled by Monster Energy.  It is sponsored by f.y.e., Coors Light, Jack Daniels, Zippo Encore, The Music Experience, SWFTCharge, Fxck Cancer, Ace of Spades, Take Me Home and Belching Beaver.  More sponsors will be announced later.

More information on this year’s Monster Energy Aftershock Festival is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.AftershockFestival.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/AftershockSac

 

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.

 

 

2017 Rock On The Range Festival Lineup Announced

Courtesy: Danny Wimmer Presents/AEG Live

The lineup for the 2017 Rock on the Range Festival has been announced, and once again it has proven to be quite the collection of acts.

The three-day festival will be headlined by Metallica, Soundgarden and Korn.  It will feature more than 50 bands over the course of that time along with some of the country’s top comics at the festival’s Rock on the Range Rolling Rock Comedy Tent.

The lineup for the 2017 Rock on the Range Festival includes: Metallica, Soundgarden, Korn, The Offspring, Volbeat, Primus, Bush, Chevelle, Papa Roach, Seether, Coheed & Cambria, Alter Bridge, The Pretty Reckless, Taking Back Sunday, Thrice, Amon Amarth, Pierce The Veil, Sum 41, Skillet, Dillinger Escape Plan, In Flames, Gojira, Biffy Clyro, Motionless In White, Nothing More, Beartooth, Starset, Every Time I Die, The Story So Far, Deafheaven, Zakk Sabbath, Rival Sons, The Amity Affliction, Attila, Norma Jean, Suicide Silence, Whitechapel, I Prevail, Turnstile, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Red Fang, Dorothy, Kyng, Radkey, As Lions, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Sylar, Fire From The Gods, Badflower, Wage War, Goodbye June, Cover Your Tracks, DED, Bleeker, Royal Republic, Mother Feather, Aeges and One Less Reason.

Rock on the Range—fueled by Monster Energy—is billed as America’s largest and most acclaimed rock festival.  The festival will also feature in 2017 “The Music Experience,” art installations, and unique on-site activities over the course of the festival’s three days.

Tickets for the 2016 festival sold out more than two months in advance of the festival.  It marked the fourth consecutive year the festival has sold out in advance.

Weekend Field, new Weekend Field VIP, Weekend Stadium and a limited number of Weekend Stadium 4-packs are available now for purchase.  A layaway option is also available for concert-goers.  That option allows audiences to split the cost of their ticket/ticket packages into four separate monthly payments.

Fans can get a pre-sale password for Weekend Field VIP, Weekend Field GA, Weekend Stadium GA and Weekend Stadium GA 4-packs on the official Rock on the Range website, Facebook page and Twitter page.  The ticket prices are listed below.

 

• Weekend Field VIP: starting at $349.50* + fees
• Weekend Field GA: starting at $199.50* + fees
• Weekend Stadium GA: starting at $99.50* + fees
• Weekend Stadium GA Ticket 4-Pack: $380.00 + fees
• * Phase One prices listed
• *** Ticket prices automatically move to the next price level once the allotment sells out ***

General on-sale for tickets is Friday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. EST.  Tickets will be available online at the festival’s website, at Ticketmaster locations and the MAPFRE Stadium box office.

Audiences who want an even more special concert experience can purchase the new Uber Ranger Camping Package.  The package includes amenities for four people such as luxury RV on a double campsite at the Ohio Expo North Campground (May 18 – 21), a dedicated concierge with golf cart shuttle, 4 Weekend VIP Field Admission Tickets, a backstage tour, access to the stadium club (with catered lunch and dinner), access to the Side Stage Viewing Platform, access to the VIP Lounge and more.  More information on the new Uber Ranger Camping Package is available here.

Rock on The Range celebrated its 10^th anniversary in 2016.  More than 120,000 people attended the festival from around the world.  As part of its 10^th anniversary celebration, Columbus, OH mayor Andrew J. Ginther and the Columbus, OH city council presented festival organizers with awards of recognition.  A resolution was also announced from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners acknowledging the festival’s economic impact on the city.

The commissioners pointed out in their resolution pointed out the festival brought in more than $140 million for the city over the course of its ten years in the city.

Rock on the Range is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, AEG Live and MAPFRE Stadium.  It is supported by Monster Energy, Bud Light and Zippo.  They and other partners will feature interactive experiences, meet & greets, and other special fan engagement opportunities throughout the festival.

More information on the 2017 Rock on the Range Festival is available online now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.RockontheRange.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/rockontherange

 

 

 

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.

Cage9 Set To Enlighten Audiences With Its New Album, ‘Illuminator’

Cage9 has officially been released.

One of the latest additions to Dave Ellefson’s EMP Label Group, the band released its new album Illuminator this past Friday, June 3^rd.  The album was released via eOne in the United States and Triple Vision Entertainment in Japan.  It is schedule for release later this year in Europe via SPV.  The band unveiled the video for the album’s lead single ‘Everything You Love Will Someday Die’ earlier this spring.  The video is streaming online now via YouTube.  It features footage of the band’s members and fans singing the song.

 

Courtesy: EMP Label Group

 

Front man Evan Rodaniche discussed the video in a recent interview.  He noted the song’s family roots in the interview and the video’s recording process.  “This song is dedicated to my father, who passed away about a month ago after a two year battle with cancer,” he said.  “But even when I first wrote these lyrics at the onset of his terminal diagnosis as a sort of comforting mantra, in the back of my mind I believed my dad was indestructible.  I never thought I’d be adding an “in loving memory” dedication at the end of this video.  But then he was gone.  And that’s what this is all about.  We spend our modern lives wrapped up in our first world problems, completely disconnected with the natural cycles of the planet around us.”

In discussing the video’s production, Rodaniche noted the cameras that were used and the band’s general approach to making the clip.  We shot the video DIY with a couple Canon DSLR cameras, a black sheet in our rehearsal room and about forty non-actor friends, fans, and family who showed up one sunny Los Angeles afternoon in 2015 to mouth the lyrics to a song they’d never heard.  We aimed to bring home the message that no matter who you are we’re all in this together.”  He went on to not the song’s roots and sound in his discussion, too noting, “As for the song itself, it’s a little bit of old school thrash mixed with something more melodic and a little piano and acoustic guitar wankery to push it over the 6 minute epic-metal-song mark. (Yes, there’s a radio edit.)  He linked this in to a discussion on [Dave] Ellefson discovering Cage 9 through ‘Everything You Love Will Someday Die.’  I was the 14 year old kid running around with a worn out cassette of Peace Sells in his Walkman, he said.  “So having the dude that brought us pretty much THE most recognizable bass riff of my (and half the planet over 30’s) youth dig our band is a huge honor.”  He went on further noting, “Cage 9 originated in Panama where I grew up playing in a band yet having pretty much never experienced famous bands performing live to learn from, not to mention any of our idols like Megadeth or Metallica.  This definitely makes this chance to work with Dave in a mentor/label situation that much more amazing.  Very excited to be releasing our new album Illuminator with EMP this summer.”

Ellefson shared his thoughts on the band and its song in a discussion of his own even echoing the Megadeth/Metallica influence in the band’s new single noted by Rodaniche.  “Cage9 is definitely the real deal,” he said.  When I first heard ‘Everything You Love Will One Day Die,’ it instantly struck me as the closest I’ve heard to a song with a true Metallica/Megadeth core, with the radio accessibility to really connect with a modern rock audience.  And with the band’s history, and everything they’ve accomplished, they were a perfect fit for what we were doing at EMP.”

Since moving to Los Angeles the band has released a total of six albums and more than one hundred songs.  One of those albums was completely in Spanish.  The band has sold 25,000 copies of its albums worldwide in that time and played over 50 dates across America just last year.  It has also toured Japan and Central America as direct opener for Ozzy Osbourne, Bad Religion, Seether, and In This Moment.  The band has also shared stage time with the likes of Sevendust, Hellyeah, Karnivool, and others.  Even Rodaniche himself spent some time in the past as a member of Powerman 5000.  He also helped to co-write, record, and mix some of PM5K’s most recent albums.  That isn’t Rodaniche’s only production credit.  He also worked on ex-Flyleaf singer Lacey Sturm’s new album and work from Boy Hits Car, and others.  As if all of this isn’t enough credit to Cage9, the band has also received glowing reviews from its much more well-known counterparts including: Pop Evil, Korn, Saving Abel, Asking Alexandria, Devil You Know, and 9Electric just to name a handful of acts.

More information on Cage9’s new album is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

 

 

Website: http://www.cage9.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Cage9

Twitter: http://twitter.com/cage9

 

 

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.