Gears Takes On Mental Health Concerns In New Single, Video

Courtesy: CowgirlZen Entertainment/SongRiverPR

Gears returned with its latest single and video over the weekend.

The band premiered its new single, ‘Wasteland‘ and its video Friday. The pair’s premiere comes more than two months after the release of the band’s then latest single, ‘See Me‘ and its lyric video.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Wasteland’ takes Gears in a direction not typical of most of its music. Rather than the Sevendust style melodic hard rock compositions for which it has come to be known, this song lends itself more to comparison to works from Skindred.

Drummer Jimmy Wooten talked about the song’s arrangement during a recent interview.

“There’s something for everyone,” said Wooten. “It’s heavy. It’s soulful. It’s melodic. The band’s versatility is our strength. We’ll bring R&B and hip-hop into rock, but we’re doing it in our own tight and cohesive way, and what more could you ask from music than a sound the brings all rockers together to love what they are hearing?

According to a comment from front man Trip Sixx, the song’s lyrical content addresses a matter of mental health.

“It’s about being trapped in a mindset you don’t see any way out of,” he said.

Wooten expanded on Trip Sixx’s comments.

“It encompasses a lot of things,” said Wooten. “It’s easy to become trapped in continuous circles in life where you’re doing the same things over and over again. As a band, you have to reach outside of the box, work with someone new, try something different, and change the sound. Following the pandemic, it’s like a rebirth for GEARS in a weird way, so we decided to push the envelope.”

No mention was made in the press release announcing the song and video’s premiere as to whether ‘Wasteland’ will feature in the band’s forthcoming EP. The EP in question is expected for release before the year’s end. Its release date, title and more is under consideration.

More information on Gears’ new single, video, EP, and all of its latest news is available online at:

Website: https://www.gearsofficial.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OfficialGears1

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.

Gears’ New Single Takes On Humans’ Hypocrisy With New Single

Courtesy: The Label Group

Independent hard rock band Gears is taking on humans’ hypocrisy as it relates to religion with its latest single.

The band debuted its new single, ‘So What‘ Feb. 25 along with the song’s companion lyric video through Skope Magazine. The video places the song’s lyrics over imagery of the band performing live as the song plays over.

The musical arrangement featured in Gears’ new single is a heavy nu-metal style work that lends itself stylistically to works from the likes of Skindred and Sevendust. The song was produced by Corey Lowery (Saint Asonia, Steromud, Stuck Mojo) and mastered by Paul Logus.

The lyrical theme that accompanies the fiery arrangement addresses the irony of people who claim to be so pious yet are the first to judge others.

Front man Trip Six addressed the song’s lyrical theme in a prepared statement.

“When we wrote ‘So What?’ two years ago, it was coming from my personal view on how religion has in many ways become its own sort of animal; overriding the concept of love, compassion, family,” he said. “How we’ve gone from loving one another to judging each other and even fighting them based on the religion one practices or doesn’t. Family should be the religion, not the other way around. Of course, anyone who listens to the track can interpret as they wish however, that’s my take.”

The debut of Gears’ new single comes less than four months after the band premiered its cover of Deftones’ hit song ‘Bored.’

More information on Gears’ new single is available along with all of the band’s latest news is available online at:

Website: https://www.gearsofficial.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OfficialGears1

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.

Pardon The Scars Debuts New Single, ‘Caged Inside,’ Companion Video

Courtesy: The Label Group/INgrooves

Independent rock band Pardon The Scars debuted its latest single last week.

The band debuted the lyric video for its single ‘Caged Inside‘ Feb. 26. The video’s premiere came only a day after the band debuted the single through Sofa King Cool. The video places the song’s lyrics over footage of silhouettes of what is thought to be the band members. Meanwhile, what looks like embers from a fire float in front of those silhouettes as the song plays over the whole.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Caged Inside’ presents a stylistic approach that will appeal to fans of nu-metal/rap-rock acts, such as Linkin Park and Skindred, just to name a couple similar acts.

According to front man James Tangman, the song’s lyrical theme addresses the familiar battle with self that everyone faces every day.

“‘Caged Inside’ is a look at the struggle we sometimes face within ourselves,” he said. “Those times when we’re trying to appear happy or “put together”, but there’s this voice of doubt, anger, and hostility that is constantly trying to push its way to the front. It wants to come out and play but… Surely, we know better.”

More information on Pardon The Scars’ new single and video is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.reverbnation.com/pardonthescars

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

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.

GNL Zamba’s New LP Could Make Him One Of The Next Big Names In The Rap-Rock Community

Courtesy: baboon Forest Entertainment

The Spear is a sharp new offering from international rap artist GNL Zamba.  Released Nov. 11 through Baboon Forest Entertainment, the 11-song album is one of the most unique rap albums released so far this year.  That is due in no small part to the album’s musical arrangements, which will be discussed shortly.  The lyrical content that accompanies the record’s featured musical arrangements adds its own share of interest to the 43-minute presentation.  It will be discussed a little later.  The sequencing of the record’s content rounds out its most important elements and will also be discussed later.  All three items noted here are important in their own way to the whole of The Spear.  All things considered, they make the album a presentation that deserves  its own share of attention among rap and hip-hop audiences as well as World Music fans.

Rapper GNL Zamba’s new album The Spear is a presentation that any rap fan will agree is worth hearing at least once if not more.  That is due in no small part to the album’s musical arrangements.  The arrangements in question cross a wide range of styles.  The album opens with an arrangement in ‘Afrika,’ ‘’Zim Zim Bombo,’ and ‘Who Got The Power’ that will appeal to fans of bands, such as Skindred and Rage Against the Machine.  ‘Black Caesar,’ which immediately follows, is sort of like a Fort Minor style arrangement that offers audiences something of a nu-metal rap/rock approach.  Also featured throughout the course of the 43-minute record is a song in ‘No Borders’ that presents some very infectious African-infused jazz.  As if that is not enough, ‘Zamba The Great’ is a full-on modern rap style presentation, showing even more, the diversity in the record’s musical arrangements.  ‘Wake The F*** Up,’ another of the album’s entries, even offers some EDM style influence.  Between everything noted here and the other arrangements audiences get a lot to like about GNL Zamba’s new record at least in regards to its musical content.  Its musical content is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg.  The lyrical content that accompanies the album’s musical arrangements adds its own touch to the presentation.

The lyrical content that is presented throughout The Spear is sure to generate its own share of interest among audiences.  It features a lot of socially conscious content.  the album’s opener, ‘Afrika’ is itself a commentary about people needing to take price in their roots inn Africa.  The mentions of the great pharaohs, queens, and peoples of Africa across its many nations make that clear.  As fast as GNL Zamba raps, it can be heard at one point that he makes mention of his mother and grandmother telling him about the legacy of Africa.  ‘Who Got The Power,’ on another note, is a call to unity, urging people to come together and stand up to those in power.  ‘No Borders,’ on yet another note, is its own unique call for unity.  Audiences hear the statement here, “I imagine a world with no borders/One love/One world/No borders.”  It is a statement about bringing the world together among all the separation that is out there.  This is a statement that many listeners will find welcome.  It is just one more way in which the record’s lyrical content proves its importance to the whole of this album’s presentation.  On yet another level, GNL Zamba noted in a prepared statement, that the lyrical content featured in the album actually follows one central theme.

“People are waking up to something,” said GNL Zamba. “People are longing for more connection, more love, equality and wisdom. Many are realizing now that what you actually need is thriving relationships and community to stay functionally sane. We’re asking: Are we just tools for data mining, or where is this all going? We’re seeking a level of consciousness that improves us as human beings. It’s time to go back to where it all began.”

“This is the soundtrack to a human revolution, coming back full circle after completing the first journey of physical evolution to now start the elevation to a spiritual one!” added GNL Zamba …”This Universal Pan African album is inspired by the urgent need to remind the people of the world about what we have in common, an origin of the human race in Africa. Among so much divisions on basis of race, colorism and worship it is imperative to draw from the spiritual wisdom understood by ancient African societies; by looking at the past we predict the future. The oneness of “Obuntu” (The Human spirit).”

Everything noted here rings true with the songs addressed.  They all have that central theme of unity, just in their own unique way.    Keeping all of this in mind, there is no doubt as to the importance of this album’s lyrical content, both by itself and together with the album’s musical arrangements.  Even with all of that in mind, it is still not all that is worth examining in this album.  The album’s sequencing rounds out its most important elements.

The Spear starts off strong in ‘Afrika’ with the aforementioned rap-rock arrangement that so conjures thoughts of Skindred and Rage Against the Machine.  While ‘Black Caesar,’ the album’s next song, changes stylistic approach, the song’s energy maintains the energy established in the album’s opener.  The album’s energy does not even begin to pull back until roughly halfway through its run in the ironically titled ‘Energy’ whose own energy is far relaxed in comparison to its predecessors.  The record’s energy slightly picks back up immediately after in ‘Sweet Uganda (Star Taffa).’  Things start to pick back up even more in ‘Wake The F*** Up’ and continues on through ‘Who Got The Power’ before pulling back again in ‘Zamba The Great.’  That song gives listeners a familiar modern hip-hop vibe, so its energy is not too reserved.  As a matter of fact GNL Zamba’s speed rapping is reminiscent of that of Eminem and certain other rappers.  The album goes on just as strongly as it opened in ‘Zim Zim Bombo’ with its heavy rap-rock style arrangement.  It may not be fast, but its heaviness closes out the album with noted same strong musical punch with which the album opened.  Looking back through the record, it can be said of its sequencing that it ensures the album does not get too monotonous at any point.  The stylistic approaches and their related energies change up just enough throughout to keep things interesting for listeners.  When this is considered along with the album’s overall content, the record in whole proves itself to be a successful offering that could make GNL Zamba one of the next big names in the rap and rock communities.

GNL Zamba’s latest album The Spear is a positive new offering from the veteran rapper who calls America and Africa home.  His album offers listeners musical arrangements that will appeal to fans of acts, such as Hyro The Hero, Rage Against The Machine, Fort Minor, Eminem, and even Skindred.  The lyrical content that accompanies the album’s musical arrangements follows one central theme of unity while in itself giving listeners something different with each song.  The sequencing of all of this content rounds out the most important of the album’s elements.  It brings everything full circle, ensuring the album never gets boring.  Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of The Spear.  All things considered, they make the album one “sharp” new record.  The Spear is available now.

More information on The Spear is available along with all of GNL Zamba’s latest news at:

Website: http://gnlzamba.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/therealGnlzamba

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.  

‘Big Tings’ Is A “Big” New Effort From Skindred

Courtesy: Napalm Records

Veteran rock act Skindred returns later this month with its seventh full-length studio recording.  Big Tings is scheduled to be released Friday, April 27 via Napalm Records, and will come almost a year and a half after the release of its most recent album Volume (2015).  This 10-song record picks up right where Volume left off, with all of the same bombast and energy of that record and its predecessors.  This is proven right from the album’s outset in the form of the album’s title track.  While this roughly 35-minute album boasts all of the energy and bombast that audiences have come to expect from Skindred, it also presents a more subdued side this time out in ‘Saying It Now.’  This song is quite the departure for the band both musically and lyrically in comparison to the album’s other offerings.  As a matter of fact, it would be no surprise if the band (or whoever makes the decisions at Napalm Records) opts for this as one of the album’s radio singles because it is such a star departure.  It’s just one more of the songs that serves to show what this record has to offer.  ‘Machine is one more example of what makes Big Tings another strong effort from Skindred, but is most certainly not the last of the album’s strong points.  ‘Tell Me’ is another interesting subdued moment included in the album, and its placement midway through the album helps to break things and in turn keep things interesting.  ‘Alive,’ with its driving arrangement, could be used as a radio single, too.  ‘That’s My Jam’ and ‘Last Chance,’ both offer plenty of heavy for fans who wanted that.  Between all of these tracks and those not noted directly here, the end result of Big Tings is a work that is a strong return for Skindred and another album from the veteran rock act that is certain to impress audiences new and old alike.

Skindred’s forthcoming seventh full-length studio recording Big Tings is a fittingly titled new offering from the veteran Welsh rock band.  That is because it is a record that displays a certain growth from the band.  The album’s closer, ‘Saying It Now’ is one of the songs that serves to exhibit that growth.  It will be discussed shortly.  Those who like the band’s heavier side get plenty of that in this record, too beginning with the album’s opener and title track.  It boasts all the bombast and energy of the band’s biggest hits from its past records, starting with a basic, yet infectious, drum beat and claps.  That opening eventually builds to an equally infectious riff that is just as certain to get stuck in listeners’ heads.  Lyrically, it’s just as big as it seemingly delves into that familiar realm of battling personal matters; not so much demons per se but so many thoughts that won’t get out of one’s head.  What’s really interesting is the song’s chorus in which Wedde sings, “Some things are bigger than me/I can’t trust myself/Some things are bigger than you/I can’t trust myself.”  It’s as if the song’s subject is telling himself to let go of those worries and concerns because some things are just bigger than any of us, and we just have to let things happen.  This is only this critic’s interpretation, and should not be taken as the only one.  Hopefully it’s somewhere in the ballpark.  Either way, it definitely makes for an interesting discussion point and start to the record.  That’s especially the case considering that this record could have been so much more of a downer than it is – musically speaking – what with that lyrical content.  Luckily, the band didn’t go that route, with the end result being a song that is certain to entertain and inspire listeners.  It’s just one of the songs that serves to show what makes this album a welcome return for Skindred.  ‘Saying It Now’ is another example of what makes Big Tings a strong new effort from Skindred.

‘Saying It Now’ is easily one of this record’s most radio ready songs.  Compared to its counterparts, it is quite the subdued composition that interestingly enough can be compared to so many songs from Sevendust.  It’s hard in its chorus sections, yet so much more controlled in its verses.  That dynamic contrast adds greatly to the song’s general effect, and in turn is just as certain as ‘Big Tings’ to pique listeners’ interest.  Of course it is only one part of what will keep listeners engaged.  Its lyrical content is just as certain to grab listeners.  Lyrically, this song comes across as a person ruing not speaking one’s mind to another while that other person was alive.  That is inferred as Webbe sings right off the top, “Tell them that you love them while they’re here/Tell them while you’ve got the chance/Always thought that you’d be here/I never imagined a world without you/I put off what I could do today/And say that I’ll go see you tomorrow/But it’s too late now/Cause you’re no longer here/I’m saying it now/But I wish I’d said it before.”  He goes on in similar fashion in the song’s second verse, singing, “I sit here crying in this room/With memories rushing back of you/So many chances now I blew/There was a million times I could have said I love you/But it’s too late now/Cause you’re no longer here.”  The song’s third and final verse follows in similar fashion as verses one and two, with the song’s subject regretting the past.  As with the album’s opener, the subject matter here leads one to think this song could have been one of those all too familiar brooding goth-esque pieces that take on self hatred, etc.  Yet, again, the band didn’t go that route, musically.  However, the song does capture the pained emotions that one might go through in the moment of losing a loved one.  This critic will attest to having felt those emotions many years ago at having lost a family member to heart failure.  Again, that ability to capture that emotion and make it relatable to audiences makes this song stand on its own merits.  Considering that this is a rare show of growth for the band both musically and lyrically, makes the song stand out just as much.  Keeping this in mind, it is another work that shows why this album is such a strong return for Skindred.  It still is not the last of the songs that serves to make the album so strong.  ‘Machine’ is yet another example of what makes this album stand out.

‘Machine,’ with its infectious guitar-driven late 80s/early 90s musical arrangement wastes no time grabbing listeners’ attention.  It is a straight-forward rocker that, musically speaking, is certain to be a live favorite just as much as a favorite on record.  That’s especially the case as the song reaches its bridge, the band singing in unison, “It saved my soul/Rock and roll.”  That chant, (which makes at least this critic think of AC/DC) set alongside drummer Arya Goggin’s steady time keeping and bassist Dan Pugsley’s steady line, will have live audiences chanting right along just as much as those who sing along on record.  The same applies as the band chants early on, “And if we don’t get what we want/We gonna take it.”  Of course that is just one part of what makes the song so appealing, lyrically.  Wedde sings in the song’s lead verse, “I’m not going out/I’m going all out/One becomes two, becomes ten, becomes all out/Now I don’t even care if I have nothing to chill out/yeah this is my scene/turn the ignition/Start the machine/Put the pedal to the metal/Put your foot on the floor…I can’t find my keys and I can’t find my phone/I’m having too much fun and I’m not going home/Wherever you’re going, I’m going, too/And if I’m going off the wheels/I’m gonna take you all the way.”  Plain and simple, this song comes across as a no-monsene balls to the walls rock and roll party song.  This is someone that’s just out for a good time.  The song’s companion video seems to hint at that, too.  This is that more familiar, heavier side that so many others have complained that they wanted on this album.  It is not the last of the album’s heavy, either.   ‘My Jam,’ the album’s new single, and ‘Last Chance’ both offer plenty of heavy while ‘Tell Me’ offers more of the band’s subdued side, changing things up in its midpoint placement in the album’s sequencing.  Between those songs, the ones noted more directly here and those not so directly noted, the whole of Big Tings proves to be in fact a “big” new record from Skindred and one that is deserves a spot on any critic’s list of the year’s top new rock records.

Skindred’s forthcoming seventh full-length studio recording Big Tings is a “big” and solid new outing for the veteran Welsh rock band.  As has been noted here, songs such as the album’s opener/title track, the deeply moving album closer ‘Saying It Now,’ with its Sevendust-esque arrangement and heartfelt lyrics both prove that.  The latter of the pair especially proves it as it was a rare risk for the band otherwise known for much heavier material.  ‘Machine,’ with its driving hard rock arrangement and pure rock and roll lyrical theme proves what makes the album stand out even more.  Of course one can’t ignore other offerings on this record such as ‘Tell Me,’ ‘Last Chance’ and ‘My Jam’ in proving what makes this album so strong. Between these songs and the album’s other offerings, the album in whole proves to be a “big” return for Skindred.  The album drops April 27 via Napalm Records in stores and online.  More information on Big Tings is available online now along with all of Skindred’s latest news and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.skindred.net

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/skindredmusic

 

 

 

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

Houston Open Air Festival Lineup Announced

Courtesy: Ashton-Magnuson Media/Danny Wimmer Presents

The lineup for the 2016 Houston Open Air Festival has officially been announced.

Organizers with the Houston Open Air Festival have revealed the lineup for the 2016 Houston Open Air Festival.  The lineup will feature 35 bands over two days.  That list includes: Deftones, Slayer,Chevelle, The Cult, Ministry, Alter Bridge, Ghost, Anthrax, Pierce The Veil, Of Mice & Men, Sevendust, Baroness, Hellyeah, Chevy Metal, Buckcherry, Nothing More, The Amity Affliction, Max & Iggor Cavalera: Return To Roots, Avatar, letlive., Jim Breuer and the Loud & Rowdy, Texas Hippie Coalition, Young Guns, Starset, Sick Puppies, Skindred, Neck Deep, Sons Of Texas, KYNG, Twelve Foot Ninja, Gemini Syndrome, The Word Alive, Dinosaur Pile Up, September Mourning, and more.  Avenged Sevenfold and Alice in Chains have been named as the festival’s headliners.

A rolling discounted Early Bird pre-sale for Weekend General Admission tickets begins this Tuesday, May 17^th at 12pm CDT/1pm EDT.  A very limited quantity of tickets will be available during this pre-sale.  They can be purchased online at http://www.HoustonOpenAir.com and will only be available while supplies last.  Their prices are noted below.

 

Early Bird #1: $89.50

Early Bird #2: $99.50

 

VIP weekend tickets will also be available at a cost of $234.50.

Public on-sale tickets will go on sale Friday, May 20^th at 12pm CDT/1pm EDT.  They will also be available for purchase online at http://www.HoustonOpenAir.com.  Their prices are listed below.

 

 

Weekend GA: $109.50

Single-day GA: $69.50

Single-day VIP: $129.50

VIP Weekend: $234.50

 

 

VIP tickets include: VIP entrance lanes into venue, access to VIP-only area featuring dedicated bar, beverage and food options (for additional purchase), VIP-only viewing area of Main Stage, dedicated restroom facilities, and a VIP-only commemorative laminate.

A portion of all proceeds from ticket sales for the festival will go toward aiding the Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund.  The Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund was established by Houston’s mayor Sylvester Turner in order to accept donations for flood relief in the Houston community.  This includes aiding victims of the flooding that stemmed from recent storms that hit the region.  More information on The Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund is available online at http://www.houstonrecovers.org.  Danny Hayes, CEO of Danny Wimmer Presents, spoke with the media recently.  He discussed the timing of the festival’s announcement in relation to the city’s recovery from said storms as well as the motivation for teaming with Mayor Turner in his recovery efforts.  “Houston Open Air has been in the works for almost a year now,” he said.  It’s awkward to announce a major music festival in a city that has experienced such recent hardship and, in fact, we delayed our announcements out of respect for what Houston has endured. But at the same time, our festivals are about highlighting the strengths (or sometimes the needs) of our host city. There’s no more important way to do that right now than to support Mayor Turner’s efforts to help Houston recover from this spring’s flooding and we will be incorporating this message throughout our launch campaign.”

Danny Wimmer is the founder of Danny Wimmer Presents.  He shared his thoughts on the logistics of the concert’s location, its lineup, and more in his discussion with the press.  “Houston is one of the country’s biggest rock markets and, when combined with the impressive food scene happening here, it’s a natural location for a DWP festival,” he said.  “We’re thrilled to have such a diverse first-year lineup that includes Avenged Sevenfold, Alice In Chains and Chevelle. With the inclusion of an incredible food experience and the Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Row, we are kicking off a powerhouse experience that will live in the market for many years to come!”

The Houston Open Air Festival’s band lineup is just part of what audiences have to look forward to this year.  There will also be a special food and drink experience for fans who attend.  This includes the Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Whiskey Row and a massive Gourmet Man Food Experience  The brands featured in the Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Whiskey Row include: Jack Daniel’s Black Label, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve.  The complete lineup and menus for the Gourmet Man Food experience will be announced soon.

Houston Open Air is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, producer of: Louder Than Life, Chicago Open Air, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, Monster Energy Fort Rock, Monster Energy Aftershock, Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion, Northern Invasion, Monster Energy Rock Allegiance, Rock on the Range, and more.  It is sponsored by: Monster Energy, Jack Daniel’s, El Jimador, Fxck Cancer’s Dyin2Live, NRG Park, and SoHo Concessions, and more to be announced soon.

NRG Park is the home of the NFL’s Houston Texans and the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  It is located at One NRG Park in Houston, TX.

More information on the Houston Open Air Festival is available online now at:

 

 

Website: http://www.HoustonOpenAir.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/HouOpenAir

 

 

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.

Monster Energy Rock Allegiance Festival Returning For Its Second Year

Courtesy: Danny Wimmer Presents/Ashton-Magnuson Media

There’s big concert news coming out of Pennsylvania  today.

The Monster Energy Rock Allegiance Festival is returning to Pennsylvania this summer.  It will take place Saturday, September 17^th and Sunday, September 18^th at Talen Energy Stadium (formerly PPL Park), home of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union, in Chester, PA, which is just outside of Philadelphia.  It will feature a lineup of more than 35 bands.  That lineup includes but is not limited to: Avenged Sevenfold, Alice In Chains, Slayer, The Offspring, Breaking Benjamin, Volbeat, Chevelle, The Cult, The Pretty Reckless, Pierce The Veil, Of Mice & Men, Ghost, Anthrax, Killswitch Engage, Chevy Metal, Baroness, Hellyeah, Sevendust, Motionless In White, Buckcherry, Trivium, Avatar, Max & Iggor Cavalera Return To Roots, Jim Breuer and the Loud & Rowdy, Sick Puppies, The Amity Affliction, letlive., Neck Deep, Skindred, KYNG, Young Guns, Crobot, Devour The Day, Twelve Foot Ninja, Dinosaur Pile Up, Death Angel and Hundredth.

A rolling discounted Early Bird on-sale for weekend General Admission tickets and VIP passes starts this Tuesday, May 10^th at 12pm EDT and runs through Friday, May 13^th at 10am EDT.  Early Bird tickets and VIP passes will be available in a very limited quantity.  The prices for each is noted below.

 

Early Bird #1: $79 GA Weekend Stands, $99 GA Weekend Floor, $219 VIP Weekend

Early Bird #2: $89 GA Weekend Stands, $109 GA Weekend Floor, $239 VIP Weekend

Early Bird #3: $99 GA Weekend Stands, $129 GA Weekend Floor, $259 VIP Weekend

 

Zippo 2-packs will also be available at a price of $550.  They include 2-VIP weekend passes and 2 commemorative Zippos.  Single-day admission and general weekend packages will go on full sale along with VIP packages beginning May 13^th at 10am EDT.  Prices will increase in the weeks leading up to the festival.  Current prices are listed below.

 

GA Weekend: $129 floor, $99 stands

GA 4-Packs: $308

VIP Weekend: $219

VIP 2-Packs: $550

Single Day GA (stands): $44.50

Single Day VIP: $119.50

 

VIP packages for the festival include: Stadium-level VIP main stage viewing, floor-level VIP viewing area for the west main stage, dedicated entrance lanes into the festival, VIP area with shade and picnic tables, VIP restrooms, special food and beverage offerings (for additional purchase), and a commemorative VIP laminate.

The music is just one part of the experience that audiences will be able to enjoy at this year’s festival.  Along with lots of great music there will also be loads of great food and drink, too.  There will loads of dishes offered by some of Philadelphia’s eateries in the Gourmet Man Food experience.  There will also be plenty of brews offered by breweries from across America.  The culinary lineup for the Gourmet Man Food Experience currently features: Braz-B-Q, Chickie & Pete’s, The Cow & The Curd, Dos Hermanos, Dump ’n’ Roll, M.A.T.T.’s Gourmet Sliders, Mama’s Meatballs, Seoulfull Philly, Sum Pig and The Tot Cart.  The breweries that will be at the festival include: Evolution Craft Brewing Co (Salisbury, MD), Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company (Dover, DE), New Belgium Brewing (Fort Collins, CO), Starr Hill Brewery (Crozet, VA), Tröegs Independent Brewing (Hershey, PA) and Victory Brewing Company (Downington, PA).

Danny Wimmer, head of Danny Wimmer Presents, recently discussed the festival’s return with the media.  He discussed not only the festival’s return but its expansion to two days this year and expectations in general for this year’s event.  “When we came to Philadelphia last year, we knew there was a demand for this kind of festival in the market, but the response exceeded our expectations,” he said.  Growing to two days in our second year was an obvious decision, and we’re looking forward to giving fans an even better experience in 2016.”

Geoff Gordon is President of Live Nation Philadelphia.  He echoed Wimmer’s sentiments in his thoughts on the festival’s return.  “Last year’s Monster Energy Rock Allegiance was a huge success on so many levels,” he said.  “We were proud to bring this venue their first ever concert; a record-setting, sold out smash hit. The audience had such a great time enjoying a unique experience of music and lifestyle — we knew in 2016 we could turn it up a notch!”

The Monster Energy Rock Allegiance Festival is presented by Danny Wimmer Presents, Live Nation, and Spectra at Talen Energy Stadium.  It is sponsored by: Jack Daniel’s, Zippo Encore, The Music Experience, Take Me Home, and Fxck Cancer/Dyin2Live, with more to be announced.  More information on the 2016 Monster Energy Rock Allegiance Festival is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.RockAllegiance.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/rockallegiance

 

More information on all of the latest events at Talen Energy Stadium is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/stadium

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/talenenergystdm

 

Audiences can also get advance notice about all of the latest events at Talen Energy Stadium by joining the free Talen Energy Stadium CyberClub here.

To keep up with all of 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.

Volume Is A Loud, Clear New Statement From Skindred

Courtesy: Napalm Records

Late last year Skindred released its latest full-length studio recording to its fans.  Volume, the band’s sixth full-length studio effort, That’s quite a statement from a band that originally formed right at the cusp of the “musical gold rush of 2000” (as this critic has come to coin it).  The album, with its hybrid sound and its equally attention-grabbing lyrical content, is another example of why the Welsh rock outfit has outlasted so many others of its ilk and gone on to remain a fan favorite even without support from mainstream rock outlets.  This is clear right off the top in the album’s socio-politically charged opener ‘Under Attack.’  The album’s title track is another of the album’s strong points.  ‘Shut Ya Mouth,’ with its mix of social commentary and funk-infused hard rock makes it yet another standout moment from this record.  All three songs are clear examples of what makes Volume another solid offering from Skindred.  Those songs, when set alongside the album’s remaining eleven songs (technically eight songs since three of those eleven are short interludes), make Volume one a record that every rock aficionado will want to turn on and *ahem* turn up.

Skindred’s sixth full-length studio recording Volume is quite the statement from the band.  That is because in itself it shows the band’s longevity and the love and respect that fans have for the Welsh rock act.  The album’s overall content exhibits this even more right from the album’s hard rocking opener ‘Under Attack.’  Guitarist Mikey Demus, drummer Arya Goggin and bassist Dan Pugsley set the tone for the song in its opening bars before front man Benji Webbe comes in with his hard-hitting lyrics.  What audiences will appreciate about this song is the ability of Webbe’s band mates to capture the urgency of Webbe’s message.  The message in question seems to center on the state of the nation and the damage being done to the country because of that divisiveness.  This is illustrated as Webbe raps in the song’s lead verse, “Now if you really want war/You’ve got to be sick/All of the people/They need to hear this/From the sound of the rhythm/You can’t refuse it/Shocking, dropping wrongs and killing/Graduation that’s what we want/F*** the nation/That’s not the answer/They’re coming at you with shots in the dark/And the shot that dem ah give you/Ah go rip out your heart.”  He seems to be addressing people on both sides of the nation’s debates in this one verse alone.  And if that is the case then it’s quite the clear and efficient way of doing so.  Not to mention it is a powerful statement in itself.  The message is illustrated even more in the song’s second verse in which Webbe raps, “We ah go stack dem 5,7, and 8/No bother with the badness, man/We don’t appreciate/We ah go mark them 6, 7, and 9/Put them on the hit list every time/Life’s at stake and everyone’s shaking/Dancehall breaking/Everyone’s faking/It’s going down now/It’s going down now/It’s going down down da down da down.”  He and his band mates accent the message in these verse even more in the song’s chorus in which they ask, “Who’s gonna help take care of all of them?” before Webbe responds, “And now I realize you can’t cut me down to size/And now I realize we’re under attack.”  The song’s final verse echoes the sentiment established in its lead and second verse with that same sort of awareness of what is going on and correlating message of concern.  It’s not the first time that a band or performer has ever crafted a song that raises awareness about serious socio-political issues.  Despite that, the manner in which it is delivered here makes the song original in its own right.   It shows in its own way why despite being labeled to this day as nu metal and rap metal the band has outlasted its counterparts and still stands tall even without help from mainstream music outlets.  It’s just one example of why Volume is a welcome return for the band and why it is a record that every rock aficionado will want to turn on and turn up.  Audiences can view the song’s video online now via Napalm Records’ official YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkJuB656AVc.  The album’s title track is another of its strong points.

‘Under Attack’ is a strong opener for Skindred in its latest full-length release Volume.  That is exhibited both through the song’s heavy musical arrangement and its equally interesting socio-politically charged lyrical theme.  As important as it is to the album’s overall presentation it is just one of the album’s strong points.  The album’s title track is another of its strong points.  Unlike the album’s opener this song takes a completely different lyrical tone while maintaining the album’s heavy sound.  This song lyrically comes across more as a declaration than anything else as Webbe raps, “And so again you know we’re on it/Don’t even bother trying to tell me to stop it/I’ll take them straight to the hanging tree/This is the sound that makes me nasty/Nobody ramp with this sound quality/Believing in the rockers and the rhythm that’s in me/We come to rock your spot/Bring the energy.”  In case there was any doubt left by this verse Webbe and company go on to sing outright later in the song, “Play your music every day/Woop/Gotta keep it loud now/Play your sound and feel no way/Woop woop/Gotta keep it loud now/I can’t keep it down.”  This is a blatant response to those that would tell the masses not to give in to those that think certain parties’ music is too loud.  As a well-known figure once said, “If it’s too loud, you’re too old!”  For all intents it is an anthem for the rock and metal masses alike in response to their detractors.  The intensity of the song’s musical arrangement makes the song even harder-hitting, showing once again why it is another of the album’s strong points. Audiences can view this song’s companion video online now via Napalm Records’ official YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vKPnLhmyBs and via the band’s official Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/skindredofficial. It isn’t the last of the album’s strong points either.  The social commentary and equally positive message of ‘Shut Ya Mouth’ coupled with the song’s musical arrangement makes it one more solid of the album’s most notable moments.

‘Under Attack’ and ‘Volume’ are solid additions to Skindred’s latest album.  That is because of the combination of their musical and lyrical content.  While both songs are key in exhibiting what makes Volume such a welcome return for Skindred, they are hardly the only songs that could be cited in making this argument. ‘Shut Ya Mouth’ is another prime example of what makes Volume worth at least one listen. In regards to its musical arrangement its tempo is less than that of ‘Under Attack’ and ‘Volume.’ Even with a slower tempo it is no less impacting. Drummer Arya Goggin sets the song’s tone with a solidly timed beat before Demus, Webbe and bassist Pugsley come in to round out the song’s musical base. The song builds even more from here until it reaches its peak in its chorus at which point the band absolutely lets loose. That gradual growth of power in the song’s musical arrangement is important to the song in its own right. However when examining the song’s lyrical content it becomes even more important. That is because it serves to better illustrate said content. The verses send a message of positivity as exhibited in the song’s lead verse. Webbe raps here, “You see the difference between you and me/Is that I like you/But you don’t like me/Face each day optimistically/Breath and talk a lot of positivity/If anything bad it’s gonna happen to me/That’s not the attitude seriously/Nah, not the way to perceive it/If they tell you so don’t believe it.” The musical backing to this and each of the song’s verse is straight forward but with a groove that will keep listeners engaged. It helps to establish that straightforward tone in the song’s verses. In the same vein, the pummeling energy of the song’s musical arrangement in its chorus illustrates the energy and emotion there, too. Webbe raps in the chorus, “Shut your mouth boy/come out of here/Shut your mouth boy/Come out of here/We tell them/Do you hear me, hear me now/You won’t break this/Here’s my raised fist/And I’m telling you no, no, no.” Webbe means business as he delivers these lines. And that is quite clear, again, thanks to the song’s musical arrangement. The back and forth of the song’s musical and lyrical content continues throughout the course of the song’s nearly four-minute run time. And over that time it keeps listeners completely engaged especially thanks to the overall positive vibe established through both elements. Taking that into consideration the song shows why, once again, it is another key example of what makes Volume a welcome return for Skindred. Alongside ‘Under Attack,’ ‘Volume,’ and the remainder of the album’s eight full-length tracks (again there are eleven other tracks on this record but only eight are full-length songs) the album shows in whole to be a record that any real rocker will want to turn on and turn up.

Skindred’s sixth full-length record Volume is an impressive new release for the Wales-based band. That is not just because of the fact that the band has made it this far without help from major mainstream rock outlets but also because the band has managed to impress yet again with this latest offering. That is clear in the combination of the album’s musical and lyrical content. It is exemplified in the album’s opener ‘Under Attack,’ its title track, and the equally engaging ‘Shut Ya Mouth.’ All three songs are in their own way solid offerings from the album. Together with the rest of the album’s full-length songs the album in whole proves to be a welcome return for the band and a record that every real rocker will want to turn on and turn up. It is available now in stores and online and can be ordered via iTunes and Amazon direct via the band’s official website. More information on Volume is available online now along with all of Skindred’s latest news at:

 

Website: http://www.skindred.net

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

 Twitter: http://twitter.com/skindredmusic

 

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

Rocklahoma Organizers Announce New Ticket Package

Courtesy: Ashton Magnuson Media

Organizers of the annual Rocklahoma concert festival announced this week that they will make available a new ticket package for audiences.

The new Zippo Encore Fan Package For Two will be available beginning next Tuesday, March 18^th at 1pm ET/12pm CT.  The package includes:

• Two (2) Weekend General Admission Tickets (inclusive of all service charges and fees)
• Meal vouchers (two per day)
• Two (2) Official Festival Zippo Lighters
• One (1) one-year subscription to Revolver Magazine.

Tickets can be ordered online at the official Rocklahoma website, http://www.rocklahoma.com.

Also on March 18^th, ticket prices both for general admission tickets and general admission 4-packs will increase.  General admission tickets currently are available for a price of $109 plus fees.  Beginning March 18^th, that price will increase to $129 plus fees.  Weekend 4-pack General Admission packs will increase from $349 plus fees to $399 plus fees.  This takes effect beginning at 1pm ET/12pm CT.

Members of the military can get discounted tickets for the Rocklahoma festival online at http://www.govx.com.  Prices for those tickets will also increase March 18^th at 1pm ET/12pm CT.

The new ticket package and price increases are not all that organizers announced this week for the annual festival.  Organizers also announced the return of the “Miss Rocklahoma” contest.  The contest runs through April 18^th.  Ten finalists will be announced in late April online at http://www.rocklahoma.com.  Contestants and fans can register and vote online at http://www.rocklahoma.com.

The complete lineup for this year’s edition of the Rocklahoma Festival is:  Kid Rock, Five Finger Death Punch, Staind, Twisted Sister, Deftones, Seether, Motörhead, Jackyl, Filter, Black Label Society, Theory of a Deadman, Killswitch Engage, Skid Row, Tom Keifer of Cinderella, Hellyeah, Kix, Down, Pop Evil, Adelitas Way, Black Stone Cherry, Trivium, Texas Hippie Coalition, The Pretty Reckless, Thousand Foot Krutch, Redlight King, Skindred, KYNG, We As Human, Nothing More, Devour the Day, Heaven’s Basement, Gemini Syndrome, Butcher Babies, Eve to Adam, Truckfighters, Scorpion Child, Twelve Foot Ninja, Kill Devil Hill, Killer Dwarfs, Mandy Lion, Bai Bang, Lynam, ASKA, Black Tora, Firstryke, Mystery, Nasty Habit, Sleepy Hollow, Wicked, Down & Dirty, Loveblast, Ruff Justice, Ratchet Dolls, Ragdoll, Dellacoma, Chaotic Resemblance, Scattered Hamlet, Siren, Mach22, Tempt, London’s Dungeon, Mine Enemies Fall, Station, The Chimpz, Sleepwalking Home, Well Hung Heart, Framing The Red, Blackwater Rebellion, Dryvr, Jet West and Dirty Crush.

The annual Rocklahoma Festival is sponsored by Bud Light, U.S. Cellular, Jagermeister, Monster Energy, Hard Rock Casino, Route 66 RVs, and Jack Daniels.

More information on the annual Rocklahoma Festival is available online at http://www.rocklahoma.com, http://www.facebook.com/rocklahoma and http://twitter.com/rocklahoma.  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.

Details Announced For Second Annual Fort Rock Festival

Courtesy: Ashton-Magnuson Media

Organizers of the Fort Rock Festival have announced the details for the annual hard rock music festival.  This year’s festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 26^th.  It will be held at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida.  The list of this year’s performers includes: Seether, Theory of a Deadman, Black Stone Cherry, Sick Puppies, Trivium, Skindred, The Pretty Reckless, KYNG, Nothing More, Twelve Foot Ninja, and a bunch more.  Veteran hard rock act Korn will share headlining duties at this year’s festival with Five Finger Death Punch.

When asked about performing at this year’s festival (its second) 5FDP drummer Jeremy Spencer spoke on behalf of the band. He expressed the band’s excitement in being invited to headline the show and what it means to play along with some of 5FDP’s favorite bands, and for its fans in Florida.  “5FDP is incredibly excited to be part of the kickoff of the World’s Loudest Month,” he said.  “Having already ‘rocked’ Rockville, this will be our first time bringing it to Fort Myers. We are blessed to have so many fans in Florida that made it possible for the band to step up as a festival headliner standing beside giants like Korn and Rob Zombie! Thank you, Florida. See you all soon!”  Festival co-producer Clay Bush of Danny Wimmer Presents shared the excitement of all of the bands in speaking about the festival celebrating its second year.  “After a great first year, we couldn’t be more excited to return to JetBlue Park with an amazing band lineup and fantastic partners,” Bush said.

Photo Credit: Chad Martel Photography

Organizers are offering audiences a special limited time discounted ticket pre-sale from Tuesday, January 28^th – Thursday, January 30^th.  During this short sale, a limited number of discounted general admission tickets will be available for purchase.  Each day’s prices are listed below (plus fees). Passwords can be obtained for the pre-sale online at http://www.RevolverMag.com and http://www.FloridaWeekly.com.

Tuesday, January 28: $29.50

Wednesday, January 29: $39.50

Thursday, January 30: $45.50

Regularly priced General Admission tickets will go on sale Friday, January 31^st at 10a.m.ET at http://www.FortRockFestival.com and via all Ticketmaster outlets.  General Admission tickets start at $49.50 and VIP tickets start at $99.50 each.  Prices increase February 10^th. Tickets can also be purchased at all Pita Pit locations for $50, with no service fees.  A limited number of discounted General Admission tickets for the military will be available for just $29.  They can be purchased online at http://www.govx.com.

The Fort Rock Festival is the opening concert of a series of concert festivals produced by Danny Wimmer Presents and AEG Live.  Also among that list of concerts presented by Danny Wimmer Presents and AEG Live is are: Rock on the Range and Carolina Rebellion.  It is also part of the kickoff of the World’s Loudest Month and the Florida kickoff along with Monster Energy’s Welcome to Rockville.  It is sponsored by Monster Energy, Jack Daniels, Jagermeister, and f.y.e.  More information on the Fort Rock Festival is available online at http://www.FortRockFestival and http://www.facebook.com/fortrockfestival.  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 in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.