Hard Rock, Metal Fans Had A Lot To Like In 2022

Courtesy: C Squared PR

The hard rock and metal community had another strong year in 2022, with dozens of acts releasing new studio recordings.  From established acts to some up-and-comers to even some fledgling acts, bands across the hard rock and metal community offered audiences something to appreciate.  That included new power metal, death metal, nu-metal and general hard rock records.  In other words, 2022 was a very good year for the hard rock and metal community, and Phil’s Picks’ 2022 Top 10 New Hard Rock and Metal Albums list illustrates that clearly.

This year’s list of top new hard rock and metal albums runs across the community with new albums from the likes of Slipknot, Megadeth, Ozzy Osbourne, Sabaton, and even Amon Amarth.  Topping this year’s list is the debut album from fledgling nu-metal band Bloodywood.  The band has, in the past few years, made a heck of a name for itself through its music and uplifting lyrical themes.  The band’s star has continued to rise ever since it released its debut album, Rakshak early this year, too.  Joining Bloodywood and the other noted bands on this year’s list are also the likes of Machine Head, Master Boot Record, and Lamb of God, too.

As with each list from Phil’s Picks, this list features Phil’s Picks’ top 10 new albums in the given category and five honorable mention titles.  Those honorable mention titles are no less impactful than the top 10 albums.  It is just that hard to really find just 10 records worth noting.  There are that many that are so good.  So, without any further ado, here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks’ 2022 Top 10 New Hard Rock and Metal Albums.

PHILS PICKS 2022 TOP 10 NEW HARD ROCK/METAL ALBUMS

  1. Bloodywood – Rakshak
  2. Sabaton – The War to End All Wars
  3. Sabaton – The Symphony to End All Wars
  4. Machine Head – Of Kingdom and Crown
  5. Slipknot – The End, So Far
  6. Lamb of God – Omens
  7. Amon Amarth – The Great Heathen Army
  8. Megadeth – The Sick, The Dying & The Dead
  9. Arch Enemy – Deceivers
  10. Ozzy Osbourne – Patient #9
  11. Grave Digger – Symbol of Eternity
  12. Master Boot Record – Personal Computer
  13. Stratovarius – Survive
  14. Artifas – Reflections
  15. Stone Broken – Revelation

That’s it for this year’s list, but there is still plenty more to come between today and tomorrow with lists for top new Family Music, World Music, Top New Independent Albums and Top New Overall Albums.  Somehow Phil’s Picks also has to get in lists for new TV and movie releases, too by midnight Saturday.  Stay tuned!

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‘Revelation’ Could Help Stone Broken Break Out Into The Mainstream

Courtesy: Spinefarm Records

Rock outfit Stone Broken unveiled its latest album, Revelation, Tuesday through Spinefarm Records. The band’s third album, it is a strong new offering from the band. That is proven in part through its featured musical arrangements, which will be discussed shortly. The lyrical content that accompanies the album’s musical arrangements make for their own appeal. It will be discussed a little later. The record’s production rounds out its most important elements and will also be discussed later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the album’s presentation. All things considered, the album proves itself a positive new offering from Stone Broken that most rock fans will find enjoyable.

Revelation, Stone Broken’s brand new album, is a positive new offering that most rock fans will find enjoyable. That is due in large part to its featured musical arrangements. From one song to the next, the arrangements in this 11-song record present a similar sound and stylistic approach. That approach is largely one that lends each arrangement to comparison to works from the likes of Theory of a Deadman and other similar acts. At the same time, there is at least a little variance early in the album’s run in the form of ‘Make It Out Alive.’ The song opens sounding so much more like Theory of a Deadman. The choruses however, are more of an aggro-rock sense a la Breaking Benjamin. What’s interesting here is how that contrast of energies and styles plays directly into the song’s lyrical content. That will be addressed a little later. There is also a little more change of style and sound in ‘This Revival,’ which comes later in the album’s run. The down-tuned guitar here and the contemplative vocal style gives the song a touch of modern rock vibe. It is just another subtle change in things that people will notice when they pay close attention to the album’s arrangements from start to end. When people take in the album from start to end, they will catch these subtle nuances and others within each song. In hearing those nuances, audiences will find plenty to appreciate if only from the album’s musical content. Every arrangement would be a good fit for any active rock radio station programmer’s daily play list. It is all that engaging and entertaining. It is also just one part of what makes the album worth hearing. The lyrical content that accompanies the album’s musical arrangements also plays into the appeal of the album’s presentation.

The lyrical content that accompanies the album’s musical arrangements is important to examine because by and large, it focuses on the matter of overcoming adversity. That adversity comes for the most part here in the form of mental health. Or at least that is what seems to be the case in most of the songs. Given, there is one song that seemingly focuses on the matter of a broken relationship in the form of ‘Me Without You.’ Other than that one song, the majority of the record’s content delivers that familiar theme in various ways. To that end, pretty much every song will offer audiences some form of motivation, which is always welcome. Add in the different moods set in each song’s arrangement, and each song’s overall impact increases that much more. Keeping all of this in mind, the content featured in Stone Broken’s new album forms a solid foundation for the record. It is still not all that the album has to offer. The production rounds out its most important elements.

The production presented in Revelation is important because as noted, each song focuses on a seemingly central topic while doing so in different ways lyrically and musically. Thanks to the production that went into the album, each song’s utmost emotional impact is ensured. From the most subdued moments to the most powerful, every instrument is balanced with the others. Every vocal track is just as well-balanced with the instrumentations, ensuring that audiences can easily understand what is being sung for the most part. From beginning to end, the album’s production is expert, putting the final touch to the album. When it is considered along with the album’s overall content, the whole of it all makes Revelation a strong new record from Stone Broken that could help finally break this band into the mainstream if it has not already done so.

Revelation, the latest album from Stone Broken, is a presentation that from beginning to end, could help make the band a household name among rock fans. That is due in part to its featured musical arrangements. The arrangements each present a firm mainstream appeal. They also each present a subtle nuanced difference from one another that audiences will catch when they fully immerse themselves in the record. The lyrical content that accompanies the album’s musical content is also of note. That is because it largely delivers one overarching theme, that of overcoming adversity. For the most part, that adversity seems to come in the form of mental health issues, which plenty of audiences will find appealing. There is one song that comes across as being about a broken relationship, but for the most part, the lyrical content seems to approach that one specific item just in varying ways. The record’s production puts the final touch to its presentation. That is because it ensures the best possible emotional impact in each song, taking into account the musical and lyrical content. Each item examined here is important in its own way to the album’s presentation. All things considered, they make the record a presentation that could help Stone Broken finally break into the mainstream.

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

Websitehttp://www.stonebroken.com

Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/OfficialStoneBroken

Twitterhttp://twitter.com/StoneBroken_

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.

Stone Broken Debuts ‘The Devil You Know’ Video

Courtesy: Spinefarm Records

Stone Broken debuted the video for its latest single this week.

The band premiered the video for its latest single, ‘The Devil You Know’ Friday. The song is the third single from the band’s forthcoming album, Revelation, which is scheduled for release April 15 via Spinefarm Records. The album has also produced the singles, ‘Black Sunrise‘ and its title track.

The video for the band’s new single is a relatively simple presentation. It features the band performing its new single on a darkened sound stage as the song plays over the visualization. Various video effects are used to help heighten the emotion in the song’s arrangement.

Speaking of the arrangement, it boasts its own identity separate from the other singles. That is the case even with the melodic hard rock style approach being similar to that taken in the other singles. It still has a sound all its own.

No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme in the press release announcing the video’s premiere. The lyrics provided with the video lend themselves to interpretation that the song focuses on the topic of mental health. That is just this critic’s interpretation.

More information on Stone Broken’s new single, video and album is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Websitehttp://www.stonebroken.com

Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/OfficialStoneBroken

Twitterhttp://twitter.com/StoneBroken_

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.

Stone Broken Debuts New Single, ‘Black Sunrise,’ Companion Lyric Video

Courtesy: Spinefarm Records

Stone Broken is giving audiences another preview of its next album, Revelation, with the lyric video for its latest single.

The band debuted its new single, ‘Black Sunrise‘ and its companion lyric video Friday. The song is the second single from the album, which is scheduled for release April 15 via Spinefarm Records. The band unveiled the album’s lead single/title track and its video last month.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Black Sunrise’ is a notable difference from that of the album’s title track. Where the title track’s arrangement harkens to works from the likes of Muse and Imagine Dragons as well as Theory of a Deadman, ‘Black Sunrise’ leans more directly in the direction of Theory of a Deadman, as well as some harder edged acts, such as Drowning Pool and Shinedown.

The lyrical theme featured in the band’s new single touches on the matter of people staying true to themselves, according to front man Rich Moss.

“‘Black Sunrise’ explores the darker side of portrayal,” Moss said.  “Sometimes people only want to show a certain side of themselves, maybe even an exaggerated version or completely fictitious personality. The truth is, it’s going to be hard to keep up the act. The mental impact will ultimately take its toll. This is where the title stems from: a ‘Black Sunrise’ doesn’t exist; it’s the opposite of reality.”

The lyric video for ‘Black Sunrise’ features the song’s lyrics over the visual of a tarot card with a sun on it. The song’s musical arrangement plays over the visual.

More information on Stone Broken’s new single, video and album is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Websitehttp://www.stonebroken.com

Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/OfficialStoneBroken

Twitterhttp://twitter.com/StoneBroken_

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.

Stone Broken Announces New Album Release Date; Premieres Album’s Lead Single, Video

Courtesy: Spinefarm Records

Stone Broken will release its new album this spring.

The band is scheduled to release its third album, Revelation April 15 through Spinefarm Records. In anticipation of the album’s release, the band debuted the album’s title track/lead single and its companion video Friday.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Revelation’ is a change of pace for Stone Broken from its existing works. Where the band’s existing works take the band in more of a straight forward rock and roll approach, this song is more comparable to works from the likes of Muse and Imagine Dragons what with its edge and infectious groove. At the same time, there is still some similarity to works from Theory of a Deadman.

Front man Rich Moss talked about the change in the band’s sound in its new song and its album in a prepared statement.

“We had a completely different approach on this record compared to our previous records,” said Moss. “We wanted to try everything. We wanted to experiment, we wanted to build our sound from the ground up and totally re-imagine the ‘Stone Broken Sound’ — but without losing what we already had. It wasn’t easy, not in the slightest. But we managed to break down a few walls to get there, and along the way had some awesome discoveries, like [drummer] Robyn now having more vocal duties across the whole record. It really works well and brings a whole new dynamic to our songs.”

No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme in the press release announcing the album’s release date and the premiere of the new single and video. Looking through the lyrics provided with the video, the theme comes across as something of a social commentary.

The ‘Revelation’ video finds the band performing its new single on a soundstage. Meanwhile, Ross plays the part of what seems to be a patient/prisoner in a hospital setting trying to get out. Just as he thinks he has escaped his captors, the video ends with a surprise that will not be revealed here.

More information on Stone Broken’s new single, video and album is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Websitehttp://www.stonebroken.com

Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/OfficialStoneBroken

Twitterhttp://twitter.com/StoneBroken_

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.

Adelitas Way Signs New Management Deal With FM Music Management

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

Veteran rock band Adelitas Way has signed a new management deal.

The band signed a new deal this week with FM Music Management.  The artist management company’s roster includes other big names such as Nonpoint (whose new album X is scheduled to be released this Friday, August 24 via Spinefarm Records), Kataklysm, Through Fire, Royal Bliss, Deadset Society, Keith Wallen, Spoken and others.

FMM Partner/Manager Dino Kourelis talked about the band’s addition to the agency’s roster in a recent interview.  He said he was glad to have the band as part of the agency’s roster.

“We are excited to bring Adelitas Way in to the FM Management family,” Kourelis said.  “Adelitas Way continues to evolve and push the envelope in rock, and and Rick’s [DeJesus — Adelitas Way front man] passion and work ethic is unrivaled.  We look forward to helping them continue to climb.”

DeJesus shared Kourelis’ thoughts.

“My vision for Adelitas Way is clear and the mission is clear,” DeJesus said.  “We are going to continue to master our craft and grow to a point that is part of setting an example for all artists who see our story!  That takes a great team.  I’m excited for Fuel Music/the Vegas Syn to combine powers with an innovative, forward thinking company with my friend Frank Mastalerz leading the way with FM Music Management.  He has built an amazing team of music peers I’ve been working with for many years, and I’m looking forward to more exciting opportunities to grow.  Let’s do what we do best.”

Adelitas Way originally formed in 2006 and released its debut self-titled album in 2009 via Virgin Records.  That record was followed up in 2011 with its sophomore album Home School Valedictorian, which was released, also via Virgin Records.  Stuck, the band’s third album, was released in 2014, and would be its last for Virgin Records.

Its fourth album, 2016’s Getaway, was its first for The Vegas Syn/Fuel Music.  Notorious followed more than a year later in October 2017.  It was also released via the Vegas Syn/Fuel Music.

Adelitas Way’s music has been featured on television in various ways throughout its career.  That includes being featured in various WWE programs (and even in at least one WWE video game) and NFL programs on ESPN and FOX.  It has even been featured in an episode of CBS’ CSIMiami.

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group/Seek&Strike/Spinefarm Records

Adelitas Way will join Fozzy on the road starting this Saturday, August 25 in Birmingham, Alabama for the latest leg of Fozzy’s tour in support of its most recent album Judas (2017).  Also joining the band as suppor for Fozzy are The Stir and Stone Broken, which will be touring in support of its latest album Ain’t Always Easy (released April 13 via Spinefarm Records).

More information on Adelitas Way is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.adelitaswaymusic.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/adelitasway

 

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.

 

 

2018 Monster Energy Rock Allegiance Festival Lineup, Vendor List Announced

Courtesy: Live Nation/Danny Wimmer Presents

Labor Day is generally known nationwide as the end of summer.  It marks the start of fall, students’ return to school and the end of the summer concert season, but thanks to Live Nation and Danny Wimmer Presents, the summer concert series will extend beyond Labor Day this year thanks to one more concert festival this October.

The annual Monster Energy Rock Allegiance festival comes to BB&T Pavilion & Wiggins Waterfront Park in Camden, New Jersey on Saturday, October 6.  Now in its fourth year, the festival will be headlined this year by Avenged Sevenfold, Limp Bizkit and Papa Roach.

Also on this year’s bill are some of today’s and tomorrow’s most notable acts.  They include the likes of Fozzy, Skillet, Of Mice and Men, From Ashes To New, Blacktop Mojo and Stone Broken.  Fozzy’s performance is one of a current string of dates in support of its latest (and seventh) album Judas, which was released just this past October, while Skillet is touring in support of its ninth album, Unleashed (2016).

Of Mice and Men, which released the video for its latest single, ‘Instincts‘ late last month, is touring in support of its recently released fifth album Defy.  That record was released January 19, 2018 and includes the new single.

From Ashes To New’s performance is in support of its latest album, The Future.  The band’s sophomore LP, it was released April 20, 2018 via Better Noise Records.  It can be downloaded and streamed online through various outlets here.  the album’s lead single, ‘Crazy’ is streaming now here.

Blacktop Mojo is currently touring in support of its debut album Burn The Ships which is making waves on rock radio stations nationwide.  It was released December 15, 2017 via Cuhmon Records and includes a powerhouse cover of Aerosmith’s ‘Dream On.’  The band is streaming its full album online now here.

British rock outfit Stone Broken just released its sophomore album late last month via Spinefarm Records.  The album’s latest single, ‘Heartbeat Away,’ which addresses the issue of domestic violence, is streaming online now here.  It comes on the heels of the debut of the lyric video for the album’s lead single, ‘Worth Fighting For,’ which is streaming here.

Tickets for this year’s edition of the Rock Allegiance festival go on sale today, May 11, at noon eastern time at the official Rock Allegiance website. Hotel rates are also listed at the website. General admission lawn tickets start at $39.50 while Reserved Pavilion seating starts at $49.50.  VIP packages start at $169.00.  VIP packages include the following amenities.

Monster Energy Rock Allegiance VIP package amenities include:
  • Access to the GA Pit and/or 100 level tickets for the Main Stage / Pavilion for the headlining four band performances
  • Commemorative Rock Allegiance 2018 VIP laminate
  • Dedicated VIP entrance to the festival
  • VIP hang areas on the Battleship New Jersey and BB&T Pavilion lounge (space limited at each area)
  • Exclusive VIP restrooms and special food and beverage offerings (for additional purchase)

Along with lots of music, this year’s festival will also feature lots of food and drink including sweet and savory treats from: Tony Luke’s Cheesecake, Baby Blues BBQ, Chickies & Pete’s, Lil Trent’s Treats, Nico’s Pizza & More! and Sum Pig Food Truck.

A number of craft breweries will be on hand at the festival, providing refreshment.  They include: 21st Amendment (San Francisco, CA), Dogfish Head (Milton, DE), Foudners (Grand Rapids, MI), Neshaminy Creek (Croydon, PA), Oskar Blues (Longmont, CO), Spellbound (Mount Holly, NJ), Troegs Independent Brewing (Hershey, PA), Unibroue (Chambly, QC) and Victory Brewing Company (Downington, PA).

The Monster Energy Rock Allegiance festival is fueled by Monster Energy and sponsored by f.y.e., Roadrunner Records, Fxck Cancer and SWFTCharge.  More sponsors will be announced in the coming weeks.  The festival is produced by Live Nation and Danny Wimmer Presents.

More information on this year’s Rock Allegiance festival is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.RockAllegiance.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/rockallegiance

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Stone Broken’s Sophomore Album Proves It Was Truly Worth Making

Courtesy: Spinefarm Records

Nothing worth doing in life is ever easy.  We’ve all spoken or heard this old adage at one point or another in life.  Nothing worth doing is easy because the reward of the hard work put in toward the goal makes that work that bearable.  Ain’t Always Easy, the sophomore album from rock outfit Stone Broken is an example of the value of the ends equaling the work put in towards those ends.  Released April 13 via independent record label Spinefarm Records, this first effort for the label from the British band is an 11-song outing that will appeal easily to fans of Theory of a Deadman and other similar acts.  Lyrically speaking, it will appeal to any rock fan thanks to the positive messages presented throughout its 40-minute run time.  Keeping this in mind, Stone Broken’s latest LP proves both musically and lyrically to be a record that is ready to *ahem* break Stone Broken into the mainstream rock realm.

Stone Broken’s sophomore album (and its first effort for Spinefarm Records), Ain’t Always Easy is a solid new effort from start to finish that proves this British rock band is ready to break out into the mainstream rock realm.  This is proven both musically and lyrically throughout the album’s run, starting with its opener, the up-tempo rocker ‘Worth Fighting For.’  In regards to its musical content, one would instantly think this was Theory of a Deadman if one didn’t know it was Stone Broken.  This is not only thanks to the song’s arrangement, but also thanks to front man Rich Moss’ vocal delivery.  He sounds just like TOAD front man Tyler Connolly.  The similarity in the two vocalists’ voices is incredible to say the very least.  Guitarist Chris Davis’ riffs and drummer Robyn Haycock’s solid time keeping keep the song moving forward, never letting the song get away from itself in the process.  Meanwhile, bassist Kieron Conroy’s low-end expertly compliments ‘Davis riffs, completely filling out the song’s arrangement, helping to make the arrangement wholly infectious and memorable.  Its musical arrangement is only one part of what makes it stand out.  The noted positive messages are not lost here, with Moss seemingly saying to listeners that despite all of the negatives in the world, one should note give up hope, but instead keep fighting and pushing on. This is inferred as he sings in the song’s lead verse, “Head down/Jury’s out/Got some things to think about/Not pointing fingers/But it’s easy to see/Messed up/Outta luck/This is gonna show you up/Communicating your infectious disease/Cut ties/Dirty lies/You’re the first to criticize/Because you’re full of it and everyone knows/Dead beat enemy/Everything you’re covering/Under the weight/the cracks are starting to show.”

He goes on to sing in the song’s second verse, “Big screen magazine/Show us what you’re offering/You’ll realize it’s all just part of the show/Rules bent/Money spent/Wonder where the budget went/That’s not the kind of thing they like to expose/Wake up/Take a look/Haven’t they all got enough/We can’t relate, ‘cause it’s the life that they chose/Red face/Open case/Disappeared without a trace/Why can’t you see that’s how democracy goes?”  All of this negativity is countered with Moss and company singing in the song’s chorus, “Stand up/Show them what we’re made of/That’s what we’re fighting for/Don’t wanna lose it all/Stand up/And lead a generation/That’s what we’re fighting for/We’re gonna give it all/Stand up/The world is worth fighting for.”  This message of hope and determination is not rare nowadays in music, but it is also not overly common, so it is nice to have a message of not giving up and persevering versus just yelling and screaming about things.  It is a message of action, but not violent action.  In other words, it is a message that is certain to inspire listeners of all ages.  When this is considered alongside the song’s musical arrangement, the end result is a song overall that is not just a strong start for Stone Broken’s new LP, but a strong example of what makes the album so strong overall.  It is just one of the songs that serves to show what makes the album so strong.  ‘I Believe’ is another piece that serves to exhibit the album’s strength.

‘I Believe,’ instantly lends itself to comparisons to the best works not only of Theory of a Deadman but also to the likes of Black Stone Cherry and other similar acts with its Southern rock-sound.  Once again, the teaming of Davis and Conroy creates a solid whole through their juxtaposition that, when joined with Haycock’s time keeping, proves to be just as infectious as any of the album’s other arrangements.  And again, Ross’ vocal delivery sounds so similar to that of Connolly that the similarity in the bands’ sounds is undeniable.  Davis’ solo in the song’s bridge adds to that easy comparison.  Between that catchy hook and the rest of the song’s arrangement, the whole of the song’s musical side does plenty to make the song stand out.  Of course the song’s musical side is just one part of what makes this song stand out.  Once again, its lyrical content goes a long way toward making it stand out, too.  Ross sings here, “Time’s gone/Movin’ on/I guess I’m on my way/Ride along/Singing songs/Just to hit that stage/Lights down/On the crowd/The voices in my head/Hoping some day that I can do it again/I’ve got a feeling you’re gonna get the best of me/You’ve gotta see it and start believing/Honestly, you can be anything you wanna be/I’ve got a feeling you’re gonna have the time of your life/Reachin’ out/I can see/I won’t waste a second ‘cause I want it all/Reachin’ out, I believe.”  That’s just the song’s second verse, but it still sends a clear message.  The song’s lead verse finds Ross singing about where he’s come from, from sitting in his room, playing on his guitar, dreaming about reaching that dream.  He uses that as the basis for his statement that if he could obtain his dream of rock stardom, then anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of what they are.  He sings in that lead verse, “Head home/Music on/A million miles away/I sit down and played around/I practiced every day/Rewind, then do it all again/Hoping someday I’d be just like them.”  The chorus, as noted already, drives home that if he can do it, so can the listeners as he sings, “I’ve got a feeling you’re gonna get the best of me/You’ve gotta see it and start believing/Honestly, you can be anything you wanna be/I’ve got a feeling you’re gonna have the time of your life/Reaching out/I can see/I won’t waste a second ‘cause I want it all/Reaching out/I believe.”  This is such a welcome, positive message, and more proof of what makes this record such a strong new effort from Stone Broken.  It is definitely not the last song that could be cited, either.  ‘Home,’ the album’s lone ballad is one more song that can be cited in supporting said statement.

‘Home’ is not unfamiliar territory for mainstream radio, just as the already noted songs aren’t either.  This is standard fare about someone being out on the road, away from loved ones, with all of the emotional musical accompaniment to tug at listeners’ heart strings.  Musically, it is easily comparable to works from not only Theory of a Deadman, but Nickelback and Creed, too.  Ross sings here, “When the nights are getting long/I wanna hear you say/You’re not that far away/I wonder how you’re getting on/I see you every day/When I’m away/When I miss you/I know it’s true/Every time I try/It ain’t always easy/I’m gonna take this on my own/Every time you wanna go/It’s hard when you’re alone/I’m only dreaming/Going right where you wanna go/Got a feeling that you’ll know/It’s hard away from home.”  The song’s second verse is not much different, with Ross singing, “When you call me on the phone/You play our favorite song/Reminding me of home/When it’s hard to carry on/I wish that I was wrong/But the days go on and on/When I hear you/I can see through/Every single time/It aint’ always easy/I’m gonna take this on my own/every time you wanna go/It’s hard when you’re alone/Im only dreaming/Going right where you wanna go/Got a feeling that you know/It’s hard when you’re alone.”  Again, it doesn’t necessarily break any new ground musically or lyrically. But for mainstream radio, that’s a good thing.  It is another song that – much like so much of the album’s entries – is radio ready and will fit in so easily with Stone Broken’s more well-known contemporaries.  It most certainly still is not the last of the album’s entries that proves the album so solidly ready for the mainstream rock realm.  ‘Heartbeat Away,’ a hard rocker which addresses domestic abuse, is very similar to another song crafted some time ago by Nickelback.  ‘Otherside’ is another lyrically positive anthem that touts taking chances in life and living life to the fullest, rather than letting difficult times keep one down.  There is even commentary on addiction in ‘Let Me See It All’ and ‘Just A Memory.’  Between those songs and the pieces more directly noted here, the whole of Ain’t Always Easy proves to be a record whose work and effort was worth it.  It is a record that is instantly radio ready from start to end and is sure to enlighten and inspire listeners of all ages thanks to its lyrical themes.  Keeping this in mind, it is a record that proves Ain’t Always Easy was worth doing and will be worth hearing.

Up-and-coming rock band Stone Broken has proven with its sophomore album (and first for Spinefarm Records) that it is ready to break into the mainstream.  It has shown that while making its new album Ain’t Always Easy might not have been an easy road, the work was worth it, as the payoff shows.  It is available now in stores and online, and will be available at the band’s upcoming performance at the Rock Allegiance Festival on October 6 in Camden, Jew Jersey.  More information on Ain’t Always Easy is available online now along with all of Stone Broken’s latest news and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.stonebroken.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/StoneBroken_

 

 

 

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