The Band Perry Debuts New Single, ‘Stay In The Dark’

Posted on February 5, 2017 by philspicks

Courtesy: Interscope Records

The Band Perry is known to audiences around the world as one of country music’s biggest acts. However this year, the band will change things up and release its first-ever pop record in the form of My Bad Imagination. In anticipation of that record’s upcoming release, the trio debuted the album’s lead single this week.

The band debuted the song ‘Stay in the Dark’ this week via Interscope Records. The keyboard-driven composition is a dramatic departure from the band’s country compositions. It is a work that fans of Katy Perry and other acts of her ilk will enjoy. The song is streaming now on the band’s YouTube channel.

Courtesy: Interscope Records

Neil Perry echoed that statement. He said the song’s arrangement was meant to exhibit the band’s growth.

“Creatively, ‘Stay in the Dark’ brings forward some of the elements we’ve always been known for as The Band Perry while introducing our fans to the all new sounds we’ve been working with,” Perry said.

Reid Perry said lyrically, the song is a love song at its core, adding it has far more meaning than just that one story for the siblings.

“In the literal sense ‘Stay in the Dark’ is about getting close to the one you love, closing the curtains and escaping from the wilds of the world together for the night,” Perry said. “For us though, it has so many meanings, and we’re looking forward to seeing how our fans find themselves in it.”

Kimberly Perry agreed with her brothers as she talked about the song and the direction in which it finds the band moving.

“As we’ve been thinking about our transition from our last two albums to this one, I’ve interpreted lyrics more as metaphor with ‘I just want to stay in the dark’ meaning I want to stay romantic, imaginative and naïve,” Perry said. “I want to believe in what I can’t see. I want to keep walking forward. Chances and bold moves are always the ones that carry you the furthest in life – and for most of us we’ve got to ignore the naysayers and just take the leap.”

The Band Perry will perform its new single Tuesday night on NBC’s Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. House drummer Questlove will handle drumming duties on the song. The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon airs Monday through Friday at 11:35 p.m. EST.

Fans can purchase ‘Stay in the Dark’ online now at iTunes and Amazon. It can also be streamed online at Apple Music, Google Play and Spotify. More information on ‘Stay In The Dark’ is available online now along with all of The Band Perry’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.thebandperry.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/thebandperry

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.

Zakk Wylde Unveils ‘Lost Prayer’ Video

Posted on January 14, 2017 by philspicks

Zakk Wylde debuted the video for his latest single this week.

Wylde unveiled the video for the song ‘Lost Prayer’ this week. The song is the latest single to be released from Wylde’s latest album Book of Shadows II. The album was released April 8, 2016.

The video is streaming online now here. It combines footage of Wylde performing the song in a dimly lit studio and actors playing out certain parts to illustrate the song’s message of overcoming difficult situations in life. The end result is another song that, as Wylde has said before, proves a song can be heavy without having heavy, crunching guitars and pounding drums.

Courtesy: eOne Music

Wylde’s new video is just some of his latest news. He will hit the road with the Black Sabbath tribute band Zakk Sabbath this coming week for a series of shows in southern California. Those shows include performances at the NAMM party at The Grove of Anaheim on Jan. 21.

Zakk Sabbath has also been confirmed for performances at a handful of summer concert festivals. Those festivals include MMR-B-Q, Rocklahoma and the recently sold out Rock on the Range.

Zakk Sabbath is made up of bassist Blasko (Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie) drummer Joey Castillo (Danzig, Queens of the Stone Age) and Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society).

Along with his performances with Zakk Sabbath, Wylde has also been tapped to perform on the 2017 Experience Hendrix tour alongside Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and many other famed artists from across the musical universe. This year marks the third consecutive year that Wylde has been invited to be part of the Experience Hendrix Tour.

The dates for Wylde’s Zakk Sabbath Shows and Experience Hendrix shows are noted below.

Courtesy: eOne Music

Jan 19 – Brick by Brick – San Diego, CA*
Jan 20 – Alex’s Bar – Long Beach, CA*
Jan 21 – The Grove – Anaheim, CA*

Courtesy: eOne Music

2017 Experience Hendrix Tour
Feb 17 – Schnitzer Hall – Portland, OR
Feb 18 – Northern Quest Theater – Airway Heights, WA
Feb 19 – Paramount Theater – Seattle, WA
Feb 20 – Hult Center – Eugene, OR
Feb 22 – Mondavi Center – Davis, CA
Feb 23 – Luther Burbank Center – Santa Rosa, CA
Feb 24 – Fox Theater – Oakland, CA
Feb 25 – Silver Legacy Casino – Reno, NV
Feb 28 – Ikeda Theater – Mesa, AZ
Mar 01 – Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA
Mar 03 – Fantasy Springs Casino – Indio, CA
Mar 04 – Harrahs Events Center – Valley Center, CA
Mar 06 – Eccles Theatre – Salt Lake City, UT
Mar 07 – Paramount Theater – Denver, CO
Mar 09 – Verizon Theatre – Grand Prairie, TX
Mar 10 – Thalia Mara Hall – Jackson, MS
Mar 11 – Revention Music Center – Houston, TX
Mar 12 – Majestic Theater – San Antonio, TX
Mar 15 – Saenger Theater – New Orleans, LA
Mar 16 – Orpheum Theater – Memphis, TN
Mar 17 – Hard Rock Casino – Tulsa, OK
Mar 18 – Peabody Opera House – St Louis, MO
Mar 19 – The Palace Theater – Louisville, KY
Mar 21 – Taft Theater – Cincinnati, OH
Mar 22 – Murat Theatre – Indianapolis, IN
Mar 23 – Fox Theatre – Detroit, MI
Mar 25 – Chicago Theatre – Chicago, IL
Mar 26 – Mystic Lake Casino – Prior Lake, MN

May 20 – MMR*B*Q – Camden, NJ*

*Zakk Sabbath

More information on Zakk Wylde’s upcoming tour dates, music and more is available online now at:

Website: http://www.zakkwylde.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ZakkWyldeBLS

ELEAGUE Crowns Its First Champions

Posted on July 31, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Turner/WME – IMG

ELEAGUE has crowned its very first champion.

The professional gaming league created by Turner and WME – IMG has crowned the champion of its inaugural season. Virtus.pro defeated Fnatic Saturday 16 – 10 (Cobble) and 16 – 8 (Mirage) at the league’s championship showdown. The match was aired live on TBS from the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. Audiences can see the final moments of the championship match online now here. More information on ELEAGUE is available online now at:

Website: http://e-league.com

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

MTV Networks Premiere Pierce The Veil’s New Video

Posted on July 25, 2016 by philspicks

L-R: Jaime Preciado, Tony Perry, Vic Fuentes, Mike Fuentes
Photo credit: Jonathan Weiner

Pierce The Veil has officially unveiled (no pun intended) its new video.

The video for ‘Circles,’ the band’s new single started running nationwide this morning on AMTV, AMTV2, MTV Hits, MTV Live and mtvU. The video began running this morning at 6:00 ET. It is also running live on MTV’s Snapchat Discovery channel and via Vevo. It was directed by Drew Russ, who also directed the video for the band’s 2012 video for ‘King For A Day.’ That video has accumulated more than 70 million views since its premiere roughly four years ago. The concept behind the band’s new video is loosely based on the 1991 feature film Nothing But Trouble. The movie was written by Dan Akroyd (Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters 2, The Blues Brothers) and starred Chevy Chase (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Funny Farm, Fletch), John Candy (Uncle Buck, Who’s Harry Crumb?, Spaceballs), and Akroyd. The song is currently a Top 40 Alternative radio stations across America. The band’s new album Misdaventures premiered at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. And the band itself was nominated for Bandom of the Year by MTV in its annual “MTV Fandom Awards.” Later this summer the band will embark on the “Made To Destroy Tour” alongside supporting acts Neck Deep and I Prevail. A Winter UK tour is already set to follow from October 29^th to November 17^th. The band’s complete tour schedule is noted below.

SEPTEMBER

3 The Warfield, San Francisco, CA*

4 Roseland Theatre, Portland, OR*

6 Showbox Sodo, Seattle, WA*

7 Revolution Concert House, Boise, ID*

9 In The Venue, Salt Lake City, UT*

10 High Elevation Festival, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater., Denver, CO**

12 The Cotillion, Wichita, KS*

13 Myth Live, Minneapolis, MN*

14 7 Flags Event Center, Des Moines, IA*

16 Riot Fest, Chicago, IL**

17 Rochester Main Street Armory, Rochester, NY*

18 Rock Allegiance Festival, PPL Park, Chester, PA**

20 Newport Music Hall, Columbus, OH*

21 The Pageant, St. Louis, MO*

23 House of Blues, New Orleans, LA*

24 Texas Mutiny, Texas Motor Speedway, Dallas, TX**

25 Houston Open Air Festival, NRG Park, Houston, TX**

27 Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland, Kansas City, KS*

28 War Memorial Auditorium, Nashville, TN*

30 Chill on the Hill Festival, Detroit, MI**

OCTOBER

1 Louder Than Life Festival, Champions Park, Louisville, KY**

2 Sonic Boom Festival, Madison, WI**

4 Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, NY*

5 The Fillmore Charlotte, Charlotte, NC*

7 The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA*

8 House of Blues, Orlando, FL*

9 Jannus Live, Tampa, FL*

11 Alamo City Music Hall, San Antonio, TX*

12 Lonestar Pavilion, Lubbock, TX*

14 Marquee Theatre, Phoenix, AZ*

15 Rainbow Room, Fresno, CA*

16 Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA*

European tour:

OCTOBER

29 Trabendo, Paris, France

31 Sala Cats, Madrid, Spain

NOVEMBER

1 Sala Noise,Valencia, Spain

2 Sala Razzmatazz 2, Barcelona, Spain

4 Kofmehl, Solothurn, Switzerland

5 Magazzini Generali, Milano, Italy

7 Theatrefabrik, Munich, Germany

8 Arena, Vienna, AT

9 Durer Kert, Budapest, Hungary

11 Huxleys, Berlin, Germany

13 Gruenspan, Hamburg, Germany

14 Amagler Bio, Copenhagen, Denmark

15 Fryhuset, Stockholm, Sweden

17 Melkweg, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

* – headline dates

** – major music festivals

More information on Pierce The Veil’s new video is available online now along with all of the latest updates on the band’s tour schedule, news, and more at:

Website: http://piercetheveil.net

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/piercetheveil

ALY Could Be Anything But Alien To Audiences Thanks To ‘Alien Architect’

Posted on June 8, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: EM Label Group/Mirage M’Hal Records

Support independent music. Who hasn’t heard or spoken those words at one point or another when discussing the acts being played across America’s major corporate radio stations? For all of the acts that are lucky enough to get their music on the radio there are just as many independent acts out there working to make a name for themselves. This includes acts both signed and unsigned. One of the most notable of those many acts is a band known as Another Lost Year. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based band was recently signed to Megadeth Bassist Dave Ellefson’s new record label EMP Label Group. And its new album Alien Architect will be released via EMP Label Group. This twelve-song, forty-four minute record is a prime example of why independent acts deserve just as much support as the acts being played over and over again today on America’s major radio stations. The album’s songs boast a decidedly radio ready sound from one to the next. Its lyrical themes will grab listeners just as much as that radio ready sound exhibited in its songs. All things considered Alien Architect is a record that in the end could very well earn Another Lost Year many new years of success given enough support.

Alien Architect is not Another Lost Year’s first full-length recording. It is however, a record that could very well earn the band many years of success. But that will only happen if the band, signed to Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson’s independent label EMP Label Group gets enough support. That is clear right from the first of the twelve-song (technically eleven since the album’s first track isn’t even a song, but a sample) record’s full compositions, ‘Wolves.’ In terms of the song’s musical arrangement it boasts a song that can easily be compared to that of Breaking Benjamin and certain other acts. It is a very high-energy arrangement that serves to make the song a solid opener for the album. The song’s lyrical content is just as interesting. It solidifies the song’s overall frame even more as front man Clinton Cunanan addresses someone who is a bit too hung up on himself or herself. That is inferred as he sings over the song’s driving musical arrangement, “I’m breaking the lock on broken bones/You carry scars just to show/Pride is your weakness/I’m brining with me the best of Hell/Everything you fear/Your worst dream/And I’m on your trail/How do you even sleep at night/When the wolf’s at your door/And no one’s in sight.” He comes across as saying to that person, “You are so full of yourself. I’m coming after you. How do you even sleep with yourself, knowing what’s coming?” The song’s chorus even seems to hint at the noted message as Cunanan and his band mates—Adam Hall (bass, vocals), Nate Walker (drums), and Jorge Sotomarino (guitar)—sing, “Wake Up!/I’m giving you one last chance to run like hell/Before I come/Unleashing the darkest depths/You know you’ve got one minute left.” In other words, he’s saying to that person, “this is your last warning. Run now or pay the consequences.” What is interesting about this is that as aggressive as the song’s lyrical message appears, the song’s musical arrangement doesn’t entirely match that lyrical content. One would think that a much more aggressive sound would accompany such lyrical content. Yet somehow the combination of the two elements actually works in this case. That being the case the song stands out as not just a solid opener for Alien Architect but also a clear example of why this “independent” act deserves as much support as its more mainstream counterparts. It is not the album’s only standout composition. ‘He Took Beautiful Away’ stands out among the album’s body of songs just as much as ‘Wolves.’

‘Wolves’ is a standout addition to Alien Architect’s overall presentation. One wouldn’t think that the song’s musical and lyrical content would work together. But somehow they do. And being that they do they make the song a solid opener for the album and, again, one of the album’s most notable compositions. It isn’t the album’s only notable inclusion. ‘He Took Beautiful Away’ stands out just as much as ‘Wolves’ but in a completely different fashion. Whereas ‘Wolves’ boasted a much more driving, confident sound this composition’s musical arrangement is far more emotional in its approach yet no less powerful. Its arrangement feels based somewhat in its vocal delivery and guitar work. The album’s companion booklet doesn’t note specifically if Cunanan specifically handled the song’s lead guitar line or if it could be attributed to [Jorge] Sotomarino. Regardless of who handled the guitar line here, that line couples with Cunanan’s vocal delivery to make a solid foundation for the song. That is not to ignore the Walker’s work on drums or Hall’s work on bass. As a matter of fact both men add their own extra touch to the song with their work. All things considered here the song’s musical arrangement is a good match for its lyrical content. The song’s lyrical content is just as powerful as its musical content. It hints at being centered on a woman who has been physically abused. This can be deducted as Cunanan sings over the song’s equally emotional musical arrangement, “He took beautiful away from you/An empty smile with a vacant soul/How do you find the strength/With all that’s done/To just move on/To just let go?/A word so perfect/That’s from a world that’s so cruel/A feeling so true/And there’s no more hiding in your eyes/He took beautiful away from you.” This would seem to be a relatively clear story. Here, audiences meet a woman who has been through hell yet hides it all and keeps on going. The song’s closing verse hints at this even more as Cunanan sings, “The feelings of worthless/The cost of a fool/You stay so pretty/No on can guess the secrets you hold/I see the corner he chased you to/Is this the place you hide the things you would say/And the things you would do?” If there was any doubt before about the song’s story, then that final verse completely erases that doubt. That emotional story, when coupled with the song’s equally emotional musical content makes this song a powerful statement from Another Lost Year. It makes the song in whole yet another of Alien Architect’s standout compositions, but not its last either. ‘Best Is Yet To Come’ is yet another one of the album’s key compositions.

‘Wolves’ and ‘He Took Beautiful Away’ are both key inclusions in Alien Architect. That is due to the songs’ mix of musical and lyrical content. The songs’ musical content in question varies drastically between the two compositions as do their lyrical content. The songs’ lyrical content is just as notable because of its stories. The latter tells a powerful story about what one has to assume is a woman who has been abused. The other is a more adrenaline fueled piece that makes for a solid opener for the album. Keeping all of this in mind, both songs prove to be equally important additions to Alien Architect. They are not the album’s only key compositions. ‘Best Is Yet To Come’ is yet another of the album’s key compositions. Listening to this song’s musical arrangement it is perhaps the record’s most radio ready piece with its power chords and catchy hooks. Those hooks and chords couple with the song’s lyrical content to make it an instant hit for the band. Speaking of those lyrics, Cunanan’s story (of sorts) is one of a rather strong-willed person; Someone that has been put through the proverbial wringer but refuses to give up and back down. This is hinted as Cunanan sings, “I won’t back down, I won’t pretend/I’ve given you everything in me/This time you threw it all away/I won’t forgive you/The best is yet to come.” That’s just the song’s chorus. He sings in the song’s final verse, “Had the world in the palm of your hand/Held it up like it was a dream/This time was it everything/You know you’re just a pawn in this game you’re playing” This is a person that was completely wrapped up in himself/herself; so much so that he/she didn’t realize what was going on. So the song’s subject is putting him/her in his/her place. He is telling that person, “I’ve done everything and given everything. I’m not doing any more.” It’s a strong statement. Yet it isn’t one of those pummeling, screaming statements either. It is just a solid, confident statement from the song’s subject. That statement, coupled with the song’s equally confident musical arrangement, makes the song one of the album’s strongest compositions, if not its strongest. And together with the likes of ‘Wolves’ and ‘He Took Beautiful Away’ all three songs show clearly what makes Alien Architect just as good as any record released by the band’s more well-known counterparts. It is a record that deserves just as much support as those released by those acts, too. The rest of the album’s songs not noted here prove that just as much. All things considered Alien Architect shows in whole to be one of 2016’s top new independent albums.

Another Lost Year’s new album Alien Architect is one of 2016’s top new independent albums. It is a record that clearly exhibits why independent acts (signed and unsigned) deserve their own share of support. That is made clear through the record’s collective musical arrangements and its equally insightful lyrical content. The three songs noted here make the crystal clear. The songs not noted here could be cited just as much as the compositions noted here to support those statements. In the end, the combination of the album’s musical arrangements and lyrical content make Alien Architect in whole a record that is not just one of the year’s best new independent releases but also an album proving why independent music deserves just as much support as that played on major radio stations. It is currently scheduled to be released this Friday, June 10^th via EMP Label Group and Mirage M’Hal Records. The band recently premiered the video for the album’s lead single ‘Wolves’ online. It can be viewed via YouTube and Vevo. More information on Alien Architect is available online now along with more information on the band’s upcoming live dates at:

Website: http://www.whoisALY.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Official_ALY

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online tohttp://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 athttps://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ALY Debuts ‘Wolves’ Video

Posted on March 5, 2016 by philspicks

Later this summer Another Lost Year will release its latest full-length studio recording. The album, Alien Architect, is currently schedule to be released Friday, June 10^th. In anticipation of the album’s release, the band has debuted the video for its latest single, ‘Wolves.’

The video for ‘Wolves’ features footage of Another Lost Year’s members performing the band’s new song spliced with footage of a man trying to escape his captors. The dizzying video is loaded with fast-paced cuts and pans throughout its nearly four-minute run time. The camera work serves to illustrate the song’s lyrics and heighten its energy. Audiences can view the video online now via the band’s official YouTube channel and via Vevo now.

Mirage M’Hal Records

Pre-sale for Alien Architect begins this month and runs through April. Audiences that pre-order the album now will also receive free EP with their order. More details on the album will be announced soon. Audiences can keep up with all of the latest updates on Alien Architect and all of the band’s latest news online at:

Website: http://www.whoisALY

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Official_ALY

5FDP Premieres ‘My Nemesis’ Video

Posted on February 29, 2016 by philspicks

Five Finger Death Punch has released its latest video. And it is one of that audiences will not forget.

Courtesy: Prospect Park Records

Five Finger Death Punch has teamed up with Vevo to debut the video for its latest single ‘My Nemesis.’ The song is taken from the band’s latest album Got Your Six.

The video follows two teenagers in two very different situations who are ultimately brought together after leaving their homes. The pair eventually ends up separating at the video’s end. But their journeys are the most gripping part of the video’s story. Their stories are meant to illustrate the difficult situations that so many people face every day. Directed by Nick Peterson the video depicts imagery that some audiences might find unsettling. While that is the intent in the video viewer discretion is still advised. It is not the first time that Peterson has teamed up with 5FDP. Peterson also directed the band’s videos for ‘Wrong Side of Heaven’ and ‘Coming Down.’ Audiences can view the video for ‘My Nemesis’ online now via Vevo at http://www.vevo.com/watch/US5Z51500662?syndicationid=bb8a16ab-1279-4f17-969b-1dba5eb60eda&shortlink=j171aL&country=US.

Courtesy: Vevo/Prospect Park Records

In conjunction with the video’s premiere, 5FDP is encouraging fans to share their own “Nemesis” on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by completing the phrase #MyNemesis is _________ and I will #OVERCOME. Fans can share their nemesis by searching the hashtags #MyNemesis and #OVERCOME. The band is encouraging fans to share their own stories with one another and with the band as a means to build strength and a sense of community among its fans. Fans can go online now to see all of the current fan responses and are encouraged to share their own stories.

Five Finger Death Punch will hit the road this spring in support of Got Your Six beginning April 15^th in Perth, Australia. The band will also join Shinedown for a handful of co-headlining dates on its upcoming tour. There will also be dates with Black Sabbath, early in the band’s schedule. Ticketing an VIP info for the tour is available online now via the band’s official website at http://www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com. The band’s full upcoming tour schedule is noted below.

Courtesy: Concrete Marketing

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH – Upcoming Tour Dates

April 15th – Perth, AU– Perth Arena (w/ Black Sabbath)

April 17th – Adelaide, AU – Adelaide Entertainment Center (w/ Black Sabbath)

April 19th – Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena (w/ Black Sabbath)

April 20th – Melbourne, AU – Melbourne Festival Hall

April 22nd – Sydney, AU – Sydney Big Top, Luna park

April 23rd – Sydney, AU – Sydney Allphones Arena (w/ Black Sabbath)

April 25th – Brisbane, AU – Brisbane Entertainment Center (w/ Black Sabbath)

April 30th – Ft. Myers, FL – Fort Rock Festival

May 1st – Jacksonville, FL – Welcome To Rockville

May 3rd – Evansville, IN – Ford Center (co-headlining w/Shinedown)

May 4th – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena (co-headlining w/Shinedown)

May 6th- Virginia Beach, VA– WNOR Lunatic Luau Festival

May 7th – Charlotte, NC – Carolina Rebellion Festival

May 9th – Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Arena (co-headlining w/Shinedown)

May 20th – Schaghticoke, NY – Rock’N Derby Festival

May 20th – May 22nd – Columbus, OH – Rock On The Range Festival

May 27th – May 29th – Pryor, OK – Rocklahoma Festival

June 18th – Burlington, IA – Burlington Steamboat Days

June 30th – Seinajoki, FI – Provinssi Rock Fest

July 2nd – Norrkoping, SE – Bravalla Festival

July 3rd – Lobnitz, DE – With Full Force Festival

July 4th – Hradec Kralove, CZ – Rock For People

July 6th – Vienna, AT – Two Days A Week

July 7th – Poznan, PL – Jarocin Festival

July 9th – Kvinesdal, NO– Norway Rock Festival

July 14th – Oshkosh, WI – Rock USA Festival

July 16th – Cadott, WI – Rockfest Festival

July 17th – Chicago, IL – Chicago Rock Festival

August 6th – 7th – Montreal, Canada – Heavy Montreal

August 8th – Jackson, MI – Jackson County Fairgrounds

More information on Five Finger Death Punch is available online now along with information on Got Your Six, the band’s upcoming tour and more at:

Website: http://www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/5FDP

Fifth Harmony Gets Spooky With Hotel Transylvania 2 Soundtrack’s Lead Single

Posted on August 30, 2015 by philspicks

Courtesy: Sony Pictures Animation

Adam Sandler and company are back. Next month, Sony Pictures Animation will release Hotel Translyvania 2. And ahead of the highly anticipated movie’s release, the hit pop group Fifth Harmony has debuted the lead single from the movie’ s sound track ‘I’m In Love With A Monster’ and audiences can check it out online now via Vevo.

Courtesy: Epic Records

Audiences can check out the video for ‘I’m In Love With A Monster’ online now via Vevo at http://www.vevo.com/watch/fifth-harmony/Im-In-Love-With-a-Monster-(from-Hotel-Transylvania-2)/USSM21501512. The video mixes together footage of the group performing its song in various settings along with footage from the movie as well as appearances from some rather spooky guests. While many of the group’s songs are generally aimed at specific audiences, the infectious grooves and family friendly lyrical content are sure to make the song just one more part of the movie that families will enjoy.

Fifth Harmony is currently winding down its “Reflection Summer Tour.” It is currently scheduled to perform live at Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland on Saturday, September 5th and at the Washington State Fair on Wednesday, September 16th. After those two dates, the group will take some down time, it will be back on Stage on Wednesday, December 2nd at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. All of the latest updates on Fifth Harmony’s tour is available online now along with all of the group’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.fifthharmonyofficial.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/fifthharmony

Atreyu Debuts Video For Title Track From Its Long-Awaited New Album

Posted on July 18, 2015 by philspicks

Courtesy: Spinefarm/Search + Destroy

The wait is almost over for fans of the veteran rock band Atreyu.

This fall, the band will rise again after a self-imposed year-long hiatus and release its new album Long Live. The album will be released Friday, September 18th via Spinefarm/ Search + Destroy. In anticipation of the album’s impending release, the band debuted the video for the album’s title track this week. Audiences can check out the rather interesting video now via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xw1vt1IS2c.

Courtesy: Spinefarm/Search + Destroy

The video sees the band’s members being abducted by a group of hooded beings which rise from a lake in search of each one. Even more interesting is that each of the beings trails behind it a coffin pulled by a chain. As the video progresses, it is obvious that the coffins are meant for the band’s members. Of course that is only part of the story as fans will discover in watching the video for themselves. The identity of the beings is revealed as the video progresses. The reveal in question plays directly into the video’s story and the song itself.

The new video was helmed by the band’s bassist Porter McKnight. Mcknight discussed his role in both writing and directing the video with members of the press expressing just how exciting it was for him and how much it meant to be given the responsibility of bringing it to life. “To be at the helm of a project that holds so much love and joy for provides an indescribable sense of excitement and pleasure,” he said. “It is truly a fantastic experience and an honor unlike any I’ve ever known. Writing/directing the music video for ‘Long Live’ has easily been one of the most exhilarating and fruitful artistic endeavors I’ve been a part of. This was my first attempt at either role and I have to say it was an absolute pleasure.” He added in his discussion his excitement about the album and fans’ reaction to it saying, The album Long Live (and the title track!) is without a doubt the best music we’ve ever written and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

McKnight wasn’t the ony one that was pleased with the video’s outcome. His band mates were just as excited. Drummer Brandon Saller said of the video, “This is my favorite video we’ve ever created. We were fortunate to have our own Porter McKnight at the helm with the art direction and video.” Guitarist Dan Jacobs noted that it will definitely live up to fans’ expectations saying, “I’m so pumped to show this video to the world. “We’ve worked very hard on this record and video, especially our own Porter McKnight, who directed it, so words can’t express how excited we are to share it with everyone. It’s by far the most epic video we have ever made and the face-melting level is on 11. Warning: Uncontrollable head banging will occur.”

Front man Alex Varkatzas noted his positive outlook in regards to the video especially in its connection to the album in whole saying, “‘Long Live’ is by far my favorite Atreyu video, which is fitting because our new record, titled Long Live, is the strongest Atreyu record to date,”

Long Live will be available in stores and online on Friday, September 18th. It is available now for pre-order in a number of bundle packs. The items included in the bundle packs include items that reflect the interest of the band members. They include: a bicycle, a surf board, skate deck, A Dan Jacobs guitar, a drumhead used in the recording of Long Live, canvas prints and even muay thai gloves. Along with commenting on the band’s new video and album, Saller also shared his thoughts on the pre-order bundles for the album, noting that the band didn’t want to just make the pre-orders like every other pre-orders from other bands. The band wanted to give its fans something special, especially since it had been on hiatus for so long. “We wanted to make the pre-order options interesting and have items for the true collector,” he said. Grab your pre-order and get the title track instantly. Then, I recommend going to your car, cranking it up and driving fast while screaming your f**ing head off.” Fans can pre-order the album now online at http://atreyu.merchnow.com/. The track listing for Long Live is noted below.

LONG LIVE (SEPTEMBER 18, SPINEFARM/SEARCH + DESTROY) TRACK LISTING:

Long Live

Live to Labor

I Would Kill/Lie/Die (For You)

Cut Off the Head

A Bitter Broken Memory

Do You Know Who You Are

Revival (interlude)

Heartbeats and Flatlines

Brass Balls

Moments Before Dawn

Start to Break

Reckless

Atreyu wil hit the road this fall in support of Long Live. It will kick off its tour on the album’s release date in Pamona, California. It currently has dates scheduled in the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic region as well as one date in Canada. The band’s current tour schedule is listed below.

FALL 2015 HEADLINE TOUR DATES:

9/18 | Pomona, Calif. | The Glasshouse

9/19 | Sacramento, Calif. | Ace of Spades

9/20 | Los Angeles, Calif. | Troubadour

10/2 | Detroit, Mich. | Crofoot Ballroom

10/3 | Louisville, Ky. | Louder Than Life Festival*

10/5 | Toronto, ON | Opera House

10/6 |Montreal, QC | Corona Theater

10/7 | New York, N.Y. | Irving Plaza

10/9 | Boston, Mass. | Paradise Rock Club

10/10 | Philadelphia, Pa. | Rockhouse Philly Fest*

10/11 |Baltimore, Md. |Baltimore Sound Stage

10/12 Norfolk, VA The Norva

*Festival Appearance

All of the latest updates on the band’s tour is available online now along with all of the latest updates from the band at:

Website: http://www.atreyuofficial.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/atreyuofficial

Five Crooked Lines Gets Five Gold Stars

Posted on June 25, 2015 by philspicks

Courtesy: The Bicycle Music Company/Concord

Five years have passed since audiences last heard from Finger Eleven. That is a long time in itself in music industry years. Now though, that long wait is finally over. That is because next month the Canadian-based rock outfit will release its latest album Five Crooked Lines. The album, the band’s sixth, will be released July 31st via The Bicycle Music Company/Concord. Listening to this record from beginning to end, it is safe to say that the wait for this album was well worth it. Of the album’s twelve total tracks, there is not one bad number to be heard. As a matter of fact, it could even be argued that this record is F11’s most radio ready record to date. That is because any one of its tracks could be used as a single. The band has obvious already taken that to heart and released the album’s lead single ‘Wolves and Doors.’ Fans of the band’s 2007 album Them vs. You vs. Me will appreciate this song and its companion video. It’s just one example of what makes Five Crooked Lines so enjoyable. There are also two very upbeat, optimistic pieces in the form of ‘Not Going To Be Afraid’ and ‘Blackout Song’ that could just as easily be used as singles. Whether for those two works, for the album’s lead single or for any of its other songs, it can be said that Five Crooked Lines gets five gold stars.

Finger Eleven’s latest full-length studio release Five Crooked Lines is the best and most radio ready album that the veteran band has released to date. Any one of its dozen total tracks could be used to serve as singles to represent it. It has already shown that with the release of its lead single ‘Wolves and Doors.’ This song is one that will instantly hit fans of the band’s 2007 album Them vs. You vs. Me. The reason being that its musical content sounds a lot like that of that album’s hit single ‘Paralyzer.’ Lyrically though, it is far deeper. Front man Scott Anderson comes across in this piece as singing about taking chances and making the most of life. That can be inferred as he sings in the song’s lead verse, “Step right on out/Of the zone of comfort/A little left of center/One step outside your head/Take all these words/Take all this time/You gotta spend it somewhere/Keep your delusion well-fed/Keep your soul for another day/Cause the game’s the game/And the wolves at the door remain.” That argument is made even stronger as he sings in the song’s second verse, “Come save their world/Come move that mountain/Make all the difference/Step up above the rest/Give every inch and all your energy/ And don’t let up until they say/What you think they think is best/Save your soul for another day/Cause the game’s the game/And the wolves at the door remain.” It’s an interesting statement and one that will definitely have listeners talking. That one line in which Anderson states, “Don’t let up until they say what you think they think is best” is one of the most interesting of the song’s lines. It’s Anderson saying to listeners, “stand your ground and don’t give in regardless of the situation.” The way that Anderson has worded it is a little bit of a twist. But once listeners really think about it, it becomes a deep statement. That statement taken with the rest of the song’s lyrics make for quite the depth. Partnered with guitarist Rick Jackett’s infectious guitar line (and later his solo), it proves even more why Five Crooked Lines is such a welcome return for F11. Audiences can hear the single for themselves now online at Vevo now at http://www.vevo.com/watch/finger-eleven/Wolves-And-Doors-(Music-Video)/QMFMK1500155.

‘Wolves and Doors’ is an excellent first impression from F11 in its return. Rick Jackett instantly takes audiences back to days gone by with his infectious guitar work. And front man Scott Anderson’s lyrics are sure to leave listeners talking just as much. The combination of both elements prove why the song was chosen as the album’s lead single. It is just one example of what makes this record the band’s best and most radio ready to date. ‘Not Going To Be Afraid,’ the album’s mid-point, is just as strong of an example of what makes Five Crooked Lines so impressive. It’s obvious in listening to this song that the band put a lot of thought into its creation. That is because Jackett’s guitar line and Anderson’s own vocal delivery perfectly match the tone of the verses and choruses. The verses, in which Anderson sings about so much personal strife are made especially emotionally gripping thanks to Anderson’s own heart-wrenching vocal delivery style set alongside Jackett’s equally moving guitar line. What is really interesting here is that the song doesn’t just jump musically from its verses to the chorus. Rather the verses progress from those emotionally powerful verses to the more optimistic chorus in which Anderson sings, “Even though it’s so dark/I see one last spark/Maybe hope’s not far away/Heaven can’t help me/But courage could sell me/I’m one last chance/I should take.” He goes on to sing in the song’s chorus, “Fear has always known my name/Play me just like a game/ Today won’t be the same/I’m not gonna be afraid/Crushing overwhelming doubt/Scream a little louder shout/Then whatever happens now/I’m not gonna be afraid.” That emotional back and forth (in musical terms, that’s called an ABAB structure) makes this song just as solid a representative for Five Crooked Lines as ‘Wolves and Doors.’ It is just as sure to be a fan favorite as that song or any of the others that make up the album’s body. That being the case, it shows once more why Five Crooked Lines is the band’s best album to date and its most radio-ready.

Both ‘Wolves and Doors’ and ‘Not Going To Be Afraid’ clearly show why the wait for Five Crooked Lines was well worth the wait. They are only two examples of why it was worth the wait, too. ‘Blackout Song’ is yet another example of why the wait was worth it. It is more celebratory than emotional yet still just as optimistic, if that makes any sense. Explaining the song in terms of its musical and lyrical content will perhaps make that clearer. The song’s title alone gives its own hint that the song is yet another piece that will put a smile on listeners’ faces. That certainly proves true as the band kicks into the song. The song’s opening bars see the band singing in almost a chorus effect before Anderson takes the reins, singing, “I told myself I’d/Stay in tonight/But here I am with no end in sight/I feel amazing/And if you are willing/This is only the beginning/So get here right now/You’ve got to come down/I’m calling you out/Let’s stay up all night/And we’ll sing/For everything good in our lives/Let’s stay up all night/And we’ll say f*** everything we never tried.” If that opening verse and chorus set alongside the song’s upbeat musical content doesn’t get listeners happily singing along, then there’s no telling what will. By themselves, they are yet another reflection of the album’s title and Anderson’s explanation behind it and how it is meant to invoke positive thoughts. The song’s second verse and chorus mirror that thought pattern just as much, as Anderson sings, “Put a song on/I don’t care which one/Cause I’ll only get the words wrong/I’ll change the meaning/To just how I’m feeling/Cause I don’t feel much like leaving/So get here right now/You’ve got to come down/I’m calling you out/Let’s stay up all night/And we’ll sing/For everything good in our lives/Let’s stay up all night/And we’ll sing/f*** everything we never tried.” He goes on late in the song to expand even more singing how people will remember the song’s subject because he had such a good time. It is just a great, feel-good song that is just as certain as either of the previously noted songs to be a fan favorite and/or single. That is thanks to those infectious hooks and choruses that make up its body. Of course its overall bright outlook on everything doesn’t hurt, either. It is just one more great touch to an album that is overall F11’s best album to date and its most radio ready. Even more simply put, it is one more song that, along with the previously noted songs and with those not noted here, proves without a doubt that Five Crooked Lines was well worth the wait and gets five gold stars.

Five Crooked Lines has been five years in the making. While it may have been a long time coming, it proves from beginning to end to be an album that was well worth the wait. Every one of the dozen songs that make up the body of the record proves this. The trio of songs already noted are just a few examples of what audiences have in store when this record hits store. Whether it be one or all of those songs or any of the album’s other works, audiences will agree in hearing Five Crooked Lines that there is not one bad song on this record. It is in fact the band’s best record to date and its most radio-ready record, too. It will be available in stores Tuesday, July 31st via The Bicycle Music Company/Concord Music Group. Fans will also be able to pick up the album at any of the band’s live dates on its current tour. Fans can check out the band’s current tour schedule and get its latest news online now at:

Website: http://www.fingereleven.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Finger_Eleven

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 in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

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