Balthazar Announce UK May 2013 Tour

Balthazar, the five piece fronted by the dual songwriting talents of Maarten Devoldere and Jinte Deprez,follow the release of their debut album in the UK, ‘Rats’, with a single release and tour dates in May and June. ‘Sinking Ship’ is taken from ‘Rats’ an album that Q suggested ‘provides melancholy and melody to delight lovers of the dark and intense’ in review. 

‘Sinking Ship’ ‘shimmers’ according to The 405 or is, in the more simple words of IndieLondon, ‘fantastic’. With Artrocker suggesting of ‘Rats’ that ‘this beautifully melancholy album from the orchestral indie-rock quintet could easily be their breakthrough’, previous London sell outs at The Water Rats and The Lexington alongside support dates in the UK with Local Natives the tour dates represent the next step on a quietly effective story to date.

May

Sunday 12^th                                                                Glasgow King Tuts

Monday 13^th                                                             Manchester Ruby Lounge

Tuesday 14^th                                                              Bristol Louisiana

Wednesday 15^th                                                     London Borderline

Thursday 16^th                                                            Brighton Albert

Friday 17^th                                                                  Birmingham Rainbow

Review: The Color Morale - Know Hope

The Color Morale’s latest release “Know Hope” has truly shown itself to be an intense progression from the band’s other albums. One widely criticized attribute of this album is the vocalist’s (Garret Rapp) jump from his growl sounding mid screams, to the Stray from the Path-esque, yelling vocals. Aside from the initial shock, the new style really seems to fit this album well. Not only does it stand out from other bands, but it gives a refreshing look into how the band went about this album.

They really plunged 100% into incorporating the new vocals into this album. The way that the band presents their still hope-filled lyrics has come to be much more of a pleasant surprise than a shocking letdown. Songs like “Saviorself”, “Smoke and Mirrors”, and “Steadfast” fully represent the fitting theme of the album. “Steadfast” shows that the vocalist (Garret Rapp) still has his pop/R&B cleans that fans fell in love with from the first album, while “Saviorself” can solely speak for the rest of the album with its style and structure. “Smoke and Mirrors” proves to fans that the band still has their hardcore edge and love of live energy.

The band recently underwent a few member changes, but they seemed to have pulled through on this album. The style is different, but still falls in line with the other albums. It shows a very positive and promising road to a more defining sound. The few criticisms on this album are that the guitar work and instrument technicality has been reduced in comparison to their previous albums. The band has always stood out with their simpler pop-structured songs, but this album seems to have exaggerated this strategy on the majority of the songs.

One greatly defining aspect of the band’s style has always been their guitar leads. They can be heard on every album (including this one) to date, and although they are not removed on this album, they have been noticeably reduced. Although this is an important part of the band’s sound fans can still looks forward to being immersed in the inspirational lyrics and melodies that have always been distinct in the band’s career.  Their single off this album, “Learned Behavior” received honorable reactions from fans. The song not only encouraged the fact that the band is still driving a message of hope and self-reconstruction; it perfectly represented what fans will come to hear on “Know Hope”.

Overall, this album is their most consistent yet and has proven to be their most popular. The new vocals (as well as the overall altered style of the band) will set the band off in a new and uplifting direction.

8.5/10

- Nic Cheatle

Interview: Eddie Berg from Imminence

We chatted with Imminence vocalist on growing in Sweden, the music scene in his hometown, and more, You can pick up their new EP, Return to Helios, on May 7th.

For the record, what’s your name and what do you do in the band?

We’re called ‘Imminence’, I am the vocalist of the group.

Sweden is such a fertile musical ground. From your perspective, as a native, what’s going on in that scene right now?

Sweden is a big country with a smaller population in relation to its size, so my perception is that the music scene isn’t as big as I would like it to be (in the metal genre and its subgenres). At least not for smaller bands trying to make their way in the business.

What was it like growing up in Sweden?

Personally, I think there’s a sense of indifference and seclusion in our society. Although, I’ve had the luck and privilege, unlike many others, to have been born in a great, industrialized country like Sweden. For that I am grateful.

What was the very first concert you attended and how much of an impact did that have on you musically?

Well, the first concert I chose to attend (not being dragged by my parents) were in Gothenburg 2008, the band Korn. I can’t say that they have inspired me in writing music, but they were definitely a big entry for me when I first started exploring the Metal genres.

Who or what band inspired you to starting screaming and form a band?

Of course there were several bands, but it really comes down to two singers/bands that really inspired me to start. Anders Fridén from In Flames and Chester Bennington from Linkin Park.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any vocal warm ups, flexing, exercises, ect …

I mostly try to relax and get in the right state of mind before performing. Usually I pray.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

We’re still very much in the beginning of our career, but so far it’s definitely playing Sweden’s Metaltown Festival in 2012 and no doubt, getting signed to We Are Triumphant Records.

What do you put into your music to differentiate yourselves from other bands in the genre?

When we’re writing music, we don’t let the boundaries of a genre restrain us. We write exactly what we feel is right for us and we put everything we have and what we are into our music. Also, a lot of bands today tend to have backing tracks while they perform live… For us it’s a key element while writing to be able to play the songs “live” when we’re performing live.

What are some of the particular messages you tried to get across in the lyrical content of this new EP?

I often try to write my lyrics in an open way, so that they may be freely interpreted by the reader… But for me its mostly about self-insight, I tend to write a lot about faith. I feel that there’s a big positive message behind these songs.

Digging a little bit further, what song(s) were particularly hardest for you to write and why?

Every song is hard to write, I mean, in the writing process it’s very hard to produce the result that you’re trying to achieve. We try to focus less on the result and more on the feeling of the songs as we’re writing them. But to give the question a concrete answer… “I & Sea" was personally the hardest song to put together.

If people aren’t listening to you, why should they?

We really do put our very heart and soul into the tunes we create. These songs mean a great deal to us, hopefully the listener will find that and be able to connect with us through our music.

Iron Man 3 Soundtrack on sale for $5

The just-released Iron Man 3 soundtrack is on sale for $5 on Amazon MP3. It features Imagine Dragons, Awolnation, Neon Trees, Passion Pit and more.

eOne Music / GoodFight Music Signs Reflections

Twin Cities, Minnesota metalers REFLECTIONS have signed a world wide deal with eOne / Good Fight Music with plans to release a brand new LP this summer. Vocalist Jake Foster comments on the band’s behalf:

"We are beyond excited & proud to announce that we have signed with eOne/Goodfight music. We are stoked to see what the future holds. Thank you to everyone for your amazing support that helped us get to where we are today. We could not have done it without you."

The World Is A Beautiful Place... Announce Headline Tour

The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die have announced dates for their headline tour with support from Dads and Pity Sex. Daylight will also perform on select dates. The tour kicks off June 13 in Richmond, VA and winds down on July 21 in New Haven, CT. This week the band is scheduled to open for Owen on May 3^rd in Hamden, CT. A mini tour with Dads and Cerce runs 5/18-5/27 and includes dates at Montreal’s Pouzza Fest 5/19 and Michigan’s BledFest on 5/25.

The Willimantic, CT indie rockers will release their debut LP, “Whenever, If Ever,” on June 18 via Topshelf Records. The album was recorded with Ryan Stack (My Heart To Joy, Now, Now) at Format Audio in MA.

Tour Dates:

 5.3.13 Hamden CT @ The Space w/ Owen, Old Gray

 TWIABP w/ Dads & Cerce

5.18.13 Cambridge, MA @ The Cambridge Elks Lodge w/ Pity Sex, Run Forever

5.19.13 Quebec, QC @ Pouzza Fest

5.20.13 Ottawa, ON @ 40 Muriel Street

5.21.13 Toronto, ON @ Watch Out!

5.22.13 Ajax, ON @ 3220 Greenburn Place

5.23.13 Rochester, NY @ Dubland Underground

5.24.13 Lakewood, OH @ It’s a Spring Fling

5.25.13 Howel, MI @ Bled Fest

5.26.13 York, PA @ New Grounds (No Cerce)

5.27.13 Bethlehem PA @ Secrete Art Space

 Headline Tour w/ Dads & Pity Sex. Daylight on select dates

 06/13/2013 - Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter

06/14/2013 - Greenville, NC @ Tipsy Teapot

06/15/2013 - Charleston, SC @ The Oasis (late)

06/15/2013 - Murrells Inlet, SC @ Suck Bang Blow (early)

06/16/2013 - Atlanta, GA @ Wonder Root

06/17/2013 - Savannah, GA @ Taco Abajo

06/18/2013 - Jacksonville, FL @ Burro Bar

06/19/2013 - Orlando, FL @ Wills’ Pub

06/20/2013 - Pembroke Pines, FL @ The Talent Farm

06/21/2013 - Tampa, FL @ Epic Problem

06/22/2013 - New Orleans, LA @ Big Top June

06/23/2013 - San Antonio, TX @ The Ten Eleven

06/24/2013 - Austin, TX @ Mohawk

06/25/2013 - Dallas, TX @ Club Dada

06/27/2013 –detroit; Albuquerque, NM @ The Gasworks

06/28/2013 - Meza, AZ @ Nile Underground

06/29/2013 - San Diego, CA @ Che Cafe w/ Adventures

06/30/2013 - Highland Park, CA @ Growing Up Is dumb Fest w/ Defiance Ohio

07/01/2013 - Santa Cruz, CA @ The Ratchet House

07/02/2013 - Oakland, CA @ 1234 Go Records

07/03/2013 - Eureka, CA @ Placebo

07/04/2013 - Portland, OR @ Garfield House

07/05/2013 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon Lounge

07/06/2013 - Boise, ID @ The Shredder

07/07/2013 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Shred Sled

07/08/2013 - Denver, CO @ Circle Music Collective

07/09/2013 - Kansas City, MO @ Art Closet Studio

07/10/2013 - St. Louis, MO @ Fubar

07/11/2013 - Peoria, IL @ Broken Tree Coffee

07/12/2013 - Chicago, IL @ Swerp Mansion

07/13/2013 - Grand Rapids, MI @ The Turtle Den

07/14/2013 - Ann Arbor, MI @ 907 Lincoln

07/15/2013 - Indianapolis, IN @ Hooiser Dome

07/16/2013 - Pittsburgh, PA @ The Mr. Roboto Project w/ Adventures

07/17/2013 - Williamsport, PA @ West 4th

07/18/2013 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Fire w/ Daylight

07/19/2013 - Alexandria, VA @ The Lab w/ Daylight

07/20/2013 - Brooklyn, NY @ Suburbia w/ Daylight

07/21/2013 - New Haven, CT @ Bethesda Lutheran Church

Lozk debut album Irrational out Now!

Colombian musician Lozk release the eagerly anticipated debut album Irrational today via Zube Records. Irrational is now available via iTunes and Lozk Soundcloud page.

As precursor of Irrational, Lozk released the video Twilight Run, available on the Zube channel. Described by Headphonaught’s Nanolog as “ mostly instrumental in nature with a densely atmospheric and rather apocalyptic post-industrial vibe to it”, Irrational is the perfect blend on post-industrial, electronica, soundtrack music and ambient tunes.

His music draws from the irrational heritage of both music and literature, exploring the multifarious uses of sound and language. Among his references, Lozk states Amon Tobin, Nine Inch Nails, Warren Suicide and Bonobo.

Alien Ant Farm Premieres New Song On MTV Buzzworthy

MTV Buzzworthy is premiering a brand new song from chart topping alternative rockers Alien Ant Farm. To stream “Let ‘Em Know” and read an interview with AAF’s Tye Zamora head over to:

http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2013/05/01/alien-ant-farm-let-em-know-tye-zamora-interview.

There are three days left to pre-order Alien Ant Farm’s upcoming record, Always and Forever. Read below for more information on the band’s Pledge campaign:

Come join us as we complete the work on our new record – we’ve never created a pre-order campaign like this before and want you to be part of it with us! Through PledgeMusic, we are creating the chance to be part of a totally unique AAF experience — brand new to us too — where you’ll be able to pledge towards the making of the record as well as never-before-released music, merch and experiences directly from us, not the label, management or some guy behind the computer. You will also be gaining access to exclusive updates and videos along the way.

Your pledge is a pre-order of the new album, and directly contributes to the release process. With all that we have been through over the years as a band internally and with you our fans we want to give you something exclusive for your continued support and help release this record with us!

There’s also going to be a lot of cool interactive things for us to do with you guys as we continue to bang out the record and get closer to the release. Help us choose artwork designs, weigh in on the track order, and help decide what our next single will be and more!

We’ve endured and persevered through some rough times, and your support has been amazing, so THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! This is for you!

Music for the people, by the people….and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Dryden, Terry, Tye, Mike

NK Post Lyric Video For "Shoulder Gorilla"

Long Island, NY’s NK (featuring members of  Envy On The Coast, Dillinger Escape Plan) have posted a lyric video for the song “Shoulder Gorilla”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHkKfbEDXks

 The track appears on the band’s debut LP, Nothing To Be Gained Here, out May 21 via Triple Crown Records.

Insult To Injury Announces Summer Tours

Pittsburgh Metalcore outfit Insult To Injury has announced that they will be hitting the road in June and July with plans to hit most of the US. The June tour, named “Touraholics,” will feature Burn False Idols and cover the east coast by beginning in Morgantown, WV June 12^th, and ending in Canton, OH June 23^rd. Insult To Injury will follow that stint with their July tour, entitled “The Hoodrats & Hoodlums Tour,” that will feature Royal/Revise and cover the midwest and southwest states. “

The Hoodrats & Hoodlums Tour” will begin July 5^th in Toledo, OH and end July 20^th in Pittsburgh, OH. Insult To Injury Guitarist Cody commented on the tours by saying, “When Insult To Injury formed, we had big city dreams to tour around the country one day, and with these tours those dreams are coming true. For some of us, we’ve haven’t traveled away from the east coast and to have this opportunity to tour several time zones over the US, we could not be more thankful.”

(with Burn False Idols)
June 12 – Morgantown, WV – TBA
June 13 – Charleston, WV – TBA
June 14 – Woodbridge, VA – Q-balls Cafe
June 15 – Greensboro, NC – TBA
June 16 – Fayetteville, NC – TBA
June 17 – Aiken, SC – HIC Skate Park
June 18 – Knoxville, TN – Longbrach
June 19 – Charlotte, NC – TBA
June 20 – Georgetown, KY – Party Right
June 21 – Indianapolis, IN – TBA
June 22 – Marion, OH – Club Polish
June 23 – Canton, OH – TBA
 
(with Royal/Revise)
July 5 – Toledo, OH
July 6 – Chicago, IL
July 7 – Des Moines, IA
July 8 – North Platte, NE
July 9 – Denver, CO
July 10 – Durango, CO
July 12 – Albuguerque, NM
July 13 – Amarillo, TX
July 14 – Dallas, TX
July 15 – Little Rock, AR
July 17 – Nashville, TN
July 18 – Lexington, KY
July 19 – Columbus, OH
July 20 – Pittsburgh, PA