Show Review: Parkway Drive w/ The Word Alive, Veil of Maya (Atlanta, GA)

The venue was packed before the first band ever graced the stage. Tons of kids in line waiting for a band that hadn’t since their fall US tour with Bring Me The Horizon, and Architects UK.

While She Sleeps, a metal band from Sheffield, England were up first. The vocalist, Lawrence Taylor mentioned during their set that it was the band’s first time in USA and were loving the reactions from different crowds and cities. They got the crowd off their feet and moshing, which is suprising for an opener. In case you missed this tour, you can catch them on the entire Vans Warped Tour this summer.

Veil of Maya put on a perfect show, in every sense of the word. Marc Okubo's guitar playing was phenomenal, Danny Hauser was slappin’ da bass like a boss, Sam Applebaum hit the drums like Chris Brown hit Rihanna and Brandon Butler screamed his way through a mix of old and new hits. Opening with the instrumental, “Pillars” from their second album, “The Common Man’s Collapse" and transitioned in to another song from that album, "We Bow In Its Aura". The rest of their set included a few of my favorites such as "Unbreakable", "Crawl Back", "It’s Not Safe to Swim Today", and fan favorite, "Punisher"

The Word Alive came on stage next and frontman Telle Smith commanded the crowd with “2012”, a song from their 2010 debut, “Deceiver”. Their set included a majority of songs from their latest record, “Life Cycles”. He didn’t do his signature back flip but they still put on an amazing show.

After what seem liked forever, it was Parkway Drive's turn to play. The crowd was already push-moshing before the band came on while “Sparks”, the intro track to their newest record, “Atlas” played over the PA. “Old Ghost/New Regrets” was up next on the setlist. Winston McCall, the ferocious vocalist, noted he had been coughing up blood the last few days but the band sounded better than the last two times I had seen them. During the end of the set, Winston asked the crowd if they'd rather hear a new song, “Swing” or an old song, “Romance Is Dead”. The crowd opted for the latter and erupted in the pit when guitarists Luke and Jeff played the opening riffs.

Winston also added it had been two years since Parkway Drive had made it from down under for a North American tour. Tons of crowd surfing, stage dives (when the security guards weren’t looking), and sing-a longs made the night unforgettable. Don’t miss the rest of this tour!

Review: The Dead Rabbitts - Edge of Reality

Craig Mabbitt is back and he’s better than ever. This born and raised Arizona vocalist never fails to impress, especially with this new EP he put out. From being in blessthefall, The Word Alive, and currently in Escape the Fate, this may be Mabbitt’s best work yet. He proves that he can hold his own and does not need his band to put out an album that satisfies his fans. Craig shows us that he can reach new heights, lyrically. The sound is amazing; you won’t be disappointed when you hear these solid screams that Mabbitt provides for his supporting fans.

Caleb Shomo is on this act as well, providing guest vocals on the track, “Make Me Believe It”, and producing this outstanding album. Some could say it’s like This Means War Part 2 but to me, it’s so much more than that. Shomo has always had the talent for producing and I can guarantee you he’s doing his job right. I would like to give so much credit to these guys and I couldn’t thank them enough for doing what they did on this project. All I can say is keep up the good work guys and I would love to possible see another album with this much potential. There’s no doubt in my mind that this record gets a 9.5 out of 10.

- AJ Gordy

Review: Punk Goes Pop 5

If you’re tired of the radio playing the same songs over and over, it’s cool, because your favorite bands have your back, as always. Fearless Records’ “Punk Goes Pop” is back with volume 6, set to release November 5th, featuring a handful of songs I’m sure you won’t be surprised by. It’s so fun to hear bands cover quirky mainstream songs, and I have to admit, I’ve had the album on repeat for a couple hours now.

The first of 13 tracks you’ll hear when you pop the CD in (do people do that anymore?) is Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” covered by Memphis May Fire. Don’t expect the slow song you’ve heard a million times, though. MMF turned up the tempo a couple of notches and gave it that recognizably punk sound, and did so very well. The vocals were pretty clean throughout, which I, personally, am indifferent about; it still sounds like MMF!

If you’re already a fan of Mayday Parade, their cover of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” might just be your favorite on the album. Even better - it features Vic Fuentes of Pierce the Veil. Being a huge fan of both bands, I know Derek (the lead singer of Mayday Parade) and Vic sound quite different, but damn do they sound beautiful together. The cover is fantastic, even with the faster tempo they decided to go with.

Breathe Carolina brings in a classic, covering Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” I can’t say it’s my favorite cover. It’s sounds a bit awkward, which might just be the autotune. This one’s the kind of cover that you either love or hate right off the bat. However, I give them major props. Covering the King of Pop? Very gutsy!

The Maine decided on a classic, as well, covering Cindi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” They changed the entire song around for themselves, and it came out great! Don’t be expecting some up-beat, quirky, mid-80’s pop song. It’s been slowed down a bit and punked out. I give them mega props for really making it their own!

The whole album, just like the rest of the Punk Goes Pop series, is just pure entertainment. It’s fun to rock out and sing-a-long to in the car. So don’t forget to check out all the bands’ covers on there; including “Call Me Maybe” by Upon a Dawning (which came out awesome by the way), “Paradise” by Craig Owens, and “Mercy” by The Word Alive!

9/10

- Kim

I Am King Sign with Velocity/Rise Records

Pennsylvania post-hardcore 6-piece I AM KING has signed with Velocity/Rise Records. Formed out of the Lehigh Valley in early 2010, I AM KING humbly offers a message of truth and hope with their music, while reminding their listeners the harsh reality of choosing to face both the truth and yourself. The band’s self-titled and self-released EP dropped last month and was recorded with Taylor Larson (Periphery, Sky Eats Airplane, I the Breather). The band will enter the studio later this year to record their label debut with an anticipated release in spring 2013.

“The first time I heard I Am King, I instantly knew there was something special about them.  I’ll never forget that first show i saw them at (Starland Ballroom).  I knew it wasn’t just studio magic, but that it was real.  What they had was authentic and genuine.  I see nothing but amazing things in their future,” says Velocity Records founder Dave Shapiro.

Co-vocalist Sam Sky says, “From the beginning we had our eye on Velocity and now we have Dave Shapiro behind us along with Rise. It’s a dream come true for us. We’re really blessed and stoked to have this opportunity and to have such an awesome team behind us. Thank you to everyone who has supported us up until this point. We promise not to let you down”

I AM King will be on the road this fall playing select shows with Assassins, Chiodos, The Word Alive, Pierce The Veil, We Came as Romans and more. See dates below.

Sep 12 Smiling Moose Pittsburgh, PA (w/ Assassins)

Sep 13 The Pike Room Pontiac, MI (w/ Assassins)

Sep 14 Intersection Grand Rapids, MI (w/ Chiodos, The Word Alive)

Sep 15 Egyptian Room Indianapolis, IN (w/ Chiodos, The Word Alive)

Sep 29 Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, NJ (w/ We Came As Romans)

Oct 19 The Loft Poughkeepsie, NY (w/ Visions)

Nov 03 Corona Theatre Montreal, Canada (w/ Pierce The Veil, Sleeping with Sirens, Tonight Alive)

Nov 04 The Guvernment Toronto, Canada (w/ Pierce The Veil, Sleeping with Sirens, Tonight Alive)

Nov 16 Planet Trog Entertainment Whitehall, PA (w/ From Atlantis)

Nov 17 Berkeley Heights VFW Berkeley Heights, NJ

Review: The Word Alive - Life Cycles

The Word Alive - Life Cycles
Record Label: Fearless Records
Release Date: July 3rd, 2012

The Word Alive’s new album “Life Cycles,” set to release on July 3, is one to mark the beginning of the rest of a killer band. This is their 3rd full album, a recovery from the loss of both their keyboardist and drummer after “Deceiver”; of which they only chose to replace the drummer with Luke Holland. However, he joined the band after Matt Horn, a friend of the band, who had already completed the studio sessions. Lead singer Tyler (‘Telle’) Smith previously stated that “Life Cycles” was going to have a much heavier sound, and I have to admit, he wasn’t lying in the least. But not only does the album have a heavier vibe, but it ties in some sweet vocals: the harmonies on Tyler’s cleans definitely boost the contrast between his voice and the screams.

The first song of the album “Dragon Spell” kicks off an electronic feel that overflows into most of the other songs. I feel as if the decision to not replace the keyboardist allowed them to play around with an array of sounds to fill that space, and it seriously sounds awesome. The release of the single “Life Cycles” back in early June was an excellent glimpse into what to expect from the whole of this album. It bundled the vocals and incorporated the electronics really well, which seems to happen in each song. Ending on a softer note with “Astral Planes,” the slower song does a super job on highlighting Tyler’s cleans, but of course, it officially ends with a bang tying together what is probably TWA’s best album yet. Over all, the album is definitely a huge step up from “Deceiver,” making it a total must-buy. Get pumped, this is a good one.

10/10

- Kim

The Word Alive release new single, "Life Cycles"

The Word Alive have released the self-titled track from their upcoming album, Life Cycles. Download the track here or on iTunes

Interview: Tyler "Telle" Smith from The Word Alive

Over the past couple of years, The Word Alive has gained a global reputation for pushing the boundaries within their genre. But with new sophomore full-length Life Cycles, the Arizona quintet is set to join an elite club of heavy music luminaries ushering in the next evolution of melodic metal. We chatted with Telle about his hometown roots, challenges in writing Life Cycles, and their upcoming stint on The All Stars Tour

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

My name is Telle and I’m the vocalist for TWA.

Let’s talk about your roots. I’ve never been to Kettering, Ohio before. What’s it like there?

It’s pretty much as blue collar and normal as it gets haha.  I lived down the street from a popular venue called “The Attic” which I still play on tour today.  Green grass, tons of trees, and not too hectic.  It’s just a working man’s city.

What are some of the particular messages you tried to get across in the lyrical content of the new record? Are there any topics that you cover on Life Cycles that you haven’t in the past?

I covered a ton of new content I feel.  I wrote every song essentially to be different, but at the same time tie together.  Life Cycles has a lot to do with the progression of life, and the thoughts you have as you develop who you are and what you believe in.

What was the biggest challenge in writing the album?

I’d say just making sure that everything was a step forward and a step up from our previous efforts.  I believe in this record like nothing before.  I honestly understood at times when people weren’t fans of our last 2 CD’, but I have a very personal attachment to this record, the songs, the meaning behind the songs, and I really believe we created something special.

What was your experience like working with Joey Sturgis?

I actually didn’t work with him; the guys recorded the music in Indiana and I recorded the vocals in California with producer/engineer Allan Hessler.  I visited the studio for a total of about a week and a half probably.  The guys were really focused on making the record musically, the best that they could.  I think they had a great time making this record and it shows.

Are the any guest vocals on the record that would surprise people?

We actually decided against guest vocals on this record.  Seeing how much it meant to us, we wanted to make a statement with this album.  We wanted 100% of this album to be credited to our benefit or demise, as something TWA made with no help.

How would you guys say you’ve grown as musicians just from the time-span between Empires and Life Cycles?

We know what we like and have a better understanding of how to create that.  We are constantly practicing and trying to learn new things, new techniques and we tried a lot of that on Life Cycles.  Empire we were “just kids” as they say; this record shows we’re growing up.

Who’ve you really been looking forward to seeing on The All Stars Tour?

I really love watching my good friends in Suicide Silence, they kill it.  And I also am looking forward to seeing Stick To Your Guns, their new album is great. 

You’ve toured overseas numerous times; have you found a favorite food/drink/etc there that you can’t get back home?

I live in Vegas, where everything from the world is made available, haha.  Fortunately for me there are a lot of culturally diverse places here.  Nothing I have found, aside from I’m sure a few obscure beers.  But my favorite beer is available here.

It’s about mid-way through the year. What albums have you really been enjoying lately from 2012?

Stick To Your Guns’ new record, Architects new album just came out and it’s incredible. Outside of our genre, I’ve been jamming a lot of Crosses. It’s Chino from Deftones’ (my favorite band) side-project, and it’s too good.

What’s one thing you’ve never mentioned about you or your music before in an interview?

Well I’ve never given myself credit vocally in the past, but I feel this record was the coming of age for me as a vocalist.  I am very proud of how hard I’ve worked and that might sound egotistical, but if anything, it’s meant to showcase that there isn’t anything that can stand in your way if you believe in yourself and are passionate about what you do.  I hope people feel that way when they hear this album.

Last question: What is one book AND one band that you’d personally recommend to anyone that listens to TWA and what reasons do you have to support your choices?

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is my favorite book, and one band would have to be the Crosses.  The book is really crazy, and it makes for a quick read even for the non-readers out there.  And if you love Chino’s voice, or cool music, that’s good enough reason to jam them.

The Word Alive reveal artwork and tracklist for Life Cycles

A message from the band can be found below:

This is going to be the best year yet, and we can’t wait to release ‘Life Cycles’ on July 3rd! Hopefully you guys love the artwork, we can’t wait to release more details and songs soon! See you on the road soon! -TWA

‘Life Cycles’ Track Listing:
1. Dragon Spell
2. Wishmaster
3. Entirety
4. For Your Health
5. Bar Fight
6. Life Cycles
7. Evolution
8. Hidden Lakes
9. Ambitionary
10. Live A Lie
11. Belong
12. Room 126 
13. Astral Plane

Interview: Levi Benton of Miss May I

Miss May I are currently out on tour with Parkway Drive, and we had a chance to interview Miss May I from the road. Levi and I spoke about the tour, finishing their new album in the studio, meaning of the album art, future touring, and more!

State your name and role in the band, please.

Levi Benton Vocalist in Miss May I

You’re currently on tour with Parkway Drive; how is the tour going for you guys? Is it nice playing to a different crowd than maybe you guys are used to?

It’s been great so far on this tour and HUGE! Also yes it’s been so nice to play to a real metal crowd and the fans are being great to us as well. Most of them are seeing us for the first time and they are great! Can’t wait to come back!

I noticed the release date for At Heart has been pushed back to June 12th; was it due to a change in the album cover? I know numerous people have wanted the lion to come back.

I know we have been bashed quite a bit on the new album cover but I feel like since we are finally having an OFFICIAL Lion Logo for Miss May I then the story and meaning of At Heart would be lost with just the logo. Also the packaging is great so just you wait ;) The push back was due to some last minute changes on the album.

Speaking of: what’s the significance behind the album title, and how does it tie in with the album art?

Throughout the album artwork it shows how each song is sang from the heart and that is all that matters. No more just trying to be tough and in a metal band but play music worth playing and feeling. The child on the cover shows that even from the beginning of life you have to speak from the heart.

What’s one thing that you can tell us about the album that everyone wouldn’t know on their own?

The album is actually all recorded with the same microphone I play with live a SM58 and its the first time I ever held a mic in hand and recorded on a album.

How is At Heart a progression from your last album, Monument?

Well, we definitely spent way more time on this album more than we have ever spent on a album before. We actually got a chance to do pre-production and sit back and listen to the album before we tracked it so we made sure the best of the best made it to the album.

What song changed the most during the recording process?

The biggest track of the album and the most meaningful song “Hey Mister” probably changed the most and got rearranged at least 3-5 times before ever officially tracking. But the final product turned out great!

What guest vocals did you have on the record, if any? I’m guessing Telle from The Word Alive returned the favor since you appeared on “2012”.

We actually didn’t have any guest vocals this time on the record. We are more about playing live as good as possible and we feel the more guest vocals that clutter the album the more it would not sound the same live.

Did you return the favor on Attack Attack’s newest album? (not This Means War; they made an announcement that they have completed ten songs, produced by John Feldmann, for another album)

Actually I didn’t and I wish I could have!

At Heart is your third album on Rise; that being said is your contract fulfilled, or can we expect another album on the label?

It is our last album on Rise Records but we have not yet looked into new labels yet. WE have put most of our time into making At Heart as large as possible first.

Any more songs about video games like Rust?

Not yet haha. If it was up to us though there would be one about Skyrim or Battlefield 3 on this record.

In your live performances, as soon as your start screaming, you have a much harder time doing more demanding vocal parts. Eventually by the end of the set it sounds like you find it almost impossible to hold a scream out. What impact has this had on how you arrange your set list, and how you take care of your voice outside of your performance? Have you considered going to Melissa Cross for vocal lessons?

I have went to Melissa Cross and I have had a great performance ever since!

I’ve read in other interviews that you’re influenced by As I Lay Dying but what do you say to the critics who think you’re a watered-down version of AILD?

Well we are very big fans of AILD and I know sometimes it seems like we are alike but I guess thats what happens when you are inspired.

What do you hope the remainder of the year holds for MMI, with a new album looming and everything?

Well we will have the year packed with tours and magazine press and have some surprises already scheduled so keep your eyes peeled.

Last question: What are one book and one band that you’d recommend to anyone that listens to your band?

I don’t read books and As I Lay Dying.

Craig Mabbitt announces new side project name

Escape The Fate frontman Craig Mabbitt has announced his new project will be called, Dead Rabbitt, with their debut EP, "Edge Of Reality", expected to be released in the near foreseeable future.

https://www.facebook.com/DeadRabbitts