Testament
The time has arrived for TESTAMENT to unleash new thunder to the masses and reveal their thirteenth studio album: Titans OF Creation. Just as the elements of this planet thrive within all living creatures, each musician in TESTAMENT represents a necessary component of this latest musical endeavor. Still filled with a massive and unstoppable energy since their last release, TESTAMENT has taken their style to the next level and present an album that is loyal to the roots of traditional thrash metal while still bringing alluring, brilliant, and progressive ingredients to the table. Bass is showcased, new vocals are introduced, and as expected, the guitarwork of Peterson and Skolnick is greatly complex and mesmerizing.
Titans of Creation has many moods and material contained within; all of which somehow tie into a common philosophy of creation and its necessary counterpart: destruction. “Children Of The Next Level” smashes through the gates as the opening track with a flood of sound that prepares the listener for an abundance of violent thrash. Meanwhile, the lyrics rage about the outrageous philosophies of the Heaven’s Gate cult (founded in 1974).
TESTAMENT’s process of creation has evolved and progressed yet they’ve remained steadfast over the course of literal decades. While always managing to present the genuine aspects of thrash metal that solidify their existence, they spread into unique horizons through developing crisp and fascinating sounds.
Read MoreMachine Head
Machine Head is an American heavy metal band known for their powerful and intense music. Formed in 1991 in Oakland, California, Machine Head has established itself as one of the leading bands in the metal scene. The band’s dynamic and aggressive sound, combined with thought-provoking lyrics, has earned them a dedicated fan base worldwide. Machine Head is renowned for their high-energy live performances that leave audiences exhilarated and craving for more. With albums like ‘Burn My Eyes’ and ‘The Blackening,’ Machine Head has solidified their status as a powerhouse in the metal genre.
Led by the talented vocalist and guitarist, Robb Flynn, Machine Head continues to push boundaries and redefine metal music with their unique blend of thrash, groove, and nu-metal elements. The band’s raw and uncompromising approach to music has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards over the years. Machine Head’s relentless passion for their craft is evident in every riff, drum beat, and scream that resonates through their discography. With a discography that spans decades and a dedicated following that spans generations, Machine Head remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of heavy metal music.
Mushroomhead
Mushroomhead, known for their theatrical live show and distinctive black masks worn by most members on-stage, emerged as a unique and adventurous alternative metal band in the 1990s. Their forceful yet melodic music blends elements of hip-hop, punk, and goth rock with industrial and techno influences. Since their debut in 1995, Mushroomhead has achieved global success with over two million albums sold, including standout releases like XIII in 2003, Savior Sorrow in 2006, and The Righteous & the Butterfly in 2014.
Formed in 1993 by drummer Skinny, Mushroomhead initially operated incognito as a side project, with members concealing their identities behind the iconic black masks. Over time, the band gained popularity in Cleveland by maintaining their mysterious personas. Mushroomhead’s discography includes self-titled debut album in 1995, followed by Superbuick in 1996 and M3 in 1999. They signed with Eclipse in 2000 and released XX in 2001 under Universal Records. The band continued to evolve, welcoming new members and exploring different artistic directions with albums like XIII, Savior Sorrow, and The Righteous & the Butterfly, which marked significant milestones in Mushroomhead’s musical journey.
Ugly Kid Joe
Ugly Kid Joe are set to release their upcoming album ‘Rad Wing’s of Destiny’ on October 21st, 2022. The album marks the return of Producer Mark Dodson, known for his work on the band’s multi-platinum debut album ‘America’s Least Wanted,’ which is commemorating its 30th Anniversary this year.
The lead single, ‘That Ain’t Livin’,’ from the new album is now available for streaming. Ugly Kid Joe will be embarking on a headline tour in the UK in November, joining forces with Massive Wagons and also headlining the prestigious Hard Rock Hell event. Tickets are currently on sale for these exciting concert experiences.
Slothrust
“I love secrets hidden in plain sight,” says Slothrust guitarist, singer and songwriter Leah Wellbaum. Approaching a decade since their fiercely innovative debut, Wellbaum and drummer/percussionist Will Gorin search for the keys to secrets with Slothrust as they pick at the locks of guitar rock, moving it forward with an expansive and unconventional lean. The new EP I Promise is centered around a sly, thunderous take on the 90s R&B freakytime classic Ginuwine’s ‘Pony’ and two new singles ‘Maybe Maybe’ and ‘Magic Glow.’ The band’s rendition of ‘Pony’ is out today alongside the EP’s announcement, and an accompanying music video. With ‘Pony,’ Wellbaum and Gorin take Timbaland’s iconic beat and Ginuwine’s carnal a cappella and build a whole new world around the original’s three powerhouse chords and effervescent low end. Slothrust’s version swings like a lithe slice of sludgy rock ‘n’ roll and is a revelatory venn diagram of best ‘90s nostalgia and forward-looking celebration of the now. ‘I feel like we have developed our own unique sound to the point where we can ask ourselves ‘what would Slothrust do?’” says Gorin. ‘The paradox being that if we did know, Slothrust would do the opposite.’
Read MorePistols at Dawn
Pistols At Dawn, the Atlanta band consisting of Adam Jaffe on drums, Will James on lead guitar, Gabriel Cuevas on bass, and Jon Sookdew Sing on lead vocals, is a force to be reckoned with in the rock music scene. Their sound transcends boundaries, reaching celestial heights with sky-high hooks, thunderous low-end vibrations, and powerful riffs that captivate audiences worldwide. The band’s meteoric rise to success is evident through their impressive achievements, including nearly 10 million global streams, chart-topping positions on Billboard and Mediabase Top 40 Active Rock charts, and recognition from esteemed publications like American Songwriter, Brave Words, and the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Having shared stages with renowned acts like Alter Bridge, Mammoth WVH, and Fozzy, Pistols At Dawn has proven their prowess on a global scale. Their extensive touring in 2022 and 2023 laid the foundation for their sophomore album, which was meticulously crafted in Los Angeles. Immersed in creativity at a house in the Hollywood Hills, the band members not only penned and recorded tracks but also collaborated with industry luminaries such as Seth Reger, Jason Mater, and Mike Plotnikoff. As they gear up for the next chapter in their musical journey, Pistols At Dawn stands ready to elevate their artistry to new heights.
Slaughter to Prevail
Kostolom is the epic second LP from the duo Alex Terrible and Jack Simmons’ band Slaughter to Prevail. The album expands on the dynamic extremes of their 2017 debut, Misery Sermon — pairing Alex’s dark, cathartic lyrics with Simmons’ pummeling riffs and tense, cinematic solos. “We wanted to make each song for us stand out in a different way,” the guitarist says. “On some of the songs, we focused on wanting to keep it uptempo, building to a breakdown as the focal point. Other songs it was about groove or the chorus — ‘how can we make this melodic?’ The albums we love the most have those dynamics, and we want to use them to make each part hit harder.
The songs evolved over several years, the first demos constructed shortly before the release of Misery Sermon. And they finally finished the material in late 2020, with everyone (Alex, Simmons, bassist Mikhail Petrov, guitarist Dmitry Mamedov) having tracked their respective parts at home. (Evgeny Novikov recorded his drums at a nearby studio in Moscow.) Alex’s words — largely sung in Russian, with occasional bursts of English — are also more balanced than the bleak song titles may suggest. “The lyrics,” Simmons says, “are quite personal to anyone who listens, I think — of personal struggle, keeping a positive mental attitude and going through the shit to have a better life and achieve your goals.
Coheed and Cambria
If you’re a fan of basically any music genre involving a guitar, 2022 feels like a year for looking back. Depending on who you talk to the pop punk revival is in full swing, followed closely by an emo revival and possibly also a post-hardcore revival quietly (read: loudly) waiting in the wings. It would be tempting for a band like Coheed and Cambria – whose groundbreaking first album “Second Stage Turbine Blade” turns 20 this year – to revisit the sounds of genres they helped pioneer. But making the same album twice just isn’t in their blood. “I’ve always thought of us as sort of the oddity, the underdog,” said frontman and guitarist Claudio Sanchez. “Why follow trends [now]? I just wanted to write a record that was right for Coheed in 2022. We’re still breaking ground.”
Read MoreConquer Divide
CONQUER DIVIDE makes hard rock destined for triumph and victory. The members (who hail from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada) combat personal demons and outside obstacles with massive, soaring, instantly memorable songs, ready-made for all who struggle. Their blend of anthemic arena rock and blistering metalcore is the sound of perseverance incarnate.
Vocalist Kiarely Taylor, guitarist Isabel Johnson, guitarist Kristen Sturgis and drummer Samantha Landa are reinvigorated and at the top of their game, ready to take on the world anew. Sturgis explains that the album title, Slow Burn, encapsulates the long journey to CONQUER DIVIDE’s sophomore set and their burning creative passions. “It’s a theme that permeates the album, a slow, controlled show of the fire that continues to rage in all of us despite hitting a myriad of obstacles.” “We’ve been through our own varying types of personal hells,” Sturgis adds. “Throw in a pandemic, wars, recession; the record explores the mental exhaustion from a world where most of the things we see in our feed are negative and how that affects our psyches and ultimately our relationships with those around us. Our biggest hope for this record is for people to know that they aren’t alone in these feelings, and it’s time for all of us to own our power.
Major Moment
Boston-based pop metal band Major Moment is known for their intense and cinematic sound that blends heavy guitar riffs, modern production, and melodic vocals. What sets them apart is their unique use of both male and female clean and extreme vocals that create a harmonious blend of contrasting styles. The band draws inspiration from their personal experiences to create music that speaks to their listeners and encourages them to pursue their dreams and live a life of purpose.
Since the release of their debut EP in 2018, Major Moment proves to be the band that dreams big and puts in the hard work to earn it. Having recently performed at Louder Than Life and Blue Ridge Rock Festival among with Skillet, Breaking Benjamin, Rise Against, Five Finger Death Punch, etc. and after receiving support from Idobi Radio, Alternative Press, Loudwire, Metal Insider, Major Moment has already released over a dozen tracks paired with music & lyric videos. ‘The Pain That Makes Us Grow’, the band’s full-length album is set for release in late 2024, with three singles ‘Toxic’, ‘Overcome’ and ‘Victim’ added to SiriusXM Octane’s regular rotation, new single ‘YOU’LL NEVER KNOW’ out 10/11.
Earshot
Earshot signed to Warner Bros. Records after the label heard their blend of moody melodic metal and entered the studio with producer David Kahne. After the recording session, the record was polished up by mixer Andy Wallace and released as LETTING GO. The album yielded their first hit single Get Away reaching #4 on U.S. Active Rock radio charts and stayed in the top 100 for over 64 weeks. The albums lead off track Headstrong appeared on the Queen Of The Damned (Music From The Motion Picture) soundtrack alongside other artists Disturbed, Linkin Park, Deftones, and Papa Roach.
After a long 18 months of extensive touring, Earshot returned to the studio to begin work on their second album, Two (produced by Johnny K. and mixed by Rich Costey), also released on Warner Bros. Records. Their breakout single ‘Wait’ reached #9 on U.S. Active Rock radio charts while also being featured on the hugely successful Madden NFL 2005 and MX vs. ATV Unleashed video game soundtracks.
Gojira
French heavy metal quartet Gojira took their name from the original Japanese pronunciation of Godzilla, moving from obscurity to global recognition. Their music, blending thrash, death, math, groove, progressive, and post-metal genres, gained mainstream success with albums like L’Enfant Sauvage, Magma, and Fortitude. Hailing from Bayonne, France, the band comprised of Joe Duplantier, Christian Andreu, Jean-Michel Labadie, and Mario Duplantier, started with demos in 1996 and released their first album Terra Incognita in 2000 independently.
Despite initial challenges, Gojira’s unique sound attracted attention, leading to European tours and festival appearances. Subsequent albums like From Mars to Sirius and The Way of All Flesh further solidified their reputation in the metal scene. Signing with major label Roadrunner, the release of L’Enfant Sauvage marked a significant milestone, followed by the Grammy-nominated Magma and the versatile Fortitude, showcasing their evolution and musical prowess.