Primus
Primus is a post-punk band spiked with the sensibility and humor of Frank Zappa. Led by elastic bassist and sole constant member Les Claypool, their music is willfully weird and experimental, but not alienating. The band was able to turn its goofy weirdness into pop stardom, transitioning from an underground phenomenon to mainstream success with albums like ‘Sailing the Seas of Cheese’ (1991), ‘Pork Soda’ (1993), and ‘Tales from the Punchbowl’ (1995). Despite citing creative stagnation and a hiatus after ‘Antipop’ (1999), Primus re-formed in 2010 and has since remained active, releasing unique efforts such as ‘Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble’ (2014), ‘The Desaturating Seven’ (2017), and the EP ‘Conspiranoia’ (2022) with the core trio of Claypool, guitarist Larry LaLonde, and drummer Tim Alexander.
Primus revolves around Les Claypool; his bass playing is the focal point of their music, with vocals as a bizarre sideshow. Guitarist Larry LaLonde and drummer Tim ‘Herb’ Alexander are essential to Primus’ distinct sound, blending art-rock, funk, and heavy metal elements. Formed in El Sobrante, California, in 1984, Primus found commercial success with albums like ‘Sailing the Seas of Cheese’ and ‘Pork Soda.’ Through lineup changes and musical experimentation, the band continued to innovate, releasing albums like ‘The Brown Album’ (1997) and ‘Antipop.’ After multiple tours and collaborations with notable artists, Primus remains an influential force in the music industry, known for their unconventional approach to rock music.
Following a hiatus and side projects, Primus regrouped in 2010 with new drummer Jay Lane and released ‘Green Naugahyde’ in 2011. Their versatility was showcased in ‘Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble’ (2014) and ‘The Desaturating Seven’ (2017), based on a children’s book. Recent works like the EP ‘Conspiranoia’ (2022) demonstrate Primus’ continued creativity and relevance, setting the stage for further musical exploration and collaborations with diverse artists.
Poppy Baskcomb
Poppy Baskcomb is a talented 24-year-old singer and songwriter from Portsmouth/London. She dedicates her songwriting skills to creating beautiful melodies for others, often finding solace and expression in her own music. Poppy’s soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have the power to touch hearts and uplift spirits, offering a therapeutic experience through her music. Whether she’s writing for others or composing for her own healing, Poppy’s songs are a heartfelt blessing to all who listen. Stay tuned for more of Poppy’s sweet, soul-stirring melodies and let her music inspire and beautify your world.
Read MoreKaraoke – The Presidents Of The Usa
Karaoke, a popular form of entertainment, has been enjoyed by people of all ages for decades. One band that has made a significant impact in the music world is The Presidents Of The USA. This American rock band, formed in the early 1990s, gained fame for their energetic performances and catchy songs. The Presidents Of The USA, consisting of talented musicians, have entertained audiences worldwide with their unique style and engaging lyrics. Their music, often featured in karaoke playlists, has become a favorite among karaoke enthusiasts who enjoy singing along to their iconic hits. The Presidents Of The USA’s presence in the music industry continues to inspire aspiring musicians and entertain music lovers around the globe.
Read MoreVelvet Revolver
Velvet Revolver originated from a spontaneous jam session in spring 2002, reuniting former Guns N’ Roses members Slash (guitar), Duff McKagan (bass), and Matt Sorum (drums) on stage. The trio’s musical connection was instantly reignited, leading to the creation of new music and the search for a vocalist, known as ‘the Project.’ Initial candidates like Josh Todd and Kelly Shaefer were considered but didn’t make the cut. Eventually, Scott Weiland from STP joined as the lead singer, solidifying the lineup of Velvet Revolver. The band signed with RCA and faced delays in releasing their debut album, Contraband, amidst legal issues and rehab commitments. Despite the challenges, Velvet Revolver’s blend of STP and GNR influences in their music gained praise and anticipation from fans.
Velvet Revolver’s journey continued with the release of their second album, Libertad, in 2007, showcasing their musical evolution and growth. Tragically, in December 2015, Scott Weiland passed away while on tour with his band, the Wildabouts, leaving a significant impact on the music industry and fans worldwide. The band’s legacy lives on through their energetic performances, hit singles like ‘Slither,’ and the unique combination of talent brought together by iconic musicians like Slash, Duff, and Matt Sorum. Velvet Revolver’s music transcends boundaries, blending elements of rock and metal, creating a sound that resonates with audiences and cements their place in rock history.
Bullet For My Valentine
Metal veterans Bullet For My Valentine have announced their self-titled, seventh album, Bullet For My Valentine. The album, which will be released on 5 November 2021, via Spinefarm Records, sees the band open a bold new chapter and is easily their heaviest, fiercest album so far. Since Bullet For My Valentine formed in 1998, the Welsh metallers have become one of the biggest bands in metal, selling over 3 million albums worldwide and scoring three gold albums, as well as defining British metalcore with their now classic debut, The Poison.
Bullet For My Valentine follows the success of their last album, 2018’s Gravity, which saw the metal juggernauts play their biggest shows to date, including a UK arena tour and a massive show at London’s Alexandra Palace. But this time around, the band have taken things back to basics. Bullet For My Valentine is stacked with squealing solos and monstrous riffs that will delight fans both new and old.
Motörhead
Motörhead, led by the iconic Lemmy Kilmister, emerged as a revolutionary force in the heavy metal scene of the late ’70s. Despite Lemmy’s origins in the space rock band Hawkwind, Motörhead diverged from progressive tendencies to amplify the raw, biker-rock essence with the velocity of punk music. Uniquely positioned before the emergence of punk, Motörhead channeled the fierce energy of the genre, pioneering speed metal and thrash metal. Maintaining a consistent sound despite numerous lineup changes, the band continued their sonic assault well into the 21st century.
Born Ian Fraiser Kilmister on December 24, 1945, Lemmy’s musical journey commenced in the mid-60s, traversing through various bands before joining Hawkwind as a bassist. His tenure with the band saw the creation of several signature songs, including the hit ‘Silver Machine.’ Expelled from Hawkwind in 1975, Lemmy promptly founded Motörhead, setting the stage for the birth of a new musical powerhouse. The band’s early struggles, lineup adaptations, and bold musical choices ultimately solidified their place as heavy metal trailblazers, culminating in globally acclaimed albums and electrifying live performances.
KALAMITY KILLS
The artist, renowned for their thought-provoking work, once shared the insight that ‘Once something is explained, you’ve lost curiosity.’ This profound statement encapsulates the essence of their artistry, which often challenges conventional perspectives and invites viewers to explore beyond the surface. Known for pushing boundaries and sparking contemplation, the artist’s creations serve as a gateway to deeper introspection and inspire a sense of wonder and inquiry. Through their unique vision and expressive techniques, they convey stories that resonate with audiences on a profound level, inviting them to engage in a dialogue of interpretation and self-discovery.
Read MorePeyton Parrish
Singer Peyton Parrish is a rising star known for his unique blend of Viking-inspired country and post-grunge music, along with his creative cover songs. His breakthrough moment came in 2020 when his rendition of the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla soundtrack, titled ‘My Mother Told Me,’ went viral and was even featured on the hit TV series Vikings. Following this success, he dropped his debut album ‘Cowboy Man’ the same year, showcasing the hit single ‘Ragnarök.’ Pushing boundaries, Peyton continued to push his musical boundaries with subsequent releases like ‘Rise of Vikingr’ in 2021 and ‘The Most Magical Album on Earth,’ a Disney covers album set to release in 2023.
Hailing from the sunny shores of Southern California, Peyton Parrish discovered his passion for music while growing up in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Intrigued by the magic of melodies since high school, he later ventured to Texas where he embarked on his musical journey by sharing a mix of cover songs and original compositions online. Over time, he unveiled captivating EPs like ‘Vaccine’ and ‘Thank God for You,’ solidifying his online presence and attracting a dedicated fan base. By 2020, Peyton had captured the spotlight with his rendition of ‘My Mother Told Me,’ drawing inspiration from the Icelandic poem Egil’s Saga, which not only enchanted music enthusiasts but also caught the attention of the television show Vikings.
Jerry Cantrell
His vocals, melodies, and riffs are as instantly recognizable as they are powerful, nuanced, and eclectic. Both a disciple of the hard rock tradition and a massive influence on subsequent generations of artists, Jerry Cantrell straddles the line between earnest salt-of-the-earth songwriter and beloved living legend.
His fourth solo album I Want Blood arrives with all the aggression and heavy, inexhaustible stomp its title suggests. The follow-up to the best-reviewed solo album of Cantrell’s career (2021’s Brighten) further expands his musical palette without sacrificing any of his inescapably infectious melodic hooks. “Vilified,” which opens the album, is an anthem, a mission statement, kicking off I Want Blood with attitude.
Cantrell’s mountain of work as a solo artist and chief songwriter, guitarist, and co-vocalist in Alice In Chains stands tall in influence and respect. He’s collaborated with Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Danzig, and Deftones (among others). He’s contributed to music heard in films by Academy Award-winner Cameron Crowe and Judd Apatow and entries in the John Wick and Spider-Man franchises. Rolling Stone named the multi-platinum Tacoma, Washington native one of the greatest guitar players of all time. His catalog mines the best of metal, rock, blues, and Americana.
Alter Bridge
Alter Bridge have steadily climbed to the forefront of hard rock worldwide. In true underdog fashion, they’ve exceeded any and all expectations, glowing critical acclaim, real estate on the covers of Classic Rock Magazine and Guitar World, and storied sets at the O2 Arena and Download Festival. On this journey, 2004’s debut LP One Day Remains bowed in the Top 5 of the Billboard Top 200 and went gold. In 2007, Blackbird’s title track took the ‘Greatest Guitar Solo of All Time’ award in Guitarist Magazine, while countless fans etched its lyrics and logo onto their bodies. Critical plaudits surrounded the 2013 opus Fortress with ‘5-out-of-5 stars’ from KERRANG! and Total Guitar as well as Eddie Trunk’s declaration of, ‘A Top 10 album of the last 10 years.’ 2016’s The Last Hero saw them return to the Top 10 on the Top 200. Maintaining this momentum, Walk The Sky closed at #1 on Billboard. These musicians have unassumingly done all of this with a quiet dedication to writing meaningful songs and performing unforgettable shows. Still, the Florida quartet—Myles Kennedy [vocals, guitar], Mark Tremonti [guitar, vocals], Brian Marshall [bass], and Scott Phillips [drums]—ascend to yet another level on 2022’s Pawns & Kings [Napalm Records]. It is the culmination of almost two decades together soaked in blood, sweat, tears, and the triumph earned through never giving up. It represents the bandmates’ dedication to one another and their collective devotion to a devout fanbase.
Read MoreRubikon
Rubikon is more than a band, it’s a true brotherhood. Five friends who, first and foremost, love each other, but also love making music together, and they have a hell of a time doing it. With their first new album in four years, The Record (2019) brings the band back to the basics, creating songs that are just good. At the same time elevating their sound into full-tilt overdrive with their high-energy, in your face, heavy rock melodies. The Record follows up the success of Delta (2015), which spawned the Top 40 Active Rock single “Live that Lie,” and brought numerous song placements on shows such as Shameless. The songs on The Record expand on their signature sound. They are tighter and hit harder; there’s a wider dynamic range and a more experimental approach in bringing in a variety of instruments such as pedal-steel guitar, baritone saxophone, and even a banjo and mandolin.
After three full-length albums, a couple of EPs, and some serious time crammed into a van/RV touring the country and playing with such bands as Disturbed, Black Label Society, Damageplan, Sevendust, and Shinedown to name a few, The Record finds Rubikon in a more experimental place, but the constant elements remain the same: five friends who love making music together, playing for their fans, and having a great time doing it. As singer Sims notes, “Rock n’ roll never dies. We want to restore a little organic humanity back into music. No frills, just rock. No genres, just good songs.
New Years Day
Appropriately enough for a band named New Years Day, their stunning new “Unbreakable” album signifies a new outlook—as well as a high-water mark for the Cali-bred lineup. Yet it was a rocky road to “Unbreakable”, as singer Ash Costello explains: “In the last couple years, the band cut off toxic people, built a new business team, and we’re stronger than we’ve ever been. So when we went to make ‘Unbreakable’, I wanted the process to be fun, to reflect our renewed vibe and energy,” she says. “We set out to write the poppiest metal album, or the most metal pop album.” On “Unbreakable”, that mission is accomplished. It’s a dozen intense, boundary-melding songs that may touch on metal or goth, but are ultimately undeniable modern rock ‘n’ roll tunes, no-holds-barred, done the New Years Day way. The album was produced by Mitch Marlow (All That Remains, In This Moment) and Scott Stevens (Halestorm, Shinedown). And for the album, Costello stripped down her songwriting. “I used to think lyrics needed to have metaphorical veils and be super-dense and paint a picture but leave it up to the interpretation.” But for ‘Unbreakable’, she says with characteristic forthrightness: “I was, ‘fuck that, I’m literally going to say exactly what I want to say.’ With the upcoming release and the solid new line-up the members of New Years Day finally feel ‘Unbreakable.’
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