BLACKTOP MOJO Release Video For “Prodigal”

Texas hard rockers Blacktop Mojo have released a video for “Prodigal”, off their 2017 LP, Burn The Ships. Blending elements of country and 70s hard rock, Blacktop Mojo has a timeless sound that pairs well with any drink you got in your hand. Formed in 2012 by frontman Matt James and drummer Natan Gillis, the band eventually became a 5-piece with Matt Curtis on bass and Ryan Kiefer and Chuck Wepfer on guitars. After releasing I Am in 2014, they hit the road sharing the stage with acts like Bon Jovi, Sammy Hagar, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Black Stone Cherry, Drowning Pool, and many others.

With their sophomore album, Burn The Ships, they went into the studio with Muscle Shoals producer Jimmy Johnson. Released via their label Cuhmon Records the album received critical acclaim, hitting the Top 40 Billboard Active Rock Chart with singles “Where The Wind Blows” (#27) and the band’s cover of Aerosmith classic, “Dream On” (#31).

As for the video, according to frontman Matt James, the band had a good time with the video: “We had fun making the video with some of our good friends from our hometown acting out the main parts. We felt like the father-son dynamic in the video really reflected the song’s theme. The song is sort of autobiographical. It’s about the experience of growing up in a small town and always talking about ‘getting out’ one day. No matter where or how far you go, though, you always have a little bit of where you came from that you take with you.” This is the band’s second video from their successful sophomore release.

Blacktop Mojo spent most of their 2017/2018 touring, writing, and recording in “The Mojo Mansion” in their hometown of Palestine, Texas. While playing a show at Rock Allegiance 2018, frontman Matt James sat down with Metal Nexus to talk everything Blacktop Mojo. You can find that interview here. To keep up to date on Blacktop Mojo follow them on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

DROWNING POOL Vocalist Jasen Moreno Says He Used To Help Sell Merch For Them When They Played Local Gigs Together [Audio Interview]

It’s hard to believe that DROWNING POOL vocalist JASEN MORENO is already 5 years into his tenure with the group. Jasen spent some time with METAL NEXUS at the ‘BLUE RIDGE ROCK FESTIVAL’ in Lynchburg, VA and he had a lot to talk about.  We discussed the ‘MAKE AMERICA ROCK AGAIN’ tour that DROWING POOL is currently in the middle of along with SCOTT STAPP of CREED, SICK PUPPIES, TRAPT and more.  Jasen also spoke about his long history with DROWNING POOL before he even joined the band.  He spoke candidly about how they played local gigs together in Texas before they hit the national scene.  He even went on to say that on occasion he would help watch their merch table for them.   Continue reading

Review: Drowning Pool “Hellelujah” (2 Tracks Streaming)

 

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Almost 3 years after the release of “Resilience” DROWNING POOL is set to unleash their latest batch of fist pumping, high energy, Texas Metal. Set for release February 5th “Hellelujah” promises to carry on the momentum garnered by the recent 13th anniversary of the band’s debut Smash “Sinner” . Produced by Jason Suceof, “Hellelujah” marks the second release fronted by vocalist Jasen Moreno. “Hellelujah” doesn’t waste any time getting going with “Push” delivering everything we expect from DROWNING POOL in 2016. It’s heavy, melodic, up-tempo and catchy. Nothing really new here for DROWNING POOL. But certainly more of what fans that have followed them since 2001 will appreciate. “Push” is followed up by the album’s first single “By The Blood”. “By The Blood” seems to channel the “Sinner” album a bit. All the elements from the guitar tone of guitarist C.J. Pierce to The vocal styling’s laid down from singer Jasen Moreno seem to take you back to the bands Platinum debut. I know that is something we can all live with. Continue reading