Review: Kings Destroy – ‘Fantasma Nera’ [Single Streaming]

It’s old and it’s new, it’s funky but familiar, Kings Destroys’ pseudo stoner melodic rock harkens a fresh taste of experimental riffage with slow-mo head bobbing. New York City dwellers they are and a hotbed of artistic exploration they inhabit since their 2010 formation. Gracing the shelves March 8th, “Fantasma Nera” is the bands upcoming fourth LP through Svart Records, a Finnish based label that is home to Acid King. Continue reading

State Of The Art: Missouri’s ECHOES FROM ASHES [Track Stream]

Photo Credit: Money Shotz Photography

*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured state. This month’s state is Missouri.*

Hailing from Saint Louis, Missouri, Echoes From Ashes delivers their soulful hard rock tinged with early 2000s post-grunge sensibility. The four-piece, consisting of Matt Kelly (guitar/vocals), Michael Wallis (guitar/vocals), Dan Stefl (bass/vocals), and Derek Keller (drums/percussion) formed the band in 2017 and have just recently released their debut self-titled EP in 2018. With the help of Michael Bivens as engineer and producer, along with Stefl, the five-track EP was recorded at Redwood Studios and released to solid local airplay and rotation on major streaming platforms. One of the more powerful singles from the release is “Victim (In Your Hands)” that starts off with a Pantera “5 Minutes Alone”-influenced opening riff and progresses into a melodically heartfelt verse and chorus, reminiscent of genre veterans Chevelle and Breaking Benjamin. Continue reading

Sal Costa Of SMASHING SATELLITES Announces Retirement!

SMASHING SATELLITES guitarist Sal Costa who was earlier a part of fellow Canadian rockers MY DARKEST DAYS has just now announced that he will be retiring from the music industry and shall devote time to his personal life and family.

Costa penned down the note below and recollected many of his cherished memories while on road, and being a top notch, world famous musician. He also stated his reasons for retiring. Over the past year he said he “took off from music I spent time living “normal” life.” One of the main reasons he can be seen stating is as follows, “I have no regrets, just perspective. I have learned that 100000 more Platinum plaques won’t replace 30 minutes playing tag with my daughter, 100000 Juno Awards won’t replace a date night with my wife and 100000 #1 songs won’t replace a BBQ (a vegan one of course ) with a few good friends. That is the truth.” He also says that his year off music has made him aware “where true happiness lies” and that it’s somewhere far from life on road. He voiced his concern over the irksome nature of the industry where the industry “doesn’t care if you live or die” and that “It’s all fake. None of it is real.

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HOOBASTANK Sign w/ Napalm Records & Announce Upcoming Album Release In 2018

Yaay, our teenage sensations are back with another new album! 2017 marks another chapter in the career of exceptional rock act, HOOBASTANK, by signing to the Austrian indie label NAPALM RECORDS and announcing their next album, scheduled for the first half of 2018.

HOOBASTANK comments on their future endeavors: “We’re extremely thrilled about signing with Napalm Records and honored to be joining their roster of talented artists. For our 6th full-length album we finally got to work with producer Matt Wallace (Faith No More, Maroon 5). We had been wanting to work with him for years and finally the timing was right. The writing and recording process was everything we could have hoped for. Matt challenged us and brought out different aspects of what we love about making music. We’re excited for our fans to hear it and to make some new fans along the way.”

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Review: JIBE – ‘Epic Tales of Human Nature’ [Song Stream]

After about 14 years, JIBE has finally returned to the scene to release their fourth full length record, ‘Epic Tales of Human Nature’. The band originally formed in the mid 90s and became legendary in the music scene of Dallas, Texas. Their unique alternative rock sound came from influences such as U2, Pearl Jam, and Jane’s Addiction. They had success on the radio in the southern US with hits like “I’ll Meet You Halfway” and “Yesterday’s Gone”. The band toured nearly nonstop throughout their career, hitting the road with artists like Kings of Leon, Marilyn Manson, and Jerry Cantrell. JIBE broke up in 2004 shortly after their third record ‘Uprising’ (2003). The band reunited for their first show back in September 2015 and began work on this new record the following year. ‘Epic Tales of Human Nature’ was recorded at Orb Studios in Austin, Texas and produced by Matt Noveskey. The album drops in two weeks on June 9th. Pre-order the record here. Continue reading