Photos: Bloodbound at Vicar Street Dublin. 6 March 2016. On tour with Sabaton & Alestorm

Phots (c) Dani Kammler

Soul Asylum Releases New Track from Forthcoming Album; SXSW Dates Announced

Soul Asylum joins forces with Entertainment One Music (eOne Music) to release an album of all new material titled Change of Fortune on March 18th. To celebrate release week the band will be playing five shows at SXSW 2016.

SXSW shows include Thursday March 17 Grammy Museum's '40 Years of Ramones' Tribute (Dave Pirner solo performance) at 9:15pm, Stand Up For Cancer Benefit at The Belmont at 12:30am, Friday March 18 Blurt Magazine / School Kidz Records party at 4pm, Saturday March 19 KGSR show at the W Hotel at 11:30am, Waterloo Records instore and electric set at 5pm and Official SXSW Showcase at The Scoot Inn at midnight.

”Change of Fortune’ is a straightforward rock & roll album led by Pirner’s poetic gift for storytelling and finds the frontman soul-searching along the way…while maintaining that signature Soul Asylum sound which so many fans love” – Innocent Words



Change of Fortune is the band’s eleventh studio album. Their career began with several indie releases on Minneapolis’ Twin/Tone that garnered them attention from a few major labels. The group signed with A&M Records in 1988 where they released three albums Clam Dip & Other Delights, Hang Time, And the Horse They Rode In On. In 1992 Soul Asylum was signed to Columbia Records and released its groundbreaking album Grave Dancers Union, which included the Grammy Award winning "Runaway Train.” Soul Asylum followed up this success with Let Your Dim Light Shine in 1995, which climbed to #6 on the Billboard 200 and featured the #1 Modern Rock track “Misery.” After releasing Candy From a Stranger in 1998, the band members wanted to concentrate on writing and took a break from recording. The band reconvened in 2004 to begin work on their ninth full-length album, joined by a new drummer, Michael Bland. Sadly, shortly thereafter, bassist Karl Mueller was diagnosed with throat cancer and passed away after finishing his work on the new album. The Silver Lining was released in 2006 and was dedicated to Karl’s life and memory. The band took a long and unscheduled hiatus as they grieved and dealt with the loss of their friend and band-mate. In 2012 Soul Asylum released the aptly titled Delayed Reaction that was deemed “quick to embrace” by influential music blog Consequence of Sound.

“a perfectly blended mix of musical harmony” – ReadJunk

Soul Asylum is: David Pirner on guitar and vocals, Michael Bland on drums, Winston Roye on bass and Justin Sharbono on guitar.

GRAVES AT SEA: Portland Doom Bringers Premiere "Tempest" At Cvlt Nation

Photo by Orion Landau

With the release of The Curse That Is, the long-anticipated debut full-length from Portland doom bringers, GRAVES AT SEA, now less than one month from official detonation, today Cvlt Nation -- who crowns the record,"the best doom album of 2016" -- offers up "Tempest" for communal appreciation.

Witness the corrosive enormity that is "Tempest" courtesy of Cvlt Nation at THIS LOCATION.

After issuing a series of highly-regarded demos and splits and having recently cut their teeth performing the mainstages of Maryland Deathfest, Roadburn and numerous other festivals, GRAVES AT SEA unleashes its most consuming and unapologetically ear-shattering material to date. Engineered by Greg Wilkinson (Noothgrush, Brainoil) and mastered by Brad Boatright (Sleep, YOB), The Curse That Is effortlessly fuses colossal walls of feedback-laden sound with gargantuan riffs that crush and crawl with the weight of a thousand mountains alongside thunderous rhythms meant to tear a hole in this dying earth. Coupled with self-loathing howls and shrieks of torment and demise, GRAVES AT SEA engulfs listeners in wave upon furious wave of aural misery throughout the over seventy-minute ride through Hell.

A true tour-de-force of incredible magnitude nearly fifteen years in the making, The Curse That Is will see a worldwide release on April 1st via Relapse Records.

In conjunction with the release of The Curse That Is, GRAVES AT SEA will also be embarking on a two week-long US tour alongside Order Of The Owl. See confirmed dates below.

GRAVES AT SEA w/ Order Of The Owl:

4/11/2016 The Bad Earl - Atlanta, GA 4/12/2016 Mothlight - Asheville, NC 4/13/2016 The Jinx 912 - Savannah, GA 4/14/2016 Strange Matter - Richmond, VA 4/15/2016 Metro Gallery - Baltimore, MD 4/16/2016 Kung Fu Necktie (Early Show) - Philadelphia, PA 4/17/2016 Saint Vitus Bar - Brooklyn, NY 4/18/2016 Middle East - Boston, MA 4/19/2016 Spirit - Pittsburgh, PA 4/20/2016 Ace Of Cups - Columbus, OH 4/21/2016 Sanctuary - Detroit, MI 4/22/2016 Mickey's Tavern- Madison, WI 4/23/2016 Rock Island Brewing Company - Rock Island, IL 4/24/2016 Reggie's Live - Chicago, IL

GRAVES AT SEA was forged in 2002 by friends Nick Phit and Nathan Misterek, with then-members Roger Williams and Steve Klatz (RIP). After self-releasing a demo titled Documents Of Grief, they toured extensively and were quickly noticed by Greg Anderson of Southern Lord/Sunn O))), who released their Cirrohosis/Atavist Arise seven-inch in 2004. Later in 2005, the band released a split with friends Asunder on Life Is Abuse (CD) and 20 Buck Spin (vinyl). In 2007, GRAVES AT SEA went through a lineup change when Misterek moved to Oakland, California and Phit moved to Portland, Oregon. In 2008, after playing two final shows with Chiyo Nukaga (Noothgrush) on drums and Miguel Veliz (ex-Sourvein, The Roller) on bass, the band broke up. Four years later, however, they decided to reunite with Nukaga on drums and Greg Wilkinson (Brainoil) on bass, but due to touring constraints, Nukaga and Wilkinson decided to step down.

2013 marked the band's first venture to Europe, with a lengthy tour, in addition to a string of West Coast performances. 2014 brought forth their first new material since 2005 - GRAVES AT SEA issued a split LP with Sourvein on Seventh Rule Records at the start of their second European tour (this time with Sourvein), a journey that also included appearances at Roadburn Festival and SWR Festival. The split with Sourvein was quickly followed by an EP on Eolian Records titled This Place Is Poison and numerous live US appearances, including performances at Maryland Deathfest and California's Day Of The Shred Festival. Now, after having joined forces with renowned independent label Relapse Records, GRAVES AT SEA is poised to unveil their anticipated debut, The Curse That Is.

Ludovico Technique Announces North America Tour with Leaether Strip

Dark Electronic artists Ludovico Technique have announced a full North American tour with Industrial/EBM legend Leaether Strip.

The Zoth Ommog Tour with Ludovico Technique begins on March 11th in Tampa, Florida and ends April 17th in New Orleans, Louisiana.

We're extremely pleased to be hitting the road for the Zoth Ommog tour and have a chance to connect with our fans through the one thing that matters to us the most, music. Engaging that passion and energy together are experiences that we live for and remain with us until the end of our days. -Ben V. (Vocalist) Zoth Ommog Tour Dates

3/11/16 Tampa, FL - The Orpheum 3/12/16 West Palm Beach, FL - Respectable Street Cafe 3/16/16 Richmond, VA - Fallout 3/18/16 Wilmington, DE - Bar XIII 3/19/16 New York City, NY - Stimulate 3/20/16 Providence, RI - Firehouse 13 3/23/16 Pittsburgh, PA - Brillobox 3/24/16 Cincinnati, OH - The Dock Complex 3/25/16 Detroit, MI - Smalls 3/26/16 Chicago, IL - LiveWire Lounge 3/28/16 Minneapolis, MN - The Saloon Minneapolis 3/29/16 Omaha, NE - Lookout Lounge 3/30/16 Kansas City, MO - Prohibition Hall 4/1/16 Denver, CO - The Oriental Theater 4/2/16 Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Bar SLC 4/4/16 Seattle, WA - Highline 4/5/16 Portland, OR - Star Theater 4/7/16 San Francisco, CA - Elbo Room 4/8/16 Los Angeles, CA - Complex LA 4/9/16 Tijuana, Mexico - Club Respekt 4/13/16 Tulsa, OK - The Vanguard 4/14/16 Dallas, TX - The Church 4/15/16 Austin, TX - Elysium 4/16/16 Houston, TX - Numbers 4/17/16 New Orleans, LA - The Willow

About Ludovico Technique:

Established in 2011, dark electronic band Ludovico Technique has released two albums on Metropolis Records (Skinny Puppy, Combichrist, IAMX, The Birthday Massacre etc), quickly becoming one of the label’s top performing and touring acts. They have toured extensively across North America with internationally recognized acts such as Grendel, God Module, and Imperative Reaction, as well as landing a headlining slot at the prestigious Triton Festival in New York City.

Ludovico Technique's social media has recently seen immense leaps in fan interaction as their steady touring and high profile festival appearances have kept them on the tip of everyone's tongue, with no intention of slowing down. Check out Ludovico Technique's latest video "Deeper Into You" HERE:

ROCK ON GREEN FESTIVAL June 4th 2016 @ 02 Forum London Announced

Divergent Concerts have announced the launch of a brand new one-day London metal festival for summer 2016. The inaugural Rock On Green festival, which will be taking over the O2 Forum Kentish Town from 4pm onwards on Saturday 4th June, is set to present a packed bill of established names and rising stars from the realms of symphonic, power and gothic metal.

The first acts to be announced for this exciting new event are legendary Finnish soprano and former Nightwish frontwoman Tarja Turunen, who will play her first UK show for more than two years at Rock On Green, and the Swedish power metal/metalcore juggernaut Amaranthe.

Tarja Turunen is one of the most striking, and instantly recognisable vocalists in metal. Rising to fame as the stunning, classically trained voice of symphonic metallers Nightwish, whom she fronted for 9 years, Tarja launched her hugely successful solo career in 2006. An artist of incredible range, her solo catalogue includes both classical and symphonic rock releases, which have been awarded gold and platinum in multiple countries. Her adoring British fanbase can expect to hear her showcasing cuts from her forthcoming, as-yet-untitled fourth solo album for the first time when she comes to Rock On Green in June. Tarja comments, “I am super happy to start my new heavy/rock album tour in UK!! I miss the Brits. Can’t wait to rock with you soon!”

Amaranthe are a genre-transcending, forward looking, and daringly innovative sextet from Gothenberg, noted for their three lead singers, who mix clean vocals with death growls, and melodic death metal elements with big hooks. Their third album, ‘Massive Addictive’ instantly charted in six countries on release in 2014, even reaching number one on the US Billboard heatseekers charts. The tremendous reception to the album led to an extensive world tour, including several coast-to-coast tours of the USA, a tour all round Europe and Japan, let alone numerous one-off shows. They’re currently working on a follow up, to be released at some point in 2016.

Further acts are due to be announced soon. Tickets are on sale now priced at £35 for downstairs standing, and £40 for upstairs unreserved seating/standing.

www.ticketweb.co.uk

ASKING ALEXANDRIA Debut Official New Music Video For The Track ‘Let It Sleep’

ASKING ALEXANDRIA are perfectly poised for the biggest year of their already illustrious career with the release of their fourth full-length album, The Black (March 25th). Couple that with yet another huge North American trek with fellow countrymen, Bullet For My Valentine, starting April 30th and all the pieces are set into place.

In anticipation of the release the band are very proud to present the striking, new music video for the new disc’s opening track, ‘Let It Sleep.’ The group once again teamed up with renowned director Ramon Boutviseth (Dream Theater, Nonpoint, Veil of Maya), who also shot the band’s last video for ‘The Black.’

Pre-Orders for The Black are also now exclusively available at askingalexandria.com.

Watch ‘Let It Sleep’ – Official Music Video:

askingalexandria.com

Ben Bruce (guitars) states: "Everyone has their inner demons. Everyone has their own mental fights they have to deal with. Don't let them consume you. Let them serve as a reminder that things could always be worse. Fight your inner demons and find your inner peace."

Life is all about how quickly you get back up. In January 2015, everything changed for Asking Alexandria. The chart-topping, gold-selling UK hard rock outfit parted ways with singer and founding member Danny Worsnop. On the outside, the future might’ve seemed uncertain—even grim—to some, but Ben Bruce [lead guitar, vocals], James Cassells [drums], Cameron Liddell [rhythm guitar], and Sam Bettley [bass] dusted themselves off, lifted their chins, and got right back up.

“We hadn’t reached our destination yet, and Danny had,” admits Bruce. “I think it was necessary. When it happened, I was devastated. I lost my best friend. We even started referring to this part of our career as ‘The Black period.’ It was the darkest time, but we weren’t going to give up. If he hadn’t left, I don’t think we would’ve been as inspired as we were. I also don’t think Asking Alexandria would still be around. Instead, we’re more excited than ever about this band.”

In order to properly do that, the band actually turned to a fan. Ukrainian singer Denis Stoff gained notoriety posting Asking Alexandria covers on YouTube and consequentially inked a deal with Sumerian Records in his band Down and Dirty. Bruce shot him an email one night. The next day, a new Asking Alexandria song had vocals and a new era in the band’s history took form.

Asking Alexandria have been announced to play at this years Reading and Leeds festivals August 26-28 2016.

Levitika - "Zombie Barbie"

Check out Levitika's music video for her track "Zombie Barbie". The track which is available for purchase now on iTunes was produced by Jeff Blue (Linkin Park, Korn, Limp Bizkit), and the video was directed by Nima Nabili Rad (Justice Crew, Martin Garrix, Dami Im). The song will be going to U.S. radio in April, and Levitika will be doing a U.S. tour this spring.

Levitika - "Zombie Barbie"



"Zombie" is used to signify the suppression of our inner self and true self due too societal pressures. Thus, resulting in a death of certain outward expression or actions, restricting us from truly expressing or being ourselves. This in turn leaves us as the, walking, talking dead, hence a Zombie.

"Barbie" is used to signify the plastic (lacking in cognitive substance) superficial as well as materialist ideology and mentality constantly placed upon us in society. As the song says, “Conceived a product of your fantasy” and “my plastic heart and eyes this superficial life”, the message is expressing that we are born into this world to only be bombarded by societal influences, in turn affecting our development and self identity. The mention of a “Plastic Heart” in particular suggests that society has gotten the better of some people. These individuals have grown into this creature “Zombie Barbie” with a heart dead to themselves, converted to plastic conforming to societal ideals. Placing utmost importance on the martial e.g. money, aesthetics, power, etc.

Zombie Barbie was written and producer in the US with multi-platinum music producer Jeff Blue and Steve Dresser. The concept was based on the matters discussed above combined with Levitika’s artist image (tall/blonde, hence barbie) and a love for the dark and theatrical (hence Zombie).

The core message of the song is be who you are, be real and don’t let society override your identity. It's saying that people should be free to be who they are and express themselves in the way that they want to express themselves and that is very important. - Levitika