bands you should know

5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following (#13)

July 4, 2018 — 1 Comment

This is the Alabama edition! We have a lot of talent in my home state and I wanted to share it with the rest of you!

1. Common Rarity

Self-proclaimed “alternative odd rock.” I discovered these guys when I added bassist JD Smalley on Facebook. (I always check out my FB friends’ bands.) For fans of The Cure, The Clash, The Smashing Pumpkins, etc. Common Rarity is currently working on their second album and booking shows to spread their brand of rock.

Facebook – Instagram – Spotify – Official Site

2. By All Means

Rock/Alternative/Heavy Metal. For fans of Sevendust, Shinedown, Tremonti, etc. By All Means have released the Buried EP, which you can hear on their official site or Soundcloud.

Official Site – Twitter – Facebook

3. Burn the Harlot

Hard Rock/Heavy Metal. For fans of Skindred, Avenged Sevenfold, Alice in Chains, etc. Burn the Harlot’s album Calm Before the Storm is now available!

Facebook — Instagram — Twitter

4. All or Nothing

Alternative/Metal. For fans of Escape the Fate, Black Veil Brides, Rise Against, etc. All or Nothing just released their self-titled EP, available on Spotify and iTunes. Listen to “Napalm” and “Mauled By Jackalopes” here:

Facebook – Instagram

5. Who Shot Lizzy?

Southern Rock/Country. I am familiar with Who Shot Lizzy? because of Roger Jones, who is an extremely talented musician that spans multiple genres. For fans of Zac Brown Band, David Allan Coe, Eric Church, etc. Who Shot Lizzy? is playing in Lyons, Georgia, at Kerrigan’s Lounge, July 5th — 7th.

Facebook — YouTube

5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following (#12)

June 28, 2018 — Leave a comment

1. Stone Horses

An alternative rock band from Maryland. For fans of Jack White, The Black Keys, Highly Suspect, etc. Stone Horses has a show at Baltimore Soundstage on July 13th. Check out their first official video, “Reckless Ways.”

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube

2. Hand of the Tribe

A hard rock/metal band from Massachusetts. For fans of Sevendust, HellYeah, Godsmack, etc. Hand of the Tribe has recently been getting airplay on Rock Rage Radio. Listen to “Everything Is Love” and “Moonwalk” now.

https://youtu.be/A51mJEa6Ydw

Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

3. Gravitation

A hard rock, female-fronted band from North Carolina. For fans of New Year’s Day, Halestorm, Evanescence, etc. Gravitation has a few upcoming shows, the dates of which you can find on their Facebook. Here are “The Other Side” and “Breathe.”

Twitter – YouTube

4. Within the Grey

A hard rock/metal band from Illinois. For fans of Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Five Finger Death Punch, etc. Within the Grey just released three new tracks, all of which are available on Spotify. Listen to “Take The Blame” here:

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube

5. Thrillchaser

An alternative pop/rock band from Rhode Island. For fans of CHVRCHES, Fun, Hozier, etc. Thrillchaser just released their debut album, A Lot Like Love. Check out the title track and “Like That.”

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube

5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following (#11)

June 25, 2018 — Leave a comment

1. KAATO

A rock band hailing from Australia and Tennessee. For fans of classic rock such as Tom Petty, Rod Stewart, The Black Crowes, etc. Check out “High Time” from KAATO’s self-titled album.

https://youtu.be/413WKUofIhg

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube

2. Awake At Last

A dark pop/hard rock/post-hardcore band from Delaware. For fans of Crown the Empire, Ice Nine Kills, Get Scared, etc. Awake At Last will be hitting the road in early July, including a few dates on Vans Warped Tour. Here are “King of the World” and “Never Be A Memory.”

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube – Instagram

3. Relapse Symphony

A rock band from Washington DC. For fans of Black Veil Brides, Vampires Everywhere!, I Prevail, etc. Relapse Symphony is busy working on new things; meanwhile, vocalist Bret Von Dehl has released an EP with his side project, Heathens. Listen to “One More Yesterday” and “Born To Burn.”

https://youtu.be/ULRZlk2VcZA

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube

4. Betrayer (UK)

A hardcore band from England. For fans of Slipknot, Hatebreed, Killswitch Engage, etc. Betrayer’s EP, Body of Integrity, will be released on June 28th. Check out the first two singles from the EP, “Integrity” and “Embodiment.”

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube

5. Badflower

A rock band from California. For fans of Led Zeppelin, Greta Van Fleet, The Band, etc. Badflower is currently on the road. Listen to their latest single, “Ghost,” and my favorite of their songs, “The Jester.”

https://youtu.be/MAa6O6IjB1c

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube

5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following (#10)

June 20, 2018 — Leave a comment

I can’t believe this is the tenth installment! Thank you to the fans and the bands for the response!

1. American Grim

Rock band from New Jersey. For fans of The Murderdolls, Marilyn Manson, etc. American Grim is currently on the Beauty and the Beast Tour with Hail Sagan. Check out “Freakshow,” from the album of the same name, and “Burn Hollywood.”

Facebook – Instagram – YouTube

2. Davey Suicide

Goth rock from California. For fans of Wednesday 13, Deadstar Assembly, Dope, etc. Davey Suicide will be touring this winter in support of their latest record, Made From Fire. Here is the third single, “No Angel,” along with my favorite Davey Suicide song, “Hustler Queen.”

Facebook – Instagram – YouTube

3. Throw the Fight

A rock/metal/alternative band from Minnesota. For fans of Thrice, early Black Veil Brides, Nonpoint, etc. Throw the Fight is playing the Music Fights Back Festival in Wisconsin on June 23rd. Listen to “Don’t Let Me Down” and “Bury Me Alive.”

https://youtu.be/WlZXcTGP8wM

https://youtu.be/dGBHEud8J7k

Facebook – Instagram – YouTube

4. TrueHeights

An alternative rock band from the UK. For fans of You Me At Six, 30 Seconds to Mars, I Prevail, etc. TrueHeights just released their second EP, Days We Found, in April. Here are the tracks “Exit Route” and “Still Moving Colour.”

Facebook – Instagram – YouTube

5. Bitch Queens

A punk rock band from Switzerland. For fans of Turbonegro, The Stooges, the Ramones, etc. Bitch Queens will be playing Marina Basel in July, then they’re heading to the UK in September. Enjoy their latest single, “Techno is Dead,” featuring David Baguetta!

And “Anti-Social,” the first song by Bitch Queens I heard:

Facebook – Instagram – YouTube

5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following (#9)

June 17, 2018 — Leave a comment

I decided to do a post honoring female-fronted bands. Most of those listed probably don’t need my help, but maybe this will help them gain a few new fans.

1. City of the Weak

A rock/alternative band from Minnesota. For fans of Paramore, The Distillers, Fit For Rivals, etc. City of the Weak is releasing their debut album, Pulling Teeth, on June 22nd. Check out their cover of Incubus’s “Pardon Me” and 2017’s “Ungrateful.”

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube

2. Hail Sagan

An electronic rock band from California. For fans of Bring Me the Horizon, Flyleaf, The Relentless, etc. Hail Sagan is currently on The Beauty and the Beast Tour, alongside American Grim.

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube

3. New Years Day

A hard rock band from California. For fans of Evanescence, The Pretty Reckless, etc. New Years Day will be on the road with In This Moment and Halestorm later this summer!

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube

4. Stitched Up Heart

A rock band from California. Of a similar vibe to New Years Day, so if you like Evanescence, Halestorm, etc., give Stitched Up Heart a chance. The band has begun writing new stuff.

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube

5. Butcher Babies

A metal band from California. For fans of Arch Enemy, Cradle of Filth, In This Moment, etc. Butcher Babies are playing the Gathering of the Juggalos, which is taking place July 18th – 21st in Ohio. They also just released their album Lilith. Check out the title track below.

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube

5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following (#8)

June 13, 2018 — 1 Comment

1. Aesthetic Perfection

Industrial pop from California. For fans of Combichrist, Sköld, Grendel, etc. Aesthetic Perfection just released their most recent EP, Ebb and Flow, in February. Below are the title track and my personal favorite AP song, “A Quiet Anthem” from 2008’s A Violent Emotion.

Facebook — YouTube — Spotify

2. Of Empires

Rock outta the UK. For fans of The Doors, Joy Division, and Queens of the Stone Age. Of Empires is a unique blend of classic, psychedelic, and blues rock. Check out “Susie” on Spotify, then watch the video for “Baby Darlin’ Sugar.”

Facebook — Instagram — YouTube

3. Blue Helix

A rock/grunge band whose members hail from both Washington and Brazil. For fans of Soundgarden, Tool, Fuel, etc. Listen to their latest single, “Antisocial Butterfly.”

Facebook — Instagram — Twitter — YouTube

4. Death Valley High

Death disco/goth rock from California. For fans of Bauhaus, Samhain, Crosses, etc. Death Valley High incorporates cinematic elements, along with new wave and dance, for music that is both fun and catchy. My favorite song is “Multiply.”

And here’s their most recent video, “Play Dead.”

Facebook — Instagram — YouTube

5. Super bob

A blend of rock, hip-hop, and electronic music from Washington DC. For fans of Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Skrillex, etc. Super bob is one of the most entertaining bands you will ever see live. Their energy is infectious. Here is the title track from their last album, Killer.

And 2017’s “Great Big World.”

Facebook — Instagram — YouTube

5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following (#7)

June 5, 2018 — Leave a comment

This installment could get rather lengthy. I saw three of the featured bands a few weeks ago, so I have a lot to say.

1. Locust Grove

A hard rock band from Oklahoma. These guys put on a kick ass live show, and they mean it when they say they’re bringing heavy guitar riffs back to rock. Lots of hair, gritty yet melodic vocals, and riffs reminiscent of Five Finger Death Punch, Sevendust, etc., Locust Grove could easily be your new favorite band. Check out the tracks “Monster” and “Menace of Society” below.

Facebook – Instagram – YouTube

2. Joyous Wolf

A rock band from California. These guys have been setting the world on fire this spring, being signed to a major label and playing such festivals as Carolina Rebellion and Rocklahoma. Joyous Wolf puts on one of the most energetic performances I’ve ever seen, in addition to their raw talent. I will not compare them to anyone else, but I will tell you they blend rock-n-roll, blues, and southern rock masterfully. The guys have currently left the road to record their first album. Here’s a taste of what you can expect.

https://youtu.be/T3Pi4FTXQco

Facebook – Instagram – YouTube

3. Blacktop Mojo

A hard rock/Southern rock band from Texas. You may have heard their cover of Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” thanks to Sirius XM Octane. Blacktop Mojo employs all the best elements of classic rock, rock-n-roll, and Southern rock to bring fans a sound that is pure joy to the ears. They put on a fantastic show, doing whatever it takes and giving 110% every time. It’s no wonder they have already cultivated quite the following. You can look at their tour dates on Facebook…and if you’re going to Louder Than Life in September, you will see them there!

4. Icon For Hire

A pop/rock/alternative band from Tennessee. For fans of Paramore, Pink, PVRIS, etc. Icon For Hire just finished a spring tour. Listen to them below and keep your eyes open for updates/announcements!

5. Dead Like Juliet

A hard rock/metal band from Italy. For fans of Bring Me the Horizon, The Amity Affliction, early Asking Alexandria, etc. You can get Dead Like Juliet’s latest album, Stranger Shores, now! Here is the most recent single, “Unwanted.”

And just because I like it…

Facebook – Instagram – YouTube

Bands You Should Know: Hot Gospel

June 3, 2018 — Leave a comment

Hot Gospel reached out to me via Instagram, requesting that I give them a listen. What they didn’t know is…they were already on my list of bands to check out. Based on my love of Asking Alexandria, Every Time I Die, and others, Hot Gospel seemed to fit the bill nicely.

I jumped on YouTube and listened to the songs available there, just to get a taste. I started with “Thanks For The Blood.” The opening riff hooked me immediately, and while I fully appreciate the growling screams, the clean vocals were very nice, reminiscent of early era M. Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold) mixed with Ben Bruce (Asking Alexandria). Honestly, the track filled me with the urge to dive into a mosh pit.

I followed the link to their Bandcamp for more. The best thing about Hot Gospel, in my humble opinion, is the fact that they don’t fall into the standard metal/hardcore sound. Many bands tend to become complacent, but thus far, Hot Gospel is nowhere close. They include the elements of several genres, then add their own unique twist to tie it all together.

I would highly recommend Hot Gospel to anyone who appreciates a fresh approach to a favorite genre. The band is currently recording a new EP, to be released in August/September. A single and music video will be out even sooner, so keep your eyes peeled; you know I’ll be sharing it here!

Check out the songs below and be sure to visit Hot Gospel on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, and their official site. If you sign up for their mailing list, you will get free stuff and merch discount codes!

5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following (#6)

May 30, 2018 — Leave a comment

1. Midnight Blackout

A post hardcore/math rock band from France. For fans of Every Time I Die, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Converge, etc. You can listen to their debut EP, Hangover, on Spotify or YouTube. For a taste of what you can expect, check out “Lorenzo.”

Facebook — Instagram

2. Amerakin Overdose

AOD is a mix of industrial, hard rock, metal, and even a bit of pop. They hail from Oregon. For fans of Nine Inch Nails, Mushroomhead, Static-X, etc. Amerakin Overdose will be hitting the road for a summer tour, kicking off June 29th. Here is my favorite song from them, “Letting Go.”

Facebook — Instagram — YouTube

3. Advocates

A hard rock/metal/post hardcore band from Australia. For fans of early Atreyu, Memphis May Fire, Blessthefall, etc. Check out “Destructive Tendencies” from 2016’s The Complex Truth.

Facebook — Instagram — YouTube

4. Values

A melodic metal/hardcore band from the UK. For fans of early Asking Alexandria, Mastodon, Beartooth, etc. Listen to the latest single, “Hopeless,” below!

Facebook — Instagram

5. Marquis of Vaudeville

A truly unique band from Dallas. Best described as alternative/carnivalesque rock/psychedelic punk cabaret. I don’t know how to do a “for fans of,” but perhaps I can say if you liked the music from The Devil’s Carnival, or just Emilie Autumn, you’ll like Marquis of Vaudeville. I’m sharing the first song I listened to, and I highly encourage you to check out more.

Facebook — Instagram — YouTube

5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following (#5)

May 26, 2018 — 1 Comment

1. Fortunate Me

A hardcore/metalcore band from Idaho. For fans of Asking Alexandria, Of Mice and Men, Every Time I Die, etc. Check out their latest video below.

And the song that turned me on to them:

Facebook — Instagram — YouTube

2. Copper Bones

A hard rock/metal two-piece band from Florida. For fans of good rock music! I literally don’t know who to compare them to; there’s a hint of Brother Cane with a touch of an almost classic rock sound. Don’t take my word for it. Listen to “The Vulture.”

Facebook — Instagram — YouTube

3. January Jane

A pop/rock band from NYC. Slightly reminiscent of Fun and Maroon 5, with catchy sing-along moments, strong vocals, and music you can dance to. January Jane is currently working on new music. In the meantime, listen to “Take the Lions On.”

Facebook — Instagram — Spotify

4. Echo Black

A dance rock band from New York. For fans of Blaqk Audio, Blutengel, Kill Hannah, etc. I would highly suggest listening to multiple songs before forming an opinion, because these guys bring something different to the table every time. Here’s the title track from their debut album, Dawn.

And also, “Perfect,” which I just love.

Facebook — Instagram — YouTube

5. October Ends

A melodic metal band from the UK. For fans of All That Remains, Bullet For My Valentine, Lamb of God, etc. Check out the latest video for the track “Dismissal.”

Facebook — Instagram — YouTube