1. Joan Jett & the Blackhearts: “I Love Rock N Roll” (The Arrows cover)
2. Bile: “Love Stinks” (The J. Geils Band cover)
3. Ghost: “Here Comes the Sun” (The Beatles cover)
1. Joan Jett & the Blackhearts: “I Love Rock N Roll” (The Arrows cover)
2. Bile: “Love Stinks” (The J. Geils Band cover)
3. Ghost: “Here Comes the Sun” (The Beatles cover)
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.
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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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.
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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.
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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…
Badflower — “Mother Mary”
John 5 and the Creatures — “Making Monsters”
1. The Relentless: “Personal Jesus” (Depeche Mode cover)
2. The Relentless: “Nights in White Satin” (The Moody Blues cover)
3. The Relentless: “Hey Hey, My My” (Neil Young/Crazy Horse cover)
Marilyn Manson — “The Mephistopheles of Los Angeles”
Danko Jones — “Lovercall”
Marilyn Manson — “Killing Strangers”
Marilyn Manson — “Cupid Carries a Gun,” from the album The Pale Emperor (2015).