Simply because it has my favorite Crüe song, “Primal Scream,” on it ❤

Simply because it has my favorite Crüe song, “Primal Scream,” on it ❤

Mötley Crüe — “Primal Scream”
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!
Badflower — “Mother Mary”
Download Festival is happening next weekend, June 8th — June 10th. In case you haven’t already seen the lineup, here it is!

There are a lot of good bands playing, you lucky peeps! Lol. If you’re going, have fun! ❤
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, as I haven’t been in the best place mentally or emotionally for the past month. Music is the only thing that makes sense anymore.
I know we all have those songs that make us feel good, but what about the ones that are like a balm to our bruised hearts/souls? My recent struggles have led me to a few discoveries, one of which surprised me very much.
Alter Bridge: “I Know It Hurts”
Myles Kennedy is the king of uplifting lyrics. I can name a track from each Alter Bridge album that could be on this list, but “I Know It Hurts” takes the spot because of one simple line: “Now is not forever.” Sometimes, that is the best thing to remember.
Alter Bridge: “All Ends Well”
I said Myles was the king, right? “If you believe in nothing else, just keep believing in yourself.”
Almost Kings: “Better Than This”
There are actually a couple of songs from these Georgia natives that I could have chosen. However, “Better Than This” immediately struck a chord in me. I understand it so much more now.
Asking Alexandria: “Alone in a Room”
I know, I know. I haven’t shut up about this band or this song, but the lyrics describe my mindset so accurately that it’s scary.
Linkin Park: “Heavy”
Honestly, isn’t it nice to know you’re not the only one? This song has brought me to tears more than once, especially following Chester’s death.
Asking Alexandria: “Under Denver”
“Just wait and see, just sit and breathe.”
Andy Black: “Put the Gun Down”
This was the one that surprised me. I hadn’t listened to Andy’s solo record, then I randomly decided to let it play on Amazon. I ended up with this song on repeat. I couldn’t have found it at a better moment.
Blink-182: “Adam’s Song”
Self-explanatory.
Fun: “Carry On”
“May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground. Carry on.”
Modest Mouse: “Float On”
My line has always been “Don’t worry, even if things end up a bit too heavy. We’ll all float on alright.”
Sisters Doll: “Strutt”
Asking Alexandria: “Someone, Somewhere” (Acoustic)
Wayward Sons: “Don’t Wanna Go”
Kamelot: “Amnesiac”
Gwenmarie White: “Skjemt Blod” (Bad Blood)
BrokenRail: “Ghosts of Tomorrow”
Trophy Eyes: “You Can Count On Me”
Halestorm: “Uncomfortable”
Veld: “Hatred Forever Dispersed”
Coheed & Cambria: “The Dark Sentencer”
Good Charlotte: “Actual Pain”
Bad Wolves: “Change (In the House of Flies)”
Slightly Stoopid ft. Chali 2na: “Higher Now”
Tremonti: “As the Silence Becomes Me”
Jesus Piece: “Curse of the Serpent”
Bury Tomorrow: “Knife of Gold”
Kataklysm: “Outsider”
Leprous: “Golden Prayers”
Hollywood Undead: “Gotta Let Go”
Atrocity: “Bloodshed and Triumph”
The 1975: “Give Yourself a Try”
Chelsea Grin: “Hostage”
Bad Wolves: “Remember When”
Fit For a King: “Tower of Pain”
Gorillaz: “Humility”
Mayday Parade: “It’s Hard To Be Religious When Certain People Are Never Incinerated By Bolts Of Lightning”
At Most Fear ft. Fronzilla: “Wicked”
Lord of the Lost — “Miss Machine”
Pinkly Smooth — “Mezmer”
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.”
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.”
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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.
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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!
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.