Abandon the Broken is a metalcore/deathcore band from Raleigh, North Carolina. They have just released their debut EP, The Next Chapter, and posted several tracks to their YouTube page. Here are a couple of songs, just to get you started:
“The Next Chapter”
“Overseer”
“Inner Demons”
Band: Sevendust
Album: All I See Is War
Genre: Rock/Metal
Release Date: May 11, 2018
Standout Tracks: “Descend,” “Moments,” “Not Original,” “Life Deceives You,” and “Medicated”
I am not one of the Sevendust faithful, so to speak. I don’t watch the calendar and count the days until the Georgian metal band’s next release. However, when I read Lou Brutus’s praise for All I See Is War, I knew I needed to check it out.
I was not disappointed. Though I found the first two tracks — “Dirty” and “Risen” — to be par for the course, there is something about the album as a whole that really appealed to me. The latter half, in particular, really jumps out.
I have always appreciated Lajon Witherspoon and company’s lack of fear when it comes to showing a softer side to their typically hard-hitting music (“Skeleton Song,” anyone?). Needless to say, the melodic heaviness and gorgeous crooning on tracks such as “Descend,” “Moments,” and “Life Deceives You” were the highlights for me.
All I See Is War has the staples that Sevendust fans have loved for the last two decades. Add in the time-relevant lyrics and the ratio of melancholy, ruthless, and groove-driven, and you get a record that is a must for any music collection.
As a side note, I would like to say that I don’t even have the words to describe “Not Original.” Lajon’s vocal delivery is worthy of chills, and the guitar work from Clint Lowery and John Connolly carry the soulful performance to new heights. It is definitely my favorite song on the album.
Overall, I would give All I See Is War 4/5 stars. A balance of old and new, there are plenty of interesting elements here that make me excited for the future of Sevendust.
I can’t believe I’m writing another one of these…
Ben Graves (Murderdolls, Dope, Pretty Boy Floyd, Davey Suicide) passed away on Wednesday, May 9th. His fiancée Lydia posted this on Facebook:
“This is incredibly hard for me to write this, but I know it is necessary because Ben has so many friends and fans.
Most of you don’t know that Ben has been battling cancer for the last 11 months. It was his decision to keep his health very quiet.
Ben passed away today, May 9th 2018, from complications due to his cancer. His diagnosis was grim but he fought a long and hard battle to try and beat it and overcome the odds. Some battles can’t be won no matter how hard you try.
Please respect me, his family and close friends while we grieve. Even though we knew it was eventually coming, the complication was sudden and very unexpected.
It’s devastating to lose someone you love more than yourself. My heart is broken, my heart died with him.
We will be taking him home to Massachusetts. I will organize a memorial for Ben’s LA friends, details to follow.”
Guys…I am at a loss. I’ve been a fan of Ben’s since 2002, when my best friend played me “Love at First Fright” by the Murderdolls (her discovery based on the fact that Joey Jordison was their guitarist).
Fuck cancer.
I had not fully appreciated how many songs Marilyn Manson has covered throughout his career — until now. I’m not going to include the ones he performed live that are not somewhere on the internet, because I’ve never heard them. Makes sense, right? 🙂
Here we go, in no particular order.
1. “The KKK Took My Baby Away” (The Ramones)
2. “Golden Years” (David Bowie)
3. “In the Ghetto” (Elvis Presley)
4. “Working Class Hero” (John Lennon)
5. “What Goes Around…Comes Around” (Justin Timberlake)
Guys. He covered Justin Timberlake. Oh my God. ❤
6. “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” (Johnny Cash)
7. “20th Century Boy” (T. Rex)
8. “Down in the Park” (Tubeway Army)
9. “Tainted Love” (Gloria Jones)
10. “Get My Rocks Off” (Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show)
I tried to focus on his less well-known covers, but I had to include “Tainted Love.” It’s just so good! Also, I have a couple of honorable mentions:
“You’re So Vain” (Carly Simon)
“This is Halloween” (Danny Elfman)
Sometimes I fan-girl, okay? 😉
Ben Bruce is the lead guitarist for Asking Alexandria. He also plays Leo Donovan in American Satan (sorry, I am obsessed with that movie). And he happens to be adorable… sexy… whatever…
Still not convinced? Visit his Instagram. His hashtags are the best; I live for them. 😍❤
In honor of their 2018 world tour, BABYMETAL released a surprise single today. This is “Distortion.”
I decided to start doing this once a week. I am following so many bands/artists on my various social media, and I think y’all should be too! Also, if you have recommendations of your own, feel free to comment!
1. Skellington
A metal band from Sweden, Skellington is currently working on new music. You can hear all of their music on Spotify, but to make your lives easier:
Check them out on Facebook and Instagram.
2. Devils Envy
I shared their most recent single, “Psycho,” not too long ago. Devils Envy is a kick-ass rock band from Orlando, Florida. Here is the video for “Look At Me Now.”
Facebook — Instagram — YouTube
3. Evestus
Evestus is an industrial rock/nu-goth/dark grunge band from Estonia. You can search for them on Spotify or just listen to this:
Facebook — Instagram — YouTube
4. 9Electric
9Electric is an electronic hard rock band from Los Angeles, California. Front man Ron Underwood was formerly in the band Opiate for the Masses.
Facebook — Instagram — YouTube
5. Throne of Eden
I’ve gotta share at least one band from my home state of Alabama. Throne of Eden is a rock band, for fans of Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet For My Valentine, etc. Their debut album, The Final Days, is now available on Spotify, iTunes, and the like.
Alice in Chains is back with “The One You Know” from their upcoming, still untitled album.
Asking Alexandria — “Alone in a Room,” from the self-titled album (2017).
Listen to “When the Seasons Change” from Five Finger Death Punch’s upcoming release, And Justice For None, available May 18th.
Mostly Music 