new music

Carbonstone Explores the Complexities of Relationships in New Single “White Noise”

February 14, 2024 — Leave a comment

Carbonstone is releasing a new song, “White Noise,” on February 17, 2024, and this is one you don’t wanna miss! I was given an early listen of the forthcoming release, and it is certainly a standout track in the Carbonstone library.

“White Noise” has an edge, musically revisiting the band’s heavier side. The aggressiveness of the guitars, carried by the combination of a driving drum beat and rapid-fire bass line, are the perfect foundation for a song that is thematically dark. 

Front man Corey James utilizes his voice to evoke a visceral reaction from his listeners. The melodic delivery of the verses offers an audibly interesting contrast to the music; the clear intonation, almost a croon, lends beauty to the tale of heartache: “You poison everything, like you did to me…” Both the lyrics and the vocal performance speak of disappointment, a resignation to the situation our narrator finds himself in. “Somewhere I can’t be found, and now this wavelength is severed/We’re nothing but white noise.” 

However, as the track progresses, anger and frustration leak through, raw growls woven intricately throughout until the breakdown, when they crescendo into a lengthy scream of catharsis. “Suffocating, close to breaking, you left me buried alive,” Corey snarls, and a strong sense of breaking free seems to be implied. Perhaps the struggle is not yet over, but the light at the end of the tunnel has been seen.

“White Noise” is a song that deals with the complexities of our relationships, romantic and otherwise, and does so in a way with which we all can connect. This is a must-hear, so head to Spotify, presave it, and get ready for Friday!

Seethe Spontaneously Drops New EP, Cavalier Dualities

February 12, 2024 — Leave a comment

Alternative/trap metal artist Seethe surprised his followers by abruptly releasing an EP, entitled Cavalier Dualities, to Bandcamp on January 29th. (It has since gone live on all major streaming platforms.) Staying true to the glitchy, yet melodic, sound that I have come to associate with Seethe, this trilogy of tracks is an eight minute, thirty-four second emotional purge – for both artist and listener.

Cavalier Dualities is a brief glimpse into the repeating cycle of various mental health issues, depression prevalent among them. Seethe never backs down from addressing darker subject matter, and this is again apparent in all three songs.

“Medicate” is the beginning phase. Whatever the struggle is with – mental health, addiction, etc. – this track references the attempt to best it, to medicate and cope and hopefully ascend from the depths, maybe even defeat it one day. 

This is followed by “Smile.” In Seethe’s own words, “Smile” is about how, in life, sometimes all one can do is smile and move forward. Throughout the fight with one’s own personal demons is the occasional necessity to fake it ’til you make it, as they say.

The EP concludes with “In Two,” a heart-rending song in which our narrator realizes (s)he is back in the hole, that (s)he had a brief moment in the light but has yet again fallen into the rut. This brings us back to the start, the need to medicate, and the cycle continues.

The discordant music and vocal stylings seems to reflect the frustration and hopelessness that colors the whole sordid tale, a cry of “I’ve been here before and failed, but I have to keep trying.” And while Cavalier Dualities may be a story borne from the artist’s own battles, it is relatable to anyone who has ever persevered through a private, often unseen, war with oneself.

You can listen to Cavalier Dualities on your favorite streaming service! And once you’ve checked out the EP, ready yourself for Seethe’s next release: the new single, “Away,” which is dropping on Valentine’s Day!

Make sure you follow Seethe on his various socials so you never miss an update!

We Are The Virus Delivers With New Instrumental Track “Get Bent”

February 7, 2024 — Leave a comment

Louisiana-based metal project We Are The Virus is releasing new music on February 29th! Put together and performed by front man Ryan Henry, “Get Bent” is an instrumental piece that clocks in at 3 minutes, 20 seconds. 

The driving beat and intricate thrum of the bass form a solid foundation, and for the first minute or so, a rock-oriented riff is crafted upon this pedestal. But don’t let that lull you into complacency! At roughly the 1:14 mark, the listener is carried into a journey of guitar work, from delay effects to a shredding solo that speaks of WATV’s classic metal influences. The song then falls back into a maelstrom of drums, bass, and guitar, building to its rather abrupt ending.

The story behind the track? According to Ryan, the inspiration was a literal “get bent” to those people who are nothing but a problem in your life. Where words fail, music speaks, as they say, and “Get Bent” is a musically blistering “not anymore” to those who need to be dismissed for your own peace of mind.

Don’t miss “Get Bent” on your favorite streaming service, and be sure to follow We Are The Virus on their various socials so you never miss an update! And, if you would like to learn more about the band, check out the interview I did with Ryan back in November 2023.

Skies of Terra Explore the Intricacies of Despair and Hope in New Single “Trinity”

January 6, 2024 — Leave a comment

Skies of Terra is a post-hardcore/prog rock band hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Thus far, they have released a full-length album entitled Lunar and two EPs: The Party is Over and its successor of remixes called The Party Isn’t Over. The band is gearing up to drop its second full-length record later this year, and the first single, “Trinity,” will be available to stream on January 11th.

“Trinity” is an emotional journey from the depths of despair to the hope of finding someone, or something, to lift you out of that black hole. “Watching the sun as it shines/It burns this hole in my eyes,” sings vocalist/instrumentalist Euclides Polanco. “Meteors crashing/Becoming one with the end of the times.” Lyrics that seem to be acceptance of overwhelming darkness quickly switch to a heartfelt desire for the help to rise above it.

“Will you be the one whose hands intertwine with mine?/Whose heart feels the same type of fire as mine?” Polanco questions, a lost soul seeking that which will guide him from his misery. “…I’m looking for the one to catch me as I’m falling away/Catch me now before I break…”

With the play of Polanco’s raging growls and melodic singing, interspersed with vocalist Justin Townsend’s raw screams, Skies of Terra carries the listener from an opening of bleakness and defeat, through cries for help and the longing to meet someone who can save you, or even just battle the demons by your side. The climax comes towards the end of the second verse, when the recurring theme of being thrown a lifeline reaches its most desperate moment. “Save me from myself, I’m falling!” roars Justin, the vulnerable words tinged with frustration and a heart-wrenching need for connection.

The track ends with a final query – “Will you be the one?” – leaving the listener with the aching hope that deliverance will be given, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

If “Trinity” is a sign of things to come, then y’all better hold on tight because 2024 with Skies of Terra is going to be a wild ride! Be sure to presave the song and follow Skies of Terra on their various socials so you never miss an update!

AccidFerry Get Groovy With New Single “Monkey Dance”

November 13, 2023 — Leave a comment

Liverpudlian prog-rockers AccidFerry released their latest single, “Monkey Dance,” on November 4th. The band describes the track as “a laid-back groove that [lead guitarist/vocalist] Krawczyk had hidden in his closet for 10 years.” It is all that and more.

According to AccidFerry’s Facebook, “Monkey Dance” will be used to kick off gigs, and I can’t think of a more perfect intro. The song hits the ground running, a simple funky beat setting the tone for what’s to come. Quickly joined by matching bass and guitar, the band builds a groove that is sure to get listeners moving.

The lyrics reiterate the statement the music seems to be making, encouraging the listener to move all night long and promising to “keep the groove alive” – a vow that is delivered throughout the entire 4:04 run time.

The standout portion of “Monkey Dance” for me began at 2:39. AccidFerry throws in a guitar solo, followed by a bass-heavy breakdown and a brief jam session to close out the track. I was definitely feeling the retro vibes for the final 1:25 of the song.

Overall, “Monkey Dance” is a fun and catchy track that will have you dancing and shamelessly singing along. The talent among this group of musicians is undeniable, and while the solo is the most obvious, there are a lot of interesting things deftly woven into the bigger picture. (Pay attention to that bass!)

You can listen to “Monkey Dance” on Spotify, or whatever your favorite major music platform may be. I’m also embedding the audio here, via YouTube.

And don’t forget to give AccidFerry a follow on their various socials!

New Music Alert! Thunderous Jones: “HeREtiC”

November 10, 2023 — Leave a comment

UK metal band Thunderous Jones returns with their new single, “HeREtiC.” The track is off their forthcoming EP A Heart From Hell, set to be released in early 2024.

“HeREtiC” comes in like a punch to the face, with brutal riffs, a driving beat, and dark lyrics that express the more harrowing side of religion. The play between thrash and groove, paired with harsh vocals interspersed with cleans that are reminiscent of Corey Taylor, give this song balance and keeps the ear interested. And that’s all before even mentioning the breakdown around the 3-minute mark.

“HeREtiC” is available to stream on all major digital platforms as of today! You can check out the video on Spaceuntravel’s YouTube channel!

Be sure to find and follow Thunderous Jones on all their socials:

The Beatles’ Final Song, “Now and Then,” is Here

November 3, 2023 — Leave a comment

“Now and Then” was written and sung by John Lennon years ago. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison had worked on it prior to George’s death, and now, Paul and Ringo have finished it and released it for the world to hear. The track is beautiful and emotional, and the video – directed by Peter Jackson – is an absolute tear-jerker. Check it out here:

Seethe Shows Off Hard Rock Chops With New Track “Feather”

October 29, 2023 — Leave a comment

I have always been impressed with Seethe’s eclectic mix of sounds and how he utilizes different genres to tell a story. Each song seems to have something for everyone, from an edge of industrial, to the heaviest of nu metal and threads of rap, djent, and trap, and that’s without even mentioning the way he can manipulate his voice, or his lyrics!

Seethe just dropped a new track today, entitled “Feather,” and it’s a certified banger, venturing into the more hard rock/alternative metal oriented side of the artist. The music itself is cleaner, less harsh and distorted than songs such as “Can’t Breathe,” and lends itself to the fact that Seethe can take on any genre and own it.

See for yourself. Check out “Feather” here or on Deezer and Spotify.

Brother Cane Releases First New Music in 25 Years

October 21, 2023 — Leave a comment

Alabama-based rockers Brother Cane shared two singles today, “Blinded by the Sun” and “Are You in There Anymore?” These are the first new songs the band has put out in 25 years!

Brother Cane formed in 1991 and released albums in 1993, 1995, and 1998. The band parted ways thereafter, but they reformed in 2005 and 2011, and have been steadily active again since 2022.

“Blinded by the Sun” and “Are You in There Anymore?” were produced and mixed by Marti Frederiksen. Both tracks are now available on all streaming platforms, or you can listen below. Check them out and visit brothercane.com for news, tour dates, and more!

Catch Brother Cane at a city near you on their 30th Anniversary Tour!