Album of the Week: Paramore’s Riot!

Just thinking about “Misery Business” gives me flashbacks. Riot! was the soundtrack to a lot of good times in college.

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

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…

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New Music (5/28 — 6/3)

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”

Artist to Watch: Liam B. Smith

Liam B. Smith is an indie rock artist from Virginia. His latest single, entitled “Keep Your Head Up,” is a wonderfully refreshing reminder of a time when rock wasn’t afraid to showcase the fun elements of pop.

The instant the track starts, you can’t help bobbing your head. The combination of Liam’s clean vocals, a catchy chorus that begs for listeners to sing along, and lyrics that are so relatable creates a song that rivals most of what is currently being played on mainstream radio.

But don’t take my word for it. Check out “Keep Your Head Up.”

Follow Liam on Twitter.

Subscribe to his YouTube.

Like his page on Facebook.