New Release

New Release: Royal Thunder- The Knife

This is exciting! Royal Thunder is back with one hell of a roar! After time away, Atlanta’s Royal Thunder have returned with their first new track since the release of 2017’s Wick. The trio of Mlny Parsonz (vocals, bass), Josh Weaver (guitar), and Evan Diprima (drums) have dropped a new single/video for their song “The Knife.” This song is stunning and a much welcome return. I can’t believe it’s been 5 years since we’ve had new music from Royal Thunder and I couldn’t be more stoked! “The Knife” is one hell of a song and I have to mention this, I’ve missed hearing Mlny Parsonz voice. It’s so real, rich, pure and honest. Wish more singers had this approach! Anyways, Royal Thunder’s new song “The Knife,” check it out!!!

Royal Thunder- The Knife:

And Just Because This Is SO DAMN GOOD… Here’s Mlny joined by the Two Minutes To Late Night Crew covering Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball.”:

New Release: Fact Pattern- Retail Therapy

Another one of my favorite bands that I’ve written about many times here on Audioeclectica have a new video/single out and it’s quite good and thought provoking. Fact Pattern’s new single and video for “Retail Therapy” from their latest release, From Where You’re Hiding, is an onslaught of heaviness and industrial with a tinge of melody. One of the things that has drawn me to this band is that they truly “get it” when it comes to what “industrial music” is. Fact Pattern is a band that has been able to take inspiration and influence from bands of the past and make it their own in a pretty great way. By adding lush landscapes of sounds to really set the mood and a melodic nature, the songs are accessible but not in a way that it’s watered down. There is enough heaviness within the songs to give you that “crunch and bite” needed. While listening to this song, I pick up bits of Skinny Puppy inspiration and also a bit of a fun Bill Hick’s comedic sense with how the visuals in the video play out. Fact Pattern is a band that should be on your radar. They are one hell of a band and their live show is only getting better each time!


Fact Pattern- Retail Therapy:

Fact Pattern- From Where You’re Hiding:

Fact Pattern on Streaming:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/factpattern/from-where-youre-hiding

New Release: Arc Angles- Hammerhead

One of my all time favorite bands I’ve ever written about on Audioeclectica, Arc Angles is releasing a new EP in early 2023 and I’m super stoked on it. Arc Angles if you don’t know are a killer post-hardcore, space/noise rock band that have been a favorite of mine basically since I started this. Through the years they’ve evolved their sound a bit with each release and the inspiration that follows them makes for some really kick ass tunes. As a three-piece band, the amount of volume they emit could activate richter scales. Singer/Bassist Chris Matalone along with Guitarist Nick Bradford and Drummer Brian Hollenbeck pack quite a punch with their style and songwriting. The three of them together have created something that feels urgent and focused with substance and depth, making this a stand out amongst their peers and in within the rock world.

Their latest release, entitled Daisy, features the lead track “Hammerhead,” which has quite a message. Singer/bassist Chris Matalone had this to say about the song “The idea behind the song came while watching news coverage during the early days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While describing the indiscriminate violence in the war, a journalist used the adage, ‘If all you have is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail,’ and that phrase really made an impression on me. “It captured the brutality, recklessness, absurdity, and inhumanity of the war, and it was a natural jumping off point for the rest of the imagery in the song.  But I do think it’s about more than just that one conflict. Broadly, it’s about the unhinged use of power by leaders of all types, on all sides of belief spectrums and group affiliations, and how there is a difficult but righteous obligation for us all to resist tyranny in all its forms.”

Daisy will see its release on New Years Day of 2023. The EP was produced and engineered by Christopher Dwyer and mixed by J. Robbins of Jawbox. When you hear “Hammerhead” it’s a sonic assault of rock that is only the tip of what else Arc Angles have in store throughout the rest of the EP. Take a moment and check out this killer song and great band!


Arc Angles- Hammerhead:


Check Out Their Previous EP, Apocalisp:

New Music Friday: October 21, 2022

A few new tunes have come out this week that deserve your attention. No need to worry, I got you covered with all the goods. Let me know what you are digging and not. On tap we’ve got new jams from Faint On Call, Powder Pink & Sweet, L.S. Dunes (members of Coheed, My Chemical Romance, Saosin, & Thursday), Gojira, Black Map, and GWAR featuring Lzzy Hale.

Faint On Call- Pearl:


Powder Pink & Sweet- My Fragile Heart:


L.S. Dunes- Bombsquad:


Gojira- Our Time Is Now:


Black Map- Super Deluxe (SLOPEZ Remix):


GWAR (featuring Lzzy Hale)- The Cutter:

Against The Grain: Gillian Carter

I really dig on bands that push boundaries and combine genres that on paper you’d think would conflict but, once it’s all put together, it makes magical sense. Recently I was introduced to a band that has combined post-hardcore, blackened noise, punk, metal, and screamo into an onslaught of awesomeness. Allow me to introduce you to Gillian Carter. This band is the brainchild of vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Logan Rivera. Logan is accompanied by Bob Caruso [bass] and Tony Oriza [drums] to complete the lineup. Their new album Salvation Through Misery is and in your face barrage emotions that push an intensity that feels natural and passionate. All of this put together turns the darkness into a wave of empathy that is very relatable and true. Being able to shift from genres within the songs is not an easy task and Gillian Carter does it seamlessly. There is not one song of the 12 on the album that isn’t an explosive catharsis the needs to be purged from the system. If you are looking for an extreme band that you can sink your teeth into, I highly suggest Salvation Through Misery by Gillian Carter. It’s one of the most surprising albums I’ve heard in 2022.

Gillian Carter- Salvation Through Misery:

Album Of The Week: KEN Mode- Null

Heavy music knows no bounds. That’s one of the many things I love about heavy music. The fact that you don’t have to work in a set of parameters to create music that is intriguing, interesting, and that will absolutely decimate everything in its way. Throughout their years, KEN Mode has carved out their own niche among their peers. They done things their own way and it’s proved to be quite successful for them. Their new album NULL, is one hell of an album. Across the 36 minutes of pure aggression, vulnerability and ferociousness, KEN Mode has delievered the goods and then some. In their 20 years together they’ve incorporated elements from punk and hardcore to noise-rock and sludge to mold into an ever evolving sound.

NULL is the bands eighth studio album and they have taken everything they’ve done before and mixed it together to create an album that not only stands on its own merit but, also pushes the band to new directions for the future to come. NULL is an album that hits on feelings of anger, frustration and anxiety and then musically will knock your teeth out with the intensity and tension all of these elements create together. The album isn’t an all out assault. There is a real natural ebb and flow created to takes the listener on quite a ride in a short amount of time. KEN Mode is a band too that is never one to do the same thing. NULL pushes the band into almost avant-garde territory without becoming an “art project” rather it’s quite thought provoking and at times violent.

NULL is an album that isn’t afraid to take chances without being too weird for the sake of being “weird.” The methodical chaos found here is pure and KEN Mode have released an album that seems like only the beginning of what else is to come. In fact, this is only part one of a two part arc. So, when we get part two of this, I would bet that all hell will break loose. In the mean time, NULL is enough to satisfy long time listeners as well as new. KEN Mode are here, armed with a vengeance and throughout this album, you will feel it all.

Overall Rating: B+

KEN Mode- NULL:

VIDEOS:

A Love Letter:

UNRESPONSIVE:

Throw Your Phone In The River:

But They Respect My Tactics:

New Release: The Smashing Pumpkins- Beguiled

My excitement level is pretty high right now. After last week seeing Nine Inch Nails for my 19th time and now this week, the news is finally released about The Smashing Pumpkins long awaited new album! “Atum: A Rock Opera In Three Acts”. The 33-track collection, whose title is pronounced “autumn,” is being billed as a sequel to 1995’s “Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness” and 2000’s “Machina/The Machine of God”. The LP will be released as three 11-track “acts”, eventually culminating in a three-act rock opera. Act 1 of “Atum” will arrive on November 15 2022, Act 2 on January 31 2023, and Act 3 will be made available, along with a special-edition box set featuring all 33 album tracks plus 10 additional unreleased songs, on April 21, 2023. “Atum: A Rock Opera In Three Acts” was written and recorded over a four-year period by Corgan and the rest of the current SMASHING PUMPKINS lineup: guitarists James Iha and Jeff Schroeder, plus drummer Jimmy Chamberlin.

The first single “Beguiled” is out now and features a video that was made and performed live on TikTok of all places. And to make things even more interesting,  Billy Corgan will premiere a new track every week for the next 33 weeks on his new podcast, “Thirty-Three With William Patrick Corgan”. The first two episodes, featuring the songs “Atum” and “Butterfly Suite”, are out now.

Not only is this exciting but The Smashing Pumpkins and Jane’s Addiction tour starts next week and runs through November. What a show that will be. I know I’ll be attending it. See you there!


The Smashing Pumpkins- Beguiled:

Anticipated Albums: Powder Pink & Sweet- Little Stories

I remember the first time I heard the term shoegaze. It was around the time that The Smashing Pumpkins released Siamese Dream and all these reviews I read and interviews kept referring to this new sub-genre called “shoegaze.” I thought what a strange term for a genre of music. Then it was explained to me (keep in mind I was only 7 or 8 when Siamese came out) and it made sense. Then later on I was exposed to the great My Bloody Valentine album, Loveless, and that’s when I truly found my deep fondness for shoegaze. Over the years the sub-genre has grown to include other elements from different genre’s making it quite a trip to listen to. There is one band that has combined shoegaze with dream pop, indie rock and a tinge of 90’s alternative rock that has captivated me. Allow me to introduce you to Powder Pink and Sweet. The band was formed in 2016 by the eclectic Cris Verso. And through the years since, Powder Pink and Sweet have carefully crafted a batch of hypnotic, dreamy and lush songs. Their upcoming EP, Little Stories, captures all the above and then some. The first single “Slightly Hopefull” is a dreamy and contemplative tune that provides quite the escape from the harsh realities of the COVID lockdown. Little Stories will be released Friday November 4th.

Powder Pink & Sweet- Slightly Hopeful:

PRE-ORDER THE EP Via BANDCAMP:

Album Review: Alphamega- Between Light and Shadow Vol I

I’ve been searching for a band among all the modern metal bands that I can actually get into and watch develop into a monster. It’s been a long struggle but, I have finally found that band that I think can take these little wannabes and knock them on their asses. Today, Alphamega has released their first EP, Between Light And Shadow Volume I and for the 18 minutes that it lasts, it surely kicks some major ass. It’s heavy, melodic, fresh and urgent. The band has embraced their love of Swedish Melodic Death Metal (think Soilwork), American metal (Metallica) and some bits of the Mid 00’s (a la Killswitch Engage- Howard Jones Era). Combining all those elements has given Alphamega the edge they need to separate themselves from all the generic crap that is flooding the “metal markets” today.

Starting off the EP is “Sound Of Your Excuse” that out of the gate it grabs you with its melodic metallic teeth. It’s one of those songs too that when played live it goes to another level of heavy. Following that is the bands first single “No Longer Broken.” It’s a catchy tune that is a true banger and delivers a positivity that is much needed i the dark times we all live in. That chorus is such a sing a long one that you’ll be singing it by the time the second chorus comes in. “Late To The Party” is one of those songs that has the right amount of groove and the right amount of melody. Plus the little breakdown towards the end is killer. “Pariah” is the track that shows the most melodic side of the band without losing their edge.And It’s another great catchy sing along/crowd participation type of chorus. Closing out the EP is “Annihilator” the heaviest track on the album. This one is packed full of aggression and passion. You can hear it the moment this one starts all the way till the last note.

Alphamega is the read deal. There is not one ounce of gimmick with this band. Are there modern things going on sure, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Alphamega has delivered a record that not only they can be proud of but stands out among all the modern bands that lack what they bring to the table. Plus their live show energy is something else. You have to go see them to understand what I’m talking about. Singer Adam Ryan has one hell of a voice. His passion, desire and energy is heard on each song as he delivers heart wrenching vocal performances. I like to think of him as the American Bjorn “Speed” Strid of Soilwork. Guitarist Michael Muenzer shows his skills as a talented player and riff writer. Even his solos are done in a tasteful way that have elements of 80’s metal and the 00’s metalcore era. Chrissy Warner delivers the hard pounding beats that guide these honest and powerful songs. I have to say too it’s very refreshing and great to hear live real drums on an album, especially the way records are made these days. Alphamega are here and are coming to take over. Prepare Accordingly!!!

OVERALL RATING: 8.5/10

Alphamega- Between Light And Shadow Vol I. :

VIDEOS:

Sound Of Your Excuse:

No Longer Broken:

Late To The Party:

Pariah:

Annihilator:

On Spotify:

Band Of The Week: Faetooth

One of the best things about running and writing Audioeclectica is that I get to hear all sorts of music from all genres. When I get sent something that really sparks my interest, I’m even more intrigued. Recently I was introduced to a band that has elements of a ton of differnent genres/sub-genres that I really enjoy. I’d like to bring to your attention, Faetooth, a four-piece doom metal band based out of Los Angeles. These long time friends have come together to create something that is quite spectacular. Their trance-inducing riffs, alluring melodies, thought provoking lyrics that are both mysterious and diaristic have made Faetooth one hell of a force to be reckoned with. And now Faetooth are about to release their debut album, Remnants Of The Vessel (on October 28th via Dune Alter). The first single from the album, “Echolalia” is one hell of a song. The thunderous mountainous riff, along with the hard charging rumbling bass kicks it off then takes a slight turn to a meloncholic sombering vocal that sinks its claws into you and digs deeper as the song continues. By the end you are caught in the trance and want even more and more. This is just the opening song, wait till you hear the rest of the album! What a trip it is. Faetooth are coming to bite and won’t let loose of its grip!

Faetooth- Echolalia:

Faetooth- Echolalia (Lyric Video):

Connect With Faetooth Via These Links:

https://www.tiktok.com/@faetooth

https://www.instagram.com/faetooth/

https://twitter.com/faetooth

https://www.facebook.com/faetoothband

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYFnsyPIxsyRRwn37R1aobw

https://faetooth.bandcamp.com/

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/faetooth/1493046333

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6bAM7jeIX4pI5lZ0QoSZjt?si=4KQBCnGkThGduvFKzt5Lew