Tuesday, June 30, 2009

CASS MCCOMBS ANNOUNCES TOUR DATES IN SUPPORT OF NEW ALBUM CATACOMBS

The "Slow Burn" himself announces tour dates in support of CATACOMBS due out through Domino Records on July 7. Cass McCombs has developed somewhat of an infamous and perplexing reputation for his live performances over the years. Always surrounding himself with virtuosic bandmates frees McCombs to walk the line between professional entertainer and emotionally chaotic punk troubadour. His early performances in New York City still have him blacklisted in some people's minds; touring is a slightly rare occurrence.

McCombs and featured singer, legendary actress Karen Black, recently released a video for his new single "Dreams-Come-True-Girl". Check it out on YouTube in HD.


Here are the dates, more to follow including west coast in September:

MON 7/20 - The Hide Out - Chicago, IL HEADLINE SHOW

TUE 7/21 - Turner Hall - Milwaukee, WI (w/ The Walkmen)

WED 7/22 - The Mad Hatter - Covington, KY (w/ The Walkmen)

THU 7/23 - Beachland Ballroom - Cleveland, OH (w/ The Walkmen)

FRI 7/24 - Lee's Palace - Toronto, ON (w/ The Walkmen)

SAT 7/25 - Mr. Small's Theater - Millvale, PA (w/ The Walkmen)

MON 7/27 - Joe's Pub - New York, NY HEADLINE SHOW

TUE 7/28 - T. T. The Bear's - Cambridge, MA HEADLINE SHOW

THU 7/30 - IOTA Club & Cafe - Arlington, VA HEADLINE SHOW

WED 8/5 - Headliners - Louisville, KY (w/ Band of Horses)

EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS ANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS
ANNOUNCE FIRST NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
IN SUPPORT OF DEBUT ALBUM "UP FROM BELOW'


Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros announce North American tour dates in support of their debut album Up From Below, to be released by Community Music and Fairfax Recordings on July 14. The first date is in the band's hometown of Los Angeles on July 23 and dates announced go through the Treasure Island Music Festival in San Francisco on October 18.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros recently played live in the studio at KCRW for its show Morning Become Eclectic and has been featured twice in the LA Times- once in the paper's "Calendar" and most recently in its "Sunday Magazine." Of the band's song "Janglin'" Rolling Stone wrote, "imagine a sunny version of the Arcade Fire...[The band] airs out its uplifting, happy-hippie vibe on this irresistible feel-good ditty, which is full of finger snaps, "mmm-bops" and lyrics about setting your spirit free. Let the love-in begin."

Below are the confirmed dates for Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (more to come):

July 23 Los Angeles, CA The Hammer Museum
July 25 Seattle, WA The Vera Project
July 26 Burnaby, BC Virgin Festival
July 27 Portland, OR Holocene
August 2 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry
August 3 Chicago, IL Shuba's Tavern
August 5 Washington, DC DC9
August 6 Philadelphia, PA World Café Live
August 7 New York, NY Mercury Lounge
August 9 Boston, MA T.T. The Bear's
August 11 Lyons, CO Wildflower Pavillion @ Planet
August 12 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
September 17 Portland, OR Holocene - Musicfest NW
October 18 San Francisco, CA Treasure Island Music Festival

The band recently returned home from Austin, TX where they played 3 shows at SXSW. Here's a little write up from the folks at NPR that in the broadest terms expresses the euphoria and raw emotions that come from seeing the band: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102260249.

Los Angeles Collective, Fool's Gold, Set To Release Self-titled Debut Album On September 29th On IAMSOUND

Fool’s Gold is a Los Angeles collective that weaves together western pop aesthetics with African rhythms and melodies. The group started as a side project of two young LA musicians, vocalist/bassist Luke Top and lead guitarist Lewis Pesacov, who set out to explore their shared love of various forms of African music (specifically Congolese, Ethiopian, Eritrean and Malian), Krautrock, and 80s dance influenced pop music. Lewis, although raised on reggae and world music, holds a degree in classical music theory and composition. He studied underneath American avant-garde expatriate composers Mark Randall-Osborn and Frank Cox in Berlin and has had pieces performed in halls throughout Europe. Luke, who was born in Israel (his mother is from Iraq/father from Russia) and was moved to Los Angeles at the age of three, instinctively alternates verses between Hebrew and English, thus personalizing the songs and allowing a unique interplay between his deceptively simple soul melodies and a propulsive rhythmic backdrop. At first listen, it might be tempting to label Fool’s Gold as “world music,” but the band is, in its essence, a Los Angeles band; it is music made for hot nights in a sweltering desert. The multi-cultural group of players was born from a city that is a melting pot of neighborhoods and cultures.

Not too long after their communal beginnings of writing a few inspired songs and asking friends, friends of friends and even strangers to join them on stage, Fool’s Gold developed organically into a full-time band. Although some of them met for the first time on stage, they soon became an air-tight collective. The cast of characters includes Garrett Ray (of Foreign Born) on drums, Jimmy Vincent and Matt Popieluch (of Foreign Born) on guitar, Amir Kenan (childhood friend of Luke's from Israel) sings backup vocals and plays keys, Brad Caulkins and Mark Noseworthy on saxophones/flute, and on percussion: Orpheo McCord (who studied percussion in Ghana as well as moonlighted as drummer for The Fall), Brazilian/Mexican visual artist Salvador Placencia, Argentinean pop star Erica Garcia, Michael Tapper (ex-drummer of We Are Scientists), all of whom play a beautiful array of hand-made instruments including: Ewe, Gungon and Djembe skinned drums; Gankogui, Bananna bells and claves; Kashishi, nut-rattles, goat-toe rattles, Chekeres, Axatse shell gourds and an over-sized tambourine Mizhar bought on the street in Cairo, Egypt.

The songs for the forthcoming self-titled album were mostly recorded live over a two-day session at the Sunset Lodge recording studio in Los Angeles in 2008, to be later completed in closets and apartment living rooms in 2009. Lewis and Luke collaborated on the music, written over a three-year span. Luke would then weave in the Hebrew/English lyrics. The Hebrew initially tied him to a birthplace that he barely knew, but evolved to be the perfect vehicle to express the overarching themes of duality that are the heart of the songs. Leaving a land with a rich and tumultuous history for one that is constantly forgetting and reinventing laid a personal foundation for Luke’s lyrics, which often explore the tension between ones personal identity and the outside world. The songs resonate beyond just the immigrant experience to one that is understood by anyone who has struggled with dispelling illusions of the ego and the world. Although the melodies are jubilant, the irreverent and whimsical lyrics belie the tension of one exploring the existential and physical self.

Fool’s Gold has shared bills with artists as diverse as Cat Power, Fujiya & Miyagi and the Senegalese kora master Youssoupha Sidibe. They headlined the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles and the Getty Center. They were recently profiled on the French music television program “Tracks” as well as featured in the Los Angeles Times Magazine. On September 29th they will release their debut record on IAMSOUND Records.

Inward Eye - "Throwing Bricks Instead of Kisses" DUE OUT AUGUST 18th

Canadian rockers Inward Eye are set to release their debut album Throwing Bricks Instead of Kisses on August 18th (RCA Records).

Fresh off a club tour supporting Sum 41 as well as a performance at Bamboozle, the brothers Erickson, Dave (vocals/bass), Kyle (guitar/vocals), and Anders (drums), will be introducing American fans to their high energy set that has won over hoards of Canadian tastemakers as well as The Who, who handpicked the band to open for them on their past two tours. Inward Eye was recently nominated for a Much Music Video Award in the category of “MuchLoud Best Rock Video” for “Shame”, their first Canadian single.

With a sound reminiscent of The Jam, The Kinks, The Clash and The Who, Throwing Bricks Instead of Kisses was recorded at producer Arnold Lanni's (Simple Plan, Finger Eleven, Our Lady Peace) studio in Temecula, California the boys took the lessons learned from logging ungodly long trips in their van, criss-crossing the continent on tour, and put them to the test in the studio.

At the heart of Inward Eye is their live show that wins over audiences every time they play. With Anders' manic drum fills, Kyle's guitar outbursts, and Dave's command of the audience, Inward Eye is bringing back a fun spontaneity to rock shows.

Check out:
www.inwardeye.com
www.myspace.com/inwardeye


Catch them at the following Warped Tour stops:

July
29th Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center Warped Tour
30th Milwaukee, WI Marcus Amphitheatre Warped Tour
31st Detroit, MI Comerica Park Warped Tour

August
1st Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amph. Warped Tour
2nd Minneapolis, MN Canterbury Park Warped Tour
3rd St. Louis, MO Verizon Wireless Amph. Warped Tour
4th Kansas City, MO Verizon Wireless Amph. Warped Tour
7th Boise, ID Idaho Center Amph. Warped Tour
8th Salt Lake City, UT Utah State Fairgrounds Warped Tour
9th Denver, CO Fiddlers Green Amp Warped Tour

Portugal. The Man Announces U.S. Dates

With the buzz growing increasingly louder as the July 21 release date approaches for Portugal. The Man's brand-new album, The Satanic Satanist, the group will launch a U.S. headlining tour with two New York-area dates -- August 4 at Brooklyn's Union Pool, and August 5 at the Mercury Lounge in New York City. In addition, the band will play Lollapalooza on Sunday, August 9 at 1:30PM on the Playstation Stage, and at Outside lands on August 29 on the Panhandle Stage at 3:10PM.

P.TM's jumping to bona fide festival attraction was proven by the band's most recent show-stopping appearance at Bonnaroo on June 11 which led to several media accolades, including Whitney Pastorek of Entertainment Weekly, who declared the band was "My favorite new discovery," as well as Jim Fusilli from the Wall Street Journal, who raved that P.TM was the "best set I heard last night, and my very early contender for the best set of the festival."

Touring in support of The Satanic Satanist, Portugal. The Man - guitarist/vocalist John Baldwin Gourley, bassist/singer Zachary Scott Carothers, keyboardist/singer Ryan Neighbors, and drummer Jason Sechrist - will perform some 50 shows in North America between August and October, culminating on October 23 back in New York at the CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival. The band will incorporate a number of the new songs into their set, and, according to Gourley, "There may be a little less jamming than we've done before, but there will be some new takes on some of the older songs."

About the group's first-ever festival appearance at Bonnaroo, Gourley recalls, "It was amazing in every way. I don't know how everything just worked out in our favor, but it did, in the best possible way. We showed up, and it was kind of rainy, and obviously we were a little nervous about that. Delta Spirit, who was playing directly before us, missed their flight, but that worked out to be a blessing in disguise for both os us. They ended up playing later at midnight, and we got an hour-long soundcheck, which is never going to happen at a festival. The sun came out and everything warmed up and, just as we were going onstage, there was a beautiful sunset. The audience's reaction was really great, and it was one of those nights that was just so perfect."

As we favor downloads over CDs and records, and elaborate album artwork becomes a thing of the past, the ever-artsy Gourley has, regardless, come up with absolutely eye-popping artwork for The Satanic Satanist (along with art designer Austin Sellers). The package features Gourley's trademark surreal, psychedelic-era drawings, and folds out, Origami-like, into different shapes and sizes. Every time you fold or unfold it, everything is still lined up to be a picture. Musically, the new album is a bold step forward for the band as well. "Sound-wise, it's such a mix of 60s pop songs with somewhat 90s sounds...and lots of Pink Floyd synthesizers as well. It's definitely a step away from Censored Colors, but it maintained some of the same idea."

The band is currently on tour in Europe where they will be until early August, playing major summer festivals. "This is our sixth time touring Europe, but it's our first time playing Portugal, England and Finland. In the past, we've just played Germany, Austria and Switzerland. We have the Hurricane and Southside Festivals coming up, as well as a handful of other European festivals. I think Bonnaroo gave us the confidence that we needed going into 'the festival situation.' Obviously, a little more hectic than the standard club shows, but at the same time, you get to share the same stage with Santogold and Grizzly Bear, bands that we normally don't get to see. The festivals for us as music fans is just amazing."

With many more to be added, initial headline dates for Portugal. The Man's Summer/Fall 2009 tour are as follows:

AUGUST
4 Union Pool, Brooklyn, NY
5 Mercury Lounge, New York, NY
7 Grog Shop, Cleveland, OH
9 Lollapalooza, Grant Park, Chicago IL (1:30PM, Playstation Stage)
11 Vaudeville Mews, Des Moines, IA
12 Slowdown Front Room, Omaha, NE
13 Hi-Dive, Denver, CO
27 Crepe Place, Santa Cruz, CA
29 Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival, Golden Gate Park Polo Field, San Francisco, CA
(3:10PM, Panhandle Stage)

SEPTEMBER
3 Fred Meyer Lounge, Linfield College, McMinnville, OR

Phil and the Osophers "Parallelo" LP Out August 4th on Factual Fabrications

Video for single "We Have All Summer" can be found right about here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIj0toA4eN4

Download and share the mp3: http://www.philandtheosophers.com/wehaveallsummer.mp3


Phil and the Osophers will make their sixth full length album, Parallelo, available on CD and digitally August 4 on Factual Fabrications, Phil’s own sustainable label. The album finds the Brooklyn 3 piece developing into a jingly and jangly artistic indie rock while retaining carefully crafted and philosophical lyrics. The band has a catalog of over 100 songs, and this new album is their most impressive work to date.

THE SONGS
The 11 song cycle of Parallelo explores parallels and coincidences in our understanding of meaning. Phil has an interesting explanation for all of these songs- “Uses Of A Man deals with equal rights for all lovers”, Creators “is a thesis on God in the time of slavery”, Propeller Jet is “about suiting up with Amelia Earhart on her last flight” “Cheap Livin is an tribute to the rich folks who lost it all” …Tie it together with an avant-garde indie pop sound and you have Parallelo. It is this sort of innovation that makes Phil and the Osophers such a one-of-a-kind act.

THE PHILOSOPHY (a choice line from each song)
Uses Of A Man- “A receipt wrote for my soul, a receipt to delay, a receipt to do more than completely revoke the shame upon your name, the shame upon your certainty”
Extra Weight- “it arouses self-deprecation but no edgewise word left to say”
We Have All Summer- “No begging for divine help, this overture is gonna write itself”
Mayan Calendar- “The winter solstice of redundancy fulfilled by never evolving”
Cheap Livin- “Freedom and a bargain are opposites”
Staring Down The Sun – “all the grieving and groveling you done will not award another one”
Creators- “I cursed my own caretaker and then in love began to cry and pulled apart the shades to show the people passing by”
Milestones- “You’re becoming none but a composite of time and ego and fluff”
Pineapple- “I’ve had it with all of you, I don’t even come off as humorous”
Propeller Jet- “All my standards are doubled”
Well Being- “The lengths I go to keep distance pledge a quick, tongue bitten allegiance”

The Brooklyn 3-piece have been on a tear recently: playing SXSW and the Northside Festival in Brooklyn, as well as playing shows with Art Brut, Passion Pit, Les Savy Fav, Le Loup, Telekinesis, and the Ruby Suns.

In addition, all 3 members have written and published books of poetry and non-fiction through their own publishing house called ILOANBooks. Bass player Gus has published NINE books, Drummer Kevin has published two, and Phil has just written his first book of poetry entitled "SHAKE! and other rattlers". These books are usually free at shows and otherwise available upon request.

www.philandtheosophers.com

www.myspace.com/philandtheosophers

J. Tillman Releases "Year In The Kingdom" On Western Vinyl September 22 / Pitchfork Premieres First Single "Earthly Bodies"

Pitchfork premieres first single "Earthly Bodies" http://pitchfork.com/forkcast/12960-earthly-bodies/

Year In The Kingdom unravels some kind of galactic wilderness. Tillman's 6th album lyrically borders on mystic; proffering a transcendent union, an effortlessness. Strange and honest, this song cycle inhabits it's own idea-scape; one seemingly obsessed with wrestling death. These are afterlife dialogues of a mysterious future. Celestial badlands.

Unknown to just about everyone, Tillman started recording in April, tracking most of the instruments during the two week session himself. Hammered dulcimer, banjo, recorder, cymbals of varying size and wheezing air organs all feature heavily and lend YITK it's bizarre scale, conjuring tidal shifts with tiny movements. The string arrangements, performed by Jenna Conrad, as well as transposed from Tillman's sung direction, were intended to rest on chords almost counter-intuitively, bringing to bloom complex, decontextualized tones. Most noticeable upon first listen, however, is the production itself. While most of Tillman's records evidence some shambolic home recording, YITK is undisturbed throughout. Out up front of the mix, and dry as a bone, Tillman's voice is featured in a way unlike any of his previous records.

YITK sounds liberated; it is far and away Tillman's most joyful work. Created with little input or context, it is seemingly disinterested in communicating much else than a meditation for the few who allow themselves to listen with an open heart.

In 2008, Tillman joined Seattle band of longtime friends and musical collaborators, Fleet Foxes who he'll be touring with in Europe and the US throughout July, August and September.

Tillman will then embark on a national US tour for Year In The Kingdom in September which continue throughout the Fall.

http://www.myspace.com/jtillman

Kittie to release new studio album!

E1 Music announces the addition of Canada’s KITTIE to its heavy metal roster. Under this worldwide deal, KITTIE will release three albums for the label.

KITTIE (Morgan Lander—vocals and guitar, Mercedes Lander—drums, Tara McLeod—guitar, and Ivy Vujic—bass guitar) has released four studio albums during its career which have sold collectively over 1,250,000 copies. The band’s new album, IN THE BLACK, is slated for release on September 15, 2009. Some new songs on the album are “Cut Throat, “Sorrow I Know” and “My Plague.”

KITTIE vocalist Morgan Lander says, “We are totally thrilled and honored to be working with Scott Givens and to now be part of the E1 family. We have been hard at work for the past few months perfecting our latest musical offering and are pleased with the final result of IN THE BLACK. It is everything that Kittie is supposed to be: heavy, fast, brash and nasty, yet at times introspective, feminine and emotional. One thing it is not, however, is compromising of the sound and style that we have come to be known for. This s*** is HEAVY! Our new label pairing with E1 will actualize the vision that we have held constant over the years for the band."

E1 Music VP of Metal Scott Givens adds, “As a band, KITTIE truly is a one of a kind powerhouse. I know I speak for everyone at E1 Music when I say how excited we are to be working with them and launching IN THE BLACK to the masses.”

Currently the band is working on Fall tour plans and will be shooting two videos during the month of July.

For more information, go to www.kochrecords.com, www.kittierocks.com or www.myspace.com/officialkittie.

Hatebreed to release new studio album this fall!

Metal-Hardcore juggernauts HATEBREED have re-entered the studio to begin work on its long awaited new studio album which is slated for a fall 2009 release.

HATEBREED’s follow up to 2006’s SUPREMACY will be released on E1 Music in North America and Roadrunner in all other territories. The new album will be self-titled and is shaping up to be one of the band’s most ferocious albums ever.

Frontman Jamey Jasta comments, "I can't wait to work with E1 Music and Roadrunner International on this release -- E1 did a great job with our LIVE DOMINANCE DVD and our recent covers album. We're so pumped to give them both our new studio album!"

The announcement of the band’s new album is also part of E1’s continuing / expanding relationship with the group after its initial first 2 releases together, including the #1 charting Billboard DVD LIVE DOMINANCE and the recently released covers album, FOR THE LIONS.

Scott Givens, E1 Music’s VP of Metal says, “E1Entertainment is proud to be the home of Hatebreed in North America. I speak for everyone here when I say we are 100% committed to putting every resource we have behind the new record. Jamey Jasta is part of our E1 family and we are looking forward to continuing to work with him on all of his endeavors both now and in the future.”

Wally van Middendorp, with Roadrunner International, adds, “After having released their last two studio albums on Roadrunner internationally, it is an honor to work again with HATEBREED, a band that is on top of its musical league.”

The new album will be once again produced by Zeuss and will feature the return of original guitar player Wayne Lozinak (who recently replaced departed guitarist Sean Martin) alongside core members Chris Beattie (bass), Matt Byrne (drums), Frank “3 Gun” Novinec (Guitar) and singer Jamey Jasta,

Jasta continues, “The record is mean as hell, fans of American metal and east coast hardcore will be very pleased and maybe even somewhat surprised."

The band is currently taking a breather from the recording studio and touring Europe and South America doing a series of high profile festival appearances and headline shows in before returning to the U.S. for its own headline DECIMINATION OF THE NATION tour which begins in late July and runs through September.

To date, HATEBREED has sold over 1 million albums in the U.S. alone and toured the world with the likes of Slayer, Slipknot, System of The Down, Lamb of God, Korn, Killswitch Engage, Disturbed, Black Sabbath and much more.

For more information, please visit www.myspace.com/hatebreed, www.hatebreed.com and http://twitter.com/hatebreed.

La Roux Is Coming Back To North America!

British synth-pop sensation La Roux are set to hit the shores of North America for a slew of highly
anticipated performances this summer. 21-year-old Elly Jackson and producer co-hort Ben Langmaid,
the talented South London duo who make up La Roux, have made an impressive impact on the UK’s
music scene since joining forces just two years ago. While collaboration began in London’s burgeoning
underground warehouse scene, it is has since landed on daytime radio and the upper echelons of the British charts.
Single “In For The Kill” recently reached #2 and sustained its position for a solid four weeks.
It is also the UK’s biggest selling single by a UK artist of the year and has sold 500,000 copies and counting.
The self-titled debut full-length will be released in October on Cherrytree Records in the US.

For a taste of the party that’s to come, check out the stunning video of US single “Bulletproof” which will
surely coax revelers to the dance floor on La Roux’s upcoming tour. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQdC7h609k8

Tour Dates:

07/22/09 San Francisco, CA @ Café Du Nord
07/24/09 Los Angeles, CA @ The Troubadour
07/27/09 Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore
07/28/09 Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey
07/31/09 Toronto, ON @ El Mocambo
08/01/09 Montreal, QC @ Osheaga Festival
08/02/09 New York, NY @ All Points West Festival
08/06/09 Washington, DC @ Town
08/07/09 Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza

Here's the hype.. get into it!

“Hooks so huge you could use them to raise the Titanic” - The Times

“A dream version of how modern pop should be” - The Guardian

“(The) self-titled full-length debut sports sub-zero cyber melodies, but much like her frosty foremother Annie Lennox,
La Roux injects a healthy dose of emotional turmoil into her songwriting.” - Out Magazine

“Her current single, Quicksand (Kitsune), clones the froideur of Jackson's favourite decade with love and skill,
and makes for nagging pop with emotional substance. Clearly, La Roux has greater ambitions
than just getting poseurs to dance.” - The Independent

Hercules & Love Affair Get Sidetracked

Hercules’, aka Andy Butler, self-titled album on DFA wowed critics and music fans across the board in 2008 with tracks such as ‘Blind’ and ‘You Belong’. Members also include Nomi Ruiz, Kim Ann Foxman and Antony Hegarty (lead vocalist in Antony & The Johnsons). Their soulful blend of disco-inspired songs provided the perfect soundtrack to summer. A year on, "Sidetracked" arrives just in time for those demanding a similar musical fix…

Andy honed his craft DJing at various underground parties in New York, so returning to the decks was a very natural step for him. He’s used the comp’ to showcase a broad sweep of classic house and disco, plus a brand new Hercules’ exclusive. Says Andy, “I am excited by this compilation to realize two ends: it’s a slamming mix with tracks that have historically made me freak out in the club, along with new productions - including my Hercules & Love Affair exclusive.”

The compilation will come as a 2-disc set: mixed and specially re-mastered unmixed format
Hercules & Love Affair – Sidetracked is out in North America on July 21st and the rest of word 13th July 2009.


TOUR DATES:

JULY
3 Hammersmith Ballroom New York
8 Body English Las Vegas
11 Funky People @ Estacao da Luz Aveiro, Portugal
12 SPACE Ibiza
13 HMD @ Social Paris
15 Villa Mercedes Athens, Greece
17 Warm @ Plastic People London
18 Lovebox weekender London
24 Lolita Room Barcelona
25 Low Club Madrid
31 The Mark Atlanta

AUGUST
6 Underworld Oakland
7 Underworld Las Vegas
8 Lollapolooza Chicago
More Dates TBA

Keep an eye on the following sites for more
Hercules & Love Affair Sidetracked news:
herculesandloveaffair.com
renaissance.com

Shh..it happens! hits Jacksonville on July 23rd at Jack Rabbits!

After touring as direct support for bands like Boys Like Girls, All Time Low and Metro Station, Every Avenue is groomed to take the wheel and headline this summer n the “Shh..It Happens” tour with label mates Sparks the Rescue, and The Morning Light, as well as Cash Cash (Universal Republic) and Valencia (Columbia). This tour will charm cities across the country and is set to commence in the band’s home state of Michigan. From rocking the UK early this year, touring nationwide on the Take Action Tour, making appearances at both Bamboozle and Bamboozle Left, to being confirmed to play the second half of this year’s Vans Warped Tour, this headlining run is only the start for the great things to come from this band.
To learn more about Every Avenue and hear songs from Shh… Just Go With It, please visit:
www.myspace.com/everyavenue

After the release of their self-titled, full-length album in September, The Morning Light hit the road with artists like The Rocket Summer, The Cab, Phantom Planet, The Secret Handshake, Ludo and more. Their last nationwide tour, “Guys, Guys, Guys” tour with Sing It Loud included stops at the Never Say Never Festival, the South By So What? Festival, and both Bamboozle and Bamboozle Left. TML was also the featured band with the popular Denny’s All Nighters throughout their fall tours. To learn more about The Morning Light, please visit:
www.myspace.com/themorninglight

Sparks The Rescue is fresh back to US Soil from Europe with The All-American Rejects. This band is quickly gaining momentum and is ready to explode onto the music scene. In just four short months, they’ve released their debut full length album, Eyes To The Sun, and have toured relentlessly with acts like Cartel, All Time Low, and The Dangerous Summer. The album, recorded with producer Jonathon Wyman and mixed by Mark Needham (The Killers, Say Anything, The Academy Is, Cobra Starship, My Chemical Romance), is skyrocketing to success since it’s May 5 release.

Check out their full album stream here: http://www.fearlessrecords.com/sparks/media_player/sparks_media_page.html
To learn more about Sparks The Rescue please visit:
www.myspace.com/sparkstherescue

A WILHELM SCREAM Release New EP on Paper + Plastick This Fall!

New Bedford, MA – Today Paper + Plastick Records is pleased to announce that punk mainstays A WILHELM SCREAM have joined its growing and already impressive roster. The label will release a self-titled 12” EP early this Fall, which will be sold exclusively at www.paperandplastick.com.

"I’ve toured with A Wilhelm Scream,” admits P+P founder and Less Than Jake drummer Vinnie Fiorello. “I know the band’s work and touring ethic. I know them as friends and I know they are a great fucking band live. I'm more excited than I can put to words that I am doing this."

"When Vinnie approached us about putting something out with Paper + Plastick I remember being impressed by his energy,” guitarist/vocalist Trevor Reilly says. “Guy was going off about obscure punk bands we knew from the early 90's, a bit about his own history, being in a full-time touring band and after five minutes of talking to him we knew we had to team up for something. The ethos of his label matched the ethos of our band. We like his ideas, respect his practical business sense and admire his passion for bridging graphic arts and music and his desire to simply make cool ass shit to stoke out the fans. He'd never say it but I think the dude's trying to save punk rock as we know it. I really do."

A Wilhelm Scream produced and recorded the new EP at their Black & Blue studio in New Bedford, MA, along with their live sound engineer James Whitten. Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Isis, Minus The Bear, Shook Ones) will mix the five-song record, which the band says “is nearly 40 minutes of music and is full of surprises.”

After recording with punk vets Bill Stevenson (Rise Against, NOFX, Black Flag, Descendents) and Jason Livermore and releasing three albums in as many years for Nitro Records, the melodic punk band decided to try their hand at recording. “We recorded and produced each others' sessions, and the process allowed us to reconnect creatively with each other” Reilly attests. “We worked really hard on it to reach our own standard so our fans will respond and come out to the shows and guarantee us a party every night.”

A Wilhelm Scream have toured with Less Than Jake, Rise Against, Strung Out and Lagwagon, to name a few, and in support of the new EP they plan to hit the road on a headlining tour across Europe, Canada and the U.S. Also in the works is a brand new full length, which the band is currently writing.

www.myspace.com/awilhelmscream
www.paperandplastick.com

THERE FOR TOMORROW Debut New Video Exclusively on MTV2 TODAY

On Tuesday, June 30th, (TODAY) Hopeless recording artist THERE FOR TOMORROW debut the video for the title track of their new album A LITTLE FASTER on MTV2. The exclusive premiere of the single "A Little Faster" will get a total of 24 spins in that 24 hour period - one spin per hour starting at 6am EST (the video will be available for all other video outlets beginning on July 1st). In addition, there will be a homepage feature on the band on mtv2.com. The video was shot largely on location throughout Northern New Jersey, including at the historic art deco landmark, The Bendix Diner (which has been used in films such as Boys on the Side and Jersey Girls). "

Orlando-based band There For Tomorrow released their debut album A Little Faster on June 9, 2009 and are currently on the full Vans Warped Tour this Summer (tour dates can be found at warpedtour.com). Alternative Press says of the new album "Given this Florida pop-rock collective's catchy hooks, it's not a question of if There For Tomorrow will be kings of the scene, but when."

www.myspace.com/therefortomorrow

THE A.K.A.s get "Animalistic" this "Summer" with a new album!

“With plenty of attitude, a knife-sharp wit, and an overwhelming urge to flay modern life, they’ve got the goods, and your noisy approval is guaranteed” – All Music Guide

THE A.K.A.s (Are Everywhere!)
Sign With Paper + Plastick

New Album Animal Summer Available on CD at Warped Tour,
Available Digitally at PaperAndPlastick.com

The A.K.A.s (Are Everywhere!) have had one of the busiest years in music history and are about to add signing to Paper + Plastick Records to their laundry list of achievements for 2009! "Aside from the friend factor, the aesthetic and philosophy of the label is close to our hearts,” says Mike Ski (vocals), "bringing back the art aspect and keeping vinyl alive! The visual aspect of our band has always been riding high alongside of our music, so again, it's an easy marriage!" The A.K.A.s' new record Animal Summer will be their first release on Paper + Plastick, and will also mark the first CD release for the label. The band is selling the new album while out on the road on the entire Vans Warped Tour, while fans who can’t make it out to the show can purchase the album exclusively at PaperandPlastick.com’s webstore: http://www.audiblediversiongroup.com/PaperandPlastick. The band have recently posted a brand new song up on their MySpace page titled “All Sinners Are Welcome in the House of The A.K.A.s,” which can be heard here: www.myspace.com/theakas

While many bands currently boast their allegiance to the issues and topics that plague the world today, The A.K.A.s (Are Everywhere!) don't just talk the talk... they scream it from the stage. Consistently outspoken and continually campaigning to raise awareness towards positive changes in both the political and environmental arenas, these Philly rockers have always been vocal about positive change. "The A.K.A.s are the most forward thinking band I know," exclaims Vinnie Fiorello (Less Than Jake drummer, Paper + Plastick Records founder), "splitting time between spear heading The Eco Initiative on the Vans Warped Tour (see dates below) and making waves in the worlds of tattooing and graphic art, they are the perfect fit for the model over at Paper + Plastick, graphic heavy and willing to go out of he traditional label/band scenario."

www.myspace.com/theakas
www.paperandplastick.com

Angus Young + Genghis Khan = ANGUS KHAN! Debut album out 7/28

ANGUS KHAN to release Black Leather Soul
on July 28, 2009 via Nickel and Dime Records
Sounding like Angus Young and Genghis Khan in a bar fight,
Angus Khan is a five-piece Biker Metal Supergroup!

Described by band member Dirty-D (vocals) as “Ass kicking, face-melting, blistering hard rock with dashes of punk ‘tude and glam flashiness,” ANGUS KHAN's first studio album, BLACK LEATHER SOUL (to be released on July 28, 2009 via Nickel and Dime Records) will be a breath of fresh air to lovers of Kiss, Aerosmith, AC/DC and good ol' fashioned biker rock.

Produced by the group's own Bruce Duff (guitar) and Frank Meyer (guitar) under their production team name Messiaz (Prima Donna, The Ladykillers, Eddie Spaghetti), Black Leather Soul was recorded within six months of the band's formation. Songs like "Big Balls", "Hot Pants", "Chainsaw Betty" and "Black Leather Soul", which had already been written when the band was formed, were brought to the table and Angus Khan-ified by all the members of this new supergroup. According to the band's Dino Everett (bass), "Having guitarists mix your album results in something not-too-shocking - LOUD GUITARS!"

Perfectly placed is the album's first track, "Midnight Moses," which much like the story of the band, has a long intro that sees a steady addition of instruments while building momentum into a powerful collaboration. The tracks that follow keep the energy up with Andy Baker's driving drum beats and harmony guitar riffs by the group's two guitarists. Title track, "Black Leather Soul" begins with a bassline that will keep your fists pumping as it leads the rest of the group through the rhythm of the entire song. Topping it all off is the vocal performance of Dirty-D, who you could spend a lifetime trying to sound like but will end up only with sore vocal chords.

No strangers to the business or the recording process, Angus Khan is made up of members of B-Movie Rats, the Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs, ADZ and Jesters of Destiny. Look for these guys playing up and down the West Coast (see dates below) and make sure you check out the album to get in touch with your own Black Leather Soul!

Jul 3 The Good Bar Ventura, CA
* California Music Festival

Jul 21 Crazy Girls Los Angeles, CA
* Strip Club

Jul 30 The Echo Los Angeles, CA
* Record Release Party
Aug 8 Bordello Los Angeles, CA
* opening for Burlesque Show!!!

Aug 15 Que Sera Sera Long Beach, CA
* Psycho Trailer Park

Sep 5 KXLU Los Angeles, CA
* - Live Performance + Interview



For more information, please go to: www.myspace.com/anguskhanrocks

VICTIMS OF CIRCUMSTANCE ready to release second album on 8/25

VICTIMS OF CIRCUMSTANCE
Proves that Gambling Pays Off
Releasing Second Album Roll the Dice on August 25th
Including a "Number One Hit Single" (well, by name, at least)

Central Florida has always been a hotbed for music and its latest progeny, VICTIMS OF CIRCUMSTANCE (VOC) are ready to lead the ska charge out of the Southeast. With an adrenaline-fueled second album ROLL THE DICE ready for release on August 25, 2009 via Financial Records and a high-profile gig hosting the “Super Size Summer Ska Spectacular” in Clearwater, FL, they are primed and ready to pump some horns and punk/ska/pop "riddim" back into the mainstream.

While the saying goes, "idle minds are the devil's playground", in VOC's case, idle minds breeds musical creativity. “We had a full drum kit, a half-stack, a bass rig and half-a-dozen guitars lying around Glenn [Stewart]’s office”, says guitarist Michael Smyth about his drummer bandmate. “We just kept the door closed and no one seemed to notice.” Jamming afterhours once the rest of the office went home, Glenn and Michael formed the nucleus that would soon evolve into the five piece it is today. Adding bassist Alan Garcia, trombonist Aaron Zylman and saxophonist Jay Atheney to the line-up, the band took the 12 songs they had written and recorded the appropriately-titled 2007 debut, Do It Yourself with Mighty Mighty Bosstones' Tim "Johnny Vegas" Burton in the producer's chair. Garnering respect from Punknews.org ("Victims of Circumstance have put themselves in a surprisingly good position early with just one album under their belt") and Bullz-Eye ("Victims of Circumstance are indeed a welcome breath of the proverbial fresh air in a genre that can become polluted with hack acts.... Here’s hoping for more!"), VOC made a grand entrance in the ska world.

Roll the Dice, produced by Big D and the Kids Table bassplayer Steve Foote, not only turns up the amps two level notches above ten but also delves deeper into the depth of VOC's musical creativity. From the getgo of opening track "The Final Flight of D.B. Cooper" that eases in with instantaneously-infectious punk rhythms to the celebratory skank of "This Riot Used To Be A Party" to the cheekily-named (but not too far off) "Number One Hit Single", their second album packs energetic melodic ska/punk/pop into fifteen tracks.

Coming off a recent tour of the Southeast with labelmates Crisis in Hollywood, VOC are gearing up for their hosting gig at this year's “Super Size Summer Ska Spectacular” which celebrates the best of Florida's flourishing ska community. Taking place in North Largo's legendary Gasoline Alley (14042 66th Street, N. Largo, FL 33771) on Saturday, July 18th, this festival will include performances by The Long Johns, One Way, Out of Nothing, Bastard Suns, Johnny Cakes, Fall on Purpose, among others. Also onstage will be celebrated pop-punkers Crisis in Hollywood who will adopt their skankin' alteregos Crisis In Skallywood for the day. More information on the festival can be found at http://www.myspace.com/summerskaspectacular.

Roll the Dice was produced by Steve Foote (Big D and the Kids Table) and will be released on August 25, 2009 on Financial Records.

For more information about Victims of Circumstance, please go to:

www.myspace.com/victimsofcircumstance

PROJECT 86 to release seventh album on 7/14.... Announce tour with Haste the Day and The Chariot!

This will be a good summer for fans of PROJECT 86 who will be treated to the band's newest full-length album PICKET FENCE CARTEL, slated for release on July 14, 2009 via Tooth and Nail. If that's not enough, the boys are also going to be hitting the road with Haste the Day and The Chariot on the Scream the Prayer tour (see dates below).

Their seventh full length album, Picket Fence Cartel sees Project 86 returning to their aggressive roots while also taking more chances musically. From the dual guitar melodies of "The Butcher" to the harmony background vocals of "Cyclonus," Project 86 and co-producers Ulrich Wild (Deftones,Bleeding Through) and Jason Martin (Starflyer 59, Neon Horse) have not changed the band's sound but simply expanded on what's been an evolving means of expression. "We like to push ourselves to reinvent and evolve musically while still retaining the P86 thumbprint or else the process gets stale," says vocalist/guitarist Andrew Schwab. "We feel like this project embodies multiple facets of the P86 sound utilizing synths, keyboards and melody against a backdrop of our more brutal side."

In their thirteen years of existence, Project 86 have never failed to be just as expressive lyrically as musically and Picket Fence Cartel is no exception. "The image we saw with the record was one of power and irony: that many people who are in a position of power in our culture--religious, political, or in business--rely on a shiny public image to broker their power base," says Schwab. "The irony is that power and purity usually do not go hand in hand--most human beings were not meant to handle fame and fortune, and usually fame and fortune itself destroy us." Songs like "The Butcher", "Dark Angel Dragnet" and "To Sand We Return" tie together the ideas of the entire record and reinforce Project 86's ability to write albums that are a cohesive unit rather than a compilation of individual songs.

The Scream the Prayer tour which begins June 26th in Louisville, KY, will see the band move Eastward as far as Poughkeepsie, NY then turn around, combing the Northern United States until they hit the West Coast in the second week of July. After once again heading South towards San Diego, the band will head Eastward hitting all the southern tour markets before arriving at New York City's Blender Theatre on July 31st. The band will be performing a few tracks from the new album prior to the album release on July 14th and then adding even more to the live show afterwards.

Jun 23 Underground Cafe South Bend, IN
Jun 26 Headliners Music Hall Louisville, KY
Jun 27 The Eagle Theater Pontiac, MI
Jun 28 Xtreme Wheels Buffalo, NY
Jun 29 The Chance Poughkeepsie, NY
Jun 30 Crocodile Rock Allentown, PA
Jul 2 Cornerstone Farm Marietta, IL
Jul 4 Emerson Theatre Indianapolis, IN
Jul 5 Fubar St. Louis, MO
Jul 6 Flytrap Tulsa, OK
Jul 7 First Family Church Albuquerque, NM
Jul 8 Marquee Theater Tempe, AZ
Jul 9 Glasshouse Pomona, CA
Jul 10 Soma San Diego, CA
Jul 11 Club Retro Orangevale, CA
Jul 12 The New Oasis Sparks, NV
Jul 13 The Great Salt Air Salt Lake City, UT
Jul 14 Cervantes Ballroom Denver, CO
Jul 15 Hoover Pavilion Dodge City, KS
Jul 17 The Pearl Room Mokena, IL
Jul 18 Rocketown Nashville, TN
Jul 19 Club Oasis Winston-Salem, NC
Jul 19 Lincoln Theatre Raleigh, NC
Jul 20 The 7 Venue Douglasville, GA
Jul 21 Murray Hill Theater Jacksonville, FL
Jul 22 The High Ground Metairie, LA

Jul 23 Java Jazz Houston, TX
Jul 24 White Rabbit San Antonio, TX
Jul 25 The Max Dallas, TX
Jul 26 The Village Little Rock, AR
Jul 28 The Attic Dayton, OH
Jul 29 The Opera House Toronto, ONT
Jul 30 La TuLipe Montreal, Quebec
Jul 31 Blender Theatre New York, NY
Aug 1 Gunstock Mtn. Resort Gilford, NH
Aug 2 Club Stage Baltimore, MD
Aug 15 Ski Roundtop Lewisberry, PA
Sep 19 Six Flags Valencia, CA

For more information about Project 86 and to hear the first single "The Butcher", please go to:

www.myspace.com/project86

"As Jim Morrison once said: They got the guns but we got the numbers!" - Raam, Hypernova

Iran's HYPERNOVA Issue Personal Statement on their Home Country's Political Unrest

As most of the world casually observes the ongoing violent unrest in Iran that surrounds the protests calling for a new presidential election, members of New York City-based rock band HYPERNOVA watch very closely and intently as their home country is torn apart. Lead singer Raam has issued the following statement regarding the events:

First off, let me say that my heart goes out to the all the brave people who have stood up to the oppressors in this uprising. The people in Iran have been robbed. The lives that have been lost in this revolt these past couple of days will not be in vain. What is happening in Iran is an historic event not only for Iran, but the world. This "open" movement is the first of its kind in the history of mankind all thanks to technology. Because of the internet, the people of the world are being exposed to the reality of the streets. The oppressive government is continuously trying to clean up after itself, resorting to senseless violence, obstruction of property and all sorts of propaganda. The people have had enough. They will not tolerate the injustices anymore.

Thanks to social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, the the people now have a voice. Every single person I have talked to is willing to risk their lives in the name of Freedom and Justice. The rest of the world has to follow the example of these brave people and stand strongly behind them so they don't give up. There is no going back from here. And I'm afraid to say this but, even though the opposition is growing every day and has taken a complete nonviolent stance, there will be blood on the streets. The ruthless anti-riot police will resort to any kind of violence.

But as Jim Morrison once said: They got the guns but we got the numbers!!!!

We have to get the whole world united behind the Iranian people and let them know that they have our support. I also have contact to many journalists on the streets over there. If you know anyone who has witnessed anything please put them in touch with me so I can direct them to the proper people.

Our voices will be heard. We will not be silenced. The people shall prevail.

One love!

Viva La Resistance!!!!!!

As more and more film footage leaks out of Iran and eyewitness accounts from civilians not willing to stay silent pour out through the internet, the horrors of what truly is happening there in the name of Justice and Freedom have left the members of Hypernova determined to spread awareness of the situation. "It doesn't impact me the way it has impacted the people on the streets," Raam continues. "Those people are sacrificing their lives in the name of freedom, and my parents are among them, which has me very worried. To be honest, I wish I was back home right now in the streets with them. I feel so powerless. I will continue to contribute as much as I can from overseas to the cause and get the word out to as many people as I can."

"For people who are interested, please add me @ Facebook.com/kingraam," he offers. "I am sharing a massive ton of information regarding the movement."

For more information on the events going on in Iran, visit any of the following sites:

http://tehranbureau.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/IRAN/18297877889?ref=ts
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mousavi1388/ twitter.com/iran88
http://www.youtube.com/user/Mousavi1388
http://www.twitter.com/iran88

Hypernova's debut album Through the Chaos is slated to be released in September 2009 (label TBA) and was produced by Herwig Maurer and mixed by Sean Beavan (Nine Inch Nails, No Doubt, Marilyn Manson). Their music has earned the attention of media outlets as varied as ABC News, LA Times, NY Times, MTV, and Anthem Magazine and has been described quite accurately by NPR as cut from the same cloth as "The Strokes, the Arctic Monkeys and Queens of the Stone Age."

http://www.myspace.com/hypernova
http://www.hypernova.com

TELLING ON TRIXIE announce Summer tour dates, including Six Flags, NYC's Nokia Theatre...

Just in time for the Summer, New York City's TELLING ON TRIXIE is gearing up for a run of shows in the coming weeks, including a number of high-profile performances. The band will be celebrating their critically-hailed album Ugly, Broke & Sober and their new video for the single "Crash Me Up", which debuts on LOGO's New Now Next this Sunday, June 21st. "We're really excited about everything right now," says vocalist Derek Nicoletto. "We're also playing the NYC Pride Rally at Bryant Park, Time Out New York's "Make Music New York", Out Music 40th Anniversary of Stonewall at the Nokia Theatre, Six Flags Great Adventure a few times, and more!" (tour dates below).
Known not only for their profound knack for writing indelible pop rock hooks but also for their loyal fans who helped the band raise over $20,000 to fund the recording of their new album, TELLING ON TRIXIE have always been primed for playing big crowds, and this Summer, the band will have plenty opportunities to do just that. Their music has been hailed by numerous media outlets including Boston's Bay Windows who liked their album to "the kind of mournfully swaying rock confection perfectly suited for Top 40 radio" and which The Bristol Observer chimed, "it's glorious anthemic rock... definitely worth a listen."

Telling on Trixie independently recently released their second album Ugly, Broke & Sober. It was produced by guitarist Tommy Kessler, except for three tracks ("Shooting in 60," "Crash Me Up," "The Deepest Dive") by platinum-selling producer Jamie Siegel (Lauryn Hill, Taking Back Sunday, Joss Stone).

Tour dates:
.Jun 20
NYC Pride - Bryant Park (performance at 3pm)
New York, NY
Jun 21
TONY's "Make Music New York"
New York, NY
Jun 26 Bistro at Infinity Hall Norfolk, CT
Jun 27
Love Ball: Out Music 40th Anniv. of Stonewall
(Nokia Theater)
New York, NY
Aug 21 Best Buy (In-Store Performance)
23rd & 6th Ave. location - 4:30pm New York, NY
Sep 4
Six Flags Great Adventure
Jackson, NJ
Sep 18
Six Flags Great Adventure w/ Ultra Nate
Jackson, NJ
Sep 24-26th Midpoint Music Festival Cincinnati, OH
For more information about Telling on Trixie, please go to:

www.myspace.com/tellingontrixie
www.tellingontrixie.com
www.abandwithaplan.com

I'm Better Than Everyone To Release EYEHATEGOD Vinyl

New Orleans' EYEHATEGOD have spent the last two decades at odds with a corrupt music industry, using their music as a proverbial middle finger aimed at everything from government officials to sanctimonious shitheads hiding behind organized religion. They have defied all odds and continue to exist and persist despite personal and professional setbacks, from drug addiction to natural disasters. In the midst of all this turmoil EYEHATEGOD have become the high water mark when it comes to "sludge metal," having birthed rock's unholy bastard feasting on the teat that Black Sabbath and Black Flag built. They became the cornerstone for countless of sonic acolytes following in their fetid footsteps and continue to inspire bands around the world.

Confederacy of Ruined Lives is their fourth and latest studio album, released in late 2000. I'm Better Than Everyone Records is extremely proud and honored to collaborate with EYEHATEGOD and finally give this a vinyl release, the way it was intended to be heard, without compromises nor excuses: A beautiful fuck you to all the non-believers.

Confederacy of Ruined Lives is slated for an August release. Stay tuned for further details.

http://www.myspace.com/eyehategod
http://www.imbetterthaneveryonerecords.com
www.myspace.com/imbetterthaneveryonerec

THE BLACK: Alongside Death Full-Length Streaming Now!

Long overdue new album, Alongside Death, from Swedish cult black metallers THE BLACK is now streaming in its entirety here: http://www.myspace.com/pulverisedrecords.

The stream will be active until July 3, 2009. Alongside Death will be available worldwide on July 29, 2009. Featuring 8 tracks of unholiness, Alongside Death is the band's first full-length since 1994's The Priest Of Satan and is an attestation that pure black metal is alive, well and more abhorrent than ever! Featuring members of Tyrant, Eternal Darkness and Vinterland, the long player was recorded, mixed and mastered at Studio Beast in Sweden by Peter Bjärgö (Tyrant, Arcana, Crypt Of Kerberos) with cover artwork and layout by THE BLACK vocalist D.F Bragman.

http://www.myspace.com/officialtheblack

LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH To Take Part In Video Game Soundtrack + Tour Update

California black metallers LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH were recently invited to take part in the soundtrack to Undead Knights, a new PlayStation game from leading video game/publisher TECMO. The game was unveiled earlier this month at the illustrious E3 Expo — the Electronic Entertainment Expo — an annual trade show for the computer and video games industry.

In Undead Knights, the player is the anti-hero, battling the wrath of fearless enemies to build the nastiest, most irreverent army possible. Your inherently foul-mouthed army and raging metal soundtrack helps you channel your inner anger. If you can deal with the gut-wrenching, smack-talking, fluid-spitting, and limb amputating ways of your battalion, you can embark on your journey of vengeance to defeat the king!

TECMO sought a supremely evil soundtrack to coincide with the game’s morbid concept and thus, LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH, along with fellow black metal brigade VALDUR, was called upon to do the unholy deed. “Undead Knights follows a being from hell as he destroys his enemies and turns them into undead soldier-slaves for his army,” reiterated LSOD vocalist Autarch excitedly. “Once the premise of the game was presented to us, it was clear that this rare opportunity provided yet another form of media that could be used to spread our message, without sacrificing the principles and ideology of the band. We also take delight in the idea of children all over the world receiving the glory of our hymns while enslaving the dead.” Undead Knights will be released this Fall. At press time, the game had not yet been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

In related news, LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH will embark on a string of live dates this summer, including a spot on this year’s Kansas City Power Metal Fest where LSOD will be the only black metal band on the bill. “Since our inception, we have always felt it necessary to perform this ritual beyond the comfort of Satan-centric gatherings,” said Autarch from the confines of his dimly lit abode. “We take great pleasure in spitting bile, cursing upon the uninitiated. It's a feeling that could only be described as jubilation.”

LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH Tour Dates
6/28/2009 The Knitting Factory - Los Angeles, California
8/09/2009 Java Lounge - Sacramento, CA
8/11/2009 Club Expose - Salt Lake City, UT
8/14/2009 Kansas City Power Metal Festival with Manilla Road @ The Riot Room - Kansas City, MO
8/17/2009 The Lit Lounge/Precious Metal Night - New York, New York
8/21/2009 Viaduct Theatre - Chicago, IL

http://www.myspace.com/lightningswordsofdeath

MASTER Tour Update

In just two weeks, legendary death metal brigade MASTER - who recently signed with Singapore's Pulverised Records - will kick off their long-awaited Slaves To Society US tour with support from Ibex Moon recording artists Dreaming Dead and Goreaphobia. The tour kicks off July 5th on the second day of the Hostile City Death Fest in Philadelphia, PA and will run through 18 cities before winding down on July 31st at the Central Illinois Metalfest in Urbana, IL. Said MASTER mainman Paul Speckmann of the tour, "I am once again looking forward to returning to my home turf and crushing along with Goreaphobia and Dreaming Dead for three incredible weeks of underground metal!"

MASTER Tour Dates
7/05/2009 Hostile City Death Fest - Philadelphia, PA [myspace.com/hostilecitydeathfest]
7/09/2009 Broadway Joe's - Buffalo, NY (Master only)
7/10/2009 Big V - St paul, MN
7/11/2009 Nite Caps - Chicago, IL
7/12/2009 Mac's Bar - Lansing, MI
7/14/2009 The Muse - Nashville, TM
7/15/2009 Room 710 - Austin, TX (Just added)
7/16/2009 Schotzi's - College Station, TX
7/17/2009 Walter's - Houston, TX
7/18/2009 The Pit at Josabi's - San Antonio, TX
7/20/2009 The Compound - Albuquerque, NM
7/21/2009 UB's Bar, Mesa, AZ
7/22/2009 The Jumping Turtle - San Marcos, CA
7/23/2009 The Knitting Factory - Hollywood, CA
7/24/2009 Annie's Social Club - San Francisco, CA
7/25/2009 The Cheyenne Saloon - Las Vegas, NV
7/27/2009 Union Station - Colorado Springs, CO
7/28/2009 Knickerbockers - Lincoln, NE
7/29/2009 The Riot Room - Kansas City, MO
7/31/2009 The Canopy Club/CIM 2009 - Urbana, IL [myspace.com/centralillinoismetalfest]

http://www.myspace.com/masterspeckmann
http://www.myspace.com/pulverisedrecords

MARDUK US TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED!

Following a last minute visa issue that forced the band to sit out Blackenedfest, Swedish black metallers MARDUK, their visas securely in hand, have scheduled the following US tour dates with support from Withered and Black Anvil. Said guitarist Morgan Håkansson, “We are excited to finally be over in the states and do these shows after all the problems with the visas. The three shows in August are just the start. We are preparing for a full tour in the winter that will cover all the areas we missed on Blackenedfest. Please join us as we raise the Banner Of The Wolf!”

MARDUK Confirmed Dates:
8/12/2009 Sonar - Baltimore, MD
Tickets on sale today: http://sonar.thundertix.com/orders/new?performance_id=9462

8/13/2009 Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia, PA
Tickets on sale today via: http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=1954144

8/15/2009 Gramercy Threatre - New York, NY also w/Tombs
Tickets on sale 6/23 via: http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/409910

MARDUK entered Endarker Studios in Norrköping, Sweden last month to begin recording their eleventh album, due before the end of the year via Regain Records.

http://www.marduk.nu
http://www.myspace.com/truemarduk
http://www.regainrecords.com

BLACK SKIES Tour Update

Chapel Hill, NC doom trio BLACK SKIES recently kicked off a string of tour dates in support of their latest EP, Hexagon, just issued as a limited edition 12" via I'm Better Than Everyone Records. This will mark the band’s first time ever playing on the West Coast!

From the aptly named opening track "The Quiet Before the Storm" through the thundering conclusion of "Chain Of Command," BLACK SKIES throw their heavy hat into the ring with Hexagon. Together for just over three years, guitarist/vocalist Kevin Clark, bassist Michelle Temple and drummer
Cameron Weeks weave their songs with well-thought and executed riffs playing alongside a churning organic groove. This is tonal chemistry befitting of a legendary band sharing the same initials, yet with a decidedly American flavor. Through hard work BLACK SKIES has been making waves across the eastern half of the United States and continue gaining momentum with tours booked throughout 2009. If these six tracks serve as a fitting prelude of greater things to come, the next waves of attack from this sonic strike-force will truly be something to behold.

BLACK SKIES Tour Dates
6/18/2009 Cobra Lounge Bullwhip Solution - Chicago, IL w/Imperial Battlesnake,
6/19/2009 The Picador - Iowa City, Iowa w/Russian Circles and Coliseum
6/20/2009 O’leaver’s Pub - Omaha, NE w/Bloodcow
6/21/2009 3 Kings Tavern - Denver, CO w/Mobile Deathcamp Workhorse
6/22/2009 Burt’s Tiki Lounge - Salt Lake City, UT w/Old Timer, The Water’s Deep Here
6/24/2009 Funhouse - Seattle, WA w/Sod Hauler, Dark Skies
6/25/2009 East End - Portland, OR w/Danava, Radio Moscow, Dark Skies, Dudelord
6/26/2009 Cafe Coda - Chico, CA w/The Abominable Iron Sloth!
6/27/2009 Annie’s Social Club - San Francisco, CA w/Totimoshi
6/28/2009 The Z Club - San Luis Obispo, CA
6/29/2009 The Scene Bar - Glendale, CA
6/30/2009 The Radio Room - San Diego, CA
7/01/2009 The Slurp - Tempe, Arizona w/Drone Throne
7/03/2009 Headhunter’s - Austin, TX
7/04/2009 JJ’s Bohemia - Chattanooga, TN w/Night Of The Wolf and more
7/17/2009 Divebar Raleigh - Raleigh, North CA
8/14/2009 Devilneck Metalfest @ Lenny’s - Atlanta, GA
8/15/2009 The Milestone - Carrboro, NC w/Giant Squid, Grayceon

http://www.blackskies.us
http://www.myspace.com/losblackskies
http://imbetterthaneveryonerecords.com/
http://www.myspace.com/imbetterthaneveryonerec

DELAIN Album Released Today In North America

The much anticipated second album from Delain is finally here! Originally conceived by ex-Within Temptation keyboardist Martijn Westerholt as an all-star studio project, the success of the debut album Lucidity tipped his hand and Delain evolved into a full blown active band. With Charlotte Wessels on vocals, Ronald Landa on guitar and grunt vocals, Sun Caged bassist Rob Vander Loo, and Sander Zoer on drums, Delain took Europe by storm. The band initially opened for many acts including sister band Within Temptation, and performed at numerous festivals. Ultimately they became a headliner in their own right. With that behind them they went into the studio to create their sophomore opus, April Rain.

Martijn Westholt is clearly at the helm - the epic symphonic sounds that he brought to Within Temptation and Delain’s debut are obvious. There are differences though...engineer Jacob Hansen's mix slams with immediacy and crunch. With all the band members now contributing, a clear style has been defined. April Rain also benefits from the guest performances of Nightwish bassist Marco Hietala who sings male vocals on two tracks, as well as world renowned cellist Maria Ahn.

The comparisons to Within Temptation and Nightwish will continue but it's evident that Delain has come up with a sound that stands on its own. April Rain is THE symphonic gothic metal album of 2009. The album debuted on the Dutch Top 100 album charts at #14, and at #1 on the Dutch Alternative Charts. The band just completed a tour as direct support for Kamelot, which was immediately followed by their European headlining tour.

http://www.delain.nl
http://www.myspace.com/delainmusic
http://www.lasersedgegroup.com

SELFMADEGOD RECORDS New Release Assault

SELFMADEGOD RECORDS New Release Assault

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Cripple Bastards Age Of Vandalism Boxset coming this summer on Selfmadegod

Selfmadegod Records is proud to announce the release of CRIPPLE BASTARDS’ Age Of Vandalism complete demos four-CD boxset this summer. This deluxe digipak boxset features remastered versions of ALL of the Cripple Bastards’ releases from 1988 to 1993, plus an incredible amount of unreleased tunes, and draws the complete history of the Bastards on tape. This will include the four official demos, the split 7” with Violent Headache (with extra unreleased tracks!), and basically HOURS of unreleased noise including pre-Cripple Bastards thrash from 1986/87!

In September of 2008 FETO RECORDS released their Variante All Morte album too, and their Misantropo A Senso Unico (2000) reached the 6th position of Terrorizer Magazine’s Top-20 European Grindcore releases. The band was featured in the Grindcore Specials of both Decibel and Terrorizer Magazines.

A jump back to the late-1980s/early 1990s DIY noisecore spirit made by tape traders, cult labels, and ear-damaging bands releasing zillions of tracks on terrific lo-fi demos, not giving a damn about studio production and “I can’t hear the snare”-type pedant asses, Age Of Vandalism contains 1,036 songs - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Age Of Vandalism is due to be released in Europe on July 16th, 2009. This release is strictly limited to 1,000 numbered copies and can be pre-ordered at this location: http://www.shop.selfmadegod.com/product_info.php?products_id=5275.

http://www.myspace.com/cripplebastards


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CD version of Stormcrow / Mass Grave split on Selfmadegod

Selfmadegod Records is happy to announce the release of the Stormcrow / Mass Grave split CD! Originally released on LP on the Mass Grave European 2008 tour, it’s now time for CD version.

The Bay Area’s Stormcrow are one of the best stench-core (that’s the way it’s called nowadays) bands in the world, along with groups like Sanctum, Hellshock or Limb from Limb. They have taken the sound of Axegrinder, Hellbastard, Prophecy of Doom, Amebix, Bolt Thrower, Deviated Instinct and more, swallowed them and then given birth to an even more brutal heavy sounding hellspawn!

Mass Grave hail from Vancouver, Canada, and have beein infesting the scene since 2004 with several records, and each one is always more brutal than the previous one. This is grind and even death metal-fueled crust. Think Disrupt crossed with a pneumatic hammer: fast, violent, heavy!

The Stormcrow / Mass Grave split is due to be released on July 6th, 2009; you can pre-order this great piece of crust at: http://www.shop.selfmadegod.com/product_info.php?products_id=5274.

http://www.myspace.com/stormcrowcrust
http://www.myspace.com/massgrave


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Blood I Bleed Gods Out Of Monsters album coming soon on Selfmadegod

Selfmadegod Records is pleased to release the long-awaited first full-length of Dutch madmen BLOOD I BLEED. The album, entitled Gods Out Of Monsters, consists of 23 super-fast tracks of high-speed octane thrash/punk/grind. All GO, NO slow, with blistering, merciless blasts strongly influenced by Heresy, Hellnation, and Intense Degree. The artwork was handled by Nabbe (Insult) who previously did work for bands like Regurgitate, Collision, and Reproach.

Gods Out Of Monsters will be released July 6th, 2009; the album can be pre-ordered now at: http://www.shop.selfmadegod.com/product_info.php?products_id=5273.

http://www.myspace.com/bloodibleed666

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Extended version of Dead Infection’s Corpses Of The Universe out now

Poland’s Selfmadegod Records is proud to announce the release of DEAD INFECTION’s new MCD!

After playing the Auditory Assault Fest in Brooklyn, New York, in May of 2009 with BRUTAL TRUTH, GADGET, ROTTEN SOUND, MISERY INDEX and others, DEAD INFECTION is slaughtering again with its latest offering.

Originally intended to be a split with MORTICIAN (U.S.), things didn’t work out for a variety of reasons and it was decided to release the material as a stand alone MCD/EP. This release also marks the first time since Surgical Disembowelment that the band has used actual lyrics in the songs. The CD includes a re-recorded song from the Start Human Slaughter demo, a bonus track that is not featured on the Obliteration version (a cover of MORTICIAN’S “Bloodcraving”), and two video tracks. This amazing MCD is housed in three-panel digipak.

DEAD INFECTION will play the Obscene Festival, July 16-18 at Svojsice in the Czech Republic, with NAPALM DEATH, BLOOD DUSTER, BIRDFLESH, MACHETAZO, DESECRATION and others; and the S’thrash’ydlo Fest in Ciechanów, Poland, July 18, 2009. In the meantime, Corspes Of The Universe MCD (digi) is available at this location: http://www.shop.selfmadegod.com/product_info.php?products_id=5246.

http://www.myspace.com/deadinfection

http://www.selfmadegod.com
http://www.myspace.com/selfmadegodrecords

20 Buck Spin’s Next Release: Liturgy

Brooklyn, NY’s Liturgy (not to be confused with a Chicago death metal band of the same name) deal in a style of indie black metal steeped in the genre’s most basic foundations of buzzing, dissonant guitars and whirlwind percussion, and yet they demonstrate an acute ability to make the sound firmly their own, both modern and ancient. Liturgy’s unique take on the genre only slightly recalls their NYC friends Krallice and the earlier works of the Norwegian wolves Ulver (particularly their 3rd LP masterwork Nattens Madrigal). In some sense Liturgy represents the seeping of black metal into the consciousness of the indie music world at large. The band claim influences ranging from cult black metal figures Vlad Tepes to Angelo Badalamenti to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, all of whom can be distantly identified in Liturgy’s approach.

Renihilation is the band’s debut LP, following two demo tapes and a 12 inch, Immortal Life. The album weaves intricate waves of dissonant dual guitar riffing and complex blackened harmonics between main songwriter Hunter Hunt-Hendrix and second guitarist Bernard Gann. The strange tonalities they seamlessly create providing layers of eerie dimension over which Hendrix’s tortured howls battle to be heard. The ultra-chaotic yet superbly minimalist drumming of Greg Fox (also of Dan Deacon and Teeth Mountain), utilizing only a kick, snare and crash symbols, adds a dose of old, raw punk/grind to the mix. Several intros and interludes consisting of vocal pieces and drones break the album up into distinct sections.

Renihilation was recorded and mastered at the Thousands Caves Of Menegroth with Colin Marston of Krallice at the helm. The purposely low-res minimalist artwork recalls the work of German photographer Thomas Ruff in both aesthetic and intent. A photograph of a total eclipse, a massive celestial event, its aura being subdued and defeated by the void the low resolution of the image leaves in its wake – an apt analogy for Liturgy’s ecstatic sonic experiments.

Renihlation will be released worldwide on August 25, 2009.


http://www.myspace.com/liturgynybm
http://www.20buckspin.com
http://www.myspace.com/20buckspin

Echo Us releases Notebook for The Tide Decides

Now available through www.echous.net is the Notebook for Echo Us' second album, The Tide Decides. The notebook comes as an online e-book and also includes full lyrics from the album.

The cd-album will be available through www.echous.net 7-6-2009 and also through many of Musea's partners on 7-8-2009. A digital release will follow through all major digital distributors.

" The Tide Decides brings forth a life, living as if it moved in tandem and perfectly parallel with the entirety of human existence. From birth through evolution, to perish or reincarnate The Tide Decides concept is of a fantastic nature, and loosely ties to philosophical ideas and ideals of a new (meta) physics, new age, and the falling away of chronological human consciousness. "

THE BLACK CROWES ANNOUNCE SECOND AND THIRD LEG OF THEIR “STUCK INSIDE UTOPIA” TOUR 2009

'Stuck Inside Utopia’ begins August 25, 2009 at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia and concludes in the US with a five night run of shows at the legendary Fillmore in San Francisco on December 6, 2009.

On September 1, 2009, THE BLACK CROWES will release their new studio CD, Before the Frost... and celebrate with a live performance on the “Late Show with David Letterman.”

A second album, titled …Until The Freeze, will be given away for free exclusively through a unique download code which is included in Before The Frost… as a “thank you” to their fans for two decades of continued support.

The Black Crowes set will feature over two hours of music culled from the forthcoming new release and the band’s deep catalogue. Widely known for varying their nightly set lists performing new material, album cuts, rarities and covers in addition to their hits, THE BLACK CROWES, consistently deliver a fresh and unpredictable live show.

Tickets for the second and third legs go on sale as listed below and are available at the box offices and through www.livenation.com or www.ticketmaster.com

Go To WWW.BLACKCROWES.COM For More Info
Go To WWW.TRUTHANDSALVAGECO.COM For More Info

Stuck Inside Utopia” Tour 2009

DATE CITY/ST VENUE ON SALE DATES OPENING ACT

Tue-Aug-25 Vienna, VA Wolf Trap Center for the Arts On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Wed-Aug-26 Hyannis, MA Cape Cod Melody Tent On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Thu-Aug-27 Boston, MA Bank of America Pavilion On Sale Now On Sale Now Levon Helm Band / Truth & Salvage

Sat-Aug-29 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Event Center On Sale Now On Sale Now Levon Helm Band

Sun-Aug-30 Baltimore, MD Ram's Head Live On Sale Now On Sale Now "An Evening With"

Mon-Aug-31 Lancaster, PA American Music Theatre On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Wed-Sep-02 New York, NY Central Park Summerstage On Sale Now On Sale Now Levon Helm Band / Truth & Salvage Co.

Fri-Sep-04 Westbury, NY Theatre at Westbury On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Sat-Sep-05 Asbury Park, NJ Stone Pony Summerstage On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Sun-Sep-06 Virginia Beach, VA American Music Festival On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Tue-Sep-08 Bridgeport, CT The Klein On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Wed-Sep-09 Jim Thorpe, PA Penn's Peak On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Fri-Sep-11 Utica, NY Saranac Brewery On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Sat-Sep-12 Rama, Ontario Casino Rama On Sale Now On Sale Now "An Evening With"

Sun-Sep-13 London, Ontario Centennial Hall On Sale Now On Sale Now TBD

Wed-Sep-16 Providence, RI Lupo's On Sale Now On Sale Now "An Evening With"

Thu-Sep-17 Burlington, VT Higher Ground On Sale Now On Sale Now "An Evening With"

Fri-Sep-18 Kingston, NY UPAC On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Thu-Sep-24 Oklahoma City, OK OK State Fair - Norick State Fair Arena Sat-Jul-11 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Fri-Sep-25 Huntsville, AL Big Spring Jam On Sale Now On Sale Now Festival/Truth & Salvage Co.

Sat-Sep-26 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Mon-Sep-28 Oxford, MS The Lyric On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Tue-Sep-29 Knoxville, TN Tennessee Theatre On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Wed-Sep-30 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Fri-Oct-02 Asheville, NC Thomas Wolfe Auditorium On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Sat-Oct-03 Atlanta, GA Chastian Park Amphitheater On Sale Now On Sale Now Truth & Salvage Co.

Sun-Oct-04 Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues Fri-Jul-10 10AM "An Evening With"

Tue-Oct-06 Pompano Beach, FL Pompano Beach Amphitheatre Sat-Jul-18 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Wed-Oct-07 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall Fri-Jul-24 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Fri-Oct-09 Lake Buena Vista, FL House of Blues Fri-Jul-10 10AM "An Evening With"

Sat-Oct-10 New Orleans, LA House of Blues Fri-Jul-10 10AM "An Evening With"

Sun-Oct-11 Birmingham, AL Alabama Theatre Fri-Jul-10 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Tue-Oct-13 Austin, TX Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheatre Sat-Jul-11 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Wed-Oct-14 Houston, TX House of Blues Fri-Jul-10 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Fri-Oct-16 Dallas, TX The Palladium Ballroom Fri-Jul-10 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Sat-Oct-17 Bossier City, LA Horseshoe Bossier City - Riverdome Fri-Jul-10 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Sun-Oct-18 Beaumont, TX Ford Pavilion - Dog Jam tba tba tba

Tue-Oct-20 TBD

Wed-Oct-21 TBD

Thu-Oct-22 Phoenix, AZ Arizona State Fair Sat-Sep-12 tba "An Evening With"

Thu-Nov-05 Grand Rapids, MI Orbit Room Fri-Jul-10 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Fri-Nov-06 Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre Sat-Jul-11 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Sat-Nov-07 Milwaukee, WI The Riverside Theatre Fri-Jul-10 Noon Truth & Salvage Co.

Tue-Nov-10 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room @ Murat Centre Fri-Jul-10 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Wed-Nov-11 St. Louis, MO The Pageant Fri-Jul-10 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Fri-Nov-13 Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium Sat-Jul-11 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Sat-Nov-14 TBD

Sun-Nov-15 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot Sat-Jul-11 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Tue-Nov-17 Seattle, WA The Showbox SODO Fri-Jul-10 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Fri-Nov-20 Portland, OR Roseland Ballroom Fri-Jul-10 9AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Sat-Nov-21 TBD

Sun-Nov-22 San Diego, CA House of Blues Fri-Jul-10 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Sat-Nov-28 Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia @ LA Live Fri-Jul-10 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Sun-Nov-29 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues Sat-Jul-11 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Tue-Dec-01 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore Sun-Sep-13 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Wed-Dec-02 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore Sun-Sep-13 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Fri-Dec-04 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore Sun-Sep-13 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Sat-Dec-05 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore Sun-Sep-13 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Sun-Dec-06 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore Sun-Sep-13 10AM Truth & Salvage Co.

Keelhaul Announces New Album, "Keelhaul's Triumphant Return to Obscurity," Out August 18th on Hydra Head!

Complex, chaotic, heavy, and never dull - Punknews

A band you've ignored for far too long. - Scenepointblank

Keelhaul have written an album that not only moves the band to the next level but the whole genre that they represent. - Apeshit.org

Keelhaul is like the one friend that you're actually looking forward to seeing when you fly home for the holidays... Still smoking weed in the parent's basement, but, try as you might, you can't fault him for doing it because ultimately you're fucking convinced he's got some shit figured out that you're still years away from. Basically, this guy Keelhaul is a solid dude and maybe part of you wants to be him, no shame in it... most people are susceptible to societal pressures... you wanted to be an adult and you thought you knew what that meant... trips to the wine store... you should kick your own ass.

Keelhaul's Triumphant Return to Obscurity, is not just a clever name for an album title marking a band's return from obscurity, it's an album title for a band's release marking that same band's return from obscurity. init? Chris Smith, Aaron Dallison, Dana Embrose, and Will Scharf have been at it as Keelhaul for over ten years and it shows. This record picks up on the band's progression as if they were steadily releasing records throughout their six year hiatus. The pace is precise, the instrumentation is masterful and the guitar tones are absolutely appropriate. Look, your old pal Keelhaul knows what he's doing and he has no clue what a Williamsburg is, so he feels no need to overcompensate by adding strings, vibes, horns, boners (well maybe boners), harps and/or electric flutes... to his compositions... which is a damn good breath of fresh air if you ask us.


Keelhaul Live!
Aug 2 2009 Public Assembly Brooklyn, NY part of the Show No Mercy series w/ Minsk, STATS, + Special Guests
Aug 3 2009 Great Scott Boston, Massachusetts w/ Doomriders
Sep 12 2009 Melody Inn Indianapolis, Indiana



For more information, visit:
www.myspace.com/mykeelhaul

Clutch Announce US Fall Tour w/ Wino * New July 14th Release Date for "Strange Cousins From The West" * Summer Tour w/ Baroness and More!

The Maryland based band has amassed a substantial catalog that includes nine studio albums, five live releases, and a handful of EPs. What's more, throughout the 90's, Clutch's hardcore-influenced, groove-heavy riff rock, helped define that decade's stoner sound, while in the new millennium, their persistent hunger to expand their style brought them into the realms of traditional down-home blues and far-out psychedelic jams. While Clutch's recorded sound may be most prominently colored by Sult's mammoth riffs and Fallon's gravelly, booming vocals and surreal, pseudo-social lyrical critiques, the true strength of the band is revealed at Clutch's live show. Anyone who's witnessed one knows that when all four players lock into a brutal, funky groove - to use a title from one of their own songs - the mob goes wild. - Revolver Magazine

Veteran Maryland rock quartet CLUTCH have just put the finishing touches on their ninth studio album, titled Strange Cousins From the West. Produced by Clutch and J. Robbins at Magpie Cage Studios in Baltimore, the effort is the first Clutch original to be released on the band's own Weathermaker Music, through RED Distribution. Label manager Jon Nardachone reports "Strange Cousins..." will now be available both physically and digitally through retail on July 14th, and fans who purchase the new album via iTunes will receive a free bonus track! An iTunes exclusive 10 minute Clutch "up close & personal" video documentary, produced by Agent Ogden!

In celebration, the band is prepping their massive US Summer tour with the mighty Baroness, kicking off w/ a special July 3rd appearance at the House of Blues in Atlantic City, NJ w/ friends Shadows Fall, and have also just announced a Fall US tour w/ Wino and Revolution Mother, bringing the band to New York City's Irving Plaza for two-nights of back to back shows, and their first dates in the city in support of the band's new album.

Scroll below for the complete list of Clutch dates, as well as a glimpse at the amazing retrospective piece in the latest edition of Revolver Magazine. Listen to three new songs off "Strange Cousins..." streaming NOW on the Weathermaker Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/weathermakermusic

Clutch Live!

* A December North American tour will be added to the following confirmed dates shortly:

US w/ Baroness and Lionize!
July 3rd Atlantic City, NJ @ House of Blues w/ Shadows Fall and Wino (* no Baroness or Lionize)
July 9 Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's
July 10 Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
July 11 Chicago, IL @ Kuma's
July 12 Sauget, IL @ Pop's
July 14 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
July 15 Houston, TX @ House of Blues
July 17 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
July 18 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theater
July 19 Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues Las Vegas
July 20 San Diego, CA @ Cane's Bar & Grill
July 21 Los Angeles, CA @ House Of Blues
July 22 San Francisco, CA @ Regency Center
July 23 Seattle, WA @ King Cat Theater
July 25 Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
July 26 Missoula, MT @ Wilma Theater
July 27 Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
July 28 Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
July 29 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
July 31 Calgary, AB @ Flames Center
August 1 Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Events Center
August 2 Saskatoon, SK @ Odeon Event Center
August 3 Winnipeg, MB @ Garrick Center
August 5 Minneapolis, MN @ First Ave
August 6 Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
August 7 Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
August 8 Baltimore, MD @ Sonar

US Tour w/ Wino and Revolution Mother!
September 9 Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr Smalls
September 10 Buffalo, NY @ The Town Ballroom
September 11 Philadelphia, PA @ The Electric Factory
September 12 Hartford, CT @ The Webster Theater
September 13 Montreal, QC @ Lee Saints
September 15 London, ON @ London Music Hall
September 16 Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
September 18 Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
September 19 Jackson, MS @ Club Fire
September 20 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
September 22 Mobile, AL @ Soul Kitchen
September 23 Nashville, TN @ Cannery Ballroom
September 24 Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
September 25 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Orbit Room
September 26 Chicago, IL @ The Metro
September 27 Omaha, NE @ Sokol Auditorium
September 29 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
September 30 Denver, CO @ The Fillmore
October 1 Kansas City, MO @ The Beaumont Club
October 2 Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
October 3 Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
October 4 Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Music Festival
October 6 Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues
October 7 Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage
October 8 Richmond, VA @ The National
October 9 New York City, NY @ Irving Plaza
October 10 New York City, NY @ Irving Plaza

Onstage and on-record, when Fallon parts his mighty beard to open his mouth, the voice that emerges is so arresting, it puts your ass on lockdown before you have a chance to pull your finger out of your nose. - Decibel Magazine

www.myspace.com/clutchband

Kayo Dot Begin Recording New Album for Hydra Head!

Fresh off of a US tour opening for Trey Spruance's amazing SECRET CHIEFS 3, KAYO DOT has arrived in Seattle to begin recording their second full length release for Hydra Head Industries.

Throughout the tour, they performed and refined the new compositions, bringing them to new audiences and honing them for the upcoming recording, with Toby Driver also picking up bass duties for SECRET CHIEFS 3 each night. The new music features another sonic shift in the ever-evolving sonic lexicon of KAYO DOT. Expect a more visceral rhythmic sound with overdriven chorus basses, cave-echoed horns, vocals and strings, tuned struck metal, and a purveying melodic darkness threaded delicately throughout the sound of the music. Once again, the record will be recorded by Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Earth, Six Organs Of Admittance) who also recorded KAYO DOT'S critically acclaimed Hydra Head release from 2008, BLUE LAMBENCY DOWNWARD. Expect the release of the new music on Hydra Head in Fall of 2009, with a September / October European tour and US tour to follow the album release! - Toby Driver / Kayo Dot

For more information, visit:
www.myspace.com/kayodot

The Black Hollies Announce Summer US Tour * New October 6th Release Date for "Softly Towards The Light!"

Reflecting on that fateful day when four incredibly individualistic forces combined their hidden powers and combusted inside a small attic, it's pretty unbelievable to see just how far they've come. Recording their first 45rpm single under the watchful eye of long time best friend / sound engineer extraordinaire, Mike Olear, inside that very attic, nobody in attendance that weekend would have ever predicted that "Tell Me What You Want," would receive national and international attention, and end up on television sets across America.

Their debut LP, 'Crimson Reflections,' followed shortly after, and in March of 2008, the group's second LP, 'Casting Shadows' was released. The departure of one of the group's founding members, drummer Scott Thomas Bolasci, was an extremely sad but understanding one. Shortly afterwards, percussionist Nick Ferrante filled the drum throne and the band set off on two tours of North America. Upon returning back from their second tour, Justin Angelo Morey heard a song called, "If It's All The Same To You Babe" by the Luther Ingram Orchestra. This particular song would serve as the catalyst for the upcoming writing sessions that would immediately follow their return home. It's nearing the end of May 2009, and as we speak, the world is anxiously awaiting the arrival of their third LP, "Softly Towards The Light," scheduled for release shortly after the album's first single, "Gloomy Monday Morning," becomes this Summer's floor filler anthem.

The Black Hollies Live!
July 9 Memphis, TN Bucaneer w/ Bullet Proof Vests
July 10 Ft. Worth, TX Lola's Sixth
July 11 San Antonio, TX The Mix w/ Ugly Beats
July 12 Austin, TX Beerland w/ Ugly Beats
July 14 Tuscon, AZ Club Congress
July 15 Phoenix, AZ The Lost Leaf Gallery
July 16 Prescott, AZ Raven Café
July 17 Las Vegas, NV Beauty Bar
July 18 Sand Diego, CA Beauty Bar
July 21 Los Angeles, CA Echo Curio w/ Papillon
July 22 Los Angeles, CA Echo
July 23 Goleta, CA Mercury Lounge
July 24 San Francisco, CA Thee Parkside
July 25 Healdsburg, CA
July 26 Healdsburg, CA
July 29 Eugene, OR Luckey's
July 30 Portland, OR East End
July 31 Seattle, WA Comet Tavern
Aug 2 Spokane, WA The Boulevard
Aug 3 Missoula, MT The Badlander
Aug 4 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court
Aug 5 Denver, CO Three Kings Tavern
Aug 6 Lawrence, KS Jackpot/Replay
Aug 7 St. Paul, MN Turf Club
Aug 8 Madison, WI The Frequency w/ Awesome Snakes
Aug 10 Detroit, MI Lager House
Aug 28 Baltimore, MD Ottobar Scooter Rally

For more information, visit:
www.myspace.com/theblackhollies

Kickoff US Tour w/ MeWithoutYou and The Dear Hunter * Announce Bumbershoot Performance * Stream Reissued Debut Full Length on Suburban Home Records!

The album is a complex, meandering pop cantata that's meant to be digested as a whole, rather than as a series of tracks, and is a testament to indie creativity. - Alternative Press Magazine

Kay Kay and his Weathered Underground is alternative pop with avant-garde cuts and old-fashioned lacings. The band's self-titled debut album brings the theater to rock arenas and revamps ‘60s psychedelic pop to a modern pitch. - Absolute Punk

Seattle-based Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground is the lovechild of Kirk Huffman and Kyle O'Quin, and there's plenty of love to be had. Formed shortly after the announcement of Gatsby's American Dream's hiatus, Kay Kay was putting out good vibrations before the year was up, releasing a handful of tracks on cassette, and an intermediate live show compiled onto a two-disc, live DVD (shot in a fashion boutique) with accompanying CD, and they hadn't even made it out of Washington yet. Still, a copy of the DVD landed in the hands of Carson Daly, and after only a few shows outside their home state, Kay Kay performed an abbreviated version of their song, “Hey Momma,” on national television. Not bad for a band without a full-length!

If a cassette release is too retro for you, the band's eponymous debut was released strictly on vinyl, and in true Kay Kay fashion, 1,000 copies of the double LP, and the release party in Seattle, sold out before doors ever opened. It isn't just their production method that evokes the 1960s, though: Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground shimmers and soars like the greatest pop of that decade, with enough melody to lull songbirds into silence, and reverb to make your teeth chatter. Phil Peterson (cello, backing vocals), the third of the consistent members, lends his skills on strings to weave depth and darkness through the sunshine, and a revolving set of studio and live musicians (15 or so when all is said and done) round out the whole experience into an enormous orchestral affair.

The band is currently in the process of recording their second LP, and preparing the re-release of their debut, self-titled album to be released on CD for the first time ever on May 26th courtesy of Suburban Home. Look forward to new packaging for the vinyl, complete with new collages and a tri-fold design. At the end of 2008, Kay Kay hit the road with Rx Bandits and Portugal the Man for a jaunt down the West Coast, and this June they'll be out again for a handful of weeks, touring the U.S. with MeWithoutYou and The Dear Hunter.

Rain or shine, Kay Kay and his Weathered Underground promise you “moon men conspiracies, giant rodents, hallucinations... true happiness and love... baffled love, hope, wild possibilities, and dreams.”

Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground Live!

w/ MeWithoutYou and The Dear Hunter!
Jun 25 2009 The Hawthorne Theatre Portland, Oregon
Jun 26 2009 Neumo's Seattle, Washington
Jun 27 2009 The Venue Boise, Idaho
Jun 28 2009 The Avalon Theatre Salt Lake City, Utah
Jun 29 2009 The Marquis Theatre Denver, Colorado
Jun 30 2009 Angelo's Record Store (in-store, 2pm) Aurora, Colorado
Jul 1 2009 The Granada Theatre Lawrence, Kansas
Jul 2 2009 Station 4 St. Paul, Minnesota
Jul 4 2009 The Magic Stick Detroit, Michigan
Jul 5 2009 The Metro Chicago, Illinois
Jul 6 2009 The Grog Shop Cleveland, Ohio
Jul 7 2009 Mr. Smalls Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Jul 9 2009 The Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn, New York
Jul 10 2009 The Bowery Ballroom New York City, New York
Jul 11 2009 The Middle East Downstairs Boston, Massachusetts

At Bumbershoot Music Festival
Sep 5 2009 Bumbershoot Arts Festival - The Seattle Center Seattle, WA., Washington w/ Akimbo, All American Rejects, De La Soul, Eugene Mirman, Gang Gang Dance, Katy Perry, Matt & Kim, Os Mutantes, Past Lives, Sheryl Crow, and more!

Bergraven Streams New Album, "Till Makabert Väsen," Out This Week on Hydra Head!

Sweden's Bergraven fit under the black metal umbrella just at the edge, enough to keep part of its shoulder dry while the rest is soaked with outside influence. And while 2007's Dödsvisioner fooled around with the genre enough to warrant attention (and not to mention make a great, complex, dense metal record), the band's followup – Till Makabert Väsen – features only fragments of black metal, and even those are diluted by mainmanonlyman Pär Gustavsson bottomless pot of strangeness. But while Väsen is even more dense and bizarre than Dödsvisioner, it pays off just as big when given the time, because much like its predecessor, it's a record that requires your time and attention. It's not an album about beauty or Vikings, but instead obsessed with its own ugliness, dropping a major chord or big chorus in just when things are on the verge of being too displeasing for too long. This is hardly a conventional metal record, and you'll be hard pressed to find another one that sounds like it; with Till Makabert Väsen, Bergraven continue their journey to the strange, unexplored parts of the psyche. - Metal Sucks

Till Makabert Väsen, Par Gustafsson's third full length as Bergraven, is like raising a kid and then having to be big enough to recognize when that same kid is better than you at running, shooting, rafting, gathering, football americano, sleding, oki noodling, and chicks... The entire one man metal band genealogy should be hitching their hiking thumbs to this one, if you catch my drift. Till Makabert Väsen, well encapsulates the mood/progressive nature of Dödsvisioner, Bergraven's previous full-length, and takes it one step further.

This time with a more diverse range of vocal treatments and a masterful approach to overall song structure, on Till Makabert Väsen, Par perfected his already unique rendering of Nordic chants and vehement growls. The real genius, though, is in Par's ability to give you just enough room to breath before elegantly knocking the wind right out of you... Only someone like Par, someone wholly proficient in all the necessary instruments, could do so in such a way that you know you can't be mad at the guy after the fact. We heart Bergraven and if you possess anything in the way of good taste so will you.

For more information, visit:
www.hydrahead.com
www.myspace.com/bergraven

Hopewell Announce July 16th New York City Appearance w/ The Morning After Girls!

On the heels of the band's wildly successful, month-long headlining US tour in support of their new album, "Good Good Desperation" (Tee Pee Records), New York psyche-rock-mainstays Hopewell have returned home for a quick moment of relaxation. Wasting no time however, the band has immediately announced an upcoming, one-off New York City date supporting their friends from down under, The Morning After Girls, taking place July 16th at The Mercury Lounge.

Purveyors of the new psych-rock scene, Hopewell, featuring ex-Mercury Rev member Jason Russo, has been blending vintage fuzz pedal jams with their early space rock and shoegaze roots for over a decade, their 2001 full-length, The Curved Glass being the perfect, noisy bridge between the epic psychedelia of ‘90s acts like Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev and a newer generation of bands that include Dungen, Dead Meadow and Serena-Maneesh. Now back with their fifth album, Good Good Desperation effortlessly slips from cacophonous dueling piano passages, à la Stravinsky, to the Hammond-driven roots rock of The Basement Tapes, while creating something uniquely its own. From the opening vocal harmonies of "Preamble," which takes cues from the classical compositions of Bach and Debussy, to the CAN-inspired two-drummer tribal attack of "Island," listeners are confronted with expansive sonic images of a band's travels and conflicts. Good Good Desperation inhabits a world where “The Album” is not a lost art, and invites listeners on a journey from dirty downtown New York City scenes to blissful Californian deserts.

Good Good Desperation could easily be considered Hopewell's Meddle or Tago Mago chapter in a lengthy history that includes countless singles and compilations, and opening for My Bloody Valentine on their recent reunion tour, working in the past with producer Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips, MGMT, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah), recording a Peel Session live at Abbey Road Studio, and playing Reading and Leeds Festivals. With Good Good Desperation, Hopewell's journey continues in a grassroots, homespun sort of way -- down their own noisy path.

Listen to Hopewell on NPR - http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=105107290&m=105100359