Here are three releases you should look into this Tuesday.
Sometimes you just need a good laugh. Sometimes all you want is an album
you play ten times in an hour and still have some time left. Sometimes
all you want to listen is a band whose entire existence is dedicated to a
rookie baseball player from Cuba and whose name is a play on words
involving legendary grind band Pig Destroyer. Okay well maybe not. But
if by chance you do, I have the band for you.
British heavy metal legends, Saxon, produced a series of alternative
takes on classic favorites to herald a worthy new entry to the Saxonian
Institute of Metal on their new album, "Unplugged and Strung Up." It's
set for release today! Unplugged and Strung Up reveals layers and pieces previously dormant in
many of the 14 classic Saxon songs chosen for this makeover, thanks to
some ear-catching new arrangements and mixes. Give it a go.
Ghost has been building up a lot of hype recently with their obscure
"darkened Beatles" sound. And with said classic pop influenced sound,
here's an oddball release. "If You Have Ghost" will be entirely a covers
EP from the band. It includes covers of Depeche Mode, ABBA, Rock
Erickson, and more.
This was done is association with Dave Grohl (The Foo Fighters,
ex-Nirvana). Also turns out you can now stream this entire EP! Head over to Thequietus.com to give it a listen. "If You Have Ghost" hits stores today.
Ghost has been building up a lot of hype recently with their obscure "darkened Beatles" sound. And with said classic pop influenced sound, here's an oddball release. "If You Have Ghost" will be entirely a covers EP from the band. It includes covers of Depeche Mode, ABBA, Rock Erickson, and more.
This was done is association with Dave Grohl (The Foo Fighters,
ex-Nirvana).
Turns out you can now stream this entire EP! Head over to Thequietus.com to give it a listen. "If You Have Ghost" is set to hit stores on November 19th. Pre-orders are available here.
We're gonna be taking a bit of a sidestep with Belgian / France based Progressive Rock band Arrow Haze. Project of famed Youtube shredder MattRach (86 million views and counting here), this album is like a classic rock update both metaphorically and literally with an 8 string guitar meeting a 6.
Arrow Haze brings that classic style into the new era with shades of Rush, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, The Doors, The Beatles, U2, and even a touch of Iron Maiden at times. All that music I'm sure some of you grew up listening to. At the very least I did and that's exactly why this band stands out to me.
They released their debut full-length "Music Factory" in November of last year. It packed a punch through various methods and sounds. The band pulls off everything from laid back to more upbeat tunes with ballads in between. All and all, a good offering.
It's safe to bet the first track off the album, "Casino", sets the mood for
the rest of what's to come. It starts off with a slow tempo that begins to
build up and than comes down on you with nothing but power. When the lead comes in, it may just tug at your heart. Definitely worth a couple rewinds. This is an
excellent way to introduce the band to those they have not heard of these
guys before.
Another big track would be the single "Crisis". The riffs and solos in that song get me every time. This band does a great job of bringing those good feeling vibes to the Progressive Rock world. These are the kind of songs that will get stuck in your head in a good way.
Other enjoyable tracks from the album are "Confirm The Message", "Routine", "Elly Kedward", and "Along The Way" among others. It has to be said some don't shine as brightly though. Filler can be found in certain segments, especially when the guitarists aren't going off.
If you haven't gathered from the descriptions yet, this is a very guitar based album. The singer / bass / and drums are frankly okay, but the two guitarists are a step above taking on the spotlight head first and successfully driving most songs from start to finish.
If you have not heard of Arrow Haze before and have those classic rock taste buds, this is definitely a band you should check out. Overall, this album deserves a solid listen to all those that are addicted to some good kick-back, guitar driven music and smoking blunts \m/
As the Golden God awards slowly approach, we here at
The Circle Pit want to help you decide who to cast your vote for in
each of the categories. Sure, you have your own mind (we hope) but maybe
we can help if you're stuck between voting for a band that's your
secret guilty pleasure and a band that actually deserves to win. And the
nominees are...
Comeback Of The Year
Aerosmith
Quicksand
Refused
SoundGarden
Tenacious D
The Darkness
Fe's Predictions
The
bands in this category are one that show it doesn't matter how old you
are, as long as you still have rock and roll in your heart, you can still
play music.
All of the bands have had welcoming comebacks with
their respective fanbases but it all boils down to how large and
computer literate their fan base is (kidding!). While Aerosmith has the
largest number of likes on Facebook as well as time under their belts,
popularity only goes so far. Yes, their album was a solid release but so
were the other albums from the other five acts in the category.
It will definitely be between Aerosmith and
Soundgarden. The Seattle based rockers in Soundgarden were pioneers in
the prog rock genre and Aerosmith is obviously a huge influence on many
in the rock scene.
Mike Thall's Predictions
This is a tough decision... Not exactly metal, but most of the bands are straight up classics. I agree with Fe because I'm betting Aerosmith or Soundgarden will take home the prize. It would also be rad to see Quicksand, Refused, or even Tenacious D win.
Song Of The Year
"Carry On" Avenged Sevenfold
"Run Free" Asking Alexandria
"In The End" Black Veil Brides
"I Ejaculate Fire" Dethklok
"Love Bites (So Do I)" Halestorm
"Blood" In This Moment
Fe's Predictions
First
off, Black Veil Brides go away. Revolver, please keep them out of your
awards shows we are begging you. The little scene girls ruin everyone
else's chances.
Second, this category features a majority of mainstream bands.
That's the thing though, they contribute to the most sales of songs and
playtime on everyone's iPhones. While Avenged Sevenfold and Halestorm
both had great years, their sound stays the same.
In This Moment and Dethklock have the upper hand
with how heavy their tracks are compared to their competition. But will
their talent override scene kid obsessions Black Veil Brides or Asking
Alexandria?
Well, "Run Free" actually shows some growth from
Asking Alexandria. But here's to hoping In This Moment wins over them.
I'm obviously all for girl power.
Mike Thall's Predictions
Wow... this is a shit category. I'm gonna have to give it to the hilarious / super talented Dethklok with I EJACULATE FIRE. Because a mummy ejaculating fire on everything and everyone is the most metal thing I've ever seen. And if you aren'ts metal, you ams dildos.
Here are three releases you should look into this Tuesday.
Ghost has been building up a lot of hype recently with their obscure
"darkened Beatles" sound. And with said classic pop influenced sound,
here's an oddball release. "If You Have Ghost" will be entirely a covers
EP from the band. It includes covers of Depeche Mode, ABBA, Rock
Erickson, and more.
This was done is association with Dave Grohl (The Foo Fighters,
ex-Nirvana). Also turns out you can now stream this entire EP! Head over to Thequietus.com to give it a listen. "If You Have Ghost" hits stores today.
