I just stumbled upon this sizable gem of free music from Philadelphia's
label Relapse Records. Relapse has always been a solid label stacked
with a number of extreme metal acts. And they just released a sampler including the likes of Red Fang, Revocation, Exhumed, Baroness, Toxic Holocaust, Ulcerate, and so on. There's plenty more where that came from.
Go ahead and
stream / download all twenty-six tracks from the Relapse Records Bandcamp! And if you enjoy that heaviness, be sure to support the label and the music they bring. Stay metal \m/
By far and away one of the best modern thrash bands, this Boston
four-piece is a force to be reckoned with. Pouring out skill and
personality, this band is only getting started on their path to world
domination.
They released a damn impressive self-titled album this year. In support of this, Revocation have just launched a brand new music video for the track "Fracked" (Battlestar Galactica anyone?). It's a very well animated effort displaying the themes of the song in an intense and cohesive manner. Get fracked below! And as usual, we've included some more goods from the band. Enjoy the metal \m/
Revocation is our Artist of the Week! By far and away one of the best modern thrash bands, this Boston four-piece is a force to be reckoned with. Pouring out skill and personality, this band is only getting started on their path to world domination \m/
We conducted an interview with the lead guitarist / vocalist David Davidson. Read up below and learn from the master.
DD - It's very liberating, I feel so aero dynamic on stage.
MT - How can I grow a beard?
DD - Live in a van and drink PBR for a month straight, it'll grow soon enough.
MT - What is your approach to songwriting? Is it a group effort, is one of the members a primary songwriter?
DD - Generally, one person takes charge of the song, either myself or Dan, and we arrange most of it on our own. Once the basic structure feels like it's nearing completion it get's brought into the practice space and then we jam on it for awhile. As we rehearse it everyone gives their input from there and we make little tweaks and adjustments to it. Me and Dan haven't co-written a song yet but it's something that we've talked about and will hopefully do in the future.
MT - Tell me about Hot on the Heels, Will that ever be a thing again?
DD - HOTH was an 80's metal/rock project that featured myself and Phil as well as James from Random Acts of Violence on bass and Devon from Sexcrement on vocals. We put out a 3 song demo and played a handful of gigs. It was fun while it lasted but everyone's so busy that we never really did much more with it. We haven't jammed in forever and I think everyone forgets the songs so not sure if there will be a reunion anytime soon. It would be fun to do a show again as a one off if we have the time.
MT - What’s your approach to writing solos? Do you focus on improvisation or our your solos more theory based?
DD - I improvise over the solo sections and record my takes until I hear something that jumps out at me. I do have an understanding of theory since I studied a great deal of it in high school and college but when I write I try my best to not think about it and just try and make music. Sometimes I have to think about it though if the solo section changes keys or if it comes from a more exotic type of scale.
MT - What parts of the world bring out the best crowds to Revocation shows? If we’re talking US, what regions or states even?
DD - Japan had really awesome crowds and totally rabid fans so they're in my top 5 for sure. As far as the states go obviously Boston since we are from there so the shows are always really good for us. New York shows are always killer for us as well, there's just a great scene for metal there in general. Montreal and Toronto are great too. Hopefully in the future we can play South America, I hear the shows there are pretty nuts.
MT - Why was the Teratogenesis EP made as an individual EP rather than being included in the song-writing sessions new self-titled album?
DD - When Scion approached us they only wanted an EP's worth of material. Scion was funding the whole thing and they've released a bunch of EP's so far so we felt it would be a win win for us and our fans since we could release it for free.
MT - What kind of music do you listen to on the road and at home? All metal all the time? Or a mix of genres and styles?
DD - Currently I'm listening to some tracks off the new Gigan record and it sounds killer. I do listen to a great deal of metal but I also listen to a lot of jazz and classical as well. I think it's good to mix it up, sometimes you just need a break from blast beats.
MT - Many people think self-titling a record says something significant about the record or time period the band made it in. Does your newest records Self-titled status come from any intended meaning, or did you just run out of badass album titles?
DD - We chose to self title it because we all feel this is our strongest material to date and we also feel that as a unit we are functioning better than ever.
MT - Are you guys beer drinkers? Or are you hard liquor guys?
DD - Both. I enjoy good beer and the occasional gin and tonic from time to time.
MT - What contemporary bands, that you think are similar in some way to Revocation, are killing it right now?
DD - I really dig Vektor a lot. I think they are bringing something fresh to the thrash metal genre and they seem to be gaining a good following.
MT - Any songs stick out as favorites for you on the new record?
DD - I dig them all for different reasons but top 3 would probably be Archfiend, Invidious and Fracked.
MT - What are your plans for the rest of 2013 and into 2014?
DD - We're doing back to back tours in Europe and then the US up until mid November. After that we'll probably just lay low and write some more music for the rest of 2013. Not sure what 2014 will hold yet, too early to tell.
MT - I just saw you perform on the Summer Slaughter Tour, what was that experience like?
DD - It was an amazing experience. Even though the days were long and we had to do night drives every other night we had a blast. It was like heavy metal summer camp, you're with your buddies all day drinking and grilling in the parking lot and then you get to play a killer show in front of hundreds of fans. We'd love to do it again, hopefully in a bus next time though.
MT - How difficult was it squeezing every essential song and everything you guys wanted to play into the tiny time slot you guys had?
DD - Very difficult, we have 4 full lengths and an EP out now so when you only have a 25 minute set you have to make some sacrifices.
MT - Anything you want to say to the fans?
DD - Thanks for the support! Come out to a show and say what's up!
I've been out of town but I didn't want to leave
The Circle Pit hanging. So here's something I set up last week to kill
all the memory left on your iPod.
THIS IS THE FREE MUSIC MARATHON!
We've
helped promote a lot of free music over time. This is the cream of the
crop. And it ranges from big bands to the deep underground. Click a
link, any link. You may just find a new favorite. No matter what, you'll
find free music and tunes available for the price of your choosing. All
of these artists deserve support, so don't be afraid to throw some
dollars if something really makes you happy.
This is the final lap with the last 25 links.
We'll officially be back in full operation tomorrow!
When Revocation released their absolutely amazing EP “Teratogenesis” last year, the bar was set incredibly high for their next full length. Now I’m not discrediting the bands three previous albums. But I definitely dug the “Teratogenesis” EP significantly more than all of Revocations prior work. And a year after this awesome EP, the Massachusetts metallers are back with another release. This time it’s a self titled album, “Revocation”.
Self titled albums often signify defining moments in bands’ careers. Think about Metallica, and remember "The Black Album" is actually a self titled. The band has received a ton of attention leading up to the release of this album and pretty much in general. That means it’s incredibly important for Revocation to cement themselves as mainstays in the modern metal scene with this album. All previous work needs to lead up to the success that is this self titled album.
This album does a great job at combining the more straightforward technical thrash riffs that made “Teratogenesis” so entertaining with the moments of experimental fun progressive instrumentation that has made previous Revocation work so impressive. A perfect combination of the two is what I hear after spinning “Revocation” multiple times. There are plenty of kickass riffs, like the the first and second riffs in the first track of the album “The Hive”. But there’s plenty of awesome spots of progression and experimentation. Some easy examples are the classical guitar in "Archfiend", tremolo abuse in "Numbing Agent" and the obvious and highly hyped banjo interlude in "Invidious".
Tracks like "Entombed by Wealth" that combine heavy, mid-paced, grooving, thrash riffs with spider-like fingerwork and blazingly, furious riffing may be the backbone of this album, but David Davidson’s solo work is what really adds the flair to this album, just like the rest of Revocation’s catalog. His soloing is jazzy, classic rocky and bluesly, furiously thrash and all around best described as fun and honestly, flamboyant. The man is a god of lead guitar, there’s nothing more to say. He combines every aspect of modern metal soloing into his own recognizable style. The evil metal and epic soloing, like in outro track "A Visitation" are awesome, but the jazzy and bluesly styles are what really round out Davidson’s soloing. It’s all just so fun and great.
This album really isn’t that much different than previous Revocation albums, just better. I mean the riff around 4 minutes in killer, epic melodic track "The Gift You Gave" is very reminiscent of the intro of "Dismantle the Dictator", the band’s first big splash in the metal world. Instrumental track "Spastic" is pretty offbeat, groovy, a little crazy, and is a trademark Revocation instrumental track. This album really doesn’t bring that much new to the table, but the band is clearly more focused than ever at truly bringing the best the trademark Revocation sound can offer. Maybe that’s why it’s self titled. Or maybe they didn’t think into that much and just didn’t have a better title. Who knows?
“Revocation” was released on August 6th on the fantastic Relapse Records. This album is definitely worth checking out, I mean there’s a full album stream that I’ve clued you in on release day and I’ll link again below. There is no reason not to spin this one, and I really can’t imagine any Revocation fan not enjoying at least a little bit. I’m definitely stoked on it and it’s my thrash album of the year so far, beating out a solid records. Revocation really does everything right on this one. “Revocation” gets 9.5/10.
Today is one of the best Tuesdays in metal, seriously. I have three albums for you, like usual, all essential listening, so get on it. And all three have full album streams available, what more could you ask for?
First up is Revocation. Oh my god, last year’s “Teratogenesis” EP was some of the best thrash I have heard in a very long time. Just so good. So damn good. This year the question that was left was simple: could Revocation take the success of the “Teratogenesis” EP and match it with their next full length. And the best answer I can give is: yeah, pretty much. This album is a little different, but very awesome. I do feel like I enjoy “Teratogenesis” more, but Revocation’s newest and self-titled album is essential listening and very good in its own right. Stream it here.
I love death metal. So far this year has been a little lacking in the death metal department according to my ears, there’s been some cool releases that I’ve definitely enjoyed quite a bit, but I want more! And here comes Exhumed to change that, all for me, I assume. Exhumed’s newest release “Necrocracy” is absolutely fantastic and is definitely my favorite death metal release of the year so far. The band’s gore themed, death n roll style is better than ever. The riffs are simple and memorable, the solos rip, and the album and I are getting along great. Stream it here.
Last up is Last Chance to Reason. Not surprisingly, their new album is titled “Level 3” and it’s great, proggy and the right evolution of their sound. The songs wind, build up and climax like a video game themed band should. I’m finding both their heavier and softer parts more interesting though with this release. Don’t miss this one as right now, with both guitarists leaving the band and the vocalist joining The Contortionist, the fate of Last Chance to Reason looks kinda iffy. Stream it on Bandcamp!
Every year thousands of people migrate to Texas for music and festivities at South By So What?! This year's lineup (so far) has been advertised via flyers at Mayhem Festival and Warped Tour and segments of the festival's official pages. There seems to be a good mix of bands coming out. Check 'em below.
This year's second edition of the festival will take place at LaGrave Field in Fort Worth, TX on October 25th-26th. Should be ridiculously fun.
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Gwar
Finch
Story Of The Year
Sleeping With Sirens
Memphis May Fire
Breathe Carolina
Whitechapel
I See Stars
Crown The Empire
The Word Alive
Dance Gavin Dance
The Almost
Miss May I
Like Moths To Flames
Secrets
Capture The Crown
Death Angel
3 Inches Of Blood
Goatwhore
Battlecross
Revocation
Issues
DayShell
Holy Grail
Band Of Orcs
Iron Reagan
Set It Off
I Am King
Get Scared
Palisades
Lions Lions
The Bunny The Bear
This Romantic Tragedy
Sylar
Indirections
Urizen
Azurah
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Surprise, surprise. Revocation just dropped a new single from their upcoming self-titled album and it's damn awesome. This is one of those bands that never seems to disappoint. Their brand of modern thrash is heavy and infectious and it shows on the new single "Fracked".
The legends at Loudwire have the exclusive stream so go give it a listen here. Get fracked.
Revocation are gearing up to dish out more modern thrash metal greatness August 6th when they release their self titled album on Relapse Records. The band has released an update for both guitars and vocals. These will give you a decent idea of what the band is like and how the recording process went down this time. Looks very DIY to me. Check out the videos.
The Revocation guys have not put out a single yet, but from what the teasers and update videos hold, this album sounds heavy. Heavy, thrashy and technical. Revocation are definitely bringing it again. I’m quite excited for this album. It’s Revocation and if the “Teratogenesis” EP is any indication, this album is gonna slay. Watch the updates and keep up with Revocation at the the links below.
Modern metal titans Revocation have posted the first studio update for their new album that is set to be released sometime this summer. This, along with a picture of lead vocalist and guitarist David Davidson holding, and seemingly tracking with, a banjo is the first glimpse at new Revocation tunes. The update features drum and bass tracking primarily, although there is a little snippet of a song in the intro and outro of the video that features some tasty guitar playing. Shortly after bassist Brett Bamberger flashes the camera, he lays down a sweet little bass tapping lick that I hope is actually part of the album and not just the bassist fooling around while the camera is on.
It’s pretty clear that it doesn’t take much (exactly one picture and one 4 minute video with minimal music) to get the ball rolling on the Revocation hype machine. The band has been heavily touring on their previous two releases, 2011’s “Chaos of Forms” and 2012’s EP “Teratogenesis”, available for free here. They are also playing this year’s Summer Slaughter tour so it’s no surprise they’ve garnered quite the buzz lately. Davidson and crew keep churning out solid releases. There’s no reason to think this year’s offering will be anything other than a fantastic album filled with the signature experimental thrash that Revocation is known for. Keep checking back with us for more updates on the album as they come.
Sometimes, I wish I lived somewhere other than Buffalo, NY. This would be one of those instances. The New England Metal Fest is hosting a kickoff party at The Palladium in Worchester, MA on April 18.
Revocation, The Acacia Strain, and A Life Once Lost are only three of the nine bands that will start this festival off right- with brutal metal.
You can purchase tickets at FYE, Tickets.com, the venue, or order VIP tickets here (soundrink.com). Honestly, it would be worth the drive as well. The Acacia Strain always puts on a great show. Check out the official flyer along with some music from the bands below.
The official New England Metal & Hardcore Fest is from April 19-21 and boasts bands such as Anthrax, Hatebreed, Opeth, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and After The Burial. Here is our official preview for the main event. Go if you can. Go to it all.
The line up for Summer Slaughter was recently announced and GOD DAMN this year is going to be huge! This grouping of bands is probably not what people were expecting. There's much more of a focus on variety rather than Death Metal which has its ups and downs. But Summer Slaughter is an extreme metal tour, not purely Death Metal.
The headliner this year will be The Dillinger Escape Plan! The supporting acts include Animals As Leaders, Periphery, Norma Jean, Cattle Decapitation, The Ocean, Revocation, and Aeon.
If that doesn't sound great enough, you also get to vote for the opening act! There's a poll of 18 bands that you can find on the official Summer Slaughter Facebook page. So far it's looking heavy with Rings of Saturn and Australia's Thy Art Is Murder in the lead (UPDATE - Both Rings of Saturn and Thy Art Is Murder will be on the tour).
Check out the flyer along with some music down below! We'll see you in the pit.
The Faceless, Revocation, and The HAARP Machine... Is it even safe to have so much talent under one roof? They will be wrecking venues together beginning late November on the Deconsecrate The Nation Tour. Check out the dates on the flyer below and we'll see you in the circle pit! We also have some great music from all three bands. Blast that shit!
Crossing the lines between Technical Death Metal and Thrash Metal, Revocation is a band that stands out and deserves your attention. A lot has been going on with these guys lately. A brand new video is out for the track "The Grip Tightens". OLD MAN THRASH! They also just put out a new EP "Teratogenesis" about 2 weeks ago and you can go download it for free! Grab it here. Definitely recommended. They're also wrapping up a European tour with the morbidly named Dying Fetus, Job For A Cowboy, and Cerebral Bore. Then they will trek across North America with A Life Once Lost and KENmode. Tour dates here. And as usual... mosh to the music we have for you!
I believe we've had multiple play through buffets for just about every key metal instrument... so let's do one will full bands!
I just stumbled upon this sizable gem of free music from Philadelphia's
label Relapse Records. Relapse has always been a solid label stacked
with a number of extreme metal acts. And they just released a sampler including the likes of Red Fang, Revocation, Exhumed, Baroness, Toxic Holocaust, Ulcerate, and so on. There's plenty more where that came from.
Links: Facebook // Bandcamp
Revocation is our Artist of the Week! By far and away one of the best modern thrash bands, this Boston four-piece is a force to be reckoned with. Pouring out skill and personality, this band is only getting started on their path to world domination \m/
I've been out of town but I didn't want to leave
The Circle Pit hanging. So here's something I set up last week to kill
all the memory left on your iPod.
These are all songs picked by the followers, for the followers... MOSH!
This buffet is dedicated to awesome guitar players. Feast your eyes on skill.
When Revocation released their absolutely amazing EP “Teratogenesis” last year, the bar was set incredibly high for their next full length. Now I’m not discrediting the bands three previous albums. But I definitely dug the “Teratogenesis” EP significantly more than all of Revocations prior work. And a year after this awesome EP, the Massachusetts metallers are back with another release. This time it’s a self titled album, “Revocation”.
