Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
UK Live Music in Crisis!
UK Live Music in Crisis!
As you have no doubt be aware of, The UK is heading at full speed in to another recession. Add to this the nightmare that has become Brexit and the long-term financial and social side effects (no pun intended) of COVID19 and the UK is in dire straits (still no pun intended!).
Everyone is suffering financial and as usual the music industry is suffering too, BIG TIME!
With less disposable income, people are not going to gigs, are not buying merchandise and not buying music. Taxation, fuel costs, a spaggetti-like legal system there simply isn’t much money for musicians and venues. Add to this the reticence of people to go back to public spaces and it’s not looking good for people in the music industry. ROX Network is very concerned about the state of the industry and how musicians and everyone that serves them and supports them are hitting the wall and reaching a real financial crisis. If enough people and organisations quit music then the future looks set to be a grim, atonal one.
But don’t take our word for it, Help For Musicians have issued the statement below regarding the situation. Released 14th November 2022.
PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS FACING MULTIPLE PRESSURES THIS WINTER - WITH HALF BELIEVING THEY MAY HAVE TO LEAVE THE INDUSTRY
• More than 8 in 10 professional musicians are worried about meeting mortgage or rent costs
• Nine in ten say that their career is being impacted by poor mental health
• 91% face a ‘cost of working’ crisis, including being unable to afford music-related equipment
• Charity estimates it will need to take £8m from reserves by the end of the year to give musicians the support they need
The cost of living crisis, alongside other factors including the ongoing impact of the pandemic and Brexit, is having a ‘brutal’ impact on the UK’s musicians, with close to half saying they are ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ concerned they will be forced to leave the industry, whilst a further 35% are ‘slightly or ‘somewhat’ worried they will have to.
This is according to the latest survey from charity Help Musicians and is a significant increase from this time last year, when 22% said they were considering leaving, demonstrating the additional impact the cost of living crisis is having, on top of the issues they were already facing.
The survey reveals the combination of challenges is leading to unpredictable earnings for most, which has in turn taken a toll on mental health. Most musicians’ financial reserves were drained by the pandemic and debt is a now a key worry.
Rising costs come at the worst time imaginable for musicians, with six in ten (60%) saying they are worse off financially now compared to the same time last year. And 8 in 10 (78%) say they are currently earning less income from music than before the pandemic hit in March 2020.
Brexit has also played a key part in this, putting up touring barriers, as well as leading to equipment, personnel and venue shortages. And furthermore, rampant inflation in fuel and heating is pushing up the cost of working, such as travelling to gigs or heating rehearsal spaces.
To address the shocking new figures, Help Musicians estimates that by the end of the year, it will have spent a total of £8m in 2022 supporting musicians with a range of needs across financial help, mental health and touring support.
Struggling to meet basic costs
The study, conducted amongst over 500 professional musicians across the UK, has revealed that the reality of being a working musician is very different from how many might expect, with the majority working as freelancers who are hit hard by rising costs associated with working and touring.
The vast majority of the professional musicians surveyed (98%) are ‘concerned’ about their ability to earn sufficient income over the next six months, with many worried about basics such as food or accommodation. Nine out of ten (90%) are worried about affording food over the next six months, with 84% concerned about paying their mortgage or rent. With the energy crisis hiking up monthly bills, 80% are worried about getting into debt in the coming months.
A cost of working crisis
The current situation is leading to what Help Musicians CEO James Ainscough says is a ‘cost of working’ crisis within the industry, with 97% saying that rising costs are hitting their careers. This extends as far as simply being able to afford the tools of their trade – nine in ten (91%) say that being unable to afford music-related equipment is currently impacting them. Brexit hasn’t helped matters either, with 85% saying difficulties planning performances and tours in the EU is an issue.
Musician’s mental health plummets
The knock-on impact of derailed careers and financial stress is shockingly high mental health issues within the industry. Nearly nine in ten (88%) believe difficulties with their mental health is currently affecting their work, with 68% saying their mental health is worse than before the pandemic. Help Musicians has also seen a 34% increase in calls this year to Music Minds Matter, its mental health-focused sister charity.
Support being put in place
To help address the issues, Help Musicians is today announcing a raft of additional support measures to help UK musicians to build sustainable careers within the current, incredibly challenging environment, investing £8m from its reserves in key areas. Costs for the charity’s mental health service, Music Minds Matter – which offers 24/7 mental health support and advice, alongside therapeutic support as NHS waiting lists continue to grow – will hit £1m for the first time this year.
To help ensure musicians can build truly sustainable careers and help alleviate the need for short-term funding in the future, the charity is also increasing funding to support the cost of performing and touring, helping artists to create new music and promote it, and offering business advice and mentoring from experienced industry professionals, alongside debt management and financial crisis advice.
James Ainscough, Chief Executive of Help Musicians said, “It is hard to imagine any point since the Second World War when it has been tougher to be a professional musician - put simply, the current environment is brutal. The pandemic had a catastrophic impact, with most simply unable to perform. Afterwards, venues were booked up for months or years in advance due to rearranged gigs. This has been followed by Brexit, which has impacted their ability to tour, for many emerging musicians a vital step in building a sustainable career.
“It is clear from the responses to this survey, that musicians need a broad range to support to help them navigate financial challenges of working and living over winter, make the most of touring opportunities, and improve their mental health. Our Music Minds Matter service has seen a 34% increase this year and we have funded 1,600 hours of counselling in the last three months alone.
“We need to put significant time and resource into sustaining musicians over the coming, challenging months, if we are to have a thriving music ecosystem in 2023 and beyond. We cannot afford to lose any of the talent from our passionate community of UK musicians if we want to continue enjoying the music that inspires us all every day.”
Dame Evelyn Glennie, musicians and HM Ambassador, said: “It is now, sadly, all too common to be informed of highly skilled musicians deciding on alternate career paths, Arts organizations having to shut down, or community orchestras and choirs folding in these extremely harsh financial times. It takes a great deal of physical and mental energy to function and sustain a career in music; the current challenges are unprecedented which is resulting in a catastrophic avalanche of stress, disillusionment, lost talent and shortened careers. We know what it feels like when music uplifts us – every aspect of our being is positively impacted. We must try to do all we can to support the immense creativity that the UK has to offer and be sure that musicians’ needs are listened to, supported and acted on”.
Help Musicians is asking those who are in a position to donate to give whatever they can through the website, in order to help them to support more musicians throughout the UK with important services such as these. Every penny donated to Help Musicians goes straight to the frontline without any deduction to cover its operating costs or overheads.
Anyone working in the music industry who needs support can call Help Musicians on 0808 802 8008 or go to helpmusicians.org.uk.
Research conducted by Help Musicians amongst 525 UK music professionals in September 2022.
For media enquiries, or to request an interview with a Help Musicians representative, please contract:
Chris Bull, Newsfeed PR: CBull@NewsfeedPR.co.uk / 07760 273 160
Priyanka Loomba, Newsfeed PR: priyanka.loomba@newsfeedpr.co.uk / 07531 650 633
About Help Musicians
Help Musicians is a charity that loves music and for over 100 years has been working hard to make a meaningful difference to the lives of musicians across the UK. We want to create a world where musicians thrive.
A musician’s life can be precarious with ups and downs throughout a career. Opportunities must be hard-won, whilst challenges come along all too easily, with unsteady income and physical and mental health concerns common issues to navigate. In addition, training can take many years and, along with investing in instruments and other equipment, puts up financial barriers to creative progression. Help Musicians offers a broad range of help to support music creators in times of crisis and opportunity - ensuring musicians across the UK can achieve their creative potential and sustain a career in music.
Sadly, the impact of the pandemic means the charity is needed more than ever. Since March 2020, we have been able to provide financial hardship support to over 19,000 music creators and increase access to our mental health services by 40%. In 2022, this ongoing need will continue at scale while the music sector recovers and rebuilds. (Courtesy of Help Musicians)
A further statement from Help Musicians:
Widening of service featuring professional insight from mental health experts
Help Musicians announces expansion of its Music Minds Matter service to widen the mental health support available to the UK music industry
The charity has seen a 65% rise in calls for help over the last three months, driven by financial anxiety and exacerbated by uncertainty about the future
Key figures across the industry recognise the value of Music Minds Matter and endorse the charity’s plans to make a meaningful difference to future wellbeing, with PPL making a significant 3‑year financial commitment
Recent research carried out by Help Musicians has shown that the combined effect of lockdown and uncertainty about the future is taking an unprecedented toll on the mental health of musicians. Results from the charity’s survey highlighted concerning statistics, including the stark figure of 87% of respondents stating that their mental health has deteriorated since the start of the pandemic.
Echoing the findings, Help Musicians has seen a 65% rise in requests for help to the charity’s Music Minds Matter service already this year. As a result, Help Musicians is announcing its ambition to significantly expand its Music Minds Matter service (launched in July 2017), widening the range of support options available, with the aim of improving the health and wellbeing of all working in the music industry.
Alongside the current 24/7 dedicated mental health support line for the whole music industry, staffed by accredited therapists, two new strands of support will be added to Music Minds Matter:
The creation of a national network of local support groups offering all those working in music the ability to meet together, with experts, to tackle issues such as anxiety and to build resilience.
Targeted signposting to help everyone find the best, most relevant advice and support, from across the music sector and beyond.
Industry bodies have welcomed this approach and at the recent UK Music Board meeting, committed to work with the charity to ensure that this practical support reaches those in need. PPL has already offered a 3‑year funding package worth £300,000 to ensure more musicians than ever before can access much needed one-to-one counselling and therapeutic support. Help Musicians also hopes to extend the provision of these services beyond musicians to all those working within the industry.
James Ainscough, Chief Executive of Help Musicians: “Music is beneficial to everybody’s mental wellbeing, yet those who work in music seem to struggle more than most with their own mental health. The pandemic has amplified this paradox. Music Minds Matter will become a collaborative mental wellbeing resource for the entire music industry, to help those who are struggling and to transform the ability of all those working in music to proactively maintain their wellbeing. Working together, spotlighting all that is valuable whoever the provider, the music industry can embed lasting change and become a leader in caring for the mental health of its people. We are very grateful to the whole UK Music Board for their enthusiasm and support, and especially PPL for their decisive financial backing. We hope many will come to value and support this work as the Music Minds Matter service expands.”
Peter Leathem, Chief Executive Officer of PPL said: “The pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of many in the music industry. PPL supports initiatives which aim to improve the wellbeing of those that work in music. Last year, with Help Musicians, we jointly backed the launch of BAPAM’s mental health training bursary scheme, and are proud to be partnering yet again to support the expansion of Music Minds Matter. Since launching in 2017, the service has been an important source of help for many musicians, so we welcome its growth and the help it will now offer to all in our industry.”
UK Music Chief Executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin said: “This pandemic has had an awful toll on our industry, and nowhere can the impact be seen more starkly than on the mental health of those working in the industry. “Music Minds Matter is a vital service that provides much-needed advice and support to those who need it most, and this expansion will make a real difference to countless people across the industry. “Protecting and improving the health and wellbeing of those working in the music industry is mission critical if we want to get through this pandemic. UK Music is determined to play our part in this important effort, and so we are proud to be supporting Help Musicians in the excellent work they are doing.”
Lucy Heyman, Musicians’ Health and Wellbeing Specialist and co-author of Sound Advice said: “Even before the pandemic hit, musicians experienced significant mental and physical challenges in their careers. This situation has worsened over the last twelve months with many now facing increased financial difficulties and mental health issues, along with uncertainty about the future and return to work. As a result, we vitally need more support services for musicians and those working in the industry around them. The collaborative, industry-wide approach that Help Musicians is offering will enable anyone in the music industry to access the very best support services available in one place, no matter who provides them. It will make a meaningful difference to the music community, providing much-needed centralised support, along with targeted localised solutions, to address the issues caused by the pandemic and beyond.”
Mark Bristow the drummer for MOSHtalgia/Arrow Valley, Ex Cloven Hoof comments
“I work for the UK’s largest Brewer as an Account Manager. Essentially I sell into Free On Premise outlets (non tied). For simplicity, my customers will see the best prices in the market as they aren’t brewery owned therefore are able to switch to more competitive deals as they see fit.
The main issue at the moment is that:
-energy prices are insane
-cost of staff because of inflation has gone up
-cost of goods (beer) has gone up due to brewery inflationary pressures on deliveries (fuel), production (electricity + raw materials).
-customers are still wary of going out.
As a result, before you even book a band the revenue streams any venue make money from during a Gig/event have to go up to maintain margins to ensure businesses can cover their basic costs. This means that generally, pints and cost of entry goes up.
Having been on the local scene for 20 years, toured internationally and seen the inner workings of venues financials it’s obvious that to cover costs, drinks prices go up so customers spend less, ticket prices go up to cover basic costs and then there’s the elephant in the room which is bands charging more because of their costs.
I’ve seen local gigs go from £3 entry, £3 drinks to £10 entry £4-£5 drinks.
Venues are having to do more to earn less as customers spend less. This is on the basic costs of a gig.
Now: band perspective…
The barriers to entry for new musicians is insane. For example, being a drummer my costs are naturally higher than a guitarist (generally speaking). I have to have the biggest car for travel which costs. I have the biggest outlay for breakables. Every cymbal is £200+ to replace.
In covers bands we are expensive. £750-£1000 per gig. There are 5 of us. Fuel is an average of £50 per car. That’s £900 left or £180 each. Then there’s practice costs. Average gig is 2 practices before hand. That’s £10 an hour, usually two 5 hour sessions or £100, that’s £800 left or £160 each.
Then there’s all of the non costed elements such as: set up times that are unpaid and pack down. From £180 we’re on site for around 6 hours, so £30 an hour.
That’s assuming we get £1000 which most venues don’t pay.
That’s a minimum of 100 people at £10 or 200 at £5 to stand still on our cost alone.
It’s insane.”
Monday, November 21, 2022
Hell Bent for Leather! ROX interviews Leather Leone
Catherine Anne Leone, known professionally as Leather Leone, is an American metal vocalist, best known for fronting the groups Rude Girl and Chastain in the 1980s.
She released one solo album, Shock Waves, in 1989, before taking a twenty-year break from the music scene. In 2011 she began performing again in The Sledge/Leather Project, which released a debut heavy metal album, Imagine Me Alive, in 2012.
In this brand new interview. ROX Network talks to her about her rise to fame and her return to the metal music scene...
When did you start singing
professionally
We started playiing clubs
and actually getting paid. lol
at least in drink
ticket's.
Where you always singing as a
child?
impact a voice could have on
another person. It intriqued me, It still does.
Did your parents support your
gift?
4. Do you play any instruments
too?
Yes my vocal chords.
Who are your main vocal
inspirations?
Dio, Dickinson, Tate
Why did you decide to be a
vocalist for metal music?
In the very early 8o's when I
heard Ronnie Dio. his voice changed my whole way
of thinking, how a voice could
actually effect someone. HIs tone , his phrasing , his lyrical
content.. I was hooked.
Did you enjoy your time
singing with Chastain in the 80s?
The world was wide open for us.
How do you feel you were
treated as female in the world back then?
I kept my clothes on and i
delivered. It was sex , drugs and rock n roll but I just did my job.
How about nowadays?
I have no problem with
respect.. I give it, I receive it.
You reap what you sow, most of
the time....
Your album "Leather
II" did very well when it was released in 2018. What are your thoughts now
on that album?
Its all around much better
record.
How about your new album
"We are the Chosen"? How did recording go?
I am at home being a solo,artist
recording with the brothers. They understand my vocals
and seriously finally recorded
my voice as it really is!
Who's on the album?
Vinni Tex did all guitars,
Braulio Drumond did the drum tracks.
Douglas Pinella orchestration.
Has Steamhammer been
supportive?
Of course, I am working with
them for a reason.
Olly Hahn is a Metal dude..
Do you still feel the same
passion for metal as you did in the 80s? Why?
I feel somewhat normal
Any live dates planned?
Nothing concrete as of yet. Will
keep you posted.
What advice would you give
to any woman looking to become a metal vocalist?
Keep your clothes on!
Leather Leone will be releasing her third solo album We Are The Chosen via SPV / Steamhammer Records on November 25, 2022.
Track List for We Are The Chosen:
01. We Take Back Control
02. Always Been Evil
03. Shadows
04. Off With Your Head
05. We Are The Chosen
06. Tyrants
07. Hallowed Ground
08. Dark Days
09. Who Rules The World
10. The Glory in The End
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Competition time. Win!!
To celebrate the release of the remastered edition of the Gypsy's Kiss EP
"Heat Crazed Vole: Refurred!", ROX Network is giving a FULLY SIGNED
copy of the CD to one lucky winner!
All you have to do is answer this question correctly. The first correct
answer out of the hat wins the CD!
Here's the question:
Who else recorded a song called "Gypsy's Kiss"?
Send your answer to our email:
roxrocknmetal@gmail.com
Competetion closes 14 December 2022.
Monday, November 14, 2022
Incoming! Askvader
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Incoming! Black Rain
Sometimes it takes a few years until a band finds that perfect sound they have in mind for their songs. For the new album ‘Untamed’ by the French Sleaze Rock formation BlackRain, that’s exactly the case. Although already established as a band with their six previous releases and also very successful on tour (among others with Europe, Alice Cooper, Scorpions or Steel Panther), the quartet around singer Swan now presents a work that sets new quality standards in every aspect. “We love the powerful sound, the banging drums, this awesome mix of catchy melodies and aggression that permeates ‘Untamed’ from the very beginning,” bassist Matthieu de la Roche enthuses and goes on naming the producer of the new quality work: Hannes Braun, frontman of the German hard rockers Kissin` Dynamite and an important figure in sound engineering. De la Roche: “Hannes told us: ´I love your songs, your show really has excited me, I know exactly how your next record should sound!` Thanks to his help, we found the sound we’ve been looking for since ten years.” ‘Untamed’ will be released on November 25th, 2022 via Steamhammer/SPV. A date you should mark in red in your calendar!
The
connection between the French group and their German producer was practically
self-evident: BlackRain accompanied Kissin` Dynamite on their last European
tour and they were friends for about a decade. “Kissin Dynamite was our support
band in 2009 in a big gig in Paris. Now we are supporting them, and we are fine
with this because it allowed us to cross Europe and catch a new public,” tells
De La Roche. Out of this friendship sprang a fruitful collaboration. Swan, the
singer and frontman: “I honestly don`t know how Hannes managed it, but whenever
I sent him a new song for review and mix, he found that perfect last piece of
the puzzle to refine it.”
However,
‘Untamed’ convinces not only with its dynamic, very transparent sound, but also
with the exquisite songwriting. “We haven't really changed anything
fundamental, though,” Swan marvels over the creative inspiration. “We`ve always
written the kind of songs we love ourselves. And since our line up hasn`t
changed, we can`t really do anything different. Our goal is to keep getting
better and hopefully one day write the perfect song. When one track is
finished, we go on working with the mindset that the next one will be even
better.”
You
can feel this ambition in ‘Untamed’: While the title track (also the first
single/first video, release date: July 29th, 2022) could hardly be more
characteristic for BlackRain, ‘Demon’ surprises with an unusual mix of glam
metal and sixties influences. Also atypical for the band: ‘Summer Jesus’ with a
whammy bar solo. De la Roche: “The track reminds me a little of Muse. Maybe we
should have offered the song to them, financially it would have certainly been
worth it.” BlackRain themselves were taken by surprise by ‘Kiss The Sky’, which
gained tremendous substance during the recording process. De La Roche: “At
first we weren`t 100 % sure about the number, but once it was mixed, our
opinion changed. Now it`s become a real hit.”
This
statement could serve as a quote to summarize the new record on the whole,
because with ‘Untamed’ (the cover artwork is done by the Asian graphic artist
Yellow Mushi) BlackRain has definitely created a small masterpiece, from which
three more songs will be released after the first single: ‘Summer Jesus’ will
be released on August 26th, 2022, followed by ‘Neon Drift’ on September 30th
(with a guest solo by Kissin` Dynamite guitarist Jim Müller), and ‘Kiss The
Sky’ on October 28th, 2022. Just one week later BlackRain will be back on stage
fall 2022 is peppered with festivals, and spring/summer 2023 is reserved for a
big European tour. Fans can already look forward to it!
Line-Up:
Swan Hellion – vocals, guitar
Max 2 – lead guitar
Matthieu de la Roche – bass
Frank F - drums
Incomiing! Ravenous
Canadian Power Metal RAVENOUS
Want You To Know "The Claw Is The Law" w/ Mortal Kombat Video Game
Music Video
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L-R: Ravenous Current Line Up
Skyler Mills (Guitar) | Dave Crnkovic (Drums) | R. A. Voltaire (Vocals) | Chris
Valax (Bass) | Jake Wright (Guitar)
Photo Credit – Monika Deviat
Canadian power metal Ravenous is
celebrating the one-year anniversary of their highly praised 2021 album "Hubris" with
a new music video for their track "Claw
is the Law" that features guest vocals, accordion,
and mandolin from members of The
Dread Crew of Oddwood.
The video idea came from Wolfbeard
O’Brady (Reece Miller - The Dread Crew of Oddwood, Frontman) and
was fully edited/animated by him in celebration of the 1 year anniversary
of Ravenous’
sophomore album "Hubris" and
the 30-year anniversary of the Mortal Kombat video game.
“I’ve always wanted to do a fighting game music video, and I
felt like this collaboration was a perfect opportunity to rep the over-the-top
everything that is ‘Claw is the Law’". comments
The Dread Crew of Oddwood's Wolfbeard O’Brady.
The music video for "Claw
is the Law" can be seen and heard at https://youtu.be/3P3E6CoF7FY
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In additional news, Ravenous has
also launched a Patreon campaign for exclusive content for fans from the band,
such as instrumentals, shirts, tabs, discord access, and to support the Speed
Metal army. For more info, please visit the following links:
Video - https://youtu.be/uOR3tVK2GCw
https://www.patreon.com/RavenousEternalHunger
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Taking their performance, writing, and musicianship seriously,
but allowing tongue-in-cheek humour and pop culture references to resonate
through the songs, Ravenous is
bringing fans anthemic tunes from a time when metal was hungry.
Their latest studio album “Hubris” was
released on October 22nd and was produced by the band with mixing and mastering
done by Fredrik Nordström (In Flames, Opeth, Firewind). The full-length
features guests Vincent
‘Jake’ Jones of Aether Realm, Heinrich Yoshio of Aether Realm, Mathias Blad of
Falconer, Nina Osegueda of A Sound of Thunder, and The Dread Crew of Oddwood
(Full Band).
Bringing a full lineup of experienced musicians together, ones
that have toured extensively and are fully dedicated to providing a
high-energy, high-intensity live experience. Ravenous seek
to inspire others to find that inner triumph and glory that drove them to form
this project – whether that means starting their own band, or just finding the
strength to make a change in their lives – they seek to empower their followers
through every step of their journey.
Recommended for fans of Blind Guardian, Falconer, Sabaton, and
Unleash the Archers.
"Hubris" was released on
October 22, 2021, via Feast Beast Records for North America and Europe along
with a Japanese release via Spiritual Beast Records, which included two
exclusive tracks.
Album digital stream and download are available on Spotify, Ravenouseternalhunger.bandcamp.com,
and Apple Music.
Previously
released videos:
Animated music videos
for “Die 1000
Deaths” ft. Heinrich Yoshio of Aether Realm.
English Version – https://youtu.be/uvVkYDINa-0
Japanese Version – https://youtu.be/Tz6-pmChuJ0
Lyric Video – “Astral
Elixir” – https://youtu.be/iVvbuTw2veA
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Track Listing:
1. Carnage in Carthage (4:37)
2. Astral Elixir (5:16)
3. Son of Storms (4:33)
4. Die 1000 Deaths (5:24) (3rd Guitar Solo by Heinrich Yoshio of Aether Realm)
5. Bridgeburner (6:10)
6. The Alder Queen (3:17) (ft. Lead Vocals by Nina Osegueda of A Sound of
Thunder)
7. March of Hunger (4:47)
8. Claw is the Law (5:24) (ft. Lead Vocals, Accordion, Mandolin, and Gang
Vocals by The Dread Crew of Oddwood)
9. Onwards & Upwards (4:09) (ft. Lead Vocals by Mathias Blad of Falconer)
10. …Of Beasts and Faust (10:21) (ft. Lead Vocals by Vincent Jones of Aether
Realm)
Total Length 53:57
Japanese Version Exclusives
11. Cakaw Te Partiro (Bonus) – 3:13
12. 一瞬千撃 (Bonus) – 5:25
Total Length 62:34
For more info:
Ravenouseternalhunger.com
Facebook.com/RavenousE.H
Twitter.com/Ravenous_EH
Instagram.com/ravenouseternalhunger
EPK
Incoming! The Bloody Hell
Out Now! Canadian Punks THE
BLOODY HELL Punch Out New Album "Nobody Cares"
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L-R - The Bloody Hell - Kyle
Cantfell - Drums, James Densley - Lead Guitar / Piano, Ian Kean - Guitar /
Vocals, Joe Woods - Bass
Photo Credit - Ian Kean
Formed in 2017, The
Bloody Hell has gotten dirtier and more polished at the
same time, with the band infecting fans with their pop-cultural hooks and
concepts, while the guitars keep getting louder and the vocals becoming uglier. The Bloody Hell is
pretty much what would happen if George Thorogood sang for the Misfits, but all
the songs were written by Tom Petty.
Super catchy horror rock songs about drinking and heartache are
played at punk rock speed with a lineup that features vocalist/guitarist Ian
Kean (guitar, vocals), guitarist and pianist James Densley also known from
Bubbles and The Shit Rockers, the band fronted by the character Bubbles from
the hit TV show The Trailer Park Boys, drummer Kyle Cantfell (Elektric
Mistress), and bassist Joe Woods (Root Cellar).
Fast forward now to 2022, and these Canadian punk rockers from
Halifax, Nova Scotia return in 2022 to finally release their long-awaited
follow-up to their 2018 debut self-titled album. Entitled "Nobody Cares",
the sophomore full-length is out now as of November 10th. Over the last two
years during the Covid pandemic, the band shared two singles and music
videos, "Nobody
Cares About America Anymore" and "When You're Gone" off
the record to a great reception from fans.
"The album took about 3 years to complete due to Covid
restrictions, lockdown, and all the madness that was the pandemic. With this
album, we feel our sound has evolved nicely from the previous record released
in 2018. We have worked hard to shape our songwriting and storytelling
abilities and that is thoroughly displayed over the nine tracks on this album.
We are hoping that fans who loved our first album will be super excited to hear
this one to see how our songwriting has progressed. And we hope that people
hearing us for the first time will find something in our sound to relate to or
sing along with." adds vocalist/guitarist Ian
Kean.
"Nobody Cares" features The Bloody Hell's
signature sound of raspy aggressive, catchy horror, and politically charged
antics over nine tracks that clock in at just over 28 minutes. From tracks like
"Hide Away" with its fast punky driving riff and slick earworm guitar
lead to "Barbra" a cover of an old Canadian punk song by Vancouver
legends Modernettes to even having saxophone on "G" along with added
piano on "As Above" and "So Below", punk fans will find it
to be an energetic and passionate sonic experience that conveys stories from
lived experiences that many can relate to.
"It's a true story and we mean every word, hook, and note
on it. We give an emotional rollercoaster for your eyes and mind with twists
and turns, ups and downs. Just as life is. All the lyrics come from personal
experiences whether it be a relationship failure or success, a wild story of
substance abuse, or just an observation about world events. I write what I know
and try to be truthful in my lyrics." says Kean.
With a big emphasis on storytelling, so are the two music videos
they released to support the album, which can be viewed below.
When You're Gone - https://youtu.be/FjE2iDebguY
Nobody Cares About America Anymore - https://youtu.be/4QVIfLQY2Ys
Suitable for a variety of fans, The Bloody Hell cites
influences ranging from Misfits, Nirvana, and Motorhead, anyone who enjoys a
fun and dirty romp with a bull horn of grungy vocals.
Their new album "Nobody
Cares" is available on all digital platforms and
cassette as of November 10th, 2022 at https://linktr.ee/thebloodyhellhfx.
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Track Listing:
1. As Above – 1:10
2. Hide Away - 3:47
3. When You’re Gone - 3:20
4. Barbra - 2:09 (Modernettes cover)
5. G - 6:00
6. Nobody Cares About America Anymore - 3:38
7. Rulers of the Night - 3:34
8. Dead to Me - 3:01
9. So Below - 1:38
Album Length: 28:20
Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: The Bloody Hell
• All songs were written by: The Bloody Hell
• Produced by: Ian Kean
• Mixed by: Alex Burris
• Mastered by: Alex Burris
• Album Artwork by: James Densley
• Canadian Content (MAPL)
Album and Live Band Lineup:
Ian Kean - Guitar / Vocals
James Densley - Lead Guitar / Piano
Kyle Cantfell - Drums
Joe Woods - Bass
For more info:
Facebook.com/thebloodyhellhfx
Instagram.com/thebloodyhellhfx
Twitter.com/TheBloodyHell1
Incoming! Black Hole
Rockshots Records - Out Now!
France's BLACK HOLE's New Album "Whirlwind of Mad Men"
New Music Video "Never
Surrender"
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Black Hole's new album "Whirlwind of Mad Men" is
now out as of November 11th via Rockshots
Records. The full-length presents anthemic guitar riffs,
powerful rhythms, frenzied solos, and enlightening vocals, to give fans a power
metal quintet that's progressive, symphonic, and strongly influenced by masters
of the genre such as Stratovarius, Kamelot, Powerwolf, Nightwish, and Iron
Maiden.
For the album's release day, Black Hole is sharing their latest
music video for their single "Never Surrender", a track that offers
up a Celtic atmosphere that is inspired by the character of “Braveheart”
William Wallace who fought to save his land.
“It is a message to all those who have fought, are fighting, and
will fight for their country and their freedom.” adds
the band.
Watch the music video for "Never Surrender" at https://youtu.be/X1OKynpcx40
Black Hole's sophomore
full-length "Whirlwind
of Mad Men" navigates between heavy and power metal
with melodies carried between the vocals and guitar solos along with being
supported by solid rhythmic parts and great orchestral pieces which give
intensity to the compositions. The diversity of all the songs allows listeners
to travel through various atmospheres and contexts. The album's goal is to give
feelings of power while mastering strong emotional moments.
The new album also features new member Christophe
(keyboards/orchestrations), adding more epic and orchestrated tracks. A
collaboration that promises to be more interesting than their previous record
"Lost World". Mixing and mastering were helmed by Roland Grapow
(ex-Helloween, Masterplan) who also added a guitar solo on the album's cover
track of Iron Maiden's "Fear of the Dark".
"We are very happy to be releasing this powerful symphonic
metal album. We have worked hard to deliver a high-quality product. The lyrics,
the moods, the symphonic arrangements, and the performances of each individual
give a special resonance to this record. The overall sound and the sound of
each instrument has been an essential point throughout the genesis and we are
proud of the finished product. The visual side is not to be outdone. The
high-quality artwork represents well the universe of the themes and the general
atmosphere of the album. We hope that fans will take as much pleasure to listen
to it as we did to conceive it." adds the band.
Recommended for fans of Stratovarius, Kamelot, Powerwolf,
Nightwish, and Myrath, BLACKHOLE's
"Whirlwind of Mad Men" is available at the
following links:
Digital - https://bfan.link/whirlwind-of-mad-man
CD - https://bit.ly/Whirlwind_CD.
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Track Listing:
1. Chasing The Kraken - 3:56
2. Walking With The Devil - 4:12
3. Dark Horizon - 4:19
4. Whirlwind of Mad Men - 3:51
5. Legend of Justine - 5:04
6. My Precious Dream - 4:56
7. Never Surrender - 5:24
8. Breaking The Rules - 5:43
9. Line of Sight - 5:41
10. My Friend - 4:30
11. Deliverance - 7:07
12. No Return - 3:12
13. Fear of the Dark (Iron Maiden cover) - 7:31
14. Dream On (Aerosmith cover) - 4:30
Album Length: 1:10:01
Black Hole is:
Fabio Torrisi (vocals)
Matthieu Acker (Guitar)
Patrick Umber (Bass)
Christophe Brunner (Drums)
Christophe Burghard (keyboards/orchestrations)
For more info:
https://www.rockshots.eu
http://www.black-hole.fr
https://www.facebook.com/blackhole.official.fanpage
About: Black Hole was formed in the East of France and is a
collective of musicians who play and perform for the pleasure and passion of
metal above all. Their new album "Whirlwind
of Mad Men" follows their two EPs "Victim of Illusion" (2000),
"Children of the Sun" (2006), and their first full-length 2018's
"Lost World" (Via Nocturna). Since their inception, Black Hole has
supported bands like Nightwish, Rage, Evergrey, John Oliva's Pain, Firewind,
Circle II Circle, Jeff Scott Soto, Nightmare, Vulcan, Killers, Shakra, Tankard
along with performing on multiple festivals in France (Foire aux Vins, Festival
Fracass), Germany (Regio Jam),
and Belgium (Devil's Rock for an Angel).
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