Category: News

Bent Knee Announce New Album ‘Land Animal’ – out June 23 via InsideOutMusic/Sony

(Bent Knee-  Credit Chris Anderson)

Bent Knee Announce New Album ‘Land Animal’ – out June 23 via InsideOutMusic/Sony – On Tour With Thank You Scientist + Headlining Tour Dates Announced.

“Mind boggling… the grandest and subtlest ideas are on the table” -NPR
“The silo-smashing Bent Knee’s unique mix is equal parts ingenuity and deliciousness” – The Wall Street Journal

“Bent Knee breaks new stylistic and temperamental ground” – The Boston Globe

Bent Knee is unlike any band you’ve ever heard. Its borderless sound combines myriad influences from across the rock, pop, minimalist, and avant-garde spectrums into a seamless, thrilling whole. Its forthcoming album Land Animal-Bent Knee’s first for InsideOutMusic/Sony, released on June 23, 2017 -takes its sound to a new level. It offers a suite of songs full of addictive hooks, lush melodies and enthralling twists and turns that capture the reality of life in the 21st Century-a reality of people and nations in the midst of tumultuous change. It also communicates a ray of hope and desire for listeners to embrace the fact that they’re not alone in their struggles.

You can watch the beautiful, provocative video for “Land Animal.” Directed by Greg Bowan, the video explores the inner conflicts people have as they endure daily stresses and lose the big picture view on what really matters in life.

Watch the video for ‘Land Animal’ here

Bent Knee formed in 2009 as a democratic collective determined to push the boundaries of pop and rock. Lead singer and keyboardist Courtney Swain’s soaring vocals are instantly arresting. Guitarist Ben Levin is one of the most dynamic and versatile guitarists around, shifting between the raging and raucous to the sublime and meditative. Bassist Jessica Kion and drummer Gavin Wallace-Ailsworth combine into an enthralling rhythm section that’s equal parts powerhouse and nuance. Violinist Chris Baum’s kinetic violin work provides drama, grace and intrigue. World-class producer and live sound designer Vince Welch weaves it all together with a captivating, expert touch.

The band has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Its last two albums, 2016’s Say Soand 2014’s Shiny Eyed Babies, were hailed as significant art-rock achievements. The group has performed hundreds of shows across the world to date. During the fall of 2016, the band played for ecstatic audiences as an opener for the U.S. leg of The Dillinger Escape Plan’s farewell tour ahead of signing with InsideOutMusic/Sony.

“We’re very excited to be working with InsideOutMusic/Sony,” said Swain. “It’s wonderful to have our music reach a lot of new ears across the globe through them. It’s an honor to join their roster of prestigious artists and we look forward to a long relationship with the label.”

The band is now on tour in America. During April and May, it opens for the expansive rock act Thank You Scientist, known for its combination of progressive and jazz influences. Bent Knee then continues in June with a headlining tour. See full routing below.

Pre-order Land Animal on iTunes today, with instant download of the title track. Further preordering information coming soon.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/land-animal/id1225586747

Bent Knee Tour Dates:
*supporting Thank You Scientist
^with Great Caesar
6/3          New Haven, CT @ Café Nine^
6/5          Boston, MA @ Great Scott
6/6          Philadelphia, PA @ Kung-Fu Necktie
6/7          Pittsburgh, PA @ The Fun House/Mr. Smalls
6/8          Washington, DC @ Black Cat
6/9          Milwaukee, WI @ Shank Hall
6/11       Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
6/12       Chicago, IL @ Schubas

 

Bjørn Riis – Forever Comes to an End – Released 19th May 2017 on Karisma Records

Airbag co-founder, songwriter and lead guitarist, Bjørn Riis will release his second solo album, ‘Forever Comes to an End’, in May 2017. The album is the follow-up to the highly acclaimed and awarded debut, ‘Lullabies in a Car Crash’.
‘Forever Comes to an End’ feature seven songs, with inspiration from classic rock, prog and movie scores. Bjørn’s unique guitar playing has a centre role, with soaring leads, heavy riffs and beautiful textures.
Lyrically, the album deals with broken relationships and loss and the emotional duality between resentment and forgiving.

The album is very much a tribute to all of Bjørn’s musical influences. From the dark and dirty riffs of Toni Iommi and Zakk Wylde, to the emotional playing of David Gilmour and Steven Rothery. The melodic and sombre voice of Steven Wilson and Tim Bowness and the cinematic landscapes of composers like Thomas Newman and John Barry.

‘Forever Comes to an End’ feature appearances from Airbag’s Henrik Fossum (drums) and Asle Tostrup (programming), Simen Valldal Johannessen from Oak (piano) and Norwegian singer, Sichelle Mcmeo Aksum (vocals).

Norwegian photographer Kjetil Karlsen, has provided the front cover image, taken in beautiful Beisfjord near Narvik in Northern Norway. Design and layout is by Asle Tostrup.

DISCOGRAPHY
“Lullabies in a Car Crash” (CD/VINYL, Karisma Records, 2014)
“Forever Comes to an End” (CD/VINYL, Karisma Records, 2017)

TRACKLIST
1.      Forever Comes to an End
2.      Absence
3.      The Waves
4.      Getaway
5.      Calm
6.      Winter
7.      Where are You Now

Band website: www.bjornriis.com
Label website: www.karismarecords.no

The Fierce And The Dead Stream ‘Verbose’ – Second Track from ‘Field Recordings Live’

It is just under two weeks to go until Bad Elephant Music releases The Fierce & The Dead’s live mini-album, ‘Field Recordings’.

Taken from the band’s incendiary set at last year’s Ramblin’ Man Festival, ‘Field Recordings’ captures the band in their element – performing live on stage in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The album features two previously unreleased songs which may (or may not!) feature on The Fierce And The Dead’s third solo album, currently in production.

BEM’s CEO David Elliott:

“As a bit of Easter cheer on a rather grim Monday, we’ve released the stream of a second track, another new tune entitled ‘Verbose’. Get it in your ears – and if you like it, and you have £8 to spare, it would be lovely if you’d buy a CD. Mark Buckingham’s stunning artwork is worth the price of admission alone.”

The band reckon this album is the best statement to date of what The Fierce And The Dead are about. Even Matt (Stevens) himself has gone on record as saying “yeah, it’s okay” – which if you know him you’ll recognise as the highest possible praise when it comes to his own work.

You can listen to Verbose and pre-order ‘Field Recordings’ at the link below:

The Fierce And The Dead – ‘Verbose’

(Eggs-alike by Allyson Blue-Sky)

TFATD – Facebook

TFATD – Website

Website – Matt Stevens

 

TRINITY 2 – THE PROGRESSIVE ROCK CHARITY EVENT – Trinity Live Returns on Saturday 27th May 2017

In aid of Cancer Research UK / Teenage Cancer Trust / Macmillan Cancer Support

It is with great pride and excitement we announce that Trinity, in association with Prog Magazine, is back with a bang on Saturday 27th May 2017. Held at The Assembly in Leamington Spa, the line-up will include Lonely Robot, Touchstone and Ghost Community during the evening, with afternoon performances by A Formal Horse, Kim Seviour and the Dec Burke Band. There will also be a charity rock auction and raffle, which already has some incredible items donated from the very generous stars of the prog music world.

The prog music community has a history of supporting their own, as shown by the recent over-bringing people together to help out others less fortunate than themselves. The first Trinity, which took place back in 2014, enabled the organisers to donate over £9,000 to the three charities and the organisers are looking to beat that figure this year.

As Jerry Ewing, editor of Prog Magazine (and promoter of Trinity) says: “This is a terrific evening for a very good cause. Not only will it hopefully raise a huge amount for the three cancer charities, but it’s a spectacular bill as well, from top to bottom. There isn’t one band I’m not really looking forward to seeing and I’m already hard at work curating my DJ set for the after-show. Prog is proud to support Trinity 2, and I hope to see as many of you down there as possible.”

Tickets for Trinity Live are available from www.leamingtonassembly.com

 

 

 

Corroded – The new single – ‘Carry Me My Bones’ Out now!

Corroded are back! Swedish hard rock band Corroded; a band that topped the music charts in Sweden and whose songs are worshipped by fans around the world – is finally back, and this time the stakes are raised! After previously creating music for the Swedish TV show ‘Survivor’ (Expedition Robinson in Sweden) and the globally popular video game Battlefield, Corroded now enters ‘Defcon Zero’.

The band comments – “With the new single Carry Me My Bones, we proudly present a collaboration with Anders Friden, singer in the world-famous In Flames, as a lyricist. The track itself is a hard rock song and the lyrics are hard rock as well so that gives us the unexpected number of 200% hard rock. All well, no end! Shit good!”

CORRODED – ‘Carry Me My Bones’
Tracks:
1    Carry Me My Bones     ISRC: SEXTE1700701
2    Carry Me My Bones radio edit   ISRC: SEXTE1700712
Lyrics: Anders Fridén [In Flames]
Music: Jens Westin Per Soläng Bjarne Elvsgård Tomas Andersson

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/despotz/sets/corroded-carry-me-my-bones
iTunes: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/carry-me-my-bones-single/id1214717264
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0FO6j4lGiGM1MLWwjBWXq2

‘Defcon Zero’ isn’t just Corroded’s first new album in five years – it’s also their first release on Despotz Records. Signing to Despotz Records has opened brand new possibilities for Corroded and given them the firepower to further strengthen their position, both nationally and internationally.

‘The goal with this album is the usual – complete world domination!’ explains singer/guitarist Jens Westin explains with a smile.

The sound on ‘Defcon Zero’ is harder without losing any of the melodic focus. Five years might have flown by but ‘Defcon Zero’ picks up when the acclaimed ‘State of Disgrace’ left off; whilst sounding completely new at the same time! Above all – it sounds Corroded.

‘We worked solely within the band this time as we entered this process, with only some raw ideas without any preconceptions. From there on everybody contributed. The creative process was based on our live performances and we had tremendous fun while recording’ Jens comments.

Some Corroded history
Everything happened quickly after the release of Corroded’s debut album ‘Eleven Shades of Black’ back in 2009. The track ‘Time and Again’ was used in the Swedish version of Survivor (Expedition Robinson) and in 2010 the band won ‘Breakthrough of The Year’ at Bandit Rock Awards. When the next album, ‘Exit to Transfer’, hit the stores it went straight in at number six on the Swedish album chart. Corroded then wrote ‘Age of Rage’ for EA Games, a song that would be featured as the theme song for ‘Battlefield Play4Free’. ‘Age of Rage’ subsequently achieved Gold status, generating several million streams.

Five years may have passed since their last album but, during this period Corroded has kept on touring and their popularity has been constantly rising. Corroded pushed every limit and established themselves as one of the most prominent Swedish hard rock acts. Several of the new songs have become live favourites before they’ve even had a chance to be released, such is the dedication of the Corroded fan base!

‘We have more or less toured continuously and supported our previous album live for five years. In that sense we have been very lucky, but at the same time, we got the chance to play many of the new songs live and that proved to us they have an enormous strength’ says Jens Westin.

With the release of the new Corroded album, it’s time to reset the parameters and enter ‘Defcon Zero’!

Mew share new track ‘Twist Quest’

On the eve of their forthcoming (seventh) album ‘Visuals’ on 28th April, Danish trio Mew are pleased to share new track Twist Quest. Taken from the album and accompanied by a video that sees lead singer Jonas Bjerre assume the role of creative director whilst also coordinating visuals for the band’s forthcoming live shows.

Watch it here:

Following 2015’s + –  the band undertook tour duties around the world and on their return saw them enter the studio with demos that unlike previous works came to fruition comparatively swiftly in terms of writing and recording against a poignant backdrop of world events over the past twelve months

 As Bjerre explains; “This song took shape during a long jam session, like we hadn’t done in a long time. It’s a joyful song, with dark lyrics. I guess the song is about being confused, and unable to keep your mind still from all the stuff that floats around it. The expectations we put on ourselves. But also there’s a sense of celebration in it.

Mew’s 80’s tinged pop euphoria reigns supreme on ‘Visuals’ and Twist Quest follows that road, dreamy vocals courtesy of Bjerre and flourishes of saxophone feature and contribute to an album that’s both nostalgic and contemporary, that looks back whilst marching forward, the sound of a band seizing the moment.

Visuals is released on 28th April though Play It Again Sam and available on CD, vinyl and digitally and is available to pre-order here.

Mew play live at:

 7 May – Bangkok, Thailand – Voice Space

10 May – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – KL Live

17 May – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso

19 May – Paris, France – Point Ephemere

20 May – Antwerp, Belgium – Trix Club

21 May – Bristol, UK – Trinity Centre

22 May – Manchester, UK – O2 Ritz

23 May – London, UK – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

25 May – Cologne, Germany – Luxor

26 May – Hamburg, Germany – Knust

27 May – Neustrelitz, Germany – Immergut Festival

28 May – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Danish Theatre

25 Jun – Gothenburg, Sweden – Ullevi  Stadium *

26 Jun – Gothenburg, Sweden – Ullevi Stadium *

14 Jul – Joensuu, Finland – Ilosaarirock 2017

16 Jul – Salacgriva, Latvia – Positivus 2017

20-22 Jul – Tisvilde, Denmark – Musik I Lejet

20 Sep – Nuuk, Greenland – Akisuanerit Festival

 * supporting Coldplay

 website / facebook / twitter

Procol Harum – Novum – New Studio Album Releases 21st April 2017

New studio album “Novum” and 50th anniversary UK tour.

On 21st April 2017, Eagle Records release “Novum”, the brand new studio album by Procol Harum, on CD [Cat No EAGCD659] and 2LP [Cat No EAGLP661].  “Novum” is Procol Harum’s thirteenth studio album, and their first for fourteen years – following “The Well’s On Fire” in 2003. “Novum”is released in the band’s fiftieth anniversary year, which also sees the band undertake a very special UK and European tour. The album release is preceded by that of the single “Sunday Morning” on April 7th.

“Novum” features a stunning cover artwork by Julia Brown which references elements of the sleeve of the band’s eponymous debut album in 1967. With that album, half a century ago, powered by the huge and ongoing success of their debut single “A Whiter Shade Of Pale”, Procol Harum went on to help define the progressive rock genre in the early seventies whilst at the same time embracing their roots in blues and soul. “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” continues to be one of the best-selling singles of all time, one of the most recognisable and most played songs – ever.

Procol Harum has been an evolving musical force from the first performance in ’67, but always led by founding member, singer, pianist and composerGary Brooker. Most of today’s line-up has been playing together since the early ‘90s and it includes bassist Matt Pegg (Jethro Tull, Ian Brown), drummer Geoff Dunn (Jimmy Page, Dave Stewart, Van Morrison), guitarist Geoff Whitehorn (Roger Chapman, Paul Rodgers, Roger Daltrey) and Hammond organ player Josh Phillips (Pete Townsend and Midge Ure), but to all their fans, they are the real Procol Harum.

Gary Brooker said, “Our last studio album was in 2003, and with 2017 being 50 years of Procol Harum, something special was needed, which has resulted in a new album of new songs with the band as we’ve stood for the past decade, all contributing with producer Dennis Weinreich to make what I believe to be one of the finest Procol Harum albums ever – “Novum” – just listen.”

“Novum” sees a new direction for Procol Harum with the songs being written and created by the whole band, with most songs featuring words by Pete Brown, most famous for his songwriting collaboration with the members of Cream. This has given a different feel to the songs, retaining the thought provoking content for which the band has always been known but with a different slant and elements of humour.

TRACKLISTING

1 I Told on you / 2 Last Chance Motel / 3 Image of the Beast / 4 Soldier / 5 Don’t Get Caught / 6 Neighbour / 7 Sunday Morning / 8 Businessman / 9 Can’t Say That / 10 The Only One / 11 Somewhen

 2017 UK Tour Dates

3 March:     Royal Festival Hall with Orchestra [SOLD OUT]

6 May:        Edinburgh Queen’s Hall

8 May:        Manchester Bridgewater Hall

10 May:      Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

11 May:      Birmingham Town Hall

13 May       Shepherds Bush Empire

14 May:      Nottingham Concert Hall

16 May:      Bristol Colston Hall

“Novum” marks not only an incredible fifty years of amazing music, but also the next step for this seminal band. As ever, the music and musicianship within the band is of the highest level and this long-awaited collection of brand new songs is sure to be welcomed by Procol Harum’s devoted fanbase.

 www.procolharumnovum.com

@ProcolHarumBand

@TrueGaryBrooker

ANATHEMA PREMIERE FIRST TRACK FROM THE OPTIMIST -“SPRINGFIELD” Plus Album And Tour Details.

Anathema are premiering the first track from their forthcoming new studio album The Optimist entitled “Springfield”.

Daniel Cavanagh explains the song choice “Here we present the song ‘Springfield’, it’s actually the song that closed our unforgettable Wembley gig with Opeth and it seemed to be a track that just fell into place without much effort. It seemed to do itself. The song forms part of a narrative that runs through The Optimist album, it’s a narrative that begins where A Fine Day To Exit left off. The album is a journey. The songs are ambiguous. There is no right or wrong way to take them. Make of them what you will.”

LISTEN TO “SPRINGFIELD” HERE: http://www.anathema.ws/

Anathema’s eleventh full-length The Optimist is due for release on 9th June through Kscope, where the ambient rockers will reveal some of the darkest, most challenging and unexpected music the sextet have put their name to.

Anathema, led by brothers Daniel and Vincent Cavanagh, along with drummer John Douglas, singer Lee Douglas, bassist Jamie Cavanagh and drummer/keyboardist Daniel Cardoso began recording The Optimist in the winter of 2016 at Attica Audio in Donegal, Ireland and then finished at Castle Of Doom studios in Glasgow with producer Tony Doogan [Mogwai, Belle & Sebastian, Super Furry Animals] at the helm and was mastered at the legendary Abbey Road Studios.

The Optimist will be released on the following formats and all are available to pre-ordered now here: http://found.ee/The_Optimist

Deluxe 12” hardbook featuring:

  • 40 page artwork book, with artwork from Travis Smith.
  • CD The Optimist  11 original album tracks 
  • CD featuring 6 bonus tracks – 3 demo versions and 3 live demo recordings from their November 2016 dates
  • DVD-V The Optimist  11 original album tracks 24/96 LPCM Stereo & 24/96 DTS 5.1 surround mix
  • Blu-Ray disc The Optimist  11 original album tracks 24/96 LPCM Stereo, 24/96 LPCM 5.1 lossless surround mix & 24/96 DTS-HD Master Audio lossless 5.1 surround mix

2 Disc CD & DVD Mediabook

24 page booklet

  • CD The Optimist  11 original album tracks 
  • DVD-V The Optimist  11 original album tracks 24/96 LPCM Stereo & 24/96 DTS 5.1 surround mix

Blu-Ray featuring

·       The Optimist  11 original album tracks 24/96 LPCM Stereo, 24/96 LPCM 5.1 lossless surround mix & 24/96 DTS-HD Master Audio lossless 5.1 surround mix

CD featuring:

·       The Optimist 11 original album tracks

Double gatefold 180g heavy weight LP featuring:

·       The Optimist  11 original album tracks (with MP3 download code) 

·       Limited Edition red vinyl LP version (with MP3 download code) available exclusively through the band’s webstore

Digital download featuring:

·       The Optimist 11 original album tracks with pre-orders receiving an instant download of “Springfield” 

Anathema are set to tour worldwide to celebrate the release of The Optimist and have now confirmed their headline shows in Europe.

They’ll be accompanied by French blackgaze pioneers Alcest ( www.facebook.com/alcest.official ). Looking forward to the tour Daniel Cavanagh says “It’s really good to be touring with Alcest again, continuing our relationship that began in America in 2013. They are superb melodists and have a beautiful and unique voice.”

Tickets on sale from Monday 3rd April from 10am local time – see www.facebook.com/anathemamusic for details plus all other confirmed shows and festivals 

 More dates to be announced soon

facebook.com/anathemamusic  instagram.com/anathemamusic.com  www.anathema.ws   instagram.com/anathemamusic

Band Image Credit Scarlet Page

Bader Nana to release new album ‘Devolver’ on April, 10 2017 – Reveals Artwork

If you are a fan of progressive rock and have not heard of Bader Nana then you could be doing yourself a great disservice! His earlier releases ‘Wormwood’ (2011) and ‘Anthology’ (2013) have been received with astonishment in light of them being home studio projects by fans and critics alike. Bader Nana is a one-man band releasing albums on which he plays/writes all instruments, produces, masters, and designs the artwork. His music has been featured on various rock/metal websites as well as getting radio airplay on several European radio stations. The level of musicianship and production has left many listeners dumbfounded that such a talent has not yet been picked up by a major record label.

‘Devolver’ has been in production for more than 3 years allowing Nana to explore new sonic and musical territory at his leisure to his complete satisfaction. The music remains on a progressive bedrock, as with previous releases, but is driven by a fresh message of hope. This hope is translated onto a diverse palette of musical arrangements ranging from cinematic orchestration, to soaring ballads, to dirty distorted rock anthems. This album features several guest appearances including guitar and vocal work by Ramzi Ramman (The JLP Show, Lebanon) and vocals by Omar Afuni (Omar Afuni, Dubai).

Track listing
Mercenaries – 7:42
Victorious – 5:05
Without a Backward Glance – 5:37
Full Circle – 4:38
I am Alive – 10:42
Dust Within Me – 4:49
Desperate Times – 6:14
Devolver – 23:03

Total Runtime: 66 min

Bader Nana’s previous body of work can be found at
https://badernana.bandcamp.com
including his previous albums and a variety of side projects.

THRESHOLD – announce new vocalist!

THRESHOLD have parted ways with vocalist Damian Wilson. The band have chosen to start a new chapter without him and he has told them he respects their decision.

Wilson enjoyed three stints with THRESHOLD, performing on the band’s most recent records ‘For The Journey’ and ‘March Of Progress’ as well as their early releases ‘Wounded Land’ and ‘Extinct Instinct’ in the 1990’s. Damian Wilson has been a great frontman for THRESHOLD and the band would like to sincerely thank him and wish him every success in his future endeavours.

THRESHOLD‘s new frontman will be Glynn Morgan, the band’s former vocalist from 1994 to 1996. Morgan appeared on THRESHOLD‘s 1994 album ‘Psychedelicatessen’ and returned to work with the band in 2008 to record tracks for the singles box set ‘Paradox’.

Glynn Morgan commented:
“I was over the moon when I got the phone call. To work with Karl and Richard and be a part of the mighty THRESHOLD story once more is a great honour. I can’t wait to start recording, the new material has me hooked already.”

You can watch Glynn Morgan in action with THRESHOLD in their 1994 video ‘Innocent’ here:

THRESHOLD are currently at Thin Ice Studios recording their 11th album ‘Legends Of The Shires’ due for release in the autumn. The band’s European tour kicks off in November with support from DAMNATION ANGELS and DAY SIX.

‘Legends Of The Shires’ Tour 2017
w/ DAMNATION ANGELS, DAY SIX
Presented by: Rock Hard, Eclipsed, Rock It!, Blast!, Wacken Radio

28.11.  NL        Weert – De Bosuil
29.11.  D         Hamburg – Markthalle
30.11.  D         Berlin – Lido
01.12.  D         Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal
02.12.  D         Munich – Feierwerk
03.12.  CH       Pratteln – Z7
05.12.  D         Stuttgart – Club Cann
06.12.  D         Hanover – Musikzentrum
07.12.  B          Kortrijk – De Kreun
08.12.  D         Essen – Turock
09.12.  NL        Zoetermeer – Boerderij
10.12.  UK       London – o2 Islington Academy

Get tickets for London here:
http://www.songkick.com/concerts/28850284-threshold-at-o2-academy-islington

Order the live album ‘European Journey’ now: http://nblast.de/EuropeanJourney
Order ‘European Journey’ digitally: http://nblast.de/ThresholdDownloads

More on ‘European Journey’:
‘Watchtower On The Moon’ OFFICIAL LIVE VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8QN-lU4QbI
‘Lost In Your Memory’ OFFICIAL VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrINbxutmH0

—
More info:
www.thresh.net
www.facebook.com/threshold
www.nuclearblast.de/threshold