New England progressive metal outfit Carciature have released their long-awaited new single ‘Eat Shit And Die’. You can hear the track and see a mind-blowing visualizer at this link or below:
Led by guitarist/vocalist Joseph Spiller (Too Late The Hero, The Binary Code, System Divide ) and featuring drummer Evan Sammons (Last Chance to Reason), ‘Eat Shit And Die’ is the first track from their next full length album, The Fiction We’ve Become, due later in 2016. To celebrate the release of the track you can buy it and the bands entire discography (Shadows (maxi single) release, The Sound Of One Man’s World Collapsing and The Birth By Sleep EP) at a 20% discount via Bandcamp.
As we dash towards the holidays and the end of the year Ghost Cult is feeling good about this season of giving. So we are giving our fans a chance to get to know our partners, peers, and friends from bands in the world of music. They will chime in with some guest blogs, end of year lists, and whatever else is on their minds as we pull the plug on 2015. Today we have Joseph Spiller of progressive metal band Caricature. Caricature put out the acclaimed Shadows: Maxi Single this summer have a full-length in the works for 2016. Here is Joseph’s “Most Topesty Cool Favorite Releases of 2015”.
1. Tigran Hamsayan – Mockroot
How often can an album tote a definite influence of Meshuggah, Dave Brubeck, Keith Jarret, and Porcupine Tree? Add on top that this is still a pure jazz record? Pfffft. This is the sound of someone furthering and redefining a genre.
2. Fetty Wap – Fetty Wap
Yeah, before anyone says it sucks because it’s not metal, listen to this record. Fetty is all hits, all the time. Zoogang knows how to make pop hooks as if it’s in their DNA.
3. Steven Wilson – Hand.Cannot.Erase
Steven Wilson, by Melina D Photography
Backing band of the century along with the golden god of Prog. Though it gets overly self-indulgent from time to time, Hand.Cannot.Erase is absolutely stunning.
4. Psycroptic –Psycroptic
Do you even riff, Bro? Joe Haley most definitely does.
5. Ghost – Meliora
Ghost, by Meg Loyal Photography
I never got the hype on this band. I actually disliked almost everything prior to Meliora, but goddamn, did Papa bring that A-game with this heavily Dave Grohl “inspired” record.
6. Abigail Williams – The Accuser
Who doesn’t love a good comeback? Possibly the best thing Ken Sorceron has ever done. Crushing and beautiful with rich song structures. BUY THIS RECORD NOW!
7. Lamb of God – VII: Sturm Und Drang
Lamb of God, by Evil Robb Photography
After all that went on with Randy, the band came back and tell that tale along with snapshot a troubled time in the world perfectly. The riffs and drumming on this record are some of their best to date, and Josh Wilbur killed it on the production side.
8. Baroness – Purple Record
Another “Comeback Record” of sorts. Stronger, more refined, defined. The mesh of only the finest points of Yellow & Green mixed lush instrumentation and what sounds like an intense infatuation with The Cure. This one has it all.
9. Ellie Goulding – Delirium
Though not an immensely technical singer, Goulding has a golden voice. The slight raspiness and harmonically rich tambre makes me envious. This album is LONG for the pop genre, but its all top quality with fantastic hooks meshed with smooth beats and tranquil melodies.
10. Solution .45 – Nightmares In The Waking State
If you don’t know who this band is, we probably cannot be friends. GROOVES
EXTREMELY HONORABLE MENTION: I’ll be Me – Soundtrack
The delayed release of the soundtrack to the documentary about the legendary guitar player, singer, songwriter, and former member of The Wrecking Crew,Glen Campbell, who has been battling Alzheimer’s Disease for the past few years. This has two live songs from his final tour that will blow your mind considering his state, along with songs from his daughter that will make you cry while your heart flutters. The title track, penned by Mr. Campbell himself as a final letter to his wife and family will give you goosebumps (unless you don’t have a heart.
Progressive metallers Caricature have released a music video for their cover of 80s classic rock hit ‘Take Me Home Tonight’ by Eddie Money. You can see the video at this link or below:
The accompanying music video features stunning aerial camera footage of Chicago created especially for this clip by noted drone technology innovator and cinematographer Kirk Tindel. The video is a stunning love letter to the skyline of Chicago.
Caricature’s Joseph Spiller comments:
“Sometimes, when you make a record that you need to be as perfect as possible, you have to step back, take a break, and stretch your creative legs on something fun. Rather than smash up the studio, channeling the magic of “The Money Man” seemed more productive. The hook on this song is iron clad with one of the best second verses the mainstream has ever seen. I wanted to add something fresh to the arrangement without degrading the original piece, and the end result is fun as heck to play. Squad”
Caricature, by Meg Loyal Photography
The band is still supporting their Shadows: Maxi Single from last summer as they prepare a new album its new full-length album, The Fiction We’ve Becomedue out in 2016. The entire Shadowsrelease is available to stream and purchase from their Bandcamp page.
Shadows (Maxi-Single) track listing:
1. Shadows
2. Leave It
3. Current State of Affairs – Gavin Parsonson drums (ex-Whitechapel)
4. Saviors II – Oscar Nilsson on drums (Miseration/Engel)
Boston progressive metal band Caricature released their long-awaited new music in the form of Shadows: Maxi Single on June 23rd. The release is a preview of The Fiction We’ve Become, Caricature’s next album, due out later in 2015. The entire EP is available to stream as well as purchase from their Bandcamp page.
Shadows (Maxi-Single) track listing:
1. Shadows
2. Leave It
3. Current State of Affairs
4. Saviors II (Oscar Nilsson Version)
Metal Injection recently streamed the premiere of the track ‘Shadows’:
The band has booked a show opening for the recently active Shadows Fall. More tour dates are incoming soon.
Caricature, by Meg Loyal Photography
Caricature tour dates:
Aug 23rd: Mill City Basin – Lowell, MA – with Shadows Fall, Carnivora, Oath, Aversed and Still Well Angel
What does it take for a band nowadays to make a real impact with their music? This is the question everyone trying to make at playing music for a living has to answer. A band that left an impression on me a few years ago was Boston’s Caricature. 2013’s The Sound of One Man’s World Collapsing hit me like a ton of bricks, right as the current wave of progressive metal was starting to crest. After a two-year absence the band has returned with Shadows: The Maxi Single to inspire listeners and to reaffirm their place among the leaders of the prog genre.
‘Shadows’ itself is a beast of a track that has everything and the kitchen sink thrown in for fans of this music. Crushing guitar riffs, percolating beats, great melodies all make it sizzle and pop. The chorus is a guaranteed earworm that I’ve already been singing for days. Caricature’s master and commander Joseph Spiller (System Divide, Too Late The Hero, The Binary Cody) is well-known for his deft touch when it comes to writing intricate prog and tech death, but there are some amazing subtle parts to be discovered with each listen in just this track alone. With drums provided by powerhouse Evan Sammons (Last Chance to Reason), the combination of the two is a potent one. The sweetness of the chorus of ‘Shadows’ carries over to the breezy ‘Leave It’. The uptempo djent-fest is flat-out uplifting.
‘Current State of Affairs’ comes in with jarring sound, not unlike a Bernard Herman vamp from The Twilight Zone. After that it’s straight to the serial murder brutality of guitars and whipping drums, capped with ungodly screams from Spiller. A lot of bands like to claim Meshuggah as an influence, half-mock their signature style, and then call it a day. With Caricature, the band can actually play parts like Meshuggah, but write catchy original songs that aren’t derivative. ‘Saviors II (Oscar Nilsson Version)’ serves as a neat final track, summing things up.
Shadows: The Maxi Single is a nice re-introduction to the band and will mint new fans from those who rep bands as different as TesseracT and Gojira. Their next full-length The Fiction We’ve Become, is due later this year and we’re already looking forward to it.
On June 20th Boston’s Metal For Nepal Benefit (#MetalForNepal) concertwas held at The Middle East Nite Club in Cambridge, MA. The event was a resounding success, raising over $1200 for victims of two earthquakes in Nepal. The $1200 raised came from proceeds of ticket sales, an exclusive merch raffle of donated items, and sales from the Metal for Nepal compilation album. $1200 USD is the equivalent of NRS 120,000, and can be used to build temporary housing shelters and give life saving supplies to communities still reeling from the devastation. Headlining the bill was Obsidian Tongue, with Native Construct, Caricature, Sonic Pulse and BruteMukti. Special thanks toMediaBoss Televisionfor being on hand to film the event.
The co-founders of Metal For Nepal Boston commented on the event:
Kevin Brown : After an amazing outpouring of support, from friends and family, to locals who wanted to contribute, we have found ourselves at an end. One foot in the door of an awesome journey to help a wear country, head banging all the way!
Kunjan Joshi: It’s encouraging to see people from all walks of life supporting and helping rebuild Nepal. It’s a long way to recovery but we are very well on our way!
Keith Chachkes: Having volunteered at charity events in the past, I was surprised at how many people asked about the charities the money was going to, and what else they could do to help them. Metal For Nepal has inspired a deep and ongoing level of interest from metal fans. I am proud that I could lend a hand to make this happen. Thanks to Kevin and Kunjan for all of their support.
Metal For Nepal compilation cover
Sales of the physical copies of the benefit compilation organized by Metal for Nepal performers BruteMukti, featuring Nepalese metal bands dubbed Nepal Earthquake Relief, were brisk at the event. You can still donate and download the collection from Bandcamp here: https://nepal-earthquake-relief.bandcamp.com/releases. Physical copies will also be available for purchase at future Metal For Nepal events while supplies last, with all the proceeds going to charity.
The support of the metal community by the music industry has buoyed our efforts and we’d like to thank them:
There will be future Metal For Nepal Boston organized events in the near future. Metal For Nepal’s other shows have included one as in LA on June 13th and other events around the world. BruteMukti will participate in New York’s Metal For Nepal event on July 15th at Archeron long side such bandsas Sangharsha, Tiger Flowers, and Skullshitter.
As a person who has been a lifelong metalhead and a person that has worked in the non-profit world in the past, I find it strange when people are bemused to learn that people who love aggressive, heavy music also love helping people. When two devastating earthquakes struck Nepal and quickly turned entire communities upside down, a concerned crew of people stepped up and founded Metal For Nepal. Theysoonorganized events all over the world, including one in Boston, MA. I was glad to contribute in any way I could personally and proud that so many people I know rallied around this show and this cause. (Editor’s Note: Ghost Cult participated in the planning of this event also helped run the show.)
On a sunny Saturday morning a bunch of folks from all walks of life, bands, fans, photographers, a crew camera and press people descended on The Middle East Nite Club in Cambridge, MA as we opened the sleepy club. Props go to the club and Erik Hansen of Wormwood Joint Booking. Slowly bands filled in and set up gear, volunteers set up tables with merch fans began to arrive for the show. Some fans were there early waiting for hours to get in, and it was odd to see battle vest wearing metallers hanging around the club in the bright of day. A few bands trooped in from Maine or Western Massachusetts. But by 1 PM bands were ready to take the stage, monies were being donated, merch was being sold, drinks were flowing and the crowd was joining in.
Along one side of the venue the bands set up some merch, as well as the main tables for the fundraising and raffle prizes. The early action was brisk where fans plunked down their cash to win cool stuff. Benefit organizers Kevin Brown and Kunjan Joshi were on hand to run the show, and Kunjan was selling the Metal For Nepal compilation CD at the show. Northeast Metal/Hardcore/Punk were on hand, volunteering their time to run the table. In addition to some of the bands playing that donated their own merch, labels such as Victory Records and Prosthetic donated signed items like posters and other stuff. Local Boston artists such as Mark Richards of Heavy Hand Illustrations and Michelle Duggan of Heatbeasts donated original artwork from the myriad of shows they’ve created posters for. Some bands even donated items from their personal collections, rare things they picked up over the years.
BruteMukti, by Meg Loyal Photography
And then it was time for the bands! BruteMukti kicked things off with a wild set led by front man Sanket Lama who leaped into the crowd sang from the mosh pit, waking everyone in the club up. This wasn’t going to be no Kumbaya singing, hand-holding event; this was a metal show dammit! Sonic Pulse took over next and played a raucous display of neo-thrash, youthful exuberance, and shred guitar goodness.
Sonic Pulse, by Meg Loyal Photography
Caricature, by Meg Loyal Photography
Next up was prog metallers Caricature, who triumphantly made their return to live action after nearly two years. Led by guitarist/vocalist Joseph Spiller (Aborted/System Divide, Last Chance To Reason) and a live lineup including Evan Sammons (Last Chance to Reason) the band tore through some classic material and news songs off of the just released Shadows Maxi-Single. It was great to see these guys in action. Metal Blade artists Native Construct were befouled by technical difficulties in the switchover between sets. This led to their 25 minute set being cut to 10, which was a shame. When they did get to play, the jammed their brand of genre-blurring, high-concept compositions that make up their début album Quiet World.
Native Construct, by Meg Loyal Photography
Obsidian Tongue, by Meg Loyal Photography
Obsidian Tongue, by Meg Loyal Photography
Closing out the show, Obsidian Tongue played their intensely emotional, well-crafted USBM songs. Although the room had many heads in attendance to see the headliner, the band made sure to remind everyone the purpose of the fundraiser, which was cool. Besides the enrapt fans, they captured the attention of every eyeball and earhole in the venue, leaving everyone raw and wanting more. We’re looking forward to their new album due out later this year!
All in all, it was great matinee metal show which raised funds for a great cause.
Information about donatingto Metal For Nepal and the charities it supports.
After weeks of planning, Boston’s Metal For Nepal Benefit (#MetalForNepal) concertis nearly here. Spurred into action after two devastating earthquakes rocked Nepal, Metal For Nepal mobilized to do our part to join the people on the ground lending aid and energy to ravaged communities in need of aid. Taking place at the legendary Middle East Night Club in Cambridge MA, the concert will be held on June 20th from 12 noon – 4 PM. Headlining the bill will be Obsidian Tongue, followed by Native Construct, Caricature, Sonic Pulse and BruteMukti. The show is $10 and All Ages. You can get tickets online here:
Link to the Facebook Event for Metal For Nepal here:
There is also a benefit compilation organized by Metal for Nepal performers BruteMukti featuring Nepalese metal bands dubbed Nepal Earthquake Relief. You can donate and download the collection from Bandcamp here: https://nepal-earthquake-relief.bandcamp.com/releases. Physical copies will also be available for purchase at the Metal For Nepal, with all the proceeds going to charity.
Special thanks to Kevin Brown, Kunjan Joshi, Erik Hansen of Wormwood Joint Booking, The Middle East Night Club and all of the bands for helping to organize this relief effort so quickly. In addition to the performers, many music labels, publicity firms, and independent artists have pledged their support to the concert in the way of donating all kinds of exclusive memorabilia and band merch that will be raffled off, adding to the specialness of the event. The support of the metal community by the music industry has buoyed our efforts and we’d like to thank them here:
Exclusive items such as Aborted’s recent LP signed by the band, Death’s lyrics book signed by James Murphy, assorted signed posters, exclusive screen prints from Mark Richards and Michelle Duggan, limited edition box set, vinyl, patches, cds and more made as personal donations from participants in Metal For Nepal!
Our exclusive buttons for our Raffle entrants were made by Russ Orcutt of All About Records.
Please support the bands that are performing at Metal For Nepal :
Boston’s Metal For Nepal concert draws near as donations come in to fund the massive relief efforts needed to recover devastated communities. The Metal For Nepal Benefit (#MetalForNepal) concert will take place on June 20th at the venerable Middle East Night Cub in Boston, MA. Headlining the event is bill will be Obsidian Tongue, followed by Native Construct, Caricature, Sonic Pulse and BruteMukti. The show is $10 and All Ages. You can get tickets online here:
Link to the Facebook Event for Metal For Nepal here:
In addition to these brave organizations, Metal For Nepal is also supporting another organization, Jagaruk Nepal. Led by a group of concerned engineers, Jagaruk Nepal are building shelters in the areas worst affected. They have come up with a proposal for their foundation with state goals and action guidelines for dispersal of monies collected. They also have shared a how-to guide on building a temporary shelter, crucial information to share or have on hand as the recovery effort is ongoing.
A donation can be made to Jagaruk Nepal via links on their Facebook or via direct bank transfer
Jagaruk Nepal Bank Account:
Machhapuchhre Bank Ltd. Account Name: Jagaruk Nepal
Account no: 5101524426294011
Branch: Putalisadak, Kathmandu
Swift Code: MBLNNPKA
Here are some other direct donate links for charities Metal For Nepal is supporting:
There is also a benefit compilation organized by Metal for Nepal performers BruteMukti featuring Nepalese metal bands dubbed Nepal Earthquake Relief. You can donate and download the collection from Bandcamp here: https://nepal-earthquake-relief.bandcamp.com/releases. Physical copies will also be available for purchase at the Metal For Nepal, with all the proceeds going to the charity.
In addition to the performers, many music labels, publicity firms, and independent artists have pledged their support to the concert in the way of donating all kinds of exclusive memorabilia and band merch that will be raffled off, adding to the specialness of the event. A full listing of these contributors and raffle prizes will be available soon.
In the wake of two earthquakes that have devastated the people of Nepal, a collective of Boston-area promoters, bands and music industry people have come together, to create the Metal For Nepal Benefit Concert. Held at the Middle East Night Club in Cambridge MA on June 20th, the concert will be headlined by Obsidian Tongue, followed by Native Construct, Caricature, Sonic Pulse and BruteMukti. The show is $10 and will be All Ages. All proceeds go to relief funds. You can get tickets online here:
Link to the Facebook Event for Metal For Nepal here:
Event co-promoter Kunan Joshi captured the essence of the current plight of Nepal earthquake victims:
“Remote villages and settlements are still untouched as a result of earthquake and landslides making access to these places very risky and limited. What we are trying is to provide these places with immediate relief. A dollar in Nepal converts to NRs 100 so a $100 in Nepal is NRs. 10,000 which is a lot of money there.”
“The issue right now is that if you send aid to some of the existing orgs, ngo, and ingos collecting funds, those funnel into the Prime Minister fund.”
“As of press time the Prime Minster fund has received millions of dollars so far, but there isn’t a plan yet to move to action those funds into tangible help. No public statement has been made yet on a timetable to disperse the funds to organizations that can help, especially people in remote regions who are suffering badly. We have a mission to help as much as we can, as fast as we can. Literally every friend is on the field. So that’s the best way to help now: equip them with funds, medicines and supplies to help people right now at this crucial time following the earthquakes.”
Event co-promoter Kevin Brown commented on the mission of Metal For Nepal:
“From the music that drives our hearts and minds, to the scene that we are the water to its rivers, we want to use our passion to help those on the other side of the world. Nepal’s rivers are dirty with what’s left of their shattered worlds, and we can use our rivers to help clarify theirs, put their worlds back together. Metal for Nepal is our desalinization plant, our efforts to cleanse what we can as we mosh and head-bang the day away.”
There is also a benefit compilation organized by Metal for Nepal performers BruteMukti featuring Nepalese metal bands dubbed Nepal Earthquake Relief. You can donate and download the collection from Bandcamp here:
Many record labels, music publicity firms and music industry people have pledged to donate resources. More information, including a direct donate link will be available soon.
