Ghost Cult Keefy caught up with Singer Telli (ex- Burning Witches) to discuss her new solo album – “Addicted to Color” – out now via Metalville Records! Already a smash hit in many countries, the album hit #1 on the Swiss charts, making it the first #1 for the label. Seriana discussed the making of and meaning of each track, and discussed her goals as an artist beyond basic Heavy Metal!
Since the music of Baroness has been unlike any other band to me, and more akin to a spiritual experience since I first got into them in 2007, I set the mood for myself before listening. I turned the lights down low, cracked the window open to get a nice breeze going, and heard the sound of large late summer raindrops filling my ears. The city’s heartbeat in the deep background was the only other sound besides my breathing. I just stared at the new album artwork for five straight minutes. At peace for a change, in the still and calm of myself, and by chance, present in the city of my birth for a few days, I hit play on the promo and then let the first notes hit me.
Swedish rockers Electric Boys had a bit of success in the late eighties and early nineties when their boisterous Funk Metal track “All Hips n’ Lips” caught the eye of MTV and their first two albums, Funk O Metal Carpet Ride and Groovus Maximus, caught the eye of the public. Things fizzled out in 1994 but they reunited fifteen years later and have been steadily releasing new material since.
Punchy album opener “Touch” sets the tone for She Burns Red self-released debut Out Of Darkness (Self-Released) – emotive Hard Rock with fiery riffs, impassioned vocals, and a strong alternative influence. The Scottish rockers first record comes three years after their EP Take Back Tomorrow, and it mixes Metal-style heaviness and grunge soul-bearing, with Foo Fighters’ hooks and Wildhearts pop-punk smarts.
These days, it’s difficult to find Rock and Roll in its purest form, especially in an era where rock is not king. However, a wave of modern British Invasion bands have produced some acts that have reinvigorated the scene, most notably, Brighton-born rock duo, Royal Blood. Small but mighty, with an unconventional lineup, Royal Blood are fueled by the powerful pair Mike Kerr (vocals/bass) and Ben Thatcher (drums/vocals). Over the last decade-plus as a band, they have climbed the ranks with 3 albums: Royal Blood (2014), How Did We Get So Dark? (2017), Typhoons (2021), and now, they welcome their 4th studio album Back to the Water Below via Warner Music.
Marc Hudson, vocalist for DragonForce, has never done a solo album, until now. Napalm Records brings you the most awesome Starbound Stories. It is Super Saiyan AWESOME! I’m a huge lover of anime and video games. So, if you are a huge lover of power metal, anime, and video games, you will flat-out love this album. The second song ‘Freedom Heart’, sung by Ryoji Shinomoto, is epic. It’s the perfect start to a boss-level anime. It’s happy and uplifting and full of sweeping movement. Frédéric Leclercq (Sinsaenum, Kreator, and also formerly of DragonForce himself) unleashes some amazing guitar work.
It’s only been two years since the release of the first album from Saigon Kick’s guitarist, Jason Bieler. Containing an eccentric mix of music accompanied by a star-studded cast of other musicians, Bieler created an experimental medley of rock and progressive sounds. Now Bieler is back with the rest of The Baron Von Bielski Orchestra to do it again and delve even further into the peculiar sounds previously explored. While the debut dipped its toes into the eccentricity, it seems the band are looking to fully submerge. The main question lingers, whether it is odd for art’s sake or just odd for odd’s sake.
Beloved Newport, UK quartet Skindred have returned to show off more of their eclectic musical expertise with their new album Smile (Earache Records). The album title was inspired by the reactions the band has received from large and small crowds alike throughout their career in live performances.
In October 2020 the world lost a true musical legend when iconic guitar icon Eddie Van Halen passed away, signalling the end of one of the all-time classic American Hard Rock bands. In the aftermath his son Wolfgang Van Halen, himself a touring bass player for his father’s band since the tender age of 15, released his first solo album as Mammoth WVH. The record was in many ways a heartfelt tribute to his father as highlighted on the songs ‘Distance’ and ‘Mr Ed,’ and had been in the works since Wolfgang had started recording in Eddie’s legendary 5150 studio way back in 2015.
Check out our preview of the new metal and rock releases coming out this week for New Music Friday 7-28-23!