American rock and roll at its most purest form. The energy that Tom Collier produces with held hostage is passionate and profound. You will be inspired and transformed by both the lyrics and the powerful guitar driven songs. This juggernaut will roll right over you, crushing your senses with the ultimate rock and roll mechanism.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
SAXON, CARPE DIEM
This album will stand the test of time as one of their best ones and we look forward to see what they can do for 2022 and beyond! This will be remembered for all time as one of defining records of 2022 and beyond. ALl hail the mighty, unstoppable juggernaut that is SAXON
10/10 wolf howls
Carpe Diem Track Listing:
Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)
Age of Steam
The Pilmgrimage
Dambusters
Remember the Fallen
Super Nova
Lady In Gray
All for One
Black is the Night
Living On the Limit
SAXON
BIFF BYFORD – Vocals
PAUL QUINN – Guitar
NIGEL GLOCKLER – Drums
DOUG SCARRATT – Guitar
NIBBS CARTER – Bass
Produced by Andy Sneap and Biff Byford
Album mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap
Guitars recorded by Andy Sneap at Backstage Recording Studios, Derbyshire (UK); Vocals recorded by Seb Byford at Big Silver Barn, York (UK); Drums recorded by Jacky Lehmann (Audiosound) at Velbyproductions, Grünenplan (Germany).
All lyrics by Biff Byford. Backing vocals by Seb Byford
Follow Saxon on:
www.facebook.com/SaxonOfficial/
www.instagram.com/saxon.official
www.twitter.com/SaxonOfficial
www.youtube.com/PlanetSaxon
www.saxon747.com
Friday, January 21, 2022
Ashes To Ares, Emperors and Fools Review
The latest ASHES TO ARES release from ex-ICED EARTH vocalist, Matt Barlow is a supreme assault on the metal senses. They have created such a fantastic landscape with each song taking on a life of its own. In a world consumed by covid this and political divide that, this record is a breath of heavy metal air. Take a deep and long breath and allow the sonic twists and turns to take you far away from this crazy world. Close your eyes and enter the fiery hallowed metal ground ruled over by the mighty ASHES TO ARES.
you can hear our interview with Matt Barlow on our cry of the wolf podcast
Emperors and Fools, released on January 21st, 2022 on Rock Of Angels Records
Ashes Of Ares:
Matt Barlow - Vocals
Freddie Vidales – Guitars, Bass
Guest: Van Williams – Drums
Follow Ashes Of Ares:
Official Website: http://www.ashesofares.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Instagram: https://www.
Monday, August 9, 2021
ANARIA review
For a quick listen this ANARIA band is another symphonic landscape group. But upon closer listen it is so much more. Genre defying is a word they use in the press release and it is true. This band whether a studio 3 piece or a live 4 piece has a unique and powerful sound. We especially enjoy the acoustic versions of their material.
The video from "leaving you behind" is very well done and the song itself is a tour de force of melody. Maybe there should have been a slight guitar lead as a intro to the vocals but just a thought. overall this band is a great addition tot he local metal scene. We expect great things from this band!
8/10 Wolf Howls!
cry of the wolf magazine
https://www.anariaband.org
Saturday, July 31, 2021
CRUZH--Tropical Thunder cd review
Another hard rocking melody infused release from Frontiers records. CRUZH featuring the incredible vocals of Alex Waghorn are set to release Tropical Thunder. The cd is filled with hooks and sinkers all the way through.
A waterfall of cascading emotions and sound that grabs you by the throat and does not let go until you are satisfied and exhausted. Yeah, it is that good. Standouts for us were "moonshine bayou", "Turn back time", and of course "Tropical Thunder" Please stop what you are doing and prepare to turn this up to 11!!
Album release date is August 6th 2021 on Frontiers Music s.r.l.
9/10 Wolf Howls
Cry Of The Wolf Magazine
www.facebook.com/cruzofficial/
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
MARTA GABRIEL Metal Queens album review
From the incredible power metal band, CRYSTAL VIPER, vocalist Marta Gabriel has unleashed her first solo album of fiery metal covers from our favorite female driven bands. Pulling hits from such bands as Rock Goddess, Led yago, Leather Leone, Doro and more, Marta pulls no punches with her own versions of these classics.
Metal has always been about fun and attitude and power and she delivers all of that and more on this must have release. Her version of Lee Aaron's "metal Queen" is such a killer tribute. For fans of heavy metal regardless of gender or genre this is a an album to crank to 11!!!!
we give this album 10/10 wolf howls!!!
available on Listenable Records July 30, 2021www.shop-listenable.net/en/
www.facebook.com/martagabrielofficial
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Flotsam and Jetsam Blood In The Water
Flotsam and Jetsam are about to unleash a monster of an album on AFM Records, June 4th. This is classic metal meets the modern production soundscape. Just a hell of a ride as you listen to this powerful release. "Blood In the water" is one of their best songs they have ever recorded. Pure power and aggression. Vocalist Eric Knutson unleashes hell with his charge the walls aggressive yet melodic style.
Overall the songs rise through the standard flotsam gambit however there is something new here. There is an almost ethereal atmosphere that surrounds each song. The music is completely off the charts and it envelopes you in a haze of a heavy metal high. You will be singing along with every song. Nothing, not one song will disappoint and that ,in today's one good song releases ,is a breath of fresh air.The band has never sounded more passionate about what they are creating. Anyone who calls themselves a fan of metal must get this album and play it loud.
10/10 wolf howls cry of the wolf magazine
official press release and bio on Flotsam:
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM have seen many of their peers that started at the same time, including Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Venom have their day in the sun. Considered in metal circles as “legendary,” the mighty FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, over their long career, has seemed somewhat plagued by label snafu’s, changes in trends, or other unfortunate events. On album number fourteen, and without a doubt making the best music of their career, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM finally smells blood in the water this time around.
Says singer ERIC “AK” KNUTSON, “We’ve seen our fan base increasing, and we’ve seen the response to the last two albums getting louder and louder. We have some of the most committed and crazy fans in the world. We charted higher on our last album than at any point in our career. Maybe our career path will run similar to Motorhead’s, who although was
always considered iconic, didn’t really break through in a big way until later in their career. We feel our time is now . . .” says AK. “We’re like that dog that’s been kicked . . . we’re ready to break the door down and take what’s ours.”
Judging by their new album, “BLOOD IN THE WATER,” AK is spot on. With twelve tracks that literally shred the listener’s ears and pummels FLOTSAM AND JETSAM’s message into the hearts of the most diehard metal fans, the album must be heard to be believed. The lead-off and title track, “Blood in the Water,” let’s you know right off that these guys aren’t messing
around as the song comes screaming out of the speakers with a frenzied rhythm section and guitars blazing on ten. Then the passionate vocal delivery of AK takes the stage delivering, “They want your soul, seduce you with their lies, selling death, the end of the sublime . . . sinking down into the blackout below, there’s blood in the water!”
The album continues to dominate from there, with “Burn The Sky,” the first single from the album, searing it’s way into your brain, followed by “Brace For Impact,” which by the way is a good description of what you’ll need to do when you listen to this album. There are so many stand-out tracks it’s impossible to give a full run down, but suffice it to say there is no filler here, just all killer. “Cry For The Dead” is a heart-wrenching track that speaks to the loss of loved ones, and harkens back to the classic FLOTSAM sound from “Doomsday For The Deceiver.” “The Walls” is a vibrant power metal song that will have you singing the hook for days, and the album ends appropriately with a burner called “Seven Seconds ‘Til The End of the World,” a more progressive track that includes some firsts for FLOTSAM, including an orchestral breakdown.
Guitarist MICHAEL GILBERT says, “Following up ‘The End of Chaos’ (Flotsam’s last album) was no easy task. We weren’t really sure what we had left in the tank, as we put so much work, sweat, and blood into that album. As it turns out, we had plenty left to say. With everything that’s happened in the world, the friends we lost this last year, and not being able to perform or tour… you hear all of that in our music. It’s angry, it’s aggressive, and our emotions pour out all over this album.”
Perhaps at long last, the injustice that has been part of Flotsam’s existence will finally be washed away. Everyone knows about the band, and the awesome assembly of what is for all intents and purposes an “All Star” lineup. Fronted by one of the most gifted metal singers in music history, (and this really isn’t even open to argument), AK keeps bringing the magic every album and tour, and oddly seems to be getting better and better as time goes on. He’s backed by the incredibly talented, exceptionally brilliant guitar duo of STEVE CONLEY and MICHAEL GILBERT, the powerful, precise and lightning fast engine of drummer KEN K MARY, (whose Hall of Fame resume includes over five million albums sold with artists such as Alice Cooper, House of Lords, and Accept), and the “fresh blood” and extraordinary technical skills and prowess of bassist BILL BODILY.
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM have come a long way from the kids that stepped onto the world stage with their first album, 1986’s “Doomsday For The Deceiver,” which received the first (and only) 6K rating in Kerrang! Magazine’s history. But the one thing that has never been in question since that day is their dedication to their fans, their incredible talent, and relentless pursuit to produce their best music ever.FLOTSAM AND JETSAM smells blood in the water. . .
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Interview with Chloe Trujillo
Chloe Trujillo is a Musician, Artist, Mother, Free Creative Spirit, and The wife of Metallica's bassist, Robert Trujillo. With an impressive resume of artwork, drawings, clothing and guitar designs, you would assume Chloe would have an air about her. But she does not. Despite being surrounded by rock and roll's iconic royalty she remains humble and simply dedicated to her craft. You can feel her love for the world of art as she speaks. Truly she is extraordinarily gifted and selfless as she pours out her creative ideals onto the world.
Music is clearly another avenue to let her creativity flow. Her plan is to release a new single every month Until October when the record will be released. What a great way to introduce new listeners. Of course the fact that her husband plays in a little known band called METALLICA and offered to play on her new tracks, does not hurt either. But she told us it was no big deal asking him. They are husband and wife of course. I had the unique pleasure of chatting with Chloe about her art, inspirations, and the upcoming new album.
Tell us the writing process
Yeah it is sort of a channeling. Kind of done at the same time. When I paint I will have lyrics or melody ideas that will come at the same time. As I paint, that is my process. If I sit down to write or grab a guitar, I have images that I would paint later on.
With covid, how did you approach your writing
well when it first hit it was really interesting. no one knew what was going on. We were locked down.
I was writing a song every day. But then I stopped because I had two hundred songs. Forced me to become more creative in new ways. I learned the new creative tools like creating artwork on the computer I just learned. So I am definitely more independent. I have crossed that thresh hold of fear. so that was good.
What is your message to aspiring artists and musicians
Its not easy. so many times I was like oh man it would be easier to get a regular job. you wont sell a painting every day. its tough. but you continue. for me the days I don't create i have a knot on my stomach. I need to create. never stop. Even in New York I had several jobs while I sang or performed or was drawing. you have to have that flame, that passion, to keep going. be strong and no matter what do it anyways.
What is next for your artistry
well I have an art show opening. I have a virtual live show in April. That is new for me. I have a single coming out every month until October. when the album is released. The music I am releasing now was written three years ago. it is a positive message. most of my songs are. I lived in New York during 9/11 and I have experienced many things. I lived a few of these large events. you question everything. like humanity, society.
I have another project that is more like a progressive metal band. It will be a small e.p. released of six or seven songs. I am recording with my old band on sunday its called 66 steps. It's a metal, melodic band. last time we played was 2009. We might release a 66 step EP. We will see. Hopefully things open up again.
Her music, like her artwork, inspire positive frequencies in the listener and a message of good will and accelerated heart felt emotions. She takes a certain pride in her work. Schooled in the art world of Paris, France, Chloe draws inspiration from the light instead of the dark. But her passion can, as she says "be positive whether it's a death metal song or an alternative one.
New EP will be available October 2021
M&O Music
Facebook at IamChloeTrujillo
Find her on Spotify, and Bandcamp
Friday, December 11, 2020
Interview with the band HEMISPHERE
HEMISPHERE has a unique sound that instantly grabs your soul. It draws you in and then will not let you go. This "hairless" trio are producing some great rock and roll. 7/10 Wolf Howls
Band Interview
Cry Of The Wolf Magazine
Go over the writing process for your latest release.
Most songs written for Hemisphere come from some sort of a true life event. The song “The Snake” was inspired by a pet snake I had. I sat back in a La-Z-Boy chair with my old 1975 acoustic 12 string that is set in DADGAD tuning in C#, as I mainly write in DADGAD. While watching the snake slither up the cage trying to push the lid off over and over to escape, I just sat rocking back and forth in my chair and wrote the main riff while watching her. The lyrics I put from the perspective of the snake wanting to escape and be set free. So all that can be heard in the song pretty well I think. I tried to relate a “jungle book” kinda vibe and give a feeling of a snake slithering. After scratching the song out in the studio I started performing it live at acoustic shows. Usually I will get some kind of audio recording from gigs and then review them as I’m driving in the car, at home and just keep working on it until it just works the way I think the listener would be into it, all the way through from beginning to end.
What are your rehearsals like?
Three dudes crammed in a small unventilated room sweating up a storm and just grinding on material and having fun.
In your ears, what makes the perfect song?
Something that makes you want to listen to it again immediately. A song that can stand the test of time and still be relevant 20 or more years later to a new generation of fans, and still get them excited about the band is something really special, I think.
What are your main influences?
I was raised on old Metallica and so was our bass player, Grant. He learned how to play a lot of the Cliff Burton material, and we have some common ground with old school thrash. Our drummer, Robert, is into a lot of Scandivanian metal bands such Soilwork and Meshuggah, and we have some common ground with 90s grunge bands like Alice in Chains and Tool. Our first time hanging out was actually at a concert to see Primus and Mastodon. So although our music doesn’t always sound like our influences, metal is our favorite genre and style to play and we're trying to be experimental and deliver a unique sound, like the bands we love did in their early years.
What first got you involved in music?
My mother was a semi professional country singer. She raised me singing since the age of five. So I was raised in a house full of music. Lots of records and cassette tapes. My step father was a guitar player and taught me how to play riffs from Rush, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and all the guitar greats.
How do you feel about social media’s impact on the music business
I’ve found bands through social media that I would have probably never heard of if I wasn’t on there. But at the same time it’s a giant ocean with some garbage floating in it, and it can be hard to sift through. I think It’s really hard for groups in the beginning to divide social media work up among themselves and actually truly care about being on social media constantly. It can be so time consuming and unrewarding when you're first getting going on your own. It’s not something I think any dedicated musician wants to have their life revolve around. Social media can be a great tool and open up doors for many bands, and unfortunately is a necessary evil these days.
Given the current state of the world how is your band surviving the pandemic?
We have a big scribble board with a section called “things to do.” So we are recording new material in the studio and planning a live stream event in spring 2021, and focused on finishing up a four-song EP by then. We figured 2021 will be hit and miss, but really looking forward to booking up 2022 as much as possible.
Band you would love to open for or tour with
That’s a tough question! We have several things we are experimenting with, tone wise.
Hemisphere has a set for smaller venues, where we play on acoustic guitars with distortion and effects but also love busting out the half stacks with the Les Paul and sounding heavier. If we could go on tour on a large scale, I think a band like Rammstein would be a super fun band to open up for. We love their stage presence and think their fans would be accepting to us playing our heavier set list.
Strangest thing that ever happened at a gig or rehearsal
I was badly electrocuted through my lip ring on a microphone at a gig. No more lip ring!
Where can fans get to hear your music?
You can find our music on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and pretty much all the other major digital platforms. Or you can head to our website at hemisphereofficial.com!
Anything you want to say to new listeners?
Check us out! We realize we are nothing without fans and appreciate help spreading the word about what we are about and sound like. Hemisphere has a lot of new material in the works and can’t wait to release a new EP soon. Give us a like, follow, or subscribe to our YouTube channel and we promise to put out music that will push creative boundaries and keep you interested and listening. Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Chad - Hemisphere
Sunday, July 12, 2020
The la guns Interview with Kelly Knickels
Fast cars, Sleazy woman, excessive partying. All these were food for the mighty la guns. The kings of la sleaze rock and roll. Now split into two camps, Kelly Knickels presents us with The La Guns, a continuation of the original band that tore apart the sunset strip in the 80's and 90's. Kelly explains life now in 2020 and the enduring mystique of those by gone sunset strip daze.
The new song "crawl" is such a rocker and typical la guns style. How did it come about?
"First one I wrote in about20 years. Came together really cool. Just a fun song."
We chatted briefly about the recording process now versus yesterday
"Everyone is well rehearsed. We all knew our stuff so it was easy to record. No one is paying you a million dollars to record an album over the course of months. So it's down quicker now."
Was the sunset strip more akin to a mythology of how it was or do you remember it differently?
"Man, it was crazier. You had kids all over the strip. You could go into the RAINBOW, pay $5 to get in with two free drinks and start hanging with all the famous rockers. Later when it closed we would head to the hills for the after parties. Everyone partied in the hills."
Our conversation was brief but this new album,RENEGADES, if the single "crawl" is any indication; is a fun rock and roll romp that harkens back to the past. Check it out and pick up your copy today!
Thursday, May 28, 2020
ELECTRIC MOB Discharge album review
From BRAZIL comes the unstoppable freight train that is ELECTRIC MOB! This band is a hard rock symphony of perfectly timed lyrics and solos. Such power and grace are rarely heard on debuts but this band propels its music right into you brain. You will feel the earth shake in this rock heavy orgasm of pure sonic penetration. standout tracks include:
"Burn","Devil you know", and "Got me running". But every track is a vocal masterclass.Check this album out and crank it loud!!
9/10 Wolf Howls
Cry Of The Wolf Magazine
POLTERGEIST Feather Of Truth Album Review
POLTERGEIST presents a no holds barred heavy metal roller coaster ride. This album rocks you from song to song and never seems to slow down. I'm still not quite sure what the feather of truth is, but I know what the album is: damn good metal!
Stand out cuts include, "The Culling", "Feather Of Truth"
This is a cookie cutter world of musical creations but POLTERGEIST is unapologetic for breaking those molds. This is one of the must have albums of 2020.
9/10 Wolf Howls
Cry Of The Wolf Magazine
OZ Forced Commandments Album Review
2020 saw the world plunged into isolation. It became a lonely, self analyzing place. But for those of us who are lucky to have the new OZ record, the isolation of our homes allowed them, to become a listening room to one of the best albums released this year so far. OZ pulls no punches with its sonic throwback metal sound to a glorious age gone by. Everything you need on a metal album is here, catchy lyrics, burning solos, drums of doom!
Truly OZ represents a present day metal act with more than a nod to the old school of historic metal. Their approach to songwriting and song architecture is indifferent to the current trends of the age. They fully stand for the metal we all grew up with.
In these catastrophic times, we need bands like OZ to keep that fire of creative metal burning. When you finally emerge from your caves into this brave new world you should, no you must, crank up Forced Commandments.
10 Wolf Howls
Cry Of The Wolf Magazine
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