The latest issue of the Full Pelt Magazine is here, and you can download your copy for free below!
Volume 22 is features our cover stars Saint Agnes as they take ‘Bloodsuckers’ on tour. We also have album reviews for The Last Dinner Party and Florence Black.
Our News Report has all the latest music news including live announcements from Download Festival, Reading & Leeds, 2000trees, Slam Dunk, Victorious Festival, Beautiful Days, Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival, Demob Happy, Bury Tomorrow, The Last Dinner Party, Troy Redfern, Trophy Eyes and iDKHOW!
Plus all the best new releases including Bowling For Soup, Indoor Pets, Royal Tusk, VENUES, The Cheap Thrills, From Ashes To New, ERRA, Banks Arcade, Aaron West & The Roaring Twenties, Normandie, The Farm and Job For A Cowboy!
Finally, we round up the latest additions to our âDiscoverâ New Music Playlist including Gallus, Loose Articles and IRKED!
Our weekly music News Report has evolved into the Full Pelt Magazine, and you can download the fourth issue now for free!
Volume four includes an update from cover stars Creeper, a review of âConfessions of the Fallenâ from Staind plus a special feature on Metal for Good!
We have our News Report rounding up new releases from Bruce Dickinson, Blink 182, The Dollyrots, Chelsea Wolfe, Alien Weaponry, Helmet, VEXED, The Cadillac Three, P.O.D., The Vaccines, Against The Current, The K’s, Casey, Jack Valero, Little Man Tate, The Sleeping Souls, Interlaker, The Pale White, Florence Black and North Atlas!
Plus new live announcements from Bury Tomorrow, Poppy, Hot Water Music, Jake Bugg and Grade 2.
Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!
This week we begin with the best new releases from the past week and up first are the returning metal icons Avenged Sevenfold.
In a big news week, the group revealed that their new studio album, ‘Life Is But A Dream’, will be released on June 2nd. That release is preceded by their lead single, ‘Nobody’, which you can check out above.
The band stated, “Weâre thrilled to announce our new album, Life Is But A Dream⌠available June 2, 2023. Written and recorded over the span of four years, the album was inspired by the writing and philosophy of Albert Camus. Our good friend and brilliant artist, Wes Lang, encapsulated our theme of existentialism through visual art for the album packaging.”
British metallers Bury Tomorrow have shared the latest taste of their upcoming album, ‘The Seventh Sun’. You can listen to new single, ‘Begin Again’, above now ahead of the album release date of March 31st.
Speaking on ‘Begin Again’, guitarist Kristan Dawson says the track is ârepresentative of the change we have all faced in the past few years. It represents an element of renewal and appreciation of where we have been as a band and where we are yet to go. Musically, it serves as a contrast to the heaviness we have presented in the first three singles, but packs a punch in a more positive way.â
Australian punk rockers Trophy Eyes are back with new single, âBlue Eyed Boyâ, a track particularly close to home.
Trophy Eyesâ John Floreani says the song âwas written about a trip I took back to my hometown. One friend in particular, maybe my best friend, had recently moved back and regressed into their old ways. Iâd mourned the death of this friend long ago, as did the rest of us in our small social circle. To see him again brought me great childhood joy yet simultaneously an overwhelming sense of dread.
I was reminded of something my mother told me as a young boy when my grandmother died; âif you see her now, like this, itâs the only way youâll remember her. Best hold on to the good times, youâll always have those.â
Far From Saints, the new project featuring Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones, have shared their latest single, ‘Take It Through The Night’, which you can listen to above.
The group also this week revealed the news that their self-titled debut album will be released on June 16th.
The members had the following to say:
“It took nine days to record and four years to get it to you! Your record collection will love it!” – Kelly
âItâs a labor of love to make a record these days, because you never know whatâs going to happen with it frankly, and the outpouring of good vibes and comments, so far, has been really cool to watch.â – Dwight
âThis is kind of the first time Iâm anticipating not feeling somewhat sad around an album release. Iâm comfortable with who I am now as a person, as an artist, and I hang my hat not on the praise I receive, but on the work itself. Iâm proud of this record, and its part in the greater cycle of creativity and inspiration. Iâm grateful to be part of that.â – Patty
‘Blackout’, the new album from From Ashes To New, is out on July 28th. This week though saw the band share the latest single from the album, ‘Hate Me Too’, which you can check out above.
âSo many of us fall victim to the classic toxic relationship,â says vocalist Matt Brandyberry. âFeeling like you canât live without someone but knowing youâd be better off if you could. Oftentimes these feelings are mutual, but neither of you can see it. Sometimes we just need an anthem to remind us that being stuck isnât always the only option and violence never.”
Next in our News Report is ‘Blood In The Water’, the latest single from Ayron Jones, which you can check out above.
Jones announced this week that his second album, ‘Chronicles of the Kid’, will be released on June 23rd.
“As a child, I vividly remember sitting in church and hearing the preacher speak about generational curses,” Jones explains. “For me, the concept of the weight of trauma traveling through time and space, affecting many generations until treated is an idea I take seriously. ‘Blood in the Water’ is my way of actively choosing to heal and transform this trauma by creating new stories and identities for not only myself, but also my familyâs future generations. I understand that energy can never be destroyed nor created anew; it can only be shifted. Therefore, while I cannot choose the life I have been given, I can strive forward and choose to take control of the futureâ to break these curses now and forevermore.”
“It was the height of the pandemic and like everyone else, I was stuck inside watching the world pass by while having no idea what the future held,” Jones remembers. “Then it happened, the phone rang and I got the call telling me my song went No. 1. Just like that, I’d become one of the biggest names in rock and roll, but I couldn’t leave my couch. I had no idea how much my life had changed until August of ’21, when I went on tour for the first time since signing my first major record deal. That’s when it all hit me. ‘Chronicles of The Kid’ is the story of the truth – my truth. With my voice as my pen and my guitar as the page, the album is an audio journal of self-discovery told through tales of, temptations, triumphs, failures, sacrifice and the price of fame.”
We move our News Report on now to the biggest and best festival announcements from the past week and we get started with Bingley Weekender!
The event revealed their first wave of acts this week including headliners Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Ian Brown and Travis.
They’ll be joined over the weekend by the likes of Jake Bugg, Razorlight, James Bay, The Zutons, Kate Nash, Little Man Tate, Jealous Nostril, King No-One, New Model Army, Lottery Winners and BERRIES.
The inaugural Maid of Stone Festival takes place this July and this week the event confirmed Glenn Hughes as headlining the event alongside Airbourne.
Orange Goblin have also joined the likes of Skindred, The Hunna, Kris Barras Band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, Elles Bailey and Florence Black on the linup.
Plus The Treatment and The Hot Damn! will be playing a special opening party on the Friday of the event.
Liverpool get ready for No Play Festival this August!
The stunning line-up revealed this week includes Yonaka, VUKOVI, Higher Power, Conjurer, Graphic Nature, Lizzy Farrall, Gen & The Degenerates and more!
Our News Report now turns its attention to the best tour announcements from the past week and up first is the above run of dates from Ocean Colour Scene.
Alongside their August dates, the group will now also be out on the road this December including a date at the Eventim Apollo in London.
MAN WITH A MISSION are next up in our News Report as the group reveal a brand new tour including three stops in the UK this June.
Regarding the tour MAN WITH A MISSIONâs Jean-Ken Johnny (guitar / vocals / rap) says, âWe are so excited to announce our WOLVES ON PARADE TOUR is coming to the UK, Europe and North America in May & June! Itâs been years since we last toured internationally and weâve missed playing for you all so much! Canât wait to catch up with you all!â
Brighton based Electronic Post-Hardcore duo fakeyourdeath have dropped their sophomore single âconsumeâ.
“consume explores the idea of materialistic greed and how, as a society, we are fed this idea that without things we cannot be happy. but ultimately thatâs a lie. itâs a narrative spun by the powers that be and consume was written to see the truth and challenge that way of thinking. consume depicts our disgust at a materialistic culture we all hate and yet want to be a part of.â – Vocalist, Candi Underwood
Northern Captives – ‘Anxiety Dreams’
UK Alternative Rock outfit Northern Captives release their brand-new single titled âAnxiety Dreamsâ.
âItâs written as an internal monologue battling anxiety by accepting its existence and not allowing it to direct your decisions or impact what you do day to day. We often speak to ourselves in ways weâd never dream of talking to anyone else. It’s important to check in with yourself and make sure your internal dialogue is positive.â – Vocalist, Sam Cook.
JACKALS – ‘DIG IN’
Northern noise hounds JACKALS have unveiled their new single ‘DIG IN’.
âDig in is based on the idea of drug addiction but narrated by the drug itself, the song personifies the drug and its direct effects on a person. When you let drugs into your life they can sort of take on a whole persona unto themselves and we wanted to shine a light on that and show how destructive these can be. Like that one toxic friend you’ve had that keeps trying to worm their way back into your life.â –JACKALS
Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!
We start this week with the 20th Anniversary of Download Festival which just got a whole load bigger! Yes 40+ new acts have now joined headliners Metallica (x2), Bring Me The Horizon and Slipknot across the special four day event.
Newly announced acts include Alter Bridge, Halestorm, Neck Deep, Bob Vylan, Jinjer, Hot Milk, The Amity Affliction, Empire State Bastard, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Deaf Havana and more!
Also on tap will be the likes of Architects, Evanescence, Within Temptation, Pendulum, The Blackout, Nova Twins, Disturbed, Placebo, Ghost and so many more!
Ahead of their appearances at this August’s Reading & Leeds Festivals, You Me At Six will perform two intimate warm-up shows in Leicester and Bournemouth.
Our News Report moves now to the best new releases from the past week and we get things started with the latest single from Bury Tomorrow!
‘Heretic’ featuring While She Sleeps frontman Loz Taylor debuted this week and you can check it out above. It was also revealed that Bury Tomorrow will join WSS at their huge Alexandra Palace show in September.
The track comes from upcoming new album, ‘The Seventh Sun’, which is out March 31st!.
Speaking on Heretic, lead-singer Dani Winter-Bates states âHeretic is here, and we knew from day one of recording that this song was something we wanted the world to hear immediately. Itâs right up there with the most aggressive and visceral tracks on the album, with an inherently dark feel, both lyrically and musically, which allowed us to delve into some of the more brutal elements of The Seventh Sun. All in all, weâre extremely proud to showcase this track and canât wait to see what people think.â
Dani continues âfrom the off, we knew this song merited a guest vocal spot, and Loz Taylor of While She Sleeps sprang to our minds straightaway. Already an absolute legend in our eyes, working with him on this track has only confirmed that status further. His voice incorporated perfectly and has undoubtedly taken the song to the next level â we couldnât be happier.â
The Raven Age have announced that their third studio album, ‘Blood Omen’, will be released on July 7th. To coincide with that announcement, the band unveiled their new single, ‘Parasite’, which you can check out above!
âParasiteâ is bolstered by a blistering solo from guest guitarist Andy James of Five Finger Death Punch. âI’ve known the lads in The Raven Age for years now,â says Andy. âI really like the direction they are heading with this third record and enjoyed doing a guest solo for âParasiteâ. Itâs a heavy but memorable track that hits you right between the eyes.â
For the Essex quintetâs âall-important third albumâ, as George Harris puts it, they have expanded on every level.
This motivation is written into the albumâs concept. Following the theme of its two predecessors, the raven motif looms large, this time centering on the overthrowing of old masters, with the bandâs Raven King character coming to prominence. Even in the artwork, things are bolder, a close up of The Raven King, says George, âtaking his rightful place on the throne.â
The theme weaves itself throughout ‘Blood Omen’, kicking off with âParasiteâ as MJ explains, âThereâs the legend about the ravens in the Tower Of London, that if they were ever to leave, the monarchy falls. Without being too political, âParasiteâ is hinting at these dark notes of the hierarchy, the bottom feeders that tend to run everything and then screw everything up. Our Raven King, he’s basically ascending to the throne to bring down the monarchy, bring down the establishment, weed out the parasites, as it were.â
âIt’s a heavy track,â MJ continues, âWe knew we wanted to come back with a real punch between the eyes. Itâs the full introduction to our Raven King, and it touches on elements of everything to come. It really shows where weâre going on this album.â
The album also sees the recorded debut of new guitarist Tommy Gentry, the prodigiously talented axeman â whose previous work includes stints with Marco Mendoza and former Judas Priest six-stringer KK Downing.
âTommy was in our sights from day one,â says George. âHe’s, without doubt, the most talented musician I know. Not only is he an amazing guitarist, he’s a grade eight pianist, he can score orchestral music, and all that brings something to the table.â
‘The Price of Progress’, the latest album from The Hold Steady is out on March 31st. This week the band continued to preview the record with new single, ‘Sixers’, which you can check out above.
ââSixersâ was written in the first days of the pandemic,â says frontman Craig Finn. âItâs basically a song about knowing your neighbors. Two young professionals meet up in their building late on a Friday night and spend the weekend partying together. They try to find a love connection, but itâs not quite there. Itâs hard to make friends when your job is so demanding. Tad and Steve chime in with some beautiful guitar harmonies.â
This week saw The View return with news of their first new album in eight years! ‘Exorcism of Youth’ will be released on June 9th and was preceded this week by the single, ‘Feels Like’, which you can check out above!
Frontman Kyle Falconer says, âWorking with Youth on our third album ‘Bread and Circuses’ was one of the best experiences of my career so we jumped at the chance to revisit the opportunity with him in Spain. To be able to go into the studio again as a band with added experience was just magical.”
On the single Falconer adds, âThis one felt anthemic from the get go. Even though under the surface itâs about somewhere everyoneâs been in their life before: regret of losing someone amazing due to your inner demons and seeing them moving on with their life, when youâre stuck in a ânightmare not a dream.â When I first sat down to write it I had Holden Caulfield from âCatcher in the Ryeâ in mind. Itâs playing out in his mind and itâs his own paranoia destroying him from the inside out when in reality sheâs the perfect woman.”
Texan singer-songwriter Ryan Hamilton has shared his latest single, ‘Asshole’, which you can check out above. The track comes from upcoming album, ‘Haunted by the Holy Ghost’, which is out March 10th.
A music video for the track features World Champion Barrel Racer, Ryann Pedone & Conor the badger. Ryan says, âItâs not everyday you shoot a music video with a badger! Why a badger? Because badgers are assholes. Theyâre adorable assholes. Haha. So proud of this song. The self sabotaging title will keep it off most radio stations⌠which is a shame, because it deserves to be a big hit.”
The Dollyrots have released a brand new UK single titled ‘Still Holding On’ to kick off their first ever UK co-headline tour with Don’t Panic and special guest Royals.
You can listen to the track above!
ââStill Holding Onâ is the first song weâre releasing off our newest recordings, from the first full album sessions since 2019! Itâs a hint of a flavor for the next LP to be released later this year. Since weâll be touring the UK this month we thought weâd give our friends here a treat and release it exclusive to the United Kingdom.”â says singer Kelly Ogden.
This week saw Millie Manders and the Shutup share their new single, ‘Rebound’, on Valentine’s Day! You can of course listen to the track above!
An ode to toxic online dating, as Millie explains: âRebound reflects my experience with online dating, but most people I have spoken to have had similar and worse experiences with it. I wanted to write a song that was in solidarity with those on the receiving end of a rebound relationship and let them know they were never the problem.â
The comes ahead of the bands upcoming UK Tour in April.
The steady stream of fantastic new music in our News Report continues to flow from iconic Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett. You can check out his latest solo effort, ‘Black Top White Lines’, above now!
This week also saw Pet Needs revealed as the special guests on Lottery Winners upcoming UK Tour. That wasn’t the only news for Pet Needs this week however, as they also debuted their video for ‘Ibiza in Winter’, which you can check out above!
New album ‘Primetime Entertainment’ available here.
Watch Episode 11 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Pet Needs!
The Full Pelt Music Podcast – ‘Episode 11’ – Pet Needs
Glasgow four-piece Spyres return with their new single, ‘Sleep Forever’.
Vocalist/guitarist Keira McGuire explains:
âSleep Forever is a song about blocking out the realities of life and living in your own world, not wanting to grow up, becoming an adult which puts an end to teenage daydreams and fantasies.â
FUDGE.- ‘Y.F.F.G.’
FUDGE. release their new single, ‘YOUR FALL FROM GRACE’, taken from their forthcoming ‘THATâS JUST IT, THIS IS NOW’ EP!
Commenting about ‘Y.F.F.G.’ singer Cam says: âItâs different to our usual songs but itâs a fan favourite and shows a very atmospheric, abstract vibe and I see it as a rebellious love song. The feeling I get from this song is the same as the almost surreal sensation you get when youâre on your own late at night or early morning. That may sound strange but some of you might get what I mean.â
Guitarist Otto expands: âI call this our quiet song. I wrote it whilst someone was sleeping in the same room as me, so I picked something sweet sounding and played it with compassion. Luckily, the outcome was one of our most palatable songs for the listener and, honestly, one that I never meant to write but am grateful that I did.â
Drummer Angus adds: âYou get to hear Camâs sensitive side on this song, which is usually hidden behind his radginess. Itâs a lot smoother in its ebbs and flows and playing drums to this is actually quite a relaxing experience because, for once, I can sit back and let the song do the work. For that reason, itâs bigger than its constituent parts. A bit of a banger in other words.â
IKONIK – ‘Wall of Stone‘
‘Wall of Stone’ is the debut single from IKONIK, the brainchild of Copenhagen’s Katrine Wachmann.
ââWall of Stoneâ is a song about commitment issues and being stuck in a relationship that is going nowhere, though knowing that vulnerability might be the only way to make a relationship work. Whatever the listeners get from this song Iâm just truly humble, amazed and excited that IKONIK is off on its wings and ready to fly out into the worldâ.
Amber leaves lay sodden on the ground, there is a crisp chill in the autumnal air and there is an awful lot of black clothing amongst the excited crowds gathering at the UEA LCR door. Yes, whilst the ghouls and spooks are out guising across Norwich this All Hallowsâ Eve, the cityâs metal community are haunting its largest venue.
There are no tricks here this Halloween, just the treat of a hard hitting night of action from the double-headed monster that is the co-headlining Bury Tomorrow and August Burns Red, albeit with a re-jigged undercard.
NOVELISTS FR
Gone just days ahead of the tour are Miss May I, joining Thornhill in departing the tour originally booked some 3 years ago (we all know what has transpired in that time!). Jumping in on short notice however are Novelists FR who receive a warm welcome.
As they arrive onstage in a venue festively decorated with ghostly figures, the early crowd show that they are here for some fun tonight. The French latecomers are able to deliver just what is needed to warm everyone up for the barrage of noise that is set to follow.
AUGUST BURNS RED
Up next is August Burns Red, who instantly rile the audience up with a quick run-through of System of a Down classic âChop Suey!â. Clearly the band have many fans in the audience and those fans are treated to an hour of brutality from a band well versed in serving up crowd pleasing performances.
BURY TOMORROW
Our headliners Bury Tomorrow arrive onstage, dressed in white paper suits, and instantly bring the ferocity and intensity that has earned them their pedigree as a live act. The opening three tracks instigate a hot atmosphere in the crowd, until sadly a lengthy medical incident in the audience derails the momentum.
It has to be said the response from the band, the crowd, the security, the venue and medical staff is fantastic, and hopefully that individual is ok! It naturally takes a short while to find the same level of energy again, but Bury Tomorrow ensure that soon enough the party is back in full swing.
âLIFE (Paradise Denied)â particularly does well in getting the atmosphere back on track and helps return the band to their stride. It isnât just Halloween that has the bodies moving tonight, and by the time the show comes to an end everyone in the venue, be it human, monster, vampire or ghost as had a great time.
Soon this tour heads off into Europe, and next year Bury Tomorrow will return with their seventh album. But right now we return to the dark, cold and creepy outdoors.
Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!
This week we start with tour announcements and the mighty Iron Maiden, who have revealed the ‘Future Past’ tour that includes a run of UK arena dates next Summer.
The show will feature previously unperformed songs from the bandâs most recent studio album, ‘Senjutsu’, along with a focus on 1986âs iconic, ‘Somewhere In Time’ record, plus other classic cuts.
Says founder member and bassist Steve Harris, âFollowing the release of our latest album, Senjutsu, we updated the current Legacy of the Beast Tour a little by opening the show with the first three songs from it, with the Japanese Palace stage set.
As it doesnât make a lot of sense to repeat this for a Senjutsu album tour, we thought about other options and weâve decided to revisit Somewhere In Time as that tour didnât feature in the various retrospective history tours weâve played over the years. They were based on our 80âs concert videos and sadly we did not film that tour (blame the manager!!).
We have had lots of requests from fans over the years for many tracks on it so we are now going to play them, plus of course a few others we know you will like! It will also be particularly satisfying to finally get to play some of the more epic tracks on Senjutsu, it’s been a long wait! 2023 is going to be an exciting time and weâre really looking forward to seeing everyone again in the UK, Ireland and around Europeâ.
Manager, Rod Smallwood adds, âThis combination of the two albums we feel is very exciting. We know fans want to hear those epic cuts on Senjutsu for the first time live and we think that by combining it with an iconic album like Somewhere In Time it will make for another really special tour for fans old and new!
Of course, for a new album tour in Europe and the UK we will go back largely to the relative intimacy of arenas and we know fans will be very happy about that too!â
Depeche Mode announce London Twickenham Stadium date
Another iconic act to announce a show for early Summer is Depeche Mode, who will takeover Twickenham Stadium in June.
The Memento Mori Tour will support the bandâs forthcoming 15th studio album, ‘Memento Mori’, due out in Spring 2023.
In speaking about Memento Mori, Martin Gore commented, âWe started work on this project early in the pandemic, and its themes were directly inspired by that time. After Fletchâs passing, we decided to continue as weâre sure this is what he would have wanted, and that has really given the project an extra level of meaning.â
Dave Gahan added, âFletch would have loved this album. Weâre really looking forward to sharing it with you soon, and we canât wait to present it to you live at the shows next year.â
P!nk this week unveiled her ‘Summer Carnival’ 2023 tour with stadium dates in Bolton, Sunderland and Birmingham alongside an appearance at BST Hyde Park in London.
Our News Report looks at festivals now and the line-up for BST Hyde Park grew considerably this week with not just P!nk but also Billy Joel being announced for next Summer.
They join the already announced Bruce Springsteen in London.
It’s on to the week’s best new releases now as our News Report continues, and we start with Alter Bridge!
As the band prepare for the release of new album, ‘Pawns & Kings’, on October 14th, they have debuted new track, ‘This Is War’. You can check out that single above.
Bury Tomorrow have shared new single, ‘Abandon Us’, which you can listen to above. The track arrives as they reveal that their latest album, ‘The Seventh Sun’, will be released on March 31st.
“We are proud to present, âThe Seventh Sunâ. It is an understatement to say we are excited to share the new era of Bury Tomorrow with you all and the first single from the album, Abandon Us, is the perfect way to showcase our intent for the next phase of our band,” say the six-piece. “Visceral and heavy, this track is for each and every one of you that has stood by us either from the beginning, or supported us along the way.”
Of the song’s origins, the band share, “it started with a demo simply entitled, Abandon. Taken from a time of loss, uncertainty and insecurity, the intent was to create a heavy track that mirrored these feelings. The lyrics highlight the frustration and anger at the current state of our society and how our so-called leaders seem intent on satisfying self-interest above the collective needs of humanity.”
The Subways this week debuted their latest single, ‘Black Wax’, which you can listen to above.
The track comes from upcoming album, ‘Uncertain Joys’, which is out January 13th.
Commenting on the track, front man Billy Lunn says: âCaught mid-wintertime during the pandemic, hibernating in the warmth of the band’s studio, I’d indulge in days’ worth of spinning my favourite artists’ records on my turntable. Following one particularly beautiful session, I felt compelled to express my gratitude for music itself. Not just the inspiration my favourite artists offer me as a songwriter, but all the various aspects music holistically offers us as people: the respite, the sense of belonging and being understood (and thus the validation), but also the mere aesthetic pleasure of the space between our ears being tended to.â
âGiven that our first ever gig was on the hallowed stage of The Square in Harlow, which, following over a decade of Tory rule is now resigned to rubble, it felt only right to record my guitar parts with the guitar that had been built from the wood lifted from The Square’s bar. This guitar, built by local legend Murray Torkildsen, was lent to me by a very good friend, Adam Smith, who fought so hard to save The Square in its final days. It’s no coincidence that his handle online is Black Wax. Long live The Square. Long live music.â
Cult hero Jamie Lenman has shared the details of his fifth album, ‘The Atheist’, which will be released November 25th. This week also saw Lenman debut new single, ‘Lena Don’t Leave Me’, which you can listen to above.
âIâve got into the habit of saying, whenever I have a new record out, âIâve been trying to do something like this for a really long timeâ, because they typically have very lengthy gestation periods with a lot of thought going in,â says Lenman of what fans can expect from the new album.
âThis one is no exception â Iâve always loved mellowed-out indie rock like Gemma Hayes and Pete Yorn and Iâve always wanted to make an album with that sound. Trying to focus on simple songs, looking for any place we could add a bit of extra sugar â a little bit saccharine, but also slightly snide and in some places softly sad. The end result is â I hope â a bittersweet experience.â
Commenting on the track, which channels both his love of stadium rock giants Queen and his wife and long-term partner Lena, Lenman says: âItâs a song about what it actually means to refer to your partner as your âother halfâ. Thatâs how I feel about my wife and I. We started out as two separate people and over the past twenty five years weâve grown into two halves of a whole person. She fills up my missing parts and I fill hers – not that she has as many as I do. I always feel when people are talking to me that theyâre only really getting half the story if sheâs not around, just like it says in the song. And not the best half, either!â
âWhen I was a kid I loved bands like Queen with all their pomp, and then as a teenager I turned the other way with Nirvanaâs punk philosophy. I went through the post-hardcore thing with all the awkward timings and chonky riffs, and now I find myself leaning back towards those giants of stadium rock. I wrote âLenaâ to see if I could do something like Toto, with my best impression of Brian Mayâs guitar solos. Itâs my love letter to all those classic power ballads â itâs so uncool, itâs cool.â
The track comes with an official video homaging that particular brand of nostalgic 80s music video which always centred around the starâs desire for an unattainable, idealised lover.
âI wanted to do it with heart and genuine emotion instead of just spreading some poor model over the bonnet of a porch,â says Lenman of the concept. âI wanted the viewer to see my wife through my eyes, as this amazing, dazzling creature that I just get to be around. We went to the beach on the hottest day of the year and tried to forget the camera was there. Itâs nice for people to see all those old photos and how weâve grown together, just like in the lyrics. And itâs nice for us too!â
From Ashes To New – ‘Until We Break’ ft. Matty Mullins
This section of our News Report comes to a close with the new single from From Ashes To New. ‘Until We Break’ features Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire, and you can check it out above.
Reciting lyrics from the song, Matt Brandyberry said, ââClose our eyes âcause there is nothing to see. Weâll all be fine if all we do is believe.â It seems we are increasingly taking the path of least resistance. Although, that is often the wrong path. Closing our minds to the truth because a lie is easier to believeâŚA short term solution for a long term problem. We are following our leaders one by one until we break.â
LA based Militarie Gun have shared their latest single, ‘Let Me Be Normal’.
Ian Shelton says: ââLet Me Be Normalâ is a plea for normality despite no matter what you achieve or how much money you have, ânormalityâ canât really ever be achieved if you grew up in a messed up situation. Thereâs no unseeing what youâve seen, something will always poke you in the ribs and remind you of the trash you come from.â
Doodseskader – ‘Alive & Not Well’
Belgium’s Doodseskader are gearing up for the release of their debut album, ‘Year One’, on November 18th with new single ‘Alive & Not Well’.
On the track, vocalist/bassist Tim says, ââAlive & Not Wellâ is things clicking for us.It was half Sigfried, half me. Half of it describes us struggling, but half of it also is us grabbing misery by the throat and facing it head first. Itâs the fifth song on the record and I feel like this is the point where things started shifting and we realised that while the record served as a document of our hardships and us trying to come to terms with the past weâd put on display in MMXX : Year Zero, from that point on itâd be us using our honesty and this band as both a weapon and an armour. âForty fucking five, I wear the number like a vestâ. Fortune gave us a shitty hand. Now we’re slowly turning it into the fist that’ll strike back.â
ROLLA – ‘Ease My Mind’
ROLLA have preview their upcoming debut EP with new single, ‘Ease My Mind’.
Rolla commented, ââEase My Mindâ was written as a reaction to feeling the constant pressures of daily life, the same old routine and all that shite. I guess it’s kind of a clichĂŠ, but it’s an anthem to get you up and get you going and prove to people that you are more than just your daily grind, and that there’s more to life than just answering to your bosses. For a lot of people that whole other world is rock ânâ roll, it will always give you all the answers.
We recorded it at Rockfield, which was a week to never forget. Itâs a cool old place, and it was a pleasure to work with local legend Nick Brine. Creative carnage at its finest.â
With the pandemic taking a hold back in early 2020, Download Festival became one of the first major festival victims. It was perhaps fitting therefore that the small Pilot version of the event was the first step on the road back to normality last year.
That does mean though that as we head into Donington Park in 2022, it is the first fully fledged festival since the 2019 edition. After three long years, it is finally time for rock and metal fans to convene again on these hallowed grounds.
There are a number of changes this year to the layout of the festival but the best change is the installation of a strange golden orb in the sky. The usual brown flooring has also been painted green. Yes, goodbye Drownload and hello sunburn!
The main changes to the festival relate to the layout of the campsites, parking and transport hubs. Given these new changes, a little extra signage may have assisted seasoned attendees finding their way around, but in general the changes work well. There is a lot of walking required, however there always is at Donington Park however the event is laid out.
Once inside the area the setup is pretty standard if a little cut back with smaller stages, fewer food stalls and no wrestling or other extra areas. But, itâs Download and everyone is just glad to be here.
So then, on to the music! Opening the main stage on Friday are NWOCR favourites Wayward Sons who make the most of their short time on stage. They are quickly followed by Canadians Theory (of a Deadman) who also only have a short time to show their stuff. Thankfully for them they are able to call upon some festival-perfect material as the crowd sing along to âBitch Came Backâ, âHate My Lifeâ and âBad Girlfriendâ.
Recently rejigged Bury Tomorrow follow on the main stage and bring the first real taste of heavy to the festival. The band are clearly honoured by the opportunity and try their best to win over the audience, with our first pyro of the weekend helping to add to the occasion. By the time the band leave the stage and a pile of bodies in the audience, the set has to be considered a success.
We go walkabout next and visit first the second stage for a man who has already played Download Festival with both Alter Bridge and Slash, Myles Kennedy. With two solo albums now to his name, Kennedy only grows his legacy with another top class performance.
Secondly we head to the Avalanche Stage for something new. American pop-punk band Meet Me @ the Altar have intensifying hype around them, and keeping with the tone of the day they are able to grasp this opportunity with both hands. Expect bigger things from the band in the near future.
As day one begins to draw to a close with catch two of Downloadâs house bands with Skindred on the main stage and Airbourne over on the second stage. Both bands attract big crowds, because fans know what to expect from them. High energy, entertaining rock shows are delivered by both as fans get to revel in what they have missed over the last three years.
Having delivered an incredible headlining performance at the Pilot event last summer, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes return to Donington Park next to headline the second stage. Carter and co show the crowd what they missed last year with another stunning performance. This band must be considered one of the best live bands on the planet and who would put it past them headlining the main stage in the future.
Download Festival after all needs to begin focusing on that next generation of headline acts, because many of the old guard are saying farewell. It is the âEnd of the Roadâ for KISS, but not before one final triumphant showcase this year.
The band are able to deliver all the pageantry of a KISS show with every party trick played with precision. As the fans walk away with âRock and Roll All Niteâ stuck in their heads, the band have brought the party and night one is closed out in style.
SATURDAY REVIEW
Day 2 at Donington Park in full swing now with @theravenage tearing up the main stage!
Saturday morning brings a fresh day with the sun still shining bright, but early risers at the main stage are left waiting with opening act The Raven Age almost forty minutes late. When the band do arrive they are able to show their continued growth with a matured performance.
This delay subsequently leads to a 30+ minute lag on main stage times throughout the rest of the day which plays havoc with fans carefully curated schedules. It does mean however that we can head to the second stage and catch the energetic Cassyette who is capitalising on the momentum earned over the last year.
Itâs then back to the main stage for the classic rock sounds of Those Damn Crows and Monster Truck. Both bands continue the impressive start to the festival. Clearly every act is out to cast off the shackles of recent years and make an impression.
Both of these bands leave the fans wanting more, which is all a band can do with these early festival slots. Itâs probably a good thing then, that these two bands will be touring the UK together later this year!
Up next for us is one of the performances of the weekend from Holding Absence over on the Avalanche stage. With songs like âAfterlifeâ and âWiltâ seemingly made for festival crowds to sing along to, the band completely own the packed tent during their time on stage.
Shinedown are also a band that knows how to control a crowd, and they have a large crowd to play with next on the main stage. With a new album on the way, the band incorporate new tracks âThe Saints of Violence and Innuendoâ and âPlanet Zeroâ into their tried and tested, crowd pleasing set.
Itâs then back to the Avalanche stage for another standout performance. This time itâs Creeper on the stage, the band again showing an innate ability to hold the audience in the palm of their hands. Creeper continue to grow and evolve and it will be interesting to see where the band head next.
We stick next to the Avalanche stage for headliners Funeral For A Friend. Perhaps itâs the fact that weâve just witnessed two fantastic performances on this stage from Holding Absence and Creeper but something feels a little off for this set. Itâs not a lacklustre performance as the band give it their all, but on a weekend full of great performances what is probably a really good one feels a little underwhelming.
There is never anything underwhelming however about Iron Maiden. The band are icons for a reason and their current stage show is possibly their best ever. With Maiden on form and a packed Donington Park in fine voice, this headline set was always going to be one for the ages, and it doesnât disappoint.
Now onto Sunday morning, with hangovers taking hold, feet aching and staminaâs waning. Itâs up to Wargasm to blow away any cobwebs as they open the main stage, and thatâs just what they do. The band are developing into something of a marmite band, but there is no doubting the passion and energy that they put into every performance; and judging by the reaction they go down very well this morning.
Sidetracking from the music for a moment, we commented in our Neck of the Woods Festival review about the cost of food and drink this year. There are no surprises therefore that prices are high at Download Festival, but the quality on offer at that price is disappointing. Inflation is one thing, but shrinkflation begins to rub, and more than one meal this weekend leaves a sour taste in our mouth (figuratively and literally in one case!).
Well, if the amenities on offer are disappointing, thankfully the music isnât. As we have said, the quality of performances this weekend is consistently high. Both The Velveteers in the Dogtooth tent and The Last Internationale on the second stage are fine examples of this quality from top to bottom.
Massive Wagons follow on the second stage and again appear on top form. As many bands have this weekend, they tailor their set list perfectly for their time on stage and itâs wall to wall bangers as the kids would say.
Tremonti next are more methodical as they display their technical prowess. Mark Tremonti and co are mightily impressive and the audience are equally receptive.
We shoot then across to the main stage where Rise Against are another band that fail to meet expectations. The band are an incredible force, but sadly today they struggle to translate from the stage for whatever reason.
Volbeat have no problems though as they are instantly able to grab the audience. They deliver a career spanning setlist to the delight of the field, which shows just why they have established themselves as potential future headliners.
We then find time to dart across to the Avalanche stage one last time as Trash Boat showcase one of the albums of last year, âDonât You Feel Amazing?â. Trash Boat have really come into their own and have the entire tent bouncing along.
Korn are the penultimate band to play the main stage this weekend and they make the most of their position with one of the best performances of the festival. The band are longtime Download Festival favourites and they evidence today just why that is.
There is another look at the future next as Yonaka pack out the Dogtooth tent. Those that have made the effort to catch the band are rewarded by an incredible performance from one of the most exciting young rock bands around.
Last but certainly not least with have Biffy Clyro who are one of the biggest rock bands in the UK, but seemingly another marmite band amongst regular Download Festival goers.
One thing for certain is that those that chose to the stay until the end are rewarded by way of a sublime headlining performance. Biffy Clyro are another level live act and tonight they deliver a superb closing show fitting of closing this event.
Consistent high calibre performances have encapsulated the return of Download Festival this weekend. The event has a special place in the hearts of its fan base and will celebrate next year with a special four day 20th anniversary celebration. We canât wait!
Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report! We start this week with the best tour announcements from the past week, and up first is the above run of dates from Kasabian.
Fresh from playing Knebworth with Liam Gallagher, the band has announced four huge shows set for later this year. Support for the shows comes from The Lathums.
Kasabian also debuted their latest single this week ahead of their new album, ‘The Alchemist’s Euphoria’ on August 5th. Listen to ‘CHEMICALS’ below.
Kasabian – ‘CHEMICALS’
âIt is me telling myself that it is going to be okayâ Serge Pizzorno said of the track.
âIt was me seeing myself in those few weeks when everything kicked off. It’s the future me saying to that person: ‘This is shit, but don’t worry, it will get better.â So having a song about talking to yourself is universal, I think. We all have to find a way to deal with the complications, the mess and the mortality of life.â
Of the new album Serge adds: âOne thing about this record I feel over the other ones, is it definitely feels like a body of work that belongs together. It was a beautiful moment in mastering hearing it as a piece. I think it really holds up in our seven albumsâŚ.The Magnificent Sevenâ
Also hitting the road in September will be hotly tipped newcomer Cassyette. The ‘Sad Girl Summer’ Tour will hit six venues including the O2 Academy in Islington.
We move now onto the best festival announcements as our News Report continues.
With Live at Leeds holding this first outdoor event this week, they also revealed the line-up for their traditional city based event.
Acts includes Pale Waves, Working Men’s Club, Sea Power, Dinosaur Pile-Up, The Skinner Brothers, Anorak Patch, Chappaqua Wrestling, The Native and many more.
Speaking about headlining Live At Leeds: In The City, Heather Baron-Gracie of Pale Wavessaid: âWeâre super excited to be headlining this yearâs Live At Leeds: In The City! Itâs always been a great city for us and a fun one to play, we canât wait to be back to play some tracks from our new album âUnwantedâ.â
Speaking about Live At Leeds: In The City 2022, Festival Promoter Joe Hubbard said: âAs we get ready for the inaugural edition of Live At Leeds: In The Park, weâre delighted to announce the first wave of names for the festival that started it all – Live At Leeds: In The City.
Itâs been formative for so many artistsâ careers and weâre excited to be criss-cross across Leeds City Centre this October to discover more of our favourite new artists who are set to takeover in 2023 and beyond! Headliners Pale Waves are a great example of this, having stormed the Brudenell Social Club back in 2018 for an unforgettable set – so having them return to headline the festival as a whole is sure to be a real moment.
With many more to be announced, itâs going to be an incredible day and we canât wait to see everyone this October!â
More names were added to Y Not Festival this week with the Scruff of the Neck TV stage announcing the likes of BILK, October Drift, All The Young and more.
We move our News Report onwards now to the best new releases from the past week.
Where else to start other than Muse? The band debuted their latest single, ‘Will of the People’ this week. You can listen to the track above, which comes ahead of the album of the same name on August 26th.
Matt Bellamy says, ââWill of the Peopleâ is fictional story set in a fictional metaverse on a fictional planet ruled by a fictional authoritarian state run by a fictional algorithm manifested by a fictional data centre running a fictional bank printing a fictional currency controlling a fictional population occupying a fictional city containing a fictional apartment where a fictional man woke up one day and thought âfuck this.ââ
Bury Tomorrow release new single ‘LIFE (Paradise Denied)’
Bury Tomorrow – ‘LIFE’
Next up in our News Report, we have Bury Tomorrow. The band this week released their latest single, ‘LIFE (Paradise Denied)’, which you can check out above.
Frontman, Dani Winter-Bates admits âas we head into this new era of Bury Tomorrow we want our fans to be as excited as we are and equally as we head into festival season and this yearâs touring we hope this track gets people ready to go wild and celebrate the âreopeningâ of the live music industry. Life and Death were recorded as stand-alone singles and a small taste of whatâs to come next.”
The accompanying music video was directed and produced by the band’s long time friend, Aaran McKenzie (bassist in While She Sleeps). “Aaran is super-talented, proving his skills time and time again, we are grateful he could work his magic on such short notice and create such an awesome, raw video, that really suits everything the song is about.”
Speaking of the new era, the band share: âWe have all collectively faced the craziest upheaval in both our personal and professional lives over the last few years. However, this time has given the band a chance to focus on what Bury Tomorrow means to them, and has equally provided a chance to channel influences, creatively expand and move forward with a new, driven direction.â
This week also saw Hot Water Music share the video for their track, ‘Turn the Dial’, which you can watch above. The song features on their new album, ‘Feel The Void’.
Guitarist/vocalist Chris Cresswell had the following to share about the song itself: âTurn the dial for nothingâ is in reference to searching for something thatâs out there, while knowing that nothing youâll find will ever make you as happy as what you can create yourself. Finding yourself so tapped and so exhausted by all this kind of life entails, but also never being able to put that fire out. The search always continues.â
London duo WOOZE have announced their return with a propulsive new single titled ‘Bittersweet Timpani’.
Speaking on the new single, the band say the track is, âA song about walking home alone, dejected and rejected. We thought the pitiful, pity-party lyrics would juxtapose nicely with the muscular glam-rock bravado of the music.â
Headshrinkers – ‘The Sea Has No Friends’
Black Country-based newcomers Headshrinkers, release their new single, ‘The Sea Has No Friends‘, a stately slice of poetic rock that arrives in tandem with new EP, ‘Doorway Conversations’.
Of the story behind the track, vocalist and songwriter Garran Hickman explains:
âIt was quite the reflective day when I wrote that piece. Words and melody were both written in half an hour. Itâs just two entwined memories really: one is of my older relatives sharing stories of their loved ones in the war, and secondly the opening line, âthe sea has no friendsâ, are words my dad used to describe the sea.â
Final Stair – ‘Dreamhunter’
Berlin based three-piece Final Stair announce the launch of their new single and video, ‘Dreamhunter’.
The band comments: âEvery person pursues big goals, ambitions or a lifelong dream. But these are not always achievable, as they are made more difficult by hurdles or fate. Even if you fail in striving for your goals and dreams, you are always first and foremost a wonderful and unique person.â
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes to headline Marshall Hootie
Welcome everyone to a special Easter edition of our weekly music News Report. We hope that you’re having a cracking weekend, and we have a cracking line-up for you as we begin with the latest festival announcements.
Marshall will be hosting a special celebration of their 60th anniversary this May. Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes will be headlining the Marshall Hootie in Viaduct Meadow, Hanwell.
They will be joined by Hot Milk, Crashface and Lyoness! Tickets are available here.
This week saw Bloodstock Festival revealed their updated line-up following a number of inevitable changes as live music continues to get back on its feet.
The line-up features the likes of Behemoth, Mercyful Fate, Lamb of God, Killing Joke, Bury Tomorrow, Jinjer, Butcher Babies, Sleep Token and Ferocious Dog.
We move quickly on to the best new tour announcements from the past week as our News Report continues. We start with some very special intimate shows from Bloc Party.
The album release shows take place this June in Brighton, Bristol and Norwich, and you can find more info here.
Fusion metal pioneers Dub War this week debuted their new single, ‘War Inna Babylon’ and you can listen above. The track features guest vocals from Roger Ranking of The Beat.
This song comes ahead of their new album, ‘Westgate Under Fire’ which arrives August 5th.
Speaking on the track and collaborating with Ranking Roger, Webbe says, “The original song by Max Romeo was in my family record collection as far back as I can remember. When meeting Ranking Roger, we discussed how punk rock and dub reggae had a massive influence on our lives. This song for us both was a massive hit, and we spoke about doing a collaboration and reviving the original with that Clash/The Ruts British punk rock energy to it.
Sadly, not long after we got to record the song with Roger, he passed away. But this song is one that we are very proud of, and we didnât just do a cover – we really made this unique cover of âWar Inna Babylonâ our own.â
As always we close out our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist on Spotify. This week we have doubled up on the additions to celebrate Easter with the best new music!
‘MIRRORS’ – JUST MUSTARD
Dundalk five-piece Just Mustard share new single, ‘Mirrors’ taken from upcoming album, ‘Heart Under’.
Guitarist and “Mirrors” co-vocalist David Noonan says of the single: â”Mirrors”” was one of the final songs to be written for Heart Under, the lyrics and music arrived together in what felt like one moment and we wanted to keep the feeling of one thought or moment constant throughout the songâ.
‘INSTRUCTION MANUAL’ – ALL BETTER
Brighton’s alt-punk trio All Better join the playlist with their single ‘Instruction Manual’. The song features on upcoming debut album, ‘How To Be Alone’ which arrives May 6th.
‘RESTITUTION’ – MODES
Kent metallers MODES feature with their new single, ‘Restitution’.
MODES frontman Ted Berry reveals that the new singleâis a song that stems from difficult times that we have seen our closest friends and loved ones go through. Needing to give them support and a shoulder to lean on, while feeling that we can’t explain how or why we know what itâs like to be there because in that moment it’s not about us ,it’s about helping themâ
‘BLESSED BE THY’ – WITCH FEVER
Witch Fever return with new single, ‘Blessed Be Thy’.
Bassist Alex Thompson says of the track, âit just goes heavy”, as it boasts a crunchy wall of noise akin to bands like Show Me The Body and Gilla Band
Alex adds, âit was literally the last song we wrote before we went into the studio but came together really quickly. I think it still has an essence of some of our older material, so itâs a good way to bridge the gap.â
‘I KNOW WHEN YOU LEAVE’ – GUISE
Ahead of the release of their debut album ‘Youngest Daughter’, ‘I Know When You leave’ is the latest offering from London-based GUISE is a dazzling, vocal harmony led track that sees the foursome joined by singer-songwriter Emily Barker.
Discussing the story behind the heartfelt new track Jessicaexplains âI wrote the words to âI Know When You Leaveâ on a bus in Italy, and the tune came to me later back in London, Separation from the person I love is a pretty normal part of my life, but that doesnât make it easy all the time; things are generally just a bit worse when weâre apart, and thatâs what this is about.â
‘BLACKMOSS’ – SCRUFFY BEAR
Playlist and Podcast alumni Scruffy Bear return with new single, ‘Blackmoss’.
âThe world is a proper heavy place. I hate that everything is spun so negatively and we are trained to look for the worst in people and situations. Blackmoss is trying to work through the mud of confusion that everything is in and not getting too bogged down with it, but also learning to be open to other peopleâs experiencesâ – Lead singer Georgy Eaton
Welcome to another edition of our weekly music News Report. We are starting off this week with the latest festival news including a brand new event set for May!
Neck of the Woods will take place in Norwich this Spring and will feature a headline performance from The Kooks. The headline act announced details this week of their latest studio album. ’10 Tracks To Echo In The Dark’ will arrive July 22nd, and you can pre-order your copy here.
The Kooks will be joined in Norwich by the likes of DMA’s, Sea Girls, Lottery Winners, Yonaka, NOISY and The Goa Express.
One piece of tour news this week in our News Report and it comes from American rockers Godsmack. The band will make their way across to the UK and Europe next October for a rare run of dates over here.
Glasgow, Manchester, London and Birmingham will welcome the band as part of the tour. Find your tickets here.
Our News Report moves on now to the latest music releases from the past week. We stay America for our first artist, as Shinedown reveal the release details for their latest album, ‘Planet Zero’.
The album will arrive April 22nd, and you can listen to the title track above.
There isn’t long now until Stereophonics release their latest album, ‘Oochya!’. Whilst the album arrives on March 4th, this week the band previewed another track entitled ‘Forever’.
You can listen to that track above, and you can pre-order the album here.
Feeder also had new music to debut this week with the single ‘The Healing’ arriving ahead of new album ‘Torpedo’. Listen to the track above before the album arrives on March 18th.
