Waylon Reavis announced his new project, A KILLERS CONFESSION

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Posted: 09/19/2016

killer

In a FACEBOOK LIVE chat announcement today, former MUSHROOMHEAD vocalist Waylon Reavis announced his new project, A KILLERS CONFESSION, has signed with EMP LABEL GROUP, and are working on their debut release UNBROKEN, tentatively scheduled for early 2017 release.

Said Reavis, “I am so proud of this project, and being able to come back with an absolutely KILLER record, with KILLER musicians. Anyone who has been a fan of anything I have done previously, is absolutely going to be floored by AKC. Seriously, if you have a dick, this record is going to knock it in the dirt.”

UNBROKEN is being Co-Produced by Reavis and EMP’s Thom Hazaert, with Engineer/Mixer Richard Easterling (American Head Charge, Doll Skin, Emperors and Elephants) at Richmond, KY’s THIRD SKY STUDIO, responsible for recent releases from American Head Charge (Tango Umbrella), Doll Skin (Furious Fixation), Tantric, and more.

On signing to EMP Reavis had this to say. “I am so thankful to Thom and David for believing in me and getting behind this project the way they have. I have been watching everything they’ve done the last year, and I am so proud and excited to be part of the EMP family.”

Hazaert, who is no stranger to the Cleveland scene that spawned MUSHROOMHEAD, securing major label deals for Cleveland artists including Chimaira, Switched, and Erase The Grey, adds, “I have a long, great relationship with Waylon, I’ve collaborated with him on projects in the past, (Reavis also appears on a track on the current DEAD BY WEDNESDAY guest vocalist release THE DARKEST OF ANGELS) and he is one of the humblest, hardest working guys in this business. His talent and drive are ENDLESS, and I couldn’t be more excited to help bring this project to the masses.”

REAVIS was co-vocalist for MUSHROOMHEAD from 20014 to 2015, and appears on the albums Savior Sorrow (2006), Beautiful Stories for Ugly Children (2010), and The Righteous & The Butterfly (2014), as well as other projects including TENAFLY VIPER, which also featured former Chimaira bassist Jim LaMarca.

https://www.facebook.com/akillersconfession/
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OPERATION: MINDCRIME Premiere “Taking On The World” Video via Billboard.com

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Posted: 09/14/2016

New Album “Resurrection” Available September 23rd via Frontiers Music Srl
 
“Resurrection”, the new album from Operation: Mindcrime, the brainchild of legendary vocalist Geoff Tate, is set for a worldwide release on September 23, 2016.  Today the band has partnered up with Billboard.com for a premiere of Operation: Mindcrime‘s new video for the song “Left For Dead”.  The song and video feature guest appearances from Tim “Ripper” Owens and Blaze Bayley, both of who will be touring with Tate later this year as part of the “Trinity” tour. (Dates are listed below)  Watch the video and check out an exclusive interview with Geoff Tate HERE.
“Resurrection” is available for pre-order on Amazon, iTunesand Google Play. Digital pre-orders come with an instant download of “Left For Dead”, “Miles Away”, “The Fight” and “Taking On The World”.
“Resurrection” is the second part of a musical trilogy from iconic metal vocalist Geoff Tate, following one year after the release of the debut album, “The Key” in September 2015. Operation: Mindcrime continues in the spirit of the historic album of the same name, spawning concepts as grand as the music, and intertwining the intensity of the former Queensryche vocalist’s iconic past with the provocative, progressive mindset that has made him one of music’s most resolute forces and frontmen.
“The album “Resurrection” is the second part of our three album presentation or trilogy.  It continues the story that began on the first album “The Key” with the near death experience of the lead character known as “H” and his subsequent recovery of the missing encryption key. With the Key finally in his possession, “H” has everything he needs to finally launch his long awaited project called “The New Reality”. Or does he…,” explains Geoff Tate.
Geoff Tate has sold more than 25 million records at the helm of Queensryche, the band he fronted for 30 years from their inception through 2012, earning three Grammy nominations, five MTV Music Video Award nominations, and one MTV Music Video Award along the way. The landmark concept album Operation: Mindcrime thrust Tate‘s unique social consciousness, style and expertly crafted lyrics into the national spotlight in 1988, and was followed by Empire in 1990, the album that delivered Queensryche to arena-headlining status and sold more than three million albums on the back of hit singles and radio staples “Silent Lucidity” and “Jet City Woman.” By the time the band released Promised Land in 1994, Geoff Tate was universally acknowledged as one of the greatest frontmen in rock and metal, and a driving force behind one of the most innovative bands in mainstream music. From Mindcrime and Promised Land through 2009’s overlooked gem American Soldier – Tate‘s ambitious concept album that explores the consequences of war as told through the voices of veterans – Tate‘s 13-album tenure with Queensryche was marked by exploration, intrigue, bold risks and gratifying results.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Resurrection” Track Listing:
1. Resurrection
2. When All Falls Away
3. A Moment In Time
4. Through the Noize
5. Left For Dead
6. Miles Away
7. Healing My Wounds
8. The Fight
9. Taking On The World (Feature Tim “Ripper” Owens and Blaze Bailey)
10. Invincible
11. A Smear Campaign
12. Which Side You’re On
13. Into The Hands Of The World
14. Live From My Machine
 
Musicians Featured On “Resurrection” Include:
Geoff Tate – Vocals, Keyboards, Saxophone
Kelly Gray – Guitars, Bass, Vocals
Scott Moughton – Guitars, Keyboards
Randy Gane – Keyboards
Dave Ellefson – Bass
John Moyer – Bass
Simon Wright – Drums
Scott Mercado – Drums
Brian Tichy – Drums
Tim “Ripper” Owens – Vocals
Blaze Bayley – Vocals
Mark Daly – Vocals
Nick Greatrex – Guitars
 
Geoff Tate, “Ripper” Owens + Blaze Bayley Tour Dates
11/18/16 – The Montage Music Hall in Rochester, New York
11/19/16 – Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh, New York
11/20/16 – Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, Pennsylvania
11/22/16 – The Westcott Theater in Syracuse, New York
11/23/16 – The Chance in Poughkeepsie, New York
11/25/16 – Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry, New Hampshire
11/26/16 – Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, Maryland
11/27/16 – BB Kings in New York, New York
For More Info Visit:

OTEP Partners Up With Russell Simmons and ALL DEF POETRY

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Posted: 09/14/2016

To Release “Crawling Up” Spoken Word Performance
 

 
New Album GENERATION DOOM Out Now
In addition to her prolific music catalog OTEP is also famous for her thought provoking, spoken word performances.  So much so in fact she is consiered a DEF POETRY ALL STAR, as she has appeared on Russell Simmons’ DEF POETRY on HBO.
With that being the case OTEP has once again partnered up with Russell Simmons on his ALL DEF POETRY project.  ALL DEF POETRY is a new channel brought to you by Russell Simmons – a world-renowned champion of the spoken word art form. Fresh, riveting, and featuring some of the best voices in the genre, ALL DEF POETRY brings you the raw power of spoken word!
Beginning today you can watch OTEP‘s ALL DEF POETRY performance of “Crawling Up” HERE.  OTEP partnered with Director Aleks Rastovic & ALL DEF POETRY to create this piece.
OTEP spoke about her past and current collaborations with Russell Simmons and ALL DEF POETRY:
“I’ve partnered with Russell Simmons and ALL DEF POETRY to create the future of spoken word performance.”
“My performances on HBO‘s DEF POETRY changed my life.  I appeared on HBO’s DEF POETRY twice before and am so honored to partner again with Russell Simmons and ALL DEF POETRY to create a new platform for spoken word artists.”
Earlier this year OTEP unleashed her latest album, GENERATION DOOM, via Napalm Records.  The critically acclaimed album debuted at #10 on the Independent Chart, #7 on the Rock Chart, #4 on the Hard Rock Chart and #109 on the Top 200 Albums Chart, according to Nielsen SoundScan.  GENERATION DOOM can be ordered HERE.
Formed from the poetic marrow of creative intercourse, OTEP is far more than a band. OTEP is an Art Movement, a Revolution; Breaking ground. Breaking rules. Breaking barriers. Articulate. Aggressive. Pure Adrenaline. ARTcore of Heavy Mental Rock.
For More Info Visit:
Official Site: http://www.oteploves.me/
Official Merch: http://www.otepsaves.me
Social Media:
SnapChat: otepofficial
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MONTE PITTMAN Releases New Single “Be Very Afraid”

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Posted: 09/13/2016

New Album Inverted Grasp of Balance out September 23rd via
Metal Blade Records
 
There are great guitarists, great vocalists and great songwriters, but MONTE PITTMAN is one of the elite few who can truly lay claim to all three titles. With his fourth full-length, Inverted Grasp Of Balance, he has once again raised the stakes, delivering a riveting collection of full force metal that showcases his continuing evolution, undoubtedly expanding his devout – and ravenous – fan base. The results speak for themselves, and from the explosive thrash of opener “Panic Attack” through to the epic strains of closing track “New Blood Keeps Us Alive”, the quality doesn’t dip once, making this one of the most essential metal releases of 2016.
Today, the second audio offering from Inverted Grasp of Balance has been made available for streaming.  Visit http://www.metalblade.com/montepittman to get an exclusive first listen to the track “Be Very Afraid”.  While there be sure to check out the art video for “Pride Comes Before The Fall” and pre-order your copy of the album!
” ‘Be Very Afraid’ is the second single on Inverted Grasp Of Balance. It’s up-tempo and takes you on a roller coaster of dynamics. I love what my friend, Richard Christy, does on the drums after the guitar solo. I wrote it about when I lived in a house that was haunted. When friends would stay over, they would tell me they saw shadows that they felt like were staring at them. It’s also a take on the housing market crash a few years ago. I put it all together and came up with this song”, explains PITTMAN.
To assert that PITTMAN has had a storied career is something of an understatement. His resumé includes an ongoing and fruitful collaboration with multi-platinum selling artist Madonna, having recorded and toured with her extensively over a period of more than fifteen years. Then there’s his first band, Myra Mains, his stint in the metallic behemoth that is Prong, and collaborations with a broad spectrum of international artists. If his time with Prong did not fully communicate just how much metal flowed through his veins, with 2014’s Flemming Rasmussen-produced The Power Of Three – his first release with Metal Blade Records – he compellingly blended killer riffs, blistering leads and gigantic hooks to deliver an album that was equal parts anthemic grandeur and in-your-face attitude, making metalheads around the world sit up and take note.
Alongside wanting to make a heavier, faster record, PITTMAN also wanted to push the boundaries of his guitar playing, while experimenting more dramatically with song structures and tones. This is made clear by the diversity of the record, which while predominantly a blast of armor-plated adrenaline showcases an admirable range of sounds and styles, features some straight up rockers and truly beautiful moments amidst the metallic attack.
Teamed up with powerhouse drummer Richard Christy of Charred Walls Of The Damned/Iced Earth/Death fame and virtuoso bassist Billy Sheehan, famous for his work with a plethora of extremely talented artists – including David Lee Roth, Mr. Big and, more recently, Winery Dogs – the skill of all concerned explodes from the speakers. With such passionate professionals and Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Steel Panther) handling production duties, the record came together quickly and smoothly, Pittman recording his guitar parts wherever he found himself while on the road. With unique artwork provided by Sean K Hughes – who PITTMAN met at a bar called The Black Rabbit in Melbourne, Australia – this really is the proverbial “whole package”: an album that has been lovingly crafted in all aspects, that he hopes reaches as many ears as possible.
Inverted Grasp Of Balance track-listing
1. Panic Attack
2. Arisen in Broad Daylight
3. Guilty Pleasure
4. The Times Are Changing
5. Double Edged Sword
6. Cadabra
7. Pride Comes Before the Fall
8. California
9. Be Very Afraid
10. Obliterated
11. Skeleton Key
12. New Blood Keeps Us Alive

Solo Project Of Alissa White-Gluz Signs To Napalm Records!

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Posted: 09/07/2016


(Photo Credit: Jeremy Saffer)
The global metal scene recognizes Alissa White-Gluz for her unforgettable and inimitable work as the vocalist of iconic metal band Arch Enemy. At this point in her career, the versatile singer has worked steadily in heavy bands for half her life. The impactful frontwoman has cultivated her style and her sound through years of writing, recording, touring, and old fashioned, iron-clad work ethic. Alissa is armed with equal skill and experience, as well as abundant artistic confidence, and is backed by the fact that music lovers all over the world are eager to hear more of her astonishing range. That’s why White-Gluz is doing something new.
It’s an entity dubbed simply “ALISSA” and her brand new solo project has now been worldwide signed by Napalm Records.
First things first – White-Gluz remains firmly installed in her role as the frontwoman of Arch Enemy. That status has not and will not change. “ALISSA” is more of a musical collective, led by White-Gluz and featuring contributions from her wide network of also-talented friends, like an own creative commune with little in the way of rules, regulations, or limits.
Alissa White-Gluz & Thomas Caser (Napalm Records CEO)
So what is ALISSA all about?Alissa White-Gluzon her signing with Napalm Records:
 
 “I’m excited to announce that I am currently composing and building my first solo album for the project aptly and honestly entitled “ALISSA” which will see some more of my creative adventures unleashed. It is a welcome creative outlet to unlock all of my lyrical and musical vaults with zero restriction or pressure to conform to any particular style or era. I also pay close attention to what my fans want – I haven’t been ignoring the consistent requests for my clean singing voice! With Angela Gossow as management and Napalm Records just as passionate as I am about this new project, I’m fortunate to have found a home amongst friends and colleagues who are supportive and encouraging of my full musical spectrum. This album will also feature members of the Arch Enemy family, both current and past, as well as many of the other great artists I have had the pleasure of sharing a stage with throughout my career. So many respected artists have invited me into their music over the years, now it’s time to bring them into my world. 
 Thank you to all my incredible fans around the world – this music is for you!”
Thomas Caser, Napalm Records CEO states:
A true pleasure to announce this signing today. We are looking forward to this cooperation with one of the most talented front-ladies and artist in today’s business!”
 
The ALISSA project is about style and substance, with White-Gluz affirming, “This album will be very personal. I have a lot of ideas, songs, lyrics, and compositions built up in my brain over the years, I want to get them out this way.” White-Gluz is stretching her creative muscles and trying new things in a dynamic way.
Most people know Alissa from being in Arch Enemy, where she focuses mostly on her growling vocals. With creating ALISSA it is the perfect platform for presenting her clean singing voice more often as well as delivering other techniques we all have heard from other works with bands. While the project is taking shape, some of the confirmed guests so far include past and present members of Arch Enemy and Kamelot, as well as Doyle from The Misfits. More creative partnerships will be revealed as this exciting and delightfully nebulous project develops and grows. In the meantime, White-Gluz continues to flesh out the material while recruiting players.
 
ALISSA is essentially another vehicle for White-Gluz to display her talents and an entity that has no boundaries and therein lies the musical thrill – for Alissa White-Gluz and her listeners. An album is already scheduled for 2017 and tour dates will follow around the album release as well.
Stay tuned for many more exciting details & info to follow!
For More Info Visit:
www.facebook.com/napalmrecords

IMMINENT SONIC DESTRUCTION Streaming New Album Triumphia

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Posted: 09/01/2016

Available Tomorrow via Luxor Records
 
 
Detroit Progressive Metal artists IMMINENT SONIC DESTRUCTION are pleased to announce they have signed a record deal with Luxor Records and are streaming a brand new track from their much-anticipated forthcoming album Triumphia.
The day is almost here as Detroit Progressive Metallers IMMINENT SONIC DESTRUCTION will release their new album Triumphia tomorrow via Luxor Records.  But before they do, you can hear the album in its entirety courtesy of Revolver Magazine HERE.
Physical pre-orders are available HERE.  Digital versions  are available on iTunes and Amazon.
Triumphia is the tale overcoming all obstacles to start a new life, within a nature-heavy theme, featuring 7 brand new songs including the 22-minute epic “Arborous Calm.” The album artwork was created by Acclaimed Artist Travis Smith (Opeth, Devin Townsend, Death, Anathema and more) created the breathtaking artwork for Truiumphia.
In support of the album the band will playing a select run of dates this week alongside Circus Maximus.  See the dates below!
For More Info Visit:

Former Mushroomhead Vocalist Waylon Reavis Featured on New AMERAKIN OVERDOSE

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Posted: 08/31/2016

Listen Now via idobi.com
 
New Album The Great Amerakin Dream Out September 30, 2016
Pre-Order via Bandcamp
 
 
Fast-rising five-piece AMERAKIN OVERDOSE are paving their way towards being the next big thing in shock rock with their upcoming full-length album, The Great Amerakin Dream, out September 30, 2016. The melodic hard rock record, which also blends groove and synth/industrial metal influences, will hit digital retailers such as iTunes and CD Baby soon, with pre-orders now available via Bandcamp.
AMERAKIN OVERDOSE recently created a controversial buzz with their new track “I, Alone”, which you can watch the official music video for here. The band’s quickly-growing fanbase, social following and rapid organic attention helped push the video to over 30,000 views in just under two weeks – a rare feat for an independent hard rock artist.
Today, AMERAKIN OVERDOSE are following up with their brand new track “Letting Go” – a more impassioned take on the band’s heavy-hitting sound – featuring guest vocalist Waylon Reavis, formerly of Mushroomhead. Reavis lends his ominous clean vocals to the track’s chorus. Take a listen here, exclusively via idobi Radio: http://idobi.com/exclusives/premiere/premiere-amerakin-overdoses-letting-go/
A music video for the track is scheduled to be released this fall.
 
AMERAKIN OVERDOSE multi-instrumentalist and The Great Amerakin Overdose producer The Human states, “‘Letting Go’ is a track about conflict, and how we as people almost seem to seek out that conflict instead of growing above and beyond it. There is a back and forth at work in the track both lyrically and musically that represents the struggle to let go of the anger we have and move forward.”
 
AMERAKIN OVERDOSE caught Waylon Reavis’ eyes and ears when they shared the stage with Mushroomhead on tour in 2015. He was impressed by AMERAKIN OVERDOSE‘s consistently energetic performances night after night, extensive merchandise line and rapid sales on the road – proving their powerful fan engagement ability.
Waylon Reavis adds, “Working with AMERAKIN OVERDOSE was a blast. I love how the track turned out. It was a nice change to create something that forced me to put myself in a different headspace.”
AMERAKIN OVERDOSE brings a raw energy and heaviness to hooky hard rock that has long been missing from the industry. Primary production credits on The Great Amerakin Dream go to AMERAKIN OVERDOSE mastermind and vocalist Cody Perez and multi-instrumentalist The Human, who work closely together to write and record their music at Human Studios. The album also features guest production from Ahrue Luster (Ill Nino, Machine Head), further pushing the sonic envelope and positioning the band with a bright future the hard rock scene.
Band members Perez and The Human are flanked by bassist Brandon Sills, drummer Brick, and Pete “Filth” Perez on backing vocals.
Stay tuned for more coming from AMERAKIN OVERDOSE leading up to the release of The Great Amerakin Dream.
Catch AMERAKIN OVERDOSE live:
9/14 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater – w/ Dope, Flaw & Motograter
9/24 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon – The South Sound Underground
9/30 – Portland, OR @ Rock Hard PDX w/ Proven, Kingdom Under Fire, Within Sight
AMERAKIN OVERDOSE Online:
Twitter @amerakin_od
Instagram: @amerakinoverdose

 

PRETTY MAIDS To Release Kingmaker November 4th via Frontiers Music srl

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Posted: 08/29/2016

New Video Available Now
“Kingmaker” is PRETTY MAIDS‘ highly anticipated follow up to 2013’s critically and commercially successful release “Motherland”, a record that continued the “revitalized” path that the band set out upon with the now classic album “Pandemonium”.  “Kingmaker” is set for release November 4th via Frontiers Music srl.
Today the band presents the first song and video from “Kingmaker”.  The killer video for “Face The World” can be seen HERE.
“Kingmaker” is available for pre-order via Amazon and iTunes.  Digital pre-orders come with instant downloads of “Face the World”.
It’s always difficult to follow a successful and inspired record, but “Kingmaker” shows PRETTY MAIDS are still in the freshest and most vital phase of their career since the early 90’s.
The production is absolutely stellar thanks to Jacob Hansen (Volbeat), who has given the band a sound that not only reinvigorates them, but also incorporates the soundscapes of the past. Modern and classic at the same time, if you will.
What can then be said about Ronnie Atkins and Ken Hammer? One of the best song writing teams in the genre, hands down. Atkins’ voice just gets better and better as the years go by. Menacing and vicious one minute, melodic and soothing the next. Likewise, Hammer is on fire here and lays down some of his heaviest riffs in recent memory.
Every track on this beauty is worthy of attention whether it is an in-your-face melting barn burner such as the one-two starters “When God Took A Day Off” / “King Maker”, “Bullseye”, and “Humanize Me” or timeless melodic metal anthems such as “Face the World” and “Heaven’s Little Devil” or even a superb power ballad like “Last Beauty on Earth”. This record has everything PRETTY MAIDS could possibly ask for!
Don’t miss them when they play live in a city near you – you’ll be blown away by the explosion of Danish dynamite!
Lineup
Ronnie Atkins – vocals
Ken Hammer – guitars
Rene Shades – bass
Allan Tschicaja – drums
Produced by Jacob Hansen
TOUR DATES:
Nov. 24th Gothenburg/Sweden  Venue: Sticky Fingers
Nov. 25th Gävle/Sweden   Venue: Dirty Harry
Nov. 26th Stockholm/Sweden   Venue: Fryshuset
Dec. 9th Esbjerg/Denmark   Venue: Tobakken
Dec. 10th Aalborg/Denmark   Venue: Skraaen
Dec. 16th Horsens/Denmark   Venue: Horsens Ny Teater
TOUR DATES (with Gotthard)
FEB 9                   Ravensburg (DE) Oberschwabenklub                             
FEB 10                   Regensburg (DE) Airport Obertraubling                                     
FEB 11                   Ulm (DE) Ratiopharm Arena                                     
FEB 13                   Frankfurt (DE) Batschkapp                                     
FEB 14                   Hamburg (DE) Markthalle                                     
FEB 15                   Hannover (DE) Capitol                                     
FEB 17                   Osnabrück (DE) Hyde Park                                     
FEB 18                   Oberhausen (DE) Turbinenhalle                                     
FEB 19                   Freiburg (DE) Zäpfle Club                                     
FEB 22                  Milan (ITA) Alcatraz
FEB 24                  Bilbao (SPA) Santana 27
FEB 25                  Madrid (SPA) La Riviera
FEB 26                  Barcelona (SPA) Razzmatazz 2
MAR 2                   München (DE) Tonhalle                   
MAR 6                   Wien (A) Gasometer                                     
MAR 7                   Nürnberg (DE)                       Löwensaal                                     
MAR 8                   Saarbrücken (DE) Garage                                     
MAR 9                   Balingen (DE) Volksbankmesse 
For More Info Visit:

MONTE PITTMAN to Release Inverted Grasp of Balance

by

Posted: 08/26/2016

September 23rd via Metal Blade Records
 
First Single “Pride Comes Before the Fall” Art Video Streaming; Pre-Orders Available Now!
 
There are great guitarists, great vocalists and great songwriters, but MONTE PITTMAN is one of the elite few who can truly lay claim to all three titles. With his fourth full-length, Inverted Grasp Of Balance, he has once again raised the stakes, delivering a riveting collection of full force metal that showcases his continuing evolution, undoubtedly expanding his devout – and ravenous – fan base. “I knew exactly the album I wanted to make,” he states. “I wanted to make the heaviest and craziest music I ever have. I really feel that it’s an album that will grab you and demand your attention.” The results speak for themselves, and from the explosive thrash of opener “Panic Attack” through to the epic strains of closing track “New Blood Keeps Us Alive”, the quality doesn’t dip once, making this one of the most essential metal releases of 2016.
Today the artwork, track listing and first single from Inverted Grasp of Balance have been unveiled.  In addition, an art video for the song “Pride Comes Before the Fall” is available for streaming.  Head to http://www.metalblade.com/montepittman to pre-order the album and listen to “Pride Comes Before the Fall.”
To assert that PITTMAN has had a storied career is something of an understatement. His resumé includes an ongoing and fruitful collaboration with multi-platinum selling artist Madonna, having recorded and toured with her extensively over a period of more than fifteen years. Then there’s his first band, Myra Mains, his stint in the metallic behemoth that is
Prong, and collaborations with a broad spectrum of international artists. If his time with Prong did not fully communicate just how much metal flowed through his veins, with 2014’s Flemming Rasmussen-produced The Power Of Three – his first release with Metal Blade Records – he compellingly blended killer riffs, blistering leads and gigantic hooks to deliver an album that was equal parts anthemic grandeur and in-your-face attitude, making metalheads around the world sit up and take note.
Having never been inclined to allow his guitars to gather dust, PITTMAN wasted no time in commencing writing for its follow up. “I started pretty much immediately. When I finish an album, I have a window of opportunity where I see the big picture and where it should take me next. There are sections to the songs on ‘Inverted Grasp Of Balance’ that are identical to the way they were when I originally came up with them, all that time ago, and there are parts that I changed at the last minute while recording. It was a real ongoing process.”
Alongside wanting to make a heavier, faster record, PITTMAN also wanted to push the boundaries of his guitar playing, while experimenting more dramatically with song structures and tones. This is made clear by the diversity of the record, which while predominantly a blast of armor-plated adrenaline showcases an admirable range of sounds and styles, features some straight up rockers and truly beautiful moments amidst the metallic attack. “I planned on it all being heads down thrashing, but I’ve always liked a variety of music and sounds. The beautiful, plaintive parts snuck in and gave the album a nice dynamic. I wanted it to be a record that just pulverizes you for an hour, but having a lighter side in places gives it more balance.”
The album title itself comes from a line in album opener “Panic Attack”, and is centered around the idea of feeling in control when that is actually not the case at all – the ground falls out beneath you just when you think you’ve got things dialed. However, PITTMAN views such circumstances as a potential blessing in disguise. “It can mean starting again from scratch but knowing more than you did before. What is balance? It’s never 50/50. Nothing is ever completely perfect. From a music theory perspective, if you take a C Major 7 chord, you have ‘perfect harmony’. None of the notes are altered, and that’s the only time this happens with the numerical value of the tones. But if you take the notes that give you that sound or feeling – which is a C and a B – and you put them just with each other, they’re dissonant. I think the lesson in that is you have to have disharmony to have perfect harmony.”
Of course it would not be a MONTE PITTMAN album without a bevy of killer guitar solos. As such, anyone partial to fleet-fingered shredding will also find plenty to fall in love with on Inverted Grasp Of Balance, for PITTMAN has never sounded better when he lets loose on the fretboard. Again, he continued to push the envelope. “I incorporated some different, odd scales and chords into a lot of it. If I found myself repeating ideas, I knew to go somewhere else with it. As someone who teaches guitar, I also wanted to be able to use the leads as examples for teaching guitar lessons. In ‘Obliterated’, there are several little elements that could be guitar lessons on their own.”
Teamed up with powerhouse drummer Richard Christy of Charred Walls Of The Damned/Iced Earth/Death fame and virtuoso bassist Billy Sheehan, famous for his work with a plethora of extremely talented artists – including David Lee Roth, Mr. Big and, more recently, Winery Dogs – the skill of all concerned explodes from the speakers. With such passionate professionals and Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Steel Panther) handling production duties, the record came together quickly and smoothly, Pittman recording his guitar parts wherever he found himself while on the road. With unique artwork provided by Sean K Hughes – who PITTMAN met at a bar called The Black Rabbit in Melbourne, Australia – this really is the proverbial “whole package”: an album that has been lovingly crafted in all aspects, that he hopes reaches as many ears as possible. “Having Metal Blade on board for the entire process of creating this album has been incredible. Many people don’t know, but they came on board much later in the process on ‘The Power of Three’, and working alongside Brian Slagel, Mike Faley and their amazing team has been a real treat. I had a true vision for this record from the start, and I couldn’t imagine a better team to help me realize it. We’re going to make some real noise with ‘Inverted Grasp Of Balance’ – so get ready!”
Inverted Grasp Of Balance Track Listing
1. Panic Attack
2. Arisen in Broad Daylight
3. Guilty Pleasure
4. The Times Are Changing
5. Double Edged Sword
6. Cadabra
7. Pride Comes Before the Fall
8. California
9. Be Very Afraid
10. Obliterated
11. Skeleton Key
12. New Blood Keeps Us Alive

OTEP Premieres “ZERO” Video

by

Posted: 08/17/2016

On Tour Now!
 

 
New Album GENERATION DOOM Out Now
Earlier this year OTEP unleashed her latest album, GENERATION DOOM, via Napalm Records.  The critically acclaimed album debuted at #10 on the Independent Chart, #7 on the Rock Chart, #4 on the Hard Rock Chart and #109 on the Top 200 Albums Chart, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
During a recent break in between tours, the band got together and filmed a video for the track “ZERO”.  Work has now been completed on the video and today it receives its exclusive premiere courtesy of Metal Injection.  Watch the video HERE.
Regarding the video Otep says, “We wanted to capture not only what it looks like during our live shows, but what it FEELS like. That raw, undulating emotional chaos that permeates every atom of every person who attends. If you haven’t been to one of our rituals, this is what it feels like to have your soul explode and your heart catch fire.”
OTEP is currently on the road with the “Equal Rights, Equal Lefts” tour, which stops tonight in Macon, GA and runs through August 29th in Santa Ana, CA.
Formed from the poetic marrow of creative intercourse, OTEP is far more than a band. OTEP is an Art Movement, a Revolution; Breaking ground. Breaking rules. Breaking barriers. Articulate. Aggressive. Pure Adrenaline. ARTcore of Heavy Mental Rock.”  This is how mastermind/vocalist Otep Shamaya and her band have been described and this album proves this truth!
Transcending from the darkness, like wolves into the light, OTEP is an explosion of inspiration and motivation, empowered by their dedication to the arts, being a voice for the voiceless, and fighting injustice. Rising from the labyrinth of Los Angeles, California, OTEP has unleashed a roaring anthem: GENERATION DOOM.
GENERATION DOOM can be ordered HERE.
OTEP “Equal Rights, Equal Lefts Tour:
8/17: Macon, GA @ Cox Capital Theater
8/18: West Palm Beach, FL @ Kelsey Theater
8/19: Tampa, FL @ Orpheum Theatre (Tampa)
8/20: Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
8/23: Dallas, TX @ Trees
8/24: Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
8/26: Farmington, NM @ Top Deck
8/27: Tucson, AZ @ Club XS
8/28: Fresno, CA @ Bullfrogs
8/29: Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
For More Info Visit:
Official Merch: http://www.otepsaves.me
Social Media:
SnapChat: otepofficial
Periscope: otepofficial

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