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On my ride to and from school each day, I dj from my dad’s phone partly to avoid conversation and partly to decompress after an extended period of listening to school lectures. Sometimes, I find myself listening to a few select songs on repeat, to the point where I fear my dad will kill me the next time they are played.
Currently, I am obsessing over two songs, both with addicting melodies and heart-throbbing lyrics. A Perfect 10: |
 | Zoe Adler is a music journalist from Long Beach, California. Besides her website, which is her pride and joy, she works with the GRAMMY Foundation and the Long Beach Independent. Additionally, Ms. Adler is a musician, spending half of her time playing the flute, piccolo, trombone, and marching baritone. She has been with TeenView Music since the very start and hopes to make something of it in the future. |
It's Time to Get Weird with Sunflower Dead's New Single "Dance With Death"
Long Beach, CA, -based Sunflower Dead is creepy. Simple as that sentence may seem, it is undeniably true. From lead vocalist Michael Del Pizzo’s black-veined head to lead guitarist Jaboo’s bloodied eyes, Sunflower Dead is terrifying.
Their second album, It’s Time To Get Weird, is scheduled for release October 30th, and I’m sure they’ll be touring a lot to lead up to and later support the album. Their single “Dance With Death” hit the radios just this week, and is a perfect mesh between danceable rock and zombie-slaying metal.
Their second album, It’s Time To Get Weird, is scheduled for release October 30th, and I’m sure they’ll be touring a lot to lead up to and later support the album. Their single “Dance With Death” hit the radios just this week, and is a perfect mesh between danceable rock and zombie-slaying metal.
The very first interview I ever did was with Del Pizzo, before a headlining show at the Gaslamp. I was terrified just to be interviewing a musician, and the band’s off-putting appearance only worsened my fear.
At the show that night, Del Pizzo brought out his accordion, and—standing absolutely still—stared straight into my eyes unwaveringly while playing eerie chords on the accordion. It was quite the experience.
As we await their new release, I advise taking a look at their self-titled album that includes the catchy songs “Wasted” and “Ghosts” and a cover of “Every Breath You Take” by the Police.
At the show that night, Del Pizzo brought out his accordion, and—standing absolutely still—stared straight into my eyes unwaveringly while playing eerie chords on the accordion. It was quite the experience.
As we await their new release, I advise taking a look at their self-titled album that includes the catchy songs “Wasted” and “Ghosts” and a cover of “Every Breath You Take” by the Police.
Three New Videos Give Hope to This Metal Head
As a serious hockey fan I love a great hat trick. While hockey season is still months away, I happen to be in Canada, and this past week this puckhead was treated to a trifecta of great news on the music front. Three bands I truly enjoy, all of whom I worried could be done for good, rose from the ashes and released videos that got me seriously excited for the future.
 K'noup Tomopoulos has released the single "Tsunami" with LA-based Blackmore |  David Draiman and Disturbed are back in a big way. |  Brandon Saller of Atreyu has a new single out for his band Hell Or Highwater |
First and foremost, LA based metal band Blackmore, which has gone through some challenging personnel changes, roared back to life behind the lungs of none other than K’noup Tomopoulos, lead singer of gypsy metal band VI*ZA. K’noup has an incredible voice, which is absolutely perfect with the eclectic music which is VI*ZA, to the point that I wondered how this would work. The verdict is in; this combination not only works, but is absolutely perfect. K’noup and Blackmore sound fantastic. Not only can K’noup do metal but he gets to do it with the best combination of young guitar players I know, Vahan Aslanyan and Shaunt Sulahian. Backing them is outstanding drummer Vinny Mezian and introducing new bassist Andy Terzyan Sulahian’s girlfriend, Anna Gevorkian, who fronts the band Satellite Citi, put together the following lyric video. Watch it now…that is an order.
The second bit of fantastic news I got on YouTube last week was the triumphant return of David Draiman and Disturbed. Unbeknownst to anyone with normal connections, Draiman and Disturbed have spent the last year secretly recording a new LP, Immortalized. The release of their first single, “The Vengeful One” is classic Draiman.; hardcore metal with that uniquely powerful voice which wastes no time failing to express his opinions about the world. And the video is classic Disturbed; bloody, violent and thrilling, but with absolute purpose a la “Natural Born Killers,” one of my favorite movies ever.
Anyone who follows this website, and reads any of my guest posts, knows I love political music. This song is perfect; angray, melodic and deeply meaningful. Another must watch.
Anyone who follows this website, and reads any of my guest posts, knows I love political music. This song is perfect; angray, melodic and deeply meaningful. Another must watch.
And last, but certainly not least, is the release of “I’ll Be Waiting” by Hell or Highwater. While I was excited by the reunification of Atreyu last fall, and even got to see them at Aftershock in Sacramento, that seemed to have come at the cost of Brandon Saller’s side project, Hell or Highwater. Well not so fast, as they are back with a new release, “I’ll be Waiting” which has a video as different from Disturbed’s newest release as grown possums are from Samoyed puppies, but the truth is that Saller is just one hell of a great singer, and the music world is a better place when he is writing and performing new songs.
No, this is not hard metal like Atreyu, but it is great music that is a real pleasure to listen to. Saller and his crew have crafted a fantastic love song. Watching the video and listening to the song you really can internalize the emotions that have led the band to put together such a tune. Their first album was a staple in our family car rides, and the first song from the new effort clearly suggests that the band has a lot more to say.
No, this is not hard metal like Atreyu, but it is great music that is a real pleasure to listen to. Saller and his crew have crafted a fantastic love song. Watching the video and listening to the song you really can internalize the emotions that have led the band to put together such a tune. Their first album was a staple in our family car rides, and the first song from the new effort clearly suggests that the band has a lot more to say.
So there you have it; three reasons for a music fan to be happy today. Disturbed is back; Hell or Highwater has returned, and Blackmore has put together an amazing single with one of the most versatile singers in metal. It is another great day in the life of a metal fan. And, another cold and relatively rainy summer day in Alberta, Canada.
 | Dan Adler was raised in Southern California to a mom and dad, one of whom appreciated Creedence and left wing anti-war politics. By the teenage years, Dan became obsessed with Black Sabbath, listening to the same seven albums repeatedly for 5 years. During this time, his favorite concert experience was seeing Metallica open for a bunch of bands that no longer exist and winning the 1st ever Santa Cruz Air Guitar contest. After several years in Africa listening and dancing to Chimurenga music, Dan returned to have the two best children in the world, one of whom spends a lot of time at concerts with him. What a lucky dad! |
"Let the Truce Be Known"
by Orphaned Land
Today’s band is another band I learned about indirectly from the Aftershock festival 2014. This website interviewed K’noup Tomopoulos and Orbel Babayan of VI*ZA, who both named Orphaned Land as one of the bands that had found its way onto their iPod playlists this year. A little research into this band has given me a deep respect for all that they stand for and the bravery the band displays just by existing. And their music is as outstanding as their message.
Formed as far back as the early 90’s, Israeli-based Orphaned Land has released a great deal of music, however it is their moving video to “Let the Truce Be Known” that is the subject of today’s short piece. I encourage you to watch this video through to the end, and give some real thought to its outstanding message to us all.
Formed as far back as the early 90’s, Israeli-based Orphaned Land has released a great deal of music, however it is their moving video to “Let the Truce Be Known” that is the subject of today’s short piece. I encourage you to watch this video through to the end, and give some real thought to its outstanding message to us all.
Like the famous Christmas Truce of World War I, this video chronicles the ability of two young children to form a short respite from their battle. In that brief interlude the video shows the promise of peace and all that is possible. As the children play freely, and romp through the ocean, and enjoy their time together, they get to experience that wonderful carefree sense of childhood that must be sorely lacking in such a difficult situation as The Middle East. Unfortunately, much like the Christmas Truce, the kids return to the battle, and the separation and hatred returns.
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Beyond the message that is included in a lot of their songs, the music itself is a wonderful mix of Middle Eastern music and metal, with fantastic guitar work and versatile vocals. There is a lot of music here to like, and two decades of music to explore. The new CD, All is One has its share of fantastic music; “Brother” a beautiful ballad, and the title track, “All is One” are worth taking some time checking out.
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Orphaned Land won the title as Global Metal Band of the Year at the Metal Hammer Golden God Awards 2014. In the tradition of brotherhood, the band decided to share this honor with the Palestinian band Khalas. Furthermore, an online petition was started to nominate Orphaned Land for the Nobel Peace Prize for their dedication to peace in the Middle East. While it may seem unusual to nominate a metal band for such an award, it is important to take a minute out just to think about how brave these guys are to sing and perform passionately about peace in a land that is bereft of trust. I am not sure if I would be up for it.
Finally, I just want to thank K’noup for the outstanding heads up about this talented and entertaining band. Much like VI*ZA itself, Orphaned Land has a lot to offer the musical world, and it is a real shame that more people don’t know these incredible bands.
Orphaned Land Website
Facebook
Reverbnation
Orphaned Land Website
Reverbnation
 | Dan Adler was raised in Southern California to a mom and dad, one of whom appreciated Creedence and left wing anti-war politics. By the teenage years, Dan became obsessed with Black Sabbath, listening to the same seven albums repeatedly for 5 years. During this time, his favorite concert experience was seeing Metallica open for a bunch of bands that no longer exist and winning the 1st ever Santa Cruz Air Guitar contest. After several years in Africa listening and dancing to Chimurenga music, Dan returned to have the two best children in the world, one of whom spends a lot of time at concerts with him. What a lucky dad! |
"Love Song"
by Destiny Potato
Last year Shaunt Sulahian, lead guitarist of LA-based progressive metal outfit Blackmore, wrote a guest article on the top 5 albums of the year. While pretty much everything I knew about metal led me to believe that Nothing More’s self-titled album was the best of the year, Sulahian chose it second to Lun by Destiny Potato.
 Singer Alexsandra Djelmas and guitarist David Maxim Micic |  Destiny Potato's debut album Lun |
While I am still a die-hard believer that Nothing More is the best overall album since Rise Against’s Endgame, I am deeply impressed by Destiny Potato, which hails from Serbia in what was formerly Yugoslavia. DP, despite having the silliest name of the year, has put together a collection of amazing music, with incredibly talented David Maxim Milic, a graduate of the Berklee School of Music, on guitar, Milan Jejina Yeqy on drums and Alexsandra Djelmas on vocals. Djelmas has an incredibly sweet voice, matched with a range and growl that come out unexpectedly in live performance. She is a real talent, and has begun work on a solo project as well, which I hope does not derail Destiny Potato’s path to success and hopeful destiny to tour the US. (I hope they go to Idaho, it is their destiny….ugh!)
 | Dan Adler was raised in Southern California to a mom and dad, one of whom appreciated Creedence and left wing anti-war politics. By the teenage years, Dan became obsessed with Black Sabbath, listening to the same seven albums repeatedly for 5 years. During this time, his favorite concert experience was seeing Metallica open for a bunch of bands that no longer exist and winning the 1st ever Santa Cruz Air Guitar contest. After several years in Africa listening and dancing to Chimurenga music, Dan returned to have the two best children in the world, one of whom spends a lot of time at concerts with him. What a lucky dad! |
"She Makes Me Do Dirty Things"
by Young Medicine
Watch this newly released music video by Kansas City-based band Young Medicine. It is difficult to find a genre that this band fits into because it touches on every genre from pop punk to EDM to metalcore. To read more about them, go check out their Facebook page.
A Dozen Fantastic Rock Songs
12. "El Diablo Rojo" by Texas Hippie Coalition
This rock anthem hits the spot by combining all the fantastic aspects of Texas Hippie Coalition's unique Red Dirt Metal sound into the perfect song to dance to, headbang to, or air-guitar to.
11. "Dog on a Leash" by Adelitas Way
Adelitas Way does it again with this catchy single off their recently released album Stuck. "Dog on a Leash" uses a Southern rock-reminiscent guitar sound that meshes perfectly with lead singer Rick DeJesus' smoky voice.
Adelitas Way does it again with this catchy single off their recently released album Stuck. "Dog on a Leash" uses a Southern rock-reminiscent guitar sound that meshes perfectly with lead singer Rick DeJesus' smoky voice.
10. "Electric Halo" by KYNG
Not only does this song feature '70s throwback instrumentals, it also boasts phenomenal lyrics that tell the story of a religious figure who preaches lies to his congregation, only to face his downfall when he is outed for his sanctimonious words.
Not only does this song feature '70s throwback instrumentals, it also boasts phenomenal lyrics that tell the story of a religious figure who preaches lies to his congregation, only to face his downfall when he is outed for his sanctimonious words.
9. "Fire!" by AFFIANCE
A phenomenal opening scream of "FIIIIRRRRREEEEEEE!" leads the way into some of AFFIANCE's most admirable work as a band yet. More cohesive than ever before, the skills of each member have been put to use in raising each other up to a whole new level of musical performance. Enjoy Tvrdik's operatic vocals as they soar over envy-worthy metalcore drumming and interwoven guitar lines in this amazing new addition to AFFIANCE's repertoire.
A phenomenal opening scream of "FIIIIRRRRREEEEEEE!" leads the way into some of AFFIANCE's most admirable work as a band yet. More cohesive than ever before, the skills of each member have been put to use in raising each other up to a whole new level of musical performance. Enjoy Tvrdik's operatic vocals as they soar over envy-worthy metalcore drumming and interwoven guitar lines in this amazing new addition to AFFIANCE's repertoire.
8. "Casanova (C'est La Vie)" by The Funeral Portrait
The Funeral Portrait has been my newest small-band discovery, and I am 100% convinced that they will be famous someday. "Casanova (C'est La Vie)" is the opening song off their debut EP For the Dearly Departed, and a music-writing masterpiece. Style changes, unique vocals, and fantastic musicianship ranks this band as one of the best of its genre.
The Funeral Portrait has been my newest small-band discovery, and I am 100% convinced that they will be famous someday. "Casanova (C'est La Vie)" is the opening song off their debut EP For the Dearly Departed, and a music-writing masterpiece. Style changes, unique vocals, and fantastic musicianship ranks this band as one of the best of its genre.
7. "Beautiful Hurricane" by Blackmore
This song opens up with a melodic and catchy guitar riff that--once I hear it--it stays in my head for days afterward. When it comes to musical ability and all-around talent, Blackmore stands at the top of the list. The band is indeed young, but their musicianship argues otherwise.
This song opens up with a melodic and catchy guitar riff that--once I hear it--it stays in my head for days afterward. When it comes to musical ability and all-around talent, Blackmore stands at the top of the list. The band is indeed young, but their musicianship argues otherwise.
6. "Woman (In Mirror)" by La Dispute
Of La Dispute's songs, I wouldn't argue that this is the best. However, this love song captures the eye and ear with its romantic lyrics: a man is watching his lover at her everyday activities, and realizes how every little thing she does affects him, all the "tiny dots on an endless timeline." He says, "The smallest sounds leave the clearest echoes," talking about "all the motions of ordinary love." As my father puts it, this song is very accessible for people who generally can't handle Dreyer's voice.
Of La Dispute's songs, I wouldn't argue that this is the best. However, this love song captures the eye and ear with its romantic lyrics: a man is watching his lover at her everyday activities, and realizes how every little thing she does affects him, all the "tiny dots on an endless timeline." He says, "The smallest sounds leave the clearest echoes," talking about "all the motions of ordinary love." As my father puts it, this song is very accessible for people who generally can't handle Dreyer's voice.
5. "People Live Here" by Rise Against
*Written by Dan Adler*
In the same way that Jordan Dreyer can deliver a deeply felt song about human emotions and love, Tim McIlrath can describe the pains of our political world like no one since the '60s. "People Live Here" is The Black Market's ballad masterpiece. McIlrath describes so clearly how confusing and senseless the world's great battles over religion seem to be, pleading with God, if he is watching, hey, "people live here!" I also appreciate how he deals with the senselessness of gun violence by talking about the Newtown shootings and also addressing the hardening of our political and religious discourse in our own country: "are your hands so clean?" Every new Rise Against album is so much more than a collection of songs. This song, however, is the most powerful on the album.
*Written by Dan Adler*
In the same way that Jordan Dreyer can deliver a deeply felt song about human emotions and love, Tim McIlrath can describe the pains of our political world like no one since the '60s. "People Live Here" is The Black Market's ballad masterpiece. McIlrath describes so clearly how confusing and senseless the world's great battles over religion seem to be, pleading with God, if he is watching, hey, "people live here!" I also appreciate how he deals with the senselessness of gun violence by talking about the Newtown shootings and also addressing the hardening of our political and religious discourse in our own country: "are your hands so clean?" Every new Rise Against album is so much more than a collection of songs. This song, however, is the most powerful on the album.
4. "Dollhouse" by Melanie Martinez
I know this song is a little outside of what I normally write about, but the lyrics and musicality win it a place on any great songs list, no matter what the genre. Martinez discusses the struggles of a not-so-perfect family by comparing it to a dollhouse. She says, "Plastic. Go back to being plastic," saying that when other people return, the family goes back to its fake, picture-perfect facade, when in reality, the father is cheating, the mother is a heavy drinker, and the son is a stoner. Just like dolls in a dollhouse, who are rumored to get up and walk around when nobody is looking, the family falls apart when there's nobody around to see.
I know this song is a little outside of what I normally write about, but the lyrics and musicality win it a place on any great songs list, no matter what the genre. Martinez discusses the struggles of a not-so-perfect family by comparing it to a dollhouse. She says, "Plastic. Go back to being plastic," saying that when other people return, the family goes back to its fake, picture-perfect facade, when in reality, the father is cheating, the mother is a heavy drinker, and the son is a stoner. Just like dolls in a dollhouse, who are rumored to get up and walk around when nobody is looking, the family falls apart when there's nobody around to see.
3. "Words as Weapons" by Seether
Isolate and Medicate, Seether's new release, is by far their best album ever, and the entire album is about drugs: falling off the wagon, rehab, etc. "Words as Weapons" is the most distinct and creative song Seether has ever written, and my favorite of the album. Starting out with a sort of spoken-word chant, "All I really want is something beautiful to say," the song slides into minor chords played on violins before everything stops and it is just the vocalist's clear voice singing. A gorgeous song, and one that gets stuck in your head, "Words as Weapons" is absolutely fantastic.
Isolate and Medicate, Seether's new release, is by far their best album ever, and the entire album is about drugs: falling off the wagon, rehab, etc. "Words as Weapons" is the most distinct and creative song Seether has ever written, and my favorite of the album. Starting out with a sort of spoken-word chant, "All I really want is something beautiful to say," the song slides into minor chords played on violins before everything stops and it is just the vocalist's clear voice singing. A gorgeous song, and one that gets stuck in your head, "Words as Weapons" is absolutely fantastic.
2. "This is the Time (Ballast)" by Nothing More
Nothing More released their self-titled album early this year, and turned the entire rock 'n' roll world on its head. By far the best album released this year, and arguably the best since Endgame by Rise Against, Nothing More by Nothing More is a musical masterpiece. "This is the Time (Ballast)" has been ranking number one on SiriusXM Octane Radio for weeks, and has stunned everyone with its lyrical, emotional, and instrumental genius. Energy fills every angsty note lead singer Johnny Hawkins sings, and the air is buzzing with electricity every time this song is played.
Nothing More released their self-titled album early this year, and turned the entire rock 'n' roll world on its head. By far the best album released this year, and arguably the best since Endgame by Rise Against, Nothing More by Nothing More is a musical masterpiece. "This is the Time (Ballast)" has been ranking number one on SiriusXM Octane Radio for weeks, and has stunned everyone with its lyrical, emotional, and instrumental genius. Energy fills every angsty note lead singer Johnny Hawkins sings, and the air is buzzing with electricity every time this song is played.
1. "Jenny" by Nothing More
Yes, yes, I know. Another Nothing More song. But seriously, this band is fricking genius! "Jenny" explores a very popular subject among bands: drugs. However, Hawkins takes a very personal approach by singing about his sister who struggled with addiction for years, never realizing that her whole family was waiting for her to just reach out and ask for help. Hawkins sings, "See your mother here? [It's] her last painful year. I wish you only knew she stuck around for you." The song shakes the listener emotionally, and every time I listen to it, I end up in tears.
Yes, yes, I know. Another Nothing More song. But seriously, this band is fricking genius! "Jenny" explores a very popular subject among bands: drugs. However, Hawkins takes a very personal approach by singing about his sister who struggled with addiction for years, never realizing that her whole family was waiting for her to just reach out and ask for help. Hawkins sings, "See your mother here? [It's] her last painful year. I wish you only knew she stuck around for you." The song shakes the listener emotionally, and every time I listen to it, I end up in tears.
  | Zoe Adler is a music journalist from Long Beach, California. Besides her website, which is her pride and joy, she works with the GRAMMY Foundation and the Long Beach Independent. Additionally, Ms. Adler is a musician, spending half of her time playing the flute, piccolo, trombone, and marching baritone. She has been with TeenView Music since the very start and hopes to make something of it in the future. Dan Adler was raised in Southern California to a mom and dad, one of whom appreciated Creedence and left wing anti-war politics. By the teenage years, Dan became obsessed with Black Sabbath, listening to the same seven albums repeatedly for 5 years. During this time, his favorite concert experience was seeing Metallica open for a bunch of bands that no longer exist and winning the 1st ever Santa Cruz Air Guitar contest. After several years in Africa listening and dancing to Chimurenga music, Dan returned to have the two best children in the world, one of whom spends a lot of time at concerts with him. What a lucky dad! |
AFFIANCE is Limitless
AFFIANCE's new song "Limitless" from their soon-to-be-released album Blackout (Sept. 23rd!!!!) absolutely rocks! This song really takes a dive into a much heavier, metalcore sound while still staying true to Affiance's distinguishing style: gorgeous, almost "operatic" vocals, intense guitar, and intriguing bass and drums. No matter how deep into metalcore this band gets, they never forget about the power of melodies, the beauty of clean vocals, and the glory of guitar solos.
 | Zoe Adler is a music journalist from Long Beach, California. Besides her website, which is her pride and joy, she works with the GRAMMY Foundation and the Long Beach Independent. Additionally, Ms. Adler is a musician, spending half of her time playing the flute, piccolo, trombone, and marching baritone. She has been with TeenView Music since the very start and hopes to make something of it in the future. |
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