Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Palisades , and how long the band has been together.
My name is Lou Miceli and I sing in Palisades . The band has been together for about a 2 years.

Where is the band based out of and what is the music scene like there?
The band is based out of Iselin, NJ . The music scene here is actually great! That’s how we got our start.

Is there any story or concept behind the CD title Outcasts?
Whenever you have someone in your life that is going through a hard time in their life, it’s often difficult to get through to them. People have a hard time looking towards positivity in the future. When I wrote the lyrics to Outcasts, I didn’t want it to be about the future. I wanted it to be about the present. The fact that when you are going through these struggles in your life you can turn this record on and I’m right there with you going through the same struggles.

Select two songs from Outcasts and what inspired the lyrics?
Betrayed was about my mother, who was struggling with her fiance leaving her after 7 years. I decided to write the point of view from her eyes and not mine.
Your Disease is about the constant struggle that people go through with substance abuse. I’ve had my share of time battling those demons and I wanted to let people know that they aren’t the only ones.

How does Outcasts compare to your previous EP I’m Not Dying Today?
Outcasts is where we truly have found our sound. I feel like we grew up a lot from the days of the EP and the music and lyrics truly represent that. We also go to experiment a lot more with different genres and find a sound that defines who we are.

Which track does Andy Leo from Crown The Empire sing on and have you performed that song live with him since you are all currently on tour?
Andy sings on the title track “Outcasts” and as of yet we have not preformed the song together but we’re looking forward to possibly performing it at Skate and Surf Festival!

What are you looking forward to the most about your upcoming tour with The Almost and Conditions?
I’ve heard such great things about Conditions from one of my best buds, Jack (Sleeping With Sirens), so I’m extremely excited to see how they will do. Also of course touring with Aaron is going to be a childhood dream of mine haha.

What could one expect from a live Palisades show?
When you walk through the doors to a Palisades show, you become a part of something. You become a part of a movement, a family. I want our songs to course through your veins and for you to feel like you belong. Like you were meant to be here.

Any strange or scary happenings while out on the road or at a show?
We watched a man get murdered in a drive by shooting which was probably the scariest moment of my life to date.

If you could open for any band either now or from the past, what band would it be and why?
I would love to open for My American Heart’s reunion tour (if that ever happened haha). They are one of the most underrated bands of all time and a huge inspiration to all of us.

If your music was a donut, what kind would it be and why?
Maple bacon donut because it’s a unexpected tastey surprise. Also because we’re brown.

You have an acoustic song on the recent Take Action compilation. Do you like performing acoustic and will there any other acoustic songs or shows?
I love preforming acoustically. Brandon and I usually do that together and now with the song on the new record ” Sidney ” I’m sure we’ll do many more!

Any final words of wisdom?
I’m no rock star. I’m just a man trying to help you get through life line by line.

Palisades is:
Louis Miceli – Vocals
Matt Marshall – Guitar
Xavier Adames – Guitar/Vocals
Earl Halasan – Guitar/Programming
Brandon Reese – Bass
Aaron Rosa – Drums

(Interview by Kenneth Morton)

Palisades on Facebook

(L-R: Tim Brown, Adam Brown, Dan Cleary, Dave Arnold, Chris Segger)

STRIKER have announced that Tim Brown has joined their band as their new guitarist. Tim is the brother of Adam, the band’s drummer. He is the former lead guitarist of Canadian female fronted band “Kobra and the Lotus” (Simmons Records/Universal) as well as local band “Sixguns Over Tombstone” which he grew up playing in with Adam.

Guitarist Chris Segger commented on Tim joining the band:

“Please welcome our new guitarist Tim Brown!! We’re thrilled to have Adam’s brother join us in time for our upcoming Canadian tour and look forward to seeing you all on the road \m/”

Striker are currently on tour in Canada. A complete list of dates can be found below.

Armed to the Teeth, combines the perfect mix of melody and energy. The first two songs – “Forever” and “Let it Burn” – set the stage for the rest of the album. STRIKER ignites a firework in which rigorous riffing, playful solos and brilliant refrains are clearly the prime focus. Inspired by the originators of the scene like Saxon, Iron Maiden, Annihilator but also Exciter, the band stays hungry and wild over the full duration of the album. With every note, Armed to the Teeth, breathes the spirit of the glorious 80′s and revitalizes this particular era of music with a boost of fresh energy.

A video for the song “Let it Burn” can be viewed HERE.

Armed to the Teeth is available on Amazon and iTunes.

For More Info Visit:
https://www.facebook.com/strikermetal
http://www.napalmrecords.com

STRIKER on Tour
Thursday May 23: Fort McMurray AB – The Den
Friday May 24: Red Deer AB – The Vat
Saturday May 25: Edmonton AB – The Pawnshop
Tuesday May 28: Banff AB – The Devils Gap
Thursday May 30: Nelson BC – Spirit Bar
Friday May 31: Kelowna BC – Level Nightclub
Saturday June 1: Vancouver BC – Funky Winkerbeans
Thursday June 6: Regina SK – The Exchange
Friday June 7: Brandon MB – Park Community Centre (All Ages)
Saturday June 8: Winnipeg MB – The Zoo
Sunday June 9: Thunder Bay ON – Crocks
Tuesday June 11: Kitchener ON – The Hive (All Ages)
Wednesday June 12: London ON – Norma Jeans (All Ages)
Sunday June 16: Chicoutimi QC – Le Sous-Bois
Wednesday June 19: Ottawa ON – Café Dekcuf
Thursday June 20: Quebec City QC – Le Bateau de Nuit
Friday June 21: Montreal QC – Café Chaos
Saturday June 22: Toronto ON – Hard Luck Bar
Monday June 24: Hamilton ON – This Ain’t Hollywood
Tuesday June 25: Sault Ste. Marie – TBA
Thursday June 27: Saskatoon SK – The Fez
Saturday June 29: Gibbons AB – Boonstock Festival

Tour Dates:
6/30 Springfield, VA @ Empire
7/1 Charlotte, NC @ Amos
7/2 Louisville, KY @ Vernon Club
7/3 Nashville, TN @ Rocketown
7/5 Jacksonville, FL @ Murray Hill Theatre
7/6 Orlando, FL @ H20 Live!
7/7 Douglasville, GA @ The 7 Venue
7/12 San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
7/13 Dallas, TX @ The Door
7/14 Springfield, MO @ Outland Ballroom
7/15 Columbus, OH @ Alrosa Villa
7/16 Joliet, IL @ Mojoes

Teetering between breakneck brutality and elegant, entrancing melody, the Temple, TX quintet Everyone Dies In Utah, consisting of Danny Martinez (Vocals, Keys, Synth), Cody Haigis (Guitar), Justin Yost (Bass, Vocals), Trey Golden (Keys, Synth), and Nathan Chase Meadows (drums). The name of the band began as a joke, but stuck with them as time went on. It derives from the fact that the death rate in Utah was at one time higher than any other state.

So far, Everyone Dies In Utah has continually connected on a deep level with its passionate fan base. Since hitting the scene, they’ve attracted a rabid audience over the course of their self-released EP, I Hope You Realize This Means War in 2009 and then Seeing Clearly. They’ve also toured tirelessly with bands such as Affiance, Sirens and Sailors, Bleach Blonde, The Overseer and more. They know that it is very important to be accessible to their fans and do not plan on getting off the road any time soon.

Everyone Dies In Utah Links:
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter

Becoming The Archetype, Bermuda, The Burial, Montezuma, Cobalt Café, May 22, 2013

It was a night of heavy music in the wilds of Canoga Park, with the Cobalt Café and Twohearts Concerts hosting a touring package of three tremendous  bands on the rise. Headlined by the vastly underrated Becoming The Archetype and featuring a long overdue (almost) hometown appearance by Bermuda, the event was filled with a colossal intensity that was thrilling to witness.

It may have been a Wednesday night, but this factor certainly did not stop the true fans from supporting both the out-of-towners and the local acts. The SFV music scene once again rises to the occasion! Here are the bands Highwire Daze checked out…

Montezuma

Based out of Newhall, Montezuma has not played a show in eight months, and the sonic revenge the band spewed forth was sweet! Fans of acts such as Suffocation and Nile are destined to uncover a new favorite when exploring the sonic terrains of the mighty Montezuma. Opening with the spiraling sounds of Sundial, the band exuded both imagination and intrigue within their songs. The musicianship was absolutely first rate, with credits going to Andrew Brown on guitars, Adam Correa on guitars and vocals, Imhotep Shabazz on bass and vocals, and Jett Vera on drums.

Other explosive tunes unleashed included Prehistoric Hyperblast and Out Of Body Experience. Definitely a collective to be on the lookout for in future days! Montezuma is back, and they are out for blood!  And if you are from L.A., enjoy heavy music, and have no idea who these guys are, let the discovery now commence.

Montezuma will return to wreck havoc on the Cobalt Café on July 13th, supporting Mouth Of The Serpent and Apparitions!

The Burial

Holy hell! Was that an earthquake or did The Burial just arrive and exhume the stage? One of the heaviest bands on the Facedown Records roster of talent, this South Bend, Indiana collective brought their own staggering brand of hard hitting metal to the Cobalt Café. Presenting an all-out artillery of sound, a live assault by The Burial is sure to awaken the dead. Opening with the glorious Lights, the Cobalt audience paid a good amount of attention to the skill and precision these guys delivered within their set.

Wretched Restless Forms was a new track unleashed, a dynamic song from their upcoming album In The Taking Of Flesh out July 9th. Other songs played during their super brutal set included Pearls: The Frailty Of Matter, and the mesmerizing Salt and Wraith.

Admirers of The Black Dahlia Murder and Mastodon need to check out the visionary musical tapestries of The Burial and prepare to be absolutely riveted. Here’s hoping we see The Burial digging up the Southland again soon!

Bermuda

It has been awhile since Bermuda has made an appearance at the Cobalt, but the Oxnard based crew was back with a vengeance, and brought a rapid collection of fans with them. Touring all across the country in support of The Wandering on Mediaskare Records, Bermuda is a  progressive hardcore force of nature that is not to be missed!  Top songs performed included Parasitic, The Human Herd and the earth shattering In Trenches. The pit went into overdrive during most of the set, with mosh pit enthusiastic reveling in the relentless barrage of ferocity emitting from the stage.

Bermuda features the talents of Corey Bennett on vocals, Michael Fabiano on guitar, Trent Davenport on drums, and Rob Bollig on bass. Joining the band on this tour was Justin Edgerton on guitar, whose main band Seeker had just been signed to Victory Records! The hard working Bermuda is destined to be headlining their own shows all across the nation soon, if their Cobalt set is indicative of greater glories to come.  Count on it!

Becoming The Archetype

As mentioned at the beginning of the review, Becoming The Archetype unveil hugely imaginative progressive metal that has gone under the radar for far too long. Five albums in, all on the Solid State label, and the band continues to show a thrilling innovation and passion for their craft. For those who stayed to witness their late set, Becoming The Archetype presented a compelling performance that sent the room spinning.

Delivering songs from their various recordings, highlights of the show included The Ocean Walker, The Eyes Of The Storm, and the truly magnificent How Great Thou Art.  Front man Chris McKane exuded an easy going rapport with the crowd, and delivered the spiritual based lyrics with a dynamic sense of urgency and conviction. Although no original members remain within the membership (rhythm guitar, keyboards, clean vocals Seth Hecox has been on board since 2004 – the rest from 2010 on), the collective remains a vibrant entity and continues to spread a positive message of hope through their intensive music.

Seeing the sonic art of Becoming The Archetype in a small venue such as the Cobalt Café is a rare and wondrous treat to the senses!  And thus concluded another memorable night in the San Fernando Valley, courtesy of the folks at Twohearts Concerts!

(Review by Kenneth Morton – Photos by Edward Brandon)

Linkage

Becoming The Archetype on Facebook
Bermuda on Facebook
The Burial on Facebook
Montezuma on Facebook
Twohearts Concerts on Facebook
Cobalt Café Official Home Page

Drummer Gabe Seeber had the following to say about heading into the studio: “FINALLY! We’re so excited to get into the studio to record “Trinity of Falsehood” this June. This album will be leaps beyond “Sentence of Their Conqueror” and will really showcase where the songwriting is going with future material. We’ve been working on this album for a long time now and it’s exactly what we want it to be, so we can’t wait to get it out there for everyone to hear!”

The band’s new vocalist, Taylor Wientjes, followed up with his thoughts on recording and touring: “After collectively working on this album for the last 2 years, we are SUPER stoked to hit the studio to record our debut album for Unique Leader Records. Not only are we ecstatic about recording, but to hit the road as well. The Kennedy Veil got a small taste of touring, doing a few dates on the Bloodletting North America tour with Vale of Pnath, Inanimate Existence, Kamikabe, and the absolutely crushing Gorod. As the new guy and young blood in the band, I have to say that it was a surreal experience to be a part of. Meeting so many amazing people and talented musicians was incredible. It was a small preview of what’s to come. We are ready to hit the road and show the metal community what we have to offer. Prepare yourselves!”

‘Trinity of Falsehood’ is set to contain 11 tracks of Trendkilling Modern Death Metal, and is tentatively set to see a release through Unique Leader Records later this year.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.facebook.com/thekennedyveil
http://thekennedyveil.bandcamp.com/
http://www.youtube.com/kennedyveil
https://twitter.com/TKVband
http://uniqueleader.com/

MYSTIC PROPHECY

The new album was recorded at the Prophecy and Music Factory Studios with singer R.D. Liapakis once again sitting in the producer’s chair. Fredrik Nordström (Hammerfall, In Flames, Arch Enemy) is responsible for the mix at the Studio Fredman in Sweden.

The band has now revealed the album’s cover artwork, created by Uwe Jarling – one of the most talented fantasy graphic designers!

R.D. Liapakis comments on the album as follows:
“After 12 years and 7 albums we are ready to release our 8th album. ‘Killhammer‘ will be a metal masterpiece with a wall of sound, loud guitars straight in your face and without compromises!”

If you want to see MYSTIC PROPHECY live this year, you can do so at two dates in Germany:

31.05.2013 DE Geiselwind – Eventzentrum Strohofer (Beastival w/ their label mates Eisregen + Debauchery) – www.facebook.com/events/119091174904483
22.06.2013 DE Hückelhoven – Markt 17 (Metal Aid 2013) – www.facebook.com/events/600868506592514

The album will be available as jewel case, limited edition A5 digipak w/ a bonus live DVD as well as limited vinyl LP in gatefold cover.

MYSTIC PROPHECY’s “Killhammer” will be released on September 27, 2013 via Massacre Records!

MYSTIC PROPHECY @ Massacre Records MP3 Download Store: http://massacre.musiclogistics.net/artists/mystic_prophecy

www.mysticprophecy.net
www.facebook.com/mysticprophecy
www.twitter.com/Mystic_Metal
www.youtube.com/mysticprophecytv

CATCH HIM PERFORM AT SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL IN THE UK

A LOSS FOR WORDS frontman Matt Arsenault has released a new single entitled “My Oh My” under his R&B moniker CLASS OF ’92. The song was tracked and produced by Chris Curran (A Loss For Words, Vanna, Lions Lions).

“It was great to be working on this Class Of ’92 project and get some ideas out there that I’ve had for a while that just make no sense for A Loss For Words. Really excited to play these new tracks on my first tour in the UK. Be on the look for an EP this summer!” says Arsenault.

Class of ’92 started after Arsenault needed an outlet to channel his the pop songs he was writing. Although he has been the frontman for Rise Records’ A Loss For Words for 10 years, Arsenault grew up on the classic sounds of motown and R&B. Taking his love for those sounds, he began to write and record songs that are now part of the Class of ’92 catalog.

You can listen to “My Oh My” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdGtu6suBxc.

Find CLASS OF ’92 online:
https://www.facebook.com/Classof92boston/
http://www.twitter.com/classof92boston
http://www.instagram.com/mattyal4w

Foregoing the traditional record label release model, Misery Signals launched an Indiegogo campaign in March to work directly with fans to crowd-fund the new album by offering unique funding packages that included handwritten lyrics, vinyl box set, music lessons, listening parties and more. By May, the band had not only reached their funding goal, but had surpassed it by double the amount. The support was a definite sign that fans were eagerly awaiting new music from the seminal band.

“We were floored by the excitement from the people supporting the album,” guitarist Ryan Morgan says. “It’s a good feeling to have an audience matching the enthusiasm we are putting into it’s creation – and they haven’t even heard it yet! It’ll all come together when they get to hear how insane this album is.”

Misery Signals got their start in 2002 and quickly gained notoriety after signing with Ferret Music to release 2004’s critically acclaimed record Of Malice and the Magnum Heart; an album which breathed fresh life into the their genre with the band’s signature style of aggressive riffs, melodic bridges and atmospheric elements and went on to be one of the most influential metalcore album’s of the last decade. Over the next several years the band released two more albums, Mirrors (2006) and Controller (2008), which were both equally praised by the metal community and further cemented their place among metal’s elite bands.

After Ferret Music was absorbed by a Warner Music Group in 2010, Misery Signals were left to fend for themselves and took a hiatus to pursue individual side projects with singer Karl Schubach focusing on metal outfit Solace, guitarist Ryan Morgan founding the hardcore/punk band Burning Empires and drummer Branden Morgan starting The Company We Keep with Brian Southall (The Receiving End Of Sirens) and Justin Pierre (Motion City Soundtrack).

Now, the band that redefined a genre will return reinvigorated with a full time focus on the business at hand, and a determination to push the boundaries of hardcore-metal even further than before.

Misery Signals will kick off their record release tour in July with dates running through mid August.

Follow Misery Signals at https://www.facebook.com/MiserySignals for additional news and updates.

Misery Signals’ “Absent Light Record Release Tour” Dates:
July 9 – New York, NY – Santos Party House
July 10 – Boston, MA – Middle East
July 11 – Montreal, QC – Underworld
July 12 – Toronto, ON – Mod Club
July 13 – Guelph, ON – Club Vinyl
July 14 – Hamilton, ON – Club Absinthe
July 15 – St. Catharines, ON – Level 3
July 16 – London, ON – Rum Runners
July 17 – Chicago, IL – Reggies Rock Club
July 18 – Milwaukee, WI – Miramar
July 19 – Burnsville, MN – The Garage
July 28 – Salt Lake City, UT – The All Stars Tour
July 30 – Phoenix, AZ – Martini Ranch
July 31 – San Diego, CA – Che Cafe
Aug 1 – Anaheim, CA – Chain Reaction
Aug 2 – Camarillo, CA – Rock City Studios
Aug 3 – Sacramento, CA – Boardwalk
Aug 4 – Portland, OR – Branx
Aug 5 – Seattle, WA – Studio Seven
Aug 6 – Vancouver, BC – Roxy
Aug 7 – Kelowna, BC – Level (upstairs)
Aug 8 – Calgary, AB – Dickens Pub
Aug 9 – Edmonton, AB – Avenue Theatre
Aug 11 – Regina, SK – The Exchange

For More Information:
https://www.facebook.com/MiserySignals
https://twitter.com/miserysignals

Cloud Records

“We are incredibly excited about this release”, states labelmanager Dylan Lott. “The History of Hope is an amazing band, and they are amazing guys with a fantastic work ethic, and “The Fifth Season” completely showcases how great this band is. We couldn’t be more proud of this record or this band. We can’t wait for everybody to hear this record, and see The History of Hope on tour”.

See Darkened Skies lyric video here!

“Being from a place like Casper, WY creates a mountain of challenges for a hardcore band” comments The History of Hope guitarist Jake Burnell. “Being from a rural place like Wyoming has really forced us to branch out and it’s really forced us to zero in our sound, and ultimately it’s made us a much better band as a result. There is a lot of diversity on “The Fifth Season” and there is really something here for everybody. We know it is something that a wide variety of musical tastes will be able to appreciate, and we are really excited for people to hear it. We can’t wait to take our show on the road and show people what the Frontier state can really do! We love to tour, and we can’t wait to make some new friends. Cloud Records is offering us the perfect avenue to do that. We can’t wait!”

The History of Hope’s “The Fifth Season” debuts May 21st, 2013 on Cloud Records

For a sampling of what “The Fifth Season” is all about, The History of Hope and Cloud Records are proud to present “Darkened Skies“, the first single off of “The Fifth Season” in lyric video format: DARKENED SKIES OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO

Buy “The Fifth Season” on Big Cartel, and Bandcamp NOW!

Catch The History Of Hope on the Fifth Season Tour!

5/31 – Casper, WY @ The Hall Of Champions
6/1 – Cheyenne, WY @ Forum 616
6/2 – Sidney, NE @ The Shelter House
6/3 – Omaha, NE @ The Hideout
6/4 – Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
6/5 – Fargo, ND @ The New Direction
6/6 – Billings, MT @ The Railyard
6/7 – Butte, MT @ Star Lanes
6/8 – Idaho Falls, ID @ The Wax House
6/9 – Ogden, UT @ Mojos

East Coast tour coming in September!

https://www.facebook.com/thehistoryofhope
https://www.facebook.com/cloudrecords

Harbor Records’

Late last month the band released their first single, entitled “I Stand Alone,” off the six track EP with vocalist Martin Paddilla saying, “The first single is probably out catchiest song to date.” With guitarist Tyler Anderson pitching in, “We plan on playing as many shows as possible, and exposing ourselves to as many people as possible. That’s partially why we named the EP Exposure. It’s our first release and the first time people are going to hear us. We hope that everyone who takes the time to listen to this EP notices all of the hours of hard work that were poured into this, and can appreciate it for what it is.”

EXPOSURE (July 9th)
1. Intro
2. What It Takes To Overcome
3. I Stand Alone
4. Fist Fight
5. A Life To Aspire To
6. Leader

In League With Lions was initially formed when guitarist Tyler Anderson and drummer Jarren Dean-Smullen started jamming together, before guitarist Ryan Evans and singer Josh Wilder followed suit. Eventually the band was rounded out by bassist Billy McClean and screamer Martin Padilla. After solidifying their lineup, In League With Lions focused on honing in on their sound while playing shows around their home state of Maryland. After a year of crafting their sound and playing shows, while losing their singer Josh Wilder in the process, the band entered the studio with Chris Rowe and went quickly to work on their debut EP entitled Exposure. The band’s first EP is due to be released sometime this summer while the band is planning on playing extensively in order to support its release.

Ever since its inception, In League With Lions has always tried to promote a message of positivity and hope. The passion in their lyrics showcases how much of themselves the band members pour into their songs, and this is what makes each track that more powerful while creating a connection with the fans.

“Our lyrics are about our past experiences,” explains the band’s vocalist, Martin, “Where we had to trust in ourselves and to never give up on the things we want in life. When no one else believed in us or told us that we weren’t good enough, we channeled that energy into our music.” Whether the band speaks about past, hurtful experiences or tries to spread a message of hope and belief in oneself, their lyrics are sure to hit home with each and every person in the crowd.

LINKS http://www.facebook.com/InLeagueWithLions