Hollow Front Team Up With Fit For A King’s Ryan Kirby

Rapidly rising US metalcore outfit and UNFD’s latest signings Hollow Front have revealed a new cut of their track ‘Falling Apart’ today, featuring Fit For A King’s Ryan Kirby.

The release comes as UNFD release a special re-issue of Hollow Front’s acclaimed debut album Loose Threads on vinyl for the first time. Featuring the full album, alongside ‘Falling Apart’, and recent new cuts ‘Wearing Thin’ & ‘Loose Threads (Reimagined)’.

Hollow Front vocalist Tyler Tate shares just how bleak and hopeless ‘Falling Apart’ is:

“It’s an extremely dark song about my views of the world we live in today. From where I’ve been standing, especially during/after 2020, it’s become impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you’re constantly surrounded by the negativity our world has been seemingly plagued with,” he says.

“In reference to the title, I think the fabric of humanity is falling apart, ravaged by greed, disease, and an utter lack of empathy for our fellow man. We’re a complicated species, with all the capabilities to create a peaceful and harmonious world, but instead we use our powers to destroy and divide… and while my views of the world may be morose, I don’t have much “faith” in humanity doing the right thing. While I truly hope it happens, I won’t be holding my breath.”

On teaming up with FFAK vocalist and Hollow Front management Ryan Kirby, Tate shares how the moment feels full circle: 

“We’ve been working together for over two years now and without Ryan, we definitely wouldn’t be where we are today. Having him hop on ‘Falling Apart’ to guest feature for this re-release of the song was a real treat for us. Everyone in the band has been huge fans of FFAK, and a lot of HF’s original sound came from being inspired by Kirby and his band’s work. It feels like it’s come full circle in a way and we couldn’t be more proud to have someone like Ryan in our corner.”

The arrival of Hollow Front’s debut LP Loose Threads in June 2020 saw the Michigan locals declared an immediate must-watch. After clocking over 1 Million streams in its first week and 5 Million+ in a matter of months, Hollow Front found themselves on the tip of a global breakout and soon signed to UNFD.

The band join a huge crop of North American talent on the label’s roster, with recent additions including ERRA, Frank Iero, Silverstein and Like Moths To Flames, on top of the likes of Stray From The Path, Silent Planet and LIMBS.

Limited copies of the extended re-issue of Loose Threads are available now through UNFD.

New Music Video Roundup 25/09/20

Hello everyone! Welcome back to the new music video roundup. We’re here for a roundup of ten of the best recently released music videos. They’re not all within the same genre and they’re all different in some way or another but that means that there’s a little something for everyone here but come on, let’s get down to the music!

First up in this weeks music video roundup, we have the Pop-Punk phenoms Makeout.

Kyle says, “‘Home’ is my first song and video release with the band. We co-wrote the song with Jayden Seeley [of With Confidence] and it was produced by Matt Holmes with some help from Travis Barker and Matt Malpass. We knew right away that we loved the track and the reception from our fans has been great so when it came time to do the video we wanted to make sure we did something different.”

He adds, “The question we had was: ‘how can we make a cool and clever video while being quarantined and while social distancing?’ It was not a typical scenario. There were only a few of us allowed on set and everyone had to have masks on but it really came together when we decided to use an old 8mm camera and to project the scenes of the band playing on the wall behind me. Our director Kyle Cogan and his team at Simian Design really helped conceptualize this and bring it all to life.”

Next up we’re going to have a change of pace for it in the form of Brutus. the track is taken from the bands brand new live record ‘Live In Ghent’ out on 23rd October through Hassle Records.

Capturing this incendiary outfit in their hometown of Ghent in front of 750 of their most die hard fans at this special, sold out show, is seen by the band as a way to balance out the fact a year of touring has been taken away from them  and all musicians. 

On the release for the video of ‘All Along’, the band say:

‘We released All Along on November 21, 2016. It was the first song of our debut album BURST, which came out early 2017. Back then, we had absolutely no idea about what would happen. We had no big plan, not even big dreams. We had played a hundred shows mostly in Belgium, when all of a sudden there was this warm independent label called Hassle Records and some guys called Wez and Mease who wanted to release our first album BURST. All Along was the first song out. Our world changed. 2018 and 2019 were all about touring all over Europe and even the USA and writing NEST. We had to strip down day jobs and cut in on family life to follow this rising dream. We’ve learned that our music touches a lot of people and we are truly honoured by that. All Along is definitely the song that got everything rolling. That’s why All Along will always be a special song to us. Hope you’ll love this live version as much as we do.’

Moving to Melbourne, Australia for the next choice in the roundup we have the hard hitting Alpha Wolf. They’re a band who don’t shy away from the darker parts of the human soul and with their latest single, ‘Restricted (R18+)’, vocalist Lochie Keogh stared as deeply into the void as he could, to face the monster inside us all.

He commented: “Restricted is about selfishly bearing the burden and weight of something terrible that’s happened to someone you love. While you struggle with feelings of helplessness and the inability to protect those you care about, your mind wanders and fixates on exacting revenge so brutal and heinous that you can no longer differentiate between the monsters out there, and the one inside yourself.”

Guitarist Scott Simpson dove deeper into the formation of this track and that moment where everything just clicked. “The main ideas for this song were started when Mitch came down for a writing session in my studio. We knew we wanted to push the boundaries of how heavy we could take Alpha Wolf. As it came together musically we knew it was heading in that direction, but as soon the vocals were added onto the track it just went to that next level, and fast became a favourite of everyone in the band.”

‘Restricted (R18+)’ marks the fourth single off Alpha Wolf’s upcoming sophomore album ‘a quiet place to die’ which will be released via Greyscale Records / Sharptone Records on September 25th.

We’re headed to Brazil for the heavy giants Sepultura with a cut off their latest full length record, ‘Quadra’.

The environmentally conscious video was created in collaboration Amazon Frontlines, a non-profit organisation based in the Upper Amazon that leverages technology, legal advocacy, and movement building to support indigenous peoples to defend their rights to land, life, and cultural survival in the Amazon Rainforest.

Keeping the metal alive with Pallbearer as out next choice in a video to accompany ‘The Quicksand Of Existing’, which is off their upcoming record, ‘Forgotten Days’.

On the release, Joseph Rowland (Bass) says:

“As we strive to be, the forces of entropy perpetually pull us down into a state of being unmade. The body degrades; the mind and memories fray into unwoven threads, no longer connected to the rich fabric of the self. Choices made upon our separate and conjoined paths may find us engulfed in a mire of our unmaking. I wanted this song to face this reality with a grim determination.”

Fit For A King have released their utterly devastating new record via Solid State. Check it out because devastating is the right word for it.

Off the record, ‘The Path’ is an amazing track off the record and it is one track that makes the band what they are.

Next up is one of the best British kings of rock. Jamie Lenman in fact as it’s the latest look into his mini record, ‘King Of Clubs’ which dropped today.

“‘Like Me Better’ was one of the tracks I added to the album when I decided I wanted to make something with a bit more depth than an EP. I had to go against my instincts and trust the strength of the song in order to not fuss it up or make it more complex than it needed to be – just three chords and a slow beat. I ended up whacking a big riff at the end of it cos I love big riffs but otherwise it’s a very simple tune, and probably better for it.

Lyrically it’s about things that repulse you at first but later you come to appreciate. This could apply to food or music or anything that provokes a strong reaction but in this instance it’s definitely about people and physical attraction. When people talk about having a secret crush, it’s usually about someone who looks a bit odd but nevertheless has a certain something about them. The whole record is about complex, contradictory and potentially uncomfortable feelings so it fits right in.”

California’s on our radar next for Touché Amoré and the follow on from their July single ‘Limelight’. ‘Lament’ is the title track off their upcoming record, set to be released on October 9th 2020 via Epitaph Records.

Oh we forgot to mention, Manchester Orchestra’s frontman Andy Hull has a guest appearance as well!

And for the penultimate choice of the roundup, following on from the release of ‘No Good Left to Give’, Californian stars Movements have a video for ‘Santiago Peak’ which I know isn’t a music video technically but the visual style is one that needs to be watched right now.

Lastly we had to go British for the sheer passion this video gives. You Me At Six are well and truly back in the spotlight now with their upcoming record, ‘Suckpunch’ just been announced and their latest single ‘Beautiful Way’ finds the band breaking ground into something which is a little different but all the same amazing to hear.

And that’s it for another week of a countdown of the best singles out in the world in the last week. Be sure to check back next-time for another round of great music videos. If you have any suggestions for me to check out, be sure to send an email or message us via the socials on Facebook or Twitter!

New Music Video Roundup 14/08/20

First up this week is the larger than life vocalist of Paramore, Hayley Williams. Her video for ‘Pure Love’ is a track which is off her recently released solo record, ‘Petals For Armor’.

With all of her touring plans being thrown to the side, the video for the track has been compiled with the help of the muiscians fans from live footage from her shows over the years.

Last week Stand Atlantic released their stellar new record, ‘Pink Elephant’ via Hopeless Records right out into the world. But before the record dropped, they had the final instalment of their music videos to release in the form of ‘Blurry’ which features dizzying and claustrophobic vibes all around. Enjoy!

Ahead of the release of another Aussie bands record, ‘Glass Ocean’ have a taste of what’s to come on August 21st 2020 with their latest single, ‘Almaida’.

On the track, Tobias Atkins (Vocals) says:

v“Lost in malevolence and spite, sometimes we have travelled too far down a dark road for the light to turn us back. Sometimes, a taste of our own medicine is enough to wake us from the living dead into life. A taste of where our ideals could take us if we dare travel any further down this road. Feeding monsters make them grow until they’re all that’s left. It feels like nothing can turn you back at this point. Still, making friends with the dark will help you understand it. How it dwells inside you, feeds on your fear and insecurity. But it does not have to control you.”

For In Hearts Wake, their latest track ‘Moving On’ celebrates letting go of that which no longer serves us. The song and its video are a celebration of transformation and getting back to what really matters. As we regrow our roots, we remember our way forward. 
 
Like many songs from the album, it is a track of ruthless self-examination. Probing personal and transpersonal insights into the human condition, searching for what helps or hinders the way forward.
 
Just like many in the music industry, In Hearts Wake have faced their own challenges during recent times, as they’ve prepared for KALIYUGA’s release with members living in different locations and being isolated from one another. 

“In 2020 everything has felt quite uncertain. So, for us, ‘Moving On’ encapsulates the light at the end of the tunnel. It dawns the release of our new record ‘Kaliyuga’ and we are thrilled to finally share it with the world!” says frontman Jake Taylor.

Heading for some new metalcore music, Misery Signals ‘Ultraviolet’ have shared the video for their new release in ‘Sunlifter’ which is out now with Basick Records.

“There is a lot of playing back and forth between the drums and the strings. There is a rhythm theme throughout the whole song, and when it disappears from the guitars, my brother keeps it pulsing on the kick drum. He’s such an impressive drummer on a technical level and obviously he has great moments of flash, but I don’t know if people realize the amount of deep writing Branden is doing. I think a lot of people miss layers of details he’s putting in. It’s one of my favorite things about the band, and ‘Sunlifter’ is a great example of it. There are fully formed riffs on the drums, it’s like the drumming for the song could stand alone as its own complete song.”

Now, to coincide with the release of their upcoming fourth record, ‘To Better Days’, the Sacramento R&BCore band Slaves have released ‘Cursed’.

Following a period of time where they’ve been inactive, the metalcore quintet Conquer Divide have released ‘Chemicals’ into the world.

The comeback track premiered over on Revolver where Kristen Sturgis (Guitar) says:

“‘Chemicals’ is about addiction from the perspective of an artist. More often than not, addiction can get swept under the rug or is almost encouraged in some circumstances by the people who are the closest to the the person who is addicted. Sometimes, being on the road can be the absolute worst place for an artist struggling with addiction, yet they are encouraged to keep going. Those around them don’t always see or read the signs and we end up losing so many talented musicians to overdoses or mental health issues that frequently accompany addiction. This happens everywhere, from rock and metal music to the highest echelons of pop. This song talks about how you can turn a blind eye, but at the end of the day, that makes you part of the problem.”

Earlier this week, Like Moths To Flames announced the details surrounding their upcoming release of ‘No Eternity In Gold’ which is set to be released on October 30th 2020.

This is the first music to be released off the record. Check out ‘Habitual Decline’ below.

The release of Fit For A King’s upcoming record is getting closer and closer. ‘The Path’ is going to be a phenomenal record by the look of the new track, ‘Locked (In My Head)’.

It’s a track and video which flexes their muscles a little with the word anthemic coming to mind where the riffs you can imagine straight from a live show.

Frontman Ryan Kirby says:

“While Locked may seem a little out of place on an album based on victory and overcoming life’s challenges, it’s a song about understanding that all the mental things we fight through can only be defeated by our own will and perseverance,” front man Ryan Kirby shares. “Along the road, we will get help, whether from God or others, but at the end of it all, it’s a war that YOU must fight, and YOU must win.”

And lastly we have the Grammy award winning Halestorm. Following the release of the reimagining of their track, ‘Break In’ with guest vocals from Amy Lee of Evanescence, the band have a video for it where Lzzy Hale and Lee perform the track in the studio together.

This will feature on their ‘Reimagined’ EP, which will release next week.

New Tracks Roundup 05/06/20

Hello everyone and welcome back! It’s time for another week of the best new tracks that have recently been released, all in good order of epicness. I do apologise this is coming a few hours late in the day, there’s been a few things I’ve been pre-occupied with this week. There’s also going to be no Music Video Roundup post this week just as a change. Don’t forget, this post covers a range of genres so there’s a little something for everyone!

The first band up this week are the infectious Chapel.

This track follows on from their track ‘Friends’ from last year and this one, ‘Mushy Gushy’ is an ode to the feeling in your stomach when you look at someone you love.

We’re heading off to Poland for the masters of metal Bohemoth. This is off their brand new EP ‘A Forest’ which dropped today via Nuclear Blast Records.

On the track, ‘Evoe’, Nergal (Guitar / Vocals) has said:

“‘Evoe’ and ‘Shadows Ov Ea Cast Upon Golgotha’ are two brand-new, unheard songs that continue on from where ‘I Loved You At Your Darkest’ left off. We’re fortunate enough to have had more than enough music for the record which afforded us this transitional EP release as we move towards our new offerings. These songs may be b-sides but they’re really strong and fresh! At the very least, we hope it gives you Legions something to distract yourself from the monotony of our collective situation. Enjoy!”

To the states for the next choice in this weeks New Tracks post! Keeping things heavy for the metalcore outfit Attila who have a new single out in the form of their latest single, ‘Cancelled’.

This is the first material since the release of last years’ ‘Villain’.

How about some newcomers to the scene? We have the glorious Forlorn who’ve recently inked a deal with Silent Cut. This is the debut release as part of the label and the first tracks since they introduced themselves to everyone in the world.

Now we’re at the final track of the week!

This is a team up of two massive bands where each of the bands haev released a version of one of their tracks with the other band’s vocalists delivering the lyrics. The two bands in question for this are We Came As Romans and Fit For A King.

This means we have Ryan Kirby on vocals for this one!

And that’s it for another week of a countdown of the best singles out in the world in the last week. Be sure to check back next week for another round of great singles. If you have any suggestions for me to check out, be sure to send an email or message us via the socials on Facebook or Twitter!

Three Bands Robbed.

It’s always a sad time when a band’s gear is stolen. Sadly that’s what’s happened to Fit For A King, The Browning and Malignancy.

Firstly Fit For A King have had $10,000 worth of equipment stolen on the penultimate day before they head out on a tour!

They wrote, “Today, the day before we leave for tour, we went to our trailer to find all our guitars, basses, and an amp had been stolen,”.

No shows will be cancelled, but if you are interested in helping replace what has been stolen, snag some merch from our store so you can have a token for your generosity.

Thank you all.”

Here;s the full Statement from their Facebook page.

 

In Italy, The Browning have had “everything” stolen in Italy.

Here’s what they’ve said about it.

“We were robbed in Italy,” they explained. We are forced to cancel the rest of our tour as everyone in our party lost everything including essential equipment to play a show. We have also lost our work computers and irreplaceable files for The Browning.”

“We have set up a Gofundme and appreciate any support anyone is willing to put forth.”

Since making that appeal to their fan, they’ve raised more than $10,000 for them.

“$10,090. Wow!”, the band wrote. “The love and support in this community is the reason we still do this. I never would have thought a fun music project I started would ever have this much support.”

“Over the years there have been multiple members of this band that have put ALOT into turning the browning into what it is today. But along the way, I realized this journey is not about the people in the band, it’s about what the music gives to the fans. Across the planet I have seen people with tattoos of lyrics, people say the music helped them through a hard time, some people have cried when talking to me. Well I’m right there with the fans. This music, has made me the man I am today, I get chills when I scream some of these words for you.”

“I have the words RESPECT, STRENGTH, and LOYALTY tattooed on my body. I RESPECT the people that have supported this. We will have the STRENGTH to pass any obstacle, no matter how hard. We will be LOYAL to the community forever. I have had doubts about my life throughout the years, but you guys always remind me of why I’m on this planet.”

“We will be reaching out to everyone that donated soon as we have an idea of how we can show our appreciation. Thank you everyone who helped spread the word as well. I cannot say thank you enough.”

“Sorry to anyone that was waiting to donate but $10,000 is the estimated value of what we lost. We stopped the ability to donate as we were doing this to just get back what we lost.”

They’ve also posted a video.

Here’s another Facebook post from the band.

 

Also, Mike Heller, the drummer for the death metal band Malignancy were robbed as well while in the Netherlands.

Here’s his statement.

“I can’t believe that I am actually typing these words into my phone right now,” he wrote. “Last night was the first show of the Malignancy European tour… we are sharing a bus with four other bands, and during our set at De Flux in Zaandam Netherlands, someone broke into the bus and stole two other people’s laptops, someone’s GoPro, and also, my backpack with my entire life inside of it.”

“Since this was the first night of the tour, and before we had been in the bus for more than just a few hours, I didn’t even get a chance to separate my stuff like I normally would… so someone ran away with my brand new iPad, my brand new Kindle, my two backup hard drives, all of my medication, my iPod, my contact lenses, two sets of headphones, all of my chargers, and most importantly, my MacBook Pro with all of my Pro Tools files, and all of my video files on it. Someone stole the most important thing in my life, aside from my girlfriend, my dog, and my family.”

“I have my entire life on that laptop. It is my recording studio… All of the albums I have recorded in the last five years, all of the demos I made, all of the drum videos that I haven’t released yet, and all of the session work I was in the process of sending out to clients. Stuff that I could never ever possibly replace.”

“The police said that there is very little chance that I will ever recover any of this… but if anyone in Holland has any information whatsoever, I would appreciate it more than I am able to put into words at this time. I broke down in front of the entire tour package last night, and tears are hitting my phone as I am trying type this right now. I have absolutely no way to replace this stuff, and nowhere even remotely close to enough money to even cover five percent of what was taken from me. I feel unbelievably stupid, I feel completely heartbroken, I feel completely violated, and I feel completely lost….”

A gofundme page for Mike has been set up and here’s the link.

I absolutely hate it when this happens to hard working bands because, in reality, they have very little. They’re not multi-million record artists when the reality is they’re stretching their last penny or dime or cent so they can afford to go on these tours. The people who steal their equipment are cowards who wouldn’t know a day of hard work in their lives.

I just hope all their equipment can be replaced. My thoughts are with the artists affected as I know what it’s like to be a victim of theft.