Progressive alternative quintet Hail The Sun released their new single and video “Mind Rider” on Equal Vision Records.
Their new single is their first release since critically acclaimed 2021 album New Age Filth. The band will be joining fellow luminaries The Sounds of Animals Fighting on a month long North American tour starting on Friday, January 6th.
“Mind Rider” is a musical tour de force that demonstrates the bands ability to mesh virtuosic playing with memorable songwriting. Swirling guitars and angular drumming provide a perfect backdrop for Melero’s soaring vocals, supported by a driving rhythm and lush production. Angular guitar and bass riffs weave in and out of one another with an impressive technicality that doesn’t distract from the deeply melodic quality of the song. Hail The Sun has always been a band known for their relentless sonic exploration, and their new song shows just how committed they are to the journey. You can stream “Mind Rider” here.
The band has this to say about the message of their new song:
“Temptation is all around us and can be magnified at various points of our life. Why does it feel so good to give into it, even when we know we shouldn’t? Not sure it is ever worth it, but we live and learn based on our individual moral compasses.”
Being As An Ocean have revealed that they are bringing their ‘Dear G-d’ ten-year anniversary celebrations to the UK and Europe later this year.
And they will be bringing along some special guests.
Acres & Hail The Sun will be the support on the UK touring dates.
Check out the touring dates below.
DECEMBER 2022 06 – CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach 07 – GLASGOW Cathouse 08 – BIRMINGHAM Mama Roux 09 – LEEDS Key Club 10 – LONDON Underwolrd 11 – MANCHESTER Club Academy
Hail The Sun and Nova Charisma vocalist Donovan Melero released his new album Chelsea Park After Dark onEqual Vision Records.
In September of 2020, an impromptu call to Joe Occhiuti (a partner of Donovan’s at Kill Iconic Records and bass player for Ice Nine Kills) and Allen Casillas (Kill Iconic recording artist and touring drummer of Hail The Sun,) led the trio to Long Island, where they holed up at the famed Vudu Studios with producer Mike Watts for a week. Writing a solo album for the first time, Donovan assembled the trio in an effort to explore new avenues musically and challenge his songwriting. What emerged from that session is what you’ll experience with this new body of work. Musically eclectic, the album guides you through Donovan’s personal experience of loss, regret, acceptance, healing, and hope.
Focus track “Toxin” is a synth drenched, swirling song that highlights Melero’s unique approach to indie-pop songwriting. A subdued electronic beat and sparse harmonic texturing support and highlight his powerful lyrics before the crescendo of the song hits with a massive final chorus. Chunky guitars juxtapose against the lilting rhythm of the tune and emphasize one of the grittiest and most emotive vocal performances of the album. Fans of his earlier work will recognize Melero’s singular vocal style, but will be surprised at just how dynamic his voice is within this new musical context. You can listen to “Toxin” and stream Chelsea Park After Dark in full herehere.
Melero had this to say about the creative impetus of “Toxin”:
“I feel like I’m playing a character in this song. I mean what I say, but it’s something that didn’t fully represent a current situation I was in. But more so put into motion something I felt for the future mixed with the experiences I had already lived.”
Chelsea Park After Dark is available now from Equal Vision Records.
Hail The Sun and Nova Charisma vocalist Donovan Melero has dropped his new single “Neon Ocean”, which will appear on his upcoming album Chelsea Park After Dark due out April 22nd, 2022 on Equal Vision Records.
“Neon Ocean” is a synth drenched, swirling song that highlights Melero’s unique approach to indie-pop songwriting. A subdued electronic beat and sparse harmonic texturing support and highlight his powerful vocals before the crescendo of the song hits with a massive final chorus.
Melero had this to say about the creative core of his new song:
“Joe started slamming these chords on a piano over and over with a very steady yet intentional heartbeat. It felt very anthemic. So I catered to that vibe lyrically, giving the sense that I know I will always be able to pave my own path doing the things that I love if I want to.”
Chelsea Park After Dark will be available on April 22nd from Equal Vision Records. You can preorder vinyl and merch via the following link.
Hail The Sun and Nova Charisma vocalist Donovan Melero has dropped his new single “Hated Seeing You Cry”, which will appear on the upcoming album Chelsea Park After Dark due out April 22nd, 2022 on Equal Vision Records.
“Hated Seeing You Cry” is a synth drenched earworm of a single that highlights Melero’s unique approach to indie-pop songwriting. Swirling guitars and angular drumming provide a perfect backdrop for his soaring vocals, with layers of electronics and keyboard adding sonic texture to the track. Fans of his earlier work will instantly recognize Melero’s ubiquitous melodic presence, but will be surprised at just how dynamic his voice is within this new musical context. The official music video lends a compelling visual narrative to the track.
Melero had the following to say about the impetus behind his new album:
“’Chelsea Park After Dark’ is my way of dealing with large changes in my life that started summer of 2020, during the pandemic. Amidst a loss of a normal lifestyle, I flew overseas overnight to try to keep something I thought I needed. After being overseas for only 3 days I saw the writing on the wall and went to start recovering in Essex, MA with family. It was here I started to feel the familiar pulse of inspiration that I knew I needed to capture in real time. My good friends Joe Occhiuti and Allen Casillas joined me in Port Jefferson, NY at Vudu Studios with Mike Watts to start the process that would be this album.”
Chelsea Park After Dark will be available on April 22nd from Equal Vision Records. You can preorder vinyl and merch here.
Hail The Sun has shared “Made Your Mark”, the third single from their upcoming album New Age Filth, out April 16th on Equal Vision Records. The song shows a softer, yet familiar side of the band, floating through dreamy melodies before kicking into the memorable chorus driven by guitars and an emotional vocal delivery.
Speaking on the story behind the track, vocalist/drummer Donovan Melero puts it best stating: “Lyrically, this song was written to outlive the relationship that it was written about. I wanted the words to hold true, no matter what the outcome, because of how strong of an emotion we felt towards each other. The chorus sums this up. ‘Wherever you end up, know that you’ve made your mark. I’m forever lost…forever caught by your moment on earth.’”
“Made Your Mark” follows previous singles “Domino” and “Parasitic Cleanse” giving a taste of the expansive and genre-bending sounds found across New Age Filth. Having already sold through seven vinyl variants well before the release date, the album is set to be a milestone release for Hail The Sun. You can watch the video for “Made Your Mark” below and pre-order the record at newagefilth.com.
Chico, CA genre-benders Hail The Sun are back with new single “Parasitic Cleanse” and accompanying music video out today via Equal Vision Records. The song marks the second preview from their upcoming Kris Crummett produced album, New Age Filth, out April 16th. “Parasitic Cleanse” is an expressive blast of energy, winding through rapid guitar lines and bombarding drums. Donovan Melero gives a serious vocal attack right off the bat, perfecting his mix of screaming and singing akin to greats like Daryl Palumbo (Glassjaw) and Keith Buckley (Every Time I Die). You can watch the video for “Parasitic Cleanse”
Frontman Donovan Melero had this to say about the track.
“Humans have been so terrible to each other throughout history. One way this is justified is by one side feeling that the other side aren’t really human. If the attacking party can convince its followers that their enemy is less than human, it becomes easier to do horrific things as a larger group. The first atom bomb came with unthinkable carnage, but it was sold to the public as necessary, and the after effects hidden from the general population for many years.”
Check out ‘Parasitic Cleanse’ below.
‘New Age Filth’, the bands upcoming fifth record is set to be released on April 16th 2021 via Rude Records (UK / EU) / Equal Vision Records.
Pre-orders for the record can be made via the band’s webstore.
Equal Vision Records band Hail The Sun have announced their highly-anticipated fifth full-length album New Age Filth, set for release on April 16th. To celebrate the announcement, the band has shared the passionate first single “Domino”, alongside an accompanying video. New Age Filth marks the band’s most ambitious material to date, recorded over five weeks with producer Kris Crummett (A Lot Like Birds, Nova Charisma, Dance Gavin Dance). The energy and thought the band put into the release is apparent on “Domino”, as they shine their technical prowess with instruments dancing over one another as vocalist Donovan Melero belts out his signature vocals. Lyrically, the track centers around reflection of self and how past actions can affect others. You can watch the music video for “Domino” here and stream the track here.
On writing “Domino” Melero stated:
“Reflecting is important. What we might discover in reflection can be a hard pill to swallow. I’m only as big as my weakest character flaw. I’m told that I talk a lot in my sleep, and these are the things I think I say.”
When Hail The Sun entered the studio to record what would become New Age Filth, they knew they were setting out to make their most collaborative and diverse album yet. The band, consisting of Donovan Melero (vocals/drums), Aric Garcia (guitar), John Stirrat (bass) and Shane Gann (guitar), spent a month living in an apartment attached to producer Kris Crummett’s studio which provided a much different experience from the creation of prior albums. The result is ten songs that find the band pushing their creative boundaries in every way. They’re heavier and poppier at the same time, proving their ability to be extremely technical in instrumentation while also unleashing some of the catchiest hooks they’ve ever created. The influence from genre-melding predecessors like Coheed and Cambria, At The Drive-In, and even Yes is apparent, but the sound is still very much a natural evolution from Hail The Sun’s past work.
The shifting musical compositions on New Age Filth perfectly accompany the emotive lyrical outpour found across the album. Continuing along the theme of reflection, Melero weaves through painful and emotional experiences of love, cynicism, and touches on how awful humans can be to one another. Set for release on April 16th, New Age Filth is sure to appease Hail The Sun’s powerful fanbase, who have been clamoring for more from the band since the release of 2018’s Mental Knife, and newcomers alike. The album is available for pre-order now at newagefilth.com.
The Cover Art, Tracklisting, Stream of the new single ‘Domino’ and Pre- Order options are available to view below.
1. Domino 2. Slander 3. Solipsism 4. Misfire 5. Made Your Mark 6. Slipped My Mind 7. Parasitic Cleanse 8. Hysteriantics 9. Devaluation 10. Punch Drunk
New Age Filth is available to Pre-Order via Hail The Sun’s Myshopify store.
Today, Hail The Sun shared the final two tracks in their Reimagined series, “Falling on Deaf Ears” and “Secret Wars”. The band shines a new light on each track, taking these heavily technical songs and turning them into beautiful acoustic arrangements. Working with producer Allen Casillas (VIS) on Reimagined, the project first came to fruition through the band’s Patreon. You can stream the full Reimagined series here now.
Hail The Sun have been keeping busy throughout 2020, spending most of their time working on the follow-up to 2018’s critically-acclaimed Mental Knife, set for release next year on Equal Vision Records. On the upcoming material, the band promises a larger sound that blurs genre lines as well as some of their most personal lyrical content to date. Fans should stay tuned as 2021 is set to be another big year for Hail The Sun.
Speaking on Reimagined, guitarist Shane Gann stated:
Both songs center around debatable topics; “Falling on Deaf Ears” is about questioning religion, whereas “Secret Wars” is about questioning those in positions of power, namely those who hold office. Each song is extremely close to our hearts, since as a band, we believe in taking nothing at face value. While we are in no way anti-religion or anti-government, we are also not comfortable accepting all that we are told, and considering how much goes on behind closed doors, and how much abuse of power has taken place throughout history, we like to promote a message of healthy skepticism.
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 this week we have the Australian outfit Bad/Love who recently released their latest single, ‘Social Suicide’ featuring Ken Crossfaith.
Social Suicide is a retort on how media influences society in an age where people are experiencing life through their phones.
“Young women are chasing an unachievable photoshop appearance in order to feel accepted while boys are taught that they must not show emotion and should mistreat others to feel important.” says Landon Kirk. He continues “Social media & marketing influences every step we take and we march blindly without free thought. We are losing what makes us human and are trading it in for a cheap artificial quick fix. Social Suicide is an anthem to make people aware of the affect technology, media and social influence is having on the human condition and to be reminded to step away and find free thought once more.”
“This song is a critical message to the generation of Social media. I’ve been doubting whether it is really important for our lives. It is helpful BUT I also think that we shouldn’t be addicted to social media platforms because sometimes it’s wasting our time. I’d rather face myself and get self evolution than become a slave of Social media. Conservation or Revolution, go pick one!” Ken Crossfaith
Now do you remember Palaye Royale’s track ‘Tonight Is The Night I Die’? It was a standout track on the record and we’ve been cautiously awaiting a music video. Now that time has come for a truly epic music video that can only be encapsulate Palaye Royale as the true visionaries they are.
This track is straight off their record, ‘The Bastards’ which is out now via Sumerian Records.
Next we have Equal Vision Records band Hail The Sun shared a new video for their song “Secret Wars.” Originally released on the 2017 EP of the same name, the band decided to create the video as a commentary to the actions and events that have occurred in 2020.
As guitarist Shane Gann explains; “After all that has transpired recently, we can’t help but think of this song, written back in 2017. We are pleased to have created a video for “Secret Wars,” which is all about the influence of those in power and how they keep us unaware.” The lyrical content of the track is just as prevalent now, paralleling the feeling that many are experiencing throughout the world today. Vocalist and drummer Donovan Melero elaborates; “I wrote this from a perspective of an instruction manual on how to control and manipulate the masses for a hidden agenda. I think powerful forces can do powerful things when we don’t know what’s happening.”
We’re heading over to Florida for the band Wage War as they have dropped the video for the song “Surrounded.” The song will appear on the fifth anniversary vinyl edition of the Blueprints, which was the band’s debut record. It was released by Fearless Records on November 27, 2015. Pre-order the anniversary version, which features updated artwork and packaging and is out 4th December.
“Surrounded” is a previously unreleased track from Blueprints. The footage that comprises the video was culled from personal clips from the 212 shows the band played in 13 countries while supporting the record.
“To celebrate the five-year anniversary of its release, we’re excited to put out an unreleased track from our debut album Blueprints,” shares Wage War. “‘Surrounded’ is a song that easily could have made the record, but never found its place. Over the last five years we’ve grown together — as musicians and individuals. The release of ‘Surrounded’ has been a great time to reflect on where our careers started and a chance for some perspective.”
The visual truly captures Wage War in their element — on stage and giving their all while living life on the road and converting those who see them into fans.
Right, now we are in the Bay Area for metal titans Machine Head as they have released a new single “My Hands Are Empty,” today on Nuclear Blast. The song marks the first musical collaboration between MH mastermind Robb Flynn and original “Burn My Eyes” guitarist Logan Mader in 24 years.
From the haunting opening vocal, the classical drums, the melancholy guitar line, the listener knows they are in for something epic. The sky gets a little darker, the goosebumps start to prickle the skin, ears search to hear what comes next. By the time the verse kicks in, the heaviness overtakes. “MISERY, cover me in waves, the heartache is slowly, withering, I become her slave”
And so begins a song of depression and opioid addiction, by Machine Head.
Guitarist/vocalist Robb Flynn begins, “I have some family members who have beaten their opioid addiction, and have some still in the throes of addiction. It is painful to watch, and I deal with it with great difficulty. It is a song of sadness, but there is hope as well. I have beaten my own drug addictions and we can fight through this, together, and share our pain with the world.”
He continues, “Musically I wanted to go for a bit of a “Through The Ashes Of Empires” vibe, and it had a grandiose vibe from the beginning, something about that vocal melody haunted me day and night. I sent it off to one of our collaborators Joel Wanasek, and he came back with a whole depth and dimension with strings and keys that really made the song come alive. I added the guitar harmony in the chorus soon after and I knew we were on to something special.
On the recent “Burn My Eyes 25th Anniversary Tour” I mentioned to Logan about needing a riff or two for a new song, he was excited to collaborate, I sent him the song and the next day he sent me back the heavy riff in the bridge and I was floored. It fit perfectly, and felt really cool to be writing together 24 years later. Jared came up with the rhythm under the lead section and the song really locked into place.”
Guitarist Logan Mader adds, “During pre-pro for the BME anniversary tour last year, I had a special opportunity to collaborate with Machine Head for the first time in over 20 years.
This is a big milestone for me, to circle back on a massive orbit around life and end up doing new music with MH is epic and unexpected. The song, “My Hands Are Empty” was almost completed but needed a riff or two. Robb sent it to me, so I jumped in and added a section which ended up in the master after some arrangement tweaks by Robb. The song is amazing. It was a great feeling to be in the studio with Robb after all these years and I hope to do it again!”
The earth-pounding drums were performed by Navene Koperweis (Whitechapel, Animals As Leaders) who performed on the track “Circle The Drain” (released in February) and the song feature trading vocals in the chorus between lead singer Flynn and bassist Jared MacEachern for a truly dynamic feeling musical piece.
Heading back to British waters for the the metalcore outfit Oceans Ate Alaska have debuted a new song called ‘Metamorph’, the band’s first offering of new material since their 2017 LP, ‘Hikari’.
“As the original lineup for Oceans Ate Alaska, we are hugely proud to announce our brand new single Metamorph,” the band says. “Time plays a key factor in growth. We as musicians have let this sink in over the past few years and expanded upon our influences and ideas. But the space we’ve had between us has brought a new creativity to the mix. Everything feels new, almost undiscovered. Prepare for a new era of music.”
The track also sees the return of original frontman, James Harrison, who left the band back in 2016. He was replaced by Jake Noakes (ex-Faultlines, ex-Laguna Sunrise), who has now stepped down to focus on his work as a tattoo artist.
Moving on in this weeks Music Video Roundup, the LA metal giants In This Moment have a special release in the form of‘As Above, So Below’, a track taken from their recently released seventh album, ‘Mother’.
“It’s a new level,” she said. “It’s empowering. It makes you want to hold your head high. I have guest singers. We’re covering a song. It is fire. It’s very powerful. And it’s such an honor to come together with these beautiful, powerful, talented, diverse people.”
Now, In This Moment are showing another side to their new music with the powerful video for “As Above, So Below.” Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the band had to approach this project a little differently. Directed by Brink, the “As Above, So Below” video features numerous captivating visuals and even portrays the In This Moment members as puppets.
“We are so excited to show the world the magic we created with handsomedevilspuppets and Jeremy Saffer,” Brink says. “It was a challenging time to bring a music video together with everything that’s been going on, so we had to get creative. We are so thrilled with the outcome and that we had to push ourselves out of our box to manifest this video. We feel grateful to collaborate with other artists and to be able to bring ‘As Above So Below’ to life for all of you. Enjoy.”
Ukraine’s busiest groove metal machine Jinjer are back with their brand new single “Retrospection (Live)”, taken from their upcoming live album: Alive In Melbourne, which will be released on November 20, 2020 via Napalm Records. The live album and subsequent videos were filmed on March 5th this year during their debut Australian tour with the pandemic hot on the heels of their Macro World Tour, which would sadly, along with the rest of the musical landscape come to a screeching halt a week after the Melbourne set was captured for on film. Still, with JINJER’s sheer will, drive, determination and never give up attitude they were able to turn the madness of this year into a positive.
Bassist Eugene Abdukhanov comments: It‘s still pretty incredible that 4 Ukrainians travelled 14,770 km just to sing in their native language … to the welcoming ears, eyes and open arms of Melbourne. This night will forever be burned in our hearts and the beat of “Retrospection” fit that night like never before. Shows like this should happen each time we perform and we cannot wait to get back on tour to make sure that happens every night. Until then just enjoy this moment in time called Alive In Melbourne“
Despite the Global Pandemic, JINJER have managed to stay busier than before and besides releasing their debut live album, they toured Germany and Switzerland in September becoming the first non-European band to tour across borders during the age of Covid-19 and they are also currently filming videos for all remaining tracks on their previously released album Macro.
Things are looking great for JINJER right now.
Penultimate video for this week’s roundup and a left field choice is the Alt-Pop superstar Billie Eilish with her latest release, ‘Therefore I Am’.
The track comes with an official music video also directed by the 18-year-old, five-time Grammy winner, and was shot in a deserted Glendale Galleria shopping mall, a familiar stomping ground for Eilish during her early teen years.
You can check out her self-directed video for ‘Therefore I Am’ below.
And the last choice for this week had to be this band. They’re Post-Hardcore, they’re Welsh and they’re back with their latest effort in ‘Monsters’, Dream State’s first new music drop since the release of 2019’s PrimrosePath.
Produced by long term collaborator Dan Weller (Bury Tomorrow, Enter Shikari) the new single is the first chapter for the band. Currently recording a new EP due for release in the first half of next year, the band will also head out on the road for their rescheduled UK tour supporting I Prevail and slots on both Slam Dunk and 2000trees festivals.
Speaking on the new song, CJ Gilpin (Vocals) says, “Monsters is an expression of the inner goddess in me and is about the acceptance of my messy, chaotic energy; the owning and surrendering to who & what I am. It’s an awakening and I am saying, ‘I am okay with who I am and I will not be misled anymore’. It has taken lifetimes to get here.”
They’ve also released a video for ‘Monsters’, which you can check out below.
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!
Hey everyone, Apologies for not putting out a new post of music videos last week, I’ve been at some job interviews in the last week so time has gotten away from me.
But now, here’s another edition of the Music Video Posts. First up are Glassjaw who have dropped a video for their track, ‘My Conscience Weighs A Ton.’
Next up are Fangclub, a personal favourite band of mine. After the release of ‘True Love’ in June, they have dropped a video for ‘High’ with some amazing visual effects.
Now, coming off with a personal message of a period of We are in a period of instability, adversity, and change… but also it’s a time for hope and possibility… As Espace The Fate put it, there is the video for I Am Human.
Now, with some Airplay and some videos under their belt, Somerset group Pretty Little Enemy have a new single and a new video in the form of ‘Never Say Goodbye.’
Moving to TheCityIsOurs, this video is centred around the theme of loss and death, in their video for ‘Veins’.
Ever wanted to see what touring life is like for a band who wear Wolves on their heads? Well that’s what the point of this video is in Man With A Mission’s video for ‘Hey Now’.
I’ve been waiting to hear something from this group for a while. Now, this is building up a release from their new record, ‘Mental Knife’ but post-hardcore’s Hail The Sun is a bit arty and more or less sticks to the stop-motion technique in their video for ‘The Stranger In Our Pictures’.
Now let’s go to Canada. Melodic hardcore fave’s Counterparts will be releasing a new EP called ‘Private Room’ and they’ve just dropped the video for ‘Selfishly I Sink’. It’s a B-Side from ‘You’re Not You Anymore’ but now I’m generally excited to see more unreleased music see the light of day.
And the penultimate video. something politically charged? Check. Confronting historical injustice? Check. That’s exact;y what The Fever 333 tackle in their video for Made An America. On the video, Jason Butler has said: This video was an attempt to offer representation to gravely underrepresented, and ironically prevalent, faction in both music and society. This is an acknowledgment of those whose bodies were exploited in the name of power. The beautiful bodies and souls that have been taken from time and time again to serve the interests of someone else with no regard for their own existence or advancement.
And lastly, last week Bring Me The Horizon dropped the first song off their new era. Now I’m not saying we should be starting or joining any cults but Oli Skyes and co do want me to follow their music more closely. Check out the video for their single, Mantra below.
And that’s it for another week of the best recent music videos. Be sure to check back next week for another round of the ten of the best.
Almost Anything Music 