Slaves (US) Announce UK Tour For October 2021

US quintet Slaves have announced a UK tour ahead in addition to their EU headlining run this October in promotion of their latest full length record, ‘To Better Days’.

Acres and Siamese will act as their support on the run of shows.

Check out the touring dates for the UK below.

October 2021

26th – Mama Roux’s, Birmingham

27th – The Underworld, London

28th – Cathouse, Glasgow

29th – Rebellion, Manchester

30th – The Key Club, Leeds

31st – The Exchange, Birstol

1st November 2021 – The Joiners, Southampton

Tickets are on sale now and are available to be purchased via avocadobooking.com

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 Music Video Roundup 03/07/20

First off I do apologise again that there was no music video roundup or new music roundup post last week. As stated in the New Music post, my store had come out of lockdown and due to the hours I was taking up, there was very little time which I could contribute to the blog last week.

Now, moving onto this weeks roundup of ten of the best recently released music videos and sometimes a little information that comes with them! 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 (videos)!

First up this weeka re the British starrs Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes with a previously unreleased track which has not seen the light of day for over half a decade!

It was originally recorded for their 2015 record, ‘Blossom’ but never made the cut for the release. But, to celebrate the anniversary, they’re re re- releasing the record as an extended deluxe edition, including the new track in it’s listing.

Keeping things British for at least this track is the emo quintet Creeper where they have an animated video for the track, ‘Be My End’. This is off their upcoming record ‘Sex, Death & The Intimate Void’, which is set to be released next month.

Will Gould (Vocals) says: “‘Be My End’ is the opening song on our new album ‘Sex, Death & The Infinite Void’. Thematically it introduces the ‘apocalyptic romance’ that the album deals in. The music video marks the first time the band have used animation to tell its story. Calvary Falls is realised in its full glory as our narrative hurtles towards its conclusion. This is the band in a way you’ve never seen it before.”

Stepping into Pop-Punk territory where you get a 2 in 1 video because this features some guest vocals from Derek Sanders of Mayday Parade! This is Knuckle Puck whom have a video off their upcoming record, ’20/20′ set for a release date of September 18th 2020 via Rise Records. Check out ‘Breathe’ below.

Compilation Footage ahead! Originally set to have a video of live footage for this Dream State video, the shift had to go to the band asking fans to send in footage of them singing along to the track for ‘Are You Ready To Live?’

This really does work for the video as well, possibly better than any live footage could do.

CJ Gilpin (Vocals) comments on the track:

“We all at some point in our lives hit rock bottom, and the only road from there is one of change – only you can really pick yourself up and find the meanings that fit you. To be a fully whole being, you must first conquer your fears and pain by yourself; this life is the journey of self and no one can live it like you. No one will see it like you. Are you ready to live?'”\

For another latest release, Misery Signals gives the world a taste of what’s to come off their upcoming record, ‘Ultraviolet’ which is set to be release on August 7th 2020 via Basick Records.

Frontman Jesse Zaraka says:

“It is a record that purveys a much greater sense of hope than those that preceded it, and I think that as older individuals this was important from the onset of the process. I tried to create a Misery Signals record that was lyrically more positive than the previous outings, something that I could get behind as a father. Though there still exists a fair amount of tension and darkness, there shines a great amount more light.”

Moving forward in this weeks list, we have Broadside with their most recent track to come out, ‘Heavenly’ which is off their upcoming record, ‘Into The Raging Sea’.

It’s a love filled track which is a change of pace from the darker aspects they’ve been showing lately.

“’Heavenly’ is just a cute song. Sonically, it’s rooted in our old sound…the one that got us to the place where we are today. It’s a love song and an ode to our first single ‘Coffee Talk.’ Underneath the ‘big picture’ I try and paint into my lyrics, I’m still just a romantic to the core.”

Shifting gears to the Post-Hardcore quintet Slaves, they have released a video for ‘Like I Do’, which is the closing track off their upcoming ‘To Better Days’ record. This is set to be released August 5th 2020 via SBG records.

Heading over to Wichita as we move closer to the end of this week’s list is the Post – Hardcore troupe Revisionist, which was initially premiered on Dead Press. ‘Salient Rite’ is the first track to be released since last year’s ‘Culling’ record.

The track was produced by Underoath’s Aaron Gillespie where Joshua Barbee (Guitar) comments:

“‘Salient Rite’ really focuses on the hardships and struggles we as people go through. How much better one becomes as they deal and learn from the situations. How it affects your circle and elevates as a whole.”

Now we enter the ever growing world of Palaye Royale. The track, ‘Anxiety’ is off their recently released, ‘The Bastards’ record via Sumerian Records which follows on where their previous video, ‘Lovely’ left off which is as dramatic, explosive and hard-hitting as you could get. And best of all, Remington directed it!

And for the final music video of this weeks list, we have the ever explosive gods, Lamb Of God. ‘Gears is off their self-titled record, which was released in June.

Mick Morton states:

“The day has finally arrived! We are absolutely thrilled to be releasing our new, self-titled album today. We’re all so proud of this collection of songs and feel like they rival some of our best work. As a band, we have a reawakened energy and a renewed creative spark that is evident in these songs and pulses through the entire album. Everyone involved in this project is beyond anxious for the world to hear it. We hope you enjoy it and we thank you for your support!.”

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!

Slaves Announce New Record, ‘To Better Days’

We’ve been waiting on the news for a while but now, Slaves have announced details on their upcoming record, ‘To Better Days’.

This is the first full length record which will not feature their former frontman and founding member, Jonny Craig whom was replaced with Matt McAndrew early last year.

The record, ‘To Better Days’ is set to be released on August 5th 2020 via SBG Records.

You can check out the cover artwork, full track listing, streaming of previously released material for the record and Pre-Order options below.

  1. To Better Days
  2. Prayers
  3. Witch Hunt
  4. Talk To A Friend
  5. Eye Opener
  6. Bury A Lie
  7. Heavier
  8. Footprints
  9. Cursed
  10. Wasting My Youth
  11. Clean Again
  12. Secrets
  13. Like I Do

Pre-orders are available via the band’s Webstore, Amazon, Itunes and Google Play.

Slaves Remove Jonny Craig From Band

Effective immediately, Slaves frontman Jonny Craig has been removed from the band.

In a lengthy statement posted to social media by Slaves, the band explained the situation and the cancellation of their show tonight Bristol.

Matt McAndrew (of The Voice fame) is stepping in for all remaining dates of the tour.

The full statement can be read below.

“To Whom It May Concern:

It’s with a heavy heart that we announce that Jonny Craig has been removed from the band Slaves.

We all have struggles in our daily life, but for some, those struggles are personally and physically dangerous. It is no secret that Jonny has battled with addiction in his personal life, sometimes those battles are won, and most recently lost. It’s also unfair for a band to rely on someone who just can’t rely on themselves. Addiction is a disease, and we hope Jonny gets the help that he needs. Unfortunately, Jonny chose his addiction over the band a[nd] left them high & dry while checking in for their international flight while he boarded a plane back home.

As a band we’ve worked too hard to stop now. Fans that have been touched by our music, everyone that has enjoyed our songs, to anyone that has met us as a band we will continue on with Slaves.

Unfortunately due to this, we are forced to cancel our Bristol, UK show tonight. Never fear, thankfully, our good friend Matt McAndrew (who you’d recognise from The Voice) will be filling in on all remaining England & European dates to help us in this trying time. We also have some exciting news on the future of Slaves (we think you will be excited) coming soon.

To everyone, thank you for your continued support.”

Jonny Craig (Slaves) Arrested At A Show

Jonny Craig was arrested on stage at a show in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Here’s what happened.

 

 

And this was the band’s statement on the matter.

 

“About last night…….
To confirm the rumors, Jonny Craig was arrested last night in Scottsdale Az.
As Slaves were performing on stage, an altercation was transpiring backstage between members of the band Ghost Town causing the venue to call the authorities. While police arrived, the bands set was hastily shut down 30 minutes early by cutting off all microphones on stage.
Unaware of what was happening (along with the fans), Jonny “dropped the mic” and damaged a few microphones (approximately $60 dollars worth of damages, which were paid for by the band). In response, the police handcuffed and arrested Jonny for criminal damage. This was obviously an excessive use of force (realized later), resulting in all charges to be dropped and Jonny to be immediately released.
We want to thank all fans, old & new for their support on the release of our new album & coming out to this tour.
We’ll see you again soon,
SLAVES”

Jonny Craig Of Salves Responds To Sexual Abuse Allegations

Never be short of controversy in the music world, the next case of abuse has been responded to.

Allegations broke last November that Slaves frontman Jonny Craig carried out varying degrees of assault in November against former partners. The band was then dropped by their label Artery Recording, only a few months before the release of their third record, ‘Beautiful Death’.

They have been since picked up by a subsidiary of Sony Music, The Orchard, who’ll release the record through them next month.

The frontman has now issued a response to the allegations via a series of Tweets. Here’s what the frontman has said.

“Let me make it clear. I have never raped ANYONE or sexual assaulted anyone. You can say I am many things; a junkie, a thief, a cheater, a shitty BF for sure. You can call me many things, but in NO WAY do I condone hurting someone like that! Sometimes I say mean shit and don’t think before I speak… like saying I will burn said person’s house down if she sold my stuff. All I’m thinking about it is my shoes that cost more than her rent. Stupid, I know.

I have no hate towards any of these girls. I don’t care about about two of them and I’m sorry that I was on drugs and I didn’t think about anyone but myself. I’m sorry we had horrible relationships and you stayed knowing I was an addict and cared more about the drugs than you. That being said good luck with your lives because I am willing to work with any law enforcement agencies to help clear my name of this serious but untrue slander, and to help show that my band and I do not promote violence towards anyone especially women. We want all those who have really been hurt to be able to step forward without being scared.

This all being said as a man, I’m going to take all the mistakes I have made in my life and in these past relationships and apply them to making sure I treat Taylor Dean with nothing but love and respect, because being off heroin has allowed me to have a real perspective on life and how being the best man I can be for not only myself but for my fans and family is what’s most important to me in 2018.

Thank you so much for reading this, and again, I hope the best for all 3 of these ladies and I hope they heal from whatever damage I have caused. One love.”

“Let me make it clear. I have never raped ANYONE or sexual assaulted anyone. You can say I am many things; a junkie, a thief, a cheater, a shitty BF for sure. You can call me many things, but in NO WAY do I condone hurting someone like that! Sometimes I say mean shit and don’t think before I speak… like saying I will burn said person’s house down if she sold my stuff. All I’m thinking about it is my shoes that cost more than her rent. Stupid, I know.

I have no hate towards any of these girls. I don’t care about about two of them and I’m sorry that I was on drugs and I didn’t think about anyone but myself. I’m sorry we had horrible relationships and you stayed knowing I was an addict and cared more about the drugs than you. That being said good luck with your lives because I am willing to work with any law enforcement agencies to help clear my name of this serious but untrue slander, and to help show that my band and I do not promote violence towards anyone especially women. We want all those who have really been hurt to be able to step forward without being scared.

This all being said as a man, I’m going to take all the mistakes I have made in my life and in these past relationships and apply them to making sure I treat Taylor Dean with nothing but love and respect, because being off heroin has allowed me to have a real perspective on life and how being the best man I can be for not only myself but for my fans and family is what’s most important to me in 2018.

Thank you so much for reading this, and again, I hope the best for all 3 of these ladies and I hope they heal from whatever damage I have caused. One love.”