Joel Jorgensen-Lift Me Up EP

 

If you recall this man right here, it's either from the music he released under the band name, Angels Fall, or the review I had performed on his debut single a few months back, "Aching Heart".  Whatever way you look at it, this is one brilliant talent, and one hell of a release.  You hear a truly professional arrangement on "Lift Me Up", and you most definitely will get your $5.00 worth on this music.  Joel had a hit song called "Drunk Enough" with Angels Fall, then proceeded on an unique tour, with help from Century Media Records.  I first discovered this incredible musician, when I was actually working a ton of promotions with Danielle Fidelity and Century Media Records.  I was even fortunate enough to catch a live show in Toledo, Ohio.  I thought back then that it was a great show, and it only proved to me that my opinion was right.  However, little did I know that that was merely the beginning.  This EP, "Lift Me Up", was recorded at the fantastic Legends Recording Studio.  Such a masterpiece has been issued!  As mentioned, "Aching Heart" came across me online, and I took a listen.  I was shocked!  With a raw acoustic feel, and a song that held deep lyrics, I was even more amazed at this man known as Joel Jorgensen.  Upon reading an online post a few days back, I saw Joel had obtained his master copy of the EP.  I became highly intrigued, and very anxious.  I just had to grab it up, almost immediately, when I saw a post last night that it was up on a site for purchase.  Upon the very first go around of listening to the EP, it really didn't take long to discover another astonishing effort made by Joel.  As I said earlier, you will feel like you were blessed with a shower of gifts when you encounter the track, "Aching Heart".  That's not the only bright spot here.  In fact, all four songs on "Lift Me Up" shine in many ways.  Of course the pictures and complete overall design/artwork is impeccable too!  Shari Yantra Marcacci did a superb job on the shots of Joel, and the overall design.  You can check out more of her work at the link below.  The lead cut, "Lift Me Up", is a truly beauty-laced piece of work.  Your emotions rise and flutter with the track, and you start to instantly realize you are experiencing something special at the very moment.  Followed up by "Sunshine Kisses", which has since became my favorite of the release, it all seems to fit together with an ease of compassion, perfection, and simply...awe.  "Aching Heart" hits you up as the third song on this EP.  To conclude the release is a fantastic piece titled "Ocean Waves".  Such a well composed, and delightful song, it makes me want to make a long drive, or trip, and crank this baby up high, and feel the winds caress my head.  As the sun would begin to set upon the skyline, it would all come together even more perfectly-the music will entrance you with a beauty you can't see without believing.  I would say buy this, but I think I have made it clear by now.  Mixed incredibly by the legend Matt Hyde (Grammy Winning Engineer/Producer),  at Track To The Future and York Studios in L.A., California. It, at the point-emerged as a "well oiled machine".  Damian Fink helmed production also!  Don't just buy this, embrace it and I deeply trust you too will become one with the acoustic beauty that lies within "Lift Me Up" !

Rating: 5.0+/5.0

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Joel Jorgensen-This Aching Heart (Single)

 

Joel Jorgensen is one hell of a talent folks.  With a determined, and strong work ethic, Joel give his many fans material that is both extremely beautiful and worth every bit of the art that it truly is.  You may know the man from the band known as Angels Fall, who had a smash song called "Drunk Enough" a couple years back.  Don't allow the Angels Fall moniker to fool you, Joel's passion and love for the art of music shows much more brighter and powerful with his upcoming solo EP release.  The debut off that effort is titled "This Aching Heart", and it is an incredible piece of work indeed.  The song is available off his ReverbNation page for free download, of which you may follow the link below to obtain your treasure.  To mention, another strong song of Joel's is titled "Every Day", and you can get a splendid taste of that on the ReverbNation link as well, and you can truly dive deep into what drives Joel Jorgensen with his music, by checking out any of the links below.  "This Aching Heart", clocks in just under five minutes in duration, and it is a magnificent song.  The acoustic guitar is amazing, and the lyrics show depth, creativity, and Joel's true talent.  I really can't say enough about this track to be honest.  I really enjoy it, and I have never had a song on repeat so much before in my life!!  The forthcoming EP that Joel is currently working hard on, I'm sure will be brilliant and a hot commodity once it is unleashed to the fans and the music world as a whole.  Go ahead, check out more on Jorgensen below, and see just how good the guy can be, and what "treasures" you can find within the music itself!!

Rating:5.0/5.0

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The Dreaming-Alone (Single)

 

If you haven't heard of this band, it's about time you open up your ears.  Upon first hearing the vocalist of The Dreaming's vocals, you probably could recognize him from the industrial rock band from some years back known as Stabbing Westward.  Christopher Hall, the man behind The Dreaming and Stabbing Westward, proves he still holds a powerful voice and is a strong force in the industry.  Hailing from L.A., The Dreaming have undergone various lineup changes and label moves, but in my opinion, it's only made them tougher and much better!  They have released numerous EP's and have two very solid albums out thus far.  With their debut record, "Etched In Blood" and their follow-up, "Puppet", the band garnered many fans and toured relentlessly.  Well, I'm glad to announce they are on fire again with their brand new single, "Alone".  "Alone" is the first cut being released off their new label home, Metropolis Records, which is also home of a band known as The Birthday Massacre.  I am very impressed with "Alone", and it's return to "Stabbing Westward-type" arrangements and sound.  There seems to be a stronger, and throttling driving force behind "Alone".  As well, the very skilled band announced an upcoming third album due, this one called "Rise Again".  The effort is expected February of 2015.  I love "Alone", and I believe you will as well.  It is available at most digital outlets on the web, however, if you grab it off the Metropolis Records link below, you will find in addition to the alternate remix of the track, another version titled "The Sinister Mix".  Also, I believe the single is cheaper via that site, and more of the proceeds benefit The Dreaming as well.  The band's current lineup features the main man himself, Walter Flakus performing the programming and keys of their sound, and I have to admit-it is killer shit!!  With Carlton Bost on guitar, Johnny Haro kicking ass on drums, and Brent Ashley on bass; The Dreaming have never sounded so good.  I recommend picking up all versions of the single "Alone", which are the album version, the "Sinister Mix", and the "Reamped Mix".  You cannot go wrong, and will be quite rocking your damn head off to "Alone" and it's a pretty safe bet the song will be repeating on your I-pod, car stereo, or even your home player.  Grab "Alone" now!!

Rating:5.0/5.0

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"...the isolation tearing you apart...."

 

Sometimes Julie-Head First

 

Sometimes Julie, hailing from the state of California, are an impressive

duo.  With their release of "Head First", the full length gives us many tastes of fantastic music.  Take for example the lead cut, "We Are Golden".  It sets a melodic mood, with lyrics that would sooth any drive home these days.  The best track off the album is the title cut, "Head First"  It has a more uptempo beat, with lacing guitars, and desolate lyrics and an excellent arrangement indeed.  Another stand out song is "Time Flies".  "Time Flies" shows of perhaps the bands range of style, and the pulsating vocals of the lady herself, "Monica Sorenson.  The guitars are quite better than I honestly expected.  Rick Walker, who is the prime guitar player on "Head First", goes above and beyond really.  With good range, and such a passion for music, it really shows off well in the arrangements and the beats of the record.  You can catch great examples of that in tracks such as "Reckless", "What A Rush", "Wishin' You Were Here', and the crafty one called "Come Find Me".  Overall, I was quite impressed with the album as a whole.  If there was a "weak spot", I would say it would be "Carefully".  However, the fourteen track release is just about perfect overall.  It is excellently packaged, and the artwork, which are depictions of basic ocean scenery and the beauty of the California coast lines, is beautiful.  I recommend this effort, give it a shot, it will surely impress upon you a quality you weren't expecting!

Rating: 4.90/5.0

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ISSUES-Stingray Affliction (Single)

 

Issues are here with their blistering new single, "Stingray Affliction".  The song serves up as track seven off their self-titled album, which is a follow up to their successful EP, which began as a Hot Topic "only available" item.  This track slams into high gear right away, with gritty vocals, screams, and thrashing guitars, all of which definitely get your attention!  I wasn't quite sure about the song, until I started to hear the breakdown portions of the track throughout the song.  The more and more I heard the thunderous beats of those riffs, and lyrically how much angrier and better this song was than just about their previous, entire EP was, I began to dig my mind into jamming into this piece of art.  This is a mosh pit waiting to happen, and the anger waiting to be unleashed, is going to be echoed as soon as you hear this little tune known as "Stingray Affliction"!  I believe you should do not only the band a favor, but your ears, and stereo a favor, and hop onto I Tunes and pre order the album while you're there, and for about a buck or so, grab this track, since the album drops in mid-February.  This will hold you over until then, and you will be salivating for the masterpiece to be unleashed by the time it is due!

 

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Soy Suspenso-Hotel Venganza

 

Omar Montanez, who is the power vocals behind this unique project, Julio Alvarez, the master guitar player, along with Alejandro Medina and Pol Gomez-they have pieced together a wonderful album here.  Rock, alternative, and some edge will keep you off your seats and rocking throughout the whole album, no doubt.  Earlier, you will recall I did a review for the English track titled, "The Anchor".  The song is just a mere example of where this record is skilled at, and you will be satisfied with the cover of R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion" as well.  Though, most of the music is in Spanish/Mexican sound, you get the groove, you get your rage and edge flowing.  Kicking it off with the album track, "Hotel Venganza", it may sound not as produced as well as one would like, but the  band has good intentions to tear the scene up.  The drums are excellent, one hell of a drummer, indeed.  Omar's vocals who why he worked so well with the respected Ty Oliver in Fiction Killer, before their split of one another.  "Banshee" is a beautiful instrumental, and done quite well, with beautiful arrangements and fine tunings.  This allows for diversity to be shown in this band, and that shows growth and also room for growth in them as well.  Still, not to be one-sided, but the song, "The Anchor", is my choice, for the best of the record, as well as the instrumentals.  I think overall, you'd have to say this record is a very good representation of what artists can do when they put their minds to it, and achieve what they go set out to do.  HOTEL VENGANZA is excellent, whether the production is top notch or not, bottom line is, the content, lyrically and musically is great.  If you can find it, or need to ask on their facebook page, Omar, or someone will be happy to assist you!

RATING: 9/10

 

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A Skylit Drive-Rise

 

A Skylit Drive are well known for their screams and haunting lyrics.  RISE, their latest effort, grabbed my attention from the very start.  The cover was very unique, and from the sample I had heard, I was yearning to hear more.  The first cut I had heard, titled "Fallen", was floating around, and ended up on the special edition version.  This track had edge and a smoothness to it.  However what set them so far away from previous records they had in the past was the track called, ""Save Me Tragedy".  This is an incredible song, and caught me off guard!  I love this song, and it made me want a few copies of this record.  They belong on tour now, and I hope to catch them soon!  Do yourself a favor for the price f under ten bucks, pick up a copy of this one, it will not disappoint you.

RATING: 10/10

 

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Smile Empty Soul-False Alarm (Single)

 

Sean Danielsen is a busy man these days.  With a recent solo EP under his belt, and his band, Smile Empty Soul finishing up their current album, slated for an October 1st release, titled CHEMICALS, Sean and the gang are busy as hell!  Released through the ever growing company, Pavement Entertainment, which has lately become a powerhouse in the rock music world, this album seems to be ready to rock just as much as their previous ventures, if not harder.  "False Alarm", the first single off the record, slams hard in our faces.  Impacting radio around August 27th officially, the single is poised for a huge impact, and I believe it will be just that.  Loudwire, the site with music news, previews, and exclusives on the web, was the first to premiere the song stream in it's entirety, and I must say it caught me off guard.  The song holds the tune of their self-titled record, with the grit and angst, yet has the lyrical content of a new vibe that I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  "False Alarm" is an excellent song, with ambiguous traction, rage, and Sean's voice digs into your head with instant recognition that, Yeah, this is a Smile Empty Soul song.....for me, it's more like, "Hell fucking yeah!!".  Request this track on Sirius radio, your local radio stations, and anywhere else you want to, now, tomorrow, and next week.....you have to hear this, and the more it's played near you, the band will play near you.  Catch them on tour currently, doing shows with the artist known as Ra.  "False Alarm" is full steam ahead, and is definitely worth a listen!!  Check it out today!

RATING: 9.75/10

 

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Fiction Killer-Catharsis Mode (Single)

 

If you thought that Fiction Killer were toying around with their first

two singles, well, then prepare your ears for this noise.  "Catharsis Mode" is a powerful storm of brutality that sounds like a combination of the first two singles, yet, I must admit, a bit more "pissed off" and "angrier".  With a rapidly growing fan base on facebook, and a recent exposure to the well known event, Rock on the Range, Fiction Killer is "lit up".  This summer, you can catch samplers being passed around at events in the Midwest for sure, such as the Rockstar Mayhem Festival in Noblesville, Indiana!!  Also, why not work some promo at the Cincinnati, Ohio stop of the Vans Warped Tour on July 30th?!!  If you don't believe, you will after this single, it will obliterate your speakers, and tear a hole into all you thought you knew was "heavy" rock music!!  With the vocals of Omar, and the genius of Ty Oliver leading the rest of the band, Fiction Killer is still primed and ready!!  "Watch for "Catharsis Mode" on their site for download on June 13th, 2013!!

 

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Alaina Blair-Alaina Blair

 

Well folks, Alaina Blair is back on the scene with her first full length release.  Let

me just say, this album will rock you to your feet, and that is a good thing.  I love this record from track one to track ten.  "Sweet Talkin' Lola", the first song, is a blues-driven, rockin' tune, that sets the tone for the album.  It reminds me a lot of Orianthi music in some moments, and also with some country thrown into the mix.  "Fall From Grace", track number two, is a bit slower, but written very well, and one of my favorites off this album.  Alaina does very well vocally on this track, and the organ is performed gracefully by her music partner, Billy Alexander.  Such a wonderful, blissfully composed track!  The third song on the album, titled "Down", is an upbeat track with great melody and rhythm.  Alaina's vocal range is shown well in this song, and lines like "you've been holding me under, and it's been making me wonder...."...are so deep and driven well into our heads.  This track is so good, it's got the word, "single" written all over it.  It reminds me a lot of a Sheryl Crow track.  Now, onto my most favorite song off the album, and currently of any album out there right now.  The song is called "I'm A Mess".  I absolutely love this song, it is by far my favorite song of the album, and it rocks to the bottom of the bottle, and into the next bottle!!  I enjoy the beat of the tune, and Alaina and Billy do one hell of a job with this song, if you want to sample any track from this record on a site to decide to purchase this album (which you should anyways), this is the track you definitely should sample first, no doubt!!  The tracks "Why", "Goodbye To Love", and "Tellin' Time", are all three killer tune, both lyrically and vocally.  I mean, I have no clue why more people have not gotten word on Alaina Blair, but this record will get their attention, there is absolutely no doubt about it.  If you thought my love for the GYPSY GIRL EP, was grand, this album by far surpasses it.  I thoroughly enjoyed this, loved it, and will be rocking out to it, jamming to it, and praising it to all my friends and colleagues for days, months to come.  By the way, check out the song, which I believe is track number nine, called "Place To Escape".  That track is well worth the record itself as well, let there be no doubt whatsoever.  Grab this album, from one of the links below, head to the sites, check out Alaina, give her facebook a "like", support this beauty, this talent.  She flatout rocks, and you will be rocking to once you pick up this wonderful musical effort.  Alaina Blair is the next big thing, that is the main point here, listen to what defines "real" music, Alaina defines it quite well, in her own way, so you've heard it here....watch for Alaina everywhere...soon!!

RATING:10+/10

 

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Varna-This Time, It's Personal

Female fronted rock/pop group, Varna, seems to have unleashed to us a hit, with their

single, "Down".  The song hits hard, has melodic grooves, and is quite the catch.  It made me want to purchase this three track EP right away, Tiana's vocals are incredible!!  Tiana Woods, the female singer of the band, seems to have found a way to entertain music lovers with passion, desire, and a will to draw fans in like crazy.  Ahh, the insanity!  Lyrically, "Down", is the strongest track in my opinion as well off the EP.  Granted, I only had to pick out of three, but the three have made me so, so thirsty and hungry for more and more from this astounding band.  Lines such as "....I'm going down, going down, don't know how much further I can go....", show depth in this band.  I simply love this ep, and below I have placed links for you to check out the band, and also pick up this EP.  I highly suggest you grab a copy as soon as you can, "This Time It's Personal" is here to grow on us, feed on us, and become a "secret smash hit" that will one day, become a force to be reckoned with, know the name, Varna.  They are here to stay.

RATING: 10/10

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Adema-Topple The Giants

 

Well folks, Adema is back this April, with another EP of sorts, and three of the songs

are brand new.  Now if that's not exciting, listen to this.  None of them are sang by the previous release's vocalist.  I give this band a lot of credit for sticking around, and hanging tough in this industry, they've had a few rough slides over the years.  This time, through their first single from this EP, "Resolution", you eerily hear a little bit of their first record and some of their UNSTABLE record, and INSOMNIAC'S DREAM EP as well.  All with lead vocalist at the time, Mark Chavez.  This is because their guitarist was doing a lot of the screams as well, so you'll hear that in the recordings, now how that translates into a live show remains to be seen.  I enjoyed the EP, mainly because I obtained a promo copy.  I haven't seen a price for it much anywhere, except on Best Buy's website, for $11.99 as of today, I would suggest highly, a digital download purchase through your favorite retailer.  Just pic the tracks that you enjoy through the sampling.  I do not recommend buying the entire physical album, unless your an avid fan of course.  My favorite track from this record, is their remake of their song, "Immortal".  It feels good to hear the screaming from Tim again, and it has more of an "edge" to it than the prior version, at least in my honest opinion.  Only about seven tracks long, as I stated, go digital, grab what you want, but believe this: the EP, in no way does it "topple the giants".

RATING: 6/10

 

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The Wil Martin Project-Call On Me (Single)

 

For those of you not familiar with this man's talents, let me bring to your attention another

band's name: Earshot.  Earshot spawned many great hits, such as "Get Away", "Sometimes", "Not Afraid", "The Ugly Truth", "Wait", "Headstrong", and more.  The pure talent alone that Wil Martin, the vocalist of Earshot as well, owns, is so incredible.  I feel, and I am certain many do or will as well, that no matter the song, if Wil's voice touches it, it's golden.  Pure and simple.  This past Valentine's Day of 2013, or around that date, Wil put one of his more fresh tracks from his upcoming solo effort known right now by The Wil Martin Project.  That song, well, let me say it is amazing.  The track, which clocks in just under three minutes in length, is titled, "Call On Me".  Lyrically, one of the best tunes Wil has ever been a part of, ever.  My favorite line of the song is the beginning in all honesty, and I do not want to give too much away, but I love to tease, so I'll let you know the line that kicked ass for me.  It goes, "....I fall on my knees just to be close to God, but I fall to floor from your love....".  Those words, so touching, so graceful, wow!~  Believe me, once you hear this track, let alone the other songs that make up the EP due soon, you will be a fan instantly, if you're not already just from facebook or checking out the fantastic reverbnation page of Wil Martin.  I highly suggest you head to your most favorite digital retailer once this is released, and grab a copy of the entire EP, stream it on his site from one of the links below for now, and be amazed at the raw musical talent of Wil Martin.  I guarantee you will love this, or I will personally, honestly, refund your money, I stand by my guarantees as I have before, this is incredible work, go stream some now!!

RATING: 11/10

 

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8STOPS7-Fables

 

8Stops7 have been around since the mid-90's.  The band had released an indie

album titled, BIRTH OF A CYNIC, before signing onto California's Warner Brothers Records, to release their biggest selling effort to date, IN MODERATION.  The album featured the hits "My Would-Be Savior", and the reluctant smash, "Question Everything".  The album is still considered a classic to some fans, and, at the time, was a sign of big things to come.  However, the band and their label split, and some wondered if that were the end of 8Stops7.  The band independently released another record, their best album, in my opinion, titled BEND.  The first single from the album, which was mainly played more locally than nationally, was called "Here Among The Wicked".  There was a music video to go along with this, though not well produced, I will admit.  Another breakthrough from BEND, was the song called "Breathing Room", and another ditty called the rocking "Satisfied".  However, things were just not panning out for Evan, the vocalist, and the band of 8Stops7.  So, after a small break, they began playing live again, got into a groove, and started a program, which was mainly fan-funded, kickstarter.  This effort is what began what is now know as one of the best independent records out there, in FABLES.  The first single from FABLES, was the smash hit "The Sting".  The video can be seen below for "Satisfied" and "The Sting" as well.  I highly recommend you digitally picking up the albums of this band that are only available as digital downloads right now, and grab up those that you can get as hard copies.  These albums are all a no-miss deal, highly suggested, and each song is unique, and lyrically deep and personal to the band's own experiences.  This is a must!

RATING: 10/10

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My Dirty Addiction-My Dirty Addiction

                    My Dirty Addiction has come a long way, and sweat a lot of tears for us to hear some great music.  The band just released their first album in early 2013, and by all accounts the release show and album have been a success thus far, and there seems to only be one way to go from here, and that's up!  Lead vocalist, Harry Bestolarides, seems nothing short of optimistic on the band's future.  His voice soars in the band's famous track, "Crash and Burn".  The song, to me, is my favorite by My Dirty Addiction, and lyrically shows the true talent and potential this up and coming band has with them.  The guitar in this song is well played and showcased as well, reminds me of Candlebox guitar melodies somewhat.....love that!  I will admit, the vocals could be a bit louder, but for demos pretty much, and streaming songs from what I've heard the tracks from, the music is top notch.  Their reverbnation page is a great source for all their information, as well as the homepage.  "Rock All Night", one of the newest tracks, kicks you into high gear, and has that feel of a little Jet Black Stare (if you recall that band), or for those more familiar, new Drowning Pool music, or even sounding like rocking Brides of Destruction music, back from Nikki Sixx days......, either way you compare it, it rocks!  Another catchy, and good tune is "Tattoos and Tequila".  The title says it all, and you can guess how this little track dances you into the mood.....lyrically catchy as well.  "Hit me once, hit me twice, hit me three for a real good time.....", check this band out for an even better time!  If you get the chance, catch them at a show, grab a tune, listen online, support and "like" the band on their facebook link (below), don't say I didn't warn you, they are going to go somewhere soon.....you'll want to be a part of this rising.  My Dirty Addiction is indeed addicting, and they are here to stay...so....whether you like it or not, the addiction won't go away!

RATING: 9.5/10

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