Although England Progressive Metal band, SikTh, have taken quite the extensive hiatus in the past, yet is with great pleasure to share that the band came back and released their third studio album, ‘The Future in Whose Eyes’. As a band who served to define and create the progressive metal movement, fans around the globe are trapped in a state of anticipation for what’s to come. I caught up with lead vocalist, Mikee Goodman, to discuss the upcoming release, the album artwork for ‘The Future in Whose Eyes’ and more.
Congrats on the release of ‘The Future in Whose Eyes’. Tell us about the creative process and direction that you traveled down while bringing this album to life.
Thanks! It was a horrible and stressful process I would not want to repeat . I wrote all lyrics and vocals, and was constantly getting music to create to until the last minute. It was such such an intense period. We took this album along a very heavy route, it grooves and is technical but there are also psychedelic moments throughout.
If you could pack a full house and play at any arena/stadium in the world, which place would you choose and why?
Vicarage Road, Watford. It is my football team. That would be great! If not that the Camp Nou, Barcelona is an amazing stadium, I’ve been there twice. I have not been to any stadiums in the USA, mind you.
During the songwriting process for “Vivid”, what was your intention and the theme that you wanted to express through your lyricism?
I experienced traumatic dreams for the last few years. When I was on tour with my band Outside The Coma a few years ago, I thought I was walking around a hotel, constantly looking for the bathroom. I kept walking into other traumatic dreams whilst in that one. In the morning my friend said he watching me walking on the spot in our hotel room whilst freaking out in my dream. So, in verses and the outro, I am in the dream, then in the chorus, I am asking the negativity to leave.
If you had to give a simple explanation of Mathcore as a genre to someone who was entirely unaware, what would you say?
That it is very technical music with a lot of time signatures or poly rhythms used. It is usually very heavy music also.
What has been the most enlightening experience that you have had as a musician so far and why?
That is a big question. Maybe it’s when someone is crying because they connect with lyrics or feel less alone. Maybe it’s when we travel to Nepal and India to discover so many people into our music which has been spread through the internet. Going to places we thought we would never see. USA was a great thing too, the reaction we got nearly every night was just amazing. Even going to Japan in 2004 was an insane experience. Seeing and experiencing different cultures is s big thing for me.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
We hope you enjoy our new album and we really want to come to play the USA again as soon as possible!!
Southern California Rockers, Of Mice & Men, came through the Midwest for another round while joining Sum 41 on their ‘Order In Decline’ Tour. In celebration of ‘EARTHANDSKY’, the guys played a string of new jams including “Gravedancer” and “Taste of Regret” amongst some old classics such as “Defy”, “Mushroom Cloud” and “Would You Still Be there” which got the crowd riled up in several mosh pits that proved that Of Mice & Men are back and aren’t hanging up their hat anytime soon.
Los Angeles Rockers, Silent Planet, packed a punch of Progressive Metal during their stop at The Fillmore in Detroit. Accompanied by August Burns Red and Silverstein, Silent Planet meshes their potent and politically driven lyrical content with a rush of instrumental euphoria that pours forward naturally with passion.
Invigorating the synergy between the band and the crowd, the guys played tracks including “Panic Room”, “Native Blood” and “Afterdusk” while a fan in the front row didn’t miss a single lick or lyric. Lyrics that face the cold-hard facts of their lack of contentment with the judicial system in the states, fascism and more important pieces of the reality of the world stood out at the forefront of why the guys do what they love to do.
Signed to Solid State Records and in the midst of continuing to bring to life a global crowd, Silent Planet emits a musical power and prowess that is loud, proud and sincere. For those of you that have yet to listen, check out their latest album, ‘When The End Began’, and follow the guys on Instagram.
Delaware Rockers, Awake At Last, have proactively chosen to not allow another season of life pass without living out their Rock ‘N’ Roll dreams. I caught up with Lead Vocalist, Vince Torres, to discuss the doses of spirituality laced within their ‘Life / Death / Rebirth’ EP, writing songs about overcoming obstacles, playing video games ever since he was in high school, food as medicine, law of attraction and more.
Your ‘Life / Death / Rebirth’ EP is laced with spiritually rich doses of lyrical wisdom. What personal experiences led you toward taking that creative route with the release?
I had reached a point where I thought a lot about the afterlife, and what it means for most people. I’ve seen plenty of movies and read some amazing books that had described it and I wanted to explore one based on what I think mine would be like. There are themes of anxiety and depression, themes of love, and themes of heartbreak, and self realization.
Tell us about the profound connection that you have developed with ‘The Awakened’ and what it means to you.
The Awakened is still in its infancy, but I think that gatherings like “The Awakened” are key to success in this modern era of the music industry. I believe that an artist, and their fanbase are symbiotic in nature and anything that can remove all the smoke and mirrors, and put an artist directly in front of their fanbase should be explored. We sing songs about overcoming the obstacles we face while trying to chase our dreams and we hope that it will inspire others to experience an “Awakening” of their own. We want to be the voice in the back of your head that tells you to “Pick up that Paintbrush”, or “Write that song you’ve been working on.”….together we can be a support group that helps each other find ways to live fulfilling lives.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
This industry is a hard one to navigate, and the recent success has boosted the band onto a slightly larger platform. I struggle with anxiety and there have been plenty of triggers that send me into chaotic thought processes. Like all artists I think we always ask, “Are we good enough?” or “Will anybody really listen?”, but the one thing that always remains constant to me are the voices of our listeners who loved a song that helped them through a hard time, or finished a drawing, or project they were working on while listening to us. Every wall that I come up to is met with hundreds of extended hands to inspire me to continue to push forward so that I can continue to inspire them. But when I take a step back and realize I’m just a piece of “The Awakening” myself, I don’t feel so anxious, or it’s a more excited form of it.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
Truthfully, I find it difficult to navigate. It has been both a burden and blessing for us in this band, but overall I’m beginning to understand it more. For the first time we live in a world where artists are right at the fingertips of their fanbase and the people who support them. I think that the digital era is revolutionary and i’ve seen how it’s transformed artists and given us the tools to scream our visions on the largest platforms ever. It is highly competitive, but I love that it gets us right in front of the people who support us. I think that like all cultures it has its positives and its negatives, but without it we wouldn’t have been able to do what we do today so it has helped to guide and challenge us.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
I love music more than anything and it has always been a comfort for me through everything. I’m also however very interested in telling stories and have also considered paths as an author, or writer. I always like to tell stories with my music in a visual way. I’m also a bit of a nerd and have been playing games like Dungeons & Dragons since high school. I love the thought of exploring other worlds, and crafting worlds for people as well. I’m also very interested in psychology and I enjoy the study of the mind. I’m also an avid believer in the law of attraction and try to live by it every day.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
I wish I had a good answer for this but truthfully it can be a bit of a struggle still. I try to occupy my mind with other worlds to weave and get involved with and tend to be a bit of a daydreamer. I try to eat as healthy as I can and the band always goes to the gym while we’re traveling to exercise and create positive habits. Sometimes I’ll play a video game, or read a book or draw. I try to stay sharp and creative.
You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years and have played at some major festivals. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.
Be ready to wake up early. I love playing festivals, but they’re a grind from dawn till dusk. However the hangouts afterwards are always worth it. Another huge piece of advice or word of warning would be that the high highs can come with low lows. It’s important to reflect on the good times when you are faced with difficulties or bad times. I also think that it’s usually a good idea to follow your gut. Sometimes if you have a bad feeling about something or sense a disturbance in the force just take yourself out of the situation.
What has been your favorite new city or country to explore while on the road? What stuck out to you?
I’m in love with cities like New Orleans, and Nashville. The culture and vibe is just very vibrant and competitive and there is music everywhere.But I’ve also fallen in love with some of the aesthetics of New England, and we have made amazing friends and fans in Virginia. I love going south because it stays warmer usually and everyone is really friendly. The musicianship of some of the artists i’ve met in Nashville are mind blowing, Canada was amazing as well. Everything was just slightly different and It was amazing to explore a new city with a slightly different culture. I love all of the pieces that make up the tapestry of what we do.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
I just want to reach out and let them know that we wouldn’t be anything without them and as we come up on this new year and this new album there isn’t a better time to get involved. We finally found some people who believe in our vision and we can’t wait to show them what we have in store next. We want ‘The Awakening’ to be felt by all of our fans and loved ones and want to inspire and continue to grow alongside them and pursue fulfilling lives.
Southern Rockers, Dead Friends 46, are a wild riot of Rock ‘N’ Roll thunder creating music that is both amusing and pleasing to consume. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts of their latest full-length album release, ‘Hardcore’.
Kicking off with a bang with the first track, “The Firm”, the guys of Dead Friends 46 rile up some daunting energy as aggressive Punk guitar playing smashes through the intro and swiftly leads into a dive into a ball of fire by the name of Don Mazda whose vocal style mimics the likes of Judas Priest. The second track, “Rise Up”, can get a crowd of maniacs tossing beer across a venue as the guys of Dead Friends 46 showcase their lyrical prowess with a politically potent spill of how corrupt our Government has come to be. “Whistling in the Dark” is the third track that is a seemingly spiritual ode to regret as lyrics bash living under the rules of society and how much it can destroy your one shot as a human being. The fourth track, “Banned from the Pubs”, is exactly as it states; rowdy, incoherent and balls-to-the-wall as the guys lyrically attempt to flee a frantic scene that they created.
“The Letter” is the fifth track that intentionally sticks it to the man as a blast of instrumental synergy shreds through with ease. The sixth track, “Mass Hysteria”, puts the cherry on top of the madness that has already come memories of the lack of trust in those who have f**ked the guys of Dead Friends 46 in the past are coming back out of the closet to lyrically confront with no remorse. “Blood Cot” is the seventh track that lyrically highlights a lack of self-discipline and control which is destroying the lives of an individual who is immersed within their own self-doubt. The eighth track, “Lady Doom”, is a lyrical shot at a lady who tried to run the guys of Dead Friends 46 for what they’re worth yet was found guilty in hindsight. “Devil and Don” is the ninth track that reeks of lyrically knowing that it is time to throw in the towel on relationships that aren’t going anywhere. The tenth track, “Black Eyeliner (April Harvey), starts off with streamlined instrumentals that leads into a dose of lyrical anger as the guys metaphorically travel through a chapter of sleeping with the devil. Closing out with “Dead Friends”, the guys pour one out for the ones that have come and gone in a classic Punk Rock way.
Mastered with precision by a group of guys who live and die by and with music, ‘Hardcore’ by Dead Friends 46 is an album that can kickstart your new year the right way. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Anti-Flag, Bad Religion and Authority Zero, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Dead Friends 46 on Soundcloud.
LA Rockers, Beyond Unbroken, are a group of rebellious minds that are twisting and turning through their life experiences to lay all of their pain on the line throughout their artistry. I caught up with Vocalist/Bassist, Daimen Horrell, to discuss ‘Don’t Wake The Dead’, the importance of patience, staying creative while on the road and more.
Congrats on the success of ‘Don’t Wake The Dead’. Tell us about the creative and recording process. Did you expect the album to turn out how it did?
Thank you very much. The creative process for that record was very different and adventurous. At the time we were essentially a combination of two different families that didn’t know each other ,and seeing if we could write music together. All of us experienced in our own ways ,but we had no idea who we were as a band. Let alone what we would sound like. I knew personally though that it was gonna be great because we all just had a natural chemistry. It was really strange walking up to these two strangers, and after an hour of hanging out feeling like we knew each other for years. That said it came out great only a few things I’d change ,but that’s just me being a perfectionist.
If you could sit down with your younger self and give him one small dose of advice, what would you say to him?
I think for me it would just be to work on your patience.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I love social media I think if used right it’s the perfect tool for an artist. Part of me does miss the mystery of not knowing anything about artist other than their art. That being said though I’m a huge attention whore so it’s awesome.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
My biggest pride and joy is my son. I have a 9-year-old, and he’s just my whole world.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
For me it’s all about just keeping busy and staying creative. Of course there’s parties and fun times, but I always find staying creative is really the best thing. I love to draw, write songs on my iPhone, write screenplays for movies, anything to just keep my mind going.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
We love and appreciate all of you. Every single one of you makes it all worth it.
Independent Rockers, Tetrarch, are leading from the heart and giving every ounce of their blood, sweat and tears to the music and bigger picture over the years. Having released their monster debut album, ‘FREAK’, it is evident that the band has started their engines and are ready for exciting years to come. I caught up with one of the most human and genuine shredders of our days, Diamond Rowe, to discuss the wild ride that Tetrarch has been on, perseverance as an independent artist, being happy on tour and much more.
Congrats on the success of your debut record, ‘Freak’. Tell us about the whirlwind of experiences that you have encountered through the release and what the record means to you.
Thank you! Honestly, this record has been so amazing for this band. Even more so than we initially anticipated. Everytime we thought the record had reached a satisfactory point for us something bigger and better would happen. From all of the radio play to all of the press and magazines the support was amazing and the fans we’ve made on this album cycle have been the best! Not to mention, the album is so descriptive of the type of band we are. In a way, we are outcasts. Always have been – but were respected and we are gaining some crazy opportunities from always being ourselves and knowing where we want to go. That’s what being a FREAK is all about.
You do a lot of “the work” of being a musician independently. I witness the extra effort that you put in with your fans and promo and it’s incredible. Tell us about your persistence with Tetrarch.
Tetrarch is our life. Our goal is to be one of the biggest Hard Rock/Metal bands in the entire world and that doesn’t come easy. That’s going to take a lot of hard work for a very long time and I am fully committed and ready for that. Tetrarch is the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning and the last when I fall asleep at night and I love every up and down of this journey. I also have so much faith in what we are doing. The plans we have for the near future are pretty insane and things that I only dreamed of so it’s easy to stay motivated when you see results like that.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
That’s a tough one because any discouraging thought I have is pretty quickly fleeting. I know where we want to go and I’m pretty confident that we are going to get there so if I do have a moment of discouragement, I snap out of it pretty quickly. Sometimes things may not happen at the exact moment that I want them to, but over time I’ve seen that even in those cases they usually end up happening at some point and it all ends up being worth it if I just continue on and don’t let it get to me. Having said all of that, I definitely am not perfect.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I think it has its goods and bads for sure. It’s amazing how easy we can all connect with each other and get our content out there for everyone to see. Especially when you’re in a band or an artist of some sort. You can reach an incredible amount of people – I have met so many people in my industry through social media who I am now extremely close with. It’s great in that sense. It can also be negative because there are a lot of fakes out there that can create a perception of who they are or the talent that they have and sometimes it turns out to not be real which is disappointing!
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Honestly, I’m super proud of my tenacity with things that I really want. I have been that way my entire life – If theres something that I really want, I always go and get it. Now, there’s a negative effect to that as well – If it’s something I don’t care about, I DON’T CARE and nothing can make me do it. It’s a pretty interesting dynamic but I am proud of my record of being able to become the best at anything I set my mind to.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
I LOVE being on the road! Traveling to new cities and meeting new people that love Tetrarch brings me immense joy. I think me and the guys in the band are genuinely lucky in that sense. We all really enjoy being on the road. Van, bus, plane, it doesn’t matter. We’re best friends and we always have a blast. We were lucky enough to have started touring when we were younger so we learned all of the do’s and don’ts early so everything is pretty smooth sailing for us now. For me personally, I usually just need a second alone sometimes to just have some quiet time. Even if that’s for 10 minutes once a week – It’s usually more beneficial than I even thought it would be. Staying connected with loved ones is pretty crucial too. Helps you stay grounded and know that you do have a support circle out there that really believes in what your doing and is proud of you. At Least – that helps me a lot and has kept me strong.
You have toured with some of your favorite musicians over the past few years. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.
I wouldn’t say that we have necessarily gained any words of wisdom per say but I will say that a lot of the bands that we have toured with these last few years have reaffirmed what we already believed in doing. We’ve always tried to be professional on the road – show up to venues on time (early), be respectful of the bands and crew, and play our hearts out every single night and a lot of the bands that we have toured with have taken notice of that and made mention of it which feels really good. As an up and coming band it feels great to know when you’re doing things right and up to par.
Speaking of touring, any current or upcoming tour plans that you can fill us in about?
We are definitely going to be doing a lot of touring in 2019. That’s actually what a lot of our focus is on now with planning for the year and it’s so exciting. I can’t wait to be able to announce it all!
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
I just want to say thank you for the support over the last year. Everything has truly been amazing for this band and we see the benefits of it everyday. Also – keep your eyes peeled on our socials and website etc for all of the announcements that we are about to drop. We’re about to take things to the next level for sure!
