Brien Mitchum, Author at From The Green Room

Interview with Sanity

Posted on March 10, 2024March 13, 2024 by Brien Mitchum

Read Time:7 Minute, 1 Second

Interview With the Band Sanity

Band of the Day Questions

Thanks for taking some time to chat with From the Green Room

1. What’s the name of the band?
Sanity

2. Where are you from?
Berlin, Germany

3. What type of music do you play?
We are a symphonic metal band with roots in black and death metal, enriched with
massive arrangements of choirs and symphonic instruments. There is an abundance.
of lead guitars and melodic riffing, the songs feature low growling vocals, intense.
shouting and screaming but also beautiful clean vocals, from heroic Viking chants to
high-pitched power metal voices. The drumming ranges from fast-paced blasts with
double bass drumming to intense progressive metal rhythms.

4. Introduce yourselves to the readers and tell us what you do in the band?
My name is Philipp, and I am the drummer.

5. This is probably a common question but one that most want to know, what musical influences did you have growing up, and what are some now?

I was growing up in a strange type of musical home. My parents being born during
World War II and having suffered bomb raids, displacement and separation from their families longed for a peaceful and silent haven to build a family. We did not
have any TV, nor was there any radio culture. I was a clean slate when it came to
popular music. First mixtapes from classmates featuring the classic eighties quickly
lead to discovering rock music and I was already playing in a cover band at the age of
thirteen. I got pretty quickly into hard rock and heavy metal, starting with AC/DC and G’n’R. But then somebody had me listen to Metallica, my first real heavy metal experience.

There was a music show on the public broadcast channel which featured a documentary about Death Metal Imagine, a teenager in a classical music-home (we had bought a (small) TV in the meantime) watching in all earnestness an educational television program about death metal -and the next thing I know, I went to a music store to buy my first death metal CD.

Funny but true, the shop clerk was totally lost when I asked him about death metal, so we both went to the section and found a CD from a band called Death and he
sold it to me. Luckily, it was death metal and that sealed my fate and the direction
our band would be taking. Now, listening to the five tracks on our EP Revelation you will find influences from nineties black metal bands like Emperor, Ancient and Bloodthorn, but also death metal bands like Orphanage, Gorefest, and Death. Even
Metallica plays a role. Gothic metal bands like Cemetary or dark wave artists like Eros
Necropsique and Elend were also a resource of inspiration.

The way we composed the orchestra parts were definitely formed by us listening to music from Ludwig Van Beethoven, Arcangelo Corelli, Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Friedrich Händel.

6. Have you always been into music? Was it something that just came to you naturally?

Look, when you grow up in a classical music home like me, when you don’t have any.
parental role models when it comes to popular music, you’re left on your own to
discover it. I was well gifted with musical talent. Aggression in me during my teenage
years found expression in me composing music and writing down my feelings in the
corresponding lyrics. What I can tell you is that I was discovering on my own what my
soul needed in terms of music, what my soul related to. You still remember Roxette’s
“Hotblooded” from the “Joyride” album? There is a particular bridge/solo which is
pretty hard rock-esque and this struck home with me (I had not yet been exposed to
hard rock or heavy metal). After I heard the song for the first time I wondered why
there is no full song with that intensity. Why not compose music, that is entirely
made of bridges and intense soloing? Why leave people wanting? Why are people so
dependent on what is served to them? I wanted full length intensity and I wanted it
now. That was my inspiration to write my own music. I became so eager
experimenting with this marvelous new discovery: being able to write my own music.
I wanted to find out how song writing actually works. Can I do it? How do I express
what I musically enjoy? How does it sound if I compose these chords for guitar, the
harmonic 3rd in bass and a progressive drumming underneath it? I was overflowing
with creativity. So, all in all it looks, this came to me naturally, and has been ever
since.

7. What can we expect from the band in the rest of 2023 and beyond into 2024?

We have already recorded the songs for the second and third EP to complete the "Revelation" project and plan to release those in 2024 and 2025, respectively. This trilogy will
then have a total of 14 songs. The record release concert for the second EP is on
2 March 2024, see our website www.sanity.berlin for details. There will be concerts in summer and autumn for sure, but we are still in the planning phase, nothing concrete, yet. At the same time my brother and I are working on a rerelease of our second album Nocturnal from 1999. Florian is actually composing completely new rhythm and
lead guitars and I will be recording new drums for it.
Additionally, we are currently preparing the video shoot for our next official music video, the
song “Babylon” from our EP The Beast. We are working with Underpaid Mantis Studio
( www.underpaidmantis.com ) and are currently developing the story line for the video.

Our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@Sanity.berlin already has a good amount
of content and I would like to add more. The official videos for “Seals” and “Throne” were
just released. Check them out on YouTube.
Sanity – Throne (Official Music Video)
https://youtu.be/5x4RdpaD9Ho?si=Ef-AdqBEUSLkL9R6
Sanity – Seals (Official Music Video)
https://youtu.be/9adVATPq-yA?si=hpVCQPAv_dBcGvUr
You see, we got our hands full with exciting subjects for many years to come.

8. For someone who wants to know more about the band, were can they find you at?
And were can they find your music?
Our website www.sanity.berlin stores a lot of information about the band, even historic data.
This is worthwhile to check out. Our music is available at most of the online streaming
platforms and stores. You can buy our music on our website and on bandcamp, as well.

9. Let’s answer some fun questions, what is your all time favorite band?
Arcturus – Aspera Hiems Symfonia
When hearing this album for the first time, I was just blown away. The compositions on this
record is so avant-garde, I couldn’t believe it. The mixture between shouting and clean
vocals are breathtaking as is the blending of guitar work and symphonic instruments. A
masterpiece!

If you could tour with any band and open or have them open for you, who would.
you choose?
From the very beginning I had envisioned Sanity to reach the English-speaking audience and
thus used English lyrics. It would be pretty awesome to get in contact with metal bands from
the UK or US and become their support on one of their tours. A wonderful line-up would be.
Wolves At the Gate, Slechtvalk and Vials of Wrath.

And of course, we’d love to play some big stages and are dreaming about a small tour outside.
Germany. Scandinavia would be awesome or the US. Our latest release is a concept album of
the book of Revelation from the bible, a prophetic, dystopian book that vividly and explicitly
describes the Apocalypse. A dedicated tour on that topic would be incredible.

Let’s see what the future holds in store for us.

Thanks for chatting with me From the Green Room and look forward to chatting
again, in the future.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Websites:
Web: https://www.sanity.berlin
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sanity.berlin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanity.berlin
Bandcamp: https://sanityberlin.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanity.berlin
X: https://twitter.com/SanityBerlin

Streaming Site Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-
de/artist/0bhXlkSU7XN56kBuUuvXXa?si=ki9IcUitQNyodBXyrq_B5Q
Amazon Music:
https://amazon.de/music/player/artists/B0CHHW97WL/sanity?marketplaceId=A1PA6795UK
MFR9&musicTerritory=DE&ref=dm_sh_PidIrR7CbqZCj4mwIPm5zpymv
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sanity/1546091708
YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCsYZJ2WYArtoGXgBOc-
jVNw?si=OmjURhgpG_wSbCHN

About Post Author

fromthegreenrm

mitchumphotographyllc@gmail.com

https://fromthegreenroom.net

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

BILLY MORRISON Announces “Vive Le Hollywood” Contest; New Single “CRACK COCAINE” with Ozzy Osbourne & Steve Stevens Releases March 21st!

Posted on March 10, 2024March 10, 2024 by Brien Mitchum

Read Time:1 Minute, 55 Second

BILLY MORRISON Announces "Vive Le Hollywood" Contest; New Single "CRACK COCAINE" with Ozzy Osbourne & Steve Stevens Releases March 21st!

Billy Morrison announces the exciting “Vive Le Hollywood” Contest, powered by dCommunity, to celebrate the release of his latest single, “CRACK COCAINE,” with the extraordinary talents of Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Stevens. Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying essence of Hollywood, where creativity knows no bounds. Join us in this unparalleled celebration of music and artistry. Don’t miss the chance to be part of something extraordinary—Vive Le Hollywood!

Grand Prize

Sign Up for the Contest here:

https://thelabelgroup.ffm.to/billymorrisongiveaway

“Dennis at TLG|ZOID and the guys at dCommunity have gone above and beyond with this contest! Not only are they flying winners into Los Angeles, but they have added a much needed charity component and somehow tied it all up with a point-driven bow – the more you do, the bigger the chances you have of winning. I cannot thank them enough for this kind of support and I fully support everything they are doing in this unique space,” says Morrison.

dCommunity, a web3 technology service provider, is proud to partner with The Label Group to bring the latest and best new engagement solutions to an industry that boasts the world’s greatest fans. With TLGs new management models and the dCommunity tech offerings, we are planning out a series of exciting rollouts both fans and sponsors will love. First up is The Morrison Project Charity Auction combining great music, fans, tech and charity in a fun promotion with a great cause. Early sign up is live. Stay tuned for details and follow our socials or join one of the early signup links.

Billy’s collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne & Steve Stevens “Crack Cocaine” will be released Thursday March 21st.

Billy Morrison unveiled his inaugural single, “Drowning,” a compelling preview of his upcoming solo album, ‘THE MORRISON PROJECT,’ scheduled for release on April 19, 2024, through TLG|ZOID / Virgin Music Group. The accompanying music video, skillfully directed by Devin Szell and produced by Blue Chair Productions, captures the essence of the song and was filmed in Los Angeles.

The single can be heard on SiriusXM’s Octane & Ozzy’s Boneyard.

STREAM “Drowning” HERE

WATCH the Official Music Video HERE

About Post Author

fromthegreenrm

mitchumphotographyllc@gmail.com

https://fromthegreenroom.net

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

AFTERMATH Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Their Album ‘Eyes of Tomorrow’!

Posted on March 10, 2024March 10, 2024 by Brien Mitchum

Read Time:11 Minute, 8 Second

AFTERMATH Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Their Album 'Eyes of Tomorrow'!

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Aftermath’s Thrash Masterpiece,

Eyes of Tomorrow

Listen to the album here:

Spotify

Aftermath Chicago

The band will be giving away some of the original pressings of the CD that are super rare. Drop a comment on THIS POST to be eligible.

Three decades ago, in the rebellious spirit of 1988/89, Aftermath forged their underground thrash classic, Eyes of Tomorrow. Though the musical brilliance had already taken shape, the album’s arrival in stores faced an unexpected delay, pushing its release to March 1994. This unique timeline, resulting from a label bankruptcy during recording sessions, only adds to the mystique of this iconic record.

The album, which spearheaded a new era in thrash metal when initially composed, unfortunately found its release during one of metal’s lowest points. Yet, true to the unpredictable nature of Aftermath, their journey has never been straightforward or conventional.

Multiple reissues of the album followed its initial release over the years including: 1995 on Thermometer Sound Surface (USA), 1998 on Black Lotus Records (Greece), 2010 on Area Death Productions (China), and 2015 on Shadow Kingdom (USA).

Founding members Kyriakos “Charlie” Tsiolis (vocals) and Steve Sacco (lead guitar) reflected on the album. “We wrote the songs on Eyes of Tomorrow between 1988 and ’89 when we were a five piece, but the year before as a four piece, we released a demo called Killing the Future that was 5 songs of pure crossover speed,” said Tsiolis.

He continued, “Eyes of Tomorrow had none of the crossover elements because we set out to write a progressive/technical thrash album.The genre was in its infancy. We wanted to be the Pink Floyd of Thrash. It felt natural but looking at it now all these years later, we were out of our minds.”

“We totally changed everything that made us Aftermath a year earlier and despite the challenges we had to release it we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Sacco adds, “Thirty years ago we wanted more than to be a thrash band. We wanted to bend and stretch boundaries. We weren’t going to settle for anything less. Either it was the best it could be or forget it. Our drive led us to what we thought did just that.”

When reflecting on the album now, Sacco states, “I listen back now and must say it still holds up. Give it a listen and let it take you back to that fresh new sound and know that the guys behind those crazy riffs with heavy creative vocals and lyrics had a blast creating not just for themselves but for you the fans of this music. 30 years has nothing on us but appreciation to keep making music we love.”

Ray Schmidt, the band’s drummer adds, “Still love this album as much as when we finished it 30 years ago. Great times.”

“The “Eyes” album is composed of dynamic movements, texture, spans the spectrum of tempos, and the gents played with intricate precision. My workload was full, as I listened intently to learn the parts. When we perform songs from the “Eyes” record in present day, I make every effort to do the songs justice and not fuck it up,” says George Lagis, the band’s current bass player.

Eyes of Tomorrow has stood the test of time, garnering critical acclaim and continuously attracting new enthusiasts of technical thrash. Each passing year adds another layer to the album’s legend, with its intricate compositions and groundbreaking style still resonating with fans worldwide.

Join us in commemorating the 30th anniversary of this gem that defied the odds and left an indelible mark on the thrash metal landscape!

Chicago based Aftermath, fronted by Kyriakos “Charlie” Tsiolis, formed in October 1985 when Charlie and his schoolmate Steve Sacco (Guitar) got together. This early incarnation with Adam (Bass) and Ray Schmidt (Drums) released their first demo in 1986 featuring “Sentenced to Death”, “Revenge”, “Shotgun” and “The Aftermath”.

In 1987, they unleashed their second demo entitled Killing the Future featuring the tracks “When Will You Die”, “Going No Place”, “Chaos”, “Meltdown” and “War for Freedom”. The band pursued a mind-blowing speed and technical brand of thrash that soon set them apart from the pack and in the process made them a pioneering crossover thrash band.

The tracks “War for Freedom” & “When Will You Die” were both featured on the British Metal Forces magazine_compilation LP Demolition: Scream Your Brains Out in 1988. Their appearance on the Metal Forces compilation further expanded the band’s international appeal.

By 1988, the band’s musical direction was changing, and Adam’s raw and simple bass lines would soon be replaced with complex and technical bass parts handled at first by John Lovette. Ironically, John never played bass on any Aftermath recording and was not even a bass player. He wanted to join the band so badly, however, that he came to the audition with a friend’s bass he had just started to play. The speed and complex playing he displayed were like nothing the members had ever seen before on bass. He landed the gig that day. When the band decided it was time to add a second guitarist, Lovette told his bandmates of his desire to switch to guitar and for the first time he came clean he was a guitar player pretending to be a bass player all along. His bass playing was surpassed by his guitar skills and the band found its second guitar player, but unfortunately the search for a bass player was forced to resume. Luckily, the search (for the time being, anyway) ended with Danny Vega. His warm and precise playing was the perfect complement to the guitar playing of Lovette and Sacco and worked amazingly well with Schmidt’s powerful drumming. With Lovette handling most of the song writing duties, Aftermath was about to make an unbelievable musical change.

By 1989, that change brought on by Lovette’s writing and the band’s musical tastes and stylings had slowed and matured as evidenced by the release of the underground classic demo Words That Echo Fear. Danny Vega was replaced on bass by Chris Waldron. The band went onto to become a trailblazing progressive/technical thrash band in the years that followed.

In 1990, based on the huge international success of the Words that Echo Fear demo, the metal label RoadRacer Records (a subsidiary of Roadrunner Records) approached the band for a demo deal, which resulted in a live four track demo featuring the songs “Eyes of Tomorrow”, “Afraid Of Time”, “The Act Of Unspoken Wisdom” and “Reflecting Pictures”. Negotiations eventually broke down and Aftermath signed to New York’s Big Chief Records. The label’s collapse halfway through the recording sessions led to a long delay in finishing the record. While the band struggled to pay the studio bill, the album the band started to record in 1990 would not see the light of day for four years. The experience left the band reeling and forced them to issue the album under their own imprint with the help of their manager through Zoid Recordings in 1994. Four long years had passed since the initial recordings for the record Eyes of Tomorrow and the scene had dramatically changed.

The album was subsequently re-released on Thermometer Sound Surface / Zoid and released yet again four years (1998) later on Black Lotus Records in a re-mastered version.

Quite famously, Aftermath, in a notable court case Tsiolis v. Interscope. Records. Inc., 946 F.Supp. 1344, 1349 (N.D.III. 1996) sued high-profile millionaire rapper DR. DRE over the ownership of the Aftermath name. The Rapper tried to buy the name for $50,000, which the band rejected. The band sued him. As part of the settlement, Interscope Records signed the band. To the label’s surprise, the band delivered a record under the moniker Mother God Moviestar. Its eponymous Electro-Metal debut was released in March 1998. The case has been studied in law schools around the US related to the issue of trademark dilution.

Aftermath has continued to receive critical acclaim as one of the major influences in the genre. The band was featured on pages 9 and 10 of Gary Sharpe-Young’s A – Z of Thrash Metal, available on Cherry Red Books. Aftermath is also given an entire feature section in Alexandros Anesiadis’ 2019 book Crossover the Edge: Where Hardcore, Punk, and Metal Collide.

Twenty-five years after its formation, Aftermath’s music made its return in 2011 with the release of the Box Set 25 YEARS OF CHAOS on Area Death Productions and the vinyl When Will You Die on F.O.A.D. The reemergence of one of the most original thrash bands ever continued in 2014 with their decision to reunite for several concerts in 2015.

Coming off their first show in 20 years at Ragnarokkr Metal Apocalypse in their hometown of Chicago, the band ripped the stage apart at Headbanger’s Open Air in Hamburg, Germany that summer. In the Fall of 2015, the reunion continued with the reissue of Eyes of Tomorrow. With an expanded booklet and remastered by Paul Logus (Pantera, Steel Panther), Shadow Kingdom Records released the band’s debut along with bonus material. Following this release was the Killing the Future reissue on Divebomb Records. Once again Paul Logus remastered the tracks from their original source and created a wall of sound in the process. Killing the Future, along with the expanded booklet and bonus tracks from the band’s 1986 first demo completed the celebration of the band’s 30th anniversary.

In 2017, the band started writing the material for their new album. There is Something Wrong is an 11-song opus recorded by Chuck Macak, mastered by Ted Jensen and released through Ingrooves by Zoid Entertainment and The Label Group in 2019. A concept record in the truest sense of the word, the album features a mix of old-school crossover thrash and technical/progressive metal and is a commentary on what is wrong with the world today. A calling out of the masses to wake up and know the real enemy. The music is urgent, and the lyrics challenge the listener to seek the truth. Aftermath went back to its early days and revived its crossover thrash stylings on several songs, but those are only samples of what the listeners have in store for them once they put on their headphones and listen to There is Something Wrong in its entirety.

In 2020, Aftermath released a re-imagined version of the John Lennon classic, “Give Peace a Chance”. The song was remixed and remastered for the new album and included on the record because of the message.

“John Lennon’s urgent call for peace in Give Peace a Chance is more important today than ever, and our call for peace with this cover is the perfect message to follow up our previous album. We released a dark concept album with a bleak message and felt it was important to follow that up with something positive. The visuals in the video are as important as the lyrics in a way. We live in a visual world today and this video needed to get out the message of HOPE. Having a young girl be the focus of the video was our way of getting that across. Seeing only positive acts when she puts on Lennon’s famous glasses was the perfect visual metaphor. Lennon’s message is transmitted not only through his lyrics but also through the perspective created by his unique lenses” says the band.

The video was directed by critically acclaimed video director Steven Nathan in New York City.

Aftermath unleashed their highly awaited masterpiece, No Time to Waste, through Zoid Entertainment/TLG/INgrooves on March 17, 2023. This release stands as the triumphant conclusion to a powerful trilogy, representing a notable departure from the somber tones of its predecessor.

In an exclusive statement, Kyriakos “Charlie” Tsiolis shared, “We take immense pride in this album, a culmination of a trilogy that commenced with our debut. Crafted during a challenging era in contemporary history, ‘No Time to Waste’ emerges as an anthem of hope. In contrast to our previous dark conceptual endeavor, we’ve refined this record. The ten tracks within are both weighty and charged, delivering a potent metal experience coupled with a profound message – that collectively, we can overcome, but time is of the essence.”

AFTERMATH is:
Kyriakos “Charlie” Tsiolis – Vocals
Steve Sacco – Guitar
Ray Schmidt – Drums
George Lagis – Bass

For More Information Please Visit:

About Post Author

fromthegreenrm

mitchumphotographyllc@gmail.com

https://fromthegreenroom.net

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

S.O.R.M Release Brand New Single featuring DOUG BLAIR of W.A.S.P

Posted on March 10, 2024March 10, 2024 by Brien Mitchum

Read Time:3 Minute, 38 Second

S.O.R.M Release Brand New Single featuring DOUG BLAIR of W.A.S.P

Rising hard rock outfit S.O.R.M has just dropped a powerful new single, featuring legendary Doug Blair of W.A.S.P. The track, titled “Under My Skin”, showcases the band’s signature blend of contemporary and traditional heavy music, with a touch of power ballad magic.

“I am very proud of a collaboration that began already 2 years ago, when Micke Holm asked if I’d contribute a lead to a track being recorded by his band S.O.R.M”, says Doug Blair.
“I’d met Micke a while after he purchased the very last unsold 1990s BLAIR MUTANT TWIN double neck acoustic/electric guitar, which I delivered to his colleague in Stockholm. We’ve performed together quite a few times since then, in Sweden and Finland, as a duo and with the S.O.R.M Band. It’s been great to know the guys, and be involved a bit in their growth!”

He continues:

“Cautiously agreeing to take a listen to a song (always being naturally skeptical), ‘Under My Skin’ enthralled on first listen! Micke’s vocal delivery, the lyrics and dynamics of the arrangement all made me PUMPED UP to craft something cool for the emotional solo section. Last year, we finally found time to meet and mix the song in Stockholm – as I had requested (and demoed) a few effective overall arrangement/dynamics ideas, which I thought would improve the results! If you enjoy my leads on “Heaven’s Hung”, “Miss You”, etc., you WILL enjoy this song and lead! Give these guys a listen, and soon l’ll announce an upcoming appearance with Micke again!”

Guitarist and vocalist Micke Holm about the track:

“This version of ‘Under My Skin’ was the original version of the song from the beginning. It was meant to be on the album but unfortunately was not finished in time. That’s why we did a piano version for the record. In this power ballad version, we have the honor to work with Doug Blair from the legendary W.A.S.P and Anna Brygård from The Nightflight Orchestra.”

Furthermore, this song in particular is a very special piece of music for guitarist and singer Micke Holm, as the band reveals: “Under My Skin is a very personal song to Micke. It’s about him battling with depression and suicidal anxiety for many years. And it’s also a reminder to all you who have anxiety or know someone who has, that you’re not alone! We are all brothers and sisters battling the same war!”

rmed in 2017, S.O.R.M quickly made a name for themselves with their hook-laden EP Hellraiser (2020). With influences ranging from Grand Magus to Ghost and Judas Priest, S.O.R.M has carved out a unique sound that appeals to a wide heavy music audience. The band, consisting of Micke Holm on guitar and vocals, Johan Östman on bass, and Robin Wernebratt on drums, signed with Noble Demon in 2020 and released their debut full-length record in August 2023. Tracks like “I Die For My Rock N Roll” (feat. Dee Snider guitarist Nick Petrino) and “Crazy” have already garnered attention from fans and critics alike and with their latest single featuring Doug Blair of W.A.S.P, the band continues to set the bar high – in S.O.R.M style!

S.O.R.M are:
Micke Holm
Johan Östman
Robin Wernebratt
Patrik Sandström

S.O.R.M online:

Official Website

Facebook

Instagram

Find NOBLE DEMON online:

About Post Author

fromthegreenrm

mitchumphotographyllc@gmail.com

https://fromthegreenroom.net

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

Interview with the Band Sweet Crystal

Posted on March 10, 2024March 10, 2024 by Brien Mitchum

Read Time:4 Minute, 3 Second

Interview with Sweet Crystal

Name Of Act: SWEET CRYSTAL
Latest Release: ‘WHATEVER IS NEEDED, WHATEVER IT TAKES’ (Single)
DIRECT SPOTIFY LINK: https://open.spotify.com/album/2mjF0LUQIZL31FqL4Agibo

1. What’s the name of the band?

Greetings from SWEET CRYSTAL, a 26 time Detroit Music Award winning band

2. Where are you from?

We are a 4-piece rock band from the Detroit, Michigan area – a city that has as long a musical history as we do ourselves.

3. What type of music do you play?

Basically, we are considered a Christian progressive rock band (think arena rock or as some magazines have labeled us – bombastic!). In the beginning, we opened up for such classic rock acts as Bob Seger, Foghat, Nazareth, Steppenwolf and many more before finding our true path into the Christian music field. With a catalog of seven releases to date (and the new one ‘8’ on it’s way), and with hundreds of hours of new ideas still in the pipeline, we feel there’s definitely a song or two that
will fit pretty much everyone’s taste of music.

4. Introduce yourselves to the readers and tell us what you do in the band?

Band Members:
MarQ Andrew Speck (Q) – lead vocals, everything with keys
Bill Blatter –vocals, everything with strings
Steve Wieser – everything hit with sticks
Martin Kuchar – vocals, everything bass

5. This is probably a common question but one that most want to know, what musical influencesdid you have growing up, and what are some now?

We started out totally influenced by the progressive rock English music scene of the 60’s and 70’s: bands like Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis, Atomic Rooster, Uriah Heep all left their musical marks on our writing and playing. We also listened to a lot of American bands like Kansas, Journey, Rush and Spock’s Beard to keep our creative juices flowing. It’s this background in
progressive rock that continues to influence and direct our writing and live performances.

6. Have you always been into music? Was it something that just came to you naturally?

Unlike most bands that have a lifecycle of about three to five years, this band of high school buddies (Q, Bill and Steve) has been playing together for going on 50 years (Interesting fact: 2024 will be Sweet Crystal’s Golden Jubilee Year meaning 50 years of the music and message we offer – pretty sweet accomplishment in our books). We got together right out of high school (and actually Bill and Steve played together during high school!). To this day we get together every week to rehearse,
record and just enjoy each other’s company. Does it get old after 5 decades together? Absolutely not! We just get better with age.

7. What can we expect from the band in the rest of 2024 and beyond?

This new single ‘Whatever Is Needed, Whatever It Takes’ continues where last year’s “7th Heaven” CD left off: it’s a song of hope and inspiration featuring our signature guitar sounds, synth melodies, straight ahead drumming with just a few hundred fans joining in in for good measure. It’s the first single from our upcoming release ‘8’ which is slated for later this year.

Our trademarked slogan ‘Reaching the World, One Song At A Time’ TM pretty much says it all about our music, message, mission and ministry. We are here to reach out to a world with songs of hope and inspiration; a musical light at the end of every dark tunnel you might be going through because chances are good – we’ve gone through those very same tunnels ourselves and definitely have found a way out.

8. For someone who wants to know more about the band, were can they find you at? And were can they find your music?

Best bet to catch us would be by signing up for our email newsletters on our website or over at our Reverbnation page (see links below). That will keep you in the know for all our appearances and new music as well as getting a look at our overall catalog.

9. Let’s answer some fun questions, what is your all-time favorite band?

Each member of the band definitely has their favorites:
MarQ Andrew Speck – Queensryche, Pink Floyd, ELP
Bill – UK, Umphrey’s McGee
Steve – Spock’s Beard, Neal Morse, Porcupine Tree
Martin Kuchar – Kansas, U2

10. If you could tour with any band and open or have them open for you, who would you choose?

Would love to tour in any capacity with the different projects of Neal Morse (Spock’s Beard; Transatlantic; Neal Morse Project; Flying Colors) because he is one of the most inspiring and creative artists on the scene at the moment – and we admire him and love his musical styling.

Thanks for chatting with me From the Green Room and look forward to chatting again in the
future.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

About Post Author

fromthegreenrm

mitchumphotographyllc@gmail.com

https://fromthegreenroom.net

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

Interview with Illusions of Grandeur

Posted on March 10, 2024March 10, 2024 by Brien Mitchum

Read Time:3 Minute, 55 Second

Thanks for taking some time to chat with From the Green Room

1. What’s the name of the band?

Illusions of Grandeur, the name originated from a time when Maggie was seeking out other musicians to form a band. A lot of the ads said, “No Illusions of Grandeur here” meaning they just wanted to play
music, Maggie thought “Why no Illusions of Grandeur” Life is short go for what you dream and want!

2. Where are you from?

Illusions of Grandeur “I.O.G.”, is a Theatrical Hard Rock/Fantasy Metal band based in York, PA. I.O.G has been touring in both the United States as well as across the UK, Germany, France, and the Ukraine since 2016. I.O.G. have made appearances at various festivals including Sav Fest, Dewey Beach Music Festival and Witney Music Festival. I.O.G. has shared the stage with artists as varied as DOPE, Moto grater, September Mourning, New Year’s Day, Puddle of Mudd, Stryper, República, Stitched up Heart and Otep. I.O.G. &# 39’s Live show The Siren Saga is a story of the journeys, perils, and triumphs of the Siren and her warriors. The story mixes facts and fiction combining Greek and Norse Mythology, Sirens, Gods, Archangels. Illusions of Grandeur’s fierce and energetic live show has gained them a legion of fans dubbed “The Siren Nation” who follow them worldwide, at live shows, and on social media.

3. What type of music do you play?

Theatrical hard rock/metal, the idea of Illusions of Grandeur is to create a world and tell the story of “The Siren” and her journeys. IOG’s love of both history and Greek/Norse Mythology felt that this was the best medium way to create a world for “The Siren Saga.” IOG feels that when listening to music or seeing a live show you should be able to immerse yourself in that moment and take a journey of your own with the band.

4. This is probably a common question but one that most want to know, what musical influences did
you have growing up, and what are some now?

Growing up it was a mix of the “Modern” music of the day, whatever was on the radio, but Illusions of Grandeur’s influences come from many genres of course starting with metal; like Korn, In This Moment, Metallica, Avatar and Evanescence. Each member draws off their individual influences as well which are varied from The Siren’s love of Classic rock like Janis Joplin and heart to CM’s love of The Smiths, Supertramp Soundgarden into Ted’s love of death metal and more. IOG feels this just adds to the sound and allows the band to explore a lot of themes in their music. We still listen to these artists and many, many more.

5. Have you always been into music? Was it something that just came to you naturally?

Music has been a part of my life since I was a child. My dad was a musician and I followed in his footsteps. I’ve always been in music in some capacity; from theatre to chorus and bands.

6. What can we expect from the band in the rest of 2023 and beyond into 2024?

Illusions of Grandeur’s The Siren Tour continues through the remainder of 2023 into 2024. IOG are currently while tour producing their 3rd album the next story in The Siren Saga “The Siren Rises” which the band looks to have out in 2024-2025.

7. For someone who wants to know more about the band, were can they find you at? they find your music?
We keep that very simple, go to https://www.iogmusic.com/

8. Let’s answer some fun questions, what is your all-time favorite band?

I would have to say Korn, their catalog has been with me what feels like my whole life and the band continues to release solid music and play live, amazing.

9. If you could tour with any band and open or have them open for you, who would you choose?

That would have to be In This Moment or Korn, both put on amazing shows and have killer catalogs of music, would be a real honor.

Thanks for chatting with me From the Green Room and look forward to chatting again in the future.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

New Single
Facebook
Band camp
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
YouTube Music

About Post Author

fromthegreenrm

mitchumphotographyllc@gmail.com

https://fromthegreenroom.net

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

LIVING DEAD GIRL Drops Head-Turnng New Single “Ugly” March 15th.

Posted on March 8, 2024March 10, 2024 by Brien Mitchum

Read Time:3 Minute, 47 Second

LIVING DEAD GIRL Drops Head-Turning New Single "Ugly” March 15th

Pre-order “Ugly” here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/livingdeadgirl1/ugly

Molly Rennick shares, “I wrote ‘Ugly’ from a place of feeling jaded and exasperated. I know most women are familiar with this exact feeling. ‘Ugly’ is about wanting to be taken seriously and listened to, without being belittled or objectified. There’s so much more to us than what’s on the outside; this song is for everyone who’s ever been made to feel like there isn’t.”

“Living Dead Girl” is, of course, the title of a classic Rob Zombie disco-metal stomper. It’s also the name of a Canadian modern metal project helmed by bandleader and vocalist Molly Rennick, who’s following in the footsteps of ol’ Rob, but with her own distinct twist. Frankensteining together elements of goth, metal, industrial, pop and punk…” – Revolver Magazine

“With a mall goth look and a sound that blends alt-metal and pop, it’s easy to think of Florida-based outfit Living Dead Girl as a sort of American version of Babymetal — or maybe a less avant-garde Poppy. And while there’s certainly that collision of musical genres, this band should absolutely be on your radar if you enjoy either of those bands.” – Metal Sucks

Catch LIVING DEAD GIRL Live:

05.07.24 – Fort Myers, FL @ The Ranch | TICKETS

07.19.24 – Cadott, WI @ RockFest | TICKETS

More dates to be announced soon

About LIVING DEAD GIRL:

Orlando-based female-fronted metal band LIVING DEAD GIRL exploded onto the alternative metal scene with their debut album Exorcism in 2021. Created by vocalist and songwriter Molly Rennick, produced by the critically acclaimed Mitchell Marlow (In This Moment, Papa Roach, All That Remains), and mastered by Howie Weinberg (U2, Nirvana, Metallica), Exorcism has 11 banging tracks including the hit single Alive, which reached the Billboard charts with two weeks at #1 as the most added song on the Mainstream Rock Indicator, and #17 on the Mainstream Rock Indicator Chart. Alive also reached #3 on the Top 10 Greatest Gainers Secondary Market Rock Chart, #10 on SiriusXM Canada’s Indigenous Music Countdown, and #5 on the Top 50 Secondary Market Rock chart! The album’s success has also had the band interviewed by and featured in dozens of world-renowned magazines including Revolver, Hustler, Outburn and more.

Molly Rennick’s bold presence on stage and in videos attracts large audiences around the world, with the band’s YouTube videos in the hundreds of thousands of views, and regular CD and merchandise orders being shipped all around the world from Australia to Japan. An unmentioned fact about Molly is that she was thought to be a stillborn at birth, however survived and grew into the alternative siren she is today, which boasts a powerful and accurate underlying story to the band’s name “Living Dead Girl.” The momentum Living Dead Girl is moving at as a young independent band that released their first album in the middle of a pandemic is unbelievable, until you hear it for yourself. A seamless hybrid of goth, rock, nu metal, pop and punk, Living Dead Girl has distinctly created their own genre that markets to the masses.

In 2023 Living Dead Girl released a covers EP, Not That Innocent, and the Deluxe Edition of Exorcism, played 47 shows and toured with Raven Black and was also a featured artist at the 2023 Canadian Music Week. A 2024 Summer tour is in the works.

Living Dead Girl is a force to be reckoned with, and is, as Underground Nation proclaimed, “the future of heavy music!”

LIVING DEAD GIRL online:

www.livingdeadgirl.ca

https://linktr.ee/livingdeadgirl

www.facebook.com/LIVINGDEADGIRLBAND

www.instagram.com/livingdeadgirlofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/@LIVINGDEADGIRLOFFICIAL

About Post Author

fromthegreenrm

mitchumphotographyllc@gmail.com

https://fromthegreenroom.net

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

Rick Monroe & The Hitmen Premieres “Worth The Hurt” Music Video on Rock Rage Radio

Posted on March 5, 2024March 9, 2024 by Brien Mitchum

Read Time:3 Minute, 29 Second

Rick Monroe & The Hitmen Premieres "Worth The Hurt" Music Video on Rock Rage Radio

Nashville, Tenn. (March 5, 2024) — TLG/Virgin Music Group recording artists Rick Monroe & The Hitmen continue to gather momentum for their latest single “Worth The Hurt” (currently bubbling under at #52 on last week’s SMR chart while maintaining its top-10 standing among the Most Adds of active/mainstream rock in secondary markets). To support its upward climb, the group is pleased to premiere the official music video TODAY exclusively through Rock Rage Radio.

Additionally, “Worth The Hurt” has been made available in Dolby Atmos, a new spacial audio technology that allows you to “hear music like you’ve never heard it before” and deliver the ULTIMATE listening experience for fans and audiophiles to enjoy.

“Even though it adds several steps to the mixing and mastering process, getting the track on Atmos was important to us,” says Monroe.”We wanted fans to know… just like the single says, that they are ‘Worth The Hurt.’ We aren’t doing our work as a band if we aren’t striving to provide the best quality music we can to our fans. That’s our job,” he says.”Now, it’s the fan’s job to go out and give it a listen!”

Co-written by Monroe, Jared Weeks and Scott Wilson of Saving Abel, and multi-Grammy and multi-Dove award-winning producer and composer, Skidd Mills (Skillet, Third Day, Saliva, Katie Arminger), who also produced the track, “Worth The Hurt” is an angsty, uptempo banger that highlights the addictive qualities and unhealthy co-dependence of a love gone wrong.

Stream / download “Worth The Hurt” at https://ffm.to/worththehurt

The single serves as a tantalizing preview of the exceptional content that awaits fans in the group’s highly anticipated, full-length vinyl project, SIX GUN SOUL, scheduled for release on April 12. This album features previously acclaimed singles such as “World’s Gone Crazy” and “God’s Ear”, the latter earning praise from discerning critics like Robert K. Oermann (Music Row) and respected musicians, including Shawn Drover (formerly of Megadeth).

About Rick Monroe & The Hitmen:

World-class entertainers Rick Monroe & The Hitmen have no desire to trace the trail of every trend. Instead, they serve up a “poly-jam-orous” recipe they call “Blue Jean Rock” –artistically organic and spiced with a heavy blend of their musical influences to reflect country sensibilities with a rock and roll beat. As a result, the group has built a solid legion of fans across the globe and recently surpassed over 4.3 MILLION logged views on YouTube and over one MILLION captured streams without the benefit of ever appearing on a core editorial playlist.

Monroe brings his music and a magnetic presence wherever he goes and is no stranger to the stage: he’s performed in 17 countries – and every U.S. state including Washington DC & Puerto Rico. The seven-time Jägermeister Country Brand Ambassador has toured with Queensrӱche, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Lee Bice, Aaron Lewis, Eli Young Band, Pat Green, and Randy Houser, as well as has opened for Country Music Legends like Charlie Daniels Band, Dwight Yoakam, Travis Tritt, Patty Loveless and more. He has entertained the USO, AFE, U.S. troops in Vietnam, and former Soviet President, Mikhail Gorbachev. His brother called him “Elvis Gump” because of all the amazing people and places his career has led him.

For those unfamiliar with his music, Rick advises them to come to the show for a good time and to be ready for “just about anything.” “I love to play,” the singer notes. “And I want everyone to play along. I like to think of my shows as an interactive sport”–one that he will now play with the help of his permanent bandmates, Bobby Perkins (guitar), Alan Beeler (bass), and Jason Bohl (drums), also known as The Hitmen because “they kill it every single night!”

Rick enjoys sponsorships and endorsements with NOS/Full Throttle energy drink, Number Juan Tequila, Tony Chachare’s® Famous Creole Cuisine, Remington, GHS Strings, SE electronics, Roper Western Wear, Shubb Capos, Speakeasy Original, Westone Audio & Fishman Audio.

For More Information Please Visit:

About Post Author

fromthegreenrm

mitchumphotographyllc@gmail.com

https://fromthegreenroom.net

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

Contracult Release New EP ‘The Process’ via Art is War Records!

Posted on March 1, 2024March 10, 2024 by Brien Mitchum

Read Time:1 Minute, 34 Second

Contracult Release New EP 'The Process' via Art is War Records!

KEEP. GOTH. HARD.

STREAM The Process

Spotify

Apple Music

Gothic sensation Contracult has just unveiled their latest EP, The Process, now available on all major platforms courtesy of the renowned Art is War Records.

In addition, the band has been added to the lineup for Maneframe Festival that is hosted by Ghostemane.
Tickets are available at https://brutalassault.cz/en/maneframe

This is the all-encompassing motive behind the 2-piece industrial metal band Contracult. Comprised of the scorching stylings of Travis Bacon and Nicholas Emde, the Los Angeles-based goth outfit has become a beacon for dark culture, creating a safe and reliable space for fellow outcasts.

Discussing themes of pain, mental health, kink/BDSM, queerness, and the discontent of artistry in the modern world, Contracult takes pride in offering something different, fresh, and hot to the touch. Having found themselves playing in a metal band dubbed White Widows Pact, Bacon and Emde realized their shared interest in industrial music’s big hooks and fierce guitars.

Although it wasn’t necessarily a popular sound, it fueled their fire. “Be the band you want to hear even if it’s contrary to what’s popular at the time. Be the contrary, contradict, Contracult,” notes the band. Today, Contracult has amassed thousands of monthly listeners across streaming platforms while exploding stages at Welcome to Rockville 2021, Louder Than Life 2021, and Aftershock 2021.

Smashing racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia along the way, Contracult is currently cleaning its slate, releasing a series of remixes on their popularsongs for the rest of 2023. But what should we expect in the new year? A focused, darker, and evolved sound with inspiration from acts like NIN, Fear Factory, Ghostmane, Front Line Assembly, Ministry, Paradise Lost, and Type O Negative.

Contracult:
Vocals/Production: Travis Bacon
Guitar: Nick Emde

For More Information Please Visit:

About Post Author

fromthegreenrm

mitchumphotographyllc@gmail.com

https://fromthegreenroom.net

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

Kurt Deimer Releases New Single “Dance” on March 1, 2024; Announces Headline Tour Dates, Featuring Shows Alongside Tesla!

Posted on March 1, 2024March 10, 2024 by Brien Mitchum

Read Time:6 Minute, 36 Second

Kurt Deimer Releases New Single "Dance" on March 1, 2024; Announces Headline Tour Dates, Featuring Shows Alongside Tesla!

STREAM “DANCE” HERE

Kurt Deimer’s newest single, “Dance,” released today, March 1, 2024, is a testament to resilience and the ability to find inspiration in challenging circumstances. The single is a precursor to his highly anticipated debut album, And So It Begins.., slated for release later this year.

Kurt comments, “I boarded a Southwest flight in January of 2022. It was a last minute flight, and I was crammed against a window for a 4 plus hours. I convinced myself to endure this flight I was gonna to write a killer song.”

He continues, “’Dance’ is about life. It has its ups and downs. Life can be quiet and serene. Then it can be turbulent and stormy. It can create a war within your mind, heart and soul. We all have to teach ourselves to dance through the good and bad in life. Enjoy life. Embrace life, escape negativity before it consumes us. Writing this song helped me escape a bad situation on this flight. I did not let the circumstances consume me. I wrote ‘Dance’ to get me through it.”

Kurt’s resilience in converting a challenging situation into a creative triumph exemplifies the transformative power of music. “Dance” is a reminder to cherish life’s moments and embrace positivity.

In support of the single, Kurt has announced the much-anticipated tour dates set to take center stage in 2024. The tour promises an electrifying musical experience, with Deimer’s solo headline performances and special appearances alongside the legendary band, Tesla.

The tour announcement follows Deimer’s recent successful single release “Doom,” which captivated audiences worldwide with its innovative sound and soul-stirring lyrics. Renowned for his dynamic stage presence and ability to infuse passion into every performance, Kurt Deimer is set to raise the bar yet again with this upcoming tour.

Stay tuned for further updates and announcements regarding ticket sales, additional tour dates, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content by following Kurt Deimer’s official social media channels.

Kurt Deimer Tour Dates:

3-01 Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, KY with Tesla
3-02 Blue Gate PAC in Shipshewana, IN with Tesla
3-04 Hard Rock Cafe in Pittsburgh, PA
3-05 America Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA with Tesla
3-06 Sound Board in Detroit, MI with Tesla
3-07 WC Social Club in Chicago, IL
3-08 Epic Event Ctr in Green Bay, WI with Tesla
3-12 Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN with Tesla
3-13 DPAC in Durham, NC with Tesla
3-15 Zen West in Baltimore, MD
3-16 MGM NORTHFIELD in Northfield, OH with Tesla
3-17 The Blue Note in Harrison, OH with Texas Hippie Coalition
3-22 Cosmic Eye Brewing in Lincoln, NE
3-23 Bigs Bar in Sioux Falls, SD
3-24 The Marquee in Sioux City, IA
5-29 Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs, CO with Tesla
5-31 HOB in Dallas, TX with Tesla
6-04 ACL Live in Austin, TX with Tesla
6-05 The Aztec Theatre in San Antonio, TX with Tesla
6-07 HOB in Houston, TX with Tesla
6-08 The Fillmore in New Orleans, LA with Tesla
6-11 Mission Ballroom in Denver, CO with Tesla

In a world that seems to be spiraling out of control, Kurt Deimer is a man with a very clear mission: Work Hard, Rock Hard, Play hard and Spread positivity. In fact, his mantra could be summed up: “Take the high road, do the right thing, encourage others.” It sounds like a tall order these days in a world full of warring factions. And it’s an unusual mission for a singer/songwriter vocalist whose music could be described as hard rock, even heavy metal – genres that are not always synonymous with positivity.

Deimer, for his part, describes his work as good old fashioned rock and roll. “And it’s as good a vehicle as any for spreading good vibes” he says. “I’m here to encourage others to treat people with respect, dignity and kindness,” he says. “I’ve been through a lot of things in my life and I try to share that with others and be a beacon of hope for my listeners.”

That positivity and perseverance has paid off for the native of Cincinnati, Ohio. He’s not only launched a movie franchise, Hellbilly Hollow, by filming and starring in a feature length horror film of the same name. He’s also recorded more than two dozen songs with legendary producer Chris Lord-Alge (Green Day, James Brown and the Rolling Stones), his management team includes Brian Wheat, manager of TESLA who discovered him while opening for TESLA.

Chris Lord-Alge says he was drawn to Kurt’s originality as an artist. “I saw something completely different in Kurt, and that was the lure for me. He isn’t a typical rock or country artist – I love hearing him talk and narrating a story, and I was drawn to taking those stories and helping turn them into music. He’s a personality, he’s someone you want to talk to.”

Things have not always been positive in Deimer’s world. At age 20, as a young rock vocalist, he found himself in the grips of drug addiction. He later discovered he was using substances to medicate an underlying anxiety condition. At that young age, he quit drugs, got help for his anxiety and never looked back.

He eventually started buying and selling rental properties and used that money to start the first of several successful companies he owns. Despite making his mark in the business world, Deimer didn’t feel ready to settle down and “join the country club and play golf all day” – so at an age when most people start thinking about slowing down, he started to speed up.

Inspired by the artists that helped shape him – Boston, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Marley and AC/DC, to name just a few – he started writing song lyrics.

Inspired by his love of movies and acting roles in films including the 2018 ‘Halloween’ remake – where his character was killed by Michael Myers – and John Travolta’s ‘Trading Paint,’ he started hashing out a movie concept that became his eventual Hellbilly Hollow feature film and franchise.

Deimer has supported Geoff Tate on an expansive cross-country tour that highlighted material from his debut EP, that came out on November 19, 2021, which includes a duet with Tate and a trilogy of music videos directed by Scottish filmmaker Paul Boyd [Sting, Deadmau5, The Cult] that spotlight Deimer’s cinematic vision and charismatic presence. Along with many other supporting shows including TESLA, Drowning Pool and Yngwie Malmsteen all this within the first two years of touring.

For Deimer, the inspiration is to make the world a better place one song at a time, singing about the ills of the 21st century and offering solutions instead of excuses. “When people listen to my music, I want to help them decompress and feel better after a brutal day. That’s what music always did for me, and that’s what we need more of today.”