2 luxurious insights into I Prevail's new debut album 'Trauma' have been released within the mere space of just 12 hours. The 5 piece are showing no signs of slowing down with these 2 recent tracks; that are pretty much a solid guarantee to obtain excited fans worldwide.
I Prevail, a 5 piece American metalcore band from Michigan formed in 2013 made their first debut in 2014, on YouTube with their Pop Goes Punk cover of 'Blank Space' by Taylor Swift. Brian Burkheiser (Clean Vocals), Eric Vanlerberghe (Harsh Vocals), Steve Menoian (Lead Guitar) and Dylan Bowman (Rhythm Guitar) alongside new official member Gabe Helguera (Drummer). Shortly after this was released, the band released their first EP 'Heart VS Mind' which only grew their fanbase more, after the huge success they had gained from their YouTube cover.
The 13 track album 'Trauma' is set to be released March 29th through Fearless Records, and is already showing signs of success.
TRACKLIST;
1. Bow Down
2. Paranoid
3. Every Time You Leave (feat. Delaney Jane)
4. Rise Above It (feat. Justin Stone)
5. Breaking Down
6. DOA
7. Gasoline
8. Hurricane
9. Let Me Be Sad
10. Low
11. Goodbye
12. Deadweight
13. I Don't Belong Here
'Bow Down' a heavy track that is sure to get you grooving in some form, with tongues tied throughout the opening versus to the repeated head-bangs. 'Breaking Down', a slow jam tune that is definitely going to hit you with those chockingly emotional feels. This song is a lyrical and visual representative of depression and anxiety, which has been confirmed at the end of the official music video by frontman Brian. Burkheiser shared a personal message to fit alongside the visual representations that are important to remember everyday.
"Over 300 million people currently live with depression. When you're depressed, you don't control your thoughts. Your thoughts control you. I struggle with it every day." - Brian
The band are back, and more ready than ever. Burkheiser has recovered from his shockingly debilitating vocal injury that nearly resulted in a departure from the band, and he is more than ready to get back at it and these tracks are proof of that. These singles dropped just in time for their Download Festival lineup; which is set to start in Sydney, Australia within the next week.
Night People, a relatively good sized gig venue where a few whales may have played earlier in their band journey?
Strolling down the streets of Manchester, up past Canal Street where night life thrives and into Night People we went. Doors to the venue opened at 7:30pm and the small crowd that turned up for then made their way into the venue room. Half an hour went by and it was time for the first band to play.
The Pettibones, a duo garage rock band primarily based in Stratford Upon Avon. Members Ben Bryan (Vocals/Guitar) and Anna GM (Drums). This band all-in-all had some decent 'boppers' a very contagious set of guitar riffs and at some points throughout the set, an even more highly enjoyable set of drum beats. There was an eclectic range of songs, one being a balladesque tempo and overall this 2 piece had a welcoming sense of stage presence. The Pettibones were an incredible introduction into the night of incredibly talented bands and set the tone for what was to come.
Finishing their set pretty much on que, left a 10 minute gap into the next band during which time was time for me to get re-acquainted with my trusty side kick. My camera. Being the photographer for this next band was inconceivable and is something that I would happily continue to do. 8:35pm sped around and welcomed on the stage The Mards.
The Mards, a 4 piece indie rock/alternative rock band based in Manchester. Members Archie Gardiner (Vocals/Guitar), Adam Jackson (Guitar), Ash Jarvis (Bass) and Archie Wilkinson (Drums). Their first gig? You never would have guessed it. With a vast range of songs, and a rather dancey bassist. Is it possible that Ash, out danced Orca's very own Ben?
From the luscious hair flips of Adam, to the highly hypnotizing drums of Archie, this band far from disappointed. Although their set may have gone faster than they had anticipated, they dealt with the situation in a professional manner and filled the remaining time of their set with a new original that was in the works. Frontman and guitarist Archie, stood on stage in a stripped down song that was in progress. It was just Archie and his guitar, with Adam stood right by his side, and 2 rather supportive band members that stood behind him dancing the song away. Finally finishing their set 5 minutes earlier than scheduled the boys came off stage eagerly anticipating Orca with the audience.
Frontman Harry's animal love? Whales. That's right, the night that a lot of us have been waiting for. Orca's first ever debut single launch show and headliner. What better venue than where it all started for them. Orca had been teasing for a week that their set was going to be something that the audience hadn't seen before and it was time to live up to that.
Opening up with songs new and some song that were well known they kick started their night with a new song that, may just be my new favourite. There must be something about the Night People venue because bassist Ben was interacting with the crowd during every intermission between songs. A nostalgic moment that dates back to their first time live. Although I must say, Ben you must just humor me when you're on stage with the faces you pull and those dance moves. Finishing off their set at the end of the night with the new single and beloved song of theirs Starfish, got people moving, grooving and singing.
To sums up the night, The Pettibones are a band that I would happily see again. They were incredible and were enjoying themselves up on stage. The Mards, are definitely a band that are going to be a returning favourite and not just because of the very smiley guitarist or the incredibly dance ridden bassist. Finally, Orca. You should be extremely proud of yourselves, the night was incredible. You all performed your hearts out and I've come to accept that those drums are going to get beaten up by Dan. Although I don't agree with your methods Mr Wright, I do enjoy your enthusiasm and devotion.
Now the topic at hand...Who was groovier on the bass, The Mards' Ash or Orca's Ben? It is exceedingly hard to choose a winner. Ben will always be the top man dancing with his bass, that relationship isn't backing away from first place anytime soon however I think for last nights shenanigans it is going to be joint first place boys! Ash was just too groovy with that bass not to be a winner, but Ben was also too dancey to not allow to stay in his top spot.
There is no brides, nor black veils as far as the eyes can see. Sorry to disappoint. However just when people thought that 'emo' couldn't get more stereotypical, the world remembers Black Veil Brides.
Black Veil Brides (BVB) a 5 piece American Rock Band from Cincinnati, Ohio. Andy Biersack (Lead vocals), Ashley Purdy (Bass, backing vocals), Jake Pitts (Lead guitar), Jeremy Ferguson (Jinxx) (Rhythm guitar, piano, violin) and finally Christian Coma (CC) (Drums). BVB are highly known for their image, the overwhelming theme of black. From the makeup, to the body paint to the tightly fitted, studded clothing. Mixed in with the classic glam rock/metal acts on stage, mainly replicating Motley Crue and KISS.
Wake Up. A classic rock song from BVB's most recent album 'Vale'. This album is the classic routes back to the 2013 concept album 'Wretched And Divine: The Story Of The Wild Ones' with its theme of good vs evil, 'Vale' is almost like an "hand-in-hand" album that works alongside 'Wretched And Divine: The Story Of The Wild Ones'. "The nation of today" must be made aware that BVB are not "slipping from our lives" in fact, they are here to stay.
'Wake Up' is loosely based on the presidential elections in America at the time. Throughout the track it has majorly contagious guitar riffs from Pitts and has the constant headbanging beats from the thunder cloud clashing drums; which is the clear depiction of the genre. "Oh wake up" this track is the typical BVB style with fast paced drums and classic rock guitar riffs in the final pre chorus of the song alongside vastly memorable lyrics.
Jimmy's, a Northern Quarter bar and a peak gig spot. Small on the surface but packed full of enjoyment. Black and Red colour scheme embodies you as you walk through alongside, vintagesque seating and microphones hanging above the bar in the underground room. Compact, yet intimate.
Monday night, Jimmy's welcomed back the whales. Orca.This trio bracing the audience with their presence at 8pm with a set unlike one they've done before. Drummer Dan Wright was highly confident that the set that the threesome had created was the best yet. In all honesty as much as I have enjoyed previous sets of there's I would agree. Starting their set off with a mellow ambientesque track that was slow and an introduction 'jam' into their arrangement. Which seamlessly transitioned into a short mechanical segment that led straight into their original track, 'Starfish'. A re-imagined original that is set to be released at the end of February. Easily my favourite track of their set. Highlights of their set...bassist Ben Stott dancing with his bass, I must urge everyone to get yourself a partner that looks at you the way Ben looks at his bass. With an outstanding amount of love.
Guitarist Harry Bathie, grooving and looking entranced by the music and finally Dan, adoring every bang of the drums. Although I do have to say honestly, hand on heart that I felt sorry for those drums they had one rather passionate man sat behind them but at the end of the day, if you're not feeling your own music then is it truly your best work? Orca, what an introduction to the night! An exceptional support act to lead the way for what was to come.
Lost Transmitters were up next. Now I'd never heard anything by them before turning up at the gig so I was highly intrigued. A three piece, Rock band from Leicester. The band consisting of Cameron Thomson (Vocals/Guitar), Fotis Kalantzis (Vocals/Drums) and Tom Dunphy (Bass). With a lot of Rock n' Roll and a slower song or two, Lost Transmitters were a tremendous bridge between Orca and the shining headliner. Highlights of this band... was it hot on stage Kalantzis? I grasped it was, when the top came off and no shits were given. And whilst we are on the topic of the drummer, at one point near the end of the set the faces pulled whilst playing the drums... were highly enjoyable. Another very passionate drummer. And to finish off standing up playing the drums, something that not many drummers do these days, it is a refreshing nostalgia.
However Tom 'ain't got nothing' on Ben with the bass relationship, sorry Tom! Cameron, I think we all thank you for the cutting in before any dad jokes were told. Although, there is still a lot of intrigue behind what was going to be said. A band that I knew very little about prior to the gig, and a band that I've come away from highly liking.
Now, for the headliner. A band that I have seen in the past and instantly grabbed my attention. Animal Omens. A three piece, Alternative Rock band based in Manchester. Ben White (Vocals/Guitar), Jem Renshaw (Bass/Backing Vocals) and Joe Salter (Drums/Backing Vocals). For anyone that has never heard these guys before, they are similar to bands such as Don Broco, Foo Fighters and Queens Of The Stone Age, so if you like any of these bands, there is a massive possibility that this trio are 'right down your ally'. A highly energetic, dancey trio which have some characteristics with a few songs. 'Burning Up' a recently released original. Vocalist Ben does some of the same moves every time that song is performed, the way his hand flicks between strums and the leg kicks that are to the beat of the drums, a vastly wistful musician. 'Goodbye And So Long', 'Gravity' and 'Burning Up', my three favourite songs of this trio, not only are the songs absolute 'bangers' but they are highly memorable and make you want to move. But not enough, for one of their songs, in fact when Ben suggested the crowd to jump around and have even more energy, a 1 man moshpit was created, yes Harry I'm looking at you... and people appeared to move backwards rather than forwards. Then the final song, came along faster than anticipated, and for as far as my eyes could see behind me, there wasn't a single stationary head. Head banging, a 1 man moshpit and a very dancey, lively band...one hell of a night.
Additionally, before Ben went on stage I did recommend to Ben to avoid headbutting the microphone, as he is rather prone to doing. He successfully managed not to bump into his beloved mic, thankfully for his faces benefit and the welfare of his microphone.
If you want to check out any of these band's music, then head over to Spotify and check out Lost Transmitters EP 'B.A.F' and Animal Omens single 'Burning Up'. You are definitely going to want to keep up to date with future releases from Orca, Lost Transmitters and Animal Omens so go ahead and give them a like on their socials... Facebook;
Orca
Lost Transmitters
Animal Omens
Dance, Rock, Pop, Electronic, Trap. You name it, this album might have it. From unapologetic vocalists, to cinematiceque orchestral strings and thunderous drums to plummet into the mix, this 13 track album, has a little for everyone. Except those who are too picky.
Bring Me The Horizon (BMTH), British rock band from Sheffield, South Yorkshire have recently released sixth debut album 'Amo'. A 13 track album, featuring artists Grimes, Dani Filth and Rahzel. Originally set to be released January 11th, got pushed back 2 weeks to January 25th as the band wanted to perfect things on the album, and bring out and album they can fully, stand behind and be proud of.
'i apologise if you feel something' is the opening piece on the album, that introduces the album in all it's glory with its theme of love. This track has an overwhelming rush of emotions relating to the feeling of love, which leads seamlessly into Mantra. The song, is more of a jam than a full song and is the perfect way to open up the album because it shows a classic BMTH sound, which draws in the fans. "I saw you staring" at the song list and although some fans feel fooled by the first single on the album to be released this album is exactly what many have been "waiting for".
'MANTRA' substantially the comeback song on the album. This single was the first song released off this album, and excited fans new and old for new music after a long awaited 4 years. With roaring guitar riffs and crashing drum beats this song "will set you free" from waiting for music since the 2015 album That's The Spirit. "Could I have your attention please?" This song without a doubt showcases typical BMTH roots, which for the fans may be a good thing. 'Nihilist Blues' the first track on the album to feature another artist, the one and only Grimes. This electronic dancesque rock track is the first official song on the album that showcases the different sound paths the band wanted to explore, like "I'm going white, I'm going black, I'm going blue".
'in the dark' is a melodic shift in the album in a heavy instrumental way, with it's fetching lyrics it was a pivotal observation into the dark pop BMTH brought to the album, which arguably was inspired by bands such as Tame Impala. "Jesus Christ you're so damn cold" to believe that this new era of BMTH isn't a fresh euphoric adventure to scrutinise.
'wonderful life' there's "no need for the obvious" but the {thunderous} drums on this track make it one of the heavier ones on the album. A refreshing throwback to their roots with some elements, and "I'm on the edge" with this weird yet wonderful song because this song was another one on this album that featured another artist. Dani Filth was the featured voice however it is hard to tell whether he adds anything to this track or not. 'ouch' is one of two interludes on this album. It typically is a filler "jam" track that has been used to split up the different sounds, and foreshadows the upcoming songs. Using this track as an interlude, creates a coherent transition into Medicine, "I always knew" this album would be a lot different from the previous albums in their discography however it is only after listening to this album that it truly shows.
'medicine' is the most pop song on the album. This song is a positive spin on a toxic relationship, an example of being blinded by love but not being angry at it, just needing to voice how it feels when someone "dragged me through the mud" because "some people are a lot like clouds" and others aren't. This vastly memorable pop song, is most likely fans guilty pleasure song on this album, as they don't want to stray from their genre roots, if they're stuck strictly in one genre. 'sugar honey ice & tea' is yet another heavy song on this album and delving "too close for comfort" into the cliche of a head bopper. It visits the societal beliefs and ideas on love alongside a personal touch of people's personal choices.
Trappy beats, and a mix of genre sounds 'why you gotta kick me when i'm down' is a juicy connotation into the relationship that frontman Oli Sykes has with fans, using a heavy element of rap on this track stemming back to the original roots of the band, "why you tryna put me in the ground" which despite being written in 2018 sounds like it should be the soundtrack for the characters in Pretty Little Liars, it is a memorable song that is sure to stick in your head with the repetitive chorus and the rather enjoyable riffs.
Time for another interlude? Apparently so, with the trippy melodic beats that have a vibey beat drop a minute in 'fresh bruises' is the groove to make you move.
The only love song you have ever heard Sykes write, with the heart on the sleeve vibe alongside the; there's no better feeling than love. 'mother tongue' is the "I didn't see it coming" from BMTH love song despite it's heavy instrumental led background and its rap segments. Now it's time for a song for the haters, 'heavy metal' A self referential song pegged at the haters and the social media trolls that spark an up rise from the band. "I keep pickin' petals" listening to this classic rap element of BMTH who are clearly very unapologetic to the haters, and rightfully so.
Finally, we come to the end of the album with 'i don't know what to say' which is the longest song on this album coming up to almost 6 minutes long, and is the only song to use orchestral strings in it's backing track. It was written about Sykes' childhood friend who died from Cancer, and it explores the strength that his friend had during his life and how at the weakest point in his life, he was at his most powerful. This song is not a song that dwells on the heartache or the anger but is a way of remembering how "I saw the universe hidden in your heart" and is strictly a celebration, of his friends life.
I'm not going to sit here and pretend like the first time I heard this album, I fell for it because I didn't. In fact out of 13 tracks, and 9 of them I hadn't heard before I wasn't exactly blown away. I didn't hate the album but equally I wasn't in love with it either. To me only 3 of the songs I hadn't heard pleased me straight off the bat.
in the dark
sugar honey ice & tea
why you gotta kick me when i'm down
But I was so quick to judge! I was putting my expectations for an album too high. It use to be very rare that I liked every song off an album until I began to listen to an album all at once and, I couldn't tell if I was growing or if albums were just being made better and better. To be honest I still haven't figured that part out yet. However this album. What can I say? If I had been asked to rate this album, I would most likely have given it atleast a 7, and considering Bring Me The Horizon are one of my favourite bands, that is far from high but the more I listened to the full album and watched interviews about the album, the more me and the album became acquainted. Needless to say I love this album now.
Yes, this juxtaposes massively with my first reaction, however I was willing to give this album a chance because it was Bring Me...it was a band that I have grown up listening to and although Sempiternal will forever be my favourite, Amo has a lot to say for itself.
For starters this album is polarising! Fans, are going through the typical love-hate relationship stage like they did back when Suicide Season was first released and to be fair, I can totally see why. Nevertheless despite the polarising feature that seems to be sparking attention, it's roaring riffs and raspy vocals are reminiscent to those fans of Linkin Park in the early stages of their careers. Fans are merely lashing out with their hatred on this album because it is not deathcore, or metalcore like ones had hoped but not every band can succeed like The Beatles, where the same sound works for them and their fans. Bring Me The Horizon are in a versatile genre where their sound will change and adapt, unfortunately some fans just can't handle that for the time being, there isn't going to be another 'Suicide Season', 'There is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There is a Heaven, Let's Keep It a Secret' era. That's not to say somewhere in the future there won't be, but they are experimenting with sound and it's clear that fans must like it in someway or another as they are rising through the charts, potentially rising to their first number one spot.
