exist†trace Album Review: TRUE

If you thought this band was good before then you haven't seen anything yet. Now that they've made the move to a major record label the girls of exist†trace seem determined to surpass everyone's expectations and prove that they should have been here a long, long time ago.

These metal maidens are back and stronger then ever before.

Opening the album with the title track TRUE was a wise decision and immediately shows you what this band is all about. Everyone is in top form and Omi's guitar riff paired with Jyou's opening vocals certainly surpassed my expectations and that's hardly the best part of the song. Familiar to any exist†trace fan is the sound of Naoto's bass at the midpoint of the song combined with Mally's drumming helps build the song to a climax just before a surprising but blistering double-guitar solo courtesy of Omi and Miko sends the song even higher on the scale.

Every part of this song is on fire as Jyou sings passionately about moving past betrayal and fear. Certainly a well taught lesson in being TRUE to yourself.

Only Miko and Omi can offer up a double-guitar solo of such epic proportions!



Next up is HONNOU (which translates to "instinct") and this song follows the blistering pace that TRUE began. Jyou's playful invitation of "shall we dance?" sets up Omi's raging lead guitar. The furious solo following Jyou's eerie laughter would rightly scare any man who dared to think of these women as pushovers. Instantly catchy and with a sound that will have you dancing and headbanging all day long, its a surprise when the song starts to fade out instead of just ending at a climax or a final note the way the other four songs do. Any fan in their right mind will be wishing this song could go on longer.

Mally's drums and Naoto's bass make one killer combination!

While TRUE and HONNOU were written by Miko who does most of exist†trace's songs, the next song on the album Tokoyami No Yoake belongs solely to the lead guitarist Omi. The melody is an obvious shift from the past two songs as the opening guitar leads into softer vocals by Jyou fused with the slinking bass from Naoto and the light drums of Mally. Smooth, strong, and everything exist†trace represents perfectly describes this song. While some metal vocalists my struggle a bit when it come to slower songs that is no problem for Jyou and her voice shines beautifully in this dark melody.

Left to right: Miko (guitar), Mally (drums), Jyou (vocalist), Naoto (bass), Omi (lead guitar).



KISS IN THE DARK is the riskiest track on the TRUE album as it differs from anything exist†trace has written or performed so far. The up and down pace of the song has kind of a jazz feel to it at first or maybe that of a song from the 70's or 80's. Playful and upbeat is a big switch from the almost haunting tone of Tokoyami no Yoake, but give this song a chance and you'll see it as the amazing song it really is. Every band needs to change things up stylistically and the girls do this perfectly in this song by creating a melody that is different, but hard to forget.

Closing the album is Jiyuu no Sora, Chijou no Uta which is also written by Omi. While the album opened with a bang it closes on a softer note giving a greater sense of finality. This is not the end of an era, but the beginning of a new one and the steady melody conveys the feeling that exist†trace is merely taking a breath as they prepare the next round of songs to amaze and dazzle their adoring fans.

Jyou and Naoto help show fans what this band is all about.

TRUE is a mix of both old and new styles and any fan of rock or metal would be doing themselves a huge disservice if they did not pick up this album. It is currently available online from JapanFiles.com.

It's A Hot Summer For K-pop!

Summer time has come and with the release of the single and repackaged album Hot Summer by f(x) it looks like this season is going to hotter than ever!

Finding love in the summer sun!

After winning performance after performance on various Korean TV music shows and racking up award after award, f(x) has released their repackaged album Hot Summer. Available both in Korea and on itunes in the United States it contains all of the songs from their first full album Pinocchio and also two new songs Hot Summer and ...Is It Ok?

Fans will also be overjoyed to see previous singles La Cha Ta and Chu♡ on the repackaged release as well seeing as the singles were originally released a year ago.

The previous single Pinocchio (Danger) was just released on April 18th and f(x) has been touring with SM Town which recently played a concert in Paris, France. Despite the fact that none of the acts have ever released any music there the concert still managed to sell out 14,000 tickets in just two days. You can watch the live f(x) performance here.

Fashion, fun, great vocals, and slick dance moves

While the song Hot Summer is a cover, the original of which was done by German band Monrose, fans don't seem to care much and the video is quickly earning more and more views on YouTube after being released just yesterday June 17th.

f(x) has already done two live performances of the song on Music Bank and Music Core. All while dancing and wearing heels that would make most music stars scream for mercy. Well except for Amber Liu who's tomboyish looks favored a pair of stylish sneakers instead.

It's good to see SM Entertainment giving more attention to fans overseas and releasing songs from their artists on itunes.

I already have my copy so go out and get yours today!

1st Album Review: Pinocchio by f(x)

Korean girl group f(x) has gained fans all over Korea and all over the world thanks to their unique look and unique combination of singers. With the release of their very first official album f(x) is performing and winning awards left and right, but how do their new songs stack up to all this hype? I'm a huge f(x) fan and was extremely excited to get this album into my hands. So here we go.



Pinocchio is here!


The album Pinocchio opens with their single Danger. This edgy pop song is quickly gaining views on YouTube and the video has a great style as well as a bright background to highlight the girls changing fashion styles. Its a great song and while it may not be stuck in your head for days, its still worth buying. Some might view the lyrics as redundant but I feel that this factor helps to add to the songs appeal.

Luna's voice really shines through on the song, but its lacking in that Amber doesn't rap more than one line. Her rapping would have helped the song stand out more, instead it falls somewhat flat since she doesn't get a singing part the way the other girls do.

After that is the song Sweet Witches. This very upbeat tone doesn't do much to lift your spirits and the opening synth beat just feels way out of place. f(x) carries a very urban pop feel but instead this song delivers a sugary sweet pop feel that just doesn't fit in with their look, much less their vocals. We really could have done without this song.




f(x) is ready to add a little Danger to your life


Third on this album is Dangerous. This song is more upbeat and less edgy then the title would have you believe and the first verses could easily turn you off, but give this song and chance and you'll find yourself singing along and driving around town like a super spy out on a mission. The high pitched singing voices the girls churn out do seem a little off putting at times though. Listen to it a few times, however, and it proves itself to be a good song. Not great, but good.

Fourth is the song Beautiful Goodbye. As one of only two ballads on the song it doesn't quite reach the same emotional heights as Sorry (Dear Daddy) from the first mini album. However, it does a good job of showing off the girls great singing voices and proves that there are kpop groups out there that can sing instead of relying on overly auto tuned song lyrics. Beautiful Goodbye is a soothing rhythm that shows you how good these girls really are when it comes to singing. The combination comes together beautifully on this song.

Gangsta Boy is up next but instead of the edgy tune in the same flavor as Mr. Boogie it is actually a rather stripped down song with a simpler melody then the first song Danger. I wasn't a fan of it at first but after listening to it a couple times I think its a great song although Luna's staple high note seems a bit unnecessary and the cheesy final bridge/verse will make you bust out laughing rather than actually enjoy the song. The ending ruined it a bit for me my taking the sugary sweet tone that is so out of place with the style f(x) portrays.

f(x) is out to win the Love of their fans

The 6th song Love. It may be sweet with a few sprinkles on top but for the first time on this album it actually works out pretty well. It brings back a little bit of the pop feel that f(x) is supposed to have and while it's not the best song I've heard from my girls at f(x), that doesn't mean it isn't worth playing.

Stand Up! falls into the same category as Sweet Witches. It's trying to showcase how cute and pretty the girls are without much success. Its so sweet you can barely stand it. Just skip this one.

Almost to the end of the album we have the funky song My Style to help round out the album. As a reminder of some of their past songs this one is actually a favorite of mine. The verses and chorus are perfect and the girls vocals all make this song a great one. Amber switches things up by rapping entirely in English this time and that gives this one that extra kick it needs to stand out.

As the last ballad on the album you'll find that the song So Into U is one of the best songs off the album. Amber actually gets a chance to sing on this album instead of just showing up to rap a few lines towards the end and then disappearing again. Her part is towards the beginning and will certainly shut up anyone foolish enough to question her singing abilities. Not only can Amber hold a note in tune, but she does it very well. Luna's high note seems thrown in just because she's good at it, but aside from that this is a great song. Not quite at single status but it tries hard to get there.

f(x) is winning performances left and right

Finally we have Lollipop featuring boy band and label mates SHINee. Actually this is the Korean remake of the same song that f(x) did with Chinese group MIC. Much as I love my boys from SHINee Lollipop actually might have been a better song without them. Onew has a great voice and his part is the best part of this song, but the others' just don't quite come together. That said this song is going to be stuck in your head for some time once you listen to it and your finger will keep itching to hit the replay button.

f(x) is a great group that is overflowing with potential, unfortunately this album doesn't do much to prove that. SM Entertainment is known for mixing things up, but they should have stuck with the style that made f(x) popular in the first place.

Overall this album gets a 3.5 out of 5. Pretty good album, but it certainly could have been better.

Artist Spotlight: t.A.T.u

Two girls, dozens of hit songs, plenty of controversy and the undeniable title as the biggest Russian band EVER. We can only be talking about the electronica pop group t.A.T.u.

This is Russian Pop

The duo came together in 1999 after their producer Ivan Shapovalov and his associate Alexander Voitinskyi held auditions in Moscow to form a new Russian musical group. Both Lena Katina and Yulia Volkova stood out, but ultimately Lena was the one chosen. After some demos were made, however, the decision was made to bring 14-year-old Yulia back on board and the name t.A.T.u was chosen. It was written in such a way so as to distinguish it from an Australian band of the same name.

In the year 2000 the girls completed their first single Ya Soshla Uma, which means "I've Lost My Mind"; later it was released in English as All The Things She Said. On May 21, 2001 their first full length album 200 Po Vstrechony was released followed by Nas Ne Dagoniat and 30 Minut as the second and third singles respectively. The English version of the album was released in 2002 under the name 200 km/h in the Wrong Lane. All the Things She Said and Not Gonna Get Us were the two singles released off this album along with 30 Minutes.

Beautiful and Dangerous

A DVD compilation of t.A.T.u's music videos and more entitled Screaming For More was released in November 2003. The documentary Anatomy of t.A.T.u aired on Russian TV the next month and revealed that, despite the image and controversy, Yulia and Lena were not lesbians. Early in 2004 both girls broke ties with their producer Ivan Shapovalov saying that he was more interested in creating scandals then focusing on their music.

In 2004 the girls went back to the studio backed by their label Universal Music International to record their second English and Russian albums. All About Us and Lyudi Invalidy were to be the first singles from each record. Dangerous and Moving was released in October 2004 with the Russian counterpart Lyudi Invalidy following a few days later.

Add some music and few sparks for one amazing combination

Late 2007 the single Beliy Plaschik was released followed a couple months later by 220 in May 2008. Both were highly favored songs and were supposed to released on a special EP, but the EP was delayed and then canceled due to Yulia becoming seriously ill. The third single You And I was released and then the full length album entitled Vesyolye Ulybki/Happy Smiles was finally released in October 2008 and the songs were also made available on itunes.

A statement released in May 2009 stated that t.A.T.u would no longer be a full time project and both girls were working on solo projects. Although the singles and videos for Snegopady (RU), Snowfalls (EN), White Robe (the English counterpart to Beliy Plaschik), and Sparks (the English counterpart to 220) the band was officially announced as disbanded in 2011.

Both Yulia and Lena are now pursuing solo careers as they have wanted to do for some time. A double remix album was released at the end of March 2011 and is also available on itunes, but there are no definite plans for t.A.T.u to reform any time soon if at all.

It has been 12 years of music and still fans old and new continue to discover the amazing Russian group known as t.A.T.u. They are unquestionably the most popular Russian group there has ever been and they look to be the most popular and best selling band there ever will be.

While t.A.T.u is over Yulia and Lena most certainly are not. Here's to more great songs and more years of great music in the months to come.

New Releases of the Year Part 2

This is a year of some big releases in the music world and this is a follow up to the last post.

While 2011 may be a year of comebacks and music releases it has also been one marked by drama. Case in point being Paramore who lost two of its members.


We are (still) a band!

While Hayley Williams, Jeremy Davis, and Taylor York handled the matter with calm and kind professionalism, brothers Josh and Zac took a less savory route and slammed their former band with numerous accusations. The remaining three members addressed and confirmed some of these issues in an interview with MTV.

Paramore fans, however, were not swayed and have loudly proclaimed that they (still) love their band. Now that the tour is over the band is back in the studio working on their next album and will be recording a batch of songs this summer. The next full length album is set to be released later this year or in 2012 and fans of Paramore will be there every step of the way to support their band.

Another band marked by the loss of a few band members is Evanescence.



Never listen to rumors.


Amy Lee is the only original member still with the band and there has been a total of 10 musicians so far since the group released its first album Fallen in 2003. Rumors of Amy Lee being an "iron fisted" diva started to swirl after the messy departure of Ben Moody in 2003 followed by drummer Rocky Gray and guitarist John LeComp in 2007.

After The Open Door which was released in 2006 and sold 5 million albums the problems started again as Amy Lee reported in Spin Magazine. She had done a lot of writing without the band while producer Steve Lillywhite had them working on some experimental songs with more of an electro lean to them. The sessions were stopped, but music will find a way. Amy Lee and the new members moved in together and started re-working her songs and also creating some new material as well. Now functioning as a real band things started to come together and now Evanescence is back in the studio this April and is looking to release their new album sometime this year.

A band with less drama but certainly not less talent is the Black Veil Brides.

Rock and roll is back to Set The World on Fire!


After releasing their first independent album We Stitch These Wounds on July 20th 2010 the glam rock band has skyrocketed in popularity due entirely to their devoted fans the BVB Army. Now well into the AP Tour they have, or have almost, completed their next album entitled Set The World on Fire. The title track for this album was chosen by popular demand to be in the movie Scream 4 which is now in theatres. However, the first single off this album Fallen Angels will be released soon with the full length CD coming out in this summer on June 14th.

This is a great year for old pros and new faces. Whether you like pop, rock, or metal. English, Korean, or Japanese the language of music is universal and this year is shaping up to be one for the record books.

New Releases of the Year Part 1

It would seem that this is the year of the music. Tons of artists around the world either have or are preparing to release new songs, singles, or full length albums. From the United States all the way over to South Korea the music charts are being dominated by talented young stars.

First up is Lady Gaga.


Lady Gaga is the new Queen of Pop


Her real name is Stefani Germanotta, but now legions of "Little Monsters" know her as Lady Gaga, or just Gaga as she prefers to be called. After joining Streamline Records and writing songs for fellow label artists, she was signed to Akon's label Kon Live Distribution. It was in 2008 that Lady Gaga released a record her own titled The Fame and emerged on the scene with her first smash hit Just Dance. The rest as they say is history.

Following up with The Fame Monster in 2009, Gaga then went on another worldwide tour. When it finishes up this May it will have run for over one and a half years. Now we have the latest single of her new album called Born This Way which sold 1 million copies in just 5 days making it the fastest selling single in iTunes history. Today her fans were surprised with an early release of the next single Judas and Gaga's next full length album is scheduled for a May 23rd release.

Continuing the pop line up is are some girls that have shown us all what it really means to be a fan. Naturally we're talking about fans of the Korean girl group f(x) who nearly started a revolution when one of the members, Amber, disappeared off the radar due to a sprained ankle.



These five girls are gonna rock the kpop scene all over again!

After months of agonizing wait, fans around the world will finally get the comeback they have been dying for. While a teaser video for their new single Danger has been released the full video will be posted to the official SM Entertainment YouTube page on April 18th followed by the album release on April 20th.

The alternating rapping style of Amber combined with the sweet pop vocals of the other girls Luna, Krystal, Sulli, and Victoria provides a unique twist on the all too familiar girl group that idea that is currently overflowing in the Korean pop market.

Already the teaser is generating tons of interest and fans are more excited then ever to see their girls back in action with the same strong pop sound and fashion sense that made them popular in the first place. If fan dedication and parodies are anything to go by then the girls of f(x) are on their way to even greater stardom and popularity.

Now lets move on to Japan.

Electropop rock doesn't come in any flavor other then LM.C

Another upcoming single release is by the Japanese visual kei group known as LM.C. Playing a mix of rock and electronic pop, all you have to do is listen to any of their songs to see just what it is that sets them apart from all the other bands. Its hard to define their style exactly but Maya and Aiji, the main part of the group, have labeled themselves New Century Electrorock

After posting the video for Super Duper Galaxy to their Facebook page for several days the video was taken down leaving fans eager to get their hands on the new song. Originally set for a March 30th release, the next single Super Duper Galaxy was pushed back to May 18th after the massive earthquake in Japan.

This is just a small sample of some groups that are releasing music this year. We have plenty more bands to cover so look for Part 2 and possibly a Part 3 coming this weekend.

The New Face of Rock and Roll: Black Veil Brides

They have legions of fans who call themselves the BVB Army. They have raging guitars that will leave your jaws on the floor and drum beats that will rattle your windows. They have song lyrics that will lift you up and have you singing along at the top of your voice.

And they have looks and hair that put Kiss themselves to shame.

The Black Veil Brides are the true face of rock and roll.

But are they really the next Motley Crue? The next Kiss even? No.

They're even better.

That's what singer Andy Six is aiming for as part of the band Black Veil Brides. As he said in an interview with Billboard they are a "larger-than-life image" and no one will deny that this theatrical presentation is sure to capture attention. In fact it already has.

Their album We Stitch These Wounds debuted on the Billboard Top 200 at #36 overall followed by a #10 spot on the Rock Albums chart, #1 for Independent Albums, and finally #3 for Hard Rock Albums on August 7, 2010.

The first single off their debut album We Stitch These Wounds is called Perfect Weapon and is a follow up to their song Knives and Pens which was written earlier and with a different band lineup.

After some changes though, the Black Veil Brides were ready to take the world by storm and what a storm it has been!


Suit up in your leather and war paint boys and girls. BVB is here to ROCK!

Metal, metal core, glam, goth, rock it doesn't matter what you call them or what genre you want to place them in. Black Veil Brides is more concerned with the music and the powerful message of acceptance and standing up for yourself that you gain from it.

If they've spent months honing their look then they've spent years perfecting their music. The deep vocals of Andy Six followed by his screaming passion is something that must be heard to believe.

The legions of people that turn out to their concerts didn't just show up overnight though and its thanks to the major investments in live shows, social networking, and autograph sessions that they have become so hugely popular in a rather short period of time. Before and/or after each concert they take the time to hang out and talk with their fans. Taking pictures, giving out hugs, signing autographs and more is just part of the territory for this band and they love every minute of it.

While their drummer, Sandra Alvarenga, may have left and joined the band Modern Day Escape that isn't going to slow down the Black Veil Brides any. At the moment their girl Sandra is playing like the Goddess of Rock that she is for MDE and gearing up for a new album. Meanwhile, the guys of BVB have a new drummer by the name of Christian Coma or just "CC" and a new album in the works for themselves as well. 



Line up left to right: Jinxx, Christian "CC" Coma, Andy Six, Jake Pitts, Ashley Purdy

 
A vision, a mission, and song lyrics that will stay stuck in your head for days. This band has put a lot of thought into their image and music and its certainly paying off. After touring around the USA they made their way to Europe and then even to Japan before a massive 9.0 earthquake put an unfortunate halt to their plans.

But even that couldn't stop them from playing their hearts out for the 40 or so brave souls who came out that very night to see them perform in Tokyo, Japan. Bass player Ashley Purdy even had an interview with the Huffington Post about the experience which you can read right here.


The very night of the Japan earthquake BVB is still ready to play!

Whether they are meeting with fans, putting on an unforgettable concert, doing interviews or just playing a couple songs like Heaven's Calling, We Stitch These Wounds, or Perfect Weapon they are always available to their fans that that is a key ingredient to their booming popularity among both male and female teenagers and young adults.

Raging, roaring metal songs or a softer ballad like The Mortician's Daughter there is bound to be a song by the Black Veil Brides that you will enjoy.

Andy Six in the studio

With plenty more tour dates to come this year and a new album this summer there is plenty to keep fans excited and hungering for more of their favorite glam band. Their fans are truly an army set on propelling their guys straight to the top of the charts and to rock and roll infamy.

So download their songs off itunes or buy the album from Hot Topic because these guys are going to be around for a long time to come and you're going to want to be there for every pulse pounding second of it.

New Blood: f(x) is Back!

When they first appeared on the music scene known as Korean pop it would have been easy to dismiss them as just another girl group.

After all "k-pop", as it is more commonly known, is a heavily saturated market filled with boy and girl groups singing their hearts out and dancing to slick electronic beats in front of their fans. Some are better than others and there seems to be a new group practically every month.

Then came f(x) with their debut video LA chA TA.


f(x) is ready to take the Korean pop scene with a vengeance! 

Sure they had the looks, but they clearly had the dance moves as well as the vocals to back up their wonderfully executed video and music. These were not overly auto-tuned notes that so many more established groups were using.

The one thing that really caught people's attention was... the boy dancing in the background? Wait a minute here!



This is no ordinary girl group

Second glance shows never to judge a book by its cover. That's no boy dancing there in the background. It was none other then the tomboy known as Amber. This girl wasn't just a singer... she was a rapper and a darn good one at that as this video of her freestyling shows.

Now these girls really had something really special. It's not every day you see a girl group with a rapper in it after all. Much less one as good as her.

Alone they would have been successful, but look at any f(x) music video and you'll see dozens if not hundreds of comments about Amber.

Clearly more handsome then beautiful and certainly more boyish then the other girls, Amber makes up a significant part of why this group is so successful. Not only does she stand out, but she also fits in with the other girls and they all work together to form a group that certainly deserves all the attention they have received since their debut in September 2009.

Their second single was the song Chu and helped show off their unique style and cohesion as a group. They were certainly on the right track and they also did a cover of SNSD's song Chocolate Love which doubled as a promo for a cell phone.

Finally there came the song NU ABO. The title implied "new blood" since ABO refers to the various blood types. Combined with the lyrics the song was meant to signify that f(x) was here to put some new blood into the k-pop industry and this single was by far the most stylish and captivating beat yet.

When you first watch it and hear the song its very different from other k-pop songs and you can't help but watch it through to the end. All of the girls shine through in this video and with nearly 4 million views on YouTube it's certainly doing pretty well.

It is the first video listed when you search for their name on YouTube and this video really helps to highlight the girls singing, dancing, Amber's rapping and the fact that they really are infusing the saturated k-pop industry with a fresh sound and different look.

But things took a sour turn when Amber hurt her ankle during a performance and went back home to the USA so she could recover and regain strength. These things happen and no one would have thought much of it... except that it took so long for news of her recover and return to the group to come that fans started to worry.


Is f(x) even complete as a group without Amber?

Worry soon turned to irritation and then to outright outrage. Amber's fans demanded to know where she was and what had happened to her. It shouldn't take months for a sprained ankle to heal should it?

The fact that their label SM Entertainment put out videos showing the other four girls, minus Amber, did nothing to reassure them. Weeks turned into months and then nearly a year as news trickled out at a maddeningly slow pace. Even after it was announced and confirmed that Amber would be returning there were few pictures or videos of her aside from a promo shoot for K-Swiss.

http://www.allkpop.com/ even put out an "Amber Alert" article about the situation that highlighted everything f(x) fans were currently agonizing over.

SM Entertainment finally squashed the rumors once and for all when all five members were featured in the latest edition of Maire Claire magazine. Classier then ever and a bit more mature they looked ready to take on the music world once again and a new album is set to debut sometime this spring or summer.



It's a new year with new looks, but f(x) is the same group as before.

Finally fans were assured that their favorite rapping tomboy was still in the group and that all the girls were sticking together. It's hard to make a splash in the k-pop industry considering how many pop groups their are. Yet the claim f(x) made of infusing some "new blood" into the music industry wasn't just proud boasting after all.

These girls have got talent and it only took one of them to cause an outrage of massive proportions among fans.

All of f(x)'s fans eagerly await their new music and keep our their group title in mind as well. That (x) is a variable. It represents the different talents of each girl and the way their sound may vary in the future, but no matter what happens their fans will stick by them with a tenacity unseen with any other group.

The first mini album by f(x) is currently available on itunes.

Artist Spotlight: Sandra Alvarenga

Black Veil Brides and Modern Day Escape. Two bands and two sets of fans brought together by the presence of one incomparable drummer.

Sandra Alvarenga.



Sandra is showing the world what real rock and roll is all about

Most people know her as the former drummer for the band Black Veil Brides, but now she has joined forces with Modern Day Escape and is continuing her domination over the rock world.

It's not exactly common to see a female drummer, but that fact hasn't stopped Sandra from playing harder than any guy could ever dream of doing as you can see in this video here.

People can laugh and joke all they want, but don't let her gender or smaller size fool you any. Once Sandra steps up on stage and sits down behind the drums... you had better watch your step. This girl's got mad skills and she's only getting better from here.


Sandra with her boys and brothers as part of the Black Veil Brides


While fans of BVB (Black Veil Brides) are surely sad to see her leave the band, this is hardly the end of her story. In fact this lady's tale is just starting to heat up. With a new album in the works and a cover song of Perfection by MDE (Modern Day Escape) to tantalize fans in the meantime, there is plenty going on to keep her occupied.



Modern Day Escape is preparing for a new album

Another part of Sandra's fame, aside from her beast-like drumming skills, are fans that are positively wild about her. So much so that some are starting to say they've come down with "Sandra Fever".

Whether they're watching her at a concert, sending her photos of themselves in her t-shirts, or asking her for a picture or autograph, one thing is for sure... Sandra Alvarenga sure has herself some loyal fans and they aren't going anywhere. They've made drawings, fan videos, and more in an attempt to reach their favorite musician. Sandra herself has posted "I have the most amazing fans in the world" as her Twitter bio.

Have you seen this girl anywhere?

Truly she has earned her reputation not only as a beast on the drums as her journey with the Black Veil Brides proved, but more recently as the Goddess of Rock. Listen to a song like Heaven's Calling or Perfect Weapon and you'll hear her raging beats pounding along in the background. If Sandra can roar like this during a warm up then you can imagine what she is like live.

While I've never had the pleasure of doing so there are many who have been to see her live at a concert and here's hoping that I will one day be able to do the same.

Two worlds brought together by one person and her legion of loyal fans. We're behind you all the way Sandra Alvarenga and we can't wait to hear the new Modern Day Escape Album and see what else you have in store for us.

If you would like a little piece of history in the making all to yourself, then you can order your Sandra's Back! t-shirt from District Lines right here.



Album Review: Acoustic LIVE! by Adam Lambert

Our favorite glam rocker Adam Lambert has recently released a new EP and fans such as myself are enjoying every second of it. Best described as a vocal masterpiece, this is a mind-blowing live record that is disappointing only by way of the fact that there aren't even more songs for us to enjoy.



Acoustic Live! Quite possible the best live album of the year

Starting off you have Whataya Want From Me? recorded live at ENERGY Berlin radio station 103.4. It is impossible not to be moved by the emotion and feeling that Adam pours into this song. Stripped down from the studio release, this version has only an acoustic guitar to back up Adam Lambert's voice

People of all ages and demographics have fallen in love with this song and the powerful message that it conveys. Adam has even been nominated for a Grammy under the Best Male Pop Vocal Performance category because of this single.

As the song most people are familiar with this was the perfect choice to open the album and you'll be hitting the replay button time and time again.


Whataya Want From Me?



Next on the list is Music Again which was recorded live at Hit Radio FFH. Honestly, I was very curious to see how this would work out as an acoustic song. Using only an acoustic guitar and drums its a rather big change from the electronically infused studio album. It carries the same tempo, but doesn't have the additional vocals of the studio release. This is a beautiful combination and Adam works around it perfectly with alternating soft and strong vocals.

The silence of the radio station setting offers a pure untainted sound and every note comes across crystal clear to the listener. You will definitely be listening to this music again and again and again.



Music has never looked so good



Aftermath is the third song on this album and starts off with the cheering of the crowd on the Glam Nation tour. Yet when the guitar starts playing they respectfully go silent allowing Adam to start singing. This song is so beautiful that words can even begin to describe it. Even non fans will find themselves enjoying this song and gaining a greater respect for the smooth voice and emotion that Adam Lambert can convey with only a few words. His soaring note at 2:57, and at the very end, send the crowd roaring with approval and how can you blame them? 

Speaking of emotion this is the perfect song for anyone who has or is having a bad day. Every verse will help you to appreciate that things really will be all right when things are said and done. Adam Lambert himself was one of the co-writers for this song and every word will strike a powerful cord in you.

After a hard day's work or a rough time in life you'll find yourself reaching for this song and it does a great job of picking you up and lifting your spirits.

Adam and his band members

Soaked follows as the second to last song on the album and the only instrument used is a piano. This is by far my favorite song as Adam's voice shines through like nothing else you have ever heard. Soft at times but with an underlying power that is sure to captivate your attention just as it surely did those attending the concert.

A masterpiece of the highest order is the only way to describe Soaked. Here on this song you will be able to see why it is that so many people around the world have fallen in love with him.

The chorus soars and in the last minute or so of the song there is a pause followed by a couple seconds of singing without the accompaniment of any instruments. An acapella version of Soaked would have been amazing to hear. Maybe next time around Adam will treat us to such a rendition of one of his songs.

What do you think? Tell me if you would like to hear that just as much as I would! 




Glambert's just can't get enough of Adam

  

Last on the album is Mad World. Adam Lambert's sensitive, stripped down performance of this song during his run on American Idol was so good that even sour Simon Cowell himself was moved to give him a standing ovation.

Many consider it to be his best performance of the season and legions of fans were not only disappointed, but angry to see a cover of it excluded on his first album For Your Entertainment. Now they have what they so badly wanted and not only the song, but a live acoustic version of it as well.

As a dedicated fan who was glued to the TV throughout that American Idol season I was greatly surprised when the song started off, not as the slow rendition that Adam had done before, but instead as an uptempo version that will have you tapping your feet, bobbing your head, and singing along to every word.



Glitter, glam, music, and Adam Lambert will make anyone's day



This Acoustic Live! album starts off with a song everyone loves and ends with a bang on an old favorite that fans have been screaming for since he first sang it on the American Idol stage.

Physical copies are being snapped up left and right and the CD + poster combo is flying off the official website. Better get yours fast before it's gone because once they run out there won't be any more made!

With the voice of an angel and the class to back it up, Adam Lambert is an intelligent man who knows just what he wants how how he's going to get there. He was born for success and has more than enough talent to back up his ambitions.

Acoustic Live! is easily the best live album of the year and does not disappoint in any possible way. You have not heard a true singer until you've heard the songs on this album.

It is out now on the official website, iTunes, Amazon, and plenty of other sites. So go out and buy it now!

Album Review: What's My Name by Miyavi

So as many of us know Miyavi's new album What's My Name is now available around the world.

You all know his name!

Like tons of other fans I rushed out to buy an iTunes card the day it was available on iTunes just so that I would be able to download the new album. His videos Survive and Torture were just a small taste of the awesome guitar skills that Miyavi has. It made all of us hungry for more and we were most certainly not disappointed.

Fresh off his Neo Tokyo Samurai Black World Tour and with a Tour Documentary DVD in addition to a new baby girl and album, Miyavi is no doubt on top of the world. His fans consider him the greatest guitarist of his generation if not in the world. Few are those who can rival him and no matter who you are you can't deny his amazing skill with a guitar.



Miyavi is back and he's letting everyone know his name


Miyavi's music has ranged from more pop songs in the past to a more defined rock sound in other years. One thing though was always certain: when it comes to playing the guitar Miyavi is not just on another level, he has his name plastered all over it.

Each song features a unique twist on his own special brand of guitar playing and once you start listening to this album there is no way you'll ever be able to put it down again.

Not a single song disappoints, but be warned that the lyrics can be hard to figure out since they are a mix of Japanese and English. Then again this is Miyavi we're talking about and all things can be understood just by the mention of his name.

This album is pure rock and the first song on the album is called What's My Name and the guitar intro gives you the perfect taste of what is to come on the rest of the album. Following is his second single Torture and then my personal favorite A-Ha. This tune will be stuck in your head all day long and I love it.

Chillin' Chillin' Money Blue$ is the perfect song to chill out to if you've had a rough day at work and the simple but effective melody really does give it a bluesy feel... or is that just me?

His more subdued vocals on I Love You, I Love You, I Love You, and I Hate You perfectly matches the music and sets you up for the next song Moon which will leave you wishing you could see it live so that you would know just how he managed to pull of those guitar riffs.

Gravity seems like a perfectly good ballad... but watch out for Miyavi's sudden scream of "LET ME OUT!" at 4:06 because he'll blow your eardrums right out if your not careful. I'll admit that I prefer the ending of the song to the beginning.

The opening tune to Universe will immediately catch your attention while Unbreakable deviates from the overall theme by opening with the drums first and then adding the guitar after a few seconds.

Shelter is my second favorite song off this album and I could tap out the tune all day long. The combination of guitar and drum set will hook you right away and never let you go.

Super Hero again seems like it will be a nice soft ballad along the lines of Gravity... but then again this is Miyavi we're talking about and something so predictable will not be allowed on his album. This is a rock song all the way, but again you might want to turn down the volume a little when you get to 0:44 seconds as the pause before it is very misleading. I love the guitar playing on here and it again highlights Miyavi's skill and unrivaled precision.

Miyavi once again does the unpredictable by giving us an actual ballad with the song Sutekina Mirai. No sudden screams or sudden change of pace here. This one you can settle back to and turn the volume up without worry.

Fear not, that's no glitch its just the strange but funky opening to Futuristic Love and it will have you bobbing, or banging, your head before Miyavi has even started singing.

Rounding out this album is his first single Survive which sound slightly different and actually heavier then expected. If you bought the single release and then bought the album like I did then you are in for a big surprise. Although it is interesting to see the same song sound so different with just minor adjustments.

Are you ready to rock?

Sometimes weird, always crazy, and never one to let down his fans. We all know his name and this album will ensure that it stays stuck in your head for years to come.

Artist Spotlight: Seven Symphonies With Apocalyptica

Some of you may have heard of them, but chances are some of you have not. That is why I'm here to tell you about the cello rock sensation know as Apocalyptica. That's right... cello rock.

Apocalyptica is taking over the world one concert at a time

It's understandable that a person could hear the opening rifts to a song like Distraction or Misconstruction, both off their recent self-titled album, and mistake those amazing rock beats as guitars instead of cellos.

It is high time a group like this came along and changed our opinions of what is possible with different instrument and with music in general. In my opinion I think it's great that there are groups and artists willing to think out of the box and try styles of music that other people may never have considered before.

Apocalyptica, Nightwish, Within Temptation, Kamelot, Epica, Tarja (solo artist and formerly the vocalist for Nightwish) are only a few such groups who have fused different instruments and genres into a more streamlined modern sound that we know and love to call symphonic rock or symphonic metal. Its different, beautiful, and unlike anything else mainstream today.

Current lineup from left to right: Mikko Sirén/drums, Eicca Toppinen/cello, Perttu Kivilaakso/cello, Paavo Lötjönen/cello

The band itself, though, is composed of classically trained cellists and in 2003 drummer Mikko Sirén was made an official part of the band. Classical music is often looked down upon by the younger generation and a group like Apocalyptica helps bring this genre back to the fore and helps foster an interest in it. Or at the very least it helps generate a deeper respect for this kind of music.

Featuring a slightly different lineup, Apocalyptica got their start by doing Metallica covers at Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. Not long after they then released their first album Plays Metallica by Four Cellos.

Their next album Inquisition featured cover songs by Metallica, Faith No More, Pantera, and Sepultra and is rounded out by three originals by band leader Eicca Toppinen. Following are albums containing mostly original pieces along with a variety of guest singers.

Press shoot for their video End of Me released in July. It features Gavin Rossdale  (third from left)

End of Me is the latest single and comes off their new album 7th Symphony. Gavin Rossdale is only one of the guest appearances on the album and he is better known for being the vocalist for British alternative rock band Bush.

Apocalyptica has been going strong since 1993 and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. They are currently on tour with Japanese metal group Dir En Gray and still have shows scheduled across America in various states. You can check the official website to see if there is a concert near you.

Their new album 7th Symphony comes out today in the United States and can be purchased off iTunes. Buy the deluxe album off iTunes and it will come with 13 songs and 6 live performance videos as well.

7th Symphony is certain to please old and new fans alike as well as provide the unmistakable sound that is undeniably rock but is also subtly fused with classical undertones. This is Apocalyptica and we wouldn't want them any other way.