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.