Apocalyptica

I've long enjoyed this group, and have wanted to highlight them for a while now. Today seemed like the best opportunity to do so.

Artist: Apocalyptica

Apocalyptica is a Finnish metal band, composed of three classically trained cellists and one very talented drummer. If that doesn't spell "unique" to you, I really don't know what to say.

They started out performing Metallica covers, but have grown to include elements from a wide variety of genres in their music. And although fans of rock might hesitate at the prominence of cellos and lack of vocals, there's no reason to be afraid. It's a very different sound to be sure, but it's something so different from the rest of the rock scene that it should not be overlooked. Plus, to put it simply, their music is amazing. They're all so incredibly talented individually, and thus the final product is something to take notice of for sure!

If you're still not convinced, a lot of people have heard of Apocalyptica through the numerous tracks they've done with various vocalists. I've listed a few below, and you might recognize some of these collaborators.

Some of their standout tracks include;
• Quutamo
• Path
• Inquisition Symphony
• Sad But True
• Enter Sandman
• Not Strong Enough (featuring Brent Smith)
• I Don't Care (featuring Adam Gontier)
• I'm Not Jesus (featuring Corey Taylor)
• End of Me (featuring Gavin Rossdale)

I chose to shine the spotlight on these guys today for a couple auxiliary reasons (aside from the fact that they are remarkable and deserve much more attention than they've gotten) which revolve around a couple of the musicians they've featured.

Firstly, it's Brent Smith's birthday today, so a very happy 35th to him!

And, for anyone who hasn't heard, Adam Gontier has chosen to resign from Three Days Grace. If you want to know more, the internet is at your disposal. I'm not here to rewrite what's already been said; I just wanted to highlight the career of an amazingly talented musician. Although he's chosen to explore a new chapter in his life, his music will continue to reach the ears and touch the hearts of many people around the world. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors, and thank him profusely for what he's shared with us over the past number of years!

But back to Apocalyptica, I'd strongly recommend giving them a thorough listen. If you don't, there's a very good chance that you're doing yourself a huge disservice.

10 Years

It feels cheap to mention a band more than once on here, but sometimes, it just can't be helped. This is one of those times.

Artist: 10 Years

A while ago, this band kept coming up on my Pandora, and I was very intrigued. The songs were very catchy, but stayed very true to the rock sound I loved then and still love now. I decided to look them up, and I'm immensely glad that I did so.

Listening to 10 Years, there are many times I'm reminded of Chevelle, another very straightforward rock band that I enjoy, from the sound of the vocals, through the deliberate guitar riffs, and to the powering drum tracks. Such similarities leave both bands to be regarded for their wealth of talent in the rock music genre, and worthy of high praise.

Their lyrical content varies a lot, and with that comes a variation in their musical style as well from song to song. Such impressive versatility makes listening to this group never get old. Each track holds a new unique trait, showing a different side of the band and further cementing their abilities.

Some of their standout tracks include;

• Beautiful

• Russian Roulette

• Fix Me

• Waking Up the Ghost

• Minus the Machine

• Battle Lust

• Forever Fields (Sowing Season)

• Knives

• Cast It Out

• Wasteland

• Prey

• Actions and Motives

And it's not as though all of these amazing songs came from the same album. No, these songs span their discography, proving that they've always been a remarkable band and will continue to be one in the coming decades. To overlook this group would be doing a complete disservice to your musical palette.

The New Regime

Today, upon finding myself with some much-desired downtime, I accidentally came across some amazing new music to listen to, something I wish would happen more often.

Artist: The New Regime

The band is the solo project of musician Ilan Rubin, perhaps better known for his drumming work with Lostprophets, Nine Inch Nails, and Angels & Airwaves. As if he needed to add any more accomplishments to his already hefty list, A New Regime is surprisingly impressive.

The songs are uniquely catchy, ethereal at times. The layering provides a captivating atmosphere that's hard to stop listening to. However, the tracks are far cry from sounding all the same. On the contrary, each is distinctively intriguing, with shared characteristics from song to song that don't counterproductively bury each track's individuality.

Some standout tracks include;
• Live In Fear
• Pray For The Weak
• Enjoy The Bitterness
• Clairaudience
• Don't Chase It

Above I've linked to Rubin's website for the band, where you can listen to his music and download some of his songs for free, namely the ones I just listed. I guarantee that if you share my musical tastes, you will not be disappointed in the least.

The Lonely Forest

Every so often, you come across that one band that, at least for the time being, becomes your new most absolutely favorite band. Well today I give to you my new most absolutely favorite band. 

Artist: The Lonely Forest

An American indie rock band from Anacortes, Washington, The Lonely Forest formed in 2005 and have since released 2 EPs and 3 full-length records to date. On their website biography, their music is described as having a core of John Van Deusen’s soaring vocals and keyboard melodies, wrapped tightly around Tony Ruland’s expansive guitar anchored by a heavy, yet nimble, rhythm section. 

Even from only having known about them for less than a day now, I'd still have to agree that the music is very vocally driven, but the guitar and rhythm parts are most definitely right there to back it and give their sound a very unique texture.

Lyrically and stylistically, their songs entertain a contrast of “brilliant pop songs featuring lyrics about spiritual longing wedded to an almost prog-rock sensibility” according to their site. Because of this, they apparently appeal to broad range of listeners, from “wide-eyed teenagers to jaded scenesters.”

From my own experience, I can only add to that by saying that their music sounds to me like a combination of Arcade Fire, Chevelle, and a little Angels & Airwaves perhaps. And honestly, I’d have to say that that’s a combination that really needed to happen, based on how amazing this band sounds. 

Some standout tracks include;

• Tooth for Tooth

• Coyote

• We Sing In Time

• Blackheart vs Captain America

• Are You Afraid of the World? 

• Nuclear Winter

I’m sorry I don’t have more songs to suggest, but I just found these guys yesterday and was a little impatient to post about them, so I haven’t gotten the chance to be able to explore their discography in any kind of depth. However, you can obviously go forth and discover on your own, which I strongly encourage! It's not nearly often enough that bands such as this get the attention they deserve, and these guys definitely deserve any and all attention they can get.

Beyond The Fall

One of the most underrated parts of the concert experience is getting to hear the smaller opening acts who have to go out and play in front of a crowd impatient for the band they actually came to see. That being said, here's an amazing band who I would never have even heard of if they hadn't opened for a show I recently went to see with a friend.

Artist: Beyond The Fall

According to their Reverbnation page (linked above), Beyond The Fall is a "hard hitting melodic rock band from "L/A Maine" that formed mid-2009, that focuses on heavy grooves, melodic structures, and musicianship with an original feel and style."

Going from the meager handful of their tracks that I've actually heard, I would have to say that that description is pretty accurate.

Their songs have a very well-put-together feel to them, with structures that are just as clean as they are complex and intricate. The vocals are quite precise, and are neither too heavy or light, finding a nice middle to appeal to ears of all different backgrounds.

Instrumentally, the guitar and drums are impressive, showcasing the technical abilities of the band members in addition to their talent when it comes to just putting an exciting rock song together.

Some standout tracks include;
• Alone
• The Way
• Where You've Gone
• Hard To Find
• My Comfort
• Another Time

Coincidentally, it would appear that as they are a smaller, not-so-famous, band, the best way to listen to their music online is through the site linked previously. And if you decide to give them a chance, you'll find that I just listed all the songs from that site as standout tracks. The great part about that is that it's totally true.

30 Seconds to Mars

For the longest time, I had heard this band's name tossed around, but never thought to give them a serious listen until a couple months after I had first heard one of their songs in history class.

Artist: 30 Seconds to Mars

If you look past their Guinness World Record, MTV's banning of one of their music videos, the lawsuit they were on the receiving end of, the fact that their front-man was/is a somewhat famous actor, and their humanitarian efforts among many other interesting highlights, you'll find quite the talented, unique band.

30 Seconds to Mars has a very alternative feel, acquired mostly through the usage of various electronic sounds and effects. Over time, they've become quite famous for their live shows, as the energy level they create and thrive in is unbelievable. It would follow that such energy is also present in their music, thanks to the insane drumming, precise guitar, and intense vocals they produce.

Since their inception in 1998, they've released three studio albums and three EPs, all along the way being compared to the likes of Pink Floyd and Tool due to their experimental music and lyrical content.

Some of their standout tracks include;
• Kings and Queens
• Capricorn (A Brand New Name)
• From Yesterday
• Hurricane
• The Kill
• A Beautiful Lie
• Attack
• Closer to the Edge
• Edge of the Earth
• This Is War

But a select few of my other personal-favorite-but-maybe-just-not-as-"standout"/famous tracks are;
• L490
• Alibi
• Oblivion
• Search and Destroy
• Hurricane (Unplugged)
• Stranger In a Strange Land
• Valhalla (an unreleased track)
• Night of the Hunter 

I strongly suggest that if you like what you hear above, you continue your way through their discography, because it's literally all remarkable, even if it's not as well-known and/or respected. And while you're at it, take the time to look up some of their music videos, as the majority of them are quite remarkable in production quality and content.

Creature Feature

I stumbled across this band last night in a once-in-a-lifetime kind of way, and was honestly surprised that my wayward searching overturned something this eclectic and enjoyable.

Artist: Creature Feature

Choosing to talk about this group now couldn't have come at a more perfect time (except maybe on October 31st), because the best way I can describe their sound is a combination of all of the creepiness and theatrics of Tim Burton/Danny Elfman with the synthesizing of Pendulum, the band I just highlighted a video from. The result is something sounding new wave horror rock-esque, combined with horror movie-like lyrics, to create the perfect creepy (and catchy) sound.

Some of their standout tracks include;
• The House Of Myth
• A Gorey Demise (a sort of parody of Edward Gorey's "The Gashlycrumb Tinies" alphabet)
• The Greatest Show Unearthed
• Such Horrible Things
• Mommy's Little Monsters
• Grave Robber At Large
• It Was A Dark And Stormy Night...

Warning: The lyrics are rather dark and somewhat disturbing, but really to that point where it's in a typical, corny/silly Halloween-type style. However, you have honestly been warned. There's some... interesting morbid imagery described in every song that truly might not be for everyone. And if stuff like that doesn't sit well with you, regardless of how over-the-top cheezy it may come off, I strongly recommend passing this one over, or at least proceeding with caution.

One last note: If you find yourself liking this group, make sure to spread the word, because from what I've read, it seems like these guys could use all the extra support (monetary and otherwise) they can get!

Mad Caddies

As if the brilliance that is Pandora® hadn't been highlighted on here enough already, today's suggestion comes straight from the heart of some exploring my friend and I did on there recently.

Artist: Mad Caddies

These guys are about as ska-punk as you can get, combining the best elements of each genre with flair. Their unique sound also has callbacks to such genres as swing, reggae, jazz, Spanish, polka, cowpunk and sea shanties. Needless to say, they're a very eclectic group, and it truly shows in their music.

Some of their standout tracks include;
• Coyote
• Just One More
• Last Breath
• Lay Your Head Down
• Reflections
• Save Us
• Souls for Sale
• Tired Bones

Even if you're not as inclined to give ska in general a fair chance, you might not want to ignore this one. Between all of the interesting genre directions they've taken, their ska-roots have consistently been laced with punk. And hand-in-hand with punk naturally comes a little bit of a rock taste.

If none of that convinces you, how could you possibly justify ignoring a band whose live album is entitled "Live from Toronto: Songs in the Key of Eh!"? That's what I thought.

Machine Head

After discovering vocalist Robb Flynn through The All-Star Sessions (see last post), I felt obligated to listen to the band he's actually from. And can I just say, I'm very glad I did.

Artist: Machine Head

These guys have been compared almost ad nauseam to the likes of Pantera and Slayer, in terms of their heavier and thrashier metal style. That common connection is not without merit however, seeing as Machine Head has even covered one of Pantera's songs.

Throughout their existence, Machine Head has experimented with other sounds, most notably their nu/rap metal deviations off of the album Supercharger. While the majority of their fan base tends to resent that divergence in style, I personally respect and enjoy it, so I'll leave the final judgement up to you as the listener.

Some of their standout tracks include;
• Halo
• Locust
• Hallowed Be Thy Name (Iron Maiden cover (one of the best I've ever heard))
• Davidian
• Aesthetics of Hate
• Kick You When You're Down
• Now I Lay Thee Down

If you're interested in Machine Head's more Pantera-like songs, you'd be best to explore their earliest (Burn My Eyes & The More Things Change...) and latest (Through the Ashes of Empires, The Blackening & The Locust) records. The middle section (The Burning Red & Supercharger) in between those two periods is where you'll find their nu-er sounding material.

AFI

A while back, one of my close friends showed me this group, and ever since then I've always been intrigued by them.

Artist: AFI

An alternative rock/punk rock/post-hardcore band from the 90s, AFI has been on the scene a while, and they've certainly left their mark for those who've heard of them. Personally, I would consider them a staple of the more modern punk rock "movement" following up the greats of the 80s.

What makes this group so remarkable is their blending of alternative styles with the tempo and feel of punk. While their older works stay truer to straight punk-rock, they've since broadened their horizon, expanding their sound.

Some noteworthy tracks include;
• Miss Murder
• The Days of the Pheonix
• Summer Shudder
• Girl's Not Grey
• Silver and Cold
• Love Like Winter

Fun fact, for anyone who wants to verbally talk about this band, it's pronounced "A-F-I," as it stands for "A Fire Inside."

No Bragging Rights

Today's suggestion is an artist that to me seems like a cross between Atreyu and A Day to Remember, and I'm pretty sure it's a blend that needed to happen.

Artist: No Bragging Rights

I'm a fan of discovering small, lesser-known bands that deserve to be recognized. I've been listening to this band for a little while now, and I must say I'm thoroughly impressed. A melodic hardcore band, they mix the catchy with the thrash-y in a style that's rather remarkable.

Having only experienced one album, I'm not the ultimate authority here. That would be you, if you decide to take this suggestion seriously. If you're looking for a new spin on some already popular styles, this is the artist to start with.

As far as "standout tracks" go, I can give you a few from the album I've been rocking out to;
• A Shot To End This All
• Ode To Logan (by the way, the "Logan" in question here is Wolverine)
• Home Away From Home

Sorry I don't have more to say about these guys, just that they are an amazing group that deserves far more attention than they've gotten.

The Misfits

I realized it had been a while since I had actually highlighted something truly punk. Today, I intend to make up for that.

Artist: The Misfits

You've probably seen at least one shirt or bag with the Misfits logo/skull emblazoned on the front of it. And that's because they're one of those bands that a lot of people have a shirt of, but don't all actually listen to them (most do, though). That being said, these guys had (and still have) a considerable cult following of sorts.

The Misfits created the genre of horror punk. For those of you unaware that such a genre existed, it's just as awesome as it seems. It's basically straight-up punk rock, but the lyrics are all macabre to varying degrees. Yeah. They went there.

Because they unfortunately had to transition to a different singer somewhere along the way, their "newer" tracks are nothing in comparison to those from their past, but they are still enjoyable to listen to.

Some standout tracks include;
• Die, Die My Darling (Metallica covered this... you should probably listen to the cover too)
• Don't Open 'Til Doomsday
• Dig Up Her Bones
• Horror Hotel
• Where Eagles Dare
• The Haunting
• London Dungeon
• Last Caress
• Astro Zombies (My Chemical Romance covered this... you should probably listen to it too)

See what I meant about the macabre theme? This is only a small sample from their large collection of the creepy and the ghoulish. Just look at a picture of them and you'll see that this genre fit them perfectly, and they exploited it for all it was worth. As one of the more prominent punk bands to roam the planet, you should probably add them to your music repertoire. And buy a shirt while you're at it. It seems to be the thing to do.

The Confession

What do you get when you combine Atreyu with a little bit of Avenged Sevenfold, and maybe a hint of Bullet for My Valentine?

Artist: The Confession

Although you might never have heard of these guys, they aren't as underground as they initially seem. In 2006, they were slotted on the Taste of Chaos tour, and have even toured with the likes of Megadeth, Avenged Sevenfold and Bullet for My Valentine. Oh yeah, and they were only a band for a grand total of about 3 years. Impressive, much?

Their debut album, Requiem is outstanding, a satisfying blend of metalcore, hard rock and actually a bit of heavy metal if you really look for it. A mix of slower ballad-like tracks with some heavy-thrashing ones creates a truly unique listening experience for any fan of rock. The album as a whole is very reflective of Atreyu's style, in the sense that there are some screamed vocals, but a balance of other cleaner passages throughout.

Some standout tracks include;
• The End Is Near
• Dance With the Devil
• The Rise and Fall
• Time Is Gone
• Bleed You Dry*
• War of Ages*

*(off of their EP, not their album)

The only downer is that because they were together for such a short time, they only released one full-length album (and an EP as well).
But it's okay, because Requiem just might be one the most amazing albums I've heard.

And, as your fun fact for the day, the track "The End Is Near" off of Requiem features the singer from Avenged Sevenfold, who also happened to be one of the album's producers. This production experience was actually one of the factors that contributed to Avenged Sevenfold self-producing their 4th studio album. Not that you needed to know that, but figured I'd throw that in.

New Medicine

To anyone who might actually read this, I apologize for the extended break in posts. So today, I shall more than make up for that with an amazing band. 

Artist: New Medicine

New Medicine is a nice blend of alternative and rock, with some punk tendencies sprinkled in. Basically, it's the perfect band to be featured on a blog of this nature. 

Some standout tracks include;

• Rich Kids

• Little Sister

• The Takeover

• Laid

They've only released one album, Race You to the Bottom, however they were formerly known as "A Verse Unsung", and only some of their songs carried over. 

The vocals are very distinct, standing out above the guitar and drum tracks. However, this is a good listen when you want something a bit different than the norm. Give it a try, and you're welcome in advance.

Streetlight Manifesto

What do you get when you combine reggae with punk, and throw in some jazz? A little something called ska.

Artist: Streetlight Manifesto

They may not be the best known ska band to ever show up on the map, but based on other bands I've heard, these guys have stuck to a little more of the punk side than others have, making them perfect for fans of punk music who want something a little different. Heck, they even covered a NOFX song (Linoleum, in case you were wondering), but made it acoustic. 

Some of their best songs include;

• Forty Days

• Here's To Life

• Birds Flying Away (a cover of the Mason Jennings song)

• Would You Be Impressed

• Everything Went Numb

So basically, Streetlight Manifesto found a way to stay true to punk whilst incorporating a variety of wind instruments in interesting ways. Does this make them any better or more amazing? I'll leave that up to you.