ALBUM REVIEW: OWDWYR – Receptor


 

All the signs are there: this is not going to be the easiest listening experience. From the likely purposefully awkward moniker, the cacophony of guest musicians (mostly drummers) and the self-processed palette of influences that range from Technical Death Metal to Classical; it does seem that Extreme Metaller’s OWDWYR purpose is to intrigue and to baffle in equal measure. The result of this; debut release Receptor (Self-Released) is, as expected, manic and as such, warrants hearing.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Imperial Triumphant – Spirit of Ecstasy


When the death metal scene blew up in the early nineties, it was exciting to watch fresh new blood delivering a much-needed kick up the backside to many lethargic established acts. However, with little room for growth and proliferation of bands all covering the same ground, stagnation, and panic soon set in. Just as their predecessors had found, forward-thinking and experimentation were often frowned upon while the alternative was perceived as merely playing safe or laziness. It was survival of the fittest in a catch-22 situation and the fans were a fickle and unforgiving judge.

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EXCLUSIVE VIDEO PREMIERE: Kilter – “Sentient Robotics”


Avant-garde Jazz-Metal band Kilter is back with a new EP – Sys (Alter-Nativ Label) due out on June 25th. The trio led by bassist Laurent David (solo artist, many collaborations, Alter-Nativ owner) with drummer Kenny Grohowski (Imperial Triumphant) and saxophonist Ed Rosenberg III (Jerseyband, Heart of Barf). Following their exceptional 2019 album Axiom and a celebrated tour of Europe, the band continues to shapeshift and evolve with high-concept, heavy music. Watch the amazing new music video for their new single “Sentient Robotics” right now!

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ALBUM REVIEW: Imperial Triumphant – Alphaville


Taking its title from the 1965 Jean-Luc Goddard movie of the same name, and reverberating with echoes of Fritz Lang‘s 1927 silent classic, Metropolis, everything about Alphaville (Century Media), the latest album from New York trio Imperial Triumphant, is costumed heavily in film noir science fiction. Its unique atmosphere furthered by impressive cover art from Zbigniew M. Bielak, the Polish artist noted for his work with Swedish act, Ghost.Continue reading


PODCAST: Episode 113- Imperial Triumphant Discusses “Alphaville”


Ghost Cult recently caught up with Zachary Ilya Ezrin of Imperial Triumphant over Zoom ti discusses their new album Alphaville, which is due out July 31st, 2020 via Century Media. Zachary discussed the surprising global acclaim of Vile Luxury, the creation of the new album, how Zach – drummer Kenny Grohowski and bassist Steven Blanco approach composing, the theme of the new album, working with guests such as Tomas Haake (Meshuggah), Phlegeton (Wormed) on guest vocals, Yoshiko Ohara (ex-Bloody Panda) as part of the choirs, RK Halvorson as part of the Barbershop quartet, Sarai Chrzanowski as part of the choirs, Andromeda Anarchia (Folterkammer, Dark Matters) as part of the choirs, J Walter Hawke on the trombone, and Colin Marston on guitars, choosing the distinctive cover songs that close the album, opinions on other costumed groups such as KISS and Ghost, and what comes next for the band. Pre-order Alphaville here and check out our chat. Continue reading


Dumb and Dumbest Episode #363: Growing Your Email List, Tactics, Pros and Cons!


Mastering Email marketing is one of the keys to succeeding as a band. Matt and Curtis get deep on list growth strategy. Dumb and Dumbest Episode #363 is streaming now and it’s all about Dumb and Dumbest Episode #363: Growing Your Email List, Tactics, Pros and Cons! Dumb and Dumbest is hosted by Matt Bacon (Dropout Media, Ripple Music, Prophecy Productions), Publicist Curtis Dewar (Dewar PR) and Keith Chachkes (Ghost Cult/BDWE Media). In addition to the podcast, Matt, Curtis, and Keith all host The Music Marketing Challenges: low-cost, super high-value private training to bands and artists. And we just launched a Get hands-on practical experience to market your band like a pro today! DM Matt or Curtis at the links below for detailsContinue reading


Dumb and Dumbest Episode #362: Laurent David of Kilter and Alter-Nativ


Laurent David has a new album with his underground supergroup Kilter, and a great record label. Matt and Curtis get the scoop on his art and career! Dumb and Dumbest Episode #366 is streaming now and it’s an interview with Laurent David of Kilter and Alter-Nativ label! Dumb and Dumbest is hosted by Matt Bacon (Dropout Media, Ripple Music, Prophecy Productions), Publicist Curtis Dewar (Dewar PR) and Keith Chachkes (Ghost Cult/BDWE Media). In addition to the podcast, Matt, Curtis, and Keith all host The Music Marketing Challenges: low-cost, super high-value private training to bands and artists. And we just launched a Get hands-on practical experience to market your band like a pro today! DM Matt or Curtis at the links below for detailsContinue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Kilter – Axiom


Coronavirus, quarantines, lockdowns… This seems to be the only thing we are reading all through social media around the world. Though a very serious and sad situation (stay home!), there are other ways to battle the probable lack of activity that you may be going through at home and, if you feel adventurous, you should press play to Kilter‘s Axiom (Alter-Nativ). The Brooklyn trio composed of Kenny Grohowski (Imperial Triumphant) on drums, Ed Rosenberg III on sax, and Laurent David on bass brings a very exciting, weird record that combines the heaviness of their obvious Metal roots with the strange soundscapes that Jazz can bring. Continue reading


Jessica Pimentel, Earl Maneein, And Kenny Grohowski Release The First Black Heart Sutra Single


Black Heart Sutra is the exciting new group featuring Jessica Pimentel of Orange Is The New Black and her band Alekhine’s Gun, Earl Maneein of Seven)Suns, and Kenny Grohowski of Imperial Triumphant and Secret Chiefs 3, and many more. Continue reading