The ever-mercurial, boundary-pushing UK heavy quartet Sugar Horse will release their mesmeric new EP, Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico, on 3rd November via Fat Dracula Records (distributed by Metal Blade Records in US). The EP follows the band's titanic stage-headline set at ArcTanGent 2023.

An epic achievement, Truth... is, in signature Sugar Horse style, one single long song: a meditation and exploration of everything the note A has to offer.

To celebrate the news, the doomgaze group have released the first single from the record. The snippet is the second part of the longer song, appropriately entitled 'II - Or'.

Pre-order and stream Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico here: https://li.sten.to/ii-or

Stream 'II Or' here: https://youtu.be/NETGBaqfxHo

Sugar Horse comment, saying 'II - Or' is: "The second part of a single piece of music divided into six (easily streamable) chapters. A first little slice of heaviness that may well hint of what’s to come. It’s a kind of rallying cry to those who create and appreciate art of all kinds, reminding the listener of art’s power as both sword and shield in this difficult world we navigate and attempt to survive. 'Or' is a reassuring hand on the shoulder and whisper in the ear. Through adversity there is redemption."

Telling the story of Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico, the band state: "It’s frequently been difficult for us, as a band, to limit ourselves to “normal” pop song lengths and structures….as evidenced in pretty much all of our releases to date. From time to time we feel the need to loose the ropes that bind us and let our Long & Tedious flag fly freely. Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico is the result of said untethering.

"We’ve always found the idea of exploring a single note over long stretches of time interesting and this song is that idea taken to an extreme logical conclusion. It’s an exploration of the note A in all its possible variations.
 
"Lyrically the song is an extravaganza of navel-gazing. There’s a cliché in the literary world nowadays of authors writing novels about the trials, tribulations and rewards of writing a novel. Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico is just as sickeningly self-referential, exploring the obsessive urge to create art of all kinds and how it turns into a cycle of imbibing real life experiences, then spitting them back out in whatever artistic discipline you happen to find yourself practicing. A kind of snake eating its own tail….but with the kind of self-pitying pretentiousness that only folks who think they’re very clever indeed (that’s us) would want to impose on themselves."

Sugar Horse will be touring with post-rock luminaries 65daysofstatic across Europe this September. Summer 2023 is already a significant year for the doomgaze pioneers, with the group also supporting Pianos Become The Teeth, Liturgy, Chat Pile and an appearance at ArcTanGent festival.

With 65daysofstatic:
Sep 21: FR Paris La Maroquinerie
Sep 22: BE Antwerp Trix
Sep 23: NL Amsterdam Paradiso
Sep 24: DE Hamburg Kunst
Sep 25: DE Berlin Hole 44

Oct 04: UK Bristol Fleece (with Pianos Become The Teeth)

Sugar Horse are riding high following the release of their storied collaborative EP Waterloo Teeth, which features members of Heriot, Conjurer, IDLES, Biffy Clyro, and many more. 

A lot of people take the name Sugar Horse to be a drug reference - perhaps fitting for a band that sound like the last moments of a three-day binge. Darting wildly between dark/light, pain/bliss, sacred/profane, Sugar Horse are unpredictable and unrestrained.

Formed in what is now considered to be the utopian dreamscape of 2015, the band grew slowly at first. Far from fully formed, but steadily gaining limbs, heads and vital organs. Finally, 2019’s DRUJ followed swiftly by 2020’s DRUGS saw them hit on a relentless stride of eclectic releases that simultaneously confused and entranced audiences.

2021 saw the band encamp in a former Lutheran church to record their debut album, The Live Long After, releasing it via Brighton’s own Small Pond Records. Publications such as The Quietus describing the record as “shift[ing] dispositions fluidly, taking elements of extreme aggression alongside floaty Post-Metal” and Echoes & Dust calling it “a monumental achievement”. The album took every disparate element that Sugar Horse previously employed and amplified them, while juxtaposing each next to each other, with genuinely unpredictable and exciting consequences.

2022 saw no relent from the band’s fast pace release schedule, as they put out an anthemic shoegaze single in 'Pictures Of Dogs Having Sex', followed swiftly by the Waterloo Teeth EP. A release that paired Sugar Horse’s terrifying eclecticism with guest appearances from twelve other artists in just four short(ish) songs. Each artist coming from a different area of the modern British music scene, whether that be world conquering post-punk bass lines from IDLES’ Adam Devonshire, heavy titans Conjurer and Pupil Slicer’s throat crippling wails, or a shredding guitar solo from Biffy Clyro/Oceansize axe wielder Mike Vennart. The EP packs in an album’s worth of genre mutilating twists and turns into just 25 minutes of music.

Purchase: https://sugarhorse.bandcamp.com/album/waterloo-teeth

Sugar Horse are:

Ashley Tubb (Vocals/Guitar)
Jake Healy (Baritone Guitar, Keyboards)
Chris Howarth (Bass)
Martin Savage (Drums)

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/sugarhorseruinedmybirthday
https://www.instagram.com/sugarhorse.are.awful
https://twitter.com/sugarhorse666

Tracklisting:

1. I - Truth
2. II - Or
3. III - Consequences
4. IV - Comma
5. V - Neu
6. VI - Mexico

Photo Credit: Oliver Lloyd Design

Just before his first solo album drops this Friday 25th August, DragonForce vocalist Marc Hudson has released the third single and title track from his highly anticipated solo debut, Starbound Stories.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/iJYF7SjZtTM

Pre-order / pre-save Starbound Stories here: : https://napalmrecords.com/marc-hudson

On this track, he’s joined by prog guitarist Galen Stapley (Azure), who provides a fascinating solo. Together with Marc Hudson’s crystal clear vocals, the song develops to an uplifting anime-inspired power track that further enhances the magical atmosphere and backs up the skillful guitars and drums.

This last advance taste of the album perfectly showcases what can be expected of it - an uplifting journey through Marc Hudson’s universe of power metal, anime colourful influences, Japanese music and video game soundtracks. This impression is underlined by a magical and colourful music video released alongside the single.

Marc Hudson comments: “‘Starbound Stories’, the title track, serves as the unrelenting epilogue to the album’s sonically rich tapestry of adventure & destiny, resounding into skies and souls alike, the ultimate power metal anthem of perseverance & belief in the self.”

“Starbound Stories is a soaring rocket ride of sparkling anime-inspired power metal and I can't wait for everyone to hear it!” - Marc Hudson

Instrumental album opener 'As The Twilight Met The Sea' acts as an introduction to the soundscapes of the album and features samurai metal master Ryoji Shinomoto (Ryujin, previously known as Gyze) on traditional Japanese instruments. Shinomoto also lends his vocals on the following track, “'Freedom Heart', which also features a solo by guitar virtuoso Syu (Galneryus). Explosive power metal anthem 'Dracula X' features a guitar solo by Jacky Vincent (ex-Falling in Reverse, ex-Cry Venom) and guest vocals by Adrienne Cowan (Seven Spires). Beautifully emotional successor 'Stars' features classically trained violinist Mia Asano on electric violin. Energetic 'The Siren' is led by a tingling melody and ballad-like vocals. 'Swansong' starts off with a beautiful keyboard intro that could be pulled from a movie soundtrack. Sentimental vocals approach before the song progresses into a full-blown power metal ballad, with high screams and plenty of effects that further enhance the magical atmosphere while backing up the guitars and drums. Steve Terreberry, known on YouTube as Stevie T. (3.32M subscribers), performs a guitar solo on 'Call Of The Martyrs' and is joined by prog guitarist Galen Stapley (Azure). Stapley also provides a solo on the following title track, 'Starbound Stories'. 'One More Sight Of The Sun With You' is sung in Japanese, staying true to the main themes of the album and closing the entire offering on an uplifting note.

Marc Hudson’s debut solo album is an outstanding musical adventure balanced between power metal, video game soundtracks, Japanese music and even pop influences, showcasing virtuosity throughout all of its grand instrumentation.

Line-up:
Marc Hudson - Vocals, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Shaz D - Keyboards
Frédéric Leclercq - Guitars, Bass
Rich Smith - Drums

Marc Hudson online:
INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK TWITTER

Starbound Stories tracklisting

1.    As the Twilight met the Sea
2.    Freedom Heart
3.    Dracula X!
4.    Stars
5.    The Siren
6.    Astralive
7.    Swansong
8.    Call of the Martyrs
9.    Starbound Stories
10.    One More Sight of the Sun with You

British heavy metal up-and-comers Skies Turn Black have released a video for new anthem 'Sweet, Sweet Solitude'. It follows recent single 'The Skies Are Falling Down', and drops in the wake of the band's Bloodstock Open Air performance just over a week ago.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/2ZvGqe3USBY

Stream the song here: https://spoti.fi/3KKChRJ

Skies Turn Black comment: "'Sweet, Sweet Solitude' was written back in lockdown, and lyrically it discusses the loneliness that lots of us went through during that time. Musically speaking, it's a contrast from our usual flashy guitar work, leaving more space for the voice and the other instruments to shine."

Skies Turn Black are a five-piece heavy metal band hailing from the North of England. Their sound incorporates a modern approach to classic British heavy metal, with the energy of power metal. Giant choruses, infectious melodies and virtuosic solos (from both guitars and keytar) create a recipe for metal that oozes passion and intricacy. 

The band have always taken pride in having a diverse repertoire of music. The debut album No Place Like Home (2018) showcases a magnitude of the band’s musicianship and received glowing reviews all around the world - including Metal Hammer calling it “Some of 2018’s best guitar work”. 

The band have yet again managed to stand out in the metal scene with the addition of long-term friend Xander Isles as a vocalist and keytar extraordinaire. Xander’s additional support vocally has given the band the ability to deliver powerful harmonies live, as well as a whole new outlook on writing vocal parts in newer material. ‘The Skies Are Falling Down’ is the first track to feature Isles, and his influence is evident. The power of the vocal delivery is extraordinary, with features of choral harmonies and infectious melodies. Adding to this his mesmerising keytar solo, having Xander has given Skies Turn Black an extra arrow in their quiver. 

Right now, the northern quintet have a selection of new material ready to go, and are incredibly excited to see where it will take them. The band are putting finishing touches on their own studio built in Huddersfield, and look to keep producing their own passionate brand of metal.

Skies Turn Black are:

Jamie Jordan - Vocals, guitar 
Xander Isles - Vocals, keytar 
George Turner - Guitars 
Danny Woodhead - Bass 
Rob Halliday - Drums 

For more:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Promising prog-metal duo Myth of I have delivered yet another instrumental guitar jaw-dropper, in the form of 'Hatchling'. The pair enlisted fellow axeman and friend Poh Hock (Native Construct, Replacire) to provide a guest solo on this new single. 'Hatchling' follows 'JENOVA' and 'Oni' in the lead-up to the band's upcoming EP Blood, due for release this autumn.

Watch the official visualiser here: https://youtu.be/cyZjbqhXotY

Stream the song here: https://linktr.ee/mythofi

Guitarist Tyler Fritzel comments: "'Hatchling' is the first Myth of I release that features a guest guitar solo. It isn’t any regular guest solo either - this solo is by the one and only Poh Hock. Poh Hock is an immensely unique guitarist with a style that is unmatched in todays modern guitar scene."

Myth of I are an instrumental progressive metal band based out of Boston, MA, USA. They strive to bring innovation to the progressive music world. Admitting to a wide range of influences, the band aim to give a unique cosmic twist to the ordered chaos they consistently produce. Think Tosin Abasi, Joe Hisaishi and a cat walk into a particle accelerator. You may want to call the resulting aural mayhem "angry jazz" or even "technical support metal".

After signing with extreme metal label The Artisan Era, Myth of I released their eponymous debut album on 10th April 2020, receiving support from the likes of Decibel Magazine and Metal Injection.

The future looks bright for Myth of I, following the releases of 'The Expedition' and 'Naïveté', two singles that feature exceptional performances by guest vocalists Eli Cutting (Lattermath) and Michael Lessard (The Contortionist) respectively. A concept dual EP titled Blood/Stream is in the works - Blood is due for release in late 2023. Through its Japanese-inspired visual elements and ten ambitious tracks, it will explore the theme of the duality of life and death. 

Myth of I online:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

Photo Credit: Sebastian Smith

One of the best-known voices in rock, Scott Stapp reconnects with a 'Higher Power' on his new single, out today, taken from his forthcoming album with Napalm Records. Born during the dark and difficult isolation of quarantine, 'Higher Power' is a propulsive track that turns the singer’s own near-death experiences into an acknowledgement of grace. 

Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/XRmj57eA2Ck

Stream / download here: https://lnk.to/SCOTTSTAPP-HigherPower

Scott Stapp commented on 'Higher Power': “Life’s mysteries can be unraveled by listening to one's inner voice. For me, that means leaning on my faith in God and listening to His voice to guide me through the struggles and darkness. For others, whether it’s through art, nature, science, family, or a combination of all, tapping into a higher power is an individualized process that requires an open mind and a willingness to flow with a force that’s greater than the individual.” 

The new single and upcoming album (to be announced) continues Stapp’s triumphant Napalm-fuelled return to the top of radio and album charts in the US and UK, which began with the 2019 release of The Space Between the Shadows. That album debuted at #3 on the Billboard Current Rock Albums chart; #3 on the Billboard Current Hard Music Albums chart; #4 on the Billboard Record Label Independent Current Albums chart; #10 on the Billboard Current Physical Albums chart; and #10 on the Billboard Top Current Albums chart in the US, while landing at #3 on the UK’s official Rock and Metal Chart.

'Higher Power' was written by Scott Stapp and Scott Stevens, and produced by longtime collaborators Scott Stevens and Marti Fredericksen. The single was mixed by Chris Baseford and mastered by Ted Jensen.

Scott Stapp online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
NAPALM RECORDS

About Scott Stapp:

One of the most iconic voices in rock, Scott Stapp first emerged as the high-energy, post-grunge frontman of Creed. With anthems like 'Higher,' 'My Own Prison,' 'My Sacrifice,' and 'With Arms Wide Open,' the band sold over 50 million albums, including a Diamond certification. Throughout the early 2000s, Creed broke airplay records, sold out arenas, earned countless Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards, and a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. As a solo artist, Stapp has released the Platinum-certified The Great Divide (2005), Proof of Life (2013) which featured his first solo #1, “Slow Suicide,” and 2019’s The Space Between The Shadows. In April 2024, Stapp will reunite with his Creed bandmates for the first time in a decade, as he returns in fighting form and stands as an inspiration to others who are struggling.

Photo Credit: Joshua Simons
L-R: Emily Salisbury (Drums), Lis Di Angelo (Vocals), Brian McClelland (Guitar)

US hardcore heavyweights Filth is Eternal have unleashed their driving, immediate new single 'Pressure Me'.

Watch the 90 second rager here: https://youtu.be/b-ttYV6kqNk
Stream here: https://filthiseternal.ffm.to/findout

The new track is the second taken from their storming forthcoming album, Find Out, due 29th September via MNRK Heavy.

Of 'Pressure Me', frontperson Lis Di Angelo explains, "Growth and change can be uncomfortable, even painful, at times. We're afraid of sharing our misery with others but allowing others in can help us gain perspective to see our current situation in a new light. ‘Pressure Me’ is a roadmap of nonlinear progress. It's an acknowledgment that sometimes, whether we want to admit it or not, we need the pressure of honest discourse, especially if we mean to figure out the world we've built and discover the root of our problems."

Friction from opposing forces informs the lyrics on their forthcoming album, Find Out – the title of which could infer emergence from trauma or consequential learning. Regardless of its intended meaning, the title is used as a conduit for the band to push toward positive strides when addressing mental health, addiction, and relationships, with community as a salve.

Filth is Eternal will tour the UK with American post-hardcore legends Finch.

Dates as follows:

Nov 5: Glasgow The Garage
Nov 6: Cardiff Tramshed
Nov 7: Manchester Academy
Nov 8: London O2 Forum Kentish Town

Find Out is the triumphant reawakening of this vital group. The new testament whips forth with the force of a breakthrough and is a clear undertaking of their own genesis with a deep awareness of themselves, their crowd, and the shared history between them. The band’s ground rules: immediacy must be prioritised; the songs should have the power to whip up a pit in under thirty seconds; they must be vital and exciting – all of which cuts through on 'Pressure Me', and first single 'Crawl Space'. 

 The key to the new Filth is Eternal sound is the deep-rooted attention to songwriting. Exploding with fresh ideas, heavy on hooks, and clandestine melody, Find Out is a clear breakout release for FIE, not to mention a future staple for heavy music fans worldwide. Using the talents of producer Paul Fig (Slipknot, AFI, Alice In Chains) while recording at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 and Dave’s Room, Find Out adds just enough spit polish in production to conjure the masses but still retains the dirt and grime necessary to remain congruous to the sound and fury within. 

At the core of Filth is Eternal is the instrumental trio of Brian McClelland (guitar), Rahsaan Davis (bass), and Emily Salisbury (drums), who lean into bone-crushing death metal and crust riffage, precision-machined grind, and nitro-fuelled punk to create the nihilistic and galloping armoured vehicle that is FIE. When hard-pressed about specific bands and styles, the band avoids individual names in favour of movements, yet it’s clear that the darker, more complex side of hardcore is probably the most direct influence. Names ranging from Converge to Cursed may be the most prevalent while others such as Trap Them, Alice in Chains, Stockholm-style death metal, and even The Distillers come to mind for additional inspiration, melody, and tactical songwriting purposes. 

Vocalist / lyricist Lis Di Angelo’s approach is rooted in grunge and extreme music; their visceral delivery sits comfortably on the fulcrum between raspy hardcore vocals and cogent melodicism, allowing a range of emotional depth and dynamics. In the worlds the band currently occupies, the dichotomy is refreshing and oddly original, adding a subtle melodic twist to the nihilistic footstomp.

On Find Out, each track is its own pipe bomb ready to ignite on the unsuspecting public, creating a sense of urgency and relating the band’s explosive message to an unabating soundtrack of punk-inflected ferocity. Embrace the oncoming tidal wave, changing of the guard, and new revolution from Filth is Eternal. Sound the reveille because one way or another, you’ll Find Out.

Filth Is Eternal online:
https://www.facebook.com/filthiseternal
https://www.instagram.com/filthiseternal
https://filthiseternal.com
https://twitter.com/filthiseternal_

Find Out Track Listing: 

01 - Half Wrong
02 - Crawl Space
03 - Magnetic Point
04 - Cherish
05 - Roll Critical
06 - Curious Thing
07 - Into the Curve
08 - Pressure Me
09 - Body Void
10 - The Gate
11 - Signal Decay
13 - All Mother
14 - Last Exit
15 - Loveless

Australian alternative rock group Closure in Moscow have released their new single ‘Keeper of the Lake’ - from their forthcoming album Soft Hell, released 27th October via Bird's Robe Records.

The first record since 2014's Pink Lemonade, you can pre-order Soft Hell here: www.closureinmoscow.bandcamp.com

Watch the video for 'Keeper of the Lake' here: https://youtu.be/9hsMPeBayNw

‘Keeper of the Lake’ is a dark, synth-laden ode to a former love. Singer Christopher de Cinque’s soulful vocals pour out over lyrics filled with guilt, yearning and consternation, whilst the drum and bass interplay of Salvatore Aidone and Duncan Millar lock things down with an impossibly catchy groove. The eclectic guitar work of Manny Zennelli and Michael Barrett recall the warble of 90s VHS tapes mixed with the aura of bands like Air and Portishead, before culminating in a gorgeously melodic solo from Barrett.

About the new single, drummer Salvatore Aidone says: "Probably one of my favourite tracks on the album. I think this is the first time helping to write lyrics and giving this song its back story became this really amazing cathartic experience for me. I also probably for the first time truly understood that songs can mean totally different things for different people and I hold this song close to me, but feel really hopeful that others will find it really relatable."

The new single comes with a washed out performance video produced by Yovozol with filming by Rowey. Blending the aforementioned 90s VHS effects with the quirky and idiosyncratic performance of the band, it’s yet another glimpse into a new era of these genre-shifting chameleons.

The track follows the band’s well-received singles ‘Better Way’, released in March and ‘Primal Sinister’, released in May. All are singles available for streaming on all platforms, as well as downloadable along with album pre-order packages on their merch store.

Having recently completed an Australian tour alongside Deafheaven, the band have also hinted at upcoming tour plans for Australia, the USA and UK, following the release of their new album in October.

Soft Hell is the band’s third album and their first new album in nine years, following Pink Lemonade (2014), First Temple (2009) and their debut EP The Penance and the Patience (2008).

The band have spanned a wide range of genres across their releases – from post-hardcore and earnest punk rock, through to progressive rock, avante-garde and experimental electronic rock.

The new album will be released through independent label Bird’s Robe, home of fellow Aussies sleepmakeswaves, We Lost The Sea, Toehider, Troldhaugen, Pluto Jonze and internationals including 65daysofstatic (UK) and Maybeshewill (UK).

About the new album, the band says: "It’s finally here for you to pre-order, the last nine years distilled down to 50 minutes. We’ve put blood, sweat and years into this, and fully believe when you hear these tracks, the wait will have been worth it. We know you have to take our word on that for the time being, but the wait is almost over.

"Getting comfortable with chronic discomfort caused by the choices that fears and trauma lead you to make. This is life in a soft hell. There are enough distractions to stave off facing up to it, you can keep yourself in denial to avoid it, and things can just keep ticking along. Life becomes a fever dream of creature comforts and time killers, floating further into a lake of fire. People come along to pull you out, but they too get burned when you feel too stuck to climb with them.

"Thank you to everyone that had been patiently waiting for new music. Everyone involved with working on this went so above and beyond because they believed in it, and we hope you hear what they heard too."

More about Closure in Moscow:

Closure in Moscow formed in 2006 and soon attracted attention for their dynamic, catchy and energetic take on post-hardcore with their debut ‘albumette’ The Penance and the Patience. They quickly signed to Equal Vision Records and relocated to the USA, recording their full-length debut First Temple with producer Kris Crummett and touring extensively with acts including Coheed and Cambria, Emery and Dance Gavin Dance. They returned to Australia for the Homebake Festival in 2009, completed a gruelling trek on the 2010 Warped Tour and all the while First Temple quickly earned a dedicated following for fans of their blistering musicianship, impossibly catchy melodies and formidable grooves.

After returning to Australia in 2011, they joined the roster of TeamTrick management and toured with My Chemical Romance, Dead Letter Circus, Gyroscope, as well as touring Japan with FACT. Following this, they went into a long hibernation, as writing gradually began for what would become the Pink Lemonade album, produced by Tom Larkin and Andrei Eremin.

Emerging with a new rhythm section and a new look and sound, their Frank Zappa inspired record polarised some fans initially, before eventually being acclaimed as one of the most inventive and original records of the year. Finding fans in The Dillinger Escape Plan and Protest the Hero, they toured extensively with both bands. After joining Bird’s Robe in 2015 they also toured further with Coheed and Cambria, The Fall of Troy, Mew and sleepmakeswaves, whilst writing for their next record.

After another period of slow activity, during which time band members got married, started families and second careers, the band eventually gathered the material for Soft Hell. The process was affected by several welcome interruptions, such as their first US tour in nine years in 2018, marriage and baby news – but also unwelcome interruptions, such as the pandemic, including Melbourne’s extensive lockdowns, which lead to cancelled studio time just as things began to flow.

In the meantime, the band announced vinyl repressings for their back catalogue and saw them promptly sell out within days – with all three records taking turns topping the Australian Independent Charts upon their release. They also took time to head out for their first national Australian tour in five years, alongside post-rockers sleepmakeswaves.

Partnering with talented producer Andrei Eremin, the band worked intensely on the record during the whole of 2022 after finally emerging from lockdown. With Eremin relocating to America, the deadline was clear – and the record was finally mastered in February 2023.

More from Closure in Moscow:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify

Tracklisting: 

1: Jaeger Bomb
2: Primal Sinister
3: Absolute Terror Field
4: Better Way
5: Holy Rush
6: Keeper of the Lake     
7: Lock & key
8: Don Juan Triumphant
9: Soft Hell
10: Fine
11: Lovelash
12: My Dearest Kate

Photo Credit: Randy Edwards 

American progressive rock trio Source are set to unveil their weaving riffs and immersive soundscapes to the world, with the release of their new album Emergence on 13th October.  Ahead of this, the band have released their new single and video, 'Bitter', taken from the stunning new album. 

Watch the video for 'Bitter' here:  https://youtu.be/2SbGu5TrgCY
Pre-order Emergence here: https://www.listentosource.com/store/emergence-lp-digipak

Vocalist / guitarist Ben Gleason comments on the new single: "'Bitter' is about learning to accept people for where they're at and to let go of my contempt for incompetence. It's about realizing that no matter how much someone frustrates me I still really do want the best for them, because I really do want people to evolve into better versions of themselves."

'Bitter' is the third single from Emergence, the band's fourth studio album, and continues to explore a lot of themes from their previous album Ethereal Self (2021). Emergence is about rebirth, hope, despair, acceptance and letting go.

Vocalist / guitarist Ben Gleason discusses the new album: "Emergence is about undergoing a huge transformation in the way I see the world because of my experiences during COVID. It starts with an expression of the freedom, and hope that I experienced during lockdown. I had just moved to the mountains and lockdown was kind of like a long wilderness vacation for me. I hadn’t experienced that much time off and that little responsibility in close to a decade. That experience showed me a new level of happiness which I didn’t know was possible and it inspired me.

"From that place I was able to do a lot of analysis on my early life and how it shaped me. I was able to find a new perspective on who I am. When lockdown ended and I had to reintegrate into society I was overcome by sadness, depression and anxiety because of how disconnected and hostile everyone had become towards each other. I had a very hard time finding happiness again after lockdown and it took almost two years. In that time I learned the true value of connection with other people and the power that art and creativity have over despair. Because of those experiences I also learned how to forgive those who have wronged me and who made me seek solitude throughout my life. The album ends with a story of acceptance and letting go."

Formed in 2013 Benjamin Gleason, Justin Mirarck and Pascal Faurie create consciousness-based music through the exploration of flotation tanks, philosophy, meditation, yoga, and other embodiment and mindfulness practices. Their music is an expression of the sensations experienced on this planet, the profoundness of the human experience and the beauty of all that is. 

Entwining intelligent composition with melody at the core, you can hear a wide range of influences including Tool, Opeth and Chevelle.

Their debut album Return To Nothing was released in September 2016 on Pavement Entertainment and received a hugely positive response from music fans and press. Accolades included being named Metal Nexus' #1 best album of 2016 and heavy Music HQ's #9 best progressive metal album of 2016, and their video for single 'Memories of Yesterday' was supported by Axs TV, Promo Only, Club Com network and many more.

The success of the record earned them opening slots on tours with Hellyeah, In Flames and From Ashes to New, firmly establishing them in the US rock scene. 2019 saw the band release their stunning second album Totality, which achieved top reviews with Angry Metal Guy claiming "we could be witnessing the birth of the next great progressive metal band". Their third album Ethereal Self was released in 2021 and is based on rejecting the conditioning through fear that is forced on people from government, religious and media institutions.

Check out the previous video from Emergence: 
Vesica (The Path In): https://youtu.be/LpF6Q0crvr4 

Catch Source on tour across the USA:
 

Oct 18 - Lincoln NE: Duffy's Tavern
Oct 20 - Madison WI: Dark Star Art Bar
Oct 21 - St. Paul MN: ROK Bar
Oct 22 - Chicago IL: Livewire
Oct 25 - Grand Rapids MI: Pyramid Scheme 
Oct 26 - Akron OH: The Rialto Theater
Oct 27 - Pittsburgh PA: The Fun House
Oct 28 - Hallam PA: Tourist Inn
Nov 1 - Cincinnati OH: Northside Tavern 
Nov 2 - Louisville KY: Mag Bar
Nov 3 - Centerville OH: The Hidden Gem Music Club
Nov 4 - Dubuque IA: Smokestack
Nov 5 - Omaha NE: The Drinkery
Nov 11 - Denver CO: Herman’s Hideaway 
Dec 1 - Grand Junction CO: Mesa Theater
Dec 2 - Salt Lake City UT: The DLC
Dec 3 - Reno NV: Cellar Stage
Dec 4 - Eugene OR: John Henry’s
Dec 5 - San Jose CA: Venue Pending
Dec 6 - Fresno CA: Fulton 55
Dec 8 - Phoenix AZ: Pub Rock Live
Dec 9 - Farmington NM: Lauter Haus

More dates TBA. Tickets on sale soon. 

Source are:
Benjamin Gleason - Vocals / Guitars / Keys
Justin Mirarck - Drums
Pascal Faurie - Bass

Source online:
http://www.listentosource.com/
https://www.facebook.com/listentosource

Track listing:

1. Crack In The Shell
2. Emergence
3. Vesica (The Path In)
4. The Impulse
5. A Path Out
6. The Betrayal
7. Bitter
8. Snoodle Goo
9. Goose Noodle
10. Mandala

Photo Credit: Derek Bremner

Electrifying UK rock trio Blue Stragglers have announced their new Fool's Errand EP, to be released 10th November via Hassle Records.

To celebrate the news, the band have streamed their new single 'Existential Crisis In A Nightclub'.

Pre-order the EP and stream the single here: https://hasslerecords.ffm.to/blue-stragglers

Fool's Errand will be pressed and limited to 300 12'' vinyl copies. Purchase of the vinyl includes a ticket bundle for the band's headline show on 8th November at The Black Heart, Camden.

Purchase tickets for the show directly here: https://www.seetickets.com/event/blue-stragglers/the-black-heart/2750527

The band comment: "The alt rock brother to ‘Don’t You Want Me Baby’ Is, by proxy, exactly what it says on the tin - a catchy XTC inspired jagged love story gone wrong.

"I used to work in the same nightclub that I used to drink in on my nights off. The kind of club you always say you’ll never go back to after stumbling home from at 2am, only to repeat the pointless rollercoaster all over again the next day.

"An anthem for anyone stuck in the same rut being lectured by drunk people you don’t know wondering if this is all life can offer.

"First world problems? Perhaps. But who isn’t a hot mess at 2am at a nightclub bar, get over it."

Blue Stragglers, consisting of Lee Martin (vocals/guitar), Ali Waite (bass) and Andy Head (drums/backing vocals) have done things on their own terms since their earliest days. From the get-go, the industrious group were keen to find a HQ. So, when their local pub The Dunn Horse closed, the band managed to strip the place before it was converted into apartments, and they transported the entire pub interior into Lee’s house. From this eccentric setting, the band have regularly curated and hosted gigs at the house, newly named as The Denne Horse. 
 
Coming from Horsham, England, Blue Stragglers are here to turn your head and leave their mark. The threesome appear to run on a mixture of adrenaline and telepathy, combined with an unbridled gift for creating supremely captivating fuzzed-up bangers.

In addition to a plethora of talent, the power trio also have an undeniably strong work ethic and have relentlessly gigged throughout the country, racking up prominent supports with Wolfmother, Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society, Kid Kapichi, We Are The Ocean, and Phoxjaw, as well as a breath-taking appearance at 2022’s Download Festival. Last year, the three-piece also delivered their self-titled debut EP to high praise from BBC Introducing, Kerrang! Radio, Planet Rock and Gigslutz among others. Encouraged by the success of the release, Blue Stragglers were snapped up by esteemed independent label, Hassle Records (Brutus, Casey, Ithaca). 

The foundations are now set, and Blue Stragglers continue to make their mark with 'Existential Crisis In A Nightclub' and previous single 'Running It Dry'. The tracks showcases the band's already-trademark fuzz groove - an explosively infectious statement. The start of something new. A sea of change. A tidal event. 2023 will be filled with touring and the launch of the band’s new EP. Blue Stragglers have been waiting for you.

Watch Blue Stragglers' previous single 'Running It Dry' here: https://youtu.be/DKryizzkBTU

Blue Stragglers are:

Lee Martin - vocals/guitar
Ali Waite - bass
Andy Head - drums

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/bluestragglersuk
https://www.instagram.com/bluestragglers
https://twitter.com/bluestragglers1