Music Discovery Monday – 10/17/16
Music Discovery Monday shines a light on artists that are not getting the radio attention that they deserve, while also showcasing new singles by established bands that are likely to get airplay in the future.
In addition to appearing on the embedded YouTube playlist below, all songs featured on Music Discovery Monday can be listened to individually by clicking on the hyper-linked song titles above each review.
ADAM WALDMAN – (Publisher, Hard Rock Daddy)
BLACKFOOT – “Southern Native”
Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Rickey Medlocke’s history with Blackfoot goes all the way back to the early ‘70s. Medlocke is still a part of the current incarnation, but not exactly in the way that you would expect. While the co-founding member of this storied southern rock band is no longer an active member, he is the one responsible for recruiting the current lineup to carry on the band’s name.
“Southern Native” is the title track of the band’s 11th studio album (released in August). It’s been 22 years since the band’s last studio album, After The Reign (which featured a guest appearance by Zakk Wylde on the title track). Medlocke calls the band’s latest release “classic rock for a new generation.” The title track is classic rock meets southern rock with a powerful tribal backbone befitting of the Native American-themed lyrics. Although Medlocke is not an active member of the band, he provides guest guitar work and backing vocals on this outstanding track that also features the soulful guest vocals of Stacy Michelle.
KENNY DUBMAN – “Ain’t Too Late For Memphis”
Kenny Dubman’s “Ain’t Too Late For Memphis” is a southern rock anthem with an arena rock feel. Like Blackfoot, there is a connection to Zakk Wylde and Lynyrd Skynyrd. I actually discovered Dubman when Wylde posted an article about the song on his Facebook page. Both New Jersey guitarist/vocalists may have been born in the north, but you would never know it when you listen to their brands of southern rock.
“Ain’t Too Late For Memphis” sounds like the lovechild of Skynyrd and Bad Company (in a good way). According to Dubman, “the song is the story of a musician who has been out of the game for a long while and longs to break back in, but is not quite sure how to make it happen.” Dubman also says that the song is autobiographical. If that’s the case, he has certainly figured out a way to create memorable, inspired music for a comeback. The only question now is whether it will get the attention that it deserves to reach the masses.
ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout
KYNG – “Breathe In The Water”
Hard /stoner rock fans in the vein of Black Sabbath, Clutch and Queens of the Stone Age will appreciate Kyng’s recently released third studio album, Breathe in the Water. This great Los Angeles band is a breath of fresh air in today’s heavy metal market. The riffs are massive and thick with a Sabbathy feel, the vocals melodic, and the rhythm section pulses and pounds like a metal band should. Keep your eyes on this band. This album may be the one that puts them into the mainstream.
SUICIDAL TENDENCIES – “Clap Like Ozzy”
Suicidal Tendencies is back with their new album, World Gone Mad. I have two words that sums up my excitement for this album – “Dave” “Lombardo.” Yes, the ex-Slayer, ex-Testament, double-bass thrash master is the touring and studio drummer for Suicidal Tendencies. “Clap Like Ozzy” is classic Suicidal Tendencies…fast, furious, heavy and chaotic with Mike Muir’s unique blend of humor, inspirational messages and nihilistic attitude on life. Even after 30 years of listening to this band, these fathers of crossover metal never cease to amaze.
ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout
SONATA ARCTICA – “Life”
Finnish power metal veterans Sonata Arctica have been churning out quality music for nearly 20 years now. They’ve gone through some lineup changes, but one constant has been the melodic vocals and keyboards of founder Tony Kakko. This song comes from their ninth (and newest) release, The Ninth Hour.
HARDLINE – “Nobody’s Fool”
Hardline is a melodic rock group that, back in 1991, united vocalist Johny Gioeli (Crush 40, Axel Rudi Pell) with Journey members Neal Schon and Deen Castronovo. Gioeli is the only original member remaining as the band celebrates its 25th anniversary with a new album, Human Nature. This one packs some groove, while managing to stay true to the band’s melodic roots.
CHRIS HERZEGOVITCH – HRD Music Scout
THE NEW BLACK – “Long Time Coming”
“Long Time Coming” is the lead track off of The New Black’s fourth full-length release, A Monster’s Life. This tune has an infectious groove, and cool, edgy vocals with a locomotive rhythm a terrific melodic theme. Formed in 2008, these metalheads sound like they are from the southern part of America, rather than from their Bavarian homeland.
THUNDER & LIGHTNING – “Mary Celeste”
Germany’s Thunder and Lightning returns with their fifth full-length album, Neuntöter. “Mary Celeste” is an epic, tragic tale of an ill-fated sea voyage brought to life brilliantly by guest vocalist Der Schulz from Unzucht. His vocals are captivating, especially the glorious (yet haunting) chorus. The band’s musical skill is top-notch, creating a sonic storm – the perfect backdrop to the story.
SUBMISSIONS
To be considered for Music Discovery Monday, please e-mail a link to the song being submitted on YouTube and an artist bio to – submissions@MusicDiscoveryMonday.com
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