Music Discovery Monday – 11/28/16

Music Discovery Monday – 11/28/16

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)

DEE SNIDER – “We Are The Ones”

Nobody does “us-against-the-world” anthems like Dee Snider.  In 1984, Snider and Twisted Sister gave us one of the greatest rock anthems in history with “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”  Over three decades later, Snider delivers again with “We Are The Ones” (the title track off of his latest solo release).  Referred to as “the song that shaped the sound of the record” by Snider, “We Are The Ones” is about rebellion and believing in yourself.  It’s a modern-day twist on the timeless Twisted Sister classic.

The release of Snider’s solo album is bittersweet for fans of a band that so many of us grew up on, given their recent retirement after a 40-year career.  Perhaps it would have happened anyway, but any notion of Twisted Sister continuing on was put to rest after the tragic passing of A.J. Perro in 2015.

Fans can take solace in the fact that the Twisted Sister sound is still alive and well.  Snider sounds as good as ever on this fist-pumping anthem!
 

 
DEE SNIDER – “We’re Not Gonna Take It” (Piano Version)

Bridging the gap between the retirement of Twisted Sister and the release of Dee Snider’s solo album is a haunting, piano ballad version of “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”  The song that once elicited rebellious moments of joy of those who experienced it in 1984, now tugs on the heartstrings of those same rockers who are all grown up, many raising families of their own.

Snider recorded this version to help raise awareness for Criss Angel’s charity, HELP (Heal Every Life Possible).  The famed illusionist directed the video for the song in the desert outside of Las Vegas.  In the video, you see the purity of Snider dressed in all white contrasted against images of young people shaving their heads, and real footage of kids battling cancer.

Angel and Snider both hail from Long Island, and have known each other since the ‘90s.  In a moment of true class, no fees were charged for the right to use the song.  Together, these two “strong islanders” have created something truly special.

To learn more about the charity and to make donations to this worthy cause, please visit Criss Angel’s Official Website.
 

 

 

 ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout

OVERKILL – “Our Finest Hour”

Going strong for over 30 years, this thrash metal band from New Jersey is set to release their latest album, The Grinding Wheel.  The first single from the album, “Our Finest Hour,” is classic Overkill…from the screams of Bobby Blitz to the thunderous bass of D.D. Verni (the two original members of the band).  Sometimes deemed the 5th thrash metal band after “The Big Four,” Overkill has stayed true to their sound through the years, and it looks like this new album won’t be any different.  For fans of the band and this genre, that is a good thing.

 

METAL CHURCH – “Reset”

Another old school thrash metal act to release a new album recently is Metal Church.  Their eleventh studio album, XI , is a great comeback record from a band that sold out arenas back in the day.  The single, “Reset,” is a great piece of music that took the Metal Church sound and modernized it for 2016.  Having recently rejoined the band, Mike Howe does a fantastic job on the new album, sounding very much like he did back in 1993.  With the songwriting and composition of Kurdt Vanderhoof (the only original member of the band), XI is a great album to add to your Metal Church catalog.
 

 

 

ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout

ENBOUND – “Give Me Light”

Swedish band Enbound made their debut five years ago with an album of some excellent melodic hard rock with metal influences.  They follow it up now with The Blackened Heart, a decidedly heavier entry with the metal influences holding far more sway. There are some great riffs and an amazing choruses on this one, not to mention an unexpected acoustic guitar near the end.  Also, check out “Feel The Flame” with a more progressive style, courtesy of a guest appearance by Mike LePond (Symphony X) on bass.

 

S91 – “The Cry of Life”

S91 is a Christian progressive metal band out of Tuscany that has gone through several lineup changes since their inception ten years ago.  Their first full-length album (released five years ago) was in their native Italian.  Their new release, Behold The Mankind, is instantly more accessible internationally, having opted this time for English lyrics, while they continue to achieve a progressive sound that courts wider appeal thanks to an emphasis on harmony and melody.

 

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