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.
This week’s Music Discovery Monday features an exclusive interview with Liv Sin vocalist Liv Jagrell discussing the meaning and inspiration behind “Let Me Out.”
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/Editor, Hard Rock Daddy)
LIV SIN – “Let Me Out”
When Sister Sin broke up in November of 2015, it was disappointing to many (myself included). While there is no shortage of female-fronted hard rock acts these days, Liv Jagrell offered something unique. With an aggressive, balls-to-the-wall metal delivery, Jagrell had the ability to scare the hell out of you (in a good way). Thankfully, the end of Sister Sin did not mean the end of one of the most powerful vocalists around. The journey continues, albeit with a new moniker – Liv Sin.
Backed by a hard-hitting power metal band, Jagrell is poised to reclaim her rightful place in the hierarchy of female metal singers. From the first note of “Let Me Out,” Liv Sin puts the petal to the metal and never lets up. It takes about two notes to feel the U.D.O. vibe in the song, which makes sense given that the band’s debut album – Follow Me – was produced by Stefan Kaufmann and Fitty Weinhold (both of whom are in U.D.O.).
If you’re a fan of melodic arena anthems that are filled with piss and vinegar, you’re going to love “Let Me Out.” The queen is dead (Sister Sin). Long live the queen (Liv Sin)!
In a Hard Rock Daddy exclusive, Liv Jagrell shared her thoughts about “Let Me Out”…
“The inspiration to the lyrics came to me after watching a documentary about people in great danger and need, and what you might end up doing in that situation to get out. Sometimes you do fatal things in desperation, which can lead to consequences later for you or for other people, but in that specific moment, you don’t see any other way out.”
NITA STRAUSS – “Pandemonium”
It’s rare to have an instrumental track featured on Music Discovery Monday, but then again, “Pandemonium” is no ordinary instrumental track, and Nita Strauss is no ordinary guitar player. Strauss steps out from the shadow cast by Alice Cooper to deliver a shredding clinic on a song that transitions between fierce, adrenaline-soaked moments, and slower, more emotive, bluesy moments. All the while, Strauss exhibits guitar virtuosity that is rare enough on its own, much less when comparing to her to other female guitarists. It’s hard to think of a better way to honor Women’s History Month than sharing this outstanding instrumental piece.
ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout
OBITUARY – “A Lesson In Vengeance”
“A Lesson In Vengeance” makes the listener bang their head from the opening riff. The self-titled album from Obituary is the band’s 10th studio release. They have always stood apart from other bands in the death metal genre with crushing grooves and growling (coherent) vocals. The riffs are simplified, almost with a Celtic Frost feel, but much heavier. The crisp production of the album highlights the flashy (yet tasty) guitar solos. This classic death metal band has come a long way since their inception in 1984, and have only gotten better over time.
MASTODON – “Sultan’s Curse”
The kings of sludge metal are back with a highly-anticipated album, which will released later this week. Emperor of Sand is Mastodon’s 7th album. “Sultan’s Curse” is a continuation of the Mastodon sound. What exactly the Mastodon sound is would be hard to describe, but that’s what makes the band such an important mainstay in the metal genre. Taking styles that range from sludge/stoner metal to progressive to groove to hardcore, the band blends these influences into an eclectic mixture of great metal tunes. Their unparalleled musicianship is oftentimes characterized by almost jazz-like compositions. If the rest of the album sounds like this, fans are sure to be delighted.
ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout
LABYRINTH – “Bullets”
After seven long years, Italian power metal band Labyrinth has returned with a brand new album, Architecture of a God. Founding members Andrea Cantarelli and Olaf Thorsen have reunited with vocalist Roberto Tiranti, who had left the band a few years ago. They made a special appearance at the first annual Frontiers Metal Festival, where they performed their signature album, Return To Heaven Denied. They are following up that classic performance with some great new material.
NIGHT RANGER – “Don’t Let Up”
San Francisco rockers Night Ranger return for their 12th studio album, Don’t Let Up. It’s a fitting title for a band that’s been hard at it for 35 years now and consistently delivers, both in concert and here, with fresh new material.
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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