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/Editor, Hard Rock Daddy)
BEASTO BLANCO – “Grind”
On October 31, 2016, we featured Beasto Blanco’s incredible cover of the Alice Cooper classic “Feed My Frankenstein” on Music Discovery Monday. It was the perfect choice for the occasion. Given that the band is fronted by Alice Cooper bassist Chuck Garric and also features Cooper’s daughter, Calico, the cover was a natural selection. However, this band is much more than an Alice Cooper spinoff. With or without the connection to a legend, this band absolutely runs you over with their aggressive sound that has the same type of energy as Rob Zombie.
There’s a common misconception among fans that rock stars (particularly those associated with household names) have it easy, but that’s far from the case. Yes, Garric plays with a legend, but he didn’t arrive at this destination overnight. He paid his dues to get to where he is today, and continues to pay them with Beasto Blanco, a band destined to blaze their own trail. All you need to do is listen to the testosterone-laden delivery of Garric’s vocals on the opening line of “Grind” – “I may not have been born with a crown on my head, but mom gave me muscles and knuckles instead” – to realize that he’s speaking from experience. With a touch of evil that almost makes you fear him, Garric connects with force on this anthem of the everyman.
CORTES – “Facing My Fear”
Cortes is an unsigned trio from London whose debut EP includes “Facing My Fear.” I’d love to share more information about the band, but I can’t seem to find much on them. No matter. The music speaks for itself. “Facing My Fear” is an interesting blend of various rock influences. As I listened to the song, I was reminded of Led Zeppelin, Green Day, Golden Earring and The Police with a hint of southern rock thrown in for good measure. This may sound like a crazy mixture to squeeze into one song, and it may be, but it just works.
ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout
NECROMANCING THE STONE – “Bleed For The Night”
Necromancing The Stone features ex-members of The Black Dahlia Murder, Arsis, and The Absence. “Bleed For The Night” is from the band’s 2016 release, Jewel of the Vile. Fans of the bands that these members used to play for are in for a shock. The metal sound is there; it is (indeed) heavy / riffy, and makes the listener bang their heads, but there is a twist to the band’s brand of metal. Think power metal meets melodic death metal with clean vocals. Unique in every sense, which makes for a great listen.
FATES WARNING – “SOS”
The long-running progressive metal band Fates Warning is back with a new album, Theories of Flight. With over three decades of experience, Fates Warning has perfected their brand of progressive metal, and it shows on their 12th album. The band features one of my favorite drummers in Bobby Jarzombek (who has played and toured with bands such as Halford, Sebastian Bach, Iced Earth and Riot). Looking forward to seeing these guys tour behind their new album.
ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout
RICHIE KOTZEN – “End Of Earth”
Rock, soul, and blues blend masterfully in Ritchie Kotzen’s latest solo release. When the guitarist, pianist and singer/songwriter isn’t performing with the supergroup The Winery Dogs, he continues to add to his prolific solo repertoire, offering up the finest musicianship in heartfelt songs. Salting Earth, his 21st solo album, comes out April 14th.
HAREM SCAREM – “Sinking Ship”
Guitarist Pete Lesperance and vocalist Harry Hess formed this Canadian melodic rock band in 1987, and had a great 20-year run before breaking up. They reunited in 2013 and soon after began releasing new material. They recently announced that they would perform at Rockingham Festival 2017, and then (just last month) announced a new album to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Their fourteenth studio album, United, is due out May 12th.
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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