Music Discovery Monday – 5/15/17

MUSIC DISCOVERY MONDAY – 5/15/17

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)

HALESTORM – “Dear Daughter”

Lzzy Hale has proven that she can rock as hard as any male vocalist, but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have a softer side as well.  For my money, Hale is the most versatile female vocalist in rock today.  She is this generation’s version of Ann Wilson (Heart).

On “Dear Daughter,” Hale shows why she is an inspiration to many women.  In a predominantly male genre, she is (perhaps) the only modern female vocalist who isn’t categorized by her gender.  This message of empowerment is incredibly beautiful.  Hale’s poignant, passionate delivery is evokes the same emotions as Pink did back in 2002 with “Family Portrait” (albeit in a more uplifting way).

In a post on Tumblr, Hale discussed what the song means to her…

“I’m hoping that, through this song, I can spread the inspiration and empowerment that has been instilled in me.  Carve your own path, ladies (and little gents too). I’m living proof that nothing in life is impossible.”

The video for the song was purposely released just prior to Mother’s Day.  When listening to this beautiful song, I highly recommend watching the video to get the full effect. 

 

 
KELEN HELLER – “Cut Me”

Standing out in a crowded field of hard rock acts is no easy task these days.  Aside from having a familiar sounding name (a play on Helen Keller), the band also distinguishes themselves through their mission “to inspire, uplift, and stir the emotion in our listeners.”  There are many faith-based bands out there, but most are Christian.  Kelen Heller distinguishes themselves with a more inclusive spiritual approach that welcomes everyone.  On their website, the band asks “listeners to join them on an unspoken type of fellowship: a type of non-denominational, judgment-free collective.”  When it comes to image, it’s not uncommon for bands to wear some kind of makeup or costume, but in Kelen Heller, only one member is mysteriously disguised.  All of this adds to the intrigue of the band before you even listen to their music.

Musically, Kelen Heller delivers with a sound that is reminiscent of Shinedown on their latest single, “Cut Me.”  Ricky Shuler shows a range similar to Brent Smith, soulful in the lower register and impassioned in the higher register.  If you’re a fan of bands like Shinedown and Sevendust, you’re going to love Kelen Heller.
 

 

 

ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout

LIFE OF AGONY – “A Place Where There’s No More Pain”

As a lifetime Life of Agony fan, I couldn’t contain my excitement at the mere notion of a new LOA album.  After a 12-year wait, the band released a new album entitled, A Place Where There’s No More Pain.  One of the first bands that crossed hardcore punk with metal, Life of Agony has always been my go-to band if I wanted something heavy, something emotional, or something to scream along to.  The band hails from Brooklyn, New York, and found its following in the midst of the decade where New York Hardcore was at its peak.  The heavy guitar tones of Joey Z, the pounding drums by Sal Abruscato (ex- Type-O-Negative), the thunderous bass playing of Alan Robert and the wails of Mina Caputo (formerly Keith Caputo) all gel together to form the distinguishable sounds of Life of Agony.  The new release is a tad more melodic than their previous hardcore/metal releases, but the sound and emotion is still there.  I’ll be listening to this album for months to come.

 

DANZIG – “Devil On Hwy 9”

Black Laden Crown, the new album from former Misfits frontman Glenn Danzig, is classic Danzig at his best.  Featuring an impressive lineup of Tommy Victor (Prong) on guitar, Joey Castillo (ex-Queens of the Stone Age) on drum duty, and Steve Zing (ex-Samhain) on bass, “Devil on Hwy 9” crunches along with a heavy intro that showcases Victor’s playing style.  The rest of the song exhibits the usual heaviness as Danzig croons with his distinctive Elvis-like vocals.  The lyrical content features a continuation of Danzig’s fascination of Satan, horror and all subject matters related to darkness.  Fans of Danzig will not be disappointed.
 

 

 

ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout

ICED EARTH – “Raven Wing”

Tampa, Florida’s Iced Earth will be releasing their newest album, Incorruptible, on June 16th.  The first single, “Seven Headed Whore,” leaned more towards thrash metal; this one is a bit more moody and melodic. Together these songs promise another powerful (but diverse) album from a band that’s been putting out quality material for over 30 years now.

 

INGLORIOUS – “I Don’t Need Your Loving”

After a critically acclaimed debut album, England’s Inglorious returns just a year later with a worthy successor, II.  The powerful riffs and classic ‘70s sound remain intact, with an infectious blues influence.

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