Sonic Perspectives

“…At a show in Sacramento, in the space of five minutes, three people came up to me with life-changing stories. They told me how my music had helped them to deal with the loss of people close to them… ”

The White Buffalo is Jake Smith – singer, songwriter, guitarist, teller of stories, Emmy nominee; an artist whose voice – a timber-shakin’ baritone of gravitas and gravel – seems directly linked to a greater truth; an artist who will not be swayed by fashion or curtailed by genre. The White Buffalo is about engagement. The White Buffalo makes people laugh and cry. The White Buffalo is truth and wild imagination working together.

And now, this past April 17th 2020, The White Buffalo released a new studio album, “On The Widow’s Walk” – a loosely linked collection of dark thrills produced by Shooter Jennings, who also provides piano and keys. With an eclectic history and catalogue to his illustrious name, Shooter doesn’t believe in sticking to the rules. He works with a diverse selection of artists, from Marilyn Manson to Tanya Tucker, and his collaboration with The White Buffalo has produced a special, signature release.

Born in Eugene, Oregon, but raised in Huntington Beach, Southern California, Jake Smith is master of his own domain. Like so many creative spirits, he is often drawn to the shadowy side of the street, unveiling scenarios – effectively mini-movies – that sometimes have their roots in reality, sometimes not, but either way are delivered with unswerving conviction. It was country that grabbed him first, his parent’s music of choice, then punk that sound-tracked his high-school days – an early indication that for Jake Smith, later to adopt The White Buffalo motif (“It sounds mythical and weighty, bigger than a single person”), it was always about the emotional connection.

The fact that Jake isn’t meticulously versed in theory has been to his advantage, allowing him to pursue a path where timings can be weird, extra bars of music added and stylistic divisions blurred, all of which makes his music delightfully, unrepentantly hard to define. Yes, it’s stripped and it’s spiritual; yes, it draws from rock, soul, folk, blues, Americana and more; and yes, it has a darker pulse and a first-take feel; but

Rodrigo Altaf made the best of the stay-at-home situation and gave Jake Smith a ring, and they both discussed the new album and much more. Listen to their chat in the links below, and remember that for more interviews and other daily content, Sonic Perspectives is on Facebook, Flipboard, Twitter and YouTube, where you can be notified about new interviews and contents we publish on a daily basis.

Purchase “On The Widow’s Walk” from this location.

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The post THE WHITE BUFFALO’s Driving Force JAKE SMITH Discuss New Album: “On Some Songs, It’s Almost Like I’m Talking Exactly About What’s Happening with Humanity Right Now” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Mainstays in the American metal scene since the early 2000s, Trivium are preparing to release their most definitive work to date on April 24th, offering up an album brimming with the strong character the band has spent almost two decades building. Each album Trivium has produced has lent itself to their gradual evolution, including transitions across vocal styles and a number of drummers as they continued to hone their style. “What the Dead Men Say” features some of the heaviest material Trivium has ever produced, bringing with it the increasingly rich melodies that found strong footing in prior album “The Sin and the Sentence.” Though there is no large stylistic departure from the sound that Trivium fans have grown to love, “What the Dead Men Say” also features some of the strongest creative cohesion across Trivium‘s many eras, featuring drummer Alex Bent on his second album with the band. Instrumental unity throughout the album sees Bent‘s creative force shining through alongside the group’s longtime members in composition that grows with an organic flow. 

Songwriting for “What the Dead Men Say” was a unified effort between the quartet, including pieces primarily penned by bassist and one of Trivium‘s longtime creative drivers, Paulo Gregoletto. Alongside vocalist Matt Heafy and guitarist Corey Beaulieu, the crisp and infectious riffs of “What the Dead Men Say” create an album that is unmistakably Trivium, but pushes the creative boundaries of the band like never before. Gregoletto spoke with Sonic Perspectives contributor Samantha Buckman on what fans can expect to find within “What the Dead Men Say,” what Trivium‘s creative process looks like, and the aesthetic ties between the music videos and future live performances. 

For more interviews and other daily content, make sure to follow Sonic Perspectives on Facebook, Flipboard and Twitter and  subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified about new interviews and contents we publish on a daily basis.

Pre-order you copy of “What The Dead Man Say” at this location and follow the Trivium on social media using any of these links: Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram |  YouTube

The post TRIVIUM Bassist PAOLO GREGOLETTO Talks New Album: “We Found A Style That Works For Us, and We’re Trying to Make That Better” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

The Hollywood Monsters – a music collective that includes Steph Honde, Vinny Appice and Ronnie Robson as the core, with an amazing collaborative of internationally known musicians with huge resumes – have released their third album entitled; “Thriving On Chaos” with a star studded selection of guest musicians: Glen Drover, Greg Godovitz, Tommy Denander, Danko Jones, Jim Crean, Don Airey, Fred Mika, Alexis Von Kraven, and the late Ted McKenna.

The band was founded in 2014 by Steph Honde while living and recording in Los Angeles, California. The album was written and recorded over 14 months after Honde enlisted Canadian session and touring bassist Ronnie Robson as a partner. “Thriving On Chaos” consists of nine original compositions and three cover songs, and was released last December 20th, 2019 – with Voice Music (Brazil) and Bickee Music (Japan).

The album features the late Ted McKenna (Rory Gallagher, Michael Schenker Group) on drums for the song; “Running Up Hill”. Steph Honde approached Ted a few years back to record a demo for another song, which was recorded but never released. Another song was written around Ted‘s drum track and added to the album after Ted‘s unexpected death. This was done to pay tribute and respect to Ted‘s amazing talent and career.

Not only do Hollywood Monsters have an amazing original soundtrack, they also celebrate some of the greatest rock songs of all time, fulfilled masterfully with a live energy that is second to none – turning the music dial to reflect the subconscious of our life’s soundtrack. The album is a clear demonstration of that, with the band firing on all cylinders and presenting the raw energy of their live performances with their own compositions and also with a great selection of covers such as Goddo‘s “Drop Dead (That’s Who)”, Thin Lizzy‘s “Cold Sweat”,  and “I Don’t Need No Doctor” by Humble Pie.

Hollywood Monsters have plans to be touring around the globe in 2020, with an all-star lineup (with special guests along the way) after the Covid-19 pandemic menace is over. In the meantime Sonic Perspectives collaborator Rodrigo Altaf met with bass player Ronnie Robson and the two of them discussed the genesis of the band, touring plans, the writing and recording of “Thriving on Chaos” and his other musical endeavors.

For more interviews and other daily content, make sure to follow Sonic Perspectives on Facebook, Flipboard and Twitter and  subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified about new interviews and contents we publish on a daily basis.

Purchase “Thriving On Chaos” from this location.

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For several years, singer Jan Willem Ketelaers has been pondering the meaning of life—and what comes afterward.  It’s not like he’s had a lot of time on his hands. 

Last year, he wrote the lyrics for and sang lead on Knight Area’s WWII epic concept album “D-Day.” But there’s much more in Jan Willem‘s musical universe: “Through the years I’ve been in several bands, from alternative progressive rock bands to classic rock bands and worked with many great people like for example Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon) and James LaBrie (Dream Theater). I was lead singer of “The Classic Rock Show” for six years and played in many theaters in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. With my own band Knight Area I released the seventh album called “D-Day” in 2019 and I play a role in Magoria’s Jack The Ripper Rock opera of one of the best Dutch rock guitarists Mark Bogert. I’m singing in several tribute bands like Totolicious, Gary Moore Band and I tour as backing vocalist with Robby Valentine.”

Yet Ketelaers found time to compose and produce a concept album with friend Sander Heerings (Wane of Summer, The Dust Connection).  “Destination Eternity” is a concept album about the journey of a soul to its final destination. The painting that graces the album cover perfectly symbolizes the disaster at sea and the beautiful song written about it, “The Source” also symbolizes live and death and becoming a better soul along that journey.

Contributor Mark Boardman had a chance to talk with Ketelaers about the album (which came out last March 20), his other musical enterprises, and how he finds the time for everything. Listen to their interesting conversation below and remember to stalk us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to be notified about new interviews and contents we publish on a daily basis.

The post INTO THE OPEN’S Vocalist JAN WILLEM KETELAERS Talks About the Debut Album “Destination Eternity:” “We Wanted to Explore the Next Life” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Greek melodic power metal masters FIREWIND, the group led by guitar wizard and ex-OZZY OSBOURNE band member Gus G., will release their newest album, simply titled “Firewind” on May 15th, 2020 via AFM Records. Each time Firewind released an album over the last 20 years, it wasn’t just the brilliancy of Gus G that fans were in awe of, but also the skills of every one of the band’s vocalists. Fantastic riffs, hooks and solos by the gifted hands of guitarist Gus aside, it’s the great vocal melody – an integral part of every Firewind song – that’s causing a stir. In that respect nothing has changed, quite the contrary: with his charismatic voice new member Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Radiant, Seventh Avenue, among others) refines each and every last one of the eleven new songs and infuses them with an expressive force that is remarkable.

“Firewind” boasts 11 prime examples of melodic metal songs. The skill, craftsmanship and power bleeds through every note, a passion you can almost taste, with hymnal melodies as a particularly outstanding feature. Style-wise, the band actually broadened their range compared to earlier releases: with the first single “Rising Fire” and the upcoming “Welcome To The Empire” you’ll get your typical Firewind blend. Whereas “Overdrive” dressed in a groovy rhythm and reminiscent of Dio/Black Sabbath and “Space Cowboy” in all its retro flair glory will take you by surprise. But there’s still more: “Orbitual Sunrise”, “Longing To Know You”and the above-mentioned “Space Cowboy” are also connected through their lyrics, some sort of Sci-Fi story about the over-exploitation of nature seen through the eyes of a lonely astronaut, orbiting earth in his space capsule. The band has once again brought their full potential, making “Firewind” a more than worthy successor of their 2017 concept work “Immortals”.

For an in-depth discussion on  the upcoming album, Gus spoke with Sonic Perspectives’ collaborator Samantha Buckman about on the songwriting process behind “Firewind,” how he decided about bringing Herbie as the new vocalist and how his input influenced the songs taking shape, how the album reflects the essence of the band until this point, his creative routine while quarantined at home and what he thinks in terms of set-list for future tours, among other topics.

For more interviews and other daily content, make sure to follow Sonic Perspectives on Facebook, Flipboard and Twitter and  subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified about new interviews and contents we publish on a daily basis.

Pre-order you copy of “Firewind” at this location and follow the band on social media using any of these links: Firewind Facebook | Firewind Website | Gus G Facebook | Gus G Website |  Gus G Twitter

The post FIREWIND Leader GUS G On Upcoming Self-titled Album: “This Record Is a Collection of All the Styles and Sounds That Have Defined FIREWIND Until Now” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

In a perfect world, Cirith Ungol should have been prominently featured in every half respectable metal publication, as much as other pioneers like Black Sabbath or Iron Maiden. Formed in 1971 in Ventura, California, they first appeared on the scene with their self-financed debut album, “Frost and Fire”, via their own Liquid Flame Records imprint in April 1981. It was obscure and arcane, mysterious and eccentric, epic and expansive, but most of all unfailingly, bone-crushingly heavy, dark and doom-filled.

Cirith Ungol went on to release two additional studio albums – “King of the Dead” and “One Foot in Hell” – now regarded as stone-cold classics. However, by the early 1990s, the musical climate was shifting away from traditional metal. The band was plagued with lineup instability and then came an unsatisfying studio experience during the recording of the 4th full-length album, “Paradise Lost”, that left them profoundly disappointed. Finally, after years of frustration took their toll, Cirith Ungol was laid to rest in May 1992

On October 8, 2016, the band officially returned to the stage by headlining the Frost and Fire II festival at the Majestic Ventura Theater, playing to a packed house of metal fans and friends who had converged in the band’s hometown of Ventura. The quartet of drummer Robert Garven, vocalist Tim Baker, and guitarists Greg Lindstrom and Jim Barraza recruited Night Demon bassist Jarvis Leatherby to fill that slot. As a seasoned musician, lifelong fan, and one of the driving forces to reanimate Cirith Ungol, Leatherby was the logical choice. Since then, the band has been on an upward trend, frequently playing the festival circuit in Europe, satiating long time fans and bringing their sound to a new generation. Evidence of that can be seen in the band’s 2019 live release, “I’m Alive”, reviewed here.

For more interviews and other daily content, make sure to follow Sonic Perspectives on Facebook, Flipboard and Twitter and  subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified about new interviews and contents we publish on a daily basis.

Pre-order your copy of “Forever Black” from this location.

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Mainstays in the death metal scene for almost three decades, Vader have embodied the spirit of old school in each release since their 1992 debut album “The Ultimate Incantation.” On May 1st, Vader will release their latest full-length album titled “Solitude in Madness,” following close on the heels of their 2019 EP “Thy Messenger.” Crafted with contributions from the most consistent lineup in the band’s history, “Solitude in Madness” has proven an opportunity for the band to maintain their crushing brutality while still exploring how to grow and evolve their style. Including ten original songs and one cover, “Solitude in Madness” promises to deliver an expanded array of material for the band to draw from in future tours, adding to an already impressive live energy.

Vader is led by the creative genius of Piotr “Peter” Wiwczarek, who has been the mastermind driving the band since 1983. As guitarist, vocalist, and composer, his guidance is responsible for the distinct sound Vader has maintained over almost four decades. For an in-depth discussion on  the upcoming album, Peter spoke with Sonic Perspectives on the songwriting process behind “Solitude in Madness” as well how Vader keeps delivering such consistent brutality to fans and new listeners alike.

For more interviews and other daily content, make sure to follow Sonic Perspectives on Facebook, Flipboard and Twitter and  subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified about new interviews and contents we publish on a daily basis.

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You may not know exactly who Michael Alago is, but if you’re a metal-head, you have a lot to thank him for. Working as an A&R for Elektra Records in the 80’s and Geffen Records in the 90’s he worked with bands like Metallica, Flotsam & Jetsam, Misfits, PIL, White Zombie and many more. The Puerto Rican kid from Brooklyn carved out the kind of career that you might see in a Hollywood film, and that musical life began working at the Ritz, the East Village club (aka Webster Hall, before and after) which hosted everyone and everyone during the ‘80s, especially the burgeoning metal/hardcore scene.

Alago – who’s openly gay and doesn’t shy away from his sexuality- navigated the heavy metal world, a music scene not always famous for its open-mindedness, and his biggest achievement was helming the signing of Metallica to Elektra Records before the release of “Ride The Lightning”. In the late 1980s he was diagnosed with HIV, which manifested into full-blown AIDS ten years later. He survived to continue his music career, leaving Elektra Records and going to Geffen Records to later be responsible for the signing of White Zombie; but in 2005, he left the music world to pursue his love for photography. Alago went on to publish three bestselling books, and has since overcome his longtime addiction to drugs and alcohol.

The many twists and turns in Michael‘s life were brought to the screen in the form of a movie, “Who the f**k is That Guy? The Fabulous Journey of Michael Alago”. Directed by Drew Stone and produced by Michael Alex, it was released in theaters and on Netflix. Now he added another entry to his extensive list of accomplishments – his autobiography, “I Am Michael Alago”, which was published on March 25th, and tells his tale of triumph over many adversities in even more detail.

Sonic Perspectives collaborator Rodrigo Altaf spoke to Alago just before the release of his book, and in an extensive conversation they discussed Michael‘s colorful life in great detail. Of course you’ll hear abut him signing Metallica, working with Nina Simone, his newfound love for photography, his encounters with the likes of Madonna and Bruce Springsteen, how he influenced the move of Jason Newsted from Flotsam and Jetsam to Metallica after the passing of Cliff Burton, and a myriad of other topics. Listen to their chat using the links below, and make sure to follow Sonic Perspectives on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with new interviews and daily content.

Order your copy of “I Am Michael Alago” from this location.

The vast majority of he slideshow photographs are from Michael Alago own collection, with the exception of Michael and Nina Simone by Carol Friedman

The post Former Music Executive MICHAEL ALAGO Talks Signing METALLICA, Working with NINA SIMONE and Much More: “I Knew METALLICA Were Going to Be Huge Since The Very Beginning” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Another step in their continuing evolution, The Black Dahlia Murder return with more sonic diversity and emotionally-driven songwriting than ever in their upcoming album “Verminous.” Longtime mainstays in the death metal scene, The Black Dahlia Murder have never stopped striving for forward motion in their creative scope, and “Verminous” is no exception. Growing in confidence with their current lineup, which they have maintained since 2016, the band has pressed forward in forging a sound which is layered with melancholy and hard rock influences, without sacrificing any of their hallmark heaviness. The full effects of adding lead guitarist Brandon Ellis in 2016 are still being realized, his creative potential as a musician and as a guiding force in the studio continuing to shape The Black Dahlia Murder for a new stylistic era. “Verminous” is one of the band’s most accessible records yet, one which vocalist Trevor Strnad says is their most mature and epic offering to date.

Despite focus on growing a more sophisticated sound, the band has  retained its conceptual focus on fantasy and the pitfalls of human nature while keeping their personalities as vibrant as ever. As co-founder and front-man, Strnad has no shortage of insight on how The Black Dahlia Murder has continued to evolve from the instant fan-favorite album “Nightbringers” up through the rich offerings of “Verminous.” Strnad spoke with Sonic Perspectives contributor Samantha Buckman on Ellis’ development as a member of the band, how The Black Dahlia Murder has approached changing their sound, and how he has been keeping busy amidst the current global pandemic.

To keep up with new interviews and daily content, make sure to follow Sonic Perspectives on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube channel, and order your copy of “Verminous” from this location.

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Slideshow photographs by Jose Pimienta Photography and Norrsken Photography and Design

The post TREVOR STRNAD of THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER Talks Upcoming Album and Band’s Evolution: “The Real Focus in the Last Years Has Been Making Better, More Lasting Music.” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

The time is now again for Testament to unleash new thunder to the masses, as the band has revealed their thirteenth studio album “Titans Of Creation” last Friday. With an even better mix than before, the bass is prominently showcased, new vocals are introduced, and as expected, the guitar-work of Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick is greatly complex, crispy and mesmerizing. And before you ask, yes, the sonic onslaught that is Gene Hoglan is still there, with beats and fills that defy the human comprehension of limb independence.

Still filled with a massive and unstoppable energy since their last release, the Bay Area pioneers have taken their style to the next level and present an album that is loyal to the roots of traditional thrash metal while still bringing alluring, brilliant, and progressive ingredients to the table. Having kept the same lineup for a few years now has benefited the band immensely, as the understanding between the members is almost telepathic at this point. Evidence of that can be seen in the consistency with which they have been releasing new material, with fans now accustomed to a new thrash metal assault from Chuck and company every two or three years.

Eliran Kantor stepped up once again to create a new piece of artwork for the cover of this release. His classic, almost Renaissance style of painting melds beautifully with the ancient, psychological, and enlightened subject matter of the songs. Three monstrous titans stand in the place where the planets are formed. One pours molding liquid which the others hammer into human DNA, twisting and turning into the ring of a newborn planet. Each titan has the flame of a dying star burning in their chest; the origin of the atoms making up the bodies that are bubbling and boiling on the curves of the spiraling helix.

Sonic Perspectives collaborator Rodrigo Altaf sat down with Testament‘s guitarist and staple member Eric Peterson to discuss the genesis of “Titans Of Creation”, touching on many details and insights about specific songs on the album, details about the process to build up a live set-list, his appearance as singer in one of the songs, how his musical relationship with Alex Skolnick has evolved throughout the years and more. Listen to their chat using the links below, and make sure to follow Sonic Perspectives on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with new interviews and daily content.

Order your copy of “Titans Of Creation” from this location.

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The post TESTAMENT’s Guitarist ERIC PETERSON Discuss New Album And Band’s Current Dynamics: “I Believe We Have Gotten Better with Age” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.