The news that is currently stirring the online sphere in the world of music comes in the form of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and their stage stunt involving nine year old Olivia Douglas. It involved lead singer Ivan Moody encouraging Douglas to sing along to the words "Burn MotherF****** Burn" in front of thousands of fans. She appears to be confused and unsure to what's happening in the video, even looking toward her Dad for reassurance. The issue is that it's being classed as abuse from different sources including lawyer Miguel Fernandez who had this to say: "This child is being used as a prop. I feel sorry for this child. This child is helpless in that position. What does the child do? She's frozen." Watch the video below:
Would you class this as abuse? I personally wouldn't, the band's intentions wasn't to harm anyone and whether this gets a positive or negative response the band are still receiving publicity. Find Five Finger Death Punch on Facebook, Twitter and their official website
Brazillian thrash metallers Nervosa release their brand new video in the lead up to the release of their new album Victim Of Yourself. This is my first time hearing the band and I really liked the song. I am slowly getting more into thrash metal and understanding it a lot more than I did say a year ago. Here's a taste of Nervosa!
The news just in is that hard rockers Gotthard will be releasing a new album called Bang! The album is due for release on 4th April 2014.
I hadn't heard of these guys until today and I have got to say after listening to their single Starlight I am very excited about their album release. I hope they come to the UK. If you would like a taste of Gotthard then here we go.
Hello everyone and Happy New Year! Well guys I am back for the new year and willing to bring you more music news, reviews etc than ever before! A new year also means new challenges and I have taken up a couple, here they are!
100 Days Of Happiness
Originally seeing this on another blog I thought I would give it a try! I'm the kind of girl who stops to smell the roses and I want to do this challenge to show that the little things can make you happy. On day 2 so I can only wonder what will happen tomorrow! To enter the challenge click here
Go For It, Face Your Fears!
I have been uneasy around dogs for as long as I can remember, it would be the kind of uneasiness where I would just walk the other way whenever I saw a dog or cling onto whoever I was walking with. Today when I saw a dog I decided to walk towards the dog and pass it, I think the more times I carry this out I think my uneasy thoughts on dogs will disappear by the end of 2014!
I also want to use this year to try new things and visit new places!
Get Fit, Eat more healthily!!!
This is my biggest goal this year! I feel like I wasn't very good at this in 2013 but I think I'm getting to a good start for the year. I have re-joined the gym and entered Sport Reliefs swimathon where I will swim two hundred lengths whilst raising money! To enter one near you click the link here.
I also want to start eating more healthily; by that I mean eating more fruit and vegetables, eating less junk food and drink more water! I'll hopefully try out more recipes and try more food which relates back to my second challenge!
Well those are my three challenges! By the end of 2014 I hope to be happier, less afraid and healthier!
This piece of news is shaking the online sphere and the world of rock music! Rock legends Def Leppard are looking into taking legal action as a result of new song Midnight Memories from worldwide popstars One Direction sounding very similar to iconic song Pour Some Sugar On Me! According to a source given to the Mirror online: "Music lawyers will routinely scour hits like this one to see if there is any evidence that a band has copied or cleverly mimicked a Def Leppard song. These cases can often take weeks to sort out because we are not talking about peanuts here - the 1D album is selling millions and if the title track goes out as a single it will generate even more money." I usually like to read more into things before completely trusting different sources and jumping to conclusions but I must admit that these two songs sound incredibly similar...
Midnight Memories - One Direction
Pour Some Sugar On Me - Def Leppard What are your thoughts? Are One Direction ripping off Def Leppard?
Following the success of their tour with The Answer, Cage The Gods will be hitting the road with The Treatment!
I was very excited to open up the email from Duff Publishing announcing this because The Treatment are a personal favourite band of mine and I watched Cage The Gods perform when they were support Heaven's Basement and they were a fantastic live band to watch! This run of tour dates (seen below) are in support of their debut album Badlands! Their EP Favourite Sin is available from iTunes so be sure to give that a listen before catching them on tour. You can find Cage The Gods on Facebook and their official website Tour dates
Sat 7th Dec 2013 Great Yarmouth, Planet Rockstock (4pm start) Wed 12th Dec Nottingham, Rock City Headline Show Thurs 13th Dec Sheffield, Greystones Headline Show Fri 14th Dec Manchester, Deaf Institute Headline Show Mon 3rd Feb 2014 Norwich, Waterfront Studio - supporting The Treatment Tues 4th Feb Nottingham, Rock City Basement Wed 5th Feb Stoke, The Sugarmill Fri 7th Feb London, O2 Islington Academy Sat 8th Feb Wolverhampton, Slade Rooms Sun 9th Feb Manchester, Academy 3 Mon 10th Feb Sheffield, Corporation Tues 11th Feb Glasgow, King Tuts Thurs 13th Feb Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach Fri 14th Feb Bristol, Thekla
On the recent Facebook news feed I spied a post from personal favourite band Jettblack! They are about to make a new album but they need your help! Pledge any amount of money to gain goodies from the band but most importantly to help them produce a brand new album. Here you can watch the video of their press conference that took some shocking twists! Click the link below to find out more! Pledge, retweet and most importantly share and share alike!! http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/jettblack
In the meantime enjoy some of my personal favourite Jettblack songs!!! Prison Of Love
Hello everyone I hope you are well! On this post I am sharing two videos that have caught my attention!! The first one comes from Dutch Symphonic metal heads Within Temptation; it features not one but two of metal's leading ladies, front lady Sharon Den Adel and ex-Nightwish turned solo vocalist Tarja Turunen. The song is just flawless, both voices compliment each other remarkably. Within Temptation released The Unforgiving two years ago so it is refreshing to see some excellent new material from them. It has been a long time since we have seen Tarja in the spotlight but it is great to see her back and better than ever. If this video isn't further proof that Within Temptation continue to produce original haunting material then I don't what it.
The next video I understand it was released a month ago but I have finally got round to watching it. It's from London hard rockers New Device and it's the second single of their latest album Here We Stand. It is my personal favourite song off the album so I was pleased to see it released as a single and a video. I love the catchy melody of the chorus and it makes an excellent opening track for the album.
So those are the two brilliant videos I thought I must share! Take care now and stay musical! Musical Lotty!!
Hello everyone, how are we all?? I received some amazing news yesterday; I have achieved my BA Honours degree in Media Culture and Production which I will be receiving at my graduation in November!! Anyways, whilst starting an online campaign for my sister's t-shirt design I came across this on my Facebook news feed; it's a video of singer Amanda Palmer performing her open letter to The Daily Mail for publishing an article about her appearance at Glastonbury. This article appeared to only be interested in when by chance her boob escaped her bra and her fashion sense rather than her actual set at Glastonbury which is what the focus should be when it comes to covering a festival. Personally not being a fan of the Daily Mail with it's biased views and the fact it reports on superficial things that don't matter, so I pretty much agreed with everything she wrote in this song. Her response was so amazing that I had to include it in my blog!! So here it is, the video that is spreading online like wildfire.
I am very familiar with Amanda Palmer's music as she used to sing for punk cabaret duo Dresden Dolls and I think she is a very talented singer/pianist. All I can say is, hats off to Amanda!!! Find Amanda Palmer on Facebook, Twitter and her official website
Jettblack have released a second single from their latest album Raining Rock accompanied with a very artistic video. It's for personal favourite song on the album Prison Of Love, the mixture of animations and live actions blended together very nicely. Of course the theme of the video fitted with the concept of the song, being in a prison. This is in my opinion the best video from Jettblack so far; it is different to what their previous videos have consisted of so far. A top notch video, Jettblack never fail to disappoint.
Head over to Metal Hammer now to check out their brand new video.
In other news, looking on Spotify this morning I realise Boston rock legends Aerosmith have a brand new single. Listening to What Could Have Been Love this morning I was very uplifted by the single, if I didn't know it was a new single I would have assumed it was one of their classics. It reminded me of their wonderful I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing and I think it's still great to see that Aerosmith still have the power in their music after many years performing. It's a single from their upcoming album that due for release in November this year.
Here is my top five live shows of 2011; 5. Jenna's Revenge @ The Joiners; Southampton 13/11/2011
This particular gig marked the long awaited return from Gosport hard rockers Jenna's Revenge; after Simon 'Sic' McLaren left the band in March this year it took the rest of Jenna's months to find a new vocalist. However Sic decided he missed Jenna's so much that he decided to make a return; me and best friend Becca were so excited for this that she made them a welcome back cake that I carried. Although note to self; think about transportation of the cake before hand. It was a fantastic show none the less; Sic's energetic stage antics, some classic rock and a very tasty cake made the evening perfect for the return of one of the southern coasts greatest rock bands. Find Jenna's Revenge on Facebook,Twitter and their official website
This for me was definitely one of the most anticipating local gigs I had been waiting since I bought the ticket a few months in advance; two of my new favourite bands of last year coming together to co-headline a UK tour. The venue was packed full of Southampton's rockers young and old, the bands all performing fantastic live sets and the general atmosphere was incredible. I would certainly say this was one of the best gigs of 2011. Find Heaven's Basement on Facebook, Twitter and their official website Find Jettblack on Facebook
It was incredibly tricky to choose a top two gigs but I have placed Turisas second place; it was such an incredible experience to become one with all the metal heads of Southampton that very evening and Turisas performed a fantastic live set that got the crowd pumping with excitement. Support acts Kiaus and Chtonic also performed well; possibly the best night of metal took place in Southampton and I enjoyed every second of it.
The Treatment's performance at The Joiners easily had to be my best live show of 2011; purely because their presence on stage was full of energy and passion, the atmosphere was exciting and interviewing them was one of the most amazing experiences of my music journalling so far. The Treatment certainly know how to please the crowd and they sound incredible live. They were all so friendly and they made me laugh; cannot wait to see them live again next year with Jettblack and Reckless Love. Find The Treatment on Facebook Here's to more fantastic live shows in the new year; there you have my top ten shows of 2011.
Now it was a very tricky choosing the top five for this year but I have made the decision to cast these albums below as the top five.
5. The Treatment - This Might Hurt
Now I love this album a lot; the catchy guitar riffs, lead singer Matt Jones sounding like a dead ringer of Aerosmith legend Steve Tyler and some smashing tunes are the reasons why this album has made it into my top five. The Treatment as a band have been another highlight in my musical findings this year; first coming across them in Kerrang! and their music influences are what got me interested. Full of sexy husky vocals, slick guitar solos and songs you could just listen to again and again this album definitely has the whole package of a great rock album.
First hearing these guys via the song Porn Star Dancing featuring Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger on vocals and guitar god Zakk Wylde playing a sick guitar solo I thought I'd have a listen to the album. It was much better than I was expecting; I did not see myself get drawn into their upbeat, catchy songs as quickly as I did for this album. It is an album I can listen and dance to again and again for sure.
When I heard Canadian rockers Theory Of A Deadman were to produce a new album for this year I was very excited; I loved their previous album Scars and Souvenirs so was very eager to find out what this album had to offer. I had very high hopes for the album when the single Lowlife was introduced, the song was on four to five times a day on my iPod when it was released. Was very happy with the final outcome of the album as the songs were just as amazing as Lowlife; including personal favourites Bitch Came Back and Hurricane. Looking forward to seeing them live again next year.
Dutch symphonic metallers did not surprise with a majestic new album that was released this year; I loved all the songs on this album and Sharon den Adel's voice is still very charming. They are also known for creating a variety of songs and this album is no exception; from the upbeat Faster to the heartfelt Lost. I still listen to this album again and again now, it really has made 2011 a great year. There's rumours of a film in the creating process from the band too; keep your eyes peeled.
The build up to this phenomenon has been incredible; for two years this album has been in the making process and I can definitely say that the hard work has payed of immensely. This is the fourth time I have listened to since I got in the post this week and I love every second of it; I also love how it is set up like you were watching a film. The closing track Imaginareum acts as an overture for the closing credits and you can just imagine each song as different scenes; there is a film to be released soon as the final step. All I can say is Well Done Nightwish you have really worked hard to produce this spectacular masterpiece known as Imaginareum. Possibly their best album to date; being why it is my album of 2011.
Well there you have my top ten albums of 2011; there have been some truly remarkable works here and I only hope for more as good as these in the new year.
Reading yesterday's Daily Mail I found out that Kiss legend Gene Simmons gave a lecture at the London Business School about how the country can save some more money to help us in this current economic crisis. I honestly think that there is no better person for the job; over the years Simmons has earnt so much money rocking out on stage covered in face paint whilst spitting blood and not forgetting his incredibly long tongue, he has made thousands of dollars from working for four decades on a empire selling thousands of his band's merchandise. Yet he doesn't go spending extravegant amounts on things he doesn't need and I think we could definitely learn from the guy; he quotes in the article that "you've got to make your money mean something" and yes that is very true, for a few months I have been saving for a trip around Europe and I work incredibly hard as a sales assistant for my money.
Who knew that Gene Simmons is the co-founder of ortsbo.com; the largest internet translation service? Or that he runs a financial planning business for high net worth individuals? Like a lot of us; Gene Simmons works very hard for his money. I think it is absoulutlely inspiring when a famous rock star, like Gene Simmons, takes his time out to help out people. Most recently reading in Kerrang! about how Ollie Sykes and Jona Weinhofen from Bring Me The Horizon taking some time to help us become more aware of internet safety.
Well here are my top five music videos of 2011; 5. Theory Of A Deadman - Lowlife This video was a fantastic one to show the bands return after three years; I love how the video matches with the concept of the song and I think that what we see in my top five videos. Like frontman Tyler Conolly mentions in this interview how the term has a negative connotation but the song is about how being a lowlife can be fun and there is a lowlife in all of us. This video demonstrates that perfectly; it starts with a man living in his trailer and it's obvious he doesn't care what people think of him, I particularly love the caravan exploding at the end with this man and the band walking away.
4. Within Temptation - Where Is The Edge Another band that quite a triumphant return via this song and video; the concept is a little bit darker this time however. The clip is taken from the film Me and Mr Jones which looks at the story from the aftermath of a young girl who was reported missing in Aruba five years. This song matches the mood of this video; intense, a fantastic comeback from Dutch Symphonic metallers I think.
Find Within Temptation on Facebook, Twitter and their official website 3. In Darklight - The Human Race This music video from Andover alternative rockers is in my top three is because it is their first one and they pulled it off quite well. I like the structure of this video is simple but effective; I hope they make more music videos in 2012, you can also check out their brilliant cover of The Police classic Message In A Bottle.
Find In Darklight on Facebook, Twitter and their official website 2. Black Veil Brides - Fallen Angels You either love them or you hate them but with two successful albums and many sold out shows Black Veil Brides have really done well in the music industry. Their music video for their popular song Fallen Angels to speak to everyone on so many levels; to me it shows people coming together to show us who they really are and this song does refer to them as Fallen Angels so I do think this video is a highlight of their career.
Now this music video is my top music video for 2011 because the concept of the song matches the video and Los Angeles goth rockers Dommin portrayed this in such a unique way. Getting the fans to send photos and videos of them showing their idea of what Closure is; I remember back in October last year frontman Kristopher Dommin asking for the fans help for the latest music video and I just thought what a fantastic way to get your fans involved. Especially when the final outcome of the video looked incredible; it was put together really well with footage of the band and the fans.
Well this is a first in Tuomaslotte's Music Journal history; two reviews in one post. I shall explain why; not only is Van Canto's new album out for release but today Nickelback have released two brand new tracks from their upcoming album that will be released November 21st. I'll first explain about acapella group's brand new album Break The Silence; it has a fantastic opening, very smooth sound that then transforms into a heavier vocals after Sly's roar. I have noticed a guest appearance from Sabaton's frontman Joakim Broden and coincidently covering the song Primo Victoria (originally by Sabaton) which I must say I love how they have made it sound like one of their own. If it isn't the front man of swedish power metal band then Sly does a great impression of his voice. One of the things I love about Van Canto is that they have a pagan sort of appearance that most of their original songs seem to reflect. Some of the songs on this album show this through songs like Black Wings Of Hate and Spelled In Waters; they both sound very different to each other but both of them remind of an enchanted forest setting and the first people. A truly fantastic album; an varied collection of sound and melodies that make Van Canto stand out highly. Shame they won't be doing a UK tour anytime soon; I hope they do. Stand Out Tracks: Bed Of Nails, Spelled In Waters and The Seller Of Souls
Find Van Canto on Facebook, YouTube and their official website Now Nickelback have been out of the limelight for a while; they are one of my favourite bands and when I heard about a new album from them this year I jumped in the air for joy (not literally of course). Today they released two new tracks from the album; listening to When We Stand Together and Bottom's Up for the first time I was not let down at all. When We Stand Together is a very happy go lucky song that will cheer you up when you feel like hiding from the world around you; it makes me smile. Bottom's Up shows the band's dark side; it's more rocky and grungy, sounding more like Something In Your Mouth or Never Again. One of the things I love about Nickelback is their versatile collection of songs and these two brand new songs that very different to each other prove this statement. Here's my personal favourite out of the two; When We Stand Together.
I did go and see a lot of bands this year all over the south of England (mainly Southampton). Here is my first part of the top ten; click the title to read the full gig review. 10. In Darklight EP launch @ The Clapham Grand; London 19/8/2011 This was possibly the biggest event for Andover three piece alternative/experimental rock band In Darklight; I remember them telling this was their biggest venue they have played at so far and they did a fantastic job. Their new EP was being released too so I think this was a fantastic way to promote it; it was my first time visiting The Clapham Grand so it was a very exciting experience for me. Find In Darklight on Facebook, Twitter and their official website 9. Open Mic night @ The Royal Oak; Southampton 30/10/2011
This was a fantastic opportunity to see just in store what Southampton had to offer in terms of new talent; this particular day was fantastic since it was the first time I got to see this in action. Seeing new talent from the likes of acoustic four piece Simon Says with their happy go lucky tunes that make the world want to join together in song to some hilarious antics from hosts Neil and Mario dressed as two very good looking ladies The Royal has it all. It is described as the ultimate student local and I can definitely see why. Find The Royal Oak on Facebook and their official website Find Simon Says on Facebook and Twitter 8. Die So Fluid @ The Talking Heads; Southampton 5/3/2011
I will definitely describe this show as a night of industrial metal madness; I also became a fan of two new bands that really just blew me away. Dreams Divide providing something original and fresh, Killing For Company giving us something that is easy on the ears and Die So Fluid giving a show stopping performance as the headlining act. That night enforced my love for industrial metal.
Daniel Leigh's beautiful acoustic set was part of an Angry Badger showcase along with other great acts featuring Kodiak Jack and We Caught The Castle. This was the first time me watching Dan without his band New Device and it really emphasised his unique voice. It was also fantastic to hear some new material from him too. Find Daniel Leigh on Facebook, Twitter and his official website 6. Sonata Arctica @ Sub89; Reading 24/3/2011
Sonata Arctica have been in my musical heart for about two years now ever since I listened to Finnish power metal; I really love how their lyrics are very poetic and they add some guitars to the mix to make a fantastic show. Their live performance showed their passion for their music and I love how they interacted with their fans. Performing a selection of songs from Replica to Flag In The Ground the Finnish metallers really know how to get a crowd going. I do hope to see them perform live again very soon. Find Sonata Arctica on Facebook, Twitter and their official website
Well here is my first half of the top ten live shows; be sure to look out for the next half.
Just watched the new music video from Chicago rockers OK Go who are very well known for their quirky music videos; like this one for instance.
It was interesting to see a notable band in my books collaborate with everyone's favourite characters from The Muppet Show that has been a part of most our lives for a long long time. This new video is very well done and a bit different to what OK Go have made in the past; music video wise. Most of their videos up to know have included one camera angle and several actions; simple but very effective. I also found this video amusing to watch as The Muppets add the comic relief to the video; the one thing that didn't work for me in this video was the end where there was a lot of screaming that got a bit repetitive.
Overall an amazing, comical video; the band's version of The Muppet Show theme was incredible, I liked how they covered the song in their own style of music and not too much like the original. Great work boys.
Looking through the what's new section of Spotify I noticed 70s legend Blondie has had a recent song out; I love Debbie Harry's charismatic personality. Along with The Runaways and The Bangles; Blondie was part of the girl power generation where the ladies started to get into the music industry. She's had many hits from The Tide Is High to Maria; wowing the nation with her distinct voice and laid back approach to music. I love how now she has experimented with a new sound; more dancy type music that contrasts with her laid back rock sound she had in the 70s/80s/90s. However she keeps the rock vibe in the song and still has her amazing voice.
Hello hello; welcome to a girl power edition of Where are they now? This week features P!nk, Kelly Clarkson and Anastacia.
P!nk is one of my favourite rock chicks of all time; I love her kick ass attitude and punkish look that says 'Here I am; deal with it'. She also has a bucketload of talent; with a lot of hit singles from Get This Party Started to Funhouse, a lot of successful albums and sold out tours worldwide it's no wonder she could easily have an early retirement at 31. Rumour has it that she might write another album in 2012; only time will tell.
Kelly Clarkson is one talented chick; she shot to fame when she won American Idol and has since then been going strong in the music industry. I first heard her amazing talent via the album Breakaway that was a personal favourite of mine. Her powerful voice and incredible songwriting skills make her one of my favourite singers; four sucessful albums and a lot of hit songs, there is rumours of a fifth album in the making process.
Anastacia is one female singer who really can kick ass; her incredibly beautifully unique voice and fusing different music genres together has made her stand out. It seemed like yesterday when I first heard this talented singer via the song Left Outside Alone and I haven't looked back since. She kept a positive attitude when was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2005. She has confirmed that there will be single releases this year and a full album in 2012.
Another issue of Where Are They Now? is among us; this week features Goo Goo Dolls, Nickelback and McFly.
Goo Goo Dolls charmed audiences all over the world with their heart warming super hit Iris; they have a fantastic style of music that touches and captivates the hearts of so many. Front man John Rzeznik also wowed audiences when he wrote and sang the powerful song I'm Still Here for Disney's Treasure Planet commorating the main character Jim. Recent Goo Goo Doll news is that they recorded a song for the new Transformers film that is avaliable to buy now.
Now Nickelback are a personal favourite band of mine; I adore Chad Kroeger's voice and song writing skills. They have had so many successful albums from The State to the most recent Dark Horse that have gained them so many fan bases worldwide. With hits such as Someday, Burn It To The Ground, Rockstar and the ground breaking How You Remind Me have been performed at the biggest arenas. So what are they doing right now? Well rumours say that are working on their 7th studio album; Dark Horse is a personal favourite album of mine, so it will be fantastic if they make another one as good as that or even better.
I remember the debate going on when McFly came into the limelight for the first time when I was starting secondary school I think; it was a Busted vs. McFly. I remember their songs making me smile from Obviously to Star Girl; they have so many successful albums and a lot of sold out tours. They are definitely one of Britian's successful music acts since The Beatles; rumours are they are working on a brand new album and they have their own successful TV show called McFly On The Wall.
