Blessed By A Broken Heart

Blessed By a Broken Heart

         

What happens when you mix the playful taste of the ‘80s with face melting fire of metal? Its ok I’ll give you a minute to think but you have to hurry, time is running out. Ok fine, I’ll tell you. The end result of this insane mix of musical taste is the one and only Blessed by a Broken Heart. Formed in 2003 in Montreal Canada first as a concept band but soon added the sound of “thrash guitar” to the mix  BBABH’s album “Pedal To The Metal” is a prime example that the new genre “dance metal” has some serious ass kicking potential.  I am a huge fan of the cheesy ‘80s hair metal bands and I believe any band who adds a keyboard to metal deserves kudos.  Every song on “Pedal to the Metal” is a compliment to each other but I would have to choose my favorite, I would choose “Don’t Stop”. The intro takes me back to the days of Survivor and Europe ; but don’t get too comfortable with the sound, just as soon as the keyboard is cued, the band unleashes a “trash-induced heavy metal coma” upon the listeners. They are currently in the studio working on their third album so be on the lookout for the release as well as accompanying world tour. Check out their Myspace and Facebook pages for more info and the video link for “Move Your Body”

-Dbloxx

Do you know of a band that you want showcased?

 Are you in a band and want your music played?

Email me at blockderek@gmail.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/518983

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blessedbyabrokenheart

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0iOTJXIxao&feature=artist

2012 Stephen Kellogg and the sixers tour dates

New Stephen Kellog and the Sixers tour dates:
according to thier website: http://www.sk6ers.com/

here are the 2012 dates..check it out

Date	Location	Venue	Tickets
2/8/12	Columbus, OH	LC Pavilion - Supporting O.A.R.	Buy Tickets
2/9/12	Chicago, IL	Aragon Ballroom - Supporting O.A.R.	Buy Tickets
2/10/12	Milwaukee, WI	Eagles Ballroom - Supporting O.A.R.	Buy Tickets
2/11/12	Minneapolis, MN	State Theatre - Supporting O.A.R.	SOLD OUT
2/12/12	Fargo, ND	The Aquarium w/ Chris Koza and Katrina	Buy Tickets
2/14/12	Champaign, IL	Highdive w/ Chris Koza and Katrina	Buy Tickets
2/15/12	Columbia, MO	The Blue Note - Supporting O.A.R.	Buy Tickets
2/16/12	Memphis, TN	Minglewood Hall - Supporting O.A.R.	Buy Tickets
2/17/12	Nashville, TN	Marathon Music Works - Supporting O.A.R.	Buy Tickets
2/18/12	Atlanta, GA	The Tabernacle - Supporting O.A.R.	Buy Tickets
2/24/12	Indianapolis, IN	Radio Radio w/ Chris Koza and Katrina	Buy Tickets
2/25/12	Ames, IA	Iowa State University w/ Chris Koza and Katrina	Buy Tickets
2/26/12	Cedar Falls, IA	The Hub w/ Chris Koza and Katrina	Buy Tickets
3/1/12 - 3/5/12	New Orleans, LA	The Rock Boat	Buy Tickets
3/6/12	Tampa, FL	Ferguson Hall w/ Tony Lucca and Katrina	Buy Tickets
3/7/12	Jacksonville, FL	Jack Rabbits w/ Native Run and Katrina	Buy Tickets
3/8/12	Athens, GA	The Melting Point w/ Native Run and Katrina	Buy Tickets
3/9/12	Asheville, NC	The Grey Eagle w/ Native Run and Katrina	Buy Tickets
3/10/12	Baltimore, MD	The 8x10 w/ Native Run and Katrina	Buy Tickets
3/11/12	York, PA	Capitol Theatre w/ Native Run and Katrina	Buy Tickets
3/13/12	Buffalo, NY	The Tralf w/ Native Run and Katrina	Buy Tickets
3/14/12	Killington, VT	The Pickle Barrel w/ Native Run and Katrina	Buy Tickets
3/15/12	Brooklyn, NY	Brooklyn Bowl w/ Native Run and Katrina	Buy Tickets
3/16/12	Pawtucket, RI	The Met w/ Native Run and Katrina	Buy Tickets
3/17/12	Ogunquit, ME	Jonathan's	Buy Tickets
3/18/12	Londonderry, NH	Tupelo Music Hall w/ Native Run and Katrina	SOLD OUT

Band of the week : Allele

Allele

Southern Hard rock has come a long way since Lynrd Skynyrd and Creedance Clearwater Revival tore apart the radio waves. The music has become harder but every band still have one thing in common: TO ROCK YOUR FACE OFF! Allele does just that. Hailing from Jacksonville Florida, this group of music obcessed and very talented musicians love nothing more than to write music. I was hooked from the moment I pressed play. The opening industrial-like guitar riff of the title track “Fake”  reminds me why Hard Rock is a genre that will live forever. “Immune” reassures fans of the genre that  Allele is a heavy hitting competitor in the same weight class as Breaking Benjamin and Korn. You will not be disapointed with Allele, so stop reading this and check out their debut album “ Point of Origin” on Itunes or check out their Myspace below for more info. I have posed the video “Closer to habit”. Feast  your eyes on the eye candy below and tune in next to see who I showcase on Dbloxx’s Band of The Week.

If you want a band showcased or you are in band and want to be showcased, Email me blockderek@gmail.com

 and I will use your band as the next Band of The Week.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihHk1LityuY

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/allele

Cyphar

Rap metal has always been the ugly step child of rock. Very few artists have emerged out of the depths of the underground  and into the spotlight..Limp Bizkit and P.O.D. …im looking at you.  However I believe I have just listened to a song that will change everything we have ever thought of the poorly neglected rap metal. Haling from the United Kingdom, Cyphar keeps the turntable scratching , heavy guitar mosh fest alive. The perfect combination of catchy riffs and fist pumping chanting lyrics makes Cyphar a heavy contender for upcoming artists. I cannot wait to hear more of Cyphar in the near future and hopefully live in person one day when they can cross the pond to America.

like what you hear? check out thier myspace page

http://www.myspace.com/cypharband

Dree Paterson- "Do That"

Dree Paterson strikes gold with her single “Do That”. This high octane electro-rock Club anthem is the perfect song for those long summer nights that always last until the next morning.  The very talented Los Angeles native has only produced a handful of songs, but already her music has been heard in the TV show “Parenthood”. After listening to “Do That” I can fully understand why her music is as hot as the city she came from.  “Do That’ is an excellent example that artists do not need to be mainstream to produce amazing, priceless songs that will forever be stuck in my head.  Be on the lookout for Dree and her energizing tunes in the near future, she will be releasing an upcoming EP and will soon be invading the airwaves. 

check her out below

http://www.facebook.com/dreepatersonmusic

Early Rise...must check out!

Female Fronted bands have always occupied a place in my heart. Its popularity has exploded over the last decade thanks to bands like Evanescence, Lacuna coil and Within Temptation.  Early Rise will soon be joining that epic list of talented female fronted bands. They are hungry to show the world that they have what it takes. Hard rocking Early Rise starts off their debut album “What If” with a bang and never lets up,leaving you scrambling for their Facebook and Reverb nation page to see if you missed any songs. The opening track “Become Mad” mixes the symphonic melodies, crushing guitar licks and some extremely talented pipes from lead singer Orly Lari. This is not a band to be taken lightly, they are a very talented group of musicians who will soon be taking over the underground rock scene. Check out their Facebook page facebook.com/earlyrise for a free download sample from “What If”..but make sure you check out their online store and actually purchase the album..you won’t be disappointed in this amazing roller coaster of melodic rock.

check them out here

http://www.reverbnation.com/earlyrise

Greek Fire w/ The Action Blast show review

 This show is a couple months old, but Greek Fire and The Action Blast are bands you should look up ASAP..heres the review:

 I was given a special opportunity to see a glimpse into the future of Rock.  I attended a show by Greek Fire at the Cubby Bear in Chicago, IL. First off, let me say that this was my first time attending a show at the Cubby Bear, and I was impressed by the size of the venue. From the outside, it stands in the shadow of Wrigley Field,  however once you pass the bouncer checking I.D.’s you soon realize why the Cubby Bear is one of the best places to see bands in Chicago. The stage is right in your face and from that moment on, I knew I was going to have a personal show like none other.

And that is exactly what happened. The opening band, The Action Blast played on time, which right off the bat earns kudos. Fans hate it when they have to wait.  These guys are local and quite honestly, I have never heard an opening band that could headline their own show…until now. The Action Blast began their unfortunately short set with a no holds bar barrage of thrashing guitars and screamo singing that would make fan of the genre squeal with delight. I was blown away by their performance; they played every song with the heart and emotion that every upcoming band should take notes on.

As The Action Blast finished their set I was still recovering from a sensory overload that had me wondering how the next band, Greek Fire, will play out. I am going to be honest and say that I only knew one song from Greek Fire “Doesn’t Matter Anyway” before my girlfriend surprised me with tickets that night. I could not get that song out of my head and I was ecstatic when Greek Fire stormed onto the stage and ripped into 80’s action movie themed intro of “Doesn’t Matter Anyway”.  The song sounded exactly like it does on the album. Lead singer Moon… yes he is from the future…. nails each note to perfection and gets the crowded fired up by diving into the sea of fans signing away. These guys kept the rock going the entire set, only slowing down to get the audience involved in some sing-a-long fist pumping action.

The members of Greek Fire say they are from the future and honestly, after the show I believe them.  With just an EP of three songs and a couple thousand fans on Facebook and Myspace, this group gives the fans exactly what the music industry has been robbing them of: Pure rock, it’s that simple.  These guys are pioneers and people will be talking about Greek Fire decades from now and how much influence they have created. The boys will be returning to Chicago for Q101’s Jamboree 2011. I am already counting the days for my chance for another glimpse into the future of music. Greek Fire is worth every penny.

Check out the Action Blast here : www.myspace.com/theactionblast

and

Greek Fire here: http://www.facebook.com/GreekFireMusic?ref=ts

Fuser

DoIt Records brings me some new tracks from the hard rocking band Fuser and I was blown away by their sound and  hooked from the beginning guitar riffs of “If I was”. Self proclaimed Kick Ass Atomic rockers Fuser is from an island you might have heard off…New Zealand and they have been tearing up the scene over there since 2006. Their music is catchy and melodic and remind me of a crossbreed of the Foo Fighters, Queen and ZZ top. Fuser is beginning to get the attention that they deserve internationally and I predict it won’t be long before we start seeing them invade arenas across the US.  Check out their facebook page,and pick up their self titled debut album now..you wont be disappointed

Facebook.com/fuserband .

Phantogram

 Bands will always be remembered for their debut album, whether they like it or not. “Eyelid Movies” shows us that Phantogram means business in the Indie Rock business.  This duo comprised of long time best friends Josh Carter and Sarah Bartel, were founded in 2007 in Saratoga Springs, New York. Their unique mix of keyboard induced hip-hop style beats and dreamy female vocals give the listener a flavor that was once a rare treat in the music industry. My favorite song, “Running from the Cops”, flexes their musically talented muscles with a chill psychological journey of escaping the 5-O. “Eyelid Movies” is the perfect soundtrack to everyone’s pool side Mojito drinking summer days off. Phantogram should be proud parents of this album; this will definitely be playing on heavy rotation on my IPOD. Check out their Myspace and Facebook pages below and check out the Video for “When I’m Small” as well. Even though the album came out last February I am already keeping a close eye on their sophomore album which is currently being recorded.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28tZ-S1LFok

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/phantogram

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/PHANTOGRAM/47738073741?ref=ts&sk=wall

'The Action Blast "Find Resolution"

The Action Blast caught my attention last week when I saw them open for Greek Fire and I have to say, this quintet out of the suburbs of Chicago have surpassed the opening band status at light speed. These guys can sell out solo shows and have the musical talent and amazing showmanship to help sell the tickets. Their new single “Find Resolution” has been out for a couple months is already catching the public eye. The Action Blast’s blazing guitar riffs and talented vocals that scream one minute then pull an 180 degree spin with very melodic singing. Now I know this sounds like every other screamo band that is out there, but let me assure you that these guys are paving the way to a new and improved sound. Well written songs and a killer keyboard add to the perfect mix which is The Action Blast. Check out the video for “The Enemy” below. Sit back,watch and witness the rebirth of rock.

Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssmQ1L05A-w

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/theactionblast

S.S. WEB “North”

Acoustic folk band S.S. Web delivers an instant classic with “North”. Producing a mesmerizing mix of Johnny Cash era songwriting and catchy acoustic guitar, with a pinch of Flogging Molly bar driven folk, these Whiskey loving Milwaukee boys are a band to keep a very close eye on in 2012. Their songs do one thing that most bands have forgotten how to do: tell a story. I have a very strong feeling that we will be hearing S.S. Web emerging out of the underground and captivating audiences across the nation with “North”.  S.S.Web has a keg full of potential and I am already looking forward to their next album. “North” is available in ITunes and you can check out their Facebook page below.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/SS-WEB/115275818521973?ref=ts

The Ourz

Hailing from Dublin Ireland, The OurZ is not afraid to show their influences on their sleeves. “Last chance” is a trip down memory lane mixing elements from the 70’s rock era with a touch of folk. The OurZ delivers the blueprint to a summer’s road trip. It is so easy to get lost in the memorizing guitar licks and sing along choruses.  The OurZ is a very talented group and although I’ve only heard one song, I know that they have the passion and the drive that made Tom Petty and Led Zeppelin make the charts.

check out thier facebook page and see for yourself.

http://www.facebook.com/theourz?sk=info

Brace Your Fall "Believers Never Die"

Brace Your Fall “Believers Never Die”

Canadian Trio Brace Your Fall comes out swinging with their new single “Believers Never Die”. With crushing guitars, brutal drums and in your face vocals, BYF is sure to make the circle pit go ape shit. Whether you working or stuck in traffic, “Believers Never Die” will surely help energize your adrenaline. For fans of As I Lay Dying and Under oath..Brace Your Fall is a new contender in the arena of metal music. Since the holidays are right around the corner, stop by their Facebook page and pick up the single as well as a couple stocking stuffers from some friends up north. I only needed to hear one song to realize that these guys mean business, so listeners should take notes. I am looking forward to hearing more of Brace Your Fall

http://www.facebook.com/BraceYourFall?ref=ts

Ryan Wager (bassist for Punch Cabbie) gives an artist insight on the band PxBxS

I. Introduction- My name is Ryan Wagner, currently the bass player for the band Punch Cabbie out of the beautiful City of Chicago in IL. I have been asked by the owner of The Pig Roast, Derek Block to give my professional opinion on up and coming bands who submit to his album review website. I am going to be tough, but fair in my ratings because of the numerous signed and unsigned talents that we have played with in our years together as a band. I have shared the stage with such bands as Bury Your Dead, Mushroomhead, Taproot, Seven Day Sonnet, Janus, Machine Head, Blue Felix, Murder Death Kill, and more. Derek and I both believe that my experience in the music industry can help bring another opinion to his great album review website and help bands move in the right direction after a little professional help. 

A. Name of musician/band: PxBxS

B. Name of CD/Album: Demo (Unknown Title)

C. Genre of music: Hardcore / Punk

D. Initial Impressions – What is your reaction to the music after the first listen?

At first glance of the opening track, Did you Miss Us, the song began with a distorted guitar with a punk type feel. When the bass guitar kicked in, I then noted that this was an independent release. The vocals are quite hardcore and just reflect an undefined screaming, with absolutely no melody or even foundation. At the start of the second trackHawkeyedeerslayer, it became clear that this album is defiantly unique in originality. The vocals on this record appear to stick out to me the most because of its VERY raw content. Upon listening to the album it appears to lack any sort of melody or even premise behind the vocals and song structure.

II. Musician/Band Background

What do you know about this band/artist?  Have they been around a long time or are they just breaking onto the scene? What is their background?

According to Punkrockers.com, PxBxS was a short lived low profile powerviolence/grindcore band, now back by popular demand...PxBxS (Pipe Bomb Suppository) is a SoCal Powerviolence band that broke up after playing one show. They have just reformed and began playing shows again.

B. Previously released CDs or songs: Unknown

C. How does this CD or song compare to others by this group or artist? Unknown

III. CD/Album

Is there an overall theme for this CD?  How would you describe it?

It would appear after listening to this album that it has a very hardcore / grindcore feel to the overall theme. It has a very raw and unedited sound that reflects the theme of the entire album, ANGER. This anger is expressed in every song that PxBxS has put out on this album.

B. Think about the lyrics.  What is your opinion of them?  Provide a few examples.

- After listening to this entire album, I really am unable to decipher what the singer is saying, if anything, during the performance. This recording also is a very rough copy and not professionally mixed at all. It makes it very difficult to stop and review each part of the album when all the parts are blended together so roughly like in this album.

V. Overall rating and final comments

After reviewing this entire album, I give this album a 1 out of 5. This album by PxBxS is not professionally recorded or even mixed. The tones and recording quality on this album do indeed reflect the genre of music, but a musician should be proud of their product at the end of the recording session. The album should reflect a professional recording, producer, quality of music, and even just the use of a metronome, which this album does none of the above. I gave this album a 1  because in contrast though, this movement of music has been a pivotal part in music with the blend of punk and hardcore. Even after all the negative aspects to this album, it still has an originality of raw and intense anger to it when all said and done. It also could be harvasted into a great product with the right recording, production, mixing, and just good old fashion practice.

Tiamat shares a hidden gem he found: ANARCHY

Hey guys, Tiamat here from The Pig Roast giving you an up and coming Metal band.

Anarchy is a Progressive Metal band hailing from Egypt that formed in 2008. Right off the bat, they decided they would be an original band, mainly playing their own music. The band members include Adham Kafafy on vocals, guitarists Ahmed Raouf and Peter Ayman, Hazem Sherif rocking the bass, and Naeyr Ossama to complete the line up on drums. They have a powerful sound that you can easily bang your head to. At the moment they have 3 live performance videos of their songs "The Headbanger", "The Dragon and the King", and "Sound of Silence" 

Check out their facebook here http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Anarchy/199722866732316?sk=wall amd look up their youtube channel ThePaindrum.

The Last Winter (the band not the movie)

The Last Winter was formed in Orlando, Florida in 2002 and have been creating an amazing fan base with their own brand on atmospheric  ambience that has been heavily influenced by early 90s alternative music. Their sound is unique and charged with emotion and catchy riffs. They released their debut album, “Transmission: Skyline” in 2005 and was followed by “Under The Silver Of Madness” in 2007. Both albums are well written and very hard to turn off. It is very rare nowadays to have a band create an album that you can listen from start to finish without skipping tracks. I have added a video for “A Pacific Romance” . Click the video link below..check it out.

Songs to Check out :  “A Pacific Romace” , “For All Times” and “Girl Next Door”, “Vela to Nowhere”

I am glad to show the world: The Subways!

The Subways hail from Welwyn Garden City and began rocking out as a cover band in 2003. The Subways currently have two albums under their belt. Their debut album, Young For Eternity, was released on February 14, 2006 in the U.S. Their second album, All or Nothing, was released on June 30 2008.Their debut album was certified gold in January 2007. My favorite song from both albums is “Rock N Roll Queen”. It has a killer intro that soon unleashes into a two minute storm of 100% pure rock and is the perfect feel good hit of the summer. So whether you are looking for a new favorite band or just a song that will make you roll down the windows and turn the volume all the way up, the subways will definitely wet your music craving whistle. This song as well as “Oh yeah” and “I want to know what you have to say” is an excellent example why The subways will soon be taking over the airwaves, so make sure you check them out now streaming live on outsidethedial.com

 The Subways are currently in the studio working on their full length album, due out summer 2011. I have added a video for “Rock N Roll Queen”. Click the video link below. Check it out, keep rocking and stay tuned next week for the next Band of the Week.

 VIDEO  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLZvJ_rtZO8

Hogger Jim-E spotlights KLNZR

Hello friends, Jim-E-See here to give you some words about an upcoming Mid-West metal band. Today I’ll be telling you about KLNZR. A band from The Buckeye State. This Ohio based metal band will get your head bangin and your fists flyin with their furious guitar riffs (courtesy of Rob Sarver), on point drumming (thank you Nate Bibbee) and deep base lines (Mr. Zack Mounts). But not to be overshadowed is just the right amount of keyboards, from Jeremy Deems, to give it that little something extra it deserves. And Bondo, lead vocals, has a great voice that really ties this band together. My favorite song by far is the eye opening “Enough is Enough.” It is very well written and extremely relevant to the times we are in. If you’re into musicians who care about the music they make and what it stands for, I highly recommend checking these guys out. You can find them on reverbnation, MySpace as well as Facebook. Enjoy!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/KLNZR/133775359974144

Reverbnation:http://www.reverbnation.com/klnzr

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/KLNZR

Videos: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=159509920759889

Sludge Metal legends Rhino Bucket showcase

Rhino Bucket was formed in 1988 in Los Angeles, California. Inspired by AC/DC , Dio and Warrior, these self-proclaimed “sleaze rockers” hit the L.A. scene at warped speed with their self-titled debut album in 1990. The album was a huge success with the band’s use of three –cord guitar and trashy lyrics. At first Rhino Bucket was considered just another AC/DC clone, but soon after the release of their second album “Get Used To It”, fans began to realize that these hard rockers are for real and soon saw Rhino Bucket taking over the underground scene with their boogie to perfection blues-driven rock n roll. Personally I am a huge fan of A/DC and to call Rhino Bucket a clone is a slap in the face to music. Not only do these guys keep the tradition classic rock alive, they play songs that Bon Scott and the boys wish they wrote. Every Bar should Have Rhino Bucket in their jukebox. So raise your glass and check out Rhino Bucket streaming on our Grooveshark player and I have posted the video for “ One Night Stand”.

Click the video link below. Check it out and be sure to check out Rhino Bucket’s official page for tour updates. Dbloxx signing off, keep rocking and stay tuned next week for the next Band of the Week.

One Night Stand video

official website