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News Collection Week of 10-10

News 5 Oct 10 By

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The Chariot Announce New Album
Georgia’s THE CHARIOT is pleased to announce the upcoming release of their highly-anticipated new release, Long Live, on November 23rd, 2010. The record will mark the first release for the band on their new label, GOOD FIGHT MUSIC; home to such acts as CANCER BATS, MADBALL, and other heavy greats. Behind the boards on Long Live is seasoned producer Matt Goldman (UnderOath, MyChildren MyBride, Four Letter Lie), who is known for his work on several past records by THE CHARIOT, such as Wars and Rumors of Wars (2009), The Fiancée (2007), Unsung EP (2005), and Everything Is Alive, Everything Is Breathing, Nothing Is Dead And Nothing Is Bleeding (2004). “This is easily my favorite material that we have ever written for an album,” affirms vocalist Josh Scogin. “I believe it is the most passionate release we have ever done, as well as the most impulsive. All of our records have a very spontaneous pulse to them, the songs are always in a constant state of evolving and growing, but for the songs for Long Live, we literally just let go. It was a very natural process and I think that comes across in the music.” Long Live is a phrase that has preceded everything from revolutions and riots to heartfelt cheers and joyous celebration. When stated alone those two words can be perceived as innocuous and tame, but pair them with a celebrated entity or righteous cause and they can conjure up the zenith of the human spirit. For THE CHARIOT to name their upcoming full-length album Long Live, one could take the implications of the title on face value as a bombastic proclamation. For those that have experienced the group perform live, the new album title will instead resonate a deep and meaningful truth. For they have witnessed the harnessed whirlwind of crafted aggression and therefore understand that Long Live is not bravado, but the manner in which the band has and shall continue to flourish. With a hard earned and accomplished sales history of over 100,000 units and years of vigorous global touring, THE CHARIOT have entrenched themselves as a standout in the hard and aggressive music movement. Founded in Douglasville, GA by vocalist and band leader Josh Scogin, THE CHARIOT forged a path for themselves with a tireless work ethic. With their 2004 debut Everything Is Alive, Everything Is Breathing, Nothing Is Dead And Nothing Is Bleeding, THE CHARIOT immediately distinguished themselves from the musical masses by recording the entire album live in one take. It was an approach seldom dared by any musician, but it perfectly captured THE CHARIOT and set the tone for their performance driven ethos that remains at the core of the band’s being to this day. The following years saw the band continue to ascend through the burgeoning underground music scene with studio releases like The Fiancée and Wars and Rumors of Wars; both debuting on the Billboard Top 200 chart. While THE CHARIOT have produced a number of critically and commercially acclaimed recordings, it is their live show that shall forever live on as the beating pulse of the band’s heart. The sheer force of their thunderous live renditions, while maniacally pouring their entire physical being into each note, captivates and jolts an audience into awe and utter appreciation. The band has seen an accompanied trek of worldwide touring with every release, sharing stages with the hard and heavy elite like P.O.D, As I Lay Dying, and Every Time I Die. While their profile and reach continue to rise beyond that of their genre, their work ethic and values remain grounded in the roots of D.I.Y. punk. The band took on the painstaking yet ultimately fulfilling mission of creating hand-made artwork and liner notes for Wars and Rumors of Wars, completed by numbering the first 25,000 copies. Most people would scoff at the thought of taking on such a process, but the love of the art and a commitment to their fan base is what sails the ship of THE CHARIOT. Long Live contains all the signature elements of their sound, sized up to epic dimensions. This album will without a doubt serve as another testament to a specific time and place of a storied and esteemed passage. As one could easily guess, the successive tours for Long Live are already in the works. For those that have experienced the band up close and in concert know full well that decimating stages and leaving crowds aghast is how the band shall truly – Long Live. Check out a brand new album teaser video here.

As They Sleep Ready Debut Release
Detroit’s rising technical death metal outfit, As They Sleep, has posted a brand new song on MySpace, “Oracle of the Dead”, taken from the band’s Solid State Records debut, Dynasty, which is slated to hit stores on November 23rd. The new track can be streamed here for a preview of the pulverizing precision that can be expected on the band’s sophomore album. “One of the darkest, fastest, grittiest songs on the new album, ‘Oracle of the Dead’ is relentless,” explains vocalist, Aaron Bridgewater. “It is sure to satisfy your death metal taste buds!” Dynasty is a complex record, with a conceptual focus on the rise and fall of empires, and lyrics that touch on ancient Egypt, ancient Rome, and Greek mythology. It was mixed by powerhouse audio wizard, Jason Suecof (All That Remains, Chimaira, Demon Hunter), and delivers a package of brutally heavy and savagely technical death metal of the highest order.
Track Listing:
1. Oracle of the Dead
2. To the Republic
3. The Third Reich
4. Bedlam at the Nile
5. The Darkest Ages
6. Ritual
7. The Offering
8. Attila
9. Poseidon
10. God of War
11. The Unseen

39 Stripes Release Debut
Tampa, Florida-based rock band 39 Stripes announces the release of its first full-length project, Beyond Broken, 10/26. The album’s debut singles “My Desire” and “Mustard Seed” are currently vying for adds at Christian AC and Rock radio, respectively. Produced by 39 Stripes lead guitarist Steve Henderlong, Beyond Broken has been two years in the making due to a slew of significant hardships for the band, both personally and professionally. Consequently, the album, which 39 Stripes describes as its “best sounding and most well written CD to date,” focuses largely on trusting God in life’s joys and heartaches. “Really, when you think about it, faith doesn’t really matter if you don’t trust God when the hard times come,” says 39 Stripes lead singer Mike Wilson. “Everything we’ve gone through the last two years–every heartache, disappointment and loss–couldn’t help but bring us closer to Him. Ultimately, we didn’t really have a choice but to trust, and that’s a message that everybody needs to cling to.” Standout track “Saving a Place” pays tribute to a family member who has passed away, while AC single “My Desire” reminds listeners what a kernel of faith is truly worth, and Rock single “Mustard Seed” serves as an anthem of praise. Even the project’s title track is an always-relevant treatise on God’s presence—and inevitable intervention—when life is handing out those proverbial lemons. In addition to the radio singles, 39 Stripes will support Beyond Broken with an extensive new media campaign, music video for “Beyond Broken,” and a headlining tour. Additional tour details are forthcoming. The album will release digitally via iTunes and other online music stores as well as to physical retail outlets via CLG Distribution. Florida natives 39 Stripes comprises Mike Wilson (lead vocals), Joe Costa (drums and percussion), Ray Schurr (bass guitar), Steve Henderlong (lead guitar, vocals) and Jason Bradley (rhythm guitars). Having released two well-received independent projects, the Saving Me A Place EP (2002) and Burn EP (2005), 39 Stripes has toured extensively, self-booking hundreds of shows and sharing the stage with top artists including Jars of Clay, newsboys, Superchick and Flyleaf. In addition to appearing on Petra’s 2005 “Farewell Tour,” 39 Stripes has showcased its talents at major festivals Atlanta Fest and Ichthus, while performing on behalf of Gibson Guitars at the summer 2005 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show. The band has been covered by major media outlets, Billboard, Guitar World, and the St. Petersburg Times while receiving endorsements from major companies Pop Icon Clothing, GHS Strings, PRS Guitars, Evans Drumheads, and RockStar Energy Drink, among others. Most recently, 39 Stripes took first place in national restaurant chain Tijuana Flat’s Fourth Annual Music Contest.
For more information, visit:
39stripes.com

Confide Announces Split
After six years together, hardcore rockers CONFIDE have announced they’ll officially part ways as a band upon their return from Japan. “I want to let our fans know that the break-up is a positive thing and that everyone in the band is still friends without any hard feelings,” explains lead singer ROSS KENYON. “We decided that Confide would come to an end after our Japan tour in early October.” From the group, “We do plan on playing some ‘farewell’ shows on the West Coast and we’ll announce those final dates and details once we return from Japan. We want to thank fans with these shows and let them know we truly appreciate their support over the years. It’s hard to see CONFIDE end, but we know that God has a new chapter for our lives right now. Every member of the band remains friends and the band breaking up was not due to any one person–it was a group decision.” Hardcore rockers CONFIDE released their sophomore album RECOVER (Tragic Hero Records) earlier this year. The LP ascended to the #6 spot on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, moving CONFIDE into top ranks of their genre. With their positive lyrics and passionate, anthemic music, the band earned respect from peers and the media. CONFIDE–ROSS KENYON (lead singer), JEFFREY HELBERG (Rhythm Guitar), JOSHUA PAUL (Lead Guitar), JOEL PIPER (Drums, vocals) and TREVOR VICKERS (Bass)–recently performed on the entire Vans Warped Tour 2010 this past summer. They’ve shared stage around the world since 2007 with everyone from Bring Me the Horizon and Blessthefall to Maylene & The Sons of Disaster and From First to Last, among others: their show cemented them as a veritable live presence.

Memphis May Fire To Release New EP
Hot off the heels of their successful debut album, “Sleepwalking” (Trustkill 2009), Dallas, TX’s own MEMPHIS MAY FIRE are back with their most powerful and compelling music of their career. After touring the last year with Alesana, Asking Alexandria, The Chariot, Dance Gavin Dance, and more, the band went in to the studio and created 5 stunning tracks to showcase their new material. The songs are titled:
1. Be Careful What You Wish For
2. Action/Adventure
3. Vaulted Ceilings
4. Deuces Las Cruces
5. Gingervitus
Singer and lyricist Matty Mullins checked in and said, “We are so excited to unleash our new EP, “Between the Lies” on eager fans worldwide! This is by far our best work to date, and we’re stoked to have made a record that we love just as much as the fans will. These songs are heavier, more thoughtful, and clearly display the all around natural progression of this band over the past few years. ‘Between the Lies’ is truly a new beginning for Memphis May Fire.” Memphis May Fire have been featured in Revolver, Alternative Press, Rock Sound, Kerrang!, Big Cheese, and more. Their single “Ghost In The Mirror” appeared on the “Saw VI Soundtrack” (2009) and music video on the “Saw VI” DVD (2010).
Tour Dates:
10/14 – Edinburgh, GB
10/15 – Dundee, GB
10/16 – Aberdeen, GB
10/17 – Glasgow, GB
10/18 – Newcastle, GB
10/19 – Leeds, GB
10/20 – Middlesborough, GB
10/21 – Leicester, GB
10/22 – London, GB
10/23 – Poole, GB
10/24 – Reading, GB
10/25 – Swansea, GB
10/26 – Milton Keynes, GB
10/27 – Bristol, GB
10/28 – Ghent, Belgium
10/29 – Bologne, Italy
10/30 – Milan, Italy
10/31 – Turin, Italy
11/1 – Prague, Czech Republic
11/2 – Mechelen, Belgium
12/2 – Toledo, OH
12/3 – Cleveland, OH
12/4 – Jamestown, NY
12/5 – Buffalo, NY
12/7 – Rochester, NY
12/8 – Bronx, NY
12/9 – Albany, NY
12/10 – Mt Airy, MD
12/11 – Linthicum, MD
12/12 – Raleigh, NC
12/13 – Johnson City, TN
12/14 – Cookeville, TN
12/15 – Nashville, TN
12/17 – Memphis, TN
12/18 – Plano, TX
12/19 – Fort Worth, TX
12/20 – Joplin, MO
12/21 – St Louis, MO
12/22 – Indianapolis, IN

Fans Spark “Save Blue Like Jazz Movie” Campaign
Two Nashville, Tenn. based men have launched a viral campaign to raise $125,00 in only one month to save the making of “Blue Like Jazz,” the movie based on the book of the same title from New York Times’ Bestselling Author Donald Miller. With over 20 days to go, the online efforts have already surpassed the halfway mark in only six days and have caused an unparalleled stir on www.kickstarter.com, the site where fans can donate to the making of the film, causing it to be the most popular project on the website. Miller’s Blue Like Jazz has sold 1.3 million copies to date, and the writing of the movie’s screenplay was even highlighted in his latest New York Times bestseller A Million Miles In A Thousands Years. The movie, to be directed by Steve Taylor, was set to start production in Nashville, Tenn. and Miller’s hometown of Portland, Ore. when financial backing fell through. After seeing the news on the author’s blog, two fans of Miller’s famous Blue Like Jazz, Zach Prichard and Jonathan Frazier, created a grassroots style effort to save the film with the launch of savebluelikejazz.com. One of the movie’s investors committed to matching the amount raised if their campaign reaches $125,000. “Blue Like Jazz was a huge book for us,” explains Prichard. “One could say that it is our generation’s Mere Christianity. It comes at faith, religion and Christianity in such a unique light…one we weren’t accustomed to seeing. We believe this story is important, and we believe that if this film is made, it could change things in way’s unthought-of. We want to see this come to fruition, and if $125,000 is all that stands in the way, then we say… ‘Let’s do this.’ We have seen incredible response in less than one week’s time. People from all over the world have stepped in to become a part of this story, including donors from Sweden, Singapore, Australia and the United Kingdom. Early on, it was evident to us that we were merely a small piece of a much greater story, and we haven’t looked back since.” The website encourages viewers to download and pass along “Save Blue Like Jazz” posters, place Twitter hash marks of #savebluelikejazz, “like” on Facebook and, most importantly, donate on www.kickstarter.com. Pledge incentives include recorded voicemails from Miller, “Associate Producer” credits in the film’s end titles, t-shirts, screening tickets, digital downloads, personal “thank you” calls from the film’s director and more. The public has resonated with Prichard and Frazier, whose efforts have created over 1,300 Facebook fans and an estimated 900 financial supporters. The website raised $15,000 in the first 36 hours after the launch. Notables such as Derek Webb, Dan Haseltine and Charlie Lowell (Jars of Clay), Jeremy Cowart, Robbie Seay Band, Bebo Norman and Michael Hyatt (CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing) have echoed the campaign’s endeavor on Twitter. www.savebluelikejazz.com saw 36,000 plus page visits in the first 48 hours alone. Relevant Magazine, Christianity Today and local news stations have covered the campaign as well. “This movie was dead,” adds Miller. “I pronounced it dead, knowing we had to film in a few weeks and most of our investors backed out. It was the fans that brought it back, and it’s certainly alive and kicking. I simply can’t believe we are watching this happen. It’s filmmaking history. I never thought I would get to watch anything like this happen. “

Flatfoot 56 On The Road
In what has been an unprecedented year for FLATFOOT 56, the Southside Chicago band’s 10th year anniversary has been marked by well-deserved milestones, all resulting from the strength of their sincere live show and critically-lauded Old Shoe Records debut, BLACK THORN. Produced by Johnny Rioux (STREET DOGS) and released in March 2010, BLACK THORN debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart, in addition to healthy positions on eight other charts in its first week. True to the band’s hard-earned reputation of remaining devoted to the road, FLATFOOT 56 has spent the better part of 2010 on tour in support of BLACK THORN. Mainstage appearances at festivals both home and abroad, a successful run on the 2010 Vans Warped Tour, and now the launch of their fall US club tour alongside Street Dogs. While FLATFOOT 56 continues to cement their place within the hierarchy of the punk rock genre, the band’s broad appeal and universally inspiring themes have managed to resonate with people outside of the punk rock scope just the same. Producers of the FX Network hit Sons of Anarchy have tapped the band for music to use in their new season, while WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) had Flatfoot record an all-new entrance theme for their current champion Sheamus. Never having to compromise their artistic integrity, FLATFOOT 56 manages to appeal to more than just the punks.
Tour Dates:
10/7 – Tempe, AZ
10/8 – Santa Ana, CA
10/9 – Los Angeles, CA
10/10 – San Diego, CA
10/11 – Santa Barbara, CA
10/13 – San Louis Obispo, CA
10/14 – Bakersfield, CA
10/15 – Fresno, CA
10/16 – San Francisco, CA
10/17 – Sacramento, CA
10/18 – Eureka, CA
10/19 – Portland, CA
10/20 – Seattle, WA
10/21 – Boise, ID
10/22 – Salt Lake City, UT
10/23 – Denver, CO
10/24 – Colorado Springs, CO

Raging Storm Signs Rent Veil
Building on an ongoing relationship of at least three years, Raging Storm is happy to announce the signing of Rent Veil to its roster of artists. Self-described as “southern praise metal”, Rent Veil consists of death metal veterans who have taken a whole new direction in their music, quoting a long list of references from almost every rock and metal genre. Having recently completed work on their EP “Praise, Honour & Glory” at the Sound Lair in Knoxville, RSR and Rent Veil will be announcing a release date soon. In mid November of 2007, in the backwoods of eastern Tennessee, the chill in the air was simply a promise of another long winter to come. There was a sound that rang through that cold air, a din – if you will, of something new and exciting. This clamor carried with it the beauty of an Easter morning sunrise service, the aggression of a “hell fire and brimstone” southern Baptist preacher and the soul of southern roots that had once been covered with the filth of a Godless world. This sound, this music became – Rent Veil.
For more information on Rent Veil, visit:
myspace.com/rentveil

Gotee Releases Christmas Album Now
Gotee Records rings in the holiday with ‘Tis The Season To Be Gotee Christmas compilation, releasing today as a digital and CBA exclusive. Each song on this project has never before been available to retail, and features Gotee Records’ favorites Relient K, House of Heroes, Ayiesha Woods, Stephanie Smith and Abandon Kansas performing a variety of favorites. At the low suggested retail price of $7.99, ‘Tis The Season To Be Gotee promises to become an instant seasonal favorite. One favorite on the project is Stephanie Smith’s newly recorded version of the Relient K song “I Celebrate the Day”, which she started performing last year on TobyMac’s Winter Wonder Slam tour. This song, produced by Mark Lee Townsend (who also produced the original Relient K version) will be the debut single from the project. Gotee has long been known for their past Christmas projects, including Christmas releases by artists like Relient K, House of Heroes and Abandon Kansas, however ‘Tis The Season To Be Gotee is the first holiday compilation that the label has created.
Track Listing:
1. Relient K – Silver Bells
2. House of Heroes – All I Want For Christmas Is You
3. Ayiesha Woods – Jingle Bells
4. Abandon Kansas – O Come All Ye Faithful
5. House of Heroes – Silent Night
6. Stephanie Smith – I Celebrate the Day
7. Ayiesha Woods – Merry Christmas Baby
8. Stephanie Smith – Jingle Bell Rock
9. Relient K – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
10. House of Heroes – O Come, O Come Emmanuel
11. Relient K – O Holy Night

GSR Records Launches Now
The vision for GSR Records started when Allen Cuffey and his wife Leah, who own a recording studio called GIG Productions, were developing their own music ministry and producing their own recordings. Over the years they have served many Christian artists in and around New York City, developing friendships and connecting with other like-minded artists. Allen is a member of “Rev 7,” one of the group’s on his new label. He’s also an Associate Minister at the Old Ship of Zion Church and a DJ on Long Island’s WLIX Christian Radio. In the past, Allen has assisted and produced recording projects for Atlantic Records, Sleeping Bag Records, City Beat Records, Bulldog Evans Records and Black Rose Productions, just to name a few. GSR Records has already established a following on Facebook and Twitter under the umbrella name “GSR Media.” Along with some highly aggressive long term marketing goals, they have implemented a campaign that has already established a wide fan base due to the variety of original music represented by the different artists on their roster.
“We’re breaking ground with a fresh sound in Christian music on many levels, while keeping the quality of artistry and a radio-friendly appeal in mind,” says Allen. On October 6th at 8pm EST, there will be a live-streaming, one hour show at GSRrecords.com featuring a prayer and dedication to God and the Lord’s work. Then “Live From Studio G” will showcase the artists on GSRrecords as they perform songs for your listening pleasure. Scheduled to participate are: Hill & Ward with their rock driven sound, New Lewi, bringing his unique hip-hop style, Rev 7 with their multicultural and Gospel jazz flare, Laurie Marks Vincent with her inspirational and light adult contemporary fare, and Jeff Germain’s urban soul. You’ll also be able to see likeStephen’s latest adult contemporary Christian video as well as Kevin Keys and his powerhouse Gospel vocals. “It will not be standard fare that evening, as we reach a broad audience,” says Allen. “Each artist has a great rapport with their audience, and can share impacting testimonies and milestones in their ministries.”

Fireflight To Hit The Road
Premiere modern rock band Fireflight kicked off the opening dates of its headlining “For Those Who Wait – The Tour” last weekend with crowd-rousing performances in Richlands, Va. (Sept. 23), Huntington, W.Va. (Sept. 24) and Wilkesboro, N.C. (Sept. 26). “For Those Who Wait – The Tour” also features urban/hip-hop trend-setters Group 1 Crew and Canadian rockers Manic Drive and will hit 30+ cities across the U.S. from late September through early November before wrapping up in Venice, Fla., on Nov. 7. The multiple Dove-nominated Fireflight is touring in support of its third studio album, For Those Who Wait, which debuted at No. 5 on the Nielsen SoundScan Current Contemporary Christian Album Chart when it released earlier this year (Feb. 9). The project also gave the band its fifth career No. 1 radio single on the Rock format with “Desperate,” followed by the title track’s performance as a Top 5 hit at Rock and Top 10 at CHR.Fervent Records’ urban sensation Group 1 Crew (Blanca and Manwell) join the tour roster on the heels of the group’s brand new studio release, Outta Space Love (Sept. 21), which has already spawned a Top 5 hit single “Walking On The Stars” on Billboard’s Christian CHR chart. And rounding out the tour’s lineup is Canadian-based rock band Manic Drive, who are touring in support of their latest album Blue.
Tour Dates:
10/7 – Lenexa, KS
10/8 – Wichita, KS
10/9 – Greeley, CO
10/10 – Farmington, NM
10/11 – Plainview, TX
10/12 – Paris, TX
10/14 – Rock Island, IL
10/15 – St. Peters, MO
10/17 – Pippa Passas, KY
10/21 – York, PA
10/22 – Shrewsbury, MA
10/23 – Bangor, ME
10/24 – Canton, NY
10/26 – Knoxville, TN
10/27 – North Charleston, SC
10/28 – Deatsville, AL
10/29 – Jacksonville, FL
10/30 – Biloxi, MS
10/31 – Guntersville, AL
11/2 – Orlando, FL
11/4 – Mary Esther, FL
11/5 – Cape Coral, FL
11/6 – Miami, FL
11/7 – Venice, FL

BRMC To Reschedule Tour Dates With STP
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club has postponed forthcoming headline shows scheduled amidst their run with Stone Temple Pilots on their U.S. tour, due to a recent announcement by Stone Temple Pilots to re-route a portion of their tour. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club will do the same, and pick back up in October. The trio recently returned from an extensive overseas run and completed two headline shows on the West Coast before joining Stone Temple Pilots in Houston. Their Little Rock headline show originally scheduled for September 24 will now take place 10/17 with their Dallas headline performance now happening 10/24 at Trees. They will pick back up with STP on 10/8 in Tampa when that tour resumes following a brief postponement.
Tour Dates:
10/8 – Tampa, FL
10/9 – Orlando, FL
10/12 – Hollywood, FL
10/13 – Estero, FL
10/15 – Baton Rouge, LA
10/16 – Pensacola Beach, FL
10/17 – Little Rock, AR
10/19 – Raleigh, NC
10/20 – Charlotte, NC
10/22 – Bee Cave, TX
10/23 – Corpus Christi, TX
10/24 – Dallas, TX
10/26 – San Diego, CA
10/27 – Santa Barbara, CA

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