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US Hard Rockers Archer Nation have set a January 2019 release date for their Mike Clink (Guns N’ Roses/Megadeth) produced sophomore release ‘Beneath The Dream‘, set to hit stores on the 19th of January 2019 via EMP LABEL GROUP.

The band’s 2015 METALVILLE debut ‘Culling The Weak‘, also produced and mixed by Clink, (legendary producer of Guns N Roses classics Appetite for Destruction, Use your Illusion 1&2, and Megadeth’s Rust In Peace) brought Archer Nation worldwide attention, having already toured extensively in over 20 countries, and performed alongside some of the genre’s biggest acts including; Hellyeah, Annihilator, Doro, and Queensryche, as well as an appearance on the 2016 MONSTERS OF ROCK Cruise.

Archer Nation, bringing new meaning to the phrase “power trio” with the incendiary lineup of guitarist/vocalist Dylan Rose, bassist David DeSilva, and Drummer Keyhan Moini, are determined to deliver genuine and unrelenting hard rock and heavy metal music to fans everywhere. Keyhan’s unique and ferocious drumming, David’s masterful bass duties, and Dylan’s captivating blend of shredding and powerhouse vocals make for an exciting modern take on the genre, while paying homage to all the inspirations that came before them.

Says Vocalist/Guitarist Dylan Rose, “After working together to create Culling The Weak, everyone was excited to get back in the studio with Mike for the second record. We’re very pleased with the result and can’t wait to release Beneath The Dream with the great team at EMP Label Group, so we can get back to non-stop touring in 2019!”

Adds EMP’s David Ellefson, “When Mike Clink first turned myself and Thom onto the Archer Nation record, we were blown away!! Clink is a true World-Class producer, and we’re honored to work with him, and Archer Nation, to release their ferocious new album in 2019!”

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Swedish rock/metal band, Chronus, have announced the US release of their self-titled debut album, due out onJuly 13th, 2018on Ellefson Music Productions, aka EMP Label Group, the label of legendary Megadeth bassist David Ellefson. Chronus will be performing as direct support for Megadeth on June 6th, 2018 at KB in Malmö, Sweden.

Hailing from Helsingborg, Sweden, Chronus is an exalted quartet formed in 2015 and led by the Baron. With their young and visionary spirits, they carry the metal torch further, leading the people towards territories yet to be explored.

Delivering a majestic performance filled with striking melodies and hard-hitting riffs, Chronus have been compared to the likes of Mastodon and ABBA. Vocalist/guitarist the Baron, dressed in white, embodies a voice reminiscent of Ozzy Osbourne, complementing the work of his three black-clad associates.

October 31st, 2017 marked the official European release of Chronus’ self-titled debut album on Ellefson Music Productions/SPV.

After well-received performances at Sabaton Open Air and on their Scandinavian tour supporting Soilwork, Chronus  playing more shows and writing what will become their second album.

In order to spread rapture upon the people, Chronus ceremoniously convert their audience in a relentless conquest to take on the world. Join their voyage to the City of Light!

Mario Duplantier – Gojira
“Chronus blends old school heavy metal and modern rock in an intelligent and irresistible way!”

Björn “Speed” Strid – Soilwork
“When I started Soilwork, I was 17 years old. We were pretty good musicians and songwriters from the get go, but not even close to Chronus. It’s been a long time since I was this impressed by such a young band, with members ranging from 20 to 24 years old, and such a unique expression of amazing musicality. This band is ready to go global and someone better sign them before I do.”

Richard Larsson – The Night Flight Orchestra, producer at HH-Studios
“Chronus is an incredibly young and competent band that delivers heavy rock on a very skillful level. Their songs contain great melodies, big choruses and nifty bridges with interesting soundscapes. I think Chronus will go far; they have all the right tools to succeed!”

Tracklist:

White Mountains
Baron
Setting Sun
Avarice
Falling From Apogee
Rapture
City Of Light
Hold Me (Set Me Free)

Line up:

Sebastian “The Baron” Axelsson – rhythm guitar, lead vocals
Svante Furevi – lead guitar, backing vocals
Oliver Delander – bass, backing vocals
Jonatan Östling – drums

Tour dates 2018:

June 6 Malmö, Sweden – KB (w/Megadeth)
July 13 Vilnius, Lithuania – Devilstone Festival
July 21 Helsingborg, Sweden – Helltown Festival
October 20 Stockholm, Sweden – Harry B James

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After signing with EMP Label Group, Canadian hard rock band KiLLeR DWaRfS are set to release ‘LiVE, No GuFf‘ on April 13th.

The album was recorded in November 2016 in various locations including Ottawa, Vancouver, Toronto, and Whitehorse Yukon, Canada.

Track listing:

Comin’ Through
Hard Luck Town
Tell Me Please
Driftin’ Back |
Union Of Pride
Doesn’t Matter
Can’t Lose
Start @ One
Burn It Down
Stand Tall
Keep The Spirit Alive
Dirty Weapons
Heavy Mental Breakdown

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Doll Skin have released the video for their new single ‘Daughter‘. Doll Skin is currently on tour supporting One-Eyed Doll on the Something Wicked Tour, with special guests CO-OP (featuring Dash Cooper) on select dates, plus a select handful of headlining dates. The tour follows up several legs of headlining on the Shut Up! Tour, and a Summer stint on the 2017 VANS Warped Tour.

Doll Skin is supporting ‘Manic Pixie Dream Girl‘, the June 2017 released follow up to their 2016 EMP Label Group debut, ‘In Your Face (Again)‘. Produced by Grammy Award winning Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, which garnered massive Worldwide press, spawned multiple singles including, “Family of Strangers”, “Let’s Be Honest”, and “Furious Fixation”. ‘Manic Pixie Dream Girl‘ was released in Europe this month via SPV, quickly selling out of the initial pressing, while ‘Daughter‘ hit the top 40 on the Billboard Rock Indicator chart this week.

Tour Dates:

With One-Eyed Doll
* Doll Skin Headline
^ With CO-OP

OCT 18 Richmond, VA – Canal Club
OCT 19 Spartanburg, SC – Ground Zero
OCT 20 Jacksonville, FL – Jackrabbits Live
OCT 21 Tampa, FL – Brass Mug
OCT 22 Tallahassee, FL* – The Warrior
OCT 24 Mobile, AL* – Alchemy Tavern
OCT 25 Lafayette, LA – The District
OCT 26 San Antonio, TX** – The Rock Box
OCT 27 Austin, TX^ – Dirty Dog Bar
OCT 28 Houston, TX^ -BFE Rock Club
OCT 29 Dallas, TX^ – Trees
OCT 31 Phoenix, AZ^ – Club Red
NOV 01 Hollywood, CA^ – Whisky A Go Go
DEC 02 – Los Angeles, CA – Emo Nite
DEC 04 – Flagstaff, AZ – Flagstaff’s Green Room

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Swedish rock/metal band, Chronus, have released a music video for ‘Baron’, the song is taken from their self-titled debut album, due out on October 27th, 2017 in Europe on Ellefson Music Productions, aka EMP Label Group, the label of legendary Megadeth bassist David Ellefson.

After a well-received performance at this year’s Sabaton Open Air, the band are currently preparing for a Scandinavian tour supporting Soilwork and The Unguided.

Hailing from Helsingborg, Sweden, Chronus is an exalted quartet formed in 2015 and led by the Baron. Young, fresh and visionary, they carry the metal torch with astonishing maturity. Delivering a majestic performance filled with striking melodies and hard-hitting riffs, Chronus have been compared to the likes of Mastodon and Gojira. Vocalist/guitarist the Baron, dressed in white, embodies a voice reminiscent of Ozzy Osbourne, complementing the work of his three black-clad associates.

Tracklist:

  1. White Mountains
  2. Baron
  3. Setting Sun
  4. Avarice
  5. Falling From Apogee
  6. Rapture
  7. City Of Light
  8. Hold Me (Set Me Free)

Line up:

Sebastian “The Baron” Axelsson – rhythm guitar, lead vocals
Svante Furevi – lead guitar, backing vocals
Oliver Delander – bass, backing vocals
Jonatan Östling – drums

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Hailing from Helsingborg, Sweden, Chronus is an exalted quartet formed in 2015 and led by the Baron. Young, fresh and visionary, they carry the metal torch with astonishing maturity. Delivering a majestic performance filled with striking melodies and hard-hitting riffs, Chronus have been compared to the likes of Mastodon and Gojira. Vocalist/guitarist the Baron, dressed in white, embodies a voice reminiscent of Ozzy Osbourne, complementing the work of his three black-clad associates.

October 28th, 2017 marks the official European release of Chronus‘ self-titled debut album on Ellefson Music Productions, aka EMP Label Group, the label of legendary Megadeth bassist David Ellefson. (With a North American release tentatively planned for 2018.) After a well-received performance at this year’s Sabaton Open Air, the band are currently preparing for a Scandinavian tour supporting Soilwork and The Unguided.

Additionally, the band have inked a deal with Die Crawling Management, helmed by Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and his wife, former Nuclear Blast publicist, and professional music photographer Hannah Verbeuren, both firsthand witnesses of Chronus‘ astounding growth since their inception.”

In order to spread rapture upon the people, Chronus ceremoniously convert their audience in a relentless conquest to take on the World. Join their voyage to the City of Light!

Tour dates:

WITH SOILWORK + THE UNGUIDED

Nov 10, 2017 – Malmö, SE – Kulturbolaget – http://kulturbolaget.se/konserter/2017/soilwork-2017
Nov 11, 2017 – Göteborg, SE – Brewhouse – http://kulturbolaget.se/konserter/2017/soilwork-gbg-2017
Nov 12, 2017 – Oslo, NO – Rockefeller / John DEE / Sentrum Scene – http://www.ticketmaster.no/event/534999
Nov 13, 2017 – Linköping, SE – The Crypt – https://www.tickster.com/sv/events/nlh603ycze63hf9/2017-11-13/soilwork-linkoping
Nov 14, 2017 – Uppsala, SE – Katalin And All That Jazz Östra Station – https://www.tickster.com/sv/events/uxe12xhkz77zpwl/2017-11-14/soilwork-live-pa-katalin

WITH SOILWORK + IKINÄ

Nov 16, 2017 – Joensuu, FI – Ravintola Kerubi – https://www.tiketti.fi/Soilwork-SWE-Ravintola-Kerubi-sali-Joensuu-lippuja/48453
Nov 17, 2017 – Jyväskylä, FI – Tanssisali Lutakko – https://goo.gl/n38qy9
Nov 18, 2017 – Helsinki, FI – Tavastia Klubi – https://www.tiketti.fi/Soilwork-SWE-Tavastia-klubi-Helsinki-lippuja/48443

David Ellefson – Megadeth “Chronus is a bright, shining addition to the future of Metal. We’re proud to welcome them to the EMP FAMILY.”

Dirk Verbeuren – Megadeth “Chronus is the complete package: truly great people whose excellent musicianship and natural sense of structure and melody magnify their heartfelt music. These attributes are all the more impressive considering their young age. Anyone giving Chronus a chance is privileged to witness the beginning of what will without a doubt be a long and prosperous career!”

Björn “Speed” Strid – Soilwork “When I started Soilwork, I was 17 years old. We were pretty good musicians and songwriters from the get go, but not even close to Chronus. It’s been a long time since I was this impressed by such a young band, with members ranging from 20 to 24 years old, and such a unique expression of amazing musicality. This band is ready to go global and someone better sign them before I do.”

Line-up:

Sebastian “The Baron” Axelsson – rhythm guitar, lead vocals
Svante Furevi – lead guitar, backing vocals
Oliver Delander – bass, backing vocals
Jonatan Östling – drums

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Legendary Detroit Hard Rockers Madam X have signed a deal with EMP Label Group, who will release their long-awaited sophomore release ‘Monstrocity‘ on October 31st, (October 27th in EUROPE) on CD and Digital, with a limited edition vinyl release planned for November. Produced by Madam X at Metro 37 Studios in Rochester Hills, MI, and Mixed by Michael Wagener , with additional mixing by Mark Slaughter, ‘Monstrocity‘ is a hard-hitting classic Metal/Rock record sure to serve as a proper return to form for Madam X, and a kick in the ass for fans old and new.

Formed in 1981 by sisters Roxy and Maxine Petrucci, Madam X recruited bassist Chris “Godzilla” Doliber and vocalist Bret Kaiser, who released their classic, Rick Derringer produced, Jet Records debut ‘We Reserve The Right‘ in 1984, spawning the hit Rock single ‘High in High School‘. 4 years later, after Roxy departed to join future Arena Rock superstars Vixen, and original vocalist Kaiser was briefly replaced by an unknown Canadian vocalist named Sebastian Bach, Madam X disbanded, and would remain mostly inactive until 2014, when the original lineup reunited at the Sweden Rock Festival.

Fast forward to 2017, when the Petrucci sisters collaborated with vocalist Mark Slaughter on a Lemmy Kilmister tribute track for their VIP Aftershow project, Slaughter who introduced Roxy to EMP Label Group head of A&R Thom Hazaert, who released a 12″ ‘Kilmister’ single for Aftershow, and the conversation soon shifted to the upcoming MADAM X release.

Says Hazaert, “When I connected with Roxy and we were working on the Aftershow stuff, and she told me they were working on a new Madam X record, I was extremely excited at the prospect of releasing it. After a brief courtship, we made the decision to put it out together, and I can honestly say I’m still excited. Madam X is such a kickass Rock band, I was always a huge fan of their first record, and to be able to release its follow up over 30 years later is just insane.”

Adds drummer Roxy Petrucci, “Hell may not be pretty but good things will find their way out ! It takes a huge pair of metal balls to sign a band like Madam X, David Ellefson and Thom Hazaert at EMP put their love of metal first, and crushed it by signing Madam X ! Raw and flawed, ‘Monstrocity‘ will be unleashed onto the world in fall 2017 ! Long live Rock n Roll but immortalized in Metal!”.

The album features 12 hard-hitting slabs of Rock, including the pummeling title track ‘Monstrocity’, ‘Resurrection‘, ‘Nitrous‘, and an updated version of their 1984 hit ‘High In High School.’

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Legendary LA Hard Rockers Autograph have signed a deal with EMP Label Group who will release their forthcoming album ‘Get Off Your Ass‘ October 6th on CD and Digital, with a limited edition vinyl LP version available in November.

‘Get Off Your Ass‘ is the first official studio LP from the revamped quartet, featuring original/founding members guitarist Steve Lynch and bassist Randy Rand, alongside new vocalist/rhythm guitarist Simon Daniels, and drummer Marc Wieland.

Lynch, an iconic guitarist, revered Worldwide as a bona fide guitar hero (known for his signature 8 finger hammer-on technique), reactivated the band in 2013 with bassist Randy Rand after reconnecting at the NAMM Show. After approaching original vocalist Steve Plunkett, who was unavailable for the reunion due to other business interests, with his blessing, the newly resurrected Autograph recruited former Jailhouse vocalist Simon Daniels, the rest, as they say, is history.

‘Get Off Your Ass‘ features an updated, hard-edged (and keyboard free) sound for the band, featuring down-tuned guitars, and the fiery, blues-soaked delivery of Daniels, as evidenced on tracks like “Every Generation”, “I Lost My Mind In America”, and the first single, edgy title track ‘Get Off Your Ass‘. The album also features an updated live version of the band’s classic rock staple “Turn Up The Radio”, performed by the current lineup.

Says co-founder, guitarist Steve Lynch, “Get Off Your Ass definitely sets a new direction for the band, with an updated, heavier sound, while still retaining the signature melodic hooks people have come to expect from Autograph. This record is bound to get the attention of old Autograph fans as well as the new. So put your ears on and turn this one up!!”

Adds vocalist Simon Daniels, “We are so excited about this record! This is a lineup of brothers with a vision and the perfect chemistry. We wanted the record to be musically timeless, and translate a heavier sound featuring the melodies and harmonies, but with heavier guitars and a more “in your face” attitude. The lyrics come from the heart and are directed to people of our current era, with uplifting messages and positive energy. It’s Autograph on steroids.”

On their partnership with EMP Daniels adds, “EMP is the perfect match for us. They understand what we’re doing, they have the same vision and we are grateful to work with such great experienced humble focused achieving people!”

A sentiment echoed by drummer Marc Wieland. “EMP shares and supports the same Vision we had for our new album ‘Get Off Your Ass‘. We are stoked to be part of their family!!!!”

EMP President (and Megadeth bassist) David Ellefson expresses a mutual admiration. “When I first moved to LA to go to MI (then known as GIT), Steve Lynch was the guy EVERYBODY went there to learn from. As far as guitar players in LA went, he was THE guy. I never did end up at GIT, we formed Megadeth and obviously went down an extremely different path, but Steve truly is an iconic guitar hero of the highest caliber, and I am so proud for EMP to be able to partner with him and the re-imagined Autograph to release this killer album.”

‘Get Off Your Ass‘ will be available for pre-order this Friday, 8/4, from empmerch.com.

Forming in 1983, Autograph gave the world the perpetual Rock anthem ‘Turn Up the Radio‘, which still commands nearly constant airplay on Classic Rock stations around the World, and has become an iconic piece of pop culture, making appearances in mass media classics like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and more recently in the hit film Hot Tub Time Machine.

With seminal albums Sign In Please [1984], That’s The Stuff [1985], and Loud and Clear [1987]. as well as years of touring alongside legendary artists including Mötley Crüe, Ronnie James Dio, Van Halen and Aerosmith, Autograph left an everlasting imprint on rock ‘n’ roll. Now this undeniable Rock legacy is reclaimed with ‘Get Off Your Ass‘.

Autograph will continue to tour through 2017, and into the new year, with more dates added daily, and an appearance on the 2018 MONSTERS OF ROCK Cruise.

Upcoming Shows:

8/4/2017 Heath, OH Muddy Creek Saloon
8/5/2017 Clearfield, PA Clearfield County Fair – with Queensryche & KIX
9/8/2017 Ellsworth, WI “SCVR 27th Annual Chilifeed” @ Gas-Lite Tavern
9/16/2017 Kingman, AZ The Great Mohave County Fair – (Free show w/ fair admission)
10/6/2017 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena – w/ Slaughter & Vixen

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Review: Broken Teeth – 4 On The Floor

EMP Label Group 2017

Reviewer: Grant Foster

Broken Teeth are the brainchild of Dangerous Toy singer Jason McMaster, this being album number eight in their canon, of a twenty year existence so far.

I have the first two in my collection –  the self titled debut and follow up, ‘Guilty Pleasure’ and those were very much a simplistic take on the AC/DC formula, but I haven’t heard any of the others, before I came across this release.

The production overall, is nice and meaty, with guitars high in the mix, although on the title overall track I thought the vocals could have done with being further up. But the tune itself bops along quite nicely in time honoured DC fashion.

‘Sinful’ is a lovely mid paced shuffle with some nice ZZ top style licks and a chorus that will eventually worm it’s way into your heads. It’s the change of pace as much as anything that helps this song stand out.

‘All or Nothing’ has a bass line reminiscent of Shot Down In Flames, although it’s a little bit formulaic to these ears.

‘Getcha Some’ boasts a lovely lyric of when you’re ‘young, face down and wasted’ and it’s very much a summer driving rock song.

‘Borrowed Time’ is a lot more laid back and bluesy with a nice groove. McMaster’s delivery is spot on here and it’s one of the stand out tracks. ‘House of Damnation’ is a up tempo romp, but average.

But ‘Let The War Machine Roll’, well, it’s almost like a horror film song, sounding really menacing and I’m sure this will go down a storm live……you could almost hear Dee Snider doing this!

‘Never Dead’ is a tribute to Lemmy…….and boy it could have been on 1916……’I believe in Motorhead, all the gauges in the red’, this really is a fine tune in it’s own right as well as being a nod to the late Motorhead icon. ‘All Day Sucker’, has a chorus that remains and grooves along with another nice change of pace.

Last tune is a cover of ‘Rock Bottom’ by Kiss. However good it is and it’s certainly passable, I’d have preferred another original.

So, to sum up, as I’ve only heard the first two BT releases, it’s certainly a step up from them. Yes, there are times when your mind wanders, but, you can’t deny that BT do this style of rock as good, if not better than most up there.

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Former Guns N’ Roses and current Art of Anarchy guitarist, vocalist, and producer Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal has signed a deal with EMP Label Group who will re-release his epic 2015 independent solo release ‘Little Brother Is Watching’ on CD and Double LP on August 25th.

‘Little Brother Is Watching‘ is an eccentric, upbeat collection of epic, modern rock with haunting melodies, huge choruses and witty lyrics about life in the digital age and beyond, specifically, Thal’s own life and coming to terms with what we all face – beginnings, endings, and moving on. The album was composed, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Bumblefoot at his studio in New Jersey, and includes a crowd of 100 fans stomping, chanting and singing backing vocals recorded at a listening party in New York. The day after its initial release, the album went as high as #4 on the Amazon.com Rock charts in Europe.

EMP Label Group‘s Thom Hazaert says of the collaboration, “Myself and Ron have been working together for years now, even pre-EMP, through the original release of Little Brother, and discussing various scenarios for a wider retail release. Obviously, Ron and David (Ellefson) have a great relationship, and eventually the stars aligned and we are extremely proud to welcome Bumblefoot to the EMP family!”

Thal echoes those sentiments. “I have a great friendship with David and Thom, and through a really great organic process, we came to a mutually beneficial scenario that will breathe new life into a record I’m really proud of. I had always planned to do an LP version, the timing just never quite worked out, and now I’m excited to say that we are able to do it with EMP.”

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