Music Discovery Monday – 8/22/16
Music Discovery Monday shines a light on artists that are not getting the radio attention that they deserve, while also showcasing new singles by established bands that are likely to get airplay in the future.
In addition to appearing on the embedded YouTube playlist below, all songs featured on Music Discovery Monday can be listened to individually by clicking on the hyper-linked song titles above each review.
ADAM WALDMAN – (Publisher, Hard Rock Daddy)
THE DEAD DAISIES – “Last Time I Saw The Sun”
First there was Aerosmith. Then came Guns N’ Roses. And now, we have The Dead Daisies, the latest chapter in the book that is gritty, timeless rock and roll. If you love the two aforementioned bands, you have no choice but to be a fan of The Dead Daisies. Unlike Aerosmith and GNR, this is not a band that paid their dues and came up together. According to the band’s bio, this is “a music collective created by a rotating lineup that has individually and collectively left their mark on the high-class brand of rock and roll that the band is known for.”
The current incarnation of the band features Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, Dio), John Corabi (Motley Crue, The Scream), Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake), Brian Tichy (Ozzy, Foreigner) and David Lowy (Red Phoenix, Mink). Unlike many modern supergroups that record an album, but rarely tour, The Dead Daisies are road warriors who have toured extensively, going all around the world as the opening act for Kiss.
“Last Time I Saw The Sun” is everything that you love about Aerosmith and GNR (and more)…powerful vocals, bluesy riffs and huge melodic hooks with anthemic choruses. They may be relatively new, but with a foundation that harkens back to the ‘70s and ‘80s, The Dead Daisies are a band whose sound is tailor-made for the arena shows of yesteryear.
DISTURBED (f. MYLES KENNEDY) – “The Sound Of Silence” (LIVE)
With the success of Disturbed’s cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s classic, “The Sound Of Silence,” it may seem like an odd fit for Music Discovery Monday. However, this live version of the song (which features the extraordinary guest vocals of Myles Kennedy), is something that many may have missed. Disturbed’s studio version of the song is hauntingly foreboding because of David Draiman’s distinct vocal delivery. That feeling still exists, but Kennedy’s vocals add a beautiful light to the darkness in this stirring interpretation.
ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout
KINGCROW – “The Moth”
A newer progressive metal band that I’ve been listening to a lot is Kingcrow from Rome, Italy. Their influences are pretty vast, but this song has elements of Opeth, Dream Theater and Katatonia. If you’re a fan of this genre of progressive metal, definitely give this band a listen. Off their latest album, Eidos, “The Moth” is an excellent, well-written tune with a memorable riff and chorus.
ACT OF DEFIANCE – “Throwback”
Ever wonder what happened to guitarist Chris Broderick and drummer Shawn Drover from the last Megadeth line-up? Wonder no more. They formed a thrash/death metal band called Act of Defiance. Rounding out the lineup is Matt Bachand of Shadows Fall and Henry Derek of Scar the Martyr. Act of Defiance is heavy, fast and aggressive, the way thrash metal should be played. It’s refreshing to see Chris Broderick shred on guitar, instead of the way Dave Mustaine wanted him to play it in Megadeth. Their first album, Birth and the Burial, is a good start for the band. Let’s hope future albums will show these musicians shine.
ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout
IVORY – “Vanitas Vanitatum”
Formed in 2008 as a progressive rock band, Ivory has made a gradual transition to symphonic power metal. The Russian group’s debut album, Southern Cross, is a concept album about explorer Robert Scott’s ill-fated second expedition to the South Pole, a hundred years ago.
CRUZH – “Aim For The Head”
From the ashes of a glam band called TrashQueen, rises this melodic rock band out of Sweden. Layered harmonies and touches of groove swirl around an infectious melody in this second release from their debut album (due out later this week).
CHRIS HERZEGOVITCH – HRD Music Scout
EMERALD SUN – “Freedom Call”
Metal Dome is the fourth full-length album from Emerald Sun, a power metal outfit from Greece. “Freedom Call” is a change-of-pace track with a tranquil acoustic opening, giving way to traditional heavy metal rhythms and bright melodic choruses that support the song’s inspirational theme. Guitar work from Paul Georgiadis and Johnnie Athanasiadi are the key performances on the song, with impressive vocals from Stelios “Theo” Tsakirides.
SPLIT HEAVEN – “To The Fallen”
Mexico’s Split Heaven just released Death Rider, the band’s fourth full-length album. “To The Fallen” is a gritty, galloping track with a classic, raw metal sound reminiscent of early Judas Priest. Excellent guitar work from Armand Ramos / Carlo Hernandez and Tomas Roitman’s drumming are the highlights in this driving, battle-themed track. The tone of Jason Conde-Houston’s vocals completes the package.
SUBMISSIONS
To be considered for Music Discovery Monday, please e-mail a link to the song being submitted on YouTube and an artist bio to – submissions@MusicDiscoveryMonday.com
