A brand new trailer for Transformers has just been posted. Check it out here.

Yes folks, you’ll soon be seeing banner ads above the news section shortly. For now there is just an Ecclesia banner but it’ll rotate once we get the code up there. I know ads are distracting but it’s a good way for labels and bands alike, to promote their stuff. If you’re interested in advertising on this site, please contact brandon@indievisionmusic.com That is all.

Flee the Seen will open a show for Papa Roach on April 18th at the Blue Note in Columbia, MO.

Check out this awesome New Wave band called “The Foxglove Hunt” which also features Ronnie Martin of Joy Electric. Click here to listen.

Check out the official Underoath channel on YouTube.

One of my favorite metal bands, Thyne Scabbard, needs help with their cross country tour. Contact them on myspace if you can help with one of the below dates:

Thurs. June 21 – San Diego, CA @ Adams Hall
Fri. June 22 – Phoenix, AZ @ Metal Devastation
Sat. June 23 - Albuquerque, NM (NEED HELP)
Sun. June 24 - Amarillo, TX (NEED HELP)
Mon. June 25 - Wichita Falls, TX (NEED HELP)
Tues. June 26 - Houston, TX (NEED HELP)
Wed. June 27 - Houma, LA (NEED HELP)
Thurs. June 28 – Jackson, MI (NEED HELP)
Fri. June 29 - Hot Springs, AR @ The Attic
Sat. June 30 – Oklahoma City, OK (NEED HELP)
Sun. July 1 - Durango, CO (NEED HELP)
Mon. July 2 – Salt Lake City, UT (NEED HELP)
Tues. July 3 - Reno, NV (NEED HELP)
Wed. July 4 – Las Vegas, NV (NEED HELP)
Thurs. July 5 – Bakersfield, CA @ The Gate
Fri. July 6 - Chino, CA @ The Stronghold
Sat. July 7 – San Francisco, CA (NEED HELP)
Sun. July 8 – Orange County, CA (NEED HELP)

Download 15 free songs from the Open Grave Record’s roster right here. They include new songs from groups like Kekal, Crucifer, and more.

Newvale is looking for your vote to play the Smartpunk Stage at Warped Tour this summer. If you want to vote for them, just click here.

When you buy the new Kiss the Gunner album and send a copy of your receipt to Harvest Earth Records, they will send you one other album of your choice from their catalog.

Reach Records, home of great artists like Lecrae, Tedashi, and Trip Lee, have signed Sho Baraka to their roster. This is one of the best up-and-coming labels in Holy Hip Hop!

Da Truth, of Cross Movement Records (CMR), will be appearing on BET tomorrow at 11:00 AM EST. He will be premiering his new video “Who Am I“. You can listen to that track as well as “Why I Do” at his myspace. Both will appear on the new album, “Open Book“, dropping July 3rd.

[Myspace]

Becoming The Archetype have posted all the lyrics to the new album here. They actually did this quite awhile ago but somehow I missed it. Thanks Tobe for the heads up!

[Myspace] [Purevolume]

Facedown Records have completely redone their website as well as the webstore. It looks really good, so go take a look!

You’ll also notice at the store that the label has teamed up with MerchNow to handle their store. This allows for more options, including worldwide orders. Another new feature they’ve added is that for $1 you may order posters individually instead of just in a pack.  Order from any of the band on the roster.  The posters can be seen here.

Well I did it folks, I actually put pen to paper (finger to keyboard) and wrote a review for once. This one is for the rock record by the band Thrush. Read it here.

Band: Thrush
Album: Aeon
Label: None
Review by: Brandon Jones
Myspace

In days long ago, I knew of a little band called “Craig’s Brother” of which they released the hard hitting and socially aware full length “Homecoming” on Tooth and Nail Records back in 98. Well two members of that band, Adam Nigh and Andy Snyder quit not long after the release of the afformentioned album deciding to go their own course in musical mission. So what did they do? Well they founded a fantastic three piece band called “Too Bad Eugene”. Too Bad Eugene signed with Mike and Tom’s (Mxpx) label Rock City Recordings back around 1999. In 2000 their debut “At Any Rate” was released and took the scene by storm. I sold a TON of copies of this album in my store alone back around 2000-01. They carried the same biting socially aware lyricism of their prior band and forged forward with their unique sound. There were of course thousands of pop punk bands at the time but none quite like Too Bad Eugene. I had the pleasure of meeting these three guys when they played my church around 2001. They were the nicest down to earth guys you could meet. They each had families and were well grounded in a spiritual sense. Great guys. Well I kept in touch with them over the next few years even passing their name on to Brandon at Tooth and Nail at one point. I guess he must have liked them because they were signed soon after to the mighty scene defining label, Tooth and Nail. Too Bad Eugene went on to release one of the most fantastic punk rock albums of all time called “Moonlighting” on said label and it was something fresh that I was searching desperately for in the void, utterly dull scene. Moonlighting released to little fanfare, disappearing amongst stacks of other cds and slipping into the bargain bins of your favorite local stores. The band didn’t tour and for that they were doomed from the start. When it comes down to it, did it honestly matter if they toured or not? I could care less, I was all about that plastic medium known as the Compact Disc and as long as it played in my stereo, I was a happy, content boy. Too Bad Eugene as you probably already pieced together had in fact broken up not long after the release of “Moonlighting” and disappeared into the darkness they sprung from. Another tragic end to a musically original group of guys. As much as I was saddened by their demise, I continued to spin At Any Rate and Moonlighting until I wore through the plastic coating of said cds and then the “skips” began to take place in my burnt out worned stereo. I knew it was time for new music. Thus we all moved on but these little known gentleman, began to work on their next endeavor……….

That leads us up to the end of 2005 when I finally got word that Adam and Andy of Too Bad Eugene were secretly concocting their new recipe for energetic high voltage rock n roll. What did it sound like? Well I heard some demos on Purevolume and at first I was turned off by the sound quality but still curious as to what would come of it. I kept playing the songs and they continued to grow on me. The band left us with several messages over the course of a year saying their “new” album was about to drop of which said event hadn’t occurred. Days turned to months and months to a year. Finally after what seemed like an infinite amount of anticipation “Aeon” was finished and ready to be unleashed on the crowds. But what does it sound like? Here is where we begin………

The disc begins with the track “Rise and Fall” and as you guessed, that trademark sound of Adam Nigh takes root and control of your soul. The production is on par with most independent bands and I am instantly drawn to melodic catchy melodies over taking my ears. Rise and Fall isn’t the typical punk rock song, this is straight ahead rock without irritating whining and pretentious bull crap. This is meat and potatoes rock with melodies you can sing along with. Wow, what a concept! The song details the sticky nature of man’s fascination with the lukewarm behavior. “A new day dawns upon us. From so much building up. We’ve seen the old course run. So catch this rising fire and praise your new messiah. Until another comes. In the rise and fall your soul divides But behind it all Wisdom stands through time…..”

“Nashville” springs up next with another onslaught of guitars. This is what I enjoy, hearing the guitars right up in front and center. The guitars radiate on this disc, even with the limiting production. Anyway…This is a tricky song lyrically and can be interpreted by many different angles. Instead of trying to explain it myself, just read the lyrics and you decide:

“Who do they think I am?/Who do you say I am?/I am I AM/So long, they’re going to kill me before too long/With those stupid sterilized saccharine songs/So sing along/I’m going to be betrayed/Thirty coins or a radio play/They nail me up as they sing my name/But don’t you let nobody fool you/Their lullabies like the beauty of fake roses/Diverting your eyes while they kill me/They’re killing me/I see their heart so far from me/Killing me/Their sacred songs, take them away/They’re killing me/Yeah/they’re killing me (I see their heart)/I’ve been betrayed (So far from me)/I’ve been their prey/They nail me up as they sing my name/They’re killing me/Yeah/Who do they think I am?/I wish they would take those songs away from me/Take those songs away from me/

“Suttee” hits next with it’s stinging lyrical prowess about someone losing their way and gaining back their dignity. “Rise, lick your wounds and face the sun/Stake your claim once more/Because you hold inside something worth giving life for/The answers to why/Don’t get pushed aside, take back what yours is rightful/Don’t get pushed aside…”
The album ends after just four short tracks. Yes it is an ep and yes it is only 4 songs long. “Down With You” ends the album on a strong note. The song is pretty much summed up in these short words, “letting go”.

Did I forget to mention that this is a five piece band? Adam Nigh isn’t playing bass or guitar this time around like he did on past efforts. This time he takes the center stage to belt out these delightful anthems. Though I’m not entirely sure they are still a five piece. Anyway….

To sum up this lengthy review, I am at a loss for words. Sometimes it is difficult for me to write these thing which is why it is becoming less frequent to see a review written by Brandon. It’s a bittersweet romance. There are some albums worth writing about and a whole bunch that are forgettable. This is one of those rare albums where something strikes you as unique, and something easily retainable by the mind. This is not a record to be tossed by the wayside or thrown upon a bargain bin. Thrush is a highly melodic rock band with a few punk tendencies but unlike most bands of the thinning genre. Thrush holds their own weight in this rock marketplace and leaves a small mark on the scene at large. Sure this is a small band with little clout to make a statement but their music deserves a listen. Keep in mind, if there was no such thing as independent music, there would be no such thing as a “label” to begin with. It starts with bands like this. The only downside to Thrush is that they don’t tour or play shows too often. Because of that fact, they most likely won’t be getting any big deals in the near future. Still the music endures and will last another generation among fans like myself who clinch on to records like this as if it’s a long lost piece of treasure. Progress, you either hate it or love it. I’ll keep it simple, I love Thrush (as if you couldn’t already tell from reading above). It is music like this that gets my blood boiling and my heart pumping. Thank you Thrush for making my drives to work so much more bearable. Who knows what deals lurk around the corner. You just never know. That’s all folks. Thanks for reading. Now back to my corner of the room…………………

Myspace
Purevolume
Buy Album

Flee the Seen need your votes in order to play the Vans Warped Tour this year (on the Smartpunk Stage). They are currently number 10 as of tonight. Click here to vote.

This is huge! A Plea for Purging has signed with Facedown Records. This is an awesome band and I’d like to send out a congratulations to the band and label. They’re a great add to the Facedown roster. [thanks buzzgrinder for the info]

Gabe Watts has left Olivia. The band already has a replacement and his name is Dave.

If any of you are interested in writing film or video game reviews, please contact me at brandon@indievisionmusic.com and give me a sample review.

Check out the brand new Chariot song on their myspace page. What do you guys think?

Yes sir, I received a message from the owner of Stereokiller.com saying they had indeed bought hxcmp3.com. I wonder what’s going to change?

The Standard has reviewed one of my personal favorite new games, LOST PLANET. You can read about it here.

2 New Halo 2 maps will be availble this April at $4 for the pair! YES! They will be downloadable from the XBOX LIVE Marketplace.

Flicker Records announced that we will see a new album from Kids In The Way on August 7th and a new one from eleventyseven on September 4th. Also remember the already announced albums from Wavorly, Flatfoot 56, and Until June, which you can all see in my Album Release List.

Check out The Fold’s new website. Rockin’!

Quick and the Dead have posted a new blog about their upcoming summer release “Nothing Changes” which will be out in June. It’ll have 13 new tracks. You can still order their debut release “Consider Your Options” from us here.

Blades of Glory starring Will Ferrel and Jon Heder is out today, is anyone going to see it? 

An X-Files sequel is coming. 

A reboot of the Mortal Kombat series and future films? Yikes!

The first full length trailer for Ocean’s Thirteen has hit the web, click here. This movie will release on June 8th.

The MPAA has slapped sanctions and suspended the rating on the film “Captivity” starring Elisha Cuthbert due to controversial advertising and content. All this is going to do is fuel publicity for the film. We know how that goes.

Mia Farrow has come out to slam Steven Spielberg accusing him of turning a blind eye to China’s issue of human rights and their involvement in the Darfur genocide. Apparently Steven is helping stage a big show for the 2008 Bejiing Olympics. What do you guys think?

John Cusak will now be voicing the lead character in the animated film, IGOR. Other voice talents include Molly Shannon, Jay Leno, Steve Buscemi, and John Cleese. You can read more about it here.

Sigourney Weaver has discussed some details about the epic James Cameron film “Avatar“. You can read about the film here. Apparently James has invented cameras specifically for this film. Sounds interesting to say in the least.

Rumor has it that Sarah Michelle Gellar has been cast in the Batman Begins sequel “The Dark Knight“. No word on what character she may play seeing as how Maggie Glynehal will play the female love interest of Batman.

Mark Wahlberg will star in the M. Night Shyamalan film “The Happening” will be released June 13th of 2008. Apparently this is a “frightening” thriller about an apocalyptic threat to mankind. I hear it’s aliens.

New trailers for Ocean’s Thirteen, Surfs Up, Hostel II, and Evan Almighty. Click here.

TMNT took the top spot at the box office over the weekend raking in $25million dollars. I still haven’t seen this yet so hopefully soon.

I am thinking about starting film reviews on this site, adding an “Independent” perspective on modern entertainment. We could also do some game reviews as well. If you are interested, please send me an email here: brandon@indievisionmusic.com

[sources: Cinematical.com, Darkhorizons.com, IMDB.com, G4TV]

Aaron Gillespie of Underoath/The Almost has posted a new blog on myspace. Here is a short excerpt:

“i really appreciate your support and want you all to know that Underoath has been and will always be my love and i will be loyal to all of you and Underoath in all my ventures…thanks so much for everything doods!!!”

Maylene and the Sons of Disaster debuted at #156 on the Billboard Top 200, selling 6,000 copies in it’s first week. Congrats? [absolutepunk]

Mike Herrera of Mxpx fame has a “Country” side project called Tumbledown. Well they have posted three new songs to myspace. Listen and then comment.

PlayRadioPlay! have posted the new song “Confines” to their myspace. The song will appear on the “Frequency” EP which releases April 24th.
[Myspace] [Purevolume]

The Red Baron have posted a new rough demo. Old-school hardcore. Check it out!

You can check out Urban D.’s new video for the song “Un.orthodox” right here.

[Myspace]

The Showdown are certainly getting their names out there. After announcing that they’ll be appearing on this year’s Ozzfest, the band also just announced that they will be supporting Days Of The New for a few weeks in April.

[Myspace] [Purevolume]

Illect Recordings is offering a free download of a new Scribbling Idiots mixtape if you sign up for their mailing list. You can sign up here at myspace.

StorySide B have posted 2 new songs to their myspace. The songs are taken from the band’s new album, “We Are Not Alone“. The album drops June 19th on Gotee.

[Myspace]