Though it has been posited that an emo revival has been occurring for the past eight years, there still remain to be many worthwhile releases from years prior. As the title of this piece indicates, I want to bring to the forefront some notable releases that I believe have been obscured in some way or another. Continued →
Dawning Of The Age of Modern Elitism (and it’s many annoyances) Reading the cesspool of comments online whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, or heck even old school “www” websites (remember those?), one is left with a dilemma….do I bite my tongue or join in with the crazy circus monkeys? Hopefully not the latter, am I right?……
15 years ago a collection of what can now be determined as “classic hits” were unleashed on a crowd that had an insatiable appetite for what was new and and considered “ROCK” music. This was sorta near the end of the Bye Bye Byes and I’m Not That Innocent, charting new territory into the popular spectrum by a bunch of bands not exactly ready for that sort of success. This was a pivotal year for music in general and in my opinion was that comeback Rock needed at the perfect time. As much as people needed their Nu-Metal, Pop, Rap/Hip Hop, Hard Rock, etc., those of us in the underground music scene desired something new and something different. These bands were just that and sparked a change in direction. This is my list. This is 2003. A snapshot of the greatest year in music post-new millennium. Make sure to scroll all the way to bottom for special IVM Playlist of songs from 2003. Be Strong, Believe…… Continued →
A little known independent band by the name of Blood and Water from Nor Cal splashed onto the scene towards the end of the last decade with a few indie releases (one of which can be found here) before signing with upstart new label Eden Records and releasing their label debut “In Character” in 2010. This critically acclaimed and fan adored full length has come to be accepted as one of the finer independent releases of the past decade. It’s incredible how much connects people and this band did just that. Although they didn’t tour much outside of California or top billboard charts, their music certainly won over fans like me and the impact has been felt. With captivating energy, uncompromising passion, and all around good vibes, you can’t help but be mesmerized by the music of Blood and Water. They had this certain likeable quality and a sound not easily replicated. In fact, their genre bending pull on alternative rock music was one of a kind. This music was certainly “commercial” enough to be accepted by the masses but like all good stories this one came to an abrupt halt after just this album (and song ‘Traffic’). While some people embrace the music of Talkie (featuring members of Blood and Water), I’ll forever be connected to this band and pray for a time that these guys will reunite to bless us all with an undeniable good time. Check out some of their music below and reminisce about the time you first discovered this band. Continued →
Good morning everyone and Happy New Year! Just thought i’d post a little blurb about an alarming “trend” I have seen in recent months. A few artists/bands have hooked up with some marketing firms, more like infomercial style marketing if you are looking for a definition. Anyway, I have been blasted with these ads for whatever reason on Facebook due to my young teenage demographic that I so lovingly belong to. I’m almost 40 going on almost 20, am I right? I have nothing against promoting art/music/products on social media and the web in general, I’ve done it myself for IVM and friends/labels do it for their bands all the time. What I take issue with is this infomercial style barrage of marketing where it sort of amounts to a gimmick. I am not about to attack any one artist (cough cough Manafest cough cough) or call people out for this brand of “hype” but I just wanted to gather everyone’s opinions on this. This does not amount to DIY ethics nor does it promote open and honest dialogue with fans. You can’t “buy” fans or followers on social media. You can “promote” your brand (do we call it that?) and share what you do with people who may have never heard about it but we don’t go beyond that and say “Check out IVM for $49.99 but if you act now we will DOUBLE your offer for same price of $49.99 (you pay shipping and handling). You’ve heard it all before on TV and Radio so let’s leave it out of music. See below for examples of what I’m talking about. Continued →
1. The Ongoing Concept – Places
This is how you make a rock album. Whereas Saloon can be a bit too intense and Handmade a little reserved, Places finds the sweet spot. You can check out my five star review here. Continued →
Here is a small selection of originals and covers throughout the years by some of our favorite artists.
I love “best of” lists. But I hate waiting until the end of the year for them. Hence my new monthly feature “What Did You Listen To?” Leave a comment and let me know what you listened to this month. Here are few of my favorite releases from November 2017:
Kingslynn – Into the White LightWhat Did You Listen to? Continued →
We’re proud to celebrate the (second) one-year anniversary of IVM. Take a look at some of our most-read content and share your own memories.
The Mexican deathcore band My Place Was Taken has joined the roster of Rottweiler Records. The band formed in 2014 with Guitarist Abraham Barberi and Vocalist Jesus Salas.They came together to see if they could help change the drug, alcohol and violent part of their home town, Matamoros, Mexico: the metal scene. Continued →
The extreme progressive metal band, The Beckoning have announced the new title of their upcoming re-release, their first release through their new label, Nosral Recordings. The album is a release of their EPs, Desolate and War, put together and simply titled The Desolation of War. Continued →
How many of you are fans of extreme metal bands that have solo projects totally not metal? Luke Weeks of As Earth Fades has a new project coming. But not a deathcore project. While the band is on a brief hiatus, Weeks has decided to do something in his spare time. Continued →
Symphony of Heaven and Nosral Recordings have decided to join up with us here at Indie Vision Music and reveal exclusively the artwork of Symphony of Heaven’s debut album. With re-recorded tracks from …of scars and soil… and remastered tracks, courtesy of Luke Dinan of Children of Wrath, the new album sounds like Devin Townsend and Fleshgod Apocalypse. Continued →
Hello friends. I just wanted to announce that I am hosting a special “fundraising campaign” via our Teeblaster page (Click here). I have two different tshirts designed by Joshua T Design posted for sale and a zippered hoodie. Continued →
It’s a little slow with music news the past few days so I am going to talk about Star Wars: The Last Jedi. That’s right friends, one of my favorite franchise series of films has dropped the brand new trailer to the 8th film in the Skywalker saga for “The Last Jedi”. Watch the trailer below and comment with your love (or disgust) of all things Star Wars. Personally I absolutely can’t wait till this is released on December 15th. In fact, I just bought tickets last night for IMAX 3D once the Fandango site was back up and we are officially going December 15th at 4pm!! Whoo hoo! Now I know there is a small minority of people that didn’t feel satisfied with “The Force Awakens” and I weep for your disconnection to all things good ;) These films are meant as pure entertainment and are used as tools to get your butts in theater seats. George Lucas was always about big budget action films and the connected merchandising over exposure of the Star Wars universe. Nothing has changed and these films still continue to entertain not to mention motivating most people to purchase a ticket for the full theater experience. Now about this trailer, I have a lot of questions as do many of you. So watch it and let’s discuss in the comments. Oh and check out the brand new poster, below. Continued →
Yep, the list you’ve all been waiting for (not really) is finally here. Feel free to offer up some laughs and critical remarks for the music I listened to the most 20 years ago. You’ll notice a heavy T&N presence and I just couldn’t help myself. There were a lot of albums and releases I found myself spinning back then and still getting plays today. I think that’s where this list falls in place, it’s the albums that had the longest lasting impact with me and had a catchy sound that I just couldn’t get enough of. I ride more on the commercial, melodic side of the market rather than all that arty ear splitting noise rock ;) I created a special Spotify play list that you can find near the end of the article. Some of these titles are out of print and only available in YouTube form so enjoy those unheard hits within the article. Remember kids, “some” of these releases may not have the best language so if you get queasy at the thought of dirty words from the general market (do we still use the word ‘secular’?) bands, you may want to skip those parts. So check out my faves below and don’t forget to check out “The Best of 2007” list which can be found here. Hop in your time machine and let’s get ready to party like its 1997! Continued →
Do you like heavy hitting metalcore? Well take a listen to O, House of Jacob, self proclaimed metalcore for Christ. The band released their debut EP, after forming in June 2016. The EP is titled A Parable Discourse and it also features Ryan Kirby of Fit For A King. Continued →
RIYL: Emery, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Microwave, Kids in the Way, The Classic Crime
In 2001, before anyone in the Tooth & Nail community and crowd realized, one of the most under appreciated bands formed for an 8 year existence. Far-Less put out a total of 2 EPs, 2 full lengths, and one final EP that was never released. Continued →
You’d be surprised how many bands go unnoticed.
In this new segment, we’ll take a look at a classic band and a modern band with a similar style.
Though the article was first published in late February of 2016, Rapzilla linked to it yesterday on Facebook, asking followers the same question. The response from both staff and followers has been pretty diverse and fun to read, and so, I thought it would be apt to continue the conversation here. Continued →
Glasslands is a band formed by former members of Beartooth, Icon For Hire, and Before Their Eyes. They have a hard rock sound with vocals reminiscent of bands like Spoken and Memphis May Fire. Their debut album, “Pariah” was released in September of 2016 and was met with a very positive response by critics and fans alike and features a track with a guest spot by Fit For A King’s Ryan Kirby. Continued →
2007 was definitely a strong year for music. As much as I enjoyed some of the more popular releases of the year, the lesser known albums certainly held a place in my heart. The albums listed below are a mix of independent, underground, and mostly over looked releases from the year 2007. Feel free to dissect and discuss below in the comments. Oh and I left off 2 important 2007 honorary IVM releases because that would be self-promotion am I right? Quick and the Dead “Going Home“, and “Hearts Bleed Passion Vol. 2” both released in the year 2007 on CD, toward the end of the year. All in all, a very solid year in music but then again, isn’t every year? Playlist for this list follows at end of article. Continued →
Hey friends it’s that time again, time for another “list”. Feel free to offer up your big Laugh-Out-Louds and smirks for some “hits” I found appealing 10 years ago. A lot of stuff from that year was enjoyed by me, some I am rediscovering, and others were missed opportunities. Check out my “list” below and feel free to listen to the playlist I created on Spotify for this list found in the article. Remember kids, “some” of these releases may not have the best language so if you get queasy at the thought of dirty words from general market (do we still use the word ‘secular’?) bands, you may want to skip those parts. So check out my faves below and don’t forget to check out “The Best of 1997” list coming at ya soon! Continued →
It has been years since A Hope for Home served us an album. I remember when “In Abstraction” dropped my freshman year of college. I got the email my preorder had shipped and it was the highlight of the week. Of course, that’s quickly approaching six years ago now. Continued →
The show this past Saturday night was an incredible experience. It was bittersweet in the fact that they put on a fantastic, entertaining, and emotional show while at the same time effectively ending their more than two decade career as a band. Continued →
I feel the needs to start a new feature here on IVM that spotlights different organizations that I feel are worthy of attention. I will try and make a post weekly but it may turn into a biweekly feature. Please click here to read the story behind YoungLives and our experience dealing with this deeply personal issue.
After months of bated silence, the indie super-group Lo Tom have released a debut song and launched album pre-orders. The self-titled record will be released July 14th, and it can be pre-ordered through Undertow Music. The first single, “Overboard”, is the only title that has been released from the 8-song track list. Continued →
Well it’s been awhile since I’ve wrote one of these. So I hope you all enjoy and I hope you check these amazing bands out! Go headbang!
10. Every Knee Shall Bow
Every Knee Shall Bow is a death metal band that started in 2002, with brothers Drew and DJ Wibblesman, but didn’t get going until 2008, when their two younger brothers came of age: Cole and Shane. Continued →
Punk Never Dies, no really it doesn’t. We are led to believe that the flavor of the month is heavy metalcore/djent/hardcore/etc. and we know every little “Christian” label is pushing that stuff. I do love a lot of those bands but my passion has always been on the punk rock side of things. I never understand why the punk purists were so slow to embrace the poppier side and how come no independent (or major) labels have signed bands like this in the past decade. I call it fear of the commercial sound wrecking punk cred and for that I say, who cares? Now the genre alone is filled with a lot of sub-genres and spin offs, enough to make fans scratch their heads in disbelief (really, it’s okay folks, don’t be afraid). There are the hardcore “punk” fans that trash the poppier stuff and the poppier fans that snub their nose at the tough guys. Me, I’m somewhat in the middle of it all. There is wide range of bands out there many of which play without any “Faith” ties meaning it’s “general market” stuff (yeah you know what I mean). I’ve found myself listening to a majority of those bands over the past several years and always wondered why there isn’t a variety of “Christian” artists making stuff comparable if not better than their peers. Mixing my love of independent music with the onset of the coming punk rock storm, I’ve devised a top secret plan to take over the world. Okay, not really and I’m only dreaming (wishful thinking), but really, isn’t it time for a comeback of sorts? In terms of fan appreciation, the genre never died. Much like “Ska” in the late 90’s/00’s, it didn’t die, it just went underground to be consumed by the fans who truly understood the music for what it is. As much as I appreciate the heavier music bands, there is a place and time for pop-punk/punk rock and that time is now. So what exactly am I getting at? Well the purpose of this little write up is to share with you some of the bands I enjoy that are in the independent realm playing punk rock (and all associated sub-genres), plus all those “classics”. Read more, below. Continued →