News

UnoriginalVinyl and Tooth & Nail are continuing to team up on these special limited edition Vinyl re-releases. This time it is SLICK SHOES! Today, all 3 vinyl releases go on sale and ready to ship beginning today. That’s right, “Rusty” getting the vinyl treatment for first time in over 20 years, “Burn Out” getting it’s first premiere on Vinyl, and “Wake Up Screaming”, also for the first time on Vinyl. You can buy them each individually or as a 3-pack bundle. These are limited to just around 500 copies (or less) so get yours as soon as you can or when pay day is most convenient 😉 Thanks to Jason and Unoriginal Vinyl for taking special care in re-releasing these classic titles and giving us all more band for the buck.… Continued →

Facedown Records is bringing their much loved annual festival – Facedown Fest – to Orange County, CA this time, on March 6th & 7th at the famed Chain Reaction Club in Anaheim. Club is close to all the tourist spots that Southern California has to offer so make a trip of it. Lineup is pretty awesome and features a bunch of new bands on the roster as well as some classic bands. Check out the lineup right here where you can also buy tickets. Chain Reaction is small so if you plan on going, get your tickets asap because I guarantee it’ll sell out (unless it already has).… Continued →

A worthy new band has arrived on the music scene – Left Neglect and they are garnering the kind of critical acclaim that bands years deep into their careers dream about. This band features members who have played in bands like The Merbabies, Other Desert Cities, Roadside Monument, Focused, Pedro The Lion, and Blenderhead to name a few. What comes immediately to mind on “Children”, the title track off the band’s 6 song Ep is Chris Bowden’s knack for connecting with a listener through a sonic blast of melodic, indie-leaning, sometimes off kilter rock n’ roll.… Continued →

The much loved Furnace Fest is BACK this year and bringing one heck of a STACKED lineup to please old and new fans alike. Check out some of the lineup on their website right here. The shows take place September 18th-20th in Birmingham, Alabama at the Sloss Furnaces. Something getting a massive share today is a Change.org petition to get Strongarm to reunite and plays this festival. Check out the petition here and sign your name. While I can’t personally attend this event, i’ll be there in my mind and dreams cheering it on.… Continued →

Local California based post-hardcore/indie rock band – The Beautiful Mistake, made their triumphant return in 2018 and have been fast at work on their comeback EP the past year. The band has been working with Beau Burchell (Saosin) on the new songs and gearing up to release a new single soon. I think we are in for a very pleasant surprise and this is one “reunion” comeback that you won’t want to miss out on.… Continued →

I listen to metal rather sparingly, but I love this song. When 1:10 kicks in, I feel like I’ve been transported to medieval times, and it makes me feel freaking epic. The drums sound like horses trotting while they pull their chariots, and the guitars bring to mind knights battling under a glow of flames. Rumor has it that drummer David Husvik recorded his parts without using a click track (but don’t quote me on that). While Extol’s most recent album was released in 2013, members of the band have been involved in other projects like Azusa, Fleshkiller, and Mantric.… Continued →

1. Madison Cunningham – For the Sake of the Rhyme EP 2. Joseph – Good Luck, Kid 3. Matthew Mole – Ghost 4. John Van Deusen – (I Am) Origami Pt. 3: A Catacomb Hymn 5. John Mark Pantana – Love Secrets 6. Lydia Evangeline – Twenty Four EP 7. Psallos – Jude 8. Roelant – The Narrows EP 9. Wild Earth – Era Regnum EP 10. Ruelle – Earth Glow EP Honorable mentions: Branches – All Along EP Carousel – Smoke + Mirrors Deep Valleys – Goldhaven Ecclesia – Wake Up Gold, Frankincense, & Myrrh – Oh, The Horror!… Continued →

Rock & Metal

• CHPTRS – Let the New Begin
• Colony House – Where I’m From
• Fight The Fade – Devil
• Fight The Fade – Underwater
• Gold, Frankincense, & Myrrh – I Don’t Need Your Fantasy
• Joey Gonzalez – New Days Glory
• Reverie – Create Erase
• We Are The City – RIP
• Whitsett – Guys Love Girls

Pop & CCM

• Aaron Bucks – California Vol. 3 (EP)
• The Brilliance – Suite No. 2: World Keeps Spinning
• David Dunn – Starting Now
• The Gray Havens – Instrumentals Volume 1
• Jamie Grace – Dream Big
• Jason Gray – New Song
• Jason Zeeman – Sweet Escape (EP)
• Lovkn – Holy Rain/Darkness Into Light (Acoustic)
• Rorie – Cadence
• Sidewalk Prophets – Chosen
• South of Royal – Quick Fixes
• TobyMac – 21 Years
• Tauren Wells – Famous For (I Believe) (EP)
• Tom McConnell – Between the Trees
• Tom Read – Falling

Electronic

• Daniel Baciu – Restart
• Jeremy James Whitaker – Running Back

Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• Benjamin Torrens – Lavender
• Brogan Gaskill – Appellation
• John Mark McMillan – Pilgrim
• John Tibbs – One Good Try
• Jonathan Ogden – 22:00 / 23:00 / 00:00
• Compose Endeavor – The Lie
• Serena Dalton – Sweetheart
• Thomas Austin – Spring
• Weston Skaggs – ’til I See You Again (EP)

Hip Hop & Urban

• Aha Gazelle – 180
• Bl1nd3d – Option
• Genuine – Mixed Like Me (EP)
• Jered Sanders – Doing It Wrong
• Jon Keith – Way Up
• Jordan Copas – Throwbacks 3
• Joshua Luke Smith – Taking My Time
• KJ-52 – Victory Lap
• K-Anthony – Holding on
• K-Drama – True North
• Lavon Bibb – S.O.S

… Continued →

Last October, TobyMac’s son, Truett Foster McKeehan, passed away at the age of 21. TobyMac’s latest single, “21 Years,” is a candid expression of his grieving in the midst of seeking God’s presence. The song is available now on digital outlets, and a fund has been set up in memory of Truett.… Continued →

News Source: SOHH PR Cephas released a music video this Friday for “New Day,” a song which speaks about emotional and spiritual manifestations of depression. The new song will be featured on his debut mixtape, The We Will Go Sessions, which is set to release in March on GO! Records. In Cephas’s own words, I wrote this song to encourage myself to get out of bed in the morning. The lyrics were written to help me get out of a prolonged period of traumatic depression where at times I became suicidal.… Continued →

Doom metal band Memorium (Vision of God Records) have released a new lyric video, which can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/memoriumdoom/videos/751655828689493/UzpfSTM4MjUyODIxNTE0Nzc3MjoyODA3MDEzMzg2MDMyNTY0/. The single, which features a cool take on doom–classic doom (think early Candlemass or Cathedral) mixed with death-doom (My Silent Wake, My Dying Bride)–is also being offered as a free download here: https://visionofgodrecords.bandcamp.com/album/a-new-dawn?fbclid=IwAR2UlU-R5YGgfVFwP4ey7buNjEXWO1Nw4ZylD0GdoBvNOFvsvcn17aJpSbk… Continued →

Mexico City’s Meekness have a new track out for digital download. The extreme noise genre (and all its ridiculously named subgenres: harsh noise wall, power electronics, noisecore, gorenoise, etc.) is a tough genre to get into. It’s even arguable whether it could be called music. While we won’t debate that here, suffice it to say that Meekness definitely offer something fresh and original to the genre. As impossible as it sounds they mix influences from synth-driven new wave, hip-hop beats, 80s industrial, grindcore and noise to form something entirely unique.… Continued →

IVM Turns 20 in 2020 and with that, merch needs to go. Well not entirely but it would be nice to empty some boxes and clear a path to walk. Head on over to our webstore here and pick up a cd or two for only $2. Most CDs have been dropped to $2 and others have been lowered considerably. Many of these albums especially the tapes, will not be reprinted. In fact, IVM will sell direct to stores/distros if your brand or site would like to order direct.… Continued →

Just a friendly reminder to check out the new album campaign for Craig’s Brother that is happening right now. There are only 9 days left so now is a great opportunity to jump in on the action. This campaign is being run entirely by the band, for the band. You can click this link here for the kickstarter.… Continued →

Based on a tweet that included a couple of pictures, John Reuben will be releasing Greatest Christian Rapper Ever sometime next week. According to Wikipedia, his birthday is January 14, but since the site’s content is openly editable, I don’t want to say that’s a fact and be a day off. Reuben’s last album, Reubonic, was released in 2017.… Continued →

Earlier this week, Mars ILL released their new single “Win When.” This has been a welcome surprise for hip-hop fans, as the duo’s last proper album, Pro Pain, was released in 2004. In the meantime, Manchild has been working on a solo project titled Red Bird Day. For more updates, you can follow Manchild and Dust on Twitter.… Continued →

While a specific date hasn’t yet been announced, The Glorious Unseen will be releasing their first music in about 7 years early this year on an ep titled “Make All Things New”. The ep is an independent release and it has been announced that The Glorious Unseen will be looking to play out after the ep drops. Who’s looking forward to hearing from them again?… Continued →

This past Friday, Stephen Keech released his newest album, “Moon”, which has been in the works for nearly 4 years! According to Keech, the album is inspired by the archived footage of the Apollo missions. The album features 5 tracks and is available wherever you get your music online.… Continued →

If you’re wondering what the guys from Flyleaf have been up to, wonder no more. Check out Belle and the Dragon, an alternative rock project by former Flyleaf guitarist, Sameer Bhattacharya. He is joined by Pat Seals on bass and Wuv of P.O.D. on drums. “Wrestle With the Devil” was released this past Friday and is the first single off the upcoming album, “Birthrights”, which is set to drop on 1/17/20. Check out “Wrestle With the Devil” below and share your thoughts.… Continued →

This past Friday, Of the Lion (project from Collington drummer, Nathaniel DeLeon) dropped their first single, “Indigo”. The song is immensely enjoyable and catchy. Vocally, I’m reminded a bit of The Wallflowers and Hillsong United’s Joel Houston. Musically, the verses are laid back and fairly ambient, leading into choruses that drive more and more as the song progresses. Looking for a new artist to get into this year? Of the Lion sounds very promising and I look forward to hearing what else is in store. Check them out HERE and/or at the video below.… Continued →

Here are my top 10 releases for 2019.

2019 had a number of great releases. Check out my favorites below and see what you think. Agree with any of my picks? Give a listen to the ones you are unfamiliar with, you never know, maybe you’ll find something new to listen to!   1.    Slipknot – We Are Not Your Kind. Slipknot returned with their first album in 5 years this past August and based on reactions from fans and critics alike, WANYK has cemented itself as, arguably, one of their best releases to date.… Continued →

Rock & Metal

• The Altar Billies – Union Pacific Railroad
• Before Their Eyes – Break
• Flight Deck – Never Let Go
• Moriah Formica – Champion
• World Breaker – Conduit

Pop & CCM

• Becca Bradley – Heaven Come Down (David Thulin Remix)
• Bryan Boliver – Gamechanger
• Chris Howland – Captivate
• Kelsey Cantrell – The Tide
• Matthew West – Brand New – EP
• Mōzi – Honey + Tea (Acoustic)
• Plumb – Beautifully Broken (Remixes)
• Rachel Zello – Heaven’s Song
• SoulBox – Tattoo

Electronic

• DJ Matheus Lazaretti – Thank You God

Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• Andrew Blooms – Never a Waste
• April Kane  – A Great Adventure (The Tin Man)
• AWONA – Just Breathe
• Hannah Glavor – Family Reunion (EP)
• JJ Heller – Missing Peace
• Jonathan Ogden – 19:00 / 20:00 / 21:00
• Jordan Brown – See If I Lie
• Leigh Nash – Something Worth Leaving Behind
• Of the Lion – Indigo

Hip Hop & Urban

• Aaron Ray – Lazarus
• ASAP Preach – Play That
• DJ Evon – Holy X 3 (EP)
• Edwin Botero – Sunrise
• Enmith Trejo – Jesus
• Hostyle Gospel – I Am Not the One
• Jae Young – Young Captive
• Jake James – Two
• James Gardin – Parade
• Jay Lloyd – Fasho
• Jordan Ramble – Immanuel
• Josiah Davis – 2020 / TOO LONG
• Josiah Lowe – Standard
• Josiah Williams – Love Around Me
• Justcallmedt – Retrograde
• K.

… Continued →

Here’s the thing . . . Sufjan is incredible. Whether or not you like his music, one has to acknowledge the astounding amount of talent the guy has. To me, he is the musical equivalent to the literary Tolkien. What I mean is this: somewhere in the deep recesses of their brains, the creative impetus for all those ideas already existed. For Tolkien it was a myriad of languages, races and lands–each with their own histories and storylines. For Stevens, it’s his complex musical compositions alternately cloaked in folk, electronica, and baroque hues.… Continued →

Streaming is great and all but it’s not for everyone. At least that’s the impression I got last time I wrote about albums you can download for free. So I’ve got five more free EPs that released during 2019 you can add to collection. 1. Roelant – The Narrows This 5-song EP is a contender for my best albums/EPs of 2019. Roelant first crossed my radar in 2015 with their album Music to Change the World but failed to making a lasting impression. That all changed when I heard the lead single “Wrong” from their new EP The Narrows earlier this year (check it out below).… Continued →

Rock & Metal

• Silent Planet – XX (City Grave) / Wasteland Redux
• Then It Ends – Welcome Home
• Theody – Disease

Pop & CCM

• Adam LaVerdiere – I Can’t Believe (Yet Still)
• Brooke – Me Time
• Jerry Fee – Stronger
• Megan Duke – Coming Alive

Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• The Bowery – The Bowery Live (EP)

Hip Hop & Rap

• Bizzle – Light Work: Deluxe Playlist
• Caleb McCoy – The Offseason Series
• Chxsen – Say Less
• Ilish – Won’t Back Down
• Jay Broader – 2020 Freestyle
• JSteph – Home
• J.Murph

… Continued →

Then It Ends, (the solo project of A Past Unknown’s Grant Lilly) debuted a new track today called “Welcome Home”. Preceding this, a re-release of “Despised” dropped last month (if you missed it, check it out HERE) and the song is a real monster. Grant has a full length album written and has plans  to release it track by track over the course of 2020, with another new track, “Addiction” dropping next month. Check out the new track, “Welcome Home” below and leave your thoughts!… Continued →

Rock & Metal

• Air Ralley – Getaway
• Autumnboy – Cold Brew
• Before Their Eyes – Stay
• The World Will Burn – Nothings as Real as It Seems
• 2 Minute Minor – ‘merican

Electronic

• Mamr – God

Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• Andrew Blooms – Think Of Me
• Joe Zambon – Joy (Acoustic)
• Joe Zambon – Rib to My Heart (Acoustic)
• Nate Hale – Prayer of Abandonment

Hip Hop & Urban

• Aaron Dews – IOS
• Agius – Omni
• Akil Hamilton – Good Vibes: Extended Edition
• Alcott – No Reason
• Big Yae – Young Gohan
• Busean – Shoot for the Stars
• B.

… Continued →

Long before the Christian music industry had become familiar with industrial music via the likes of Deitiphobia, Mortal or Circle of Dust, indie stalwarts Blackhouse already had 9-10 albums out. Most of them were only available as imports or through independent mailorder, and many were on secular labels. Case in point is “We Will Fight Back,” with its provocative album cover. The crucified rabbit was done by the label without artist consent, or so the story goes. Never one to be pigeonholed, Blackhouse experimented with noise, hip-hop, electronica and more, but all functioning out of the foundation of industrial.… Continued →

Our friends in Craig’s Brother are returning in 2020 with a new full length album, their first since The Insidious Lie, 8 years ago. This will be their 4th Full length record since they began with their first official national release – “Homecoming”, back in 1998. There have been many demo releases, 7″, and 2 Eps so the excitement is clearly there for them to give us another full length worth of punk rock tunes. Prepare for the head explosion emojis! Click here to contribute on Kickstarter (Phase 1) and make this dream a reality.… Continued →