News
November 22, 2021
Aggressive Change is another rarity that I came across in my unending search for Christian rock/metal. Finally shelled out the bucks to buy a copy from Amazon & seems to be a hardcore/metalcore band in the early stages of hardcore. The CD released on Ole Crow Records which also put out an early hxc cd I used to have: Lantern from XDisciplexAD. The Lyrics seem to be out submitting to YHWH. Anyways, hope you like it!
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November 20, 2021
Song of the Day: GFM - Smile
Gold Frankincense & Myrrh (stylized as GFM) is a metal band comprised of 3 sisters. With so much talent for being so young, this band has a great future & have put out so much music in so little time. This review is also in reference to my friend Blake who runs Reanimated Radio who likes this band as much as I do! This SOTD was hard to choose from my other fave Graveyard of Identities, but is because of its lyrical content.
S-M-I-L-E why don’t you smile for me
S-M-I-L-E now follow me
Go
What makes you think
You know what’s going on in my mind
What gives you the right
To think you can call this my bad side
How can you care if you don’t know the truth
Do you think everyone should be like you
Don’t make me wrong, don’t make me right
If I don’t wanna, I don’t wanna smile
Doesn’t mean that I’m not happy
Doesn’t mean that I’m half dead
Doesn’t mean that I’ve got issues swimming in my head
You don’t know the way I’m feeling or the way I live my life
Don’t tell me to, don’t tell me to smile
The look on my face
I’ve become your latest obsession
It’s safe to say
I think you’ve got the wrong impression
Okay, okay everyone settle down
Boys and girls are you ready
LuLu are you ready
I know I’m ready
Maggie are you ready, Maggie
Yeah
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November 19, 2021
Craig's Brother - All The Way (Brand New Song)
Craig’s Brother are back yet again with a brand new jaw dropping, hot track – “All The Way”, out now through all digital networks. This is the perfect representation for the Craig’s Brother song and a much welcomed song in their diverse catalog of music dating back over 20 years now. The backing vocals will give you chills. Check out “All The Way” below and be sure to support the band on socials by hyping the song and sharing the links. This is the 2nd song put out by People of Punk Rock Records and will be featured on their upcoming full length due out sometime in 2022 through that label!… Continued →
Song of the Day: The November Commandment - High
It’s time for some industrial! But not the guitar-heavy metallic brand. The November Commandment (or often Nov*Com) were doing EBM/electro before it was trendy–or even before it was called that. Hailing from Sweden, the band emerged with an independent cassette in 1988 called Complete Structure. The tape featured a minimalist sound driven by synthesizers, not too unlike Coil and some of Wire’s more experimental material. They released another cassette in 1991, this time a 5-song EP. The band made their appearance in the consciousness of American fans via the fantastic SLAVA compilation, Voice of the People, co-released through Blonde Vinyl Records.… Continued →
November 18, 2021
Namesake Release Absolutely Incredible New Full Length Album
The melodic punk act “Namesake” which was originally from Arizona just came back out of retirement to release their first official record. Say what? Well this band existed from the late 90’s to early 00’s, playing along side some of the best early bands of our music scene and doing a few spot dates on west coast. The band released some demos and even was included on “I’m Your Biggest Fan Vol. 2“, that infamous Tooth & Nail Records compilation that dropped almost 20 years ago (2002).… Continued →
Marc Martel (Feat. Leigh Nash) - Welcome To Our World
A new Christmas song titled “Welcome To Our World” by the very talented Marc Martel and featuring Leigh Nash of the legendary pop-rock outfit, Sixpence None The Richer, is here and can be listened to below this message. Marc just dropped his new Christmas record titled “Hark!” through all digital networks and streaming sites.… Continued →
Skillet - Standing In The Storm (Official Lyric Video)
Skillet in case you haven’t heard are releasing their brand new full length record on January 14th 2022 and have just released their 2nd single off the album. The song is titled “Standing in The Storm” and will appear on the band’s new album “Dominion”, which will be out in January 2022. Check out the lyric video below and pick up some merch right here.… Continued →
6'10 Release Music Video for "The Road"
6’10 which is the acoustic side project of Tobin Bawinkel of Flatfoot 56 fame just dropped their brand new music video for the incredible song, “The Road”. Watch the music video below. The song appears on the band’s album “Carried in Retrospect” which is out now. Buy the album on Vinyl and other merch right here.… Continued →
Diamonds to Dust Are a Band To Watch
A band that seems to be garnering a lot of interest called “Diamonds to Dust“, dropped an EP titled “Decisions” earlier this year and are one we’d like to alert readers to. Check out this most recent song titled “Adventure Time”. It is extremely heavy and sure to get heads banging, and skulls cracking. Check it out below. Find out more info and where to stream/download this ep, right here.… Continued →
November 17, 2021
MxPx Get Back in the Game With 2 Upcoming Shows in 2022 Plus a New Live Album
MxPx just announced two shows in April 2022, one at House of Blues in Anaheim, CA. on April 1st and the other in Tempe, Arizona at Marquee Theater. Joining them will be Zebrahead, Bad Cop, Bad Cop, and Mercy Music. Tickets and further info can be found right here. Also, the band just dropped a new LIVE album titled “Southbound to San Antonio” that sounds absolutely fantastic, even better than their last big one. The live album is up now on all digital networks and streaming sites.… Continued →
Silent Planet - Panopticon (Official Music Video)
Silent Planet just released their new album titled “Iridescent” and you can watch the music video for the new song “Panopticon”, below. Thoughts on this new Silent Planet record? You can buy merch from the band right here or at Solid State Records here. (Vinyl seems to be sold out though)… Continued →
Wolves At The Gate Drop Juicy News Nuggets
Wolves At The Gate not only announced their new album, “Eulogies”, which is out March 11th, but also a new Christmas themed song titled “Lowborn”. “Lowborn” is out now on all digital networks and streaming sites. The song is not what you’d expect a “Christmas” song to sound like. No Folk, No Somber Acoustic retelling of classics, this is HEAVY stuff both musically and lyrically! Take a listen to LOWBORN, below. You can pre-order the band’s new full length right here in several different options.… Continued →
Song of the Day: Galactic Cowboys - The Struggle
Galactic Cowboys, along with King’s X & Atomic Opera, are bands that should have gone mainstream, but were unable to do so more than they did. GC is one of the best 90s bands imho & have so many great ones. Chose this one as has some great lyrics that mean a lot to me & I can also play the bass line & drums to it. Few of the members are Facebook friends & I see several people bring up this band in groups that I am in.… Continued →
November 16, 2021
Spoken in Tongues Release "Ghosts" Ep
A really great newer indie rock band by the name of Spoken in Tongues have just dropped their brand new Covers ep titled “Ghosts” through bandcamp/digital networks. You can download the EP right here at Bandcamp. Spoken in Tongues are an impressive indie band rooted in everything from 80’s new wave, and 90’s underground indie music with post hardcore tendencies. It’s a diverse set of sounds and if you know the players on this release, you’ll understand instantly just why it is that they stand apart from the rest.… Continued →
Red Weather Release Nostalgia Driven Gem of an Album
Virginia Beach, VA. based Indie/Emo Rock band – Red Weather, just put out a real quality album by the name of “Wish You Well”, that was released last Friday. The album is that sort of melodic roller coaster ride full of emotions, feelings, ambition, and that unmistakable sense of nostalgia pulling it all together. You think you know the genre, well think again. Let Red Weather breathe new life into past sounds and hear them play with energy, passion, and a zest for life.… Continued →
November 15, 2021
Song of the Day: Luti-Kriss - Patiently Philadelphia
Luti-Kriss is the first incarnation of Norma Jean, a metalcore band that I think I have seen more than any other artist live. This band is what first got me into Christian heavy music for their open profession of Jesus. The vocalist (Josh Scoggins) at the time eventually went on to start The Chariot, which was another great band to see live, & ’68. They were on tour with Living Sacrifice & Dead Poetic if my memory serves me correctly at the time & Josh was hanging from the rafters from the venue.… Continued →
November 14, 2021
New Music: November 12, 2021
Rock & Metal
- Bloodlines – Hevel (EP)
- Jasper Wilderness – Coming Home to Silence (EP)
- Silent Planet – Iridescent
- Chris Renzema – HOPE OR NOSTALGIA LIVE
- Jack Frazier – Choose Love (EP)
- Noralyn – Slow Thinker
- Rachel Jane – You & Me (EP)
- Stillman – Field Notes (Page 2) (EP)
- Taylor Armstrong – Moonflower
- Chris Howland – Just The Beats, Vol. 2 (EP)
- God’s Warrior – I Trust You
- LZ7 – Back In Time (Remix Pack) (EP)
- Ayomilly – I’M DOING WELL: The Collection
- GLO – Down Not Out
- Hezekiyah – The times
- Hunterdrinkswater – BLAST
- Joseph Goulding – The Shallow End
- Matthew Campbell – FROM DEATH TO LIFE
- Brave Worship – Songs From The Barn (EP)
- catch the fire music – Matchless (EP)
- Central Church – Light and Lament, Vol.
November 13, 2021
Presenting: Small Step Records - A New Pop-Punk, Indie, Emo, Easycore, Ska, Label
I’m proud to introduce the IVM community to a new DIY label called “Small Step Records“, run by some great friends of mine. They will be releasing the brand new Homeplate EP soon which will undoubtedly smash expectations and garner new fans across the globe. The band Grandpa Loves Rhinos has also joined the ranks. This is a new endeavor and you will be hearing a lot more from Small Step in the weeks, and months to come. [website]
Small Step Records is a new DIY label born out of a network of independent artists, working together to maximize efforts, encourage one another, and expand the collective reach to a niche audience.… Continued →
Windvent Release Captivating New Video
Independent post-hardcore band named “Windvent“, just dropped a captivating new music video for their beautiful new song, “Reveal”. If you haven’t connected yourself with this band just yet, don’t wait one second longer…click here. Video and Bandcamp embed can be found below.… Continued →
Craig's Brother to Release Another New Song This Friday
Craig’s Brother are on a roll with their new music. The band released “Fakebook” 2 weeks ago and are back yet again with “All The Way”, which drops this Friday 11/19 through People of Punk Rock. Pre-save right here. Support the brother this upcoming holiday/Christmas season and look good doing it by purchasing their merch right here.… Continued →
Song of the Day: Zerbin - New Earth
Zerbin is an indie Canadian rock band. The 2 band members are Jason Zerbin (hence the name) & Peter Moi. This SOTD is very catchy so hope you like it.
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November 12, 2021
Song of the Day: Gidians Bible - The Dream
For our Song of the Day this time, let’s dig deep. While I often get stuck in the 90s (admittedly a great era for faith-based musical excursions), let’s not forget that Christian rock goes back *at least* to the 1960s (or arguably earlier if we include Sister Rosetta Tharpe).
Not a lot is known about Gidians Bible (sic.), but what is known is fairly significant. Take a closer look at the band photo, particularly the vocalist on the far right. That’s then-future Petra vocalist Greg Volz.… Continued →
November 10, 2021
Ronnie Martin - From the Womb of the Morning, The Dew of Your Youth Will Be Yours
Ronnie Martin known for his work in Joy Electric, Ronald of Orange, Brothers Martin, Dance House Children, and more, is here with his new solo song (under his own name) titled “From The Womb Of The Morning, The Dew of Your Youth Will Be Yours”. That is one heck of a mouthful of words to belt out but it’s truly a great song. Check out the track below and download or stream on your network of choice including Bandcamp here via his label home, Velvet Blue Music.… Continued →
November 8, 2021
Song of the Day: The Agony Scene - We Bury Our Dead At Dawn
The Agony Scene is friggin’ heavy. I remember it seemd this band & AILD came out at roughly the same time. I loved this debut & not As IU Lay Dying better as the song quality was tons better. Plus I was into the goth & metal scene & fishnets &Â eyeliner & Hot Topic & all that. Crowd surfed at Norma Jean shows & hung out with Zao & Stretch Armstrong at New Brookland Tavern in Columbia, SC. Well this song is a killer tune, but also check out the debut as there isn’t a dud on it.… Continued →
November 7, 2021
New Music: November 5, 2021
Rock & Metal
Pop & CCM
- Empty Isles – hard to cope (EP)
- Hollyn – Holy Rebellion
- Mirours – Gilded Paradise
- Carolyn Arends – Recognition
- Mark Barlow – Hymns & Soul
- Natalie Bergman – Keep Those Teardrops from Falling (EP)
- Zach Winters – Other Side (B) (EP)
- Chrys Jones – Note To Self
- Dontae – Trinity Volume 2 “Chose 2 MOB” (EP)
- Joey Maze – THE DETOUR (EP)
- JunSix – The Hofstadter Tapes
- Kieran the Light – Kieran’s Playlist 3 (EP)
- Konata Small, S.O.
November 6, 2021
Song of the Day: Grand Prize - It's Not Over
Grand Prize hailed from the Calvary Chapel location in Idaho. They eventually changed their name to Esterlyn & do a more AC/worshipful vibe. This SOTD has a special meaning to me & is a lot of what I personally struggle with. : You say that you love Him with your life But your going your own way You need to let Him have your rights  Let Him take control of your life.”
So come on over feel His Grace shining bright
It’s not over you still need to fight
You say that it can’t be done
You just can’t live what’s right
Well that’s not right
He will heal you tonight
You say that you love Him with your life
But your going your own way
You need to let Him have your rights
Let Him take control of your life
He’ll set you free, Tonight, yea yea tonight
Some come on over let His love draw you near
It’s not over He wipe away every tear
You say that it can’t be done
You just can’t live what’s right
Well that’s not right
He will heal you tonight
Oh how He loves You- How He longs to forgive You
Won’t you let Him take your hand
Won’t you let Him show you His Plan
He will change you, He will change you, He will change you
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November 5, 2021
Song of the Day: scaterd-few - U
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Sin Disease is one of the greatest albums ever to emerge from our scene. Romald Domkus (born Allan Aguirre) and company unleashed a wonderfully chaotic debut album, with production from Terry Taylor (DA/Daniel Amos/Swirling Eddies/Lost Dogs) that set CCM on its head!
Think I’m overstating things? Not possible. Here’s why: have you ever tried to pigeonhole the album, or this band, into a single genre? Good luck. Take equal parts hardcore punk, reggae, goth, glam rock, and heavy metal, and then top the whole thing off with a weird experimental noise track lasting over 7 minutes long.… Continued →
November 3, 2021
Song of the Day: Fono - Collide
Fono was an awesome band that had a really outstanding debut, but seemed to fail into obscurity shortly thereafter a follow-up. They originally came from the United Kingdom under the name Seven, but moved to California for their American tenure. Their vocalist actually played in other bands I have releases from called Split Level & Tribe of Dan. They actually opened for Bon Jovi before changing their name to Fono. Goesaroundcomesaround is a great release and there are no duds on it.
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November 2, 2021
ZAHNA - I'm Sorry (Official Music Video)
ZAHNA just released her explosive new song “I’m Sorry” in music video form which you can view below. It’s really cool. This new stuff is seriously good.… Continued →
Nate Parrish Drops Remix Version of "Religion of Relevance"
I’m not always the biggest fan of electronic based REMIX tracks but this one by Nate Parrish really shines bright. It is done every bit as professional as anything found on modern day radio. If you didn’t think punk and electronic DJ related music could coexist, just listen to this and let your head spin. Nate Parrish is one of my favorite punk and solo artists. His music hits me in the gut in all the right ways and this new music is certainly no exception.… Continued →