Review: Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol – Doom Wop

As soon as you hear the opening riffs of Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol‘s Doom-Wop on the first track, “Shoo In,” you know you’re in for a wild ride. The heavy thump of the fuzzed bass, Sean St. Germain‘s crashing cymbals, the crunchy guitars, and the slightly post-punk vocals all combine for a crazy party mix.

The vocals on “Fly Super Glide” are almost frantic cries for love. “Chew” chews up the room with bass that growls like a hungry lion and angry vocals of telling a lover to pound sound – and that’s mildly putting it. Leo Lydon‘s eight-string guitar work on the title track chugs along like a steam engine one moment, and then tears down the road like a Hemi ‘Cuda the next. “Just ’cause you feel, doesn’t mean that you’re not the heel,” they sing / wail on “Heel” – a song about realizing you’re not the one screwing up a relationship, the other person is.

“The Room” has this heavy grind to it that reminds me of a thunderstorm rolling in from over a mountain. “I’m the Fuckin’ Man” slaps party-bros across their smug faces with Aaron Metzdorf‘s sledgehammer bass. “Jesus Was an Alien” is a funny, fuzzy cut about, I think conspiracy theorists and / or religious fanatics. “The Bog” brings their love of 1970s garage rock to the forefront, and then slaps a thick layer of doom upon it.

The album has just nine tracks, but it packs enough wallop for eighteen. Give it a spin and get rockin’!

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Rattlesnake Venom Trip takes us to a “Dead Empire” on their shredding new single.

Rattlesnake Venom Trip premieres “Dead Empire” video today at Metal Injection.  The song and debut album were recorded by Micah Carli of Hawthorne Heights and mixed by Adam Dutkiewicz of Killswitch Engage.

Kevin Schindel, vocalist and guitarist for RVT shares Dead Empire is about getting older and seeing that life has passed you by. Pouring all your time and effort into your work and realizing you don’t have anything to show for it at the end. The video is capturing you looking back at yourself with heavy judgment and wishing to change your outcome. If only you could warn yourself somehow.”    

The song is catchy as much as it is windmilling worthy, and comes alongside a music video directed by Kyle Moore.” – Greg Kennelty, Metal Injection

 Watch “Dead Empire”at Metal Injection here:

Based out of Dayton, Ohio, the band formed in September of 2019. Rattlesnake Venom Trip is a heavy rock/metal band with a lot of variety, saluting to classic bands like early Metallica, Black Sabbath, Alice in Chains, to more modern bands like Queens of the Stone Age, Mastodon, and Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats. RVT‘s collective love of classic rock, heavy metal, and psychedelic music has helped craft a compilation of songs with a wide array of musical dynamics. With each track the band ventures into new territory, creating a unique landscape for listeners to explore.

Although Rattlesnake Venom Trip is a new band, its members are certainly not strangers to the road, the stage, or the recording studio. They each have a long history of playing in bands and releasing music over the years. Featuring members of the metalcore act Twelve Tribes, post metal outfit Mouth of the Architect, and stoner rock band Neon Warship, the band plans on continuing from where their previous projects left off and making their own mark in time. “We cannot wait to see where this new music takes us”, shares RVT.

Full length album Dead Empire is coming to streaming services on October 19, 2022!

Recorded at Popside Studio with Micah Carli of Hawthorne Heights

Mixed at Wicked Good Productions by Adam Dutkiewicz of Killswitch Engage

Mastered at Sterling Sound by Ted Jensen.

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Review: Motörhead – Iron Fist (40th anniversary edition)

Forty years after its release Motörhead classic Iron Fist album is given a stunning reissue that includes enough bonus tracks for two full albums.

The album sounds harder than ever with the new remastering. The title track opens the record with furious drumming from Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, and the album rarely, if ever, lets up. “Heart of Stone” is just as angry as it’s always been, as is the raw “Go to Hell” – a song you’ll want to send to your boss at that job you hate as you walk out the door. “Speedfreak” sums up Motörhead’s lifestyle, really.

After the send-off of “Bang to Rights,” we’re treated to six demo tracks from 1981: “Remember Me, I’m Gone,” “The Doctor,” “Young & Crazy,” “Loser,” “Iron Fist,” and “Go to Hell.” Seven more bonus tracks follow on the CD and digital versions of the album: The wonderfully grungy “Lemmy Goes to the Pub,” “Same Old Song, I’m Gone,” a crushing alternate version of “(Don’t Let ’em) Grind Ya Down,” “Shut It Down,” and three instrumentals – “Sponge Cake,” “Ripsaw Teardown,” and a barely recognizable cover of the “Peter Gunn” theme.

As if all this wasn’t enough, there’s also a previously unreleased live album recorded at the Apollo in Glasgow, Scotland on March 18, 1982. It’s a stunning, fuzzy, eardrum-blasting recording that opens with a version of “Iron Fist” that sounds like they’re playing it while the Apollo is on fire. Lemmy Kilmister barely takes a breath until they get to “The Hammer” and he encourages the Glasgow crowd to shout throughout it.

The live version of “White Line Fever” sounds like getting punched in the face by an ogre – multiple times. Kilmister’s raspy growl on “Go to Hell” is the match and Fast Eddie Clarke‘s guitar is the gasoline on the track. Kilmister chastises Glasgow again before “(We Are) The Road Crew,” saying their cheering is so lame that they “sound like Leo Sayer,” which only gets the Scots to go crazier. Of course, this live version of “Ace of Spades” is liable to set fire to your face. They close the main set with venue-shattering versions of “Overkill,” “Bomber,” and “Motörhead.”

It’s a stunning reissue of an already stunning record. Don’t miss this if you’re a fan of Motörhead of NWOBHM.

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Mac Sabbath announces big fall U.S. tour.

7 Song Vinyl Debut Full Length Album Out Now!

Available at http://www.macsabbath.bigcartel.com

&

https://www.officialmacsabbath.com

The waiting is over! I mean When it comes to “drive-thru metal”, who needs waiters!?! With our debut album release we are about to “pop-up” all over the states for the first time in years! So head over for a triple decker helping of the cheese you need! on sale now!” – Ronald Osbourne

MAC SABBATH will return to the road this Fall to bring America another heaping helping of unhealthy – but irresistible – Drive-Thru Metal on the 2022 Pop-Up-Drive-Thru Tour, featuring special guests Speedealer, southern rock heavier and faster then anything this side of Motorhead and shoulders, and Lung, the electric cello and drums female duo, kicking off one heck of a party feast for the senses! A food fight to the death!

MAC SABBATH will be popping up all over the States – just like in our debut release,” says the band’s perplexing clown faced frontman Ronald Osbourne“Confusing the USA one more time!”

MAC SABBATH on tour:

09/27/22 Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA – with Speedealer and Lung – All Ages

09/28/22 Goldfield Trading – Sacramento, CA – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

09/30/22 Dante’s – Portland, OR – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

10/01/22 El Corazón – Seattle, WA – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

10/04/22 Urban Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

10/06/22 WAVE – Wichita, KS – with Speedealer and Lung – All Ages

10/07/22 Knuckleheads – Kansas City, MO – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

10/08/22 Wooly’s – Des Moines, IA – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

10/09/22 Fine Line – Minneapolis, MN – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

10/11/22 Shank Hall – Milwaukee, WI – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

10/12/22 Afterlife Music Hall – Lombard, IL – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

10/13/22 Red Flag St. – Louis, MO – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

10/14/22 Elevation – Grand Rapids, MI – with Speedealer and Lung – All Ages

10/15/22 Magic Bag – Ferndale, MI – with Speedealer and Lung – 18+

10/18/22 HI-FI Indy & HI-FI Annex – Indianapolis, IN – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

10/19/22 Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH – with Speedealer and Lung – All Ages

10/20/22 The Crafthouse Stage & Grill – Pittsburgh, PA – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

10/21/22 Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

10/23/22 Wall Street Theater – Norwalk, CT – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

10/26/22 The Foundry – Philadelphia, PA – with Speedealer and Lung – All Ages

10/27/22 Black Cat – Washington, DC – with Speedealer and Lung – All Ages

10/28/22 Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center – Harrisburg, PA – with Speedealer and Lung – All Ages

10/29/22 The Underground – Charlotte, NC – with Speedealer and Lung -All Ages

10/31/22 The Grey Eagle Asheville, NC – with Speedealer and Lung – All Ages

11/01/22 EXIT/IN – Nashville, TN – with Speedealer and Lung – 18+

11/03/22 The Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

11/04/22 42nd Street Tavern/Reggies – Wilmington, NC – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

11/05/22 Jack Rabbits Live – Jacksonville, FL – with Speedealer and Lung – All Ages

11/06/22 Tuffy’s Bottle Shop/Lounge/Music Box – Sanford, FL with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

11/08/22 Lafayette’s Music Room – Memphis, TN – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

11/09/22 Chelsea’s Cafe – Baton Rouge, LA – with Speedealer and Lung – 18+

11/10/22 Zony Mash Beer Project – New Orleans, LA – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

11/11/22 Come and Take It Live Austin, TX – with Speedealer and Lung – All Ages

11/12/22 Trees – Dallas, TX – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

11/14/22 Paper Tiger – San Antonio, TX – with Speedealer and Lung – 21+

11/15/22 RockHouse Bar & Grill – El Paso, TX – with Speedealer and Lung – All Ages

11/16/22 Meow Wolf – Santa Fe, NM – with Lung – 21+

11/18/22 Marquis Theater – Denver, CO – with Speedealer and Lung – All Ages

11/19/22 Mesa Theater – Grand Junction, CO – with Speedealer and Lung – All Ages

12/16/22 Vinnie’s Bar & Grill with TBA – Concord, CA – 21+

12/17/22 The Catalyst with TBA – Santa Cruz, CA 16+

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[Thanks to Maria at Adrenaline PR.]

The long-lost “Iron Fist” Motörhead album trailer has been unearthed!

LONG LOST FILM RESTORED & RELEASED 

FEATURING UNHEARD, INSTRUMENTAL DEMO 

‘RIPSAW TEARDOWN’

WATCH HERE

SPECIAL 40th ANNIVERSARY EDITIONS OF

 IRON FIST

TO BE RELEASED ON 23rd SEPT 2022

PREORDERS & EXCLUSIVE MERCH BUNDLES HERE https://motorhead.lnk.to/ironfist40thPR

Once upon a time the loudest, nastiest, speed-freaked trio in the land – the mighty Motörhead – decided that they needed an intro-film to come on stage to, so they could tour their brand-new album Iron FistNot for them some gentle promo video, for this was Motörhead in 1982 comprising the seminal three amigos line-up of Lemmy, Fast Eddie Clarke and Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor.

What they produced has been buried in the mists of time, confined to dodgy bootleg VHS’s, but it’s a gory, brutal, hilariously OTT short movie directed by Nick Mead where knights are murdered and maidens are in distress. Shot in a Hertfordshire forest it features a medieval, battle-hardened band stomping around a darkened forest, fuelled by vodka and brandishing weapons, wearing horned helmets and looking fierce whilst punching the air with their Iron Fist!

Imagine a recklessly non-health-and-safety, amphetamine-nightmare, super low budget take on Monty Python and the Holy Grail and you’re halfway there.

And now, in honour of the 40th Anniversary of the album that inspired this piece of cinematic pastiche, the Iron Fist trailer has been re-discovered, digitised and officially released for the world’s viewing pleasure. Originally cut to Gustav Holst’s ominous ‘Mars, Bringer Of War’, it now features the previously unreleased instrumental demo ‘Ripsaw Teardown’ as its audio soundbed. It’s really quite something, and sets up the forthcoming release of the Iron Fist 40th Anniversary editions

Whilst the album was rudely dismissed by critics on release, it now reveals itself as a vital snapshot of the band at a crucial period. It followed the consecutive triumphs of Ace Of Spades and No Sleep Til Hammersmith, when the three-piece found themselves caught in the tornado of success, but in true Motörhead style, they careered into their next phase at such velocity it transcended logic or reason to become this trio’s final kamikaze joyride.

Forty years later, Iron Fist sounds like prime Motörhead with the gloves and seat-belts off. For sheer velocity, it could be fastest, most out-of-control of all their releases. To celebrate the anniversary it is being presented in new deluxe editions. There will be hardback book-packs in two CD and triple LP formats, featuring a hammer fist blow, remaster of the original album, previously unreleased demo bonus tracks and a full concert, originally broadcast on Radio Clyde from 18thMarch 1982. Plus the story of the album and many previously unseen photos. There’s also a limited edition, blue and black swirl of the original standalone album.

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[Thanks to Maria at Adrenaline PR.]

babychaos signs to Cleopatra Records and releases new single – “Babylon.”

Photo by @loveandothertales_

babychaos is the creation of 21-year-old model Lyzzie Larosa. Using influence from industrial, metal, rock, pop and club music, she hypnotizes with her words on her personal experiences and the world she creates through her music and expression. Born and raised in witch city Salem, Massachusetts, babychaos has now arrived.

Los Angeles-based independent record label Cleopatra and babychaos have now joined forces to present the creation and video for “Babylon”.

babychaos is learning to dance her way through the dark model and musician babychaos has released her fifth single ‘Babylon’, and the video has just arrived to the party.

Watch “Babylon” here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzIUnWTXxZE

 “Post-apocalyptic Bratz doll from hell,” babychaos has carved out a unique space in music, which she dubs ‘industrial pop. ‘Combining the harsh electronic tones and distorted guitar of industrial metal with a vocal and songwriting sensibility that aims for big pop hooks, babychaos’s newest single ‘Babylon’ is her most accomplished musical statement to date. Check it out we are very excited to her what y’all think! She’s definitely an icon.”  – Ken Tighe, Cleopatra Records

“‘Babylon’ is about the inevitable vilification of people living their authentic truth. I’ve found that no matter what, people will project their inner wounds and fears into others no matter how morally good you may think you are. My mom told me growing up that people are going to talk no matter what, so you may as well give them something to talk about. This is exactly what that song is about as it’s been such a prominent theme in my life. Learning to dance in your darkness, even at your loneliest is something that no one can take from you.” – babychaos

When it comes to 21-year-old babychaos, the alternative model turned solo musician is anything but predictable. With a multi-range of influences that extend from industrial, rock, classical, and club music genres to nostalgic 90s and 2000s rock/metal soundscapes, babychaos delivers an intense, heavy, electronic, eclectic experience that is refreshing to the music scene. babychaos is no stranger to being confident in her skin. Her journey of breaking away from spiritual ties and turning that religious repression into art is one of many undisguised lyrical subjects the multi-genre artist touches on within her music. While babychaos is just getting started in the music industry, she hopes to use her stories to connect with others. With the Salem/Florida-based artist’s first 2021 single,  “Flesh”, approaching over 1 million streams and currently working on her first EP with Cleopatra Records, the future looksbright for the up-and-coming artist.

“I’ve built a community of my listeners who are simply visionaries, and I love how they

use my music and art in general to fuel their own visions and creative endeavors.”   – babychaos

“Babylon” was produced by: Goodjohn Productions and mixed/mastered at Wolfe Studios. The “Babylon” video was shot by 4102 productions.

babychaos online:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/itsbabychaos 

Twitter: babychaos (@itsbabychaos) / Twitter

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdjxBo6L/

YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/c/BABYCHAOSOFFICIAL333

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[Thanks to Maria at Adrenaline PR.]

40th anniversary edition of Motörhead’s “Iron Fist” album due this September.

WATCH A NEW VIDEO FOR A PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED, DEMO VERSION OF ‘IRON FIST’ PLUS PREORDERS & EXCLUSIVE MERCH BUNDLES HERE –

https://motorhead.lnk.to/IronFist40thPR

The time-honoured phrase “Follow that!” rang with deafening resonance when Motörhead were faced with having to follow a rock milestone (Ace Of Spades), a number one album (No Sleep Till Hammersmith) and their bomber – the most spectacular stage prop rock had ever seen. As last shout from the three amigos line-up of LemmyFast Eddie Clarke and Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ TaylorIron Fist was rudely dismissed by some ignorant loud mouth hap’orths as being ‘less’, and has always suffered slightly from that initial idiotic disdain. We’re here to finally correct that nonsense, as Iron Fist reveals itself as a vital snapshot of the band at a crucial period when they found themselves caught in the tornado ignited by success and, in true Motörhead style, careered into their next phase at such velocity it transcended logic or reason to become this trio’s final kamikaze joyride. Forty years later, Iron Fist sounds like prime Motörhead with the gloves and seat-belts off. For sheer velocity, it could be fastest, most out-of-control of them all. If you know, you know, and if you don’t enjoy the gloriously wreckless education that is Iron Fist!

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of this seminal cannon in the Motörhead armoury, it is being presented in new deluxe editions. There will be hardback book-packs in two CD and triple LP formats, featuring a hammer fist blow, remaster of the original album, previously unreleased demo bonus tracks and a full concert, originally broadcast on Radio Clyde from 18th March 1982. Plus the story of the album and many previously unseen photos. There’s also a limited edition, blue and black swirl of the original standalone album.

See below for full details of the Iron Fist releases and be sure to visit www.iMotorhead.com for news and updates!

LP AND CD TRACKLISTING

Original Iron Fist album

Iron Fist

Heart of Stone

I’m the Doctor

Go to Hell

Loser

Sex and Outrage

America

Shut It Down

Speedfreak

(Don’t Need) Religion

Bang to Rights

Jackson’s Studio Demos October 1981

Remember Me, I’m Gone

The Doctor

Young & Crazy

Loser

Iron Fist

Go To Hell

CD & Digital Bonus Tracks

Lemmy Goes to the Pub

Some Old Song, I’m Gone

(Don’t Let ‘Em) Grind Ya Down (Alternate Version)

Shut It Down

Sponge Cake (Instrumental)

Ripsaw Teardown (Instrumental)

Peter Gunn (Instrumental)

Live at Glasgow Apollo 18/3/82

(Previously unreleased)

Iron First

Heart of Stone

Shoot You In The Back

The Hammer

Loser

Jailbait

America

White Line

(Don’t Need) Religion

Go to Hell

Capricorn

(Don’t Let ‘Em) Grind Ya Down

(We Are The) Road Crew

Ace of Spades

Bite The Bullet

The Chase Is Better Than the Catch

Overkill

Bomber

Motörhead

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[Thanks to Maria at Adrenaline PR.]

Chat Pile reminds us that we’re all dong a “Wicked Puppet Dance” on their new single.

Photo by Bayley Hanes

There’s a sick irony to how a country that extols rhetoric of individual freedom, in the same gasp, has no problem commodifying human life as if it were meat to feed the insatiable hunger of capitalism. If this is American nihilism taken to its absolute zenith, then God’s Countrythe first full length record from Oklahoma City noise rock quartet Chat Pile is the aural embodiment of such a concept.

Having lived alongside the heaps of toxic refuse that the band derives its name from, the fatalism of daily life in the American Midwest permeates throughout the works of Chat Pile, and especially so on God’s CountryExasperated by the pandemic, the hopelessness of climate change, the cattle shoot of global capitalism, and fueled by “…lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of THC,” God’s Country is as much of an acknowledgement of the Earth’s most assured demise as it is a snarling violent act of defiance against it. Within its over 40 minute runtime, God’s Country displays both Chat Pile’s most aggressively unhinged and contemplatively nuanced moments to date, drawing from its preceding two EPs and its score for the 2021 film, Tenkiller. In the band’s own words, the album is, at its heart, “Oklahoma’s specific brand of misery.” A misery intent on taking all down with it and its cacophonous chaos on its own terms as opposed to idly accepting its otherwise assured fall. This is what the end of the world sounds like. 

Watch (+ share) the music video for “Wicked Puppet Dance” on YouTube

In just a couple of years, Chat Pile have made nothing short of a profound impression on the underground music discourse. Formed in the spring of 2019 by Raygun Busch (vocals), Luther Manhole (Guitar), Stin (Bass), and Captain Ron (Drums), the noise-rock quartet would release two EPs that same year, titled This Dungeon Earth and Remove Your Skin Please. Spurred on by both a hearty run of live performances and a swiftly growing online fanbase, Chat Pile became a staple name among its genre contemporaries thanks to its hellish synthesis of noise rock, sludge, industrial, and mid 90’s nu-metal. In 2020, the band would sign with San Francisco underground music label, The Flenser, to put out its upcoming full length debut. That following year, Chat Pile kept its roll going, with accolades including composing the score for the indie film, Tenkiller, as well as releasing a 7” split with portrayal of guilt in the summer. 

Now, the world braces itself for the release of Chat Pile‘s Flenser debut God’s Country on July 29th.  The album is available for pre-order here and Chat Pile will play select shows this summer and fall.

Chat Pile, live:

July 29 Oklahoma City, OK @ The Sanctuary (Records Release Show)

July 30 Austin, TX @ Chess Club

September 15  Oklahoma City, OK @ The Sanctuary

October 21  Brooklyn, NY @ St. Vitus *

October 24  Brooklyn, NY @ St. Vitus *

*w/ Scarcity

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[Thanks to Stephanie at Indie Publicity.]

Johnny Kelly and Dan Lorenzo have become Patriarchs in Black.

Brooklyn native Johnny Kelly and NJ guitarist Dan Lorenzo have both played in more than a handful of bands.

Lorenzo was the founding member of both Hades and Non-Fiction and most recently Vessel Of Light and Cassius King. He even wrote the music with Bobby Blitz‘ first foray outside of Overkill in 2007 with The Cursed.

Kelly first came into prominence with Type O Negative and has also sat behind the kit for Danzig for nearly two decades. Kelly has also performed with Black Label Society, and currently Quiet Riot and Silvertomb.

Before now the two have never recorded anything together. “I honestly don’t remember how I first got in contact with JohnnyLorenzo stated. “I know we’ve had some email contact together for a while, and I remember originally being flattered that Johnny even knew who I was.”

Kelly stated, “I liked the riffs that Dan sent me and it’s a great opportunity to get to play with different people.” When Kelly was asked what he brings to the table for PATRIARCHS IN BLACK he came back with, ” I’m not really sure. I consider myself to be an average drummer at best. It must be my charming personality!”

The duo have named this project PATRIARCHS IN BLACK. Lorenzo wrote the music and plays guitar, Kelly is behind the kit. 

PATRIARCHS IN BLACK will have multiple vocalists. Karl Agell ( Corrosion of Conformity Blind), Dewey Bragg ( Kill Devil Hill ) Jimmy Gnecco ( OURS) and John Kosco  (Dropbox) have each sang a song. When pressed for a description of how the music sounds Kelly said, “All roads lead to Black Sabbath!”.

Germany’s MDD Records will release PATRIARCHS IN BLACK debut release Reach For The Scars on July 1st.

The new single “Demon of Regret” from PATRIARCHS IN BLACK is available NOW!

Stream here: https://patriarchsinblack.bandcamp.com/track/demon-of-regret

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Randy Holden set to release “Population III” – the follow-up to his 1970 classic “Population II.”

Los Angeles based unsung guitar hero Randy Holden announces the sequel to his legendary 1970 album Population II, set to arrive 52 years later, titled Population III via RidingEasy Records. The ex-Blue Cheer guitarist’s new album was recorded as a trio with members of Cactus and Black Sabbath. Hear and share the first single “Swamp Stomp” via Brooklyn Vegan HERE. (And direct via Bandcamp and YouTube.)
How do you follow up one of the most legendary, yet rarest albums said to signal the birth of doom metal? 

If you’re Randy Holden, you give everyone about 50 years to catch up, then casually drop a tastefully modernized reinterpretation of that sound. Population III picks up where Holden’s 1969 solo debut left off, updated with several decades worth of technological advances and personal hindsight. 

Following his tenure in proto-metal pioneers Blue Cheer in 1969, the guitarist aimed for more control over his next project. Thus, Randy Holden – Population II was born, the duo naming itself after the astronomical term for a particular star cluster with heavy metals present. Along with drummer/keyboardist Chris Lockheed, Holden created what many say is one of the earliest forms of doom metal. 

“Godzilla just walked into the room. People just stood there with their eyes and mouths wide open,” Holden says of the audience’s reaction to their live debut performing with a teeth-rattling phalanx of 16 (sixteen!) 200 watt Sunn amps. 
Likewise, their 6-song debut album Population II delves into leaden sludge, lumbering doom and epic soaring riffs that sound free from all constraints of the era. It’s incredibly heavy, but infused with a melodic, albeit mechanistic sensibility. However, troubles with the album’s original 1970 release bankrupted Holden, who subsequently left music for over two decades. For good reason, it’s widely hailed as a masterpiece, and until finally getting a proper formal release in 2020 on RidingEasy Records, was a longtime Holy Grail for record collectors. 

Flash forward 40 years to 2010, we find the guitarist/vocalist quietly coaxed into recording a followup album by Holden superfan and Cactus member Randy Pratt. Joined by drummer Bobby Rondinelli (who has played with Black SabbathBlue Öyster CultRainbow), the trio cut the 6-song collection of leaden future blues, Population III. “Randy Pratt had written the basic song structures, he understood my music and where I come from quite well,” Holden says. “He nailed it.” 

But the recording was ultimately shelved for over a decade. “A year ago, in 2021 I listened to the songs and was delightfully surprised,” Holden says. “I think it’s the best album I’ve ever done.” 

Throughout Population III, Holden effortlessly dishes out squealing, soaring leads and skull-thwacking riffs with his signature low end grit and penchant for Middle Eastern scales. Coupled with Pratt’s pocket-locked bass, the slight flanging effect on Rondinelli’s drums and his pugilistic beats, the album occasionally brings to mind Presence-era Led Zeppelin, particularly on the 22-minute epic “Land of The Sun.” Elsewhere, “Swamp Stomp” echoes more the troglodyte blues of Holden’s older work, with his evermore searing solos showing hints of early Clapton/Hendrix era guitar prowess to drive home the stomp of the song’s namesake. At times, Holden sounds reminiscent of Neil Young leading Crazy Horse’s ruptured grunge as his lilting falsetto vocals push and pull his guitar’s siren’s call. Taken as a whole, there’s a very distinct difference between the way these veterans of hard rock’s formative years carry the songs compared to the more lugubrious riffing of today’s young doom purveyors. Population III is the real deal — a powerful continuation of a sound forged 50 years ago, that almost didn’t happen. Somehow, Randy Holden’s music always finds a way to stand the tests of time. 

Population III will be available on LP, CD and download on July 1st, 2022 via RidingEasy Records. Pre-orders are available at ridingeasyrecs.com

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