The "Empire" Strikes Back | Eye Empire in Janesville Tonight

Our boys from Eye Empire at it again. They're bringing their kick ass music back to southern Wisconsin and playing the Back Bar in Janesville tonight. Their playing with a killer lineup including all the original members of SOIL (except for the drummer) so it's going to fill up quick so make sure to get down and check them out.

We have covered Eye Empire since their start and tonight is our chance to prove to all of you how good they truly are. A local, close-up show so you can see for yourself how badass these guys truly are. Each and every one of the members are extremely talented and carry their own unique type of stage presence that makes their show incredible. And to boot their music is all killer, no filler. The coolest part about the guys? At almost every show, they try and take time to come and meet fans face to face and give you all the time that you deserve for supporting them. Come down to the Back Bar tonight in Janesville, WI and see for yourself why Eye Empire is quickly becoming a force to reckon with in the hard rock industry. You WILL NOT be disappointed. Check out our interviews with the guys from a few months to get pumped up for the show and we'll see you all tonight

	Interview with Vocalist Donald "DC" Carpenter: Donald talks about where he's come from, how far he's come in doing so, and where the Empire is going, now that he's part of the family!
	Interview with Guitarist BC Kochmit: Brad shares his side of the Empire with us, talks about filling in for Clint, in Sevendust, and what we can expect in the near future!
	Interview with Bassist Corey Lowery: Corey & Brad started jamming together a few years ago, and what began with two good friends writing and hanging out, is now the foundation of an empire: one full of fans, friends and lots of fun!

Eye Empire Talks About "I Pray"

Eye Empire just released a killer video talking about the song "I Pray" and where the lyrics and music came from. D.C. (Donald Carpenter) and Corey Lowery discuss the song, 2012 tour plans, and much more! Check it out.

Dark New Day "New Tradition" Review

Imagine being able to concoct a musical Frankenstein out of some of the best hard rock and metal bands out there today. Take your pick of the strongest appendages off of the most maniacal and well-known bands from the past decade and stitching them together with a strong, fibrous, passion for kick ass rock n' roll. Guitarist Clint Lowery (Sevendust),  drummer Will Hunt (Evanescence), guitarist Troy McLawhorn ( Evanescence) vocalist Brett Hestla (Virgos Merlot) and bassist Corey Lowery (Eye Empire) have been pieced together to form this rock n' roll juggernaut. Fuel it all with the desire to give the fans what they so deserve, and you have Dark New Days' new album, New Tradition. And let me tell you, you better run and hide because this album is all killer, no filler.

"We’re very excited about the new Dark New Day release,” proclaims Clint. “It seems the time is right to make these songs public and share with the fans that continue to support this project. We believe this music is still very valid and powerful today, and think its mandatory we give these songs a fair chance out in the music world. We owe it to ourselves and the DND fans. New Tradition sums up the mindset we were in writing the follow-up to Twelve Year Silence."

The album opens as you would expect it a group of some of the best metal musicians would start an album. Monstrous riffs and drum beats from the likes of Lowery, McLawhorn and Hunt in the song "Fist from the Sky." The hellacious pace of the chorus makes you get up and move. This has got to be the band's next single that is released to radio, as it has tons of hook with mountains of originality. The song has more layers than a french pastry and it is perfectly topped with Brett Hestla's amazing voice.

Next up is the aptly titled "Come Alive." You can almost see the lightning charging into this musical monster with the growl of the bass line. I really think this song showcases the true talent that Clint's brother Corey has on bass. Just give this song one listen and you can see why he's quickly becoming a favorite in the world of rock. I'm personally a guitar guy who likes crisp technical work and badass solos so fast that I can't even move my fingers fast enough to replicate when I'm shredding my air guitar. But in this song Corey gives a whole new appreciation to the old saying that "The untrained ear won't ever hear the bass, but without it and the song falls apart."

Soon comes the album's first single that has been released to radio stations around the country is the title track, "New Tradition." It definitely has that radio feel with catchy lyrics and addictive guitar riffs. I can already picture fans singing along at their next DND concert. With a patented guitar solo that isn't intended to impress guitar gurus (we all know that Clint and Troy could melt our ears if they intended too with a solo), but it builds with the tempo of the song perfectly and provides a spot-on bridge to the ending. Definitely a song we'll all be hearing a lot of radio stations near you.

The entire album has incredible musicianship layered throughout the entire thing. Each song you hear, you can identify another highlight of a different band member and why they are highly touted. It's like watching your favorite movie over and over again. Every time you watch (listen) to it, you find another part that is awesome and just makes you want to see (hear) more. If you don't buy this album when it comes out, not only are you not a fan of true hard rock and metal, but I'm going to put it out there and say you're anti-fun. Don't be a fun sponge! Go buy Dark New Days' "New Tradition;" you can thank me later.

Buy Dark New Days' NEW TRADITION February 28th!

Dark New Day to Release New Album

Clint Lowery (guitarist from Sevendust), Will Hunt (drummer from Evanescence), Troy McLawhorn (guitarist from Evanescence), Brett Hestla (lead singer/guitarist from Virgos Merlot) and Corey Lowery (bassist from Stereomud and Eye Empire)—will release their highly anticipated sophomore album,NEW TRADITION, February 28 on Goomba Music (distributed by eOne Music). The first single, “New Tradition” is currently being serviced to radio stations nationwide.

NEW TRADITION is the follow-up to 2005’s debut album, TWELVE YEAR SILENCE, which was released on Warner Bros. Records. In 2006, the band releasedTHE BLACK PORCH ACOUSTIC SESSIONS EP after being on tour for over a year with Chevelle, Seether, Crossfade, and many others. After the EP’s release, they got to work on what would eventually be their second album, known at the time as HAIL MARY. Going through many employee and management changes, Warner Bros. decided to release the band from their contract, leaving the HAIL MARY album to be unreleased. It was at this point that DARK NEW DAY went on a hiatus, with the members either returning to their previous bands or venturing out into new projects.

The fire for new DARK NEW DAY material continued to burn in both the band members and the diehard fan base alike. The band came together in 2011 to compile tracks from HAIL MARY, along with newly written and recorded songs, for a special album which will be released as a "Thank You" to all the loyal fans that have continued to follow the band and request more material from the group.

"We’re very excited about the new DARK NEW DAY release,” proclaims guitarist Clint Lowery. “It seems the time is right to make these songs public and share with the fans that continue to support this project. We believe this music is still very valid and powerful today, and think its mandatory we give these songs a fair chance out in the music world. We owe it to ourselves and the DND fans. NEW TRADITION sums up the mindset we were in writing the follow-up to TWELVE YEAR SILENCE."

Kyng's 'Trampled Sun' Debut Album Out Today

The time has come. TRAMPLED SUN, the highly anticipated debut album by Southern California’s KYNG--singer/songwriter/guitarist Eddie Veliz, bassist Tony Castaneda and drummer Pepe Clarke Magaña—was released today on REALID Records (through Warner Music Group’s Independent Label Group). The album’s first two singles, “Falling Down” and “Trails in Veins,” were mixed by Mike Watts (Adelita’s Way, Hopesfall, Quicksand, Brand New).

“Falling Down” recently debuted on the BDS Active Rock chart at #38 and is in heavy rotation on SiriusXM’s “Octane” channel, while “Trails In Veins” can be heard on the “Liquid Metal” channel, thanks to the support of Program Director Jose Mangin, who has championed KYNG since hearing early demos a couple of years ago, some of which were played on “Octane” before TRAMPLED SUN was even in the works. SiriusXM was instrumental in bringing the band to what became their record label (REALID/ILG) and managers (In De Goot, who also represents Shinedown, Chevelle and others).

KYNG’s self-proclaimed "California Heavy” sound is a unique and universally appealing combination of heavy and captivating concepts, channeling influences from Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin to Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age.

Before KYNG was a glimmer in the trio’s eyes, bassist Tony Castaneda and drummer Pepe Clarke Magaña were members of the Latino metal band Ankla, which toured across the U.S. with bands such as Ill Nino, Nonpoint, In This Moment, and Hatebreed. They were also a part of Ozzfest in 2007.

Now that the band has completed dates with Drowning Pool, Pop Evil and Egypt Central, the band is launching a two-week jaunt with Wayne Static and Eye Empire starting today. Check out KYNG at any of the following stops:

DATE CITY VENUE
With Wayne Static, Eye Empire, One Eyed Doll and Gemini Syndrome:

Tue 9/27 Sacramento CA Ace of Spades
Wed 9/28 Portland OR Hawthorne Theatre
Thu 9/29 Boise ID Knitting Factory
Fri 9/30 Spokane WA Knitting Factory
Sat 10/1 Seattle WA Studio 7
Mon 10/3 Billings MT Mannys
Tue 10/4 Colorado Springs CO Black Sheep
Thu 10/6 Lubbock TX Wreckers
Fri 10/7 El Paso TX Trickey Falls
Sat 10/8 Albuquerque NM Sunshine Theater
Sun 10/9 Tempe AZ Marquee
Mon 10/10 Los Angeles CA The Key Club
www.twitter.com/kyngband
www.facebook.com/KyngRocks
www.twitter.com/kyngband

Interview with Mike Froedge, Black Label Society's new drummer

Mike Froedge w/Black Label Society
Photo by Carrie Lynn

Something our readers may not know – a bit of Froedge/Hunt/Rose trivia matter:

Mike Froedge recorded the drum tracks that Morgan Rose (Sevendust) put down for Eye Empire. Eye Empire’s bassist/vocalist
Corey Lowery played bass in a band called Dark New Day with Troy Mclahorn and their drummer was Will Hunt. Troy is Mike’s old guitarist from doubleDrive. Troy also went on to play with Evanescence. Evanescence eventually adopted Will Hunt as their drummer. Will Hunt eventually also became the drummer for Eye Empire. When Will had scheduling conflicts because he was recording tracks for Evanescence earlier this year, Mike Froedge sat in for him with Eye Empire. Will was also the drummer for Tommy Lee. There was a time when Will had a scheduling conflict with the Leno show Tommy Lee had going on and Morgan Rose filled in for him. Morgan sat in for Will back then. Will is the former drummer for Black Label Society. Guess who’s the new drummer for Black Label Society now?Mike Froedge!
Hilarious...It's "like a circle..."

Mike was kind enough to answer questions for Hard-Rock-Reviews.com and we are very grateful for his time!

Alterbridge Guitarist Mark Tremonti to Release "Thrash" Metal Album

Yes, you read that right. Alterbridge/Creed lead guitarist and one of today's most respected guitarist Mark Tremonti will soon be putting out a thrash metal album. He spoke with 'Robb's Metalworks' in San Antonio and spoke about his recent time away from Alter Bridge.

"I just had three months off while Myles was touring with Slash, so I figured it was a good time to get some music put together. I collaborated with Eric Freidman (Submersed/Creed) and Garret Whitlock (Eye Empire)."

It seems Tremonti has a side for the heavy that didn't quite fit with his usual band Alter Bridge, and if you ask me, this is just gold waiting to be dug up.

"All this stuff that I wanted to see the light of day that never really got used for Alter Bridge and Creed is what I'm putting on the record. There's a lot of speed metal and thrash stuff in there; riffs that I had sitting around; that I'm putting on this record. So it's definitely a heavier-sounding album."

As of now, there are no details as to when, where and how the album will be released.

EYE EMPIRE CONTEST: WINNER ANNOUNCED!

Congratulations to SCOTT VOSS, the winner of our Eye Empire CONTEST!
Scott has won a customized, Eye Empire Fans Only parking sign, that is being signed by all four band members! 

Thank you to EVERYONE that participated and helped us spread the word about the new single "I Pray" on Itunes!

Eye Empire Contest!

CONGRATULATIONS to Scott Voss, the winner of our very first HRR contest.

Scott won an autographed EE parking sign!

Thank you to EVERYONE that participated and help us to spread the word about Eye Empires new single "I Pray" on Itunes!



HARD-ROCK-REVIEWS.COM CONTEST DETAILS

HRR Interview with Sevendust's Morgan Rose

Drummer, Morgan Rose, of Sevendust

Written by Aaron Manogue

The hard rock scene isn’t something that is easy to break into in a "big" way, and even when it does happen, there comes the constant struggle of staying relevant enough to continue successfully writing music and touring. Very few bands have figured out the precise formula to balance immense musical talent while simultaneously pleasing the "industry suits."

Since 1997, when they released their self-titled debut album, Sevendust has done that and so much more. They’ve gone through lineup changes, financial troubles, and everything else that rock ‘n’ roll has thrown their way.  Sevendust continues to write, record, and produce music that transcends the struggles and has formed them into one of the most stoic forces in the hard rock music scene. Hard-Rock-Reviews.com's Aaron Manogue chatted recently with Morgan about Sevendust...

Interview with Eye Empire Drummer Will Hunt

 Our FEATURE ARTIST, EYE EMPIRE is on day four!

Click to read the interviews w/Will's Eye Empire bandmates,

B.C. KOCHMIT, DONALD CARPENTER & COREY LOWERY

It's almost impossible to look at Will Hunt's resume and NOT say "That's insane!" Stuck Mojo, Skrape, Tommy Lee, Methods of Mayhem, Slaughter, Dark New Day, Motley Crue, Vince Neil (solo), Evanescence, Static-X, Crossfade, Bloodsimple, Black Label Society.  See what I mean? His resume is taller than any of us. But when it comes to music, he's humble, honest & just loves to play. Will graciously shared some of his time with HRR & talked about tunes, tech, & toast!

Interview with Eye Empire Bassist, Corey Lowery

Hard-Rock-Reviews.com's First Ever FEATURE ARTIST, EYE EMPIRE

gave us four individual interviews this week...

Here you have round 3 with COREY LOWERY (bassist, backing vocals)

CLICK THE NAMES to see Hard-Rock-Reviews.com interviews with Corey's band mates

B.C. KOCHMIT, DONALD CARPENTER, & WILL HUNT.

Corey & Brad started jamming together a few years ago, and what began with two good friends writing and hanging out, is now the foundation of an empire: one full of fans, friends and lots of fun!

Photo Courtesy:  KELLY LLOYD

Interview with Eye Empire's Vocalist Donald "DC" Carpenter

EYE EMPIRE is the current FEATURE ARTIST at Hard-Rock-Reviews

We're bringing you something new and fresh every day this week from the "Empire!"

CLICK THE NAMES to see the exclusive Hard-Rock-Reviews.com interviews
with Donald's Eye Empire bandmates,

B.C. KOCHMIT, COREY LOWERY & WILL HUNT.

Donald talks about where he's come from, how far he's come in doing so, and where the Empire is going, now that he's part of the family!

Interview With Eye Empire's Guitarist B.C. Kochmit

This is the first of FOUR interviews with the bandmates of our Feature Artist, EYE EMPIRE.

CLICK THE NAMES to see the exclusive Hard-Rock-Reviews.com interviews 
with B.C.'s band mates!

DONALD CARPENTER, COREY LOWERY & WILL HUNT.

 

Photo Courtesy:  KELLY LLOYD

A remarkable melting pot of talented, seasoned, but not jaded, musicians that are genuinely hard-working, humble family men that just want to play good music for everyone that wants to hear it. It just doesn't get any more sincere than that. 
Brad shares his side of the Empire with us, talks about filling in for Clint, in Sevendust, and what we can expect in the near future!