8 February 2024

2 mins read

Photography:

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with The Ghost Inside

The Ghost Inside Drop New Single ‘Wash It Away’ & Announce 6th Album ‘Searching For Solace’

Rock aficionados, mark your calendars! The Ghost Inside are making their grand return with a brand new single Wash It Away and the revelation of their sixth studio triumph, ‘Searching For Solace.’ The band’s latest oeuvre is set to drop digitally on April 19, with a tangible vinyl and CD release slated for June 7, all under Epitaph Records.

The first sonic blast from their upcoming album, Wash It Away is a testament to The Ghost Inside‘s enduring sound and creative resurgence. The single comes accompanied by a gripping music video that fans can immerse in by scrolling down on this page.

Frontman Jonathan Vigil delves into the single’s thematic depth, articulating the daunting yet transformative experience of starting anew, sharing: “It’s really hard to break everything down, start over and rebuild. Whether that is a relationship, schooling, a career or a business venture. After dedicating so much time to something, it can be scary to lose it and start over.”

New single, but also a new album Searching For Solace

Details on Searching For Solace have been shared, with its artwork and tracklisting revealed. If you’re looking to purchase a copy of the upcoming album, visit The Ghost Inside’s official website right here.

The tracklisting for the upcoming album looks like this:

1. Going Under
2. Death Grip
3. Light Years
4. Secret
5. Split
6. Wash It Away
7. Cityscapes
8. Earn It
9. Wrath
10. Reckoning
11. Breathless

Fans and new listeners alike are encouraged to connect with The Ghost Inside as they unveil more of their dynamic project. With Wash It Away setting a high bar, ‘Searching For Solace’ is on track to become a seminal album in their discography and a notable release of 2024.

The Ghost Inside will also be featured on this year’s Slam Dunk Festival, taking us back to their late-night slot at Jera On Air last year. If you know what is good for you, try and grab tickets to see The Ghost Inside live whenever new tour dates drop and check out the music video for Wash It Away right below.

6 February 2024

4 mins read

Photography: Bryan Kirks

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with Bad Omens & Poppy

CONCERT REVIEW: Bad Omens Are The Future Of The Alternative Scene

In the ever-evolving landscape of rock music, few bands have captured the zeitgeist with as much fervour and rapid ascent as Bad Omens have in the last two years. Riding the crest of an incredible wave of success following the release of their groundbreaking third album, THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND, the band marked a significant milestone in their career with their current and much-anticipated tour through Europe, after closing out a tour in the UK supporting Bring Me The Horizon. The previous year’s performance at the cosy confines of Dynamo in Eindhoven, although met with overwhelming demand, left a swath of fans outside the sold-out venue, their appetites for live music unfulfilled. Recognizing the fervent support from their Dutch fanbase, Bad Omens responded with a grand gesture: a concert at Poppodium 013 in Tilburg, a venue capable of hosting 3,000 attendees, offering a long-awaited redemption for those previously unable to witness the band’s live prowess.

This time, the band wasn’t alone in creating a night of unforgettable music; they were joined by Poppy, a label mate and an artist in her own renaissance. Having established herself with a blend of pop and metal on her album I Disagree in 2020, Poppy has become a phenomenon that transcends genres. For many Dutch fans, the evening promised a first live encounter with Poppy, especially after the disappointment of her last tour’s cancellation due to illness. Gracing the stage with a 30-minute set, Poppy delivered a unique performance that was not only a showcase of her recent success but also a testament to her versatility as an artist. Dressed in her uniquely captivating attire and backed by a mesmerizing yet mostly one-coloured light show, Poppy‘s set was a journey through her hits, including the anthemic I Disagree, the heavier Bite Your Teeth, and the musical rollercoaster and personal favourite Concrete. Her performance was an immersive experience, bridging her enigmatic online persona with her musical evolution, leaving fans and newcomers alike spellbound.

The anticipation built into an electrifying crescendo as Bad Omens prepared to take the stage, a mere 20 minutes after Poppy’s set—a shorter intermission than usual, but one that was appreciated by all. As the lights dimmed, the venue was filled with the roar of 3,000 fans, a testament to the band’s growing appeal. Bad Omens did not just perform; they transformed Poppodium 013 into a bastion of their musical narrative, complete with CO-2 cannons, massive screens, and a setlist that was a bold declaration of their artistic identity. Focusing predominantly on THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND, the band played 11 tracks from the album, interspersed with selections from their earlier work, creating a comprehensive showcase of their evolution, while maintaining

The concert was a dynamic blend of energy with subtle storytelling in the interludes, with the band’s performance and storytelling aspects enhanced by visual narratives displayed on the LED screens. This multimedia approach not only enriched the concert experience but also built anticipation during the show. The night’s pinnacle came when Poppy rejoined Bad Omens on stage for V.A.N, a collaboration that highlighted the synergies between their musical styles and the shared admiration within their fanbases.

While the concert was a spectacle of sound and light, it also prompted reflections on the nature of live performances and the expectations of fans. At just over an hour, some attendees were left craving more—a sentiment that underscores the band’s explosive popularity and the immersive quality of their shows. Nevertheless, the night was a milestone for Bad Omens, signifying not just another concert but a pivotal moment in their ascent within the music industry.

As Bad Omens continue to navigate the complexities of fame, creativity, and the demands of an ever-growing fanbase, their trajectory seems poised for even loftier achievements. With a blend of raw energy, innovative music, and a commitment to evolving their live performances, Bad Omens is not just participating in the rock music scene; they are shaping its future. The concert at Poppodium 013 wasn’t just a performance; it was a statement of intent, a promise of more to come, and a celebration of the unbreakable bond between artists and their fans. As the band looks forward, their path is lined with the potential for headline festival slots, larger venues, and an enduring legacy in the annals of rock music.

5 February 2024

1 min read

Photography: Eva van den Bosch

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with SLEEP TOKEN

Sleep Token Announce UK Arena Shows For November 2024

After a ragingly successful year, Sleep Token will be playing arena shows in the United Kingdom again in November of this year. The tour has a total of 5 stops, with arena shows taking place in Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, London and lastly Cardiff.

Earlier this year, Sleep Token have already announced a massive tour happening in the United States of America, where the band will be playing a massive string of shows in April and May.

Presale tickets for these shows will go on sale this coming Wednesday at 10 AM local time and if last year was any indication, you are going to want to be fast with grabbing those tickets if you are keen on attending.

Check out the tour dates and the announcement below and make sure you prepare for the ticket sale right here.

Come November, the United Kingdom shall gather in Worship.

Those wishing to attend may register their interest at the link below, in preparation for the exclusive presale window – which begins Wednesday at 10am.https://t.co/QnDJol5ImQ

Prepare. pic.twitter.com/1Fct6nBkJi
— Sleep Token (@Sleep_Token) February 5, 2024

31 January 2024

2 mins read

Photography:

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with You Me At Six

You Me At Six Announce Break-Up After 20 Years

In 2025, You Me At Six’s long-standing career will come to a close, after 20 years of being a band. The band revealed the news earlier this week via socials, sharing that they will be playing shows in this year and the next before hanging it up for good, similar to what Sum 41 have announced not too long ago.

“When we started YMAS we were kids. We only ever wanted longevity, to travel and to experience life as a group of friends. We feel like on the eve of our 20th anniversary as a band, now is a good time to call time. We’re in a fortunate position where our fans still want to see us live and come celebrate the life of this band. So that is what we will do for 2024 and 2025. We can’t wait to see our fans on the road.“

Luckily, You Me At Six will be quite active in the coming months, with a slew of shows taking place to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Cavalier Youth. In May, the band will be headlining Slam Dunk Festival in the UK. For more information regarding YMAS’ touring schedule, check their website right here.

With the announcement comes a small video showing snippets of the band throughout the years. The video, simply titled Time (2005-2025), can be checked out below.

Are you hoping to see You Me At Six at least one more time live before they’re calling it quits? Let us know via social media.

1 February 2024

2 mins read

Photography: Eva van den Bosch

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with Periphery

CONCERT REVIEW: Periphery’s Triumphant Return to The Netherlands

Periphery, the progressive metal powerhouse, made a long-awaited return to The Netherlands to entertain their fans with a captivating performance showcasing their latest album, Periphery V: Djent Is Not A Genre. The venue buzzed with anticipation as the band embarked on a 1-hour and 15-minute musical journey, blending new tracks with beloved classics like Marigold and Blood Eagle.

The evening commenced with a powerful start, featuring three lengthy songs from their 2023 album, kicking off proceedings with the versatile Dracul Gras, followed by the album opener Wildfire and fan-favourite Atropos, filling the initial half-hour with a display of Periphery’s instrumental and vocal prowess. Although not without a few imperfections, Spencer Sotelo‘s impressive vocal range shone through, adding an extra layer of depth to the band’s performance.

Visually, the stage was brought to life with dynamic lighting, courtesy of light pillars that illuminated the room and strategically deployed smoke machines enhancing the impact of intense moments, such as the breakdowns in Blood Eagle and the aforementioned track Wildfire, which always happens to be one of the band’s heaviest songs.

Disappointment struck when the highly anticipated acoustic rendition of Scarlet was omitted from the setlist, leaving a void that was not filled by a substitute. Nevertheless, the setback did little to dampen the overall enjoyment of the show. Periphery’s comfort on stage was palpable, with band members frequently engaging with the audience, taking moments between songs to chat and acknowledging their camera guy, Matteo, who diligently captured the energy of mosh pits and elated front-row fans.

The setlist boasted a well-curated mix, featuring tracks from nearly all their albums, with the exception of the latest one, Periphery V, which dominated the night as expected, aligning with the tour’s focus on promoting this particular release.

The musicianship displayed throughout the night underscored Periphery’s extraordinary talent and versatility. Each song, old or new, served as a testament to the band’s ability to seamlessly navigate a range of musical styles. The live rendition of Periphery’s catalogue showcased the depth of their artistry, leaving the audience in awe of their skill and dedication.

Curious about what the show looked like? Take a look at the gallery right below and let us know if you are attending a Periphery show in the near future.

27 January 2024

3 mins read

Photography: Eva van den Bosch

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with Architects

CONCERT REVIEW: Architects Showcase Innovation & Evolution During Sold-Out Amsterdam Show

Commencing our year with a resounding bang, Architects graced the stage of Amsterdam’s AFAS LIVE, reprising the start of our year 2019, in which Architects was also the first show, in the same venue. A span of five years has seen Architects undergo a profound evolution, a testament to their versatility and artistic growth. In the yesteryear of 2019, their repertoire leaned heavily on the side of heaviness and aggression. Fast forward to 2024, and the band has seamlessly woven melodic elements into their musical tapestry, resulting in a dynamic and enthralling sound that now resonates with a broader audience.

This transformation proved to be a triumph, evident in the current Spotify charts where the majority of Architects‘ popular tunes hail from their latest releases, namely, the albums For Those That Wish To Exist and the classic symptoms of a broken spirit. The setlist, a testament to this shift, heavily favoured the new material, featuring a staggering eight songs from For Those That Wish To Exist and three from the classic symptoms of a broken spirit. However, not to disappoint the die-hard Architects aficionados, the band tossed in a few classics like ‘Gravedigger‘ and These Colours Don’t Run.

In a departure from their previous use of lasers and pyrotechnics, Architects opted for confetti and infectious choruses, orchestrating a visual odyssey with towering screens positioned in three tiers. Members of the band occupied each level, creating a multi-dimensional stage that elevated the visual spectacle. While most musicians had their station on any of the tiers, vocalist Sam Carter would often switch platforms.

The undeniable respect Architects command within the music industry was only reaffirmed during their Amsterdam performance. Vocalist Sam Carter‘s live ‘clean’ vocals stood out, showcasing an impressive vocal range and control. As the band’s sonic landscape evolves, Carter’s versatility takes center stage, with a pronounced focus on singing rather than aggressive screams, a transition flawlessly executed not only in the studio but also in their live performances. Between songs, Architects engaged with the audience, delving into the meaning behind certain tracks and expressing heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support from their fans. They marveled at the sold-out venue, a stark contrast to their humble show about 8 years ago, when they played at Amsterdam’s Melkweg’s ‘oude zaal’ with a capacity of 700 people.

While the show undoubtedly demonstrated Architects‘ ongoing growth, personally, it did not reach the monumental heights set by their 2019 performance surrounding the release of Holy Hell. I am a sucker for pyro-technics, and the laser show that accompanied that show was truly unforgettable. Nevertheless, appreciation is due to the band’s commitment to evolving their live performances and exploring new avenues to connect with their audience.

Architects continue their upward trajectory, poised to headline the largest alternative music festival in the Netherlands this summer: Jera On Air. Anticipating a spectacle of grand proportions, one can only wonder what Architects has in store for the 15,000-strong audience of fans and enthusiasts. Until then, dive into the visuals from their Amsterdam show in the gallery below!