Madina Unleashed

Under-rated. Not reach their peak. Deserve more than they got.

Whatever you want to call it there are plenty of bands that never reach the full recognition that they should have achieved. Members such as Angus Young of AC/DC, Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen, the song writing genius Jim Steinman are completely underrated in the musical community, being out shadowed by the likes of Slash, Hendrix and Meat Loaf. However, people seem to forget that although there are these amongst the legends and prima donnas, there’s equally (if not more) among the smaller, “indie” (I strongly dislike that word but my thesaurus is limited I’m afraid) bands. Too many to name. But there’s one band I want to talk to you about in particular: Madina Lake.

Back in the autumn months Rebel Yell dedicated its October edition to “Madina Diary” in which I recalled one of the most intense yet intimate gigs I have been to in my eighteen years. Recently Madina Lake have been playing on a continuous loop through my iPod, stereo and Spotify; my love for them has maintained its strength and importance over the passed nine years; yet my curiosity was first sparked when hearing “Middle of Nowhere” by The Blank Theory back in 2002 (the Leone twins previous band before they days of Madina).

Although, The Blank Theory did not capture my heart as profoundly as the emerging Madina Lake. Like a phoenix from the flame Madina burned with the same passion and energy that The Blank Theory possessed, however captivated my attention on a new level completely. Passion, energy combined with theatricality and humility are a potent concoction that is enough to create an addict out of the sanest creature in this universe (in which I am way off the spectrum of sanity).  Thus I feel that the world deserves to know more about the spectacle that is Madina Lake, and how this band were able to latch onto my soul and physically tug at it with every note and syllable.

But lets start with the basics shall we? Before diving deep into the twisted inner workings of my mind. Madina Lake are quartet originally, and from what I’m aware still currently (hey not a complete stalker here!) situated in Chicago, USA. Formed in 2005 with the same members remaining right until their farewell tour in 2013:

The names in brackets relate the concept of Madina Lake a mystical place created by the band; each member has an, if you can call it an alter ego, that is homed in the mysterious town and plays a vital role revolving around external characters such as Adalia, Jonathan, and Pandora. This ideology was able to act as a catalyst for the achievement the band had in mind – from three albums to the release of Matthew’s book “Lila, The Divine Game”…hence the theatricality I previously mentioned.

Upon releasing The Disappearance of Adalia EP back in 2006 (funded through winning various stunts on the special edition of Twin Fear Factor) Madina began on a road that would soon cause them to become somewhat international successes. The release of this EP not only caught the undivided attention of potential fans but also the interest of Roadrunner Records. Personally, The Disappearance of Adalia contained two of the most significant songs of Madina Lake’s career, as “House Of Cards” was the first song I had heard by the wonders; as well as being on of the first singles by the band, it was also the first video they created. The song briefly hit number 38 on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks.

The other song of great importance to moi is “One Last Kiss” that to this day stands as one of my personal favourites of the band as well as being in love with the video from day one.

Click here to purchase: iTunes
Click here to purchase: Amazon

Being the new kids on the block they had yet to make a name for themselves across seas. The release of their debut album “From Them, Through Us, To You” in 2007 managed to reach number 60 in the UK album charts. With evident connections to The Disappearance of Adalia the band began to tell the tale of the small town Madina Lake. The album opened several doors, from playing the Kerrang! and Warp Tour in 2008 to being specifically chosen to play the Projekt Revolution tour by Linkin Park in 2007. It is this album that instated my love for Madina Lake, The Disappearance of Adalia sparked the curiosity, “From Them…” sealed it with a venomous kiss.  “From Them…” has a raw quality about it that enchants the mind and soul, upon first listen you’re hooked to the extraordinary essence. The artwork for the album also re-establishes this raw motion as the painting-like depictions emphasis an eerie ambiance, almost reminding me of prehistoric magic…if that makes sense. Not prehistoric as dinosaurs and cavemen; but as in pure emotion with an element of barbarisms of true magic…a savage, un-controlling nature that simply engrosses the looker/listener into a honest, unimaginable world…the world of Adalia’s Madina Lake…now I realise that all of that sounds extremely intense, perhaps even negative but quite the contrary I believe those qualities to be truly magnificent…something that I am extremely infatuated by.

“From Them, Through Us, To You”  - 2007 - Track Listing:

1.     The Auspice (2:00)

2.     Here I Stand (3:23)

3.     In Another Life (3:11)

4.     Adalia (2:31)

5.     House Of Cards (3:37)

6.     Now or Never (3:20)

7.     Pandora (3:24)

8.     Stars (4:00)

9.     River People (4:27)

10.  One Last Kiss (3:27)

11.  Me vs. the World (3:08)

12. Morning Sadness (5:22)

13. True Love (6:02)

Bonus Tracks:

14. Again & Again (3:15)

15. We’ll Be Okay (2:52)

16. Today – Smashing Pumpkins Cover (3:21)

17.  Escape From Here (3:33)

18. Here I Stand (Acoustic)

Now I could go into in-depth detail about each and every song created by them, but instead am refraining myself as not to completely short circuit your ability to take in the true awesomeness of Madina Lake…this is taking great self-control I’ll have you know.  

As well as this, the band also recorded a cover of Iron Maidens “Caught Somewhere In Time” for the July 16^th 2007 edition of Kerrang! Magazine special cover CD “Maiden Heaven: A Tribute to Iron Maiden”

After a few more years of touring and climbing the social ladder of the music industry, Madina Lake returned to the studio, releasing their second album “Attics to Eden” in May 2009.  Again, without wasting a single breath the band revisited their touring life style, starting off with supporting Anberlin on a Canadian tour moving shortly on to Soundwave Festival 2009 then Vans Warp Tour after three shows in Japan.

Click here to purchase: iTune
Click here to purchase: Amazon

“Attics to Eden” revealed a more sophisticated side of Madina Lake compared to “From Them…” the band’s sound became somewhat cleaner…not in a band sense whatsoever, just a feel that they were starting to look more into the music and producing system of album creation, enhance each instrument to their optimum level. Allowing the sound of the album to reflect how the band was growing as a unit as the story developed further. They say that a band has a life time to write their first album, yet mere years or month to write the second. Madina Lake clearly illustrated how though the deadline maybe shorter that doesn’t mean quality should be sacrificed; instead it should be strengthened.

Interestingly, the inside booklet of the CD case unfolds to reveal a map of Adalia’s journey through Eden (the second mystical place of Madina Lake’s yet-to-be-told tale).

“Attics to Eden” – 2009 - Track Listing:

1.     Never Take Us Alive (3:00)

2.     Let’s Get Outta Here (2:59)

3.     Legends (3:00)

4.     Criminals (3:57)

5.     Through the Pain (3:27)

6.     Never Walk Alone (2:42)

7.     Not For This World (3:12)

8.     Welcome to Oblivion (3:03)

9.     Silent Voices Kill (2:53)

10. Statistics (3:02)

11. Friends & Lovers (3:49)

12. Lila, the Divine Game (2:20)

Bonus Tracks:

13. Never Take Us Alive From the Attic Mix (3:28)

14. What’s the Point? (2:33)

15.  Scorched Earth (3:03)

16. Angel Japanese bonus track (3:22)

Now in 2010 the band began a project entitled “Dresden Codex” the name of which refers to the oldest existing Mayan astrological codex; the band enhanced this to retell Madina Lake’s traditions of bringing astrology into their backstory aka. Folklore. Though the EP continued to tell the story of Madina Lake it was not included as part of the trilogy, instead acts more as an interesting piece of heritage rather than a puzzle piece to the story unveiled by the albums. After “Attics to Eden” this EP almost attempts to return to the primitive foundations of “From Them…” however brings together the rawness of their debut album and the musical appreciation of the second.

Yet, the band faced several instances that threatened the existence of a third album, one being an announcement of leaving Roadrunner Records through a Rocksound interview. But the most devastating event that not only put production on hold, but also the very lives of both band members and fan was on June 30^th Matthew Leone was hospitalised after intervening in a violent domestic dispute near Nathan’s Chicago apartment. The man whom was beating his wife caused Matthew numerous life threatening injuries including a fractured skull, broken jaw and a swelling in his brain. The critical condition lead to doctors removing one third of his skull in hope that the swelling would subdue; the portion of his skull that was removed was later replaced after undergoing second surgery on July 21^st. Nathan continuously expressed his gratitude to fans and friends as he claimed “the outpouring of support has been amazing…every band we’ve ever toured with, every Facebook and MySpace outlet has been going crazy with love and support. We’ve heard from friends, fans, neighbours, labels and management. It’s honestly overwhelming. When something horrible happens, you’re inclined to despise humanity, but this proves how many amazing people there are in the world.”

I remember the day I heard about Matthew incident; it felt beyond surreal. Seeing the photographs of him in the hospital bed was enough to make anyones heart stop beating. This was before meeting them, so being just a fan taking my own reactions must have only been a fraction to what his close friends and family were feeling. Simultaneously my faith in humanity hit rock bottom whilst soaring; how someone could come to harm an innocent man as well as someone they’re supposed to be in love with is completely beyond me, almost not human. However Matthew, a complete stranger to the couple in question risked his life (whether knowingly or not) to help the needed. He is an example of a true hero in modern society; chivalry that was arguably lost centuries ago was re-emerged.

Days later after the announced recovery, The Smashing Pumpkins (personal favourites of the Leone brothers) played a benefit show in Chicago for Matthew to help pay for his hospital bills that were sky high due to lack of insurance.  This combined with special bundle selling of “Dresden Codex” on pledgemusic.com lead the bills being able to be paid off. 

“Dresden Codex EP” – 2010 – Track Listing:

1.     Hey Superstar (3:08) 

2.     Heroine (2:44)

3.     They’re Coming For Me (3:12)

4.     Let It Go Acoustic (4:08)

5.     A Beautiful Lie hidden track A Rite Of Passage at 7:40 (13:29)

Click here to purchase: iTunes
Click here to purchase: Amazon

Now to conclude the magnificent trilogy, Madina Lake released “World War III” in 2011. The final chapter exposes a battle of good and evil that acts as a metaphor for the internal struggle of the self; as well as the discovery of Adalia. Interestingly, the track “Imagineer” was co produced and written by Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan, a dream come true for the Leone twins especially. It was confirmed that Sony signed the band before recording the feature length though Mateo produced, engineered and mixed the album itself. Honestly, I find this album the most remarkable and suitable ending to the enticing tale; yet the album manages to capture two tales, not only the story of the fictional dimension, but also the very real universe of the members themselves. The seventh track on the album “We Got This” without fail brings unspoken emotion to me as it accounts Nathan’s inner turmoil when living through the horror of Matthew’s traumatising incident. Nathan has always stated that Matthew was his soul mate; it wasn’t until this song that I realised how strong and deep that connection truly was. I  can’t imagine what it was like to face that, nor do I ever wish to; but it makes you appreciate everything and everyone you have in your life.

“World War III” – 2011 – Track Listing:

1.     Howdy Neighbor! (3:43)

2.     Imagineer (3:55) - Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI96lMOqGu8 (sorry was unable to upload it like the rest but the link SHOULD work)

3.  They’re Coming For Me (3:12)

4.     Hey Superstar (3:09)

5.     Fireworks (2:44)

6.     Across 5 Oceans (3:27)

7.     We Got This (3:04)

8.     What It Is To Wonder (3:15)

9.     Heroine (2:44)

10. Blood Red Flags (2:48)

11. Take Me Or Leave Me (3:30)

12. The Great Divide (8:47)

Bonus Tracks:

13. Jimmy (2:34)

14. Goin’ Down High (3:19)

15. A Beautiful Lie Japanese Edition (2:57)

Upon it’s release Madina Lake yet another shocking and saddening bomb on the River People community, that they would be conducting a Farewell Tour in 2012, finishing in the UK in 2013 (where “Madina Diary” recalls my own account of a truly magical and memorial experience that is engraved into me).

After putting down the microphones and guitars, the Leone twins decided to take a turn towards literature. Matthew neatly brought together everything their albums embodied into a single book – “Lila, The Divine Game”. Whilst Nathan dabbled in a more non-fictional element – “Don’t Love Me Judge Me” – an autobiography that reveals the hidden reality of Leone.

Have yet to find a link to purchase Matthew Leone's book "Lila, The Divine Game" as it was primarily sold at gigs.
Purchase Nathan Leone's autobiography "Don't Love Me Judge Me" here.

 I’m aware that this is lengthy, but I’ve cut back so much as to keep to the point and not go off on some emotional tangent provided but them impact Madina Lake has had on me as a person and musician. This is a band whose influence is incredible obvious in my lyric and music writing as well as ideas of how a band should be. Remember how I said some bands in the smaller circle never really achieve their full potential? Well looking back on all Madina’s achievements I can see how they concluded the band at an appropriate time; it seems the tale of their imagination reached it’s satisfactory ending, something that both the band and fans are proud of. But during their time I don’t believe the industry truly appreciated who Madina Lake were and what they stood for.

They were a catalyst for the renewal storytelling through music; they saw the musical world through eyes that were lost back last century. What’s more they appreciated all mediums of creativity, from the music itself to the careful cinematography of their videos to the literature. Music and literature are two elements that withstood the tests of time, camera and producing works are the creation of the new era; thus the band embodies past, present and future, whilst exploring the frail boundary of reality and fantasy.

Top Tracks: July

Okay schools are out for the summer…so let's cause some serious mayhem!

1) Alice Cooper - "School's Out"

2) Poison - "Nothin' But A Good Time"

3) Bryan Adams - "Summer Of '69"

4) All Time Low - "The Beach"

5) Green Day - "Holiday"

6) Queen - "Don't Stop Me Now"

7) Def Leppard - "Pour Some Sugar On Me"

8) Cheap Trick - "Surrender"

9) Simple Plan - "Shut Up"

10) Good Charlotte - "The Anthem"

Five misfits. One goal. To remind the world the true meaning of rock and roll.

Five misfits. One goal. To remind the world the true meaning of rock and roll.

They’ve got the leather.  They’ve got attitude. But most importantly they heart and determination to take it the whole way.

Left to Right: JC Charles; Ray Miller;
Bret Von Dehl; Alex Foxx; Brandon
Kile.

Now The Relapse Symphony are no strangers to Rebel Yell, instead we have been following their journey since day one. After being together for little over two years now the band have released their debut album “Shadows”, following their 2012 EP “Times Running Out”. However, before today’s release the band tormented their fans with the gradual sharing of four singles taken directly off the album: We Are the Broken; One More Yesterday; Savage Eyes and Forever Slowly. I can safely inform you that these chosen few did not satisfy fans in a calming sense; it simply left them hungry for more. This teasing of the Relapse Rebels with various count downs and singles arguably prepared them for the bands supporting role in the Dead Rabbits tour (currently in the States), though on the other hand continued to wet their appetite for long awaited album.

And now here it is.

Are you ready for this?

Disclaimer: if your mind is fragile to the sheer magnitude of the awesomeness of true rock and roll approach with caution, as this album is sure to blow it to pieces (in a good way of course!).

Track One: Embrace the Darkness

“Shadows” opens with a one and a half minute instrumental that provokes anticipation for the remainder of the album to rise to chaotic degrees. Remember that tension? The escalating urgency that the countdowns brought? Well that is sufficiently reflected within this. The gradual crescendo causes the listeners’ heartbeat to rise, their breathing to become irregular and shallow. So I repeat…are you ready for what is about to erupt?

Track Two: We Are the Broken

Embrace the Darkness’ simple; elegant yet haunting melody is completely juxtaposed by the scream that begins “We Are the Broken”. Being the first single off of “Shadows” the song perhaps acts as the anthem for The Relapse Symphony, capturing an essence that unites them and their Rebels; for instance through the continuous refrain of “We Are! We Are!”. Throughout this song we see a side of JC Charles that has get to be seen whilst being introduced to the latest member Ray Miller, their astounding guitar interludes and solos maintain the heavier, punk element of the band throughout the entire album, arguable this song acts as its catalyst. Personally, my favourite part of the song is the somewhat calmer, catchy middle eight, in which Bret Von Dehl sings “Paint these hearts in starlight and smoke, we won’t back down, we are the broken” as it is an unexpected detour that works incredible well with the rock and roll attitude they emit. What’s more, it could be suggested that this particular song combines the two key aspects of the genre; not giving a damn, but also the side of which many forget – the fun of the freedom of rock.

Track Three: Battlefield of Lies

Once again, the two guitarists dominate in a subtle way, carrying the song forward and although decrescendo as Bret’s vocal enters, still manage to uphold a captivating influence without being overly obvious or distasteful. Instead this band seems to understand that all instruments are to carry their own weight rather than out rank each other. Interestingly Brandon Kile’s bass line begins restrained, however in the second verse enhances the raw edge that The Relapse Symphony seemingly strive for. Battlefield of Lies merges simply the grit of rock, the edge of punk, the hook of mild glam with the haunting ambiance emphasised by electronic in one of the most effective manners I have personally heard in a long while. Alex Foxx sets his name in stone on the drums, reassuring any doubt anyone had when announced that he was to transfer from guitar to the kit; again Foxx illustrates how every individual drum and cymbal are to be used to create an amazing blend within a song without being too domineering; and reinstating how sticking just to the snare and hi-hat isn’t always the best option.

Track Four: One More Yesterday

When hearing this single for the first time my heart stopped. The sheer emotion embedded in these lyrics is overwhelming, and have the ability to knock all breath out of their listener. Upon its release JC Charles tweeted to fans that this song was particularly personal to him; and trust me you can see why. Everyone has wished to redo a day, or just for a few more seconds, but the separation from a loved one is perhaps the most agonising, whether through literally distance or through death. The chorus lyrics “You’re not breathing, I’m not sleeping, I walk this world alone. I’ve been screaming, hands and knees and now you’ll never know. I don’t care what tomorrow hold, I’ll give this ground my broken bones, for just one more yesterday with you” reinforce a feeling of isolation, but rather an isolation caused by love rather than hate. However, this isn’t a typical ballad format, instead the band continue with their rock agenda, perhaps illustrating frustration at this loss? Yet this song speaks for itself and doesn’t particularly deserve the inefficient analysis that would degrade its true intention. Listen to it. You will see exactly what I mean. And you will fall in love with the song on first listen.

Track Five: Make Your Move

Now you cannot imagine the excitement I beheld when I heard this next song. The Relapse Symphony refuse to forget where they have come from which is something most rock stars, or any celebrity, forget along the road to fame. Make Your Move was one of the first songs ever to be released by the band back in 2012 and clearly reflects the evolution of the band. The song as been rerecorded from the edition that appears on the their EP (unless my ears are mistake!) capturing Alex on drums and Ray on guitar. Located pretty much in the middle of the album, this pop punkish track breaks the more seriously undertones of the previous; again recreating the idea that rock and roll also establishes the ‘carefree’, ‘fun’ emblem. The song embodies the past, present and future of the band; and how a band can continue to rise above their former selves, live the dream they placed high upon a pedestal, and still manage to be humble and remember who they really are.

Okay even I’ll admit that got a bit deep...even for me!

Track Six: Savage Eyes

Following Make Your Move, Savage Eyes documents an infatuation of a less innocent soul. A dark obsession with someone equally as dark. Perhaps a bittersweet romance? Or an addiction? Who knows what goes through their minds as they write? But all I know for sure is that all the energy that is radiated from that song is tremendous, you can’t help but imagine a crowd of people completely letting go during the live set of this song. Alex’s beats play strong and hard throughout the entire track, successfully reflecting the power and grit of the songs concept. Brandon’s rhythm mimicking the urgency suitably complimented by JC and Ray’s fluency keeping anticipation close to peak level.

Track Seven: Walls

Walls…Walls…Walls…this has to be one of my favourites off of “Shadows”, feeling like an appropriate merging of Relapse’s earlier sound revolving around tracks such as the original Make Your Move and Other Side of Town, and the new grittier tone of We Are the Broken and Forever Slowly. Unlike other previous Relapse Symphony tracks, Alex begins the song with a punk rock-ish fill that sets the ambiance for the rest of the song. Now I found Bret’s vocals during the verses to remind me of a young Billy Idol during his Generation X era or The Misfits’ Glenn Danzig; here he definitely demonstrations the strength of punks influence however Von Dehl’s more melodic vocal line adds his own twist. The chorus is by far the most memorable melody line, that can’t help but get lodged into your mind, whether you like it or not…but trust me you’ll like it! All three guitarists keep things simple, effectively contradicting the heavier, darker tendencies enhanced in songs such as Savage Eyes.

Track Eight: Angels Take Us Demons Save Us

Despite it’s name, Angels Take Us Demons Save Us the band again follow the entwined roads of rock ‘n’ roll and punk rock. Lyrics themselves demonstrate the bands heavier influences with lines such as “the bodies hit the ground, the sky is falling down, but I am in the twilight safe with you, while guarded angels sleep, the demons are running free, but I am in the twilight safe with you, a shallow grave for two.” Followed by a humorous, sadist yet subtle laugh that gives the song that extra edge. Now I know I’ve pretty much said all these songs have been my favourite, but Angels Take Us Demons Save Us is definitely in the top three for me. The song continues on the punk rock principle, almost making it strangely adaptable for something such as a Tim Burton film, nevertheless the track takes an unexpected…yet expected (if that makes any sense!)…Turn during the last thirty seconds, its as if hell has broke loose in the bands “shallow grave” with Von Dehl screaming vocals, Foxx’s pounding beat, Kile’s authoritative bass, Charles’ and Miller’s shattering licks.

Track Nine: The Ghost That Got Away

The Ghost That Got Away continues the shadier ambiance left from Angels Take Us Demons Save Us; Foxx’s steady yet compelling blends perfectly with Charles’ and Miller’s enthralling sections. Mr. Bret Von Dehl vocals do not for one-minute abandon their mesmerising qualities, instead remain just as captivating as when the record began; though it appears in this chosen track Von Dehl returns to a more raw format, allowing his vocals to be controlled with the necessary emotion that carries their lyrics to the next level. The guitar stabs within the chorus magnify the true grit that comes with a rock and roll dedication, what’s more, combined with Von Dehl’s harsh whisper following the second chorus, The Relapse Symphony remind not only their fans, but the world of the original identity of rock. Listening to the last few seconds of the track the listener will be completely mind blown by the ability both guitarist possess…let’s be honest this whole band is stained with talent and determination beyond anything imaginable.

Track Ten: Forever Slowly

Forever Slowly…I maybe wrong here so don’t shoot me! But I would say this is the chosen ballad…or close to…of the album.  Similar to Savage Eyes the song perhaps explores a darker love, through the lines “maybe you were toxic from the start, maybe I’m a sucker for danger”…maybe these boys like dangerous lifestyles with dangerous girls. As I write this I am becoming more and more aware that there aren’t actually many words to describe this song…it’s one of those track you listen to and you let it completely take over you. One of those songs that you feel coursing through your veins, synchronising your heartbeat, controlling your breathing.

So I have one thing to tell you that’s is imperative…go listen to this song, close your eyes and concentrate on nothing but the music. Then you’ll see exactly what I mean.

Track Eleven: Shadows

Now for the track that dedicates its name to the album. The track begins with a crescendo dominated by controlled feedback of a guitar; as it peaks Foxx and Kile contribute their instruments; yet it is Foxx who arguable carries this song, but as I said before each member pulls their weight effectively. JC’s licks between and within chorus and verse act as charismatic bridges throughout while Von Dehl regenerates the more haunting undertone of his melody, allowing the listener to become submerged in the lyrics. Something about this song that makes listener connect on certain levels; the backing chant so subtly used in the closing seconds add that extra insistence as the listener is left with the single note on the guitar to close the album.

All in all this album was definitely worth the wait. The boy’s debut album will ensure them a place in the spotlight next to bands such as Black Veil Brides, Escape The Fate, and possibly in the future The Misfits, Sex Pistols and the Ramones.

Seeing how this band has developed and evolved makes people see how rock and roll never died with the eighties, or how punk is not dead period. This quintet are pathing the way for future pioneers, and you know what? I absolutely love this album and this band, who continue to surprise me. Not only do I look forward to their next album, but I also am awaiting a UK tour (hint hint boys!). from what I can see they are gradually making it in the states with their tours, now it’s time to show Europe and the UK what their missing out on!

Purchase “Shadows” on their merch site: http://merchnow.com/catalogs/the-relapse-symphony 

Or on itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/shadows/id875867215

Find a fault in it. I dare you.

Oh wait you can’t!

Until next time…

Rebel Yell

Top Tracks: June

1) The Relapse Symphony- "One More Yesterday"

2) Generation X - "One Hundred Punks"

3) Black Stone Cherry - "Me and Mary Jane"

4) The Offspring - "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid"

5) Billy Idol - "Dancing With Myself"

6) Alice Cooper - "School's Out"

7) The Great Big World - "Rockstar"

8) Fearless Vampire Killers - "Neon In The Dance Hall"

9) Green Day - "Good Riddance"

10) The Relapse Symphony - "Savage Eyes"

Top Tracks: May

1) The Summer Set - "Boys You Do"

2) Andy Black - "They Don't Need to Understand"

3) Yashin - "D.E.A.D"

4) Bon Jovi - "Because We Can"

5) Guns 'N' Roses - "Welcome to the Jungle"

6) Yashin - "SOS" (Acoustic)

7) We Are The In Crowd - "The Best Thing (That Never Happened)"

8) The Relapse Symphony - "We Are The Broken"

9) Avatar - "Bloody Angel"

10) Slipknot - "Dead Memories"

Broken Rumours, Torn up Assumptions and a Story of Another Alter Ego

We all know him by different names, from titles such as hero and saviour given by his army, to…well…let’s say less endearing terms by people he has yet to win over. However it is not just fandom that has sparked names for him, Black Veil Brides’ front man has had a variety of stage names throughout his career, from being Andy Six in his 2010 debut album We Stitch These Wounds to The Prophet from 2011’s Set The World on Fire, before returning back to his family name of Biersack for their 2013 rock opera concept album Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones.

There is no denial that Mr. Biersack keeps his next intentions a mystery to his following, looking back on Black Veil Brides’ previous albums it’s safe to say that he has covered a sufficient, if not impressive, amount of ground considering only spending 4 years in the light of the media. Andy has never been shy when vocalising how his childhood and adolescence has impacted his writing style, as well as his love for 80’s glam metal coinciding with his passion for theatrics, helped him develop his ‘alter egos’. Yet again another layer has been shed from the enigmatic front man; the creation of Andy Black from a recent side project continues to challenge generated general expectations.

As we reach the midpoint of 2014, fans are aware that Black Veil Brides have recently returned to the studio to record their fourth feature length album, however they may have been unaware of Andy previously recording earlier this year. He takes a complete detour from makeup and tight leather to sharp dressed black suits, in which he gives himself a “chance to divide the characters” of his alter ego. In a recent interview with Hot Topic, Andy also eliminates the rumours of a purely solo career, the insinuations of Black Veil Brides breaking up are cleared and removed from the debate, as he makes it evident that the Andy Black project is a creative path that allows him to continue to grow as a musician, without sacrificing the development and iconic high ground of Black Veil Brides. In the below interview Andy further explains the separation of his two characters, stating that the only connection was the connotation of black, emphasising how this is just another addition to his ever growing persona.  

As of yesterday Andy released his first single as Andy Black: “They Don’t Need to Understand” upon listening to the lyrics, music and paying close attention to the video, there are both understandable similarities as well as differences between the project and Black Veil Brides. Nonetheless it is the differences that I find most intriguing. Compared to the “take on the world” attitude that carries Black Veil Brides, Andy Black seems to be a more reflective, romantic approach. Now I know what you’re thinking “romantic?! How is it romantic?” well the romanticism wasn’t all pink hearts and roses, no instead there is a far darker undertone to the era; placing emphasis on such emotions as apprehension, horror, terror and awe. Throughout the black and white video, we see the present Andy in the foreground, whilst home videos play in the background; this enhances the sense of awe, remembrance and a ghostlike presence; suggesting that perhaps Andy Black is a character that is far more aware of his transitions through life compared to Andy Six.

All in all? I genuinely admire Andy Biersack’s exploration and exhibition of both his creative mindset and his faith in where it will lead him. Personally, I can see Andy Black constructing a similar divide in the music culture as Black Veil Brides first did when they appeared back in 2010. As always, I look forward to the release of their fourth studio album, but I am also intrigued as to where Andy plans on taking Mr. Black.

Hot Topic Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiALBDtn0n0

World Premiere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMA-GMW8TNg