Good Music From Our Readers – Vol. I

RiffRiot readers, you’ve once again proven your impeccable taste! In a music world often saturated with predictable sounds, the raw energy and creative spirit of independent artists continue to shine brightly, and you’ve been instrumental in bringing these exceptional singles to our attention. 2024 has been living proof of this phenomenon, with a surge of compelling rock and metal singles emerging from the grassroots scene, demonstrating that genuine artistry thrives vibrantly outside the mainstream.

These tracks represent a diverse spectrum of sounds and styles, each one a powerful expression of its creator’s unique artistic vision. This compilation marks the beginning of an exciting new section in our blog, where talented independent artists can expand their work and gain the recognition they deserve. There’s something truly special about having such a rich variety of musical styles gathered in one curated space.

So, let´s begin with our first group of singles of our loyal readers and collaborators!

Singles Recently Released

The following list of singles is not ordered, so feel free to set yourself your own ranking!

The Afro Nick – Get There Before Noon

The Afro Nick’s “Get There Before Noon (LA Mix)” is a captivating indie rock anthem that blends psychedelic guitars, groovy synths, and introspective lyrics. Recorded in prestigious NYC studios with Grammy-winning collaborator Leonardo Genovese, the track shows Nick Anastasakis’ artistic growth. Its message of seizing the moment resonates through powerful instrumentation and emotive vocals. Accompanied by a visually striking NYC-based music video, this single marks a significant milestone for the Greek-born, LA-based artist, earning praise for its artistic depth and broad appeal.

FFO: Van Halen, Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Website: https://www.theafronick.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAfroNick
X: https://x.com/TheAfroNick
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2arpz24tIOAHDHcwzT1IJk
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/theafronick
Bandcamp: https://bandcamp.com/theafronick
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAfroNickVEVO/videos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theafronick
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theafronick
Songkick: https://www.songkick.com/artists/8370498-afro-nick
Telegram: https://t.me/theafronick

Shape of the Water – The Silence of the Lambs

On October 30, 2024, Shape of Water released “The Silence of the Lambs,” a single that marks a notable progression towards a heavier sonic landscape for the UK-based duo. Recorded with live drums at NoiseBoy Studios in Manchester and mastered by Grant Berry, this track is presented as their most substantial offering to date. The single, accompanied by a music video, serves as an introduction to their forthcoming album, scheduled for release in 2025.

Rox Capriotti and Luca De Falco, the creative force behind Shape of Water since 2018, are recognized for their independent approach and their ability to blend rock, electronic, and atmospheric elements. “The Silence of the Lambs” builds upon the positive reception of their 2022 album, “Amor Fati,” and illustrates their ongoing artistic development within the alternative rock genre.

FFO: Avatar, Flesh God Apocalypse.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shapeofwatermusic/
X: https://twitter.com/shapeofwatermus
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/043DQjDKrGRvR1ntflK0Jh?si=JuhbrMDlQ0q9rP4SDJrmtQ
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/shapeofwatermusic
YouTube: https://youtube.com/shapeofwatermusic
Instagram: https://instagram.com/shapeofwatermusic
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@shapeofwatermusic
Songkick: https://www.songkick.com/artists/9891334-shape-of-water/calendar

Archangel – From Hell to Heaven

Archangel’s latest single, “From Hell to Heaven”, presents a compelling fusion of metal subgenres. The track commences with a foundation of weighty, deliberate death metal rhythms, evoking the sonic characteristics of doom and stoner metal. However, a distinct shift occurs midway through the composition, introducing a percussive style reminiscent of black metal, accompanied by a melodic death metal solo. This unexpected juxtaposition of styles creates a unique listening experience. While the combination may initially surprise the listener, Archangel effectively integrates these diverse elements, resulting in an eclectic death metal composition that demonstrates a refined understanding of genre blending.

FFO: death metal with slow paced yet strong rythms.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9arch9angel9
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5JNnqLCqhRbzQ4tH7iLGox?si=79SwBxKIQ4q_eBGVd15_hw
YouTube: https://youtu.be/DI-i7ALIeEY?si=5BSf5WQRzuedkZjb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9arch9angel9

Alwyn Morrison – The City

Alwyn Morrison’s music offers a vibrant and relatable take on pop-rock, infused with the energy of urban life. His debut single, ‘The City,’ immediately resonated with listeners, achieving significant online engagement. Morrison’s songwriting, which often explores personal narratives within the context of city living, strikes a chord with its honesty and emotional depth. His upcoming release, ‘Lenox Hill,’ a collaboration with Emmy-nominated composer Michael Kooman and award-winning producer Michael Carey, further exemplifies his commitment to crafting sophisticated and emotionally resonant music. Morrison’s work, while reminiscent of iconic bands like The Cars and The Cranberries, maintains a fresh and authentic quality, inviting listeners to connect with the stories woven into his songs.

FFO: The Cranberries, The Cars, softer Green Day side.

Website: https://www.alwynmorrison.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwynmorrisonmusic
X: https://x.com/AlwynMorrison
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlwynMorrison
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwynmorrison/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alwynmorrison
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2lKZsuwIJdtnaFE2CF3aRX

Remember that all of the albums which are listed in our rankings are featured in our official Spotify playlists!

And if you would want to apply to be featured among these great albums, you can apply via Musosoup or Sound Campaign and let us discover your material!

La entrada Good Music From Our Readers – Vol. I se publicó primero en .

Sure, Hats off Gentlemen It’s Adequate is a rather long name for a band, but I think they’re worth our memory effort. Malcolm Galloway and Mark Gatland’s brain child is an eclectic and intriguing musical creature, like this title song taken from their 2023 album will show to the few that never listened to HOGIA’s music. Galloway, Gatland and their guest musicians provide a varied prog rock with a strong electronic taste, well balanced between the classic era masters and the contemporary trends. 

Galloway himself created this AI assisted evocative image.

This track – like many other ones in the band’s catalogue – pays its tribute to beloved science fiction books (in this case, Ian M. Banks’s Look to Windward novel) and also – musically – to space rock and to the atmospheric side of Pink Floyd or Porcupine Tree. That said, this London based musicians have their own signature sound, sharp and arcane. Yes, it is adeguate and pretty more than so.

Sure, Hats off Gentlemen It’s Adequate is a rather long name for a band, but I think they’re worth our memory effort. Malcolm Galloway and Mark Gatland’s brain child is an eclectic and intriguing musical creature, like this title song taken from their 2023 album will show to the few that never listened to HOGIA’s music. Galloway, Gatland and their guest musicians provide a varied prog rock with a strong electronic taste, well balanced between the classic era masters and the contemporary trends. 

Galloway himself created this AI assisted evocative image.

This track – like many other ones in the band’s catalogue – pays its tribute to beloved science fiction books (in this case, Ian M. Banks’s Look to Windward novel) and also – musically – to space rock and to the atmospheric side of Pink Floyd or Porcupine Tree. That said, this London based musicians have their own signature sound, sharp and arcane. Yes, it is adeguate and pretty more than so.

Vilhelm Buchaus aspires to win Melodifestivalen this Saturday. We chatted with the Swedish singer about the thrilling journey ahead.

By Michael Hartmann. February 27, 2025.

Meet Vilhelm Buchaus, a singer-songwriter who is establishing himself as a rising star in the Swedish music scene. Should he win Melodifestivalen (the Swedish Eurovision song contest) on Saturday, he could represent Sweden in the Eurovision finale in Switzerland in May.

We spoke with him about the upcoming event.

-How does it feel to be part of Melodifestivalen?

-It feels amazing! I’ve always been watching Melodifestivalen, so it’s really an honor to be apart of it!

-How will you describe your song “I’m Yours”? “

-“I’m Yours” is about the feeling of not being enough! I try to keep an intimate feeling throughout the song, and really invite the listener in to the word that I try to create.

We asked Vilhelm about his ballad “Another Horizon”.

-It is a beautiful ballad brimming with emotion. Could you share the story behind the song and the meaning conveyed in the lyrics?

-Thank you so much! I started to write the song just before Christmas, so I really had time to finish it in the way I had visioned over the Christmas period.

The song is about the emotional struggle of holding on to the memory of a lost love while trying to move forward. I write about letting go of the dream of reuniting with someone once deeply loved. The song is both a tribute to what once was and an acknowledgment of the pain that comes with having to move on.

With the metaphor “We’ll be alive, on another horizon,” I want to express that if we cannot be together in this lifetime, we will meet again in another, on a different horizon.

-When you make your appearance at Melodifestivalen on Saturday, what can the audience anticipate?

-I hope that as many as people as possible can relate to my song and the story that I’m telling. I also want everyone that watches to feel invited into the space that I’m trying to create. I really hope that people will enjoy it!

-How would you respond if you emerged victorious in Melodifestivalen and became Sweden’s ambassador in the global finale?

-It would mean the world to me and be more than I could ever have dreamed of, but right now, I’m just incredibly happy to be part of Melodifestivalen and trying to stay in the moment without thinking too far ahead.

Vilhelm’s song for this year’s Melodifestivalen, “I´m Yours”, will be available to stream on Friday, February 28. He will perform in Melodifestivalen on Saturday, March 1. You can watch the show on Swedish television (svt.se).

Follow Vilhelm:

FACEBOOK: Vilhelm Buchaus.

INSTAGRAM: vilhelmbuchaus

Follow Cover Story:

FACEBOOK: coverstory.no

INSTAGRAM: coverstory.no

(More links will be added shortly).

The post Vilhelm Buchaus has joined Melodifestivalen. -It feels amazing! first appeared on Coverstory.

In this interview, Rick Beato has the privilege of sitting down with Robby Krieger and John Densmore, the two remaining members of the massively influential band The Doors. They cover everything from the band’s formation, their time in the studio, many of their hit songs, to the highs and lows of working with Jim Morrison.

Bandcamp pre-order

Spotify pre-save

YouTube teaser

Valcata, known today as a symphonic metal collective that thrives on remote collaborations, began as a traditional six-member band based in Dublin, Ireland, from 2008 to 2010. The original lineup featured:

• Lorelle Brownlee – lead vocals (2008-2009)

• Joanne King – lead vocals (2009-2010)

• S. Hanan – lead guitar, harsh vocals

• Diarmuid Coughlan – rhythm guitar, backing vocals

• Darragh O’Connor – bass

• David McGuinness – drums

• Oha Cade – keyboards, backing vocals

In 2009, the band recorded a six-track demo EP called Nightmares & Promises. Shortly after, Lorelle left to focus on her studies, and Joanne stepped in as lead vocalist. After about a year of live shows, the group eventually disbanded. Valcata later re-emerged as a remote project led by Oha Cade in 2019, continuing to create music today.

Now, for the first time in years, Nightmares & Promises is coming back. This lost EP will be re-released digitally, letting Valcata’s current listeners experience these hidden treasures.

As a special bonus, the EP will feature two versions: one with Lorelle’s original vocals and another with Joanne’s newly recorded vocals, giving fans two different yet equally stunning takes on these classic tracks.

Two promo singles will be released this Friday Feb 14th:

1. Memory (Lorelle Version)

2. Tuatha Dé Danann (Joanne Version)

Listeners who pre-order the EP on Bandcamp will also get immediate access to Joanne’s version of Memory and Lorelle’s version of Tuatha Dé Danann.

The full double-EP will be released on Bandcamp and streaming platforms on February 21st.

With its old-school symphonic metal charm, catchy melodies, and driving instrumentals, Nightmares & Promises captures the passion and creativity of a young band making music they truly love.

Some original members have pursued other paths, while others continue to make music. Darragh co-founded the experimental extreme metal band Horrenda. Joanne frequently performs with her various rock cover bands such as Wildheart (Heart tribute) and Lady Riot (celebrating women in music).

~ Tracklist ~

1. Memory (4:25)

2. Tuatha Dé Danann (5:19)

3. The Illusionist (3:33)

4. Live No More (6:12)

5. Weeping Pool (4:41)

6. Forgotten (7:22)

Mixed and mastered by Shannon Bowman (Studio23).

Bandcamp pre-order

Spotify pre-save

YouTube teaser

Valcata, known today as a symphonic metal collective that thrives on remote collaborations, began as a traditional six-member band based in Dublin, Ireland, from 2008 to 2010. The original lineup featured:

• Lorelle Brownlee – lead vocals (2008-2009)

• Joanne King – lead vocals (2009-2010)

• S. Hanan – lead guitar, harsh vocals

• Diarmuid Coughlan – rhythm guitar, backing vocals

• Darragh O’Connor – bass

• David McGuinness – drums

• Oha Cade – keyboards, backing vocals

In 2009, the band recorded a six-track demo EP called Nightmares & Promises. Shortly after, Lorelle left to focus on her studies, and Joanne stepped in as lead vocalist. After about a year of live shows, the group eventually disbanded. Valcata later re-emerged as a remote project led by Oha Cade in 2019, continuing to create music today.

Now, for the first time in years, Nightmares & Promises is coming back. This lost EP will be re-released digitally, letting Valcata’s current listeners experience these hidden treasures.

As a special bonus, the EP will feature two versions: one with Lorelle’s original vocals and another with Joanne’s newly recorded vocals, giving fans two different yet equally stunning takes on these classic tracks.

Two promo singles will be released this Friday Feb 14th:

1. Memory (Lorelle Version)

2. Tuatha Dé Danann (Joanne Version)

Listeners who pre-order the EP on Bandcamp will also get immediate access to Joanne’s version of Memory and Lorelle’s version of Tuatha Dé Danann.

The full double-EP will be released on Bandcamp and streaming platforms on February 21st.

With its old-school symphonic metal charm, catchy melodies, and driving instrumentals, Nightmares & Promises captures the passion and creativity of a young band making music they truly love.

Some original members have pursued other paths, while others continue to make music. Darragh co-founded the experimental extreme metal band Horrenda. Joanne frequently performs with her various rock cover bands such as Wildheart (Heart tribute) and Lady Riot (celebrating women in music).

~ Tracklist ~

1. Memory (4:25)

2. Tuatha Dé Danann (5:19)

3. The Illusionist (3:33)

4. Live No More (6:12)

5. Weeping Pool (4:41)

6. Forgotten (7:22)

Mixed and mastered by Shannon Bowman (Studio23).