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  • I Am Phil – Book Review

    Not that I had any doubt that an autobiography written by Phil Ehart wouldn’t be interesting. But in I Am Phil (written with Paul Braoudakis), the Kansas drummer/manager/OG manages a great read of his life.

    Having seen Mr. Ehart with his classic American prog band, the only one of its kind to hit the kind of heights Kansas has, and even having met the man when he was promoting his Native Window debut (if there was ever an album the mainstream missed but is worth having it is Native Window) I suspected he’d relate an honest, poised and overall classy account…just like I found the man himself to be when I met him. But what I loved about I Am Phil, is that we are given the story of all that was and is Kansas, surely ‘a band,’ as well as a rich unveiling of the life of a working musician, manager, ‘Army brat,’ father and man of faith (not necessarily in this order).

    Mr. E’s triumphs and trials with the juggernaut rock outfit he pretty much pieced together — in Kansas of all places — is told here in matter-of-fact facts, but Kansas and the man’s incredible drumming for the band are just a piece of who he is. The other adventures Phil Ehart has managed, lots of them his constant good work of reaching out and helping folks in many regards, musical and not, are so inspiring.

    I had heard about Mr. Ehart’s specific family difficulties, as well as bits and pieces of these Kansas stories, the latter of which anyone can attest to when viewing the fabulous documentary Kansas: Miracles Out of Nowhere, which again, Ehart had a significant hand in. And I’m not so sure I agree with his assessment of keeping the band going with ‘understudies’ (an argument for another time surely). But one can’t ignore the guy’s tenacity, what he describes often in the book as a middle-of-the U.S. work ethic, his love for what he does and the people he has come in contact with, fans, friends and first and foremost, his family as he enjoyed fun and yes, sometimes heartache, of keeping a rock band trudging along for 50+ years. Simply put, I Am Phil is surely a rock star’s autobiography written by someone who never actually comes off as a rock star.

    ~ Ralph Greco, Jr.

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    I Am Phil

  • FABIENNE ERNI – Starveil

    Fabienne Erni’s name may be familiar to many primarily through Eluveitie, where she became known as a vocalist, harpist, and one of the defining voices behind the band’s Celtic atmosphere. At the front of ILLUMISHADE, she had already proven that she also feels at home in a more modern, cinematic, symphonic metal environment, where melody, […]

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  • YES Release Historic Roosevelt Stadium Concert From 1976

    YES Release Historic Roosevelt Stadium Concert From 1976

    Some artists may care about overloading their market and their fans’ budgets, yet YES don’t seem to belong to this category, and on July 17th, a little more than a month after their new album will have seen the light … Continue reading

    The post YES Release Historic Roosevelt Stadium Concert From 1976 appeared first on DMME.net.

  • EIHWAR – Hugrheim

    EIHWAR already comes across as an intriguing and unusual musical phenomenon at first listen. The French duo blends Nordic ritual atmosphere, the power of shamanic drums, electronic pulsation, and pagan symbolism in a distinctive way, shaping it all into a wild, instinctive musical vision built for festivals. The style the band defines as “Viking War […]

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  • Gilla Band – “Giraffe”

    It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from Gilla Band, the righteous and adventurous Irish noise-rockers once known as Girl Band. Gilla Band’s last album was 2022’s Most Normal. Since then, guitarist Alan Duggan Borges has unveiled his experimental electronic solo project the Null Club and released his own self-titled album. Now, Gilla Band are…

    The post Gilla Band – “Giraffe” appeared first on Stereogum.

  • Sepultura Announce Last Show Ever, Farewell Tour Ending in 2026

    Sepultura's long-running farewell tour now has a final date and location and some very special guests. Continue reading…
  • Brian Hunsaker Lie To You Review

    Brian Hunsaker Lie To You Review

    An intense arpeggio opens “Lie To You,” introducing a journey filled with dynamic energy. This single boasts influences from 80s progressive metal, showcasing the artist’s exceptional compositional experience and incredible refinement. Hunsaker starts strong, immediately capturing the listener’s attention. As the track reaches the 45-second mark, the first verse becomes sparser, allowing backing vocals to enter. This addition highlights Hunsaker’s impressive vocal technique.

     Brian Hunsaker Lie To You

    The drumming adds a syncopated rhythm, while the guitars contribute with a light arpeggio. As the song grows, Hunsaker’s voice ascends into higher registers, revealing an enviable tonal range. The melody transports listeners, while the underlying bass and drums engage in intricate phrasing, enhancing the piece’s depth.

    “Lie To You” reflects incredible maturity and artistry. Hunsaker clearly commands a deep understanding of musical composition. Around the three-minute and twenty-second mark, the song shifts in atmosphere, taking on a darker tone. This transition paves the way for a technically impressive guitar solo, introducing a moment of suspension in the narrative. Harmonic and rhythmic changes are part of this artist’s genetic makeup, showcasing his ability to keep listeners engaged.

    Lie To You – Sound and Atmosphere

    Throughout the track, Hunsaker demonstrates significant control over his vocal delivery and instrumental arrangement. The palpable energy resonates with an audience always seeking new experiences in music. Each component of the composition is skillfully intertwined, leading to an exploration of varied moods and textures.

    The blend of different influences coexists in this single, displaying Hunsaker’s diverse music background. He has crafted a piece that speaks to long-time fans of the genre and new listeners. Listeners are likely to appreciate the richness of the sonic layers present in the track, each carefully crafted to highlight Hunsaker’s artistic vision.

    Lie To You – Performance and Production

    The production quality of “Lie To You” is top-notch. Each instrument is clearly defined, blending flawlessly without overpowering the others. There is a real sense of balance, allowing every element to shine in its own right. The clarity of the sound invites deeper listening experiences, exposing nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed.

    “Lie To You” is an excellent introduction to Hunsaker’s artistry and leaves listeners craving more. The song embodies the spirit of exploration and challenges expectations refreshingly.



    Refined

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    Find Brian Hunsaker here:
    Spotify | Instagram

    The post Brian Hunsaker Lie To You Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

  • LEAVES’ EYES – Song Of Darkness EP

    LEAVES’ EYES have been following their own path for more than two decades on the borderland between symphonic and Viking metal, where monumental arrangements, historical and mythological themes, and dramatic vocal performances have always been among the band’s defining trademarks. The upcoming 2026 EP Song Of Darkness is not merely another shorter release in their […]

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  • Grekula Detached Review

    Grekula Detached Review

    From the incipit, “Detached” reveals a refined quality. The piano and guitar intertwine to create a melody that evokes nostalgia and memory. The opening instrumentation suggests a familiarity reminiscent of Counting Crows. Also, echoes of Neil Young linger in the background, perhaps due to the artist’s distinct vocal timbre. This unique quality reaches deep into the soul, connecting with listeners on a profound level.

    Detached Grekula Single

    As the song develops, it maintains a measured pace, allowing the listener to absorb its essence fully. The piano, skillfully played by Mathias Thijssen, adds depth to the composition. His playing elevates the song. It feels like unearthing old photographs, triggering memories of moments that seemed incredibly significant.

    The narrative of the song leads us through personal reflections. We are reminded of how we change over time, gaining perspective on previous experiences. The emotions embedded in the lyrics guide us through this journey, urging self-exploration.

    Detached – Sound and Atmosphere

    As we progress through the track, the emotional weight increases. The listener finds themselves contemplating their own past, viewing it through a lens of detachment. This aspect of the song makes it particularly relatable; we all have moments we look back on with a mixture of fondness and distance.

    The production quality enhances the listening experience. The balance between the piano and guitar creates a harmonious blend that is impactful. The arrangement facilitates a gradual build-up, pulling the listener deeper into the emotional core of the piece.

    Detached – Performance and Production

    There are moments of gentle intensity that draw the listener in further. The combination of instrumentation and vocals comes together in a powerful manner. It’s as if you have emerged from a deep conversation with oneself.

    The reflective nature of “Detached” makes it an extraordinary piece. It offers a clear representation of how cherished memories can fade into the past yet still hold significance. The notion that we are no longer the same person after these experiences resonates deeply, encouraging listeners to embrace change.

    “Detached” provides ample opportunity for personal reflection. Grekula manages to fuse musical complexity with heartfelt lyrics seamlessly. This single serves as a reminder of the beautiful intricacies of human transformation.

    Transforming experiences into melodic narratives is no simple feat. With “Detached,” Grekula succeeds in creating an emotional mirror. Each listening encourages a deeper understanding of oneself and the passage of time.



    Intense

    🔥 If you love this music: Discover More


    Find Grekula here:
    Spotify | Instagram

    For fans of:

    Counting Crows • Neil Young


    The post Grekula Detached Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.