Hozier announces second Melbourne show on the ‘Unreal Unearth’ 2024 Australian tour
Due to a staggering demand for tickets in the presale, Live Nation are excited to announce a second Melbourne date for global superstar Hozier at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Wednesday November 13.
Performing shows here for the first time since 2019, the Grammy-nominated, award-winning multi-platinum singer and songwriter and his band play headline dates across the country which include Arena shows on Wednesday November 6 at RAC Arena in Perth, and Friday November 15 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, alongside major outdoor venues at The Drive in Adelaide on Friday November 8, Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne on Tuesday November 12 and Wednesday November 13, the Riverstage in Brisbane on Monday November 18 and two SummerSalt dates in Torquay, Sunday November 10 and Hunter Valley, Saturday 16 November.
Presented in partnership with double j, tickets for all shows go on sale at 12pm local, Monday March 18.
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.com.au
With over 22 billion global streams, numerous platinum album certifications, multiple award nominations and wins, Hozier is recognised as one of the foremost singer-songwriters of our generation.
Driven by the thought-provoking quintuple-platinum anthem ‘Take Me To Church’, Hozier’s self-titled full-length debut bowed at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 and went on to achieve triple RIAA Platinum status. Featuring the hit singles ‘Take Me To Church’, and ‘Someone New’, it enjoyed nine weeks at #1 in his native Ireland and rose to #3 on the ARIA album charts here in Australia, also achieving multi-platinum sales.
The follow up to Hozier’s debut album, ‘Wasteland, Baby!’ was released to massive critical acclaim in March 2019, entering the US Billboard Top 200 Chart at #1. The multi-platinum selling album’s 14 tracks (all original Hozier compositions) marked a major development in songwriting and subject matter and included the singles ‘Nina Cried Power’, ‘Movement’, ‘Almost (Sweet music)’, ‘Would That I’ and ‘Dinner and Diatribes’.
August 2023 saw Hozier release his third studio album ‘Unreal Unearth’ which delivered the singles ‘Eat Your Young’, ‘Francesca’, ‘De Selby (Part 2)’ and ‘All Things End’ and has been described as ‘an album brimming with brilliance’, and ‘one of the most enchanting albums of 2023’. An extensive world tour kicked off after the release which included sold out shows across the US, Europe and the UK, and a string of International Festival dates and more headline shows in 2024.
November 2024 Hozier bring his highly successful ‘Unreal Unearth’ tour to Australia and will be joined by Special guest American Singer Songwriter Joy Oladokun.
HOZIER – UNREAL UNEARTH
AUSTRALIA TOUR
WITH SPECIAL GUEST JOY OLADOKUN
RAC ARENA, PERTH WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 6
THE DRIVE, ADELAIDE FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8
SUMERSALT, TORQUAY SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10
SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL, MELBOURNE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 12 (LOW TICKETS)SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL, MELBOURNE WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 13 (NEW SHOW)QUDOS BANK ARENA, SYDNEY FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15
SUMERSALT, HUNTER VALLEY SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16
THE RIVERSTAGE, BRISBANE MONDAY NOVEMBER 18
TICKETS ON SALE 12PM LOCAL, MONDAY MARCH 18
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.com.au
HEALTH Announce Rat-Based Warfare Down Under Tour
Following their highly successful and long-awaited return to Australia in 2023 for Dark Mofo and a limited couple of sideshows, the enigmatic noise rock-cum-industrial metal trio that is HEALTH returned home to LA to prepare for the release of their seventh full-length album Rat Wars. Having begun the process of reinventing themselves as a heavy band several records ago, Rat Wars is a dystopian, painfully horny fever dream that may just be the zenith of their evolution – HEALTH at its most fully formed after years of collaboration and experimentation, all the while cultivating a passionate fan base that not only follows their every move, but actively takes part in the band’s extremely online community. Having immediately followed up on the December 2023 release of Rat Wars by supporting modern metal icons Sleep Token all over Europe, including at their gigantic sold out show at Wembley Stadium, the band soon embarked with their most successful US headline tour yet, and now prepares to bring the rat wars to Australia for the next stage of their campaign…
Joining them on all dates is the Brisbane-based artist Zheani, whose rise has been similarly meteoric in recent years. To call her a rapper, while somewhat fitting, would betray the eclectic and violent mix of hip-hop, metal, industrial, synth-pop, emo and hardcore influences that makes up her truly next-generation music and stunning imagery represented by her 2023 sophomore album The Spiritual Meat Grinder and 2024 single Spoils of War. Selling out her own headline shows in Australia, the USA and Europe, and even supporting Limp Bizkit in Melbourne over the last year, the Rat-Based Warfare Down Under Tour may be one of your last chances to see Zheani in a club setting before she truly lifts off to the stars.
Experimental drum & bass artist Joshua Wells (Nerve, AR53 Records) and extreme metal vocalist Karina Utomo (KILAT, Rinuwat, High Tension) present their latest duo performance as a new look at largely improvised electronic rhythms and exploratory voicing. The project focuses on live drum machine manipulations paired with extreme vocal dissonance. The creation is a discordant cacophony of textural dark, techno landscapes narrated with shatteringly acute vocal ranging.
These shows promise to be unforgettable nights that showcase heavy music as a force that doesn’t have to be brutal and macho to be gripping and eviscerating. May the Rat Wars purge this continent. Long live the Rat Wars.
Early bird pre-sale tickets on sale: Wednesday 20 March @ 11am AEDT time
To Gain Early Ticket Access Register Here -> https://daltours.cc/ratwarsdownunder
General tickets on sale: Friday 22 March @ 11am local time
Tickets from destroyalllines.com
Destroy All Lines Presents
HEALTH
RAT-BASED WARFARE TOUR :: DOWN UNDER
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
ZHEANI + JOSHUA WELLS & KARINA UTOMO
WEDNESDAY 31 JULY – AMPLIFIER BAR, PERTH
THURSDAY 1 AUGUST – LION ARTS, ADELAIDE
FRIDAY 2 AUGUST – 170 RUSSELL, MELBOURNE
SATURDAY 3 AUGUST – MANNING BAR, SYDNEY
SUNDAY 4 AUGUST – BRIGHTSIDE OUTDOORS, BRISBANE
General tickets on sale: Friday 22 March @ 11am local time
Tickets from destroyalllines.com
Interview with Chuck Garric & Calico Cooper
The formidable powerhouse Beasto Blanco are back in 2024 with new single ‘Run For Your Life,’ produced by Chris Harms / Lord of the Lost. It’s the first taste of their forthcoming new album, KINETICA, coming later this year via COP International Records that aspires to capture the visuals, energy, love, sex, sweat, robots, and raw animalistic essence that defines the band.
This adrenaline-fueled track ‘Run For Your Life” kicks things off with a sonic and lyrical call to face fears and trust bestial instincts. In the accompanying music video, Beasto Blanco charges full force into life amid intergalactic chaos, pursuing their cybernetic “Machine Girl” warrior Queen. The epic hunt unfolds, with the band's sound leading the charge. Beasto Blanco refuses to run, embodying the spirit of the less than perfect, the flawed, and the free.
Calico Cooper says of the track, “’Run For Your Life’ is a track about stamina. The sheer force of will it takes to dig deep and run from any black holes sucking you in. To not be crushed by the destruction. But to run hard and fast… for your life. You have the power to save yourself. And it’s worth it.”
Beasto Blanco features the electrifying collaboration of Nashville-based shock rockers Chuck Garric (Alice Cooper) and high priestess Calico Cooper, delivering an instant knockout blow. With an explosive sound and captivating visuals, ‘Run For Your Life’ is the perfect balance of raw power and infectious melodies that showcases Beasto Blanco’s refreshing authenticity as a beacon of genuine, unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll.
Adds Christian Petke, founder of COP International Records, “I have been working in the industry for over 30 years and I have never represented a band that is this focused and driven. Beasto Blanco’s musicianship and professionalism is just mind-blowing. I am absolutely in love with their sound and energy; here is a band that effortlessly combines deep rock ‘n’ roll roots with 21st century attitude and technology. The icing on the cake is the fact that they are totally fun to work with.”
In addition to the new music, Beasto Blanco has been confirmed for appearances at several European festivals this summer, including Wacken, Ur Rock, and Plague Noir with more dates coming soon.
About Beasto Blanco
Rock and Roll born in the Mountain Mud and the Desert Sun … Beasto Blanco was formed by Chuck Garric and Chris Latham. They set out to create a raw, powerful, rock ‘n’ roll band with a searing, theatrical live experience. Enter Calico Cooper, rock vixen and the spawn of Garric’s boss, legendary shock rocker Alice Cooper and a renegade German rhythm section and Beasto Blanco’s inimitable sound and image emerged. Blood, sweat, and gasoline are fueling Beasto Blanco’s explosive rock sound and captivating visuals. A band and an audience united in one inseparable union of musical thunder and sensational spectacle. Welcome to the world of Beasto Blanco. Whether illuminated in the spotlights of cavernous arenas or headlining packed theaters and clubs, the band’s mission is unwavering: To create an immersive experience where everyone is welcome to join an extended family whose support is unconditional and authentic.
Lineup:
Chuck Garric (long time Alice Cooper bassist) on guitars and vocals
Calico Cooper on vocals
Brother Latham on guitars
Jan LeGrow on bass
Sean Sellers on drums
Find Beasto Blanco online:
Website: https://www.beastoblanco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeastoBlanco/?pnref=lhc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beastoblanco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeastoBlanco
[Album Review] Amaranthe – The Catalyst
Amaranthe, they are modern metal meets pop! It’s heavy, it’s catchy as all hell and I’m 100% sure your metal elitists would hate every second of it, but love them or hate them, they have proved again that they are here to stay. Amaranthe are back with their 7th studio album, The Catalyst and once again they have unleashed the hooks and melodies that will get under your skin and dig into your mind, where you will be singing them all day.
Three years on since the previous album Manifest, which gained them some new fans with the likes of the single Viral, The Catalyst will do that again and more! The old fans will be back for more of what they already love about this band, the 3 different vocal styles, the incredible melodies, and the killer rhythms. While I think newer fans will find these latest singles flavorful, then go and taste their back catalogue full of delectable hooks and sing alongs, always a tasty dish that one.
The singles released are some of the catchiest tunes on the album, but with an Amaranthe album, they still have more hooks and riffs to get stuck in your head, its pop music, it’s part of the charm. They have some killer film clips to go with these singles, Damnation Flame is a Vampire movie and as usual, we head to the future with Insatiable and The Catalyst. I have always enjoyed their art and effects. Outside of the singles, Amaranthe has given us, Interference, probably the heaviest Amaranthe riff I’ve heard. It has this chunky low opening/verse riff with an ever-talented Elize Ryd bringing in some low toned vocals, the girls got some range!
This is the first album featuring new Heavy Vocalist Mikael Sehlin, who has worked with Engel in the past, he comes in keeping the vocals pretty damn close to Hendrik Englund’s style, so it’s a smooth transition for the fans. You can’t go past the vocal dynamics of this band, Clean Female, Clean Male and Heavy Male, it’s part of the key identity for Amaranthe. They utilise it well for The Catalyst with songs like Damnation Flame, Liberated and Resistance, usually keeping a pattern when it comes to their vocal lines but that’s where the Pop element of their song writing comes into it, there’s a formula you use that works and you run with it.
As is tradition, there is at least one clean, slower paced song on the album that lets the clean vocals of Elize Ryd and Nils Molin shine and this time around it comes in the form of, Stay a Little While. This track shows that they work incredibly well together when it comes to vocal prowess and letting them show off their respective range to the full extent in the slower musical pieces. Amaranthe have always had a more positive approach when it comes to their lyrics, Love, Happiness, Strength, Self Confidence, those types of uplifting words, then they can also put out simple tracks like That Song, from the Maximalism album that is just so simple that it then gets stuck in your head for days, good track though!
The Catalyst is nothing overly new from Amaranthe in the ways of song writing, this is still a step in the right direction to becoming more known worldwide. I hope that this is the album that they eventually come to Australia for, it would be unreal to see them live and sing these songs. I am a sucker for catchy choruses and hooks. Go and have a listen for yourself, you will be singing them as well soon enough!
KINGS OF THRASH return to “WAKE UP.. AUSTRALIA!” Featuring David Ellefson, Jeff Young and special guest Chris Poland ex-MEGADETH
KINGS OF THRASH! Back down under due to high demand! And with some extra special embellishments. For his first time in Australia, the original MEGADETH guitarist, Chris Poland, will be joining the groupto perform the MEGADETH album Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? in its entirety plus a Best Of set for their upcoming Australian shows. An extra bonus to this run of shows… a very exclusive, Q&A evening with the band themselves in Melbourne.
KINGS OF THRASH “Wake Up…Australia!” features GRAMMY® Award winning, co-founding member of Megadeth, bassist David Ellefson, along with guitarist Jeff Young from the acclaimed So Far, So Good… So What! album and finally, after all these years, the original Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland, who recorded the first 2 extremely influential albums Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!, along with the multi-platinum worldwide smash, Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?
What an honour it is to reunite these original members of a groundbreaking genre and showcase an evening of early Thrash classics in MELBOURNE*, CANBERRA, BRISBANE, SYDNEY, ADELAIDE (First time) and then MELBOURNE AGAIN!
If you were lucky enough to catch the band on their last tour of Australia in 2023… the shows were packed to the rafters and the VIP experience packages were sold out across the board. We were left wanting more…
So, we asked the fans… What would they want for a follow up tour of Kings of Thrash in Aus? The resounding, definitive answer? What will now be known as the Kings of Thrash “WAKE UP…. AUSTRALIA!” Tour.
This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this line up… doing this album… with these guys… rounded out most expertly with the esteemed Chaz Leon and Fred Aching, returning once again, upon demand.
See our beloved KOT live in Australia on the following dates…
The run of Australian shows will kick off with a VERY SPECIAL Q & A, SIT-DOWN EVENING IN MELBOURNE*. Hardline will host an intimate, seated evening with David, Jeff and Chris. This will be a night of crowd interaction and Q & A on Monday, 22nd July at the Corner in Melbourne. This is your exclusive chance to hear all the stories, ask all the questions and to ultimately get your inner ‘DETH fix. There are special VIP Meet and Greets for this night as well.
KINGS OF THRASH Tour Dates:
Monday 22 July – Melbourne – The Corner – Q&A special*
Tuesday 23 July – Canberra – The Basement
Wednesday 24 July – Brisbane – The Zoo
Thursday 25 July – Sydney – Crowbar
Friday 26 July – Adelaide – Lion Arts Factory
Saturday 27 July – Melbourne – Max Watts
PRE-SALE, EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE:
THUR 14TH MARCH @ 10AM AEDT – These are strictly limited, and there is no booking fee… so save some bucks, get in early. Early bird tickets via:
General Public Tickets On Sale: MON 18TH MARCH @ 10AM AEDT.
LIMITED VIP MEET & GREET* WITH DAVID ELLEFSON, JEFF YOUNG, CHRIS POLAND, CHAZ LEON & FRED ACHING:
– Early access to the show and merch stand
– Get a photo on your phone/device with the band
– Australian tour poster to get signed by the guys
– Exclusive VIP lanyard/laminate
– Bring along 3 personal items to get signed
– *VIP TICKET INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE SHOW
KIM WILDE Announces 2024 Greatest Hits Australian Tour
Since the 1980’s UK pop icon KIM WILDE has thrilled fans across the globe with her infectious hits and engaging live performances. WILDE makes her long awaited return to Australian shores with her first tour in eight years and will deliver a nostalgic and memorable Greatest Hits package.
Mention KIM WILDE and people’s eyes light up. The blonde singer with the siren voice and girl-next-door appeal is one of pop music’s most dazzling stars. The French consider her the “Brigitte Bardot of Rock”; German fans still revere her as the sexiest glamour girl to come out of the 80s and in Australia she has always been very close to our hearts having charted three number one mega-hits – ‘Kids In America’, ‘You Keep Me Hangin’ On’ and ‘If I Can’t Have You’ as well as another 6 Top 40 hits including ‘Cambodia’, ‘You Came’, ‘View From A Bridge’, and ‘Chequered Love’.
To put her amazing career in perspective she has sold over 30 Million records globally and is the most successful British female artist of the 80’s! WILDE has exhibited a great deal of versatility as the only person in history to obtain a #1 U.S. charting single and a Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show.
The Australian tour marks yet another significant milestone in WILDE’s long and distinguished career and highlights her enduring popularity and influence in the pop music world. Australia fell deeply in love with WILDE in the 80’s and it’s a love affair that has never ended!
Kim Wilde October 2024 Australian Tour Dates
Thursday 17th October BRISBANE, The Tivoli
Friday 18th October TWEED HEADS, Twin Towns
Saturday 19th October SYDNEY, Enmore Theatre
Sunday 20th October WOLLONGONG, Anita’s Theatre
Tuesday 22nd October PERTH, Astor Theatre
Thursday 24th October ADELAIDE, The Gov
Saturday 26th October MELBOURNE, Palais Theatre
Tickets:
PRESALE: Wednesday 13th March 11am AEDT / Brisbane 10am local / Perth 9am local
GENERAL PUBLIC: Thursday 14th March 11am AEDT / Brisbane 10am local / Perth 9am local
From: https://davidroywilliams.com/tours/kim-wilde-2024/ and https://metropolistouring.com/kim-wilde-2024/
FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE Returns With New Single ‘Pendulum’
“Sometimes you have to die first to fully understand what life is.” – Francesco Paoli
Death… our inevitable ruin that calls for us sooner or later. Many who are fortunate enough to temporarily escape its fatal clutches experience life altering changes, finding renewed purpose, rejuvenated creative spirit and a reawakening of the soul. Such as the story goes for FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE frontman Francesco Paoli who in 2021 was involved in a tragic mountain climbing accident that left him clinging to life with years of recovery ahead, and ultimately inspiring the band’s first music in years.
Today marks the monumental return of Paoli and Italian symphonic metal giants FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE as the band releases their first new music since the devastating accident. Inspired by horrific event, the new single ‘Pendulum’ swings with intense ferocity and baroque classical movements, seething with anguished pain.
Commenting on the song, Paoli says:
This is the first song we release since my ‘dance’ with death, back in August 2021. It’s obvious that such a life changing event would have affected our music. It took a toll on me, physically and mentally, and sharing my experience is also part of my healing process. Pendulum is just the opening chapter of a bigger story, which is yet to be told…
Photo Credit: Francesco Esposito
Mixed and mastered by Grammy-nominated producer Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Epica, Arch Enemy), ‘Pendulum’ encapsulates all the core elements that FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE are known for: sheer violence, majestic orchestrations and soaring operatic melodies. The stunning artwork was created by Italian artist Ludovico Cioffi.
The new single is accompanied by a stunning music video directed by Martina L. McLean (GHOST, OCEANA). Watch here: https://youtu.be/Lkv9v-W5PAY
Paoli adds about the video: “The music video, realized by visionary Italian director Martina L. McLean, turned my unfortunate incident into a monumental visual experience, an awe-inspiring blend of obscure symbolism, surreal architectures and nightmarish mythological creatures. It perfectly portraits the struggle and the desperation of that day, a day of defeat… but also the day of my rebirth.”
‘Pendulum’ Music Video:https://youtu.be/Lkv9v-W5PAY
About FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE:
Born in 2007, Fleshgod Apocalypse quickly established themselves among the leaders of symphonic death metal. With 5 critically acclaimed full-length albums and countless worldwide tours and festival performances.
Fleshgod Apocalypse joined Nuclear Blast Records in 2011 and would go on to release seminal records Agony (2011), King (2016) and their most recent, the highly praised Veleno (2019).
Following the release of their 2020 EP, No, the Covid Pandemic took hold of the world bringing things to a halt. Soon after, the band’s frontman, mastermind Francesco Paoli was involved in a near death climbing accident, resulting in years of recovery and the band’s temporary hiatus.
In 2023, the band emerged back full-force once again commanding audiences on tours throughout Europe, with eyes set on their next, life affirming record to be released later this year.
Follow FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE:
https://shop.fleshgodapocalypse.com/
https://www.facebook.com/fleshgodapocalypse
https://www.instagram.com/fleshgodofficial/
https://www.tiktok.com/@fleshgodofficial
https://twitter.com/FApocalypse
https://www.youtube.com/@FleshgodApocalypse
[Album Review] Claire Anne Taylor – Giving It Away
What do you get when you mix the raw talent & raspiness of Janis Joplin, the melodic sweetness of Eva Cassidy, and the rock grit of Melissa Etheridge? Claire Anne Taylor, that’s what you get. Despite the many musicians that come to mind when listening to Claire, she still has her own uniquely distinct sound. The Tasmanian-born singer/songwriter released her third album Giving It Away on 16th February, and my god what an incredible piece of work it is.
The opening track Swallowing Stones is a slow ballad with a warm accordion intro and lyrics that really hit hard, which is followed up by the tale of the child forced to grow up too fast in You Were Just a Kid. This particular song is a prime example of Claire’s exceptional storytelling talents. With it’s funky saloon-style piano intro, Dance With Death gets your toes tapping and really showcases Claire’s raw powerful vocals.
For Old Times Sake picks up the pace and combined with its catchy chorus, you’ll be bopping along with a smile on your face. Stuck Around is a nostalgic tale of what could have been and the subtle organ under the track provides a joyful layer to fill the song.
Claire’s opening vocals in Before evoke deep emotions, whilst If You Should See Sunshine is a gutsy rock track that packs a huge punch. Its thumping drum intro and meaty guitar sound completely encompass your whole body to move along as the song builds to its crescendo.
Lay You Down in the Cold Hard Ground is my absolute favourite track on the album. It’s a brilliantly dirty, gritty, blues-rock track that just builds and builds, and transports you to the famous blues bars of the Deep South. I’ve found myself singing and/or humming this tune nearly every day since it first entered my radar.
Keep On Truckin’ has an upbeat country feel and is the perfect road trip anthem with a dose of wise advice in its chorus for good measure.
The highly emotive title track Giving It Away has Claire completely baring her soul, and sharing her deeply personal journey of grief. I managed to catch Claire’s Melbourne show recently, and seeing her perform this song live with just her piano was one of the most incredibly moving performances I’ve ever seen. The goosebumps still haven’t disappeared.
Rounding out this brilliant album is The River Song that floats weightlessly around you before settling comfortably within your space.
It’s one thing to be a talented singer, songwriter and musician, but Claire has the added superpower of being a gifted storyteller, whose stories have a special way of infiltrating your psyche and opening up every emotion laying dormant within you. If there is one homegrown artist you need to get around RIGHT NOW, it’s Claire Anne Taylor.