Hot Water Music, Sebastian Bach, & Frente!

Catch up on the week in new music and Dig Me Out podcast

J Dziak

and

Tim Minneci

May 13, 2024

Frente! - Marvin the Album

J Dziak and Tim Minneci

May 8, 2024

Let's go back to 1992 - a huge year for rock with monster releases like Metallica's self-titled Black Album, U2's reinvention with Achtung Baby, and Nirvana's genre-defining Nevermind. Amid this grunge takeover, a little indie pop record from Australia managed to sneak onto the U.S. charts. Frente's debut, Marvin the Album, completely opposed the heavy,…

Read full story

New Release Reviews

Hot Water Music - Vow

J Dziak

May 11, 2024

Hot Water Music's album Vows is a big deal for the band. It marks their 30-year journey in the punk rock scene and showcases their characteristic energy combined with a renewed sense of growth and collaboration. Brian McTernan, who previously worked with the band on their early 2000s albums, produced the album, and it encapsulates the spirit of reflecting on the past while moving forward. The album features notable collaborators such as Thrice, City and Colour, and The Interrupters, and it explores themes of resilience, celebration, personal and collective growth. But, is it worth your time? Let's see what the critics and our community think.

Read full story

Sebastian Bach - Child Within the Man

J Dziak

May 11, 2024

Sebastian Bach’s latest album, "Child Within the Man," represents a significant return to form after a decade-long gap since his previous release. Produced and mixed by Michael "Elvis" Baskette, the album was recorded in Orlando and showcases Bach’s vocal prowess alongside contributions from guest musicians like John 5, Steve Stevens, and Orianthi. The album artwork, a meaningful nod to Bach's personal journey, was started by his father in 1978 and completed in 2024, tying together themes of legacy and artistic evolution. The album offers a blend of hard rock and melodic hooks, aiming to reflect Bach’s personal experiences while offering anthemic energy across tracks like "Everybody Bleeds" and "Freedom". But is the album truly worth your time? Let's dig into the critics' and our community's feedback to gauge if it hits the mark.

Read full story

Riot V - Mean Streets

Riot V's new album "Mean Streets," is a nostalgic yet fresh dive into their storied metal legacy. As their 17th studio album, it's a mix of high-energy anthems and melodic power metal that fans of their classic "Thundersteel" era will love. Tracks like "Hail to the Warriors" and "High Noon" deliver that old-school metal punch, while "Feel The Fire" and "Lean Into It" bring a more modern, radio-friendly vibe. Todd Michael Hall's dynamic vocals and the dual guitar attack from Mike Flyntz and Nick Lee keep the spirit of late founder Mark Reale alive. Whether you're an old-school metalhead or new to Riot V, "Mean Streets" offers something to bang your head to and remember the good times

Powerman 5000 - Abandon Ship

Powerman 5000's new album, "Abandon Ship," features a reimagined version of their 2001 hit "Bombshell," adding a modern twist to a fan favorite. Produced by Matt McJunkins, known for his work with A Perfect Circle, the album includes ten tracks blending industrial and alternative metal. Standout songs like "1999" and "GTFO" capture the band's energetic and apocalyptic vibe. Frontman Spider One, Rob Zombie's brother, keeps the sound fresh yet nostalgic, making this album a must-listen for both long-time fans and newcomers.

Stretch Arm Strong - The Revealing EP

Stretch Arm Strong, the South Carolina hardcore legends, have just released their new EP "The Revealing," marking their first new music in nearly two decades. This EP is packed with six intense tracks, including a standout featuring Lou Koller from Sick Of It All on the song "Take A Stand." Produced by Steve Evetts, known for his work with a range of hardcore bands, the EP captures the essence of Stretch Arm Strong's energetic and positive hardcore style. The band members, now balancing life as full-fledged adults with their passion for music, have brought a mature yet still ferociously youthful energy to this release. What makes this drop particularly exciting is that it's available in a limited edition orange, silk-screened vinyl, adding a collectible aspect for fans.

Sonic Universe - It Is What It Is

Sonic Universe's debut album "It Is What It Is" is generating a lot of buzz, especially with Corey Glover of Living Colour and Mike Orlando of Adrenaline Mob at the helm. This powerhouse duo, alongside bassist Booker King and drummer Taykwuan Jackson, brings a fresh yet profoundly energetic sound to the rock scene. The album showcases a blend of hard rock and dynamic guitar play, anchored by Orlando's production at Sonic Stomp Studios.