Love Ghost have become a bit of a favourite of The Metal Asylum over the past few months, having already reviewed a number of their releases, and we weren’t disappointed with this new one either.

Let me remind you who Love Ghost are. A Los Angeles based band they have the iconic pop punk sound of the late 90’s / early 00’s but with their own unique twist. They combine alternative rock, pop punk / rock with rap and hip/hop to create a sound that is almost a hybrid of nu-metal and metalcore.

The one thing I have always liked about this band is that every song they release is different to the previous, and the same can be said of this one too. Not quite as reliant on the rap and hip/hop element on this track, there are more emo screams lurking behind the main vocals, which are clean, bordering on typical indie rock vocals.

The lyrics are sung in both English and Spanish, as previous tracks have, and this gives the track a personality all of its own, almost like the song is talking to itself.

The guitars are heavy in the choruses, although a little more laid-back during the verses, but this also sums up the song in general. Slower verses lead in choruses that really erupt with a metalcore sound.

This is another great song from this very prolific and diverse band. Awesome!

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Lazywall are a three-piece modern rock band from Morocco who have added an oriental touch to their music. The band was formed in England by brothers Nao, Youssef and Monz, influenced by Led Zeppelin, Audioslave and System Of A Down, and were the first rock band to appear on Moroccan TV.

Singing entirely in Arabic, the bands lyrical themes cover climate change, social injustice, and integration and corruption, subjects that are important in any language.

With a classic rock / alternative rock foundation the song also reaches out to other genres for influence.

With weighty guitars, producing riff after riff, the track is a great heavy rock song that, despite the language difference, is easy to hum along to, as the melodies and harmonies the band produce are catchy and infectious.

The basslines are meaty yet funky at the same time and allow the song to have a slight grove to it that will certainly get the listeners moving along to it. Now, whether that is just tapping a foot or banging a head is entirely up to the listener, but I defy anyone to listen to this track and not jig about in one way or another.

The vocals are absolutely phenomenal. Strong and obviously full of emotion for the themes being sung about, the vocals range from clean singing to full-on screams, and this is something that happens flawlessly and with ease. The backing vocals really add depth to the song and the middle eastern vibes add dynamism, giving the track a personality all of its own.

What an awesome track from an awesome band, a band that I really do hope to hear a lot more from in the future.

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Ultrasonic Zebras are an alternative rock band from Calgary and Some Kind Of Sympathy is their latest single, released 12/05/2023. The track features on their forthcoming EP, Surfacing, along with other singles She Said, (Once You Were A) Superstar and Side Of The Road.

The Canadian duo have blended a mixture of genres to create a clean sound that is quite unique to them. On the surface, appearing a typical indie / alternative track, the song has bursts of progressive rock and even metal about it.

Starting with quite a mysterious sound, the verse kicks in with some meaty basslines and laid-back guitar work to accompany the vocals, before the chorus really kicks in with a full-on hard rock sound, and it is here the metal elements can be found. The guitar riffs become heavier and the drumming more energetic.

The vocals on this track are powerful, sometimes having a typical indie sound reminiscent of the 90’s before the singer really comes into his own on the epic choruses, never once letting the musicianship behind him overshadow his voice.

This is a great track, and I am really looking forward to the EP when it is released.

Awesome job!

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Loz Tinitoz is a three-piece band from Cuxhaven in Germany and Auf Ewig is their latest single, released on 26/05/2023.

Sung completely in German, the song is a combination of many genres to create a sound that is quite unique.

With alternative rock forming a solid basis for the track, there are also elements of punk rock, hard rock, and indie rock creeping into the sound. Heavy guitars throw riffs at the listener left, right and centre, these really drive the track and slight distortion on the guitars gives the track a typical 90’s rock sound. The drumming is hard-hitting and energetic, keeping the track going and funky basslines gives the track a bit of a swagger that will have the listener moving in some way or another.

The vocals are strong and powerful and, along with the guitars, are a driving force of the song. Being sung in German there is a slight quirkiness that really makes the song stand out, but the singer is not overshadowed by the music accompanying him, taking control of the track from start to finish.

Unless you know German, you won’t know what the lyrics are about (and I haven’t done German for almost thirty years!) but this is still an upbeat song that really will get stuck in your head.

A great track, and I look forward to hearing more from this band!

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Blind Man’s Daughter is a melodic progressive metal band from Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, starting out in 2012 by founding member Ashley Wolfe, but it wasn’t until 2022 that the project really came to life.

Mirage Harmer is the band’s latest single and was released on 26/05/2023.

With a progressive metal sound at its core, this track also takes influence from a few other genres, jumbling them all together and coming up with a sound that is anthemic, big and cutting edge.

With heavy guitars producing some great riffs, there are also some really intricate guitar passages and solos. Slight distortion on the heavier riffs creates a sludgy feel that really hits you in the stomach, while the solos are cleaner and expertly executed, showcasing some extreme guitar talent.

The bass guitar, with strong and meaty basslines, is very prominent as are the drums that can range from laid-back and quite serene to full-on and hard-hitting as the pace and timing of the track changes from one minute to the next. Musically, there is so much to listen to on this track, that just one play through is not enough to hear all that the song has to offer, and we haven’t mentioned the vocals yet!

Ashley’s voice provides strong female vocals to accompany the musical arrangement, and her voice can range from soft and flowing to aggressive growls, something she does seamlessly and with ease. She portrays the emotion of the lyrics with power and takes total command of the track from start to finish.

This is a fantastic song that really does have something for everyone. The progressiveness of it is what sticks out the most to me about it, but another listener might see it in a completely different and that is the brilliance of music. It means something different to everyone and is all about the interpretation.

Awesome!

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5 Peeps And The Battery are a five-piece band from Berlin, featuring Lilly on vocals and keyboards, Philip on rhythm guitar, Norman on bass, Perino on drums and Max on lead guitar and Gemini is their latest single, released on 26/05/2023.

The band is one that doesn’t want to be too predictable and has taken on the challenge of giving pop-rock a make-over since they first got together in 2021.

Gemini is a combination of a multitude of genres, from alternative rock and indie rock to pop and with even an element of funk thrown in for good measure.

With meaty basslines providing the funkiness, a prominent feature throughout the entire song, the guitars and drums are laid back but still hold the song together, which is very much driven by the bass and the vocals, the two having a great mix.

Lilly’s voice is strong and melodic and is the perfect fit for the rest of the band as well as the song. With plenty of attitude, she also has a swagger that borders on a funk-jazz style, but this combination really works well in this song.

The song has two distinct themes, one being the two-faced Gemini star sign, nice and sweet on one side yet devilish and reckless on the other, and the second, more importantly, that you should always be yourself, and this is something that many people need to hear.

The song has a bounce to it that is infectious and will leave you humming it for the rest of the day, a definite earworm that’s for sure!

Great track and a job well done!

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Mark Winters is a Texas-based rock singer / songwriter who first picked up a guitar to play his wife a song on their anniversary, and in the process discovered the joy of connecting with people through music.

Boundary Layer Radio Remix is his latest single and was released on 26/05/2023. With musical roots in rock, blues rock and pop, Mark cites John Mayer, Tom Petty, and Jason Mraz as significant influences, and this track has elements of it all.

With a foundation in classic rock, this track spreads its way into Americana and rock-pop and even has a hint of country rock about it too, creating a great sound that is quite unique.

With guitar work that is quite reminiscent of The Shadows at certain points, the song has quite a laid-back yet upbeat feel to it. The guitars have a hint of a country twang to the during the solos and the drum and bass sections are solid, keeping the song tight and on track.

Mark’s voice is awesome on this track. Suited to classic rock, country rock as well as pop-rock, his vocals have a distinct quirkiness to them that really adds to the charm of the song. Accompanied by layered backups, the choruses are big, and the song has a real depth to it.

This is a great, easy to listen to song that will appeal to a wide range of listeners. Please check Mark and his music out and see what you think.

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Dave Belding is a Long Island based artist and Purge And Flourish is his latest single, released on 26/05/2023.

The song is about “self-reflection and finding strength to continue changing one’s character,” Belding explains and is an introspective look at his own personal journey, a theme that a lot of people can connect with.

Not afraid to experiment with his music, this track is a very atmospheric one that is raw, emotional, and totally haunting.

With an alternative rock foundation, tentacles have spread out and drawn influence from a multitude of genres and this has created a big sound that is entirely unique to him. Guitars and drums form the basis of the instrumentation, but the inclusion of electric synths and other sounds really gives the track a progressive, even psychedelic, feel.

Dave’s vocals are haunting, his voice strong and powerful but with a rawness to them that adds a sensationalism to the track. Layered backups accompany him, and this makes for a great depth, allowing the emotion of the lyrics to really spring forward.

The track builds in intensity and emotion as it progresses, his voice really becoming the focal point, and with lyrics that really pull the listener in, the is a great song that showcases Dave’s amazing talent.

Fantastic song that is different and really does have its own personality. I can’t wait to hear more!

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WHITEROOMNIGHTMARE is the brainchild of self-taught musician Paul Anketell and the man from Northern Ireland has been making music for about two years now. He says on his Facebook page that he “makes music that is too heavy for some and not heavy enough for others!” But he thinks it is “just right.”

I’m Sorry It’s You is his latest single and was released on 26/05/2023.

I have previously released music by WHITEROOMNIGHTMARE, and in contrast this one is a slower paced track that deals with the topic of feeling overwhelmed by bad news stories.

Guitars are still a very prominent feature of this track, and with a slight distortion on them, the track has a hint of a grunge vibe to it. With layered guitar sounds, the track has lots of depth and there is also a lot of emotion expressed just through the guitar work. The drum work is not as ferocious on this track although they are ramped up when they need to be.

Paul’s vocals are what sets this song apart from other tracks. His voice is soft and gentle but there is also a rawness and a grittiness there that lets him take complete command of the track. His voice is powerful enough not to let the instrumentation of the song overshadow him, his voice, and the music in total harmony. There is a slight quirkiness to the vocals, but I think this only adds to the atmosphere of the song.

Another great track from this incredibly talented artist!

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Indigo Daydream is the creation of multi-instrumentalist and film maker, Nick Cheshire. Says Nick; “Indigo Daydream was created following an experience I had during lockdown. After a head injury, whilst laying in an MRI listening to the surreal beat of the machine, I decided to create something positive from a challenging experience and so Indigo Daydream was born. I’m trying to create music with a surreal edge. Like waking up from a dream.”

Influenced by artists such as Tame Impala, Slowdive and Mazzy Star, Indigo Daydream uses a combination of alternative rock, psychedelia, and shoegaze to create a hypnotic sound that is quite unique.

Strawberry Fields Forever, a cover of the classic Beatles hit, is a whole new take on the original. Already quite a psychedelic track, Indigo Daydream takes it one step further with the psychedelia and has produced something that is how the original should have sounded (and I am not putting the Beatles down here, I am a big fan too!)

Using a combination of electric guitars, drums and synths, the result is a swirling, ambient track that really pulls the listener in. A shoegaze element is used by including washed out vocals that merge with the music, and layered backups really give the song a great depth.

What an awesome track this is and is a great cover that really stamps its on mark on the original.

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