GATECREEPER: Added To Decibel Magazine Tour 2020; Share K-Pit Live Footage

Photo Credit: Pablo Vigueras

“Coming from the desert, Gatecreeper clearly intend to serve as an oasis, not a mirage - and Deserted is destined to prove to the scene at large that the band’s aim is true.” - Decibel Magazine

Order & Stream DESERTED Here

Critically acclaimed Arizona death metal band GATECREEPER have been added to the Decibel Magazine Tour 2020 joining Mayhem & Abbath. Tickets are available HERE and all confirmed dates are available below.

Additionally, GATECREEPER share live footage from their Kerrang! K-Pit filmed earlier this Fall while on tour with Relapse labelmates EXHUMED. Watch the full performance on Facebook HERE.

GATECREEPER are touring in support of their new album, Deserted. The album, hailed as one of 2019’s best albums by Decibel Magazine, Revolver Magazine, and many more, is available on CD/LP/CS/Digital HERE.

GATECREEPER Tour Dates:

Dec 13 Santa Ana, CA @ Decibel Metal & Beer Fest

--- Decibel Magazine Tour 2020 Mar 13 - Apr 10 w/ Mayhem, Abbath & Idle Hands ---

Mar 13 Denver, CO @ Ogden Theater

Mar 14 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex

Mar 16 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre

Mar 17 Seattle, WA @ The Showbox

Mar 18 Vancouver, BC @ The Imperial

Mar 20 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom

Mar 21 Santa, Ana, CA @ The Observatory

Mar 22 San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park

Mar 24 Phoenix, AZ @ The Pressroom

Mar 25 Alburquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater

Mar 27 Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room and Garage

Mar 28 Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Live

Mar 29 Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall (Downstairs)

Mar 31 Tampa, FL @ The Ritz Ybor

Apr 01 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade

Apr 02 Charlotte, NC @ The Underground

Apr 03 Philadelphia, PA @ Decibel Metal & Beer Fest

Apr 04 New York, NY @ Webster Hall

Apr 06 Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club

Apr 07 Montreal, QC @ Corona Theatre

Apr 08 Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall

Apr 09 Millvale, PA @ Mr Smalls Theatre

Apr 10 Chicago, IL @ Metro

Jul 15-19 Trutnov, CZ @ Obscene Extreme

Jul 17-20 Copenhagen, DK @ Copenhell

Art Credit: Brad Moore

"Since 2013, Gatecreeper has wielded a no-frills, old-school death metal indebted to both masters Swedish (Entombed, Dismember) and Floridian (Bolt Thrower), with thick, HM-2 pedal-worshiping riffs that buzzsaw through your screaming soul." - NPR

"The Arizona band conjures a crushing combo of classic tones and deathly imagery, spearheading the current “old-school death metal” revival" - Consequence of Sound

"The eleven-track effort expands on the promising foundation of Sonoran Depravation, with more impressive vocals, more interesting riffs and a completely new approach with respect to overall timbre and style". - Revolver Magazine

Deserted, a furious mix of snarling guitars and driving, rhythmic pummeling takes death metal from its 80's Floridian roots and 90's Swedish expansion straight into the here and now. In fact, the vanguard of death metal in 2019 can be found under Arizona’s searing sun. That’s where GATECREEPER members—Chase Mason, guitarist Eric Wagner, bassist Sean Mears, drummer Matt Arrebollo and guitarist Nate Garrett—make their homes.

Of course, the band nodded to their scorching home state with the title of their 2016 full-length debut, Sonoran Depravation. The theme continues on Deserted, which boasts songs like “Sweltering Madness,” “Boiled Over” and the double-meaning title track.

You can hear the results on “From The Ashes,” a crushing cut primed for the European festival circuit. Over on side two, “Boiled Over” fuses classic BOLT THROWER with the pulverizing power grooves of sludge titans CROWBAR. Album closer “Absence Of Light” upholds GATECREEPER's tradition of finishing their records with a deathly doom dirge.

Deserted was recorded at Homewrecker Studios in Tucson, where GATECREEPER co-produced the album with engineer Ryan Bram. CONVERGE guitarist Kurt Ballou handled the mix at Godcity in Salem, MA, and Brad Boatright mastered the album at Audiosiege in Portland, OR. Deserted’s hallucinatory cover art was created by Brad Moore (TOMB MOLD, MORPHEUS DESCENDS, and more.)

GATECREEPER are:

Chase Mason - Vocals

Eric Wagner - Guitar

Sean Mears - Bass

Matt Arrebollo - Drums

Nate Garrett - Guitar

Official Links:

Gatecreeper on Facebook
Gatecreeper on Instagram
Gatecreeper on Twitter
Gatecreeper on Bandcamp

A Ripple Conversation With Jordan From Ritual King

When I was a kid, growing up in a house with Cat Stevens, Neil Diamond, and Simon and Garfunkel, the first time I ever heard Kiss's "Detroit Rock City," it was a moment of musical epiphany. It was just so vicious, aggressive and mean. It changed the way I listened to music. I've had a few minor epiphanies since then, when you come across a band that just brings something new and revolutionary to your ears.

What have been your musical epiphany moments?

I'd have to say my main musical epiphany moment was the first time I heard Welcome To The Jungle at the age of 14. I was always a little into my rock and punk music from a young age but when I heard this it completely changed my view on the capability of Rock music and the epicness & intensity it can offer. This was also what inspired me to pick up the guitar and start playing, I became obsessed with slash's playing style and technique. From this I got heavily into 70s rock as GnR were largely inspired by that era, learning every Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple track I could. It was my interest into Psychedelic rock that then led me on to learn about the sub genre Stoner Rock, discovering bands like Clutch, The Atomic Bitchwax & Fu Manchu in my late teens. And now here we are today.

Talk to us about the song-writing process for you. What comes first, the idea? A riff? The lyrics? How does it all fall into place?

To be honest it varies everytime. Mostly our songs stem from ideas as it's quite easy for your songs to start sounding repetitive if you don't put a little thought behind it. We tend to focus on making all our songs have a unique aspect from the last, not repeating our ideas too much and keeping it fresh. This can often make song writing a long process for us, but we feel it's worth the wait when you have this approach.

Who has influenced you the most?

For me my biggest influence has to be Slash. His style and creativity was what ignited my interest in heavy blues as a kid. But today is say my influences are Isaiah Mitchell of Earthless and Mike Mccreedy of Pearl Jam. They both incorporate the Wah pedal into their solos perfectly, which is something I try achieve with our music. Big fan of the Wah!

Where do you look for continuing inspiration? New ideas, new motivation?

We tend to look for inspiration from new established or up and coming bands that we really dig. We also each have our own sources of inspiration and personal music quirks, for example I'm often inspired by folk music for it's melodies use of scales. New ideas can come from many different areas but keeping your mind open to new areas of inspiration is what keeps your music fresh.

We're all a product of our environment. Tell us about the band's hometown and how that reflects in the music?

Manchester has a great rock and metal community that we have become very familiar with. We tend to write our music about life events, experiences and ideas. Manchester has certainly influenced all of these, especially when we first started out as we hadn't begun touring properly. From the people we meet and the memory's we create there's always something to write about.

Where'd the band name come from?

The name came about when recording our E.P. Our producer at the time would address us as by 'King'. We would jam around his house finalising ideas for the record, or as we liked to put it, performed some 'Rituals' to conjure up the creativity... Yeh probably one of those had to be there moments. Anyway we put two and two together when coming up with the band name and here we are.

You have one chance, what movie are you going to write the soundtrack for?

Cheech & Chong - up in smoke.

You now write for a music publication (The Ripple Effect?).  You're going to write a 1,000 word essay on one song. Which would it be and why?

Sanctuary by Elder. The song has stacks of elements which keeps an 11 minute song interesting. Amazing time signatures, key changes & a quality recording… need I say more?

Come on, share with us a couple of your great, Spinal Tap, rock and roll moments?

One that springs to mind was our performance at HRH Stoner Vs Doom in 2018. It was our biggest show to date and almost everyone we knew in the UK scene was there, so we knew it would be fun. The show went brilliantly and the room was packed, we played a mixture of old and new stuff and the crowd response was immense. Looking forward to more moments like that.

Tell us about playing live and the live experience for you and for your fans?

In my eyes there's no better natural high than a solid gig with a great crowd response. It what makes learning to play an instrument, spending tonnes of your hard worked cash on gear, writting material and trekking around the country for petty cash worth it. I'm generally quite a reserved guy on stage, I'm not one to chat loads of shit into the mic or strutt around like an arrogant douche, but what you'll get from us is a powerful, honest and fucking loud performance with songs effortlessly gliding into one another.

What makes a great song?

Guitar solos. It can be anything from a catchy riff that keeps you hooked to complexed time sequences and breakdowns. I also think a Melody is necessary to make it more memorable. When you find a song that has all these elements you've got something special.

Tell us about the first song you ever wrote?

The first song I wrote was a track called 'Blinded Paradise' back when I was living in Bolton before I moved to Manchester. I wrote it about a pub we used to regularly attend called The Alma Inn. The pub is well established gigging venue and we came across some real awesome underground bands there, watching shows and getting pissed. The track is to resemble that period in my life.

What piece of your music are particularly proud of?

I think the opening track 'Valleys' off the debut album will hopefully turn some heads. Proud of that one.

Who today, writes great songs? Who just kicks your ass? Why?

Clutch seem to be that stand out balls to the wall stoner rock band, constantly writing and just smashing it. Always got kick ass songs on their records, love their work.

Vinyl, CD, or digital? What's your format of choice?

Vinyl all day long. For it's clarity in quality.

Whiskey or beer?  And defend your choice

Beer definitely. Because I like my hangovers not making me feel like my eyes are popping out my skull. Gotta pace yourself when touring.

We, at the Ripple Effect, are constantly looking for new music. What's your home town, and when we get there, what's the best record store to lose ourselves in?

Manchester us our hometown and when you get here check out Piccadilly Records. Awesome place, good selection.

What's next for the band?

After the release of the album in Feb we plan on touring the UK in April and hopefully Europe around September time. This is all in the early stages of planning but we hope to hit France, The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany on our trip over to Europe. We shall cover most of the UKs fundamental locations on our tour in April. In the meantime we'll be cracking on with Album #2.

Any final comments or thoughts you'd like to share with our readers, the waveriders?

Make sure you check the record out when it's released! Also come to a show! So you can party and drink with us.

Happening Now! Ripple's Huge Annual Holiday Sale, Vinyl as low as $7, CD's $2

Forget Black Friday!  This is the sale you wait all year for.   No Code Needed. No limits on purchases.   Simply put, most of our Limited Vinyl, Worldwide Black Vinyl, CD's and even Test Pressings are on sale.  Vinyl as low as $7, CD's as low as $2. 

Sale will absolutely end by Christmas, so get those items on your wish list now!

Pop over to www.ripplemusic.bigcartel.com/products

Hundreds of folks have already learned about this, you should too!  Ripple Music's subscription via Bandcamp is considered one of the best deals in heavy music.  For only $5 a month, you'll get every Ripple release from the time you sign up, going forward.  We also populate your collection with a bunch of back catalog releases, singles and rare subscriber exclusives.   $5 isn't even the cost of one digital album, and for that price you'll get everything Ripple does.  Go to the bandcamp page to sign up.  And thanks, as always for your support.  www.ripplemusic.bandcamp.com

So many people are bummed that The Second Coming of Heavy split series has finished and have been asking me what’s next?

This!

Brace yourselves, as we get set to release the first chapter of our new ongoing 12” split series "Turned To Stone" Over a year in the planning, Chapter 1: Galactic Wasteland features brand new sides from MR.BISON and Spacetrucker! Art by the ever amazing David Paul Seymour

It's out January 17th, 2020. No preorders, so watch your clocks. Time of sale to be announced.​​​​​​​

KEELRIDER STREAM NEW SINGLE "SUN"

Iceland's KEELRIDER have released their new single "Sun" via Indy Metal Vault. The song is set to be released this Friday.

Listen to the song here: https://www.indymetalvault.com/2019/12/04/track-premiere-keelrider-sun/

About Keelrider

Years of turmoil separate the wheat from the chaff. Such is the case with Iceland’s Keelrider, who since 2015 have been crafting a stoner metal sound that draws from a broad set of influences. Tastefully fusing everything from southern rock to prog by way of grunge, they place an emphasis on strong melodies and odd time signatures. Rather than adhering to the staid tropes of their scene, Keelrider pushes forward with their distinct take on heavy, guitar-driven music.

Things started picking up for Keelrider in 2018 when they released their debut album North and played their first shows to support it. This led to an invitation onto Iceland’s national radio station (Rás 2) to discuss their music. Later that year they won the Unsigned Showcase Showdown on the world renowned "All Things Metal Podcast."  From there the success only snowballed as North was rated the 4th best heavy release on Iceland's only heavy metal radio show, and received coverage from metal music publications worldwide.

With a recharged group of guys ready to take on the world, Keelrider seeks nothing less than to make a lasting impact on the Icelandic heavy music scene. As new music gets written and recorded, there promises to be all manner of growth for the band. With every gear finally in motion, Keelrider promises to be an unstoppable juggernaut. The band is a force to be reckoned with in the Icelandic scene and is ready to make their mark on the worldwide stoner metal scene.

Lineup:

    Vocals: Björn Birnir

    Rhythm Guitar: Benedikt Sveinbjörnsson

    Lead Guitar: Stefán Pétur Bachmann Bjarnason

    Bass: Egill Fabien Posocco

    Drums: Pétur Pétursson

Connect With Keelrider

• Facebook
• Twitter
• bandcamp

Hopekiller - Children Of A Dead Future

Virginia's Hopekiller's debut 'Children Of A Dead Future' dropped into my mailbox out of the blue and it pretty much shook my foundations immediately. I knew something was in the works by the band, but had no idea the debut was already finished. Formed by Spiral Grave guitarist, Absent Sky main man and former Lord founder, Willy Rivera, back in 2018, he quickly drafted Lord's last drummer, Tommy Emmanuel. The last piece of the puzzle was bringing in his brother and former Kaemon compadre, Wilsen Rivera, on vocals. And the rest, as the saying goes, is history as this unholy trio has concocted a truly crushing debut.

Building their music on a blend of hardcore punk, crust and crossover with a dollop of blackened filth, Hopekiller are absolutely relentless. Holding nothing back, they go for the throat, the balls and everything in between as they assure that you, dear listener, pay attention. Raw, naked and candid no stone is left unturned over the course of the eight tracks Hopekiller unleashes on the blind public.

‘Children Of A Dead Future’ is fantastic through and through, no ifs and buts about it. Still, there are five songs which have become my personal highlights and stands out just a little bit more. ‘The Blind Leading The Blind’ is a ferocious beast almost akin to Black Metal in parts and full-on hardcore in others and that amalgamation is pretty badass, I have to say. ‘When is My Turn’ comes on like a mix of punk, metal and thrash (crossover?) and this unholy trinity completely annihilates. Just listen as Hopekiller crushes around the 2:05 mark. Fuck yeah! ‘The Truth Hurts’, is intense, claustrophobic and in your face. Giving you no chance to breath the band comes back again and again and again. And those riffs, man. Phenomenal! ‘I Can Fight’ is built up around a strong punk base but by adding hardcore and filthiness to it, the song is elevated in all its punishing glory. ‘Casting Stars’ follow in the footsteps of ‘I Can Fight’ but is a more “pure” punk song than anything. Still, those fitting and eloquent hardcore parts are present and I love every bit of it.

Wish more debuts, or any releases for that matter, could be this good, nay great! As a music lover the joy you feel when exposed to great music is almost impossible to put into words but if you, dear wave riders, are like me you know what I’m talking about. And that feeling oozes out of the speakers when I listen to Hopekiller. This trio has created something else, something which should not go unnoticed. So check them out, give them a chance. You won’t be sorry because ‘Children of A Dead Future’ is phenomenal.

-Swedebeast

The Xroadie Files

Rank And Vile – Redistribution Of Flesh

Theo Spence – Vocals, Matt Oien – Guitar, Leon West – Bass, James Cox – Drums

Apotheosis spoken words and feedback with a slow grinding rhythm that just slithers toward you.    Cabal Theory fast heavy punch you in the throat death metal mayhem. Omb a rumbling bass pounding drum spoken word that just grinds you into small pieces. Redistribution Of Flesh just slam you into the pit of aggression. Grey Goo piles into you and drags you under. Killdozer hit the pit slam and sweat till your drop. Global Scaphism death metal madness. The Grigori grinding heavy doomy death mayhem.  

A Horse Called War – Good For Glue (And Nothing Else)

Shane – Vocals, Dave – Guitar, Haydn – Bass, Cooper – Drums

Dog Is Dead just hit the pit and slam away all your aggressions. One Old Eye shredding ripping doomy hard heavy metal mayhem. Pardon the Pun just garbs you and pulls you into a pit of madness. Don’t Frye doomy music that just drags you into the darkness of your mind. Woodpusher just annihilates your senses.

Michael Moorcock And The Deep Fix – Live At The Terminal Café

Michael Moorcock, Pete Pavil, Simon King, Drachen Theaker, Martin Stone, Simeon Gallo

The Effects Of Entropy at a live show just tripping along with some magical prog music and vocals.    Terminal Café has a very country Cajun feel just get up and dance. The Dream Of Eden has a very catchy groove that will just envelop you. Sam Oakenhurst’s Story just take a trip back to the 70s and the trippy music of the time.St James Infirmary interesting folky vocals and melodies. The Heat Of The New Orleans Night on your feet clap and just enjoy the music. Lou bluesy jazzy country rock. A Man Like Me has a very catchy rhythm that will just have you swaying and singing. Mississippi Turn Round back in the swamps listening t the band play. Blood just close your eyes and drift. Eden Revisited strumming guitars and melodic vocals.

An Orchestrated Impulse – ST

Eva Magill-Oliver, Matt Pond, Chris Hansen

Chroma (C Major) just close your eyes and let the music pull you in. March (E Minor) soft melodies that have you tripping thru your mind’s eye. January (D Major) soft progressive music. Intersect (F # Minor) drifting thru time and space. Esopus (E Major) gently wafting thru dimensions. August (B Major) close your eyes and just imagine. Minnewaska (F# Major) lost in the vastness of other times.Stillness (Db Major) space and time colliding to make you wonder why. Awosting (Ab Major) floating and drifting on the clouds. Wallkill (Eb Major) space rock electronica. October (Bb Major) lost in the recesses of your mind. Release (F Major) just your imagination floating away from you. Pink Waves soft melodies envelop your senses.

Test Meat – Enjoy

Darryl Shepard – Guitar/Vocals, Michael Nashawaty – Drums

Brunt crunchy riffs pounding rhythms and sing along vocals. Cuts And Bruises on your feet slither and groove away to one memorable riff. Short is a great get in your car and just jam away as you cruise on down the road. No NoNo slow bluesy music that just envelops your senses. Messed Up feedback overdriven guitars that just slide all around you with a steady beat. Jocelyn fist in the air sing along heard bluesy metal. Heat Knob fast heavy pounding it into your skull madness. Hibernaut moody melancholic doomy mayhem. Speechless has a very catchy riff that just pulls you in. Bright New Sun on your feet just groove and fist pump along.

-Xroadie

Band Submissions Deadline Extended - WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA 2020

Applications for 2020 will end on December 15, 2019 at 11:59 PM PST.

Great News Bands! Because Tampa Bay and New Orleans were added with less time to Wacken Metal Battle USA, they're giving more time for bands to apply on all cities until Dec 15th, 11:59 pm EST

Apply at this link: https://metalbattleusa.com/apply/

Unsigned bands can ONLY apply!

These cities/areas are participating! More to be announced!

Phoenix, AZ, Tucson, AZ, Inland Empire, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Oakland, CA

Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, San Francisco, CA, Atlanta, GA, New Orleans, LA

Las Vegas, NV, New York City, NY, Portland, OR, Austin, TX, Fort Worth, TX

San Antonio, TX, Houston, TX, Seattle, WA, Tampa Bay, FL

W:O:A Metal Battle - Official Trailer here.

Wacken Metal Battle USA 2019 Spotify Playlist here.

For over a decade at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival Wacken Open Air, independent metal bands from around the globe have been performing in front of thousands and competing against one another for one to be crowned champion of the world along with winning multiple prizes. For the fourth year, Wacken Metal Battle USA is returning to America and will be hosting qualifying rounds in select cities across the nation. The national champion of those battles will perform at 31st edition of the festival taking place from July 30th – August 1st, 2020 in Wacken, Germany. The sold-out 2020 Wacken Open Air line-up includes Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, Amon Amarth, Sodom, Annihilator, Overkill, Venom, Sick of It All, Nervosa, U.D.O., Hypocrisy, Death Angel, Beast In Black, At The Gates and many more. Details here.

Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance of winning their spot among 29 other countries’ champions, and representing the USA in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air, which has been taking place in Wacken, Germany for the last 30 years. The winner of Wacken Metal Battle USA will perform at the 2020 festival taking place from July 30th – August 1st.

2020 battles will be held in Phoenix, AZ, Tucson, AZ, Inland Empire, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Oakland, CA, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, San Francisco, CA, Atlanta, GA, New Orleans, LA, Las Vegas, NV, New York City, NY, Portland, OR, Austin, TX, Fort Worth, TX, San Antonio, TX, Houston, TX, Seattle, WA, and Tampa Bay, FL.

Concert promoters interested in hosting a Wacken battle in their city can apply at this link: https://metalbattleusa.com/promoter-application-for-wacken-metal-usa-battles/

How it works:

Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the 31st edition of Wacken Open Air and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle.  All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

Rules: https://metalbattleusa.com/rules/

Last year’s 2019 national final was hosted in Los Angeles, CA and featured Dissentience (Winners, East Coast), Monarch (Winners, West Coast), Nahaya (Winners, Texas), Toxic Ruin (Winners, Chicago), Violence System (Winners, Atlanta) whom were selected from over a hundred bands that participated in battles across the USA.

2019 - WMBU Winner

Monarch (San Diego, CA)

Video - Live at Wacken 2019 here.

2018 – WMBU Winner

VOICES OF RUIN (Anaheim, CA)

2017 – WMBU Winner

CORPSE HOARDER (Philadelphia, PA)

Video - Live at Wacken 2017 here.

For more info:

MetalBattleUSA.com

Facebook.com/MetalBattleUSA

Instagram.com/MetalBattleUSA

Twitter.com/MetalBattleUSA

Wacken Open Air - Wacken.com

Sponsors / Partners:

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