NEWS
FEATURED MUSICIAN THIS WEEK IS
DEREV GUITARIST
ARMANDO BABLANIAN
*TODAY'S PICKS*
PLEASE WELCOME
AURO CONTROL
INTRODUCING
"THE WRING"
INDY ROCK BLOG WITH
PAUL DENTON
Q&A WITH
WHISKY OF BLOOD
FEATURED MUSICIAN
THIS WEEK IS
DEREV GUITARIST
ARMANDO BABLANIAN
Our featured musician this week is Armando Bablanian, guitarist extraordinaire for the band Derev. Armando plays a very technical style and has an amazing feel for their music. His flowing undertones and intricate passages along with red hot lead solos is the heart of Derev's music. Armando and his band mates are a talented band with a distinct stand alone sound. Derev will embark on a western Canadian tour starting May 2nd and we suggest you plan to check them out if they hit you area!
Toronto, Canada's progressive metal band Derev is unveiling their latest single “Cyclone” a dynamic exploration of inner turmoil and redemption that showcases the band's evolution while staying true to their signature sound. The track follows their earlier single “Room 9” and is the latest preview of their highly awaited first full-length album “Troubled Mind” slated for release on March 26, 2025. The band comments on the lyrical content:
“Building on the narrative, this song revolves around the negative thoughts that plague our minds, constantly reminding us of our perceived unworthiness and shortcomings. This mental state, "Imposter Syndrome" makes us doubt our skills and successes, leaving us feeling unworthy, ashamed, and fearful of being exposed.”
“Cyclone” demonstrates Derev's masterful blend of technical prowess and emotional depth, featuring intricate instrumentation that builds from a tension-filled atmosphere to a captivating climax. The song opens with a haunting guitar riff that gradually intensifies as layers of bass and drums create an underlying sense of unrest. This tension ultimately gives way to a soaring, heartwarming guitar solo that brings a moment of clarity before concluding with a memorable cliffhanger riff.
The forthcoming album "Troubled Mind" promises to take listeners on an emotional journey, featuring both energetic highs and poignant lows. It is recommended for fans of Opeth, Dream Theater, and Porcupine Tree.
INDY ROCK NETWORK'S
PICKS TODAY
March 31/25
SONGS
VIDEO
INDY ROCK RADIO
PLEASE WELCOME
Auro Control. The name refers to "Auro" (means "golden" in Latin) and sounds like "Out of Control", crazy. A daring project, created by the brazilian vocalist Lucas de Ouro. The band promises to be one of the best releases of the style in the country, with 10 powerful tracks featuring very special guests.
Album Produced by Thiago Bianchi at the prestigious Fusão Studios / São Paulo.
PLEASE WELCOME
"THE WRING"
TO THE NETWORK FAMILY
Their song "BEFORE I DISAPPEAR" will be in rotation all day Friday March 28th on
Check out THE WRING at:
Through 2023, the next iteration of the entity known as The Wring was in full creative mode. New songs, a new singer and a new drummer... change is the only constant.
Spectra introduced me to the incredible talent of bassist Reggie Hache. Nemesis also features his vocal genius, delivering what I believe to be the most cohesive and memorable set of songs to date.
Kyle Brian Abbott performed all drums on this record. Kyle is a precise and articulate player that was the metronomic back drop for often slippery and shifting time. An absolute powerhouse.
Of course, Francis Perron returned for mixing duties. A Juno award-winning talent, Francis brings the songs to life. The music would not be the same without him.
Gord Woolley provided the artwork for Nemesis. As before, I concocted an elaborate theme and set of images which went out the window as soon as I saw Gord's ideas. The red jellyfish is fantastic on many levels.
I have to mention Carlo Belotti from Wormholedeath Records. In a world where music is essentially free, it's easy for an artist to get discouraged. Carlo has a roster of hundreds of bands, but treats each as if they were the only one. I'm thankful for his support of The Wring.
The contributions of Jon Asher at Ashermedia are also notable. Jon is a publicist and has put The Wring in ears all around the world. Thanks Jon.
INDY ROCK BLOG #234
PAUL DENTON
Set Backs
I think it's safe to say that no band or musician enjoys any kind of setback from interrupting their goals. When we are on a roll we want to keep the train rolling. Unfortunately, Life sometimes may have a different plan.
As a younger musician I don't really recall any Setbacks, but as age has crept up it seems that more of us are suffering from something that maybe holding us back in some kind of way. I'm not sure if it's our personal health, day jobs, or most likely a combination of the two! But it definitely has made an impact.
I think of Paul Di Anno performing in a wheelchair before he passed away and Ozzy making an attempt for one last show. I am sure there are many more.
It's sad to realize when you're playing day's maybe coming to a close for whatever reason, we still want that last show. It's who we are and why we chose to do this.
Currently with our band we have a guitar player recovering from a broken hip, a drummer with hand and wrist problems, and myself with arthritic hands and broken fingers. Just hoping our vocalist is OK.
I guess the positive thing that becomes of any setback we may encounter is how we are able to adjust and move on.
If Tony Iommi had packed it in after cutting off his fingertips, we would not have witnessed a great band. He had the determination to overcome any setback to live out his dream.
My message to every musician would be " Never give up, Cherish your time and Adapt to whatever situation falls your way.
Keep On Rocking'
Paul Denton
Indy Rock Network