From Slaves to Kings - (individual single releases).

Picture source: http://www.kilo943.com/2013/04/page/4/

Artist: From Slaves to Kings - (individual single releases). 

Singles - individual releases
Genre: rock, metal 

Listen to their latest singles

Fans of Avenged Sevenfold, As I Lay Dying and Five Finger Death Punch rejoice - the latest addition to this hard-rock family is Texan-born quintet: From Slaves to Kings. With killer guitar riffs, catchy choruses and a traditional rock/nu metal-esque sound, the band is gaining attention with each release of individual tracks throughout the year. 

Considering each other 'brothers' both on and off the stage, the band has a chemistry that flows through their music and on to their live performances. Praised for their energetic stage performance, From Slaves to Kings have worked towards rock royalty: winning a series of accolades within their home town of Colorado for first place in the Indy Music Awards, People's Choice winner for Best Progressive Hard-Rock Band and Best Vocalist categories. 

Opening for rock band Hoobastank, 12 Stones and I Wrestled a Bear Once, the band has increasingly gained momentum since its inception in 2011. Regular appearances on online radio streaming sites such as Pandora.com have seen the band's fan base grow into the thousands, hailing not only from America, but to a further worldwide audience. 

From Slaves to Kings - (individual single releases).

As of late, the band has focussed on providing their fans with some fresh new music. Teasing the masses with snippets of their upcoming track 'Feeding the Flies' via Soundcloud links, the band is preparing for more songs at a faster pace. Unfortunately for From Slaves To Kings, however, the focus on creating this music has caused a lapse in the number of live shows played in the past months, in comparison to October of the previous year. From Slaves to Kings assure that the band is 'back on track', playing gigs throughout the month to concert-hungry fans. 

Part of the band's enticing live performance is the ability to sing along to the catchy choruses. In particular, the song listed 'Track 5' is a great example of this - FSTK are able to create the same heavy rock ambience that fans crave, without compromising the use of lead singer Jason Coahran's clean vocal work. From Slaves to Kings are unique in the sense that for a rock band, they do not require the hyper-usage of screaming or overtly grungy vocals; instead focussing on perfecting a high-quality and well-established sound without taking away from the band's genuine talent and authentic atmosphere. 

Overall, the band appear to have a chemistry between them that is both effective and original both within their studio music and live renditions. However, From Slaves to Kings still have a long path before them. With a full studio album yet to be released, it may be a short while before the band take the throne to rule the hard-rock charts. Nevertheless, the band has both a promising outlook and killer sounds to boot. Both fans of FSTK and onlookers of the rock scene are warned: Watch this space and remember the name. 

From Slaves to Kings are currently playing across Colarado Springs. You can reach the band via Facebook, Twitter or Reverbnation pages for news, upcoming gigs and additional information. 

By Lily Pavlovic posted 15 October 2013, for STSBM

A Course of Action - Singles: 107 and Who We Are.

Picture source: http://www.untappedradio.com/

Artist: A Course of Action

Singles: 107 & Who We Are

Genre: rock, metal 

Listen to the single 107

North Carolina quartet A Course of Action are considered 'the band next door' - resonating with many  fans as 'four normal guys from the South making great rock music'. However, their latest releases '107' and 'Who We Are' have exposed their talent to a whole new level - becoming the talk of the town in the rock and metal spectrum.

Neighbouring on bands such as Sevendust, Five-Finger Death Punch and Alter-Bridge, A Course of Action are rapidly drawing attention from fans across America and gaining an international following since their single releases. Playing weekly shows across the south in the U.S, the band is gaining a loyal following with enthusiastic live performances and a quality sound.

A Course of Action - Singles: 107 and Who We Are. 

The band's first debut studio album, Dark Before the Dawn stands as a testament to 'hard work paying off' for the band. After months of production, the nine track album rose to both domestic and international success - with album tracks playing on stations Q Star Radio and Occupation Radio, and online stations Jango Music, IndyPalooza, and Raidio Corca Baiscinn (Ireland) providing increased exposure for a growing number of fans. 

Now, A Course of Action are expanding on thematic structures, sonic richness and a solid rock base within their most recent releases, '107' and 'Who We Are'. '107' in particular is the band's triumph: providing a seamless mainstream metal sound that is carried out with expert precision and diligence. With a Stone Sour-esque vibe to the chorus, metal and rock fans can't help but become absorbed in the rough vocals, clever lyrics and killer guitar-shreding solos characteristic of classic rock and metal sound.

'107' has become increasingly more popular with fans since its release. It is a prime example of the band's capabilities, however both fans and reviewers alike urge ACOA not to rest on their laurels just yet - as the track allows room to both progress and develop in future albums in terms of finding a niche for themselves, and developing from classic genres to a more diverse and original sound.

'Who We Are' to an extent demonstrates some of these capabilities. This track slows down the tempo in comparison to the band's other releases, showcasing the band's adaptability to both hard and soft rock styles. However, in doing so, the chorus is perhaps not as punchy as 107 and tracks from Dark Before the Dawn. 'Who We Are' is best suited for fans of  bands such as Creed or Shinedown, as it is a distinct step away from the hard rock of the band's previous work. 

By juxtaposing 'Who We Are' with the band's former releases, it is difficult to speculate where ACOA may head in the future. With glimpses of diverse directions to which they may lead, it will be interesting to see whether the band continues their hard-rock roots, or branches out into softer rock sub-genres seen in their latest tracks. 

Either way, A Course of Action seem to be on the path to success. With a plethora of live shows on the horizon, fans will love whatever course the band decides to take. 

You can visit their OFFICIAL website here

By Lily Pavlovic posted 15 October 2013, for STSBM