This is a weekly blog to let you in on what song and/or band that i've been feeling for that particular week. Music will always be a very important part of my life. I see it as the soundtrack for memories that bring you back to a certain place and time and new songs help to create new memories. Hope you enjoy!! :)
The Hawthorne Heights song "Sugar In The Engine" is a deeply emotional tribute dedicated to the band's guitarist, Casey Calvert, who tragically passed away in November 2007.
HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
2004 - The Silence In Black And White (Victory Records)
* Peaked at #56 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold
2006 - If Only You Were Lonely (Victory Records)
* Peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold
2008 - Fragile Future (Victory Records)
* Peaked at #23 on the Billboard 200
2010 - Skeletons (Wind-Up Records)
* Peaked at #50 on the Billboard 200
2013 - Zero (Red Records)
* Peaked at #118 on the Billboard 200
2014 - The Silence In Black And White Acoustic (In Vogue Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2018 - Bad Frequencies (Pure Noise Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2021 - The Rain Just Follows Me (Pure Noise Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2023 - If Only You Were Lonely XV (Skeleton Club Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
MY THOUGHTS ON HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS:
Hawthorne Heights formed out of the ashes of a band called A Day In The Life back in 2001. Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, A Day In The Life basically broke up when all the bandmembers left in 2003. Vocalist JT Woodruff decided to put a new band together and Hawthorne Heights was formed. The band's debut full length album was 2004's "The Silence In Black And White". Thrusted by the singles "Ohio Is For Lovers" and "Niki FM", Hawthorne Heights made an immediate impact on the pop punk/emo/screamo scene. The band's follow up album, 2006's "If Only You Were Lonely" was the band's highest charting album, peaking at #3 on the Billboard 200 charts. In 2007, tragedy befell the band as rhythm guitarist Casey Calvert was found dead on the band's tour bus on November 24, 2007. The 2008 release, "Fragile Future", contains some tracks that are dedications to Calvert, my song of the week, "Sugar In The Engine" being one of them. In 2010, Hawthorne Heights left Victory Records and signed a one off with Wind-Up for the release of "Skeletons". 2013 saw the band release "Zero". In 2018, Hawthorne Heights inked a deal with Pure Noise Records and their last two full length studio album were distributed by that label, 2018's "Bad Frequencies" and 2021's "The Rain Just Follows Me". Along with their seven full length studio albums, Hawthorne Heights also released an acoustic version of "The Silence In Black And White" in 2014 as well as a re-imagined version of "If Only You Were Lonely" in 2023. The band has also released nine EP's, stand-outs include the trilogy, "Hate", "Hope" and "Hurt". The band's most recent release was the 2025 EP "Sandpaper And Silk". As I said earlier, Hawthorne Heights has been called anything from emo to screamo to pop punk to alternative rock. The band themselves doesn't take kindly to the genres that are placed on them and they just consider themselves to be a rock band. I'd add melodic to that! Bands of their style and sound really dominated the early 2000's. I'd put Hawthorne Heights closer to the top of the mountain when it comes to those bands. I'd have them a peg below bands like Silverstein and Taking Back Sunday. They are a solid band tho. I got into these guys early on. The first time I heard "Ohio Is For Lovers", the band had me at hello! Hawthorne Heights is a pretty active band too. When they're not releasing new music, you can be sure they are out playing live shows.
The song "Make A Stand" by the New Zealand alt-metal band Like A Storm is a high-energy, motivational anthem centered around overcoming victimization, standing up against oppression, and reclaiming personal power.
LIKE A STORM DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
2009 - The End Of The Beginning (Prospect Park Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2012 - Worlds Collide (Live From The Ends Of The Earth) (Fatal Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2013 - Unplugged (Another Century Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2015 - Awaken The Fire (Another Century Records)
* Peaked at #200 on the Billboard 200
2018 - Catacombs (Red Music)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2020 - In Isolation Vol. 1 (self-released)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2020 - In Isolation Vol. 2 (self-released)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2021 - In Isolation Vol. 3 (self-released)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2021 - In Isolation Vol. 4 (self-released)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2022 - Okura (Okura Music)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
MY THOUGHTS ON LIKE A STORM:
Like A Storm is a New Zealand band that formed back in 2005. The band's debut full length album was 2009's "The End Of The Beginning". By this time, the band had moved to America to tour extensively for this album. The band Creed would be one of the first American bands to really take Like A Storm under their wings, giving them the opening slot for their "Full Circle" tour. The band spent the next 6 years touring as well as releasing a double live album and an "Unplugged" album. The band's sophomore studio effort would be 2015's "Awaken The Fire". This would be Like A Storm's only album to chart on the Billboard 200, just squeaking in at #200. The band followed that album up in 2018 with "Catacombs". In 2020 and 2021, Like A Storm self-released 4 albums called "In Isolation", volumes 1 thru 4. This was mostly cover songs and different takes on some of their own songs. They did this while the Covid pandemic basically shut everything down. The band's most recent release was 2022's "Okura". Like A Storm is kinda like a post-grunge/alternative metal type of band. They kinda remind me of a less dark Smile Empty Soul type of band. They have a melodic style with a hard edge. They are also not afraid of expanding their sound and style. I first got into these guys when I heard the song "Chemical Infatuation" back in 2009. Like I said earlier, if you like bands like Smile Empty Soul or Three Days Grace, then you would most likely like Like A Storm.
"The Queen Slept" is an anthem about the agonizing silence of a partner who chooses to look away when you need them most, wrapped in the theatrical, high-stakes metaphor of a kingdom left to ruin.
SLEEPING AT THE END OF THE WORLD DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only:
The band only released an EP titled "Perspectives" in 2009
MY THOUGHTS ON SLEEPING AT THE END OF THE WORLD:
Sleeping At The End Of The World is a Monroe, New York band that got it's start back in 2008. Their debut album was an EP in 2009 called "Perspectives". This would turn out to be the only music that the band would release. They disbanded in the early 2010's, not sure of the exact year. Sleeping At The End Of The World was a post-hardcore band much in the vein of a band like The Movielife. They played mostly in the Orange County, New York area and I'm not sure if they even toured away from the east coast at all because they were such a short lived act. I would say their best track is "Empty And Rejected". Just trying to go back and do some research on the band, I may have found them on a site called PureVolume that I used to check out periodically and find some decent bands. Other than that, there is not much info out there about these guys.
SIMILAR ARTISTS:
Therefore I Am
Nightmares For A Week
Taking Back Sunday
The Movielife
Black Lungs
TEN SLEEPING AT THE END OF THE WORLD SONGS TO CHECK OUT:
1. Empty And Rejected
2. The Queen Sleeps
3. Black Hole
4. The Queen Slept
5. Diamonds
6. The Dying Piano
7. Deep Breaths
* Those are the only 7 songs that I know that the band released.
The meaning of the 1985 Kiss song "Uh! All Night" is a straightforward, literal celebration of partying, let-loose fun, and sexual release as a reward for surviving the daily grind of a working-class job.
KISS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
1974 - Kiss (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #87 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold
1974 - Hotter Than Hell (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #100 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold
1975 - Dressed To Kill (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #32 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold
1975 - Alive (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #9 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold
1976 - Destroyer (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #11 on the Billboard 200
* Certified 2X Platinum
1976 - Rock And Roll Over (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #11 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum
1977 - Love Gun (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum
1977 - Alive II (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #7 on the Billboard 200
* Certified 2X Platinum
1978 - Gene Simmons (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #22 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum
1978 - Ace Frehley (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #26 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum
1978 - Peter Criss (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #43 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum
1978 - Paul Stanley (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #40 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum
1979 - Dynasty (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #9 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum
1980 - Unmasked (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #35 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold
1981 - The Elder (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #75 on the Billboard 200
1982 - Creatures Of The Night (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #45 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold
1983 - Lick It Up (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #24 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum
1984 - Animalize (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #19 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum
1985 - Asylum (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #20 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold
1987 - Crazy Nights (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum
1989 - Hot In The Shade (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #29 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold
1992 - Revenge (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #6 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold
1993 - Alive III (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #9 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold
1996 - Kiss Unplugged (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold
1997 - Carnival Of Souls (Mercury Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
1998 - Psycho Circus (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold
2003 - Kiss Symphony: Alive IV (Sanctuary Records)
* Peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200
2006 - Alive! The Millennium Concert (Universal Records)
* Peaked at #167 on the Billboard 200
2009 - Sonic Boom (Kiss Records)
* Peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200
2012 - Monster (Universal Records)
* Peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200
2016 - Kiss Rocks Vegas (Eagle Rocks Entertainment)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
MY THOUGHTS ON KISS:
Kiss is a New York City band that formed back in 1973. Founded by guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley and bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons, the band was rounded out with Peter Criss on drums/vocals and Ace Frehley on lead guitar/vocals. Known for their heavy sound, especially live, and their iconic face paint, the early years were a struggle for the band. The band's self-titled debut (1974), "Hotter Than Hell" (1974) and "Dressed To Kill (1975) were struggling to sell and the future of the band was very much in doubt at this time. What they lacked in the studio, they more than made up for as a live act. They were garnering quite the reputation as a live band, often out-performing headline acts. Lots of bands didn't want Kiss to open for them for fear of getting blown off the stage! In 1975, Kiss took a shot in the dark and tried to capture their live performance on album. The result was "Alive!" and the rest is, well, Kisstory! "Alive!" rescued the band and lit a fire under them. In 1976, the band released their most ambitious album. Produced be Bob Ezrin, "Destroyer" is often considered to be Kiss' best album. The roller coaster ride was getting to the top at this point and for the members of Kiss, it was time to hold on tight! The years from 1975 to 1978, Kiss was on top of the world. They were selling out world tours and releasing platinum albums such as "Rock And Roll Over", "Love Gun" and "Alive II". Whatever small cracks that were appearing within the band, however, were beginning to open wider. In an effort to try to save the band, the group decided to release four solo albums under the Kiss name. This was kinda the beginning of the end for the original line-up of Kiss. Peter Criss basically didn't perform on "Dynasty" other than his own track "Dirty Livin'". Criss did not perform at all on 1980's "Unmasked" and was ousted by the band following the release of "Unmasked". Eric Carr took over drumming duties at that point. In 1981, a disastrous decision was made to do a concept album which would be "The Elder". Guitarist Ace Frehley, who did not like the direction the band was going in basically since "Dynasty", wanted Kiss to do a full on heavy rock album but with Criss gone, Frehley was often out-voted by Stanley and Simmons two to one. Frehley did not fully contribute to "The Elder". After "The Elder", Frehley decided to quit the band. Frehley's behavior had been erratic going all the way back to "Destroyer". His use of alcohol and drugs and hard partying lifestyle would sometimes get in the way of his contributions to the band. Though Simmons and Stanley tried to talk Frehley into staying in the band, Frehley felt at that time that if he stayed he might die. Vinnie Vincent would take over on lead guitar at that point. After "Creatures Of The Night", Kiss decided to remove that make up and costumes, a move generated to put some spark under the band. The early 80's had been a lean time for Kiss and they were looking for anything to give them a spark. Their first album without the make-up, "Lick It Up" was a good start for the band. The 80's were a weird time for the band. They always seemed like they were looking to find an identity and often, it seemed like they were following whatever was popular at that time. After having nothing but headaches with Vinnie Vincent, the band brought in Mark St. John for "Animalize" in 1984. St. John developed some condition which made his hand swell so Bruce Kulick was brought in to play live shows and eventually, Kulick was made the lead guitarist. In 1992, it seemed Kiss finally grew comfortable in their "unmasked" skin with their album "Revenge", both in sound and look. "Revenge" saw Eric Singer take over drumming duties as Eric Carr passed away tragically in 1991 due to cancer. When Kiss was tabbed to do an iconic MTV Unplugged, they decided to invite original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss to join them for some songs. Singer and Kulick saw the writing on the wall at that point and figured Kiss was going to do a full on reunion, make-up, costumes and all. They were right. In 1996, the original Kiss line-up went on a reunion tour that was hugely successful. One of the highest grossing tours in history! What should have been a great time for the band, turned out to be a bummer. It was said that the original line-up was going to record a new album but in reality, Ace and Peter had barely anything to do with the album. This sucked for fans who really wanted a full band collaboration on a new album. Again, cracks were appearing in the armor. Ace was getting into bad habits again with substances, Peter was being confrontational and Paul and Gene were being control freaks. Though the band was coming apart, Kiss did put together a successful "Psycho Circus" tour and what would be their first of many "Farewell Tours". Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons did not intend for Kiss to retire after the "Farewell Tour". With Ace and Peter out of the band again, Kiss continued on with Eric Singer and this time Tommy Thayer on lead guitar. In a controversial move, Kiss put Eric and Tommy in Peter's "cat" make-up and Ace's "Spaceman" persona. There was a lot of fighting amongst the former and current bandmembers as well as the fans about that decision. For the most part, Kiss would be mostly a touring band at this point though they did release 2 albums with their current line-up, 2009's "Sonic Boom" and 2012's "Monster". "Monster" would be the last studio album that the band has released. In 2019, Kiss embarked on what would be a 4 year "End Of The Road" tour which wrapped up in New York City in 2023. Of course, Kiss being Kiss, just when you thought they had retired, they did a residency in Las Vegas which was kind of an off chute of their Kiss Kruises. It seems the band will do these residencies in the future from time to time and there was also some rumors or hints of possibly working on new songs as well. We'll see. Tragedy struck the band in 2025 as original member Ace Frehley passed away due to complications from a fall at his home. Kiss was my favorite band growing up. I still love the band and always will. There's no doubt, 1970's Kiss is their wheelhouse. The image, the songs, the fire, the explosions! Kiss was most definitely one of a kind. The voice of Paul Stanley, the imagery of Gene Simmons, the cool swagger of Ace Frehley and the aggression of Peter Criss led Kiss to be one of most legendary, influential and iconic bands of all time. I was born in 1974 so when the band went on a reunion tour in 1996, my dreams came true! I got to see the original lineup multiple times during the Reunion, Psycho Circus and Farewll tours. Those are some of the highlights in my life, seeing the original line-up, cranking on all cylinders. Being that Ace was always my favorite member in the band, it was a gutpunch when he tragically passed away. Despite some of the things said about him, Ace proved to be the most active member since the year 2000 when it came to working on and releasing new material. It sucks that the original four now can never get back together again even though there really wasn't a chance it would happen anyway.
