It is really, really hard to put together a split release. Getting one band to have their shit together enough to hit the studio and record is hard enough. But two? Or more? It is not an enviable task in the slightest. Sometimes acts have songs leftover from other sessions, and even that is hard to work with. It’s to Ripple Music‘s eternal credit that the label’s The Second Coming of Heavy series has not only made it this far without missing a beat between its chapters, but that it will finish its 10LP run having highlighted killer heavy rock and roll from the US and Europe in defiance of logistics and with a firm commitment to quality in presentation and curation alike. I know that sounds like I’m blowing smoke up the label’s ass. I’m not. If you’ve never coordinated this kind of thing, it’s fucking impossible. Every time it happens, it’s a miracle. And from what I understand, when The Second Coming of Heavy ends, that’s still just the beginning. More power to them.

Chapter IX gets down to the series’ roots with top grade heavy rock from Boston’s long-underrated practitioners Cortez and the pride of Bear, Delaware, Wasted Theory, who will follow their appearance here up with a new full-length in October. Both bands have tracks streaming at the bottom of this post.

The PR wire brings preliminaries:

Ripple Music announce the penultimate instalment in their Second Coming of Heavy Series | Split album from Cortez and Wasted Theory

The Second Coming of Heavy; Chapter IX is released on vinyl on 21st September 2018

Pre-order now at www.ripple-music.com

Already recognised as one of the world’s leading purveyors of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Stoner, Doom and Heavy Psych, Ripple Music upped the ante in 2015 with the arrival of one of their most ambitious projects to date, The Second Coming of Heavy Series.

Serving as a showcase for some of the best and heaviest bands emerging from the underground, each instalment shines a light on those worthy of your attention. Consisting of one, 12” slab of multi-coloured vinyl with full colour sleeves and inserts, the series is designed to be saved and treasured, much like a fine anthology of books. When the albums are filed next to each other, the complete collection of aligned spines form a mind-blowing image direct from the underground.

Bands that have already featured in the series include Geezer, Borracho, Supervoid, Red Desert, Kingnomad, Bonehawk, Red Mesa, Blue Sanggletooth, Fuzz Evil, Switchblade Jesus plus a whole host of others. For this latest instalment it’s the turn of Boston-based, fuzzed out rock and rollers Cortez and American Weed Rock supremos, Wasted Theory.

The Second Coming Of Heavy; Chapter IX will get an official vinyl release on 21st September 2018 and is limited to 300 copies in three alternative versions (100 of each) – The Resurrection Edition, The Risen OBI and The Ascension Edition.

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https://cortezboston.bandcamp.com/
http://www.cortezboston.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wastedtheoryband/
https://twitter.com/WastedTheory
https://wastedtheory.bandcamp.com/

Delaware-based burl-bringers Wasted Theory have yet to put out anything that didn’t up the stakes from the release prior. Across their two to-date full-lengths, 2016’s Defenders of the Riff (review here) — which was reissued as their debut on Argonauta Records last year, and the preceding 2014 debut, Death and Taxes (review here) — the four-piece have pushed deeper into a plunge of stoner-is-as-stoner-does riffery, marked by ultra-dudely vibes and an increasing vitality born, as that sort of thing is, by a likewise increasing stage presence. To wit, they’ve got live dates announced through basically now (they had two gigs this past weekend) through October, heading out in handfuls at a time on the East Coast and in the Midwest, having hit the West Coast earlier this year.

And though in direct contrast to the righteousness of the album’s title, Warlords of the New Electric, somewhere along the line someone in the band made the genuinely unfortunate decision to name the closing track “Doomslut Rodeo” — lest the genre go five minutes without demeaning, objectifying or shaming someone into their #metoo moment — given their forward progression thus far, I’m looking forward to hearing what these guys have in store this time around. The record will be out in October through the aforementioned and ever-busy Argonauta Records.

The following came down the PR wire:

WASTED THEORY unveils artwork & details on third full-length, “WARLORDS OF THE NEW ELECTRIC,” set to release via Argonauta Records in October; Continues ‘Stoned On Both Coasts’ Tour

Hitting the halfway point of their ‘Stoned On Both Coasts Tour” on May 26th with a blazing set at the Stoned To Death 3 Fest in Vermont, American Weed Rockers Wasted Theory sneaked into the studio in between performances to complete a new record. The Mid-Atlantic heavy foursome leaps forward with Italy’s Argonauta Records to reveal the details about their third full-length album, Warlords of the New Electric.

Their second release with Argonauta Records, after the ‘2017 edition’ CD re-release of Defenders of the Riff, this new Wasted Theory displays a disturbingly sober vision of slammed down, heavy rock invaders. Just completed this Spring (April – May 2018), Warlords of the New Electric was recorded, engineered, and mixed by Joseph Boldizar (Ruby The Hatchet, Ecstatic Vision, The Age of Truth) at Retro City Studios in Philadelphia, PA. Album cover artwork and design by Bill Kole of Billy Diablo Design Services.

Argonauta Records’ label owner Gero had this to say:

“After teaming-up for the 2017 edition of their monumental album ‘Defenders of the Riff’, Argonauta Records is thrilled to renew the collaboration with WASTED THEORY, whose new album is already anticipated as one of the hottest releases of the coming Fall,”

Argonauta plans to unleash Warlords of the New Electric on the world in October 2018. The eight song, full album hammer strike will include Vinyl and CD formats, with Digital Download and Streaming through most major outlets available simultaneously to the physical release. Pre-order information and links are forthcoming.

Some words from Wasted Theory on ‘Warlords of the New Electric’:

“When we set out to write ‘Warlords of the New Electric’ we wanted to take the energy and enthusiasm of ‘Defenders of the Riff” and develop those vibes even further. In our opinion, this is the perfect companion to the last album. We didn’t want to put out the stereotypical third album where we start getting all experimental and bizarre. So, we did the exact opposite – we took our gritty rock n’ roll origins and pushed them even heavier into the material.

The riffs are harder, the fast stuff is faster and the doom stuff is doomier. This is the perfect album for those hot, sticky summer nights hanging out at your buddy’s BBQ bonfire and having way too much to drink. This album is very much a Wasted Theory album.”

Warlords of the New Electric – Track List:
1. Rawhide Hellride
2. Drug Buzzard
3. Bongronaut
4. The Son of a Son of a Bitch
5. Bastard County
6. Heavy Bite
7. Weed Creature
8. Doomslut Rodeo

WASTED THEORY are:
Larry Jackson, Jr. – Vocals/Guitars
Brendan Burns – Drums
Rob Michael – Bass
Andrew Petkovic – Guitars

Upcoming Live Dates:
Jul. 06 – Wilmington DE @ Oddity Bar (w/ Kingsnake, The Age Of Truth, Bloodlaw)
Jul. 07 – Kingston NY @ The Anchor (w/ Witchkiss, Shadow Witch)
Aug. 24 – Washington DC @ Atlas Brew Works
Aug. 25 – Frederick MD @ Guido’s Speakeasy
Sep. 13 – McMechen WV @ Goodfellas
Sep. 14 – Columbus OH @ Victory Live (w/ Wolftooth, Horseburner, Pale Grey Lore)
Sep. 15 – Indianapolis IN @ Indiana City Brewery (w/ Wolftooth)
Sep. 16 – Louisville KY @ Magbar (w/ Wolftooth)
Oct. 11 – Pittsburgh PA @ Howler’s
Oct. 12 – Detroit MI @ New Dodge Lounge
Oct. 13 – Canton OH @ Buzzbin Shop

www.americanweedrock.com
https://www.facebook.com/wastedtheoryband/
https://www.instagram.com/wastedtheory/
https://twitter.com/WastedTheory
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCci0QWWVsPmJUNtXI2yPXNA/videos
www.argonautarecords.com
https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords/
https://twitter.com/argonautarex
https://www.instagram.com/argonautarecords/

Wasted Theory, Defenders of the Riff (2016)

Delaware heavy rockers Wasted Theorytake yet another admirable forward step next month as they head to the West Coast for the first time. They’ve got four shows in California booked alongside the all-caps pairing of ZED and KOOK from March 21-24, but the truth is that’s just part of the story of their live plans for the coming months. As they continue to herald the 2017 Argonauta Records reissue of their 2016 long player, Defenders of the Riff (review here), they’ll hit the inaugural New England Stone and Doom Fest in Connecticut, and much more besides. Hell, in being a couple days late in posting this news, I alreay missed plugging a show they did with Earthride. Fortunately there’s another one coming up soon enough.

Info and list of gigs follows, courtesy of the PR wire:

WASTED THEORY ‘Stoned On Both Coasts’ 2018 Tour; Sign w/ARGONAUTA RECORDS for ‘Defenders Of The Riff 2017’

Wasted Theory announced their 2018 tour and festival appearance dates that will stretch across the United States, including their first West Coast shows. The Mid-Atlantic quartet is touring to support their recent signing with Italy’s Argonauta Records and the ‘2017 Edition’ reissue of their Defenders Of The Riff second full-length album. The 2017 reissue now includes two previously unreleased bonus tracks.

American Weed Rockers Wasted Theory are about to hit the highway again and have announced U.S. Tour dates for 2018, including their first sky-way trek to California to accomplish a hazy ‘Stoned On Both Coasts” year of performances. The Mid-Atlantic quartet’s tour is in support of their recent signing with Italy’s Argonauta Records and the ‘2017 Edition’ reissue of their second full-length album Defenders Of The Riff.

The Stoned On Both Coasts Tour starts off Friday, February 2nd, with back-to-back shows covering each half of their Delaware/Maryland home states, fly high through Northern California in March, then routes these four heathens of the heavy rock apocalypse through 12 states and over 20 cities. Wasted Theory also confirmed two special festival appearances – on April 20th for the inaugural New England Stoner & Doom Festival in Southern Connecticut, as well as the Stoned To Death 3 Festival in Vermont on May 26th.

While the original release ‘Defenders Of The Riff’ in 2016 drove the underground heavy music world into whiskey fits of doom, this ‘2017 Edition’ reissue now includes two previously unreleased bonus tracks. With the anthemic cover of ‘Rockin’ is Ma’ Business” (the 1991 epitome of heavy rock from The Four Horseman, also covered by Alabama Thunderpussy in 1999), as well as a thoroughly invigorated rendition of the 1975 Nazareth classic “Changin’ Times”. adding these two powerhouse songs to the already 10-track, grit-packed punch of Defenders Of The Riff brings this album to a even dirtier dozen.

Wasted Theory – ‘Stoned On Both Coasts’ 2018 Tour
(Confirmed Dates)
2/17 – York, PA @ The Depot (York) (w/ Earthride, Beelzefuzz)
03/21/2018 – Santa Cruz, CA @ The Blue Lagoon (w/ ZED, Kook)
03/22/2018 – Oakland, CA @ The Golden Bull (w/ ZED, Kook)
03/23/2018 – San Jose, CA @ Caravan Lounge (w/ ZED, Kook)
03/24/2018 – Sacramento, CA @ On The Y (w/ ZED, Kook)
4/19 – Philadelphia, PA @ Century Bar
4/20 – Jewett City, CT @ Altones New England Stoner & Doom Festival
5/26 – Brattleboro, VT @ The Stone Church Stoned To Death 3 Festival
6/8 – Bethlehem, PA @ Funhouse South Side
6/9 – Scranton, PA @ Irish Wolf Pub
7/7 – Kingston, NY @ The Anchor (w/ Shadow Witch)
8/24 – Washington, DC @ Atlas Brew Works
8/25 – Frederick, MD @ Guido’s Speakeasy
9/14 – Columbus, OH @ Victory Live (w/ Wolftooth)
9/15 – Indianapolis, IN @ Indiana City Brewery (w/ Wolftooth)
9/16 – Louisville, KY @ Magbar
10/11 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Howler’s
10/12 – Detroit, MI @ New Dodge Lounge

Wasted Theory is:
Larry Jackson, Jr. – Guitar/Vocals
Brendan Burns – Drums
Andrew Petkovic – Rhythm Guitar
Rob Michael – Bass

http://www.facebook.com/WastedTheoryBand
https://twitter.com/wastedtheory
https://www.instagram.com/wastedtheory/
https://wastedtheory.bandcamp.com/
http://www.argonautarecords.com
https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords/
https://twitter.com/ArgonautaRex

Wasted Theory, Defenders of the Riff (2016)

When Wasted Theory released their second album, Defenders of the Riff (review here), last year through NoSlip Records, it was abundantly clear they were taking their game to a new level. Likewise when the Delaware-based, Southern-style — and yes, by that I mean covered in sausage gravy — heavy rockers announced this past Spring they’d take to the road over the course of shows in April, May and June to support it. It’s been a willfully-directed upward trajectory for them really since they self-released Death and Taxes (review here) in 2014, and crucially, that has extended to developing their approach to songwriting as well as how many ears their material has hit.

Today, the four-piece of guitarist/vocalist Larry Jackson, Jr., recently-added guitarist Andrew Petkovic, bassist Rob Michael and drummer Brendan Burns announce they’ve signed to Argonauta Records. The deal makes them labelmates to the varied likes of Shabda, Mangog, Dee Calhoun of Iron Man, Hollow Leg, Cities of Mars and many others, and their first offering through the Italian imprint will be a deluxe reissue of Defenders of the Riff featuring two bonus tracks that’s set to come out this Fall — perhaps right around the time they’ll be in Pittsburgh for a slot at the inaugural Descendants of Crom fest (info here).

Consider it another in a series of “next steps” for Wasted Theory, and not a little one. Much as they’ve staked out their sonic territory over the last few years, they’ve now found a place for themselves in an outlet likewise committed to forward growth. It’s a great pairing, and as always, good-band-gets-signed warms the heart as not many kinds of stories can. Cheers to Wasted Theory and to Argonauta on the alliance.

Here’s the official announcement:

US Heavy Rockers WASTED THEORY signed to ARGONAUTA Records

ARGONAUTA Records is psyched to announce to have inked a deal with U.S. Heavy Rockers WASTED THEORY for the re-release of their highly acclaimed album “Defenders of the Riff”.

Wasted Theory was born in July 2012, and raised in the Northern Mid-Atlantic salt air states of Delaware and Maryland. Fronted by Larry Jackson, Jr. on vocals and lead guitar, Brendan Burns on drums, bassist Rob Michael, and newcomer rhythm guitarist Andrew Petkovic, this heavy rock outfit conjures inspiration from several of the most hard hitting, dirty blue collar, beefed up rock n’ roll acts of the past 40 years. With influences like Artimus Pyledriver, Orange Goblin, Corrosion of Conformity and Nazareth, the result is a guaranteed truck-ton of boot stomping heavy music.

“We are totally stoked to work with Argonauta Records on the re-release of ‘Defenders of the Riff’.” The band says. “This album opened many doors for us in regards of new fans, new opportunities and seeing new faces at our shows, so getting the chance to breathe new life into it again means a lot to us. We’re looking forward to adding the new bonus tracks on it as well to make it a cool little collectors piece for our diehard fans. We’re very much looking forward to seeing where this collaboration takes us! Cheers!”

WASTED THEORY “Defenders of the Riff – 2017 Edition” will feature two bonus tracks previously unreleased and will be available via ARGONAUTA Records later this year. More details to follow soon.

Wasted Theory live:
Sep 30 Descendants of Crom Fest Cattivo Pittsburgh, PA
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/371830073185249/

http://www.facebook.com/WastedTheoryBand
https://twitter.com/wastedtheory
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Wasted Theory, Defenders of the Riff (2016)

Delaware heavy rockers Wasted Theory are going for it, and it’s awesome to see. The Band from a Town Called Bear have lined up their longest stretch of tour dates yet as they seek to support their 2016 NoSlip Records-issued second album, Defenders of the Riff (review here), and the shows they’re playing as they do so are awesome. From May 5 through May 20, they’ll be in the road headed into the Midwest with a healthy focus on Texas, sharing the stage with Zed, Wo Fat, Freedom Hawk, Youngblood Supercult, Irata and a slew of others who seem to be drawn from the ‘bands who are awesome’ file, but even the shows they have in April and June on either side of the actual tour rule. Hooking up with Kingsnake, Solace and Backwoods Payback in Atlantic City? Damn that’s a good show. Foghound, Weed is Weed and King Giant in Maryland? Pretty much a festival.

Not that Wasted Theory need kudos from the likes of me, but, well, kudos and best wishes to them as they hit the road. The opening track from Defenders of the Riff, “Get Loud or Get Fucked,” put it all on the line, and it seems the band are working to live up to that ethic. Right on.

Dates and the announcement came off the PR wire:

WASTED THEORY ANNOUNCES U.S. SPRING TOUR DATES

DEFENDERS OF THE RIFF TOUR 2017

American Weed Rockers Wasted Theory are about to hit the road and have announced a North American tour for the Spring of 2017, with several heavy rock masters in alliance such as Wo Fat, Freedom Hawk, and ZED for select dates, as well as local support acts. In promotion of their second full length album Defenders Of The Riff (released 10/2016 on No Slip Records), Wasted Theory’s tour kicks off on April 14th in Wilmington, DE at the Oddity Bar.

Playing select dates from April to June, they’ll trek through 14 states, from Texas to Michigan, coming back around to the current final date in the federal capital Washington, DC on June 10th.

In addition, Wasted Theory recently world-premiered via Facebook their first video from the ‘Defenders of the Riff’ album, for the song “Black Witch Blues”. Self-produced and even filmed by the band themselves, it was shot entirely on an iPhone and created for less than 20 bucks. If you dig dirty rock n’ roll, bikers, black magic, and devil women then you’ll dig this.

WASTED THEORY LIVE:
4/14 WILMINGTON, DE ODDITY BAR (w/Kingsnake, Backwoods Payback, 91’s)
4/15 ATLANTIC CITY, NJ BONEYARD BAR (w/Kingsnake, Solace, Backwoods Payback)
5/5 BALTIMORE, MD THE DEPOT (w/Foghound, Serpents Of Secrecy, Horseburner, King Giant)
5/6 RICHMOND, VA WONDERLAND (w/Freedom Hawk, I Am The Liquor)
5/7 RALEIGH, NC SLIMS DOWNTOWN (w/Irata)
5/8 ATLANTA, GA 529 (w/Bleach Garden, Toker)
5/9 NEW ORLEANS, LA CHECKPOINT CHARLIE’S (w/Saint Roch, Dead Machine Theory)
5/10 HOUSTON, TX: SATELLITE BAR (w/ZED, Stonework, Society Of Bandits)
5/11 SAN ANTONIO, TX LIMELIGHT (w/ZED)
5/12: AUSTIN, TX DIRTY DOG BAR (w/ZED, Greenbeard, White Dog)
5/13: DALLAS, TX: THE GROTTO (w/ZED, Wo Fat, Crimson Stone)
5/14 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK THE BLUE NOTE (w/Turbo Wizard, Fanghorn Leghorn)
5/15 KANSAS CITY, MO RIOT ROOM (w/Youngblood Supercult, Merlin, Orphans Of Doom)
5/17 CHICAGO, IL LIVEWIRE LOUNGE (w/Spyderbone, Black Road)
5/18 DETROIT, MI NEW DODGE LOUNGE (w/Lavamoth, Euphoria, Seax, Vanlade, Sauron, Mammon)
5/19 CANTON, OH BUZZBIN SHOP (w/Stoneslinger, Red Tape Revolution)
5/20 ALTONNA, PA MCGARVEY’S (w/ King Bison, TBA)
6/9 GAITHERSBURG, MD RAW INK LIVE (w/Foghound, Weed Is Weed, King Giant)
6/10 WASHINGTON, DC SLASH RUN (w/Foghound, Weed Is Weed)

Released in October 2016, “Defenders of the Riff” is a behemoth of testosterone-driven, southern fuzzed biker rock. With accolades pouring in from every heavy rock and metal music enthusiast to catch whiff of Wasted Theory’s riffs, they’re wasting no time in getting back on the road. Catch Wasted Theory on tour in 2017, and get your metal hordes ready for American weed rock’s Defenders of the Riff.

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http://www.instagram.com/wastedtheory/
https://twitter.com/WastedTheory
https://www.facebook.com/NoSlip-Records-866622996702190/
http://nosliprecords.bigcartel.com/

Wasted Theory, “Black Witch Blues” official video

It’s a mission so up-front it’s almost blinding. No less so with Wasted Theory‘s second record, Defenders of the Riff, than it was with Judas Priest‘s Defenders of the Faith some 32 years ago, and in no small part because as regards Wasted Theory, the riff and the faith are one and the same. Burl has been a defining feature of the Delaware four-piece’s approach since their inception, and was certainly front and center on Death and Taxes (review here), their self-released 2014 full-length debut.

The crisp 10-track/46-minute run of Defenders of the Riff, which sees vinyl issue through NoSlip Records, might leave one to wonder just exactly from whom “the Riff” is under attack and how an apparent dudeliness-for-dudes defense strategy might play into working against that attack, but the record nonetheless presents a marked forward step in sound from where Wasted Theory were two years ago, bringing a sense of spaciousness to the roll and nod and thrust brought to bear by guitarist/vocalist Larry Jackson, Jr., drummer/lyricist Brendan Burns, bassist Dave McMahon, and guitarist Rob Michael.

With a vibrant, heavy tonal largesse captured over a period of months by Paul Janocha at Ken-Del Studios and Nick Rotundo (who also mixed) at Clay Creek Studio — both of whom also worked on the first LP — a mastering job by Mos Generator‘s Tony Reed and cover art by Alexander von Wieding, there isn’t an angle from which Defenders of the Riff doesn’t demonstrate a more professional, coherent vision of Wasted Theory‘s intent, and, simply put, it brings them to a new level in style and substance alike.

There are a few lyrical themes that emerge as the album plays out. Women and cry-for-help levels of whiskey consumption are two big ones. Seven of the 10 tracks contain some reference to drinking, and at least five to whiskey specifically — notable in that regard is “Belly Fulla Whiskey” — while we hear corresponding tales of devil women, gypsy women, a fire woman in second cut “Black Witch Blues,” a black-hearted woman in “Gospel of Infinity” and, in “…And the Devil Makes Three” alone, a hard-luck woman, a hard-headed woman and a smokestack woman.

Add to those references to fast cars — a GTO makes an appearance in West Hollywood in “AmpliFIRE!” — and nods to heavy rock/metal new and old in “Atomic Bikiniwax” (The Atomic Bitchwax, also Jimi Hendrix‘s Electric Ladyland), “Belly Fulla Whiskey” (mention of a gallows pole and a live wire, à la Led Zeppelin and Mötley Crüe, respectively), “Under the Hoof” (a fever of 103 is exactly what Foreigner had), “…And the Devil Makes Three” (Scissorfight were too drunk to fuck when they covered the Dead Kennedys song of the same name), the penultimate “Throttlecock” (Slayer also showed no mercy) and closer “Odyssey of the Electric Warlock” (more Zeppelin with Avalon and Evermore, some Tool with an undertow and even Mos Generator‘s cosmic ark makes an appearance), and elsewhere, and Wasted Theory seem to be shooting for a very specific notion of consistency, and from the catchy swing at work behind leave-it-all-out-there opener “Get Loud or Get Fucked” and the “Shake Like You” C.O.C.-style boogie of “Belly Fulla Whiskey” to the crunching repetitions of the start-stop riff in “Throttlecock,” they know what they want to represent.

One could push back against the politics of some of it for sure, but what’s inarguable is the development in Wasted Theory‘s general level of craft. Songs range from four to five minutes — the full thrust of “…And the Devil Makes Three” is the longest at 5:29 and uses its extra time wisely in a relatively extended instrumental groove and solo in its second half — and are noteworthy for their straightforward, on-the-one attack.

A “nuthin’ too fancy” approach is basically what the band heralded on Death and Taxes, but Defenders of the Riff builds on that fluidly across its span and brings new depth of production that, since it’s essentially the same team working on it, can only be said to have been purposeful on Wasted Theory‘s part. That development is crucial to understanding their sophomore album, and what it ultimately accomplishes in moments like the solo of “Atomic Bikiniwax” and the slowdown of “…And the Devil Makes Three” is a broadening of Wasted Theory‘s dynamic that stays within the growing range of their songwriting. Near-virulent hooks populate Defenders of the Riff, Jackson‘s vocals indeed snarl up from under a barrage of top quality heavy riffing, and their presentation is thick, full and professional across the board.

I know I’ve said on multiple occasions there are times when listening to Wasted Theory when I don’t feel dudely enough to really appreciate the kind of tire-screeching testosterone-soaked rock and roll they’re metering out, and that holds true at moments on Defenders of the Riff as well — “Belly Fulla Whiskey” with lines like “C’mon little darlin’/C’mon little tease/C’mon and get down on your knees,” or “Atomic Bikiniwax”‘s one-two punch of “And she knows when it’s on/Shake that ass and I’m gone” — but I wouldn’t attempt to deny that for what they’re doing, they’re doing it well and clearly moving forward in their creative processes.

The momentum they build and the structures they inhabit throughout Defenders of the Riff will no doubt feel familiar to experienced listeners, but more than they have to this point, Wasted Theory make those spaces their own and begin establishing their identity in and from them. They don’t sound like they’re finished growing, but they don’t sound like they want to be either, and that might be the most encouraging aspect of Defenders of the Riff overall. Again, I don’t know who’s attacking the Riff, but it should ultimately be glad it’s got Wasted Theory on its side.

Wasted Theory, Defenders of the Riff (2016)

Wasted Theory on Thee Facebooks

Wasted Theory on Bandcamp

NoSlip Records webstore

NoSlip Records on Thee Facebooks

Delaware-based heavy rockers Wasted Theory have signed to NoSlip Records and will issue their second album, Defenders of the Riff, on Oct. 30 through the label. I had the fortune of seeing the four-piece outfit at the third night of Maryland Doom Fest back in June (review here), and much of what they played at Cafe 611 in Frederick was new material that presumably will show up on this follow-up to their debut, Death and Taxes (review here), which was self-released in 2014.

It seemed at that show like they’d really stepped up their game in terms of songwriting and the intensity of their performance, and a Judas Priest-referential title would seem to nod further at the more metal take I sensed from their set, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how it plays out when Defenders of the Riff hits the inbox, hopefully sooner rather than later.

I asked drummer Brendan Burns for a quote about the new album, and you’ll find that with the band’s announcement below:

*** New Album & Signing Announcement!!! ***

We are absolutely thrilled as fuck to announce our new album “Defenders of the Riff” will be out October 30th!!!

What’s fucking cooler than that? In the coming months we’ll be releasing the vinyl through none other than NoSlip Records!!!

Ten brand new songs to fuck your earholes with. More info coming down the wire soon… until then, be sure to checkout the badass cover art done by the incomparable Alexander von Wieding!

“We had such a great response to the last album that we knew we had our work cut out for us with this one,” says drummer Brendan Burns. “Writing ‘Defenders’ was the first time we had a consistent and solid lineup intact for the entire writing process. The result, we felt, was a more cohesive album from top to bottom.

“It’s definitely heavier, meatier, faster at times, and has way more balls than anything else we’ve ever done. We bolted the doors of our rehearsal room shut for 8 months, and we wrote the best album that we could. I really think everyone will definitely dig the vibe of this one!”

http://wastedtheory.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wastedtheoryband
https://www.facebook.com/NoSlip-Records-866622996702190/
http://nosliprecords.bigcartel.com/

Wasted Theory, Death and Taxes (2014)

Delaware Southern heavy rockers Wasted Theory, having just recently completed a weekender with Birch Hill Dam and Lord Fowl with shows in Massachusetts (review here), New Hampshire and Maine, have announced another run for next month. Dubbed the ‘Hell on Wheels’ tour (presumably because it’s no big deal for them to be road burnin’ all across the land), the stint will commence May 15 at The Sidebar in Baltimore in the good company of Foghound, Clamfight and others, and carry the four-piece through the ATL Death Fest and back up as far as Nashville before cutting off and one hopes giving the dudes a day to go see Sun Studios and get their Johnny Cash on a little bit. Maybe hit Graceland. That’s a good time.

Right on to Wasted Theory for getting out again so quickly. Their debut album, Death and Taxes (review here), is set for a vinyl release on May 10, so it seems fair to expect they’ll be lugging copies along on the road. Dig the dates:

WASTED THEORY “Hell on Wheels Tour” 2015!!!

Delaware’s dirty riff slinger’s Wasted Theory are hitting the road once again, and this time we’re headed for the south! Join us if we’re gonna be rawking through your city!!!

Friday, May 15th- Sidebar Tavern- Baltimore, MD
with: Foghound, Clamfight, Cavern & Bask!

Saturday, May 16th – Grog & Tankard- Stafford, VA
with: Lapis, Fire Faithful, & Red Sword!

Sunday, May 17th – Slim’s Downtown- Raleigh, NC
with: Horseskull & GREEVACE!

Monday, May 18th- Foxfield Bar and Grille – Columbia, SC
with: Compel, BLuDDeD HEAD & Hooded Eagle

Tuesday, May 19th- A.T.L. DeathFest- Atlanta, GA
with: Savagist, Crawl, The New Masters of Evil

Wednesday, May 20th- The Handlebar- Pensacola, FL
with: Black Titan and DARK STAR COVEN!

Thursday, May 21st- JP’s Bar- Lafayette, LA
with: White Light Cemetery!

Friday, May 22nd- The Nick – Birmingham, AL
with: Thothamon & More!

Saturday, May 23rd – FooBar- Nashville, TN
with: Silent Monolith, The Black Whiny Cats & Noisecult (Official)

http://wastedtheory.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wastedtheoryband
https://www.facebook.com/events/1626898430864550/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Snakecharmer-Booking-Hq/153908264803741

Wasted Theory, “Skeleton Crew”