B-Sides/Collaborations: Queens Of The Stone Age- Era Vulgaris feat: Trent Reznor

Back in 2007, Queens Of The Stone Age released their album, Era Vulgaris. An album in their catalog that I find to be very underrated and often over looked. This album featured some of the band’s best material since Songs For The Deaf. Another thing I’ve always dug about this particular album is the production. There’s a really dirty, distorted vibe that is crisp and clear but feels hard and heavy. Through and through this is a rock record. Live when these songs are played they are grittier than the album and makes it even better. There is a song that was recorded for the album but, would eventually become a b-side called “Era Vulgaris” sometimes more known as “You Know What You Did.” This track was released originally part of a fan site contest for fans to win a “special package” from the band. Selected winners received a CD entitled You Know What You Did with the sole track “Era Vulgaris”, which singer/guitarist Josh Homme confirmed would not be appearing on the record despite being the title track, though it was included as a bonus track on the UK edition. This song features guest vocals from the one and only Trent Reznor. It’s one of those songs that when you hear you wonder why it was left off the original track listing. It’s that good. If you’ve never heard this track you are in for a treat!

Queens Of The Stone Age- “Era Vulgaris (aka You Know What You Did):”

Collaborations: Royalty Kult & Doc Coyle- Enjoying The End

I love a good collaboration whether it’s a guest vocal, guitar part/solo, etc. More often than not, these collaborations take the song to a whole other level. One song that I heard a while back that I’ve been quite fond of is “Enjoying The End” by Royalty Kult. The combination of Royalty Kult and what guitarist Doc Coyle (God Forbid/Bad Wolves) brings to the table makes this song stand out. The delicate melodies that Doc brings in the beginning sets the tone for the introspective and dark lyrics of vocalist Josh Bauserman. As the song continues, the heavy of the music matches up with intensity of the rest of the song. Royalty Kult is one of the best up and coming bands I’ve heard in a long time.

On Friday May 6, Royalty Kult will be playing at The Federal in North Hollywood as part of Audioeclectica’s Birthday Bash. So make sure you come out and see what all the fuss is about! Tickets HERE!!!!!!!

Royalty Kult (Featuring Doc Coyle)- Enjoying The End:

AUDIOECLECTICA’S BIRTHDAY BASH!!

Collaborations: Exodus with Robb Flynn- A Lesson In Violence

A little over a week ago legendary metal band Exodus played a show in the San Francisco Bay Area outside of the Metro Operahouse. Exodus recently released their superb new album, Persona Non Grata. If you are into thrash metal, I recommend you checking this record out! At this show though, Robb Flynn from Machine Head came out to join the band to do guest vocals for one of his all time favorite Exodus songs. I have to say this version is badass. It would be pretty awesome to hear a studio version with Robb on this track some point in the future. Also what would be awesome is if Machine Head and Exodus did a tour together in 2023. Just throwing that out there!!!

Exodus with Robb Flynn from Machine Head- A Lesson In Violence:

Collaborations: Noumenah with Allie Armstrong- Focus

A little while back I introduced you to Noumenah, the electronica project of Los Angeles-based composer/producer Andrew John Napier. Now, he’s releasing a new single “Focus” featuring singer-songwriter, Allie Armstrong, who lends her nuanced vocal style adds a whole new dimension to this song. This track definitely has a vibe to it and fits the strange world we live in.

Noumenah w/Allie Armstrong- Focus:

New Release: Converge (Blood Moon)- Coil

As they prepare for the release of their collaborative new album— featuring Chelsea Wolfe, Ben Chisholm and Stephen Brodsky, Converge have unveiled the second single from Bloodmoon: I, “Coil.” Speaking on the song, Jacob Bannon comments, “’Coil’ turned out to be one of my favorite songs I’ve ever been a part of. There is an infectious slow build that ends up becoming theatrical in tone. Lyrically it was a true collaboration, with all of us expanding on each other’s ideas as they came to be. I believe Chelsea’s vocal was the starting point in that for this one. Kurt really pushed vocal harmonies to a new level as well. Encouraging many of Steve’s ideas while we were in the studio tracking together. This one really has everyone of us firing on all cylinders creatively.” When you hear this song, you’ll get it. It’s such a tremendous track. I personally can’t wait for this album. Ever since they performed at Roadburn I’ve been waiting for this to finally come to fruition. Bloodmoon: I, out November 19th on CD/Digital and on Vinyl June 24th.

Converge- Coil:

Converge- Blood Moon:

Collaborations: Churches with Robert Smith- How Not To Drown

A few days ago, Chvrches released a new song featuring Robert Smith of The Cure. The song “How Not To Drown” is a stunning song. The driving synthpop sensibilities mixed with bits of electronica and a hint of post-punk. The song is featured on their upcoming album, Screen Violence (out August 27th). I’ve probably listened to this song at least 50 times since it’s release. It’s super catchy but, not in the annoying Top 40 Pop way. Chvrches definitely have depth to their sound and style. They are also one of the bands that I like to put on to break up the heavy in my listening. Stoked to see what else they have in store on this new album!

Chvrches with Robert Smith- How Not To Drown:

New Release: Nine Inch Nails & Health- Isn’t Everyone

Health and Nine Inch Nails have collaborated on a new track together on Health’s upcoming album, DISCO4 :: Part II. The song “Isn’t Everyone” is one hell of a banging track. Both groups oversaw the production of the song while NIN’s Atticus Ross handled the mixing duties. When asked about working with Nine Inch Nails, Health had this to say “It’s fucking Nine Inch Nails. That speaks for itself. You don’t need a clever quote to encapsulate it.” I couldn’t agree more!!

Health& Nine Inch Nails- Isn’t Everyone:

Collaborations: Blink 182 & Robert Smith of The Cure

Back in late 2003, Blink 182 released their fifth album. On this self titled album, it not only showed these guys growing up and maturing but, also showed a whole other side of themselves with the songs written for this one. I remember liking this album a lot and over the years I’ve really come to appreciate it even more. I’ll never forget listening to this album for the first time and when it got to track number 12, I was completely taken aback by the song. Robert Smith from The Cure collaborated on this song and it’s quite possibly one of the best Blink 182 songs they’ve ever written. Interestingly too, this song would have been a single for the band had they not broken up in 2005. Another fun story about this collaboration is that, Robert Smith recorded his parts in England and took a significant amount of time recording the song, to the point that the band was unsure of whether or not his contribution would make the record. The band was waiting on Robert’s contribution to the song which showed up only mere hours before they had to turn the album into the label. If you’ve never listened to Blink 182’s 2003 self titled album, you should. It’s quite a good album full of great well written songs. It’s also not the same childish Blink that you would normally associate them with.

Blink 182 w/ Robert Smith- All Of This:

Blink 182 w/ Robert Smith- All Of This (LIVE):

Collaborations: Thrice & Emma Ruth Rundle- Just Breathe

On Thrice’s 2018 album Palms, there is a song called “Just Breathe” that is an absolute stand out. The first time I heard the song, I was hooked. It’s a very Thrice song and then with the addition of guest vocals by Emma Ruth Rundle, it takes it to a whole other level. Her delicate vocals add a very soothing vibe and gives you the good kind of chills. One day, when live music is able to happen again, it would be a dream to get to see Emma join Thrice on stage to perform this song. It would be EPIC!!

Thrice Featuring Emma Ruth Rundle- Just Breathe:

New Release: Chelsea Wolfe & Emma Ruth Rundle- Anhedonia

So, 2021 is musically starting off in a very awesome way. Today, Chelsea Wolfe released a new song entitled “Anhedonia” with a very awesome guest on it, Emma Ruth Rundle. This song is soaking with all the right amount of moodiness you enjoy from both singers and their music. Having both Chelsea and Emma on a track together is a dream collaboration. When you hear their voices together, it’s totally meant to be. Now, we just need touring to happen again so they can go on the road together and perform this song!

Chelsea Wolfe & Emma Ruth Rundle- Anhedonia: