GRAMMY® Award-nominated songwriter, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Wolfgang Van Halen continues to separate Mammoth from the pack. The music stands alone on a foundation anchored by his impressive sonic proficiency (across drums, bass, keys, and guitar) and airtight arena-size hooks with unforgettable vocals. He harbors an irresistible signature sound, inventive vision, and incomparable identity vaunted by a fervent global fanbase. For as unique as the music is, his story so far proves to be just as unprecedented. This is arguably the first hard rock act to genuinely break out from ground zero in the 2020’s, generating north of 100 million streams, toppling charts, and selling out headline tours less than five years since its debut. Back in 2021, Mammoth’s first offering, Mammoth WVH, took flight, bowing at #12 on the Billboard 200 and capturing #1 on three Billboard charts—Top Hard Rock Albums, Top Independent Albums, and Top Rock Albums. “Distance” soared as the first of two #1 Rock Radio Hits and earned a GRAMMY® Award nomination for “Best Rock Song.” Two years later, Mammoth II only saw him pick up the pace. It debuted in the Top 5 of the Billboard Top Album Sales Chart in addition to bringing him back to #1 on the Top Hard Rock Albums Chart. It incited widespread applause from Rolling Stone, Guitar World, GRAMMY.com, Classic Rock, American Songwriter, and KERRANG! The band canvased the globe with Metallica and Pantera and supported Foo Fighters in North America as well as filling houses on their own. They performed on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, at MusiCares 2024 gala in honor of Jon Bon Jovi, and Wolf took the stage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® Induction of Ozzy Osbourne. Now, Wolfgang pushes forward on Mammoth’s third full-length LP.
Growth transpires over a lifetime. The process never stops. Rather, it ramps up as time passes. 10 Years accelerate this cycle on their ninth full-length album, Violent Allies [Mascot Records / Mascot Label Group]. The gold-certified Knoxville, TN alternative hard rock trio—Jesse Hasek [vocals], Brian Vodinh [guitar (live) /drums, bass, backing vocals (recording), and Matt Wantland [guitar / synth programming]—progress as a unit once more. Embracing heightened vulnerability, elevated songcraft, and sonic adventurousness, they convert the push-and-pull of their collective creativity into a cohesive, clear, and cathartic body of work.
“We don’t ever try to recreate what we’ve done in the past,” explains Jesse. “We knew we had to challenge ourselves to see what we had in us. If it’s not stressful, you’re not challenging yourself to grow. From the beginning, music has always been therapy and an outlet. We let ourselves enjoy the process, be vulnerable, and talk about those emotions. We got back to why we love music with the maturity of where we’re at in our lives. We were able to harness that love of creating from a wiser and more developed perspective.”
“We were hard on ourselves,” admits Brian. “It was more intense than during records past, but it was worth it. The outcome was exactly what we wanted it to be.”
For nearly two decades, 10 Years have quietly pushed themselves and modern rock towards evolution. Building a formidable catalog, the group’s gold-selling 2005 breakthrough The Autumn Effect yielded the hit “Wasteland,” which went gold, infiltrated the Billboard Hot 100, and clinched #1 at Active Rock Radio and #1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart. They landed three Top 30 entries on the Billboard Top 200 with Division [2008], Feeding the Wolves [2010], and Minus the Machine [2012]. Most recently, 2017’s (How to Live) As Ghosts marked a reunion between Jesse, Brian, and Matt and achieved marked success. Not only did the album bow in the Top 5 of the US Top Hard Rock Albums Chart, but it also yielded the hit “Novacaine.” The single ascended to the Top 5 of the Billboard US Mainstream Rock Songs Chart and tallied 16 million Spotify streams, alongside 29 million streams across all dsp’s. The cumulative total for all track streams from repertoire on How To Live (As Ghosts) exceeds 51 million plays. Along the way, they sold out countless headline shows and toured with everyone from Korn, Deftones, and Stone Sour to Chris Cornell and Linkin Park. During 2019, these three musicians headed to Los Angeles, rented an Airbnb in Woodland Hills, and spent five weeks recording with GRAMMY® Award-winning producer and Feeding the Wolves collaborator Howard Benson [My Chemical Romance, Halestorm, Papa Roach, Three Days Grace].
When talking to the band members they share, “Time spent in the studio or simply collaborating on our vision was a catalyst in reaching creative clarity like we’ve never had before. It reminded all three of us that this bond created over the last two decades is best served when individual voices becomes collective vision. It was fun, because we were back to being brothers. No matter how frustrated we might get, once we looked out at it, the energy was unexplainable. Our mission was to really connect with the songs, break them down, and build them back up.” Brian adds, “The younger versions of us would’ve been going to Hollywood every night and partying. It was different. We actually came up with a lot of ideas, melody tweaks, and had really good brainstorming sessions in the car on the PCH. The whole vibe contributed to what the record is.
All we cared about was writing and recording the best songs we possibly could. We felt like we had something to prove, especially to our A&R guy and the President of North America for Mascot Ron Burman.”
They prove it on cuts like the first single “The Shift.” Melodic guitars slide across a caustic beat before a rush of distortion ignites the refrain, “We are a violent virus, without a remedy.” “Lyrically, it’s about the polarization of society and the human impact on the earth itself,” states Brian. “We were thinking about how humans can be a virus to the Earth.”
“While in the studio last fall, we were looking at the state of the world as we wrote ‘The Shift’,” Jesse reveals. “As a society, we’re so distracted that we’re not united. When the pandemic happened, it became so important to finally see the positivity of humanity. We’ve realized we’re all in this together. You can pick a side, but we’re sitting in the same realm.” Airy keys echo through “The Unknown.” It builds towards a sweeping celestial chorus. “We’re in a wide-open world we’ve created, but we have to step back and look at where we are and adapt,” continues Jesse. “We’re all in the unknown right now.”
A clean riff snakes past the verses of “Without You” before a hypnotic hook unfurls. The instrumental “Planets” interludes thread the album together with soft piano and acoustic as a counterpoint to the explosive energy of “Cut The Cord” and “Start Again.” There is a broad, dynamic range of repertoire on the new album as exhibited by the lead single “The Unknown”’ and its opening with ominous yet hopeful piano notes alongside Jesse’s lamenting uncertain times in the vocals, to the heavy drums and distorted guitars on “Déjà vu.” Everything culminates on “Say Goodbye.” The conclusion’s cinematic soundscape and poignant lyrics bid farewell to Jesse’s late grandfather and emphasize “the band at our most vulnerable,” according to the frontman.
Meanwhile, the title speaks to an overarching theme. “We came back to this quote, ‘There’s a strange power in the joining of unlike things’,” remembers Brian. “There is something incredibly special about how we create. Violent Allies is the perfect way to summarize it. We go through hell facing all challenges head-on, but the final product is worth it. Simultaneously, it reflects the state of divisiveness in The World. Everything is so political. Everyone is angry at each other. We’re better when we come together though.”
In the end, 10 Years keep growing as Violent Allies. “This record wasn’t just another record,” Brian leaves off. “It’s the result of working hard to improve on all levels. There’s a lot to dig into. It’s a graduated state for the band.”
“After all of this time, 10 Years is a brotherhood,” Jesse concludes. “I’ve spent the better half of my life accomplishing what I never thought was possible with these guys. It’s been an unexplainable, crazy, and awesome journey since Brian first asked me to join the band on his 19th birthday. We’ve beat the odds and continue to live life. It bothers me when people don’t try to push themselves to enjoy what life has to offer. Life is beautiful, if you really go for it and try. It can show you beauty—and that’s what this band has shown me.”
James and the Cold Gun are a Cardiff-based rock outfit who have quickly become one of the most exciting bands on the modern rock scene. Described as “South Wales’ loudest group,” they’ve made a name for themselves with their high-energy, garage-punk sound that channels the rebellious spirit of ’90s alt rock, blending gritty guitars with infectious melodies and raw, unfiltered emotion.
Formed by James Joseph (guitar/vocals) and James Biss (lead guitar), the band’s journey began in a humble Cardiff garage that doubled as both rehearsal space and makeshift recording studio. The duo’s shared love of classic rock, punk, and grunge led them to create a sound that echoes influences like Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, and Stone Temple Pilots, while forging their own distinctive path in the process.
Their debut album, James and the Cold Gun, was released in 2023, and immediately garnered attention for its electrifying energy and gritty, no-frills sound. Singles like “Chewing Glass,” “Cheating on the Sun,” and “Something to Say” struck a chord with listeners, earning them a following in the UK and beyond. Their DIY approach to music was evident, with much of their debut recorded in that very garage, giving it an authenticity and rawness that connected deeply with fans.
The band’s rise was further fueled by the attention of Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam), who signed them to his label, Loosegroove Records, after hearing them on KEXP Seattle. This partnership marked a pivotal moment in their career, opening doors to new opportunities, including tours with Duff McKagan, Highly Suspect, Thunderpussy and performances alongside Pearl Jam and Guns N’ Roses at BST Hyde Park.
James and the Cold Gun’s sound, however, has continued to evolve. Their follow-up album, Face in the Mirror, is out now, and marks a significant step forward. The band took their garage-rock roots and expanded them with more melodic and atmospheric elements, incorporating influences from Britpop and indie alongside their classic rock foundations. The album was produced by the band and mixed by legendary producer Brendan O’Brien (Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, AC/DC, Red Hot Chili Peppers), adding an even greater layer of depth to their already powerful sound.
The lead single, “Guessing Games”, perfectly encapsulates this evolution, fusing melodic intricacy with the same raw, electrifying energy the band has always been known for. As James Joseph explains, “It was written near the end of the album process and felt like an outlier—more melodic and atmospheric. Stone really connected with it, and we layered more guitars and added new bassist Gaby Elise (bass guitar) on backing vocals to give it more punch.”
The band’s new direction showcases their growth, yet they remain true to the gritty sound that originally drew fans to their music. The album includes a range of dynamic tracks, from the fast-paced, garage-punk energy of “Cut the Brakes” to the soaring introspection of “Above the Lake,” featuring James Biss on lead vocals. The title track, “Face in the Mirror,” is a reflection on self-realization and empowerment, combining anthemic choruses with the band’s signature raw power.
James and the Cold Gun’s evolution is also reflected in their live performances, which have become a key part of their identity. Whether performing at intimate venues or large festival stages, the band brings an unrelenting energy that leaves fans exhilarated.
Having gone from writing songs in a garage in Cardiff to performing in front of massive crowds at venues like Hyde Park, James and the Cold Gun are now one of the most exciting rising forces in modern rock. With their new album Face in the Mirror available now, they’re set to continue their meteoric rise, delivering electrifying rock music that blends timeless influences with their own unfiltered voice.
