Author: Ambur Masen

Ambur Masen is a freelance writer whose "Breaking Waves" column aims to document wave music history as it unfolds. She is also a Hudson Valley local who loves nothing more than driving up and down the Thruway with her windows down, blasting the latest & greatest from the electronic underground. She is currently publishing with MendoWerks, Lightwood, The Electric Hawk, and others.
Asking Alexandria isn’t Afraid to go “Psycho” – new single, music video + more!
Events, Music

Asking Alexandria isn’t Afraid to go “Psycho” – new single, music video + more!

Asking Alexandria is back again with quite a few updates--most notably, "Psycho," the second single from their highly-anticipated album coming out via Better Noise Music later this summer. This new single also comes with a new music video, as well as a second 'bonus' track, "Bad Blood." In addition to the new music, the band also announced a co-headlining tour that kicks off this fall. Read on to learn more! Listen to "Psycho" by Asking Alexandria on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/1dK86eMRKHfAeN92ZwFaCe?si=drje-jXiS6yr9p7oPZGXhg The band explains the meaning behind their new song best: “‘Psycho’ is one of those songs that is talking about when you feel trapped inside your own head, trapped by your own vices and your own downfalls,” explains lead guitaris...
New England Metal and Hardcore Fest Returns in September
Events, Features, Music

New England Metal and Hardcore Fest Returns in September

After a five-year pause, the New England Metal and Hardcore Fest is returning to the famous Palladium outdoors venue in Worcester, MA, this year. This is great news for heavy music fans in Massachusetts and surrounding states--prior to its hiatus, this festival was known as the not-to-miss event for metalheads in the area. The festival's founder, Scott Lee, has returned to the planning board to ensure that this experience retains this glorious reputation, and plans to make this year's Fest the best one yet. Lucky for you-- we've got all the details you need to make the most of this festival experience, right here at MendoWerks. Read on to find info about tickets, the line-up, things to do in the area, and more. Welcome to the New England Metal and Hardcore Fest The N...
L.S. Dunes Released an Epic Video for “Grey Veins” + US Summer Tour Dates
Events, Features, Music

L.S. Dunes Released an Epic Video for “Grey Veins” + US Summer Tour Dates

L.S. Dunes, a 2000's emo kid's dream "anti-supergroup," just released a new music video for "Grey Veins," a song from their 2022 debut album, Past Lives. The post-hardcore band's debut was met with critical acclaim--and this music video is another testament to their boundless creativity. Saturated with color, and a fun, satirical cinematic call-outs, this Lego-filled "Grey Veins" video is a must-watch for post-hardcore newcomers and L.S. Dunes fans alike. It's honestly compelling--and the music is pretty great, too. Watch the video for "Grey Veins" by L.S. Dunes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEoJ2tgQgbk This video appears to have been a family effort-- check the credits; it looks like Frank Iero's kids were involved! Precious. Meet L.S. Dune...
There’s No Need to “RUN&HIDE,” Saint Slumber!  [Exclusive Interview]
Interviews, Music

There’s No Need to “RUN&HIDE,” Saint Slumber! [Exclusive Interview]

The 'best band you've never heard of' has finally entered the future; Saint Slumber released their first single of 2023, "RUN&HIDE." After six long months of silence, we were so excited to see this song pop up on our Release Radar--and we were even more excited to have a chance to connect with Joshua Perna, Saint Slumber's vocalist, and chat a little bit about what the band has been up to. Read on and get reacquainted with our favorite New Jersey kings. Check Out "RUN&HIDE" by Saint Slumber on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/18FEyxoHraL8xr1DyYfacA?si=8MWHH8CSRoafia6ECekMJA Real talk: does Saint Slumber "RUN&HIDE" from the winter? Like many northern species, it seems that Saint Slumber tends to hibernate during the winter. This isn't surpr...
Fair Pay at SXSW: Please Pay These Brilliant Brits!!
Features, Music

Fair Pay at SXSW: Please Pay These Brilliant Brits!!

Despite the fact that it’s held in March, SXSW is still on a lot of minds–especially right now. Before I dive into a recap of the incredible artists I saw live in Texas, I want to bring your attention to something important that is happening today: a protest outside of the Penske Media Corporation NYC Offices that is demanding fair pay for artists at SXSW.  This protest is led by the Union of Musicians and Allied Workers, and is made up of a coalition of music workers organizations, music industry unions, local organizing groups, and more. Protesters are gathering in front of Penske HQ because the media conglomerate is the festival’s largest stakeholder, as of 2021; after similar protests were held in Austin during SXSW this year, the festival made a pledge to reassess the situatio...
Nick Neutronz Experiments With Two-Sided Single, ‘IDRIVE // AASMR’
Features, Music

Nick Neutronz Experiments With Two-Sided Single, ‘IDRIVE // AASMR’

Legendary underground music producer, Nick Neutronz, is back at it again with his newest release, a two-sided experiment, IDRIVE // AASMR. Drawing influence from both phonk and wave this time, Neutronz created something that's dark, sexy, and even a bit magical. Don't miss out. Stream IDRIVE // AASMR by Nick Neutronz on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1F89Q2prvnAzlM66c979Zx?si=_9aRJ3ypQcOk4FnEU-INHg This new single sees Nick Neutronz putting a fresh spin on two different genres within one release. The A-side, "IDRIVE," channels more of a groovy, nostalgic phonk sound, whereas the B-side, "AASMR," leans more wavy and melodic. While you can notice the shift from one song into the next, the two songs do end up blending together into one well-curated piece, if yo...
Heavy Music Awards 2023: Winners
Features, Music

Heavy Music Awards 2023: Winners

Last night, the 17 winners of the UK's Heavy Music Awards 2023 were announced. This year's edition of the event was a record-breaking ordeal (it is the biggest rock awards event in history, after all.) and took place in front of an audience of nearly 5,000 people--fans, artists, and industry personnel alike. The different categories highlight a variety of both emerging and established talent from all across the rock and metal scene. Now, you might be wondering--did your favorites win this year? Let's find out. Heavy Music Awards 2023: Artists Best UK Artist: Sleep Token Listen to the new Sleep Token album: https://open.spotify.com/album/1gjugH97doz3HktiEjx2vY Best UK Breakthrough Artist: As December Falls Get to know As December Falls: ...