AVIAN EP Review

Avian – The Path

Blinding Force Recordings, 2010

9/10

It’s really difficult to rate an EP higher than 8, simply because most are usually stopgap releases containing odds and ends that aren’t representative of a band. Guitarist Yan Leviathan and Avian continue to improve upon the outstanding Ashes And Madness power metal album despite losing vocalist supreme Lance King. No band is so fortunate as to realize that they’ve got another member with the talent to replace someone like Lance, but that’s exactly what happened with Avian and their bassist, Brian Hollenbeck. If you’ve seen Avian or Echoterra, Yan and Brian’s other band, then you already know that Brian has a great voice, and Brian really takes it to next level here on The Path. Taking over the bass slot from Brian is Jaden Adair from the now defunct Minneapolis band Risingfall. This four-song EP contains two tracks that will appear on the next Avian album, “The Path” and “When The Night’s Undone”, an instrumental, “S.S.”, and an acoustic version of “The Fear”, originally released on From The Depths Of Time. “The Path” has been a part of Avian’s live set for a while, and its high-pitched vocals immediately lay to rest any doubts about Brian as the new frontman. Brian’s voice is edgier than Lance’s, and he helps to bring a darker vibe to “When The Night’s Undone”. Musically, these two songs contain heavy riffs reminiscent of Criss Oliva’s playing for Savatage. The big surprise on The Path is “S.S.”, a smoking-hot instrumental that has Yan and lead guitarist Steve Stine dueling their way through an aggressive shred-fest worthy of the Shrapnel label. The acoustic version of “The Fear” is tastefully done and a nice addition to the package. The Path is essential for any power metal fan, and it will reassure anyone skeptical about Lance’s departure. “S.S.” and “The Fear (Acoustic)” are exclusive to this release, and they make the EP well worth its modest price. Avian fans have a lot to look forward to on the next album, Midnight At The Tower, which is scheduled for release in early 2011, and The Path is an excellent preview that confirms Avian’s place at the top of the current power metal scene.

Click to listen to “The Path”.

The Path is available in CD format directly from the band (www.avianband.com), CD Baby, and Amazon, and as a digital download from CD Baby and iTunes.

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ECHOTERRA Releases Rehearsal Footage Of "To Live Again"

Minneapolis symphonic metal band has released a video of keyboardist Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze) and vocalist Melissa Ferlaak (ex-Visions Of Atlantis) performing a duet of "To Live Again" during rehearsal which you can view below. The song originally appeared on The Law Of One, the band's debut album released last year. Echoterra is currently working on their new album, and you can also view live footage of two new songs, "After The Rain" and "Midnight Sun", performed for the first time on May 21 at the 7th St. Entry in Minneapolis. You can read the review of that concert, with pictures and other videos, here.

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AVIAN To Release "The Path" EP On September 28; Reissue "From The Depths Of Time" on October 26

Minneapolis power metal band Avian will release a four-song EP, The Path, on September 28 through Blinding Force Recordings. Two of the songs, "S.S. (Instrumental)" and "The Fear (Acoustic)", are exclusive to the EP, while "The Path" and "When The Night's Undone" we will be featured on Avian's next album Midnight At The Tower, slated for a mid-2011 release. The Path is the first Avian recording to feature Brian Hollenbeck on lead vocals, who has switched from bass to replace Lance King. Lance left Avian in June to focus on other professional and personal commitments. Taking over on bass is Jaden Adair. The Path will be available in CD and digital formats through major retailers such as Amazon, CD Baby, and iTunes.

If you've seen Avian or Hollenbeck and guitarist Yan Leviathan's other band, Echoterra, you know that Brian is fitting replacement for Lance King. Avian has made "The Path" available for streaming, and you can also hear Brian sing lead on "Say, Try, Lie, Die" from Echoterra's performance in May 21 in Minneapolis (below).

Lastly, Avian will reissue their 2005 debut album, From The Depths Of Time, as a Special Edition through Blinding Force Recordings on October 26. Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson played bass on this excellent album. The reissue will contain three unreleased bonus songs: "Sentinel On The Horizon" (with Brian Hollenbeck on vocals), "Two Sides Collide" (Japanese bonus track), and "As The World Burns" (live acoustic version). Avian has made "Sentinel On The Horizon" available for streaming (below).

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Echoterra And Alation Concert Review

Echoterra and Alation

Friday, May 21, 2010

7th St. Entry, Minneapolis, MN

Arriving soon after Minneapolis-based Alation took the stage, I unfortunately missed Hollowstone and Dance Of The Mourning Child, the project of Echoterra and Pyramaze keyboardist Jonah Weingarten. This was my first time seeing Alation and I was immediately blown away by talent and presence of this young band. They play a style of modern-sounding, technical thrash metal that grabs your attention. Vocalist Angel is a powerful force on stage, and she channels her aggression and original singing style into a great stage presence. Guitarists Stu and Sawyer, meanwhile, traded off and paired up on some leads and solos. All four songs from their excellent demo were played, along with the new song “Aflame”. I have no doubts that Alation will be a band that you’ll be hearing a lot more about! A review of their four-song demo will be posted soon, but go check it out for yourself on Alation’s MySpace page. Be sure to watch the video for “Aflame”, an awesome song that captures the essence of the band.

Click picture to see more photos of Alation (23)

Click to watch Alation play “Aflame”

Tonight was the first headlining (and second) show of symphonic power metal band Echoterra, so it was great to see the Entry filled with a responsive crowd. This was a 50 minute, 10 song set that was nearly evenly split between songs from the The Law Of One debut album and a batch of new tunes revealed for the first time. The band made a grand entrance with “Manifest Eternity” and “The Will Of Life” before launching into “A Tear Of Her Heart”. This was followed by two new songs, “After The Rain” and “All The Lies”. The new songs are definitely expanding Echoterra’s sound into faster, more aggressive territory. Vocalist Melissa Ferlaak (and the entire band, for that matter) was clearly having fun on stage, and she introduced “Beyond The Seven Seas” as their “pirate song”. Another new song, “Midnight Sun”, featured some strong backing vocals from bassist Brian Hollenbeck. A fourth new track, “Ghost Within My Heart” was introduced, and Brian again took a prominent singing role in the performance of “Say, Try, Lie, Die”. The set ended with “In Your Eyes”, one of highlights from The Law Of One, to resounding applause. Every member of Echoterra has extensive experience in bands such as Pyramaze, Avian, Visions Of Atlantis, and Into Eternity, and their level of professionalism is unrivaled in the Twin Cities. Keyboardist Jonah Weingarten is fun to watch as he effortlessly rips through solos, and Yan Leviathan (guitars) does a fantastic job of taking over on the heavier songs, yet stepping back to let Jonah’s playing shine. Melissa has a very strong voice, and she has a knack for engaging the crowd while hitting every note on cue. The band members had a lot of reasons to be happy at the success of this show as they met with fans afterwards. Echoterra is poised to make a big impact internationally, the band promises that some big announcements with regards to touring and their next album will be forthcoming. Hopefully some more local appearances will be announced, too!

Click picture to see more photos of Echoterra (35)

Click to watch Echoterra open the show with “Manifest Eternity/The Will Of Life”

Click to watch Echoterra play the new song “After The Rain”

Click to watch Echoterra play “Say, Try, Lie, Die”

Videos of Echoterra performing “Midnight Sun” and “In Your Eyes” can be viewed on my YouTube channel.

Echoterra Contest And Show Reminder

Don't forget about your chance to win tickets to tonight's Echoterra show and copies of their In Your Eyes EP! Send your name and city to mplsmetal+echoterra@gmail.com by noon today. See my previous post for full details.

Album Review Recap

There's at least one show on the concert calendar (below right) every night for the rest of May, so I thought it'd be useful to provide handy links to recent album reviews for many of these bands. There's some great bands coming to town, so hopefully you have a chance to catch a couple of these!

Echoterra - In Your Eyes EP, 7/10

Echoterra - The Law Of One, 8/10

Echoterra plays their first headlining show tonight, Friday, May 21 at 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis with Alation, Hollowstone, and Dance Of The Mourning Child. The band will also perform Saturday, May 22 at Station 4 in St. Paul as part of the Earl Root Memorial Metal Massacre 2 fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Read the review of Echoterra's first performance (with pictures and video) while supporting Epica with Threat Signal, Blackguard, and Gracepoint

Slash - Slash, 7/10

Slash with Myles Kennedy singing plays tonight, Friday, May 21 at Northern Lights Casino in Walker, Minnesota.

Hypocrisy -A Taste Of Extreme Divinity, 8/10

Scar Symmetry -Dark Matter Dimensions, 8/10

Blackguard - Profugus Mortis, 7/10

Hypocrisy, Scar Symmetry, and Blackguard will perform with Hate and Swashbuckle on Sunday, May 23 at Station 4 in St. Paul.

Read the review of Blackguard's recent show (with pictures and video) while supporting Epica with Threat Signal, Echoterra, and Gracepoint.

Arsis - Starve For The Devil, 9/10

Misery Index - Heirs To Thievery, 9/10

Annotations Of An Autopsy - II: The Reign Of Darkness, 4/10

Arsis, Misery Index, and Annotations Of An Autopsy will be supporting Dying Fetus with Demonicon on Monday, May 24 at The Rock in Maplewood.

Read the review of Arsis's recent show (with pictures) while supporting Arch Enemy and Exodus.

Breaking Benjamin - Dear Agony, 6/10

Breaking Benjamin will support Nickelback with Shinedown and Sick Puppies at Target Center in Minneapolis on Monday, May 24.

The Crinn - Dreaming Saturn, 9/10

The Crinn headlines the bill on Saturday, May 29 at Station 4 in St. Paul with Dead By Wednesday, We Are Legion, Expyre, This Will Not End Well, and She Fach Dahm.

Read the review of The Crinn's Dreaming Saturn record release show with Ambassador Gun.

Primal Fear - 16.6 - Before The Devil Knows You're Dead, 7/10

Primal Fear plays on Sunday, May 30 at Station 4 in St. Paul with Havok, Avian, and Dawn Of Valor.

Read the review of Primal Fear's show at Minnesota MetalFest last year with Athiest, Novembers Doom, Destroy Destroy Destroy, Gnostic, Avian, and Gracepoint.

EXCLUSIVE: Echoterra Contest And New Songs Titles For Debut Headlining Concert

Rising Minneapolis-based symphonic metal sensation Echoterra has exclusively revealed to Twin Cities Metal the titles of four new songs that will be performed at their debut headlining concert this Friday, May 21 at the iconic 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Additionally, Echoterra and Twin Cities Metal have joined forces for a contest to mark this special concert.

This will be the first time the public will have a chance to hear the songs “Midnight Sun”, “After The Rain”, “The Ghost Within My Heart”, and “All The Lies”. Guitarist Yan Leviathan (Avian) explains that “we want to deliver a special performance at our first headlining show, so this is our fans’ chance to hear the new songs that we’ve been working on with our new vocalist, Melissa (Ferlaak, ex-Visions Of Atlantis, Aesma Daeva). The band is excited about the heavier direction of the new material we’ve written, and we can’t wait to get feedback from our hometown crowd!”

To mark the occasion Echoterra and Twin Cities Metal are proud to jointly sponsor a contest for all fans, both local to Minneapolis and across the country and world. Four  (4) fans will have the chance to win the following:

Two (2) Twin Cities area fans will receive two (2) tickets to the May 21 concert at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis and an autographed, color Echoterra card with a key to download unrestricted mp3 files of the acclaimed In Your Eyes EP.

For fans outside the Twin Cities area, two (2) autographed EP download cards will be given away. Fans anywhere in the world are encouraged to enter!

Contest entry and rules: It's quick and easy! Simply send an email to mplsmetal+echoterra@gmail.com with "Echoterra Contest" in the subject line. Please include your name, city, state/province, and country. To be eligible for the concert tickets, you must be at least 18 years old and reside in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area and be able to attend the concert.  Anyone, domestic or international, is eligible to win the autographed EP download cards. Winners will be chosen at random at 12:00 pm (noon) US CDT on Friday, May 21, 2010, and will be immediately notified by email with instructions for prize redemption. The name (first name and initial of last name only), city, and country of the winners will be published on Twin Cities Metal and the Echoterra Myspace page. Only one (1) entry per person, please. We respect your privacy, and your email address will remain private and will not be sold or used for any nefarious purpose!

After releasing their debut album The Law Of One on Blinding Force Recordings last year to great international acclaim, classically trained vocalist Melissa Ferlaak (ex-Visions Of Atlantis, Aesma Daeva) and drummer Adam Sagan (ex-Into Eternity) joined guitarist Yan Leviathan (Avian), keyboardist Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze), and bassist Brian Hollenbeck (Avian). The revamped lineup released the In Your Eyes EP in January 2010 and performed their first concert supporting Epica in St. Paul, Minnesota in February. Echoterra is currently writing their sophomore album and is in the process of arranging additional tour dates for 2010 and 2011. The band recently signed a European management and booking deal with 2Wild4 Productions. Both In Your Eyes and The Law Of One remain in the Amazon Top 100 Bestsellers in Hard Rock & Metal/Pop Metal category of mp3 downloads.

 

Echoterra Announces First Headlining Show

New symphonic metal sensations from Minneapolis, Echoterra, have announced their first headlining show to take place Friday, May 21 at 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis. The band will debut some new songs that have already been written for their second album slated for release early next year. Support will come from female-fronted Minneapolis bands Alation and Hollowstone. Echoterra keyboardist Jonah Weingarten will also be performing a solo set featuring music of his piano-based instrumental project Dance Of The Mourning Child.

Since the addition of classically trained vocalist Melissa Ferlaack, Echoterra released the In Your Eyes EP with re-recorded versions of songs from The Law Of One debut album. The EP and album were reviewed here and here, respectively. Echoterra's first live performance took place in support of Epica in St. Paul on February 6, and the concert review with pictures and video are available here. The band also recently announced that they have teamed up with 2Wild4 Productions for European management and booking.

Echoterra will also be performing Saturday, May 22 at the 2nd Earl Root Memorial Concert, with all proceeds benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Join The Echoterrean Circle

Minneapolis symphonic metal band Echoterra has put forth the call for charter members of the Echoterrean Circle, a self-described brain-trust to help consult with and promote the band. Echoterra is looking for enthusiastic people to not just help as a web/street team, but "a team of confidantes who we can bounce ideas off of, give pre-listens of our album to and help us make decisions." You must submit a message to the band explaining your background in music and motivations for participation. Read the full announcement at Echoterra's Myspace page here for all the details.

Echoterra's next show is Saturday, May 22 at Station 4 in St. Paul as part of The Earl Root Memorial Metal Massacre with Impaler, Cold Colours, Gow-Awful, Demonicon, Cwn Annwn, Myiasis, Thunderbolt Pagoda, Ripsnorter, and Reverend Poky Bunge. This concert is a benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Epica/Threat Signal/Blackguard/Gracepoint/Echoterra Concert Review With Photos And Video

Epica, Threat Signal, Blackguard, Gracepoint, Echoterra

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Station 4, St. Paul, MN

Tonight was the debut live performance of Echoterra, the new band featuring members of Avian and Pyramaze and new vocalist Melissa Ferlaak (ex-Visions Of Atlantis). Despite the early start time, Station 4 was already packed to near-capacity when Echoterra took the stage with “Manifest Eternity”. The band made the most of their time and managed to get through most of their album, The Law Of One. “A Tear Of Her Heart” and “In Your Eyes” went over especially well with the crowd. Bassist Brian Hollenbeck took over the vocals for “Say, Try, Lie, Die” and surprised everyone with his great voice. The experience of the band members showed as everyone looked at ease in front of a crowd for the first time and sound-wise things sounded great. Hopefully tonight was just the beginning of Echoterra playing locally on a regular basis.

Click picture for more photos of Echoterra (14).

Click to watch Echoterra play "In Your Eyes".

Locals Gracepoint were up next with a short set of their technical, groove-laden thrash metal. The band’s musicianship is solid but the band’s weak point is the vocalist, whose aggressive approach doesn’t seem to fit the style of the band at times. Nevertheless, Gracepoint puts on a decent show and they remain a decent opening band for big shows like this.

Click picture for more photos of Gracepoint (5).

Problems with setting up Blackguard’s keyboards delayed the start of their set, but once they took the stage the club erupted into pandemonium. Blackguard is one of the most energetic live bands and their explosive stage presence whipped the crowd into a frenzy. This was first hearing Blackguard, so without any preconceived expectations I was blown away. The band was tight, and made a huge impressive with songs like “This Round’s On Me” and “In Time”. Not enough bands play new songs live, so it was cool that Blackguard played “Farewell”, a song written for their next album. Blackguard is potent live force, and it’s easy to see why they have so many excellent already booked for 2010.

Click picture for more photos of Blackguard (10).

Click to watch Blackguard play "Farewell".

It would be difficult for most bands to follow performance like that just given by Blackguard, and Threat Signal followed with an impressive show of their own. They didn’t elicit quite the same crowd response, and it was a shame that Threat Signal’s set was limited to 35 minutes. “Afterlife” and “Through My Eyes” from the outstanding Vigilance album opened the show, and three tracks from Under Reprisal (“A New Beginning”, Counterbalance”, and “Rational Eyes”) were interspersed into the set. Another new song, “The Beginning Of The End”, was especially well-received. By the time Threat Signal was done I was left wanting more, so hopefully a headlining tour is in the works.

Click picture for more photos of Threat Signal (10).

Click to watch Threat Signal play "Severed".

Click to watch Threat Signal play "Rational Eyes".

The last time Epica played Station 4 two and a half years ago, singer Simone Simons spent the day at the hospital being treated for a bacterial leg infection and took the stage on crutches and sang while seated on a stool. Back in full health, she and Epica were greeted by a near-sellout crowd that was hungry to hear songs their latest masterpiece, Design Your Universe. The first half of the set primarily featured songs from Design Your Universe, opening with “Resign To Surrender” and continuing with “Unleashed”, “Martyr Of The Free World”. “Sensorium” and “The Imperial March” (featured on The Classical Conspiracy) rounded out the early part of the show. Oliver Palotal from Kamelot took over keyboards for this tour, and a brief piano solo from him led into a stunning version of the ballad “Tides Of Time”. More of the Epica catalog was represented in the second half of the show, with songs from The Divine Conspiracy (“Sancta Terra”, “Menace Of Vanity”, and “The Obsessive Devotion”), Consign To Oblivion (“Quietus” and “Consign To Oblivion”), and The Phantom Agony (“Seif Al Din” and “Cry For The Moon”) all being played. The epic “Design Your Universe” and “Cry For The Moon” were both big highlights of the show, and guitarist Mark Jansen got fired up for the fast, heavy parts of these songs. The whole band sounded amazing tonight, and they clearly were having fun on stage. This was a long night of quality metal, so everyone left exhausted and satisfied. Epica is one of the best symphonic metal bands around, so don’t miss them during their yet-to-be-announced North American tour in November.

 Click picture for more photos of Epica (20).

 

Click to watch Epica play "Tides Of Time".

New Concert, Album Reviews On The Way!

A slew of new concert and albums reviews will be posted by the end of the week. Look for concert reviews, pictures, and video from the recent Arch Enemy/Exodus/Arsis and Epica/Threat Signal/Blackguard/Gracepoint/Echoterra shows and album reviews from Alice In Chains, Karnivool, Kreator, Eluveitie, Overkill, Priestess, and Scar Symmetry.

Echoterra Releases "Whispers Of The Earth" As Arretohce

Minneapolis's Echoterra have released a rearranged, all-orchestra version of their debut album, The Law Of One, as Whispers Of The Earth under the moniker Arretohce (Echoterra backwards) on Blinding Force Records. Additional information can be found at the Arretohce Myspace page.

Echoterra EP Review

Echoterra – In Your Eyes EP

Blinding Force, 2010

7/10

Not even six months after the release of the outstanding debut album The Law Of One, Minneapolis’s Echoterra is with a stopgap EP to showcase new vocalist Melissa Ferlaak (ex-Visions Of Atlantis, Aesma Daeva). This change makes a lot of sense since the location of original vocalist Suvi Virtanen in Swedish made the logistics of live performances difficult. John Gensmer has also been replaced on drums with Adam Sagan due to John’s ongoing commitments with Epicurean. If you’re familiar with Melissa’s earlier work, it’s easy to hear why she was chosen to replace Suvi. Melissa has a similar operatic vocal style, yet her voice will likely enable a wider range of sounds for the band. “In Your Eyes” is perhaps the best track from The Law Of One, and it’s been reworked a bit here (it’s nearly a minute shorter than the original version). Two other songs are re-recorded here, “A Tear Of Her Heart” and “Say, Try, Lie, Die”, but these adhere pretty close to the originals except for some additional vocal flourishes. An instrumental track, “Bear Mountain”, offers a preview of the next album and it will be interesting to hear how vocal melodies and additional instrumentation develop from this version. Lastly, “Echoterra Overture” is keyboard solo that is actually a medley of songs from the album. This EP was a smart move by Echoterra as a way of introducing Melissa on vocals, and if you like The Law Of One you’ll want to get this. It also offers a low-cost opportunity for new fans to hear what all the excitement is about.

Echoterra will be making their live debut as support for Epica at Station 4 in St. Paul on Saturday, February 6. Additional support will come from Threat Signal, Blackguard, Gracepoint, and Dread Veil.

Echoterra Album Review

Echoterra – The Law Of One

Blinding Force, 2009

8/10

Echoterra is a Minneapolis-based entrant into the ever-growing ranks of female-fronted symphomic metal bands. The brainchild of guitarist Yan Leviathan (Avian) and keyboardist Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze), Echoterra’s lineup was rounded out in 2008 with bassist Brian Hollenbeck (Avian), drummer John Gensmer (Epicurean), and Swedish vocalist Suvi Virtanen (ex-Therion). The Law Of One is a respectable debut album that has a surprising Scandanavian feel to it and that isn’t as heavy as the members’ other bands. Songs are relatively straightforward, and the band sticks to a focused, disciplined sound unlike many of their peers (notably, Epica and Nightwish) who strive to cover a multitude of metal sub-genres over the course of an album. “The Will Of Life” opens the proceedings after a short instrumental, and this is about as heavy as the album gets. Jonah isn’t trying to make his keyboards sound like an orchestra, rather, the music incorporates more typical synthesizers alongside Suvi’s operatic vocals. “In Your Eyes” is more typical of most of the album, where keyboards, piano, and vocals carry the melodies while Yan’s guitar primarily beefs up the rhythm section. A couple songs that are essentially just vocals and keyboards, “The Wind Surrounds You” and “To Live Again”, work their way into the middle of the album. The album is indeed heavy at times with songs that incorporate segments with strong riffs and fast tempos, but these parts never dominate songs such as “A Tear Of Her Heart” and “Beyond The Seven Seas”. The result is a well-written album that succeeds in establishing Echoterra as a band well worth a listen. One also gets the feeling that the full potential of Echoterra is not even close to being realized, so I expect that even greater things are on the horizon as a revamped lineup gets the chance to function more as a cohesive band.

Echoterra will be making their live debut as support for Epica at Station 4 in St. Paul on Saturday, February 6. Additional support will come from Threat Signal, Blackguard, Gracepoint, and Dread Veil.

Echoterra Announces Member Changes And First Live Performance

Twin Cities-based symphonic metal band Echoterra, led by Avian guitarist Yan Leviathan and Pyramaze keyboardist Jonah Weingarten, have announced major lineup changes on their Myspace page. Vocalist Suvi Virtanen (ex-Therion) and drummer John Gensmer (Epicurean) have been replaced with Melissa Ferlaak (ex-Visions Of Atlantis) and Adam Sagan (Into Eternity), respectively. The changes were made due to the logistics of Suvi being located in Sweden, and John's ongoing activities with Epicurean. Echoterra is rounded out by Avian bassist Brian Hollenbeck, and the band released their debut album, The Law Of One, in September through Blinding Force Records. A new EP with the re-vamped lineup will be released in Spring 2010. A new recording of "In Your Eyes" from The Law Of One, featuring new vocalist Melissa Ferlaak, is available for streaming on the band's Myspace page.


In further news, Echoterra also announced their first ever live performance as support to Epica on Saturday, February 6 at Station 4 in St. Paul. The bands promises that additional live appearances are in the works.