Jon Of Mars is not only the moniker for an eclectic metal band hailing from Pennsylvania, USA, but it is also the name of the star of their debut concept album that follows our hero through his discoveries on Earth. His perspective is refreshing and humbling while the music is heavy and punishing. “Songs from Nowhere” is suitably being released on April 20th, and will blast listeners into space with smooth rhythms that will occasionally catch people off guard. All of the music on this was written by throwing dice and using number systems found in nature, like the kind that dictate how trees grow branches. The band shares their thoughts on the release:
“None of us can believe how well this turned out, it started as a last-minute change to a final project for Jordan to graduate from Berklee College of Music. “Songs from Nowhere” is exactly that, songs done by talented artists from the middle of nowhere in the Allegheny forest in Pennsylvania, written by metalheads and lifelong music nerds that poured blood, sweat, and literal tears into this project.”
The album features a multitude of songs ranging from the nu-metal to stoner metal genres, with most songs themselves containing elements from multiple genres and styles. The record provides a fresh perspective on the hazards of the internet from the point of view of a millennial and discusses the often overlooked side effects of internet usage and social media.
The mixing and mastering were done for around ten months after the songs were initially recorded, Jordan Karg went over them with a magnifying glass and it resulted in nothing short of perfection. Its mix is nothing less than professional sounding, typically not the case for independent releases with zero budget on such a tight schedule.
“Songs from Nowhere” is immersive and full of energy and comedy. It is recommended for fans of GWAR, Fear Factory, and Korn.
Album order – Jonofmars.bandcamp.com
Stream – Spoti.fi/3mM3cno
Lyric Video – “Mr. Blue” – https://youtu.be/HIoM9C3QicM
Track Listing:
1. Soultest – 1:21
2. A Respite! – 4:31
3. MisinformedNation – 3:40
4. Azag’s Fable – 3:55
5. Mister Blue – 4:44
6. Inhumane Tragedy – 3:35
7. Ghosts – 5:34
Length is 27:22
Album Lineup:
Barrett Holcomb – Vocals and Guitar
Wendall Holmes – Bass Guitar
Jordan Karg – Drums and Keys
Live Lineup:
Barrett Holcomb – Vocals and Guitar
Wendall Holmes – Bass Guitar
AJ Fry – Drums
For more info: Holcombrecords.wixsite.com/jon-of-mars/ | Twitch.tv/jonofmars | Facebook.com/Marsjonmusicman
About: Having cut his teeth in the underground metal and punk scenes of Northwestern PA, Barrett Holcomb formed Jon of Mars out of a collaborative effort after having worked with Berklee Alumni and music producer Jordan Karg. From the pandemonium of the COVID-19 Pandemic Jon of Mars was forged as a musical outlet to vent trapped creativity, as the world had paused and there were no shows for this creative magma to erupt forth upon the world.
“Hailing from the red planet, a mysterious creature crawls forth from the farthest depths of the earth to observe the denizens of Earth to decide their ultimate fate, drawn by the curious nuance of human life he seeks to understand the human race…. either to help them find salvation or destruction in their greatest and most universal creation: Music.”
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