WHO ON EARTH
ASCENSION / UNBEATEN
new single
out 21.03.23
(Who On Earth)
dramatic song features special guest performers
Michael James Romeo (SYMPHONY X)
Mike Orlando (ADRENALINE MOB) | Jillian Blair
US hard rockers Who On Earth have released a new single today entitled ‘Ascension/Unbeaten’. A dramatic orchestral introduction composed by Michael James Romeo of Symphony X eventually gives way to an acoustic version of the song ‘Unbeaten’ from the group’s recently issued debut album ‘Blame’. Further embellishments courtesy of Romeo, ‘Blame’ producer Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob), plus additional vocals from singer Jillian Blair add an extra layer of beauty to the emotionally charged song, which delivers a powerful message of perseverance.
‘Ascension/Unbeaten’ also showcases the musical versatility of the New Jersey based group, providing evidence of their capacity for writing anthems with crossover potential. They explain that “it is no coincidence that we are releasing this on the first day of spring, as it is a song about rebirth and reawakening with renewed strength and power. It is a triumphal story of overcoming life obstacles with the help of others, facing seemingly insurmountable circumstances or odds and prevailing by tapping into a strength we didn’t know we had.”
They add: “we believe this song is important for anyone who has dealt with trauma, addiction or loss and it could be an anthem for those humble warriors who have survived adversity, are grateful and destined to pay it forward, to give back what was so freely given to them!”
WHO ON EARTH
BLAME
debut album
CD | digital
out now
“Who On Earth claim they wanted to bring back old style heavy metal in their music, but I’d say they’ve invented a completely new one of their own 10/10”
POWERPLAY
“One of the best albums I have reviewed this year. If you like good Hard Rock you won’t be disappointed, trust me”
METAL TEMPLE
“I grew up with another hard rock band from New Jersey, who even had an album named after their home state, but they wouldn’t be able to hit anything anywhere near this good, relevant or fresh if you gave them a baseball bat. Who On Earth, on the other hand, just smashed their debut album for a home run and then some”
MAXIMUM VOLUME MUSIC
Who on earth are Who On Earth? Armed with a manifesto of picking up the torch for hard rock and heavy metal with true grit and gusto and no gimmicks, the band deliver a one-two punch of hard-hitting hooks and airtight instrumentation bolted down by pummelling grooves and piercing riffs. With virtuoso guitarist and producer Mike Orlando [Adrenaline Mob, Noturnall, Her Chariot Awaits] in their corner, they pay homage to rock’s past while also helping to usher in its future on their debut album, ‘Blame’, a record that came about as the answer to a question….
“We wanted to fill in the blank of ‘who on earth is going to bring back good rock and metal?’” explains bassist and band co-founder Pete Rizzi. “We grew up on the new wave of British heavy metal and classic rock. We went through grunge and other great genres of metal. We wanted to resurrect the melodies, hooks and guitar solos. We went back to our roots, albeit upgrading everything with a modern production.”
Having paid their dues via countless covers gigs, Rizzi and vocalist Coosh formed Who On Earth and hunkered down to write an original album. They invited Joe D’Aqui, the versatile drummer of thrash band Pierced, to join the fold prior to hitting the studio with none other than Orlando behind the board as producer, engineer and guest guitarist.
Nodding to everyone from Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Metallica to Rush, Alice In Chains and Tool, ‘Blame’ places storytelling in the spotlight. “Most of our songs are complete stories from start to finish. We’re talking about our lives,” notes Coosh, with Rizzi adding that “there is personal vulnerability in the lyrics, which are reflective and honest.” On a record packed with hard and heavy gems, Rizzi concludes: “we have just tried to write good songs. We have gone back to what we grew up on. It’s still valuable and relevant. It can’t die.”