Spain and UK-based artist Pick Up Goliath is breaking the boundaries of metal with his new lead single, CULT. Featuring powerhouse contributions from Howard Jones (ex-Killswitch Engage), Scott LePage (Polyphia), and Mike Malyan (ex-Monuments), CULT is the first release from the upcoming EP, Cult of the Lamb: Hymns of the Unholy. With this ambitious track, Pick Up Goliath delivers a brutal, genre-bending sound that demands listeners’ full attention, fusing technical precision with raw intensity.
Pick Up Goliath, a classically trained musician and composer, is known for pushing the limits of genre and redefining what metal can be. His career is built on a foundation of both tradition and experimentation, whether he’s performing on stage with bands like Armstrong, opening for giants like You Me At Six, or crafting cutting-edge productions in his studio. As the visionary behind Mammoth Sound Studio in Spain, he produces everything from metal to electronic music, working with artists across the globe, including Dom Brown of Duran Duran fame. His passion for genre-blending and sonic exploration is clear, bringing a freshness to each track that keeps his audience on their toes.
Before founding his studio, Pick Up Goliath taught songwriting and production at the prestigious BRIT School, where he mentored some of today’s biggest names, like Raye, Rex Orange County, Olivia Dean, and black midi. He’s also shared his expertise with emerging artists through online courses and his book, Become a Competent Music Producer in 365 Days, making him a key figure not just in metal but in the broader world of music production.
Cult of the Lamb: Hymns of the Unholy is shaping up to be a daring project that defies metal conventions. With CULT, Pick Up Goliath delivers a thunderous soundscape that fuses his intense artistry with the distinct talents of Jones, LePage, and Malyan. Ready to redefine the genre, Pick Up Goliath invites listeners into a realm of heavy riffs, bold experimentation, and relentless energy.
Prepare for a sonic assault like no other—CULT is out now on all streaming platforms.
Blending Western Swing, “Hawaiian” music, and the roots of Rock’n’Roll, the Hawaiian Pistoleros stand out as a rare musical force in France. With over 12 years of creative evolution, this Paris-based quintet, led by steel guitar player Vassili Caillosse, captures an imaginary America—a world somewhere between Paris, Texas and Twin Peaks, where the ghostly echoes of Bob Wills, Hank Williams, and Gram Parsons mix with steel guitars, ukuleles, and distant train whistles like the one in Elvis’s “Mystery Train.”
Since releasing their first EP in 2016, which was nominated for an Academy of Western Artists Award, the Hawaiian Pistoleros have steadily built a dedicated following. They released their debut LP in October 2019, featuring cover art by the renowned animator Bill Plympton. When the pandemic halted live performances, the band adapted, producing a 3D audio live-stream series called “Binaural Experience” and an EP, Me And My Shadow Binaural Audio Session, in the winter of 2020/2021. This creative resilience kept their unique sound alive, engaging listeners through immersive audio experiences.
In December 2023, the Hawaiian Pistoleros unveiled Something Strange, an album of original compositions that continues their musical exploration, co-produced with Coconut Island and MaAula Records and mixed by Stew Crookes (Doug Paisley, The Weather Station). With Something Strange, they transport listeners into a richly layered world of music that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly original.
Leading the band, Vassili Caillosse is one of France’s few steel guitarists. His sought-after skills have led to collaborations with artists like Beck, whom he accompanied during an acoustic set at the 2023 Fnac Paris Festival. Beyond his work with the Hawaiian Pistoleros, Caillosse has supported numerous American artists touring France, such as Moot Davis and Billy Sedlmayr, and regularly collaborates with various French musicians.
Hawaiian Pistoleros’ journey showcases the quintet’s passion for bringing Americana-inspired sounds to life on European soil. With Something Strange, they invite fans to experience a blend of cultural landscapes, from Paris to Texas and beyond. Their music celebrates the old and the new, honoring the past while carving a unique path forward in Western Swing and roots music.