DECEMBER 2014
YOUR ONE STOP GUIDE TO THE BEST MUSIC IN EXETER, PLYMOUTH & THE DEVON AREA!
N O V E D
we catch up with the norfolk rockers ahead of their show at the exeter lemon grove
big sixes
answer dumbass questions
amon amarth win tickets!
exeter is jericho!
wwe star brings the metal to devon
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WELCOME
Thanks for picking up the December 2014 issue of Devon Music Magazine, your one stop guide to the best music in the county and beyond. This month we chat to fast-rising Norfolk rockers Deaf Havana ahead of their Lemon Grove show, we talk wrasslin’ with none other than WWE superstar Chris Jericho who brings his metal band Fozzy to Exeter next year and we ask some dumb questions to alt.indie hopefuls Big Sixes. All this plus previews, listings and announcements from all of the best venues and events in the Devon area, a chance to win tickets for Amon Amarth in Plymouth and we round up all the best festive/NYE events so you don’t have to!
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FEATURE
Budding pop-rockers have truly blossomed this year. They picked up a Kerrang! award for Best Video and stormed through the charts with the success of their latest album ‘Old Souls’. They’ve come under a lot of scrutiny for having changed their sound in recent times – what was once a postrock outfit with scream/sing vocals has evolved into a softer, more accessible and, dare we say it, more grown up Havana. Formed at college in King’s Lynn of all places, their debut album ‘Meet Me Halfway, At Least’ and a slot on the Metal Hammer Introducing tour shot into the public eye in 2009. In 2010 they became a 4 piece and dropped the screamed vocals as Ryan Mellor left the band for personal reasons. The tides changed and the band started to write their follow up and it was 2010’s breakthrough album ‘Fools and Worthless Liars’ that saw Deaf Havana flex their songwriting muscles and in turn brought their first taste of mainstream success. Over the next few years the band received regular Radio 1 playlisting, opened the main stage at Reading and Leeds and appeared on the covers of magazines. Latest release ‘Old Souls’ raced into the Official UK Albums Chart at number 9 upon release and saw the band headline both the Roundhouse and Clapham Grand in London as part of sellout UK tours, the latter complete with a gospel choir and string quartet. With their upcoming tour coming to Exeter and Falmouth (the O2 Academy) this month we thought we’d catch up with guitarist Chris Pennells for a wee chat.
DEVON MUSIC | DECEMBER 2014
So, you guys are just about to embark on your UK 2014 tour, what can your fans expect from the upcoming gigs? We’re planning on playing a fan-favourite set list. So we should be playing some songs we’ve never played before or at the very least, ones we haven’t played in a very long time! Within the last year, your music has taken a bit of a shift, how would describe your current sound to someone who hasn’t listened to it before? I always say to people, imagine if Foo Fighters met Mumford and Sons. That’s kinda the general vibe I think people would get from our last record at least. Do you feel that your fans have embraced the newest album even though it has drifted away from the heavy alt-rock sound you originally produced? We’re lucky enough that our fans are really loyal, and I think there’s still some tracks that have heavy elements to them. At the end of the day it’s still Rock!
DEAF HAVANA
What was your favourite track from your newest album ‘Old Souls’? I think my personal favourite is Speeding Cars. Tracks ‘Boston square’ and ‘Mildred’ have been praised widely, do you think that this is due to them having a more personal and acoustic feel? I think most of the songs James writes are written from the acoustic guitar and vocals upwards, and I’m not one to argue when he can come out with songs that feel genuine. What has been the highlight of 2014 for you as a band? Reading and Leeds main stage for me. We’d left our management at the start of the summer, and our tour manager was away so we all pulled together and did all the hard work ourselves. Felt great to be able to go back to a DIY scenario and play one of the biggest festivals in the UK, and have great shows. We know that you originally formed whilst studying at the College of West Anglia, but did you ever think you would be this successful? Not really, no! It was more for the fun of being in a band than anything else!! Has there ever been a nightmare situation right before one of your gigs? More than usual for any band, James will be taking a shit at the exact time we need to go on stage. Do any of you have a talent other than music? Max has many hidden talents. I’m sure of it. He just keeps them hidden. He’s a great human to observe. How will it be for the rest of you whilst James and Max are away on tour? We’ll probably be doing what we do right nowworking at our various jobs and keeping up with talking to fans on social media.
How did the North American Tour with You Me at Six arise and subsequently falter? We’ve been friends with them for a long time, it was just a shame that we had to pull out of it due to financial issues! You’re bringing Lonely the Brave and Verses out with you for these shows, are you fans of theirs? We’ve been really impressed by the Lonely The Brave record, and how well they’re doing off the back of it. Plus they’re incredible live. Verses we’ve known for absolutely ages throughout different re-incarnations of the same members, great band, and it’s going to be a laugh touring with them! What’s on the agenda for 2015? Write and record a new album!! Words: Zan Lawther
catch deaf havana live @ the lemon grove exeter on december 16
DEVON MUSIC | DECEMBER 2014
DEAF HAVANA
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Thursday, 4th Kaninchen, GLider, Olive Haigh - experimental/freak-folk
Wednesday, 17th Alex HART - Country/Folk
Friday, 5th Burlesque “Holiday hootenanny” wednesday, 10th Comedy Avengers - comedy & stand-up! Sunday, 14th WAR CHARGe - UK HARD CORE!
Saturday, 20th THE Poet Junkies, Propeller Indie Rock Monday, 22nd SCREAM BLUE MURDER Metalcore 31st, the NEW year’s PARTY! Burlesque and cabaret, strictly 18+
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If you were to have a rap battle, which famous rapper would you chose to rap against? Riff Raff, I’d let him rap at me 24 hours a day and not even reply. He’s the best there ever was. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever posted on a social media site? I literally just posted the new Norwegian Passport design on my Instagram. It’s sick. Have you ever been stuck in a piece of clothing? (Skinny jeans etc.) Nah but I’ve had the same pair of Royal Mail standard DMs for about 6 years, don’t really wear anything else, does that count? If you could breed 2 animals together and defy the laws of nature, what would you create? It doesn’t matter what I’d make, humans would still try and kill it for food. How did you decide on the name ‘The Idles’ for your upcoming EP? Our band has a bit of a thing for homonyms and also it reflects the sound and aesthetic of the record pretty well. I hope. What’s your favourite joke? Two people in a restaurant. One says ‘The food here is terrible’ the other says ‘I know, and such small portions!’ Have you ever wielded a sword? I’d love to say yes. Who in the band would make the best girl? Chaz definitely has the best hair for it, but I’ve got the best legs for it. It’s a tough one. Do you know CPR? Nah but I know CPC, CPL and CPM. If you were Captain of a ship, what would you name it? I’d name it The iPod so if it got hit by an iceberg everyone would be like ‘OMGGG THE IPOD IS SINKING’. What would your band name be if I gave you these 5 words to create the name (Darling, Horses, Princess, Riot, Shamble) The Darling Riots would be a siiiiiiiiiiick name for a terrible 2007 indie band, in fact I bet there’s already a band called that. When was the last time you ate a home-grown vegetable? Who do you think I am Charlie Dimmock? If you could only read a bird watching magazine, a train spotting magazine or a fishing magazine for the rest of your life, which would you chose? Bird Watching Magazine like Nuts or Zoo?! WWEEYYYYY LADS LADS LADS BEERS FIFA LADSSSSSSS You can pick four people to form a band to cover your songs, but they must all be called John. What Johns would you have in your band? It depends how strict you’re being about the spelling. But probably John Entwistle on Bass. John Lennon to re-write all the tunes and make them better. Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, pretty sure his real name is John. And John Cooper Clarke just for good measure. What’s your favourite song to play live? At the moment definitely Swallowing Flies, recently something about it just works so well.
catch big sixes live @ the cavern on december 8th
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01392 667080 | exeterphoenix.org.uk | Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter, EX4 3LS
FEATURE
Come on then Christmas, let’s get it on! And with so much going on in the county this yuletide it really is the season to be jolly, merry and bright and all those other things that basically mean having the time of our lives. We kick things of at Tiki Bar, Plymouth with a holiday hootenanny on Friday 5th! The Cavern, Exeter plays host to Mahatma Music’s Xmas Party on Tuesday 9th December. Get ready for a bass filled night with Special guests TBC and other DJ’s dropping House, Future and UK Bass. Then The Dark Knights Christmas cracker brings you a night full of deep beats and tech heavy sound on Friday 12th. Upholding a massive party vibe to get you in the mood for the festive season!
Saturday 13th sees The Barrel House, Totnes given over the Land of the Giant’s Christmas Party. With a fun festival vibe and many a musical style, from Dub Rock to Funk Blues, Land of the Giants will showcase a fresh and vibrant performance. The energy in the room will make your festive season even more spectacular! With pumping drum and bass and soulful vocals Land of the Giants will not disappoint this year. Advance ticket £9.00
DEVON MUSIC | DECEMBER 2014
Plymouth Pavilions bring Chicago’s Winter Wonderland to you with Jake & El Wood’s Christmas Party on Friday 19th December, a full on soul, rhythm and blues Christmas musical extravaganza featuring performances from Black Rhino Band and a special guest appearance! Tickets range from £22.25 - £25.75. Or head back to the Cavern in Exeter for the Quirk Xmas Party. Expect to see an enormous amount of glitter, unique hats and fake moustaches. With some deep chunky house to celebrate the end of the year.
The Monkey Suit, Exeter has a Locked Horns Winter solstice special Sunday 21st December. This lively 20 piece jazz orchestra fresh out the bag, have been creating soulful music since they formed in 2013. You are guaranteed a lively festive performance that will keep you feeling warm through December! And then comes the BIG ONE. New Year’s Eve. We are spoilt for choice this year. Here’s our pick of some of the best ways to see off 2014 and bring in 2015.
FESTIVE EVENTS
This New Year’s Eve Exeter Phoenix will be hosting a time-warped festive ball, from prehistoric days, through gothic Victoriana to future space odyssey. Join them for a fantastic night of Fireworks, 80’s silent disco, Victorian burlesque, Robot dance off and much more! Fancy dress is fully encouraged. Tickets £25.00 Widely loved Beatles tribute act The Fab Beatles will be playing at the Exmouth Pavilion to celebrate 2014 and entertain you guys into the New Year! Priding themselves on being as authentic as possible by using the exact equipment, you will feel as if you have time hopped back to the 60’s and 70’s. You’ll be welcomed with a Bucks Fizz, and then you can dig into a well-deserved hog roast. What’s not to love?! Tickets £16.50 - £29.50 Over at John Gandy’s, Exeter there’s live music from alt-rock band Seven Cities, with their hard hitting riffs and melodic vocals, they are a high energy band that will rock out into the New Year – and it’s free entry! And back down in Plymouth, Tiki Bar are hosting a sumptuous evening of cabaret and burlesque.
MadDog Mcrea
Whatever you choose to do, have fun and stay safe. We’ll see you on the other side!
Local favourites Mad Dog Mcrea storm into the New Year at The Hub in Plymouth. Don’t miss out on what’s set to be a night of drunken pirate tales and dancing till you’re on your knees. In Totnes, the Barrel House has a Rambunctious Bustout Bumber Size New Year’s Burlesque Ball (trying say that after a few sherries!) Rambunctious will provide a very special night, with lavish set up and a free spirited atmosphere, your ears and eyes will experience the likes of Funk, gypsy, reggae and electro swing. This evocative and fun-filled night will be a fantastic New Year’s Eve ball! Advance tickets £8.00 Mammoth will get you in the mood for the New Year at Mama Stones in Exeter with their Funk, R‘n’B and Pop tracks.
DEVON MUSIC | DECEMBER 2014
Cabaret and Burlesque
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FEATURE WWE superstar Chris Jericho is a legend in the wrestling ring. You may not realise that he also fronts heavyweight rock band Fozzy and he’s bringing his musical pals over to Exeter’s Lemon Grove in 2015… The legend of Fozzy began in 1991 in the backstage area at the Alamodome in San Antonio at a WCW show….that was the day Chris Jericho met Rich Ward of Stuck Mojo. What started out for guitarist Rich Ward as a weekend cover band soon became an internationally signed act with the biggest star in professional wrestling, Chris Jericho, as its lead singer. Over the course of the next 7 years, the band recorded three albums and toured extensively but it wasn’t until 2012’s Sin & Bones though that the band really started to hit their stride. And now they’ve released their latest Do You Wanna Start A War, which was once again produced by Ward. It features 12 tracks, including the singles, Lights Go Out, the title track and the ABBA (yes ABBA) cover, SOS. How would you describe Fozzy to someone who has never heard the band before? CJ: It’s a great heavy rock band and a lot of good harmonies, lot of cool vocals. It’s good music and if you like good music, you will like Fozzy. That’s the best way to describe it. Who were your musical influences growing up? CJ: Love The Beatles, Iron Maiden and Metallica. Those were kid of my favourites and my favourite three influences. It’s kind of where we pull a lot of stuff for Fozzy, lot of good stuff, lot of 70’s bands like Journey, Sticks, Foreigner, love Halloween and the power and metal ballads like that, you know, love The Police, the diversity of Dream Theatre so there are quite a few that I’m into but you can kind of throw them in, shake them up in a blender and create different styles that we play.
CJ: There are a lot of similarities between the two as they are both highly energetic, high intense forms of entertainment. It very much depends on how the crowd reacts, to influence how the show goes but it’s basically all for the same thing, it’s all for entertainment so when you have been doing this as long as I have, wrestling wise and even music wise as I’ve been in this band for well over 10 years and being in bands since I was 14 years old, there is a lot of similarities between the two as people want to come and have a good time and forget about their troubles. That’s what we do best with Fozzy and in the WWE with Jericho so people have a good time and want to buy tickets to see you the next time you come to a town.
You have Wembley Stadium for the day, you can pick four bands and Fozzy to play, what are the four bands you pick (dead or alive)? CJ: Well obviously you’ve got to choose the bands that you really appreciate so would have The Beatles, Maiden, Metallica and throw Jamiroquai on there, we would be all set. I’m joking of course with Jamiroquai – lighten up pal!
Finally Chris, tell us why people should come and see Fozzy when they tour in the UK? CJ: Like I said, we just want to make sure that everyone has a great time and we are excited to come back to the UK where we have had nothing but great gigs and great success with the cool fans over there. And the thing that is great about the UK is that your Jericho fans, your Fozzy fans, your WWE fans and everything in between come ready to rock and ready to have a great time and that’s what we do. Come and hang out with us, it will be a blast as it always is!
How do Fozzy fans differ from your fans in pro wrestling and do you like having them split?
Catch fozzy live @ Exeter Lemon Grove Friday 13 March 2015
Words: Kai Harris
Chris Jericho will be bringing his thrash metal troupe ‘Fozzy’ to our shores next March, you and a pal could be front row by answering this simple wrasslin’ question!
Q. What is Chris Jericho’s most famous trademark finishing move in WWE?
Email your answer to:
competitions@devon-music.com or send us a direct message via Twitter or facebook. Competition closes 01/01/15
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devon MUSIC | DECEMber 2014
FOZZY
Hub in Plymouth in January, you could be banging your head for free by answering this simple question...
COMPETITION
Swedish metallers Amon Amarth will be smashing The
Q. From what famous fantasy world have Amon Amarth borrowed their name?
Email your answer to:
competitions@devon-music.com or send us a direct message via Twitter or facebook. Competition closes 01/01/15 /devonmusicmag @D e v o n M u s i c M a g
devon MUSIC | december 2014
amon amarth
previews Cool compelling melodeon player
British folk singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Luke Daniels has been performing for two decades. He’s even worked with composer Howard Shore for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit soundtracks. But now, Luke has settled back a bit and is focusing on reinventing himself by playing pleasing melodies with his piano and guitar a little more. FOR FANS OF: MIKE SEEGER/ TIM BUCKLEY/ TREETOP FLYERS
MACHINE HEAD
DEC 11 | PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS
LUKE DANIELS
DEC 09 | PHOENIX, EXETER Thrash-metal heroes
American heavy-metal quartet Machine Head formed in 1992, with their DIY ethic and aggressive playing having kept them afloat. Their recent work is definitely more nostalgic and eclectic compared to their older stuff. So if you are chomping at the bit to pelt your voice out to Machine Head’s tracks then check them out live as it will be one of the noisiest, thrash metal nights you’ve had! FOR FANS OF: LAMB OF GOD/ SOULFLY/ FEAR FACTORY
Pop goes Americana
LAURA STEVENSON & MUNCIE GIRLS
American singer-songwriter based in Long Island, NYC and formerly a keyboard player for the musical collective Bomb the Music Industry. She describes herself as an “unfunny Woody Allen,” though we disagree as there’s plenty of humour in her introspective, self-deprecating nature. Latest album Wheel is an exercise in coming to terms with the overwhelming beauty that can be found in the lack of an answer.
FOR FANS OF: BOMB THE MUSIC INDUSTRY/ CHEAP GIRLS/ HOP ALONG
MOOSE BLOOD
JAN 20 | TIKI, PLYMOUTH Big band, big vocals, big fun
Emo alternative/indie rock band Moose Blood formed in Canterbury in 2012. The band is composed of dedicated and energetic members, who’s shows are not to be missed! Smooth guitar riffs, slight pop/rock tones and meaningful lyrics allow the band to really connect with their audience, providing a fun, talented performance for all of those indie-kids out there! FOR FANS OF: BASEMENT/ GNARWOLVES/ HAVE MERCY
5-piece rock band, with lead singer Joe Green possessing a fantastic range of vocals that are both melancholic and haunting. With killer riffs and heavy percussion, this band is definitely one you can jump around to. Their live shows are tight as can be, bursting with energy as they pound audiences with cleverly timed drums, delicious guitar licks and a whole lotta bass. Get in with it now! FOR FANS OF: SKINDRED / INCUBUS / FALL OUT BOY
DEVON MUSIC | DECEMBER 2014
DEC 13 | CAVERN, EXETER Emo meets chic indie
EMP!RE
FEB 14 | CAVERN, EXETER FEB 15 | TIKI, PLYMOUTH
previews
previews KING CHARLES
FEB 25 | PHOENIX, EXETER
Folk-pop with the best locks
This band need little to no introduction. Making their name in the late 70s, their brand of punk made them a household name, despite their split in the early 80s. The Undertones have still got it, and they’ve got it in shedloads. Their live shows are just as raucous as ever and the music we know and love from them isn’t a far flung cry from how it originally sounded.
FOR FANS OF: LITTLE COMETS/ NOAH & THE WHALE/ HUDSON TAYLOR
Noisy Brighton duo
ROYAL BLOOD
For only a 2-piece band, Royal Blood sure make a lot of noise, not just any old noise though, they are producing some of the most popular music in the current charts. Having only formed in 2013, the boys are definitely on a roll with a support slot for the Foo Fighters recently announced. With scuffy riffs and blustering energy, this Brighton based duo create blues-rock with tonnes of volume. FOR FANS OF: CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN/ BAND OF SKULLS
DREADZONE
FEB 27 | PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS Britain’s best dub band
Dreadzone are one of Britain’s top reggae and dub acts. Since being formed in 1993, Dreadzone have released 9 studio albums, and 2 live albums. Even after 20 years their music still holds lyrical genius MCing, smooth reggae vocals and electronic beats, which ultimately give their live shows an electric, upbeat atmosphere.
MAR 07 | PHOENIX, EXETER FOR FANS OF: ZION TRAIN/ DUB PISTOLS/ LEVELLERS The flamboyant soulful romantic PALOMA FAITH With her theatrical, eccentric image and soulful vocals, Paloma Faith has taken the world by storm. After playing many festivals over the last year and receiving 3 BRIT award nominations she is now touring the UK on her first full headline arena tour. The flamboyant and multi-talented singer/songwriter really knows how to wow the crowd with her live performances.
FOR FANS OF: FLORENCE & THE MACHINE/ MARINA & THE DIAMONDS
COLLISIONS
OCT 20 | TALKING HEADS Industrial breakdowns
Bursting onto the Rock scene in 2011, English electronic metal band Collisions are fast, heavy and in your face. With the high energy band members creating a blend of fast paced synthesisers and heavy rock riffs, their performances is one you don’t want to miss out on. On this tour they’re bringing team mates RSJ, Cypher 16 and Seething Akira out with them - now it’s a party!
APR 06 | TIKI, PLYMOUTH
DEVON MUSIC | DECEMBER 2014
FOR FANS OF: SKINDRED/ LAMB OF GOD/ MACHINE HEAD
previews
ones to watch
that when most of these projects came to an end, we found the opportunity to jam and write together, forming an early version of what would become The Fallen State.
The Fallen State was raised in the Autumn of 2013, when five young Devonshire men with a mutual love for powerful, anthemic and beautifully executed rock, found themselves in a room together. For these guys togetherness isn’t just a dream but a reality. Individually, they’ve graced stages with the likes of Alter Bridge, Heaven’s Basement and Clutch. They live for the live show, with their stylish take on the musical legacy of both sides of the Atlantic.
What have you got planned for 2015? 2015 for us is about gaining more exposure. We are looking to get out and play across the UK again and hopefully we can have the opportunity to play with well-known acts in larger venues. We will be releasing a video in early 2015 and the plan is to have another EP released around Easter time.
You released your 2nd EP in the summer, and you’ve got a 3rd one coming out soon – why did you decide to release your music in this form? We felt that by releasing EP’s often it would allow a constant stream of music to be delivered to our fan base. Rather than going out and recording a full length CD (which may not even have been released yet) we could deliver 3-4 EPs of new material a year. This format should Musically, The Fallen State combine the exuberant, smooth and hopefully give people something to be excited about every 3-4 soulful voice of frontman Ben Stenning with a harmonic wall of warm, contemporary rock guitars. Add the artfully emotive phrasing months. of lead six-stringer Jon Price - not to mention a grooving, ruthless What do you think are the hardest challenges facing up and coming rhythm section - and there can only be one outcome… infectious, bands trying to break into the industry? body-rocking songs that’ll leave crowds hungry for more. It’s the age old example of being able to gain the right exposure. There are so many great up and coming bands crying out to be given In only a few short months, they have developed a stunning the right opportunities to get their music out there on a mass scale. reputation for selling out shows with their modern, incisive and Something for the future may be the big acts actively looking to take inspiring performances. Ally this to the fact they’ve released 3 EPs out up and coming bands on the road with them – a different band this year (EP3 comes out on the 19th of this month) - and 2014 is in each city maybe? Think of the amount of new music we would all shaping up to be a ground-breaking year. It seems The Fallen State is get to hear! rising… and they’re ready to deliver their hi-octane, groove-ridden, rock n’ roll triumph to a venue near you. So we caught up with them If you could play any festival, which would it be? recently to find out a little bit more… Without a doubt it would Download Festival. For us, Donington is the mecca for heavy rock bands. How did you choose your band name? Our guitar player Dan, suggested the name and we really felt that it represented where certain areas of our lives were at during that particular time. It just seemed to fit.
Tell us about your favourite The Fallen State song… This is tough but for us ‘Burn it to the Ground’ would be the song we worked hardest to develop with, in our opinion, the best results. It has all of the elements that define what The Fallen State is all about.
Who are some of your biggest influences? First and foremost, we are music fans. We like to get out to major rock shows at every available opportunity and this is where we gain most of our influences. In the past year we have been to see bands such as Alter Bridge, Papa Roach, Young Guns, Black Stone Cherry, Slash and many more!
Why should we come check out your live show? Our live shows are energetic and fun. We spent a long time perfecting our set. Our live shows are all about the audience having a good time and being able to rock out to heavy groovy riffs and sing along to catchy choruses.
What made you first pick up an instrument? It would have to be from being lucky enough to have the opportunity of seeing some legendary bands live and thinking “wow, I have to do that too”. How did you all get together as a band? We have all been friends for years, playing the local and in some cases national scene together in separate bands. It just so happened
Devon MUSIC |DECEMBER 2014
Words: Zan Lawther
Catch fallen state live: Friday 19 December @ The Golden Lion, Devon 30 January 2015 @ The Junction, Plymouth www.facebook.com/thefallenstate
THE FALLEN STATE
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