EPK – Hog Meets Frog – The Urbanizer (You Know Where The Flowers Have Gone) ft. Marco Minnemann (single) (2025)
Publicist – Jon Asher – Jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
For fans of Primus, RHCP, System of a Down, TOOL, Frank Zappa
“And the urbanizer opened his arms and said: Let all greenery be erased! So let us be deaf, dumb, and blind on our way to extinction and take away our own biosphere! And if you have doubts as you pave over meadow after meadow, root out forest after forest, and poison river after river while blasting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere like there’s no tomorrow, then raise your head and look up to me in awe – but don’t expect salvation from your fears, for I am your creation: the urbanizer.” - Hog Meets Frog
Band: Hog Meets Frog
Single Title: Urbanizer (You Know Where The Flowers Have Gone) ft. Marco Minnemann
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Label: Echotunes
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Sales Links: Hogmeetsfrog.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music
“We have featured on the tune ‘The Urbanizer’ drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani), which is a great honour for us. A mutual friend brought us together – thanks, Alan!! The song’s main riff was written many years ago, and a few years later, the first four verses and thus the character of the urbanizer emerged. Over the years, however, it has become clear that society isn’t getting to grips with the issue; rather, the effects of human actions, which have been driving global warming for decades, are actually increasing in a lot of areas. Why? Well, some deny ecological changes out of fear, some out of greed, and still others just to show that they’re ‘against the system’ – whatever that means. Precisely because of the subject matter, the song is one of those that even we couldn’t make into a particularly funny song… but, hey! Let’s just say that HOG MEETS FROG also has a dark side.” – Hog Meets Frog
Hog Meets Frog – The Urbanizer Greening Tour 2025
July 26 – Schwarzach, Austria – Tauerngold Festival
July 30 – Ottawa, ON – Avant-Garde Bar
Aug 1 – Toronto, ON – The Rockpile
Aug 3 – Drumheller, AB – Loud As Hell Open Air Festival w/ REVOCATION, FIRST FRAGMENT, FILTH, INSURRECTION, GORGATRON, OPAL IN SKY and more!
Aug 6 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar
Sept 6 – Schwaz, Austria – Woodlight Festival
[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]
Band: Hog Meets Frog
Single Title: Urbanizer (You Know Where The Flowers Have Gone) ft. Marco Minnemann
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Label: Echotunes
Single Credits:
• song performed by: HOG MEETS FROG feat. MARCO MINNEMANN
• All songs written by: HOG MEETS FROG
• Produced by: Lukas Wiltschko (LW Sonics), PETZ
• Mixed by: Lukas Wiltschko (LW Sonics)
• Mastered by: Lukas Wiltschko (LW Sonics)
• Album Artwork by: Attila Zolt Tornyi (LaMañana)
Single Band Line Up:
Marco Minnemann – Drums
Markus Bratusa – Guitar
Peter “PETZ” Schwabl – Bass, Vox
Live Band Line Up (for Canada-Tour 2025):
Markus Bratusa – Guitar
Ivo Matoš – Drums
Peter “PETZ” Schwabl – Bass, Vox
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About The Single Artwork:
The artwork comes – how could it be otherwise – from Attila Zolt Tornyi (LaMañana). It is an excerpt from the video for the song and shows the skull and face of the “urbanizer”, who can be seen in the middle of a concrete landscape created by him.
The skull is yellow-orange and could be a symbol for the sun, as the “urbanizer” himself says about himself: “I’m the god of the building industry, I’m the sun of the spoiled sky…”
In this context, it can also be understood as “concrete gold”, a symbol of the fact that more and more is being built by speculators for speculators, but less and less affordable living space is being created for most people. This is also reflected in the oppressively gray, deserted surroundings, in which no one is to be seen apart from the “golden” skull – not a person, but also not a plant.
About the single as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
Lyrically – this time – we take a look at one of the causes of the increasingly extreme climate situation – the urbanization.
The story is told from the perspective of the “urbanizer” and paints a picture of how we humans pave over meadow after meadow, root out forest after forest, and poison river after river while blasting dirt into the atmosphere like there’s no tomorrow. With that, we also want to address the unpleasant social and health-related developments that the lining of nature brings with it.
The arrogance and short-sightedness of this, our behaviour, is described by the words of the urbanizer, who obviously does not realize that in the end, he will ultimately meet his end with the extinction of mankind – just as people do not seem to understand that they cannot live without nature.
Musically, the song begins to make its way rhythmically unconventional – for some, it may simply leave them asking, “WT*!?” but only for a few seconds until their thoughts are stomped out of their heads and into their stomachs by a darkly epic riff that unexpectedly hits them.
Then there comes the awakening of the urbanizer, soft, slow, groovy, and dry, only to find himself shortly thereafter in the alarmist “right in your face lick”. This is repeated once more before the tune takes a turn for the hardcore, punchy, and honest, which makes him slide into a playful but serious solo part. The urbanizer dances through the musical scene once more, this time a little more exhilarated than before until the song finally jumps into what feels like a fast final part – which it probably is.
BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:
1. HOG MEETS FROG play their music in honor of the holy spirit SQUEAUQACK. He created everything with just one fart and then fell into a deep sleep, on the edge of infinity. Maybe one day he will come back and – hand in hand with Kthulu (the misunderstood savior), the flying spaghetti monster, and some characters of the HOG MEETS FROG family – make the world a place of love, peace, and joy.
2. After a show, PETZ was asked by some fans if he wanted to drink liquor or whiskey with them or smoke a joint. PETZ thankfully declined, saying that he doesn’t drink or smoke, whereupon he was asked, “Really? And how do you get ideas like that without alcohol or drugs?”
3. HOG MEETS FROG seems to be funny… but it isn’t.
4. HOG MEETS FROGs music was defined as ‘avant-garde funk’.
Top: | Peter ’PETZ’ Schwabl (bass, storytelling)
Photo Credit Vicky vanSane
Hog Meets Frog is the genre-bending, groove-infused trio that’s been warping minds and melting faces since their sonic leap onto the scene. Hailing from Austria, this power trio blends progressive metal, jazz fusion, funk, and absurdist humor into a sound that’s as technically dazzling as it is wildly unpredictable.
With a reputation for tight musicianship, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and a fearless approach to composition, Hog Meets Frog has carved out a niche that’s equal parts Frank Zappa, Primus, and Meshuggah—yet unmistakably their own.
Their latest single, “Urbanizer”, drops like a wrecking ball into the modern prog landscape. A blistering commentary on city life and digital overload, the track fuses polyrhythmic riffs, slap bass wizardry, and theatrical vocals into a chaotic anthem for the overstimulated. It’s a bold evolution of their sound—more aggressive, more intricate, and more unhinged than ever.
Whether you’re a math-metal disciple or a jazz-funk explorer, Hog Meets Frog invites you to embrace the weird, worship the groove, and get lost in the madness.
Single Band Line Up:
Marco Minnemann – Drums
Markus Bratusa – Guitar
Peter “PETZ” Schwabl – Bass, Vox
Live Band Line Up (for Canada-Tour 2025):
Markus Bratusa – Guitar
Ivo Matoš – Drums
Peter “PETZ” Schwabl – Bass, Vox
2025 – the urbanizer (you know where the flowers have gone) ft. Marco Minnemann – single
2024 – ADOLF the ant (…or am I steve?) – single
2023 – humANIMALization (EP)
2019 – apes don’t smoke cigars – just pipes (single)
2018 – peeping-bear’s exegesis of not peeping (single)
2012 – holy spirit SQUEAQUACK (LP)
2006 – RUN tha FREAKS (multimedia single)
2004 – FREAKY RITES (EP)
2003 – infernal promotion (EP)
What the press has said about 2023 EP – humANIMALization
“The quirkily name Hog Meets Frog are an Australian funk prog metal trio who released their third EP, humANIMALization, in February, and from which the equally odd Of Snakes ‘n’ Moles ‘n’ Bulls ‘n’ Dough, is taken. We’re getting strong Primus vibes here, and the band also admit to a Tool influence.” – Prog (Great new prog music in our Tracks of The Week – April 28, 2023)
“If you are a fan of the jerky, spiky, awkward sounds of Primus you’ll love this. I daresay if you enjoy a bit of early Red Hot Chili Peppers you may also dig this – certain parts of the record do have a sneak peek toward Frank Zappa and The Mothers Of Invention and The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown – not too obviously, but those sly, sideways little looks are there.” – Ever- Metal UK
“‘Does humor belong in music?’ was once a question that the late/great Frank Zappa asked – and Austrian funk-prog metallists apparently agree wholeheartedly, as evidenced within the video for their new tune, “Peeping-Bear’s Exegesis of Not Peeping,” – Bravewords
“Many hard rockers like when it is funky. Then this cool act must not be overlooked! This unit is a tight bunch of players and they have catchy tunes, for sure… Well worth checking out for fans of crazy funky hard rock.” – Melodic.net
“There’s an element of uniqueness to how each of these songs are written, although you can’t deny the clear influence of say the Primus bass lines or Zappa-esc experimentation, yet it is within the niche, thematic storytelling that gives Hog Meets Frog a real musical identity. The way they can tell a story with humour yet allow you to consider the real and often times scary true circumstances behind where these stories originate is what gives this band their staple. Certainly one to look out for in the future, long live Sqeekquackmusic!” – Metal Epidemic
“On their latest EP, this Austrian band presents offbeat funk-metal with semi-spoken vocals that tell absurd stories about weird characters. There are all sorts of slap-happy bass parts you could imagine Les Claypool coming up with, insanely busy and leading the band. That’s Peter Schwabl on the bass, and he handles the “storytelling” vocals as well… HumANIMALization is 23 minutes of big fun” – Exposé Online
“If I had to draw a comparison for this band… it’d be Primus, heavy catchy, quirky and big bass guitar. Great stuff!” – Mosh Pit Radio 89.9 FM (Madison, WI)
“One of the most creative and interesting bands I’ve heard in some time comes in the form of Austria’s Hog Meets Frog. The trio is extremely talented and unique.” – Transcending The Mundane
“They’re from Austria. One of the greatest song titles (Peeping-Bear’s Exegesis of Not Peeping) I’ve ever heard. That’s all you’re getting. Press play and share the adventure” – Metallum Sub Terra
“If you love listening to the whimsical funky excursions of Les Claypool, and wouldn’t mind exploring similar landscapes that also include a bit more of a progressive metal approach and attitude, this EP will just about guarantee you an enjoyable experience.” – Progressor
“If the song titles like Apes don’t smoke cigars, just pipes are very funny, the musical aspects are of very high quality and definitely not “suitable for a headband”. Sure, funk isn’t a run-of-the-mill genre to sing along to, but sophisticated music at the highest level. So to speak, jazz music of the metal species. One can clearly register the inspiration of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Primus and Co. on this record, whereby the songs transport positive energy.” – Rock Magazine
“Overall – As chaotic as claimed, with quirky features, throughout, it’s fair to say that you never know where this is going to go, next. Trippy, outlandish and bizarre, it’s a wacky wonderland, all of its own… ‘HumANIMALIZATION’ can never be accused of being boring or predictable. Spicy and novel, in equal measure, it may appeal more to niche audiences. Hard to summarise easily, it’s a case of suck it and see.” – Rock Queen Reviews
“with all the wild antics they pull off in tracks with titles like snakes ‘n’ moles ‘n’ bulls ‘n’ dough, apes don’t smoke cigars – just pipes and ZIGGY the unpigcorn, it all remains surprisingly easy to follow. Even the lyrics, which are all kind of inverted fables, with humans and the animalistic traits in their personalities. Weird? Absolutely. Wild? Certainly. But never just a gimmick, never a mess, in short, just a damn good album. Does Humor Belong In Music? Zappa once asked. Well, if the music is SQUEAQUACKmusic it is.” – Rock Portaal
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