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Wednesday, 24 February 2016

Interview: Randy Kastner (RK Metal Promotions) - NYDM 2016 Milwaukee Spring Bash

Interview: Randy Kastner (RK Metal Promotions)

NYDM 2016 Milwaukee Spring Bash

Conducted by: Lady Kat Chaos

February 6, 2016

Hail Randy, thank you for giving us this opportunity to conduct this interview with you. How are you feeling these days? Would you like to give us a brief introduction to yourself and how your idea came about for your NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash?

Randy Kastner : HELLO TO YOU AND THANKS FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY, I AM FEELING FINE AS USUAL, I'M A 7 YEAR MEMBER AND MIDWEST REGIONAL PRESIDENT FOR THE NYDM MUSIC CLUB AND A 30+ YEAR FAN OF HEAVY METAL MUSIC ... THE IDEA FOR SPRING BASH STARTED ON A SUNDAY WHILE I WAS WORKING A 12 HOUR DAY ... I WANTED THE 1 MAN BAND SIKFUK TO PLAY MILWAUKEE BUT I AD NO IDEA HOW I WAS GOING TO GET $150 TO PAY HIM TO COME FROM MINNEAPOLIS SO I DECIDED TO PUT A BUNCH OF BANDS ON THE BILL AND HOPE FOR THE BEST.

Second, tell us a little about how you first got interested in promoting, booking shows, and creating fest?

Randy Kastner : EASY ANSWER, I WAS ALWAYS SEEING THE SAME BANDS EACH WEEK AT SHOWS SO I DECIDED TO CHANGE IT UP AND TRY TO GET SOME DIFFERENT BANDS IN THE MIX.

You did take a break for a while for personal reasons. Was it hard to get back into it?

Randy Kastner: I NEVER REALLY TOOK A HUGE BREAK DURING MY BATTLE WITH KIDNEY DISEASE (DIALYSIS AND TRANSPLANT IN 2013) IT WAS EASY TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

I’ve heard you grew up listening to Kiss, what is your favorite album? Who are some of your favorite bands you enjoy from the old school metal scene and new breeder bands that have grab your attention lately?

Randy Kastner: KISS - LOVE GUN, DYNASTY

OLD BANDS IN MY SCENE INCLUDE: BLACKLIST, DR SHRINKER, REALM, ACROPHET

NEW BANDS IN MY SCENE INCLUDE: KHAZADUM, GRAVE REMAINS, PIGS BLOOD

Do you feel there is unity between the bands local Milwaukee Death Metal scene?

Randy Kastner: FOR THE MOST PART YES

What are the biggest mistakes you see some bands making when it comes to booking shows? How often are you booking shows these days?

Randy Kastner: MISTAKES THAT LOCALS MAKE ARE PLAYING WAY TOO MUCH AND NOT PROMOTING THEMSELVES

IN 2016 I AM TRYING TO BOOK MAYBE 1 SHOW PER MONTH IN THE PAST I'VE HAD TOO MUCH GOING ON ...

Many old shoolers tend to get irate about ‘pay to play’, what are your thoughts on this matter?

Randy Kastner: IT'S BULLSHIT

What were some of your majestic goals at being and what are some of your goals you have set for this year’s NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash 2016?

Randy Kastner: 2016 I HOPE TO BREAK EVEN IF THAT IS MAJESTIC LOL

Since the establishment of NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash, the festival has been growing over the years. Has it ever occurred to you back then that it would become one of the leading metal festivals in the USA?

Randy Kastner: I DIDNT EXPECT IT TO GROW TO ANYTHING BUT I AM HAPPY IT HAS GROWN TO WHAT IT IS ... PEOPLE WHO HAVE ATTENDED HAVE LOVED IT BUT IT STILL DOESN'T GET MUCH RESPECT IT HAS EARNED IN MY OPINION SINCE IT IS IN A SMALLER CITY AND NOT IN A HUGE PLACE LIKE NY, CHICAGO OR LA ...

You have been booking many shows throughout the years which show(S) would you consider surreal that you have brought some of these bands to the masses?

Randy Kastner: METAL CHURCH IN 2014 AND VOIVOD IN 3 WEEKS (FEBRUARY 25TH)

Do you ever get frustrated when there is last minute cancellations by bands, and what was the worst excuse you were ever given?

Randy Kastner: IT HASN'T HAPPENED TO ME VERY OFTEN

Though the history of the NYDM 2016 Milwaukee Spring Bash, you book well in advanced, do you feel that other local promoters very competitive and try to stomp on your boots to bring a bigger tour during the same time you are having your NYDM 2016 Milwaukee Spring Bash?

Randy Kastner: THE LOCAL PROMOTERS GIVE ME RESPECT AND GENERALLY AVOID BOOKING OTHER THINGS THAT WEEKEND UNFORTUNATELY THE BIG VENUE IN TOWN HAS BOOKED OVER ME THE LAST 3 YEARS WITH A HUGE TOURS .

What other major difficulties have you faced? Has the communication improved between all the promoters or has it become worse?

Randy Kastner: MY BIGGEST DIFFICULTY IS GETTING BANDS BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY FESTIVALS IN THE REGION ALL YEAR AND I TRY LIKE HELL NOT TO COPY ANYONE'S LINEUP WITH THE SAME BANDS AS I FEEL IT CAN HURT EVERYONE'S DRAWS AND DOESNT MAKE FINANCIAL SENSE WITH BIGGER BANDS, ONLY DIFFICULTIES I REALLY HAVE IS MONEY LIKE ANYONE ELSE WOULD.

According to you, what are the most important yet bitter lessons that metalheads who are a part of the scene need to learn?

Randy Kastner: METALHEADS IN GENERAL NEED TO LEARN RESPECT AND HOW MUCH EFFORT IT TAKES FOR PROMOTER, BANDS AND VENUE OWNERS TO PULL GOOD STUFF OFF.

What connections do you have to extreme music other than booking the NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash and what should we expect from you in the future?

Randy Kastner: I'M NOT SURE YET AS TO WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ME PAST JUNE OF THIS YEAR SINCE I HAVEN'T BOOKED ANYTHING ELSE PAST THAT POINT YET.

As a fan of metal yourself, do you like to travel a lot to see shows?

Randy Kastner: I ATTEND A FEW FEST AND MULTIPLE SHOWS EVERY YEAR IT JUST ALL DEPENDS ON TIME AND IF I HAVE MONEY.

The level of detail of planning that goes into NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash implies to me that you are passionate about extreme music. How many months do you spend on putting NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash together?

Randy Kastner: PLANNING OF SPRING BASH IS EXACTLY 1 YEAR IN ADVANCE.

Sometimes you can feel a lot of pressure on headliner expenses… Has any band tried to get greedy to perform for NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash?

Randy Kastner: IF A BAND IS SUPER GREEDY OR EXPENSIVE I JUST DONT BOOK THEM WHICH CAN HELP OR HURT THE EVENT BUT LUCKILY FOR ME 99% OF THE BANDS HAVE BEEN COOL TO WORK WITH SO FOR THAT IVE BEEN LUCKY.

Are you ever under pressure to keep the package at a certain price for the fans?

Randy Kastner: YES I CANNOT LET THE EVENT COST TOO MUCH FOR TICKETS OR ELSE THEY LIKELY WILL NOT COME SO THERE IS PRESSURE THERE AND THERE IS ALSO PRESSURE IN THE FACT THAT I PUT ALOT OF MY OWN MONEY UPFRONT IN ADVANCE AND HOPE I GET IT BACK WHEN IT'S ALL DONE.

NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash 2016, will be featuring Acheron, Seax, The Cold Beyond, Bloodgeon, Acanthostega , Heretic, Hexx, Ruthless, Savage Master, Cognitive, Resistance, Wehrmacht, Black Death Resurrected, Destructor. October 31, Bones, Coven 13, and Withering Soul, how has the response been for this year’s line up?

Randy Kastner: THE RESPONSE FOR THE 2016 EVENT HAS BEEN LUKEWARM AT BEST AND AS USUAL SELLING PRESALE TICKETS IS SLOW ... THE EVENT USUALLY HAS A GOOD WALKUP SO THINGS USUALLY WORK THEMSELVES OUT ...

Can you tell us how these amazing line-ups came to be and your process for determining which bands will make in on each year? Can you explain how the process has developed over the years?

Randy Kastner: I MAKE A WISH LIST AND GO FROM THERE SOMETIMES I GET THE BANDS AND UNFORTUNATELY SOMETIMES I DONT SO I GO DOWN MY WISHLIST OF POSSIBILITIES AND BUDGET.

How do you determine set orders? Do you ever have any complications making all the bands content with their set times, stage assignment, and performance day?

Randy Kastner: SOMETIMES A BAND OR TWO MIGHT NOT LIKE THEIR SLOT SO THEY EITHER HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT OR DONT PLAY AS I HAVE NO PATIENCE FOR DIVAS ... I FEEL IVE DONE OK WITH THE ORDER OF THE LINEUPS IN MOST CASES ...

Being a fan of extreme metal, have you managed to get any of your forefathers to performing NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash?

Randy Kastner: YES, POSSESSED, WHIPLASH, ARTILLERY, IMPALER, BLOODFEAST, DECEASED, VIKING AND TON MORE ...

When it comes to band selection for the festival, what are the main requirements? We are curious especially for the unsigned band, besides being unsigned, what are the other requirements to be apart?

Randy Kastner: I DONT WORRY IF A BAND IS SIGNED OR NOT IF I LIKE THEIR MUSIC, CAN AFFORD THEM OR THE FIT HOW THE LINEUP IS BUILT THEY CAN PLAY IF OFFERED A SLOT.

The amount of effort put over the interaction and maintenance of transparency between the average fan and the core team workers. How difficult is it to find the right people for the job and be assured of their commitment to the NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash?

I AM LUCKY TO HAVE A GOOD CREW OF PEOPLE WHO GIVE OF THEIR TIME TO HELP OUT WHERE NEEDED ...

What are the three toughest tasks that you have to deal with before, during and after the festival?

Randy Kastner: ORGANIZATION, PROMOTION AND MONEY

What would you say have been some of the most rewarding aspects of putting on this festival each year?

Randy Kastner: SEEING THE FANS HAPPY

Even during your busy schedule during the NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash, do you take time off from your work to talk to fans and even enjoy some performances as a part of the crowd? What drives you to do that?

Randy Kastner: I WORK THE WHOLE EVENT MINUS MAYBE 1 BANDS SET EACH TIME SO I NEVER GET TO REALLY ENJOY THE YEAR LONG EFFORT OR EXPERIENCE ... AS FAR AS THE FANS WHO ATTEND I TRY TO TALK TO EVERYONE AND THANK THEM FOR THEIR SUPPORT BUT IT'S OFTEN VERY DIFFICULT TO TALK FOR MORE THAN A FEW SECONDS ...

You have seen generations of metal fans attend the festival. What do you find are the key organizational elements of the NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash that keep fans coming back year after year?

Randy Kastner: GREAT VENUE AND VIBE.

When will you start working your 6th Annual Toys for Tots this year?

Randy Kastner: STARTED THAT AT THE LAST ONE THIS PAST NOVEMBERS EVENT ...WE ARE LOOKING AT NOVEMBER 26TH THIS YEAR AND 1/2 THE BANDS HAVE VERBALLY AGREED TO PLAY.

Thank you for taking out time to talk to us. We wish you guys all the best with your future endeavors with NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash. Any parting words to all dedication and devotion headbangers out there before I kick you out of our metal throne?

Randy Kastner: WE THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER ATTENDED ANY OF THE PAST SPRING BASH EVENTS AND WE HOPE TO SEE SOME NEW FACES THIS YEAR AND BEYOND ... I APPRECIATE YOU GIVING ME THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS.

For More Information:

NYDM 2016 Milwaukee Spring Bash

Sites: https://www.facebook.com/NYDM-Spring-Bash-436960463052193

RK Metal Promotions

Sites: https://www.facebook.com/RKMetalPromotions

Monday, 23 June 2014

Editorial: Struggles to Get Support Going! by Colleen Maloney (Knight) Co-owner

Hello, Dollfaces,

Let me first answer the question you’re probably asking as yourself why are some old schooler coming back to do a fanzine and if you’re one of those old schooler individuals you would understand how you need to take a break to raise your family, work a real job and yet rock and metal has never left my mind and I just supported it in other ways as best as I could.

Many hours that I've put into helping bands by promoting them as much as possible even if its not my style of music that I enjoy but will check it out and give support because supporting is what its all about. It becomes discouraging with all the promoting that I have done and out of 5,000 only a handful would even pay attention, maybe a comment here and there and barely any interactions when I was on Obscure Chaos Zine pages.

Bands are always looking for that free promotion, free information and not saying a word or given anyone else the support back and barely even a simple thank you for what we do besides the handful of 40 at most. If is wasn't for them I would have turned my towel in because of the lack of support given. There is an old saying, "ME, MYSELF AND I" is what the rock, metal, hardcore and punk scenes have become over the past few years and not caring about helping out others and bringing what as once called, "support."

Although, I haven't been very active because I've been dealing with the death of my own sister and six month later my own mother. We've always been very close and its been taken a huge toll on my own life besides myself dealing with the healing of my neck surgery and maybe needed another one soon. I still think about all the promotions our founder, Lady Kat Chaos has been doing and yet it still remains the same with the handful of individuals supporting others besides themselves. I wonder how many sit back read our page and take notes for themselves to gain more for them and not helping out others in the long run. Pretty sad if you think about it.

Hence, we do all the promotions we can for free because we have a heart and trying to bring back the support to the scenes. Half the time most don't even notice we have promoted an upcoming show of theirs, one of the their songs or their band page and yet gets us in a chat saying can you promote us please, hence we have an hour ago or maybe yesterday.

What makes us continue the love we have for the music we care about and although, most of it has been Lady Kat Chaos doing all the promoting for all on our facebook pages and our staff have been writing some really great reviews on releases and zines and each one is doing the best they can too. If it wasn't for the founder, amazing staff and those few who truly give us support I personally would say I would have left for good and yet it would have broken my heart even more.

So, now its time for all to bring that support between everyone.

Much love & respect ,
Colleen Maloney (Knight)
Co-owner

Fest: Signature Riff‎ presents: MARTYRDOOM FESTIVAL (NYC), JUNE 27th- JULY 1st 2014

Gig: Dying Eyes Of Sloth Coming to Boston MA, June 29th with Untombed

Friday, 30 May 2014

Album Review: PRAYER OF THE DYING - God’s Failed Creation

Band: PRAYER OF THE DYING
Title: God’s Failed Creation
Nekrogoat Heresy
War Flagellation Productions
PRAYER OF THE DYING

Reviewed by: Dave Wolff
May 2014

Musician/songwriter Martin Ciappara has helmed this Malta based solo project since 2006, and this latest outing shows him coming into his own when it comes to being a unique voice within black metal. Since 2007 Ciappara has released four full lengths with a demo and EP besides making several split appearances with Thy Legion (from Malta), Sarratum (from Turkey), Firth Of Damnation (from Tennessee, USA) and others. For someone who has independently sustained his effort for this long, you can’t help but admire Ciappara’s persistence. Especially when he has operated within a genre (the black metal revival) established as cutting edge longer than two decades ago, and since spread to each corner of the globe on an underground/cult level. On this new release he continues the dissonant rawness and horrid vocals that bands in the deepest puts are known for, while experimenting with different sounds and atmospheres to create something closer to operatic. Even melodic chants and female vocals provide occasional backdrop. These elements complement one another well, opening doors for further experimentation and creativity in the near future.

Thursday, 29 May 2014

Album Reviews: SHALLOWPOINT - Infringement

SHALLOWPOINT - Infringement
80 Decibel Records
SHALLOWPOINT
Reviewed by: Dave Wolff
May 2014

Shallowpoint should be equally familiar to the metal scene in Knoxville, Tennessee, listeners of Deviants Underground Radio and readers of Autoeroticasphyxium zine, from the exposure they have received since forming a few years back. The band’s debut full length consists of songs that have been part of their repertoire from the beginning alongside newer compositions. This recording demonstrates how they have weathered lineup changes and assorted drama to emerge a tighter unit, and done the same through experience at performing and a genuine enthusiasm for writing, recording and bringing their songs to Tennessee and beyond. The band’s formula of post-thrash flavored with Southern rock combined with the painfully honest lyrical delivery is evolving into a style all their own that is already standing out from the contemporary metal industry that partly inspired it. In addition to this nine track full length Shallowpoint have independently produced videos, their own merchandise and a steadfast following to speak for. If you’re just hearing of them refer to the address above to be schooled on anything you need to know about them.

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Album Review: SWIRL self-titled

SWIRL self-titled
(Independent)
SWIRL
Reviewed by: Dave Wolff
Date: May 2014

Swirl continues in the tradition of such bands as Fishbone, 24-7 Spyz and Rebels Without Applause in refining and developing the musical crossover established by Bad Brains in the 70s and 80s. What’s most worth noting is how said crossover is still as fresh and inventive as it has been the bands mentioned above began releasing albums. This full length is the follow-up to their debut recording Out Of Nowhere, and is completely self-produced so what you hear emerges from their own creative control. The seven tracks here display a mainstream edge production-wise while retaining their own approach with an uncompromising sense that is a welcome release from most of the mainstream fare we’ve experienced for the last decade. This attitude is reflected in the lyrics of every song, which are geared toward taking musical inventiveness back from the corporations and back into the hands of the musicians. This might seem like a major feat these days but the band is fully determined to accomplish this. In order to experience this firsthand you can sample these tracks and a handful of live videos on the band’s Facebook profile.

Monday, 26 May 2014

Album Review: THE BEYOND - Decaying Death

THE BEYOND - Decaying Death
(Independent)
THE BEYOND
Reviewed by: Dave Wolff
Date: May 2014

The Beyond is a band from Italy formed of ex-members of Deformed Agony in 2011. While I haven’t heard anything from the previous band comprised of the musicians now comprising The Beyond, this band sounds significantly influenced by Morbid Angel. This influence includes the raw quality of such Morbid releases as Covenant and Blessed Are The Sick; The Beyond likewise cite Carcass, Obituary and Gorguts as having inspired them. I imagine I even heard some Sepultura in there though I’m uncertain the band would cite them as among their influences. This four song EP which has been around since April 2013 shows enough energy to deliver its tracks convincingly and determination on the band’s part to be heard. For a debut release their aforementioned influences are prominent throughout these four songs (the title track, “Crime And Punishment,” “Tortured Till Redemption” and “Mass Lobotomy”); however the musicianship is tight and precise (especially in the drums), which is a decent balance with the raw production, and there is potential for the band to expand and grow their own terms on future recordings.

Album Review: IMPERIAL SAVAGERY - Imperial Savagery

Band Name: IMPERIAL SAVAGERY
Title: Imperial Savagery
Record Label: Independent
Website: http://imperialsavagery.bandcamp.com
FB: Imperial Savagery

Reviewed by: Dave Wolff
Date: May 2014

Imperial Savagery is brutal death metal in a semi-vein of traditional Morbid Angel, with deeper vocals and briefer time frames. This last aspect of their musicianship makes for a tighter series of progressions jammed into a two to three minute space. This in turn provides a greater sense of having your consciousness assaulted as each progression launches a new offensive immediately on the heels of the last. Almost before you’re aware of what’s happening the next song wastes no time to unravel you all over again. The longest track on the band’s self-titled full length is just under four minutes; the shortest just under two. All this consolidated songwriting will have you checking this album out several times to fully experience the technical aggression, relentless blast and interesting tempo changes they’re capable of. And nothing here is overdone or excessively long so you won’t grow bored with each successive listening session. This album was released independently by the band and is available for streaming and purchase at Bandcamp (see the above address to find it directly). Contact them through their Facebook page for information.

Album Review: V/A The Legion Of TchorT Compilation #13

V/A The Legion Of TchorT Compilation #13
Produced by Nitroatmosfericum Records
The Legion Of TchorT Zine
http://nitroatmosfericum.ru
Reviewed by: Dave Wolff
Date: May 2014

Here is the latest volume of the Legion Of TchorT compilation series, active as ever when it comes to giving underground metal bands exposure to new listeners. Tchort aka Carlos Leo, the editor of Peru’s Legion Of Tchort zine who compiles and distributes this series, has been circulating these compilations for several years. For as long as he’s been doing so I’ve kept up with this series and the zine behind it. I can attest Tchort always delivers the most extreme music that world-spanning underground scenes have to offer. You can imagine the extensive roster of bands he has assisted since his undertaking began. On Volume 13 we have bands originating from the U.S., Spain, Germany, Brazil, Ireland, Italy, Turkey, Singapore, Iran, Sweden, South Korea, all unsigned and all uniquely promising. Another distinction is this volume is available on cassette as well as on compact disc, with the usual impressive packaging and a thorough track listing. You won’t find any mainstream-friendly pleasantries here, only the darkest and most creative music to push the envelope, courtesy of such bands as Anachronaeon, Succubus, Bode Preto, Nathorg, Nocturnal Damnation, Druid Lord, Infernal Executor, Sirannon and many more. The list of bands featured by Leo’s zine is as extensive as that of his comp series. Links to information about the zine is available through his Facebook address offered above.

Album Review: WITH BURNING CONTEMPT - Red Visions

WITH BURNING CONTEMPT - Red Visions
(Independent)
WITH BURNING CONTEMPT

Reviewed by: Dave Wolff
Date: May 2014

With Burning Contempt play a blistering, abrasive and uncompromising style of death-thrash they liken to Venom, Hellhammer, Godflesh and early Entombed. Available as a physical CD and downloadable net files, their four-track EP Red Visions relentlessly takes you back to the late 90s when bands like Witchery were recognizing the roots of extreme metal when 80s thrash was making a comeback. Most of what I heard of this caliber was released on Necropolis and similar labels, and the feeling I remember getting is the same I get from this band today. These songs (Red Visions, Defaced, We Are Nothing and Untrue Weapons) contain the sonic impact of heated sandpaper slowly dragged across your skin, with production sufficiently clean and crisp to allow each of the instruments to make a lasting impression upon your consciousness. Loud, raw and primal, Red Visions is a fitting soundtrack to the underground cult celebration. I/m hoping this band reaches more people as they continue.

Album Review: MERDARAHTA - Breathe Electric

Band Name: MERDARAHTA
Title: Breathe Electric
Record Label: Independent
Website: MERDARAHTA
Reviewed by: Dave Wolff
Date: May 2014

Merdarahta is a two year old project founded by members of the Canadian grind band Fuck The Facts (whom I corresponded with and reviewed extensively when writing my regular column in Long Island’s local Good Times). Also comprising this project is Mike Raynnd of Black Oak Decline. I heard about this release Breathe Electric through Topon Das who I primarily kept in touch with while reviewing F.T.F. As it’s been around fifteen years since then I would guess Merdarahta is heading in an entirely different direction. The seven tracks comprising Breathe Electric are better described as ambient-electronic-drone, possibly with the faintest elements likened to goth and black metal added. But as many of you know, such generalized descriptions only scratch the surface of a band’s full potential, especially when they set out to do something different from their previous efforts. This potential can be recognized here, despite that many of the songs here are brief; that is within the three-to-four minute range. The most ambitious of these tracks (Electric III) reaches all the way to eleven minutes in length, providing nightmarish sonic images of a future in which virtual reality has overtaken all aspects of human life and turned it into something else, something not quite so human. You can envision mental pictures of great generators of energy revered as deities in central sound effects the other instruments and assorted echoes seem written and composed around. As to how the narrative progresses, you need to envision this on your own with your own imagination. Information on downloading and purchasing this release can be found at the above link.

Album Review: LUCY POEMS ~ Tales That Witness Madness

Band Name: LUCY POEMS
Title: Tales That Witness Madness
Record Label: Independent
Website: LUCY POEMS
Reviewed by: Dave Wolff
Date: May 2014

A decade ago was when I first corresponded with Lucy Poems. Back then the Lancaster, Pennsylvania musician was involved with an atmospheric gothic rock project called Savior Sect. I remember Savior Sect appeared in AEA’s review section once or twice. A decade hence and Poems’ travels through the left field have continued without deviation. His current project is an experimental post punk/darkened new wave outfit with an atmosphere similar to his previous effort. The self-released seventeen track demo recording Tales That Witness Madness was compiled and made available in 2013. These songs contain an undeniable city noir theme running throughout, akin to a cross between Samhain and classic David Bowie, heard through dreamlike veils that are only beginning to be lifted. This quality is felt in the varying guitar and keyboard sounds, but especially in the vocals providing a visual narrative to each vision explored as convincing as the lyrics. Prolonged exposure will spellbind you more and more deeply as the demo progresses.

Album Review: INVERTICRUX ~ Malcontent Manifestation Monitoring Program - Reviewed by: Dave Wolff

Band Name: INVERTICRUX
Title: Malcontent Manifestation Monitoring Program
Record Label: Exalted Woe
Website: INVERTICRUX
Reviewed by: Dave Wolff
Date: May 2014

This went underwent an intriguing process of metamorphosis since 2005. They began as the psychobilly/punk act John Hex’s Creepshow, continued as the black/doom band Vintage Flesh, and finally evolved into Inverticrux, which can be described as theatrical operatic psychedelic blackened stoner death thrash from the farthest cosmos. Multiple genre descriptions have surfaced many times by new bands; regardless it’s safe to say you haven’t quire heard the aforementioned influences arranged in the manner in which this band does. Checking out the six tracks of Malcontent Manifestation Monitoring Program for the first time is akin to watching what comes from recalling the most bizarre nightmare you can experience, capturing it on celluloid for all to witness. In simpler terms, think of Celtic Frost on acid and this will present a workable idea of what’s in store once this release gets underway. The myriad of influences the band collected over the years blend in a way that takes extreme metal in directions you might not have suspected possible in “Sin Be Thy Guide,” “On Six Limbs” and “Here Fades All Worldly Pleasures.” There are even samples of music composed in the early twentieth century and some other surprises (especially when it comes to the lead vocals) to add to the bizarre quality of this recording. These are the kind of songs you have to hear several times in order to appreciate their every nuance, and in relative privacy.

Album Review: DIVIDED WE STAND ~Deception

Band Name: DIVIDED WE STAND
Title: Deception
Record Label: Independent
Website: http://www.dwsmusic.com
FB: Divided We Stand

Reviewed by: Dave Wolff
Date: May 2014

Divided We Stand are from the statewide metal community of Tennessee, which has been extensively covered in AEA (other bands include Crome Molly, Shallowpoint and Belfast 6 Pack to name a few). Tennessee bands are unique in that they combine metal and southern rock, each a little differently from the others. The first thing you’ll notice about Divided We Stand’s latest EP is their balance between guitar crunch and harmony with melodic vocals giving them an accessible but not too mainstream friendly edge. The songs the band recorded for Deception take enough unexpected turns to avoid predictability and sustain the freshness Tennessee bands have become noticed for over the last four or so years. “Breath Me In” is a fitting example of the band’s appeal for its relentless yet diverse quality. This is echoed throughout the rest of this recording, particularly “Saboteur” and “Stolen Soul.” The band is making a noteworthy effort to demonstrate how music is “a universal language” as they view it, and the range of influences they display here goes a long way toward accomplishing this. A band to watch for in the near future.

Sunday, 25 May 2014

Album Review: Inverticrux - Malcontent Manifestation Monitoring Program - Reviewed by: Geoff McGraw

Band Name: Inverticrux
Title:
Malcontent Manifestation Monitoring Program
Date of Release: 2014
Record Label: Exalted Woe
Genre: Horror Metal
Album Review Format: Digital
Website: Inverticrux
Reviewed by: Geoff McGraw
May 2014

Track listings:
1.Sin By Thy Guide
2. On Six Limbs
3. Malcontent Manisfestation
4. Lorreta's Lost Leg
5. Here Faes All Wordly Pleasures
6. Attack Of The Scarecrow Clowns From Planet Spider

Imagine if you will...... The night deepens the moon rises, a cloud drifts over that pale circle in the sky, and on the hill just over the rise you see the mishapen forms..perhaps a hunchbacked grave robber slinging dirt from a spade while the love child of the Phantom of the Opera, a Banshee and King Diamond urges him on to greater and greater acts of defilement......... Yep.... you got it..... that's what Inverticrux sounds like.

Inverticrux mixes many genres of metal together, so really you could call it black death doom metal. The music itself is ponderously heavy, moving as though the mummy was trying to slog through quicksand with his usual stuttering gait. Not afraid of off kilter arrangements and minor keys the band provides these in abundance. Vocally it can only be described as theatrics....immensely theatrics, the many different styles here are layered in multitracks and can only be described as above in my 1st paragraph.

Production values here I assume were intended to generate the feel of a live show, it has the feel of a great empty opera hall, with a lot of reverb and echo. So much of the definition of the individual instruments is lost, however it must be said that for this band it works, it simply increases the creepy feel. I was disappointed in one thing production wise, the samples the band uses tend to cut abruptly, leaving a gap between the sample and the song, a better blend here would heighten the mood.

Those listeners who like their music undeniably creepy, and who will give something a chance despite that first "what the hell is this", may find "Malcontent Manifestation Monitoring Program" an experience of unusual proportions. I say experience because although it is "music" it's not about the music, much as going to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show is not about the movie. I have to believe that this band must excel at live performance, the aural portion lends itself perfectly to a dark vaudevillian horror!

6 of 10 horns

Album Review: Insania Stockholm ~ World Of Ice

Band Name: Insania Stockholm
Title: World Of Ice
Date of Release: January 2013
Record Label: No Fashion Records
Genre: Power Metal
Website: http://www.insania.se/
FB: Insania Stockholm

Reviewed by: Geoff McGraw
Date: May 2014

Track listings: 1. Insaniation 2. Fighting My Tears 3. Fire 4. With Courage And Pride 5. Forever Alone 6. Private Sex Machine 7. Paradisia 8. World Of Ice 9. Forever Is A Long Time 10. Furious Seas 11. Carried By Wings

Insania Stockholm is power metal from Sweden. The "Stockholm" is there to help you differentiate from the 7 other bands across the world named Insania. This is their 1999 EP release, they've had 5 releases since, and the band is preparing for a 2014 release.

Filled to the brim with keyboards, virtuosic guitar playing, and clean soaring vocals it would be absolutely impossible to classify Insania Stockholm as anything but power metal, featuring both guitar and keyboard solo breaks as well as choral backups. They claim amongst their influences such acts as Helloween, and Blind Guardian, and there are definitely hints of those within "World Of Ice" 11 tracks.

Insania Stockholm trades on nearly every single power metal cliche there is, and somehow this album falls short. The passion and power that is power metals trademark seems just never to surface during the 54 minutes and 35 seconds of the album. The one cliche that the band seems not to touch very often is fantasy. Instead of dragons, powerful warriors, battle and booty there was enough cheese and sweetness to give Joey Tempest a toothache. Vocalist David Henrickson has a beautiful voice, but it remains relatively constant across the entire album. he takes no risks with his performance, there are no moments that send chills down your spine or stand out and make your ears perk up.

I cannot say that it is a bad album...but neither does it do the one thing that power metal is supposed to do without fail....INSPIRE. Power metal is supposed to make you feel powerful, victorious and dream of powerful foes vanquished. Instead it came off as a fairly mediocre entry into the genre. I would hope that the bands followup releases were more intense and passionate. "World Of Ice" left me cold.

5 of 10 horns

Album Review: Reign ~ Now And Forever

Band Name: Reign
Title: Now And Forever
Date of Release: 2014 re-release
Record Label: Divebomb Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
Album Review Format: CD
Website: http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Reign/53319#band_tab_discography
Reviewed by: Geoff McGraw
Date: May 2014

Track listings: 1. Can't Take Anymore 2. S.O.S(Season Of Sorrow) 3. Nice Guy 4. Running Out Of Time 5. Can't Set You Free 6. Best Served Cold 7. Crime & Punishment 8. Fistfull Of Dollars 9. Now And Forever 10. The Last Walk 11. We Walk Alone

If you like Iron Maiden, Metal Church or Armored Saint, or perhaps you worship at the altar of Savatage, Riot or Omen....Then you're going to like this album.
Reign was a short lived band, fighting against the mid 90's deluge of nu metal and grunge which overwhelmed and destroyed so many groups, whose prowess outstripped their contemporaries. Originally self released with poor production values, Divebomb records has rescued this little gem and given it new life in their bootcamp series with fantastic remastering and new artwork.
Simply filled to the brim with dual guitar harmonies, shredding leads, sweet thumping bass, pounding drums and soaring powerful vocals Reign is more than a name it's a statement of intent. With a tip of the hat to the grim reaper himself, a nod to a dark future, and an eye out for a bit of revenge "Now And Forever" has content for every metal fan.
This album is absolutely worth the time to track down, and listen to. For those of us who has been in the metal scene long enough it's a trip down the emotional memory lane of the days when long hair and denim ruled (or should I say reigned). For those who weren't there during the glory days it's a chance to hear what it all was really about. This a band who in 1996 came about 10 years too late to get a fair shake, so it's gratifying to see this album get a 2nd chance.
8 of 10 horns

Album Review: Tidal Arms - Tidal Arms

Band Name: TIDAL ARMS
Title: Tidal Arms
Record Label: Independent
Website: http://tidalarmsmusic.bandcamp.com
FB: Tidal Arms
Reviewed by: Dave Wolff
Date Reviewed: May 2014

Since their inception this Brooklyn-based experimental doom/stoner rock band has released two full lengths, The Sun Exploding and this one. For my introductory listening experience, their self-titled effort is an impressive slab of post-apocalyptic sludge with many somber moments and psychedelic guitar progressions adding to the overall bleakness. Even more admirable is that the band cared to release this on vinyl besides previewing it for purchase at Bandcamp. Tidal Arms consolidate their ideas into songs usually lasting from two to five minutes (the longest track here is over seven minutes) so there are many different themes of desolation and rebirth in each track, and these compositions don’t become too over-long and tedious as doom metal sometimes tends to become. The moods they bring into their music are pretty much in your face as opposed to utilizing subtlety but there is something about their formula that makes you want to listen to this more than once. Both their full lengths are available for preview at the Bandcamp address above.

Thursday, 15 May 2014

Album Review: Headbore - Strength In Numbers

Band Name: Headbore
Title: Strength In Numbers
Date of Release: November 2013
Record Label: Self Release/Bandcamp
Album Review Format: Digital Download
Genre: Death Metal
Website: www.facebook.com/headbore
Reviewed by: Geoff McGraw

Track listings: 1. What We Are 2. Enemy 3. Temptress 4. Sacrifice 5. Strength In Numbers 6. Everything is nothing 7. Trenches 8. Pigs 9. Lets Fight 10. Walk Away

Grab your leather and denim, strap on your wallet chain and prepare to windmill the ever living hell out of your neck!

Headbore hails from the land down under, and drops this slab of genuinely great metal on the world with help from the masterful touch of Jens Borgen, who has worked on albums from such artists as Katatonia, Devin Townsed, and Opeth.

Expect no easing into the album with an intro to whet the appetite, Headbore launches into the swing of things immediately, and takes no prisoners. I'm not comfortable with dropping the boys from Adelaide into a strict definition of death metal. Not content to pound out traditional chord based death metal OR modern technical death metal they owe as much to thrash and groove, creating an amazing combination of riffs, licks and interesting rhythms that is certain to please. Moreover Headbore is not afraid to mix some melody in where it's needed, which is a breath of fresh air in a genre often more concerned with brutality over composition. Fear not however, there is no lack of pummeling goodness.

The band obviously has passion for the music they play. The dual guitar attack of Luke Fisher and Chris Ward shreds, but they also include a ton of "feel" to the guitar parts. Dan Sloan on Bass and Adam Day on Drums are not just merely a solid rhythm section, they add to and take the music to the next level. The vocals of Adam Fisher are impressive to say the least, his control is simply amazing and he howls, screams and growls(with a few clean parts) his way through the songs and still manages to do that most of rare things......remain intelligible (at least for those used to this type of vocals).

My favorite tracks here bookend the album. "What We Are" opens the album and "Walk Away" closes it. However there is not a weak track on the album, and the excellent production only makes the album even better. An incredibly tight performance, this is definitely an album which will remain in my rotation for some time to come.

9 out of 10 horns