NYS Music 20​11

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  • The Upstate Metal top 10 music videos of 2011

    Here are the top 10 Upstate Metal music videos for 2011.

    Mastodon – Curl Of The Burl

    This video may just be the best video by any band of any genre this year. As many of you already know, Brann Dailor and Bill Kelliher have ties in the Rochester music scene. I could not compile a list of best video clips without this being number one. Quite simply, Mastodon may be the most influential band in the metal world right now. It is an added bonus that some of these dudes grew up in our back yards.

    Nineball – Stand Up

    Leave it to this Utica based band of greatness to deliver one of the more visually compelling videos in the Upstate music scene this year. Joe Sweet and the gang have plenty to say, and this video is a picture perfect visual aid to the message delivered within this song. This is a great example of what bands should be striving for when making a music video. Neat side note: The great Electric Company venue is featured in the video.

    Sirens and Sailors – Still Breathing (Live at Dubland)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9qaZ6uII6k

    Although this is not an official video from the band, it is of significance within the scene. No one has rose from the ashes this year more than Sirens and Sailors. This Rochester based machine of destruction signed on with Tragic Hero records this year, and has grown into a national touring phenomenon. With the release of their new EP coming next month, you will be hearing a lot more about the band. Stay tuned for a feature in the upcoming weeks.

     Opeth – The Devil’s Orchard

    Welcome to the fresh new sound of Opeth! The song is a huge departure for the band, and the video fits into that same adventurous spirit. I did not want to include many nationals in this category. However, the trippy visuals are so over the top here, that I could not resist.

    Stemm – Left Behind

    Buffalo’s Stemm had a great year in 2011. This hysterical video comes on the heels of the release of their new record, Crossroads. It may be one of the funniest videos I have seen this year on any level. I am thinking much bigger things are coming down the line for these guys.

    Ice Nine Kills – People Under The Stairs

    Ice Nine Kills is a veteran to the scene.  Having released this video in mid 2011, it quickly became a fan favorite. Well known for their incredibly intense stage presence, this video is far from disappointing.  The guys of Ice Nine Kills had an intense year packed with shows, news and a growing fan base, we predict in 2012 these gentlemen will accomplish great things.

    Around The World and Back – Slave

    Albany is one of the few scenes that breeds some of most eclectic bands around.   I find that many of the bands that sprout from the area absorb so many genres, they create a very distinct sound. Around The World and Back is no exception. Having been familiar with a few of the musicians in this band, they come from a very paralleled  music background. Around The World and Back released “Big Beat” earlier this year, and it was very musically satisfying. 2012 will hopefully bring this band about more into the throws of the music scene and industry.

    After the Fall – Cents Less

    After the fall writes great, honest music.  No wardrobe budget, no dressing up, no fake music industry preening bullshit. This is a band that’s in its element best live and the video reflects that.

    Still Rings True – What We Carry Inside

    Based out of Watertown, Still Rings True had a very fruitful year, and are closing it out currently on tour with Rust Belt Lights, and Maker.  Being one of the few pop punk bands still alive and breathing in northern New York, they are sure to get your attention. They have a very interactive stage presence that gets the crowd moving as seen in this video. If you get a chance in 2012, make it out to see these guys.

    Armed With Valor – Can I have some Figgy Pudding, Please?

    Armed with Valor is very attention getting. Abrasive vocals reminiscent of pioneering hardcore bands, paired with sing-song hooks highlighting current trends. Armed with Valor is a fantastic live show. Breaking into the scene only this past March, they kicked in doors releasing a 3 song demo, and hit venues at every chance offered. I can only imagine what 2012 has to offer this band, and I will patiently wait in anticipation as to what Armed with Valor brings to the local scene next.

    Contributors include Christine Palmer, Erik Jensen, and Brian Lawrence

  • Local Limelight: The Nightlife

    Local Limelight: The Nightlife

    When does all of this great music that I was not familiar with, come to an end? The answer seems to be never…as of today! I just listened to The Nightlife latest release, Among Safe Secrets. It is so mature and advanced, that I started questioning how the hell I could have overlooked these gentlemen for such a long time.

    The music is best described as melodic hardcore for a better lack of phrases. However, when one listens to this for the first time, you will see all the tell tale signs of a band raised on Alternative metal FM stations. This is not a knock by any means. The subtle commercialism that shows it’s face within the music they have created, is both exhilarating and timeless. It is also testament to an era that manifests maturity at a rapidity of  post graduate architects.

    The seeds were planted for this greatness close to ten years ago in Albany. The band’s  Facebook page reiterates, “ Forged from handwork and determination, a high school obsession quickly became the only career path, their one reality.”

    That reality and The Nightlife’s unwavering will to succeed has put the band in good company on their journey. The band has played close to 400 shows including great exposure gigs on Warped Tour and at the Bamboozle festival.

    I think that the best quotes I have ever seen about the band are located right on their Facebook page. They are completely to the point, and most fascinating because of their ability to identify their strengths. One such quote reads, “In a world where most strive to fit in, The Nightlife rises above the generic masses.”

    Some may view this as self absorbed arrogance. I do not! Check out the band, they bring the goods! You will quickly realize that the depth of their material is a good reason for the confidence that The Nightlife possesses.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMv7VF2sw5I&w=420&h=315]

    For more information on The Nightlife-
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thenightlife518

    -Erik Jenen

  • JUST A MEMORY releases new video, Leila Dean discusses plans for 2012

    JUST A MEMORY releases new video, Leila Dean discusses plans for 2012

    Just A Memory has gone from just another face playing multi-band gigs around town; to renaming themselves, recreating their presence, and finally recording a professionally produced EP this year. This has seen them be extremely pro-active in the local scene and expanding their reach into other cities as well as states. I applaud them on all of this. Through it all, the band remains grounded and focused. I had a chance to quickly say hello at the recent MIC conference with Leila Dean, and find it not so surprising that Just A Memory was front and center at the workshops offered, soaking it all in. I also see that they are taking off and shifting gears, perhaps using that experience as fuel, as they have taken their act to a new level entirely.

    One of the things that excited me as I continue writing about music is seeing and hearing a local band grow right before my eyes. In the last two years I have watched many bands come, go, come back, and some just disappear. Many had or have a ton of potential. Some realize it and some stay where they are, wheels spinning in the sand. One group of Syracuse-based musicians have grown by working their asses off, always pushing for that next level, and simply creating a road map and following their dreams.

    I just saw their recently completed video for the song ‘Battlefield’ of off the EP and was smiling away as I saw them as potential stars now. So, I tracked them down online to get some insight into what’s up, what’s new, and what’s in the spotlight ahead. Enjoy!

    Dave:  Saw your video that you posted on Facebook, very cool video!

    Leila:  Thanks man!

    Dave:  Who is this? Lol (We are chatting on Google)

    Leila:  Leila, today.  HAHA! I actually handle 99.9% of the band business, so it’s usually me.

    Dave:  Gotcha, how long did it take to make it?

    Leila:  We handled it all in two days; one in the end of summer and one a couple of weeks ago. Probably about 15 hours of shooting total.

    Dave:  Where did you shoot it?

    Just:  At a fantastic historical site out in Utica, Rutger Park Mansions.  I’m actually putting together a mini documentary on it today to post to our site as well.

    Rob’s best friend’s mother is a part of the Landmark’s Society of Greater Utica and got us in there. We did a fundraising event for them last summer and fell in love with the place.

    Dave:  Cool! Are you shopping it around?

    Leila:  The documentary?  Haven’t even thought about it!  That’s a great idea though.

    They could use some attention.  They are in the middle of what is going to be a $1.5 million restoration project on two of the mansions.

    Dave:  How about the song video?

    Leila:  We aren’t sure yet.  We have some really huge news coming in the New Year that will get the video some attention, but I don’t know about shopping it.

    Dave:  Do you mind if I send it to a few people?

    Leila:  Please, by all means!  Share the love!

    Dave:  LOL, record types, hey you never know!

    Leila:  You may just cause a bidding war.  HAHAHA!

    Dave:  You guys have been playing all over, where are some of the places you’ve traveled to and how’s that going? Oh, by the way, yes I am interviewing you now.

    Leila:  Always working, huh?  HAHA!  We’ve been to Atlantic City a few times, Virginia Beach, Worcester, Massachusetts; we’ll be playing a great spot in North Boston and the Legendary Dobbs in Philly next month.  We’re also all over CNY.  It’s going great!  We actually latched on to an opportunity in Niagara Falls last month that is turning out to be a great move on our part, as well.

    Dave:  That’s awesome, and Virginia Beach is a favorite of the Garlow’s. Any plans on a CD in 2012?

    Leila:  Absolutely!  We’ll be releasing more info on that as it unfolds.  Expect a full length in the first part of 2012!

    Dave:  Keep me in the front of the line!

    Leila:  You got it man!

    Dave:  Cool! I appreciate the time and look for this on Upstate Metal!

    Leila:  Fantastic.  You rock!

    Dave:  Peace, beautiful lady! I’ll talk to you again soon!

    Watch their video!
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG-EZqPp30o&w=560&h=315]

    Just A Memory can be found on these sites:

    ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/JustAMemory
    Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JustAMemoryMusic
    Blog: http://justamemorytalks.blogspot.com/
    MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/JustAMemoryMusic

    -David Garlow
    Picture credits-Robyn Stockdale: Graphik Nature Studios

  • Local Limelight: Buffalo’s Come Honor

    Local Limelight: Buffalo’s Come Honor

    Buffalo is the home of many different musical scenes that all share in a blue collar approach to the songwriting process. You can hear it in the lyrics, the sound, and in the way they promote their projects. Come Honor can be added to a long list of names that share this incredible ethics based determination. This mammoth 6 headed post-punk gargantuan is armed with what it takes to make the city proud. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that I am sure they are hading to a much larger listening audience. A fact that was driven home after my numerous listens to their album, Self/Release.

    Self/Release is a six song album that clocks in just under the 15 minute mark. But what a glorious 15 minutes it is! The band is the conglomeration of all kinds of influence. In fact, too many to list. I hear Thrice, I hear Thursday, and at times, I hear R.E.M. in their raw 80’s glory. Comparisons are irrelevant to what they have done here. This sound belongs to them.

    On tracks like Third Time’s The Harm and Right for Your Fight, the band is triumphantly pushed forward by the surging vocal work of Angelo and Ryan C. The tag team lyrical approach is one key component of the success that lies within. Unlike most up and coming bands, harmonies of simultaneous rage and rampant melody works to perfection on these songs. No clutter here! The closing track of the album, Self/Release is a nice sprawling narrative piece that recalls some of the earlier works of Fugazi. Of course a lyrical statement like “It’s hard to trust anyone, when I can not trust myself,” fits into the aggro-natured self analysis of idols past. I find that truly easy to appreciate.

    Things are going well for Come Honor! Expect to hear some more great music in the next year. Also, make an effort to see these guys live. The studio is a nice place for them to sculpt, but the live environment is some place where these guys take it to the next level.

    For more information on Come Honor-
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/comehonor

    -Erik Jensen

  • THE DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT Box Set is now available

    THE DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT “Contain Us” box-set for their epic quadrology ( Ki, Addicted, Deconstruction, and Ghost) is now available for purchase at CM Distro here ! The creator of this special tribute box-set, Man Alive’s Tom Bejgrowicz (who also conceived the classic and must-have Misfits Coffin box-set), has also posted a new stop-motion video of “Contain Us” online. To watch the video and to see inside “Contain Us”, click the link below (**please note that lithograph and vinyl are only part of the limited-edition, deluxe version of this box-set– which is now sold-out**):

    For more details about THE DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT “Contain Us”, read on for the official box-set specs:

    • A 12″ x 12″, 64-page, perfect bound book featuring a charcoal linen

    hardcover with ink-less debossing of the DTP logo on the front and

    applicable titling on the spine.

    • Housed in an uncoated, charcoal linen, hardcover slipcase – presented

    with a photographic portrait of Devin inset on the front and ink-less

    embossing of applicable titling on the spine.

    • Contains the following: the DTP albums: Ki, Addicted , Ghost, and

    Deconstruction plus 2 bonus DVDs and CDs. The DVDs have one

    featuring live performances and all the DTP promotional videos while

    the other has audio commentary for all 4 albums, live audio tracks,

    song stems for remixing and more.  One of the audio CDs features all

    the bonus tracks from the DTP sessions with the other having the DTP

    session demos. Ghost and Deconstruction were both remastered just

    for this set.

    • The 4 DTP albums will be housed within the front cover’s pastedown

    while the 4 unreleased discs will be in the back’s.

    • The interior features acid free, linen-embossed charcoal end papers

    and museum-quality, dull text and cover stock throughout.

    • The center of the book will feature a double gatefold printed on cover

    stock and comprised of the 4 album covers.

    • A clean, crisp, classic-yet-modern design featuring color and B&W

    imagery throughout. Materials include Devin and the band’s personal

    archives, photography from around the world, and any

    Inside Out/Devin-related photoshoots from the period.

    • A permanently attached, purple fabric linen bookmark.

    • This edition is limited to 5000 copies worldwide

    -Erik Jensen

  • GIRL ON FIRE releases tour dates

    Fresh off a string of dates with REV THEORY, GIRL ON FIRE has wasted no time getting their show back on the road.  Starting on January 12th, GIRL ON FIRE will head out with Burn Halo (featuring former members of 18 Visions) and Hell or Highwater (featuring former members of Atreyu) in support of their Hollywood Waste debut EP, Revenge.  “We can’t tell you how happy we are to get back out on the road so soon, and with two amazing bands,” says vocalist Austin Held.  “The tour will be a trip through most western states, so east coast friends hang tight because we will get out to hang with you all soon! For now, please check out the new tour dates on our Facebook page and please don’t forget to check out Burn Halo and Hell or Highwater.  We will see you very soon!”

    Following these dates, the band will head back into the studio to put the finishing touches on their full-length debut which will be hitting stores in Spring of 2012.  A full list of dates can be seen below.

    Tour Dates with BURN HALO and HELL OR HIGHWATER

    1/12 – Tempe, AZ @ 910 Live

    1/13 – Ramona, CA @ Ramona Mainstage

    1/14 – Las Vegas, NV @ Vamp’d Vegas

    1/17 – Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre

    1/18 – Kearney, NE @ The Garage

    1/20 – Sioux City, IA @ The Chesterfield

    1/21 – Omaha, NE @ Louis Bar + Grill

    1/22 – Fargo, ND @ The Nestor Tavern

    1/24 – Tulsa, OK @ The Marquee

    1/28 – El Pase, TX @ Tricky Falls

    For more information on GIRL ON FIRE, please visit:

    www.facebook.com/girlonfiremusic

    www.twitter.com/girlonfiremusic

    www.myspace.com/girlonfiremusic

    www.hollywoodwaste.com

    -Erik Jensen

  • THEY WERE ALL GOLIATHS’ EP is energetic

    THEY WERE ALL GOLIATHS’ EP is energetic

    They Were all Goliaths is an experimental progressive metal band from Bald Knob, Arkansas.  They are a group of friends who strive to make original music that has deep tones and riveting breakdowns.  They draw inspiration from such bands as Born of Osiris, The Plot In You, The Word Alive, The Browning and more.  They are an unsigned band that is not afraid to make music that is different than the usual post hardcore shit you hear now.   With a unique sound and solid riffs this band shows that they can create good music without a label.

    THEY WERE ALL GOLIATHS incorporate keyboard synths along with the usual drum, bass, and guitar sounds.  Their EP is laden with keys and riffs that keep the listener on their toes.  The production is solid with good transitions between songs and vocals that keeps the energy flowing.  I especially like the song, This is Ours to Keep.  This song has many tempo changes and breakdowns that show the bands talent.  I thought the keyboards does add to the band’s sound, but at times sounds out of place.  They Were All Goliaths is definitely a band I would recommend checking out!  They are held down by no one and are not afraid to make creative music!

    Aaron Watson-Vocals/Synth
    Jonathan Mandrell-Guitar
    Gunner Basinger-Guitar/Keys
    Katulsa Wilson-Bass
    Tyler Goetz-Drums

    http://www.facebook.com/TWAGoliaths?sk=app_2405167945

    Rob Born

  • FEATURED BAND: Sadgiqacea (sad-juh-kay-sha)

    FEATURED BAND: Sadgiqacea (sad-juh-kay-sha)

    Being in a power duo can be a tough task when yearning for the addition of constructive and creational depth. The great ones all share some pretty common traits. When listening to bands like The White Stripes, No Age, and The Black Keys; you notice that the ruckus being created sounds much larger than the sum of their parts. In the studio, these bands also tend to raise the bar with unparalleled, and open minded additional accompaniment. Unlike the traditional (hash it out) work ethics of much larger bands, sometimes texture is added from a secondary glance at the original structure of the song. This has allowed these types of bands to continually push the boundaries of what the conventional duo can do.  Enter Sadgiqacea! In my opinion, these guys are poised to add their names to the aforementioned list of heralded songwriters.

    Hailing from Philadelphia, the band is a musical rarity within the world of creative duos.  Sadgiqacea is a progressive sludge based metal machine. Gone are the preconceptions of anything that are simple in nature. These guys write epic numbers that are as equally grand in scope, as the best bands within this scene. Essentially, if you were loading your I-POD’s shuffle mode with bands like Mastodon or Neurosis, Sadgiqacea would fit in quite well. I say this because you would not be able to decipher the fact that this band is not already superstars on a larger national stage. It would also be tough to identify the fact that they are but two in number!

    Being a fan of a crunchy well written prog metal masterpieces, I search for bands like this with reckless abandon. I recently had the opportunity to get my hands on the split EP release of Sadgiqacea and Grass. Both of these bands from Philadelphia share a love for sonic overload, and tight metallic improvisational glory. It is no surprise that Anthropic Records would release these two bands on an EP that would cater to fans of both. Although I like Grass, and the approach of the band’s delivery, I was mesmerized by the two Sadgiqacea tracks on this release. The Great Divide and Avianizer are two of the best tracks I have heard all year.

    Since early 2010, Sadgiqacea have slowly built their empire by playing 70 plus shows. In the next year and a half, the band will up the ante. The band is planning on a national tour this summer, and a full length release in 2013. Also of note is the fact that they will be featured on the Anthropic records compilation release, “Anthrosphere III.” That record will be released in January of 2012.

    Check out this band now!

    For more information on Sadgiqacea-
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sadgiqacea

    -Erik Jensen

  • Local Limelight: Elmira’s Divot

    Local Limelight: Elmira’s Divot

    Golly, I miss the over abundance of melodically great alternative metal bands that used to fill the airwaves. Over the last ten years, most of that scene has morphed into the forsaken ground of emulated mathematics. Often at times, the result is dreadful. When I hear a band like Elmira’s Divot, it gives me hope for the integrity of hook filled 4 minute anthems. Although the undeniable influence of bands like Chevelle, The Deftones, and Trapt are present within the band’s music, it is catapulted jubilantly with an intensity lacking in most modern music.

    Divot is another band that is growing it’s fan base at an accelerated and somewhat exciting pace. The three piece aims to please, and they do it with conviction on their recently released single, Second Opinion. Stunning progressions and rich harmonious balance lead the way on this precursor to their upcoming EP release. The collection of Divot tunes is slated for a January drop date. The band went to California to record the EP with Peter Charell of Trapt fame. If the rest of their record is as good as Second Opinion, we will undoubtedly be seeing great things on the horizon for these guys.

    The sky is the limit here. After only six months of playing together, the band has played with national acts Psychostick and Hawthorne Heights. Divot has also logged an impressive amount of crucial shows under their belts. Check the band out online!

    Cliff Hodson – Vocals/Guitar
    Paul Felix – Bass/Backing Vocals
    Korey Hunsinger – Drums

    For more information on Divot –
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/divotOFFICIAL

    -Erik Jensen

  • VAN HALEN to tour in 2012

    Van Halen diehards just received a belated Christmas gift: the 80s rock icons are roaring back with a 2012 tour, which was announced through a series of video messages on the group’s official web site on Monday (Dec. 26).The collection of 30-second clips finds the reunited group goofing around during onstage rehearsals, with frontman David Lee Roth unleashing some vaudevillian dance moves and Eddie Van Halen chugging along as confetti rains on top of his stringy hair. Although specific tour dates have yet to be announced, a message scrolling along in a ticker at the bottom of each video reveals that the first tickets will be on sale on Jan. 10.

    The Van Halen tour will presumably feature Eddie Van Halen, bassist Wolfgang Van Halen, drummer Alex Van Halen and David Lee Roth, who reunited with the group in 2006. Roth initially split from the group in 1985, with Sammy Hagar and Gary Cherone each spending time fronting Van Halen before its original singer returned.

    Last month, Van Halen inked a new deal with Interscope Records that is set to yield the band’s first album with Roth on vocals since 1984.

    -Erik Jensen