NYS Music 20​11

Category: Special

  • ENGLORIA’s “drive” EP is poised for greatness; road trip worthy

    ENGLORIA’s “drive” EP is poised for greatness; road trip worthy

    Albany, NY based Engloria is on a distinct path for greatness within the national music scene. Judging by the response to their current studio release, the Drive EP, the industry brass are poised for a major label bidding war.

    The songs on the Drive EP do not signal the re-invention of the wheel. You will hear the formulaic luster that catapulted the likes of artists like Chris Daughtry and The Goo Goo Dolls. These bands, like Engloria, share a similar style of writing up tempo and easily digestible power pop songs. Engloria  can also can pen a killer power ballad, another trait that the aforementioned bands did with excellence. In this genre of over saturation and cookie cutter-like production, this band will rise above. I say this because the band writes nothing but tight little nod your headers. It is jubilant music, even when the music signifies love lost. That is a skill learned through incessant songwriting. Creating a vibe of joy in heartache takes maximum effort. The ability to create that vibe makes the song, Made For You, a ready for radio hit. Up tempo material like the song, Drive, show the more aggressive side of their repertoire. It is radio anthem driven and sits alongside such as it’s parallel equal.

    The time is now to check these guys out. I have always found it fun to watch the success of a band ready to break out. With an increasing amount of airplay on terrestrial and internet radio sources, the public has definitely put the label of “Most Likely To Succeed,” next to their names. More than likely, with an exclamation point. Engloria’s increased pattern of spreading out within the touring game is paying dividends. That point is on display in New York City, where they are slowly building a mini empire of new fans.

    I highly recommend this band when you are preparing to take your next substantial road trip. Bring a copy of the aptly titled Drive EP. It just night make your day.

    James Stewart – Vocals, Guitar, Keys
    Devon Scott – Guitar, Vocals
    Michael Gleason – Bass
    Brandon Stewart – Drums

    More information on Engloria-
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/engloriamusic

    -Erik Jensen

  • METALLICA releases Beyond Magnetic EP

    METALLICA releases Beyond Magnetic EP

    “Metallica have released a four-song EP, titled Beyond Magnetic, today. The four previously unreleased tracks were recorded during sessions for their 2008 Death Magnetic album, but didn’t make the cut at the time. The EP will be available exclusively on iTunes for one week only.

    “During the Death Magnetic album sessions in 2007 and 2008, we originally recorded 14 songs,” said the band in a statement. “When it came time to pick the songs for the final album, we decided on 10 songs that you’ve all come to know over the last three years. Some of you may have heard bits and pieces of those other songs on ‘Mission Metallica’ (remember ‘Mission Metallica’?!) or heard rumors about them during the recording process, and wondered, What ever happened to those other four songs???.

    “We kept them in the vault and decided to pull them just for this special celebration, so here are the four leftover tracks from the Death Magnetic sessions. They are ROUGH mixes, unfinished to their original degree of mixing from March ’08. These four songs were released as gift to our closest fans, the members of our Fan Club, to enjoy. Now they’re being made available to you.”

    The thrash legends played one of the tracks each night during their 30th anniversary celebration concerts at the Fillmore in San Francisco last week. The band were joined for the performances by a host of special guests, including former members Dave Mustaine and Jason Newsted, Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Halford, Jerry Cantrell, Glenn Danzig, and Kid Rock. The shows closed with drummer Lars Ulrich telling fans to anticipate news in mid-January, 2012, about something special happening next June.”

    Beyond Magnetic Track List:

    1. “Hate Train”
    2. “Just A Bullet Away”
    3. “Hell And Back”
    4. “Rebel Of Babylon”

    Source: http://www.revolvermag.com/news/metallica-release-beyond-magnetic-ep.html

    -David Garlow

  • LIE CAPTIVE’s “The Hopeless North” is lyrically driven, a must have

    LIE CAPTIVE’s “The Hopeless North” is lyrically driven, a must have

    All is fair in love and small town alienation! This is a message that rings clear on Lie Captive new full length release, “The Hopeless North.” In Lie Captive, Plattsburgh, NY has a future national export with the power of a jet propeller. The drive and fury of this 3 piece band from the North Country is on par and in tune with the crushing sounds of Thursday and The Get Up Kids. The lyrical content is just as blistering. Take hold of  the vocal gang attack of Tyler Oliver and Chris Parmelee. It is the secret ingredient in this hardcore jambalaya.  With the release of “The Hopeless North,” on Death To False Hope Records, the rest of the country is getting a chance to hear this first hand.

    Although all lyrics are open to interpretation, you can not overlook the themes of townie based mediocrity that surface here. It is also apparent that Lie Captive are not down with the mundane trappings of that “life moves at a slow pace” vibe. Between the vicious interludes of freight train like precision, the band delivers tiny doses of their rage against the redundancy machine. In the song, Weight of Meager Pay, the band references, “Ignorant fools and shady bars.“ When you juxtapose that against the title of the song, it signals an ultra wise observation that screams, ‘we live in isolated every town America.’ Although the band may not realize it, the social commentary that they bring forth here is something that many need to absorb. This rings true for the many that live in the epicenters of self defeat by self obliteration. They do not stop there. On the song Lit Screen Commodity, the band rages, “This is the disingenuous era.” The band clearly has so much to say, and a surplus of venom behind the approach involved. One of my favorite lyrical rants on this record is in the song, The Vast Dreams of Simple Minds. “You run from honesty like a fucking disease,” is a classic new era slogan for the self oppressed world at large.

    I have been able to sample many records from Upstate metal and hardcore bands this year. “The Hopeless North,” is a time capsule of thoughts and velocity that can not be overlooked by those seeking to find great new music. The future of this band looks extremely bright. In a world of fake convictions and dim hope, the truth can set you free. And on this record, the band attacks the fabric of our world of ho-hum fabrication. Go get em’ Lie Captive!

    For more information on Lie Captive-
    Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/liecaptive
    http://deathtofalsehoperecords.com

    -Erik Jensen

  • LIFE IN YOUR WAY “Kingdoms” is inspirational, musically excellent

    LIFE IN YOUR WAY “Kingdoms” is inspirational, musically excellent

    I have to tell you, I was not familiar with the band Life In Your Way before being told to check them out by an associate. My views on faith and religion definitely vary quite highly to someone who may be considered a practicing Christian. As a matter of fact, I am quite ambivalent to the role of faith in the realm of music in general. So to say I was a skeptic before my first listens, would be a vast understatement. This highly energetic and devoutly spiritual metal band hailing from Hartford, CT., proved that my skepticism was all for not.

    The story behind the recording of this record is a great one indeed. After being on hiatus for close to three years, the band announced they would re-group and record a new album. Three days after launching  a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the album, Life In Your Way reached their goal of $12,500. In return, the band made the album free for download. This is very inspirational in itself, and has come to show the DIY success that can be achieved with today‘s self marketing process.

    “Kingdoms,” is a concept record broken down into three separate EP‘s, The Kingdom of Man, The Kingdom of Darkness, and the Kingdom of God. All of these different pieces have a profoundly unique message to convey without pushing the agenda of religion on you. The Kingdom of Man is rooted in themes about overcoming challenges in the face of adversity. We as listeners can all relate to the universal obstacles put in front of us, and this first EP drives that home. When singer Josh Kellam delivers a verse like “ Open my eyes to the truth behind this all. This is still breaking me down and I am powerless to change it,” I can relate. I am sure all of you can relate to this on some level as well. The second EP, The Kingdom of Darkness, is my favorite segment of the bunch. I was truly intrigued by all of the songs in this set, but blown away by Buried Idols. This cautionary tale of living life on the edge is accentuated by lyrics that howl with disdain. It is tough to not hear the urgency in “You’ve got yourself wrapped around this. It will dig your grave.” Even more chaos is invoked when Kellam asks, “Will the heart become so callused from self-deceit?” These are strong words of doubt that conflict with some one on a righteous path. The final installment of EP’s is The Kingdom of God. In this last segment of songs, self correction and “being saved,” is the topic of choice. Although I respect what has been laid down here, themes of salvation through a higher being are introduced. This is where the record got a tad uncomfortable for me. I can respect everyone’s opinion of faith, but just not in a preachy way. Luckily, the band does not come off as the type that aims to do this on any level. They are simply proclaiming what they believe to be the truth.

    “Kingdoms,” is a great set of songs that is sensational on a musical level. They are progressive, technically astounding, and diverse in harmonic excellence. Lyrically, these songs are universally inspirational regardless of your notions on religion. I strongly urge you to check out this disc with an open mind and heart!

    The Kingdom of Man
    01. Forever
    02. Blind in Retrospect
    03. Growth in Passion
    04. Forsaken Me

    The Kingdom of Darkness
    05. Ruler of the Air
    06. Take Notes
    07. Swarm
    08. Buried Idols

    The Kingdom of God
    09. Induction
    10. Who I Am
    11. Like a River
    12. The Healer
    13. The Ascension

    For more information on Life In Your Way:
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Life-in-Your-Way/191947100829132
    Website:http://www.lifeinyourway.net
    Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/LifeInYourWayCT

    You can download the digital “Kingdoms” for free here: http://comeandlive.com/kingdoms-life-in-your-way/
    You can also purchase the 3 disc set through Life In Your Way’s online store on Facebook.

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

    -Erik Jensen

  • ONE LAST SHOT “What are you worth” EP is clever and tastefully wielded

    ONE LAST SHOT “What are you worth” EP is clever and tastefully wielded

    One can only hope that all those with the pleasure of hearing One Last Shot E.P. “What Are You Worth” (summer 2011) will have a formidable palette for punk and hardcore bands spanning all the way from the mid-eighties until today. These guys seem to have made it their mission to cleverly pull undertones from several influential bands spanning the era. This Syracuse, NY four-piece serves up raw, unrelenting vocals that set a sinister and almost sarcastic feel reminiscent of Daryl Palumbo circa early Glassjaw, though they tend to stay within an apparent “safe range” in pitch. Much of the dynamic lost by this, however, is compensated by a tastefully wielded modern high range scream, adding to a handful of climactic song endings and scathing transitions. The E.P. seems lyrically astute and addresses a fair span relevant topics for modern punk; from politics and interpersonal relationships to social disparity and violence in youth culture on the track “Homecoming Homicide”, arguably the most memorable and ferocious track on the record, followed by the infectious “Calling All Creeps”.

    The guitar work stays within the “book 1, page 1” 3-4 chord realm of generic punk, though they maintain a delightfully dark and brooding tonal aura in the vein of late-nineties New England Hardcore such as Blood For Blood, with a nostalgic tinge of So.-Cal. Punk. The drum parts are appropriate but wildly predictable at times, and something is definitely left to be desired tonally, a common qualm I often have with more straight-forward punk/rock/blankcore bands. A few generic hardcore breakdowns offer a change up from the steady-rolling punk feel that dominates the five songs, though they stick out as being a bit out of place and played out in their phrasing.

    While One Last Shot have crafted a clever batch of solid songs with “What Are You Worth”, ultimately they will have to spend a considerable amount of time crafting their technical abilities and investing in adequate equipment if they hope to compete in the national D.I.Y. punk circuit of today.

    Track listing:
    1. Very Much Alive
    2. Homecoming Homicide
    3. The Real Scarecrow
    4. Calling All Creeps
    5. Broken Dolls

    For more information on One Last Shot:
    http://www.facebook.com/onelastshot

    -Chris Parmelee

  • Remembering DIMEBAG DARRELL

    Remembering Dimebag. “A 25-year-old man stormed the stage at a heavy-metal rock concert Wednesday night, shooting and killing Pantera founder and Damageplan guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott and three others before a police officer shot and killed him, Columbus police said. On Thursday, police identified the suspect as Nathan Gale of nearby Marysville.” (CNN.com-Dec. 10, 2004)

    Everyone was shocked. Dimebag Darrell was dead. Now seven years later we remember him once again. I remember him for changing the sound of heavy metal guitar; that deep, heavy riff that punched out your very soul from the inside out. He had feel and style that was missing from metal. Some of his music had the distinct southern rock flavor, a product of his father, Jerry Abbott’s influence as a country & western musician and producer. To hear what I mean just take a listen to “Drag the Waters” just a bit closer.

    He could set the frets afire, you all know that. But Darrell did it when it counted, not because he could. He knew how to impact a song and where to do it. Even in video, who doesn’t think his hand creeping out of the smoke in “This Love” was the coolest move during a solo, maybe by anyone. Dimebag could do it all on a guitar. Take that same solo and you hear how he made each note have a voice, make it sing instead of just blaring away at warp factor 12. That should be a lesson to all guitarists. Speed is nice, but if you get that guitar to make love to the listener, you will be a guitar God.

    This writer can’t think of anyone since that has changed the sound of a genre like that since. There were a few before him, but not since, not like Dimebag changed it with Pantera. He was virtuoso and showman, he knew what to do onstage. His ever-present, happy and I just pranked you grin is missed. And his laugh….Cheech and Chong must have been proud.

    So, raise a glass to Dimebag Darrell Abbott today. Rest In Peace Dimebag, the world misses you.

    -David Garlow

  • Around The World and Back “Big Beat” is intoxicating and magnetically hypnotic

    Around The World and Back “Big Beat” is intoxicating and magnetically hypnotic

    Every now and then, I am sent a CD that is highly recommended by my peers. In many cases, I have to truly dig in to find the greatness that I am being alerted to. 75% of the time, expectations fall short! With that being said,  I was given the CD, “Big Beat,” by Around The World and Back. This album is one that had me floored. The unprecedented songwriting abilities of this Albany, NY, band are poignant in screaming aloud, “Sign us, we are the real deal.”

    “Big Beat,” is the kind of record that many national acts aim to make, but fall flat on their face. The band succeeds in an effortless vision to take influences that are stapled to their sleeve, and turn them into something that is highly refreshing and reminiscent. In other statements about the band’s sound, reviewers have contrasted the guitar ambience of ATWAB to that of early U2. While this is absolutely true and impossible to refute, I hear sounds of grandiosity that easily point to other bands that could be of great influence. Pearl Jam, Coldplay, and most notably My Morning Jacket could easily be some of those who are admired here.

    The guitar sound on this record is incendiary in it’s approach. On tracks such as Slave and Underneath The Sun, the axe work of Bryan Shortell and Marco Testa is intoxicating and magnetically hypnotic. Equally as impressive is the vocal prowess of this band. Once again, the duties of singing are handled by both Shortell and Testa. The melodic and harmonic intricacies that the band are shooting for, are head and shoulders among some of their friends in the musical community. Other great tracks that are worth multiple listens immediately, include Old Man, Rehab, and Words In My Head.

    Simply stated, it is impossible for me to believe that this band is not receiving regular airplay on national radio. It is only a matter of time before they are given the opportunity to soar on the national level. Around The World and Back is a highly sophisticated song writing machine that is in the Waiting Room of bands needing the big break. I am not happy that they are waiting for that break! I have a feeling many of you will feel the same way after your first listen.

    Track Listing:

    Old Man
    Alone
    Slave
    Underneath The Sun
    Lie To Your Mother
    Words In My Head
    Overexpose
    Eighteen
    Rehab
    Long Verse

    For more information on Around The World and Back visit them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AroundtheWorldandBack

    -Erik Jensen

  • Mastodon’s “The Hunter” is refined; spectacular.

    Mastodon’s “The Hunter” is refined; spectacular.

    Gotta give love to the Rochester boys gone big time! Brann Dailor and Bill Kelliher were in one of the finest bands in the history of the Upstate metal music scene, Lethargy. In the 90’s, that band along with their peers in Big Hair, Bughouse, Hate Machine, and Cheese, created quite a stir in Upstate and beyond. Most of these bands were prog-like in nature, heavy in sound, and as creative as anything being punched out on the national music scene. It is to no one’s surprise that someone would have to blow up on the national scene in this talented group of artists. Bill and Brann’s time in Lethargy ended in 1999. This was followed by relocation to Atlanta, and Mastodon was born! The rest is history as this sludgy prog rock juggernaut has been recognized as one of the best of it’s time. The accolades include a grammy nomination for Colony of Birchmen off their ridiculously sick album, Blood Mountain.

    Fast forward to 2011! After the release of their four previous albums which had a flair for jammed out progressions and conceptualized themes, the band decided to focus their attention on a different plan of attack. Gone are the 13 minute epics that would jam out into the galaxy. As a matter of fact, nothing here goes over the 6 minute mark. It does not mean the band has lost it’s knack for intensely complicated and intense arrangement, it is just in a smaller package. It is not so much a new direction as it is a refining of the song writing process in general. Obviously being a skeptic as I am, I was afraid that this album would not be able to stand up to the best in their catalog. Silly me! This album has helped me refine my approach on passing judgement on something before it is even heard.

    The tracks here are killer. Black Tongue starts off this album with a bang, and is followed by the melodic chorus of Curl of The Burl, which may just be the best rock track of the year, period! Other great tracks include Blasteroid, Spectrelight, and the The Hunter!

    If you feel like the gruff edges have been shined off the sound of Mastodon, you are quite correct. The unusual grouping of Mike Elizondo with this band has resulted in a focus on overall musicianship and song structuring. For those not familiar with Elizondo, he has produced an awful lot of hip hop acts including Eminem and 50 Cent. You will get none of that here though! You get less sludge and more melodic blasts of heaviness. A quite spectacular result overall.

    At the end of this year, you will see this album on many critic’s top 10 lists. Quite simply, it is that good!

    Mastadon The Hunter Track listing:

    Black Tongue
    Curl Of The Burl
    Blasteroid
    Stargasm
    Octopus Has No Friends
    All The Heavy Lifting
    The Hunter
    Dry BoneValley
    Thickening
    Creature Lives
    Spectrelight
    Bedazzled Fingernails
    The Sparrow

    This album is available on Itunes, as well as through the bands website.

    -Erik Jensen

  • Coroner Confirms GWAR Guitarist Cory Smoot Cause of Death

    Coroner Confirms GWAR Guitarist Cory Smoot Cause of Death

    “The Smoot family and Slave Pit Inc. released a statement regarding the official cause of death of guitarist Cory Smoot. Cory had played the character of Flattus Maximus for over ten years, and was discovered dead on the band’s tour bus on Nov. 3rd of this year. He was 34.

    Stated North Dakota coroner William Masselo, MD:

    “We have finalized the autopsy report and death certificate. I have determined that Cory died from a coronary artery thrombosis brought about by his pre-existing coronary artery disease.”

    The band, which will continue as a four-piece until the current tour schedule is complete, has officially retired the character of Flattus Maximus, and has announced no plans regarding a new GWAR-tarist.

    Metal Blade and GWAR have since set-up the Smoot Family Foundation to raise funds for Cory’s wife, Jaime, and their unborn child. Donations can be made: http://www.metalblade.com/smootfamilyfund/ Also, at The Canal Club in Richmond, Va. on January 7th there will be a record release show (featuring Mensrea, Cannabis Corpse, DBX and more) for Cory’s solo record, “When Worlds Collide”, which he had completed working on just prior to his death. The album will be released early next year, with all proceeds going to the Smoot Family Fund.”

  • A Super Gnarly Christmas: Volume II sure to get your nog flowing

    A Super Gnarly Christmas: Volume II sure to get your nog flowing

    Like supporting local artists in Upstate NY? Dig Christmas music with a twist? Need a stocking stuffer for someone who does? Here ya go.

    “A Super Gnarly Christmas: Volume Two” was slated to hit local shelves on Black Friday. Offering 22 tracks by 22 artists. Alongside  6 commercials by Arison Cain, Rob LaVine, and Adam Hunt, which make up the “DemonDS” tracks. All of which are from the Upstate area, the comp seeks to give area listeners a wide variety of holiday inspired original music, as well as a handful of cleverly re-imagined cover tunes.

    Though you may want to give it a serious listen for content before playing it at grandma’s house.

    As Corey Putney (the idea guy behind Super Gnarly’s resurrection) puts it “The album is dirty, fun, festive, offensive, and beautiful. It’s a blend of each and every genre in a way that just makes sense, and I hope that everyone enjoys listening to it as much as all of us had making it.”

    In keeping with the holiday spirit, one can always expect a wide variety of Christmas music compilations to flood the market, agonizingly hoping to move each and every unit prior to Christmas eve so remaining copies don’t go into the local $1 bin at the gas station on the 26th.

    That being said, instead of dropping cash on yet another copy of “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer” while secretly saying to yourself “Bitch shoulda ducked,” check out some local up and comers instead.

    The idea of a band whose name is Bruce Campbell, covering Latin Xmas classic “Feliz Navidad,” makes this listen practically mandatory. Load up the Boomstick and grab a copy while you can.

    Track listing:

    DEMONDS “GHOSTS ON FILM (INTRODUCTION)”
    BRUCE CAMPBELL “FELIZ NAVIDAD”
    LEO LEMAY “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU”
    [YOURNAMEHERE] “BLUE CHRISTMAS”
    LANDSLIDE VICTORY “DECK THE HALLS”
    APACHE CHIEF “AN UPSTATE CHRISTMAS”
    DEMONDS “THE LAND OF MISFIT SEXTOYS”
    SHAWN VANBROCKLIN “SANTA BABY”
    WOOF NASTY “CAROL OF THE BELLS”
    AARON ADAIR “HAPPY CHRISTMAS (WAR IS OVER)
    BABY BLUE BIRD ”BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE”
    COREY PUTNEY “BABY PLEASE COME HOME”
    DEMONDS “WOMP & CIRCUMSTANCE”
    JESSE TAYLOR “I WON’T BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS”
    ADAM MCANULTY “YOU & ME”
    DAMIEN MORROW “HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS”
    SETH EGGLESTON “YULE SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT”
    FOLDING HOMES “HOLIDAZE”
    DEMONDS “BLACK MASS APPEAL”
    AFTER THE AVALANCHE “LAST CHRISTMAS”
    MATTY C BEATS “O HOLY NIGHT”
    DREW B CROHNS “AULD LANG SYNE”
    PRANCER & THE VIXENS “RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER”
    DEEP REST “WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES YOU’LL DO CHRISTMAS THINGS WITH CHRISTIANS AND YOUR COUSIN CHRISTIAN”
    DEMONDS “THE REASON FOR THE SEASON”
    JAZZTIME STARLIGHT CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRA ENSEMBLE “EVERYBODY SHAKE YOUR HANDS (IT’S TIME FOR CHRISTMAS)”
    DUSTIN NICHOLSON “TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS”
    DEMONDS “STREET NAMES (EPILOGUE)”

    For more information, and to keep up to date on release news visit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Super-Gnarly-Christmas-Volume-Two

    -Greg Allis