Author: Joy Houle

ASKING ALEXANDRIA’s reckless and relentless is a fresh kick in the teeth

Compared to Stand up and Scream, Asking Alexandria’s newest album, Reckless and Relentless is a fresh, new, kick in the teeth.

The album starts off quiet with the intro to the first song, but picks up with a powerful breakdown, and Danny’s much improved growls.

One of the biggest improvements on this album is Danny’s vocals. The power in his screams has doubled. His lows are like a swift kick to the groin, and his highs make you want to rip your throat out.

However, the band has their lighter moments, too. Their song Someone, Somewhere features only clean vocals, and they released an acoustic version on Youtube, and can be seen below.

Musically, the breakdowns are heavy, powerful, and do their job. However, the drums are a bit predictable. Upon first listening to the album, I found myself guessing the next drum riff for each breakdown, correctly, no less.

Overall, the ASKING ALEXANDRIA album is definitely a great success. The band has filmed a few videos, and more are on the way. The songs do a better job of telling their story than their previous album, which seemed to be more of a declaration of existence. I find myself listening to Reckless and Relentless on most occasions, and every time I find myself enjoying it more.

-Chris Stocking

January 9, 2012
METHOS “Revelation” is skull crushing, aggressive

With a bunch of the sludgy melodic metal bands that I am asked to review, a common theme is coming to the surface. It is one that some bands have full awareness of, while others do not. It is called the “Mastodon Effect.” I define the Mastodon Effect as the trickling down of Mastodon’s influence to bands that would be considered their national peers. In turn, bands on a regional level search out their favorite era of the band and find the joy and greatness that lies within. Then a local band will find that influence in a regional band they have appreciation of. Hence, the band has no idea how much they have been under that spell. In some cases, unknowingly, the comparisons are made…and the band says…what? I say this, it depends on the album you are listening to. Furthermore, they do not hear it within themselves. Obviously, this is the trend of all music, in all eras, at all times. However, we can not deny that this is happening now with the new crop of hungry bands that are on the rise. And to be honest, if that is who you are to be compared to, it is not a bad thing.

There are many bands that meet this criteria that are downright awful. However, Buffalo based Methos, is not one of those bands. They sound like a lot of the bands they would list as influences. However, I picked out the passed down range referenced in my first paragraph. Their debut CD is highly original, and a sure fire ass kicker! The recently released, Revelation, is an all out attack on the senses. It is both creative in scope, and masterful beyond the band’s years. The message of gloom and doom is present and in your face, and the music’s progressive aggression pushes it along so well.

It was easiest to pick out my favorite tracks on this album. I will start with “One Foot In The Grave,” which delivers skull crushing balance while announcing apocalyptic insight. I am one who truly understands a statement like, “We are the children ff the world. With One Foot In The Grave.” Of course, this statement is highly relevant today. Especially when compounded with a lyrical boast of, “Finding the brightest light, like moths to an open flame. Burn all the heretics, no one left here to blame.” It is a strong message on the highest of levels. Many of these tracks are cautionary and unapologetic in their prophetic nature. On the track “Empty Inside,” the talented band continues it’s a collective combo of aural assault and verbal discourse. Singer Shawn Beagle howls, “I see the scars on your face, its your affliction. w2And your fall from grace, its a benediction.” To this I say, fuck yes! You are right!

Aside from the great music that makes up this disc, the cover art is something of extraordinary value in it self. The “Revelation” artwork was designed by PoltArt Illustrations , whose work has been featured with bands such as Lamb of God, Born of Osiris, Veil of Maya, Nightshade, Twisted.

The whole package is recommended. Pick it up or download it soon. Here’s to another great band on the rise in Upstate New York. Cheers!

-Erik Jensen

January 7, 2012
MUTANT SUICIDE SQUAD discusses influences, struggles

Buffalo based Mutant Suicide Squad is going to rip your head off! Not literally, but you catch the drift. This band in it’s early stages of development, has something to prove to all of you…and they surely will! Steeped in the Horror based Punk and Hardcore styles of some past greats, the band is growing musically on a daily basis. One listen to the Reverb Nation page will give you the idea of the possibilities that lie within.

Although, the recordings are raw and of an un-studio like quality, you can see what the band is aiming to do. I can not wait to see the results. The live show is where the band is going to make their impression for the time being. They dress the part, they rage with theatrics, and they destroy the audience. I was highly excited to find a band with this kind of vision in the Upstate scene. There are few and far between. So I had to get their take on things, and see what can we expect next from these guys. If you are not familiar, I introduce you to the Mutant Suicide Squad!

Erik: Who are your biggest musical influences? How did your involvement in creating music begin?

Izzy Deadly: I have a wide variety of musical influences but for this project, the two main ones would be The Ramones and Misfits. I grew up in the 90’s back when 103.3 The Edge was called The Fox. It was a good time for music. I was always trying to start bands with my friends. Even if it was just banging on an empty pop corn can or strumming ferociously on a makeshift guitar built out of cardboard with rubber bands serving as strings. I’ve gotten a little better since those days.

Jez A. Disaster: Misfits, Ramones, Riverdales, The Riptides, Deftones, Johnny Cash, and other influences. Some are oldies from 50’s & 60’s. My involvement in music began when I was a child. I often wrote lyrics and made up melodies to them. There were periods where I went a few years without writing, but here I am writing again. I never imagined I would be doing it again let alone doing it for a band.

Dirty Horror: I’ve been playing since I was a little kid in the early 90’s in groups that were more like bands that never made it out of the garage and did not last very long. Myself and Izzy have been playing music together since late Summer of 2006. So far we have collaborated together in 3 bands (Sprung Corpses, Aaron Omen and Mutant Suicide Squad). In Buffalo there’s really not much around when it comes to musicians of this style of punk rock. Me and Izzy have always collaborated very well together and I think in this band we are doing the absolute best we have ever done. As a drummer I didn’t have to change much of what I usually do and that’s pretty comfortable for me. Though I’m always up for a challenge within certain limits.

Erik: How did the band come together originally, and what have been your biggest struggles in the early stages of the band?

Izzy: It originally started when me and Jez jokingly said maybe we should start a band together. Shortly after, we’d hang out, drink beer and play songs we both knew. It started to progress into playing open mics. Once we started making up originals, we figured it was time to start looking for band members. Considering this is still the very early stages of the band, we are currently trying to find a couple more members to complete the line up.

Jez: We are still in our early stages of development. At first, it was hard to find ways to play out. At the time we could not find a drummer who had similar taste in music.

Dirty Horror: Izzy got a hold of me awhile back asking if I’d be interested in playing bass for his and Jez’s project. At first I was hesitant because we all have our bumps with former band members but then I just said fuck it and said I’m in. After around that time Izzy got a hold of his friend Joe and started recording the three originals. Within days the demo was done and sent to me to learn and get a feel for the songs on bass. I called him up the next day and said I’m ready and did bass for a few practices while we were going over ideas for the songs and auditioning drummers. Shortly thereafter I moved to drums since it’s hard to find a drummer or a reliable musician where we live, especially for a sound you already got in mind of what you want. For all of us the waiting for even a decent drummer was tiring. I have my kit at my practice space and I play well so I just thought it would be better for the band, and it has been.

Erik: The songs on the ReverbNation page are raw, but show a brutal display of power! I think the potential is endless. What are your future plans with recording and are you currently working on getting something together?

Izzy: The songs on the Reverbnation page are an unofficial demo and should probably never have been posted for anyone to hear. but as Bill O Reilly would say- Fuck it, we’ll do it live! We do have plans for recording in the very near future.

Jez: Our future plan is to definitely do a professional recording when we have created more music. This is something we are currently working on.

Dirty Horror: I’m hoping to actually be on a recording. [Laughs]. Those recordings on the page are of a fellow band mate from our Sprung Corpses/Aaron Omen days Eareckson who’s playing drums on that demo and he also filled in for bass for one recent gig. At the time, I was going to do bass and Izzy and Jez were in the process of recording the demo for me to learn the songs. . We have more tunes done now and are still in the process of working on some new ones. You’re gonna love’em or hate’em. Either way, you’ll still be a fan.

Erik: What are your favorite venues to play?

Izzy: I’ll have to get back to you on that seeing as how we haven’t played an actual show with a full line up yet. But from past experiences I don’t think I have any favorites. I think it just depends.

Jez: We have used open mic nights as practice to prepare for live shows.

Dirty Horror: I always loved Mohawk Place. It’s a great venue downtown where we live and where we practice upstairs. The Fallout Shelter in Aliquippa, PA was a great place to play. I hope to play there again soon. So stay tuned.

Erik: The Horror/Punk/Hardcore scene is also a great place of morbidly beautiful art and theatrics. What is the most appealing thing about not only creating the music, but creating a vibe that people will latch onto artistically?

Izzy: I just think its fun to do. Plain and simple. We could be the average band or look and act like weirdos. I think, weirdos suits us the most.

Jez: The most appealing thing about creating the music is being in an atmosphere where we can just be ourselves.

Dirty Horror: We’ve always been huge fans of The Misfits and similar horror type of bands. However there are some good ones and some awful ones. I personally got tired of a lot of the “bad Danzig imitators” around in the genre. That’s what I like with this one. Jez’s voice is different than bands like The Creepshow, Zombina and The Skeletones or The Spookshow do. Vocally it shows so much potential and skill without sounding like a current day pop diva. She’s got talent that’ll blow people away and with all our back ups we really bring in a tight sound. I like how we’re not limiting ourselves with different types of sounds and styles of music that range from pop-punk, thrash, hardcore punk even 1950’s sounding old time rock n’ roll. I love what we’re doing and only hope we keep at it and still have fun. We got a look down. In this type of band I feel it’s important to have that rather than just going up in street clothes or something like that. It gives a vibe to the audience of what they’re in for and they will be surprised what we play in the process. Next to the splattering of blood from us [Laughs].

Erik: What are the band’s goals in the next year?

Izzy: To keep creating the type of music that we want to hear. Aside from that, the future is a mystery.

Jez: Making more music, and getting more out there.

Dirty Horror: To continue making music together and infecting it upon the minds of our listeners keeping the nightmare alive on stage. I hope we hit up more out of town and out of state gigs soon when the weather clears up a little bit. That’ll spread it faster than playing the same old venue once or twice a month. Locally, there’s no other band similar to us in our area and that’s both cool and in some ways it sucks. Here, some bands and promoters are really picky of who they put on a bill for a gig. I feel this band really has something and together we’re really going to open some eyes. Get ready.

For more information on Mutant Suicide Squad-
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mutant-Suicide-Squad/132237720211212

-Erik Jensen

January 7, 2012
KING’S X announce spring tour to support CD/DVD package Live Love In London and latest studio release XV

Legendary rockers KING’S X will return to the North American tour circuit this spring for their first West Coast run in three years. Aptly named the “First Church of Rock and Roll” tour, KING’S X will spread their progressive fusion of hard rock, funk and soul on a 4-week trek starting March 28 in Austin, TX and extending through April 21 in Denver, CO.

It will be the first time the band – bassist/vocalist dUg Pinnick, guitarist/vocalist Ty Tabor and drummer/vocalist Jerry Gaskill – have played most of these cities since 2009, and will mark their first West Coast dates in support of Live Love In London , the live CD/DVD follow-up to latest studio release XV.

Live Love In London is the most expansive KING’S X live offering to date, a career-encompassing package featuring “It’s Love,” “Over My Head,” “Black Flag,” “Lost In Germany” and more. Recorded live January 22, 2009 at the Electric Ballroom, the 3-disc CD/DVD package (also available as a 2-CD set) showcases the amazing live performances that KING’S X have been delivering to fans around the world for the past 25 years. To order your copy of Live Love In London , click here.

Check the dates below to see when KING’S X will be coming to a city near you:

KING’S X “First Church of Rock and Roll” Tour

3/28/12–Dirty Dog Bar–Austin, TX

3/29/12–Warehouse Live Studio–Houston, TX

3/30/12–Trees–Dallas, TX

4/1/12–House of Rock–Corpus Christi, TX

4/3/12–The Rock–Tucson, AZ

4/5/12–Key Club–West Hollywood, CA

4/6/12–Brick by Brick–San Diego, CA

4/7/12–The Coach House–San Juan, CA

4/10/12–Don Quixote’s–Felton, CA

4/12/12–Cargo–Reno, NV

4/13/12–The Boardwalk–Orangevale, CA

4/14/12–Pound West Oakland–Oakland, CA

4/17/12–Hawthorne Theatre–Portland, OR

4/18/12–El Corazon–Seattle, WA

4/21/12–Herman’s Hideaway–Denver, CO

– Erik Jensen

January 6, 2012
HEAL THESE WOUNDS calls it quits; releases statement

Today via Facebook Heal These Wounds released a statement on their demise.

Hey All,

So we have been pretty vague with information regarding our future over the past few weeks. We thought it was time to shed some light on what we are up to. It is with a heavy heart that we announce that we have decided to put this beast to bed and call it a day. It wasn’t an easy decision but we all decided that we would best served to move on to other endeavors.

We would like to thank everyone that has ever supported us, Words can not describe how much we appreciate everything. Whether you let us sleep on your floor, bought a shirt, hooked us up with a burrito or downloaded a song, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

We will be playing some final shows (through the end of feb. and or beginning of march)….our schedule is updated on our shows page (with a few more to come). We will be hitting up our favorite spots one more time as well….(Oswego, Potsdam, Binghamton, New Hampshire, Cobleskill) So we hope to see our friends in those areas.

Some of us will be doing a new project, We will be keeping everyone in the loop as that develops….look for that this spring.

So again…..to the 15 people that cared about us, we thank you….Some of us will see you again soon!

Be excellent to each other!

Party on!

Don’t be a dick for no reason!

PEACE THE EFF OUT!

HTW

January 6, 2012
Jon Lamanna of CRY TO THE BLIND discusses approach to their upcoming release, anticipation growing for a “big announcement”

Jon Lamanna and his band Cry To The Blind, have been on a collision course with major success for quite some time now. The players that make up the sum of this highly talented band, have been successful veterans of the upstate scene for over a decade. Their time is now, and a major announcement is coming soon. That moment will be January 27^th, at the bands CD release party at Water Street Music Hall in Rochester. Make sure to check the show out, it is going to be off the hook. I caught up with Jon recently to discuss the future happenings of CTTB.

Erik: This is a pretty exciting time for you guys right now. Tell me about the recording process for the new record, and how you approached the record from the creative standpoint.

Jon: We had the luxury of recording the album in our guitarist Matt Spaker’s studio (Foundation Studios) so the process was way different. Before when we had recorded an album, we had the songs 100% written at practice, then simply took them to the studio and recorded them as they were written. In this case, we actually held pre-production sessions in which we all brainstormed ideas and wrote the songs together in the studio. It’s crazy because now we are learning how to play our own songs as a band at practice preparing for the CD release show.

Erik: I have to tell you, I was blown away by some of the tracks you sent me a couple of months ago. Better than Me is one of the best songs I believe you have ever recorded. Especially from a lyrical standpoint. What drives your inspiration when writing songs these days. Obviously, your life and the band has evolved quite naturally over the years. What motivates your message?

Jon: That song in particular was inspired by a falling out we had with an old friend over a variety of circumstances. I love singing that song, we all wrote it together in the studio, I’m also very happy with how it turned out. That song is unique on this record, because it’s got a rather negative tone, kind of a nastiness to it. Most of the material we’ve been writing has been positive and motivational in nature. For whatever reason, when I sit down to write, I write inspirational get up and go anthems, it really helps me to get emotionally invested in the songs because it’s almost like I’m convincing myself to press on, to keep fighting for this band, because I truly still believe this is what I was meant to do.

Erik: Looking back over the years, and the bands you have been in to get to this point musically…did you ever think that the raw power introduced when you were in 40 oz., would lead to what you are doing today. It was quite a stunning evolution. Aside from the obvious shift in trends nationally, what do you think lead to the dynamics shift in songwriting?

Jon: I guess I would say that as people change, their taste in music changes. The 40oz material totally fit who I was and the life I was living at the time. This band reflects who I am now, and who we are now. I have also taken a ton of time to study songwriting and after 40oz split I took a much larger role in writing the songs, which led to the more catchy/poppy sound the band has today.

Erik: I know you have some big things on the horizon this year. Tell me about the great announcement that is on the horizon? We would love to know!

Jon: It’s a secret… the only way people will find out is at the CD release party @ Water Street on Jan 27th But it’s a big deal, and it will put us in place to take our band to the next level.

Erik: I am highly excited about the CD release party on Jan. 27th…It is a great gathering of past and present friends and family so to speak! Tell me about the band selection process for the show? Also, how exciting is it to see Hate Machine back on a stage these days? I mean wow, we are talking about a reverse full circle event here!

Jon: Yeah, having Hate Machine is amazing, Jed is truly a HUGE influence on me as a front man. I still feel he’s one of the best I’ve seen, national bands included. I actually haven’t seen them since 08’ so it’s gonna be my first time as well. In general, we tried to stick with bands that have a large Rochester based following. Water Street is a BIG room, and we needed bands that could help us make this the biggest show this city has seen in quite some time. It helps that we are friends with these bands as well, all of them have supported us in one way or another.

Erik: Tell me about Hard Pressed Management, and how things have come to a major turning point since your addition to this firm?

Jon: It has helped us to legitimize the band. When you have a professional, well spoken individual with business savvy calling clubs and venues and working for you, it gives your music a better chance to be heard, vs. calling yourself and saying “yeah, I’m the singer, book my band, we rock”

Erik: You have played some pretty big shows over the last couple years. What were your favorites, and why?

Jon: Mine would be opening for Flyleaf at Town Ballroom in Buffalo. Sold out show, such a good positive energy in the room that night. Others would probably be Krockathon in ’09, Rockstar Uproar in ’10. Paying those big shows is great because you get to hang with all the national acts and sign autographs all day, it’s surreal. It gives you a glimpse into what life might be like if you’re fortunate enough to make it big.

Erik: I remember as kids, there were a certain percentage of us that had the dream of doing this music thing full time. I think on some level, we are all on our way to cementing that…making a go at a full time living based around music. What are your thoughts on the prospects of this being a very real possibility, and at a time where adult responsibilities are first and foremost?

Jon: Well, it’s very difficult right now because we all have families, children etc. The cool part is CTTB IS a family, all of our wives/girlfriends sell tickets, work our merch booth, carry gear, they’re all in it for us as much as we are. It is scary to consider being out on tour alot and away from your children, but it’s a once in a lifetime chance to provide them with a better future, so it’s worth the risk in my opinion. The chance for me to be able to change lives and touch people emotionally with the music is what drives me. It’s what I feel I’m supposed to do, to be this motivational speaker who sings, so to speak. We are all excited and scared about it, but trust me when the time comes to take that leap of faith, we all will jump headfirst.

For more information on Cry To The Blind –
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cry-to-the-Blind/108920287952

CD Release Show Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/307613689279482/

-Erik Jensen

January 5, 2012
NASTY HABIT releasing full length album this month, Tommy Ende discusses creation of latest music video

Tommy Ende is the front man for Nasty Habit, a sleaze metal band based out of Syracuse, NY. The band’s refreshing revival of the 80’s most decadent music, is something that a new fan base is eagerly latching onto. As someone that was in the clubs during the late 80’s and early 90’s, I always found refuge in checking out “this band you have to see.” It was an every weekend thing, and it was a home away from home. That spirit, drive, and musical accompaniment was the living breathing soundtrack of my youth. It also lead to many late night parties, and an overabundance of ladies who were “ready for love.”

Nasty Habit is the genuine article! They walk the walk, and talk the talk. The band embodies all that was so supremely good about that era, and they want you to listen! I had a chance to catch up with Tommy to talk about the band recently. It was a strict reassurance to me that Sleaze is alive and well, and ready to catch fire again!

Erik: Tell me about the changes that lead from GRIME evolving into what is now Nasty Habit.

Tommy: Well, GRIME was our way of learning the ropes. It’s where we worked out all of the kinks and perfected what we’re doing today. Its never easy to re-establish yourself, but I found it a positive decision as it allowed us to start clean and make a new impression without carrying on our inexperienced past. But I do still have a box of GRIME merchandise lingering in my basement! Hahaha…

Erik: How natural was it for you to step from behind the drums, and take on the role of front man? This is very difficult for many, but you seem to have taken on the task with great ease.

Tommy: It’s definitely always been in my personality to be a sort of “leader.” I like to have as much representation and influence as possible in the things I involve myself in. So being the “face” of the band puts me in a good place for that. Singing had always been something I couldn’t keep myself from doing, in the car, at work, etc. Pretty much all day, I’ve got some kind of melody in my head. That or I’m singing along with whatever is cranking from the speakers. It’s definitely been a natural transition, a lot depends on you when you’re the front man, but that’s the way I like it.

Erik: That video for Saturday Night is pretty fun. Tell me about the process of putting the video together? What do you like most about the process?

Tommy: Thanks, that’s definitely what we aimed for. It’s kind of a party anthem and we wanted to portray that in the video. We did the video on almost literally no budget. David Jordan, was Director and Drummer at the same time. He planned the whole thing and really put it into action, which I was very impressed by. He and I have a very ambitious business attitude when it comes to the band, and I think that’s gotten us places and will continue to do so. I would have to say my favorite part was the premiere. There was alot of hype coming from all directions, so it was killer to see our hard work really catch fire and pay off. We plan to fully utilize the power of the internet on our road to success, and this is just the beginning.

Erik: I understand you will be releasing your first full length CD in January. Can you tell me a little about the record, and what we can expect from the band?

Tommy: That’s right! We’ve been working on the thing for far too long, so it’ll be a weight off our shoulders once we do. We’re actually planning on releasing the album for FREE download from our website. The way we see it, it’s our best bet at gaining the exposure we need to really take off. The guys and I really tried not to re write the same song 10 times, and I think it shows. We’ve got lots of variety, from the sleazy gutter-grooves of “Lethal Addiction” to the melodic, acoustic jam “Misery Loves Company”. There’s definitely something for everyone on this album.

Erik: I have to ask: I was born and raised in an era of sleaze rock and the whole hair metal scene. Obviously, the whole scene was pushed into pockets when the early 90’s spawned the Seattle effect? What were your biggest influences in wanting to play music of this sort? Also, in what point of your youth, did you realize this was the correct musical path for you?

Tommy: I found my way into some Motley Crue through skateboarding, and from there it just snowballed. What really appeals to me about this style is just how excessive and decadent every aspect is. When I think of a Rockstar, I think of a larger than life, almost “Super Hero” figure. That’s what the rockers of that time period were. It was the golden age of Rock N’ Roll. All bases were covered, the look, the music, the stage production and the message. It’s about having a good time, partying and getting laid. It’s a shame that everyone forgot about that when grunge took over with it’s pessimistic attitude. So we’re trying to remind a new generation what Rock N’ Roll oughta stand for! Good times, good music, and good parties!

For more information on Nasty Habit www.facebook.com/nastyhabit

January 5, 2012
FEATURED BAND: Ayurveda

Ithaca, New York is easily one of the best places for creativity and musical diversity on the face of this planet. It is of no surprise that a band like Ayurveda has endured and succeeded in such an environment. The band is the pinnacle of all things good that revolve around art, rock, and the combination of the two art forms. The band is firmly on it’s way to great things, as they have toured nationally within the last year. Now the country has finally received a great taste of the creativity that the band possesses. This five piece from the Southern Tier’s favorite city, is on it’s way to being a major player in the progressive and art rock scene globally. I can be quoted warmly on this statement!

On their debut album, the critically acclaimed, “Being,” the band introduced themselves to the world with the help of Alex Perialas. If you are not familiar with Perialas, this legend has worked on many albums from acts such as Anthrax, Testament, and Bad Brains. While most acts in the prog metal genre share their love of dark tones and dark musical imagery, Ayurveda’s message is one of positive overtones and spiritual awakening. You would expect that from a band who’s name means, “the knowledge of life,” in it’s Sanskrit origin.

The band became one when Shikhar Bajracharya and Diwas Gurung met Tom Burchinal and formed a three piece which featured a round robin of rotating drummers and bassists. During the recording of “Being,” the band recruited Mike Parker and Tom Halperin to round out the band roster you have today. In their Sonic Bids press kit, the sound they have created is described as “Filling the void between Radiohead and Tool since 2005.” I am not so sure there is another way you could so elegantly describe what they do. This pretty much sums it up, but this band is more progressive than both of those other bands combined. The musical complexity and lyrical importance is on par with both of those bands. I am not alone in thinking this from a critical standpoint. The accolades pour in constantly for this band.

With five studio releases over the last six years, the band has come full circle musically. They also have built a cult following that seems to get substantially larger with every tour that they go on. The band’s 2010 release, the unbelievably ambitious H. Luminous raises the bar to a whole new level. The 25 minute album that is based around the Mayan Long Count Calendar, takes the idea of a concept record to dizzying new heights. Thematically, the album is based around astronomical and spiritual transformations predicted by the Mayans. The year of prophetic chaos is 2012, the end of the 5,125 year cycle of the Mayan Calendar. Burchinal described this as a theory that is based in the now, and not necessarily 2012.

“It’s about 2010. It’s about the ongoing struggle within everybody to transform themselves for the better. That struggle is timeless.”

Check out ayurvedamusic.com for present and future news! You will not regret it!

www.facebook.com/ayurvedamusic

-Erik Jensen

January 5, 2012
Jeremy Stanton of SAVE OUR SCENE PRODUCTIONS/TRUTH BY BLOOD AGENCY discusses expansion, benefits for area causes

In the midst of holiday traffic, I braved the busy streets and drove to Corning, NY for a night of metalcore, rock and pop punk. It was a holiday benefit show put on by Save Our Scene in which the proceeds from the show went to help The Salvation Army. When I arrived at the Corning Union Hall the first thing I noticed was that there were no parking spaces available. I drove around the block a couple of times before deciding to park in the hotel parking lot located right next to my destination. I went there not only to watch the show and hang out with some friends but also to interview Jeremy Stanton, the founder of Save Our Scene Productions and Save Our Scene Promotions as well as the Truth By Blood Agency. Since I had never met Stanton in person, I asked a musician friend to point him out to me. He was easily spotted since he was the guy working the sound system and doing sound checks. He was dressed in a Santa t-shirt and a Santa hat. I introduced myself and then waited for Stanton to get a band all set up and ready to start their set. Then we went into a hallway to discuss Save Our Scene, Truth By Blood Agency and the holiday benefit shows amongst other things. (Truth By Blood is also shared with partner, Adam Merola)

Janet: Tell me about the history of Save Our Scene and Truth By Blood Agency. When did you start them and why?

Stanton: Save Our Scene is basically an idea that I came up with probably 4-5 years ago when our scene, the 607, wasn’t doing very good. There was a group of hardcore kids that were ruining all the shows. Cause of their actions we were losing venues. Venues were being shut down because of them. No one wanted to go to the shows anymore because they’d go and they’d get hurt. I wanted to do something about it and didn’t know what to do. I met up with a couple of kids who were running a fairly decent production company, actually started working with one of them and told them my idea of what I wanted to do, trying to expand and trying to get kids to start coming back out to shows again. I moved to Elmira and started booking for The College Corner, the only place in Elmira that all the shows came to. I came into it, turned that bar around from making $500 a week to making $3-4000 a weekend. Things didn’t go well with the bar owner and I knew things were turning sour so I started talking to one of my good friends living in Binghamton, Dustin Smith, who wanted to start booking shows but didn’t really know what to do. I gave him the name “Save Our Scene,” told him to use the name and start booking shows and I’d help with the bands and promotion. Dustin and I joined forces and started working together. I told him we’re gonna run Save Our Scene. We’re gonna blow it up, make it as big as possible. There are two branches of Save Our Scene, Save Our Scene Productions and Save Our Scene Promotions, and two other production companies that are subsidiaries, Subculture Events and Stay True Promotions. Truth By Blood Agency was started a year and a half into Save Our Scene. I had been working with a band from Boston called Mummified In Circuitry. Their manager and I had their band signed to a label that we thought was legitimate that I was trying to help out in Ohio. It did not work out. The band lost a lot of money and afterwards we both completely disconnected ourselves from that label and the person running it. We decided that we wanted to set up our own booking and management company and do things right. He’s in charge of booking and I’m kind of taking over the marketing aspect of it. We have about 9 bands underneath right now and we have people working on a website. It’s not out yet. We don’t know when it’s going to be out. We have our first ad coming out in Hails & Horns Magazine next month.

Janet: What do you look for in acts you book?

Stanton: If someone offers me a package that I’ve heard of but I haven’t heard too much hype about, I’ll throw it up on our Facebook page and ask the public what they think about it. If we get a good response, I’ll book them. Why not? Because Save Our Scene has a profile page, I can go to the profile page and see how many of our friends like them and if it’s a significant number, I’m obviously gonna take them. If the people who approach me are very friendly and very nice and professional about how they try and get people to book their band, no matter how small or big they are I’m at least gonna consider it.

Janet: What venues do you like the most?

Stanton: The American Legion in Binghamton. The people that run it are just the friendliest people. They really accept what we’re trying to do down there. If we ever need help or are in a bind, let’s say we don’t produce enough money to pay the bands and the venue, they take a hit and tell us to pay them back within the next couple of weeks and just pay the bands. One time this happened. To me that was awesome. I really like working with them. The Corning Union Hall is a great location. It’s a good sized room and it’s the cheapest venue.

Janet: Any future plans of spreading your area of venues?

Stanton: As much as I love booking shows and putting them on, I don’t like booking shows and putting them on. Since we have Subculture Events and Stay True Promotions and a couple of other small ones in Binghamton starting to come out I hope to eventually sit back and run Save Our Scene Promotions, just promoting our shows for them and maybe once in a while throw a show together. I kinda want to be the secondary guy. I’ll do a couple shows that I really want to do. [My band is] gonna be on the road a lot so I’m not gonna be available to run the shows. I’ll always partner-up with whoever asks me to. I’m good friends with Sage Patrick Keber from Never Fading Promotions and AJ Fagnoli from Personless Promotions up in Rochester and we try to help them out. Sage and I’ve been working on expanding Save Our Scene and Never Fading Promotions and kinda merging a little bit and it’s worked out.

Janet: Any plans you haven’t announced yet that we could announce for you?

Stanton: I really don’t know. There’s a lot of things we talk about behind the scenes but nothing official. Subculture and Stay True are gonna be the ones running the shows. I don’t have any huge plans right now. I have a lot of bands that we’re talking to that could be a huge plan in the future but we’ll just kinda sit back and see how it works out.

Janet: What are some thoughts you may have on the scene as it is right now?

Stanton: I will divide that into two answers because the two main areas that we’re working in are still Corning / Elmira and Binghamton. The Corning / Elmira area is great. The kids are very good out there. They’re very respectful. We always have a decent turnout in Corning with at least 150 people every show. They’re very open to the bands that we bring out. If it’s a new band, they’ll come out and give them a try. I had a band tell me that they love it [in Corning] cause the kids will buy merch like crazy. Binghamton is a little bit different. It is still very flighty. There’s some stuff we’ve been working on for a while. There’s pop punk and then another guy books straight hardcore shows. We’ve been trying to bridge the gap. It’s been working out but we’ve never had more than 110 people at shows. It wasn’t till recently that kids from Binghamton started to travel out to Cornng. Since we’ve started, kids from Coning / Elmira would always travel to Binghamton if there was a good show going on. So, it’s still a work in progress.

Janet: Tell me about your holiday benefit shows and your reason for doing them?

Stanton: We like to do these. We started doing them last year. Look at it this way, we fought tooth and nail to get to the point where we are and to get the venues. We had to work with our communities to get to this point so technically, doing these shows is us giving back to the local communities. I, myself, am a Christian. I’m not the most religious individual but I do believe in helping others. If there’s a reason why we do it, it’s because Save Our Scene is about helping all the kids in the scene so lets do a show once in a while that helps everybody else.

Janet: Thank you for the interview, Jeremy!

Stanton: Thank you!

To get more information on Truth By Blood Agency, or Save Our Scene-
http://www.facebook.com/SaveOurScenePromo
http://www.facebook.com/SaveOurSceneShows

http://www.facebook.com/SaveOurScenePro

http://www.facebook.com/TruthByBlood-Janet Ballos

January 4, 2012
Local Limelight: Binghamton Band Dropclutch

Few bands in the Upstate New York underground scene have enjoyed the type of success that Binghamton’s Dropclutch has seen in recent years. It is not difficult to say with certainty that these guys have put together a blueprint for success that many will undoubtedly emulate.

The band burst onto the scene in 2005 with the release of their first EP. Like many of the scene’s greats, their DIY work ethic has helped in building the reputation of the band on all levels. Dropclutch has been getting quite a bit of attention on the local, regional and national level for years now. The strength of that first EP certainly helped though. It could be one of the best first offerings from an Upstate band in roughly a decade. With their initial success and the buzz that was invoked, the band was invited to share the stage with many artists including Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Lamb of God, Gwar, Framing Hanley, Skindred, Scum of the Earth, Throwdown, Bury your Dead, and Days of the New. As the band’s star rose, they were also invited to play several high profile gigs including the 2006 Independent Music Conference in Philadelphia.

In 2008, the band was ready to release their full length record. The band teamed up with producer Billy Graziadei (Biohazard, Suicide City) and the results were golden. The Reason, released in May 2008 was a smashing success. The first single, Pressure, off of their debut release was one of the most requested songs on many radio stations in the NY and PA areas before the album was even released! “The Reason” was 2nd in the U.S. for most album adds on commercial radio on FMQB, and 3rd in the U.S. for most album adds on CMJ Loud.

“It was amazing to hear that we were the number two most requested band in the Southern Tier of New York. Our album hadn’t even been released yet and people were already digging what we were doing!” says singer Shawn Smartwood.

Also of note was the selection of their song, Chemical, by The Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlain for inclusion on a compilation. The pair chose the song for release on Guitar Center’s Fresh Cuts Volume Two.

On Valentine’s Day 2011, the band dropped the single, One Bullet, which also was well received by fans and critics. The band plans on dropping a new record in 2012. I look forward in seeing where the band is headed next.

One thing is for sure, the focus of the band is keeping things fresh for fans of their music.

“We love our fans more than the world…” Smartwood explains,”…everything we do is dedicated to them. Without them we are nothing!!!”

For more information on Drop Clutch –
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dropclutch

-Erik Jensen

January 4, 2012