NYS Music 20​12

Category: Metal/Hard Rock/Punk

  • Nuno Pereira of A WILHELM SCREAM discusses new album, influences

    Nuno Pereira of A WILHELM SCREAM discusses new album, influences

    Being New Yorkers, Massachussetts generally reminds us of sports teams we’d like to see die in horrific plane crashes, tea parties in loin cloths and an unrepentant mutilation of the letter R. New Bedford, Massachusetts own A Wilhelm Scream is one of the bright marks in an otherwise spotty relationship we have with our countrymen to the east. I had a chance to speak with vocalist Nuno Pereira about their upcoming album, marijuana cigarettes and the difficulty of being in a punk rock band in 2012.

    Brian: Your last release was an EP that came out in 2009 on Paper and Plastick Records. Since then, there has been much anticipation for new material from you guys. I recently saw you at Bogies in Albany, NY and you played a few new songs that fucking shred. What’s the outlook on a new release at this point?

    Nuno: Well, let me just start by saying that I, maybe more than anyone, can’t fucking wait to release this record. The actual music/vocals are all done. From my understanding we’re just waiting to get the record mixed and mastered at the Blasting Room, and then we’ll be at the mercy of artwork/record label business. So, short answer..it’s done when it’s done.
    Brian: As your albums have progressed, especially from Career Suicide forward, the music has evolved into a faster, angrier sound. Do the new songs continue that tradition?

    Nuno: I think as a group we write songs that relate to our situations. If the times are tough, songs get angry, if its personal stuff then the songs are a bit more cathartic. Musically speaking my dudes are always getting better, that will be heard on the new record. So get ready for some riffage and maybe bring a new pair of undies. ha.
    Brian: I was listening to the Benefits of Thinking Out Loud the other day and I consider the change in sound between the Champagne Of Bands, to a smaller degree Benefits and then ultimately Mute Print to be one of the most dramatic changes a band I know of has gone through. What do you attribute it to?

    Nuno: Again, the band is always trying to push the envelope of our musical limits and that lends itself to progress. When we were young we wrote songs that spoke to what we were going through then. As we grew older and learned new ways to do our thing we would apply those lessons from record to record. Also, recording at the Blasting Room really lit a fire under our asses.
    Brian: You’ve been together for well over a decade, write challenging, complex music and tour often. What’s the secret to keeping the band fresh and not wanting to stab each other?

    Nuno: Marijuana cigarettes.
    Brian: When I saw you guys in Albany, you did a Smackin Isaiah song. What are the odds of hearing more S.I. in live sets? And have you ever considered rerecording some of the S.I. songs?

    Nuno: Sometimes it’s fun to dig up the old tunes and jam. Honestly though i just want to play new shit. To answer your second question, we have batted around the idea of “re-mastering” the old shit. Time will tell.
    Brian: You guys are playing the Belvedere reunion in May! As soon as I heard those guys were reuniting the first thing I thought was A.W.S. would be perfect for that shit. Do you consider Belvedere an influence on your sound?

    Nuno: Those dudes were good friends of ours, still are. We love their sound and although i don’t think they influenced our sound per se, I would say that as far as musical peers go they’re top notch and we can’t fucking wait to get together with those dudes again.
    Brian: Who would you consider to be the biggest influences on your sound?

    Nuno: Everyone in the band has their own influences. For me personally I would say Propagandi, Bad Religion, and lately Buju Banton and Thin Lizzy.
    Brian: If you could resurrect one defunct band to do a tour with, who would it be?

    Nuno: Great question! I would have to say Operation Ivy or Thin Lizzy..do all the members have to be alive? If so, I take back Thin Lizzy and replace them with ummm…..Fugazi?
    Brian: Speaking of Op Ivy, Lookout Records announced recently they were shutting down after many years as a staple label in the punk scene and despite releasing several classic albums. Although in this one case it’s hardly a surprise, it’s not at all an isolated occurance. How do you feel the collapse and closure of so many punk rock and underground labels has effected the way albums are made and released today?

    Nuno: It sure is tough these days to do this punk rock band shit. everyone that has put years of blood, sweat, tears, and cash into it knows that. It’s my firm belief that making music can never be about the short term gains that some bands are looking for. The idea that a group or a label can “blow up” over night by signing the right band or playing a certain “mainstream” sound is fucking retarded. It’s this kind of capitalist mentality that crushes the smaller bands/labels. Having said that, I love that bands are now releasing their own albums and are having success doing so. I also believe that in time the labels that care about our scene will continue to grow and discover new bands to get hyped about.

    For more on a Wilhelm Scream:
    www.awilhelmscream.com

    -Brian Lawrence

  • Jon Strader of NO TRIGGER discusses pressures with new album, “Tycoon” to be released February 21st

    Jon Strader of NO TRIGGER discusses pressures with new album, “Tycoon” to be released February 21st

    No Trigger is a punk band from Worcester, Mass. Formed in 2000, they recorded two demos which they later remastered, compiled and released as Extinction in Stereo and toured extensively. After signing to Nitro Records, they released Canyoneer in March of 2006 and again toured extensively. Then they went silent. Rumors swirled that they’d broken up. Suddenly in 2010 No Trigger announced they would be recording a new full length with the original lineup. In the meantime, they released a 7″ on Mightier Than Sword records called Be Honest. I had a chance to talk with guitarist Jon Strader.
    Brian: Tycoon is your first full length release in 5 years. After so long, what was it like writing and recording a new album?

    Jon: A big relief. Honestly, a lot of the ideas, parts, and some of the songs have been floating around for years now. To have them finally tracked, was the best feeling. We even recorded the first song we ever wrote as a band.

    Brian: The punk scene has changed a lot in those five years. Do you feel that’s effected your songwriting process at all and if so, how?

    Jon: I don’t think it has changed our song writing process. Tycoon is a No Trigger record. What’s amazing is seeing the style genre that is booming now. There are so many great bands coming out making killer records that sound like we are back in late 90’s early 2000 punk. It’s about time.

    Brian: Canyoneer is one of my all time favorite albums, did you feel a lot of pressure to match or exceed it this time around?

    Jon: Well thank you. That is the reason why we knew we needed to get this record finished. Of course there is pressure. We wrote Canyoneer almost 7 years ago now. The maturity in our song writing and lyrics can definitely be heard on this record. We actually have all the original members back in the band who recorded Canyoneer. The pressure comes from our only full length being able to carry us for this long. We knew we had to exceed that to carry us another 7 at least.

    Brian: With so many bands who consider No Trigger an influence, who do you consider your biggest influences as a band?
    Jon: We all grew up listening to basically the same bands. We are very much influenced by the early Fat Wreck / Epitaph rosters. Those bands paved the way for all of us starting out. When you start touring with other bands and they become bands you can connect with, I think those become our biggest influences.
    Brian: I recently saw you play at Bogies in Albany, NY with A Wilhelm Scream and After the Fall, what would you consider your favorite bands to tour with?

    Jon: Our brothers in AWS have been around with us from the start. We come from the same Massachusetts mentality. It just works. We also have traveled the world with Set Your Goals. Those have been some of the most memorable times to date.

    Brian: If there was one band from when you started playing shows you could make reunite to play with again, who would it be?

    Jon: Marathon from Rochester, NY. Members have gone on to play in Polar Bear Club and Attica! Attica! but we all know that. Right!?

    Brian: Tycoon comes out February 21st on No Sleep Records, what’s next for you guys after the release?

    Jon: We are currently sorting out some worldwide excursions of course. CD release shows are being planned for March as well. Hopefully we’ll be back to Fest in Florida this October. That’s the best weekend to look forward to all year.

    Brian: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview!
    To preorder Tycoon:
    http://www.nosleepstore.com/​artist/No-trigger

  • DYING FETUS hits Upstate, touring in preparation for their upcoming release

    The extremely brutal death metal legends, Dying Fetus, have just announced a statement via their PR company. The Maryland based band who are currently working on their new record, have announced new information about touring events and the record itself. Of significant note are two dates in Upstate NY: March 2nd in Albany, and March 3rd in Buffalo. The statement is below:

    “Fresh off their South American tour, DYING FETUS have announced headlining and co-headlining North American tour dates. The tour sponsored by Metal Sucks and Dead End Threads kicks off February 26th and runs through March 14th. The first leg of the tour will see DYING FETUS headlining with support coming from: Job For a Cowboy, Volumes and Last Chance to Reason. The second leg will feature a co-headlining bill with DYING FETUS and The Faceless. Support will come from Goatwhore, Volumes and Last Chance to Reason.

    DYING FETUS are currently working on their new album, entitled “Reign Supreme” which is set to be released in mid 2012 through Relapse Records. The album will feature nine tracks and is a “return to roots” with production focused slightly more on slam than in the band’s last few works.  Thematically, the album is set to be a good old-fashioned piece of social and political commentary in the style of DYING FETUS as we have come to know.

    DYING FETUS will also be touring North America this Spring as part of the Metal Alliance Tour with Devildriver, The Faceless, Job For A Cowboy, 3 Inches of Blood, Impending Doom and Wretched.   The tour kicks off March 15th in Austin, TX as a part of the SXSW Music Festival and runs through April 21st, circling back to Houston, TX.

    DYING FETUS W/ Job For A Cowboy, Volumes and Last Change to Reason

    2/26 Keene, NH @ Railroad Tavern

    2/28 Providence, RI @ PVD Social Club

    2/29 Hartford, CT @ Webster Underground

    3/2 Albany, NY @ Bogie’s

    3/3 Buffalo, NY @ Club Infinity

    DYING FETUS W/ The Faceless, Goatwhore, Volumes and Last Chance to Reason

    3/4 Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr Smalls Theatre

    3/6 Lansing, MI @ The Loft

    3/7 Toledo, OH @ Omni

    3/8 Indianapolis, IN @ Emerson Theater

    3/9 Peoria, IL @ Brass Rail

    3/10 Covington, KY @ Bangarang’s

    3/12 Evansville, IN @ Boney June’s

    3/13 St Louis, MO @ Fubar

    3/14 Fayetteville, AR @ The Rogue

    METAL ALLIANCE TOUR

    3/15 Austin, TX @ SXSW / Scoot Inn

    3/16 New Orleans, LA @ The Hangar

    3/17 St Petersburg, FL @ State Theater

    3/18 Charlotte, NC @ Amos’ Southend

    3/20 Baltimore, MD @ Sonar

    3/21 New York, NY @ Gramercy Theater

    3/22 Danvers, MA @ Palace Ballroom

    3/23 Montreal, QC @ Le National

    3/24 Toronto, ON @ Opera House

    3/25 Columbus, OH @ Alrosa Villa

    3/26 Joliet, IL @ Mojoe’s

    3/27 St Paul, MN @ Station-4

    3/28 Winnipeg, MB @ Garrick Centre

    3/29 Regina, SK @ Riddell Centre

    -Erik Jensen

  • REVIEW: Palmyra’s self titled EP is authentic, highly appealing

    REVIEW: Palmyra’s self titled EP is authentic, highly appealing

    Long Island based 5 piece, Palmyra, is not your typical metal core band by any means. Although they share many of the characteristics associated with a multitude of bands within metal’s wide array of genres, there is something authentic that pops out at you after repeated listening.  The progressive approach of the band is heightened with what seems to be an added appreciation of 19th century scales. When reading the band’s Facebook profile, they referenced classical music as something that is elemental in their sound. Upon first listen to the band’s EP, it is clear to me that it is something that is even more involved than they may know themselves.

    The merge of style and classical infusion is found heavily in a track like, “Falso En Uno, Falso En Omnibus.”  For some bands, you can see that influence more regularly during guitar solos. In this case, even the riff arrangements echo the mindset. It is highly appealing to see that kind of  traditionalism invoked in music that is clearly the polar opposite in style.

    Outside of anything based in an era long ago, the band tends to shine intricately as well. The overall sound is a scale heavy, bone crushing testament to the scene at large. Vocally, I wish there was a little more range. It is not that I don’t appreciate a good screamer, because I do. However, with the complexity of the material that is presented, it would be great to see something that is steeped in melodic range at times. Lyrically though, I see a great play on words that is something that the band will easily be able to use with efficiency. On the track, Train of Thought, the rhyming poetic verses are fun and well thought out. I like the simplistic nature of a vocal that conveys pain so well. I can easily identify with a verse like, “ This is pain, you can fit in a jewelry box. This is pain, you can pack in a pipe. Small and concentrated, my mind shuts off. I carry my grief into my dreams, it makes them burst open at the seams.”

    You will be hearing a lot more about this band in the upcoming months. Keep an eye out for future coverage of Palmyra in the near future.

    For more information on Palmyra-
    http://www.facebook.com/PalmyraNY

    -Erik Jensen

  • REVIEW: After The Avalanche – Self Titled EP

    REVIEW: After The Avalanche – Self Titled EP

    After The Avalanche is a band of great promise within the Upstate New York metal scene. The Watertown based 5 piece is definitely on the right path. In the demand of honesty, I will tell you that there are a couple of conflicting issues that I have with the demo I was asked to touch on. Some points are good, and some are bad. However, all of the points I will talk about, are meant more for constructive balance. Don’t be confused though, because this band has much to offer.

    From a musical standpoint, After The Avalanche has it going on. They are technically astounding, and play with a very focused progressive nature. They are lumped into that whole metal core label because quite frankly, it may be the best and most definitive way to describe what they are doing. On tracks like “Codename More Cowbell” and “Calendars”, you can feel the melodic presence that After The Avalanche is perfecting on an extremely high level. On those same songs, however, you can also see the very reason why it is getting difficult to tell some metal core bands from each other. Someone alerted to me to the breakdown prowess of the band. Although the band does this quite well, it is a formula of generic repetition that is being overused to the hilt. The start and stop drum heavy interludes that are aided with screams of anger, are becoming quite overblown. Don’t get me wrong, this band does it better than most. I just feel that the approach in itself is going to end up hindering the progress of bands that are ultimately better on many levels. This is not just an issue with this band, it is the genre in general.

    Outside of my issue with the breakdowns and the abundance of indecipherable dialogue, the band is a top notch example of unlimited potential. They are branching out, and pushing their wares on the scene quite well. I look forward to the next studio based piece that they will bring forward.

    For more information-
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/After-The-Avalanche/201207729913338

    -Erik Jense

  • Adam Merola of THE TRUTH BY BLOOD AGENCY discusses expansion into PR services, encourages bands to submit for consideration

    Adam Merola of THE TRUTH BY BLOOD AGENCY discusses expansion into PR services, encourages bands to submit for consideration

    Adam Merola is part of the great team over at The Truth By Blood Agency.  As a co-founder of the company, he and his staff have put together what I would consider to be one of the best artist service agencies on the eastern seaboard. Primarily focused on the Metal genre, the group has expanded the horizons of each band that they are currently handling. I had an opportunity to chat with Adam about the direction of this exciting business, and the path it has taken to get to current time.

    Erik:  How did the team come together that would become the Truth By Blood Agency? How did it get started?

    Adam: A couple of years back I had come across Jeremy Stanton at Save Our Scene Productions. Originally I was inquiring about booking a date for one of my bands in NY. The show ended up being a record label showcase, and at that time the band I was working with was offered a deal to sign with this record label. The label ended up screwing everyone over. Throughout the whole process I had stayed in contact with Stanton because he was involved with some of the bands on the label as well. In the end, we decided to form what is now called The Truth By Blood Agency.

    Erik:  You seem to handle all aspects of the band management experience. Tell me about the mission on keeping everything in house, so to speak, and how this benefits you more?

    Adam: The Truth By Blood Agency is basically a parent company to multiple divisions. We offer management and booking and we are currently starting to dip into the PR aspect of the business. We believe in doing the most we possibly can for the bands that we work with. One way we ensure that we are doing that is by surrounding ourselves with industry professionals and experts in each category. Stanton is the Director Of Marketing, Christine Palmer is handling our PR and I manage the booking side of things with the help of our agents. By offering these services to our bands, we believe it will benefit them as well as us. We have plans to break our PR department into a separate division and we are also toying with the possibility of a clothing line.

    Erik:  When choosing the bands you have selected to represent, what criteria do you use to make your decisions?

    Adam: We currently work with different levels of bands. First and foremost we look for quality. If we don’t like the band’s music we will not represent them. We are always looking for bands that know they need to work hard to reach their goals. There are too many bands out there that say they want to make it in the music business, but aren’t willing to put in the work. In addition, we look for general things like draw, tour history and marketability.

    Erik:  Tell me a little bit about the bands that you are currently handling?

    Adam: Currently we have a roster of 8 bands, and we are always looking for more. We are hoping 2012 is going to be a big year for us. A Night At The Chalet, Mummified In Circuitry, Conforza, Rebuilding The Ruins, The Harteck, Elysion Fields and One Last Time are all either releasing an album or have recently released an album. This means we are planning a lot of tours and CD release parties.

    Erik:  Do you have any other bands that you are looking to add to the roster?

    Adam: We are always looking for new bands at The Truth By Blood Agency. I can say that we do have a few bands in the works, but unfortunately that information will have to wait for a later time. We do have submission instructions in the “Notes” tab on our Facebook page. Any bands interested should be checking that out!!

    Erik:  I see you have a pretty strong relationship with Innerstrength Records, obviously you are handling a couple of their artists. How did this come into being?

    Adam: I will start by saying that Innerstrength Records is a great label to work with. We had been working with Heal These Wounds from Innerstrength for a short period of time. One of the bands I manage (Mummified In Circuitry) had also signed with them. We had developed a good working relationship with the label and ended up working with some of their bands as well.

    Erik:  I know your help is spread out in many different areas around a couple of states? What is the future plan with the expansion of your plan?

    Adam: Currently we have agents in NY, MA and FL. Our goal is to have strong points in key markets in the United States. We definitely plan to expand. but have not worked out the details in full as of yet.

    If you are interested in applying for representation through the company, check out the information below. Serious Inquiries only please! This is a serious step up for your band, and requires the flexibility to go, go, go!

    If your band is interested in working with The Truth By Blood Agency and you think you have what it takes….Feel free to send us a submission.

    Please complete the following information and send it to adam.onenightstand@gmail.com and stanton.truthbyblood@gmail.com (we will get back to you)

    We ask that you are 100% truthful in your answers

    Required Information

    Name of your band:

    Hometown:

    Contact Information:

    List of band members names/positions/ages: (ex: John Smith(25) – Vocals)

    Band website/Link to EPK: (Facebook/ReverbNation)

    At least 2 MP3’s: (Mediafire/Facebook/ReverbNation)

    Draw / How many people can you bring to hometown/away shows:

    How long has your band been together with the current lineup:

    Availability/Has your band toured:

    A high resolution picture of the band: (promo shot preferred)

    A high resolution band logo:

    Band Bio:

    For more information on Truth By Blood Agency-
    http://www.facebook.com/TruthByBlood

  • Sean-Paul Pillsworth of NIGHTMARES FOR A WEEK discusses Pedigree, camaraderie and Cincinnati

    Sean-Paul Pillsworth of NIGHTMARES FOR A WEEK discusses Pedigree, camaraderie and Cincinnati

    Nightmares For A Week from Kingston have honed their songwriting in bands such as Jerk Magnet and Anadivine, Sean-Paul Pillsworth and Bill Manley recruited Steven Markota, formerly of Astronauts to complete their lineup. Since 2008, NFAW have released an EP, A Flood Tomorrow on Broken English Records and a 7″ and a full length, Don’t Die on Academy Fight Song Records. I got a chance to talk to Sean-Paul about Pedigree, camaraderie and oddly, Cincinnati.

    Brian: Bill and Sean-Paul had previously been band mates when you guys formed NFAW, which was a significant departure musically. Did you find it easier to write together despite the difference in the style of music?

    Sean-Paul: Writing in NFAW has been easier, towards the end of Anadivine everything felt forced. There was no real musical goal or even an influence that was holding AD together, and ultimately it’s what tore it apart. NFAW has always been on the same page when it comes to writing. Bill and I have been writing songs for over a decade so we know each other well, having Steve in the band is a great way to regulate ourselves and throw some new ideas into the experience.

    Brian: The Kingston/Woodstock area tends to be a haven for many different styles of high caliber musician. How has growing up in that musical climate affected your growth as a musician?

    Sean-Paul: I would say it has affected us, maybe not always in a positive way. I remember seeing local Kingston/Woodstock shows when I was younger and thinking “Man I’ll never be able like that, nor do I want to”. I do remember going to the Sleeping Turtle in New Paltz and seeing Lounge and Cooter and thinking “I can do this”. One thing that the Kingston/Woodstock scene made me realize was that you shouldn’t come out of the basement until you’re ready to play. I’m not saying you have to be amazing, but I remember playing shows for a while and bands wouldn’t have bass players, singers just because they didn’t find anyone yet. That was alien to me, I was always under the impression that when you started a band/project that you should be “ready to play”, I’ve seen some rooms clear out pretty quick.

    Brian: When I listen to you play, I feel like I hear some None More Black influence and of course Jawbreaker. Who do you guys consider your biggest influences as a band?

    Sean-Paul: Our biggest influence as a band would probably be the Replacements. I can’t say that’s everyone’s individual main influence, but their music and their attitude/outlook on being a band is inspiring. They really didn’t give a shit and they were having a blast.

    Brian: From your inception as a group, to your songs themselves, through your growth, it seems such a large part of who you are as a band is based on camaraderie, friendship and a genuineness that comes out in the music. How do you find playing shows and recording different with such a genuine and positive vibe as contrasted with other projects you’ve been involved in?

    Sean-Paul: When we started NFAW we had one thing in mind, have fun. We really never expected much to happen, maybe play some local shows drink beer and that was it. A large part of our sound is because we still hold on to that same mentality. So the genuine/friendship/positive vibe we give off is a direct result of that. I’ve played in a lot of projects and it seems the overall reason they’ve all fell apart is because those core thoughts were gone. It’s interesting to see what happens to people when they get bored in a project or even the opposite, they experience some sort of success. These situations usually are followed by reinvention. Which in a lot of the bands I’ve been in was a terrible idea, why mess with what got you to where you are?

    Brian: You’ve played a lot of shows and ranged out extensively, including appearances at the last two Fests. What cities are your favorites to play in and what bands are your favorite bands to play with?

    Sean-Paul: Our favorite cities are anywhere but Cincinnati. Our favorite bands to play with are Aficionado, Caleb Lionheart, Gameday Regulars, Measured in Grey, Drag the River, the Parting Gift, Dead Unicorn…there’s a million more.

    Brian: With 2012 setting in, a New Year beginning, thoughts tend to turn toward the future. What’s next for Nightmares For A Week?

    Sean-Paul: 2012 will bring at least two new releases, touring and a lot of partying.

    Brian: And last, unfortunately it took a great loss to make it happen, but I thoroughly enjoyed the Jerk Magnet reunion show. What are the odds of seeing another Jerk Magnet show at some point in the future?

    Sean-Paul: I would never rule out Jerk Magnet playing again. We all still talk (for the most part) and I think we all still enjoy the music we made. It did take a real tragedy to have us play a show again and I hope if there is a next time it’s just because a group of people want us to play a basement and drink beer.

    Brian: Thanks for taking the time to do this!

    Nightmares for a Week is embarking on a short Northeast tour
    January 26, 2012 New Paltz, NY Bacchus with Nightmares For a Week and Year on a Mountain
    January 27, 2012 Brooklyn, NY Saint Vitus with Grey Area, Luther and Nightmares For a Week
    January 28, 2012 Philadelphia, PA The Fire with Grey Area, Luther, Nightmares For a Week and One Win Choice
    January 29, 2012 Albany, NY Valentines with Nightmares For a Week, The City Never Sleeps and Orphan Legs

    For more information on Nightmares For A Week-
    http://www.facebook.com/nightmaresforaweek

    -Brian Lawrence

  • WARBRINGER, ICED EARTH, SYMPHONY X tour coming through Upstate

    Warbringer will be making a couple of pit stops in Upstate New York on their recent tour with Iced Earth, and Symphony X.  The two upstate stops on their schedule include dates on March 11th in Clifton Park, and March14th in Buffalo. This is a pretty exciting bill, and I highly recommend you check out one of these shows. Below is a statement issues by the band:

    “After recently touring Europe with ARCH ENEMY and successfully completing their first-ever headlining US run in the fall of 2011, the thrash road-warriors WARBRINGER are ready for yet anohttps://www.northropgrumman.com/ther North American tour–this time, with co-headliners ICED EARTH and SYMPHONY X! In regards to this upcoming trek, the band comments: “It’s a new year and we’re looking forward to getting back out there and touring the US and Canada, especially getting back to some of the markets we didn’t hit on the headline tour. These will be big shows and a long tour and we’re excited to share the stage with ICED EARTH and SYMPHONY X, and performing for some of their fans who may have not seen WARBRINGER yet.”

    Tour dates for the trek are below, so check to see when this epic bill will be coming to a city near you!

    WARBRINGER tour dates feat. ICED EARTH, SYMPHONY X

    1/20 – Orangevale, CA – The Boardwalk **off-date with DEATH ANGEL, BLESSED CURSE**

    1/21 – Fresno, CA – Starline **off-date with DEATH ANGEL**

    1/28 – Portage, IN – Camelot Hall **headlining off-date**

    1/30 – Richmond, VA – Kingdom **headlining off-date**

    1/31 – Hartford, CT – Webster Theater

    2/1 – Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero

    2/2 – Baltimore, MD – Sonar **headlining off-date**

    2/3 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom

    2/4 – Quebec City, QC – Albert Rousseau

    2/5 – Montreal, QC – Metropolis

    2/6 – Toronto, ON – Phoenix

    2/9 – Winnipeg, MB – Garrick Centre

    2/10 – Saskatoon, SK – Louis Pub

    2/11 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room

    2/12 – Calgary, AB – Flames Central

    2/14 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom

    2/15 – Seattle, WA – Showbox Market

    2/16 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater

    2/17 – San Francisco, CA – Regency Theater

    2/18 – Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia

    2/20 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues

    2/21 – Anaheim, CA – Grove

    2/22 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues

    2/24 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

    2/25 – Denver, CO – Summit

    2/26 – Kansas City, MO – Midland Theater

    2/27 – Dallas, TX – Trees

    2/28 – Austin, TX – Emos East

    2/29 – Houston, TX – House of Blues

    3/2 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution

    3/3 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues

    3/4 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade

    3/5 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theater

    3/6 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte

    3/7 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall

    3/8 – Frederick, MD – Café 611

    3/9 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium

    3/10 – New York, NY – Best Buy Theater

    3/11 – Clifton Park, NY – Northern Lights

    3/12 – Poughkeepsie, NY – The Loft **headlining off-date**

    3/13 – Washington DC – 9:30 Club

    3/14 – Buffalo, NY – The Town Ballroom

    3/15 – Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar

    3/16 – Pontiac, MI – The Crofoot

    3/17 – Joliet, IL – Mojoes

     

    WARBRINGER released their latest effort, Worlds Torn Asunder, in September of last year to rave reviews, peaking at #3 on the Metal charts and debuting at #11 on Billboard’s Heatseekers.

    -Erik Jensen

  • LAESTRYGONIA discusses future plans, formation

    LAESTRYGONIA discusses future plans, formation

    Laestrygonia is a great new band based out of Geneva, NY. The exciting thing about these guys that you notice upon first listen, is the originality they are bringing to the table. Opting to not include a vocalist, the bands plays a very aggressive brand of progressive instrumental metal. This format of music can bring out the best in the collective musicianship of a band, and Laestrygonia is definitely capable of creating some big noise within the scene. The band consisting of Shaun Secaur and CJ Darrow on guitar, Nick Hotaling on bass and Dave Hadley on drums, is my pick for the band most likely to make huge waves this year within the scenes. I had a chance to catch up with them recently

    Erik:  How did the band originally get together?

    SHAUN:  Dave asked me to join based on our experience together in our old band, Vigilance. He was already playing with then guitarist Alex.

    DAVE:  Yeah, I just moved into this house and everyone was a musician who lived there so naturally something came up.  We were playing together for a while and I decided to call Shaun and see if he’d be interested and thankfully he was!

    NICK:  I just came downstairs and said I was the bassist.  I usually play guitar and didn’t even have a bass so I got one off ebay and joined, haha.

    CJ:  Alex left the band and they asked me to play because I already knew Shaun and was into that kind of music.

    Erik:  Who are your biggest influences personally, and as a band?

    SHAUN:  I have a really broad range of influences musically, but as far as what I draw on for Laestrygonia, it’s mostly more ambient, melodic heavy stuff. Cloudkicker obviously, Agalloch, Year of No Light, Jesu, and maybe some Opeth. But personally, I try to incorporate shifting melodies over harsh riffing in the style of the cascadian black metal bands like Wolves in the Throne Room and Altar of Plagues.

    DAVE: Cloudkicker is a HUGE influence for me in this, Ben Sharp is a musical genius.

    NICK:  Justin Beiber

    Erik:  Choosing a path of playing instrumental heavy music is a daring path. What made you decide to go in this direction?

    SHAUN:  I think we all decided early on that there’s just a lot more freedom to do what we want without a vocalist. How many times have you heard a band that you love musically but just can’t stand the vocalist? It was about freedom of musical ingenuity, and also having a vocalist can sometimes be a pain in the ass. Not having a vocalist focuses on the emotion of the music itself, which makes us work harder to create more diverse, emotive songs musically.

    Erik:  Are you guys planning on going back into the studio. And what can we expect?

    SHAUN: We have a new song finished and some other new ones started, so we definitely want to be recording again within the next couple months.

    DAVE:  I’d like to try “mic”ing live drums next time, the first time was on an electronic kit. Our buddy Jon recorded for us the first time and did an awesome job, so I’m anxious to see what we can do the 2nd time around.

    NICK:  I’m just excited to record with my new equipment!

    Erik:  I see that you are playing a limited schedule at this point. Are there any plans to spread out and diversify through the state? What are your performance plans for the year?

    SHAUN: Us playing a limited schedule isn’t our choice, we’d play every night if we could. We’re still working on getting our name out there and trying to get shows in different areas to help spread the word faster. BOOK US.

    DAVE: We have a small tour planned for Europe in a few months…… Haha! I wish.

    NICK:  Dave and I have been talking about a little weekend thing where we just play a Friday, Saturday, Sunday. We may be trying to head towards Boston with it. But that’s still being talked about.

    Erik:  The Finger Lakes region has a rich history of turning out some pretty spectacular touring bands? What are you overall thoughts on the Upstate scene?

    SHAUN: All of us in the band have been in different bands, probably 5 or 6 collectively, all of varying genres in the “heavy” classification, but from my area I’ve noticed a lot fewer bands starting up. I remember when I was in high school, there were so many local bands playing shows every weekend. I think that’s moved from the Syracuse/Auburn area to the Rochester area more recently, but the bands that are left are a lot more serious. Band members seem more committed, and the overall quality is more mature, albeit less abundant. I’d very much like to see shows in all the bigger upstate cities again, but with a serious lack of venues it can be challenging. Especially for younger local bands that can’t play in bars.

    DAVE:  I’d say that pretty much sums it up, except it seems that a lot of people have shifted their interests to pop punk.

    NICK: There’s nothing wrong with pop punk…..

    For more information-
    http://www.facebook.com/Laestrygonia

    -Erik Jensen

  • Eclecticism is a MotherFvcker

    Eclecticism is a MotherFvcker

    As mentioned in a previous piece I wrote, eclecticism is a double edged sword within the music industry these days. It can be a good thing when a band switches their artistic direction because of their own internal desire to do so. In most of these cases, the band has tired of their old direction or just feels it is time to go above and beyond in the writing process. After an attempt is made at diversifying within their musical capabilities, these bands sometimes wear a tag of being “eclectic.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word Eclectic with two definitions. They are: 1) selecting what appears to be best in various methods or styles and 2) composed of elements drawn from various sources. Some may interpret that the definition of eclectic is being unoriginal, but I strongly disagree. Simply stated, band variables like influences, geography, era, and education, are what give a band a sound that may be labeled as eclectic. These variables can inevitably change over a band’s career, with both good and bad public reception. Hence, the double edged sword. A risk, if you will. There is something to admire about a band that changes things up for the sake of their art. Obviously, they also run the risk of alienation; up to the point of no longer existing. It is the equivalent of putting 500K on red at the roulette table. Why talk about these bands though? Admirable attempts are made every day by a bevy of hungry new artists. I would rather focus on the misusage of the word eclectic when describing your own sound. Nickelback, Creed, and Staind all consider themselves eclectic. This amounts to a pile of laughs, but pulls the definition into question again! I mean, shit, you know you are bad when the Black Keys tells the world, “That you single handedly destroyed rock music.” Thanks Nickelback, for being the Frank Sinatra of Rock and Roll! My sincerest apologies to Frank’s ultra dead and rotting corpse! You did not deserve to be mocked and ridiculed. So the real topic here is “why are you labeling your band to be eclectic?” The three “way below par” hit machines referenced above, sold their souls to the devil for fame and fortune. Their artistic visions were all squashed by record label mercenaries, after selling millions upon release of their first record. The result was generic American Idol like efficiency, that alienated long time hard core fans. Yes, that simple folks! Is the struggling recording industry ruining music as you know it? Could be! Many feel that record companies live by a credo of, “If we can not benefit, neither will you.” That statement could be the very same reason that some hack like Colbie Caillat gets signed to a recording deal based on videos posted to her My Space page. I mean, geez, get me a gun, I have to snuff this feeling out. We are being spoon fed mountains of undigestible fluff in the record label’s new format of choice! Oh wait, too late there as well. Shawn Fanning beat you to the chase. The approach of the high end execs to diversify the fan base of bands at any cost, has lead to some of the biggest disasters in the history of recorded music. Remember Megadeth’s “Risk,” record from 1999? I figured, who would want to? This unbearable piece of garbage is a prime example of a label trying to force an act into flipping their whole fan base overnight? The end result, a fan base destroyed! And furthermore, no new fans! No one bought it, because no one could wrap their mind around it! Who else would put the idea in Dave Mustaine’s head, that he could write songs that were based around disco and dance beat syncopation. Only a record label would encourage such a sad departure! Ecleticism does not involve pimping yourself for an asshole in suit and tie! Of course, the legend is that Lars Ulrich helped encourage this “brave move” as well. No surprise there. I am sure Lars would suck dick for a thousandth of a percentage point in earnings. With all that being said, I still love Megadeth to this day. They made an error that could have cost them tragically, and have moved on admirably. This is not an example of eclecticism benefiting art. This is greed gone awry, with no profit, and nothing remotely close to significant coming from it…on any level. Eclecticism in it’s true form, can be best tracked back to some of the great musical eras of the past. The era of Grunge and the Seattle scene comes to mind. Every era will spawn the mimic train that comes with it’s descent. Ask Puddle of Mudd, those clueless Nirvana wannabes that have the cultural relevance of the Insane Clown Posse. In any case, that era of music was spawned by a culmination of many different variables that were shaking up music at the highest levels. The bleak geography and dark overtones of Seattle, were a perfect place for musical revolution. It was the end of the hair metal invasion, the downward spiral of Michael Jackson, and a whole new generation of kids who grew up listening to metal, punk, and substantial indie records. Their eclecticism could not be helped, and thank “your spiritual muse” for that. Bands like Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Alice in Chains all brought something completely refreshing to the table. And in return, were falsely labeled as knock offs of each other. Fuck that. That era was to come in the late 90’s, when bands like The Presidents of The United States of America were jammed down our throat. I think another great example of that era would be the Chili Peppers. They were also accused of the same forms of emulation. My question would be how? The band was influenced by artists as diverse as James Brown, Fear, and The Gap Band. I would say this sounds like a natural evolution of influence that escalated into something highly original. Natural eclectic transformation! That brings us to the present day. The purest form of eclecticism is taking place in the small clubs of the world. Bands are trying to make it with a fierce focus on internet marketing and social media. Their hopes are based on some form of widespread distribution through the internet or indie labels that were swallowed up by the monopoly that is the recording industry. They start off on the right path, and the good ones usually don’t conform for anyone. The darkest side of this diversity equation comes from the handful of bands that trade in their DIY work ethic for a piece of “forced eclecticism.” You will see this on many Facebook band pages these days. Bands, as an example, may use the tag of eclectic when spotlighting the fact that their band has someone who plays a keyboard. Metal music is metal music! Keyboard, violin, harpsichord, or banjo included, if you are playing metal, it is what it is! Meanwhile, there is nothing that comes from a place of true originality with some of these bands. The consumer bourgeois and the national record labels, have brainwashed many bands into believing that wearing this title is their key to success. It is not! What is important, you ask? Importance comes from staying true to your roots and beliefs if it is working for you. Only you, as a band, can answer this question of self reflection. This does not mean that you can not wear your influences on your sleeves. Be your own muse within your creation. Good, bad, or indifferent, this is what many expect out of their musical heroes. To sum it up, Fuck the American Idol generation! Rock is not dead, the path to get from A to Z is. Be safe, my brothers and sisters.

    -Erik Jensen