Category: Metal/Hard Rock/Punk

FALLEN CAPTIVE’s “Edge of Collapse” is well produced, tightly structured

Based out of Cleveland, Ohio, Fallen Captive is a band that is making huge strides in the Midwest gateway. This 6 piece metal core band is ready to bust out of the “down but never out,” city of their rise. Judging by the band’s fascinating recent release, Edge of Collapse, the time is now to spread their wings.

The band’s sound is accentuated by an above average dual guitar shredfest mentality. It is also worth mentioning that the band uses keyboard as an important piece of leverage within their sound. It gives the pulsating bass and drum style, an added layer of texture and musicality. Vocally and lyrically, front man Mitch Pivarski brings the punishment with great success. The sum of all these parts makes for a startlingly efficient cohesion of melody and thump. The results on an intensity level are reminiscent of bands like Sirens and Sailors and Bleeding Through, among others.

I have not seen the band in a live setting, but I can not imagine how fun it may be after listening to this release. This CD is very well produced, and very well structured from a song standpoint. Always a fan of metal wordsmiths, there was no disappointment with that aspect either. After the machine like intro noise of the album opener, “Advent,” the band wastes no time in bringing the auditory madness at a frantic pace. “Fallout,” is another track of cautionary interpretation that gleams with the every day worldliness of chaos based metal acts. You have to take notice when Mitch proclaims, “ This is our fallout, this is the end of the world, as we know it. But I’m not giving in, just keeping my head forward,” Although this thought is open ended in explanation, it is nonetheless intriguing. On the song, “A Plea For Sanity,” the band shows their range and craft as songwriters. It is the perfect example of the overall dynamics they are trying to achieve within the music. Great keyboard accompaniment blends effortlessly with the swirling guitar interplay and pulsating backbeat mayhem. Lyrically, another high note of self-questioning is brought forth. The human condition is well represented with the drastically desperate rambling of, “Take this as my plea, my plea for sanity!” The thought is concluded later with, “Now I’m through trying, trying time and time again!”

There are other stellar tracks here too! Some of my other favorites are “Edge of Collapse,” and “Old Fashioned.” Overall, though, there really isn’t a track on this recording that is anything short of great. Here is to the hope, that we can get this great act back up into Upstate relatively soon!

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

-Erik Jensen

January 16, 2012
Charlie McClure of NEON GUILLOTINE discusses new album, upcoming show dates

Based out of Cortland, NY, Neon Guillotine is a somewhat new addition to the Upstate metal music scene. You would never know that based on the chops shown off on tracks that are posted on their Facebook page. With the release of the band’s first full length on the horizon, only good things can come for this exciting up and comer. Recently, I had a chance to get the lowdown from drummer Charlie McClure, about the band’s future and past.

Erik: How did the Neon Guillotine come together?

Charlie: Prior to the formation of Neon Guillotine, all members had been in bands and played together at one point or another. This particular band started with Joey and two other guys that were trying to get an old band back together and they asked Jeff and I to come try out. It was soon apparent that Joey, Jeff and I were on the same page musically, which was not consistent with the other members of the band. That’s when the three of us decided to go our own way. After a few months of writing we recruited Andreu on Bass and began playing shows. We then decided to bring in another guitar player to complete our sound and after a couple try-outs we found Tanner. We finished out the summer playing shows and wanted to finish the line up with a keyboard player and gained Brennan, Tanner’s roommate to fill the position.

Erik: Always curious how bands come up with their name! How did you choose Neon Guillotine?

Charlie: While looking for some tattoo inspiration, I google image searched guillotines. There was an image of a neon one, and Neon Guillotine stuck with us. When suggested to the other members they all really liked it. The former name, Thousand Yard Stare, was replaced with Neon Guillotine from there after.

Erik: Tell me about your home scene of Cortland? What are your thoughts on it?

Charlie: Cortland doesn’t have much of a metal scene, making it difficult to book shows. We are trying to make the genre more accessable to ears it may not normally reach. Coming from a college town doesn’t make it easy, you are surrounded by clubs and country bars and there is no demand for metal. So it’s our goal to play as often as we can and with as many other metal bands. Luckily we have formed a good relationship with a venue right in Cortland and been able to play on a regular basis, with bands that wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to stop in our town.

Erik: I understand that the band will be releasing it’s first full length record soon! Tell me about the recording process, and what to expect on the record?

Charlie: The recording process has been a lot of fun. It’s also been hard work but hopefully it pays off. This album has taken a little longer than expected, money being major issue but we are almost done. As far as what to expect from the album our goal was to write something that was new, technical, catchy and above all heavy. Our goal is to bring something original to the table.

Erik: You have a big show going on in Cortland on Feb. 24th, tell me about what you have planned for the evening? And who is on the bill with you?

Charlie: Our intention is to have our full length album and new tee-shirt designs available to our fans by this date. We plan on playing a great show with some great bands including, Dead by Wednesday, Kind Snyder, Chamber Law, Sanjuro Fields and more to be announced. We are going to promote it like crazy and hope for a good turnout.

Erik: You are in a band that is somewhat new to the scene. What do you have planned over the next year as far as playing shows?

Charlie: After the release of our full length, were hoping to head out on our first self funded tour down the east coast. We would like our music to reach more people and get ourselves established in the metal scene. We plan on playing as many shows as we can, eventually booking bigger venues with bigger bands.

Erik: If you had a choice of bands to play with from this Upstate scene, that you have not played with, who would they be?

Charlie: We would like the opportunity to play with Structured To Collapse, Thoughts in Reverse, and Chains of Honor. We feel that our music is similar and like what they’re doing. We always enjoy playing with new bands in the genre and spreading our music. Our goal is to be heard.

Make sure to check out Neon Guillotine on Feb. 24^th at The Palm Gardens in Cortland, NY. The rest of the line-up for that night includes: DEAD BY WEDNESDAY, King Snyder, Chamber Law, Every Last Breath, and Sanjuro Fields.

-Erik Jensen

January 16, 2012
Upstate Metal’s “Your band might suck if…”
Upstate Metal has a sense of humor, and anyone who has gone to any music event from local shows at bars to national concerts at amphitheaters has seen bands that suck. From bad music, embarrassing stage antics, between song banter that would make Helen Keller grimace, or a combination of the three, the worst part is most of these bands will never realize that they suck harder than a shopvac during a power surge. If you know one or more of these bands, you’d be doing the world a great favor if you could show them this list that just might make them show mercy and hang up their poor, embarrassed instruments.

Your band might suck if…
1. Your pants are tighter than your songs.
2. Your only fans gave birth to your members.
3. You’re currently settling a libel suit with the Cookie Monster.
4. Your band name consists of four words that have no place sitting next to each other for any reason ever.
5. You talk shit.
6. You use an intro and that is the best part of your show.
7. You think recording that intro and talking with a Brooklyn accent about how tough you are during it is a good idea for the beginning of your album.
8. It looks like a family reunion when your band plays out and your mother is the loudest.
9. When someone asks you when you’re on and you say we’re on 9th, 3 slots before the headliner.
10. When a large part of your fan base takes more than 20 minutes to do their hair before a show and don’t have breasts.
11. When people are more likely to buy the tumbleweeds blowing by your merch table than your merch.
12. Your doc martens cost more than your guitar.
13. You are paying them 5 bucks to take one of your CD’s, and no one will budge.
14. All the stickers on your drums are from bands that broke up before you were born.
15. If you wear corpse paint and you AREN’T from Norway.
16. Your singer books a show and you’re still first to play.
17. If you think encore is a metal genre.
18. If your band starts playing and everyone leaves the venue, even the alcoholic at the end of the bar.
19. When the people dancing during your set look like slightly more effeminate versions of Richard Simmons.
20. If you use the word “fusion” at all when describing the bands style.
January 14, 2012
Inside the EXPOSED MUSIC FESTIVAL; an interview with Dan Jensen, founder

Over the years there have been many tours and festivals that have taken place all over the world. Most of these events showcase bands that are already signed and have a massive following. Personally, I am not opposed to huge acts being on tour and making their money. While these events do usually draw crowds these types of tours do nothing to support the underground music scene! The underground is thriving with new and exciting talent but the issue is how to harness that talent into a successful major tour. One new tour that is doing just that is the Exposed Music Fest! The Exposed Music Fest is a nationwide tour that goes to cities all over the country to showcase the areas local talent. The tour works closely with Stand and Deliver Records and brings all the advantages of a major tour and festival right to the underground. The following is an interview with Dan Janssen, the founder of the Exposed Music Fest.

Rob:How did the fest get started?

Dan: Over the last three years, Exposed Music Festival (formally known as The Slave to the Metal Music Festival) has featured, debuted, and unified local acts in cities coast to coast. Hosted by Fuse TV’s Juliya Chernetsky and Suicide City’s and Demilitia’s bass player Jennifer “JennCity” Arroyo (also known for her former days with KITTIE), this ongoing festival-style tour has exposed more than 750 unsigned bands to more than 35,000 fans in just 75 shows during 2011! We expect 2012 to be even more exciting and successful by offering new programs and adding new sponsors. Recently, we started programs for bands to get involved in our personal distribution project or opt to be photographed onstage during their acts for excellent publicity shots. Both options are free of charge to bands who sign up for Exposed events. Another avenue we are considering is getting other local artists involved at our shows to also display their talents to the community and possibly their target demographic, spreading the fan base even more. For example, local tattoo shops can advertise their work and meet like-minded people, or local Internet-based TV or radio shows can broadcast/document our festival. At the end of the day we want these bands to gain fans, have fun and help their scene to grow.

Rob:Whose idea was it to go to different cities and promote local bands?

Dan: It was mine. I’ve worked on every side of this industry including management, concert production, and a musician. I work with several record label A&R from Major to Indie and thought this would be a good way to go out and find some diamond’s in the rough. Labels rarely go to shows anymore, unless a band is drawing hundreds of people to a show and creating a major buzz outside their local scene its highly unlikely anyone will see them. With our connections the hope is to find talent, work with them and try and get them to that next level. You wouldn’t believe the talent we see in these “minor” markets. There are so many groups that if they had the right direction they could be successful in this business. Unfortunately there are too many “voices” in this business who claim they know the “right” way and really it handcuffs these kids and keeps them local. We try our best to break that mold and give them the right advice if they ask for it.

Rob: What record companies and national acts are affiliated with this tour?

Dan:There are industry reps/bands that we all work with, more then I could list. The label that sponsors this event is Stand and Deliver Records but we have connections at pretty much every label out there thru our various affiliates. For instance, with the standout rock bands I’ve found on this event I’ve showcased them separately for Kim Stephens, Kim owns forward entertainment and works for or is associated with Capitol, Atlantic and Universal. He is credited with signing such acts as Matchbox 20, Collective Soul, most recently Saving Abel, Sick Puppies, and Adelitas Way to name a few. We don’t push the record deal aspect as much as helping the bands gain fans and teaching unity in their music scene. Labels aren’t signing potential anymore, so a band really has to be a 10 out of 10 to gain label interest. We do find these groups from time to time and will set up a separate showcase for these bands at a later date.

Rob: Are there any locals that have been “exposed” or became famous from this tour via the music festival?

Dan: Well were brand new and have only been doing this since Feb of 2011. All of the bands get exposure from this, and I’m confident every band that put forth any sort of effort has gained something from playing this. We don’t sign bands as were just a production company, but we can shop them if they are good. The biggest problem with festivals like this is that they promise record deals that they can’t deliver. We don’t want bands thinking if they play this event they will get signed, so we really don’t try to push that aspect of it. The opportunity is there for the bands that stand out though. I just recently did a showcase for a band called The Everyday Losers out of Indiana and I’m real excited about their chances. Other standouts I’ve seen are SkinKage, Novus Follium, It’s tough because labels aren’t so quick to take a chance anymore on bands so the process is a bit longer and were hoping 2012 we can claim responsibility for some of the acts in 2011! We also look for bands that we can take on tour with us. SkinKage out of Charlotte, NC is an unsigned act that we are bringing on the road with us for this tour. They have some label interest but the label wants to see how they do on tour, so naturally we decided to take them out and see what they can do!

Rob: What is the goal of the tour?

Dan: When we meet bands we feel are of high caliber in quality and initiative, we now have the opportunity to introduce them to our friends at our sponsoring organizations, such as Stand and Deliver Records, The End Records, and Skullsnbones.com. Supporting local artists and musicians and trying to help them spread their “art” in their communities and possibly nationwide is our goal with the Exposed Music Festival. And as we continue to grow, we will continue to put on the highest quality events and stand out as the best local music festival in your city.

Rob: When?

Dan: February 4^th at the California Brew House in Rochester and check the facebook page for other exposed shows in your area!

For more information on Exposed Music Festival

http://www.exposedfestival.com/

http://www.facebook.com/xposedmusicfest

https://twitter.com/#!/ExposedMusic

http://www.skullsnbones.com/

January 14, 2012
Gorse and Matt of YOUNG ENGLISH discuss love of boobs, and influences

Young English is one of my favorite bands to come out of Orange County, NY in a long time. In a short time together, they’ve signed to Panic Records, released an excellent EP titled “I Hate My Friends”, have played a ton of shows and have a split coming out soon with Pentimento. I caught up with a visibly intoxicated Gorse and not visibly intoxicated Matt outside a show they didn’t play due to plane delays and we discussed influences, plans, boobs and video games on a stone wall in the ghetto.

Brian: Tell me who you are and what you play.
Gorse: We’re Young English, and we play music. (bearded guy 20 feet away laughs)
Brian: Well, that’s painfully obvious! Now tell me your name and what instrument you play.
Gorse: I’m Gorse, I play bass. And this is Matt.
Matt: I play guitar.

Brian: What made you choose the name Young English?
Gorse: We like a band called the Promise Ring. And they have a song called something about Denver.
Matt:(laughing) whattt?
(Gorse was referring to the song “Everywhere In Denver”)

Brian: Who do you consider your primary influences?
Gorse: Hot Rod Circuit, Saves the Day, Get Up Kids. Shit like that. Old school emo.

Brian: I find I hate my friends to be a very honest album. What were your inspirations in the songwriting lyrically?
Gorse: That can be last question.
Brian: (Laughing) Alright, mulligan on that.

Brian: You guys are releasing a split with Pentimento. How did that come about?
Gorse: We were big fans of Pentimento, actually. Because we liked Panic Records and we followed their shit.
Matt: We wanted to do a split with them before we even got signed.
Gorse: They emailed us and were like “We should do a split together, and you guys should sign to Panic.” We were like ‘We’ll do a split first, then we’ll figure the rest out.’ and the rest is history.
Brian: It actually ended up going in the opposite order though.
Gorse: Yeah.
Matt: It turned out pretty well!
Brian: Yes it did.

Brian: You’re just about to start an 8 date tour with The Hotel Year on the 12th. What albums are a must have for you in the van on tour?
Gorse: Balance and Composure. Pentimento – Wrecked.
Matt: Yeah, I dig that.
Gorse: Seahaven – Winter Forever
Matt: The Hotel Year album.
Gorse: Yeah dude, the Hotel Year. Their album is sick.
Matt: It’s solid, you should check it out definitely.
Gorse: ….how many do we have to do?
Brian: I was ready to stop a while ago, actually. (everyone laughs)
Matt: I could go on forever, I love so much stuff that’s come out recently.

Brian: You guys are from Orange County, NY. What do you consider the advantages and disadvantages of being from here?
Gorse: Too many bands…
Matt: An advantage though is we’re close enough to NYC that we can be called a city band, but we’re not a city band. Everyone just assumes you’re from the city.
Gorse: Then people say “oh you’re from upstate New York?” No we’re from fucking like 30 minutes from the city. But we’re not upstate.
Brian: Yeah, because there’s like 7 more car travel hours north in New York.
Matt: That’s another advantage is that within 7 hours in any direction you have Philly, Boston. Being from the tri state area is definitely a plus.

Brian: So, after the tour and the split, what’s next?
Gorse: A full length. In our minds we started writing it. We have some ideas. We got a few songs going.
Matt: it’ll be a while.
Gorse: No, it’ll definitely be a minute. But, we’re already working on it.

Brian: What’s your favorite video game lately?
Gorse: Goldeneye.
Matt: Modern Warfare 3.

Brian: Is there anything you want me to mention besides the album, the split and the tour?
Gorse: We like boobs.
Matt: Don’t throw that in!
Brian: Don’t throw that in?
Matt We definitely want to promote the split…
Gorse: Definitely mention I like boobs.
Brian: But see, that kind of makes it look like Matt doesn’t.
Matt: No, I do.
Brian: This seems like a good place to wrap this up.
Gorse: Thanks for doing this.
Brian: Thank you, you guys kick ass.

Be sure to check out Young English on tour!
1/12 Cambridge, MA        All Asia Cafe
1/13 Danbury, Ct          Heirloom Art Theater
1/14 Brooklyn,NY          Acheron
1/15 Rockville Centre,NY Vibe Lounge
1/16 York Haven, Pa       Boondocks Club
1/19 Ashtabula, Oh        West End 2153
1/20 Buffalo, NY          Club Diablo
1/21 Binghamton, NY       American Legion 1254

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up3l4JGREZE&w=560&h=315]

For more information on Young English:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/YoungEnglishBand
http://www.purevolume.com/new/YoungEnglish
http://purevolume.com/youngenglish

-Brian Lawrence

January 12, 2012
RISE TO REMAIN added to Warped Tour 2012

Rise To Remain is always releasing great news on what seems to be a weekly basis these days. The London based band is bringing it’s show back to the States in grand fashion. Century Media has issued the following press statement below about their inclusion on Warped Tour.

“The third group of acts playing Vans Warped Tour 2012 has just been announced and breakout UK sensation RISE TO REMAIN is included in the promising line up. Vocalist Austin Dickinson exclaims, “We are honored to announce that Rise To Remain will be part of this year’s Warped Tour!!!!

To all our stateside fans: this will be your first chance to catch us in the USA, so come down, hang out and watch some killer bands! This tour is going to be one to remember, and we look forward to you guys being a part of it. See you all soon, and party on!”

RISE TO REMAIN will join BAYSIDE, CHELSEA GRIN, MEMPHIS MAY FIRE, and a number of other artists that will be released shortly. Pre-sale tickets for the tour will be available on April 6, 2012. Fans should check www.vanswarpedtour.com for line up announcements and other updates.

This will be the band’s first time overseas to play for a US audience supporting the release of their Century Media Records debut, City of Vultures that will be out on June 5th. Not only will the City of Vultures US edition include two live bonus tracks and all the band’s videos as an exclusive download, but it will also feature exclusive new material that will be recorded in the coming months.”

If you have never seen Rise To Remain, this would be the time. They are going to be surrounded by other hidden gems that you will certainly take a liking to.

-Erik Jensen

January 12, 2012
3 INCHES OF BLOOD to release “Long Live Heavy Metal” on March 27th, 2012

Traditionalist metal gods 3 INCHES OF BLOOD will release their highly anticipated 5th studio album, Long Live Heavy Metal , on March 27th via Century Media Records. Keeping true to their core and bringing their forthcoming album title to life, fans can expect a blast of pure metal assured to leave no face un-melted. “LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL is the fifth chapter in the book of 3 INCHES OF BLOOD,
and we couldn’t be more pleased and proud of our new onslaught of Honest Heavy Metal,” says guitarist Justin Hagberg. For Long Live Heavy Metal, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD reunited with producer and engineer Terry “Sho” Murray (City of Fire, Exhibitionists), who worked with the band on their 7″, Anthems for the Victorious.

“When a band is releasing a new record, they often speak about it being their most important work or best album to date. Regardless of how clichéd either statement may sound, I think we would say both apply to this album,” explains vocalist Cam Pipes. “All of us have a special feeling about this one. We’re more committed than ever to the cause of real, honest, no bullshit heavy metal. No trends, no fucking around!”

Beginning March 16th, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD will head out on the “Metal Alliance Tour 2012” alongside DEVILDRIVER, THE FACELESS, DYING FETUS, JOB FOR A COWBOY, IMPENDING DOOM and WRETCHED. A full list of dates can be seen below.

“Metal Alliance Tour 2012”
3/15/2012 – Austin, TX @ Scoot Inn
3/16/2012 – New Orleans, LA @ The Hangar
3/17/2012 – St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theater
3/18/2012 – Charlotte, NC @ Amos
3/20/2012 – Baltimore, MD @ Sonar
3/21/2012 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theater
3/22/2012 – Danvers, MA @ Palace Ballroom
3/23/2012 – Montreal, QC, Canada @ Le National
3/24/2012 – Toronto, ON, Canada @ Opera House
3/25/2012 – Columbus, OH @ Alrosa Villa
3/26/2012 – Joliet, IL @ Mojoe’s
3/27/2012 – St. Paul, MN @ Station-4
3/28/2012 – Winnipeg, MB, Canada @ Garrick Centre
3/29/2012 – Regina, SK, Canada @ Riddell Centre
3/30/2012 – Edmonton, AB, Canada @ Edmonton Events Centre
3/31/2012 – Vancouver, BC, Canada @ Rickshaw Theater
4/1/2012 – Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
4/2/2012 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
4/5/2012 – Oakland, CA @ The Pound
4/6/2012 – Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues
4/7/2012 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theater
4/8/2012 – Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey Theater
4/9/2012 – Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall
4/10/2012 – Omaha, NE @ Sokol Auditorium
4/11/2012 – Des Moines, IA @ 7 Flags Event Center
4/13/2012 – Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theater
4/15/2012 – Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theater
4/16/2012 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
4/19/2012 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
4/20/2012 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s East
4/21/2012 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues

-Erik Jensen

January 12, 2012
Logan Carpenter of RESTLESS STREETS discusses new release, future plans for touring

Restless Streets are a self-described Post Hardcore/Metalcore band from Albany, NY. After a busy 2011, they’ve decided to take a well-deserved break to work on recording some new material, but not before a last show at Valentine’s! Our own Christine Palmer recently had a chance to speak with vocalist Logan Carpenter about the show, sponsorships and future plans.

Christine: The time is fast approaching! Wednesday at Valentine’s is the last set show date before you dudes head in to the studio. What can we anticipate with the new material coming from Restless Streets?

Logan: The new material that we have written for 2012 is a vivid representation of our lives through sound. We offer fresh new rhythmic patterns, not only within our breakdowns, but throughout the entirety of each track. Our new songs are the most melodic, and mature tracks we have written thus far. We write thought provoking music about relevant issues and concerns that our generation faces throughout each day of their lives, making it easy for anyone to relate to. Whether it be lyrically, or instrumentally, our music will dominate your senses, and force you to lose all control.

Christine: The composition of musicians within your bands structure creates an intense sound to go along the emotionally driven lyrics. What can we expect in terms of growth, what variations are anticipated with this new record?

Logan: I would never say that our band has changed, or transformed into something different. I like to think of it as each individual member becoming more themselves. Each of us have become more confident and comfortable with the lives we want to lead and the music we think fits us best. We have taken more time on these songs and learned that sometimes less is more. We have a lot of parts that really slow things down for a minute to let the listeners wipe the blood from their noses and think about what just hit them before we plunge into the next sequence. Our thoughts are collected and showcased throughout our music with a mixture of ambient, melodic interludes and electrifying, fast-paced riffs.

Christine: How will the production of this release differ from the summer sampler you released? How many songs can we anticipate?

Logan: Most music that emerges from our genre these days is over-produced, polished work that is pieced together stroke by stroke to create a track that can never be reproduced live, leaving no room for human error. We thought long and hard to come to the conclusion that we are all human!!! So we are going with a bit more of a “raw” approach with these songs. I think small imperfections bring life to music. How can anyone relate to something that sounds like it was made on an assembly line? I think people find comfort in music that helps them feel like it’s alright to be unique, to be real.

Christine: What will the name of this release be, and is there a projected release date?

Logan: Title and release date have yet to be announced at this time.

Christine: You guys recently landed a sponsorship with thINK Apparel. What other companies do you guys hope to land sponsorships with?
Logan: We appreciate every company that reaches out to us with any type of support, promotion, or endorsement. A few companies that I think would be really rad to work with in the future would be Peter Says Denim, Gator Road Cases, Stheart Clothing, and Monster Energy!

Christine: Is there a possibility for a tour to come within the year? What regions do you hope to reach with this tour?

Logan: We have plans to tour starting the end of this month into late February that will be released very soon!

Christine: How long will you guys be on hiatus recording before emerging from the studio to play shows again?

Logan: We will be tracking for about two weeks without playing any shows, we will begin playing dates again immediately following the studio.

Christine: What is one goal the band has set for 2012.

Logan: I think we all just want to sell a lot of records, tour non-stop, and enjoy this amazing journey with all of the amazing people that brought us to where we are. Let’s party

Christine: Logan, thank you so much for you time in doing this! Upstate Metal loves and supports you and Restless Streets on your endeavors! We look forward to anything and everything you guys have to offer.

Logan: Everyone appreciates your enormous out pour of support more than you could imagine, thank you so much for your enthusiasm and kindness!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3F8Lmvf_lI&w=560&h=315]

Fore more information on Restless Streets check them out online
www.facebook.com/restlessstreets

-Christine Palmer

January 12, 2012
MATT SKIBA AND THE SEKRETS sign with Superball Music

Ahhh, the press release! Some are really exciting, and some meet with a chorus of crickets! Chirp, nothing. However, the one below is one of the more exciting ones I have seen in some time. Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio, has put together one of the mothers of all solo projects. Check out the fresh and exhilarating news that just passed through our office recently.

“SUPERBALL MUSIC is pleased to announce the signing of highly acclaimed musician Matt Skiba’s new solo venture– MATT SKIBA AND THE SEKRETS . Skiba, most well known for his role as founding member of the punk rock group Alkaline Trio, has teamed up with other name players for the project including MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE drummer Jarrod Alexander and AFI Bassist Hunter Burgan.
“Creating a record on my own and deciding who plays and how the songs were structured, it was fun to do. I love working with my band-mates in Alk3 but to make a rock record that was just mine was something that I wanted to do,” explains Skiba. With various musical influences contributing to the overall sound, the result is dancy, catchy rock in the vein of Alkaline Trio with elements of 80’s post punk.

Superball Music, home to Dredg, …And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead and a number of other artists is very excited to announce the pairing with MATT SKIBA AND THE SEKRETS. Label head Thomas Waber commented, “I am pleased and excited to welcome Matt Skiba to the Superball Music family. We have all been fans of the Alkaline Trio for a long time, so working with Matt is going to be a real honor!”

Matt Skiba also commented on the union: “I am so delighted to be working with Superball Music. It was extremely important for the MATT SKIBA and the SEKRETS project to find the proper home. I am honored and ecstatic to have found a label that is as enthusiastic about this project as I am. I am very thankful to have Superball in my corner and look forward to the growth of our relationship and to the growth of this project.”

Babylon, the MATT SKIBA AND THE SEKRETS Superball Music debut, is set for release in early 2012.

I can only hope that Upstate New York will be blessed with a performance from these guys when they hit the road.

January 12, 2012
MADE IN CHINA – Age isn’t shit.

Gouverneur’s Made In China is making waves in Northern New York’s metal scene. At first listen, the band comes off like many other bands within the scene. They have a great sound, they write sound material, and they hold nothing back while going for the throat. Like most bands within the scene, they also promote their brand with maximum effort. However, this is not your average everyday run of the mill band looking for your attention. If we are talking averages, let’s talk about the average age of band members within this project. It falls well below the age of 18!

With a major shortage of all age venues in the North Country and beyond, young bands like Made In China have an uphill battle from the start. In the early to late 80’s, the amount of band members that would be considered minors in the metal scene was staggering. Bar owners tended to turn their heads and allow the show to go on with no interference. Of course, it was a different era back then, and the moral majority did not have their panties in a ruffle yet. With the changing alcohol consumption laws and a huge push to curb DWI offenses, the venues began to tighten up on the admission of minors as patrons or band members. Being someone who cut my teeth in the clubs of yesteryear, I can tell you that the kids being admitted were not the issue. The asshole bar owners who served these kids were the real issue at hand!

Now, we will fast forward to this new era of metal music. The bands are becoming younger and younger. Their talent level is getting better by the day. Made in China, and a band like Razed In Hell from Watertown, are perfect examples of bands that just want to be heard. They want a chance to prove themselves to you, the consumer!

Some of the crew at Upstate Metal had a chance to recently sit down with Kraymer Cronk and Ray Stevens from Made In China. Enjoy!

Christine: How long has Made In China Been Around?

Ray: Yeah Kraymer, how long?

Kraymer: It started in 2008. Chalez and I are the only original members left in the band.

Christine: When did you join the band, Ray?

Ray: July of 2011. Or around summer

Kraymer: July is summer

Christine: Not in this part of town, bucko. Anyway, you guys are clearly one of the youngest bands to be active within this scene. You have an ever expanding fan base because of your presence alone. What’s in store for Made in China in 2012

Ray: Brutality is what we’re all aiming for I think. Or at least I hope. Hopefully an EP!

Kraymer: Definitely an EP!

Ray: We are currently looking for a studio

Kraymer: The hardest part has been finding one.

Christine: Understandable, especially one that will do your band justice at an affordable price.

Ray: Yes, we are debating whether a home recorded EP would be better or not.

Kraymer: It wouldn’t be better. But, If that is all we can do for now, then we will do it.

Christine: What bands influence your sound?

Ray: Oh goodness!

Kraymer: I think that differs for every member.

Ray: That’s what I’m saying. Mine would personally be Chelsea Grin, Adestria, City Delivered, and We Came As Romans

Christine: What brought your band together?

Kraymer: I think being friends helped at the start. We met in school.

Christine: Does being so young within the scene in Northern New York pose problems with you getting gigs, and playing with other bands.

Kraymer: Sometimes. It isn’t always a problem though. I think some people just don’t take us seriously because of our age.

Ray: The problem we encounter the most regarding our age, would be playing in bars.

Christine: Probably has something to do with the lack of all ages venues. It pushes you into having to play the bar scene. It must also pose a problem with your peers being able to get in.

Kraymer: Yeah, there aren’t a lot of venues that allow us to have our younger crowd mix with the adult crowd.

Christine: I saw you guys not too long ago at the American House in Edwards, and you guys proved to be quite energetic on stage. Does the band have any upcoming shows?

Ray: We have around five shows coming up. We plan on announcing some more.

Christine: Who is your favorite local band to share the stage with? Is there any potential for a mini-tour within the year?

Kraymer: I don’t think I would be able to personally choose a favorite yet. There are a lot of great local bands to choose from. A mini-tour would be amazing. I think we have the potential to do that.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING?! Then get out on January 20th and pick up a copy of , flip to the Upstate Metal section and enjoy!

January 12, 2012