NYS Music 20​12

Category: Genres

  • 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

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

    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

  • Charlie McClure of NEON GUILLOTINE discusses new album, upcoming show dates

    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. 24th 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

  • Inside the EXPOSED MUSIC FESTIVAL; an interview with Dan Jensen, founder

    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 4th 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/

  • Upstate Metal’s “Your band might suck if…”

    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.
  • Cristina Scabbia of LACUNA COIL discusses evolution, musicianship and longevity

    Cristina Scabbia of LACUNA COIL discusses evolution, musicianship and longevity

    It’s been 15 years since Lacuna Coil, which the band has described as meaning ‘Empty Spiral’, originally formed in Milan, Italy. In those years they’ve toured the world many times over and released 5 albums. Their sixth album “Dark Adrenaline”, will be released in the US on January 24th. We recently had a chance to talk to Cristina Scabbia about evolution, musicianship and longevity.

     

    Brian: You guys are prepared to release your sixth full length album, Dark Adrenaline. After having fifteen years as a band and five albums under your belt, what do you find yourselves doing differently in the song writing process than when you wrote the songs for, say, In a Reverie?

    Cristina: Evolution is part of life, you grow up, you do different things, the influences coming from the outside are multiple and you can’t just be the same person as you were a decade before.
    You live and learn. For our music it is the same, we are better musicians now. We are more confident in ourselves and the fact that we can be free to experiment different ways to express ourselves without barriers. We learned to not to squeeze a thousand riffs into one song because we don’t need to prove we’re technical enough. We just want to let our hearts and souls speak for us in a direct way, bringing out the essence and the message we want to deliver for ourselves.

    Brian: Shallow Life was in my opinion the most musically experimental Lacuna Coil album to date. Do you consider Dark Adrenaline to be more experimental musically, or did you find yourself going to back to your roots on it?

    Cristina: I think that more than experimental, Shallow Life was showing more of our rock side. Dark Adrenaline is going back to our metal style. It’s heavier and more obscure than any of our albums and the old school Lacuna Coil fans will feel a lot in common to the signature sound of our roots.
    It’s the bridge between the old and the new; it’s a trip into the darkness to try to find the light.

    Brian: I was surprised to see the cover of REM’s Losing My Religion on the track listing! What made you choose that song to cover?

    Cristina: The idea of covering Losing My Religion had already been there for a couple of years. We were considering songs from respected bands that we liked, and the lyrics of this song were fitting perfectly with the concept of the album. Plus the music and the arrangements totally make this song a Lacuna Coil song… With REM’s lyrics!

    Brian: This marks your second time in the studio with Don Gilmore. With Dark Adrenaline a bit of a departure from Shallow Life, did the band find itself having to consciously work to keep the direction of the album cohesive and heading where intended or was it a natural direction?

    Cristina: It wouldn’t be right to compare or connect every album we’ve done, because even if we worked with Don twice, the direction and sound of Shallow life and Dark Adrenaline are massively different. You also have to consider that every producer we worked with, in our case, is a person who helped us out to take the best out of the songs we wrote without even being in their presence. So it’s always been a band effort, with extra help. We never really thought too much if our music was the logical evolution of what we did before. We just always translated with notes and lyrics what Lacuna Coil is or was at the time of every album we did.

    Brian: The first single from the album, Trip The Darkness, was released in America on October 18th. After a few listens, I feel it would be right at home on Karmacode. Do you consider the song a return to form or just the direction the band went?

    Cristina: I wouldn’t call it a “return” just because it wasn’t something we planned on purpose.The songs we wrote during our career are parts of ourselves; you can’t take this away from us. That’s why part of these inputs and inspirations are coming back  unconsciously, sometimes. They don’t belong to one of our phases or an album, but to us as artists and musicians.

    Brian: Lacuna Coil is an enduring name in Metal. What do you attribute your longevity to?

    Cristina: I guess there’s not a common recipe for keeping the longevity of a band, but I think Lacuna Coil has been around for a while because we always tried to keep our music fresh to our ears and we never close ourselves in a cliché. We always worked as a band in an extensive team effort because we are all working for the same goals. And we are all friends in real life.  That means that if there is a problem we face it and solve it, just like in a great family.

    Brian: You’re supporting Megadeth on Gigantour starting January 26th, along with Motorhead. How does it feel to return to the US on such a prestigious tour and how do you find American crowds in contrast to European?

    Cristina: I already know it’s going to be fun! We toured with Megadeth before on Gigantour and we’ve been surrounded by a fantastic atmosphere. This year the package is very interesting and everyone is playing a different type of music, so it’s not going to be boring at all! Can’t wait to start! Crowds are not that different… It always depends on the event. Maybe Americans are a little less “sectorial” than Europeans, in metal.

    Brian: Having toured the world so extensively, what bands have been your favorite to tour with?

    Cristina: We had so many amazing experiences on the road and we played and partied with great artists from Iron Maiden to Metallica, from Rob Zombie to Anthrax, but the best tour we did and we’ll remember forever was with Type O Negative. Not only have they been one of the main bands we’ve taken our inspiration from, but they are great people we love and we loved to hang out with. Losing Peter Steele was a complete shock for us, but his legacy will be with us, forever.

    Brian: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview, we at Upstate Metal wish you the best of luck and continued success with the new album and tour!

    Cristina: Thank you! Hope to see you on the road, with Dark Adrenaline!

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3dKSpPRVgc&w=560&h=315]

    For more information on Lacuna Coil, visit them online!
    http://www.facebook.com/lacunacoil
    http://www.lacunacoil.it
    http://www.twitter.com/lacuna_coil
    http://www.myspace.com/lacunacoil
    http://www.youtube.com/lacunacoil

    -Brian Lawrence

  • Gorse and Matt of YOUNG ENGLISH discuss love of boobs, and influences

    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:
    -Brian Lawrence

  • 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

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