Tag: metal

Upstate’s Maria Brink of In This Moment headlining Hell Pop tour

Maria Brink fronts In This Moment, and she’s a howler.

That’s okay, man, ’cause what she and the boys are doing, they’re doing well. And, they’re taking it home here in the next few days; home, being, Brink’s home. Yes, she’s a native of the Capital Region. But, she high-tailed it out of “Smallbany” to go after her dreams in Los Angeles. (And, you so had a picture of Axl Rose walking off the bus ala Welcome to the Jungle.) But, that’s so nine years ago.

This Saturday, November 9th, In This Moment will be rocking the set at Clifton Park’s Upstate Concert Hall, as they continue on their leg of the Hell Pop Tour. They’ll only wake up to do it all again down in New York City’s Best Buy Theater on Sunday, November 10^th.

The band is still riding the high from the 2012 release of their fourth studio album, Blood, which reached No 1 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart, and No. 15 on the overall Top 200, back in February. It’s the band’s biggest success, which came shortly after the band nearly fell apart, which Upstate Metal’s Kate Drexel asked Brink in her June interview.

“We (Brink and Chris Howorth) really just rallied together,” she said. “We cannot let other people’s disbeliefs in our band and everything we’ve created, everything we’ve worked for, we’ve strived for, we’ve sacrificed for, hinder us from moving forward.”

It was after the release of their third album in 2012 that founding members Jeff Fabb and Blake Bunzel quit the band. The nation was just taking notice. Just the previous summer they had played alongside Korn, Rob Zombie, Five Finder Death Punch, and Hatebreed at the annual Mayhem Festival. This was followed up by the Hell Hath No Fury Tour. Brink had also received personal recognition as she was named the Hottest Chick in metal by Revolver magazine.

“This is our moment. (Pause). No pun intended. And we’re going to take everything and we’re going to take it into the next level, we’re going to take our live show, our songs, every single thing that has to do with us, we’re bringing it to the next level and we’re going to do this hard.”

Despite their confidence, they ran into tough times. With Fabb and Buzel gone, few managers wanted to give them the time of day, said Brink. But, their producer, Kevin Churko, kept his patience and Brink said his commitment helped the band survive.

“We went into the studio and we wrote the song Blood,” she said. “And right when we heard it back, we knew that everything was going to change right when we heard that song. We felt it, we knew it and we started setting it up with managers and we started having managers fly out from everywhere and everything shifted from then.” The band now consists of Tom Hane on drums, Travis Johnson on bass and Randy Weitzel on rhythm guitar, in addition to Brink’s vocals and Howorth’s lead guitar.

The hardship inspired their song material, Brink said. And, In This Moment has been a soaring Phoenix ever since.

“So kind of everything falling apart and then building it brand new, and all of these beautiful new things, is where all the inspirations from the album came from.”

Oh, one more thing. You’d be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t check out the acoustic version of Blood on YouTube. Just listen to Brink’s soulful vocals and you’ll see why, among other things, we like these guys.

November 7, 2013
Im From The Government And Im Really Here To Help You Rawk!

I had the chance to interview Thomas Beiler (Vox) of “I’m From The Government And I’m Here To Help, (IFTGAIHTH) ” a metal band hailing from Buffalo. Here’s what he had to say about the band and some upcoming events.

Let’s start off simple, how and or who came up with your name?

I came up with that name a while ago when I decided to start a new project. I was searching for more freedom as a vocalist/lyricist, so I started a band page and started looking for a songwriter.

Are you really here to help?

Absolutely!

How did you guys come to form?

The first person to contact me about joining was Ronnie Lepine (formerly of His Name Was Yesterday). He approached me about doing some songs together, and it would have been impossible for me to decline. I have always had a lot of respect for him, and his songwriting ability. Two weeks after he made contact we released our first single, “Reap The Whirlwind, Sheriff Brady.”

I see you guys were fortunate to get a local legend in the group. How did you get so lucky?

Well, the nice thing about this project is that we have a few of those. Ronnie is definitely well known for what he did with his past projects, and the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area has been eager to see him get something going. Robby Warren, our second guitarist, is one of Buffalo’s most talented players. He is as metal as it gets, through and through, and it’s awesome to have two guitarists who can rip some solos. Steve Keicher, our drummer, is a complete genius behind his kit and is also a radio DJ on 103.3 The Edge out of Buffalo.

I see you guys are primarily a studio band right now. Is there something keeping you from doing live stuff right now? If so, is there a show in the future?

From the beginning we have decided that the best way to build momentum is to release some great songs and then start working toward playing live as we build a following. We currently have enough songs written to play a set, and we practice once a week. I am pretty sure we have a bassist now, but nothing I can announce at this time. Once we have our lineup completed we will start looking to book our first show. We are extremely happy with the support we have gotten already, and we want to be sure that our first live show will be everything that is expected of us and more.

I’m a big fan of political music, something that’s taboo in our society today because the media over sensationalizes the fear of the outside world. Do you guys share the same ideals in your lyrics, or are there big debates?

I think that we generally have similar ideals. I always keep in mind, when writing lyrics, that I want all the members to be able to get behind the message. We aren’t going to exclusively do political and socioeconomic songs, but there are some things we just want to get off our collective chest.

Who’s the mastermind behind your lyric videos?

Our first single had a lyric video, and it was built by a good friend who goes by the online alias “Crimson Pestilence.” He is a long-time supporter of local music and we were lucky enough to have his help on that one. We hope to work more with him in the future.

Constitution, Anarchism, or two-party dictatorships?

Constitution would be my answer, but maybe some of the guys would choose anarchy. I can’t speak for everyone, but wait until you see Steve’s beard. I can totally see him choosing anarchy.

Anything coming up in the future for you gentlemen?

Lots of things! We are going to add a few items to our merchandise line, practice as much as we can, and then release one more single before we play our first show. We are hoping to start playing live in the fall of 2013.

Last words?

Thanks to everyone who checks us out after reading this interview, and thanks to Steve for being kind enough to feature us!

Thank you!

Check the band out on Facebook since they just released another single, “CMXIM.”

IFTGAIHTH WEBSITE

IFTGAIHTH FACEBOOK

IFTGAIHTH BANDCAMP

315 Street Team

October 26, 2013
Preview: Thriller A Metal Tribute To Michael Jackson
Cleopatra Records is set to release a rather interesting compilation cd on Oct. 22, 2013. Thriller: A Metal Tribute To Michael Jackson, with artists past and present on this project, I am really hoping that this is going to be a really good cover album and not a bust. I guess it all depends on the musical arrangements for each track for success, and I can’t wait to see what these artists come up with.

Although it’s labeled as “Thriller,” it is not a cover of the “Thriller” album itself, but rather many of MJ’s hits are covered instead. In fact, 13 songs are covered on the disc. I wish the Three Days Grace’s cover of “Give In To Me” made it on the cd and rounded it out at 14 tracks.

Nonpoint’s Elias Soriano is on the track “Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground).” Chris Jericho of Fozzy does a version of “Dirty Diana.” Asking Alexandria’s Donny Worsnop and Mr. Big’s Billy Sheehan are one the track “Man In The Mirror,” and the cd would not be complete without the Alien Ant Farm cover of “Smooth Criminal.”

Track Listing for Thriller : A Metal Tribute
1. Thriller – Chuck Billy ( Testament )
2. Man In The Mirror – Danny Worsnop ( Asking Alexandria) Billy Sheehan ( Mr. Big)
3. The Way You Make Me Feel – Angelo Moore (Fishbone) Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake) Rudy Sarzo (Queensryche)
4. Black Or White – Lajon Witherspoon (Sevendust) Bruce Kulick (ex-Kiss) Tony Franklin (The Firm)
5. Beat It – Pirya Panda (Diemonds) Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Guns N’ Roses)
6. Billy Jean – Corey Glover (Living Colour) Phil Campbell (Moterhead)
7. Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) – Elias Soriano ( Nonpoint)
8. Rock With You – Doug Pinnick (King’s X)
9. Dirty Diana – Chris Jericho (Fozzy)
10. Bad – Paul Dianno (ex-Iron Maiden) Craig Goldy (Dio)
11. They Don’t Care About Us – Icarus Witch
12. Never Can Say Goodbye – Lonnie Jordan (War)
13. Smooth Criminal – Alien Ant Farm
October 18, 2013
Sirens & Sailors In The Finals For Best of Rochester 2013 Poll

Photo Credit: Good Knews Photography

City Newspaper, a newspaper local to Rochester N.Y., has nominated local Rochester metal band Sirens & Sailors for best local band and best local show in the Best of Rochester 2013 poll.

“We were at practice, and I had just gotten behind my drum set to start warming up, and Kyle mentioned that we should go check out this survey that Rochester was having,” Doug Court, the band’s drummer, said. “So, we did and, sure enough, we were on there.”

“It was a truly humbling and great experience,” Court said. “We love Rochester so much, and it’s a huge honor that Rochester loves us back.

“If we do win, I think it will give the people who aren’t quite into the heavier music a bit of a reason to check us out, and also to carry on that honor outside of Rochester. And, rep for our city is seriously an amazing experience in itself.”

“I found out that Sirens & Sailors were nominated because a few friends had posted the link to vote and mentioned that we were in the running,” vocalist Kyle Bihrle said. “I shortly after picked up a copy of the latest City Newspaper and saw our name in the running in that as well.”

“I felt and still feel extremely honored. I’ve never seen a band of our genre nominated for the category before, and that truly means so much to us to be considered. A very humbling feeling.

“We take gigantic pride in being from Rochester, N.Y., and we speak so highly of it everywhere we travel. To win would honestly be one of the proudest moments of being in this band. To have the city we love so much back us and support us enough to give us an award would just be mind blowing.

“It would be great recognition for bands such as ourselves in Rochester.”

Voting for the Best of Rochester 2013 will continue until Oct. 15, according to City Newspaper’s website, and the winners will be announced Oct. 30.

To vote, visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8NJ2K7H

September 28, 2013
Baroness and Royal Thunder coming to Water Street Music Hall August 7th

Savannah, Georgia’s critically acclaimed stoner/sludge metal outfit Baroness has had a trying year. Sidelined just a month after the release of their latest album Yellow and Green by a bus accident in London that left several members injured, they are just getting back on the road again.

This Wednesday, joined by label mates Royal Thunder, they will be bringing their fierce musical onslaught to Rochester’s Water Street Music Hall. Ticket’s are $15 and can be purchased here or at the Water Street box office. Doors at 7, showtime at 8. Throw on some black and come rage! 16+ w/ ID.

August 5, 2013
Death to All 2013! “Celebrating the life and Music of Chuck Schuldiner”

Attention Die Hard Death fans! Death to All tour, which celebrates “the life and music of Chuck Schuldiner” is hitting the big city next April 24th @ Irving Plaza. The tour aims to aid the Sweet Relief Charity for musicians, also in honor of Chuck, which main purpose is to” assists musicians in times of illness, disability and age related problems” .

This year the tour will again feature members of the “Human” (album) era, and some special guests as well. Max Phelps (Cynic’s session guitarist) will have the honor to perform the vocals this year.

Despite the issues with the Sick Drummer Magazine during the first run of the tour, Death to all was a success and once again it’s back with 12 major US dates and one Mexican date. This speaks volumes as the last tour only featured 7 US dates. It was also motioned that this tour will feature a second leg which will include a show in Europe at the Neurotic Death Fest in the Netherlands.

Last year’s skepticism among some fans on whether this tour will create some profit other than charity work was dismissed by Death’s manager, Eric Greif, with this statement;

“A little word about DEATH TO ALL, people. This is NOT DEATH. I have read a few comments about money grabbing or trying to replace Chuck. Please show a little respect. DEATH TO ALL is meant to be a touring tribute to the words & music of Chuck Schuldiner, by the guys who played with him on the DEATH albums – and raising awareness of the important American charity Sweet Relief. Together we can all feel the vibe of what Chuck was all about by being together and collectively flowing to the tunes. We keep Chuck alive by keeping the music alive. It isn’t DEATH…it is DEATH TO ALL. “

Tour dates are as follows:

Tickets avaiable here and vip tickets packages here.

4/13 W. Hollywood, CA @ House Of Blues

4/15 Denver, CO @ Gothic Theater

4/18 Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s Hall

4/19 Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues

4/20 Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s

4/21 Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

4/23 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda

4/24 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza

4/25 Philadelphia, PA @ Theater For Living Arts

4/26 Silver Springs, MD @ The Fillmore

4/27 Worcester, MA @ Palladium

4/28 Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre

4/29 Mexico City, MX @ Circo Volador

5/13 Tilburg, NL @ Neurotic DEATHFEST

April 15, 2013
Voices from the Dark: Death Wolf/The Foreshadowing/Inquisition/Moonspell/Marduk play the Gramercy Theater

After the voices from the Dark tour was announced the package, though very mixed, was long awaited. Death Wolf (formerly known as Devil’s Whorehouse)were the opening act in support of their highly awaited album release “II: Black Armored Death”. This seemed like a good opportunity to tour along with Marduk as headliners as they feature members from Marduk. One can surprisingly say that they fall far apart from Marduk’s black metal sound, to a more thrash/heavy metal onslaught. Overall they add to the fact that this tour was very varied which brings us to The Foreshadowing. The Italian band were also touring in support of their newest album entitled “Second World” filled with gloomy, melancholic lyrics and very gothic/doom sound they surely something new and worth checking out.

(Photos: Death Wolf)

For a complete 360 Inquisition was one of the most awaited bands on this bill. Though they were not supporting any new albums, they were surely highly awaited here in NYC since their last tour with Septicflesh. This is when the crowd was packed and it was interesting seeing the support this two-piece band have gained with their signature black metal style. Though they’ve been around for a while now they sure a delicacy for the black metal die hard every time they tour. Not to take anything from the following co-headliners but surely they crowd seemed to enjoy Inquisition the most.

(Photos: inquisition)

Following Inquisition, the co-headliners, from Portugal, Moonspell. They sure made a surprising return to the states after almost 4 years. It’s fair to say that they have a huge following in NYC with many proud Portuguese fans waving their flag up high during their set. They were supporting their 2012 release “Alpha Noir”, yet their set list contained more of the old and best Moonspell songs which made for a very solid performance from this gothic band.

(Photos: Moonspell)

For a few minutes the venue was very hectic as the techs raced to set up for Maduk on time. The main proble was that there was a set time to end the Marduk performance to avoid colliding with an event scheduled later that night. Marduk wound up starting late which led to a few songs to be cut from their set list. Despite all the pressure to get their set done in a timely matter they deliver a onslaught with their war, hatred filled, satanic lyrics, heavy drum blasts and a furious atmosphere that left no member of the crowd without the raw feeling of true black metal.

(Photos: Marduk)

March 20, 2013
EP Review: HATE MACHINE “The Movement”

Rochester New York’s very own “Original Metal Thugs” Hate Machine are back with this 5 song explosion- The Movement. After dominating the Upstate NY metal scene in the late 90’s, the band has made a comeback and once again found themselves back at the top.

     The first track, Chainsaw Philosophy opens fast and furious. The most refreshing element of this track is that after all these years, Hate Machine is sticking to their guns and not conforming to some of the terrible styles of “Metal” that make me wish I was deaf at times. With lines like,”..Now, I’ve got a message for you. My knuckles pay the postage…”, the point of the song is clear. Join the brotherhood or stay the fuck out of the way.

     While some might say that Track 3- Strings, steers off course a little bit. This is the most catchy song on the EP and my personal favorite. Vocalist, Jed Seaver demonstrates great ability to both sing and scream, while delivering passionate lyrics. For any musician with a life outside of music, you can relate to the “Strings” that pull you in several directions and the sacrifice involved in following your heart.

     The overall sound is amazing. There are crushing guitar riffs, tastefully done, and the overall mix is very clear. When a band goes away for while, the first thing that comes to my mind is whether or not the vocalist can still deliver. Well, erase that thought from your head. The cross over style of singing and aggression filled anger that made Hate Machine who they are is still in full effect.

     The only disappointing thing about this EP is that it is an EP. I am eager to see Hate Machine put out a full length album. If The Movement doesn’t get your head moving, you lack a pulse… and that’s another issue.

For more information on Hate Machine –

http://www.reverbnation.com/h8machine
http://www.facebook.com/Hatemachineny

-Jason Acevedo

January 1, 2013