NYS Music 20​14

Author: Michael Hallisey

  • Bruce of Asking Alexandria starts label

    Scare Don’t Fear first band signed to KBB Records

    Kyle Borman (left) and Ben Bruce [guitarist, Asking Alexandria] of KBB RECORDS (Photo Credit: KBB Records)
    Kyle Borman (left) and Ben Bruce [guitarist, Asking Alexandria] of KBB RECORDS (Photo Credit: KBB Records)

    Ben Bruce’s current job title is that of guitarist for Asking Alexandria.  But, that’s not his only job title.

    This week Bruce. and Asking Alexandria co-manager Kyle Borman, announce, not only the launch of their new record label, but also their first act – SCARE DON’T FEAR (SDF).

    “After years of planning, touring, writing and learning, and after ups and downs, arguments and agreements, I have grown to not only love the music industry, but understand it and respect it,” said Bruce. “KBB Records is a label run by artists, for artists. With my love and passion for music along with my knowledge and understanding of the music industry it’s our goal to work alongside incredible artists of all genres and to create and release amazing music for the world to fall in love with.”

    Bruce’s other responsibilities involve touring with Asking Alexandria with axe in hand.  The group has captured a huge following since their 2012 release of Reckless and Relentless, which debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard Top 200. They currently boast more than four million followers on their Facebook page. The UK band is scheduled to hit our area with stops in New York City (Best Buy Theater – Mar. 21), Sayreville, NJ (Starland Ballroom – Mar. 22), Philadelphia, PA (Electric Factory, Mar. 23), Worcester, MA (The Palladium – Mar. 25), Rochester, NY (The Armory – Mar. 26), Albany, NY (Upstate Concert Hall – Mar. 27) and Pittsburgh, PA (Club Zoo – March 28).

    “KBB started as a small recording studio that Ben and I started together a few years ago with the intentions of providing traveling bands a means to record high end, professional records and demos while out on the road,” said Borman. “Together, Ben and myself have managed to turn what started out as a small, mobile recording studio, into an artist friendly record label with a team of staff with the experience and passion that can rival even the largest record labels around the world. KBB Records is dedicated to developing talented and passionate artists of all genres and helping them share their music with the world and accomplishing their dreams.”
    The first band signed to the new label is SCARE DON’T FEAR, a Providence, RI-based fusion of hip-hop and metal.

    “Everyone in SCARE DON’T FEAR is extremely proud to be a part of KBB RECORDS. SDF are huge fans of ASKING ALEXANDRIA, so when Ben and Kyle approached us about teaming up, we were stoked. We have been working at this goal for over five years and it’s a very rewarding feeling to not only get signed, but to get signed to a label that has such an amazing team behind it. All of us are looking forward to building towards the future with KBB RECORDS.”

    CLICK HERE to watch a studio update from SCARE DON’T FEAR.

     

    KBB RECORDS ONLINE: Facebook   Twitter   Instagram   YouTube   WebsiteSCARE DON’T FEAR ONLINE: Facebook   Twitter   Instagram   YouTube

    SCARE DON’T FEAR (L-R): Chris Jungles (vocals), Larry Ohh (drums/beats),
    Frankie Screamz (vocals), Joe Auger (guitar) & Ryan Grandmaison (bass/vocals) (Photo Credit:KBB Records)
     

  • Echo Hill officially done

    Echo Hill, the up-and-coming alternative band out of Smithtown, Long Island, has officially disbanded.

    Alex Laudani, co-founder of the four-piece band, took to the band’s official Facebook page last week to make the announcement.

    https://www.facebook.com/ECHOHILLTHEBAND/posts/611263735626767

    It had been a feel good story that was first reported on our site in December.  The band, consisting of college-aged musicians of whom working towards, or recently earning their respective degrees, had garnered much attention to itself.  Last summer, they organized a successful concert, including several bands local to Long Island, with the intent to collect food to the region still suffering from 2012’s Hurricane Sandy.

    Since then, the band has appeared in numerous periodicals and began landing gigs within New York City, including Webster Hall (which, was later canceled).  When we spoke to them in December, they were tentatively making plans to tour throughout Upstate New York.

    And, that’s about when things started to unravel.

    When they were together Echo Hill consisted of (from left to right) Dylan Coates, Keith Miller, Monique Teichert and Alex Laudani. (Photo Credit: Echo Hill)
    When they were together Echo Hill consisted of (from left to right) Dylan Coates, Keith Miller, Monique Teichert and Alex Laudani. (Photo Credit: Echo Hill)

    Just weeks following our feature article, the band announced lead singer, Monique Teichert had left the band.  At the time, the cited that Teichert and her band mates did not share the same level of commitment, but a more acrimonious relationship was alluded on the band’s Facebook a short time later.

    Echo Hill quickly sought after what would be their third lead singer in three years.  However, just short of two months after Teichert’s departure, Laudani reluctantly put the band “to death.”

    In a text message, Laudani said he is in the early stages of starting a new project.

    “I’ll be back with a vengeance.”

    As for Teichert, she too expressed that she has not quit on music.  In a personal message through Facebook, she stated, “I’m not quitting on music. I’ll keep you posted on my new project.”

    A “farewell” package has been prepared on Echo Hill’s official website, making several of their singles available to the public at no charge.

  • ABORTED Coming to Rochester, Albany in March

    Belgian death metal veterans ABORTED are hitting the bricks in support of their upcoming release, The Necrotic Manifesto, launching an international tour on February 22.

    ABORTED named Rochester and Albany among the cities they will pass through during their upcoming international tour. (Photo Credit: Aborted/Century Media Records)
    ABORTED named Rochester and Albany among the cities they will pass through during their upcoming international tour. (Photo Credit: Aborted/Century Media Records)

    The tour takes them through upstate New York, with stops in Rochester on March 30th, at the Montage Music Hall, and a stop in Albany the following day at Bogie’s.

    The Necrotic Manifesto will released on April 29th by Century Media Records, and will be the band’s eighth full-length studio album.  It will feature Jacob Hansen as producer, who is also known for his work with Volbeat, Heaven Shall Burn and Mercenary.

    “I can’t believe we did it to be honest.”, stated front-man Sven de Caluwé, through his label’s press release. “We had a little over three months from start to master on this record– everyone really gave 300% on this record, and it was an absolute pleasure to work with Jacob once again, who really pulled the best out of all our asses.

    “I can say in all honesty that ‘The Necrotic Manifesto’ is without a doubt the strongest record ABORTED has done thus far and could not be more proud of everyone involved in the project, stated de Caluwé.  He continued to describe the CD as the band’s “most brutal,” and “technical” record from the band, in their nearly 20 years of recording.

    Phlegethon, of Wormed, and Vincent Bennett, of The Acacia Strain, provide cameoi appearances on the CD with their vocals.

    The album artwork was done by Par Olofsson (Pathology, Immolation, Immortal).”

    Below is a track listing for the upcoming CD, along with announced tour dates.

    The Necrotic Manifesto track-listing:

    1. Six Feet Of Foreplay

    2. The Extirpation Agenda

    3. Necrotic Manifesto

    4. An Enumeration Of Cadavers

    5. Your Entitlement Means Nothing

    6. The Davidian Deceit

    7. Coffin Upon Coffin

    8. Chronicles Of Detruncation

    9. Sade & Libertine Lunacy

    10. Die Verzweiflung

    11. Excremental Veracity

    12. Purity Of Perversion

    13. Of Dead Skin & Decay

    14. Cenobites

    In support of The Necrotic Manifesto, ABORTED will tour North America together with Kataklysm in March/April 2014. The band will then return to Europe in May for a handful of release shows before heading into the festival season. See below for all upcoming tour dates.

     ABORTED tour dates:

    Feb. 22 –          BlastFest – Bergen (Norway)

    Mar. 27 –          Empire – Springfield, VA (United States)

    Mar. 28 –          Sounds Asylum – Middletown, NY (United States)

    Mar. 29 –          The Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA (United States)

    Mar. 30 –         Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY (United States)

    Mar. 31 –         Bogie’s – Albany, NY (United States)

    Apr. 1 –             Middle-East – Cambridge, MA (United States)

    Apr. 2 –             Palace Theater – Stafford Springs, CT (United States)

    Apr. 3 –             St. Vitus – Brooklyn, NY (United States)

    Apr. 4 –             Club Soda – Montreal, QC (Canada) *

    Apr. 5 –             El Mocambo – Toronto, ON (Canada) *

    Apr. 6 –             The Foundry – Lakewood, OH (United States) *

    Apr. 7 –             High Noon Saloon – Madison, WI (United States) *

    Apr. 8 –             Zoo Cabaret – Winnipeg, MB (Canada) *

    Apr. 9 –             The Exchange – Regina, SK (Canada) *

    Apr. 10 –           Pawn Shop – Edmonton, AB (Canada) *

    Apr. 11 –           Republik – Calgary, AB (Canada) *

    Apr. 12 –           Columbo Lodge – Kamloops, BC (Canada) *

    Apr. 13 –           Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC (Canada) *

    Apr. 14 –           Studio Seven – Seattle, WA (United States) *

    Apr. 15 –           Jub Jubs – Reno, NV (United States) *

    Apr. 16 –           DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA (United States) *

    Apr. 17 –           Ramona Mainstage – Ramona, CA (United States) *

    Apr. 18 –           Mirror Image – Anaheim, CA (United States) *

    Apr. 19 –           Joe’s Grotto – Phoenix, AZ (United States) *

    Apr. 20 –           Tricky Falls – El Paso, TX (United States) *

    Apr. 21 –           Marquis Theatre – Denver, CO (United States) *
    Apr. 22 –           Riot Room – Kansas City, MO (United States) *

    Apr. 23 –           Reggie’s – Chicago, IL (United States) *

    Apr. 30 –           Magasin 4 – Brussels (Belgium)

    May 1 –             Steinbruch Theater – Darmstadt (Germany) ***The Necrotic Manifesto release show w/ GORGUTS, MISERY INDEX***

    May 2 –             Neurotic Deathfest – Tilburg (The Netherlands)

    July 18 –           Boarstream Festival – Mulfingen (Germany)

    July 19 –           Grindtastic Open Air – Mittelsinn (Germany)

    July 21 –           Metal Days – Tolmin (Slovenia)

    Aug. 1 –            Xtreme Fest – Albi (France)

    Aug. 8 –            Party San Open Air – Schlotheim (Germany)

    Aug. 10 –          Bloodstock – Walton on Trent (United Kingdom)
    Aug. 14 –          Summer Breeze – Dinkelsbuhl (Germany)

    Aug. 23 –          Kaltenbach Festival – Spital am Semmering (Austria)

    *=with KATAKLYSM

    ABORTED online:

    http://www.goremageddon.be/

    https://www.facebook.com/Abortedofficial

  • Pizza and CriZ retire from Lacuna Coil

    coil
    LACUNA COIL are (L-R in picture above): Cristiano “Criz” Mozzati – drums, Marco “Maki” Coti-Zelati – bass, Andrea Ferro – vocals, Cristina Scabbia – vocals, Marco “Maus” Biazzi – guitar, Cristiano “Pizza” Migliore – guitar (Photo Credit: Century Media Records)

    Just days before they set to tour, and a few weeks before the release of Broken Crown Halo, Lacuna Coil announced the retirement of both their drummer and guitarist, Cristiano Mozzati and Cristiano Migliore, collectively.

    The announcement came late Valentine’s Day evening.

    “It is with a heavy heart that we share this news with you today,” stated the band through a press release provided by their record label, Century Media Records. “Our two brothers Cris ‘Pizza’ Migliore and Cristiano ‘CriZ’ Mozzati have decided to retire from LACUNA COIL.” The announcement went on to state that personal reasons have led to both Mozzati’s and Migliore’s departure. ” We know how stressful and difficult it can be to balance both real life and the life of a professional touring musician, and we have nothing but total respect for their decisions to focus on their families and lives at home.”

    For Mozzati, he likens his retirement as leaving family.

    “After over 16 years spent with the LACUNA COIL family, I decided to move on and begin a new chapter in my life,” said Migliore. “This hasn’t been an easy decision, as you can imagine, but I felt like I needed to change some things around.”

    Migliore shared his bandmate’s sentiments towards family in his statement as well.

    “This hasn’t been an easy decision at all and I’ve come to it with pain in my heart,” he said. “Because together we laughed and cried; we fought and gave all our lives to this amazing band. Together we lived the dream for 16 wonderful, intense and unforgettable years. All you guys around the world gave me such positive and sincere vibes and emotions that will stay embedded in my heart for the rest of my life!”

    Century Media Records thanked Migliore and Cristiano, and stated that the two will be missed.  However, they also clarified to the band’s many fans that plans are still in high gear. “Broken Crown Halo marks a new chapter in the ever-evolving history of LACUNA COIL, but the band will not be slowing down. In fact, they are currently packing their bags and gear to begin touring.”

    LACUNA COIL return to the road to introduce North America to ‘BROKEN CROWN HALO’ as part of the REVOLVER HOTTEST CHICKS IN HARD ROCK TOUR, which launches February 20 and features LACUNA COIL sharing a stage with SICK PUPPIES, Century Media Records labelmates EYES SET TO KILL, and CILVER. The tour launches in Wilmington, NC, and runs through March 20 in Anaheim, CA. See complete itinerary below, and visit www.hottestchickstour.com for additional details and VIP packages.

    Joining LACUNA COIL on tour will be drummer Ryan Folden. Fans will already be familiar with Ryan, as he performed live with LACUNA COIL on the majority of the 2012 and 2013 ‘Dark Legacy’ and ‘Dark Adrenaline’ tours.

    Broken Crown Halo is set for releases April 1, 2014 in North America (March 31 in Europe, Australia, New Zealand) on Century Media Records. The album is the band’s seventh studio effort, and the highly anticipated follow-up to Dark Adrenaline, which was released in January 2012 and saw the band tour with acts including Megadeth, Motorhead, Volbeat, Sevendust and Paradise Lost after debuting at No. 15 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart.

    Fans can get a taste of Broken Crown Halo in the form of the album track “Nothing Stands In Our Way,” recently released via the Century Media Records Soundcloud page:

    https://soundcloud.com/centurymedia/lacuna-coil-nothing-stands/s-ecjkO.

    The band will also be appearing on MONSTER ENERGY’S WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE festival, where they perform April 27 alongside ROB ZOMBIE, KORN, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and more. The two-day festival, held April 26-27 along the St. John’s River in Jacksonville, FL, will also feature headliners AVENGED SEVENFOLD and THE CULT. For more information, please visit www.welcometorockvillefestival.com.

    LACUNA COIL were joined in their native Italy by producer Jay Baumgardner [P.O.D., Sevendust, Evanescence, Papa Roach] and engineer Kyle Hoffmann [P.O.D., Bush, Zebrahead]. Broken Crown Halo was mastered by Howie Weinberg, whose credits include Rammstein, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Deftones and Sheryl Crow.

    Revolver Hottest Chicks In Rock Tour admat

  • Featured Band: Cry To the Blind

    Walt Disney did it. William Shakespeare did too. It’s taking the metal of another one’s work, and spinning it into your own gold.  It’s the alchemy of the creative mind.  It’s declaring the statement, “I can take your idea, and make it better.”  Cry to the Blind, a five-piece heavy rock band out of Rochester, NY, declared such a statement last month after walking into Oblivion Studios to record an already established hit.  One month and more than 90,000 YouTube views later, the band has itself, what a growing contingent of fans and followers think, is gold.

    “The past month or so has been pretty weird,” said Jon Lamanna, the band’s lead singer.   Back in December, the band loaded up a studio video of their recording of Miley Cyrus’ mega-hit, Wrecking Ball.  The reception to their hard rock version has been nothing short of exceptional, first leading to play time on local radio stations, and precipitating to national attention on Nikki Sixx’s syndicated show, and now satellite radio.  It wasn’t long before they obtained mechanical rights from the copyright owner to allow them to perform and sell their version of the song.

    “The energy and the excitement level at our shows, and online, are at a level I’ve never seen before.  People just seem like they really believe in us now.”

    It’s really inspiring to see.”

    Rochester's Cry to the Blind is basking in the glow of newly found attention. (Photo Credit: CTTB/Facebook)
    Rochester’s Cry to the Blind is basking in the glow of newly found attention. (Photo Credit: CTTB/Facebook)

    The band has released three CDs independently since 2009.  They are a heavy, modern rock band, who market themselves as a “therapeutic release” for their fans.  They like to promote a “positive spin on the negative energy that surrounds us every day,” as stated on their Facebook page.

    Jon explained that the inspiration to record the song came from a simple turn of his car’s radio dial, as he started his commute to work one November morning.

    “The first time I heard the song, I thought it would make a great rock song. We’ve never done a cover. [This was] just a random idea.  I texted Jesse (Maty), our guitar player, and said, ‘hey, have you heard that Miley Cyrus song “Wrecking Ball?  I think it would be awesome as a rock song.’  He was like, ‘yeah, why not? Let’s give it a shot.’  He wasn’t into it as much as I was.  But, when I polled the other guys in the band, they were really excited about it. ..  As soon as we started rehearsing it, it sounded phenomenal.”

    They changed up the second verse to make it rhythmic and heavy, which was (the band’s drummer), Jay Talarico’s idea.  Together with Ryan Mcfaul on guitars and Kory Maclauchlan on bass, Jon said, “I think that’s what makes the song stand out.”

    Since Cyrus released the song last August, Wrecking Ball has topped the pop charts in 13 different countries, including the United States.  There have been a number of different cover versions released, including that from Rumer Willis, the 25-year-old daughter of actors Demi Moore and Bruce Willis.

    Today, up to 40 radio stations, including Sirius Octane, is playing their song, and the positive feedback just keeps building.  Jon said that the band has yet to be signed by a label; however, he says people who they’ve spoken to in the past, are coming back to talk.

    “[We’re] pretty confident that things are going to continue to snowball in a good direction for us.”

    Cry to the Blind play next at The Montage Music Hall in Rochester, NY on Saturday, February 15.

    You can view their breakthrough video here: http://youtu.be/diL0I17RlCk

    For more information, visit them on their Facebook  or their website at www.Crytotheblind.com.

    20140131-115248.jpg

  • At The Gates: We’re Getting The Band Together

    In October 2007 At The Gates vocalist Tomas Lindberg told Blabbermouth.net, “No new record will be recorded. The legacy of Slaughter of the Soul will remain intact. It would be fun to write together, but not under the name of At The Gates.”  This was further backed by guitarist Anders Björler, when he said, “It would be pointless to release something more than ten years after Slaughter of the Soul… it would just disappoint people.”

    Well, times have changed.

    The pioneers of melodic death metal, At The Gates, announced a change of heart and are following up on the recent success of reunion concerts with a planned release of a follow-up to Slaughter of the Soul.

    At The Gates plan to release a new album this fall, their first since 1995. (Photo Credit: Daniel Falk/Century Media Records)
    At The Gates plan to release a new album this fall, their first since 1995. (Photo Credit: Daniel Falk/Century Media Records)

    Century Media Records recently announced that the rockers from Sweden – hence, why the genre is also known as “Swedecore” – are currently working on a new album.  The follow-up, which is tentatively planned for release by October or November, is nearly 20 years in the making.

    “We are fully aware that we have made some very drastic statements in interviews as well as the closing words on the DVD about the longevity of AT THE GATES,” stated band members in a recent press release, “but things change, situations change and people change. When Anders sent the first song last summer, we had zero expectations of the outcome. We only knew one thing – That it sounded amazing! At the time we weren’t even sure there would be an album, but as things progressed, more songs came into existence, and we knew we were on to something great.”

    At The Gates started off in 1990, and achieved success four years later after the release of their third album Terminal Spirit Disease.  In 1995, the band reached the apex of their success after the release of Slaughter of the Soul.  Unfortunately, the band broke up immediately afterwards in 1996.  Since then, they have held reunion concerts, starting with the first in 2008.

    Said the band, “So, here we are almost 24 years since the birth of AT THE GATES, and some 18+ years since our latest album ‘Slaughter Of The Soul’. A lot of years have passed and we have embarked on some life-changing reunion tours and shows the last couple of years.  So, why make a new album you might ask, and why now? Well, what we learned from the last couple of years hanging out and playing shows together, is that we enjoy what we do to the fullest extent. We love playing music together, and we love to hang out as friends. But, as a musician, we constantly write new music.

    It’s a huge part of our identities.”

    Century Media Records added: “We are extremely proud and super excited to have teamed up with one of the most legendary and influential bands in metal. AT THE GATES have not only been a staff favourite since their very inception, but also a group of members that we individually like, respect and are always glad to support. As the reunion shows of the recent years have demonstrated, AT THE GATES are currently on top of their game and more relevant than ever before within and for the metal scene of these days. We truly look forward to pushing AT THE GATES to new heights with their new album ‘At War With Reality’. Let’s…GO!!!”

    Most recently, AT THE GATES has launched the following two teaser clips to introduce their return:
    AT THE GATES live 2014:
    06.03.2014–Stockholm (Sweden)–Close-Up Båten / http://www.closeupmagazine.net
    08.03.2014–Trondheim (Norway)–Trondheim Metal Fest / http://trondheimmetalfest.no
    26.04.2014–Santiago (Chile)–The Metal Fest / http://www.themetalfest.cl
    23.05.2014–Baltimore (US)–Maryland Death Fest / http://www.marylanddeathfest.com
    10.07.2014–Neskaupstadur (Iceland)–Eistnaflug Festival / http://www.eistnaflug.is
    (More shows to be announced soon)
    AT THE GATES line-up 2014:
    Tomas Lindberg – Vocals
    Anders Björler  – Guitars
    Martin Larsson – Guitars
    Jonas Björler – Bass
    Adrian Erlandsson – Drums
    AT THE GATES Discography:
    Gardens Of Grief / EP – 1991
    The Red In The Sky Is Ours – 1992
    With Fear I Kiss The Burning Darkness – 1993
    Terminal Spirit Disease – 1994
    Slaughter Of The Soul – 1995
    Purgatory Unleashed / Live – 2010Stay tuned about AT THE GATES’ upcoming studio album, At War With Reality, and the band’s future live schedule coming soon!
    AT THE GATES online:
    http://www.atthegates.se
    https://www.facebook.com/AtTheGatesOfficial
    https://twitter.com/AtthegatesGBG
    http://www.youtube.com/atthegatesofficial

  • Century Media co-owner dies

    Oliver Withöft died January 20 at 49. We’re late to report, but it would be remissible of us here at Upstate Metal to not recognize the loss of Century Media co-owner Oliver Withöft.

    Withöft fell ill several months ago, and ultimately succumbed to the illness on January 20th.  Coupled with the fact he died at such a young age, Century Media had only just celebrated their 25th anniversary.  Withöft had been with the independent record label for all but the first 18 months.

    Century Media has a worldwide influence upon the music industry, and we’re indebted to their dedicated employees for helping us provide the information to our readers, and bring us some of the best music available to music lovers.

    Born in Dortmund, Germany in 1964, Withöft studied linguistics, business and history in both Germany and the U.K. Robert Kampf started Century Media Records 25 years ago simply to create a suitable label home for his own band, Despair. He was looking for a trustworthy and strong partner to lead the company with and found this person in his best friend and fellow musician Oliver Withöft, who joined the company eighteen months later, sharing the same love and passion for music, and metal in particular. Since that very day, these two friends developed one of the most important independent record labels on the planet. Today the company has around 100 people on payroll in Dortmund, London, Los Angeles, Berlin, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Melbourne and the Netherlands. A lot of musical careers were developed over the years: Lacuna Coil, Shadows Fall, Suicide Silence, In This Moment, Otherwise, Iced Earth, Die Broilers, Arch Enemy and Heaven Shall Burn are just a few of them. Century Media became a brand name recognized across the world. Oliver Withöft was always the strategic, legal and financial mind behind the organization. He was not only a strong fighter for the company, but also a very intelligent and forward-thinking leader. When the music industry drastically changed in the ’90s, he was the first to think about new ways to adapt to the needs and challenges of the rapidly-changing market. We have lost a great man with an amazing sense of humor, a warrior, and an overall very human being. Oliver leaves behind a wife, Judith, and their three daughters.

    Antje Lange, CEO of Century Media Records: “I learned a lot from him in regards to business, the world and life. He was an extremely smart and visionary business man who cared a lot about the people working for him. He was one of the most open-minded and knowledgeable persons I have ever met. Oliver was responsible for a lot of successful artists’ careers and an impressive amount of albums that had an impact in the music world. It has never been easy  for him, but he was a strong fighter. A great man with an amazing sense of humor whose departure leaves a large gap in our lives.”

    Ula Gehret, who handles business affairs for Century Media Records with his company Clandestine: “He had a razor-sharp intellect and keen business acumen, and as a number of people can attest to, he was not someone you wanted to be sitting across from at a negotiating table. After a few years at the label, he introduced me to how legal contracts worked. Eventually, with training, that became my full-time occupation.  It is no exaggeration to say that without his tutelage and patience, I would not be where I am today, doing something I love, and with principle. He was my mentor.”

    Oliver was a very special person who touched many people’s lives in a positive and special way. This is a tremendous loss for all who knew him and it will take some time for us to grieve the passing of such a great person.

    “Oliver was always a winner, one of those that I somehow thought would live forever. A genius, a friend and the best advisor I’ve ever had. It was all him behind the scenes.”

    –Kobi Farhi, Orphaned Land

    “Oliver and Robert had the guts, trust and belief to sign us when we were just a bunch of kids trying to play metal. Without these guys, I doubt we would be where we are today. He was not the easiest to work with back in the day, but a very cool guy.”

    –Ola Lindgren, Grave

    For those who would like to honor his memory:

    His family have asked that – instead of sending flowers – they would appreciate it if you could donate to “The Oliver Withöft Scholarship”, a fund raised as part of the Kindred Project (www.thekindredproject.gl).

    Donation reference:

    Account holder: Kindred Project Oliver Withoeft

    Reference: The Oliver Withoeft Scholarship

    IBAN: GI89 BARC 0204 5216 2863 922

    SWIFT: BARCGIGI

    If you would like to share your memories and condolences, please email:

    condolences@centurymedia.de.

    Century Media co-owner Oliver Withöft died January 20 after a prolonged illness. He was 49. (Photo credit: Century Media Records)
    Century Media co-owner Oliver Withöft died January 20 after a prolonged illness. He was 49. (Photo credit: Century Media Records)

  • An Upstate look at Rochester’s AFR

    There’s a rumbling coming from Western New York as of late; or so it seems from the perspective of the editor’s desk here at Upstate Metal, as we’ve had our eyes forcibly opened ala Clockwork Orange to the music scene out of Rochester, New York.

    The epicenter is discernablly originated from underneath whichever stage AFR plays.  The heavy metal group phones out from the 585 Area Code, and in the short time since they formed in April of 2012, they’ve fostered a following with an enormous fan base – geographically speaking.

    AFR comes off as an eclectic sounding band, listing a broad focus of infuences that range from Dream Theatre to Lamb of God.  Signed by Buffalo’s Dead Trash Mob records, the boys like to describe their sound as, “if Pantera and Lamb Of God had a baby.”

    Upstate Metal recently had the opportunity of communicating with the band’s bassist, Todd Church.  Church is the neophyte of the band, stepping on board with AFR last October.  As with many local rockers, Church has a day job to pay the bills.  Only, as you’ll quickly learn, his day job is almost as interesting as his nighttime persona.  We talk to him about that, and more, plus what fans should expect from the band in the next few months.

    Hallisey: You joined the band in October of last year, right? Tell me a little bit about how you joined the crew, and what kind of struggles do you have being with a band that’s already struck out on its own before you came along?

    Church: Actually the band was advertising on Craig’s list back in the summer of 2013 and during that time I went to see one of their shows to check them out and was really impressed with the show and the music. After the show, I met up with the guys and hit it off pretty good. The transition from me learning the songs and doing my first show was literally two weeks when the lead singer Alan called me up and asked me to play that coming weekend show at the Montage Music Hall in Rochester, NY. Sometime in September. Surprisingly it went really well with the short time I had to learn their set list.

    Hallisey: You’re a chemist, scientist? Is being a musician your alter ego?

    Church: Definitely, I’m an Environmental Scientist these days; listening to a little Lamb of God or Pantera while working away! It’s always been kind of a joke in just about all the bands I’ve been in over the years. I would tell people I’m a scientist and everyone would be like, yeah right!

    Hallisey: I don’t assume you’re cooking meth in an RV out in the New Mexico desert, am I right?

    Church: Laughs. No! I’m pretty much tied to a computer these days. I currently work as a consultant providing chemistry/biology technical support to project teams and field sampling teams globally.

    Hallisey: Is rock and roll a dream or a pastime for you? Do you see professional aspirations conflicting with your music?

    Church: I never did or will quit the dream! I’ve been a musician most of my life starting in my elementary band playing the trombone. I’ve played in metal bands for long time. At one point in my life toured with my metal band throughout Michigan whom is still together but under different name now. Fortunately my job is pretty demanding but also flexible as well so seems to work out good. It would definitely be an easy decision on which way to go if the opportunity and money was right!

    Hallisey: Speaking of music, how involved are you in the song writing?

    Church: I’m at a point now with AFR that I am contributing to the music writing process with our upcoming EP that we have been working on. Each of us encourage each other to help with the writing process so it’s actually a fun and rewarding process.

    Hallisey: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

    Church: As with most musicians and artists alike, inspiration comes from the soul. We all have a history whether good or bad, and being able to convey it to the music is incredibly fulfilling.

    Hallisey: Who are your idols, and what characteristics do you try to take from them into your own play?

    Church: I have been a huge fan of music in general as long as I can remember listening to my parents old Motown and classic rock records growing up. After being introduced to Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath, I knew that is what I wanted to do! Throughout the years, I would have to say Steve Harris from Iron Maiden as well as Cliff Burton, Jason Newsted and Robert Trujillo were also huge influences on me as well. Robert is a madman to watch play!

    Hallisey: I often hear musicians today speak of being involved in a battle to revitalize rock and roll. How do you feel being a part of such a scene where pop culture seems to have left it behind?

    Church: I definitely have witnessed that over the years. Not only with music but even dealing with venues/clubs who have completely changed their lineup due to low attendance with the Rock culture and changing over to country music in hopes to draw more crowds. I’m not sure if that has changed today, but believe the metal/rock scene is just as strong today. I’ve always been involved with original bands and finding venues and getting large crowds to come see you has always been challenging.

    We have been blessed with great venues and fans across upstate New York and don’t really feel that there is a battle at all and that there is always a place for metal.

    Hallisey: What do you bring to the table for the band, that makes this band shine?

    Church: When I first saw AFR play live, I felt a connection with the music and vibe instantly. I’d like to think I bring a prominent and heavy but unique sound quality that I believe will compliment what is already a powerful sound.

    Hallisey: What does the band bring to the table for metal, to help metal make a comeback?

    Church: Since I’ve been in upstate NY I have seen a lot of great cover and original bands. I think AFR stands out from the crowd with the some familiarity of the their sound but yet uniqueness which I see draws listeners interested from the first note until the last. Its been a great experience this far and looking forward to the future of this band.

    Hallisey: You guys are working on a new EP, how far along are you with that?

    Church: Yeah, we have been working really hard on our new upcoming EP since late November early December and pretty excited about. We have a few songs that are completed now but we wanted to spend the time to give our fans more than just a single release or two. It’s definitely going to have a new heavy feel but keep true to our roots.

    Hallisey: When can we expect a release?

    Church: Our first EP, A Hero to Villains, which was released in 2012 under the Buffalo, NY record label Dead Trash Mob Records, has had a really good response and we’re expecting to release our new upcoming EP late spring/early summer 2014.

    Hallisey: A radio show in Germany knows about you guys. How does that happen, and does that obligate you guys to cover a David Hasselhoff tune or two?

    Church: Well, if we end up touring Germany, we will be sure to call our ride “K.I.T.T.”!  Laughs.

    Today, it’s almost endless on how or where to advertise at a touch of a button. You can find out music on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Facebook, Reverbnation and more. One of the best ways is always by word of mouth and the social networking apps like Facebook but of course, you still have to have a descent product so people do pass along. Its been great how our fan base has been growing and spreading to new fans worldwide, including Germany, in such a short amount of time.

    For more band info, you can find us here:

    www.facebook.com/AFRmetalrochester

    www.reverbnation.com/artist/afrmetalrochester

    20140127-073617.jpg
    AFR comprises of Alan Rohr (Vocals), Ledwing Hernandez (Guitars), Zach Sweedler (Guitars), Todd Church (Bass), and Brandon Lewis (Drums). (Photo Credit: Courtesy of AFR)

  • Iced Earth’s Plagues of Babylon out the 21st

    With Iced Earth‘s Plagues of Babylon screaming in my ears, I was taken back in time to my cousins’ bedroom, lying underneath posters of  muscle cars and Heather Thomas as we listened to tape cassettes of Megadeth and Dio.

    Iced Earth's Plagues of Babylon is scheduled for release next Tuesday, Jan. 21st.
    Iced Earth’s Plagues of Babylon is scheduled for release next Tuesday, Jan. 21st. (Photo Credit: Century Media)

    Plagues of Babylon is scheduled for release on Tuesday, January 21st, and it will mark the band’s 11th studio album since forming in 1985.  (Century Media announced that 500 hand-numbered, bootleg copies of the LP are available today, Jan. 14 at select record stores.) Guitarist and song writer, Jon Schaffer, has been with the band since the very beginning, and that early day influence is ever-present in the music.

    Today, metal plays in an underground environment and has more in common with college radio than Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 Countdown.  But, speak to anyone in heavy metal, and he or she is likely to reminisce over the heyday of the 80s and early 90s, when the genre had a voice on MTV, and shared play time across the nation’s Top 40 stations.  Iced Earth retains the very signature of what made the sound so popular back then: Melodic lyrics, precision guitar play, epic solos – all of which seem to be forgotten in today’s core mentality.

    Plagues of Babylon is the follow up to the band’s 2011 album Dystopia, and is the first to feature both bassist Luke Appleton and drummer Raphael Saini.

    Saini puts on a textbook display of how to play drums, which his abilities seem to shine the most on the CD’s fifth track, “Resistance”, where the song transitions between classic, military marching style to a full-out, heavy metal solo.

    Frontman Stu Block returns as the band’s lead vocalist, after making his debut under Dystopia.  His succinct delivery of each lyric, with an embellishment you’d come to recognize, perfectly compliments the overall sound of the band.

    As mentioned before, Iced Earth has a sound that now contrasts with the contemporary scene, and that is defined mainly due to the band’s two guitarists.  Schaffer and Appleton do not thrash, but play precisely and cleanly.  And, of course, I welcome the always appropriate guitar solo.  “Cthulhu” (not to be confused with Metallica), was a quick favorite because of all these reasons.

    Iced Earth has amassed a strong following over the nearly 30 years of their collective lives.  Those souls are destined to purchase the album next week; however, for those of you not familiar, or are just getting into the music, you are obligated to listen. Whether you’re of Generation X or younger, Plagues of Babylon is the very definition of heavy metal.

    Iced Earth is to launch a two-month, North American tour in April, along with Sabaton and Revamp; details are below.

    APRIL:

    04: Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection

    05: Milwaukee, WI – The Rave

    06: Chicago, IL – House Of Blues

    07: Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue

    09: Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE

    10: Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall

    11: Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom

    12: Detroit, MI – St. Andrews Hall

    14: Toronto, ONT – Phoenix Concert Theatre

    15: Quebec City, QC – Imperial Theater

    16: Montreal, QC – Corona Theatre

    17: Philadelphia, PA – The Trocadero

    18: New York, NY – Best Buy Theater

    19: Worcester, MA – The Palladium

    21: West Springfield, VA – Empire

    23: Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
    24: Orlando, FL – House Of Blues Orlando
    25: Fort Lauderdale, FL – Revolution
    26: Saint Petersburg, FL – State Theatre
    28: Houston, TX – Scout Bar
    29: Dallas, TX – Trees
    MAY:
    01: Tempe, AZ – Club Red
    02: West Hollywood, CA – House Of Blues Sunset
    03: San Francisco, CA – Slim’s
    05: Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory Concert House
    06: Seattle, WA – El Corazon
    07: Vancouver, BC – The Venue
    09: Edmonton, AB – The Starlite Room
    10: Calgary, AB – Republik
    11: Regina, SK – Riddell Centre
    12: Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre
    14: Denver, CO – The Summit Music Hall
    15: Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
    16: Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom

  • Echo Hill seeks vocalist

    There was plenty of promise in store for Smithtown’s Echo Hill as the calander turned to 2014, but yesterday the band took to the Internet on Thursday to announce their need for a vocalist: Monique Teichert, has left the band.

    When they were together Echo Hill consisted of (from left to right) Dylan Coates, Keith Miller, Monique Teichert and Alex Laudani. (Photo Credit: Echo Hill)
    When they were together Echo Hill consisted of (from left to right) Dylan Coates, Keith Miller, Monique Teichert and Alex Laudani. (Photo Credit: Echo Hill)

    Despite all the recent successes our band parted ways with our vocalist Monique this week. This band is a huge commitment and she didn’t share our vision. Moving forward we are seeking someone who shares the same passion as we do and who is dedicated to pursuing music.

    The band cited the many publications, including our own, in which the band has appeared over the past year since Teichert joined the band.  Indeed, the band’s popularity had appeared to be taking off after spearheading a local music festival last summer, and started branching out into gigs in New York City.  When we spoke with the band, they expressed plans to perform upstate in the near future.

    Laudani described the news as being “pretty devastating” as he responded by text message this afternoon.  But, he said, the band is confident they will find a good replacement.