The hard working heavy blues rock band The End Men are ready to release their newest album – entitled Terms and Conditions – onto the world soon. The touring three piece consisting of Matthew Hendershot on vocals and guitars, Livia Ranalli on drums and percussion, and Matt Elia on Tenor Sax. The band calls Brooklyn their homebase – but they have strong ties to the Upstate New York region. They are part of the local musician collective Built4BBQ, which is comprised of acts like The Slaughterhouse Chorus and Henry’s Rifle, to name a few.
The End Men’s newest record will be released on April 21 – as a digital download – with a vinyl pressing to follow shortly afterwards. Terms and Conditions was recorded at John Epperly’s 100 Metropolitan Brooklyn studio and engineered by Epperly and Bobbie Lurie. The album was mixed at Mavericks in Manhattan. The nine tracks (eight with a bonus track) were then mastered by Alex DeTurk, who is known for his work with Willie Nelson, Chris Cornell and David Bowie.
NYS Music is proud to share the release of two tracks from the record – “Morning Birds” and “East of West” via The End Men’s Bandcamp page. The tracks are a free download with accompanying artwork by Nick Dragotta – famed comic book artist of the Image Comics series East of West – which one of the tracks is inspired by. You can read more about how that song came to be over at Neon Gods. The culmination of all their hard work will be celebrated at Beast of Bourbon on April 25. Take a listen to the two tracks, and follow The End Men on their website for updates as the release date draws near.
With a winter that just won’t quit in Upstate NY, it was a warm reception for bands at Trickshots Billards in Clifton Park on Saturday March 28. Thanks to Joelggernaut Productions, Trickshots has been getting quality heavy music shows for some time now, and this was no exception. The crowd topped out close to a couple hundred strong for the night, and was eager to receive the musical offerings from all the bands on the bill
Black Iron Prison
The show kicked off with the return of local heavy rockers, Black Iron Prison. Dual guitar assaults weaved in and out of precision rhythm section work. The band recently welcomed back their singer Eli Hargrave (ex – Skeletons In The Piano) to belt out guttural screams and wavering melodies alongside longtime guitarist and vocalist, Todd Hildebrandt. Eerie melodic passages were peppered into the heavy riff rock of each song to set the mood right for the entire night. After the show, I got the chance to talk with Eli, and he revealed the band is currently working on new material for an upcoming recording.
The Final SleepThe Final Sleep
Next to take the stage was The Final Sleep, from Albany. Huge sounds and even larger talents permeate this band, and washed over the growing crowd. Jeff Andrews (ex-Held Under/IronWeed) does double duty as one of the three guitarists in the band, as well as the main vocal of a three part harmony. He continues to bring his unique blend of Slayer-like growls alongside high octave melodies that hearken Iron Maiden or Judas Priest. The band played through their set with few stops, creating a fevered mood of heavy music that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in attendance. Epic songs laden with mountaintop guitar solos and intricate time changes make their music not only fun to listen to, but incredible to see performed in front of you.
Purifier
Purifier, also from Albany, rounded out the local talent on the night. This band has been working hard to bring their brand of doom and sludge metal to the area, and fully delivered at this show. Rich VanEgghen towers above the crowd even off the stage, and his presence is enhanced as he belts out the band’s signature tunes. They had a stellar sound for the five piece, and that was largely due in part to the quality sound engineer’s the club has to offer. Purifier is part of the local record label family, Magnetic Eye Records, and their music can be purchased there.
Gospel of the Witches
The main event, Gospel of The Witches, took the stage to a rabid crowd, all vying for a spot right in front of the stage. A few LED candle holders adorned the back of the stage, and an ominous air surrounded the stage as the members took to their instruments. The band was born as an idea from Karyn Crisis (ex-Crisis) and guitarist Davide Tiso (Ephel Duath), as they laid down the framework for the album Salem’s Wounds in a haunted house in Italy. With material written, the band filled out with touring members: bass and vocals Ross Dolan (Immolation), guitarist Bob Vigna (Immolation) and drummer Charlie Schmid (Vaura).
Upstate New York is incredibly lucky to not only get one of the two shows this band is performing after releasing their album on March 24, but was able to witness the FIRST show ever from this lineup performing the songs of Gospel of the Witches. You could tell the happiness exuding from Davide as the band ripped through an amazing set. Many people in attendance were fans of Karyn from her Crisis days, because that band made sure to play the Upstate New York area a lot. Talking with Karyn before the show, she expressed her love of this area. “One of the things I love about this area is the interesting mix of bands. They have all different types of influences, and that comes through in the music here. There are really open minded people, really creative people, so it was more of a community thing as well. There are always stellar musicians to play with, and a lot of good clubs with a lot of heart, that are all about the music. There is a very cool community of people to speak with, and share with. That is something very special I found about this area.”
The band was eager to play through their material, and tracks like “Mother” and title track “Salem’s Wounds” shone through as epic offerings from an incredible project. Karyn sang and screamed with equal measure, and the musicians all held their own. Bob lived up to his nickname (in certain circles) as the “magician”, playing heavy guitar riffs with flair and passion, igniting the crowd as the music drove forward. The band is working on finalizing a full tour or two, so stay tuned to their Facebook page. You can purchase Salem’s Wounds through Century Media, or in stores like Best Buy or Amazon.
It has been quite some time since trailblazing musician Karyn Crisis has played Upstate New York. She used to front the heavy rock band Crisis, and they made a few stops over the years in this area before disbanding in 2006. Now, she is set to bring her newest project to Trickshots in Clifton Park on Saturday March 28.
Gospel of the Witches brand new album Salem’s Wounds was just released to the masses on Century Media Records. Karyn has laid low since leaving Crisis, focusing on her love or art and the occult. But after meeting her husband Davide Tiso, and starting to lend some vocals on his projects, she decided to venture forth into the world of music once again. The band started as an incantation between Davide and Karyn, and has morphed into a full on project with members of Immolation, Tombs and others join the ranks to bring this occult metal band to life. Upstate New York’s up and coming premier metal venue, Trickshots Billiards in Clifton Park, is lucky enough to house one of two special performances by the band on the east coast in support of their new record, thanks in part to the tireless efforts of Joelggernaut Productions.
Also appearing on the bill will be local heavy bands Purifier, The Final Sleep and Black Iron Prison. Doors are at 7pm, and the $10 cover ensures you get a night you won’t soon forget, and shouldn’t miss out on, for every band brings something unique to the stage. Check out more details at the Facebook event here.
For a taste of Gospel of the Witches new record Salem’s Wounds check out “The Alchemist”.
The day after St. Patricks Day is a day of recovery, or in some cases, a way to keep the party going. The Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs will be providing a full night of rock and roll to ensure that the fun doesn’t stop. The March 18 show is Bobaflex with some ‘can’t miss’ music coming to this area.
First up will be Dead Superstar from Long Island. The band has played this area before, and be prepared to have their high energy, heavy alternative rock kick off the night in the right way. they have been playing shows with Bobaflex already, and have a brand new single, “Searching For the Sun” out on iTunes.
Next up is the local juggernaut that is JCHA. (Jesus Christ and the Hallucinogenic Allstars). These guys have been bringing consistent quality rock shows with their residency at the Putnam Den, and this one is the culmination of all that hard work. The band is primed to release their new EP, Cosmic Annihilation at this show, and every single person that walks through the door gets to leave with a copy. NYSMusic premiered the single, “Dying in Leather“, and the rest of the EP will surely be revealed at this show. JCHA signature light show with on stage witch doctor is a spectacle in itself, and a live performance that no one should miss.
Bobaflex is headlining this night of awe inspiring rock, and they will most likely tear the roof off the place. They are widely considered one of the hardest working bands in the industry, and have been relentless in touring the country since their formation in 1998. Their live performance is full of incredible energy and will be sure to get the entire crowd moving and having a hell of a time. Their seventh album is coming out in June of 2015, so hopefully the audience will be privy to some of that new material.
The doors open at 7pm, and the show stars off at 7:30. $15 gets you in the door and a copy of the JCHA record in your hands. See more details at the Facebook event here.
