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”.
Queens, NY metal core titans Sworn Enemy, who are on tour in support of their newest release “Living On Borrowed Time”. On their current tour with Brooklyn’s own Biohazard, they will be making a stop at Albany’s legendary punk and metal venue, Bogies at the end of March. Sworn Enemy who formed back in 2001 has proven time after time that their blend of old school hardcore definitely withstands the test of time. By delivering that extra heavy crunch and killer riffs it’s no question as to why 18 years later these guys are still crushing it.
The Band – Sal Lacoco (Vocals), Matt Garzilli (Guitar), Mike Pucciarelli (Bass Guitar), Jeff Cummings (Guitar), Taykwuan Jackson (Drums).
Sworn Enemy will play Bogies in Albany on March 28, tickets can be purchased online HERE.
Founded in September 2011, Theatre Nocturne has been a force to be reckoned with in Buffalo’s underground metal scene.
They’re influenced by bands like At the Gates, The Black Dahlia Murder, Dark Tranquillity, and other authorities on dark melancholic riffing; so you know what you’re getting yourself into just a few seconds into your first listen. But they aren’t your typical euro-influenced note fest. Theatre Nocturne proudly stands for horror, melancholy, metal and a dash of teeth grinding death riffing of a style all their own. Having just recently parted ways with vocalist Justin Foley, their lineup is currently comprised of Erik Wagonblott (guitar), Kenny Zotara (guitar), Justin Herzog (bass) and Mike Paquette (drums).
These boys have really raised the bar for other locals pursuing similar sounds in this already prevalent genre, having already shared the stage with bands like Arsis and Skeletonwitch. They’ve also already recorded two EPs, which more than secured their seats among Buffalo’s local metal greats. Anhedonia was recorded in August 2012 and Depictions of Life and Death followed in January 2014. Now, they’re on the hunt for a new vocalist, having just finished recording their first full length with Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY.
The new album is currently untitled and features ten tracks that are said to be, “heavier and more diverse” than anything they’ve written to date. Every song is brand new and is being kept a closely guarded secret, until the band returns to the stage at Stamps Bar in Tonawanda, NY – April 22. It’s been a prosperous and groundbreaking ride for Theatre Nocturne thus far, and with their new vocalist (whoever that turns out to be), they’re bound to keep on dominating Buffalo and beyond for years to come.
It has been a long road for NY natives Caustic Method. The band has been traveling the state for over a decade working their way into the hearts of metal fans. Their dedication and hard work finally paid off as they have signed a record deal with Pavement Entertainment. They will be joining artists such as Soil, Smile Empty Soul, and Tantric on the label.
Matt Caustic, Darin Scott, Eric Maliszweski, and Angel Rivera will be touring for the remainder of the year, kicking off in Chicago March 20 in support of their new album. Expected to be released June 2 – the album will contain songs from their latest EP “The Virus” as well as a mixture of old and new Caustic Method hits. Vocalist Caustic explains the bands optimism about this next step in their career:
This year should be the year that really puts us on the national metal map. We are definitely surrounded by the best people in the business and have a very loyal legion behind us that have our backs and champing for our success. With that formula of support we are super optimistic as the next chapter unfolds.
This band has truly earned their success. When asked what his advice they would give to the next generation of metal bands Caustic says:
Think as a brand and a business. Took me a long time to make the break between art and commerce. That’s only if you want to make a career out of this. If not just play and have fun. You never know what might come out of it. If you’re good, good things will follow.
So here is to the good things that follow. Stay tuned metal fans, The Virus outbreak begins!
As the weather (finally) starts to clear up for all of New York State, we are gearing closer to festival season. However, for all you metal heads, there is PLENTY of great festivals in and outside New York State that one must go check out at least once in their lifetime. So we hope this list will help you make plans if you have time this summer to see a metal festival. So without further ado, here are the top ten most anticipated metal festivals that you need to check out in 2015.
Honorable Mention: GWAR-B-Q
With no official announcement for this year as of yet, GWAR-B-Q is GWAR’s hometown party in Richmond, VA that has been running five years strong every August, even post Dave Brockie. Last year’s featured Body Count, Hatebreed, Misfits, and more. But with nothing announced, we can only anticipate at the moment.
Maryland Deathfest
For those who love nothing but death metal, Maryland Deathfest is a wet dream come true for you. With 80 bands over four days (May 21-24) on three stages in Baltimore, MD, makes it the premiere death metal event. Some of the bands are Obituary, Napalm Death, Coke Bust, Suffocation, Amorphous, Skinless and much, much more.
Southeast Beach
If you plan on making a trip to Jacksonville, FL next month, be sure to catch Southeast Beast on April 4 and 5, which will be loaded with local CNY favorites such as Earth Crisis and GhostxShip, along with NYC veterans Cro-Mags, Biohazard, and Life Of Agony and more. So hardcore and nice Florida weather? Sounds like a no brainer!
This Is Hardcore
Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love will be the city of bloody knuckles from July 23-26 when This Is Hardcore brutally takes over the Electric Factory in downtown Philly. With no lineup announced yet, look for it to be announced early summer. And for your own safety, DO NOT WEAR ANY NEW YORK SPORTS GEAR OF ANY KIND IF YOU GO.
Carolina Rebellion
Rapidly growing bigger every year, Carolina Rebellion has become one of the premiere music festivals in the United States. With Slipknot, Korn, Marilyn Manson, Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, In This Moment, and many more hard rock and metal bands filling the bill, it’s worth taking the weekend of May 2 and 3 down to Charlotte, NC.
Black N Blue Bowl
Brooklyn, NY is the perfect and ideal spot for Black N Blue Bowl, which features the best metal and hardcore in and outside of NYC. Webster Hall for two days, May 16 and 17 will be slaughtered by the likes of Madball, Earth Crisis, The Regulators, Crumbsuckers, Sick Of It All, Candiria, and many more.
**NEW FESTIVAL** Full Terror Assault
Recently announced, the United States FINALLY has an OPEN AIR FESTIVAL in Rock-In-Cave, Indiana called Full Terror Assault. The first annual festival will be running for 3 Days, September 10-12 and will feature 75 Bands including Fear Factory, Terrorizer, Broken Hope, Misery Index, and many more. And the kicker to this show…..BYOB.
Rockstar Mayhem Tour
Growing strong since 2008, Rockstar Mayhem Tour essentially replaced Ozzfest as the premiere traveling metal festival. Although no lineup officially announced, rumor has it Slayer and King Diamond will be headlining along with Thy Art Is Murder and Whitechappel. Look for the official announcement on April 13. It’s a safe bet plenty of venues across New York State will get stops including, SPAC and Darien Lake.
Rock On The Range
Since being founded in 2007, Rock On The Range has been rapidly growing, with bands of all kind just BEGGING to play in any slot. Always held a couple of weekends before memorial day, this year, they offer a very diverse lineup, Slipknot, Judas Priest, and Linkin Park lead to what will be guaranteed to be sold out like it has been every year. It has become easily a top 3 music festival in the United States.
New England Metal and Hardcore Festival
Always a steady landmark for all types of metal each year, this year’s New England Metal and Hardcore Festival in Worcester, MA is held April 17-19, with bands like Testament, Motionless In White, Cavalera Conspiracy, Between The Buried And Me, Corrosion Of Conformity, Exodus and much more. Easy to travel from just about anywhere in New York State, it is definitely a must go every year.
Heavy Montreal
It was hard to choose, but this festival every year has been just way to hard to ignore. But this year’s Heavy Montreal has Slipknot, Faith No More, Korn, Lamb Of God, Meshuggah, and Mastodon headlining over a heavy and diverse lineup. If you have a passport, you have to make the trip over the border this August 7-9.
What festivals on this list are you excited about? What festivals would you include on this list that is not mentioned? Sound off on the comments below.
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.
Acrassicauda, derived from a Latin word for a species of black scorpion commonly found in the Middle East, originally hails from Baghdad, Iraq. Formed in 2001, they are often hailed as being the first heavy metal band to emerge from Iraq and were made famous in 2007, when they became the basis for the internationally acclaimed documentary, Heavy Metal In Baghdad. Back in those days, the band was persecuted to no end by Islamic militants operating under the Saddam Hussein regime and condemned as Satan worshipers. They had to sneak in and out of their well-concealed basement practice space, while under the constant threat of attack, only to find it destroyed by a missile during an insurgency uprising one day. All of their equipment was destroyed.
Heavily influenced by western bands like, Slipknot, Slayer and Metallica, they were only able to play two or three shows during the entire time they were still based in their homeland and in the midst of being seemingly hunted for playing heavy metal, some of their fans died for having listened to it. One of their first performances included a song called “The Youth of Iraq” which the band was forced to write in support of Saddam Hussein. Headbanging was banned, because it was considered to be too similar to the head movements of Jews during prayer.
But all of that is behind them now. Acrassicauda applied for asylum in the United States shortly after the taping of Heavy Metal in Baghdad and were granted green cards one year after that. In fact, on their second day in the US, the band was able to watch their oldest musical influence, Metallica, perform at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Afterwards, they were allowed to go backstage and meet their idols.
The band currently resides in Brooklyn, New York and has an EP under their belts called Only the Dead See the End of the War, released by Vice Records in 2010. They followed up that release with a performance at the Scion Rock Fest in Columbus, Ohio, where they played with Cannibal Corpse, Voivod and others. A few national tours came later and in 2012, when they opened for Ministry, Ministry’s frontman, Al Jourgensen was quoted saying, “Acrassicauda is my favorite band.”
Furthermore, after 14 long arduous years, the band is finally on the verge of releasing their first full length album, called Gilgamesh, to be released on April 4, 2015.
All this being said, any struggling band with talent who’s thinking about calling it quits because of monetary setbacks, scheduling conflicts, high school drama or a general lack of productivity, perhaps all of the above, needs to take a hard look at Acrassicauda’s career and rethink things. This band is the physical embodiment of perseverance, and after only having seen Heavy Metal in Baghdad just recently, I’m already so proud of these brave guys and their accomplishments.
Check out the links below and support this great metal act, who clawed their way out of hell and lived to tell the tale.
Since 1996, Tuomas Holopainen and his band, Nightwish, have collectively been an authority in the European symphonic metal game. Hailing from Kitee, Finland, Nightwish have already toured the globe many times over, released seven full length albums, one EP, a few DVDs and several singles. Their most recent accomplishment, Endless Forms Most Beautiful, is their eighth full length studio effort and will be released in the United States on March 31,2015.
The album introduces Floor Jansen (After Forever) on vocals and brings back Troy Donockley (formerly a session musician for tours) on pipes, flutes and whistles. Kai Hahto (Wintersun) has also stepped in as a fill-in drummer on this record, as Jukka Nevalainen was forced to temporarily step aside due to chronic insomnia.
Now, as far as this album is concerned, Nightwish fans may be forced to ask themselves a tough question- Which era of Nightwish is better? Those of you who long to be reunited with original vocalist, Tarja Turunen, along with the simpler song structures that were without the help of the London Symphony Orchestra, might be disappointed. Endless Forms Most Beautiful (a title hailing the naturalist, Charles Darwin), is a huge, busy, dark, heavy, ridiculously powerful symphonic metal album. In fact, the only song that disappointed me was the first single, “Elan” not that it’s even that bad a tune. But any fan of Nightwish knows that this band is notorious for choosing simple, “safe” songs to be their singles.
Here’s my take, from start to finish, track by track:
The opening track, “Shudder Before the Beautiful”, introduces a fast tempo, melodic heaviness right from the beginning. Instantly, Floor’s vocals fit perfectly with the overall sound of the new lineup. Certain notes and techniques reminiscent of Tarja take hold, but Floor also brings some unique qualities to the table, which only add to the intricate but very catchy riffing. There’s a back and forth guitar and synth solo section in this song that might remind the listener of how Children of Bodom might approach a part like that.
“Weak Fantasy”, gravitates towards the big booming movie soundtrack end of the Nightwish spectrum. It’s powerful, captivating and introduces a soaring vocal dynamic between Floor and bassist, Marco Hietala (Tarot). The two produce melodies that gel so well, it’s hard to imagine the band without either of them at times.
“Elan”, the current single, is a small and safe song with very few surprises. It’s catchy and has a solid balance between the six members. However, most fans might agree that if every Nightwish song went in this direction, they might be a pretty easy band to write off.
“Yours Is An Empty Hope”, is the loudest, fastest song so far. It’s also the epitome of symphonic metal. Huge choirs give you goosebumps throughout the track and are accompanied by a series of well-timed explosions.
“Our Decades In the Sun” settles things down quite a bit. It’s mostly piano and vocals, until Emppu finally appears on guitar much later in the track. It had me thinking, “Sleeping Sun” the entire time.
“My Walden” is very happy and folky. Troy Donockley shines on this track. There are some pop rock elements as well, which completely contradict the first five tracks, however they don’t take away from the band’s overall sound. If you liked “Last of the Wilds” or even an earlier upbeat instrumental like “Moondance”, you’ll be fine with this song.
“Endless Forms Most Beautiful” is once again, very simple and safe for being the title track. It’s a good song and probably a great choice to keep the crowd motivated for the live show, but nothing really extraordinary happens here. I wouldn’t call it filler, but I also wouldn’t call it a statement. I felt it was too bland to be impressive, but too sophisticated to be written off. It’s a Nightwish song.
“Edema Ruh” is a very hoppy song with a solid clash of symphonic and folk elements. Marco and Floor split this song evenly in the vocal department and there’s a real feeling of youthful revelry here.
“Alpenglow” might be your biggest disappointment on this album, but only because it’s the second filler track of sorts and you’re itching to get through it, because you know the bone crushing, monumental conclusion is coming.
“The Eyes of Sharbat Gula” is an intro for the last track, or at least that’s the impression that I got. It’s primarily an instrumental, aside from a youthful choir singing quietly in the background.
“The Greatest Show On Earth” is 24 minutes long. No, I’m not kidding. There’s a calm atmosphere slowly building up to full on vocals, guitars and drums for the first few minutes, but once the first climax is reached, they keep on coming. Each time a new mountain is climbed, the terrain changes completely, allowing for a new ascent up a whole new structure of musicianship. Fans of longer epic Nightwish tracks like “Ghost Love Score” or “The Poet and the Pendulum” will appreciate this. At one point, Richard Dawkins comes in as narrator and fills your head with thoughts of the beginning of the end of the world, just before a massive explosion slams into your ear drums. This explosion paves the way for the heaviest, most cinematic sounding piece of metal music I have ever heard. The way the six elements of this band come together with the orchestra in this section is uncanny and Tuomas’s composing skills really shine here.
I suppose I’d recommend this album to any fan of metal, just because of the musicianship and layering present on it. Nightwish purists will most likely be disappointed, but my advice to them is to forget that it’s Nightwish for a little while and hear some interesting stuff. At the very least, it’ll make you want to watch a Peter Jackson Tolkien film.
In other great local news, Nightwish will be performing at Buffalo NY’s Town Ballroom on April 16, 2015.
Key tracks: Shudder Before the Beautiful, Yours Is An Empty Hope, The Greatest Show On Earth
This is Pagan folk metal from Finland at its best. Many people condemn the genre and many of its greatest bands as Renaissance festival nerds with cool guitars and war paint. But Ensiferum raises the bar ever so slightly with every release, making them pioneers of sorts in the folk metal game. One Man Army is a perfect example of the band’s unique approach to their genre.
Ensiferum (The Sword Bearer) never hold back when it comes to their powerful chorus driven war songs with their 1,000 year old feel, but fully embrace their heavy nature as well. Since they are a metal band at their core, they have to represent. The opening track, “March of War” is beautifully composed with an array of old-world string instruments, “Burden of the Fallen” could come straight out of the “Lord of the Rings” or “Hobbit” films, and the closing track “Neito Pohjolan” naturally has its Finnish roots, but can at times be easily mistaken for an American country/western tune. The whole album is full of their usual bells and whistles, choirs singing backup harmonies reminiscent of blockbuster soundtracks like “Braveheart” and plenty of references to the very heart of the band’s name and their love of their heritage; clashing swords and bloody battlefields. Fans of this genre won’t be disappointed, but those weary on folk metal may not appreciate 11 straight tracks with said formula.
“Axe of Judgment” forces the listener into an all-out war zone. “Cry For the Earthbound” and “Warrior Without A War” transport you back to ancient bloodstained ruins, despite Earthbound’s borderline poppy female vocals in the bridge. “Two of Spades” is an upbeat Celtic dance party, which instantly had me thinking of Bilbo Baggins’s 111th birthday party in “The Fellowship of the Ring”. And, wouldn’t you know it? Ensiferum decide to throw you a curveball and end the album with a cover of the theme from Rawhide.
So, once again, any avid listener of folk metal can’t hate this album. Metal purists will either hate it, be bored with it, or both (presumably), and those who simply dabble in folk metal might grow tired of Ensiferum’s consistent battle anthem formula. But all in all, I think this is a great opportunity for those open to taking the “folk metal challenge”, to open their hearts and minds to this wonderfully fun genre! Cheers!
Key tracks: One Man Army, Cry For the Earthbound, Burden of the Fallen
By now, anyone who frequents local metal shows in Buffalo has heard of I’m From the Government and I’m Here to Help. Having seen these guys live many times myself, I wanted to give the dedicated metal show goers of our town a behind-the-scenes look at this particular band, and why I think they’re worth a listen to anyone who isn’t familiar with them. Personally, I’d recommend these guys to any fan of any kind of metal, because I think they have something for everyone in the metal world. Their performances are energetic, their songs are incredibly catchy, and they stay just as brutally heavy as they do honest and melody driven, for the duration of their tunes.
Recently, I had an opportunity to catch up with Tom Bieler (vocals), Robby Warren (guitar) and Steve Keicher (drums), and ask them a few important questions about their project. Here’s what they had to say.
Mike Marlinski: Where does the name I’m From the Government and I’m Here to Help come from and how would you describe your music to new listeners?
Robby Warren: The name comes from the famous words said by President Reagan during a speech as “the 9 most terrifying words in the English language”. He couldn’t have been more right and those words still hold value today.
Tom Bieler: I almost wanted to name the band, I’m a Firefighter and I’m Here to Help You, but the government quote was a lot better. I would describe our sound to new listeners as metal. Too many people focus on sub-genres nowadays and it isn’t helping local scene unity at all.
Steve Keicher: For new listeners, I would describe our sound as being heavy with some underlying melody, whether it be vocals or guitars, with influences ranging from hard rock, heavy metal and hardcore. Modern American Heavy!
MM: What kind of music were you raised on? Who are your musical influences?
RW: I was raised on a lot of classic rock, ‘80s hair metal and country from being raised by my mom. Once I found Megadeth at 10 or 11, it was all metal there on out. My guitar influences range from Dimebag Darrell to Ted Nugent to Marty Friedman.
TB: I was raised on mostly rock in the same vein as Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Tom Petty, Billy Joel and stuff like that. Once I hit high school, it was all Wu-tang and skate punk music like Millencolin and Bad Religion.
SK: I was raised on a wide variety of things. My parents listened to everything from The Doors and The Beatles to Alabama and Charlie Daniels. I grew up with some older cousins who were always jamming the heavy stuff so Sepultura, Suicidal Tendencies, Slayer and Metallica invaded my ears when I was in like 4th grade.
Everyone was always skating and blasting thrash! MTV was huge while I was growing up too. Pop music was everywhere, then I saw that first Nirvana video. Pantera wasn’t far behind either. I’m constantly trying to discover new bands and things to listen to. Lately it’s been old psyche rock bands from the ‘60s and ‘70s, bands like Blue Cheer, The Nice, Joshua and a ton more.
MM: Who do you typically listen to on the way to a performance?
RW: On my way to a show, I’m usually listening to something very heavy to get me psyched up. As I Lay Dying is a regular to get me pumped.
TB: Just whatever’s in the CD player. Lately it’s been Seplophile and Makhai, both Buffalo locals.
SK: Since a show night tends to be filled with a lot of loud and heavy music, I tend to listen to hip hop to get pumped or old classic rock to just chill out and focus.
MM: Do you have future touring plans? Where are you hoping to tour?
RW: I hope we are able to tour in the near future, but who knows how realistic that is. These days it’s tough to do it with bills and such at home, while making next to nothing being on the road. It is a dream of mine though and I hope to at least tour the east coast.
TB: If the demand for a tour comes and we’re able to do it then that would be really rad. The truth is we’re all hardworking American men and have jobs and we can’t just leave our responsibilities at a moment’s notice.
SK: I would love to travel with this band. I’d love to see the west coast, and from there, possibly some European cities. I’ve always loved to travel, so any place outside of the norm would be fine with me.
MM: Do the five of you have a common major musical influence? Who would you collectively love to open for one day?
RW: We all have our own style we bring to the band to create what you hear. I can’t say we all have a common musical influence, but that makes for something truly special having that many different influences coming together. We would love to open for any major band out there in the metal world. It is always very exciting to share the stage with a band you listen to. I personally would be able to die a happy man if we got to open for Megadeth.
TB: Collectively, we have a really wide range of influences, so I don’t know if we would agree on one band between us. I would love to open for a classic metal band like Iron Maiden or Megadeth.
SK: I can’t say if we all collectively have a common influence. The age range (23?-33?) in this band is funny, but I feel that’s what brings all sorts of different influences to the table. We all want to write heavy, memorable songs that connect with the listener on some level. Musical, lyrical, emotional, spiritual, whatever.
MM: Can you recall a specific news story or personal experience that first motivated you to take the band’s lyrics in a political direction?
RW: Tom, that’s all you. (laughs)
TB: I think it’s important to have meaningful song lyrics. We sing songs about things that matter to everyday Americans like you and me. We worry about drones, we worry about politics and religion and we worry about getting through the day and taking care of our business.
MM: Does the band have an overall message you all wish to convey to your audience with each performance and studio release? If so, what is that message?
RW: The overall message we try to give our audience, whether it’s live or in the studio, is that we must unite and stand for what we believe in, whether it’s against a shaky government or uniting with our brothers and sisters in the metal scene.
TB: Musically speaking, I think the one thing we try to convey in everything that we put out is the importance of riffs. We’re lucky to have some tremendous guitarists. At the end of the day metal is all about the riffs!
MM: What can we expect from the next EP?
SK: New songs. (smiles)
RW: The next EP is going to have lots of exciting guitar work, pummeling drums, sick bass ripping, and of course lots of hard truth.
TB: The next EP is going to be a step up. I think we set a pretty high standard with “Hard Truth/Forced Unity” and now we have to meet and exceed that standard. It’s a challenge but I think we have the right songs to do it.
Below is a full stream of their debut EP, “Hard Truth/Forced Unity”:
Matt Caustic, Darin Scott, Eric Maliszweski, and Angel Rivera will be touring for the remainder of the year, kicking off in Chicago March 20 in support of their new album. Expected to be released June 2 – the album will contain songs from their latest EP “The Virus” as well as a mixture of old and new Caustic Method hits. Vocalist Caustic explains the bands optimism about this next step in their career:
The album introduces Floor Jansen (After Forever) on vocals and brings back Troy Donockley (formerly a session musician for tours) on pipes, flutes and whistles. Kai Hahto (Wintersun) has also stepped in as a fill-in drummer on this record, as Jukka Nevalainen was forced to temporarily step aside due to chronic insomnia.
