NYS Music 20​17

Category: Metal/Hard Rock/Punk

  • Chris Cornell, Dead at 52

    Within an hour of completing a performance at Detroit’s Fox Theatre, Soundgarden lead vocalist Chris Cornell was found unresponsive in his room at the MGM Grand Hotel after a concerned call to a friend from his wife, Vicky. Cornell was declared dead at the scene. The medical examiner later determined his death was self-inflicted by hanging.

    chris cornellMost famous as the front man for the Seattle grunge-era band Soundgarden and later Audioslave (formed with the remaining members of Rage Against the Machine after Zack de la Rocha’s departure), Cornell was the voice of a generation with a commanding stage presence. A Cornell performance demanded your attention.

    With his long mane of dark curly hair swirling as he delivered dark and introspective lyrics, Cornell’s image became the calling card of the fledgling Sub Pop Records and the developing Seattle scene of the late 1980s. The band’s mix of metal and punk, informed by the Sonics and the Wailers, helped forge a new sound in American rock.

    Cornell struggled with drug abuse and depression from a young age. He quit school at the age of 14 after his parents divorced, taking a job to help support his mother. He used music as his refuge during this period, eventually forming Soundgarden in 1984 with guitarist Kim Thayill and bassist Hiro Yamamoto. Cornell originally pulled double-duty on drums and vocals before Scott Sundquist joined to allow Cornell to focus on vocals. Sundquist subsequently left the band in 1986 to spend time with his new family and was replaced by Skin Yard’s Matt Cameron. The band signed to Sub Pop records in 1987, releasing its debut EP Screaming Life that year. The combination of Thayill’s drop-D tuning and Cornell’s four octave vocals, laid the groundwork for what would become the grunge scene.

    Soundgarden was the first of the big four Seattle bands (Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains round out the four) to score a major label deal, signing with A&M for 1989’s Louder Than Love, but it wasn’t until 1994’s Superunkown, that the band became a household name. Managed by Cornell’s then wife, Susan Silver, who also managed Alice in Chains, she was the band’s biggest champion. Cornell and Silver’s marriage came to an acrimonious end in 2004.

    chris cornell

    In 1990, Cornell contributed to a tribute album to his former roommate, Malfunkshun and Mother Love Bone vocalist Andrew Wood, entitled Temple of the Dog. The band was comprised of former members of Mother Love Bone (Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament, both later of Pearl Jam), Mike McCready (also a future member of Pearl Jam) and Matt Cameron (a member of both Soundgarden and Pearl Jam). Eddie Vedder also appeared on the album that was largely unnoticed until the success of Pearl Jam’s debut in 1991 earned the album recognition. The single “Hunger Strike” featured Cornell and Vedder trading vocals. Cornell later stated about the session, “He sang half of that song not even knowing that I’d wanted the part to be there and he sang it exactly the way I was thinking about doing it, just instinctively.”  Temple of the Dog did a brief reunion tour in 2016 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the album.

    chris cornell emek
    Poster credit: emek.net

    Following Soundgarden’s breakup in 1997, Cornell began recording as a solo artist, releasing his solo debut, Euphoria Morning in 1999. The single “Can’t Change Me” was nominated in the Best Male Vocalist category at the 2000 Grammy Awards. During this period, he also contributed songs to several films, including Mission Impossible 2 and Casino Royale.

    In 2001, Cornell partnered with the members of Rage Against the Machine following the departure of de la Rocha. The ensuing supergroup, Audioslave, was well-received from the start. Guitarist Tom Morrello described Cornell’s introduction to the band:

    He stepped to the microphone and sang the song and I couldn’t believe it. It didn’t just sound good. It didn’t sound great. It sounded transcendent. And … when there is an irreplaceable chemistry from the first moment, you can’t deny it.

    Cornell left Audioslave in 2007 citing “musical differences” as reason for his departure. Rumors of a Soundgarden reunion began to surface in 2009 and the band eventually returned to the stage, headlining Lollapalooza in 2010. The band released its sixth album, King Animal in 2012 and has been touring since. Thayil has indicated that the band has been working on material for another Soundgarden release.

    In 2012, Cornell and his wife formed the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation to help children facing homelessness, abuse and neglect. Cornell suffered from depression throughout his life, discussing it openly in interviews. He did not leave a note prior to his suicide and gave no indication of his intentions. The investigation is ongoing. Devastated family and bandmates are cooperating in the investigation.

    If you or someone you know is showing signs of depression or thoughts of suicide, help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day (1-800-273-8255). The National Institute of Mental Health has information on how to identify symptoms of depression and resources available to those suffering. Additional information, about how a mental health diagnosis can be empowering can be found here.

    The shocking death has been felt throughout the music world. Tributes, including a quickly organized memorial at seminal Seattle radio station KEXP, expressed the effect Cornell had on the music world. The Seattle landmark, the Space Needle, also went dark from 9-10 p.m. in tribute to Cornell Thursday night. Dave Mustaine of Megadeth paid tribute while on tour in Japan, performing a version of “Outshined.”

    Chris Cornell was a game-changer, an instrumental part in the early grunge scene and its doorway to the world, Sub Pop Records. He helped forge a sound that challenged and changed the music industry and in turn helped put Seattle on the rock and roll map. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Vicky Karayiannis, their two children, Toni (12) and Christopher (11) and his daughter with Susan Silver, Lillian Jean (17).

    https://www.facebook.com/KIRO7Seattle/videos/1612291538790593/

  • Artist Profile: Within the Fire

    Author Charles Bukowski focused his writing on the plight of ordinary people, drudging through work, alcohol and relationships.  In the end, he wrote, “What matters most is how well you walk through the fire.”

    Some may think Bukowski is referring to the plight of getting through life’s drama. Some may live on the dark side, and see it as a warning to not get burned by the flames. But, what happens when you step Within the Fire?  It opens doors to a whole new world.  Pushing  the envelope, testing the boundaries and expanding the horizons.

    within the fireThe local metal band Within the Fire pushes that envelope from the inside, leaving the past behind and perfecting years of musical journey into a volcano of sound.

    The band was started by guitarist, RJ Pipino (former Cutthroat guitarist) in 2010.

    “He is a big fan of classic metal from the ‘80s,” said bassist Joe Paciolla, of Pipino, “ranging from Dokken to Exodus. [And, he] was inspired to start a band with his younger brother, Kyle.”   

    Already an impressive resume of musicians, the brothers wrote several songs and recruited help from friend, drummer Tim Parent (Section 8). When ready They reached out to vocalist, Scott Featherstone (Attica Enertia), who ended up coming into the studio on the day when vocals for this project were scheduled to be recorded with another singer.

    Paciolla adds “The session turned out better than everyone expected and Scott ended up joining the band full time.  Our influences range all over the rock spectrum, but a few that were a big influence to the style of Within The Fire are Dokken, Metallica and Exodus.” The band has released a full length cd Still Burning and  was recorded at The Recording Company in Esperance, in the summer-fall of 2015. It was completed in the spring of 2016.

    “Tim Lynch is an absolute professional and we were all very happy with his dedication and work on this album,” said Paciolla. “RJ was really involved in making sure the songs sounded exactly like he envisioned them and was at the studio  every minute of the recording and the mixing.”

    This article was originally published by The Spot 518. is property of Spotlight Newspapers in Albany, N.Y., and appears as a special to NYS Music. TheSpot518 and NYS Music work in partnership to provide readers with in-depth coverage on the local music scene in the Capital District and New York state, respectively. For more, visit TheSpot518.com.

  • Linkin Park Frontman Tells Upset Fans to ‘Move The F-k On,’ While Shinoda Does Damage Control

    When it comes to evolving the band’s sound over the years, Linkin Park frontman, Chester Bennington has reached his boiling point with Linkin Park fans asking the band to go back to its roots and the sound of the band’s debut album that brought them instant success, Hybrid Theory.

    In an recent interview with NME/Music Week, Bennington was asked if anyone has told them that they “sold out,” after hearing the band’s upcoming seventh studio album, One More Light. He responded:

    We were asked, ‘What do you think of people who say you sold out?’ I don’t care. If you like the music, fantastic. If you don’t like it, that’s your opinion too. Fantastic.

    If you’re saying we’re doing what we’re doing for a commercial or monetary reason, trying to make success out of some formula … then stab yourself in the face. [jokingly laughs]

    When we made Hybrid Theory, I was the oldest guy in the band and in my early ’20s. That’s why I guess I’m like: ‘Why are we still talking about Hybrid Theory? It’s f–king years ago. It’s a great record, we love it. Like, move the f–k on. You know what I mean?

    Fearing a possible backlash from hardcore Linkin Park fans who may take the comments personal, co-frontman, Mike Shinoda, took to social media and posted a statement that all of Linkin Parks fans are welcome. Shinoda’s statement read:

    For the record, all fans of all albums are welcome here. Online or at the show, HT to OML. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

    Linkin Park will hit the road this summer to support their new album with the “One More Light World Tour,” that will feature Machine Gun Kelly and several special guest on select dates including One Ok Rock, Blink 182, Wu-Tang Clan, and Snoop Dogg.

  • State Champs Sell Out Hometown Show

    Albany natives State Champs truly came around the world and back after selling out their hometown venue in Clifton Park, N.Y. With a full house, State Champs performed to the best of their ability for their friends and loved ones on Saturday.

    On May 13, State Champs alongside Against The Current, With Confidence and Don Broco sold out Upstate Concert Hall on their second to last night of their headlining tour.

    The night kicked off with Young Culture, another band from Albany, N.Y. Even from the start, they got everyone’s attention by performing their song, “Bedroom Floor” which features Derek DiScanio of State Champs. The support from fans of Young Culture led into the next band on the lineup, Don Broco.

    The England-based rock group kicked off the night with their fantastic stage presence, and unique sound. Frontman Rob Damiani made sure to jump into the audience for their hit single, “You Wanna Know,” which took the audience by storm.

    Don Broco, which sound like a heavier version of The 1975 as a comparison, had a perfect vibe to bring to this tour. With their outstanding energy and audience engagement, Don Broco left an impression on fans with their catchy pop-sounding choruses with rock undertones. With their unique vibe and style, had it been any other night of the tour, Don Broco have the ability to be the band to steal the show.

    Intense pop-punk group With Confidence picked the pace back up with their engaging and impressive vocals and energy. Opening their set with their hit song, “Voldemort,” the crowd immediately reacted accordingly to their performance. Fans were jumping and screaming the words to the song, and trying to get as close to the stage as they could. Due to the importance of this date of the tour, With Confidence dedicated their performance of “London Lights” to State Champs. “This goes out to anyone who knows someone who’s stepped on their fucking heart,” said vocalist Jayden Seeley as they led into their performance.

    With the crowd starting to get sweaty from all of the activity, the night shifted to pop group Against The Current to steal the stage. Frontman Chrissy Costanza immediately jumped on stage grabbing everyone’s attention. Despite being on the road for over a month, you would not have been able to tell from Costanza’s performance. Her vocals were great for a live performance with the amount of jumping and running around she does with her time on stage.

    Although some of her high notes could have used a bigger breathe for a cleaner note, this can be forgiven from her non-stop intensive energy song-after-song. The band also worked to get the crowd ready for State Champs by having screaming contests with fans. Perhaps their strongest performance of the night was their song “Runaway.”

    When the time came for State Champs to take the stage, the energy inside the venue shifted. There is something absolutely incredible when you feel the energy and excitement of the friends and family of the members of State Champs cheering along in support.

    “It was truly special for us to play in our hometown at Upstate Concert Hall,” said guitarist Tyler Szalkowski. “We grew up going to shows there when we were teenagers so to now come back as a headliner and sell it out was astounding,” he said.

    State Champs opened their set with a popular older hit of theirs, “Remedy.” Fans immediately made their way to the front of the venue in droves crowd surfing on top of each other to make contact with State Champs.

    With their first performance at Upstate Concert Hall this year, the feeling of love and support from seeing friends and family in the audience made the vibe for this hometown State Champs show indescribable.

    “The night was made even more special by all of our friends and family being there alongside us,” said Szalkowski.

    With the new release of the deluxe edition of Around The World And Back, State Champs were able to use their tour to debut performing their new song, “Slow Burn” which was received well by the audience.

    Along with performing their newer material, you could tell there was support from longtime fans at the show due to the amount of activity from performing an older State Champs song during the show. Their performance of “Deadly Conversation” led to not a single person still inside the venue. Uncommon for State Champs, on this tour they performed one of their earlier acoustic hits, “Stick Around,” followed by a single from their new album, “Around The World And Back.” Their performance of the ballad featured Costanza from Against The Current, and had every fan in the audience singing along. “We used to sneak into this venue when we were too young to get in,” said frontman DiScanio.

    If you have the chance to see a band perform in their hometown venue, you have to take that opportunity. With the nature of State Champs intense energetic performances, this style is only magnified while performing for their friends and family back home.

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  • Joey Belladonna On His Vocal Longevity and That One Thing That Has Haunted His Career

    Oswego native and Anthrax frontman Joey Belladonna was recently interviewed by Roy Turner of Trickykid Radio. In the interview, Belldonna talks about his one regret that has haunted him, how he keeps his vocals on point through the years, and being asked to perform John Bush era tracks.

    Turner asked Joey Belladonna how he can still perform at a high level today after decades of performing, and if he thinks that he’s better performer now than in the ’80s. Belladonna responded:

    I just love music a lot. I strive on getting better; I work at it all the time. I’m real conscious of just elevating my vocals and just being in a band…I don’t want to go out there and not do it well. That’s why I’m always trying to do it better. I always try. I have a cover band too. I also do that on the side. We do four hours of classic rock.

    I really focus. I really try. I’m not in fear of anything right now. Back in the day when I first started, I didn’t know the music so well. Vocally, it was really a challenge to just find a way to sing over that stuff. Because I like to sing so I’m not going to do something outside of all the new styles you hear now, it’s just finding a way to make it comfortable and legible and fun to sing as I can. You realize there’s a lot of words in our stuff and the keys and the speed…it’s real hard to sing over that stuff and make it work.

    On being asked to perform John Bush era music when he returned to Anthrax:

    Personally, I felt we had enough music. I was just trying to be a champ and try something. For some reason, when we get that rivalry crap that went on, it bugs the shit out of me. I have nothing against him or nothing against them. I don’t sit around and have a grudge, but I didn’t want to try… It’s hard enough when you do covers but doing something with the singer of the old [version] of the band. He had it rough, because for the sake [of it], he had almost to do older songs because then they’d really be fighting the good fight there. For me, I didn’t want to get too involved with doing that. I didn’t want to keep opening that door and what was I trying to prove? I’m glad I don’t have to. I just don’t really feel like it. I could, I’m sure, I always felt, nothing against those songs, forget you ever heard them, we could have done any of those records and I think they would have been cool. We don’t know because I never did them before other than that.

    If he has ever thought about what would have happened if Joey Belladonna never left the band, and lent his vocals to Anthrax’s sixth studio album Sound Of White Noise:

    That will always haunt me. The fact that those 13 years went away and they’re gone. They’re just gone. Maybe I just feel good about it now, right? With all the crap… I could add to this, but at the end of the day, it’s all good. I’m really glad for the fans too, and even myself, I’m proud, but I also love that people are enjoying it and all of these new people are coming up and get to see what was there before.

  • Interview: Life Of Agony’s Joey Z and Alan Robert Talk Touring, New Album, and More

    On April 29, Life Of Agony played their 3rd show of their spring tour at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, NY in support of their recently released album A Place Where There’s No More Pain, their first album in 12 years.  Before another kick ass performance from the Brooklyn metal veterans,  I was lucky enough to sit down with lead song writer and bassist Alan Robert, as well as guitarist Joey Z.

    Joey Z

    We sat down and discussed topics such as playing overseas, other bands they hope to play with, and the recording process of the newest album.  They also shared some advice and opinions on how new bands can get their start.

    Check out the full interview in the video below:

    Here is some of the interview transcribed:

    JS: I see last night you guys played the hometown show in NYC. How did it go?

    AR: Great.

    JS: First show of the tour right?

    JZ: Actually no we played Boston the previous show, but last night was the record release party. But the previous night was album release party. But the night before was a warm up show in Boston. SOLD OUT. Packed house, did a lot of driving, but otherwise it worked out great, got warmed up, had a great night last night and really killed it. Now we are at the Chance tonight and we are gunnakill it again.

    JS: Yes, so now that you’re doing a small tour out here in the east coast, I gottaask, you go some overseas shows coming up, and did some overseas shows last year, how are the crowds different between and Europe?

    AR: It’s weird. Its like over the years things have changed in the states a lot. Scenes die out, clubs close down. In Europe, it is as strong as it ever was.  Sometimes we go over there, people are camped out in the rain and go there just to experience the music.

    JS:  Yea like Gene Simmons talking shit that rock is dead, but that’s not the case in Europe.

    JZ:  Yea, Eurpope still has that same feeling that it had fucking 20 years ago, so it really hasnt lost that heart.

    JS:  I was watching you guys on YouTube playing in front of these fucking huge crowds in Europe. It’s so bananas.

    AR: And the thing is too its different types of music.  Like hip hop bands, alternative bands, death metal bands that all play all the same stage.

    JZ: Yea they’re blending the genres out there, blending them all together.  So you get the chance to play with David Bowie, and Journey, then on the same bill you could have Lamb Of God or something.

    JS:  You guys kind of did the same thing over here with Tsunami Fest (Reading PA) I was there, and Body Count and Wu Tang played the first day and you guys and Madball played the next day. That was a good fucking blend of hardcore and hip hop and it was my first LOA show.

    JZ: Awesome, it seems America could pick up the ideas or traits of the European music scene.

    JS: Maybe someday.  I feel like bands tour in packages and festivals.

    JZ:  Well the buisness has changed alot in music so thats caused a lot of these promoters to put bigger packages together to get more people to get away from the computer and step outside their house and make an effort to go see their favorite bands instead of sitting around in their underwear.

    JS:  Do you guys have a wishlist of bands you want to play with?

    AR:  The original Misfits.

    JZ:  Ah that’s a great one.

    AR:  That would be a dream.

    JZ:  I think it would be great for this band to play with Soundgarden.

    JS: YESSSSSS. One of my favorite bands.

    JZ:  I think we would work really well with them.  Think both bands would go really well together.  Misfits would be great cuz that was our favorite band growing up.

    JS: Soundgarden is working on new material and touring.  So it will be cool to see what Chris and Kim come up with. Now before you guys hit the stage, do you guys have any pre rituals before you go on stage or do you have any warm up music you listen to get psyched up?

    JZ: It depends. Like in Europe, we find ourselves in the dressing room listening to music.  It depends on the room too.  If we’re in a room like this, there’s not much vibe. So probably try another room.  Or decent place thats comfortable with couches and we will listen to a Soundgarden, or a Sabbath, or throw on some music to get those musical juices flowing.

    JS:  So what are you listening to right now? Like in the car or gym.

    JZ: “A Place Where There’s No More Pain” (Laughter) It’s in my CD player in my car.

    JS: Hey I cranked it all the way here.  I love it.  So let’s get into it right now.  It’s been years since “Broken Valley”… what was it like to finally get back in the studio again? Was it different?

    AZ:  It was completely different from any other record we’ve made.  For the better.  We were more focused.  We were very concentrated on the performances.  To get the best from each other.  It was awesome.

    JZ:  Almost like isolated performances.  We worked with Matt Brown.

    JS:  I know Matt Brown.

    JZ:  He plays with Pale Horse Named Death (Sal Abruscato’s other band)

    JS: That’s how I met him.

    JZ:  We did it like Alan said, more each person had a focus.  And Matt took the time to work each person on their own to mix it.

    JS:  The mixing is FANTASTIC by the way.

    AR: He would love to hear that.

    JZ:  He’s gunna hear it. So yea Matt was an integral part on how the record turned out.  The way it sounds, the way it turned out, the performances on us, Matt pushed all that to get that done.  I give him a lot of credit for this.

    JS: I think it’s cool that you guys decided to stay in house with Matt instead of getting a Rick Rubin, or a Brendan O’Brien. You guys stuck in house, and say this is the guy we want, this is the guy who knows us best.  I find that an awesome approach.

    AR:  We almost did the exact opposite of what we did with “Broken Valley” every step of the way.

    JS: Like major label.

    AR: We did the major label, big time producer. Greg Fidelman fantastic, he worked with Metallica, Slipknot, worked in big studios, sunset sound, where they did Led Zeppelin drum tracks.  We totally went stripped down on this record.

    JZ:  This record is different.  We really utilized all of our assets around us.  All the studios where we know and we’re comfortable with.  And it worked out cuz hey listen, there’s more than one way to skin a cat and get it done.  We were actually able to turn out and make a great record with our own little chemistry on how we were gunna do it.

    AR:  Plus our schedules.  We all have other things that we we’re doing.  So scheduling stuff was a lot easier to do one-on-one with Matt, versus trying to get everyone there all the time.  It was really cool.

    JS:  I see you guys spent years apart, then got back together.  During this time between the last album and this album, you guys all had other bands and projects. Sal had a band called A Pale Horse Name Death

    JZ: Yea.

    JS:  I love both of those fucking albums, I was lucky enough to catch them, and now with this album I hear a lot of doom and gloom, very dark and gritty compared to the others.  Did Sal’s time in Pale Horse have an influence and with Matt Brown, did they influence on the direction of the dark sound this album has?

    JZ: I would say absolutely.  Because Sal brought a shit ton of rifts to the table.  We’re all guitar players in this band.  I always say we got four guitar players in this band, so there’s not like “oh Joey is the guitar player, he has to write the rifts.”  It’s not like that.  We all contribute to the pot.  Sal had a shit load of rifts to offer for the band and that’s why you hear a lot of that sound you were talking about.  And it’s cool cuz now you hear Mina sing over those rifts.  So I feel my job in the end as a guitarist, is kind of making those my own.  Make them my own so when I record them I make them my own.  It’s me.

    AR:  He’s a machine.  I don’t know how he does it.  He can do like six guitar tracks that sound exactly the same.  (Laughter)

    JZ: Thank you.

    AR: It amazing.  And that’s why the record sounds the way it does.  Because everything is so precise.  Everyone spent the time to hone it in.  Really make sure we got it the way we want them.

    JS:  My two favorite tracks from this album are, umm I really love, “Meet My Maker,” and I absolutely love “A New Low.”

    JZ: “A New Low!” Me too! That’s one of my absolute favorites!

    JS: That’s fantastic! Now, that I’ve just said my favorite tracks, what other tracks are you guys most proud of, or what’s your favorite track on the album?

    AR: Ahh, I would say “The Dead Speak Kindly” is my favorite.

    JS: Okay.

    AR: Umm, and probably,” World Gone Mad.”

    JS: Yeah, the video was awesome by the way.

    JZ: I keep jumping around, umm, because I listen to it a lot.

    JS: Yeah.

    JZ: And I keep flipping. I love “A New Low,” every time that song comes up…

    JS: Yes! That song speaks to me.

    JZ: It’s my favorite! But then honestly I’ve been really hot lately on” Right This Wrong,” because I can picture us doing it live. It’s like when I can really picture this band playing a song at a festival, and making, ya’ know, 80,000 people go insane. I can picture” Right This Wrong,” doing that to a crowd just by the groove it has and the drilling and the vibe it has. It has that festival big crowd vibe.

    AR: Yeah.

    JS: So now, I don’t wanna give away too much, but is it safe to say that a lot of these songs will be played at these upcoming shows?

    JZ: Yeah, ya’ know we’re gonna pace ourselves a little bit, and not blow our load all at once. We’re gonna start introducing songs to the set. We already are, umm, tonight we will play a couple off the record. I know a lot of people are just getting the record so they don’t have start learning, ya’ know?

    JS: Yeah.

    JZ: Yeah, so we’re gonna throw a couple of songs from the new album into the set tonight and then when you see us again down the line you’re gonna hear more of the album in the set, you know?

    JS: Yes. Everybody should be at the show tonight. If you missed the last three shows, not the end of the world, especially if you’re still in the east coast. There are more Life of Agony shows coming up in May.

    JZ: So we are playing Stroudsburg, PA on May 12 and then May 13 we are playing Long Island, Wantaugh, NY.

    AR: First time in a very long time. We haven’t played Long Island in I can’t remember.

    JZ: Yup, May 19 we play Lancaster, PA and then May 20 we play Starland Ballroom.

    JS: Yes, speaking of the ballroom, I was there for Mina’s birthday, that was an awesome fucking show by the way, so yeah Starland Ballroom is definitely a good venue, you gotta check it out. It’s bloody fantastic. I caught you guys there, I caught Garbage there. It’s a kick ass venue man.

    JZ: Yeah, we’re gonna have fun.

    JS: Okay I got one last thing, Zire’s War.  That’s how we met.  Cuz I was catching Biohazard on the small little tour that they did. And Lo and behold you got Zire’s War opening.

    AR: Was that your first show?

    JZ: No, I believe our thrid show.

    JS: Zire’s War… you with some of the guys of Misery Kills.

    JZ: And John from Stereo Mud.

    JS: YES Stereo Mud! So what’s going on with Zire’s War?  I know you’re busy with LOA

    JZ: Well the way I am in life is that I want to give my full attention, my full energy, my committment, to what I’m doing. I can do both when we are playing live when LOA is touring, and I can fit Zire’s War in between it. That’s one thing, but making a record is a completely different animal.  And when it was real when we were about to do this record.  I spoke to the guys, and told them, and Zire’s War I write the stuff, I don’t wanna call it  “My Band” but it is my baby that I’m putting it out on the world, so I told the guys that it’s very important that I do this LOA record and give it my full attention.  And not try to squeeze Zire’s War because then I’m thinning this out or I’m thinning that out for each other.  And that’s not healthy for either project.  So I want to give it my full attention for this Life Of Agony record.  And I’ll get that Zire’s War record out as the Life Of Agony cycle continues here.  I plan on recording somewhere down the line.  And finally getting out.  And I think it’s a great thing because this record has reintroduced all of us back into the industry.  It’s not easy out there.  Not everyone is throwing deals at you.  So being relevant again is important to us individually.  You know Alan has his comics and coloring books he released.  All that’s going on with Life Of Agony, it all trickles down in our personal adventures.  It all just helps each other.  You gotta be smart about what you do.  And you can’t step over each other.  And that’s the way I saw it if I tried to push to do both with full force at the same time.  So I’m going to pick up Zire’s War again. The songs are there, they’re not going anywhere and I’m making them better and working on them here and there at home.  So now when it finally comes out, and when it’s released I can give it more of my attention.  It will make a lot more sense.

    JS:  My last question for the day is do you guys have any advise for bands trying to get their start in this changing industry?

    AR:  That’s a tough one.  It’s funny. Yesterday at the Irving Plaza at the record release show, we had an unsigned band contest, just trying to give back, ya know. It’s kind of how we found our way, we got to play some really great shows when we were a baby band, played with Agnostic Front, opened for Type O, and Overkill at the Ritz. Stuff like that happened to us and it help us put us on the map so now we are trying to do that for someone else.  Just gotta keep doing it and hope that those opportunities happen.

    JZ:  And a way to make them happen and it’s something we did in the past is, and I remember clearly, when we were young, we didn’t have management or anything, we used to connect with the promoters ourselves.  And I remember Gene from Faces.  The only way we got to play that first  show was that we would go to faces and see a band like Biohazard or Monkey Bump, and we met the promoter and said “Hey we would like to play here.”  And gave them music.  I think if more people did that, actually found out who was booking the shows at their local venue, and actually went to go personally say hello. You see people just complain that nothings happening but they’re not trying.

    AR:   It’s like everything is all computers, and everything is virtual, friendships are virtual.  There are no faces to names anymore.  It’s like sometimes you have to get “real” with people so they can give you a shot.

    JZ:  Yea go meet with them. Go to the venue. Go hand them some music and say we’d love to play here.

    AR: It’s easy for someone to press delete when the email comes in with music from someone you’ve never met before.

    JZ: Yeah, there’s no face, there’s no personality, there’s no connection you know?

    AR: And there’s so much of it online. It’s almost like you get bombarded.

    JS: Yeah, I get it.

    AR: Sometimes you’ve gotta be more proactive.

    JZ: Definitely! That’s it, you people out there! Young bands, get proactive!

    AR: Whipper-snappers!

    JZ: And I don’t mean the fucking pimple shit.

    JS: Guys, thanks so much for giving me the time to do this. Go kick ass out there, I’m definitely looking forward to the show, and obviously best of luck for the rest of the shows. And just a quick special thanks to Napal Records, Life of Agony, over at NYS Music.com, Peter and Jim, my co-hosts Mosh Pit Fardo, Black Metal Steve, and Psycho Steve of Steve Losurdo Productions, and of course my lovely camera gal Danielle, thank you so much. It’s been a real honor.

  • Hearing Aide: Life Of Agony ‘A Place Where There’s No More Pain’

    This year has been a great year for heavy metal releases, and Life Of Agony‘s newest album A Place Where There’s No More Pain released by Napalm Records has had some hype leading up to it since it has been 12 years since the previous album Broken Valley.  But now things are different for LOA.  For starters, Mina Caputo coming out as transgender, new record label, the band spent a few years apart with various bands and projects, so now was the perfect time for the band to be active again, reintroduce themselves to the music industry, and be a force to be reckoned with.

    This album is by far LOA’s darkest album.  As soon as you start it, opening track ‘”Meet My Maker” has a dark catchy rift pelted out from Joey Z’s heavy guitar, then you hear the vocals with the lyrics “Clinging on to what was then when what is now decides….” and you’re just like “fuck yeah. LOA is fucking back.”  Yes, once again, for the 5th time, the vocal style is completely different from the other albums, but you know it’s LOA.  But it works. Mina’s vocals fit all the songs perfectly.  The lyrics scratch deep.  The music is hard.  But what makes this album standout among the other albums is the dark gloomy, impending doomy atmosphere.

    There is an element in this album that has to be brought up.  And that is producer Matt Brown.  The mixing and producing that he did this for album is brilliant and masterful.  I’m not sure of what other projects Brown has produced, but he is one of the guitarists and songwriters for LOA drummer Sal Abruscato’s other band, A Pale Horse Named Death.

    Those who have heard A Pale Horse Named Death’s two amazing albums, are familiar with dark, doomy, gloomy, Type O style music.  So it should come as no surprise that Matt Brown and Sal Abruscato’s style had a strong influence on this album.  The best produced song on the album is “Dead Speak Kindly.”   It has all the elements that I just mentioned.  But the song that stands out to me the most is the next track which is “A New Low.”  That song is heavy and sludgy as hell and really strikes a nerve and speaks to the soul.  Then “World Gone Mad” goes fast and hard to get the mind rushing again.  Perfect workout music.

    When you get to the end of the album,  it ends strangely but appropriately with “Little Spots Of You” which was a soft piano lead track with Mina’s vocals going in a more gentle direction.  It’s a great way to end a doomy album.  Overall, A Place Where There’s No More Pain is damn near perfect for where the band is right now.  I would rank this easily the best LOA album since 1995’s “Ugly.”  Easily this is another contender for the best metal album of the year, and that’s saying a lot considering all the great metal albums being dished out this year.  A lot of these songs need to be played live.  They can be live staples for this band for sure.

    Key Tracks: Meet My Maker, A New Low, World Gone Mad

  • Baked Potatoes Released Video for ‘Unity’

    Baked Potatoes released a music video for their song “Unity” off their debut album Loaded.baked potatoes loadedBaked Potatoes, a ska/punk band from Oneonta, recorded a video, the band’s first, for their song “Unity.” The video was released on April 20, the one year anniversary of their debut album Loaded.

    From the band:

    During the harsh upstate NY winter the Potatoes got together in The Warehouse, a DIY punk venue that was converted from the loading dock of an abandoned bakery.  A venue known for almost exclusively punk-rock and hardcore shows, The Warehouse turned out to be the perfect setting for “Unity.” The ska-punk horn filled anthem sings about positive mental attitude, questioning authority, and being stronger united than divided.

    Loaded is available for streaming and purchase through the usual sites.

  • Ivan Moody Clarifies His Comments About Leaving Five Finger Death Punch

    Several metal and hard rock fans, and various music industry insiders, have always had a lot to say when it comes to Five Finger Death Punch frontman Ivan Moody. Over the last few of years, fans, music journalists and everyone else that has an opinion on this subject has always felt when it comes to Moody and his constant “meltdowns,” and “alcohol/substance abuse” problems, many are surprised that Moody has not been kicked out of the band.

    Moody was even replaced by All That Remains frontman Philip Labonte, to end the band’s 2016 run with Shinedown and Sixx: A.M., after Moody fell “ill,” and could not finish the remaining dates. As reported by NYS Music, many feel that Labonte’s time filling in for Moody was actually an audition and a possible glimpse into the future. So, at first, when several music news sites started reporting that Moody was departing Five Finger Death Punch after his 2017 commitments to the band started to circulate, not many were surprised that some kind of split between the band had finally happened.

    Hours later, Moody released a new statement saying that he’s not going anywhere.

    Moody’s KBPI statement read:

    I had a meltdown. I was like Kanye West without the money. To be completely honest with you, Death Punch and I have kind of come to a crossroads. We’re very proud of what we’ve done – years and years and years of work… It’s time for us to take our way and go do something else, so after this year… my new band, Villain… I’m so excited.

    After several hours, and no response for anyone in Five Finger Death Punch, Moody released a statement on the band’s Facebook page stating that Moody “sets the record straight,” with a link to the band’s website post of Moody’s statement about his comments to KBPI:

    It’s no secret that this has been a tough year for me and for my bandmates in Five Finger Death Punch. When you put everything you have into making music, both on and off the stage, it can be very frustrating when the music you work so hard to create is not allowed to see the light of day. I know we share this frustration with our fans too, who have come to expect new music from us – fans who mean everything to us. It is true that Five Finger Death Punch has come to a crossroads – and that crossroads is we’re all at a place where we will never again let someone or something hold us back from making music for our fans.
    The lawsuit by Prospect Park holding our new album hostage has taken a toll on me. I was in a rehabilitation facility when Prospect Park decided to sue the band last year, and that was very difficult for me to handle all at once.
    Yesterday I made a statement that was taken out of context by the media – a media always looking to create headlines that will make people click them. The truth is, I want to start a side-project like Corey Taylor has with Stone Sour or Maynard has with A Perfect Circle and I want to do it when Five Finger Death Punch’s deal with Prospect Park is over and we are out of this lawsuit.
    THIS DOES NOT MEAN I PLAN ON LEAVING FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH!
    The great thing about being a musician today is that you can explore your creativity in multiple ways without compromising your primary focus.  I learned this watching people like Corey and Maynard and I think their fans are glad they’ve put more music out into the world. I hope my fans are, too.
    All that said, Five Finger Death Punch fans can expect our next album via Prospect Park and we are geared up to tour all throughout 2017.  We are about to leave for South America and Europe and we have other dates TBD.
    All of us in the band have worked incredibly hard over the last 10 years to build this band and none of us are going to let that go just because our record company is trying to sabotage us.  I am sorry if the media took my statement as a resignation, but I assure you it wasn’t.” IVAN MOODY – vocalist Five Finger Death Punch

    Moody’s side project Villain will consist of members from Gemini Syndrome and Coal Chamber.

  • Infinite Spectrum To Hit The Road With Fates Warning

    NYC progressive metal drama rockers, Infinite Spectrum, will hit the road and support Fates Warning’s North American “Theories of Flight” summer tour. The tour will see several NY dates throughout the sixteen stops in the U.S. and Canada. Theories of Flight will take off on June 11, at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, NY, and return to the hangar on July 1, at the Brighton Music Hall in Allston, MA. Infinite Spectrum will end their run at the progressive themed Progpocalypse Now!, on July 15, at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn.

    Other NY stops on the Theories of Flight tour are July 13 at Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park, July 14 at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh, July 16 at the Gramercy Theater in NYC and on July 20 at the Iron Works in Buffalo.

    Infinite Spectrum’s second album release, Haunter Of The Dark, is a full length concept album based on the horror fiction writings of author H.P. Lovecraft. Haunter Of The Dark was released in June 2016 and marks the band’s debut album on Sensory Records. The album songs tell the stories of Lovecraft’s writing’s in the way the band has interpreted them through their progressive metal meets theater style of music.

    Infinite Spectrum is Will Severin (vocals), Alex Raykin (guitars), Alex Repetti (bass), Greg Schwab (drums), and Katie Pachnos (keyboards/harp).

    Theories of Flight North American Tour 2017:
    06-11 – The Chance – Poughkeepsie, NY
    06-13 – Upstate Concert Hall – Clifton Park, NY
    06-14 – Mulcahy’s – Wantagh, NY
    06-15 – Ram’s Head On Stage – Annapolis, MD
    06-16 – Gramercy Theater – New York, NY
    06-18 – Mexicali Live – Teaneck, NJ
    06-20 – Ironworks – Buffalo, NY
    06-21 – Mod Club – Toronto, ON
    06-22 – Agora Ballroom – Cleveland, OH
    06-23 – Token Lounge – Detroit, MI
    06-24 – The Forge – Joliet, IL
    06-25 – Shank Hall – Milwaukee, WI
    06-27 – The Rex Theater – Pittsburgh, PA
    06-28 – Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA
    06-30 – Webster Theater – Hartford, CT
    07-01 – Brighton Music Hall – Allston, MA
    07-15 – Knitting Factory – Brooklyn, NY @ Progpocalypse Now! (no Fates Warning)