There are so many new bands out there that I’m extremely stoked on. A couple years back, a band called Coma Prevail came up on my radar. They released a couple “demo” recordings and it sounded very promising. Sadly though, their singer passed away. Just when I thought they were going to call it a day, they regrouped and began a new chapter under a different name, Cons. Their upcoming debut EP, Slowhealer (produced by Beau Burchell of Saosin) is going to be a rip roaring, riff-tastic slab of heavy and post hardcore. The first single “The Burden Of Knowing Why” is a great representation of what Cons has to offer. There are moments in the song that have some similarities to Saosin and The Bled (guitarist Jeremy Talley was a member of The Bled.) This stunning five-piece outfit from Tucson, AZ consisting of Josh Fererra (vocals), Jeremy Talley (guitar), Matt Barios (guitar, vocals), Steven Hathaway (bass), and Stephen Majalca (drums), is set to take the music scene by storm and unleash their fury upon us all.
There are certain albums that I was exposed to as a very young kid that forever changed my life. Growing up with parents that passed their music tastes down to me was beyond a gift. I was exposed to so many different great albums and bands. My mom and dad had some similar interests and some very different ones as well. My mom was a huge Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground fan so, naturally that got passed on to me. When I was around 3 or 4, I remember my mom putting on The Velvet Underground and Nico album. I was stunned at how different it sounded but, I loved it. Thus began my own obsession with The Velvet Underground.
I still remember the needle dropping on the record and “Sunday Morning” started. It was almost like a lullaby. Stunningly beautiful and so different. Then “I’m Waiting For The Man” comes in and changes the entire direction of the album. The story that Lou Reed conveys is so realistic. Granted when I was a little kid, I had no idea what he was talking about but, thankfully my mom explained it to me so I could understand it. As the album goes on songs like “Femme Fatale,” “Venus In Furs,” “Run Run Run,” “All Tomorrow’s Parties,” “There She Goes Again,” “The Black Angel’s Death Song,” and “European Son,” would strike a chord with me and so many other people. The magnitude of depth, storytelling, and the way the music hits is astonishing. Of course, the most famous song from the album “Heroin” is a classic among classics. There is a true beauty in the way the song plays out. The build up to the chaos is mind blowing. The way Lou Reed makes you feel like you are on the journey with him is unparalleled. Lou was a masterful writer and story teller. I was also a little bit obsessed with this song and would play it over and over. I even knew all the words to it, which was pretty odd and strange, especially for a young child.
The Velvet Underground were a band that inspired so many other bands. Generations of bands since the album was released in 1967, started bands because of this album. Lou Reed was a big inspiration to me as a writer. The way he was able to connect his life and stories into song is inspiring. The Velvet Underground were unique, different, and and their own thing. They were part artsy, part psychedelic, part rock, and part blues. They were the ultimate package and continued to be a great band with albums like White Light/White Heat and Loaded. The Velvet Underground and Nico is now 50 years old and is still a great album that will stand the test of time for so many years to come.
I have to really thank my mom for getting me into such a wonderful band. The cars rides listening to music with both my mom and dad were always great. So many different bands were played and most of them are still constantly played to this day. So if you all have a chance to, go thank your parents for showing you their music and getting you into so many great bands.
The year was 1990 and the musical landscape was about to change. The youth of that era was full of angst and just waiting to explode. Before the “Seattle Sound” became the soundtrack to many lives, there was a film that helped to bring awareness to what was going on, and that film was Pump Up The Volume. Not only was that film poignant for what it dealt with in terms of suicide, depression and general teenage angst but, the soundtrack that accompanied it was absolutely stellar. The soundtrack includes songs by Concrete Blonde, Bad Brains with Henry Rollins, The Pixies, Soundgarden, Sonic Youth and so many other great bands. The official released soundtrack leaves off a plethora of other gems like, “Scenario” by the Beastie Boys. Christian Slater’s character explains this when he introduces it on the air saying, “Now here’s a song from my close personal buddies, the Beastie Boys…a song that was so controversial they couldn’t put it on their first album.”
Take a few moments to revel in a great soundtrack. And take some time to watch the movie as well. It’s a great film, that still holds and still hits the mark with it’s message. Also on a side note, the film is directed by Allan Moyle, who also did Empire Records!
What do you get when you mix bits and pieces of the best parts of the 80’s a la Iron Maiden, Dio, Metallica, a dash of early 2000’s rock and a touch of glam? Well the answer is Edge of Paradise. This Los Angeles based band has been steadily making a name for themselves with their electric live shows and throwback sounding tunes. Edge Of Paradise’s melodic heavy rock is the right sound at the right time. Fronted by singer Margarita Monet and her sultry vocals, she guides the rock to where it needs to be. The band consisting of Dave Bates, John Chominsky, Nick Ericson and David Ruiz, pack a blistering punch with their rock assault. The addition of guitarist David Ruiz, who I’ve seen and heard in other bands, really adds another layer of heavy to the band. Their new album ALIVE, is full of dark and epic songs that will leave you swaying and grooving along.
Edge Of Paradise- Alive:
Upcoming Tour Dates:
06/28 Lucky Strike Live Hollywood, CA
07/28 Funhouse Seattle WA
07/29 Rock Hard PDX Portland, OR
08/08 Dipiazzas Long Beach, CA
08/09 Brick By Brick San Diego, CA
08/25 Jub Jub’s Thirst Parlor Reno, NV
Sometimes I wonder whose idea is it in the band to suggest a cover song. At times I wonder why the band picked “that” song to cover. So, now I’m curious to know what you all think about this cover. In 2000, on Disturbed’s debut album The Sickness, they covered Tears For Fears “Shout.” David Draiman, for all his animal noises and annoyances, has one hell of a voice. This cover is pretty solid, though nothing special, like their cover of “The Sounds Of Silence.”
I was combing through my CD/Record collection the other day and I noticed that I have quite a few albums by strictly instrumental bands. There is something truly remarkable about being able to create a piece of music that hits all the right emotions and feelings with just music and no lyrics. So, naturally this got me thinking I should compile a list of the best instrumental bands.
This list is in no particular order and needs your input!
01) Explosions In The Sky
02) This Will Destry You
03) Moving Structures
04) Russian Circles
05) And So I Watch You From Afar
06) Apocalyptica
07) Godspeed You Black Emperor
08) If These Trees Could Talk
09) Pelican
10) Mogwai
11) Red Sparrows
12) Orbital
13) Set and Setting
14) 65 Days of Static
15) The Cancer Conspiracy
16) Battles
17) Stars Of The Lid
18) Mono
19) Tangerine Dream
I’m seriously beyond stoked on Less Art. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of their debut since it was announced who was in the band. After the first single “Pessimism As Art” was released, I got extremely giddy and listened to the song on repeat for the next few days. Now, today, Less Art released another song from their up coming debut entitled “Wandering Ghost.” This track is continues the great foundation that “Pessimism” laid down. Strangled Light is shaping up to be quite the debut.
Less Art are the type of band that deserves your attention. There is real depth and passion in each of these songs. The sheer joy of creating this music comes through in each of the members performances.
Check out “Wandering Ghost!”
Less Art- Wandering Ghost:
Less Art- Pessimism As Denial:
Less Art Tour Dates:
08/04 San Francisco, CA – Hemlock Tavern
08/05 Oakland, CA – 1234 Go! Records
08/06 Santa Ana, CA – Constellation Room
09/14 New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
09/15 Boston, MA – Middle East
09/16 Washington, DC – Songbyrd
09/17 Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
I will admit I haven’t started watching the return of Twin Peaks yet. It’s on my list of things to do though. Last night on Twin Peaks, Nine Inch Nails performed their song “She’s Gone Away.” This track is one of the more interesting songs on the new EP Not The Actual Events. It should be mentioned that the entire EP is quite wonderful. It’s chock full of “post-industrial” soundscapes and signature Trent Reznor mannerisms.
Anyways, check out Nine Inch Nails performing on Twin Peaks!
If you haven’t noticed I have an obsession with music. One of my absolute favorite things to do is just sit with headphones on and listen to music. There is something remarkable about letting the music waft over you and take you on a journey. There is a band I’ve been listening to for a couple years now, that really has honed in on making classic albums. That band is Pallbearer. Their music is bits of doom metal, and 70’s rock. It’s the perfect combination of Black Sabbath and Presence era Led Zeppelin.
Pallbearer have released 3 full length albums and 2 E.P.’s since their inception in 2008. Their debut album Sorrow and Extinction was highly regarded by critics, with some even saying it was the best “metal” album of the year. That album is truly a great album for sure. Their follow up Foundations of Burden is another great example of their ability to craft great songs, and expand upon their sound. Their new album though, Heartless, is a genuine masterpiece. Rather than be complacent in their ways, Pallbearer really went for it on this album. There is a great sense of depth and emotion throughout this album. Not to say that their previous albums lacked that but, Heartless just really hits you in all the right places.
With a repertoire like Pallbearer’s it’s no wonder why they are beloved by so many. I personally am loving the way Pallbearer has evolved their sound with each album. They’ve really found their niche amongst their peers, and made it their own. I highly recommend you taking some time and escaping to one of their albums. You’ll really enjoy what you are about to hear. This is the way albums should feel!
Over the last decade or so, screaming vocals have really become a staple in heavy music. There are so many different types of “screaming.” Some of the frontmen and frontwomen, really have a unique presence and sound to their scream. One person in particular, Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God, is a perfect example of this. The following songs are ones Randy has lent his unique voice to over the years.
Enjoy!
A Life Once Lost- Vulture (from HUNTER):
A Life Once Lost- Pigeonholed (from IRON GAG):
Overkill- Skulls and Bones (from IMMORTALIS):
Gojira- Adoration For None (from THE WAY OF ALL FLESH):
What do you get when you mix bits and pieces of the best parts of the 80’s a la Iron Maiden, Dio, Metallica, a dash of early 2000’s rock and a touch of glam? Well the answer is 
