Band Of The Week

Band Of The Week: A Light Within

10689559_973836619312622_997964026043115727_n

 

A Light Within is a Kansas City, Missouri based shoegaze/alternative rock band known for songs that tap into the darker side of being, all the while creating a sound that is epic and flush with beauty. With influences like Pink Floyd, Palms, Porcupine Tree, Isis, Mogwai, and Deftones, you can really get a sense of where they are coming from. Their debut EP, “Preface”,  was released in the spring of 2013. According to the band, the EP is a concept based upon a reflection of one’s life after dealing with significant love and loss. A Light Within is currently recording a follow up EP and hope to release it in early 2015.



 

https://www.facebook.com/ALWaudio

http://alightwithin.bandcamp.com/

 

By: Brian Lacy

Band Of The Week: Haster

10519497_855089277849415_6918780064987434688_n

 

Haster of Orange County, California was formed in late 2010. With influences such as Chevelle, Deftones, Tool, and Korn, their sound plays off those influences into a solid alternative metal foundation. I’d even compare them to a newer band like Nothing More.  Their main goal is to incorporate  ambient feel, heavy foundation, and a performance intent on telling a story, evoking a rich experience that creates an insatiable desire for more.  In addition to releasing their full length album Let It Go in 2014, Haster has amassed some acclaim with Best Metal Band Nominee at the Orange County Music Awards in 2014, Best Metal Band of Artists In Music Awards in 2013 and Artist of the Year & Best Metal Band Nominee at the Artists In Music Awards in 2012.

 

Within These Walls:

 

Medicine:

 

https://www.facebook.com/Hasterband

http://www.reverbnation.com/Haster

http://www.hastermusic.com/

Band Of The Week: Malaki

10277471_619127341496622_2245238755290281588_n

 

Female fronted bands a lot of the times seem to be very gimmicky, but Malaki is a strong exception to the rule. This melodic metal 5 piece is leaving their mark all over Los Angeles. The band recently released their BLUE EP which is chock full of melody, heavy riffs, and soaring vocals. With an EP and live show as strong as they have, I’m sure they will fast become a must see.

https://www.facebook.com/Malakiband

Sunshine:

Full Live Show At The Troubadour:

 

By: Brian Lacy

 

Band Of The Week: Ancillary Theorem

306852_10150373134007640_1309871245_n

 

Los Angeles’s Ancillary Theorem is bringing something artistic and thought provoking to the Hard Rock/Metal world suffering from the same stale monotony. The band’s sound incorporates hardcore and thrash metal, subtle texturing combined with aggressive screams, melodic lines, and ambient vocals, which comes across strong and determined. Currently the band is working on a double album entitled Lions, the follow up to their album Infinite. This is one band that should be on your radar if you are a fan of heavy melodic music.

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/Ancillary-Theorem

http://www.reverbnation.com/ancillarytheorem

By: Brian Lacy

Band Of The Week: Tidalwave

10648489_10152728969143007_5186753243369650536_o

Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Tidalwave is causing some waves. This 2 piece (yes I said 2 piece), has crunchy rhythmic riffs and a generous amount of melody. Tidalwave has a modern rock approach to their music, similar to Chevelle and even another two piece band Local H. Their self titled debut EP produced by Jaime King (Between The Buried And Me) is a sharp melodic burst of energy. This is the type of band that is radio ready but also has enough of an edge to still retain their hard rock principles.

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/itsatidalwave

 

 

 

By: Brian Lacy

Band Of The Week: Dedvolt

10498280_10152106814691891_983229232758872649_o

Dedvolt is a heavy rock band based out of Sacramento, CA. Their mix of aggressive, heavy yet melodic music, blends into a very dynamic sound. Influenced by bands such as Deftones, Sevendust, Shinedown and Chevelle, Dedvolt has a sound that will surely grab the attention of fans of heavy rock. Since the formation of the band in December 2011, Dedvolt have begun putting miles on the road playing shows through out the West Coast and everywhere they can gaining fans from their live shows. Their debut album Bleeding Heart was released in July 0f 2014. Dedvolt has come out at the right time, especially when melody is missing from a lot of heavy music these days. 

 

Carving The Waters:

 

https://www.facebook.com/DEDVOLT

http://www.reverbnation.com/dedvolt

 

 

By: Brian Lacy

Band Of The Week: Ghost Parade

1497552_670568272974047_79469483_n

The ability to write hooky melodic songs that actually have substance is not an easy task. There are plenty of bands that try but fall flat on their face. One band that I’ve come across has been able to combine both and maintain a heavy edge is San Francisco’s Ghost Parade. Their meld of progressive rock, alternative rock and even subtle pop moments is infectious and catchy. Ghost Parade are on to something here.. The band’s Foundations EP showcases the a band that seem to only have scratched the surface. The vocals are clear and coherent. The guitars ring bright and the bass adds some tasty rhythms to balance out the drums precise rock swing. I’m really interested to see where they go next.

 

 

 

http://ghostparade.net/

https://www.facebook.com/GhostParade

 

By: Brian Lacy

Band Of The Week: Silver Snakes

1655993_696139257074457_1742323958_n

Building on the post-hardcore/alternative hybrid, Silver Snakes delivers a heavy, uncompromising, melodic sensibility to their genre. Silver Snakes recently released Year Of The Snake, the follow up to 2011’s Pictures of a Floating World. This new album is well rounded. It goes beyond the normal post-hardcore formula and expands to include delicate textures, acoustic elements and more of a heavier foray. Throughout their time as a band, Silver Snakes have toured with bands such as HRVRD, Broadway Calls, Sainthood Reps, Defeater, Junius, Souvenirs and Aeges (who have been featured here!) and done scattered dates with Coheed & Cambria, Balance & Composure, Shiner, Touché Amore, and Narrows. The band has also appeared at festivals such as Sound & Fury, Gainesville’s The Fest, Fun Fun Fun Nights and South By Southwest. Silver Snakes are definitely a band to look out for when they come to your town! Singer/guitarist is also a sought after producer/engineer. His credits include Silver Snakes, And We Are Them, Touche Amore, Nails, and more.

http://www.yearofthesnakes.com/

https://www.facebook.com/yearofthesnakes

http://bridge9.bandcamp.com/album/year-of-the-snake

 

By: Brian Lacy

Band Of The Week: Disquiet

1269588_10151901371906532_950695438_o

The alternative music scene is flooded by a lot of generic music. To be absolutely honest, it pretty much is terrible. Though amongst the sea of monotony there are a few bright spots. One of those is Massachusetts Disquiet. Combining their influences of Dredg, U2, Kings Of Leon mixed with some art rock and a dash of shoe gaze, Disquiet stands out amongst their peers. 2013 saw the release of their first album, April Distance. This three-piece is comprised of guitarist Derek Juliano, bassist and front man Jonas Boinay, and drummer/percussionist Dirceu De Rossi Pereira. Disquiet has the ability to be both powerful and subtle. They have a real knack for steadfast beats mixed with seductive riffs.

http://www.reverbnation.com/disquietsongs/songs

https://www.facebook.com/Disquietsongs

http://www.disquietsongs.com

 

By: Brian Lacy

Band Of The Week: He Whose Ox Is Gored

254601_242995759054741_327715_n

Heavy music has a zillion sub genres ad sometimes it’s hard to keep up with them all. There are a few that have come about recently that really stick out above the rest. In particular doomgaze, which is equal parts doom metal and shoe gaze. One of the bands from that genre that has really grabbed my attention is He Whose Ox Is Gored. This Seattle band was founded by members Brian McClelland (guitar, vocals) and Lisa Mungo (synths, vocals), later joined by current members Mike Sparks (bass, vocals) and John O’Connell (drums). They have been decimating the underground of Seattle since 2009. The technical guitar work and atmospheric synths over walloping rhythms create a uniquely cinematic soundscape that paints a world ready to be thrown to the wolves. Currently He Whose Ox Is Gored is gearing up for a tour to promote their upcoming full length and recently released limited cassette. This band has what it takes to make it in the world of heavy music. 

 

https://www.facebook.com/hewhoseoxisgoredseattle

http://hewhoseoxisgored.bandcamp.com/

 

By: Brian Lacy