SUPER FRESH BROS
SFB straight from chicago
5TH BANDITS
HOOD GEEKZ
REEM
MELO
GABRIEL ROYAL
NYLO
The snowy landscapes of Chicago converge and blossom into musical soundcapes in R&B singer/songwriter Nylo’s world. Ushering the downtempo movement among artists like James Blake, The Weeknd, and London Grammar, the production is soulfully sparse and emotive while Nylo’s confessions and stories delicately flow throughout.
In a somewhat distruptive childooh, Nylo struggled to find normalcy anywhere outside of music. After attending ten schools, she finally dropped out at 16 for the studio life, honing her skills as a producer and songwriter at any studio that would have her.
Her first self-released 5-song EP ‘Memories Speak’ has no low points, and washes over you in a way that draws comparisons to the late Aaliyah. From ‘Memories Speak’ to, ‘Indigo Summer’ Nylo has been making waves and even garnering high profile fans and shout-outs from artist such as rappers Nas and Mac Miller.
The second release of the Indigo project, “Indigo Rose” is set to unveil this winter to a much anticipated release.
JOSH SALLEE
SLOW SEASON
“Slow Season possess that raw, hard rock sound that is firmly rooted in the blues..”
MONDO DRAG
Mondo Drag will knock your socks off, let your hair down and take you on a mind’s eye exploration you won’t soon forget. Though they exude love for the spiraling tapestry of heavy psychedelia of the past, they are on a rock and roll mission all their own: an unearthed prog band, futuristic in their time capsule, rocketing forward through the depths, gathering the sounds of space itself.
ELECTRIC CITIZEN
Formed just over a year ago by guitarist Ross Dolan, vocalist Laura Dolan, Nick Vogelpohl (bass) and Nate Wagner (drums) Electric Citizen have had a busy year turning heads and ears onto their dark and esoteric style of haunting and unhallowed ’60s West Coast rock, and decidedly British-influenced heavy psychedelia.
Like records by similarly late 60s/early ’70s-possessed anti-modernists Blood Ceremony, Wolf People and Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, their debut album “Sateen” provides a blueprint for long term appreciation. Recorded and produced by fellow Grammy Winning Ohioan and local stalwart Brian Olive (The Greenhornes, Soledad Brothers) the album draws on sounds synonymous with the roots of early ’70s proto-metal from groups such as Sir Lord Baltimore, Pentagram, and the daemonic spirit of Amon Düül. Not to mention the comparisons it draws with the rock ‘n’ roll ceremony of forgotten acts like Frumpy and Shocking Blue when held up against the spellbinding light of high priestess Laura Dolan’s enigmatic voice and live presence.
From the cloudy and mystical swirl of ‘Hawk Nightingale’ to the shades of folk metal on ‘Shallow Water’, Electric Citizen pitch scholarly interpretations of the old guard in new and electrifying ways and not always from the vaults of forgotten masters. Take new single ‘Light Years Beyond’ with it’s swirling and ferocious concoction of guitars and drums or ‘Magnetic Man’ with its unabashed nod to Heart and classic Black Sabbath. Just a handful of many songs here that showcases just how good the band is at dropping sonic needles into the grooves of records that all serious rock ’n’ roll lovers hold dear.
Electric Citizen have toured with Fu Manchu, The Budos Band and Wolfmother and have supported act such as Joan Jett, The Cult, The Sword, Rival Sons, Dead Meadow, Foxy Shazam, and Buffalo Killers. The artwork for their debut album, which was released July 1, 2014 on Riding Easy Records, was created by acclaimed artist Neil Krug who has worked with The Horrors, Lana Del Ray and Boards Of Canada.
Electric Citizen has been featured on VICE’s Noisey, Premier Guitar, Classic Rock Magazine, MetalHammer, Thrasher, Roadburn, CVLT Nation, Decibel Magazine, Trasworld Skateboarding, ArtRocker Magazine, AtlSounds, and more.
PARALLEL MIND
Throughout their career, Parallel Mind has continually impressed listeners with their technical prowess, sophisticated compositions, and high quality live performances. The group began in the fall of ‘99 with the meeting of drummer Joe Babiak and keyboardist Nibandh Nadkarni. The two shared a similar musical vision, and despite numerous changes in personnel/instrumentation over the years, Joe and Nibandh have always remained the group’s backbone.
In 2001, Parallel Mind released their first EP and performed many shows in Wisconsin and the Chicagoland area. In 2005, Parallel Mind released their first full-length instrumental album ‘Colossus ADEA’ and was signed by the Canadian record label Unicorn Digital. ‘Colossus ADEA’ featured various guest musicians while drums, bass, and keyboards remained the core instrumentation.
In 2014, after an extensive hiatus, Parallel Mind reassembled utilizing the talents of former members and continued writing. With the return of guitarist Aaron Harris, Parallel Mind expanded its songwriting capabilities and sonic palette. In August of 2015, Parallel Mind released their second full-length album titled ‘Connections.’ ‘Connections’ represents a decades worth of musical ideas finally brought to fruition and reflects the many parallels between band members, both past and present.
BARRIER
David Libert – Vocals
Sam Bottner – Guitar
Alex Marcelletti – Drums
Jett Lucas – Bass
Sam Bottner – Guitar
Alex Marcelletti – Drums
Jett Lucas – Bass
BLACK FRIARS SOCIAL CLUB
Mark Panick isn’t a man of narrow vision. And his Black Friars Social Club project is just one example. He also front the rock juggenaut known as Razorhouse. He writes with his dark roots rock roots planted firmly, but don’t be fooled: he may be a composer entranced by the darkness of the human condition, but he isn’t one to be pigeonholed. He’s a lover of campy art flicks as much as he is the visceral source of your next trip. His recordings are rife with unabashed sexuality, gutter-punk abandon and tasty grooves. Every Panick song is a standalone odyssey—proof that he isn’t defined by structure but by the inner workings of his madcap mind. He marches to the beat of his own drum, wails on it with a sledgehammer and isn’t afraid to bring you along into the swirling chaos.
RUBEDO
Rubedo is the physical manifestation of sound streaming from the psyche of its members. This is the alchemy of transgressive synth rock.
It started with the band meeting Isaiah “Ikey” Owens, the keyboardist of The Mars Volta, who has gone on to become a friend, mentor and collaborator with the band as well as producing Rubedo’s first album, Massa Confusa, and its latest opus, Love Is the Answer. Owens was like the god Janus that opened some doors for and within the band, challenging it to step up and not merely be a local phenomenon.
Through the DIY space Unit E, Rubedo had the chance in 2012 to curate the Blacktop Music Festival and shutting down a couple of streets in downtown Denver–something that rarely happens for much of anything beyond the occasional parade or visits from heads of state. In 2013, Rubedo was also asked to perform at Denver International Airport for a month, several hours a day. Experimental rock bands don’t get asked to do things like that but that’s the story of Rubedo.
Its music is out of left field but incredibly accessible. It has a core of improvisation built into the sound, the performances and the songwriting but never feels self-indulgent. There is something inviting about the band’s music even in its most fiery moments like you’re sharing the same dream, the same feelings without being subsumed by anyone else’s vision.
Love Is the Answer may sound like a hippie platitude but with Rubedo it is a simple formula for salving the ails of the modern psyche without telling you how that has to look, the form it has to take and without suggesting a timeframe. Rather, it is a fundamental statement of everyday spiritual solidarity with the struggles of being alive and a subtle but powerful act of kindness given from that tranquil place in all of us we must cultivate in these troubled times.
-Tom Murphy
SROS LORDS
In the darkness and depravity that festers in the crumbling corners of a city that has seen better days, the SROS Lords rose from the rubble and roaches to decimate the masses with their unique brand of slimernetic punk.
MYSTERY
‘The youngest Rock band to ever tour the world with three consecutive years of International tour dates!’MYSTERY was first formed in 2010 by a group of twelve and thirteen year old boys in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. The home of the legendary AC/DC.
The band originally formed in 2010 and did not know what to call the band for their very first show, so Rocky suggested Mystery. He suggested it simply because they were heading into the show with their name being a complete mystery even to themselves only a few weeks prior to show day.
After performing their first show as ‘Mystery’ and being that it was also a song by DIO, the band chose to keep the name MYSTERY as a tribute to the memory of the late Ronnie James Dio. Coincidently, the band’s first original song ‘Rock n’ Roll Forever Be’ was written and composed as a tribute to Dio.
Playing and performing like true professionals at such an early age, MYSTERY surprised their unsuspecting audiences who sang along to their set of originals and a number of classic Hard Rock / Heavy Metal anthems.There was no looking back and everything from that point would have to be nothing short of huge!
MYSTERY intend on making HISTORY! As it’s been said ‘the future of ROCK and HEAVY METAL is in good hands’!
The band since released their debut album titled ‘2013’ which was supported with World tours in 2012 and 2013. The band performed on main stages all over the World including Japan, The USA, Australia and Europe with bands such as MOTLEY CRUE, IRON MAIDEN, SWEET, EUROPE, MANOWAR, MOTORHEAD, MEGADETH and many more.MYSTERY has also played at many of the World’s greatest festivals like Ost Fest and they played twice at Topfest and Rocklahoma with GUNS N’ ROSES, KID ROCK, CHEAP TRICK, TWISTED SISTER, ALICE IN CHAINS, KORN and many more.
The band would eventually become to be known as the youngest Rock band to ever tour the world.
A follow up album was recorded in 2013 titled ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ and scheduled for a 2014 release, which is also supported by their very own motion picture movie that features all of the songs from the album.
The movie ‘MYSTERY: BORN TO ROCK’ premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014 as part of the official line-up for Screen Australia and the Australian Government.2014 also marked the third consecutive year of International tour dates and the beginning of the recording of a third album which will be supported with major touring in 2015.
There is no stopping MYSTERY as the band continues to dominate the world stage!
DAVID LAFLAMME
David LaFlamme, born May 4, 1941 in New Britain, CT. was raised in Salt Lake City, UT. Beginning his musical education at age five, David grew up to be a soloist for the Utah Symphony. After serving in the army he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1962. There he became an icon in the underground scene performing with people like Jerry Garcia and Janis Joplin. After his short-lived Electric Chamber Orkustra, David co-founded an early incarnation of Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks before joining It’s a Beautiful Day in mid-1967. A self-titled debut LP was launched on Columbia in 1969, scoring their biggest hit “White Bird.” After several albums he left the group and released two albums on Amherst records. Today he and Linda live in California and continue to compose music and perform as their busy schedules permit.
PARASITES
It’s simple – Parasites are one of the longest running and most influential Pop Punk bands ever. They helped define the genre, and never changed their sound to fit the latest trend. They’ve released 8 albums, 20 singles, and have songs on more compilations than you can count. They’ve done 16 tours, and played nearly 1000 shows all over the US, Europe and Japan. Pop Punk bands from all over the US, Europe, and Japan have recorded covers of Parasites songs. Parasites have done a lot, however, here’s two things Parasites haven’t done: sell out, or give up.
THE MOPES
The Mopes got started when singer/guitarist Dan Vapid (Screeching Weasel, Riverdales) and bassist B-Face (Queers) wrote some silly songs together to pass time on the road. Little did they know that those songs were the makings of a band. But a few years later they recruited drummer Dan Lumley (Squirtgun, Screeching Weasel) and guitarist Jughead Pierson (Screeching Weasel). The quartet rendezvoused in Lafayette, Indiana in 1999 to record their first album, Accident Waiting to Happen, which features “Baby Doll.”
JOSE & ME
Founded in 2014, Jose & Me is a loud and raucous rock band from Chicago. This duo features Jose Bernal (Bionic Cavemen, Dead Feathers) on drums and Bob Dain (The Sweeps) on vocals and guitar. A five track debut EP will be available this summer.
THE LAKESHORE DOLLS
Darcie Bender-Hubber, Taylor Keenan & Molly LeCaptain are The Lakeshore Dolls, a Chicago-based group that sings music from the 1940’s through the decades.
REFLECTING POND
A band formed through the patience and love of music
YOUNG & DEAD
Noise for the end
BLUE OX
“Well, here’s some weirdness for you all. I have been using the “Handle” BlueOx/(BlueOxMN) where the other is already taken,) since about 1995 as a chat room name/online ID. Why? I am from Bemidji, I’m a big clumsy guy (ox), and Babe the Blue Ox is a statue of iconic presence in the center of my hometown. I also have bluish colored skin being a super pale Irish American type guy, and I am Gay and like men who look like Paul Bunyan, so the name is a great fit for me.
It seems that some time in the last few years a very hardcore metal band came along in MN and started calling themselves Blue Ox. That’s all fine, and I haven’t yet had any contact from them or issues regarding the name, so all is good. I think its a bit weird to name a furiously scorching metal band after a Big Sappy Blue Ox, I mean, look at the classic Disney Film some time and you’ll see Babe is a lover and all about nature, not exactly the Icon of CHAOS one would normally use to christen your blistering angst filled rock aka: Death Metal/Black Metal. Sure, Babe and Paul get into playful wrestling matches and smash entire areas of the North into different natural features now seen today. So I guess Babe could be seen as a Childlike manifestation of terrible natural forces, so in that context Babe is ‘sort of’ metal like.
I checked out their MySpace page, and they seem to be quite a good local band in this genre. They have HUGE numbers on their page for plays, so I’ll give ’em props and assume they must be pretty well liked. More power to them, but if they think I am going to stop being the person Blue OX because they called their band Blue Ox, they have another thing coming. I had the handle in active use when these guys were not yet old enough to drive, and it’s MINE!!! I will also state that I totally dislike the style of music they are into, but they are DAMN good at it. I play guitar and these guys scorch and howl like a Rhesus Monkey geeked on meth in a woodchipper. Their posted recordings are very well produced, it is really hard to be that loud and distorted, and to get it to come through as clearly in a recording as they did. I produce my own stuff which is certainly way milder by comparison, and I fully appreciate that their studio work is seriously good.
Rock on Blue Ox, but I’m keeping my handle.”
MARCUS NOGOOD
JINX THE NATURAL
MONSTER MIKE
KODIAK
Kodiak is a three man Indie Folk band from Chicago that believes music should have a strong emphasis on storytelling. After graduating from Columbia School of Music, Paul O’Grady and Christian Brown-Thomas pulled in Andrew Brown-Thomas and began performing in January of 2014. The trio takes pride in a communal song writing process and draws inspiration musically from bands such as Devotchka, Cloud Cult and Cake. Their songs capture three part harmonies over bouncy guitar rhythms, catchy mandolin riffs and soaring melodica accompaniment.
THE WAY DOWN WANDERERS
Equal parts fast-paced and soulful, 5 piece alternative folk band, The Way Down Wanderers from Chicago, IL, not only draw listeners in with their energy and originality but also captivate fans with their unique and touching story; Banjo player, Ben Montalbano and fiddle/mandolin player, Collin Krause, are half brothers who met each other for the first time 5 years ago. The two were shocked to find that not only were they both pursuing careers in music, but that they were each drawn to the same genres. In addition to their unexpected brotherly collaboration, the other band member’s dramatically diverse backgrounds in bluegrass, jazz, classical and rap music, blend together to form unique harmony vocals, soaring instrumentals, lively dynamics and standout melodies.
DIRTY STREETS
Scan the press on soul-groove outfit Dirty Streets and you’ll see numerous references to rock, soul, and dirty-blooze touchstones like the Faces, Humble Pie, Otis Redding, CCR, and more. Spin Dirty Streets’ records and you’ll hear all of those echoes, plus others—some jazz timing, some acoustic balladry. But by and large, what you’ll hear is a raw, rowdy blend of Motown, Stax, and rock—the pure American
blood-beat moving through the heart of Memphis groove.
Austin-born Justin Toland (guitar/vocals) found his own musical food early through his father, a classic-rock aficionado who turned Justin on to the Stones, Creedence, soul music and the Stax sound. At 17 Toland moved to Memphis and met Thomas Storz (bass), a native of the city, through mutual friends; the pair found common musical ground and began playing groove-grounded rock with a series of temporary
drummers. Andrew Denham (drums), a Shreveport-born drummer and British hard-rock fan, joined up with Storz and Toland in 2007.
The trio began demoing using a basic setup: a single cassette recorder, no tracks, no real separation, just mics on the bass/drums and guitar and vocals live in the room. Without the option to isolate, tweak, or sweeten after the fact, Dirty Streets became accustomed to running through a take 40 or 50 times asthey worked to get it right, all the way through.
By the time they began gigging live, that level of discipline had honed Dirty Streets into an instinctual, responsive outfit. Bootleg recordings of their shows in and around Memphis helped to generate buzz, and established Dirty Streets’ rep as a band whose timing was as sharp as their sound was ragged.
Albums followed—Portrait of a Man (2009), Movements (2011), Blades of Grass (2013), White Horse (2015), Distractions (2018), and the live Rough and Tumble (2020), drawn from an in-house performance for the DittyTV streaming music service—all steeped in the raw rock-soul groove that serves as the band’s taproot, the musical core from which all of its explorations still proceed. And within that core, too, is the element that gives their music, the music they love and play, its unique character.
“Soul and blues music is about testifying,” says Toland. “To me, that’s great songwriting. When it’s good, it’s good because it’s true, because it’s authentic.”
MOTHERSHIP
Supersonic intergalactic heavy rock trio Mothership based out of Dallas, Texas give a real sense of hope that all is well in the universe, and that pure honest rock and roll has once again returned to this planet on a mission to unite true believers. Consisting of brothers Kyle Juett on bass/lead vocals, Kelley Juett on guitar/vocals, and Judge Smith on drums, these guys have created a unique sound that satisfies like a steaming hot stew of UFO and Iron Maiden, blended with the southern swagger of Molly Hatchet and ZZ Top, paired with a deadly chalice of Black Sabbath. Mothership’s goal from the beginning has been to carry on the tradition of the classic rock style of the ’70′s, updated and amped up for the modern day. The band has been non-stop road warriors since the release of their debut album in February 2013 on Ripple Music successfully invading the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Europe playing either on festival stages, night clubs, or outdoors under the sun at motorcycle parties.
THE HIT N RUN BAND
Chicagos own rock and roll blues band
LIVING TERROR
Chicago-area metallers Phil Kurasz (of Lasting Vengeance), Andrew Whitfield (ex-Clad in Darkness, ex-Ghost of Mendea), Rob Whitworth (ex-Reprobation, ex-Blutige Nacht), and Josh Lloyd (ex-Deficit) formed Living Terror in late 2014 for one purpose: to carry the banner of true, old-school, aggressive metal throughout the Midwest.
LITTLE TIME OFF
Little Time Off is a 4-piece Pop/Punk band from Minneapolis, MN with the combination of poetic & clever wordplay, married with vocally driven, fizzy pop melodies. With members that have been playing together for 3 years their exciting live shows and crowd involved interactions, Little Time Off has quite journey ahead of them and do not plan on stopping anytime soon.
INDIEN
long time friends. making long lasting music
COVEN 13
Formed in 1986 til breakup in 1991. Released on Vinyl “Worship New Gods” (1987), released cassette demo “Ragnarok” (1990) on Crom Records. Reunited in 2011 with all original members, along with the addition of Richie Karasinski on guitar. Released ‘Worship New Gods” (re-master) on Shadow Kingdom Records (cd & mp3 format) in 2012. Released “Destiny Of The Gods” on Shadow Kingdom Records in 2013. Limited vinyl copies of “WNG’s” on High Roller Records. “Destiny Of The Gods” to be released on vinyl 2014.
WALPYRGUS
Walpyrgus was formed in 2012 in Raleigh North Carolina to write, record and perform hard rock / heavy metal music. In-short, they’re influenced by Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, old Slayer, The Ramones, The Scorpions, the writer H.P. Lovecraft and their environment. Their debut EP was released on cassette via Swords and Chains Records (USA) in June ’14 and 7″ vinyl/CD versions via No Remorse Records (Greece) in November ’14. Walpyrgus is currently demoing new material and preparing to record a full length album beginning in February 2015. See them live in Chicago May 2015 at Ragnarökkr Metal Apocalypse.
HROM
Hrom { Hrohm } originated sometime in early 2008 with ONLY the idea of creating a Power Metal album. Jan Loncik decided to come up with some riffs which eventually led to recording of all the drums, guitars, and bass in his home studio (RICHOBO STUDIOS CANADA). He began thinking that the music was powerful and energetic enough that it deserved a live environment.
MOROS NYX
Power/Speed Metal from Chicago
CRUMBLE
NUCLEAR ASSAULT
Nuclear Assault is an American Thrash / Heavy Metal Band from New York City Formed in 1985.
THE RODS
THE RODS are a classic heavy metal band that rocked their way through the 80’s with a powerful, raw energy that led them on tours with some of today’s greatest metal bands—Judas Priest, Ozzy, Motorhead, and Metallica, to name just a few.
Listeners will find that THE RODS are still a force to be reckoned with today, as they continue on at full-throttle, with a new line-up and a forceful, vintage sound.
THE RODS are:
David “Rock” Feinstein – Guitar, Lead Vocals
Freddy Villano – Bass, Vocals
Carl Canedy – Drums, Vocals
ATTACKER
.. ..ATTACKER: The Lords of Thunder! .. Formed in the summer of 1983, ATTACKER is one of the first Heavy Metal bands to use the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien as a source of inspiration. An awakening that, eventually, would become the now classic “Battle At Helm’s Deep” album. In recent times, the band has enjoyed one the best comebacks to ever occur in many years! The band has now come, quite literally, full circle and is back where they belong. Throughout their career, the band has amassed an incredible worldwide following, thanks to timeless Heavy Metal Classics such as the aforementioned “Battle At Helms Deep”, “The Second Coming” and their comeback Classic “Soul Taker”! .. In 2004, ATTACKER established themselves as one of the great live bands when they performed their now legendary showcase at the KEEP IT TRUE Festival in April of that year at Tauberfrankenhalle, Lauda-Königshofen, GERMANY along with their headlining debut at the HEAVY METAL MANIACS Festival in October of the same year at Manifesto Hall in Hoorn, HOLLAND. In recent years, members of the International Press and Heavy Metal fans worldwide have lauded their efforts both on album and, especially, the live stage! .. Upon their return from HOLLAND, the band has kept, for the most part, a low profile in as far as their live shows are concerned with the exception of their still talked about performances in GERMANY in July of 2005 at the HEADBANGERS OPEN AIR and THRASH TIL DEATH Festivals. A trek that was highlighted by a special performance of the entire “BATTLE” album which took place at the world-renowned Head-Bangers Ballroom in Hamburg. .. Aside from conquering Europe, once again, the band kept an intense studio schedule while creating the, then, soon to be released new album “THE UNKNOWN”! During the making of their new album, Lou Ciarlo returned to the band in a full-time capacity. For the benefit of those of you that don’t know, Ciarlo, was the member responsible for penning the bands Power Metal classic “The Second Coming” as well as co-writing most of the highly successful come-back “Soul Taker” album. .. 2006 is now in the proverbial “record book” as this was the most monumental year in the bands history! With bassist Lou Ciarlo back in the fold, in support of their, then, new album, the band embarked on their most ambitious road schedule to date with appearances on both sides of the Atlantic, including a tour of Europe. The band visited the countries of GREECE, ITALY and HOLLAND. .. The tour culminated and was highlighted, on September 16th, 2006, by their headlining performance at the SWORDBROTHERS FESTIVAL in Andernach, GERMANY, to which, at the end of their set, the fans gathered on stage and joined the band in a rousing rendition of one the bands signature songs “The Hermit”. The band next appeared in Europe at the KEEP IT TRUE X Festival, once again at the Tauberfrankenhalle, Lauda-Königshofen, GERMANY on Friday April 4th, 2008. Following the bands’ KEEP IT TRUE X performance, Bob Mitchell was let go from the group. As already mentioned, throughout their career, the band has built an incredible worldwide following, thanks to timeless heavy metal classics and great live performances. The bands legend continues to grow and they are now set to bring their brand of Metal Mayhem to the masses and make history …….. once again in 2007/2008! Heavy Metal fans around the globe have witnessed greatness! Have you??? .. 2012 will be a year of rebirth as ATTACKER enters the next chapter featuring new vocalist Bobby “Leatherlungs” Lucas and new bassist Jon Hanemann, who replaces the departed Lou Ciarlo………….ARE YOU READY!!
SKELATOR
Started in San Diego in 1998 by a band of nerdy teenagers trying to rip off Slayer’s “Show No Mercy” to a tee then grown up and moved to Seattle to rip off Manowar and kill posers where ever they lie.
BEYOND FALLEN
The history of Beyond Fallen begins in 2003, after searching for the right members the band finally came together in the summer of 2003, with Beyond Fallen making it’s live debut in the fall, and finishing out the year with the first recording in December – a 4-song demo/EP at S.I. Studios in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
With a steady live schedule in 2004, one of the year’s highlites was when the band won first place at Keystone College’s Battle of the Bands in the spring – a strong statement to make their mark as a legitimate force on the regional music scene.
Their song “A Line in The Sand” from the debut 4 song CD had been featured in the Top 10 unsigned artists MP3s on FuseTv’s Uranium website. The band gained distribution of this CD through Hellion Records in Germany, with several more distribution deals that followed. This exposed the band to the European metal scene and opened the door for the band to gain even more exposure overseas in the coming years.
The first half of 2005 focused primarily on writing new material, and in July 2005 the band entered S.I. Studios in Scranton, Pennsylvania again, this time to record its first full-legnth album, titled “Lost In The Shadows.” A very active schedule of live dates followed as the band coninued to build momentum and gain new fans.
This all eventually led to the band being signed to Melissa Records, a label based in The Netherlands. The new album, recorded in January 2007 at S.I. Studios in Scranton, titled “Mindfire” was released the following June. Metal fans and press around the world have given it high praise.
The band made their first trip to Europe in July 2007, notably performing at the 10th anniversary The Headbanger’s Open Air Festival in Germany to rave reviews, and at the famous Ballroom Hamburg, in Hamburg, Germany. The European metal scene has really taken notice of Beyond Fallen, and there’s still no sign of slowing the growing fan base around the world.
2008 saw the band do some select shows, then the band took some time off. In 2009 the band got back out on stage playing in Virginia and New York for the very first time. 2010 saw the writing of new material and new live dates, notably playing the Warriors of Metal Festival in Ohio as well as some other shows.
Beyond Fallen has performed some high-profile live shows over the years in America and Germany with heavy metal veterans the likes of Metal Church, Over Kill, W.A.S.P, Firewind, Halloween, Sinner, Ross The Boss (ex Manowar), Seven Witches, Joey Belladonna (of Anthrax), The Rods, Raven and many other acts.
2013, the band’s 10 year anniversary, was a busy year with new material released as well as many great shows and big crowds. The newest release MACHINES OF CORRUPTION hit the streets in September, 2013, and the reaction has been very positive, being called the band’s best music yet.
2014 saw the band resume a strong live schedule, including the band’s second appearance at the Warriors Of Metal Festival in Ohio. The band also released a new song, “Hatecrown” and made their first music video for the song. New material is in the works for the band’s next album in 2015.
KANTATION
Seasoned veterans based in Southern California with a penchant for “galloping power metal”. Shared the stage with Fates Warning, Dio Disciples, Uli Jon Roth, Kings X, Primal Fear, Helstar & others. They’re also hosts & headliners of the Throwback Metal Fest held in Las Vegas and has included Omen, Cage, Tyrant, Ruthless, Heretic, etc.
HESSIAN
Hessian began in 2008 when the Horrible Twins, Angus and Salli, created the form and essence of the Black Magic Boogie Ritual. Planting various ingredients in a dung heap they called into being an otherworldly rhythm section whose throbbing pulse causes trance and hysteria. Their followers are to be found committing sordid acts in the low and unwholesome rock clubs of the world, driven to unheeding frenzy by songs like “Cloven Lady” and “Funeral Disco.” Avoid them like the plague.
LIGHTNING LORD
Ass kickin’ heavy metal
LIEGE LORD
If you were lucky enough to grow up with the birth of American heavy metal, you undoubtedly remember what a special time it was.
Great bands were everywhere. Metallica. Slayer. Testament. Exodus. Death Angel. And the list goes on.
Notice a theme here? All of the said bands are still relatively at their respective games.
Percolating just below those giants were the bands that comprised the heart, soul and spirit of the scene. Among them was Liege Lord, the preeminent Connecticut power metal band that recorded three ground-breaking albums before drifting apart.
Good things come to those who wait. Twenty-five years after the release of “Master Control,” the final — and some would argue best — album, Liege Lord has reunited around the songwriting core of bassist Matt Vinci, guitarist Joe Comeau and guitarist Anthony Truglio. Liege Lord is scheduled to headline the Keep it True festival in Germany in April and record new music by year’s end.
Liege Lord formed in Stamford, Connecticut, in 1984 around the high school friendship of Vinci and Truglio, and the latter’s drumming cousin Frank Cortese. Originally called Deceiver (named after the classic Judas Priest song), the band became Liege Lord — which originally also included singer Andy Michaud and drummer Pete McCarthy — when it began writing its own material.
Local gigs begot regional gigs and by 1985 the band had recorded the pioneering power metal album “Freedom’s Rise.” Marked by break-neck and intricate riffing — with Vinci being every part of that guitar attack — it marked the arrival of a band destined for more. The following saw Paul Nelson replacing McCarthy and the group unveiling the slightly more progressive-leaning “Burn to My Touch,” produced by Blue Oyster Cult’s Joe Bouchard and released by Metal Blade Records. With this album Liege Lord became mainstays at tri-state area venues, sharing stages with Hades, Overkill, Anthrax, Raven and Carnivore.
By 1988 a shake-up was in order. Comeau, a Rochester, N.Y., native gave the band that push it needed. A power metal singer in the style of Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson yet with the angst of an overdriven Rob Halford, he proved an extremely logical fit. “Master Control,” produced by Terry Date before he was a go-to producer, was the group’s high water mark. It was also its swan song.
Until now.
With heavy metal undoubtedly more popular than ever, “Master Control” celebrating its 25th anniversary and the key players game, a Liege Lord reunion is very well-timed. Truglio and Comeau never left music. Truglio has established himself as one of Connecticut’s finest guitarist, as adept in jazz and blues as blistering metal. He has logged serious time in project’s with Helmet’s Page Hamilton. Comeau has lent his singing and guitar talents to Ramrod, Overkill, Annihilator and Tad Morose among others. Vinci became a professional photographer.
New to the Liege Lord 2013 roster are guitarist Danny Wacker, who has played with Atlantic Records artist New Blood Revival and in Baptized By Fire, with Dee Snider’s son Jesse Blaze. Drummer Frank Gilchriest comes from a serious metal pedigree, having been a member of Virgin Steele and Riot.
– Ray Hogan
OSTROGOTH
OSTROGOTH is an old school heavy metal band, based in Ghent, Belgium. The band writes, records and plays their own music since the early ‘80s. Influenced by classic bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, MSG and Scorpions, Ostrogoth strives to write high quality and harmonic melodies, combined with pounding drums and groovy bass-lines.
Q5
Q5 was formed in 1983, from members of two popular Seattle bands; vocalist Jonathan K and guitarist (famous guitar tremolo inventor) Floyd Rose from “The C.O.R.E.”, and Rick Pierce (guitar), Evan Sheeley (Bass) and Gary Thompson (drums) from “TKO”.
The band released its first album, “STEEL THE LIGHT” (MUSIC FOR NATIONS) in 1984, receiving immediate worldwide critical acclaim, and landing them touring spots with TWISTED SISTER, Y&T and LITA FORD… The success of “STEEL THE LIGHT” led them to eventually sign with Polygram/Squawk for their 1985 sophomore release “WHEN THE MIRROR CRACKS”.
Due to personal differences, the original lineup dissolved shortly after this release.
In 1991, Jonathan K and Rick Pierce released a new project called “NIGHTSHADE” with its first album titled “DEAD OF NIGHT” (Music For Nations), with drummer Jeffrey McCormack and bassist Anthony Magnelli. This album was partially comprised of material that was to be the third Q5 cd, and it too received worldwide critical acclaim.
Nightshade would release 2 additional cds over the next decade with multiple lineups, and would perform alongside many national and international acts.
In 2009, when Nightshade was slated to perform at the “Headbanger’s Open Air” Festival (Germany), with Evan Sheeley now on bass, the promoters asked if they would perform a second set as “Q5”, to which they agreed. The fan response was overwhelming!
In 2014, Q5 was asked to perform at Sweden Rock, a performance that the band had agreed would be a “one off” show, but at the completion of the performance, it was obvious that this was not an ending, but merely a beginning.
Upon returning to Seattle, The band secured drummer Jeffrey McCormack (Former Heir Apparent, Fifth Angel) again, and guitarist Kendall Bechtel (former Fifth Angel) and began rehearsing formally as “Q5”.
The band’s relaunch debuted at the “Rock You To Hell Festival” in Athens, Greece followed by a headlining performance in Cyprus. The band then returned to Seattle to begin work on music for a new cd.
Kendall Bechtel, however, was unable to stay with the band due to personal reasons, so the band secured guitar virtuoso Dennis Turner to complete the lineup.
“STEEL THE LIGHT” continues to grow in popularity all over the world. Critics are still touting the album as a “classic” and a “must have in any metalhead’s collection”. Bands such as Great White, Wolf and October 31 and many others have covered songs from the album on their own releases, and fans are writing from all corners of the globe, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Q5 story…
That chapter begins NOW!
With an official lineup in tact, and a new cd slated for release in 2015, Q5 is poised to take its rightful place again in the hard rock / heavy metal heirarchy!
SALEM’S WYCH
Salem’s Wych formed in January 1983. Along with Metallica, Slayer, Helstar, Anthrax and Megadeth, Salem’s Wych helped to define the U.S. 80’s Heavy Metal Scene.
The band released the Metal Cult Classic Betrayer of Kings in 1986. The band disbanded in 1988 and reformed in 2000.
Salem’s Wych new album ‘Through All Eternity’ is slated for a 2005 release.
DANTESCO
DANTESCO –PUERTO RICO
EPIC DOOM METAL
VATICAN
VATICAN is an American metal band from Cleveland Ohio. Previous works include Power Is Obsession, Answer To The Master, and High Speed On Ice ( Live ).
TWISTED TOWER DIRE
In the year of 1995, when metal was being viciously suffocated by an almost supernaturally lame mainstream pop culture, TWISTED TOWER DIRE was born. Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Candlemass…these were the teachers. After releasing two cult demo cassettes, several split EPs and contributing to various sampler CD’s to critical acclaim, the band began a partnership with long time fan an…d Solstice mainman/guitarist Rich Walker. He had recently begun a new label called The Miskatonic Foundation and offered to support the recording and distribution of the first TWISTED TOWER DIRE album.
The band unleashed their self produced, full-length debut in 1999. Despite a modest budget, “The Curse of Twisted Tower” won over many dedicated fans that appreciated TWISTED TOWER DIRE’s traditional yet unique sound. From 1999 to 2000, the band embarked on a relentless, self-financed world tour in support of “Curse” including several American festival appearances. A European stretch of the tour with fellow heathens Slough Feg and Solstice followed, including several club dates and the Wacken Open Air Festival, where the band had to perform directly after Venom’s headlining set!
In 2001, TWISTED TOWER DIRE released the critically acclaimed “Isle of Hydra” (produced by Kevin 131 & TTD) on The Miskatonic Foundation and Hellion Records. The album featured tighter songwriting and improved production, but still retained a certain underground feel. In support, they played shows in North America’s Mid Atlantic Region and beyond, including more festival dates. In July 2002, TWISTED TOWER DIRE returned to Deutschland, once again with the mighty Slough Feg, to continue their assault on clubs and festivals, including a headlining appearance at the Headbanger’s Open Air Festival.
In September of that same year, TWISTED TOWER DIRE signed to Germany’s Remedy Records. Their third release “Crest of the Martyrs” (produced by Piet Sielck & TTD) was unleashed upon the masses on May 26th, 2003. “Crest” had the distinguished honor of being named one of Terrorizer Magazine’s Top 20 Power Metal Albums of All Time (Issue 137, Nov. 2005). This release was accompanied by another European invasion with festival gigs at the Metal Bash Open Air Festival and their second appearance at the Wacken Open Air Festival. “Crest” was also the first TWISTED TOWER DIRE album to be officially released in Japan (Spiritual Beast) and the USA (Magick/Cleopatra).
Between 2004 and 2006, the members of TWISTED TOWER DIRE all went through some heavy personal times. The band kept moving forward despite the setbacks, playing shows across the US, including the first Alehorn of Power Festival (Chicago) in June 2006, and working on the aptly named fourth album “Netherworlds”. In September 2006, lead vocalist of nine years, Tony Taylor left the band after a long battle with depression. Once it was decided that Tony’s departure was permanent, TWISTED TOWER DIRE welcomed Viper (NC) vocalist Johnny Aune as their new singer, reinvigorating the spirit of the band making an appearance at Germany’s Keep it True Festival.
Tragically, the world lost ex singer Tony Taylor to a fatal motorcycle accident in February 2010.
TWISTED TOWER DIRE have gone through countless trials and changes, but the purpose has remained the same from early basement practices to today’s basement practices. The “Tower Brethren” continue to play their guts out for the legacy of Classic Heavy Metal with their latest album “Make it Dark” in 2011 and their headbangmania live shows. The band appreciates the support of their dedicated friends and fans around the world and hopes to soon see YOU in front of the stage banging thy head!
Current Line up:
Jonny Aune – Vocals
Scott Waldrop – Guitar
Dave Boyd – Guitar
Jim Hunter – Bass
Marc Stauffer – Drums
