Staring in early 2010, Adora takes foot in the underground Chicago music scene consisting of drummer Chris Eckstrum, vocalist Stormie Radtke, guitarist Michael Drew, and Keith Pink on piano. The band has been writing and growing as a four-piece, putting out classy grooves with catchy dark hooks. Casey Bates, Ed Littman, Matt Dalton, and D.R.U.G.S. vocalist, Craig Owens, are renown engineers that took producing roles of the band’s first EP titled “Save Yourself.” The band hit hard on the stage later that year at a sold out House Of Blues performance. Following the hype they continue to their energy to places such as the Chicago Metro, Double Door, and Cornerstone Festival just to name a few.
Many say that Montreal (Quebec) is the Metal capital of North America. The abundance of people supporting their scene is outstanding, so is the ingenious song writing of its bands. Among the most extreme acts building the scene since the early 90s, we recall – Gorguts, Kataklysm, Cryptopsy… and NecronomicoN. Officially formed in 1991 by guitarist/frontman Rob “the Witch”, NecronomicoN has been in constant evolution ever since, creating a fusion of atmospheric melodies and groundbreaking metallic attack. “Morbid Ritual” is what initiated the process, revealing 5 songs of Occult Death Metal and critically acclaimed in several countries. Unfortunately the band’s next release was delayed due to numerous complications, however NecronomicoN was able to optimize its live performance, playing throughout the nation and thus gaining higher recognition. They were by then considered as one of the main acts in the Canadian Metal scene.
GIGAN is the brain-child of founding member; multi-instrumentalist and lyric/conceptual mastermind Eric Hersemann. GIGAN’s existence began more than a decade ago in 2005, after Hersemann’s stints in Tampa, FL’s Diabolic and Hate Eternal. Prior to that, Eric’s time was spent sharpening his blades in his hometown of Chicago, IL with the likes of Chicago legends Burnt Offering and Death-Thrash innovators Lord Blasphemer. After writing, recording and releasing GIGAN’s “Footsteps of GIGAN” demo and the first two GIGAN albums (Order of the False Eye on Napalm Records and Quasi-Hallucinogenic Sonic Landscapes on Willowtip Records) in Tampa, Eric relocated to his roots in Chicago and began the writing process for GIGAN’s critically acclaimed masterwork : “Multi-Dimensional Fractal Sorcery and Super-Science”.
“Multi-Dimensional Fractal Sorcery and Super-Science” was recorded with Eric’s longtime partner in crime; engineer Sanford Parker (who has recorded all three GIGAN albums) , and released in October 2013 on Willowtip Records, to almost universal praise and enthusiasm. In addition to worldwide coverage and publicity in the form of interviews and rave reviews, GIGAN has continued to be blessed with amazing touring opportunities both domestically and internationally. Having been a dedicated touring act for ten years GIGAN has been able to bring Hersemann’s twisted visions around the world; much to the delight of GIGAN’s ravenous and open minded fan base. GIGAN has been fortunate to share the stage and tour with Cattle Decapitation, Psyopus, Lightning Swords of Death, Grave, Immolation, Vital Remains, Misery Index, Belphegor, Blood Red Throne, Jungle Rot, Pyrrhon, Artificial Brain and many more. GIGAN’s first foray into the European concert markets saw them on tour with their peers Ulcerate (Relapse Records)and Wormed (Season Of Mist Records) in October 2014. The tour went well enough that GIGAN was immediately invited back to headline a tour of their own in Europe in October 2015! After returning from their second European tour, Hersemann began the most recent writing process and next musical evolution of GIGAN.
“Undulating Waves of Rainbiotic Iridescence”; GIGAN’s fourth full length album, was recorded at Big Bad Sound Studios in Los Angeles, CA in the Spring of 2017 with longtime friend, engineer and ally Sanford Parker. Colin Jordan once again, was in charge of the mastering process. All art and layout was completed by Dr.Winter.
The official street date is September 15, 2017!!!
Often imitated but NEVER duplicated, GIGAN has and always will be dedicated to the craft of making the most imaginative, fearless and thought provoking extreme metal in the known Universe!!! THRASH IN SPACE!!!
AIR RAID is a Heavy Metal act from Gothenburg, Sweden. They were originally formed in 2009 by guitarists Andreas Johansson & Johan Karlsson. After releasing the EP “Danger Ahead” & the Full-length album “Night Of The Axe” with former singer Michalis Rinakakis, AIR RAID appeared at the Keep It True-Festival in Germany, early 2013. This was followed by two smaller tours and festival gigs around Europe.
In the middle of all success, the personal differences between the band and Michalis had gotten too severe. As a result, AIR RAID decided to part ways with him.
Shortly after bringing in new vocalist Arthur W Andersson in July 2013, the band went on a 5-gig Southern European Tour, and also performed two very successful gigs on Japanese Assault Fest in Tokyo, Japan!
The current line-up, including Andreas Johansson (Guitars), Magnus Mild (Guitars), Robin Utbult (Bass), David Hermansson (Drums) and Arthur W Andersson (Vocals), are now working on a new album and will appear on many gigs throughout 2016. Catch them on the road and Raid On!
DORO Pesch is a living legend! And now the entire world knows it, after the “Queen of Rock & Metal” has received her first ever “Legends-Award” at England’s renowned “Golden Gods Awards” on July 17th 2013 at O2 Arena, London. On September 13th in Berlin 2013 DORO received the “Legend” Award from Metal Hammer Germany.
A true highlight of a career, already going on for three decades.
DORO can look back at a really unique journey in the music business. DORO, in numbers this means: Gold and platinum awards for about 10 million sold records, over 2.800 live shows on four continents and in 60 different countries of this world, 16 studio records, four DVD’s. Countless cover stories on all important Music Magazines and millions of overwhelmed fans around the globe.
At the age of 16 DORO started playing in her first bands, but the story of her success began with her band WARLOCK in 1982 and the first album “Burning The Witches”, 1983: the first steps of a world career, that in 1986 got her to perform at the legendary “Monsters of Rock” Festival at British Castle Donnington, as the first ever female musician – and in front of 120.000 frenetic fans.
The same year DORO and WARLOCK took the chance to support JUDAS PRIEST on a world tour. At this point DORO decided to finally quit her job as a graphic designer and to entirely enter the music business, with all her heart, body and soul. On giant world tours in the USA, South America, China, Japan, Australia and Europe DORO conquered a huge fan base. In Spain and Russia she is worshiped like a goddess. Additionally she has done mega-tours with icons such as Ronnie James Dio, the SCORPIONS or MOTÖRHEAD.
3 time Winners of the Cincinnati Entertainment Award for Best World Band (’07, ’09, ’10), The band, led by multi-instrumentalist Michael Sarason (lead vocals, tenor saxophone, organ, piano, flute, percussion), is literally a whoʼs-who of the bountiful Cincinnati music scene. Showcasing an unparalleled group of musicians that are astonishingly skilled beyond their years (most members are in their early to mid 20s), The Pinstripes have been actively performing and touring since 2003. Although the band has seen some positive adjustments, there is no denying that the current lineup, featuring Chris Grannen (Bass + Stick Bass), Matt Kursmark (Electric + Acoustic Guitar), Leonardo Murcia (Trombone + Vocals), John Bertke (Drums + Percussion) and Sam White (Trumpet + Vocals), is undeniably the best to date. The Pinstripes, a hard-touring band with a hard-won following, combine pop, reggae, dub, and soul music to create something that’s genuinely lacking in a great deal of contemporary music: joy.
Sheer Terror are an American hardcore punk band from New York City. The band was one of the first to combine elements of heavy metal with a hardcore punk base, pioneering a heavier style of hardcore that would create many bands in the following decades.
Anvil is a Canadian heavy metal band formed in Toronto in 1978. The band currently consists of founding members Steve “Lips” Kudlow (vocals, guitar) and Robb Reiner (drums, percussion), along with bassist Chris Robertson (bass) who joined in 2014. As of 2022, the band has released nineteen studio albums; they have been cited as having influenced many notable heavy metal groups including Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, and Metallica.
Wastegate is a metal band that formed in 2008 since then completing 12 original CRUSHING metal songs all showing influences of Death, Melodic and Thrash metal, filled with heavy riffs and they’re own unique solo’s, then acquiring a new front-man mid 2010, Wastegate is now ready to unleash hell upon metal and music fans of all kinds everywhere.
HELPING PHRIENDLY ORCHESTRA
Founded in July 2010, Helping Phriendly Orchestra shows are built on the extensive, intensive and playful catalog of Phish. HPO revisits full Phish shows in their entirety or plays “phantasy shows” drawing on Phish’s seemingly never-ending list of tunes.
Each band member is dedicated to learning the intricacies of Phish’s music. At the same time, HPO maintains the improvisational nature of Phish through musical experimentation, exploratory jamming, connecting with each other and our audience.
A REBIRTH’S BEGINNING… Shield of Wings is Chicagoland’s premier Epic Symphonic Metal band. Infused with melodic, folk, and death metal, it is a fresh twist on the genre, sure to perk your ears. In 2022 the band released their debut full-length album, Unfinished, which has brought into view 10 new bombastic compositions of poetic exploration. Each song from Unfinished explores themes of growth through self-examination, regret, sacrificial death and rebirth.
Shield of Wings is:
Lara Mordian – Vocals
Aliyah Daye – Support & Harsh Vocals, Keys
James Gregor – Guitar & Orchestrations
Patrick Eulitz – Drums
Alex Luke – Bass Guitar
Armored Assault have been delivering riffs upon riffs to the unsuspecting masses since 2003. Not content with sticking to a label, Armored Assault is Metal. Now, armed with a new guitarist, the band’s ready to unleash its first new EP in 5 years.
Miles From Exile (Progressive Thrash Metal) is the embodiment of dedication and precision. Monstrous dueling riffs, bone crushing low-end, brilliant percussion, and versatile vocals will keep you and yours headbanging ’til it hurts.
Hailing from the Chicagoland area with an “in your face band that will melt your face in the pit.” mentality. En Masse formed in 2010 to create an amalgamation of traditional thrash/death metal with old school hardcore and birthed a new beast. If you are a fan of Obituary, Cannibal Corpse, DRI, SOD, Decapitated, Slayer, Deicide, Pantera, Pestilence, Lamb of God, Possessed and Death. Then you with like the fast, hard hitting beats, riffs, and vocals that are produce. A hard working, regional touring band, in 2014 released Ultimum Tyrannum, which is the re-mastered debut album. Currently working on the sophomore album which is highly anticipated after the self -titled debut album from 2012 and Ultimum Tyrannum (re-master of debut album released 2012). With being comprised of former members Miscreants and Life In Shadow they have formed an old school sound with a new school mix. Hope to see you at a future show. Until then Stay brutal.
Putting a bit more pop into the pop-rap of folks like Asher Roth and Sam Adams, rapper Hoodie Allen went from Internet favorite to charting artist with the release of his 2012 EP All American. Born Steven Markowitz and raised on Long Island, Hoodie was frat-rap from the beginning, having met producer RJF during an Alpha Epsilon Pi-hosted party at the University of Pennsylvania. The two would release the street albums Bagels & Beats and Making Waves and win MTV’s Best Music on Campus Award in 2009, but his big hit came with the 2010 track “You Are Not a Robot,” which sampled Marina and the Diamonds’ hit “I Am Not a Robot” and landed on his popular mixtape Pep Rally. A headlining tour across the States followed before Hoodie made his official debut with the All American EP in 2012. Released on his own label, the EP debuted at number ten on Billboard’s Top Albums.
The Gestalts are a 5 piece band from Lafayette Indiana. Their influences span 3+ decades, many locales and ‘subgenres’ and often lead to can’t-quite-put-your-finger-on-it-comparisons ranging from black flag to stiff little fingers and all manner of unexpected points in between. In their first year of existence they’ve shared the stage with many street punk, Oi!, garage, ska/reggae, lo-fi and everything-else-bands from Chicago to the east coast- notably opening for 1 of only 2 midwest Old Firm Casuals dates as well as landing a spot on the east coast 2000 Tons of TNT with innumerable legendary and upstart street punk and Oi! bands from around the globe
Bobby Liebling & PENTAGRAM have been churning out widely admired hard rock / doom metal for over four decades. Within its first, this D.C. band is largely regarded as pioneering not one but two subgenres of hard rock. At the onset of the 1970’s, they helped procreate a behemoth called, “Heavy Metal.” Nine years on, they’d be planting the dark seed of what would grow to be known as “Doom.”
Sacred Reich is a Phoenix, Arizona based thrash metal band that formed in 1985. Part of the second wave of thrash along with Testament, Death Angel, Destruction and Dark Angel, Sacred Reich has produced a catalog of politically charged aggressive music that has stood the test of time. The band plays a limited amount of shows each year and can be seen performing at several European festivals each summer.
Discography:
* Draining You of Life 1985- self-released demo * Ignorance 1987 LP – Metal Blade Records
* Surf Nicaragua 1988 EP – Metal Blade Records – CD version has two live bonus tracks
* Alive at the Dynamo 1989 Live EP – Roadracer Records
* The American Way 1990 LP – Enigma Records
* A Question 1991 EP – Hollywood Records
* Independent 1993 LP – Hollywood Records (Japanese Version includes Fear cover “Let’s Start a War” as a bonus track)
* Heal 1996 LP – Metal Blade Records – (Japanese Version includes Fear cover “Beef Bologna” as a bonus track)
* Still Ignorant: 1987-1997 Live – 1997 Live LP – Metal Blade Records
At this point in his career, Qwa’s pedigree is unquestionable. South Side representative extraordinaire; Low End theorist; endlessly inventive with flows and increasingly daring in subject and range. Long hailed for his vocal ability, the decades have seen Qwa transform into the rare artist whose symphonic flow is effortlessly matched to pitch-perfect confessional content. The moments that meld both into a unique storytelling voice are rare—Rakim’s “The Ghetto” comes to mind, as do Black Thought’s post-bop excursions. Qwa’s true corollary, however, aren’t his fellow MCs—it’s Charlie Parker, whose wrenching solos feature a technical genius that are only matched by their sorrow—the sound of Icarus’ wings melting. He’s found his proper spar this go-round—Batsauce is a Berlin-based turntable Gillespie (URB recently dubbed him “the next ‘it’ thing in underground hip hop”), and their first full-length is a true titanic, trans-Atlantic meeting of the minds.
