IMPERATIVE REACTION
In 2008, Imperative Reaction released Minus All and embarked on its most ambitious headlining tour to date. Shortly after the completion of the tour the band added guitarist/keyboardist Adam Vex (Seraphim Shock) and the live chemistry was solidified once and for all.
In 2009, the band took time off from writing to hit the road with fellow Metropolis Records artist, Psyclon Nine. The co-headlining tour, named “The Ruina Tour”, saw the bands playing to capacity crowds across the US.
2010 was spent holed up in the studio creating the band’s most ambitious album to date. Imperative Reaction is an electronic rock masterpiece that showcases a band in its prime; ready to blow any preconceived notions out of the water. There is no escape.
GOD MODULE
God Module combines elements of harsh Techno, Darkwave, Goth and Industrial. Pounding beats mix with hypnotic synth hooks, deranged film samples and psychotically-effected vocals to make up a sound that is as disturbing as it is danceable.
SYSTEM SYN
LUDOVICO TECHNIQUE
The name: The name itself stems from the drug-assisted aversion therapy found in the novel and film “A Clockwork Orange”, in which the patient is forced to view violent imagery while injected with experimental medication in an attempt to condition the subjects behavior.
The sound: It is harsh industrial music highlighting the dark aspects of the human experience as well as the depths to which the human mind can deteriorate.
ATARI TEENAGE RIOT
THE GOTHSICLES
THE GOTHSICLES are DANCE DESPERADOS WHAT HAIL FROM CHICAGO and are fronted by Brian Graupner. From dimensional rifts and the sea’s cold abyss emanates HYPERACTIVE INDUSTRIAL THAT’S FULLY COMBUSTIBLE. It’s mostly four on the floor EBM for nerds.
JYROSCOPE
THE NATURALS
DJ ITCH13
JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD
LICH KING
We’re not named after a World of Warcraft character and our 4th album cover has nothing to do with Adventure Time. Thanks so much for asking though.
The point was to create new old-school thrash metal in the vein of EXODUS, VIO-LENCE, S.O.D., SLAYER and others. Lots of bands in the new wave of thrash these days are doing just that, but where we stand out is that we admit it.
Tom Martin started Lich King as a one-man project around 2004, as a goof. People seemed to like the music. Our first two albums were released as a solo project posing as an actual band. In 2009 Tom cannibalized a local thrash act called AGES AGO and formed Lich King as a true band for the first time.
We think the sound of thrash was perfected in the 80’s and we’re not trying to add anything to the mix. We’re just coming up with riffs and songs that the old masters didn’t. Despite that fact and our best efforts, we seem to be developing a signature sound. Dammit.
We’ve had five full-length albums since 2007. Each features fast, headbangable riffs in modern stomp anthems, a sometimes comedic yet always violent songwriting sensibility, art and design from Tom Martin, a marked step up in quality from the previous release, and an awesome logo and a mascot.
…A mascot that is not affiliated with a video game.
VINDICATOR
Cleveland, Ohio… A town where sports come to die and metal comes to live. A city that has seen it’s share of metal titans by their own rights. Destructor, Nunslaughter, Purgatory, Midnight, Soulless, Black Death and many more. In two thousand five the city would give birth to another bastard of speed and aggression… Vindicator would tear down the walls and burn the scene to the ground. Quickly earning respect from the old guard and garnering new fans with every show, the band quickly propelled to the forefront of the thrash resurgence with acts like Warbringer, Merciless Death, and Bonded By Blood.
Vindicator continue to unleash their signature brand of thrash metal to die hard fans of the genre and the unsuspecting alike. Years of consistent touring has created a solid fan base amongst the truest of metal warriors. Following the release of 2008’s There Will Be Blood, 2009’s split Outbreak Of Metal (with tuetonic terrors, Metal Witch), and 2010’s The Antique Witcheries, Vindicator cemented their place in the U.S. thrash scene.
Some retooling of the band’s lineup has them poised to launch their next assault on the metal masses in the form of Vindicator’s upcoming third full-length release. Fans can expect a sound that is true to the roots of Thrash, yet fresh and exciting with a new level of energy and musicianship.
TERROR IN HIS PRESENCE
Terror In His Presence (TIHP) is a Metal band from Chicago IL. TIHP started in spring of 2010, and through many changes we have gotten to the point we are at now. Our main goal is to bring back the old school sounds while still keeping a new, fresh, and heavy sound.
GUTTERMOUTH
Huntington Beach, California-based punks Guttermouth formed in 1989, comprising vocalist Mark “Mercury” Adkins, guitarists Derek Davis and Scott Sheldon, bassist Stever Rapp (who replaced original bassist Clint Weinrich), and drummer Captain James T. Nunn. Debuting a year later with the single “Puke,” Guttermouth issued their debut LP, Full Length, in 1992, followed in 1994 by Friendly People, their first effort for new label Nitro Records. Guttermouth resurfaced in 1996 with Teri Yakimoto, followed a year later by Musical Monkey; their first concert LP, Live from the Pharmacy, appeared in 1998. Their sixth album, Gorgeous, was issued a year later, featuring new drummer Ty Smith; Covered with Ants followed in mid-2000, marking their first for Epitaph.
Guttermouth are studio hounds; they returned to the punk rock scene in fall 2002 when the ambitious Gusto was released, and came back for more in 2004 with the scathing Eat Your Face (with guitarist Don Horne and ex-Slick Shoes bassist Kevin Clark now on board). That same summer saw the departure of drummer Smith to concentrate on his side project Bullets and Octane; the outspoken band also reportedly got kicked off the Warped Tour in August. Adkins later clarified that they left the tour by choice, sickened by the ignorant political comments spouted during various bands’ sets. After departing Epitaph Records, the group was officially added to the Volcom Entertainment roster in late 2005. Guttermouth then contributed the track “April 29th, 1992” to the Sublime tribute album Forever Free, and released their installment of the Beyond Warped Live Music Series in January 2006. The band’s tenth album, Shave the Planet, appeared that August, with Adkins, Sheldon, and Horne joined by original bassist Weinrich and drummer Ryan Farrell. After promotion for Shave, the band didn’t issue new material for a full decade. When they re-formed, the new lineup consisted of Adkins, bassist Justin Van Westbroek, and guitarist Geoff Armstrong. The outfit released a pair of EPs in 2016: Got It Made arrived that summer, while New Car Smell was issued that winter. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi
THE NEW THREAT
JEFF BROWN
BLACK LUNG OF BORGATA MOB
FLAMETHROWERS
MISMATCH
A PHOTO FINISH
DJ HAHA
ADORA
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.
VREID
KAMPFAR
NECRONOMICON
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.
OV PLAGUES
BLOODIEST
Darkened blend of noise rock and heavy psychedelia.
MIKE DUNN
DJ EMANUEL
DJ BOXX
MATTBOYWHITE
DJ MANNY MUSCLES
DJ WHITE OWL
THE BUM MACHINE
GRAVE
BLOOD RED THRONE
GIGAN
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
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!
SAMIAM
WALTER SCHREIFELS
DORO
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.
A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS
DJ VIC LLOYD
DJ IBHAPPY
THE PINSTRIPES
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
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.
KAMIKAZE EYES
NOWHERE BOUND
ANVIL
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
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.