Sacred Dawn burst onto the Chicago metal scene in 2005 with an innovative mix of progressive metal and old-school hard rock. The band’s unique blend of vocal harmonies delivered by frontman and lead guitarist Lothar Keller set the band apart and launched numerous live appearances across the Midwest in support of international acts such as Symphony X, Cage, Firewind, Kamelot, Epica, Loudness, Testament… to name a few.
Through the years the band endured line-up changes resulting in downtime between releases, but also allowed Keller the opportunity to spread his wings musically. First by joining Divinity Compromised in 2009 as their frontman/vocalist and in 2012 co-founded Doom legends The Skull as guitarist and co-songwriter… along with Chicago-based genre pioneers Eric Wagner & Ron Holzner (Trouble).
SACRIFICIAL SLAUGHTER is an American Death Thrash band from Southern California. Formed in 2001 by vocalist Steve Worley, the band has been hard at work in the underground community for over a decade. With label support coming for the first time in the bands history in 2009, SACRIFICIAL SLAUGHTER released their debut full length “Spontaneous Suicide” worldwide via Crash Music/EMI.
A rigorous touring schedule would ensue including multiple stints all through out Europe and North America along side many tour mates such as MASTER, PESTILENCE, VITAL REMAINS and many more.
Chicago’s Robot Lounge strikes a fine balance between the ironic and the heart-felt, given its impeccable insight into the human condition. Founding member, Kevan Eftekhari, incorporates elements of jazz, pop, and new wave, while providing lyrics that touch on bad days, wasted time, deranged love and spectacular nightmares. Since 2006, the band has amassed an energetic live following with performances that border on the fervor of an old-time tent revival (look it up!). The band hopes that you have the opportunity to check out a live show and join in on the fun!
A veteran of Chicago’s burst in underground hip hop, Robust is known in the Chi town scene for his past collaborations with groups such as Scam Artists and The Molemen. His 2000 independent release “Freelance Gynecologist” got attention worldwide from fans and critics of dope punchlines and humorous rhymes. Soon Bigga would appear on projects like Sage Francis’ “Still Sick Urine Trouble” & Qwel’s debut “If It Ain’t Been In A Pawn Shop, Then It Can’t Play The Blues”, where he showed his growth into a more serious lyricist.
After success with 7″ single “Flibbertigibbit” (also on Meaty Ogre’s recent “Leo vs. Pisces”), hip hop was definitely ready for Robigga to step up the game. Enter “Potholes In Our Molecules”, the brand new full length on Galapagos4.
Things get very serious on this deep album, as Robust bares it all from the inside out, with his intricate flows & creative rhyme schemes intact. Of course he comes off with some humor, wit & straight rap savvy as well. The supremely crafted beats, handled mostly by Meaty Ogre & east coast producer Prolyphic, create a solid moody backdrop to keep your head stuck on nod. Dreas, Maker, Sun Spark & Bless also contribute heat to this 17 track album. Here’s to life’s flawless imperfections, flawlessly perfected as hip hop potholes.
ROOM 11 has become a household name to Chicago’s indie music scene with a unique blend of Funk/Rock.With influences ranging from Parliament/Funkadelic to Red Hot Chili Peppers,with undeniable Soul & House Music undertones in between. Led by founder Ced aka Pastor Funkpleez (bass/vocals) along with London Kay,Corey Rae and Tamarie T. (vocals) Myron Cherry (drums) and Frankie Blaze (guitar). Recognized for their electrifying live shows complete with super tight grooves and creative musical transitions that keep audiences on their feet the entire set! ‘It’s all about the live show!’ ~Ced
Residing from Chicago’s Southland in Kankakee, IL Redneck Remedy is a four piece Southern Fried Metal band that plays for the love of music and sanity. Since the band evolved in 2006 Redneck Remedy has played countless venues in the Chicago Land area
Reign Supreme is a Hardcore band from Philadelphia, PA, comprised of ex-members of Blacklisted, Palehorse, Roundhouse NJ and Braindead. In 2006 they recorded a 4-song demo, which became the “Fuck The Weak” 7-inch released in 2007 on Rock Vegas Records. 2007 also saw the release of a 3-song vinyl on Dead By 23 Records. During their time with Malfunction/Deathwish they have released the “American Violence” EP in 2008 and their debut full length “Testing The Limits Of Infinite” in 2009.
Replica Republic is a Chicago band of friends and brothers. Their sound draws from; Gang of Four, Joy Division, Delta 5, Talking Heads, The Clash, The Smiths, Jawbox, My Bloody Valentine, The Fall. The self titled LP was released on vinyl in 2008. They’ve played at iconic venues such as Double Door, Subterranean, Cal’s Liquors, The Mutiny, Beat Kitchen, Elbo Room, and Reggies Music Joint.
“This I thought was one of the most outstanding demos I have heard all year…They’re coming from a place I thoroughly understand, – the guitar crunchiness and funkiness of the Gang of Four and there are modern sounds in here as well. They take it all and give a new twist, and I had a hard time picking which of their 8 songs I should play – I think they are quite good.”
XRT 93.1 Chicago – Richard Milne on Local Anesthetic
