SKULL FIST
1st album “Head of the Pack” released aug 2011
2nd album “Chasing the Dream” released jan 2014
available at www.skullfist.bigcartel.com
or from your local record shops yo
TORA TORA
TORA TORA is a blues-based hard rock band formed in Memphis, TN in the late 1980s. Band members include Keith Douglas, Patrick Francis, John Patterson and Anthony Corder. TORA has two major releases Surprise Attack/Wild America through A&M Records that promoted five singles and videos (Walkin’ Shoes, Guilty, Phantom Rider, Amnesia and Faith Healer). The band has six independent releases, The Warehouse Sessions, Bombs Away, Miss B. Haven, Before and After, Revolution Day, and most recently a live performance concert Live from Minglewood, in Memphis #ROCKOUTCANCER. Live appearances have been at festivals Rocklahoma, Farm Rock, Rock & Skull and Monster of Rock Cruise. TORA is known for Zeppelin-influenced vocals and classic rock inspired, high energy musicianship. Tora Tora signed with Frontiers Music SRL in 2017 and is releasing its full-length album Bastards of Beale in February 2019 recorded at legendary Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis, TN with Producer/Engineer Jeff Powell who was assistant engineer on Wild America. Please visit toratoramusic.com to stay updated on the band who taught you how TO ROCK TO ROLL and pre-order the upcoming release Bastards of Beale here: https://bit.ly/2GAS7Qm
PETE JIVE
Performing live since 2002, Pete Jive has been spreading the message of self affirmation and compassion throughout the greater Chicagoland area.
Pete Jive, provides a feel-good show every time, diffusing positivity and spreading good vibrations nightly to his rapidly growing fan base.
His first LP No Sign of Regret, released June 2011, This record features elements of traditional American folk music, roots reggae and rock ‘n’ roll, which have shaped Pete Jive’s sound and direction from the start. It was the first album to showcase Pete Jive’s “old country picking style and youthful wisdom”, as Josh Hisle from Neil Young’s Vapor Records put it.
In April 2012 Pete was signed to Josh Hisle’s new record label V.R.C. records, recording the EP “Sleep When I Die” for the label’s debut release.
Pete spent the year of 2013 touring nationwide from Philadelphia to California. 2014 finds Pete going back to Philadelphia and California as well as multiple tours throughout the Midwest.
The energy of Pete Jive live is contagious and he has had the opportunity to share the stage with national artists such as Slightly Stoopi), Josh Heinrichs, Badda Skat, Josh Hisle and DJ Redlox. -Pete jive is a breath of fresh air for people of all ages & musical interest.
GLORYHAMMER
And lo, Planet Earth had been destroyed by the Hootsman, with an explosion so powerful it ripped a hole in the very fabric of spacetime. And yet, Zargothrax was still not defeated, for he managed to use his last shreds of power to escape through the dimensional rift. Vowing to defeat the evil sorcerer, Angus McFife XIII followed him into the portal, with no idea where it might lead…
Mighty warriors of the galaxy! GLORYHAMMER has returned from an epic quest, and they come bearing their new album, “LEGENDS FROM BEYOND THE GALACTIC TERRORVORTEX”. In this thrilling third chapter of the Gloryhammer saga, we follow the legendary prince Angus McFife into another dimension, where he will fight with more terrifying foes and embark on more epic adventures than ever before. Join his quest to save the Kingdom of Fife, through 10 tracks of nuclear-fueled high-velocity heroic power metal, the likes of which you’ve never heard in your life. FOR THE ETERNAL GLORY OF DUNDEE!
INDUBIOUS
Spiritually energizing, transformational electro reggae love warriors of the future opening doors to new dimensions of human experience through love
MISFIRE
MISFIRE makes old-school flavored thrash metal devastation with the kind of bombastic firepower that could wake the dead. In the tradition of classic metal trios like Venom, Motörhead, and Raven, these Chicago boys make more noise than bands twice their size, unleashing song after song of unrelenting fury. It’s music that could have arrived in the thrash golden age of 1986, when bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Dark Angel, and Sodom delivered vital records. And yet MISFIRE is forward-thinking, injecting modern metal mastery into their brew for a powerful, timeless sound.
Tommy (Gun) Denniger – Guitars and Vocals
Jim Nicademus (ex-Diamond Plate) – Drums
Sean Coogan – Bass and Vocals
“We’re just three metal heads writing the music we’ve been wanting to hear.” – Jim
ENFORCED
Virginia-based crossover maniacs ENFORCED open their Century Media account with their blistering new album, “Kill Grid”. Informed by an incredible cross-section of extremes—from thrash and punk to death metal and hardcore—the emergent outfit drop a nine-song cluster-bomb of thrashing death on apathetic times. Formed in Richmond in 2017 out of shreds of disbanded hardcore and punk bands, ENFORCED quickly found their calling between the undying support of regional punk/hardcore scenes and their respective record collections. Whether it’s Sacred Reich and Integrity or Bolt Thrower and Amebix, “Pure Crossover Death,” as ENFORCED call their devastating din, devastatingly speared its way through two demos (“Demo 2017” and “Retaliation”) and their no-holds-barred debut, “At the Walls”.
“I would describe our sound as metal and hardcore,” says ENFORCED guitarist Will Wagstaff. “We come from punk, hardcore, and metal, all of which can be taken to the extreme—and we love everything about it. I love Iron Maiden and Morbid Angel and Poison Idea and GISM. I love anything that inspires me in either how extreme or how good the songwriting is—or both! There is a difference between ‘One’ by Metallica and ‘Jesus Wept’ by Suffocation, but they nonetheless inspire me. Our main goal is to write music that combines extreme elements from our favorite music with good songwriting.”
LEEWAY
LEEWAY, NYHC at i’ts FINEST !!!
DEATH OF SELF
Nick Feltes- Guitar/Vocals
Jeffrey Finnegan- Guitar
Joe Ott- Drums/Backing Vocals
Wade Hall- Bass/Backing Vocals
KB. DEVAUGHN
BOOGIE
Few hip-hop artists command a space as purposefully anomalous as Long Beach-born, Compton-bred Anthony Dixson, whose stage name, Boogie, foreshadows his intrinsic talent for writing music that is rooted in realities that are simultaneously melancholy and joyfully uplifting. Oscillating between a soundscape underpinned by ardent praise rhythms and the gritty memories of a youth spent immersed in gangbanging, Boogie’s brand of rap is as much a credo of the streets as it is a constant reflection on purpose and growth.
For Boogie, the path to artistry actually did begin within the sequestered walls of a Compton church. In eighth grade after a string of minor incidents at school, his mother – who raised him within a close-knit circle of aunts – began to worry that her son was getting into the kind of trouble that could negatively impact his future. Under her firm guidance Boogie was soon an active member of the church choir where his natural affinity for melody blossomed. Ironically, it was also within church he was introduced to gangbanging by a friend with Blood affiliations. After only a year in the choir, the neophyte musician had gone from writing his first rhymes on pen and paper to memorizing lyrics and creating melodies in his head. “I have really bad eyes and I broke my glasses in ninth grade so I couldn’t see anything for a minute. I just started doing everything in my head,” he explained. “I started off doing little gospel raps but I realized we were in Compton and gospel rap didn’t really work outside of church so I transitioned into more mainstream rap. Music became a form of expression for me. I’m not a very talkative person so it became my getaway, it was a place I could talk about what I was going through,” Boogie noted.
The rapper’s first mixtape, Thirst 48, released June 24, 2014 on his son’s birthday, provides an honest chronicle of some of the very struggles that punctuated his rise. Yet five years before Boogie poured his story into the tape’s lyrics, the birth of his son Darius in 2009 prompted him to take music more seriously. In 2010, he enrolled in Long Beach City College to take courses in recording, he also used his financial aid money to buy studio equipment. Despite taking the steps to ensure a better future for his family, Boogie soon found himself back at square one. “For a long time it felt like nothing was working for me. I dropped out of school and starting working at Samsung. Those were really dark days for me but towards the end of 2014 I met my former manager, Clayton Blahla. He was the first person to take a chance on me and invest in my talent.” Blahla was also the co-founder of Skrillex’s OWSLA label. With his encouragement Boogie re-acquainted himself with the studio, pouring his experiences into Thirst 48 and promptly following up with his breakthrough mixtape, The Reach, (also released on his son’s birthday). The latter spawned the Jahlil Beats produced single “Oh My,” whose viral success cemented the rapper as one of the most refreshingly honest new voices emerging from the West Coast.
Boogie credits the birth of his son as the turning point that helped him refine the raw, unfiltered lyricism that has garnered the praise of artists like Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar and Eminem, who signed him to Shady Records in October 2017. “Around the time my son was born I started to be more open about my circumstances. Before that my flow was more concentrated on punchline rap rather than telling a story,” he shared. Embracing his natural ability to manifest vivid narratives informed by real life experiences was the calling card that brought an Interscope record deal to his doorstep in 2015.
With his star on a speedy trajectory upward, Boogie shared his debut studio album, Everything’s For Sale with the world to massive critical acclaim January 25th 2019. Inspired by the natural progression of life and his complicated relationship with the streets – something he neither glorifies nor dishonors – the project serves to be his most introspective effort yet.
BOSCO
Bosco is a party band sweeping the Chicagoland area. We play great cover tunes from every era, from the 60’s through today. Bosco crushes the party with rocking jams that keep the dance floor rocking! Come enjoy the party
PARKER
PARKER is the new sound of Chicago. They are a band rooted in the energy and spirit of punk and rock and roll, while embracing the melodic side of modern music. The songs they have crafted take listeners on a journey through soft, soulful verses that explode into energetic choruses. PARKER has made a huge impact on the Chicago music scene in 2018 alone and is making their way through the Midwest.
HIGHSPEEDIRT
Highspeedirt was first formed in 1999. It consisted of other many other members over the time since then, but always consisted of Steve and Angelo since then. Highspeedirt has played such venues as Oasis 160, Sidetracked, JJ Kelley’s, O’Malley’s, (Under) the Edge, Smiler Coogan’s, Nitecap, Looney Tunes, Double Door, Riley’s Rock House, The Matrix, Dreams, Stage 83, Just for Kicks, Champ’s, The Forge many and others.
Some former members you may have seen them with, in chronological order, are J, Travis, Marshall (not the amp), Ray, Dave (man-child), and Trey. There was one non-member that jammed with them from Seattle. Good times.
Cheers to all current and former members, clubs, fans for HSD and all fans of Megadeth!!
HELLBILLY DELUXE
Chicagoland’s Tribute to Rob Zombie. All the freaks, ghouls, and creeps are welcome to experience a night full of rock n roll terror!
STILL IL
Comprised of members who have lovingly brought you renditions of music by The Clash, The Jam, The Beatles, The Police, REM, The Cure, The Cars, Buzzcocks, Echo & The Bunnymen, Deftones and more Still IL bring a fresh outlook to those classic seminal gems from the Eighties. Armed with passion, expertise and an eye for a killer groove Still IL aim to provide the ultimate Morrissey-Marr Live Tribute. Not dogmatic mimicry – we just purport to play these tunes well. Let your heart and your feet be the judge.Niko was first drawn to Johnny’s pleasant but potent arpeggios and high life thirds runs at a tender formative age. It was the bridge between Pete Townshend and those infectious bouzouki riffs he was privy to at family functions. Morrissey’s imagery and profligate use of adverbs sealed his fate.His original band Who’s This Mary? had always drew comparisons to The Smiths so covering this canon was inevitable.Mini is more than adept on the bass guitar and his experience is second to none. Honest.Tony is simply immense on the drums. Fact.Still IL will be augmented by trusted and capable friends on additional instruments.This will be The People’s Band so we encourage you to turn up at concerts to sing along, dance, bring paraphernalia and enjoy yourselves down to the knees.Jump into bed and pull up the covers, kids. You are Still IL…
ECTOVOID
Band was formed in summer of 2010. First demo, “Breathing Blackness,” recorded in January 2011 and self-released by the band in March. Debut album, “Fractured In the Timeless Abyss,” released on CD by Hellthrasher Productions in May 2012. Vinyl version released by Blood Harvest Records in October 2012. Live release “Rituals of Hallucination” recorded in Atlanta, GA in August of 2013 and issued as a limited cassette by Ritual Ugliness Productions in December of that year. Second full-length “Dark Abstraction” released on CD by Hellthrasher Productions in July 2015. The “4 Doors to Death” split featuring two Ectovoid songs followed on CD in January 2016.
DEAD CONGREGATION
Death Metal Grimness
DISCOGRAPHY:
Purifying Consecrated Ground (miniLP, 2005)
Graves of the Archangels (LP, 2008)
Dead Congregation / Hatespawn (split EP, 2008)
Promulgation of the Fall (LP, 2014)
CRUCIAMENTUM
Abyssal Death Metal
MORTUARY
Mortuary “Blackened Images” set
CONVULSE
Featuring vocalist/guitarist Rami Jämsä, bass player Juha Telenius and drummer Rolle Markos, Finland’s short-lived death metal band Convulse only issued two albums — 1991’s World Without God and 1994’s Reflections — during brief their career, neither of which brought them much recognition at the time. But hindsight is always 20/20, and they have been retrospectively credited as one of their country’s first extreme metal groups of note, even considered by some to be the forefathers of the local ‘Nokia’ metal scene, as it’s sometimes called.
KUR
Philadelphia has come to be known as the “land of the spitters,” where rappers from all walks of life are competing to be the very best the city has to offer. For Kur (pronounced “Core”), his rendition of Drake’s “Pound Cake” featured a list of past relationships and experiences with women in Philly. On the remakes, he held nothing back, addressing a lot of them by name and started to network within rappers and promoters. People instantly started noticing his true potential.
In May 2015, Kur dropped How It Never Was that featured his anthem “I’m a Star,” which caught the ear of Timbaland who initially wanted to help push the record. To top off the year, he released another mixtape, Finally Happened showing his unbeatable work ethic. “The house I was raised in turned into a trap house” is just one of many written truths. The realness of “Have Nots” got him a response from G.O.O.D. Music president Pusha T who shared on Twitter: “Your truth is your greatness.”
Backed by multiple top musicians in the industry and a loyal fan base, Kur’s profile increased value when he signed with independent label eOne in August of 2016. Kur collaborated with Harlem’s own Dave East to piece together an EP called Born Broke, Die Rich that was recorded and released in the span of two days. On the horizon is a re-release of “I’m a Star” with added verses, as well as an appearance in one of the cyphers for the 2016 BET Hip Hop Awards that aired on Oct. 4. While constantly releasing new music, and getting great feedback; he’s already being called a ‘beast in the studio’.
“This tape, I wanna really rap,” he says. “That’s why I put the record ‘Have Nots’ out just to let people know who I really do it for. I feel like there’s more people that’s broke than rich. I really don’t make music for rich people. I really make it for people on the come up.”
CASH’D OUT
“Some people are impressionists. These guys leave an impression”. Says Bill Miller, owner of Johnny Cash.com about Cash’d Out (Douglas Benson vocals, George Bernardo drums, John Heussenstamm guitar, Nate Lefranchi bass), a San Diego based band that channels Johnny Cash in about as close a manner to the real thing as it gets. After thirteen years, traveling hundreds of thousands of miles on the road and winning over as many fans, fans who still continually tell the group how grateful they are that Cash’d Out so rightously carries the torch of the Johnny Cash Show. Besides music critics anointing Cash’d Out as “the next best thing to Johnny Cash”, their highlights have been many: W.S. Holland, Johnny Cash’s longtime drummer, has sat in with Cash’d Out; front man, Douglas Benson, has played Johnny’s cherry sunburst Guild guitar (courtesy of Mr. Miller); “Cindy Cash came to a show and was moved to give me a glass locket that was her father’s,” explains Benson; Longtime Johnny Cash manager Lou Robin has also been to several Cash’d Out shows and claimed that if he closed his eyes it was as if “going back in time.”; And most recently, an unforgettable evening performing the music of Johnny Cash with the San Diego Symphony as a special event for their Summer Pops Series. The band’s live shows respectfully reference the late, great Man in Black’s Sun Records and early Columbia era sound, combined with the energy of the classic multi-platinum live recordings from Folsom Prison and San Quentin. The group’s genuine love (and authentic recreation) of Johnny Cash’s music and its universal appeal fans of all ages and of virtually all musical genres makes each Cash’d Out show a must-see event. Or as Bill Miller says, “Some people are impressionists. These guys leave an impression.”
FRANK GAMBALE BAND
Grammy winning guitar virtuoso, FRANK GAMBALE, exploded on the L.A. scene in the early ‘80s. His meteoric rise to fame is a testament to his passion-powered playing – a style Rolling Stone magazine called “ferocious!” Australia born and California based Frank Gambale is an inspired songwriter with more than 250 songs published on 20+ albums. His music touches on many styles from rock, funk and jazz to R&B and some Latin and Brazillian influences. As a legendary guitarist, Gambale is an undisputed genius who originated the “sweep picking” technique (a new way to play the instrument) and elevated it to a precise art form now standard in the guitar lexicon. The “Gambale Sweep Picking Technique” continues to inspire generations of musicians. Jazz, rock, metal and progressive artists alike are united in their awe of Frank as both an amazing technician and an unsurpassed musician.Jazz legend, Chick Corea, described Frank: “Everything you touch with your guitar turns gold – always has.” Guitar great, John McLaughlin, joked: “I’d like to cut his hands off.”Jazz guitarist Pat Metheny says of Frank: “I’d like to take a month off and study with Frank Gambale.” Dweezil Zappa said “studying Frank Gambale’s Sweep Picking technique enabled me to play the hardest parts of my father’s music that he himself didn’t play.”A musician’s musician, a gifted composer, and a brilliant innovator and author of numerous instructional books and DVDs, Frank continues to reach unprecedented sonic and technical heights. His six string prowess and seemingly limitless vision point toward an exciting future of groundbreaking music.
On this tour, FRANK GAMBALE is joined by the legendary jazz, fusion and funk drummer, and one of the busiest time keepers in the world, DENNIS CHAMBERS (Santana, John McLaughlin, Mike Sterns, John Scofield, George Duke, Niacin, Parliament Funkadelic, Brecker Brotehrs, Victor Wooten), as well by the bassist Mike Pope (Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Chuck Loeb, Mike Stern, Joe Locke, Bill Bruford, David Sanborn, Manhattan Transfer) and keyboardist Sean Wayland (Chad Wackerman, Virgil Donati, Adam Rogers, Wayne Krantz, David Binney).
DE INTEGRO
AWEFUL
Traci Trouble is back with a brand new three-piece combo called AWEFUL, and its a sweeping new sound you might not expect. Joining up with Lucy Dekay from Mystery Actions, this new project juts forth with a streamlined layered vocal and a wiry guitar tone, its a new direction, a subdued sonic approach with slithering dynamics and cavernous depth. Echoing solid 80’s Gun Club & Fur Bible’s chorus pedal-soaked vibes with a wall of dripping female vocals cascading over what sounds like a primitive and ominous lost Love and Rockets outtake, AWEFUL are a welcome new breath of fresh air to Chicago’s underground sounds. Stepping aside from pandering to the pedantic tropes of endless post-punk operatives, AWEFUL draw out a more luscious & moaning fuzzed-out experience, drilling their sticky repetition into your cortex with songs that pull you in immediately. Fans of Grass Widow, Wax Idols, and The Breeders take note, this band is turning those same corners and will soon turn those same heads.
– Todd Killings 2018
BABY GOTH
THE PLANET SMASHERS
FLASHBACK!: The year was 1994 and the world was a very different place….A happy-go-lucky Bill Clinton presided over the free world; Ace of Base topped the music charts with their insipid reggae-inspired hit The Sign; cats had yet to take over the internet, men and women wore acidwashed overalls slung from one shoulder à la Joey from Friends; and a young band of ragtag miscreants released their first full-length to an unsuspecting public. In case you haven’t been paying attention, that band was (and still is) The Planet Smashers.
Fast forward two decades, seven albums, one million records sold worldwide, six gazillion beers consumed, countless tours and one extremely blurry never-ending party to this futuristic and confusing present day. Who will save us from this current clusterfuck filled with beliebers, honey-booboos and bathroom selfies? Who will stand boldly in the face of the autotuned, deep-vee wearing douche chills crapping in the earholes of the world? Who will dare to play their own instruments while blasting out ska hooks so catchy you wish you could scoop them up and eat them like ice-cream?….You’re goddamned right it’s The Planet Smashers.
CAPTAIN BEYOND
Captain beyond is a “Supergroup” co-founded by Bobby Caldwell in the 70’s, that has influenced musician’s worldwide and provided spectacular music to all enthusiasts in the Galaxy.
FATAL CURSE
Traditional heavy metal from central New York.
THE WHO “CLASSIC HITS”
The Sellouts will be playing Classic Who tunes!!!
THE DARTS (US)
Garage-psych-rock grrls will make your head slam and your feet shake. And then there’s the music.
BARLOWLN
BarlowLN, Virginian native Evan Barlow, is the unapologetic poet this generation needs. Unafraid to bend the rules, he combines childhood influences 2Pac and Eminem with the poetry of Bob Dylan and grit of Johnny Cash. The result is a modern day Americana that is all at once visceral, confessional, sincere and raw.”My debut album was originally written like a story of my life from 14 to 20 years old. Starting at the beginning of my teenage party years and ending at rock bottom when I was in jail due to my heroin use. And, my mother passed away.”It’s been a wild ride that’s for sure, glad I was able to make it out alive and put it into art”.With his debut album complete and exec produced by Grammy winning producer Martin Terefe, BarlowLN will be releasing via Locomotion Recordings in partnership with the new Elektra Music Group / Warner from early 2019.
DES ROCS
Singer and songwriter Des Rocs has set his sights on reigniting the grandiosity of rock music. The New York City native has cultivated a gritty yet infectious sound that nods to vintage rock n’ roll while offering a modern alternative twist. He’s created bombastically loud music constructed unironically for speakers that hit 11, buzzing with all the electricity of contemporary hits.
BLOODMAN
Bloodman is a band from the south side of Chicago bringing back the roots of Grunge, Rock, Punk, and Metal.
DOUBLE FERRARI
Double Ferrari is an instrumental 4-piece band from Athens, GA that explores the vibrational and harmonic capabilities of the electric guitar in a high-energy, uptempo hard rock context. Their self-titled debut album was produced by Tim Green at Louder Studios (The Fucking Champs, Melvins, Joanna Newsom, hundreds of others) in Grass Valley, CA and is being released by Ernest Jenning Record Company on vinyl, compact disc, and Nintendo Entertainment System cartridge in October 2017.
Guitarists Jace Bartet and Bryant Williamson, drummer Ryan Houchens, and Bass VI player Luke Fields have each cut teeth to the point of fangs in various bands for over a decade, with current projects spanning stylistically from the relentlessly propulsive juggernaut of Cinemechanica and the DIY multimedia experiment of Bit Brigade, to the exuberant big-band folk rock of Family and Friends. With the tools of melody, harmony, and rhythm in hand, the component pieces of Double Ferrari construct a canopy of sound under which a sincere belief in the inclusive, engaging, and affirming power of rock and roll is sheltered.
Instrumental music can be about something. By eschewing vocals, Double Ferrari asserts that the human voice is merely one among many instruments that may or may not be included in music. The stories of Double Ferrari songs are subjective, but real, and there for the taking. Close your eyes and have your own adventure.
PLAYBOY MANBABY
Playboy Manbaby is Phoenix Arizona’s PREMIERE Playboy Manbaby tribute band. Playing the greatest Playboy Manbaby hits from yesterday and today! But don’t take our word for it, Debra from Fountain Hills says Playboy Manbaby is “pretty good.” We promise to beat the price of any other Playboy Manbaby tribute band on the market. Available for weddings, bar and bot mitvahs, corporate mixers and funerals.
KITTY LA ROYALL
IMAGES OF EDEN
Images of Eden is a fearless concept band that brings together familiar, well-loved elements of metal and rock combined with their own unique vision, message and delivery. The result is a distinct musical hybrid that speaks directly to the struggles and tribulations of the listener.
Musically, Images of Eden draws its inspiration from a hybrid of modern hard rock combined with classic metal, creating a modern sound rife with progressive elements and impassioned, unfeigned vocal delivery.
Each release from Images of Eden is a chapter in the tale of a life’s journey, dealing specifically with the trials and darkness that each of us must face in this world, each track is meant to inspire the listener to overcome these obstacles through human perseverance strengthened by guidance from above. The distinct vision that gives Images of Eden its identity is about drawing strength and determination from faith to see us through our toughest times, but what makes IoE stand out as one of a kind is that its message is simultaneously accessible to everyone while still speaking to the listener on a very personal level.
THE JUST LUCKIES
Chicago snowflake indie rock with a twist.
VAN GOOSE
Long time musician/producer Shlomi Lavie is going solo under the moniker, Van Goose. Yet another left turn in a career built on complete 180s creatively.
Echoing the early days of DFA, the propulsive no-wave and post-punk of 99 Records, and the iconic 12-inches of West End, songs like “Mike Myers,” “Right Wave” and “On My Hand” sound like they were beamed from an old-school disco in outer space.
ASPHYXIATOR
Started in 2003 as “Gods of Gore” The band initially failed to establish any sense of direction following the separation and months of inactivity the band was re-formed under a new name of “Asphyxiator” and since that time the band had been through an almost unknown amount of member changes that has ultimately delayed the release the first full length album for about 8+ years. Various low quality demos were recorded but never released. Throughout the years the band had at best played a handful of one-off shows and fests with different session members. Fast forward to 2014 where now the band has now established a solid permanent lineup and lots of progress is being made on the writing of new material which will see release in the Spring of 2015 with the title “Inhaling Fluids of Thoracentesis” Shows are also starting to become a little more frequent again having already shared the stage with the likes: Devourment, Gorgasm, Unmerciful, Incinerate, Corpsefucking Art, and many others.
HIDEOUS DIVINITY
In 2017 Hideous Divinity celebrate their 10th year of activity with the release of their 3rd full length “Adveniens”, once again via Unique Leader Records. Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Stefano Morabito’s 16th Cellar Studio during autumn 2016, “Adveniens” is the result of an extensive 3-years in the making songwriting process, bringing you Hideous Divinity in their darkest and heaviest shape ever. The entire album concept is pretentious as well: a reflection on history and time, on the succession of futile ages, on the role of poet as soothsayer and witness of the winds of time erasing each one of these ages from the face of the earth. A reflection on Walter Benjamin predicting the ‘adveniens’ of David Cronenberg, on Professor O’Blivion predicting an era when “all of us will have special names”. “Adveniens” delivers the most violent reflection on art you ever witnessed.
BENIGHTED
BENIGHTED deliver the radical soundtrack to these savage times. With their new full-length ‘Necrobreed’, the French sidestep the steadily growing complexity of their previous albums ‘Asylum Cave’ (2011) and ‘Carnivore Sublime’ (2014) by recalibrating their sound along their roots. ‘Necrobreed’ is the result of modern violence combined with an undercurrent of old school feeling. BENIGHTED keep their grinding influences but classic death metal clearly shows through the fabric. Those insane pig squeals are backed-up by massive growling. Crushing riffing and nuclear drumming meet subtle melodies and hidden hooks are fueling the fury. BENIGHTED were spawned by members from French Death and Black metal bands DISHUMANIZED, DARKNESS FIRE, and OSGILIATH, who joined forces in 1998 for a more brutal, heavy and modern way of expression. When their first self-produced and self-titled full-length hit the streets in 2000, it immediately had a strong impact. This turned a side-project into a main act. A fast-growing fan base was built by a string of acclaimed albums: ‘Psychose’ (2002), ‘Insane Cephalic Production’ (2004), ‘Identisick’ (2006), and ‘Icon’ (2007) were all enthusiastically received. On the live front, BENIGHTED quickly started to capture audiences with sweat driver performances that bulldozer any resistance mercilessly aside. This allowed the French to climb up the ladder fast and soon came invitations to all major European festivals including Neurotic Death Fest, Hellfest, Wacken, Brutal Assault, Summer Breeze, and Inferno Festival among many more. BENIGHTED recorded ‘Necrobreed’ once again in Germany’s Kohlekeller Studio in continuation of a very successful relationship. The other constant with these brutal death addicts is an album concept that comes based on a theme revolving around the abysmal potential of the human psyche. This time vocalist (and caretaker in a mental asylum) Julien Truchan penned lyrics dealing with a man, who is stitching dead animals to his abdomen. On feeling the warmth of his infected flesh, the schizophrenic “gives birth” to the carcass and places it in his house as the result of a severe childhood trauma involving a dead cat. ‘Necrobreed’ gives an extreme musical voice to the madness lurking within. Let your mind be shaken by BENIGHTED. In case of side effects, please see a doctor.
CRYPTOPSY
Formed in 1992, Cryptopsy has released eight full-lengths—counting As Gomorrah Burns—to date. Out of the gate, the Quebecers set new standards in death metal with their no-compromise attack and next-level musicality. Debut album, Blasphemy Made Flesh, shell-shocked all that encountered it, as follow-ups None So Vile, Whisper Supremacy (1998), and Once Was Not (2005) positioned the Canadians as apex predators. Throughout their storied career, the group embarked on high-profile tours, such as the inaugural Death Across America tour in 1998, the Summer Slaughter Tour in 2008, and the Devastation on the Nation tour in 2017. To date, they’ve performed over 1,000 shows across 47 countries. The release of As Gomorrah Burns on Nuclear Blast re-positions Cryptopsy for yet another reign of death metal domination.
TENACIOUS D “TENACIOUS D”
Tenacious D is an American comedy rock duo, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1994. It was founded by actors Jack Blackand Kyle Gass, who were part of The Actors’ Gang theatre company at the time. The duo’s name is derived from “tenacious defense” – a phrase used by NBA basketball sportscaster Marv Albert.
Prior to the release of Tenacious D’s 2001 debut album Tenacious D, the duo had a three-episode TV series released on HBO, with the episodes broadcasting between 1997 and 2000. These episodes came about after the band had met David Cross and Bob Odenkirk on the Los Angeles music scene—and Black featuring in episodes of Mr. Show with Bob and David. The band also befriended former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, and this would begin a working relationship between Foo Fighters and Tenacious D. Towards the end of the 1990s, the duo would go on to support large rock acts – such as Pearl Jam, Tool and Beck.
Performed by Katie Andrick’s 90’s Cavalcade
THE WISTFUL LARKS
The Wistful Larks are an alternative rock band created in the basements of the Chicago suburbs. The band was crafted from the remnants of the punk rock band Americana, started by high school friends Cody Varga and Tony Aguilar and longtime friend Steve-o Gonzalez.
The band is influenced by modern and vintage counter culture. Combining punk, indie, heartland rock, the darker days of 60s rock, love, hate, and the emotion between, the band wants to paint a vivid story with their unique sound. Trying to build a band with those ideas in mind within the Chicago suburbs, (an area dominated by metal and electronic) proved to be a struggle. The band poured everything they had into writing, practicing, planning, and put every last dime into buying a van to travel. After their first successful DIY tour they were offered a chance to play out west. In early 2017 the band packed up and headed west for 3 weeks hitting SXSW, San Diego, LA, and Las Vegas, among many others.
They have since gone on to be nominated as semi-finalists in the Unsigned Artist Competition and finalists in the 2017 International Songwriting Competition. The Wistful Larks are currently releasing their debut record Broke & Hearts through Takeover Records and with that have a unique sound and voice that demands to be heard.
L’GADO
ELVY THE GOD
eLVyTheGod be my name. I’m just a youngin trying to come up like everyone else�Music is Life. I hope you like the Music I post. You can find me on YOUTUBE
LIGHTNING WOLF
Power trio for fans of crunchy riffs, snarling bass, pounding drums, and gruff singing mixed with searing falsettos.
GORAN FAREED DUO
Inspired by the rhythms and melodies of flamenco, jazz, classical, rock and the Balkan region, this performance features the unrivaled guitar artistry of two of the finest players of their respective generations. Their music is carefully balanced between blazing virtuosity and sheer beauty.
Goran Ivanovic and Fareed Haque recorded two CDs together, Macedonian Blues and 7 Boats, to great critical acclaim, even getting the nod as top best acoustic guitar albums 2004 from acoustic guitar magazine. Both have both been so busy that they have not been able to play again together for years.
MICHAEL JOHNSON
Michael Johnson is a Chicago based stand up comedian, writer, drinker and has lived in the city his entire life. Known as the punk rock comic he has produced many different shows throughout Chicago, most notably “The Open Heckle Mic.” You can find him either at a bar performing comedy, rock club producing comedy, or at a dive bar drinking. TRIPLE THREAT!
GRAND FUNK RAILROAD “CLOSER TO HOME”
Closer to Home is Grand Funk Railroad’s third studio album and was released on June 15, 1970 by Capitol Records. It was produced by Terry Knight. This album reached RIAA gold record status in 1970, making it the group’s third gold record in one year. The songs “Sin’s a Good Man’s Brother” and “Aimless Lady” were later covered by South African group Suck. “Sin’s a Good Man’s Brother” was also covered by the band Monster Magnet on their first full-length album Spine of God (1991), by former Dokken guitarist George Lynch on his 2004 covers album “Furious George”, and by Gov’t Mule on their album The Deep End, Volume 1 (2001). The album’s inside artwork shows a live photo of the band performing at Madison Square Garden in February 1970.
Performed by Captain & Crew
JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE “SMASH HITS”
Smash Hits is a compilation album by the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Track Records first issued it on April 12, 1968, in the UK and included all four of the group’s singles (eight “sides”) released up to that time, plus four additional songs from the UK edition of Are You Experienced.
Reprise Records did not issue the album in the US until July 30, 1969, and it included some different tracks. It included two songs from Electric Ladyland and a stereo version of “Red House” from a different session than the original mono take found on the UK version of Are You Experienced.
Smash Hits has been reissued several times on CD, including one paring in 1999 with the Live at Woodstock DVD by MCA Records.
Performed by The Jimi Project
FUZZLOVE
Fuzzlove was formed unexpectedly by strangers who had one thing in common: a passion for playing music. Now, great friends, these five young musicians from very diverse backgrounds soulfully blend together their different influences of funk, jazz and rock; creating a fresh, unique sound.
PALADIN
Fast, melodic, and technical, Atlanta’s Paladin is on a mission to bring some European flavor to the city’s metal scene. The foursome blends soaring vocals, harsh rasps, catchy melodies, and fiery guitar work reminiscent of the 80s to create their own brand of thrashy power metal.
REBREATHER
Ohio Heavy since 1999
HOREHOUND
Horehound had become a Pittsburgh, PA hometown heavy underground favorite quite soon after forming in early 2015, performing with both local legends and well-known touring acts. In one year, Horehound released their self-titled debut album (both digital and CD) in April 2016, via Blackseed Records. The album immediately coiled around the heavy music media world, appearing for two consecutive months on the Doom Charts collaborative, and cemented their standing as more than just local favorites.
Recently Horehound has engaged that debut album for a 2018 re-release with Hellmistress Records, the new East Coast label of veteran Melanie Streko (All That Is Heavy, Meteor City Records). The re-release is anticipated in early spring and will be re-mixed/mastered for both CD and vinyl pressing, including a bonus cover song, Mysterons originally written and performed by Portishead.
Fans have described Horehound as, “fucking heavy, doomy, catchy, and downright amazing.” Horehound would not disagree, citing their inspirations as Kyuss, (the) Melvins, and Alice in Chains, but you can hear a heavier sludge inspiration dwelling in the grinding guitar, haze-laden bass, bruising drums, and ethereally demanding vocals.
Horehound has made it quite evident in recent performances that their current lineup – including founding members Shy Kennedy (vocals) and Brendan Parrish (guitar) – have found their true sound with drummer JD Dauer and bassist Nick Kopco. The quartet is fiercer and impassioned to demonstrate it in sharing their next recording, currently being mixed and mastered for a 2018 release. The six track, Holocene, maintains the original Horehound-heavy, but has driven into deeper depths of dark, hardened post-doom metal. More information on the release and the band to come.
MARVIN GAYE “WHAT’S GOING ON”
What’s Going On is the eleventh studio album by soul musician Marvin Gaye, released May 21, 1971, on the Motown-subsidiary label Tamla Records. Recording sessions took place in June 1970 and March–May 1971 at Hitsville U.S.A., Golden World and United Sound Studios in Detroitand at The Sound Factory in West Hollywood, California. What’s Going On was the first Marvin Gaye album for which Gaye is credited as producer and Motown Records’ main studio band, the session musicians known as the Funk Brothers, received a credit.
What’s Going On is a concept album consisting of nine songs, most of which segue into the next. It has been categorized as a song cycle; the album ends with a reprise of the album’s opening theme. The story is told from the point of view of a Vietnam veteran returning to the country he had been fighting for, and seeing only hatred, suffering, and injustice. Gaye’s introspective lyrics discuss themes of drug abuse, poverty, and the Vietnam War. He has also been credited with promoting awareness of global warming before the public outcry against it had become prominent.
What’s Going On was an immediate success, both commercially and critically. Having endured as a classic of 1970s soul, a deluxe edition set was released on February 27, 2001, and featured a recording of a May 1972 concert shot at Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center. Worldwide surveys of critics, musicians, and the general public have shown that What’s Going On is regarded as one of the landmark recordings in pop music history, and one of the greatest albums of the 20th century. The album was ranked number six both on Rolling Stone’s 2003 list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”, and in the magazine’s update nine years later.
GUMBO SPECIAL
Mardi Gras Party- Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Dixieland Jam! With Special Guests