After 34 years of listening to a wide spectrum of musical genres, few bands that I’ve encountered have transcended labels and specifications to the degree that Opeth has. Most groups fit comfortably into a niche, but others defy description by such menial means. With Sorceress, founder and frontman Mikael Akerfeldt continues his magnificent musical progression.… Continue reading Bair Grills: Sorceress by Opeth
Author: Ryan Bair
Bair Witness: Final Drive (and the Entire Scene!) at Cherry Street Station on April 14th, 2016
It’s not every day that Connecticut’s beloved home of heavy music, Cherry Street Station, hosts a band from St. Louis, Missouri; one that plays straight-up, down-home, southern-fried metal. An even less likely occurrence is that said visitors are bringing home a wandering vagabond minstrel from our very own Constitution State! On his second national tour… Continue reading Bair Witness: Final Drive (and the Entire Scene!) at Cherry Street Station on April 14th, 2016
Bair Witness: Deathwish Collective on January 2nd at Cook’s, Dammit! Or, Homeward Bound: An Incredible Journey
For those of you who may not have known (or noticed), I’ve been away for eight months. Not just away from Alternative Control in the throes of Lazy Writer Syndrome, not just away from The Scene, skipping everyone’s shows and sitting on the couch complaining about no good local music; I’ve been working abroad since… Continue reading Bair Witness: Deathwish Collective on January 2nd at Cook’s, Dammit! Or, Homeward Bound: An Incredible Journey
Bair Grills… 2014
I love doing Second Annual anythings; it shows a consistency, a dependability that withstands the test of time. On the other hand, it also embodies a beginning to what one can always hope will be a lasting tradition. While one of my resolutions for the new year may be to contribute more often to… Continue reading Bair Grills… 2014
Bair Grills… 7 by Continuum
This is my first opportunity to grill a single band’s consecutive recording efforts; I dread the insinuation of collusion or a conflict of interests, as my journalistic integrity is tantamount to continued good faith with my readers. That said, it cannot be denied that in the time since I grilled their previous release, Rise &… Continue reading Bair Grills… 7 by Continuum
Album Review: Crown of Scorn’s Agenda 21
It’s probably no secret at this point that I only review things I like. Why would I do that, you may ask? Why not be objective, where’s my journalistic integrity? Honestly, I think giving press to anything I don’t enjoy or believe in is not only a waste of time and effort, but also counterproductive… Continue reading Album Review: Crown of Scorn’s Agenda 21
Bair Witness: ComiCONN in Bridgeport (Revenge of the Nerds!!!)
When our Esteemed Editor asked, on Alternative Control’s private feed, who would like to accompany her on her maiden comic book convention voyage, I immediately volunteered. She would need a battle-tested, seasoned veteran to help her navigate the literal sea of geekdom, and I fit the bill. Call me Quint, and imagine the over-crowded assembly… Continue reading Bair Witness: ComiCONN in Bridgeport (Revenge of the Nerds!!!)