From the first notes of eponymous opening track “Devil is Fine” — harmonized call and response vocals punctuated by the clink of chains — you know that Zeal & Ardor is a different kind of metal. The brainchild of Swiss-American musician Manuel Gagneux, this project melds Delta blues and black metal in a way that Robert… Continue reading An Interview with Manuel Gagneux, the Artist Behind Zeal & Ardor
Category: Music
Bair Grills… Civil Lividity by Continuum
Continuum, n: “A continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are not perceptibly different from each other, although the extremes are quite distinct.” Before reviewing this recent release from one of Connecticut’s most prominent local metal bands, I looked up the definition of “continuum” for shits and giggles. What I found was an entire article… Continue reading Bair Grills… Civil Lividity by Continuum
Album Review: Marty McKay’s New York City Dreams
In his upcoming album New York City Dreams, Zurich-based rock artist Marty McKay presents a “Lifetime Original” vision of what could be across the Atlantic. His Big Apple is an expected path of standard song structures, lyrics, and vocal arrangements that will be at home on soft contemporary radio, but probably won’t inspire much passion… Continue reading Album Review: Marty McKay’s New York City Dreams
Baldwin’s Choice: Miles Davis
It’s Black History Month and my choice is Miles Davis. So many things have been said about the man’s brilliance and importance. He’s regarded as one of the 20th century’s top composers. And the reasons for it are chocked full with so much music theory bullshit. I don’t know how to play jazz music, and… Continue reading Baldwin’s Choice: Miles Davis
HAAN to Sing Praises in Waterbury on February 18th
HAAN is a plugged-in four piece from New York City that plays hard hitting and sludgy noise rock, as evidenced by their debut EP, Sing Praises. The band, which features vocalist Chuck Berrett, guitarist Jordan Melkin, bassist Dave Maffei and drummer Chris Enriquez, lays down one hell of a racket which is definitely informed by… Continue reading HAAN to Sing Praises in Waterbury on February 18th
SHOW REVIEW: Khemmis, Crypt Sermon, and Sanhedrin, January 14, 2017 // Brooklyn, NY
It was my maiden voyage to the seminal Brooklyn metal club Saint Vitus, and my GPS told me that I had “arrived.” There was no marquee, no sign… Only a few long-haired dudes in jean jackets standing outside of a bodega, next to an unmarked black door with a cross over it. Was this the… Continue reading SHOW REVIEW: Khemmis, Crypt Sermon, and Sanhedrin, January 14, 2017 // Brooklyn, NY
Baldwin’s Choice: Deathspell Omega
Heavy metal has been known for its extremity and controversy for a number of years, almost as long as it’s been a genre. Ever since Black Sabbath’s debut album in 1969, it’s challenged society’s acceptance and moralistic tolerance. Yet as years go on and once taboo facets of underground lifestyles become conventional, shocking the system… Continue reading Baldwin’s Choice: Deathspell Omega