Nerd Talk with DIABOLOGY

Los Angeles thrashers Diabology have a lot to live up to.  The teenage outfit is sowing its oats in the birthplace of Megadeth, Slayer, Metallica, and many more; forty years after thrash metal’s inception, they seek to carry on the legacy of the greats with their debut full-length Nobody Believes Me.  No easy task — … Continue reading Nerd Talk with DIABOLOGY

MARYLAND DOOM FEST Rescheduled For Halloween Weekend 2020

Hot off the presses from Mettle Media PR: The Maryland Doom Fest celebrates its sixth anniversary in 2020, today they confirm a reschedule of the event, now set for Halloween Weekend — October 29th through November 1st, 2020! The official word from JB Matson, founder of Maryland Doom Fest: “In these trying times, we hope each of you are healthy… Continue reading MARYLAND DOOM FEST Rescheduled For Halloween Weekend 2020

Interview with Rik Surly of THUNDERCHIEF

Thunderchief. Photo by Randy J. Byrd

Richmond, Virginia metal stalwart Rik Surly was just about to spend months on tour promoting his band Thunderchief’s awesome new album…. And then the pandemic happened.  It’s a story that’s all too familiar in the underground music scene these days, but there’s nothing to do except adjust and adapt.   Surly talked with Alternative Control about… Continue reading Interview with Rik Surly of THUNDERCHIEF

Album Review: Phylogenesis by ABYSMAL DAWN (Season of Mist)

Death metal often walks a narrow tightrope. The lyrical themes can sometimes be too didactically political or, on the other hand, too cartoonish to take seriously. Musically, there is also a balancing act. Some bands who try so hard to sound relentlessly punishing can at times end up sounding monotonous and uninteresting. Phylogenesis, the latest… Continue reading Album Review: Phylogenesis by ABYSMAL DAWN (Season of Mist)

AltCtrlToob Video Premiere: “The Lord Conspirator” by MONOLITH ZA

Ever wonder what local death metal sounds like in… South Africa??  Welp, check out this brand new lyric video from Port Elizabeth outfit Monolith ZA, for their song “The Lord Conspirator.”  Melding the stylings of Death and Opeth, the band is looking forward to releasing a full-length on April 28th via MMD Records. The band… Continue reading AltCtrlToob Video Premiere: “The Lord Conspirator” by MONOLITH ZA

Quarantine Music, Part 1: Eryka Fir, Undercliff, Army of Karens, and Turkey Vulture

If you’re not an essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re probably finding yourself with a lot more time on your hands — and even if you are working in healthcare or essential retail, your social life is shot.  All this “extra” time at home is giving birth to some unique projects…. First up is… Continue reading Quarantine Music, Part 1: Eryka Fir, Undercliff, Army of Karens, and Turkey Vulture

Sometimes It’s Fun to Have Fun: MANGATA and COVET

One thing modern heavy metal can be hopelessly devoid of?  Fun.  It’s all gloomy doom rituals or shredding as fast as you can in as many time signatures as possible…. But sometimes girls/boys/all genders of people just want to have fun.  Mangata and Covet are two fun bands I’ve come across on my quarantined April… Continue reading Sometimes It’s Fun to Have Fun: MANGATA and COVET