The New Xenomorph: A Review of Xenosis’ Sowing the Seeds of Destruction

Xenosis has returned, and they’re even better. It’s easy to claim favoritism when lead guitarist Mark Lyon happens to be a personal friend, but Sowing the Seeds of Destruction is genuinely awesome – a focused, well-trained creature of extremity and maturity. I might even claim it as the strongest local metal release I’ve heard yet.… Continue reading The New Xenomorph: A Review of Xenosis’ Sowing the Seeds of Destruction

Men of Many Journeys: An Interview with Travel Amygdala

Hailing from Revere, Massachusetts, Travel Amygdala is on a mission to bring their industrial-influenced hard rock beyond the bounds of the Bay State.  Their upcoming tour will take them to Cherry Street Station on Saturday, August 22nd, along with Big Time Kill, Beat the Doll, Don’t Cross the Streams, Devlyn Sydus, and Salem Wolves.  This… Continue reading Men of Many Journeys: An Interview with Travel Amygdala

Single Review: “Battle Cry” by the Joykill Collective

"Alas, poor Yorick!"

Everyone wants to be anthemic these days, including UK alt rockers Joykill Collective. They’re against something in their new single “Battle Cry,” but I didn’t know quite what because I couldn’t understand the lyrics outside of the chorus.  Thus, I went to the music video for elucidation: At first, I wondered why a hot chick… Continue reading Single Review: “Battle Cry” by the Joykill Collective

TICKET GIVEAWAY: Sacred Oath // Awaken // Shadow Kingdom // Darkest Shade 8/28 at Cherry Street

Need your power metal fix?  Ear One Productions has you covered with Power Metal Fest 2015, ft. Darkest Shade, Shadow Kingdom, Awaken, and Connecticut “OGs” Sacred Oath.  Have a listen: Fallen by Sacred Oath And guess what?  You and a guest can go for free, courtesy of Ear One.  Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below — and… Continue reading TICKET GIVEAWAY: Sacred Oath // Awaken // Shadow Kingdom // Darkest Shade 8/28 at Cherry Street

Album Review: Ben Lorentzen’s America

Sparse and delicate, the new album by New Jersey songwriter Ben Lorentzen seeks to create “the defining record of a generation.”  While America might not be anthemic enough to achieve that goal, it does offer many facets to dig into.  Lorentzen is creative in his instrumentation; strings harmonica, piano, and I think even a banjo… Continue reading Album Review: Ben Lorentzen’s America

Two Days At Vibes

Gathering of the Vibes’ 20th Anniversary Spectacular wrapped up this weekend, and I was grateful (pun intended) to attend on Friday and Saturday.  Originally founded to celebrate the life of Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia, the festival has graced Seaside Park in Bridgeport eleven times over the years.  And while it certainly features plenty of… Continue reading Two Days At Vibes

Secret Cutter: Not a Secret Anymore

Bethlehem-based, noisy hardcore band Secret Cutter took many people by surprise last year when their self-released album, appropriately called Self-Titled, garnered them a lot of praise from all corners of the metal press. It garnered all this praise for one simple reason: the album flat-out slays. It’s one heavy, slice of honestly pissed, heavy, noisy… Continue reading Secret Cutter: Not a Secret Anymore