Music I Liked in 2020

Certainly there was a lot not to like in 2020…  To avoid making a series of gross understatements, I’ll just leave that there. But along with a very positive development in my family life that should be arriving on The Scene in early 2021, there was a lot of great music that came out in… Continue reading Music I Liked in 2020

Album Review: The Poisoner by WHITE CRONE

White Crone serves up juicy, high-energy riffage on her debut album The Poisoner that will delight fans traditional metal, human sacrifice, or just having a good frickin time listening to rock n roll, amirite??  *cracksmillerhighlife White Crone is the brand new solo project of established Portland, OR blues artist Lisa Mann, who performs vocals, guitars,… Continue reading Album Review: The Poisoner by WHITE CRONE

EP Review: Mourn the Light / Oxblood Forge Split

By Nikita Alekseyevich Khrenov In this day of extreme brutality and blistering technicality in metal it’s refreshing to see so many more bands take influence from the current crop of artists and infuse that with the classic styles that kickstarted the genre over 40 years ago. As they hit the road for their 2019 tour, Mourn… Continue reading EP Review: Mourn the Light / Oxblood Forge Split

Book Review: What Does This Button Do? The Autobiography of Bruce Dickinson

I had the rare opportunity to meet the almighty Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden on Halloween night at St. Vitus in Brooklyn, NY where he was signing his new autobiography, What Does This Button Do?  After reading the book, I have even more respect for him if that’s even possible.  The man fronts one of… Continue reading Book Review: What Does This Button Do? The Autobiography of Bruce Dickinson

Diamonds are Forever: An Interview with Diamond Head Guitarist Brian Tatler

It’s often said of Diamond Head that they didn’t get their dues when they first deserved them — but this NWOBHM band who inspired the likes of Metallica and Megadeth is certainly enjoying a renaissance in the twenty-first century.  Alternative Control had the opportunity to speak with guitarist and co-founder Brian Tatler before the band embarked… Continue reading Diamonds are Forever: An Interview with Diamond Head Guitarist Brian Tatler