Jethro Dull: A Review of Opeth’s Pale Communion

The review you’re about to read is not the review I originally wrote for this album. After a few listens to Pale Communion, I’ve decided to go easier on Opeth and cut out much of my vehement anger. Instead, I’ve chosen a jaded view. This is definitely not the album that I wanted to hear… Continue reading Jethro Dull: A Review of Opeth’s Pale Communion

Baldwin’s August Review Trilogy Part 1: A Review of Valence’s Sleepwalker

I’ve waited a long time for an awesome local progressive metal band to come my way. And stupid me, one has existed for at least the last 4 or 5 years in Larchmont, NY. I’ve only recently heard of Valence when I read Jessie May’s review of their newest EP, Laser Baron a couple months… Continue reading Baldwin’s August Review Trilogy Part 1: A Review of Valence’s Sleepwalker

Emails from Near and Far: Reviews of Unscarred and Valence

You never know what you’ll find in ol’ inbox.  Recently we received review inquiries from French thrashers Unscarred and New York instrumental prog band Valence.  It took me awhile to get the downloaded tracks into Alternative Control’s Music Review Machine, er, my car’s CD player — but at long last I’ve listened to both bands’… Continue reading Emails from Near and Far: Reviews of Unscarred and Valence

Mortal Combat!!! Death Metal Dave vs. Peter Progger, Part I

  We’re here to discuss a very hot topic between two very passionate individuals. I’ve managed to gather Alternative Control columnists Death Metal Dave and Peter Progger together for a musical debate. The burning question: What metal subgenre is superior, death metal or progressive metal? It’s (for some reason) a matter of utmost importance for… Continue reading Mortal Combat!!! Death Metal Dave vs. Peter Progger, Part I

Why Dream Theater is the Best Band in the World (Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Coda)

By Peter Progger Ok, so it’s pretty obvious that Dream Theater is the best band of like, the last two millenniums. They’ve been the most talented group since ancient India, that’s pretty clear. Like, if you brought a Dream Theater CD back in time with you to Mozart, Mozart would listen to it and be… Continue reading Why Dream Theater is the Best Band in the World (Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Coda)

Alternative Control’s Top Ten Articles of 2013

  10. Connecticut’s Gonna Have a Cop Problem and  The Hipster King on Mazzy Star (a tie!)                           9. Sound, Blood, and Lineup: A Review of Howl’s Bloodlines 8. LSG on the CT Music Awards Best Metal Nominees 7. Official Truth, 101 Proof:… Continue reading Alternative Control’s Top Ten Articles of 2013

Two Music Geeks Enroll in Red Scroll

Kirk is real happy with his find...that bastard!

This year was my first year with Black Friday off in 9 years. You would think I would have liked to spend it the right way, by missing it completely due to 24 hour Thanksgiving food coma. But me being the glutton for punishment, I decided to spend it the traditional way. I got up… Continue reading Two Music Geeks Enroll in Red Scroll