Delving Into a Dark Light: An Interview with Grave Gnosis

I’ll definitely be filing this chat with Florida black metal outfit Grave Gnosis under the category “Ya Learn Something New Every Day.” Vocalist, guitarist, and lyricist/composer Ø filled me in on the esoteric background behind the band’s upcoming album Lux Nigredo. Coming out January 23rd on Vargheist Records, this nine-track homage to darkness is a… Continue reading Delving Into a Dark Light: An Interview with Grave Gnosis

Alternative Control’s Top Ten Articles of 2020

This is always a fun post to put together because I get to look back at Alternative Control’s high points over the past twelve months.  In a year where indie musicians were met with many challenges, it was inspiring to see the amount — and quality — of new music that came out. This year,… Continue reading Alternative Control’s Top Ten Articles of 2020

#UnoccupyTheMall with Static Era, Vinyl Fantasy, and Heather’s Records & Relics

‘Tis the season to go shopping — and if there was ever a year to support local businesses, 2020 is it!  Thanks to the magic of the World Wide Web, a shop that’s “local” to one person can probably be browsed from thousands of miles away. This year, my #unoccupythemall column will focus on small… Continue reading #UnoccupyTheMall with Static Era, Vinyl Fantasy, and Heather’s Records & Relics

Album Review: Death Cult by Völur (November 13th, Prophecy Productions)

Often the most innovative, emotive and powerful music defies categorisation. Sometimes you just have to hear it to understand it. A case in point is Canada’s Völur, whose third album, Death Cult, has just been released on Prophecy Productions. Often labelled as doom metal, they do indeed owe a large debt to the likes of… Continue reading Album Review: Death Cult by Völur (November 13th, Prophecy Productions)

TRACK PREMIERE: “Down Below” by DUST PROPHET

SLEEPING VILLAGE RECORDS is pleased to announce the first release in a series of 2-track splits! Dust Prophet and Conduit, two bands spawned from the wildlands of New Hampshire, are here to lead the charge with a pair of yet-unheard singles.  Both tracks presented herein — Dust Prophet’s “Down Below” and Condui’s “Constable”— walk a… Continue reading TRACK PREMIERE: “Down Below” by DUST PROPHET

Alyssa Maucere-Pike of Lord Dying Talks The Pandemic, Portland, and More

Lord Dying, Alyssa at left

Best thing about being an Alternative Control patron? Suggesting interviewees! When one of our folks said they’d love to hear what was going on with musician Alyssa Maucere-Pike, a veteran of many bands and most recently the bassist of Oregon riff-slingers Lord Dying, we hopped on the ol’ email and got to work! Here is… Continue reading Alyssa Maucere-Pike of Lord Dying Talks The Pandemic, Portland, and More

Black North’s The Lost Year: Volume 1

Following their 2019 acoustic single “Time,” Black North is putting some more skin in the game with the two-track EP The Lost Year: Volume 1.  The eastern Connecticut trio (featuring Bill Bates on guitar and vocals, Stephanie Lussier on bass and vocals, and John Tolmie handling drums) has been a staple at local shows since… Continue reading Black North’s The Lost Year: Volume 1