Reviews
METALLICA: The Trash Stash by Jerry Ewing
Though it is an “unofficial and unauthorized” book, Metallica: The Thrash Stash is a perfect coffee table book for any true Metallica fan. Author Jerry Ewing is a rock journalist who has written for such publications as Metal Forces, Metal Hammer, Maxim, Vox, and Stuff. A quote from the book’s introduction makes Ewing’s metal fandom clear…. Read more »
MAPS FOR TRAVELERS – Change Your Name
Hailing from Kansas City, this eager young four-piece are hoping to announce their presence with nothing less than positive overtones as they unleash their debut album Change Your Name. This album sparkles and crackles in places and should be a work of art these lads are proud of. One moment real angst surfaces and then… Read more »
MINDSET EVOLUTION – Brave, Bold and Broken
Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the full length debut album by a hard rocking and hard-working band who show real potential to be a big hitter. Brave, Bold and Broken showcases melody, punch, driving anthems and a strong self-worth and self-belief in itself. Eleven songs including the single Burn it Down tell you all that… Read more »
BLACK ORCHID – Wake
Are you in the mood for something dark, brutal and efficient? If the answer is yes to this question, then give these guys a listen. Black Orchid Invest an experienced ear and insight with this latest album due to it being their fifth studio release, plus with these guys plying their trade since at least… Read more »
SINNER – Touch of Sin 2
This feels like a new chapter of optimism and hope as the band Sinner enjoy a moment of re-establishment. Mat Sinner formed this band back in 1982, and as vocalist and bassist he had this to say about Touch of Sin 2, “When we were younger and new to the music business, we were proud… Read more »
COUNTERPARTS – The Difference Between Hell and Home
Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, these hard-core merchants offer up their third long player. If you’re reading this and battling a hangover then this album is one to avoid as the aggression is turned up to the maximum, and they’re not in the mood to tip-toe around anyone. The Difference Between Hell and Home is the… Read more »
HIBRIA – Silent Revenge
This Brazilian melodic power metal outfit are better known perhaps in Japan and South America where after releasing three studio albums, they have toured and worked hard to raise their profile. Now they reach out further as they promote their fourth album Silent Revenge. If you’re a fan of old school thrash with a strong… Read more »
Texas Hippie Coalition/Eve To Adam–The Roxy, Hollywood, CA 8/11/13
Two bands with very different images—but both capable of rocking very hard—stopped by the legendary Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles in the midst of their Highway Robbery nationwide tour. You think Sunday night is a tough night to gig? Then try playing not just on a Sunday night, but also playing a set list filled… Read more »
WAYLAND – Ames AND Boone, Iowa – August 10th and 11th
After playing at the Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, SD for three consecutive nights, Wayland departed for Iowa. They had opened for Scott Weiland, Vince Neil and JACKYL (Wayland is managed by JACKYL’s Jesse James Dupree). After that exciting week at Sturgis, Wayland then headed straight to Iowa to play two Zylstra Harley-Davidson-sponsored shows. The first show was on Saturday, August… Read more »
4th Annual Todd Weaver Memorial Ride & Concert, Presented in Part By Screamer Magazine
Music is the medicine of the breaking heart. ~Leigh Hunt During a 4-month period of time in 2009, a circle of friends in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area suffered the losses of three people close to their hearts. Both individually and as a group, it was a soul-searching time. Looking for a reason to smile… Read more »
LUVA GUNK – Luva Gunk EP
Luva Gunk is a four piece band from Leeds, England that defies any attempt to pigeonhole their sound. There’s probably a great story behind the name of the band…sounds psychedelic, or even strangely erotic. That said; feel free to use your imagination (yeah, the band would probably approve). Luva Gunk has released a four song,… Read more »
SLASH feat. Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators Las Vegas House of Blues
Darkness falls across The House of Blues in Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay. The eerie intro increases the anticipation of the crowd. Lights flash, guitar chords strike, drumsticks click and the spotlight hits bright on Slash. Unmistakably dressed in his top hat, sleeveless 666 smiley face shirt, black leather pants and bandanna in the rear… Read more »