CD Review: ‘Watchers of Rule’ by Unearth
In 2014, we saw the demise of several bands that comprised the New Wave of American Heavy Metal. Bleeding Through, Chimaira, God Forbid and Shadows Fall were at the top of the heap over the past decade. However, musical differences, line-up changes and wa ...
How I got into THAT band: Styx
Two weeks ago I was given an opportunity to interview Lawrence Gowan, one of the members of the classic-rock band Styx. The group, famous for songs like “Renegade,” “The Best of Times” and “Come Sail Away,” is on tour again this fall and is performing in ...
Interview: Casey Orr of Rigor Mortis – Back from the Dead One Last Time
I recently spoke with bassist Casey Orr of Rigor Mortis about the group's final record, Slaves to the Grave. Jerel Johnson: Glad you could speak with me today Casey. The new record, Slaves to the Grave comes out October 7. How do you feel about that? Cas ...
Sights and Sounds of Music Midtown 2014
Concert goers waiting to see Aer John Mayer Music Midtown gets bigger and better every year since its return in 2011. This year was no different, as the festival included three stages – Electric Ballroom, AT&T Live and Honda Stages ...
CD Review: ‘The Year The Sun Died’ by Sanctuary
Before Nevermore, there was Sanctuary. The Seattle power/progressive metal band released two albums; Refuge Denied (1987) and Into the Black Mirror (1989) before splitting up in 1992. Since that time, vocalist Warrel Dane formed highly acclaimed metal out ...
Interview with Lawrence Gowan from Styx
Originally from Chicago, Styx has grown to become one of the most recognized names in classic rock. In 1972, the band released their first record, the eponymous Styx. After releasing several chart-topping and certified platinum albums, the band went on hi ...
Friction of Life: Building a Brand
“For the most part, we just get out there. We stay involved with the community and we don’t hesitate to give someone a card and tell them, ‘Check out our work!’" By David Feltman Hayden Bryars was a freshman at Jefferson State Community College and hea ...
Live Review: Wand and the majestic mullet
I went to a Ty Segall concert over a week ago and had one of the coolest times. The show was absolutely fantastic, especially for the price. The band Wand (who opened for Segall) are on that Ty Segall same-level talent, just not as well known and I nee ...
CD Review: “Slaves to the Grave” by Rigor Mortis
There are some bands in the metal genre that have attained cult status. Old school Texas thrash outfit Rigor Mortis is one of those bands. Although the group only released two proper albums in their 30 year history, the band's 1988 self-titled debut album ...
Live Review: Crash Midnight at The Masquerade
Recently, KISS bassist Gene Simmons caused quite a ruckus by stating in an interview with Esquire Magazine that “Rock is Finally Dead.” I’m not sure if I agree with the "God Of Thunder" on that point. While I admit that the system is definitely flawed, t ...