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By Andrew Bansal

Very few bands symbolize the true Los Angeles metal spirit like Armored Saint does. The band has been around since the early ’80s, and have maintained a strong cult following among fans in LA and beyond. Starting with a self-titled 3-song EP in 1983. each of their releases is legendary in its own right. Most recently, they put out their sixth full-length studio album ‘La Raza’ in early 2010, have been doing the occasional gig here and there, and are working on a new album as of now. Amidst that, they’re also playing a special short set at the Paladino’s club in Tarzana CA next Friday August 16th 2013. A couple of weeks ago, I spoke to bassist Joey Vera to discuss this upcoming show and to get a short update on what Armored Saint has been up to. Read the conversation below. Continue reading “Armored Saint Bassist Joey Vera Talks About Upcoming LA Show”

By Andrew Bansal

Los Angeles-based classic metal band White Wizzard released a fantastic new album this year called The Devils Cut on Century Media and Earache Records, have a stable lineup of great musicians in the band now and are playing excellent gigs like the show at the Roxy last month. We’ve already spoken to most of the band members about this album and the rejuvenation of White Wizzard, but last Wednesday July 31st at the Joint I had the pleasure of talking one-on-one with singer Joseph Michael as he was the special guest on my weekly Wednesday 4-6 PM PST radio show on the Razor KXRZ station. We played some tunes, talked about all things White Wizzard, and then some more. Enjoy the hilarious conversation below and LA folks should check out White Wizzard at the Joint tomorrow, Monday August 5th! Continue reading “In-depth Interview With White Wizzard Singer Joseph Michael”

By Andrew Bansal

Pasadena metal road dogs Holy Grail ended yet another North American touring run with a homecoming show at the Whisky last night (Saturday July 26th 2013). This one was a headline tour of their own, and the size of the audience at the show last night was sheer proof of the extent to which their fan-following has grown. You’d think an LA-based band would obviously get a good crowd at an LA show, but you’d be surprised at how often that’s not the case. But thankfully at this show the place was absolutely packed and the band put on what I’d call perhaps the best performance I’ve ever seen from them. That’s saying a lot, as I’ve seen them plenty of times before. A few hours prior to the show, I caught up with singer James Paul Luna to talk about touring, the new album ‘Ride The Void’, obscure NWOBHM bands, and the possibility of a tour with White Wizzard. Check out the 8-minute video below! Continue reading “Video Interview With Holy Grail Singer James Paul Luna”

Interview by Taylor Younani

New Jersey-based The Dillinger Escape Plan have been around for more than 15 years, paving their way through as an underground act and only recently rising up from the underground to earn a well-deserved spot as modern American metal mainstays. They recently released their fifth studio album ‘One Of Us Is The Killer’ and are now the headline act for the ongoing Summer Slaughter tour, and are tearing apart venues across the North American continent with their fierce shows. The tour’s second show was at the House of Blues Sunset Strip on Saturday July 20th, and before the show our man Taylor Younani had a chance to speak to guitarist Ben Weinman about all things Summer Slaughter and Dillinger. Check out the 12-minute audio of the conversation below and catch Dillinger on this year’s Summer Slaughter. Continue reading “In Conversation With The Dillinger Escape Plan Guitarist Ben Weinman (Audio)”

Interview by Taylor Younani

Modern metal giants Periphery put out their sophomore album ‘Periphery II: This Time It’s Personal’ last year and have been touring worldwide in support of the album ever since. Their recent travels even included a trip all the way to India, where they played a major music festival in December 2012. Currently, they are on the Summer Slaughter touring run alongside The Dillinger Escape Plan, Animals As Leaders, The Ocean, Cattle Decapitation, Revocation and others. The tour made a stop at the House of Blues Sunset Strip on Saturday July 20th, and before the show our man Taylor Younani caught up with guitarist Jake Bowen for a pleasant chat about Summer Slaughter, India, the band’s new lineup, new material, and more. Enjoy the 14-minute audio of the conversation below, and don’t miss Periphery on this year’s Summer Slaughter! Continue reading “Interview With Periphery Guitarist Jake Bowen (Audio)”

By Andrew Bansal

German progressive metal band The Ocean recently put out ‘Pelagial’, the best album of their career and one of the finest, most creative albums to have been released in 2013 so far. Currently, they are on the Summer Slaughter tour opening for the likes of The Dillinger Escape Plan, Animals As Leaders, Periphery and others, in an attempt to do justice to these fantastic Pelagial tunes in the live setting. The second show of the tour was at the House Of Blues Sunset Strip on Saturday July 20th, and a little while after the conclusion of their set, I had a chance to have a drink and a conversation with guitarist and principal songwriter Robin Staps to discuss the logistics of this tour, the fun exchange they’re doing with fans, the two versions of the album vocal and instrumental, and lots more. Read the in-depth but entertaining conversation below and make sure you catch their set at Summer Slaughter. Continue reading “The Ocean Guitarist Robin Staps Discusses Summer Slaughter, ‘Pelagial’ & Travel Albums”