Posted on

Album Review: Kadavar – Rough Times

By Ryan Falla

Esteemed German rock trio Kadavar brings us another fascinating musical package with their new album ‘Rough Times’. Kadavar has never been a band to put themselves in a musical hole. Constant reinvention and experimentation with writing techniques keeps this band on top, and their newest release encapsulates the idea that Kadavar exists to avoid musical stagnation. Continue reading “Album Review: Kadavar – Rough Times”

Posted on

Live & Local: New Event Series ‘Heavy LA’ makes its Debut

By Andrew Bansal

When it comes to national and international touring acts, Los Angeles is undisputedly the biggest market in the United States and without doubt, one of the biggest in the world. But even in this concert-friendly city, there is still vast room for the improvement of the local music scene, the local hard rock/heavy metal scene, to be more precise. Getting people out to attend all-local shows and support local bands is a huge challenge, specially with so much happening in town on any given night of the week. But, in a new endeavor inspired by the concept of the well-known “Emo Nite”, there is a new series of events called “Heavy LA”, featuring a combination of curated heavy metal playlists and live metal bands. The series made its debut at Silverlake Lounge on November 8th, and I ventured to check it out. Continue reading “Live & Local: New Event Series ‘Heavy LA’ makes its Debut”

Posted on

Review: Scour – Red EP

By Francisco Zamudio

A barrage of modern black metal goodness, is how I’d describe the latest outlet by the collective supergroup known as Scour, featuring . Much of the grindcore style from some of the members’ respective groups are apparent in this 6-track EP known as ‘Red’. There’s also a much darker and haunting sound captured here. Dare I describe it as blackened grindcore, these five guys have melded something scary here that I believe will hold up with even some of the purists of elitists in the black metal fanbase. You have the high-end clean guitar sound and blistering blast-beats, blended with lots of atmospheric qualities making it sound haunting. Even though a lot of the riffs are repeated over and over again, the 16 minutes of the EP hold your attention with those same face-peeling riffs carrying through the songs, along with the added dynamic of the drums and vocals, which are seriously quite impressive here. We’ve never really had a serious peek into this extreme side in Phil Anselmo’s style. It is definitely something worth noting and gives you something you didn’t (or maybe you did) know you wanted. Continue reading “Review: Scour – Red EP”

Posted on

Photo Gallery: Haunted Garage, Yidhra, Rebel Rebel & Graveyard Shift @ Union

Photos by Maurice Nunez

November 16th 2017, Union, Los Angeles CA: Last Thursday, we had the honor of bringing LA shock rock / horror punk / heavy metal cult legends Haunted Garage to the Union nightclub, along with LA’s own stoner doom stalwarts Yidhra as main support, plus longstanding Hollywood shock rockers Rebel Rebel and thrash metal youngsters Graveyard Shift as opening acts. Led by iconic frontman Dukey Flyswatter, backed by his excellent band of musicians, and decorated by the gore-gore girls, Haunted Garage put on a memorable performance, while Yidhra crushed skulls, pierced eardrums and compelled heads to bang. Earlier, things got weird during Rebel Rebel’s prop-filled, instrument-smashing, no-holds-barred set, and before them, Graveyard Shift began proceedings with high energy. The great Maurice Nunez was in attendance to take these incredible photos for us. Enjoy them below! Continue reading “Photo Gallery: Haunted Garage, Yidhra, Rebel Rebel & Graveyard Shift @ Union”

Posted on

Convergence of Modern Prog Greats: Animals As Leaders & Periphery bring co-headline tour to Nashville

By Rosie Walker
(photos by Brian Wyner)

November 15th 2017, Marathon Music Works, Nashville TN: At the turn of the twentieth century, Marathon Motor Works opened its largest factory in Nashville, Tennessee. The car-making company only lasted a short time and their impressive, industrial complex was left to rot. Yet, the Music City came to the rescue, and these old, interesting brick buildings have become homes to various shops, studios, and even a music venue. Happily residing in this historic four-block art haven is Marathon Music Works. Going to a show here is always a treat. Rich in character and sound, this venue’s main perk is its aesthetics of exposed brick walls and tall steel beam ceilings. On Wednesday, Nashville was graced with the presence of The Convergence Tour. As eager devotees filled in the warehouse-sized venue, their faces beamed with anticipation for Animals As Leaders, Periphery, and Car Bomb. Continue reading “Convergence of Modern Prog Greats: Animals As Leaders & Periphery bring co-headline tour to Nashville”

Posted on

Packed Like Sardines: D.R.I., Excel & Hirax play Sold-Out Show at Union

Review by Erik E. Wrath
(Photos by Albert Licano)

November 11th 2017, Union, Los Angeles CA: Last Saturday, the Union nightclub in LA hosted a sold-out event featuring D.R.I., Excel, Hirax, Deathwish, Cryptic Slaughter and Witchaven. Our man Erik E. Wrath was in attendance, and here is a recap of the event from his perspective. Continue reading “Packed Like Sardines: D.R.I., Excel & Hirax play Sold-Out Show at Union”