CD of the Month
  • Mudvayne
    Mudvayne
    by Mudvayne
Inspiration
  • Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground New Edition
    Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground New Edition
    by Michael Moynihan, Didrik Soderlind
  • Retribution
    Retribution
    by Shadows Fall
  • Brutal Legend
    Brutal Legend
    Electronic Arts
Monday
May132019

Podcast Interview: David Readman (Pendulum of Fortune)

The boys recently caught up with Pendulum of Fortune vocalist David Readman to discuss Pendulum of Fortune's latest release Return to Eden.  David discusses the main differences between the new release and the debut as well as how the band was conceived.  He also talks about how he keep his voice in shape as well as what is going on with Pink Cream 69.  Tune in to get all of this and more.

And hey if you dig Pendulum of Fortune's music as much as we do, then show them some love by purchasing their music from your favorite online store won't you?  HORNS UP!

Featured Tracks:  Pink Cream 69 - Stranger in Time, Pendulum of Fortune - Return to Eden, We Stand for Rock N Roll, Lucky Man, Wishing Well, Pink Cream 69 - Man of Sorrow

-Ragman is jonesing for some new PC69.

Podcast Interview: David Readman (Pendulum of Fortune)

Tuesday
Apr302019

So What?! Music Festival 2019

I'll be honest, I'm not usually the biggest fan of music festivals - particularly when they're held in my home town of Houston. It's just too damn hot most of the time. Ever since I got heatstroke at OzzFest many moons ago, I vowed to never put myself in such a situation again. So when ol' Ragman called me up to check out the So What?! Music Festival on The Lawn at White Oak Music Hall, I was a little apprehensive. But it was in April, and the weather was really nice that weekend - and the bill was pretty sweet. So...

As the heat of the afternoon sun started to wane, Intervals took the stage for some well-received melodic contemplation. The Canadian progmetal stars played to an eclectic crowd of metalheads, punkers, and even preppies who came for some weekend musical therapy. Bottom line, they were great. I really dig their sound, which some people consider a jazzy progressive pastiche. Either way, I love the way the band melds the bright airy feel of keyboards and thin, distorted leads with solid bass and drum work underneath to make for a satisfying, full-bodied sound.

Chicago metalcore monsters Veil of Maya (VoM) took the stage with a confident swagger that belied a solid, road-tested setlist of heavy, moshable jams. The stage was perfectly positioned to allow attendees to enjoy the band despite the cloudless sky without having the sun in everyone's eyes. The crispness of the air and heady vibe from good beer and handy food trucks had the crowd in a great mood for serious rocking. And VoM was more than up for the task, garnering a pretty respectable pit.

Next, Fit For A King (FFaK) kept the crowd going with their metalcore fury, as moshing and crowdsurfing intensified. This audience came for a jam and they got it, is what I'm saying. In spades. FFaK had a great mix of clean and dirty vocals on top of a formidable bedrock of bass and drums. One of the best things about festivals like this is the serendipitous discovery of new acts to follow, and I've been listening to FFaK's stuff a lot since the show.

After The Burial (ATB) layed their Minneapolis sound on the crowd with authority as the afternoon waned, though the crowd was still buzzing with energy. Even those people resting on the lawn on the fringes of the crowd headbanged along to ATB's tight set, as they sipped cold drinks and munched on fries and waffles, in another satisfying metalcore session.

As the sun began its evening descent, Killswitch Engage took the stage to deliver a blistering 60 minute set of metalcore madness. Vocalist Jesse Leach was in great form, giving the crowd a well-timed energy boost that would last the rest of the evening, bolstered by the hyperkinetic antics of guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz. All in all, a well-crafted setlist of their best songs that played beautifully against the prismatic sky as the sun disappeared. Such a killer set.

Bringing some thunder from down under, Parkway Drive (PWD) finished out the show with their roster of heavy hits. Amazingly, the crowd showed no signs of fatigue despite several hours of previous rocking that afternoon. It was a fantastic way to end a festival, and I can't overstate the organization of the entire affair. People came to rock and were not disappointed as set changes between bands were tight and focused (and well under ten minutes) and everything ran like clockwork, including the sound; nary a technical problem in sight. You just couldn't ask for a better afternoon - and evening - of heavy entertainment. 'Nuff said!

- Genghis was pumped up after this show...

Tuesday
Apr232019

Podcast Interview: Darren James Smith (Red Dragon Cartel)

Check out Ragman's chinwag with ol' Darren James Smith of Red Dragon Cartel!The boys recently caught up with Red Dragon Cartel vocalist Darren James Smith to discuss Red Dragon Cartel's latest release Patina.  Darren discusses the main differences between the new release and the debut.  He also talks about what it's like trying to tour when the whole band has the flu.  Also, he touches on his involvement with Harem Scaem, amonst other things.  Tune in to get all of this and more.

And hey if you dig Red Dragon Cartel's music as much as we do, then show them some love by purchasing their music from your favorite online store won't you?  HORNS UP!

Featured Tracks:  Harem Scarem - Sentimental Blvd, Red Dragon Cartel - Speedback, Bitter, Chasing Ghosts, Deceived

-Ragman is so glad Jake is back and can still rip...

Podcast Interview: Darren James Smith (Red Dragon Cartel)

Monday
Apr222019

Podcast Interview: Keith St. John (Burning Rain)

The boys recently caught up with Burning Rain vocalist Keith St. John to discuss Burning Rain's latest release Face the Music. Keith gives us insight on his career as well as why it took 3 years for this new release.  He also discusses upcoming tour plans, which might include a small U.S. trek.  Tune in to get all of this and more.

And hey if you dig Burning Rain's music as much as we do, then show them some love by purchasing their music from your favorite online store won't you?  HORNS UP!

Featured Tracks: Burning Rain - My Lust Your Fate, Midnight Train, Face the Music, Since I'm Loving You, Too Hard to Break

-Ragman is chomping at the bit to see these guys tear up the stage.

Podcast Interview: Keith St. John (Burning Rain)

Wednesday
Apr172019

Podcast Interview: Jens Westin (Corroded)

The boys recently caught up with Corroded vocalist Jens Westin to discuss Corroded's latest release Bitter. Jens also discusses how the band was affected by having one of their songs picked for the Swedish version of Survivor.  He also discusses the idea behind their video trilogy and what it's like to draw the shortest straw.  Tune it to hear.

And hey if you dig Corroded's music as much as we do, then show them some love by purchasing their music from your favorite online store won't you?  HORNS UP!

Featured Tracks: Corroded - Time and Again, Breathing, Cyanide, Burn

-Ragman is dying to see these guys live.

Podcast Interview: Jens Westin (Corroded)