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
Dec032018

“TO WHOM IT MAY” SUPPORTS FULL-LENGTH DEBUT, ‘THE GREAT FILTER,’ WITH TOUR DATES WITH DROWNING POOL AND 10 YEARS

With an increasing number of up-and-coming rock bands becoming easier to categorize, the Galveston, Texas-based trio, To Whom It May, serves as a much-welcomed arrival - as heard throughout their recently-released full-length debut, ‘The Great Filter’ (G4L Records), which has already charted on iTunes Metal at #10 and Billboard Heatseekers at #10. Are they prog-rock? Are they melodic-rock? Are they hard rock? As evidenced throughout the ten-track album, the answer is...a little bit of each: https://www.g4lrecords.com/twim-music/

Comprised of members Jonathan Jourdan - vocals/guitar, Robb Mars - bass, and Dexas Villarreal - drums, TWIM bridges the gap between complexity and groove, while creating a fresh, new sound. And the band are hard-working road warriors - with upcoming shows with the likes of Drowning Pool and 10 Years, and 2019 shows soon to be announced with Candlebox (Candlebox singer Kevin Martin - who heads up A&R at G4L Records - is a major admirer of the band). 
 
“The album took around 3 years from start to finish,” explains Jourdan. “It was an experimental process for us, because the project was so new. We wanted to be able to look at the record in 10 years and still be content with the outcome. My favorite track on the album changes every day, but ‘Calculate’ is a favorite at the moment. It’s our current single, and hearing an audience sing along during the show is a moving event.”
 
And it turns out that “Calculate” has already received the “video treatment.” “The main actor in the video, Rob Flurry, was put through quite a lot during the filming,” recalls Jourdan. “He had the roughest day schedule out of everyone on set, yet he was still able to make everyone laugh and smile in between shots. Not only Rob but the whole crew really made it a great experience.” The clip can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/n-36cStokkw

The band also has a clear view of how they fit into today’s tricky rock climate. “I think when looking out into today’s industry it’s easy to see similarities between most artists. Whether it be musical trends or fashion trends it seems a lot of artists want to try and ride that wave that’s already breaking. We hope to bring something unique to the table, With the ease of sharing music in today’s age, I think that the listeners are ready for art with honesty and passion that goes against the trends of today.”
 
And what can fans expect from seeing the band live at these upcoming shows? “When we perform, we try to go back into the headspace we were in when we wrote the music. We want to bring the audience into our world during a show. It’s not about party anthems or extreme aggression, but rather the ebb and flow of all emotions we can channel through music.”
 
Lastly, TWIM have clear plans for the immediate future. “Continue supporting ‘The Great Filter’ by heading out on tour with Drowning Pool in November and 10 Years in December. Following that, we will be working on a new music video and heading to the NAMM conference in Anaheim in January.” 
 
Confirmed tour dates:
 
•Nov 29 Lubbock Tx w/ Drowning Pool 
•Nov 30 Abilene Tx w/ Drowning Pool 
•Dec 1 San Antonio Tx w/ Drowning Pool
•Dec 7 Houston Tx w/ Drowning Pool 
•Dec 8 Tyler Tx w/ Drowning Pool 
•Dec 14 Galveston Tx (headlining)
•Dec 27 Columbus Oh w/ 10 years
•Dec 28 Ft Wayne In w/ 10 years
•Dec 29 Asheville Nc w/ 10 years
•Dec 30 Atlanta Ga w/ 10 years
•Jan 18 Houston Tx (headlining)
•Feb 1 San Antonio Tx w/ 10 years
 
The official tracklist for The Great Filter is as follows:
  1. Bypass
  2. Calculate
  3. Quick
  4. Descend
  5. Weight of the Stone
  6. The Signal Fire
  7. Firescape
  8. Sick Day
  9. Ghost
  10. Take What I Can
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
 
 
Monday
Nov262018

Steven Wilson - Home Invasion: In Concert At The Royal Albert Hall

I have to admit, I came late to the party when it comes to Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree.  I had heard his name as well as his former band mentioned several times, over the years, but did not lock in until his last solo record To the Bone.  Believe it or not I was in a record store in Bologna, Italy the first time I heard it playing.  I thought to myself wow, this is bad ass, I wonder who it is, so I asked the proprietor and he told me it was Steven Wilson.  At that point, I was hooked.  All that said, Steven has just released his latest live show on CD and BluRay, which was recorded in London at the The Royal Albert Hall.

This is show was shot beautifully.  You get that sense of being in the arena viewing the show from every angle.  Steven has a very stimulating light show and use of visual effects.  He uses a back screen to add visual effects as well as bring in some clips from his music videos, to add to the dynamic of the show.  The audio on this release is equally impressive.  Steven and his band sound amazing live.  The set list is comprised mostly of Wilson's solo work, but as a bonus, he has thrown in 6 Porcupine Tree songs to appease the diehards.  This is a solid release and is a must have for Wilson's fans.  Also, if you're new to Porcupine or Steven Wilson, then this is a perfect way to get a preview of what this guy is about.  You will not be disappointed.

Bottom Line: Steven Wilson showing off how bad ass he and his band are.  A great visual as well as sounding incredible.  If you remotley like Steven Wilson, then this one is worth checking out.  After one viewing, you'll be sold.

-Ragman still can't believe it took him this long to discover the musical genius, which is Steven Wilson.

Monday
Nov262018

Podcast #244: Purge

Have a purge they said. It'll be fun they said...The lads have returned with their long lost Halloween show. Join Genghis & Ragman as they hide out on a rainy night during The Purge. Will they survive and possibly take out a few choice pop stars in the bargain? Or will they finally be snuffed out like the two old cigarette butts they are? Either way, with an opportunity to commit any crime imaginable with impunity from dusk 'til dawn, Eddie may want to watch his back...

And be sure to check out as the boys talk with Tim Brown, Canadian guitarist with Striker, as he discusses the band's writing process and tour schedule in support of their latest album, Play To Win. Horns up!

Beer of the Show: Brash Brewing Company - Cortado
 
Appearance: 4.0
Aroma: 4.0
Palate: 4.0
Taste: 4.0
Overall: 4.0
"Our beloved local Brash Brewing's imperial breakfast stout blew our minds with coffee infused velvety goodness."
 

Featured Tracks: Type O Negative - All Hallows Eve; The Haunted - Tighten the Noose; Iron Maiden - Die With Your Boots On; Pantera - Fucking Hostile; Whitechapel - The Saw Is The Law; Lordi - Hunting Season; King Diamond - Welcome Home; Striker - Play To Win, Heart Of Lies, Standing Alone & On The Run; At The Gates - They Shall Burn; Lizzie Borden - The Scar Across My Heart; Blue Murder - Riot; Crematory - 'Til The Dawn; Ice 9 Kills - The American Nightmare

- Genghis is barely holding it together these days...

Podcast #244: Purge

Thursday
Nov082018

Podcast Interview: Eric Martin (Mr. Big)

Join the lads in their latest An Evening With... series as they welcome back Mr. Big vocalist Eric Martin.  The boys recently caught up with, friend of the show, Mr. Big vocalist Eric Martin to discuss the band's latest live release Live From Milan.  Eric also discusses his recent solo European tour, as well as the state of Mr. Big.  Could this be the end of Mr. Big, or is their more gas in that tank?  Tune in to find out.  Lastly, Eric also gives some great stories about the late great Pat Torpey.

And hey if you dig the Mr. Big'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:  Mr. Big - Everybody Needs a Little Trouble, Forever and Back, Defying Gravity, Undertow

-Ragman does not want to see the end of Mr. Big.  We at least need a farewell tour.

Podcast Interview - Eric Martin

Wednesday
Nov072018

Podcast Interview: Gus G

The boys recently caught up with Ex-Ozzy/Firewind guitarist Gus G to discuss his band's recent US tour supporting Vinnie Moore. Gus also discussed his time in Ozzy as well as what we can expect from him in the future.

And hey if you dig the Gus G's music as much as we do, then show him some love by purchasing his music from your favorite online store won't you?  HORNS UP!

Featured Tracks: Firewind - Lady of 1,000 Sorrows, Gus G - Don't Tread on Me, Nothing to Say, Ozzy Osbourne - Let it Die

-Ragman is gearing up for some new Firewind.

Podcast Interview: Gus G