When most people think of Las Vegas, gambling, prostitution, and scorching heat come to mind. It is from this searing environment that Hemlock was born. Their newest release, titled Shut Down, continues the assault that started in the desert years ago. With daft, death-metal vocals, frontman Chad Smith not only offers his beliefs and opinions …

Simon Says formed several years ago when a couple of sophomores at a Sacramento high school met at a party and found that they had like musical interests. The band quickly progressed from playing the local club circuit to landing a major label deal. It was this rapid success that gave the band’s 1999 debut …

Gloomy. Dreary. Somber. Melancholy. Genius. These are all words that come to mind after listening to Ours‘ debut CD, Distorted Lullabies (DreamWorks). The first listen is the toughest, as the sound is like none other out there today. But like the prick of a heroin needle, it is followed by an unbelievably addictive sensation. The …

In today’s infinitely diverse musical landscape, one may wonder where good ‘ol arena rock fits in. Oleander’s sophomore release, Unwind (Republic/Universal), is evidence that this genre of music is still very much alive, and an important part of the musical scene. Soon after grunge became nothing more than a moment in music history, progressive rock, …

Just when you think that the rap-metal genre couldn’t possibly be taken to another level, in come six guys from, of all places, Topeka, Kansas. The band is called 8 Degrees, and they are currently based in Southern California, hoping to land a record deal. Their second independent release, titled A Series of Moments, is …

Since forming in Aberdeen, Washington in the eighties, the Melvins have been famous for being different. But their latest outing, Electroretard (Man’s Ruin Records), is perhaps their most experimental and diverse yet. Each of the songs sounds so unique, it is as if they are written and performed by different artists. The good news is …

Critics have long touted Red Hot Chili Peppers‘ guitarist John Frusciante as an incredible talent. The VH1 Behind The Music program introduced Frusciante’s story to mainstream America, as millions watched his tale of sinking into the depths of drug addiction and rising back to the heights of sobriety. But his latest CD, To Record Only …

Imagine Korn, but harder. Imagine Ozzy, but hungrier. Imagine Coal Chamber, but scarier. If you could do any of the above, you would form an image of Depswa. Straight out of No Cal but currently based out of the Sunset Strip, Depswa is a metal band that has a lot to offer head-bangers all over …