One of the pioneers of metalcore, Converge has released numerous EPs, splits, LPs and has been included on dozens of compilations. Formed back in 1990, the quartet became one of the prime influences on the bands that make up the recent new wave of hardcore. To ease the financial burden on their fans, they have …
To generalize, in going to shows, many kids today keep to big venues and their usual rosters of five or more bands. But in the music scene, the route most bands take before they can headline (or financially afford to join) those 1,000+ capacity venues is through gigs at tiny venues. Even with regular rotation …
One of the amazing things about music is that it is like a disease. It grows and with each new patient, it changes and adapts. Emocore or post-hardcore (whatever you wish to call it) is a relatively new evolution in music, and already there are bands emulating their elders. A Static Lullably is one of …
During this time of war, many musicians are using their places in the public eye to preach their anti-war or pro-peace statement (yes, there is a difference). The group System of A Down has been very vocal in their anti-Bush, anti-war protests, and have managed to turn a few of their youthful fans towards their …
Machine Head has come under fire in recent years for the direction that their music has taken. Instead of sticking with the straight-forward crushing rock of their earlier albums, the Bay Area metallers have incorporated some rap-rock elements into their sound. While that has led to a legion of disbelievers, fans and haters alike acknowledge …
The phenomenon that was rap metal seems to be in its waning years but that has not stopped grade 8 from coming into prominence. Their debut release, a self-titled affair, has gained them a slot on Ozzfest 2003 and for good cause. With chugging guitars, a clean low end and powerful vocals, grade 8 should …
While the music revolution of the early '90s that took place in Seattle will most likely not be seen again, Long Island appears to be the scene of the newest musical evolution. Bands are popping up day in and day out that have taken rock and added a healthy dose of human emotion. That union …
It blows my mind to think that at 24 I am over the hill. But, going to a show like Taking Back Sunday on Long Island proved it. From what I could tell, the average age of the crowd was lurking around 14 years old. 14! The only fact that brought me some solace was …
Wow. Even weeks later, the Life of Agony reunion show has me virtually speechless. Back for the first time in over five years, the Brooklyn, New York natives returned to the stage in front of a frantic sold-out crowd in New York's Irving Plaza. The original lineup of LOA, Keith Caputo, Joey Z, Alan Robert …
Now I have never been to California, so when asked to describe a particular scene, I can only go on hearsay. What I have heard is that the Orange County scene was firmly based in punk/ska party music in the '90s but of late it went down the serious harder metal road. Anaheim, California's own …