Sparrows - Dallas, Texas 

Review: 

Sparrows, a blackened death metal band from Dallas, recently released a new album entitled “Mark of The Beast”. ”Mark of the Beast” is a fast-paced and heavy album, combining many different styles of metal to create a unique sound. Most prevalent are those elements of black metal, pure death metal, thrash metal, and deathcore, creating a Skeleton Witch/Goatwhore-type sound. The guitar work in Sparrows stands out. The guitarists use a combination of heavy and melodic riffs with varying degrees of complexity, which makes for a great metal sound.They also provide a good amount of quality solos. It’s refreshing to hear coherent solos in a metal age of solo-free bands and “fast-for-the-sake-of-being-fast” solos utilized by many guitarists of dubious competency. They prove you don’t need to need to imitate Brain Drill to come up with a quality guitar solo. A well done release that encompasses a large number of metal sub-genres. Definitely check them out!

For fans of: Skeleton Witch, Arsis, Goatwhore, Amon Amarth, Black Dahlia Murder, Gojira

- Zach, Brain Parasite Promotions

Band Links:

• Facebook

Previous Albums / Reviews:

Check out a full review / stream of their 2012 release, “Rivals of Christ”.

Cyanide Smile – Louisiana

Bio:

Cyanide Smile, a 5 piece metal band from southeastern Louisiana, molds together northeastern & southeastern American influences with European overtones to form a vintage powerful riff-driven musical style packed with massive dynamics and impact, socially and politically charged Orwellian lyrical concepts, and deeply intense guitar solos. With the release of their debut recording “Manifesto” in October of 2012, the group has established the foundation for many more recordings to come.

- Cyanide Smile

Band Links:

• Facebook
• www.CyanideSmile.com

Members:

Fan Review:  Southern Dose Of Rebellion

By: Kate Kidder – San Antonio, TX.

Well, let me start off this review by stating I’m by no means a music critic.  I wont go on and on about the technical prowess of a guitar player or how many beats per minute the drummer is dishing out. I either like something or I don’t and that’s all my reviews will be based on. Maybe I should just call them opinions?

Anyway, lets get to it!

Southern Dose of Rebellion is a band from San Antonio Tx.  their CD Retaliation was released January 26th 2013. The band consists of Riley Kidder -Vocals, Corey Evans -Guitar, Joe Spiers -Bass Guitar & Clinton Merrifield -Drums.

The opening track is “A Reason to Bleed”  it starts out fast and furious and doesn’t let up.  I had a pretty good idea I was going to like this band about 10 seconds in when I heard a very Randy Blythe like scream from Riley.

The next track “Southern Dose” switches gears just a little, it’s still heavy as shit, but it’s got a groove to it.

“Slaying the Lamb” The first time I listened to this track it was one of my least favorites on the CD. I’ve listened to the CD start to finish about 5-6 times now and it’s growing on me.  The end of the track has a slight doom feel to it and it leads into the next track REALLY well.

“I Am Your God” continues the slower doom feel from the previous track then kicks it up a notch. It’s one of the slower songs on the CD, but it’s got a really heavy grind to it.

“Dethroned” My hands down fav track on this CD  (you can download it for free on their ReverbNation page here) maybe it’s the Dimebag like squeal in the chorus from the guitar, or the heavy groove from the bass. I Don’t know, but it rocks. or here it here

“Secede” is southern metal through and through, it’s got Texas attitude all over it.

“The Art of Confession”  reminds me a lot of Lamb of God, I keep getting a “hey that sounds like….” and then  before I can place the song its gone.  But that may explain why its also one of my fav tracks.

“Remission”  The pace of this song changes back and forth from hard and fast to a slower grind. First thing that comes to mind is the pit. If you’ve been to a metal show you know what I’m talking about. all hell breaks lose and then about halfway through the song there’s a break, the pit slows down. A slow moving circle of metal heads waiting. Then all hell breaks lose again.

“Flawed” This is my second fav track, the intro has an epicness to it like they are preparing to unleash an ass kicking.

“Retaliation Before Submission” is the last track, and finishes out my top three tracks. It starts off heavy but ends with a slower tempo and is the perfect end to this CD.

In a nutshell, I REALLY like this CD. I’ve listened to it from beginning to end 5-6 times now and added it to my phone to listen to at work.  Southern Dose of Rebellion have a Lamb of God like vibe to them, but they don’t sound like a Lamb of God copy.  According to their ReverbNation BIO they are a fairly new band. That can mean only one thing. The only way to go from here is up.  There is a little bit of everything on this CD Groove, Thrash, Doom and straight up HEAVY METAL.

Rock and Roll is alive and well in San Antonio! They currently play in and around San Antonio and Austin, hopefully we will see them in other places in the great state of Texas soon. I know I’d love to see them in Houston, I bet they put on a kick ass show.

You can find more info about Southern Dose of Rebellion on Facebook & ReverbNation.

- Kate Kidder

Members:

• Vocals: Riley Kidder
• Guitar: Corey Evans
• Bass: Joe Spiers
• Drums: Clinton Merrifield

Band Links:

• Facebook
• ReverbNation

A Crime Of Passion — Seattle, WA

A Crime of Passion is a 4 piece Progressive/Melodic Metal band from Seattle, WA. Check out a live stream of their Reverbnation feed above and show them some love on their FB Page!

Bio:

“A Crime Of Passion (ACOP) are an American metal band formed in Seattle, WA in 2010. Drummer Chris Johnson and guitarist George Williams got together and began hashing out ideas for what would become their very first EP almost immediately upon meeting each other in Seattle. Bassist Tim Reel was brought into the picture through his connection with Johnson, having played rhythm guitars with him in their former Seattle metal group Darkest Grace. The whirlwind of personality and charisma that is vocalist Matt Giles stuck out as a perfect fit for the band and completes the four piece ensemble that is A Crime Of Passion.

Their unique self produced songwriting approach and “Let’s kick some ass” attitude is what makes A Crime Of Passion a definitive force to be reckoned with. With members of the band hailing from Montana, Illinois, Washington and Alabama, the diversity among the foursome has proven to create a mash up of heavy metal styles that is undeniably skull crushing. The band’s first self produced EP is set to be released in winter of 2012. Anybody fan of heavy music with an undying pulse must hear for themselves that A Crime Of Passion undoubtedly has a place picked out for themselves in the Heavy Metal Community.”

- A Crime Of Passion

Band Links:

• A Crime Of Passion

Members:

• Matt Giles
• Chris Johnson
• George Williams
• Timothy Reel

Two Neck Noose — Westland, MI

Review:

 

Two Neck Noose is a 4 piece Metal band from Westland, MI that combines old school Death Metal and Trash Elements to create a heavy, fast paced sound. The band formed in July of 2012 and is currently unsigned.
The riffs in Two Neck Noose are typically fast-paced, with a heavy Thrash Influence. It reminds me of an older Cannibal Corpse song (like from ‘Tombs of the Mutilated) mixed with Lamb of God. The sound is very fast and intense sure to please fans of Napalm Death, Dying Fetus as well as the two aforementioned bands.The drummer exhibits a high degree of talent and the drum tracks sound polished. Vocals are death growls and Death Metal screams, adding intensity to an already in-your-face style.
Overall, Two Neck Noose is a great talent that is already very polished. They have an awesome, intense sound that is as polished and professional as you’ll find in the underground. Thrashy, brutal, never boring, Two Neck Noose is bound to take off in the near future!

For fans of: (older)Cannibal Corpse, (older) Death, Napalm Death, Dying Fetus, Lamb of God, Pantera, Obituary

- Zach, Brain Parasite Promotions

Band Links:

• Facebook
• Youtube

Members:

• Richard Clearman – Vocals
• Davy Downs – Guitar
• Randy Zohfeld – Drums
• Chris Howlin – Bass

Kleos — Houston, Texas

Review:

Kleos is a 5-piece Metal band from Houston, TX that formed in 2010. The band combines elements of old school Death Metal, Deathcore, Blackened Death Metal, Progressive Metal, and Thrash, creating a unique Metal Sound. The band is currently signed to Brutal Tooth Records.
Musically, Kleos stands out. The guitarists are talented, evidenced by uniquely timed and picked riffs and complex leads. The range of riff styles and song structures are sure to please fans of the Black Dahlia Murder, the Faceless, and Amon Amarth. The drums sound very professional and the drummer displays a great ability to change time signature and speed on a dime, a very valuable trait for a Metal drummer. The vocals range, from true Death Metal vocals to Deathcore sounding vocals to cleans, adding a lot of depth to an already complex sound.
Overall, Kleos is a complete and full-sounding band. It is hard to put them in a category since they embody elements of multiple styles of Metal and Death Metal. Really cool sound, impressive musicianship, not run-of-the mill by anyone’s standards, go check them out!
For fans of: The Black Dahlia Murder, Arsis, Amon Amarth, the Faceless

- Zach ( Brain Parasite Promotions )

Band Links:

• Facebook

Members:

• Johnnathan Burris | Vocals
• Andy Lawrence | Guitars
• Adam Denoth | Guitars
• Clay Burk | Bass
• Adrian Galindo | Drums

Blessiddoom – Missoula, MT

Blessiddoom is a 5 piece Metal band from Missoula, MT. Check out their Reverbnation feed above for a bunch of their tracks!

Bio:

“Blessiddoom began in fall of 2005 officially with Sherri, Russ, and Dddie writing music together. the lineup was cememted in the spring of 2006 with the addition of paul on drums. by april of 2006, the band had booked it’s first show in support of domes hots and northwest royale. Blessiddoom played many local shows in western Montana, sharing the stage with many local acts and larger acts such as burn in silence, the absence, year of desolation, separation of self, 2 headed chang, hemlock and Psychostick.

the bands stage show brings energy from the band members and includes two go-go style dancers that were added in december of 2008. known as the daughters of doom, sunny cunt and daisy doom perform with the band. sunny was later replaced by dahlia doom. this combination of dancers, flashing lights, air raid syrens, and above all a heavy shredding music that moves the audience, brings an incredible energy to all Blessiddoom shows.

Blessiddoom was selected as a finalist in the 2008 pbr band of the year competition. they were also selected to be on the budweiser untapped sampler in 2008 that was free with purchases of budweiser in western montana.

blessiddoom has been featured in both the entertainer and the missoula independent several times, including a two page spread in august of 2007.

blessiddoom’s debut release came in april of 2009. the album entitled dystopium explores many topics including apathy, religion, self-reliance, revolution, and much more.”

- Blessiddoom

Band Links:

• Facebook
• Reverbnation

Members:

• Paul Rosen – drums
• Russ Reel – guitar
• Sherri Reel – bass
• Eddie Johnson – vocals
• Chelsi Jovin – vocals

Wednesday Night Church Fight  — Dyersburg, TN

Bio:

“Basically we’re just a group of guys from a small Tennessee town that enjoy what we do. Providing an auditory mixture of extreme metal influences and a desire to shed the light on the ignored, unknown and unwanted aspects of today’s society and provide a provocative show in the process.

For unknown to the world of the complacent and entertained, there exists a behind the scenes world of sleaze, sin, false apologies, perversion, drug induced illusions, deviancy, vastly encompassing corruption, and all things beyond.

We are Wednesday Night Church Fight.

We’re always looking for shows, so if interested just hit us up!”

- Wednesday Night Church Fight

 

Band Links:

• Facebook
• Reverbnation

Members:

• Kenny – Vocals
• Billy – Guitar
• Daryl – Bass
• Jon – Drums

Forlorn Path — New Jersey

Forlorn Path is a 3 piece Black/Doom Metal Band with Melodic influences. These guys have been together since 2008 and have recently released their Full length Album, “Man’s Last Portrait”.. Full stream above, download the album in its entirety FREE at their Bandcamp!

Band Links:

• Facebook
• Website

Members:

• Yuriy Garnaev
• Dave Imbriaco
• Ivan Chernikov

Bio:

“Forlorn Path emerged from the New Brunswick, NJ basement scene in 2008, playing aggressive, in-your-face death metal. Over the years, the band’s sound has grown into a unique blend of black, doom, and melodic death metal, with slow, droning sections, blast beats, melodic choruses, eerie melodies, and acoustic interludes. The culmination of their efforts can be heard on Man’s Last Portrait – their debut full-length album – which is available for free download. Visit the band at: www.forlornpath.com!”

- Forlorn Path

A Sleepless Malice — Flint, MI

A Sleepless Malice is a 5 piece Metal Band from Flint, MI. With the recent addition of THE original “Metal Doc Brown”, Justin Allen on vocals – this Band is definitely going to make some noise in the Midwest Metal scene. If you like the sound of a seamless blend of Technical and Melodic Metal, your going fucking love this band. Their track, “Into The Void” is absolutely amazing and a MUST listen – check it out on their Reverb stream above!!

Bio:

A Sleepless Malice was created in 2008 by Jeff King, Chris Whipple, Doug Cleland, Aaron Christensen, and Tony Spina. They’ve played hundreds of shows, local and national alike. In 2010 the band recorded it’s first self titled E.P. with Nick Morris at Cloud City Studios (The Black Dahlia Murder’s “Unhallowed” Walls of Jericho’s “All Hail the Dead”) and released it independently via online distributors and physical release.This lineup would remain the same until 2012 when Spina and Christensen parted ways with the band due to personal differences. The band had already begun work on their second E.P., “Under a Dying Sun,” again with Nick Morris, and not wanting to lose momentum they invited their friend Justin Allen to continue playing shows and record the E.P. with them.The band has currently released both of their E.P’s and plan on touring in the Spring of 2013.

- A Sleepless Malice

 

Band Links:

• Facebook
• Reverbnation

Members:

• Justin Allen: Vocals
• Doug Cleland: Lead Guitar
• Jeff King: Guitar
• Chris Whipple: Drums
• Tim Williams: Bass

Cyperna — New Haven, CT

Cyperna is a 4 piece Metal/Thrash Band, formed in 2010. They submitted their track, “Deliquesce” – from their self titled EP, released in 2011. Like what you hear? Check out their links.

Band Links: 

• Facebook
• Youtube

Members: 

• Vocals – JT Obsolete (Stoyak)
• Guitar – Steve Barrett
• Guitar – Mike Corredor
• Drums – Shawn Cavanaugh

Bio: 

“Cyperna is an unmistakenly heavy band hailing from East Haven, CT. With their technical guitar riffs, intensely solid rhythm, and pulse-pounding drums, they seamlessly mold death metal, grind, and thrash to create a modern, visceral and extreme, brand of brutally explosive music.
Formed in late 2010, Cyperna, influenced by bands such as As Blood Runs Black, The Red Chord, and Despised Icon, came together when guitarists, Andy Stanislawski and Steve Barrett decided to form a band like no other. After finding drummer, Brian Coleman, and vocalist, JT Stoyak, they began to write some of the most vicious and blistering music to date. Their self-titled EP was released in February 2011.”

- Cyperna

Hit The Ground Running – Denver, CO

Hit the Ground Running is a 5 piece Hardcore / Metal band, formed in 2011. Check out their track, “Common Sense Ain’t So Common” above. If you like what you hear, check them out at the links below…

Bio:

 “Denver based Metalcore/Hardcore band, Hit The Ground Running, was formed in the late summer of 2011. It’s founding members consist of Tyler Chambers, David Hubbard, Ben Morris-Rains, and Jay Rieder.

Hit the Ground Running has always been less about the attitude and more about connecting with the people and lives that intertwine with our own. We understand that any growth or success we achieve is only a result of those that take the time to share this experience with us. If you are reading this, it means that you share a part in that. And no matter how big or small that part is, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

- Hit The Ground Running

Band Links:

• Facebook
• Buy on Itunes

Members:

• Vocals – Connor Koren
• Guitar – David Hubbard
• Guitar – Ben Morris-Rains
• Bass – Jay Rieder
• Drums – Tyler Chambers

Seeker — Dallas, TX

Seeker is a 4 piece Death/Grind band, formed in early 2011. Check out their new track, “Alone” featuring Corey Bennet from Bermuda.

Bio:

“Seeker burst onto the scene in late 2011, playing its first show on October 1, 2011 before heading out on its first tour the following week. Vocalist Bryce Lucien describes the band’s sound as, “fast, aggressive, pissed off heavy metal. Everything we do is very raw, passionate and honest.”

Seeker released its debut EP ‘The Antagonist’ last spring for free via the official Seeker: Bandcamp

A music video for the track “Serpent Skin” surfaced last fall and can be seen on our YouTube

With new music on the horizon and a full touring schedule planned for the first half of the year, the current lineup – guitarist Justin Edgerton, vocalist Bryce Lucien, drummer Dustin Weaver and bassist Chris Keasler – is poised to take the band to the next level behind a blue-collar, DIY approach and a non-stop 2013 schedule.

“The fact that anyone cares and comes to our shows is something we’re always surprised by and very proud of,” added Lucien. “We’ve gotten to tour the country several times over, met a ton of really amazing people, and released music that we’re still excited to play every night…and we’ve done all of this completely on our own. We are DIY to our core. We realized very quickly that if we were going to make this happen we would have to step up and create our own future.”

Stay tuned to the official Seeker Facebook page for new music and tour-dates.”

- Seeker

 

Band Links:

• Facebook
• Bandcamp
• YouTube

Members:

• Justin Edgerton
• Bryce Lucien
• Dustin Weaver
• Chris Keasler

Harvester – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Harvester is a 4 piece Doom/Thrash Band with a bit of a Melodic twist. They formed in the beginning of 2010 and have been tearing up stages throughout Louisiana since. Lead guitarist, Matthew Wilkinson is the head administrator of our Louisiana Metal Chapter as well and is helping us spread everything that is METAL throughout the State. Check out  a handful of their tracks above, if you like what you hear – show these boys some love on Facebook!

Web Links:

• Facebook
• Reverbnation
• Free Downloads

Bio:

“Harvester is a 4 piece Doom/Thrash Metal band with a melodic twist. With a cast of characters ranging form a 6’8” hulking giant, to a 5’6” guy that’s 100 wet. The music is where we hang our hat, having had our song covered by many local bands, we feel is a testament to our sound.”

- Harvester

Members:

• Vocals/Rhythm Guitar – Jared Alleman
• Bass – Ben Giaccone
• Lead Guitar – Matt Wilkinson
• Drums – Austin Wood

Colonist – Virginia

Colonist is a 4 piece Metal/Hardcore Band from central Virginia. They just released their debut EP for Free Download through Bandcamp. Give it a listen, if you like what you hear. let them know on their Facebook page.

Bio:

“Long time friends and former members of Krayola Karnage and The Pear of Anguish got together in the fall of 2011 and created something called Colonist. We are a 4 piece metal/hardcore band from Central Virginia. We recently finished writing our first self-titled E.P. available January 25th for free download at colonistva.bandcamp.com. We like to play shows anywhere in VA so help us do that by booking us! ”

- Colonist

Web Links:

• Facebook
• Bandcamp

Members:

• Kenny Wells – Vocals
• Jason Farish – Drums
• Noah Wheeler – Guitar
• Tommy Bryant – Bass