ALBUM REVIEW: Grave Pleasures – Plagueboys


 

Grave Pleasures were one of those bands that had been stuck on my ‘must check out at some stage’ list, until now. In case you weren’t aware of the history, they originally formed as Beastmilk back in 2010 and put out debut Climax after which came the name change as well as a string of subsequent releases. Plagueboys is the band’s fourth full-length album overall and the follow-up to 2017’s Motherblood. Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: Dawn Ray’d – Agvirre – Underdark – Gospelheim – Live at FAC251, Manchester UK


First time at FAC 251 and it was a little strange. First impressions, it’s a strange little venue, steeped in Manchester history. This is the building that New Order famously built, and the Happy Mondays infamously destroyed. Being largely at the heart of the Manchester party scene it’s not exactly noted for hosting many metal gigs, but with Manchester still in the process of re-opening some of the regular places aren’t quite open yet. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Deafheaven – Infinite Granite


It’s near midnight and I’m driving down New Hampshire Route 111. I’m not headed anywhere of importance and have no real sense of urgency. Not another vehicle for miles and the sole sources of light are the moon and the occasional lonely lamppost. The accompaniment for this very calming dark drive is Deafheaven’s latest, Infinite Granite (Sargent House). May seem a bit moody or even scary to others, but this drive and soundtrack make for a wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here moment for me.

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Primal Scream Vocalist Denise Johnson Dies, Age 56


Sad news as celebrated singer Denise Johnson, who contributed vocals for Primal Scream, New Order, Johnny Marr, and others, died Monday at her home in Manchester, England at the age of 56. Her family released a statement revealing that Johnson “had been ill in the week prior to her death, but told friends she was ‘much better’ on Friday.” The cause of death was not known, but it was reported by her family that she was discovered holding her inhaler.We send our condolences out to her family, fans, and friends at this time.Continue reading


Watch Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” In The Styles of Pantera, Poppy, Deftones, My Chemical Romance, Korn, Steelheart, Yes and More!


Anthony Vincent is back with another one of his awesome 10 Second Songs videos from his popular YouTube channel! This time he recreates Rick Astely’s 1980s classic in the styles of Pantera, Prince, Toto, Chris Isak, Foster The People, Beach Boys, Steelheart, The Notorious B.I.G., New Order, Earth, Wind and Fire, Korn, Billy Joel, Deftones, George Michael, Yes, The Verve, and My Chemical Romance! Check it out! Continue reading


Smashing Pumpkins Announce Guests For 30th Anniversary Show Later This Week


On tour all summer, Smashing Pumpkins have been playing secret shows, hosting fan contests and more to celebrate their return. Now they have announced numerous special guests for their upcoming 30th Anniversary Performance at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ on August 2, 2018. AFI frontman Davey Havok, Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook, Killers members Dave Keuning and Mark Stoermer, Courtney Love, Mark McGrath, and Deftones frontman Chino Moreno will join the band throughout the momentous show.


Announced due to overwhelming demand for a second New York area date, the special 30th anniversary performance will feature a career-spanning setlist, covers, never before seen production, and more surprises. Indie rock band Metric will provide support. Tickets for the show are on sale now and are available at www.smashingpumpkins.com, LiveNation.com, and via the Live Nation App.


FESTIVAL REVIEW: Riot Fest 2017 – Douglas Park, Chicago


Nine Inch Nails at Riot Fest 2017, by Omar Cordy/OJC PICS

Riot Fest was started a few years back in the grand spirit of the old school one-off festivals of lore. It was intended to be special from the get-go and they have done a reasonable job of sandwiching themselves into a busy summer of Lollapalooza, Chicago Open Air, and many other destination festival shows. Having a mix of alternative rock, metal, Hip-Hop, indie rock, and more has helped carve out its own niche, and between special performances, varied food and beer options, late-night after parties, and basically the cool factor Chicago offers as one of the best cities in America, it’s no wonder fans flocked to the event from all over the world.Continue reading


PVRIS – All We Know Of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell


What became of real pop stars? This is a question I have asked myself over and over the last few years. As we’ve lost Prince, George Michael, and David Bowie, and there is no new Madonna, Bjork, Sinead, Tori, or nary even an Alanis in sight, I wondered when the next generation of legends would come, if ever. A few years back I got turned on to PVRIS when I still lived in their home state of Massachusetts, and I heard White Noise right when it came out. Then I saw them live, and whoa, I was blown away by them. However, one of the hardest things to pull off in music is the second album. Sure you have your entire first act to create a sound and cultivate your style. People are fickle and expect a lot as fans. Much tougher to grow from that and keep it going, but PVRIS has pulled it off impressively. Continue reading


Riot Fest 2017 Announces Full Schedule, Late Night Concerts


Riot Fest is coming next month in Chicago with headliners, Nine Inch Nails, Queens of the Stone Age and Jawbreaker. The festival has announced the full set times and stages for the event, as well as the late night concert series. All times and ticket link details can be found below.Continue reading


The 2017 Riot Fest Lineup Includes Nine Inch Nails, Queens of the Stone Age, Jawbreaker And More


Riot Fest is returning to Chicago’s Douglas Park this September, and the initial lineup is absolutely amazing. Continue reading