“I’m no good with secrets” – Ozzy Osbourne Ozzy Osbourne has revealed that 2019 was the “worst, longest, most painful, miserable year of my life”. This news comes on the heels of a recent, and very false, rumor that the 71 year old vocalist was on his deathbed. Fans of the established metal icon will remember that in early 2019 it was reported that Osbourne had postponed upcoming North American tour dates following an...
Daisuke Wachi is a one-man Groove Metal band straight from the streets of LA. Recording and performing under the moniker Divine Era, his third and most recent release is called Scripture Codes Summon Suicidal Thoughts. As you would expect, this album is extremely dark, with lyrics covering everything from suicides to snuff films. Within the darkness, however, there is beauty. Daisuke’s musicianship is impeccable. Whether he’s playing guitar, bass or programming the drums, there is...
On this week’s “Find your Muse(ic)” we have Progressive Metal shredders Viking Guitar and their homage to the video game classic Legend of Zelda! With an excellent play through video, we see the band do what they do best with ease and finesse: shred that 7 string thing! With the progressive and technical tendencies of similar bands such as Blotted Science and the smooth delivery of guitarist Steve Van in his prime, Viking Guitar waste...
The ground was shaking in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on the night on January 11th at Cattivo. Twist of Fate Productions rang in the new year with one banger of a show that surely marks one of the best line-ups the company has put together in its short but prolific existence. To be point blank, if you missed this show, you missed something magical. Obviously it’s winter (despite the lack of snow and being handed copious amounts...
Within the last couple of years there has been a strong resurgence of Stoner and Doom Metal within the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania scene. Today we are going to take a look at new kids on the block Makeshift Urn with their debut Self-Titled EP. To start off, Makeshift Urn was a rather refreshing listen. I dabble within the genre of Stoner Metal every now and then when I get the itch, but let’s face it, if...
Post-hardcore kids Skies of Terra have begun to make their impression on the scene here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this past year. With an emotionally charged and diverse sound via their album Lunar, there’s a reason the name Skies of Terra has begun making its way around the City of Steel. The most notable thing about Lunar that reveals itself early on is that it is an album not afraid to wear its influences and heart...
What do you get if you mix the slight vocals of Smashing Pumpkins and the chaotic art noise from Cage the Elephant? If you said Friendo then you would be correct! Friendo is a punk band based out of Philadelphia/New Jersey. Putting out their self-titled album in May of 2019, Friendo brings a full range of chaos and and a whirlwind of emotions to your ears. Friendo is like your modern-day garage band, something that you...
I was fortunate enough to chat with Xander Demos, of Xander Demos Band (XDB), formerly of Ghost of War and Sabbath Judas Sabbath. I have been a big fan of Xander’s after seeing XDB open up for Stryper at the old Altar Bar. Here is our conversation: 1) First of…where in the hell did you learn to shred like you do?? Well, first of all, thank you for the compliment! As far as where I...
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania rockers The Crowning just dropped their brand new single “All I Want”. With blistering melodic tendencies and soaring vocals, the band waste no time gripping your brain and not letting go. With an amazing backdrop musically and a massive yet emotional chorus, The Crowning more than prove their salt here. Somewhere between hard rock and indie flare, The Crowning find a unique yet familiar sound that will keep you coming back for more!...
2019 has been an amazing year of music within the realms of independent and underground artists. With so much amazing talent that has come across my path over here at First Angel Media, I can’t help but be excited for what new music 2020 has in store! Here is my Top 10 releases of 2019 that have been in constant rotation for me and why they should be yours as well! In no particular order:...
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based rap/metal duo East Koast Craziez are back at it again with the release of their upcoming Ep “Mudpit Monsters”. With their spastic energy and murderous intent, the duo plan to devour all those who dare step in their path with their horror tinged brand of hip hop. Mudpit Monsters is a gruesome affair within realm of the horrorcore genre. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but those acquainted with the genre are sure...
You may notice that my annual concert tally is down a bit from last year, but that’s what happens when life gets in the way. This is by no means a ranking. Rather, it is just log of shows I went to in 2019. Although, admittedly, the Iron Maiden gig would top my all-time list. And yes, the personal bias is strong on that one. How many did yinz make it to? List them in...
I normally don’t rank or put too much stock in EP’s, but I heard enough memorable and hopeful ones this year that they deserved to be honored in their own list for 2019. History has shown that EP’s can jumpstart band’s careers, and I think that may happen in at least some of these cases. Let’s begin! Royal Honey-Hype Money, and Misbehavior Riparian-s/t Cianide-Unhumanized Dusk-The Toll Beastmaker-Eye of the Storm Feverhawk-Nocturnal Urge Leather Lung-Lonesome, On’ry...
On this week’s Find Your Muse(ic) we have 9 Stitch Method with their single “Ceiling” off of their album “Jaywalking Somnambulist“. Ceiling hits straight for the gut with punishing groove and technical guitar work along with the menacing vocal work that the band have become known for. The infamous duo have had a rather proactive and productive year in 2019 and we can’t wait to see what the band plans to unfold in the year 2020...
I’ve dreaded having to compile this list for a few years now as I almost found it too daunting and risky. What would I be leaving out? Which albums would prove to be controversial inclusions? What haven’t I heard? However, in curating this roll call of greatness, I was reminded of the stylistic diversity and strength heavy metal possesses and how it seems to constantly branch out into endless tributaries. We bore aural witness to...
Ohio-based black metal fanatics Plagueweilder have just dropped their newest album Suffering From Self Inflicted Wounds. With its lo-fi tendencies and dark atmosphere, the band aims to unleash their fury on the underground with this release. To be point blank, Plaguweilder’s newest batch of tunes are ungodly (no pun intended) to say the least. Nothing is sacred (besides maybe the Dark Lord himself) as the band rips through five tracks of unrelenting mayhem. Suffering From...
ThunderStruck America’s AC/DC Tribute – Neutral Loss – Tommy Magik and the Wonderfulls take over The Crafthouse with a SOLD OUT crowd. From elbows to shoulders, butts to backs, weaving your way through the crowd was a hard task to accomplish! I actually got stuck behind the stage but you’ll hear no complaints from me. I had a clear view of the action on stage and action it was! Thunderstruck rips the stage to pieces....
Welcome to yet another year-end metal albums list, and what a 12 months it has been! Older bands and newcomers from myriad subgenres fought alongside and against each other for honor and the common hessian cause. Veteran acts said farewell and young lions bathed in baptismal, Promethean fires. Yes, I listed 80 albums this year, making for an unprecedented roll call! Paring it down proved to be far too difficult. The numerical rankings are fairly...
