Album Review: Before Our Time by Sperry Alan

When I read the title of Before Our Time’s first track, “Hold On Tight,” I sighed — was I about to review an album full of clichéd alt-pop drivel?  But “Hold On Tight” went beyond the expectations of its name, a jaunty guitar-driven number with an abrupt ending.  I decided to see what Sperry Alan… Continue reading Album Review: Before Our Time by Sperry Alan

Interview with End-Time Illusion

From the first time I saw End-Time Illusion, I was struck by their ability to play blisteringly technical riffs yet still maintain a strong groove.  (I was also impressed by bassist Gary Godreau’s amazing hair!)  On June 19 following their set at Toad’s Place for Hatebreed’s 20th anniversary show, I sat down with vocalist Adam… Continue reading Interview with End-Time Illusion

Interview with Paul Spak

Earlier this week, bassist Paul Spak was kind enough to answer some questions about his musical endeavors and the Summer Rock and Metal Fest he is hosting at Waterbury’s City Limits on 6/27.  Bringing in midwestern metal outfit On My Six and also featuring a diverse roster of locals, Spak’s organizing efforts will surely result… Continue reading Interview with Paul Spak

SomruS and Thali: Delicious Food and Drinks

  Earlier this week, Alternative Control was invited to Thali in New Haven to try SomruS, a recently launched Indian liqueur.  SomruS is truly an international product — dreamed up by a Chicago-based company, made with Caribbean rum, and bottled in Wisconsin, SomruS is the first cream liqueur to represent the flavors of India. And… Continue reading SomruS and Thali: Delicious Food and Drinks

Album Review: Nic Nassuet’s Eleutherios

Eleutherios, the latest release from gothic folk artist Nic Nassuet, reminds us not to judge an album by its cover… But then, to judge an album by its cover.  The foreboding picture of a goat-skulled figure surrounded by vultures and human carrion would be at home alongside the album art of a band like Skeletonwitch.… Continue reading Album Review: Nic Nassuet’s Eleutherios

EP Review: Grumsling’s A Church, On a Boat, In the Sea

One of the tags on Grumsling’s bandcamp is “new classic” — and in this case, it’s accurate.  The Oakland indie rock quartet have a Weezer-meets-Grateful-Dead vibe that I’ve never heard before, and I’m intrigued.  A Church, On a Boat, In the Sea, released in March 2015, tells the story of a trickster named (unsurprisingly) The Grumsling.  He… Continue reading EP Review: Grumsling’s A Church, On a Boat, In the Sea

The Only Thing Better Than Free Bacon…

What’s the only thing better than all the free bacon at Bacon Fest??  Getting into the show for free, too! One lucky metalhead will win two Bacon Fest tickets courtesy of Lyra and Alternative Control, a free beer from show organizer Eric Iocca (possibly with a hug), AND an AltCtrl prize pack.  This includes a free… Continue reading The Only Thing Better Than Free Bacon…