CT Innovation: A Review of Xenosis’ Devour and Birth

A band in the local Connecticut metal scene often consists of people that know how to play and want to play heavy metal. Well, duh. But it takes a special kind of band to take that ability and passion and turn it into innovation. There’s nothing wrong with a group of people getting together and… Continue reading CT Innovation: A Review of Xenosis’ Devour and Birth

Revenge of the 90s: TICKET GIVEAWAY and Interview with Keith Zalinger

Psychic home brewer and bassist extraordinaire Keith Zalinger is a true believer in the maxim “Go big or go home.”  In this case, Zalinger has turned a conversation at the bar into a reunion bash for four of Connecticut’s best-loved 90s bands.  The Revenge of 90s Rock and Metal, featuring Future Shock, Safe Haven, Khasm,… Continue reading Revenge of the 90s: TICKET GIVEAWAY and Interview with Keith Zalinger

Listening Lately: Graves at Sea, The Shape, Pinto Graham, and Demon Eye

Back in 2014, I started what was supposed to be a bi-weekly music review series: “Payday Downloads,” the idea being that I would download some new tunes on a Friday and post a quick-and-dirty review by that Sunday.  Well, the series lasted a whole three columns. With the hope of crossing albums off my review… Continue reading Listening Lately: Graves at Sea, The Shape, Pinto Graham, and Demon Eye

The Road to Slothfest, Part II: An Interview with Deathcrown

Editor’s Note: Deathcrown is another out-of-town band that will be playing Slothfest 2017 at Bleachers in Bristol on Saturday, July 29th.  Let’s give them some stories to take home, Connecticut! Introduce the band to AltCtrl: who are you, where is home, and what were you drinking when the band was formed? I’m Mikael Parks, but many call… Continue reading The Road to Slothfest, Part II: An Interview with Deathcrown

The Road to Slothfest: An Interview with West Virginia’s Disillusion Effect

Editor’s Note: Disillusion Effect will be playing Slothfest 2017 at Bleachers in Bristol on Saturday, July 29th.  Let’s give them a warm welcome, Connecticut! Introduce the band to AltCtrl: who are you, where is home, and what events led up to the formation of the band? We are Disillusion Effect from the rolling Appalachian Mountains… Continue reading The Road to Slothfest: An Interview with West Virginia’s Disillusion Effect

Bacon Fest, The Trilogy: An Interview with Eric Iocca (and TICKET GIVEAWAY)

This Sunday, I sat down with Eric Iocca to talk about the third year of his big show, Bacon Fest.  The 2017 incarnation will be on Saturday, June 3rd at Cherry Street Station in Wallingford, CT.  Doors open at 2pm, with the cooking contest at 2:30 and bands starting at 3.  Two hundred pounds of… Continue reading Bacon Fest, The Trilogy: An Interview with Eric Iocca (and TICKET GIVEAWAY)

EP Review: Downward Spiral

My buddy Marco G has been sending Alternative Control albums to review for a couple years, and Downward Spiral’s self-titled debut EP is my favorite so far.  It builds on the musical ideas from his previous group Stikpin and the production is radio-ready. Marco plays guitar in the current incarnation, joined by Stikpin vocalist Chris… Continue reading EP Review: Downward Spiral