Album Review: Misery Signals’ Ultraviolet (August 7th, Self-Released)

When the opportunity to review Ultraviolet, the new offering from Misery Signals, floated across my virtual desk, it piqued my interest more than most. While I haven’t heard their entire back catalogue, I was fortunate enough to sit in on an interview with original bassist Kyle Johnson back in 2014, as a contributor to The… Continue reading Album Review: Misery Signals’ Ultraviolet (August 7th, Self-Released)

Listening Lately: Vestal Claret (Again!) and Drainbow

It’s gettin’ hot in the late July blogosphere….  Today we’ve got Vestal Claret’s just-released remix of their 2011 debut album Bloodbath and Drainbow’s upcoming LP The Tower of Flints blaring from the laptop speakers. Vestal Claret is a band that pushes boundaries; they were doing occult metal before its trendy resurgence, as early as 2006. … Continue reading Listening Lately: Vestal Claret (Again!) and Drainbow

Listening Lately: Brimstone Coven, Khemmis, and Slow Draw

I belong to a dying breed of music listeners that still burns CDs and plays them in the car.  Here’s what’s been in rotation this past week: Brimstone Coven’s new album The Woes of A Mortal Earth is due out August 21st through Ripple Music.  A spin of the promo on the ride to Grandma’s… Continue reading Listening Lately: Brimstone Coven, Khemmis, and Slow Draw

AltCtrlToob Video Premiere: BONE CHURCH Sits Down with Charlie Platteborze

Connecticut doom rockers Bone Church sat down at Altones last month with Charlie Platteborze to chat about how the band got started, their relationship with Ripple Music, and more. Presented by SCENE Productions, it’s quite the enlightening interview. For instance, find out which member of Bone Church may or may not have a family history… Continue reading AltCtrlToob Video Premiere: BONE CHURCH Sits Down with Charlie Platteborze

Album Review: Fear by Valkyrie (July 24th, Relapse)

My propensity for writing introductions has declined in old age, so let’s just launch right into it…  Virginia rockers Valkyrie are releasing their fourth album on July 24th, 2020, once again via Relapse Records.  If you liked Shadows, you’ll certainly be purchasing Fear— with the Adams brothers on dueling guitars and the same rhythm section… Continue reading Album Review: Fear by Valkyrie (July 24th, Relapse)

Staying Gold with Brenna Leath of Crystal Spiders and More

After seeing the video premiere for “Trapped” off Crystal Spiders’ debut studio album Molt, I had to find out more about this entrancing North Carolina band. Frontwoman and bassist Brenna Leath talked with me about what’s going on with Crystal Spiders, as well as how she got her start as a musician, her other projects… Continue reading Staying Gold with Brenna Leath of Crystal Spiders and More

Album Review: Echoes from Deep November by Fires in the Distance

The debut album from Connecticut metal supergroup Fires in the Distance, Echoes from Deep November more than lives up to expectations from their local scene — and furthermore, the expectations placed upon a band that was signed before their first release in the midst of a pandemic.  But these guys have been at it long… Continue reading Album Review: Echoes from Deep November by Fires in the Distance