Getting the Vapors: A Review of Writing in the Skies’ Aphasia

Writing in the Skies, hailing from Western Massachusetts is a talented instrumental metal/prog rock act for sure. Their debut EP Aphasia is a sweet taste of what the band has to offer with their upcoming LP. I’m only assuming (and hoping) that the band will continue to progress from their EP, since they seem to… Continue reading Getting the Vapors: A Review of Writing in the Skies’ Aphasia

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

Nightbitch 2015

It’s been a while, but our favorite purveyors of sleazy trad metal, Nightbitch, are back with a new self-titled EP on The Ajna Offensive, which they recently showcased at a record release on June 5 at Cherry Street Station with Pussywolf, Nasty Disaster and Buzzard Canyon. Well, not wanting to rest on their laurels, the… Continue reading Nightbitch 2015

Faith In Our Heroes: A Review of Faith No More’s Sol Invictus

  Faith No More has returned. Many of us thought that we’d never see the day. The band had reunited for touring, but a studio album is a different beast. It’s skeptical to think that a band who hasn’t released new material in almost 20 years could muster up the old creative magic. And what… Continue reading Faith In Our Heroes: A Review of Faith No More’s Sol Invictus

Toilet Autographs and More Tales from the Road: An Interview with Ensiferum Bassist Sami Hinkka

The only time Sami wasn't in full headbang mode was when he was singing!

Interview by Jessie May and Jillian Simpson Questions by Jessie, Jillian, Christopher Baldwin, Thomas Pizzola, and Doug Welch III On May 29th, Alternative Control had the opportunity to talk with Ensiferum’s Sami Hinkka at Irving Plaza in New York before the final show of the band’s North American tour.  Hinkka, who has been playing bass and doing… Continue reading Toilet Autographs and More Tales from the Road: An Interview with Ensiferum Bassist Sami Hinkka

2015: A Space Odyssey – A Review of Arcturus’ Arcturian

It’s been ten years since Arcturus has given us a gift. I call them gifts because to my ears, Arcturus hasn’t offered up a dud since their inception. Sure, Sideshow Symphonies was perhaps a bit too “normal” sounding. It was more like symphonic metal than anything else. But calling Arcturus avant-garde metal was a stretch… Continue reading 2015: A Space Odyssey – A Review of Arcturus’ Arcturian