EP Review: Atomics by Problem With Dragons

A reader just turned “us” (me) on to stoner rock trio Problem With Dragons and I’m really enjoying their 2012 EP Atomics.  Hailing from Easthampton, Massachusetts, these guys deliver fuzz-laden anthems in manageable 3-4 minute chunks. The EP opens with “Wanting,” catching the listener with a doomy hook almost immediately.  That guitar riff builds gradually,… Continue reading EP Review: Atomics by Problem With Dragons

Trim The Fat: A Review of Napalm Death’s Apex Predator – Easy Meat

  What else is there to say about Napalm Death? They’re one of the longest lasting and most consistent extreme metal bands in existence. And though they’ve been plagued with a few musical hiccups and numerous lineup changes in the past, they continue to be forerunners in the grindcore genre that they helped create. And… Continue reading Trim The Fat: A Review of Napalm Death’s Apex Predator – Easy Meat

This Friday, The Blizzard Continues at Toad’s Place

  In case you haven’t looked at Facebook in three months, Alternative Control would like to remind you that Opus’ B-Day Blizzard Bash is happening this Friday at Toad’s Place in New Haven.  The “who’s who” night of Connecticut metal will begin at 6 and feature 13 bands on two stages: “So Jessie May, you’ll… Continue reading This Friday, The Blizzard Continues at Toad’s Place

Review of Arisen Upon Oblivion by Unfathomed of Abyss

Arisen Upon Oblivion by Unfathomed of Abyss (a.k.a. Kevin Price) is an ambitious album with a purpose. “Arisen Upon Oblivion was purposely created to appeal to fans of the black metal genre while simultaneously revolting those who prefer the easy listening that accompanies today’s pop charts.” Furthermore, “Unfathomed of Abyss is Price’s attempt to develop… Continue reading Review of Arisen Upon Oblivion by Unfathomed of Abyss

A Connecticut Yankee in John Tru’s Court: My “Best Of” Hothfest 2015

Last weekend, I got to be “band wife” on Mission Hothfest with my husband’s symphonic metal outfit Lyra. They had a Sunday afternoon slot on Tru Entertainment’s two-day metal festival, but scene supporters that they are, we were at The Waterfront pretty much all weekend. Far from my southern Connecticut home with no set to… Continue reading A Connecticut Yankee in John Tru’s Court: My “Best Of” Hothfest 2015

Metal Manners, Part II: Bass-Droppin’ Some Knowledge

If you Google-Image "metal show meme," this is in the third row of results. VICTORY!

Editor’s Note: If you couldn’t figure it out from the title, this column is part of a series on metal etiquette. Vegetarian Metalhead just schooled the web on audience manners; now Jessie and Jeff have some tips for bands…. Jessie I’ve been playing in local bands for about ten years and booking shows for my… Continue reading Metal Manners, Part II: Bass-Droppin’ Some Knowledge

Metal Manners, Part I

   Editor’s Note: Howdy, folks!  Alternative Control is taking stab at an oft’ debated and oft’ blogged-about topic: metal manners.  There are so many lists of “39 Stupid Things Your Band Does” or “12 Ways to Be a Dick at a Show,” but still poor behavior prevails.  Will one more metal etiquette column change this?… Continue reading Metal Manners, Part I