SHOW REVIEW: Khemmis, Crypt Sermon, and Sanhedrin, January 14, 2017 // Brooklyn, NY

It was my maiden voyage to the seminal Brooklyn metal club Saint Vitus, and my GPS told me that I had “arrived.”  There was no marquee, no sign… Only a few long-haired dudes in jean jackets standing outside of a bodega, next to an unmarked black door with a cross over it.  Was this the… Continue reading SHOW REVIEW: Khemmis, Crypt Sermon, and Sanhedrin, January 14, 2017 // Brooklyn, NY

Baldwin’s Choice: Deathspell Omega

Heavy metal has been known for its extremity and controversy for a number of years, almost as long as it’s been a genre. Ever since Black Sabbath’s debut album in 1969, it’s challenged society’s acceptance and moralistic tolerance. Yet as years go on and once taboo facets of underground lifestyles become conventional, shocking the system… Continue reading Baldwin’s Choice: Deathspell Omega

Album Review: Verena von Horsten’s Alien Angel Super Death

In her new album Alien Angel Super Death, solo artist and multi-instrumentalist Verena von Horsten tackles the difficult topic of her brother’s suicide.  The ten synth-rock tracks are dark but still strangely catchy — especially for such a depressing topic.  “Fire” and “The Believer” will definitely be stuck in your head. Working out of New York… Continue reading Album Review: Verena von Horsten’s Alien Angel Super Death

Album Review: Talia’s Thugs They Look Like Angels

Thugs They Look Like Angels by French rock trio Talia has some serious 90s nostalgia.  The 2015 album is heavily influenced by grunge bands such as Nirvana and Hole.  Peppy riffs belie dark subject matter, like in the song “American Bride”: Talia opened for Soul Asylum in Los Angeles this summer, and they’ll be opening for… Continue reading Album Review: Talia’s Thugs They Look Like Angels

TOM’S TOTALLY BIASED FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2016

Musical taste is very subjective. What can be one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. My list is no different. These are the albums that I enjoyed the most in this past year. Once again, it skews more toward “rock” orientated releases, but that’s just my preference. I like what I like. Sometimes I wish… Continue reading TOM’S TOTALLY BIASED FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2016

The Pluckening to Descend on Stamford, 12/9/2016

For the past several years, Alternative Control has celebrated the birth of our favorite webmaster, beer expert, bass player, and beard model Johnny Pluckman with an epic metal show dubbed The Pluckening.  This Friday December 9th, the ceremonial nativity rite will be held at Seaside Tavern in Stamford and feature a lineup of Connecticut and… Continue reading The Pluckening to Descend on Stamford, 12/9/2016

Baldwin’s Top 20 Albums of 2016

How the hell do I wheedle down a top twenty album list from the surplus of awesome that 2016 offered me? Despite the wild social and political environment that defined 2016, this was a spectacular year for music. Newcomers and veterans alike pulled their best out of the creative ether. Every genre had way too… Continue reading Baldwin’s Top 20 Albums of 2016