Album Review: Stikpin’s Funeral for the Sun

Middletown rockers Stikpin released their first album Funeral for the Sun this June.  Characterized by gritty vocals and slow, bluesy grooves, fans of Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Deliverance-era Corrosion of Conformity will find it a worthwhile listen. With Chris Weller on the mic and guitarist Marco G. at the helm in terms of songwriting… Continue reading Album Review: Stikpin’s Funeral for the Sun

The Coolest of Devy Metal Casualties – A Review of Devin Townsend’s Casualties of Cool

A review of a Devin Townsend album. What a surprise, right? Well don’t worry, I’ve decided to give this review of his new album Casualties of Cool a solid critique based on an honest analysis, and not in my own well documented fandom. But just to make things clear, Devin Townsend happens to be one… Continue reading The Coolest of Devy Metal Casualties – A Review of Devin Townsend’s Casualties of Cool

Emails from Near and Far: Reviews of Unscarred and Valence

You never know what you’ll find in ol’ inbox.  Recently we received review inquiries from French thrashers Unscarred and New York instrumental prog band Valence.  It took me awhile to get the downloaded tracks into Alternative Control’s Music Review Machine, er, my car’s CD player — but at long last I’ve listened to both bands’… Continue reading Emails from Near and Far: Reviews of Unscarred and Valence

Don’t Call It a Comeback: Eyehategod Delivers a Killer New Record

When these miscreants emerged from New Orleans about 25 years ago, few people were prepared for their vicious combination of Black Sabbath and My War-era Black Flag.  Their sound was noisy, ugly and very real, almost too real. Their shows often went out of control, and members of the band have spent time in jail… Continue reading Don’t Call It a Comeback: Eyehategod Delivers a Killer New Record

Exmortus: Slave to the Sword – CD Review

By Bill Klopfer & Vegetarian Metalhead Earlier this year we saw Dark Tranquility at the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts and little did we know we were in for a majestic treat.  Expecting to see a copycat Swedish opening act, we weren’t prepared for the impact the band would have.  Exmortus, looking very young, proved they… Continue reading Exmortus: Slave to the Sword – CD Review

Cinderblock Music: A Review of Penitentary’s Claustrophobia

Anybody that knows Bill Klopfer knows that he’s a busy man. I don’t believe a single day passes without a riff being written. You can look at his metal band resume as proof of his prolific nature. He’s currently a crucial part of the bands Murder Castle, Kaos Reign and of course, Penitentary. So here… Continue reading Cinderblock Music: A Review of Penitentary’s Claustrophobia

Review of Opus Unplugged

When Christian Lawrence, a.k.a. Opus, asked me to review his new solo album Opus Unplugged, I automatically said yes – because that’s what Alternative Control does when anyone asks us to review their album/tuba quartet/nude performance art.  But then I got worried.  Here’s this dude who makes a lot of things happen in “the scene,”… Continue reading Review of Opus Unplugged