SHOW REVIEW: Us Against the World Tour, NYC

Review by Jonathan Hammer and Peter Jones-Torregrosa Photos by  Peter Jones-Torregrosa SHOW REVIEW: SLAVES in New York SHOW DATE: 3/26/2016 VENUE: WEBSTER HALL LINEUP: SLAVES, CAPTURE THE CROWN, MYKA RELOCATE, OUTLINE IN COLOR, CONQUER DIVIDE E. 11 Street, New York City: After regretting the choice of wearing a sweatshirt while waiting in line on March… Continue reading SHOW REVIEW: Us Against the World Tour, NYC

Album Review: Tengger Cavalry’s Blood Sacrifice Shaman

Deserved or not, folk metal has a less-than-serious reputation — a genre that calls to mind horns of mead and drunk guys do-si-do-ing in the Ensiferum pit.  But Tengger Cavalry, based in Mongolian folk music, eschews the ironic joviality of some of its European cousins.  Featuring throat singing and traditional string instruments along with drums,… Continue reading Album Review: Tengger Cavalry’s Blood Sacrifice Shaman

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

No Clever Title: An Interview With Justin Symbol

I’ll admit, I don’t know a goddamn thing about EDM or industrial music.  Not my bag.  But Justin Symbol is from Stamford, he’s playing at Seaside on 12/13, and hey, we are the fucking scene, right?  So here I am interviewing Justin Symbol. The first thing I did to acquaint myself with Symbol’s work was… Continue reading No Clever Title: An Interview With Justin Symbol

Tired Wings, Unflappable: A Pending Invasion from the Big Rotten Apple

Five years ago, Charles Canedo and Luis Cambero were the rhythm section for a promising 6-piece metal project out of Brooklyn. Canedo carried himself with the confidence and presentation of a frontman despite playing bass, crowded alongside two guitarists and a vocalist. Cambero flavored the straight-up thrash with progressive elements and infectious rhythm from behind… Continue reading Tired Wings, Unflappable: A Pending Invasion from the Big Rotten Apple

From the Constitution State to the Big Rotten Apple: A Commentary on the CT Scene Representing in the Shitty City

I can say I have something in common with Rob Halford and Matt Barlow, aside from all that leather and a shaved head. I have yet to be replaced by Tim “Ripper” Owens… What we share is the cherished chance to return to Metal, after an absence that left life lacking. Nothing makes you appreciate… Continue reading From the Constitution State to the Big Rotten Apple: A Commentary on the CT Scene Representing in the Shitty City

You’ll Wish You Were at Their Show: An Interview with Jessica Pimentel of Alekhine’s Gun

Bands can take awhile to pick up steam in the local music community. Months of practice are followed by one shitty show, followed the next month by another shitty show…. Followed by a year of hard work before the band is known by anyone who hasn’t slept with the members. Or if we take Choice… Continue reading You’ll Wish You Were at Their Show: An Interview with Jessica Pimentel of Alekhine’s Gun