There Shall Be Black Magic: An Interview with Brimstone Coven

As Brimstone Coven prepares for a trip north to play Day One of New England Stoner and Doom Festival (5/3 at Altones in Jewett City, CT), the blog sent them some questions about their music.  Here’s what guitarist Corey Roth had to say about occult mysteries delivered in three-part harmonies…. How has the band’s sound… Continue reading There Shall Be Black Magic: An Interview with Brimstone Coven

NESDF Day One Spotlight: Brimstone Coven and Witchkiss

The more I study the New England Stoner & Doom Festival lineup, the more a weekend pass looks like the only way to go.  How can you choose just one of these days??  Here are some highlights from Day One, Friday May 3rd: Brimstone Coven This hard-grooving trio is coming all the way from West… Continue reading NESDF Day One Spotlight: Brimstone Coven and Witchkiss

NESDF Pre-Party Spotlight: Fox 45

Fox 45 -- photo borrowed from Facebook.

What better way to kick off a long weekend of doom than with a kickass, mysterious band from really far away?  SCENE Productions delivers the mystique with Rochester NY’s Fox 45.  They’ll be sharing the stage with Rhode Island’s premiere Magic The Gathering-themed trio, Dark Ritual, Feed the Beast of Taunton, Massachusetts, and Connecticut outfits… Continue reading NESDF Pre-Party Spotlight: Fox 45

MOTHS (Puerto Rico) are Flying to a Venue Near You This February

San Juan stoner/progressive metal act Moths embark on their first mainland United States performances this February with a string of shows on the East Coast.  Following the November 2018 release of their debut EP (s/t), the band is looking forward to bringing their music to new audiences. Says bassist Weslie Negrón, “We’re extremely excited to… Continue reading MOTHS (Puerto Rico) are Flying to a Venue Near You This February

B-Movie at a Muddy Drive-In Theater: A Review of Wardehn’s Now Cometh The Foul

Now Cometh The Foul is one hell of an energetic stoner/sludge metal offering from Wisconsin’s Wardehns. It’s an engaging and fun listen, loaded with what I would call a fine yet gritty production value. It’s a dirty sound with a smooth texture. One thing that grabbed me immediately is the band’s talent as sculptors of the… Continue reading B-Movie at a Muddy Drive-In Theater: A Review of Wardehn’s Now Cometh The Foul

NERD TALK with RIFFLORD

IT’S ALL CAPS ALL THE TIME AT ALTCTRL!!!  Kidding, kidding…. This blog editor was delighted to find a Nerd Talk from RIFFLORD in the inbox this week, as they are about to release their long-awaited sophomore album  7 Cremation Ground / Meditation on December 1st.  As it turns out, the myth-shrouded midwestern rockers are JUST… Continue reading NERD TALK with RIFFLORD

Listening Lately: Drivin’ Cross-Country with NECROSEXUAL and RIFFLORD

It’s the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and I’m not in the mood to write an introduction… Philadelphia’s grimmest Franzia enthusiast, The Necrosexual, ventured up to Cherry Street Station this past Saturday night; he didn’t find any posers to slay, but he did find plenty of HEAVY METAL.  Following a performance that won over the curious crowd,… Continue reading Listening Lately: Drivin’ Cross-Country with NECROSEXUAL and RIFFLORD