Album Review: Korpiklaani’s Jylhä

Korpiklaani is one of the most popular and beloved folk metal bands. With their 11th album Jylhä translated roughly to “Majestic,” they continue to bring us their unique brand of folk metal — but how does their formula hold up this far in their career?

Bandcamp Friday, the DIY Edition

It’s no surprise that the pandemic has made home recording a necessity, or at least a more fruitful pastime, for many folks. This #bandcampfriday, check out some musicians who took creative matters into their own hands. Marq the A$tronaut, “Satanic Girls” This lively single by Connecticut guitarist and producer Marq the A$tronaut, a.k.a. Mark Lyon… Continue reading Bandcamp Friday, the DIY Edition

AltCtrlToob Video Round-Up: Continuum and Bone Church

Two of my favorite Connecticut metal bands have released videos this week! Let’s take a look… First up, local death metal stalwarts Continuum have just shared the video for “Tides” off their 2019 EP Chronophobe. Edited by another local metal stalwart, Bob “Knob” Marino of OFNR Studios, this video finds vocalist Brenda St. Amant having… Continue reading AltCtrlToob Video Round-Up: Continuum and Bone Church

Delving Into a Dark Light: An Interview with Grave Gnosis

I’ll definitely be filing this chat with Florida black metal outfit Grave Gnosis under the category “Ya Learn Something New Every Day.” Vocalist, guitarist, and lyricist/composer Ø filled me in on the esoteric background behind the band’s upcoming album Lux Nigredo. Coming out January 23rd on Vargheist Records, this nine-track homage to darkness is a… Continue reading Delving Into a Dark Light: An Interview with Grave Gnosis

Inbox Gems: Belushi Speed Ball, Boozewa, and Black TarPoon

Let’s take a little stroll through Alternative Control history…  The Listening Lately column series started back in 2017 and had entries as recently as September 2020.  But with the new year, it’s time for a new column series, or at least slapping a new title on an old one: Inbox Gems. This series is thusly… Continue reading Inbox Gems: Belushi Speed Ball, Boozewa, and Black TarPoon

Album Review: Mære by Harakiri For The Sky

Editor’s Note: This album’s release date has been moved to February 19th, 2021 — exactly three years to the day since the band’s last album Arson was released. The black metal scene has a reputation for being purist and conservative. Over the last decade or so, however, more bands have begun to emerge who have fused elements… Continue reading Album Review: Mære by Harakiri For The Sky

LORD SONNY THE UNIFIER on Bob Dylan, Recording Journeys, and More

Fresh off the release of his EP All New Information in November 2020, Lord Sonny the Unifier took some time to talk with Alternative Control about this recording and his artistic inspirations. This unique Brooklyn-based solo artist has overcome many trials and tribulations to get his music out into the world. Now with a new… Continue reading LORD SONNY THE UNIFIER on Bob Dylan, Recording Journeys, and More