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

How to (Mostly) #UnoccupyTheMall, 2016 Edition

It’s been quite a year in ol’ ‘Merica…. The current political climate has many people worried not just about their livelihoods, but about their right to exist in a country that claims to embody liberty and freedom.  And now we’re supposed to think about Christmas shopping?? My friend and fellow AltCtrl writer Christopher Baldwin had… Continue reading How to (Mostly) #UnoccupyTheMall, 2016 Edition

Heavy Montreal 2016: A Spastic Venue Review

Right off the bat, I have to admit the main factor of my ignorance when it comes to festivals: I have not been to many and the last music fest attended at a “major” venue was the Hartford Xfinity Theater about 5 years ago. That being said, my experience going to Heavy Montreal was a… Continue reading Heavy Montreal 2016: A Spastic Venue Review

#BeeTheScene: A Visit to Red Bee Honey

As some promoter in Massachusetts once said: “Support the scene.  Be the scene.” Alternative Control sure was bee-ing the scene on Sunday, as myself and some other Connecticut bloggers visited the Weston apiary Red Bee Honey.  You might wonder why a heavy metal blog is covering a bee farm.  It turns out that bees are… Continue reading #BeeTheScene: A Visit to Red Bee Honey

GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY: Seaside Tavern, Your Favorite Neighborhood Bar and Heavy Metal Holdout

In the decade that I’ve been on the fool’s errand of playing metal in Fairfield County, I’ve seen the handful of consistently metal-friendly venues dwindle to one: Stamford’s Seaside Tavern.  It’s no secret to Alternative Control readers that my band Jimmy Junk Bird and the Stiffs plays there often; we’ve also been able to host… Continue reading GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY: Seaside Tavern, Your Favorite Neighborhood Bar and Heavy Metal Holdout

Norse Adventures in New York City: The Vikings Exhibition and Amon Amarth

This Friday, April 22nd, I embarked on a grand journey to Discovery Museum’s The Vikings Exhibition and AMON A-FREAKING-MARTH!!!!  INSERT VIKING WAR CRY HERE!!!! Yes, I was really that pumped.  I even took a hour of personal time so I could get all “metalled up” and check out the museum before the show.  It turns… Continue reading Norse Adventures in New York City: The Vikings Exhibition and Amon Amarth

BernFest Epic Debate Party, Saturday December 19th at Seaside Tavern

By Nina Sherwood Saturday December 19th, get your buns down to Seaside Tavern in Stamford to watch the Democratic Primary Debate!  It’s no secret who we’re rooting for… From live music to voter registration and even a Bernie photo booth, this event truly has something for everyone! The main event, the democratic debate, will be… Continue reading BernFest Epic Debate Party, Saturday December 19th at Seaside Tavern