Bair Grills… Civil Lividity by Continuum

Continuum, n: “A continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are not perceptibly different from each other, although the extremes are quite distinct.”   Before reviewing this recent release from one of Connecticut’s most prominent local metal bands, I looked up the definition of “continuum” for shits and giggles. What I found was an entire article… Continue reading Bair Grills… Civil Lividity by Continuum

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

Worshipper Brings the Thunder

Boston-based band Worshipper cherry-picks the best parts of hard rock and metal from past decades to form a sound that is both classic and contemporary. On their Tee Pee Records debut album, Shadow Hymns, the band which features vocalist/guitarist John Brookhouse, drummer Dave Jarvis, bassist Bob Maloney and guitarist Alejandro Necochea, provide a master class… Continue reading Worshipper Brings the Thunder

Review Drive-By: Undercliff and Fallen Asunder

Damn it’s been awhile since I wrote a music review! A couple weeks ago, Middletown doom band Undercliff sent Alternative Control their new album Put Them In to have a listen.  These guys have come a long way since their 2013 demos in terms of recording quality and vocal performance.  Put Them In demands a… Continue reading Review Drive-By: Undercliff and Fallen Asunder

OFNR Forever: An Interview with Official FN Radio Founder Bob “Knob” Marino

The local metal scene is full of characters, and Bob Marino of Official FN Radio is definitely one of the protagonists.  He has promoted Connecticut metal bands (and many others) through his online radio station for the past ten years, seeking no tangible benefits beyond the fun he has doing it.  As OFNR’s tenth anniversary… Continue reading OFNR Forever: An Interview with Official FN Radio Founder Bob “Knob” Marino

Women in Business, Part VI: Photography By ANROVA

The photographer captured by a friend.

Cherry Street Station on a Saturday night is a transformative place.  Librarians and tee-shirt salesmen, truckers, college students, and waitresses all shed their prescribed work-week identities to become a united body of heavy metal musicians and fans.  And to see Angela Rose Vartuli’s pictures of this transformation, one would think that stepping through Cherry Street’s… Continue reading Women in Business, Part VI: Photography By ANROVA

Album Review: Dead By Wednesday’s The Darkest of Angels (EMP Label Group)

For a band that’s been hovering between “local” and “national” for several years, Connecticut metal outfit Dead By Wednesday’s recent release The Darkest of Angels may be the album that solidifies their foothold in the national arena. Featuring thirteen guest vocalists along with full-time DBW singer Rob Roy, moving from track to track is like… Continue reading Album Review: Dead By Wednesday’s The Darkest of Angels (EMP Label Group)