The New Xenomorph: A Review of Xenosis’ Sowing the Seeds of Destruction

Xenosis has returned, and they’re even better. It’s easy to claim favoritism when lead guitarist Mark Lyon happens to be a personal friend, but Sowing the Seeds of Destruction is genuinely awesome – a focused, well-trained creature of extremity and maturity. I might even claim it as the strongest local metal release I’ve heard yet.… Continue reading The New Xenomorph: A Review of Xenosis’ Sowing the Seeds of Destruction

Interview with Mark Lyon of Xenosis

Yesterday, Alternative Control had a sit-down with Xenosis guitarist Mark Lyon to talk about the band’s new album and their sure-to-be-triumphant return to The Scene next weekend.  Sowing the Seeds of Destruction will be released July 18th at The Outer Space in Hamden, following a long hiatus that had many wondering if Xenosis would ever… Continue reading Interview with Mark Lyon of Xenosis

Interview with Lady Elizabeth Dellinger of Snooty Garland

  Many of Alternative Control’s readers will know Mark Lyon as the guitarist in New Haven tech-death band Xenosis.  But did you know that he also plays in a nine-piece soul band called Snooty Garland? Mark introduced local metal fans to Snooty Garland’s bombastic frontwoman Elizabeth Dellinger in August when she took the stage with… Continue reading Interview with Lady Elizabeth Dellinger of Snooty Garland

Bair Grills… 2013

"Jim, hold us back!"

  There’s no doubt that some of my greater achievements and most dismal disappointments occurred during the last 365 days. One of my fondest moments in over a decade of performing took place at Cherry Street with Last In Line, paying tribute to Dio with some of my very best friends, and in the doing… Continue reading Bair Grills… 2013

Here It Comes… The Last Week of Summer

Aside from the summers off, er, the joy of molding young minds, the best thing about working in education is the opportunity for a fresh start every year.  I feel lucky to have a defined time in my professional life to trash what doesn’t work and build on what does.  But summer ain’t over for… Continue reading Here It Comes… The Last Week of Summer

It’s About Damn Time: Free Downloads of Quality Control Volume 1, Tracks 1-6

  Teachers have a lot of drinking to catch up on over summer vacation… But at long last, here are free downloads of Quality Control Volume 1, tracks 1-6.  Betcha never heard of Crawling Chaos… 1. 1942 by Black Table This New York/New Jersey metal band has been a favorite of Alternative Control for some… Continue reading It’s About Damn Time: Free Downloads of Quality Control Volume 1, Tracks 1-6

Chords for a Cure: Connecticut Musicians Band Together to Fight Cancer

When Ronnie James Dio was diagnosed with stomach cancer in late 2009, his wife Wendy said to the press, “After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans.” But one day we all will meet a foe we cannot defeat.  Dio… Continue reading Chords for a Cure: Connecticut Musicians Band Together to Fight Cancer