LoadStoneD

LoadStoneD

Monday, March 26, 2012

LoadStoneD
Rock, Denver, CO.

LoadStoneD, which consists of Chris Shoults, Dave Sandusky, Dan Baker and Tim Buckman, was formed in August 2011. In that short time they have been coming on strong with their brand of catchy, driving rock 'n roll. Their first EP, entitled "Mile High," was a result of three days of intense focus and dedication to six songs that have fast become fan favorites to thousands.
 The writing process for this EP was done in a very unique way, by e-mail. The four members of LSD live all across the country, so the songs were brainstormed by singer Chris, then e-mailed back and forth between the band until the tunes were molded into perfection. The system worked perfectly and you can hear it on the EP.
 With songs like the commercial ballad "I Know" and the hard driving tune "Screamer" to the rock anthem "Standin' on Top of the World," LSD gives  fans exactly what they want... everything.
 With influences that come from all across the music spectrum, like Guns 'n Roses, Aerosmith and Van Halen, all the way over to Blake Shelton and Toby Keith, it gets a little hard to categorize the sound of LSD. But, in an industry where fans can download just the songs they want, it makes sense for a band to write songs in every style that they like.
 LSD has plans for a new full length album later this year and it is highly anticipated. They have already put out a little teaser in the form of a new song and video called "Touring Lover". It marks a change in direction for the band, in that they seem to be getting a little heavier and moving solidly into the rock vein.
 You can listen to and download all of LoadStoneD's music and videos at http://www.facebook.com/loadstoned/app_2405167945 or http://www.facebook.com/bmcunderground
If you like good, driving rock 'n roll, then you'll love LSD... they're a trip!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

FROM THIS WE RISE
Progressive Metal, Lancaster PA.

Let me start by saying that From This We Rise is probably one of the best bands out right now, local or National. I could put them in a battle with almost any signed metal band on the radio, and watch them dominate, and rise to the top. I could probably say with confidence, that most National signed bands would have a hard time even playing covers of this band. Big statements, yeah I know. So what makes me think FTWR is so good? Two things,a cool writing style, and raw talent. So let's get down to it.

Chaz Squillace on drums, brings a powerful, heavy handed style to the band (none of that typewriter,tack,tack,tack sound) often playing around the obvious beat, giving a fat, in your face sound to the tunes.
Peter Barth and Josh Highfield use a double guitar assault style that is powerful, and heavy. Their riff based playing style sets them apart from the "power chord" pack. One listen and you know that these guy's spent a long time learning to play before they ever joined a band.
Then we come to the master of the lows. Ken Orem is nothing less than unbelievable on the bass. I can tell you that I've been playing the bass sense I was 14yrs old, and listening to Ken play makes me want to throw in the towel. He's that good. Tasty "in the pocket" bass lines, broken up by lightening fast runs where he follows Pete and Josh's guitar lines. (Witch is no easy task, even for a guitarist, especially when you play with your fingers) Ken once told me that during the recording of "Army Of One" his fingers bled!
Then we have front man Doug Hill. With a combination of grindy/brutal and clean/melodic vocals Doug brings the metal monster to every show. Songs like "Army Of One" and "The Absurd" show his wide ranging vocal abilities.

"Army Of One", "The Absurd", and "Continuance" are among my favorites by FTWR. "Army Of One" is a fast paced, jack hammer pounding, assault on your metal senses, while "Continuance" starts off heavy, and then flows seamlessly into a melodic bridge that is eerily
 reminiscent of something RUSH would have done, in their early days.
Then the song takes you right back into the pain.
Through hard work, a killer stage show; and an awesome set list, FTWR has gained the endorsements of Black Market Clothing, and Knucklehead Strings. FTWR is based in Lancaster PA. and plays all over the Northeast and down the east coast. FTWR is currently unsigned (one of the worlds great mysteries) but is well on their way.

We consider From This We Rise to be a must hear for all metal heads, and music lovers. You can hear FTWR at    http://www.facebook.com/fromthiswerise/info?ref=ts  or here in the Underground http://www.blakmrktclothing.com/underground.html you can also get their music on Itunes, and Amazon.


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Ashes of A Martyr

You know that feeling when you hear a band for the first time, and you know that they will be one of your favorites for a long time? That's the feeling I got the first time I heard Ashes of a Martyr.
  AOM formed with their current lineup in 2010 Jarrod Talbot-vocals,Matt Brannan and Andy Hales-guitar,Casey Breaux-bass and Scott Thibodeaux-drums, and have been bringing their brand of high energy, brutal metal to southeastern Texas ever since. With influences like Lamb Of God, Pantara, Suicide Silence, Winds Of Plague, and White Chapel, it's no wonder that AOM has began to emerge as the Metal Heavyweights in the south Texas scene. With super heavy (and super clean) rhythms, thundering bass, and pounding drums, the stage is set for some of the most brutal, in your face vocals I've heard in a long time. Because of the heaviness of the music, you might at first overlook the positive message of the band. Songs like "Slit The Throat", and "Reciprocation for your Malice" start off describing, in graphic detail, the violent nature of man, then pull back and talk about the Creator and the way to living a positive life.
 Ashes of A Martyr has played shows with several national acts including Saliva,and Adelita's Way. They also played the Exposed Music Festival. Recently they were featured on the "King Of The Road TV Show" on Fox 4 in Austin.
 Their new album "The Awakening" is slated to be released at the end of May, and it might come with a full length live DVD from the "Metal Resurrection" show. This one's gonna be a head crusher, so check AOM's website and facebook. (AOM link is in the list to the right) or you can hear them right here, just click the Underground tab at the top of page. Final word is Ashes of A Martyr kills it! I give them two big ass thumbs up!