Music & Randomness@ Your Fingertips
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The boys from my home state of Michigan will be releasing a new album entitled “The Episodes” on April 10th. Below is the song that will be released as the first single and will hit the radio on April 3rd. View the hell out of it and enjoy. Rock on.

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Along the same lines as bands such as Vengeance Rising, Tourniquet, Mortification, The Devil Wears Prada, and Underoath, Consider the Tide bring a strength in their music. To the untrained ear (such as mine), one may call the music Death or Hardcore Metal, but in a more positive tone, the band themselves may call it Life Metal. Hailing from McAlester, Oklahoma, this young group want to help spread The Word through their powerful display of musicianship, camaraderie, and their shared love and respect, to and for, the Men upstairs. What a better way to celebrate life? Bringing their true, heartfelt Christian beliefs into the fray are vocalist Nick Hauff – who as an 18-year-old teen – already has longevity in the Oklahoma music scene and was the vocalist for another popular band in that area, Jason Bailey and Dylan Jacques both bring an extremely mature sound to the band’s guitar riffs, crunches, and solos, and Jackie Ford plays the drums as fast and precise as anybody. The band is currently looking for a replacement bassist, so please be on the lookout or contact the band from either site below. Small town bands can still make a big impression, and Consider the Tide is no exception. Any band starts from humble beginnings, but the strength and passion these boys have for the messages they want to portray are second to none. I have been a fan of Christian Metal since I was a teenager. To me, music is music, but the meaning behind Christian music is always quite powerful. Consider the Tide have all the capabilities to make it in today’s music industry, and they have all the right reasons to be heard. As always, please show the band some love by visiting and liking their below pages, check out the video, and help us support these young artists.

Consider the Tide FB / ReverbNation

Live footage of Consider the Tide performing “Fire has a Shadow”

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More of Arizona’s badassedness of a metal scene in the form of Headrust. A description I thought would depict this band is “punishing”. Hitting you hard and direct seems to be the way they project their music. Extreme thrash? Yeah, that sounds good, too. Headrust was formed in 2004 with the original lineup by current members Steve Urquides (Guitars) and drummer George Samaniego. The other two members who completed the original form of the band had helped in starting the strength in sound this band has. Although, it is not the exact sound Steve and George were looking for. So, in 2007, they brought in vocalist Dennis Brack (originating from the current city I reside in – Farmington, NM), and in 2008, a bassist with the energy, sound, and perfect fit for them, Frankie Verdugo – also described as “The bass player from Hell”. This quartet are busting heads throughout Tucson and Arizona as a whole. Coming from growing up into nothing but thrash metal, these guys are exactly what I love about today’s heavy metal sound.  With a huge recommendation by me, please go show these guys some love by checking out and liking the links, and also take a peak at their song ‘Virus’ put to a video of one of their practice sessions in 2009. Rock on:

Headrust FB / ReverbNation

Headrust – Virus

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I was going through comments on another article I had done a couple weeks ago and noticed that the drummer for BlackBox 13, Todd Turgeon, had made a comment. So, I responded back agreeing with his assessment. Well, he happened to politely ask me if I could check out his band. Now, please keep in mind that this was just about an hour or so before I decided to write this up. The four-piece band out of Las Vegas, NV is definitely worth the time it takes to come up with stuff to say. And honestly, it sure wasn’t hard for me to decide to do this and the words came easily. Thank you, Todd.

BlackBox 13 was formed from members of three other bands (Zombie Shaker Box, Light the Black Skye, and 13 Years). The band just cut and released three songs that you can get on their Facebook fanpage and a video on YouTube for one of the songs called ‘Silent Wall’. They are making quite the impression already with their completed first live show that was done on November 25th. Recently, their song ‘Face Down in Dirt’ was featured on a Las Vegas radio program showcasing local talent. Rave reviews on everything so far. The band is comprised of Joe Nassar on vocals (kind of a cross between Glenn Danzig and Sully of Godsmack only with better singing capabilities), Joe Wiehl shreds the killer riffs, Cory Kay brings the badass bass playing, and Todd Turgeon’s skills on the drums are already documented in video on their YouTube page. Please follow the links below, show the band some love, and rock on.

Facebook Page / ReverbNation / YouTube Channel

BlackBox 13 - Silent Wall

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Tridon is a 5-piece Hard Rock band coming to us from Phoenix, AZ (originally from Tucson). Started in 2007, the band already has 2 full-length albums and an EP to their credit with nothing but momentum ahead. Vocalist Rick Fredrick created and established an original-sounding group of guys to put the music to all the lyrics he was writing. The first lineup dissolved but Fredrick forged ahead, rounding up 4 more guys from various parts of the U.S. to keep the drive and dream alive. The four others are Richard Rubio on lead guitar, Mark Simpson (rhythm guitar), Pon Bounsone (bass), and Chad Edwards (drums). The band brings a very old school ’80s guitar sound, mixes those with solid and hard-hitting bass and drums, and finishes off their sound with a vocalist that has the chops to make you take notice. They came out with 2007′s ten track full-length, “State of Mind”. 2010 saw a five track EP (Live Free or Die Trying), and this year brought out their second full-length, 11 track record, “Lucky #7″. They are making the music they want, and people are loving it. Show them some love by following the links and check out the live videos I found. Tridon Website / Tridon FB / Twitter / ReverbNation / Myspace. Rock on.

Tridon-Torn

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Tridon-Resurrection

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A band that is bringing more of the badass Arizona Hard Rock/Metal scene to the forefront, Man Made Machine have made one hell of an impact on their label (Razor & Tie Records), and obviously, an impression on Sirius/XM Octane. Recently, the band announced on their FB page that their first single, ‘Victim’, from their upcoming September release of the album “Become” has been picked up by the juggernaut satellite radio station that is Octane. Awesome accomplishments. The band was formed from the friendship these guys had with each other as young men/teens in Tempe, AZ.  A chance meeting by the bassist with a well-known music exec lead to them being in the studio and getting to record their music. Names such as Chad Grey and Greg Tribbett (Mudvayne/Hellyeah) showed huge interest in this band’s distinct sound and became producers for the record. Any “roughness” about the band beforehand was slowly mixed in with the great technical aspects that the band possess. Either way, they kick serious ass and should be looked into immediately. MMM are comprised of Joe Cotela (vocals), Marc “Spank” Hernandez (guitar), Steve Siminski (guitar), Justyn Sena (bass), and Matt Reinhard (drums). As usual, check out the live videos I found below (an official video for ‘Victim’ is being made, and I will update when it becomes available), and please follow the links. Man Made Machine FB / Man Made Machine Twitter / Myspace. Rock on.

Man Made Machine-Victim (live in Tempe, AZ)

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Man Made Machine-Liar and a Thief (live at 98KUPD’s Ufest in 2010)

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Post Hardcore is what Life As A Ghost is all about. They can break into the chaotic, hard sound from an easy melody as well as any other band that might be placed into the same “like” category; yet, they are as diverse as only they can be. Formed in 2009 in Long Island, NY by the vocalist from another band in the area, Bela Kiss, the band was built around the music he wanted to be heard. He brought in originally Greg DelGenio on drums, Nick Viscovich on guitar, Mike Compitello as another guitarist, and Dean Chutis on bass to get the ball rolling. The lineup has changed since it seems, as there are different guitarists, bassists and drummers showing on different sites representing the band, so I am somewhat confused as to who is there now. The only two that are a staple from what I can tell are vocalist Nick Prainito and guitarist Nick Viscovich. Sorry all. I tried. Their first song released in February 2010, drew people in, and created a neat vibe within the music community. It is called ‘Evolution; The Beholder’. They hit the studio in January this year and just announced the release date of the album “Drifter” on September 27th, 2011 from Eulogy Recordings. Check out the video to the title track below and follow the links: Life As A Ghost FB / Life As A Ghost ReverbNation / Life As A Ghost on the Eulogy Website / Twitter / YouTube Channel / Myspace. Rock on.

Life As A Ghost-Drifter

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Hailing from Irvine, CA, Consume the Fire are Nu-Metal, heavy, and a badass group of five musicians who are cutting their teeth in a tough business. I am not sure how long they have been together (a year, maybe two), but they already have made an impression on a great set of ears. Logan Mader, former guitarist for Machinehead and Soulfly (and now a producer) has heard and likes. While doing some in-studio jamming of new songs, a deal came through for them to use their first heard track ‘Legacy of Blood’ for Seattle Mariners relief pitcher, Brandon League. So, just a couple months ago Consume the Fire’s ‘Legacy of Blood’ started airing to represent League during Mariners games. How awesome is that? The band is comprised of Carl Bensley on vocals, Dave Delacruz on guitar, Nita Strauss on guitar (recently featured in Guitar World), Kurt Blankenship on bass, and Damien Rainaud on drums, and they are currently in the studio putting together what I am sure are some other killer songs.  I have no video to leave you on this band, but you can click the links provided and listen to their song ‘Legacy of Blood’. Trust me, it is well worth your time: Consume the Fire FB / ReverbNation / Twitter / Myspace. Rock on everybody!

Do you like really good, solid Alternative Rock? Good. Check these guys out. Me Vs. Myself are from Seattle, WA (noticeably so) and are gaining momentum. Springsteen, Third Eye Blind, Matchbox Twenty, and Goo Goo Dolls are some of the influences these guys have looked to for inspiration, but make no mistake about it, they have a sound all their own. Carson Allen brings the vocals, Frank Gross plays guitar, Nicholas Wiggins jams bass, and Jaron Johnson rounds out the lineup on drums. Allen and Gross started the band with every intention of donating 100% of their time to creating something unique. All four members had played in other bands and now dedicate everything to Me Vs. Myself, believing and feeling everything they put together and wanting to make music that all ages can enjoy. Their first EP, “Seasons”, has done very well, and the band is getting ready to record a second. Check out the video below, follow the links, and please show them some love: Me Vs. Myself FB / Twitter / YouTube Channel / Myspace. Rock on:

Me Vs. Myself-Show Me The Way

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It’s Staind. Do I really need to go into detail about who they are and where they are from? Didn’t think so. What I will say is that STAIND IS BACK!!! Their new single, ‘Not Again’, debuted at #5 on Sirius/XM Octane’s Big’Uns Countdown last Saturday. That is huge. It officially started flowing to radio rock stations a couple days ago. The new album hits us on September 13th (the name has been changed from “Seven” to “Staind”), and expect to see a different man behind the drums. Their long-time drummer, Jon Wysocki, has left and is being replaced temporarily by a badass of a percussionist, Will Hunt, of Evanescence and Eye Empire fame. Okay, I will leave links for you all to click on, but please definitely (if you have not heard it yet), check out ‘Not Again’ below. Staind Website / Staind FB / Twitter. These amongst a hundred other ways to find this greatness of a band. Rock on:

Staind-Not Again

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“This is a band. However, the decision of non engagement is the decision to accept what exists – the decision to resign” is pretty much the only thing I can find on this band out of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Upon researching as much as I could on them, there are a few claims of the band being a Metalcore group, but they walk that line between it and Death Metal. Talk about in your face! From what I can see, their lyrics, passion, and good way to get the point across are all involving politics and the like. The vocals are extreme; yet, it’s what I like. Makes my throat hurt just listening, but one can feel the messages coming across. The band is comprised of Decio Thomas (vocals, guitar), Stefano Manzano (guitars), Vitor Curi (guitar), Hugo Bispo (bass), and Biel Astolfi (drums). I’ll let you decide, but DAMN, if you like music you can feel-no matter what genre-I suggest Against Tolerance. Please take a listen to their album “Undefined”. Check out the video below and follow the links: Against Tolerance FB / ReverbNation / Twitter / YouTube Channel / Myspace. Rock on.

Against Tolerance-Welcome to the Desert of the Real

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Urma Sellinger is a post-hardcore band coming at us from Stockholm, Sweden. Under normal circumstances, they are a 6-piecer, but as of June 1st, recently lost their bassist and is in the process of finding a replacement. Even the bassist (Axel) said himself that this was his decision to leave as the band is starting to get one helluva head of steam going for them. It was a mutual decision and this shows the already mature mindset they have. When a band “bursts onto the scene”, people should look out. This band exploded onto/into the Swedish metal scene a year and half ago or so. Matt Hyde (Slipknot and BFMV)-producer and engineer extraordinaire-was approached by them only a few months into their formation. Urma Sellinger flew to England to record their 3-song demo EP, “Live Laugh Love”. Myspace in Sweden crowned them #1 on the most listened to tracks after only its first week of being released to the masses. Impressive as hell. Another piece of cool success came in August last year. The band was chosen for the “People’s Choice” spot at a festival entitled “Moshpit Open”. Fuck yeah. Deservedly so. They’ll kick your ass, and you’ll feel all that more pleased with what you hear from them. Here is the line-up. Alex Borg (vocals), Olle Johansson (clean vocals), Eric Lindqvist (guitar), Andree Borg (guitar), and John Eriksson (drums). Urma Sellinger are unsigned as of the moment, but do not expect that to last too much longer. With as short of an existence as they have, it is quite awesome seeing a band of this magnitude achieve what they have dreamed of…success. Check out the video below and click on the links: Urma Sellinger FB / Twitter / ReverbNation / YouTube Channel / Myspace. Rock on.

Urma Sellinger-Good Times

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