Riffing It Up with Kirk Windstein

Kirk Windstein is synonymous to crushing riffs that seek vulnerable ears and destroy them without mercy. His guitar tone is recognizable by millions of Heavy Music fans worldwide, and as result imitated by almost every band out there. Many can try to sound like Kirk, but there is only one man that can handle being in three successful bands, being a father, and a soon to be husband.

After being an active musician for almost 25 years, you would think that Kirk is ready to slow down and lay back. The truth of the matter is that when it comes to the circle of hard-hitting musicians that come from New Orleans, they play music from the heart and not even a devastating hurricane can stop them from spreading their music like a wild fire.

Taking it easy has never been part of Kirk’s ritual; the man is by far one of the hardest working musicians in Heavy Music today. Not only does he lead Crowbar, but he is also a vital part of the mighty Down and Jamey Jasta’s right hand man in Kingdom Of Sorrow. He is also working on a solo record that he hopes to release sometime this year (more details in the video interview).

During Crowbar’s recent stop in New York City for the Metalliance Tour, we sat down to chat with Kirk about life on the road, his music and how after 25 years he decided to leave his boozing years behind in order to focus on his family. This exclusive interview took place in side Irving Plaza as the fans were arriving to catch one of the best tours of the year.


Before we get into the interview, here are some facts about Kirk Windstein:

- Kirk was born in Middlesex, England on April 14, 1965.

- His career started in 1987 when he joined a band called Victorian Blitz as guitarist. The band was a Judas Priest and Iron Maiden cover band.

- Today he sings and plays guitar in Crowbar, Down, and Kingdom of Sorrow.

DISCOGRAPHY:


- Obedience Thru Suffering: released on September 26, 1991
- Crowbar: released on October 12, 1993
- Live +1 (EP): released on March 29,1994
- Time Heals Nothing: released on May 23, 1995
- Broken Glass: released on October 29, 1996
- Odd Fellows Rest: released on July 7, 1998
- Equilibrium: released on March 7, 2000
- Sonic Excess in its Purest Form: released on August 8, 2001
- Lifesblood for the Downtrodden: released on February 9, 2005
- Sever the Wicked Hand: released on February 2011


- NOLA: released on September 19,1995
- Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow : March 26, 2002
- Down III: Over the Under: September 25, 2007
- Down IV: TBD


- Kingdom of Sorrow: February 19, 2008
- Behind the Blackest Tears: June 8, 2010

Without further due, here is the exclusive interview we did with riff master Kirk Windstein, in which he discusses life as a touring musician, his future musical plans and how he was able to get his life back on track.



We want to thank Kirk, Bill Meis at EOne Music and Steve Seabury!

Photo credit: Bards Eye Photography

Related links:
Crowbar
E1 Music
Down
Kingdom of Sorrow

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Suffocation Seeks NYC Band

The legendary Death Metal band Suffocation has been busy working on their seventh studio album, which is follow up to their most recent album titled "Blood Oath". While the fans wait with great anticipation, the band has decided to perform a very special show in New York City.

Their show in New York City will take place on May 15th at Santos Party House in New York City. Joining Suffocation will be Misery Index. And get this, the band is seeking for a local Extreme Metal band to open this show.

Here is the bands OFFICIAL statement:

If you are an independent Extreme Metal band located in New York City, and would like the opportunity to perform as an opening act for the Suffocation's show on May 15th at Santos Party House, email emg.joann@gmail.com for consideration.

You can purchase tickets by clicking HERE!

Related links:
Suffocation's Official Site
Tickets for Suffocation's New York City takeover
Santos Party House

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Suffocation: Live and Dangerous

The legendary Death Metal band Suffocation has been busy working on their seventh studio album, which is the follow up to their most recent album titled "Blood Oath". While the fans wait with great anticipation, the band has decided to perform two special shows in May and September.

Their show in New York City will take place on May 5th at Santos Party House in New York City. Joining Suffocation will be Misery Index. You can purchase tickets by clicking HERE!

The band will also be performing at La Respuesta in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Believe it or not, the Heavy Music scene in Puerto Rico is very prevalent and we have no doubt that Suffocation will be welcomed with arms wide open, clenched fists and horns up!

Here is a killer clip for their track "Cataclysmic Purification", directed by David Brodksky (ARSIS, GOD FORBID, KATAKLYSM, SWASHBUCKLE) from My Good Eye Productions, with animation by Tim Kellen.



Related links:
Suffocation's Official Site
Tickets for Suffocation's New York City takeover
Santos Party House

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Thy Will Be Done = Rhode Island's Punch

Thy Will Be Done is one of the hardest working bands in the underground Heavy Music scene! Ever since we came across them in 2009 at the Crazy Donkey in Long Island, where they warmed up the crowd for Machine Head. We knew that they had the proper mindset and the right sound to be able to infect thousands of ear buds all across the United States. In the last few years they have been direct support for: Lamb Of God, Machine Head (as mentioned above), Fear Factory, Hatebreed, Killswitch Engage, Arch Enemy, Amon Amarth and many more.

Why this all this bands ask Thy Will Be Done to share the stage with them? Well, they guys from Thy Will Be Done have managed to blend various elements of Heavy Metal and Hardcore in an original way. They are also some of the nicest guys you will ever meet, they always go the extra mile for their fans both on and off stage.

We've heard many fans out there say how at the beginning they didn't get the bands music, but that after a few spins they understood that Thy Will Be Done is "Rhode Island's Punch"! Once they hit you, they knock you out ala Mike Tyson.

This past December we headed over to Santos Party House in New York City, to check out Shadow's Fall, Thy Will Be Done and Binary Code. As soon as we got to the venue we ran into Thy Will Be Done's front-man/screamer J Costa, and immediately started talking music! Right after Thy Will Be Done were done punching everyone who attended in the gut with their furious music, we spoke with J about the past, the present and the future of Thy Will Be Done.

Check out this video interview with J Costa, which features a brand new song by Thy Will Be Done, and a cameo appearance by Doc Coyle from God Forbid. \m/



Related links:
Thy Will Be Done on MySpace
Thy Will Be Done on Twitter

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

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An Overcast of Shadows Falling with Brian Fair

Brian James Fair is one of the most influential icons to ever rise from the Massachusetts Heavy Music scene. He is also considered the pioneer of the Metalcore singing style. What started as a dream after seeing Cinderella open for Bon Jovi on the "Slippery When Wet" tour became a reality from the moment he formed Overcast in 1991. Growing up, Brian always had an ear for various musical styles, but Heavy Metal and Hard Core were the genres that got his adrenaline pumping.


Once Overcast released "Expectational Dilution" in 1994, Brian's craft started getting recognized by the fans of the East Coast Heavy Music underground scene. To this day "Expectational Dilution" is considered the album that sparked the Metalcore flame. After four years of getting their name out, in November of 1998 Overcast split after a national tour with Shai Hulud and Disembodied.

At Overcast's last show, Shadows Fall recruited Brian to replace Phil Labonte (now in All That Remains) as the bands front-man. In 2000, Shadows Fall released their epic album "Of One Blood" via Century Media Records, which was the bands first record with Brian Fair on vocals. From that moment on Shadow's Fall became one of the best Heavy Music bands in the United States.

After releasing 17 records, touring the entire world, and never changing to fit in with the times. Brian Fair is a legend within the Heavy Music world. Some say that Shadow's Fall is passed their prime time, but we couldn't disagree more with this statement. With the release of "Retribution" in 2009, Shadows Fall prove that they are still on top of their game. Did you know that Jimmy Fallon is a big fan? This is why they ended up performing on the "Jimmy Fallon Show" on September of 2009.

What's next for Shadow's Fall, watch our exclusive interview with Brian Fair and find out! \m/



Facts about Brian Fair:
- Brian is a Vegetarian.
- His dreadlocks are almost 20 years old.
- Brian is also a guitarist, a bassist and a drummer.
- He is an avid Boston Celtics fan, and often wears the team jersey while on stage.
- In 7th grade he visited a recording studio after winning a radio jingle contest (sponsored by Mass Electric) with a Beastie Boys-inspired tune called "The Energy Conservation Rap Song."

Brian Fair's discography:
- Overcast - Bleed Into One (7") (1992)
- Overcast - Expectational Dilution (1994)
- Overcast - Stirring the Killer (7") (1995)
- Overcast - Overcast/Arise Split CD (7") (1996)
- Overcast - Begging for Indifference (7" EP/CD) (1996)
- Overcast - Fight Ambition to Kill"(1997)
- Shadows Fall - Of One Blood (2000)
- Shadows Fall - Deadworld (EP) (2001)
- Shadows Fall - Fear Will Drag You Down (Compilation Album) (2002)
- Shadows Fall - The Art of Balance (2002)
- Shadows Fall - The War Within (2004)
- Transient - N/A (Demo) (2004)
- Shadows Fall - Fallout from the War (Compilation Album) (2006)
- Shadows Fall - Threads of Life (2007)
- Shadows Fall - Seeking the Way: The Greatest Hits (2007)
- Overcast - Reborn to Kill Again (2008)
- Shadows Fall - Retribution (2009)

Related links:
Official Site of Shadows Fall
Shadows Fall on MySpace

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

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A message from WATAIN!

End of year message from Swedish Black Metal band WATAIN:

"North and South America have now been left in ashes, and with that the "Lawless Darkness Tour 2010" is over. Hail to those who made it possible, and those who made it even more triumphant; North: Watain Disciples USA, Goatwhore, Black Anvil, Decibel Magazine, Liz and Dave at Earsplit, Jimmy and the Duff's crew, Josh at Dean Guitars, Engl Amps, Black Witchery, Negative Plane, Averse Sefira, Hod. South: Arma Productions, Hells Angels Antofagasta, Careloco and The Chilean Watain Militia, Kythrone, the mighty Mortuary Drape, the Tumba crew, and all those whose presence strengthened us along the long and winding road through hell and back. You know who you are. A special mention to S.L of The Devil's Blood who took on the lead guitar duties in North America; hail brother! Finally, a thunderous salute to our iron crew, without whom none of this would have been possible." -WATAIN

Here is a clip from Swedish TV (with English subtitles) about WATAIN's appearance at the Sweden Rock festival in June earlier this year. The concert was aired on the Swedish national radio program "P3-Live" on Thursday December 23rd:



WATAIN received the following awards and nominations in 2010:
#1 Album Of The Year - Close Up Magazine
#1 Album Of The Year - Sweden Rock Magazine
#1 Band Of The Year - Terrorizer Readers Poll
#1 Personality Of The Year - Terrorizer Readers Poll
#2 Album Of The Year - Decibel Magazine

WATAIN have also been nominated for:
"Hardrock" Category of the Swedish Grammy Awards
"Hardrock" Category of the P3 Gold Awards
"Nordic Album 2010" of the Nordic Music Price Awards

In light of all this, the band would like you to contemplate upon the following lines:
"It is the magic combination of fierceness and beauty that makes the Wolf an exception even in nature. Revered outlaws, feared in their bestial nature, yet also objects of fascination and curiosity, of naturally inhabited and unreachable grace, that men love to hate, and hate to love. But regardless of what judgement the vox populi might pass on the nighttime predators, they remain just that; a rare breed of hunters; alone, aside, untamed, always hungry..."

Related links:
Watain's Official Site

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NEW CROWBAR VIDEO - The Cemetery Angels

When we recently saw Crowbar groove the hell out of Santos Party House here in New York City, little did we know that they were taping parts of their latest video at this epic show. The name of the song is "The Cemetery Angels", which is the first single out of the new Crowbar record titled "Sever The Wicked Hand" (February 8th - E1 Music), and its a balls out jam with lots of groove. Buckle up and check it out!



Here is a video interview we did with Kirk Windstein right after the show, which also includes awesome life footage!


Related links:
Crowbar
E1 Music

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WATAIN: The stench, that putrid stench…

There was a lot of hype for this show, which was held at Santos Party House in New York City (too small a venue for such majestic band). This, however, made for a very intimate ritual among the attendees.

When we arrived to the carnage with a group of headbangers, Black Anvil took the stage. Good stuff from a former Hardcore band, who blurred the lines between Hardcore Punk and Black Metal, to create their own brand of music.

Up next was Goatwhore. Hail the Goat! The brothers never disappoint with the onslaught of blackened Thrash Metal. The sound was not all that great, but the band knows how to get Metal heads all riled-up. Always refreshing is to hear this band play tracks from “Funeral Dirge For The Rotting Sun”, as it is to hear their latest stuff, “Carving Out The Eyes Of God”, which absolutely destroys.

Then it was time for the main rotted final course: Watain.

I was not sure what to expect since this was my first time seeing this band live. There was a lingering stench in the air. It truly smelled like entrails and blood. Pure evil. It all made sense once Watain took the stage. The satanic stage, blessed with animal skulls, and drenching blood, the corpse paint, the negative vibe in the air. It was all demented and a great production, but Watain’s brilliance is in their music.

Flawless Black metal, with slabs of Death, and technicality that was simply awesome.

The band played some classics that got the old school Black Metal maniacs pumped, and also a showcase of their latest album titled “Lawless Darkness”, not surprisingly the #2 record in the “Top 40 Extreme Albums of 2010”, compiled by Decibel magazine.

Watain with their horrific brand of Heady Metal demonstrated why they are such an important Metal band, possibly the most important Black Metal band of this generation. This band shows no boundaries, and their music is a destructive machine that did not stop until everyone in the audience is taken aback. \m/

Here fan footage of Watain's legendary performance:


Related links:
Watain
Santos Party House

INKED by Javier Samaniego

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Tommy Vext: STRONGER THAN ALL

On Sunday November 28, thanks to Doc Coyle (God Forbid) and Ria Katz (Santos Party House), God Forbid, Mutiny Within, Dead Men Dreaming, Timeless, Human Decline, The Judas Syndrome, Empyreon and a Great Day To Die, took center stage at Santos Party House in New York City, in order to help Tommy Vext (former singer of Divine Heresy and Snot) raise some funds. The matinee was a memorable event, and it was really good to see so many people supporting such an awesome cause.

While all the bands kicked ass, the highlight of the night was when Tommy returned to the stage after 17 months (his last show had been on May 17, 2009 with Snot in California), and played an emotional acoustic set. Tommy was joined by his best friend Doc Coyle from God Forbid, who is also his band-member on a new project they recently started working on (pre-production started on December 9th).

The project was suppose to start months ago, but it had to come to a halt when he was viciously attacked by his own brother. Here is an extract of an interview with Tommy (courtesy of Metal Insider) explaining what happened that horrific day.

"On the evening of September 19th I was leaving my apartment in Brooklyn to visit my sister and was struck over the back of my head from behind during an attempted robbery. I fell and turned around and was struck again with a crowbar. The metal bar broke my left arm and this is when I saw my attacker. A 6’1, 320 pound man covered in dirt & blood. It was my estranged brother. Homeless, intoxicated and desperate, he repeatedly hit me on the back and sides with the weapon as I tried to shield myself from the blows. I managed to get on my feet and throw him off of me. I took off to a neighbors house and called 911. The ambulance arrived and I was rushed to the Hospital. After multiple X-rays & MRI’s, the doctors found I had a fractured skull and broken arm. I was discharged the next day. Because my attacker had not been apprehended I was staying with a friend in Manhattan during the first few days of my recovery. Four days after the incident, I collapsed in a Manhattan restaurant and was rushed back to the Hospital. This time the doctors found I had been internally bleeding since the 19th and now my spleen had ruptured. I went into emergency surgery at Cornell Hospital where my spleen was removed and I received a blood transfusion."

Here is a video that our good friend Tommy Jones from "The Studio" in New Jersey, shot and edited at the benefit. If you couldn't make it, but still want to help Tommy out. You can donate any amount via his PayPal account: tommyvext@gmail.com. We also have an EXCLUSIVE interview with Tommy coming soon!



Related links:
The Studio

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

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Kirk Windstein (Crowbar, Down, Kingdom of Sorrow) is one of the godfathers of the New Orleans Heavy Music scene, and since the inception of Crowbar in 1989 he’s kept his craft intact. Kirk has been a fundamental asset to the ever changing New Orleans Heavy Music scene, which has brought us bands like Crowbar, Down, Acid Bath, Goatwhore, Eyehategod, Soilent Green, and many others.

What sets the NOLA scene apart from other scenes in the country is that the scene was not created around a particular genre; it was created around the musical paradise that is only present in New Orleans, Louisiana: a city that gave birth to Jazz, Sludge Metal and to the New Orleans Saints (current Superbowl champions).

Sludge Metal became an important genre, thanks to musicians like Philip Anselmo (Pantera, Down) Pepper Keenan (COC, Down), Jimmy Bower (Eyehategod, Down), Ben Falgoust (Goatwhore, Soilent Green), and Mike Williams (Eyehategod), who’s goal was to create a musical movement in which everyone unites and challenges each other’s creativity. This movement has lead into a very unique sound, which Windstein has helped to create and establish.

It is evident from the moment Kirk steps on any stage, that everyone loves the “old man” (as Jamey Jasta from Hatebreed calls him). One of the elements that has made Kirk loved by millions of fans worldwide, is the passion and soul he delivers through his music. Whither it’s Crowbar, Down, or Kingdom of Sorrow, Kirk is always the same humble guy who found music as a creative and therapeutic outlet.


Last weekend Kirk brought his “baby” Crowbar to New York City’s Santos Party House, and made it an unforgettable night of Heavy southern Sludge Metal! Crowbar has never disappointed, and wherever they go they make sure everyone leaves with a wide smile. What impacted us the most about Crowbar is how fans of different musical styles always unite at their shows, groove their bodies uncontrollably, and got their soul Crowbent.

What’s in the agenda for Kirk Windstein in 2011?

- New Crowbar record (February 8th through E1 Music).
- US tour in March with Crowbar.
- Recording of the new Down record in the summer.
- Touring with Kingdom of Sorrow in the summer.

We are pretty sure that what you really want to do right now, is watch our EXCLUSIVE interview with Kirk Windstein inside Santos Party House, right after Crowbar's New York City takeover. \m/









Related links:
Crowbar
E1 Music
Down
Kingdom of Sorrow

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

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Revitalize the Scene Compilation

Listen up! Are you in a band and want to get your music heard by hundreds of people? "Revitalize the Scene" are offering a great opportunity for bands to have 1 track on 200 Compilation Discs that they will be distributing at the Shadows Fall DVD Release Party (with Thy Will Be Done) at Santos Party House on December 18th.

Confirmed bands set to appear on this disc are:

THY WILL BE DONE (Stillborn Records)
HELL WITHIN (Thorp Records)
DECEPTION OF A GHOST (Bullet Tooth)
FIRST BLOOD (Bullet Tooth)
MEMPHIS MAY FIRE (Bullet Tooth)
AGE OF END (RTS Contest Winner)

Here are the details:
- $25 to get your band's 1 track on these discs.
- With the 200 Disc Compilations they we will be sending each band 2 copies and they guarantee that they will post photos online of the promotion or you get your money back!

Related links:
Revitalize the Scene on Facebook
Revitalize the Scene to make your purchases.

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

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TOMMY VEXT Benefit show

Tommy "Vext" Cummings has always represented Heavy Music in an honest way, he might be too honest for some bands to be able to handle him, but this is what makes him a true New York musician. Regardless of why he left Divine Heresy and Snot, Tommy is a talented singer who wont be retiring anytime soon. Unfortunately, his new project with guitarist Doc Coyle from God Forbid was put to a halt when he was viciously attacked by his own brother. Here is an extract of a recent interview with Tommy (courtesy of Metal Insider) explaining what happened that horrific day.

"On the evening of September 19th I was leaving my apartment in Brooklyn to visit my sister and was struck over the back of my head from behind during an attempted robbery. I fell and turned around and was struck again with a crowbar. The metal bar broke my left arm and this is when I saw my attacker. A 6’1, 320 pound man covered in dirt & blood. It was my estranged brother. Homeless, intoxicated and desperate, he repeatedly hit me on the back and sides with the weapon as I tried to shield myself from the blows. I managed to get on my feet and throw him off of me. I took off to a neighbors house and called 911. The ambulance arrived and I was rushed to the Hospital. After multiple X-rays & MRI’s, the doctors found I had a fractured skull and broken arm. I was discharged the next day. Because my attacker had not been apprehended I was staying with a friend in Manhattan during the first few days of my recovery. Four days after the incident, I collapsed in a Manhattan restaurant and was rushed back to the Hospital. This time the doctors found I had been internally bleeding since the 19th and now my spleen had ruptured. I went into emergency surgery at Cornell Hospital where my spleen was removed and I received a blood transfusion."

On Sunday November 28, thanks to Doc Coyle (God Forbid) and Ria Katz (Santos Party House), God Forbid, Mutiny Within, Dead Men Dreaming, Timeless, Human Decline, The Judas Syndrome, Empyreon and a Great Day To Die, will take center stage at Santos Party House in order to help Tommy collect some funds to help cover his medical bills. If you live in the tri-state area, you have absolutely no reason or excuse to not come to this show. Lets proof the world that the Heavy Music community always rises to the occasion! \m/

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR ONLY, so get there early!



Related links:
Santos Party House

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

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Agnostic Front: Hardcore Lessons

This is such an easy piece to write, that it could be done while being blindfolded and handcuffed. When it comes to New York Hardcore, Agnostic Front is still the band that everyone respects and admires. When we recently interviewed Ben Falgoust from Goatwhore and Soilent Green, we asked him about the bands that made him want to get on stage. The first band he mentioned was Agnostic Front. The reason? Agnostic Front are not just a band, they represent a cultural movement that has crossed musical frontiers worldwide.

When the godfather of Hardcore music Vinnie Stigma started Agnostic Front in 1980, his vision was to create a form of music that was honest and directly from the streets. Another aspect that Stigma wanted to present to the masses was the strength and the unity behind the New York City underground culture. While many only know the "poshy" side of New York, the city was a complete different place back then. The streets were very rugged, and there was a lot of violence going on. This is what gave birth to the Hardcore Punk movement, which eventually became became the musical trademark of New York City. And without the violence and the hardship, it would have never evolved the way it did.

Agnostic Front revolutionized Hardcore music when they released "Victim In Pain", and instantly became one of the pioneers of New York Hardcore. We had the chance to see their hometown show at Santos Party Town in Chinatown, as they celebrated the 25th anniversary of this legendary album. It was a family reunion, and the band proved that they got fire for years to come. We actually spoke with Stigma after their performance, and he confirmed that they are going into the studio this November to record the new Agnostic Front album with Freddy Cricien (AKA Freddy Madball) as producer. Needless to say, the streets in New York City wont be safe once they release this album. Here are some quotes taken from the interview with Stigma! ENJOY! \m/







Related links:
Official Site of Agnostic Front
Official Site of Vinny Stigma
Official Site of New York Hardcore Tattoos

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

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Double Trouble in NYC

After Your Demise finished taking over Santos Party House, when some thought the night was over, the first edition of "Double Trouble" kicked off with fury. The event hosted by Jennifer Arroyo (A.K.A. Ms. JennCity) wrapped up the night with more music, featuring live performances by Desolate and Severed from New York City, and DJ Tim No 37 spinning some Heavy music at full blast.

45 minutes after Your Demise stepped off the stage, New York's own Desolate started what seemed like an eternal sound check. This band believes in perfection and as a result they sounded crisply punishing. From the moment they hit the stage they started getting some movement on the dance floor. Their guitarist and singer where wandering around the dance floor getting the crowd going. I must say that this guys where very impressive at mixing together Death Metal, Hard Core and Melodic Metal. We had a chance to speak with the band after they got off stage, this interview will be posted very soon.


Not long after Desolate exited the stage, it was time for Severed to get on stage and proof what the buzz on the street is all about. Not only can they play their music with conviction, but they have great musicianship. Those who left early missed a furious set full of tight grooves married to crunchy guitars and vocals that sounded like war.


At the end of the evening, we had a chance to chat with JennCity and she told us that the goal is to have "Double Trouble" be a monthly event at Santos Party House. She thanked both Desolate and Severed for their amazing sets, DJ Tim No 37 for spinning the heaviness and the crowd for all their support. This interview will be posted in its entirety very soon.

Events like this one, proof once again that Heavy music is spreading like a disease that can't be contained or stopped. The fans are hungry for more and now more than ever, the scene has a significant amount of strength that can only benefit the artists, the fans and the event promoters. Here are some related links:

DESOLATE
SEVERED
JennCity
DJ Tim No 37

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NYC: Capital of Underground Music

On Wednesday February 24th I headed to Santos Party House in the Chinatown section of Manhattan, for a lethal dose of Heavy Metal and Hard Core. What I expected to be a mellow night, turned into a night which proofed to me why I decided to start Horns Up Rocks! It's not just about the music, it's about people from different cultures coming together, indulging ourselves into some Heavy Music while having a good time and throwing the Horns Up.

When I got there at 7:30, there where already some hungry fans waiting for the live music to begin. The first part of the night featured 3 bands: The Judas Syndrome from NYC, Circle of Contempt from Finland and Your Demise from the UK.

The Judas Syndrome kicked off the night with a brutal display of well polished Trash Metal, combined with elements of NY Hard Core. Horns Up Rocks caught up with their singer Phil Vibez after their phenomenal set. He told us that they just finished recording their debut album, which will be released sometime in May (Full interview will be posted soon).

The Circle of Contempt where not as lethal as I thought they would be, but they still put on a pretty good show. Finishing the first part of the night was Your Demise, they played a very intimate set with all their members jamming out right on the dance floor. We had a chance to catch up with Jose Mangin from Sirius XM's Liquid Metal and he told us that he showed up just to catch Your Demise on stage, which he had interviewed On Air the previous day on Liquid Metal. Needless to say, Your Demise is a band to watch.

Part 1 of the night was a complete success, with over 50 people rocking out even though the show took place on a Wednesday night at 8:30. As Phil Vibez from The Judas Syndrome said: "It doesn't really matter what time it is, not in Metal!"

Read more, here is Part 2 of the night.

Here are some related links:

www.myspace.com/thejudassyndrome
www.myspace.com/circleofcontempt
www.myspace.com/yourdemise
www.sirius.com/liquidmetal
www.santospartyhouse.com

By:JoSchuftan (www.twitter.com/joschuftan)

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