After covering Conquest in a recent article, I had the unique opportunity to talk with Derrick Brumley, lead singer and guitarist for this killer band. I found him very friendly, intelligent, open and extremely conversant about his band and how it fits into the music business. If you have not heard of Conquest, you have now. What are you waiting for? Go check them out! But first, a conversation with the man himself…
Lo-Pan has been one of the driving forces in the Columbus music scene for some time now. That band has a unique sound that draws any and all ears toward the music they create. Each member of the band is a master at their instrument. The band welcomed guitarist Adrian Zambrano a little over a year and a half ago to the band. Today it was announce that Adrian had left the band and Lo-Pan is again looking for someone to fill the role of guitarist. Lo-Pan announced his departure via Facebook making this statement:
“Our guitarist Adrian Zambrano has decided he needs to walk away from Lo-Pan at this time to focus on some other important parts of life. We would like to emphasize that this is an amicable split and we wish him all the best. We are currently on the hunt for a new guitarist and we hope to see you all again as soon as possible. Stay tuned for announcements and new music.”
Under Pike Skies is a band based in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. The band is comprised of 5 talented young men that are destined to have their music heard around the world. Not only are they musically amazing but their lyrics really hit home and are emotionally driven. The band is preparing to head into the studio to record their debut album with an amazing team at Crisis Lab Studios (Flaw, Saturate) in Mississippi. The group has quickly drawn the attention of fans all over the region and was even showcased on Eastern Kentucky Broadcasting’s Mountain Music segment. The band is from a poverty stricken section of Kentucky and isn’t financially stable to pay for the entire recording process themselves. They have created a GoFund Me campaign for fans that would be interested in helping them make history by recording their debut. Under Pike Skies is offering some rewards for people that make a donation toward their dreams coming true. For instance certain donations could garner you a live Skype performance by the band, your name in the “thank you” section of the album once released, a shout out on their social media pages and a few other things. They are really special and can’t really be compared to anything else in modern music right now. Continue reading
Metal Nexus Interview: Source
Ben Gleason – Vocals and guitar
Georges Octobous – Drums
Dan Crisafulli – Bass
After my recent “State of the Art” showcase of Source, I was fortunate enough to be contacted by band manager Brent Boutte and offered an interview with this unbelievably good band. I had a great sit down with them and managed to ask them about everything I wanted to. We talk about how the band formed, how they learnt how to play their instruments, and much more. Geoges made a joke after the interview about how much easier it is for people to learn instruments now that the internet exists. He would have loved to go onto a site like Drumming Review and see all these reviews and tips – it would have saved him a lot of money on some bad equipment he’s bought in the past! Anyway, onto the interview:
Recently, when Entheos was coming through here, I was given the opportunity to sit down with lead singer, Chaney Crabb. I was really looking forward to meeting her but really did not know what to expect and, honestly, felt a little intimidated. While she does write hopeful and positive lyrics, Entheos music, particularly her vocals are far from tame. I got to the venue early and we went next door where it was more quiet where we sat down and grabbed her a beer. With Mariachi music playing in the background I quickly learned that Ms. Crabb is charming, smart, soft spoken, quick with a smile and very sweet; a complete contrast to her in-your-face, on stage persona. What follows is our transcripted conversation instead of a sterile, question/response interview. This is what I learned about this rising star. Enjoy!
The last month or so has been a very exciting time for West Virginia metal legends Byzantine. The band was auditioning for a new drummer, finishing up recording 2 cover songs, and on the verge of signing a worldwide deal with one of the best labels in the business; Metal Blade. In steps West Virginia native Matt Bowles formerly of the band Our Malignant Beloved. He is the newest addition to Byzantine. The band will soon begin the task of writing and recording a follow up to their highly successful album “To Release Is To Resolve”, which made several top 10 lists including ours. We were fortunate enough to catch up with Matt and get to know him a little better. Continue reading
HATEBREED
Introduction by Dragon:
Hatebreed is an institution when it comes to both the U.S. and global Hardcore/Metal/Crossover scenes as the band itself is closing in on it’s 25th anniversary come 2019. They have championed those scenes constantly while reinforcing notions about the strength of the individual, the power of self-reliance, and the inevitable victory that is achieved by one’s actions through their pureness of heart and durability of will. “Strength” in every sense of the word is always the take-away from Hatebreed as this iconic band prepares to release their seventh album “The Concrete Confessional” via Nuclear Blast on May 13th. The band is also preparing to hit the road across the U.S. with DevilDriver, Act Of Defiance, and Devil You Know soon and with all of that in mind, Metal Nexus reached out to Hatebreed guitarist Frank Novinec to ply us with a bit of his time and experience in the following interview. For those of that don’t know, Frank Novinec is an icon himself since his earlier work in bands such as Integrity, Ringworm, and Terror which, alongside his tenure in Hatebreed, all testify to what an expressive artist and figure he is so without further ado, let’s breakdown and break loose with Hatebreed guitarist Frank Novinec. Continue reading
A very interesting, behind the scenes perspective on what it takes to put on a large show like Murderfly’s 5th Annual Mayfest.
Odyssey: Hi Chris! Very nice meeting you and glad to have you with us. I know you are very busy with Mayfest and appreciate you taking the time to tell us about the show.
So, tell us a little about yourself as a promoter, Chris Marsh Productions and your passion for Florida music.
Chris Marsh: Chris Marsh Productions was founded on providing the best shows possible with the best bands possible. I have been involved with the local music scene for 17+ years, I’ve toured, I’ve pushed road cases, worked large festivals, have used new music promoter software like Prism.fm, know all the tricks of the trade and have seen and done pretty much everything a true promoter should do, including driving the miles to promote this event.
Joe Stump: “The Dark Lord Rises” (2015)
In our continuing coverage in honor of International Guitar Month, we have the distinct pleasure of presenting our interview with guitarist extraordinaire Joe Stump!
Hello Mr. Stump! I know you are extremely busy and really appreciate you taking the time to interview with me. It is a real privilege for me to get to speak with someone so inspirational and a personal idol! I have listened to you for many years and look forward to many more!
I would also like to thank you sharing so much of yourself through your music! Being around musicians all the time, I have a deep respect for you, knowing that it is a tough road that involves passion, drive, personal sacrifice and is all too often taken for granted. You have my utmost gratitude! – Odyssey
Brett “Blackout” Scott – Vocals
Zach Vanlade – Guitar/Vocals
Vinnie Lee Camarillo – Guitar/Vocals
Nikky Skorcher – Bass Guitar
Nolan Weber – Drums
Releases:
Rage of the Gods (2015)
Iron Age (2013)
