It has been many, many years since last seeing Mr. Satriani (I believe it was the “Surfing With the Alien” tour in Louisville, KY; back when he had hair for you younger folks), so this was a particular thrill for me. Being self-identified as a guitar nerd, I have however kept up with all of his music and love everything he has produced. I was about ready to come out of my skin waiting for him to take the stage…
When we asked to review the pre-release of “XI” for Metal Nexus (Please see: Metal Church “XI”, for the review), we had no idea that Metal Church would be so gracious as to offer us an interview. When we found out that the interview was going to be personally handled by Kurdt Vanderhoof himself, there was collective gasp among the staff. The Man himself! We are truly honored!
West Virginia’s kings of metal Byzantine have been without a drummer for a short period of time now. The band released their latest album ‘To Release Is to Resolve’ in February. The single “The Agonies” received major air play on Sirius XM and was on their top 10 list for a substantial amount of time. The band has always been the metal underdog and this album helped show how truly great they are and helped give them the respect they deserve. Chris “OJ” Ojeda (guitar, vocals) is one of the most down to earth people you will ever meet. Not long after they toured in support of the new album it was announced in December that the band had parted ways with drummer Matt Wolfe. They were quick to announce try outs for a new drummer. The following was posted on the Byzantine facebook page: Continue reading
The backwoods metal band Lord Almighty is about to take their show on the road. Departing their home in Boston and bringing the unique sound they create to a venue near you. If you haven’t had the chance to hear the band you are doing yourself a great injustice. The style they play is truly their own as I previously described in the review of their album “Paths” (Read review here). The band doesn’t try to imitate anyone and have some of the most original music I’ve heard in recent years. If you want something that isn’t generic and stands out from all the other metal flooding the scene make sure to check these guys out on tour. They are spending the whole month of April on the road, so if you have an opportunity to see them don’t let it pass you by. You won’t be disappointed. Continue reading
Metal Nexus recently received a pre-release copy of “Book of Shadows II” by Zakk Wylde. While this album is by no stretch of the imagination, Metal, it is the Zakk Wylde and after listening to it, deserves a high place on our must-have list for 2016, regardless. Release date is set for April 8, 2016. With no spoilers, we respectfully submit the following review of this pivotal album:
*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured State*
This month’s State is California!
“And now for something completely different…”
– Monty Python’s Flying Circus
Sorizon is a very rare and unique band based out of Orange County, CA. Playing throughout Southern and Central California, Arizona and Nevada; this sextet of wickedly talented musicians have thrown caution to the wind and decided to create whatever strikes their collective, creative fancy instead of targeting one group of listeners or chaining themselves to any certain genre. When asked “what is your target audience”, song-writer, studio guitarist, and manager Dr. Danny Mann enthusiastically states “Everyone! We’ve heard many times after our shows from people who don’t really like metal that they really dug our set. I’m proud of that!” That said, Sorizon has much to be proud of because after just one listen to their music, one understands why this is true! Continue reading
The much anticipated CD by Metal Church, aptly named “XI” is due for release on March 25th. With the return of singer Mike Howe, whose last release with the band was 1993’s “Hanging in the Balance”, those that have followed the band for as many years or more have been anxiously waiting to hear the result of this star-crossed reunion. Metal Nexus recently procured a pre-release copy for review and… But wait…
*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured State*
This month’s State is California!
Hailing from Los Angeles, Once Human is a brutal force in Metal to be reckoned with and not for the faint of heart. Formed in 2014 by music producer and guitarist extraordinaire Logan Mader (of Soulfly and Machine Head fame) after joining forces with Australian guitarist-turned-singer Lauren Hart, bassist Damian Rainauld and drummer Ralph Alexander. Shortly after the release of their debut album, The Life I Remember in August of 2015, Alexander was replaced on drums by Dillion Trollope. With the addition of Skyler Howren on guitars, the current line up was complete. Already touring with Fear Factory and soon with Death Angel, Once Human is proving that they have what it takes to propagate their very dark brand of music in the Metal world.
Coronal Mass Ejection recently dropped their instrumental, self-titled, five song EP. Recorded in less than eight hours, it boggles the mind to learn that such a rich and complex texture of sound comes from only a trio of very talented musicians: Vincent Sorgentoni on guitar, Steve DiEva on bass and Patrick Wiwel on drums. Also incredible is the fact that the band is in its infancy, coming together in December of 2015! Their music certainly does not reflect the band’s age.
Uli Jon Roth. Jennifer Batten. Andy Timmons. Drop the name of any of these guitar gods and adjectives like virtuosic, spectacular and legend are sure to abound. The stars and planets have aligned now that Uli Jon Roth has chosen to tour with Batten and Timmons on “The Ultimate Guitar Experience” tour. Big words in a day when there are so many good guitarists out there. On the second night of their tour at The Plaza LIVE in Orlando, excitement and awe was palpable in the line waiting to see these three phenoms. What was waiting for us inside was beyond what any of us could have expected. Continue reading
