Doc Coyle On GOD FORBID Reunion Ever Happening “It’s Hard To Gauge If People Really Care That Much”

Doc Coyle is currently the lead guitarist for Bad Wolves, who sprang into notoriety behind their cover of The Cranberries single “Zombie” in the wake of Delores O’Riordan sudden passing. Bad Wolves have carved out a name for themselves by tireless touring in support of bands like Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach Breaking Benjamin and more, releasing their sophomore album, N.A.T.I.O.N.  in 2019. Doc can also be heard on his podcast, The Ex Man Podcast talking to some of rock and metals most influential artists. Doc also may be remembered for starting metalcore darlings God Forbid Continue reading

State of the Art: Oklahoma’s LOST EMPIRES [Tracks Streaming]

Since 2011, Lost Empires have been fusing together a new breed of metalcore straight out of Oklahoma City, OK. One could say, fantasy metalcore? A healthy blend of sharp and tight traditional riffs with a power metal element, the melody along with the synthesizers. This is really something cool.

The five piece consists of Kilby and Brad on guitars, drummer Jeremy, Luke on bass and Lawrence on vocals. “Death, the Unveiling of Eternity” EP was released in 2016. It’s like God Forbid and Blind Guardian are dating. It’s a fabulously unique metalcore EP. The standout track is undoubtedly “Standing at Death’s Door.” Song structure is interesting, catchy and elaborate. The power metal elements really stand out on this particular track. Some cleans throw in the background really compliment the growls. Another favorite, “Hameln” has the eerie synth magic happening with a really evil and driving riff over top. It’s just a solid track. Fans of mid-2000’s metalcore will certainly be interested in Lost Empires, and power metal fans that don’t mind more aggressive vocals.

The band is pretty quiet on their socials, but after a bit of poking around it seems as they are taking a break at the moment but have future plans to write new material. Their 2016 EP is available for streaming on Spotify. 

State Of The Art: Indiana’s THE IRON GATES [EP Stream]


*This is a part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured state.*

This month’s state is Indiana!


It’s 2018 and yes, metalcore is still strong. The Iron Gates from Indianapolis, Indiana dropped their debut EP this past February and celebrated by playing with Darkest Hour. “The Story Thus Far” is a four song powerhouse that is reminiscent of the wonderful mid-2000’s east coast metal and hardcore crossover.

The Iron Gates formed in 2009, and their sound strongly reflects that; a statement given with respect, as the pinnacle of modern metalcore was among those surrounding years. Nailed by blast beats from drummer, Erik Flaskerud, and a taste of melodic European death metal and power metal riffs, the listener is quickly flooded with memories of perfected Shadows Fall licks and God Forbid-style uninhibited vocals by Dustin Savage. Early As I Lay Dying is channeled in track three, “The Huntress,” with a riff that drives the entirety of the song and a chorus doesn’t need clean vocals to be catchy. Guitar duo, Matt Strakis and Brian Nichols sound like they should be on the cover of Guitar World… tomorrow! The low end is incredibly tight and clean, courtesy of bassist, Brandon Lytle. Continue reading

An Interview With NEGATIVE SKY’s Tom Fitzgibbon!

  New Jersey natives Negative Sky have just recently put the final touches on their upcoming release ‘Placid Black’. They also released a video for the hard hitting and aggressive track “The Dark Unknown”. The band certainly carries with it a ton of influence from the New York Hardcore scene, but they also add differing elements that really sends their music to a new level. From the very first listen to this new track I was immediately drawn to their music. Beware of your surroundings when you first listen to “The Dark Unknown” because it will make you want to start a circle pit 30 seconds into the song. We were fortunate enough to speak with Negative Sky drummer Tom Fitzgibbon and get some info on the bands formation and what their plans are for the future. Continue reading

Interview | Doc Coyle Talks About Kickstarter For New Band Vagus Nerve. [Song Streaming]

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Former God Forbid guitarist Doc Coyle has started a new project entitled Vagus Nerve. This is Doc’s first creative output since leaving God Forbid.  The band has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help introduce them to the world. The campaign will help fund the final mix of the EP which is entitled “Visceral”. The album is being mixed by renowned producer and mixer Forrester Savell (Twelve Foot Ninja, Animals As Leaders, Karnivool). Right now the Kickstarter campaign has reached 95% of their goal, but it’s all for nothing if they don’t hit the goal. Not only is this a way for the band to help finance the final mix of their EP but it also let’s the fans get some extra goodies in the process. Depending on your donation about you could receive some Doc Coyle signature guitar picks, physical copy of the EP once it’s complete, drummer Moe Watson’s signature Vagus Nerve drum sticks, tshirts, posters, guitar lessons from Doc, and possibly even Ravi doing guest vocals on your bands album and much much more. The band has released one song to help showcase the talents and style of the band. Rather than describe their sound they let the music stand for itself and you won’t be disappointed. We were fortunate enough to speak to Doc about the new project and how the Kickstarter project is going.  Continue reading