The Bucket List With Mike Petrasek (BEDLEM)

* For the Metal Nexus’ Bucket List series, we pose the age-old question to some of your favorite artists: “Before you die, which band(s) would you want to see play live that you haven’t seen before, and why do they mean so much to you?”

Paul Wandtke (ex Trivium, ex Rock of Ages) formed the Chicago-based heavy metal/hard rock band Bedlem along with guitarist Joey “Trace” Brassal (Ex Fashion Bomb), vocalist Mike Petrasek, and bassist Brian Ahern. The group just recently released their debut album, ‘Back to Bedlem’ via SYFTS on October 31st, 2018, which you can pick up here. Continue reading

John Cooper (Skillet/Fight The Fury) On Writing Process For ‘Still Breathing’ – “I Just Thought, Man, What Would METALLICA Do?”

Skillet

Vocalist/bassist, John Cooper (Skillet, Fight the Fury) speaks with Joshua Toomey for an interview on an episode of Talk Toomey: The Metal Nexus Podcast. They talk about the writing process for the recently released debut EP, ‘Still Breathing’ from Cooper’s newest metal side project, Fight the Fury. Among other topics, they discuss upcoming tour plans, how Cooper discovered bass-playing, his wide range of musical influences, and much more. As co-founder of the Christian rock band, Skillet, Cooper also assures fans that he will never lose his faith, but has decided to branch outside of his religious focus to pursue more riff-driven metal with Fight the Fury. Continue reading

Album Review: ACE FREHLEY – ‘Spaceman’ (Entertainment One)

Ace Frehley

Spaceman

Entertainment One

No matter the status of his endlessly fluctuating relationship with his former bandmates/business partners, and no matter who’s stage left working his suit and wearing his makeup, Ace Frehley will always be the lead guitar player for KISS. One of the most influential axemen in rock and roll history (haters and naysayers be damned), Frehley has spent a large swath of the sixteen-plus years since his last public appearance with the band firmly cementing his reputation as the once-and-forever Space Ace, touring and releasing a string of albums that show off his singular talents and find inspiration in his formidable legacy. His newest release, Spaceman, plays up the KISS connections and corollaries more than any other project in his solo catalog, which should give longtime fans and followers plenty to sink their teeth into.

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CHEVELLE Announces New Record “12 Bloody Spies: B-Sides and Rarities” Preorder Available Now!

Alternative rock veterans Chevelle have announced the release of 12 Bloody Spies: B-Sides and Rarities. This album will be a compilation of beloved B-sides and deep cuts from 2002-2016. The album is due out October 26 and available for preorder via Epic Records.

The preorder comes with access to the single “Sleep Walking Elite” from the Vera Sera sessions. This hook-filled riff adventure will be a nice treat for fans who thirst for classic Chevelle tracks. The full collection includes such tracks as an acoustic version of “Sleep Apnea” from Sci-Fi, the bonus tracks “Until You’re Reformed” from Wonder What’s Next, and “A Miracle” from The North Corridor. It will be sought-after gold for dedicated fans of Chevelle. Track list is below!  

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Rock Allegiance 2018 Artist Showcase: STONE BROKEN

Stone Broken was formed in 2013 after one of frontman Rich Moss’ former bandmates tragically died. Almost abandoning music for 4 years, Moss would form Stone Broken with longtime friend Robyn Hancock on drums, Chris Davis on guitar, and Kieron Conway on bass. Their self-released and self-financed EP, The Crow Flies was released in 2014. They then hit the studio again with producer Romesh Dodangoda (Motörhead, Bring Me The Horizon,Twin Atlantic) to record their debut full length, All In Time. Gaining a local following their first full length, there fan base grew rapidly. With tracks like “Not Your Enemy” and “Wait For You” getting airtime on Kerrang! Radio and Planet Rock, the venues became larger and larger. Continue reading

The Bucketlist With LOLA BLACK


*In this series we pose the age old questions to a wide array of music lovers. As fans of music most of us keep a mental list of active bands we want to see live that we haven’t yet seen. The Bucketlist brings to you those lists of your favorite artists and why those bands mean so much to them*


It’s that time of the month again, yes the Bucketlist segment is back with another killer band opening up about the bands they’d love to see so bad. For today’s edition we have from Denver, CO, LOLA BLACK, who has been rising up the ranks of Denver metal scene real quick. With a mesmerizing live performance and a relentless work ethic she and her eponymous group have become the “it” band in Colorado taking in 3 Westword Music Awards putting them in alumni status, landing the title of 106.7 KBPI’s Best Band in Denver and becoming the go to act for national festivals and other numerous radio events.

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State Of The Art: West Virginia’s SCARLET REVOLT

Photo Credit: Rogue Crayon

*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured state. This month’s state is West Virginia.*

A gritty blend of classic rock and stoner/doom metal is what’s on the menu from female-fronted quartet, Scarlet Revolt. Lead singer Eve Marcum Atkinson’s striking vocals will seductively draw you into the murky, moody sonic depths on tracks such as “Bleed” which presents an imaginative interpretation of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven.” The fuzzily-toned, Orange-amplified guitar riffs ooze and chug along with purpose under minimal production polish that allows for a pleasingly unaltered, natural sound. The song and music video come from the band’s 2017 CD release, ‘Cold Town’ via Von Artists. Continue reading

Review: DOPE DEFAULT – ‘Ofrenda’ [Album Stream]

 

 

Formed in late 2012, Dope Default are a stoner/heavy rock’n’roll band from Thessaloniki, Greece, influenced by artists such as Alice in Chains, Queens of the Stone Age, Monster Magnet and Planet of Zeus. While the band has an array of influences ranging from grunge to stoner rock their wheel house seems to be centered around hard rock. They do include elements of stoner rock within their music, but unlike most grunge they truly showcase riffs and solos throughout their music. They released their debut EP, ‘Nuclear Honeymoon’, in 2015, to favorable reviews by fans and press alike. Like most modern era bands Dope Default has solidered through several lineup changes, and have continued on with their passion to create music for fans around the world. They released their sophomore EP, ‘Tales From the Wasteland’, in 2017 and have now released their debut full length ‘Ofrenda’. The album released March 3rd, 2018 and was recorded at Ypoga Studios in Thessaloniki, Greece. The band has toured extensively, which has not only made their stage presence more superior but also better prepared them for the studio and releasing what is likely their best release yet.

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VYCES Release Haunting New Music Video For “Thin Luck”!

LA Hard Rock Band VYCES has released the official music video for their single, “Thin Luck“. The music video was directed by was directed by Ron Thunderwood.

Los Angeles based hard rock band VYCES started in the summer of 2014 when Chicago native Dave Naruszewicz was looking to work on a new project following the disbandment of his former group HEART-SET SELF-DESTRUCT. After years of touring with such bands as FILTERHELL YEAHVOLBEATPOP EVIL, etc., he realized it was time for change. He spent time working with other musicians in the Chicago music scene looking to feed his passion as an artist but he did not find what he was looking for. Dave’s vision was not deterred, so he decided to reach out to longtime friend and drummer, Russell Ray (formerly of OLD FASHIONED BEATDOWN).

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BLACK COFFEE’s “I Barely Know Her” Video Delivers 70’s Nostalgia To Your Ears!

This is something straight outta the 70s. From the big hair, the fashion and their hook driven retro sound  Black Coffee is putting a retro twist on modern rock. The music is definitely a throwback to rock and roll’s most formative years, it’s just that the production is much more cleaner and the sound is substantially more heavy. The band has a sound that makes you feel like you are blowing the dust off one of your favorite vinyls.

 Black Coffee formed in early 2017 after drummer Tommy McCullough introduced singer/bassist, Ehab Omran, to guitarist Justin Young. Within the first few days, these artists began songwriting and the chemistry was overwhelmingly apparent. With the release of  Black Coffee’s debut album, ‘Take One’, on April 21st, the Columbus, Ohio rockers definitely possess the sound, style, confidence and work ethic that created legends in music in the previous few decades.

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