Trials Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

We formed a few years ago in Chicago IL, with the sole mission of playing heavy music. Our record "Witness To The Downfall" will be arriving in the world on August 1st.

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the new album?

51 minutes of the brown note. 

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

Some of the lyrics are more personal, just me working out the stuff that goes on in my head. We also covered other cheerful topics such as disease, substance abuse, poverty, and the non-existence of a kind and loving God. 

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band's name?
The name was a reference to life being difficult (as in, 'Trials and Tribulations'). And since we named the band, things have only gotten harder!

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

The shows lately have been really good. Cabaret Metro in Chicago was definitely a highlight for us, although we seem to do really well in more divey venues as well. Our live show is pretty straightforward -- no costumes, props or anything like that. Just aggressive music being played by aggressive people.    

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

We are working on that at the moment. 
7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if you what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music? 

We did have interest from several labels, but doing things on our own seemed to make more sense business-wise. And more importantly, we get to maintain complete control of our band and our music. However, we're not opposed to working with a label in the future.  So far the reactions have mostly been very positive, and I think any fan of heavy music will find something to enjoy with this band.

8. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

Our drummer Adam records some stuff on his own, but as far as actual bands, this is our full-time gig.
9. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by underground metal fans?

10. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases? 

We already have a lot of material written for our next record. Without giving the stock answer of it being 'heavier,' I can say that it is more evolved musically, and definitely coming from a darker place. Also, we have been working with a new drummer, Adam Kopecky, and his influence has changed the sound somewhat as well. 

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

The four of us listen to a lot of different shit, but collectively I'd say we're influenced by SYL/Devin Townsend, Death, '80s thrash stuff like Megadeth and Testament, Gojira, later Emperor, Meshuggah, Morbid Angel, for starters. Personally,  I have Voivod, the Wildhearts, and Devin Townsend's new stuff on heavy rotation. 

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

 A few of us are involved in visual arts, like drawing or design. Otherwise, as a band we enjoy eating large amounts of red meat.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Thanks for talking with us, and to anyone reading, check out our music and we hope you enjoy it!

Trials/Witness The Downfall/2011 CD Review

Trials  are  a  band  from  Chicago,  Illinois  that  combines  death,  technical,  thrash  and  groove  metal  together  with  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2011  album  "Witness  To  The  Downfall".

  Drums  range  from  slow,  midpaced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  good  amount  of  blast  beats,  while  the  bass  playing  sounds  very  strong  and  powerful  with  some  heavy  and  technical  riffing.

  Rhythm  gutiars  range  from  slow,  midpaced  to  fast  riffing  that  is  also  vey  melodic  and  technical  with  a  combination  of  inflences  from  death,  thrash  and  groove  metal  with  some  soft  playing  being  utilized  at  times and  there  are  littl e to  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  the  roecording,  as  for  the  accoutic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  they  being  a  classical  music  feel  to  the  music.

  Vocals  are  death/thrash/groove metal  growls  and  yells  with  a  great  amount  of  clean  singing  being  thrown  in,  while  the  lyrics  cover  hateful  and  everyday  thmes,  as  for  the  production  it  sounds  very  powerful  and  professional  sounding  for  a  self  released  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Trials  are  a  very  good  technical  and  meodic  sounding  death/thrash/groove  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  style,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECEMMONDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "This  Is  Starvation"  "Shadows  And  Traps"  and  "Take  This  From  Me".  RECEMMONDED  BUY.

Icon In Me Interview

 1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We're getting ready to release our second studio album named Head Break Solution. A lot of preparations – interviews and other promotion, ETC. More recently, we released our new video for the song Un-Slaved, and before that we launched internet single which is still available for free download on our official website www.iconinme.com. Also, we are booking a tour to support our new album, which will happen this fall. So as you can imagine we are not sitting without a job (　

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
Well, the songs on this album has more speed and attack. I think it more towards thrash metal. But the songs still have a lot of melodic - catchy moments - so our signum is still here. By tradition, we have many guests on the new album whom all have their own unique musical mood. Well, the sound from the masters of craft - Ben Schigel very good! This album will punch you right hook, and you don’t have time to dodge. I recommend it to all fans of good metal songs :)

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
Tony>>>　 The red thread I'm using now is «casualties of war», mainly. People suffer, people die, infrastructure collapses, warmongers rule the earth etc

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band’s name?
Our name doesn't pose too much hidden meaning. This is just a call to everyone more confidence in their own strength rather than go with the flow and commit their lives every pseudo-religions imposed on us from above. Also, it seems that ICON IN ME just sounds good.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Ooooh. We put on a sick show dude !,.. Machine for beating dust out of your head. Our singer Tony is amazing frontman. He goes out and hypnotizes audience like a boa constrictor with rabbits. I think you should once in a lifetime visit one of our live performance.
I think one of our best show was a support of Machine Head in Moscow. This was our first live show and we were very excited. But everything went very well and the guys from MH watching all show our side of the stage - and then they came up and thanked us for the excellent support. That was really cool!　

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
As I said before, we are booking a tour in support of new album this fall. Maybe it will include not only the territory of Russia as well as Europe and America. Very soon, we will know about it.

7. The new album is coming out on Goomba Music, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
Yes it's true - the album's release in America and Canada is thru Goomba Music.　 I think that the guys from "Goomba" does a really professional work and know how to submit a new group in the U.S. market. They have done a great job promotion vise over the past few weeks and I am sure that this is only the beginning.

8. on a worldwide level how has your music been received by extreme metal fans?
Internet is very important role the in the modern world. With it, the musicians all over the world have the opportunity to show their metal music to fans. We are also actively using the Internet to promote our music. Also, if you know our debut album was released on the well-known metal label - Massacre rec. So we already have some, little fame in the circles of metal heads all over the world.

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
OMG. I think that it is too early to plan our musical future. Our new album hasn’t released yet - so that we still have a lot of work to promote it before we start to think about the new records. We will see later.　

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I've always listened to a lot of different music. I wasn’t only a extreme metal head. So my list of bands that influenced me as a musician - can be very large. I’m listening to a lot of different music , in the past and nowadays aswell.. But the main style for me is metal. Right now answering your questions I hear the new In Flames album.

11. outside of music what are some of your interests?
Most of the musicians in our band have families and children. Thus I think that this is a big interest for most of us. Also I'm interested in shooting and hunting. But of course the music is our love for life.　

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
I wish that the metal fans should listen to less shit that we get from the pop channels like MTV, etc. Don’t believe all sorts of corrupt politicians - no matter what country they are - they only want money and power. Stay metal. Listen good music and go to a good metal show. Peace to ya’ll!

Nociceptor Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

    I think the last thing I heard people call us was "Progressive Metal."

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?

    Like a rhythmically eccentric rhinoceros that is on fire and is charging you... from a long way away. :)

    

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

    Well, sometimes songs will start off about one thing, but then will somehow morph into something else.  The final product can sometimes be a bit warped.  I think we touch on various things...things that relate to all humans, as well as things that you'd have to be one of us to understand.  That being said, we prefer to let the listener breathe their own life to the music.  I love to hear how others interpret our music.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

    Nociceptors are receptors in your skin that respond to damage by sending signals to the brain that are interpreted as pain.  Scott suggested it.  Better him than me.  Having to choose a band name name frightens me."

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage perforamnce?

    For some reason whenever we played in Lawton, OK, we would always come home with grand tails of adventure.  One time, we had a show booked in Amarillo, TX (which is at least a 5 hour drive from Denton), and after driving what seemed like all day, the show was cancelled due to a blizzard.  We were 30 minutes outside Amarillo!  We stopped at a Dairy Queen to sulk and our merch girl decided to call a friend in Lawton.  We did a little more driving and ended up playing two shows in one night, one right after the other, 2 different clubs... I think I slept for 2 or 3 days straight after that weekend.

    It would be difficult for me to honestly describe our stage performance.  A friend once told me that people generally view their bands the same way parents view their newborn children.  Everybody thinks that THEIR baby is the most beautiful...

    Our shows are much like emotional exercise for me, personally.  I attempt to re-create the emotional environment of my experiences and communicate this environment to people around me without giving too much away with just words.  Sometimes I am successful, sometimes I am not.  Either way, I must usually rely on the perspective of others as to whether the show went well. 

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

    That's an interesting question.  We have been approached about several tours, but unfortunately we lack sufficient funds to appropriate a reliable vehicle, and have had to turn them all down.  We're ready to go as soon as we have transportation, though!  Donations are excepted!

7. Currently you are singed to Pivotal Recordings, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

    Absolutely wonderful people!  We got in touch with them through Travis.  They are efficient and responsive which makes business by email so much more pleasant.  Actually, we were probably more of a headache to them if anything.

8. Are there any projects besides this band or is this a full time line-up?

    Well, Travis has Threat Signal, and Michael has his other band, Demiurge.  I have joked about starting a swing-metal band for years now, but school pretty much takes up all my time outside Nociceptor.

9. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by exteme metal fans?

    As of January of this year, our music was being purchased in The US, Canada, The UK, Autralia, Japan, India, and Russia.  I am proud to be a part of something that has made a connection across such wide range of listeners.

10. What direction do you see the music heading intop on future releases?

    I really think that we all want to start messing around with more of an orchestral approach to our writing style.  Layering that stands out, with a sense of counterpoint throughout.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

    I grew up listening to Deftones, RATM, Tool, Korn (first and second album), and Meshuggah, among others, but I've always had a love for electronic music.  I was really into stuff like DJ Bam Bam and Kidney Thieves.  I think I bought the Spawn soundtrack like 80 times...

    These days about half the time I am listening to stuff like Between The Buried and Me, Tesseract, Vildhjarta...stuff like that.  The other half of the time, I am listening to Schubert's Ave Maria, Night on Bald Mountain, or Schumann's Allerseelen, Orf's Carmina Burana, etc...I like the really dark and dramatic stuff.

    

12. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?

    I am really wrapped up in Physics.  Mainly Cosmology and Quantum Physics.  Don't ask me any of the math, but the idea that reality might be a holographic projection from the edge of the universe fascinates me.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

    Worship Gozer!

Nociceptor/Among Insects/Pivotal Recordings/2011 CD Review

  Nociceptor  are  a  band  from  texas  that  plays  a  mixture  of  progressice,  groove,  thrash  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2011  album  "Among  Insects"  which  was  released  by  Pivotal  Recordings.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  midpaced  drumming  with  not  much  in  the  way  of  fast  playing  or  blast  beats,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  is  coming  out  og  the  guitars,  as  for  the  synths  which  are  only  used  briefly  on  one  song  they  bring  a  dark  sound  to  the  music.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  midpaced  riffing  that  combines  influences  from  progressive,  thrash,  groove  and  death  metal,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  technical  and  melodic  sounding  extreme  metal  guitar  solos,  as  for  the  accoustic  guitars  which  are  only  utilized  briefly,  they  bring  a  progressive  feel  to  the  music.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  thrash  and  groove  metal s tyle  screams,  with  some  deep  death  metal  growls  and  clean  singing  being  thrown  in  at  times,  while  the  lyrics  cover  everyday  style  themes  with  alot  of  hatred  being  mixed  in,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  feel  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Nociceptor  are  a  very  good  thrash/technical/groove/death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  bands  that  mix  these  styles  together,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECEDMMONDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Feel"  "Pornoholocaust"  and  "Contagion".  RECEMMONDED  BUY.

Icon In Me/Head Break Solution/Goo ba Records/2011 CD Review

Icon  In Me  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  thrash,  groove  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2011  album  "Head  Break  Solution"  which  was  released  by  Goomba  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  midpaced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  good  amount of  blast  beats,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  heavt  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  is  coming  out  of  the  guitars,  as  for  the  violins  they  are  used  briefly  on  one  song and  they  bring  a  dark  feel  to  the  music,  in  addition  there  is  a  smal  amount  of  synths  on  a  couple  of  songs.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  midpaced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  influences  from  thrash,  groove  and  death  metal,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  talented  sounding  extreme  metal  guitar  solos.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  thrash  style  growls  and  screams  with  some  clean  singing  and  death  metal  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  hateful  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  feel  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Icon  In  Me  are  good  for  the  style  they  play  and  whle  this is  not  something  I  would  listen  to  on  a  regular  basis,  Istill  feel  this  is  a  good  metal  album  and  I can  see  fans  of  thrash  and  groove  metal  enjoining  this  album.  RECEMMONDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Wased  Ways"  "Lust  For  Nothing"  "Nuclear  Drama"  and  "Solid  Child".  RECEMMONDED  BUY.

Misguided Aggression Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

1. (Ben D) We are currently licking our wounds from our recent voyage of the Canadian East Coast. We have a few shows coming up including the Southern Ontario Metal Festival August 26-28th down in Port Burwell along with Cancer Bats, Baptized in Blood, Dead & Divine, Threat Signal and a ton more! We are hoping to start working on some tunes we have had on the back burner for a little while as well.

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the new album?

2. (Ben D) I think as a whole our sound definitely is aggressive. We have honed in a little more towards the direction we want to go musically, combining groove, thrash, and many other elements into a sound we are all proud of. This band's goal is to continually evolve our sound, while sticking to what is true to us, and I think that shines through on this album.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

3. (Rob D) Individually the lyrics of each song stand of its own merit, and collectively they tell a tale of the world we have inherited. They range from a more intimate thought process of realizing the world is not quite the way it has been painted, to more informative lyrics about the key roles public relations play within many forms of media. Division is constantly being preached throughout much of the world, quite often where they claim to believe in unity. There is a common ground on which we can all stand, regardless of class or creed, and there we can live without fear of any misguided aggression. Everyone has the ability to change the world, even if it is in the tiniest way, if they pick up that first stone and choose to take action.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

4. (Ben D) The term "Misguided Aggression" can be interpreted in many ways, to many it can be described as an attitude or a way of thinking, to some it is a term associated with "terrorism" and war, to others it's just a sweet name for a metal band, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

 5. (Rob D) Every concert comes with its own share of unique experiences. Our home town of Woodstock has definitely been extremely supportive, raising their horns and moshing as crazy as ever -- always a blast there. In all the provinces we have played, there is at least one concert the band walks away from feeling exhilarated. There has been many an awesome time, for many different reasons.

Although the majority of the lyrics touch serious notes, we always party when we play. It’s all about the head banging, the stomping and the adrenaline. All around a fun time for everyone involved.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

6. (Rob D) We have just recently returned from our “Unshaved and Unbathed” tour through Canada’s east coast spreading the word of our new album “Flood the Common Ground” which went exceptionally well. We are playing around Ontario constantly, and hoping to visit the United States and western Canada within the near future.

7. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

7. (Rob D) All the members of the band thoroughly enjoy and appreciate music, and are always willing to jam it out with other musicians to broaden our horizons. However, there are no side projects as Misguided Aggression is on all of our primary agendas.

8. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by extreme metal fans?

8. (Rob D) We would love to travel the world to find out, as it has always been a dream of ours. Everywhere we have played where metal heads roam has been exceptional though. People who appreciate heavy groovy metal are always digging  it just as much as we are.

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

9. (Ben D) Musical direction is one of those things, that in order to keep true to ourselves, is best to go with the flow. For one to "decide" a musical direction, hinders one's creativity. We have always jammed organically as a group to create our music, and we will likely always write this way, but no matter what we do you can bet it will be angry as hell.

10. What aare some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

10. (Rob D) The musical genres that have influenced all of us vary greatly from metal to jazz, from classical to hip hop, and the list goes on. A creditable influence from Meshuggah has been hard to escape from for all of us, as it has been with many other current metal bands. However, it is not the core of what we are, as we all have different tastes outside of metal which effect how each of us writes. Nowadays I listen to an unhealthy amount of Koji Kondo, the Bloody Beetroots and array of metal bands.
    (Ben D) We all have many different musical influences, personally I have been influenced musically by hundreds of bands over the years, but some of my largest influences would be Lamb Of God (guitar-work especially) Meshuggah, In Flames, older Avenged Sevenfold, Pantera, Nile and tons more. I have also been listened to a lot of stoner rock bands lately, Clutch and Fu Manchu to name a couple.

 11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

11. (Rob D) Outside of music, I usually spend my time devouring books for their knowledge and wisdom -- primarily dystopian. Kurt Vonnegut is my favourite author among others, such as, Yevgeny Zamyatin, George Orwell, Aldous Huxley, Isaac Asimov and Orson Scott Card.
    (Ben D) Music is an enormous part of my life, I teach guitar as well as work at a musical instrument store, so it's almost always there. But in my spare time asides from that I play a lot of video games, and enjoy the occasional round of golf.

  12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?12. (Rob D) We have always enjoyed writing and playing music for people everywhere. We hope to be at a venue near you, and you can help us know where to go next by visiting our facebook, myspace or website!