Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Lifecurse "ELYSIUM" Album Review


                               LIFECURSE




LIFECURSE is a 5 piece METAL band out of ASHEVILLE NC that perform high level , entertaining  shows and delivers to their fans a consistent barrage of  gotta have METAL. Once again that has been achieved with the release of their new album ELYSIUM. It is the followup to their extremely successful album PROPHECIES that heralded numerous hits. The album was close to being released a few months back but after loosing one of their long time guitarist they went back into the studio to re-record the tracks with their new guitarist ( David Gantt ). This band gives 100% in everything they do, no short cuts and it shows in their music. With age comes maturity, not only in the artist's themselves, but in a bands sound and ELYSIUM'S sound has matured to a level that will surely reward thousands of fans to LIFECURSE for their efforts. You will also find more clean vocals on this album from RODDY who has a great voice and they use his talents throughout the album. If you are reading this review and do not know who this band is,trust me,grab this new album ELYSIUM and you will find a band that will never let you down!!!!!!!!!!!!

TRACK by TRACK REVIEW BELOW
  1. BLACK GENESIS - As the intro to the album starts off this journey it brings the anticipation to levels that almost exceeds the legal limit of adrenaline a body can handle. You are ready to explode, waiting for WILL and RODDYS vocals and the band to fully blast in on the second track. This is a buildup track and it lives to the hype. Although short it serves it purpose. Every time I hear this intro I imagine the band opening up their set in darkness to it. Then the lights come on at the end and they tear the stage up.
  2. DEAD WEATHER - A little funky guitar play gets this song going before the band comes in blasting with full aggression. Will starts the song off almost with an AMON AMARTH feel of growls and you can here that throughout this song. I can honestly say this song has one of the best chorus's I have ever heard in a LIFECURSE song. The fans will definitely be vocal when hearing this song LIVE. It is hear on this track you quickly notice how the bands sound has evolved into something special.
  3. DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR - Will's vocals are superb and Roddys sound is a work of art on this song, but this song is not about one or the other. It is about the dual threat that this band now has and the blend they have when they are singing together. They are parts in this song where the two have screams and cleans balancing out in perfect harmony, its incredible to hear and not every band can do this simultaneously and make it work. Not to be outdone, the band play is heroic in this song and you can just imagine JARED ( DRUMMER ) saying at the end of this song "WHEW" that was fun.
  4. OCEANS OF SPACE - The GUITAR work in this song is phenomenal and towards the end of the song you get a few moments of their play along with some drum work that is out of this world. It is a section of the track that just feels soothing and you wish that it would just go on for ever. Lifecurse is not about one person in this band. The talents that each person brings to this album is what makes it great and this song brings out the best in all of them.
  5. HADEAN - When an album is good it goes by fast and getting to the halfway point of this album comes in a hurry. At the center of this monster brings this BEAST. This was one of my favorites and the sensational guitar play is AWESOME. It is faced paced and then slows down slightly towards the end with a nice breakdown by the band, before being finished off with some punishing screams at the end.
  6. PARTICLES - This is a short intro going into Graveyard Fields that gives the feeling of seeing spirits rise from the graves. It helps build up to the KILLER song that is fixing to be unleashed.
  7. GRAVEYARD FIELDS - A true MYSTIC MASTERPIECE,  AMAZING, THE LIFE OF THE ALBUM, however you want to look at it, this is the song the rest of the album feeds off. I never knew you could feel true emotion in SCREAMS, but this song will leave you with chills. Some of the best screams ever recorded on a song can be found right here. The band released this song early and I knew when I heard it that waiting to hear the rest of the album would seem like forever.
  8. GHOSTS OF SAITAMA - This was the first official single released from the album. It features a guest appearance by ADAM CODY, the vocalist from ( WRETCHED ). Straight out the gate it is HEAVY as HELL only to be balanced by some well placed cleans. Pounding Drum beats brings this song to life, while strong guitar play feeds it energy. I will also say it was an honor having this track on The Pit Unsigned's compilation "STRUGGLES FROM THE PIT" that can be found here :  http://thepitunsigned.bandcamp.com/ .
  9. LIGHTDRIVER - This is the heaviest song on the album and you hear a lot of the older sound from the Prophecies album in this song, which I fully enjoy. Screams and growls dominate this whole song. The pace is fast and from what I have been reading across the web, it has become a fan favorite. At this point most people cannot find one true song they like the most, cause the album is so good,but this song is always mentioned. If you ever wanted to know what sound the band evolved from this would be it.
  10. PATTERNS - There are many albums by this point that have began to loose their steam, but not with this one. Patterns help solidify this album as one of the greatest of all time. This song brings back together everything that made this album so UNIQUE. With WILL and RODDYS vocals putting their stamp as a duo to be mentioned with all the great METALCORE bands in the world, the instrument play of the rest of the band works their magic to create another powerful song.


I GIVE THIS ALBUM A 5 OUT OF 5 

MEMBERS :

  • Will Moss - VOCALS
  • Tom Johnson - GUITAR
  • David Gantt - GUITAR
  • Roddy Wilder - BASS
  • Jared Morrow - DRUMS
         
                                      GRAVEYARD FIELDS


Links :

                            The Pit Unsigned


Monday, June 24, 2013

Anthems Of Imperium " INTERVIEW"


                              ANTHEMS OF IMPERIUM



INTERVIEW :

1. First of all, what do you think people should know about Anthems Of Imperium ?

We want people to know that we are here really, we put a lot of hard work and dedication into everything we do, we have worked as a band for the past year just writing songs and feeding off each other to make something we consider great. We just want our music to be heard and some honest feedback because we always strive to play better and perform better. We don’t just do it for ourselves, we do it so we can reach out and connect with others and hopefully relate to them through our music and maybe even empower them to stand up for what they believe in.


2. How did you decide on the name for the band?

It took a lot of time to decide on a name we feel the name gives the image of songs that are upbeat and melodic yet powerful and heavy. Anthems of Imperium means “songs of dominate power” and we try to keep that meaning in every song we do.

3. Where you guys close friends before the band came about?

Some of us knew each other before, as we looked for the right members we brought in friends and former members of previous bands that we were in, and knew that they would take the time and dedication to make something happen. Over the past year we have became closer and our more like a family and as we get closer as a band we become better as musicians.

4. What drove each one of you guys to music and the desire to be in a band?

Women and Alcohol! Just kidding well some of us ;), but we all have probably the same motivation and influences to do so, just like so many others and that is having a good time and making something out of nothing. It’s amazing to just have a band, some of us just started as a hobby and became something more, but the feeling you get when you find some fellow musicians and click and are able to just go on stage together and get a response from the crowd and even starting a mosh pit is undeniably a insane feeling and still keeps us going even on the down time between shows, we work on new material just for that purpose, that’s what it’s all about not money or being signed its about people getting something out of what you create and that’s what feeds the desire to be in a band.


5. What genre of music do you label your band?

We came into this band without a genre in mind but as we progressed and used each other’s different styles it turned into a sound of its own with each song having its own feel. If we had to label ourselves we would have to say Metal/Metalcore, we normally just say metal but there are so many different styles of metal it’s good to see that, but categorizing ourselves coming from such different backgrounds is hard to do sometimes.

6. How many songs have you put out and do you have any links to EP's or Albums?


As of now we have just two songs that we have had recorded in studio since March and released. We have many that we play live, and we have enough to basically do an entire album it’s just a costly process and are working on doing one song at a time because it’s just how we have to do it, releasing an entire album would be a major accomplishment, but it is costly and we just have to take all the money we earn from shows and merchandise goes to keeping our gear going and towards more studio time. Links for our songs and as we make more songs can be found on facebook, Soundcloud, and Reverbnation to listen and download these songs, also have a couple lyric videos on YouTube.

http://www.facebook.com/aoimusic

https://soundcloud.com/anthemsofimperium

http://www.reverbnation.com/anthemsofimperium

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-mUsLsMd2fHc1kA91bYmIA


7. Do you have any hobbies away from the band?

We all have jobs and families and use most of our free time towards our band not a lot of time for hobbies. Our guitarist Joey is trying to get his apprenticeship to be a tattoo artist and is probably the only interesting hobby in the group, but Jesse does all our lyric videos and fliers so the digital thing is kind of his hobby.

8. Where does Anthems of Imperium mainly play their shows and what is your favorite venue to play?

We play anywhere there are ears listening and appreciate any venue giving a metal band a chance there are limited venues it seems for metal bands locally but the few that do in our area like The Hideaway, The Casbah, Poor Richards, and The Mecca Lounge are highly respected by us for letting our band and other metal bands from the area come out and perform. We just got our 6x10 trailer and we are about to head out of town and state on weekends for now so hopefully we will find a lot of venues that can be added to our favorites list.


9. I know it is tough being in an Unsigned Band. What are some of the obstacles you face?

It's tough as a new band making our debut because there are so many great bands out there so it is just trying to find our way to stand out in the crowd, we do work giving out demos inviting people to shows, sacrificing a lot of time and money for what we feel is a good cause, and that is making our music heard. Most troubles can be summed up by financial but we don’t worry about that we just worry about the next song the next gig and improving ourselves as we go. Time is always a factor we have a lot of responsibilities so we can’t just go on tour and leave everything like jobs and family so we have to play it by ear and keep moving forward and in the down time just practice and work on new material.

10. Is it tough to find time to practice? Where do you practice?

We practice mainly at our vocalist’s house in his Den, but occasionally a couple of us get together at someone else’s house to play. It is very tough to work around five schedules to get together but luckily have a dedicated group of guys who make plenty of sacrifices to get together whether it is all of us or a combination of us.


11. What would you say is the one band that introduced each one of you to ROCK or METAL?

We have all summed it down to Metallica, Cradle of Filth, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Ozzy, Children of Bodom.

12. The song "The System" is the track you sent me to be on Struggles from the Pit, is that the bands favorite?

" The System "


No, each member has his own favorite song that we like. The reason we picked The System for struggles from the pit because it is our newest recording and believe it gives a good representation of us and really would like to show our appreciation for consideration to be on the compilation, so thank you from all of us at AOI \m/

13. Are you working on any new music?

Always, with five members who all write in our band there is always new material being worked on and new songs being inspired every time we play, Currently we are working on our new song “Call to Arms” and it is turning into just an amazing song it’s still only about 90% complete but we will have it done in enough time to debut at our next show and possibly will do it for our next studio track.

14. Who does most of the recording and mastering for your music?

We always go to Troy Whitson from the Sound Asylum and he does an amazing job and is a great guy all around, there are many recording companies around but we always have to go to Troy he works hard and is patient with us and always gives us the sound we want.

15. Is there a strong Rock and Metal presence in your area of Tennessee?

There are many talented bands from our area and a lot of them are rock and metal! We always show our support and do shows with many of them and are good friends with many. It is so good to see how many good bands are in our area and one day people might see that Tennessee isn’t just country and bluegrass but an all around hot spot for Metal and many genres of music.

16. Where can fans purchase any Anthems of Imperium merchandise and what items have you guys created?


Right now we have available stickers and shirts and they are all located in our web store at http://anthemswebstore.bigcartel.com/ this is our first run of shirts we are printing we spared no expense having our artwork graphic done by Bloodboy and he is an epic artist all the way from Germany and hope to do more with him in the future. We are also going to have another graphic done by our good friend and endorser that we have had with us from day one Daniel from Drella Apparel and Stiff Kitten designs who has done all our logos including the one on our shirt print and stickers, we highly recommend his work to anyone.

17. How important is it for the band to be signed one day? Could you be unsigned with thousands of fans that truly support the band, be added to big tours, sell lots of merchandise and be happy?

We think it would great to be signed one day just to know that you have the skills to be backed by a label that thinks you have something worth backing, but it’s not as important as having people just appeal to what we’re doing and our music we don’t need a label to do what we love and we don’t need to be famous we are here to make music and we’re in it for the long term. Most successful bands have been together for years and some take years to write albums and nobody says a word about their label they know them as the band that made that awesome album or song and we want that, even if it is just a few people if we do that we have accomplished something.

18. Lastly, I want to say it was a honor having Anthems of Imperium on the Compilation "Struggles from the Pit” Volume 2 .Your sound is Incredible. Do you have any closing thoughts you would like to add? 

Just that we really appreciate The Pit Unsigned and what you are doing for us and all the many other talented unsigned artists and feel privileged to be featured on Struggles from the Pit - Volume 2 \m/ We hope that you keep an eye on us and what we have coming because we have only just begun and we are not stopping anytime soon!



                            You Can Also Find The Band On :

               Struggles From The Pit Volume 2     





                            The Pit Unsigned


Tuesday, June 4, 2013

ALL FALL DOWN INTERVIEW


                           ALL FALL DOWN



   Throwing down out of Greensboro NC, this 5 piece Metal band has a sound that becomes intertwined in your love for music. Although the band is Unsigned, you can tell they are destined for greatness. They work hard and put a massive amount of effort in every thing they do.Not only will you enjoy their music,but they have also help put together one of the most fact filled and entertaining Interviews I have ever had the chance  to publish at The Pit Unsigned. I was recently able to ask the bands some Questions and find out what is going on with the band now,about their past and what to look for in the future.I HOPE YOU ENJOY!!!!!!!

MEMBERS:

  • Jacob Vox - VOCALS
  • Brandon Teague - GUITAR / BACKING VOCALS
  • D.J. Malice - GUITAR
  • J "STITCH" Hawk - DRUMS
  • Alex Matelski - BASS / BACKING VOCALS

INTERVIEW:


Describe the sound of your music.

Alex : Two Guys Metal Reviews once labeled us as “an entry level prog act; whose epic and twisted compositions combine a variety of genres for a final sound that is beautiful and mystical”. I think that sums it up pretty good: prog metal for the average metalhead.

Brandon : Sounds like if Batman fought Godzilla while James Hetfield narrates it. At least that’s what I’d like people to think it sounds like.

Jacob : A flashback to 90’s metal with a touch of modern hardcore.

DJ : I think our friend Karl Rekus put it best. “Sounds like someone grinding a rusty chainsaw through broken glass while taking your daughter’s virginity in the back of an 86’ Oldsmobile while parked on the edge of a volcano.”

: Our music sounds like a culmination of all of our musical inspirations combined. Pantera, Kiss, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Tool, Mudvayne, Staind, Papa Roach, Killswitch Engage. Stuff like that.

How did the name of your band ALL FALL DOWN come about?

Brandon : That’s a funny story, actually. When the band was just getting started, it was named Perplexity. We quickly realized…that sucked. So we got into the habit of tossing around names at practice. We never came up with anything good. So one day after practice, we decided that we’d go home, think of the most “horrifying” thing we could, and try again next practice. When I went home I started talking to my sister and Dad about it (and J was there, too). They said we should try something that was 3 words so it would be easily chant-able at shows. The lines “think of the most horrifying thing you can” kept popping in my head, and I couldn’t help but think of the movie Little Nicky. There’s a scene where Mr. Beefy is snoring and it sounds like little kids singing “Ring around the Rosie” & Nicky’s room-mate says “that is the most horrifying thing I have ever seen.” I imitated that and got a good laugh when my sister hopped up and screamed “THAT’S IT! THAT’S THE NAME! ALL FALL DOWN! A-F-D!” I ran it by the guys, and it stuck.

Are the members in the band today the same original members from when the band was started?

Brandon : Well, yes and no. We broke onto the scene in 2011 with the current lineup, but we actually officially started in 2004. So in that sense, J and I are the only original members left. I played bass originally & J’s always been on the drums. We had a lot of lineup changes, gimmick changes, & internal conflicts that made it really hard to get off the ground back then.  Jacob joined in 2009, followed by DJ in 2010. That’s when we started getting into the groove of things & started developing the “AFD sound”. When Alex joined, that’s when everything fell into place. That’s when we started doing shows on a regular and became a “functioning band”. To me, that’s when we started. That’s pretty much how everyone feels.

What drove each one of you guys to get into music and pursue a dream of being in a band?

Alex : My mother always sang growing up, and I would sing too, along with all the soft rock and 80’s music on the radio. I really started to get into music in my teens, both listening and an interest in performing. Music has always made me feel more complete, more stable. So naturally, I pursued that good feeling. Eventually my mother convinced me to let her buy me an instrument for my birthday (I didn’t want her to because our money was always tight when I was growing up), and after learning to play, I got very tired of playing along with other people’s music and started working with musicians online. That wasn’t very rewarding, though... I needed other people to help me with music, to put out what I heard in my head, something to help fuel my creative desires and express what I hold inside. And as long as I still draw breath and can do so, I will continue to write music because of how much it completes who I am and helps me express what I feel.

Brandon : I grew up in a very musical household. None of us were musicians, but we all listened to all sorts of music. My dad turned me on to the classics; Black Sabbath, Metallica, Iron Maiden, stuff like that. But he also listened to stuff like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jethro Tull & Eric Clapton. My mom listened to stuff like Genesis & Aaron Neville. I got tore up with 80’s music from my sister. My brother; who I gotta say is my main influence, listened to a lot of 90’s music. Stuff like Pantera, Soundgarden, & Alice in Chains. So I got hit from all angles. I wanted to be a part of something I loved so much & influence people like I was influenced.

Jacob : My brothers played a big part in why I do what I do. They used to listen to a lot of different metal bands. My brother Josh used to play bass & I got into it to kinda bond with him. I would pick up his bass from time to time. That didn’t last long though. I noticed that I was singing more than anything & I thought “what the hell. I’ll try this for a while.” It turned into a passion. I joined my first band when I was 13, played my first show 2 days after joining, got hooked, never looked back.

DJ : I guess it came from me watching bands when I was younger. The brotherhood of it; the family aspect of it. It’s a weird thought that 5 people with different backgrounds can come together and make something so powerful. I wanted to be a part of that.

: My uncles Martin and Tommy are my inspiration. They have played drums for longer than I’ve been alive; they always enjoyed playing and I enjoyed watching them just as much. My uncle Martin had an old snare drum and he gave me a pair of sticks to beat on it as a young boy. He even won a bet because of me once. He bet one of his buddies that his 2 year old nephew could do a drum roll that he just played. He called me in, set me on his lap, and told me to play that thing we practiced on a few times, and I played it, and he won $50. But when I really showed interest and motivation to play drums at 15 he bought me my first real kit. It was a set of red Rogers drums. Since then I’ve gone through a lot of sets and even more cymbals. As for what drives me as a musician, I just love playing drums. I love being pushed to my limits physically and musically, and trying new things. And I’m very fortunate to play with a group of talented guys that I consider to be my family.

Who does most of the song writing in the band?

Brandon : We all take part in every song, but Alex has been the primary song writer lately. Our bass player writes most of our music. Scary thought, huh?

Alex : … It’s only scary when you think about it. I actually really enjoy writing the music. Everyone else tends to dislike it at first, but they warm up once I let them spit shine their parts. They also tend to complain about how complicated my songs are… Oh well. We’re progressive metal. Progress.

What all venues have you played and which one is your favorite?

Greene Street Club in Greensboro, The Somewhere Else Tavern in Greensboro, The Other Place in Burlington, The Berkeley Café in Raleigh, The Clubhouse in Greensboro, The Garage in Winston-Salem, Corner Pocket Billiards in McLeansville, & Easy Street in Thomasville.

Brandon : Well, everybody knows that The Somewhere Else Tavern is our home away from home. We all love that place. I personally really like The Berkeley Café. Good times, good people, good beer. But I gotta say my favorite venue is The Garage in Winston-Salem. It’s the epitome of the “hole-in-the-wall” venue.  It’s one of those places where you can be like “I used to go see blah-blah play there before they got big for 5 bucks”.

Jacob : The Other Place in Burlington is my favorite. It’s the memories attached to it. In my mind, playing there was one of our best shows ever. It’s right up there with Greene Street. I’d love to play there again.

DJ : Probably Greene Street. The one time we played there was the best crowd & best sound we’ve ever had.

Alex : I actually love everywhere we play for different reasons… if I had to choose just ONE, I’d have to say Berkeley. It just feels like the essential underground metal venue. Too bad it’s downsizing soon.

: Wow, this is a hard question. I’ve really enjoyed playing all of these places. I’ve gotta say SWET, though. Growing up, that was the dream gig. For me, I had just heard so much about it that it just became legendary in my mind. So when we finally got to play there, it was awesome. It’s just as good as the first time every time we play there.


 RIVER JORDAN




Do you guys get to practice much and where?

Brandon : We try to practice weekly at The Man Cave. It’s a place so secret; we cannot give away its location.

Jacob : It’s a place so secret; even I don’t know where it is!

Brandon : We basically practice in J’s closet.

Alex : Wouldn’t it technically be his dining room?

DJ : No, the dining room IS the Pool room.

Brandon : I don’t know what the hell it is. All I know is that it’s attached to his room & he hangs his clothes in there.

DJ : J’s house is a fuckin maze.

Brandon : It really is.

: You guys are just lucky I let you play in my maze.

Have you been able to put out any merch for your fans?

All Fall Down - We’ve got shirts, bumper stickers, & CD’s for sale, but you gotta come to our shows to get them! That’s the catch!



I know you guys put out an album late last year, what kind of feedback did you get from it?

All Fall Down -Well, naturally our fans love it (or at least say they do, family and friends do that sometimes), but overall, for a first CD, it was pretty well received.

When you play live shows, which song off that album do the fans seem to love the most?

All Fall Down - Sudden Epiphany. Partly because it’s heavy as hell and partly because they know it’s the last song we play! Although our new song Parasite has quickly become a crowd favorite.

Are you working on any new music?

All Fall Down - Constantly! We’re all just very picky & are always challenging ourselves (or Alex is), so it takes a while to get songs how we want them. But guaranteed, our new stuff is gonna blow people away.

Have you been on any tours and if not, what is the farthest you guys have traveled to play a show?

All Fall Down - No tours yet. Farthest we’ve been is Raleigh but we’re working hard to fix that.

I have noticed that there is an insanely amount of talented bands coming out of your area of Greensboro, why do you think this is?

All Fall Down - Because it’s Greensboro & there’s nothing better to do!

What about shows, do you have any booked in the near future?

All Fall Down - We’re playing at Greene Street for The Battle For Mayhem Festival on June 21st and we have a show booked at Easy Street with Mindjakked on July 27th. Gonna try to book some shows at S.W.E.T & The Garage in-between. We’ve been hitting up venues like crazy lately trying branch out. We really wanna make it back to Raleigh & maybe Charlotte this summer! When the opportunity comes, we’ll seize the crap out of it!

What does the future hold for All Fall Down?

DJ : If we keep working hard & keep our confidence, I think the future looks really bright for AFD. Perseverance is the key. If we keep doing what we’re doing and give 110%, we’ll be fine. And we’ll definitely write more kickass music.

Jacob : Well, hopefully, all our hard work will come to a head. And one day we’ll be standing on a stage in some coliseum with thousands of people shouting “A-F-D”.
That….. and beer.

Brandon : Victory. We won’t accept anything but. We’re too damn tenacious to give up and too stubborn to lie down. You try to step on us and we’ll bite your fuckin ankles. To me, this is only the beginning. We’re gonna keep going full throttle. It’s no cake walk, but it’s worth it. I’m in it for the long run & I think the future of AFD is gonna be a story worth telling. “This is our time; this is what we do.”

Alex : More music. Whether we make it or not, we’re staying at it and doing what we love and want to do. No one can take that from us but us. So as long as each one of us still has the drive and the strength to go on, we’re going to keep on until we make it or… die… or otherwise give up.

: Gotta agree with B; victory. Pure and simple. That’s it. More gigs, more fun, more great experiences doing something that I love. No matter what the future holds for All Fall Down, I’m gonna enjoy every minute of it, because I’m playing music with my brothers.

I just want to say thanks to you guys for taking the time to do this Interview and wish you the best of luck in the future.

All Fall Down - Thanks! It’s always fun doing interviews! Maybe someone will read this and NOT think we’re crazy! -Highly doubtful, though!


           
                                   



LINKS:

  1. FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/allfalldownafd
  2. REVERBNATION - http://www.reverbnation.com/allfalldownafd
  3. EMAIL - allfalldownafd.band@hotmail.com

                                    THE PIT UNSIGNED



Sunday, May 5, 2013

FOREVER CHAINED


                         FOREVER CHAINED



BIO:
       Forever Chained is a young four piece female fronted HARD ROCK/METAL BAND out of N.C.,that has the sound of a band that has been playing for over 20 years. When you think about the PERFECT BLEND of sound between a singer and her band, it does not get more balanced than Forever Chained.Their sound is pure and what you hear on recordings is the same great sound you hear live. With influences like Black Sabbath , Led Zepplin , Slash , Zakk Wylde , and Metallica , they have taken a little greatness from each of these bands to create their own addictive sound. Shane's guitar work is INCREDIBLE , Damian's steady assault on the skins give the songs LIFE and BEN brings it all together with his SMOOTH bass play. Nina's voice has an effortless sound of beauty with a gut wrenching Hard Rock Soul.


Members:

  • Nina - VOCALS
  • Shane - GUITAR
  • Ben - BASS
  • Damian - DRUMS

                                                     NINA


                                                    SHANE


                                                       BEN


                                                   DAMIAN


                                         CARVED IN STONE



LINKS:

                          THE PIT UNSIGNED



Wednesday, April 3, 2013

VARNA EP REVIEW ( This Time It's Personal )


                                   VARNA


BIO:

       I want to start out by saying that this band has plenty of potential to make it a long way in the music business. They have a sound that will appeal to a massive amount of listeners and with a little help could be known globally. Their vocalist Tiana has great control in her voice, but I personally would like to see her push her range a little further. I am not saying this because I do not like her vocals, cause I do, LOVE her voice actually,I just believe she is holding back so much power. The 3 piece band was born in 2010 in Los Angeles under the name "LIVING EULOGY" but later changed it to the name of the street their rehearsal studio is on,Which is "VARNA". To them this is wear everything came together and the beginning of dreams were coming true. They are a hard working do it yourself band and the effort they put in, has rewarded us,the fans,with a kick@ss EP that has began to spread like an epidemic across the airwaves of the U.S. and U.K.


MEMBERS:

  • Tiana Woods - VOCALS
  • Rossen Pinkas - GUITAR
  • Rob Shin - DRUMS



                                  "DOWN"




This Time It's Personal Ep Review:
  1. DOWN - As this track opens up you get a taste of the hard rock side of the band with a heavy dose of drums and guitar.Its a great mixture of heaviness before bringing in the the AWESOME vocals of Tiana that seems to blend perfectly with the punishing play of the band. This song is STRONG and VARNA has grabbed your attention from the opening lick and will not relinquish it ,till the song strikes its final note. 
  2. MY HEART - I know the first track "DOWN" seems to be the single they are pushing the most on this EP,but in my opinion this is the GEM of the album. This song is Incredible and I love the energy. I believe Tiana must enjoy singing this track,cause it seems so effortless as she sings it. Being in the middle of the EP, this track feels like the heart that is pumping the blood to the rest of the album. It is such a strong song and leaves me eagerly waiting to hear more tracks on a full length.
  3. RUNNING AWAY - This is another bad@ss song which is dominated by some AWESOME guitar work, that you hear throughout the whole track. It help complete an EP that is brilliantly put together and beautifully mastered. About a minute in, this song finds its true Identity and begins to produce that AMAZING sound you have heard throughout the EP.  
I GIVE IT A 4 OUT OF 5: GREAT ALBUM


LINKS:


                         THE PIT UNSIGNED



Saturday, March 30, 2013

DRAYTON ROAD ( BAND OF THE WEEK )

                           DRAYTON ROAD


This weeks Band Of The Week Winner hails out of NORTH CAROLINA. The 5 piece Rock Band brings a lot of talent to the stage with their addictive sound,super incredible vocals and catchy song titles.Forming in 2011 they are unsigned, but have the potential to turn heads of record labels, if they would just give them a listen. The band has always dreamed of being played on the only Rock Station in their area (ROCK 103). This dream is what led them to name their band after the road this station is located on DRAYTON ROAD. When a band wins an award like this, it says they have fans that want everyone else to take notice. So they came out strong and finished with a fury to help get the band they love so much the recognition they deserve. Once you listen to them one time they become a part of you from then on. After serving our country for over a year in Afghanistan the band has just welcomed their guitarist Jacob back to the group. We thank him for his service. Drayton Road is currently writing all new material for an album they will start recording in a few months. Shortly after they will hit the road in VA, NC and SC with some merch that their fans will be happy to purchase.



MEMBERS:

  • Brent Underwood - Guitar/Vocals
  • Jacob Smotherman - Guitar/Vocals
  • Harry Godwin - Drums
  • Nick Peeler - Vocals/Bass
  • Jesse Jones - Lead Guitar


                                     COCONUT DOUGHNUT




LINKS TO THE BAND:
  1. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DraytonRoad
  2. Reverbnation - http://www.reverbnation.com/draytonroad
  3. EMAIL - DraytonRoad@hotmail.com


                          THE PIT UNSIGNED




Tuesday, March 19, 2013

BLADES OF APRIL INTERVIEW

                                         BLADES OF APRIL





    Blades Of April is a 5 piece SUPER TALENTED, UNSIGNED METAL BAND out of IOWA. Recently the band allowed THE PIT UNSIGNED to conduct an interview with them and as if it was meant to be, they also became this weeks BAND OF THE WEEK at TPU. Their fans were relentless and came out in FULL FORCE. It let me know right then, that they have made a big impression in the music community and with B.O.A. fans.


MEMBERS:

  • CHRIS RANKIN - Vocals
  • HONOVI SIMPKINS - Drummer
  • RICHIE "RATMAN" - Bass Guitar
  • TRICKY TOMMY GUN - Guitar
  • BEN HANSON - Guitar


                                               INTERVIEW

THE PIT UNSIGNED - For the people that have never heard of B.O.A., how do you describe your sound?
B.O.A. Our sound is pure emotion, explosive energy with personable and relative lyrics. Something that is easy to identify and relate to. With the combination of emotionally charged lyrics, heavy hitting beats, and strong guitars our sound has evolved and is hard to classify under typical labels or stereo types. We have become accustomed to just calling it "Groove Metal".

THE PIT UNSIGNED - How long has the band been together and has it been the same members from the start?
B.O.A.Blades of April was formed in the spring of 2011 by cousins Chris Rankin and Honovi Simpkins. The line up has gone through its fair share of changes since the first days of B.O.A. however the members currently in the band have all been with B.O.A. for approximately a year and a half. Blades of April started out as a 3 piece- Vocals/guitar (Chris) , drums (Honovi), and bass (former member Scott ). Scott was later replaced on bass by (former member Dennis ) soon after (Ben) was added on guitar. B.O.A's current lineup is Tommy "Gun" Connerly (Guitar), Ben Hanson (Guitar), Richie "Ratman" Ragel (Bass), Chris "Empty" Rankin Vocals).

THE PIT UNSIGNED - Did all you guys grow up around the same area and where you all friends before the band?
B.O.A.Chris and Gun have been friends for a long time and go back years playing together in other bands. Ratman and Gun were neighbors when they both lived above a bar, Richie sat in on a few practices and the rest was history! As for Chris and Honovi, they being cousins, grew up together and started Blades of April with the mentality that blood is thicker than anything and that was the foundation they wanted Blades of April to be built on. Ben was a "diamond in the rough" Chris was lucky to have found on Craigslist during the early days of the band. Now as time has passed none of us could imagine not having the others around, and though we aren't all "blood" we are all family.

THE PIT UNSIGNED - How long has each one of you guys been singing or playing music?
B.O.A. - "Gun how long have you been playing?
Gun- Well, what year is it?
    B.O.A- Uh it's 2013 Gun
        Gun- Well then 11 years, but technically I played bass first.  Started when I was 17.  I have been playing guitar 7 years. The first four years in and out of bands with the bass.  Then switched to guitar.
Honovi- Just 2 years. (Chris taught Honovi for the sole purpose of starting B.O.A
Ben- (This guy can play anything he picks up! He amazes us all the time).  I started playing Piano and saxophone when i was in 4th grade then i learned the violin in 7th grade and played in the juinor desmoines symphony in 8th grade. and played them all through high school. then in the navy I bought a guitar in japan and taught my self how to play it. then 4 years ago I started getting serious about my guitar, and bass guitar playing. I have also dabled with the trumpet, trombone, clarinet, drums, and i just bought an accordion to play with.. 
Chris- "Uhh....(big sigh) 19 years. That seems like a long fucking time 19 years!  It seems like just yesterday I was in my mentor Dan's basement learning my chops on drums.  Its like a lifetime ago already."
Richie- over 20 years

THE PIT UNSIGNED - Has B.O.A. been able to build a local fan base and what type of feedback are you getting?
B.O.A. - Honestly? Not really.  Not as much as any of us have had in past bands.  We branched out first, doing shows outside our area, and are working our way back the direction we came from.  That being said and having only a hand full of shows behind us we definitely can see that our fan base has grown already.

THE PIT UNSIGNED - How often do you get to practice?
B.O.A. - As much as we can!  Ideally we would like to say a couple times a week but in reality with us all having commitments outside of B.O.A. and trying to find balance and a schedule that works, we are practicing twice every other week.  When we are together though its a full day of practice, like 8 hours or more sometimes.  We are all from different cities some of us drive up to an hour and a half away for practice.  That makes it a challenge.  On a normal month (not like the last couple lol) anywhere from 4-6 times or more (if the stars align).


                                      "THE TRUTH INSIDE"






THE PIT UNSIGNED - What all venues have you played at and is there one that feels like your stomping ground?
B.O.A. - I think we are really forming a strong fan base in the Des Moines area.

THE PIT UNSIGNED - How many songs have B.O.A put together?
B.O.A. - We currently have seven songs and three more in the works.

THE PIT UNSIGNED - What is the song fans seem to get into the most and what is your favorite to play?
B.O.A. - The fans favorite is just about as tough as coming to a unanimous decision on what the bands favorite song to play is!  We would have to say the fan favorite is "Truth Inside" the lyrics are memorable and before you know it you are singing along.  The band favorite depends on which member you ask...
Chris- "Wait for the End" and when asked why that song he replied, "the emotion of the lyrics and the way the music brings out those emotions, amplifies the lyrics, and the raw emotion and feelings I felt when I wrote it."  "we don't go into the song writing process solely to come up with catchy music or to make hit songs we take our time and talk not only about the lyrical content but how the music can work with the emotion of the song.
Honovi- "Uh I really like playing the newest one we are working on."
Ben-  Number 2 (an original instrumental song dedicated to Paul Gray of Slipknot)
Gun- "That's a tough one as I enjoy playing 'My Home' however, 'Number 2' is also very good and I like playing that one."

THE PIT UNSIGNED - Have you recorded any songs in the studio?
B.O.A. - Unfortunately no, however being and playing in a studio is a huge goal we are working towards in the next year.

THE PIT UNSIGNED - What about an ALBUM or EP is that something in the works?
B.O.A. Oh ya, with the completion of the few songs we are working on right now, we definitely have the material to do so. It is a priority and one of our short term goals as a band for 2013.

THE PIT UNSIGNED - If you could open up for any band ,who would that be?
B.O.A. - There again, we couldn't come to an unanimous decision,
     Gun- Pantera no doubt! But since that isn't really possible.... Machine Head will do.
     Ben- Korn for sure
     Honovi- (without hesitation) Sevendust!
     Chris- Korn, Mushroomhead, or Nothingface for me

THE PIT UNSIGNED - What would you want everyone to know about Blades Of April and where it is headed in the future?
B.O.A.Chris says "I want people to know we are passionate about music and we are very driven to accomplish our dream" Chris then added "As for the future, it looks a lot brighter now then in my whole career and I see us accomplishing the goals we all have talked and dreamed about achieving."


LINKS:








                         THE PIT UNSIGNED


Saturday, March 16, 2013

CRY AUTUMN (BAND OF THE WEEK)

CRY AUTUMN



This weeks Band Of The Week winner Cry Autumn was formed in 2011 out of NC. They are a 4 piece Alternative Rock Band that has been tearing up the stage at The Somewhere Else Tavern in front of their ever growing fans, the same ones that put them at the top of this weeks poll. I have not had a chance to see this band LIVE yet,but I am really looking forward to seeing them real soon. Their sound is INCREDIBLE and with a lot of live videos on their facebook page you learn real fast how genuine their sound is, whether its recorded or live. 






MEMBERS:
  • DOUG - Vocals / Guitars
  • JOE - Bass
  • T.J. - Guitars / Vocals
  • ADAM - Drums


                                         TRANSMOGRIFIER




LINKS:


                          THE PIT UNSIGNED









Tuesday, March 5, 2013

MARS ON FIRE ( BAND OF THE WEEK )

                            MARS ON FIRE



      Mars on Fire is a 4 piece Metal Band out of IOWA and this weeks Band Of The Week winner at THE PIT UNSIGNED. The members are from SMALL towns in the midwest, but love to bring BIG TIME ENERGY to the fans that give them so much support. The band was formed in 2010 and they have quickly formed a loyal following of over 2000 fans on their facebook page. Some of the members come from other bands and you can here how polished these musicians are in the music they play today. They have recently finished up a 7 song DEMO and released a few tracks, but are still working hard to write new songs to put out a full length album this spring. This is a blue collar band and you can tell that music is not only a passion it is their LIFE. To go along with the album MARS ON FIRE will be hitting the road with some mini-tours during the Spring and Summer. While you are at the shows you can purchase some of the new Merchandise that they will have out soon. Its hearing bands like this that make covering bands at The Pit Unsigned so special and not only have I found out how great this band is, but everyone else following The Pit has to. I wish you guys luck in the future and will be looking forward to that album.





MEMBERS:

  • VOCALS - Eugene Waage
  • DRUMS - Jared Albertson
  • BASS - John Hatterman
  • Guitar - Tommy Westrom

                                             FOR SALE



LINKS:
                        THE PIT UNSIGNED


Monday, March 4, 2013

I SAID FAREWELL EP REVIEW

I SAID FAREWELL



        
BIO:

I Said Farewell " is a 5 Piece Unsigned Metalcore band out of Virginia, although I do not see them being unsigned for long. I recently got a chance to hear one of the bands songs ( FELICIA ) and was stunned at the quality of METAL that was feeding my starving metal soul. I immediately wanted more and got in touch with them about doing a review on an EP called " SHADOWS " they were working on. It was not just any review, I felt honored to have the chance to write it, because I loved the sound so much. With 60% screams and about 40% cleans you are given a broad range of vocals that should appeal to just about every Metal fan. Another thing that I really enjoyed was the quality of the cleans, which is not always the case with Metal Bands. This Quality of this EP is well made and the sound is superb, but its the overall feeling of hearing something GREAT that makes this EP so DAMN GOOD. If you have not had the chance to hear this group and you dig the sound of groups like WE CAME AS ROMANS & WAR Torn Angel, then prepare yourself for an SHADOWS an EP that you will be playing forever.


MEMBERS:

  • Lead Vocals - MIKE PATTERSON
  • Guitar 1 / Backing Vocals - JAY CONKLIN
  • Guitar 2 - TBD
  • Bass - DREW JOSLIN
  • Drums - KYLE O"NEIL

                                                  FELICIA




ALBUM REVIEW :  SHADOWS  

  1. BY THE WAY - This is a hard hitting fast paced song straight out the gate. Dominated by Screams,with a well placed dosage of cleans in the middle and end of song. The track is awesome and they could not have picked a More Kick@ss song to start this EP. You find out quickly this band is something special and you realize not only do they want you to truly feel what they are about,but they want you to let everyone else know also.
  2. THIS PAST - The drumming on this track is punishing and really gives this track the relentless edge of aggression while the cleans make you feel that everything will be okay. This song is at its best when the CLEANS & SCREAMS are voiced out together. Their is so much power in the vocals. Towards the end you get to hear some OUTSTANDING GUITAR WORK that helps bring the song to close. You can almost feel the sadness in the cleans and the screams are their to give you support.
  3. FELICIA - The song that started it all for me. You don't just listen to FELICIA you feel it. With an intro of keyboard or piano play that slowly drifts into an all out barrage of heaviness from the band, THIS SONG DEFINES " I SAID FAREWELL'S " signature sound.  This is what they are all about. The feeling of losing someone you love and trying to deal with the hurt that goes along with it. This song is GUT WRENCHING. Imagine believing in someone to the fullest and realizing its all a LIE. The EMOTION you feel in this song is the lasting Impression you are left with when this well designed METALCORE song comes to a close. One of My favorite tracks.
  4. JUST - " SHADOWS " ends just like it started, with another KILLER aggressive track with a few added cleans. The song is smooth and flows at a pace that ends to quickly. You want more, not only  more of this song, but more of this album. Ascending from the sounds of nothing guitars slowly bring this song to life. Everything seems so balanced with this song and nothing really overpowers anything else. It is the band coming together at their best to send us on our way. I LOVED THIS ALBUM,I LOVED THEIR SOUND and I REALLY ENJOYED WHAT THEY HAVE CREATED!!!!!!!!

I GIVE THIS ALBUM 4.5 / 5


Links :

                          THE PIT UNSIGNED