Tag Archives: Alternative Metal

CONCERT REVIEW: Orbit Culture – Repentance Live at The Magic Stick

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It started out as a quiet Monday evening in Midtown Detroit last week, but the show happening at The Magic Stick was going to change all that. The snug, swanky second-floor spot is a former bowling alley that provides an intimate space to catch some of the best, up-and-coming bands out there. So having Swedish stars, Orbit Culture headline at this cozy hall made a lot of sense.  The Extreme, Modern Metal darlings are currently opening on a few dates for the “Here Comes the Pain” tour with the legendary Slipknot. When they are not crushing it in arenas playing for maggots, they are making their own headlining appearances. They brought along Chicago’s Repentance with them to Detroit and the night was about to get very loud.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Zeal and Ardor – Greif

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Hailing from the Swiss city of Basel, Zeal & Ardor are an Alternative Metal act that have always well and truly had a sound of their own. Initially, a one-man studio project from the extraordinary musical architect Manuel Gagneux, Zeal & Ardor dropped into our speakers with thei debut album Devil Is Fine in 2016. Providing a highly experimental blend of Black Metal and Delta Blues, before exploring the sound further two years later with record number two – Stranger Fruit. Continue reading →


INTERVIEW: It Takes Guhts! The Story Behind “Regeneration” and Marriage in Metal with Scott and Amber

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In this episode, we have a compelling interview with Amber Gardner and Scott Prater of the sludgy post-metal band Guhts. They dive into their latest album Regeneration, their experience of working together as a married couple, and much more.Continue reading →


CONCERT REVIEW: In Flames – Gatecreeper – Creeping Death at Saint Andrews Hall

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Spring is here and the warmer weather has numerous bands hitting the road. A multitude of metal acts have made their way to Motor City and the locals are pleased as punch to have them. The Swedish darlings, In Flames graced Detroit with their presence last week. This notorious act has been on a month-long headlining trek and they brought along the mighty Gatecreeper, plus Creeping Death with them. Saint Andrews Hall is a venue known for their affection towards heavier acts and were ready to host the considerable commotion this tour would cause.Continue reading →


CONCERT REVIEW: High on Fire – Zeta – High Command Live at at The Magic Stick

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The Majestic in Midtown Detroit was buzzing and bustling with multiple excited crowds last Friday evening. The entertainment complex has two venues and each one was hosting world class acts. The swanky second-floor spot, affectionately known as the Magic Stick, welcomed metallers, High on Fire’s headlining tour to its stage. This prized powerhouse trio hit the road to promote their newest full-length record, Cometh the Storm (MNRK Heavy, review here). It was a homecoming show for frontman Matt Pike making the loud, rowdy evening extra special.Continue reading →


REVIEWS ROUND-UP: ft. Magnolia Park – Atreyu – In This Moment – Hollow Front 

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Magnolia Park – Halloween Mixtape II  (Epitaph Records)

Less is more, right? It’s a mantra I’ve often referred to in reviews, even if Yngwie would never agree. Nor, so it seems, would Magnolia Park. Seventeen tracks, nine collabs, six hundred and sixty six musical deviations taking in emo, pop-punk, nu-metal, hip-hop, cartoon horror pop and more is testament to the fact that the quintet may be on to something with their embracing of musical diversity. 

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CONCERT REVIEW: Avatar – Orbit Culture – The Native Howl Live at The Intersection

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The streets of Grand Rapids were buzzing with Friday night festivities when a long line started to form outside one of the city’s favorite music venues. The lengthy queue of matching black hoodies at the Intersection moved along nicely so that the early arrivals were able to catch the opening act. Everyone was in a jovial mood and heartily cheered because the Swedish metallers, Avatar had brought their Chimp Mosh Pit Tour to town. With support from fellow countrymen, Orbit Culture and Michigan’s own The Native Howl. The bill contained varied acts with each one delightfully heavy in their own way which made for a thrilling evening ahead.  Continue reading →


ALBUM REVIEW: Orbit Culture – Descent

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Orbit Culture is making big waves in the contemporary Metal scene. This Swedish quartet started out a decade ago and there is a groundswell of rumblings that they could be one of the next hottest acts in the genre. Their rare and remarkable talent would absolutely deserve such recognition. Even in their earlier years, they went over and above the traditional melodeath elements by supplementing them with more fervid aptitude. Now they are preparing to release their fourth full-length album, Descent (Seek & Strike Records) and these savvy Swedes have taken their dynamically different drive to new heights by creating songs laden with more fortitude and technicalities.Continue reading →


ALBUM REVIEW: Graphic Nature – A Mind Waiting To Die

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Mental health is a topic that has been covered by the alternative scene a lot, potentially even being one of the most active causes in the community. Where bands and artists feature a lot darker and edgier sounds and images, themes of depression, anger & loneliness comes alongside as part of the package deal. Metalcore newcomers, Graphic Nature are no different to that. Describing himself as an outsider, vocalist Harvey Freeman says “Not enough people talk about it in a genuine way.” With their debut album, A Mind Waiting To Die  (Rude Records) Graphic Nature are here to change things to talk about the crisis of mental health issues genuinely, in their own style.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Mono Inc – Ravenblack

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The German Rock scene is legendary for producing exceptional bands like Scorpions and Rammstein. This schnitzel-loving nation is also known for its more niche music acts. Mono Inc. has been at the helm of the Gothic Rock movement since the early 2000s and they show no sign of slowing down. 

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