Monday, 03 November 2025 01:43
RISE Festival 2025 Review: A Decade of Light, Music, and Meaning
Written by SULÉY ERA
As the Mojave Desert turned gold at sunset, thousands gathered on the vast Jean Dry Lake Bed to mark the 10th anniversary of the RISE Festival — a landmark celebration of art, unity, and release. What began a decade ago as an experiment in shared intention has evolved into a world-renowned cultural phenomenon, blending music, mindfulness, and visual poetry into a singular experience of human connection beneath an endless desert sky.
This year’s edition, held October 3–5, 2025, marked its milestone with the largest production to date. RISE transformed the barren expanse south of Las Vegas into a radiant landscape of art installations, wellness sanctuaries, and a main stage alive deep into the night. When strong desert winds briefly halted setup on Friday, organizers swiftly adapted — a fitting testament to RISE’s enduring spirit of resilience, flexibility, and collective grace amid the elements.
Published in
Art
Monday, 22 September 2025 19:41
CHASTAIN’s Mystery of Illusion: A Dark Jewel of 80s Metal
Written by Rick Patterfield
CHASTAIN Mystery Of Illusion
© 1985 Shrapnel Records / © 2020 The Orchard / Divebomb Records DIVE 207
11 tracks = 46'19"
Who was the strangest rock/metal guitar virtuoso of the 1980s? Joe Satriani? Hmmm. One Yngwie J. Malmsteen? No way! Being cover darlings of so many music and musicians’ magazines back then, both of them were “normal” (should I say “maintream”?) artists, who had contracts with major music labels and hence good promotional budgets, massive world tours, coverage in quality media etc.
Nothing against Mr. Satriani and Mr. Malmsteen in person, but the most idiosyncratic metal guitar player of the era was Cincinnati very own David T. Chastain, “most hard-working guitar player in the music business”, as he was called once in Metal Hammer magazine. Indeed, in 1985–1990 only David recorded and released nine albums: five with Chastain band, two with CJSS and two as a solo artist. Period.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Published in
Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Wednesday, 17 September 2025 02:55
John Ivan Report: Tony MacAlpine & Luis Kalil Clinic at Musicians Institute, Hollywood
Written by John Ivan
Written by John Ivan - GuitarSlinger
It’s always a special feeling to return to Musicians Institute (MI) — the place where my American musical journey began. My time there is etched in memory with warmth and excitement: it was my first trip to the U.S., I studied under some of MI’s finest instructors, met lifelong friends and serious musicians, and made my first real connections in the professional music industry out West.
I’ve been keeping an eye on MI’s events ever since — they consistently bring in legendary artists and put on one-of-a-kind clinics and performances you simply won’t find anywhere else in California. One such event was the recent clinic featuring the iconic Tony MacAlpine and young shred sensation Luis Kalil, held on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, at the MI Concert Hall.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Published in
Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Saturday, 13 September 2025 02:20
Torchlight Parade’s Children of the Night: A Macabre Celebration of Rock and Horror
Written by Gene Aaron
Few bands embrace their identity with the theatrical gusto of Torchlight Parade. The St. Louis mortuary metal troupe has returned with Children of the Night, a full-length release through Pavement Entertainment that stands as much a celebration of horror culture as it does a statement of hard rock conviction. What makes Torchlight Parade compelling isn’t just their sound but the authenticity behind it.
Fronted by licensed embalmer and vocalist Matt Engel and his brother Doug, a hearse-driving lead guitarist, the band quite literally lives the world it projects on stage. That sense of gothic reality is further grounded by family ties, with Doug’s son Samuel locking down the low end on bass and Gavin Martin driving the pulse on drums. Together, they’ve forged not only a distinctive sound but an immersive live experience that pushes rock beyond performance into full-scale spectacle.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Published in
Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Wednesday, 10 September 2025 20:49
Oceans On Orion Find Catharsis in Chaos with “Met My Match”
Written by Gene Aaron
A raw, confessional single that tears down façades while carrying forward the band’s evolving sound.
With their latest single “Met My Match,” Oceans On Orion push into darker, more vulnerable territory, crafting a track that’s raw in emotion and relentless in sound. Rather than offering closure, the song lingers in the aftermath, echoing the words spoken in haste and the recognition that our flaws are often reflected back by those we love. It’s confessional, chaotic, and painfully honest.
Confessional in tone yet explosive in delivery, “Met My Match” refuses to dress pain in metaphor or disguise it behind polished sentiment. Instead, it exposes the mess head-on, amplifying regret, chaos, and brutal self-awareness into something that feels both cathartic and cuttingly relatable. For anyone who has ever stared at their phone after a 2 a.m. text they wish they hadn’t sent, the song provides not comfort, but company in the wreckage.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Published in
Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Sunday, 07 September 2025 15:46
Dystopica Unleash Semblance of Order: A Fierce New Chapter in Modern Metal
Written by Gene Aaron
With their fourth record, Semblance of Order, Dystopica steps boldly into a new phase of creative evolution. Released through Pavement Entertainment, the EP serves as both a declaration and recalibration, signaling a move toward a heavier, more assertive identity while still honoring the melodic and progressive instincts that define their sound. Across all seven tracks and just over twenty-two minutes, the record delivers a concentrated statement of intent: faster, harder, and uncompromising in execution.
Produced by Nick Bellmore, whose resume includes work with iconic figures like Dee Snider, Corpsegrinder, and Hatebreed, the EP benefits from a production style that feels tight and modern without sterilizing the band’s natural edge, with a mix balancing weight and clarity. Compared to Perception (2021), Deception (2022), and Infinite Reflection (2024), this release feels more focused and deliberate, honing in on heaviness with songs that are concise, layered, and unmistakably memorable.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Published in
Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Tuesday, 08 July 2025 21:10
The Best Of NZM: An In-Depth Review of Nick Z. Marino’s Pivotal Works
Written by Rick Patterfield
The Best Of NZM (CD-R)
© 2024 FireRock Music Group / MVD Audio 0 679065 863556
12 tracks = 44'38"
Written by Rick Patterfield
Do you remember US self-released hard rock / heavy metal CDs from the 1990s? Man, they were great things themselves, and far more often than not contained simply great music. Music for which record labels at that grunge times had no sympathy at all — but that music was still very interesting, not only for keen record collectors, myself included. Ask any respected hard’n’heavy lover about such CDs from early Seventh Omen or Vamp Le Stat, for example, and see (or hear?) what happens.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Published in
Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Tagged under
Sunday, 06 July 2025 18:37
Power and Purpose: PLUSH Releases “WHY” with David Draiman (Disturbed) and Johnny K
Written by Gene Aaron
In a time marked by global unrest, rising conflicts, and deepening divisions, music remains one of the last sanctuaries for truth and emotional reckoning. For many artists, the noise of war, destruction, hatred, and polarization is not just a background, it's a call to respond, to process, and to connect. And just like rock icons of the past — from Bob Dylan to Pink Floyd to Metallica — today’s musicians are once again stepping into the role of cultural witnesses, offering not only reflection, but resonance.
The newly released single “WHY” marks a defining moment in PLUSH’s career, merging powerhouse vocals with polished yet aggressive rock production. Co-written by Moriah Formica and David Draiman of Disturbed and co-produced with Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (Disturbed, SOiL, 3 Doors Down), the track showcases a creative alliance that adds new intensity and emotional depth, establishing PLUSH as a fearless, relevant force pushing modern rock forward.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Published in
Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Tagged under
Sunday, 29 June 2025 23:47
Baroque Meets Blast Beats: Vivaldi Metal Project Milestone with Live Video Release
Written by Gene Aaron
In the ever-evolving realm of symphonic metal, few projects have etched their legacy quite like the Vivaldi Metal Project. As 2024 unfolds, the release of The Four Seasons – Live Concert Premieres 2018 on YouTube stands as a vivid chronicle of past performances and a triumphant marker of their creative summit—a bold reimagining of Vivaldi’s Baroque masterpiece that has blossomed into a global phenomenon of classical grandeur and metallic force.
This live video release, six years after the original performances, serves as both a nostalgic reflection and a bold reaffirmation of the project’s enduring artistic vision. This time, with the official YouTube release of "The Four Seasons – Live Concert Premieres 2018." Capturing nearly two hours of electrifying symphonic metal mayhem, the video immortalizes the ensemble’s world premiere performances across Finland, Bulgaria, and Italy. Fans of classical grandeur and metal grit, prepare to be spellbound.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Published in
Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Monday, 23 June 2025 21:15
Mansionair Returns with a Hypnotic New Era in “Lose Yourself Again”
Written by SULÉY ERA
After three years following their acclaimed album Happiness, Guaranteed, Sydney-based trio Mansionair have reemerged with a powerful new single, “Lose Yourself Again,” released on May 23, 2025, via Sony Music Entertainment Australia. Known for their emotive soundscapes and genre-bending approach to electronic and indie music, the band signals the beginning of a bold new chapter—one that feels minimal in structure yet expansive in emotional depth and sonic complexity.
“Lose Yourself Again” is not just a track; it’s an experience. A meditation in motion, the song masterfully blends layers of electronic textures with a pulsing rhythm that invites total immersion. In true Mansionair fashion, the single moves fluidly between extremes—light and dark, subtle and assertive—creating a liminal space that feels both personal and universal. It’s an invitation to relinquish control and disappear into something bigger than oneself.
Published in
Pop, Soul, R&B, Indie
Tagged under
More...
Sunday, 15 June 2025 01:07
Double Vision in Seattle: A Night with Johnny Manchild and VOLORES
Written by ALEKSA
As part of their “Double Vision Tour,” Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards rejoined forces with VOLORES for an unforgettable night of genre-bending rock in Seattle. The performance took place at Funhouse - a staple of Seattle’s music scene - buzzing with anticipation from the moment the doors opened. With a blend of powerhouse vocals, haunting instrumentals, and undeniable stage charisma, both bands left a lasting impression that resonated with every person lucky enough to be there.
Seattle’s vibrant music scene welcomed the two bands with open arms, as VOLORES set the tone with their emotionally charged set, followed by Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards, who took the crowd to another level with their explosive energy and musical precision. This show wasn’t just a stop on the tour — it was a night of connection, passion, and celebration of live music in its most electrifying form.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Published in
Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Tuesday, 03 June 2025 21:14
From The Rolling Stones to the Canvas: Ronnie Wood’s Visual Art Rocks Arete Gallery
Written by Gene Aaron
Nestled in the vibrant arts district of New Hope, Pennsylvania, Arete Gallery is proudly presenting a captivating exhibition that fuses the electrifying spirit of rock music with the expressive power of fine art, featuring works of music icons such as John Lennon and Jerry Garcia. Now this unique showcase includes the iconic Ronnie Wood — renowned globally as the legendary guitarist for The Rolling Stones — whose talent as a visual artist reveals an equally profound creative voice.
Opened on January 17, 2025, the exhibition presents a curated selection of Wood's artworks, reflecting his deep-rooted passion for painting and drawing. Before his ascent to rock stardom as a prominent member of the Jeff Beck Group, The Faces and The Rolling Stones, Wood studied at Ealing College of Art, laying the foundation for a parallel career in the visual arts. His pieces often depict fellow musicians, family, and self-portraits, rendered with the same energy and emotion that characterize his music.
Published in
Art
Tuesday, 20 May 2025 06:49
The Voice of Heritage: Volya Dzemka and the Art of Preserving Slavic Tradition
Written by Olga Szwed
Volya Dzemka is a passionate force in the preservation and celebration of Slavic heritage. As the founder of the vocal folk ensemble VOLYA, she has dedicated her life to collecting, performing, and revitalizing the ancient musical and cultural traditions of Belarus and Ukraine. Whether through meticulously curated folk costume collections or hauntingly beautiful vocal arrangements, Dzemka bridges generations by giving new life to ancestral voices and connecting them with audiences across the world.
Her award-winning documentary “The Songs of Old Europe” revealed to global audiences the powerful beauty of Belarusian folk songs, many passed down orally for centuries. Now, with the release of her new album “Where the Year Begins,” Dzemka continues this legacy, combining traditional Slavic vocal harmonies with rich instrumental textures featuring the hurdy-gurdy and violin. With contributions from dedicated musicians and vocalists, the album is both a celebration and an evolution of VOLYA’s distinct sound.
Published in
Country, Folk, World
Tagged under
Tuesday, 20 May 2025 03:59
Strandberg Guitars NAMM 2025 Revelation: A Year of Milestones and Momentum
Written by SULÉY ERA
At the 2025 NAMM Show, Strandberg Guitars solidified its role as a leader in modern guitar craftsmanship by unveiling an impressive lineup of innovative instruments. Known for redefining guitar ergonomics, the brand presented new models that push the envelope of design and performance. Their latest creations continue to merge forward-thinking engineering with bold artistic flair, captivating both longtime fans and new audiences eager for the future of guitar design.
Strandberg’s presence at NAMM this year was more than a product showcase—it was a statement of vision and intent. The company’s designs are not just about aesthetics; they are about the evolution of how guitars are played, held, and heard. With every release, Strandberg reaffirms its commitment to making instruments that meet the demands of the modern musician without sacrificing individuality or creativity.
Published in Music Gear & Recording
Published in
Music Gear & Recording
Tagged under