Approaching two decades as a band, Black Stone Cherry was recording its seventh studio album just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States and the world was going into lockdown. With no touring in sight, the band chose not to delay its release, and “The Human Condition” will be available everywhere on October 30,... Continue Reading →
INTERVIEW: John Connolly of Sevendust (October 2020)
More than a quarter century after forming, Sevendust is as strong as ever. With all five original members still on board, the band is gearing up to release its 13th studio album, “Blood & Stone,” on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, via Rise Records. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has placed any touring plans on hold at... Continue Reading →
INTERVIEW: Paolo Gregoletto of Trivium
For a band still so young—the core trio of vocalist/guitarist Matt Heafy, guitarist Corey Beaulieu and bassist Paolo Gregoletto are all in their mid-30s, and drummer Alex Bent still is on the other side of 30—Trivium has released an impressive—and extensive—body of work over the past two decades. The Florida-based band’s ninth album, “What the... Continue Reading →
INTERVIEW: Mike Orlando of Her Chariot Awaits, Noturnall, Adrenaline Mob, etc.
The coronavirus pandemic has put the entire music industry on pause—but someone forgot to tell Mike Orlando. The guitarist best known for his time in Adrenaline Mob is adding to his list of bands seemingly by the day, as you will read below. Next up on his release schedule: the debut album from Her Chariot... Continue Reading →
INTERVIEW: Lena Scissorhands of Infected Rain
In Eastern Europe, nestled between Ukraine and Romania, lies the small country of Moldova. Most probably know little of this nation that once was part of the Soviet Union, but an increasing number of metalheads can identify it as the birthplace of Infected Rain. Formed in 2008 in Chișinău, the Moldovan capital, the band was... Continue Reading →
INTERVIEW: Melissa Bonny of Ad Infinitum
A new force has exploded onto the symphonic metal scene. Ad Infinitum, the brainchild of Swiss singer Melissa Bonny (Evenmore, Rage of Light), has released its debut album, “Chapter I: Monarchy” (Napalm Records, April 3, 2020; read Live Metal’s review), based on the reign of Louis XIV, king of France from 1643 to 1715. Guitarist... Continue Reading →
INTERVIEW: Dylan Villain of The Wild! (March 2020)
With the coronavirus pandemic engulfing the world, times are tough for almost everyone and especially so for a touring rock band that just released a new album. That’s the predicament The Wild! finds itself in now, having unleashed its third release, “Still Believe in Rock and Roll” (review), on March 20, 2020, and being unable... Continue Reading →
INTERVIEW: Johanna Sadonis and Nicke Andersson of Lucifer
The world is in the grip of a pandemic. The coronavirus has upended lives, business and entertainment around the globe. Who are we to turn to at a time like this? We suggest Lucifer—the band, that is. The multinational act, led by German singer Johanna Sadonis and Swedish multi-instrumentalist/songwriting partner Nicke Andersson, unleashed its third... Continue Reading →
INTERVIEW: Alecia 'Mixi' Demner of Stitched Up Heart (March 2020)
It’s been nearly a year since Stitched Up Heart started releasing songs one by one from its second album, “Darkness.” The strategy, virtually unheard of in the world of rock music, has put the band in the news consistently for almost 12 months straight, embraced the streaming platform that has come to dominate all forms... Continue Reading →
INTERVIEW: Justin Benlolo of Brkn Love
Brkn Love, the brainchild of 22-year-old Toronto native Justin Benlolo, is poised to make waves in the world of rock music. Its self-titled debut album (review), featuring infectious singles such as “Shot Down” and “Flies in the Honey,” is out now via Spinefarm Records, and upcoming tour dates include stops at the Epicenter, Welcome to... Continue Reading →