S NT TE Out Of The Blue ON 2. INDEPENDENCE FEST 12. OZZFEST P.O. Box 388 C Local festival has Ozzfest caliber. Off stage with DevilDriver, Delaware OH 43015 O 4. OMFG ChthoniC and The Showdown. www.myspace.com/ Area fest brings diverse original bands. 15. VANS WARPED TOUR O 7. WOODSHOCK Behind the scenes interviews out_of_the_blue646 Account of one of Ohio’s largest events. and Cleveland’s washout. T 9. INDI$TINCT FREESTYLE 17. WARPED EXPERIENCE Editor-in-Chief Area blader’s alternative sport. On the road with Tom. Neil Shumate B 10. UNDERGROUND SOUNDS 18. MILWAUKEE SUMMERFEST SOTU let rip the dogs of Gwar. Fans Trip proves worthwhile, with or without meeting Panic!. Copy Editor pleased with piss and blood showers. John Shumate 19. LOGANPALOOZA 32. SCENE OF THE CRIME Alien Robot God on Prelude. Writers A chat with founder Logan Maddy. 33. AIDEN Allyson Below 20. BATTLE FOR THE COVER WiL addresses the changes made to Tiffany Cook Fans voted and we talk to Bonk, CC Manded Volume Dealer, Headchange. redefine new release Conviction. Josh Davis 26. 34. GOING OVERSEAS Jim Hutter LITTLE BROTHERS Jim Hutter reflects on the former venue. New album interviews with blokes Matt Monnette 27. in Underworld and Enter Shikari. Erin Nye INTERVIEWS Otep, Bury Your Dead, The Warriors, 37. SHE WANTS REVENGE Kristen Oldham The Junior Varsity, The Red Chord. With a new release on deck, Adam-12 Neil Shumate 31. REVIEWS takes us through the band’s progression. The Lowdown features Mystic Syntax, 38. BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME Contributing Writers Heartbreak Orchestra and more. Tommy interprets Colors’ scheme. Ethan Beazley Sagabu

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END OF SUMMER EDITION OCTOBER, 2007 In 2006, Juliya’s Fuse program Metal Asylum (created after Uranium) was suddenly taken off air. During that pe- Mistress Juliya exposed riod Juliya also hosted a humorous devi- ant sex talk advice show responding to really doesn’t bother me, even so fucking hot! Their [NIN] energy is e-mails, messages and phone calls, titled “Itthough I can be a needy girl. It breathtaking. During Pretty Hate Ma- “Slave to the Metal.” was hard when we first started, but I chine he was fucked up on drugs, doing “Some of the questions I got were deal with it—he’s an amazing guy. But, lines, and now he’s getting older, sitting insane. Sometimes scary. It made me when he gets back it’s fuckin’ on! The around drinking coffee,” laughed Juliya. think about the school systems and what sex is awesome! Dude, the shit’s like a With hundreds of band interview people are learning. I mean, god, do we snuff film!” Mistress Juliya smiled wide experiences, Juliya admits she rarely pee from the same hole? Really, just when talking about her current relation- gets nervous. don’t have sex,” laughed Juliya. ship with touring Black Market Hero “I’m occasionally star struck, but not Currently Juliya hopes to pursue bassist Ryan Juhrs. so much anymore. Ones that stand out acting and bring back “Slave to the Widely known for her ex-Fuse metal are Reznor, Manson, Al Jorgensen, Peter Metal” while continuing to host her own show “Uranium,” Juliya Chernetsky has Steele, and Ozzy. Ozzy’s my fucking project called “Thrash Talk” on Dovetail built a career with smashing sex appeal hero. I always pray that they won’t dis- TV. The aim of “Thrash Talk” is similar as a riveting female representative of the appoint and hope they will be awesome. to “Uranium” by featuring one-on-one metal music scene. Juliya hosted this Most bands are afraid of the media, but behind the scenes band interviews year’s Independ- filmed for the web ence Fest in and on her Pataskala, Ohio myspace site. and snuck in some Juliya hopes the time to sit with us program will near a field. eventually link “I’ve had a with None Louder great fucking time dot com and here. Ohio has a blabbermouth.net. great metal scene One source says and this festival is “Slave to the rad,” said Juliya, Metal” has been stretched across contracted with from us wearing a Sirius radio. constricted black Having a gen- “Slave to the erally unconserva- Metal” logo shirt tive image, Juliya and a tight short has encountered a jean skirt. few fans that push Still recovering the limits. from a night of “Yea, I’ve got- partying, Mistress ten e-mails with Juliya reflected on threats to kill me what started it all. because I would- “I was proba- n’t return fan’s bly 12 years old messages. Some when I got into music with GNR. I lis- you have to have a sense of humor and fans have an extreme style, so it’s under- tened to Appetite For Destruction, Ozzy, not be so fucking serious with them. I’m standable, but motherfuckers are scary Megadeth, Priest, shit like that. I was an just a fan, and they want to be treated sometimes! I’m always flattered when I immigrant from the Ukraine and raised like people.” meet fans, but I just thank them and act in Brooklyn, so it was rough sometimes Sometimes interviews can go sour, rational. Sometimes you gotta be like, feeling like an outcast. When I was 15 and Juliya told us of one that stands out. ‘peace out, you fucking psycho!’” or 16 I got into industrial music. I never “Oh, I don’t give a shit if I tell you. Juliya is influenced by kick ass really planned to do what I’m doing. I System Of A Down. After the cameras music, but what about her influences as started modeling, making commercials were off, they were really cool people. a model? and doing some music videos. I was When the cameras were rolling, they “Betty Paige. During her time it was really into Fuse, and a fan of wouldn’t even crack a smile, kind of illegal and fucked up to wear leather and “Headbanger’s Ball” and I was pissed arrogant, a lot about politics, giving ran- look bondage. She was never a whore, when it went off air. Then after sending dom bullshit answers to straightforward she never cared. It took balls to bring in a tape, I started at Fuse with questions. I mean c’mon!” fetish. She was a beautiful woman with “Tastemakers.” I did that for about a The metal mistress admits to some- balls. Women can be sexy and beautiful year and “Uranium” came along.” times turning away bands because without sucking dick. Girls can do what- Juliya debuted “Uranium” with a they’re not “death metal or black metal ever they want man,” Juliya told us. Trent Reznor interview. “He’s amazing. enough. I draw the line on certain bands. As far as guilty music pleasures, Fucking tormented pain, and god he is I just say they’re not heavy enough.” “Metal Mistress,” continued on next page e r Like you’ve never seen it before u t a e Festival On The Green F t s attracts new crowds e F

Free entertainment has always been pioneer from Columbus, l an attraction at the annual St. Mary’s Ohio, performed her sweet a

c Festival On The Green, but never to this and haunting songs filled o extent. Out Of The Blue’s Neil Shumate with emotion. L hand-picked the entertainment lineup Amanda independently and Marion’s local radio station 97.5 released Bullets last year WDCM took over the sound system. and she plans to soon record more With the idea of music in mind, material in Chicago. Local Mic’s Brian Jester and his crew Twenty different bands, so many (Fat J Live Sound) brought the stage to talented artists, and three days of free life all three nights with some of Ohio’s entertainment—needless to say, this was best local bands and a hip-hop act. a pretty amazing festival! Marion Catholic grad Alex Sheridan All three nights ranged from the kicked off the first night handing out legendary blues rock of Harding High popsicles and performing hits from his School grad Willie Phoenix and West debut album The Feelgood Movement. Milton, Ohio’s Reece Lincoln to the Also performing live with Sheridan were rock of 99 Heartaches, Radio Pirates, CIE Breeze and special guests Aaron The Moops, Amazing Death In Audio Nemo with Nite Tha Grrness. and Short Notice. I guess you could just Grunge band Mayavirupa made an say it had a little bit of everything, in- appearance at this year’s festival bring- cluding the choral group InChant and ing in fans of rock. The band is com- comedy by Travis Hoewischer, Bob posed of three Central Ohio talented Cook and Jay Hendren, as well as acous- artists. Columbus Ohio’s folk rock band tic sets by Nicholas Wilkinson, Justin Miss Molly brought their passionate VanCooney with JT, Nicole Pinnick, music with them as well. After hearing and the original works of Marion, them perform, I’d have to say it makes Ohio’s Matt McCrery. you want to dance, it even glorifies you. Festival head’s Diane and Dave The mixed up three night lineups Trefzger would like to thank Brian Jester didn’t stop there—a central Ohio power- and his crew for taking the entertain- pop/alternative band known as Vicious ment’s sound to the next level and hope Whisky also took the stage this year. to see WDCM and Fat J back next year! VW consists of Ricky French, Cody Festival On The Green was a major Smith, and Ben Jolliff. success with record turn outs. An ex- Their debut Red Edges was released tended thanks goes to all the bands who last Winter. The 6-track EP features donated their time to perform this year “Write A Letter” and "I Feel Old. and the generous helping hands on deck. The beautiful sounds of acoustic Entertainment organizer Neil Shumate piano artist Amanda Heironimus were said he will bring back a similar lineup heard on the second day of festivities. next year, including some of this year’s Heironimus, an all original music crowd favorites. ALLYSON BELOW

From bottom left. Miss Molly, Willie Phoenix , Justin VanCooney with JT, 99 Heartaches, Amanda Heironimus, and comedian Jay Hendren. Photography by Allyson Below and Kristen Oldham

Out Of The Blue—3 Local Fest Feature 2ND ANNUAL FESTIVAL ROCKS BEYOND ALL EXPECTATIONS By Paul Helms Jr Photography by Neil Shumate G hen writing an article about OMF those guys though in regards to their per- Wsomething of this caliber, you formance and from what I heard, I wished never know how to start. Words fall I could have been there a little earlier. short of describing the feeling you get The first group on the second stage from experiencing it. But since some of was Premature Burial. Now I can’t say you couldn’t attend this all day festival, this band had my full attention either, but I’ll try to relay some of what you I did watch some of their set. missed. The first thing I noticed was that they Before I get to the actual festival, I’ll are a young band who hasn’t figured out talk about the ride there. Although the their identity. Like a ball of talent that directions were clear, many people had wants to roll hard and fast but not in a trouble finding the place. specific direction. With two guitar players On our way to the festival we en- and the bassist on vocals, this four piece countered a man, who was on the road will thrash and crash all night, playing that he needed to be on, telling me he some good metal riffs and solos. was lost and couldn’t get hold of the Miles Vint and Jordan Snyder took people he was meeting. The funny thing care of that department while Eric Branch is, he waved us down with his complete played drums and Trey Bond did his bass print out of mapquest directions. and vox thing. Warming up for their later This gives you an idea of how far out set, Snowblynd went acoustic. Snowblynd rocks OMFG. in “BFE” it is. Once you pull in and Playing many originals and covers drive past the beautiful and large pond alike. This set brought out the southern and see the stage, you realize you’re in and almost country side of Snowblynd. for a good time. Although it was a nice day for a festi- While wind and alcohol slowed down val, this seemed to be the same point that the process of setting up camp and pitch- people were getting used to the blistering ing a tent, I listened to the bands in the sun. I’ll give you a hint to guess the band distant background. Finally after camp who played fourth. was set up, we headed up toward the They have trouble stopping what main entertainment. they’re doing. Ok maybe that’s corny but I went to the vending tents and was they’re called Hint of Addiction. impressed with the prices. The beer was This band seemed to be heavily influ- especially well priced. I ordered two enced by the likes of Ozzy and Black and…oh yea, you want to hear about the Label Society. Although I don’t think the bands, not drinking stories. band intentionally went for it, I also Kick Ass Rock Productions lived up picked up some sounds of Megadeath in Big Nasty’s Rob “Rex” Minor. to its name by providing some, well, their music. kick ass rock. The band lineup was Jay Hicks was the man behind the stacked. You couldn’t ask for a better drums while Tim Wiggins played guitar local lineup. and did back up vocals. Justin King also There were two stages which allowed did backup vocals but played bass, and the next band to set up as the current the lead vocals belonged to Damon band was playing. This allowed for a Miller. constant wave of rock. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s 86 Super Gary of CWM Sound brought the Hero. Yea, my jokes suck, but this band quality sound equipment and controlled definitely did not. With some songs remi- the soundboard along with the help of niscent of Tool maybe mixed with either AJ Pfeuffer, who is another very experi- some Radiohead or NIN. Some other enced live engineer. Brian Jester from songs are very similar to Beck. Jester’s Court Recording Studio was I heard a lot of praise about this band present to help as well, bringing his before they went on and it was not false. knowledge of live sound reinforcement Brady “The Machine” Petit excels at gui- to the table. All of these talented engi- tar and vocals while Levi “The Beast” neers ensured the best possible sound. Stanley also pics the geetar. Trevor “The Providing OMFG with some hosting Truth” Langford hits and kicks things and services was Hannibal from 99.7 The Jerald “The Bomb” Hall was just that (the Blitz, who pumped the crowd up before bomb) on bass. each band. Justamere kicked things off. Next was a band that I enjoyed more Swamp Jeuce brings original rock. Unfortunately, I didn’t see this band and more the longer I listened. Part of that play. I did hear some good things about is the beer that Broknstone was throwing 4—Out Of The Blue off stage and part of it was seeing how that didn’t turn out as planned. Even much fun these guys were having while though I think this band should’ve being turned into lobsters by the sun. played earlier in the set, I give credit to They seemed like a great group of the youngins getting up there and mixing guys who loved to party. They even told it up. everyone to come by their tent if they Let’s hope Mark (drums), Devon wanted some beer, and frontman Kevin (bass), Trevor (guitar), and Fillip told everyone to turn him in the right (vocals) can make a positive impact on direction if he was staggering around future rock. Now it was time to get big drunk later. and nasty with Big Nasty. Of course Kevin did all of the singing This was one of my personal favor- while Andrew H played guitar. Andrew ites of the night. If you’ve never heard G played bass and Ben sat behind those Big Nasty, you need to. This band has round things. Next to play was Dim. more talent in two guys than most bands Unfortunately I had some interrup- have in four or five. Cleveland area’s Jividen of Ceterum. tions so I only heard about two songs Rob “Rez” Minor does some amazing from Dim. To me, those two songs were things on bass. He plays Les Claypool just all around solid rock. Nothing more, like no other. Will “Ongfacekillah” Ong nothing less. I would like to see these plays the drums like a robot with talent. guys again to get a full opinion on them, He has impeccable timing and it never but they seemed to enjoy their time at seems to falter in a show. OMFG. While their originals are amazing and Jeff Brown played bass and sang should not be overlooked, many fans while Dayne Clegg played guitar and were really into their cover of Primus’ Scott Shively played drums. I hope to “Too Many Puppies.” see the three piece play again soon. If I I also became the old man mascot for could name the next band, I couldn’t the band but I’ll get into that more later. pick a better name for them: Sleepers Storming the stage next was Ceterum. Awake. The first thing I thought of while The central Ohio-based band actually listening to Ceterum was Tool. Ty Jivi- The Sick Six parties with rap and rock. got its name from a Bach song. These den uses his Maynard-style vocals to guys use a slower style that somehow give Ceterum an instant attraction. keeps you moving. Ceterum is no Tool cover band, but they With Chris using an almost con- do stay close to the Tool and A Perfect stantly fluctuating vocal style and vary- Circle style. ing guitar while Rob brings out some Jared Amlin plays guitar, Bill San- unique riffs and solos, it sets the tone for chez plays bass, and Jason Broussard a great group. But Joey solidly kept hits the drums. Coming out with the playing some really good bass grooves most extravagant stage show of the eve- and Eric really was pulling all of it into a ning was Last Supper Studio’s Sick Six. beat on drums. Sleepers Awake puts a Pulling the name from the fact that nice soft tingling sensation into you ears. the hip-hop/metal group records in an Snowblynd now made their way old church, the group had cheerleaders back onto the stage for a normal set. and lights and costumes. These guys have a southern rock style, Every member of the group seemed with influences in all directions. to be multi-talented, doing different Brad Williams brings that oft-coveted things at different times of the show. southern style vocals, Gregory Wyld and Nate, Sean, Jack, Nick, Pat, and Matt are Smitty play their guitars, Joe Viers plays all classified as musicians and cannot be Fillip of young newcomers The F.M.’s. the bass and Barry Damron is known as limited to one instrument. the drumslayer. I had a good conversa- With a mixture of rap, hip-hop, pop, tion with the band. metal, techno, and electronica, needless Most of the discussion revolved to say there’s probably at least one song around the debate of who the greatest that you would like. How would a band band of all time is. My opinion happens follow a stage show like that? Well a to be Led Zeppelin. While Brad didn’t band wouldn’t have to. disagree, he did make cases for other The Ohio Burn Tribe put together a bands. Next up was a young and bold spectacular show of pyrotechnics that band called the FM’s. was simply mesmerizing—I will go into With almost a punk metal influence, more detail about that later. For now these guys do have something to work let’s stay focused on the music with with. They are full of potential and Swamp Jeuce. should be a good band in the near future, This group put on a solid show with a but their lack of experience did show southern name that suits them, and Local Stuff’s Hannibal hosts OMFG. through at OMFG. sound that moves forward like a They made some attempts at covers “OMFG,” continued on next page Out Of The Blue—5 “OMFG,” continued Halfway through the festival, a bunch means it was a hell of a party. southern rock/metal band should. monster trucks and large 4x4’s pulled The main company behind OMFG Swamp Jeuce hails from Meigs and up. These beastly transportation devices was Kick Ass Rock Productions. I got a Gallia Counties in southern Ohio, and were provided for our viewing pleasure chance to sit down with the man behind they have some obvious influences. by Trail City 4x4. the wheel at Kick Ass Rock Productions. The first influence that sticks out is If it’s free gifts you enjoy, then all I asked Stephen how things went in Zakk Wylde. David Mullins has both you had to do was keep your attention his mind and he replied with the follow- guitar and singing similarities to the rock on the stage between bands. Hannibal ing statement: “It was the epitome of icon. In some conversations about this had all kinds of goodies from Guitar what a festival should be. Expectations band I even heard Black Label Society Center to give away. They varied from for this year were met and exceeded. It only better. harmonicas, music instructional DVDs gave us a warm feeling inside when we Equally important to the sound of and CDs. got all of the positive feedback from Swamp Jeuce were Robbie Cundiff on One thing that seemed to be some- bands and fans alike. We were extremely bass and Dustin Mullins on drums. It’s what popular was a crazy guy dancing proud of the support from all of our probably a toss up between this band around in an old man mask. The mask sponsors, participating acts and all of the and Big Nasty on the most times I was belonged to Big Nasty and regrettably respecting fans.” asked, “Who is that band and how do I came up missing. If you know anything He also talked about next year and get their CD?” I look for these guys to about its whereabouts, contact Big Nasty how judging from the quadruple partici- blow up very soon and very quickly. on MySpace. pation from last year to this year, next The next event of the evening was the Now to the talk of show, The Ohio year should be even more huge. stripper contest. I will elaborate more on Burn Tribe. This combination of fire Stephen also mentioned that several this later. Bringing it back to the music troops put on a display that will not be improvements are expected for next year yet again we go to the age-old question: soon forgotten by anyone that was there and there’s talk about possibly expand- pets or meat? As a fan I’ll try to refrain (unless they were way too drunk). ing to two days. from giving them too much praise. Two performers spun steel wool, All-in-all I had a great time at OMFG Every time I talk to someone about which if you’ve never seen before looks and I think everyone else there did too. Pets Or Meat, they say they sound like like giant sparklers. Then as the crowd Look for a video to be launched on a different band. They’re original, tal- was turned around looking at that, a fire kickassrock.com to give those who were ented and creative. This show was not cannon went off behind them in front of there memories and those who weren’t the best I’ve seen out of the band but it the stages and the other performers came regrets for not attending. was still solid. Now to the main event of out and started twirling fire. The bands and other performers the evening: Mayavirupa. Maya who? They used poi, firewire, staffs, and seemed to really impress all the fans. In Maya what? more. Pretty much if you can catch it on fact I heard reports of large amounts of If you haven’t heard of this band I fire and maneuver it in an appealing grass and dirt caught in some fan's lower have one question for you: Where have way, they used it. One performer even jaw from where it was dropped and you been the past few years? Ma- had flaming claws that he eventually put dragging on the ground throughout the yavirupa is and has been one of the hot- out with his mouth. Speaking of fire in entire day. test bands in the local scene recently, the mouth, a few performers “breathed” When next year’s OMFG rolls and judging by their performance at or “spit” fire. around, you’d be a fool not go. I know OMFG, they don’t appear to be slowing The show was a constant flame that this is going to be an annual experience down any. never seemed to have any breaks. One for myself and several others. Fans found themselves glued to the after another they came out, and as one Well I’ll close out with some appre- stage. There were girls getting on stage performer finished, someone else was ciation. Thank you to everyone who put and dancing and the fans even begged ready to go. on OMFG and all of the participating for an encore. I could go on for hours Although the security guards seemed acts. Also thank you to the bands who about this band but the best way for you concerned, the troops were very profes- took time to talk to me. I’d also like to to get an opinion of them is to check sional and no one was hurt in any way. give a very special thank you to my sis- them out yourself. Check them out at This is an art that is becoming increas- ter Theresa who provided transportation their next show or at the very least check ingly popular and for good reason. If for myself and others to the festival. them out at OMFG next year. you haven’t witnessed these beautiful Although I could probably go on and Now that I’ve concluded the music pyrotechnics, I suggest that you find the on about OMFG I’ll conclude by sharing portion of OMFG, I’ll go into more next show on myspace and go. some quotes with you. depth on the other activities that were Now, I’d probably be a jerk if I didn’t Brad from Snowblynd: “We’re gonna there. bring up some of the sponsors who do something a little bit different for Of course there were boobies a plenty haven’t been mentioned already. ya.” Lance: “If it ain't opera I’m leavin!” at OMFG. First was the water tank EZone Paintball, CompleteWeb.Net, Yea, OMFG was that much fun. where intoxicated people tried their best Iron Wood Productions, Biffin Boarders, to throw a ball at the target so the girl and then some magazine. I think it was ON THE WEB would fall into the water and show some called Into The Red. Or maybe it was DIRECT BAND LINKS skin afterwards. Out Of The Blue, but enough on petty There was also the stripper pole con- details, let's just say they all were spon- myspace.com/ test where contestants would dance on a sors and they all contributed greatly. pole while removing their clothes. Speaking of Biffin Boarders, Beaux omfgrocks The camping itself was an activity Hord seemed very pleased by the turnout www.kickassrock.com that many seemed to enjoy. Tents of all for OMFG. He mentioned that there was sorts and sizes lined the tree line. approximately 200 bags of trash which Local Fest Feature A documented perspective of Woodshock 007 night, we took our stuff and set up in the Upon entering the gate, the coolers My 1994 Ford Ranger is struggling same area. Ok, time to find the beer gar- were checked, but not my pockets, not hard to climb up a steep, pine tree lined den! Woodshock does a very thorough girls purses. I can't go into specifics for road about seven miles east of Bellfoun- job at the gates checking to make sure obvious reasons, but if there was some taine, Ohio. nobody brings their own alcohol inside, herbal or pharmaceutical need, someone B-Town isn't exactly Disney World, but what they sell there is very reasona- in this festival could fulfill it: people and to be in the surrounding area is, to bly priced. were buzzzzzzed. be polite, “BFE.” As my two friends As I said each band gets 30 minutes, One of the very last bands to play crammed uncomfortably in the front seat so there is a new one coming on con- Friday evening was Odious. This is a with me arguing over what CD to play stantly. As night falls most of the people two-vocalist heavy metal group from next, I can't help but ask myself why the are done setting up, and well into their Columbus, Ohio that I've seen several hell I drove all this way to hear a bunch party mode. times in the past. of bands I can watch any other My thoughts prior to Saturday, weekend. “Hear the call, fuck it all” "Ehh." Ya know what I mean— I The bed of my truck is full of dug their sound, it was pretty good all sorts of food and other camping but I wasn't trying to buy a CD essentials, (like a tent) that until and keep it in my truck non-stop the day before I never even for a month. Let me tell you what, owned. these guys absolutely dominated The parking guy snags $10 so Woodshock! we can park 1,192,310,912 yards The pit in the front of the stage from the campsite. area was packed tighter than ever, The start of this story is a bit and the fan reaction was that of a smug, yah, I'll give you that—I rockin’ party and everyone knew sound like a bitter unsatisfied cus- and loved the band. tomer, but wait; READ ON! It Sometimes you'll see a few does get better. guys leaning on a rail at a local The three of us quickly decide rock show, they think it sounds Citizen 18’s Dustin and Jake at Ohio’s annual Woodshock. it best to scout a campsite before good, they aren't sure—they've actually schlepping in our gear, and pass never heard it before, and they nod their the gates into our home for the next 48 head. I'll tell you what: that same guy hours. who would normally be nodding his Woodshock is a music festival held head was moshing with a guy twice his yearly in late August at the Zane size and smiling as he picked himself off Shawnee Indian Caverns. It lasts two the ground to do it again. days and two nights, about thirty bands Everyone at the festival was getting perform over the two nights, and the down to the great stage show, the awe- final night a handful of nationally some music itself. Josh Odious does a signed, very well known and popular great job firing people up on the mic groups cap off the festivities. between songs as well. They even had Our friends in the band Citizen 18 people standing behind their "ODIOUS" are actually doing their sound test after banners, shaking them by hand. we've maneuvered our way down an After the set, Josh Odious invited the awkward dirt rock path to the stage area, entire festival to come by “Camp Odi- so we stop to support the metal group ous,” which was actually a cluster of from Marion, Ohio. RVs and tents with a huge Odious flag The five piece is officially only a hung over the top in some trees. four, as Chris Stanforth of the other That night they had a drum circle and heavy music group from Marion, Scene loud party going, with constant people of the Crime, is sitting in on drums. It’s around a fire battering a drum until at their first set together outside of a few least 4AM. last minute practices, so we were anx- Josh and the rest of the crew are a ious to hear the new sound. Noise Auction delivers the noise. crazy bunch of characters that absolutely Each unsigned local band gets about The stage area, regardless of the band love having a good time above all else, a 30 minute set, and C-18 is able to play playing, gets more people at night. It's and they made damn sure everyone else all of their fan favorites, and a few new out of the hot beating sun, and at least on did too. ones that have tons of breakdowns. Saturday, that's when the national acts Around 8AM Saturday morning it I really like it. Stan on the drums start to play. becomes quite apparent that we should makes the sound a bit heavier, more full. The August heat had finally gone to be there early next year and set up camp I hope the permanent replacement they bed, and everyone in the place was at under some trees. It's blistering hot and recently found will continue taking them least six to twelve beers deep. I might I'm soaked in sweat, feeling like I just in this direction.. also mention there was absolutely zero laid down for bed, since the ole' Odious After we asked the guys in C-18 police presence at the festival—it's on an camp made sleep impossible. where they were camped out for the Indian Reservation. “Woodshock,” continued on next page “Woodshock,” continued their known singles more than once. Show A quick drive to Kroger and we're All three are great live, and are defi- back ready for another full day and night nitely worth checking next time they Schedule of music and partying. make it to your neck of the woods. I've The 3-6PM block was very weak on also never been into a female lead singer Hosted by Jester fan support, but very high on talent. Two in this type of music, but seriously, Wednesdays from 8pm to 9pm of my favorite bands, Sighlo and Head- check out In This Moment! on Marion, Ohio’s WDCM 97.5 change (both from Columbus) played A few bands couldn't let the party die back-to-back. just because the scheduled music died October 17th They too played fan favorites and each night. Another band from Colum- Razorbliss gave a sampling of something new they bus, Likspitl, actually played a set over were working on, and the sound was by the campers after Friday's music was exceptional as always. Even with so few done, which was totally unexpected and October 24th standing in front of the stage for these unannounced. X Factor 1 two bands, a ton of people heard the They started with 5 people watching music from their campsites, and I'm them and it ended with 100. It was really November 7th damn sure they enjoyed all of it. cool to see the fans flock over to hear The Cold Shot Headchange played the stage as some more music they've never heard though they were in front of 90 thousand before, just because it was playing. at the Horseshoe, jamming hard, smiling Odious played on the same make- November 14th at one another. They've always had a shift stage the next night after Static-X, Celebration Church great stage show and Sighlo did much of and it’s these small gestures by bands, the same. and support by fans, that's what makes November 21st Tyler of Sighlo commented between the festival so special to so many people. songs there weren't many people around, Woodshock was a fantastic music Phantods but some of their closest friends were experience, but at the same time, you'll down front. Any band playing Wood- love it even without the music. Everyone contact [email protected] shock is making great strides toward gets along, everyone helps everyone; it's www.radiomarion.com getting themselves heard by as many really just an amazing two days of trust, people as possible, and both did exactly music, love, and fun. just that. Thanks for reading. Anyone with their Another Ohio band played that I had own personal stories about Woodshock, never heard of until Woodshock, and or comments about this article, please they came on just before Headchange. feel free to message me at myspace.com/ Thoughts Kill, out of Lima, Ohio is sharpinfosports. a death metal five-piece that plays some I'll close with a brief list of do's and pissed off, speed metal that gets every dont's for anyone thinking of making head within ear shot rocking back and next year their first trip: forth with their hard sound. It's tough for me to compare anyone 1. Bring everything you need for the to Phil Anselmo, but the between-song next two days, and then some. There HALLOWEEN BASH chatter of lead singer Cody Powel defi- ARE freeloaders, and also, you don't nitely rivals it. Degrading the crowd, want to be a prick and tell a friend that Saturday, October 27th calling people pussies for not being in you just happened to run into that he the mosh pit actually worked. CAN'T have a hamburger. Also, no rea- with special guests People got into it, and the mosh pit son to pay to park twice because you had grew with every song. I loved their to leave again on Saturday. sound, but the singer was so angry the 2. There is a secret pathway to get into sound guy cut their set short; he threw the place free, and/or smuggle alcohol. down the microphone and walked away Just ask around. before I could catch their name. 3. Park your tent UNDER A TREE. Took me about three days to finally 4. Bring your party hat, because this is a find them on MySpace, but I'm glad I great time of sharing, drinking, eating, finally did and look forward to catching making love, and making many new another of their live sets soon. friends. MATT MONNETTE The night rounded out with the Photos by Kristen Oldham nationals, Flaw and Static-X. The entire camp ground made their way down the For more information about the next hill to the stage area so they could watch Woodshock, and to listen to some of the those two band, along with another band bands mentioned, please check the that was on Ozzfest , In This Moment. following myspace.com/ pages: All three totally dominated and sent woodshock, thoughtskillmusic, (Citizen 18 with new drummer Jon Gunder) the fans home happy. I am officially a sotcband, citizen18, odious, COYOTES (formerly Hot Peppers) fan of all three bands and before that I headchange, sighlo, likspitl 1085 W. Center Street never listened to anything more than Marion, Ohio 43302

8—Out Of The Blue INDI $TINCT ROLLIN ’ crew introduces Freestyle Rolling Five Central Ohio residents have air tricks including “the rocket grab,” in the fog and the most recent project taken street rollerblading to an extreme “mute grab” and assorted spin tech- Classic Black. stylish level. You don’t need just rails niques. “We have lots of mix tape skate vid- and ramps, you can just let your mind “There have been a lot of crazy tricks eos with lots of extra footage of them. wonder and roll—anything and every- done in all of our years skating. But not People can buy our last video we made thing tangible is subject to host a brutal too long ago, on a trip to Cleveland, still. Our newest video is in the making mirage of stunts and tricks. The redefin- Ohio Bentley grinded a drop rail that and there is no release date yet. But you ing sport is called Freestyle Rolling, the was about 25-30 feet long to a 15-foot can contact us on our myspace for up- name of the representing click is drop and 180’ed out. Also Jordan did a dates on our projects.” INDI$TINCT. misty flip over a crazy gap, from one Having devoted dedication and long “We were all still in high school parking lot to another, over 7-feet of practice sessions for a passionate sport, when the name originated. There wasn’t grass over a wall, then an 8-foot drop.” the crew is ready to set their eyes on any specific time, we just thought about In addition to making trips to Cleve- solid future endeavors. it and it stuck. We wanted a name to land, the guys travel to Columbus, Ohio “Bentley is filming for a big clothing describe our team skating and our area parking garages, parks and side company right now and there are some unique styles as individuals. Indistinct streets as well as out-of-state escapades other companies we are filming for. means something that cannot be to practice their fast growing trade. Indistinct Rollin is working hard on their explained; a figure in the fog, it’s “Since Delaware finally got its skate clothing line right now as well. We have indescribable,” says the group. park [Mingo], we tend to go there often a few new shirts and things that will be They developed friendships during and we all skate as much as we can. We for sale, also sweat pants and hats.” their high school years and formed a can’t skate every day of the week like It takes quality skills to make free- tight bond on the common ground of we did when we were younger because a style rolling a livelihood. stylish skating. lot of us have jobs and other things. But “What we’re doing was known as “It has just been something a lot of us there are some weeks were we all get to rollerblading is now called Freestyle have been doing ever since we were get out and go every day for a week. Rolling. Everyone can rollerblade, your little. It went from something we liked to We try at least three times a week.” grandma can rollerblade, but not every- something we fell in love with.” When Indistinct goes out for a day of one can Freestyle Roll. Freestyle Rolling Using a range of equipment from Freestyle Rollin, Anthony Gardner is is a mix of skating, fashion and music. Razors, USD, Ground Control, 50/50, there with a camera to capture all the It’s a way to express yourself, what you Mindgame M1, Senate and 4x4, the moves. Gardner edits the film with a true think, and how you feel. But no matter crew defeats any trick they set their indie eye and markets the final product what, at the end of the day it’s for the mind to—grinds termed “pornstar,” to sale on indistinct films’ DVDs love of our sport.” NEIL SHUMATE “soul,” “misew,” “acid” and numerous including the well-crafted short figures Visit myspace.com/indistinctrollin

FACTS ABOUT ROLLERBLADES —First inline skate model in early 1700s —In 1760 Joseph Merlin made an entrance at a masquerade party by skating and playing a violin, but he crashed into a mirror, not knowing how to stop or steer. —First patented rollerskate in 1819 by M. Petitbled in Paris, France featured three wheels, a wooden plate and leather straps. Wheels were sold in wood, metal or ivory —1863 American James Plimpton made a Kyle Jordan Chance Bentley four wheeled skate with two pairs of wheels on each side —1980 two hockey player brothers from Meet Indi$tinct Minneapolis redesigned an old version of the Kyle “Guam” Jordan 20, skating 8 years, born in Cali, raised in Ohio skate with a hockey boot adding a rubber heel brake; thus, they could skate on the ground the 20, skating 6 years, raised in Delaware, Ohio Jeremy “Chunk” Craig same way as on ice. They sold their skates out of Drew Speese 18, skating 5 years, born and raised in Delaware, Ohio their home and Rollerblade, Inc was born. Anthony Gardner 18, skating 10 years, born and raised in Delaware, Ohio —First most successful Rollerblade Chance “Lucky” Bentley 18, skating 10 years, born in Marion, Ohio skate was the Lightning.

Out Of The Blue—9 National Fest Feature 10—Out OfThe Blue Underground metalleadersinvadeColumbus Ohio this summer bringing a pack of hardcore metal heads to witness the wrathofthebest witness the metalheadsto ofhardcore bringingapack Ohio thissummer forcing them to drop the lineup a few days later. Topping off the night were rocklegends offthenight later.Topping days afew thelineup forcing themtodrop Sounds Of The Underground stopped at Lifestyles Community Pavilion in Columbus, Pavilionin atLifestylesCommunity stopped TheUnderground SoundsOf Gwar who traditionally decorated open-armed fans with piss, bile and of course, blood. course,blood. bileandof fanswithpiss, open-armed decorated Gwar whotraditionally lineup of new and old metal. Included on this year’s bill were Ohio natives The Devil were OhionativesTheDevil year’s bill onthis oldmetal.Included lineup ofnewand Wears Prada, Chimaira and Mushroomhead. Fans booed rap group Necro offstage rap groupNecro booed Fans ChimairaandMushroomhead. Wears Prada, Photography byNeilShumate.MoreSOTUpicsatmyspace.com/out_of_the_blue646 This tour is one that fans will mark on their calendars years in advance. yearsinadvance. will markontheircalendars fans Thistourisonethat From top left. Mushroomhead, The Number Twelve TheNumber From topleft. Mushroomhead, Looks Like You, Every Time IDie,AmonAmarth Time Looks Like You,Every

National Fest Exclusive Interviews DevilDriver’s Dez on touring and their latest, The Last Kind Words When I’m feeling pissed off, I can Dez Fafara always count on DevilDriver to ex- terminate my anger. Since their 2002 formation the band has stirred vicious mosh pits around the globe, and their spot on the Columbus, Ohio Ozzfest proved to inspire the most brutal pit of all. Interviews & Photography by Neil Shumate After performing, signing autographs and grabbing dinner, lead vocalist what’s going on, and the crowd Dez Fafara called me. feeds it too.” Following unexpected and Since the band’s self-titled debut mutual circumstances, DevilDriver in 2003, a distinct anchor-cross replaced Mondo Generator’s place symbol has represented Devil- on Ozzfest’s second stage. Driver. “It’s an altered cross of “This is only our third day here confusion,” explained Fafara, “It and it’s incredible! We’ve been means to question everything and friends with the Osbournes for a be human. We’d never change it, while and Sharon just talked to our there are so many fans that have it people and we had some open dates tattooed on them now.” and we jumped on it,” said Fafara. From his days with Coal Cham- The band continues to constitute ber and being a fan of Elvis and black metal solidity with every Native American song, Dez has album release. Their latest install- always had music pumping ment The Last Kind Words is no through his exception. The veins. Fafara writing began in I can’t really draw recorded a 2005 and they intensity from anger, remake of Pe- entered the I try not to be angry.” ter Gabriel’s studio in mid- “Shock The November 2006. The band was so Monkey” with Ozzy Osbourne, Hatebreed headlined the prepared that producer Jason worked with Motley Crue’s Nikki free Ozzfest’s Second Stage Suecof recorded the entire album in Sixx on “Where Is God Tonight?” less than a month. and he has also worked with Phil The Last Kind Words maintains Anselmo on Anselmo’s project DevilDriver’s distinct aggression, Viking Crown. but lyrically ventures deeper with His advice to local bands: “play Dez’s knowledge from personal local as much as you can. Make t- experiences in his life. shirts and give them away for free, “It’s important to solidify and to get your name out there every- never faulter. Some of the songs where. Play anywhere.” are about specific experiences in Currently DevilDriver is touring my life. My favorite artist’s songs Europe. Until their next round of are about who they really are and US dates starting in November what they know, and that’s what with Killswitch and Lamb Of God, this album is. Go get it, it won’t let pick up The Last Kind Words and you down,” said Fafara. listen for Dez’s nine-year-old son One quality characteristic of Simon on “Tirades Of Truth.” DevilDriver is the ferocious scaring Fafara said, “DevilDriver has vocals of Dez. always sounded different from “I can’t really draw intensity what’s goin’ on. We never give a Lamb Of God took from anger, I try not be angry,” shit about sing songy music or to charge of Main Stage. laughed Fafara, “It’s just drawn achieve radio play, it’s always been from different moments with from our hearts.”

Ozzfest ‘07 snap shots Hitting the gym with The Showdown’s David Bunton Parking outside an area gym between Some of our songs are like ballad types, Ozzfest dates, The Showdown’s long- but as far as us ‘an our personalities haired frontman David Bunton gets out we’re an aggressive type of dudes, and of the van and prepares for another that’s how we do it, and when we play routine workout. live, that’s how we do it. Fanatics like “If I can’t workout I’m not happy or I our song ‘Six Feet Under’.” don’t feel like my body is staying sharp. While on tour, The Showdown has I’m into body building and getting been planning their next album. strong, staying aggressive. It affects eve- “We can’t wait to do the next re- rything that relates to me—my voice, cord,” said Bunton, “we’re kicking my energy, everything,” said Bunton. around riffs on the road and we’re The Elizabethton, Tennessee band stoked about it.” brings metal with a different message to Bunton started as a drummer and Ozzfest. In his strong southern twang began singing when he was 18. Ex-Still Bunton explained, “Hopefully we have Remains drummer AJ Barrett joined The like a more Showdown in late 2006. Bunton laughs, p o s i t i v e “Our drum- m e s s a g e . mer is a lot We’re all better than about heavy me.” metal and If he being hard, wasn’t in but we’re his current more like band, Bun- being laid ton would back and still go for not into like something killing each in the mu- other. All sic biz. that stuff “I went to rules but I school and feel we have positive lyrical content and did advertising and business manage- I’m proud and hope people get some- ment, and I was going to do something thing positive from it. It’s a hopeful in those fields; it would always be some- message that people can relate to out of thing fun in that route.” our real life experiences being in our When off the road and relaxing at mid twenties.” home Bunton enjoys a typical life. “At Six years ago the band was structured home I just chill like an old man,” snick- with a loose punk sound calling them- ered Bunton, “I get up at 8 in the selves 2540, referencing the Bible’s mornin’, eat breakfast, go to the gym, Matthew 25:40. It makes since consider- maybe read and check out the computer. ing the first concert Bunton went to was But being involved with the band is im- MxPx when he was 18. portant and I can forget about every- “We wrote our first record in ’02 and thing. It’s important for me to stay in at the time we were getting into harder shape too.” stuff and we wanted to do that, some- While in the gym Bunton said he goes thing that was fun for us. We changed “out of control by listening to Seven- 180 from the first band and went straight dust, Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, ahead with a classic metal sound,” said Metallica. Older stuff too like Cinder- Bunton. ella, Skid Row, Ratt, Warrant. But Their bad boy energy is drawn from Sevendust makes me wanna run my influences of “cock rock stuff like head through a wall!” Pantera, Metallica, AC/DC and southern Eyeballing the weight bench, Bunton rock music. We’re all over the place. concludes by saying, “Just freakin’ Everyone in the band likes different heavy metal, stay heavy and come hang stuff, some of them like death metal,” out with us and come catch a show. said Bunton. That’s what we’re all about. I have some Earlier this year, Temptation Come dumbbells staring at me in the face right From top: In This Moment, Daath, Behemoth, My Way was released on Mono Vs now, gonna see what I can do here.” Static-X. Visit myspace.com/out_of_the_blue646. Stereo and the self-titled song is a high- Photo Courtesy Adrenaline PR Photography by Neil Shumate. light. ”The song is so hard and it’s so us. 14—Out Of The Blue National Fest Feature

59 days, 4 6 cities, 60 bands a n d 3 perspectives In the press room: Brief encounters behind the scenes at Warped I woke up early on one warm August TW- Who are some of your influences? DS-Video games and reading are morning to experience the most insane RK- I would definitely say Hunter S. things I love to do. and cutting edge tour I have ever Thompson and Gonzo style music TW-What is one album that has come attended. It’s a place where the fans are influence me. I also love Danny out recently that you are really into? die hard, and the talent is even more die Elfman, Les Claypool, and Danzig DS-I am totally into My Chemical hard. Yes folks, Cincinnati, Ohio Warped Romance’s Black Parade album. Tour here we come. Next in line was Joey Westwood, the When I first heard it, I wasn’t sure I spent the hot day in the press room at bassist of Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. how I felt about it. But as I listened Riverbend Amphitheater, awaiting the The pop punk band is based out of Jack- to it more, I began to really love it. oodles of musicians I would encounter. sonville, Florida. TW- What advice do you have for other (TW—Tiffany White of Out Of The Blue) TW-How many times have you been on bands who are trying to break into the Warped Tour? the scene? My first interview was with Joe Beck JW-It’s our third time this year. DS-Work hard and be dedicated. of the band The Spill Canvas. TW-Who are some of your biggest TW-So what’s the best thing about being influences? Dave Aguilera of Bleed the Dream on the Warped Tour so far? JW- I would have to say Hendrix and was my next interview. I hadn’t intented JB- The exposure and making friends Pink Floyd are big ones. I also on interviewing him, but we struck up a with the other bands. love Blink-182 conversation and the magic happened TW-What’s the worst about the tour? TW-Who are you the most excited to see from there. The band is a good ole rock- JB-The heat is definitely the worst part. on the tour this year? band from California. On September 24, TW-What bands are you the most excited JW-Alkaline Trio, those guys 2007, Dave announced via myspace that to watch perform? are awesome! the band has broken up. JB-Definitely Killswitch Engage and New TW- If you could share the stage with TW-How long on have you been Found Glory. any band who would it be? on the tour? TW-Where do you draw your inspirations JW- U2 DA-Its our 4th year. We know everyone, from when making your music? they are like family JB-My friends and family, and even love Derek Sanders was my next interview. TW-Who are some of your influences? sometimes. His band, Mayday Parade, is a mix of DA- Well, Danzig is a huge one. I also TW-What are some of your influences? punk and pop, with a hint of rock-and- love Fugazi, Slayer, Coldplay, JB-Fleetwood Mac, Saves the Day, and roll. The band calls Florida home. and Radiohead Nicklecreek. TW-What are some bands that TW-What were you listening to influence you? on your iPod? My next interview was with Rob Kirk- DS-I have always loved Queen and DA-Fleetwood Mac and Rumors man from The Vincent Black Shadow. Freddie Mercury. I am really TW-That seems to be a theme today, This Vancover band is a mix of new into the Goo Goo Dolls also. you are the third person to men- school punk with an old school ska twist. TW-What’s been the best part tion Fleetwood Mac! TW-How’s the tour been going? of the tour so far? TW-What do you do when you RK-Amazingly. We’ve played all the DS-Playing everyday is an awesome are not on tour? stages at least once, I guess you could experience. The exposure to new DA- I write music a lot. And since I’m say we are stage whores. fans is great, and its fun of course. from Cali, I love to skate and surf. TW-Any juicy stories from the tour thus TW-Who would you like to open TW- Any Crazy tour stories? far that the world must know? for if you could choose anyone? DA-Our Bassist is lazy and doesn’t like RK- It’s been pretty easygoing and tame DS-I’ve always been a fan of Smashing to wait until we stop to go number 2. so far, I’ve been reading the new Pumpkins and Queen. I would also Instead, he poos in a plastic bag and Harry Potter book a lot. love to play with Fall Out Boy. throws it out the window. Well, after us TW-Who are you the most excited to be TW-What band are you excited to see? warning him about getting caught, he on this tour with? DS- The Spill Canvas finally did and was fined $200! RK-Bad Religion, and Tiger Army. TW-Any hobbies? “WarpedInterviews,” continued on next page “WarpedInterviews,” continued One of the biggest buzzes on the Killswitch Engage’s unexpected Warped Tour debut Warped this year revolved around Paramore. The band was on tour last I never expected to see year and made a huge impression. Their one of the most powerful Howard Jones latest album, Riot!, is blowing up the bands in metal among a sea airwaves and MTV with a mix of punk of tight pants and swoopy and rock and the explosive vocal style of emo hairdos. The Warped Hayley Williams. Tour seemed like an TW-How has the tour been? unlikely audience for HW-Its been so much fun, we have truly Killswitch Engage, the been enjoying ourselves. metal band from Massachu- TW-Who are you most looking forward setts. However, as I watched to seeing perform? their set, I couldn’t help but HW-New Found Glory and notice how many people Killswitch Engage were engulfed in the music. TW-How’s life on the bus with Boys and girls alike were all those boys? moshing, singing along, and HW- Its our home on wheels, and we are screaming for Howard’s Justin Foley all equally as messy. In fact, I may powerful vocals and Justin’s be more messy than the guys! amazing drum work. The TW-What are you looking forward to band’s road has been a doing after the tour? rocky, but rewarding one. HW-Possibly seeing No Doubt, we They first formed in heard they are going on a reunion tour. 1999, with Mike D’Antonio, Adam Dutkiewicz, and Joel In Cleveland, Ohio: Stroetzel. They soon found Jesse Leach to round out Storm wets the spirit their line up and for straight to work. Central Ohio punk fans who took a The four members adapted slap in the face this year when Vans the name Killswitch Engage Warped Tour skipped over Columbus from an episode of the X had the choice of either Cincinnati or Files. The quartet made their first record, Alive or Just Breathing, and it was an enor- Cleveland to get their mosh on! mous hit among underground metal fans. Because of work schedules and being In 2002, Jesse Leach left the band for personal reasons, leaving the band down a a fan of Cleveland in general, I opted to vocalist. The band found Howard Jones not too long after. After the addition of Justin go there. Foley in 2003, the band has been on a successful track ever since. On this day, the temperature was 97 At the time Jones entered the band, they had just completed their album and were degrees and the heat index was over 105. touring aggressively with it. Howard had to learn all the vocals for the album, even We arrived at Tower City at 11AM though he had no musical input on its creation. Despite all the odds, the band’s fan and had gone through six bottles of wa- base grew and grew. ter by 1PM. Just after 3 we had worked Killswitch’s first album with Howard on vocals was entitled, The End of Heartache, our way up to the Lucky 13 stage to see and released in 2004. The band has been on almost every tour imaginable, including Paramore when a few drops of heat re- Ozzfest, Taste of Chaos, and Jagermeister stops. lieving rain hit. It is said that they will tour with anyone, at any time. They seem to live on the road Five minutes later punk fans were and also seem to love every second of it. running for cover seeking refuge every- I have been a huge fan of this band since their debut. The band offers a familiarity where—under the main tent, the bath- in the their style, but an originality in their lyrical content and musical rhythm. rooms and even the bridge. I was honored to sit down with drummer Justin Foley for an interview before their Two hours later, a total of more than Warped Tour set in Cincinnati. five inches of rain fell, the side stages The first thing I wanted to know was why the Warped Tour? were in disarray and few thought the The answer was simple: Why not? show would continue at all. “We were approached to do the tour and jumped at the chance,” Foley replied. “It In the end, the main stages continued was a crossover from the Taste of Chaos.” Justin also let me know that being on this to run on generators, and rabid fans were tour was great. “We mesh well with the other bands and we have a lot of respect for offered the opportunity to attend another them. We also get to bring our music to a totally different audience.” tour stop for free. However this day will The band is known for their non stop touring, so I wondered how they kept the en- be remembered more for the weather ergy alive. “We are really serious about our music and it’s something we all love to than the music. ERIN NYE do,” Foley informed. Warped pix of Boys Like Girls, Underoath, Some of Justin’s influences include Led Zepplin, Rush, Anthrax and any kind of Drop Dead Gorgeous, Bayside, The Spill death metal. Progressive jazz and Tori Amos also rank among Foley’s favorites. Canvas, Circa Survive, Hawthorne Heights, Killswitch Engage is preparing to release a second DVD soon, chronically more of Evaline, Family Force 5 and more at their tours as well as a complete music video library. They hit the road in November myspace.com/out_of_the_blue646 with DevilDriver and Lamb Of God. TIFFANY WHITE Photos by Neil Shumate

16—Out Of The Blue Columbus resident experiences the daily vigor of Warped ‘07 Imagine working beside incredible Warped Tour had their rehearsal/check- was when we were in Houston, Texas national artists on one of the biggest in day on June 28th and the tour started we were setting up the show; we start annual summer festival events. One June 29th. I got a wake up call from my setting up around 8AM, we pull out our Columbus, Ohio resident did. friend on June 27th going: “Wake Up!! tents and set up our spots, it then starts Tom Gutches packed his suitcase and Pack Your Shit!! You’re Flying to L.A. to rain really hard. Nothing was set up got on a plane to Los Angeles experienc- Tomorrow, You Know What This Is on the site of the show except for a few ing 46 cities and 59 days of the thir- About!! We Need You!” So, I ran and stages and a few merch tents. We then teenth annual Vans Warped Tour. packed a suitcase and departed to Los took shelter in a semi trailer due to light- Angeles in a few hours to be part of the ning hitting a stage near by. We then get OOTB: What is your typical work in the Warped Tour. a call to our crew radios that the show Columbus area? was going to be postponed till tomorrow TG: I was a part of Down Front Produc- OOTB: How was the whole experience? and to start packing up. We were fin- tions, a local booking agency that TG: Very surreal, it’s definitely Punk ished packing up everything at around booked local concerts at Newport, The Rock Summer Camp/Boot Camp. It 10:15AM and the storm had passed and Basement, Lodge Bar and High Five. I taught me a lot about hard work and the sun was shining, and it was a beauti- was mainly in charge of the younger paying your dues, it was a definite life ful day. There was no way for us to set band’s shows and often ran the shows changing experience to be part of a tour up the whole show again in 45 min- while my boss took care of the booking that I grew up dreaming that I would be utes—doors were usually 11AM and it and emails for older acts. I also tour a part of one day. Everyday was one big averaged three and half hours for every- managed a Christian post-hardcore act adventure, a lot of my heroes and favor- one to get set up. So we had a free day called Before We Forget. ite bands are now some of my best at this mall that literally all of us who friends, it still has not yet hit me that I were going to be at Warped Tour was at OOTB: How did you become affiliated accomplished everything. this mall. If we had set up our tents in with Vans Warped Tour? OOTB: What did you do at Warped? this mall, we would've had a great sale TG: One of my real good friends was a TG: I was a record label representative day. We were blessed with that off day! tour manager for Race The Sun and The for Hopeless/Sub-City Records, I Smashup, and I always volunteered at worked the tent, arranged signings, meet OOTB: Any real shitty story stand out? Warped Tours when I was younger; as- and greets. And during that time I te- TG: The storm in Cleveland was real sisting him and his bands for helping ched for a few bands. bad, it was one of the top storms in local crew. He then got offered to han- Warped Tour history. Winds up to dle the online promotions for Hopeless/ OOTB: What bands did you work with? 70mph, hale, rain, thunder, lightning. Sub-City Records (Amber Pacific, TG: Chiodos, Underoath, Killswitch Tents and equipment were destroyed, the Thrice, All Time Low, Human Abstract, Engage, Poison The Well, Cinematic show was delayed for two hours. Avenged Sevenfold). I sent him an e- Sunrise, Human Abstract, All Time Low mail asking to be part of the tour for 10 Currently Gutches plans to go on tour days, because I had another tour lined OOTB: Any kick ass story stand out? with Poision The Well for their up. He then replied back to my e-mail TG: So many stories stand out it's really upcoming fall tour with Underoath and saying they had already hired someone. hard to pick just one. One funny one Everytime I Die. NEIL SHUMATE

Warped Tour All Stars Photography by Neil Shumate

From left: MxPx, Bad Religion, Alkaline Trio, The Toasters

Out Of The Blue—17 I have very eclectic featured: The Hush Sound, The tastes in music. Music Academy Is, Gym Class Heroes, makes my world go and of course Panic! At the Disco. ‘round, and being that I Starting off the night’s events had some well-deserved was The Hush Sound. While I vacation time coming to have seen this band on several me, I was bound and deter- occasions, they have yet to capti- mined to have a musical vate my interest. This night was adventure vacation. no different. Moving on to more Looking through as- exciting things: The Academy Is. sorted music festivals I fell in love with this band (Bumbershoot, Bonaroo, after seeing them open for Fall Virgin Fest, and Live Out Boy on the Honda Civic Earth) across the country Tour. The band has incredible and weighing my options energy, never falters. They tossed as far as dates, location, around their own equipment—in and how much money it would take to The K-Rock stage was most to our my opinion a true sign that a band has get there, I opted to attend Summerfest liking. There were dirty rocker boys come into some money. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This was the everywhere, moshing, and of course a Next up, Gym Class Heroes. With best value for the money and by far the nice beer tent within a stone's throw. We their quirky lyrics and off beat stage most entertaining. were widely entertained by a band called presence this band captivated me on the I enlisted my new friend Joanne Fox American Motherload from Chicago— 2006 Van’s Warped Tour. Like most rap from Cleveland to soldier up and attend by far one of the most entertaining bands groups, the performance included a with me. We spent countless hours of the weekend. I hope one day they “Hype Man” who was constantly run- online via Yahoo Messenger and on the make it in this direction, for this is by far ning around the stage with a flag and phone evaluating websites and travel one of the best hardcore bands I have showed no signs of having any flag options. Flights were considered, hotels ever seen! corps training while attempting to spin were weighed, but in the end we decided The grounds closed at midnight, so and toss (a relatively simple operation) to make a weekend of it and take a drive we headed back to the hotel after our along with rapping behind Travie. The and spend our saved money on a better search for a bar became bleak. This band performed the popular tracks from hotel. We opted for the Hyatt Regency. ended up being a very smart move for us their recent album As Cruel as School On July 6th at Ass ‘o Clock in the as we were treated to a personal meet Children, such as “Cupid’s Chokehold" Morning (4AM) We revved the engine and greet with Brendon Urie and Jon and “Clothes Off.” on the 2005 Scion and departed Cleve- Walker of Panic! At the Disco. Never once did they try to do any- land, Ohio. Neither one of us slept the The two were total gentleman, took thing different, or show so much as night before. We were too excited and photos and even talked to our friends some enthusiasm. I much prefer this still in stitches over the mass amounts of from back home on the phone. I’ll be the band on a smaller stage. It allows them trouble we had caused around the city— first person to admit that I am in love to get more inventive and have more including getting stopped by a cop for with this band; however, after meeting crowd interaction. Their antics off stage taking photos with Big Boy, and having them, I think it’s safe to say they have were much more enjoyable than their fun with a woman who really needed to stolen my heart from my chest. performance overall. give 1983 her hair back. For the remainder of the weekend we Last but certainly not least, Panic! At Nine hours after departing the ghettos received constant smiles, hellos and the Disco came to the stage. The band of Cleveland, we arrived at the Hyatt in even the occasional hug when there was stripped down and casual, without Milwaukee at noon. We checked into the weren’t flocks of 12-year-old girls from the circus flare of their previous room and got some much-needed food all sides. It felt more like the beginning “Nothing Rhymes with Circus” Arena and rest. of a new friendship than it did a celeb- Tour. They delivered one of the most We departed the hotel at 5:30PM and rity sighting. amazing performances I have ever seen. arrived at the Summerfest grounds via I like to think we made an impres- The band performed songs from their Taxi. Daughtry was headlining the main sion. I hope one day we can go up to album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. pavilion. We attempted to obtain tickets, them in the future and say, “Hey remem- The band even went out on a limb and but the free wristbands were gone so we ber me, we met in Milwaukee?” A to- performed one of their new songs from decided to check out some of the other tally unlikely scenario, but one I like to their upcoming 2008 untitled album. entertainment the fest was offering. The play out in my mind. With the song lacking the band’s first thing in abundance was beer. Saturday we hit the same routine, usual theatrics and studio tricks, it’s It was from all corners, available in all minus the driving. We spent some time quite hard to say what this song will styles. In some cases even free samples at the Grand Court Mall which might be sound like in the end, but the lyrics stick were available. In the end, we decided compared to City Center in its Hey Day, with you and are simplified to the point we liked Leinenkugel’s Berry Weis the like when it used to have stores. that you really can sing along without best. We purchased a few odds and ends reading an internet message board first. The fest itself was the host to around and eventually headed back to the Sum- The song, currently known as "True 15 stages. The headliners for the night merfest grounds for another round. Love", is nothing short of a cheesy included Peter Frampton, HellYeah, Saturday’s headlining acts included peppy love song. With this track many Morris Day and the Time, Dashboard Papa Roach, Live, and INXS among critics think this band is headed for a Confessional and Chevelle. We spent a others, but this particular night we had “sophomore slump,” this one firmly little time at each stage. tickets for the main stage which “Vacation,” continued on next page

Y R

O CC Manded redefining shock rock T Shock rock may be a thing of the really into the bands that your parents

S The band emphasizes individuality past, but one Columbus, Ohio band warned you about, ones that pushed the and expression with Mr. Manded’s

R makes it a realistic part of the present. limits of what a rock star is. Alice Coo- lyrical content. “The message that I am

E Fans never know what they’re in for at a per, David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, 2 trying to convey in my lyrics is that I V CC Manded show; however, some Live Crew, and Marilyn Manson among want people to think for themselves and O things they can usually expect are chicks others.” not be blinded by mainstream America. C in cages, leather, make-up, stockings, Practicing together at least three It’s better to be hated for what you are underwear and if the mood strikes, occa- times a week, the band is constantly than to be liked for what you are not,” sional clothing removal. creating. “We are all individually work- said Manded. This goth industrial band has been ing on music with or without other When they’re not performing a show together for nearly seven years and fea- members so we can always have some- themselves, band members are out sup- tures Mr. Manded on vocals (electronic thing new to bring to the table. When we porting the area music scene. Mr. puke machines), guitarist Twizz (tastes create songs we never try to limit our- Manded says he is also “a transsexual of blood and shredding), Melek is in selves, we write what we feel at that prostitute by night and I carve grave- charge of keys and samples (along with time. We usually start out with a possi- stones by day. As for the rest of the wheel chairs and boy toys), and Gemini ble drum beat or guitar riff and go from band, they all have a long novel amount does some dirty pounding on drums. there. The vocals are done last. The of shit jobs not even worth mentioning, This is who they are and what they reason being that I can then feel the we all know how that is.” fucking do. mood of the song and work off of it to If CC Manded could open for any “CC Manded was a creation I saw in create appropriate lyrics,” said Manded. band, Mr. Manded said: “I would have a dream about six years ago. I saw this CC Manded recently released their to say Hilary Duff or Hanna Montana. I person with long black hair, sunken in first official EP, Animosity: Abuse Part know we would have fun with all the cheek bones and make-up. This person One and previously released a few younger girls that attend those kinda resembled me, and was on stage playing demos and live recordings. Reflective of shows. Or maybe the Swedish Christian to a thousand people. In my dream I many industrial band techniques, CC rock band Europe.” heard the crowd chanting “CC Manded, Manded frequents distortion. On stage, Manded enjoys performing CC Manded!” and then I woke up and I “I use distortion on my vocals, Ibnex “Animosity.” He said, “I let out a lot of knew CC Manded was going to be the guitars and Marshall Amps. Distortion is how I feel in that song. Twizz loves the band I would start,” said Manded. a must for all our music. We also use song “Crucifer,” Melek and Gemini both Growing up together in Columbus, Thunderbird basses, synth keyboards, love the song “Sweat Shop. When we the band members shared similar inter- Tama drums and a mix of mutilated end with ‘Sweat Shop’ at our shows, we ests in music and eventually formed a screams from young teenage girls that just let go. You never know what’s band. Manded explained, “We were I’ve had my ways with,” he mentioned. “CC Manded,” continued, next page

Mr. Manded Twizz “CC Manded,” continued going to happen. I’ve made trips to the ON THE WEB hospital as well as fled from the cops for VISIT FOR UPCOMING SHOWS various acts on stage during that song.” Looking into the future the band plans myspace.com/ to continue their underground trek. “I see 1 Ticket, 2 Venues, 9 Bands us keeping it real on the underground level ccmandedband where most of the best music is now. House Of Crave & Mainstream music is so lame it makes me myspace.com/ The Basement sick; it’s all about who is going to sell the 405 Neil Ave. Columbus, Ohio most records and who is going to make the mrmanded most money. Our primary goal for listeners Friday, October 12, 2007 and concert goers is to play great music—not the watered down music that sounds like myspace.com/fusatron every other band on the radio. Also, we want to give them a CC Manded show that will be an experience that they will truly never forget, regardless if they liked us or not. Anything can happen at a CC show, and does,” said Manded. Manded concluded with a warning: “Keep your eyes open for CC Manded to be terrorizing parents, churches and little boys and girls all around Columbus and beyond. I must go for now, the gates of Hell are calling.” NEIL SHUMATE Photos Courtesy Manded

Melek Gemini

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

Out Of The Blue—21

Y BONK’s structured blend of rock By Kristen Oldham & Matt Monnette R Photos By Neil Shumate O Out Of The Blue has been dedicated We released our first record, Do you each have varying styles, and T

S to exposing readers to new music ever Unfortunate Inspiration, in 2004 and does that hurt or help the band?

since the first issue was printed in recently released our second record We are all over the board musically, we

R 2001. Most of our articles are about Midnight Poetry. are a product of our generation. We take

E unsigned talents, and most of those queues from metal, punk, hip-hop, V What's your message? O We’re about writing music that means C something to us, personally. And hopefully people hear the songs and can relate to them on their own level. We like to draw from our own unique experiences and others seem to have had the same feelings at some point in their lives. Our shows are high energy and always fun to watch but it’s also a party, a place where friends get to- gether and forget about their lives for a few hours. Come out to a show or e-mail us and we’ll send you a free sampler. We want people to become a part of our family.

articles involve bands that play in parts of Ohio where the magazine is classical, world music, electronica, distributed. But many times we find the whole gamut. It’s a big help that something that's not too far away, makes the music more diverse and that is highly talented, and we want complex, and ensures we aren’t our readers to know about them. easily pigeon holed into a particular genre or a scene. Who's in your lineup? Pie —Vocals Describe your writing process. Rick —Programming and Keys That’s hard to pin down, someone Brandon —Drums brings a riff to the table and we Aski —Guitar usually build from there. But, we’ve Coler —Guitar written songs by Brandon playing Bill —Bass drums on his knees and someone humming a melody, it all depends.

What do you want to accomplish? First and foremost our goal is to stay true to our music, to stay true to our- selves and to stay true to our fans. Also, to spread our music to people who have- n’t heard us, on any scale that we can. We’d love to quit our jobs, we’d love to get a record deal, but we also love our music and what we’re doing now. We want anyone that wants our music or wants to check out a show to have that opportunity.

How has your music grown over time? We as people have all changed in the sole fact of getting older. We’ve been in “We write music, work and party as an bands our whole lives and with the age, irresponsible unit.” we’ve gotten jobs and grown up www.myspace.com/bonk together. The thing that remains constant E-mail: [email protected] Where did it all start? is our passion for music. Our music has Booking contact: Kevin Savage We’re all from the Kent, Ohio area and grown in complexity and emotional 330-618-7660 grew up together in various bands. depth, making every record better. Making Noise

When and how was the band formed? Most memorable show? The Addition of Matt Bowden on guitar Well, Volume Dealer was formed in the The Rock to Remember show at The has definitely made an impact on the spring of 2004. Billy Payne's band Lev- Newport in Jan. of ‘05. Eric, who works bands musical direction. eled and Eric McGuire's and Chris at 99.7FM The Blitz, coordinated with Owens' band Inverted Core had both Promowest and put together the show. It What direction is the band heading? disbanded. Eric approached Billy to see was probably one of the most well Hopefully up. We are dedicated to get- if he wanted to pursue a new project attended local shows at The Newport in ting this put back together and coming with him and Chris. Later in the spring, quite some time. The radio station out next year stronger than ever. We will Joe Dameron formerly of MeTimesTen pitched in and got a lot of memorabilia have a new sound and a new sense of joined in on bass and Volume Dealer autographed and donated to raise money who we are. We are looking forward to was formed. Then, of course, Matt Bow- for the 2 local guys, Erin Halk and this new motivation that we have. We den was added about a year later when Nathan Bray that were killed at The will be traveling a lot and trying to his band Undivided broke up. Alrosa. That show raised over $20 thou- spread out as much as possible. sand for them and the vibe in there that Where did the name come from night was incredible, there was so much Any leads on the drummer search? and the speaker logo? support and love, it was a great feeling Yes, we have a few guys interested. We The name actually came from a good just being there and getting to headline. are auditioning right now —there is one friend of ours Jared Mauer (Black That show really meant a lot to us. guy a little ahead of the rest and hope- Mountain Creeper, Thumpfluid). We fully he will work out. But nothing offi- were sitting around at some bar trying to Most difficult time of the band? cial yet. We will definitely keep every- think of names and he said Volume Well, that would definately be in 2004 at one posted. as soon as we know who our Dealer. It was the first name that we the Alrosa. We share that hard time with guy is we will let everyone know! heard that caught our attention. It actu- many great friends. It is not something JOSH “SIXNER” DAVIS ally comes from a C.O.C. (Corrosion Of that you forget. Photos by Neil Shumate Conformity) album called America's Volume Dealer. The speaker logo just CD news? kinda seemed like it fit. I mean—what We have a CD ready to be recorded. We deals volume more than a speaker have about 12 songs that we are prepar- right?? Plus, it looked cool. ing for an upcoming release. We are in Myspace.com/ the midst of replacing our drummer, volume Influences for this band? which actually comes at a good time dealerband There are a wide variety of influences, because nothing is recorded yet and we everything from old school rap to hard will be able to record the new CD with core metal. The band itself probably our new guy. We are really excited and Volume models itself more in the Breaking Ben- it can’t come fast enough, the new stuff jamin, Chevelle, Sevendust vein. We is hookier, and more intelligent. dealer.net like to write music that is exciting to listen to with catchy hooks and melodies with cool harmonies.

Out Of The Blue—23 Stamping the standard on local music In the last 8 months I've had the op- So, how long does a track take nostrils and then consumed by someone portunity to attend a good 35 concerts, to be laid down? Are there else, and other hijinx from road trips! many of them being unsigned original tweaks being made constantly? After writing and recording a full rock bands from around central Ohio. Yes. Yes. Yes. Every track is being album, the guys are not at all at a loss Naming a favorite is unfair, and hon- played with CONSTANTLY, to hope- for new material—if they had to record estly, impossible for me, but one of my fully become greater than it currently is, today, there would be more songs than top four is absolutely HEADCHANGE. every time we pick up our instruments. any other album’s worth, which is very I had the chance to sit down with all We're scheduled to record some new exciting to them. four members of the original rock band songs in three days, and there are still The band concluded: last but certainly from Columbus, Ohio before a show lines of lyrics that we haven't even not least, MAD respect to ANY ORB recently, and they gave me some feed- began to write. out there. Other than cover bands. back on what keeps the Headchange machine rolling. Does your music have a primary aim The little joking comments that I left I could use my writing skills to put for listeners and concert goers? in the question responses sum this band their words into a nicely structured, Just to connect with a wide array of up most. They're all young adults who multiple paragraph story form, but I listeners, but the songs aren’t written for play instruments, but in reality they are think it reads easier in a still kids trapped in older standard Q/A format. HEADCHANGE (front to back) bodies. They absolutely Jonathan Ayala (Vocals/Keys) love to play music, and What’s in your Chris Martin (Guitar/Vocals) play it together. CD players right now? Josh Sharp (Bass/Vocals) The chemistry on stage Clutch, Underoath, Brett Counts (Drums) is more evident with this Bullet For My Valentine, foursome than any other Metallica, Fear Factory ORB I've ever watched. I said earlier that it How did the band would be impossible to name originate? name a favorite, but I (Quick jokingly, sarcastic came close to naming answer: We saw a cereal Headchange just because while in Mexico called of the effort they always Headchange Flakes, and put forth. we liked it) I've watched their Jonathan came up with it. packed house CD release No real reason or story party, and with the high behind it. energy in the room, any band would have a great time on stage How did the band form? any specific group. We like to rock, love releasing energy that matches concert (Quick; jokingly/sarcastic answer: We what we play, and love to look out and goers around them. all met through personal ads in the back see people dance, and FIGHT in the But a show in the cold winter of The Other Paper.) same set. months, about 60 miles north in Marion, The band was a three piece originally, Ohio one evening, had virtually zero and then they added Josh last, which Anything else you guys would people watching their set, yet they still really opened more doors and changed like to add? Funny stories? played with the energy of a national the sound to what it is now. A much A new album is in the works, going talent performing at a sold out stadium. I heavier, diverse sound with four in the same direction, same sound as the respect these guys soooo much for play- members. As they call it, HEAVY/ first, but more epic, more breakdowns.... ing the same way, with the same effort, SEXY/KILL/ROCK! We have two music videos on our no matter how many people are there. myspace.com/headchange page directed Headchange PWNS. MATT MONNETTE Explain the writing process a bit. by Peter Sobat. Each member has 100% influence on the Working with Music Mob Manage- UPCOMING SHOWS music. It starts with a riff, and everyone ment, the record is being shopped to the 11/2/07 molds around it. Lyrics are written sec- labels Major bands played with include The Basement in Columbus, Ohio ondary to the sound in nearly every b4mv, Flaw, Static-X, Silent Civilian, In 11/30/07 song. We practice about three times a This Moment, Walls Of Jericho (favorite The Robin Hood in Kent, Ohio week, and every member has a full time was b4mv). We have a DVD coming myspace.com/headchange job outside of the band. soon, look forward to gummy bears up Disney recently forced cancellations of The Black Tyranny Tour featuring Machine Head, Arch Enemy, This just in Throwdown and Sanctity. As a result some of the shows have been moved to venues close to the original sites. No Doubt reunited briefly on an Orange County Tour stop as an encore. While I’d love to see them come back and blow some current female fronted bands out of the water on a more permanent basis, I’m not holding my breath hoping this will happen. Hatebreed vocalist Jamey Jasta announced support to a new music networking site trig.com. Rage Against the Machine popped up out of the blue after a strange webpage surfaced with a countdown and a date. This lead to a show announcement for Milwaukee, Wisconsin followed by a few dates on festivals here and there such as the upcoming Voodoo Fest, they deny it for now, but it’s almost a certainty that a reunion tour isn’t far behind! The Used cancelled some summer tour dates including those on this year’s Vans Warped Tour after doctors found a node on lead singer Bert McCracken’s vocal chord. The band is releasing its second single off the album “Lies for the Liars.” The Spice Girls are reuniting for a tour. I don’t know about you, but I’m spending the night in front of the venue for this one. Seriously, does anyone care? The only thing that even made them exciting ten years ago here was the fact that Bruce Willis and Demi Moore were spotted at then Polaris Amphitheatre with their kids. Even though I was still in High School at the time, I’m ashamed to admit I not only attended that show, but attended it sober. Sweden’s Opeth will release live recordings as The Round- house Tapes in mid-November. The reunited Smashing Pumpkins are going on tour in support of their album, “Zeitergeist.” Unlike most tours that have happened this summer, The Pumpkins hit Columbus, Ohio on October, 11 at the LC Pavilion! Pete Wentz and his band Fall Out Boy are going out on tour again. The tour starts on October 18th in Columbus, Ohio; a place they haven’t been in a few years. Joining them will be the Plain White Tees, Gym Class Heroes and Cute Is What We Aim For. The tour is taking on the theme of the children’s book, “Where the Wild Things Are.” One can only hope Mr. Wentz will come in a full wolf suit just like the princi- pal character Max. If he doesn’t, I’m sure Dirty (his sidekick) will. Except for the Columbus date the rest is being kept under wraps as part of an online contest. Apparently we’re special! DOWN just released a new album and will visit Cincy and Cleveland. Avenged Sevenfold (A7X) are releasing their self-titled follow up to City Of Evil on October 30th. In support, they will be coming to Columbus, Ohio on November 10th with Operator, The Confession and Black Tide. Sevendust will be releasing a dual disc CD/ DVD pack called Retrospective 2 on December 11th. It will feature 6 live cuts, 3 new studio tracks, and almost 2 hours of footage on the DVD. Juliette And The Licks will be kicking off a headlining tour soon. They will hit the road with dance-rockers Scissors For Lefty and stop at The Agora in Cleveland, Ohio on November 13th. A new website featuring horror flicks with Victory Records artists is launched on VictoryMetal.com. These grim tales are sure to entice the palettes of vampires and villains everywhere. Mudvayne and Epic Records have announced the upcoming release, By The People, For The People which is set to hit stores Novem- ber 27th. The highly anticipated new album consists of several live recordings, rarities, demos, as well as two new recordings includ- ing the first single, “Dull Boy.” Mudvayne is creating history by offering their diehard fans the opportunity to participate in creating the entire content of the album. Starting last month, fans were able to visit mudvayne.com and myspace.com/mudvayne to help pick the track listing, submit fan generated album artwork, and participate in creating the video for first single. MTV VMA Award- winning, Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum Island Records group the Killers are hard at work collecting B-sides, rarities and one-off sides for a compilation album to be released later this year, entitled SAWDUST, out November 13th. The band is hunkered down at a recording studio in New York ’s Hell’s Kitchen, completing the album with Lou Reed. An All Time Low fan in Maryland was suspended for three days as a result of showing a photo of the band’s new art work on her binder. So Wrong It’s Right features all the band mates stripped to their skivvies. Lead vocalist Alex Gaskarth responded: “I don't see any harm in carrying that particular picture around in a school environment. In fact, I've been speculating that studies may prove that the picture actually stimulates brain activity, and promotes greater levels of success in the classroom. But that's just one theory…” Compiled by ERIN NYE

Movie Review: Rob Zombie’s Halloween remake like where he was going with it (due to Rob Zombie's remake of Halloween three was great due to the fact that it the truthful elements), so they probably sort of went two directions with me. On showed how people were controlled and coaxed him into letting other directors one level I liked it—he did in fact make manipulated to serve and fund higher and screenplay writers take over the Michael Myers scary again, so I give corporate agendas for domination storyline to create Halloween in shitty him props for that. I also give him props through horrific acts. There was also the versions, which you've seen in Hallow- for the gore and brutal death scenes. Rob fact that the dark power embraced in this een 7 and 8. Zombie has indeed made a great splatter film was drawn from one of the pillars The good thing about the remake of film using the original elements of splat- taken from Stone Henge. the original (aside from storyline) was ter movie film-making. The storyline, All I'm saying is that the original all the guest appearances. Pretty much however, embraced white trash America storyline pointed more towards dark all of the characters from House of a a little too much and took away from the secret sects such as the illuminati and 1000 Corpses and Devils Rejects were original storyline that kept Halloween true to life "satanists" for the reasoning present in this film, as well as the little going for so many years until Part 7, behind the over all horror. The original girl from Halloween 4 and 5, all grown where they brought Jamie Lee Curtis Michael Myers was a dark demonic fig- up and showing her tits (one pair that I back into the mix, following it up with a ure who couldn't die because he wasn't have been patiently waiting to see over film that I call "Michael Myers vs Busta of this world—he was pure evil. The the years). Rhymes" (Halloween: Resurrection). original Michael Myers was a simple I give the film two thumbs but I don't The original Halloween storyline child manipulated by dark forces to place it above the original. John Carpen- went deeper and darker on a more true to make him one of their servants to aid ter was onto some deeper horrors than life scale which John Carpenter couldn't dark forces in global domination. Rob Zombie, and if you want to see really take too far. Take for instance John Carpenter had a more horrific John Carpenter's version of Halloween, Halloween 3: Season of the Witch which vision to execute but due to "actually well, look at the world around you didn't even feature Michael Myers at all living in a controlled curriculum" he falling apart. Who's responsible? but still gave the viewer some insight couldn't keep the storyline going. I'm You'll know soon enough. into the storyline. The storyline for part sure mainstream film corporations didn't ZAC TENNAR / SINTHETICHEAD3000 Out Of The Blue—25 “Talkin’ bout my generation” NH Remembering Stache’s and Little Brothers W A he morning of April 28, 2007 rock 'n' roll. Also, The Fleshtones would In reality, it was anything but a bat- will always stay with me. play a vital role in my relationship with tle. The headliners were wonderful hosts TI strolled out of bed feeling very Stache’s and Little Brother’s. who made my skeptical band mates feel upbeat after a successful gig at Bernie’s When I entered the local music busi- right at home. By the end of the night, Distillery the night before. As I sipped a ness in 1987, Stache's was one of my my fellow Epicureans were won over by cup of coffee, I leafed through the morn- favorite venues to play. It was truly the The Fleshtones' phenomenally high en- ing paper. Suddenly, my mood shifted top tier of local music where true enthu- ergy live show. from quiet jubilation to a dull ache of siasts went to listen and enjoy. Sadly, I Stache's would close approximately sorrow as I read the news. never had the good fortune of being in a eighteen months later when its building Legendary Columbus nightclub Little band who appealed to the Stache's loyal, was condemned as unsafe. The final Brother’s may be closing for good! so I consoled myself by participating in show I saw there in May of 1997 was, of How can this be happening? Appar- the occasional package show, charity course, The Fleshtones! Within weeks, ently, the landlord has raised the rent to benefit, or opening for national acts, Dan Dougan had reopened a couple of a level that club owner Dan Dougan can including The Fleshtones. I am certainly miles south and christened his new club no longer afford to pay. Unless a more much richer for the experience. Little Brother’s. A decade later, this reasonable agreement is reached, In February of 1992, Dan Dougan Short North establishment remains my Columbus will lose one of its greatest gave me the opportunity to meet The meeting ground for The Fleshtones, and live music venues forever. all four members still remember Virtually any fan of post-punk me by name and are always willing and roots music in Central Ohio to take the time to have a friendly will tell you just how important word or two. All of this thanks to Little Brother's—and its forerun- the kindness of Dan Dougan. ner Stache’s—really are. More recently, I have continued They were the birthing my support of Little Brother's by grounds for many legendary Co- attending the occasional show or lumbus bands, including Great participating in their rock ‘n’ roll Plains, Greenhorn, and Gaunt. garage sales. Unfortunately, I have They were also the places to not been able to visit as often as I catch future superstars like did some 15 years ago. Daytime R.E.M. and Nirvana when they employment responsibilities and were truly nobodies. important family relationships There is a lot of musical his- 1997 — 2007 make it virtually impossible to stay tory in these establishments, and it is Fleshtones. I was a freelance music jour- until closing time on weeknights, even tragic that we should lose them over the nalist covering the concert for "The Co- when seeing my favorite bands. I am dreaded filthy lucre. lumbus Edge." After the show, with sure I am not alone in this respect. Learning of the impending demise of notebook and tape recorder in hand, I It will be a very sad day for our Little Brother's is truly heartbreaking. asked Dan if I could go backstage to city when the end finally comes for Lit- Ever since the mid eighties, when I be- interview the band. tle Brother's. My respect and admiration came old enough to enter bars, predeces- He very graciously said "yes," and led for Dan Dougan and his live music ven- sor club Stache's had been my favorite me to the basement storage room where ues is unparalleled, and I will miss the choice for catching quality local original Peter Zaremba, Keith Streng, and Bill legendary Little Brother's very dearly if music or wonderful indie label and cult Milhizer were relaxing on liquor crates and when it closes. JIM HUTTER bands. I strongly preferred the more inti- and beer kegs. The band more than wel- mate sizes of both clubs and found their comed the press attention, and we talked Dan Dougan released this statement live music experiences far more enjoy- for about 30 minutes over Black Rus- on the venue website littlebrothers.com: able and real than, say, The Newport or sians, resulting in the article, "The Ups It was never my intention to just the poorly-designed Lifestyle Commu- and Downs of a Cult Band." “close up shop and walk away. I nity Pavilion. We repeated the scene the following believe I had sold the business (twice) to My very first visit to the north campus October, where a stylishly black-clad people who would carry on the legacy of Stache's was to see The Fleshtones in Z a r e mb a w e l c o me d me b y this night club, and even take it to the November of 1985. Even though my name. Again, we conversed for nearly next level. Clearly Columbus still needs initial impression was that of a decrepit 45 minutes, resulting in a quasi inter- a mid-sized venue committed to devel- dive bar, I immediately felt at view piece, "Peter Zaremba In His Own oping and showcasing a wide range of home. Watching the concert with a Words." live entertainment. relatively small crowd of devotees, the Finally, in December of 1995, Stache's For Little Brothers to continue as a jubilation made me feel a kindred bond helped make a personal dream come venue, a new location must be found. with total strangers. true. Dan Dougan booked my old band, The liquor license, most of the bar and Over the next few years, many of The Epicureans, to open for The Flesh- sound equipment and my expertise are those strangers would become personal tones! Relishing the moment, we pro- still available to anyone who wants to friends with whom I would share a pas- moted the show with flyers billing it as carry on the good name of Stache’s and sionate love for real and unpretentious "The Battle of the Garage Bands." Little Brothers.” 26—Out Of The Blue Otep’s mysticism ascends

It’s 3:57PM, and as I pick up the to some books and writing that I had phone to call my interviewee, I can feel I think people have had done while making those albums and the butterflies welling up in my stomach. enough of the bullshit tried to rediscover some of the elements I can’t remember the last time I felt this and are ready to make from them and build on that.” nervous yet extremely excited all in the I find the title of the new album inter- same instance. All I can think is breathe things better” -OTEP esting. According to the dictionary, the deep, and just be yourself. word “ascension” has a biblical con- The person I’m calling is Otep notation—Christians use it to describe Shamaya, the namesake and lead Christ’s journey from Earth to vocalist of the band Otep. Most Heaven. I ask if this album is a spiri- know her for her growling, intense tual rising for Otep, to which she vocal style. But for those who are replies, “It’s more like a celebration of true fans, she is known for her pas- overcoming, a victory over obstacles, sion, honesty, raw lyrics and ideas. spiritually and emotionally.” The story of Otep began in 2000 Otep strives to rise above and create when the band formed in Los Ange- music and art that is more evolved and les, California. While playing the different for prior projects. This is not scene, they were noticed by another only portrayed in their music, but also very powerful woman, Sharon by Otep herself. Like most artists, she Osbourne. Mrs. Osbourne offered is constantly perfecting her art to make the band a slot on Ozzfest 2001 as a it better than it was before. second stage act. Once the masses One topic I'm eager to touch on is heard the message, there was no the state of our nation. Otep tells me turning back. she believes our government and soci- Otep is not only a vocalist, but ety will be better in the next five she is also a poet, a writer. She has years. “I think we will get America published a collection of writing and Otep Shamaya back,” she said. “I think that people drawings, which is available on the have had enough of the bullshit and web at Lulu.com. Also, she has are ready to make things better.” written many tour diaries, posted on Otep’s music and lyrical content is YouTube, discussing life on the very raw and emotionally charged. road and recent concert experiences. This is one of the things I love the The band is currently on tour, and most about the band. Not many artists when asked how the tour is right now are truly here to make a progressing, Otep explains, “The difference, to break the mold and crowds have been outrageous. But make music that is art. the most incredible thing so far is I ask Otep if she ever feels emotion- the fan’s reaction to the unreleased ally vulnerable when sharing her in- record.” She also informs me that nermost feelings with millions of fans. bassist “Evil” J. McGuire cut open “I find safety in art. It’s my way of his leg during one of the shows, stepping outside of myself and resulting in 23 stitches and no communicating my feelings.” cancelled dates. Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton and Jim As Otep speaks, I realize how laid Morrison rank among some of Otep’s back and soft spoken she is. This is biggest influences. Courtney Love, not what most would expect, Radiohead, and even Mazzy Star are considering her music and writing. I on that list as well. Otep adds, “I have feel more relaxed and ready to dive always considered myself more a poet into the deep questions. The band’s than a musician.” latest album, The_Ascension, due As I wrap up our conversation, I for release October 30th is my next take time to tell Otep how much her topic of conversation. music matters. In a society where Although there was a nearly people expect you to be black or seven month delay on the release due to including three co-written by Mudvayne/ white, male or female, normal or a “collapse within Capitol Records and HellYeah guitarist Greg Tribbett. abnormal, Otep (as well as the rest of the its parent company EMI,” fans can hear The_Ascension was recorded in New band) show us the gray in between. tracks from the band’s third release on Orleans with new guitarist Karma She truly believes in being who you various websites, such as MySpace and Cheema and new drummer Brian Wolff. truly are, and not conforming to what the band’s own site. Otep reveals her master plan for the you are expected to be. The now KOCH Record’s album was album: “I decided to take what I loved Without a doubt, people like this are produced by Dave Fortman (Mudvayne, from Sevas Tra and House of Secrets rare and hard to find. TIFFANY WHITE Evanescence) and features 13 tracks and fuse the ideas together. I went back Out Of The Blue—27 Bury Your Dead bring hardcore metal to the Villa

Playing on the stage making Bury Your where Dimebag Darrel Dead who they are last performed was a today. surreal feeling for Myke was never Bury Your Dead scared to take a hit or (BYD). As we stood be touched. No, he outside Columbus, isn’t that kind of Ohio’s Alrosa Villa “rock star,” so instead after the mayhem of a he did exactly the show packed with na- opposite. He teetered tionally admired hard- on the edge of the core/metal bands, this stage, shoving the was the first subject microphone and his BYD approached. dreadlocks into the Each member had a audience. different description of Bury Your Dead what it meant to them, Bury Your Dead played their most however each was weareburyyourdead.com f a m o u s s o n g , very similar. The over- “Magnolia,” which all sense was that of pride and honor to little during the interview, due to ex- pleased everyone. But as if that wasn’t be on that stage, yet at the same time it haustion from the show) spoke up at enough, they retreated back into “Bury was nostalgic. As we all know, it was a once to respond with, “FUN!” Your Fucking Dead,” giving us that sad event the night gunfire rang through Nothing makes them more excited one last chance to show what we were the Alrosa, ending the young life of than walking into a venue and seeing made of and rush the stage, climb on Dimebag Darrell. the entire crowd move, dance, and top of each other, reach for a piece of Each member of BYD was in a differ- sing. “It’s never fun playing for a dead that microphone. ent place when he heard the news, “but crowd. You want to look out there and This is what fun means to Bury the news got all over pretty fast” said see people moving, not just standing Your Dead. Fun isn’t money. Fun isn’t singer Myke Terry. there like this,” said bassist Bubble as fame. Fun is rocking the faces off of The show itself was another story. he crossed his arms and put on a face loyal fans and feeling the support and This event consisted of Boston hardcore of disgust. love of people that have a connection great Since the Flood, California boys We then talked about why anyone with them. As if the performance did- Stick To Your Guns, Cali-style death would pay money for a show and not n’t already speak volumes for the com- metal Suicide Silence, and who can for- soak up and enjoy what is going on. mitment and dedication that Myke, get the main attraction Bury Your Dead. This seemed impossible on this early Slim, Bubble, Eric, and Mark have for The guys of BYD could not put into summer night at Alrosa. As I looked what they do, afterwards they made it complete sentences the pride they felt in out across the crowd at any given time a point to walk out and shake the headlining this show. during any given song they played, I hands of fans, take pictures, and sign Life for Bury Your Dead seems like it couldn’t help but see heads banging, autographs. would be a dream come true for any kid, fists flying, and kids screaming along So what’s next for Bury Your into the scene or not. “You get to hang to every word, because that’s the grasp Dead? Good question! They just com- out with your friends all day, and then that Bury Your Dead can take on an pleted their European tour and now just play a show at night,” said Guitarist audience. they’re back home to start two more “Slim.” When they took the stage that night U.S. tours with plans to finally hit the Bury Your Dead is not out to force they started the adrenaline in the room studio to record an album set to be beliefs on anyone. Though they are by playing their infamous “Bury Your released in early 2008. Straight Edge, they aren’t out to make Fucking Dead” chorus. Immediately, Keep your eyes peeled and ears anyone feel dumb or not tolerated— guys and girls alike were rushing the tuned for their album and the next time they're out for fun! When asked what stage to get their voices heard. BYD they'll be anywhere near you, because they want to accomplish in their music, played new songs, as well as the old if you missed this show, you won’t the entire band (even those that said songs kids fell in love with years ago, want to miss the next! DUANE FROST

28—Out Of The Blue The Warriors bring stripped down hardcore The Junior Varsity go Cinematographic Between touring nationally, releasing Cinematographic over the summer, and working at Panera Bread, The Junior Varsity’s keyboardist Nick Dodson discussed his band’s past, present, and future. After touring in various local Illinois bands, The Jr. Varsity (TJV) formed as a combination of the best locals in 2002. “We were all in local bands in Illinois and everybody knew each other, and we broke up with our bands forming a D

e ‘super group,’ and now we push and try v i

n harder,” said Dodson.

D During the final formation of TJV, e h Dodson attended college at Western a v

e Illinois for one year and Illinois State for n his second year, majoring in music with emphasis in piano / keyboards. Dodson Undergoing a record label change and so I wrote a song called ‘Crucify.’ It’s dropped out in 2004, and two months practically an entirely new lineup has about if you have faith in what you be- after leaving college, TJV was signed to proved beneficial for Southern Califor- lieve, why tell someone else what there Victory. nia punk hardcore rockers The Warriors. path is. I’m like fuck, religion isn’t “When I dropped out my parents were Only original member, vocalist Marshall gonna change anything it’s just some- displeased, but once they saw our CD all Lichtenwaldt said “It’s just a matter of thing to talk about and something to do. over the place they realized it was the us having a fresh start and canning all God and Christ content is in hardcore real deal, and when we went to Europe the bull shit.” Named in part after their and everyone is welcome. There are a lot to tour they became more supportive,” high school mascot, this band has gradu- of hardcore people that don’t believe in said Dodson. Guitarist Andy Wildrick ated well beyond their previous Eulogy Jesus Christ either. The music has peo- also attended college to study classical Recordings with their Victory Records’ ple that are straightedge too. A lot of guitar for two years. debut Genuine Sense Of Outrage. people hate straightedge because they Although twenty-two-year-old Dodson “I put a lot of thought and effort into don’t really understand it. And both was also proficient with the saxophone the lyrics and it’s pretty straight forward. types of people collide all the time, and since the 5th grade, the band decided to Songs deal with death, suicide and that’s the crowd we usually play to.” go with the keyboard element. destroying the thought of perfection. An Despite a tour with DMX falling Dodson explained, “keys are a lot eas- apocalypse. Like our new track ‘Odium through, The Warriors are preparing to ier and it allows for more possible diver- Vice’ is about really sarcastic remarks embark a full European tour in October, sity, and the sax has too much of a ska about hatred and anger along with the Lichtenwaldt said the best part about thing to it.” general thought that everyone is the touring is being “onstage every night To take a band on full time, one must same and be careful what you stand for and tasting the food in different cities. make significant personal sacrifices: because you might regret it. Read the Lots of places also have different flavors “Full time friendships and relationships lyrics, they have an actual message in- of beer we like to try” and the worst part don’t work anymore. I mean, you’re stead of the same old dime a dozen,” is “when your van breaks down six gone eight to nine months out of the year said Lichtenwaldt. times! Our van broke down twice, we and people start to think you have egos. The band spent studio time with had to get a new transmission and two of People look at you differently and I producer Cameron Webb who has our bearings broke.” don’t want to be treated differently. It’s worked with Motorhead, Social Distor- When traveling the band jams to some hard especially having a girlfriend back tion and Silverstein. In the studio the local records they pick up throughout the home and you never get to see each five-piece also recorded feature tracks tour and “the new Good Charlotte, other. It’s tough on both ends.” with some of their most influential art- Evergreen Terrace, First Blood, August After returning home from touring, ists including Motorhead’s Lemmy Burns Red. We like to listen to new they’re still just normal guys from Nor- Kilmister, Sick Of It All’s Lou Koller music all the time. Some of the shit is mal, Illinois. and Andrew Neufeld of Comeback Kid. really tight and I’m like dude, what the “Recently Andy and I have been go- Lichtenwaldt hopes Genuine Sense Of fuck, this is killer,” said Lichtenwaldt. ing to the gym and lifting and running Outrage will be viewed as a full-frontal Genuine Sense Of Outrage is post- about two miles a day. I love it, it’s a stripped down album containing defin- hardcore at its finest for your ears to new hobby and I have a gym that’s like ing characteristics of hardcore roots, attempt enduring and its something that a block from the house and it makes me religious or not. any fan of Sick Of It All, Snapcase, feel more rested and better, it’s a great “You know what I don’t like in music Madball, and Inside Out will never put feeling. We all have jobs. I work at dude, it’s that you have people that like down. One final comment from Panera Bread while Andy works at to talk trash on religion. People like: I Marshall, “Matt’s gay, make sure you “TJV,” continued on next page don’t like Christianity, I like the devil put that in there!” NEIL SHUMATE Out Of The Blue—29 Guy Kozowyk will always remain humble despite underground success The Red Chord? The Red Chord! This question and the set list because it is a favorite for the sing-along of the response almost sums up how The Red Chord has come lyrics “It's not gonna be alright, It's not gonna be OK..” smashing its way into the music scene. You mention The Fans have approached Guy time and time again, telling Red Chord now in a group metal fans and they will nod him how this song has changed his or her life. Guy appreci- their heads in recognition. Rewind your clocks about six ates the sincerity, but he can't help but laugh a little, because months and this would not be the case. So how did this the song really is just about his dog. That’s all. His dog lay- explosion of Red take place? ing on the floor asleep, having a dream. We shared a laugh “Luck” was the best explanation vocalist Guy Kozowyk as he told me this story. could give me. His band is becoming famous due to their The Red Chord are humble—just five guys that wanted to videos being accessible through Time Warner's AOL Music do something with the music they love, and they don't see On Demand, their t-shirts now stocked in nationwide Hot themselves as anything more than that. They don't believe Topic stores, and the bands' headlining of a tour consisting the songs they write are for the history books of rock-and- of metal greats like Through the Eyes of the Dead, Despised roll, or because you can see them on your TV with a click of Icon, and All Shall Perish. your remote that they deserve your respect. They would Guy made it very clear that their success was just fate, rather earn that respect out on the road every night touring, more or less—they themselves did nothing to reach the playing the songs into which they their hearts. level of success they have today, except play music they “Some shows may be better than others, but there is never love, music that is different. a bad show,” Guy told me when I asked him what makes One of the main things that The Red Chord tries to ac- him end a show and walk off the stage feeling like it was a complish with their music is creating something that is true good one. Conditions might change, crowds might change, to their death metal/grindcore roots, but very new and ex- cities might change, but playing a show will always be a perimental at the same time. Each song is different from the passion for The Red Chord. DUANE FROST next—they don't follow any certain message or mold in their music. “My political views and beliefs are much different from the rest of the guys in the band, you know?” explained Guy, adding that they're not going to write songs about beliefs or outlooks on life, because that's hard to do in a band where everyone doesn't feel the same. Here is a perfect example about how their music is about whatever they feel like writing a song about: Anyone who is Fused Together In Clients Prey For Eyes a fan of The Red Chord should be familiar with the song Revolting Doors released, 2005 released, 2007 “Dreaming in Dog Years.” This is the song always last on released, 2002

“TJV,” continued (percussion) works downstairs on differ- Spencer’s, but the band will never lose Bread Stretchers. We go on dates with ent ideas, sometimes it’ll be two guys sight of being real people with a non- girls, watch movies. You know, normal jamming acoustics,” said Dodson. arrogant level of confidence. people things. Nothing too cool.” Dodson said the mastermind behind “I’d like to see one hundred thousand Now residing in Springfield, Ill. and the lyrics is Asa who “tries not to go CDs sold, it’s a huge mile marker, and living together in a six bedroom house toward the boyfriend-girlfriend drama. draw in 400 people in every state we with their basement recording studio, It’s a bigger scope of things like ‘why play in. It’s cool when people notice Dodson told me the general writing are we here?’ and figuring out who you you, but we’re never trying to be like process for their third release Cinemato- are. They are sometimes confusing.” rock stars, never trying to be above any- graphic. In high school Dodson played in a one.” Reports state that Asa has departed “It’s been a different method, the Mac marching band, Andy played golf, and the band, although TJV continues to set books he’ll lay down with drum ma- Sergio Coronado (rhythm guitar) played up shows. NEIL SHUMATE chines, then guitar parts, then introduce soccer. Dodson told me he was once it to the band and everyone develops recognized as a member of The Junior myspace.com/thejuniorvarsity ideas. In other ways Chris Birch Varsity by kids when he worked at 30—Out Of The Blue Band: Mystic Syntax Band: Heartbreak Orchestra Location: Columbus, Ohio Location: Columbus, Ohio Album: Conception Lineup: Jill Garratt, John Garratt, Jeannine Hetzler, Rich- Genre: Industrial / Metal ard Lucas, Deb Wilson Track Picks: “Surrender,” “Just Like You” Album: We Belong Apart Lowdown: Nine tracks take you through a harrowing Genre: Acoustic / Country / Folk pillage of J. Syntax’s baritone distorted lyrical philoso- Track Picks: “Ice Skating,” “Burn” phy to a nonstop orchestrated sythenisized backdrop that Lowdown: A journey through life’s pitfalls are lamented in leads you toward band member’s M. Parker “Rune,” this well-rounded full length debut. The five piece band RE:JECt, Black and Shaman’s dark foreign land. This appropriately portray real stories of relationship dishonesty, uninhabited territory vibes like Gary Numan, styles like manipulation and emptiness by incorporating a wide array Bile and lurks like Type-O-Negative with a Skinny of melancholy instruments—the mandolin, dobro, harmon- Puppy and The Jesus And Mary Chain psychocandy ica, banjo, organ, cello, bass, fiddle and guitar variations attitude. The hieroglyphic journey also includes five harmoniously compliment each other throughout. Although electrocuting bonus tracks with original mixes by Ober- some generations may not appreciate the aesthetics of a lin, Ohio’s ex-PIG, Crossbreed and current Dope drum- soulful band, every generation will find a core relationship mer Angel. You can never go wrong with original indus- in the stripped down blues rock of Heartbreak Orchestra. trial and shattering vocals. Do as Combichrist This isn’t a full Carter Family reunion, it’s a slice of Neil commands: “Now shut up and swallow!” Young’s “Harvest Moon,” a piece of Lucinda Williams Visit: myspace.com/mysticsyntax.com combined with the vocals of D’arcy as heard on the Smashing Pumpkins’ The Aeroplane Flies High box set, and a side of Fleetwood Mac. Visit: myspace.com/heartbreakorchestra

Band: Murray Location: Phoenix, Arizona Album: Photo Album Genre: Hip-Hop / Rap Band: Evenflow Track Picks: “I Could Give A Fuck Less,” “Break It Off” Location: Northern Ohio Lowdown: With a poetic flow of coherent rhymes, samples Album: No Regrets and original beats, Chicago-born Murray is in the right ter- Genre: Rock / Grunge / Metal minal to launch a successful career. His full length debut, Track Picks: “I’m The Same,” “Left Alone” which he wrote, produced, mixed and mastered himself, Lowdown: This young band takes Seattle grunge and flips captures the essence of positive prime time hip-hop with a it into a formulated package of low key acoustics that build few darker tracks fit for Skinamax. Piano etched choruses to extreme head banging riffs. Daniel Dotson’s dark com- and back-to-basics electronic cues form the back drop to manding vocals, reminiscent of Creed’s My Own Prison, Murray’s lyrical past, present and future. He exposes drug profess the possibility of future opportunities alongside the abuse, confrontation, sex, religion, death, change, friends resonating post-grunge trademark of emotional hollow and family. Consequently, while listening through guitars, solos and frequent breakdowns. These guys are Murray’s Photo Album, you’ll likely prepared to step it up and take it to the next level. hear relatable reflections of yourself. Visit: myspace.com/evenflowwebsite Visit: myspace.com/chicagomurray REVIEWS BY NEIL SHUMATE Send us your band’s album to review! Out Of The Blue, P.O. Box 388, Delaware, OH 43015 Out Of The Blue—31 SOTC’s Anthony on Prelude Silent Surface’s album Darkened Keys: a must have

That fuckin’ CD has all of the elements that I and most all musicians have attempted to do and have fallen short. This is a CD that I can tolerate from the first song on. Every song on this CD is exactly what the market craves. The production (Joe Veirs) is equal across the board, and for an un- signed band w/out big industry behind it, damn good. "This is a people CD and should catch like wild-fire once put in the hands of distribution." A CD that can chameleon genre and dominate the airwaves given the chance. Fuzz has a distinctive voice that is in- cene Of The Crime has opened another chapter in their progressive career. stantly recognizable. The band itself has Anthony (vocals), Stan (drums/backing vocals), Dustin (guitar), Kyle (guitar/ a signature sound as a culmination of Spiano), and Omar (bass) have produced an eight-track album that could compete this. The lyric is simple enough for the with national artists. After dedicating 40 hours of recording, mixing and mastering at average non-musician listener to catch John Schwab Studios with mastermind Joe Viers, Prelude… was born. fast and Fuzz has the theory of simplic- Anthony “AlienRobotGod” described the recording process: “we ran it like it was ity most won’t even consider trying. boot camp in there.” The boot camp sessions paid off. From the melodic solo piano The combination here is gold and the opener through the rap-metal transitioning closing track “For God So Loved The whole CD captures it. This CD should World,” doses of a heroic tragedy unfold. “The songs on Prelude… are more or less a assure that the top is reachable. If this brief overview of the story that is to come,” explained Anthony, “it introduces the lis- band can keep taking the steps to get this tener to the story and shows some of the more important parts in the first and second of CD into the right hands, we should be the three wars being written about.” proud to have known them. Now that What is the story? Aside from song titles, Anthony composes the lyrics with a vague they have the long awaited product in method by never fully introducing the story’s characters or events. I asked the narrator hand, it’s time to take it to the road. to interpret some of the songs to expose their true demeanor. My advice: “Think outside the box.” Anthony said, “‘Sleep Now’ is about the point in the story where Argos (the yet un- There are several outlets for distribution known character) has to leave Illeandra behind so that he can infiltrate the main an- in the new market and trust me those tagonist’s compound. He gives her the medicine she needs to remain human and gives numbers are watched. A&R’s make no her instructions as to what to do in his absence.” “‘Illeandra’s Song’ deals with the secret of this if you just ask them. Major events that take place when Illeandra is left alone. Argos is captured, leaving her to labels are now watching the smaller dis- fend for herself. She tries to make it back home, but due to the lack of medicine, she tribution markets for sales like CD baby. struggles to make it. What happens next has yet to be written.” “‘Calling Upon Your If an A&R catches wind of a new act, Enemies’ is Argos’ plea to all the different factions of humans to aid him in his escape, that’s one of the first places they check as well as asking that they protect Illeandra. Since she’s the one the enemy is looking for sales. It’s the new feeding grounds for, it’s vital that she remains alive.” for majors. Any and all CD sales need to The band’s total song writing process initiates with instrumental riffs. “Generally be a matter of record, meaning ac- Kyle or Dustin will come in with a riff, then we’ll jam on it for awhile, add some more counted for by reputable sales from es- parts, change some things or whatever. Then when all the music is written, I write the tablished distributors, sound scan, etc. lyrics,’ said Anthony. CD sales in bars and shows won’t count Scene Of The Crime’s wide range of influences—hardcore, metal, rock, hip-hop and unless you have taken the measures to “really strange abstract music”—are combined throughout Prelude… to manifest a account for them. Get a credit card ma- fresh, unique sound. Guitar solo breakdowns, a pulsating drum balance, trippy bass chine from CD-Baby and start keeping lines and an ever-changing range of vocals align to create music that will compel to track that way. Though CD baby takes a any fan of rock or metal. percent, it’s worth the investment to be The non-jewel-case professional album packaging indisputably compliments the CD. counted by at least the credit card sales. Model Laura Cumbridge graces the cover in a hallucinating white dress grasping the EVERYONE BUY THIS FUCKIN last standing tree with the rusty colored background of a war destroyed empire. CD! It’s called Darkened Keys and in Anthony eagerly foreshadows the band’s next move. “The story is just beginning. my personal opinion, is “the best CD for Expect the music and the lyrics to get a lot deeper and more interesting. This band is market to come out of Columbus yet.” I evolving and we don’t even know where it’s headed, but we know it’ll be good and could picture this music right up in there it’ll be fun.” w/the majors after a few years of hard Pick up the band’s first full studio album and hear for yourself how Marion, Ohio’s core bustin’ ass to get it there. It would SOTC has evolved since their three-song demo “Two Piece and A Biscuit.” You can be a shame to see a CD this stellar fade purchase a copy at any of SOTC’s shows or online at myspace.com/sotcband. into the relics. SAGABU And attending a show will give you an opportunity to see the fury live, including performances of new tracks “Faceplant,” and “Out Of Character.” NEIL SHUMATE myspace.com/silentsurface 32—Out Of The Blue WiL on Conviction

Some bands deliver their first album A more intimate sound is conveyed rocks and write more parts to it.” and it’s a masterpiece. Then, they re- throughout Conviction with piano layers, Since their high school formation dur- lease a follow up, and it often disap- smooth building guitar break outs, and ing the Spring of 2005, Aiden has gener- points. Aiden’s third studio album harmonious backing punk chants. ally themed their albums on gloom and proves to the world that evolution can WiL’s more personal lyrics expose an horror. happen, with a reassurance that change undeniably developed vocal range. “I Conviction transitions by dishing is good. Conviction is incomparable to feel like if I can’t be honest with who I doses of positive motifs, as heard in the Seattle band’s previous releases— am and what I’ve been all these years, “Son of Lies” (featuring Efrem Shulz of it’s far from whiney emo hardcore. The then what am I doing? I’m not trying to Death By Stereo) and “Believe.” new Victory Records release is a per- pull the wool over people’s eyes like so WiL told me, “It’s a feeling I have in fected niche of melody, balance, and many bands do today. So many bands my heart that compels people to laugh, maturity. Amending sound and image just don’t give a fuck, and they write shit cry, shout, sing and dance. A feeling of can bring hesitation and apprehension to that’s not honest and real. I wanna be as loving the darkness that can destroy you die hard fans. honest as I can, and the only way I can and laughing in its face. A feeling for Lead vocalist William “WiL” Francis show that is by writing the most honest the all-encompassing for what is hap- told me, “It’s something that happens songs,” said WiL. pening with my band these days. It’s with every new album. Some fans can’t Having a Lost Boys persona, the mid- like I wake up in the morning and feel get past the sound and can’t change, but twenty lead vocalist admits if it wasn’t the world crashing and I don’t give a fuck it. I think progression is a natural for Aiden he would “probably be dead fuck. But, I laugh in the face of misery, state of mind and body.” or in jail.” getting through it with friends and fam- Aiden have always fenced a dark and With artwork by Alex Pardee (The ily. If you can just stick through it, life edgy gothic vibe, but Conviction takes it Used, Hurley International) and having is gonna get better.” to another level by embracing androgy- studio producer John Goodmanson Between preparing for a slew of tour nous flair with glam, as lyrically evi- (Death Cab For Cutie, Soundgarden, stops in smaller U.S. venues, WiL ad- denced in “Teenage Queen” and musi- Sleater-Kenny), the album shines with mits to being a “movie geek” and read- cally portrayed in “Darkness” as well as confidence. ing. “Right now I’m really into Chuck the current single “One Love.” WiL told me, “It was a great pleasure Palahniuk books,” mentioned WiL. WiL said, “I don’t want to be defined to work with him. He’s had a ton of The new release is an epic reinvention. as hardcore or make-up or break downs. experience. I mean, he didn’t really pick WiL said, “I just hope that people will I don’t care about labels and religion and things apart. He was able to capture the get it, you know. I feel for the first time all that other shit. I want to create music soul of a really good track.” Before a we’re coming into it and figuring out for the heart, from love and soul. That song makes the list, WiL strums on his who we are as a band—the direction we image appeals to me; like Placebo, acoustic guitar with lyrics and brings it want to go as a band. We hope people David Bowie and even Morrissey [The to the band, from their they “hash out get it, and if they don’t then whatever.” Smiths]. I’m a big fan of that.” how the song works out and we see if it NEIL SHUMATE Photo Courtesy Victory Records Out Of The Blue Publications look beyond the mainstream

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Out Of The Blue—33 UK invasion

Exclusive Interview with Karl Hyde A chat with drummer Rob Rolfe Review of US debut album Electronic pioneers Underworld return with unrestrained classic album After what seemed to be a five year The fifth studio album (which features Underworld may have gained hiatus, Underworld will launch another U2’s Larry Mullen, Jr. performing the popularity with Danny Boyle’s film collective masterpiece of electronic marimba on “Boy, Boy, Boy”) was Trainspotting in 1996 for the instrumen- anthems titled Oblivion with Bells on recorded in hotel rooms around the tal single “Born Slippy,” but the UK duo October 15th. There was, in fact, no world, in Abbey Road Studios, in a back have unleashed numerous club and film hiatus at all—Karl Hyde and Rick Smith bedroom in Romford, and a pig shed in hits since their 1993 studio debut dubno- have had their hands in a number of side deepest rural Essex. The unconventional basswithmyheadman. “Oh” appeared in projects following their 2002 release of travel havens make for detoxifying the Ewan McGregor, Cameron Diaz film A Hundred Days Off. arrangements by Smith and transfixing A Life Less Ordinary and “8 Ball” was Since then, the duo have released lyrical journeys by Hyde. featured in the Leonardo DiCaprio flick three separate works (The RiverRun As Hyde walks through the city The Beach. The latest single that has Project) direct to their fans online via streets of England he captures a compel- been spinning at clubs is the mesmeric underworldlive.com. They began broad- ling mental snapshot of his surround- trance, drum and bass hit “Crocodile.” casting a web-only radio show inspired ings. Transferring these adventures into “It’s something that’s not only by the loss of their BBC disc working well on stage, but jockey friend John Peel, and The duo release first also in clubs and on the dance the blokes scored the sound- studio album in five years. floor. It’s kind of the root of track to Anthony Minghella’s what we do and we haven’t film Breaking and Entering lost touch of it and it’s grown with Gabriel Yared as well as stronger the past couple of a recent revisit with director years. You have to find where Danny Boyle to score the your roots are, and this is what motion picture soundtrack for we’ve done,” Hyde told me. Sunshine. In that five year Forming in 1986, the period between side projects countryside mates have seen and exclusive club perform- their share of an ever changing ances, Hyde and Smith still electronic genre. “It needed to found time to execute new reinvent itself. It became release Oblivion with Bells. enormous with bigness and When their plane landed on parites and poppiness. To me the West Coast, a day before the content was becoming their first five date US tour somewhat drakulous, it was kick off, Karl Hyde was becoming wallpaper to daily gracious enough to speak with life, and when that happens me from California. it’s time to look at the under- With a cordial British accent, Hyde a lyrical soundscape of disarranged, ground and see what people are doing to elaborated on Oblivion with Bells: “The rearranged audible ecstasies is what it within its genre. In the last few years writing process started in 2002, simply makes Underworld an undying digital there has been some really cool things in with laptops. We got about 82-100 work of art. the German scene, and music on the pieces of music together and it was in- “All the lyrics have always been Cocoon label. It has a slightly more fluenced by the music we were playing autobiographical. They describe how I stripped down tempo, and also melodic on our live radio shows, German club feel as I walk through cities and they are really. That’s been great for us, it reaf- music, and the two film scores we done. collections of things I’m attracted to: firmed and connected us with our roots Inspiration was also drawn from Eno (of sounds, smells, what people say, what I from early 70s music,” said Hyde. Roxy Music), James Holden (remixer/ see; all those things evoke memories. Performing around the globe for a producer), Nick Drake (singer/ They all become part of this journey and number of years, Hyde notes little differ- songwriter), Can (early German they tell me my state of mind. And Rick ence between crowd interactions. “There “krautrock” band) among others. All that might change some words, remove some isn’t a big difference, we seem to be went into the melting pot and when it words, repeat words. He might bring a lucky to find crowds that are open- was completed this year, there was a different musical mood to balance with minded and willing to celebrate. If feeling of release!” the lyrics,” explained Hyde. you’re in a city like New York or say in California and then in London or playing musicians in your area. Stick to what in a town in the country, there is a you believe in, and don’t be swayed by The UK and The US slightly different energy but we’re play- the idea of becoming a pop star, make Firsthand comparative ing for people that have a passion and the music you want to make.” joy for the celebration of music,” said Underworld will tour the UK through cultural exposition Hyde. the end of November and plans have There is much to say about the cul- Being in a long musical partnership already been made to take on further tural differences between The United with Rick Smith, Hyde offered some projects including the continuation of States and The United Kingdom. From advice to those in the industry. their web radio show and publishing the lifestyles people lead, to the way the “Twenty-seven years together! It’s more music including possible work government has shaped their world, quite scary really,” laughed Hyde, “I’d with Brian Eno. “We like to work with a England is more different than you could advise to be open-minded and listen to a number of projects,” snickered Hyde. imagine. lot of different music—all genres in fact. Hyde told me, “It was a challenge for The minute I stepped off the plane in There is lots of great rock music, jazz, me to listen to at first, but then you London I noticed immediate differ- folk. Listen to new music and listen to know, it was the vibe I got out of it, and ences—aside from the accent and dia- the roots and find out where it came I thought, wow, this is really great! lect, the roads are narrower, everything from, like Kraftwerk or Brian Eno. Something special.” NEIL SHUMATE is at least twice as expensive, and houses Photo Courtesy Mangum PR Exchange ideas and listen to other are much smaller.

Some in America may claim that they

S

K “Crocodile” are environmentalists, but nothing can

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I “To Heal” compare to what I found in England— B

P

T “Ring Road” they take measures such as specially K O

C “Faxed Invitation” made lights and double paned windows O

A “Good Morning Cockerel” in every house to conserve energy. R

T Electrical products are now available without standby buttons, and you must turn off all electrical appliances— in- Biffy Clyro create buzz with Puzzle’s solid pieces cluding computers—at the end of the day. In terms of crime, compare gang violence in the US to the typical stab- bings in the UK. And, imagine this, as of June 10th, chemical castration is the punishment for sexual related crimes! It’s not uncommon that you will hear about a man having his ear bitten off at a pub. On that note, pubs can be found everywhere. In fact, “everywhere” is an understatement. Everywhere I ate during this 3 week trip was a pub. And as many already know, England is full of Churches. Churches are conveniently next door to pubs. Lifestyles are different from those of Americans as well. In the UK, everything is so much Location: Ayrshire, Scotland Album: Puzzle Label: Roadrunner more expensive, and people take more Genre: Alternative / Powerpop / Rock joy out of the simple things in life. In Track Picks: “Now I’m Everyone,” “Love Has A Diameter,” “Machines” America, kids often find happiness only Lowdown: Puzzle’s heroic Flash Gordon-like intro opens the curtain to introduce the from their video games or other expen- talent of a prestigious Scottish trio. Despite having three successful album releases in sive toys, but in England they can find Europe, this is their U.S. debut. (Puzzle hit #2 on UK Albums Chart.) Simon Neil’s happiness in walks around town, fishing, vocals strongly resemble Dave Grohl with a Peter Gabriel range; however, the clever and all those other activities that we now blunt lyrics—teamed with twin brother’s James and Ben Johnston—and onslaughts of deem boring and pointless. shifting dynamics, from poppy melodic to classic rock undertones, will contribute to There is a distinct correlation in eat- this record’s triumph. The Puzzle was put together by producer GGGarth Richardson ing habits and obesity issues in both (Rage Against the Machine, Mudvayne, Red Hot Chili Peppers), engineer Mike Fraser countries. In America you will see fast (AC/DC, Rush, Jimmy Page, Slipknot), mixed by Andy Wallace (Nirvana, Slayer, Jeff food on every corner of every street, Buckley) and features string arrangements by Hollywood’s Graeme Revell (Sin City, there are dollar menus at all these restau- The Crow, From Dusk ‘Til Dawn). With the dancy syncopated “Who’s Got A Match” rants and for that small amount of it’s only fitting that they hit the road with “No One Knows” alt-robot rockers Queens change you can satisfy yourself with a Of The Stone Age this Fall. The gents will share the stage in Columbus, Ohio at huge, fattening chunk of food. In Eng- Lifestyle Community Pavilion on October 20th. Be forewarned, the catchy choruses land it would cost about ₤4 for the same will likely prevent sleep, because “This is the one / this is the one.” Mon the Biffy! meal. Right now the exchange rate Visit: biffyclyro.com, roadrunnerrecords.com “Culture,” continued on next page

Out Of The Blue—35 ENTER SHIKARI: England’s promising band harbors stateside release n o i s a v n i

K rom start to finish Enter will get to hear the freshest brutal OOTB: What concepts do you use Shikari’s Take to the Skies concept to emerge from overseas. These in the songwriting? U Fwill fasten you in tight for a guys will fucking dominate. RR: We’re constantly thinking how rousing ride along the Prime Meridian we’d play it live, live is our major fea- with accented hardcore chants, melodic Drummer Rob Rolfe took time for a ture. The vocals, lyrics and stuff are kind choruses, and the unique incorporation phone conversation from the UK. of like metaphors and talks about big of electronic effects. The genre array things world wide issues— like ex- fused music has been dubbed as “rave OOTB: Why did you decide to girlfriends, global warming and war and metal” and “trancecore.” An Earth shak- record the album independently label issues and he ties imagery into his ing sound of their own that could have versus a mainstream label? lyrics. If you read through the lyrics you Linkin Park fans changing sides. RR: Basically at the time we recorded can get your own meanings for them. On The St. Albans (located north of Lon- the album we didn’t have many interest our forums people have arguments about don) band was named after a relative’s for labels we were on our own label and what a song means. How we write. boat and formed when school finished in we knew we had to get out a record. We Well, it changes sometimes we’ll start 2003. The four young British lads came got ourselves in a great position and it with a riff on a guitar and sometimes a together after evolving from their previ- worked organically. dance beat on the synth and electronics ous band Hybryd. After releasing three and we come up to banging dog shit and EPs, performing over 500 gigs OOTB: What influences do you intergrate the drums and guitars. We (including being only the second apply in the music? don’t really have a set way of writing unsigned band to sell out London’s RR: All sorts really, to be honest I tunes I suppose. Astoria), and turning down a number of reckon we take influences from going national labels, the band formed out and seeing stuff live, like a live hard- OOTB: What message do you hope Ambush Reality as their own label. core gig or a DJ in a club. Its just going Take to the Skies will convey? They had complete say and released out there and getting into the, how do I RR: I guess we kinda hope it will open their full-length debut Take to the Skies put it, kinda going out and experience it some people’s eyes. A lot of people in the UK, Europe, and Japan in March, live first hand. That way you get the come up and say I don’t like dance mu- 2007 hitting #4 on the UK Album Chart. proper vibe and feel and the passion of sic or I don’t like rock music, but I like Seven months later, Enter Shikari are it. You feel everything that’s meant to be you guys. Elitists like that piss us off, able to release the album stateside fol- when you see it live whether it be some like people that will only listen to metal. lowing a deal between Ambush Reality bangin’ dance tunes or hardcore groups It should be about expression and feeling and United States label imprint Tiny smashing out some heavy breakdowns and emotion and what feeling you’re Evil Records (AFI, Jimmy Eat World, and it pumps you up. We take that into trying to get through. It’s a rollercoaster Brand New). On October 30th America our music. and we take influences from everywhere and we like to think that we’re opening “Culture,” continued people’s eyes to different genres and between the US dollar ($) and the UK pound (₤) is 2:1, do the math. different styles and broadening their Now for the Music part of this: American teens drive through the streets with their musical tastes perhaps; it’s not all about rap or rock music blaring out the windows. The UK is so different in this; out of my hardcore or dance. entire time there, all I heard teens and adults listening to was Euro-style techno. It’s bizarre, it’s all got very fast-beat instrumentals and from time to time a little OOTB: How do American crowds vocals. Now in terms of vocals, it is either words sung with the beats when it was all compare to those in Europe? recorded, or it was taken from an old song, a classic maybe, but they take bits and I don’t know, it’s a tough one. In pieces of an old song’s vocals and just put it in this techno music. America they’ll go to a gig to watch the Even rap is rare in these parts, let alone any kind of rock. Both of these worlds are band whereas in England people just go so different, neither is necessarily wrong, but I must say, they sure could use some to a gig because that’s what people do in innovations in rock music. ETHAN BEAZLEY “Enter Shikari,” continued on next page

36—Out Of The Blue “Enter Shikari,” continued the evenings. To get drunk and have a band playing in the background is usually just a bonus. There’s a lot more respect for the bands in America. They’re both quite similar really, aside from the accent of course. I guess your could say American hardcore kids know how to dance better too.

OOTB: What first inspired your interest in music? RR: Our parents got us into Hendrix, Led Zepp, all that kind of stuff. Our parents love music and it’s kinda rubbed off on us. When I was 7 or 8 mom asked what instrument I wanted to play, and of course I picked the obvious and loudest. Justin Warfield and Adam 12 We started off as a cover band when we were 14 or 15. It’s a love of the songs and albums are so much different than hearing a band live. Playing live is just a Our generation’s Bauahus grow with This Is Forever really good feeling that goes along with it I think, and that’s what’s kept us on it. Adam 12 talks new album, Shirley Manson and Timbaland Never wanted to become rock stars, just Darkwave music of the late 70s, 80s hear. The best parts are darker and more in it for the love of music. and mid-90s created a new option for evolved. It’s hard to describe.” musicians—to combine a mix of dance, The previous self-titled album, which Break out the glow sticks, two-step goth and baritone vocals. The Pet Shop featured “Tear Me Apart” and a video rave dance shoes, metal horns and be Boys, New Order, Bauhaus, Joy Divi- for the single directed by actor Joaquin prepared for a human pyramid. The sion, Suicide, The Cure, and Depeche Phoenix, took a considerable amount of crowd is the fifth member of Enter Shi- Mode all possessed the right ingredients time to release. She Wants Revenge kari. Rob told me they are planning to of dark appeal. began writing This Is Forever in late tour North America in December or In this generation of trendy pop main- December and early January. “It was January. “Sometime late this year or stream music, such essence has been faster than the last one, they kept push- early next year. I think it’ll be quite a lost. However, in early 2006, the styles ing it back and we started a year and a large tour. And sometime next year were revived with the San Fernando half before this one came out. In nine we’ll be taking time off to write our Valley, California’s She Wants Revenge months we got a lot of ideas being on second album. Then, more touring, more self-titled debut. the road. shows, more touring.” NEIL SHUMATE The duo has gained The best parts are darker Even though Photos By James G Design and Peter Hill. experience by working we didn’t “Return to Energizer!” with Shirley Manson and more evolved. have many and Timbaland, and It’s hard to describe” opportunities touring with Depeche to write, we Mode. They are back to unleash another never took time off from being round of danceable dark hits titled creative,” mentioned Bravin. This Is Forever on Geffen Records. The new album title is spurred from a Standing like Jack-of-all-trades bass/keyboardist/ line in the single “True Romance,” “we statues. synthesizer/drummachine/percussionist/ wanted something that would just state Vocalist Rou DJ Adam “Adam 12” Bravin told me, to ourselves as a band that we’re here to at the Astoria “This album is darker. I’d say even more stay and it’s something timeless,” in London. dancier. We picked up where we left off explained Bravin. and we’ve grown as people and musi- Last year the band filmed a video with cians. There were certain things we Garbage’s Shirley Manson for “These realized about the first record that we Things.” wanted to hear more of on the new Bravin told me, “Shirley was amazing album.” to work with, she was a friend of the Bravin admits the new album is diffi- director and all she [the director] really cult to describe. “We definitely revisited said was, ‘I see Shirley Manson kidnap- a lot of the same themes as on the first ping you guys!’” We trusted her so record, I can’t speak for Justin lyrically, much with whatever she wanted to do, but as far as the music is concerned, it’s so Shirley came down and we felt like the tones we like that are darker than she became a big sister. She had a great others. Justin visited a few themes that bit of advice and she was very funny.” he didn’t get to touch on the last time; Having a versatile range of musical it’s what certain people might expect to “Revenge,” continued on next page Out Of The Blue—37 “Revenge,” continued Between The Buried And Me’s Tommy Rogers unlocks inspirations, the duo are fans of hip-hop, as vocalist Justin Warfield was an early behind-the-scenes effort of their 65-minute opus of Colors emcee. In May, 2007 Timbaland Between The Buried And Me are I write lyrics I write them after I hear the released Shock Value which featured a redefining the musical landscape with a song, for like themes and mood. I hate it chorus with She Wants Revenge on single 65 minute song divided into eight when there’s a song with like a very “Time.” Bravin said, “we’re both huge tracks in a brutally soothing album melodic part and the lyrics don’t fit at fans of his work and we got a call one entitled Colors. The fourth album from all.” day saying he was in town for a couple the North Carolina quintet is a hopeful Rogers said the album title Colors of days and he had six hours free. Being premonition of where rock music may itself is “basically our music colors and fans we jumped at the chance and it was venture—into the realm of an impossi- it’s the most colorful record we’ve one of the most amazing studio experi- ble-to-categorize genre. wrote. When we write we consider it ences. Watching somebody work like he From his home in Louisiana, Between [the album] to be a blank canvas and we does—he’s a genius and it was a pleas- The Buried And Me vocalist/keyboardist paint it until it’s done.” ure just watching him for a couple of Tommy Rogers spoke to me about the Despite releasing videos from previous hours. It just reminded us that you highly anticipated release of Colors. albums The Silent Circus’ “Mordecai” in shouldn’t think too much when you “I hope it will get bands off their asses 2003 as well as the self-titled video for create any type of art, you should do and see what’s possible in music. Alaska in 2005, and considering the new what turns you on and let it happen.” We’ve made it a big goal to change album’s song lengths exceed airplay Adam 12 reflected on his past and things about ourselves on this. It’s a big restrictions, BTBAM may not issue any growing up in a house full of musical step beyond anything we’ve ever done singles or videos for Colors. talent. “My parents are musicians and I before. We’ve put more energy, time “Videos are more like an expression of remember being in the fourth grade with and effort into this than any other re- promotion for record labels. For this a little cassette player and wanting to go cord,” said Rogers. album we’d have to edit a song, and we around school and play music for my When listening to Colors the effort don’t want to cut anything up. The only friends, which ultimately led to me be- cited is evident. Fans will find them- way we’d do a video is if it was insanely coming a DJ. I’ve always gravitated selves absorbed in the metronome- creative, and that costs a lot of money. toward music and fortunately I grew up shattering tempo changes, emotional It’s kind of cliché to do a video just for listening to jazz, funk, rock and classi- fantasias and unpredictable transitions. the sake of doing one. The live show is cal. I became a DJ and played piano The prog-experimental qualities of King what fans get into; we’re not worried around the house and over the years pro- Crimson, Led Zeppelin’s guitar sonatas, about us being played on MTV or any- ducers taught me how to do beats. I’m a Tool’s distinct expressive drumming and thing. For bands from the 70’s it was fan of electronic music, not so much on the articulate hypnosis of Pink Floyd are very normal to have 8 to 11 minute the industrial side of things, but more on dexterously frothed together with the songs. Nobody gave Queen shit for Bo- the prettier side, although I am a Skinny metalcore pace and vocal attributes of hemian Rhapsody,” laughed Rogers. Puppy fan I don’t have it on rotation,” Mastodon and Dead To Fall. In 2004 Rogers released a self-titled laughed Bravin. “There is a lot more progressive rock album for his techno side-project on Spinning at clubs five to six nights a influence and general rock music [on Victory, Giles (using his middle name). week and prepping for the new tour, Colors]. This is the first record we wrote “I’ve been writing a little bit here and Bravin has little down time apart from as one piece, considered as one song. there for that. It’s something I work on She Wants Revenge. “I really like just Each song is different, but musically the when I have time off,” mentioned relaxing, one of my most favorite things concept is to have each song play their Rogers. BTBAM Guitarist Dusty War- in the world is my bed,” giggled Bravin, own part as a free flowing quality; al- ing and drummer Blake Richardson are “I try to spend any extra time with fam- most a cinematic quality with ups and also part of another band, Glass Casket. ily or friends and relax, lie in bed, go to downs. It’s one of those records you Rogers told me he grew up playing the movies. I’m starting to write a lot have to listen to from start to finish and guitar and he “always thought piano was more lately. I’m a workaholic!” listen to it many times to take it all in a beautiful sounding instrument, but I With a tour fast approaching, includ- and hear everything— ing a stop at the Agora in Cleveland, th there’s a lot going on,” Between The Buried And Me Ohio on October 16 , the band is still said Rogers. developing a set list. “I think it’ll be 60 BTBAM, with their percent new stuff, maybe 70, we don’t long-time producer really know yet. I’m not sure what the Jamie King, wrote and formula is. We know which ones we recorded the new want to play and as many as possible off album with a different the new one. People get most involved approach. with ‘Tear You Apart’ because they like Rogers told me, “We shouting the ‘F’ word of course. My tried to record our- current favorite song to play is ‘Written selves beforehand at In Blood.’ I enjoy playing live and we home and that was a just really started to learn all the new big, big plus. We al- stuff. Other than that, we’re looking ways start with music forward to having people hear the new first and we all write stuff and performing,” Bravin told me. NEIL SHUMATE Photo By James Tatman individually and put things together. When 38—Out Of The Blue never got to play it as a kid. Now the yourself by embracing yourself. As long keyboard is used for more of a layering as you rely on someone else's imagina- process and like a mood creator, not as a SintheticEDITS tion to define you, you will become lead instrument. I started to incorporate Pointless Organizations. nothing but a lie. On another note: If so- it right before Silent Circus.” Someone's gotta say it. called juggalos get angry with my point Outside of touring and writing Rogers I think the hatred that "juggalos" claim of view, it simply proves my point. spends time at home with his girlfriend. to receive is more illusion than real. The organization of one particular “We moved in together here [Louisiana] I think the main issue is ability of an group to better oneself is the same type about five months ago. I’m really into outsider to take "juggalo" culture seri- of mentality that drives groups like the movies and we just like to cook food a ously. Through the music of ICP, Christian Coalition or whatever. You lot, go to the park. Shit, anything that’s Twisted, Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Boon- build your group, sit inside of it, and relaxing really. I don’t go out too much. docks, etc represent murder, madness blindly lash out at everyone and every- When I’m on the road I leave home life and mayhem (even if it's just fictional). thing that's not a part of it. at home,” said Rogers. Juggalos wanna be respected for build- Your approach to better yourself is the In late September Between The Bur- ing a family or empire, yet the music same route that causes religious war and ied And Me initiated a full US tour with stands for something more comic- violence. Your poorly thought out belief support from HORSE the Band, bookish than real. system makes you bitter towards anyone Animosity and The End. Violence won't get you respect or rec- who isn't a part of it, and even violent On this tour Rogers promises that fans ognition. You can't "scare" people into towards them for not justifying your can “expect to hear a lot off the new embracing something that represents own cause. album. We’ve been debating playing the unity (with a cover full of chaos). Get mad all you want—it proves my entire record from start to finish. Either Also, create yourself. Don't let Violent point. Do you feel that rage that builds way there will be a lot of heavy shit on Jay or Shaggy 2 Dope do it for ya. I in you the more you read my words? this tour. It’s like a breath of fresh air think that's the main message they try to That's what juggalo culture turns you and it’s fun to play the new stuff live. get across. I'm not a big ICP (psychopath into. I’m really A.D.D. on stage and I always records) fan but I do respect their art and Families and empires built for a better like to do something with the busy their success. tomorrow cannot possibly be built by songs.” Don't use this image they've created to embracing “one” group. That's been From the Mellon Collie and Infinite define who you are. Define yourself by done for centuries, and look what it's Sadness prelude of “Foam Born: (A) being yourself. That's how you get done to our world. The Backtrack” to the matching closing respect. Cease the juggalo march and Whether you admit it or not, your seconds of “White Walls” with a barrage embrace yourself as an individual. approach is the same as building cults or of Largo and Prestissimo tempos Why be cynical and make juggalos religions and you fuel it with anger, not throughout, Colors is inclined to mutate (and juggalos only) your family, when love. A better tomorrow is built by the prog/rock/metal/mathcore/death there is an entire planet of non-juggalos unifying and looking past our metal genres into an entirely new class that could be your family. differences. We are all the same, of its own. You accuse others of being cynical? whether you have a hatchet man on your Between The Buried And Me will Then why do you just rely on juggalo chest or not. stop at Peabody’s in Cleveland, Ohio on culture to define yourself? That to me is Your friendly neighborhood sinner, October 25th. NEIL SHUMATE hypocritical, not to mention poorly The one and only..... Photo Courtesy Victory Records thought out. Like I said. Define .....SINthetichead3000 (Zac Tennar)

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