BANDS OF THE MONTH - JUNE

BANDS OF THE MONTHIWRESTLEDABEARONCE

I think it is no surprise to anyone when I choose IWRESTLEDABEARONCE as this months Band of the Month. If you're a reader of the site, you know how much I think this band kicks ass, and how excited I've been for their debut, Its All Happening.

It is, in fact, all happening for the members of IWRESTLEDABEARONCE. Hailing for Louisiana, the new wave grindcore act has exploded into the music scene. Odds are, you've probably heard of them at some point, and odds are, that you were either hearing great, or terrible, things about them. IWABO seems to be one of thoes 'no-middle-ground' bands. Most people have a very strong opinion either way.

IWABO creates a unique combination of ...well, pretty much everything. There are elements of jazz, metal, classical, hardcore, polka, deathcore, trip-hop, 80's, alternative and grindcore (as well as nameless other genres sprinkled in throughout their music). Wicked fast fingers, light speed drums and a great mix of clean and rough vocals. IWABO literally combines every genre and aspect of music possible, into their songs (slightly exaggerated...but just slightly). Vocals are where most people will probably find the most beef with this band. Both the singing and screaming is very unique. A lot of people have a problem with the singing, but if they can get over the fact that it is not 'pitch perfect' I'm sure everyone of them would love the album.

In case you don't know, the vocalist is, in fact, a chick. A part of which makes this band awesome, is the band itself. Everyone seems out of a movie or something. A tatto'd frontwoman who comes onstage in a nice flowerd dress, only to unleash a brutal scream. A guitarist who is best described as a tall, very skinny version of the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard Of Oz. The other guitarist asthe token 'normal looking dude' of the band. Add in a crazy southern bassist and hilarious drummer and you have the next sitcom already written for you. Although, it would have to be about a grindcore band... but hey, I'd watch it!

I've loved IWABO's style since I've fist picked up their EP a while back. And I can tell you that, their debut, Its All Happening, is A+ as well. They were an easy pick for band of the month for me. I urge everyone to check out their album and go see them live (they are SICK live!). Check them out.

MYSPACE: IWRESTLEDABEARONCE
MERCH: IWRESTLEDABEARONCE
iTUNES: IWRESTLEDABEARONCE

Matrocksteady's Pick

Jovian

With the release of their first EP, Lazers, this month on June 5th, Jovian is this month's BOTM for me. With influences ranging from In Fear and Faith to Dance Gavin Dance and most of the Rise Records crew, Jovian bring with them an arsenal of elegant and chaotic vocals from their front men, Seth Bunton and Caleb Corrill respectively, backed by a fury of guitars from Nick Spencer and Evan Metz all wrapped up in a tight little blanket of rhythm by bassist 'Boogie' and drummer Ian MacDonald. The sextet write a brand of post-hardcore in their cozy town of Floyd Knobs in Indiana that may resemble that of Dance Gavin Dance, but with true musical inspection holds many differences between the two.

This underage crew (the eldest are vocalists at the ripe age of 19) have showcased their talent in seven songs so far that touch on subjects such as society and the current state of the world economy, personal vices, and the relationship troubles that come along with facing your vices. Explained to me via myspace by vocalist Caleb, many of the more confusing screamed lyrics are real life events such as parties and shows they've been at and he even dispelled the meaning behind the use of the term 'lazers' throughout their debut EP and it's naming: "Lazers the word is nothing more than the sound effect we use in the songs and thought it'd be fun to name the EP that". Disappointing yet satisfying all at the same time to have an answer. The spoken word in their EP's closer, "Horizontical," is a quote from the cult classic, Fight Club which is an obvious, yet stunningly perfect, choice for an EP focused around society.

Jovian's music is a wonderful array of guitar lead lines and soaring vocals that hint at R&B at times. The potential behind each musician is immense, and with continued work over the course of the next year or so, these guys could go somewhere with what they do. With only one comparison to give them to, Jovian brings forth a needed, unique, breath of fresh air to the post-hardcore scene that everyone needs to soak up while they're around. Especially with their debut record costing them only $500 to produce at a local studio. Nothing feels out of place in their recordings and they have a sense of relaxation in their writing that shows they are comfortable with each other as musicians and individuals; which is exactly what is needed for a successful band. They have even already had to deal with the drama monsters of Dance Gavin Dance on Last.fm and came out looking mature due to a level head by Caleb.

The bands first effort truly shows their maturity as musicians, even at their age, and I suggest you check it out. The album will be released June 5th at a local church, Faith Family Church. So if you're from around the area, go check them out, and pick up their cd. They plan on playing shows around the Indiana/Ohio area over the course of the next few months followed by a tour with Florida post-hardcore act Serra Velle which resembles something along the lines of A Skylit Drive. Be sure to check them out on the road, or at least pick up their CD, they aren't far from reaching the success coming to them.

MYSPACE: JOVIAN
PREORDER: JOVIAN

BAND OF THE MONTH - MAY

BAND OF THE MONTH

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, The Devil Wears Prada took the metalcore scene by force with their debut album Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord. Followed by the widely praised Plagues and their most recent release With Roots Above and Branches Below, The Devil Wears Prada secured themselves as top dog in the metalcore world.

To be quite honest, I wasn't a fan of TDWP when I first heard of them. I wrote them off before I even gave them a fair chance. For me, I couldn't give two shits about a band who (I thought) was named after a shitty movie and had titles such as "HTML Rulez D00d" and "Reptar, King of the Ozone".... I mean come on. It was just another lame attempt to be 'different'. After hearing so many good (and bad) things I finally gave in, and picked up Plauges. To my suprise, I actually enjoyed it*. Mike Hranica's vocals were harsh and unique and fit well with the generic 'heavy breakdown' tone we've heard hundreds of times. They use a very predicable formula to construct catchy, un-original -core songs...but they do it damn well.

Now, the best part about The Devil Wears Prada is something most people would never expect. The Synths. Yup...that annoying kid who gets to hit a few buttons and run around on stage is what, in my opinion, sets this band apart from the other. You won't notice them at first, infact I'm sure a few of you went "...wait there are keys in these songs". Yup again. Keyboardist, James Baney, does an excellent job of adding a small, yet pivotal, sound to each song. You'd be suprised how much atmosphere a little 'hum' from a keyboard can add to a song.

I enjoyed both Plagues and Dear Love, but I think With Roots Above and Branches Below may top both of them. Again, it is the result of James Baney and his keys which set this band apart from others. Hranica's vocals sound a lot different than the previous records. His lows are more brutal and his highs are more...wispy? Is that the right word? I don't care. His vocals are unique, and although many people will look down on them, I think they are great, and just another factor which helps pull TDWP away from the generic -core band, and solidify them as an actual talent.

Granted, TDWP is every -core kids dream, and most of the 'real metalheads' won't even give them a second chance (let alone a first), but you really should. They are FAR from an 'amazing' band, but they are fun to listen to, fun to see, and a good band overall. I know their most recent release, With Roots Above and Branches Below, will be on rotation in my play list all summer. Make sure to check them out on Warped Tour all summer!

MYSPACE: - THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
BUY: THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA MERCH
iTUNES: THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

BAND OF THE MONTH - APRIL

BAND OF THE MONTH

WINDS OF PLAGUE

Originally named Bleak December, California based Winds of Plague have come a long way. Combining elements of Deathcore and Symphonic Metal, WoP is able to create some of the most skull-crushing music in a while. Going through endless line up changes (...atleast they got Kristen Randall out if it...hot), the group finally leveled out and was able to put out their debute album "Decimate The Weak" in Feburary of 2008.

Johnny Plagues (HA...lame) vocals are fantastic and the Keyboards add a much needed element to the band. Their songs will take you from heaven to hell in a split second...and I can promise you your neck will be sore after listening to this album.

This band is anything but new, if you're into the deathcore/metal scene chances are you've heard of Winds of Plague. I'm choosing them as my Band of the Month because...well to be perfectly honest I cannot put this shit down. I have listend to Winds of Plague an endless amount of times, and was also lucky enough to see them on tour this month. With the exception of the mic problems, it was really a fantastic show. If you get the chance to see them... DO IT, you wont be dissapointed.

In short, Winds of Plague is raping my ears, forcing me to listen to it and nothing else. And while I'd love to listen to some Eyes of a Traitor or Parkway Drive... I just cant bring myself to do it. Curse you, Winds of Plague and all your breakdown-y goodness.

MYSPACE: WINDS OF PLAGUE
BUY: WINDS OF PLAGUE MERCH
iTUNES: WINDS OF PLAGUE

BANDS OF THE MONTH - MARCH

BANDS OF THE MONTH

THE EYES OF A TRAITOR

I had bought The Eyes Of A Traitor's EP, By Sunset, on iTunes a while back, and was not wow'd by it. I stumbled upon their debut album, A Clear Perception, a few weeks ago...and I haven't put it down since. It drops on March 2nd and I've already pre-ordered my CD/Shirt combo from across the pond. And I STRONGLY suggest that you do also, these guys live off of merch sales so buy a shirt so they can keep touring!







This album is fantastic. Excellent harsh vocals...best I've heard in a while as well as great lyrics. Guitars go from cruching riffs to complex fingering in a split second, as well as a few amazing solo's. Great use of Piano and other effects. This album really has it all and puts the peices together perfectly. It's only the start of 2009 and this is easily a contender for my Album of the Year.







I can't stress enough how much this album kicks ass. Give it a few listens and I know you will be as hooked as I am. The Eyes Of A Traitor easily secured its spot as my March Band of the Month.







MYSPACE: THE EYES OF A TRAITOR



BUY: THE EYES OF A TRAITOR MERCH

Cristiner????: SEPTIC FLESH

Septic Flesh is a band that can be taken two ways: incredibly complex, fresh, and moving or horribly theatrical and ostentatious. At first I didn’t know what to think of their style, but after a full listen through I absolutely fell in love with them. Each song seems to tell its own story; repetition is nonexistent. The orchestration and composition that went behind this album is mind boggling (my mind was blown, har har). And even after seeing them live (which I was SO excited for); my opinion of them was reaffirmed: they are just completely bad ass.

If you haven’t listened to this album yet, you MUST buy it, especially if you like melodic/atmospheric death metal is your thing. Don’t let the corny name discourage you. ;)

MYSPACE: SEPTIC FLESH

iTUNES: SEPTIC FLESH