Riding the tide of the progressive metal scene is New Jersey’s Black Ocean, with their debut album SEA OF DARKNESS. This hard-hitting four piece features longtime friends and songwriters Steve Hunter (guitars, vocals) and Jay Burchfield (drums, vocals), rounded out by Zach Blickos on lead guitar and Tim “Chigger” Louie on bass. Black Ocean’s influence range from Metallica, Dream Theater, Rush, Sabbath, Slipnot, Tool, Life of Agony and so many others, which they blend into a hardcore sound with technical prowess and vocal style that separates them from Read the rest of this entry »

When should rock bands stop touring is a question often thrown around at parties, with some people arguing that some bands just are relevant anymore and others going so far as to say some should be in old folks’ homes. With opinions being so diverse, however, the only thing limiting whether a band should tour or not seems to be purely financial. If they can book a tour and fill venues, they can tour. It’s as simple as that.

A common situation is that bands who were Read the rest of this entry »

There are certain rock albums everyone owns, and has heard a thousand times over. However, here are five albums you don’t own but should that are just as good:

David Bowie’s “Low”
While this album may lack some of his most popular radio hits, “Low,” it could be argued, is his most important release, combining Bowie’s pop sensibility and Eno’s experimental tendencies.

Pink Floyd’s “Animals”
Sometimes overshadowed by their other albums, “Animals” is probably the quintessential Floyd album, displaying what the band does best: Brooding Read the rest of this entry »

Live performance has always defined rock music. Here are the five best albums immortalizing the best live rock has to offer:

The Who’s “Live At Leeds”
A document of the most explosive live rock band ever, this album demonstrates The Who’s diverse song collection at the height of their career with unparalleled showmanship.

The Band’s “The Last Waltz”
Legendary, this recording documents The Band’s final live performance, featuring a who’s-who of guest performers, including Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Neil Read the rest of this entry »